[WARNING: This chapter contains contents of torture, non-consensual touching, gore, and triggers. If you are triggered by any of these topics or are uncomfortable, do skip this chapter or scroll to skip the part. I will be putting a trigger warning once the scene starts and an END when the scene is over. Thank you for understanding.]
[-]
Sophia couldn't move as she remained seated on her bed. Her legs a bit spread out as she had her elbows propped on her thighs, her hands intertwined together as she rested her chin on her hands. The one person she was hoping to never meet in this world, was now a prisoner with her. And now living with her, under the same roof. Sophia knew at some point that Emmyren was going to be brought to Plegai but she never expected to be put in the same place as her. She let go of a sigh. Unfortunately, as much as she wishes she could avoid the woman, she can't. Reminding her, it was the hour where food was going to be brought.
"Crud." She bolted up and out of the room because she knew the food was poisoned.
She made it to the balcony and saw the exalt looking at the table of food, confused.
"Don't touch it." Sophia spoke and her voice echoed through the room.
Emmeryn jumped a bit and looked up, seeing Sophia for the first time without her veil. The black haired woman let go of a sigh as she walked down the stairs, speaking a bit.
"About half the food is poisoned. I'm sure as noble you understand what that means." Sophia's face was blank as her heels touched the tile floor, "Fools they are. Took a while to get used to but the methods they use are that of cowards."
"I see..." Emmeryn observed her a bit cautiously but spoke, "If I may, are you also one of power like King Gangrel?" She asked.
Sophia walked up the table of food, her hand glowed a bit green as she had it hover the various foods, to check which ones were poisoned and which ones were not. She found the peaches weren't, which is good. She picked two up and walked up to Emmyren. The two are around the same height, which was a good sign for Sophia. The training she has endured has forced her to adapt and her body to grow. She held out one to the woman, who smiled kindly and about to take it, but Sophia retraced her hand a bit.
"You're trusting, like the rumors says." Sophia muttered as Emmeryn looked at her a bit surprised, "My name is Sophia. I am the one that is called...The Shadow Exalt." She said that last part a bit coldly.
Emmyren's eyes widened a bit as he saw her eyes become cold at the title she was called. Yet, Emmeryn closed her eyes and smiled softly.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Sophia. I am Emmeryn, Exalt of Ylisse." Emmeryn said warmly and Sophia was a bit caught off by her kind tone.
Sophia handed back the peach and spoke, desperately trying to stop the tint of pink on her cheeks.
"I checked the food. The peaches are safe to eat along with wheat bread, duck meat, and cheese. The rest, don't. It's poisoned." Sophia muttered and gave it to her, then quickly walked away, towards the kitchen.
"Interesting..." Emmeryn muttered a bit, "She reminds me a bit of Lissa for some reason."
[-]
Sophia paced back and forth in the kitchen, where she caught Morgan trying to sneak into the food pantry again. The boy looked at his teacher confused as she kept walking back and forth, the blush she was desperately trying to hold back. The Exalt's smile made her feel warm, which was rare.
"Teacher, is everything alright?" Morgan says as he takes a step back, hoping to escape.
"I'm fine. Just um...we're out of mint tea if that was what you were after." She sighs and goes to sit down at the table, resting her head on it.
Morgan was a bit confused but decided not to pry on the subject. He saw how conflicted his teacher became when it was revealed that the Exalt was the one imprisoned here with her. Still, the name Emmeryn sounded familiar.
[-]
"She is almost ready." Aversa muttered as she sat in her room.
The place was decorated with lavish silks of red, gray and black. The heavy scent of essence along with a giant mirror with a table full of makeup and perfumes. Yet, Avera only closed the book she was reading regarding the dark arts. She had received a letter earlier today regarding the ritual. Honestly, a sense of insecurity was nagging her, but it didn't matter. They have already prepared The Hierophant for The Day of Darkness. Her magic took on the dark shapes that are required for the ritual. Along with the women and children that have been collected, the ritual just needs one more thing.
"My lady." A female mage came into the room, holding what seemed to be a lamp.
Yet the lamp looked more like a flower bud that has yet to bloom.
"We have tried once more to make it bloom but no result. However, we did as you instructed. It had a reaction to the sample of The Hierophant's magic. We also believe it may be connected to the tome that Lord Validar allowed that mage to take." The woman said and Aversa smiled.
"Unfortunately, that mage has disappeared but as long as we have the lamp, it should be fine." She stood up and walked towards the mage, "Has the temple been located?"
"It has. Our mages have been deciphering the ancient Loptyrian texts on the stones. However, we have run into a problem." The female said.
"And what would that be?" Aversa narrowed her eyes.
"Sacrifices. The ritual requires sacrifices along with the one casting the spell to summon the Deadlords to be contaminated. The Hierophant may have a strong bloodline, but they do not possess Fell Blood. As much as they hate to say this, the ritual will not be successful unless the Hierophant is corrupted." The mage said, concerned.
"That will not be a problem." Aversa's smile only grew.
"May I ask why, my lady?" The mage blinked.
Aversa smiled as she looked over to the letter she received. Her grin had become wicked as she spoke.
"Our Lord's [-] shall be prepared for the ceremony. Just a little longer and it will take place." Aversa grinned cruelly.
"Is that why the Exalt was placed with her?" The mage asked and Aversa scoffed.
"It will be quite beautifully sight really." Aversa smiled as she walked towards her mirror, "The Exalt and Hierophant become friends and then the Hierophant is taken away. When the Exalt meets her again, the shock of seeing the state the Hierophant is left in will shake her to the core. I think our little shadow won't even recognize her." She chuckled.
"Anyhow," Aversa turned back to her, "continue deciphering those ancient texts."
[-]
Again, it was a bit awkward when Sophia walked back out but let go a sigh of relief when she saw Emmeryn wasn't in the ballroom anymore. She headed back to her room but as she walked down the hallway, she could hear the faint voices of talking in the library.
"Oh! And this is a book about King Eliwood! Oh! Here is another about the mythical kingdoms of Hoshido and Nohr." It was Morgan but who was he talking to?
"You love reading books, don't you?" It was Emmyren's voice.
"I do! Teacher loves books also!" Morgan grins as he sits down across from her, "She's shown me her collection of books she brought from her home. Most of them are about medicines I didn't know were possible! Oh! And about diseases and sicknesses that I never knew existed! Ah! I think my favorite book from her collection is about these two kids who discover they are the host of two different gods, and they are trying to stop the evil God from building this red triangular temple. The Red Pyramid is called." He says excitedly.
"The books sounds interesting." Emmeryn smiled warmly, "By the way you speak, you enjoyed it a lot."
"Well, not exactly." Morgan rubbed the back of his neck, "The book was written in my teacher's language. But she translated for me. When we have free time, she would read the book out loud, reading what it says. Henry and Derick would come and listen along with Tharja. Though Tharja found the book interesting because of the spells that are created by the two kids." He explained as he sat down across from her.
"When I was your age, I would read the books to my younger siblings." Emmeryn smiled softly as she began to reminisce memories from years ago, "When they couldn't sleep, at times I would let them sleep with me in my room. I would read them a bedtime story to help them." She muttered.
"Really?" Morgan muttered as she nodded.
"Yes. That was during a time when…things were calming. My little sister, her name is Lissa, she likes to play pranks on our brother but also his retainer. Ufu~ I recall the time she put frogs in my brother's boots. He woke up screaming." She chuckled.
"Whoa! Your sister sounds amazing! I like making pitfalls!" Morgan grins.
"Yes, and that resulted in me and the hag falling into them."
Morgan began sweating a lot when he saw Sophia come in holding a book to her chest. There was still a bit of irritation on her face since he brought up the subject of the pit traps. Sophia let go of a sigh as she looked over to the older woman, who studied her a bit.
"Morgan, could you leave us alone?" Sophia says and the boy nodded but looked at them confused.
The boy left, closing the door, leaving the two alone. There was silence as Sophia went to sit down across the woman. There was an awkward silence. Honestly, Sophia didn't know what to say. The first thing she had in mind was maybe chat but that went out of the bag.
"I...Sigh...I'm sorry." Sophia muttered and the exalt looked at her surprised.
"Why are you apologizing?" Emmyren looked at her surprised.
"You...The most I can do right now is apologize on the behalf of myself and those that are innocent. Lady Emmyren, you know you were brought here to be executed, correct?" She muttered and Emmeryn smiled sadly.
"I know. I was made aware of it the first day I arrived here. At the same time, it is understandable." The Exalt muttered, "As I was held in the carriage, I was able to see a bit of the capital. The people...The place was filled with resentment, anger but also sorrow."
"You can sense the energy of the land?" Sophia asked, curious.
"Yes. As someone who uses light magic, the user becomes more in sync with the energy of the land. We soon reach a state where we can sense emotions." Emmyren explained, "I can sense the emotions of others here however, with you, it seems almost as if our magic is canceling out. I cannot sense what you feel. Perhaps that is a good thing..." she muttered.
"Perhaps." Sophia muttered, "Tell me, aren't you afraid?" She propped her elbow on the table, resting her cheek on her fist, "You've been brought to a country filled with people who want your head on a silver platter. You have till most likely next month to live. Even more, you have been put here with me, someone who could easily kill you if they want." Her hands were planted firm on the table as she sat up, her eyes void, "Why aren't you afraid, Exalt Emmeryn of House Ylisse?"
Emmeryn was silent for a moment and spoke.
"Do you want to kill me?"
Sophia was silent as her eyes widened slightly and spoke.
"No. I don't." She answered, "But do answer my question."
"...I am afraid." Emmyren muttered, "I wish there was a way to resolve the conflict peacefully but what King Gangrel said was not a lie." Her eyes filled with sorrow, "Even though 15 years have passed since the First Plegain and Ylissean War, many of the aftereffects still remain. Perhaps resentment is understandable, I do not blame the people for their anger towards me and my people. They have the right to be angry." She explained.
"But aren't you angry that your own people took out their anger and resent towards you when you were just a child?" Sophia asked and Emmeryn smiled a bit sadly.
"Their anger is understandable. They believed I was going to be like the previous Exalt, my father. I couldn't do anything in the past...I could only watch as my father waged war. So many people were affected, on both sides. Children losing their parents, people starving, the land ravaged by war, lost its life. In the end..." she sighs a bit, "I was able to finally achieve what many wanted. Our soldiers will return home, the war is over."
"But there was still resentment. Do you yourself does not feel anger towards your own people or even to those here in Plegia?" Sophia pressed on.
"...Perhaps I do. But anger and resentment, revenge, it gives your power. But the consequences for that power are far worse." Emmyren said as the two looked at each directly in the eyes.
"..." Sophia closed her eyes as she sat down, propping her elbow on the table, using her hand to cover her eyes.
Emmyren worried she may have upset the woman, but Sophia muttered.
"...Anger and resentment...are what has kept me alive...I only want to live." Sophia's voice was almost a whisper as she continued, "I can never...forgive those that have hurt me. I have kept holding onto that anger to this day. It's kept me alive...yet..." she bit her lip, "Look at me now...a coward now speaking to you...the one person I never wanted to be tangled with." Her voice quivered a bit.
Emmeryn was silent as she patiently listened.
"I hate it...I hate it...I never wanted this. I never wanted to be...The Saint of Archanea...I never wanted to be called The Shadow Exalt...I just...wanted to live a quiet life, helping people. I'm a doctor...not a prophet. I save lives...yet now I've taken lives to survive." She took a deep breath.
"...I can never understand how you are able to forgive those that have hurt you and your family. Even your own father that has caused you and your siblings' pain. I just...haha...I just don't understand...how you have been able to move on. I see you more human...Compared to me...Fuck.." she cursed out loud, "I don't understand...I don't understand..." she crossed her arms on the table, burying her face in them.
"Are you afraid?" Emmyren asked, now reversing the question to the women in front of her.
"I am..." Sophia's voice was muffled as she spoke, "I think I understand a bit now...the pressure you suffer as ruler. People have expectations. The lives of your country...the burden on your shoulders. I have been doing what I can to help the people. Put on a pedestal I never wanted yet I can't bring myself to turn my back on them." She sighs.
"The people of Plegia...took me in. They didn't exactly welcome me with open arms, but I learned to interact with the people. I met and created new bonds." She raised her head, now looking at her hands, "I met people who I now consider family. I was able to grow because of my time traveling. Yet..." she stared at her own hands, "I still want...to live a quiet life. Does that make me selfish?"
"Yes, it does." Emmyren answered.
Sophia grumbled bitterly.
"But that is what makes you human."
Sophia slowly looked up to the Exalt, her eyes going wide.
"The burdens we carry. The emotions we hold. The bonds we create. If we did not exist with them, I do not believe we would be human at all. You have done what you can. You, even despite wanting to live the way you want, you still wish to see those you care to be safe. Despite the cold demeanor you put on, you greatly care about them. After all, the events we experience in our lives shape us to who we are today." Emmeryn smiled softly as memories of the past resurfaced.
"I may not know your story but, you must have faced many hardships. And because of them, you are still standing. It is alright to be selfish. To have wishes and desires of your own. That choice is yours to make." Emmeryn smiled softly to her.
Sophia closed her eyes once more as she began to think back to her experiences these past few months. How she ended up here, how she met Henry. How she met Ahura, Dana and Mustafa. Her first encounter with Lysithea. Traveling and meeting Anna. Witnessing the Ferox Tournament. Meeting Felix, Khan Basilio, and Lon'qu. Meeting the Shepherds, Derick, Tharja, and Morgan. Even the horrible experiences of being put into Grimleal. If she didn't, she wouldn't have learned more about the history of the land. Each new experience shaped her, whether it was good or bad.
"Oh my..." Emmeryn thought as she saw the black fog that surrounded Sophia somewhat cleared up.
Sophia opened her eyes and smiled softly as a single tear fell from her right eye. Perhaps it was something she needed to hear. That she can be selfish.
"Human...Perhaps...I needed to hear that." Sophia sighed a bit and looked back to her, "Thank you."
"It is no problem." Emmyren said, "I must admit, I am worried. I already know that most likely my family and friends are on their way to come and try to save me. But more conflict will ensue. There life is worth more than mine." She sighs a bit.
"And that's where you are wrong."
"Pardon?" Emmyren blinks multiple times as Sophia shook her head.
"I used to think the same before I came to this country." Sophia muttered, "Its natural to think that someone's life has more value because of how much you love them. Especially when it comes to family. However..." her thoughts wandered to the times her siblings and cousin would tell her that she needed to take care of herself, "If you keep having that mind set, eventually those around you will keep reminding you that you yourself also are valuable." She says.
Sophia let go of a sigh.
"So, you wish to keep dying and dying, as if you are starting over. Are you really going to make everyone cry around you? That only you need to be the one to suffer? Deciding that you are the only one that needs to suffer...it is also seen as cowardly." She looked over to the Exalt, who was silent.
"Are you saying that I am playing hero?" Emmyren asked, the frown on her face deepened.
"You suffered anger and resentment from your people. Yet you pulled through. You still walk with your head held high, but you chose to carry the burden alone." She crossed her arms and looked up the ceiling, "I'm still a loner. That admit. I don't love myself, but I only recently chosen to open up to others. Yes, at times I feel alone, like I am alone in this cruel world. But I know the world does not revolve around myself. Let's see..." she looked back to the Exalt, "How do you view yourself?"
"How do I view myself?" Emmyren muttered, "The exalt is a symbol of peace. Ylisse's most prized quality."
"Do you only view yourself as the Exalt, the symbol of peace?" Sophia asked.
"In a way I do...but...I also see myself as-"
"Stop."
Sophia raised her hand to make the woman halt her talking.
"Okay, this is where now I am the one to lecture you. Take this as a thank you for you giving me the lecture I needed." Sophia says a bit coldly, "You were betrayed by the Hierarchy that you have known for years. You let yourself be captured as a way also to show that you refuse to abandon your people. Nothing wrong with that, however..." she narrowed her eyes a bit, "you view your life less if it means your family and people live. In the words of an author from a book a I read, "Why have you not realized that you should also be included in those you wish to save?" Sophia said a bit bitterly.
"...I do not want to die." Emmyren said as she gritted her teeth, "But...I love my siblings as if they were my own children. When we lost our father and mother, I swore I would protect them. Haha...They probably thought of me as an unreliable mother." She chuckled a bit sadly.
"I can relate to that." Sophia sighs, "I didn't grow up with a good mother figure. So, I took on the burden of taking care of siblings. In the end, perhaps like yourself, I did view them more as my own children." She muttered.
"As the Exalt of protecting Ylisse, I harbor those same feelings. I think of the people of Ylisse and other people from different countries as my family. I adore them just as I adore my siblings, I want to cherish all the people as if they were my own children. That is how I live." Emmyren answered as Sophia stared at her for a bit.
"It does not matter what happens to me, as long as I continue loving. Rather if I can, die to protect Chrom, Lissa, the people of Ylisse, and the people I do not know. That is my choice and my greatest choice as a mother." Emmyren said as she looked her in the eye.
That was it. That was her answer. Sophia let go of sigh as she looked up the ceiling.
"...You...I really hate you and I are similar in some ways." Sophia said as she stood up to leave, "But..." she looked up to the older woman, a soft smile on her lips, "I respect your bravery. Not many people...would be willing to give up their lives to protect what they love. They will give up their life to protect a nation, but would they give up their life if it meant protecting the one, they love?" She walked towards the door and stopped, turning towards her a bit, "My door to my room is open if you wish to talk or learn anything about the conditions of Plegia. As for Phila, she's safe. I asked my retainer to keep an eye on her to make sure Gangrel's soldiers don't do anything to her." And with that she left.
[-]
The underground dungeons of Plegia were built to hold criminals and war prisoners. To make sure they suffered and could never get out. At times, their lives were made into living nightmares on purpose by the guards. That was 40 years ago. Still, while harassment and such are still there, it isn't taken to an extreme anymore. General Heriot was put in charge of the prison and since then, it has somewhat improved. Currently, Phila was in a cell, and unfortunately...
"Hrgh!" The woman vomited quickly at the food she was given, her face pale as she released it was poisoned.
"Haha!" She glared at the one responsible that laughed in joy, "So it finally took effect. Well, good luck Ylisse scum. Hope yo-!"
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
The one responsible whipped around quickly and moved away to reveal the withering in pain Phila. Derrick quickly ran to the cell and opened it, quickly dropping to his knees to check the woman's pulse.
"What? All I did was teach her a lesson?" They said and he glared furiously at the responsible one.
"Get out Arca! Get out! I will be reporting this to General Mustufa and my father!" He roared at her while he patted a bit forcefully the woman's back to make her vomit.
"Oh, come on! Why are you defending a Ylisse toy?" Arca glared and he stood up, raising his left hand, his nails growing long.
The woman suddenly gawked away and muttered curses as she ran. He let go of a sigh and ordered another guard to bring a bowl of water. He carefully picked up Phila and made her sit on the bench.
"Glad you made yourself vomit." He commented as he removed her glove from her left hand, "If you ingested, you wouldn't be alive right now." The guard came in and placed the bowl of water next to her on the bench.
"You." He pointed to the other female guard, "Report to my father what Arca has done. What the hell have I said about torturing the prisoners?" He snarled and the guards quickly went to do what he instructed.
Phila stared at him confused, since she couldn't move much. The man took out a small pocket kit with needles and pricked her fingers, allowing blood to fall. With that done, he placed her hand in the water bowl.
"Why are you helping me?" She whispered as he was preparing a syringe with an antidote.
He stopped and stared at her for a moment before he took her arm and injected the medicine.
"I have orders from my Lady to keep you safe. And do not worry, The Exalt is also safe. We've been keeping an eye on her." He said calmly and turned as he heard footsteps approaching.
"Father..." he muttered and General Heriot shook his head as the boy stood up, finished with his treatment.
"Arca did a number, didn't she?" General Heriot said as the man walked out of the cell and closed the door, locking it.
"She did." Derrick muttered as gave one final glance to the woman and left, following the general.
Once they were gone, Phila saw the guards leave to return to their post. She was silent as she opens and closed her left hand, the antidote worked its effects immediately. She was confused. Even more so when the man had secretly snuck her a red gem necklace. Phila stared at it for a moment but let go of a sigh before she out it on. She did consider it was possible that the man was a double agent but one of the generals of Plegia came down...
"What is going on?" She muttered.
[-]
"That bitch!" Derick slammed closed his trunk in his former room, and had another guard take it to the garden, where it will stay.
"So, the woman took a variety of your poisons?" General Heriot hummed from outside the door as his adopted son let go of a frustrated sigh.
"At this point, it doesn't surprise me that she is the one that has been trying to poison Lady Sophia. Most likely either by her own will or King Gangrel." He says as he runs his finger through his hair, licking his lips a bit.
"Hmm." The general hummed as the man walked out of the room and then went towards the general's office.
"You've changed." The man commented as he went behind his desk.
"Whether good or bad. Take your pick." Derrick says and the general looks out the window in silence.
"Perhaps good." He turned to him with a frown, "Perhaps you have become soft." He says.
"Soft?" Derick chuckled darkly, "You know very well I only become serious when I need to."
"That may be so, but we are at war. And in war, we cannot show mercy to our enemies." He says and Derick just snorted.
"Yeah. Like you are one to talk. You should have told your king that his war will kill us all." He says.
"So, you are saying I should have spoken back to King Gangrel?" General Heriot looked back to the window, "You do realize he would have made an example of the citizens or me?"
"Oh, so now you care about the citizens." Derick muttered and the older man twitched.
"What was that?" General Heriot muttered, a slight edge in his voice.
"You didn't speak up to him when he made an example of Phar Village 4 years ago." Derick looked at him coldly, "How the villagers screamed and begged for him to spare the chief and his family. They only spoke the truth that Mad King is failing his country. Everyone in the village was slathered. They were made examples. You just stood there and watched." His tone was void of emotions.
SLAP!
Derrick's left cheek was slapped, his head forcefully moved to the right, yet all he did was narrow his eyes as the man was now in front him.
"Do not speak of that day." General Heriot growled furiously, his nostrils flaring.
All Derick could do was smirk as he turned to walk away. He stopped at the door, tilting his head back to the man he calls father.
"You may be a general, but you have no respect from me. I don't respect those who are too afraid to speak out." He says and leaves, the door slamming shut.
"Boy...if only you knew why..."
[-]
The days turned to weeks as time passed. Even if doom were to come, the most Sophia wanted to do was help Emmyren at least feel comfortable. It was strange speaking to the woman. The aura around the woman was kind, warm. Sophia didn't want to admit it, but she was jealous. The two women were similar yet very different in a variety of ways. But Sophia wasn't jealous of Emmyren's beauty or experience in light magic. No, Emmeryn has what Sophia wished she could be, kind. Sophia never once considered herself a kind person. While many have told her that her actions speak louder than words, Sophia just doesn't see herself in that circle. The word "kind" was never used on her. That's why it still comes as a shock to her whenever she is called that. Henry has asked her if she sees herself as something less than human. Alm's words from a few months ago came ringing back to her mind one night as she was busy filling documents that would settle on the proper budget.
"It is interesting." Emmyren spoke as she could read a few of the documents, "These numbers and calculations. As well as how much medicine is to be distributed. A budget was made for medical and food supplies. Hehe. It is how the royals work." She chuckles a bit as Sophia sighed.
"I'm no royal but I used to do this back in my clinic in my homeland. I had to make sure the medical bills were being paid, that the proper supplies and shipments come in. How much the product cost and how much was needed. The budget that I had to follow as well has keeping track of my appointments." Sophia let go of a tried sigh as she went back to her paperwork.
During these past weeks, Sophia and Emmyren have gotten to know each other better. Honestly, the way Morgan sees it, if the two weren't royals and lived normal lives, they could have been good friends. The two women would talk about politics, how their countries were run and surprisingly give each other advice. Sophia felt it was a nice change of pace to be able to talk to someone about politics without it turning into a screaming match. Yes, the two women had their ups and down. They did have their disagreements like for example, when Sophia brought up the idea of what if another country suddenly chose to invade. Her way of hinting that Valm was coming in 2 years. While yes, Emmyren said she would try to speak negotiations with them. Sophia said their actions were declarations of war. Not also mention that she reminded Emmeryn that Ylisse did not have a military fleet or army. Soldiers weren't trained for such invasions. Emmyren fired back her ideals of peace and spoke of her experience growing up during the years of the Plegai-Ylisse war. How she saw her people suffer, lands destroyed, anger on both sides. When her parents passed away, how she ascended the throne. Bearing the anger of her people and such. They had their disagreements but at least they did come to the conclusion that if war really is unavoidable, they would have to prepare to fight.
Sophia spoke a bit of how the political system is run in her old world while Emmeryn also spoke about how things were run in Ylisse. Both, suggesting ways that the systems could be improved. Honestly, Emmeryn loved the idea of being able to expand education to commoners also. Allowing opportunities to them and allow new potentials and talents to bloom. Sophia spoke of the education of her world as well as the different healthcare systems that existed. A way to help the people. Emmeryn understood that while one system may work well in one country, it may not work in another. Again, both spoke and suggested ideas and ways that could be done to create a system that could help everyone. For once, it felt refreshing for both. Emmeryn having the perspective of someone who is not a noble as well as also listening about what was going on outside of Ylisse. For Sophia, finally someone she can talk properly to about politics and the government without it turning to a screaming match. As for Philla, Sophia has been making sure that she has been kept safe. When she learned what Arca did, Tharja and Henry had to hold back once again from going to go kill the woman. Thanks to Derick's connections, Arca has been forbidden from entering the prisons, much to the woman's dismay.
"Hmm...In Ylisse, we have a Magic Research department in the Magic Academy. From what I learned in my history lessons; it was founded during the final years of King Marth. Hmm...If I may ask, you and I have discussed much." Emmyren said as Sophia looked back up to her a bit, "While yes, we have similar views, and I admit, I like speaking to you. Usually, when politics get involved, especially in council in Ylisse, things tend to get heated." She says with a bit of a strain smile.
"That I understand. To be honest, it's honestly nice having a civil conversation with someone than a screaming match." Sophia gave her a small smile as she continued to write.
"What is your homeland like?" Emmyren asked and Sophia propped her elbow on the table, resting her cheek on it.
"Hmmm...Now that I think about it, I rarely do talk about my home..." Sophia sighs a bit as her eyes become a bit dazed.
"Well...I guess I could say it's a bit boring. Not many adventures things." She muttered, "I didn't exactly have the best childhood but in a way...those events allowed me to become productive and survive. My home...let's see. Magic does not exist. We use human strength to achieve our goals." She said.
"A country able to run with no magic?" Emmyren looked at her shocked, "That is very impressive! Somehow, I feel if Miriel were here, she would be asking you many questions." She chuckled a bit.
"Probably." Sophia smiled a bit, "Ah. Now that I think about it, during this time of year in different parts of my country and others, we celebrate mid-autumn with a festival. We make these delicious pastries called mooncakes." Okay, now she was trying to keep herself from drooling at the thought of those delicious sweets.
"What do you do in such a festival?" Emmeryn asked, curious.
"Well, for starters, mooncakes are regarded as an indispensable delicacy. It is offered between friends and family gatherings. While I was not born into the culture that the tradition originated from, I would celebrate the mid-autumn festival with my friends. The festival is about lunar appreciation and Moon watching. We would gather to watch the moon on those nights, eating mooncakes of our flavors with tea or a type of alcohol called sake. Oh! Nuts and varies along with fruits and different snacks are brought to the gatherings. Essences are lit to worship the moon." Sophia sighs blissfully at the memory when she would celebrate with her father and grandparents.
"It is like the Winter Festival. In Ferox and Ylisse, we celebrate winter with a festival. Like you describe, we also friends and family gathered. Bringing a variety of foods to share." Emmeryn smiled fondly at her childhood memories before the Plegia-Ylisse war.
"My father...was a strict man. But my mother loved baking sweets. Even though the servants kept insisting they bake them. Our mother wasn't a very good cook, but she still enjoyed being in the kitchen at times." Emmyren muttered as Sophia nodded.
"I would sometimes get kicked out of the kitchen by my grandmother." Sophia snickered, "I would sneak bites from the chocolate fillings and grab some walnuts from the bowls. When I was caught, she would scold me, but I started running away, cackling. My father and grandfather would shake their heads but when my grandmother wasn't looking, they would sneak me hard candy." She grins.
"Your home, you speak of it so fondly." Emmyren said and Sophia smiled a bit sadly, turning her head a bit to look out the window.
"I miss it. My home. I didn't come to Archanea by choice. I only recently learned that I was forcefully brought here. The sad thing about it..." her eyes became half lidded, "The path to my home, I can never return." She turned to her, "I had to learn to adapt to this world."
"I am sorry." Emmyren lowered her head a bit, "You must miss it, don't you?"
"I'm not going to lie. I do miss it. I had clinic where I would help save others. I had a family member who I was close to. My life...I guess the cycle of it repeated. I wake early every day to prepare myself, got to my clinic, check my list of clients and so on. While it does sound boring, I did love the field of work. I'm surgeon. I save lives." She said and Emmyren nodded.
"I remember the question you asked me weeks ago." Emmeryn muttered as they stood up to put the papers away, "When you asked me why I am not afraid."
Sophia put the papers away as Emmeryn picked up the tray that had the empty cups of tea.
"I do not wish to die. I am afraid. If there was a way to prevent it, I wish it was possible. But seeing the outcome of things...sigh...it's no use in wallowing in "what if?". Speaking to you, I was able to learn more of the different perspectives. Thank you." Emmeryn smiled softly as the two left the office to walk down the hallways.
"Same to you. I think what we both needed were different perspectives." Sophia smiles as the two were on the verge of reaching her room, "Also, thank you."
Unfortunately, sweet moments don't last forever.
It happened out of nowhere. Black magic circle appeared underneath them. Multiple hands of shadows came out and grabbed their legs. Emmyren's scream alerted everyone the building. Morgan was the first to come out and tried to use his magic to get them out, as the hands dragged them down. Tharja and Henry did the same and Derick managed to get a hold of Emmyren's hand, trying to pull her out.
"I got you!" The trio yelled as they tried to pull the women out, Emmyren holding tightly onto Sophia's wrist and Sophia doing the same.
The shadows were becoming stronger, draining their energy. At the rate it was going, both the women and the trio would be sucked in. Sophia gritted her teeth as her eyes met Emmeryn's, the Exalt's eyes going wide.
"No don't!" Emmyren yelled as she recognized the look.
Sophia smiled softly and used the last bit of her magic to push Emmeryn out. The last things Sophia saw was Emmyren screaming. The black hands wrapping all around Sophia as they dragged her down to the Abyss.
[-]
Perhaps hours have passed. She didn't know. The world was black all around her. She heard a small rattle of chains. Her mind was groggy as well as her body. But she could feel herself suspended in the air. Her arms and legs were chained. There was a blindfold covering her eyes. There was a faint scent of water, as well as dirt. Sophia frowned as she tried to move but only heard the chains rattled. Then she heard it. Footsteps. Small and light, a woman they longed to.
"You are awake." A male voice spoke instead but Sophia knew better.
"You're a woman...but using magic to hide your voice." Sophia says and they snorted.
"Even blindfolded you were able to tell I'm not a man." The footsteps stopped a few feet from her, "Welcome Hierophant of Our Lord. I cannot say my name, but I have brought you here for...preparation." they smiled wickedly.
"Your voice...despite being a males...I know it..." Sophia thought as she heard them rummage through something.
"Now let us..."
[TRIGGER WARNING: YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. PROCEED WITH CAUTION]
STAB!
If Sophia didn't have the blindfold, the woman would have seen how her eyes went wide, a small trickle of blood coming from her lips. The pain wasn't right away. It was out of instinct that Sophia looked down, even if she couldn't see anything. Yet, she knew what was there. The hard and cool feeling of metal that forcefully penetrated the skin of her stomach.
"AHHHH!" The woman smiled as she saw Sophia finally registered that she was stabbed.
The woman raised her hand, keeping the sword in its place as she grabbed another. The pain there felt unlike anything before. Sophia wheezed and gritted her teeth as she felt her skin throb, almost bruising. Another sword was stabbed and again, Sophia screamed. The woman chuckled as her eyes watched the crimson blood drip onto the stone floor. Sophia raised her head a bit, gritting her teeth as the woman caressed her cheek.
"How I wish I could remove this blindfold, but it would ruin the fun." He leaned in a bit closer, enjoying how the woman became tense as her lips brushed the exposed part of her neck, "I'm going to enjoy having fun with you."
"AAGGGHHH!" The woman suddenly stabbed a dagger into her ribs, slowly twisting it.
The sick sound of the sword twisting made her skin burn. She could feel the blade cutting, blood dripping out as her voice cracked. The woman chuckled as this time she went behind her, this time stabbing another dagger into her right shoulder blade. Again, twisting the blade again as Sophia felt it plunged deeper into her skin. She could feel the sticky feeling of blood dripping.
It hurt.
It hurt so much.
Another blade stabbed into her left shoulder this time; the process repeated 27 more times. Small daggers and needles plunged into her skin. The pain became 10-fold as the woman used some sort of spell to make her nerves become even more sensitive. The blood curdling screams that left her throat made her throat burn. It didn't help that the metallic taste of iron plagued her tongue. The woman only smiled in bliss as the cycle of blades stabbed kept repeating for hours. Over and over, Sophia's voice was hoarse. Almost as if she closed her own throat. The woman chuckled as she twisted and pulled out the blade and needles, one by one, slowly and painfully, letting the blood drip slowly. It was like Sophia was dipped in a pond of blood. Her clothing had holes from the wounds stabbed, she was barely conscious.
"Hmmmm...It's been..17 hours since I have brought you here." The woman chuckled as she pulled out the last blade from Sophia's stomach, "I can't exactly leave you with scars on your delicate skin. That's a no, no." She wagged her finger a bit.
The blood that poured out to the stone floor, rose up in the air like droplets of water, re-entering the wounds that were closing slowly. The flesh healed, not a single scar on it. Yet...
"Now time for this part."
A prick it felt a first, but Sophia could barely manage a scream as she felt her veins become tense and felt like they were on fire. She felt five needle pricks, one each of her arms, and legs and one on the center of her chest.
"Aarghh...Arrrghh!" Sophia threw her head back, her back arching the woman saw black veins spreading around her body. Small little cracks could be heard as Sophia wheezed and screamed as the veins kept spreading like tree roots. Her mind went black as her body went limp, the veins still spreading like a wildfire.
"You survived!" The woman laughed joyfully as she clapped her hands together, "We shall continue this tomorrow. For now, I shall let you rest." She gently touched her face, her hand tracing her lips.
[-]
The next day, once more the cycle was repeated. This time instead of blades, it was magic.
"Aaahhhhh!" Sophia screamed as she felt hot flames over thighs, burning the flesh as the sick scent made her nostrils burn.
The woman hummed a tune, still using a male voice to hide her real one, slowly running the flames up and down her back. The woman used magic to make sure Sophia's hair was not burned. But once her back was full of burn marks, the woman dug her nails deep as she dragged them down, as if she was screeching her nails on a chalkboard. It was like body claw marks were left as Sophia screamed. The spell to heighten her senses was used again. The woman hummed a tune as she removed her hand and then suddenly slashed Sophia's back like a beast. The screams and sobs made her throat burn. She wanted to vomit. She wanted it to be gone. This pain was unlike anything before.
I want it to stop.
I want it to go away.
It hurts.
It hurts.
The darkness that covered eyes. She could not see anything. She could not see what was being done to her. She could only feel as she was used like a training dummy. Magic blasted at her body. Aiming all over. Her clothing that was turned or destroyed, was sewed, and fixed back onto her. The cold hands would be her shoulders, like a gentle touch, then suddenly, the nails would RIP into her skin. Again, her wounds were healed, the blood that she spilled returned to her body. Not a single scar presents on the skin. Like if nothing was ever done to her. Soft kisses one her neck and then they would bite, leaking small drops of blood flow that they would lap up with their tongue, then heal it. The woman walked over to a table where she has a different variety of tools, yet she picked up five syringes with some sort of crimson liquid in them.
"Cough! Gasp...gasp...gasp..." Sophia's lung felt as if they were filled with smoke, her throat burned to the point her voice was almost gone.
It felt like muddy water was forcefully shoved down her throat every time she coughed out blood.
"AAAAHHHHHHH!" Her voice goes, still did not her screams of agony as the needles injected their poison.
Her body once more felt like it was on a fire as the black veins reappear once more. Taking root all over her body as if they were tree roots growing in the soil. Slow and painful, the small pops could be heard. The white of her eyes became red because the extreme pain caused her blood vessels to pop. She cried bloody tears as the veins took root for what seemed like hours. But it was once five minutes. The woman hummed as she once more used healing magic to make the pain go away, making sure not a single scar remained on her delicate skin.
"I shall be back tomorrow." The woman smiled as she caressed her cheek, "It is time to take more extreme measures."
[-]
It hurts.
Make it stop.
Make it go away.
I need to stop.
It needs to stop.
The pain.
I need to go away.
Survive.
I need to survive.
[-]
The woman frowned as only whimpers left Sophia's lips as she ripped out her nails using metal tweezers with blades. She watched the woman whine as a finger was cut off from her right hand. The blood pooling once more. Another finger was cut and then a lighting spell was used to electrocute the woman. Only a silent scream left her throat because it felt like it was melting. The sticking sound of another finger was cut but this time her toes. The woman clicked her teeth as she used magic to reattach the fingers and then heal. The blood that was lost returned to Sophia's body.
"You are not screaming anymore." The woman sighs but smirked softly as she embraced Sophia from behind, like a lover, "A pity. Darling, I hate doing this do you, but it will soon be over. You can last another 4 days, right? Of course, you can. You are m-ahem. Lord Grima's[-]after all."
She let go of her and walked around, this time now injecting 6 needles into her. It was a beautiful sight seeing the black veins spread around her body. Like delicate black ivy that was growing to survive. Sophia began twitching and trembling as saliva dripped from her mouth. The gurgling and choking sounds left her lips only. The woman smiled as she saw the veins go away once more and her smile grew even more when she saw the faint outline of a mark on Sophia's left hand.
"Very interesting. Your body is forcing itself to adapt. While it is rejecting it, it is being forced to accept. The only thing that will make this go wrong is if you enter a magic comatose." The woman hummed as she saw Sophia slumped.
"Hmmm...I'll let ypu go early today. I think just injecting you small amounts should do. Usually about 5 millimeters I inject into your everyday day. Even after you fall asleep." She laughs a bit and walks away, leaving Sophia alone.
[-]
It's dark...
I want the sun...
Light...
It's so cold.
I hate the cold.
I want to be warm...
[-]
No screams. No whimpers. No whines. Nothing. The woman grew frustrated as not a single sound left Sophia's lips as she whipped her back multiple times. The leather cutting the skin, the blood pooling.
"Scream!" The woman's male voice roared as she took out her time, a fire circle on the verge of surrounding Sophia till a hand covered in gold and metallic blue was on her shoulder.
The woman turned furiously to the one and glared.
"She is not screaming. You dare stop me?!" She roared at them.
"..." there was only silence as their eyes stared at her through the face armor they wore.
The woman clicked her teeth, closing her tome. The one that stopped her walked away in silence. The metal clink of his boots echoed as they gave one last look to Sophia before disappearing.
[-]
It hurts.
It hurts.
It hurts.
Iron.
I can smell it.
It hurts.
It hurts.
They laugh.
They laugh.
Shut.
I need to shut down.
I need to stop.
I need to stop feeling.
Ah...
It's gone.
Gone.
Gone.
Fingers cut.
Then reattach.
I don't feel it.
I just know it's what they did.
Sword stabbed in stomach.
Pulled out.
Wound healed.
It's like a pinch.
Back slashed.
Blood pours.
It feels like feathers.
Inject.
It feels like they keep injecting something into me.
It doesn't hurt.
But I feel it spreading.
Like little ants crawling all over me.
The cycle repeats.
Day One: It hurts.
Day 2: It burns.
Day 3: It stings.
Day four: A pinch.
Inject.
Cut.
Heal.
Inject.
Cut.
Heal.
The cycle repeats.
Pinch.
Cut.
I feel nothing.
[-]
Day 5: They cut my arms off they re-attached them.
It was cold. They dunked me in ice.
I feel nothing.
I know they are yelling.
They want me to scream.
Day 6: It's so dark.
I can't feel anything.
Grandma...Grandpa...Papa...
Lysithea...Henry...Tharja...
Derick...Morgan...Iris...
Ray….May…
I hate the dark.
Day seven: Cut.
Burn.
Slash.
Stab.
Dunk.
Inject.
I hate it.
I feel nothing.
I hear nothing.
I feel...nothing.
That's right...l need to go back.
I have to go back.
I must survive.
Shut down.
I need to shut down.
I am not hungry.
I am not cold.
I am not thirsty.
Focus.
Focus.
Shut down.
I need to...
Shut down.
[ TRIGGER CHAPTER SCENE: END]
[-]
7 days and seven nights. No one could sit still. All the mages of Grimleal were in a panic when the trio reported the news. Morgan felt guilty he couldn't do anything and desperately began researching magic to try and locate his teacher. Emmyren prayed to Naga that her friend was safe. That was all she could do. All she could do was pray. The door to the Garden slammed open. The group ran out as Aversa walked in; her face held a cruel grin as she stopped.
"My, not so loud as usual." Aversa chuckles as Morgan glares at her.
"Where is Sophia?!" The boy yelled and Emmyren placed a hand on his shoulder to try and calm him down.
She gave him a small nod and turned to the woman.
"Aversa, where is Sophia? What have you done to her?" She spoke calmly though there was distress in her eyes.
"Ufu~" Aversa smiled as the group jumped back, the magic circle from before appeared floating a bit in the air.
A figure fell out of the magic circle, the first one to move was Emmyren since she quickly realized who it was. Her arms were spread, and she barely managed to catch her yet...
"Ah...Ha..." the Exalt began shaking as she realized the scent of iron and the crimson liquid that covered her hands.
She slowly looked up as she saw Aversa smiling wickedly, her face a few inches from her own.
"I hope you enjoy your gift Exalt Emmyren. For this woman...will be your downfall."
For as Aversa cackled, the garden was filled with Emmyren's and Morgan's wailing screams as they held Sophia in their arms.
[-]
How many days have passed?
How many nights?
Ah...I can feel something warm. My vision, it hurts. It's faint...but I see light.
Light.
She could see light. Yet she couldn't feel anything. She laid still. Not moving at all. Her eyes void of any human emotion as she could hear sobbing next to her bed. Perhaps the faint image of someone running around. The muffled sound of gasping could be heard as her vision became clear.
"She's alive!" The first faces Sophia was able to see was a weeping Morgan, tears falling as he held her right hand, and Emmyren who cried tears of joy.
Henry dropped to his knees, relief falling over him as her saw Sophia blink yet...
"...Why are you crying?" Sophia thought as her face and eyes remained void of emotions.
She can't feel anything. Not warmth. No cold. No joy. No anger. No sorrow.
Nothing.
"Teacher?" Morgan said slowly as he noticed her not reacting at all, only blink.
Sophia turned her head a bit, staring to a wall.
"Is she injured?" Emmyren asked as Tharja shook her head.
"No wounds. Not a single trace of them on her. Yet..." she shivered at the memory of how blood covered the woman was.
"She wasn't...you know...ra-" Derick was cut off by Tharja shaking her head.
"No. None of that. Whoever tortured her never went to that extreme. What they wanted..." Henry's voice was cold, barely hiding the furious tone in it, "Was to break her mind." He stood up and walked to Morgan's side.
"Mental torture along with physical." His hand gently hovered over her head, glowing a bit, "Unfortunately for them...she shut herself away. So, I can't feel anything. She's there but..sigh...who knows when she will come back." He muttered.
"...You were all next to me...you were all crying? Why are you crying for me? Why do you weep for me?" Sophia thought as Morgan helped her sit up.
"...Can we...reach out to her?" Morgan asked a bit nervously.
"No..." Emmyren shook her head, "All we can do is wait. She'll recover but...it will take a long time." She muttered softly.
Gently, the woman used some light magic on her. They noticed how Sophia's eyes only widened slightly yet she made no sound or movement.
"I'm here..." Sophia thought and Emmyren's eyes went wide as the black-haired woman slowly looked towards her.
"Ahh...Yes..." the woman began crying again as she held her hands, they trembled with sorrow and a bit of joy.
"You're here."
[-]
It's been hours and Derick met secretly with Gaius. The news that was given is not good.
"End of December. The Exalt will be executed. And...I found out some sort of ritual is going to be performed." Derick said as he had his arms crossed, leaning on the wall.
"Breaker...something happened. What aren't you telling me?" Gaius muttered as he was on the opposite side of the wall, his arms crossed as he leaned on it.
"Sophia...Was...she...she was tortured." A pin could be heard dropping as Gaius's eyes went wide as he slowly processed what was just said.
"Don't pity her." The thief said suddenly, "I know Miss Water Nymph wouldn't like it if you pity her. It'll take a while but...she'll be back...How's Cinnamon holding up?" He asked, referring to Emmeryn.
"...Barely by a thread. She feels guilty." Derick sighs and throws over the wall a small bag for Gaius to catch, "Make sure that tactician gets it."
"These are tomes and poisons..." Gaius muttered.
"I know."
Chapter 13: Black Grip Heart
[-]
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