"Good Gods...This is just...Miriel! Please bring the Blessed Water!"
In the medical tent, it was filled with soldiers and mages that needed to be healed as well as their generals. Blonde hair was tied into a high ponytail as the man wore a white coat to try and protect himself from the number of blood patients were spilling. Libra channeled white magic into his right hand as the body in front of him was lifted a bit from the chest. The woman, who he learned is named Sophia, was in such a state he didn't even know if she was going to make it.
"Miriel asked how many!" He heard Lysithea yell from the next-door tent as she was busy operating on those that had severe wounds. She was using the medical skills that were passed onto her.
"AS MANY AS SHE CAN HOLD!" Libra roared because the extraction of corruption was the key to the woman surviving.
Gods, she looked like a porcelain doll on the verge of shattering at any second. Lissa was pouring as much of her white magic to strengthen the extraction but it was becoming clear no matter how much they used, something was negating it. Miriel scurried over as fast as she could, ripping off the corks from the bottles of the Blessed War. She began pouring them on top of Libra's hands, watching as finally, some sort of response was happening. A wisp of black smoke was slowly coming out of Sophia's body but...
"Ah...Ah...AAAHHHHHHHHHH!"
A piercing scream suddenly ripped from her throat that nearly made everyone stop but they kept going. Lissa, unfortunately, stumbled back, knocking over Sophia's bag onto the floor. The black tome fell out along with the Book of Naga. The girl panicked and picked them up, placing them on the table. However, the Book of Naga reacted in her hands.
"Eh?" Lissa could barely comprehend what just happened as the tome glowed brightly in her hands.
The tomes light poured out like water, engulfing the entire camp. Yet, the light did not burn. Carefully, Lissa opened her eyes and blinked multiple times. Soldiers that were gravely injured sat up and saw their injuries healed. Soon, the entire camp was filled with cheers of soldiers and people alike. Those that were near death were hugged tightly but their friends and comrades. Running footsteps could be heard and suddenly the tent flap went flying.
"WHAT HAPPENED?!" Chrom burst in along with Robin, unfortunately for the couple, their faces were flushed red.
Oh my~
"Chrom, why is your face red?" Lissa narrowed her eyes at her brother and then to Robin, who quickly fixed the side of her coat.
"Nothing you need to worry about." He said a bit too quickly and Lissa just gave them a knowing look, "Anyhow, are you all alright? That light just engulfed everyone."
"I found it odd because all the injuries we had are healed." Robin spoke after fixing her coat, "However, those that were injured by magic weren't completely healed, unfortunately."
"We're alright my lord." Libra assured them, "However..." he looked back to Sophia.
The last of the black mist left her body however, the scars were now pink and a bit fresh, bleeding a bit.
"Lissa and Miriel, I leave you two to finish patching her," Libra said and the two women nodded, closing the curtains.
Lissa sighed as she placed the tome down on the table and helped Miriel remove the woman's clothes. However, the sight made the princess cover her mouth in horror. Her entire body was covered in scars that looked like cracked glass. Only the left side of her face did not have any. But what caught Lissa's attention was the strange marking on the center of the woman's chest, just above her heart.
"Hey, Miriel...does this marking look strange?" Lissa carefully pointed to it.
"It does..." the mage muttered, "It looks similar to the Brand of Naga."
"How strange..." Lissa sighed, "Let's patch her up."
"After we're all done, we're going to have to contact Martha." Lissa cringed immediately at the mention of that name.
"Do we have to?" Lissa whined and Miriel gave her a look.
"Yes, we do."
"Can't we just let Frederick contact her?"
"You know very well he avoids her too."
[-]
"Glad to see you again kiddo!"
"UNCLE DERRICK AND AUNT THARJA!"
Morgan ran into Derrick's arms and the man spun him and Tharja smiled a bit as the man put the boy down. Henry chuckled as he walked into the tent, his arms spread out.
"Aren't I going to get a hug?" And Morgan gave him a blank face.
"No."
"How cruel! Nyahaha!"
The mage laughed as the other three rolled their eyes but smiled.
"But in all seriousness," Tharja muttered, "it is good to have both back."
"Same." Derrick nodded, "But why did you suddenly call me and Tharja, Uncle and Aunt?"
"Habit." The boy grinned and they nodded.
"Glad to hear that." Henry chuckled, "But...I need to speak to you, Derrick. It's serious."
The atmosphere became tense and the man nodded. His way of saying he did not mind it being spoken with others around. Henry nodded and spoke.
"It's about General Heriot." Derrick frowned, "I understand if you don't want to know anything about him but I seriously think you should know this." Henry looked at him seriously.
"Just spit it out." Derrick glared.
"I did not see him on the battlefield...at all." Henry muttered, "Not single one. I know he was one of Gangrel's top generals but the fact he wasn't present at all is disturbing. If he had deserted, we would have seen him at the capital with Mustafa, but we didn't." Derrick was silent, "What are your thoughts?"
"I don't know..." Derrick muttered, "I honestly do not know what to feel. He raised me when I was 15 in human years. By human years, I'm 22 years old. He raised me...He still is like a father to me...I just..." he ran his fingers through his hair, licking his lips a bit, "I don't know. If he was among the dead, I would have caught his scent immediately."
"So there is a chance he is alive." Tharja muttered as she chewed on her nail, "Aversa is also alive. When she fell, I saw someone catch her and then warp away. I don't know who it was. And what about Arca?"
"The last I saw her, she has blasted away." Morgan said, "Gangrel is dead also since Prince Chrom lapped off that sick head of his like Skkkttt!" He made a slice motion across his neck.
"Morgan, Henry's personality is rubbing off on you." Tharja frowned.
"Nyahahaha! Good job boy! Ready to commit heresy?!" Henry laughed and a few of the nearby soldiers looked at them horrified.
"Uncle...please not now."
[-]
In the prince's (now future exalt) tent, a happy reunion was going on. Chrom could not help but hug his friend tightly, seeing he was alive.
"I'm beyond happy to you alive my friend!" Chrom sniffed and the two sat down, "I just can't believe it...How? I thought...I thought you were crushed under rubble."
"I thought the same. But..." he won't admit it but when his eyes first landed on Sophia when she saved him, he thought Naga had come to welcome his soul to the heavens.
The reason he thought that was because of the mint colored hair and eyes she had, which he later learned was a spell to change her appearance.
"But Lady Sophia found me in the rubble. To be honest, when I met her on the battlefield, I thought she was an enemy." Frederick sighed, "I nearly killed her."
Chrom sighed and shook his head, he empathized with him. He nearly killed Derrick if the man hadn't revealed himself to be manakete aiding them.
"It's alright. I had a similar experience. Sigh..." Chrom smiled softly, "I'm glad you are alive. I didn't know what to do. After Emmeryn fell and then...The Risen Queen going berserker...you being crushed." He took a deep breath.
"My Lord, it is alright." Frederick chuckled but he nodded, "I'm glad that you are well."
"Onto another serious topic, did you learn anything while you were being healed?" Chrom said and Frederick knew what he meant.
"I did. And while some answers you may not like, others have only brought more questions." Frederick looked at him seriously.
"The first thing I learned is that Sophia is indeed the Shadow Exalt as well as the Saint of Archanea. While she did many actions to help Plegai become a nation of life," he motions how the area around them should be dessert but no longer is, "it does not mean she was involved in politics or scandals." Frederick and Chrom nodded.
"She was a political prisoner." Chrom muttered, "I was suspicious of it for a while. There were rumors that no one had ever seen her face. And when she would come out in public, she wore a veil to hide her face and was always surrounded by guards. She was kept isolated."
"Yes." Frederick nodded, "I will be honest with you my lord. We did not get along at first. When I woke up from the coma I thought for a while I was being held, prisoner. Once I recognized who saved me, I tried to assassinate them. Ha." Frederick chuckled bitterly, "In the end, she still managed to overpower me."
"Sophia and I made a deal." Chrom stiffened, "Three conditions I needed to follow to answer the questions I had. One, to not try and kill her in her sleep." The prince snorted and got a glare from the knight, "Two, I needed to rest to heal. The unknown methods of healing saved my life but I still needed to rest to recover. Unfortunately, as you see, my left eye could not be saved." Chrom nodded sadly.
"...what is the third condition?" Chrom whispered and Frederick sighed, shaking his head a bit.
Now looking back at it, now he understood why she placed those conditions on him.
"To listen to her instructions." Frederick muttered, "I was severely wounded and she cursed me out for wanting to start immediately my training regiment. I was immobile for at least a week or two I believe till I could finally move my hands. It took some time but she and the others helped me recover." He nodded.
"But what I learned...she was brought to Archanea, against her will," Frederick said and Chrom blinks multiple times.
"What? Against her will?" The prince gawked and Frederick nodded.
"The Grimleal used some sort of ritual that ripped her away from her homeland but also someone else," Frederick explained.
"So, that means there is someone else out there like her...Sigh...if they were taken away from their homeland, then I guess that they have no means of return." Chrom bit his lip as the knight nodded.
"Yes. I confirmed it with her. Sophia expressed that she can't return to her homeland. During my time with her, many of the assumptions I made were knocked down as well as learning a few things about her. But...what stuck out the most to me is how the people of Plegia view her." Frederick smiled a bit as his memories from speaking to the citizens Plegia returned.
"The people do not know she is the one that saved them. They do not know she is The Shadow Exalt." Chrom looked at him shocked as he continued, "She knows that they do not know she is the Shadow Exalt except a selected few. And...these are her words, not mine."
"As long as the people are okay and doing well, I rather remain in the shadows than be known far in wide. I shall remain the Shadow Exalt, the one that watches over the people of Archanea from the shadows. My identity, let it remain unknown."
Chrom looked at him shocked and could not help but smile softly.
"She's similar to Emmeryn." Chrom chuckled sadly as memories of his sister came back, "I wonder if they met."
"They did." Frederick said and the prince looked back to him, "I learned that the two would discuss politics and ways to help each other's countries. I think if you ask Tharja and Derrick, they will tell you." And Chrom nodded.
"Thank you, Frederick. While I'm not exactly happy learning what lengths the Grimleal have gone to achieve their goals, I am glad not just our people, but also those of Plegia and Ferox can finally have peace. Sophia, I can't help but wonder what she feels after everything that has happened..." Chrom muttered and let go of a sigh.
He looked at his friend and smiled softly.
"Guess we'll find out once she is well.
(-)
[ Dream ]
Cold.
The world felt cold around her. A familiar coldness she felt when she first arrived in this world. A coldness that wrapped around her like ice, like chains that pulled her further and further down into the abyss. They wrapped around her body like water, it pulled her down yet no matter how much the darkness pulled, her will did not allow her to be consumed by it. The darkness snarled but laughed as her eyes were still closed.
"Hahahaha!"
The darkness laughed as she moved her head around. She could hear the voice whispering to her, calling to her yet she refuses to listen. It smiled at her as it gently caressed her cheek. A human-like hand gently pressed its thumb on her lips. Sophia felt disgusted as it touched her, crimson eyes looked at her face as the darkness began to take shape.
"I am the breath of ruin. I am the wings of despair. Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy..." pearly white teeth and fangs glinted as the human shape began to take form, "pride. I am the Fell Dragon, Grima."
She wanted to jump back. She needed to escape the darkness. The darkness wrapped around her like a web as the shadow laughed. She couldn't open her eyes even if she wanted to. The darkness smiled as their hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her close as she felt their breath on her neck, nuzzling her softly.
"So we finally meet Decayed Earth. No matter where you run...I will always find you my [-]." Grima muttered on her skin as he interviewed his hand with her left one.
The back of her hand burned. It burned as if something was there.
She needs to escape. She needs to escape. She needs to...
B̴u̸r̵n̷.
The smile Grima wore was wiped off suddenly when his hand began sizzling.
"Burn." Sophia thought as she felt herself pull back, "I need to burn."
A scream suddenly ripped from Grima's throat as fire suddenly burst all around her. She hugged her knees to her chest as the flames became a cocoon around her. They burned bright and turned all in its wake to cinders. Her eyes opened up a bit, slowly looking towards the source of the scream.
"CURSES!" Grima roared yet because she was in a cocoon of flames, his figure was disoriented along with his voice, "Curses! Curses! Curses! Why won't you just obey?!"
She narrowed her eyes, still in a half-sleeping state. She wanted him gone.
"Burn."
She muttered and the flames surrounding her became even more intense. Grima roared, transforming into a dragon.
"YOU SHALL NOT ESCAPE ME! YOU ARE [-]!" He roared, yet to her his figure was still disoriented.
"Burn. Burn." She kept repeating over and over in a whisper, the flames growing stronger and larger as her birthmark glowed brightly on her chest.
The flames kept growing and growing till the darkness was no more. Grima roared as he was forced to retreat but the flames did not stop. The flames of green, blue, and gray pulsed and grew larger. Her chest became hotter and hotter.
But...
"That is enough Daughter of Earth."
A gentle light touched the flames, subsided them to one of warmth instead of raging scorch. The flames settled away as her gaze was still dazed. Gentle hands of her own as the darkness was replaced with a panda of greenery. Slowly, Sophia's eyes opened as she registered what was going on. Flowers all around, a clear blue sky, yet the place felt safe.
"You're finally awake."
She turned, hearing a female voice. Mint colored eyes smiled at her warmly as she looked at them shocked. Long emerald-colored hair tied together in a high ponytail, long side bangs that stopped just above her chest. Ruby with a gold tiara fan out wings on her forehead. A light pink colored cape that was knee length. She wore a crimson-colored tunic that stopped about half of her thighs. Pink colored corset tights with crimson-colored boots. On her waist was tied a large pink bow. But what was striking were her pointy ears.
"Tiki..." Sophia gasped as the manakete nodded with a soft smile on her lips.
"We finally meet Sophia. We have met before when you first activated The Dragon Vein. The second time when I aided you to stop The Witch's attack." Tiki said as Sophia gulped.
"So I wasn't dreaming. That was you...But..." Sophia looked down to the grass, "But why?" She whispered.
Tiki studied her for a moment then spoke.
"You interest me. There is someone else I met who is like you. They too do not hail from this world. Yet you both possess a power similar to my own. Strength...and...love..." she whispered that last sentence to herself so Sophia could not hear it.
"If I may...The path my homeland….. Outrealm Gates no longer exist in this world, do they?" Sophia whispered and Tiki nodded.
"That is correct. The last Outrealm gate has collapsed and can no longer be restored. You wield the final gem. I am sorry if I have crushed any hope of yours." Tiki apologized and Sophia shook her head.
"It's alright..." Sophia smiled sadly as she looked up to the woman, "I think that was what I needed to hear."
"What will you do now?" Tiki asked, "Your heart still wavers. You long for a place to call home. You wish to reach out to those you have avoided but you are still afraid. Your choices do matter. Whether you chose to continue forward or run, that is up to you." The manakete walked up to her and placed her index finger on the birthmark on her chest.
"Follow your heart. Now, it's time to wake up. Your loved ones are waiting for you."
[ End of Dream ]
Carefully, she opened her eyes, yet for some reason, the vision from her left side was clear while the vision on her right side was a Blur. The light stung as it entered her field of vision, her body felt heavy. Like if she was tied down by bricks. She took her first breath and her entire body felt like it was on fire. She wanted to scream but the most she could make were gasp and whimpers. She heard shuffling and then someone ran to her. Jade colored eyes looked worried and she could hear them speaking.
"Hold on! I'm using Heal on you right now." Lissa said and the girl's staff glowed brightly over her.
The pain Sophia was feeling faded away and she could breathe normally again. Carefully, Lissa helped her sit up and her vision adjusted. However, everything was still blurry from her right eye.
"Are you alright?" Lissa asked her softly and Sophia blinked multiple times.
"Water..." her voice was hoarse and Lissa quickly handed her a glass of water.
Sophia's hands hurt but she quickly gulped it down as if it was the last drop on earth. She gasped and let go a sigh of relief.
"Thank you." She muttered, her voice still hoarse.
She looked around and saw there was a table with medical herbs as well as her bag and tomes. She noticed she was on a bed and then looked up, seeing she was in a tent. She could hear some leaves swaying and seeing the grass on the ground, she could tell they were in a forest.
"Where am I?" She asked and she finally noticed from the tips of her fingers to her chest, waist, neck, and wrapped around her head was bandaged.
"You're in the medical tent in the Ylisse camp. You...We weren't even sure if you were alive when Frederick brought you to." Lissa whispers, "You...you were just covered in blood and your right eye was bleeding some sort of silver substance. And...You looked like you were about to shatter...Oh, gods..." She covered her mouth, "I have never seen Frederick looking so worried."
Sophia blinked multiple times and then suddenly she remembered everything before she blacked out.
"Is everyone safe?!" Sophia blurted out and Lissa looked at her shocked but then realized why she was asking.
"Yes, everyone is safe. I promise." Lissa reassured her and Sophia let go a sigh of relief.
She could not help but start crying as she realized the war was over. Ylisse won. The fighting was over.
"It's over...Everyone is safe...the war...Gangrel...Aversa...they're gone. The war...it's over...I'm free. They're free...We're free...Ulp...Uhh...Whaaaaa..." Sophia began sobbing as she realized she, her friends, and those of Plegai were free of war.
Lissa smiled sadly to her as she let the woman cry her heart out and carefully walked out of the tent. She knew the woman needed time alone. For now, she will get her something to eat.
[-]
Perhaps an hour or two passed by and finally Sophia could think properly. She took a deep breath and sighed. It had been quite some time since she cried of relief and joyless. The last time she cried like that was when she learned she passed her exam to become a doctor. Her former classmate was a woman who was kind and encouraged her to work. The two suffered together and passed. She wonders how she is doing.
"Arisa, I hope you are well..." Sophia chuckled softly as she wiped her eyes.
She took another deep breath and headed a light tap on the tent flap.
"Hello? May I come in?" It was a male voice that spoke and Sophia nodded.
"You may." She said, her voice feeling a bit better but her eyes gave away she was crying but the man chose to say nothing.
The man had a pretty feminine face, blonde shoulder-length hair, and olive-colored eyes. He wore a white lab coat, shoulder plate armor, and boots. Only one pretty blonde boy came into her mind from this world and that was Libra.
"Good morning. I am glad you are awake." Libra smiled softly as he walked in with a tray of food, "I brought you some breakfast. Lissa informed me you woke but also that you needed some time alone."
"How considerate of her." Sophia thought and she gave him a nod as he moved the table in front of her so she could eat.
"Thank you for the food. And please tell Lissa as well." Sophia and Libra looked at her puzzled for a moment and then sat down on the chair next to her bed.
"How are you feeling? Any pain or anything feels different? Ah, before I forget. I am Libra, a priest from the Halidom of Ylisse. It is a pleasure to meet you." Libra introduced himself and Sophia nodded as she took a bite from the bread that was brought.
"My name is Sophia Zunino. I am a doctor." Sophia answered and Libra nodded, "As for your questions...I feel like a pile of bricks."
Libra could not help but let out a chuckle as she expressed herself but nodded.
"But...I'm worried about my right eye." Sophia placed her hand on it, "Lissa mentioned it was bleeding when I was brought to her. Now that I have woken up...my field of vision of my right eye is blurry." She muttered, "Reminding me, what day is it?"
"It is January 24. You have been asleep for at least two weeks." Libra said.
"TWO WEEKS?!" Sophia screeched, "Just how bad were my injuries?!"
"Miss Sophia...you were nearly at Death's Door when you were brought in. The fact you are still alive is a miracle. For now," his hand hovered over her arm, "Let's get you checked. I need you to tell me everything. How you are feeling as well as any conditions I should be aware of."
"Like before, my right field of vision is blurred and I have scars caused by dark magic attacks. As for how I am feeling right now, exhausted."
[-]
After a few minutes of talking, Libra nodded and informed her that she had become partially blind from her right eye. The good thing was that if she held an object close, she could see it from a close distance. Right now, she is slowly eating her food as she waits for Lissa to return. Libra had excused himself since the girl will be changing her bandages. Sophia sighed as she continued to eat.
"To think I have been asleep for two weeks..." she muttered, frustrated and then took a sip of her orange juice, "I wonder how the others are..."
She finished the last bit of her food and wiped her lips. Carefully, she moved and hissed a bit when she made her legs dangle from the side of the bed. Libra did tell her to rest but...
"He didn't say I couldn't step outside." Sophia grinned as she carefully stood up and put on the slippers that were left for her. It took a few minutes but thankfully she could walk well. She made it to the tent flap and peaked out, seeing no one was keeping guard.
Carefully she walked out, happy to finally have some fresh air. And since they were in a forest, there should be berries nearby. She put on some of the hoods that sages wear to make sure no one recognizes her.
She could not help but giggle to herself a little as she walked normally through the camp. You could still see many were recovering as well as resting. She spotted many tents, a few with names she recognized but she would not disturb anyone. Besides, no one will notice she is gone. She continued to walk, dodging soldiers and she spotted Sumia not too far away.
"Well, well, well." Sophia muttered to herself as she hid behind a table, "Gaius and Sumia getting closer. Well, now I know who Cynthia's parents will be." She smirked and quickly walked off before she was noticed.
A few more minutes and she was out of the camp. She should be resting but she needed some space. It's only a matter of time till she runs into Lysithea and she can already hear the tongue lashing she is going to receive from the woman. She walked through the forest that was once a desert. Now filled with life. Fae was flying around happily. Some whispering it had been years since the time of King Marth that they had seen the land full of life. What makes it ironic is that Altea became part of the border between the Halidom of Ylisse, and the Theocracy of Plegia.
"How ironic," Sophia muttered as she continued to walk ahead, her eyes becoming half-lidded as she observed the world around.
Her right field of vision is a blur but the closer she got to the bush, her vision became clear. She let go of a sigh as she heard running water nearby and sure enough, a river. A river in this area did not exist before the Dragon Vein was activated. There were moss and even a small waterfall. She knelt on the bank and looked at her reflection. Gently she touched the right side of her face.
The scars that looked like cracked glass stopped under her conjunctiva. The crimson emerald of her eye had become a milky color. She carefully removed the bandages wrapped around her head, seeing some of the green dye staining them. She then remembers she was wearing a gray nightgown and was glad she did grab the cloak to cover herself. She removed the bandages around her arm carefully and froze when she saw the back of her left hand.
"What...Why...Why do I?!" She quickly wrapped the bandage back on it.
She gritted her teeth and began to unbutton the front of her dress, again, carefully removing the bandages. She let out a bitter chuckle as she looked at the scars on her body. Like broken glass, like cracked glass. She looked like a cracked doll on the verge of shattering. However, she gently placed her hand on the birthmark of the center of her chest. It was there and wasn't touched by the scars. The scars of cracked glass were on her fingertips and ended at her elbow. She moved her right sleeve and sure enough, there was a jagged scar on her right shoulder that stopped just above her breast. That was the scar left when Frederick stabbed her with the Emperor's Lance. Suddenly, she felt very tired.
"So much for berries." She muttered and stood up but...
"Eh?" The world suddenly began spinning as she felt all her energy drained.
The only thing she heard was a loud splash as her eyes were wide, the green world turned blue as she felt herself sinking deeper and deeper into the waters. The cold felt the same as when she was first brought to this world but this time she could see the sun. The sun is getting farther and farther away. The sounds became muffled but she saw someone jump. A dark figure moved towards her and before she knew it, arms had wrapped around her, pulling her up.
"GASP!"
Air. She could breathe again! She coughed and looked up, seeing a familiar concerned face.
"Are you alright?!" Frederick said and she nodded.
She noticed he was lacking his armor. He wore a white long-sleeve button-up shirt as well as black pants. But she really shouldn't be paying attention to his looks. He carried her out and she heard footsteps running up to them. The bushes were pushed away and she saw Morgan along with Lissa running towards them!
"Oh, thank goodness you found her!" Lissa gasped in relief as she saw Frederick was carrying her.
"Teacher, what the heck?! Sir Libra said you need to be resting!" Morgan scolded her and Sophia just sighed.
"I wanted fresh air and berries," Sophia whispered and hid her face in Frederick's chest like a child.
Crickets began chirping because they could not believe the answer. It was followed by Morgan's facepalming and Lissa sighing.
"If you were hungry and wanted to go for a walk, you could have just asked for one of the Shepherds to accompany you!" Lissa puffed her cheeks and glared at her.
"But in all seriousness," Frederick looked to her, "You should be resting."
Sophia was going to retort back but suddenly she was very aware that for some reason she seemed taller than Lissa and Morgan. That's when she realized, Fredrick was carrying her.
"Put me down." Sophia suddenly blurted out as she slowly felt the heat rising all over her face. The others were confused until Lissa and Morgan realized why. The two were a snickering mess as they watched the poor woman bury her face in her hands in embarrassment. The idiot chose to disobey Libra's orders to lay down in bed and had chosen to go walking. Well, the idiot didn't have much stamina and fell into the river nearby because she wanted to pick berries. If Frederick hadn't seen her sneak off, she would have drowned. He dove in on time to pull her out and was now carrying her back to the camp.
Princess style.
Sophia hated being carried like some little girl and right now, it wasn't her proudest moment. Frederick glared at her as he walked, carrying her in his arms.
"That fact you disobeyed another doctor's orders does not help your situation. You are recovering!" He scolded her and she whined, the noise muffled by her hands.
"I wanted something sweet..." she muttered.
"You could have asked Gaius."
"He doesn't like sharing."
At this point, Morgan and Lissa have lost it as they watched the woman be carried off into camp. It did not help that when they arrived, people looked at them shocked. It was made worse because Chrom was out patrolling along with Robin and Henry. Both Sophia and Frederick were soaked to the bone but all Sophia did was hide her face in his chest like a child. She could just feel everyone's eyes on them.
"Sophia..." Henry was the first to speak.
"Shut up."
[-]
After she was given medical attention (and a scolding from Libra), they brought her a change of clothing and allowed her to go to the hot spring that was built to clean herself up. She didn't expect a hot spring to be in this area but she learned that it was built by Robin and Miriel with the help of Ricken. So, she wrapped a towel around herself and first tested the water by dipping her toe in. Of course, it was nice, steamy and hot. And she spotted the magic tool at the center. She didn't see anyone else and was glad. She let herself sink in, a blissful sigh escaped her lips as she leaned back.
"Ouch!" Her body was suddenly stinging but she then noticed the water was green and different leaves were floating in it.
"It's an herbal bath."
She screeched a bit and whirled to the left. At the far corner of the hot spring, she spotted someone.
"Um...I think I understand." Sophia muttered and she walked a bit closer.
The mist wasn't helping but she was able to make a figure of a woman as she got a bit closer.
"Stop." The woman's voice was a bit deep, "I stench of Risen is all over you man-spawn. That distance is more than enough." They said coldly.
The mist cleared up a bit, revealing a woman with elbow-length dark brown hair let loose, her neck covered in brown fur that ended in a V-shape above her chest. She was wrapped in a white towel. But what was most striking were the brown-colored rabbit ears on her head. Her brown eyes had a gaze that was like steel as they looked at her coldly.
"You're..." Sophia gasped once she realized who she is, "Panne."
Panne only narrowed her eyes as Sophia looked at her shocked.
"How do you know who I am?" Panne spoke in a chilling tone but Sophia blinked.
"I heard a friend of mine mention you. I believe you are acquainted with Henry?" Sophia said and Panne grimaced.
"Ah yes...The child rips wings from flies yet the scent of tragedy lingers deeply with him. He is unpleasant but bearable to be around." Panne muttered and Sophia sat down five feet away from her since Panne did not like her scent.
"Hmph. You are not afraid yet you sit quite a distance." Panne commented and Sophia chuckled a bit nervously.
"Well...I want to respect your boundaries." Panne twitched, "I will not force my presence nor will I be so close."
The Taguel hummed a bit as she crossed her arms.
"I heard about what happened in the battle." Sophia twitched, "Your scent...it has the blood of many humans. Those who you killed in the war but also those who you have saved their lives. Heh." Panne glanced at her, "It is a mixture of anger yet also...strange..." she turned to her fully, "Why does your scent keep changing? One moment it is the stench of blood but then it is that of the earth."
"I do not know," Sophia muttered as she held her hands, looking at the water
Even her legs were covered in the glass cracked scars.
"I am not from this land. Perhaps that is why my scent is different. The best I could describe it is that am an outsider." Sophia sighed as memories from a certain cousin of hers was coming back, "As for kin, I only have one...the rest have passed on. And only one of my kin I hope they rot the bloody depths of hell." She growled that last sentence.
"Haha!" Panne let out a laugh, "Man-spawn, just for a moment you became clear. There is anger. Anger is deeply embedded into your soul to the point you have let it take over you. I do wonder to what extent you have let take control." She smirked.
"You don't want to know." Sophia cringed but then realized she and Panne were having a civil conversation.
Still, five feet apart, respecting her space.
"Tell me man spawn, what do you see of us right now?" She asked and Sophia blinked.
"What do you mean?" Sophia said and Panne's eyes became half-lidded.
"You are speaking normally. Do you know what I am?" Panne gave her glance.
"Yes. You are a taguel. The last of your kin." Sophia said and the woman nodded.
"You know more but chose not to say anything. Why?" Panne muttered and Sophia sighed.
"Out of respect."
After that, their conversation ended but somehow the rest of the bath, they sat in comfortable silence.
[-]
The clothing Sophia was given was a Ylisse style Valkyrie uniform minus the armor parts. It was a light pink and painfully obvious that unfortunately...
"The zipper for my chest does not close," Sophia said in a flat tone as Lissa was assisting her to change.
"Umm...Well...unfortunately it's the only dress size available." Lissa chuckled a bit nervously and suddenly, the zipper popped.
"Ghaa!" The girls quickly ducked down as the damn thing jumped all over the room and flew right out the tent flap.
Something sounded like it shattered and Felix screamed because one of the armors that he had in its stand was destroyed, causing everything to fall apart after hours of cleaning it. Felix's tent was in front of Sophia's, about 10 feet away. Lissa and Sophia just turned to each other, looked at the tent flap, and then back to each other.
"We saw nothing," Sophia said immediately and the girl quickly nodded her head.
"Anyhow, how about I bring you the Sage Class Dress?" Lissa said and Sophia shook her head.
"Just bring me men's clothing." Sophia groaned.
"What?! Men's clothing?!" Lissa gawked.
"I rather wear men's clothing than have the front of uniform burst open." Sophia bluntly said and Lissa pouted but went to get it.
A few minutes later, she came back with a white long-sleeved button-up shirt. They let her keep the skirt. Lissa stepped out and unfortunately for Sophia, the girl was just barely hiding her snickers.
Lissa stole that shirt from Frederick's tent.
[-]
She was nervous. She was officially going to meet Chrom, Robin properly. Reunite with Lysithea, most likely be thrown in prison and have to run for her life. She was also going to see a familiar face and put it on trial. She's glad she reapplied the green hair dye. Sophia took a deep breath and walked into the tent. Sure enough, all the Shepherds have gathered around and she felt her blood run cold seeing Phila was also present. The aqua haired woman wore her pegasus knight armor and her eyes were cold as they locked onto Sophia. There was a thin scar that ran horizontally on the bridge of her nose. Sophia felt guilt begin to eat her because she was hiding Emmeryn from all of them. She gulped and went to take her seat because the only ones missing were Robin and Chrom. She sat between Tharja and Derrick. She could feel everyone else's eyes on her. Lysithea, who sat across from her, her eyes bore into her soul. Sophia only looked down to the table as she held her hands together. Her hands were shaking. She was terrified. The Shepherds, she avoided them for so long and now she has to face them. Morgan looked worried while Henry's smile was strained.
"It'll be fine," Derick whispered to her, making her turn to him a bit.
"Derrick, I'm just ready to face execution," Sophia whispered back and Gauis gave her a concerned look.
"Sophia."
Lysithea called out her name and yet she didn't lookup.
"It's been a while," Lysithea said in a flat tone and Sophia did not answer.
The silence was becoming suffocating at this point and it felt a bit of a miracle and curse when Robin and Chrom came in.
"Did something happen?" Robin looked at everyone confused because she noticed the tense atmosphere.
No one answered. Chrom sighed a bit as he walked to the front along with Robin.
"I'm glad everyone is well and rested. As of now, the plan is to return to Ylisse and give those that have fallen a proper burial. The bodies of our people will be returned to Ylisse and the arrangement will be done by the Ylisse Funeral parlor. Martha will make sure everyone receives the proper arrangements." Chrom explained and Sophia noticed Frederick's eye twitch.
This was the first time she had heard someone by the name Martha. And she knows for a fact that the game never once mentioned a funeral parlor in Ylisse.
"But moving onto another topic," Robin spoke up and looked towards Sophia, "we wish to introduce someone who helped us from the shadows."
"Eh?" Sophia blinked multiple times as she finally looked up, shocked.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Sophia." Robin smiled warmly as she placed her right hand over her heart, "My name is Robin and I am the tactician of the Ylisse Army. We have heard of you from Lysithea, Tharja, Gauis, Henry, Derrick, and Morgan."
"I..um...I..." Sophia was at a loss for words as Robin smiled.
"I know this will be a lot, but can you tell us about what happened during your time in Plegia?" The tactician said and Sophia's mind went blank.
"Please do not rush yourself." Chrom said, "But also, thank you for protecting my sister and saving Frederick." He smiled softly at her.
"YOU SHOULD NOT BE THANKING ME!" Sophia abruptly stood up, slamming her hands on the table.
It took everyone by surprise as the woman was shaking as she refused to look up to them.
"I avoided you all like the plague. No matter what I did, it wasn't enough. I wasn't able to do anything to prevent this war. Even if Gangrel is gone, Grimleal still lives." Her voice was shaking as she continued to speak, "I hurt people. I did questionable things to try and prevent collateral damage and it still wasn't enough. The people of Plegia, Ferox, and Ylisse still suffered from the bloody war. No matter how much I or anyone did...it wasn't enough..." she hated that she was breaking down in front of so many.
"Lysithea, I hurt you. I didn't give a choice." Sophia sobbed as the violet hair mage breath hitched, "I knew you would be hurt if I sent you away but also knew that if you stayed with me, Validar would have sent you back to Valm as a prisoner of war. Ylisse was the first to come to mind. A place for you to be safe and also be surrounded by people that care for you."
"I didn't want you to suffer anymore...So I sent you away. I didn't care at that moment how much you would be hurt by my decision. I just wanted you to be safe because for once in my life, I didn't want to lose another important person." Sophia said and then looked to Chrom, "No matter what I did...your sister still met her end...I don't deserve your Thank you or praise."
"Teacher..." Morgan said and before anyone said anything, Sophia bolted out of the tent.
"Wait, Sophia!"
She heard someone call out to her but she ignored it, running out.
[-]
An hour, probably two most likely passed but she didn't care. She has run deep into the forest again and back to the waterfall. How she still had the energy to run, she didn't know. Everyone in the camp is either looking for her or just let her be. Sophia was a coward who couldn't face Lysithea properly when her name was called. The sight of Phila made guilt claw at her heart for hiding that Emmeryn was alive. Her newest guilt to the list is that she nearly accidentally killed Cordelia. Now, her snapping in front of the very people she never wanted to see her like a broken doll...it was over. She sat near the edge of the waterfall, hugging her knees together. She stared at the water as it flowed down.
Why did she break? She did not deserve praise or forgiveness. She did not deserve Chrom's and Robin's kindness for helping them. She did not deserve Lysithea's forgiveness for hurting her emotionally. She heard the crunch of leaves and quickly blended herself with the shadows.
"How strange." The familiar color of silver came into her field of vision, "I could have sworn I sensed her." It was Robin.
Sophia was silent and flinched when the taction suddenly turned her way. Robin smiled softly as she waved.
"Hey there. We've been looking for you." Robin spoke in a calm tone because she did not know how Sophia was going to react.
Already, the tactician was starting to worry because of how to void the woman's eyes were and how much her face lacked emotions. Sophia was silent and closed her eyes, turning back to look at the water as she let go of a sigh. She let go of her knees, letting them dangle on the edge.
"...why did you look for me? Especially after the scene that happened at the meeting," Sophia muttered and Robin smiled sadly to her.
"The emotions you displayed are proof that you are remorseful but most of all, that you are human." Robin walked up and extended her hand, "How about we talk calmly over a cup of tea?"
Sophia stared at her hand for a moment but even if she was hesitant, she took it.
It was the first step towards the iron maid opening.