Mid-afternoon, on the way up to the Sepulchre of God…

The stairs are cold, winding upwards as Anna and I make our way to the topmost floor, the highest amid the many wings of the Chantry of Eternal Light. It’s where the Ecclesiarch of the Order of Selene resides alongside her Paladin, the Executor. Or rather, where the Executor used to reside – she was long gone before I was summoned to Nisha.

I’m dressed in my school uniform, every bit of it meticulously in place, as though I’m about to give a speech to the entire student body at St. Elicia’s. On the other hand, Anna is clad in her battle regalia – a sleek, form-fitting leotard of silk and tempered metal, complemented by thigh-high greaves and a black cloak trimmed with white fur. It’s a striking combination of elegance and protection – a masterpiece in both form and function!

I like it! I really do. In the previous timeline, Lady Iris confided in me that Anna’s ensemble was designed to exude both regal poise and intimidation simultaneously. First impressions are crucial against monsters and villains alike!

Speaking of… I’m missing my Healer robes. They didn’t make the trip back in time with me, unfortunately. Having them on helped me blend in with my peers in the Chantry. I can’t even begin to count the number of gawkers I’ve noticed on the way to these stairs! And not to mention that the entire ensemble really nailed the whole ‘Healer’ aesthetic – I reckon I’d be a hit at any cosplay convention back in my world! Oh well.

Anyway… we’re here to see Lady Iris Escaflowne, the Ecclesiarch of the Order of Selene herself. Most of the Chantry’s inhabitants only catch fleeting glimpses of her during morning and evening prayers. She spends much of her time secluded in her office maintaining the Akashic Record – the collective repository of knowledge spanning the Order’s paladins and healers. It’s her burden, her Prophecy as a Hero, as it was for the Ecclesiarchs and Executors before her. However, because the Executor is gone… she’s alone in her duties.

Lady Iris’ eyes are like mine – golden, like the eyes of a God. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her fight, but I know she wields a weapon worthy of her stature, another sacred relic of the Order. They call it Apocalypse – a magical tome, white and gold, bound in holy chains, its power born from the Akashic Record itself. I used to think that its name meant the end of the world… but I later learned that it meant revelation. Fitting, eh?

The top floor begins with a lavish antechamber, its every detail a testament to opulence. The air is perfumed and refined, and fur carpets soften the floors. Jewelled armchairs and masked attendants line the space. Ahead, an ornate door looms, its craftsmanship breathtakingly good.

I’ve been here before in the previous timeline. So many times for so many days of the week while Anna and I studied under Lady Iris. Everything here feels pristine, but there’s a sterility to it – a certain coldness. Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful, but there’s an undercurrent of loneliness that’s hard to ignore. And that hasn’t changed either, between timelines.

“Nervous?” Anna asks, her voice light as she places a hand on her cheek. “Umm… I always feel a little jittery coming here.”

“Rinnah willing, I hope she listens to me… the way you did,” I whisper solemnly. “Honestly, I’m a bit nervous right now. Just a little, though!”

Anna’s response is full of vigour as she pumps her fist. “Don’t worry, you’ll convince her for sure! You persuaded me, after all… and umm… I’m not exactly an easy sell, you know!”

Her boisterous confidence draws a grin from me. She’s joking, but I feel the sincerity of her words… and it warms my heart.

“I’m serious!” Anna insists, puffing up her chest and crossing her arms. “It’s true!”

“Heh!”

For a moment, we forget where we are. The tension within me dissolves as we giggle like we’re in a high school. I gotta say… it’s a comforting reprieve. And as we laugh, relief washes over me, lightening the weight on my shoulders. When the moment passes, Anna straightens, her expression earnest and kind as she looks me in the eye.

“Good luck in there, Arisa.”

I flash her a sharp grin – more confident than what I’m feeling right now, if I’m being honest – and throw her a hearty thumbs-up as I head towards the Ecclesiarch’s door.

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In the Sepulchre of God…

Enchanting apparatuses and antique bookcases hum faintly with Mana, weaving harmonies that feel like an aria’s tune. The room is neat and unassuming, its simple furnishings a stark contrast to the luxurious antechamber outside where guests are typically entertained.

Being back here after so much time spent in Arcadia feels surprisingly pleasant. Nostalgic, even. This room holds so many memories – hours upon hours spent mastering the Healer’s craft, poring over the vast catalogue of librams and tomes, absorbing knowledge like a sponge. It wasn’t just learning – it was fun. Truly!

But today is different. This time, I’ve returned for afternoon tea! And uh… damn! What a spread! Assorted fruits, scones, cupcakes, and tarts grace gleaming silver stands. Porcelain cups of piping hot tea sit upon jewelled saucers, inviting me closer. And at the heart of it all is Lady Iris herself, radiant as ever in her white and gold robes that shimmer faintly with powerful enchantments. Apocalypse rests unassumingly on the table beside her.

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Oh my! Lady Iris, seeing her again in person, I gotta say… she’s… beautiful. Tall, poised, and utterly luminous! Her silver hair, like spun snow and ice, is adorned with an ornate hairpin that glimmers in the soft light. Her beauty is timeless, her youthful face betraying none of her many decades of wisdom. But her eyes captivate me most – they’re golden, like the eyes of a God. Golden like the sun, yet distant, as if always staring a thousand yards beyond.

This was our first meeting in the previous timeline. Now, here I am again, and déjà vu doesn’t even begin to describe it! My heart practically leaps outta my chest as I stand before her.

“Lady Arisa Ishii, are you not?” Lady Iris greets me as I approach, her voice serene and almost melodic. “We have not been properly introduced. And yet…”

Her gaze softens, a sorrowful glimmer in those divine eyes. It’s… unnerving.

“There is something peculiar about you. Something that stirs echoes within me. Warm, familiar echoes. Do I know you, Lady Ishii? I feel as though I do. Why is that?”

“That’s because…” I answer, my voice wavering under her gaze, the weight of her sorrow pressing down on me. “Nevermind. You’re right – we’ve yet to be introduced.”

Lady Iris nods, though the look in her eyes suggests she sees through my bullshit. The air between us grows heavy with unspoken truths, and it’s a little… awkward.

“I trust that Anna has kept you well,” Lady Iris says after a moment’s silence, steering the conversation forward. “You are an honoured guest here, after all.”

“She has,” I reply solemnly, bowing my head. “I could ask for nothing more.”

Her gaze shifts slightly, drawn past me. “That staff of yours…”

“Elizabeth,” I confirm softly. “Frozen Light.”

“Indeed. And last night, you were on the brink of death,” Lady Iris muses out loud, her tone sharpening slightly. “But now, you stand before me as a Healer radiating an extraordinary level of Mana. I dare say you are as powerful as I am.”

She lifts her teacup with elegant precision, taking a delicate sip. Her left hand, resting at her side, is a stark contrast – scarred and mutilated. I also remember seeing it like this in the previous timeline, and on her, it’s like a blemish on an otherwise perfect masterpiece. The folks of the Chantry have come up with countless theories about it… but no one truly knows why.

“But why is that the case, Lady Ishii?”

“I’ve learned from the best,” I say with a smile, attempting levity. “From you.”

“Is that so? Do explain further.”

Think, Arisa. How do I explain this without sounding completely mad? Anna was willing to hear me out, by Lady Iris… she’s always been my mentor, this radiant and unattainable figure I’ve aspired to be ever since I became a Healer. In my heart of hearts… I’ve always felt a little intimidated by her, and uh… I’m feeling that feeling right now.

“You have something to say, Lady Ishii,” Lady Iris says calmly, breaking the silence. “Please speak freely. You have my undivided attention.”

“Well, I…” I utter, my voice cracking, tears welling up in my eyes despite my best efforts to keep them at bay. “I…”

Before I can spiral into further embarrassment, Lady Iris rises and envelops me in a warm, gentle embrace. Her touch is soft, her warmth soothing like a balm to my soul. She smells like fresh roses, and her silken robes are as comforting as her presence. It’s as if she’s coaxing these floodgates of mine open… and after holding back in front of Anna… I let everything spill out.

“Tell me everything, Lady Ishii…” Lady Iris murmurs, her hand resting gently on my back, each pat a quiet comfort amidst my tears. “Perhaps in your words, Rinnah willing… I will find the reason for this strange, unshakable connection I feel for you.”

So I do. I tell her everything – about myself, the Oracle’s Prophecy, my failure… and Anna’s death in Arcadia. She listens in silence, the gaze of her eyes unwavering on mine until I fall silent, having said all that needs to be said.

“Fascinating…” Lady Iris says after a long silence, her fingers brushing her chin thoughtfully. “You are not of this world, nor even this timeline, if your claims are true. But you have mastered the Healer’s sacred art. Most impressive.”

“Like I said,” I reply, my voice steadier now. “You taught me everything I know.”

“For that, I should feel proud. Perhaps that is part of the warmth I feel for you despite the two of us being strangers here and now.”

“It still feels a little… crazy…” I say, shaking my head ruefully. “Even now, I’m still trying to make sense of things. Sometimes I feel like I’m losing it. Sometimes…”

“If it helps, I believe you,” Lady Iris says with conviction. “There is a sense of conviction in your words. That alone tells me you speak the truth. Call it instinct.”

“You don’t think I’m crazy?”

Lady Iris shakes her head. Her reassurance lifts a weight from my shoulders, one I hadn’t realised I’d been carrying for far too long.

“Thank you, my Lady…” I say, a flicker of resolve sparking within me. “This time, I want to do everything right in this Prophecy of mine.

“As you should. It is our fate as Heroes to persist even in the face of adversity,” Lady Iris states calmly. “Prophecy will guide us, no matter what happens. Even if we fall. Even if some days are harder than others.”

“Yeah. It hurts sometimes. But I’ll never give up.”

“Indeed. We should speak again soon,” Lady Iris says, her serene smile returning. “It is rare to find another Healer of such… power. Prophecy aside, I would ask you to share your knowledge with me, that we might further the Akashic Record together.”

“I’d be honoured, Lady Iris,” I reply earnestly. “I’d love to.”

“Excellent. I will have my servants make the necessary arrangements. For now, however…”

Her gaze grows resolute. It’s… inspiring. One timeline ago, this faith in me kept me going in my studies to master the Healer’s art, knowing I couldn’t let her down.

“Honour our traditions, fellow Healer of the Order of Selene. Guide Anna with your knowledge and power, for she shall once more be your Paladin in fulfilling your Prophecy.”

“I will,” I vow, my words sure as steel. “Thank you, my Lady.”

“For now, return to Anna’s side,” Lady Iris says, she says, gesturing towards the door. “There is much to prepare for in the days to come.”

“Alright.”

I turn to leave, my heart lightened by her words and her faith in me. Anna’s waiting just beyond the door, and together, we’ll…

“Wait.”

I pause and turn around to find Lady Iris’s gaze fixed on me. The softness from before is gone, replaced by a sharp intensity that cuts through me like a knife through my heart.

“Yes, my Lady?”

“Promise me this, Lady Ishii,” Lady Iris says, her tone fierce and unyielding. “Promise me you will keep her safe – with all your strength, with all your power… make it so.”

I nod, unable to muster any words that would do my conviction justice. As I step through the door, I carry the weight of that promise with me. For Anna, for this world of Nisha, and for all the lives entwined in our fates… I will not falter.