[ Hey everyone! I want to sincerely apologize for literally waiting half a year for new chapters. The reason for this is because I had to take a break from the story due to burning out, life catching up with me, university, and finally writer's block. These chapters were done last year but I wanted to upload Florencio's paralogue 2 first. Unfortunately, that went from 10k words to reaching a whopping 50k chapter. So instead, I won't be posting Florencio's paralogue here in this story but it will be a separate story. The same case will be with Sandana's. Other than that, please enjoy these new chapters. Thank you, everyone, for their patience.]
[-]
Drip.
Drop.
Drip.
Drop.
The sound of rain pattering on the glass windows could be heard in the room. Not a single lamp was on nor a candle. The faint light from the curtains opened illuminated the room a bit. The bedsheets were crumpled and flung onto the carpet floor. Books littered all over the place, clothing all over the floor, yet sitting on the edge of the bed, with a towel over her head as she stared at the floor with a void gaze. Her hair was damp and she wore a plain white shirt and black shorts. She just stared at the door, silent as she recalled what happened a few days ago. The emotional state she was in, Sothis could only describe it as chaotic. Arisa's emotions were like a hurricane all around her yet she kept it to herself.
The woman gritted her teeth as she looked at the palms of her hands. The indents were freshly pink from healing herself. She had dug her nails into her palms to keep herself from snapping. The anger she felt but the sorrow was more. It felt like she was drowning in a sea of salty water but….she sighed. What had transpired was a tragedy, one she wouldn't be forgiving for a long, long, time.
[-]
Water.
The power of water is to take shape of any form. In its purest form, it has the power to bring life to the land. But if one who is ignorant of water's treasures fails also to comprehend its horrors. Like poison, water can also destroy.
It is said that Saint Indech made lakes and rivers flood the day his daughter was killed in battle. He command the waves as if they were puppet strings and made his enemies drown a painful death. The lands of his enemies, he took away their lakes and rivers, leaving them in a drought that lasted for 5 long years. Famine spread in the North due to the dry conditions, killing hundreds if not thousands of lives. Saint Serios warned her brother that he should not punish the descendants of those that wronged them because they were not responsible for the sins of their ancestors.
At that time, Saint Indech thought back to his daughter, who was a kind, gentle woman who believed in the goodness of humans. He knew his daughter would not approve of what he was doing and would ask him to forgive those people. Saint Indech wept at the memory but in the end, chose to forgive and brought water back to the North.
It said that those that bear the Crest of Indech have richer and fuller emotions.
When the time comes, they will show the world the true power of water.
For the Crest of Indech, is the sign of the Water Dragon.
[- A Few Days Ago -]
"Aaaaaaaaahhhhh!"
It was madness.
The overwhelming scent of water in the surrounding area was too much. The sight before them was one she never expected to see in her life. Anger and rage swirled in the forms of spirals and blades as the young girl's scream sounded as if she was underwater. The water surrounded her like a cocoon protecting the larva in it. Yet, the scream that left the girl was not of terror, but one of sorrow. A mournful wail that would make anyone cry. The rivers and ponds nearby flooded like tears as animals ran for their lives. Fae screamed that it was the second incoming of Saint Indech's wrath as they bolted through the air. The Crest of Indech burned brightly in the air as Bernadetta's eyes were blank yet tears fell as her crest burned brightly over her heart. The rain poured like a raging waterfall. The girl's emotions were affecting everyone within range. From overwhelming sorrow to despair. Many tried to control their emotions but tears fell from their eyes. They could feel Bernadetta's pain.
"Ghhaaaa!" The students screamed as they held their heads, voices screaming and crying they could hear.
"You useless dog!"
"You're a bug."
"You're a disgrace to the house!"
"I wish you were never born!"
"Why must I suffer?"
"Help me please!"
"Stop! Stop! Stop!"
"These are Bernadetta's emotions!" Sothis yelled as she held on tightly onto Arisa as the woman was still too stunned to move as she looked at her student in front of her, "I knew Crest was powerful but this is a whole new level! Humans shouldn't be able to have this much power!" She screeched as she was nearly blown away again.
Arisa stabbed the sword into the ground to get a firm grip. Amir was doing what she could to evacuate the knights while Alexandra was taking advantage of the situation to turn the place into a field of ice to shield everyone. The ground was just mud at this point and Sothis began panicking when Bernadetta suddenly began to curl herself into a ball. The cacoon began to close.
"Bernadetta!" Felix barely managed to stand up and ran towards her, jumping into the cacoon.
"Don't let that cacoon close! We'll never be able to make her snap out of it if does!" Sothis screamed and Alexandra roared as she unleashed ice magic at the cacoon, forcing it to remain open.
Arisa looked at her shocked as the woman gritted her teeth. Amir slammed her hands into the ground, commanding the shadows to also keep the cacoon open and Chris was using the magic of Crest of Flames to slow down time.
"GO!" The three roared and Jeralt nodded to her.
"Go save that kid of yours." He said and Arisa nodded, pulling the sword out of the ground and running towards the girl.
She jumped in the air and into the cacoon. It felt like ice entered her lungs as if she was suffocating. She was desperately reaching out towards Felix and Bernadetta until her world turned black.
[-]
Drip.
Drop.
Drip.
Drop.
"GASP!" Arisa gaped for air and coughed, trying to get air back into her lungs.
She laid on the ground and turned, still coughing and gasping for air as she looked up.
"Where...cough! Am I?" Arisa muttered as she used her sword as support to help her stand up, "It's nothing...but the ocean bed?"
As far the eyes could, the colors and different shades of blue, small little bits of seagrass growing on an endless field of sand. Bubbles floated all around her as small fish as well yet she took one step and suddenly there was an overwhelming feeling of negativity towards her.
"Leave me alone!"
"Kyyaaaaahhh!" She and Sothis screamed as they once again slammed the sword into the ground to keep themselves from getting washed away, "Holy!" Sothis blinked as her hair was a mess, "Brrr!" She shook herself to fix it, "That was Bernadetta." The Goddess floated a bit forward, worried, "I've seen this before. It's faint but I somewhat recall one of my children went through this. It's...a defense mechanism." Her ears drooped as she looked to the ground.
"What do you mean?" Arisa muttered as she walked up, "Are you saying, Bernadetta is rejecting everyone around her?"
"Do you recall Shade's lesson on emotions?" Sothis said and Arisa nodded, "It's that. Bernadetta has been overcome by grief. Seeing Florencio sacrificing himself to kill Solon...Along with her the emotions she kept to herself, this event broke the camel's back." She floated to her friend, who hung her head.
"I want to cry. I want to mourn with you more than anything." Sothis whispered as she gently hugged her, "But we need to help Bernadetta break free of her grief. Florencio loved you both more than anything in the world. The Agarthans will pay for this. We won't let them get away." She said and Arisa nodded even if tears fell.
"I know." Arisa whispered and wiped her tears, her gaze firm as she looked ahead, "Let's save Felix and Bernadetta."
[-]
The walk was endless. It felt like it had been hours since she arrived and there was no sign of Felix or Bernadetta anywhere. Nothing but a never-ending ocean and it only looked like it was getting deeper. Arisa knew she needed to be patient but she was seriously getting frustrated.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Sothis quickly stopped her and Arisa was glad she did because she nearly fell off a cliff.
"Oh, hell no." Arisa gawked as she and Sothis looked down, seeing only darkness.
The temperature even felt colder.
"I can feel their life force!" Sothis grinned and turned to her, "As much as I despise cliff jumping, we need to do it to get to them." Arisa peaked over and felt her body shaking.
Something inside her screamed danger, that if she jumped, she would die. But Arisa and Sothis knew this was Byleth's body reacting in fear because of the many times they've fallen off the cliff. It was a moment their body dreaded, feeling powerless and unable to do anything. Images of Edelgard, Dimitri, Claude, and Yuri's terrified faces, their hands reaching out to them yet their hand never grasped theirs. Arisa took several deep breaths as she made her way to the edge and then walked back. She stopped, taking another deep breath, her gaze firm as she roared like a madwoman and jumped.
Into the Abyss she goes.
[-]
Again, it felt like when she first woke up into this imaginary realm. A realm created from the negative emotions of a young girl. Arisa gasped for air and this time she crawled out of the pond. She coughed, groaning as she used the sword as support to sit up. She looked around, confusion filled her.
"What...? This is Varley Manor." Arisa stood up carefully and looked around.
The mansion looked the same as always yet the gardens of the place looked greener. The roses are in bloom. The sky seemed bluer yet there seemed to be something wrong about this place. There was this strange tension in the air as if it was trying to pull her in but because of her will, it couldn't get a grip on her. Arisa gulped as she began to walk carefully towards the newer-looking manner. Their sky was nice and blue, the sun was shining down, the temperature was perfect. Butterflies and small flowers fae played in the garden like no tomorrow. The servants going around the manner didn't have the sullen look on their faces but more like bright and cheerful.
"We need to be careful." Sothis said as they kept walking around and they saw a gardener along with a purple-haired boy pulling out weeds, "I do wonder if this is possibly a memory of Bernadetta's past. From what I can recall, I do remember one of my children could perform water illusions. It is best we careful. Remember, nothing here is real." She warned and both came to halt when a maid stood before them.
"Greetings, My Lady. You were invited by The Count, correct?" The maid had a closed-eye smile but Arisa was silent.
"...Yes." Arisa answered, "I apologize if I came late." She needed to chose her words carefully.
This place was a mental domain. If she wasn't careful, the owner could attack her. Bernadetta wasn't in a stable state, witnessing the death of her uncle caused her to spiral out of control. The maid turned and motioned her to follow her. The inside of the manner had a more simple yet elegant style compared to the original manner that reminded her of an old man. This manner felt welcoming, warm, but there was just something nagging her. Arisa gulped when they stopped in front of a door and the maid opened it, leading inside. But what she saw next, made her heart stop.
"Ah! Welcome!"
A warm gentle smile she grew up seeing all the time. Long straight purple-colored hair tied in a ponytail, purple-colored eyes, light peach skin, red glasses, a white lab coat with a button-up shirt underneath, black pants, and black shoes. Sothis also froze as the man walked up to Arisa and held out his hand.
"Welcome, Professor Arisa! You must be Bernadetta's teacher!" Florencio grinned at her, "Thank you for coming today. My daughter wanted me to meet you! She's doing so well!" He shook hands with her.
"Arisa. Arisa. Calm down!" Sothis yelled but already tears were falling from Arisa's eyes.
"It's an illusion." She kept telling herself as she could hear 'Florencio' asking her if she was alright…but she quickly wiped her tears and put on a forced smile, "My apologies, My Lord. You remind me of someone I know."
Florencio smiled sadly to her and nodded, "I understand. If you like, how about we talk over some tea and scones? A simple chat to lighten the mood." He said and Arisa felt her heart wrench.
"Yes. That be nice." She smiled but this meeting...those were the same words he would say to her when she was feeling upset.
When she would see down or when she was in her foul moods because of the monthly cycles, Florencio would always brew her a cup of lavender honey tea and they would chat away eating scones. The maid instructed her to sit at the guest table while Florencio went to get the tea himself. Once the maid left, she was alone in the room with Sothis behind her.
Arisa intertwined her hands together and looked down to the table with a serious gaze. She had many questions running through her head as she thought back to the conversation she had. One, this is a mental domain created by Bernadetta's grief. She saw Florencio as a father and wished he was her father. The domain was created by her wish to live a happy life. In a place filled with warmth and joy, love and kindness. Another thing, the little boy she saw earlier at the garden was most likely a young Yuri. So there was a high chance this world was created in what Bernadetta wished her life was like. A happy childhood, a loving family...freedom to do what she wants.
"This is dangerous..." Arisa muttered to herself, "Mental domains can get out of hand. If we're not careful, we could be trapped in. As much as I hate to shatter this beautiful dream..." she looked up to Sothis with a serious gaze, "it needs to be done."
"Listen carefully Arisa." Sothis began, "Be careful. This dream will try to get you to accept them. Do not fall for the illusion." She warned and Arisa nodded.
The door to the office opened and in came in Florencio with a tray of scones while a maid came in with a tray of tea. Following behind them was a young Bernadetta who looked chipper and happy. She wore a purple frilly dress, holding her teddy bear close to her chest as she ran to her excitedly.
"Professor! You're here! What did you think of my dad?!" She asked and Arisa put on a fake smile.
"How are you Bernadetta? Your father was kind to me. Have you done your studies well? Any trouble?" Arisa asked and the girl shook her head.
" Nope! Uncle Reines has been helping me with math and Dad has helped me improve in my archery." Bernadetta grinned as she sat next to Florencio.
The maid set down the tray with a teapot and three cups. The scent of lavender filled the air as Florencio set down the tray of scones. The maid served them each plate. Florencio was the first to speak.
"Thank you so much for watching over my daughter. I'm have heard so much about you and from other students and nobles. As a fellow Holy Magus, thank you for teaching my daughter and guiding her." He smiled and Arisa nodded as her heart clenched.
"It is my pleasure. Bernadetta is an amazing girl. A little shy but with some time and slowly getting to know her peers, she has opened up to them. She has a talent for water magic as well as the lance and bow." Arisa explained and Bernadetta was beaming.
She picked up her cup and raised it to her lips to take a sip but…
"Don't drink it..."
She stops.
She heard someone whisper in her ear and stared at her drink. The light purple liquid smelled so nice yet...she set her cup down and smiled.
"Is something wrong?" Florencio said and Bernadetta looked at her confused as she kept chewing a scone.
"My apologies. I'm not a big fan of tea and scones. Ah, if I may! I heard Varley has a lovely garden. Would it be alright if I took a look?" Arisa said quickly and Florencio nodded with a smile.
"Of course! Just do be careful with the fae. They tend to do...pranks." He chuckled nervously as the main back glared at him.
Arisa excused herself and walked to the door but for some reason, Bernadetta's gaze on her felt...ominous.
- Reality -
"Huff...Huff...Ggggaaaassp! Huff..."
She was just glad that no one was in the way when she unleashed a tidal wave of ice magic in the area. Burnt roofs frozen solid, the ground covered in thick ice, rain droplets that fell were instantly turned to small shards of ice. The rivers that flooded were frozen but not for long. Alexandra panted and gasped for air as she had frozen her arms and legs into the water to keep Bernadetta's cacoon from closing. Even if it was frozen solid, halfway closed, she could feel it trying to break free from her grasp. It doesn't help that a portion of her hair had turned azure blue that belong to Cirina. She could see Amir was struggling to stay awake as she let the shadows cover half her body. She was becoming paler and a bit of blood dripped from her lips. Alex looked over to Chris, who stabbed The Sword of the Creator into the ground to activate a Dragon Vein. He command it to grow vines around the frozen cocoon to keep it open but there was only so much he could do to slow downtime.
Crack.
"Grr!" Her eyes flared as she saw a crack form in the ice and she forced it to freeze again, "I don't know how long I can hold on." She gasped and she looked up to see Cirina staring at her with void eyes.
"You all are going so far for a child. That girl will die anyway at some point in life. She can be replaced. Why do so much for those that do not appreciate what you do? The countless lives you all saved, those people will never know. Why?" Cirina muttered as she looked around.
The knights were holding the other students back, the only ones near them were Jeralt, Sandy, and the men and woman that served Florencio. Those injured were being treated by Flayn and Hai.
"Look at this." Cirina twirled gently, "This is the true power of Crest. This is what you and many are capable of. But also many will come to fear you. Don't be an idiot. You can sense it, can't you?" She smiled as she saw the fearful looks directed towards the three, "They are afraid. They are witnessing just how terrifying those with Crest can be." She laughed lightly.
"Ugh!" Alexandra grunted when multiple cracks began to form in the ice and she wasn't the only one struggling.
All three of them were reaching their limit soon. Especially her. Alexandra has never been the one to have the strongest magic system. Her magic while powerful and stronger, the downfall was that it drained faster. She was putting a lot of strain on her body to maintain the ice, plus, directly linking the Crest of Aubin to the Dragon Vein.
"Alexandra. You are about to run out of magic."
Crack!
"At this rate, you, Amir, and Chris will blackout."
CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!
"The ice is cracking! Mercedes! Heal Alex!"
"Can you hear them?" Cirina giggled as she raised her hands, "You're on the verge of collapsing!" She ignored how Claude was desperately trying to get to Alexandra but kept being held back by Ashe and Petra, "What will it be?"
"Cirina." The ghost looked down at her with a raised eyebrow, "I know...I'm the weakest of the four." Her body was shivering and she looked up to her with her small smile, "That doesn't mean I'm easy to kill." A grin broke on the ghost as she felt their crest calling her, "You and I may have not started the best way but these years have been fun. I trust you."
"I could keep you asleep. I could take over your body and never wake up. My, you're a foolish child even if you and I don't exactly have the best relationship. The people here could see you as someone insane. Even turn against you. Yet, you are still trusting me that I won't betray you?" Cirina said and Alexandra chuckled softly.
"I know you wouldn't. I'll be the first to admit...you're not that bad." Alexandra smiled.
"...Sigh." Cirina sighed and looked over to see Flayn begging to be allowed to heal them, "You idiot." So Alexandra's world went black, going to sleep in the deepest part of her mind.
Ice and snow began to fall stronger and turn to a usual deep blue. The ice that was cracking grew stronger as the winds began howling. The scent of ice and snow-filled the winds of Garreg Mach that the forest animals began to run and the creatures of winter began to sing. Flayn gasped as she saw Alexandra stand up, her hair changing to a sickly pale blue and her crest burning bright. Her eyes snapped open and her grin became wicked as she raised her hands and commanded the ice to heal.
"You're!" Amir gasped and noticed her magic was recovering as well as Chris's.
Cirina only grinned as she looked at them, her eyes had turned red and pupils to the Crest of Aubin.
"Now then. We got 10 minutes left before this cacoon shuts. Let's hope Arisa saves that child." Frost had formed on her hands and cheeks, yet Claude could tell that person was not Alexandra.
"Let go of me!" Flayn finally managed to break free and ran towards her but with a wave of her wrist, she was sent flying back to the other.
Claude had jumped in along with Ignatz, managing to catch her on time. Claude was going to yell but noticed how Flayn was trembling as her eyes looked at the woman in shock.
"What the hell...?" Amir whispered and Cirina only glanced her way before she spoke.
"We do not need distractions. The children would get in the way. We need to keep this thing at bay. Hurry up Arisa."
- Back to the Domain -
The garden of Varley was more colorful than the one in reality. Roses bushes, fields of flowers, lavender, hydrangeas, grapevines, and many more were all around. Water fountains filled with small fish swam comfortably. Fae that slept and play around the flower with butterflies and dragonflies. Arisa could see them giggling away in joy yet again she felt like someone was watching her. She stared out to the forest and was being careful not to say anything as she walked towards it. She could feel it. The fae were watching her every move as if...she took a deep breath and walked into the forest. Already she could tell the fae wouldn't follow her.
"Could it be that this is an area they can't enter?" She thought and noticed the place led her back to the mansion, "What on earth?" She muttered and looked back to the forest.
"It brought you back this place." Sothis whispered as Arisa began to walk around the water fountains, "Can you sense anything?"
"Other than the voice that told us not to eat or drink the food...no. Gah! Felix, where are you?" She hissed and ran her fingers through her hair.
She remembered the boy had the Aegis Shield on him when he jumped into the domain. Apart from her wanting to scream at him for his recklessness, she was no better. She needed to find him. She needed to break this dream if they want to make it out alive. This place was created from Bernadetta's grief. She took a deep breath and sighed, then noticed the young boy, Yuri, looking at her from afar. The boy seemed hesitant to speak to her and looked sideways towards the fae that were playing with the flowers. He stayed hidden behind some crates and with a hand signal, pointed to a specific area in the forest before he left.
"I feel like I'm in Coralline," Arisa said but waited till the fae went back to playing their game and made her move.
She ran as fast as she could and jumped and rolled till she finally reached the open space Yuri pointed. Part of her wondered why the Yuri created in this domain did such a thing. It could be a trap for all she cared but now, seeing the area the boy pointed to led her to a cave deep in the forest. She took a deep breath and walked in, casting a small flame to follow her to light up the place. The inside of the cave was the same as a normal one but she can sense magic.
"Familiar...It's...a nest?" Arisa raised an eyebrow when she knelt, "An old blanket...leaves...I think this is catnip." She picked up a green leaf, "Something lives here."
"Yeah. I do."
"Eeekk!" And like a cat, she jumped, quickly turning around, ready to stab but stopped herself when she saw a black cat with dark blue eyes glaring at her.
"About time, Professor." That voice…
"Felix!?" Arisa screeched and quickly knelt again, "Is that really you?" She did what any reasonable person would do, pick up the cat.
"Yes. As much I hate it, the Aegis Shield activated and made me take on this form. I have been able to hide and not be tracked down. This place gives me the creeps." He sighed and like a cat, jumped on her shoulder, "I didn't know the relic could do this." He looked at his tail flicking.
"Well, his ancestors were big fans of cats and my son could shift into different animals to suit his needs. His name was Sheng." Sothis giggled a bit as Felix continued to speak.
"Have you found Bernadetta?" He asked and Arisa nodded, "Let me guess. She doesn't want to leave."
"This is a mental domain, Felix." Arisa sighed, "It will never be easy to leave. Unless I convince Bernadetta to leave or destroy the source of this place, we can't escape. We don't have much time..." she looked at her right hand noticed how it was trembling, "I can feel my magic being drained. Is this...one of the Crest of Indech's abilities?"
"Professor, I been meaning to ask you this for a while...why are you hiding information?" He said and Arisa chuckled bitterly, "Glenn won't tell me anything. Neither would Emily or any of her people. Even Lysithea. You know something. Why won't you say it?" Even in cat form, Arisa knew Felix was glaring at her.
"I want to...but I can't." She whispered as she walked towards the entrance of the cave.
"Is someone blackmailing you? Or is it because of the boar?" Felix said and Arisa stopped and turned her head a bit towards him, "It is."
"No. It's not just him. It's all of you. I can't tell you all yet. Just a little longer and all will be clear."
[-]
When she arrived back at the mansion, she was instantly surrounded by maids asking if she was okay or if she was hurt. She reassured them that she was okay and that she had found a cat that she has decided to take in. As much Felix wanted to comment on something, he didn't.
"I believe it would be safer to keep pretending we haven't discovered anything." Arisa formed a mental link with Felix as she walked, "Notice the maids, servants, and fae."
Felix gulped and looked behind him, almost flinching at how children like the eyes of the maids were looking at them. Their faces would flicker from human to child-like drawings. The faint sounds of some sort of chanting could be heard as they walked. There was twitch here and there, on alert of every move they made. They were waiting for something to happen, like a predator observing their prey before they made a move. If they made it obvious they discovered something, it was more likely that the people of this domain would pin them down in a heartbeat. The one trapping them here...was it really Bernadetta? She knew what humans were capable of and she knew just because you have known a person for years doesn't mean you know them, so well. People were unpredictable. As long as they played along with them, they would be safe. The maids led her to a bedroom where they said that it would be a while before dinner started.
When the door closed, Arisa sensed that there must have been one or more waiting outside, listening to their movements. She sighed and walked to the bathroom, snapping her fingers but no sound barrier activated.
"Shit!" She gritted her teeth as Felix jumped off her shoulder and onto the sink, her right hand trembling, "My magic is getting drained faster now. I have to make a move already..." and to her knees, she fell, feeling the corruption sudden surge.
"Professor!" Felix jumbos down, his cat-like eyes wide and shocked when he noticed the black veins travel onto her face, her right eye, the white turning black, "What is this..?"
"Remember...I said something happened to be in Albinea?" She smiled crookedly as beads of sweat ran down her face, "she looked down to her sword and then to him, "I guess this the price I have to pay for using a power that does not belong to me."
"Goddammit...you and The Boar make a perfect pair." He hissed and gave her a light smack with his paw, "I would yell at you but this is not the time or place. What can I do to help ease the pain?" He asked and Sothis appeared.
"Arisa, listen to what I am about to say. Say my instructions exactly as I say to Felix." Sothis said and Arisa nodded, gently placing her hand on Felix's head.
"I need you to close your eyes and imagine a shield. Imagine it, visualize it, feel it. What do want that shield to do." She repeated Sothis words and the cat nodded, closing his eyes.
She could sense it. The Crest of Fraldarius was reacting to him. It wasn't going to be easy but it was something. The feeling that she felt surrounded her, it was cold yet there was a hint of warmness in it. The Crest of Fraldarius was responding to its "Mother." The Crest of Flames inside of her pulsed softly and the black veins on her body began to slowly disappear again. Like a seal, a barrier formed on the wound to protect it, to keep it from spreading. Felix is no mage but he would be lying if he denied he studied magic in secret.
"Sigh...Thank you." Arisa smiled softly as she felt a sense of relief, "I feel a bit better. But, I think you did more than I anticipated." She did a light tap on her arm.
Just for a brief second, Felix saw a full-body shield around her before it disappeared. Arisa clenched her hand and grinned.
"You stopped my magic from being drained."
[-]
The table was lavished with foods of all kinds. Duck roasted to perfection with vegetables satiated in the empire's richest and most expensive butter. Fruits of all kinds, a bowl filled with Noa Fruits from the mountains. Star fruits from Bridgid, pastries of all kinds. Wine and cheeses are all kinds, fit for a king. Even the smell made her drool. She wanted to take a bite but she didn't because she knew what would happen. The maids that stood by were closely watching.
"Oh?" Florencio noticed she hadn't touched her food, "Lady Arisa, you haven't eaten at all." He said and she only smiled.
"My apologies. I have the stomach flu. I can't eat for a while." She said and Florencio nodded yet it suddenly felt like someone was right behind her yet there was no one.
"Teacher, if you feel sick, we have some lavender tea!" Bernadetta smiled and Arisa shook her head, "I insist!"
"I'm alright." Arisa said turned to Florencio, "I'm curious. Has Bernadetta ever spoken to you about her classmates?"
Just for a moment, she thought she saw the girl twitch. Florencio nodded and smiled.
"She speaks about a boy named Felix who she has taken a liking to. Though..." he laughed and held the kitchen knife with a grip, "I need to meet this boy to approve!" Felix the cat felt he was in danger.
"No worries. I'm just glad to see Bernadetta getting along with everyone." Arisa smiled, "Bernadetta despite being a bit shy, is an excellent archer. When some problems arise she helps out. She loves cooking and baking with Annette and Mercedes. Making perfumes with Lysithea. At times, she and Felix would both go to choir together to study their faith magic. She has trained with her fellow lance users to improve. They share advice and correct each other when they make mistakes. Bernadetta..." she looked to the girl, "is loved by all of us. And even in the hard times, we stand together, we protect and are there for each other." She said and finally, she felt the shift she wanted.
A waver in Bernadetta's will.
"Everyone at the academy has been so kind to me. Yet at times I feel like I fail them. At times I even feel like an I am a burden."
"Stop it..." a very faint whisper she heard.
"To be honest, there have been multiple times I have nearly lost my life. There have been times I want to give up." She said and Bernadetta suddenly looked up at her.
"Why didn't you?" She asked and Arisa frowned a bit, "Why did you choose to continue even though you were hurt so many times?" For some reason, this didn't feel like it was Bernadetta was talking more towards…
"Why did you choose to keep getting hurt?"
"Wouldn't it be better to remain in the comfort of your room? In a place of warmth and security instead of the world where they could turn their backs on you?" Arisa suddenly felt the world around her briefly shift, "What about the pain and gong that is left behind from the scars? Or those that have gotten away with the wrong?"
"What if everyone who once looked at you like a hero's, ̶̷s̸u̵d̸d̸e̷n̷l̷y̸ ̷t̵u̷r̸n̴ ̸t̴h̵e̵i̵r̶ ̴b̴a̶c̷k̴s̴ ̸o̸n̷ ̸y̶o̴u̶?̴ ̴W̷h̴a̵t̷ ̴w̷i̴l̷l̷ ̴y̸o̷u̵ ̴d̵o̸ ̴i̷f̷ ̶t̸h̸e̶y̶ ̸l̸e̴a̶r̸n̵ ̵t̵h̵e̵ ̴t̵r̴u̶t̵h̸ ̶o̶f̵ ̸w̸h̴o̸ ̵y̶o̵u̸ ̸a̴r̶e̶?̴" Bernadetta's voice sounded distorted, her eyes void of emotions yet there was darkness in them.
At this point, it seemed the world around them was ignoring what was being said. It was as if the people couldn't hear the words. To Arisa, she heard something else. To the others, it appeared like innocent talk but no. There was more. Felix was becoming unsettled with how things were glitching around them. As if glitching between reality and fantasy.
"Everyone is alive."
"That stung." Arisa thought and took a deep breath, looking towards Bernadetta, "You wish to live in Eternity?"
"What?" The girl blinked, suddenly taken back by such wording, "As in, live a peaceful life forever? Yes! No one will be hurt! No one can hurt us! No one will die! We can do whatever we want! We can be happy! Isn't that what you want?" The girl grinned yet it was like an empty shell mimicking a human.
Arisa only looked at her with wide eyes and let go of a tired sigh as she closed her eyes.
"Eternity can get lonely." She muttered, "If we had Eternity, this world we are in would eventually become an empty shell. With each passing second, it becomes more fragile." Arisa stood up, looking down at her, "I don't want Eternity. I want to live."
"WHY?!" Bernadetta roared, "̶W̶H̴Y̷ ̴C̵A̵N̶'̴T̴ ̵Y̷O̸U̸ ̷A̴C̴C̶E̴P̶T̶ ̸T̸H̵I̴S̸?̸!̵"̷
"That's not Bernadetta taking." Sothis whispered as her smile became menacing, "That's the demonic best speaking. The one created from the dark emotions of the human heart. You know what to do Arisa." And The Sword of The Creator began to glow brightly in her hands.
"Bernadetta," Arisa stood up from her seat and pointed her sword at Florencio, "I made a promise didn't I?" She glanced over to the girl who was shaking like a leaf, "I know this a dream."
The little girl froze as she slowly looked up to the woman with fearful eyes.
"I know you created this mental domain. A domain created from a wish to live a life of happiness. I'm guessing that's why you tried to get me and Felix to eat the food to have us trapped here." She said and noticed a slight waver in the illusion.
"Bernadetta. I will not tell you to stand up. I will not tell you to get up and fight. Instead, I ask for you this." She smiled softly to her, "Let's go home. Even if we're in pain, let us not rush. Instead, let us take our time to mourn. And when we are ready, we will take a step at a time." She said and the girl went silent.
"...Why? Why do you want to return? This place...we can be happy! Why would you want to suffer after everything we've been through?!" The girl wailed furiously at her.
"Because." Arisa raised her sword and closed her eyes, "A dream can only last so long." And down she brought it down, destroying the illusion of joy.
"NOOOOOOOO!"
Dark energy burst from the girl as she unleashed a blood-curdling scream. The world around shattered into million pieces, fragments of memories playing in each piece of glass. Voices of high and low could be heard as they fell in the darkness. Images of Bernadetta's childhood played before them. One, of her smiling and playing with Yuri, and then the other was her begging for her life as she was thrown into a dark room and tied to a chair. Another, show her meeting Florencio for the first time, his hand using healing magic. Another was the trio to the opera house with her Uncle Reines. One was her mother, despite pale and sickly, who hugged her daughter protectively, taking the beatings of her husband. One memory was when she met Felix and the others on the Day of Offerings in The Kingdom. How she smiled and talked to the girls like Lysithea, Edelgard, Marianne, Ingrid, and the others, shyly but opening up a bit.
Yet, the memories suddenly turned dark. Each one replayed was even sinister, one after another. One of her fathers abused her and then the death of her Uncle Reines. This was followed by her mother's health deteriorating like a plant. Next was her being sent to the academy. The accidents and losses that happened during the missions and the worst and newest memory were Florencio burning to ashes before her.
"Do you see now?" A distorted voice spat viciously at her, "This is the result of living! All there is endless suffering! JUST LIKE HOW MOTHER WAS BETRAYED BY ANACHARIS!"
"What?" Felix was reverted to his human form, "What is she talking about?!"
"FILTHY RATS! ALL OF YOU!" The sound of something slithering all around them became louder and louder as well as water pouring in, "YOU DESCENDANTS OF THE 10 ELITES! YOU BETRAYED MOTHER! YOU BETRAYED EVERYONE! BUT NEVER AGAIN! LET THE PALE FLAME SMOLTHER!" Water began to rise all around them, glowing brightly in a sick purple.
It burned, it poisoned, it felt like their life was being drained as they looked up to see a creature of black scales, purple eyes, a giant turtle-like body looking down at them furiously.
The more the water rose, the more it felt like she was being dragged under. She kept reaching out but nothing reached out to her. She could no longer hear Felix. She could not hear Sothis calling her name as she felt deeper and deeper. The water draining her life force and the demonic laughs of the monster created from her student's negative emotions.
Deeper and Deeper.
Darker and Darker.
The cold has never felt so lonely. Her eyes were becoming lifeless yet...there was something within her that didn't want to die. The first survival instinct of the human body is to fight but her body wouldn't do that. In the darkness, she kept falling. In the darkness, she felt it begin to devour her. She felt her concoctions fading. Her eyelids becoming heavy...Yet in that darkness…
"I wish things weren't like this..."
Her eyes slowly opened again, listening to the small voice.
"When did everything go wrong? Why does everything go around when I'm here?"
...
"Mom...Uncle...Yuri...Arisa...Felix...Florencio..."
A spark.
In the darkness, there was a small spark. A star that still glimmered in the darkness. A light that illuminated. Arisa reached again, even if she felt the darkness confusing her. A girl chasing for the star in the darkness.
Hope.
The light of the star engulfed her.
[-]
Slowly, she blinked. Her eyes stung and she felt too much light was in her vision as she was trying to adjust. It stung for a bit but after a few moments, she could see clearly. A pure white room. Not a single thing in sight yet...she could hear. The sobs of a little girl. Carefully, Arisa began to walk. She didn't know how long she walked till finally, in her vision, was a little girl crying, hugging her knees. Next to her was a young boy trying to comfort her and she stopped in front of them. The little girl looked up at her, her eyes are red from crying so much.
"Why does everyone get hurt because of me?!" She wailed, "All I want is to be happy! All I want is to be with my friends! Why?! Why does misfortune always follow me?!" The girl wailed and Arisa smiled softly.
She knelt and looked at Felix, who also looked on the verge of crying yet...all she did was wrap her arms around them, hugging them. Bernadetta froze yet Arisa spoke softly.
"I know you are in pain. I know you are afraid. I know you don't want to suffer. I won't lie. I'm scared too." She heard them both gasp.
"I'm not a hero." Arisa began, "I may have the blessing of the goddess. I may be one of the most powerful Mages in Fodlan, I may have many names but there is only one I truly go by." She smiled softly, gently resting her forehead on theirs.
"Arisa. That's my name. And your's is Bernadetta." The little girl sniffed and she gently wiped her tears, "You're a kind yet shy girl who loves to knit trinkets. You have a heart of gold. Even if you are afraid, at your pace, you begin to take steps towards another. Step by step. Slow and steady. Bernadetta, you're perfect just the way you are." She smiled.
The little girl's sobs became louder as she hugged her tightly, crying in her chest. It was the first time Bernadetta was able to cry. She was able to grieve, she was able to mourn. She was able to scream. She was able to wail.
She let it all out, like a newborn child taking its first breath of air when it is born. The loneliness and helplessness she has felt, she will no longer feel. For she was not alone anymore. For those that have stood beside her, protected her, encourage her, and believe in her. The star, Hope, burned brightly in the darkness. The darkness that held them captive screamed in agony as the white roomed shatter. On her knees, Bernadetta was, her eyes slowly opening as she looked up. Two hands reached out to her. Both the hands of the people never gave up on her. She took them, and they pulled her up.
"It's...good to be back." Bernadetta smiled a real smile.
"Glad to have you back." Arisa grinned and all three quickly summon their weapons as they stood beside each other.
The demonic beast roared furiously at them as they unleashed their war cries, charging at it. Their weapons raised, unleashing their power and strength, they Crest unleashing their true powers. The monster roared and theirs collided with their weapons. Arisa gritted her teeth as she continue to push forward, their power flowing into the Sword of The Creator. The monster kept pushing back, she could feel it desperately trying to fight them.
More.
More.
Arisa gasped as a gentle hand placed itself on hers. Another hand was on Bernadetta's shoulder. She turned, the tears forming in her eyes once more as she saw a warm smile and gentle violet use looking at them. Florencio nodded before fading to stardust once more. Arisa couldn't help but smile and nodded.
"RRRRAAAAHHHHHH!" She, Felix, and Bernadetta roared, and finally…
"RAPTURE HEAVEN!"
The darkness screamed in agony as the light from the hero's relics burst like a firework. All around the darkness began to crack, the malice of one's heart cleanse by light and hope. From outside, the cacoon began to crack, light pouring from it. Many screamed, the power releasing itself but… were now stood before the cacoon, was them.
[-]
The storms calmed, and the rivers became low. The rain began to fall gently instead of like arrows. The winds became gentle as the light and smoke faded away, revealing Arisa holding Bernadetta fast asleep in her arms. Yet a gentle smile was on the girl's lip. Felix was still partly awake but was quickly caught by Dimitri, who was the first to run up to them. The prince was still shocked to say anything, only that Arisa gave him a small nod. She looked down to Bernadetta in her arms and then up, seeing everyone cheering but that celebration faded away as her family walked up to her. Jeralt was silent yet he hugged his daughter tightly. Sandy, Chris, Amir, and Alexandra joined in, the mercenaries of the company all knelt to pay their respects to their fallen leader. Arisa turned and looked back to the village.
Houses were burnt down to the ground by the fire. The remaining corpses of the Agarthans turned to dust. Only burnt coals remain. She took a deep breath and felt her father place his hand on her shoulder, nodding softly to her. Childhood memories flooded her mind as she handed Bernadetta to Felix.
"Byleth." Jerlt muttered as he watched his daughter look up to the sky, "Those bastards, we'll make them pay."
"...Dad." she turned her head a bit towards him, "Uncle...does not regret his choice." She felt his grip tighten a bit, "We won't let Florencio's sacrifice be in vain." She took a deep breath as she closed her eyes but at that moment, she felt rage suddenly come from Amir and Chris.
The familiar sound of metal boots walking on the mud reached her ears as she took another deep breath.
"There you are."
The knights and students were on the verge of taking a step but with a flick of Cirina's hand, a wall of ice was created to keep them back. Arisa opened her eyes a bit and gave the woman a small nod. But even she could tell Cirina was holding back her anger. She had many questions as to why Cirina was possessing Alexandra but that will wait.
"I was wondering when you show up...Flame Emperor." Chris's words dripped with venom.
"So that's The Flame Emperor," Jeralt growled and they nodded.
"Yes. I believe you have met my subordinate, the Death Knight." They said and Sandy chuckled darkly.
"Oh, we've met him all right. But back to you. You're the one responsible for the destruction of this village. As well as the death of my brother." Sandy snarled and stopped when Arisa extended her arm to keep her from taking a step.
The woman looked at her with a glare but Arisa only shook her head, her eyes remained closed.
"You got some nerve showing your face here." Amir snarled as Cirina let out a low laugh.
"My...you humans don't change," Cirina said yet the Flame Emperor chose not to move.
"Do not get the wrong idea." The Flame Emperor paused for a moment, "It is true that I am working with Solon. But that does not mean our objectives are the same. Had I known they planned to do this, I would have stopped it. You have my word." Their voice wavered.
The nerve The Flame Emperor had to defend themselves. Arisa handed Bernadtta to Jeralt then stepped forward and began to walk towards them, no one stopped her. The Flame Emperor remained still when she stopped five feet from them.
"Your objectives mean nothing to me." Her eyes opened a bit, "Your words are meaningless." Her gaze remained half-lidded as she looked down at them.
"If you wish to join forces, I will hear your plea." They continued as Arisa moved towards them.
Each step was becoming faster and faster, till it looked like she was storming towards then. Sothis prevented the woman from sending magic into her hands …
"If they are left to their own devices they will commit countless more violent acts like this one. Do you not wish to prevent that?" They said yet-
SLAP!
"GASP!" Amir covered her mouth in shock at what had just happened as did many that were behind the wall of ice.
They could tell some just got slapped. Chris and Jeralt's eyes went wide, their jaws dropping while Cirina only raised an eyebrow as they watched Arisa lower her hand, a deep gash on her palm. The Flame Emperor was stunned to silence as they slowly looked back to the woman.
"Are you a leader?" Arisa said coldly, "Yes or no?"
"That is-"
"ANSWER ME!" Arisa roared, causing the ground beneath her feet to crack.
"...Yes." The Flame Emperor answered and before they could move, she had grabbed them by the collar of their armor.
"WRONG!" Arisa roared in their face, "You are nothing but a glorified idiot puppet who is being manipulated by THE AGARTHANS! YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A FOOLISH HUMAN WHO THINKS THEIR WAY IS THE ONLY WAY! YOU COMMIT WAR CRIMES LEFT AND RIGHT, TRYING TO JUSTIFY AS A MEANS OF END! EVEN IF IT DESTROYS EVERYTHING AROUND YOU!" She pushed them back hard, glaring at them furiously, her teeth had turned to fangs.
"Then..." the Flame Emperor recovered a bit from their stumble, "join me in taking them down. You who bears the Sword of The Creator along with the man with its twin. The girl who controls the shadows and the Maiden of I-!
"ARE YOU LISTENING to YOURSELF?! Do you think we are just tools to be manipulated by you?! That we are disposable pawns?!" Arisa spat, "Look around you," she swung her arms, "look at the destruction and death! This was caused by those who you say you control! The death of so many...the destruction of so many..." she pulled out her sword and pointed it at them, "It. All. Falls. Onto. You."
"You can't even control the Agarthans. Your arrogance is astonishing to the point I see nothing but a brat throwing a tantrum when things don't go their way. You are a fool who has failed as a leader." She turned around, her cape flowing violently in the air, turning her head a bit.
"How about you take a look in the mirror and see yourself for a change? You were ready to get all chummy with me and the others, for us to reign in your old allies. Foolish mortal." Now it was both her voice and Sothis, "A stupid choice you have done."
She turned back to them, once more pointing her blade at.
"I'm going to destroy the Agarthans. If you're smart, I hope you break your connections with them because for fucks sake...I don't see a person before me. I see fucken spoiled entitled brat who is attached to strings!" She turned around and by the sound of magic activating, Edelgard had warped away.
Everyone was stunned to silence. No one knew what to say as Arisa walked back to the group. She stopped in front of her father, gritting her teeth, trembling and shaking with rage. She felt just so betrayed. She had hope that Edelgard would change. She has hope that over the past few months the Princess would see the truth being put out there but no. But Arisa was stubborn. She still had hope that Edelgard would come to her senses. She has put almost everything out there for the girl to realize she was making a mistake. She gritted her teeth, holding back sobs as she felt her father gently take her hand. He was silent as he saw the deep gash that was made from her slapping the Flame Emperor.
It hurt.
Jeralt reached into his pocket and pulled out a roll of bandages. Carefully, he began to wrap them around her hand, making sure it wasn't too tight. His daughter was still trembling and shaking yet all he could do was hug his daughter tightly. Around them, the others gathered and hugged them. Students, Knights, and mercenaries alike all knelt to honor their fallen comrades.
The trip to the monetary was nothing but grim. All knights, students, and mercenaries were silent as they rode their mounts. Arisa wore her hood to hide her face, Blanca walking next to Red Hare and Feh was nuzzled in her cloak. Hessian walked beside Dimitri but also somewhat comforted his friend. Amir was silent, her eyes red and puffy. Chris, also remained silent as Cirina only observed them. When they arrived at the monastery gates, Rhea along with Seteth, Crescent, Xina, and the Ashen Wolves, were there.
"Kids. Stay here." Jeralt muttered as he and Sandy got off their wyvern and horse.
Both walked up to the group, the expressions grim as they took a deep breath.
"Florencio..." Jeralt spoke I looked at Rhea in the eyes, "has fallen."
A sob escaped Xina's lips as Seteth looked at them shocked. The Ashen Wolves were frozen as Crescent remained silent. Rhea's eyes widened, she took a deep breath, closing her eyes.
"My condolences." She took another deep breath and opened them, "All students are to return to their dorms and rest. I will give everyone the week off as well as the refugees will be allowed to stay here. We will have food and shelter ready." Rhea announced yet everyone turned when they heard thrashing and screaming.
"LADY RHEA!"
Arisa's eyes widened when Catherine walked up with Pollux tied up, then threw her to the ground in front of her.
"This brat along with Castor were accomplices to Solon! They acted like students and knights! Also!" She ripped off a sleeve from the girl's cloak, revealing her pale skin, "She has skin like him."
Ice cold Rhea's eyes went as she looked down to the thrashing girl with the fox mask.
"...So Castor and Pollux were accomplished all along." She let out a tired sigh.
"No!" Dimitri yelled, "We were able to identify that the two are being controlled by the mask they are forced to wear!"
"It's true! They are being controlled by dark magic! Please, Lady Rhea, we can save them!" Mercedes pleaded as the other two houses arrived.
Edelgard's right cheek had turned purple, yet she was silent when she saw the crazed Pollux pinned onto the ground. She knew Rhea would announce the girl to be executed. The Archbishop walked up and unsheaths her sword.
"It does not matter." Rhea spoke coldly, "This...girl can not be allowed to live. Even if she was being controlled by magic, she worked under Solon's wing and leaked information. Not only that she is..." She gritted her teeth, "As the Archbishop, Pollux will be executed."
The protest began to fill the air as many yelled it wasn't right. That the girl was innocent.
"Rhea please." Seteth spoke, "Do not do this. The girl is innocent. Can you not see that dark magic is being used on her?" He said and Rhea did not wave, her gaze remained glued on the girl.
"You know what she is. Her kind..." she gritted her, "Pollux, you shall be inlaid upon us!" And she raised her sword, bringing it down but…
CLANK!
Rhea stumbled back, the sword flew out of her hands and landed far away. In front of her, with her sword being lowered, was Arisa. Her gaze was void of emotions. Chris quickly looked to his right, unable to figure out when his sister got off Red Hare, and not just her. A loud Thund could be heard and many gasped when they saw Catherine on the ground out cold, with Amir standing over her. The knights were about to move but screamed when they were frozen by Cirina's magic.
"What are you doing?!" Rhea roared and Arisa only stared at her, as she glanced over to Cirina, then to Amir, and lastly, her Aunt and Father, both looking at the trio horrified, "You dare interfere with the executions?" She snarled.
"Will you shut up for once?" Arisa said coldly and gasps were heard, "What I see is someone clearly about to go on a power rampage by inflicting fear. Everyone here already told you that Pollux is being controlled by dark magic." She turned back to Pollux, raising her sword, "I'll serve the ties."
"WAIT ARISA!" The students screamed and she brought down her sword on the girl yet...
"No wound?"
Arisa took a deep breath as she saw a black magic circle manifest underneath Pollux and shatter to pieces along with the mask she wore. The girl was quickly caught in her arms and she held her gently. Arisa blinked multiple times as she looked at the young girl with dark green straight hair, a small flower-shaped mark under her right eye. The girl's eyes snapped open, revealing neon-orange ones. She gasped for air, coughed violently, her lungs burning.
"Pollux." Pollux looked up and saw Arisa look at her worried, "Pollux, are you alright?"
The students quickly gathered around her, some were crying in joy and others let out sighs of relief. Pollux looked at them confused and slowly touched her face. She froze, not feeling the familiar cool sensation of porcelain. She was about to start panicking until she felt a gentle hand on her head.
"It's alright. Solon no longer controls you. I used my magic to cut your ties to him. The fact that they remained..." she gritted her teeth, "means he is alive."
"What?" The prince gasped, as she helped the girl up, "That means..."
"I'm going to destroy him."
Her words were colder than any winter in Faerghus. Pollux looked around nervously until she felt a shiver go down her spine. She didn't dare turn because Arisa along with the Blue Lions stood in front of her protectively. Rhea shook with anger once she saw the girl's face. Crescent didn't know what to say because of the face Pollux had belonged to...
"How dare...she...have Melusine's face?!" Sneered Rhea and before she could storm over to them, she heard a familiar dark chuckle.
With a wave of her hand, the ice shattered and the knights that were frozen were freed but knocked out cold. Cirina walked up, standing in front of the group.
"Aunty, I suggest you go cool off that little head of yours before it explodes. Not the first time you went on a power rampage." She giggled and Rhea snarled once she realized who she was before storming away.
There was a tense silence till Cirina felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Arisa.
"...Thank you." Arisa muttered, "How is...?"
"She's asleep." Cirina sighed, "It's best we all head back to our rooms. As for the girl..." she looked over to Crescent and Seteth, "...I trust my uncles will know what to do." As much as the frozen spirit hated them, she knew she could trust them.
Crescent nodded and walked up, holding his hand out to Pollux.
"Come. We should head back to Abyss. Staying up here will only result in a certain snake waiting for the opportunity to strike you down." He said and Pollux looked scared.
"It's okay." Arisa reassured her, "I trust Crescent. You will be fine."
Pollux looked at her and then to him but ultimately took his hand. Chris stopped next to her and nodded, "We'll save Castor. That's a promise." And her followed his class back to Abyss.
Arisa nodded and looked over to her father and aunt. Sandy, even in the dark time, couldn't help but smirk a bit along with Jeralt.
"That's our kids."
- Present Day -
A funeral was held for Florencio, given one of the highest honors. Everyone wore black as a small box of ashes was buried next to the tombstone of his wife and child. Kaimu, despite being a small boy, understood what had happened to his father. He cried in Sandana's arms as Jeralt held Jaden. The villagers of Remire, the mercenaries, everyone that knew Florencio had come. Arisa stood between Emily and Edward, Robert on Emily's right. As a tradition of the Church, when a Holy Magus passes away, their fellow magus uses their magic to create a bouquet and then turned them to dust, releasing them into the wind as they sing a song from The Bibble of Serios. The first one to up was Robert. He created a bouquet of white roses, sang a soft song about Saint Cethleann, then turn the flowers to dust. The same thing was repeated with Edward but he made a bouquet of lilies and sang a song about Saint Indech. Emily was next and like before, she created a bouquet but this time lavender flowers. However, she turned them to dust, and smiled softly, ignoring the glares she was getting from Seteth.
"I know how much you hated this type of thing." Emily spoke softly as she knelt, "So instead, bring you something you would prefer." She took out a small sake cup and a bottle of sweet flower wine, placing it on the tombstone and pouring it.
"Emily!" Seteth said and Crescent couldn't help but let out a laugh but quickly coughed to cover it up.
Well, it was a fail because the mercenary company and knights that worked under Florencio let out their cheers, raising their mugs of beer and wine in the air. Seteth groaned and Rhea did a light pat on his back.
"I'll let it slide," Rhea said as Jeralt, Sandana, Amir, Chris, Alexandra, and Arisa did the same.
"To Florencio! The most amazing son of bitch and doctor!" Emily yelled and Seteth screeched while others burst out laughing.
They know Florencio would love this. He never liked quiet places. The students couldn't help chuckle and now it was Arisa's turn. She walked up, creating a bouquet of sunflowers, forget-me-knots, and lilies, and turned them to dust. She took a deep breath and took out her ocarina. A soft minor began to play as she closed her eyes. It was a tune that Alexandra and Chris recognized but also Rhea.
"In time Flows~ See the glow ~ Of flames ever burning bright ~ " Sothis manifested herself next to Arisa but only the four could see her. "On the swift ~ Rivers drift ~ Broken Memories aligned ~ " The goddess sang softly, "Florencio," she floated forward and stopped in front of the tomb, "as a mother, I am grateful for everything you have done. I swear to you, that we will stop them. You are an amazing person who changed and saved so many. Thank you, for being born." She smiled softly and waved her hand.
"This is my gift." Small green and purple butterflies gathered all around, many gasping and smiling.
Arisa held out her hand as a butterfly landed on her index finger. She smiled softly and nodded, looking up to the sky.
"Rest in peace, uncle."
[-]
"The ball?! Rhea, you can not be serious?! We just had Florencio's funeral a few days ago!" Seteth said and the woman shook her head as she sat down in her chair.
"I understand how you feel but I think it would lift everyone's spirits. Even just for a bit." She sighed, "Also...anything on...that thing?" That thing, she referred to was Pollux.
"She has a name." Flayn's cold voice made them jump when they heard the office door close then lock, "And that thing is a person, regardless if they are Agarthan." She walked up, "I spoke with Pollux, she told me and Crescent everything she knows with Christian present."
"Flayn, what were you doing down there?" Seteth looked at her worried but the girl shook her head.
"Pollux is very much afraid that Rhea will have her executed on the spot should she show her face. I assured her we will not allow that to happen." She said and Rhea looked shocked.
"You can not be serious, Cethleann!" Rhea abruptly stood up, furious, "That girl is an Agarthan! Those...people are the very ones that destroyed everything! And to think three of those vermin were under our noses this whole time! That girl needs to die!" She growled and Flayn only stared at her.
"And you have forgotten that The Exiles, who are also Agarthans, fought beside us against Nemesis and those of Agartha. The turning point of the war was when Cirina killed Anacharis. Pollux along with Castor are victims of The Seven Sages. Do you truly believe executing Pollux will resolve anything?" Flayn said coldly making the woman freeze and Seteth taking a deep breath but nodding.
"Rhea, she is right." Flayn looked at him surprised because she didn't expect him to agree with her, "Executing Pollux will do no one any good. Think about it. Everyone right now is mourning the loss of Florencio. Every one of the Blue Lions witnessed the twins be manipulated by dark magic. Executing the girl will only show...you are abusing your authority." He sighed and even Rhea couldn't believe he was taking Pollux's side.
"...Both of you...get out."
[-]
"Aawwww...So this my face?" Pollux was awed as Constance and Marrienne held a mirror in front of her, "I've never seen my face before! This is the first time I have never worn a mask! Ummm...do I look weird to you all because of my pale skin?" Marianne couldn't help but chuckle a bit and Constance shook her head.
"Nonsense! Even if the skin is pale like ashes and blue, you look lovely!" The blonde said and Pollux looked at her a bit worried.
"Will...I will be okay here in Abyss? Lady Rhea looks set to have me executed." Her voice quivered and the trio looked up to see Crescent.
"Not under my watch." He reassured her, "Pollux...do you know anything about your face or why you weren't allowed to remove your mask?" He asked and she nodded.
"Solon said that my face must remain hidden because my brother and I are the perfect Agarthans." She said and he looked at her confused.
"Could you elaborate?" He said and Chris was silent along with the other Ashen Wolves as they listened.
"The people of Agartha can no longer reproduce. Very few can and they are locked away, isolated from the rest. The Agarthans that can are The Exiles because they live their lives like normal humans. Solon and Pittacus never made it a secret of my brother's and I origins. We are artificial humans. I think the best term is...homunculus." She muttered and Chris went stiff.
"Artificial...is that even possible? I thought the creation of life in Alchemy was forbidden!"
"Wwwhha!" Everyone jumped and turned to look behind Chris, only to see Linhardt with a fascinated look.
"Lin! What the hell are you doing here?!" Hapi said and the boy shrugged.
"I wanted to learn more about Pollux. Considering you know...she technically isn't a normal human." He said and Pollux puffed her cheeks, "But I am sorry to interrupt. Carry on."
"As I was saying," Pollux grumbled, "we are artificial humans. We project, Replicant. My brother and I are the first successful Agarthans created that can reproduce." That made Crescent go silent, "We were always told that our duty would be to bear children once we reached a certain age. I know...Solon told me that I would be given to noble in Faerghus to marry. And Castor would be sold to Empire noble so that he may sleep with many women." She explained.
"...Do you know which noble in Faerghus?" Sylvain said and Pollux looked at him confused.
"I'm not sure. But Solon would always say it would either be the son of Rowel, son of House, Klein, and unfortunately I was never told the third one." She said and Sylvain was informing Lestia and Dimitri of this.
"What about your birth?" Linhardt asked and Pollux thought for a moment.
"Hmm...Let's see...I know I was created from a piece of hair of man that was found in mansion fire four years ago." She muttered as she placed her hand on her chin, "And my face...I do recall a woman named Bias screaming furiously at Odesse for making me look like a woman named Melusine. All I know is that this...Melusine lived 1000 years ago during The War of Heroes. That is it." She explained and Linhardt was taking down notes.
"...Wait." Linhardt looked up to her, "You said a hair found in a mansion fire that belonged to a man. Which mansion fire?"
"Um..." Pollux scrunched her face, "I think they said the fire of House Aegir. I do know that that the hair was white with the roots being brown. That's about it" she said.
"PPFFFTTTTT!"
Everyone turned to look at Chris, who looked like he choked on his spit. He coughed and turned away, using the wall for support.
"Hey! Are you okay?!" Sadi said and Chris coughed, trying to recover from the shock.
"No...No way...she..." he looked back to her and then looked away, "Holy shit...Holy Shit..." he kept whispering frantically as he came to the sudden realization.
[-]
"Hey."
Cirina looked from her book and saw Amir looking at her with a frown.
"Is...Alexandra okay?" She asked and Cirina sighed, annoyed.
"She's fine. The amount of magic she used took a toll on her soul. I'll take over for a while until she fully recovers. Should be about three days." Cirina explained, "I will stay in her room for the time being. I don't need to run into those kids nor Rhea." She went back to reading her book.
"Can we really trust you?" Amir said and Cirina closed her book.
"Alexandra is my one and only. So yes, you can trust me. Also, me taking over for a while is a good thing. It will increase her magic output as well as allow her body to adapt to the change she will be going through soon." She sighed.
"Cirina...what do you think of Rhea?" Amir asked and the woman looked with a blank gaze till she spoke.
"Rhea still seeks Eternity. How foolish."
[-]
Dimitri stood in front of Arisa's door, taking deep breaths before he knocked. After the funeral, Arisa locked herself in her room for days, only her father, aunt, Amir, Alexandra, and Chris have been seen coming in and out of the room with the occasional Hai. For Bernadetta, Felix has been watching over her. But there was a fight the other day between her and Edelgard. He managed to hear a bit of the conversation and before he knew it...the door was slammed open and a burst of water sent out a screaming Edelgard onto the floor. He didn't even have time to react to what had happened because Bernadetta had slammed the door shut. He remembered the bruise on his sister's face and Lestia was still recovering. Emily had put his sister into a deep sleep to help her recover.
"When the week is over, she will wake up."
He heard shuffling from the inside and the door creaked open just a bit.
"Dimitri..." Arisa's voice was just barely above a whisper, "What are you doing here?"
"Lady...Sigh..." he let a sigh, "Lady Rhea has been wanting an audience with you. Why don't you join me at the dining hall? You haven't eaten since...since it happened. Have you?" He said and Arisa only stared at him.
"...I guess...some food would be alright. Though...I really am not hungry." She could hear Sothis grumbling in her mind.
"Forgive me..." Dimitri muttered, "I suppose it's too soon to try and coax you back into the normal swing of things. As for what happened to Florencio... I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything to stop it. Stay here until you've found some peace. I'll cover for you with Lady Rhea and everyone else." He said, "I have also told Christian, Amir, Alexandra, and Bernadetta the same." Something...he wanted her to say something.
She opened her door a bit more and smiled weakly.
"Thank you." She whispered and Dimitri nodded.
"No need to put on a brave face. No one would blame you for taking time for yourself. I don't believe it's a sign of strength to just keep going forward no matter what. Taking the time to grieve for those we've lost...there's strength in that too. That's what I think, anyway. That said... It's also important to remember that no matter how sad you are, eventually, your tears will dry up. That's when you have to figure out what it is you're living for. Then you can cling to that, with all your might, and start moving forward again." He said and Arisa nodded.
"My will to live..." Arisa whispered, "What I'm living for..."
"You already know my story of The Tragedy of Duscur. The burden of the work left behind by those who have passed has now fallen onto me, my sister, and my brother. I won't repeat it. I must ensure they have no regrets. That's my duty, as one of the survivors of the tragedy. It's a heavy burden, but accepting it gave me the strength to pick myself up off the ground and start moving again. Start living again. Florencio is gone... So, what will you do now, Professor?" He gently placed his hand on her's, "What must you do? Look deep in your heart and I'm certain you'll find the answer there...indelible and inescapable. I've probably bothered you enough for today, but I have just one more thought to leave you with. Even now, Seteth is gathering the knights to begin a full-scale search for the enemy. It may not be right away, but before long they will find their trail. No matter what happens or what anyone may say, know that I plan to stand by you, Arisa. Through anything. Until the bitter end." He said and Arisa's eyes went wide when she felt him kiss her forehead.
"..." Arisa just looked at him shocked and immediately noticed how red the prince was turning.
"I-I'm sorry! I-I got to go now!" She didn't even get the chance to speak because he had already sped away so fast, leaving a trail of dust.
Sothis giggled mischievously and appeared next to her.
"My, the prince is getting bold. But enough of that." She turned towards her with arms crossed, "It's been five days. Well? Did you search deep within yourself as he suggested?" Arisa remained silent, "Sigh...At least get some food. I will keep watching around the monastery for tomorrow. Sleep. I'll take over." Arisa nodded and went back to her room, laying down on her bed.
"Sleep little one. As your friend, Grandmother, and adopted mother, I will make sure that every page of tragedy is thrown away."
[—]