You're fighting an endless war
Hunting a miracle
And when you reach out for the stars
They just cut you down
[-]
"Looks like they succeeded!" Caspar said excitedly as he looked through the telescope the Professor gifted him for The Day of Blessings, "Tomorrow morning, we'll be able to clean the water."
"That is great news," Petra said but something still worried her as they now had to wait for Bernadetta, Linhardt, and Ashe to return.
Now they were going to solve the problem by purifying the water but what about after? The plan still wasn't foolproof and there was a chance they could get caught. Still, did she truly want to stop? Not only that but there were also conflicted feelings she had about Caspar. More specifically, his father, Count Leopold von Bergliez. Petra still felt anger and rage, a part of her wanted revenge for her father but if she did...what would that say about her? Would she allow herself to be consumed by anger and revenge? There was a time she was tempted to end Caspar's life but over the years, how would she call herself of princess if she did such a thing? Caspar was the son of the man who killed her father but he wasn't responsible for his death. And her father was a warrior. A proud warrior who fought and defend his nation against another strong warrior.
Even if she had not directly met the Count, she has seen him from afar. He was a strict man with a love of battle and amazing strategy, someone who also praised her father for being a strong warrior. A warrior respecting another, no wonder the count was furious and laughed when she attacked Count Aegir. Because he knew that her father was a proud warrior and respected him. Petra snapped out of her trance when they both heard the door open, Linhardt came back looking like a mess. A few leaves were stuck in his hair but he managed to climb the stairs.
"Good news! I located the vent! Now we just wait for the day the barrier weakens." Linhardt said as he shook his head to make the leaves fall off, "I can't wait to leave this place. Too many stairs." He huffed.
"I don't know. I feel climbing the stairs was good exercise over these past months. I feel I got stronger! I bet if Raphael and Seigbert were here along with Felix and Dimitri, they would have enjoyed the workout." Unfortunately, what Caspar said was true.
The group would have loved climbing the stairs as a training excess. Look at Ashe, the man can climb the stairs as if it was a normal hike. At times, Linhardt envied that strength.
"We're back!"
The group turned to see Bernadetta and Ashe return. On the girl's shoulder, what looked like a little plushie was sitting on it but upon closer look, they could see some sort of spirit that took on...an adorable plush form of Bernadetta.
"Bernie...what is that?" Caspar pointed and the plushie glared.
"Oh!" Petra gasped and walked up, and bowed politely to it, "It is an honor to be in your presence Spirit of the Sea and Waters, Undine. Thank you for answering our friend's call." She said and everyone but Bernadetta and Ashe looked at her shocked.
"So this is the water spirit Undine." Linhardt said as he held his chin, "I have heard stories that Undine takes on the form of its master. So I'm guessing Undine has accepted you." He smiled softly, "Now that Undine is here, we should discuss the plan." He said and everyone nodded as he held up two fingers.
"In two weeks, we make our move."
[—-]
The Blue Sea moon had finally arrived and the opportunity to escape was only a few days away. They had to endure, pretend to be dumb, and still search for a solution. Bernadetta stood outside the balcony of the tower with Undine on her shoulder. She stared out to the lake wearing the monocle. She could see things others couldn't but most of all, how the barrier was weakening. At that point, they decided to split into two groups. Like before, Caspar would be the one to light the dried mushrooms and create a distraction. But why was there a sinking feeling in her stomach? Bernadetta wasn't one to pray but at the moment, she couldn't help but place her hands together and whisper a prayer.
"Goddess Sothis, Saint Mona...please protect us and give us strength! We just want to live! Arisa...Amir...Alex...please watch over us!" She whispered as Undine looked at her sadly but the water spirit froze for a moment before she turned and looked behind.
A familiar face. One she had not seen in such a long time. A face the spirit missed. The spirit of that person smiled sadly as she placed her index finger over her lips, a way of telling her to not say anything before she disappeared. Undine smiled softly before looking back to her new Master, looking up to the stars.
Indeed, something was coming.
[—-]
"They are moving." The Agarthan General said as his people were ready, "Kill all of them. Once that is done, harvest the hearts of the descendent of Indech and Kur." He said and his people bowed and disappeared.
"Fell Star your followers will meet their ends today." The man grinned and looked back to the town, "If things don't go as planned. I can always take on a new face." And away he left.
[—]
"Alright. Everyone ready?" Ashe said as the group nodded, "Bernadetta?" He said and the archer despite being hesitant, nodded.
"Undine cast the spell to purify the water. That should create a distraction for us." He said and they nodded.
Undine nodded and disappeared into droplets of water before reappearing over the polluted lake. The spirit scowled, seeing its home was sick and she needed to sing. She took deep breaths and began to sing.
"La, la, la, laaa~"
She waited and more water droplets formed.
"La, la, la~"
And first glow began…
[—-]
"Everyone, look!" One of the civilians cried out and pointed at the dam.
People ran to the rails as they watched the water glow before their eyes and relief and cheers were cried as they watched it turn blue before their eyes. While that happened Caspar snuck out of the tower and carefully made his way to the back of the storage. The man gulped, looking around, making no one was in sight till he finally reached the area Petra said. Caspar let out a small sigh as he walked up to it, and tried to lift the stone. A bit heavy it was but nothing he couldn't handle. He cleared away some of the grass and took out the mushroom that was given to him.
"Alright..." Caspar took a deep breath as he took a match and lit it up, "There's no going back...Let's do this." And he lit the mushroom, threw it into the air vent, and closed it.
Now...they had to wait.
[—-]
The knights of the fortress could hear cheering from the outside as they stood by their stations. Unaware that incense was spreading through the place. There was no scent, no sound. But the knights began to become drowsy as well as the count who was in his office. One but one the imperial knights dropped, and the once's in their quarters also did not wake up. Caspar held his breath as he kept watch, and from above, Petra was watching. Caspar took the mirror he was given and found the perfect angel for the moonlight to reflect on it. Down, up. Down up. He repeated four times, and Petra smiled. She saw it. She saw the signal that was needed. From the forest, Bernadetta silently cheered as the water purification was almost completed. Now it was time to get the knights around the fortress to go away. And to do that...
"Undine!" Bernadetta whispered and the little water spirit smiled mischievously, "You know what to do!" She and the fairy went away, to the far end of the county.
"I didn't think I see you here." Undine heard a voice and turned to see the panther spirit that had been wandering the woods, "It's been so long old friend. Now, what distraction do you need?" It said and smiled.
She moved up and down and did an "Arrroooooo!" Cute howl. The older spirit smiled and turned away, "I see. It shall be done." And he bowed his and unleashed a powerful roar.
People all around the county heard it and scream, knights that were positioned outside ran towards the area near the woods from where the roar came from. From the stables, Linhardt gulped hearing it as Ashe was beside him.
"That's the signal. It's our turn now." Ashe said and Linhardt let out a shuttered breath and nodded, "Caspar found an opening that will lead deep inside the woods. There is a spot Undine found where all of us are to meet up." He explained but the mage still looked hesitant, "Hey...Caspar will be alright. Have faith in him." He gave him a meek smile.
"I hope so..." Linhardt said and climbed up the horse, "Catch." He threw Ashe a small red vial, "Bernadetta said to give it to Petra to remove the bracelet. Have her pour it on the gem." He explained and snapped the reins of his horse, "Hyaa!" And away he left.
Ashe remained still for a while before he took a deep breath and walked up to his wyvern. The animals of the stables were curious as to what was going on. From far away, he could hear the roars again, illusions created by Undine to distract the knights outside. Tonight they all had to escape. Water being cleaned was the perfect distraction along with the fake demonic beast. It was time. It was time finally escape. He managed to get a letter in secret that his siblings and the people of Gaspard were safe. Ashe took a deep breath as he mounted Kyphon, his wyvern letting out a chirp of concern.
"It's almost time..." he said and snapped the reins, "Let's go!" And Kyphon roared and flew out of the stables and towards the tower.
[—-]
"Alright, my sword, material, welt stone, journal, tome, some food, and a few other things...That should be it." Petra muttered softly as she put on her bag, and walked out to the training balcony.
After so long, she was finally going to get out of there. But she wondered, where would they escape? It won't be easy leaving the Empire but if they find some secure place for her to get to Brigid..."No. No. I will not leave my comrade behind. " Petra said and lightly smacked her cheeks, "Everything will be okay. Everything will be okay." She intertwined her hands together, praying to the stars.
The wind began to pick up and the first sprinkles of rain began to fall. This was also the reason why they planned to escape during The Blue Sea Moon: Because the first two weeks were known as the humid rainy season of the Empire. Thunder boomed loudly through the sky as it displayed the sky. The wind began to become much more violent and it came colder yet she did not move or waver even if she was becoming soaked. She could hear the sound of battle far away but soon it was replaced by the flapping of wings. Petra opened her eyes, smiling seeing her friend had arrived, his hood on, truly like a knight.
"Here!" Ashe yelled and threw her a small vial, "Pour it on the bracelet!" He said and Petra did just that.
She popped off the cork and stared at the red liquid for a moment before pouring it over the gem. The bracelet began to fizz before it turned to dust before their eyes. She felt as if a chain was snapped off of her. She... looked up to Ashe, who nodded, before she took a step back, knowing it was time to leave. Ashe took a deep breath as he raised his arm, the bracelet on his wrist began to glow, and slowly before him began to form the sacred relic. Now fully formed, and the clock strikes three, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath before snapping them open. He flew a bit farther, pulling his arm back, gripping the lance with dear life. Green energy began to surround and gales began to pick up. It began to form a swirl of wind magic at the tip.
"Huh..." Arisa held her chin in thought as Ashe was covering his face in embarrassment, "Who would have thought you had it in you?" She said as a bead of sweat ran down her face as she looked at the wooden dummy on the training field.
Where once stood a dummy, was now only the bottom part while the rest of it was made to splinters by the impact of combat art. But Tempest Lance and Knight Splinter rarely did such damage. Even Lestia was too stunned to speak as well as the rest of the students of the lance training seminar. Dragging his hand down his mouth, covering it as he looked away, embarrassed.
"I-I am so sorry about this," Ashe said and Arisa snorted, patting his head.
"There's nothing wrong with it. I'm proud." She smiled and the two turned to see Alexandra walking their way.
"Incredible..." The blue-haired woman said as she blinked and for a moment he saw them red before they were blue-red again, "Ashe, since when did you start learning Stormbreaker?!" She said and the archer looked at her confused.
"Stormbreaker?" He said and Alexandra looked at him excitedly as she clapped her hands together.
"Yes!" She grinned, one eye turning red, "Stormbreaker is a combat art that only those of House Gaspard know! Christophe and Lonato know it!" She said and he looked at her shocked, "You look confused. Has there been a moment where Lonato trained you in using the lance a specific way?" She said and Ashe thought for a moment.
Lonato did train him in using a lance. The basics at least before he said to him he wanted to teach him two combat arts. The first one he knew was Shattered Slash, but the second one was never told to him. The use of the lance was a different style than the traditional one. It meant using one arm, repeatedly thrusting as well as using the lance like a shield in a way. So with his left arm, he wielded the lance and with his right, he would use a shield. But if he had no shield, he would use the spear itself. But the stance itself was the same as the normal before charging towards the enemy, channeling all of their energy into a single thrust to take down his opponent. It was different and difficult but Lonato had nodded in approval, praising him that he master the movements. He remembered asking about the second combat arts but Lonato only smiled softly and said...
"I already taught you the moments. The rest is up to you."
"You have an affinity for wind magic. Despite you not being born to House Gaspard, if you wanted, you could study wind magic." Alexandra grinned, "Try to concentrate that energy on your thrust, the same way you did today in demolishing that wooden dummy. Also, the lance battle style that Lonato taught is ancient, passed down only through house Gaspard and certain individuals of House Galatea and Blaiddyd." She smiled fondly at him.
"You can do it."
Clang!
Crack!
Clang!
Crack! Crack!
"Huff...Huff...gulp!" Ashe gulped as the Ullr's tip began to glow green with wind magic with each impact.
Petra was looking at him worried but he gritted his teeth, remembering Lonato's and Alexandra's training. He pulled back his arm, and the wind began to gather once more at the tip and around him, he was going to use every bit of his strength to destroy the barrier. He took a deep breath once more, waiting for the moment the barrier finally made the change. The barrier wavered, finally exposing the weak point, his eyes snapped and he roared as Kyphon charged at the barrier. As magic surrounded him, and the tip made an impact with the barrier, he did everything he could. He kept pushing and pushing, the barrier was fighting back yet cracks started to form. He could feel his energy draining from using the combat art, at the rate he was going, he was going to pass out. Yet...ghost hands placed themselves over his. His eyes widened as he turned a bit to see a familiar smile he had not seen in nearly three years. Lonato's spirit smiled fondly and nodded to Ashe's right, was Christophe.
The knight's lip trembled for a moment before he closed his eyes and smiled sadly, nodding before opening them, unleashing a roar like a lion, and thrusting Ullr with all his strength at the barrier. Wind and thunder crashed together with an unbelievable force as the two souls smiled softly and faded away.
"STORMBREAKER!"
BOOM!
The light blinded all as the sound of shattering glass resonated all around Petra. She had covered her eyes to protect herself and once the light faded away, she slowly opened her eyes, blinking. The sight before her was as if gems were raining down from the sky. The wind howled as she took a few steps towards the balcony rail, her eyes wide as it finally dawned on her, the barrier was gone. Ashe was silent as he panted and gulped, the combat art took a lot of his energy and strength yet...seeing Petra walk towards him, her eyes watering and lip quivering meaning...
"Ha..." he smiled softly and had Kyphon get a bit closer, holding out his hand towards her, "Let's go." He said and Petra nodded, smiling as her tears fell.
She took his hand and jumped, grinning as she seated herself behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Ashe froze for a moment, feeling his ears turn red but smiled softly as he placed his hand over hers for a bit. The princess was shocked the moved but smiled softly, resting her forehead on his back.
"Let's go."
[—]
"Alright!" Caspar cheered as he found the opening he needed to escape, Bernadetta had also found him, "Looks like everyone managed to get away. We should g—"
ZOOM!
"Look out!" Bernadetta screamed and lunged at him, pushing him down.
Caspar screeched and both looked behind them, seeing an arrow covered in some sort of black liquid. They slowly looked back to where it came from, only to see coming out of the shadows multiple people dressed in black, daggers ready along with bows. The one leading them was a gremory, smiling.
"Lady Anacharis was right. All we needed to do was wait and now the prize has come." She said and looked at her men, "You know what to do. Kill the boy, and harvest the heart of the girl." She said and they charged.
"There are too many of them!" Bernadetta screeched but Caspar grinned, getting into his fighting stance, "Bring it on you sons of bitches!" He said and the two charged, screaming.
Caspar threw the first punch at an assassin while Bernadetta supported him from behind, firing arrows. During the past two years, the group had trained with each other to improve their skills, it wasn't easy using the limited space they had but they managed. The archer gritted her teeth as she unleashed another set of arrows, she was hitting right on the mark. Right in the throat and certain opening, she would spot in the armor. Caspar jumped and punched, mentally thanking Chris for pairing him up with Balthus and Raphael in the past for the brawling seminars. They did not hesitate to kill to defend their lives causing the gremory to snarl and raise her tome.
"I don't know how mere children are overpowering us but don't think I'll let you live!"
[—-]
"Kyphon, dodge!" Ashe yelled as the wyvern roared and flew in the air, spinning left and right to dodge the fire and arrows that were begin thrown at him from a group of wyvern riders in the sky.
"You fly us! I'll shoot!" Petra yelled and took his bow, aiming at the riders and then releasing the arrows.
The scream of a wyvern rider struck down was drowned out by the roaring thunder. They watched as the body slid off and the wyvern flew away. From the ground, Linhardt was fighting his own battle, surrounded by mages. Still, he was able to keep it, using the Sacred Relic that had been passed down through his family, Amalthea. The tome glowed golden in his hands as he controlled wind and light magic, commanding it to his will. The mages screamed as they were raised from the ground and then slammed down. The scent of blood and the sight of their bones cracking and the sound made Linhardt sick to his stomach but they needed to escape.
"How did they find out about this?!" The man growled as he unleashed Gale, another group of mages, and from above Ashe dove down before shooting up, Petra striking down another set of Wyvern Riders.
They made sure no one was watching them as well making sure everything stayed a secret. Unless...they were waiting for them to escape. Linhardt froze for a moment and jumped to the left to dodge a Fire spell that went his way. He looked up to see a familiar face. The mage couldn't help but chuckle darkly as they walked up to him, swords in their hands.
"You're that knight." Linhardt said as the knight smirked, "You were waiting for this opportunity, weren't you?"
"I have no words for you Children of The Beast. Your heart will serve as a gift to Lady Anacharis re—" time slowed down as a fist surrounded by water magic suddenly collided with the helmet of the Agarthan knight.
They staggered, trying to comprehend what had just happened suddenly as they looked up to see two individuals covered in blood and grime, but Linhardt couldn't help but let out a laugh of relief as he walked up to them.
"I told you I make it out!" Caspar grinned as Bernadetta nodded firmly, but her eyes were glowing with the Crest of Indech and Undine seemed to take on an adult form of her, floating behind her.
"Bernadetta what a—" Linhardt didn't get to finish when Undine suddenly unleashed a howling scream at the mages that roared charging at them, the ring on Bernadetta's finger was glowing brightly as she raised her hand, making needles of water launch at the enemy.
"We need to go now!" Linhardt yelled, and they heard a scream, only to look up and see Kyphon falling.
Ashe had an arrow lodged in his shoulder, yet he tried to steer Kyphon to land near the lake. The wyvern, despite being injured, somehow managed to make their land but it was still a hard one. Ashe and Petra jumped and rolled onto the ground, gritting their teeth despite the pain they were in. They forced themselves up as their friends ran to them only to see Imperial Soldiers heading their way.
"Halt!" Fabian yelled and looked around, seeing the bodies of unknown individuals, and the one that was attacking them disappeared, "I don't know what happened but return to Gerth!" He yelled.
"No!" Petra roared, "I will not return! For so long The Emperor kept me locked up! Ignorant of the world! Sir Fabian, please! You have been good to me! I don't want to fight you!" She pleaded yet the old knight shook his head.
"Princess, do not make this difficult."
"How can you fight for an Emperor who doesn't care about their people?!"
Fabian went silent along with his soldiers as Ashe gritted his teeth after yelling. Ullr hummed in his hand, its glow making those of the empire question why he had such an ethereal-looking weapon but the veteran knight narrowed his eyes and spoke.
"This is war. I fight for my country. To defend my people. I have lived long enough to know what is wrong with this nation. I truly believe the Emperor can change this land." He said yet Ashe didn't back down.
"So throwing the entire nation into war, as well as fighting with the ones that killed those you love worth it?! The Emperor is working with the ones that killed her family! She works with those who have committed countless crimes!" He yelled back and the old man laughed.
"And what of you boy?" Fabian said back, "You are young. You have yet to see the true horror of what people are capable of. Here you are acting like a knight trying to save a princess but what good will it do? If word gets out, your lands will be destroyed, and your people punished. The Emperor won't hesitate to execute you since you are not an Empire citizen." He said and looked to Bernadetta, Linhardt, and Caspar.
"You three. You are the next heads of your houses yet here you are, once more turning a blade to the Emperor. She spared you once, she won't do it again. Aren't you worried about what your parents will think of you? How you will ruin the reputation of your parents?" He said and Linhardt snorted.
"As long as I live, House Herving will live in on." The mage said, "Even my father knows that. That as long we survive, our will lives one." He said and Caspar nodded.
"Same. Dad once told me to run away, to look for a different place. But I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I did that. So I'm staying and fighting." Caspar said and reaised his fist.
"My father has done countless crimes. The person who truly cared for me was killed by those that the Emperor is collaborating with. Friends and a family are torn apart by this war. I can't hide, I won't! I'll fight..." Arrow raised and pointed at him, Bernadetta spoke coldly, "Fight for my tomorrow."
"And we're all leaving alive!" The five yelled and the knight let go of a sigh, a bitter smile on his face as his sword lowered.
They didn't move nor waver, the look in their eyes...were that of true soldiers that would fight for what they believed in. Another sigh escaped his lips and he turned his back on them.
"Go before I change my mind." He said and they looked at him shocked, "But the next time we meet, know I won't spare any of you." He said and walked away with his soldiers.
Ashe couldn't believe what they were hearing but wouldn't take the risk as they disappeared into the woods. He didn't know how to feel about what had just happened but for now, they needed to escape. He let go a sigh of relief as turned back to see Bernadetta going to Kyphon along with Caspar. Linhardt had walked up to him, looking at his shoulder with a concerned expression.
"Don't." Ashe sighed, "It best we look at it after we leave." He said, "Take a look at Kyph—-"
Screams suddenly filled the woods making them all turn quickly. The group looked at each and ran to it, the only scream those would belong to would be the imperial soldiers. Then ran deeper and deeper, the rain was falling harder each second and the winds becoming stronger. Yet, even in rain, they all recognized the overpowering scent of iron. The more they ran, the more blood, and a body of a soldier were found skewed to the ground or a tree. The more they ran, the horror became worse as bodies were on the ground with limbs served. But finally, they reached it, a single man dressed in the black arm, with pale skin as a corpse, wearing the knight armor they recognized.
The man had Sir Fabian suspended by the neck, the knight clawed at his wrist.
"Ergo, you...traitor!" The knight managed to choke out and looked at the group, and managed to smirk, defeated and mouth...
"Run."
Bernadetta screamed when the neck was snapped and "Ergo" threw the man to the ground, turning to them fully. He grinned, bloody sword in hand as more of his soldiers came out of the shadows.
"All for Agartha. All for Queen Anacharis! Children of Beast, die!" And the soldiers charged.
"Come on!" Petra screamed and grabbed Ashe's wrist, all started running for their lives.
"Run all you like!" Ergo cackled as his soldiers chased after them, "Ashe Ubert, you are the one that massacred all these soldiers and is taking Princess Petra's hostage along with the rest! Let your name be stained with blood and mud! Know suffering Children of The Beast!" He boomed.
They kept running and running. Dodging left and right the attacks that were sent their way. Kyphon had flown off at some point and Caspar and Linhardt made the horses run away. Rain soon turned into hail, the pieces of ice fell, and it felt like they were being stabbed by needles. But it didn't stop them from running.
"Ha!" An assassin yelled and threw their sword at Caspar, manning to strike him from behind.
"CASPAR!" Linhardt yelled and screamed, as he caught in his arms and threw a fireball at the one responsible, killing them, "Stay with me!" He yelled and Caspar smiled weakly at him.
"I don't...think..."
Rumbling was suddenly heard and everyone looked up toward the cliffs. The intense rains and hail weakened the land, and boulders, mud, and water came down their way. Linhardt's blood ran cold, they must have run into the landslide area trying to escape. It was coming too fast. They weren't going to able to get away on time. It was right where he and Linhardt were standing. But Caspar made a choice. With the last of his strength, he unleashed a scream and pushed Linhardt away. For the mage and their friends, it felt like time slowed down. As Linhardt reached out to him, his eyes widening and mouth opening to scream, Caspar did a closed-eye grin. Before their eyes, the mud swallowed him as his friends screamed and called out his name.
"It's over huh..."
[—- ]
"CASPAR!"
Linhardt cried out his friend's name over and over again, falling to his knees. He never once let his emotions take over but at the moment...
The assassins were back, on the verge of charging at them but the mage unleashed a scream unlike any other. His hand curled like claws as he screamed out to the sky. A white magic circle suddenly manifested underneath him and The Crest of Cethleann burned brightly above him. The Agarthan soldiers screamed and ran for their lives at the sight of the light. From far away, in the woods of the north, Flayn abruptly sat up from her chair, dropping her staff.
"Flayn, what's wrong?" Seteth looked at his daughter worried and Hai felt it.
Someone had awakened the power of the light dragon.
Back in the forest, in rage, if the power unleashed, it was too much for Linhardt's body to take. The light blinded and burned those he saw as enemies. Assassins and mages screamed as they turned to cinders and it was over in a blink of an eye. The mage's eyes were white and rolled back as he fell to the ground. Petra ran to him and threw him over her shoulder, running with Ashe and Bernadetta. A sob escaped her lips as she looked back to where the mudslide came from.
"We'll avenge you...I promise." She sobbed and they kept running.
[—-]
Days passed and soon a week. They didn't know how long it had been. It felt like the days were slow. The injuries they suffered were not easy to treat. But no one had the energy to complain or say anything after what had happened. Linhardt remained quiet most of the time, his eyes red and slightly puffy, dark circles under his eyes. Caspar's death left a huge shock in them all. Bernadetta was asleep with Petra next to her as well as Undine on her shoulder. Ashe remained silent as he was near the cave entrance. Just for a moment, Caspar's smile flashed in his mind, and he suddenly closed his eyes, gritting his teeth. His grip on the wall tightened and his hand balled into a fist. Caspar was his friend. The two had so many amazing memories together but also...what was he going to tell Annette? Through the year, he saw how close the two had become, and now...
"Gritting your teeth like that won't help."
He turned his head a bit to see Linhardt had gotten up and stood beside him. The mage was silent and looked at his hands for a moment before he let out a sigh. Both remained silent, looking out to the gray sky and listening to the rainfall. A moment of silence, some sort of peace, war rarely gave them such a moment. Linhardt raised his hand, and Ashe looked up, his eyes wide seeing a familiar white owl dive their way.
"No way...Feh?!" Ashe said and sure enough, the owl landed, chirping loudly as if it was crying in joy seeing them again, "How are you here?!" He said and the owl just kept nuzzling him and Linhardt back and forth.
"Hold on a moment," Linhardt said and the two noticed something tied to its leg.
Carefully, they removed it and saw it was a little paper scroll. Linhardt didn't sense any magic from it but it never hurt to be cautious. Carefully he opened it with trembling hands but that fear turned to confusion narrowing his eyes.
"What's wrong?" Ashe said and looked, the note had some sort of message written on it.
moolB fo sdnal ot daeH .tsew htuos daeH .aes eht sdrawot daeH
"The handwriting looks familiar but I can't figure out where." Linhardt sighed and walked back into the caves but not before picking up a tree branch.
The mage knelt and began to write a message on the ground before he realized what it was saying. The message was written backward. He began to carefully write and after five agonizing minutes, the message was now clear.
"Head towards the sea. Head southwest. Head to lands of Bloom." Ashe muttered yet he was confused, "Lands of bloom?" Even Linhardt was confused.
It seemed Undine heard them because she floated a bit as she observed the sentence and floated over the word bloom. She raised her hands, and water began to take shape and Linhardt recognized it. It was the Creat of Noa.
"Of course!" Linhardt said as he smacked his forehead, "Lands of Bloom! One of the dragon statues in the holy tomb was called The Bloom Dragon and had the Crest of Noa. The message says to head to Nuvelle territory!" He said yet Ashe was still unsure, "The handwriting looks similar to Seteth's or Shamir's."
Ashe didn't know if they should trust the message. What if some spy wanted to use Feh to track them down? Suddenly the message on the little note began to glow, making them drop it in a hurry. Both backed away, only to see another message written on it.
Now that I know you have safely received this message, I can safely say who I am. My name is Naga. Emily told me to keep an eye on you all.
The two blinked to make sure they weren't seeing things. The message glowed again and changed.
"Head to Nuvelle. The one called Christian is there." Was the final message before the paper burned to cinders.
The two were too stunned to speak but the first to break the silence was Ashe, a laugh of disbelief left his lips before he slumped down on all fours. He took deep breaths to calm himself but it wasn't going to be easy. He didn't know if he should feel relieved or angry that help has come but it came too late. Feh did a small hoot, looking at them sadly as Linhardt's lips trembled.
"We'll...head out tomorrow." Ashe croaked, "I just hope this message is true." He said and Linhardt nodded.
[—-]
"Nuvelle territory?" Petra said later that day after she and Bernadetta woke up from their nap.
"How did Feh find us?" Bernadetta asked as she cooked the fish she caught from a nearby stream.
"I don't know..." Ashe sighed as the owl was perched on his shoulder, "But if the message is true...we should head to Nuvelle." He said as he let go of another sigh, "I'm so tired."
"We all are..."
The days went by and the rain only continued more. They all wanted to mourn but as they kept going, they knew it wasn't an option. Getting to Nuvelle Territory was their number one priority. Linhardt used some illusion magic to change their appearances so they would be able to blend with the people passing through villages. As they stopped at one to buy some food, Petra noticed the tense atmosphere going on. Bernadetta listened as well as Ashe to the conversation of a milk maiden and farmer. The farmer let out a grunt as he put down the stack of hay he collected from the fields.
"Gods, this rain ruined it. The horses aren't able to eat this." He said as the milkmaid squeezed the utters of a goat.
"Things haven't been the same anywhere since the start of the war. It's been difficult to sell because of the high demand for milk and bread. Taxes had to be raised as well as a shortage of food." The woman muttered softly.
"And then there is what happened at Gerth Territory." A Hunter joined in on the conversation, "Apparently Princess Petra was kidnapped by a knight and massacred Sir Fabian and his soldiers." He said and Ashe bit his lip, trying to keep his anger down.
"There's no way one knight can massacre a battalion of 13 elite men." The milkmaid said with a scowl, "It's probably an exaggeration. But it's not just them...The Varley, Bergliez, and Hevring heirs have chosen to flee as well." She said.
"I don't blame them." The farmer said, "It be better to leave Fodlan now. So many people have left. This war better end soon." He said and spat on the ground.
"You heard..." Bernadetta whispered as Ashe nodded, trying to keep this anger down.
All the knight did was pull his hood down to hide the dark expression forming on his face. They soon got what they needed but not before they asked a few questions.
"Excuse me." Ashe said as he waved at the group to get their attention, "I'm sorry to bother you but have you heard of anything going on in The Kingdom?" He asked the farmer clicked his teeth but nodded.
"Well, us folks here in the villages haven't heard much but we did hear about the rivers that were contaminated were purified. And there's a rumor going on about a one eyed-monster going around the kingdom killing bandits and imperial soldiers." He said as the Hunter snorted.
"All that is old. I think the news the majority we want is what happened to sons and daughters that were sent to the capital." He said and now Linhardt spoke up.
"Wait, what happened? Did something happen in Enbar?" He said and the milkmaid sighed.
"A year ago, many of our sons and daughters of the village went to enlist in the army. My daughter went because she learned the pay was good. I told her not to but she didn't listen. But not just her, all that went, we haven't heard of them at all. We have no idea if they are alive. And the Emperor has made no announcement reassuring us that our soldiers are safe." She said as the former students remained silent.
"So, where you four heading to?" The Hunter said and Petra spoke up.
"We are heading to Nuvelle. We heard that there is a refugee camp there and we are hoping to find a friend." She said and the man raised an eyebrow.
"Your accent...from Brigid?" He said and Petra gulped but nodded.
"No. I come from Remire...I...work for the village Elder." She said and the man snorted.
"Elder Bara still alive?! 103 years old and she still kicking." He said as the milkmaid laughed.
"The old croon is gonna outlive us all, I swear!" The farmer said, "Well tell her we said Hi when you get the chance. Also, be careful on your way to those lands. There have been rumors lately of a spirit haunting the woods there." Said Ashe along with Bernadetta paled.
"G-Ghost you say? S-Surely that's just a rumor!" Bernadetta squeaked.
"You never know."
[—-]
Nuvelle territory had been abandoned for so long that the vegetation growth was out of control. So many plants and the constant falling of rain did not help. They were all so tired and wanted to get to the place but they didn't know where to start. Perhaps the tense moment was finally getting to them because Bernadetta just started to cry. At first, it was her and then Linhardt, but he forced himself to not sob but still coughed. As for Petra, all she did was hang her head but such a small moment was not allowed. It happened all of sudden, and Ashe didn't even have time to comprehend what had just happened. But before he knew it, a sword was plunged into his chest from behind, and from a distance, arrows were fired and pieced through Petra's chest. Bernadetta screamed as Linhardt stumbled, yet as the life faded from Ashe's eyes as he fell to the floor, he reached out to Petra. The life from her eyes was gone and the world began to fade to black.
Death was such a cold sensation, one he never thought he experienced. Regret and guilt he harbored, unable to do anything to save his friends and family. He asked himself how would his siblings be. He asked himself why he couldn't do better. Yet, in the darkness he was...he could hear a sound. His gaze was weak and he managed to look up a bit to see a blurred apparition looking down at him. It remained silent before it leaned down.
"Are you death...?" He whispered yet they had remained silent for a moment.
"Get up." Their voice said, "Get up. Sothis's vessel would not wish to see you like this." The voice said and Ashe smiled bitterly.
"I can't...it over." He whispered.
"Hoooo? Is it now?" His vision was becoming slightly clearer and he could now make out it was a woman with sickly blue hair, "So you're giving up? What about your siblings? The Agarthans will kill them." Ashe froze, his eyes widening hearing that, and saw they were now looming over him.
"So, you're letting your siblings die? You're letting your friends die?" They began to grin wickedly as they saw how shaken the archer was becoming along with rage slowly bubbling within them, "What about Petra?" The voice was now clear, a woman.
The woman giggled and began to walk away, then stopped, looking down at the darkness, "What about you, princess? The Emperor is working with the enemy. They will destroy your people. Is that what you want? You dying in Fodlan is you betraying them." She said and Ashe heard a growl.
"No...I...can not fall here!" Petra's voice suddenly roared and the sound of Ashe's heartbeat along with the princess began to ring all over the darkness.
"That's right...I can't fall here." Ashe said and the woman grinned as he began to force himself up, "I...have to...get up!" He gritted his teeth and the woman nodded.
She raised her hands and above it, a familiar symbol began to glow brightly. It blinded Ashe but he managed to see it for a bit the last thing he heard before he was blinded but the light was...
"Good. Thank your professor for this second opportunity. You know what to do now."
The world around him had turned back and white. The blade in his chest came out and the assassin began to jump back to where he came from. The arrow that pierced Petra's heart came out and her body rose from the ground. It almost felt like he was watching a horror drama as everything and everyone moved in reverse. But now...
"BUBUMP!"
"Gasp!" Ashe suddenly gasped and frantically looked around to that Linhardt was gritting his teeth and Bernadetta crying.
He then looked over to Petra, who looked shaken and confused. But, the feeling of deja vu was so overpowering, almost as if they went back in time. And the voice that spoke...but...at that moment, Ashe quickly turned on them and summoned Ullr, blocking the sword from being stabbed into his chest.
"What the?!" The assassin yelled and Petra suddenly spun her body, catching the arrow that was shot originally at her and throwing it to the ground.
The assassin archer was stunned by the sudden action but gritted their teeth and jumped out of their hiding place.
"Out of my way!" Roared Ashe and charged at the assassin, the two began fighting as Petra lunged at the other.
"Back him up!" Linhardt instructed Bernadetta and the girl nodded, running to Ashe's side while he ran to aid Petra.
Left and right, he dodge, searching for an opening he needed, unaware that the voice that spoke was next to him.
"Search for the opening."
His eyes darted till he noticed a piece of loose armor on the lung area of the assassin. Petra jumped high in the air searching where to strike till her eyes landed on their neck.
"Study their movements."
He watched and moved. She studied and noticed.
"Distract them."
Ashe grabbed a fist full of mud and threw it at the assassin, making them scream that it got in their eyes. Petra roared and Feh clawed at the assassin archer, clawing at their eyes. The opportunity was created. The voice smiled and raised its hand, pointing as Ashe pulled back his arm and then...
"Finish them."
"RAH!" Ashe and Petra roared at the same time and struck.
Ashe thrust the relic with all his strength as Petra jumped forward. A lance pierced through a lung and a blade slit a throat. Blood poured and splattered on the ground as well as on their faces. The bodies fell as silence was delivered. Panting, and gasping, they needed air. The two stood still looking down at the bodies, slowly processing what they had just done. But at that moment the two were just grateful they were alive.
But...
Thump...
"Ashe!" Petra screamed and ran to him, along with their friends.
The girl gasped, seeing the gash on his back, it must have happened at some point in the battle.
"Ashe, Ashe! Stay with us!" Petra sobbed as the archer smiled weakly and closed his eyes.
"We need to get someplace safe! Now!" Linhardt said and they swung his arms over their shoulders and ran.
[-]
"How is he?"
Linhardt let out a sigh as he finished wrapping Ashe's badges and then began to rummage through his bag. The mage scowled, seeing that he was out of herbal cream used to prevent infections. Even worse, they were running out of food.
"How are you Petra?" Bernadetta asked carefully, "I noticed there's...Gulp... bruise on your chest." She said and Petra gulped, placing her hand over her heart
She didn't know what to say. She didn't know if she should talk about it.
Petra knew she died.
She still remembered the feeling of the arrow piercing through her chest and her body suddenly filled with a cold sensation when she fell to the ground. She remembered a voice in the darkness, telling her to get up and that she would be betraying her nation if she died in Fodlan. She remembered screaming and forcing herself up, then watching as the world around her had suddenly turned black and white, everything suddenly going backward. Ashe was carefully flipped over and she gently placed her hand on his midriff, which was bruised like hers. But the bruises the two had...a sudden flashback of their professor clutching their chest in agony came into her mind.
But it was one thing after another.
Now, Ashe had a gash scar on his midriff as she had thing one over her heart. The group was suddenly on guard hearing the sounds of footsteps and leaves crushing coming from the entrance of the cave. They were on edge, they just wanted to live. Why was fate so cruel?! They were ready and waited for the person to come closer, and Petra roared, lunging at them. She brought down her dagger and it was kicked out of her hands quickly. A magic blast Linhardt sent, only suddenly be punched in the gut. The air was completely knocked out of him and the person responsible suddenly pinned him down.
"STAND DOWN!" They yelled, they wore a black cloaks with gold strings, but purple eyes looked at him angrily till they suddenly widened in shock, "Linhardt?"
"Who are you?" Bernadetta growled, her bow raised with Undine turned into an adult humanoid fire ready to drown them.
"...So the rumor was true. You all...escaped." They said as he looked around a bit and finally noticed Ashe out cold on the floor, "I'm gonna let go." He said and carefully let go of Linhardt.
The mage grunted and stood up, still in pain after getting punched in the stomach. The stranger waited for them before Petra spoke with a cold voice.
"Who are you? How do you know us?" She said they removed their hood, making them gasp.
"It's been a while." Once short dirty blonde hair was now longer and tired in a messy bun.
Purple-colored eyes and pale blue skin now peach-colored. They smiled a bit nervously but slightly waved. They were taller, about the same height as Caspar.
"Castor...is that you?" Bernadetta said and the young man nodded, smiling a bit nervously as he scratched his cheek.
"I apologize for scaring you all. I was seeking shelter from the rain when I found this cave. I wasn't expecting anyone in here. Honestly, I sensed none of you." Castor said and looked over to Linhardt, "Um...I apologize for the attack. I have some ointments on me. Arisa called it tiger balm, it's a miracle worker on bruises." He said and the trio just slumped onto the ground, letting out loud groans, Bernadetta straight up started crying in relief.
Castor just looked at them shocked before he looked back at Ashe and then at them. He let go of a sigh and smiled softly.
"Guess we have a lot to talk about."
[—-]
After making sure to have that everyone was treated and making them a proper meal with what leftover food he had along with theirs, they ate and talked. Bernadetta couldn't help but burst out crying as she slurped the rich broth of the soup Castor made. Petra ate quietly but once in a while would smile a bit along with Linhardt as they ate. Ashe was still asleep, so no one woke him, and decided to let him rest.
"I've been meaning to ask, where's Caspar? I don't see him." Castor said and Linhardt froze his spoon midway.
Bernadetta became silent as Petra looked down at the ground. After the tense silence, it finally dawned on Castor what happened.
"O-Oh...I...um..." it was difficult to keep his voice from cracking as his eyes welled up a bit, "I'm sorry..." was all he managed to whisper.
"Don't be." Linhardt whispered, "He wouldn't want us to wallow in misery. But one thing is for sure...we'll keep on living. That's what we need to do, not just for us, but for him." He said and Castor smiled bitterly, nodding.
"I know this is sudden but, how do you look like that?" Petra said as Castor gave her a confused look, "You are not using makeup to hide your origin."
"Oh!" Castor looked at her surprised, "Well...Pollux and I...recently discovered we can shapeshifter without using dark magic." He said and again, they looked at him confused, "Usually, Agarthans would have to kill a person and devour part of their soul to transform into them and learn how they act. But...that seems to not be the case with me and my sister. We can change willingly without using dark magic. Uh, let me just show you." He said and closed his eyes.
Before their eyes his hair turned black and long, his body became slightly smaller and his frame more muscle, his eyes sterner along with his expression. Now his eyes were brown and when he did a tap on his throat, he spoke, his voice deep and sterned.
"As you can see, I turned into Felix as an example!" Castor grinned excitedly, "Though, I can only do it for a short period. Around two hours." He said and the smile honestly didn't match Felix.
"Whoa...Um...could you turn back to normal. I am currently deeply disturbed if not creeped out." Linhardt said and Castor nodded, closing his and changing back to himself, "But I must admit, fascinating."
"How are you able to do that?" Petra said and Castor shrugged.
"I don't know. The ability to shape-shift as we do has only been recorded in history by two individuals, Cirina and Pan. That could transform without using dark magic. I think a few Exiles can do it too." He said and they looked at each other worried.
"Wait, you said Pan." Bernadetta held up her hand.
"Pan as in the tactician that worked beside King Loog?"
They all turned and saw Ashe had woken up. His whole body hurt, especially his back.
"Ashe..." Petra said and did a quick crawl to him, "Stay down, you are injured." She said as the knight looked at her concerned but also confused seeing Castor with them as he was gently pushed back to lie down.
"When did Castor get here?" Ashe said and Castor chuckled nervously.
"I'm also heading to where Christian is if you all are wondering." He said as they sighed in relief, "I'm glad to see you, Ashe. And...I'm sorry about Caspar." He whispered as he smiled sadly.
"It's...Alright..." the knight whispered, "But, why were you talking about Pan?"
"Do you guys want a small history lesson regarding him?" Castor asked and they nodded, "Sigh, alright. Pan's real name was Pardofelis, a higher-up General of Agarthan. He was originally assigned to help Loog to cause chaos and helped them gain independence from the Empire." He said as they listened, "But Pan having now seen the world along with his men, chose to betray Agartha and leave it." He said and they looked at him shocked.
"He grew to care for the people of the surface and formed true friends with Kyphon and Loog. He couldn't abandon them. He couldn't betray them. So he chose to leave Agatha altogether along with his soldiers. They integrated and lived normal lives, changing their identity and their names. His name is cursed in my old home. They call him Pardofelis the Traitor. Since then...well, things have been difficult for the people of my old home." He sighed as he looked at them, "Does that answer your question?"
"It does...thank you." Ashe smiled bitterly, "I know this is sudden but what had been happening out there ever since we've gone missing?" He said and Castor looked at them grimly.
"You are being accused of massacring Sir Fabian and his soldiers, and kidnapping Princess Petra, Caspar, Bernadetta, and Linhardt. That you tried to plot a rebellion." He said and Ashe abruptly sat up.
"I didn't kill him!" He yelled and Castor remained silent, "I didn't kill them..." he whispered with a hoarse voice.
"I know Ashe...But the only testimony they have comes from a soldier named Ergo who claims to have been the lone survivor of the massacre." Castor said as Ashe gritted his teeth.
"Ergo...That's the Agarthan that tried to kill us all and killed Fabian and his men." Petra said darkly.
"Ah, now it makes sense." Castor sighed, "For now, everyone just rests. We'll head out tomorrow." He said and they all nodded.
- Present time -
"And that's the story." Ashe said as everyone had finished their meals and now sat on the table, "Now we don't know what to do..."
The original group was too stunned to speak after the group that arrived finished their stories along with processing the news. Dorothea along with Constance was trying to hold back their tears as Balthus was gritting his teeth along with Ferdinand. Gina didn't know what to say as Pollux was just stabbing her vegetables to express her anger. The children were fast asleep on the couch, which Chris was grateful for. But now learning all this...Caspar was gone. Chris wanted to curse but he knew he had to keep himself composed. He was now a leader, watching over them but...how could he remain so calm after everything that he was told?
"That's not all." Castor suddenly said, "I noticed there seemed to be some sort of movement north from here. It's from the direction of the village you all stopped at." He said as Ashe looked at him, worried, "I'm praying I am wrong but I think it's a small part of the Imperial army marching towards here." He waited, "The one leading them is Ergo."
"Son of a bitch!" Chris said and stood up, turning his back on them he ran his fingers through his hair, "If what you said is true, then this "Ergo" is most likely gonna slaughter everyone in the village in a way to try and coax you all out." He turned back to them with a grim expression, "He knows you all can't stand bloodshed and innocent lives lost."
"We can't just leave the village. We have to help them." Ferdinand said as he stood up, "I may not be noble currently but I am still a citizen of the Empire. I can not just stand by as some lunatic wrecks havoc and Edelgard does nothing." He said as the rest stood up as well.
"We'll head out tomorrow. I'm not gonna let this continue."
[-]
'Cause you're fighting an endless war
Hunting a miracle
Is it worth dying for?
Or are you blinded by, blinded by it all?
To be continued...
[Chapter 86: 1182: Part 3: Endless War]