Shattered Songs of Faith

by Sakura108645

Now, one does not expect to wake up in another body when they die. She did not expect to come to such a world that she had only read and played through technology. What's more, that she wakes up as Female Byleth during her childhood days. "Come and see the world in different ways from the River of Time before it all shatters away!" (SI OC) (AU)

75. Chapter 74:Shattered Sky: Part 1:

{WARNING: This chapter contents and subjects of torture, rape, gore, and triggers. If you are triggered by any of these topics or are uncomfortable, do skip this chapter or scroll to skip the part. I will be putting a trigger warning once the scene starts and an end when the scene is over. Thank you for understanding.}

[-]

Hey Arisa, it's been a while.

Glad we can finally write a bit more freely after the ball. I had blast. Glad to see you are doing well. But onto the main subject, Cornelia. Months ago, Dimitri had ordered Count Gautier and Rodrigue to investigate Cornelia and to reopen the case of Count Aubin.

Count Galatea, Lord Lonato, and Count Charon supported this. Emily as well. We made sure no information about this was leaked. The more we investigated, the more things became confusing. The topic of her personality changing was brought up often so I decided to do a background check. Cornelia, before she become a Holy Magus, was a scholar in the Empire who was researching Crest with Professor Hanneman. She was the adoptive daughter of the former Count Gareth and was studying at the Magic Academy in Enbarr. It was during that time that a plague spread across Faerghus. As you know, there were many victims, my mother included.

Cornelia studied the disease and eventually discovered a cure. But something doesn't add up. From what Professor Hanneman told me, Cornelia was...how do I say this...? A bit like Manuela. The only difference was that her room was never a mess. She would also overwork and would drink coffee to keep herself awake.

She and Count Aubin met during their academy days and from there, well...you know the rest.

I'm getting off-topic. My point is, that one day, a few weeks after she became a Holy Magus, Cornelia said she had to return to the Empire quickly due to a family emergency. But when she returned, something changed. My father didn't know how to describe it but there was something off about her smile. Like it was always there, it felt unsettling. Soon after that, problems arose with Count Aubin and Cornelia suddenly had this horrible relationship with Lady Cira. From what I heard, Lady Cira and Cornelia used to get along. Cornelia was in the process of becoming part of House Zoltras when Lady Cira rejected her application. And well, things just spiraled down. Count Aubin was planning to divorce her but it was revealed that she was pregnant. And yes, that child was Alexandra.

I'll leave the rest of the background information on the other set of documents I sent but I want to get to the more important part. Count Gautier investigated and found that people from our land have been disappearing more but most of all, slave traders have been trafficking people illegally to the Empire. We managed to intercept a group however when we tried to question their leader, they turned themselves to ashes. This was a few weeks before you and Flayn came to Faerghus. Emily managed to undo one of the spells and was able to interrogate those people. As for those we saved, they were reunited back with their families, and those that had no one, I chose to welcome them to my lands.

We found out that the disappearance of the people also had to do with The Explosion, the day of the bestial attacks all over Fodlan. I know we have but we had someone investigate the underground slums of Faerghus. There were traces of demonic beast...I worry that some have been snuck into the city so, best we prepare for another bestial attack.

After Cornelia was arrested, she became silent and never spoke no matter how many questions were asked. On the day of the Battle of The Eagle and Lion, she escaped. We honestly have no idea how but now that she was gone, we took the opportunity to investigate her office. Everything looked normal, nothing suspicious but that was until we found a door behind a cabinet. There was this spell keeping us from entering. Erick and Kyo managed to break it and we went inside. Inside the stone room was a coffin and in that coffin, what Cornelia?! The woman was cold, looking exactly like the woman that escaped except for the scarred face. But she was dead. We called in Emily quickly and she confirmed that the body had a preservation spell and that it was real...

Then...if this person was Cornelia, then who the hell was the one that has been with us all along? Is that why she never left my stepmother alone? Could it be possible that she may have used her "appearance" to manipulate others? Is that was she was so obsessed with you? Whoever this person is, they will not go unpunished. Just to let you know, Dimitri has been informed of everything that happened as well my uncle. My uncle was not happy learning this and he wanted us to also investigate the nobles that were opposed to Cornelia being fired. That being Count Rowe, Count Keilman, Count Helrays, and a few other lesser houses.

This information on the Agarthans you have given us has truly been helpful. I don't know how to ever repay you. But something is worrying me. The Empire is somehow involved in this along with those people and it seems to also have a connection to The Tragedy of Duscur. I just hope things don't spiral out of control and war starts. But if it does, then we will be ready. I pray everything is alright with everyone.

Be safe: Zander Alphonse's Blaiddyd

[—-]

Hello Arisa,

I'm going to assume Zander told you already about the investigation and what went down. It's true...we found Cornelia. I couldn't believe it. I just couldn't believe it. I had heard stories of Agarthans taking over but this was my first seeing that aftermath. I did an autopsy yesterday on the body and found that the woman's neck was snapped. As if someone came behind her and snapped her neck. Cornelia put up a good fight before she was killed because I found some dead skin cells in her nails. But that wasn't what I found disturbing. It's her womb. I know this sounds weird but hear me out!

In the womb, there was a cut. A large cut and the ovaries...were missing. I did a DNA test and Cornelia was pregnant when she was killed! What the hell?! What the hell?! It takes at least an hour or two for the body to fully die, much faster if there is life growing in the womb. The ovaries were missing...she was pregnant when she was killed. Then...why would "Cornelia" collect such body parts? Arisa, I'm starting to worry that there is the possibility of homunculus being made by the Agarthans.

[—-]

Hello dear! It's me, Duchess Marry!

Ah! I'm glad to see you are doing well! It's been ages since we last spoke and I am excited to write to you! My offer is still open should you no longer wish to work at the academy, I have a spot open for you! A little life update, well...Count Zika, and Count Urus and I got married! Yes, I know polyamorous marriage isn't seen well here in Fodlan but I don't care! In the end, we combined our houses still work! Ah, I have given birth to three wonderful children. Oh, I love them all equally and it's so cute watching my husbands spoil them. Of course, I have to make sure they don't spoil them too much.

But I'm getting off-topic! Back to you!

So I did an investigation as Lord Chris said and what we found is disturbing. The Seven Lords of The Insurrection of The Seven purposefully divided the Imperial children to weaken the Emperor. Their mothers were all sent underground to the dungeons and never came back out alive. The only one that did survive was Lady Eve, however...since then, she has been unresponsive. Her gaze is blank and if she even sees some form of metalwork like scissors, she screams. We kept her existence hidden to keep the Duke of Aegir from finding her. He knows she is alive but doesn't know where, she was originally someone he fancied in the past but was rejected by her.

The more we investigated, we found strange unusual activity going on in Arundel Territory. House Nohr cut ties with the Empire years ago due to the Concubine Warm that happened when Duke Garon was alive. But current head of Hosue Nohr, Lady Camilla, despises Lord Arundel. There seems to be some sort of Territory battle between the lands of Arundel and Nohr. House Nohr has always been the guardians of Fodlan's Fangs long before the Empire was formed. Not to also mention that they are also in alliance with the Wolf Skin Clan that lives in the mountains. Something happened between house Nohr and House Arundel but what? From what I've heard, no this is from rumors, that before Count Garon passed away, he had his children fight for the seat of the head of the house. 30 children, 5 fives, only six children lived. That Camilla killed many of her siblings to gain the seat.

Again these are only rumors. Sadly I have no way of confirming this myself unless I want to make myself an enemy of House Nohr. For now, that is all. Any more information I have to keep hidden. Take care dear and be careful.

— Duchess Marry

[—]

Lord Dimitri and Duchess Lestia, it is I, Kyo.

I write to you this letter to inform you that there was an attempt at assassination towards the consorts of The King. I know this is sudden but it's becoming frequent. It's almost like every day. Any assassins we've caught kill themselves and make sure their bodies do not remain. My lords, I pray for your safety and do not hesitate to use us when the time comes.

Burn this letter after you read it.

[—]

Monica von Ochos...what type of person was she? Well, why are you asking me? Arisa, I'm a dark mage, not an investigator but never mind that, I will answer what you want. Monica was just a normal girl. Someone who loved doing arts and crafts and then on the day she disappeared, her father went crazy in finding her. We found her this year and her personality reminds me too much of this Agarthan I killed years ago. Gregory and Glenn have been working very hard. We may have not found dirt on Monica but on others we did. But still…

Keep an eye on that girl.

- Tharja

[—-]

Hahahaha! Been quite some time my little Khalid! I spy from my sight that I see someone becoming closer to their Zarqa! By the way, Tiana has been missing your letters. I'm sending this using your magic tool because I think someone has been intercepting letters all around Fodlan. Thankfully this is a private magic channel so I can communicate with you. Anyhow, Mahatma found the information you wanted.

Chris von Hersvelg along with Gina von Vestra was killed on the day of The Tragedy of Duscur. The survivors were Edelgard von Hersvelg and Hubert von Vestra. The one that ordered the deaths of the fourth prince was Duke Aegir and Duke Vestra sold his daughter's body to slave traders. However, it seems that isn't exactly the case. Those Fodlan fools did a good job in planting fake bodies. So yes, the prince is alive along with the woman. But the question is where? Where are they? Where are they hiding?

Now onto the main treat. This is...actually quite hard to speak about. This information I had to share with our father because it does involve the royal family. 115 years ago, The Illac HouseHold was massacred and 10 years later it was discovered that they were innocent. That is not all, I also searched through the records of Fodlan and it is recorded that one human being in that land wielded The Sword of Aid (Hades)...that sword can only be wielded by someone of the Illac bloodline. Khalid, there was a survivor.

Inami

[—]

Sister, I figured out that a long time ago. I know there is a survivor but the question is who? Are there any records of the bodies found or a body that was never found? What about if they have a longer life span? Or possibly having distant relatives? There is someone I suspect to be a descendant of that survivor but I'll keep those though to myself for now.

And stop looking through my letters to my mother!

Claude

[—-]

Apologies for the late reply, it's me, Mahatma. Inami is currently resting due to a recent assassination attempt but she asked me to write this letter to you. We researched more and yes, there was one body that was never found. The body of the youngest daughter of the Illac Household. Her name was...Sandana Flora Illac.

Mahatma

[—-]

Please tell me you are joking...

- Claude

[—-]

Good evening Rodrigue,

I hope you receive this letter. Many things have happened over the year and I hope things work out. This year has honestly been one of the most hectic of them all. The revelation of Cornelia, the things we have learned, and the history that I thought was real I am starting to question. Just so many things...For now, I just pray fortune smiles upon us from on. There is more I want to say but...I'm happy. I hope everything is well with you and Lady Romea. And don't worry, Felix has been doing well as well as my sister.

Take care, my friend.

- Dimitri

[—-]

Aunty Regina! Aunt Hira!

It's been so long! I hope you're doing okay after what happened with that maid! Man, I have so much to tell you when we return to Fhirdiad! Especially because my brothers are no longer maidenless! Ahhh! They both asked their maidens if they want to come to Fhirdiad with us and they said yes! Aahhhh! I'm so excited because finally after so long they admitted their feeling to each other! Do you have any idea it's been nearly five years! Goooooddssss, it was so painful to watch! But I'm excited! Brother is going to become king, elder brother is going to work in court! We'll finally be able to help our people! Aunties, Aunties! Also, when can I have more cousins?

- Lestia

[—-]

Dear Emile,

I wish you could be here. I wish we could talk. I wish we could turn back the clock to be together again. Having fought you that day and seeing you reach out to me...Makes me feel hopeful. I know I have no way of sending you this letter but I hope that one day in the future you will be able to read this. For now, let me update you on how things have been going. Mother is alright. She had been living in Abyss for a while along with the others and had been helping around. Abyss looks so different compared to how it was months ago. The place is much livelier and is starting to heal. Mother loves working with Diedra in baking and she takes care of these two boys named Kaimu and Jaden. I'm also happy to see her open her heart to Sir Jeralt. It's slow but I think soon they may announce their relationship. Arisa and I are cheering them on!

As for me, I am planning to take the Gremory and Dark Knight test for the final exam. It has been difficult in mastering different magic types but with my professor's guidance, I've improved so much. I also became close to a friend of mine named Dedue. Truthfully, we wish our relationship could be more but with the way things are now, we both have decided to wait. I hope you are doing well brother, wherever you are. Please be safe.

- Love, Mercedes

[—-]

How are my brother and sister? Are they doing well? Are they eating their vegetables? I hope aren't causing too much trouble for you and Miss Julia. After I return home from graduation, I will work hard as the new Lord. It will be tough and I will have to learn a lot of new things but I believe I can do it. I will work hard to repay everyone kind to me and make Lonato proud. I thank you and Miss Julia for taking care of them and for me. As for things here in the monastery, it's alright. We have been training for the upcoming master's exams. Also, when I get the chance, I want to introduce you all to a friend of mine. Her name is Petra and she is an amazing warrior and friend.

Ah, looks like my time has run out. But I hope you are all doing well and take care.

- From Ashe

[—-]

It seems everything we have planned is falling apart. Uncle, I write this letter to inform you that you were right. Professor Byelth is the one responsible for everything. I do not have much time but I need you to confirm that the preparations are ready to invade. We have also discovered the entrance to The Holy Tomb, the only problem is we have no idea how to enter it. Kronya has been investigating and we've run into even bigger problems. The Archbishop is planning something. I don't know what it is but it involves the Professor and the False Goddess. But not only that…I believe we have found a possible ally in the church.

Someone who longs to break free from Rhea's control and isolation.

Edelgard von Hersvelg

{-}

"Sigh...It's quiet...too quiet." Arisa muttered as she placed down her quill, "Just a few more days and it will happen." She sighed and leaned back on her chair, closing her eyes.

It's been three days since the ball and things had just been slow. Perhaps perfect would be better to describe it. Everyone was still talking about the events, as well as some even asked Manuela to dance. The event that was supposed to take place wasn't happening yet and perhaps that was why she was feeling anxious lately.

But also...

A pair of arms wrapped behind her and she felt a long heavy sigh as they rested their forehead on her shoulder. Arisa chuckled softly as she raised her hand to pat their head.

"You show no mercy in your training..." Dimitri's muffled voice made her chuckle a bit, "I'm tempted to take you ice skating." Arisa laughed nervously and did a light smack, "Ow."

"Are you alright? You look anxious." Dimitri said and Arisa let go of another sigh as the man removed himself from her shoulder and looked down at her, "There are dark circles under your eyes..."

"You have them too…I'm fine...just..." Arisa leaned back towards her desk and pinched the bridge of her nose as the prince went around her, "I've recently just got two letters this morning. One from your brother and the other from Emily. Add that with the investigations I've been doing with Shamir..." she leaned back on her chair, "It's just one mess after another."

"I can't believe they found Cornelia's body. Has it been reported to Rhea and Seteth yet?" She asked.

"It has." Dimitri nodded, his eyes narrowing a bit as he picked up his brother's letter, "My uncle has ordered a full investigation on the nobles that supported...whoever it.."

"Cleobulus."

"Pardon?" Dimitri blinked as Arisa looked down at her right hand, "I remembered that Odesse called her Cleobulus..." the woman muttered and Dimitri nodded.

"Cleobulus, then. We'll find that woman but...has this been told to Alexandra yet?" Dimitri asked and Arisa let go of another sigh, "That's a no."

"No, no. I told her. She...needed some time alone. Though right now she is with training with The Golden Deer to take her mind off things." She muttered and suddenly screamed when crimson eyes were looking down at her.

"Are you alright?!" Dimitri said and Arisa reassured him that she was fine, it was a spirit that suddenly chose to show itself to her.

Cirina huffed as she crossed her arms but Arisa noticed something different about the woman. She didn't wear that bloody ripped dress anymore. What she wore now was like ancient female dark blue knight armor. Her skin looked peachy, healthy like hers, but sadly...the dark circles under her eyes were still there, and her crest eyes were. Her sickly pale blue hair was now tied up in a high ponytail and the woman looked at her with a scowl.

"If you're wondering if Alexandra is half Agarthan, she is not. She is fully human. Anyway, the reason I came today is warm you that something is going to soon. And also...it seems that the knight had chosen your battleground. She should be here in a few minutes." Cirina snickered as Arisa just chuckled nervously.

"What is the spirit saying?" Dimitri said as he looked around and Arisa just shook her hand.

"Catherine is on her way." And right at that moment the door burst open and said a woman came in.

Catherine's expression was cold but it turned to confusion when she saw the two in the office as well as the pile of papers on the desk.

"Did I interrupt something?" The woman said and Arisa let out a tired groan, "Aright...Anyhow, good that you are here. I decided that today will be our match at the train grounds. Relic vs Relic." Arisa raised an eyebrow and looked at her as if she grew a second head.

"Catherine, do want to blow up the place?" Arisa said and the woman laughed, "Don't worry. I had Xina place a barrier for us to fight and for the audience to be safe. So, you up for it or need some time to prepare?" She said and looks like the two forgot Dimitri was there.

"Cassandra, when exactly was this agreed?" Dimitri said, "Also, you received a letter from your brother correct?" He said and the woman nodded.

"Speaking about that, glad you are here as well." The knight said and looked straight at him, "We got a hit." Dimitri quickly sat straight, "The apprentice mage that once worked for Cornelia before she returned to the Empire, they are alive. As of now, they are currently staying in House Charon for their safety." She sighed and looked at Arisa.

"My bother spoke to them and said that Cornelia looked the same when she returned to The Empire but something odd did happen the day before she was supposed to return to The Kingdom." She said and both looked at her to continue, "Cornelia found out she was pregnant and was going to go meet her father at a cafe in Enbarr." She said.

"Go on." Arisa urged her but Catherine shook her head.

"That's all I know. My brother wouldn't tell me squat after that letter. Anyhow, the real Cornelia was given a funeral in secret. Sad her name was stained by...whoever that person was that took her place." Catherine sighed and then looked back at her, "So, are we fighting or not?"

"Alright. Let's get this over with."

[—-]

Word had quickly spread across the academy that there was going to be a match between Catherine of The Knights of Serios and the Professor. Xina stood on the roof to oversee the match to make sure everyone was safe. Anna was taking advantage to start taking bets on who would win. But those that witnessed the conflict between the two women two months ago knew what the battle was about. Ingrid stood beside Cyril as students and staff gathered around.

"Hey, you two." Ingrid and Cyril turned to see Silque and Siegbert coming their way, "I didn't think you two would be here! Excited for the match?" Silque said and was quick to notice their troubled expressions, "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing..." Ingrid sighed and turned back to the match but was hesitant for a moment before she spoke up, "Siegbert...Silque...what would you do if...the person you were serving was heading down a path you do not agree with? But you swore loyalty to be with them to the end, no matter what path they chose." She muttered and the two were silent.

"My father asked me the same question when I was a child." Siegbert said as he walked and stood on her left, watching as Catherine entered the stage with her sword and people cheering her on, "Have you heard the story of The Concubine Wars that ended 25 years ago?" He said and Ingrid nodded.

"Weren't there two Concubine wars?" Cyril said and the boy chuckled nervously.

"Yes, one from 100 years ago and the most recent one. My father...told me stories of it, but most of all of what my Grandfather was like." Silque remained silent, "My grandfather was once a benevolent person but over time he grew corrupt. My father was in denial for a long time and followed his orders even if he knew our house and people were suffering. Eventually...it was my aunt and uncle that made him open his eyes and he finally dared to bring down my grandfather. He took him down. Alongside him were my aunts and uncles. He became the new head of the house and worked tirelessly to heal the wounds that were left. By the time I and my cousin and siblings were born, our home was healing. But..." Siegbert gritted his teeth as his hands suddenly balled into fists and he was shaking.

"You...don't have to continue if you don't want to," Silque said and the boy let a heavy sigh and nodded.

"I guess what I'm trying to say Ingrid is...do what you believe is right. Follow your heart. Disobey and don't be chained by blind loyalty. After all," he looked to the field and smiled sadly, "You will never be able to be who you are if you refuse to take the first step."

[—-]

Arisa rolled her neck to crack her bones and did a few good stretches before she got her sword and walked onto the field. From above, Xina spoke with a powerful voice that silenced everyone in the place. With her hand raised, she spoke.

"Fair game! The first one to stay standing or strike the first blow will win! Since you are using real weapons, you must use the strike the barrier on the stomach, chest, thighs, or shoulders! Dirty tricks are allowed because knowing you two, you never play fair!" She said and Catherine smiled as Arisa just covered her eyes to look away.

"Heheheh! Time to teach that woman a lesson! I don't know why but I feel great rage." Sothis cackled as she flexed her fingers in a claw-like motion.

Arisa knew why. It was because of the different visions she had been seeing over the years. The two women walked to the middle and bowed to each other and turned, Arisa held her sword and looked straight ahead. From the group, Dimitri was worried because of how things would go. When Xina yelled "Begin!", both lunged at each other like rabid wolves. The grin Catherine wore and the angry yet composed look Arisa had brought shivers to their spines but nothing prepared them for the force unleashed when the two Heroes' Relics clashed. The ground shook and it was enough to make Rhea and Seteth question if they were under attack. Manuela and Hanneman along with Crescent ran out of their rooms and to the fields to check what the hell was going on. When they arrived, they were witnessing bloodshed.

"Is that the best you can do?!" Catherine roared as Arisa jumped back and then lunged at her again, "Come on, where is all that talk from weeks ago?!" She yelled as Arisa gritted her teeth and again jumped back.

"So this is what going against a relic is like..." Arisa wiped her lips as she felt her hand trembling, "The force...is so much. Is this what Byleth went through constantly?" She thought as a bead of sweat ran down her cheek.

Over her years, she had come into contact with many weapons and fighting styles. From the lightest blade to the heavyset claymores but the force facing a relic was just so different. It was difficult to describe but if she had to describe the amount of force and strength she felt on impact...

"It's like getting ran over by multiple trucks." Arisa thought as she jumped back again to dodge Catherine's slashes, "Catherine moves so forcefully and her strength...Now that I think about it, his fighting style is more...how do I say this? Gorilla style like many in Faerghus." Sothis said as Arisa bent backward and flipped.

Catherine glared as they were 10 feet apart and pointed her sword at her.

"Take back what you said." The woman said and Arisa stared at her for a good 30 seconds before she spoke.

"No."

[—-]

"This force..." Dimitri awed as his sister held his hand tightly, "So this is a true battle against relic welders is like. It's...terrifying." He whispered he knew his sister was shocked.

Each blow delivered sent a powerful gust of wind that would have blown them away had it not been for Xina's barrier. The ground had even cracked at some point as Catherine slammed her foot on the ground. All Arisa had been doing was dodging, but the prince could tell that the woman was affected by the tremendous force. It must have been her first time going against a relic wielder based on how her arms were shaking a bit. Her posture was hunched and the way she moved indicated she was trying to get a read on her opponent. The woman jumped back again.

"No." Arisa replied to Catherine's words as she stood up straight, "I meant what I said about your Lord. If they ordered you to burn down a city with citizens and all just to win a battle, would you follow them?!" She pointed her sword at her, "CATHERINE I AM CHALLENGING YOU ON YOUR IDEALS AND BELIEFS! WOULD YOU DO SUCH A THING?!" She said and the woman's glare darken.

"This isn't about me!" Catherine yelled and charged, once again swinging her sword but all Arisa did was dodge again to avoid her attacks but this time, the sword did hit the ground.

The ground shook as if an earthquake hit the land and the ground was destroyed. Arisa felt like her soul left her body at the sight of it but did not mention the amount of electricity that made the ground sizzle and melted some of the rocks.

"Farnir has always had a temper." Sothis voiced as Arisa was now deflecting Catherine's attacks, "He was the lighting dragon and took advantage of his strength by controlling the energy around him." Sothis said he placed her translucent hands over her eyes, "Don't think...feel. Search for her weak point, and when you find the opening, strike." And with that, the Goddess faded away.

"This isn't a normal battle." Arisa thought, "Looks like I do have to take this battle seriously. And...I want my words to go through." She took a deep breath and charged.

Left, right, slash.

Catherine was grinning because Arisa was finally fighting back. The electricity in the air made the hairs on her arms stand up as she felt each blow.

"Come on!" Catherine roared, "You don't know anything about, My Lord!" another slash, "You don't know the sacrifices and pain they have gone through!" The second blow hurt as she felt lighting magic surge up her arms, "You don't know what they have to do to maintain peace!" It almost paralyzed her.

"What peace?!" It became clear that there was more to this fight, "Putting false accusations on innocents to shut them down?! Intimate people to stop them from advancing?! Purposely restricting books or burning them to hide knowledge?! What about forcing children no older than 15 to fight for their lives?! What about making them do dirty jobs like shut down rebellions just to teach them a lesson of what will happen to them if they point their blade at them?! What about stopping people from advancing and learning more about the outside world?!" Arisa roared back and felt Catherine waver.

"What about actually stopping that friend that was going to assassinate your Lord?! INSTEAD, YOU TURNED THEM IN AND HAD THEM EXECUTED ON FALSE CHARGES?!" Catherine felt her blood run cold, "You could have stopped them!

"WHAT ABOUT THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE WITHOUT HAVING TO BE CONSTANTLY WALKING ON EGGSHELLS?!"

She finally pushed Catherine back and panted and gasped for air as her arms were becoming numb.

"What about asking questions?! Finding the truth! What about your lord?! They constantly have their eyes everywhere! They interfere in the choices of nations when it is none of their business?! The state of religious affairs and politics should be kept separate! And another thing!" Arisa yelled as both got in each other's faces, "AS OF RIGHT NOW, YOU LOOK LIKE A MINDLESS PUPPET WITH NO WILL! THINK FOR YOURSELF FOR ONCE!" and Catherine screamed.

It wasn't any scream. It sounded like a wounded animal desperately trying to stay alive. Arisa suddenly felt a wave of emotions flood into her like a tsunami.

Loyalty

Regret.

Pride.

But the most important...guilt.

Catherine felt guilty.

She felt she had to do what Rhea ordered because the woman was her savior. She felt responsible for the death of Christophe but not only that, it was because they were more than friends. The pain and suffering she felt. The guilt of watching her friends become distant...

"It's all because of me."

"HYAA!" Arisa felt like someone punched her in the gut as she was thrown back again but thankfully she didn't kneel, "Sothis, can I stop time to create an opening?" She thought and Sothis nodded grimly.

"But you feel it, don't you?" Sothis said pointing at Catherine but what Arisa saw behind the enraged woman was a shadow version of her weeping tears of blood and screaming madly at herself.

It felt suffocating. It felt like she was being forced to drink poison as Catherine's emotions were becoming stronger. It felt like she was being stabbed by knives but not only that...it looked like she was tied by strings.

"Cut the strings."

Arisa took a deep breath and planted her feet firmly on the ground, her sword raised and pointed straight forward, her shoulders firm, her eyes narrowed as she took a deep breath and let it out. Catherine cursed at her with a rage unlike ever before.

"You don't know anything!" The woman roared and lunged, both hands holding the pommel of the sword tightly and ready to strike.

"Cut."

CLACK, CLACK, CLank...

Many gasps were heard as both ended on the opposite sides of each other, 10 feet apart. Thunderbrand fell onto the ground like a boulder tumbling as Catherine's chin was raised to the sky and her bangs covered her eyes. But only Arisa could see the shadow that haunted the woman...dissolved away as she fell to the ground unconscious. Arisa sheath her sword and let go a sigh of relief despite...

"Ah, bloody hell..." Arisa's sweat dropped as panic began to rise from everyone when she felt blood drip from her nose, "Looks like overdid it." She said as Xina undid the barrier and Shamir walked over to pick up Catherine but not before going up to Arisa and...

SLAP!

Arisa just rubbed her cheek as the woman looked at her with a void gaze but spoke.

"You deserved it." Shamir said and Arisa smiled she replied as she closed her eyes, "Yeah, I know. But damn, you hit like a truck." Arisa said and the archer raised an eyebrow.

"A truck?" Shamir said and Arisa decided for once to say it, "It is a tool made of metal that can move without a horse." She explained Shamir looked at her crazy but nodded.

"By the way, Thunderbrand is your's now." Shamir said as she picked up Catherine with the help of Celica, "Hey." The Archer glanced her way, "Thank you."

"No problem." Arisa smiled softly but the moment was short-lived when the doors to the training room burst open and Rhea came storming in.

Everyone froze as Seteth panted, trying to catch his breath as the woman looked around with a murderous glare and eyes landed on Arisa and then went to Catherine who was being held by Shamir and Celica. Sothis felt incoming dread as the Archbishop roared.

"What on earth is going on?! Xina!" The woman yelled and the nun flinched, "Explain!"

"W-Well..." the nun hesitated but spoke carefully, "Catherine and the Professor had a sparring match today. I made sure everyone was protected before they started!" She quickly said but Archbishop pinched the bridge of her nose.

"I can see that but why did it have to be a sparring match using The Relics?!" The woman barked and turned back to Arisa, furious, "Professor, you are an example for the students and should not be recklessly sparring using a Heroes' Relic of all! Do you have any idea the harm you and Catherine could have caused?! Much less the students?!" The woman stormed over to her, "I have let go of several of your...actions go but if this repeats one more time, there will be serious consequences!" She said and looked at the sword on her waist, "You are forbidden from using The Sword of The Creator for a month."

"There's a mission in a few days."

"It does not matter!" Rhea snarled, "Use a different weapon like everyone else! And as for all students that currently have relic!" She looked at the students, "You are all prohibited from sparing each other with them! Now, dismissed! And Shamir, take Catherine to the infirmary, I will look at her shortly." The woman huffed and left with Seteth behind her.

"I have never seen Rhea that angry before." Sothis muttered as everyone began to walk away but Arisa walked towards Thunderbrand and stared at it, "Something must have happened. She seemed in pain." The goddess muttered as Arisa picked up the sword.

It was her first time holding Thunderbrand and she could feel something from it. Perhaps it was because it was the heart of the Lightning dragon responding to her crest.

"Mother..."

She nearly dropped the damn weapon when Sothis gasped and she nearly had a jump scared. The voice they heard sounded like that of a young boy. Arisa stared at the weapon and sighed as she made it disappear into her magic inventory. Away she walked with her class behind her who had many questions about what had happened.

[—-]

Rhea paced back and forth in her office after checking on Catherine. The knight was fast asleep but Rhea knew there was more to it. The connection she had to Catherine when she fed her blood...the bond that kept Catherine tied to her, was cut. Just like when Florencio was killed, his connection to her was cut. But the difference was, that Catherine, is alive and well. The woman took a deep breath as she tried to ease the ache she felt in her chest.

"Already two connections have been cut..." She gritted her teeth and asked herself what was going on, "Seteth, something cut the connection but what?! There is only one person that could do such a thing!"

Seteth remained silent because he knew who she was talking about...

Sothis

"I tried to re-establish the connection but Catherine rejected it! Rejected it!" Rhea said and turned to him, "It shouldn't be like this! The bond I have to her should have been restored! Why isn't it recovering?!" She chewed on her nail, an old habit that she had back during The War of Heroes but would once in a while come came when she was nervous.

"Rhea..." Seteth sighed and spoke, "There will be times those bonds will not restore because the burden and guilt one felt must have gone away. Catherine is an amazing knight and has been a great service to the church. But you must also realize that she idolized you for saving her but also felt guilt for the death of her friend. Not only that, over this past year she has learned and interacted more with people other than those like her. She is learning and one day will possibly choose to live her own life away from here." He said and Rhea opened and closed her mouth like a fish.

Would she be able to let go of those she created a connection?

[—-]

Outside the door, Sandana leaned on the wall with her arms crossed and eyes closed as she listened to their conversation. A small sigh escaped her lips as her eyes opened just a bit and looked down at the small spider crawling next to her foot. She stared at it before stomping it.

"No more strings..." she whispered and left, not making a sound.

[—-]

She was having such a good dream about traveling and possibly eating her favorite food when suddenly someone started banging on her doors frantically like a manic. The woman screamed and fell off her bed, cursing as she got up and swung her door open. She was glad it was winter because she was in her fur night down.

"What is going on?! Why so late?"

"Everyone needs to get up! We just got a sudden report of Demonic Beasts near the chapel!" Arisa was now wide awake, "N-No way! At this hour? I haven't heard anything about the monastery's walls being breached!" Arisa screeched and Sothis appeared.

"I woke up all the students! Get ready Professor! Jeralt is already at the gate waiting for you and the others!" Alois said to wake up the others.

Arisa closed the door and ran to her desk, quickly stripping herself of her clothing and scrambling to put in her battle clothing and armor. She didn't care if Rhea forbade her from using her relic. Her heart was racing, her blood going fast. She quickly put on her cape and pushed her door open, running quickly to the stables to mount Red Hare. So many thoughts were racing through her head as spoke her orders to the students going quickly as possible to get their mounts.

"Why was this happening now?" Arisa thought as Alexandra quickly got on Falco and the flying units followed behind her, "Why?!"

Red Hare let out a powerful neigh as he flew up to the sky. Multiple owls flew around, relaying messages back and forth. No matter how late it was, all the students were at the gates with Jeralt but where was Sandana?

"Everyone! Get ready!" Jeralt yelled and out they left, "Just before they appeared, someone saw several students heading toward the chapel. They were acting strange, as though they weren't in their right minds. Shortly after, Demonic Beasts started to appear, one after the other!" Alois yelled as he rode beside them, "Catherine is currently at the east abandoned chapel with the Black Eagles and Golden Dear! Celica, Beleth, and Shamir as well are with her! We're in charge of the west abandoned chapel!"

"Why now at night?!" Sothis yelled beside her, "Something is not right!"

"I know that..." Arisa hissed as she flew through the air with Ingrid, Constance, Bernadetta, Sadi, Ashe, and Sylvain, "I have to stop it...I have to!"

[—-]

The abandoned chapel was filled with Demonic because and some she had never seen before. A wolf-like beast, a bird one, it was becoming obvious it was going to be a brutal battle. Arisa gritted her teeth as she ordered her students to get ready for battle and also keep an eye on Jeralt. Red Hare swiftly moved through the air and found an opening she nodded as she dodged the claws of the demonic vulture. She roared as she stabbed her sword into the crest stone on the chest of the beast. The monster let out a roar that shook the ground and fell, hard, its body turning to dust leaning on the body of a student whose skin turned cracked, dried, and pale as if the life was sucked out of them.

Jeralt was stunned, "The Demonic Beasts were students? How can this be..." he gritted his teeth and roared, "Rescue the students that couldn't get away! Quickly!" He yelled and saw his daughter jump off Red Hare from the sky and land next to him, "Kid, aim for the crest stones on their foreheads!"

"Aim now!" Arisa roared and Annette let out a scream as she jumped in the air with Dedue beside her and both slammed their axes into a beast.

Dimitri spun to the left with Lestia on the right and both ran left and right, slashing the legs as Pollux stabbed her sword into the crest stone, another body falling onto the ground.

"Wait...that's! KYYAA!" Annette screamed when she realized that the body belong to one of her cooking mates that she worked with during lunch, "Mina...Mina!" She wailed and Dedue quickly held her back as another beast went towards them but was quickly cut down by Sylvain and Mercedes.

"What the hell..." Sylvain swore as he couldn't believe his eyes as a dried-up body looked at him with soulless eyes, "That guy...I know him..." he wanted to puke and leave so bad.

The next student was saved and it was becoming more apparent that someone turn students into the demonic beast. Blanca and Hessian had two unconscious students loaded on their backs and they ran as fast as they could to get them to safety.

"I-It was horrible! Horrible!" A rescued student wailed frantically as a knight helped him walk, "W-We we're all studying for an exam when suddenly black fog surrounded us. Before I knew it...almost...almost...bright!" He vomited and the final beast was killed.

Students cried and mourned as some of the bodies were friends they recognized. Annette cried in Dedue's chest as Sylvain ran to the nearest bush and vomited. The heavy rain and the rumble of thunder did no better with the devastating atmosphere. Alexandra knelt to look at a body and gritted her teeth as she closed her eyes in pain. Her chest throbbed painfully as old memories resurfaced.

"A crest stone was forced into their chest..." she muttered as Pollux and Dimitri stood beside her, "The hole in their chest..."

"Who did this?!" Dimitri growled, "Was it them?! The Agarthans?!" He yelled and the woman nodded.

"That beast..." Jeralt sighed and looked around, "There isn't a trace of evidence to be found in the chapel. This must have been something to do with Remire. Perhaps..."

"Wait!" He turned and saw Monica running towards him but...

Arisa froze and turned quickly screaming, "GET AWAY FROM HIM!" And lunged.

Monica only smiled and it was too late. Jeralt didn't have time to react, and Silence was suddenly cast on her, and before Jeralt knew it...

STAB!

Time slowed down as Arisa screamed at the top of her lungs as her hand reached out to her father but it was too late. Monica broke into a wicked grin as her blade went right through Jeralt's stomach, the black veins quickly spreading as she pulled it out.

"You're just a pathetic old man. How dare you get in the way of my brilliant plan...you dog." Monica spat and Arisa roared, forcing time to turn back once again.

The scene repeated once more, this time she pulled out The Sword of The Creator and aimed it at Monica. But Thales appeared and blocked it. Again she heard Monica cackle as she stabbed Jeralt and again Arisa retaliated.

Three: Monica is cut down but Thales ripped Jeralt's heart out.

Four: Monica cackle as she succeeded.

Five: Monica cackled.

Six: She cackled.

Seven: Thales and Monica's laughter boomed.

Eight: Again.

Nine: Again.

10: Again.

11: Again...

Again...again...again...again...

"RAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" Arisa let out an inhumane cry at number 29, she didn't care if blood poured from her eyes and mouth, "STOP ITTTTTT!" She wailed as Monica ran towards Jeralt and Thales appeared to stop her but...

"It's alright."

Her eyes widened slowly as she felt a ghost-like hand cover her eyes and a voice whisper in her ears...

"It's over. You've done enough."

STAB!

"What?!" Monica roared as the one standing in front of her was not Jeralt but...

"Cough!" Blood was coughed onto her face as she began trembling as a vice grip held her shoulders and nails dug into her skin.

The black veins spread all over the woman's skin quickly as she refused to let go of Monica. Emerald eyes looked down at Monica wickedly and Thales appeared, lunging at Monica and...Sandana. Arisa couldn't believe her eyes as she fell to her knees, coughing and vomiting blood as all she could do was watch the scene unfold. Before she knew it, a barrier formed around the area where Jeralt stood, keeping everyone out. Thales crused and roared at her to let go of Monica but all Sandana did was stay still with a wicked bloody smile on her face as she enjoyed the terrifying scream Monica unleashed when she couldn't remove her hands from the dagger. Sandana's skin was burned, her clothing singed, it was as if she was set on fire before she arrived.

Why?

"Let go of her, you dog!" Thales roared as Sandana's eyes only focused on Monica.

"No..." the woman's voice was hoarse, losing strength despite how firm she stood she never wavered, "I won't let you...hurt them..." she said.

The black veins spread all over her body at a rapid strength...

It was happening again...

"No..no..No please...No again!" Arisa screamed, forced herself to stand, slamming her sword into the barrier with all she could, "SANDANA PLEASE!" She wailed but the warrior only smiled sadly as she closed her eyes and punched Thales in the face. Thales roared and used Dark Spikes T on the woman to finally make her let go of a Kronya but...

"She's smiling...why...why is that woman smiling?!" Thales thought as he watched the woman's body fall onto the ground.

Kronya cursed and spat on her. Then spit on her but screamed, even more, when Sandana's hand was holding tightly onto her ankle. Her eyes were void of emotions but there was a smile. A small smile that seemed to fill with satisfaction when...

{TRIGGER WARNING: YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. PROCEED WITH CAUTION}

SPLAT!

Kronya slowly raised her hand but what she saw was red. The flesh where it should be no longer there, hanging by just a thread as blood squirted all over the ground. Pieces of bone crumbled or were burned away as blood poured to the ground. Her breathing began to become faster and harder as the scent of burned flesh filled her nostrils. Bits of flesh clung to her skin and more pieces were on the ground. The way her bloody skin pulsed. The girl's core suddenly began racing uncontrollably, an instinct all living beings felt. A power that could not be seen by human eyes. She as a living being, and recognized it.

"C...Chec...Che..."

A trembling hand rose and pointed at her. The smile on Sandana's face only grew as their eyes began to shake as it felt like some sort of poisonous being wrapped their hands around her neck. No, a poison, a presence that even beyond the grave had chosen to make her pay. She looked back to the woman as she pointed at him, her vision becoming red as blood poured down her face.

"Checkmate."

Oneself is now approaching death.

"AHHHHHHHH!" An inhuman scream Kronya unleashed when the arm that she would hold her dagger, she finally realized it was blown off.

"Hahahaha..." Sandana cackled weakly as she slowly stood despite being a bloody mess, "I told you...you never win." She grinned and looked towards the barrier where her niece was doing everything she could to break the barrier along with the others, "Arisa...don't..." she said, "Your father is safe..."

"Why...WHY?!" Arisa screamed as she slammed her hands on the barrier repeatedly, "YOU PROMISED! YOU PROMISED YOU BE THERE WITH US! I WON'T LOSE YOU TOO!" She wailed and the woman smiled sadly as she turned her back towards her.

No matter how many times Thales stabbed her, she stood still as she closed her eyes.

"I've done so many things...it's time I pay them back." Sandana thought as a hand went right through her chest, all she did was grin as she gripped Thales's arm, "Thales...you won't win..." she looked him right in the eye..."It's time..."

"Did you always wonder why I never used the power of my crest..."

The right side of her face cracked...

"Because I have no control over it. Thales...you die here today!" Sandana roared as The Crest of Serios burned brightly in the air, a searing pain filled her body as she felt it start to change.

A change that can never be reversed and she would gladly do it all over again. This time...Thales dies.

"I RENOUNCE MY HUMANITY!"

[—]

The skies all over the land became dark as the night. Clouds became darker as the winds became storms. The beautiful green light of the Crest of Serios became murky like mud, and the scent of iron and poison filled the surrounding areas as wild wolves unleashed their howls. A magic circle of Faith magic appeared underneath their feet, no matter how much Arisa screamed, the woman didn't stop. The Goddess's vessel could no longer use Time pulse, for she had used them all to turn back time to save her father. But fate chose a twisted joke to throw at her.

The woman's skin began to crack like glass as she refused to let go of Thales. Her eyes turned from the emerald green of a human to slits. Her skin began to turn white with scales, her limbs began to become bigger, longer, thicker, her hands turned to claws, and finally...her teeth were no longer human as they turned to fangs. One final deep breath she took as human when finally...she was no more.

"RRRAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Light exploded from all around her, sending all in the land to the ground. Arisa felt herself collide into an stone wall, a rib cracked, as it felt like the air was completely knocked out of her. She slid down the wall and vomited blood, holding her stomach as she used the sword for support to stand up. The scent of smoke and blood filled the air so much but she didn't care. She forced herself to walk towards the fading light and turned to see a blade about to be plunged into her. She didn't have any more time to pulse but she fell back and suddenly the body was impaled by razor sharp claws. The blood dripped down like droplets of water as she slowly looked back. Her body was trembling, shaking, as she heard a low growl close to her but most of all...the giant fangs.

"Grr..." the beast was twice her size but smalled than Rhea's form.

White scales that once had a pearl white shine had become dirty by black and red blood. The low growl only grew more when the body was thrown away and finally, it was clear. What should have been a body under their feet was now nothing but a puddle of slime. A chunk of clothed shoulder, neck, and face was in its maw. It spit it out and Arisa screamed once she recognized a portion of Thales's body was ripped off. That meant the bloody pulp under the beast's feet used to be Kronya. The wings of the dragon were filled with holes but still flapped powerfully as the dragon unleashed another roar and lunged at the demonic beast that came out of the woods.

"EVERYONE EVACUATE NOW!" Dimitri's roaring voice boomed all over and the students and knights screamed and scrambled as fast as they could to get away.

"Arisa!" Chris screamed for her as Amir managed to quickly grab a few of the students that didn't have rides as well as Alexandra, "ARISA!" He screamed again but she couldn't move.

Arisa was frozen in place as she watched the beast fight off the demonic beast trying to attack the students. The dragon that was once Sandana, unleashed another roar into the sky and slashed at the demonic beast.

"Urgh...Urgh..." she turned her head towards the direction of the old chapel, seeing Thales bloody figure stand up, half his face, shoulder, and right arm were missing "You...You!" Thales roared and screamed and lightning came down on him.

"Arisa!" She turned and saw Dimitri with his right-hand smoking. Along with Yuri, they quickly pick her up, "Come on, we have to go now!" Again they turned when they heard the activation of a magic circle, "Damn! That bastard will pay!" Yuri growled as they struggled to get away.

The demonic beast roared and lunged at them, they were too weak to defend themselves but the white dragon unleashed another roared and jumped in front of them, protecting them. No matter how injured Sandana became, she ripped the heads off their shoulders and roared.

"Is that?!" Dimitri gasped and the dragon turned to them fully, roaring, "Damn..."

"Why..." Arisa wept as the dragon let out another roar and flew off to the sky to fight, "W—BRUGH?!" She vomited but there was something else...

"I..." Sothis spoke weakly, "Something is...changing..." And she and Arisa unleashed a scream, unlike anything they have ever heard.

"Arisa, Arisa!" Dimitri and Yuri yelled, trying to help her but another roar was unleashed their biggest fears came true...

Sandana headed towards the monastery.

[-10 minutes before the battle against Kronya-]

"The fact that this happened suddenly at night. The Agarthans are desperate at this point." Rhea grumbled as she sat in her office in her nightgown along with her siblings.

Books and maps spread out all over the table with pins to show where their allies were as well as their enemies. Crescent made sure everyone in the Abyss was safe and went to check on his siblings. The man ran a hand through his hair as he let go of a sigh. It was like everything was going downhill day after day. Rhea let out a sigh till there was a knock on the door. She said "Come in" and in came Sandana. The woman's gaze was void of emotions as she walked in and closed the door.

"Sandana, what is there to report?"

"..."

"Sand—-!"

"LOOK OUT!" Seteth yelled and the woman suddenly charged at them with her sword, her face void of emotion as Rhea managed to jump back on time. The Archbishop was stunned as she looked at her broken table and slowly looked at the woman who rose and looked back at them.

"How..." His voice was a mixture of male and female, "does it feel to be attacked by a follower...Serios?" The woman stood up and cocked her head, "Leraje...Cichol...who would have thought Cethleann was here as well..." she said and a streak of her hair became a dark purple.

"That color..." Crescent showed his fangs as suddenly his hand turned to claws, "This scent...PERIANDER!" His roar shook the entire monastery awake as Periander only smiled.

"I. See. You. Are. Still. The. Same." Periander said, "You. And. I. Were. Once. Friends. Why not reconcile?" He/She grinned, enjoying how angry the three Nabateans had become.

"What have you done to Sandana?" Seteth growled as the woman moved like a puppet in strings, "What did you do to her?!" He roared and another laugh escaped the woman's lips.

"She. Is. Such. A. Fine. Vessel. Did. You. Enjoy. Playing. God. Serios?" A burst of airy laughter again, "Sandana. Was. My. Adopted. Child. I. Took. Her. In. She. Is. Such. A. Good. Dog. Especially. When. I. Trained. Her. Well. After. Killing. Her. First. Lover. And. Child." He laughed and it disgusted Rhea how the man's voice was mixed with the woman's.

"What?" Seteth felt his blood run cold as well Crescent as the woman's hand was placed over her womb with a mechanical smile.

"She. Was. Disobedience. So. I taught. Her. A lesson. I killed. Them. All. With. Her. Own. Hands. I took. Over. Body. Like today." He laughed gleefully as a blush spread all over her face, "NOW. TIME. TO. END. ALL! HYAAAAA!" And she lunged.

Seteth was quick to summon The Spear Of Assal and used it to deflect Sandana's Wyrmslayer. The cursed energy of the sword poured out all around Sandana's body, making the Nabateans feel weak. But something seemed off as the woman moved, her movements seemed sluggish as if she was struggling to control her body. That meant there was a chance that Sandana was still in there, that there was a c—-

"Don't. Even. Try." Periander grinned and jumped back to dodge Rhea's punch, "She. Is. Weak. The. Pale. Flame. Will. Die." He grinned and managed to kick Crescent in the stomach and send him flying back, "No. knights. Shall. Come."

Periander grinned and lunged at him, slashing his shoulder before stabbing the sword into Crescent's shoulder. The Nabatean screamed out in agony as black veins spread. Periander grinned as he twisted the blade deeper, enjoying the agony the man was going through as he kicked him in the stomach repeatedly.

"Damn you!" Rhea yelled and lunged, her fist raised in the air and Periander turned to her but...

"Rhea?"

Rhea's eyes went wide when she realized that was Sandana's normal voice but the worry looked the warrior had twisted to grin. Before the Archbishop knew it, a fist slammed into her stomach, hard. Hard enough to make her cough out blood and Sandana's hair turning to a shade of black with streaks of purple. She felt something pierce her as she felt the crimson liquid stain her dress. Rhea curled into a ball on the floor holding her stomach as Periander broke out into loud laughter as she loomed over the woman.

"Nice isn't it." The possessed one's sentences were no longer broken, "You did so well, Serios. Did you know that this child was wronged by the royal family of Almyra 115 years ago? She watched her entire family slathered and burned to the ground." Periander laughed and quickly turned to block Seteth's lance.

"Let go of Sandana!" Seteth roared and again, the possessed one just laughed and swung their body, but this time a blade came out of their shoe and struck Seteth in the ribs.

The scream Seteth unleashed when black veins began to spread from the wound around his waist and the woman stabbed her sword into his left shoulder.

"You lost, Cichol." Periander smiled softly as he watched the other two struggling to get up, "Those two won't be able to get up for a while because I used a weaker version of Sothal on them. It won't kill them but it will keep them down." He chuckled and looked down at the man with a smile as he placed his hand on the pommel of the sword and leaned down, looking at his eyes.

"Shall I tell you a story?" He was enjoying the agony the man was going through, "There once was a little boy who wanted to be loved. He had a family who was killed, all burned to the stake because they were framed. He had a step-sister who was raped and killed by her rapist. The sister had a child born from that crime. But he knew the child was innocent and swore to raise the child and protect them. But that child was killed before his eyes by the father. The boy in rage picked up his sword and unleashed the true flames of Hel. Blessed by the Death Sovereign, he killed all those that brought pain to his loved ones. He had a brother who took on the darkest of burdens and gave his life to protect him and their loved ones." He said and touched his cheek, "That boy was Hades...It's interesting how this story now mirrors Sandana. Family killed. The woman she saw as a sister, Evelyn was killed by her rapist and she and Florencio raised the child. And the one who took on all the burdens, Florencio, is dead."

"D-Damn...you!" Seteth gurgled and screamed when he twisted the blade.

"S-Seteth..." Rhea reached out her hand to him, desperate but..,

SHUNK!

"Eh?"

Droplets of blood dropped on Seteth's cheek as his eyes went wide. Periander was frozen on the spot as he slowly looked down to his stomach and the taste of iron and mud overpower his mouth. But that wasn't what suddenly filled with him dread as he stumbled back. It was the sword that stabbed into the stomach of his body. He made sure Sandana got rid of the sword.

WHY IS IT HERE?!

His body began trembling and screamed as he was suddenly engulfed in blue flames. He screamed and screamed, holding his head thrashing around, trying to pull the sword out, only for his hands to burn. The siblings were stunned at what was happening and everyone saw the one who stabbed the sword.

"I-It is done..." Xina trembled uncontrollably as tears streamed down her face as the posses one looked at her furiously.

"IT WAS YOU! DAUGHTER OF EVELYN AND OTTO!" Periander roared and screamed again when another sword was stabbed into her but this time was created by blue flames, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?"

"I only did what Sandana told me to do..." Xina gritted her teeth, "To kill her."

"I'm sorry I had to put you through this, Xina..."

Sandana's voice suddenly rang all over the room as Periander screamed and trashed.

"Seteth..." the man coughed and looked around desperately for her, "Thank you. Tell Flayn I love her with all my heart...and...Se—No...Cichol..." a ghost-like hand gently touched his cheek, "Thank you for believing in me. I…love you. Goodbye."

"ASSHHHHHHHHH!"

A bright light filled the entire room and when it faded away, gasping and panting for air, trying to recover from the shell shock, in Sandana's place, stood Jeralt.

"W-What?!" The knight looked around and saw everyone was a mess but mostly Xina was crying in front of him, "What's going on?! I-I was about to get stabbed and suddenly I'm here!" He said, "Wait...Rhea are you alright?!" Jeralt scrambled up quickly as the woman coughed and was helped up by Crescent.

"Never mind me! Xina, I want an explanation later but help Seteth and Crescent, now!" The woman ordered and they ran quickly ran to the advisor, taking out a syringe and stabbing it into his chest to stop the spread of the poison.

Jeralt didn't know what was going on or why he was suddenly in the Archbishop's room when he was about to be stabbed. As he took a step towards Seteth, a loud crunch was heard. Down he looked to where his boot stepped, only to see the pin that his daughter gifted him, all the gems on it…shattered.

(End of Scene)

— Present Time -

Rhea stood on the roof of the Goddess Tower as she looked out to the sky. Having now recovered enough strength to fight while Crescent and Seteth were being treated, she gritted her teeth. She focused on the connection she felt was trying to pull itself apart from her. As much as she wished she could turn into her dragon form, she didn't want to endanger anyone. A roar shook the sky as knights stationed ready themselves to attack. Jeralt begged her to let him fight but she said no. The man had suffered enough already because of her.

The loss of those children.

The loss of his wife.

The loss of his friend.

And now...

"So now you feel guilty?" The voice of her consciousness sneered.

"Unknown magic signature rapidly closing in from the front!" A knight yelled "It's attacking the barrier! We've lost some soldiers!" They yelled in a panic as Rhea looked at the crest stone in her hand cracking.

"It's coming! 100 meters! 50! 10!"

"RRAAAHHHHHHHHH!"

"She's here." Rhea looked up with cold eyes as the white beast roared over the monastery.

Students, animals, fairies, and all alike shook in fear as they hid for safety. Yet the white beast only roared at her, as if it sensed something. What Rhea did not know was that the White Beast was in pain. It was searching for its kin. It's a flock. It was searching for her nieces and nephews. It was searching for her friends. It was searching for her brothers. Rhea let out a cry as she ordered the archers to unleash their arrows on it. The white beast roared in agony yet let out a breath of green flames. Knights screamed as it landed and roared, swinging its tail at them.

The White Beast roared to the sky, looking at the one that ordered the attack. The screams in its mind became louder and louder. Its instincts kept screaming to fight.

To defend.

To destroy.

To destroy those who harm her flock.

The beast does not remember the faces of its flock but the scents they had told it to search and to destroy the enemies. It smelled insects hidden in those attacking it and only aimed at those that were disguised. Those insects caught and screamed before they were torn apart. The curses they had on their bodies unleashed on her but it did not matter. The White Beast struggled to keep itself from being controlled as it felt like someone was trying to pull her strings. Another cry it unleashed and flew to the source. A strange woman of mint-colored hair, her face in horror and shock before she let out another war cry and lunged at the white beast.

"Enough!" Rhea boomed as she raised her hands and the Crest of Serios flared in the air behind her, the beast roared in agony, trashing and shaking as Golden chains wrapped around its wings and limbs.

The White Beast could feel the woman trying to control it but it refuses to yield.

"DOWN NOW!" Rhea roared once more but the Beas roared back.

The beast refused to let this one that is her kin control them. The beast must grow, not bow. It feels like it had been trapped by this woman for so long. It roared and roared as its wings create winds that shatter glass. Images of familiar faces pass through its eyes as it felt like a human again. Yes. It remembered it was human. A human who paid a price.

"Kin...flock...return..to..flock."

The beast thought as it roared. An image appeared in its eyes. It does not recall feeling so loved. The image is blurry but sees others. Others that are in their flock. It must return. The beast roared as the symbol above it began cracking. It was fighting the shackles.

The beast must grow.

The beast recalled voices.

The beast must not have a master.

The beast refused to bow.

The beast...must evolve.

[-]

Rhea gritted her teeth as she used her Crest to force the white beast to her command. It should not have a will. All those that turn to white beast are those that have lost control of her Crest and the Crest stone fragment they received. Yet, Sandana should not have a fragment, only her blood in their veins. Many moons ago, Sandana lost complete control of her crest and her power had to be sealed away. She had learned to control a portion of it but the rest had to be sealed because of the form she almost took on. Now...it had become clear to her that Sandana undid her seal to kill the Agarthans and saved Jeralt. Serios commanded once more the Crest in the White Beast but her own body felt as if it is burning. The beast kept roaring, it was fighting her. It was fighting over her control.

"NO!" Serios booms and the chains rattled.

The beast refused to bow down. No, this one she can not allow to live. It has too many secrets. The human it once was, it knows her and her family's history. It can not be all-!

"GGRRRAAAHH!"

The crest above the beast was...cracking?! No...The crest stone in her hand that was cracking meant that she would lose full control of Sandana! It was trying to break out of her control! That shouldn't be possible! It shouldn't!

"No! No! That's shouldn't be possible!" Rhea yelled as the chains began to crack.

The beast was fighting back. It refused to bow. It fights. It fights.

It...

"BEGONE!"

The Crest of Serios shattered above it and the white beast was engulfed in a golden light. Taking advantage, Rhea jumped in the air, channeling magic into her fist with a spell that she had specifically made to kill the corrupted. The woman roared in sorrow as she finally saw the head and punched right at the center of it. Black magic poured into the white beast, unleashing a roar of agony as it crashed into the ground. Rhea panted as she gasped for air, picking up her sword as she slowly strolled to the dragon. The beast let out a weak growl at her, no longer able to move as it opened its eye weakly. 10 feet apart they stood yet Rhea looked at sorrowfully... her sword gleaming.

"I'm sorry...Sandana." She whispered but...

"Please...don't do it..."

In front of the white beast stood Arisa, bloody, covered in mud, her entire chest and part of her neck brushed, the veins showing themselves yet...she stood between them with her arms spread out. Tears streamed down her eyes as the rain fell hard.

"Please...don't..." Arisa sobbed, "We can help her...We can help her...please I'm begging you! No more!" Arisa was begging at this point as she got on her knees and laid her forehead on the ground, "Please...please...I'm begging you please...We can help her...Please..." she kept repeating over and over again.

From the gates, Dimitri and Yuri, along with those that came back...all they could do was watch. Rhea remained silent as she looked at the woman in front of her. Right now, all Rhea saw was her younger self when she cried and begged to heavens for her mother to return. Fate was a cruel being.

All living creatures were always at war with destiny and today...

"I'm sorry," Rhea whispered and before Arisa could react, she was hit at the back of her neck with the pommel of the sword.

Her eyes rolled back as she fell to the ground out cold and with one look from Rhea, told everyone if they even dared move a step, she would not tolerate it. But there were always the brave ones that did.

"Aunty please..." Flayn whispered as she walked weakly towards her, "We can help her..."

"Flayn it is too late!" Rhea yelled and looked at her angrily, "Sandana is beyond salvation!" She turned to look back at the white beast, "Nothing can be done to reverse the transformation. All that can be done...is to put her down to end her suffering." She muttered.

"Please...Rhea...she is like a mother to me. Please don't this..." Flayn wept and before Flayn knew it, she was hit at the back of her neck by Xina, knocking her out.

"...She's going to be angry when she wakes up." Rhea whispered and Xina bowed her head, "I'll take on the burden." Xina whispered.

From the hallways, Seteth was supported by Jeralt and saw the destruction that happened. Knights were injured, some even killed but... shadows suddenly jumped and lunged at them. Before Rhea could react, the beast roared and lunged at the two men but...once again, droplets of blood fell on their faces as the black dagger that was meant to kill them, was plunged into the chest of the White Beast. The assassin dropped dead to the ground with the beast clews right its the body.

"S-Sandana...?" Seteth was barely able to say as his hand reached out to her and in his hand, the beast's body cracked and shattered to golden dust.

With a loud clank and thud, the only thing that fell onto the ground...was the sword that was plunged into Sandana...

Silence befell the place as Seteth and Jeralt couldn't believe their eyes. Seteth fell to his knees, slowly crawling towards the sword. His hand trembled, his heart racing, his eyes shaking as the tears that fell from his eyes fell like a river. He picked up the sword, trembling as he held it to his chest. Jeralt couldn't say anything. He was too stunned to speak till he remembered his daughter. He ran quickly to the field, picking her up and screaming for a medic.

"MEDIC! I NEED A MEDIC! GOD…please god…" It had been so long since Jeralt wept.

He lost his wife.

He lost his friends.

He was about to lose his daughter.

The rain only grew heavier that day as Cichol and Jeralt unleashed a mournful scream unlike any other.

Chapter 74:Shattered Sky: Part 1:Pale Flame