- Monastery -
It's been 3 days since the girls have disappeared. It was confirmed they are alive, which brought great relief to many. However, right now, the main problem was where exactly they were. Faerghus was the first nation to come to mind, however; there were those that pointed out that the trees that were shown in the memory do not grow in Fodlan.
"Those are Winter Willows. A native tree from Albinea." Petra explains as she fixed her glasses, the shine on them made her look super smart.
"Petra...can I have my glasses back?" Ignatz weakly waved his hands because he couldn't see anything.
"Yes, you can have them back. I am feeling...ugh...dizzy." Petra quickly handed him his glasses back and quickly sat down before she fainted.
Everyone was in the auditorium trying to figure out where their Professor and friend were.
"You been to Albinea before Petra?" Leonie asked and the Brigid princess nodded.
"I have. The cold is colder than Faerghus and chilling like ice. Very little abundance there is but beautiful like the ocean. There is a story that was once a lush land before war turned it to a frozen one." Petra explains.
Alexandra was sitting on one of the chairs, hugging her knees. She was trying to form a communication link with Arisa but no luck so far.
"Colder than Faerghus? But...there's no way the Professor would suddenly be across the sea! That is impossible." Dimitri said as the others nodded in agreement.
He took a hard lesson last month and has backed off quite a bit from his pinning on Arisa. Also because of the huge scolding he got from Zander and surprisingly Sylvain. Thankfully, he now treats her more like a friend. He still likes her but decided to take his time. It's not liked the world is going to end. COUGH! COUGH!
"Actually," Forrest spoke up, " warping such lengths, is possible."
Everyone turned to him quickly while Amir had a "please do not say more" look.
"Forrest, please explain." Edelgard said.
"Unfortunately, even I do not know much. My father and Aunt Camilla know more on the subject." He said.
Chris shivered at the mention of Camilla. Leo he wouldn't mind meeting. Or Xander...or Elise. Actually, meeting Else might get him sent to jail.
"Wait, didn't Arisa say that she once warped from the Alliance all the way to Duscur?" Sadi suddenly said and Amir internally began screaming.
She began to tip toe out and quickly sunk into the shadows before anyone even dared stop her.
"Welp, she's not answering that." Chris sighs and turns back to the others, "Anyhow, the other cold places I can think of are the dark Nohr mountains of the Empire, which is in the territory of House Nohr, and the mountains of Faerghus. I was going to say Fodlan's Throat but it's currently still summer and the heat over there makes me want to dive into a river." He says.
"Okay, so we got three places." Claude raised three fingers, "Faerghus, Albinea and The Empire. Those are our clues. Are there any ships that go to the Albinea?" He asked.
"There is." Dedue spoke, "Though Duscur is no more, its former ship ports are still used for trade." He explained.
"And I remember there is a ship in Fhirdiad that also goes to Albinea." Annette spoke and the others nodded.
"There is a boat in Herving territory that goes to Brigid and from there they head to Albinea." Linhardt said then yawns a bit.
"But it would take up two months!" Caspar yelled a bit.
"But the ship to Fhirdiad doesn't." Mercedes said, "If I remember correctly, it's the fastest one and takes two weeks to reach Albinea and another two weeks to return." She explained.
"I'll send a letter to Zander and Glenn. I do think they can help us out." Dimitri said and the others nodded.
"Okay. Faerghus is covered. Forrest, think you can send a letter to your aunt?" Chris said and the boy nodded.
"I'll send a letter to my father just in case. You never know." Linhardt yawned.
"I shall also send the letter to my grandfather. I believe Amir said she was also going to speak with Florencio and the Elder Bara." Petra said and Dominic nodded.
[-]
"Lady Rhea, may I speak with you?"
Rhea raised her head from writing papers and was surprised to see Sandana, of all people, request to speak with her.
"Yes. I have time. Is everything alright?" The woman said as she noticed Sandy seemed a bit tense.
"I wish to request to head to Fhirdiad. I overheard the children saying they have a clue where Flayn and Byleth are." Sandy explained and Rhea's eyes lit up.
"Oh, I'm glad they are alright! Very well, I will grant it. But do take Shamir and Beleth with you." Rhea ordered and Sandana nodded.
"Umm...one more thing." Sandana said, "Please...do not say a word to Seteth. I want this mission to be kept hidden."
"Are you sure you are alright? The fact you are requesting that not even I inform Seteth or anyone else of it, worries me." Rhea says and Sandana rubbed her right arm, a bit nervously.
"During...our investigation...we..got in a bit of a squabble. Something pointless but I rather not speak of it." Sandana said.
She really didn't want to talk about it and Rhea nodded in understanding.
"Very well. I will allow it. When will you take off?" Rhea asked.
"Tonight. Should take us about two weeks to get to Fhirdiad if we fly." Sandy explained.
"Very well. I'll call in Shamir and Beleth. You are dismissed." Rhea said and Sandana nodded, turning to the door.
Like before, luck likes to mess with her. The door opened and in came Seteth. He looked at the two females surprised and before he even said a word, Sandana quickly walked past him.
Now closed, Rhea placed down her quill, giving Seteth a look she used to give when they were younger. It was the look of "What the hell did you do?"
"Seteth, I feel like I am watching your younger days all over again." Rhea pinches the bridge of her nose, tried.
"Must you put it that way?" He sighs, "But changing the subject, it seems the children got a lead of where the girls may be. Forrest will be sending a letter to Lady Camilla of House Norh. The Twins of Faerghus will be sending a letter to their older brother. Linhardt shall send on this father as well as Petra, to her grandfather. Jeralt has already left to Remire Village to speak with Florencio." He reported.
"Very well. Anything else I should know?" She said as she was still doing paperwork.
"Monica of House Ochos has requested to rejoin the Black Eagles. And Sylvain and Sadi have requested to transfer to the Ashen Wolf House." Seteth said and Rhea looked up, confused.
"Sylvain, I understand but Sadi? She is Lestia's retainer." Rhea said concerned and Seteth nodded.
"Sadi, you may come in." Seteth said and the door opened, revealing the Duscur girl but...her hair was completely black.
Amir was with her also. Rhea could tell it was serious by the way Amir was.
"Lady Rhea...and Seteth, may I speak to you all...regarding Sadi's situation?" Amir said and Rhea was concerned.
Amir gave the young girl a reassuring smile and nodded.
"You may speak." Rhea says and Amir nodded.
"As you know...4 years ago was the Tragedy of Duscur. Arisa, Zander, Glenn, Dedue, Sadi, Kuza, Dimitri and I are the survivors." She began, "While Arisa was helping the others, I went around the burning village, looking for survivors. Under a pile of burning wood, I found Sadi." She says.
Rhea and Seteth looked at each other concerned then back to the girls.
"I...was glad to find she was still breathing however...I knew she wouldn't make it. So...in desperation...I used my power to save her life. I..." Rhea and Seteth were not liking where this was going, "I did a blood transfusion to Sadi to save her life."
The blood of the Nabateans ran cold. No one other than the Nabateans should know about blood transfusions, especially from outside of Fodlan. Sadi bit her lip as she shook a bit and spoke, her voice shaking.
"T-To...protect me..Emily sealed away my crest... to make sure no one learned I had one. But...when we fought Miklan..and he was killed..some strange black mud emerged from his corpse..and swallowed Sylvain. I snapped...and the seal broke...unleashing my Crest and powers..." the girl explained and was almost on the brink of tears.
Rhea raised her hand, shaking her head.
"Amir, do you realize you committed a taboo? How do you know about the blood transfusion? It is a forbidden art that only those of the Church of Serios and the village of Kupala are allowed to perform. Speak now." Rhea said sharply and the two girls flinched.
"Lady Rhea, you are scaring them." Seteth said and the woman backed off a bit, "But she is right. Do explain." He says.
Amir raised her hand and a black like fog began to form in her hands, and she looked to them, staring in the eyes.
"The shadows told me. It is a legend passed down through my family, who have been said to have been blessed by the God of Shadows and the Water Goddess. I also learned from Professor Hanneman that Hapi and I are distant relatives. People from her village left Fodlan and settled down in Duscur. The legend of my family is that those who were born with the blessings of the gods, can pass down their holy powers to someone else. However, the method was never told to me until...the shadows themselves spoke." Amir explained as the shadows turned to small little fae figures.
"Timotheos had the same powers." Rhea thought and let go of a heavy sigh.
"I'm assuming Emily falsified Sadi's papers to hide the existence of her crest." She put her quill down and covered her mouth, frustrated then spoke.
"I understand. Does Emily know what you did? As well as Byleth?" Rhea said and Amir nodded.
"Yes. Only us four know about it. Not even Dedue or the royal family of Faerghus know how she obtained her Crest. Right now, it is believed she was born with it and Emily said to them that the reason it was hidden away was to help her learn to control it." Amir said and Rhea nodded.
"Understandable. Very well. I will speak with Emily, Christian and Crescent. " Rhea sighs and turned to Sadi, "Have you spoken with Lestia why you are transferring?"
"I did. Lestia very much understands why I hid my Crest. She went through it also." Sadi muttered and Seteth nodded.
"What about your brother?" Amir said, a bit worried.
"I spoke with him too. Both understood and I told them I think it's for the best. Also, to keep me away from prying eyes. I don't want my desk to suddenly fill up with marriage proposal letters." Sadi cringed.
"Ah yes. Do not worry." Rhea spoke bluntly, "We will send those letters to the burnable trash."
"LADY RHEA!" Seteth looked at her horrified and the two girls couldn't help but giggle.
Rhea couldn't help but smile a bit.
"It had been a long time since I interacted with others like this...it feels comforting." Rhea thought and Seteth coughed.
"Alright then. The paperwork will be done tonight. As of now, Sadi, you are now part of the Ashen Wolves." Seteth smiled softly.
He recalled when he saw his daughter, Sadi, Edelgard and Lestia having a tea party together and enjoying their time.
"Thank you! I promise I will train hard and learn to control my powers!" Sadi said excitedly as she gave a firm nod.
She waves goodbye and leaves out the door, running excitedly down the hallways. She nearly knocked down 59 and Tomas by accident. Sadi apologized multiple times and left.
"With that out of the way, Lady Rhea and Seteth, may I ask something? It had been bothering me a while." Amir said, a bit concerned.
"What is it?" Rhea says.
"It is regarding the Battle of Eagle and Lions. Will it be canceled since...Arisa and Flayn aren't here?" Amir asked as they turned to the Archbishop.
"Regarding that battle, all professors and instructors have met up and have decided to postpone it for the time being. It will be announced later today at the dining hall." Seteth explained.
"Also, I heard a commotion happening. Did someone break in?" Amir asked and Rhea nodded.
"Someone broke into the infirmary where Jeritza was staying. We found a few blood spots, however, the man has gone missing. We are investigating and doing what we can to bring him since he was involved in the disappearances of the Professor and my sister." Seteth said and Amir nodded.
"I see. Thank you for answering me. I was worried." Amir let go of a sigh of a relief.
"It is alright. If that is all, you may now go. And do train Hapi and Sadi to control their Crest properly." Rhea said and Amir nodded.
The girl turned and left the door, closing it shut. While Amir walked down the hallways, she was still worried. Something in the air felt strange. She didn't know what it was but something was going to happen, but when?
- 3 Days Later: Albinea -
"Higher! Higher!"
"Whheeee!"
Arisa couldn't help chuckle as she watched Isoka playing around with the children. Gently, the wolf would nip at their coats and pick them up. Right now, she was sitting by a willow tree, reading a bout about Albinea magic. Flayn was telling stories of Fodlan to another group of children. The cheerful smile on her face indicated she was having fun.
"And Saint Cethleann and Cirina fought together side by side to defeat the evil Nemesis and the 11 Elites! Together, they combined their powers to heal their loved ones." Flayn grinned as she made cute chibi images of light.
One of a Saint and one of Cirina. The two-fighting side by side. Arisa smiled softly as she returned to her book. It's been three days since they took off from the capital and are traveling non-stop. Only stopping for resting and then continued. Currently, the caravan was at their first stop, a village called Turana. The homes of the people were made of ice, igloos and there were some that were teepees. The people specialized in a type of harvest plant called Silver Silk. It was a type of silk that grew on the ground, underneath snow. They also specialized in selling liquor made from the snow. Looking back to her book, it gave a summary of the type of magic Albinea was known for.
Magic of Albinea was a blessing from the Goddess of the Sea and God of Ice. They shared their gifts and wisdom to the people of the land and sea. Water and Ice are the main elements of Albinea magic. It is used for offense but also defense. It is connected to each person's soul. Depending on the individual's will, a person's magic will be either strong or weak. There are three different magic levels.
Level one:
The first level are basic beginner spells such as Snow, Blizzard and Icicle. These spells are to check if a person is capable of magic, but also how strong they are. Their magic can grow over time as they train, and their body slowly adapts to the changes in their magic flow as they grow.
Level two:
The second level of magic is based more on the offensive combat type. Water can be shifted to the blade to cut your opponent. To any form you desire. Ice can be molded to the shape you desire but has its limits while water magic can have infinite possibilities. Spells such as Shapeshift, can be used by both. These spells can cause extreme damage but also the user must be careful. One must not overuse their magic or it can greatly damage the nervous system.
"That's new." Arisa muttered as she continued to read.
Level three:
Once the levels of basic and intermediates are mastered, the third level is more difficult but also dangerous. Magic of Albinea is directly connected to the soul. Your heart and soul must be strong, and your will must not waver. This magic is called Lost Song.
"What? This the magic that Cirina spoke about." Arisa gasped and right when she was continued on, someone sat next to her.
"That was... tiring." Arash groans as he slumped against the tree trunk, trying to catch his breath.
"You look like you ran a marathon." Arisa commented as she took out her flask and handed it to him.
He stared at it for a few seconds and nodded. He muttered a thank you as he opened it taking a big gulp. He stared at it and slowly looked back at her.
"Did you just give me wine?" He said, a bit shocked that a woman like her was hiding wine in plain sight like this.
"Girls got to have something to relax her or else she be having dark circles under her eyes." Arisa snickered as he handed her back the flask.
Arash just shook his head.
"What were you doing anyway?" Arisa asked.
"Helping the merchants of this village unload their merchandise. Part of a tradition caravans do when they stop at a village to rest. A woman named Anna came to help." Arash and Arisa had never stood up so fast and bolted to where merchants were.
The merchants were busy opening the crates under the instructions of their leader, Anna. Arisa spotted the familiar red hair and approached her, carefully.
"Anna?" She said and the woman turned to her.
Arisa was bit thrown off. This Anna looked like the one she knows but her clothing was different.
"Can I help you?" Anna said and Arisa realizes she wasn't the Anna she knows from Fodlan.
"Umm...sorry. You look like someone I know." Arisa muttered and the woman chuckled.
"You must have thought I was my sister who is a merchant in Fodlan. Am I correct?" Anna smiled and Arisa looked at her surprised but nodded.
"Haha! It's alright! We are confused often. Though I admit, why did our parents have to give us all the same name? Well, at least they are pronounced differently." She sighed a bit, "Anyhow, how can I help you?"
"Right. Umm, are you heading to Fodlan? My friend and I are heading there. We aren't exactly familiar with Sea City over the mountains." Arisa explained and Anna nodded.
"I am sorry. I have no plans to head to Fodlan currently but as for which ship to take, make sure to look for the ship called Arc of Akanos. You will meet the captain, Poe. She is safe and can help you. She is also a trusted friend of my sisters and I." Anna explains and reaches into her pocket, taking out a small pin.
The shape of it was similar to the symbol of Askr. Anna handed it to her and winked.
"Just show this to her and you'll have no problem. By the way, I don't do this for free." There it is, "So, any merchandise you want to buy?" Typical Anna.
"Bolt Axe and three bottles of Almyran Berry wine if ya got it." Arisa replies.
"Sadly, I don't have that wine, but I recommend the wine made from the folks here in Albinea! The next village you guys will stop specializing in brewing alcohol!" Anna grins to her.
"Okay! Bolt Axe and three bottles of the wine!" Arisa said.
"Got it. That'll be 5 silver!" Anna grins and Arisa just gave her the money, even if she just got ripped off.
Heading back to the tree, she saw Arash was still there, almost like he was waiting. She did wonder how he looked without his mask.
"Hmm?" Arisa noticed him reading the book she had earlier, a frown on his face.
"Yo." She says as she approached the man and sat down next to him, "I see you are reading my book." She smiled, "But I can tell you aren't happy with what you are reading."
"Sorry. Just...a bit aggravated reading this." He says and noticed she raised an eyebrow, "If you want, I can teach more traditional Albinea magic?"
"Hmm...sure. But is there something you want in exchange for you teaching me?" She says as she sits down across from him.
Closing the book, he thought for a moment. Honestly, he wanted to throw the damn thing into a fire but kept silent.
"How about...knowledge?" He says and once more she gave him a raised eyebrow, "My knowledge on the ancient arts of Albinea in exchange for your knowledge in Fodlan Magic. Not bad, right?" He smiled.
"Hmm...true. Not a bad deal." She said as she took her own jornal.
"First, I put away this book you bought." He says and she just giggled a bit.
Underneath the mask, there was a small speck of pink on his cheek. Back in Fodlan, several people felt a disturbance in the force.
"Alright." She smiled and put the book away, "How do we start?"
"Well, first, modern magic of this era is taking the energy around, conquering it, then converting it to a form that you need. The old arts are not taken but borrowed. Asking. Becoming in sync with the land. Being able to feel the heartbeat of the earth." He explained.
"Hmm..." she places her hand under her chin, "You explaining it reminds of the type of magic that those of Brigid and Dadga use. Have you heard of the belief that all things on earth possess a spirit of sort?" Arisa asked.
"Huh. I didn't think you know about that. That exactly are the old teachings. Any chance you know the basics?" Arash asked, hope in his voice.
"And this is where I come in ~" Sothis sang as she appeared and floated around the man.
"Though you cannot see his face I can't help but feel a sense of familiarity with him. Hmm... anyhow, continue listening and I will silently judge." Sothis snickered as she hugged Arisa like usual.
"Don't be mean." Arisa whispered back to her with a playful glare.
"I do. I was trained by the Elder of my village for some time as well as my aunt and uncle." Atisa said as the man nodded.
"Okay. Now, touch this tree." He smiled and took her hand, placing it on the tree.
"My hand is small compared to his." Arisa thought as he had his hand on top hers as it placed on a tree trunk.
He smiled softly to her and spoke.
"Now close your eyes. Try to hear the voice of the tree." Arash said and Arisa nodded.
She closed her eyes, calming her breathing. Her heart rate became slow, calming her mind. It felt like she was meditating. The vision of hers became black but something felt different almost calming.
"Hmm?" Flayn looked up from where she sat, telling stories to the children.
She looked towards where Arisa was and gasped. A playful giggle left her lips she saw Arash's hand on top of her friends.
"Someone's got competition~" she mentally sung while others in Fodlan shivered for some reason.
However, Flayn noticed Arisa's head suddenly slump forward, like she had fallen asleep. Wait...she recognizes that sleeping state.
"Oh no." Flayn frantically stood up and told the kids that she will be back in a bit.
She quickly jogged over to the tree and saw Arash looking a bit spooked.
"Arash, is she alright?" Flayn asked as she arrived.
The masked boy was a bit unsure because this was the first time, he had seen someone fall into such a state. He has heard stories of people who fall asleep during training sessions like these, but this was his first time witnessing it.
"Zzzz..." Soft snores could be heard coming from Arisa, but they noticed the palm of her hand, glowing softly on the tree.
"Interesting." Arash muttered as he observed, "She's connecting to the realm of the other side."
[-]
"Where am I?"
She slowly opened her eyes and looked around. The place was dark. Like pitch black dark but she could barely see her hand. Arisa began to walk straight ahead, searching for some sort of light. Yet, it was faint, but she could hear something.
"Hmmm, hmmmm ~ Hmmmm ~"
"Humming." Arisa muttered as she began towards the direction of the small tune.
It was the tune of a song she was familiar with but, one question did right through her mind.
"Who are you...? I know that damn song anywhere because I would sing during karaoke nights with Theresa!" She began running towards the voice singing.
Raindrop Memories
A half remembered history
I'm trying to forget your voice,
Forget your scent, but I remember vividly
Her hand began to reach out to the one singing. She could see a faint color of blue. The closer she got the singing became louder and clearer. She saw a figure up her head, walking at a normal place. Her hand reached out and grabbed their wrist. The figure turning to them with wide eyes. Arisa couldn't believe it.
"Alexandra?" She gasped and the blue haired woman turned to her shocked.
"Arisa...?" Alexandra gasped and quickly the friends hugged each other tightly, "You're okay!" She let go of her, "But how are you here?! Please tell me you aren't in between a life and death situation!"
"No. No." Arisa waved her hand, "Nothing like that. Learning some new form of magic from a friend. Actually, now that's my question. How are you here?" She gave Alexandra the look of "You better spill."
Alexandra just laughed a bit nervously and spoke.
"Well, long story short, when we went to Zanado, I obtained another relic. It's a tome that was used by my ancestors. Basically allows me to enter the world between the living and dead. Which...you are in. We call it the Spirit World." Alexandra explained.
"Got it. So, this is what Arash meant by connecting with the earth. Similar to how Sothis gave all of her energy to help the land." Arisa muttered and Alexandra sighs.
"Where are you and Flayn? Cirina's been going crazy and so have Seteth!" Alexandra says, "It's been quite hectic here at the monastery."
"Okay." Arisa raised her hand, "First update me on everything that went down. I need to know the situation before I even say anything else." She said.
"Long story, short. Sadi and Sylvain have transferred to the Ashen Wolves. Emily and Amir had to tell the truth about Sadi's crest to Rhea and Seteth. No one else but us, them and Emily know how she got it. Chris is pissed you never told him how Sandy and Florencio used to work for the Slithers. Edelgard and Hubert are stuck with what to do next. Jeritza has gone missing. Monica's a bitch!" Arisa couldn't help but start laughing at that, "I thought a 3d person in a game I hated but now in real life, I want to kill her! She has a retainer. A girl named 60. Both are in the Black Eagles house. We're keeping an eye on them. Probably Jeritza probably hiding. Lastly, the battle next month is on hold." Alexandra finished.
"Damn...I did not think all that would go down." Arisa was in shock but let go of a sigh.
"I know. It's been a bit of pain teaching. But even so, everyone is doing well. Seteth has been very distressed and I think Jeralt figured that Flayn is his (Seteth) daughter. But..I think the two have been talking and seems Jeralt understands why he and Flayn pretend to be siblings." Alexandra said and Arisa nodded.
"I understand. Listen," Arisa said, "head to my room. There is a modified version of my syllabus concerning this month and the next one. Is everyone still training as if the mock battle will be next month?" She asked.
"Yes." Alexandra replies.
"Good. Present it to the other professors. Read what it says first, and you'll understand why I made it that. I know for sure the other three will agree to it. Once that is done, speak to Seteth so he can back you up when you then present it to Rhea. Do you understand?" Arisa and Alexandra nodded.
"I do. By the way, Claude and Hubert tried to sneak into your room. They got electrocuted. What the hell kind of security system do you have?" She smirked and Arisa couldn't help but laugh.
"The kind that keeps people out." Arisa laughed and Alexandra smiled sadly.
Her friends pushed her a bit back and shook her head.
"Since you are here, let me teach you a few things." Alexandra said and took her hand, the girls began walking.
Back in the real world, those of the caravan village along with Flayn all looked with eyes as the tree Arisa waz touching glowed brightly like blue crystals. The leaves glittering like snowflakes, swaying softly with the breeze. Arash was frozen like a statue as he witnessed the Vein like roots that came from the woman's hand and connected to the tree. From inside Arisa's mind, Sothia watches with a pleased smile on her lips.
"The ancient arts of the earth, to become one with it. To borrow life and to return it. Ah..." Sothis laid on her throne like it was a bed.
"I remember now..." she muttered softly, "I would borrow the energy of the earth, and to heal it, I returned it. Ahh...I think I understand how that heals the earth...Zzz...Arisa...listen...zzz" the goddess fell asleep.
[-]
She was looking at different varieties of string that connected to many things. Like a tree growing for over hundreds if not thousands of years. Its tree branches never cut and grow out freely. Some tree branches withered. Somewhere newborn. The flower buds are growing,others in full bloom. Others have withered away. Yet...
"The tree looks so malnourished..." Arisa muttered as she and Alexandra stood in front of it.
The blue haired girl just looked at her confused but nodded. She looked back at the tree; a sad smile graced her lips. She held Arisa's hands as the two sat down, looking up to it.
"Remember when we were kids? We used to always help Zack and Elder Bara plant star fruit trees from Brigid? Hehe.." Alexandra couldn't help but giggle like a child, "We nurture them."
"Haha...I remember..." Arisa muttered with a soft smile on her face, reaching out a few withering tree branches.
She touched them gently, let some magic flow out from her, into the branches.
"Hey, they're coming back to life." Alexandra smiled as the tree branches, they were withering looked alive again.
"Wait, this pink one with specks of blue..." Arisa muttered as she stood up and walked up to a specific tree branch.
She gently cupped it in her hands, smiling softly.
"If you...ufu...please let them know I'm okay. Grow little one." Arisa smiled and kissed it softly.
The little branch let a small bell chime, showing it was happy.
"As much as that was cute," Alexandra said, "You need to go back. Your soul isn't used to being here. Unlike me, technically you're a newborn here." She chuckled a bit nervously.
"How do I go back?" Arisa asked and her friend smiled, placing her hand over her heart.
"I'll send you back for now. And...tell Flayn I'm glad she's safe."
[-]
"Gasp! Cough! Cough!"
Arisa's eyes snapped open and she began coughing, gasping for air.
"Are you alright?" She looked up and saw Arash, Flayn and literally everyone and the village folk looking worried.
"Yeah. I'm alright." Arisa sighs and smiles to Arash, "I saw it. The tree. It was beautiful." She grins.
Arash froze as the woman stood up and her eyes went wide seeing the tree she was touching, now lush with life. Its leaves were a light hue color of blue with tear drop shape fruits. She looked to her hand, where it originally was placed, seeing the faint veins of the tree. It wasn't just this tree. She looked around and noticed all the trees in the area that were the same as the one she was touching, bore fruits. All lush with life. She was told that these trees adapted to cold and grew in these climates.
"How pretty!" A child squealed and ran up to Arisa, Flayn helping stand up.
"Miss! You made the snow pear trees bloom! They haven't grown fruits in over 400 years! That's what my Ma told me!" They said and the girls looked at them shocked.
Arisa slowly turned back to the tree, looking at it with wide eyes.
"Is that why...you were in pain? You wanted to breathe life once more?" Arisa whispered and Sothis appeared, silent as she studied the scene. The woman smiled sadly a bit as she turned back to her friend.
"I need some space. I'll be back in a bit." Arisa smiled and quickly walked away.
Flayn followed her quickly. From the distance, Arash watched silently, yet he gritted his teeth. A low growl escaped his lips as he muttered.
"How the hell was she able to see the tree of spirits...?"
- The Monastery-
"Ahhhhh!"
Bernadetta's screech caught the attention of everyone that was in the greenhouse. They quickly ran over to the area where the Professor usually tended the tea flowers and cherry tree she was growing. The violet hair girl shook as she watched live, the leaves of the tree turning green and bearing fruit. Many were amazed by the sight till Bernadetta fainted from shock. Ferdinand and Constance had to run to their friend, trying to revive her.
"Is everything alright?" Dedue turned to see his highness walking towards them with Claude by his side.
"It is sudden, but the tree is bearing fruit." Dedue said and they turned to the tree, confused.
"Oh. Looks like she did it again." Claude laughed and Dimitri narrowed his eyes.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
"Arisa sometimes uses plants to communicate with others." Claude turned back to the tree, "Her making it bloom and bear fruit is her saying she's okay." He smiled.
"Oh! That sounds really amazing!" By then, the group had distressed and returned to their duties, yet the one that spoke only smiled as they walked up to the two Lords and retainers.
"Hello Miss Monica. I see you have recovered." Dimitri smiled as the red hair girl only grinned.
Besides her walked another girl who wore a maid uniform and a fox mask.
"Yup! Fully recovered! 60 here has helped me out a lot. I'm glad my father sent her!" Monica grins as 60 waved.
"Ah, you're 59's younger sister huh?" Claude extended out his hand to the maid, "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too Mr. Verdant Wind!" 59 said excitedly and shook hands with him.
"Verdant Wind?" Claude blinked.
"60." Monica smiled and quickly put her hand behind her maids' shoulder, "I apologize for my maids words. She has a habit of putting nicknames on people." She dug her nails in and 60 just smiled.
She nearly winced but she was trained to hide her pain.
"No worries. Alexandra calls me that sometimes." The boy just laughed.
"Anyhow, anything we can help you with Lady Monica?" Dimitri asked.
"No no! I just heard all the commotion and wanted to see what the ruckus was about." Monica said and turned to the tree, "Now I see it was a tree! As expected of a Seer!" She smiled.
"What?" The two lords said, and Monica gasped.
"You guys don't know?! Kiana Kalsana also known as the Ashen Demon was born with the gift of prophecy! Well, it's a rumor that goes in the Empire." Monica said, internally she was smirking.
"I thought seers aren't welcome in Fodlan." Claude frowned and Monica just giggled.
"Makes sense. Seers especially hide their ability to see the future. The four nations have a history of usually hunting them down and then killing them. That is why they prefer to live in the shadows." Monica shrugs.
She reached out to touch one of the branches, but her hands were slapped away by it.
"Ow!" She hissed and suddenly had the urge to burn it but withheld it.
"I...did not know that." Claude muttered and turned to Dimitri.
The two stared at each other down and nodded.
"Can you tell us more about the rumors?"
[-]
"Arisa, are you alright?" Flayn asked as the two girls walked together through the forest.
"I'm alright. Just a bit in shock. I have never been able to do that before." Arisa muttered as she looked over to her friend, "Is this another ability of the Crest of Flames? To give life?" She asked.
"I am not sure. Grandmother never spoke much of her powers, but I do remember that my mother used a similar type of magic. My father especially since...you know...he's a dragon." Flayn chuckled a bit nervously.
"The earth dragon, right?" Arisa smiled softly.
"Yes! As for me, I am the light dragon. Rhea is the sky dragon. Aunty Noa is the Bloom Dragon and...actually...now that I think about it, Uncle Lejare never mentioned what type of dragon he is." Flayn muttered as they stopped by one of the snow pear trees.
"It's alright. I'm sure Lejare will tell you when he is ready." Arisa said as she raised her hand a bit.
It glowed, turned to claws, covered in scales. She stretched, picked to fruits, then back down, her hand returning to normal. Her hand stretched like ribbons; it reminded her a bit of Corrin's humanoid transformations at times. Arisa handed Flayn one, the young girl still in shock at what she just witnessed.
"I had no idea you could do that." Flayn said and Arisa nodded.
"Same." She answered and the two could help but giggle then took a bite from the fruit.
"Huh." Flayn chewed, "It tastes like shaved ice. I like it." She says as Arisa showed the bottle of Albinea wine she bought from Anna.
"Want to try?" Arisa grins and the mint haired girl's eyes lit up like candles.
"I do!" Flayn cheered and Arisa couldn't help but laugh a bit as she handed her the bottle.
"Ah! Ah! Ah!" Arisa quickly stopped her because the girl was about to gulp it down, "That is not how you drink alcohol."
She took out the small sake cup Anna gifted her and poured a bit into the cup.
"Drink slowly. Small sips so you can enjoy the taste and go down smoothly." Arisa smiled as she took a sip.
The cool liquid was sweet, clean, and went down smoothly.
"It's like sake." Arisa muttered and refilled the cup, handing it to Flayn.
The girl nodded and took a small sip, coughing a bit.
"Not my favorite. Cough! I prefer the Berry wine." Flayn coughed and Arisa nodded as she was handed back the cup.
"It's alright. Now let's head back. I'm sure the others are worried." Arisa said and the two began to walk back to the village.
[-]
"You look mad."
Arash turned his head to see Dietre walking his way, carrying a crate of those fruits called a snow pair.
"How?" Arash asked a bit harshly.
"Okay, first off, cold. Have you seen the villagers? They're beyond shock but also happy to see the trees bear winter fruits. Like the kid said, it's been years." Dietre said as he took a bite from one.
"Yeah, I know. I'm pissed because she saw something I've been trying to do for years. So yeah, I'm pissed. I still think she had beginners' luck." Arash grumbled.
"Arash, that an insult." Dietre frowned.
"What?" Arash snapped back.
"I don't know if you noticed but Arisa is a very, very, powerful mage. I've seen her bring plants back to life. I've witnessed her heal others with her bare hands, not using magic at all. You're jealous." Dietre confronted him.
"Guess I am." Arash chuckled, "It's not every day you hear someone suddenly see the tree of spirits." He muttered.
"Only those who have reached a certain level can see it. Or if the tree chooses to let them." Dietre smiled as he saw the girls arrived.
They were greeted by a few villagers who began thanking the forest/opal haired girl for what she did. Explaining that the last time the trees bore fruits was years ago.
"Long ago, this land was once filled with life. Plants blooming in the winter allowed the land to thrive. But slowly over time, the land began to whiter in life." An old man said as Arisa smiled sadly at them.
"Arash, look I get you're...displeased but at least you know there is someone out there who can see the tree." Dietre smiled as he saw the villagers praising the girl and Arisa had a nervous look, "It just shows you the world is full of wonders. You know what else is great? The looks sorrow in her eyes is no longer there." He chuckled.
Arash was just silent as he took a bite out of the pair. Hopefully once they get to the ruins, things will be better. As for the girls, Lolo yelled out that it was time to go. They want to get to the next village before the blizzard comes. Everyone said their goodbyes and thanks as they got on their rides, taking off.
[-]
"Huh...Interesting. I had no idea you could do this with this herb." Flayn muttered as she was reading the medical book Arisa lent her.
While Arisa may not be Professor currently, she decided to take advantage of this opportunity to teach Flayn. While the girl does go to her seminars at times, she doesn't get to stay long because of Seteth. Originally, before all this happened, Flayn and Ignatz were being trained together. Flayn was flexible and fast wielding a dagger while Ignatz had greatly improved in using his bow. Enough to take the Sniper exam. The two-fighting side by side, Arisa saw they made a very good team. It was obvious that Ignatz and Flayn had feelings towards each other. Sandana already knew and supported it. Arisa kept her mouth shut because she wanted to see their relationship bloom.
"Try creating string using white magic." Arisa said as she watched their deers made of ice pulling the sled.
"String? Is that even possible?" Flayn looked confused.
"Well," Arisa pointed to her shoulder, "Say you have an open wound that is deep. White magic will be able to stop it from bleeding, but the wound still needs to be closed. This where it needs to be sewn together. Usually you would use horsehair at most to close it. But" the palm of her hand glowed, revealing a small little spider familiar, "if are supported by a familiar, there is more potential to shape your magic into what you want." She smiled.
Arisa had the little fae spider familiar take the shape of a Joltik because of her love of pokemon.
It was the size of a hamster and squeaked happily. Arisa nodded to it as she infused a bit of white magic to it. It jumped and began to spin string, its little legs rubbing together as string began to form. Arisa smiled as the tip of her insect finger glowed, made a small line shape in the air, revealing a light green needle. The string was now lightly flowing in the air and she grabbed the tip, then put it to the needle, needle, and string ready. Flayn had the look of an amazed child as the woman showed off the string.
"Today's lesson, shaping your white and light magic to the shape you want. This where it will become difficult. You will treat your Faith magic like it is Reason magic." She smiled.
"Excuse me, what?!" Arash yelled out from on top of his wolf, "You can't just treat Faith Magic like its black magic! That's against the rules!" He gawked.
"Hahahaha! I am the rules!" Arisa yelled out, "RULE BREAKER!"
"Mommy, miss forest fairy sounds weird." One of the kids on the wagon where the women and children were, whispered to his mother.
"Well, sweety...That's what happens when you drink too much ale." Their mother replies.
"Anyhow," Arisa chuckled, "how long till we reach the next village?" She asked.
"In about 4 days. We'll be reaching a common resting area in the forest soon. We'll be setting up camp there. By the way," Dietre turned a bit their way, "you never did talk about how things had been for you in Fodlan."
"Well, not much has happened." Arisa replies.
"Come on." Hyde says, "There's got to be something."
"Well," Arisa smiled softly, "I'm a professor at the Officers Academy. I teach students." She smiled.
"A mentor...not bad." Dietre smiled, "I do remember you saying you wanted to teach others."
"I did." She smiled fondly as she looked up to the sky.
The gray clouds and the light snow falling gently. It reminded her of the rainy days she liked to look at outside and drink tea.
"Say, Dietre." Arisa spoke, her eyes became a bit half lidded, "are there any rivers in the area?"
The group became confused at her sudden change of topic and question.
"There's one near the area we'll be stopping at. It's cold but the water should still be flowing." He answered and Arisa nodded.
- Late At Night -
The cold winter night was not the first time Arisa has spent in sleeping. Her dad as a mercenary, she would quickly adapt to her environment and find some sort of comfort. Well...
"I've been getting too comfortable on a bed and it's come to bite back in the ass..." Arisa growled as she was fixing the area where Flayn would sit on the sled.
It was big enough for two people to lay down. Flayn was helping set up the fire while Arash and Lolo oversaw cooking today. Dietre and Hyde went to go hunt a winter boar to eat.
"Aye brat!" And Elder man yelled out to Hyde, "have the runes been set up?! There's been an increase in sightings of the shadow people!"
"Shadow people?" Arisa and Flayn both said as they stopped doing their activities and looked over to the older.
"Ah! Ya Fodlan folks don't have shadow people? Aye, let me tell you the story." The elder man said.
"Taqriaqsuit, is what they are called. They are humanoid shadows. They live like we do in a world like our own. Their world, however, is beyond our perception. They are almost never seen, but sometimes when conditions are right the Taqriaqsuit can be heard. Have you ever heard the sounds of footsteps or the sound of talking or laughing in the distance but see no one around? Maybe it was the Taqriaqsuit. Sometimes these shy beings are noticed or people sense their presence. When this happens, the Taqriaqsuit seem to disappear into the ground and vanish. There are stories of some our people have crossed over to their world but few have ever returned." The man smiled fondly.
"But then why did you say if runes were set up?" Flayn asked.
"The fortryde." The man frowned, "They have been getting restless. It worries us. There have been attacks lately. Especially those of us who use magic are sensitive to them." The man said, "They can drain your life and sanity away. Once attached, they never let go." He sighs.
Arisa went silent. She wandered back to a certain prince, a certain princess and a few others. She began to remember the deep conversation she had with her friends regarding the events that are coming up.
"You've trapped yourself in the future. Thinking about only the future. Have you thought about what you are living now in the present?"
Chris's words rang deep in her mind as she walked with Flayn to set up the runes around the camp. The barrier was designed to protect the people from them. She doesn't know much about fortryde. Chris and Alexandra are better connected to the fae than she is. Even she has little knowledge on them. The most she knows is that they are regrets of those who have died and have attached themselves to the living. She remembers always how sick Alexandra gets when she gets close to Dimitri. Chris says there are some attached to Edelgard as well. But the amount the prince of Faerghus has rivals many.
"The runes are done." Arisa sighs and turns to Flayn, " Head back to camp. I'm heading to the river."
"Are you sure?" Flayn asked, worried.
"I'll be alright. I have this." She smiled softly as she drummed her fingers on her dagger.
"Dimitri won't admit it but the gem that was placed on this dagger is for warding off evil spirits. I swear that boy...he thinks ahead some times." Arisa chuckled.
"Alright. Be safe."
[-]
"Dive down deep into her sound...but not too deep or you'll be drowned."
The endless snow that continues and on as her path was made as she walks. Each step was silent as she continued forward, only the river was her goal. It had been awhile since Arisa was able to think clearly without someone around. As much as she hates being alone, there were times she appreciated it. A puff of air she let out, seeing it how it turned to fog because of how cold it was. She held a letter in her hands as she kept walking.
"You've trapped yourself in the future. Thinking about only the future. Have you thought about what you are living now in the present?"
Chris' words rang once again in her mind as she looked around. The forest looked so different during the night. Especially with the snow. A small ball of fire floated in front of her to light her way. She looked around; her eyes became a bit half lidded. Though she cannot see the fae and spirits very well like her brother, she could see a portion of them. She raised her hand bit, letting a snowflake fall onto her palm.
"Take me to the river." She muttered and heard a small bell chime come from it.
Her flame turned blue and she followed it, getting deeper into the forest. Her mind was silent as she held her cloak closer, listening only to the sway of the leaves. The sound of rushing water was heard a few minutes later as she arrived at the river. Small it may seem but life there was. Arisa stared for a moment.
"Kilulikuli." She whispered and the sound of crickets and leaves stopped.
The river water began to ripple suddenly as the sound bubbles grew more. Arisa was silent as she watched form in the water and rise. Gold eyes stared at her as it walked, slowly taking on the form of a horse. It was silent as it walked towards her, and lightly nudged her shoulder.
"I'm sorry but I can't get on." She whispered as she petted it.
"Pity...then why did you call me?" It said as it looked into her eyes.
"I need you to deliver a message." She took the letter from her purse and held it out, "Garreg Mach Monastery. Make sure this is delivered to either one of these three." She placed her hand on its head and saw the image of her friends.
"Very well. I will get there in 4 days. What is your payment?" It said and Arisa took out the locks of hair she had cut a few days ago.
She fed them to it, which it happily ate. The letter it took from her hand and disappeared in its body.
"There are no drunk nor lost..." it said as it turned away from her, "I hunger but what you give has made me full. Yes...I wait for the day to devour you." It said and disappeared back into the water.
Arisa was silent as she let go of a sigh and turned to head back but...two hands suddenly wrapped around her neck. She was barely able to register what had happened as she was pushed down into the water.
"Argh!" It was most ankle deep, but it was still freezing cold.
A black solid figure straddled her as her nails turned to claws, she began clawing them.
"T..."
She kept clawing their arms, but they felt nothing. She could barely breathe. But...it looked like lips formed, trying to speak.
"Trai...tor..."
She froze as the grips remained the same, the shadow straddling her began to take the form of a human. The form of a male. Clothing began to form around their form also but what made her breathing stop, were void verdant eyes that investigated her own.
"Traitor...you said you stay..." its voice turned from one posted to the voice of someone she knew, "You said...you help me..achieve my dream...hahaha..."
"Claude..." Arisa horsed as the face of once a boy with dreams held a wicked smirk as his hands slowly crushed her throat.
"Liar...Liar..." Clause kept repeating as she only stared at him with wide eyes.
"Snap out of it!" Sothis yelled, "This isn't him! He would never do this! Snap out of it!" She pleaded.
"Destroy all things that scare us."
Bubump.
A silent scream left her lips as her hands turned to claws and lashed at him. Claude roared as he was thrown back. He snarled as he watched her stand up, the Sword of the Creator in her hands. The two lunged at each other but the steps Claude took were sloppy. Nothing like the grace and schemes her little deer would do. Yet, anger and resentment left his voice as he yelled and cursed at her. She spun quickly on her heel and..
STAB!
A stab direct where the heart is. Making the death quick. Yet, Claude chuckled bitterly as blood seeped through his lips. Her chin on his shoulder as her eyes were wide, a deep frown on her face. The next words he spoke, made her blood run cold.
"I see. Right until the very end, I read this whole thing terribly wrong..." his voice held nothing but sorrow and betrayal as he continued to speak, the sword in his chest quivered as her hands did.
"All my hopes have fallen to ash..." his voice was so broken, shaky gasp left Arisa's lips as her body quivered, "It's all up...to you Edelgard...Professor...I hope you really do make the world...better..." he took his dying last breath, his body turned to black smoke.
Arisa looked down to the ground, the tip of the sword touching the running water as she looked down at her left hand. In the back of her mind, Sothis wrapped her arms around her, comforting her the best she could. The woman looked up to the sky, her bangs covering her eyes as she heard more voices in her surroundings.
"You are here as well, Professor...? That is a shame."
"Why, Professor? Why must we like this? Surely there was another path."
"If it's our destiny to kill each other, I cannot- will not - respect the goddess."
"Professor? Is that you? You're with the enemy. That means I...I'll have to kill you.
Arisa slowly looked around, her bangs never moving as the grip on her sword tightens to an almost bone crushing grip. The fortryde...took on the faces of her students. One by one they came out from hiding behind the trees. Their weapons in their hands. Their eyes glowed gold or red, to show they weren't human. Yet they sound and look like exactly her students.
"They are fakes..." Arisa muttered to herself as the relic glowed brightly with a red energy.
"You're interfering with the plan. Looks like I just have to get rid of you."
"I am helping Claude build the future of Fodlan."
"It's way over my head but I don't get what's going on between you and Edelgard. I thought for sure you two would come to an understanding. Guess I was wrong."
"Ever since returning to the Empire, I knew this day would arrive. I just hoped it might take a little longer. Ugh..."
"Gasssppp...Sigh..." the wind blew just a bit, her hair flowed in the air just a bit.
The fortryde version of her students roared as they jumped in the air and lunged at her. Their fangs and claws with the full intent to kill her. Her bangs moved, just a bit, revealing her right eye. The pupil that is not a human but turns to the Crest of Flames.
"I hate this."
The fortryde screamed and roared in agony as she suddenly swung her sword, it turned to pieces and slashed at the enemies like a whip. The first ones to lung at her were Caspar, Leonie, Hapi and Felix. The Sword slashed their stomachs and they fell to the ground. The fortryde screamed and their heads were cut off. Their bodies turned to black smoke.
One slash.
Two slash.
Three slash.
Four slash.
A spin to the right.
A spin to the left.
STAB!
A stab through the skull as she gritted her teeth as her sword went through Mercedes's skull. It dropped red to the ground as she kept slashing and killing. Sothis's cries could be heard in her mind as Arisa kept killing each one by one. If there was real blood, it would be spilling on the snow. The entire place would be red like the crimson flowers of spring.
"TRAITOR!" Ashe yelled and she quickly warped behind him and slashed him in half.
Her breathing was starting to become rapid; she knew a panic attack was coming. She kept slashing and killing these fakes. How dare they take on the faces of those she cares about? Marianne fell to the ground, and now only four remained. Arisa felt sick to her stomach, yet she showed no signs of fatigue and weakness.
"Yuri...Edelgard...Hubert...Balthus..." she muttered and her eyes narrowed as their appearances wavered.
Her heart sting more that the fortryde transformed to their adult versions. The faces of her students' dying breaths were now carved deeply into her soul. The sorrow, anger and betrayal that was in their face before they crumbled made her heart bleed. The remaining four circled around her.
"Well Evergreen...who knew you could be so heartless?" Yuri mocked her as she just looked at him void of emotions.
"Sigh..." she tilted her head up, "Are you done?"
"What?" Edelgard growled as her claws showed themselves.
"(My you fortryde. You're all cowards. Taking on the forms for my friends.)" Arisa muttered as she made her sword disappear and was replaced with a bolt axe.
"I'll get rid of you." Hubert snarled as he crouched.
"Get ready." Balthus chuckled darkly and the three males lunged at her.
"Sigh. Let's get this over with."
"GHAAAAAAA!" The three males screamed as she warped quickly in front of them and slashed, sending her magic into the weapon.
Lighting poured out of the bolt axe and electrocuted them all. They fell to the ground like a piece of wood. They three mutters out their dying quotes.
"We must place our faith in Her Majesty...Her victory...is everything..." Hubert choked out.
"Heh Heh... The goddess is a wicked little creature as it turned out..." Yuri laughed weakly as his hand weakly held onto her ankle.
"After all this time...It turns out...I am the king of dying..." Balthus whispered and all three turned to black smoke.
"..." Arisa was silent and quickly appeared in front of Edelgard and slashed at her chest before she had the chance to make a move.
Edelgard panted as she fell to her knees and looked up to Arisa.
"It looks as though..." Arisa twitched, "my path...will end here. My teacher...claim your victory." Edelgard said.
"How dare you...?" Arisa whispered, her body shook as she held the bolt axe tightly, "How dare you...say those words...with her voice...her face..?"
"Strike me down. You must! Even now...people across this land...are killing each other!" Edelgard's voice said strongly, "If you do not act now..this conflict...will go on forever."
Tears.
Arisa was desperately holding back tears. Even if she knew the person in front of her was a fake, hearing the dying words in person, burned her soul.
"Your path...lies across my grave. It is time for you to find the courage to walk in it. If I...must fall..." Edelgard bowed her head, "let it be by your hand." Arisa raised her axe, her hands trembling as she looked down at the woman.
"I wanted...to walk...with you..."
"AHHHHHHH!" Arisa screamed as she finally cut her down.
Edelgard's head rolled down and both the body and head turned to black smoke. Arisa was silent as she did not sound to cry. Looking up to the sky once more. She wants to cry. She needs to cry. She must cry. But she can't.
"Hearing them all...die by my hand.." Arisa muttered ad she began to walk, her bangs covering her eyes, "It hurts so much..."
"That was low..." Sothis muttered as she had her arms wrapped around Arisa as the woman walked, "They shouldn't have this knowledge. I cannot comprehend how these meddling fortryde got the knowledge of the children! They shouldn't be able too!"
"Wait..." Arisa suddenly stopped, "I just realized there was one person I didn't see at all in the ambush." Sothis froze.
"That's impossible...we saw everyone! How...can...ARISA LOOK OUT!"
"AHHHHHHHH!" Screamed when she was suddenly kicked in the stomach hard.
The air was knocked out of her lungs as she was sent flying back and just barely had time to stop herself from colliding with a tree.
"GASP! Gasp!" She had a hand over her stomach as she stabbed the axe into the ground for support.
Heavy footsteps were heard as she looked up, still panting.
"I...should have known..." Arisa wheezed out barely as a broad hand wrapped around her neck and held her up, "It was you...Dimitri...Tempest..King.." she stared those cold icy eyes looking back at her with grief and rage.
"Why did you choose Edelgard, Professor? Why did you choose to walk this bloody savage path?" His voice was so real, his grip only tightened.
"Dimitri..." she muttered.
"Why aren't you fighting back?! This is an illusion! Snap out of it! Have you truly lost it?!" Sothis roared and Arisa just smiled sadly.
"I cannot shake this feeling of regret. Regret that I must kill you now." He spoke and the grip only tightened.
"Say...before you kill me..." Arisa barely managed to gasp out, "May I confess?" His glare only grew.
"A long time ago...the maiden... realized...her true feelings. Yet...she held back..for her own sake. She didn't care..." Dimitri's grip tightened, "if someone else got hurt..she knew...the Blue King...loved her. But...she kept pushing him away..she is a coward...yet she yearns for love...what a coward...haha.." Arisa looked up to the sky once more.
"The maiden...knows she can't completely change fate. How much she wished she would be able to...but not even she could do much..." she smiled sadly as her hand lightly gripped his wrist.
"Ahh...I see...I understand...I'm such a fool...My feelings..." Arisa thought as Dimitri's eyes traveled to her hand.
"The maiden...is me."
STAB!
The sticking sound of blood and flesh being stabbed was heard through the place. Arisa has secretly summoned the wings of Sothis and they pierced through his chest. His eyes went wide as he let go and she fell to the ground, gasping for air. The bone wings held him as he trashed and growled, trying to free itself. Arisa used a healing spell on her throat and spokes looking up to it.
"Goodbye...King of Delusions." She whispered as a single tear fell.
She made the wings spread and ripped him apart in two. The body turned to dust as she fell to her knees, only staring as where he once stood. The snow continued to fall as she looked up to the sky, finally letting out the emotions she was holding in while slaughtering them all. Yet no sob or whimper left her lips as all she did was stare out to the sky.
"Hey Sothis..." Arisa whispered.
No response. The goddess was forced to sleep. She could not hear.
"It hurt..." Arisa whispered.
"In my old world...this all was just a game to me. Yet I held so much emotion and attachment to it. Killing my students in the game each time I played a new route made my heart cry. It hurt..." no response, "But having to do it in real life...was the most painful thing I have ever done...even if these were fakes..."
No response.
"Ahh..." she raised her hand to touch a snowflake, "Blue...that's right...I remember now...sigh...I need to sleep. Hhhhhhaaaa...I do wonder...when I became so focus in the future...that I nearly forgot. I was living in the present..." she muttered.
[-]
"Tch. I thought that was enough to break her."
Far up high in the trees, a figure gritted their teeth. They were disappointed that their little gift to the woman did not break her. But they had results. It was obvious that they meant the world to her. Those children commanded the fortryde to their forms. They managed to see a bit of how she would battle. It reminds them of the old days when the gods of Ice and Water still walked these lands. She shows hesitation but still does the job of killing. She knew from the very beginning they were fakes yet still cut them down. Each slash filled with grief.
"Well, well well."
They turned and saw a cloaked female figure grin to them from a different tree they stood at.
"Who would have thought you of all people would do something like this?" The woman chuckled darkly.
"So I was right...you are one of them...Ivory." they said and the woman removed her hood.
Dark ivory colored hair tied in two pigtails, pale blue skin, the clothing of an Assassin. The woman chuckled as her claws drummed on the tree trunk.
"How about we make a deal?" Ivory proposed, "You help capture the little green haired girl and this woman. In exchange, I help you with the ritual in the ruins. Not bad, right?" She said.
"It's simple really." They said as Ivory raised an eyebrow, "But it won't be easy because they are still there. Guarding the place." They said.
"Yeah, I know." Ivory giggled, "But we at least secure the area the caravan will be staying at." She said and quickly caught the red crystal they threw at her.
"Use that to command the fortryde there." They said.
"My my. I am surprised you are letting someone like me command your little army." Ivy smiled.
"Temporary. Just secure the area. And you will not kill anyone until I say so. Got it?" They gave her a glare.
"Fine." Ivy pouted and was gone with the wind.
The cloaked figure was silent as he turned back to the woman, who was still on her knees. She kept looking up at the sky, still in a daze. She stood up and began to walk back towards the camp. They let out a snort. They really want to break this person. How dare an outsider achieve what they could not in the last 1,300 years.
"Tch. I'll see you at the ruins."
Chapter 55: Reito-Chi:Part 2: Snow like Stories
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Hey everyone! Been awhile and late since I updated. Needed a break because I burned out as well as we had some alarming things happen in real life. Things are a bit better but we aren't cleared on it yet. Hope you are all safe.
Chapter updates will be slower because one, I do need a break. Two, I am now writing another Fire Emblem SI. A Dark Saint's Heart. The setting takes place in the world of Awakening, but you will see my own mix on it. That story will be updated when I am taking a break from this one. At most either once or twice a month the story will be updated.
And last but not least, the first anniversary of Fire Emblem Three Houses is approaching! Look forward to a special chapter soon!