All magic comes with a price.
- Rumplestiltskin: Once Upon A Time
{—}
We as humans are fragile creatures yet even if we are alone or with others, we are also strong. Yet we fear death as if it was the darkness itself coming after us. When I was young, I feared death. I was afraid to lose this life of mine. All I wanted was to live. As I grew and learned more about the people and world around me, I realized there was more to life than just living. To live, one must suffer to understand. To live, one must experience suffering and paradise. My suffering was my past and my paradise was my love. For a long time, I did not understand the meaning of love. Perhaps because of what I had gone through. But now, as I look back to the past, I did understand love. My friends, my family, I love them. I finally understand the words my mother told me on her last breath. I still fear death, but what I fear more is losing my loved ones. That is why I would gladly give my life to protect them. In this cruel world, I will protect those that bring beauty to it. You're probably confused. What makes this world beautiful? Heh. One day you will understand.
Imperial Year 1190
{-}
The next two weeks were going back forth between the villages and to make sure they were safe. The people thanked her students for helping along with the knights who had brought supplies to help rebuild the homes. Bernadetta showed the others the areas they could pick herbs for the medicines they needed to treat the others. Food supplies, however, were still scarce. It was almost winter and the harvest wasn't good this year in Valery Territory. Earth Magic wasn't Arisa's specialty but thankfully by combining the spells Heal, Quake, Rain with the rune that means life, she was able to make a decent amount of vegetation grow. The woman sat down, removing her cloak as she was now only in her black shirt with the open chest cut. Her skin had healed a bit but it was still pretty purple. She sighed as she took a giant gulp from her canteen and wiped her lips.
"I hope Remire Village is okay." She muttered as she looked around, the last of the houses rebuilt.
Count Varley only sent a decent amount of supplies and clothing for the villagers. Word must have gotten to him when the knights were involved or possibly he wanted to save face. There was also a chance that he learned Edelgard and Hubert were here, which would put him on edge. Or that the Faerghus prince has sparked a friendship with his daughter and is trying to make himself look good. Whatever the reason, it left a bitter taste in her mouth.
On the positive side, Bernadetta actively helping out and displaying her archery and hunting skills, have been a great help for her reputation but also her confidence. Word of her saving Lila by firing the arrow with the medicine from along distance did a lot. Bernadetta while glad her people were okay, wasn't comfortable with the attention she was receiving. Praise, it would take some time to get used to. As for the two remaining lakes that were still contaminated, Arisa decided to take a sample of the water. But first, as part of her second experiment, she needed Holy Water.
"Alright, now, I want all of you to concentrate your Faith Magic into these holy water bottles." She looked at all her students who held the holy waters in their hands, "I know this is sudden but there is an experiment I want to try. I want to see if we can purify the lakes."
"Is this necessary? I specialize in Reason! Not Faith!" Felix grumbled but Arisa sighed, flicking him on the forehead.
"Felix, you need to also master Faith if you want to pass the Mortal Servant exam. We have four months left and I'm going to be hard on you all." And she leaned down whispered in his ear, "Also, I might give you some help to chose a gift for Bernadetta for Day of Blessings." Hai, who had a much stronger hearing, her cheeks puffed out as she was desperately trying not to let her laughter explode.
Felix went silent and tried to hide the blush that was forming on his cheeks but Arisa just smiled as she moved onto Dedue.
"Are you having a hard time?" She asked as she noticed the man was struggling to form a spark of white magic.
"Yes." He sighed, "My magic output has not been the best. And as you know...I..." Arisa nodded.
"Dedue, your faith does not have to be towards the Goddess." He looked surprised, "Remember, Faith Magic is created from someone's beliefs and emotions. The stronger the emotional connection to a belief, the stronger the spell becomes. Your faith does not have to be The Goddess. It can in any other god you believe in or how much you believe in yourself." She explained and Dedue nodded.
She remembered when Amir was struggling to cast Faith Magic when they were younger and Florencio explained the concepts of Faith and Reason. Sothis explained the easy parts. The harder parts were when Florencio had them study deep into the subject of magic. As much as hates the days she was crying mess along with her friends when they couldn't wrap their heads around all the magic formulas, the pain was worth the results.
"Reason magic pulls from one's understanding of the magical matrix, also known as the understanding of the spiritual medium that is inherited through their physiology and ideals. The caster must use their intellect and imagination to construct the spell and turn it from a concept to reality. Faith magic pulls from one's emotions and from how strong they believe in themselves or subject."
Dedue nodded and closed his eyes, this time trying to concentrate his belief in the Gods of Duscur, his strength, and most importantly, in protecting those he cares about. Arisa had Sothis switch with her for a moment, allowing her to see the magic veins in Dedue as well as the others. Dedue along with Dimitri, didn't have strong magic veins but could still produce an average amount. If Sylvain were present along with Sadi, their magic outputs would match Lysithea, Annette, Linhardt, Dwyer, and Mercedes. Flayn and Hai are on a much different level due to them being divine dragons. Felix and Dwyer are around the same as Sylvain and Ashe's, Lestia's, and Ingrid are almost at the same level as Dedue and Dimitri. Pollux and Castor, there's were a bit different but it reminded her of Lysithea. Still, better be safe than sorry.
"And times up!" Arisa clapped her hands together, "Place the bottles in front of me!" And they placed them, on the table.
The first two she picked up were The Faerghus Twins. The water inside of the glowed a faint blue. Lestia's Magic held a playful child-like aura with a hint of slyness while Dimitri's reminded her of a cold yet gentle winter that would suddenly turn to a storm. She popped them open and poured one each into a cup filled with contaminated water. Sadly, there was no reaction.
"Man! I thought that w—!" And both cups shattered, "Oh come on! Our strength passed on into the water?!" Lestia whined and Arisa decided to take note that they should make a few potions like that for the future.
She got no change from the next ones. A small reaction from Lysithea, Hai, and Flayn. Though Lysithea's wasn't a positive result. The water became acidic, which unfortunately sent the white-haired mage into a weeping state. Mercedes hugged the girl softly along with Annette, trying to comfort her. The two crests in her blood fueled Reason Magic, to become stronger, which must affect the magic in the water. Hai's managed to remove the poison from the water but the water was still not in a good state.
Bernadetta's though...
"I-I-I-It's" Bernadetta was shaking as she pointed to the cup of pure clean water, not a single speck of dirt and poison, "IT'S CLEAN!" And Arisa had to catch her as her eyes rolled up, fainting.
"Felix." Arisa said and the boy grumbled but nodded as he picked her up like a sack of potatoes and went to take her to the tent they were staying in.
Arisa smiled softly as looked at the clean water and then to the lake. Hopefully, with a bit more studying, they will be able to clean them. However, today they would be heading back to the academy. As much as Bernadetta wished she could more to help her people, they needed to return. Arisa can already hear Seteth breathing down her, Hai's, and Flayn's necks because of the reports. Not to also mention that there was the possibility that Rhea was going to do everything in her power to make the rumors go away. Unfortunately for her, some too many witnesses saw the dragons. Flayn, being the Light dragon. Hai, being the Ocean Dragon, and her...just an incarnation. She's not a full dragon. Somewhat of a hybrid.
"The heart of a Nabatean is a crest stone, however that rule only falls onto the true children of the Goddess. That would be only those that have crests. When Nabatean dies, their bodies turn to dust and only the heart remains, only if they die of natural causes. The True Children of Sothis were considered Guardians of the land. Some had their own kingdoms and cities they ruled while others chose to just watch over the land from the shadows. Some even left Fodlan and when they believed it was time to pass down rulership to humans, they would return to Zanado. Entrusting the kingdoms and cities they ruled to friends and family. Like my father and Mother when they entrusted The Kingdom of Albinea to the heroes."
Hai's lesson about the Nabataeans along with Flayn's stuck to her. Still, they needed to be ready should anything happen. The ride back to Varley Manor was quiet but Arisa did inform her students that they had one more day. Once they arrived, they all washed up and Linhardt along with Lysithea went straight to the library. But, what was off was that when Frederick greeted them, he seemed a bit tense.
"Lord Varley has left to Enbarr. He and the other lords of the Seven have been called upon." Frederick explained and Bernadetta thanked him and his wife for informing them.
The library of the Varley manner was small but there were still plenty of books to read. Lysithea was having a field day when she found a book about water magic and began to study it along with her fellow Mages. As for Arisa, she was studying a book on the finances of House Varley.
"Hmm..." Arisa sat at her chair as she had her legs crossed, right elbow resting on her knee, her hand holding the book as she leaned back, "The numbers...I hate math but I forced myself to study it so I can understand all this. Sigh..." she closed her eyes a bit, "House Varley also stopped donating to the church however, theirs is more recent. 2 years ago. What happened to the money that was originally going to be donated?" She thought and flipped onto the next page.
"Ahem! Bernadetta, could you help me out with something please?" She heard Dimitri call out and looked over to the area where the table was near the fireplace.
"Sure." Bernadetta walked up to him with a book in hand, "Oh! These are the financial records of House Varley and former House of Zoria." She said and everyone turned to her.
"House Zoria? That's a first." Linhardt said Bernadetta chuckled a bit nervously.
"Well, House Varley 700 years ago used to be called House Zoria. Um...one moment." She quickly went to the shelf and climbed up the ladder, "Father likes collecting antiques so there should be records of the old map of Fodlan..." she scanned through the books till her eyes landed on the spine of a red one, "Here it is!" And she pulled it out.
From the latter, she climbed down and landed soft "hip!" To the table she walked and placed the book, opening it.
"Whoooaaa! So that's how old Fodlan used to look like?" Annette gasped as they looked at the map, "It looks...bigger than the current one."
"We got war, geological changes, let's not forget there are also records of Mages that have destroyed islands and the Hero Relics all have legends that they can destroy mountains." Arisa said and as they nodded in agreement, "Still, I'm surprised to see how close Sreng used to be."
"Hey look!" Ashe pointed to old Faerghus, "I don't remember Faerghus being that green."
"I can answer that question!" Hai chirped as she pointed to the map, "See these blue cracks drawn on the map?" The group nodded, "These represent the curse of a dragon. Oh! And vengeful one at that!"
"What?" Lestia and Dimitri choked as Hai looked at them, confused.
"What? You kids don't know about dragon curses?! Allow me to explain!" Linhardt whipped out his notebook fast, "When a dragon is damned or in this case, murdered, just like fae, they unleash a curse. The curse of a dragon is laid on the people who torment and killed it. The curse turns a part of their body into that of a monster. It will attack, torment, and hex that person. And eventually..." she did a slice motion on their neck, "the body falls apart." She sighed as she looked back to the land, "This dragon must have been betrayed. Because of this, they died in the land and laid their curse. That the land shall forever be a winter nightmare. That generations to come will face hardships and consequences for what their ancestors did." She muttered softly.
"Cirina."
Arisa looked towards Sothis who looked to the map sadly, gently placing her hand on it.
"You saying that reminded me of the story of the Ice Maiden, Cirina. Honestly, there are many versions of her story. One version would be that she supposedly betrayed Saint Serios. The other, the one Empire children grew up with is that she was killed and crashed landed in the northern mountains, where she unleashed a curse. And then once those of the Alliance and Kingdom grew up with the story that the Elite, Reagan killed her to take her down, she turned into a dragon and unleashed a curse on the mountains. That when it snows, they say it is her tears of regret." Linhardt explained as he was still looking at his notes.
There was also the ancient version of the clans.
"Well, that's a load of rubbish!" Hai said, "Next time we go to Faerghus, I'm teaching you, kids, how to activate The Magic Veins! They are also called Dragon Veins!" Hai huffed.
"We have plenty of time! Do explain to us what Dragon Veins are!" Linhardt quickly said and looked liked the kids were about to get excited about the history lesson.
"Fine." Hai sighed, "But only if you don't say a word about this when we return to the academy! I don't want to end up with busted lip again or breaking Rhea's nose."
If they were all drinking water, everyone would have to spit it out when they heard her say that.
"Anyway, Magic Veins a long time ago during the old age where different gods roamed the land, they were called dragon veins. Dragons shared their power with chosen humans. Because of it, humans were able to use the true power of Dragons Vein. They can alter the outcome of the battle, as effects vary from creating new paths, drying up rivers to create more terrain, creating regeneration spots, freezing enemies, or consuming their weapons." Hai explained and everyone looked at her in awe but Flayn felt a bit uncomfortable by the subject.
"You said Dragons shared their power." Dedue spoke, "I am curious. Is it the same with other Gods from different cultures?"
"Gods in all cultures share their blessings and powers in different ways. However, there is one that is always honored among all. A blood pact." Hai smiled and looked over to Flayn, asking with her eyes for approval to continue.
Flayn took a deep breath nod nodded. If Rhea or her father were present, they would have been furious of Hai speak so causally of the past but, her friends, they need to know. They need to some at least some form of the truth.
"B-Blood Pact?" Ashe stuttered as he and the others looked somewhat green, "Well...um...I guess we now know where the blood pact of sworn brothers in Faerghus originated from."
"All Divinity have certain criteria that must be met before they chose who they wish to give their blessing to. Dragons shared their power and strength by sharing their blood with humans. I believe many of you have read the story of King Marth? Or perhaps Queen and King Corrin? Or King Chrom and the taction Robin." She smiled.
"Oh! I grew up reading those stories!" Ashe grinned, "I remember reading about the Dragon Naga—" he froze and turned back to Hai, who was beaming like a child that won a prize, "Naga is real?"
"What?!" The students except Flayn and Arisa yelled, "Those stories are fairy tales written by a story writer! Especially one with wild imagination of a child." Felix spat.
Arisa felt a bit offended but spoke.
"Who says those stories are fake?" She said and they turned to her, "Do you kids remember the old stories of different worlds?" They nodded, "Good. Then you all remember that I also mentioned that there are worlds beyond the stars?" They gasped.
"We're getting off-topic!" Hai patted her hand on the table to get their attention, "Back to the blood pack, Naga gave her blood to a human to defeat the evil dragon. This power granted the human strength, and the ability to wield the legendary sword created from Naga's fangs, Falchion." She sighed and leaned back on her chair.
"Say Arisa, you still have that book of the history of dragons across different worlds, do you?" Hai smiled and suddenly all eyes were on her.
"Um..." Arisa hugged herself a bit, "I do...But...Um...I don't think it is appropriate now to show such a book. Especially with...how things are going with the Church." She explained.
"Got it." Hai nodded, "Anyhow, back to the blood pacts! Let me tell you about an old poem."
They say the eyes of a dragon are worth more than gold.
They say the heart of the dragon is worth more than knowledge.
They say the flesh of a dragon can cure-all.
They say the scales of a dragon will show all.
They say the wings of a dragon take you beyond.
They say the blood of a dragon empowers all.
But what is most wanted of all is the soul of a dragon that can transform all.
They say the tears of a dragon damn all.
They say the roar of dragon retribution for all.
They say the wail of a dragon one shall lose all.
They say the curse of a dragon shall devour all.
The dragon can bring life.
The dragon can bring death.
All who the dragon shared blood with shall be blessed.
All those that stole blood from the dragon shall be damned.
They say the soul of the dragon lives in the blood of those it shared.
They say the hatred of a dragon will damn all those who stole.
The Dragon has sung its song.
What is the fate of all?
"So let me get this straight..." Dimitri said as he raised his hand, "The Dragons that willingly gave their blood to humans to help them, those humans were blessed? And those that stole the dragon's blood were cursed?" Hai nodded.
"I will say this once, those who inherited the power of the dragon blood stolen are not responsible for the mistakes of their ancestors." Flayn spoke and she gently petted Shirou in her coat and Nagi on her shoulder, "Yes...ancestors did wrong...perhaps their ancestors were even tricked/forced into drinking the blood but...that is in the past. You are not responsible for their sins." She smiled sadly to them, "Live your life the way you want now."
"My, she's grown!" Sothis cheered and Flayn could feel her ears turning red as Sothis patted her head, "My sweet cute granddaughter has grown! Ah! You are like your mother!"
"Okay, today's lesson was very interesting." Linhardt muttered as he finished writing and closed his book, "But I do have another question. Why aren't there any records of dragons and the heroes they chose? Other than the 12 Elites, the Saints, and Nemesis, there aren't any other records. Hai, I think you mentioned before that in Albinea, Crest is called Blood Runes?" He said and she nodded.
"Yes. The crest is also called Brands. Sound familiar like...The Brand of Naga?" She beamed and suddenly those with crest felt a bit unsettled.
"Oh don't worry!" Hai grinned, "Just make sure to keep this lesson a secret, or else I'll haunt you all~" she sang and Arisa couldn't help but let go a small laugh.
"Honestly, you kids make my day." She chuckled as she walked and gently patted Dimitri's and Lestia's heads, "Take the lessons you learned these past two weeks to heart. We'll be riding back to the monastery tomorrow morning. So, go get some sleep everyone." She smiled softly and the others nodded.
"Um, Professor?" Bernadetta, Lestia, and Dimitri spoke as the others walked out, "May we speak to you regarding something, private?" They had a concerned look and she nodded.
Once the others had left, Bernadetta went to close the library door and they all sat at the table with the two books Dimitri was reading earlier.
"Okay, we'll start." Lestia coughed and opened the book to page 33, "This book is a record of the Noble Houses finances. We were looking through it and we found House Arundel stopped donating in 1174. Then...we have House Varley stopped donating two years ago. However, House Arundel receives the most finances. However...those finances need to record what they were used on." She said and pointed to the page.
Arisa picked up the book and looked through the list. At first glance, it may seem normal. The usual uses of the money, the list of investments made. Trade routes that are used as well as donations made. But also...the sudden stop of donations. House Arundel stopped making donations to the Church six years ago during the time Arundel returned to the Empire with Edelgard. He would also donate money to the Magic Academy in Enbarr and the Local Church of the city. However, donations to those also stopped. Certain trade routes were also closed down and then they were shifted to make a trade with Bridgit because of their hold on Petra.
"Umbral Steel, Wotz Steel, certain stones, and other materials. These the materials of magic tools." Sothis muttered, "Arundel is Thales already at this time. But why does House Varley have these records? Wait, does the Empire even have a Minister of Financial Affairs?"
"Duchess Marry is the Minister of Economic Affairs. Count Urus is the Minister of Magic, he's in charge of the Magic Academy. Duke Zika is the Minister of Natural Resources. So, the one in charge of the Financial Affairs would be Duchess Mary. I haven't spoken to her in years. Chris is still in Enbar...So he could speak to her quickly." Arisa thought and looked back to the children.
"Bernadetta, do you know why your Father stopped donating to the church?" Arisa looked over to the girl who shook her head.
"No, but...Um...please keep this a secret." The girl whimpered as she shifted a bit uncomfortably, "Since...I will be Head of House Varley when I turn 18, I decided to take it upon myself to study the history of my House. But...only when my father wasn't around. If he were to catch me studying my House history he would..." she gulped and the others looked at her worried, "A-Anyhow, I've been studying the financial records of my House and comparing them to House Arundel. And I found that...My father and House Arundel have been doing trade together. Which, I found very odd because I remember that Lord Arundel despised my father and suddenly they were on friendly terms?" She looked at them puzzled.
"Anyway," she opened the other book, "My father has been trading with House Arundel poisonous herbs and magic crystals. Magic crystals can only be gathered in the underground mines in the Mountains of House Nohr. And Seigbert and Forrest both have been told that those mines have been shut down for years." She sighed, "I'm worried this is illegal trade through the Black Market. Florencio told me to stay away from these records for my safety by I couldn't." She ran her fingers through her hair.
"Dimitri. Lestia." Arisa's voice was calm as she spoke, "You suspect Arundel has something to do with the Tragedy of Duscur, don't you?" She had to keep herself from smiling when the twins nodded, "And you Bernadetta, are worried your father may be doing illegal activity." She held her chin and thought for a moment.
"This could work." She thought, "This could help us crack down on Thales and expose Count Varley." She smiled a bit and right when she was about to speak, she felt a shiver go down her spine suddenly.
Out of instinct, she suddenly pulled out a dagger and threw it across the room, right at the edge of the window. Bernadetta nearly screeched if it wasn't for Lestia quickly covering her mouth. Dimitri stood behind Arisa and nodded as she carefully made her way to the window. Sothis hissed like a cat but confusion fell on their faces when they saw her dagger was a legend into a spider. The woman was confused as she approached it and pulled out her dagger from the wall. The spider falling with its legs up, a tint of blue yet...
"HISSSSSSSSSSS!"
Sothis began snarling dangerously at the spider that was on the ground. A rage that Arisa felt before those months ago. She gritted her teeth as she let Sothis's rage flow in her body but not enough that she could take over. She didn't understand why Sothis had a deep hatred for spiders, even to the point she scolded Alexandra for using them as some sort of spy network. The spider turned to the dust and she let go a sigh of relief as she raised her hand, gently petting Sothis as the anger left her body.
"You okay?" She whispered and Sothis grumbled as she had her face buried in her hair, "I hate spiders...I hate them all..."
"Professor, is everything alright?" Dimitri as and she shook her head.
"Get the others. You're all sleeping in my room tonight."
[—]
"So, this now a sleepover?"
"Oh, this wonderful!" Flayn squealed, "I never once been to a sleepover before!"
"Might as well have a bit of fun before we return to the monastery." Arisa smiled softly as she and Bernadetta brought some snacks for them to eat.
"I got a few stories in mind I can tell." Ingrid said as she munched on an apple slice, "No, Hai. I think today we had enough lessons." Hai grumbled as she crossed her arms and huffed like a child.
"How about some childhood stories?" Lestia suggested with a grin and the Blue Lions immediately said no, "You guys are no fun! But okay! How about for the ball next month?! Have you guys made your reservations for dress fitting?!" She squealed.
"Nope."
"Waste of time."
"Can't afford it."
"I hate dressing up."
"I'm thinking of just going in my uniform." Arisa said as she sat on the bed and all the girls looked at her shocked, except Ingrid, "What? By the way, I still have that ball gown, you, Dimitri, Annette, Ingrid, and Edelgard gave me five years ago." She said.
"You still have it?" Ingrid gasped and Arisa nodded.
"How could I throw it away? It was the first gift you kids gave me." Arisa giggled, "Ah, I still remember when you were helping Felix dance. Or when Sylvain was stopped by Edelgard from flirting with Amir. Or, oh!" She clapped her hands together, "Flayn! Remember when we went to town and then Seteth chased as all over the place?" She laughed.
"Oh, I remember that! Oh, and the rest of you chasing after us!" Flayn giggled as the noble kids blushed.
"Why?! Don't bring up embarrassing stories!" Felix growled as he got into his sleeping bag and punched his pillow.
"We're all lucky Sylvain isn't here or else more stories might come to light~" Arisa giggled mischievously.
"Oh, I have one story." Mercedes smiled, "Remember two years ago during Hollow's Eve you made a bet with Anna and lost? You had to swim in the cold river in only your...I think you called it a bikini?" She grinned and Arisa chuckled a bit nervously at the memory.
"Swim Suite. Bikini is just another name for it." Arisa waved her hand, "Besides! Summer is a nightmare. You know I sleep n—cough! In small clothing during that time." She quickly said.
"Was she about to say naked?!" Annette whispered and few students quickly tried to hide their blush.
"So, anyone got stories? Or should we tell a ghost one?" Mercedes held up the glowing stone near her face with a grin.
"U-Um..." Ashe and Annette stuttered but Bernadetta raised her hand, "I have one story."
"Oh?" Everyone gathered around in a circle and Sothis made herself comfortable on a pillow.
"This an old story of House Zoria before it became House Varley." She cleared her throat and spoke in a soft voice, "Many years ago..."
There once was a young boy who came from the land of the Fae. The boy was as beautiful as the glaze lilies. Hair blue as ice. Eyes like blue jewels, and a beautiful face. He would come to the forest and play his song, children of all watched. But the bard sang his song to the maiden of white chalk.
The Maiden of White Chalk, kindest of all, but looked down upon by those around her. The people were scared of her because of her white skin, white hair, and red eyes. The Princess was the Twin Sister of The Young Prince of Stone. The Prince was loved by the people of the land given gifts of all yet he never accepted them. The Bard was a friend of the prince and would warn him of how his sister was treated. Yet the Prince would always answer this.
"She can take care of herself."
The Bard frowned and warned the prince one more time that if he did not protect his sister, he will and he would regret neglecting her. The prince brushed off and continued on his way. Months turned to years and the treatment of the Princess never changed. It escalated to the pointed rocks were thrown at her. The bard would heal and tend her wounds, yet the Princess was never angry at the villagers.
"They are scared of the unknown. I would be too."
She said. The Princess made sure the lands were rich and plentiful till one day, a Duke came to the village. The Duke was searching for a wife and when he learned rumors of the Chalk Princess, he grew curious. The Villagers told him to stay away but he ignored them and went to the river where it said where she would feed the fish. The Duke was entranced by her beauty and proposed to her. But she shook her head and said no. Day after day he came and she rejected him. The villagers grew angry and told her that she should be happy the Duke was granting her the honor of such. But her response? It was the first time they heard her voice be so cold.
"Why would I marry a man who only cares about my beauty and not my intelligence? A greedy man and a heart of black he is."
Word got to that the Princess kept rejecting him. In relation, the villagers raided her home when she was asleep and captured her. They forced her to be on her knees and told her to accept the marriage. But she refused. In anger and rage, the Duke branded her a witch and she was burned to the stake. The Princess never cursed at them but told them that the earth will soon unleash its wrath on them. And it was true when the Prince and Bard learned what was done, The Bard unleashed a true storm that destroyed the lands and brought terror to all.
"I warned you! You ignored me! I warned you!"
The bard roared furiously as he brought down divine punishment to the people of the land. The Bard was the God of Wind who took on a human form to keep watch over the Princess. He was beyond enraged and told the prince that the winds will no longer bless the land.
"So let me guess, the ending is that the entire land fell to ruin," Felix said and Bernadetta pouted with puffed cheeks.
"Actually! The Princess came back and burned the entire village down!" Bernadetta huffed and Arisa couldn't help but chuckle a bit.
"Alright, alright. No need to argue. But an interesting story." Arisa smiled as she turned to the girl, "Perhaps you could tell us more on the way."
"Oh! Arisa, how about you tell us something about your childhood?" Sothis giggled and the woman raised an eyebrow for a moment but shook her head.
"I think everyone it's time for bed. Ladies, you take the bed, Boys take a couch or the floor. I'll stay up and keep watch." She said and went to sit on the couch next to the window.
"Professor, are you sure?" Mercedes looked at her worried, "You need to rest."
"I'll be fine." Arisa waved her hand a bit, "Now sleep."
The children were still unsure but listened. The night at the Varley manner was anything but peaceful for her. She kept her eyes closed, sensing the energy around her. She knew Dimitri was awake. The others were knocked out like rocks. Arisa sighed a bit as she opened her eyes, humming a small tune. It was Song of the Ancients by...
"Ugh...I hate how my old memories are fading." She sighed again because she can't recall who sung the song, "Sigh...soon all my memories from that time will fade. I guess that's progress." She muttered and looked to the sky.
"Sothis, you awake?" She thought and Sothis appeared before her with a smile.
"Wide awake! Honestly, I can't sleep. Should we just call out the prince?" Both looked over to where Dimitri was laying.
He laid next on the right side of Felix, who was half asleep. She smiled softly and shook her head, looking back at her.
"No, it's alright. It kind of entertaining seeing him pretend to be asleep." Arisa thought and let go of another sigh, "I'm worried about Remire. But the time we arrive at the academy, it'll be a few days before that event happens. I know we've taken measures but I still feel something bad is going to happen." She said and Sothis smiled softly at her.
"Not all lives can be saved." Sothis gently took her hands, "Our family will be alright. No matter how many times we turn back time, I will make sure they all live. So please, don't shoulder this burden alone." Sothis said.
"When the stars burn bright...
Will you sing with me, my love?"
"Will the stars shine, tonight?"
"See you, my love...far into the night..."
"I'll see you again, my heart..."
"Hmmm...Hmmm..." Arisa smiled softly as Sothis sang the lullaby and decided to sing along with her.
When the stars burn bright...
Will you sing with me, my love?"
"Will the stars shine, tonight?"
"See you, my love...far into the night...
I'll see you again, my love..."
"In time flows~ See the glow~ Of flames ever burning bright, on the swift, rivers drift, broken memories align~" Arisa sang softly as she closed her eyes a bit and looked towards the window again outside but...her eyes shot open as she saw locked eyes with violet ones.
A hooded figure smiled wickedly and Arisa blinked, they were gone. It felt like ice was poured over her, Sothis was shaking, terrified and she felt it. Those violet eyes made her skin crawl.
"Calm down..." she whispered and took deep breaths, "We're okay. It must have been my imagination." She muttered and looked around as Sothis hid back to her mind, "I'll keep you all safe. I promise."
[—]
The next morning everyone mounted their units and decided it would be faster for them to return to the academy. Bernadetta said her goodbyes to her people and those of the mansion wished her good luck. Arisa smiled softly as the people of the villages waved goodbye when they saw they pass or fly by. But there was this strange unsettling scent in the air. Thankfully it would only take a few hours to arrive at the academy. Everyone expected they would be getting a nice long rest once they arrived but when they did...
Arisa along with the others began to slow down like the knights running out of the gates along with...
"JUST ON TIME!"
Chris, Alexandra, and Amir burst out of the gates and ran to her.
"What's going on?!" Arisa yelled as she jumped off along with the others, the Golden Deer, Black Eagles, and Ashen Wolves behind her friends.
"Villagers from Remire, Shaman, and Xula Village suddenly appeared in Abyss!" Chris yelled as they could hear Jeralt and Sandy barking orders to the knights and their mercenaries, "I don't know what the hell happened but Florencio and his team weren't with any of them!"
"Ili said that Remire Village and the other two were evacuated! All three villages are under attack by Those Who Slither in The Dark!" Amir yelled and Arisa ran back onto Red Hare.
"GOLDEN DEER, HEAD TO SHAMAN VILLAGE! BlACK EAGLES HEAD TO XULA! ASHEN WOLVES REMAIN AT ABYSS AND WATCH THE PEOPLE! BLUE LIONS, CHRIS, AMIR, ALEXANDRA, YOU'RE WITH ME TO REMIRE!" Arisa roared as she pulled the reins and Red Hare stood on his hind legs, his wings spread out, unleashing a powerful gust of wind.
Blanca unleashed a terrifying howl as Feh let out a furious screech.
"KID WAIT!" Jeralt yelled but too late as everyone took off on their mounts, "Dammit! Everyone let's go! Anna, go with the Black Eagles!" He order.
"HELL NO! Remire Village is my home too! HYAH!" The red-haired merchant roared and snapped the reins of her horse, taking off.
"Dammit, everyone moves out!" Jeralt roared, "YES SIR!" All their mercenaries and knights head out.
[—-]
The event of Remire was supposed to happen on the 25th of the Red Wolf Moon (November). Why was it happening a week early?! Red Hare was speeding like a rocket in the air as Blanca ran behind them and Feh flapped her wings with a vicious look in her eyes. Not just her, Amir, Alexandra, and Chris all had murder in their eyes, ready to kill those that dare attack their home.
"Kids, dammit wait!" Jeralt yelled as his horse and Anna's finally caught up with the Blue Lions but it felt like ice was thrown at him when he looked up to the sky to see his daughter.
The look in the kids eyes, especially his daughter, was nothing but pure murder. A look that showed no remorse, sympathy, or mercy, or any emotions.
A look of a killer.
A look he had not seen since she was a child.
"HYA!" Arisa road and Red Hare flew faster and finally, the village came into view but she felt her heart stop at the sight before her.
Houses, cottages, buildings, fields, were all on fire, destroyed, or burned to the ground. Dead bodies of Mages and warriors dressed in black littered all over the place. Demonic beast roaring and screaming agony as she spotted Ares and Ra in feral states but they were attacking the beast. They jumped at it like animals and used their teeth to rip off flesh. Zach was seen on the Northside next to his old house, his sword out as he stabbed it through the stomach of a Dark Mage. Yofos screamed as he jumped into the air, plunging his katanas into the eyes of a demonic bird and Jorah was fighting multiple assassins. Temes along with twins, Cinder and Camren were fighting another group of Dark Mages. The scent of ashes and burning flesh filled the air along with the stinging sensation of the fires. The heat was too much like a volcano was in their way. But that did not matter to Arisa. It was death all over the place.
Did Florencio know about this? Is this why he evacuated the villages? Is this why he seemed to distance these days? Why? She had so many questions. But right now she needs to focus. She looked to her friends, who all nodded, waiting for her commands. She took a deep breath but she wasn't calming down. But she needed to focus.
"Dimitri, Lestia, Mercedes, Felix with me!" Arisa roared as she jumped off Red Hare along with the others.
"This fire...Ugh..." Dimitri felt sick to his stomach as the screams of people, demonic beast and the scent of burning flesh in the air brought back the horrible memories of The Tragedy of Duscur.
Find them!
You pathetic boy! They are here! Kill them!
Burn them to the stake!
The crest in his blood raged as he charged towards the beast that Ares and Ra were fighting. Behind him, Bernadetta raised her bow, aiming for the crest stone at the center of the forehead of the beast. Felix raised the Aegis Sheild on time to deflect the daggers of an assassin and charged at them. He raised his Leviathan Sword, ready to strike down all that approached him. Jeralt ordered his knights and Sandy her team to start searching the village and help their allies. Chris ordered Flayn, Hai, and Dedue to back up Yofos. Amir, Annette, Ashe, and Linhardt went straight to aid Zach. Alexandra with Lysithea, Ingrid, and Dwyer by her charged toward an approaching group of Dark Mages with knights and mercenaries.
"I don't see Florencio!" Sothis yelled as she was dashing all around and Jeralt was behind her with Anna.
"Kid!" He grabbed her wrist and she turned to him angrily, "Don't rush into things like this! I know you're pissed, I am too! But going like this will get you killed!" He said but he saw how angry she was, "Byleth, please."
"I found him!" Sothis yelled as she flew back to her, "He's fighting both the Death Knight and Solon at the exit gate! Hurry!"
"He's at the exit gate!" Arisa yelled and ripped her hand away from her father.
"BYLETH!" Jeralt yelled and ran after she and Bernadetta managed to spot Florencio and also ran in the same direction.
"Dammit! W—Gha!" Anna didn't even get a chance to take a step and had to bend backward just on time.
Her eyes went wide as she saw the two individuals attacking her, more like trying to kill her.
"Unbelievable..." she muttered darkly as the twins, Castor and Pollux stepped up with clothing of Dark Assassins, "So...you guys were with the bad guys all along?" She laughed but noticed something strange as they charged at her.
Their movements were stiff, not graceful and smooth like an assassin. But one thing for sure, they were fucken acrobatics monsters when they fought together. Her eyes kept darting around, trying to keep track of the twin's movements, they were moving far too fast for a normal human. Also, she doesn't remember them having black masks.
"Anna!"
Sandy's sword clashed with Pollux's, the girl jumped back and moved mechanically. Sandy sniffed the air and the scent of blood was strong on them. Her vision, she was able to spot blood dripping down her face, and she was shaking. As if holding back.
"Anna." The merchant met him back and nodded, "I need to knock off the mask off one of them. I am seeing the strings of dark magic around them. It's highly likely they under some sort of spell." She said and the merchant looked to Castor, who kept twitching his head to the right.
"You already knew they were Agarthans, didn't you?" Anna muttered and the Almyran woman chuckled softly.
"I did. And knowing Solon...he most likely knew that a child's curiosity can not be controlled. Meaning, these children were going to betray him at some point." Sandy huffed and cringed along with Anna at how the twins were moving like puppets on strings, "We need to capture at least one."
"Got it."
[—-]
It was like a rapid-fire when Bernadetta unleashed a storm of fire arrows at the men dressed in black. She felt angry. She felt angry at the people that dare harm the innocent. She was angry at how many innocent lives were killed.
"Bernadetta, what the hell?" Arisa looked at her shocked along with Jeralt, "Why aren't you with the others?!"
"Florencio is my family too! So don't even think about sending me away!" Bernadetta said angrily.
"Oh, someone is getting bold." Sothis cackled as she manifested and hugged Bernadetta from behind, "Okay, allow me to lend you my strength."
"Let's go!" Arisa yelled and they followed behind her.
[—]
"We got them!"
Dimitri roared as he was holding down Ares, who roared furiously at him. Mercedes slammed down the syringe into his bicep, the medicine injecting itself into the man. It was as if the dark force that was possessing him vanished. Felix stabbed a syringe into Ra and knocked him out. They needed to find the others and fast.
"I hope my mother is safe..." Mercedes muttered but it was clear she wanted to burst out crying seeing the village that welcomed her and her mother with open arms, destroyed.
"Those bastards are going to pay," Dimitri growled as Lestia nodded.
"Dwyer, Lysithea, how are they?" Lestia asked as the boy and girl were checking the two adults.
"They'll be alright. Ingrid is up ahead with Alexandra checking to see if there are any villagers. But right now..." Lysithea snarled as she pointed towards the exit gate, "we have bigger problems."
"The one giving orders to the others...isn't that Tomas, the librarian?" Dimitri gasped and the ghost around him began screaming so loud it felt like his ears were going to burst.
"It's him!"
"He killed us!"
"He is one of them!"
It was as if he was possessed. It was as if he was being drawn in. He needed to kill Tomas. He was right there. That bastard was there when his parents were killed. He needs to kill him. His head needs to roll. He began running towards the direction he was, Felix angrily shouting and running after him. He ignored the calls of his sister and the others. He could hear metal clashing and spotted Bernadetta jumping in the air, releasing arrows at the Death Knight that fought against Jeralt and Arisa. He roared and jumped in the air, spinning his lance and pointed the blade downwards. Felix as much as he wanted to curse, joined him, his sword pointing down. The Death Knight quickly turned, underneath his mask, his eyes went wide at how The Crest of Blaiddyd and Crest of Fraldarius shined brightly above them. He raised his lance to shield himself but it felt like time slowed down as he felt a powerful impact pierce through the armor of his left shoulder.
"ARREGHHH!" He roared and had his horse jump back in the nick of time because the impact both boys made was large.
He looked to his left shoulder but there was no arrow. None, but...
"It's wet..." Jeritza muttered as he saw his shoulder was bleeding and his gaze traveled to Bernadetta.
Her eyes were glowing, her pupils had become the Crest of Indech and there were droplets of water floating around her. Her bow pointed straight at him.
"You...How dare you...?" Dimitri slowly stood up, using his lance for support, his eyes crazed and enraged at the Death Knight, "How dare you harm Arisa's family? How dare you harm our Professor?" He snarled like a rabid beast.
"Boar, for once, it's better you let loose. I can't believe I'm saying this..." Felix grumbled and looked to Arisa and Jeralt, "Go! We'll hold him off!"
"But!" Bernadetta shook her head, "Go, Professor! Go before I make you!"
"Goddammit, kid! Just like Florencio!" Jeralt couldn't help but laugh and nodded to his daughter, "Leave it to them. I trust these brats of yours."
Arisa looked to Bernadetta, Felix, and Dimitri, hesitant but Sothis being next to the purple-haired girl nodded.
"Alright." She turned to her father, "YOU KIDS BETTER BE ALIVE WHEN WE COME BACK!" and they ran head.
"No, you d—!" The Death Knight jumped back as a magic attack came from the east and she turned but froze as the one responsible, walked up to their group, stopping 10 feet away.
"Mercedes..." Dimitri muttered as the woman looked at the Death Knight with a blank gaze.
Her braid had become undone while fighting and healing others. She stared at him and spoke, her voice stern and cold. One he had not heard in years, like the old days when she would scold him.
"That's enough Emile. You don't have to do this anymore." She said and the other looked shocked.
The Death Knights' gaze only looked down at her from his horse, yet she did not flinch. She wasn't shaking. She wasn't afraid.
"Emile..." she began to walk towards him, "Emile, stop. It's over. You don't have to work for The Agarthans. Please...I just want you to return to me...to mother...please." She pleaded and stopped right in front of him.
"Mercedes get away from him!" Bernadetta yelled but the woman smiled softly.
"Emile," she held out her hand to him, "let's go home."
"Mercedes..." he muttered and the other gasped when he was reached out but...
"LOOK OUT!"
The Death Knight raised his scythed as he grabbed her hand and pulled her to his chest, his weapon shielding them both from the individual that lunged at them. Mercedes covered her mouth in horror when she realized who it was!
"Stop him!" Alexandra screamed as Castor jumped back from attacking them.
"Aaaghhhh..." black blood oozed from his mouth as he landed on his feet, his movements were stiffed, even if his mask hid it, they could tell the blood was also pouring from his eyes.
"What the hell...Castor, what had they done to you?" Felix looked at the boy terrified as the boy made the ram sign with his hands.
"ALL OF YOU GET AWAY FROM HERE!" Anna roared and the boy disappeared and suddenly appeared behind Dimitri.
The prince wasn't going to be able to defend him. He—His eyes went wide as blonde hair came into his sight, and suddenly blood splattered on his face. Castor jumped back, moaning and growling as the owner of that blonde hair slowly turned to look back at him. A blue and brown eye looked at him softly with a warm smile of relief.
"I-I'm glad..." Lestia's voice choked up as blood began to come up her throat, "I'm glad...you're okay." And she began to fall back, the life slowly leaving her eyes.
"LESTIAAAAAAA!"
[—]
"Lestia!" Arisa yelled and was about to run back to turn back time but Sothis stopped her, "I have to! Please!"
"I won't let her die! I promise!" Sothis yelled in her mind and as much as Arisa wanted to run back, she couldn't, "You better save her!" And she continued to run with her father.
[—]
Florencio panted as the field before he was littered with bodies of Agrathans he killed. Solon chuckled darkly as he undid his disguise, revealing his true form. A man's sickly pale skin, beady eyes, on eyes was mechanical because the first princess of the empire injured him. His robe colors of black and the staff her held swirled with dark magic. Florencio smirked, his eyes were purple slits and his teeth had become fangs, that of a beast. Her nails had grown long, like blades. He allowed the true power of The Crest of Serios to take over.
"I see you haven't changed a one-bit old man." He could feel The Crest of Serios raging inside of him, "I didn't think you had the guts to attack my village." He growled.
"As if we would let a traitor live. You that sister of yours may have escaped us for nearly 200 years but not today. Still, I am impressed you managed to evacuate your fellow beast. The fact that your followers chose to stay and fight...how barbaric. Fitting for the slaves of the beast." Solon spat and Florencio burst out laughing.
"Oh, you think I'm a beast?!" Florencio laughed as he spread his arms, presenting himself, "Oh you have no idea how Thales and Serios are alike! How you and the Nabateans are alike!" He grinned.
"How dare you compare us to that filthy beast and that false goddess?! We Agrathans are the true humans of this land! We are enlightened! We are an advanced civilization! The true gods of this land!" Solon roared as he raised his staff.
"Oh, and you sages even went as far as to slaughter your people that disagreed with your ideas! You aren't enlightened! You're corrupted! Scum of the earth that values no life!" Florencio yelled and could feel the magic seal on his body finally activating.
"Uncle/Florencio!"
Florencio turned, his face horrified when he saw Arisa along with Jeralt, Bernadetta not too far behind. Solon looked at Arisa with a hungry gaze as the woman pulled out The Sword Of the Creator. Rage filled her body as she looked at the vermin in front of her. If she wanted to change the future, she needs to kill Solon. He. Must. Die.
"Ah, the cursed Fell Star... This will be a fine opportunity to measure your power. Jeralt the Blade Breaker and—-!" His face became enraged once his eyes landed on Bernadetta, "You! You and the Fell Star must not live! That power..." he raised his staff casting the spell Banshee Θ, "YOU SHALL NOT LIVE!"
"Stole the words out of my mouth!" Arisa roared and she along with Jeralt and Bernadetta unleashed war cries, charging at the mage.
"No! Stop!" Florencio yelled but he couldn't move because his leg was tied down.
Arisa slashed at Solon and Bernadetta unleashed her arrows from a distance. Jeralt thrust his lance at the mage.
"I need to find an opening!" Arisa thought as she jumped and slid back, dodging Dark Spikes T.
Bernadetta nodded to her along with her father, meaning they understood that she needs to make an opening for her.
"Arisa stop!" Florencio yelled but she shook her head, based on how he was crouched to the ground, he was badly injured.
"Ah...that just makes me want to kill Solon more." She thought and turned her sword to a whip, she aimed at Solon, the mage trying to block her attacks.
But...
Crack...
It felt like if she had suddenly been struck by lightning. Sothis screamed in agony as pain suddenly flooded her body at the moment she jumped at the opening her father and Bernadetta created. It should have been a killing blow but instead, the sword slashed across his chest, still fatally wounding him. The mage coughed blood as he jumped back, Arisa falling to her knees as the sword fell out of her hand.
"KID!/ARISA!" Jeralt and Bernadetta yelled as they ran to her.
It felt like her blood was boiling. No, this pain was far beyond that of a Magic shift. She gasped, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, trying to her air. The veins on her chest spread, as she tried to speak but all that came out were grueling sounds. The magic in her body was swirling out of control. Why was this happening now?!
"Hahaha..." Solon laughed weakly as he raised his staff, "I will not let this opportunity go! DIE FELL STAR! FALLEN SHARDS OF ZHARAS!" a giant black crystal spear formed in the air, aiming towards her, Bernadetta, and her father.
"No..." Arisa thought as time slowed down in her eyes as she watched the black crystal spears getting closer, "When I'm in this state...I can't activate time pulse at all." She could hear her friends, students, and family running towards them, "It can't end like this…It can't..." she closed her eyes, ready for death to truly take her, "I'm sorry."
But death never came.
The sound of blood splattering could be heard and a hot liquid splattering on her face. She slowly opened her eyes and looked up, her eyes slowly going wide once she realized who was in front of her, Bernadetta and her father. Their arms were spread out, a dark blue barrier surrounded the three. The scent of iron and copper was overpowering to the point she wanted to vomit. Bernadetta fell back, her eyes wide, shaking, terrified, and horrified at the person whose back was facing them. Their blood also on her face and clothing. Jeralt, too stunned to move as the person spoke in a weak yet loving voice.
"All my life..." the spears pierced through their arms, their thighs, a big one right through their stomach, yet despite the gruesome state they were in, the amount of blood they were losing, they continued to speak, "I have taken countless lives...I have hurt so many...I did not know if I should keep on living..."
Sandy fell to her knees, shaking her hand reaching out to the person yet they seemed so far away. Tears formed in her eyes and she couldn't speak.
"Captain...No...Jeralt..." they smiled softly even if they choked a bit, "I'm glad...I met you..." Sandy's voice began cracking as she tried to stand up, Arisa and Bernadetta were too shocked to move.
"Sandy...My sister...I'm sorry I wasn't the best brother...you put up...with my shenanigans for so long...thank you for being in my life..." they muttered, "Alexandra...Amir..." the blue-haired girl was being supported by Ingrid and Amir by Flayn and Hai, "You girls have such amazing hearts..." their eyes shifted to Chris, who was holding back tears, "Christian...watch over your wife and your sisters...they can be a troubled bunch. You've grown boy...I'm proud of you." He chuckled softly.
"U-Uncle...Stop...What are you talking about?" Arisa shook as her hand reached out to him, "W-We're g-going to go to the monastery...A-And fix you up. K-Kaimu will be happy to see you...A-And then we can eat a hot pot like always...U-Uncle...you promised...Y-You..." her vision was becoming blurred to the point it was becoming difficult to form words.
"Bernadetta..." his eyes moved a bit to the girl, "my sweet child...I wish...I could have spent more time with you more. I...should have taken you away from House Varley. I should have...You...wouldn't have lived a terrible life." He mumbled.
"No!" Bernadetta yelled, "My life wasn't terrible because you were there! Y-You helped me find myself! You were there for me when no one was! You...You protected me! You're a father to me! Y-You're.. you're my...papa...Ulp..." Her voice was stuck in her throat and all that came out were sobs.
Florencio was silent as he felt the seal finally fully activate all over his body. He looked up to the sky, seeing the gray clouds come in as if the sky was mourning. He still had a little bit of time before his life faded. He needed to kill Solon now. The dark mage screamed in terror when black vines burst from the earth, wrapping around him and they spread all around Florencio's body. His skin became to turn black and his red. Branches and leaves sprouted from his back as he roared, a mixture of a person in possession and something else. His teeth became sharper, branch-like curled horns sprouted from his head as the Crest of Serios burned brightly in the sky. This a taboo. A transformation that should not be possible. His human appearance he would give up and gladly he did if it meant destroying TWSITD.
"NOOOOOOOO!" Arisa, Bernadetta, the mercenaries, his family screamed as they and all of the knights and students were all pushed out of the village by a blue barrier he created.
"What have you done?!" Solon roared as Florencio suddenly lunged at him, vines, thorns, and stones wrapped tightly around him like rope, making sure to never let go.
"We're both monsters in the end Solon...You think you were the only one with a forbidden spell?!" Florencio grinned with an insane smile as the dark mage was feeling fear for the first time in his life, "I warned you...if you try to kill my family, I will drag you into the depths of hell with me!" All around him burst into flames and Solon screamed in agony as the flames got closer and burned him.
His human voice was gone and only that of a beast remained. A long time ago he would have feared death. But now, he welcomed it.
Death was something he always expected to follow him till the end of time. Even now, as a monster holding down another in the inferno flames of depravity, deaths caressed him so coldly yet sweetly. Even now, as he held his enemy like vice steel, death smiled at him warmly. He was dead and he welcomed it to take. He could feel his plant-like body burning to ashes yet he did not flinch at the pain. No, he felt at peace for some reason even if he was burning to death.
He could hear his beloved niece screaming at the top of her lungs along with his students. Even if Xina was not present, he could feel her sorrow. He could hear his captain and with his mercenaries desperately trying to break the barrier he cast. His vision hazed yet he never let go, no matter how much Solon stabbed him with his staff. He could see his sister screaming and clawing at the barrier as she cried. Chris, Amir, Alexandra slammed their relics at the barrier but no crack formed. Even the immortal blood in his veins will not save him. He smiled softly as he heard his dear apprentice, Bernadetta, screaming, begging him to stop. She saw him as a father. A father who loved and treasured her with all his heart. He thought of his son. Ah, his sweet adopted son...he was a true blessing to him. He felt his flesh burn, the roars of rage kept spouting to let him go but he refused.
"No."
"No" was his answer. While he may be dead, only he will create his death bed. What better way than to die by the very flames Solon despised? The Holy Flames of The Immaculate One. If it meant his family lives in happiness and those insects of Agratha died, so be it. He closed his eyes, thinking of his sweet beloved niece.
"Arisa..." the girl froze when she heard his voice in her heard as she clawed at the barrier, his fingers bloody, yet he smiled warmly to her, "I am proud to call you my student and niece. Thank you, for being born." Arisa felt her heart stopped and tears fell even more as she sobbed.
Florencio's Alter Ego gazes at him with a disappointed look but nods.
"See you on the other side."
"I know. The price is paid"
[—-]
The inside of the barrier was engulfed in blue-white light that blinded everyone, the earth shook, sending many into a panic. When the light faded away, it was as if her soul left her body as the barrier shattered like glass. The dust particles glowed a bit as Arisa reached out her hand, the entire space that was locked away, was reduced to ashes. A single burnt witch hat remained a gust of wind, causing it to reduce to ashes.
"Ah...Ah..." she couldn't form any words at all, the sinking feeling seeing the hat
"AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
She wailed and screamed at the top of her lungs along with Sandy and many more. The rain began to fall, as the earth and sky were mourning with them. The rain poured down harder as she wailed to the sky, her father, fell to his knees, and hugged her daughter tightly in his arms. The knights and mercenaries, Shamir was among them, gritted her teeth and knelt, a sign of respect of those who passed away in Dadga. Many knights followed after, mercenaries crying and hugging each other. The students, many crying, holding each other for comfort. Felix was silent as he walked over slowly to Bernadetta, who was too in shock to make a sound, and only stared at the area where Florencio was. Her eyes shed tears yet no whimper left her lips. At the monastery, Rhea felt a bond she had snapped, a pain inside her made her groan, but tears fell from her eyes. Xina's scream was heard all over the academy as many rushed to her.
Felix didn't say anything as he knelt and carefully hugged Bernadetta from behind, trying to comfort her. Dimitri looked at them sadly as he held his sister in his arms, injured but she would survive. Yet...why was this sinking feeling in his stomach forming when he saw Bernadetta bury her face in her arms? He froze when he saw from the side of his eyes, water droplets froze in mid-air.
[—]
Awaken...
Awaken...
Unleash...
Wipe away all that cause pain.
Make it go away...
Drown it.
Drown it.
Make it go away.
"Okay...I'll wash away the pain."
[—-]
Arisa felt The Crest of Flames suddenly reacting in her body as she slowly removed her face from her father's chest, confusion began to fill all. She was still crying but she could still feel a strange rise in power. But, it's wasn't her own. No. It wasn't her own. She rain suddenly began to pour harder and puddles were forming quicker than usual. The fires that engulfed the village began to fade away and only scent of smoke remained.
"What on earth?"
She quickly turned when she heard Dimitri lose his breath. Looking up, she saw the rain droplets frozen in mid-air as if time stopped. It wasn't her. It wasn't her brother. It wasn't Amir. It wasn't Alexandra. It was none of them...then who?
"Ahhh...Ahh..."
Slowly she turned to look to her left. Bernadetta was on her knees, her face buried in her hands, the sound of sobbing could be heard yet...
"Something feels wrong," Sothis said and that magic power was rising.
Bernadetta's sobbing was becoming louder by the second and as she raised her head, the sobbing turned to the sound of something she never thought she would hear, that only she can unleash.
"AAAHHHHHH!"
"AHH!" The wind and gust picked up suddenly, becoming a violent wind that threw back everything and everyone within range.
The rain suddenly began to downpour like a river, the waiter becoming colder. The trees swayed as if they were about to be washed away by the sea. Arisa could barely move as she looked at the sight before her, far too stunned as water began to surround the archer. They say emotions are heavily connected to magic and have a great influence. Shade's words began ringing in her mind. A warning that was told to her both in the modern world and this one. How one must not lose control of their emotions. Droplets of rain suspended in the air were suddenly hitting the ground like hail, creating dents. Amir was screaming at the top of her lungs for everyone to get away but only Arisa remained frozen in place. Dimitri was holding back Felix from running to Bernadetta. Alexandra was using her ice magic to shield as many as she could. The more Bernadetta screamed like if she was underwater, the Crest of Indech blazed brighter in hues of deep green and azure blue. The colors of a bottomless ocean. A never-ending sea.
"Depending on the emotions, magic can become a blessing or a curse. It can become a savior or destroyer. Magic is connected to our very souls and hearts. A bleeding heart will unleash its true power like a tsunami, to destroy all in its wake. It will destroy all in its path and only protect itself from the world. Do be careful. You can't let your emotions take control of you when you are using that power of yours. There could be serious consequences."
The Vessel of the Progenitor God...watched the roar of the Water Dragon unleashed.
Chapter 69: Withering Flower: Part Four: Price: End
[—]
Wow, wow, wow! Look what have I done! After two years, we've finally reached one of the big moments I have been waiting for! I have been waiting two years to write this chapter!
Everyone, thank you for reading my story, and look forward to many new chapters in the future.
The next chapter is Paralogue 2: Part 2: Florencio will be released next month. It is a massive chapter and I want you all to enjoy it and see how much of an amazing character Florencio is. What happened to him? What was his life like before he met Jeralt?
LOOK FORWARD TO ALL!
Look forward to upcoming chapters! Y'all can find me on discord along with several other authors as we chat, world build, help each other out with our fics, and such!
Come join The Fanfiction Treehouse Discord Server! Discord code is: 9XG3U7a