"Grandma! Grandma!"
The little girl ran over to the older woman that sat beside the pond bed. She held something in her hands, her eyes a bit glassy as she stared at it. She took a deep breath as she turned to see her granddaughter running at her with a cheeky grin.
"Morning Sophia. You're up early." The elder chuckled as she pounced into her arms.
"I am! Papa is still asleep. Grandpa is asleep also. What are you doing here Grandma?" Sophia asked and the woman sighed a bit as she looked back to her hand.
A gold and red-colored pocket watch with strange symbols the woman held.
"Do you know what this is?" The older woman asked, and Sophia nodded.
"Great Grandma's watch." Sophia blinked and the woman chuckled.
"I never did tell you about your great grandmother and grandfather." The older woman sighed a bit as she gazed softly at it, "Your great grandmother was very kind and polite. But she would often hold her emotions back. At times she seemed cold but that isn't true. Ah, she loved sweets. And..." she chuckled a bit, "she would bake for us even though the servants protested each time."
"Great Grandma and Gramps were rich?" Sophia raised an eyebrow at her.
"Something like that." The woman chuckled, "Your great grandfather was quite stubborn too! He had a strong sense of justice but unfortunately, he had the habit of making puns. I don't want to imagine the drama that would have happened if he or your great uncle met your grandfather." The woman laughed a bit nervous but smiled, "But that's just how he is."
"Grandma, can we visit your homeland one day? I want to meet and see the place you grew up in! Oh! Did you have brothers and sisters?" Sophia asked as the woman sighs.
"I did. Three elder brothers and two elder sisters. I was the youngest of six." The old woman explained as she gently touched the watch.
"What are they like?" Sophia asked as the woman smiled at fond memories from the past.
"The two elder brothers taught me how to hunt and use a sword. They helped me with my reading and writing when I would struggle. And-"
Splash!
The old woman suddenly turned to look at the pond with narrowed eyes when she heard the splashing. The little one blinked, a bit confused as her grandmother turned back to her with a smile.
"Dear, head back to the house. I'll be there in a bit. I think your father is making pancakes today." The old woman couldn't help but chuckle as the girl left running singing a tune.
"Making pancakes, making Black Cat Pancakes nya~ Take a black Cat and then put it in a pancake nya~" Sophia sang happily as she ran back home.
The older woman smiled but it slowly faded away as she turned back to the pond with a scowl. There was a small creature surrounded by black fog, glaring at her. It suddenly lunged but even though she is old, years of training and growing up in a land where there is peace does not stop her from putting her guard down. The creature screeched as it split in half as it fell to the ground. The older woman glared at it as twitched, her palm glowed, and a flame was created.
"You half dead shouldn't be here." She growled but the creature let out an inhuman cackle as it flickered.
"DOn'T thInK tHat ShE cAn eScaPe Fate! FaTe...cAnNOt Be ReSitEd. ShE bElOngS tO Lord G-SKRRREEEE!" They screamed as the flames engulfed it.
It twitched and trashed till not even its ashes remained. The old woman let go of a sigh as she looked back to her watch. Her grip on it tightened as she snarled.
"Over my dead body. I will never allow my granddaughter to suffer at the hands of that monster."
(-)
With one final trip to the capital, Sophia made her way to her miniature clinic. She was silent as she entered and nearly passed out right there at the door when she saw Ahura along with Dana.
"Sis!" Dana lunged at her like a rocket and the woman screamed as she fell backward but still caught him in her arms.
He gave her a toothy grin as the others chuckled as he helped her stand up.
"What are you doing here?!" Sophia gawked as the boy's parents walked up to them.
"We came to say goodbye." Dana muttered and Sophia looked to Ahura and Mustafa nodded, "You're leaving Plegia...aren't you?"
Sophia sighed a bit as she patted the boy's head.
"I am. I won't be able to come back for a while." She smiled sadly and the boy pouted.
"When can we see you again?" He asked and Sophia shook her head a bit.
"I don't know. But, I want you to have this." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a jade necklace.
The jade itself was cut into the shape of the Crest of Flames. Why did Sophia choose this? Because the kid is a little SpitFire when he gets sassy, like a certain gremlin. The necklace has been blessed by the fae to protect him and his family. She gently put the necklace on him and smiled.
"It's my gift to you. This isn't goodbye. We'll meet again someday." Sophia smiled softly and the boy hugged her tightly.
The woman hugged him back, gently caressing his head. What she felt now, was remorse that she is lying. With the situation she is in, she will never be able to come back to Plegia. She will have to be on the run or at least live someplace where no one could find her. It's the move of a coward but she wants them to be safe. She let go of the boy and stood up, looking towards Ahura and Mustafa. The woman smiled softly as she walked up with a parcel.
"Thank you for everything you have done not just for us, but for Plegia." The two women hugged each other tightly, "Be safe out there and live."
Sophia trying not to cry as she nodded and finally turned to Mustafa. The two stared at each other and he nodded, patting her head like a child.
"You have gone through thick and thin, now the real test begins the minute you walk into the battlefield." He muttered, "Good luck out there kid."
Sophia smiled nodded but also, she was waiting for Mustafa to say something. Seems the other two understood because they gave him a nod and left. There was tense silence till Mustafa spoke, letting out a small sigh.
"I'm curious as to why you saved the Ylisse Knight. You have your reasons, but I want to hear them from you." Mustafa said and Sophia nodded.
"He is Prince Chrom's retainer and...Exalt Emmyren...was a friend of his." She muttered and he nodded, "Before...I went missing, I made a promise to Emmyren that I would help her family. And Frederick is one of them." She looked up to him as she held her hands together, "I'm going to fight the war against Grimleal. Their reign of terror has gone far too long."
"I see... he closed his eyes for a moment, "But there is more to that, isn't it?"
"Yes." Sophia smiled a bit bitterly, "I have every intention to ruin the Grimleal. And...to pay back my debt to Lysithea. Unfortunately, the other reason I cannot speak of. I hope you understand."
Mustafa nodded as he let go of a sigh and patted her head once again.
"Best of luck out there. Take care of yourself, Sophia."
(-)
Arriving at the castle of Plegai after months felt odd. The place was empty for the most part except by the few mages and soldiers that defected from the army. They were using the resources of the castle to help rebuild the capital. The damage the war caused to the place was great. The damage the Risen Queen caused, made the place look as if it bombed multiple times. She walked around the halls of the palace, the tense feeling the castle is still there but not as bad as before. So, why was she here?
"This castle...how strange." Bryhildr muttered as she was in Sophia's shadow, "This is a sinister feeling here. It lingers but another thing...this place used to be warm." She looked around.
Sophia raised an eyebrow but smiled when she saw Aglas walking towards her. The cat purred happily as it licked its lips as it jumped up and made himself comfortable on her right shoulder. Claude was with Morgan.
"Did you enjoy your meal of Grimleal mages?" She smiled and the cat gave a happy meow.
Sophia chuckled a bit as she made a turn to the left and walked down the hallway. Eventually, she arrived at the library. There was no Validar, no Aversa, no Grimleal mages, she's going to take what she wants. And that, ladies, and gentlemen is the restricted section. Just because she was the "Shadow Exalt" didn't mean she had access to several things. Her movements as well as certain topics she wasn't allowed to do but that didn't stop her. She made a small ball of fire float around her to light her way.
"You're excited. I can see it all over your face." Brynhildr chuckled at the twinkle in Sophia's eyes, "I sense a few things here but...make a turn to the left."
The turn was made, and they arrived at a strange bookshelf. Brynhildr manifested and touched the spine of a book. Carefully pulling it out, it was a dark red book with gold lettering and a red ribbon for a marker. She handed into to Sophia, her eyes a bit hazed.
"This book is a record of bloodlines that have been part of the Plegia nation." She closed her eyes a bit, "The geological structure of the land has changed over the past thousands of years. This book...use it as a clue to find out about your ancestors." She muttered.
"Brynhildr..." Sophia sighed a bit, "It should no way be possible for Archaean blood to run through my veins. It's just not possible."
What surprised the woman was that the Deadlord patted her head, shaking her head a bit.
"This is not such things as 'not possible'. Time and space know no bounds. Fates intertwine in the most unusual ways. There are most likely others like you who were either taken from their world. Some perhaps even chose to leave or were reincarnated. Why they were brought or born into such worlds, only fate has the answers that are never meant to be known." She removed her hand and began to walk.
Sophia followed as looked through the shelves of the books, searching for a few ones that would be useful to them.
"For now, it is best to take what we can. Knowing you, you wish to take the entire library if you could." Sophia looked away, embarrassed.
Step.
Instantly the two stooped, the fire turned off immediately. Aglas quickly diver into the shadows to investigate. Through a crack of a shelf, Sophia looked through and saw the figure of what seemed to be a young man. However, they wore some sort of black cloak. Floating around him was a strange magic tool that was the shape of a diamond. It was purple and around it, was a metallic circular wheel. The diamond spun in its center as it floated around him. Brynhildr went back into Sophia's shadow and the woman knelt to hide her presence.
"Silent," Sophia muttered as, in her eyes, the area around her turned gray.
She hid her presence. This spell was drilled into her by her instructor. She eventually found out that he wasn't supposed to teach her the spell because Validar wanted to know her movements and location. At some point, the instructor just smiled and said it was a secret between them. The man walked around a bit, the magic tool floating around him was flashing different colors as if searching for something.
"I have a feeling he's new." Sophia thought as she continued to observe.
Annnnnnnddd, she was about to have a heart attack because the man was heading her way. She held her breath as she watched him pass a few feet in front of her, through the path of the bookshelves. Her nerves were getting the best of her as she watched him going to the alley in front of her and looking through the books.
"Tch." They clicked their teeth and suddenly turned towards Sophia's direction.
Carefully, she stood up, careful not to make a sound, and began to slowly walk back. She watched as the man kept looking through the books, but the sound of him clicking his teeth, he was starting to get frustrated. Again, she kept walking, careful not to make a sound. Thankfully, she always carried a few rocks in her pocket. She threw one in the opposite direction she was going. The rock landed with a loud THUNK, making a few books drop about 3 shelves away. The man suddenly stopped and stayed still for a minute. She couldn't tell if he made a face but by the way, he swiftly turned to go see what happened, Sophia quickly made her escape with the books she decided to take.
[-]
"Who was that?" Sophia muttered as she was now out of the library, safe and sound.
She was walking up the stairs to enter the third floor of the castle, also, as much as she hated it, she was going to enter raid Aversa's room. The rooms on the top floor were mostly that of nobles as well as a few others. She found Tharja's room quickly because the woman had described to her how her door looks like. Carefully opening the door, she went inside. Sophia was taken back. She expected Tharja's room to be dark and brooding but surprisingly it was very normal. Safe for the table filled with tomes and other materials. Henry already packed up his belongings and Sophia was packing up Tharja's to give them back to her. She brought her suitcase where her belongings would usually be. However, all those books and materials and such are in her magic closet.
"Alright." Sophia sighs as she tied up her hair, "Let's pack up what we can."
The first thing she did was go into the closet to pack up the mage's clothing. Tharja didn't have much clothing. Most of them were the same uniform that dark mages wear along with the warlock dress and one of the priestesses. Next, were her books. Tharja had at least one bookshelf crammed with books. All of them about dark magic, curses, and a variety of things Sophia will not open. Still, she found the book about the ancient magic of Hoshido to be very interesting along with the book about Nohr's magic. The fact Tharja was studying magic used by onmyoji... honestly made Sophia feel a bit excited. Carefully, she stacked the books and tied them together to make sure none of them got damaged. Now, this is where Sophia was very nervous. Tharja has a shelf full of ingredients used for curses, potions, and a variety of things. She made sure to pack and every little thing with care because she did not want to risk accidentally causing something to explode. She was glad Tharja didn't have much as she left the room, pulling the suitcase, heading now towards Aversa's.
Stopping in front of the woman's door, Sophia took a deep breath as she pushed it open. She cringed at the smells of perfumes filling the space. Essences had long burned out, allowing the scent to linger in the place. The shelves looked like they were made of very expensive wood and the beds and curtains were made of the finest silks and fabrics. As well as some expensive things could be seen everywhere. From clothing to jewelry and makeup. Along with tomes and a few magic tools.
"Wow. I...feel dirt poor just being here. Damn rich people." Sophia pinched the bridge of her nose and then put on a mask because she can't stand the overwhelming scents of candles, soaps, and perfumes.
It felt like she walked into Bath and Bodyworks! Aversa had a desk filled with makeup, perfume, and a giant mirror as well as a closet filled with clothing made Sophia question the woman's fashion sense. Aversa had selves of books that unfortunately had dark magic seals to prevent people from stealing them. So, she will not even go near it. Unfortunately, that also meant that important documents she wanted to look at were sealed away. She began searching through the room, hoping to find something or some sort of clue of the ritual that was used to her and the other person to this world. They wanted her as a priestess, but Sophia thought there was more to it than just being some sort of sacrifice. At least an hour passed from searching Aversa's room, careful to put everything back in its space because she didn't want the woman to come to hunt her down.
"Nothing." Sophia sighed as she finished looking through the drawers.
She even went as far as looking behind the portraits and paintings. She grabbed the suitcase, the only she's taking from Aversa's room was the bag of gold coins she found stashed under the bed. She held her breath as she walked down the hallway to the one-room she didn't want to go but must. The door alone gave off an unsettling vibe as she took a deep breath and opened it. She peaked her head bit in to look inside the room. The inside of the room was painted with colors of purple, gold, and black. Shelves made of black wood along with the desk. A large table filled with tomes, materials for potions, and spells. The curtains were closed, only will-o-wisp that were trapped in glass jars lit up the place. Portraits of past Grimleal leaders lined the walls. Each one with an unsettling look in their eyes. It was as if the portraits were watching her every move. She looked around, seeing stacks of papers neatly piled on the desk. However, what caught her eye was a single large portrait that was next to Validar's. The former Grimleal leaders were just the man himself. Validar's piercing eyes looked as if they bore into her soul as she looked at it. She shivered and looked at the next portrait of two people. The frame was made of maple wood that showed no sign of aging despite how ancient it is. The painting itself looked fresh as if recently restored. The two individuals on it gave a strange feeling. The first one was a man. Gray-colored hair that was a bit spiky but was combed neatly. He wore a dark robe of a warlock, with colors of gold black, and purple.
Dark gold eyes that held some sort of warmth yet the smile the man wore was one people use when they are forced to smile for a picture. His hands were held another. Sitting on a chair, was a woman. She wore a dark green ball gown with gold and silver embroidery sewed into the shape of spider lies and roses. Her shoulders were exposed as she wore gold cuffs on her shoulders. They held the same-colored fabric that the dress was. However, that wasn't the most unsettling part. The area where the face of the woman would be blank. A blank face, even the hair was not there. Just a bald blank head. The closer Sophia looked, she felt nauseous. She noticed the wrist joints were sphere puppet joints. Yet, they held the man's right hand as if they were a real person.
"Who...is this?" Sophia covered her mouth, feeling like she wanted to vomit. She quickly went to the curtains and threw them open.
Allowing some form of light to properly illuminate the room. She coughed and looked back to the portrait. Her eyes traveled to the description of the painting.
"For our great founder, he who created the darkness. The Void of never-ending swallows all. The Great Founder Forneus and his beloved, a gift from his followers. For she takes on the image he desires." - Portrait of the Mirror Puppet
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
Sophia whipped around the minute she heard another voice speak. She was supposed to be alone, but luck has other ideas. Brynhildr instantly materialized and stood in front of her as her violet eyes glared furiously at the mage that stood in front of the portrait. It had been a long time since Sophia had seen Validar but never once forgot his appearance. Dark-colored skin, crimson eyes that bore into anyone's soul. Robes of black and purple with gold jewelry and armor. Hair colored black and a long goatee. With his hands behind his back, he looked at the portrait as he stood in front of his desk. Aglas hissed loudly, readying itself to kill as well as Brynhildr. The mage only smiled as they turned to her.
"We finally meet, Lady Sophia. Without interruptions. Without the Ylisse worms in the way." Validar spoke in a calm voice as the woman looked back to him with a void face.
"Indeed..." She muttered as he turned a bit back to the portrait.
"This painting was commissioned 2,000 years ago by the founding father of Grimleal and the first to form a pact with our God. Forneus the Wise and The Creation formed a pact just how Naga did with the First Exalt." His eyes traveled to the blank-faced woman, "The one sitting next to him, is his precious wife. Alas," he turned to her with a small smirk, "Her name has been lost in time. The only thing that remains of her is that she is the Founding Mother of Anti-Magic."
"...What do you want?" Sophia hissed as her hands balled into fists, a thin crackle of lightning formed around them.
"Such thing I want does not come from you, but my daughter. You know very well why." His smile became vicious.
"I can kill him. Just give me the order." Brynhildr snarled and the man chuckled.
"So this is the Deadlord born from the ritual. Unfortunately, she nothing but a hatchling compared to The Risen Queen and the others." He chuckled and Bryhildr lunged at him.
"Brynhildr!" Sophia yelled as she reached out her hand, but it was too late.
The Deadlord roared as she brought down her staff to strike him down, but the man only smiled as his hand gripped the staff tightly. Brynhildr gasped and quickly jumped back, the staff turning to dust, reappearing in her hand.
"Are you done?" The mage said in a bored tone and Sophia raised her hand.
Brynhildr wanted to protest but Sophia shook her head. The Deadlord had no choice but to step back but glared at the Grimleal mage.
"Much better." Validar chuckled as Sophia was silent but spoke.
"You got answers and I want them." Sophia said coldly, "What on earth did you do to drag me to this world? I have no relationship to it and it should be impossible for me to even exist here. The same with the other you brought here." She glared.
"Conditions are necessary but to our surprise, you fit those conditions perfectly. It took some time to prepare the ritual. Especially since we brought back The Child Hunts. Researching the ancient scrolls of Loptous took years till finally, we reached the conditions." He reached his hand out and pointed to her with a vicious smile, "Who would have thought that finding the perfect offering, would lead us to the knowledge of the Outrealm gates."
"Haha!" Sophia laughed, "What conditions would those be? I'm just a doctor who was born with a horrified mother. What value did I and the other have? We're just commoners." She hissed.
"Is that so?" His smile grew, "Then why are your hands stained with the blood of a sinner?"
"What?" Sophia scoffed, "Of course my hands are stained with the blood of sinners. I took lives to survive in this world."
She narrowed her eyes as they laughed.
"You truly don't understand what I am saying do you?" The mage laughed and pointed to her hands, "Those hands were stained with blood long before you became a doctor. Isn't that correct..." he looked up to her, "Stained with the blood of your mother who you nearly killed out of self-defense."
The grin Sophia had was wiped off in an instant as her eyes went wide as the mage smirked. He took a step towards her, his eyes boring into her soul as he continued to speak.
"A young girl, no older than 16 years, fought for her life and siblings against the woman who birth to you. She was such and a fit of rage that she chose to lash out at you." Another step towards her, "She was on the verge of severally wounding your brother, you lunged at her, wrestled her, but the result was near massacre." He chuckled, "You took the knife from her hands and all hatred you had towards her took over you. You did not hesitate in stabbing her in her shoulders. Too bad you couldn't finish the job. She ran." He stopped in front of her.
Before Brynhildr could react, she was thrown back and Aglas has well. Sophia didn't even have a chance to make a move before she was held by her neck and suspended. She gasped and clawed at his hand desperately. The man only applied a bit of pressure, not enough to cut off all the air but enough to keep her gasping. He chuckled as he looked up to her.
"You should be honored for such a privilege. No matter what you do...Fate..." he brought her down and directly looked into her eyes, "can not be resisted."
In a tornado of black flames, he disappeared as she dropped to the ground, gasping for air. She coughed and gasped as she rubbed her neck a bit. The spell on Aglas and Brynhildr was released, the two running to her.
"Are you injured?!" The dead lord frantically held her face and was moving it a bit around to check for injuries on her neck.
"Like a doting mother..." Sophia thought as Brynhildr used to heal on her neck. "I was not expecting him to be here." She sighs a bit as she was helped to stand up.
"I thought he was supposed to be dead," Brynhildr muttered and the woman shook her head.
"He's alive. He was just in hiding. I don't know why he chose to reveal himself to me but I still have a bad feeling about it." She sighed she looked back to the portrait, "So that is Forneus..."
She walked up to the portrait and pulled on the portrait's frame. She lifted it a bit and her suspicions were right, there was something behind it. It was a bit stuck on the picture, but she managed to pull it out. It was a letter with a wax seal but the symbol on it was a robin.
"The mage that left 21 years ago...that could do magic without a tome...she was Validar's wife. And the mother of Robin." Sophia sighed a bit as she put the letter in her bag and looked around the room again.
Honestly, part of her was hoping to find Grimleal's Truth since she already knows of Grima's true origins. However, what she did not know and what was revealed to her today was new.
"I wouldn't even consider believing what that man said about the founder of Grimleal and his wife," Brynhildr muttered as they found only one thing that was useful to them.
A book about the Risen and how to create them. While Sophia does know necromancy because it was drilled into her, she refuses to use it.
"Let's go."
[-]
Hours passed and it was night already. Sophia, Henry, Morgan, and Frederick had everything packed and were ready to set off. Morgan would be riding with Henry because of the plan they have set up.
"Are you going to tell them?" Brynhildr muttered in her mind as Sophia mounted Petra.
She wore the armor of a dark flier and her chakrams on her sides.
"No. Especially not now. One year. One year." Sophia thought and Brynhildr nodded.
"How long will it take us to reach the battlefield?" Frederick asked as he climbed his horse, who she learned is named Bucky.
"Two weeks. But by the time we arrive, the battle will be long over. Right now, based on how much time has passed, the Ylisse/Ferox Army will clash with Gangrel's in two days." Sophia said as she turned to him, "The most I can do is warp us near the place. We'll be two days away just like the army. However, I'm going to say this now." Her face was serious, "The minute we arrive at the war, it will most likely the battle began. We will split. We go our separate ways from there."
"I understand." Frederick nodded, "I will search for Chrom and the others. Henry and Morgan will go our allies. But..." he looked at her concerned, "what about you?"
"...I have my role, you have yours." She sighed and turned to look at Henry and Morgan, "Be careful out there."
"We will." The two mages grinned, and she turned to Frederick.
"Be safe out there." She smiled a bit softly to him and the man nodded, giving her his own soft smile.
She raised her arms to the sky, the Realm Stone glowed brightly on her chest as the magic circle appeared underneath them. The wyverns and horses were a bit spooked, but they were calmed.
"Everyone ready?" Sophia yelled and they all gave a firm nod.
With a flick of her wrist, the magic circle glowed brightly and warped them away.
[-]
It was the next morning after they rode all night. Taking breaks between time to feed their units as well as eat themselves but what was unsettling was how empty the area was. Villages they passed were empty, they would usually be filled with people. But considering the war was so close, people had to abandon their homes. The village they stopped in was empty, a ghost town. Stalls that had fruits and vegetables were becoming spoil because of the constant change of temperature of the environment. Homes were empty, almost all things of no value were left. Only old wooden chairs and furniture were left.
"Sigh..." Sophia sighed as she looked around the village.
Mirages of children running happily around. Villagers chatting and walking around the place. Merchants and vendors selling their items to make coin. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see it was Frederick. The man looked at the village in silence.
"Can you tell me what the village was like?" He muttered and she knew he was trying to cheer her up a bit.
"Well..." she pointed to the stalls that had spoiled fruit, "during this time of year it is the New Year. I learned that in Plegia, New Year's are celebrated for a few weeks. The stalls would have different merchandise from different places." She then pointed to the hill not too far from the village, "The villagers would pack food and drinks for friends and family. They would head to the hill with a blanket, setting it on the grass to sit down. Together, they watch the rise. It symbolizes new dawn, a brand-new year but also a new beginning." She turned to Henry, who was smiling.
"Did I get that right?" She asked and he gave her two thumbs up.
"Yup! But you forgot one thing." He quickly pointed to the two, "Couples kiss when the new dawn arises!"
Sophia just raised an eyebrow along with Frederick, but she then looked to the horizon...
The sun was rising.
Meaning new dawn.
They were near the hills and had just eaten some fruit.
And her and Fred-!
"YOU'RE JUST MAKING THAT UP!" Sophia screeched once she realized why he was pointing at them.
"I do not understand." Frederick looked at the two confused, "Sophia, why are you red?"
"N-Nothing! N-Nothing! Henry is just messing with us!" Sophia stuttered and quickly went ahead.
The knight was confused and shook his head as he followed her.
"Henry..." Morgan pouted, "Well, you tried." He shrugged.
"But the result was worth it!"
[-]
Riding through the desert fields after so long brought back feelings of when she first arrived. As much as she wished to reminisce about the old days, it wasn't an option. They have been going non-stop and the sight that met them wasn't pretty.
"Whoa!" Frederick pulled Bucky's reins as did the other two for their wyverns.
On top of the rocky hill, they were, and they could see the battlefield below. Soldiers of Plegai that chose to remain loyal to Gangrel fought against the Ylisse and Ferox ones. Bodies of those that fallen were all over the place. Fire and smoke all around. Explosions caused by mages in battle, bodies flying and dropping from the skies are wyvern, griffon, and Pegasus riders clashed. The final for and castle far the end, where Gangrel stands. The Mad King was clearly frustrated as he roared out orders to his generals. Derrick and Arca were locked in a vicious battle in the sky with their wyverns. Lon'qu, Felix, and Lysithea fought side by side, watching each other's backs as they fought the Berserkers. Lissa fought besides Donnel, one with an ax and the other with a lance. The Shepherds all fighting along with the Khans. She spotted Olivia and...
"Henry and Morgan! Go help the pink-haired dancer now! She's surrounded!"
"HYA!" Henry instantly pulled the reins of Asha (Sophia: Fuck it! His name is Ashe from now on!), and off he went to help Olivia.
"This is where we part." Sophia turned to Frederick, "Live."
"You as well!" He yelled and both let out their war cries as they charged to the field.
The skies were Sophia's territory, and the land was Frederick's. With chakrams drawn out, Petra rocketed through the sky as Sophia cut down Plegain wyvern riders. The bodies dropping, she never once hurt the wyverns.
"Rah!" A wyvern rider charged at her with their lance and she quickly pulled the reins, allowing Petra to spill like a drill at them.
Blood splattered on her face as the blade of her chakram slashed through the chest of the wyvern rider, their body falling off and the wyvern flying away. The pattern repeats as she twists and turns through the sky like a dancer. Her movements were graceful as she flew through the sky.
[-]
Henry had a cheeky grin as the pink-haired dancer turned crimson because he had literally swooped down and plucked her from the ground to safety. Followed by an explosion behind them because Morgan dropped magic bombs at them made the scene more exciting.
"W-Wha? W-Who are you?!" Olivia screeched as Ashe dodge down, allowing Morgan to jump onto Plegain Wyvern rider and push them off.
"I'm the scary mage here to set fire to Gangrel and his soldiers! Nyhahaha!" Henry cackled and unfortunately for him, Olivia looked like a shivering mouse cornered by a cat.
"W-Wait..." Henry quickly said, "But in all seriousness, my friend and I are allies. We've come to aid Ferox and Ylisse." He pointed towards a different part of the field.
Sully, Stahl, and Vaike and their battalions broke into louder cheers when Frederick bulldozed through like a monster. The Ylisse and Ferox roared even louder as his horse stood on its two hind legs, neighing proudly as he held up the Emperor's Lance high in the air.
"Shepherds charge forward! Take control of the central and northern-west forts!" Frederick roared and war cries were unleashed all over the field.
[-]
"Frederick...He's alive! Haha!" Chrom yelled as he couldn't believe his eyes.
Robin coughed but grinned as she cast a heal on the prince. Chrom couldn't help but grin and the knight sent him a nod as he charged to the forts.
"Let's go Chrom!" Robin yelled as she wields her Leviathan sword and Chrom the Falchion.
High at one of the hills, Alm and Lucina watched as the battle went on.
"So, this is the war of Ylisse and Plegia...It's...a lot more horrifying seeing it in person." Alm gulped as he looked all over the place.
"As much as I wish we could help, we cannot. We need—Gasp!" Lucina's eyes went wide when she saw the stark blue on the battlefield.
With his time in hand, Morgan roared as he cast magic from on top of the wyvern he snatched. Henry close by with Olivia using her chakrams like boomerangs to cut their enemies down. A feeling of relief filled the princess seeing her brother was alive, but she was NOT happy to see him fighting in a war!
"Alm, cover me!" Lucina yelled and he nodded.
[-]
10 minutes.
20 minutes.
With each minute the battle was becoming bloodier. More and more bodies piled up as she continued forward but most of all, the number of bodies piled up. The Shepherds were breaking through and at least two more forts they have taken control of. As for her, Sophia was covered from head to toe in the blood of her enemies and has managed to tend to those that were heavily injured. But for now, she was following after Chrom and Robin. She wants to be the one to take down Gangrel unfortunately that is not her role. She spotted a Ylisse Pegasus Knight unit being led by an elite knight but the Pegasus they were riding is...
"Ingrid."
Placing two fingers on her lips, Sophia whistled loudly. A specific whistle that was taught to her by her grandparents. The pegasus began neighing loudly, suddenly trashing around because it recognized the whistle. The knight screams and holds tight onto the reins but unfortunately, Ingrid was stronger and suddenly raised her knees high in the air. She sped off like a rocket towards the sky and the poor knight was desperately trying to rein control. Sophia was not expecting Ingrid to go on a rampage the second they reunited. Right now, her priority was saving that pegasus knight.
"Petra!" Sophia screamed as the wyvern roared and zoomed towards the pegasus knight.
Ingrid was thrashing around, trying to get them off and at the rate, it was going, the knight was going to end up seriously injured.
Out nowhere, Ingrid bolted higher with far too much force. The reins broke and the knight was sent flying off. The female screamed as she fell and thankfully Sophia was quicker because Ingrid also dove down at that moment. She managed to get close enough to jump off and land onto the pegasus and Petra had zoomed down and caught the knight in her saddle. The woman was shaking because she never had such an experience before and ripped off her helmet. She panted and turned to Sophia who was still wrestling for control.
"Ingrid come on! *WHISTLE*" Sophis yelled and did the whistle louder.
Finally, she got the reins under control as she gave a hard pull and Ingrid finally calmed down. The pegasus let out huffs but happy whines to see her again.
"I missed you too." She whispered as she petted their head and turned to look at Petra.
However, seeing who the pegasus knight was, made her blood run cold. Crimson colored hair that flowed beautifully in the wind like flames. Crimson colored eyes that reminded her of rubies. The pegasus knight wore a red custom armor with wing-like pins on her hair. Yet, the woman was gasping for her as she turned to her, shocked.
"Can you still fly?!" Sophia blurted out quickly as she made Ingrid fly a bit closer.
"Y-Yes." Cordelia could barely say, and Sophia put Petra's reins in her hands, "Wha?"
"Flying a wyvern is exactly like flying a pegasus! The only difference is that wyverns are more flexible!" She turned to look a Petra, "Petra is the fastest wyvern in Plegia and will be at your command!"
"Wait what?! Who are you?! You can't just suddenly take my pegasus!" Cordelia looked at her shocked and Sophia glared.
"That doesn't matter right now! I'm an ally and I need to get to Robin and the others!" Sophia yelled and suddenly heard another explosion.
It was coming from the 5th fort. She slammed the reins on Cordelia's hands and looked her in the eye.
"Go! Petra! Ve! Ayúdala y escucha sus órdenes!" Sophia ordered and the wyvern let out a roar of confirmation.
Cordelia was hesitant but nodded, taking the reins quickly and pulled them.
"Hyaaa!" The knight roared and charged in the direction of the 5th fort.
She made a motion with her hand and her squad quickly followed behind her, holding up their lances and bows as they let out their war cries. Sophia sighed and glared at Ingrid.
"I don't know why but I feel like someone in a different land is giving a murderous glare for nearly accidentally killing the woman." The pegasus just huffed and gave her a small nudge, "Let's go. We need to catch up." And she snapped the reins.
Ingrid took off flying towards the direction of the final fort, where Gangrel stood. His most loyal were being cut down one by one and she could see not too far, Arca getting her assed kicked.
"Derrick really is angry at her." She muttered when he suddenly turned to a dragon, roaring at the girl.
She was getting closer to the area; she could see bodies all over the place. Algas's voice suddenly popped in her mind as she was flying closer.
"There they are!" Aglas yells in her mind as they finally spotted Robin and Chrom fighting Gangrel.
"Gods, that battle looks brutal." Sophia bit her lip as she felt the shockwaves of Falchion clashing with the Leviathan Sword Gangrel wields. Robin unleashing Thorn made her look like a lightning queen. The battle was vicious. She could hear them shouting.
"Come, princeling! I've sharpened my sword just for you!" Gangrel laughed madly as his Leviathan sword crackled.
"My sister wished for our people to know peace, Gangrel. As long as you breathe, it can never come." Chrom raised his sword, "FOR YLISSE!"
"FOR YLISSE!" Robin roared and the three lunged.
Sophia nodded and about to turn but...
"Look out!"
Just barely the woman manages to create a barrier around Ingrid and herself to deflect the Fire attack that was aimed at them. The wind seemed to blow stronger as she heard wings flapping. The heavy scent of perfume filled her nostrils, and she knew who this was. Sophia's grin became wicked when she saw the one responsible glaring at her with murderous intent as she looked up.
"Hello, Aversa."
The Dark Flier didn't speak as she simply raised her hands that crackled with black flames, ready to finish her off. Her white hair flowed in the wind making her look like a spirit come to strike her down. But Sophia had no intention of dying on this field.
"How dare you show your face here you a traitor?" Aversa snarled as Sophia raised her own hands.
"To finish the job." With a snap of her fingers, Sophia's hands crackle with black lightning, the green in her eyes turning crimson.
It was time, to finish the job.
The two launched at each other, their tomes glowing brightly in front of them as they unleashed spell after spell. Flames clashed with lightning creating explosions. Ice and wind clashed and create hail. Light and darkness clashed as opposites creating rippling effects. It was a bloody field. Spell after spell unleashed. Sophia held on tightly onto Ingrid's reins as the pegasus dashed through the sky. Aversa fired multiple shots at her and Sophia pulled out one of her chakrams to fight. Her clothing was already nearly burned off because she had been hit by a few fire spells. Aversa was in a similar state as her but...
"What the..."
Black magic began to gather above Aversa in the shape of a sphere.
"Arrgh...Kuh!" Aversa gritted her teeth as she focused her energy to kill the woman.
Anger and resentment, she gathered all the negative emotions in the battlefield into one. Her tome glowed a brilliant purple as the magic circled her.
"Suffer." That was all Aversa said as she held her arms up.
Sophia could barely comprehend the size of the spell. It felt like she was looking at a combination of Meteor and Miasma Δ. But the size of it would kill everyone around her. If the attack landed, the damage it would cause would be catastrophic. Even the Pelgain soldiers were becoming terrified. From down the battlefield, Frederick's eyes went wide in horror as he saw the size of it. The Shepherds that were on the battlefield couldn't believe it.
"ALL OF YOU DIE!" Aversa roared and swung her arms down.
"No one is going to make it at this rate," Sophia muttered and gave a quick look to the others below.
She placed an extra barrier spell on Ingrid and looked back to the field. Her eyes landed on Frederick, who looked at her shocked, shaking his head a bit once he realized what she was about to do.
"Goodbye." She muttered with a soft smile and turned to look back to the giant Miasma Δ.
"INGRID!" She yelled and pulled the reins hard.
The pegasus neighed loudly as it understood her master's orders and charged at it.
Sophia raised her hands up and then clapped her hands together. Magic symbols began to swirl all around her as a magic circle formed behind her. She then made her right-hand face down and began muttering a spell.
"Elements of Arcadia."
"Let the Hymn play."
"Let the brand of light and darkness fade away."
"It took me a while, but I finally figured it out. Why my body reacted the way it did to the earth veins...no, Dragon Veins." Sophia thought as she kept muttering the spells.
She was glad she researched the History of Hoshido and Nohr as well as the magic they used. She felt the familiar sting in her veins as they became visible all over her body. The more she chanted the barrier was becoming bigger and bigger. She was pushing it. She kept muttering spell after spell, her blood felt like it was boiling yet she didn't stop.
"Enough! You're pushing it too much!" Brynhildr yelled in her mind but Sophia gritted her teeth.
"I don't care! I'm not letting the people I care about die!" Sophia roared as she charged forward.
The Miasma clashed with the barriers she created, and she could hear cracking. She knew the barriers weren't perfect, but this was a delay as she was trying to activate the Dragon Vein. She's in the sky yet she should be directly touching the ground but right now, she needs to activate it.
CRACK!
Another layer broke and at the rate, it was going, they weren't going to make it. She forcibly opened the Book of Naga, pain, unlike anything she ever felt, far worse than the torture she endured for 7 days and nights. It surged through her body as she screamed, her hands felt like they were burning as she was doing in her power to push back the Miasma. Brynhildr was screaming and helping her as much as she could but her body was burning up. The Dragon Vein on the ground activated and glowed brightly all over the battlefield. She gritted her teeth, she felt she was going to faint, but she thought about those she met. Henry, Tharja, Lysithea, Morgan, Mustafa, Ahura, Dana, Derrik, Felix, Anna, Lucina, Alm, Frederick, everyone. They mean more to her. She roared as she kept pushing back, the lamp in her body now glowing brightly with the Book of Naga. The Dragon Vein unleashing its power all over the battlefield. Her clothing was burning away, her skin cracking like glass.
"I can't...pass out...not..now!" She growled and she was starting to see spots but...
"Let me help."
It was like a miracle had happened before her. A gentle hand played itself on her shoulder as she saw next to her the faint outline of a woman. Olive green colored hair and eyes, pointy ears. The woman smiled softly at her yet tears fell from Sophia's eyes when she realized who it was.
"You're..." Sophia sobbed and Tiki smiled softly.
"It's alright. Now let's finish this."
With one final war cry, Sophia screamed as power surged through her body and to her hands. The giant miasma began cracking more and more.
"RRRAAAHHHHH!"
CRACK, CRACK, CRACK!
The sound of shattering glass filled the entire land as the blinding light took over. The land sang its song as the Marisa shattered like glass. The light faded away slowly. Those below carefully opening their eyes. Many gasped when they saw the once desert battlefield was blooming trees and life. Grass fields as far as the eye could see. Trees far and wide, flowers all over. Frederick looked up to the sky and spotted Ingrid still flying as the light faded yet...
Her right hand was out as the shadow covered her eyes. Her clothing was burned, her skin cracked like glass. Her skin burned as she did not move one inch. Aversa roared furiously because she looked just as horrible as her. Sophia panted as she watched Aversa fly up into the sky.
Blood.
She was covered from head to toe in blood. Her veins burned as if they were in a fire as the noise around her faded away. The only thing she could hear was her own panting as she raised her right hand. It burned. Everything in her body screamed for her to stop. But she did not care. Not when a bloody battlefield was right underneath her. She could feel eyes on her, yet she could barely make out that Chrom was soon going to land the final blow on Gangrel. She panted.
The scent of smoke burned her lungs.
The scent of iron contaminated her mouth.
The screams are filled with rage towards one another yet in a way, they are justified.
The final battle has come. She could see Chrom and Robin about to take Gangrel down as she gritted her teeth. Aversa was in no better shape than she. Body bloodied, bruised, cut, and burned from magical attacks and their blades clashing. This was her final battle. This was a battle she must win. The black tome floated in front of her as Aversa did the same with Shade. Their right hands raised, one crackling with black lighting while the other with silver. They were desperate. A battle that must be won. Everything riding on this victory, she must. Sophia's lungs burn as she let out her war cry, pulling Ingrid's reins, the Dark Flier lunged to the other. It must be won. She cannot lose. At the same time, Aversa did the same. She let out a scream of fury, unlike anything she had ever done. The two, ready to fight till death.
For this is the final dance in the skies.
Their hands clashed viciously, each gritting their teeth as they desperately tried to overpower the other. Black and silver clashed furiously. Magic building up, ready to take down the enemy.
"I'm starting to fade!" Sophia thought she felt she was starting to her overwhelmed by Aversa.
The silver-haired witch grinning viciously, read to overcome her.
"I can't lose! I can't!" Sophia roared and the lamp in her heart responded.
Her magic glowed brightly as it spread like veins all over her right arm. Her right eye began throbbing and suddenly it was bleeding. Aversa roared but Sophia would not let her win.
"I finally have a home. A place where I belong! I will not let you destroy it!" Sophia roared and finally, overpowered Aversa. The witch's veins began to glow all over her left arm that she was using to channel magic. Her left eye began bleeding as the veins spread all over the left side of her face. Visions began to flash before her eyes her resolves waver. It was enough.
"Mama! Papa!"
A little girl being held by two adults. She felt warm and safe. Suddenly the science changed to all those around her killed. She screaming to be let go by a man. The man laughed as she kept running and running. Anytime she met someone new and she grew to care for them, they were killed. That man kept appearing and laughing.
"No matter where you run Aversa, I will always find you."
"AAAHHHHHH!" Aversa screamed and their magic exploded.
The blinding light took over once more and faded quickly. A sizzling sound was heard as many looked up. At the same moment, Chrom dealt the final blow, beheading King Gangrel. Sophia was silent, just barely conscious, and looked at the witch. Aversa's eyes were wide, blood pouring from her left eye, her skin burned, her eyes white and wide as smoke came from her. Her hand dropped and she fell from her Pegasus, down to the ground. Sophia was in the same state and she just barely registered that someone caught Aversa mid-air and warped away. Victorious roars filled the land. Masses of Plegain soldiers that had chosen to fight to surrender quickly. The roars became louder as Chrom held the Falchion high in the air, Robin, supporting him as best as she could.
Bubump.
"Is...it...over...?" Sophia's voice was barely a whisper as well as Brynhildr's, who answered.
"Yes...it is." The DeadLord muttered and Sophia smiled softly as her eyes moved up to look at the sky.
"I see...I'm...so...glad..." she closed her eyes, letting the darkness take its toll.
[—]
For the woman, the war was over as she uttered her final sentence. Her hand fell heavily, and she slid off the saddle of her Pegasus and began falling from the sky. Screams could be heard once those that were looking realized she was falling. Ingrid neighed loudly but unfortunately was not fast enough to catch her because she too was weak.
"HYA!" Frederick snapped the reins of his stallion quickly and charged towards her.
Up to one of the forts, the steed ran and then jumped. Frederick quickly caught her in his arms, holding onto her tightly as his free hand-pulled onto the reins and his steed landed safely. Ingrid swooped down and neighing loudly, but Cordelia was close by along with Lon'qu. The crimson-haired woman jumped off Petra and quickly managed to calm down the pegasus. The two gave the knight a nod, yet all Frederick could look at the woman in his arms in horror. Her skin was cracked like glass, the cracks glowing a bit. Part of her clothing was burned off as well as some of her skin was burned and cut. She was bleeding from her right eye and saw the cracks had formed on the right side of her face. She was covered from head to toe in blood.
"Oh gods...No..." the knight could barely choke out and her eyes flutter open just a bit.
They were glassy, dazed, and she only moved her eyes towards him.
"I'm..." her voice was just barely a whisper as she weakly raised her hand, it touched his cheek as she smiled softly, "I'm...so...glad...you're...safe.." those were her last words as her injuries took ahold of her, her hand slumped.
"HEALER! I HEALER!"
He yelled as had his steed run and thankfully one was nearby.
"I'M HERE!" He turned and saw Lissa bolting his way with Donnel just right behind her, "Frederick, you're alive!" She yelled but gasped in horror when she saw the woman in his arms.
"Please...help her." The man could barely say, and the woman nodded firmly as she began treating her wounds.
No wars are won without a price.
[—]
And with that, the Plegia Arc is over! Thank you all so much for reading and hope you all look forward to the next upcoming chapters. If you want to see previews and talk to more authors or want writing advice, come join the Fanfiction TreeHouse Discord!
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