When Phila and Maribelle had returned to the County of Themis to request for Sophia and Lysithea to come to Ylisston with them, they were too late. The two women had left the town, but not before Sophia gave specific instructions to the mages and nurses on how to take care of the patients. Currently, she rides Ingrid through the sky at a slow pace. But...something weighed on her mind as she looked over to her purple haired companion.

Lysithea looked on ahead as she rode Opal and noticed her friend looking at her.

"Ask. Just ask." Lysithea said as Sophia let go of a sigh.

"Why did you choose to follow me?" Sophia muttered as she leaned a bit forward to pet Ingrid's head.

"The answer is quite simple really." Lysithea smiled, "You're my friend."

Sophia went silent and about to speak to say that should not be a reason to follow her when the girl raised her hand to stop her.

"I know what you are going to say, so let me explain." Lysithea sighed a bit, "The first reason is Virion. I do not want to see him but...I know at some point I will have to confront him. I'm just...it's complicated." She sighs a bit.

Sophia was silent as she listened to the young woman speak. She could see the conflicting emotions in her eyes as well as her body language. Being a doctor, Sophia had to train herself on how to read a person's body language in order to be able to handle them. Of course, she has had her fair share of unfortunate people who wanted to hurt her. But Lysithea's body language was anything but that. She showed nervousness but also truth.

"You welcomed me with open arms even though we got off on the wrong foot. You've shown me kindness and have taught me many things. I guess what trying to say is..." Lysithea turned to her a bit, "you're like family to me. And I want to keep standing beside you. Not just as your teacher but also as a friend and sister." She finished.

Sophia felt as if someone had dunked a bucket of cold water and then one of hot water. Friendship is something she rarely had. The only she had really formed a bond with in her old world was her cousin, Iri. She didn't go out to make friends because she always saw it as hassle. Not to also mention childhood drama kept her from pursuing relationships with others. She has had her share of betrayals and has seen them done to her colleagues. Of course, being the person, she is (she'll never admit it), those that betrayed others to cause harm, they were left in a world of pain.

"I...I don't know what to say." Sophia was barely able to say as Lysithea withheld a chuckle.

"Don't worry. Take your time." Lysithea smiled.

[-]

Two weeks it took for The Shepherds and the Exalt to reach the border. Two weeks it took for the girls to reach Plegai, it's capital. They will stay there for a few days before they return back to the village but it was obvious something happened. The capital was in a buzz and the people seemed to be more on edge. The majority were the citizens looked fearful, as if praying that calamity did not strike down. Soldiers were stationed in different parts of the city and they saw some of them were brimming with excitement.

"Something happened." Lysithea whispered as they changed into their usual clothing.

"I think I know why everyone is on edge..." Sophia muttered as they walked through the streets and made their way quickly to the magic shop.

[-]

Arriving, the inside was the same as usual, except one wall had a new restock of tomes. While the shop was quiet (except for the sound of hooting owls), everything looked the same. They made their way to the counter where Sophia spotted the familiar shop owner. The man was reading a book and looked up to see the girls.

"Ah! It's you! Almost didn't recognize you because of the pink hair. Got to admit, doesn't suit you." Giga says and Sophia pinched the bridge of her nose.

"How's the staff working for you?" He asked as he put his book down.

"Love it." Sophia says, "But there is something I need to ask you." She says and he raised an eyebrow.

"The entire capital atmosphere. It's tense. What happened?" She asked and he frowned.

"Ah..." Giga sighs and shakes his head a bit, "A week ago, King Gangrel and the witch of Aversa left for the border with a boy they took hostage from Ylisse. Now...sigh.." he ran his fingers through his hair, "We're just hoping that the stupid king doesn't declare war. Plegai and Ylisse, neither are in any condition for war. Especially us. Famine is spreading and this year, Plegai is being hit by a drought. Too many hungry mouths and the mortality rate is too high."

"Shit..." Sophia gritted her teeth while Lysithea shivered.

"So... you are all waiting for the results..." Lysithea muttered and Giga nodded.

"Three days. We should know." Giga says, "But that's not the only thing that happened."

Sophia narrowed his eyes as she leaned a bit.

"There is a hunt going on." He says.

"A what?" Both females say.

"A hunt. A hunt for a saint." Giga muttered, "Grimleal is hunting down a rumored woman. They say that she has worked miracles. That she has healed people with no magic and given medicine to the citizens of Archanea that has worked miracles. King Gangrel has declared to find this Saint and bring her to him." He explained.

The air in the shop that was usually calming had become tense and cold as dread fell on Sophia. It was like someone had dunk her into a pool of ice. The woman was doing an amazing job hiding her fear and insecurity as she shook her head.

"A saint? I thought they went extinct." Sophia let go of a chuckle.

"Well, that may be true. The saint class has only ever existed in Valm. That was during the age of King Alm and Queen Celica. Also known as the Valentian Age. To hear that suddenly such a person who is from a class that is said to now longer exist, is bound to get attention. I feel sorry for the soul. Hopefully, Grimleal doesn't get their hands on them. Those mages are always hungry for the unknown." Giga muttered as he opened his book again.

"The saint class..." Lysithea muttered and shook her head a bit.

"Anyhow, is there anything you ladies want to buy? There's got to be another reason you two are here other than gossip." He says and Sophia nodded.

"Came to buy two owls and two doves." Sophia smiled and he just pointed to the shelf that had cages filled with owls and doves.

"Take your pick. By the way, there are a few cats for sale too." He says and the girls went to the shelf.

There were a different variety of owls. Some that Sophia recognized from her old world but they went by different names in this one. A snowy owl was called a Ferox Winter Owl. It's beautiful white feathers puffed out with pride as it saw them approach. The Long Ear Owl was still called its original name. The cute one chirped happily at Lysithea, who melted at its chirp.

"I'm taking these two." Lysithea picked up their cages carefully and the two owls chirped happily at her.

Sophia chuckled a bit and continued to look. Her eyes landed on an owl that had a calm demeanor but cocked its head curiously at her. Its feathers of light browns and white. This one was called a Tawny owl in her old world but in this one it is called a Ylisse owl.

"Hello." Sophia muttered softly as she carefully waged her index finger a bit. The Ylisse owl cocked its head left and right for a bit till it chirped at her with a playful tone.

"Okay you win. You're my child now." Sophia quickly gave in and the owl screeched excitedly, flapping its wings rapidly, "Calm down!"

She made the cage float next to her as she moved to the next shelf. This owl made her nearly squeal but she held it in. It's fluffy horn-like feathers were the colors of dark brown and white. This owl is usually called a Collared Scops-Owl, but here it is called The Plegai Spy owl. It stared at her but gave a small nod. Meaning it approved of her.

"Thank you." She muttered and made the cage float next to her.

Now for the doves. Lysithea already chose. A Forest Dove (Inca Dove) and a Common ground dove. Sophia herself chose a Bland Tail pigeon and Fancy Pigeon.

"That should be it." Lysithea grins as she makes her way to pay for her little ones.

That was until she saw Sophia staring at two cats. A ragamuffin cat with blonde fluffy hair and piercing blue eyes. It had a grumpy face but it was kind and tender to its partner, a ragdoll cat with crimson eyes. The two stared at her as she knelt down, and extended her hand to them. The ragdoll stood up and sniffed her hand. It purred softly and then jumped onto her shoulder, making her yelped. The ragamuffin stared at her, almost as if it was scolding but stood up and jumped up also.

"Okay. Hm..." she looked back and forth between the two, "I'll name you Cordy." The ragdoll nuzzled her cheek, "And you...Alexander. But Alex for short." And the ragamuffin nodded.

The two cats gave nods of approval, liking their names. Somewhere far away, a pair of love birds sneezed.

"Really?" Lysithea shook her head and Sophia just pointed to her feet.

Lysithea quickly looked down and began cooing as a white Maine coon kitten meowing at her.

"Cough!" She coughed when Sophia had a smirk as she picked up the kitten, "I...suppose we can add one more."

"That's what I thought."

[-]

They went to the inn that Sophia first went to and booked a room for the next four days. Their new pets were also with them. The fact that the pigeons, doves, owls and cats weren't at each other's throats was a miracle. Maybe that was because Aqua had become some sort of leader to them. They let them free once they arrived in their room. It was the same one Henry had rented her before. The birds made themselves comfortable on the opposite sides of the beds. Cordy and Alex made themselves at home on the couch while the white kitten played on Lysithea's bed. She named it Snow. As for the owls. Lysithea named Ferox one, Crystal and long ear one, Pyrus. Her pigeons she named Hilda and Marianne (Sophia: Excuse me what?!). For Sophia, the Ylisse owl she named Feh and the Plegai one, Claude (Don't ask). As for her pigeons, she named them Castor and Pollux. The fact that the Plegai owl was a sneaky little shit made the name more fitting.

"I'm worried." Sophia muttered as she sat on her bed.

Lysithea was in her room, taking a bath while they waited for their food to arrive. It had been awhile since she felt anxious and this just made it worse. She already knew that war was coming but there was still a part of her that it was not declared. Three days. In three days, they will know. She recalls Henry explained to her that when war or a state of emergency is declared in the nation, a bell will be rung. She just hopes it isn't rung because she's tried. The thought of war made her want to vomit. She only knows the horrors of war because of movies, books, and video games. But to actually experience it was something everyone, no matter what world, did not want to experience. But there are always those who hunger for battle because of the profits. Plegai could afford a war because its mountains were full of gold and silver. But a war cannot be won without the people. And that was the thing. Ylisse and Plegai are still recovering from the war of 15 years ago. She knows that there are those in Plegai that wish to take revenge on Ylisse for leaving its land and people in hunger. But it was the same case with Ylisse.

Things only became better after Emmeryn took over as the next Exalt.

"Emmeryn..." Sophia thought as she flopped down onto her bed.

The gentle exalt came into her mind as she placed her hands behind her back. She remembers back when she first played Awakening, Emmeryn was one of the characters that she liked. She was kind, gentle, and loved peace. While Sophia understood the woman wanted to end war in peace, she also saw the Exalt as a peace-loving fool. Realistically, not everything could be achieved with peace. While Emmeryn strived for peace, there would always be those to ruin it. There were those, like those Sophia knew, that saw the exalt as a foolish peace-loving fool that needed a reality check. Those that made fun of her sacrifice when it was shown in the game. Then there were those that saw her as a Saint and that her ideals of peace were something to strive for.

For Sophia, she was in the rare group of neutrality. While Sophia understood that Emmeryn ideals can bring peace and prosperity to the world, it also can backfire. Those that keep insisting peace and are good natured can be taken advantage of. There were two sides of the coins that she looked at. One, peace and prosperity bring happiness and life to the world. But peace and prosperity do not last forever and there will always be conflict. Human nature is something that can be predictable but at the same time isn't. There are those that desire peace, and those that desire war. Peace cannot be achieved without conflict. And conflict cannot be settled down without peace.

While Ylisse prospers under the rule of Emmeryn, Plegai suffers under the rule of Gangrel. The emotions in humans can cause a conflict. It's the same thing that happens when politics get involved. You are walking on eggshells. There are those that give into demands (even if they are unfair) to just maintain peace and be over with it. While there are those that refuse those demands because they do not fit one's ideals. War is basically ideals pit against each other. Each side believes they are the only ones right and believe the others are wrong. But that is the thing, all sides are wrong in a way.

"Take a look at what happened to Mila and Duma." Sophia muttered as she rolled over onto her stomach and saw Alex and Cordy sleeping together peacefully.

The pain and suffering that is caused by Emmeryn's sacrifice...only years later, did Chrom understand the true meaning behind it. The world would be better off without Emmeryn but...

"It's not her fault..." Sophia muttered as she rolled to lay on her back.

Ylisse and Plegai.

Emmeryn and Chrom.

The people.

They are all victims in the choices done not only by themselves but also of the past. Sophia sat up and shook her head, pulling her hair.

"Should Emmeryn really die...?" She muttered to herself as she sat up and grabbed her clean set of clothing.

Heading to the bathroom, she filled up her tub, stripped naked and sunk herself into the warm water, letting it hug her like a blanket. Closing her eyes, she splayed her arms freely as she laid back a bit, staring up to the ceiling. More thoughts were now coming to her mind. The fact that "The Saint'' was being hunted down. Boy, was Sophia glad she changed her hair color. The only reasons she would be recognized was because her hair color was unusual. The other people that had hair color as her before she dyed it pink were Chrom and Lucina. But she doubts people would be able to track her down because when she was treating her patients in Plegai, she would be wearing a mask. Usually. Unless someone remembers her unique eye colors to identify her, then that's a problem.

"The fact that people are calling me a saint is fucken ridiculous." She gritted her teeth a bit.

She was no saint. She was no Titania. She was no Chrom. She was no Robin. She was no miracle worker. In her eyes, the skills and everything she has learned is because of years of hard work. The fact that people are calling her skills a gift from the divine pissed her off greatly. Sophia sees herself more as nothing but another human being who just wants to live her life doing what she loves, her job.

She picked up her sake cup that she had set up on the side and took a sip. The sake she brought back from Ferox. It was import from Chon'sin and it was rare. The reason that it is difficult to get alcohol from Valm is because of the war going on there. Well...at least she isn't alone in being "declared" a saint by the people of Archanea. Apparently, a year ago, a so call saint also appeared in Valm. The gender of that person was never found out but that they have saved lives from near death and displayed skills of "the divine."

"I feel sorry for that poor soul...But I'm in the same damn position." She muttered as she took another sip.

The only difference is that this Saint in Valm, no one has been able to track damn down or identify their identity. They disappear and reappear like a ghost, thus also creating an urban legend in that nation. She really hopes that she isn't caught or anything like that. If she is...

"..." she placed her cup down for a moment and stared at the wall.

Thoughts filled her head for a few minutes as she sat in silence.

"I know what to do if it happens." She muttered and picked up her cup once more.

For now, she will rest.

- The next day -

The following day was nothing but once more exploring the town. While Lysithea said she wanted to run some errands, Sophia went to the black market. Usually, Henry would be with her but seeing she hasn't run in, is making her worried. She walked through the black-market place with a new mask. It was a fox mask, designed like the Japanese ones. Making her way to the medical section, the older mage form before was there. She wore her cloak again.

"Can I help you?" He raised an eyebrow and she placed three vials on the counter.

"New medicine made. You know what I want." She smiled coyly and the man nearly choked on his spit once he realized who she was.

"Raven..." he squeaked and she nodded.

"First vial is birth control. It does the same as the herbs except this one also helps heal the body. The second one is for the bloodstream. Lastly, the last bottle is an aphrodisiac. This is one for females." She finished explaining and like usual, the man quickly checked the ingredients.

High quality once more and she would be contacted once they are sold. However...

"Have your man meet me here." She gave him the instructions to have her be met near the shop where she first got the fae.

The mage nodded and she left. Walking through the pathway that once made her shiver, she stopped when a fortryde clings onto her cloak. Her eyes void as it made a moaning dreadful sound, and it screeched painfully when she stomped on it, killing it. She continued walking on ahead. She should send a message to Henry.

[-]

The inside of Plegai Castle has become colder and more tense as civilians and nobles alike were waiting for the news. Henry along with Tharja gritted their teeth as they were stuck along with several others, translating the now old scrolls of Grimleal that were excavated in Ferox. There were old stories about the founder of Grimleal, Forneus and how Grima came to be. It made Tharja's bones chill when she read the old scroll that Grima commanded the Risen using some part of a mask that had been modeled after the face of a dead woman. Henry groans as he places his quill down, shaking his head.

"This is so boring!" He whines and his fellow mages just roll their eyes as they continue to work.

"Shut up, will you! I'm about this close to putting a hex on you!" Tharja growled as she nearly slammed her hands on the table.

"Ooohh~ What kind?" He grins but his attention was suddenly caught when a black butterfly came into his vision.

Even Tharja stares as Henry puts his finger out and lands on it.

"How interesting..." The woman suddenly purred, "I have never seen such a form of magic (mages in the room suddenly have their interest peaked). It seems to be a message." She says as it flapped its wings a bit.

The black butterfly glowed a bit and then turned into a letter in Henry's hands. He did not recognize the moon wax seal on it but opened it regardless.

Hey Henry! It's me! Lysithea and I are back here in Plegai. Hope things went smoothly for you. How are Mustafa, Ahura, Dana and you? I'm heading back to the village in four days. I heard the news about Plegai and Ylisse. I really hope war doesn't break out. By the way, if you need to find me, I'm in the inn where you first took me. Same room. Also, I have new pets, so be nice to them. I learned a lot of new things while traveling. But I need your help with something. There's this specific tome that got my hands on and I need to confirm something. Anyhow, hope we get to talk when you have free time.

- From the Crazy Doctor: Sophia

Ps: While I was out shopping, I tripped in a store, a woman saw it and wouldn't stop staring. So, I smiled and said "Sorry. It has been awhile since I possessed a body." Her face, horrified.

Henry burst out howling as he finished the letter and closed it, putting it away on his cloak. Many just looked at him funny and muttered with one another.

"He has friends?" One mage whispered but then he and his partner flinched at the terrifying smile he gave them.

Of course, he has friends. Guess he counts Tharja as one. Sophia for sure. Lysithea was in between. He sat back down and summoned his crow familiars.

"You know where to go!" He grins as he hands it a letter and the crow take off, flying out the window.

Tharja observed him for a minute then spoke.

"Strange..." she muttered as she went back to her work.

Her hex allows her to make sure that when she is speaking to someone, they are telling the truth. One of those being she can sense human emotion. Yet, Henry's heart was devoid of it. Sophia, the woman she met months ago, her heart surpassed its emotions to a bottomless pit. But when they do come out, it is carefully.

"Since we're now on break..." Henry smiled to her, "Want to come with me to visit?!"

"No."

"Well too bad! Nyhahaha!"

[-]

"Hmmm~ Hmmm~ " Sophia hummed a tune as she dug through her bag and then panic began to rise into her chest.

"Where is it?!" She screeched so loudly that the poor birds gave her glares of disapproval.

Her pocket watch was missing. She was desperately trying not to fall into a panic attack as she dumped everything that was in her bag onto the bed. Her tomes, journal, pencils, quills, paper, candies. A small bottle of whisky. Gum, her old phone (it's dead). Her solar powered camera (she's been taking pictures) and many other things. But her pocket watch, gone.

"Where is it?!" She growled as her hair was puffing up like a cat.

It was a gift from her grandmother, it had been passed down to her by her great grandmother. So basically, a family heirloom. It was given to her before her grandmother passed away and it has been a treasure, she has taken care of. So thr fact that it's missing is going to send her spiraling. She went into the bathroom, slammed the door shut, placed a sound barrier to spare everyone, then...

"Hahahah...hahah... ahah...aaahhh...ahhh...AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

She punched the wall, hard enough to make the chandelier in their room shake. Lysithea was in the other room with her pets, thinking an earthquake had suddenly hit.

"Uuughhhh...hic...aaahhh..." Sophia was sobbing as her hair became puffy like a cat.

It was something that always happened whenever she became extremely upset. She suddenly shut her mouth when she heard the window to her room slowly open. Well, she still had the taser she always carries. Carefully, she cracked the door open and looked out the crack. Black and purple...white.

"God dammit Henry!" Sophia slammed her door and the mage screeched then turned her way, "Learn to knock!"

"Hey there So-You dyed your hair?" Henry eyes snapped open seeing her pink colored hair but also...there was a significant amount of growth in her magic.

Her once weak spirit had grown to become something that not even Henry knew what to feel of. Her eyes looked like they held more life but also a bit colder. Yet despite that, her magic was still warm and kind.

"I'm not risking Aversa recognizing me." Sophia sighs and he noticed her hair was puffy but also her eyes.

"You were crying." He muttered and she used her sleeves to dry her eyes.

"I'm going to cry when I want." She huffed as she quickly ran her fingers through her hair to comb it down, "Anyhow, I'm glad to see you." She smiled softly as she went to her bed and put everything back to her bag.

"Same! Glad to see you made it back to Plegai. So um...you heard what's going on." He says and she nodded.

"Yeah..." she muttered, "I'm just...waiting for the news..."

"Don't worry. I'm su-

GONG! GONG!

The two and Lysithea ran out to their balconies. The giant horn that Emmeryn will be standing on in the future, there, a Berserker banged the wooden hammer on a gong two more times. The people in the city began screaming, others cheers of joy. The atmosphere became what no one wanted. Dread and terror fell before all of Plegia as the four rings of the gong vibrated through the air.

War.

"War has been declared by King Gangrel!" The Berserker shouted with glee as many gathered to voice their grief and anger.

Sophia gritted her teeth as she quickly stormed back to her room as did Lysithea. Her door burst open and Lysithea was shaking as Sophia quickly walked to her.

"War...War...war was declared..." the girl shook as Sophia made her sit down.

"I know..." Sophia sighs, "Stay here. And rest. I need to pick something up quickly. Henry, you stay."

"Wait, where are you going?" Henry suddenly said seriously as she quickly put on her cloak and fox mask.

"Where I first sold medicine." She says and Henry quickly grabbed her wrist.

"Don't you dare go there! Especially right now!" He growled and she was taken back by his sudden attitude, "Gangrel is hunting you down and he has spies looking for you. I don't know why but Validar and the higher up mages of Grimleal want you. I'll go." He quickly went into her bag and got her mercenary card.

"Henry..." She muttered and he shook his head, "When I come back, we're heading straight to the village. Just stay here for now." He says with a sad smile.

"How...bad...have things gotten?" She asked and he only shook his head.

"I'm sorry but the only thing I can say is that it's bad." He said and walked back to the balcony, "I'll be back in an hour. Until then, stay here."

- Plegai Castle -

"So, war has been declared...ugh. Finally, a chance to move up the ranks."

The soldiers were on break after hours of training. Arca grumbled as she sharpened her axe and looked down to the field where General Heriot was training his soldiers. He and General Mustafa were one the very few generals that showed mercy as well that they cared for their soldiers. For Arca, she respected them but hated how they showed mercy, even to enemies. They were two of King Gangrel's top and closest generals yet they showed mercy?! It made Arca scoff. Especially after her humiliation a few months ago. Gods, she wants to get back that bitch if Sophia. She was a fighter in Mustafa's team. The fact she got taken down so easily hurt her pride.

"The hell?" She turned to her companion, who was a soldier from General Heriot's army, "I was hoping war wouldn't happen. The one from 15 years ago took too many lives. "

"Well, Derick, I say we take the opportunity of the war to strike down the Ylisseans and strike us some gold. We'll be seen as war heroes and finally leave the damn sand heap." She chuckled and Derick gave her a scowl.

"You're on your own on that." He muttered and she snapped her head to him.

"Excuse me?" She raised an eyebrow at him.

"You recall that beat down you got a few months ago?" He says and instantly Arca's mood became sour, "You've gotten really cocky. Arrogant. And need a reality check. I think you need another one."

"You...son of bitch..." she snarled at him and she only stood up, walking away with a wave.

"I only spoke the truth. You see war as an opportunity to earn money. Me...I see war as a death trap." He says and leaves.

Arca fumed furiously as she stormed off to go to the Plegai castle. There are a few mages she hangs out with. Right when she was going to wave at one of her comrades, the Grimleal magic circle appeared at the center of the room. Everyone quickly got into formation and held their heads down as the figures of three people appeared inside of it.

"Hahahahaha! Finally! We have our war! The foolish Prince raised his blade! Ha!" King Gangrel walked out of the magic circle, cackling with joy as Lord Validar and Aversa walked behind him.

"Our assassins will head out in three days to take care of the Exalt. Our gift to them." Aversa smiled as she walked.

"However, we have yet to locate the so-called Saint. Tch...if that Saint is who I think it is..our efforts from a year ago weren't wasted." Validar growled.

"Tch. We already have to deal with Valm." Gangrel sneered, "It seems they now have a Saint. The fact that two Saints have appeared in two different nations is disgusting. Assume they are from the lost bloodlines you were seeking." He says as they walk.

"Ah. The ritual." Aversa frowned, "We needed an apostate. Someone who possesses blood of those of legends. If two different lost bloodlines were found, all the better." She smiled, "However, Valm seems to have their hands on one. The other..." she continued to talk as they walked.

"My King and Lords!"

They suddenly stopped when a female soldier walked up to them with no fear in her eyes.

"Ah. You. The little girl from Mustafa's army. What is it?" Validar spoke as he looked down at her and she bowed.

"Sir! Arca, Wyvern Rider number 52!" Arca saluted and bowed to the three.

"Speak girl! I don't have time!" Gangrel looked at her coldly and she nodded.

"I have news about the Saint." Arca says and internally she was smirking.

"Oh?" Aversa raised an eyebrow at her, "Well, darling. What do you have to say?"

"About 5 months ago, a foreigner suddenly came to Plegai. I and many witnessed her heal others with no magic as well as settle down. Their name is Sophia and they currently live in the forest near Farzad village, along with a mage from Valm." Arca explains as Validar walked up to her.

"Well...this is wonderful news indeed." He grins as he looked down at her, "You've done well in giving us this information. Anything else?"

"Yes. Unfortunately, she wields unknown magic and also advanced skills in the art of swords. She will fight anyone that even dares come near her or try to harm citizens." Arca kept her composure as she was internally cackling.

"I see...Good job." King Gangrel smirked, "You shall be rewarded handsomely as well as your position up. You have quite the look of a fighter. Wasted potential that you are only a wyvern rider." He hummed.

"It's an honor my king."

[-]

"We should start heading to the village. We should arrive by tonight." Sophia says as Henry returns but...

"What on earth?!" Lysithea screeched as all the animals in the room began hissing when Henry entered the room covered in a bit of blood.

He smiled as he handed Sophia her mercenary card while she just looked at him horrified.

"What happened?" She barely choked out as Lysithea threw her a towel to clean his cheek.

He had a cut that went diagonal. Thankfully no stitches were needed. Placed her hand on it and her palm began to glow a faint green. Henry froze. She could use magic without a tome. The cut healed itself perfectly, as if it was never there.

"There. That should do it." She smiled a bit softly.

"You need to leave."

"Eh?" The two females looked at him shocked. He shook his head as he opened his eyes and looked at them seriously.

"The reason I was covered in blood is because I killed Aversa's spies. They have also been looking for Raven. And they, the mage in the medical area of the black market spit out that I know you. Please...both you need to leave. Heck, leave Plegai all together!" He says and Sophia frowned.

"If..." she muttered, "If I leave..." she gritted her teeth as Mustafa, Ahura and Dana came into her mind, "I can't abandon them...not after you and everyone did so much for me..." she says and turned back to him.

"I'll make you a deal. Lysithea and I pack out things and head to Ylisse. You protect Mustafa, Dana, and Ahura." She looked at him seriously.

"Sophia, I would do that even if you didn't ask me. Especially for them and the people of Farzah village." He smiled genuinely, which was rare.

"Let's get out of here."

[-]

When the afternoon hit, the girl quickly got their pets into a safe space using some sort of space magic that Lysithea knew of. She would use it to stare her things. She also taught the spell to Sophia, which she quickly learned. It was already the middle of the night when they arrived back at the village. They landed near the forest. Henry rode with Sophia on Ingrid. The Pegasus doesn't like him. They mounted off and Sophia was greeted by the trio of ariels.

"Welcome home!" Windy, Aerial and Sidi, who they nuzzled on her quickly.

Aqua greeted them and they were happy. Sophia smiled softly as the group walked down to the village gates but...

"Wait." Lysithea muttered and they stopped.

The air around the town did not feel welcoming but tense. Sophia had instantly taken out the dagger Zoltan made for her. She decided to call it Hel's Wrath. She held it like an Assassin as her and Henry also got ready along with Lysithea, to fight if there were assassins nearby.

They took another step and low and behold, three Assassins jumped from the shadows, lunging at them. Henry was quick to use Death Z immediately on the one that lunged at him while Lysithea used Dark Spike T on the other. For Sophia, a splatter of blood fell on her face as she sliced their chest then grabbed their head, twisting it with her hands. The sick sound of bones cracking made her want to puke but she held it in. Dropping the bodies to the ground, she used the back of her hand to wipe some of the blood off but she had other concerns.

"We need to check the v-"

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Slow, powerful claps filled the air as Sophia and Lysithea felt like death had just come before them. Mages began to crawl out the shadows and surround them along with the village.

"Marvelous." This dark and cruel voice she recognized as she slowly turned to look at its owner, "A powerful one indeed. So, the information was correct."

The mages moved to the side as Validar walked forward, stopping about 10 feet away from them. Aversa followed behind him with her coy smile.

"To think you were here all along." Validar smiled as he slightly bowed to her, "Welcome Saint of Archanea, or to be more precise, Hierophant of Lord Grima." He grinned wickedly.

"What?" Sophia's blood ran cold as a bead of sweat ran down her face.

"Oh, don't be so surprised." Aversa smiled, "For you come from a bloodline that is believed to have been lost. Unfortunately, we do not know which lost bloodline you come from. Still...the fact it took an entire year for you to be brought here..." she muttered in a bitter tone.

"I don't understand!" Sophia yelled, "What do you want from me?!"

"Simple." Validar answered, "You will join Grimleal and become the new Hierophant of Lord Grima."

"What kind of sick twisted joke is this?!" Sophia roared, "I will never join you! Especially anything to do with Grima!"

"Hmph. Unfortunately, your memories weren't erased, summoned one. Well," he took out his tome, its pages flip, "if you won't join us, perhaps this will convince you. The Valm mage also." Lysithea flinched.

The pages glowed as a magic circle appeared then...

"Big sis..."

"YOU!" The trio roared furiously when they saw Ahura inside the magic circle, holding her son tightly to her arms.

Dana was crying as the older woman shook in fear as she looked up.

"LET THEM GO! LET THEM GO!" Sophia roared and had to be held physically back by both Henry and Lysithea.

"Hahahaha! Awww~ look at you. So desperate to save them. But...they aren't the only ones." Aversa smiled cruelly as multiple magic circles appeared behind her.

They were the people of the village. The villagers.

Sophia could only feel anger and rage fill her as her blood boiled. She wanted to slather Validar but knew they would be killed. She gritted her teeth as she was now put into a corner.

"Sophia..." Lysithea muttered and the woman glanced and then to the people.

"..." she was silent as she looked at Dana and Ahura, who have done so much for her.

The people of the village gave her a place to live. She raised her dagger, people thinking she was about to fight back but...many gasps in horror as she held her dagger one her own neck. The edge of it cutting her skin so slightly, a drop of blood fell.

"I offer you this!" Sophia yelled calmly, "You will not lay a single hand on ANY of these people. In exchange, I join Grimleal...like you want me to. If you don't accept these terms..." she made the cut a bit bigger, "Say goodbye to your so-called Divine priest." She snarled.

Validar burst out laughing at her boldness as his hand hovered over his tome.

"Don't do it big sis!"

"Just run!"

"Please!"

The villagers started yelling for her to forget them and run but she shook her head. She would never be able to forgive herself if harm befell any of them. Gods..she hates the hostage tactic so bad but this...

"Very well then." Validar smiled, "No harm shall befall these people or any of the civilians. Valm mage, you shall join as well."

"Fine." Lysithea grumbled as Sophia put her dagger away and about to walk forward when the pink haired woman turned to her.

"Lysithea, do you remember when I asked you if all your belongings are still packed into that space rift spell you told me about?" Sophia muttered while her friend looked at her confused but nodded

"Good." Sophia smiled and hugged her friend tightly.

"It's going to be okay." Lysithea muttered and Sophia's smile only became sadder.

"I know."

It felt like time slowed down for Lysithea when she suddenly felt herself pushed forcibly away. Her eyes slowly went wide as Sophia smiled at her, and only red her lips as she raised her hand towards her. Dread befell her once she realized the magic was about to be used.

"No." Lysithea realized what was about to happen as she felt the Oh so familiar distortion in space.

The Grimleal mages ran towards her but too late. Lysithea extended her hand as grief and sorrow took over her features. Sophia's smile was filled with kindness but also...sorrow.

"SOOOOPPPHIIIIIIAAAA!"

A giant gray magic circle appeared under the Valm mage and the two pegasus, disappearing into it as the light closed. Henry and many could only look in shock at what was done as Sophia put her hand down, looking up to the sky. Her bangs covered her eyes. Henry knew she was holding back tears as she turned back to Validar.

"Hahahahaha! Extreme Warp! How you know such a spell I don't know. But...what did you do to the Valm mage...?" He sneers as she just walks towards him.

"I sent her someplace where you can never get your hands on her."

- Ylisston -

Chrom, Robin, Emmeryn, Lissa, Fredrick and all the Shepherds, ran to the throne room of the Ylisse Castle. Many gasped in shock as the air whirled like a tornado. A gray colored magic circle appeared in the center of the room, the winds becoming stronger.

"I have never seen such magic circle before!" Miriel yelled as she held her hat to keep it from flying away.

They saw figures forming inside of it. Robin narrowed her eyes to try and see inside of it but then the next thing that happened, was a scream full of despair was heard.

"SOOPHIA!"

The magic circle shattered to dust, revealing now in the room, two pegasus and a young woman with dark purple hair dressed in purple.

"Lysithea...?" Felix and Lon'qu could barely choke out as Lysithea's hands were reaching out to them.

The girl frantically began looking around, the place completely unknown to her. Yet, the familiar faces of Felix, Viron and Lon'qu, made her start wailing loudly as she fell to her knees. Tears kept falling as she realized what had just happened. She gritted her teeth as she slammed her fist multiple times to the ground, screaming and wailing for her friend.

"TAKE ME BACK! TAKE ME BACK! YOU CAN'T DO THIS! SOPHIA!" Lysithea wailed loudly as she tried to activate her magic but not even that was working.

"WHY WON'T MY MAGIC ACTIVATE!? TAKE ME BACK TO PLEGAI YOU IDIOT!" She screamed as she kept slamming her hands onto the floor.

"Lysithea! Enough!" Felix quickly ran to her and held her from behind.

Sumia quickly ran to calm down the pegasus because they were becoming scared.

"Let me go! Let me go, Felix!" Lysithea roared as her tears kept falling onto the floor, "Take...me...back...Ulp...Sniff..." she sobbed and closed her eyes.

She looked like a broken child. They quickly went up to her, making sure she was alright. A small wisp of blue suddenly appeared in front of Robin, catching the tactician off guard. But what landed in her hands was a letter, the same one with the blue seal. The woman quickly opened it and began to read it out.

Sheppard of Ylisse, I am sorry for the sudden appearance of my friend in your home. Please, watch over her and make sure she is safe. Lysithea, I am sorry I did not give you a choice. But I know you will be in safe hands in Ylisse. You've suffered enough. I know you will try to return back to me but I can't let you do that. I will let the Grimleal have me. But I won't let them have you. Thank you, my friend. Please watch over Ingrid and our pets. This is goodbye. Take care.

- Sophia.

Robin slowly put the letter down as she looked around to everyone in shock as Lysithea was crying. Felix gritted his teeth as the girl in arms passed out, sending many into a panic. Chrom walked up to his friend, a look of sorrow in his eyes as Robin, looked at him sadly.

"This...Sophia...she sacrificed herself to make sure her friend would be safe..." he let go of a shaky sigh and looked back to her, "Robin..."

"I know..." Robin muttered as Emmeryn ordered Lysithea to be taken to a room to rest and have Miriel and Lissa check her.

Felix carried her as tears kept falling from her eyes. He hated seeing her like this. But...Sophia came up to his mind. The fool. She gave up her freedom to save another.

"You idiot."

[-]

With the magic spell used, Sophia packed all her belongings and walked out of the cottage, the fear hid themselves in her bag because they refused to leave her alone. She took one last look at the cottage before she left it. A few minutes passed and she arrived back to where the others were. Her face void and called as Aversa smiled and Validar looked at her with an unreadable expression. Henry could only watch in silent as he joined the other mages. Ahura, Dana, and the villagers could only watch as the woman looked at them one last time and sighed, as she turned her back to join the Grimleal mages.

"Sophia, wait!" Dana yelled and the woman stopped, "Please don't go! Please!" The boy pleaded.

The woman was silent as she took a deep breath and gave a look to Aversa.

"5 minutes." Aversa said and Sophia walked back to the family.

"Ahura...Dana...everyone..." She muttered and the two suddenly hugged her tightly.

Sophia's eyes went wide as she was desperately trying not to break down. She closed her eyes as she hugged them tightly and spoke to Windy and Sidi telepathically.

"Windy and Sidi. Both you stay here. That's an order." She thought and the two fae appeared, one each on Dana's shoulders.

They looked at her with mournful eyes but understood. Sophia let go of them as she patted Dana's head and gave a small nod to Ahura. She turned away from them and walked towards the mages, Aversa holding out her hand with a smile.

"Welcome, Hierophant of Grima." She smiled sweetly as Sophia just looked at her and walked past her, to enter the Grimleal magic circle.

True to their words, Grimleal left the village alone. Now, the gears of sadness's and regret, filled Sophia's heart.

Chapter 10: Forced to Ascendance