The past weeks have been difficult for everyone. Sophia gently moved her hand yet there was still no emotion in her eyes or face. She looked like a walking doll, void of any expression. She blinked once more as she shifted her body to sit on the edge of her bed. Her mind is recovering but her body is a different story. She is having a difficult time moving in different directions and has bumped into things multiple times. She walked and bumped into Henry, who chuckled a bit softly.
"To the left." He says as he moved her a bit to help her walk in the right direction where she was heading.
Sophia was trying to go to the library. Though she couldn't feel or express anything, she can still see and hear what is going on. In the state she is in, it looks like she can't hear anything. Henry carefully walked behind her but did once a while to help her walk certain directions because her senses are still in a disastrous state. Entering the library, her mentor was there with Morgan but she saw a look of empathy flash in his eyes as she sat down next to the boy.
"Teacher, glad you could join us." Morgan gave her a bit of a strained smile, yet, she could not react.
"I'm glad you are well. Please don't make that face." Sophia thought as her expression remained the same, looking forward to the chalkboard.
"Sigh. Today's lesson shall be about light and dark magic." He begins while Morgan grumbles "again?"
Sophia internally chuckled as she could only listen to the lesson being taught. Usually, she would be taking notes, maybe comment here and there. Yet, she listened closely to the lesson as she lightly drummed her index finger on the table. She wanted to make some sort of movement. Internally she sighs. Even though Morgan is smiling now, she remembers that the first two weeks the boy was crying as he held her hand, praying to Naga to help her. He wasn't the only one. There were days Emmyren would come in and hold her hand or talk about how things have been.
Sophia was surprised (even though her face and eyes didn't show it) to learn that she and Phila were engaged. Phila had sworn herself to Emmeryn 12 years ago and as two years went by, the two became close and eventually fell in love. They had to keep it a secret for five years but soon they were able to announce it. While yes, some people did not agree, Chrom, Lissa, and many others were overjoyed to learn they were together. Phila was like family to them. Sophia felt happy for them.
"Happy..." she thought as she saw Morgan turning on a candle to use to melt the wax he was going to use as a seal.
"I felt happy for them..." Sophia thought as she stared at the candle, "I separated my mind a body...if I touch the flame, will I feel pain?" She gently stretched out her hand and put it over the flame.
"Teacher, what are you doing?!" Morgan screeched when he realized what she did and their mentor quickly removed her hand while Henry rant to her to heal it.
"It hurt...a lot..." Sophia thought as her voidless eyes stared at her hand as it was being healed.
"If I set myself on fire or jump off a building, will my mind and body return to normal?"
[-]
It was strange. It was strange for Sophia to just sit and not bake to do anything. She can't express anything. She found it...haunting. She should be used to this. Not expressing a single bit of emotions, a voidless blank face, yet...she found it haunting. She sat in the library, staring at the book that was left open for her. Tharja was hoping to get some sort of reaction out of her. The book was again one of the Judargal series of Sigurd and Deirdre. The pictures drawn in the book were done in a fairytale style.
"You're still in there, correct?" Tharja muttered as she Sophia lightly nodded, barely noticeable.
There was a small shift in her magic, which Tharja noticed.
"You're trying to communicate with me..." the dark mage muttered as another shift confirmed it, "Sigh...Can you...try to speak?"
"..." Sophia opened her lips but no sound came out.
"Can you do magic?" Tharja asked as she walked up and placed a bowl of water in front of her, "Try to make a water droplet float."
Sophia showed no reaction again yet...she slightly raised her hand, placing in the water.
"Cool...it feels cool..." Sophia thought and Tharja noticed a small ice crystal forming.
"Good. Seems you can st-!" The woman suddenly backed away as the bowl was suddenly frozen solid.
The sight of purple ice crystals made her question if the woman's magic was out of control. Tharja quickly removed Sophia's hand from the ice and observed it.
"How strange...while there is no damage to your magic veins, there is the memory that they were destroyed and repaired. It was done multiple times. Sigh...because of this, you would have to be retrained to control your magic again." She looked up to the woman who showed no reaction.
"I hate this..." Sophia thought as she wanted to make a bitter smile but her face was just stone.
[-]
"Not sure if you can hear me but...I figured I report to you what's going on." Derrick muttered as he was with Sophia in her office.
They heard a window open. In came Gaius, who waved. But he was taken back by how doll-like and still she was. He frowned as he saw she didn't react one bit as he came in, only stared at the book in front of her.
"Hey Miss Water Nymph, glad to see you alive." Gaius smiled a bit sadly as he sat down across from her, "Can you hear me?"
"I can hear you. I wish I could speak to you." Sophia thought as she managed to turn her head a bit towards him.
"Well, it's something." Gaius sighs as he places a small stack of letters on her desk and a little bag of candies, "Caramels from Ylisse. Figured you might like them. And those letters are from Lysithea and the others. They haven't heard of you and are worried." He muttered.
"So, what's the report?" He asked and Derrick sighs.
"Children from Ylisse, Ferox, and Plegia have been disappearing. The war seems to be getting bloodier. It has been confirmed that the Ylisse Prince is soon to reach Plegia. Estimate time..." Gauis put two fingers up, "Two weeks. Two weeks Sophia and we're bringing you and Emmeryn home."
"..." Sophia's mind went blank at him saying that.
"What...? I understand Emmyren but me...?! Why do you want to help me?! I don't understand! Is...Is...Archanea even my home?" Sophia frantically thought as her hands suddenly slowly rose to her face, touching it, her eyes slowly going wide.
"Uhhhh...Derrick?!" Gaius quickly stood up as the woman began shaking as she held her face, her eyes flickering between the colors of crimson and green suddenly.
"Ahh-Ahh...H-H-Home...I-Is...i-it..?!" Her voice sounded like a broken record as they were the first ones to say in weeks.
"Sophia! Please calm down!" Derrick said as he quickly put his hands on her shoulders, hoping to calm her down.
Sophia shaking slowly ceased as he saw her taking deep breaths, her face reverting to a black slate. He let go of a sigh. While a part of him is glad that Sophia showed some sort of emotion, terror was one he wasn't hoping for. He let go of another sigh as Gauis was careful.
"Nymph, I don't know what you were trying to say but I have a feeling you were questioning if Ylisse or Archanea is your home. I don't know...if this will help but, it's both. You have people that care about you here. While we may not know each other much, I somehow get the feeling you put up a rough exterior on purpose." Gauis muttered and Sophia mentally snorted.
"Geez...thanks for calling me out..." Sophia internally grumbled as he carefully made her hands go onto her lap.
"Hang in there. You and Cinnamon."
[-]
"I can't stand this!" Sophia mentally yelled as she tried to show some sort of emotion again, "Smile! Anything! Scream! Sadness! Just show some sort of emotion!"
Her hands touched the mirror, the only reflection looking back to her was a voidless face. It was like she wasn't even human. It's been weeks and now it was the middle of December.
Something!
She wants to show something. Just something to show emotions are still within her!
"Just...something..." she mentally sobbed as she dropped to her knees, shaking a bit.
Tears fell from her as no emotion whatsoever was on her face. Like a soulless doll. She heard the door to her room open and a gasp.
"Oh!" Quickly walking up to her, Emmyren helped her stand up and led her to the bed, allowing her to sit down, "Oh Sophia..."
"I want to be human again...why did something like torture had to happen for me to realize that I am human!" Her tears fell more as her hands shook.
"I know you are trying..." Emmyren muttered softly as she hugged the woman to her chest, "I know you are trying to communicate with us. But please...I beg you...do not force yourself. Do not rush." She smiled sadly at her.
"I can't...I don't have much. You don't have much time." Sophia thought as the most she could manage was to gently cup Emmyren's cheek.
"F...F...F-F..." The Exalt's eyes went wide as Sophia tried to form words, "F...F...Fa...mi...ly... You...F...F...Fr...Friend...you..are." was the most Sophia could choke out.
Emmeryn smiled sadly as her tears now fell, hugging the woman tightly.
"Thank you...thank you for everything you have done." She let go of her, "But now it's my turn. It has been decided I will be executed in two weeks. When that happens...know that you, your friends, and my family will always be in my heart."
Sophia's tears only fell as the two hugged each other. She felt pathetic. She was in this sorry state and she could not do anything because of it. She wants to help. She wants to stop this. She wants...she wants...
I want you to live.
- Dream -
The void.
It's endless.
Dark.
Cold.
I hate the dark.
Yet...
Why does it feel so comforting?
It had been a while since she had a dream. The place...the star sky. The blue full moon, the lake of pure, the glowing moss giving it a majestic look. Yet...something here, feels almost comforting. Sophia could move. She could talk. She could...
"I'm human..." Her face morphed into a smile of joy as she fell to her knees, crying loudly as her hands touched the water, "Even if this is a dream...I'm thankful..."
The wind began to blow softly as the water rippled. She stood up, hearing a soft voice crying. Weeping. She gently placed her foot on the water surface, walking to the center. She could almost cry. Placing her hand, she could see two figures, speaking to each other. One a young woman and the other an elder woman.
"...Hey Grandmother. Let me hear that story! The story about the knight who goes and saves the captured princess!" The young woman said happily to her grandmother.
"My, my. Again? You are already 17 years old, haven't you had enough? How about outgrowing this story?" The old woman chuckled a bit.
"But, I like it..." the girl pouted a bit.
"Hahahaha. All right, I guess it can't be helped." The old woman chuckled as she began to speak of the story of the knight that defeated the evil mage.
"There once was a Kingdom with an extremely beautiful princess. Rumors of her beauty spread across the kingdom's borders and soon, even people from distant countries began to gossip about how beautiful she was."
"Father throws a ball to find a husband for the princess. Evil mage comes and declares she is his wife or the country is destroyed by his magic. The knight hears of this and saves the princess from the mages' clutches. Sigh...I know this story...My grandmother used to tell me when I was a child." Sophia sighs as the water ripples.
"Grandmother...she...thinks this story as childish. It may be okay to laugh at a fairytale. But to me...it is a story that has been my "dream" since I was a child. It says a person who will free me from this fate will appear." The young woman thought as a single tear was shed.
Why?
"Why will that bring a catastrophe?" The young woman thought as Sophia looked at her sadly.
"..." Sophia was silent as she watched the young girl dream, "The outside world...isn't all fairytales." she muttered as if the girl could hear her, "But...I guess it's the people you are with...that make it beautiful." She sighs as she sits down on the water surface, hugging her knees to her chest.
"Beauty...can be anything. But...we also need to think about what we want. Say...do you wish to let fate be the one to make your path?" She asked, "Of course you are not going to respond. You're just a reflection...whoever you are." She let go of another sigh.
However, because her back was turned she did not see the young girl turn to her with a small smile. It was like whispers yet as the girl reached out, her hands came out of the water, suddenly wrapping around Sophia. The woman's eyes went wide, nearly on the verge of screaming as she was pulled into the water. It was pulling her down.
Deeper.
Deeper.
Not too far or you will drown.
Yet, arms with a loving and kind embrace hugged her. The embrace suddenly brought her a familiar nostalgic feeling that she had long forgotten. The young girl suddenly looked older as she smiled softly holding the child in her arms. Sophia was now a child. Why? This woman, she felt so safe. Why?
"Soon. Soon."
- End of Dream -
Morning. It was morning. Her eyes stung as she sat up on her bed, and the sunlight entering the room wasn't helping at all. She tried to say a string of curse words because Henry had opened the window to allow air to come in. Unfortunately, as much as she wished to speak normally, reality ran her over like a truck.
"I hate this..." She covered her face and she felt it was still as stone, not a single bit of emotion...again.
"Morning Sophia!" Henry smiled cheerfully to her as the woman's magic gave waves of irritation, the ones he was very familiar with when she hated being woken up in the morning.
"How are you feeling?" He asked as he walked up to her and the woman just carefully moved her legs to be on the edge of the bed.
"Ready to throw you out the window because you woke me up...Gods...I hate the cold." Sophia thought as she put on her slippers.
"Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed." He chuckled and Claude just hissed at him.
"Anyhow..." he smiled, "I have a surprise for you. I'll leave you to get dressed. After that, meet me in my room." And he left with a giddy grin.
"What's got him excited?" Sophia thought as she went to her closet yet...she just stared at the accursed fancy dress that Aversa said she must wear.
"F...F...F...uck..." she shook hands as she grabbed the dress and pulled in opposite directions.
The tension growing as the small sounds of fabric tearing resonated in the room.
Anger.
She felt anger.
Even if just for her bit her lips twitched as she could feel herself her teeth. Pulling the dress even harder, the fabric ripping even more.
"I-I...A-Am..." her voice was rasp but she didn't care, it was something.
She was showing something as the sounds became louder, the dress now ripping as she screamed what she wanted to say for a song time to that witch.
"FUCK OFF!" The ripping sound of fabric filled the room as she panted, each hand holding half of the dress, her eyes flickering between crimson and green.
Angerangernagerangeranger. Hatehatehatehate. Even if for a brief moment she was showing emotion, it was something before her body forced itself again to become still like a doll. Her eyes zoomed on the old lab coat that she wore when she first arrived. It was cleaned and left pearly white by Tharja. Sophia grabbed it, along with a red loose shirt, and baggy black pants.
"I'm human." She kept repeating in her mind as she put on her clothing.
And human she is.
[-]
Henry nearly had a double-take as he saw Sophia come out in her old lab coat. But, it was fitting. Wearing it, she looked more like her old self. He wasn't sure if that was good or bad. He motioned her to follow as they made their way to The Garden Stables. There, his wyvern, Ashe, let out happy chirping noises as it spotted him and suddenly Petra let out a joyful roar once it spotted its master. He undid the clasp of the door, quickly jumping out of the way as Petra rammed it open with her scally head. The brown and purple scales wyvern chirped and purred happily as it licked Sophia's face multiple times. Henry swore he saw her eye twitch. At least the woman made some sort of movement that made the wyvern calm down.
"Why are we here?" Sophia thought and it seemed Henry was able to get the message because of the reaction of her waves.
"It's been a while since you've gone out. I think some sunlight would do you well." He smiled.
On the wyverns they saddled on and up they flew to the skies. Petra loved going wild in the sky. Ashe just snorted as he sent a warning tone to his companion to calm down. The wyvern just sent him a gust of wind that nearly knocked his rider off.
"Watch it!" Henry glared at the wyvern.
"U...fu..." it was very faint but he heard it, a very faint chuckle.
[-]
It had been a long time since she has flown through the wind like this. The sense of freedom, like a bird flying to lands beyond. The feeling of the wind blowing through her hair and face, a sensation she missed. Memories of her days' horseback riding with her grandmother and grandfather. Memories resurfacing when her father would join them. She recalls that the area they lived in was a bit of the countryside. Wide fields of grass as far as the eye could see. The sun stretching to the horizon as the hues of orange, red, and yellow covered the sky. She closed her eyes as she let go of Petra's reins, ignoring Henry's eyes snap open in shock and horror.
"Hmm...I never did do that..." Sophia thought as she let herself slip off Petra's back.
"SOPHIA!" Henry yelled and instantly had Asha fly down to catch her.
But...
"P...P...PETRA!" Her voice suddenly ripped through her voice as the wyvern roared and dove down, catching her at a speed that left the mage dumbstruck.
Petra let out a happy roar as her rider was back on, holding the reins as a weak but joyful chuckle left her lips.
"Haha...haha... " Sophia felt joy, perhaps a bit of fear but it was something.
Riding had always been some sort of comfort for her. The woman opened her eyes as she saw Henry looked relieved but also angry.
"While I am glad you are showing some sort of emotion, WARN ME NEXT YOU THROW YOURSELF OFF THE WYVERN! I NEARLY HAD A HARD-ATTACK!" He roared and Petra responded with a snort.
"U...Ufu..." Sophia managed to let go of a small chuckle before her face was reverted to an emotionless doll.
Perhaps it has been around 5 hours but it was around midday she could tell. It was faint but she could see the outline of houses.
"A village?" She thought as they flew closer.
The realization hit her suddenly when she figured out what village it was.
"Henry...?" If she could speak, her voice would be going high.
The two had the wyverns land near the familiar as they got off. Her body was shaking as she looked at the familiar gates and the people there. Henry took her hand and began walking towards the gates.
"Howdy!" He yelled out and a man turned to him, his eyes wide.
"Henry?! What on earth?! Boy! It's been so long!" The man grinned and looked behind him, "Is that...?"
And Henry placed index fingers on his lips.
"Is Ahura and Dana home?" Henry asked and the man nodded.
"Not just them." The man chuckled and the group waved goodbye.
As they walked through the village, Henry could still feel Sophia shaking. He stopped and turned to her.
"Do you feel it's your fault?" He asked and she gave a small nod, "Do you feel that these people should hate you?" She nodded again.
"Well, my friend. That is where you are wrong." He grins and they arrived at Ahura's home.
Knocking the door he does and they can hear shuffling inside.
"One moment!" The woman's voice rings out a bit and the door opens.
"GOOD GODS! HENRY AND SOPHIA!" The woman yelled out in shock as her hand went over her heart.
"Ahura? Everything alright?"
From the hallways called out Mustafa's voice along with the sound of running feet. Bursting full of energy, it had been a long time since Sophia saw Dana's toothy grin.
"SOPHIA!" The boy yelled and pounced at her.
The woman barely had a moment to react to catch him. Out of instinct, she spun him around, hearing him laugh again made her heart swell with joy. She placed the boy down as Mustafa came out and looked at them shocked. Yet, the general could not help but chuckle as his wife ran back inside to prepare drinks for all of them.
"It has been awhile you two." Mustafa smiled a bit as motioned them to come in.
"Welcome back! You beat up those mean mages huh?!" Dana said excitedly as he took her hand and pulled her in.
"..." she didn't respond.
Ahura smiled sadly as she placed the cups of tea on the table while Henry and Mustafa had a private discussion. Sophia was led to the living room where a table was set. Dana had a grin as he made her sit at the chair that was across from his mother. Ahura smiled a bit as her son sat down.
"What stories do you have? It's been so long! Oh! Look what I can do now!" The boy cupped his hands together and made a small water bubble form in his hands, "I can make water!"
"..." Though Sophia could not show any reaction, the most she could do was pat the boy's head.
"Are you happy?" Dana asked, confused and Sophia managed to nod a bit.
"Then how come you aren't smiling?" The boy asked a bit hurt.
"Dana." Ahura gave him a warning tone and then looked to her hand, Sophia placed it on hers.
The woman understood and smiled sadly as she spoke.
"I'm happy you are alive but...it hurts seeing you like this. Sigh..." Ahura let go of a shaky breath, "I heard a bit of news of what was going on. A land up north where the desert meets the sea had been restored. The earth veins that were once weak are now strong once more. We have been able to plant and harvest. Many of our people have been able to heal. But...at what cost?" She held the woman's hand.
"Look at you...I can only imagine the horrid things you've gone through. Oh, Sophia...please do not blame yourself for that day." Ahura muttered.
Dana smiled sadly as he held Sophia's other hand. Sophia looked at them shocked but mentally smiled sadly as she squeezed the hands back.
"I do blame myself...At times I wonder what my life would have been if I never met any of you? Maybe I would be dead..." She thought as she let go of a sigh, "I wouldn't be where I am now. I...would not have been able to learn what it is like to trust someone...I have always been alone till now."
She blinked multiple times as she felt her hair ruffled and looked up to see Mustafa grinning down at her.
"I spoke with Derrick and Henry. These two have been causing you trouble huh? Don't worry lass. I gave them scolding." Mustafa chuckled as he sat down next to his wife.
"I'm hurt! Yeah, I pulled some pranks! You should have seen the Risen hand I placed under Derrick's bed! He woke up screaming like a banshee on fire! Nyhahahaha!" Henry laughed proudly while Sophia just covered her eyes in embarrassment.
"No wonder Derrick refuses to sleep with no lamp in his room." Sophia mentally groans.
"Oh come on Sophi! Even you had the face of shock when he woke up the entire castle." Henry patted her back.
Sophia just slammed her face on the table. God, it felt like she was babysitting a 5-year-old.
"Pfft!" Ahura had to cover her mouth because of the scene.
She understood what Sophia felt.
"So, what's going to happen now?" Henry asked.
"Well...if we survive this war, hopefully perhaps live in peace for a while." Mustafa muttered as Sophia sat up straight.
"...W-Why...d-did..." Henry's eyes went wide as he saw her trying to talk, "y-you...l-let...m-me..s-stay? D-Don't...y-you...h-hate...me?" She asked and the man frowned.
"Tell me, Sophia, do you want us to hate you?" Mustafa asked seriously.
"Speak...anything! Keep trying!" Sophia roared in her mind as she desperately gritted her teeth.
"Sophia, stop! Don't push yourself!" Henry said as he held her shoulder and Mustafa glared at him.
"No boy! She wishes to communicate! Do not stop her!" He said he was a bit cold and Sophia gritted her teeth as her hands turned into a fist.
"I...am..foreigner...I-I wasn't...exactly...welcomed with..open arms...Because of me...y-your...f-family...was..put in...danger. I...do not...want..to be...hated...P-Plegai...Ferox...Ylisse...Ahura...Dana...Henry...you...everyone I met...I..I...care. I...care." She was doing she can't stop the tears that threatened to spill yet they fell, "I...learned...so..much...gasp!" She gasped for air but kept pushing herself even if her body did not want to, "From! Y-You...all! Y-You...all...mean...so-so much...to me! I...I..."
The woman's eyes went wide as she felt a hand gently laid on her head. She looked up slowly to see Mustafa with a rare warm smile as he nodded.
"There is your answer girl. You care." He said and finally, the hot tears spilled like a river as her lip quivered.
"Ulp...hic...hic...You...all...mean so much to me..." she cried and the man chuckled a bit.
"You too, girl. You mean a lot to us. That's why I know you are strong. In Plegia, our people value strength and courage. And that is what you have proven to have. You have what many Plegai warriors lack these days. Empathy. Look at yourself now. You're not the same shut-in girl that used to always have a scowl on her face!" He laughed and Sophia let go of a soft chuckle.
"I have changed."
[-]
"You mad?" Henry gave her a hurtful pout as they were flying back to the garden.
"No." Sophia managed to give him a playful glare.
It had been some time since she enjoyed herself. Even though she was barely able to talk a bare minimum, it felt...freeing.
"And though I am gone~" she sang softly, "Just ash in the wind~ One life surrenders so yours may begin~ Courage, my children, this is your song ~ I am the Earth..." Sophia had Petra fly up high, far above the clouds.
"I will make you strong~" she closed her eyes as she let the wyvern take charge and dive back down, then spin.
A small chuckle left her lips as she looked over to Henry, who smiled sadly at her.
"I'm back..." She muttered and the man-made Ashe get closer, then hugged her tightly.
"Welcome back." His voice shuttered as she chuckled a bit sadly.
"Thank you. I think I needed this...more than anything." She muttered as he let go of her.
"I figured that much." He chuckled and the two frowned when they noticed the Grimleal mages along with Aversa heading to the garden, "Oh great..."
His tone was cold as Sophia bit her lip.
"How long till Emmyren's execution?" She asked.
"Two weeks. What do you have in mind?" Henry asked as they flew down to the stables quietly and quickly got off.
"Go get the group into my room. I need all of you." Sophia says as they quickly run back into the castle.
While Henry had the others gather in her room, he also had Emmeryn lock the door to her room to be safe. Sophia let go of a sigh as she made her clothing glow and turned to the black Fodlan dancer dress she has kept hidden. She had requested to be made a month ago. She put on her veil and let go of her hair, letting it be free. Because of the magic and torture, she went through, it grew longer, to her ankles. She let go of a sigh as she put on the Grimleal crown.
"As much I wish I could celebrate my mind returning to my body, that has to wait." She muttered and walked out to the ballroom.
The footsteps and small jingles of her jewelry were heard as she entered. Aversa's eyes went wide as she walked in. Sophia had enough. It was to make her move.
"Good evening Aversa. I see you still wear that hideous dress of feathers. Say, did the designer forget to remove them?" She swayed her hips a bit as she walked to show she was not afraid.
A Grimleal member had to quickly slap his hand over his mouth to keep himself from laughing at that. Aversa gritted her teeth and raised her hand to slap her but the only thing that happened was Sophia caught her wrist.
"I am very much...alive..." Sophia hissed, "State your business before I unleash Thorn."
A small crackle of purple was seen in the air, the atmosphere around them buzzed, making the hair on their arms stand. Aversa made the woman let go of her wrist with a snarl.
"Tomorrow. You will be coming with us tomorrow. That is all." Aversa huffed and ordered her mages to leave with.
Once gone, Sophia just rolled her eyes as she looked at her hands. Now that she realizes it, her left hand has been bandaged and a seal placed on it. She tried to remove it but no luck. She just let it go at this point and headed to her room. A few minutes it took but she arrived, but she did not expect to suddenly be hugged tightly.
"Welcome back!" Morgan cried loudly in her chest and she smiled sadly as she patted his head.
"Yo. Welcome back." Derrick walked up and patted her on her shoulder.
"Indeed." Tharja showed a rare smile as Henry gave them a nod.
"So, why the secret meeting?" Henry smiled as he pointed to the magic tool that floated above them in the center of the room.
The magic tool is called a silencer. It is used to prevent sound from leaving or entering the room. People use it to make sure no conversations can be heard outside the room. No sound can be heard from the outside.
"We're discussing Emmyren's execution," Sophia spoke and the room went still.
The woman let go of a shaky breath as the boy let go of her.
"While...I was tortured. I saw visions." Okay, the perfect excuse to lie, "I saw how Emmyren will die as well as when the Ylisse Princess will arrive." She begins, "I want Gangrel and the Grimleal to pay for all the suffering they have caused as well as to stop Grima. For that...we need a plan. The first one is simple." She looked over to Tharja and Derrick.
"Tharja and Derrick." The two looked at her confused, "You two are most likely to be called to fight in the war. To prevent Ylisse from reaching the capital. My order is simple, join the Ylisse army." And Derrick looked at her shocked.
"Tch." Tharja clicked her teeth, "Knowing Gangrel, it is very much killed or die at the battlefield simply because he commands it. Pfft. What do I care about the Ylisseans?" She grumbled.
"I know you've been making sure that none of Emmyren's food has been poisoned. And if it was, you would replace it." Sophia bluntly pointed out and while Tharja just grumbled as she used her tome to cover her face.
"We were given no reason to fight just orders from the mad king. Besides..." he grin turned wicked, "I have always been good at choosing who to hate on my own...Very well. I will join them when the time comes." Tharja let out a dark chuckle.
"Derrick?" Sophia turned to him, seeing his lips become a thin line, "I know...what I am asking you is a lot. You were born here in Plegia after all."
"No. It's alright." He shook his head, "I think you all should know this too." He looked around, "Only General Heriot knows of this. But...you all know the story that I'm a war orphan he took in right?" He says and they nod.
"I'm not a war orphan. I'm not even from Plegia." He says and they looked at him shocked, "General Heriot...saved me from the Grimleal 10 years ago. I was kidnapped from a secluded village in the mountains of Orgahil. It's an island around 200 miles from Plegia. I think? Anyhow." He shook his head, "Grimleal needed blood. Not just any kind of blood. They..." he bit his lip, debating if he should say the next part or not.
"You don't have to say it," Sophia muttered.
"Thank you. All I can say is...my blood is...rare...like...really, really, really rare." He said, "But I am more than happy to join Ylisse. General Heriot...yes he has done a lot for me but...I can't stand by while he just remains quiet about the unjust going on. I will gladly defect to Ylisse, even if I can never return to Plegia." He nodded firmly.
"And us?" Morgan said as he referred to himself and Henry.
"You two will remain here with me. For now...sigh..." she took a deep breath, "We're going to make sure Emmyren, Phila, and all of us get out of this war alive."
"What do you have planned?" Tharja asked.
"Derrick, does Philla still have that necklace I ordered you to give her?" Sophia asked.
He nodded.
"Good." She thought as she looked out the window where the moon was full.
She walked towards it, looking out to the slumbering capital of Plegia. It was only a few more days before this place became a war zone. She looked up to the sky and closed her eyes.
"I've decided. Emmyren will live along with Phila. Forgive me my future self but I'm not going to remain silent. Not this time." She opened her eyes and they were the colors of crimson that fade to emerald.
[-]
The next day Aversa came along with a group of female mages. Unfortunately for Sophia, it was the one group that liked to doll her up. They bathed, combed her hair, put on a bloody black dress that reminded her of a gothic ball gown. Not to also mention they put purple silver and gold jewelry along with the Grimleal crown. Sophia let go of a sigh as they finished dressing her. They walked out of the room and Sophia gave one final look to the others. Her message was clear.
"How long will we be gone?" Sophia asked as she saw Petra was saddled up.
"We will be gone for three days. But make sure you hold onto this." Aversa handed her a strange lamp.
Sophia recognized it. It was the lamp that Henry and Tharja showed her months ago. They got on their flying units and took off. The only thing Sophia appreciated about the dress is that it was easy to move in. On her right and left thighs, she had strapped on her chakrams along with a Fire mini tome.
Wherever they were going, she was getting a bad feeling.
- Three Days Later -
Three days flying through the lands of Plegia that were once a desert. Three days of seeing bushes of life and trees slowly growing back to the barren land. Yet, the more they flew, the dark and tense atmosphere only grew. Within her sight, she spotted what seemed like an old ruin. Around 13 pillars were in a circle formation, some of them were in pieces while others had cracks yet...
"Why are there children and women?!" Sophia yelled as her eyes went wide as she had Petra land near the temple.
She jumped off and ran into it. The women and children were let in groups of five. One group each at a pillar, a total of 65 people altogether. She looked around the place. The sun was setting and she could see moss growing on the stone pillars along with strange markings on them. The ground underneath her suddenly glowed, the woman screamed as black chains wrapped around her and suddenly pulled her to the very center of the temple. Under her feet were strange hieroglyphics she had never seen before. The lamp began floating above her, glowing an eerie gray. Aversa smiled as she looked around, the magic in the air crackled fainting. The women and children were knocked out.
"Welcome Heirophat of Grima!" She raised her arms as the Grimleal mages got into their positions, each with an ancient scroll in their hand, "For it is time for you to fulfill your role. It is time to show the world of our Lord's power. Bring to life the 13 Deadlords!" She yelled.
It suddenly clicked. The reason they were so damned for her to join Grimleal. What they called her a summoned one. Why they kept saying she was rare blood. A sacrifice. They wanted her as a sacrifice. That's why they kept teaching dark magic until her magic took on a dark form. Why they treated her like some kind of holy object. Why they never let her go outside the capital.
Why...
"I was tortured..." she whispered as she gritted her teeth and looked up to the tan woman.
"Now, repeat these words." Aversa projected words in front of her.
Sophia gritted her teeth as she felt the magic holding her down only tighten its grip.
"I refuse." She snarled, "I refuse to make these people become sacrifices for your twisted jokes!" She roared.
"You have no choice! If you won't speak, then I will make you!" Aversa yelled as her tome, Shade, glowed brightly.
"Aaahahhhh!" Sophia screamed as she felt her voice trying to force itself to form words.
"N...No...!" Her hands flew to her head and gripped it tightly as she thrashed around.
"SPEAK!" Aversa roared louder as her tome glowed brighter.
"AAAHHHHHHHHH!" Sophia let out a blood-curdling scream as she threw her head back, the words forced to come out.
"GREAT GOD LOPTOUS! I OFFER MY BLOOD OF FELL AND DIVINE! I SUMMON THY LOYAL SERVANTS! GRIMA OF THE FELL! SCION OF DARKNESS! BLOOD OF DIVINE! I OFFER THE SOULS OF INNOCENT! RISE DEADLORDS! RISE AND SERVE OUR LORD! RISE AND PLUNGE THIS WORLD TO FELL DARKNESS!" Sophia roared and the lantern glowed brightly above them.
Children and women began growing as glowing veins appeared on their bodies as did Sophia. She felt her left hand burning as she felt her veins glow as the lantern above. Magic swirls all around them as she drops to her knees. She gritted her teeth as thirteen magic circles form. One at each pillar. Her blood felt like it was on fire.
"No...I refuse...this..." Sophia forced herself to stand up even as the chains tried to hold her down.
"I REFUUUUUUSSSSEEEE!" She roared as the veins spread all around her.
Unknown to all, the black tome that she used to carry, glowed brightly in her room. The pages began flipping rapidly and then the book slammed shut as it created some sort of phantom. It disappeared in a blink of an eye. At the old temple, silver-colored lightning crashed down at each of the pillars, destroying the black shadows that were forming. The sky began thundering as if a storm was suddenly gathered. The Grimleal mages screamed in agony as their tomes were suddenly turned to ashes in their hands. The magic circles shattered like glass as the lantern suddenly began spinning like a toy top. The veins disappeared from the women and children but on Sophia...
"AHHHHHH!" She screamed as they turned silver and the lantern suddenly shot down to her chest, a magic circle appeared on her. It plunged into it and disappeared. The magic began to slowly fade but that was what all believed. Another magic circle formed in front of her. A body began to form as it stepped out, it walked towards her. Coughing as she looked up, her vision blurred as the figure stopped. No one moved. No one could say anything as they only started in fear and shock at the lone figure surrounded by silver and purple miasma. Everyone seems to hold their breaths as it looks around, seeing hands form as it spreads its arms as if presenting itself.
"I reject it." Its voice sounded like a possessed woman with a mixture of ghosts.
Sophia gasped for air as the chains that were holding her shattered as she slowly looked up. The left eye was silver while the other glowed red. The shadow spoke again.
"I reject the offerings." It motioned its hands to the women and children.
Sophia nearly let go of a sigh of relief because they were alive. However, it was short-lived when she felt her veins glow faintly.
"Present yourself," Aversa said with a tone of authority.
However, her eyes went wide as she felt something fly past her. She slowly turned her head to see some sort of black magic attack that was sent at her. Just barely missing her by a hair. The pillar that was hit melted yet the magic attack missed the women and children on purpose.
"You do not command me." The shadow snarled as it turned back to look over to Sophia.
"...Who?" Sophia managed to gasp out.
"I kill and I devour. I weep and slaughter. I am the Deadlord of Regret and Despair. You summon me yet I am insulted by how. The battlefield painted red and sorrow. You are defiled. I obey. I am the Deadlord Bryhildr, I take this body and make it my own." The female dead lord smiled as she raised her hand, crooking a finger at her summoner.
The body was lifted in the air, even if it was a terrible moment, she was snapped out of the protective state she locked herself in to ignore the pain. This dead lord, it features could not be seen. Most of her eyes can make out is the figure of a woman. Yet "she" was surrounded by a dark mist, heterochromia eyes glowing with a look of judgment as she made her summoner float towards her. The Grimleal were afraid. The sacrifices that were meant for the ritual, were rejected. "She" did not want them.
Aversa was shedding beads of sweat as Sophia was now made to be on her knees in front of the walking corpse.
"Broke. Tainted. Black. White. A mixture of despair and hope." Bryhildr sneered, "Yet this body wants to coddle you. Tell me, scion...Who do I kill to rest this hunger to weep and despair?" She hissed as she held her chin tightly.
"...No..one." Sophia managed to hiss out as the dead lord let go of her chin.
"Ha..." it let out a weak laugh as it spread its arms out, "I desire my weapons. And..." a gray magic circle appeared underneath them, "Get it we shall!"
Before Sophia could scream, she along with the deadlord, were gone. Complete silence there was as Aversa was barely able to comprehend what had happened.
"It...It took her!" She could finally say and quickly had the mages search the area.
"The rest of you!" Aversa snarled as she turned to the mages, "The women and children, return them to their villages!"
"What on earth just happened?"
- Unknown location -
"Aaahhh!" Sophia screamed as she was suddenly made to land harshly on a stone and rocky floor.
She coughed violently as she noticed the veins on her body were still present. However, now only one her right and left arm, they started from the tip of her fingers and ended at her shoulders. Her dress was in tatters, but enough she could look decent. At least the long skirt was gone. She ripped off her left sleeve and looked around. The place seemed to be some sort of island. The place was surrounded by water, almost as if a storm was coming but what was most disturbing was the deadlord looking straight ahead. Sophia panted and gasped for air as she forced herself up, looking to where the deadlord was. Her eyes went wide as she looked at the giant gate that swirled weakly with blue magic.
"That's..." before she could say the rest of the sentence she felt a force pull her as the deadlord walked to the gate, its right hand stretched out as it touched the surface.
The magic of it hummed softly, it almost looked like a deadlord was smiling.
"There you are..." Byrhildr spoke softly as her hand went through the swirl of magic.
"Wait...where are you going?!" Sophia panicked as half of Brynhildr's body was through the swirl of magic.
The Deadlord only glanced at her for a moment then pulled her in forcefully through the gate.
"We are going to the ruins of Grannvale."
- Plegia -
"Ummm...Lady Emmeryn?" Morgan shyly knocked on the door and heard shuffling inside.
The door was opened and she was surprised to see the Exalt looking tired.
"Ah, Morgan." Emmyren gave him a tired smile, "Forgive me for looking like this. I haven't been able to sleep. But, come in!" She says and the boy nodded.
Morgan looked around and noticed her room was a bit similar to Sophia's, except the color scheme of it was more natural colors like light brown, white, mint green, and blue. There was a table where a tea set was already set up. He could smell lavender and based on how the liquid in her teacup was still steaming, it was most likely done a few minutes ago.
"Have a seat. I apologize for not having another cup ready. I did not think I would visitors tonight." Emmeryn smiled a bit as she picked up another cup from the shelf and then walked back to the table.
She served him a cup and sat down across from him.
"What did you want to talk about?" She asked politely and Morgan let go of a sigh.
"Lady Emmeryn, do you...feel guilty for what happened to the Teacher?" He asked and the woman smiled sadly as she looked down at her hands.
"I do..." she muttered softly, "These past two months, she has treated me kindly. We didn't have the best meeting but..." she turned to him, "I am glad we were able to become friends. If I had not met any of you, I don't know where I would be right now. I miss my family. I miss Phila. But I know the world doesn't revolve around me. I must be strong. I admit..." she chuckled a bit dryly.
"I somewhat envy Sophia." She looked in her mirror.
The reflection of herself showed not the Exalt but a young woman who had been through many things. The dark circles under her eyes as well as slightly pale skin. She may be the Exalt, the ruler of a country, but she is a young woman, a human with emotions.
"In a way, we are both the same." She muttered as she placed her hand over her heart, "We both went through pain and hardships, able to hide our emotions and display a mask of strength to be able to move forward. Yet...at times I feel like we are each other's shadows." Bitterly she smiled.
"What do you mean?" Morgan asked.
"Sigh..." she let go of a sigh as she touched the engagement ring Phila proposed to her with, "While I speak peace through words, Sophia has the strength to fight. I detest fighting." That was first for Morgan.
Hearing says such a strong word, "Detest."
"I always search to settle matters peacefully. Even with those who have tried to kill me." She chuckled a bit, "Sophia, she can fight. Even in the face of danger, she can fight and defend herself. She reminds me of my brother in a way. Yet...here I am.." she looked to her hands, "Unable to do anything more. I do not know how to fight. I know how to heal. At times I feel my efforts towards peace were futile. There have been multiple times where I just wish to cry or run away. I began to recall my early days as an Exalt." She turned to the boy, a rueful smile on her lips.
"At times I question how on earth I was able to do it. To be able to put on a strong and brave exterior without breaking down. Even now, I ask myself why I still am holding on. But...Sophia and I, we both realized we need to. Not just for ourselves, but everyone." She looked back to her hands, "We are like each other's shadows. I wish I had the strength to fight. Sophia admitted to me she wishes she was kind. I told her many times she is a kind person and she has told me many times that I am strong. I couldn't help but feel I was arguing with an old friend!" She chuckled a bit.
"...Aunty." Morgan muttered and quickly covered his mouth as Emmyren looked at him surprised, "I-I am so sorry! It was a slip! I-!"
"Ufu..Hahahahaha!" Emmyren laughed joyfully as she patted his head, a bright smile on her face, "It's alright Morgan! I do not mind if you see me as an aunt. If it makes you comfortable, you may continue to call me Aunty." She smiled warmly.
"That's because you are my aunt..." he thought as he gave her a nod, his face still a bit red because of the slip-up.
"I think...Your family is proud of you. As well as Sophia." Morgan began as he took a sip of his tea, "We all have our ups and downs. Teacher taught me that it is alright to give up and walk away. That it's our choice. But right now...I think...the choice is up to you. Do you...pity her?" He asked.
"No." Emmyren shook her head, "If I did, I feel it would be an insult to her. I envy the strength she has. Even after she was torture...she was still able to push herself to move on. I wish I could have said goodbye to her before Aversa came but I was afraid. I am happy she can speak again but...I can't help but feel guilty that it is because of me, she was tortured." She croaked, the tears threatening to fall.
"Aunty, I think you should talk to her. Sophia I mean. And also...thank you. I'm glad Teacher was able to meet you. I think you both needed each other. To see things from the perspective of the other." Morgan smiled softly to her as her eyes went wide.
"Thank you..." she closed her eyes as she gave him a warm smile, her tears finally falling.
"Oh! I nearly forgot." Morgan reached into his pocket and pulled out a red gem necklace, "Teacher said to give this to you! It's a gift! She wanted to give to you herself but considering how Aversa is..." he grumbled.
Emmyren nodded as he handed it to her and then she put it on. The necklace had tear-shaped ruby with a brand of Naga on it.
"It's beautiful. When she returns, I will be sure to thank her." He said and he nodded.
What no one but Derrick and Sophia knew, was that it was the same necklace that was also given to Phila.
Chapter 14: Twisted Tears
[-]
Chapter 14 complete! Look forward to the next chapters because it is the time! Also, I want to shout out to Stormtide Leviathan! Congratulations man on the final of your story, Stolen Remedy! That was an emotional roller coaster. Thank you for the amazing story. Ans for you readers, I highly recommend reading it.
Here are some stories that I also recommend to you all reading!
As well as Aberration by RedXEagl3, his story is ending soon too!
Entrapped by Cavik! It's getting good!
Shattered by Chifle!
Rigged from the Start by TheBobcat18!
Whispers and Songs by Howling Armadillo!
All The World's a Sale by Narwhal Lord!
Those Who Can't Teach by Mixed Valence!
Idiosyncrasy by OCfan11!
A Dragon's Promise by legendary stvsrt!
Sea of Stars by Grand Paladin Tyrux!
Hints, Allegations and Things Left Unsaid by LowerBlack!
Teacher's Pet by ToBlazePurple!
That's all! If you guys want to chat or even get small preview snippets of upcoming stories and chapters or want advice to help improve your writing, come join the discord!
discord. gg/9XG3U7a