Conviction (Fire Emblem: Three Houses) (AU?SI?)

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 26: 5th of Guardian Moon: Love
…

"Haaah. Haaah."

Count Gloucester lies dead at my feet.

"Haaah. Haaah. "

Even with my gambit paying off, the battle to take his territory was fierce. And costly.

And yet.

The Sword of the Creator glows in my hand. The unease that Sothis and I both feel when using this weapon is unmistakable. But the sheer morale boost and strength it has…

The devastating gouges that mark the castle and his armour are more than enough to demonstrate it's power.

"haah."

I finally recover my breathing. Even with my crest corresponding with the Sword, without a crest stone to power it, it's forced to leech away my life instead.

I am sorry Sothis. It may be impossible for me to revive you after all.

"... I knew that from the beginning. Foolish child. Your path and I's are intertwined by choice."

So it is.

…

Gloucester territory boasts the greatest bread-basket of the Alliance, and its food stores are an incredible asset to the war effort. Its cattle were slaughtered in droves by the Count however. Even now, my mages are barely keeping the meat chilled enough for it to be quickly smoked and dried. Amusingly, the wine cellar of Gloucester was requisitioned into a meat locker.

Most of the expensive wines preserved over generations were drunk by common soldiers who laughed uproariously and feasted greatly upon our victory. Ahaaha. Take that you corrupt piece of shit.

A report lands on my improvised desk in the dining hall of Gloucester. Fuck.

Skimming it though, I curse softly. Hubert had encountered greater resistance than anticipated. Being pushed all the way back to Arundel. There was no feasible way for me to even help my friend except by sending further reinforcements.

And… Ferdinand had fought Hubert to a standstill himself.

I mentioned before that he defected. Perhaps it is not right to say defected, but rightfully turned against the people who are seeking to destroy his very life's work and had his only family imprisoned.

I knew that taking on dual fronts, from two strong Nations, would be nearly impossible. Yet. To see my classmates on the battlefield against me, I cannot imagine how Hubert must have felt.

But. I suppose I will soon understand.

…

The reactionary force of Lorenz Hellman Gloucester leading a swift force of cavalry approaches the castle. The lack of siege war machines, and trebuchets show that they have some scheme afoo-

I spot her dark blue instantly.

Despite the fact I know it must be a distraction from whatever plan Khalid has laid to entrap me. My heart soars before it falls to the ground.

"Randolph." Caspar's uncle-in law bows deeply.

Honestly, it's as if he's an older and more polite Caspar. It's weird. But. I like weird. "Yes your majesty!"

He's a good man.

"Prepare the barrels. And I leave the command of the army to you."


…

A lone figure strides through the endless golden fields.

I leave the safety of the castle walls to meet her. I owe her that much at the very least.

The imperial crown weighs heavily. But my short hair blows softly in the wind. Refreshing me. My long bangs that escaped my slash, fall to frame my face.

My long black and red cape rustles with my frills. A newly forged eagle covers my chestpiece. I had painted Thales's armour over with crimson. But from battle, it's covered by innumerable slash marks and grazes that reveal it's original dark appearance.

"Hello Edelgard."

"Hello my teacher." My self-preservation method strikes at her and she flinches. But, I can't apologize.

"Don't… Can't we return to those days?"

I smile. Not unkindly.

"Those halcyon days are over."

I pause and ask. "Why are you here?"

Her cobalt eyes close. "To stop you."

"You've been a bad girl." Her tease fails to land.

"I suppose so."

I unsheathe the Sword of the Creator. "Please return to the monastery, my teacher." I cannot say Professor. My weakness only allowing for so much.

Her Cobalt eyes burst open and blaze with ferocity. "No! I'll make you come back."

I fall in love all over again. And so I goad her, unable to stop myself.

"Oh? I'd love to see you try."

Byleth draws her blade, a silver blade without adornment. She stays silent but her face forms an expression of cold steel.

I hate that look. So I go to wipe it off her face. Swinging the legendary blade in a whip motion, The earth breaks and flies into her form.

The long blade retracts into itself and I slash again, forcing Byleth to avoid my long attacks, her silver blade already screeching in defiance as she deflects my blows.

"Didn't I tell you! You're not the Ashen Demon, so get the fuck out of my way!" You don't belong on this battlefield!

Sprinting towards me, I retract my blade to counter her own and the sparks fly.

"But I am yours!"

Wha-!

She kicks me brutally in the stomach and I stumble back barely avoiding her following slash. My shield comes up to defend against her sword, and I turn it to the side and spin to strike at her exposed neck. My face heats up, and I shout. "What are you even talking about you-you!"

Byleth ducks my strike and kicks out my legs. Causing me to fall, but I roll and flip myself up avoiding her quick punch.

"I'm not here because I'm the Ashen Demon!" I toss my shield up to reduce my burden and slash upward at her. Byleth meets my powerful strength with her gauntlet and her blade.

Before I spin and kick her away. My shield lands and embeds itself in the ground and I kick at her.

"T-Then leave!"

"No!" She slashes away my shield. Throwing it off into a field, before she javelins her sword at me. I take the sword head on, with the sword of the Creator. Catching the blade in it's open hilt. Before I can react, she's already gripping her sword again and wrestling my own blade to the side!

Sothis!

The world neutralizes.

A step back.

I take her sword head on, and fling it away, only to have her come at me with her dagger! Twisting away my blade and disarming me!

Fuck! She also experiences the Divine Pulse!

Her punch comes to slam against my temple causing me to fall backwards. Recovering-

My arms come to defend against her second fist. Hitting my arm she shifts her own into an elbow to counter my gauntlet. My fish slams into her elbow and I recoil in pain.

Using that, I slam my head into hers. Grinding our forehead against each other.

She shouts at me through grit teeth. "I'm here because I'm in love with you! You idiot!"

Idiot?!

I duck under and spring up to slam my head against her chin. She rears back.

"No! You can't be in love with me because I'm in love with you! You idiot!"

I follow up my words with an arced kick to the side. She takes the blow and before she can grapple my leg, I drag it back into a knee and kick again. This time my attack solidly connects.

Moving with my attack she falls to the side and rolls.

Picking up the Sword of the Creator! Before she can raise it in defense I rush in desperately. Blasting off a Bolganone, she cuts my spell apart. "You're the idiot!"

She goes to swing my Sword and send the legendary whip-blade to extend at me, I use my dagger to pull her own tactic against her before she can!

Jamming it through the hole, and dragging her to meet my waiting left fist. She meets it with her own flesh and bone hand. And my prosthetic is the one to crumple as the Crest of Flames activates against me.

She knees me in my stomach. As the blow lifts me up, Byleth smashes down the sword of the creator's hilt onto my back. Sending me to the ground. My dagger slips free for my sword. And I fail to stab it into her leg.

"Don't you dare call me an idiot! And don't call me your teacher!" I roll to the side to avoid her stomp.

Catching sight of her sword, I grip it just in time to block against my own sword.

Surprising her, I activate the Crest of Flames to break her strength and slash again and again at my own blade, chipping away her silver sword before it shatters.

"Then shall I call you my wife?!"

"Yes!" Ready for her own sword breaking, she catches my hand, and twists it into a hold. and though I go to elbow her, she kisses my nape.

Kyaa!

She lets me go and I whirl at her, blushing furiously! "Thats' unfair!"

Byleth sticks her tongue out at me. And the glistening pink muscle utterly bewilders me.

"If you're going to be a bad girl! I'll punish you!"

That's going into some extremely dangerous territory that I'm in no way super interested in! And I don't like it all when she calls me 'good girl' either!

"Only a wife is allowed to do that for me!" Exactly!

I lunge in with a punch. Anticipating her movement to grapple it, I catch her own right hand and move past her body to twist her shoulder into the ground. She flips!

Moving with my twist before kicking away with her beautifully elegant stockings! "Then you should marry me!"

"Impossible! Not before I make the world into my ideal world for you!" That's the only marriage dowry I can give her!

Her blush doesn't dissuade her from kicking my face. Grappling onto her leg, I go to break her knee with my elbow, before she twists in my grip and arcs her other leg flying into my face.

"I don't need a world when I have you!"

I tumble into the ground. And before I leap off it to meet her attack, she brings me back down into the earth with a devastating punch to my face.

I taste dirt. Spitting it out. I lift myself to my knees weakly.

She stands above me with a pretty pink blush on her face and tears in her eyes.

Oh.

She really does love me.

Byleth prepares another fist to knock me out cold.

My fist reaches her chin first.

The momentum of her strike and mine propel her sprawling to the ground.

I stagger to my feet. "... You're such an idiot." My voice comes out impossibly soft.

She huffs a laugh. "Ha…"

"How could I exist without you? How could I not be here? How could I not follow you?" Her words are spoken so gently that they scratch at my heart. "And how could I exist without loving you."

My world collaspes. My mind falls apart. Everything that makes me who I am reshapes itself.

"Byleth…" She lifts herself off the ground. A brilliant smile blooming upon her face.

"You were my only equal! You matched me at every turn, you surprised me endlessly! Every day with you made me happier than I could even understand! You made me fall so deeply and irrevocably in love with you! I was so goddamn lonely and you just had to be there!"

Even in our deadly beginning. Even then, you stayed by my side.

"You were there so often I could expect it. You were my miracle."

So I know. That she will always be so.

"If you can't exist without loving me… Then I know. That in every life, in every world. There will be an Edelgard von Hresvleg who falls for you."

I smile. "Take responsibility you idiot." Byleth moves towards me, one shaky step at a time.

The woman I love does so by punching me. And I barely manage to keep standing. Skidding backwards from even her weak force.

We both strike again in unison.

Our fists meet each other and stay there. And slowly and delicately.... They interlace.

"I will. " She blushes but grins.

I shake my head ruefully.

"Then I hope you can forgive me for this."

She tilts her head.

"I won't forgive you so easily, I'll have to properly scold you."

Idiot.

With my left hand, I crash my hand into her face.

She finally falls unconscious. And before she can fall onto the ground, I cradle her head softly.

But my idiot I suppose.

Shakily I lift her unconscious form.

The reasonable and logical course of action is to imprison her.

If everytime I meet her on the battlefield, she fully steals my attention, then it would be a disaster.

And yet.

I am already a disaster for her.

I strip my mantle and carefully cover her form with it. Delicately, lovingly, insanely, I lay her down.

A love sick sigh escapes me.

A giddy smile works itself on my face. I wonder what she will say next we'll meet?

…

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Interlude VI: Windswept Outsider
…

There's something so refreshing about the crisp and clear air of the mountains. It's a radical difference to what I used to know. The massive prairies that stretch into the horizon. The rolling desserts that burn with the heat of the sun.

The cheerful yet deceptively bright and colorful bazaars. The aroma of spice and the sharp sting of poison. The cries of wyverns and their sharp claws that rake through my body.

Almyra loves its myth of powerful kings taming their own beasts. To dominate the wild and use it for our own ends. Strength. Might. Immortality. All of it blended together in a gripping myth to praise our glorious warrior-kings.

And on the other hand. There are also the stories of what happens to those kings afterwards. They descend into the underworld. They find it cold. Frigid and empty compared to the warm sun and the joy of life. A wasteland of darkness. They find their strength meaningless. Their riches and wealth, nothing but mortal trappings that don't join them.

What is strength without a foe. What is might without a suitable opponent. What is immortality if you cannot test it?

That's what is buried deep in the truth of who Almyrans are. Their search for their own greatness through others. Either through conflict or domination. It's a beautiful and cruel thing. It creates vibrant characters, legendary warriors, and… death becomes a thing of joy.

Not of mourning, because while it is heart wrenching to never see your loved ones again. It's a celebration of the fact that they lived to their fullest and fought and strived to become better. And they are never forgotten. Each and every warrior knows their enemy nad each and every one of their companions knows their comrades. Each feast, they sing and praise their fallen friends. Over and over again, until all know of their deeds.

That's how we become immortal. Through battle . Through song. Through Legend.

And if you are Immortal. Never dying. Never Defeated.

Then you can escape the underworld.

…

"Hilda, I love ya and all, but could you call off your dear brother?"

My dear trusted friend only rolls her eyes at me. "It's your fault. What did you expect? Don't expect me to solve your own problems."

"Hsss. You're so cruel to me." I exaggeratedly clutch my heart. "Oh woe is me."

Holst Goneril, standing head and shoulders above me, laughs. "You're a jokester huh? First you ask me to allow you over the border? And now you're flirting with my sis right in front of me?"

His grin is all teeth.

Hilda smacks his shoulder. "Quit it. We don't have time to waste on your little act."

He sighs. And I strip away my humour. Both of us are now fully serious. "The war is that desperate? That we need their help?"

She only nods. I grimace. The ice-princess- No. The Emperor was cutting through our damn forces like a sharp knife through hot butter. She's being stalled right now at Gloucester Territory, but we can't push her out either.

And worst of all, most of the time it was our army retreating or even immediately surrendering to her.

That damn sword. The legendary Sword of the Creator's a symbol. A powerful symbol that both reinforced her legitimacy and damaged it. The sword of Nemesis, conqueror of Fodlan. It's a terrible omen. But this time, no Saint of the Goddess would come to save us.

And none could deny how much it terrified the Alliance.

At both of our expressions, the giant pink haired man slumps. I'd love to get him to join the front, but tension between Almyra and the Alliance isn't that good.

"... Then you're in luck. Nader the Undefeated is coming around for his regular attack."

…

And that's why I'm on this mountain.

Talking to Nader was no sweat off my back, but he challenged me. Saying that he would never follow a runt that ran away from Almyra.

So I had to prove to him I was a leader worth following.

Pretty standard stuff for an Almyran General. Respect is earned. Not given to you by your blood. But discrimination? Oh yeah. That's free game.

I never said it was a perfect place. But it's still my homeland. And Fodlan's got it fair share of issues as well.

I grip the rocky mountains, ignoring the sharp rock slicing into my skin. A wyvern flies over head.

Why does Almyra love it's wyverns so much? Because they're just like us. They constantly fight for dominion. For power. For survival. They are the primal connection we have to our deepest roots. To our desperate need for survival. Even if we have to claw, kill, poison, scheme, rage our way to life.

A young wyvern dives towards me, and I duck my head, but scream in agony as it's claws gouge out my back.

No! I made sure to scent myself with poisonous fumes! It shouldn't see me as food!

My grip on my hold, slips, and I fall. In my fall, I see the beast's utterly ruined nose.

Ah.

And then a sharp pain from the back of my skull.

….

I come to instantly. My wounds being fallen on directly, wake me up. Though I wish they didn't.

I don't scream. But only because the shock of the freezing water and me drowning subsequently make it impossible.

I struggle weakly but my deadened limbs make it impossible, and inevitably. And cruelly, the cold water covers my face, and I feel my lungs fill with liquid pain.

Is this… my end? No! I struggle even more, but I only choke and more water enters my throat. My legs stop kicking. My hands can't reach for the surface.

I can't die here! Not like this!

My hands don't respond. All the will. All the strength I have is pointless-

Something plunges into the water. And bites my hand. Before it's bite fails and it instead bites my entire left arm.

The cold has seeped into my arms, but the pain makes me retain consciousness even as my lungs wail.

I'm dragged out of the water. And then when a cautious sniff is done, I hear a shriek of disgust.

Of course, I don't care about any of that as I roll over to the side and vomit out water.

Shaking and weak, I stagger to my knees. Turning my head round, I see?

What? I rub my eyes free of water.

I see another juvenile wyvern. Hissing and shrieking at me. It's purely white. An albino.

"Haahah!" I laugh because it's fucking hilarious. I was saved because a wyvern wanted to eat me? What- a dog eat dog world. And it's a runt too! "Well well! Isn't that some irony?"

In response, my Albino hero screams at me.

I scream right back.

"If you're going to eat me! I'm not going to go down without a fight!"

It recoils back. Buddy, I'm just a human. That's pathetic. Not just a runt but a coward too? Hmph.

I dismiss it entirely. Its wings are broken and scarred. It's just waiting to die here. Scavenging for scraps like a carrion bird. A far cry of it's heritage.

Instead, I use my time productively to find a way outta here. It's a natural cave nestled deep under neath Fodlan's throat. And if I look up from the opening , I can see where I fell from. The water I nearly died in is a small pool. That streams off into a rushing river I can hear.

I'm just going to have to climb all the way back u-

A rock hits me in the back, And I nearly stumble right back into the pond.

I whip around! The Albino Wyvern picks another rock and throws it at me, I dodge to the side. Fine! If you want to die, then don't blame me-

His third rocks forces me to dodge right into a bone that I slip on. The second I do, the wyvern rockets toward my neck!

I throw my left arm out and swipe my blood into its yellow eyes. The beast screeches.

And I rise.

I shake my head. "Tch. That's not how you make a plan. It was smart, but you should have gone for another rock. And also use your terrain more advantageously, you could have sprung off a wall to come at me faster."

Why am I lecturing a dumb creature?

Maybe… It's because I see myself in this stupid thing. A runt. Abandoned by his family. Forced to fight tooth and claw for it's food. Having to be clever just to survive.

… All the great kings of Almyra forced a wild wyvern to their will.

I hold out my hand. "If you want to live, to be strong…. Then join me."

I have no idea if it can understand me. But the wyvern bites my hand in response.

I'll take that as a yes. It was a weak bite anyway. Didn't even break skin.

A true king doesn't need to break others' will. A true King unifies. A true King will have others join them because they believe in him.

A true leader doesn't need to conquer the world. Because the world will come to him.

…

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 27: 10th of Guardian Moon: Interim
…

Military command over the Imperial Army was an interesting debacle.

While there was a central army to the Empire, it was common to have unique units, who were comprised of forces specifically trained by territories. The Vestra's shock troops, were a prime example of such. Generally, these battalions were overspecialized and held a tactical force that needed to be supported by infantry.

It's often said that flash-fire battalions were the best and most useful force, but the time it took to train a set of archers and outfit them was incredibly expensive and the funds used for such. Could have provided for a quick force of cavalry more than four times over, that would have decimated said archers.

And, of course, how could I not mention the pegasus knights and wyvern masters? The undisputed, most valued and morale raising units that held a massive aerial advantage that could never be underestimated. Their high cost however… and extensive training/rarity made them a resource only to be deployed with great care. You could overestimate their needs and still fail to realize how much of a logistical nightmare they are.

Regardless.

The units I had access to at Gloucester Territory were mainly composed of the all-arounders from Bergliez. A mix of cavalry, strong infantry, and archers. And my own adjutantal mages. No specialization really, but their versatility was my strike into deep Alliance territory.

Now, it may have appeared I have actually overextended, as we are unable to easily reinforce our legions. The Great Myrddin Bridge has fallen and while both the Alliance and the Empire are occupying the juxtaposed sides of it, it will not be rebuilt in any time soon.

But, relaying on a single staging point for an army was stupid. Hellishly stupid. Stupid as fuck. At this moment, construction of a semi-permanent bridge into Ordelia territory from Hymn should be completed.

And it's not as if communications were disrupted, not with the Empire's vast and storied history of breeding the fastest and most aggressive carrier owls. Even utilizing a range of warping and rescue techniques to move my owls away from my posts. All to keep the fog of war intact.

Hmm. how to describe the sheer viciousness of those flying nightmares? Imagine a small dagger, and then attach that dagger onto a flying animal who is willing to destroy your entire life and manhood. Then double that. And add a helping of motherfucker incarnate, and you will only approach the tamest member of that species.

Ahem.

The only goal I have now is keeping Gloucester Castle as the front. A difficult task, given that we've barely managed to keep the Alliance from razing the fields in a foolish and obviously unsanctioned attempt to smoke us out.

If the infrastructure of the Gloucester region collapsed, then the entire Alliance may starve. Trade with the Kingdom could not support them, not with it's poor soil quality. And if they traded with the Empire?...

While starvation may be a useful tactic. It would be disingenuous to my ideals.

Perhaps I'm trying to hold onto too many things at once. This war is likely unable to be won without a few dirty moves. And underhanded attacks. The Empire is already being pushed back on the western front. And my own advance has stalled.

"It is a difficult choice… in my own time. The scarcity that you now face was non-existent. Yet, human problems were not similarly removed… Are you fighting your own ideals? Or are you fighting to conquer?"

Conquering is the path to my ideals. They are not mutually exclusive.

But. There is always a way to turn my weakness into strength. For now. I can avoid that choice. Even if I already know what I would have chosen.

…

On the castle ramparts I can see the heir to my conquered territory on horseback once again waiting. A stalemate that has been existing for a week now. He made one attempt to speak. But the parley went ignored.

Our goals are completely at odds. There's no meaning in another parley. A waste of my time and likely another trap. And I could not test my luck that often. Already he has shown himself to be more willing to undertake cruel ploys.

Sending out Byleth alone.

Or should I say the real commander is willing? Judith. The Hero of Daphneal.

A formidable woman, yet… What is she the hero of? Daphneal is a dying house. It's partially split by Galatea's defection to the Kingdom. And even that house is in decline. Or was before Ingrid's marriage to Glenn.

Perhaps I should have accepted that parley, just for the chance to speak to her. Out of curiosity of what she is here for.

A soldier runs up to me. "Your Majesty! There has been a sighting of trebuchets again!"

I grin.

"We still have some bottles of fine Kupalan vintage?" Chop chop.

The man salutes. I catch a flash of white under his helmet. "Understood!"

I'd have to say. It's not all bad being here.

Though… Sothis. Weren't you going to warn me of this! "Zzzzz" So you were just being lazy again!

I whip around and catch the soldier who goes to stab me.

"We don't have any Kupalan vintage left!"

There would be no reason for such another obvious ploy of showing their trebuchets!

Not after I had already burned half of them with molotovs. Breaking the assassin's wrist, I kick his knee and break it as well.

He screams and the cry attracts my soldiers who quickly go to restrain the pathetic wretch.

I sweep my hand out. "Institute another code phrase and ensure that each soldier can be identified by their pasts!" They salute and hurriedly bow in apology.

Tch. The other half of the resistance against me.

Acheron. A sniveling cowardly noble, who's only claim to power was clinging on Gloucester's coattails. He also had some influence in the empire, from Aegir actually.

The Weathervane, did send a disgusting letter asking to join forces. But. Honestly. Why bother? Hubert would have agreed to it, only to send the man to die off somewhere.

He and I are vastly different strategists afterall.

I found tossing his letter into a bottle of wine and throwing it his forces was far more amusing. Hubert enjoys taunting his foes and delightfully ruining all their aspirations.

Oh. The blue of the sky is quite nice today. A beautiful bright azure.

A sigh escapes me.

Sothis smacks her head audibly in my mind. "Stop mooning over Byleth already! Everytime! Everytime I have to hear you hope and pine! Wishing to fight again so you both would begin spouting off the most ridiculous things! And even when you are not battling you stare off and think about sharing moments with her! It is sickening!"

I should write her a letter detailing about how her eyes are like the endless sky.

"Aaagh! You are a fool beyond fools! You are so foolish you have transcended being a fool and have fallen right into being something even worse! A fool in love!"

Perhaps two, One to compliment her, and asking for a challenge.

"... is this hell? Is this my punishment? Do divine beings even have to endure hell?"

Yes. Any time without her by my side is indeed hell.

Silence then.

"Once, I was the greatest and most powerful Divine Dragon. My Star heralded the creation of a new world. The reign of thaumaturgy and marvels! I was able to create worlds, create living creatures of sentience and will! In my true form, I could have laid waste to a thousand stars. In my full power, I could reshape reality as I saw fit with both sides of time revealed to me!"

She sighs.

"And now… Now, I am in the greatest hell I could have never even have imagined. A lovey-dovey teenager's mind."

…

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 28: 15th of Guardian Moon: Perspective
…

I once had a singular encounter with Leonie Pinelli.

As both of us were prone to training in the ephemeral and solitary time just before dawn, our paths would often cross. Me being the Imperial princess at the time and her being a commoner who had to scrape every last coin and still have to receive a debt to her village, she obviously held a slight bias against me. I admit… I did not help that impression. My attempt to help her carry a portion of her supplies was taken as a challenge by her. And I foolishly in hindsight, was incensed at her childish provocations and agreed.

Suffice to say, Leonie Pinelli and I both agreed to never challenge each other again. Her, because my victory over her naturally, only further proved my image in her eyes as a prissy noble. Somehow… Maybe it was my taunting of her? To be fair, she should not have shouted at Byleth in any proximity near me. And Me, because of what I just described, moreover we simply had no common interests.

Besides a mutual dislike of the nobility, I suppose... and bettering ourselves.

Why am I reminiscing on that time? Because I have passed by her village. Sauin, recently. Perhaps she was there? In a strange twist of 'fate'? An encounter that I missed because of my stealthy passageway.

…

Lysithea von Ordelia, last heir to the Ordelias. A powerful dark mage, adept in both reason and faith, and decently well equipped to handle a blade. But her gripping and constant desire for sweets, makes-

"Why are you looking at me as if I was a disobedient child? Honestly, Edelgard, is that what the future leader of the world will be like? Arrogant and incredibly rude? I shudder to imagine how quickly you will deposed then."

What a sassy lost child. If she said as such to my soldiers, they would have accused of her high treason. But… that is Lysithea, she does not mince words.

"Again! Your eyes are pitying me! I will not have it… Maybe a blast of Hades to your face will show you not to underestimate me." Her rose-pink eyes glitter malevolently.

Isn't her refusal to use diplomacy and instead resorting to the most violent of '
solutions' indicative of her lacking maturity? Hmm hmm. Or I believe she would argue, 'not wasting time is the greatest show of wisdom and sophistication!'

"...You're not even listening are you? Ugh." Rolling those malice filled orbs, she shakes her head with her now down hair. Imitating me by changing your haircut? Wow.

I pat her head. "No I was." Listening that is, and teasing her.

She furiously goes to swipe away my hand. But misses and half-heartedly goes to swipe at my torso then. I continue as I easily avoid her escalating strikes. "But I find myself disappointed, Lysithea. To think you would stowaway on my journey. Without even asking me?"

"Why would I ask you when you would just disagree!" Fair enough.

"It would be a waste of your talents to join the battlefield. Go home."

"That's exactly my point! You can't control me, Edelgard. I wan- No. I need to fight too."

"Then you can support the war, by securing Ordelia territory."

"You need me out there! Not guarding something my parents are already guarding!"

'I refuse to send out children to fight my battles' sits on the tip of my tongue.

But the words fail to escape my lips.

Because… I do see. Lysithea is already taller than me. She's not a child, but a woman who can make her own decisions. If I were to stop her out of my own selfish desire, I would also be mocking her own desire to support me as sisters-bound-by-pain. I would refuse our bond.

And. As I know, not even physically severing a precious memory will allow it to die.

The lilac ribbon wrapped around my ring finger is proof of that.

"I'll take that as your tacit agreement then. Hmph. If you can't say anything to refute me-"

Ah, that reminds me. I interrupt her again, watching her face repute into indignation at my second hindrance to her words.

"Just one thing then. If you see Byleth."

She forces her face into a determined frown. "I'll fight even... the Professor-" But her halting tone betrays her. She would likely do so, but be pained while doing so.

I cough lightly-

"Ahem. I meant that you should immediately let me battle her instead. It would be the tactically sound decision, of course."

She instantly sees through me.

"Ewwwww. Gross gross. I can't believe it, I really can't! Are you two still flirting even now? I take it back, send me home, I don't want to live in a world where you are such a gross weirdo."

Backing away she makes shooing motions with her hands, as if warding a particularly unpleasant person…

Well, somethings never change.

…

What.

I could not have imagined such a scene upon reaching the seat of power for the replacement of the Hymn family.

Jeritza looks uncomfortable as I feel. "Lady Edelgard-"

Hapi smacks the back of his head. "None of that now, what did I tell you? Be normal."

Looking like a dejected cat, being denied his newest meal of a plump mouse, Fuck rats, Jerita tries to implore me with his eyes. "E-Edelgard."

What the fuck.

"Don't think we're cool Eddy. I don't agree with your policy of starting war on the entire world, but I do agree with your policy of fuck crests." Hapi drawls at me. Adjusting her necklace mindlessly, the young woman reaches over and plops a bag of popcorn on Jeritza von Hyrm's lap.

That doesn't explain anything?!

I desperately ignore Sothis curiously reaching for the golden yellow, salted, buttered kernels. I need to focus on the ludicrous sight in front of me.

"Please inform me as to why you are.. Why you are?-" Just everything please.

Jeritza obediently takes a kernel and hesitantly eats it in front of me. Hapi marks something down on an absurd clipboard from behind her. "I'm helping him not be a complete maniac and one day be able to take to Coco and Airhead."

Who? Oh! Coco, must be Constance? And Airhead, would then follow that logic to be… Mercedes? Maybe I should ask Hapi for assistance on choosing names for things? I have had to find new names for covert operations recently.

He glares at her when she says airhead, and growls out. "I will have your head you-"

"Nope." And then she proceeds to stuff his mouth with popcorn. "You're getting rehabilitated, and since we have none of whatever 'therapists' are, we're going with food. And burning shit."

Is that what the strange occurrence of burnt forest surrounding the ruins of the already long murdered House Bartel was? … Hubert and I both were believing that was a natural fire.

A crude method of releasing one from their demons… I supposed time will only tell of it's effectiveness on Jeritza.

But still. "I must ask. Why food?"

"Pavlov." Seeing my still confused look, she lazily speaks out. "I got no fucking clue who that is either, but it's what I got."

Jeritza mutters. "If I were able I would slay the man."

"Pavlov!" Screaming the name, she sprays him with a water bottle. "No killing!"

Misery incarnate, Jeritza wipes the water from his face. "... As you can see."

I don't see.

I look to Hapi, she shrugs before saying. "It's working. He hasn't killed anyone, even when you started a war. Thanks for that by the way."-Sarcastically said by the red-haired lancer, obviously- "That was Sarcasm by the way."

I close my eyes, in annoyance. That was plainly said as a prank on me.

Jeritza takes his chance. "My Emperor, you only need to point me in whatever direction you see fit. I am a tool of dea-"

"Palvov!"

Sothis laughs.

"A cat! He resembles a cat taking a bath! Jeritza-cat! The Death Knight reduced to a poor cat! Hahahaaa!"She takes a breath. Only to continue laughing hysterically. "Hahaahahah-The Death Cat! Hahahahaha" She stops, holding her stomach, before she continues laughing so hard -"haahahaahah!"- that she spins in the air.

Somehow, I blame Marigold for this.

…

I have left the defense of our currently held territory in Randolph's capable hands, especially with him being supported by fresh reinforcements, I trusted that he would have no issues at least in keeping ahold of our currently held Alliance territory.

Why had I left the eastern front?. There are a myriad of reasons. I needed to consolidate my powerbase in Enbarr. To request help from Brigid, even though I understand they have no real stake in this war, I must at least attempt communications. In the spirit of such, I will also reach out to Dagda, even with our disastrous prior relations, hopefully with Jules von Nuvelle's assistance I could smooth that over if only by a slim margin.

And even Morfis, the sealed southernmost region that the Adrestian Empire shared a sea with. All I knew of them was their extreme distrust of outsiders, and the whispers of a magical bastion unlike the world has ever seen.

But that information was only collected by merchants who were peddling their wares with Morfis tea in their intricate trade routes to the entire world. They even sold Almyarn and Dagdan goods.

Morfis... If such an advanced society did, exist, then there must be some conflict brewing in that mystery. The numbers of mercenaries that flooded Foldan from the region supported my theory at least. There was disturbingly little information however to discredit my theory either.

A metropolis of magic, a city draped in the illusion in the centre of an desert with sand never-ending and magic beyond the pale.

What a fucking fairy tale.

A murmur of Sothis. "A city encased in endless sleep. Never to awaken."

Well that's just unhelpful. "My apologies, while most of my memories have returned, the areas outside of Fodlan, are blurred to me. Clouded fragments of remembrance that I can only fear as I am now. Have you not noticed? Illusion. That is not the magic of Fodlan."

Indeed. Another concern for a later date. If Dagda held divinity, then it is likely that the other nations separated by sea, are the recipients of such beings as well. One day I shall have to contend with them.

Regardless, my idealism is only encased in Fodlan. For now.

And there is one more reason for me to return to Enbarr, I wish to take advantage of my presence there to speak to Dorothea. To send letters to all of the Black Eagles, not to explain myself, or give an excuse for my behaviour. But an apology.

The world is endlessly vast and intimidating.

I face foes that are beyond me alone. And the tasks ahead of me seem more daunting and more concrete than ever before. Before, when I was peacefully and happily living at Garreg Mach.

I could not have realized how naive- or should I say innocent?- I was then. Of what my path would lead me to.

It is one thing to imagine and understand the reality of my undertaking, but it is another to actually begin my conquering.

I mentioned that I once had an encounter with Leonie Pinelli? In truth I have been reminiscing of not only her, but my time in the Officers' Academy. Of all the encounters, the nonsensical times, the boring moments, and most especially of my fledglings.

How ridiculous, it had not even been a full month since I left but here I am nostalgic over such.

Perhaps I am 'gross' like Lysithea had said.

…

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 29 and Interlude VII: Wings of the Hegemon
…

Papa shakes his head at me. "Kid, I have not the slightest clue, how you got from being a teacher to those brats to seducing one. I mean props to you, and I feel the warmth of pride I only feel after having drank at least, 6 bears. But how do you think this is going to turn out?" There's a world-weary look in his eyes. Strange. I never realized… Papa is old.

One of the first lessons Papa had taught me was the importance of time management and investment. When I was younger, I would run around and accept any and all requests people had of me. I liked helping people even then. Even if 'like' wasn't in my understanding. But, we never stuck around a single place that much for me to complete everything in time. So I often stayed behind, and Papa wouldn't realize until the mercenary company had already left for a while. If he was particularly deep into his drink and needed to be taken in a carriage, he wouldn't realize it for a good long month. And then I got to finish all the requests and go find Papa. He would scold me a lot afterwards, but then he would ruffle my hair and pat my head. Saying something; 'You scared the hell out of me, By. But, I'm proud you're doing things you like.. Just maybe tell me next time?'

So… I could understand his question to me now. He was asking me if it was worth investing my time into Edelgard. Into fighting her and loving her. Like Khalid, Like Dimitri, Papa was asking me to make a choice…. I don't understand.

What choice?

Everyone is my ally and therefore my friends. I need to support them equally, but can I not support one for the other? How could I choose between my purpose in life, and the only thing I can really feel? That's not fair or logical. A good mercenary never abandons a job.

I don't have a heart, but my chest aches with a good pain whenever I think of Edelgard. That much is proof of my feelings. I think. Maybe. It gets a little muddied. Usually I just wait for someone else to tell me how I feel. They seem to know more than I do.

The first time I cried was Edelgard, the first time I died was from Edelgard, the first person to laugh at my jokes was Edelgard, the first time I felt out of control was by Edelgard. But at the same time, I felt more in control of who I was then I ever have.

Papa looks into my steady eyes. His own light brown eyes met mine. He asked silently. Are you sure?

And I blink. Yes.

He laughs. Loudly and happily.

"Haha. You've always done what you feel like you should. Really, maybe I could learn thing from you. I know I've never been the best father to you-"

I shake my head. "You're my only father. My one and only Papa." And that's the truth. Without Papa, I wouldn't be Me.

"Let me finish, kid. I know I'm not the best dad out there. Hell, I'm probably one of the worst. I drink. I don't know how to process emotions any better than you do." Papa stops himself, and ruefully, "No. Maybe you're better than me now… I never mentioned your mom to you. I've forced you into a life of killing. I should have quit the mercenary gig decades ago, way before I allowed you to take a life. Especially so young."

His voice chokes. "

"But. Hell if I somehow didn't raise the best daughter in the whole damn world. You're the best combination of me and Sitri. Our beautiful daughter."

I…I.

"Haha. Look at that kid. You're crying. I can't believe it." Tears of happiness.

"You're crying too."

"You're not supposed to see your old man when he's crying. But, I'll let it slide…. Ya know. I didn't get to grow old with my wife. So I'm going to help you out…"

My powerful Papa who's never knelt before to any Lord or Noble, kneels.

"Would you let this old rusted battle-axe make sure you get to grow old with that little Emperor of yours?"

I chuff out a gasp weakly and help Pap to his feet. Then I hug my Papa. "You would do it anyway, weird Papa." My words are muffled into his warm chest. Its a strong and safe place. I can feel his heartbeat slowly thud against my head. A familiar warmth.

"... Aren't you a little too old for this? Come on. Let's go. This time. You lead."

…

Why am I here?

I stand in the Emperor's personal ancestral gravesite. Reserved only for the Emperors and their families. It's been lovingly maintained for centuries, dating back all the way to Wilheim's son and the following Emperors. Down all the generations to my grandfather and now my father. Even if children married out of the family, they were allowed to be buried here if they wanted. A millennia of Hresvelgs lay here.

An unbroken chain. But, the only one in this empty tomb is my father's corpse.

None of my family could make it here. Their corpses and bones were destroyed.

I wonder. If the Goddess exists? Then would at least their souls receive comfort in the afterlife?

Answer me Sothis.

She materialises directly in front of me, facing me at height now. Since receiving her memories she's been growing. And now no longer resembling the child her lack of memories portrayed her as, she stands firmly at my height. Either an unconscious choice, or because of our connection. Fitting I suppose.

"Do you really wish for an answer from me?" Her voice is ethereal in quality, but solemn.

Hmph. I guess you know me that well, I couldn't believe any answer you give me.

I have no time for past regrets, for things that went unsaid between my father and I. Coming here was a mistake. There are no answers to be found here, no understandings I could find. Only the dead, in their rest.

Only the living matter.

…

Infiltration missions aren't usually what the Blade Breakers did. But-

Yuri interrupts my thought. "I gotta say, I'm not loving this plan. Seriously. Don't just tilt your head at me."

I tilt my head more.

"You do that again, and I'm sacrificing you as bait for Ashe when he tries his shit again."

"Talk to him?" I've talked to my student before and he's not unwilling to listen to reason.

"Hell no. Chivalrous obsessed idiots like that never listen to words."

Really? I remember Ashe always being receptive to my critiques or praises though? Not like it is relevant anymore, Ashe has gone with the rest of the Blue Cats back to Faerghus, a recall order. Even most of the Yellow Does went back to the Alliance to care for their families. And the red birds were disbanded. Obviously.

"Kids. Focus. If we're doing this, we're going in smart."

I nod. But Yuri scoffs instead. "We? .. Unfortunately, I have a meeting with destiny, that just so happens to be in the Empire as well. But there's no way in hell I'm being a third wheel."

Papa and I both look at Yuri. Ignoring us, he moves on. "And… All of us are going to have to go to the Western Front." His face twists, making his eyeshadow darken his look. But his smile is cruel. "I hear that they even got that Hero of the Empire there."

Who?

Papa takes a sip of his flask, avoiding Shamir's judgmental stare. She sighs. "Haaa. He's talking about your students- Caspar's Dad. Strange. I heard he abandoned the battlefield."

She points a spot out on the tactical map. "He'll likely be stationed there, you'll want to avoid that."

Aiax snarls. "Are we encouraging this folly?"

I answer for Shamir. "Yes?" After that. "No. But the kids will do it anyways. And no. You're not heading to the Western Front, You should be going here- Herving Territory."

The table devolves into squabbling. "We should go here! That place we'll be crawling with the Empire"

"I don't want to be blasted by his Emo-ness. But yes, The western Front's ideal."

"Wait, couldn't we just go through Remire and through the mountains?"

"Mountains are full of Wyverns. Better to go the fast way. The Sea"

"You better all remember how to swim."

...

"Da la lala-" Completely ignoring my calls to her, the lovely songstress sings her merry tune. A merry tune that has grown increasingly loud to drown out my cries for attention.

"Dorothea please." The sound of my plea, stops her.

"Oh so now you want to talk to me, Edelgard?" Words that come out with the razor sharp wit of an enraged Dorothea slice at me.

I wince. Perhaps she is more than a little angrier than I would have hoped for. Justified, but facing her barbs are more painful than I expected. As expected of a master orator. She understands how to use words effectively. And knows how to make them wound deeply.

I start, "I understand you are betrayed by me, and rightfully so."

"You understand?" Dorothea raises her eyebrow. "You understand that you suddenly started a fucking war without telling anyone?"

"The element of surprise was an essential part of my conquest. Without, it I would have been executed by the opposing nations." I had legitimate reasons!

"What a great surprise. And I'm sure that surprising us was also necessary?" Her sarcasm cuts to the core of the matter. My lack of… communication with my Black Eagles.

"Yes." I pause. "It was a calculation Hubert and I had to endure, the risk of leaking such-"

"Really? You're making excuses now? You really are a Noble." I could hear Sothis audibly suck in air through her teeth, from that.

Myself, flinching back at the harsh rebuke. She continues mercilessly. "I shouldn't even be surprised." She's' starts ranting more to herself than me I suspect. "You were always talking about how you would change the world."

"Haha." An ironic joke. "This is one way I guess."

"..."

"...Edie. Do you really have to do this?"

Yes.

"I've heard that question countless times now. And my response will never waver. This is my only path."

The Mystical Songstress of the Mittelfrank Opera Company sighs heavily. "Oh Edie. You're practically acing the part of a tragic hero."

Wryly, my lips curve. "I always did excel."

"And just as arrogant." Her own lips curl slightly. "Enough of the heavy talk… this war has already ruined those for me. Let's talk about happier things. Such as~ how you're going to make it up for me."

…

I pat Papa's back. As he vomits off the side of the boat again.

"Ugh." As he moans feebly, I hand him the second prescribed tonic. The one that the sailors gave to me. Though, why would raw eggs and liver help?

"Don't. Don't hold that thing near me." Papa's face twists into horror at the smell. Weird, he doesn't even wrinkle his nose at the smell or blood and excrements from the dead, but this fazes him? Papa really is a weirdo.

"You should drink it." I push the bottle closer to him.

"Never." He pushes it away.

"But you've drunk worse?" Ah. That slipped out.

Begrudgingly, and sullenly, he holds his rough big hand open.

"... give it here."

…

"Hello Lindhardt."

"Oh Dear, copying the Professor now?" Refusing to look up from his research, the olive haired man speaks casually. In complete and utter ignorance-no- disregard to station of the Emperor. Not that I exactly would have chosen otherwise. But it rankles still. In a familiar way almost.

"It is a common greeting."

"Sure sure, I suppose you are here for my forgiveness then? It was certainly a surprise, but no skin off my back. You're forgiven. Shoo."

"..."

"Shoo. I'm at a particularly fascinating section on crests."

I sigh deeply mentally. He never changes. So it would be my duty to change my way for him.

"Speaking of such. I was hoping to speak of you on that. But I digress, have you seen Caspar?"

At that, the olive haired scholar looks up.

…

Did you know? Gatekeeper had told me that the dogs and cats roaming around the Monastery actually had names. Beyond breeds, of course, Bladdyid Rex was a fun one. Seiros has actually taken the time to personally name each and every dog... But some cats hid from her, so she was unable to completely name all the cats. Though at least the vast majority of animals responded to a unique name given to them by her.

"Thats' fascinating Byleth, but why are you suddenly talking about pets?"

Well because I need to get Edelgard a cat. If she has to take care of a pet, then she can't go into battle so often.

"That's cute reasoning and all. But-"
Yes. I do know that won't stop her. She's a very strong person. She'll never falter in her convictions, and she's really cute when she-

"Okay Okay, I don't need to hear this, ever."

…

Dear Edelgard (Are you still wanting to be called Edelgard? Are you wanting to be called Emperor?),

I am well! My thanks for your letter of asking!

I must also give thanks of my ability and my mother and father's ability to return home! Fodlan is beautiful, but Brigid will always be even more beautiful to me.

I am of the thought it is the same for you? That is why you are trying to change Fodlan so others can see Fodlan as you want it? There is admiration to be found in that. Scariness as well is found in that. When you hunt, you prepare for two. One of your prey's death. But one of your own.

In your hunt…. No. Edelgard, you are already prepared for your own. I now recognize it!

But. Hunters should not hunt alone. Not for big prey….

I will join you. Because I do not want to see my friend die alone. And because I choose to believe in you.

Of the happiness,

Petra Macneary

…

Sneaky sneak. Stealth Byleth activated.

No thoughts. Head empty. Remove intentions. Focus.

Walk. Crouch. Take scarlet flower. Smell. Continue.

"Kid. We're not even in Enbarr proper yet. And did you see where that brat ran off?" Voice speaking, ignore.

Stealth.

"... why."

Stealth!

"Kid, you're not stealthy when you're crouching next to me."

I hear nothing. I am void.

Mission objectives. Infiltrate Imperial Palace in Enbarr. Scold Edelgard.

If Mission objective B is not present: Wait.

Optional objectives: See Black Eagles nearby. Read (Lindhardt von Hevring, Caspar von Bergliez, Dorothea Arnault.) Prevent war?

"Oh brother." Voice complains.

…

Suffering is a universal constant. Humans regardless of station or even despite of it, will experience some form of pain, their own unique brand of trauma, the cruelty of the world, or some negative influence. There is no escape from such.

Because the world is wrong. There is no perfect place in the world. Everything and everyone has flaws. And.. because of that, because of the imperfection, the difficulty, the stagnation, people give up. They take one look at the world, and it's a horrible reality. And they give up. Worse, some revel in it.
I have suffered obviously, and yet I don't give up. No. That makes it sound as if I ever had a choice in the matter. I am Flame. I am Steel. There was never a choice for giving up. There is only the future I seek.

I am the bringer of war. The Emperor who broke peace, and shattered the status quo. I deny fate, destiny, death. I must outwit and burn endlessly a new world into existence. My ambitions lie in making a world beyond the one we settle for.

A world without suffering, a world where people like myself never have to exists again, a world where crests are nothing but a quirk of life, a world without nobility, without a Kingdom, without an Alliance, without an Empire.

But… I suppose I have already done this many times over. A constant reaffirmation of who I am. A constant visualisation of my goals. A constant resolve that must be unshakeable, indomitable. My Convictions must be greater than any suffering, greater than the world that exists. Only then would I have a chance to create a new dawn for Fodlan.

… A new dawn that I wish to see with you.

Lov (The word is hastily scratched out) Your- (Also scratched out) With affection,

Edelgard von Hresvleg.

…

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Interlude: KnightSlayer II: Promise
…

Life is a pretty shitty joke.

It really is. I wanted Faerghus to change. Obviously, beyond my sheer disgust at it's bloody and meaningless existence, I wanted the place where I lived; Where my friends lived to change. I wanted it to be better, different, not fucking focused on chivalry, crests, honors, glory, But about the damn people. Faerghus should have been a beacon of hope, nobility, and happiness.

Instead of rotting, killers, and nobles who sold their children. For Crests.

And my wish came true. Someone was coming to change it, and Faerghus was fighting tooth and nail to stop it. Haha. I didn't think I saw it in the crazy bitch. The arrogant holier-than thou princess of the Adrestian Empire was launching a fucking war on crests? Nobility itself? Tearing down the gentry? Whatever you want to call it?

What insanity. The goddam balls of that woman. Hell , I'd say she has more balls than I do.

Because when Dimitri's old man called all the Blue Lions here.

I should have goddam said something. How we shouldn't be drafted to fight in a war, that no one was ready for, that we shouldn't die for things that don't matter!

I should have said something when Ashe's eyes gleamed with fear… yet hope that he could prove himself as a knight. When he believed the lies. That The Emperor was lying, was tricking everyone just so she could rule the world. She was a tyrant, an enslaver cloaked in false ideals, a heretic against the Goddess.

I should have said something when Mercedes and Annette, wept at the thought of fighting their friends.

Every time when they come back from the medical tents, and are just… Numb. Dead to the world.

Clerics, magic users, in general, are a precious commodity, and they're used up, being drained of all their life. Dying to save soldiers, just so they could fight again on the front.

Mercedes and Annette are killing themselves and I couldn't say anything.

I should have.. And I didn't. Because at the end of the day. Sylvain Gautier is a fucking coward.

I… I don't know how to protect my friends. Not from themselves, not from their own damn Kingdom. I can kill as many Empire soldiers as I want, but I can't save my friends. All my strength, all my training-

All my life, it seems I've been training to fight that monster. But it turns out. The real Monster was Faerghus.

And I can't fight that here.

…

Leaving the capital of Faerghus, was pretty dumb, yet simple. Just get the night watch drunk and rappel down. No one would care about a weird shadow in the moonless night.

No one except-

"Sylvain."

"...Felix."

The cold eyes of my best friend's glare at me. Resembling more dark pools of Ice than anything that once was the watery-eyed, kind, boy that I once knew.

I wonder. When did it all start to fall apart. Was it because I drifted away? Lost in my own training, unable to see that Glenn's shadow cast him into further and further cruelty.

Now, he's the perfect Knight. Heartless. Sharp. Just a blade meant to kill at the behest of a King. Never questioning orders. Never questioning why he's fighting. Only a constant search for Improvement.

At the cost of anything. Friendships, Loves, Happiness, Life. Anything and Everything fell to his Blade.

Hahhaahahhahaha! You know what he fucking is? Worse than a Boar. Worse than a Murderer only searching to sate his thirst for blood. Worse than a Knight. Worse than a Monster.

He's Felix. My best friend. And I can't recognize him. I've seen how he became this. And I still can't recognize him as the man who was my family.

"..." His empty eyes close.

"Hey. Do you remember that promise we made as kids? That we would die together?" I smile feebly. My lips refuse to pull themselves higher.

Felix's face doesn't change. He doesn't remember. He threw that away already.

It was... A promise made between the two of us. Just us. No Ingrid. No Dimitri.

Just the two of us, on a meaningless day, that I could never forget.

I didn't want Felix to cry over me. And I didn't want to cry over him. That was our promise. That we would never have to mourn each other.

But.

I'm already mourning him. The Felix that once made that promise is already buried alive under a mountain of blood and bodies.

Felix opens his eyes. "A traitor like you?" He sneers. "Why would I waste my life on yours?"

I confirm his words.

"I am a traitor. But then. I rather be a traitor then be a Knight."

He draws his blade. "Then… Die." Dramatic as ever.

"No." My smile doesn't stop. I walk toward my friend. His blade doesn't even shake.

I walk right up to him until the tip of the blade presses against my neck. And I feel the tiny prick of pain. The slow droplet of blood welling up.

I whisper softly to him. "Felix. Are you really going to kill me? Can you? You're not shaking even a little. I'm sad. I thought we were best friends."

The blade digs in.

"I'm not sad. I'm glad I get to finally put down the manwhore who's been ruining my life." Felix's snark slips in, before he catches himself. And then he snarls, digging the sword in deeper, slowly.

Weakly. He's hesitating.

Every movement I make, talking, breathing. Only makes the blood soak my armour more. It hurts like hell, but what hurts more is…

I speak anyway.

"I'm a slut I don't deny it. He...Hell" My words break from the blade cutting into muscle. "I'm p…proud of it."

Felix's eyes widen completely, and he tries to desperately move back, one last attempt to not kill me. Who's the coward Now? I grip his shoulders. Forcing him to not move, the jagged aborted movement only slashing my neck with his always perfectly sharpened sword. He can't run away, he has to make a choice here!

The blood falls from my throat in a steady stream.

I grin, savagely, cruelly. I have to know. I have to know if Felix can still be saved.

"A real Knight wouldn't stop." My lips dribble out blood, but my words come out steady, and unstoppable. I can see the hurt and pain in his eyes. I don't care.

Put the blade down, Felix.

He won't ever forgive me for saying this. "Glenn wouldn't stop."

I need to confront, on him the truth, taht he shouldn't try to be Glenn, but himself.

Step out of his shad-

Felix's eyes flash with madness and rage, and he slashes through my throat in one fluid pre-determined motion.

Oh.

The world rotates, and my head hits the ground.

I guess. I was still hoping… that Felix couldn't kill me.

...

The last thing I see is Felix walking away.

Walking back to Faerghus.

I see him swipe his sword though his younger self, effortlessly. Smoothly sheathing his sword.

A promise is something upheld between two people. A vow that can never be broken. Except by each other.

If one person breaks a promise, then does it even mean anything?

"...Fe" A gurgle escapes me.

Turn around. Turn around! Turn around you fucking coward! See your best friend die! See that you killed me!

Please.

We were supposed to never die alone-

Are you really going to leave me? Leave our promise behind? Are you only a Knight?!

Turn around! You can stil…

You ca…

Y…

…

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 30: 1st of Pegasus Moon: Silvery Contention
…

There's a certain ironic joke in language. People can say so much, but they can also say nothing despite their voice droning on enough to fill an entire day. Words can fill the silence- Yet if they are worth nothing and do not contribute anything? Then I would prefer the silence. Especially if it's in my council.

I've been labelled a Tyrant. A dictator. An Emperor who crushes dissidence. And in a small undeniable way, they are correct in that. I don't tolerate obstacles. When I give out commands, I expect them to be followed through. I don't accept any attempts to deter me from my path. Frankly, I hold nearly all the power within the Adrestian Empire's borders.

I am fighting a war for Fodlan's future. There can be no empty words and bullshit in my fucking path. Actions will change the world, not useless wind from treacherous mouths.

The vultures circle now. With the winter now in full effect, stalling the entire war in the process, The cries and whining of former nobles, corrupt officials, and even some of my cowardly armchair generals. All of it creates a cacophony in the council room as I try to stave off my headaches from listening. Sometimes…I wish I was more a tyrant so I could execute the whole lot of them.

I speed so much of fucking time in my meetings, that I've hardly had time to even get back to the front lines.

Though it is not like the front lines are existing right now- to attack now, would be a miserable death sentence to all involved. Still I'm sure some will try their luck, there must be some cocky, up-jumped nobles left who wish to squander away their lives. You may be wondering, why wouldn't a sneak attack during the temporary unofficial ceasefire be effective?

To put it plainly, It's just too fucking cold. Even the goddess agrees, she's been napping like a hibernating cat. The bratty Progenitor of Fodlan is avoiding my meetings and I'm incredibly jealous of her ability to just sleep through their nonsense.

Speaking of sleep, the Southern Seas have brought forth snow to Enbarr.

Even as far south in Fodlan it is in the Imperial Capital, the greatest city in all of Fodlan is blanketed in white. From the thin peaks to the ground below, everything is lightly dusted with the frosting of billions of unique ice fractals. The thin sunlight beams onto the ice, creating a glittery effect over the entire city. The pale lemon casts a cold warmth onto my Capitol.

Every breath of mine puffs out into a cloud of white. It's as if I'm smoking a cigar with every exhalation.

I've never partaken of smokes actually. I know that some nobles are quite fond of cigars. And ignoring their deleterious effects, I simply destress in other ways. Their scent is quite appalling to me actually. But the pleasure and the visible melting away of stress from those who can stomach such stench, demonstrates their effectiveness.

And fuck if I don't require a method to relax after putting up with those literally godforsaken meetings. Though I still prefer not to smoke if possible. Perhaps-

I could paint the lovely image in front of my eyes. Or I could take a stroll in the lovely gardens of the Palace. I'm quite sure that even in the bitter cold, the magically enchanted gardens will appear magnificently against the purity of snow.

Or…

…

I sink blissfully into the heated water of the Imperial Bathhouses. If there is one thing I will miss of this horrid place when I leave my crown, then it'll likely be the miracle of hot water.

I can feel my tense shoulder muscles loosen against the warmth that permeates into my scarred skin. For once, I'm thankful for my necessary precautions against assassins. Clearing out the entire Bathhouse just for my own person, is quite excessive. Yet, showing anyone my mutilated body… Suffice to say, I prefer my baths to not be filled with vomit. Rather ruins the experience really.

And that is not because of a belief that the stomachs of the regular bathers would be weak to scars, it is because of the fact that my body's disfigured to the point where even I can barely stand to disrobe in front of a mirror.

Surgical scars line my hands, my arms, my legs. Scars that show where the Agarthans' scalpels opened my body. Where they ripped my blood from me and mixed it with Nemesis's long deceased vitae until my body no longer rejected it.

Speaking of my hands. I must confess. The Prosthetic I was… given. Is certainly a marvel, but even a marvel is limited to the realities of humanity. It accumulates sweat, skin, and gets uncomfortably hot under my gloves. All problems that can be ignored, but the phantom sensations of my wrist bones and blood not rushing to my left creates certainly a unique take on what it means to be uncomfortable.

And… there's no easy way to detach it. Not unless I have a team of experienced healers ready to remove the entire instrument from my arm.

Ah.

The relaxation of the bath has made me prone to whining like those ex-nobles.

I wonder if that means they find it relaxing to tell my of their woes? When I have stated before clearly I don't care? I listen to discontent, but not discontent that stems from privilege.

I sink deeper into the water. It's as if my stress is floating away into the gently flowing water.

In this moment I am utterly at pea-

…ce?

Huh. Strangely, I was half-expecting someone to burst in with urgent business.

I suppose not everything in this world has as advanced a sense of comedic timing as-

Crash! Shatter!

I fucking knew it!

"Hello Edelgar-" The interruption of my peace chokes on my name.

"Get out get out!" Have some decency idiot! Why would you sneak into the Imperial Bathhouses of all places?!

"...pretty." Byleth Eisner, my greatest and most aggravating love, stands before lightly sprinkled with snow that drips from her hair and shoulder from the thermal energy of the bathhouse.

Just because you look pretty too when you have a smattering of pink on your face doensn't mean I'll ignore your fucking lack of all propriety! S-Stop staring and get out already!

Instead of being sensible and making logical informed decisions, Byleth decides to ignore me, and start getting in herself?!

She nods while I shriek and start splashing water over her, in a futile attempt to make her to fucking get out!

At my furious expression, she calmly and…childishly explains herself.

"It was cold outside- "

"You can't trick me like that Byleth!" As 'simple' and straightforward she can be, she is in no way a child! That fact is made very obvious by the large assets of hers that floats in the water. Is that even legal? Or possible?! I'm not jealous of her at all!

She seems to brighten up at my appellation for her. This fucking idiot! Not the bloody time! "Are you going to stop throwing the water at me? You're only making me see mo-"

I throw my towel in her face! Shut up, shut up!

"I-I'm not ruining my one moment of relaxation for you to get warm! So either leave my bathhouses or blindfold yourself!"

She sniffs my towel instead.

"You smell nice. But you should cut down on all the bergamot-"

"Why are you smelling me?!" Blushing madly, I can only sit in my corner from Byleth, steaming in embarrassment!

She tilts her head, my towel now wrapped around her face causing her hair to stick up floofily. "Because we're getting married?"

"...what." What.

"Hmm hmm." humming to herself she fails to understand my question and continues. "Papa is helping me fi-"

Marriage?

"That was said in flirty banter you fool!"

The lower half of her face falls a little.

"... No take backs." I never said I didn't w-want to?!

Infuriating, utterly idiotic, and incredibly cu- Incredibly stupid. Who in their right mind would want to get married during a war?! It is much more romantic to propose directly afterwards in their victory! Showing your love is part of the future you want to build together!

I state my refusal without delay. "No. We're marrying after I win the war."

"No. We're getting married as soon as possible." She refutes my refusal without a second of thought.

"No. Afterwards we can discuss it rationally!" I want to make my damn victory proposal!

Shaking her head, she makes it clear what she wants. "There's nothing rational about this. So we should marry now-"

"Are you truly so devoid of sense!"

"When it comes to you." Naturally flirting as easily as she breathes, her words send my heartbeat into cardiac arrest.

"D-Don't think your smooth talk will help you win this argument!"
"You think I'm smooth?" A proud note enters her vote.

Of course you are!

"That's not the point!"

She nods, "hmmmhm. You're right, the point is you."

"Awhah-" I flounder from her words, before I recover. "Cease your inappropriate joking right now!"

"Impossible."

"It's not!"

Byleth takes this moment to wade closer to me, forcing me back into the corner. "I can't. And you like my jokes."

"T-They're stupid!"

"Hmm you like that."

Her expression seems to be implying that therefore I must like her too! Wait, she's still getting closer!

"W-Why are you getting closer!"

"Because I want to?" Byleth's tone makes it clear she's stating the obvious, and is questioning why I even bothered to ask.

Wait.

"..." She must be following the sound of my voice! That's why she suddenly started flirting even more! Devious! I never saw it coming-ironically!

"Edelgard?"

I need to be silent-The sound of the flowing water should be able to mask my movements- I need to get out and prepare myself by fully dressing up and striking back at this stubborn fool!

In a small voice, she asks.

"Do you not want me to get closer?

Her voice quietly and despondently rings out against the backdrop of gently flowing water. The backdrop that does nothing to soothe her words that are full of hurt, and I go to instinctively console her, until- Wait! A fucking moment!

Her arms are tensing up ready to grab onto me! Unfair! That's so underhanded! Why is she pulling out such advanced tactics only when it comes to flirting?! It's frankly ho- ridiculous!

She goes in for the kill. "...Do you not love me anymore?"

Of course I do, you fool! I'm just naked right now! Without my conscious will, my mouth responds to her without a shred of hesitation.

"I will always love you-" Her smiles lights up the rooms as she walks in the water towards, me, uncaring of her sodden clothing weighing her down.

No dammit me! Stop being an idiot romantic!

She's nearly reaching me! "Stop!"

She does. "Okay." Obediently, after receiving what she wanted from me, she waits patiently for me.

Byleth, I demand you to stop being such an ador- a troublesome puppy. Naturally I don't say such frivolous nonsense and I cut straight to the chase.

"I-I'm not quite ready… "

She nods contentedly to my voice. "I'll wait then." How do you even nod so happily!?

"Idiot, I haven't even reached that point in what I was saying to you." Are we becoming those lovely married couples who finish each other's sentences? Ugh. even my voice comes out more fond then the annoyance I was attempting to convey!

…

"You idiot! I didn't mean literally! Get out of the water already!"

…

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Interlude: Torn Artistry
…

Giving up isn't easy. No matter what anyone says. It's the most difficult thing imaginable.

Giving up means giving up your thoughts of the future, casting into the darkness for a brief hope of light that I can't have even a little confidence in. It's the terror of venturing into the future without any guidelines. It's letting go of the guidelines I've followed all my life, and plunging into the abyss.

Maybe giving up is running away, abandoning my family, my duties, my responsibilities. Maybe it's taking responsibility of my own life.

I don't know! I just don't know! It's exhausting! It's so goddess-dammed terrifying!

How could it be easy to give up?! Everyday, I struggled. Everyday, I tried my very best, and everyday I came up short! Was I too weak? Was it because I didn't train enough? Was it because I wasn't fighting for myself?!

Everything's a blur, everything's a terrifying reality I have to-can't face.

Everything changed. Everything changed when Miss Edelgard set ablaze the entire world for her ambition.

Suddenly, the Golden Deer had to pick a side, suddenly Garreg Mach Monastery wasn't an Academy but somewhere where the war couldn't reach. It's cream walls holding back the brackish tides of war from consuming those lucky enough to be inside.

My friends left one after another. Marianne was the first to go, heading to the front lines to heal indiscriminately… I never knew that my shy classmate could be so brave. It was… majestic in the way she chose her own path. I… I envy her will.

Khalid, our house leader, who I foolishly was apprehensive over his deceit and his heritage, immediately left to become not only the leader of our House, but over the entire Leicester Alliance. Hilda joined him- I never knew that she cared so much- out of incredible loyalty. Envy suffused me at her easy choice.

Last, I heard from the rumour mill, was that they were doing anything and everything to keep the Empire contained in Gloucester territory.

I can't even imagine how it must feel like for Lorenz. Call him pretentious, call him a self-righteous noble who doesn't understand how the world is like for others, but… He's our friend!

And he's lost his home.

And Lenoie! Isn't her village in that territory as well?! Is that why she left without any warning?

Oh I hope she's alright!

May the Goddess watch over all of them!

…

Now. Only Raphael and I are left of the Golden Deer.

"...Buddy." My longest friend and my eternal guilt places his weighty hand on my thin shoulders.

His grip is warm and comforting despite the fact I know that those hands that lay so nicely on me, could crush me like twigs.

"Rapha-ael." My voice cracks.

Raphael, my greatest friend. Understands me without me needing to say anything.

"Ignatz. I ain't the smart guy. But it looks like there's no way to punch out this problem."

A massive sigh billows from Raphael.

"Way I see it, everyone's trying their best to save the world, but no one's willing to talk things out."

"..." He's.- He's right. I never give my friend enough credit. I shouldn't be surprised yet I'm always shocked senseless.

Raphael makes a big goofy smile. "I'm a simple guy, I like eating, I like everyone, I like being strong."

That wonderful smile dies into a line of determination. "But. As a simple guy, I gotta defend my family. That's all I know."

Clapping me one last time. He kneels to my height and brings me in a crushing hug.

"... See ya later buddy."

I choke on my tears.

But I must say something!

"Farewe-"

"Hey. None of that! We're going to see each other again! And when we meet up, you better paint me all of your adventures!"

Oh, Raphael.

Even with my family causing his parents' death, he never blamed me for a second. Sometimes, Sometimes I wanted him to.

I would paint you a thousand sunrises, if I could alleviate even the slightest amount of guilt I feel. I don't deserve your kindness…. If he wasn't so kind, then I wouldn't feel so guilty. If he wasn't Raphael… then maybe he could have let me go and found a better friend who wouldn't want him to be someone else.

…

And just like that, my rock leaves me.

…We'll never be able to go back to those days will we?

There's no one left now.

We won't ever be able to laugh in class with the rest of the Golden Deer. We'll never all be together again… We… No. I have to prepare myself for the likelihood that one of my House will die in this conflict.

My fist sails though my empty white canvas.

What use is painting?! What use was my art?! How can my art stop this war?! How can my art save anyone?! I can't make peace with this-this!

Stupidity!

I punch and I punch! Again on that blank whiteness!

I punch Edlagrd! I punch the nobles fighting her! I punch the faceless soldiers dying for nothing and evything! I punch my own weak self! I pun-

I punch through the wall. My hand explodes into pain, and I scream uselessly, clutching at my shattered fingers.

My empty portrait falls to the side, and I fall with it. Curling up in a ball holding my hands, whimpering.

The canvas accuses me. My punches ripped through it, and blood drips softly down it's jagged edges. You killed me.

I close my eyes.

I don't want to see anything anymore. Can't I just hide away in my room and never leave?
I can't make a choice, Raphael was right, everyone's trying to save the world in their own way.

…I don't want to kill anyone. I don't want to die.

I'm just.. I'm just so scared.

I pray and I pray until my knees bleed, and yet the beautiful and all-good Goddess fails to answer.

Am I not good enough? Am I not praying enough?

Why does the Goddess forsake us?

Giving up is all I can do. Like sand, all that I love falls through my fingers. I'm too weak to try to hold onto the things I care about.

I give them up instead of fighting for them.

I let Marianne leave with not even a goodbye.

I let Khalid and Hilda leave without a promise to live.

I let Leonie and Lorenz go to their deaths, fighting in their stolen homes.

I let Lysithea join the Empire without even asking her why.

I let my rock go. I didn't follow him. I didn't make up for his parent's deaths.

I let everyone down, and most of all.

I let myself down. Look at me! I'm crying and hurting myself like a child. How could anyone say giving up is easy?

Oh Sothis, Please tell me what I should do! Give me a reason! Give me anything at all! Give me something I can fight for! Give me something I can't give up!



Only silence answers me.

…

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 31: 5th of Pegasus Moon: Family is not who shares your blood, but who sheds blood for you.
…

Anticipation coils in my body.

The moment of calm before the storm.

I feel it.

Sothis feels it.

A raging storm is coming to me. And I refuse to find myself, lacking the ability to weather it.

Perhaps I should elaborate. Hmm.

But how can I describe the dread that pools in my soul, the shiver not from the cold, but of my own fear in my limbs, or the preparation of my mind readying itself for exhaustion?

Well it's easy to describe. I'll do it in one sentence actually-

It's time for a talk with my mother.

…

Ultimately humans are driven by selfish motivations. No amount of beautifully articulated words, masterfully crafted language, or perfect arguments can disguise the fact… The fact that people are selfish.

The cold hard truth that people will always put their own mind as superior as yours. Even among those that profess that are simply looking for your best interests, they're actions reveal an ever-present angle. Of how they could benefit.

Perhaps it is not conscious, bu.t a subconscious thought. 'How can I win.' How can I get ahead in this'

… Maybe those who love you, will even use a painful tactic of employing guilt on you. -Maybe- You used it first and they're simply returning the favor.

All sorts of dirty tricks to attack one's soft spot are easily and thoughtlessly utilized in conversation/arguments.

It's no wonder then, that I find it's a nearly universal dread to face one's parents.

"..." There's a judgmental silence from the other occupant of my mind.

Before she snidely remarks. "Dread? Hmph, I raised my children with care, -'universal' -Phooey!"

Shut up Sothis, as a parent you're not allowed to enter this conversation!

The goddess sits back in my mind and mockingly waits. An air of victory suffuses her.
"Go ahead then. Have that conversation with your forebearer"

I will! I'm just mentally preparing myself!

"Sure. …aaaaahn." A massive yawn cracks her face wide open. "Oouh. Wake me up when it's over, m'kay?"

I fail to see how a goddess who does nothing for most of the time can be so exhausted.

"Because I was kept up by your, unnecessary mind you, panic of your 'wife' late into the night. Honestly, just marry already and save us all the trouble."

You shut up about my love life!

"You first."

Aughhh…..

Fuck. Enough procrastination.

I suppose it's time.

Patricia née Anselma von Blaiddyd née Hresvelg née Arundel has been waiting in the throne room for me. And, however, anxiety inducing the upcoming confrontation may be; Edelgard von Hresvelg is no coward.

Huh. I never even knew it was possible to change names like they were husbands.

…


"Edelgard von Hresvelg, are you at all aware of what you are doing? Or is your mind as muddled as the utter devastation you have left in your wake." Chastising me as if I was a young child, my lovely mother wastes no time and immediately begins her long-awaited tirade against me. Ooh~ she said my full name, how scary- Not.

Rolling my eyes, I respond petulantly, if she is going to treat me as a child then I may as well indulge. "No mother. Somehow, despite being the actual Emperor and overthrowing the coup that forced your absence, I have not an iota of what I'm doing."

My mother, dressed in a simple cloak over the finery that lies underneath, still retains the poise of her heritage and regally raises an eyebrow. "Do not take that tone with me young lady."

"You'll find that I will take any tone that I like. Or are you forgetting that I am at war in your kingdom?"

I state in no uncertain terms. "Patricia Blaiddyd. You have no standing here."

It is only by my grace that she is even allowed to be alone with me. Truly, the lengths a mother can go to try to control their offspring is remarkable. Sneaking over the western front to accost me in my own seat of power? I wonder, is her unbridled arrogance what attracted my father to her?

"...: Swallowing her words, she visibly reins in her emotions. "I understand that we have had difficulties, but El-"

"Do not."

She flinches at my harsh tone.

Hmph, I expected that you would be well used to the bleakness and frosty atmosphere of Faerghus.

Mother takes off her hood, revealing her matching brunette locks of hair. "E-" At my sharp glare, "Edelgard." Her eyes shimmer. Crocodile tears.

"Despite the difficulties, our separation, and my inability to return. Surely you will hear me out?" Immediately switching tactics, my mother attempts to play on my soft heart.

I harden my heart instead… My blackened heart only beats for one. And she is far more honest than you are my dear Mother.

But while I may be a tyrant, there can be no growth without loss. I may as well hear her out.

"Very well, explain to me the error of my ways. I shall listen without interruption. "Sothis hovers uneasily in my mind, forced awake by my rapidly shifting emotional mindset. My tone shows none of my turbulent thoughts. And I force myself to languidly and crassly relax in my throne. Crossing my legs and leaning my heavy head against my left hand. I wave my other hand dismissively.

My concession has done exactly what I wanted it to, and I have forced this conversation to return to a logical based argument vs. an emotional one replete with manipulations. Unnatural composure and my lazy posture forces Mother to have to take a different route to reach me.

Unable to glean anything from my impassive expression, she hesitantly begins. "This war.. This war is meaningless!" Breaking off slightly, Mother takes a short breath and, enduring her discomfort, implores me.

"You must understand that, at the very least! There can be no ending that will saytisf your idealisms. You claim to want to destroy the Crest system, but how? Will you slaughter anyone and everyone that even has a drop of accursed stolen blood? Will you imprison them- No. Us? Marking us out as outcasts?"

I don't blink.

Impassioned now, Mother hits her stride and goes on without reservations. "And what of the nobility? Yes, there are corrupt nobles, cruel of heart and of deed. But to cast the entire hierarchy of the world for your ambitions?"

Mother shakes her head. "As I thought, there is so much you still do not understand. Humans must always have a power structure. Your own taking of the throne reflects as such, do not deny the reality of your own hypocrisy."

My blank face and apathetic demeanor on the throne, causes Mother to falter slightly, but she presses on.

"... I can still see a future where your brother and you can still live in peace! Please! Stop this madness of blood unending!"

"We can be a family again El!"

"..." I close my eyes.

Oh Mother. What a foolish and stupid dream. Change is inevitable, as I said there can be nothing gained without loss. If she thought words could sway me, then she really doesn't understand me at all.

Opening my lilac eyes. I stand and descend down to her level.

Instantly, her face brightens up immensely, she must feel that her words have cracked through my facade, and somehow convinced me to stop.

"Mother."

At my unchanging tone, she shrinks back, but recovers her happiness when I pause at her. "El-"

"It appears that I have not made myself clear. I shall clarify then. Do not refer to me as such."

El died in that dungeon with her siblings. My allowance of Dimitri to use such is only due to his guidance that showed me a light to live for. My mother, who abandoned the Imperial Name, and my father, presuming to take familiarity with me? It's a fucking humiliation I will never allow.

Still, ignoring my personal feelings, I shall address her fears.

"To answer your concerns in order. Nothing of what you described shall be done to those bearing a crest. They will be treated exactly the same as everyone else I rule under. Subject to the same laws that people without crests are under. If they abuse their power consecutively then a crest-nullifying artefact will be placed on them. Simple."

Patricia backs away from me in fear.

Curious. I don't believe I am saying anything that would be hard to bear?

"Next, the nobility will fall, there is no doubt in my mind of that. You could say, I'm just hastening their downfall. But in reality… I will place a new hierarchy, elected by the people- for the people. And managed by a select team of individuals who will oversee them, to ensure their lack of abuses. In fact, I foresee that occurring to my own position. I will choose a kind, intelligent person to succeed the throne after me. Chosen not by blood but by their ability." There's also no fucking way I'll have children of my own blood, considering-

At that my mother's eyes are forced open in surprise. Unable to look away from the truth I have brought forth.

"And then, the position eventually will become the same as any other hierarchical system I have set up. To be elected by the common folk, with 'noble' blood or not."

A fire grows within me. Igniting my expression into savagery. And I can feel my eyes blaze with unnatural power.

"I will not stop. I can never stop." Every word of mine thunders out.

"I will forge my future, over the blood I have spilled! Over the mountains of corpses in my path! I will shoulder the burdens of the world! I will bear the cost of bloody change that sweeps across Fodlan! For the future , I will carve, there is no end to the sins that I will take!"

My mother falls to the ground in terror as I advance ruthlessly.

"I am Flame! I am Steel! I am Edelgard von Hresvelg! The Flame Emperor! The Tyrant of the Future!"

Finished with my mother. I turn around sharply to ascend back to my throne. Whipping my heavy cape in the process, I shout over my shoulder.

"And Get the fuck out my City. My family died here, You're just a stranger."

…

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Interlude: Arkas Kalliste
…

I think it's really cool when people stand up for themselves. I mean, you probably already knew that, being that you're me. But let me just get my thoughts out! Okay?!

I'm like those stupid plants who wilt at the slightest breeze, not like those awesome strong plants that can devour their own predators! They turn the entire biological system on it's head! Crazy, right? Um. What was I talking about? Oh yeah, I think it's really awesome when people can stand without anyone else.

Strong, brave, beautiful, intimidating, able to make a stand, draw the line in the sand, people who can choose their own path. No matter how thorny or scary that path will end up. They're basically the Heroes straight out of my own stories! They're like… like bears!

Yeah! Super strong, super cool, territorial, ummm… smart? Whatever. You get it! Most importantly, they're protective of their family.

But… I guess Edelgard doesn't have any family. So she's making the entirety of Fodlan her family? That doesn't seem right, but I don't think I can really understand Edelgard. Just the thought of starting war? Killing people? It's really scary. I really can't understand her at all, and I've tried! Note: Stalking the future Emperor who'd started a war was the biggest mistake of my life. Thank the goddess she must have forgotten me!

But being afraid is nothing new to me. Maybe I'm not brave, strong, beautiful, but I know how to be afraid. I know how to live with fear and still move past it! Even if it's super uncool, and dumb, humiliating even, I'll move forward!

Because I'm scared of something much worse than killing people, or being in a war.
I'm scared that everyone I know will die because I hid away.

And that's so terrifying that it makes me- me! Unmarriageable, stupid, no-good, ugly, uncool, wilting, Bernadetta act.

…

"...Daughter, I see that you are still set on your foolish course."

"Eeek!" Mother stands at the bottom of my tower! "Awawaw!" Aaaaie! I almost fell to my death! Bloopp, spalt, gacck. Here lies Bernie, she died from falling off her own tower, stupidly. What an idiot.

Rolling her eyes, Mother beckons me down, impatiently tapping her foot. And Mr. Bedryant is there too! That's too many scary people in one area for me! Oh Bernie! Why couldn't you be more sneaky!

Slowly and shivering, I land in the snow, tripping a little. Oh no-!

Mother catches me with her icy fingers. Cold! Worriedly I exclaim. "M-Mother! We.. um should go inside! You're-"

"I'm perfectly fine where I am. You on the other hand?" Imperiously. Every word is articulated into cutting icicles.

Ahhh, why is Mother so terrifying! She's the perfect noble lady, that's why! But I can't run away now! I mean I am running away, But I'm running away to not run away!

"I-I'm going where I have- No!" I take a breathe in. And I force myself to look Mother in the eyes.

"Where I need to be."

She scoffs. Ah.

Like I thought, Mother won't listen to me. Why would she? She's a genius, and I'm just… me. This is why I had to leave without telling her, even if I feel really bad about not telling her, or Mr. Bedryant. Mother is smart, she's never wavered in her actions, or her life. She's the strongest, most terrifying bear. But…

I'm also a Bear! Bernie Bear! Rawr!

Okay, maybe that sounded better in my head!

"Raise your head."

Nope nope! That's a trap! I can see it! I'm not your average bear! I'm your below average bear! However! I got a bow and I'm not afraid to use it on you! Except I am! But that's not important!

"Haaah. Raise your head, my daughter. Essars do not buckle. They do not yield. Never forget that."

Wha-?

"Corbin. I believe it's time we made our allegiance clear?"

Mr. Berdryant bows. But I see the trace of a smile flash before his face goes back into that terrifying perpetual scowl. "By your will." What is happening?!

What happens is Mother steps closer, to me- She's never done that! I'd think she is just as scared of me, as I am of her, by how much she keeps her distance from me! But she's obviously just repulsed by entire existenc-

"Hahha. I suppose I owe that fool some thanks. If I had never returned to you, then I would find myself sorely lacking in joy"

"No!" I twist away from her cold hands! "No! You're lying Mother!"

You can't even look at me, most of the time! You can barely meet my eyes even when I look up! Don't you ever try to trick me like that!

"Marigold didn't fix anything, he just left like a coward!"

Like you did!

My mother, ever the brilliant mind, hears my unspoken words. Her facial expression barely morphs into a grimace. It's slight, but it's there! Obviously she can't deny the truth. That neither of us want to be in this house. The house where Father tortured us, where he died in.

If she wasn't forced then she would have never returned. Mother is never wrong after all. She never hesitates, never quivers in her convictions.

"... Bernadetta." Louise von Varley née Essar speaks. As softly as the gentle feather-white snow.

"I was mistaken, you are not only an Essar…. And as much I detest your father, I can't deny your relation."

I knew it. She hates m-

"You are a Varley, and an Essar. Both of our bloodlines end with you, Bernadetta." Sighing briefly, Mother casts her eyes to the heavens. "And. You will become the greatest of us all, I believe."

"That's impossible!" My thoughts spill out of my stupid mouth, and I can't stop- "I'm just Bernie! Stupid, Unmarriageable-"

"Cease."

I freeze. Mother has never sounded so angry. So distraught. So sad. So… Weak.

"You… Rid your mind of your father's cruelty."

"But he's right-"

"Your father. Was a cowardly, sniveling, pathetic wastrel who constantly degraded and abused others. Every word that leaves your mouth describing your own self, disgusts me. Because they are his. Not of your own. He was wrong."

Said Mouth hangs open.

"You are not, stupid, nor unmarriageable, nor ugly, nor weak, nor bad, nor anything negative…. You are Bernadetta von Varely, and you are an intelligent, brave, beautiful, strong, woman…. And you are my greatest gift to this world."

Mother chokes.

"An-nd despite both of our failures, or weaknesses, or cruelty. You have blossomed into a woman that anyone would be lucky to marry."

Steel grey eyes pierce through her tears. Meeting my own even through my sobbing.

"I love you, Bernadetta. And yet, I must let you go-"

Crashing into her arms, I cry into her thin shoulders. Bending down to bear-hug my mom.

"I love you too, Mo-om!"

…