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)

76. Chapter 75:Shattered Sky: Part 2:

"Xina...I want a full explanation..." Rhea said as the nun stood in front of her along with Shamir, Beleth, Catherine and Celica, "What did you do behind my back...?" The woman gritted her teeth as the nun kept her head down.

"Sandana knew she was infected with The Curse of Zahras." Xina muttered softly as Rhea's eyes widened slightly, "On the day Shamir, Beleth, and her were attacked, they found out that The Sage of Sodom planted an Agarthan core in her...at least a part of himself." She said.

"He did the same to Shamir and Beleth." The two knights turned to her quickly, shocked, "But Sandana used her crest to absorb the curse from you two...so only she would be the only one to bear it." Xina explained softly and the two had questions but she beat them to it, "If you are wondering, it was when you two were asleep at the medical bay when she snuck into your rooms and took it out of you. You have no memory of it because she erased your memories." She said and Rhea took a deep breath trying to calm her nerves as she heard more of this.

That explained why Sandana kept her distance from Seteth and Flayn because she didn't know the bastard would take over to try and assassinate them. Not only that...

"Mother...it's about the knights that were killed by...The White Beast." Beleth whispered and Rhea motioned him to continue, "They...were all Solon's spies. Sandana...killed them all."

"So, she wasn't attacking randomly." Rhea let out a bitter laugh as she turned to them, her eyes red and puffy, "She snuffed them out even in that state and killed them all. Unbelievable..." she placed her weight on the table.

"All the knights that saw those killed were informed that they were Solon's spies...That way people won't think the attack was random." Shamir said and Rhea wanted to wring her neck.

So now the story was that Sandana let herself be turned into a monster to eliminate Solon's spies and protect the students. Oh...Oh, Rhea was damned! She had initially planned to cover it up but now it was public! Sandana Flora Illiac gave her life to protect the people of the monastery at the cost of her humanity.

"Munity...This is all mutiny...!" Rhea slapped her hands onto the table, "XINA JUST WHAT DID SANDANA ORDER YOU TO DO?!" She roared but all Xina did was stared at her before she spoke.

"When the clock strikes 3 am..." Xina placed her index finger on her lips, "When the Jester takes over..." she placed her hand on her stomach, "Stab the Sword of Hades into the core and burn me to cinders and the Jester will feel the pain of The Flames of Hel." She repeated Sandana's words exactly.

"Then why was Jeralt suddenly in front of me and the others?" She said and unfortunately...

"Sandana never told me that..." Xina muttered softly, "All she told me was to kill her. That was it...the rest I do not know." She said and Rhea gritted her teeth.

A knock on the door interrupted them and she allowed them to come in but saw it was Crescent...

"How is Seteth?" She whispered and the man let out a grave sigh, "Crescent when you do that sigh, it means it's not good..."

"Seteth will recover but a portion of his magic veins were destroyed. He can still use magic but..." the words that were left unsaid, Any chance to recover his ability to turn into a dragon is gone, "I don't have to say it. You know. As of now, he is currently asleep after I extracted the poison." He sighed again and she nodded, "Xina, where did you get that medicine you injected him with?"

All eyes turned to her as the woman closed her eyes.

"Florencio. He succeeded in creating an antidote a few days before his death and had me learn the recipe."

Even in death, Florencio still found a way to help them all. Rhea gritted her teeth as she ran her fingers through her hair.

"Jeralt?" He asked and Crescent shifted uncomfortably, "And Jeralt?" She replied with a much darker tone.

"He is with his daughter. The Professor's injuries are severe. She must have overused the power of her crest. I've...never seen such bruises. You know who had them when they overdid themselves." He didn't have to say it, Sothis.

Hearing that brought some hope to Rhea that Sothis was returning. If the Professor was able to survive abusing her power...there was a chance.

"Flayn?"

"She was informed that you didn't kill Sandana." Crescent said as Rhea glared at him, "Hey, be glad our niece isn't going to try and kill you in your sleep." Sadly, he spoke the truth.

"Sigh...I'll speak with you more. The rest of you, leave us be." Rhea said but as the group left, Crescent placed his hand on Beleth's shoulder, stopping him.

"Beleth, stay. I think you need to hear this." He said and Rhea's aura flared quickly making Catherine, Shamir, and Celica run and shut the door, "Sister, he needs to know! How long have you been keeping him in the dark about our bloodline!?" He growled.

"Beleth does not need to know of it!" She growled her voice steady but still powerful, the warning tone in it made Beleth shiver yet he took a deep breath and spoke.

"Mother, when will you stop leaving me in the dark?" He said, keeping his voice even yet strong, "Ever since I was a child, you kept me isolated from the world. You never let me set foot outside till I was 18! You did the same thing to Elder Sister Sitri but she found a way to see the world!" He said and it didn't matter how angry Rhea was becoming, he had to say what he needed to.

"MOTHER JUST WHAT ARE YOU HIDING FROM ME?!"

"SILENCE!"

The room shook at the force of her voice, making Beleth instinctively hide behind his uncle like a child. Crescent's eyes softened as he looked back at his sister when an equal amount of ferocity. Neither adult was going to back down.

"If you won't tell him...Noa will." It was like all the energy the woman had vanished like a puff of smoke hearing the name of her older sister, "Beleth, have you ever asked yourself why your Mother was so protective of you? The same case the way Seteth is with Flayn?" He said.

"Many times." The man replied and Rhea let out a frustrated sigh but knew with everything that happened, she needed to tell him.

"I wanted to tell you on my terms..." the woman muttered, "Please, if it was in your terms, it would take over a century," Crescent said and again, the woman glared at him.

"Beleth, sit down." Rhea sighed and the man did as Crescent stood behind him, "I have kept this from you...for many reasons. Mainly because I do not want you to go through what I went through when I was your age." The woman let out a shuttered breath as she intertwined her hands together, "As you know...our family is special."

"Yes...I remember you told me that since I was a child."

"Beleth...our family is descended from the bloodline of the Goddess." She took deep breaths to calm herself, "Our bloodline is sought out by enemies who want to kill the descendants of the Goddess. Us. But most of all...our special abilities." Again she took a deep breath as Beleth's eyes were wide.

"Beleth," Crescent spoke, "We live longer lives than humans. Much longer lives." The man sighed, "This is going to take a while."

It was a very...very...long talk.

[—-]

Early in the morning, it was, no one had the energy to get up or work. Rhea made an official announcement of Sandana's passing as well as that the woman had uncovered the spies. Like Florencio, she would be buried in high honors later on. But for now, Rhea gave everyone a week off. Seteth lay in his room, staring out the window as he remembered Sandana's final words. But most of all, the memories that came to him when they first met. It was horrible to start when they first met. She thought he was an enemy and attacked him. He chuckled fondly at the memory but...the image of her once again appeared in his mind. She protected him. He gritted his teeth, a single tear streaming down his eye. He lost again. He lost someone he loved again...

"How's the recovery?"

Seteth jumped and grabbed the dagger under his pillows but hissed as he suddenly felt pain in his ribs. He gasped for air as he shakily looked up at the individual that sat on the small shelf near the window. She flipped a coin over and over again with their thumb yet the clothing their wore was that of kinshi knight. Their curly green hair was tied in a high ponytail and a mask of fox they wore...

"Noa..." Seteth gritted his teeth as he took deep breaths, "Why are you here?"

Another coin flipped and it was caught this time, the woman stared at him before she spoke. Her voice was disoriented and changed because of the magic in the mask.

"Is it wrong for me to visit my elder brother?" She said as she cocked her head, "I know what happened. One of my spies informed me." She said the man gritted his teeth.

"So you planted spies as well..." he hissed, his eyes flickering between human and slits, "What do you want? We've already suffered losses..what would you gain from spying on us?" He growled and the woman's eyes saddened.

"Nothing really. Just making sure you and the others are safe and Serios doesn't do anything stupid. As a matter of fact..." she hopped off the shelf, "Serios never told you, did she? The actual identity of her granddaughter and why she is committed to making sure she knows how to use the power of The Crest of Flames." She walked up to the bed and pushed him back in his place, "Stay still, dimwit. You're stubborn as always. Don't make me use Silence on you." She sighed softly.

"Why are you telling me this?" Seteth muttered as the woman's hand hovered over his heart, a light green light easing the pain away.

"In the Abyss, ask Yuri or Christian to take you to the room where Sitri Eisner's body was kept. On the edge of the stone coffin, you will find a snake with green jeweled eyes. Press it...it will leave you deeper underground and you will find the answers there. The real identity of Sitri, Byleth, and Beleth." Noa muttered softly and stood up.

"Wait." She stopped and glanced his way, "I know there is another reason you are here...you don't just magically appear for no reason." He said hearing a small chuckle from her.

"Observant, brother." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a brown-colored stone, "There is a way to help you recover your magic veins. But also...your other form." She said, "Do you remember the old tales Mother would tell us about? About places beyond the Outrealm gate?" She said and Seteth remained silent.

She placed the stone on the shelf next to his bed and walked towards the window, looking out to the sky.

"If you accept, then you will heal. But like the saying," she glanced his way again, "All magic comes with a price."

"How long will it take me to heal?"

"Considering the state you are in and the after-effects of Sothal. Five years. It will take five years to fully heal and regain your original power. And..." she giggled as she held up her index finger, "A portion of that power will be sealed away in that stone. But for a good reason though." She said with a smile under her mask.

"And that is?" He narrowed his eyes as he carefully sat up.

"You will no longer suffer degeneration."

"What?!" The man tried to stand up but again was forced to stay down because of the pain, "Sister how do you know about that subject?!"

"Mother." Noa said and pointed to the stone, "Flayn has chosen to pay the price. Indech as well. Even Crescent and I who are quite prideful have chosen to do it. Only you, Macuil, and Serios remain. Tick tock brother." She lightly tapped her wrist.

"The Spirit Dias will return soon."

And with that, she disappeared before he even made a move. Seteth was stunned and groaned as he buried his face in his hands, laying back on his bed. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. The stone...the figure and shape he remembered seeing his mother speaking to someone about something called a Dragon Stone. Was it truly Sothis's last gift? Sothis did not tell lies and told all of them the truth about the fate of Dragons who lived for many years. Of course, some of his siblings thought she was exaggerating and even denied it. But there, unfortunately...he is witnessing such demise. He and Flayn have saved themselves from it because they remained in human form for a thousand years but Rhea...it was a different story. Rhea never grieved properly. She was so young when she witnessed the death of their entire clan and more than anything...he can see just how cruel and manipulative she had become.

The lies that have been told cover up their history...everything. The truth is coming out and no matter how Rhea denied it, the throne of lies will crumble. Seteth took a deep breath as he sat up and stared at the stone. The image of his deceased wife, Hera...Flayn...Serios...his family...but also...

"Thank you for giving me a second chance."

Seteth grabbed the stone and felt a burning sensation fill his body as if his power was being sucked out of him. He wanted to throw again the stone, the dragon inside roaring to get away but refused to let go. He stood by the sidelines for so long. He didn't do anything to stop Rhea's antics. All he did was become an overprotective father of his beloved daughter and the guilt that he didn't do anything to save his niece from Rhea's betrayal...from Rhea staining her name. The scars of the black veins on his body began to disappear as if they were never there. Back energy from negative emotions that accumulated over the years began to disappear like dust. It was like the veil of fog had been lifted.

"No...more!" He growled, his teeth turned to fangs for just a moment, and finally...it was over.

He panted and gasped for air, carefully removing his bandages and seeing the scars gone. The brownstone in his hands turned to brown-colored quartz with The Crest of Cichol engraved into it. He realized what he had done. He had realized what the stone was. Seteth took a deep breath to calm himself and held the stone to his chest.

"I'll do it. I'll also pay the price."

Five years...

Five years and he will be healed.

But first...he needed to speak to those two after checking on his daughter.

— Dream -

The world around her was pitch black. She couldn't hear anything nor did she care. All she wanted to do was rest after what had happened.

But the human mind had other ideas.

Guilt and anger stirred within her and suddenly with a loud click, a headlight was cast over her. She hissed as it felt like the light blinded her. Her eyes went wide seeing her hands cuffed and looked around quickly. There was no sound. Not even a breeze. She knew it wasn't Sothis so wh-

"Hehehe!"

Giggling.

Giggling began to echo all around, increasing each second in numbers like more and more people coming in. The sound of clicking and rattling vibrated through the place. A particular sound she recognized.

Wood.

"Come! Come! Your trial awaits you!"

Click! Click! Click!

BAM!

The world around her lit up, revealing a purple sky, rows, and rows of benches all around her with crystals playing different scenes. In some, she saw blurred images. In others, she recognized some of the individuals. But what was most haunting were the faceless wooden puppets that sat on the benches. She came to the too-hard realization that she was in a courtroom. The faceless wooden puppets sat in the seats of the public, each one cocking its head or its joints twitching. She looked around again flinched seeing another set of faceless puppets sit in the jury box but this time, their forms were of men and women with gold and white tunics. But what was most intriguing was their green hair.

"Trial! Trial! Trial!" The puppets chanted as they slapped their hands on the flat surface and from the Judge, Panel looking down at her was a puppet that had Sothis's appearance but was faceless.

"Silence! Silence!" The puppet on the judging panel ordered as they slammed their wooden hammer thrice, "The Trial of the Outsider is now in session! State your name!" They said.

"Hehehehe!" A puppet from the public seat giggled, "I know her name! I know her name! It's Kiana Kalsana!"

"No. That's not her name." One puppet said calmly, "Her name is Cecelia."

"Eehhhh?!" One puppet gasped in surprise, "Isn't her name Byleth Eisner?! Daughter of Jeralt the Blade Breaker?!" They said and the puppets began arguing with each other.

"That's not her name." One yelled as they became silent, "Her true name! The name of the outside! Arisa Hernandez! That's is her name!" They said and again the chant, "Trial! Trial! Trial!" Began.

"Silence! Silence!" The judge yelled, "Hahahaha! The outsider went through so many identities no one knows her real name!" The excited one laughed.

"Poor child! Gone through so much to lie so much..." one spoke softly, "Child, child, do you even have a name?" It leaned forward just a little.

"What the hell is this?" Aris thought as her lips parted a bit, a bead of sweat running down her cheek as the puppets muttered among themselves and another one stood up and pointed at her.

"Don't worry! Don't worry! We all don't have names like you! After all, we're all failures just like you!" They laughed.

"Don't you dare judge me by your standards!" She hissed and laughter filled the place as the puppets spun their heads and twitched.

"Oh, why not?" The sad one said, "You have done more than what you have done. We puppets, and what are you? A homunculus. An outsider who entered a story you should have not. You're only alive because the true one gave up that body to you." It said and mummers were heard.

"But did Byleth really just give you that body?" Another said, "You're not even human anymore! Hahahaha!" A snarl escaped Arisa's lips as she gritted her teeth.

"Silence! Silence!" The judge said again, the tension in the room was increasing and getting on her nerves, "Outsider, confess your crimes!"

...

"I know! I know!" The puppet that sat at the plaintiff's table spoke, "You cost a man named Florencio his life! You cost a woman named Sandana her life!" They cackled, "You cost your mother's life!" They laughed as Arisa gritted her teeth.

"Not just that!" A puppet dressed as a lawyer stood up and walked toward the jury with their arms spread out, "This woman is an outsider! She does not belong to this world! She changed the story so much!" They said and turned to her and pointed at her heart.

"This woman cost everyone everything! You say you are the daughter of Jeralt the Blade Blade Breaker but you are only an invasive soul who possesses the body of his true daughter! You tried to prevent his death! His fate! His fate! And look what you have done!" The puppet roared as it raised its hands!

"CHAOS!"

All the puppets yelled together as she bit her lip, hard enough to draw blood.

"Judge, I like to call in the first witness! Claude Von Reigan!" The lawyer yelled and from the audience stood up a wooden puppet dressed as time-skip Claude, and limped to the witness stand.

"This is a sick joke..." Arisa thought as the puppet sat down, its right leg missing, part of it burnt, but what was most noticeable was the hole in its right lung as if it was stabbed.

"Claude Von Reigan, speak! Who is this woman and what has she done?!" The lawyer said and the puppet cocked its head as if it was glaring at her.

"This woman..." it had Claude's voice but it sounded as if he was possessed, "Changed so much. This woman brought pain to The Golden Deer. This woman made me question my ambitions. This woman spoke words and knows things she should not. This woman knew things about me she should not. Why does she know these things?! Why does she keep silent!?" Claude roared as the lawyer nodded in approval.

"I like to call in our second witness! Edelgard von Hersvelg!" The lawyer yelled and screams filled the courtroom when the roof cracked and slowly came down a grotesque figure with wings and an eerie body.

But the white locks of hair that flowed down she recognized. The Hegemon landed on its feet, towering over everyone as its one wing flapped, then spoke.

"You are a liar." The Hegemon spoke in a calm yet booming voice, "You ruined everything. My plans. My family. EVERYTHING!"

It raised its hand and balled it into a fist, blood pouring down its wrist yet it continued to speak.

"The Church of Serios has committed countless crimes over the years. They had burned and erased history, changing it and weaving its version of reality. They struck down those that chose to rise against them. They have killed countless innocent lives by falsely accusing them of horrendous crimes." The Hegemon growled and looked down at her, "Yet you are choosing to reform?! What is there to reform?! Why are giving Rhea chance to redeem herself after the countless crimes she has done over the years of tyranny?!" She roared.

"The Church didn't interfere when war between the Empire and North broke! The Church didn't do anything to stop the true enemy of Fodlan! Instead, they pretended they didn't exist! The church only stood by and watched as that woman sank her claws! The church didn't do anything to stop the insurrection!" She yelled and her form changed to that of Edelgard, her time-skip a version.

"The Church must be eradicated for a future! A future where no one will suffer! A future when no one will be looked down on because they do not have a crest! A future where one's value is not based on their status or crest but based on the effort and hard work to rise to the top!" She slammed her fist on the table, fire surrounding her even if burned, "I may have made an enemy of the church but not the faith! I will unite Fodlan for a New Dawn!" She yelled Arisa felt her heart sting.

"I like to call in the next witness! Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd!" The lawyer yelled as Edelgard turned to dust and from the ashes rose a dark figure of time-skip Dimitri.

Again, the puppet was faceless but it was covered in blood, the right side of its face had a bloody hole and its armor was matted, dirty, covered in grime and blood. The puppets in the jury along with the audience booed and yelled curses at the witness. Some even throw rocks at it.

"Prince of The Damned! Speak of the sins the woman committed!" The lawyer said and the puppet abruptly stood up, making many screams as it charged at her but she remained still.

They glared down with full intent to kill but...

"Who are you truly?" It growled as she did not break eye contact, "You could have let me die. You could have left everything that was written the way it was. But you also remained quiet and let tragedy strike. The dead demand their tribute." He growled and placed his hands on her neck.

"I could snap your neck here and now outsider...you're not Byleth Eisner. You're an outsider who should have stayed in their lane!" He said but...

"Are you enjoying this game?"

The puppets began to mutter among themselves as she kept her eyes locked on the faceless puppet.

"Do enjoy playing with my emotions?" She said and Dimitri let out a dark laugh as he stepped back and spread his arms up to the audience.

"Play with her emotions she says! It's reversed!" He yelled and turned back to her, "You have been playing with my emotions. You have been playing with everyone's emotions! What gives you the right to change the future of the story that is written?!" He roared furiously in her face.

"Look at what you have done!" One puppet yelled, "More tragedy has fallen on the land beyond anything! Enemies that remained in the shadows have now come to light!"

"THE TRUTH HIDDEN IN THE LIES! THE LIES HIDDEN IN THE TRUTH! ALL SHALL COME TO LIGHT!"

"Silence! Silence!" The judge roared, "Arisa Hernandez! You are guilty of interference! Manipulation! Breaking the law of cycles! The verdict is guilty by the court! Outsider, outsider! Pay for your sins!" Everyone in the court roared.

"SINNER! SINNER! SINNER! SINNER!" The three lords roared as they pointed at her.

"You know pain better than anyone else! You are an outsider yet you chose to interfere with the original story! No one would be in pain if you had chosen to stay in your lane!" Claude roared.

"The fate of Edelgard Von Hersvelg and The Black Eagles is to die! The fate of The Church is to disappear!" Edelgard roared as puppets chanted "SINNER! SINNER! SINNER!"

"Jeralt lost his daughter yet he raised you! Yet you call him Dad shamelessly!" A puppet that looked like Sitri yelled, "You can't control yourself but refused to be locked up!"

"You are a failure!" A puppet from the jury that looked like Rhea wept, "You have destroyed everything I have worked for! You...You filthy outsider! You destroyed everything Mother worked for! GIVE HER BACK! GIVE BACK MY MOTHER!" Rhea roared and lunged, her hands on her neck as Arisa fell back.

Her hair let loose, looking like a halo on the ground. Her eyes were wide as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"You pushed everyone away...you kept everything to yourself! You ruined the lives of so many! You always talk about moving forward but you are the one that remains back." Rhea spat as her grip tightened.

"You hurt your father. You hurt your friends. You hurt your family." From above, hands gently caressed her cheek, it was a puppet that looked like Yuri, "You are the reason why Florencio and Sandana went to such extreme lengths. Look at you Evergreen..a shadow...a bug...a rat." He smiled and all in the courtroom spoke at once.

"You've done so many so-called heroic acts, but there are fewer and fewer friends around you, and the world is getting worse!"

Laughter.

Laughter echoed all around as the floor underneath her gave in and she sunk into the black mud. The hands and voices of her nightmares pulled her in deeper and deeper into the back lake.

"You are evil and sinful, and the good things you've done can't make up for your evil deeds at all!"

"Hehehehe!" Blood-covered hands covered her eyes as a silent scream escaped her lips, no matter how much she screamed, no one would save her, no one would hear her, "We know! We know! Your sins! Your pain! You suffering! Your pride! Your lust! Your sorrow! Your true thoughts! Your inner voice! We know your deepest pain and despair!" It laughed and removed its hands, leaving her covered in blood.

Looking back at her, was her past self. Sickly and pale. No glow of life in her eyes. Her past self raised finger and pointed at her with a cruel grin.

"See yourself clearly and face reality! Hahahaha!"

SLAP!

Shock.

"Arisa" froze as she touched her cheek and slowly looked back to her present self.

"You don't think I know that?!" Roared Arisa as tears streamed down her eyes and grabbed her by the collar of her shirt, "I know what I did! I know I changed the story! I know I destroyed the future that was written! I know I have told lies and manipulated others! I know I had to do it to survive!" She yelled and pushed her down.

"But there is one difference between us..." Arisa gritted her teeth and pointed at her, "UNLIKE BACK THEN, THIS TIME I WILL REACH OUT! I KNOW I SOUND LIKE A HYPOCRITE!" She slammed her door down and the screams from the puppets echoed all around as if they were in pain.

"I don't know who you are but trying to emotionally destroy me won't work. I know the power of friendship doesn't work in the real world. But let me ask you this!" Arisa growled, "Would you abandon everyone we met here just so everything would go back to the way it was?"

Crack.

"Answer me!"

"Don't take that tone with me!" Her past self argued back, "Why are your helping fictional characters of all people?! The world we have entered is not our domain! You should remain emotionless like Byleth and not make a single move! You brought attention upon yourself because of your actions! Oh, Miss Kiana! Or Cecilia! You even went as far as exposing the history of other worlds! You unleashed the biggest secret that Rhea feared! That woman deserves everything thrown at her! Let her world crumble like it is supposed!" She roared and Arisa gritted her teeth.

"Oh so now you want me to destroy the story?! Well, I have news for you!" Arisa pointed at her, "I already changed the future too much to go back. And another thing..." it was as if all the energy left her as she knelt and looked her in the eyes.

"You're jealous...aren't you?"

Her past self looked shocked, unable to form words as she opened and closed her mouth like a fish. She was unable to form any words as Arisa stood up and turned her back on her.

"I know that feeling. I still do. The you that is me from the past is jealous of the current us that has friends and family that we can rely on. That we have the support network we didn't have in the past. Like us growing up during the time our parents separated and fought each other. Or the times when we were bullied for always being alone in the hospital. Or the times when our siblings couldn't visit us because of work." Arisa said as her hands balked into fists but she let out a sigh.

"Now that I think about it..." she whispered, "there were a lot of things that we thought were normal but were not. In this life...we have a family that is always there for us. We have a support network..." she sighed and looked out to the courtroom above them.

"I won't lie. I want vengeance." The puppets laughed, "I am guilty of everything they said." The laughter grew stronger, "But..." the puppet's smile suddenly disappeared, "I'll live with that guilt and burden for the rest of my life. It's only natural I am held accountable and accept the consequences." She said and turned back to her.

"TRAITOR! TRAITOR!" The court chanted and Arisa took a deep breath and locked eyes with her past self.

"If saving everyone is a sin..." Arisa's heartbeat began to race as she felt the world around began to break, the puppets screaming curses at her at full force yet all she did was smile, "I'll gladly become a sinner."

SHATTER!

Arisa let a small laugh as she closed her eyes, her mental state was back to the way it should be. A dark green mental plane with an endless light blue sky. Her gaze became half-lidded as she looked at her past self, kneeling and their head down.

"Florencio and Sandana's death, I will always feel responsible for them. I will always feel I should do more to save them. But I know deep down they wouldn't want us to be like this. To cry and weep in despair. We still have a long way to forgive ourselves. And..." she took a deep breath and smiled softly to the sky, "to heal."

"Do you regret saving Jeralt?"

Arisa slowly looked at her herself and shook her head.

"No. I don't. It's not about the promise I made to Byleth but also about ourselves. It took us quite a while to accept our new family. In the end, we did. We fell in love with this world even if we faced many hardships. We grew to love the people and most of all, Jeralt. He is our father and always will be. I am thankful that he's our father." She said as her past self stood up, her bangs covering her eyes.

"What about Dimitri?" She asked and Arisa smiled sadly, "Will you tell him the truth? Ever?"

"I will." Arisa said as she looked down at a dandelion, "When we take back Fhirdiad, I will tell Dimitri who I truly am."

"What if he doesn't accept?"

Arisa let out an airy laugh as she smiled sadly.

"Then I guess we will go our separate ways."

"And Jeralt?"

"The same."

"I see." Her past self said as she looked up to the sky, "What about the power you have now? You always struggled with accepting the changes you are going through. Especially now since you are not exactly a Nabatean. More like your in between. Not half but something else." She said.

"Well, there's only one way to find out," Arisa said and finally, "Arisa" turned to her fully and cocked her head.

"I made the right choice."

Her past self suddenly turned to dust and a mighty wind suddenly began to push Arisa. The woman tried to remain standing but the world around started to spin. Different scenes from the past, present, and future were all around her like shattered glass. Buildings of old falling apart and building rebuilt to the buildings they were in the present. Images of herself as a child imagines her friends and family and the white lilies that grew. But the voice that rang out was not her own or Sothis.

"The passage of time is a difficult one. Some laws can not be broken nor can they be changed. Yet there are the brave ones that challenge destiny to create a new future with their own hands. Like the roots and branches of a tree, new worlds and timelines are created from their emotions, choices, and thoughts of those. You, who have chosen a defy and fight fate. You who have chosen to take responsibility for all you have done. Go now. Wake up. Your loved ones are waiting for you. Do not be bound by the chains of fate. Break free. I made the right choice. Thank you..."

"Wait, (—-)!"

- End of Dream -

It was late at night and neither he nor Petra should be out. Neither should Lestia or Yuri. It didn't help that Dimitri was out as well. Well, to be more precise, they found Dimitri hiding behind some bushes in the garden with a grave expression. Claude knew better than to make a move to call him out.

"We must remain quiet..." Dimitri whispered as the group nodded and looked to where the prince was looking.

"How odd...Where is Thales?" The Flame Emperor said as the group recognized the dark mage standing before them.

The worst was that they had Castor chained, kneeled on the ground, "I didn't expect to see you here, Odesse. And..." the other bulk of man they did not recognize, "Who is this?"

"Ah, you and I never really met till now. But I'm sure you heard of me during the event of the rite." Chilon chuckled as it finally dawned on the Flame Emperor who they were.

"If you are wondering about Thales..." Odesse said, "That man is recovering. Kronya is dead, that is confirmed. That woman did quite a number on them and Periander. Took him by surprise and he is still cursing." Odesse chuckled.

"Sandana and Florencio were truly thorns to you? What was your relationship?" The Flame Emperor asked and everyone strained their ears to listen.

"Oh, this I have to tell!" Chilon laughed, "Sandana and Florencio used to work for us years ago!" The group's eyes went wide, "But they betrayed us and left. Eventually even going as far to destroy our plans. Of course, they were like rats. We could never locate them nor find their hideouts. Especially Periander who nearly succeeded in taking over Sandana's body. The man possessed her once and had her kill her unborn child and lover to teach her a lesson." He laughed and Claude gritted his teeth.

"Florencio on the other hand..." Odesse sighed, "Solon's hanging on by a thread. He will complete the final mission. The awakening of that false goddess must not happen. You know Flame Emperor ..." he leaned in a bit, "Why haven't you killed that Professor who had ruined all of our plans?"

"I'm going to kill them..." Dimitri growled and was held back by everyone.

"How annoying." The Flame Emperor spat.

"Flame Emperor... Am I offending you?" Odesses chuckled, "Unfortunately, we cannot take our eyes off her, so there is nothing to be done. You are our greatest creation. We used the defiled beast's blood as the fuel to your flame, that you may burn even the gods. Now is the time to cleanse Fódlan of that power, and bring forth our salvation." He said.

"Those words aren't yours. " The Flame Emperor said and Chilon laughed.

"Damn right they aren't his!" He slapped his friend on the back, "He just mocked what Thales would say. But enough about that, looks like she has now taken Thaless' position until he recovers." Chilon said.

"She?"

"Ah, that's right..." Odesse said as he placed his hand on his chin and smirked underneath the mask, "The only Agarthan in the world who personally killed The Goddess beside Nemesis."

The group nearly jumped out of the bushes had someone not stopped them.

They nearly screamed only to become silent when they saw it was Jeralt and Amir. They hushed them and looked back.

"Again, annoying." The Flame Emperor said, "There will be no salvation for you and your kind. Those responsible for such gruesome deeds in Duscur and Enbarr. Especially..." Jeralt noticed how their hands balled into fists.

"Please," Odesses rolled their eyes, "Let me tell you a little secret." He chuckled, his eyes darkening, "The Fourth Prince of the Empire was supposed to be in your place." The Flame Emperor froze, "He made a deal with us in exchange for no harm befell his family. But in the end...the prince died. Hahaha. Brings back memories of how much he screamed when we cut him up and begged us to spare that woman of his. What was her name again...oh. Gina." Rage was filling every fiber of the twins.

"They failed and died. All so that you may acquire the strength you need. All for a purpose..."

The bushes suddenly rustled and Chilon quickly swung his claymore. But there was no one standing in that spot. The group of lords was too stunned to speak as Amir had quickly placed a sound barrier around them along with Jeralt. But they knew the rage they felt was the same as theirs.

"Hmph. Even if someone has overheard us, there is nothing they can do. There have always been rats in the walls, and they always will be." Odesse sighed as he and Chilon turned their back to them, "Just know this Flame Emperor, that Professor must die. If she is not killed, then she will come personally to finish the job." And with that, the sages left and only the Flame Emperor remained.

"...I'll kill them..." the Flame Emperor growled before they teleported away.

The group was too stunned to move till Dimitri ran over to where the Flame Emperor stood. On the ground, was a blue sheath dagger with scratches on it. The prince carefully picked it up, feeling his heart race as he stared at it.

"No... The dagger..." Lestia gasped and looked at each other "What about the dagger?" Claude said and the prince put it away.

"No...no. Never mind. It couldn't possibly be so." Dimitri shook his head and looked at the group, then to Jeralt and Amir, "I'm surprised to see you all are awake."

"Please, Princeling. You think anyone would sleep with the atmosphere around the monastery?" Claude sighed and looked at Jeralt, "So, it's true about Sandana and Florencio? That they used to work for them?"

"...That was years before any of you were born." Jeralt said, "Might as well tell you brats." He sighed, "Florencio and Sandana back then were hired to kill Lady Rhea." Amir already knew this story, "But during that assassination attempt, their bosses decided to have them killed.", she didn't know.

"Sandana took the blow of a cursed lance, nearly killing her. And Florencio turned against the assassins and nearly lost his life. In the end, he waited for his life to end so he could join his sister on the other side." The group was too shocked to speak as the man let go of a sigh and ran his fingers through his hair.

"In the end...Lady Rhea extended a hand to them in exchange they told her everything about Those Who Slither in The Dark." He said and glanced their way, "We didn't have the best start but our friendship grew over the years. They worked endlessly to right their wrongs. Even took on the dirty work of the church." He sighed and looked in the direction of the cemetery.

"And once again...they took on that burden...even if it cost them their lives." Jeralt gritted his teeth, "TWSITD will pay for what they did to them, my people, my family, and everyone. Listen up kids," Jeralt turned to them fully, "Especially you prince, I know that look in your eyes.

If you're heading down the path of revenge...don't let it blind you. That's all. Amir! Let's go." The girl nodded, "Charlotte and Mercedes have waited long enough for us." And away they began to walk.

"Wait!" Dimitri yelled and the two stopped, "Do...you know anything about Chris and Gina?"

"...Sorry kid. It can't say. It's part of a deal." And away Jeralt walked, the group stunned yet didn't know what to think.

Dimitri gritted his teeth as he spoke in a low tone, the group unaware that a certain goddess was watching them.

"Everyone, those are the ones we must destroy. They're the bastards who killed my family and destroyed many others. For now, let's return to our dorms... As for the Flame Emperor's dagger...I'll hold on to it for the time being." He said and looked at the dagger in his hands.

"Dima..." Dimitri looked up to his sister who hugged him tightly suddenly, "I want revenge too...but I don't want to see you head down a dark path. Just promise me one thing..." she held his cheeks and rested her forehead on his, "if your suspicions become true...just promise me you won't lose yourself."

"...I won't.." Dimitri muttered softly.

Claude didn't know what to think about today's event but perhaps for tonight, they should rest. From the shadows, Cirina giggled at their confused expressions, seeing the chaos that was soon to come. But for now, she watched as Edelgard stripped herself of the armor of the Flame Emperor and stared hard at her mask.

[—-]

"Sorry I took so long." Jeralt sighed as he entered his daughter's room, "How is she?" He asked Charlotte and Mercedes and saw Jaden and Kaimu sleeping on Arisa's left and right sides.

"She's still asleep." Charlotte smiled sadly as Mercedes stood up to prepare more tea for them, "This year...has just been one thing after another." she sighed softly as she looked at him, "I worry for the future."

"...I do too," Jeralt muttered softly as he looked at his daughter.

It had been a long time since he had seen his daughter in such a state. Her pale skin, the bruises, and the black veins. The week that Rhea gave them off, they thought she would wake up. It was the last two weeks of the month and she was still in a magic coma. Jeralt didn't know what to do. At times she looked like she was in pain, at others she looked like she was in peace, but there were times not a single hint of emotion appeared on her face. And then there were times she shed tears in her sleep. The students of the Blue Lions would take turns to watch over her, even students from the other houses would come and visit her. But the one who would spend the most time with his daughter was Dimitri. Jeralt would remain silent by the door as he would listen to the prince talk to his daughter about how things were doing as well as his day. But most of all, the prince would talk about his friends and family and how they were doing. It brought Jeralt back memories of the old days when he would lay in bed with his wife and they would talk for hours and hours together in peace.

He wanted to cry.

He wanted to cry so bad.

His best friend and right-hand man were gone. He swore to protect Sandana, his sister if something should have ever happened to him. Now, even Sandana was gone...she gave her life to protect him. From the original group from back in the day, only he and Adam remained. Now, even Adam didn't have much time as he was reaching the same age as Elder Bara. And Cherche, who knew if she was even alive. The last day they saw each other was the day she helped them escape. The emotions and conflict reminded Jeralt of when he escaped the monastery. Honestly, part of him wanted to do just that. Take his people and leave Fodlan forever but he knew he would never be able to forgive himself if he just left. He looked at the children sleeping by his daughter, fast asleep, and then at Mercedes who he had grown to see as another daughter. Amir, Alexandra, and Chris were like his own children. He watched them grow up and helped raise them. All the people they have met over the years he has grown to care for them.

"Huh?" Charlotte's voice suddenly made them snap out of their thoughts, women stood up, "Her finger twitched!" Mercedes rushed over quickly and before they knew it, Arisa's eyelashes were twitching, and slowly...her eyes opened.

"Hmmm..." Arisa slowly blinked and turned her head, seeing Charlotte covering her mouth in shock along with Mercedes, tearing welling up in the girl's eyes but most of all, her gaze traveled to her father, she smiled softly, "Morning."

Jeralt just fell to his knees and held his daughter's hand tightly, placing his forehead on her hand, shaking, a sob escaping his lips as he muttered, "Thank the goddess." He sobbed.

Arisa smiled softly as a tear fell. Mercedes was crying but she still smiled at her despite that along with Miss Charlotte.

"Hmm?" Jaden stirred awake and groggily looked up but the second he saw Arisa smiling at him, "SISTER ARISA IS AWAKE!" He screamed and Kaimu frantically looked around both jumped to hug the woman, "BIG SIS!" They cried and hugged her tightly.

"Can't! Breath!" Arisa slapped the side of her blanket and Jeralt was quick to remove the kids, "Now you two, she just woke up!" He said and put them down.

"Now, now, you two." Mercedes smiled softly as the two ran to her, "Your big Sis needs a bit of time to adjust." She said as Jeralt helped his daughter sit up and hugged her tightly yet carefully.

"I thought I lost you..." Jeralt muttered softly and Arisa hugged him back.

"I'm back..." Arisa the two remained like for several minutes till he let go as she wiped a tear from his cheek.

"How...long have I been out? Is everyone okay? What...happened to..." she didn't need to say anymore as Miss Charlotte and Mercedes excused themselves to allow them privacy.

Mercedes took the kids' hands and told them to wait a bit. They were confused but nodded.

"...There is no easy way to say this..." Jeralt sighed, "Sandana...has passed. Her funeral was held three weeks ago..." He said as Arisa listened, "Seteth and several others were injured and during that time...we discovered that the knights that were killed were Solon's spies." He said.

"Monica?" Arisa's hands held tightly onto her blanket.

"Dead. Sandana crushed her."

That was…good news. But what about Thales? The last memory she had was that the man got mutilated but had escaped. He most likely was going to take a long time to recover.

"How is everyone else?" She asked and Jeralt sighed again and made her lie back down, "Dad, you're not answering."

"I know." Jeralt smiled softly, "It's currently late and you should sleep again till the morning. I'll tell you everything that has happened."

"Alright...good night dad. I love you."

"I love you too, kid."

- The Next Day -

Arisa's eye twitched at the sight of full-on vegetable soup with not a single piece of meat. Mercedes's smile was terrifying, it didn't help that Elder Bara was with her, the one who made the soup.

"Eat, woman." Sothis said in her mind, "You have been asleep for three weeks. It is now 1181. You need the energy to recover for the battle that is to come. And as much as you hate vegetarian soups, you need to eat." Arisa grumbled like a child as she picked up her spoon and ate.

"I have many words to tell you." Mercedes's sweet smile said the unspoken words "Don't you dare move from your spot."

"Now, Mercedes." Elder chuckled, "I know what you are thinking. This idiot went on to be reckless again! Both her and your brother Emile are idiots that need to be taught a lesson they never forget once I find them! Correct?" the elder chuckled as the woman's ears had turned red.

She had guessed right. Arisa smiled softly as she continued to eat but most of all...

"Has anyone else been told of my awakening?" She asked and Elder Bara smiled, "Only one person. That prince of yours." Arisa choked and Mercedes gave her a slap on the back.

"Dimitri had been coming almost every day to check on you as well as helping us study for our exams." Mercedes said as she sat down, "Xina has been filling for you."

"Flayn? What about Flayn?" Arisa asked and Mercedes went silent...

"As of now...Flayn does not speak to Xina anymore."

"Cirina told me everything that happened." Sothis said as she manifested herself with a neutral expression, "After you were knocked out, Flayn had run up to Rhea and begged her not to kill Sandana. Xina ended up knocking her out. But in the end, Rhea did not kill Sandana. Instead...with the last of her strength, Sandana protected Seteth and Jeralt from an assassin and lost her life." Sothis muttered softly as Arisa's lips parted.

Knock, knock.

"And that's our cue! Let's go, Elder Bara!" Mercedes knew exactly who was knocking and the two scurried away smiling at the prince with a knowing look.

Dimitri shook his head with a sigh as he closed the door and smiled softly but all Arisa did was open her arms and grin.

"Come here~" she cooed and despite being hesitant, Dimitri hugged her tightly, beyond happy she was now awake.

"I'm so glad you're okay," Dimitri whispered on her shoulder, his body trembling yet before he knew it, Arisa was caressing his cheek and kissed him softly on the lips, her smile and gaze gentle.

"I'm back." She giggled and god Dimitri wanted to kiss her so badly but he refrained because he was afraid he would hurt her.

"There is much I want to say. Arisa...Welcome back... I was... We all were..." he sighed and rested his forehead on hers, "You've been on our minds. Know that your enemies are my enemies. I will do all I can to help you find justice. There is no one else I can... My strength is yours alone. I will fight as you command... I will kill anyone should you ask it of me." He muttered and Arisa smiled sadly as a tear fell down her cheek.

"Thank you...really. But please don't kill anyone for me. You know I wouldn't tell you to do such a thing." She said and Dimitri chuckled softly.

"I know...But for you...I would run to the ends of the earth." He muttered softly and kissed her forehead.

"Do you want me to get you up to date?"

"Of course.

There was so much she was informed of. The state of things, the relationships, the events that have been happening but most of all the discovery of the location. Arisa bit her lip as she knew they were doing the investigation to keep her, Jeralt, Chris, Amir, and Alexandra out of it but looks like everything was not as it seemed. Shamir and Catherine had secretly informed her friends about what was going on. Arisa knew Shamir would do it but Catherine? Looks like something did change after their fight. Now with everything known, the woman took a deep breath as she moved and tried to stand up but her feet chose otherwise.

"Don't rush yourself." Dimitri said as she winced, "You have been asleep for almost an entire month, you need time for your legs to regain their strength." He said as he helped her stand up.

"Two weeks! I got two weeks and I need to get my strength again!" Arisa gritted her teeth as Sothis giggled, "Rushing will do you no good." Arisa grumbled a curse as Dimitri helped her walk.

It stung.

It really stung.

She didn't even realize she was crying after taking the first step. She wanted to shout and scream. Like she said to her past self, that guilt will always be there. The feeling that she could do better, that she could have done more. The guilt of not being able to save those she loved. But she knew they wouldn't want her to cry. She knew they want her to move forward at her own speed. To take her time to mourn them and she was ready, she would be able to move. She panted and gasped for air as the Prince held her by the waist and hands. She felt useless but most of all...there was a fire burning in her eyes that Dimitri had not seen in a long time.

"Arisa, please excuse me for a moment." He had her sit down and spoke, "Um...can..cough! I p-place my hand on your thigh?" The prince wanted to slap himself because of the stare she was giving him.

"...Dimitri...It's a bit too early for us to become intimate."

"That's not what I meant!"

"Pfft..." Arisa covered her mouth she began shaking, "Ahahahahahaha!" She burst out laughing, holding her stomach as she doubled down, "I'm joking! I'm joking! Oh, you are fun to tease at times! Ahahaha!" She laughed as she patted his head.

"Do not tease me..." Dimitri looked adorable as a tomato till Arisa nodded, "It's alright." The woman said, "Knowing Xina has been teaching you all, I can tell you learned a thing or two from her." She smiled softly as she allowed him to place his hand on her thigh.

"Cough! Apologies for this." Dimitri coughed and closed his eyes, muttering a spell.

Soft light blue light surrounded her and Arisa could feel some of his magic flowing into her. It felt, warm, with a touch of coldness yet it was gentle, like a breeze. But there was also yearning and loneliness. Arisa smiled softly as he finished and stood up.

"Try walking." He said and held out his hand to her.

She took it and stood up, gulping as she stared at the floor and took a step. Her eyes went wide as she felt no pain and took more steps as she held his hand and circled him.

"It's like you never fell asleep!" Sothis gasped as she floated around them.

"How?" Arisa said as she did a few jumps, "Did you master Restore?" She said and the prince chuckled.

"Not exactly." He said as he let go of her hand, "Xina found out that I have an affinity for lighting magic. She told me that unfortunately, my magic system isn't much for other types of magic but that I have the capability to," he held out his and the entire room was light up as electricity charged into it, "to master Thunder and Thron to...very destructive levels using my crest." He said as he made the spell fade away.

After all, he was the one that cast Thorn down on Thales before the mage escaped.

"As for us sharing magic...Emily informed us that it's a special trait that those with crest have. That crest bears can share their magic to help and heal each other." Of course, he left out a very...very...very descriptive lesson on a crest bearer's libido (Dimitri: Damn you, Xina).

Thankfully that lesson was only for those with Crest. He didn't need the world to know about that. Poor Flayn looked like she was going to throw herself out the window along with Annette, Felix, Lorenz, and a few others.

"Interesting." Arisa sighed, "Can you wait for me outside? I'm going to change into some regular clothing. I want to visit Sandana's grave." She said and he excused himself, waiting outside.

[—-]

The walk to the cemetery thankfully wasn't painful thanks to Dimitri sharing some of his magic with her. Still, the wounds that were mentally and emotionally were fresh. Physically, she was well but like before, mentally and emotionally, she was not. She had missed Sandana's funeral. She wanted to grieve but again, it felt like the situation with Florencio. She kneeled in front of Sandana's grave, the woman was buried next to her brother, sister-in-law, step-sister, three friends, and nephew. But what was there to burry? There was no body. From what she had been told, Sandana turned to dust and only her sword remained.

It was the same again...

It happened again.

After she swore she wouldn't let it happen again.

Her tears fell as her body trembled, her head down as her shoulders shook. Small sobs escaped her lips as she dug her nails into her thighs. It was still winter and the snow was falling and the cold didn't help much either. The prince removed his cape and place it over her head, giving her a moment of peace.

But it wasn't enough...

Kronya was dead.

Thales was Injured.

Solon would still go through his plan but this time would most likely use Castor as the catalyst to activate The Forbidden Spell of Zahras. Her emotions were like a puddle of sludge that wanted to explode. She wanted to kill Thales after failing over 29 times to save her father and it was still number 30 her father was saved but some she loved paid the ultimate price. Why couldn't it have been her?

But there would be no if's or could have.

The question was...what did she need to do?

And she already had her answer.

She stood up as she took a deep breath and turned to Dimitri. Despite how much she cried, the prince could see the fire burning in her eyes and determination. He didn't need to say anything. He knew. He turned and she followed him, to the training grounds where the others were. Only a few students were there but no one spoke a word as the two made their way to the weapon's rack. But she didn't grab a sword. She grabbed a lance and this time Dimitri was the one with the sword. Both walked onto the felid in silence, both walked in the opposite directions.

"At the end of the day, power is only a source of comfort when it is concentrated in one's own hands." Dimitri said as they turned to face each other, "Professor...will take a stand?" And she charged, "Looks like I have my answer."

The force of his blade clashing with her lance sent tremors through her body. She had been incapacitated for nearly a month so it was only natural for her to be weakened. She wanted to push herself but needed to be careful with her body. She could see Sothis's disapproving gaze on her but the goddess lent her strength to heal her body as they two clashed.

Lances had always been her weakness.

She never got the hold right and her strength to hold heavy things have always been her downfall. A sword she can handle. A tome or catalyst she can. A bow, a dagger, a knife, weapons that were easy to move with she could. But a lance, an ax, a claymore, heavy armor, and even Faith she could not. Her faith is not in the goddess but her friends and family and herself.

Left, right, up-down, her arms felt tried, the corruption of her right arm pulsed and stung yet she kept pushing. She was not an idiot. As she and Dimitri clashed, she noticed the dark circles under his eyes, as well as his movements, seemed a bit sluggish.

"You haven't slept properly, haven't you?" She voiced and his eyes widened, it was enough for an opening to knock the sword out of his hand and pushed him down to the ground as she stabbed the lance next to his ear as she was on top of him, "I'm sorry..." she whispered.

A single tear fell on his cheek and he smiled softly as she got off him and helped him up, "I caused a lot of trouble." She sighed and smiled softly at him, "Don't worry, I'll make it up to everyone."

"Don't push yourself too much."

"Same to you."

[—-]

It spread quickly that she had woken up. Arisa went to her class and all the students pounced on her. She couldn't help but shed some tears of joy as she hugged them. She missed them and they missed her. But she was happy that they updated her on everything that went down during the time she was asleep. The following days were training to get herself ready as well working on the paperwork but finally putting into motion her plan. Worked together with her students on the layout of The Sealed Forest as well as any new information.

"Hm...Rhea certainly has been trying to keep dad out of the loop." Arisa muttered as she was looking at the map of The Sealed Forest with Chris, Amir, and Alexandra.

Pollux was brought in as well since she knew the place better than anyone. But Arisa noticed how the girl seemed so much happier and free now that Kronya was dead. Chris ended up being the one that confirmed the Agarthan was dead after finding her body crushed to a bloody pulp, the core also.

"So the temple was created to destroy Sothis," Alexandra muttered softly as they looked at the map.

"More towards sealing her away and have her die a slow death." Pollux said, "The Dark Realm is said to be the realm of never-ending darkness that those trapped inside of it will wander for eternity. As time passes, that darkness eats them away till nothing of them remains. As if they never existed. I'm saying this based on the records of the founders of Agartha. From what I know, one of the founders was an outworlder who came from beyond the gates. However, like power and such, good ambitions eventually became corrupt." The girl explained as Chris wrote down a few things.

"Jeralt has been secretly investigating and of course, Alois and Celica are helping him out. Even Alm." Amir said and everyone looked at her confused, "What? Alm may not look like it but he's a very skilled swordsman. He and Celica were trained by Alois and Beleth." She explained.

"Speaking of the church, Arisa, has Lady Rhea summoned you?" Alexandra said and Arisa shook her said.

"She did come by to tell me that she was happy that I am better and that she gives her condolences. Not gonna lie, I'm still mad about her wanting to kill Sandana. But..." she wanted to say that if they managed to escape, she would cut ties with her but kept that to herself.

"No, never mind. I noticed there seems to be some tension between her and Beleth. Any idea what happened?" She said and Cirina giggled.

"Rhea told him about their bloodline. But she left out the part about the relics, saints, who she truly is, and such. Beleth though has been having a hard time accepting it. But like usual, Rhea left out the part that he was created like you and the others." Cirina sighed before she disappeared again.

"Let's just say Rhea is grateful her son did not inherit the ability to turn into a dragon." The ghost said their final sentence.

"Anything on Edelgard's movements?" Arisa asked and Amir spoke about the encounter at night, "So Thales is down...but who is...she?"

"Anacharis." Arisa and Alexandra felt their bodies tense at the name as Pollux spoke, "She is a descendent of the first Royal Family of Agartha and also a descendent of the Outwolder founding father. However, Agartha does not have a Royal system...if we put it in better ways, it is a bit similar to The Alliance. Different leaders with their courts. However..." Pollux thought for a moment.

"They aren't united." The girl muttered.

"Now I get it..." Arisa chuckled darkly, "So it's a power game. But," she frowned, "there are two sages we honestly don't know anything of. That being Anachris, whoever she is, and one called Pietrader." She held her chin and looked at her notes.

They don't know anything about them.

The original sages from the game were Thales, Solon, Myson, Bias, Pittacus, Odesse, Chilon, and Cleobulus (Cornelia), along with Kronya who was a henchman. But those like Anacharis and Periander were completely new and unknown to them. They were entering new territory and it was frightening. Solon was dying and Arisa prayed that this fight would make Edelgard open her eyes and cut them off. With what little Xina knew, all she knew was that Periander specialized in possessing bodies. He was known as The Sage of Sodom. He succeeded in possessing Sandana but the woman found a way to reap what he showed. So, like Thales, he's injured. But what about Anacharis? Not once have any of them met. No clues on her appearance other than the one she saw in a terrifying vision weeks ago were no longer valid because Cirina destroyed her original body.

Pollux excused herself and left. Now it was just them along with Cirina and Sothis who showed themselves.

"Cirina, I know this is a lot to ask but...could you tell us about your battle against Anacahris?" Sothis asked and the spirit's gaze became half-lidded as she crossed her arms and looked down to the ground.

"Looking back to the attack on Zanado...I realized that Anacharis used illusions to make it look like the 11 Elites attacked when it was just Nemesis and her army. She allowed Nemesis to command her soldiers as she went to kill Noa...in front of Rhea." Cirina gritted her teeth as his nails dug into her arms.

"Cirina...you don't have to continue," Arisa said but the woman smiled bitterly and spoke.

"No. This needs to be said. No one has ever heard my side of the story. Only those twisted tales." The woman said and sat down, "Reigan...and I...were childhood friends." Everyone looked at her shocked, "Yeah...I know. Back then, Reigan was originally from a poor village in the mountains. As for me, I liked sneaking out into the woods. I was much more connected to nature. Especially spiders, they were my friends." Sothis still didn't like them, "Anyhow, one day I had wandered too far from Zanado and got lost. I was nearly attacked by bandits had a boy not found me and helped me get to safety." Cirina took a deep breath to calm her quivering lips.

Alexandra could feel the conflicted emotions of the spirit as she continued to speak.

"That mysterious boy had been living in the woods and knew it like the back of his hands. He taught me about animals, plants, insects, medicine, and such. Eventually, I introduced myself and he did as well...I...I don't remember his real name but I remember I used to call him, Ro." She chuckled softly.

"Over time we became closer and then Zanado happened. I didn't see him for 10-15 years. I ran away from Sreng and the people of the Ice Tribe found me and took me in. I honestly have no idea how Rhea found out about me or my location. I remember just wanting to forget everything. Leave it all behind that I wasn't...a half-breed. I just wanted to live as me. And the war came...I left. And then Anacharis started ordering her court to target all the non-human clans. Everyone ended up getting dragged into the war. Then...then..." bloody tears poured down her eyes as the faces of her generals came into her mind.

Bladr, who was a gladiator originally and escaped the cells of Agartha.

Hades is a man who escaped the realm of the dead and lived his life.

Verata: A wind faerie who created her own identity, no longer living in the shadow of her mother.

Ui: Who became the leader of the ice tribe and eventually founded house, Aubin.

"I honestly have no idea why Reigan betrayed me. During the war, we both reunited even if we were on the opposite end. We would meet in secret. We knew just how dangerous it would be for us. In the end, Rhea decided to take advantage of the betrayal to get rid of me. To use me when I was emotionally vulnerable." Cirina quickly wiped her tears away.

"Cirina, what did Rhea tell you before she sent you out to battle?" Sothis said and Arisa suddenly felt...anger.

"...She said that if I did not fight Reigan and avenge Noa and the others, my generals would be branded as traitors and she would reveal my affair to the world. If I killed at least one elite, she would keep quiet." She said and Sothis gritted her teeth.

"Was...there anyone that knew about you and Reigan before you were discovered?" Sothis asked and Cirina nodded as she looked to the ground.

"Flayn knew. I trusted her and I know she never told anyone. My generals as well. The reason for this is because...Reigan, Lamine, Blaiddyd, Fraldarius, and Maurice were our friends. They knew of us. I know for a fact Blaiddyd would have never betrayed us either because his sister..." she sighed and Arisa raised an eyebrow.

"Blaiddyd...had a sister?" Arisa said as she slowly put down her pen.

"Yes. A twin sister." Cirina muttered, "She was a calm and collected person and loved the flowers of Zanado. She called them Dragon Lilies as a joke but eventually...even some called them that. She was the lover of my uncle...The Grim Dragon. But..." she chose not to say anymore.

"It's alright. We understand." Arisa sighed, "What about the other Elites? At least the ones you were friends with." Cirina lips pressed together but nodded.

"Lamine was born in the south and migrated to the north with her family. She was originally a bandit and eventually turned her life around. Maurice was Charon's cousin but they weren't on the best terms. Fraldarius on the other hand was a stable girl who had an unfortunate life. I won't say the rest due to the respect I still have for her." Cirina sighed as she saw her body fading away, "Looks like my time is up. I'm going to...sleep...zzz.." and away she faded.

Arisa didn't know what to make of the new information. There was just so much to uncover and the more they learned the more questions they had. From the background of The Elites to the history of Agartha. Then there was also the erased history of the Nabateans that Rhea made sure was not found. And those who did discover it met a horrible end or a tragic future. Sophia came to mind along with Tharja and Shade. Many victims were silenced by Rhea or had to flee. Noire goes by a different last name for her safety. Then some non-humans made a contract to remain silent for their safety. Some even chose to keep their clans isolated from the world.

Then other houses had no relationship to Sothis. One example would be House Nohr, who were descendants of The Dusk Dragon, and had the Crest of Dusk. Arisa asked herself if someone from the Nohrian family left their world and settled down in Fodlan. Then there was also Hai, while is technically Sothis's granddaughter, her blood is a completely different Crest, thus making her a new breed of dragon. And Arisa wasn't an idiot..she felt something change in Sandana when the woman turned into a beast. Like if...Sothis described it as if a connection was forcefully cut. Again, the woman sighed as she looked back to her papers.

"Three days." Arisa said, "Three days and the attack will come. So…be ready."

"But Arisa, are you ready?" Chris said as Sothis disappeared, "This battle may be the last we spend Sothis."

"Honestly...I'm not." Arisa's lip quivered, "I don't want Sothis to disappear. I don't want her to go away. I'm going to be taking on a huge responsibility." Arisa muttered softly as she hung her head.

"You're not alone. We'll be there with you."

- Three Days Later -

"Professor! Jeralt!"

Arisa and Jeralt were talking till the twins arrived frantically. They panted and gasped till they spoke.

"Have you both heard? They say we've finally located the enemy." Lestia said "It seems they're hiding in the sealed forest, right near the monastery. Lady Rhea has summoned all of the knights to return and take them down." Dimitri said as he helped his sister stand up.

"So it's true...Seteth was right about her hiding it." Jeralt muttered and the twins were surprised to hear this.

"Lady Rhea likely assumed you wouldn't be able to stop yourself from confronting the enemy if you knew their location. But that is not how this story ends, is it? Professor and Jeralt ... We're at the ready. Order us to depart, and we'll fight at your side." Dimitri said as the twins straight up and bowed.

"Alright..." Arisa said, "Informed the others. I know for a fact...this battle won't be easy." She said and they went to do just that.

"Kid." Arisa blinked when he felt Jeralt patting her head, "Be careful. Unfortunately, in this battle I won't be able to come because I have to stay here to defend the monastery should those idiots get other ideas. I know you'll lead them well." He said as Arisa smiled softly.

"No. I will not allow it."

The two quickly looked up to see Rhea accompanied by Seteth and the knights. The woman's expression was worried but also somewhat cold. Seteth let go of a sigh as knew where this was going and spoke.

"This discovery comes just when the knights are at their busiest. It is all too likely that our foes revealed themselves to lure you out there. They are the ones who took Florencio and Sandana from you... I know how you must despise them, but I must ask you to rein in your personal feelings for now." He said and Jeralt spoke.

"Are you saying our feelings are invalid?" Jeralt said coldly and pointed out to the door as the students and professors of the four houses had just started to come in, "My best friends are dead. My partners are dead. Those sons of bitches-"

"Language!"

"I don't care right now!" Jeralt growled, "We have every right to kill those who brought harm to our family and people. We will not stand by. The knights are occupied with everything that is going on. You two and I can't leave the monastery at all should those bastards get different ideas. The only ones left are my children." He said right when Rhea was about to speak.

"He's right." Claude said he stepped up, "It's Teach, and wherever Teach leads, we'll follow."

"You can't deny it. Most of the knights are still far away. Not only does our professor wield a Hero's Relic, but there is no one here who is more powerful." Edelgard said.

"We've already made preparations and are ready to depart at a moment's notice," Yuri said and Chris nodded.

"We can buy the knights more time. Not for revenge, but for a defensive attack on behalf of the monastery." Lestia said and the four house leaders stood by each other, placing their fists over their hearts and bowed.

"Surely you must see that we cannot wait any longer for the knights to gather. Please... Do what must be done and give us the order." Dimitri said and Rhea couldn't believe her eyes.

Arisa was just as surprised as well as she looked to comrades who nodded.

"...Professor... Do you agree with this strategy?" Rhea said and Arisa nodded, "Understood. I will give you the order. Destroy the enemy that is hiding in the Sealed Forest... You have the protection of the goddess on your side. Whatever happens, you shall overcome." She said and the group turned away, leaving and Jeralt nodded, following after them.

"Alright." Arisa turned to four houses, "Everyone, get ready! We head out to the Seal Forest in 10 minutes! Archers and flyers ready your weapons! Claude shall lead you! Those on the ground shall be led by Dimitri and Edelgard! Magic users, Lestia and Yuri shall lead you! Manuela, Hanneman, and Xina are with me along with Christian, Amir, and Alexandra!" The groups all went their ways as Arisa walked to the doors, seeing the sky darken and the rainfall.

Her expression was grim as she intertwined her hands together, shaking. She was now leading an army. This was a huge responsibility that she was going to take on. She usually wasn't one to pray but...

"To the divine in the sky..." she placed her forehead on her hands, "Please give me the strength and protect everyone."

"I will." Sothis spoke as she hugged her from behind and looked up to the sky, "I will make sure no one dies. That's a promise."

[—-]

The Sealed Forest was dark as ever but there was magic in the air that would make animals run for their lives. Odesse looked from the top of the hill, down to the forest where the Demonic Beast were ready as well their soldiers. He, Chilon, and Bias were ready along with Solon.

"So, we're fighting." Odesse turned his head as he saw the short pink-haired woman walk his way, her face cold as stone of her eyes looked own to the field, "I look forward to fighting Cethleann. I wonder how she would react to show I cut down that lover of hers." She woman muttered as she drummed her fingers on her synths.

"What happened to The Death Knight?" Odesse asked and the woman scoffed.

"Defected. He won't serve The Emperor anymore. It seems his loyalty is now to someone else." She spat, "I haven't been this angry since the death of my daughter and Evelyn..." the woman sighed softly, "I'm glad Otto is dead."

"The Gautier was a bug anyway and a prototype of Project Replicant. No need to turn humans into Agarthans anymore. How is Subject 59?" Odesse said as he looked over to the area where the temple was.

Chained to the ground was the boy. Bias frowned at the sight as Solon, despite barely able to move because of how patched his body was, was still prepared for the ritual.

"Subject 59 is...resilient. Something is keeping us from breaking him mentally. Solon sensed some sort of magic is protecting him." She said and Odesse chuckled.

"It would not surprise me if it is the ancient magic of love. Gods, are it bothersome." Odesse said as he looked back and narrowed his eyes, "They are coming."

"So, who do you look forward to triggering?" Bias said and Odesse laughed as his eyes landed on Lysithea, "Now there is someone I have not seen in a long time. I might have some fun with her and Cirina's incarnation. Chilon will go after...wait a moment." The man suddenly narrowed his eyes at Christian, "...No way."

"What?" Bias said and looked down to where he was looking, "That's just a man. What's wrong with him?"

"Change of plans. I'll be going after him."

[—-]

"Demonic Beasts! The enemy was always intending to lure us here..." Dimitri gritted his teeth as everyone got ready.

The Demonic Beast roared and stomped their feet. Agarthans soldiers readied their weapons yet Arisa got off Red Hare, the pegasus taking up to the sky. The wolves unleashed their howls as the spirits of the forest raised their voices to bless the humans.

"Pollux, take Red Hare. The sky is yours to command alongside Claude." Many were shocked by her declaration but Arisa nodded.

"Filthy traitor!" An Agarthan soldier yelled from the ground as she took the sky, "After everything that was done for you!"

"Death to the traitor!"

"ENOUGH!" Pollux roared, "For too long I have watched my people be told lies about the surface! For too long we were lied to that the dragons have taken over the land and have made the humans their underlings! Well, you are all wrong! How long will we watch our friends and families be taken away simply for voices for wanting to see the world?! How many of our people were taken away and locked away to breed like animals?! HOW LONG WILL WE LIVE IN HE SHADOWS?!" She roared furiously and saw the composure on a few.

"Keep listening to her and I will make sure none of you or your families ever see the light of day again."

It was like a dark fog suddenly fell on the soldiers as the sound of metal boots squished through the mud. Dressed in female Dark Knight armor and with the Dark Lance of Ruin in her hands. The way it twitched and the original Lance of Ruin suddenly began twitching as if it was angry. Sylvain gritted his teeth as Flayn stood by Ignatz, ready to fight. Bias removed her mask and revealed the top portion of her face burned with milky dark pink eyes.

"Might as well introduce myself again. My name is Bias, The Sage of Illusions and by my hand, you foolish worshipers of the False Goddess shall die." She smirked but Arisa's eyes glowed a faint hue of green and spoke.

"Sage of Illusions, why do you hate The Descendants of Nabatean?" Sothis said in a powerful tone that made many suddenly real back, "The War of Darkness has long ended before The War of Heroes. Yet you...descendants of the Founding Sages have corrupted the other ambitions." She said as anger suddenly flared in Bias.

"What do you know you, damn half-breed?! Your people killed my daughter! Your people killed Evelyn and Persephone!" Bias yelled furiously.

"That's where you are wrong."

Bias began shaking uncontrollably and burst into sudden laughter as Xina stepped forward with a cold face. The dark knight laughed and laughed, making so many unsettled as she suddenly roared angrily.

"THOSE EYES! I KNOW THOSE EYES! Evelyn you live! You are still alive my precious daughter." She laughed and Xina only sighed.

"Evelyn is the name of my mother. But Sage of Illusions, it's time I break you free of your illusions. You refuse to face reality. Evelyn Galatea is long dead." Xina said coldly as bias smile began to crack, "Otto Gautier killed her." The mask was cracking.

"You are responsible for the death of Evelyn Galatea!"

"KILL THEM ALL"

"CHARGE!" Arisa roared and the war began.

"Damn, Bias." Chilon huffed as he stood by the temple, "Anyhow, my role is done, Solon. I will take my leave." Chilon said and walked through a portal.

Solon gritted his teeth as he breathed into his oxygen mask, his body trembling and weak from being gravely injured. He cursed and spat Florencio's name as he stood next to the boy.

"If it wasn't for you, I would not be in this mess." Solon spat as he stabbed his cane into the boy's shoulder, "The Fell Star...everything!"

"We must win this battle...at any cost."

[—-]

Left, right, she kept cutting down soldier after soldier. The ones fighting beside her were her Lions and friends. Bodies fell and for any students that were cut down, she quickly used time pulse. It pained her but she didn't care. All students would come out alive and safe. A Demonic Beast roared and charged at them. She jumped in the air and spun her body like a tornado, slashing its neck and landing next to its body. Watching it crumble to dust as she took a deep breath and turned just on time to cut down another assassin that aimed to stab Ashe in the back.

"Petra, stay with Ashe! Cover his back!" Arisa yelled and the Brigid princess yelled, "Yes, Professor!" And quickly stood by his side.

She could see Dorothea was struggling against a Gremory and thankfully Hubert was nearby along with Edelgard and struck down the mage.

"Seven soldiers on the left. Two on the right. One to the south and the other to the north." Sothis said as Arisa picked up the sword of a fallen Agarthan soldier.

She could feel her right arm pulsing with negative energy because of her conflicted emotions. It burned so much but she wouldn't stop. She took deep breaths to calm her breath and jumped when a demonic bird came crashing next to her. She saw Dimitri with a dark expression as he pull out his lance and stepped off it, and blinked once he realized where he landed.

"Besides me." Arisa said as the prince's back was to her and hers to his, both surrounded by enemies, "I need an opening. I have to get to the center of the forest. I trust you have my back?" Dimitri smirked.

"Always."

And they charged.

[—-]

Chris gritted his teeth as the next demonic beast was coming his way. His Ashen Wolves were putting up a good fight with the support of the Golden Deer. The Black Eagles along with the Blue Lions were pushing the enemy back and Xina was taking on Bias by herself. Hia was controlling the weather so maybe in their favor. Yet, he knew someone was watching him as he cut down another beast. Edelgard swung her ax and turned, only to see a cursed lance heading her way. But Chris was quicker and caught the lance on time and threw it back. He panted and gasped for air as a certain plague doctor walked out of the shadows.

"Hey, if it isn't the doctor." Chris said as he looked at his sister, "Go help the others. I got this." He said and saw that she was hesitant but left, "Now then, back to you Odesse."

"...You shouldn't be here. To think that this whole time you were in front of us...Chris von Hersvelg." Odesse growled as his grip tightened over his crossbow, "You caused us quite a lot of trouble..."

"Hahaha..." Chris laughed coldly as he put away The Sword of The Creator, "True. I did cause a lot of trouble. I messed up your plans you piece of shit. You and your minions will pay for what you did to my family. Especially my sisters and wife." He growled as he removed his eye patch and revealed his ghoul's eye.

"I am curious. Why haven't you declared that you are alive, Fourth Prince?" Odesse said as Chris stared at him for a good 30 seconds before he spoke.

"Because...I will destroy you first."

"Well then..."

Click click!

"Come at me!" Odesse yelled and Chris smirked.

"You forgot one thing, Odesse." Chris chuckled as he raised his left hand, "I play dirty."

Before Odesse even had the chance to turn around, hands made of fire suddenly gripped his face from behind. The flames were settled but he felt as if he was being suffocated. The grip on his face, he never once forgot it. Only one individual could have such strength, the one that caused Solon to lose his left eye years ago.

"Hheheheheheheheheh..." a distorted female laughed near his ears as he dared look back, "HEHEHEHHEHEHE...LONG LIVE THE VESTAL QUEEN!"

BOOM!

The ground shook as an earthquake hit. A tornado of fire exploded from the east side of the forest in colors of red, white, and blue. Chris did mean it when he said he played dirty. And Heather had a bone to pick with the mage so...he let her do what she wanted.

Get revenge.

A wisp of flames began to form all around the forest, all began to take on the shapes of women, unleashing mournful screams. But they did not attack the students or knights. No, they went to attack the Demonic Beast and the Agarthan soldiers as Heather unleashed a wicked laugh in the air. Odesse grunted and growled in pain as he had his hand over the right side of his face, burnt to a crisp.

"Hubert, what the hell is that?! I thought Vestal Queen doesn't exist anymore?!" Linhardt yelled as he was busy healing Caspar and Ashe.

"They went extinct years ago! No vestal witch should have the cavity to become a Queen!" Lorenz yelled as he and Balthus blocked two attacks.

"Just be glad they are on our side!" Yelled Forrest and Leonie but the group screamed when a tornado of flames appeared in front of them and low and behold, said Vestal Queen.

"Hahaha! Seems you children do know of me." Heather smiled softly and Edelgard felt her heart drop when she recognized her face, "I created the opening you all need. Go help your, professor." And she raised her arms to create the flames but...

"Heather, please don't go!"

The vestal witch stopped and looked down at the white-haired girl. Edelgard wanted to cry. She wanted to scream as her arms reached out to the flames despite everyone telling her to get away. She knew who did this to her elder sister. She knew why she was like that. Heather smiled softly and gently touch her face, the flames healing away from the cut she had on her forehead.

"We will meet again one day, El."

The flames went away.

[—]

The rain was falling harder as she ran through the forest, cutting down any assassins that came her way. Dimitri and Lestia were on her left with Alexandra and Claude on her right. Amir was with Chris watching over the others. And Pollux was commanding the skies. Arrows raining down and enemies and the war cries of her students resonated all around. But now...

"Gah!"

A barrier cut her off from her students. She looked around and gasped once she released where she was. A giant cubed barrier encased the entire temple and only her students were kicked out. Now...it was just her. She turned as she heard heavy breathing and her eyes widened. Solon's face was scary, and gruesome because of the horrible burn marks. He was barely breathing thanks to the oxygen mask he was wearing most of all...she noticed the crest stone in his chest next to another metallic sphere that was missing pieces. An anguished scream was unleashed from Castor had black magic surrounded him like a tornado of flames. Dark flames consume Castor and the four pillar corners surrounding the ruin. Solon cried out in pain, while the dark flames surrounded Arisa standing in the middle of the ruin, as she prepare herself and attempted to fight off the fire.

"I should have killed you when we met in Aegir Mansion! You...all because of you! Everything is ruined!" He roared as blood dripped from his mouth, "But no more...No more Fell Star!"

"Not on my watch!" Arisa roared and charged towards Castor, light engulfing The Sword of The Creator as she slashed at flames.

Solon was going to use the boy as the sacrifice.

No.

Not this time!

"Hhhrraaaaah!" She roared as the flames of blue surrounded her and formed wings behind her back, the shining light made Solon scream in agony and blinded the others, like the sun.

"I bought us enough time! CUT THE CHAINS! NOW!" Sothis roared and Arisa screamed as she finally got the black flames off and shattered Castor's chains.

The black flames started to fade away along with the magic barrier but...the second the barrier broke and her students tried to run back to her...

"Stay..." She spun her heel and, "BACK!" She threw Castor at them.

If it wasn't for the twin's strength, all of them would have hit the ground hard. Lestia managed to catch Castor on time but also to see the black flames rise once again but bigger and more powerful than before. The flames attacked her, it felt like, her energy was being sucked away but...

"Hoooo...She did a number on you Solon."

"You're in no batter shape, Odesse." Solon struggled as the doctor's mask was burned off as well as half his clothing, "So a new vestal witch is born..."

"Enough. The Fell Star needs to die...no matter the cost." He said and Solon nodded.

"Agre—-ULP!"

It was horror.

Odesse suddenly stabbed his hand into Solon's chest, making all those around gasp in horror. Arisa couldn't believe the sight, that they would go so far to get to her. But what was worse, the black flames had spread. Odesse didn't at this point. All in their mind was to get rid of her. So...Arisa made a choice. She gritted her teeth and ran around the four pillars, using every bit of her energy to cast a barrier to keep the flames from spreading. Solon screamed in agony as his heart was ripped out and held in the air. She could hear her students screaming, reaching out as they ran towards the temple along with her friends.

"Sigh..." Arisa let out a small breath and closed her eyes, the black flames starting to surround her as Odesse yelled, "I UNLEASH THE FORBIDDEN SPELL OF ZAHRAS!"

"Huh..." Arisa sighed and looked up to the sky as the flames consumed her and Solon "This is it..." she thought and turned to look at her students.

They were screaming her name but most of all, her eyes landed on Dimitri. She smiled and mouth...

"I'll be back."

In darkness once more she fell.

[—-]

"ARISA!" Dimitri yelled as he fell to his knees.

The darkness dispelled away and where she stood, she was no more. Odesse broke into a cackle as he looked up to the sky, "Begone with you...Fell Star! We've won!"

"That could only have been magic! What happened to our professor?!" Edelgard yelled as the barrier finally broke and the students ran in.

"Odesse, what have you done?!" Roared Bias as she had managed to escape Xina and rode her Risen horse to the place, "You killed Solon!"

"It does not matter. Do you understand...we finally did it. We finally have rid the world of The Fell Star!" He yelled, "For too long we have dwelled in the shadows! For too long we have been under the tyrant rule of those dragons! Finally, the one who commands them is gone!" He roared but suddenly flying past him was a blur.

He turned slowly to look at the one responsible who stepped forward and showed The Sword of The Creator. Chris's eyes were colder than the earth, colder than any winter as he stabbed the sword into the ground.

"You say The Nabataeans are gone but you forgot...Sirius's champions stand before you. Should our leader fall, we will continue to fight." He declared loudly.

"We shall fight! We shall survive!" Amir yelled as she stepped forward and planted MjoInir straight to the ground.

"And we shall win a glorious future for Fodlan!" Alexandra roared as her neck glowed and transformed into Skadi-Ondurgud, "WE WILL NOT SIT AROUND AND WAIT FOR A MIRACLE!"

"WE SHALL SEIZE CONTROL OF OUR FATE!"

"RRAAAAHHHH!"

War cries resonated throughout the forest from all around. The students raised their weapons and chanted, "FOR THE FUTURE OF FODLAN!" Over and over again.

Chris smirked as he saw rage bubble in Odesse and Bias. The Agarthans generals gritted their teeth and roared.

"KILL THEM ALL"

To battle, they charged.

"Arisa...I know you can do it."

[—-]

"You fool!"

It was the first thing she heard in the darkness. Sothis's furious scream as she appeared in bright light, sitting on her throne. She looked down at her friend, angry, flinging her hands up in the air.

"What were you thinking, charging right into an enemy's trap? Are you just a boulder that rolls down whatever hill it's on? No, even a boulder has more sense! You just stood there! Waiting for the darkness to take us! Do you realize how terrifying this darkness is?!" Sothis roared as Arisa let go of a sigh with a small smile.

"As you and I are one... I, too, am trapped within this void. But please consider this... This realm of darkness we are in is separate from the world from which you came. I mean that it would take a god to leave this place. In time, our hearts and minds will cease to be. Are you prepared to die?" Sothis aid and Arisa shook her head.

No.

She wasn't.

"Sothis...I'm afraid."

The Sothis looked at her friend sadly as the woman looked at her hands.

"Since the very beginning, I have known this moment would come. From the very beginning, I knew your identity as well as everyone in the world. From the very beginning, I...wanted to create a better future for all. But...I'm also afraid." Arisa hugged herself tightly as she felt her tears stream down her cheeks.

"What if my heart is not strong enough after everything we have been through? What if I abuse your power and only create more problems? What if I lose control of myself? What if everything we've worked for...crumbles?" She said with a shaky smile and Sothis smiled sadly as she floated down and gently caressed her cheek.

"Arisa, you and I have been together since the day you came to this world. I have seen you in your highs and lows. You have always been there for me. You listened to my rants. You accepted me despite learning of my past. I watched you grow up into the magnificent woman you are today. You are rowdy. You are crazy. You are stupid at times. But you are also caring and kind. You have a compassionate heart unlike any other. You are like a daughter to me." She said and floated a bit away from her.

Sothis smiled down at her and held her hands towards her. Tears formed in her eyes as she spoke her heart out.

"It is within you that I found my power yet again. The power of a goddess. The power of the Progenitor God." She said speaking clearly, "My name is Sothis. You are well aware of what that means. I am the one who watches over Fódlan and the creatures dwelling there. I am Sothis, she who died then returned." She smiled sadly and looked around.

"It seems we are not alone."

Arisa gasped and turned around, seeing ghostly apparitions of men and women, children, humans, non-humans, animals and all. Arisa didn't know what to say but she wasn't afraid. No, these people were...

"My family." Sothis said as she looked around, "The spirits of my friends and family who have slept beside me since till the day of my awakening. They have watched over us and have waited for this day." She said as Arisa turned back to her.

"But, why here?" Arisa said and Sothis smiled warmly.

"My dear, Arisa. My beloved granddaughter, today is the day we become one. Everyone here has accepted you as the heir to my powers. Not just that, I have chosen three champions to stand beside you. They have always been with you." Sothis said as she placed her hand over her heart.

Arisa bit her lip as she looked at The Sword of The Creator in her hands. Her heart quivered because she knew it was time.

"The power of The Progenitor God...That is what I am. The power of The Divine Dragon. That is what I am. We shall become one and you will use my power to escape this darkness." Sothis said as she floated down and stood in front of her.

Her body glowed and turned into her adult and gently took Arisa's hands, wiping her tears away.

"I will not lie. You will go through many changes. Mentally. Physically. Emotionally. And Spiritually." Sothis said, "My soul will join with yours, and you and I will never be apart. But...I will no longer have a chance to speak with you. I shall miss you and everyone. How long have I been on this path with you? Through you, I got to see and hear this world. I even got to chastise you from time to time. I got to learn what it meant to be human. I may not have acted like a goddess, but...it was certainly fun. For all that you have done... Thank you. I'm glad that it was you to whom my fate was bound." Sothis's voice cracked and Arisa suddenly hugged her tightly.

Arisa cried and sobbed loudly as she hugged the woman tightly.

"I wish things didn't have to be this way! I wish you and I could still be together! But I know that wish can't come true! But I promise...I promise..." Arisa gasped her air, "I will do everything in my power to end this story the way we want it. For everything and everyone we love." She sobbed and Sothis nodded, her lips quivering.

"Thank you...for everything"

kawatare no chi ni (Upon this land)

megami oritachi (The goddess descends)

The spirits began to chant together as Sothis and Arisa separated. The chant meant it was time.

"For you shall become Fodlan's new Guardian and with your chosen champions by your side, you will end this story the way you want. Many will praise you and there will be those that fear you. You will form new allies. There will be those that will betray you but most of all, there will be those that will stand beside you. You will no longer hear me and I shall guide you no more." Sothis said as her body began to glow a golden light.

maite hajimari no asa tsugeru nari (She dances in the morning of the beginning)

banshou midareshi tokoshie no yoru (All things are disordered, An eternal night)

"Now... We must pray. For if we share this wish, our spirits two will join as one... Your wish...is to return to the forest, stop the enemy, and rescue the little ones. To protect our family. No need for words. I know your heart as though it were my own..."

kashiko ni megami kaeri kitaru nari (The goddess is coming home)

"Balance must be restored. The corruption of The River of Time must be corrected." Sothis said as she held out her hand to Arisa, their hands intertwined as they rest their forehead against each other.

"Your will and mine are now as one. Both sides of time are revealed to you, and you alone." Sothis said and Arisa nodded as the chanting became louder and louder.

The sprits chanted, their faces becoming clearer and clearer as memories and images flowed into Arisa's mind. Today was the final dance.

"Sothis, may I have this final dance?"

"Of course."

megami yo hakanaku mai tamae (Goddess, dance with me)

daichi ni asa o tsuge tamae (Let the morning break upon this earth's lands!)

Faster the golden light filled the room. The darkness was burned away as Sothis passed through her. Warmth, love, sorrow, everything became one with her. Arisa swore she would do everything in her power to keep her promise. She will end the story with a happy ending. There was a moment of silence before magical energy surged through Arisa. Her once teal part of her hair glowed brightly and turned to hues of mint green and when reflected in the light would turn a silver rainbow. Her eyes snapped open, the teal in her eyes turned a mint green and her hair grew longer and turned itself into a long braid. Her chest glowed brightly as the crest stone over her heart resonated with The Sword of The Creator. The Sword of The Creator glowed golden and brighter as the spirits smiled and disappeared all into the sword.

"HHAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" Arisa yelled as she thrust her sword into the darkness and her wings sprouted, no longer a strange color but a beautiful silver-green with jeweled feathers.

"RUPTURED HEAVEN!"

[—-]

In The Sealed Forest, the battle continued. Odesse turned Solon's body into a monster. The students were becoming tired. Yet they refused to back down. When...

"WHAT ON EARTH?!" Ingrid yelled and the crest stone in Luin began to glow brightly.

One by one each Hero relic began to glow but most of all, Chris, Amir, and Alexandra glowed the brightest.

"I leave the rest to you three. Guide her. Stand by her side. Go, Champions of Fodlan. I am proud of you all. Thank you for everything." A choked sob left the trios' lips as they realized who spoke to them.

The trio nodded and took deep breaths as they continues to fight. Suddenly...

CRACK!

"Huh?" Dimitri quickly turned to look up to the sky and his eyes widened.

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

SHATTER!

The sky shattered like beautiful diamonds in the air. The golden light poured out as the silhouette of a woman stepped out, with wings. Odesse, Bias, Solon, and the enemy Agarthans screamed at the blinding light that faded away. In its place, stood Arisa, her appearance changed with the sun rising behind her.

"No...No! This can not be!" Bias screamed, "So the Fell Star consumes even the darkness itself..." Odesse fell to his knees...shaking and terrified, some soldiers even began to run for their lives as the crack in the sky closed.

Each step echoed as she took one and stopped in front of Chris, Amir, and Alexandra. The trio was shocked as she let go of a heavy sigh and knelt in front of Edelgard, placing her hand over her ribs, healing her wounds. The Princess was too stunned to move as the woman stood up and looked down at her.

"You're the leader of your group. Lead them to victory." Arisa grinned and turned back, raising her sword, "THIS ENDS NOW!"

"Arisa... It is you, right?" Dimitri said as everyone ran but her side and nodded, "I knew that you would always come back to us. I'd like to ask about your appearance, but for now, let's dispose of our enemies." He said, "EVERYONE CHARGE!" Roared Lestia and the battle continued.

"What did you see in The Darkness of Zahras? This should be impossible. The only being that can withstand that darkness is... Unless I dispose of you myself, I may never have the chance to send you back there!" Odesse roared and charged at her.

"Chris and Amir! I trust you both to take care of Bias!" Arisa yelled as she ran with Dimitri beside her, "Edelgard and Yuri! Attack Bias and her army! Xina help them out!" The group nodded, "Lestia and Alexandra! Aim at Odesse and his army! Claude and Dimitri! You're with me! Pollux! Get your brother to safety!" She yelled.

"Teach, you look so different! Might as well say why!" Claude grinned as they ran towards the monstrosity that was once Solon and Claude jumped onto his left, unleashing three arrows, the tips covered in oil and set on fire, sticking the left leg.

"We'll talk later!" Dimitri yelled as he jumped and charged lighting into his lance, "Arisa, strike him down the minute you get an opening! The battle ends now!" He yelled threw his lance.

The lance pierced right into the shoulder of the monster, blasting flesh off. Claude was just shocked at how much strength that cost. He had Zarha catch the prince quickly as they flew up into the sky. Seeing how pale he became and his left arm trembling, some of the gloves were singed away.

"You idiot, you know your magic system is not built for full force!" Claude yelled and Dimitri smirked, "It doesn't matter, I got her the opening she needed."

Arisa jumped high in the air, her body glowing brightly. She felt it. Her limbs began to change and take on a different form. Her eyes became slits as her body grew bigger and her dragon stone glowed. In the light, as she came down on the monster, she felt gentle hands on her shoulders. She gasped and looked to her right, to see Sothis's warm smile. On her left, her mother, Sitri, with the proudest grin, and hugging her from behind, was Florencio. Arisa closed her eyes and nodded, finally embracing who she was as they faded away.

"RRAAHHHHHHHHHH!"

BOOM!

The two lords felt their breath leave their lungs when the smoke cleared and saw the dragon standing on top of the monster. The monster struggled and struggled but with one final stab into its chest with the dragon's wings, it finally stopped moving. It was dead. Silence befell the field before the dragon raised its head and unleashed a roar. But it was a roar of victory. Bias and Odesse roared for their troops to retreat which they didn't have to say as many had begun to run away. Victory had finally come. It was the first official win against the Agarthans after so long.

"VICTORY!" Chris, Amir, and Alexandra roared and soon many followed chanting, "VICTORY! VICTORY! VICTORY!" Another roar Arisa unleashed her wings high in the air as she threw her head back.

From the monastery, Rhea ran out the balcony with Seteth's, and Crescent. They could not believe their ears as they heard the roar. For Rhea, it was dream come true. A sign that the awakening had come. That The Spirit Dias had returned. The young boy Kaimu quickly ran out of his room. From the balcony of Zoltan territory, Emily had fallen onto her knees and cried in joy.

"Finally...Finally, a victory after so long..." she whispered and ran towards the woods, transforming into her dragon and unleashing her roar.

In The Age of The Gods, when a victory was won, the dragons would unleash a roar in a particular tune that would signify a won battle. A hard-earned battle that had been long overdue. A roar that had not been heard in over 1000 years.

In Lake Teutates, the sleeping dragon under the lake rose from the pound and listened. The roar he heard meant everything. A roar that had been lost in time. He raised his chin and unleashed his response. The fairies, the wyverns, and animals all around unleashed their roars and cries. Rhea felt tears stream down her eyes as the roar resonated all around. The wyverns sing along with the bird and wolves. The wolves howled beside their fellow animals in the celebration that the darkness had been defeated. Horses neighed loudly and stood on their hind legs. The students cried and cheered as the sun rose. At some point, Flayn and Hai snuck away from the group to transform and unleashed their roars so they could be heard all around. Victory had finally come. Lysithea fell to her knees, crying tears of joy as she was hugged by friends, finally, the one responsible for the death of her siblings was gone. For Dimitri, that was one person down, and more to go. But even so...it finally brought some sort of peace.

Solon's body turned to dust before their eyes and the only thing that remained were fragments of metal beyond repair. Arisa looked up to the sky, finally free.

"Florencio...Sandana...everyone. You can rest." She thought, "But I have one more job to do." She muttered and turned back to look at the temple.

She could hear the cries and calls of the anguished, those who were sacrificed senselessly in this place. They wanted peace. They wanted to be free. She took a deep breath and turned to see her friends walking toward her. The first one to step forward was Amir, the first person that chose to follow her and become her first friend. The person who would set her straight and never hesitated to speak her mind. Alexandra was her second friend. A girl she rescued in this world who faced the darkest of hardships and found the courage to take a step and fight back. And lastly...Chris. In her past life, they were brother and sister but in their new life, they are different. Chris and Arisa knew their relationship would no longer be elder sister and brother but of friends who truly trusted each other. For he who had it all, lost it and was able to bring himself up. All three of them were her friend and family and the ones Sothis had chosen to bless.

Their Champions.

There was no need to say anything as they understood and went to stand in their positions. Amir in the southeast. Chris in the northwest and Alexandra in the north. Each raised their weapons and held them in front of them, closing their eyes and placing their left hand over the crest stone. Deep breaths they took as they nodded to the dragon that stood at the center. They began to chant. A chant that had been lost for so long. A lost song…

kawatare no chi ni (Upon this land)

megami oritachi (The goddess descends)

maite hajimari no asa tsugeru nari (She dances in the morning of the beginning)

banshou midareshi tokoshie no yoru (All things are disordered, An eternal night)

kashiko ni megami kaeri kitaru nari (The goddess is coming home)

"megami yo hakanaku mai tamae (Goddess, dance with me)" Flayn began chanting suddenly "daichi ni asa o tsuge tamae (Let the morning break upon this earth's lands!)" Hai joined along as well as they stepped forward and stood at the temple.

The chanting of the ancient song slowly became louder as it felt all those with Hero relics knew the song. It felt like they were being drawn closer before they knew it...

"The goddess is coming home..."

"Gasp!" Mercedes quickly covered her mouth as she uttered those words along with Annette.

Something inside them was telling them to go. To join them. To sing. Those with Crest were hesitant but in the end, they went. One by one, the circles around, those with relics sung.

"That chant...isn't that the same chant that we are made to sing in the choir during the morning prayer?" Siegbert voiced and everyone nodded, "Alright...everyone, sing!"

Upon this land

The goddess descends

She dances in the morning of the beginning

All things are disordered, An eternal night

The goddess is coming home

Goddess, dance with me

The old temple began to glow brightly as the wind picked up, swirling all around them like a summer storm. They kept singing. They kept chanting. The dragon's wings shuttered like leaves as they glowed. Silver and green dust spread all around. The pillars of the temple began to crack and shadows began to fade away. The chanting was not only done by those with the crest but by all the students. The magic rose around Arisa's dragon body glowed, turning back to human and stabbing The Sword of The Creator into the ground. The final sentence sung…

Let the morning break upon this earth's lands!

Crack...Crack...CRACK!

Shatter.

Silence...then...

"WWHOOOOOO!"

"We're free!"

"Mama!"

"No more darkness!"

"The sky is blue!"

It was as if hundreds if not thousands of fireflies rose from the ground, all over the place they flew. Voices and whispers speaking in joy. It was a sight, unlike any others. Little glittering jewels.

"These are all the souls that have been trapped for so long...finally free." Hai smiled softly as she held out her hand and a few souls gather, "You all waited for so long."

"It's beautiful..." Edelgard whispered and everyone gasped when the souls gathered around and before them stood silhouettes of men, women, children, and all sorts of people.

"Thank you..." one soul of the man said as they walked forward, "for four thousand years, we were trapped in The Temple of Zahras. We could never leave as we were bound to eternal darkness. And finally...it's gone. Warriors, we thank you. Truly." They smiled.

"You are welcome." Arisa smiled softly.

"You...Your power..." the spirits said and smile sadly, "I see...So mother has passed on. So you have inherited the power of the Progenitor God." They closed their eyes.

"I promise you this." Arisa said, "I will do everything in my power to stop Agartha. Not just me, all of us." She said as she looked to friends and students who nodded, "And..." she paused for a moment looking to the ground before she looked back to them, "I will make sure your brothers and sisters are put to rest after the war. I'm sorry but..we need the relics just a little bit longer." She smiled sadly.

"I know." The spirit said, "I know if Mother were here, she would say the same thing. Ah..." they looked at their hand fading away, "It's time."

Goodbye!

Goodbye!

Thank you!

Take care, everyone!

"Cethleann!" The spirit yelled out from the sky as she looked down at Flayn with a grin, "I'm glad to see you again. My niece has grown up! Take care!" Away they faded like glittering stars in the night sky.

"Goodbye...Uncle."

[—-]

"How are they doing?" Arisa said as she walked up to Xina who was treating Yuri, Ingrid, Sylvain, and Lindhart.

The woman's veil had been ripped off from the battle against Bias, revealing her crimson-colored hair that was the same color hair as Sylvain. The woman looked at her for a moment before she finished up the bandages on Yuri's hand and stood up.

"There were no casualties." Xina said as a small sigh left her lips, "There are injured but nobody died. I know why." She said and Arisa gave her a small smile, "You know, you don't look that bad with mint-colored hair."

"It's my first time seeing you without the veil." Arisa said, "So...You really are.." she looked at Sylvain and Ingrid for a moment.

"The blood runs through my veins but I am by no means part of their houses. I didn't even know about my origins till I was 15 years of age. Sigh...especially from the circumstances I was born from." Xina sighed and looked around to see the others being treated.

"Besides, I'm 70 years old. I'm too old to get caught in the drama." She chuckled.

"YOU'RE WHAT?!" Ingrid and Sylvain screeched as Xina raised an eyebrow, "How?! You look so young!" Ingrid said and the woman chuckled.

"Those with Major Crest at times inherit the ability to live longer than others."

"Looking good by the way."

"Oh, enough of that." Xina scoffed, "Go check on the others." She chuckled and Arisa did just that.

[—-]

Arisa didn't know how to feel after as she walked back to where the temple once stood. She made sure to check every single student and tended to them. Many had complimented her about her change of hair, her appearance being different as well as they asked about her being a dragon. A small sigh escaped her lips as she looked out to the morning sun. It felt so strange no longer hearing Sothis's voice. The little girl that would wake up in the morning and smack her awake. The one that made her smile and had been with the thick and thin.

"...I miss you already..." Arisa muttered softly and turned hearing footsteps coming her way.

Edelgard, Dimitri, Yuri, Lestia, and Claude remained silent for a while. They didn't know what to say. They thought they lost her and she was back. Different but was she still the same person. That was one of Edelgard's fears. What if it was no longer Arisa but that false goddess?

"Are you really a dragon?!"

"...Pfft!" Arisa couldn't help but laugh a bit At Lestia's outburst, "I missed you all too."

"That hair...and those eyes... You remind me of someone. What happened to you?" Edelgard said and Arisa smiled sadly.

"Professor... I'm glad you're OK. And you seem relatively unscathed. I'm...I'm so relieved. I thought we lost you." Dimitri said and Arisa shook her head.

" I'll be honest—when I lost sight of you, I broke into a cold sweat. But Florencio's and Sandana's killers are dead. All's well that ends well." Claude smiled softly as Yuri snorted.

"Though we took little satisfaction from it. Professor... I have to ask. What happened after we were separated? You look...different." Yuri said and Arisa could see they were wary.

"I want to know about you being a dragon," Lestia said and Arisa chuckled.

"I know you all have many questions and I will answer them one at a time. But, I'll start with the first one you all have." She said as they became silent, "In the darkness, I was trapped in, I met the Goddess. Well, to be more precise, the Goddess chose me to inherit her power." She said and everyone looked at her shocked.

"The goddess appeared...and gave you her power? It's as though...the legend of old has been made flesh. It's hard to grasp, in all honestly. But having seen you pierce the sky with our eyes, I find myself unable to doubt it." Dimitri said and Arisa smiled a bit nervously.

"The goddess appeared...and gave you her power? It's as though...the legend of old has been made flesh. It's hard to grasp, in all honestly." Claude said and Edelgard nodded in agreement.

"Your weapon is called The Sword of the Creator, after all. It's no wonder she looks favorably upon you. Just as it was with Saint Seiros, no doubt... And just how will you use this new power, Professor?" Edelgard said.

"So I'm assuming the ability to turn into a dragon is something the Goddess gifted you? Can we see you in that form again?!" Lestia was brimming with excitement because she wanted to see her again.

"Give her a break, Lestia." Yuri chuckled, "But in all seriousness, You're not the only one who was blessed." He said the group turned to see Amir, Chris, and Alexandra coming their way.

"Yo!" Chris grinned, "How's the new look?" Arisa noticed all three of them had a single streak of mint-colored hair, which meant-!

"Did Sothis?!" Arisa gasped and Amir nodded.

"She did." Amir smiled sadly, "Sothis has blessed us three a bit of her power. Not enough to do time pulse like you and Christian but enough to increase our strength." The woman said as Alexandra nodded.

"Sothis chose us as your warriors. Haha. Reminds me of the old tale told of Saint Serios." Alexandra sighed.

"The legend of Saint Seiros. It is said that she received a divine revelation from the goddess and was gifted with her power. Long ago, the goddess dispatched Seiros to defeat an evil king who went mad with power." Dimitri said and held his chin in thought, "Perhaps the goddess saw the goodness of Seiros within you too, and wished to help you in your quest to defeat evil. Hm. If you're Seiros, granted power by the goddess, then I suppose that makes-" Arisa raised her hand to stop him.

"Dimitri." Arisa spoke firmly, her eyes narrowed, "Do not ever see yourself as Nemesis." She said as he looked at her surprised, "Nemesis was a cruel man who had no regard for life. He was a greedy selfish bastard who took the lives of many. He is no hero." She said and walked up to him.

She looked up to him and held his cheeks, placing her forehead on his. Gasps were heard as well as people turning red. Sylvain held out his hand to Hilda and Dorothea that they needed to pay up. Ingrid smacked him on the head but was happy for the couple. Others like Balthus and Raphael cheered on for a time while many of the girls were squealing in joy. Xina chuckled and nodded in approval while Edelgard pouted angrily and Lestia laughed as she slapped her on the back. Bernadetta and Ignatz suddenly had sketchbooks and were drawing them while Felix rolled his eyes but the rarest of smiles was on his lips. Dedue and Sadi were happy for them.

"You are the kindest person I have ever met. You love and treasure others like no other. To me, your already the definition of a good king. And someone I want to stand beside. Always." She smiled softly and Dimitri nodded and smiled.

But...

Bubump...

"Ah...so that's happening..." Arisa thought as she felt her vision starting to blur and sway.

"Arisa...Arisa...Arisa!" She couldn't hear everyone calling her name as she fell into Dimitri's arms.

She could see their blurry figures surrounding her, their expressions worried as they called out her name.

"Everyone..." she muttered, "Make sure...Rhea does not take me to her chambers."

That was the last thing she said before her world faded to black.

Chapter 75: Shattered Sky: Part 2: Spirit Dias: End

[-]

Two years…Two years and we have finally reached this moment. Thank you, everyone, so much for reading. We are three chapters away from starting the Five Year War Arc. This Arc will take place during the five years of the war and we will see what everyone was doing and what happened to them. And with Three Hopes on the way, I'm super excited! NEW LORE!

Feel free to comment and ask questions! I will be doing another story separate from this. That story will have moments from Dark Saint's Hearts, Shattered Songs Of Faith, Rubia, and such that were not able to be put in the stories. Look forward to it!