Chapter 5 RW: Ais Wallenstein (A Girl's Past)
Author's Notes(A/N): Hello everyone! As I originally thought, this chapter rewrite went much smoother than those preceding it. Any delay was associated with exams and games. That said, I am now on break and plan to write an excessive amount. Hopefully, that will be enough to get Chapter 6 RW out before my break is up. Regarding this chapter's rewrites, no major additions/alterations have occurred, just improvements. I hope you all enjoy this Ais-centric chapter done better.
She's an Airhead.
Ever since they found her in that chrysalis of sorts, ever since they awakened her from her slumbering stasis, ever since she had come to grips with the reality that no hero would come for her, and ever since she picked up the blade for herself, that is what they have called her. It mattered not their relation to her: familia, friends, and strangers would come to the same conclusion.
She's an Airhead.
It was beyond fitting that before gaining the prowess with a sword to be named "Sword Princess" or the strength to be feared as the "War Princess", they referred to her as a doll—an adorable little thing incapable of emoting. Even when she poured years into exceeding the prerequisites to be labeled with her current aliases, everyone thought the same, though referring to her in a new way.
An Airhead.
Since she hatched from that cocoon, a burning desire has been at the forefront of her mind: to kill IT. From that single, overbearing passion, three aspects came from it, molding her life. A lust for power, a thirst for battle, and an urge to slay all monsters, becoming their harbinger of death, their reaper. From awakening to now, she has made a constant effort in the name of her fixation, burdening her with a hefty price. Of the costs, one was to be referred to as such.
An Airhead.
It was the very reason her mind resisted usage of her vocal cords, despite her waryness of the condition her rabbit-like friend carried himself in, strolling down the alley together. The most she seemed permitted to do was peer over at his woeful expression, her pupils fidgeting every time while the drizzle of rain occupied the space meant for words.
"Something is... wrong." Her sight hoisted to the ground, tracing the outline of the stone bricks. "From the moment we started walking, you've been acting different. It... doesn't feel that different from when you asked me that question involving the Xenos..."
An additional glance his way had her shaking her head.
"No, this feels worse, much worse. Did it have something to do with your nightmare? You were shaking a lot and sounded desperate."
Her mouth opened, but nothing, say warm air, left it.
"Why... why does it feel so difficult to ask this time?"
[Just answer his question from before, then ask him!]
To her left, the child version of her, visible to her alone, was pumping her fist and smiling. And after a short delay, she took in a deep breath through her nose.
"I'm not sure why."
The woe on his face swapped out with puzzling confusion as his eyelids bounced.
"What?"
"You asked me why I was glad and... I don't know. But..."
A gradual increase of pressure was applied to her inner cheek. But through no small part of her subconscious given form, it released.
"Are you alright? Is something wrong?"
"What do you mean?" The hesitancy in his voice was as subtle as one's head getting slammed into the stone path.
"You look like something's bothering you."
"I'm... I'm fine." A revelation gripped her when his lips curled upward.
"That smile... you're... you're faking it! You've never done that before!"
Her pupils shook as her mind accelerated.
"You smile when something good happens. You get dispirited when you're sad. You get flustered by problems. You've never tried to hide how you're feeling! Wh-Why are you doing it now?!"
Her left hand clenched from the immediate return of his gloomy look.
"And now he's closed off again..."
[Umm... just ask him something to keep him talking! Maybe he'll open up?] her past self uttered, scratching at her head for a better idea.
"I see. In that case, what were you going to tell me that day before Hestia dragged you away?"
"Oh! I... umm..." Even through the rain, she could see the sweat accumulating on his forehead.
"Haha..." An eyebrow raised toward his pitiful excuse of a laugh. "Believe it or not, I forgot! Haha..."
She turned to face straight ahead, sucking in her left cheek to hide her disappointment.
"I... understand..."
"B-But if I remember, I'll make sure to tell you."
"Thanks..."
Her little self vanished from sight, and her sulking deepened.
"You've always been able to talk to me. Even when I was under Freya's charm, you tried to. Why is now any different? Did I... do something? I did... didn't I?-"
"It looks like we're already here."
The growing tension in her body was suspended while she stared at Hearth Mansion from inside the alley.
"Oh... we're here..."
From the corner of her eye, she saw him perform his best bow, given his injuries.
"Thank you for walking me home, Ais-san."
"Of course..."
"G-Goodbye."
When his back turned to her, time came to a screeching halt where not even the rain dared to move.
"Before this year, most of what I can remember has been slaying monsters and scaring Finn, Riveria, and Gareth into thinking I was going to die. If it didn't involve me getting stronger, I didn't care. If it didn't involve me getting just one step closer to saving her, it didn't interest me. If it didn't improve my chance of slaying IT one day, I didn't bother. But after I met you, everything's been... different. I have far more memories that I can look back on and... smile. And a lot of them have been with you. I... I think I finally understand why Riveria was so adamant about me learning those things. And if being an airhead prevents me from helping you or anyone else when they get like this, then... then I don't want to be one anymore!"
Snatch!
Grabbing his hand, she encased it with her other while he turned to face her.
"Bell, what is wrong? Please tell me."
And so, he did.
The daughter of the strongest mortal and greatest of all spirits. The original record holder. Part of the few who have ventured to the 59th floor. The strongest living adventurer against monsters. That is who she is; that is Ais Wallenstein. And it was this very Ais Wallenstein sprinting home, the water failing to mask the dread etching onto her face.
Through the chilled rain and frostbitten air, nothing met her stare. Through the barren streets and dim-lit night, nothing would end her plight. Through the train of thoughts and sea of memories, nothing would cease her worries.
Her pace wouldn't slow; her heart wouldn't dare. Her laces were stained by the puddles, reflecting a brief glare. Her chase wouldn't end; her mind had pinned a statement responsible for a great sin.
A constant line occurred deep in her ears. A constant image stirred her fears. A constant reminder tried to yank on her tears.
For his eyes were those of the dead. For his faux smile did nothing to hide the dread. For four words were all that was said. Yet, it repeated, again and again.
[Thank you... for... everything.]
Regardless of her speed, she couldn't outrun it.
[Thank you... for... everything.]
Regardless of her distance from the alley, it wouldn't tire.
[Thank you... for... everything.]
Regardless of what she did, the parcel would arrive.
[Thank you... for... everything.]
It became the sole reason her body shivered, for everything felt warm in comparison to the unintentional stab to the heart. A stab originating from one place. Not from his mouth, but rather a singular desire... from her.
To not be labeled as she once was. To not leave him to his own devices. To not have him become what she sees in the mirror. But it was in such pursuit that cemented all of it, proving she was indeed what they called her.
Bringing herself to a halt, she extended her left hand forward and leaned against a wall. Her gaze reflected off the ground, and her right was held over her heart. Each beat came with a noticeable thump. When she turned around, her head attached to the sky, staring at where the moon would be hadn't the black clouds blotted it out.
[Thank you... for... everything.]
"Stop!"
She fastened her eyes shut and pressed her hands against her ears, blinding and silencing everything-
[Thank you... for... everything.]
Except for that package, delivering the image and words associated with it.
"P-Please, stop!"
She started shaking her head, her mind becoming desperate-
[Thank you... for... everything.]
Just to have it disregard her pleas.
"Why do I hear your voice as clear as day?!"
[Thank you... for... everything.]
"Why did I think I could prove everyone wrong? This... this is the one thing I can't improve. It didn't matter how hard I tried; I only made things worse! I... I am an airhead. No... I'm worse than one...And I couldn't even tell you what I wanted to say. That was the most important thing for you to hear."
A different image of him took occupancy in her mind. One during their very first training atop the wall of him smiling.
"You... don't understand how terrible of a person I am; at least... you didn't before I said that."
[Thank you... for... everything.]
Covering her face with her hands, she could feel the warmth in her taxing breaths decaying.
"Why did I say that to you? There had to have been a better way than suggesting that you place your feelings for the woman you love on pause... I..."
["Well... there's someone I want to catch up to, no matter what."]
Her fingers slid down her face upon recalling that conversation atop the wall.
"I... I understand it now. She's the person you told me about. You've been in... love with her all this time while I didn't know. What kind of person am I to not encourage you to reach her but advise against it!"
Her hand reached out to the shy moon.
"Especially when I've done so much for the sake of my goal."
A yellow bolt parted the sky, and when the roll of its thunder passed over, something peculiar occurred. It deafened and blinded her for a brief moment, and in fractions of a second, the scene that she loathed extradited out of her mind.
"He's already turning into me. And after what I said, he might even become like me! Throwing his life toward danger, scaring his familia and friends... oh gods..."
She clenched her hands and gritted her teeth.
"I-I can't let that happen! I refuse to let you throw away that pure nature of yours, Bell! I don't want you to lose who you are!"
Shouting her thoughts down the deserted streets had the sound of everything return. Everything, say his haunting four last words. But upon taking a step in the direction she came from, her legs became anchors, dragging across the ground.
"If I go back, what do I do..."
[Tell him why!]
Her subconscious manifested, staring her dead in the eyes.
[Knock on their door, and tell them we have to talk to Bell! If we explain ourselves, then maybe he won't end up like us! Under no circumstance can he be allowed to become like us!]
Acquiring strength from the words of her past self, her legs propelled her back toward Hearth Mansion. Her teeth chattered along the way, for her body stopped nullifying the effects that the weather had on it as her fear mutated into determination.
"I won't have you become like me!"
Blazing down the empty roads returned heat to around her chest. No person could slow her progress.
.
[̷W̷h̵a̷t̵ ̸d̴o̵ ̷y̸o̸u̶ ̴h̸o̷p̷e̷ ̴t̴o̵ ̵a̴c̶h̵i̷e̴v̶e̸?̶]̵
.
But that sounded like no person and the volume it spoke at forced her to a stop. She hovered her hand over her sword, eyes bouncing all around.
"Who's there?"
"..."
"I'm... just hearing things. I-I need to get back to Bell, and-"
.
[̷Y̶o̶u̷'̷l̸l̴ ̶o̵n̴l̸y̸ ̶e̷n̷d̶ ̵u̵p̴ ̵h̴u̷r̵t̵i̴n̷g̶ ̴h̵i̴m̸ ̸e̷v̵e̴n̶ ̸m̵o̷r̴e̴ ̴t̸h̸a̸n̴ ̶y̸o̶u̴ ̷a̵l̴r̸e̶a̷d̷y̴ ̵h̷a̷v̵e̸.̷]̴
.
When a breeze passed over her, the voice sounded like it came from all directions.
"If I go back... I might be able to say something to fix the harm I caused. I might be able to show him I care... about him." she stated while speaking up to the sky.
[YOU are the one who has created this version of him. YOU are the one who has pushed him into mirroring us. YOU did that. YOU could be one more word away from having him hate us.]
"It..." her mouth became dry. "It doesn't matter if he...if he..." Her mouth wouldn't release that one word.
[If he hates us? WE both know THAT will truly break us...]
A peer down at her hand showed the black flame raging through the rain, applying its sickening heat. Any words her miniature self might have stated fell on deaf ears as she sprinted back toward her home. And once she was gone from sight, a very faint smile formed in the air.
"We'll discuss this at greater length once you've finished recovering."
"A-Alright... Riveria...s-sama." murmured her elven protege. The eyelids of which proved too heavy to remain open.
"If you stave off walking as much as possible, you should be fine in a few days-"
Snores...
Her brows furrowed at the sound exiting her student's mouth.
"I suppose that was all the energy you had recuperated. I apologize for interrupting your slumber."
Exiting the room, she turned to the human girl waiting outside.
"Riveria-sama! W-Was Lefiya able to talk to you?"
"Yes, but not enough to gather anything not already known. I was... too optimistic in thinking that her recuperation would come close to mirroring Bell Cranel's. In any case, I assume I can continue trusting you to look after Lefiya?"
"O-Of course, Riveria-sama!"
"Good, and goodnight to you both."
Pacing away, her hand raising to meet her forehead-"
"Umm, Riveria-sama? Is it...true?"
But was prevented, and she looked over her shoulder.
"Is what true, Elfy?"
"That... Lefiya begged you to focus on healing Rabbit Foot?"
Sigh. "Word does travel fast", she uttered under her breath. "Yes, she did. Given his proximity to death and her outright refusal of any aid until he was saved, it was the sole course of action to take."
"Lefiya refused any healing?"
Elfy covered her mouth with one of her sleeves, swaying side-to-side.
"Then do you think that Lefiya has... you know-"
"Given her past track record, I am beyond doubtful that Lefiya would see Bell Cranel in that way. My best guess would be that she felt responsible for the harm that fell onto him."
"Y-Yeah... of course. Thank you, Riveria-sama, and goodnight to you as well."
After Elfy entered the room, she continued down the halls toward hers. Without interruption, her hand greeted her forehead.
"Would Lefiya really acquire feelings for Bell Cranel? Is that even possible?"
She shrugged.
"I'll just have to wait until she's healed to ask her about it and everything else. Wait a second..."
Removing her hand from her forehead, she crossed her arms, her left fingers tapping.
"Even with a level difference and that he is Bell Cranel, why was he awake?"
Stopping at the window, she gazed outside, viewing the stormy weather.
"I can believe that he has a superior pain tolerance, but waking up just a few hours after... that shouldn't be possible, and I doubt Ais would nudge him awake. Either I'm doubting his abilities, or... something other than those dark elves is going on in this city."
Boom!
A blue hue illuminated her face, the shockwave passing over the manor.
Sigh. "Perhaps I'm overthinking things. I should just be grateful it meant he didn't spend the night with Ais in her room."
Her right hand tightened into a fist.
"There's no way in hell I would've allowed that, though I do hope Ais didn't get caught in this rain while taking him back-"
Splish!
Splash!
Splish!
Splash!
From the corner of her sight, the person of discussion zipped past her into the hallway.
"Looks like she wasn't as fortunate as I hoped she'd be."
Rounding the corner, the extent to how unfortunate Ais had been was set on display. Her golden hair resembled that of a sponge needing to be wrung out. Her armor pieces were fogged up, and her chest plate was frosted. On top of everything, a noticeable squeak accompanied her step and most movements. Altogether, it appeared as if the girl was tossed into a river and she couldn't help herself indulge in a thought.
"Doing some more 'swim training'? Pft!"
Her giggle, though stifled, was enough to draw Ais's attention.
"Riveria..." stated the girl, looking at the elf from the corner of her vision while facing the door.
"H-Hello- ahem." She cleared the grin formatting on her face. "Hello, Ais. I take it Bell Cranel returned to his familia safe and sound?"
"...Yes..."
"Strange pause..." she thought, walking up to her.
"Given your current state, I won't keep you from-"
Stopping dead in her tracks, she spotted something off about the girl. Ais's right eye twitched, and her palms had impressions from her fingertips as if she was squeezing hard enough to almost break the skin-
"From what, Riveria?"
"Ais." she placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Are you alright?"
"I'm f... fine. Just... cold."
"Are you sure?"
There was something off about her. Like her neutral expression was a little more than a facade. It was if-
"I said I'm fine!"
She took a step back from the speed and intensity of the words.
"...Ais-"
"I'm going to dry off now!" The girl opened her door. "G-G-Goodnight!"
Slam!
...
Nothing crossed her mind for a minute as she stood there bewildered.
"Did... did she... just shout and slam her door on me?"
Processing everything, she peered over to her own door at the end of the hall.
Sigh. "I can't rest just yet."
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Ais, I'm coming in."
When she entered the room, the girl standing in the center, shed of her adventuring gear, didn't acknowledge her presence. Even after she walked past the girl, grabbing a few towels out of the dresser.
"Place one on your bed and use the other to dry yourself."
Until she spoke up, handing off two towels and placing a third on the ground where the water was gathering.
"Really now, what has gotten into you?"
She crossed her arms and stared at Ais, who placed one towel on the mattress while the other draped over her head.
"Ais, what happened?"
"..."
She pulled up a chair and leaned back in it while the crickets played their melody of silence, accompanied by rain smacking against the window. The song soon enough encountered a brief pause.
"I... I hurt him..."
But after those three words, it was another vacuous silence, Ais's mouth opening, nothing daring to leave.
"You understand I can't read your mind, right?"
"..."
"Should you wish to talk about it, I'm here. If not, then-"
"When..." the pseudo-ultimatum lured the words out, and the girl hunched forward. "When we were walking, I felt as if something was... off with him. He insisted he was fine, but he wasn't acting himself. So before we parted ways, I asked him again, and... he told me...he...he..."
The hesitation in completing her statement made the elf's eyes fling open.
"Did he confess to her?! Is this what this is about?! I swear if it-"
"Everything", continued Ais.
"Everything? Could you be more specific?"
"He told me that he felt weak, and when I told him he wasn't... he claimed to be still weaker than her. When I asked who she was, he told me that she was someone who saved his life, and from that point on, he desired more than anything to catch up to her and tell her how he felt. She was someone he... fe-fell in l... love with. He said he even developed the skill that allowed him to grow as fast as he does because of her."
Ais's fingers interlocked.
"Can...can you imagine that, Riveria? Having a skill form from just his feelings toward her?"
"Yes, I can. So can Finn, Gareth, and Loki."
Ais looked up to face the elf, brows raised to the point they might as well be standing on stilts.
"But-"
"How? Officially, we entered that war game because of what Freya did. Unofficially, and you didn't hear this from me, Bell Cranel and his goddess met with the four of us to plead their case, asking if there was anything they could do for our support. Of us, only Finn and Loki wanted anything. For the latter, she wanted to know how he leveled up so fast and any future developments that might spring up. So his goddess updated his status in front of us, explaining the skill. But..."
She bit the inside of her mouth, battling the potential humor in Ais being jealous of herself.
"Is that the reason you're acting like this?"
"No. I mentioned it because when he said that... everything about him looked to be in pain. I couldn't stand seeing him like that; I wanted to make him feel better. But after what I said, it just hurt him even more..."
"And what did you say?"
Another distant flash of blue, followed by its partner, was the sole occupant of the empty air. Air that remained to be so until she placed her hand over the girl's knee.
"Ais... what did you say?"
"I...I...I told him to place his wish to reach her on pause. I tried to tell him why, but he wouldn't listen or let me finish. Instead, he said he'd no longer push that want aside no matter what. And when I tried to leave, he stopped and thanked me. His words... his eyes... they felt dead!"
She covered her mouth with her hand; her eyes darted away.
"I can't even fault Bell Cranel for reacting like that. To have the girl you fell for advise you not to put in the effort must've been heart-shattering, even if it was unintentional."
Sliding her hand off her face, she returned her gaze to Ais.
"Before I point the obvious, what was your reason for saying that?"
"I know... you're going to say that I don't have any right in telling someone else that they shouldn't pursue their dream of getting stronger. But my reason for telling him that? Everything about him reminded me of... me. I... don't want him to end up like me, Riveria."
The towel on Ais's head lurked further forward, masking part of her face.
"But all I did was push him to become more like me! Sniffle."
And from that hidden portion, a single droplet of water fell.
"Ais?! Are... are you crying?!"
The young maiden shook her head.
"That was some of the rain."
"I... see..."
The girl crossed her arms, gripping them.
"Wh-What if I made Bell hate me? What if he never wishes to speak to me again?!"
"Well, I doubt Bell Cranel would come to hate you for a variety of reasons, let alone never speak to you again."
"But... still, what should I do?"
She placed a hand on Ais's shoulder.
"I think it would be best to sleep on it." her voice was full of sincerity and comfort. "It's been a long day for... everyone[me]. First thing in the morning, I'll talk to you. Alright?"
"Alright..."
She stood up from the chair and placed it back.
"I suggest you change out of those clothes before you catch a cold."
"Okay..."
Before leaving, she looked over her shoulder.
"Remember, Ais, hating isn't something Bell Cranel is known for. You, of all people, should know that."
Exiting the room, she waited right outside the door, rubbing her head.
"You don't want him to become like you? If only you understood that it's something he wants the most."
[Start SoundTrack: Message from the Goddess - The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword]
Before
Before the dungeon city achieved... relativistic safety, being killed was never a matter of if but when. Before the tower piercing the sky was erected, almost nothing stood in the way of the monsters festering in that pit. Before the iconic walls enclosed the city, it was forced to bear as many threats from the outside as from within. Before the gods had left the heavens to bestow their blessings, mortals were left with one option: to become stronger themselves.
This iteration of Orario seems fictitious, being so far removed from the one of modern-day. Alas, it was as real as the hardships the inhabitants faced of this time long past. The largest place in the world, yet a far cry from the scope of its current counterpart. Should one gaze upon it, they'd see a poor excuse for a lid and just see monsters as the greatest threat the citizens would face.
But, they'd fail to see the true evil lying in the foundation of the city. Outlaws, slavers, 'protection' rackets, and more made the common degenerate of the current day seem charitable. Perhaps constructing a city around a monster-infested pit led to monsters taking those different forms. Perhaps its corruption infected the populace with each monster that escaped. Perhaps it bore no impact at all and was just the perfect outlet for mortals to allow their inner devil free.
For whatever the case may be, there was on thing that was certain. Each travesty befalling the residents of Orario, be it considered common or not, reinforced the most archaic of notions: might makes right. And for every traumatic event, droves of the so-called weak were purged. It had been that way ever since the city was nothing more than a town.
Those who resorted to depravity claimed it was "the way of the world" and asked, "What are morals if not privileges of the strong?" Yet, in the face of everything, one group sought to change that.
To make a world where none needed to take up arms. To have a society where the weak's cry for justice would be heard. To prevent those from seeking the self-destructive path that was vengeance. To push everyone to become better, proving that redemption will come to those who seek it. To send all the notions that permitted chaos and depravity to the deepest pits of hell, never to return. And above all else, to improve their occupation's image.
How fitting it was that they called themselves The Mercenaries. Their leader was a man of many names: Mercenary King, Sword Champion, Albert, and the one he was most proud of, Father. The anxiety and general social awkwardness that defined his demeanor outside the battlefield dissolved into nothingness when he was with the two most important women in his life. Each time they were near, a new man was revealed to them alone.
Every time he'd return from hell diving, she'd run up to him with her arms out. Every time he'd embark on a journey into the pit, he'd usher the same phrase to her: "I'll be back before you know it". Every time she'd wait for his return, it was done by her mother's side underneath their favorite tree right outside the city.
And that was no different for this case, as she wore her new green dress and rested her head against her mother's leg while being read a tale.
"After the two brothers fought through an onslaught devised by the witch, they reached the sleeping maiden, floating inside a sphere. When the younger of the two touched it, the barrier shattered, and she fell into his arms. But their rescue of her was far from over, for the witch resorted to having everything around her come crashing down. "If I can't have her, NO ONE CAN!" the witch screeched. Thanks to the brothers' abilities, the very same that allowed them to get this far, the three of them escaped the collapse. Yet, unbeknownst to them, there was one final measure from beyond the grave. A terrifying creature emerged from the wreckage with red eyes and a black slit in them. It-"
"I hope they're doing alright."
She murmured to herself, but it still managed to reach her mother's ears, who sat down the book and ran her fingers through her golden hair.
"Is something the matter, Ais? Not enjoying the story?"
"No, I do! It's just... do you think Father and everyone else is alright?"
She found herself being picked up and set on her mother's lap. The smile shining at her quelled her nerves.
"I believe in your father and his mercenaries. The amount of planning they've been doing for this has been... extraordinary. If you were there for some of their meetings, you'd know just how cautious they're being."
"You mean... more than they normally plan for?"
"Mhm. I even offered to join them for this, but Albert was quick to point out how the dungeon... doesn't like me in particular. And as much as I wanted to accompany them for this grand achievement of theirs, I knew he was right. But even if I'm not there in this case, Albert has always had someone who cares about him just as much as I do, even if they won't admit it now."
Her mother encased her hand and raised it.
"After all, they are the strongest... in history! Hehehe."
Wind rushed past her ears, causing their hair to flutter, and silenced part of her mother's words.
"Maybe when this is over... can find... that'll... as much as I... Albert." Her mother spoke out the side of her mouth and the increase of wind rushing by made hearing next to impossible.
"With them together, there's next to nothing they can't do, let alone when supported by the entirety of The Mercenaries. I know they'll reach the bottom floor."
Her mother held both their arms out.
"Even the wind seems to think so-"
Her mother held a hand over her heart, squeezing the fabric as her breathing became audible. The face of her mother became pained, causing her own eyes to quiver.
"M-Mother! Are you-"
A hand was held up, followed by her familiar smile.
"I'm alright, Ais. I... just felt a great disturbance in the air. As if there were cries of terror and were suddenly silenced."
"Does it have something to do with Father and everyone?! Do you think they're alright-"
Tears were prone to accumulate in her eyes until her mom abandoned all signs of trouble, rubbing her head once more.
"Like I told you, Albert will be fine. I know he will. I'm sure this was just some monster leakage that other mercenary groups are already taking care of. But enough about that..."
Her mom grabbed the book, waving it in front of both of them.
"Do you wish to continue reading and see why I say this story is my favorite?"
"Yes!"
She turned around as her mom's arms went under hers, the book opening to the page they left off on.
"The beast was something neither of the brothers had seen before. Large, strong, fast, sword-like teeth, hammer-like tail, and armor-shredding claws made it earn its title of monster."
She shriveled up in the lap, holding her knees.
"That sounds scary..."
"Indeed, and the brothers were quick to figure out how scary it really was. These were not inexperienced men; they'd been fighting since they were boys, even though they technically still were ones. They've brushed against death's paintbrush more times either desired to count, but this... was... different."
Splish.
[Stop SoundTrack]
She felt a raindrop, but examining the sky revealed no cloud in sight. It took another one striking her to cause her to glance back and see the streaks of water on her mother's cheek.
Gasp! "M-"
"I'm fine, Ais. This story just gets me a little teary-eyed, and the wind seems to be betraying me today", she stated while wincing her left eye closed. "So if you feel anymore, that's why."
"Oh... okay?"
Upon her mother clearing her throat, another droplet fell on her head.
Ahem. "Now, where was I?"
"You said that this brush of death for the brothers was different."
"Ah, yes. You see, for every other opponent they faced, monster or otherwise, the duo was next to unstoppable together. The younger mastered a single weapon, and the older was more than skilled with a multitude of them. Combined with their magnificent magic, extraordinary endurance, stupendous speed, and complete coordination, as if they had a telepathic link with one another, you'd see how they've managed to come as far as they have. But next to none of it mattered."
More tears fell onto her head, her mother's voice choking up.
"Their weapons shattered one after the other, leaving the older brother's versatility demolished. Their magic proved to be detrimental... to themselves. Their strength proved pitiful against its hide. Their speed... was outclassed. Their armor proved... proved to be nothing more than paper."
Her hands rubbed together.
"This all sounds... terrible..."
"C-Correct you are. Their sole savior was their coordination, but it couldn't bear the task alone. Right... as it was about to land its fatal blow on the three of them with its tail, the younger brother used his magic to force debris to fall on top of the beast and separate the three of them from it. Knowing that their... reprieve... would not be long-lived, the older one suggested to his younger sibling that he[youngest] should take the maiden and go, leaving him to delay the creature."
"But if they couldn't do anything to it together... doesn't that mean?"
"Yes, and the younger sibling argued as much, insisting there had to be another way that "there's always another way". But the older one made up his mind after downing his last potion and began smiling in the face of doom. He knew that it was his duty to protect his younger brother, and he did so for most of his life, anticipating that this day would come. For such an occasion, he ensured that his little brother would be fine on his own. Stopping the monster by himself was out of the question... but delaying it enough to where his brother and the maiden could have a chance at escaping was more than feasible. He stated all of that and concluded his eulogy by saying, 'This is the end of my story; it doesn't mean it should be the end of yours'."
She couldn't help but cover her face, waiting for the outcome that occurred in many of the stories she had been told.
"But his brother grabbed his arm, recalling the promise they made to each other upon encountering their first glance at death when they were kids. "If one goes down, so will the other, for we will fight together forever." When those words were recited, they couldn't help but laugh and nod."
...boom!
...boom!
...boom!
The far-off explosions had her leaning to the side, her sight affixed to the center of the city.
"What... is that?"
"Perhaps... it's... the sound of your father and... his mercenaries defeating whatever was on that last floor." Sweat started to accumulate on her mom's head, mixing with a continued supply of tears.
"Mother-"
"It also is the same sound the monster in the rubble made as it tried to break free. Before it could, the brothers turned around and apologized to the maiden, understanding how selfish and unheroic they were acting. But they heard a giggle from her."
Her brow raised, and she looked at her mother.
"Why did she laugh?"
"Well... it was... because... s-she was... "
Standing up from her mom's lap, she moved to her mother's arm and tugged on her sleeve.
"Mother? Mother, what's wrong?"
"No-Nothing... it's the air...Ugh!"
[Start SoundTrack: The Rising of the Shield Hero "WAVES" [Rage Shield Theme]
The woman fell to her side. One of her hands clutched onto her shoulders, and her teeth squeezed together.
"Mother!" she screamed, running to her front.
"I'm fine, Ais." The woman wiped her tears, bringing herself back to her knees. "The air has become corrupted... evil."
"What-"
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
The explosions grew louder and too did their shockwaves. The effects of which started taking their toll. Cracks formed around the tower over the dungeon and caused it to shake. The walls had their foundations challenged. Even her footing was put into question. All together, tears couldn't help but be forced out of Ais, staining her face.
Sniffle! "Mo-Mother! What's happening?!"
Her mother began holding her close, wiping her tears on her clothing.
"I didn't want it to be true", said her mom into her ear. "I felt something was wrong, but I hoped it wasn't as bad as it seemed. Instead, it's far worse...much worse."
"Are you talking about Father and everyone?! No... I don't believe that!"
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
This series of shockwaves proved to be enough, and the tower of Orario came crumbling down. Even from their small hill, they heard the culmination of every cry and alarm coming from the city. Buildings followed suit, and a portion of the wall did as well. As it always had been, the greatest threat to the city was buried within.
BOOM!
Not long after, a black beam shot into the sky, forming black clouds of equal darkness. The sunny day turned blacker than night.
"No... no... th-they can't be gone!"
"Ais... I'm sorry."
Her mom's clothing muffled her sniffles.
Sniffle. Sniffle. "They're not gone... I don't believe it. I won't believe it-"
"ARIA!"
Her mom turned in the direction of the shout.
"A-Albert!"
Despair escaped her little voice; the beacon of hope called out.
"F-Father!"
She tried to leave her mother's arms but was pulled back in, and too was the fear.
"Take cover behind the tree, Ais."
"But-"
"Do as I say!"
The assertiveness in Aria's tone, one that was used only one time in the past, mixed with resolve once hidden, had her nodding in compliance. Taking cover, she peaked around the corner.
"Wh-Why wouldn't you let me talk to Father?! After everything that's happened, I want to speak with him and know if everyone else is-"
Her little fingers clutched onto the tree, slipping for her incomplete thought was answered when Albert stepped into view. A man she thought to be invincible oozed blood from every pour. A man she thought was unflinching trembled. A man she thought spread hope spewed fear.
"T-Th-That can't be Father?! What happened?!"
A massive figure replaced the beam shooting out of the pit, sending out louder and louder shockwaves.
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
"Is th-that what you were fighting?!" She bit down on her lip. "I-I have to wait here. I have to wait here! I... I can't!"
She pushed herself forward as fast as her tiny legs allowed her.
"Fa-"
GRRAAAAAAWWWRRRRRKKKK!
The monster's roar left a deafening ring in her ears, blood escaping them, making her fall and cover the sides of her head. Looking back up at the pair, she noticed the wounds on her father dissipating while her mother held out her arms.
"You can... heal-"
FWOOOSH!
A quarter of the city went up in flames from a single breath from the monster, forcing her to lose even more control over herself.
"Ahh! I can feel it from here! Wh-Where is everyone else?!"
.
G̷͔̍É̶͙Ť̴̹ ̴͕͝Ö̶̙́Ȗ̴̯T̵̂ͅ ̸͓̎O̸̳̽F̴̺̉ ̸͇͝Ț̴̈́H̴̢̔Ę̷́ ̷̢̈W̴͓̊Ā̵̭Y̶̹͆!
.
A voice distorted beyond recognition yelled while a volley of weapons came her way. What appeared to be guaranteed death had missed everything aimed her way, and she ran behind the tree again. But peering to her left made her pupils flood, for her question was answered.
"Thats... C-Celdia's staff!" Her sight bounced to everything implanted into the ground near her. "It's everyone's stuff! They... They're-"
.
N̸O̸!̶!̷
.
BOOM!
She was sent flying when a fireball from the other side of the tree impacted it. Her skin became wrinkled from the heat, and her clothes were stained with dirt, blood, and burn marks. If it hadn't been for something reducing the potency of the flame, the piece of nature wouldn't have been able to protect her life at its own cost.
"N-No! Mother's tree... our tree!"
Never was there a time to mourn. Be it for the condition her father returned to them in, the fate of an extended family that was the mercenaries, or the nature held dear to her heart. None of it was given anything past a few seconds when a green wind started to come from the pair.
"W-Wait..." she blurted out.
Trying to make her way to her parents, another eardrum-rupturing roar forced her to the ground, more blood leaking out. She started to crawl, and when they entered her sight, she saw them holding one another, tears shared between the three of them.
"Wait!" She screamed louder, holding out her arm toward them.
Aria turned to her.
"I'm sorry, Ais. But... you must live. Please live!"
Albert followed suit.
"Please... find your hero."
"No! Don't leave me! Please!"
A black mist started to take the form of a tornado, engulfing her parents. She tried to latch onto a nearby sword but was shoved back. She was carried further and further, her arms flailing as she tried to break free from the grasp of whatever had her.
"No! I can't leave them!"
A green wind created by her mother, combined with the black current caused by the destroyer of all, slammed into her. A single word reached her ear before she lost consciousness.
"Ariel."
[Stop SoundTrack]
[Start SoundTrack: Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance - Memory of Mom]
Firing open her eyes, they were enriched with the golden rays peeping through the curtains. She rolled onto her side away from the window, holding both hands over her chest to quell the heavy beats of her heart.
Pant! Pant. Pant...
She soon removed the film of sweat accumulating on her forehead.
"Ugh", she groaned and slid her hand down her face. When it covered her eyes, the embers of the horrid flame raged, being found on her other hand as well when she peered over to it.
"It's still not died out?"
She squeezed both hands, leaving fresh impressions of her fingers on her palm.
"That dream..." She sat upright, resting her back against her headboard. "It was different-"
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Ais, it's Riveria. May I enter?"
"Y-Yes."
Moments later, the elven woman entered, closing the door behind her. She was handed something wrapped in a napkin while the woman's other hand held a teacup.
"I brought you some breakfast."
"Thank you."
She unwrapped it and started gnawing on her buttered bread without much thought placed into it.
"I thought you'd be awake sooner", Riveria stated while sitting on the opposite end of the bed. "You're usually up before sunrise-"
The elf stopped once she had noted her features. The most prominent were pale skin, bags underneath her eyes, and a general challenge to keep her eyelids from shutting.
Sigh. "Let me guess, you were worried about Bell Cranel?"
"Yes, but..." she started shrinking. "That's not exactly why."
"Meaning there was a more prominent reason?"
Finishing her light breakfast, she wiped her mouth and nodded.
"I had... I had that dream again."
Riveria's eyebrow raised as she finished her cup.
"That dream? What do you mean- oh, that dream."
"Mhm."
"Here, I thought it was expunged from your memory, considering the last time you had it was when you were nine."
She rubbed her left shoulder.
"Umm, I've still had bits and pieces of it now and then. But this was the first time since then that I've experienced the entire thing again."
The elf shrugged. "Well, to echo what I said last time-"
"Wait! Y-You don't understand..."
"Understand what?"
"This version... it was different!" Her voice sounded as if she was pleading and was desperate enough to draw Riveria's attention, who turned her body to her.
"Most things were the same, but there... there were a few things my mother tried to tell me that I had never heard any other time. Although, I couldn't hear her clearly because of the wind. And at the end, when everything collapsed around me, the sword I was always able to grab to... beg them not to go... I couldn't this time."
She crossed her arms.
"Instead, the winds slammed into me early and I felt like it was carrying me away from them. O-Or it might've been someone carrying me because... I heard distorted yelling that didn't come from either of my parents. I don't... know."
She shook her head, her throat starting to dry.
"I know these changes are small, but... I've never had my memories altered like this. Remembering every little detail is why I couldn't sleep when I was younger. But... this dream, this memory, has never been changed!"
Her heart and lungs kicked into overdrive.
Pant. Pant. "What if... what if they aren't altered and... they're just portions I've forgotten?! Wh-What else do I not remember?! Did I forget about any-"
Her state would've worsened had it not been for the elf's gentle hand rubbing hers. Little by little, the despair depleted from her. And it continued to do so after hearing the soothing words.
"Ais, I understand why you're very worried about this, and I can assure you that when a better time presents itself, I'll help you figure out what this entails. We all will. But right now, it's best to focus on things you can control instead of worrying about something you might not be able to. Understand?"
"...Y-Yes."
"Good. As for things within your control, it's what you do to mend your friendship with Bell Cranel. To do this, I think a sincere apology is in order."
She stared at the elf, her eyebrows raising as the seconds droned on without her saying anything else.
"What?"
"Is... that all?"
"You sound disappointed. Did you expect me to say, 'Knock him out and force him to sleep on your lap like you did for most of your training'? Hehehe."
She sucked in part of her cheek while Riveria giggled.
"No... it's just... I should've thought of that last night. Then I could've-"
Riveria's hand rested atop her shoulder.
"Sometimes, it's best to wait to apologize. It lets heated feelings settle, and doing it immediately after can come across as insincere. But besides, what would you have said to him?"
"Umm." She tapped her pointer fingers together. "Bell, I'm really, really sorry about what I said?"
"You haven't got a clue, do you?"
She slouched forward.
"I don't..."
Riveria stood up, remaining a few steps away from her.
"Then pretend that I'm Bell Cranel and use me as practice."
Lifting herself off her bed, she stood before the elf. Her fingers interlocked, and her thumbs twirled about each other, all while her sight bounced across the room.
"River-Bell, I'm being sincere-"
"Stop."
Her gaze raced over to the elf crossing her arms when she was prevented from getting even five words out.
"Two things: One, if you're being sincere, you wouldn't need to state that you are. Two, failing to maintain eye contact comes across as if you're apologizing out of obligation instead of a desire to make amends. Now, try again."
Taking a deep breath, she considered what she was told.
"Keep eye contact and come across as sincere. I can... do that."
"B-Bell, I would like to apologize. What I said last night was... was wrong. I failed to realize how important both she and your goal is to you. I just... don't want you to turn out like me-"
"Stop."
"Huh?!" she exclaimed, both brows raising.
"The start was... passable, but I have a strong feeling that the last phrase isn't something you should say to him."
"But why?" her sight fell to the ground while she rubbed her left arm. "It's the reason why... I said that to him. Shouldn't he know what I was thinking at the time to suggest... to suggest what I did?"
The elf rested her head against two fingers.
"You're going to have to take my word on that. Now, do it again."
She hunched forward, her arms hanging at her side. Each failure added to the aura of disappointment dispersing from her body.
"Maybe I'm not cut out to do this, Riveria. I don't know why I tried-"
"And here I thought you didn't wish to be seen as an airhead any longer. Or was I mistaken, and you wish to give up?"
She stood upright, closing her eyes.
"I... realized something last night. I can help Bell in a fight, but I struggled and failed to help him when he got like that. And if being an airhead means that I can't help him in those situations, then I don't want to be one!"
"Then I'll be here for however many attempts it might take to help you move off that label."
"..."
"Ais?"
"You said to pretend you're Bell?"
"Correct-"
She took one of the elf's hands, clasping it between her own. Her golden pupils matched the green with a view of determination and sympathy.
"Bell, I'm so sorry about what I said last night. It was improper for me to suggest that you shouldn't focus on your goal, especially one of catching up to someone you love. I should be the last person to tell anyone that they shouldn't commit to getting stronger. I know what it's like to have others trying to hinder you, even if it's unintentional or they're trying to look out for you. This is why I want you to know that I'm truly sorry, and I hope you can find in yourself to forgive me. And if there's any way I can help you in achieving your goal, all you have to do is ask."
Silence permeated through the room, making her back up.
"Umm, how was that?"
A slight tinge of red lined Riveria's face until a smile crept past it.
"That was... perfect. I think... no, I know if you were to say that to Bell Cranel in the same way as you did to me, he'd forgive you."
"Are... you sure?"
The elven princess nodded.
"Positive. Now, why don't you go get ready and head out?"
"Alright!" an inkling of hope was lit in her eyes.
"Good. When you return, come find me and tell me how it went."
[Stop SoundTrack]
[Start SoundTrack: Fate/Apocrypha: in the Past]
Annoyances.
Blights.
Contaminants.
All descriptors of infestations, the inevitable plague one will have to deal with in time. That is, if they could care enough about it to stamp it out. But given the appeal of laziness, doing nothing as long as one's way of life isn't hindered or obscured, it's not surprising when they're forced to deal with the consequences of their inactivity. For when judging if one can 'afford' to ignore it, one must have ample knowledge of the type, threat, target, and trouble it may cause down the line. It is there they fail to account for one, if not all, criteria.
How one deals with infestations depends on the type. Of common pests, such as rats, one gravitates toward the use of traps. Given their opportunistic and non-life-threatening nature, at least on their own, bait becomes simple to apply, making them straightforward to deal with.
But rats and others like them are the weakest types of nuisances, threatening no more than a single dwelling.
What of nuisances that can plague a city? What of nuisances where the weakest of the pack could put end to hundreds if not thousands, if they please? What of nuisances on a comparable level of intelligence as those hunting them, burying themselves deep into the darkest cracks of the city? What of nuisances where the sole thing piquing their interest was the life of an elven mage?
Combining those factors allows one to understand why Ganesha Familia mobilized across the city, searching for their infestation. They were the largest in terms of combatants but were still forced to fracture their force into eleven search parties, each helmed by an executive. Eight to take a section of the city, three for the dungeon: entrance, Rivira, and lower floors.
It didn't matter how dangerous this was; thanks to the elven guild head, there wasn't much choice. However, there was a greater reason for this desperate hunt, for if The Conqueror's ideals of honor would fade, the line separating them from Evilus would be blurred as well. And after the grueling battle that was Knosos's final assault, no one desired another.
Their constant patrols made it so that you wouldn't be able to look in any direction without spotting at least a few of their members. Said presence garnered mixed reactions, especially among those who could recall the last time they were deployed in such a manner. Of course, some paid them no mind, for their mind were occupied with something or someone else.
[Stop SoundTrack]
One such person was Ais, as she headed down the main road toward Hearth Mansion in her typical garb. Passing a flower shop where a brunette woman was sweeping bits of broken glass from the window, she stopped in place.
"Maybe... maybe I should get him some-"
Her face went pale, and she shook her head.
"There's no way I could bring him flowers... not after what Loki did..."
The grim memory added to her already strained heart, increasing in intensity the closer she got to his home. When she arrived at her destination, staring at Hearth Mansion through the open gate, her feet became attached to the ground. Her hands became moist, her throat dried, her breaths shortened, and tension started to accumulate in her legs.
"Why am I nervous? I practiced with Riveria..."
Glancing back toward the alley she left him in, echoes of that night were prone to return to haunt her. His words, his dead expression, all of it was sure to come back-
[Come on! It's like Riveria said: he'll be sure to forgive us. We can do this!]
Yet, the manifestation of her former self appeared and slammed out any chance for her to worry. Said manifestation ran ahead and waited by the door, waving her along. A small smile found its way on her face, and, with confidence restored, she marched to their door.
"I can do this. I can do this."
She hesitated to knock, holding her fist in her palm.
"I have to do this. I want to do this. I want to do this... for you."
She let out a deep breath.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"One moment, please!"
The response was almost instant, and footsteps followed.
"Hello, how may I-" The Renard's eyes expanded as she kept one hand on her chest, dressed in her red kimono. "S-Sword Princess?! Wh-What, umm, what brings you here?"
"I'd... I'd like to speak with Bell. Could you tell him that I'm here?"
The fox girl's ears drooped.
"My apologies, but Bell-sama isn't home..."
For all the worrying, for all the practice, for all the confidence, she had failed to account for the likeliest of outcomes out of her control. This blatant oversight had her little self face-palming over to her side.
"Oh... I see. But if you happen to know, could you tell me where he was heading?"
"I can't because... Bell-sama hasn't been home since yesterday, and none of us know where he went."
"What?!" her voice became serious.
"After he missed dinner, we were going to go look for him, but we couldn't because of the weather. We were just getting ready to search for him, so maybe I could take a message for him if we find him?"
Her golden eyes shook, and any pretense of calmness was taken over by something greater than last night. Something that made how she felt last night pitiful in comparison. Something-
"Or maybe you could help us find him?" Haruhime continued.
"He didn't return? What do you mean he didn't return?! I left him in the alley facing here!"
"Umm... Sword Princess?" Haruhime tilted her head as Ais's head pivoted down.
"Wait, did those dark elves get him?! No, they couldn't have. There would've been a louder scuffle, right?! Right?!"
"Ais... Wallenstein?" she started waving her hand in front of her.
"Wait... he said he wouldn't sideline his desire to catch her anymore. Does that mean... I... did I?!"
Squeak.
The door began shutting as the renard started backing up-
SLAM!
"AHH!"
Haruhime fell backward before looking up at the face consumed with unabashed fear.
"I need to talk with the rest of your familia! Now!"