Lysithea wasn't kidding when she spoke about the sandstorms. However, the way to Thesis was taking the road that led to Ylisse. It was going to be Sophia's first time going to the country. A part of her was looking forward to it, and another part was dreading it. First off, there was a slim (50%) chance she could meet Maribelle. Maribelle, from her experience playing the game and listening to the support conversations, can come off a bit pompous. She understands that the blonde woman greatly cares for Lissa, but perhaps a bit snarky she could be? Anyhow, the woman flew through the skies wearing scars to protect themselves as well as goggles. Goggles in medieval times were made of leather and the part where people could look through was made of glass. They looked a bit funny. The pegasus also wore body protection.
"I hate these sandstorms." Sophia commented, "Reminds me of the dust storm I was stuck in at one point in one the nations I went to visit. Sand has the habit in place you never knew was possible" she grumbled.
"I'm already used to this." Lysithea sighs as Opal made a flap of her wings, "We've taken breaks here and there, but we should be arriving at Themis soon. Sadly, the route we decided to take is the shortest way to get there, but it is also the most isolated." She took a sip of her water.
It's true. Miles and miles, they have flown and not a single village in sight. Not even a caravan, which made things a bit harder. The resason for this is because the path they are taking cuts through the mountains of Ylisse and Plegai. This path apparently also had a ghost story to it.
"So..." Sophia had a slight amused tone as she spoke, "I heard that supposedly this road has ghost and many lost souls..." she made her voice fade on purpose.
Lysithea flinched and quickly spoke.
"There is no such thing as a ghost! Now, stop trying to scare me!" The violet hair girl glared, and they continued forward.
Two months of flying and they were still a week away from Themis. Sophia just wanted to reach the town already and jump into a nice hot bath. As the girls continued for the next few days, things were uneventful. Sandstorms, bugs, perhaps battling fucken sand worms, everything went smoothly.
[-]
3 days have passed, and the girls are reaching the town in a few more days. Currently, they are resting in an abandoned mine that was not too far from the town. The County of Themis was also well known for having mines in the mountains. Many imports of jewels to different nations mainly come from Thesis. The town was also a place for jewelry lovers. Its mountains and forest terrain were home to many fae, including wyverns. The mine they were resting was decent. The weather has improved greatly since they have travelled the past few days. Lysithea explained it was because they had crossed the border. The weather in Ylisse was comforting, sweet, refreshing, and gentle. Compared to Plegai whose lands were a harsh desert and the heat. Ferox was a winter nightmare. She loves the place but will not live there. Not her cup of tea.
"Hmmm...this tea you brewed...I like it. What herb is this?" Lysithea asked as Sophia was tending the fire a bit.
"It's called plum blossom tea." Sophia muttered as laid back to Ingrid.
The pegasus was asleep despite how hard it was currently raining outside. From the opening of the mine they are in, they had a nice view of the land. Lush forest as far as the eye could see. Fields of sugarcane that would be ready to harvest in October. There are also fields of wheat, barley, and black tea. And not go far from the horizon, was the County of Themis. The buildings and houses she could not see well (curse her eyesight), even with her glasses.
"The rain looks like it's going to last till tomorrow night...Tch." Sophia clicked her teeth, "I don't need my glasses fogging up."
"You know you can just take them off. Or...wear those contact lenses? You spoke about." Lysithea said as she took a bite from the mini chiffon cake she had.
"I would use my contact lenses here, but the problem is that I have to change the medical water every day and that type of water doesn't exist here. Yet." Sophia says with a small smirk as ideas began to brew in her mind.
"Changing the subject," the blue-haired woman sighed a bit, "there is something that has been on my mind lately and I want your opinion on it." Lysithea gave her a concerned book.
She bends her right leg up, resting her right arm on it, and looks at the woman seriously.
"Do you recall the black book I told you about?" She asked and Lysithea nodded, "In Ferox, when I accidentally dropped my bag, the book fell out. Every single mage in the clinic began to feel dizzy. Nausea, dizzy, sick, weak, headaches. They described it as if needles were being stabbed into them, one by one." Sophia explained.
"You want to see if I have some sort of reaction." Lysithea stated and Sophia nodded.
"After I put the book away, everyone started to feel normal again." Sophia replied and Lysithea nodded.
"Say no more." The woman answered, "Bring it out. I may be able to sense something."
Sophia nodded and grabbed her bag, opening it.
She looked at Lysithea once more, the violent haired woman giving her a reassuring nod. Slowly, Sophia began to slide out the book, the spine was the first thing to be seen. A prickly feeling slowly began to form around Lysithea's head, making her wince a bit. The more the woman slid out the book, the more the feeling increased. Not just her head but around her body as well. She began groaning but forced herself to try and sense something from the book. Like Sophia said, she herself was not having any reaction. Not even their pegasus felt anything. The prickly feeling only increased more; her arms started to feel numb. The book was fully out, now on Sophia's lap.
"HNG!" Lysithea groaned painfully but she felt something from the book.
It was like it was pushing back her magic. As if it was trying to make it disappear. The pain was starting now to become worse and Lysithea slapped her hand multiple times on the stone ground. Her signal to put the book away. Sophia quickly put it back into her bag and crawled a bit towards her.
"Are you alright?" Sophia looked at her worried as she took deep breaths and nodded.
"I'm feeling better now. I have never experienced anything like this before. It is strange. It felt like my magic was being cut off. Like needles being stabbed into my veins. The pain only increased more as it was out. It's possible it may be some sort of defense mechanism from the tome itself." Lysithea explained as Sophai went back to sit near Ingrid.
"I recall Aversa looked very wary when I first got the book." Sophia muttered.
"Wait, Aversa? Sophia, where did you get this book from?" Lysithea asked as she narrowed her eyes.
"From Plegai Castle. Took a few books from there. This was one of them. Validar thought I was one of his research mages and allowed me to take the book. Too bad for him. I'm not giving it back." Sophia muttered as she looked back outside the cave.
"I don't feel malice, but I also don't feel joy. What do you feel when you hold the book?" Lysithea asked.
Sophia was silent for a moment and turned to look back at her bag. She stared at it. The book to her felt like it was calling out to her. It was a strange sensation when she first saw it and then held it in her hands.
"Comfort." Sophia muttered, "Yet sorrow. Love and joy. But also regret and anger." She turned back to Lysithea, her eyes a bit emotional, "Is it normal for tomes to have strange feelings?"
When she first held the tome, Wind, it gave her a calming sensation. Like the feeling of a summer breeze, one that helps you relax. At the same time, it was also a feeling of seniority. When holding the tome, Fire, it gave a feeling of boldness. Bravery, confidence, excitement, but also joy. As if you could take on anything. But a tome like Dark Spikes T gave her a feeling of cockiness. Ignorant yet powerful. Prideful.
"There is a belief among mages that tomes are alive." Lysithea smiled a bit as she leaned back, "They say that a tome is like a different piece of the soul. Thorn is strong yet wise. Striking its target down like the wrath of the sky. Arcfire is like smoke. Your lungs burn and when used, leaves the bones of your enemy black and charred. But you, you feel as if accomplished more than you think. You feel proud." She finished explaining.
Sophia nodded and leaned back down on Ingrid, her hands behind her head. There was still so much she didn't know. Already she learned so many things of this world that she did not know about. It was exciting but also frightening. Just what was out there? There were far too many questions in this current life of hers. As if it couldn't get any worse. She already had so many questions about her own family that overwhelmed her. She recalls doing a DNA test, hoping to learn more about her family. The result? About one fourth of her bloodline was unknown. Even the damn scientist couldn't figure out. She recalls how it was just a bad day and seeing the results had set her off. She was living alone in her dorm and she just threw everything in her sight to the ground. The only thing she never laid her hands on were the pictures of her grandmother, grandfather, father and her half siblings. The anger and frustration just came out like a blizzard that day. It was also the two-year anniversary of the death of her half-siblings and mother. She was 18 years old all those years ago. All she wanted, was to know more of her origins.
After her melt down, and later that night, she had gotten dressed and went to visit her half-siblings' graves. It was in the same graveyards where her grandparents and father were buried. The memory was blur, but she recalls just breaking down and crying in front of the family grave. Wailing loudly as she sat in front of them. She recalls she had brought a sledgehammer and went to her mother's grave, where she had requested for the witch to be buried far away from them. She had taken it up and since the first year, it had become a tradition that on their death anniversary, she would go to her mother's grave and destroy it. It's been repaired every year and she didn't care. She did feel guilty making the graveyard workers work but she was just so angry she didn't care at that point. Iris has commented to her that she should let her mother rest already.
"Fuck no." Sophia thought as she closed her eyes to rest.
She could hear Lysithea's shallow breaths, meaning she had fallen asleep. The woman closed her eyes, recalling her days of these past months. How she arrived at this world. How she met Henry. How she got to learn more of Plegai. How she got to know the people. Meeting a different variety of people. How she got to form bonds with people and make friendships. Her first friend in this world was Henry. While she admits that she was intimidated by him at first, as well as trying to get on his good side, she is genuinely glad he was the first to form a bond with. The two have similarities. Not to also mention their love for dark humor. But also because they share a feature, she hasn't shared to anyone, but Iris. While she can feel pain on the rest of her body, she can't feel any pain on her right leg. Of course, there is a story behind it but that is for another time. Continuing the train of memories, her bond with Mustafa and his family.
He already did so much for her. He didn't exactly welcome her with open arms but over time, he and his family grew closer along with Henry. The familiar feeling of them talking while they ate dinner as well as when she helped treat his men. Or when she would help Ahura cook or even teach some basic medicine knowledge to Dana, it felt like..
"Home..." Sophia muttered as she opened her eyes a bit and looked out once more out the cave.
The sun had set, revealing a beautiful night sky. The stars were brighter, more spacious. For once, she truly was looking at a beautiful night sky filled with millions of stars. Like those pictures she would see in magazines, she could now see the cosmos of stars of red, blue white and many other colors. A feeling of warmth filled her as a small smile graced her lips. The new bonds she has made brought warmth back to her heart. While she still missed her old world, especially her cousin Iris, she doubts she would want to return.
"I wonder what Iris would do if she was here?" The thought crossed her mind.
Sophia can see it. If her cousin was in her group. There never is a dull moment. Iris would be teasing Lysithea about her sweet tooth. She tries to set up dates for Sophia. She would excitedly be exploring every new place they would go to, and maybe try to flirt with Lon'qu.
"I pay to see that." She thought and closed her eyes once more.
It was already getting late and she needed rest.
- Dream -
The room was made of sand stones, the colors of light brown and dark. The floor was made of a light red marble that glistens a bit. There were shelves filled with books. Piles of books and papers tall as a person were all over the place. There were about two tables filled with potion bottles, magic equipment as well as herbs and other materials. At a desk near the corner, a woman sat as she scribbled down notes in a book. Her face was a blur. Sophia couldn't see her face at all. The only thing she saw was that her hair color was red. The woman let go of a sigh as she stood up and closed the book. It was a hard covered one with black leather.
"Cough!" The woman coughed and frowned as she saw small droplets of blood on her hand.
Her condition was worsening by the day and no cure has been found yet. She hears the door to her study open and in comes a man. His clothing looked familiar but like the woman, his face was a blur. The two began to speak, yet their voices were only whispers and murmurs that could not be understood. Yet, the man looked tried but when he held the hands of the woman, so much love and affection was felt. His face was blurred but there was adoration in the way he spoke. The woman smiled sadly and shook her head as she gently touched his cheek. The man wanted to cry but made some sort of promise to her. The woman smiled sadly once more and shook her head.
The scene changed once more but this time, there was no warmth in this place. It was cold. The man stood in front of a stone bed, where the woman now laid rested with her arms crossed on her chest. Flowers of different varieties laid all around her, her eyes closed. As if she was asleep. But that was not the case. For she has passed on. The man wept as he held her hand and kissed gently the ring on her middle finger.
"I am sorry my love...I failed you...with the technology of our city...I was not able to save you..." the man wept.
Sophia looked at him unsure as she watched from behind a pillar. It felt wrong if she just walked out but seems she did not need to. Steps walking down the stairs were heard as the man stopped and turned to look. A mage dressed in fancy clothing walked towards him in silence. His face was also a blur. He stood next to the man in silence for a bit and then spoke.
"You have my condolences. [-] was an amazing woman and one of the most geniuses' mages to have ever lived. I know this is a horrible time but...I thought I ought to warn you my friend." The mage says and the man narrowed his eyes.
"What is it? Are the people speaking ill of my wife after she has done so much for them?" The man growled a bit.
"No. The people of Thabes also mourn her. But...The council has ordered that all her research be confiscated." The mage said and the man looked at him furiously.
"What?! Those snakes have always envied [-] for her research and discoveries! She helped shape Thabes to it is today!" The man snarled and the mage shook his head a bit.
"I understand how you feel but the council...they feared the new magic she created. They are even going as far as to hunt down her students who she taught this new form of magic to. So far only 4 have been caught. I had the other 15 quickly escape the city and spread out." The mage said as the man paced back and forth.
"Those bastards...how dare they...?! [-] students meant the world to her! She believed that children and the people are the future! Now that my wife is dead, the council has no problem in getting rid of everything we've worked together on!" The man yelled furiously, and the mage nodded.
"[-], I have something to give you." The mage said and the man stopped in his tracks.
The mage walked up and handed him a wooden box. Inside of it, were multiple vials with crimson liquid in them as well as some sort of flesh that wrapped up in wax paper. The flesh was bloody but did not smell of rot. There was also a strange lock of mint colored hair.
"This is!" The man looked at his friend shocked, who nodded.
"I managed to get the second box. I know you secretly stole the first. Do what you must. That is all." The mage said and began to walk back towards the stairs.
"Why do you do this? Why help obtain it?" The man asked as his friend reached the stairs.
With his back turn, the mage took a deep breath as his voice was filled with hatred.
"Because the council has executed my adopted son and daughter. Who were students of your wife. I will never forgive the Senate and Council.
- End of Dream -
Opening her eyes, Sophia held a bitter scowl on her face as she sat up. She stretched like a cat as she felt her bones pop. She sighed a bit as she rolled her neck, hearing her bones crack. Lysithea was still asleep. Opal had put her wing over the girl like a blanket. Ingrid was also still asleep. Sophia carefully sat up and walked to the entrance of the cave, seeing the sun coming up. The heavy rain only turned to sprinkles of water, making the fields be covered in fog. She walked back into the cave and grabbed her bag, leaving a small note to Lysithea that she went for a walk. The roads of the mines were made like train tracks as well as seeing multiple minecarts around the place. This area was abandoned to let it replenish. There is a tradition in Themis that the mountains are alive. That they protect the earth and as respect to Mother Mila, the mines are left alone for 10 years and then back to work for another 10 years. Thus, the cycle has continued since the era of King Marth.
Sophia is being careful because wild wyverns and griffins make their nest high up in places like these. She spotted a wyvern nest around two mine bridges across from her shield a bit as she saw the mother feeding the baby wyverns. Their little chirps and whines were like a cat and bird. She spotted a nice rock to sit at. It also had an amazing view. She took out the book and opened it. The lettering of the pages glowed so faintly that you could barely see it. She began reading it once since part of it she already deciphered.
The land has been hit by a drought. Not good. It's a bit difficult finding a magic vein near this area. If I can find at least a thin one, it should be enough to help the fields flourish. Damn you Council. I don't need those old coons telling me what to do.
(-)
Oh...my beloved dear is working tirelessly again. I keep telling him to take a break, but he won't listen. I curse this weak body of mine, but I do wish I had more time. If only...sigh...
(-)
Spell test number 52:
Finally, I completed it. When I demonstrated the fruits of my labors, I saw how fearful the council became. Especially that croon Hocus. A party of celebration was held by my students and my husband. Soko overdid it on the alcohol again and Alex had to take away the wine bottle. My beloved husband is passed out again. Sigh...seems Eligigos made him drink the wine bottle again. When will my dear learn that he does not have a high alcohol tolerance...
[ -]
It was clear to Sophia that part of the tome was also a diary. Whoever created it seems to deeply care about people. They speak of their students but also their husband. Though they don't mention their husband's name, it was obvious they loved them with all their heart. Add that with the dream she had last night, it just added more to this mystery. She found the spell that the author of the tome was talking about.
The spell...Incredible! With this, I'll be able to not only create a new form of magic, but a new era of mage craft can begin! I'm looking forward to what the generations of my lifetime can come up with!
The tome read and Arisa muttered the spell to herself as she was trying to memorize it. She has yet to test it out but when the opportunity arises, she will. Sophia looked up to the field, seeing the fog clear up a bit. She could see geese flying, leaving the land to head to a warmer place for the winter.
"I should shoot one." Sophia thought and quickly dug through her bag.
She took out the wrist bow she bought and made her aim. Clearing her mind, her eyes became cold, and she released.
The quiet air of the sky was filled with the scream of a goose being shot down for breakfast.
[-]
Lysithea had woken up to the smell of delicious food and tea. She yawned a bit and noticed Opal was eating a few vegetables as well as Ingrid. Above the fire, was a cleaned goose that was being cooked over the fire as it rotated.
"Morning." Sophia muttered as she poked at the goose with a stick to check if it was cooked.
"Did you shoot down a goose?" Lysithea blinked multiple times as Sophia nodded.
"I've wanted to shoot one my whole life. In my country it was illegal to hunt them. Well, I'm not there anymore so I finally fulfilled something I have been wanting to do for a long time." Sophia bluntly says while the violet hair woman holds back a snicker.
"Let's eat."
[-]
The fly through the skies in Ylisse felt so much more refreshing. The women did not need their protection armors anymore. Lysithea was glad because she couldn't see clearly from the goggles while Sophia was just glad, they were out of the sand. They were looking forward to a warm bath. It was the middle September. The past three days have been peaceful as excitement began to grow in their eyes as the town came into view.
However...the two narrowed their eyes and they got closer. Their view became clearer and...
"LYSITHEA! FULL SPEED AHEAD!" Sophia roared and the two snapped the reins of their units.
The pegasus neighed loudly and took off at a speed that both weren't expecting at all. Holding the reins tightly, Sophia leaned forward as they got closer. She could see it. Smoke. She snapped the reins a bit harder and was getting ahead of Lysithea. But there was no need for orders to be said between the two, they quickly spit. Lysithea to the west entrance where the bandits were coming from as well as the north, where Sophia went. She could see people running for their lives and screaming. A few clerics and troubadours.
"Not good." Sophia thought as she got closer and saw them struggling desperately.
The one leading the bandits was obviously a Grimleal mage and the one desperately leading the defending team was a young woman of curly golden locks of hair. She wore white ribbons, pink and colored armor along with white gloves and brown boots. On her waist was strapped an umbrella and she held a staff with a blue stone. Sophia quickly grabbed her own staff from her back while the other hand she was holding the moon chakram. A Grimleal dark mage was about to deal a devastating blow on the blonde woman. Sophia quickly balanced herself on the saddle and jumped off.
For the blonde woman, she was injured but screamed when a fire ball hit her behind. She could hear laughing and her soldiers trying to get to her.
"Sorry cupcake but you're coming with us." The Grimleal mage laughed as he grabbed her by the back of her hair.
But...it was if a miracle happened. Screams were heard and the mage quickly turned back to look at his men, but his eyes widened at the shocking sight. The blonde woman's eyes went wide as she saw a woman fall from the sky, spinning like a dancer as she landed and cut down a group of five fighters. The clerics and fellow troubadours all could only gawk at what they just witnessed. The blue hair woman opened her eyes and they were wide as she had a frown on her face.
"Who are you?!" The Grimleal mage yelled as the woman stood in the middle of the corpse of his men.
"Lady Maribelle, are you alright?!" The woman yelled and all Maribelle could do was given a nod.
Sophia nodded; she quickly spun her lance with her left hand and slammed the butt of it to the ground. A green colored magic circle appeared, and Maribelle and her soldiers' wounds began to heal.
"Help has also arrived at the west gate!" A cleric yelled and she saw the dark magic circles of multiple dark spikes.
"Ha." Sophia let out a small laugh because Lysithea looked like she was using The Gate of Babylon.
The mage growled and ordered the remaining men to kill her. Sophia once more spun again and jumped forward, now the staff on her back still glowing as now both hands wielded the chakrams. She used the dance Olivia taught her to move around swiftly. From the corner of her eye, she saw Maribelle managed to free herself and was now using her staff to fight the mage the best she can. The next victim to fall had their throat cut open and fell to ground gurgling blood. The next one was a fighter, whose stomach was slashed with the sun chakram. She threw the moon one like a boomerang and managed to cut three more bandits down and then caught it once more in the air. On the other side, Lysithea took down the last bandit and was making her way over to the north gate.
The Grimleal mage roared angrily and charged at Sophia. The blue haired woman lunged towards him, her staff still glowing because she was healing the civilians and Maribelle's soldiers and the blonde woman. Her magic started to go low and it seems the mage noticed because he laughed as she jumped back to dodge his Wind spell.
"Hahaha! What is a weakling like you think you could beat me?! You're overusing your magic! You don't know your limit! The first mistake of a mage!" He needs to make his arms into a fist, charging magic into it.
Sophia barely managed to dodge the fire spell he threw at her and he took that opportunity. It was as if time slowed as she watched his fist make impact with her stomach. The air was knocked out of her lungs, she had never felt such a painful impact before. She spit out blood as his punch sent her flying to a brick wall. One of the clerics nearby managed to use wind magic to keep her from crashing into it.
"Argh!" Sophia coughed out more blood as she was trying to regain her air back to her lungs.
"Ngghhh..." she held her hand over her stomach and with shaky legs, still stood up.
The mage only laughed but suddenly felt a shiver as her eyes snapped open. Not a single sherd emotion was in them. He was far too distracted to notice that she had charged at him, her hand raised like a claw. The black tome in her bag suddenly appeared in front of her, floating, itself pages coming. to life as the text glowed gray. Everyone in the area began to feel dizzy but the mage felt fear as her hand slammed itself on his chest. A gray magic circle appeared underneath them, Sophia's mouth opened to scream.
"HARVEST!"
This was the spell she was muttering to herself a few days ago when she was reading the book. The world around them turned gray, like a black and white photo. Glowing like veins appeared all over his body. Sophia knew what this was. They were the magic veins that all beings in this world have. They were like the regular human veins, but these were for magic specifically. There was the sound of glass cracking as Sophia saw each of the veins cracking like glass. The mage's eyes rolled up his head till they were white, from his legs he began to turn gray. In the spot specifically they were standing in, to her, it was like time was frozen. She was watching as his veins shattered like glass, his body turning gray, and becoming stone. The world returned to normal. Silence was all there was as many looked in shock at what they just saw. The Grimleal mage was no longer human, but a stone statue. Sophia took a step back; dread and horror filled every fiber in her as she took another. The moment the tome slammed itself shut, the stone statue of the former mage, crumbled to dust. The tome returned itself back into her bag and Sophia fell to her knees as her hands trembled as she looked at them. There was a glowing gray stone in her right hand. The inside of it twirled like a star, yet there was a strange feeling coming from it. Like if it was alive.
Cheers of joy and victory filled the town as the bandits of Plegai were beaten. Lysithea had Opal and Ingrid land nearby and ran towards her. She had never felt such a feeling before. Casting the spell Harvest felt as if she was holding a block of ice in her hands. The coldness only grew yet the feeling made her feel full. Like if she had a satisfying meal.
"Sophia!" Lysithea ran to her and quickly dropped to her knees, "Snap out of it!"
The blue hair woman only slowly turned to her and gulped.
"I...I...need a drink." Lysithea just nodded and helped her get up.
Maribelle stared at them for a moment but let go of a sigh. She'll speak to this woman later as well as Lysithea. It's been a year since she saw the Valm mage. For now, she needs to tend to her people.
"Lady Maribelle!" A guard coming in a full panic as he stopped and panted.
"What's wrong?! Speak!" She commands.
"It's your brother, Lord Seigel! He's been taken!"
All color left Maribelle's face as she felt her energy sapped in an instant. Was on the verge of collapsing if not for a pair of arms that has quickly caught her. She saw it was the blue haired woman along with Lysithea, who had caught her. Sophia, despite still shaky from the spell she had cast, turned to the knight and spoke.
"All those injured, get them all mobilized to the town square." She began and the clerics and troubadours became still as they listened, "All mages, clerics, troubadours are to start setting up tables and tents there. Get medical supplies immediately ready. As well as food and water. There are many injured." She ordered.
"Do what she says." Maribelle says and the place turns into buzz.
[ - ]
It felt like she had been sent overseas again. The town felt like a war zone as she swiftly maneuvered her scalpel and then the needle to close the wound of a knight who got an axe to his thigh. This was a patient number...she lost count already but the fact she was performing surgeries to save lives brought back a sense of familiarity to her. Like if she was in her old clinic again. While Maribelle was speaking to her father, Sophia had made herself in charge of the medical area of the town that was swiftly set up. Her role of leader quickly took over as she began instructions to nurses, clerics, troubadours, and mages at what they needed to do. Those that had serious injuries that needed surgery were taken to a specific tent. The use of magic allowed her to do things that were not possible in her old world. Wind magic was used by a cleric to help provide oxygen to a patient she was currently operating on their lung to repair it again. Water magic was used to swiftly clean her tools to be able to move onto the next patient. Light Magic was used to ease the pain on a patient after the surgery was over. It was also used to keep the patient stable. Sophia's white coat she was wearing was a bloody mess and quickly changed to another one as another patient was brought in.
Unfortunately, the woman that was brought in was dead but the child in her stomach had miraculously survived. Once more, she has started the procedure of a c-section. Everyone in the tent was completely amazed at such skills they have never seen before used. The c-section took around 30 minutes. Waves of relief and cheers filled the tent when the cries of a newborn child were heard. The dead woman was her last patient and Sophia covered her face in respect. She handed the little boy to a wet nurse, who cleaned the child. Healing magic was used on the child to make sure they had no injuries. Sophia collapsed on a chair, finally drained. It had been years since she has worked this much in one day. She heard footsteps approaching and from her vision, saw someone had collapsed on their knees, and bowed to her.
"Thank you!" It was an older man, "Thank you for saving my son! I thought I lost both! Thank you..." he wept and many in the tent smiled sadly.
Sophia looked up, despite being tired, she moved her hand a bit.
"You're welcome." Was all she answered and was desperately trying not to close her eyes, but everything was just crashing on her today.
Panic tones and yells filled the tent when she fell sideways and was out cold. She was just so tired.
[-]
Sophia didn't know how many hours passed just that she knew she had passed out. When she began to stir, she felt she was on a bed. Carefully sitting up because her head was pounding, she saw she was in one of the medical tents. Her clothing was changed to her regular one.
"Thanks...Lysithea..." Sophia muttered as she moved her leg over the bed to stand up.
Based on how dark it was, it was already late at night. She could hear talking outside the tent as she rubbed her eyes a bit and started toward the tent flap. Opening it, she spotted Maribelle talking seriously to Lysithea, who looked just as tried but also annoyed. The soldiers all looked nervous, but Sophia noticed a group of three pegasus. There were two pegasus knights standing next to them and Sophia looked back to the two females bickering. But there was a much taller female there. She had light aqua colored hair tied back in a braided bun, her bangs stopped halfway of her forehead. Her armor was a light-colored blue of a pegasus knight. Lysithea and Maribelle became quiet once they noticed Sophia had arrived and the aqua haired woman turned her way. Her brown eyes and stern face looked to her, while Sophia gave a weak "hi" wave.
"I...am sorry. Am I interrupting something?" Sophia asked and the woman shook her head as she walked over to her.
"No. It is alright. I have just finished listening to the reports of the girls. Doctor Zunino, correct?" The woman said and Sophia nodded, "It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Phila. I am the Squadron Leader of the Ylisse Pegasus Knights." Phila introduced herself.
"Oh no..." Sophia thought as the woman continued to speak.
"I spoke with all our soldiers stationed here as well from Maribelle and your fellow mercenary, Lysithea. You and Lysithea helped defend this town as well as that you took charge in healing the people. You displayed miraculous skills in the medical field that saved the lives of many." Phila smiled as warmly as Maribelle spoke up.
"Thank you Doctor Zunino. Truly. I wish we could celebrate but..." Maribelle gritted her teeth.
"What did I miss?" Sophia asked and Phila let go of a sigh but spoke.
"While we confirmed that the bandit raid was intentional to capture Mirabelle, you and Miss Lysithea ruined their plans. However,..." Phila looked back to her and then to Maribelle, "A Dark Flier managed to sneak into the Themis manor and took Lord Seigel hostage. He is Lady Maribelle's younger brother. He's only 17..."
"Oh no..." Sophia muttered as she looked over to Maribelle.
"For now..." Phila spoke again, "I must report this to Exalt Emmeryn to figure out our next course of action..." she gritted her teeth.
"One moment." Sophia spoke and Phila cocked an eyebrow
She was debating if she should keep her mouth shut but things are now...maybe...
"The border." She says and Phila turns to her, eyes sharp, "They will most likely take Lord Seigel to the border that is in a rocky area. I read it is an isolated area because of the terrain. There are mountains where archers can hide as well as poisonous creatures. It's also..." she was going to lie on this part, "where The Mad King has those that defy him executed."
Maribelle let out a painful sob as Phila became tense as did many.
"I must report this." Phila let out a shaky sigh and nodded, "Thank you for telling me this. You have my gratitude. For now, I must leave."
"Wait." Sophia says and Phila gave her a curious look, "I need you to deliver a message for me. It is for the tactician, Robin."
Phila stared at her for a moment but nodded. Sophia thanked one of the knights for having a quill and paper with them. She quickly began to write her message to Robin as well as drawing a layout of the map of the border. That way Robin can plan exactly what needs to be done. A bit more she wrote, and she was done. Dealing it with a wax seal with a moon symbol, she handed the letter to Phila. The pegasus knight thanked her and Lysithea once more for helping the town and took off with her squad. As Sophia watched them leave, she could not help but feel something was going to happen and it wasn't a good feeling.
- The Next Day -
"There you are!"
Sophia and Lysithea were both eating breakfast at one of the tables in the tents when Maribelle had suddenly come in. Lysithea with stuffed cheeks turned to her while Sophia's cup of tea was halfway to her mouth. Last night, one of the female clerics had taken them to one of the inns that was not damaged. The owner of the inn let them use the showers to bathe and clean themselves, which they gladly did. However, Sophia had bought a different colored hair dye and removed her blue hair color. Lysithea asked her why and Sophia stated because there was a chance Aversa could recognize her hair color and she did not want that. So now, Sophia's hair was now a cherry blossom pink, like Hilda's, and was tied up to a bun.
"I have been looking for you since we have not had a proper chance to speak to one another. May I join you?" Maribelle said and Sophia nodded.
Maribelle sat down between them since they were sitting at a round table. The table had egg and bacon sandwiches. A small tray with cookies and scones. Cute tea pot with flower designs and there was an extra teacup. Sophia served Maribelle a cup and handed it to her. It was an apple blend tea.
"Once more, to both of you, I am grateful for what you did for me and my people. Even if you are not part of this town, you still help save as many lives as you could." Maribelle smiled and took a sip of her tea, "I am Maribelle of House Themis. You have my gratitude for saving me but also, you and Lysithea shall be rewarded for your bravery." She placed the cup down.
"No need for a reward." Sophia says, "I'm Sophia Zunino. I'm a doctor and traveling mercenary. I only did my job." She replies.
"That may be so, but I still wish to reward you." Maribelle gave her a slight frown, "You worked tirelessly yesterday and displayed an incredible amount of skills that have never before been seen here in Ylisse or any of the other nations." She motions her hand towards her.
"But also...you displayed leadership. While Prince Chrom would usually be the one to do this, but..." Maribelle stood up proudly as she placed her hand over her chest in a prideful matter, "I! Maribelle von Themis, hereby invite you and Lysithea to join the Shepherds of Ylisse!"
There was pure silence and Sophia swore she could hear a crow cawing in the distance.
"I'm sorry but I cannot accept." Sophia said coldly, which threw off both women, "I'm a doctor and a foreigner. I travel the lands to help people regardless of who they are. I don't care if they are from, Valm, Plegai, Ylisse or Ferox. If I join the Shepherds, I will only be held back. I thank you for the offer, but we're done." She stood up and walked towards the tent flap.
"Lysithea." She stopped and glanced a bit at her, "You're welcome to join them if you want. It is your choice. I have no power over it." And she walked out.
Sophia's heart was conflicted as she left both women stun. There was a part of her that really wished to take the offer, but the other part knew if she joined them, she would be screwed over. She was screwed over anyway because of the upcoming war. Now with also messing up a big event that changed a course of time made her even more worried. Maribelle should have been the one that was taken hostage. The game never said that she had siblings, so now learning she had a younger brother made her chest hurt with guilt. The least she could do to ease that guilt was with the letter she had requested Phila to deliver to Robin.
"I want to leave." Sophia gritted her teeth.
She wants to leave the town, like now. But her consciousness would never let her live it down if she chose to leave now. Considering she has a few patients that are in critical condition and there were many more she still needs to check on. With where they are, it should take at least 2 weeks to return to Farzad Village. She misses Dana, Henry, Mustafa and Ahura. They had become such a huge part of her life when she first came that to her, they were family. Then there was another situation.
She took out the small marble size stone that was left in her hand after she turned the Grimleal mage to stone, then dust. Then she stares at it, holding it over the sun to get a better look at it. The stone reminded her of the gray stones from FEH(Fire Emblem Heroes), as if a soul was inside of it. She doubts that's what it is. Still, something about the stone felt off. It wasn't a good nor bad feeling. More towards...something neutral. She put it away and made her way to the medical tent where the patients she operated on were. Unfortunately, she and Lysithea must stay at least for another 3 days just to make sure everyone is alright. Maribelle will be leaving tomorrow to the capital to join Chrom and the others to save her brother.
Entering the tent, the nurses, clerics, and mages all turned to look at her as she walked towards a young man who looked around 15 years of age. She hates seeing kids be in fights like this but unfortunately things are like this in these times. Children should not be thrust into war or horrible situations like this.
"How are the patients? Have you all been using Heal on them every two hours?" She says as he handed her scrolls with the list of names and notes.
"We did as you instructed, and all the patients are doing well! They are recovering quickly and those that were in critical condition are now stable!" The boy grins and Sophia smiled a bit.
"Everyone." She yells out a bit and they turned to her, "Good job. You all did well."
Many couldn't stop themselves from smiling and feeling happy at the compliment they all got. Sophia always complemented those that have done well in their jobs when she used to train the new students in the hospitals. As she goes to each patient, those that are awake she asks how they are feeling. Many keep thanking her and there were others calling her a miracle worker. The mages especially keep asking her questions about her skills in the medical field because they have seen anyone work wonders like her. It was overwhelming, to say the least.
"Alright, back away all of you!" Aqua suddenly appeared in a small tornado of water and hissed at them.
Everyone in the tent was taken back by the sudden appearance of a fae and more questions popped up when they witnessed the vodyanoi circle around Sophia. Aqua grinned as she nuzzled Sophia's cheek and rested on her shoulder like a cat. The pink haired woman smiled a bit and nuzzled her back warmly.
"She says for you to calm down a bit." Sophia spoke with a coy smile on her lips.
She gave the final instructions and left the tent to move onto the next one. Today was going to be a long day.
- Meanwhile in Ylisstol -
"I see." Light caramel colored hair curled in two drills that gently fell over her shoulders as her retainer spoke with urgency and worry in her voice.
Blue colored eyes held worry as her younger brother and sister were looking at the white-haired tactician with urgency. Robin has seen many things but this just outrageous. When Phila finished reporting, what had happened to Themis town as well as that King Gangrel declared that he be paid for the insult, the pegasus knight handed her a letter that was addressed to her. Of course, Robin would have preferred to read it in private but with the way things are going, she decided to open it to read itself contents.
"What does it say?" Chrom asked as she looked to him, Lissa, Frederick and lastly, the Exalt Emmeryn.
She wore the green and gold Holy clothing of a sage, and one her forehead was the Brand. Robin spoke as she turned the second page of the letter towards them.
"It's a map." Robin spoke, "The person of this letter did not give me their name, but they drew out a layout of the border where Lord Seigal was taken. With this, I can plan accordingly what needs to be done!" A grin broke on her face.
The map was...well too detailed to have been drawn from a normal person. However, they noticed certain spots that were circled. One spot that was circled was giant rock that was flat. It read:
This is where the hag and joker will be standing on. Trying to intimidate you.
Chrom and Lissa could help but let out short laughs as they read it. Emmeryn giggled a bit while both Phila and Frederick shook their heads.
"It also says..." Emmeryn narrowed her eyes just a bit to read what else the map says till..
Grimleal wants the Fire Emblem. Do not give it to them. They want it in exchange for Lord Seigal.
"The Fire Emblem?!" Phila says a bit too shocked, "Your Grace, you cannot go! Even if you offer parley to The Mad King, there will be no good intentions!"
"Or." Frederick spoke, "Whoever sent this letter is only trying to scare is. The fact that they chose to remain anonymous as well as a far too well drawn map brings in cornering issues." He states.
"I understand Frederick. But this information that we have been given may help us. If it is true that King Gangrel will demand the Fire Emblem..." Emmeryn muttered as she placed her hand over her heart, worried.
"We'll trust this anonymous person." Robin declared, "I don't why but...I just know we can trust them."
"Phila." Chrom spoke and turned to the blue haired woman, "Who exactly gave you this letter?"
"My lord. The person that gave me this letter is a mercenary traveling the land. She and her partner helped defend The County of Themis. Not only that, it was reported from Lady Maribelle and those stationed there that they helped heal the people with skills they have never seen before." Phila reported and it seems everyone's attention was caught.
"Skills...unknown..." Frederick muttered, a certain mage coming to his mind.
"Something on your mind Frederick?" Lissa asked as she blinked a bit.
"Yes." He says, "Do you recall the mage from Ferox?" He asked.
"Oh!" Lissa clapped her hands excitedly, "You mean the mage that healed your using needles? Of course, I remember her!" She grins, "Sadly, she never gave us her name. Why?"
"Pardon, needles?" Emmeryn blinked multiple times hearing that.
"Nothing you need to worry about, Your Grace." Frederick said a bit too quickly while Lissa snickered, "As I was saying, the person Phila described is like the mage that helped us during our time in Ferox. I believe that the description also fits of the rumors that have been circling around as of lately." He explained.
"The rumors of a Saint." Robin muttered and Frederick gave her a nod of agreement.
"You are saying that this mage, saint and unknown person, may be the same individual?"
Chapter 9: Themis Rescue