When the war between the foreigners of the far lands and the Gods of the land of Albinea was over, the gods wept as they saw how war tore the land apart. For like the Progenitor God, the God of Ice used all his strength to repair the it. The Goddess of The Sea used her power to bring back water and fish to lakes, rivers, and streams so the people may hunt and sleep with bellies full. When the land was finished repairing, the Gods knew it was time to pass down the torch of their rule to someone they deemed worthy.
"Warrior who stood beside us and showed loyalty, trust, strength, leadership, courage and kindness! We thank you for everything you and your people have done!"
The God of Ice bellowed as he held a relic that was gifted to him by the progenitor god.
"My Gods, we would have not been able to win this war without your guidance."
The warrior, Kiviuk smiled as the goddess of water shook her.
"Though you had our guidance, the people of the land chose to follow you as you led them. For they have chosen you as do we." The goddess smiled.
Kiviuk was confused yet his eyes widened in great surprise when the God of Ice placed his relic in his hands and the Goddess of Sea placed a crown on his head.
"For it is time for the influence of us Gods to leave. Kiviuk, Great General and Warrior, we chose you to pass down the torch of rule to you!" The gods said and the warrior was shocked.
"Our time of rule is done. It is time you humans take fate into your own hands." The God of Ice said.
"For we trust you and generations to come to lead this land well. Rise, Kiviuk, for you are the new king of this land." The goddess of the sea smiled fondly.
Kiviuk shook with joy as he rose and nodded as tears streamed down his eyes.
"Gods, I swear to you I will watch this land grow in peace and prosperity! I promise!" Kiviuk wept and the two gods chuckled.
"Don't cry my boy! You earned it!" The God of Ice grinned.
"These are tears of joy sir!" Kiviuk grinned as he wiped his tears.
"Before we depart, we shall leave one last gift." The goddess said and her husband nodded.
For the two cut the palm of their hands, letting their blood drip onto the floor. It blended and glowed, taking the form that they desire. For now, standing before the king, was a person. The person opened their eyes and smiled, bowed to them.
"This is [-]. For this child is created from our blood. For she will stand by your side and watch over you and your children as generations to come. And when in times of need, she will help you and give wisdom."
"Do not worship me." [-] smiled, "For you and I will stand side by side as equals. You are my equal even if you are my king."
For with their final gift, the Gods of Ice and the Sea gave their final blessings to the land, king and people, they left across the sea, never to be seen again.
Years passed and with the guidance of [-], Kiviuk turned the mountains to an amazing Kingdom. The king and his people work hard through the years to build their home and bring peace and prosperity to the land. As a thank you to the gods, the king built a statue of them and had it placed in the middle of the Kingdom capital. [-] watched over the Kingdom as the years passed, seeing the fruits of labor grow. She and the king worked together to train their soldiers. In time, the king married and had 5 children. [-] was overjoyed and congratulated the king and queen. For like with her king and queen, she became a mentor for the children. She was happy seeing them grow up, yet...
She never would have thought...darkness was growing beneath one of those children's eyes.
- Present Time -
"Yyaaawwwnnnn..." Flayn slowly opened her eyes and sat up, stretching her arms like a cat.
She looked over to the other side of the sleeping bag and didn't see Arisa there. The girl got worried, but it instantly washed away when she saw her friend approaching with a few peaches, and a glass of water.
"Here you go." Arisa muttered as she handed Flayn the glass.
"Thank you." Flayn smiled as Arisa sat down next to her, letting out a tried sigh.
The woman rubbed her eyes and lightly hummed. She usually did this when she didn't get any sleep at all.
"Didn't sleep well?" Flayn asked as she finished her water.
"No." Arisa mumbled, "But good news. I sent out a message. Should reach the monastery in 4 days." She said.
"What?! How?" Flayn gasped.
"Kelpie." Arisa muttered, there were dark circles under her eyes, "The locks of hair I cut. I fed them to it as payment." She answered.
"I see." Flayn frowned a bit, "Are you alright?" She asked.
"No. I got attacked by fortryde last night." Arisa blurted out suddenly.
"What?! Are you injured?!" Flayn quickly summoned her staff.
"I'm alright." Arisa smiled a bit, "Physically, yes. Psychology, I'm a down right mess." She sighs.
"What happened?" The girl asked as Arisa stared at her for a moment.
"Have you ever killed someone you love?" Arisa said in a monotone voice.
"...no I have not." Flayn answered, "But I do know what it is like to stain your own hands with blood. Whether you let the weight of that life consume you or continue forward."
"I see. Sigh..." Arisa sighs once more as she looks up to the sky, "The fortryde took on the faces of my students. I cut them all down..." she chuckled dryly.
Flayn could not form any words as she saw the woman's bangs cover her eyes.
"It hurt...even though I knew they were illusions...it still hurt...It felt so real. They sounded so real...sigggghhhhhh...curses...But I do know this," Arisa slightly tilted her head towards her, " the fortryde should not have come to take on those forms unless they had the help of dark magic."
"Someone is watching us?" Flayn whispered as Hyde passed by to go feed his Huskies pack.
"It's possible." Arisa sighs as she ran her fingers through her hair, "I am worried that the Agarthans may have spies here also. But not just here. Sreng, Morfis, Almyra and even other places. Amir and I learned the hard way that they had their minions in Duscur." She said back.
"The Tragedy of Duscur." Flayn gasped and Arisa nodded.
"Not just Duscur. You know about the Ordelia fire, right?" Arisa asked and Flayn nodded.
"I do. I do know a bit about Sirius." Flayn sighs and takes a bite from her peach, "Rhea isn't fond of them. For years...from I was able to understand what I was able to pick up, Sirius has been in a silent war with both the Church and Slithers. Rhea wishes to hide the existence of the agarthans while Sirius has been fighting them for nearly hundreds of years." She explained.
"I know." Arisa muttered, "Because I am friends with their leader. Noa is avenging Melody."
"Then..It is true...Melody...is dead..." Flayn's lip quivered as Arisa let the girl place her head on her chest.
"Yes...The reason the Ordelia massacre happened was because they needed help. Noa helped fake their deaths to rescue them. The other main purpose was to rescue Melody. But it was too late...I was there when her soul told me her last words..." Arisa muttered.
"What?" Flayn gasped and heard Arisa's heart stop beating.
"Take care of my child..."
"Melody was with a child...when she was captured..." Arisa whispered as she gently stroked Flayn's hair.
"What happened to the child?" Flayn whispered.
"He's safe. My uncle adopted him, and he has been growing up with my son. Cute little one. His name is Kaimu. When we get back, I'll introduce you to him and Jaden." Arisa chuckled softly.
"I would like that..." Flayn smiled softly.
Around two hours passed, and everyone had eaten their food and washed up. It was time to continue. Riding through the snow, many noticed they were now leaving the forest and reaching the soon opened snow field. Dietre warned that they need to make sure they are on guard because this area was a bit on the danger side. The reason for it because wyverns often hunt and pray on this area.
"Ha." Arisa began chuckling darkly, "Looks like I'll have to do that soon."
"Do what?" Hyde asked.
"Mwuhahahaha...you'll see..." Arisa grinned wicked.
Dietre, Hyde, Lolo, Arash and Flayn sweat drop at this. The next few hours passed as the caravan continued forward. The wind began to pick up and those of Albinea knew that the next blizzard was close. The blizzards in Albinea were far more dangerous than the ones on Earth. The temperatures dropped down even colder, to the point houses are frozen over. Icicles forming on the ground grow. The worst was this was also a time wyverns were in mating season, and became aggressive of their territory.
"Arisa, I overheard you got attacked by the fortryde." Arash suddenly said as they continued ahead.
His snow wolf and Dietre's gave him a warning growl to keep his mouth shut. Arisa only continued looking on a head with half lidded eyes.
"I heard the fortryde sometimes takes on the forms of the people you love. Sigh...their only illusions but just cut them down. They aren't real. Besides," he smiled, " you can just replace them. Those students will become soldiers in the future. You can easily replace them with a new one."
"AWWHOOOOOOO!" The two snow wolves suddenly howled loudly, scaring everyone.
Even Arisa was beyond surprised at this reaction.
"(YOU HAVE DISRESPECTED THE WOLF STAR!)" The wolves growled furiously at him and suddenly even the animals of the carriages and sled growled, chipped, or snarled angrily.
They all looked towards Arash, furious. The man just smiled and spoke.
"I suggest you all calm down now."
The animals and wolves all suddenly whining in pain, as if they were yelled at by their Master. Flayn frowned and her own tone changed just a tad bit. Not enough to notice.
"It is alright. It's okay to be upset." She said and the wolves quickly perked up.
"The hell man..." Lolo gave Arash a dirty look, "I get you come from a military family, but soldiers are still family and friends. They can't be replaced." She glared.
"Everyone's got different thoughts and opinions on the subject." Arash shrugged, "Think of it this way. How does that one life weigh more than one million?" He smiled.
"Bro, you've been really passive aggressive these days." Dietre called him out.
"You know I get like this when I know a blizzard is on the way. Remember the last time I didn't make it? I don't need to set up another fire rune barrier again and be the power source." Arash grumbled and Dietre winced.
Yeah...that accident was 3 years ago and Arash never let it go.
"I would be pissed off if I was him." Arisa chuckled.
"Anyhow, we should reach the next village in 3 days. Stay there for two days. Then ride through the snow mountains for the next 6 days. Rest at the ruins and reach the port." Lolo grins and pulls a piece of beef jerky to munch on.
"By the way," Flayn spoke up, "while you all did tell us about the legend of the goddess and God, you never did tell us about the kingdom that once prospered. We would like to hear more about it." She smiled and one of the old women in the wagon in front of them chuckled.
"The stories of old are always fascinating! Why, during my younger days, my husband and I would often go explore the old kingdom." She chuckled.
"Elder Maki, going on with the stories again?" Dietre chuckled and quickly ducked down before the stick she threw at him, hit.
"Respect boy! Let this old woman tell her tales!" Elder Maki huffed.
"Story time!" The children cheered and their parents chuckled
"Hoho." Maki smiled, "In my days, we would explore the ruins to learn more about our ancestral roots. Before the gods passed down the torch to Kiviuk, they gave him three gifts. The first was the crown. A gift from the sea goddess Zuna as proof of his bravery and leadership to nurture the land. The second, was a sword. A gift from the Ice God as proof of his strength. The third, was being created from the own blood of the gods." She said.
Arisa, Sothis and Flayn were now really into the story. This was interesting to say the least. A being created by blood. Like the method Sothis used to create her children.
"This being was given a name. But unfortunately, it has been lost due to time. But we people of Albinea refer to them as, The Guardian." Mika smiled.
"The Guardian?" The three girls said.
"Yes. For they did not wish to be worshipped at all. They worked together, besides the king and his people to make the land prosper. As the years went by, Kivuiki married and fathered 5 children. The first one was Prince Silla. He was called the God of the Skies because of his talent in riding wyverns unlike any other. The second one was Prince Navouku. He was a brave hunter of the land and a legendary skill with the bow. The third is Princess Meriwa, who was said to be beautiful and gentle like the snow. She was famed for her skill in taming animals as well as axe. The fourth is princess Tanaraq. She was famous for her knowledge in the sword arts. They say her skill would surpass her father one day." The woman smiled fondly.
"You said the king fathered five children. You only said four." Flayn mutter and the woman frowned a bit.
"Yes, I did. There...is a Third Prince. He is not seen in good light." The old woman muttered.
"Why?" Arisa asked.
"Well, he is the one that is said to brought ruin to the Kingdom." Maki said, "His name was Prince Tulok. He was a legend and genius among the mages of the Kingdom. For he was praised and acknowledged for his talent in the magic arts. He was born with the sight. He would become in sync with the land. But...things began to change. The Guardian was the mentor of the 5 royal children and noticed the third prince began to seek out more knowledge. At first, it was genuine. But through the years went by, The Guardian saw greed began to grow in his eyes." Maki sighs.
"Hey Maki, do you mind if I tell this part of the story?" Lolo yelled out.
"Eh? Fangirling over the first prince?" Maki teased and the girl gave her a look to shut up.
"ANYHOW!" Lolo quickly said, the other were holding back their laughter, " When Kiviuki knew his life was coming to an end, he decided to hold the old traditional. A TOURNAMENT AMONG THE ROYAL SIBLING TO DECIDE WHO WILL BE THE NEXT KING OR QUEEN!" The damn woman stood up, with legs crouched and her fist held up in victory.
"WATCH THE DAMN REIGNS!" Everyone yelled, especially the ones on her sled.
Flayn couldn't help but laugh as Shiro barked out happily. The little puppy was growing up quickly. Seteth was going to be livid and would not win against Flayn if he even tried to tell her to get rid of it.
"But yeah. Tournament. You get the gist. Throughout 7 days, the 5 royal children went through a different series of trials to prove their skill, intelligence, as well as wisdom. However, there was something not even The Guardian knew about." Her voice went deep and ominous, "3 weeks before the tournament, The third Prince approached his mentor with a great discovery."
"Mentor! Mentor!"
The third prince ran up to the guardian with great joy as he carried his scroll. The Guardian stopped in their tracks and turned to them.
"Is something wrong?" The Guardian smiles warmly, and already saw the blush growing on the prince's face.
"No actually! But,I have made a great discovery! Please come!"
"But that great discovery only brought forth darkness. The Guardian was horrified and quickly told the prince to never study the subject again. The prince was angered and still studied this darkness regardless of what The Guardian said." Lolo let go of a sigh as she continued.
"During the tournament, a series of unfortunate events began to happen. The first event was that the second princess suddenly fell ill and was forced to drop out of the tournament because of how bad it was. The second one was that the second prince's most trusted knight was assassinated. The second princess fell into depression because that knight the love of her life and they were going to get married. The third was that first princess, who was attacked on her way to the tournament. She was gravely injured and suffered a miscarriage." Lolo frowned.
Both Arisa and Flayn covered their mouths in horror hearing this.
"During these ancient times, the spiritual and human realm were well connected. Every country calls the era from 1,000 years ago the end of the age of the gods. It's when the gods and humans began to part ways as well those like the fae and such. The spiritual realm and human one began to separate. While it's still connected a bit, there very few of us who are able to directly connect to it." Hyde explained as he took a bite from the apple he got.
"Now, back to the story." Dietre said, "The reason we explained this was because of the third prince. The Guardian was worried because she began to see an invisible fog begin to cover the nation. People were becoming sick, unfortunate events kept happening. By the king's order, The Guardian was sent to investigate what was causing all this. While she was away, the last round of the tournament took place. It was the match between the first and third prince. The first prince who was called the God of the Sky because of his riding skills and the third prince who is a genius mage. The match went on but unfortunately...the third prince was using dirty tricks to try and achieve victory. While it could not be seen by the eyes of others, the first prince was able to see through his brother's dirty schemes." Dietre frowned.
"Silla managed to fight with everything he had. Even the prince had his own tricks up his sleeves." Arash suddenly spoke, "He hid that he was training in secret with the guardian in magic. It took everyone by surprise when he stopped suddenly in the battle. He was berated. On the verge of defeat..." his tone was becoming colder, "He should give up. But he didn't. He kept getting back up when he should have stayed down." He growled a bit.
"Anyhow," Hyde quickly took over, "the first prince stood his ground and did what very few have ever achieved. He connected to the Spirit Tree." He smiled.
"What exactly is the spirit tree?" Mika spoke, "People say it is the heart of the earth. The life source of the world. Where the souls connect and rest in peace when their body in this world dies. The Tree of Life it is also called. Stories that the mother of the God of Ice was able to directly connect to it to use her power to restore life to barren lands. The first prince was able to directly connect to it, allowing him to call forth the power of the earth into his body and use it to defeat his brother." She smiled.
"Bring forth the light. Come away. Treasure life. Sing away. Courage and strength. Bravery and choice. Life and sacrifice, as we grow."
"Those words, the first prince sang as he fought his brother and defeated him. The match was set. The people cheered and their brothers and sisters cheered for him. But one. The third prince was furious and left the Kingdom. Years passed and The Guardian returned and reported her findings.
"Your Highness, I am afraid to report that someone has broken the gate of the fortryde! Black energy and magic had been contaminating the land as well as causing unfortunate events. People are being turned mad and rampaging, killing each other!" The Guardian reports in sorrow.
"The first prince and long with his siblings quickly split to go to the surrounding countries to check them. They also came back with the same reports. The Guardian did not understand why such a thing was happening till the answer came." Dietre said.
"The third prince returned with an army of monsters, as well as he received aid from the invaders of the foreign land. He was damned to take over the Kingdom. He declared war. The 4 royal children and the guardian found against him, but he used magic that no one had ever seen before. The Guardian and her Kingdom were losing. As a final act, the four remaining siblings sacrificed their lives to defeat the third prince, sealing him away for eternity into the realm of darkness. The guardian wept and used her remaining magic to restore the land and fell into eternal slumber." Maki finished the story and the caravan was silent.
"There's an old tale." Lolo smiled with half lidded eyes, "They say every 1,000 years, The Guardian awakens from her slumber to sing her song across the land. That those who hear her son will be blessed with good fortune and life. It's a sad story really. The Guardian and the third prince were in love. Sigh...from lovers to enemies...how sad." She smiled sadly.
"Pathetic." Arash thought and looked over to Arisa and Flayn but...
"Arisa are you alright?!" Flayn gasped as she saw tears falling from Arisa's eyes.
The woman just touched her cheek and stared at small drops on her fingers. No sobs left her lips nor a whimper as she just wiped them away.
"Somehow...I can understand the guardians' pain. To have to cut down someone you love." She whispered, "Sometimes it has to be done. You have no choice. It's the reality of things. You must be the bigger person. Not everyone will live, some are ever loyal to their faction till the end." She looked up at the sky, letting out a small puff of breath.
"You've seen war, haven't you child?" Mika said as both girls looked at her, "Both of you have seen the horrors of war. Friends become enemies. Those you trust betray you. Loved ones die in your arms and many more. Sigh...I know the feeling well." She said, "But it is up to you if you chose to keep living in the past then the present."
"Hmm." Arisa hummed.
She wondered how things would play out from now on.
- The Monastery -
"So, let me get this straight?" Lestia rubbed her eyes as she was having a hard time believing what she was just hearing, "There is a rumor that someone is spreading that supposedly Arisa has a gift of prophecy. Remind me again why you guys are house leaders?" She glares.
Claude set up this secret meeting between house leaders only because they didn't want eyes on them. And what is the perfect place? Abyss.
"This is serious Lestia." Claude let out a groan, "Don't you think Teach acts a bit strange? Like she knows things that we don't know? Like how she hammered all of us into the new pair formation at the beginning of the year?" He says and Lestia was about to argue against it till she herself thought about it.
"It wasn't just her." Edelgard spoke, "Christian made us all train in rotating partners."
"Now we have Alexandra and Amir having us be in random groups led by me, Claude, Sylvian and Hubert. That first practice mock battle was a disaster." Yuri said and the whole group groans at the memory.
"All of you say goodbye to your fellow members because none of you will be fighting for your respected house!"
When Amir blurted out that news with a singing tone, everyone except the Professor's and instructors went through a wave of emotions. Everyone was mixed up into four different groups. For each group, one of boys, Yuri, Claude, Sylvian or Hubert would be leading them. The main purpose of it was to see how well they could adapt to change. Especially tacticians. How fast they adapt to change. How fast can they send out orders while also being aware of their surroundings. Not to mention that Manuela said that every practice battle they will be doing twice each week, the groups will always be switching members each time.
"And! We will be testing how well you can adapt to how the weather changes because it also plays a big part in a battle! So, expect rain, snow, heat and all that jazz from mine, Manuela's and Hanneman's magic!"
"The fact that Christian said that Arisa had planned this months ago with them and that Lady Rhea and Seteth approved of it made me regret asking who thought of such a plan." Dimitri groans.
"We're getting off topic." Edelgard sighs.
She was still sore from the smack down she got from Hilda. She was going to pay her back.
"How have things been for Sylvian? We have all been quiet since our talk in the library. Now that we are here, it's safer to voice our opinions on Crest." She muttered and Dimitri nodded.
"We all agree that Crest are the main problem of how they influence society. And I stand firm on what I believe in. That Margrave Gautier was wrong in disowning Miklan." Dimitri stood firm on his belief.
Claude let out a whistle as he grinned and Lestia nodded.
"Looks like we can finally agree on something." Lestia sighs, "I had this conversation 5 years ago with Arisa..." she thought.
"I couldn't stop thinking about what Gilbert told us." Edelgard spoke, "Miklan was discarded because he did not have a Crest. Eventually, he became a masterful thief and gathered enough ruffians to capture a fortress. Right or wrong, he was a gifted leader. He could have been a great asset to Fodlan. What a waste." She frowned.
"I am surprised to hear you say that." Dimitri spoke, "It is true that a Crest increases one's magical abilities as well as wield the full might of a Heroes' Relic, but ever since learning the dangers, even I have become wary." He frowned.
"But one cannot measure a leader's worth based solely on whether or not they have a crest!" Edelgard replied, "There are plenty of talented people in this world without one."
"I agree. Like the Professor once said, Strength is strength. With or without a Crest. I believe those with Crest and those without should acknowledge the others' strengths and should learn to respect each other based on personal merits." Dimitri said as he looked at his fist, " That doesn't only apply to crest. The same holds for one's lineage, race, faith, ideology..."
"Accept each other...and make mutual connections." Yuri muttered and the others turned to him, "One step at a time..." he chuckled a bit, "You sound like Christian. He said those words to me when we first met." Dimitri stiffened.
"Hmm...thinking back to the conversation," Claude spoke, "I have to agree on that. If people could accept one another for who they are, regardless of where they come from, maybe the world would be a better place. But everyone has something that is unacceptable to them. I do. You do, everyone does. Hell, even Arisa, who gets really angry when a noble try to justify their horrible actions. I do wonder what is best? To cut away that which is unacceptable or to find a way to accept it anyway?" He muttered as he crossed his arms, looking up the ceiling.
"Let's change to another topic we got interrupted on." Lestia spoke, "Heroes' Relics. When and why did Lady Rhea say to keep the knowledge of someone turning into a monster a secret? You should have seen how angry she got when Christian told her he will not be returning the Lance of Ruin. That is why Sylvian has it now." Her face became serious as she finished.
"Before Seteth interrupted us, Tomas was speaking to Christian and I regarding the Heroes Relics. I wondered if that monster represented another aspect of the Heroes' Relics. Honestly, it's a strange and terrifying power. Tomas told us that long ago, there were once stories of misfortune that have followed the Heroes' Relics since ancient times." Claude said and Edelgard raised an eyebrow along with Yuri.
Yuri because Chris told him to investigate Tomas because something was fishy about him along with 59. Edelgard because she did not expect Solon to speak about that knowledge. Still, looks like she'll be having a word with Monica to keep her mouth shut.
"He offered to tell us more. We gladly listened!" Claude smiled and began micking Tomas's old voice, "The story goes that Nemesis was corrupted by evil because of the Sword of the Creator. Other Heroes also lost themselves by continuing to use the Relics...transforming into Black Beast with twisted souls~ Ooohhhh!" Claude wiggled his fingers like a ghost.
The twins couldn't help but snort at him doing that gesture along with Yuri.
"Anyhow, he said there used to be many records regarding the dark history of the Relics." Claude said.
"Wait...used to be?" The other four said and Claude nodded.
"That's when Chris took over and said that those records across Fodlan were destroyed. Taken from the shelves, and even ones that used to be in the monastery's library. Based on Tomas's reaction, he wasn't expecting Christian to say that." Claude muttered.
"If you want information on that. You got a better chance researching the books of Abyss. Heck, even I have my own secret stash."
"Bloody hell Christian." Yuri grumbled, "But by the way both Chris and Tomas said it, it's like the Church is covering up some truth. And then we have Lady Rhea being very specific about not wanting anyone to find out what happened at Connad Tower. It was the same with Zanado." He muttered.
"Wait, how do you know about Zanado?" Edelgard looked at him surprised.
"Balthus." Yuri answered.
"Okay, so based on this information, the Church is covering something up as well as our four instructors may know more." Lestia sighs, "Did Tomas say why he was telling you guys this?"
"His answer was that since we were searching for answers on the Heroes' Relics, it's his job as a librarian to guide us in our search for knowledge. And he also caught me researching during the night and trying to get into the restriction section." Claude chuckled nervously and everyone just shook their heads.
"But he is right." Dimitri sighs, "You need to be careful not to be caught by the knights or you will be in serious trouble."
"Say, Chris. You sound like you have personal experience with that terrifying power."
"I do. How do you think I got my right eye?"
"If you want more information, I think it would be best to ask those that are descendants from the clans. Their history is different from the Church of Serios."
Claude remembered the question he asked Chris about his eye and then when 59 spoke up about information. Still, for right now, he'll wait for the perfect opportunity to ask Chris about it.
"Will do. Now, on another topic." Claude quickly said because Lestia and Edelgard were about to ask what he was after, "Have any of...strange dreams?"
"Dreams?" Yuri looked at him confused.
"That is an odd question." Dimitri muttered.
"Dimitri, you and Marianne looked like you finally got some sleep. But if we're talking about dreams, I think maybe like a month or two ago I had a horrible nightmare." Lestia sighs.
"By any chance..." Edelgard muttered, "did you...kill someone in your dream?"
Lestia turned to Edelgard, her eyes wide.
"...Yes...I dreamed...I killed you...and Dimitri...you both...weren't human anymore." Lestia whispered.
"The dream I had..." Claude spoke, "I was fighting besides Beleth. It was...a bloody battlefield."
"I had something similar." Yuri spoke, "A bloody battlefield littered with corpses. I kept seeing familiar faces. But even if we have similar dreams, I'm sure we all see the same thing." He muttered.
"We don't see Arisa. We see either Beleth or the female version of Beleth. Fighting besides us or in pain." Dimitri finished.
"Say," Edelgard spoke, "have any of you ever thought that Arisa was far too...hmm...the word I'm looking for...is...strange?"
"If you mean by her way of thinking? Yes, I agree. It's...very different. Besides, I'm not the only one to think she's hiding something. But I think she has her reasons. Lady Rhea." Yuri frowned and the group nodded.
"Rhea is very keen on keeping her eyes on her. It is as if she is waiting for something and I honestly have no doubt that she is willing to hurt her to get it." Edelgard raised her chin up.
"You really think the Archbishop would harm her own granddaughter?" Yuri snorted, "But then again...they did cover who attacked the prince and the survivors from 4 years ago."
"Yuri." Lestia said coldly and the man just raised his hands up on defense with a smile.
"You know who I seen really make Rhea grit her teeth?" Claude smiled, "Alexandra. Whenever those two are in the same room, the temperature drops. Rhea never met Alexandra till a few moons ago. Since then, it's like Rhea is waiting for the right moment to strike her down. After all, the Ice Queen is a descendant of Cirina." He grins.
"We're all descendants or come from a bloodline of crest." Dimitri sighs as he crossed his arms, "I do wonder...if at some point...the relics that are passed down to us...if we will turn to a monster as all." He muttered.
"Sigh...I don't think." Lestia sighs, "We all have the Crest that are compatible with the relics we will be using. Because of that, we're...technically safe. However, Amir did mention if you overuse your power, there could be side effects. I wonder if she meant this. Not to also mention Chris said something similar 5 years ago."
"Wait what?!" Both Edelgard and Dimitri turned to her.
"When did he say this?" Edelgard asked, a bit worried.
"Dimitri, do you remember how Chris would always go to the library in the palace?" Lestia asked and her brother nodded.
"I do." He thought for a moment, "I remember him always rearing a book. Specifically, stories about myth and legends of Fodlan as well as ones from different lands. I also recall Emily would allow him to enter her own personal library. Which, she refused to let Cornelia ever set foot in." Dimitri looked back to her.
"Emily has her own personal library?" Yuri and Claude both said.
"Yes." The twins looked at them surprised, "All Holy Magus possess their own personal library. Even Edward and Doctor Robert have one. It's usually labeled the restricted section." They said.
"No wonder Doctor Robert never once let anyone go beyond the glass doors in our library in Enbarr." Edelgard pinched the bridge of her nose, "He even goes as far as placing a barrier over them."
"Edward has one also. He has a specific section of books that are closed off. Only the head of House Reigan has access to them also with those he allows. That's why I know about science." Claude grinned.
"So, would Abyss count as Arisa's then?" Dimitri asked.
"Actually..." Yuri spoke, "More towards Florencio. Before he left the monastery years ago, he oversaw getting rid of books that the Church deemed not readable. Well, I found out he didn't get rid of the books. He kept them and has them stored away somewhere here in Abyss. If not here, then someplace in the monastery." He smirked.
"There's also the restricted section in the library. I think I know someone who can help us get in. As for Arisa's own personal library, it's her room. But I have only been in there a few times. She has placed a very advanced barrier on it. Claude was electrocuted by it along with Hubert trying to get in." Dimitri smiled while Claude and Edelgard coughed.
"Wait what? Dimitri?! Please tell me I'm not talking to a doll! Are you sick?!" Lestia screeched because she could not believe what she just heard leave his lips.
"You heard me, Lestia. Ashe. He can help us get in."
- Near Gideon Territory -
It's already late and it's been 7 days since the girls have been somewhat located. The cold breeze of the soon autumn winds tickled Sandy's check as she laid on her sleeping bag, looking up to the starry sky. A fire was made by Beleth as he was cooking the rabbits that were caught to eat. Shamir was busy tightening the string on her bow as she was snacking on a peach.
"So, what is going on between you and my uncle?" Beleth suddenly said and Sandy looked like she choked on rice.
"This I got to hear." Shamir smirked as Sandy quickly sat and grabbed Beleth by the collar.
The poor man looked like he was looking at a ghost.
"Where-did-you-hear-that-from?!" Sandy said in a robotic tone.
"Xina! You know how she likes to keep tabs on gossip!" Beleth barely choked out and Shamir was shaking from holding in her laughter.
The older woman let go of her and went to sulk in the dark corner of the trees, muttering to herself that her life was over while drawing small circles on the dirt.
"Come on Sandy. It's not that bad." Shamir chuckled as Beleth recovered, "But I do think you two should talk it out. Besides, isn't Flayn your daughter?"
"Since when did you and my Uncle have a child?!" Beleth gawked and barely dodged Sandy's hand that was going to smack his head.
"I haven't had a child in over 40 years!" Sandy yelled and Shamir pinched the bridge of her nose.
"I heard those with major Crest age much slower. So how old are you exactly since you haven't changed one bit since I was a kid?" Shamir muttered.
"A woman doesn't tell her age." Sandy sighs and Beleth snorts.
He quickly put his hand up in defense at the glare both females gave him.
"But to answer why I said that..." Sandy laid back down on her sleeping bag.
She propped her right elbow, resting her cheek on the palm of her hand as she turned her body to stare at the fire. A sad look entered her eyes as she stared at it. Old memories return when she the same age as Shamir.
"I once had a lover before I met Seteth and Flayn." She began and the two other adults were silent, "This was a time when I was in a very dark path. I had a stepfather...who raised me to be a killer. Took me in. Fed me. Yet raised me to kill. I soon met a man who was like me. Raised to be a killer. He served the Aegir family. Met him in a bar. Soon the meeting became longer. And eventually blossomed to something more. We both kept this a secret for each other's safety." She smiled sadly as she kept staring into the fire.
"Eventually, we actually slept together." And Beleth quickly covered his face.
"Boy, you really are like your mother. She turned red also whenever Xina talked about sex. Same with your Uncle." Sandy smirked and Shamir smirked as well.
"I was raised indoors!" Beleth countered back and both women just laughed.
"Anyhow, 2 months later from us sleeping together, I found out I was pregnant." She muttered and both adults quickly ceased their laughing.
"Florencio knew about our relationship and kept it a secret. We both told him, and he congratulated us. The man that was the father of my child, his name was Jade. We were both happy. Planning to elope. But...my stepfather somehow found out...and..." she closed her eyes.
The vivid memories of her screaming and wailing as she watched Periandar, mutilate the man she loved before her eyes. Next, he chained her to a chair and tortured her slowly. Her fingernails ripped out. Blades cut into her flesh. Needles injected into her body. Her hair pulled. Drills twisted into her flesh. Fire burning her skin. The extreme stress was too much, and she suffered a miscarriage.
"Jade was killed. I lost my child because of the torture I suffered as punishment." She whispered and Shamir looked at her worried.
"I'm sorry for your loss..." Beleth muttered and Sandy shook her head.
"It's alright. If you're wondering if Seteth knows, he doesn't. Both of you, I ask you both to keep this information to yourselves. I trust you." She smiled softly and both nodded.
"Changing the subject," Shamir said as she pulled out a letter from her bag and held it up, "other than locating Flayn and Arisa, we got another mission."
"What's this one about?" Beleth said as he was handed the letter and opened it, reading its contents.
"There have been reports lately that in different villages across Fodlan, villagers have been acting strangely. I asked if it was possible if it was an infectious disease, but Manuela said it wasn't likely." Shamir said and Sandy quickly sat up.
"Restless movements..." Beleth muttered, "Fits of violence...becoming bedridden...or even impossible to wake up. These are the notes Manuela included..she wrote down it's either a mixture of poisons or dark magic."
"Florencio, Edward, Robert and Emily have been all summoned along with another mage we don't know. Usually, Lady Rhea would call Arisa but considering the situation." Shamir nodded as did Sandy.
"So, while locating the girls, we are also to investigate this." The woman crossed her arms, "Any specific request from the letter?"
"Florencio asked for blood samples of the victims with these symptoms and Emily asked for a specific herb. Since we'll be going through Aubin territory, she said to speak to Kuza. One of Prince Zander's trusted men." Beleth said Zander's name bitterly.
"Beleth, I know you and Zander don't her along but please just this once, don't fuck up our chances of earning his favor?" Sandy smiled.
Shamir covered her mouth, desperately trying to hold her laughter while Beleth like a child who just got grounded.
- Albinea: 5 days later -
There was an unexpected turn of events. One does not simply find a fucken one-thousand-year-old ruin road shortcut that leads to the ruins in just 2 hours. Arisa along with many except Elder Mika, all had faces of shock as they were travelling through the mountain peaks. The mountain was full of thick snow as well as froze peaks that were that eerie unnatural color of blue. Arash and Dietra were messing around, a race between their wolves. The idiots crashed into a frozen stone wall, thus making a stupid wyvern nest shake. Which alerted the whole herd. The damn heard charged at them pissed that they have been woken up. Thus, leading to Arisa unleashing a dragon's roar. She discovered she had that ability when she was 12 because she accidentally unleashed it when she was on the verge of getting killed on a job. The bandits along her father and mercenary band went def for that time. Arisa quickly finished off the bandits. Unfortunately, her father and the rest went def for 3 hours. The poor girl was crying, apologizing to everyone after they recovered their hearing. Anyhow! Arisa warned Flayn on time to cast a soundproof barrier on everyone and she unleashed the roar. The wyverns became terrified and quickly flew away, abandoning the nest. Honestly, Arisa felt bad because now they took in the lone egg that was left in the nest. Also, her roar caused a wall of ice to break, revealing the ancient road. Thus, brings us to the situation now.
"Ahhhh! Its blessing! My beautiful road has repeated at last!" Arash fell to his knees and began worshipping the road.
It's been five days since the fortryde massacre and Arisa was just groaning loudly as Lolo smacked both Arash and Dietre. Hyde just shook his head as Flayn giggled.
"YOU CRAZY SON OF BITCCHHHEEESSSSS! HOW COULD YOU BE SO FOOLISH! WE NEARLY BECAME WYVERN FOOD!" Lolo scolded them as she forced them to stay in a seiza position.
"So umm...what do we do about the egg?" Arisa asked Flayn had sparkles in her eyes as she held it to her chest.
"I'll take care of it along with Shirou!" The mint haired girl beamed as she put into her cloak and the puppy quickly snuggled to it.
"What have I done?" Poor Arisa was on the verge of fainting.
"Anyhow!" Arisa yelled because she noticed the remaining ten people were becoming uneasy, "Arash, you seem to know about this road. Please, tell us about it." She pointed to the blue road made of stones.
She could sense some sort of magic coming from it.
"Ah!" Arash quickly stood up, "This road is called the Gate of Skye."
"And the long road we take! I am not taking a journey to the underworld!" Arisa quickly pulled Flayn around.
"What?! Underworld! No, no!" Arash quickly shook his hand frantically, "This gate leads us directly to the ruins." And Arisa stopped.
"I can sense some magic coming from it." Hyde said, "Warping magic? If that's the case, then this could save us time than traveling another four days." He muttered.
"That's the point. We'll reach the ruins in two hours." Arash let out a groan, "Never thought I will see it again. Last time I passed through this road was when I was a kid. Used to get to the port quickly." He smiled.
"Something feels off." Arisa thought as she touched her right arm, "I may have to resort to that soon."
"I'll put a barrier around the caravan as we go through it. I don't know what type of reaction everyone will have to warping magic, so I want to ensure everyone's safety." Arisa said as she raised her hand and blanket of warmth surrounded everyone.
"Let's go."
Walking through the pathway felt like a normal road. But those like Arisa and the other could sense some sort of magic coming from the road. It wasn't evil, that was good news. But still...
"Why do I feel like someone is watching us?" Arisa thought as she rubbed the back of her neck.
The next two hours felt normal. Walking in silence felt unsettling. While this went on, Arisa began to reminisce her days here in the country. The opportunity she had to teach Flayn more advanced magic as well as teach her medical skills she taught back in her days in Fhirdiad. Staying at the villages and meeting the locals. Buying new magic tomes as well as herbs that aren't sold in Fodlan. Sigh...she was hoping these past few months she would have the opportunity to teach Constance because the girl has potential. Just like Flayn. Now that she thought about it...
"Emily has me, Lysithea and Sadi as her apprentices. Florencio has me, Xina, Bernadetta and Gina as his. Edward from what I learned I believe is Gregory and he has also passed down his knowledge of science to Claude. Cornelia from what I know she has none, but I could be wrong. Doctor Robert I don't know well unfortunately. Then there's me.
"Ufu." Arisa chuckled to herself, "Well, Flayn and Constance, I'm declaring you both my apprentices. Now...for my third one...hmm...Linhardt makes a good candidate as well as Hubert and Dwyer." She thought as they continued ahead.
But also...she learned that in the past, there were times they suddenly went on a rampage.
"Time to start early."
- Monastery -
A loud scream was heard at the fishing pound as the water began to swirl. Amir and Alexandra were the closest ones and quickly ran. Many backed away, afraid that someone was attacking u till the water took on the form of a horse. The kelpie neighed loudly as it walked towards the girls, plopping the letter in their hands. Alexandra let go of her sighs as did Amir. Both took out their daggers and cut a lock of their hair. They fed them to it.
"Thank you." The water horse spoke and disappeared back to the water.
"Arisa?" Amir said and her friend nodded.
"Yeah." Alexandra replies and quickly opens the letter despite how everyone was in a bit of a panic with what just happened.
The girls felt there were too many people and quickly left the place. Twist and turns for 10 minutes straight to lose track of Hubert secretly following them. They made it back to Amir's room, quickly closing the door, aligned with a barrier to make sure no one could hear anything.
"What does it say?" Amir asked and noticed a small bottle of crimson liquid came with it.
Alexandra hesitant but spoke.
"She said to prepare for The Red Wolf moon." She said, "But she also let us know that they'll be arriving at Fhirdiad in two weeks."
But written in Spanish on the corner of the letter that only she could read, was another message.
"Prepare for Remire Village."
Chapter 56: Reito-Chi: Part 3: Lost Story
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Get ready for the next chapter. Mind games, pain, and a bitter truth that must be accepted.