Arisa was huffy, with cheeks puffed out, arms crossed and a smiling Dimitri sat on the right side of her in the tent. After she flew away, the students took charge and began setting up tents and medical supplies for the people. Dimitri was the leader and helped pass out blankets and food. Lysithea used her magic closet to get the supplies they needed while Felix helped with repairs as well as setting up the tents. Linhardt with the help of Doctor Robert, made several batches of medicines to pass out. Bernadetta made sure that everyone was alright and sent Feh to deliver the report of what happened to Lucana Village to the church. Even with all that had happened, a spark of hope was there. The villagers cried out in joy when they saw that the lake that was contaminated was purified and clean. They were able to get water and possibly salvage enough food for the winter. Bernadetta was shocked when she saw the lake but a feeling of joy bloomed in her heart as she touched the water. Something inside her was happy.
"And that's it. For now, we'll be helping the villagers and trying to rebuild a few of the houses. Doctor Robert recommends that Lila be taken to the Church to be examined by Emily. She's been given another dose of the medication to help her. She keeps going to each villager and apologizing to them. Thankfully they understood the situation that she was being controlled by dark magic but..." Arisa frowned because she knew what was coming.
"The more traditional types, like former members of the church that retired, are expressing she should be locked up. You would be quite surprised what Bernadetta did." He chuckled at the memory and the flabbergasted face Linhardt, Felix, and Lysithea had.
"I DO NOT CARE IF YOU ARE FROM THE CHURCH! YOU'RE NOTHING BUT RACIST CLOSED MINDED GOOD FOR NOTHING BASTARDS THAT LOOK DOWN ON OTHERS! PACK YOUR THINGS AND LEAVE VARLEY TERRITORY NOW!"
"Well, now we know for a fact Bernadetta is going to be an amazing leader." Arisa said and Dimitri chuckled beside her, "But I should be out there and helping." And she tried to get up only to be gently pushed back.
"Your Grace, did you forget I'm here to guard you?" He smiled, his pearly whites showing.
"Come on Dimitri! Please!" Arisa cupped her hands together, "I can't just lay in bed!"
"Yes, you can." He sighed, "The fact you're acting a bit like Lestia (Lestia: Achoo!) is not helping. But...how are you faring? Does anything hurt since...your transformation?" He asked, worried.
"A little." Arisa sighed as she gave in to her fate, being bed-bound, "I'm worried."
"I have a suspicion Bernadetta saw. However, the others seem to be clueless. I swear I won't say anything. For now, focus on your recovery." He said and Arisa turned her head towards him.
"...Can I ask you something?" She said and he nodded, "What were you and everyone doing in my room when we were at the mansion?" Dimitri looked like a scared cat as his eyes widened the size of plates.
"I remember my hands wrapped around something warm but that was it?" She said and her eyes were drilling holes into him.
"Allow me to show you." Sothis giggled and the image played in her mind.
The prince was silent as he saw her eyes had become dazed and then suddenly her cheeks had turned a crimson shade of tomatoes, burying her face in her hands. Dimitri immediately realized that she remembered what happened and was embarrassed. Arisa always held the look of an outgoing yet calm warrior who knew how to take control of a situation. This moment right now was one of the extremely rare moments he has seen her composure fall. He recalled when he first met her. Well, he had seen her from a distance. But that will be a story for another time.
"I am so sorry...l tend to...sleep talk," Arisa mumbled and there was silence.
Dimitri broke into a smirk. This was a rare opportunity and he was not going to miss it. Perhaps a little bit of teasing ought to settle the score.
"So, you love my eyes?" And he quickly crossed his arms over his face as a pillow came smacking down at him repeatedly, "I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" He laughed as he tried to stop her but no luck.
"Who's the tent is this anyway?" She asked as she did one final slam on the prince.
"This is my tent." Dimitri chuckled as he saw her eyes went wide, "The Knights of Serios should be arriving soon. We'll have to tell them." He said.
"Dimitri?"
The prince turned to the tent flap and stood up, walking towards it. He walked out and saw it was Bernadetta with a slightly concerned face.
"What's wrong?" He asked and the girl looked towards the gates.
A part of him frowned at the sight of the Knights of Serios. Odesse's words rang true when he spoke. Rhea has done nothing to put a stop to that horrific group since they were exposed years ago. Now that they have learned that these people, the same ones he witnessed kill his father, are called Agarthans, the time for revenge is coming closer.
"Hm?" He spotted a knight heading his way and smiled a bit when he saw it was Beleth accompanied by—!
"Edelgard?!" Dimitri gawked and Hubert was with her as well.
"Good morning you two." Edelgard smiled, "I see you two have become close." She said.
"Edelgard, enough teasing." Beleth sighed and the princess frowned, "Cathrine, Sandana, and I was sent to check on you kids when we got the report. The others have gone to the other villages to make sure they are well. Dimitri, I assume you have a report?" He said and the prince nodded, handing him the papers.
"Where is the Professor?" Beleth asked as he flipped through the pages of the report.
"I'm here!" Arisa quickly took the opportunity to jump out of the bed and run outside, her shirt button up to hide her bruised skin.
"Whoa." Beleth eyes went wide along with Edelgard and Hubert, "You look horrible. What happened?" He asked.
"Professor."
Arisa just kept closed eyes smile while Dimitri's smile has strained as Bernadetta dragged her hand down her face.
"Didn't we say that you should rest after suffering a chest injury?" He said in his usual tone but Arisa could hear the warning in it.
Looks like Beleth did as well but the reaction was holding a laugh.
"Cough!" Edelgard coughed, "Professor, I do agree with Dimitri. You should rest. As for your earlier question Bernadetta, as the next Emperor of the Empire, it is my duty to make sure our people are alright." She said and looked around, "I did promise you that I would make your father pay." She sighed.
"Agarthan."
The blood suddenly drained from Edelgard's face she turned to look at Beleth as a bead of sweat rolled down his face as he kept reading the reports. One was Lysithea's, the other Lindhard, Felix, Bernadetta and Dimitri. Arisa hasn't written hers's but reading these...
"Lila described that the man that attacked her had pale skin like a corpse and wore the clothing of a warlock and half Plague Doctor mask." He was reading Linhardt's, "These Agarthans, it is my first time hearing of them but they also said that they were responsible for the death of the King of Faerghus. There is also this...dragon that appeared to protect us when Lila was rampaging but the dragon could speak human language. I will assume they are a she because her voice reminded me of Cathrine." Arisa snorted and tried to keep herself from laughing and also was partly offended.
"They called the dragon the Incarceration of the Fell Star, I have no idea what that means but I am going to look through it." Beleth finished and flipped through the pages once more, "My knights spoke to the villagers and we're getting the same reports. A dragon...A Dragon appearing. Is this the second coming of The Immaculate One because people are also saying this dragon was sent by the goddess to bring divine retribution." He sighed.
"Dragons are creatures of fairy tales. The villagers just have sawed a hallucination." Hubert said and Arisa snorted, "What's so funny?"
"You all forgot you encountered a dragon." She pointed to herself, "Did you forget what Pittatus did to me?"
"Professor," Edelgard spoke as she fixed a strand of her hair, "You were turned to vicious beast against your will. Dragons look down at humans and see themselves as an authority. We might well be glad those beasts don't exist anymore." She huffed as she crossed her arms.
"I disagree with you." Bernadetta spoke up and Edelgard looked at her surprised, "Have you actually even tried to talk to the dragon? That beast saved my life! It saved the lives of everyone here! If she didn't, you would see me right now with a giant hole in my chest and lance through Dimitri's heart!" She said angrily at her.
"Bernadetta, my you've gotten blood to speaking to your future Emperor that way." Hubert's smile was wicked but Bernadetta was not backing down.
"Well, I am the future Countess of Varley. Might as well start acting like it. After all, as future noble that is part of the council, I need to speak up when my Emperor is taking a dark path." Bernadetta shot back and Hubert was shocked.
"Alright enough." Arisa sighed and turned to Edelgard with narrowed eyes, "And you need to check your facts first. You are basing your judgment on half-ass history. Start asking questions and learn the truth. Search for the answers instead of blaming others." She said and Edelgard was beyond shocked.
It's something she needed to hear and Arisa will call her out on her judgments. The sound of owls screeching could be heard and they looked up to the air. A brown colored owl landed on Beleth's shoulder and Feh landed on her head. A gray-colored owl landed on Dimitri's shoulder. All three of them had letters. Beleth quickly opened his, his eyes scanning through it as he read the contents.
"At Dolux village, a dragon with pure white scales and feathers was reported to protect the villagers and people. They fought off Agarthans. This what the villagers saw last night. " He said and looked to Arisa, "This is Cathrine's report. Your's has Sandy." He said.
Arisa quickly opened it and frowned.
"They had a similar sighting. Except this dragon looked like it came out of the ocean. Blue scales, and fin-like wings. Again, they saved the villagers and even were able to purify one of the lakes. The village has clean water again." She said and Beleth was shocked.
"A dragon that can purify the water? I must admit, that is amazing! I wonder what it is like to ride on a dragon?" Beleth grinned everyone was staring at him.
"Ahem!" He cleared his throat to cover the blush on his cheek, "My apologies. It's just...as a child, I grew up reading many stories about dragons so um...I'm a fan." He coughed again, "But back to the subject of the lake, to think it purified it. I'm assuming it also purified the one in this village." He said.
"Nope, it wasn't them," Arisa said and the others looked at them confused as Arisa turned to look at Bernadetta and smiled.
"I think I'm going to keep that a secret." She smiled and looked back to them, "Anyhow, what will happen now?" She asked.
"I will be heading to Enbarr." Edelgard sighed, "My father wishes to speak to me about political affairs. Other than that, I have business with... another official. Not looking forward to it." She said.
"Why are you lying? Why do you feel you still need to work with Thales and the Agarthans when I did so much to expose them? So you can have a choice and path." Arisa gritted her teeth as she thought of this.
"As for the Knights of Serios, Lila will be escorted to the church along with the six other villagers that went on rampages. For now, they will be held in a secure area in Abyss. Crescent is already preparing the place. Whoever these Agarthans are, they must pay." Beleth growled.
"If only you knew the truth...and you will." Edelgard thought as she inwardly smirked.
"They will." Arisa said as she closed her eyes, "After all...Their Puppet will learn the hard truth soon." Her gaze fell on Edelgard.
The princess shivered as the woman turned away and was followed by Bernadetta and the prince. Edelgard was silent as she watched them walk away. Just for a moment, she thought she saw herself walking by her Professor's side. It's been about 9 months now since the Professor re-entered her life. Arisa has always been like an elder sister to everyone. She reminded her of Heather and her other elder sisters. She cares for her but what made Edelgard feel also uncomfortable is the air of mystery. It was obvious to her and Hubert that the Professor was someone who knows things. Someone who knew when to make decisions and the way she looked at her and everyone else, it's as if she has seen them die.
"That Professor of yours wields The Sword of The Creator and possesses The Crest of Flames! She a danger to our plans! I wouldn't be surprised that she is the one exposing our secrects!"
Even when she revealed to her secret that she bore The Crest of Flames, just like her brother, Edelgard still felt something when she looked at her. Pain and guilt. Love and hate. Rage and suffering but joy and warmth.
In the river of time, the two souls that watch this timeline bit their lips and tried to ignore the pang of guilt in their hearts.
[—]
"We should head to Dolux Village. I want to check on Edward and then to Syfon Village to check my uncle. Will you be fine here Doctor Robert and Beleth?" Arisa asked as she looked at her fellow Holy Doctor and friend.
"We'll be fine." Beleth smiled, "If anything happens, I'll send out a flare signal. Be careful out there." He said and shook hands with her.
"I will." She smiled and Robert spoke.
"Tell Florencio I'm going to have a long talk with him. Ah, and Bernadetta." The Doctor turned to the girl, "Even if your father has deemed Saint Indech's shrine forbidden, go. Believe me, you won't regret it." He said and Bernadetta nodded.
Edelgard made a glance at Hubert and the two nodded. The group said their goodbyes and took off down the roads. However, hearing what Robert told Bernadetta, looks like a change of plans is happening. At least an hour passed till they arrived at where the road split three ways. The right is let to Syfon village, the middle one to Dolux, and the third one to the County of Varley. Arisa had everyone stop, they all looked at her confused.
"Dimitri and Lysithea, head to Syfon Village. Felix and Linhardt, you two will go to Dolux. Bernadetta and I have some unfinished business." She said and the girl looked at her confused.
"You're going to the shrine, aren't you?" Felix scowled and Arisa nodded, "Sigh...fine. Just be careful, both of you." He glared.
"We will." She chuckled and then handed him a letter and to Dimitri, "Make sure to give those letters to Florencio and Edward. Be safe!" She yelled and everyone snapped the reins to their rides.
Arisa and Bernadetta flew off the road and head the more swap area of the land. It was an area many avoided because of how deep the waters were and the number of plants that grew. The plants were overgrown, with thick vines and leaves. Some even say crocodiles lived in the place, freshwater ones. It was like a jungle as the hours passed and she saw the area had become more overgrown as time flew by. It worried her but the worry was nothing to mosquitoes. Arisa was glad she was not born a mosquito magnet. She felt sorry for her father though. He was born a mosquito magnet. Oh, how she remembered when they ventured into Nuvelle territory years ago the number of curses he was saying as he kept smacking the mosquitoes that came at him.
Sandy had to use her magic to scare away the bugs. They continued till they reached an area that was just humid. Red Hare and Mila landed in a safe area, away from the water because of close inspection, there were freshwater crocodiles. Bernadetta nearly screamed but Arisa shook her head as they looked at what was in the middle of the giant lake.
"There it is...Saint I-Indech's shrine." Bernadetta gulped as she saw the building.
The building was built strangely as the temples in the Valley of the Kings in Eygpt. Rows of columns with human-like structures were all around. Some were broken or falling apart. Ancient writings were carved on the walls. Vines and moss have grown all over the walls and some water leaking in as well. They walked across the arched stone bridge that led to the temple. The vines of lotus flowers have grown the bridge, making it look like the flowers were placed there. As for the freshwater crocodiles, it's as they were watching, observing.
"This place feels familiar. Perhaps it is because of the time we visited Indech five years ago." Sothis muttered as she manifested herself and looked around as the girls walked through the entrance. The inside of the temple was dark, just the buildings in Zanado. Plants were growing on the walls, ancient text, as well as carvings.
"Incredible." Arisa felt like she lost her breath as she made a fireball float around to light the area, "It's beautiful." She said.
Bernadetta felt her breath taken away as she carefully walked around, looking at the walls. The ancient carvings were similar to the ones in Zanado but these were different. The first walls showed a woman in blue, standing in the middle of a lake, her hands held up as she received a gift from some sort of giant turtle dragon. Arisa figured out that must have been Indech. The next image on the wall on the left showed lakes, rivers, and ponds black and murky, music notes leaving the woman's mouth as she had her lance raised as if she was dancing. People cheering as the next carving showed the lakes clean.
However, the next one wasn't fairy-tale-like. Images of people holding swords and stakes, the woman as their leader, their weapons pointing to the invaders. The invader was a man with his sword held high, and eleven others behind him. The craving cross from it showed more figures join the woman, and the leader was the carving of Saint Serios. The next image showed the war was won by Serios but many casualties. Another carving, showed a man crying despair as he held the woman in his arms, her lance impaled through her heart.
"Saint Indech...is holding his daughter..." Bernadetta mumbled as for some reason she felt tears welled up in her eyes.
The second to last carving showed the people of the land burying their loved ones lost in the war, Saint Indech burying his daughter in the Empire's lands. The man weeping and giving his final blessing to the land before he disappeared.
"Saint Mona fought in the War of Heroes and lost her life. But...why is Saint Serios going against the 10 Elites? I thought they fought beside her to stop Nemesis?" Bernadetta asked as beads of sweat rolled down Arisa's face.
"Because...The Elites were the enemies." Arisa gulped and Bernadetta looked at her shocked.
"Come on. Let's continue."
[—-]
The exploration of the shrine was interesting. Bernadetta still felt intimidated by the sheer size but she felt safe. The place had a calming sensation to it. As Arisa walked beside her, faint images played in her eyes as she looked around. The hallways that were empty now, once had children running around filled with laughter. She stopped as she watched the children run past her and fade away. She looked back and saw that the current dark hallways were once lit with candles and gems. Fae flying around, people dressed in holy clothing. They continued to walk.
"Whoa..." Bernadetta stopped at an old door.
Carefully, with Arisa's help, they opened it. It was only a room, perhaps a long time ago it was a study. They walked in and looked around. An old stone desk, stone chairs, old cloth that was becoming dust as time went by. Old scrolls that she wouldn't dare touch because they might fall apart.
"Look!" Bernadetta said and pointed to the wall.
It was a carving of the woman, Saint Mona, holding her hands together as if she praying to the sky, rain falling to the land, and the Goddess smiling from above.
"Incredible...I never knew Saint Mona could do this." Bernadetta muttered and Arisa nodded as they left the room.
"You are the ocean's ~"
Bernadetta stopped as she turned to look at a certain corner. She thought she heard someone singing. Arisa stopped because she heard it also and both girls nodded as they walked to the much darker hallway. This one led deeper into the temple. It was interesting seeing lantern flowers start illuminating the path as if welcoming them.
"This is all so strange." Sothis mumbled as she was hugging Bernadetta, "I feel like I have been here before. And, this place is leading us underground!" She yelled.
At least another 30 minutes passed till they arrived at the door. It looked like it was made of glass, a crystal door. Arisa gulped as she took a step forward and held her hand up but no reaction. Even if she tried to dissolve the door, it wouldn't affect it.
"Can I give it a try?" Bernadetta asked and Arisa nodded.
The girl gulped as she took a step forward and gently placed her hand on the door. She screeched when the Crest of Indech glowed brightly on it. Arisa quickly pulled her back and both were shocked to see the door dissolve. They looked at each other and then back the door.
"Ready to go in?" Arisa said and Bernadetta nodded.
Carefully they looked in and saw stairs that led down but what made them gasp was the giant lake with hundreds if not thousands of blue gems on the lake bed. They illuminated the pound, a light blue. Crystals hanging from the ceilings of the caves.
"I had no idea there was a cave under the shrine." Bernadetta awed, "When I was little, Florencio used to bring me here sometimes. In the safer area where people would leave things at the bridge as an offering to Saint Mona and her family, of course!" She quickly said because of the funny look Arisa gave her.
"It's alright." Arisa chuckled, amused, "But something here...it feels...sad." She muttered and they soon arrived at the end of the stairs.
Arisa's eyes widened as tears suddenly began to pour from their eyes as well as Bernadetta. The statues, dragon statues on the right and left sides that made a clear path to some sort of stone coffin. The dragon's statues, her crest screamed anguish and sorrows she walked towards one of them. One statue, she recognized the shape of Emily's dragon form. She turned to look and the other she recognized was Rhea's. Then there was Macuil, Indech. Screams and voices rang in ears as she covered them and bent down, trying to ignore them.
"Help us!"
"Mother please!"
"How could they?!"
"They betrayed us!"
"They betrayed you!"
It was happening again. That dream from years ago. Her vision blurred as the world around her turned black. The lake turned crimson-like blood. The voice screamed louder and louder as hands and human-like figures began to crawl out of the water. They crawled at her, screaming her name in inhuman voices. The smell of iron was overpowering as the pitch-black eyes looked at her in numbers of hundreds or not thousands. Their hands clawed at her dress, leaving bloody fingerprints. She knew this dream was coming but she began shaking as fear began to fill her entire being. They pulled at their dress and began to drag her down. She didn't want to relive the dream again. She could hear Sothis screaming, her body changing to Sothis's adult form.
"Let me go! Let me go! I'm not Sothis!" She screamed as she kicked and thrashed to get away but the dream repeats and she is dragged down.
Her hand reaching out, screaming for someone to save her but all she sees, are glowing red eyes looking down at her, a blade raised and brought down. She screamed as the knife pierced her chest. It twisted and cut her deep.
"I gave you humans knowledge! I helped you feed your people! I helped you! You were family to me! This is how you repay me!?"
She screamed those words as she grabbed by her neck and suspended up. Her hands clawing at the arms of the one that planted the knife and ripped it out. Her mouth tasted like copper as she finally realized who the enemy was.
"NEMESIS!" Sothis roared and heard the laughter of a woman behind the man.
The woman chuckled as she opened her eyes, revealing violet-colored ones. The light of the fire illuminated her face, revealing her pale blue skin, long purple lashes, blue colored lips. Long straight dark purple hair and armor she had never seen before. The woman smiled as she walked around her. Her smile is sly as she placed her hand on the back of the woman's head.
"Now darling, is then anyway to treat an old friend?"
"Y-You...How...could.I thought..." Tears began to fill her eyes as a sob left her lips, "Why?" She managed to choke out as she felt their grip tightened.
"Hmm...you ruined quite a lot of our plans." The woman chuckled, "I mean...you went as far as to annihilate Agartha. You may have won the battle but not the war. My people are supposed to reach higher heights than you. We are done..." the woman chuckled as she pulled her head back.
"Humans...you are not above...Why can't you accept...who you are?" Sothis gurgled and the woman's eyes went wide and her smile was pure evil.
"Because it's not enough."
RRRRRIPPPP!
Arisa screamed as blood splattered all over the floor. The woman laughed as she held Sothis's head in her hand and Nemesis held her heart. The body was thrown on the floor as blood pooled all over. She wanted the dream to stop. She wanted it to stop. She dropped to her knees as all she could do was stare at her headless and heartless body. The woman laughing in victory besides Nemesis as Agarthan mages arrived and used magic to create two Swords of The Creator. The gruesome sight of the body being ripped apart and turned to a weapon before her eyes. With that group of mages, was Pittacus, Solon, and Odesses. The woman picked up a goblet as Sothis blood was poured into it. She handed it to Nemesis, who gulped its contents down and then handed it back to her.
"Hmm...hm.." the woman hummed as she brought the rim of the cup to her lips, "Look at you now Sothis. Dead you may be but your soul is in your heart. Watch as the King and I use your body and blood to cut your loved ones down." And before Pittatus could stop her, the woman committed the taboo of Agartha, she drank the blood of a Nabatean.
The woman began cackling as she looked at her hands, her veins glowed with power, her body compatible with the blood of her former friend. No, Sothis was never her friend. She was nothing but a pawnl. All she needed was that little push and find the opening to take that power.
"Impossible..." Solon's throat felt dry as the Goddess's blood did not kill the woman, "You should be dead...how...?"
The woman only smirked as she looked at the two swords now in front of her. She picked up the black one and the sword glowed, its holy power lighting up the room.
"Kill everyone last one of them."
"Snap..."
"Wake..."
"WAKE UP!"
She felt hands on her shoulders and was being shaken like a madwoman. She could hear someone yelling for her to snap out of it and her vision of the woman was replaced with her being back at the strange pound.
"Huh..?" She slowly looked up and saw a man with dark green combed back.
He looked similar to Seteth, his hair covering his ears. The clothing he wore was that of a bow knight. But what was strange was his dark green eyes looking at him angrily but also worry.
"Wwwwhhhhaaaa! Professor, you're okay!" Bernadetta wailed as she was on her knees, sobbing.
The man sighed and looked back at her. He felt her trembling, her eyes are wide and frantic.
"What did you see?" He whispered and Arisa could barely respond as her hands were shaking and noticed her eyes were flickering between a normal human and her crest.
"S-Sothis's...S-Sothis's...Sothis's..." she couldn't even speak properly by just how shaken she was.
"..." the man was silent as he helped her up and Bernadetta also.
"Is she going to be okay?" Bernadetta asked as both had to help Arisa walk.
She just looked destroyed as they took careful steps.
"She'll be fine. Just...some rest. Tell me girl, how were both able to get in here?" The man asked.
"Um...we were recommended to come to visit here. And we explored...um...then we found the door...and I was able to open it. Um...we're not in trouble are we?" Bernadetta muttered and the man shook his head.
"Not now." He said and reached they reached the door.
"Um...Who are you? How did you know about this place?" She asked.
The man was silent for a moment as they kept walking and soon reaching the old library.
"I am a former priest of this temple."
[—-]
The man handed Arisa a glass of water and the woman gulped it down. She was shaking as was Sothis in her mind. The goddess was curled up into a ball, hugging her knees, rocking herself. She had only seen snippets of her death but fully seeing it and who was responsible, was the worst. The woman in the dream looked familiar. Sothis could tell that this woman once meant something to her. Perhaps a lover? After all, she did have human lovers in the past.
"Professor..." Bernadetta mumbled and Arisa took a deep breath and breath out.
"I'll be alright." Arisa smiled crookedly and looked to the man, "Thank you."
"Hmph. You girls shouldn't have stuck your noses." He scolded them, "Do you know what this place was?"
"No..?" Bernadetta said and flinched at his glare.
"That...is the resting place of Saint Mona...Only the Archbishop and her family are allowed to enter. And only high ranking members of the church." The man said, "And what your Professor experienced, was a vision of the past. One she shouldn't have seen." He said and Bernadetta felt like she just painted a target on her back.
"I am so sorry! I didn't know! Please forgive us, ! We didn't mean to!" Bernadetta quickly was on her knees and apologized to the man by bowing her head.
"Have...we met before? I feel we have." Arisa muttered as the color was returning to her face.
"We have and I'm surprised you don't recognize me considering I am the one that gave you The Inexhaustible." He said and Arisa froze.
"Y-Y-You're!" She was stuttering mess as she pointed at him and he had a smug smirk but shook his head, his way of saying to not say his name.
"Enough." Indech sighed and knelt to speak to Bernadetta, "Do not bow your head. You are a Varley aren't you?" He said and the girl nodded, "Then stand tall like your ancestors Saint Indech and Saint Mona." He said and helped her up.
"Thank you." She muttered and noticed the bow on her back and turned to look at Arisa, "You gave her the bow?"
"She bears the Crest of Indech. Also...she's an excellent archer and lancer. I think she might be equal to Azura one day." She said and Indech's eyes went wide.
"I see..." he muttered and turned to Bernadetta, "What is your name girl?"
" B-Bernadetta von Varley! But my friends call me Bernie..." she mumbled and fiddled with her fingers.
"My name is Anderson. It a pleasure to meet you Bernadetta. That bow you are using, treat it well." He smiled softly and she nodded.
Something about the man-made her feel safe. But just as he had the smile, it quickly disappeared when he turned to Arisa.
"You and I need to talk." His voice was cold already Arisa could see Seteth 2.0.
[—-]
They went to one of the rooms in the temple to speak privately. Arisa's eyes went wide when she saw Indech had taken her to the old library of the temple. Scrolls filled the shelves, perfectly preserved by magic even if thousands of years have gone by. Sothis couldn't help but look around but stopped when her son spoke.
"What did you see?" He said, his face a neutral expression as Arisa looked away, "I don't like repeating myself, what did you see?" He saw her start trembling.
"I...saw how Sothis was killed...I saw...how they turned her to the Sword of the Creator..." she muttered and Indech closed his eyes, "But...Nemesis wasn't alone when he killed her. There was...this woman." She muttered and he looked at her confused.
"She...had pale blue skin, purple lashes, blue lips, long straight purple hair, and strange armor. She...ripped Sothis's head off at the same time Nemesis ripped the heart out. I..Urgh!" Arisa gagged at the memory.
"That woman..." Indech sighed, "Was once a trusted friend of Mother. She was believed to be dead, but it didn't happen as you can imagine. Her name is Anacharis." He muttered as he sat down.
"It seems the soul of my daughter wishes to see that woman gone. That must be why her soul still wanders around Fodlan. Sigh...Noa told me everything that happened four years ago. How is Melody's child?" He whispered as he looked down to the ground.
"He's doing fine. But...I don't even know if Macuil knows yet that..." Indech shaking his head confirmed her worries.
"I told Noa not to tell him." He muttered and Arisa looked at him surprised, "He doesn't even know he has a child. Sigh...Has Serios met that child?" He asked.
"I don't know. But if she has...I promise to keep him away from her. She's...become very obsessive lately. It's only a matter of time till she snaps. And unfortunately...I'll be partly responsible for it." She said and Indech chuckled bitterly.
"I must say, you made a good choice entrusting my bow to that girl. She has potential." Indech stood up, "Anything you wish to speak of?"
"That coffin I saw, it's your daughter...isn't it?" She asked Indech was silent for a moment but nodded.
"It is. Only her ashes are in that tomb. I did not want her body to meet the same fate as her aunts and uncles. Her mother is buried with her as well. My daughter...she was a special girl. I raised her alone for the majority of her life. Her mother lost her life halfway through the war. As you can imagine, she chose to join even if I protested. Hahahaha...Mona was just like her mother." He smiled sadly, "I can't help but see a little of her in that girl."
"And she inherited that...only just a matter of time till it awakens." He thought and turned to look back to Arisa, "Watch your back girl. You've been digging in too deep lately and it's going to get you killed. You already suffered the consequences. I smell the corruption." Indech hissed.
"If I may," Arisa crossed her arms, " how are you in your human form? I thought you long lost that ability." She asked and Indech shrugged.
"Blame Noa. That sister of mine barged into my temple and slapped me with this stone!" He growled and took out a blue-colored crystal stone with The Crest of Indech, "She said it comes from the land Mother originally hailed from. They were supposed to be gifts to us when we reached adulthood. Before I knew it, I felt half my power sealed away in this stupid thing and turned back to my human form." He huffed and stared at it.
"Noa said it will protect us from a disease called degradation, it's what Serios is going through." He sighed.
"Then she also told you that you have another niece who lives overseas or that your elder brother Leraje has returned," Arisa said and Indech looked at her horrified.
"What?! I thought Ceathlean and the boy were only left?! And Leraje is here in Fodlan?!" He gawked and Arisa chuckled.
"Yeah, I think you need to talk to Emily about that...Uncle." She snickered at the face he made.
"The fact you are Serios granddaughter doesn't help. Resemble her a bit. Back when she wasn't a controlling bitch." He huffed and at the Cathedral, Rhea sneezed.
Arisa had to cover her mouth to keep herself from bursting out laughing.
[—]
"YOU'RE BACK!"
Bernadetta sprinted across the hallway and to Arisa and Indech quickly gave her a look to not say anything about what they spoke.
"Are you alright? Um...I know this may make look nosy but what did you talk about?" Bernadetta asked and Arisa smiled softly as she patted her head.
"Just some catching up with family." Indech almost scoffed but unfortunately in a way, it was true.
The girl was so different from what Rhea wanted but in the way, she also resembled her. The main difference between them is that Arisa is moving forward while Rhea chooses to remain in the past. Still, just like the flow of time, he could tell, that the girl did not have much time. The heart is cracking.
"Oh! You and Anderson are related?" She asked and Indech sighed.
" She is my sister's granddaughter." And at that moment, Bernadetta understood that Anderson was talking about Rhea.
"Anyhow," Arisa sighed, " We should start heading to the villages. Will you come along?" She asked Indech shook his head.
"No. I need to return to Faerghus. Ever since that woman Cornelia has escaped, there seems to an increase in attacks on villages." He frowned as he looked back to the sky as they exited the temple.
"Cleobulus." Arisa said and the man turned to her quickly, "Her real name is Cleobulus. I know about the Agartha." She looked him straight in the eyes, "And I have every intention to destroy. But if there citizens that do not wish to fight, I will spare them. Thales and his leaders have ruled so many with fear for ages. I know about the Clan of the Exiles. As well as...The Outrealm Gates." Indech eyes became dark, "Let's just say, my soul, comes from The Sea of Stars."
"Professor, are you saying you know the leader of the Agarthans?" Bernadetta squeaked.
"I do. Well, not personally but...Gha...it's complicated. I plan to kill. I will kill him." She muttered.
"You're an Outwolder, aren't you?" He muttered and Arisa gave him a small nod, "Don't let Serios know. That's all." He said he warped away.
"Professor...is he talking about...S-Saint Serios?"
"Shit!" Arisa's eyes went wide.
She had forgotten Bernadetta was still with her. Arisa sighed a bit she turned back the girl and patted her head a bit. As much as she would love to say that Bernadetta is correct, it would just make the girl panic.
"He's talking about someone named after Saint Serios." Arisa smiled softly as they began to walk across the bridge, "Still, I do need to watch my back."
"Is it okay if we change the subject? I have a feeling it's...personal." The girl muttered sheepishly.
"You look like you have something on your mind. I'm assuming it has to do with yesterday." Arisa said and Bernadetta nodded.
"Y-You can transform into a dragon...are you...what did Lila tell us about? A manakete?" Bernadetta mumbled and Arisa smiled painfully as Sothis appeared and gently wrapped her arms around Bernadetta to keep her calm.
"I wouldn't...exactly say I am a manakete. I wasn't always a dragon." Arisa's smile became a bit strained as the memories of her first transformation resurfaced, "I used to be a normal human girl like you. And when I mean normal, I couldn't transform into a dragon. But..." she gently placed her hand on her stone, "I guess the change was inevitable...at some point."
"How long? Does...Sir Jeralt know?" Bernadetta asked and Arisa nodded.
"Somewhat." She answered and looked back to the sky, "Are you afraid of me?"
"I-I am surprised but...I know you wouldn't hurt us. You've done so much, helped us, been there for us in our darkest times. If anything...I'm worried if you're okay." The girl muttered and Arisa twitched.
"Um...do others know you can...turn into a dragon?" Bernadetta whispered and Arisa couldn't help but laugh a bit.
"Only Chris, Amir, Alexandra, Dimitri, and you." Arisa chuckled and both snapped the reins of their flying units.
[—]
Bernadetta swore she would keep it a secret and Arisa was glad she did. However, what was bothering her was that Edelgard and Hubert decided to suddenly join their mission. It took at least 30 minutes to arrive at the Dolux Village and it was in the same state as the village they were in earlier. They landed their units and quickly made their way to the giant tent where many were being treated. Florencio was currently treating the wounds of a boy, who was injured gravely. She had no idea Florencio knew how to do surgical procedures, but her mind remembered he was once a member of Those Who Slithers in The Dark. However, this time his skills were being used for good. The man fixed his mask as he had Mercedes and Flayn used their magic to close the wounds and healed them fully. He let him a sigh of relief and saw his niece and student walking up. He let the girls know he was going o take a small and break and they nodded.
"I was wondering where you two were. The Prince told me that you two headed a different direction." He said as he threw away his gloves into the small fire.
"We went to see the old shrine of Indech." Arisa said and Florencio froze for a moment and then looked over to Bernadetta and then to her, "We swear, we didn't do any stupid. Except studying the old carvings of Saint Mona."
"I liked it!" Bernadetta looked up to him with sparkles in her eyes, "Teacher, how come you never took me inside?!"
"..." Florencio fixed his glasses and spoke softly, "Then you learned how Saint Mona passed away."
"We also learned about Agarthans and Manaketes." Bernadetta said.
His eyes widened slightly and looked over to his niece, who just shook her head. It was her way of saying that she didn't say anything.
"Bernadetta, for your safety, and I already warned your classmates also, do not say a word about the Agarthans back at the academy. I mean it." He felt a pang of guilt when the flicker of life in Bernadetta's eyes faded a bit, "But, I will give you one warning. Do not stay alone in the library at night." And he gently patted her head.
"Uncle, will you be heading to Remire Village once we are done here?" Arisa asked and Florencio was silent for a moment but nodded.
"I am. I am worried about our people. Arisa...listen..." he walked up to her and reached into his coat, pulling out a gold-colored key and placing it around her neck, "Should anything ever happen to me, there is an underground basement I built under my shop. And...please watch over Kaimu for me." He smiled softly at her.
"Uncle, you know I will always be there for him! And alright, I'll keep that in mind. But no way in hell is I going to let anything happen to you or anyone of my family." She hugged him tightly, "You need to stay alive so you can see me in my wedding dress in the future! Same with Bernadetta!" She could have sworn she heard him, Dimitri, and Bernadetta choke on air.
"You're getting married?!" Squealed Flayn, and Arisa quickly went to shoot down that idea.
"Nope!" A strained smile was on her face, "But maybe in the future."
"Can I design your dress?!" Bernadetta begged.
"Oh, you're going to have to fight Dorothea, Mercedes, Constance, and Hilda for that spot!" Arisa laughed nervously Bernadetta shook her head, determined.
"Then I'll work them! All five of us can work together to make a dress!" Her eyes were sparkling like a child's.
"Don't forget me!" Flayn yelled out as the students regrouped together.
Florencio smiled softly as he went to speak to the elder but her couldn't help but a reminiscence of the old days with his friends. He thought about his mother, he thought about his adopted father and mother. The mercenaries that raised him, the day he met Sandy. The day he met Jeralt. The day he met his wife. The day Byleth was born. The day Kama was born. The day he met his son. The day he met Bernadetta. The day he met Xina. All his happy memories. His lip trembled as he watched his niece laughing and smiling as she spoke to her students. He gritted his teeth, he wanted to reach out. He wanted to reach out to her, to Jeralt, to his sister, to tell them what he is going to do soon but he can not. Now that the enemy has been exposed, he can finally make his move. He thought long and hard of the old promise he, Jeralt, Sandy, Aelfric, Sitri, and Cherche made.
"No matter what happens! We got each other's back! We'll always be together!"
"I'm sorry everyone...But I won't be able to keep that promise."
Chapter 68: Whithering Flower: Part 3: Damnation
[===]
Look forward to the upcoming chapters! Y'all can find me on discord along with several other authors as we chat, world build, help each other without fics, and such!
Come Join the Fanfiction Treehouse Discord Server! Discord code is: 9XG3U7a
_ MoRE chapters will be uploaded later in a few hours. It's my birthday!