Lucas remained on the floor of the carriage, his head face down. His body was entirely unmoving. Except for when the carriage bumped against something on the road. Although he hadn't been bolted to the sides, he never fell outside. The path wasn't quite that rough.
Not physically, anyway. Lucas' discussion with the Agarthan he once knew as the wonderful human Sophia left him with the inability to move. He was as rigid as the mightiest of boulders, much like the ones the carriage brushed alongside. But mentally, that couldn't be any further from the truth. He retreated to the mental void of pure blackness inside his mind and hoped for any manner of reprieve.
Yet his immobile mannerisms persisted even in his own realm. Sothis and Byleth looked down upon the pitiful man as he laid on his side in a near-fetal position, concern affixing to their faces.
"Lucas!" Sothis called out.
No response.
"Lucas," Byleth tried to do the same.
Nothing. The apparition of the Progenitor God emitted a worried mumble.
"He has been this way for quite some time. Almost half an hour at the very least. I cannot even peruse his mind to attempt fixing the issue." She frowned. "He has locked himself up completely. If only we possessed some manner of psychic door that would allow us to bypass his locks…"
"Even if we did have something like that, I'm not certain Lucas would be willing to let us in. If that is how the human mind works. Lucas' world knows a lot more about that kind of thing than we do," Byleth admitted.
"We should study more of his knowledge when we get the chance. I am very curious about the various deictic beings that may or may not exist on Earth," Sothis revealed. She shook her head lightly. "Enough about that. We have more pressing matters to tend to."
"Such as Lucas' current state? I...I wish we could help him. But we have been trying for thirty minutes and he hasn't responded even once. I wish he would tell us something. Anything. Seeing him like this, it..." Byleth faltered.
"I understand," interrupted Sothis. "It frustrates me that he continues to wallow in his own grief. He's acting as if it's all over for him. Surely, it would hurt more to remain amongst sadness than it would be to face the light. Yet it appears his heart has been surrounded by darkness."
"Can we somehow shine a light upon that darkness?"
Sothis momentarily paused. "I believe so. All wounds are capable of healing, after all. We can help that process by providing him with all manner of comforting words. We need to reassure him that life isn't all bad."
"That might take some time."
"You may be right. But that is all we can do. As long as we are bound to his soul, we can only support him from within. Let us hope he does not take drastic measures."
"Drastic measures?"
"You know what I mean. I do not believe he is the type that would do such a thing, but we cannot be certain either way."
Byleth nodded. "You're probably correct. If he were to do that, we'd be gone as well. And Fodlan's chances of attaining a happy future…"
"Are low. If not non-existent. You cannot keep deluding yourself into believing otherwise."
"I believe in my friends. Even if they aren't the exact same people I fought alongside all those years ago, they may as well be. I want to believe they can all survive together. I'm tired of seeing so much death."
"Death is an unfortunate reality of our world, Byleth. You can't be so naive as to expect to avoid it entirely."
"I do not care. I have seen enough. Do you know what it's like to have to relive the moment in which your most beloved one dies? To have to face the deaths of various students you've grown attached to again and again? To be ripped apart from the person you love?" Byleth glared at the goddess.
"I know what you are feeling. But you shouldn't let your emotions blind you from reality."
"Maybe not. That still does not change the fact that I do not wish to see anyone else die. I have failed to do so in my previous timelines. It might be that Lucas has what it takes to truly understand everyone and how to keep them safe."
"I can agree with you on one thing. Lucas really is our one hope right now. The one individual we are counting on. However…" Sothis looked over to the man, who was still in his near-fetal position. "That does not fill me with hope."
Byleth followed Sothis' gaze. His brows furrowed once more when he laid his viewpoint upon the upset, otherworldly mortal.
"I will agree with you on that as well," he concurred. "Though I'm surprised. Why are you pinning your hopes on him? I thought you didn't want fate to be messed with."
"Fate is a powerful force of nature that even I truly cannot contend with. It is pointless to fight against. That is not to say I like it. In fact, it's the one thing I truly despise. Aside from those Agarthans. And the folly of humanity. Well, heh, that last one frequently errs on the side of humorous for me. As for the others?" Sothis smiled. "I wouldn't mind it if someone figuratively punched them in the face."
Byleth chuckled. "I see you're not a fan of fate."
"I am its worst nightmare."
Although his emotional range was still limited, a petite fit of laughter emerged from Byleth. His joyous self had spread over to the green-haired deity, resulting in even her failing to stifle a giggle. It persisted for some time until it eventually quietened down.
"Huh...well, I do miss being able to enjoy such frivolous emotions every now and then," Sothis divulged. "Having your presence locked to the mind of another isn't the worst."
"True. I can think of many other existences that would be far more miserable than this. At least we have each other," Byleth remarked.
"Too true, too true. I only hope Lucas can wake up and realise that as well."
"Likewise."
Sothis and Byleth returned to gazing at Lucas' barely twitching body, who was still persisting within that emotional position of his. Never changing. Always upset. Yet it appeared that a scowl had made its way onto his face.
Around the carriage, proceedings were rather quiet. Lucas was still face down inside of the wooden piece of transportation and Pittacus focused on the act of driving. However, this didn't mean everything was completely silent. At several points, the Agarthan woman would peer inside of the carriage, staring daggers of disgust upon the frozen man.
"You humans truly are pathetic," Pittacus sneered. "Disgusting piles of idiocy. Falling for the most basic of subterfuges. If you had anything resembling a brain, you wouldn't be in this situation."
She wasn't able to get a rise out of him. He remained there within the carriage, as unmoving as a statue. Pittacus grunted.
"Hmph. You aren't making this fun for me, human. Normally, I would revel in the hate and contempt one would have towards myself. Yet you are choosing to deny me even that privilege. Another example as to why you humans are irritating to no end."
As an idea came to her, Pittacus grinned maliciously.
"Master Thales selected me for this mission so I could learn who and how it was that Solon and Kronya were ended so easily. That is why I took on the identity of Sophia, a simple village girl whose life was cut short...by me."
Still nothing. Pittacus continued.
"I assumed her role as a merchant's assistant, using my newfound access to Garreg Mach to spy upon the monastery's inner workings. It was then I learnt from overhearing a group of foolish knights brashly speak of a recent order they were given from the Archbishop. This order pertained to the matter of sneaking exactly two bodies out from the monastery through the use of some coffins. That intrigued me. It only became more intriguing once I heard them mention 'grey skin' - as if they were the bodies of two Agarthans. Incidentally, two of our own had been recently murdered."
Not even a twitch came from the fallen professor.
"Those knights must have been inebriated in some manner, as the very next thing one of them mentioned related to you, dear Lucas. Yes, you. You were seen walking into the Archbishop's audience chamber...shortly before the body disposal order was given. Wouldn't you say that is most curious?"
Pittacus' grin grew wider when she saw Lucas stumble slightly.
"Yes, it most certainly is! You were involved in Solon and Kronya's murders, weren't you? That is the only logical explanation. Solon had infiltrated Garreg Mach long before the start of the academic year. Long before you ever showed up. And never did he have any potential worries or doubts about his identity. Only after you appeared did he start having any issues. How so very interesting, hmm?"
His head tilted upwards. She revelled in the scowl he was shooting her way.
"Your reaction is all I need to implicate you in this matter. You were there. You were the reason why Solon and Kronya's lives were forfeit, even before the latter could truly do anything. I am not sure how you knew of their identities. But that only makes things much more enticing. There's a secret to you, Lucas. A secret you weren't even willing to tell Sophia, the lovely and harmless village girl. The one girl you loved."
Lucas' face only contorted into a much deeper, fiercer scowl. Pittacus crooned.
"Ooh, how feisty! Show me more of that unbridled rage of yours, Lucas! Show me more! If you're capable, that is. I know you are quite the timid man. You would never be capable of such anger. You would much rather run away to your bedroom and cry yourself to sleep. Is that not the case? Is that not what you would much rather do than listen to me prattle on about the things you don't wish to hear about?"
Lucas turned away, tears evident in his eyes.
"I'm right. I'm always right. Would you like to know what else I'm right about?"
Lucas shook his head.
"I'll tell you anyway, because it's fun. You should know that Agartha possesses quite the number of powerful mages. Individuals skilled in the art of sorcery. Master Thales chose me out of ALL of them. I'm sure you can infer what that means, Lucas."
The professor grumbled.
"Oh? What was that? You agree that I'm one of the most powerful mages in the entirety of Agartha? Ha-ha! It seems I am not the only one that is correct today. I'll have you know that my magical might is only surpassed by the likes of Solon and Master Thales himself. No matter what the others may have you believe. I am a proud Agarthan General for a reason."
A growl was heard coming from the unspeaking teacher.
"Oh, you really do agree with me! Thank you, Lucas! You're so supportive of me! Ha...I wonder if that's the love you have for Sophia that's speaking. It hasn't quite gone away, has it?"
Silence again.
"No matter. Back to my original point. You see, Master Thales also understands the strength I possess. He chose me because I am rather adept at detecting magical signatures. The energy that resides within people. As soon as I met you, Lucas, I knew you were something special. I could not detect a single ounce of mana within you. How unusual, I know. After digging through your soul further, I discovered something interesting. Traces of divine power. Hints of an unusual Crest resting deep within your soul. Perhaps you are the Fell Star."
Lucas gasped, albeit lightly. He covered his mouth in a vain attempt to restrain his reaction, yet Pittacus' glowing malicious grin indicated that it failed.
"I told you I'm always right. Never am I wrong."
The human's fists clenched. Pittacus chuckled, a vile tone seeping through her ill-minded laughter.
"It is a shame you were born as a human. You would make for a perfect Agarthan. Maybe that way, we could still be together. Unless you wish to join us. Then, there would be no further worries for you. You could live together with the woman you love for the remainder of your life. Would that not be so…"
"SHUT UP!"
Lucas' scream startled even the Agarthan woman. Pittacus had almost lost the grip on her horse's reins, yet was able to grasp them before anything bad could happen on her end. She returned to leering inside of the carriage. Her grin was no more.
"You wretched human! You nearly caused me to fall-!"
"I told you to shut up."
Pittacus growled. "Who are you to tell me such things?! I am an Agarthan General! One of the elite Agarthan mages! Do not dare to-"
"You're doing the exact opposite of what I told you to do. Shut up before I make you, bitch," Lucas spat, his face exuding sheer hatred.
"Excuse me?! How dare you refer to me in such a manner! You have some nerve to speak to me like that, worm!" Pittacus yelled in return. "I have no idea where your bravado has come from. It was much more fun when you were silent. Return to quietness, now! Remember your place!"
"Funny. Using such anthropomorphic metaphors as 'worm' when you're a literal snake person yourself. You couldn't be any more ironic if you tried," Lucas jested. "You worthless waste of space."
"You…!"
Pittacus wallowed in her disgust and vehement distaste for some time before eventually deciding to break away from the conversation. She chose to focus on the road ahead, ensuring her mission would be complete. Lucas bore a grin. A much more smugly-charged one.
"You are awake, it appears. Welcome back," Sothis greeted him.
"Indeed I am. Sorry for my disappearance there, I…" Lucas attempted to explain the situation, yet he trailed off into nothingness.
"You don't have to explain. We all sometimes need a break from the things that stress us. Including life," Byleth reassured his host. "When I possessed my own body, I would frequently shut myself out from speaking to others when I felt as if I didn't have the energy to do so. And I would always return at the right time. So, you needn't worry."
"Thanks. I appreciate it," Lucas replied. "I just couldn't stand listening to that horrid excuse for a woman any longer. You hear what she was saying? She just kept going on and on and on about her plan and how she messed with me! What a useless fucking cunt!"
"Your language is rather colorful, I shall admit. But it is fitting," Sothis commented. "I agree. It seems as if you are truly understanding how vile the Agarthans can be."
"Yeah, no fucking kidding!" Lucas mentally exclaimed. "If only I didn't leave my swords back at the monastery...I'd be out of here by now if I did. And what's with these bindings? I can't reach anything. I can't even use any magic!"
"They're enhanced by Silence. A spell that inhibits all magical use of the entity that is affected by it. An admittedly wise move from the Agarthan," Byleth admitted. "If you had casted Fire or Thunder, this carriage would have gone up in flames. And that would certainly ruin her plans."
"I don't give two shits about her plans. I give two shits about getting out of here." Lucas frowned. An idea came to him. "Hey, Sothis. Don't suppose I could use Divine Pulse to get back to the monastery?"
"Not unless you wish to use up so much of your power that your body melts upon 'successfully' turning back the hands of time. Do not risk it. If that were to happen, we'd be gone, too," Sothis warned. "I assume. I would rather not allow anything like that to potentially occur."
Lucas sighed. "Alright, fine. I won't do that. What the hell else am I gonna do, though? I literally have nothing that'll help out. I can't cut through these ropes, I can't go back in time...what do I even do? Do I wriggle myself out of the carriage?"
"What would you do from there? Get yourself caught by the Agarthan woman again? With your current bindings, you will not be moving very far," Sothis stated.
"Your best bet would be to remain still and wait for an opening. Think of this as a one on one fight. An opening can give you just the advantage you need. Bide your time, lie in wait," Byleth advised.
"That's really my only option, huh? Alright then. I'll play this bitch's game. But when she slips up...it's all game over for her."
Lucas continued to rest inside of the carriage as Pittacus drove the whole thing ahead. Vexation was still eating at her, yet she chose not to engage with her human cargo for reasons said cargo didn't care about. He was simply relieved to not have to listen to her inhumane ramblings. That made the ride quite a bit smoother for him.
But it didn't allow his hate to dissipate. It festered inside of him, much alike an unwelcome parasite that continually ate away at his mind. Although his body was having a relatively comfortable time - his soul was not.
Hours passed. The sun reached its peak within the sky. It began to slowly make its way towards the horizon, the sky itself gradually becoming darker and more fiery-orange as time went on. Lucas and Pittacus hadn't said a single word to one another. Their respective detestation for one another wouldn't allow any sort of conversation to ignite.
Out of nowhere, the carriage halted, causing Lucas' head to bump against the side.
"Ah, shit!" He briefly yelped in pain. "What the hell was that?"
"Silence, human. We have company. Keep your mouth shut and do not dare to escape," Pittacus demanded, having long since changed back to her Sophia self. "You wouldn't get far as you are now, anyway. I'll deal with these fools promptly."
"Fools? What's going on out there?"
As the disguised Agarthan let go of her horse's reins, Lucas started to hear some vague murmurings coming from outside. A rough voice was calling. Pittacus - as Sophia - nearly spat in response to whom was in front of her.
"Hey, you! What do you think you're doing out here, missy?" A tough-looking human with an axe asked the unassuming carriage driver.
He wasn't alone. Several other men of a similar caliber were standing alongside him, staring down the carriage and/or the woman with an intense desire to let loose twinkling in their eyes. Sophia grunted.
"Get out of my way. I have no time for the likes of you," she seethed.
"Big words coming from such a small girl! You should know this is a toll path set up by me and my gang here! Either you pay up, or we'll have to take what we want. And you seem like a mighty fine prize," the bandit leader sniggered.
"Your refusal to bend to my command shall be your undoing. Have it your way," Sophia returned. She stood up and jumped to the ground. "I'll end you before you can even blink."
"As if! Men, fire!"
Right on cue, several of the archer bandits lined up a shot and seemed to aim right for the disguised mage. She was prepared to counter their attacks, but at the last second, they changed their target. They fired their arrows before Sophia could even realise what they were doing. Her jaw clenched when the arrows reached their target: her horse.
The creature flipped out of control upon being attacked. More arrows came its way, the projectiles embedding themselves into the animal's body and digging in deeper every time. Such a prompt, pinpoint strike resulted in an ocean's worth of blood loss. The horse dropped to the ground lifelessly. Pittacus bared her inhuman fangs.
"You...you've just made my job much harder," she first said in a monotone voice before dialling the anger in her tone up to eleven. "You've lost the privilege of life, human worms! Die!"
Conjuring a gigantic wave of magic, a massive Meteor fell upon the group of bandits. Most were not able to avoid total destruction by the hands of an agitated mage. Those that initially survived were promptly torn apart by Thorons. Beams of electricity tore through their bodies, leaving holes in their chests and shocking their bodies to such an extent that parts of their skin melted away. They would have screamed if they were still alive.
Pittacus grinned, admiring her handiwork.
"Is it not beautiful? The human bodies, the faint screams that quickly fade to nothingness, the smell of burning?" She smiled venomously. "Agartha would be most proud. You're still there, aren't you, dear Lucas? Wouldn't you agree?"
The professor, who'd observed the horrific scene through the carriage's window, could only gasp at the sight before him. He said nothing to the woman.
"So be it," Pittacus sighed. "Now that our horse has been slain by those moronic oafs, we have no choice but to continue on foot. Come on, get out! I will burn a hole through the ropes that bind your legs so we can proceed with haste. Master Thales is expecting us."
Lucas grit his teeth. "Fuck, even with this, there's gonna be no way out. She'll end me as easily as those bandits if I dare try to escape. This woman, she's...she's insane!"
Although reluctant to comply, Lucas knew there wasn't any other option. He struggled his way towards the exit of the carriage. Pittacus had swung around to the back and did as she said she would, using a Fire spell to eliminate the rope that bound his legs together. In the process, she 'accidentally' burned a small part of his lower legs.
"It's time we move. Shamballa awaits," Pittacus declared, her malevolent grin persisting. "Walk in front of me so I can keep my eyes on you. It wouldn't be good for any of us if you tried to get away."
"Maybe I should escape so Thales executes you," Lucas shot back.
"Maybe I should burn more than just your legs. You'd best watch yourself, Lucas. I can be quite rough," Pittacus warned, flaring some Fire magic within her open palm. "Now go."
Lucas grunted, mumbling something underneath his breath as he headed off in the direction they were initially travelling in. His captor was close behind him. She was ready with a Fire spell in case the human ever foolishly decided to try and pull off an escape attempt.
More hours passed. The sky was getting even darker, having become an intensely flaming orange - soon to become total black. Pittacus and Lucas' travel speed had been significantly lowered as a result of the loss of their horse. Like before, they refused to exchange words. Enough had been said between them.
For the most part.
"I need to ask you something. Just humour me, Agarthan," Lucas broke the silence, his tone of voice indicating a quiet fury.
"Hmph. If you wish. What do you want, human?" Pittacus wondered, frowning.
"So your existence as Sophia was all part of your mission? All of that help you gave me regarding my stress and my problems, all of that happiness we seemed to share...that was all fake? All a ploy to learn more about what happened to Solon and Kronya? Was that really it?"
"Yes. What of it?"
Lucas hesitated. He fell quiet once more, much to Pittacus' pleasure. Their walk continued, even as night consumed the continent. The Agarthan mage was still primed and ready to blast her captive with Fire if need be.
Yet it wasn't necessary. Lucas did not seem to have the energy to even consider escaping. He walked along the dirt path, the vile creature behind him ensuring he did so. This arrangement continued for several more hours. A noticeable growl could be heard.
"What was that?" Pittacus checked their environment for any threats. None. "Oh. That wasn't you, was it?"
"It was." Lucas rubbed his stomach. "I'm hungry. Haven't eaten anything since breakfast. I was saving my appetite for our date."
"That's not my problem. You were the one that fell for my ruse."
"You're the one who started the ruse in the first place!"
"So? Again, you fell for it."
Lucas face-palmed. "You annoying piece of shit...you're acting like a damn child."
"Says you. I'm not the one who keeps running to their room every time something doesn't go my way. Hah, if anything, you're the child around here. Why don't you keep quiet and listen to what your mother has to say-"
Pittacus was cut off by an arrow that struck her in the shoulder. Confused, Lucas looked all around him for the source of the attack, thinking he was also in danger. His fears were allayed once a voice emerged from the sky.
"Professor Lucas Hog, sir!"
A continent of pegasus riders had arrived. One of them was an archer, evidenced by the arrows they kept shooting at the Agarthan. This forced her to be on the move after she was hit by a second arrow, preventing her from grabbing Lucas and teleporting away. Most of the knights rushed over to keep Pittacus busy while one of them came towards him.
"Sir! We've finally found you! Thank the goddess you're alive!" The knight addressed him, a joyous smile on his face.
"Who are you?" Lucas wondered.
"We're a group of knights from the monastery! Lady Rhea sent us to find you after it was reported that you disappeared!" The knight informed the teacher, much to the latter's surprise.
"Oh," Lucas responded with his mouth agape. "How did you guys know where to look?"
"Apparently, your students were able to figure out which direction you were taken in. I dunno how, but you can ask them when you get back! First, we've gotta deal with this...woman?" The knight laid his gaze upon Lucas' captor, who was fighting back the knights to little avail. "Who is she?"
"Some bitch. You don't need to know anything else. Actually, could you cut these ropes? My hands have been tied like this all day," Lucas requested, presenting his locked limbs to the friendly.
"Can do, sir!"
Lucas leaned back as far as he could whilst stretching his arms forward and making them as wide apart as they could go. The knight then chopped through the rope with his sword, freeing the professor's arms.
"Ah, finally..." Lucas commented as he stretched his arms, regaining feeling within them. He looked over to the fight. Pittacus was on the ground, almost unmoving entirely. His expression turned dark. "Give me your sword."
"Huh? Why?"
"Give it to me. Now."
Lucas' palm was open. The knight stared at it curiously, then swapped his gaze between it and the teacher's face. He shrugged and placed his Iron Sword in the fellow man's grasp.
"Thank you," the teacher thanked the knight.
A grin appeared on Lucas' visage. He slowly approached the fallen Agarthan, blade in hand. With a single motion of his free arm, he instructed all of the knights to stand aside. They did as they were told. Lucas stepped over to Pittacus - to the woman he once loved.
"You…" The Agarthan coughed, a pool of blood forming beneath her. "Is this what you wanted?"
"No. I wanted someone I felt I could share my thoughts and feelings with. Someone I felt would listen to me, no matter what I had to say. Someone that would ease my thoughts and provide me with the love I desired." Lucas shook his head, looking down upon the heavily bruised body of the woman with an intense scowl that burned into her soul. "Yet you took that away from me."
"It...it was all for the mission! All for Agartha!" Pittacus croaked between coughs. "Y-you're the fool that fell for it! The idiot that-that was too foolish! You know I'm right! I'm always right! I'm an Agarthan elite!"
More coughs. Lucas' inferno of an expression only blazed further. He raised his borrowed blade, bearing it down upon the body. Unwelcome tears dropped from his eyes and onto the Agarthan below.
"Goodbye."
He lowered the blade and stabbed. Then again. And again. Once more. And some more. Stabs upon never-ending stabs. Lucas riddled the vile Agarthan with an endless amount of holes, causing torrents of blood to splash back upon his person. Most of the knights refused to watch. Lucas had lost himself. Screams of sheer pain filled the night, accompanied only by the maddening yells of a rage-filled man.
"Die, die, die, DIE!" Lucas repeatedly yelled as he unleashed more strikes onto Pittacus' long-since dead body.
His scorching rage burned brightly into the night, creating a piercing light that no-one could gaze upon. Lucas only calmed down once the voices in his head got to him.
"Lucas!"
"Lucas."
Sothis and Byleth...the presence of those two alone was enough to ease his anger. It always had been. But this time was different. As Lucas checked his bloodied hands, a realisation came to him. He closed his eyes, shedding a single tear.
Author Notes: So, the knights have finally found Lucas and Pittacus. But were they too late? I'll let you decide.
On a lighter note, I'm getting closer and closer to that coveted 100 follower count! I don't do this often these days, but please hit that follow button if you so wish! I may just release something special should this fic actually get to 100 followers…
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See y'all next time!
EDIT (26/09/2021): Imagine being tied up for several hours and then, when you're eventually freed, your first thought is to say "goodness gracious". Just imagine.