Shattered Songs of Faith

by Sakura108645

Now, one does not expect to wake up in another body when they die. She did not expect to come to such a world that she had only read and played through technology. What's more, that she wakes up as Female Byleth during her childhood days. "Come and see the world in different ways from the River of Time before it all shatters away!" (SI OC) (AU)

98. Chapter 97:The Sands:Part3:Allegory

[Chapter 97: The Sands: Part 3: Allegory]

Lady Tiana.

Also known as Tiana Carnelian von Riegan.

The younger sister of Godfrey and the daughter of Oswald. Claude's mother.

Theresa had only known about her through the game. Her appearance, personality, and other things were never much mentioned in the game. In Three Hopes, it gave just a tiny bit of information, about how Tiana escaped Fodlan to be with the love of her life who lived on the other side. She had heard stories from Jeralt, three years ago, that she was a woman of great spirit. A woman who was cunning but kind. Claude didn't speak of his mother or father, let alone the rest of his family. But with the letters she has seen him receive, Theresa knew Claude loved his mother very much and never told anyone her location based on the fond smile that would form on his lips when he was told a letter had arrived for him.

Theresa never thought she would meet the woman. Let alone The King of Almyra. King Hassan of The Red Sands, was a man who had...an intimating face. If Claude always had a cold expression, then she was seeing it. But Theresa also had to hold back a snicker as the king was still holding his lance nice and tight, looking at Balthus coldly. Inami sat with them working as a middleman because she had a feeling if she didn't, her father was going to murder the man she hired. Tiana smiled happily as she served them all tea, and Almyran desserts set on the table yet Theresa's shy side was preventing her from picking up the cup that was served to her.

"I heard about you so much from Khaild's letters! How is Jeralt by the way? The last time I saw him was when he helped me sneak over the border. Ah, little Byleth a tiny human. I wonder how big she has gotten? Ah, and then there is also Florencio and Sandana!" Tiana sighed, a fond smile on her face.

"She is...She is..." Theresa didn't know what to say, the words were stuck in her throat, "She is...in a coma." And the smile on Tiana evaporated slowly, "There is a lot that has happened. But, I think it's best Balthus informs you."

"No need." King Hassan said, "Tiana is very well informed of what is going on the other side." The man said as he picked up his cup, "But you know the enemy well, don't you?" The man looked up to her and for a moment, Claude's calculating gaze came into her mind.

"Love, I told you not to intimidate her." Tiana sighed and looked at Alexandra, "But he is correct. I know of the war that started in Fodlan. What I do not know is who exactly are we fighting." Tiana said as she looked at Balthus.

"I know it's been so long but I need to know what exactly happened in Garreg Mach. War does not happen suddenly." She said and Theresa sighed.

"It's...a long story." Theresa said as she placed her hand on her forehead, "But...I think this is something you need to hear also from Balthus. No, everyone here. You all need to know...who is the real enemy and the one responsible for the monster attacks." She said and King Hassan nodded, allowing her to speak.

So Theresa spoke. She talked about how she, Arisa, Amir, and Chris have been fighting against Those Who Slither in The Dark and they are the ones responsible for many tragedies that have happened over the years as well as that they were the ones responsible for The Tragedy of Duscur and the death of Lord Godfrey. She also told her of the events that had happened in Garreg Mach. Tiana's and Hassan's expressions went through a whirlpool of emotions. From anger to joy, to rage and sorrow. She told Tiana what happened to Florencio and Sandana. There were times she asked if her son was severely injured or if any other children were alright.

Theresa swore to her that she and the others did everything they could to protect them. Balthus also reassured her that everyone was safe but with how the war was raging on, they still had to be cautious. The hours seemed to pass by fast as they continued to speak. The king listened closely before midway interrupting when Alexandra was about to talk about the sages.

"Yes, your majesty?" Theresa said as Tiana withheld a giggle because the king had raised his hand like a child.

"These Agarthans..." King Hassan said, "What do they look like?" He asked and Alexandra thought for a moment.

"They have pale blue-ish skin, similar to a corpse. And the majority of their people wear black mage clothing or armor." She answered and the king held his chin in thought, eyes narrowed before he looked at his wife.

"Do you remember when we first met?" King Hassan said and Tiana sighed, a bitter smile on her face but nodded, "I had crossed the border in the north to track down a group of mages that kidnapped several of my people. We managed to stop them thanks to your group teaming up with us. I wonder how they are." He said, a small graced his lips.

There was much to talk about and Tiana wanted it to go slow. She always wanted to meet Alexander's daughter. The girl before her looked so much like his mother but the tired and void look in her eyes was the same as her friend. The charming smile she knew belonged to Cornelia, who was a kind woman before she was killed in cold blood. For now, she would listen to everything that was being told her. It was a long night ahead but her husband wanted to meet the lady that had been in his son's letters.

- Faerghus: Aubin Territory -

"LORD ZANDER!"

A knight burst into the war council, scaring the daylights out of everyone, and also making the king ready to kill someone but the message the knight delivered, made that anger disappear.

"IT'S A VICTORY! THE ARMY IS VICTORIOUS! KLEIMAN TERRITORY HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK! NORTH DUSCUR IS FREE!" The knight yelled and cheers erupted in the room.

"Wait, are you serious?!" Felix said, "Yes, my lord! We got a messenger vulture a few minutes ago with the letter! The Eisner Company led by Sir Jeralt and Lady Amir were successful!" The knight said and Zander's fist bumped in the air.

Finally! Finally, after three years, they had a victory against The Empire and Agartha. He could only imagine just how furious Cornelia must be after losing North Duscur. With this, now Dedue and Mercedes could travel safely between the two, and...Amir was finally able to return to their homeland. He wondered how she must be feeling.

- Duscur -

"Today is finally a victory!" Amir yelled as she flew in the air with Hyper, "Today we fought back against the demon of the Empire and Agartha! Today we have taken back our home from the ones that framed us! TODAY WE CELEBRATE THE FREEDOM AND JUSTICE OUR PEOPLE DESERVED!" She roared, fists raised as her people and army broke into cheers and roars, "BUT WE ARE NOT DONE!" Amir yelled, "We must continue to fight against our enemies who threaten our home! The Puppet Emperor and Agartha! We will not allow injustice to happen anymore! From now on we fight and unite to take down the true enemy, Anacharis! TODAY IS OUR FIRST VICTORY AGAINST THE EMPIRE AND AGARTHA! THE LIBERATION OF OUR NORTHERN COAST! WILL YOU STAND BESIDE US?!" She yelled and people roared and cheered.

Amir panted and gasped for air, as the summer winds blew hard. Her home was finally free from Kleiman's control. Those that are surrendered have been arrested and taken away. Another deep breath as she had Hyper land, and she got off. Her legs wobbled but were caught by Jeralt, who looked proud of her.

"You did good kid," Jeralt said as he nodded and the company headed their way.

"With this, Duscur is now free. It's been...far too long." Ares let out a sigh of relief as he looked around the place, "It's going to take a while to rebuild." He said as the others nodded.

"Yeah, but I'm just happy my home is finally free." Amir said as she let out a shuttered breath and looked towards the high hill, "I'm home...everyone." She whispered as they looked up to the abandoned mansion.

"...Kid, do you want to go?" Jeralt asked and Amir nodded.

[—-]

Amyrillis mansion had been abandoned since its people were killed and her uncle was arrested. No one dared to go near it after so long and it was the first time in 19 years since someone set foot in it. Amyrillis Mansion wasn't fancy or anything. It was built in a similar style to one of the small monasteries in Garreg Mach. But as the years went by, nature had taken its course. Vines had grown all over it and the vegetation was overgrown. Jeralt along with the company was with her. Her hands trembled as she arrived at the door, the doorknob was lost and gently she pushed the door open. With the creak of the wood and the sun entering through the rusted windows, Amir walked in. Her heart hammered in her chest as she recognized the violet walls. A shuttered breath escaped her lips as she stood still, reminiscing the past.

The walls that were torn, in her sight, became new. A ghost image of the past when she was a child running around happily in her favorite pink dress as her older siblings chuckled or joined her. Her mother, a woman with the same hair color as her, with a baby bump as her father stood by her side. Jeralt was silent as he followed Amir who continued to walk. As she walked down the halls, she saw the former servants of house Amyrillis walking around and one scolding her and her older brother running in the hallways. Gently her fingers traced the walls as she continued to walk and came to a halt in front of a broken door. Jeralt was silent along with the others that were with them the day they rescued her. Another shuttered breath and pulled the broken door, leading into the main living room.

What was once a place of joyful gathering, was now marred with red. Amir paused, her eyes became void of emotions as she stepped into the room. The walls were torn and stains of blood from years ago were now brown. The floor itself was stained brown and the lingering scent of iron remained.

"Is this..." Jeralt spoke carefully and she nodded.

Jeralt lips became a thin line as whispered to the others to wait for them outside the house. They understood and left. Amir let out a shuttered breath as she knelt and traced her fingers on the stained carpet.

"It was...my birthday." Amir whispered, "We were all gathered here in this room. Music was being played by my cousins and my aunts were singing. I was dancing with my father as my mother sat with my grandmother. I was...happy to learn I was going to become an older sister. I used to be the youngest. I was...the baby of my family at the time." She said as images played in her eyes.

"I remember it all so clearly. The family was gathering around the fireplace." She said and looked at the fireplace, apparitions of people gathered around a table with food and with smiles, "I was about to blow out the candle when the light suddenly went off."

Another shuttered breath she let out, "Screams were all I heard and before I knew it, my grandmother got a hold of me and ran with my mother."

"HURRY! GET HER TO SAFETY!"

"We'll hold them off!"

"My older brothers along with my father and other relatives stayed behind to fight but in the end...they were killed. My mother and grandmother made it to my grandfather's room." Amir said as she stood up carefully and turned towards a door that led to the hallway.

Jeralt followed, watching her dazed eyes as they walked. Her fingers delicately traced the blood-stained walls as they kept walking. Her heart thumps in her chest as they got closer and closer to a destroyed door and room. She stopped for a moment, taking deep breaths before she walked in. The first thing in her sight was an old painting with a slash. She walked up and carefully lifted the part that hung down and completed it, revealing her entire family. Men and women all together along with children. The group at the center was her family. She looked like her mother, who was a tall woman with long curly silver pink hair, brown eyes, and dark tan skin, with a warm smile on her face. On her mother's right beside stood her father, a man with dark brown hair with dreads, and golden eyes.

Behind a chair stood three young men, all had similar appearances of brown hair, but the one on the right, his eyes were gold, the one in the middle, his eyes were brown, and the one on the left, had chestnut eyes. And on the chair, was her. There she was, all innocent.

"Once we made it to this room, my grandmother began chanting a spell. All of the family fortunes were transferred to this necklace along with certain books." She said as she touched her pendant, "For months I was kept in a basement under a shed in the woods behind this old house. My uncle would beat me for refusing to tell him where the family fortune was." A sigh escaped her lips as she turned away from the painting and placed her hand on the old desk.

"From there, the rest is history." She closed her eyes, "I kept count of the days, ate the moss that grew, the shadows somehow kept me alive, and I finally found the opportunity to escape. And from there, you all found and took me in. Sigh...looking back at it, I caused you all a lot of trouble." The woman smiled softly at Jeralt who shook his head.

"We did the right thing. We will never regret taking you in. I watched you grow up beside my kid and Alexandra. You're like a daughter to me." Jeralt said and Amir nodded, her lips quivering, "Thank you." She whispered.

"Sigh...we should get going. I'll have the house set ablaze after I finish checking the place to see if their anything of value. If I find nothing, may my family now be freed from this." She said and walked around but unfortunately.,.

"OOH!"

Jeralt looked back and snickered seeing Amir holding her side, she hit the corner of the desk.

"A fighter you are but still clumsy." He said aid and then glared at him but then because of the force of the impact, the damn desk broke right there.

Jeralt lost it and he burst out laughing as Amir pinched the bridge of her nose but could help laugh as well. But from the corner of their eye, she caught something glinting in the rubble of the broken desk.

"Jeralt, can you help move some of the wood? I think I saw something." Amir said and Jeralt quickly helped her.

The two knelt and started to move the pieces of wood, till Amir picked up one of the drawers, and the sound of something shaking was heard. Amir paused and picked up the drawer and shook it.

Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!

Amir stood up, had Jeralt back up, and then smashed the thing into pieces. Falling out of what looked like a second component, was a pocket tome. Amir blinked and knelt to pick it up. The feeling of it was like leather but it had a strange feeling, almost like crocodile skin. She stood up and waved her hand, ripping apart the rest of the desk to see if there was anything else and there was. An old letter that looked like it would crumble to dust had it not been for the preservation spell Arisa taught her. She made it float in the air and looked at it strangely.

"It's a map." Jeralt said, "I hate to say this but it looks similar to Rhea's handwriting." He said.

"I doubt it." Amir squinted, "Rhea's is too neat. This looks like a mix between Hapi's and my handwriting." She said and in Abyss, Hapi sneezed.

"Anything you recognize?" Jeralt asked as Amir took a closer look and then blinked.

"It's The Guardian Tree." She said and Jeralt looked at her confused, "Oh, um...in the island that House Snow Drop is in charge of, there is a giant ancient tree at the center of The County of Snow Drop 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." She explained as Jeralt hummed, "But," she looked at the small tome and then at the map, "this map leads to the forbidden temple at the very top of the tree. Only the heads of the clans can enter it." She said as she carefully opened the tome.

The writing in it looked...so strange yet some of the words she was able to make out.

"Don't go reading that here." Jeralt said, "We'll take a boat to the island. I already sent Feh a letter to Diedra. Kuza will meet us there. And, you'll see Dedue and Mercedes." He said and Amir nodded.

They scored the old manor one more time and found nothing else. The only truly precious thing she found was her father's ring with the family crest and her grandparent's wedding rings that were given to her parents. She thought they were lost but they were hidden under an old wooden floor. Her people know what she was going to do and they understood. Hours passed and the preparations were done.

Out in front of her old house, she stood its doors with flowers, candles, and small wooden statues of their gods and figures. But most of all the different colors of amaryllis. Red, blue, yellow, orange, purple, white, and pink. Amir held onto a torch, deep breaths she took as the townspeople held candles and whispered their prayers. From the islands, the people watched from a magic projection made by their leaders, they too had their candles and lanterns lit up. And in Faerghus, the people of Aubin Territory were doing the same.

"It's been so long...We had no time to say goodbye." Amir said as her tears started to fall and she took deep breaths, "Mother, Father, Gil, Hertz, Carter, my little brother, sisters, aunts, everyone, justice will be served. The ones responsible will be taken down. Rest now." She said as she closed her eyes as Puka stood by her side.

And then she felt it. The presence of the souls of her family as they embraced her. Her lips trembled as she smiled softly yet bitterly and peacefully as they placed their hand on hers and helped her raise the torch. She took one final look at her home as the ghostly apparitions of her family were with her and then she threw it. Amir watched the flames spread and soon engulf the place. Wood cracked and old glass shattered as the lanterns were released. From the Alliance, Claude watched in silence the sky as he saw the first lights of the north come to the sky. The golden deer and in Gereth County, lanterns were also released.

From the towers, Rhea and Lestia looked and held small candles in their hands. And from the castle, Edelgard stood alone as she looked up to the sky. Lastly, in Abyss, Hapi hummed a small tune/

"I know how you feel..." The Emperor whispered as she released the lantern in her hands, "But...even if we are on opposing sides, I hope you will heal. Amir, you taught me so much." Edelgard smiled and walked away as a single lantern floated into the sky.

Amir stood quietly as she watched the fire burn her old home. With that, the souls of her family hugged her one last time, comforting her as sobs escaped her lips. But after so long, the pain that she had been holding after the death of her family, even if justice was served, now...

"Goodbye, everyone! I love you!" Amir wailed as she placed her hands on her chest and felt the shadows hug her.

"Above the sky or beneath the sea

Hiding in space or lost in our destiny" She raised her chin and began to sing.

No...she had to. She must. Her crest manifested in her eyes as the wind began to glow and the shadows protected her.

"Believe in me and be with me,

But everything's meant to be

I've seen people come and go with hand a broken dream.

When the stars are gone, the night is cold, being so lonely.

But if it's my only chance to catch you in this tiny life,

The world on fire and I will hold you tight.

'Till the end of the time, none of us will say goodbye.

And my love won't die, "for" and "ever" is you and I.

Don't you leave a tear for me, don't you sleep with a broken dream?

When everything's meant to be.

Alexandra froze and quickly ran to the balcony of her place. She felt it. No, Cirina's power within her body was reacting. A new song, a new lost song has been born. She jumped off and ran to the forest behind her home, and got on her knees. The woman intertwined her hands together and closed her eyes, connecting herself to the dragon veins. Tears began to drip as she realized what was going on.

Through the fire and through time,

Through the thing I called it love and brought you by my side.

Believe in you and hold your hand,

Any stories can never end?

Under the monastery, Sothis smiled sadly as Arisa, despite being asleep, wept. Even though she could see, she could feel what her friends did. Sothis hummed softly to the song, and manifested beside Amir, embracing her the same way she always did, to bring her friends comfort.

I've seen people laugh and cry with someone stuck in their minds.

Someone got the reason but never really find the rhyme.

But I've met you in this life, I'll embrace and try my best.

The world is mad but I will hold you tight.

'Till the end of the time, none of us will say goodbye.

And my love won't die, "for" and "ever" is you and I.

Don't you leave a tear for me, don't you sleep with a broken dream?

When everything's meant to be.

Amir could feel them. Her friends, the souls of her family, all of them. They were there with her even if apart. She didn't see but a soul that stood at the top of the Guardian tree smiled softly.

"I'll be waiting for you..."

"Like you and I are meant to be." Amir sang the last lyrics and blinked, the crest in her eyes faded away, she then gasped, "What...was that? I've...never sung like that." The woman whispered as she gently traced her lips.

Amir didn't know yet but she awakened another part of her power. Like Alexandra and Arisa, her power had yet to fully awaken. And soon, it will. The woman let out a shuttered breath as she smiled sadly, seeing the ashes of her old home. She walked up and picked up a handful. Somehow, even if they were still hot, they did not burn her. She turned to look out to the city. Her home now may not be as lush, green, developed, and lively as it once was before it will be restored.

"As the last Amyrillis, I vowed years ago will rebuild our home." Amir said as she cupped her hands together, "That promise remains till the amaryllis and white have bloomed again. Rest everyone, thank you for everything." And Amir blew the ashes away.

She watched them swirl and disappeared into the wind, the dust and people who have passed on, will protect their homes.

- Almyra -

Theresa stood up and let out a deep breath, wiping her tears away. She looked at her hands, they were shaking from the pain she was in. At that moment, she was able to connect to Amir, it didn't matter to her the pain she was put through for connection to the dragon's veins. She was going to be there for her friend. A shuttered breath left her lips and along with the faith tasted of iron on her tongue. She didn't care, she also felt Arisa's soul there for Amir along with Chris.

"It'll be alright, my friend," Theresa whispered and turned to leave back to her home but...

Snap!

"Who goes there?!" Theresa quickly pulled out her dagger, teeth bared.

She waited for a moment and looked around the woods till suddenly a pair of eyes, the right blue and the other red, snapped open. Slowly crawling out of the bushes and shrubs, was a giant wyvern. The woman froze, the size of it was three times the size of a full-grown male wyvern. She gulped as it got closer but the way it just stared at her. The silence and tense atmosphere yet...she felt no malice from it. No, it felt...familiar. She looked it her eyes, and the two stared at each other for a while before her eyes widened and she dropped the dagger in shock.

"Falco?" She whispered as she carefully took a step forward, her hand reaching out and the wyvern leaned into her touch before pouncing on her.

The woman screeched and before she knew it, Falco was like a happy dog, sniffing and licking her face, jumping around excitedly as she became a laughing and giggling mess.

"Falco, I missed you so much! Look at you!" Theresa said as he allowed her to get up and hug him, "Wow! I was not expecting you to become this big!" She said as she scratched him under the chin and purred, "Oh, you are so beautiful! Sigh..." The woman sighed and just hugged him, "I'm back, old friend. I'm sorry for being gone for so long."

"(It's not your fault.)" Theresa's eyes widened for a moment as the wyvern moved a bit so she could look at her face, "(What happened three years ago was because of that witch. Not you. I am glad to see you again. I watched over you as you slept in the Frost Forest. I am happy to see you return.)" the wyvern said as Theresa smiled sadly.

"I'm back." The woman whispered as they stood there in silence for a moment but it felt like a peaceful eternity until...

"Ggaaaaasssssppp! Whoa! A giant wyvern!"

Theresa quickly looked to the trees and saw Anastasia's sparkly red eyes as the girl ran towards them.

"Oh! He is beautiful! He looks a lot like Sophia's wyvern!" Anastasia giggled and Falco immediately let out a hiss but Theresa clicked her teeth, a sign that meant no, "O-Oh!" The little girl jumped back, "Sorry, you two! I didn't mean to startle you! It's just that...Theresa, you scared the daylights out of me when you just jumped out the window." She said.

"Sorry about that." Theresa smiled softly but then came to a sudden realization, "Did...you say, Sophia?" She said and Theresa assumed she was talking about Sophia from The Binding Blade or the Sophia she knew that worked for Emily but...

"Oh...Um..." Anastasia suddenly looked nervous but, "Um...this is...a topic I think you should have with my sister. I'm not the one you're supposed to have this conversation with." She said as Theresa let out a sigh.

"Alright. I won't ask anymore. Thankfully Anna is coming tomorrow. In the meantime, let me introduce you to Falco." She said and introduced the wyvern.

Falco at first was a bit on the defensive side but after a bit of coaxing, he took a liking to the little redhead. Unfortunately, because of his massive size, the wyvern would have to stay hidden in the woods till further notice. For now, everyone was going to rest.

- The Next Day -

Breakfast was served, and she went to give Falco a good big hearty meal that the wyvern was beyond happy for. Now, Theresa sat at the table with Anna and Anastasia, the atmosphere tense for a bit before Anna sighed.

"I didn't know how to approach this at first but seeing that Anastasia spoke a bit first, I should explain." The older woman said, "As you know, time runs differently in other worlds. Last year, after I finished business in Aubin Territory, we used this." The woman waved her hand and pulled out a crystal orb the size of a mug, "To travel to The World of Awakening."

But it was the color, shape, and strange magical energy that put off Theresa. If anything, it looked like Anna was holding a giant drop of water in her hands.

"This is a travel crystal, created by The First Dragons and The Queen of Valla. And the one who gave this to us is...a friend of yours. We know her as Sitonia. But you know here as...Unique." Anna said and Theresa froze.

Her hands began trembling as she held tightly onto the mug she had in her hands.

"U-Unique...is alive? Q-Queen of Valla?" The woman croaked as the two sisters looked at each other worried but Anastasia spoke carefully.

"I haven't met her but sister, her, and my other sister who is in The World of Fates has. Back to the original subject, my sister used the crystal to travel to The World of Awakening. We were meeting another sister of ours when...we met her." Anastasia said as Theresa gulped.

"By any chance does...Sophia has a cousin named Iris?" Anastasia asked carefully and Theresa slowly looked up at her, "Does she have red hair, a kinda cold personality that is pretty sarcastic but is sweet when you get to know her? The cousin has green hair. One is a surgeon and the other is a nurse?"

"Y-Yes. Yes!" Theresa abruptly sat up, "B-But! H-How?!" Theresa said and Anna looked at her worried.

"We met them during one of our travels in Ylisse. When you mentioned them, we remembered that they told us about a group of friends they had before they ended up in Ylisse. Theresa, Arisa, Unique, Edith, and two young boys named Christian and Jay. That is you...and Arisa, isn't it?" Anna said and Theresa's lip quivered as she nodded.

"S-Sophia and Iris are alive. Unique as well...I...I don't know what to say." Theresa said, "H-How did they look like? Are they okay?" She asked frantically, "Wait, you also mentioned Edith! T-That means she and her brother are alive as well?!"

"Theresa, please calm down!" Anna as she stood up and walked around the table, "I know you are beyond shocked and excited but you are about to spiral. Deep breaths."

"Before we left, they were preparing to go against Walhart." Anna said and Theresa looked at her shocked, "Unique took fate into her own hands and has become The Queen of Valla. In that world, she is Corrin's twin older sister. Sophia is Robin's Lady-in awaiting, and also a General of the Ylisse Army. The same with Iris. Edith and her brother were summoned to The World of Heroes to aid The Order of Heroes. Both are alive and well." Anna said and Theresa sat down, taking deep breaths as she took in all the information.

Her friends...hers, Christian's, Arisa's...they were alive! They were alive! After all those damn years...all damn fucken years that she cried, anger did not come to her. The woman let out a shuttered breath then a small laugh and then a full laugh that faded to sob but a smile formed on her lips as tears fell.

"All those years...my prayers were answered." Theresa whispered, her eyes showing her true age, "I prayed that if they were ever reborn, they will be filled with love and joy. That they would be surrounded by people who love and cherish them. I'm just overjoyed to hear they live near and have found a place to call home." Theresa said as Anna smiled softly at her.

"By the way, Sophia has a kid! So does Iris! Anastasia said making Theresa blink.

"What's the kid's name?" She asked.

"Her name is Yune. Adorable girl but a nightmare prankster like Morgan." Anastasia said and Theresa snickered, "Iris has a daughter named Oniyuri, and Unique I recently learned gave birth to a daughter. She has an older son as well." She said Theresa was shocked hearing this but smiled.

"I'm just happy they are alive. Maybe after this war is over, I would love to visit them." Theresa let out a sigh of relief as Anna grinned.

"That I can make happen. But at the moment, it will have to wait." Theresa sighed, "But," the woman blinked, "I can send letters."

"You can?!"

"Traveling to the others at the moment unfortunately is not possible," Anna said as she went back to her seat.

"Wait, why not? Also, I remember Anastasia mentioned Elyos. Something about the door to it being closed." Theresa said as Anna nodded, her expression grave.

"Just last night we got a letter from our sisters that there is currently a war going on in Elyos. I believe you know who the Fell Dragon Sombron is?" Theresa nodded, "That's why the gate to that world is currently closed. It's for safety reasons." Anna explained.

"Anna, Anastasia." Theresa hesitated for a moment but in the end, decided to ask the question that had been plaguing her mind since she regained her memories, "Is it...possible for someone to travel to The World of Steel? Let alone return to it? Or how do you identify an Outworlder?" She asked and the little girl looked at her shocked.

"Well..." Anastasia scratched her cheek, "My sisters and I are a special case. We can traverse to different worlds but The World of Steel is an exception. It's easy to leave but to return to it is very difficult, let alone enter it. There's like some type of barrier that prevents people from entering making it almost impossible for anyone to enter." The girl explained, "I think the main reason is that The World of Steel is like a knowledge capsule."

"Knowledge capsule?"

"Well, I think a library better describes it." Anna said, "The people of that world don't know the limitations of imagination and creativity. New ideas, myths, legends, songs, music, and fantasies are born every day along with different beliefs and ideals. The list never ends." A small frown formed on her lips, "True, they still fight among themselves and have the most horrific wars in all the worlds, but it's like...considered in a way the birthplace of new worlds. And their authors and the people who read their works are considered record holders. Not only that, it's one of the few worlds that have no magic." The older explained.

This...was a lot to take in.

"As for identifying an Outworlder, it depends on the world and timeline. In Elyos, Outworlders have a specific scent that only dragons know of. For Archanea, they would have to tell someone their identity. In the world of Fates, the individual tends to be cursed to be able to see small fragments of the future. In the World of Heroes, everyone pretty much knows the Summoners are Outwolders so there is nothing to hide there. Unless someone is an Outwolder and was summoned to that world and no one knew, so they hid their identity. Like Archanea, they would have to tell someone. And for...Fodlan..." Anastasia gulped, "I think you guys have the cruelest fate. If someone discovers your identity you meet a terrible end or isolate yourself or...gulp..." they gulped, "you have to pay a terrible price to alter the course of fate." Anna whimpered as Theresa subconsciously placed her hand over the scars on her chest.

"This is a lot to take in but we should stop for today." Anna said with a small smile, "By the way, you make really good coffee. I hadn't had a good cup like this in a while." The woman said as she stood up, "As for the letters, just let me know when you have them done. I'll show you how I send them." She said with a wink and picked up the plates.

Theresa nodded and let out a sigh. She wondered what sort of lives her friends had lived. Are they happy? Did they find their forever homes?

"Is that Falco?!"

Theresa couldn't help but suddenly laugh upon hearing Anna's scream and went to explain that Falco had arrived recently. It was going to be an interesting day but for once, Theresa felt a sense of peace. She was looking forward to the day she could see her friends again.

- Almyran Palace-

Tiana sat humming a tune as she sat across from her husband, who was busy looking at the reports that had just come in. Hassan knew his wife was in a happy mood, they had just met their possible future daughter-in-law. The king's first impression of her through the letters was that she was another Alexander. In the imperial year 1154, he was given a mission by his father to track down the ones that sold their people to slavery and kill them, to bring back their heads. He was able to locate the slave traders, they had traveled to the north, to the borders of Faerghus, The Bays of Boleros.

He and his soldiers managed to sneak through the Alliance to arrive at the Bay of Boleros. There, they hid using the mist but saw there were far too many. Mages dressed in strange black clothing with a strange eerie symbol. Something within his blood boiled with rage when he saw the symbol but managed to keep himself under control. And it was but some strange coincidence that they met a group of Fodlan students that were also there to capture the slave traders.

That was where he first met Tiana.

They had a horrible start.

Tiana and Alexander were like water and fire. Alexander was rude, and his manner of speech was horrible, was he truly a noble? The way he spoke was as if he looked down on everyone. There was some unseen burning hatred in his crimson-blue eyes that Hassan did not understand where it came from. But it was the man's body language that Hassan noticed. There was always a twitch in his hands, his jaw clenched, his hands balled into fists, or suddenly grabbing his wrist to keep his hand from going up. And especially, biting his tongue to keep himself from spewing venom. It continued through the whole mission.

Tiana and Alexander kept disagreeing and fighting over things and Hassan noticed how every two hours, Alexander would gulp down two black pills. Hassan thought it was medication till Alexander noticed and told him what it was. There was a bitter smile on the blue-haired man's face.

"A pill to suppress my powers," Alexander explained.

Alexander had a nickname for every one of his people.

Tiana: Urchin

Lambert: Boar

Rodrigue: Baffin.

Matthias: Killer

Demeter: Durandal

Godfrey: Captus

Sir Jeralt: Bloody Knight

He didn't understand at the time why the man said such strange words but when they finally attacked the slave traders, it was there that Hassan saw the true powers of those who bear crest. Fodlan in the east were seen as cowards and racist bastards who discriminated against those who were not of their land. Yet that did not stop people from wanting to see the so-called Holy Nation of Serios. Hassan had heard stories from some of the diplomats of Sreng that the people of Fodlan's Northern people were monsters that wielded weapons of legends.

When Hassan first laid his eyes on the scythe Alexander used, a chill ran down his spine. An indescribable wave of anger filled his heart when his eyes looked at that relic that was called Skadi. He watched as those of the North fought against the slave traders and those of the East as well. He remembered that he was nearly attacked from behind and Tiana saved him. She had struck down the enemy with her bare hands. That day, Hassan gained respect for the Fodlan fighters. But he noticed how Alexander waited for them to be at a distance from the others before he spoke to him.

"You're...royalty, aren't you?" Alexander said and Hassan subconsciously placed his hand behind him to grab his dagger, "(You have the scent of wind and hel.)" the young man suddenly spoke in Almyran.

"(Do you have a problem? Why do you speak normally to me but spew venom at the others? Do you have a problem with those of us of the east and sands?)" Hassan said and all Alexander did was smile bitterly as her subconsciously gripped his heart.

"(It's not by choice...)" Alexander said, "(Say...do your people know how to break curses? Ancient curses?)" he asked as Hassan looked at him, bewildered by the question.

"(Ancient curses of the gods...No.)" Hassan put his hand down and finally realized why Alexander had a haunted look in his eyes as he fought, "(Your curse is of Ice and Snow. By the Lady of The Winter.)" Hassan said as Alexander's eyes went wide, "(It's an attachment. The soul of the one who was defiled wants you to take revenge on their behalf. To kill the ones responsible for their death and those that have betrayed them. It's a generational curse.)" The young prince explained and he saw Alexander start crying.

"No! No! I don't want to kill my family! I don't want to kill my friends!"

Hassan remained silent as he looked down at his cup of coffee. That day, Hassan realized the people of Fodlan were like them, but those of the north truly held dear those close to them. So much so, they went mad to protect them from anything and they would kill themselves or sacrifice their lives. After the mission, Hassan and his men left but not before he took one final look at the group of strange Fodlan nobles. A woman who looked like a warrior goddess with emerald eyes. A man of blonde and blue jeweled eyes of brute strength. A man of fiery crimson hair. A woman with night-black hair and chocolate-colored eyes looked like death in battle. A man with the moon in his eyes and honeyed words. A man who had the strength and protection of a shield. Truly, the people of the North and South were more than just so call cowards. And the knight who broke blades with his bare hands.

They were warriors

Hassan and Alexander kept in touch, in secret. It was the same with Tiana. They had become pen pals. Hassan found it strange at first writing to a Fodlan man but as they wrote to each other, they learned more about one another. Alexander would always ask questions about his culture and traditions. Tiana loved his stories about his travels. Perhaps it was there where he had started to fall for the Fodlan woman. And for the noble of the north, it was the first he felt close to someone. And they all met a few times again, in secret. He and Tiana would sneak out of their homes and meet in a secret location. From there, the rest was history, their love, and forbidden affection had become much more. The letter continued for many years and then a letter...one that terrified him came.

The two had fallen in love and now a child was on the way.

"Tiana is about to be forced to marry a noble. I pray you receive this letter because I'm helping her escape."

"She has his eyes but at the same time she doesn't." Hassan said as his wife blinked, "As she spoke to us, I noticed how her eyes would become distant. Her eyes reminded me of my grandfather, who had been in tragedy after tragedy. A girl like her should not have such eyes yet she does." The king of Almyra sighed.

"A girl like that also sees herself as the worst." Tiana smiled bitterly as she closed her eyes, "Yet she does not realize she is perfect just the way she is. She judges herself harshly. Though we only spoke for a short while, she truly is Alexander's daughter. That sense of duty to take on all responsibilities is there. But also...a kindness so pure and tender." Tiana said as she opened her eyes.

"Did you see the sword Inami had commissioned for you?" Tiana's husband nodded, "She made it. Truly a blade of wonder, don't you think?" She smiled softly, "I don't even think Alexandra knows she made that blade for you."

"Reminds me of the dagger Alexander sent me." The king snorted but then they heard the door to the greenhouse open and I came to Mahatma, looking spooked.

"What's wrong?" The king said his son ran to them.

"We found the source of where the monsters are coming from!" Tiana quickly stood up, "The Pyramids of King Verethragna. Reza also reported seeing strange mages dressed in black heading in that direction." The young man said and the king gritted his teeth.

"Father, I'll take care of this."

Inami walked into the greenhouse, her expression serious. Hassan knew that expression. It meant it was something serious or she saw something. The woman took a deep breath and looked her father in the eye.

"I'm going. And I'm bringing Alexandra with me along with Balthus. This...doesn't just involve us. It...has today with the Illac family as well." Inami said and her father's eyes went wide.

"The answer that we all want...who framed House Illac and why, will be found in the sands."

— Dream -

Today's dream was different.

Today's dream had a strange feeling. Claude opened his eyes and he wasn't greeted by a battlefield with bodies, blood, and rain, but by a peaceful location. There were paths made of what looked like some sort of grey stone but they were smooth. Claude noticed he was sitting on a bench, the place around him was covered in snow, the trees with icicles but...

"Ahcoo!"

The man blinked and looked to his right to see a black-haired girl with streaks of red and honey-colored eyes, her head, and neck he could see was wrapped in bandages. She wore what looked like a hospital gown underneath the puffy winter coat. She had tan skin like his, and black boots, but...he noticed the badges on her arms. The little girl sneezed again and looked at him, blinking multiple times.

"Hi." The little girl said as she cocked her head, "I'm not supposed to be talking to you but if I don't, I don't think she'll talk to you. She's an idiot." She said in a cute yet raspy and slickly tone.

"Who...are you? Where..." he looked around, "Are we?" He asked and the little girl looked at him sadly.

"This is where we would escape. When she was me in this world. This where we would hide to hide from our mother and father who would beat us." The little girl said and Claude turned to look at her horrified.

"This is...a park." The little girl said, her doe eyes looking at him innocently, and jumped off the bench, "Come. We're going to see a memory." She said and pulled his hand so he would follow her.

The girl's touch...was warm, it felt familiar but he didn't know where. Claude followed her, holding her small hands as they made their way to a door. She pushed it open and the light blinded him for a moment. He blinked multiple times to till finally, it was all clear. He was...near a forest. This time it was lush and green, and walking right past them was a younger version of the woman Theresa but...he was caught off guard. She wore a black leather coat that was open with black pants with some parts of it ripped, overly high heel boots and wore black makeup. But again, she had the red streaks in her hair.

"Is that...?" Claude whispered and felt the little girl tug his hand.

"That's teenage me. We would use black and makeup to hide our bruises." Theresa said she pulled him along, "The only reason you're seeing this is that she gave you some of her power to protect you." The girl said and Claude didn't understand.

"You need to understand us. You have to understand yourself. Also, why did you betray her? And why did she betray you?" Theresa said and Claude froze as he came to a halt.

"You...how do you?" Claude whispered and Theresa only tugged his hand so he followed.

They came to an old abandoned cottage in the woods. They walked closer and the more they went in, Claude saw the inside of it was rather cleaned up. There was a couch, rages, and some sort of closet with clothing and food. But it was there when he saw the group of teenage girls.

"Hey, you made it!" The girl with curly brown hair, Claude recognized her from the Abyss, Chris said it was Arisa for some reason, "I got food, drinks." The crimson-haired one made a face, "It's not alcohol, Sophia!" Claude couldn't help but snicker, "It's soda and sparkling water. Y'all have so little faith in me."

"Well, who was it that brought a bottle of tequila last time." Sophia said and Arisa opened and closed her mouth like a fish but then shut it, "I thought so."

Sophia let out a sigh and looked at Theresa, "I brought some ice cream. So, pistachio, vanilla, or orange cream?" She said and the girls all had different answers, "I brought all three."

"Yay!"

"Oh, I got good news." Theresa said and got everyone's attention, "Sigh, a court date is next month. Will...you guys be my witnesses?" She said and Claude was confused.

The girls remained silent for a moment and suddenly Claude could hear Theresa's inner thoughts.

"I don't want them to suffer but...No...it was stupid of me to ask them to speak against my parent's abuse. Sigh... the government already failed me. And I don't have any other relatives. Unique told me a place I could hide out till I could find a suitable shelter. I'm a burden already—"

"Of course, we will."

Theresa blinked multiple times and saw her friends smiling and they all pounced on her, hugging her tightly.

"Of course, we will!" The one with black hair said, "You know damn well we would do anything for you!" They said and Theresa started to cry as she hugged them back, "Thank you."

The sweet moment didn't last long. The scene suddenly changed to a courtroom and there, Claude felt his stomach drop. The face of a man was blurred but it was the person he was on top of that he was choking, Claude instinctively ran and tried to pull off the man but all he did was pass through the memory. All he could do was watch as what looked like a guard and others ripped the man off her but not before Arisa had somehow managed to grab a chair and smashed it on his back. This cause the man to loosen his grip and be ripped away from Theresa. The teen coughed violently and was hugged tightly by her friend as she looked at the man that choked her. The man yelled and cursed but she didn't look at him in fear. She looked at him with nothing but hatred and then at the woman who just wept. The judge at the podium ordered the guard to take the man away but not before everyone became silent at the giggle they heard.

"Hehe..." The man turned to look at Theresa, who was grinning wickedly at him, "It's over, Dad." And the man screamed and curse as he was taken away.

Arisa helped the woman stand up, a few paramedics came in to check on her but it was the way she glanced at the weeping woman. The woman flinched at the look the girl was giving her. Once again, Claude heard Theresa's inner thoughts.

"You're next, Mom."

The entire place shattered and Claude was gasping for air as now in front of him stood teenage Theresa. The crimson-streaked girl looked at him with emotionless eyes and spoke. Her voice was hollow.

"She and I experienced domestic violence. Thankfully she didn't experience... the other assault in this world." Theresa said and again, she mentioned she and her.

Who was Theresa talking about and...as much as Claude hated it, he understood what Theresa meant by other assault.

"We are a vengeful woman. We do not stop till we achieve revenge and destroy the ones who hurt our people and betrayed us. But you...you betrayed her yet she does not want vengeance against you." She said as she closed her eyes "I don't understand. She doesn't want revenge against you but she is still hurt. At the same time, just like you betrayed her she has now betrayed you." She said.

"Stop speaking in riddles," Claude said and Theresa shifted to her child form.

"Why? You have no problem in poking your nose in other people's business yet you become agitated when you are not getting your way. Do plan to force your ideals down our throats?" Theresa said and Claude shook his head.

"No. I...apologize. I'm just...confused. Who are you? I...saw you in an illusion Cirina created. I saw a bit of your past. I'm guessing there is more of it. What's your connection to Alexandra?" Claude said as Theresa just stared at him with innocent eyes.

"Can I tell you a story?" Theresa randomly said and Claude blinked multiple times, "I won't tell you outright. I'll tell you in the form of an allegory." She said.

"Many stories are allegories." Child Theresa said to Claude, "Fairy Tales, myths, legends, are just one of the few examples. But the prime example would be The Story of The Maiden and The Chosen One. Sound familiar?" She said and Claude narrowed his eyes.

"What does the Professor's story have to do with this?" He said, voice low but the image of the child shifted to Theresa's teenage self.

"You're smart. You do know what an allegory is, don't you?" She said, "Would you like me to refresh your memory?"

"No need." Claude let out a frustrated sigh, "I know what an allegory is. As for your question, I never got to hear the rest of the story." He said and again, the image of the woman shifted back to her child self.

"You're in luck. I know the rest of the story. But it's not my job to tell you, so you'll have to wait." She said with a smile, enjoying Claude's frustration, "But I have a different story I want you to hear. It's the story of a cat."

"A cat?"

"Truthfully, I shouldn't even be talking to you right now. She'll be mad." Child Theresa said, "But the only reason I can is because she wants to talk to you." Theresa sighed and shifted to her teenage self, "She's an idiot. The only reason we can communicate with you is because...no, it's best your figure it out." She said as a bead of sweat ran down the archer's cheek.

"Anyhow, what do you think is the hidden message behind the story the Professor has told you? The first two parts at least that you heard." She asked and Claude thought for a moment.

"...I don't know why but...I feel like the story is talking about me, Edelgard, and Dimitri for some reason. But mostly, it's like she is talking about herself but at the same time not." Claude said.

"Yes and no."

"Huh?"

"Stories are written from different perspectives. Usually, a story is written by an author. But what happens when the reader does not like the way a story ends or is written? What do they do?" She said and Claude didn't know what to say, "No answer? I'll tell you. People write their own stories or do their own modifications to the story. For example, a side character that was loved so much by the reader and they read that side character is killed by tragedy. So, after they finish the story or latest chapter, they go into their journal or computer and start writing." Theresa said as she held out her hand towards him.

"We will end the story the way we want," Theresa said and Claude froze.

"We will end the story the way we want."

It was something Arisa, Chris, and Alexandra would often repeat.

"I think you get it now. Humans are recorded holders. We are people who have seen and witnessed many things from the perspective of a reader. But what if a story is more than just a story? What if the world inside the book is real? What if...you became part of the story? What if you became part of the story as someone that shouldn't exist or even one of the main characters? Heck, even a side character. You're witnessing events that you have read unfold before your eyes. You know the future. Do you let that side character die or do you save them?" Theresa asked as Claude gulped.

"Personally, I would save them," Claude said and Theresa cocked her head.

"Huh." Was she not satisfied by his answer? "If that is the case, would you still do it if you knew how much the story changed? Would you still save that person knowing that their death is what allowed the protagonist of the story to become who they are? Or even more than that." She took a step toward him, "What if you could use that knowledge of the future to change the lives of not just that character but many others?"

Claude pondered for a moment. Theresa brought up the story the Professor told them three years ago. The maiden was a sickly girl who loved the story of The Chosen One. She died and woke up as the Chosen one in the story. Using her know—

Claude's lips parted for a moment as his eyes slowly widened and looked at the little girl in shock.

"The Maiden knows the future and decided to use that knowledge to save the White Saint, Blue King, Red Emperor, and Yellow Malik," Claude said and the girl nodded.

"That's right. The Maiden used her knowledge to try and prevent as many tragedies as she could. She succeeded but she didn't think of the consequences that would come altering the story." Theresa said with a sad tone.

"I think it's time I tell you the story of the cat," Theresa said and took a step back.

"There once was the cat who was born in a poor home. The cat was innocent and kind but its parents never once looked at it. The cat would cry in the night and hold back its tears when beaten by its parents. Even so, the cat would look up to the stars and pray. Pray for salvation and love. Alas, the stars never answered his prayer."

"Stars, why don't my parents love me? Why am I beaten?"

The cat would ask. Every day the cycle repeated and every day the cat would speak to the stars and the moon. One day, the cat was gravely wounded and ran away from its home. It roamed the streets till it collapsed. The cat lay in the mud, waiting to die, it passed out in the rain.

At that same time, a little girl walked out on the road and found the cat. She picked it up and took it to the doctor. The cat was taken to her home where she was treated. When the cat woke up it saw it was in a fluffy white bed. Sitting at the edge was the little girl. Beside her was a red owl, a white dove, a green hamster, and an orange sheep.

"You're awake!" The girl cried out in joy, "I was worried you would not wake up."

"Ho, Ho, Ho. The cat is now healed. My feathers did well." The owl hooted from the girl's shoulder.

"Poor thing...who hurt you? Shall we behead them?" The white dove said in a soft tone.

"Don't worry! You're safe now! Here! Have some tea!" The green hamster said and gently pushed a tea cup towards the cat.

"Bbaaaaa...Rest and sleep well. Your body needs to heal and the mind needs to rest as well." The orange sheep said.

The cat was stunned. It had never been allowed to sleep in a warm fluffy bed. It had never had its wounds treated. It never received warm food. And most of all, it had never received so much kindness and warmth.

"And that is the end of part one." Child Theresa said to Claude, "You heard the allegory. Now, what is the true story?" She said, "Did you know allegories are used at times to hide the truth? For example, something that was erased from history but someone found a way to hide the truth from the naked eye. You got to be smart or even work your brain out to figure it out." She said with a smile as Claude held his chin in thought.

"An allegory..." the archer muttered, holding his chin in thought.

Arisa had always been cryptic. She had laid out the clues through them throughout the years he was in the academy. He never said it but there were times he just wanted to bang his head on the wall. But some of the clues he did figure out thanks to him, Sadi, and Lestia spying together on what was going on in the cathedral room. They learned quite a few things, one of them being Rhea and her knowledge of things along with Arisa. But now, Theresa here was asking him to find the message or hidden story in the allegory she just told him.

"You're trying to tell me someone's story." Claude said and Theresa smiled a bit, "The cat, is that someone? The parents are the cat's parents. The girl and animals are the people that saved that someone, her friends. That someone was abused and beaten by their parents so much that ran away and were found by their friends." Claude said and the woman nodded.

"Congrats!" Theresa shifted to her teen self and clapped, "You solved the first part. Now allow me to fully clear it." She said, "This is our story. My story when she was me before she became who she is today." Again, he was confused, "She and I grew up in an abusive household. Beaten, assaulted, the list goes on. They would starve us and even use us to sell drugs. She and I would pray to the stars and heavens above in our pain. Praying that we would be saved and asking why we're being hurt. We prayed...for a miracle." Theresa said with a sad smile, "We ran away from that place, I was injured. We were found by the girl and her group of friends. They took me to her home where she, her friends, and her family treated us. To us, it was the first time someone showed us kindness."

"I'm sorry you went through all that," Claude said and Theresa shook her head.

"Do not pity her and me. We do not wish for pity or sympathy. All we desire is the slowly show the truth of who we are. Even if it is a slow process. And we want you to understand different viewpoints of a story." Theresa said, "Now that you have that done, I want you to think about The Red Emperor from the Professor's stories and then look at Edelgard." Claude blinked.

"What does Edelgard have to do with this?" He asked and Theresa smiled.

"I want you to look at her point of view of the world, her ideals, her goals, her aspersions, her actions, from the perspective of someone who has absolutely no relationship to her, Fodlan, or anyone. I want you to look at her as a reader of her story. That is all for tonight. We'll meet in person soon. You'll recognize us, but we will say we don't know you. Don't let us out of your sight. Goodbye for now."

"Wait!

—- End of Dream -

"You look like shit."

Claude's eye twitched as Shez was standing not too far from his desk looking at his own papers. At a desk across, Edward looked tired because of the amount of paperwork that just kept coming. Over the past few weeks, Shez had gotten to know everyone in the army as well as the Golden Deer. He was easily interrogated and had become part of the friend group. The man was a dork, that's what Hilda would say. And surprisingly, had become close to Hilda, a bit of a horror to Holst but he would back off...for Hilda. For Claude, the man hadn't fully earned his trust. Shez knew that and didn't push it but they got along well.

"We got monster raids, a war against the empire, we have to defend the borders from Almyra, and my lover is missing. Of course, I look like shit." Claude said as Shez snorted but then the purple-haired man blinked.

"Wait, I thought you and Alexandra weren't official?" Shez said as Edwards let out a pained, "Oooooohhhhh!" Claude's eye twitched.

"Who told you that?"

"Christian. He said you two were always together but it was never official between you two. Also, he said you're too clingy." Shez said and Edward yelled out, "I TOLD YOU!" where was Gregory when he needed him?

Unfortunately for Claude, Gregory has been busy working with Sophia, Ignatz, Leonie, and Tharja on the spy network they created. With the knowledge that was shared, the spy network became one of their greatest achievements. Back to the subject, Claude paused for a moment and spoke.

"Have any of ever had any strange dreams?" Claude asked as they looked at him puzzled, "You know what, never mind." He sighed. Trying to clear his head.

"Who are you, Theresa...Why do I feel I know you?"

- Almyra -

"Balthus! Theresa!"

Theresa looked up from her work, repairing Balthus's relic. The two saw Inami coming into the workshop with a grave expression.

"Pack your things. We have an emergency. Those who Slither in the dark have been spotted in the desert." The seer said and the two looked at her shocked.

"When?" Balthus said but Theresa nodded.

"Let's finish repairing Balthus's weapon then I'll pack my things." The seer nodded but Theresa continued to work on the relic as dark thought crossed her mind.

"Those who slither in the dark...you're going to regret coming here."