- Lost Memories -
Wandering.
Wandering.
Continue.
How much longer?
It's too long.
This space...
Gate to Gate...
Home...
I miss home.
Should I even return?
Elder Sister...
After so many years of wandering...
After traveling through the sea of stars...
I think...
I finally understand...
What you saw in humanity...
[-]
On and on~
Ocean of Stars ~
Gate to Gate ~
The ocean's gray waves ~
On and on~
I must travel through ~
To the next gate ~
On and On~
Time to stop~
I see the glow ~
In time Flows~
See the Glow~
Of Flames ever burning bright ~
On the swift ~
Rivers Drift ~
Broken memories aligned ~
Warmth and Sorrow ~
Rage and Hate ~
Blinded by Fate and tied down by Chains ~
Sing with me a song ~
Of Silence and Blood ~
Continue through the Sea of Stars ~
Crack the sky~
The Fell Star consumes the darkness away ~
[-]
Life!
Finally! After nearly a millennia!
It's not home but...it's close.
So many...humans.
Wait..? Are they humans?
[-]
Strange. I had no idea there were other beings.
Some have human-like forms and can turn into animals. They said their ancestors came from the gates.
So, could it be possible that some of my brothers and sisters have arrived here also?
Oh! Maybe I'll see my niece! Maybe Elder Sisters and Elder brothers are here!
I pray it's TRUE!
I want to show the Elder sister I finally understand why humans live!
[-]
10 years...
I traveled through this land for 10 years.
Not a single one of my people...
Lonely...
It's so lonely...
[-]
This land...
It's magic vein...it's similar to home.
The Agarthans said this place is called the Red Canyon and...
Bzzzttt! Bzzt! *hhiiiisssttrrrrrrrcchhhhh*
[-]
Bzzt! BZZT!
Disgusting.
Bzzzt!
"Hereby banished from [bbzzt!], [-]
You're foolish, N-]! D-] and the others were right!
[-]
Arisa's eyes remained calm as fog enveloped them, the feeling felt familiar yet foreign. Perhaps because she's so angry that she is remaining calm. It's rare for her to turn to this state. Perhaps it was something else. But, she feels like a stone right now, considering that the one that turned out to betray not just her, but the other others, as Arash. Her mind began to wander back to those days two years ago. When she first arrived in Albinea with her father. It was a job that required a clearing of bandits. Of course, her aunt and uncle, the team, the girls and herself were surprised when they heard her father took the job offer. Back in those days, when they arrived, about half the team began sputtering curses because of how cold it was. It was worse than Faerghus. Even her father was shivering. They met up with the team they were working with. Dietre, Ivory, Arash, Lolo, and Hyde. Now looking back at the group of four, Arash was the oldest.
"We're here." Hai's grave voice made her snap out of it and look around.
For some reason, Sothis was becoming uneasy. She could feel the waves of uncertainty fill Sothis like water. Arisa was confused. Something was not adding up as she began recalling memories of the distant past. She knows she has seen Arash before, without his mask. As well as knowing what was his age, but for some reason...she doesn't remember.
"That's not a good sign." She thought as she now focused on her surroundings.
Looking around, it looked like she was in the middle of the battlefield of the arena of the Roman Empire. The ground was a dark brown but had cracks of ice, making it look like thin veins on the ground. Stone walls and seats were made of a strange blue marble stone. Old banners with the Crest of Aubin and the other unknown ones have still hanged all around. But time seems to have taken their toll on them because some were ripped. Others had parts of them eaten away by bugs, or completely in tatters. The scent of water was strong here. A bit too strong. As if a thunderstorm had just hit.
The group followed Hai and then had them stopped at the center of the arena. The blue hair woman took a shaky deep breath as the ground beneath them glowed in a far too familiar symbol that Arisa knew.
"Naga..." Sothis muttered, deep rage in the voice.
Arisa hid her face of surprised far too well, that even Sothis was surprised she uttered the name. For the progenitor God, the name flowed naturally on her tongue yet when she spoke it, there were a different variety of emotions that came with it. Love and joy. Yet anger and shame. Sothis did not understand. This name held such meaning yet she can not remember. For some reason, the name Thabes also comes to her mind. Her attention turned back as Arisa and Flayn looked at Hai shocked. Thin gold chains came from the ground and suddenly wrapped around the woman. As if chaining her to the very ground. Arash chuckled while Hai gave him a blank stare.
"Kampstadion was once a tradition here in the former Kingdom of Icecles. Where battles for positions and power were fought for by those who believed they earned it. But...only those of the royal family may challenge the king for the throne." Hai began to explain as she held her hand up a bit.
The chains rattled ever so slightly, it was to show them. Hai spoke bitterly as she continued, memories of the past resurfacing.
"When...their prince returned to this land, he challenged his elder brother for the throne. As for me...I am the watcher when the event begins. These chains," they rattled once more, "are to prevent me from having a favorite. I can not interfere. I can not aid any side. I can not...leave this land...ever." she looked back to them, "For that is also my curse...that placed on me by my power to protect the land. I can not alter fate. No matter how much I wish it. That is my curse...and punishment for failing to protect my people." She let go of a shaky sigh.
"You...punish yourself...?" Arisa muttered while Arash just had a neutral face.
"Of course." Hai sighed a bit as she began to walk, the chains following her, "I failed so many people. I wasn't able to stop the darkness destroying everything I love..."
Arisa frowned as she gently touched her dragon stone. Perhaps that feeling of helplessness she can relate to. There have been times where she wanted to give up, yet she forced herself not to. Unlike Hai and many others, she was blessed with the ability to alter fate. Somewhat. She could stop the death of someone or fix an action. But Arisa also realizes the great burden she carries. All this time right now, she has been gifted with the ability of divine intervention. But, what if she didn't have that power? Of course, her mind wandered back to her old days in her former world.
She wasn't an atheist. That was for sure. She didn't exactly believe in God but she did believe there were beings of a higher power. Like Claude. That was how she was in her old world. Faith and religion were topics she avoided like the plague in the past. Honestly, it's a topic she still avoids. But, at the same time, it is what helps people. It is like an anchor, a form that reassurance to others. And when the subjects of politics and power get involved, she recalls the serious class discussion she had with the three houses. This was before the Ashen Wolves came to be known. Lorenz even made a point that religion was used as a weapon by nobles to "justify" the atrocious actions they have done or to cover up something. Even to disobey the law.
"Arash...state what you are challenging for..." Hai spoke bitterly as the man smiled and turned to the other three.
"Other than the throne...I want..." he pointed to Arisa.
The woman's eyes only narrowed a bit as the goddess hovered near her.
"I want the Crest that connected you directly to the earth." He stated and Arisa straightened herself immediately.
This is a first. Someone directly telling her they want her Crest. Sothis stiffened hearing this as she looked over to her friend, but was seeing no reaction out of her till she spoke.
"My crest...really?" Arisa crossed her arms, raising her chin a bit, "Sorry to inform you but my Crest is one that's not able to be passed on. Unfortunately, I'm a special case." She lied.
"Is this the fact because you're a homunculus?" He says and Arisa became a bit tense.
"Excuse me?" She growled a bit.
"I know a reanimated corpse when I see one..." Arash took a step forward, "I used work with necromancy once upon a time. And I know..." he pointed to her heart, "How exactly...corpses can be given life."
"I'm human." Arisa's voice became cold.
"Are you?" His smile became sinister and turned back to Hai, "My opponent will be Arisa. I win the battle, I take her Crest as the reward."
"You ain't leaving me out!" Dietre stood quickly in front of his friend as did Flayn.
"I shall be fighting you as well!" Flayn declared and Arisa looked at her shocked.
"Absolutely not!" Arisa hissed to the girl, "I do not need your father coming after my head if you are injured!"
"Arisa, I can handle myself. Please." Flayn looked at her with pleading eyes that reminded the woman of Kama.
"Ugh...Alright..." Arisa let go of a defeated sigh and looked over to Dietre, "And I already know why you're doing it."
"Yeah..." Dietre muttered as she placed a hand on his right shoulder, giving him a reassuring look.
"We'll save them. I promise." She smiled a bit softly at him and he nodded.
"Then let me say what I want from this battle." Dietre said as Hai had a worried look, "Why the sudden betrayal? What happened? And who exactly are you?" He says.
"Well, I feel left out," Ivy spoke out suddenly and Arisa just glared at her.
"Shut it whore." Dietre growled at her and the Agarthan smirked.
"Ahhh~ But you loved when this pussy clutched your cock so well. How you enjoyed kissing my skin...remember?" Ivory smiled at him and boy was Arisa glad she covered Flayn's ears on time.
The mint haired girl was confused while everyone else's poor ears were suffering from hearing Ivy's and Dietre's strings of profanities.
"Alright enough!" Hai growled as she looked at Ivy, "I never thought I would be seeing a living Agarthan in this age." She grumbled and Ivory smiled.
"Oh half-breed, if only you knew. Especially your mother...who is a traitor to my people." Ivy sneers and Arisa let out a dry chuckle.
"I guess we can relate to some form." Arisa smiled bitterly as Hai turned and began walking up the air as if she was walking on the stairs.
She isn't going to show mercy.
- Garreg Mach -
The weather in Fodlan today was dreadful. Gray clouds became darker as the day went by. The scent of water was heavy in the air. There were high chances of a thunderstorm. It's been nearly a month since the Professor and Flayn went missing. They haven't confirmed it yet if they were still in Fodlan or outside of it. Edelgard didn't want to admit it but she was worried. The longer they were gone, the more restless everyone became. It was obvious to her that her stepbrother was worried (everyone was) that he wished he went out there and searched for them. Flayn, because they two had become friends and Arisa because he cares about her. To everyone in the four houses, it was just so obvious how Dimitri was helplessly in love with the Professor. He drank up her praises like a little schoolboy.
But enough about that.
Hubert's report had some concerning issues. Rhea has become restless as of lately. Despite the Archbishop putting on the fake smile that never reached her eyes, it was only a matter of time till she snapped. Rhea's obsession with the Professor had only grown and Hubert also noticed how her eyes would turn cold and smile strained when Dimitri was in the same room as her. The prince did notice her treatment of him was different since the beginning of the semester. She was looking at him as if waiting for the perfect moment to strike him down. Now, the next report.
"Lady Rhea only has one hand?" Edelgard placed the paper down as she looked at Hubert with wide eyes.
They were currently in her room speaking regarding corners about Tomas and Monica.
"Yes." Hubert nodded.
The raven head pointed to his left hand and moved his left finger across from it, then stopped it just a little bit past his wrist.
"That is how much is gone. I was able to find a document from four years ago. It took place about a week later, after the Tragedy of Duscur." He says as he hands it to her.
The handwriting on it was nice (most likely Seteth's) but its contents gave her an unsettling feeling. The document read that on the 23rd of the Guardian Moon (January 23rd), that Lady Rhea was covered in blood, her left hand missing, sliced off. The wound was unusual and would not heal. It took Seteth and Flayn a special kind of magic to close it. After that, Emily was instructed to make a prosaic hand for her.
"Now, this report is from the Kingdom. The same year and a few days after the prince was rescued." He handed the stolen document one of their spies obtained and handed it to her.
Edelgard read it once more and a bead of sweat ran down her cheek as her eyes narrowed. The report was done by Erik, Emily's husband.
29th of The Guardian Moon Imperial year 1176
Seven survivors. Prince Zander, Prince Dimitri of House Blaiddyd. Lord Kuza of House Snowdrop of Duscur. Lord Glenn of House Fraldrious. 2 children who survived the fires in Dusur, Dedue, and Sadi Molinaro. Former Duchess of Houses Amaryllis, Amir, and Arisa Byleth Esnier, daughter of Jeralt the Blade Breaker. All of them suffered near-death wounds but it is a miracle they survived. We learned that an unknown group had attacked them in Ducur and also hunted down the survivors. Amir reported that this group calls themselves Those Who Slither in The Dark. We have never heard of such a group before and this is a first. However, what was also concerning is that all of them reported that a church official attacked them. They had chained up Miss Arisa in some form of magic and we're trying to make her drink some strange concoction. Prince Dimitri managed to gravely injure the person. By the voice, they were able to tell it was a woman and were able to see a ring that only the high ups of the Church of Serios wear.
Emily was able to recover the bones of a left hand, with the ring still intact. The fact that Prince Dimitri cut off someone's HAND using Areadbhar, I must admit, is impressive but also worrisome. A church official attacking members of the royal family not to also mention their retainers and tried to bring harm to the ones that saved them was their biggest mistake. Tensions have risen since the church keeps denying that it happened and worse now that it was announced Christophe of House Gaspard will be executed for working with this unknown group. My wife brought all the evidence needed and presented it to church, proving multiple times that he was innocent.
But no. Lady Rhea, I have never seen her so cold. Despite the smile she wore, her eyes were cold and full of rage. She made an example of Lord Christophe to show the citizens what will happen to those that go against the church. She did not even show a shred of regret when her son pleaded to her to spare his friend. Prince Zander, Lord Gleen, and Lord Kuza had to be held back by the guards, Sir Gustave and Sir Rodrigue. I had to hold back my wife to keep her from sprinting up there. Even the knights of Serios had to hold back Beleth.
I expect at some point in the future that either Lord Rufus or Prince Dimitri will declare the Kingdom independent from the church. Lord Rufus expressed that he found it infuriating how the church meddled with the laws of the nation. It's as if they are trying to keep the nations from growing and becoming their own.
Ugh. This is all one big mess. I'm too old for this s-(There is another sentence here that was quickly scribbled away)
Edelgard placed down the paper and propped her elbows on her desk, resting her chin on her hands. The tense silence made her skin crawl.
"So..." she muttered, "It seems The Kingdom can become an ally of ours. However...I doubt that is going to happen...even with the new bonds we have been forming." Edelgard had Hubert put the documents away.
"By the way, any news regarding why Lady Rhea was so distressed today?" She asked and Hubert frowned.
"An owl arrived from House Aubin. Someone attacked Beleth, Shamir, and Sandana on their way to Fhirdiad." Hubert muttered, "They were all gravely injured. They are alive but will have to stay in bed for a few weeks due to how severe the injuries are." He reports.
"I see..." Edelgard muttered and stood up, "That is all for today. Good job, Hubert."
"Thank you Lady Edelgard." He nods, "We should start heading to the auditorium. Today is the unknown presentation."
They exited her room and locked the door, however, the silence that filled the hallway of the second floor was disrupted by an angry scream.
"HOW COULD YOU DO THIS?!"
"That's Hilda." Edelgard gasped and the door to the pink hair girl's room opened, Marianne walked out, closing it.
The blue-haired girl looked up and smiled sadly at them.
"I am sorry you had to hear that." Marianne walked away from the door and towards them.
"It is alright." Edelgard smiled at her, "I'm sure you and Hilda will work it out. You both are classmates after all."
Marianne suddenly frowned a bit as they began to walk towards the stairs to head down. They were surprised to see Ferdinand heading up.
"Oh! Good morning everyone." He smiled but Edelgard knew something felt wrong.
"Ferdinand. You seem troubled." Hubert muttered and Ferdinand chuckled a bit.
"It's alright. I came to speak with Edelgard regarding something important but that can wait for another time." Edelgard raised an eyebrow at him, "Anyhow, we should head to the auditorium! Professor Hanneman is doing the first half. Emily is doing the second!".
[-]
The auditorium seats were filled. The students sat with their houses as they chattered among one another, waiting. It felt strange for the Blue Lions to see Sadi and Sylvian wearing the same uniforms as those of Abyss. But, Lestia had to admit, the color suited them better. Sylvain looked happier along with Sadi, who was talking with him. Her personality shift was a bit of surprise for many but overall, she was still the same kind girl. Lestia waved over to them and they waved back, with grins on their faces. Yuri and Christian were talking to one another, and the purple-haired boy smirked at him. Chris just shook his head but smirked back at him. Claude was bored as he heard the back door of the auditorium, open. His eyes went wide when he saw Hilda come in with an angry face, her eyes a bit red. She currently had an aura that no one wanted to be near her. The girl stomped as she sat down next to Claude with arms crossed, anger in her eyes. As much as everyone wanted to ask what happened, it wasn't a good time.
"Hilda, seems you are being bothered by something. I am surprised to see Marienne is not with you."
And then there is Lorenz.
It seems speaking Marianne's name made Hilda's mood plummet that even the temperature around them became cold.
"Lorenz, don't speak anymore," Alexandra spoke as she kept reading her book, Amir next to her.
The two females were sitting in the front row, in front of Hilda and Claude. While Lorenz was about to say something else, one look from Leonie made him shut up. The door to the entrance opened and in came Edelgard, Hubert, Ferdinand, and Marianne. However, what made those in the room confused were that Ferdinand and Marianne went straight to the Ashen Wolf row, to Christian. From what Dimitri could tell, as Edelgard and Hubert made their way to their fellow Black Eagles, it seems the two students were whispering something to the Abyss Professor. Christian looked at them surprised but nodded. He managed to hear "We'll speak of this after the presentation." The two students nodded and asked permission if they could sit with them. Chris nodded and Marianne went to sit next to Constance and Ferdinand next to Sylvian. Balthus commented Heavy Armor and Ferdinand grinned a bit nervously.
Hilda's mood only dropped as now the anger she had was replaced with sadness and guilt. Edelgard, the twins, and Claude were suddenly hit with realization at what upset Hilda. Before they could even speak, the doors to the entrance opened once more, and in came Jeralt, Catherine, Alois, Gilbert, Seteth, Crescent, Tomas, 59, and Manuela. It was a surprise for many to see 5 Knights of Serios come in. Monica raised an eyebrow and then glared at 60 when the girl enthusiastically waved at her twin brother, earning a few chuckles. Monica placed her hand behind the twin's neck, making her freeze and sit down suddenly.
"Stop. Being. An. Annoyance." Monica smiled as she dug her nails behind the girl's neck, drawing just a bit of blood.
60's smile became a strain and her mask hid the fear on her face. Yet, those like Yuri, Claude, and Lestia noticed the sudden change in girls' demeanor. To them, something about Monica didn't feel right. Hilda had expressed it to Claude also. Anyhow, the group that came in went to take their seats. And for the third damn time, the entrance door burst open, and in came Hannamen painting, carrying some sort of jar that was covered in a black cloth.
"Forgive me for nearly being late!" Hanneman panted as he walked up to the desk in the front and placed the items down, "Emily will be a bit late due to a guest of hers. As for Lady Rhea, usually, she would be present for this presentation but due to an emergency, she will not be able to." He explains.
Whisperers and murmurs were heard yet Edelgard maintained a calm face as she glanced over to the area where those of the Church of Serios sat. Seteth and Catherine whispered among themselves, Edelgard already knew why. Right when Hanneman was about to speak the door opened once more and peaked in two small figures.
"Grandpapa Jeralt!"
Jeralt's eyes looked like they popped out of his sockets as he scrambled from his seat, and bolted to the door. Even Amir and Alexandra snapped their heads up so fast that it looked like they broke their necks. Chris had a calm face. It was a hilarious sight.
"What are you kids doing here?!" The man gasped as the two kids had mischievous grins as they walked in.
The first child was the Kitsune boy that the Lords briefly met in Remire village. They recalled that he is Arisa's adopted son. In reality, the boy sees her more like an older sister. Arisa learned of this a few months ago and respects the boy's choice. The second boy had spiky green hair that's shoulder-length and wore an Almyran yellow bandana around his head. He also wore a dark blue tunic, with black pants underneath, brown shoes. He has hazel colored eyes that fade to green.
"No way...Impossible..." Both the color of the two male Nabateans left their faces as they saw the green-haired boy speaking excitedly to Jeralt along with the Kitsune one.
"Kaimu and Jaden. What are you kids doing here?" Jeralt whispered to him, a bit frustrated.
"Papa is with Emily! He's helping her with the presentation!" Kaimu grins as Jaden nodded.
"Uncle Florence said it was dangerous and said for us to go to Mama's room. But we saw everyone heading here so we followed them!" Jaden grins and Amir and Alexandra facepalm.
"Sigh..." Jeralt let go of a sigh and looked over to Hanneman, "Do you mind if they sit with us?"
"Go ahead." Hanneman chuckled as Jeralt led the boys to the Church of Serios section and had them sit next to him.
"Now, to the presentation." Hanneman coughed and took out a magic tool.
He touched it, allowing his Crest to activate it. It projected words onto the chalkboard and he spoke.
"The reason you were all called in today is that this presentation is given every year. This is not only for all of you to be aware should a certain dangerous situation happen but for also you may all learn a bit of history." He smiled and waved his hand.
The image on the board changed to one of those Church paintings you see in the Fodlan history books. This image showed the goddess, her hands spread out as if she was welcoming someone. Yet, tears fell from her eyes, and they fell onto the dry dirt.
"When the goddess first came to the land, she blessed it with life. Fodlan was once barren and try land, unable to house life. The first land that is said she gave life to was Faerghus. She took the soulless soil in her hands and wept, thus, blessing the land with the first flowers." Hanneman explained as he pointed his wooden teaching stick to the weeping goddess.
Edelgard along with Claude had to keep themselves from rolling their eyes at this. Those that live or grew up in Faerghus already know this legend because it was told to them countless times growing up.
"Now," the image then changed to a beautiful drawing of a star-shaped flower that was drawn to give the illusion of translucent flower petals. The petals were a light pink that faded to green in the center of it. Its little anthers were the shape of a star.
"This flower is called The Heaven Wolf Star. It is most commonly known as Sirius." He turned to the black cloth-covered jar and uncovered it.
"What on earth?" Dimitri and Lestia, along with many gasps as Hanneman revealed a glass bell jar.
Inside of it was the very flower in the picture. It was growing in a wide enough pot with moss. Inside the bell glass jar, was moist and misty. The veins of the flower seem to glow a light rainbow color. Its petals were truly translucent. Hanneman smiled proudly as he presented it.
"It's beautiful..." Dorothea whispered.
Linhardt, Bernadetta, and Ignatz whipped out their journal and began writing or drawing.
"This flower is said to have been born from the very tears of the goddess. It was thought to have gone extinct 400 years ago. The reason is because of war. The lands were destroyed and the bloody history of our land caused it to disappear." He starts speaking excitedly, "It is said that this flower can cure any disease. There are records that this flower has saved those who suffered wounds that would have killed them. Others that they have cured those with unknown diseases.
"...Grandpapa." Kaimu whispered to Jeralt, "That flower...I've seen it before."
"Probably in one of your books, kid." Jeralt gave him a small smile.
"Nope." Kaimu shook his head, "I saw it in my dreams. Along with a blonde-haired woman."
"Ah...so you have similar dreams like Byleth?" Jeralt sighs and the boy nodded.
"Blonde hair..." Seteth thought he looked over to his brother, who had narrowed eyes at the flower.
"Professor Hanneman." Ignatz raised his hand, "If I may ask, how did you obtain this flower?"
"Ah." Hanneman smiled a bit sadly, "Unfortunately you would have to ask Emily that. All I know is that this flower was obtained from the mountains of Duscur." He says.
Dimitri glanced at Dedue, who was silent.
"Is it the only one?" Mercedes asked.
"As of now, there is one flower field of them." Hanneman explains, "The Holy Magus of the Alliance is currently working with Emily and me to help grow the population of this flower. It is very difficult to grow. In the past, these flowers used to grow all over Fodlan. Now in this era, they are currently being taken care of in Zoltra Territory in the Kingdom and are said to grow deep in the mountains of Almyra." He finished.
"Hubert." Edelgard telepathically spoke to him.
"It shall be done." Hubert gave her a nod as both noticed that Monica became pale at the sight of the flower, a bead of sweat running down her face.
"Now, the next half of the presentation will be done by Emily." Hanneman nods as the door opens and in comes, Emily but next to her was also Florencio.
"Actually." Emily spoke seriously, "I won't. He will." She motioned her head a bit towards Florencio, who had a serious face as he also held a bell glass jar covered by a black cloth.
The purple-haired Germory walked up as he held the glass jar carefully and placed next to the other. Hanneman went to take his seat as Emily placed a plant on the desk and then went to sit down. Florencio let go of a shuddering breath as his smile was bitter.
"I haven't been up here in years..." he spoke as he looked around, "This half of the presentation is why you are all called here today." He extends his hand towards the audience.
"Before we begin, I will be speaking a bit about my history as a doctor." He says and Jeralt nodded.
"Before I became a Holy Magus, I was once an assassin." Florencio began to speak and the Agarthans suddenly became tense, "I admit, I am not proud of my past. However, it is because of my past, that I have become a professional in the art of poisons."
Claude suddenly sat up straight and leaned in forward. The room had a heavy silence as some even looked over-worried to the boys. Seteth was surprised to see how calm Kaimu and Jaden were.
"Seems he didn't hide it from them." The man muttered as he looked back to the stage.
"Over the years, many new poisons were created. In the black market, I was once known as Doctor Death." He says and Dimitri gulped.
He recalls reading through the old records of Faerghus about such a man. It wasn't just the Kingdom. The Alliance and Empire also had records. Seteth narrowed his eyes but also guilt weighed on him when he remembered what he said to Sanadana last month.
"Before you all try and come after my head.." Florencio chuckled a bit, "I have long left those days. My sister and I met Jeralt and from there, our lives were turned. We left our old lives of thieves to survive. I decided to put my skills to good use of good. Since then, I and my sister have saved many lives. Some of you also seen us feed children in the orphanages." He smiled a bit sadly.
"But enough of my past now." He became serious as he looked over to the covered jar and then back to the other, "Today's lesson is serious. This lesson is taught every year to all four houses. It is required because you never know when you will encounter a specific situation that will require you to be fast and ready to treat someone who has been poisoned."
[-]
The frozen arena became filled with a tense atmosphere as Flayn and Dietre were put to fight Ivy. The Agarthan assassin bounced with joy as she twirled her daggers excitedly. Unfortunately, Arisa was forced to sit and watch. As much as she wanted to help in the fight, she can't. The young girl swung her staff like a sword, pouring magic to it to create a blade. Dietre jumped in the air and shot multiple arrows at the Agarthan. Ivy jumped in the air and spun her body like a tornado towards the man, nearly cutting him to pieces if Flayn hadn't grabbed his leg and pulled him down. The woman lands on all fours like a beast and snarled. It was clear to Arisa that all of them were taking this seriously. For her, perhaps because she is so angry right now, she is emotionally stunned. Temporary but still stunned. She noticed Sothis kept looking around, now taking notice of her surroundings, the walls have symbols that she knew.
"Hoshido, Nohr." Arisa muttered as she saw the symbols on two banners that were tattered. "Mila's symbol. Akano's, Naga, Medeus, Loptous...Duma...surprisingly even Grima. Ashera, Yune..." she uncrossed her arms as she looked around.
"I don't understand...these symbols shouldn't exist here." She muttered as Sothis stopped in front of the Brand of Naga.
The goddess stared at it with a wide eyes and hissed as a sharp pain filled her head. The woman also felt that oncoming headache but just took deep breaths. Sothis's emotions were becoming more conflicted as the minutes passed especially as the fight between the other three continued.
"Ghaa!" Flayn yelled as she was socked in the face, stumbling back as she held her cheek.
The girl glared as she held her fist up, her Aura knuckles manifested themselves. Her feet spread apart as her eyes became cold.
"There!" Ivy growled as Dietre stood next to Flayn, his sword out, "There is the look of you filthy beast! It was because of your Creator that my people lost their home!" She roared.
"It was the fault of both of us!" Flayn yelled as the two lunged at each other, aura knuckles and dagger clashing, sparks made.
Their eyes narrowed as they looked at each other in the eyes.
"My people warned you what your advancements were doing to the land! How they were affecting those around you! We kept warning you!" Flayn yelled as they traded blows, twists, and turns, sparks flying.
Dietre came from behind Flayn as the girl twisted her body, allowing him and his sword to be locked in combat with the woman.
"Tell me exactly why you are here and not the real Ivy!" He yelled as they each jumped in opposite directions.
"Bosses orders!" Ivy grinned, "You think we're just going to let you worshipers of those beasts still live? No way. This land possesses the final gate! Where is it?!"
"The final gate?" Arisa uncrossed her arms as Sothis whipped around quickly to look at the Agarthan in shock.
"Where is the Outrealm gate?!"
"...That should not exist here." Arisa's eyes slowly went wide as she noticed Sothis suddenly clutching her head tightly, almost painfully.
"Gate...outsider...Sea of Stars...I...know those words!" The goddess's voice cracked, her head pounded.
Unfortunately, Arisa didn't get to hear the rest when a loud snap was heard along with a piercing scream. Flayn screamed as she jumped back, holding her right arm, it was limp. The girl gritted her as tears were threatening to spill from her eyes. Dietre managed to stab Ivy in the ribs. The Agarthan woman laughed as she had her hand over her waist, blue blood dripping.
"Flayn!" Arisa yelled as she realized that Ivy had broken Flayn's arm.
"Suffer!" Ivy yelled and lunged once more but this time, Dietre took that opportunity a
and warped himself behind her.
The sick sound of the leviathan sword plunging through the chest from behind, making sure she died, he poured every ounce of magic into it. It was like a giant tree of electricity burst out of Ivy's chest. The woman screaming as the scent of burning flesh in the air, droplets of her blood splattered all over the frozen floor. Some of it on Flayn's and Diere's face. The woman was dead, her body charged as Dietre pulled out his sword. Ivy dropped to the ground, defeated, dead. The small puffs of smoke showed how they were panting. Flayn dropped to her knees, along with Dietre, he used the sword as support to hold himself up a bit. Arisa jumped down the balcony, nearly sending Hai into a heart attack because the jump was 40 feet down. She made one wing manifest to allow herself to land properly then sprinted to them.
Seeing Ivy's charred body up close made her want to vomit because the scent of flesh made her nose burn. She knelt to Dietre and immediately was about to start using heals but he grabbed her wrist, shaking his head.
"Treat her first." He muttered and she nodded.
Quickly she ran and was by her side, her hands hovering over Flayn's right arm. The girl wanted to cry and burst into tears. Arisa can only imagine the pain she is feeling. After all, it's been years since Flayn fought such a gruesome battle. Arisa felt guilt claw her heart because it was her fault they were in this mess. That they were in Albinea. She doesn't regret her actions in saving her, that's for her. But more towards the consequences. Looking back, Arisa realizes she is still the girl that was afraid of facing the future. She wants to save everyone but knows there will be the chance it may not be possible. She doesn't want Jeralt to die. She doesn't want her father to die. She doesn't want anyone she loves to die. Perhaps because she trapped herself to be so focused on the future that her own goals and judgment have been clouded.
"Ow!" Flayn yelped as she felt her bones popping back into place and healing.
"Is this what you suffered? It's a painful process?" Arisa asked as made her left hand extend over to Dietre to heal him, while her right hand was focusing on Flayn.
"We heal while alive. We can feel our bones put themselves back into place, along with our wounds closing. Unfortunately...Ngh!" Flayn gritted her teeth as another small pop was heard, "The process is painful."
"Am I going to go through that?" Arisa thought as she helped the girl stand up, picking her up like a child with one arm, one of the benefits of being a part dragon.
Dietre was somewhat alright but she picked him up also, much to his embarrassment.
As she summoned her wings to fly up, she saw Ivy's body still laying there. Perhaps she can check her belongings once she sets the others down. Arisa could feel Arash's eyes on her as she landed about 10 feet away from him. She placed the others down as she handed them both pure waters to help them heal a bit better. As she turned back, she saw Ivy's body warped away.
"You want to look through her body? Sick." Arash chuckled as she just glanced at him.
"You say that but you're sick." She snarled back.
His only reply was silence as the two jumped down to the field. Walking to the center, there were still droplets of blood on it, fresh. She unsheathed The Sword of the Creator and used her dagger to cut slits at the side of her dress, making it easier to move in.
"Before we begin." She spoke calmly as the two turned to face each other, "Why do I want my Crest?"
"You know..." Arash sighs as he pulls out a tome from his cloak, it begins to float in front of him as the pages begin to flip rapidly, "Crest used to go by another name. They used to be called Blood Runes." He smiled as they stepped back.
Each getting into their fighting positions as they steadily breathe. Then...
BAM!
The two lunged at each other viciously, with full intent to kill the other. Their eyes widened as their weapons clashed. One, who wielded a weapon blessed by the goddess, and the other a tome of the unknown. Left and right, powerful thrust, aiming for the gut and chest. A barrier deflecting back, the hands of the mage swirling with dark magic. Yet, in this battle, Arisa could feel Sothis was conflicted. As much as both wished the goddess wasn't distracted, it can't be avoided. Especially with the area around them triggering emotions that the goddess didn't think she would experience. Sothis has experienced anger and sorrow, yet these blurred memories were triggering emotions that were long forgotten. Arisa jumped back as she winced, closing her left eye as she felt the sharp pain go through it. She wasn't wounded, but Sothis being distracted was costing her mobility. She felt sluggish. Arisa didn't understand.
"You are distracted," Arash commented as the balls of fire formed behind him, ready to launch.
"No, I'm not." Arisa snapped back as she thrust the sword at him again.
"That's what they all say." He growled back as he motioned his hand towards her, the fireballs coming down like comets.
She ran towards him as he kept sending himself back, her body a bit down and forward as she jumped to dodge two fireballs. However, she didn't expect that the third one to suddenly burst into multiple Vestal witches. Spinning in multiple directions she cut the witches down, it was the least she could do to give these poor souls some rest. They cried as they were cut down as she turned to the final one, but...
"Arisa!"
The sword stopped only mere inches from the neck of the witch, it's voice weeping as Arisa's eyes went wide. A bead of sweat rolling down her face as her hands shook. The witches hands reaching out to hug her.
"My sweet daughter...Como te estranado." The witch smiled warmly but was suddenly cut in half, screaming as it faded away.
Arisa let go of a frustrated huff as she turned to Arash. A single tear fell from her eye as she pointed her sword towards the smirking man.
"I welcome you..." he crossed his arms as multiple talismans began circling him, "To the terror of memories!"
The talisman burst into different elements and took on the forms of humans. All of them...took the form of her students in their time skip versions. Students of the Black Eagles were created from flames. Those of the Blue Lions create from ice. Those of the Golden Deer were created from the wind. And lastly, the Ashen Wolves, created from ash. However, there were two that walked up created from black colored flames. Arisa knew they were forms of Beleth and Byleth.
"Traitor."
"Fool."
"Murder."
"Why did you not choose us?"
"You abandoned us."
The students of the Golden Deer screamed when her sword suddenly turned to whip, they were all destroyed in an instant. Arash frowned as he made his figures run towards. He got the voices the same. They sounded like those students. They acted like them. So why was she not breaking? He makes sure to look at her memories once more. After all, all those years ago she saw his face and he made sure she did not remember. His left arm still burned because her Crest activated and he felt it. It has been years since he had witnessed the power of the divine ones. The Divine One immediately defended the girl and warped her away. To the girl, she believed she woke up with her family. Arisa slashed at the ice Dimitri and made sure he shattered then use Incineration on all the Blue Lions the minute they all lunged at her to avenge their leader. She hated this. This fucked up battle was to break her. There were too many questions and right now, the only one she wanted to be answered is, why? Now that she thought about it, she did not see Lestia, Sadi, and quite a few others. Only...the main cast.
"Ha," Arisa smirked a bit as she ripped off Edelgard's head and quickly used Burst on her.
To make sure the flames vaporize before they have a chance to reform.
"Trying to break me with this old trick again?" She jumped back but hissed when Beleth's sword grazed her shoulder.
"Who said that was my only trick?"
[-]
Carefully, Florencio removed the black cloth covering the bell jar. Inside was the same misty appearance of a plant however, instead of a rainbow-colored one, it was a crimson. It was the shape of Sirius, however, its' petals were blood crimson. Thin glowing purple veins of the flower gave it an unsettling look as if it was a pulsing heart. The filaments were a dark green and it's tipped, the anthers looked like they were made of amethyst but everyone could see that faint specks of light purple, the flower's pollen. The flower gave off an aura of malice, madness. Its leaves were pitch black, the faint veins glowed purple. Its stem was the color of crimson flames.
"Urg..." the first one to react to the feeling of the flower was Ferdinand.
The noble quickly covered his mouth and felt suddenly like he wanted to vomit. Soon, not just him, but those that bore Crest began to react. It was the students. The adults were already immune to its malicious aura because they had been to these presentations. Chris covered his mouth along with Alexandra and Amir. They too were feeling the effect since they had never once seen the flower. Those without Crest began to panic, worried for their friends.
"URGH!" Edelgard's eyes went wide as she saw 60 next to her also having the same reaction along with 59.
"If I had not placed the 5th barrier on this case," Florencio's voice seemed so far away to them, "all of you would be seeing a hallucination of the thing you fear the most." The man muttered as he extended his hand.
"5." He began a countdown while the students and instructors were withering in pain, "4."
Seteth fumed and turned to Florencio with a murderous glare to stop this. The assassin only gave him a side glance.
"3." The children were protected by the magic placed on them but they were getting scared as they hugged each other tighter.
"2." Florencio opened his fist, a green gem and he can hear students like Ashe, Dedue, Leonie, Ignatz, and such yelling at him to stop.
"1."
The green gem exploded into a shower of green dust, gently falling like snow all over the room. Sighs of relief and bliss-filled all the students but it was then replaced by glares and yells. However, one look from Florencio made everyone shut up and go back to their seats.
"You are all wondering why I left you all wither in pain." Florencio spoke coolly as he raised his hand a bit, "The answer is simple. Two times a week, you will all be undergoing a painful training regimen. This for only those that bear crest." He said as he put his hand on top of the bell glass jar.
"What is that..thing?!" Hilda yelled as Florencio only glanced at her before looking back to the flower.
"This is Sothal, the sister of the flower Sirius." He said and sighs, "This flower is said to be born from the wrath of Sothis. The reason I had you all experience pain is that is what happens when a person with a Crest is nearby. If Sirius is a Savoir then Sothal is The Destroyer." He picked up a small ball made of plants and made a small cut on his finger.
Everyone was silent as they watched blood droplets fall onto the ball, Linhardt was ready to vomit. The ball absorbed it, and he then took out a syringe with a black liquid in it.
"Sothal, is a poison also created from the very flower it was named after." He injects, "If you are a normal human with no Crest, you begin to feel sick. However..."
Crack...Crack...Crack!
"If a person with a Crest comes near, agony takes over their body."
[-]
The sound of popping veins was suddenly heard as the scratch that was made on Arisa, black veins began to suddenly appear. Her pulse began to slow down as she suddenly froze, the two Byleths turned to ash after she defeated them. The veins began to spread around her arm, she began shaking suddenly as she felt blood suddenly start dripping from her eyes. The man smirked as she forced herself to lung at him. Again she swung her sword but it felt like her blood was boiling. Sothis was screaming in agony in her mind and as much as Arisa wanted to make it stop, she could not. The blades clashed violently, pieces of the ground were destroyed. Sparks flying, their noses nearly touched as they kept fighting. Left and right, each attack countered with another. The miserable souls that Arash held captive cried out in agony as she jumped back, slashing at the talisman he kept throwing at her. Illusions of the faces that she should recognize she could not. Tears that were falling for these faces, she did not understand. Why did the faces of her past family were nothing but blurs? Why could she not remember their names? Even the voices that she recognized, almost sounded like they belonged to strangers.
Arisa did not understand. What was going? Sothis screamed filled the entire place, it could now be heard by not just her, but by Flayn, Hai, and Dietre. Cracks formed all over the Nabatean as she grabbed her head, thrashing around. Arisa fought, she was so close to finishing off Arash. She finally got the opening she needed, but she could not see the first crack that formed on The Sword of The Creator. Another crack, she could not hear them forming as she was so focused. She jumped on top of him, ready to lounge the sword through his chest. Every single drop of anger and rage she poured into the thrust but...
BUBUMBP!
"A-Ah...Ahh!"
Burn.
Everything around her suddenly came to a halt. The black veins began to spread all around, all on her right arm. She felt like she was suddenly drowning. As if saltwater suddenly began to fill her lungs. Sothis's screams suddenly came to a halt as the goddess only panted. She floated silently as the cracks were still on her body. One second Arisa was on the verge of plunging her sword through Arash's chest. The next second-
"So it finally took effect." He smirked as he watched her stagger back.
"Ah-Ah!" Her voice came out like chokes as a sudden burning sensation began to take over her body.
She still forced herself to hold her sword as he now had the advantage. Her vision was becoming unstable, unfocused. She kept trying to hold herself together as she felt like something was crawling all over her. Even breathing felt like her blood was boiling.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
[-]
"When a person with a Crest is poisoned by Sothal, the first sign is simple. The cut or puncture hole, the veins around that are beginning to turn black. You can hear the sound of your veins popping." Florencio explained as everyone watched in horror as black veins began to appear on the ball.
"If a normal human were to be poisoned, they die immediately. Their heart explodes inside of them and they fall to the ground." He explained and everyone swore Bernadetta screamed.
"However, it is very different for a person with a crest." Everyone flinched, the ball began twitching, "They die a slow agonizing death. First, the veins become contaminated, slowly decaying the magic veins in the person's body. Then, the beating of your heart becomes slower by each second. It feels as if your blood is boiling." He says and the plants began wilting slowly.
"You start to wither and twitch in pain. You start to see hallucinations of the thing you fear the most. You start to hear voices that are not real. Slowly descending to madness. Your blood turns black like ink. Your voice to cracking. You feel as if the lungs are being filled with salt water. You can not breathe." Florencio kept explaining as he glanced over to the students.
[-]
Her eyes went wide as she began to see cracks forming on The Sword of the Creator. How could she not notice?! Why didn't she hear them till now? All of her senses, they feel off! The blood that she coughs, it's not red. The black veins are now spreading onto her face. Her blood is boiling. Arash's wicked grin only grew as he began to enjoy the choking sounds of agony. The black veins spread from that small graze on her shoulder. Arisa felt like she was on fire. He lunged at her once more. The force that he brought with his sword felt as she was trying to lift multiple boulders. Her muscles screamed. The ringing in her ears became worse. She needs to activate the time pulse or at this rate, she will be killed!
"Ah..Tch!" His force was becoming too much!
She kept pushing. Even gritting her teeth felt as if she was chewing on sand.
[-]
"Your senses become dull." Florencio held up a small potion bottle with black liquid.
The students and instructors stared at the bottle, terrified as the man tapped the cork of it with his chin.
"One whiff of this, and a normal human loses their sense of taste, smell, and will die in two months. If a person with a Crest smells it, instant pain. Their eyes start watering and as 6 months pass by, their body slowly starts shutting down. They start to see hallucinations and slowly become insane." He muttered.
"Y-You sounds as if you have personal experience with it." Claude chuckled nervously and Florencio suddenly became still.
Slowly, the older man put the bottle away and grinned, showing off his pointy canines. Claude gulped as the man placed his index fingers on his lips as if telling the students to be silent.
"Your voice begins to disappear. Your voice does not come out full but in chokes." Florencio continues to describe the death of someone who bears a Crest, "Your muscles feel as if they are screaming. Your strength begins to fade away. Every movement you make feels as if you are lifting boulders. Your eyes start to cry out black blood. Your throat becomes dry. You feel like you swallowed sand." Slowly he took one step on the stairs leading down.
His witch hat covering the front of his face is it could be seen along with his hair covering the sides. No one could see that just for a moment, his split personality took over. How wicked and cruel his grin became as memories of his older days began to resurface. He walked in between the two rows of seats. The Black Eagles on the left and Blue Lions on the right.
[-]
BUBUMP!
Time pulse won't activate! Dread began to fill her and it only worsened as the pressure he was unleashing became stronger. The relic was cracking. Cracking. Cracking! Cr-
It was as if time chose to slow down at that very moment. Slowly, Arisa watched as the long blade of the sword became nothing but fragments of bones before her eyes. Slowly, she watched the triumph grin on Arash become nothing but pure evil. Her eyes looked down like the blade of the sword slowly cut across her at a diagonal angle. From her right shoulder, between her breast, the cut ends just a bit under her left breast. Sothis only twitched as she was silent, the shadows covering her eyes as the only thing she could hear was ringing. Arisa's eyes went wide as she saw memories from the past 17 years all suddenly flashing before her eyes. All the painful ones she wanted to forget, all of the mistakes and things she missed, all came back in an instant. Regret and despair filled every fiber of her body as she fell to the cold hard floor.
"NO!" Flayn screamed when the relic shattered.
The katana slashed Arisa across the chest. The black veins only grew as she twitched, falling to the cold floor. The pool of blood grew as Arash smirked.
"I present to you, a little poison called Sothal." He smiled as the sword was shattered.
She still held onto the bottom part of it as her eyes were wide, blood dripping from her lips as she was looking up to the sky. Every single emotion she kept denying, came back.
[-]
"Memories that were long forgotten, will resurface," Florencio muttered as he continued to walk slowly.
His steps echoed like a haunting tune in the silent auditorium.
"You will see every single mistake, every single detail, every single regret you made." He muttered as he stopped between Monica and Felix, "Your life will flash before your eyes as you feel your body become cold. You feel it shut down. Every heartbeat, it sounds as if it is in your ear." He slowly turned to Monica, who became terrified as she saw his face.
The smile held nothing but cruelty as he pointed to his head.
"Hell is the human brain." His eyes held a clear message that the Agarthan in disguise understood.
"I know who you are."
She saw his split personality. She could feel the killing intent. Kronya should not know fear. She shouldn't feel fear. Then...why is she scared? Florencio gave her a closed eye smile as she turned back to the group, able to see all the students and instructors. He decided to be a bit extra today. Something about making these brats feel pain was satisfying.
"Once a week." He walked back towards the desk up front, "All students and also Instructors with a Crest will be coming to this classroom. You all need to develop immunity to the self-defense mechanism that flower creates." He went around the desk and gently tapped Sothal, "What you feel now is nothing compared to what it is like without any of the barriers. The only reason you kids are in no pain right now is because of the gem I used on all of you." He smiled.
"You overdid it," Emily tells out and Florencio rolled his eyes.
"I did not. You were planning to start it off without any of the barriers." He shot back and Dimitri and Lestia looked at her horrified along with the others.
"Hey. That's what Lady Cira did to me." Emily huffed and everyone could have sworn the twins (Faerghus ones) looked at her horrified, "She did it to Rodrigue, Lambert, Gilbert, and Alexander also! Heck, even to Duke Reigan and all those of the roundtable. Even the heads of Aderstia! Just because they are still kids, doesn't mean I'm going easy on them."
"SHE DID WHAT TO OUR PARENTS?!" Said children of the parents named all yelled horrified.
[-]
"The fact you are still alive makes me sick." Arash snarled as he watched Arisa rollover, crawling weakly on the floor towards him.
Everything burned. She could not hear what he was saying. It was all muffled. Her vision was blurry as he ran towards her and, kicked her with a force that should have killed her. He sent her flying towards the stone wall, the woman screamed but only silence left her throat. The bleeding continues as she slid to the ground, leaving a large streak of black and red blood on the wall.
"Stop you won! You're just torturing her now!" Dietre yelled and Arash kicked the woman in the opposite direction, her right shoulder fracturing at the impact.
He gritted his teeth, seeing that even if she was utterly defeated, she refused to let go of the broken sword.
"Let!" He grabbed her hand and tried to pry her fingers off, "it go!" He yelled and no matter what he did, her grip was like steel.
"I can't feel anything...I can't hear anything..." Arisa thought as she couldn't move.
She could tell Aradh was trying to force to let go of the sword. Another kick, a punch to the gut. Nothing was working. Not even magic. Flayn and Dietre screamed for him to stop and Hai tried to break free from the chains but to no avail.
"So this where I die..." A ghost smile graced her lips.
Even if her vision was Blur, she could tell Sothis was floating around five feet above her.
"Hey, Sothis...It's been fun...I don't want to die but...even I won't survive this..." she thought but...
"Pathetic."
Arisa didn't know where she suddenly had strength but her eyes snapped open as she forcibly looked up. The world around her changed to the room of the throne. She laid on her pool of blood as she saw the goddess standing above her with a cold look. Sothis motioned her hand to her, her voice cold.
"You dare let this pathetic insect win?" Her voice was cold, no warmth, no kindness, just cruelty.
It was as if she was walking on an invisible staircase as her emerald eyes were void of emotions. The pink ribbons turned back as her regalia. Sothis glare was pointed to her.
"Get up. You will not allow a pathetic insect like a human to cut you down. Do you realize who you are? We are of the divine dragons!" Sothis boomed as the black mist began to surround Arisa.
"Sothis...?" Arisa couldn't say her name, what was going on?
"Duma was right." Sothis said coldly, "It was the right thing to do destroying Thabes. Those insects were becoming too powerful. They are to bow to our feet! We are God! Stand up! Rise!" She roared and the black mist began to fill the woman.
"Aahhhh!"
Arash was suddenly thrown back and was barely able to recover when he looked up to the woman, shocked. Slowly, Arisa rose like a zombie as the blood she pulled began to suddenly flow back into her body. The area where the crest stone would be placed begins to glow an eerie green as she stood up. Her movements were sluggish as she opened her eyes but they weren't pupils. The white around the eyes was black as her pupils were the Crest of Flames but it looked cracked. The power that began to rise in her as black energy began to pour out of the shattered relic, engulfing her right hand and part of her shoulder.
"That's right..." Sothis smiled as she hugged the woman from behind.
Her hair floating in the air, like a river of water, "Destroy the insect. Let us prove Naga is wrong. Humans are vile creatures that only want power." She muttered as images played through her eyes.
Sothis was arguing loudly with someone. This seemed to be a much younger version of the goddess. Her warm eyes were cruel and cold. She was arguing.
"YOU ARE BANISHED!"
The sentence roared in her mind as Arisa lunged at the man, who was barely able to defend himself against her. Flayn covered her mouth, in horror as she realized that the corrupted power of the relic had taken over her friend. At the rate it was going, Arisa was going to become a demonic beast. Her hair had turned white as snow, the curled horns manifest themselves as three skeletons like wings sprouted from her back, on the right side. Her right arm was black, it looked it belongs to a Hegmon. If she was conscious, the best way Arisa would describe it is that it looked like a grim arm.
"That's right..." Sothis cooed wickedly as she caressed her cheek, "Destroy them all..."
"Son of bitch!" Arash snarled as he ripped off his mask, revealing a man with dark blue hair and crimson eyes.
"No! It can't be!" Hai screamed as she instantly recognized his face.
The man just glared as the woman fighting only moved like a puppet with strings. He didn't even know if she was human anymore based on how she kept cocking her head side to side like a confused child.
"Pathetic." Sothis tuts and Flayn suddenly froze when Arash turned to look her way.
"There. I found my weapon." And out he lunged to her.
"No!" Dietre quickly lunged himself at Flayn and made her hit the ground before Arash cut her head off.
The man snarled as he watched the two quickly scramble up to run but he was faster. Flayn screamed when he was suddenly behind her, and grabbed her by her hair, pulling her back. He unsheaths the dagger he stole and grinned as tears streamed down the girl's eyes. Dietre was thrown off the balcony.
"You are one of the last few Nabeantens, you'll make a perfect staff." He grins and raises the dagger but it never comes.
Droplets of blood splattered on Flayn's face as a black clawed hand was seen through his chest. He could barely register what had happened as he slowly looked over his shoulder, he could feel them trembling.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Sothis roared furiously as her hands wrapped around her neck yet one eye became human as the woman the goddess was yelling to...refused to allow herself to be consumed.
"F...F...Flayn..." just barely, Arisa was able to make a sound as her body trembled, trying to fight off the power of hatred and rage threatening to consume her.
The young girl wept as the man clawed at the hand that was stabbed through his chest. Arisa shook as Sothis screamed at her to kill everything, to make the world realize they are gods.
"Run...I'm...barely...holding her...off!" Arisa yelled and threw Arash back to the ground at the battle of the stadium.
She jumped down while Flayn scrambled to go help Dietre. The Agarthans that were originally kept hostage, Hyde and Lolo woke up and were barely able to kill them off to save their people. Arisa gritted her teeth as she felt Sothis was trying to take over her.
"Give it to me! Give me your body!" Sothis roared and mentally, Arisa did something she never thought she would do to her friend.
SLAP!
Sothis froze as her face went to the side, slowly looking back to the weeping woman before.
"This isn't you!" Arisa yelled to her, This isn't you Sothis! This isn't you! Where is my friend?! Where the woman who helped raised me as her child?! Where is she?!"
Sothis stared at her for a long time and began to look around her. Flayn was crying as she healed Dietre and Arash laid still as Arisa was crouched down, holding her head tightly, trying to fight off the power of the Sword of the Creator. In the spiritual world, Sothis can see everything. The goddess suddenly placed her hands on her face.
"This...This..This isn't Thabes...this...isn't...Archanea...where..no...family...c-child..." She screamed as memories of her loved ones began to flood her mind suddenly, thrashing around.
"I'M NOT DONE!"
Flayn's scream filled the air when Arash just suddenly lunged at her and that was enough, for Sothis to unleash her wrath on the man. Agonizing screams filled the air as he was engulfed in black flames, all of it coming from Arisa. The woman along with Sothis, forcefully sent the black magic at the man, yet the damage was already done to the woman's body. All of them watched as Arash screamed in agony as he was eaten alive by the dark magic of The Sword of the Creator.
"Damn you! Damn you!" His voice sounded like a possessed monster as the souls of the unfortunate he had stolen began to pour out of him, "Curse you divine beings! You dare look down on us humans!"
Arisa was silent as the last bit of corrupted magic left her body but her right arm looked like it belonged to a monster. On her right shoulder glowed almost like a red gem on it, with a body armor of scales, her right arm was all made not of human flesh but black. The muscles were gray, showing themselves, her fingers were black to the tips, her nails were like claws. Yet she still held the broken handle of The Sword of the Creator. Her eyes had returned to a normal human's.
"I hate you all!" Arahs kept roaring as her flesh melted, "If it wasn't for the damn relic, if it wasn't for you Gods, my family would still be alive! You all and your false faith!" He kept roaring.
"That's where you're wrong..." Arisa despite she was in the state spoke, "Just like you saw through my memories...I saw yours... we...are all at fault..." was all she said the man laughed weakly.
"Is that so...? Hypocrite. You keep running away from your emotions." Those were Arash's last words as he faded away to dust.
The woman was silent as she walked to where he once stood, only his ashes remained, and a single sword made of gold. Within it, she could feel the power of a sacred relic. The sword she picked up, even if it burned her right hand. The sizzling sound of flesh could be heard as she looked towards Hai, who was still mortified. Her senses were dull. Her vision is a blur. The fact that the poison had not killed her, Arisa did not know why. But she could hear Sothis wailing, apologizing repeatedly to her for what she did. The memories that flowed in Arisa's mind as she jumped up to the pillar where Hai was. Her eyes were void as with her left hand, she brought down her sword on the woman. But she did not kill her. No. With the relic and sword, the chains and curse that Hai placed on herself, were destroyed forever. Hai froze as she saw that the chains were gone but most of all...
"You're free."
Was all Arisa said as she fell forward, her world going black. Despite the battle being won, it did not feel like a victory. It felt like a loss. The last thing Arisa heard was Sothis sobbing to her.
"I'm sorry."
Chapter 58: Reito-Chi: Part 5: Rage: End
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Shout out to Stormtide Leviathan, who was the inspiration for the flower: Sothal. It was named after his charter in his story Stolen Remedy. He gets credit for that idea. Check out his story when you all have the chance.
And I can see everyone looking at me with a WHAT THE FUCK just happened in my story?
Well, one, during these past few months, I decided to take a break from the story due to burning out as well as a student in University. We are reaching our final projects and I will have to put my full focus on those projects. The next update won't be till either the story's anniversary, November 17th, or December. One, finals, also, because unfortunately, COVID hit my me and family hard.
Still, thank you all for staying and reading this story. I will continue to write it of course but there will be times I will be taking breaks. Thank you for understanding. Also, if you want to see previews, come join the Discord, Fan Fiction Tree House.
Here are some stories that I also recommend to you all reading!
As well as Aberration by RedXEagl3, his story is ending soon too!
Entrapped by Cavik! It's getting good!
Shattered by Chifle!
Rigged from the Start by TheBobcat18!
Whispers and Songs by Howling Armadillo!
All The World's a Sale by Narwhal Lord!
Those Who Can't Teach by Mixed Valence!
Idiosyncrasy by OCfan11!
A Dragon's Promise by legendary stvsrt!
Sea of Stars by Grand Paladin Tyrux!
Hints, Allegations and Things Left Unsaid by LowerBlack!
Teacher's Pet by ToBlazePurple!
That's all! If you guys want to chat or even get small preview snippets of upcoming stories and chapters or want advice to help improve your writing, come to join the discord!
discord. gg/9XG3U7a