[Chapter 89: 1183: Part1: Reunion of Night]
The cool breeze on a morning near the ocean always brought him a sense of comfort. The waves would remind him of his childhood when he would travel with his mother to the villages to buy spices. Sometimes he would buy some candies when his mother wasn't looking and give some to his sister. He took a deep breath, the scent of salt in the air made him release that breath. Another he took, taking in the sound of the waves. He opened his eyes, and the peaceful scenery of sea foam and blue...it remained him of Faerghus.
"Dedue!"
Dedue turned and saw a child running up to him, a young Duscur boy who had pastel purple hair and green eyes. He wore a loosely dark purple shirt with different colored patterns, a dashiki, black pants, and boots. He held a basket in his hands filled with clams he had collected from the beach.
"Theo, you shouldn't be here," Dedue said, turning to the boy who just put his hands on his waist, puffing out his cheeks.
"Same to you! Grandma Diedra said you need to rest! Your leg still hasn't fully recovered!" Theo huffed and Dedue chuckled, nodding as he followed the boy.
It had now been three years since the start of the war. And three years since he fell protecting Dimitri and defeating Odesse. How he survived...he doesn't know. He suffered wounds that killed him. He remembered drowning and his head hitting a rock, bleeding out to his death. But somehow, that didn't happen. No, it did happen but it was as if the moment was erased. The only evidence he has of his survival was of the diagonal scar he had on the left side of his head.
He walked beside the boy and stopped for a moment to look back at the ocean. Faerghus was only a seven-hour boat ride away. But the route to it was protected by a magic fog created by the Hydrangea House. That's right, he was in the small islands of Duscur. By some miracle, he was washed into the shores of one of the small islands of his homeland. Odessa's body had also washed ashore. Dedue didn't hesitate and killed the man and ripped his core out. A few minutes later after washing onto shore, he was founded by a woman named Diedra. She quickly called her people and they took him to her home. They tended to him and asked him what happened.
"Oh!" Theo turned off him, "Grandma said that it's going to be awhile to get a reply from Captain Jeralt. And like you asked, she kept it a secret that you are alive." He said and the man nodded as they continued to walk.
Duscur was a nation that was spilt in two. Part of the nation was in the lands of Keilman and the other half was a series of small islands about a seven-hour boat ride away. The once lively lands of Duscur and Fodlan no longer thrived as they used to due to the tragedy. Yet, even in those times, Prince Zander, Prince Dimitri, and Princess Lestia worked with the nobles of The five Duscur Clans to restore it. Fields that were once trampled were slowly coming back to life. The flower field that he would visit with his family was starting to grow. But that was on the other side. Here he was now, alive on one of the small islands of his home. The place was filled with his people, lively, living freely. The buildings were made of mud and red clay and then fired so it may be hardened. People wore clothing of shiki and pants, the woman wore loose dresses that made it easy to move around. The scent of spices and salt filled the air as well as dried meat. Children ran around and people moved on with their daily lives.
But there will always be a moment of tension.
"How do you think things are going on in Fodlan?"
Dedue stopped to listen to a group of Duscur mercenaries nearby. The two men were whispering to each other near a pile of crates.
"I heard the war there has been bloody. Especially after the death of the Faerghus king." The man sighed as his partner shook his head, "People have been leaving Fodlan left and right. I think the place is doomed. One of our messengers said the amount of monsters that have taken over the land is insane." The other said, "Well, at least the pay is good."
Dedue remained silent and gritted his teeth before he continued walking. Was Dimitri dead? What happened to everyone? What was going on in Fodlan?
"I need to recover..." he thought and kept walking with Theo.
After passing through the marketplace, they soon arrived at a hut near the forest area. There, a few kids were playing outside and they cheered seeing him. He waved and walked into the hut with Theo.
"Grandma! We're back!" Theo yelled out and from the kitchen doorway, an older woman popped her head out and grinned.
"Welcome back, you two! Dedue, we told you not to wander too far. You're still recovering from your left leg and right arm!" Diedra said and Dedue nodded.
Diedra was one of Jeralt's mercanries. A few weeks after the war started, Diedra asked permission if she could leave to check on her family in Duscur. Jeralt said that it was fine, just to make sure to send him letters to make sure she and her family were okay. After that, Diedra and her family left for Duscur through a secret route they knew.
"Grandma, I brought clams!" Theo said and Diedra walked out and was given the basket of clams.
"I'll make all of us some clam stew today. And Theo, go tell your father to get me some spices at the market!" The woman said and the boy nodded and sprinted out the door.
"It's good to see you moving." Diedra smiled softly as she turned back to the kitchen, "Do you mind cutting up the vegetables for me?"
"Not at all." Dedue said and went to help the older woman in the kitchen, "Miss Diedra...has there been any news from Fodlan?" He asked carefully.
"You're worried about Mercedes, aren't you?" She said with a playful smile and Dedue coughed to hide his small embarrassment, "Unfortunately the letter from my boss has not arrived yet. But the letter from four months said things have not been good. I hope everyone is alright." She sighed, "It...feels strange not knowing anything."
"It does." Dedue said and finished cutting up meat and vegetables, "Do you want me to help you cook?"
"Alright." She smiled and the two turned hearing the door to the house slam open.
There, a man in his late 20's, panted, trying to catch his breath before he looked up at them.
"Ma! The Hunters are back!" He said and Diedra dropped everything and quickly went to him, "They managed to fight off the monster wave. Dad's okay." He said but Diedra still ran out.
"Was the wave of monsters worse?" Dedue said and the man nodded.
"It was. But that dark knight sliced so many. Honestly, how does a man like him even manage to take on so much." The man sighed.
"Thank you, Mosi. I'll go see if your mother is alright." He said and Mosi muttered a thank you.
[—]
It didn't take long to arrive at the village entrance. Many of the villagers were all there, trying to get a look at The Hunters returning. The Hunters were a group of Duscur Mercanries that had been formed by The Snowdrop Household. They have been defending the borders of Duscur, killings monsters and taking down spies of Cornelia trying to get into their home. One of the mercenaries was Diedra's husband, a man named Denje, who was also a member of Jeralt's mercenaries. A few of the people that were part of The Hunters were the former bandits that he and the Blue Lions managed to protect a few years ago during a mission. They remembered him, and they kept their word that they would repay their favor of him and his sister saving their lives and helping them get away. Now in the present, they were hired by the Snowdrop clan to protect their home.
The Hunters all wore Duscur armor and their weapons consisted of axes, gauntlets, heavy armor, and bows. Diedra looked around, worried till she spotted her husband who walked next to the horse of a brown-haired man with fair skin, wearing dark knight armor, and a bloody scythe on his back. That man, was Jeritza, also known as Emile, Mercedes's younger brother. The man sat on his horse, silent as people ran to the group. Women hugging their husbands seeing them safe, others searching for their loved ones.
"My love!" Diedra yelled out and the man barely had time to register his wife pouncing on him with his son, "Oh thank, The Storms you are back!" She sobbed, hugging him tightly.
"You should scold him." The woman looked up to see Jeritze with a scowl, "I had to save him multiple times from running head-on." He said and Denje glared at the knight as he went away.
"Bastard." Denje grumbled and looked away from the glare his wife was giving him, "Alright. Alright." He sighed, "I'll be careful. But, I got some news." He said and pulled out a slightly crumpled letter from his pocket, "Jeralt's letter came in."
The people returned to their homes, thankfully no lives were lost on this wave of monsters. Denje greeted Dedue and informed them what had happened at the border as they ate. They sat around the table, filled with dishes such as Piri Piri chicken, rice, and the clam stew that was made with the clams Theo caught. A hibiscus drink made by Diedra and a few sweets that the woman made. Denje took a sip of his drink and spoke.
"It seems we will be able to relax for a while." He said as they looked at him puzzled, "Kuza sent a messenger and informed us that the source of the monster's waves has been destroyed. We shouldn't have to worry about monsters for the next few months." He said as his wife let out a sigh of relief.
"That is good news! Does that means things are improving in Fodlan?" The woman asked and her husband shook his head.
"Things are still not well there." He said, "The one that brought the message was Ares. The look on his face...he said to be careful. The spies Cornelia has been sending are increasing." The tension in the air worried them all.
"Dedue, I'm sorry but could you take Theo outside with you," Deira said and Dedue nodded.
"Aawww! But I want to hear!" Theo said and got a slight flick on the forehead from his father, Mosi.
"Kid, this is for adults." Mosi said as his son grumbled and trudged away, "Sorry about this Dedue." He said and Dedue said it was alright and went after the boy.
As he walked out to follow Theo to the beach near the home, Dedue spotted Jeritza had arrived at the home and was allowed in. Looked like it was something serious. Dedue wondered how Jeritza ended up in Duscur. The last he heard of him was during the Garreg Mach invasion, where he fought off a DeadLord so they could escape safely. After that, it was heard he defected from the Imperial Army and disappeared. How he ended up in Duscur, he did not know. They rarely talked but the few times they did, Jeritza would give one-word answers. But Dedue could tell the man was worried about Mercedes. They have heard nothing of what was going on with their friends and family in Fodlan. Dedue arrived at the beach and finally spotted Theo. The boy was at one of the little beach ponds, his hand was glowing a faint green as he was looking at the reflection of the water with a concerned expression.
"Theo." Dedue called out, making the boy jump, and the images on the water's surface went away, "How many times have you been told to not use your magic to spy on people?"
"But Dedue! I hate being left in the dark!" The boy huffed and Dedue just gave him a blank stare, "Ugh. Fine...I was...spying on what was going on and why Mr. Jertiza was called in." He grumbled, "By the way, can I ask you something?"
"Alright."
"When you go back to Fodlan, will you search for your king? Will you search for your sister? Will you search for your friend, the princess?" Theo asked as Dedue looked out to the sea.
"I will. They mean the world to me. I only pray to our gods and Fodlan's Goddess that they are safe and well." Dedue said softly.
"Hmmm..." the boy hummed, "Oh, I almost forget!" The man looked at him puzzled, "Grandma got a reply from Captain Jeralt."
"What did it say?" Dedue said and the boy shook his head.
"I don't know. But Grandma looked...really upset. She started crying." Dedue did not know why but he had a bad feeling.
"Sister had to stop Sir Emile from storming out of the house. He hadn't recovered from a shoulder injury." The boy said, worried.
Right, when Dedue was about to speak he walked closer to the boy, and he stopped. He looked up to see a crow flying and narrowed his eyes. Crows usually do not come near the beach unless it was for food, but the way it started cawing and circling above them.
"What's it doing?" Theo said as he looked up and then screamed when it suddenly swooped down at them, "Big brother! Protect me!" He screeched and Dedue used his walking stick to shoo the bird away.
"Caw!" The crow cawed again and flew a bit away but it remain flying in its place.
"I think..." the behavior..."It wants us to follow it." He knew that behavior.
"How can you tell?" Theo said, hiding behind him.
"There...was a friend who had an owl."
[—]
The one thing Dedue did not like about the beach was how the sand got into the most annoying places. The man was struggling a bit walking through the beach due to how soft the sand was. His feet kept sinking in and Theo was starting to get tried.
"Caw!" The crow above cawed again and kept flying in a certain direction.
Dedue sighed. They had been following it for at least an hour now. Where was it leading them? It seemed that wish came true because Theo suddenly stopped and Dedue quickly pulled the boy back. The sand...fragments of metal were all around, crimson stained the sand. The crow kept cawing till it dove down and landed on a boulder. The scent of iron...Dedue recognized it. It was blood. And near where the crow perched, was a body with broken armor.
"W-What is that?" Theo whimpered and Dedue covered the boy's eyes, "Theo, go hide behind the sandstone. I will check it." Dedue said and the boy nodded, swiftly running to hide.
Dedue nodded and went, being careful where he stepped. As he looked around, he noticed the fragments of the armor looked similar to that of a Knight of Serios. The floral engravings looked similar to a holy knight. The damage on a breastplate looked to come from a magic attack and a fragment of the armor of the stomach area looked like they were stabbed by a lance.
But...
"Was this some sort of acid attack?" He muttered as he picked up another fragment, it looked like the metal had melted.
He looked around for some sort of weapon but he found a torn tome. Finally, the body. He carefully walked, the height and long hair, as well as the small structure of the body, seemed to belong to a woman. He knelt, his hand trembled, and turned them. At that moment, Dedue froze.
The chestnut-colored hair, the soft and kind face, there was no mistaking it...
"MERCEDES!" The man screamed and scrambled her into his arms, "Mercedes! Mercedes!" He yelled out, cupping her face and shaking her a bit.
Her skin was pale, her lips blue, covered in blood. Her armor was that of a Holy Knight he now recognized. His hands trembled as he called out her name, but never once she responded, the only things before his sight was a cold woman with light purple veins covering her neck and face, and the stain of blood on her lips. Dedue sobbed and wept, resting his forehead on hers.
"Mercedes...please wake up..." the man sobbed as his tears fall on her cheek, "What happened?" He croaked.
What happened in Fodlan? What happened to have caused her body to be washed away? What transpired? Dedue sobbed and whispered he was sorry he wasn't there for her. Theo quietly came out and carefully walked up. He had never seen Dedue so emotional before. But...he looked at the woman in his arms and...her eyelids were twitching.
"Brother...Brother!" Theo called out to him, "Her eyelids twitched!" He said and Dedue stopped, processing what he just said.
It was as if the heavens chose to show him that the boy was telling the truth because Mercedes started twitching and soon...
"ULP ACK!"
The woman started to react and violently cough, coughing out the water and blood. She coughed, gasped, and panted for air. Mercedes groaned and weakly looked up. Her vision was unfocused but...it began to clear she saw someone she thought she never sees again.
"De...due?" She croaked and Dedue didn't know what to say as his trembling hand gently cupped her cheek, "Ah..." Mercedes leaned into his touch, "Warm..." and her hand dropped.
"Mercedes? Mercedes!" He yelled and quickly stood up, and started running, "Please hold on!"
"Wait up!" Theo yelled but stopped, seeing a strange metal piece in the sand.
A lion's brooch...with a gem cracked.
[—-]
"And that is what happened." Diedra sobbed as Jeritza trembled as he managed to put the letter down on the table without slamming it, "They were never able to recover her body. Only her staff. That was all." She croaked.
The dark knight paced back and forth, his fingers in his hair as he pulled it a bit. He wanted to scream in rage, the voice of the death knight cackled in his mind. The thirst to kill, to kill the ones responsible.
The Agarthans...Thales...Arundel….Anacharis…
"I'll kill the one responsible!" Jeritza snarled as he rested his arm on the wall and leaned on it, the child within wanted to cry.
"Sit down, boy." Denje said, "Your anger is justified but right now, no one has any way to get to Fodlan. The fog is keeping Keilman's soldiers out of Duscur! Even more because of the monster waves. I understand your frustration but we can not go back to Fodlan. Not yet." The man said and Jeritza gritted his teeth.
"Jeritza y—-"
BAM!
"Alright, who trying to break in!?" Diedra suddenly stood up angrily with the kitchen knife out, and stormed over to the living room where the sound of the door slamming open had come from, "I am no—OH GREAT HEAVENS!" The woman screamed and the males ran out.
There on the ground, his knees, covered in blood was Dedue, gasping for air.
But it was the woman in his arms that made Jeritza feel despair. A despair far worse than the day he murdered his father and family. There Mercedes was, in Dedue's arms.
Bloody, broken...lifeless.
"Bring her to the guest room!" Diedra quickly snapped out of it and screamed her orders, "MOSI, GET ZARI AND UMALER!" She yelled and her son ran out of the house to get his sister and the village healer.
It didn't take long for two women to run into the house and to the guest room. The one named Umaler kicked them out of the guest room and slammed the door shut. Now, they were all forced out of the room.
"Trust us!" Zari hissed and slammed the door shut again.
Dedue didn't know what to do or say as he went to stand near a wall and then slid down. Jertiza was in a similar state till Denje spoke.
"Dedue, where did you find her?" He spoke as calmly as he could.
"North side of the beach...Theo and I found her." He muttered and Denje nodded then turned to Jertiza, "Boy, you're coming with me. We're going to check the place where she was found."
"No." Jertiza growled, "I will stay here."
"...Alright."
It became clear to the man he and Dedue were not in the right state of mind. For now, he and his men would go check the site where Mercedes was found. But, she was supposed to have died. Killed during the war. It's been five months in Fodlan since her death. Then...how on earth was she here?
"Hey, Grandpa?" Denje turned as Theo walked to him nervously, "Um...I found this. I think it belongs to Miss Mercedes." He said and opened his hand to show him a brooch with a blue lion, "It's weird...I can feel Miss Arisa's magic from it."
"What?" Denje said, and Dedue and Jeritza looked up, hearing the Professor's name, "That's impossible. She's..."
"Dad, I know but I can feel her magic! I felt some of it around Miss Mercedes too!" The boy insisted and Jeritza finally got up and trudged over to them.
"May I see it?" He said, more like demanded as he held his hand out.
Theo gulped and quickly gave it to him. Jertiza stared at the brooch before he closed his eyes and concentrated. There...a warm feeling washed over him before he opened his eyes.
"It's... a protection spell." He said as Dedue slowly got up, "It has...four protection spells. Now, three because one gem is shattered." The man chuckled bitterly as his hand trembled as he held it, "So even beyond the grave...that woman protected my sister."
Dedue watched as the man fell to his knees and wept. Theo and Denje tried to comfort him but didn't know how. All they could be was listen and be near him as he cried. Yet, Dedue took out his Blue Lion brooch and looked at it. He stared at it, a gem on it was cracked and three were not. If...what Jeritza said is true...did that mean, the Professor created the brooches all with protection magic? She had made one for each of the four houses, including the professors and the staff like Seteth, Shamir, Catherine, Anna, and such.
"Professor...just who are you?"
— Dream -
It was dark.
All around her felt cold as she hugged her knees. Bubbles floated around, yet she was in a bubble herself. It felt cold, like needles prickling her skin. Yet, there was this urge to remain in it, as if it was a safe haven. The world around her rippled before the bubble popped and now she stood in a familiar place. The monastery was lively with students running to get to their classes on time. She spotted herself walking beside Annette, Constance, and Lysithea. The three were chatting away and Mercedes made a comment about teaching Lysithea how to make some cookies she made the other day.
"Ah...I remember this." She muttered and continued to walk and again, the world rippled.
This time it was during a lunch break. She was in the Blue Lions classroom working on her embroidery piece and Dimitri sat on her side. The prince had his lips pressed together and eyes narrowed and then groaned seeing another needle reduced to twisted metal.
"There, there. You'll get the hang of it. You just need to practice." She said and Dimitri chuckled, embarrassed.
"I apologize, Mercedes. I destroyed another needle." He sighed and the woman chuckled.
"It's alright. But look, you only broke four needles today. That's an improvement!" She smiled but somehow that made the prince dejected, "You can do it. After all, you're trying to make a handkerchief for Arisa." Dimitri jumped a bit.
"Was it...that obvious?" He whispered and she smiled.
"Everyone knows you have a crush on her. Even she knows." Mercedes said and the prince slumped, "But I think I know why she is pretending to be oblivious."
"I...think I do too," Dimitri muttered and her hand moving the needle stopped.
"I know she wants to maintain a professional relationship. A relationship between a Professor and a student. But, I think a part of her also sees me as a child. A child that has yet to fully understand." He sighed.
"Dimitri, do you...want to talk about it?" She asked and the prince shook his head, "Alright."
"Thank you. Perhaps a different time." He said with a small smile and she nodded.
Mercedes remained silent as the world rippled again and this time it was a scene between her brother and her. She was chasing after him as the man speed walked away.
"Emile, wait! Emile!" She called out to him and the man stopped a few feet away from her, "Emile! Is it you? Is it..." a trembling hand reached out to him, "Is it really you?"
Silence...
"I never imagined I'd see you again." The woman said and Jertiza took deep breaths and finally turned to her fully.
He opened and closed his mouth, struggling to speak. His jaw clenched as he closed his eyes but finally, he was able to speak.
"Indeed." he whispered as his sister smiled sadly and carefully took a step towards him, but he took one back, "I...have not seen you since you left House Bartels. I was eight." He muttered.
"Oh, Emile..." Mercedes's lips trembled, "I-I...I'm sorry!" The woman suddenly bowed her head, taking him by surprise, "I'm so sorry! We shouldn't have left you that day! I should have brought you with us! I should have fought harder to find you when I heard what happened! I-I..I...ulp!" The woman sobbed, "I tried to have Emily help me but we couldn't locate you! I searched and searched for so long! I'm so happy you are okay!"
Jertiza didn't know what to do or say as he carefully walked up to her. Should he hug her? Comfort her? Something like that...he didn't how to react. Jeritza reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, holding it out to her. Mercedes sobbed a bit and whispered a thank you as it was handed to her. She wiped her tears and smiled sadly at him.
"Mercedes...do not blame yourself for that day. It was wise of Mother to have only taken you. As the heir, if she had taken me, Father would have searched relentlessly for us all. And... had he found us... I feel certain he'd have killed you both." He muttered and Mercedes shook her head.
"I know...Mother said that too." She whispered, "I've heard about what happened... About killing the family of House Bartels." She said and he stiffened.
"And? Are you afraid of me? Or... do you despise me?" Jertiza said and right when she was about to answer...
The world around her cracked and fell apart. The woman screamed as she fell, she kept reaching out but no one would take her hand. Suddenly the darkness was replaced with fire. Flames and bodies were all around as buildings that once shinned, crumbled. The dark skies, the rain, thunder, and lighting roared as soldiers roared as they fought one another. She felt older, yet 10 feet away stood Annette, who like her, looked much older. She wore an orange-blue dress, her hair was short and what was originally combed back was now a mess. Annette looked at her with tears streaming down her eyes as Crusher glowed brightly in her hands.
"Mercie..." Annette whimpered.
"Now now, Annie. There's no need for that. This is a battlefield, after all." Mercedes smiled sadly but...
"No! I don't want this!" Mercedes yelled as she watched her older self and Annette raise their weapons, "Why is this happening?! Why am I doing this?! This isn't supposed to happen!" She screamed, running towards herself and Annette.
"I'm so sorry... You know that, don't you? And also know that you don't have to forgive me..." Annette whispered and lunged towards her.
"I was going to say the same thing. I'm so sorry if I cause you any pain..." Mercedes whispered and raised her tome as a strange necklace on her neck began to glow, "I'll make this painless..." she raised her hands and rain began to gather all together and form into a spear, then freeze.
"No! No!" Mercedes screamed and watched as her older self launched the magic attack at her friend.
"NOOOOOOO!"
SHATTER!
"Gasp! Gasp! Huff!" Mercedes gasped for air as the world around her shattered again and now she stood in a pure white realm, "Ulp..." she fell to her knees, crying as she buried her face in her hands, "Why? Why did I see such a thing?" She sobbed but she received no answer.
Yet...the chumming of bells was heard as she looked up. Warm arms hugged her tightly. That warmth...she recognized it, but why was the place dark.
"You've been holding back your emotions for a long time, haven't you? Also, that was something you shouldn't have seen. Looks like my true self's memories of our other life seeped in."
A female voice. It sounded a bit on the higher pitch end. Not that of a child but of a woman. A soft chuckle was heard from the voice and the darkness was clearing away from her eyes. She could see a ghost-like hand held out to her.
"Darkness is a place you don't want to be. Shall we leave?" The voice said and Mercedes stared at the hand before her expression became serious and she took it.
It felt like she pulled out of the water, the world around her blew away as if a sweet breeze had come. The darkness was replaced with a beautiful grassy field with hundreds if not thousands of flowers as far as the eyes could see. Clear blue skies, white clouds, a gentle breeze, Mercedes smiled as tears fell. The hand that she took let go of hers and she turned to see who it was. But, she looked at the woman shocked.
"I am glad to see you are okay." A tan-skinned woman with brown eyes, and curly and slightly puff-shoulder-length brown hair.
She had a soft expression as Mercedes studied her. The clothing she wore was a white button-up shirt with a ruffled collar, and black rider pants, and on her waist was a belt with a few potion bottles. The woman smiled softly and spoke.
"It seems my true self's protection spell has saved you. Add that you have now awakened Parvati's power, and it's safe to say you're out of the woodwork. I'm glad." The woman said as Mercedes looked at her confused.
"I know you have many questions but I do not have much time. So I will brief." She held out her hand to show an orb of dark magic, "You held back your emotions for so long that you were starting to build up dark magic in your body. Add the fact that my true self managed to stop your death, and the poison on that monster's stringer was Sothal, you put up quite the fight. It's a miracle you are alive, even with the interface of my true self." The woman said and crushed the orb in her hand.
Mercedes felt as if some sort of weight was lifted off her shoulders. Yet, she spoke, puzzled.
"I'm sorry, but who are you? I...I feel like I know you." Mercedes said and the woman smiled bitterly.
"You do know me. Just not in the way I look right now. But right now, I a merely a speck of dust created from the revenants of power my true self infused into your brooch. Now that one gem has shattered, that now makes you number five who the spell has protected." The woman said and Mercedes was becoming even more confused.
"True self? Number five?"
"The first was Dedue. The second Petra. The third was Ashe. The forth was was Caspar. And the fifth was you." The woman said and Mercedes raised her hand, asking her to stop.
"Wait! Wait! This is too much! You are not making sense! Just who are you?! And...is Dedue truly alive?" Mercedes asked and the woman smiled, nodding.
"He is. You should see him yourself. Also, seems..." Mercedes gasped seeing the woman start to become translucent, "looks like my time is up. It's time to wake up, my friend."
"Wait! Who are you?! Why do I feel I know you?!" Mercedes cried out as his hand reached out to her.
"It's best you learn to form the others. But as you said, you know me. But you have never met me in this form. Or should I say my form of my past life? Take care, Mercedes."
- End of Dream -
Her entire body hurt.
That was the first thing Mercedes felt as she started to wake up. A groan escaped her lips as her eyelids twitched. They felt so heavy, it was a struggle to try and move, let alone open her eyes. Her fingers twitched and she tried to sit up, only to cry out in pain and curl up into a ball. The pain in her stomach felt as if she had been struck multiple times as a sob escaped her lips. It hurt but finally, she managed to open her eyes. Her vision was unfocused but after a few minutes, she could see clearly. Mercedes was in a room where she could see some rooftop build wooden shelves, a few drawers as well as a basket filled with clothing. She looked up and near the end of the bed frame was a small wooden table filled with bandages.
"Where...am I?" She croaked out, the voice hoarse.
Her mouth was dry and it had this chemical-like taste, most likely herbs. She tried to move but the pain in her stomach prevented her. She then heard a click and looked to see the door to the room open. It was a dark brown-skinned woman with black medium-length hair in dreads. She wore a normal shirt. The woman...she...
"Gasp!" The woman gasped and quickly ran to her bed, but not before placing the tray on the table.
"Mercedes! Mercedes! Can you hear me?!" The woman spoke in a frantic yet soft tone to not to scare her, "Shh...Shh, it's alright. You're safe."
"D-Diedra?" Mercedes whimpered and the woman nodded, trying not to cry in relief, "W-Where am I?"
"You just woke sweet heart. Shhh...rest." Diedra said and place her hand over her eyes, making the woman fall asleep again.
Diedra smiled softly and used some healing magic. The pain on Mercedes's face was replaced with a peaceful look as she fell back into a deep slumber.
"Mzaa, I brought the medicine you asked for."
"Put it on the table," Diedra said as her daughter, Zari, came in.
The woman nodded and did that but noticed how Mercedes looked like she was at peace.
"Did she wake up?" Zari whispered and Diedra nodded, "I am glad she is alright. It's been a week since Dedue found her. Do you want me to prepare a light soup?" She asked and her mother nodded.
"How's Dedue and Jertiza?" Diedra asked and Zari snorted as she crossed her arms.
"The dark knight stands where he always. Looking out to the border for any threats but he has been returning early to check on Mercedes. He's an emotional wreck. Mercedes never once mentioned she had a brother." Zari said and Diedra sighed as she carefully uncurled Mercedes and had her lay back down on the bed properly, "As for Dedue, he has been training non-stop with Pa. Looks like his leg and shoulder are recovering just fine."
"But that doesn't stop the man from insisting on keeping guard. He's already been through enough. Especially with...that thing he killed." Diedra said as her mind brought up the memory of when they found him.
He was covered in blood, injured, bloody on the head, and a body under him that he stabbed to death and ripped something out of it. Kuza's brother, Izem was informed of what had transpired. Dedue told them that the man he just killed was one of the ones responsible for The Tragedy of Duscur and the thing he ripped out was some sort of core or heart. Izem, after understanding the situation, had the core sealed away in a magic sphere. Unlike Fodlan's magic, Duscur's magic was more spiritually and ritual-focused. Thus, Odesse was now trapped in an eternal nightmare unless the one that released him allowed it. In this case, Izem having learned who the man was, used the darkest and most powerful sealing magic on the core.
"When she wakes up, I'll make sure some portage. Something light."
[—-]
"Hmmm?"
This time, she wasn't in any pain. More like a bit sore. Mercedes groaned a bit as she carefully sat up, her eyesight adjusted each time she blinked. She looked around, now able to see clearly where she was. But most of all, she was laying on a warm bed with multiple blankets. The room she was in was a deep green with a wooden roof. A few wooden shelves with some scrolls as well as some clothing hanging on one wall. A wooden window that was partially opened to allow some sunlight to come in, as well as the sound of ocean waves crashing. The scent of salt was faint but comfortable.
"Where am I?" Mercedes whispered and tried to move but stopped when she felt some weight on the right side of her leg and something warm around her hand.
She looked to her right and her eyes went wide seeing Dedue fast asleep and...holding her hand. Mercedes smiled softly as her lip quivered. She wasn't dreaming. She didn't dream that she saw Dedue. It was him. A sob escaped her lips and that was enough to stir Dedeu awake. The man groaned a bit before he turned and the first thing he saw was Mercedes crying. That made him quickly sit up.
"M-Mercedes are you alright?! Are you hurt?! Do I need to call in a doctor?!" He hadn't been this panicked since his sister had a horrible fever a few years ago.
Mercedes shook her head and wiped her tears away, smiling softly as she looked at him, gently holding his hand.
"It really is you...I wasn't dreaming. It is you, Dedue!" She sobbed and Dedue smiled sadly and wasn't sure if he should hug her or not.
Looks like Mercedes read his mind because she made the first move and hugged him tightly, resting her ear over his heart. Dedue froze but slowly, he smiled softly and hugged her back.
"I missed you..." Mercedes whispered as Dedue nodded.
"Me too..." he whispered, both lost in each other's embrace and warmth but...
"Ewww..."
"THEO!"
Deidra quickly grabbed her grandson by the ear as Dedue let out a heavy sigh and Mercedes couldn't help but snicker at the scene as a familiar young boy was forced to bow and apologize.
"I am so sorry you two!" Diedra bowed to the two, "The boy does not understand privacy!"
"Grandma!" Theo grumbled and shook off her hand, "But Sister Mercedes! You're awake! You're awake!" Dedue let go of Mercedes and helped her carefully get up.
"Careful, dear!" Diedra came up, "Despite no wounds, your body is still recovering. Dedue, could you carry her?" She said.
"N-No need! I can walk!" Mercedes quickly said as her face became red with each second that passed but Diedra was not having it.
"I will be careful." And Dedue picked her up, princess style, carrying her to the living room.
Mercedes now understood what Arisa felt when Dimitri carried her, embarrassment. It seemed Dedue was amused because of the small smile forming on his face as she buried her face in her hands. Carefully, he set her down on a couch near the living room table.
"Here you go!" Diedra came from the kitchen with a bowl of porridge and set it on the table, "A bowl of porridge. Nothing heavy since you just woke up." She said and Dedue sat next to her as the others across.
"I'm so happy you're okay..." Diedra started crying as her grandson hugged her, "Jeralt wrote to me that...you died and..." she was struggling to form words.
"Miss Diedra, it's okay. Take your time." Mercedes' said as the woman nodded and she looked at Dedue, "I'm so happy to see you. I know I repeated this so many times but...It feels like a dream." The woman said and smiled softly as Dedue gently wiped a tear away.
"To me as well." Dedue looked at her fondly.
"But...what happened while I was asleep?" Mercedes said, "The last memory I have is..." the memory of Annette screaming and reaching out to her as she feel came into her mind, "Are we in Remire Village?"
"No." Diedra calmed down finally and wiped her tears, "You are in Duscur. By some miracle, Dedue and Theo found you washed up at the shores of Duscur." She said and Mercedes looked at her shocked.
"What? H-How?" Mercedes' said, "If I am here..then that means it's been a few weeks since I died. That means it's the Verdant Rain Moon, correct?" She said and everyone became silent as a heavy atmosphere fell upon the room, "Right?"
"It is not the Verdant Rain Moon..."
Mercedes turned to look behind and gasped seeing someone she never thought she sees again.
"Emile..." Mercedes whispered as the man carefully walked in, "Y-You're here..."
"I...am..." The man smiled bitterly, "Mercedes...what year is it?", Mercedes looked at him puzzled.
"Assuming I have been asleep for a few weeks, I believe it is The Verdant Rain Moon, the Imperial year 1182." She said and looked around, seeing everyone with grave expressions, "What is going on?"
"Mercedes..." Dedue spoke carefully, "Today is the 5th of The Guardian Moon, the Imperial year 1183." He said and Mercedes looked at him shocked, "You...you have been declared dead for six months."
It was as if a bucket of ice was poured over her as she processed the words said to her. Mercedes didn't know what to say or do as she was trying to speak, the words seemed stuck in her throat. For some reason, the dream she had came into her mind. The mysterious woman said it was best her for to learn from others.
"This...was what she meant..." Mercedes thought as her hand covered her mouth, "H-How can that be?" She croaked, "I-I was only traveling with Annie and the others a few weeks ago. Wait...what happened to them?! Annette! Sylvain! Caspar! Lord Rufus! What happened to them!?" She said and then cried out in pain holding her stomach.
"Mercedes!" Everyone called out and she raised her hand, reassuring them she was alright.
"I-I'm okay...Just...the shock was too much for me." She choked as her family came into her mind, "Just what has happened?"
"It's...best you rest for now..."
[—-]
A few days passed and rest was very much needed. It took a while for Mercedes to regain her strength and properly walk again. Most of all, she was told what had transpired over the past few months and the letter Jeralt had sent Diedra. At the moment, Mercedes sat in her room with Emile by her side, reading the letter with an emotionless face.
Diedra, I hope this letter reaches you quickly.
By the time it reaches you, I think a month or more has already passed. If not, then I hope you and the others are doing well. We had a recent battle where we were able to take back the forest of Keilman. Unfortunately, even if the victory was won, there is still a bitter feeling. Mercedes was killed during the fight against a monster nucleus. Charlotte is mourning, all I can do is stand by her side and comfort her. First her son now her daughter? Sigh...it's one thing after another.
As for Chris, looks like the kid finally stopped hiding from the shadows and revealed his true identity.
Things here have not been the same. The girl, Annette, has a smile on her face that is not the same as before. The boy Sylvain, seems colder. Sigh...I can only pray things to improve over the next few months. As for us, even in these dark times, it seems a ray of joy and hope has found us. Be safe, my friend.
- Jeralt
"Sigh..." Mercedes sighed, "After reading this, it confirmed my worries." The woman smiled bitterly as her brother looked at her sadly, "Emile, how did you end up here?"
"...During the invasion of Garreg Mach, I fought against one of the Dead lord Elites, Hugo Gloucester." He said as Mercedes looked at him shocked, "He hid in the shadows and was waiting for the opportunity to strike Rhea. Had I not found him, things would have ended much worse. Catherine and Shamir came in at the last moment to fight him. Right when he was about to take out the place with him, I used the last of my strength to slice off his head." Jeritza muttered, "I was gravely injured and managed to escape into the woods." The man sighed as he smiled bitterly.
"After that, I continued to wander for a long time till I eventually collapsed from my injuries. In my time of wandering, at some point, I crossed the borders and was found by a Duscur Caravan. The people took me in because I had saved them from a bandit gang at some point." Jertiza explained as his sister looked at him worried.
"That's how you ended up here in Duscur..." Mercedes smiled sadly, "Emile...I am sorry I couldn't be there for you."
"Do not, Mercedes." Jertiza sighed, "For a long time...I told myself I had no right to see you or your mother. And then...your professor happened." Mercedes had to keep herself from laughing at the face her brother was making, "That woman...she should have kept her nose in her business. She expose me so quickly..." he groaned.
Mercedes chuckled a bit and gently patted his shoulder.
"She meant good, I promise. She and Jeralt, have been kind to me and my mother. And..." she was debating if she should say the next part.
"Yes, I know mother and Jeralt are in a relationship." Jertiza said and she looked at him surprised, "I...am happy to see mother smiling again. I am glad...you both found happiness." She smiled softly.
"Oh, Emile..." Mercedes said, "please go visit Mother when you have a chance. We were thinking that after the war is over we could perhaps reunite." She said and Emile shook his head.
"No." He said, "Why?" She asked.
"I... cannot face her. I killed my father. Slaughtered everyone in that house. Our mother shouldn't meet a murderer." He said and Mercedes carefully held his hand.
"Yes, I heard about that – but I'm certain you took those actions because you felt you had to, right? Just explain it to her. She'll listen to you." Jeritiza looked away, unsure what to say.
What could he say? How could he face them after all the things he had done? Mercedes knows he was part of Flayn's kidnapping. Mercedes knows he killed their father and their step-family.
Even after all that...
"Honestly, you and Mercedes are horrible at expressing your feelings!"
Jertiza let a growl that would scare anyone away but Arisa just gulped as she crossed her arms.
"Don't you think you had enough after embarrassing me the other day?" He said and Arisa sighed, looking away.
"I came to apologize for that. I only wanted to tease you but looks like you're not the type to enjoy such things." She said and let out a small sigh, "I know...it's none of my business but Miss Charlotte and Mercedes miss you." She said as he remained silent.
"You...don't have to talk to them immediately. Just...don't take so long but also take your time." She muttered softly and turned away to leave.
"I..." Jertiza's trembled and took a deep breath, "I may be fine now – and perhaps the demon in me will even perish someday. But I cannot live with you until I pay for my crimes. And considering the weight of them, that day may never come." Mercedes looked at him sadly.
"I understand..." she smiled bitterly, "In that case, I have no choice but to support you, no matter how sad it makes me." The man looked at her surprised, "But just know that Mother and I will always be waiting for you, no matter how long it takes. I look forward to the day when you can show your face to her proudly." She said and gasped as a single tear dropped on her lap.
It was the first time she had seen her brother cry after that day many years ago. Jertiza gritted his teeth and rested his forehead over her hands, the first sniffles in a long time and then a low sob.
Sorrow.
Pain.
After all those years, he was never able to feel those things. No, it's that he couldn't express them because if he did, he would be seen as weak by the enemy. And now, here he was, breaking down. Mercedes listened as he cried, letting him cry his heart out after holding back for so long. And she too cried as well.
[—]
"How are you doing?"
Mercedes smiled sadly as she left the room. Emile had fallen asleep and she didn't want to wake him up. She used a spell that Arisa taught her that would keep the nightmares away in his dream. The woman gently closed the door and turned to Dedue.
"I am doing alright. Diedra said that the bruising on my stomach will go away soon. But I will have a scar." Mercedes explained as Dedue nodded, "We...have so much to talk about."
"It's best we take out time." Dedue said and she nodded, "Before we continue...Mercedes, did you know that the professor cast some sort of protection spell on our brooches?" He asked.
"No. I had only just recently learned of it." She said, "It...Caspar suddenly appeared in Aubin Territory. We thought he was wounded but thankfully he was not. But..." she placed her hand on her stomach, "I keep...having this nagging feeling I experienced what he did."
"That you died?"
Mercedes' pressed her lips together and nodded.
"I know...I was killed. I fell into the ocean. I saw myself impaled by the monster I took down. I felt my body go cold. I felt my lungs fill with water. I..." her body shivered at the thought of the traumatic experience, "I know I sound crazy..."
"I believe you," Dedue said and walked up to her.
"You do?" Mercedes looked at him shocked as he nodded.
"I too... went through such an experience." He said and turned, showing her the scar on the back of his head then turned back to her, "I know I fell into the ravine and hit my head on a rock. I bled out. But...sigh." Dedue sighed and held up the brooch the Professor gifted him, "I have a feeling our professor saved us."
"She was always very protective of us." Mercedes' smiled sadly, "I know this is sudden but, is there any way for us to get in contact with our friends? I...want them to know that we are alive." She said and Dedue smiled sadly.
"There is." Mercedes looked up hopefully, "But..." Dedue let out a heavy sigh, "Honestly, it's at a place I rather avoid."
"Oh? Where is that?" She asked and Dedue looked at her for a moment before he let out a sigh of defeat.
"House Snowdrop."
— A few days later -
"Alright, be safe you four!" Diedra waved happily as Mercedes, Dedue, Jertiza, and Denje all rode on horses, "I still think you should rest, Mercedes!"
"I'll be fine!" Mercedes called out and Diedra did a "Huh!" Placing a hand over her heart.
"Arisa would say the same thing! She rubbed off on you!" Diedra aid and Mercedes couldn't help but giggle as they waved goodbye.
"I do agree with her." Denje said, "You should rest more." Mercedes shook her head.
"I have already rested enough. I need to see our friends and family and tell them we are alright." She said and Emile sighed.
"Don't bother trying to change her mind. She is a stubborn one." Emile said and Mercedes giggled, "How long till we get to Snow Drop County?"
"It will take a few hours. We should be able to reach it by tonight." Dedue said with a heavy sigh.
"You don't look too good, Dedue. Is everything alright?" Mercedes said and Denje snorted.
"I'll give you a quick answer. Kuza's brother, Lord Izem, has been trying to hire Dedue to work as a Hunter for The Snow Drop family." Dorje said as they lightly snapped the reins and the horses started walking, "And Dedue has refused each time."
"My loyalty is to His Majesty Dimitri and House Blaiddyd," Dedue said with a scowl.
"Speaking of that man..." Jertiza said, "What has happened?"
Mercedes didn't know what to say or do after such a question. It was so difficult to put it into words. But...if she remained silent and never told Dedue, she wouldn't be able to live with herself. Mercedes took a deep breath and spoke.
"Zander...is currently the leader and king." Dedue's eyes widened, "Dimitri and Lestia have gone missing. Because of this, Zander had to step up and was made the King of Faerghus. I'm not sure if this is also good news but resistance has also formed in the Empire by a man claiming to be The Fourth Prince of The Empire. As of now, it seems the odds against the Empire are taking a turn." Mercedes said.
Dedue didn't know what to say after hearing that but...
"My sister. What happened to my sister?"
Mercedes closed her eyes and looked down.
"I'm sorry...We haven't found her either. She also has gone missing." She whispered.
Dedue remained silent and smiled bitterly as he closed his eyes.
"Thank you for your honesty."
[—-]
Mercedes had been to the villages built by the royal family for the people of Duscur. The houses in Faerghus were built like the ones in Fhirdiad and the community there was still wary of the people of The Kingdom. But being in Duscur for the first time, it was different. As they rode through the county, Mercedes could see so many differences. The County of Snow Drop, also known as the Island of Blomme, was one of the small islands ruled by the four houses. The one she, Emile, and Dedue were currently in was ruled by Kuza's family. Mercedes' learned that the mainland one, the one currently under Keilman's rule, was originally ruled and watched over by the Amyrillis Clan, Amir's family.
The island reminded her of the tropical lands that she had seen in some of the library books. But there was also a mixture of dry land. Palm and coconut trees grew as far as the eye could see. Grass fields green like jade were a beautiful sight. Merchants and vendors seeking all kinds of things. The people of Duscur, like Dedue, had dark tan skin, all in different shades of brown to even darker shades. Some people had silver hair like Dedue and many others had brown, black, and sometimes blonde. Their clothing was in a variety of colors with different patterns. Some had even dyed their hair. There were even animals walking around that she had never seen before. She gasped seeing a strange cow with giant curled horns pulling a wagon with people on it. There were many dogs, different breeds from the ones from Fodlan. And a few birds that she ended up giggling seeing perched on her brother's head.
"That one," Dedue pointed to the strange cow that was pulling the wagon, "is called a Duscur Buffalo. Like the cows and bulls, they pull wagons and help plow the fields in Fodlan, we too have our own." He explained as they passed by the port.
Instead of ships, there we different types of small boats. Men and women stood at the wooden ports, throwing nets into the waters to catch fish. Mercedes blinked seeing some merfolk and an animal she had only seen in a children's book, called a dolphin, chasing down a school of fish towards the nets.
"(Whoooooo! Thank you!)" the people yelled and the dolphin chirped happily, splashing water while some of the menfolks waved before they disappeared into the water.
What Mercedes was seeing...was completely different from Fodlan. The atmosphere of the land felt warm, and welcoming, even those of the supernatural and non-humans were able to walk around freely or live well. Mercedes spotted a few Laguz of the bird clans flying in the air.
Compare to Fodlan...this was...
"A completely new experience." Mercedes couldn't help saying it out loud and quickly cover her mouth.
Denje couldn't help but chuckle but it slowly came to stop as he looked over to a caravan near the stalls.
He saw the way they were looking at Dedue, Mercedes, and Jertiza. Years passed but there were still bad-blood people some people of Duscur and Faerghus. Especially those who had loved ones killed in the tragedy. Truthfully, he also felt that anger but he understood who truly was the one responsible for it. Denje's eyes darken, making those people flinch at his gaze and turn away. There was no need for fighting, they already had enough war as it is.
"Grudges don't go away."
The man turned to look at Jeritza as he looked out to Dedue and Mercedes with a distant gaze. The couple was a bit ahead of them and he was happy to see Mercedes was alive and safe.
"I know." Denje said, "My anger is towards the one who committed acts of injustice towards us and the ones responsible. I bear no grudge towards House Blaiddyd or the main houses." He said and Jertiza nodded solemnly.
[—-]
The grassy fields looked healthier than the ones in Fodlan. As they rode down the road, sometimes Dedue and Denje would stop by to talk to their people. Based on the tone, they were friendly to each other, with casual talk. But once in a while, Mercedes would notice how they would glance at her and Emile. It was a look of weariness, sometimes distrust. Yet, Mercedes understood why. She did not blame them for the grudges that were still present. After all, the western lords of the kingdom took extreme action against the people of Duscur and their nation. They trampled and burned their mainland to the ground. Then took the land for themselves for the rumored metals and jewels in mines. Exploited it and its survivors but then it all came crashing down on time as the main houses and Blaiddyd brought down ruin on them and Cornelia.
"Are you alright?" Dedue's voice brought her back to reality and Mercedes smiled sadly.
"I'm alright, just...sigh." She sighed, "Dedue, don't you...feel angry towards the people of Faerghus for what they did to your homeland?" She said and Dedue looked at her surprised.
"...I do." Dedue said, "But my anger is not towards Faerghus. It is towards the people responsible. It's human nature to generalize. I'd be lying if I claimed to hold no hatred towards Faerghus for the devastation it brought to my home. But I've come to meet many kinds of people as I've lived with Their Majesties." He said and looked out to the sky.
"Some hurled stones and insults, not only at me and my sister but at Their Majesties, as well. Yet some remained kind to us, despite our heritage." Dedue took a deep breath and slowly released it.
"When I came to Faerghus, I could not communicate with anyone. Arisa, Kuza, and Amir were the few that were able to understand me. Emily suggested that I could use a magic stone to understand the language but I decided against it." He muttered softly, "Dimitri...felt it unproductive to communicate in broken sentences, so we spent years teaching each other. Lestia and Zander joined in as well." He smiled softly.
"Emily saw this and took it upon herself to teach us. Not only that, she taught my home language to their majesties. It was hard, but also...rewarding." Dedue chuckled, "When we were in the academy, I would help Petra improve her speaking Fodlan's language." He smiled.
"I...guess what I am trying to say is that I know it will take time. The anger and grudges may never go away but meeting you and the others... is the first step toward change. A future where we can all be at peace and smile." He said and Mercedes smiled softly, nodding.
Denje was silent as they continued their conversation and Jertiza joined them as well. To hear such words... brought a sense of joy. The future they wished for, may be closer than they think.
[—-]
The five clans that rule Duscur all had their places. Amaryllis was the mainland, the ocean, specializing in trading boons of the oceans and spices. They had a close connection with the menfolks and sea life, coexistence with them. The Snow Drop county, The Island of Bloome, was known for its expertise in blacksmithing and working with a variety of metals to create extraordinary weapons. The County of Hydrangea specialized in creating magic tools and magic. The County of Delphinium was known for its agriculture, especially in fabrics. Lastly, was The County of Narcissus, known for its military might and knowledge in astrology and spirituality.
At the center of The County of Snow Drop, deep in the low mountain fields, was a giant ancient tree said to have grown from the body of the God that blessed the clans. It was known as the Guardian Tree and also the burial place of the Gods of Duscur. Now, the ones who live and guard it, were House Snow Drop.
Mercedes was flabbergasted seeing the beautiful giant tree. Its giant thick roots you could climb and walk across as if it was a normal land. The County of Snowdrop was right there. People learned to adapt and live around the tree. Many took great care of their roots and used magic to make sure it was healthy. It was as if a city was built on a giant tree. House Snow Drop also specialized in herbal medicine and ceramics. Its rich soil was used for pottery and more.
"It's beautiful..." Mercedes whispered as she got off her horse and gently stepped on the ground.
But the moment she had as Jertiza did...
"Ulp!"
Both siblings suddenly felt a wave of relief, joy, and peacefulness but also...sorrow. The crest in their blood was reacting. As if...someone was welcoming them. They gulped and took breaths trying to calm their hearts. Mercedes looked around and looked up, far up at a tree branch, her gaze zoomed in. There, sitting was a hooded figure. She blinked and they were gone.
"Mercedes! Jertiza! Are you alright?" Denje said as Dedue looked at them worried.
"I never thought I see anyone else have a such reaction to The Great Tree."
Footsteps approach and Dedue looked and frowned. Walking towards them was a young man with dark brown skin, dark brown hair that was tied in dreads, purple eyes, and wore similar clothing to Kuza, except for the lab coat. Next to him, were Hunters. The young man narrowed his eyes till they landed back on Mercedes and Jertiza.
"Only those of House Amyrillis have had such reactions. Though Amir sadly never got a chance to step foot here, her father and grandmother did. Lord Annes and Lady Hime had the same reactions as you did. Perhaps it is because the of a relative of The Gods that blessed our clans runs through your veins." The young man said and Denje stepped up, bowing.
"Lord Izem, it is good to see you again," Denje said and Izem nodded.
"It is the same. I received a message from your wife telling me that you would arrive with some guests from Faerghus and The Empire. The one called Mercedes, I have heard of you from my brother." Mercedes nodded, "As for him..." he narrowed his eyes at Jertiza, "Those of the Empire are not welcomed here. Especially if you are associated with the Emperor that is working with the ones that brought down ruin to my home." He said no the hunters behind him pulled out their swords.
Dedue and Denje were ready to defend the two till...
"IZEM!"
Izem flinched and quickly turned around only to see his older brother and head of House Snow Drop, Kuza, standing there with his arms crossed. Kuza glared at his younger brother.
"How many times have I been told to not act irrationally?! And you two!" The two Hunters flinched when they were pointed at, "I told you two to not just follow his orders like that!"
Kuza walked up and looked over his brother's shoulder, gasping and seeing Mercedes and Dedue. He didn't know what to say or think but at that moment, he grabbed his brother by the ear and dragged him.
"We're going to have a long discussion." He said.
"Ow! Ow! Brother, let me go!" Izem cried out but the people around just chuckled as it was another day the siblings were arguing, again.
But Kuza stopped and smiled towards the other four, nudging his head for them to follow.
[—-]
"You have no idea how happy I am you are alive!" Kuza said as he hugged Mercedes tightly and then Dedue, "Both of you!" And then hugged them both together.
"I am too." Mercedes grinned as Kuza went to shut the door.
Kuza's office was a beautiful wooden-colored room, with many plants on the walls and ceiling as well as a desk made of a type of wood Mercedes did not know of. There were many tables with different lab equipment as well as multiple stacks of books on the floor and tables. What was most interesting was the 5'4 ft and 5'6 wide golden globe with golden rings constantly spinning around in different directions. He also had a silver scale next to it. The scent of lavender and mint was all around. As of now, they sat on a couch across from Kuza and Izem. A bamboo table was between them, set with Duscur sweets, tea, and coffee. Denje did not want to sit down and stood near the couch the couple was sitting at. Jeritza is on the left.
"I apologize for the hostility my brother showed." Kuza said and slammed his hand down on the back of his brother's head to make him bow, "Go on, apologize!" Somehow the scene reminded Mercedes of Arisa and Christian.
"Alright, already!" Izem screeched, "I'm...sorry for earlier."
"You may be 18 but you're still a kid!"
"You've been gone for so long that elders were questioning if you would come back at all!"
"Ah yes..." Kuza's gaze darkened, "Seems I will have to shut them up soon." He thought and looked back to the four, "But back to the original subject (Izem: You can't just dismiss me like that!) I am glad you two are alive. And..." he looked to Jeritza, "I don't think you and I have ever met."
"My name is Jertiza...A former servant of the Emperor." Jertiza said and Kuza looked at him surprised.
"So the rumors that that Death Knight defected were true..." he muttered, "Would you be interested in wor—"
"No. I will not work for you." Jertiza quickly responded but Kuza smiled.
"I meant at least until it is time you and Mercedes return to Fodlan." Kuza said, "I have my ways of knowing things going on here in my homeland. You have been protecting my people, and for that, I thank you. Which is why I am offering not just you" He raised his hand and extended towards Mercedes and Dedue, "but Mercedes and Dedue to temporarily work for House Snow Drop till you all have fully recovered and returned to Faerghus." He said, tipping his head to the side a bit.
"What?" Mercedes gasped, "B-But I have to return to Fodlan immediately!"
"Unfortunately my friend, that is not possible." Kuza sighed and rubbed his forehead, "Izem, could you explain."
"Right." Izem sighed and looked at the group, "House Keilman has been working with the western lords to close the borders of his land to prevent anyone from leaving. He has locked in everyone after The Faerghus Resistance took over his forest." He said and the four across looked at him shocked.
"Are you saying, there is no way for us to get back into Fodlan?!" Denje said and Kuza nodded gravely.
"The message Jeralt sent was the last. He can't risk you all being found out or messages being intercepted. I was only able to get here because I took a boat from the Alliance to Sreng and then here. Which...I never want to experience it again! Oh, that was the most horrible boat ride ever!" Kuza said as Mercedes and Dedue looked at each other worried.
"Never mind his despair." Izem waved his hand dismissively, "But what he said is correct. Even he is going to be stuck here for a while. But we can communicate with those on the other side using that." He pointed to the celestial globe.
"What is it?" Jeritza asked as they all stood up and walked to it.
Kuza sighed and smiled bitterly, placing his hand on the globe. It began to spin a bit faster and glow between the lights of purple and black.
"This relic was one of the five relics left to us by the founder of Duscur and the first head and creator of the Flower Clans. In your home, I believe he is called, Saint Timotheos. Amir's and Hapi's ancestor." Kuza said and the group minus his brother looked at him shocked.
"About a year ago," Izem spoke, "Amir asked us if we had any room for the scrolls and scriptures of her family. Before her family was killed, Amir's grandmother, Lady Hime Jani used the secret art of House Hydrangeas to store the entire fortune of her family and library into the necklace Amir inherited. It was to prevent her banished son from getting his hands on those records." He sighed and crossed his arms.
"House Hydrangeas and Snow Drops, we are known as The Archives of Duscur. For we have a record of the history of our nation. From the day it was born, its founder, past rulers, and such. And Amir gave us her necklace to take out The Amyrillis library and bring it here, to have it protected." He looked down at the glob, "This relic is just that. We can access the archives without having to travel up The Great Tree."
"The Celestial Globe can also get us in contact with other people in different nations. However, only to those, we grant permission to." Kuza said and at that moment, Mercedes carefully stepped up.
"Then..." she gulped, "I can...talk to my family?"
"Yes." Kuza said, "But on one condition." Mercedes looked at him puzzled, "My proposal from before."
"I said before and I will say it again. My loyalty is to House Blaiddyd." Dedue said coldly, "I will not betray His Majesty Dimitri."
"The fool is stubborn." Izem grumbled, "What part did you not hear of temporary? This year and the next to, till the day you three are to return to Fodlan. I think you all were planning to reunite on the day of some sort of festival?" He said and Dedue nodded.
"Unfortunately, you two won't be able to make it on that day." Kuza sighed gravely, "I am saddened by this but you too are going to have to be late for that reunion. But, we can at least tell our friends that you are alive. So, what do you three say? Will you take our offer?" He said, holding out his hand to them.
Mercedes looked at it and hung her head, gripping her skirt tightly.
"All these years... Arisa protected me." She began, "All these years I watched as I kept standing back up even if she was knocked down. She was with me in my highs and lows. She helped me through my lowest point." She gritted her teeth, "I'm so tired of not being able to do anything for my family!" She said and it was the first time Dedue, Jertiza, or anyone was seeing her express so much emotion.
She and the Blue Lions, she knew always had difficulty expressing how they felt. And it showed in battle. Arisa was always worried about them when they would fight or spare because the anger and emotions they would hold back would always show it. Annette's frustration is that her father refuses to talk to her. Sylvain's cunningness would come out during planning. Felix's and Ingrid's resentment during combat. Dimitri's and Lestia's recklessness and rage during battle. Deidre's and Sadi's frustrations when defending their friends. Lastly, Dwyers and Lysithea's sorrow was shown through their magic, and the colors they would create. Arisa, Amir, and Alexandra always protected them and stood by their sides.
But who was with them when they were at their lowest?
If they were not present, who would stand up and fight?
Who...will step up and lead?
"Kuza, I wish to learn Duscur's magic and its culture, if that is alright with you." Mercedes said and Kuza smiled, "So I accept your offer. I wish to become stronger."
"Understood." Kuza smiled and looked at the other two, "What's your choice?"
"...Can...you help me control the demon within me?" Jertiza muttered and Kuza looked at him worried.
"Ah...So you have a split personality." Kuza smiled sadly, "Unfortunately, you can't get rid of the Death Knight." Jertiza clicked his teeth, "But you can learn to coexist with them."
"What?" Jertiza looked at him surprised, "Is that even possible?"
"One word." Kuza said, "Florencio." They looked at him confused, "Florencio was just like you. He too used to work for Those Who Slither in The Dark." Jertiza quickly uncrossed his arms, "This was many years ago. During his time, he developed a split personality. One just like yours, The Death Knight, who enjoyed bloodshed and battle. That personality's name was called The Doctor, or Doctor Death, a man who would perform cruel atrocities against nobles he deemed corrupted and evil." He said and smiled sadly as he closed his eyes.
"He knew he couldn't get rid of such a side of him. Eventually, he came to accept that it was a part of him. And the personality that fought him for control also learned to accept him. They learned to coexist." He said and opened his eyes, "Jertiza, The Death Knight will never go away, but what is the common goal you both have?" He asked and Jeritza was hesitant.
"We..." Jertiza closes his eyes painfully, "We wish to eliminate the Agarthans. We want their blood spilled." He said and Kuza nodded, "I...accept your offer."
"Dedue?" Mercedes looked at him, he looked, conflicted, hesitant, "It's alright if you do not want to accept."
"No. It's...not that." Dedue reassured her, "Kuza, I will accept your offer. But I have one condition." He said and Kuza raised an eyebrow, "Could you...perhaps answer a question regarding an experience I had?"
"Wait, you're going to!" Mercedes said, looking at him worried but Dedue nodded.
"Depending on what the question is, I'm not sure of the answer. But go ahead." He said.
"This is...a private matter. Could the others expect Mercedes to step outside?"
"Very well."
As much as Jertiza wanted to protest, Mercedes reassured him that it was alright. Her brother looked at her one last time before they left the room. Only Kuza, Mercedes, and Dedue remained.
"Okay," Kuza crossed his arms, "what did you two want to talk about?" He said and the couple looked at each other and nodded.
"Could you take a look at this?" Mercedes said and held out her brooch.
"Huh. I must admit, it's very pretty." Kuza fixed his glasses as he was given the item and he held it up, "The craftsmanship of this is impeccable! At first glance, it looks like a normal brooch but...interesting." He squinted to have closer look, "This is the first time I have seen a spell condensed to such a small form. Each gem has an individual spell." He muttered.
"The Professor gave us these three years ago as gifts for The Day of Blessings." Dedue said, "Tharja said that they have protection spells but...I think it's more than that." Mercedes said and Kuza looked at them puzzled.
"This may sound hard to believe but...we died." Mercedes said carefully and Kuza looked at them strangely.
"But you're both here." He said, "I...don't understand."
"When I jumped in front of Annette to protect her from the Bael, its stinger went through my stomach. That wound should have killed me immediately but it didn't because of my crest." Mercedes explained, "After I used the last of my power, I fell into the ravine. I felt water enter my lungs as my vision became darker. I know I bled out. I know my body became cold. I shouldn't be alive, yet here I am! I am alive and the only evidence I have is the scar on my stomach." She said and Kuza didn't know what to say.
"I had a similar experience as well." Dedue spoke and gently placed his hand on her shoulder to reassure her then looked back at Kuza, "On the day I protected his majesty from Odesse, I fell into a ravine with him. I hit a rock and I bled out. Sudden...it was as if the world froze around me." He said.
The world around him turned back and white. The sound of a clock ticking could be heard. The bubbles he breathed ou,t froze. The crimson water turned gray and the clock stopped ticking. Odesse was frozen with his hands around his neck but it faded away. The clock's ticking started to sound strange as if being reminded backward. And before his eyes, he saw himself rise. He saw the blood he lost returned to his body. The wound on the back of his head close and the water leaves his lungs. There...in the cold water, a translucent hand reached out to him and pulled him out. The voice of a woman and her ghostly appearance. A woman of tan skin, curly brown hair, and honey-colored eyes. She looked at him worried but also angrily.
"You idiot! Don't just sacrifice yourself! Live! Sadi needs you! Mercedes needs you! Dimitri needs you! Your friends and family are waiting for you!"
CLICK!
"After that moment, I managed to move my body to the left to avoid the rock that I was about to hit. And like Mercedes, the only evidence I have is the scar on the back of my head and our brooches." Dedue finished telling his story.
Kuza crossed his arms and held his chin, deep in thought. The descriptions they gave would sound like a fantasy to anyone or they would believe they had gone mad. But that wasn't the case. Then Caspar came to his mind. The man said he was for sure cut by a sword from the back of his left shoulder to the end of the right side of his hip. Such a deep wound would have killed him but it didn't. Now, only a diagonal scar is there, as if he had been cut. And once again, Arisa was brought up. If it was just one person, he wouldn't believe it. But now two more have come forward and have spoken of similar stories.
Then he thought back to the Tragedy of Duscur. Arisa had always had a mysterious air around her, and it seemed she knew things that had yet to happen as if she knew the future. Try and hide it as she might, Arisa was poor at hiding her distress in battle. While he hadn't seen her in combat in years, that time they spent together after she and Amir saved him and the others after the tragedy...
Kuza suddenly froze and only brought down his hand. He suddenly had a dark realization.
"Dedue..." Kuza spoke slowly, "Did Dimitri ever tell you how he got the scar on his neck? The thin line one that goes all around his neck?" He said and Dedue blinked.
"No. Dedue shook his head, "I don't think his highness ever told me."
Mercedes had subconsciously placed her hand over the center of her chest. She also had a scar there. One she had found after the event of the monster attack in 1175. She didn't know how she got it but the way Arisa was so distressed after pushing her down, it was as if...she saw her die. And then Illi came to her mind. Illi told her about a time she and the others had gone to Dadga. There was a pirate attack and they took them down. A few hours later she found a thin scar on her chest. The woman didn't know why but she recognized it was a scar left by an axe. Then there were a few others of the main class that have also found scars after their missions. Claude had one over the left side of his chest, over his lung. Bernadetta, like her, over her heart. And several others as well had different scars in a certain areas of their bodies.
All of them are in areas where if injured, they could die.
"But I have noticed how The Professor looks at his highness's scar." Dedue said, "I'm not sure how to describe it. But...it looks like guilt." He said and a heavy silence fell in the room.
"...I need..." Kuza gulped and licked his lips, "I need some time to digest this. For now, may I hold on to your brooches for a while? I need to confirm something." He said and they nodded, "For now, let us change the topic. Dedue, regarding the topic we just spoke about, I do not have an answer but I can tell it was something you wanted to talk about for a while. Now that we have, what is your decision on my offer?" He asked and Dedue looked to Mercedes and then back to him.
"I accept." He said and the two shook hands.
"I promise, you won't regret it." Kuza said, "Now that is over, Mercedes, you want to talk to Annette?" He said and Mercedes nodded her head excitedly.
"Yes, please!"
Kuza chuckled and nodded. He turned to the globe and raised his hands. He muttered a spell in his native tongue and the globe began to spin. The runes on the rings glowed blue and silver and the globe turned crystal clear and then images began to project on its surface. Slowly it took form and the projection of Zander at his desk, later at night, signing documents. Glenn was right next to him, glaring down at the prince. Zander stopped and looked his way.
"Kuza! You made it to Duscur!" Zander quickly put down his quill, "Wait, where's Xina?"
Mercedes and Dedue looked at Kuza with faces of "Xina is here too?" Kuza chuckled a bit nervously.
"She's fine. She's...busy." He said and Glenn snorted.
"I hope she's still able to walk." Zander snickered and was backhanded at the back of his head by Glenn, "Oh come on! You know those two are in a relationship!"
"And stay out of my love life!" Kuza glared, "Anyhow, is Annette there? I need to speak with her, it's urgent." He said as his friend looked at him puzzled.
"It's late on our side. I think she might be asleep." Glenn said.
"Go wake her up," Kuza said and the two men on the other side froze.
"Kuza...you're telling us to wake her up?" Zander said slowly, "You're telling us to wake up, Annette, of all people at this hour?" Glenn said and Kuza looked at them with a blank face.
"Yes." Glenn and Zander rather be sent to the Valley of Torment than EVER wake up a woman from her sleep.
They know from personal experience that doing such a thing was dangerous thing. Glenn gulped and the two went on to do rock, paper, scissors. The winner, Zander. Glenn has to go wake her up. Defeated, he went to do just that, and minutes later he came back, looking as if he saw a ghost. Annette was by his side, looking like a grumpy kid as the man closed the door and Annette walked over to stand in front of Zander's desk. She glared at him.
"Your Majesty, why did you need me at this hour?" Annette grumbled as she rubbed her eyes.
She was wearing a nightgown with a sleeping hat and was hugging a teddy bear in her arms. Zander chuckled nervously before he cleared his throat.
"Apologies for waking you up at this hour. Kuza called me right now and said he needed to speak with you. That it was urgent." Zander said and Annette humbled but nodded.
He turned the crystal ball her way and Kuza smiled, waving, "How can I help you, Kuza?" She muttered and the man chuckled.
"There is someone here that wishes to speak to you. I think you know them." Kuza said and moved out of the way.
"Annie?"
Zander slowly rose from his seat and walked around his desk. Glenn joined as well as Annette started trembling. Her hands shook as they hovered over her mouth and tears started to pour.
"M-Mercie?" Annette sobbed and Mercedes nodded, smiling sadly.
"Yes. And, I am not alone." Mercedes said and moved a bit, allowing Dedue to stand beside her and be seen.
"Dedue!" Annette cried out as Zander and Glenn couldn't believe their eyes, "You're both alive! You're both alive!" She cried and Zander quickly put a chair behind her for her to sit on.
"We have a lot to talk about."
So Mercedes and Dedue spoke. Dedue first told them what happened in 1181 when they disappeared. It was to save Lestia and Dimitri, he did not mention that Naga helped them. Next about the days they escaped and the time they were in Daphel territory. Finally, he told him about the attacks and how he ended up in Duscur. But most of all, that Odesse was now in the hands of House Snow Drop and imprisoned. Kuza ended by explaining in great detail the curse and torture the son bitch was being put in. Glenn and Zander smirk wickedly upon hearing that. Kuza plans to torture Odesse soon in getting information. As for Mercedes, she explained that the protection spells the brooch Arisa gifted her, protected and healed her. And that she was found by Dedue on the beach shores.
Kuza allowed Denje, Jertiza, and Izem to return to them for a bit to speak. Denje gave his report of the monster waves attacking Duscur's borders as well
"I see, so that's what happened." Zander muttered as Dedue nodded, "Sigh...Dedue, thank you. And, I have some news regarding your sister." Dedue looked at him worried and scared, "There is a high possibility that your sister is in Fhirdiad, imprisoned by Cornelia."
"How can that be?! She escaped as well!" Dedue said, "Unless...they captured her or she and her highness got separated at some point." Dedue said then sighed, "But, thank you, your majesty." Dedue bowed politely.
"You are welcome. And I promise you we will save your sister. If you get the chance, talk to Sylvain." Zander said and Dedue looked at him confused.
"Why Sylvain?" Dedue asked and Zander looked at him a bit...hesitant, "Your Majesty." Zander knew that tone.
It was the one Dedue would use on Dimitri when he was in trouble, "What does Sylvain have to do with this?"
"Oh!" Annette clapped her hands together, "He has been searching for Sadi! He said that he made a promise and won't break it!" She giggled and then noticed how Zander and Glenn looked away, "Did I say something wrong?"
"No." Dedue sighed, "Tell him he has my thanks." He said with a small smile, "Kuza, when did you say Mercedes and I will be able to return to Fodlan?" He asked and the mage smiled.
"Imperial Year 1186 of The Lone Moon."
"...That's more than enough time." Dedue nodded firmly and Mercedes smiled.
She turned back to the globe, "Annie, I know this may be difficult but do not say anything. Do not tell anyone that we are alive." Mercedes said and Annette looked at her shocked.
"Why?! I understand everyone else but what about your mother and Sir Jeralt? Your mother has been mourning." Annette said and Mercedes felt guilty.
"I'll tell them." Zander said, "Don't worry. Only they will know as well as us and Annette. The others will be kept in the dark. But may I ask why you don't want anyone else to know?" He said as the woman's lips became a thin line.
"I...have a feeling that if it is made public I am alive as well as Dedue...the one that sent that monster to attack Annie...will come after us," Mercedes said and Annette froze.
She started trembling at the image of Anacharis and suddenly hugged herself tightly. Those eyes...the eyes of that woman only looked at her like a piece of meat. Her touch...everything felt disgusting to her.
"Annie? Annie are you alright?!" Mercedes quickly noticed how terrified her friend looked.
"We met her..." Annette whimpered, "We met the one that sent that monster...I don't ever want to meet see her again." She choked out and Dedue looked at the men for an explanation.
Zander sighed and gently patted Annette's shoulder and turned back to the globe, his expression grave.
"After...you fell, there was another monster attack." He said, "And the one that attacked, was the woman Emily warned us about. Anacharis." He said, "Sylvain and Annette were the ones that she went after when the battle was over." He sighed, "She...mentioned their ancestors."
"She said I looked like Shelly Dominic...daughter of Vega Dominic. Vega was one of the 10 Elites. I remember a bit that my grandmother mentioned that House Dominic was founded by Shelly Domonic. But I never heard that she betrayed her family and Nemesis." Annette muttered.
"Mercedes, I know this is sudden but, do you know anything about your ancestors?" Kuza asked and Mercedes pressed her lips together.
"Before House Martritz fell, we locked our family records in the basement with a spell that only those, of The Crest of Lamine could unlock. Emily's biological mother was the one that cast it. I think they should be in the old mansion of Martritz, my family's former territory. However, that territory now belongs to House Hersvelg." She explained and Zander threw his hand up in the air.
"Well, that's just great. There goes one way to get answers on who Anacharis is." He grumbled.
"Wait, what about Rensen?" Glenn said and everyone looked at him puzzled, "Rensen was Lord Alexandre's right hand. If the records of House Aubin still exist...he may know." He explained as they all looked at him surprised.
"It's best to wait for the morning." Kuza said, "It's getting late already."
"Yyawwwnnn..." Annette yawned and then quickly covered her mouth, looking down shyly.
Mercedes couldn't help but giggle.
"It's okay. How about we talk more tomorrow?" Kuza smiled softly.
"Alright..." Annette pouted.
"Annie."
Mercedes smiled fondly as she placed her hand on the globe.
"Don't look so sad. Today is a happy day." Mercedes smiled and Annette started crying again, wiping away her tears before smiling.
"It is! I'm so happy you and Dedue are alive! I'll watch over your mother! I promise!" Annette stood up and nodded firmly, her hands balled in fists, raised close to her chest.
"I know you will."
[—]
Though it was late at night, Mercedes couldn't sleep. She stood on the balcony of a room that was provided to her. She, Emile, and Dedue would be living in House Snow Drop from now on. They would be under Kuza's mentorship and protection. As part of Dedue's training, he joined The Hunters as well as Emile. She too joined as well. Emile protested but Mercedes stayed firm on her decision. She refused to just stay inside. And she was welcomed to travel freely around the islands. She was looking forward to her time.
"Finally...I'll be able to protect all of you." Mercedes whispered and looked up to the sky, taking deep slow breaths before she opened her eyes again, her hand reaching out to the sky, "It's so pretty...I never noticed just how many stars there are..."
"Are you alright?"
Mercedes turned her head a bit and smiled as Dedue placed a blanket over her shoulders to keep her warm.
"Despite it being winter," He went to stand on her left, "The nights in Duscur can become cold as Faerghus. Especially during this time of year when the fish come to the shores." He said as Mercedes smiled softly.
"Now that we are here, seeing your homeland, it's more beautiful than I imagined." Mercedes smiled softly as she turned to look back to the sky and then to the horizon, "Compared to Fodlan, your home feels warm." She closed her eyes as she smiled meekly.
"Thank you." Dedue smiled a bit, "Like Fodlan, there are good and bad people in Duscur. We have our dark times, good and bad. We suffer and cry, but we chose to stand up no matter how many times we are knocked down." He said his gaze firm.
"When we will return, we will be stronger. We will protect our people." Dedue said.
"Hm!" Mercedes nodded and looked back to the sky.
"Wait for us. We'll be back."
—- Late at Night: Aubin territory -
Deep in the woods just west of Aubin, an area that was deemed forbidden for anyone to go near, a lake of pure darkness, rippled. Poisonous fumes came out from the bubbles that burst from the black mud and liquid. Animals and humans alike that got near it would die agonizing deaths. Those who even dared to try to gather samples or even try to harvest the liquid black magic were met with hands coming out of the water and dragging them into the lake. They would pull him down, and feel their body melt till not even bones remained.
But why did the lake form?
All wildlife steered clear of it but there was one creature that did not. An old fox slowly made its way to the lake. But why was it heading toward such a place? That was because it was already in its final string of life. It soon arrived at the edge, where it sat.
"(I am already at my last string...I shouldn't even be alive. Yet, I chose to keep on living. Keep on pushing.)" the old fox thought as it looked up to the crescent moon, "(My friend, I finally found you. After so long...)" and it stood up.
It took a step and the liquid turned solid. Each step it took glowed a small circle of purple. It kept walking and walking till it reached the center of the lake and sat once more.
"(I do not want to leave you behind. I want to be with you till your final days. This is my final wish.)" it said and the chiming of bells was heard.
He looked up and floating towards him was a face he thought he wouldn't see again.
"(Sothis.)" The fox whispered and Sothis looked down at him sadly, on the verge of tears.
"Puka..." She whimpered as the old fox smiled lifting its head again.
"(She here, isn't she? My old friend)." He said and the goddess nodded, "(I wish to join her.)"
The old fox smiled and took a deep breath before unleashing one final laugh. The silence there was till howls, chirps, and cries of animals were heard all over the forest. The old fox smiled one last time as in front of it a rippled form and slowly emerging out of it was a humanoid figure. It stared at him till it raised its arms.
"(My friend...I missed you!)" Puka cried out and jumped into its arms.
His body did not burn. Instead, a soft purple light surrounded him as he slowly began to turn to dust, like glittering stars going up into the sky. The creature looked up before it opened its mouth.
"Arrrrhhhooooooo!"
In the ears of a normal human, it's hounded like some sort of demonic beast but Sothis knew the creature was wailing, mourning. She looked up at the sky and she could see the figure of a pegasus, griffon, and wyvern. A few feet from the edge of the lake, in the woods, she spotted a white wolf and cat. In the tree branches, an owl. A few sconces later, the water in front of the humanoid figure began to ripple. Light began to form and the water began to take on a new shape. A body formed and soon four legs, a tail, and a head with pointed ears. It opened its eyes, red like rubies. Sothis smiled sadly as her tears fell, watching the fox-like creature jump into the arms of the other. And down they sunk back into the lake.
"Just a few more days..."
From the balcony of Aubin, Zander looked up to the sky. He wasn't one to pray but that night, he chose to. He put his hands together, and in them was the bracelet Amir gifted him.
"Please...Goddess if you exist...I want to see her again..."
Sothis smiled sadly.
"You will...Soon."
