Author's Note: So, Ar'racx has arrived at Garreg Mach after his fight with Skreech Verminking, who attempted to capture Byleth as part of the schemes of the Horned Rat (who got his a** handed to him from Ar'racx, doubt he would forget that humiliation soo soon). Now, the monastery has to adapt to having a 5 meter tall fully armed/armored killing machine walking through its halls... Hopefully, our Oldblood can stave off the violence until when he could truly let loose because let's face it: that little fight with Verminking was probably the only decent fight he would get in a while, considering that if he decides joins in when Byleth takes his class to Zanado to deal with those bandits... probably not since he's just arrived and isn't really trustworthy yet, so there's that (Demonic Beasts don't count: they're essentialy normal animals amped up by magic, like Chimerae, Manticores, and creatures of that nature.) On the other hand, a suprise comes to Garreg Mach, I wonder who'll it be... Maybe a certain representative perhaps?

Oh! It appears that we have a special guest to say the disclaimers this time. Would you like to get us started, Oh Inverable Mage-Lord?

Ma'eztlitep-zectl: Of course, as is said before, Warhammer belongs to Games Workshop and Fire Emblem belongs to Nintendo and Intelligent Systems. Any other tidbits you may recognize also belong to the repesctive creators and franchises that own them.

Thank you, Ma'eztlitep. Without further or do, let's begin the chapter!

Chapter 4

The Arrival of the Serpent's Prophet

Garreg Mach Monastery Auditorium, Fodlan

As the escorting group arrived to have an audience with the leader of the Church Of Seiros and to know of their next move, the Archbishop and Seteth turned from their conversation to greet them, only to widen their eyes and gasp when they saw the Oldblood amongst them before calming themselves to speak to them.

-"I assume that this is the one who saved our new professor?"

Seteth asked, unsure of this... thing standing before them but yet knows in his mind that he can't dispute it. Ar'racx nodded as he notices a certain glint in the Archbishop's expresssion, looking as if something was a bit off, but didn't think much as she began to say her thanks.

-"Then on behalf of Garreg Mach Monastery and the Officer's Academy, I thank you for saving our professor against this unknown threat. I know that Jeralt here would say the same, but he's now given a new mission to investigate more about this new threat that has surfaced."

Jeralt raises an eyebrow at this revelation, wondering why he's suddenly given a new mission despite being reintegrated as captain in such short notice. And he also has suspicions as to why she's so eager to appoint Byleth as the new professor this year. Nonetheless, he sighs as he looks at the reptilian behemoth and asks,

-"Like Lady Rhea just said, as much as I want to thank you for saving my son, we haven't heard your name. So how about you tell us your name so it would be easier for all of us?"

The warmblood has a valid point, Ar'racx admits, for he would also say such a thing if some unknown entity was brought before them. So naturally he says his name and title, only for everyone to look at him in utter confusion, wondering what he just said.

-"Okatka yeuatl achi no itoa?"

Ar'racx only then realizes they couldn't understand his words due to the language barrier, so he opens up the wrist computer and holds his hand out at Jeralt as the gauntlet begins to scan him. Everyone tensed up as a red light went up and down for about a minute before they heard a monotone voice say,

-"Scanning is complete. Translating language to neural brain cavity."

Everyone looked around cautiously, wondering where it came from, until it was heard again, this time from the gauntlet,

-"Translation complete. Native language and all forms of dialect are successfully replicated and transmitted to other sources for future reference."

Ar'racx then suprises them as he suddenly introduces himself seamlessly without the language barrier,

-"I am Ar'racx-Tuteql of Lustria, Head Scar-Leader of the Saurian Legions, Second-In-Command to Mage-General Nich-Yenha, Vanquisher of the Pestilent Hordes, and Master of Predatory Beasts."

They stood silent, shocked and puzzled as how could he have learned their language instantenously without years of learning. The Oldblood seemed to have thought about their inevitable question brewing in their minds, so he clarifies for them with a quick explanation.

-"If you're wondering about how I can speak your language, I scanned one of you warmbloods so you could understand what i'm trying to speak and convey to you."

This answered one of their questions but they still have more that needs to be answered. Rhea then decides to ask the Saurus.

-"May you, perhaps, answer a few questions we have about you so that we may understand what kind of circumstance brought you here?"

"Very well, but I would only answer those questions that do not concern any personal integrities nor anything I do not wish to speak on." Replied Ar'racx as he expected it would be a while before they're done with their questioning, perhaps he would humor them with the basics for now without revealing his true reasoning nor objective to them.

He was about to prepare himself for their next question until he heard a young child-like voice echo through the hall.

-"Excuse me, but is this a bad time to come in?"

Everyone turned their heads to the source of the voice as a young girl with green hair, Ar'racx assumed she was family to either the Archbishop or Seteth, along with an indivdual Ar'racx was suprised to see of all people. But to everyone else, they're shrouded in a obscuring mist that surrounds them as they stop just before the group.

-"Flayn, who is this you brought with you? And as for you, stranger, what are you and state your intentions upon this place!"

Seteth demanded, wanting to know why this individual has come here with Flayn of people, as Seteth begins to see a slight resemblance betwen this stranger to their scaled arrival. Ar'racx then turned towards him, growling as his eyes dilate and harshly says with contempt.

-"You will not disrespect one that's been chosen by Soték with your meager words, warmblood! Show him the proper respect he-

The stranger raised his hand, prompting the Oldblood, who was about to pick up Seteth for his insolence, to be silent and bow his head with reverance towards him, which caught most of them by suprise, pondering about what's so special about this particular individual.

-"There's no need to defend my cause for being here, Ar'racx-Tuteql. My motives need not be shrouded in illusion, for i've come here to this place on the behalf of the Serpent God."

Rhea knew by that statement he is a Prophet of some sort, one she thinks might have some sway if left unchecked. She'd have to be cautious around both him and Ar'racx to determine their purpose. She decides to state out.

-"I apologize on behalf of Seteth's skeptism, but may we perhaps have your name, stranger. For it seems you have travelled far to get here."

The stranger then disperses the mist with a snap of his fingers and fully reveals himself to everyone in the auditorium. The first thing the humans notice about the stranger are the two large red crests sticking out of his head, along with a headdress that has two circles with blood red gems in the sockets. Nestled atop the headdress is the top jaw of a giant rat's head, whitish-grey in colouring that has two sets of horns, with one pair curling backwards whilst the other pair curves downwards.

The next thing they notice are a pair of large circular earrings made out of emerald with beads and gems dangling from them along with a nosepiece and some golden piercings from the nose and chin. The stranger also wears a decorative necklace made out of beads, gems, and precious stones with a large pendant at the center with a serpent's face along with two ruby snakes that have gold edging. On his is a chestplate made out of a shiny but powerful alloy with several golden decorations, the first two resembling that of snakes while the rest are of a intricate pattern.

The shoulders are covered in a cloth-like material that most, if not all, conventional weapons could pierce with golden oval-shaped segments protecting the triceps as a segmented shoulder plate lies atop the cloth as a cloak made out of a jaguar pelt goes over the left arm held by a gold circular pendant with green feathers attached under it. On the right arm is a custom made armbrace made from the skin of a red wyvern, known as a Rathalos, with a large square bracelet made out of gold and red jewels encarved into it. On his left hand is a silver ring with uncut diamond, iris and black opal depicting a jaguar warrior's skull.

The waistplate is blue and red with a symbol of the Old Ones in the middle of it with various fabrics in the form of scarfs, tassels, and briads flowing down atop a half robe while his feet are outfitted with sandals that have circular beads at the achille's tendon. Upon closer inspection of the face, he has eyes of that of a viper's, with a long forked tongue and two large venomous fangs at the front. The face shape is likened to that of a Lustrian Kinablu Blue Crested Lizard, with a puffing dewlap looking like said lizard and a 'beard' similar to the Desert Pogona.

His crests have golden piercings with the crests themselves showing bits of wear and tear from harsh battles and old age. He has a long black 'braid' of dreadlocks, similar to the Yautja, from between the crests that's braided which flows down on the right side of his chest, stopping below the pecs. His build is buff but lean, with powerful and muscular arms, beefy and toned legs, each bearing a sickle-toe on the big toe, as spikes and a single-row spine run down his back towards his tail that's split in two almost as long as his body, with a Pastel Enchi Super Lucifer Orange Cinnamon pattern, complete with a large 'sail' that resembles those from the Dragon Isles Sailfin Komodo, bedecked with a few tail accessories along with each end having a rattle that resembles a white 'spider.'

-"I am the Prophet of Soték, Chosen Successor of Tehenháuin, High Priest of the Cult of Soték, Master of a Thousand Coatls, Vengeful Harbinger of all Serpents, Bringer of the Slithering Carpets, Leader of the Red Host Ascendant and Hated Foe of the Vermintide. You may know me as Tehéx'lok-tek, Archbishop Rhea."

Tehéx'lok-tek introduces himself in a humble but respectful as he gives his hand for a handshake, as he saw some others warmbloods do per custom. everyone sans Ar'racx and Rhea was once again shocked into silence as they could feel both the aura of power and strength from his god and that of the substantial reserves of pure magical power he bears. Rhea then gives a warm smile as she shake his hands, deep down knowing that he would be a formidable foe along with the Oldblood if they were to become enemies.

-"I must say that this is quite an unexpected day this has turned out. Perhaps would you like to explore the monastery while your friend here answers a few of our questions? We could have you answer some of them another time privately if you wish? Flayn would act as your tour guide throughout the monastery."

Asked Rhea, hoping that he would take it so she can see gauge about whether they prove exemplary as allies, or as enemies. The Prophet is a bit curious as to why he's given such free reign as Seteth quickly looks at Rhea, concern and skeptism on his face as he says.

-"Are you serious about allowing this to happen, Rhea?! What if something were to happen that could endanger the students? And letting Flayn act as a guide? I would not allow myself to be secure if-"

-"Brother, it would be alright. They haven't done anything dubious or harmful yet, but I can assure i'll be safe within the monastery. After all, you said this is the safest place in Fodlan, is it not?

Flayn replies, not taking lightly that Seteth is essentially accusing their new visitors with such apprehension. Seteth then looks at Flayn for a minute and concedes as he sighs in defeat and states to the group.

-"Very well. If Flayn allows it, then so should I. Now then, while we question the one in front of us, Jeralt would leave immediately to investigate this intruder and gather evidence of its whereabouts. We would also question Byleth some time later about what he has during his capture."

-"May the goddess watch over you all through these darkening days."

Rhea says as the group begins to disperse, with Jeralt gathering the knights, Flayn leading Tehex'lol-tek as his guide while Ar'racx remains behind with Rhea and Seteth to begin questioning.

Garreg Mach Reception Hall

As Flayn leads out the Prophet to begin the tour, they see a large group of students, namely the Blue Lions, along with monk, knights, and the other inhabitants that've gathered around after hearing about their new visitors.

-"I heard something big occured that cancelled the Mock Battle! What happened?!"

Exclaimed Caspar, eager to know what had occured to have cancelled the event. Linhardt grabbed his arm, telling him to calm down and wait for an explanation while also being curious himself. Rapheal then came over to the front, stating what he thinks might've happened.

-"I think they said something about someone trying to capture and run off with the new professor. Or at least, that's what I think that's what they said."

Flayn tries to politely tell them to move aside when a couple of knights barged in, carrying a giant stone plaque that actively thrums with ancient power and a sleek sword hilt shaped in the likeness of a serpent of Sotek.

-"I believe these belongs to you, stranger."

One of the knights said as they handed back the plaque and sword back to Tehéx'lol-tek who promptly said his thanks and took back into his possession.

-"Excuse me, but do you know where is the larger one? We would like to thank him for saving our professor from that fiend that suprised us during the Mock Battle."

Asked a blonde haired adolescent warmblood as she and the rest of her house stepped forward.

-"That sword looks interesting to me. When you're finished with your little tour, come to the training area later, I would like to spar against you."

Said a dark blue-haired gentlemen whose hair is tied into a bun, looking slightly eager to spar against the reptilian. Tehéx'lol-tek nodded at the prospect, thinking in his head that this warmblood might become an exceptional warrior to fight alongside against the vile ratmen one day, but he's taken out of his thoughts as the blondette pulled against his ear, forcing the young man to recoil in protest.

-"Felix! How many times have I said about not challenging anyone that has a sword. You should know better than that!"

-"Hmph."

As the blonde warmblood dragged Felix away, he noticed that some of the students have bite marks and have bandages covering wounds, especially Caspar whose arms are wrapped in them. He knows that ordinary rodents wouldn't cause such bite marks. The Prophet narrowed his eyes as turned to Flayn to ask a question.

-"What happened here to have cause such bite marks on these warmbloods?"

Flayn thought about it for a moment before replying.

-"It happened at the dining hall. We were all enjoying ourselves eating and talking when all of a sudden, thousaunds of glowing rats swarmed over the interior, attacking and biting many who were unlucky enough to not get away in time. Luckily, you came in out of nowhere and helped the knights rescue the students and repel those glowing rats before you asked me to take to Lady Rhea."

Tehéx'lol-tek knew from that description that the vile two-legged vermin are out there somewhere, plotting their diabolical schemes which often end up doing catastrophic damage at the worst of times. He keeps this knowledge in handy if he hears of future attacks. He continues to ponder until he feels a hand touching him to bring out of his thoughts, seeing Flayn motion that it's time to move on, now seeing that most of the crowd has long since dispersed by the knights save for the Blue Lions and their professor who just walked in, recovering from the damage that Skreech dealt upon him. The Prophet studied the professor, seeing in him his true nature but keeps it a secret for now as the doors open with Ar'racx and Seteth walking out, done with their questioning, saying that all classes, excluding missions, are cancelled for the month until this fiasco runs its course before returning to the Archbishop's side, looking at the lizardfolk one last time before closing the doors. With that, Dimitri walks up to the Oldblood who looks down to him to hear what he has to say.

-"Since we're all here, on behalf of the Blue Lion House, we thank you for rescuing our professor while we were under attack from the hordes of vermin that were beset upon us. Oh! We almost forgot to introduce ourselves, our apologies. I'm Dimitri, then there's Annette, Ashe, Dedue, Felix, Ingrid, Mercedes, and Sylvain, along with our professor which I assumed you met."

The afromentiated students responded with their own ways of hello, with the two lizardmen also introducing themselves along with the professor giving a bow to show his thanks. Dimitri then asks if they could join them with their tour, with Flayn naturally saying yes as the newly assembled group shows the two Lizardmen the way through the monastery, asking their own questions along the way.

-"Are you two related in any sort of way?"

Annette asked, eager to know more about the two-legged reptiles.

-"Yes and no, we may have an instinctual affinity, but we are not related in any way as we are a different species."

Replied Ar'racx who thought that little session with the Archbishop was quite brief, briefer than even he expected it to be.

i"Different species? What do you mean by that and are there more of you out there?"

Ashe asked following up from his fellow classmate's question, also curious about them and whoever's out there. Tehéhex'lol-tek answered it by replying,

i"What he means by that is Ar'racx is what's known as a Saurus and I am what's known as a Skink, each of us with different attributes and abilities exclusive to our different species. As for the other part of your question, I am not allowed to disclose our location nor any private and pivotal information, but yes, there's more of us in Fodlan than you'd expect."

Ashe nodded, satisfied with the answer at hand as they continued the tour.

By the time the tour concluded, it was beginning to turn to dusk as nighttime approaches with everyone retiring to their dorms to sleep for the new day. All except Ar'racx and Tehéx'lol-tek who climbed up one of the towers and are currently invisible as Tehéx'lol-tek quickly takes out a communication orb and uses some magic, activating it to contact the Lizardmen colony of the newly terraformed Dragon Isles. Ar'racx is on overwatch, ensuring no one spots them while the Skink Prophet initiates the call with someone finally answering.

-"Greetings Prophet of Soték, I assume you have met up with the Oldblood Ar'racx?" Began the voice from the other side, seeing if everything went according to plan with setting up the political landscape before showing themselves to the rest of the wider world.

-"Yes, I have arrived safely to the place known as Garreg Mach Monastery. We are currently integrating ourselves here to learn more about the surrounding territories before we make the first step." Replied the Skink Prophet.

-"Excellent. As of this moment, the rest of the scouting party is on their way to your location, using the natural landscape to hide any traces of their passing as they come to you. Expect them to arrive within a few day from now based on the pace they're going." Said the mysterious voice.

-"Very well. Until then, we would continue to monitor and learn about Fodlan and if the vile Skaven had made a foothold somewhere on the planet."

Tehéx'lol-tek ended the conversation as the orb deactivates. The Skink could now only wonder what future awaits their race as the countdown begins. For now, he ponders, they could only wait for the winds to blow in their favor as he looks up to the starry sky.

A/N:

So there it is, our newest character comes into the fold! The new Prophet of Soték has come to join the cast as he and Ar'racx begin their study of Fodlan as the scouting party (if you could call it that anymore) is on their way to their location! Perhaps when they all join up, they could these warmbloods how things are done when s**t hits the fan, you know what I mean... Or Tehéx'lol-tek can grab a dozen or so Engines of the Gods, vaporize almost everybody, and sacrifice the rest to Soték. Just kidding, reinforcements from the Lizardmen fleet won't come for a lonnng while. Maybe they can afford a regiment of Chameleon Skinks, or the crimson Cohorts of Soték... or just send the entire Legion, no one knows for sure!

Once again for the translation, here's what Ar'racx said: "Was it something I said?"

Find out what happens next time in The Crests of the Saurian as the story starts to introduce more of the cast before the new missions. Yay!

And before I forget, if you like to see more of this story, please send a like and review so I can see how things can be made even better!

(Seriously, I work my butt off on this stuff and almost no one is sending any reviews my way! For the Slann's mouth cheeks, I encourage reviews!)

As always, Have a good day!