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

[ArtemisAvant]

Interlude III: Knightslayer
…

"You really don't remember? You were so sweet as a kid. Now, you're just like Glenn. All sarcastic and fight happy." Holding my hands behind my head I sway a little from the ship's movements.

Feliz scoffs. "Only through repeated exposure to you. Don't think that my personality runs in my blood."

I raise an eyebrow. Really? I guess you're right on that. Your old man is nothing like either of you.

"I gotta say, I miss the old Felix."

"Then I'll say it to you as well, I miss the old Sylvain." His words come out like daggers meant to wound. If there was a difference between his sarcasm and his older bro's. The fact that Glenn never took it to the sheer brutal honesty that my dear old friend did. The dear old friend who just tried to stab me with a verbal attack, but-

I smile at his scowl. I'll let it slide, he's put up with me for so many years, only fair I do the same for him.

That's what I do, I do the same as always. I smile.

I do miss it. I miss the old days. When Ingrid wasn't lost in her own damn happiness to even see the cracks in everything. When Felix hadn't become such a snarky, sarcastic swordsman. All he's ever focused on is being the very best knight he can be, better than Glenn, stronger, faster, And to prove it? He's constantly trying to fight that monster. I can't count how many times I have to stop this battle junkie.

I miss the days, when Dimitri doesn't have to constantly soothe friendships, try to smooth over cracks that are only growing larger. His only solace being Dedue and the rest of the barely less fucked up Blue Lions.

Being fucked up in Faerghus is a systematic thing, this isn't something new, it's been brewing, fermenting for generations.

Faerghus is rotten to the core. It has fucked up people who breed more fucked up people.

It's obvious to anyone with a fucking pair of eyes and brain. For all our talk of chivalry and knighthood, the second that nobility was threatened? We went off to a pointless war. And it was held up as a grand glorious affair, becoming just like the greatest knights of old, carving legends into history. For what? The fucking truth our fucking egos couldn't handle? Real knight-like. Best part? Honestly, if that dragon and monster weren't there, I'm sure that it would've been a purge unlike anything the world has ever seen. A genocide of unarmed priests and civilians who lived in a Monastery. My own father certainly wanted to put Garreg Mach to the flame.

Knighthood? War? Chivalry? Nobility? The crests?

All of it is a lie. We just fucking glorify violence. We glorify death. And I'm no fucking better. If I could. I would kill that monster where he stands.

Thank the goddess for once, we're playing pirates instead of going to Sreng. His little massacre, even if he's trying to apologize for it, has permanently scarred any hope of reconciliation. If they weren't so scared of him, they would be invading us and killing the entire north end of Faerghus as revenge.

Hah. I guess that's all what humans are. Savages looking for that next target of revenge. Their next punching bag to slit open.

My smile must unnerve Felix to where he 'tchs' and stomps off. Not much room to brood, we're on a ship in the freezing north. I'll be seeing you under the deck for dinner pal.

At this point, I might as well go for broke. I walk over to Mercedes who's enjoying the sea breeze with Annette. It's freezing but you do you.

"Hey ladies. I think you dropped something." Classic pickup line, sweeps off the ladies off their feet. Well not recently, it's been a little boring flirting with anyone with a pair of tits. My heart's just not in it anymore. Especially not to my classmates, they've already shot my half-hearted attempts down.

Mercedes smiles at me warmly. "Hello Sylvain, it's nice to see you." Too motherly it's weird, and terrifying.

Annette waves to me happily, upbeat even in this weather. "Hi Sylvain, everything alright with Felix?"

"Ahaha, not even going to even mention my pickup line?... It's nice to see you too Mercedes. And you know Felix, he'll just demand a spar later on."

Mercedes airily rolls her eyes. I would say she sighs, but it only felt like she did. "And I'm sure you will certainly allow him, and then somehow have both of you end up in the infirmary again." A note of displeasure enters her voice.

Tch. Another lecture… My smile becomes a little brittle.

Annette looks worriedly at the rising tension between Mercedes and I. So I diffuse it.

"Hahaha, hopefully you'll heal me before that? Pretty please? … A beautiful lady such as yourself would most definitely assist such a poor handsome man? " I open it up for an easy joke.

She laughs a little and waves off my insincere flattery. "No. I don't think I would."

Tension converted into a joke. I make sure it stays that way.

"Ah you're killing me here Mercedes. But in all seriousness, do you two see anything interesting? Anything except for the 20th orca. Maybe an iceberg we can all die to?"

A bit of unintentional dark humour slips into my words. Ah. What's the harm? A joke's never hurt anyone.

The two girls glance at each and sigh in synchronization. Honestly, everytime I try to have a casual conversation everyone tries to make it so serious. And then guess who has to be the butt of the joke, or the comic relief in order to make sure things don't blow up. Dimitri. If he's there. He's really too easy to tease.

"Nothing to report!" Annete giggles at her impersonation.

"Indeed, everything's all nominal." Mercedes pulls a different impersonation. Of our hard-boiled captain. The dude was not happy having to babysit a whole class of baggage.

I laugh with them. Before I mockingly bow, and see myself out.

Enough small talk for today. I have to get to training.

…

Every weapon has a counter, and at this point, I'm an expert at countering every single thing anyone can throw at me. Lances- break their shafts, swords- twist away the blade, axes- break the hands, rapiers- snap the steel, bows- cut the string, gauntlets stab through the wrists. Of course that's only some ways to counter them, I have to keep learning more. I even went to that grizzled old bear to get me some tips on being a 'Blade Breaker'. Only had to promise not to flirt with his daughter. Easy. he should've worried more about Felix, or that quiet guy who's still running away from Mercedes. Probably related, hair color matches.

Blood runs strong in Faerghus.

Striking blonde hair falls into Dimitri's face. He sweeps it up and away.

I ignore my own sweat-soaked hair. "Again."

"Sylvain, please."

There are so many dirty jokes I could say to that, but seeing Dimitri's stupidly innocent face, I stop myself.

"Just one more time, I almost got that move!'

"...Sylvain, Professor Marigold doesn't even use a lance!"

I explode. Professor?!

"You don't fucking get it! Marigold? What a lie. Hiding behind a flower's name. That monster can use a lance, oh alright. He used a lance, a sword, a bow, and everything in between a fucking calamity to slaughter more people I've ever seen die in my entire life! I can't believe they let that killer into the monastery!"

Dimitri sidesteps the source of my anger to try counseling me. "I understand your frustration, but rushing into training without proper rest will only serve to weaken you before you can confront the man!"

I know. I know Dimitri's only looking out for me.

And it looks like he picked up some tips to handle people, somewhere. Trying to help and not stop me? When he's tried that before? He's learning. Good for him. It must be nice to have good parents.

"..." I sigh. Stabbing my lance through the wood. I gaze at the shattered remains of weapons that litter the designated sparring section of the deck. Dimitri's ridiculous strength may have broken the majority, but I've long since learned to counter that. Sacrificing a weapon to shatter against his own and breaking his guard.

"You know. As a kid, I was scared of my brother. I thought he was the biggest baddest around. But I couldn't hate the bastard. I got everything he ever wanted. And everything he had. Do you know? His room became mine, he was sent to a servant's quarters. The tiny pathetic favors that dear old Dad gave out? They went to me, only because of the crest I bear. A crest which we all found out means nothing but a legacy of raping and pillaging of corpses."

The bitterness of my words stun Dimitri.

"You're innocent you know? Compared to the rest of us… Somehow, despite being the prince of this kingdom, you're so innocent. It sickened me. There was a time I was jealous of that purity. The kindness and sincerity in which you live by. Now I realize… I wasn't scared of my brother at all. I was scared of what he could do. Not to me, but to everyone else. So I stayed quiet when I should have told people about him trying to kill me. I must have thought, if he was taking it out on me, then maybe he wouldn't start hurting others."

I laugh.

"I was wrong, now look at the smug bastard. He's a walking pile of shit that runs around on the order of my old man. A fucking wild animal only held back by the stern leash…"

I address Dimitri directly, who's staring at me with lost eyes.

"Don't change for the worse Dimitri, I gotta have something to look up to and envy right?"

Yeah. I know. Wipe that shocked look off your face. How could I not? You used to look at me just like Felix did, a brother to watch out for them.

But it's time to grow up. None of us are those little kids anymore.

"Be the king we need."

I clap him on the shoulder. A passing of the torch.

Maybe Dimitri can save Faerghus from itself.

I leave my lance in the ground. Leaving Dimitri to figure out what my words mean to him, I look out into the dark sea.

That monster can pretend to be a Professor. Just like I can pretend to be nothing more than a playboy. But the second he snaps. I'll counter and break him. The second I see crimson and blood rush to him, I'll fucking stab him through the heart. And this time? I'll cut off his head.

And if that monster manages to live through all that. Well. I stare into the depths of the ocean.

There's always an orca waiting for fresh meat.

The reason why I'm training so damn hard? It's to protect you, you and everyone else before their innocence gets shattered and ripped away by that monster.

That's what a brother should do.

…

 

[ArtemisAvant]

A.N.
So I think I made it kind of obvious, but with this little arc of interludes and stuff. I was pretty much showing the different House Leaders and how they have flaws and strengths in their Leadership. It's also showing a interesting dynamic of how I changed the world through my actions.

Khalid is obvious, I physically push him to be a more open person, but since the Alliance was in the latest parts of my journey, I don't actually do much more for him. He's a very trick guy, who's way more about the power of friendship than anyone. His Leadership is very much about balance.

In contrast, Edelgard, is a distant and at times motherly leader. A bit over bearing generally, but she then break from that to go off and do her own thing without any real explanation to her house. And She forces herself to set an example of sheer fucking will. Of excellence to inspire to.

Dimitri however is very much struggling to lead a bunch of fractured groups. He doesn't have the trauma of the Tragedy of Duscur, but the blue lions are still a bunch of extremely hard to handle messes. Well mostly Sylvain. He's really only lacking in being able to effectively experience command and handling loss. He's a little too innocent of Faerghus, but he's trying to be the best he can, which is why he's a cinnamon roll. Anymore of him will be more fleshed to in later chapters. The interlude from Sylvain's point of view was very much a distorted and angry perspective.

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 11: 7th of Wyvern Moon: Horsey
...
Warning: Fluff. Sweet enough to die.
…

Being a noble, I was well learned in many of the traditional arts expected of one my heritage. But not from my upbringing, but through the force of my own will. The Agarthan wearing my deceased uncle's skin had been uncaring of how I would play my part. Similarly, my father was powerless and could only offer paltry comfort to his daughter. There was no one to instruct on me how to rule the court, deal with the petty power struggles, or even someone to teach me how to fight. I had to search for those lessons on my own. And so out of spite, I more than ruined the noble's expectations of me, I would be no powerless puppet for the future. I exceeded no, I crushed their expectations and I excelled at everything I put my mind to. How much of it was born of my inborn talent or through my long perseverance? I could not say.

I had to craft the perfect image of the Imperial Heir. Naturally, I was well-versed in etiquette, mannerisms befitting royalty. I knew the history, both true and false of Fodlan in and out. And how it affected my own Empire and its relations with powers.

And most importantly, currently, I know how to ride a horse. A horse so I could leave the area where Constance von Nuvelle and Ferdinand von Aegir were. I could gallop far away from the sources of my headaches.

"My dearest friend, you have truly grown out of the tragedy that so surrounded you and bloomed into the most radiant!"

"But of course! I could do no less my old companion! I assume you are speaking of my incredible innovations that I have seen fit to gift to the world!"

A blonde nuisance spoke to an orange one.

"Truly the most gracious and most exemplar of the phrase we all must live by. 'Noblesse Oblige'. I was surprised when you released your work to the world without compensation, yet I was given an understanding of how clever of a move that was!"

An orange annoyance sprouted off nonsense to another fellow spouter of nonsense.

"...? What do you mean Ferdinand? My release had nothing of such grand and auspicious thought behind it, it was only a gift that was long delayed? If it boosted the standing of the Nuvelles… Than my next work will truly uplift the Nuvelles into the annals of magical history!" A dramatic pause wasn't necessary.

"Hahaha! A true noble of nobles you are! I shall refrain from asking you of that next innovation! And I shall wait with baited breath!

"Very well I shall not divulge it to you- and a 'noble of nobles'? I can say the same for you my dear friend! Ohohohoh!"

This conversation had seemingly repeated itself endlessly once Constance revealed herself out of her stowaway caravan with Byleth's assistance.

I shot a betrayed look upon Byleth, but she only tilted her head in confusion when I did so.

While I could understand the benefits of having the last scion to the Nuvelles with us while we journeyed to her home. The migraine that threatened to approach me every time I heard that laughter was… to put it simply. Not worth it. I might just fucking bash my own head in. That would be less painful.

I glance over the rest of my House. Lindhardt was attempting and failing to sleep while walking, only through Petra's assistance keeping him from falling flat on his face. Loser. Just let him fall Petra. Maybe he'll wake up for once. Dorothea was interestedly examining Bernadetta's latest work, while the said shy woman tries desperately to snatch it away from the taller woman's hands. Personally, I thought Bernadetta did fantastical work with her embroidery. Though what's with the carnivorous plants? Hubert and Caspar were arguing over some manner. The loud cries of " I. Am. Caspar!" sounds off into the distance. So I assume my unlucky friend had failed to convince Caspar to stop imitating Ferdinand.

If he even was? I could not say so for myself, honestly. If we all start fucking shouting our own names on the battlefield, I'll lose it.

"Edelgard! I challenge you!" No. Sothis floats over through his head. You'll only find stupidity in there.

Instantly, my mouth forms a cutting remark. "Ferdinand, I will not humour your attempts to prove to yourself, That you are more 'noble' than me."

"Are you afraid, Edelgard? Because I cannot show my accomplishment to my dear old friend in a physical form like she can, then I must show it through defeating you!"

"I am not afraid. I am simply aware of my own strengths and of yours. Is your lacking comprehension of your own weakness, truly so noble?"

Gottem, Fucking murdered him verbally.

"If I lack comprehension as you so put it, then I must duel you to understand! And What could be more noble than a race of equine companions!"

Undeterred by venomous words, Ferdinand earnestly challenges me.

I roll my eyes. Before- I startle, when Byleth leans over my head. Hey! Just because you are taller doesn't mean you can lean over me like a giant!

I can feel your assets on my head! Have some goddam self awareness!

She speaks above me. "You two can ride horses?"

Ferdinand somehow ignores her strange position and responds to her without missing a beat. "You sound as if you are so surprised, Professor! All nobles have a passing understanding of the equestrian arts!"

I cough and try to ignore Byleth's choice of location as much as I'm able.

"I-Indeed. While I have no interest in pursuing equestrian skills like Ferdinand, I am confident I can more than match his skills."

Byleth asks innocently. "Oh. Then can you teach me?"

Ferdinand cuts in before I can agree. "Of course I can!"

"... Thank you." Is that note of annoyance? Perhaps she is also sick of Ferdinand's antics?

I rush in. "I may also instruct you Byleth! And-And, Ferdinand would only muddle your understanding!"

Allowing Byleth to be taught by Ferdinand would be a disgrace I can't bear.

I see the confidence in his eyes! It's as if he's telling me he could teach Byleth better than I can!

Constance saunters into the conversation with a raised eyebrow. "Ferdinand. You need not prove yourself in such displays…." An understanding light enters her cornflower blue eyes. "Be more confident in yourself my friend, you will have your day in the light just as I have."

I latch onto the words the Nuvelle heir spoke. "She is completely correct, before you rush off to challenge me again, why don't you challenge the true best in the equestrian arts!" I scramble before finding a suitable target. "I believe Ms. Edmund is said to have such a deep relationship with her mount she can call her companion from nearly the entire width of Garreg Mach!"

Byleth get your breasts off my head already! Obviously! I can't move myself otherwise I would be showing I'm flustered by you! W-Where did you learn decorum?!

Ferdinand opens his mouth in surprise. "How impressive, I shall endeavor to complete such a goal right now!" The orange-haired man goes running off.

Perfect. Excellent diversion Edelgard. The fact it's total bullshit is even better.

…

"So you should ensure to stroke your mount gently before you start, so the animal may grow used to your presence before you ride."

Byleth nods. "Petting animals often calms them down." She stares at her hand, then at my head.

…Wait.

I hiss in embarrassment. "Stop what you're thinking right now!" The nerve of this woman! Just because I allowed you to pat my head doesn't mean you have free licensee to start petting me!

I shake my head.

"Anyway. I'll demonstrate for you."

Easily hitching up on the old horse, I flick my hair away. "See? Simple." I go to get off to allow Byleth try for herself, when she suddenly plops behind me and smiles at me.

W-Why are you smiling now! And why are you so close!

"You're right. It is simple." Her smile only grows for some reason.

I do my best to not fidget. "A-Ahem. Byleth. You can scootch back a bit. We're not moving so there's no need for you to e-embrace me."

"..."

Suddenly the horse starts moving as if to counter my words. The sudden movement causes me to fall back a bit. Directly into Byleth's firm body.

Phrumph!?

"Ah. Edelgard, the horse started moving. Papa said I should hold the reigns with you so we don't fall off."

I-Is she mocking me? No? Her toneless voice and clueless nature make that impossible?! I'm overthinking this! My mind can't focus properly not when she's so close! Soft! No! Argh! Fucking horse!

I try to desperately regain my composure. "Y-Your father is correct-"

She slides her hands onto my gloved ones on the reigns. "Like this?" Her breath is hot in my ear.

An angry blush overtakes me. My anger over this ridiculous situation being shown on my pale skin.

My stomach roils in fear as it remembers how it would be mercilessly punched by said woman behind me.

I shiver at her muscles I can feel.

"Y-Yes!" My voice comes out in an angry squeak.

Sothis stop giggling! And help me find a way out of this situation! My panic isn't funny you stupid goddess!

Hubert! Hubert can save me! I look around for my loyal friend. Surely he can help me escape easily?! No! He's distracted by Caspar!

"Edelgard?"

Don't say my name in my ear! Damm you Jeralt! Teach your daughter the meaning of personal space!

"I'm perfectly a-alright!" My voice cracks.

I want to die. How am I being the perfect Imperial Princess right now?!

"You can tell me anything that's bothering you." Byleth hugs me tighter in worry.

You're very kind but not right now! That's very sweet of you! But you're going to make me lose my head from conflicting emotions!

Her voice sharpens. "I can start. What were you doing sneaking off?"

I freeze. Before I berate myself, of course she would notice!

"S-Sneaking off? I have no id-!"

Her hands grip mine, their grip breaking my words off.

"Tell the truth." Her words are soft but firm. Kind of like-

"B-Byleth!"

I can't escape! Did she plan this all out?! Do I even want to escape?! Argh?!

Sothis watches me with mirth in her eyes. Divine pulse? I can Divine Pulse out of this!

Byelth stops me with the quiet, unspoken-plea entering her voice. "I can keep a secret."

D-Don't say things like that! The context is gone?! The circumstances?!

My entire persona crumbles underneath her assault.

"I-I t-trust you can!"

I'm going to die here, on a fucking horse with a pretty girl hugging me and whispering sweet nothings into my ear.

"So trust me."

I blush even harder. W-Where does she get all of these wild things to say?!

I blurt out. "I-I simply wanted to see the Red Canyon!"

"..."

It's Technically true!

Byleth seems satisfied with that, leaning back but not completely un-embracing me.

She pats the horse gently on its side. Leaning down with a practiced movement. Wait?! She did that so naturally?! She already knows how to ride a horse?! Of course she can! Jeralt would have taught her-

She pats me on the head. My blush threatens to send me into cardiac arrest. Y-You can't just do that!

I go to reprimand her for her behavior. This is not(not) okay!

"Byl-!"

She strokes my h-head!

"Good girl."

My world collapses.

…

A.N.
Byleth has been diligently studying how to wreck people . A+ tier.

 

[AXCN]

Hot damn, all these little tidbits of the way in which Marigold went about trying to 'fix' Fodlan's fate are amazing. It really shows how in such a place violence will inevitably occur, and even if the outcome is bettar then what existed before inevitably there will be far reaching consequences.

Edit: Wow. A new chapter just as we post a comment. What are the chances. xD

Edit 2, Electric Boogaloo: Hot damn but Byleth has got some serious moves, she just made Edelgard go into a meltdown with two words.

 

[Teiwaz]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Fucking named your kids after Demons for a reason eh Rhea?

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 12: 8th of Wyvern Moon: Nuvelles
…

Sometimes, in life, you should just never talk about something again. Like the time I caught Hubert trying to immolate his face, before he figured out how to use dark magic to scour his face from acne. Or that time I forced him to do the same for my own face.

Magic truly was miraculous in such simple mundane ways.

Naturally, trying to use flames to burn my shame from my memory was not so effective, or miraculous. My knowledge of such didn't stop me from trying. I'm certain that if I believe enough, I could create my simple spell into a memory erasure spell. Or even a time reversal spell?

Sothis smirks. "Oh no no. I am not using my power just so you can relive that moment."

I won't relive it! I only wish to change the fact that I passed out! Oh yeah-And it from ever happening! I can't believe I was outmaneuvered by Byleth! Where did she learn such tactics from! Incredibly dirty tactics! Unfair, unscrupulous! Hot.

That's it. I can't underestimate her! To use such moves simply for the truth of where I went on that night! She didn't even ask me what I did or saw there! What kind of senselessness is that? Is she overly trusting or something?! She even ended with-

Augh! nothing at all!

Good girl. Nothing at all!

Sothis laughs soundlessly, as I twist and turn in my bed.

The words reverberated through my mind.

Causing me to flush wholly from my face to my chest in sheer fucking anger.

How dare she! My ears burned from the memory.

I should march right up to her- No! I should march up right to Jeralt and demand an explanation for his daughter's behavior! And shake his hand-Slap him silly!

I didn't like it! Not at all! Augh!

Next chance I have, I'm going to absolutely tell that woman my mind! Yeah!

Damn right! I'll show her! Somehow! … How?

But for now. I have to focus on my meeting with the current head of house Nuvelle.

And sleep.

"..."

I squirm.

The only solace I have. Is that no one witnessed my shame. "I did." Shut up!

No one.

Only Byleth and I were there.

On a horse. Together.

… I don't think I've ever been so thoroughly defeated. I smile.

Never before- I've defeated countless challengers, slayed assassins easily, and I have never before been bested so thoroughly by anyone. If I lost, I forced a pyrrhic victory from anyone.

Losing is nothing new, But losing like this?

Byleth Eisner, you somehow manage to both follow my expectations and break them entirely.

My heart stirs at the thought of challenging her again, and possibly losing so completely.

Despite the conflict on my mind, for the first time in years, I fall asleep with a smile on my lips.

…

I tie my hair up with my signature ribbons, in a high ponytail today. The humidity as we near the sea made my customary downed hair oppressive. Though, I do let my bangs fall to the side of my face.

With my morning rituals complete, I lift the entrance to my tent, and blink away at the morning rays. Just past dawn, and we're just on the eastern edge of the Brionac Plateau, so there is a beautiful sight of the sun illuminating the world.

A figure soon steps into my view, as I stretch.

"Hello Edelga-"

I flinch, already?! I need some time to prepare myself to face against you! Ah yes! I was blinded by the sun, so I didn't notice you! And the early morning mean's my mind has not fully awakened, so I cannot properly comprehend your words, and assumed there were only the last lingering fragments of some wayward dream!

I finish, my stretch and yawn. Walking away to the smoldering remains of the campfire. Completely blasé. As if I saw and heard nothing. Genius.

Byleth follows. Fuck.

I walk faster… If I busy myself with other tasks, then surely I can regulate my mind properly before properly chastising her! As of now, my weakened mental defenses would crumble against her!

She follows with a hurried pace, attempting to get ahead of me, no doubt to corner me with an apology or use more of her unethical tactics! I'm onto you!

With her longer stride, she'll catch up easily!

I start running- I have no idea what to say to her! Can't you give a girl a moment to properly come up with methods to defeat you?! I would simply verbally attack you! , but for some peculiar reason, I feel that would be too much!

A chase ensues.

Sothis sleeps through it all, while being tugged along by our connection. Her floating body in sleeping form being hurtled through tents and now-awake Black Eagles who watch the chase with confusion.

Byleth speaks just behind me. "Edelgard, why are you running?"

She doesn't even sound out of breath! Both of us are sprinting, and yet her breathing is so even! A spark of competition ignites inside me, compared to my own labored breaths, her calm is angering me. I force myself to sprint faster. I heard nothing! Nothing at all! Don't say my name until the sun has passed its apex!

Sothis yawns and watches the rushing world around her in bleary eyes. "Good Morni- What is?!"

I ignore both, this is a challenge now! I refuse to lose again! I'm unsure of exactly of when this became a competition, but now that it is , I must give it my all!

I also don't look back on the no-doubt, ever-present calm of Byleth's face. That'll just piss me off!

Thankfully, I decided to tie my hair up, and forgo my usual style- I can feel the breeze cool my feverish skin. I'm getting worked up, my heart being forced to beat ever faster to properly supply my body with the strength I need to be faster than Byleth!

Whumpf

I tumble gracelessly, as Byleth tackles me. What the fuck! Can't you let me run away with no explanation?!

My mind works at an insane pace, as my surroundings slow to match the sprint my mind takes. I furiously think of a method to escape the awkwardness that is bound to result, as I roll with Byleth distractingly close again.

Nonchalance! I'll simply feign surprise! Fuck yeah!

As my surroundings begin to speed up, I center myself, mentally, my physical body is still flushed from its exertion. My eyes focus on an interesting necklace that sways free from its usual position on Byleth. A rotating three sided piece, that I can only make out three colors on?

Haah. A fiery breathe escapes me. Or was that her?

We finally finish our roll, and I come out on top of Byleth, who looks nonplussed as ever, if breathing slightly heavier and slightly pinked. Her cobalt eyes are calm and still, but they blink quickly, focusing my attention on them. Oh- Even her eyelashes are dark blue? I cough mentally, not the time to focus on that!

I put as much shock into my voice as I can. "B-Byleth?! Oh I must have not seen you?! Though I will say that tackling someone on their essential morning run-"

She pushes a soft object into my babbling mouth. I stare into the black beads of a cu-Fierce bear? Is it armored? Why would a soft plush toy be armored? The gap between it's strong appearance and its adorably fat and soft features distract me.

Tonelessly. "For you."

I-I… What?

No more importantly?! I lift myself on my left as I use my right to push away the- sweet- if completely wrong for this situation gift!

"Byleth Eisner what do you thi-?!"

She pushes another vibrant object into my face before I even begin to start a legendary tirade upon her!

"You enjoy red flowers right?" That same calm voice?!

What are you even doing!?Where are you keeping these ridiculous things?! And yes, I do like Carnations, but those are also mixed in with various red species you clearly just picked out of the ground?! And isn't that Lorenz's rose?!

I'm gentler than before, pushing away her second distraction, careful not to damage the already likely wilting flowers. My glare into her eyes, does nothing to deter her smile.

My voice is quiet, dangerous. "Just what do you believe you are doing?"

Showering me with all these gifts, chasing me down. If I cannot divine her purpose on my own, I will directly address the source.

She replies, still with that irritating calm in her voice. "Would you like a headpat?"

For a moment, my vision goes red from anger-No that's only my cheeks showing my rage at my understanding! I see! She's using common tricks that work on household pets to sooth me!

My voice edges with a frightening force. "B-y-l-e-t-h. I am not a common animal you can coax with treats!"

She fails to shrink away, and instead only nods. "Right."

"And furtherm-"

"You're Edelgard. And you deserve nice things."

My mind blanks.

What in the absolute fuc-

I… I can't say anything to that.

"You really are too ignorant. I'm the Imperial Heir... nice things? you... How silly."

I lift myself off Byleth, trying to be careful not to unduly touch her legs.

I stand, shadowing the sun.

Offering my hand to Byleth, to help her off the ground. She takes it, and I sadly smile. Gripping her hand, and using the force of lifting her and her own easy stand, I pull her past me to stand in the sunlight.

"I have to continue my path, could you wake up the Black Eagles for me?" I cannot help but nearly say more than I should.

She nods hesitantly, perplexed at my sudden shift.

"Take care of them, please."

I walk away from the shocked woman. Slowly increasing in speed, beginning into a jog, then a run.

Deserve nice things? Would you still say that, if you knew the truth? That I was planning on plunging this entire continent into a war?

This present mission, is in service of that… I cannot forget my path.

My steps fall onto the weathered, but sturdy stone of the plateau. I can almost hear the splash of blood instead.

Sothis doesn't say a word. But her silent judgement goes ignored.

I press on regardless.

…

I had heard that the entire area and people located around the ancestral home of the Nuvelles were devastated in the opening of the war. The war between Dagda-Brigid and the Empire. Only ashes of the former territory left after one final explosion that obliterated the Mansion overlooking the sea.

There were still traces left of that war. The ground under the flora being ashen. Young saplings, showing the total destruction of the previous forest.

As the Black Eagles strode through the former village that had been converted into a graveyard, we could hear the cries and shouts of joy from the new village that was situated even closer to the port. Just beyond the scars of the past, a glimmering new reality awaited us.

The fortified and half constructed Castle that was being built on the hill, where the mansion of the Nuvelles used to live. It proved that the Nuvelles had not died. That they had survived and more than that thrived. To live through their tragedy and build upon the ashes , to cut a path to their own future.

I needed the support of people such as that. If I was to cut a path to my ideal world, then I needed to follow their example and more than that, I needed to blaze my own future.

Constance von Nuvelle was unsarcastically silent as we descended from the plateau and through the graves.

No one questioned her of her feelings, tacitly understanding her grief. Even Caspar stopped his boisterous attitude. Petra tried to hide behind the rest of the Black Eagles, But still did not shy away from witnessing it all. Lindhardt understood the gravitas and did not sleep through it. Byleth for the first time I saw her, was out of her depth and hesitated to offer comfort, ultimately being stopped by Ferdinand.

…

"My dearest daughter! You have finally returned from Garreg Mach!"

"Fathe-"

A blonde man with long wavy locks, also pulled into a high updo, wrapped his arms around his daughter. With absolutely none of the normal show of decorum that nobility would have them do.

The paragon of nobility, Ferdinand, only tears up at witnessing such a moment. Even Hubert cracks a smirk. I smile at the heartwarming scene myself. Repressing my thoughts of my own father for now.

"Ah. Where are my manners! Constance, would you introduce me to your friends?"

"Father! Cease your inappropriate joking! You obviously know why they are here!"

"I seem to recall something of that nature, but my daughter bringing her friends over is far more important! I see that the young Aegir is among this distinguished, group- Hmmm? Where is Hapi? I would have thought she may have come to visit again? Or Mercedes? "

"In your old age, you have only grown more embarrassing!"

Constance huffs, and puffs, but the smile playing on her lips shows her affection clearly.

"Anyway, I shall introduce you, This is the Imperial Princess, and the Black Eagles of Garreg Mach. To all, here is my father, Jules von Nuvelle. Greatest of our house!"

"Ohohoh- I believe that title goes to you my daughter!"

"Then we shall be both the greatest of our House! Ohohoho!"

My smile wavers. I have a sudden phantom headache. There's a terrible feeling that they're somehow feeding off each other's ridiculousness, to become even worse. I desperately ignore the stars twinkling in Ferdinand's eyes. I am unable to even see them, but the feeling of sheer admiration radiating off of him is unavoidable.

Hubert and I share a sigh, as the Nuvelles continue their haughty laughter. No, the entire class shares a sigh.

…

The Black Eagles are assigned to help out with the building of defenses and various constructions on the port.

I wipe the humidity from my face. Strange. There's a rather glaring amount of Dagdans and Brigidians, here. Constance barely spares them a second glance. To accept the peoples that fought them? The Nuvelle harbor has always been the bridging point between the Empire and it's easternmost neighbors. But still…

I take a short break to sip on some water, and take the time to survey my classmates.

Petra has taken to the work with gusto, mingling easily with her countrymen, and easing into a more relaxed state. In contrast, Hubert glowers at everyone who dares to even look in her direction. Softie.

Bernadetta meanwhile, is a little out of place on where to help. But, cautiously and stammering the whole way, she helps direct the architectural managers on where to best place some flora, or liven up the drab stone with designs. Ferdinand loudly assisting her and shocking her to death. Whenever he finishes drawing up with chalk a set position of her ideas.

Lindhardt is more animated than I've ever seen, with him earnestly and rapidly describing the varieties of fish to Byleth, who nods. Showing a twinkle in her eye as she brings up a fishing rod from somewhere.

I guess that's our dinner?

Caspar and Dorothea, surprisingly, are working together to lift the building-blocks of stone to their proper designated locations. Well more Dorothea orders around Caspar with mirth. If it wasn't so damn effective, I would step in.

I place a brick and smooth it over with a hardening paste to secure it into place. Slowly forming into a wall, from my efforts. Building up the foundation for the future? By hand? It's a rewarding feeling, and my own worries fall to the wayside in the face of visible work.

Perhaps, it does not build up the experience and fighting ability of my peers. But learning to create instead of destroying… That is much more important for them.

…

We break for a meal in what seems like no time at all, and while everyone is filthy with dust and smells like the pure salt from the sea breeze. The meal is still happy and relaxed.

Naturally, I break off to speak to the Head of House Nuvelle while I have a chance to.

Meeting in his office, on the first floor of his half-constructed castle, I ignore my urge to close the open window. Hubert will ensure that no one hears of my conversation with this man.

The Nuvelle head begins. "...So you have finally decided to reveal why you chose to visit my territory?"

I easily deflect it with flattery. "As expected, It looks like your years in hiding have not dulled the edge you need for politics."

"Hardly, I just understand that the Imperial Princess who suffered under the Insurrection of the Seven would not so willingly help one of the Houses that collaborated with such an undertaking."

Curious. "You claim to understand as such… yet I see the people who destroyed your territory helping to rebuild it?"

"Brigid and Dagda may have started the war, but we more than returned the favor. Keeping old grudges after so long… Well, I can't let my daughter upstage me so thoroughly."

Looking out the window to the sea, he frowns.

"And they were not my true foes… So what True Foes are you seeking, Edelgard von Hresvelg?"

I respond without missing a beat. "The excesses and corruption of the Empire's puppeteers."

"And you seek me out for assistance? My apologies, but I cannot in good conscience lend you my aid. I simply do not care for engaging in a bloody coup."

"Not again you mean?"

A harsh laugh erupts from the man. "You don't mince your words whatsoever. No, Not again."

"Then do not do so, and live in fear. Or you can help me right your wrongs."

The nobles were always looking for a chance to gain more power and territory, and the Nuvelle's was hotly contested for. I'm sure that some still hunger for it.

Jules von Nuvelle stares me down. "Ms. von Hresvelg. I do not have the political might to back you. The Nuvelles may be a reinstated noble house, but we're shunned in the courts. Neither the current power or the loyalists to the crown care for us."

"I don't need your political might, I only need your own strength, to help me wrestle the power away from those I must also ally with."

I reveal a slight hint of plans-

He hums. "If you plan on couping the Prime Minister… Bergliez and Hevring? The financial and military hands of the Empire? How audacious. "

He must have understood if I was willing to go to him for assistance, I would similarly not shy away from others.

I speak with a forceful tone.

"I only do what is necessary. If you are still hesitating, let me persuade you. When I become Emperor. I will not punish and crush the houses that have rebelled against my father. I am no tyrant seeking vengeance, instead I seek to lead the Empire into a brighter future. One that does not see it fall by the greed and weakness of it's current leaders."

Jules von Nuvelle stands. A wide smile graces his face. Removing years off the man.

"I recognize that look in your eyes! You look to be the very image of my friend! Very well! Take my aide as me passing on the favor! One good hand to another is more invaluable than all my lost fortunes. That is what I learned in my humility!"

He laughs uproariously "Ohohoho! Really, what is an old man such as myself doing? I'll leave the Empire to you, The last Imperial Daughter. My power may be insignificant and but a shallow tide compared to the strength of your other allies. Yet I must sincerely ask, leave this to only myself!"

I see.

I speak warmly. "Of course, Your daughter is innocent of any wrongdoing done by the Nuvelles in the past. With your power, I can ensure that the Bergliez and Hevring do not gain power. With your assistance I can ensure that the Empire is not lost to greed or corruption again."

He relaxes slightly.

"What a strange Emperor you are. Nothing like your father. Yet you carry his eyes. But that conviction in them… to sacrifice even your revenge. But not sacrifice your ideals…"

I raise an eyebrow. "Sacrificing my ideals, would be akin to sacrificing myself."

I cannot sacrifice my ideals without losing myself. I cannot lay down my convictions without dying.

El died in that dungeon with her siblings. Only Edelgard von Hresvelg, only the Flame Emperor remains.

I walk out of the office.

I hear as I leave. "Do not be so sure of that, Edelgard von Hresvelg!"

…

A.N.
Byleth uses gift giving. It's super effective! Edelgard uses angst. Byleth is confused!

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 13: 15th of Wyvern Moon: Flight or Fight
…

"In the Tenth Month of the Imperial Calendar, it is said that wyverns flock south to lay their eggs and raise their young in the warmer climates. Naturally, Garreg Mach's own wyverns were no exception to their most deeply rooted natural instinct. And so the Academy utilized a long-held trade route with the Empire to allow wyverns to roost in the Morgaine Ravine. But when the Southern Church rebelled long ago? Wyverns from Garreg Mach were forced to flock to artificially heated locations secreted in the Oghma Mountains."

Professor Seteth sharply raps a blackboard. Pointing out the noticeable difference of anatomy between a wild wyvern and a 'domesticated' one.

"Such accommodations like that, ones that disrupt the normal flight patterns of a biological creature. Can cause undue stress and even with our most expensively curated meals designed for their diet, it does us no good if said creatures are not comfortable to eat."

He pauses.. Looking over the students in his flying seminar. "Of course, this is the widely accepted reason for why Wyverns bred in captivity are smaller than their wild counterparts. But… What if a wyvern did eat properly? Would the change in it's environment still affect it's growth? These are questions you should think on, especially if you are considering taking your flying ability to it's natural conclusion. And even if you are not seeking to soar above the clouds, then understanding how to deal with a dangerous animal's behavior; both the wild's and tamed's will serve you well in trade and military matters."

The heir of the Galatea raises her hand, in question. "Are pegasi under similar traits? Or are they more similar to.. Well horses?"

Professor Seteth looks delighted upon hearing the question. "Thank you for asking! While my knowledge on pegasi is far less comprehensive than my knowledge of wyverns, after all, they are very different creatures. I will say that pegasi are not so affected by being bred and tamed. Beyond a few legendary outliers, that are more akin to the mythical stories of untamable horses, most pegasi are in no way different in ability or size from their wild counterparts."

Anticipating the next question, he chuckles.

"Though I imagine taming a wild pegasi is much more harrowing of a tale, than attempting to tame a wild stallion."

A bell sounds off in the distance, The Nabatean easily and calmly handling his class's dismissal. Sothis jerks at the sound stopping herself from amusing herself by trying to speak at Seteth.

Why was I attending such a seminar? Hmph, reconciling with my own short stature and it's likely lack of significant growth, I was searching for a solution to quickly traverse distances on the battlefield. In the past, Hubert and I had used the aid of the Agarthan's advanced warping, but those secrets were lost now. A sacrifice I had not made, yet one I felt completely at ease with.

And Hubert's secretive excavation of the Lake of Heart was being waylaid by the water there. I held little hope for finding anything of value, the Javelins of light likely had completely obliterated anything of a documentary nature. But.. any advantage at all would be more than necessary.

Really though-

A legendary pegasus? Ha. It would be better for me to attempt taming a wild wyvern instead. At least those tales did not involve the Mare trampling the brazen soul to death. Wild Wyverns only devoured you with no true malice.

For now, putting future plans to rest, I'll be content proving my strength in the inter-house sword tournament.

"A tournament? I must admit my interest in watching children fight each other for sport is lacking."

Ignoring the Goddess's boredom because she couldn't participate either as a child.

I had no need of my own finances, as did none of the well-provided for students of the Academy, and their weaponry was supplied easily by the school. Really, the only solution they could come up with to entice such competitions was a lovingly crafted owl feather inking set?

Yet… I want it. Owls are cool.

And apparently so did everyone else who knew to use a blade wanted one. Even some who did not use a blade.

"Oh jeez… I knew you kids liked owl feathers, but seriously?"

Marigold scratches his head. "Am I allowed to compete? I was hoping to gift something for Seir…"

He looks at Jeritza , who merely shrugs, and says nothing. "Ugh. Is that a yes or no?"

An eerie voice slips out from the pale haired man. "...By the hands of fate you have been led-"

"Snap out of it, look there's Mercedes over there"

Jeritza snaps to attention, breaking off from sinking into his Death Knight persona. And wildly searches for his estranged sister. Seeing nothing, he glares at Marigold.

"You must be getting hungry for a damn fight, if you nearly slipped up here. Why don't both you and I enter then?"

I hesitate in stepping in. Jeritza… was a broken blade- liable to cut wildly and without restraint. I knew employing such a man with such a fractured dangerous mentality, could very well one day end with him killing me. But allowing him to be executed for killing his own father in true self-sacrifice for his family was something I could not allow.

Sometimes he did need to kill, a second personality arising in him that thirsted for blood. If not sated, it would slip out in the least opportune moments searching for a duel. He must have been barely sustaining himself off the nearby bandits and demonic beasts, but now? I suppose he finally cleared them out.

His gravelly voice speaks to all. "If you can pose any challenge to me, I don't see it."

"Fighting words? What are we, the kids? Trash talk is just that. Trash."

"Heh. Then prove your life with your blade."

Finding a poor Knight of Seiros who was only minding her own business, Jeritza strides over to her and demands that both he and Marigold enter the tournament.

Interesting.

Perhaps I may face some serious competition after all. Jeritza is a formidable foe, even without his bloodlust, and Marigold himself was feared in the Imperial Army. I believe Marigold would be quite distressed to learn that he's the utter terror of the entire infantry and general command. What was the saying? 'If you see a shadow of red, you're already dead'

Hilarious. The army was exaggerating of course, he only crippled the invading force in Dagda. And we also wear red. Fucking morons. But I guess crippled for life didn't fit.

…

I slash through another weak Knight of Seiros. My wooden training sword breaks through his guard and sends him crashing down onto the packed sand of the Arena. Sheathing my blade with a flourish, I allow the man to gather his wounded pride and slink away.

How insulting, to send the newest recruits to the students.

I had already done the same to a general student of the Monastery. It's a quality feature to allow the general students to one day move into Officer's Academy if they do well enough, that is how Dorothea entered, but some were clearly not up to par. Why does everyone want an owl feather inking set?!

I walk off the packed sand, onto the slightly raised stone walkways. The next fight is bound to be interesting, Lysithea stands by me, sulking slightly after losing to Jeritza.

She whines to me. "Ugh. I can't believe it. I didn't even get a chance to show off my newest combat art."

I comfort her. Barely resisting my urge to ruffle her hair. "You had the misfortune to be placed against Jeritza. Honestly, I am unsure if I could have done any better in your place."

"Does he even receive payment by the Monastery? It's not like he really trains anyone. Not like the Professors." She muses.

I cough. I was the one to persuade the Academy to allow him entry, and yet… There was no position for him to teach. The Immaculate one stepped down to personally teach combat, and then he was further made obsolete by Byleth's own instructions.

What did he do here? …be menacing? I had hoped the Monastery would slowly heal his past, but… if he spends all his time being generally terrifying to approach and brooding-

A bell sounds, interrupting my ideas on how to help the man.

…

Man it's been a while since I've fought someone with so much bloodlust.

Christ alive, chill my man.

I twirl my wooden blade. Not on fire this time. Shame.

Jeritza von Hrym says nothing and simply slices the air in front of him to test his wooden sword.

The referee of this match calls out to us. "Are you both ready?" Stepping off the sand, she readies a whistle.

"Nope, but sure lets' do this."

"Yes."

Yeah. Someone needs to fight this guy before he snaps on someone. Likely Byleth.

I can hear the growl in his voice. I smile at his permanent frown.

Whistle.

Parry, Jeritza lunges at me with the speed of a thunderbolt. I easily deflect off his sword and spin around him. Dodge. Punch his wrist and go for a knockout. He fails to drop his blade and instead leaps back to sweep up a dust cloud. Slash through it. Meeting his blade as expected, his reckless charge being countered by my now-draconic strength.

"You have to try harder than a dirty trick!"

Usually I say talking in battle is a sin, but he's not really fighting, he's just testing the waters right now.

He doesn't respond and instead only strikes again and again against my blade. Jesus. Okay, maybe he's a little serious.

I smirk. Alright then. I switch hands. Kicking him away. I remove my coat while he watches me warily. Might as well stop wasting time.

"Sorry, Why don't we both try our best to kill each other. That's the only way you'll be satisfied isn't it?"

"... If you are so willing to die , then so be it."

You say that but, I see that manic grin. One killer to another. But smiling in battle tends to scare off people. I grin to match it.

He places a mask onto his face. Very Lord of Flies of you. If I had my own edgy ass mask I would be twinning with you. But I already took off my Hiratsuka Shizuka-expy coat.

An unspoken second passes. He snaps open his eyes and we both lunge.

Our blades meet at the very point of the blade and I try to force his blade upwards to leave him open, but he stabs through my leverage to just miss my shoulder as I dodge it. I elbow his arm out of position to create an opening for me to attack downwards with my sword.

He kicks me. But, his leg hits my prepared knee, And I send a brutal kick to his own knee. A grunt escapes him. And a cruel light enters his eyes.

A wild savagery overtakes him and he slams his hilt painfully onto my shoulder blade. In retaliation, I stomp his exposed knee.

I roll backwards to avoid his agonized slash.

"You're too eager."

He lunges again, ignoring his limp left leg. I hastily block it. My improper block, allows him cut past it and stab just missing my face, cutting my cheek even with the wood. Why the fucking left cheek?! I should have absolutely gone for an edgy mask!

I duck under his arm and roll my arm over his own and twist it upwards.

Forcing his elbow into a joint lock.

"Like I fucking said! Too eager!"

He only growls in response.

Jeritza flips the sword in his hand to stab it downwards. It's a weak move without any leverage. But the sheer speed of his flip and short stab cuts through my shirt's back, lightly grazing my skin.

I throw him off me.

His manic grin has worn into bared teeth. Shaking off his limp leg, he switches hands. Looks like I managed to damage his elbow a little more than I thought.

I watch him warily. Wait. Am I the baddie? I did just break his knee? Shit, sorry healers.

Taking up a fencer's stance, he slowly circles me.

I don't flip my sword into reverse grip, I'm no assassin. Plus I heard that's dumb. But I do wield a sword like a long dagger. Huh. Nevermind, I flip the blade. I'm dumb anyway.

I sprint at him and do an overhead slash. Which is easily countered by his sword stabbing at my exposed chest. Twisting into a roll, I fall to the other side of my strike. Avoiding his following stabs. I switch hands again during my roll and surprise him with a stab that he barely deflects. Now! I switch hands again, and come at him with another strike, following up with devastating punches I know could break his jaw. I alternate quickly between both hands, forcing him onto the defensive, Wow this is pretty cool-

His other hand?! Gripping onto my shirt, he drags me into his blade and slashes me from hip to shoulder. I barely stop his sword from breaking my ribs with my reflexive hand.

Both of us ignore the referee calling out for a stop.

My own sword can only weekly jab at his head, which slides off his mask.

Footwork!

I step into his stance, and trip him. Keeping my hold on his blade, I ignore it, scraping my hand raw. Twisting it to the side, I kick it off his grip.

Jeritza stares into my eyes as I point my blade at his throat.

"... you!"

"Get it together. If you're feeling bloodthirsty, just come at me with real steel."

Sloppy. He was too bloodlusted to even think.

The man quiets down. Seeing my blood drip down his blade, and he shakily breathes out. It's a less growly noise, so I'll assume that he's not about to go on a murder spree.

"Healers. Make sure to properly set his knee. And his wrist. No -no I'm fine. I have one last fight."

I look over into the lilac eyes of Edelgard. She's hiding something.

…

I didn't back down from Marigold's glare. He frowned at that, but moved off to let the next match take place.

Lysithea had gasped and complained when Marigold had broke Jeritza's knee, but I stopped her from interfering.

"We're not animals! What did those two think they were doing fighting like that?!"

I respond to her rhetorical question. "I believe it's more of a consequence of two very different combat methodologies. Jeritza is well versed in the Imperial swordsman skills, and the vantage point of a horse while wielding a lance, but Marigold is well experienced in rushing in with a knife and defeating those exact types of warriors. A bad matchup for Professor Jeritza."

"...That is not what I meant, and you know it, They were fighting to kill. In a tournament."

Coughing, I try to ignore her accusatory rose-pink gaze. "I cannot say anything about their behavior. But I will say it did seem to be agreed upon by both before they truly began."

I walk down as I say that.

Felix lost to Sylvain? I didn't know Sylvain was also a swordsman. As I pass the red-haired playboy, he stares me down. Opening his mouth, he closes it, before stalking off with his friend to immolate Marigold with only their eyes.

Said man nonchalantly has his coat on, with one hand in his pocket.

"Hey Edie. Referee, would you mind if you don't hear anything for a second?"

"Huh?"

Marigold tosses some earplug at the woman. She slowly puts them in while watching with confusion.

Seeing my look on his strange choice of items to carry on his person. He shrugs and says. "You should try carrying a pair for yourself… Bernadetta may appreciate them."

"That was not my intended question. But I will think on that idea. I'll get to the point, what are you calling me out for?"

He raises an eyebrow, a strange shine in the brow. "Isn't it obvious? You're hiding something. I mean you're always hiding something, but you're feeling guilty over it."

Sothis speaks to me.

"Seiros choose a strange human."

They both chose strange people. "That much we can agree on."

Back to the actual conversation outside of my mind.

I speak, letting my facade fall over myself. "I don't believe it is any of your business of what secrets I keep."

"... True. That is the agreement we made. I'm just wondering if there's a reason you've been avoiding Byleth."

"Are you trying to 'ship' me again?-"

He interrupts me with nonchalance. "That's more Seir than me. Why did you visit Jules?"

Easy answer.

"The Black Eagles could do very well to learn how to create, instead of another mission designed to put down bandits."

"Byleth wouldn't have allowed you to put them down, anyway. But blah-blah. You're not going to tell me the truth anyway… Are you?"

"That is the first thing you have said that is without question."

"... Haaah."

He snaps his fingers in front of the referee. She pulls out the ear plugs before they exchange some words, and she nods. She retreats off the sands and orders the rest of the crowd to also stand back farther.

Marigold states. "Let's just fight."

In response I only ready my blade.

Sothis eyes the conversation warily. "Perhaps you should reveal my presence. All this talking around each other tires me."

I rather keep one ace up my sleeve, so to speak. Marigold has an uncanny ability to know more than he should.

Whistle.

I grit my teeth against the force of his slash, but I flick my blade off his, to thrust at his body.

He easily blocks it, spinning his blade to play a magician's trick on my eyes, before snapping out with a heavy kick I'm unbraced for.

"Too textbook."

"Hah. You really are playing the part of a teacher."

With my rebuttal, I add a heavy downward strike that he handles with a two-handed grip.Before letting my sword slide off his at an angle and punching me in the stomach with the hilt. Expected!

I allow myself to leap backwards with the blow.

He twirls his blade while we circle each other. "Wow those are some abs of steel right there."

"Cease you pointless blather."

"Now you sound like Sei-"

I strike during his words, but my blow fails to find steady purchase. I block another of his tricks. Then we exchange a quick multitude of slashes before I'm forced to disengage as his last strike cracks through my defenses and nearly breaks my wrists.

What a hateful style of combat. To strike at joints… No wonder Jeritza became so incensed at the man. No killing moves.

"Hmm. You might want to look for a shield."

"And you may wish to find a new inking set!" Not my best insult-

I sprint and slide at him. Slashing my blade upwards at his exposed guard.

He kicks my blade away but fails to avoid my feet ramming into his other leg. But stabbing his sword into the ground, he vaults over me. A ridiculous display of strength and flexibility. Annoying.

Even more annoying is his verbal jabs. "Being more tricky won't make up for that lacking strength. Face it Edelgard, you need allies."

Spring up from the ground I raise my blade. "Speak plainly. Clearly you have something to say."

"Hmph, sure. Honestly, you're more arrogant than Seir. Fine, I'll say it. Stop distancing yourself from the Black Eagles."

"That is my own choice." I clash against his blade, matching his strength with my own. And with the sharpness of a silver sword, I whisper. "I will not betray them anymore than I already have to. Your naivety is astounding."

His crimson eyes burn into mine. "Then you'll fail, you'll fail your dreams. You'll fail and fall to your ideals."

My blade starts to weakens under his impossible strength. "Then so be it! But with my failure I will still force my ideal to the end!"

"Goddammit! Stubborn and unyielding doesn't mean being a martyr! "He shouts suddenly. Increasing his strength until my wooden sword begins shaking.

I shout-whisper back, with razor sharp intensity. "Then what of you! Haven't you given up?! Staying in this monastery! Playing the happy ending! Did you not take responsibility for your wife's sins!"

My sword begins to slowly push back his own.

Struggling to find a response to my words, his sword shakes. But then he rebuttals with conviction.

"Taking responsibility for her sins, doesn't mean not taking responsibility of my own life!"

The wooden blades begin to creak under the pressure.

He further bears down. "So take up your own goddamn Responsibility! And lead the Black Eagles!"

My blade shatters under the activation of the Crest of Seiros. Forcing me onto my knees.

A wooden blade with cracks in it but still whole, is placed at my neck.

I can only glare up at Marigold.

Take responsibility for them? Haven't I been doing that by distancing myself?

He speaks to me. Quietly but the words seem to echo in my ears. "The Edelgard I met in the Imperial Palace was willing to fight a god. And you know what? She was only thirteen."

A bark of laughter. "What's a god compared to some bloody honesty? Face your friends with the truth of who you are."

He stares at his cracked blade. For a moment I see his hands shaking.

"It's not that fucking easy. How could I ask them to…" My thoughts fall out of my mouth.

He sighs. "...You may walk into hell, You may walk in knee-deep blood…. But you shouldn't walk alone. Then you'll only become a monster worse than you could ever imagine through your ideals."

He sees my unrelenting appearance- I always knew I would become a monster. So he continues.

"Of course it isn't easy. But is it harder than betraying who you are? You can't help but want to help them right?"

Sothis adds. "He is correct on that. It would be a betrayal of your nature to let your fledglings be."

Was... I wrong?

My mind can't come up with a morally/ethically/easy/correct choice.

So instead I just stare, and say nothing.

I watch as crimson flows from his hands. Staining his wooden sword and filling in the cracks. A red sword. A red knight. The once-nightmare of blood that terrifies my army. My Black Eagles. Who Bernadetta is both hateful and gracious towards. Who Dorothea mistrusts and analyses constantly for deceit. Who Caspar fears and wants to fight. Who Lindhardt is watchful of. Who Hubert loathes. Who Ferdinand has no idea how to interact with. Who Petra is grateful to.

Who…walks away from me.

If… if I do diligently and honestly try to guide them… what would happen? Facing their scorn from my betrayal would be easier for both them and I, f I do not guide them.

But… am I not lying to myself? Wouldn't I try to help those idiots anyway?

"I forfeit. That idiot needs an apology gift for Byleth anyway."

…

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 14: 16th of Wyvern Moon: Task Failed Successfully
…

There were often a set of circumstances that forced an apology. People conflict, that is simply the nature of humanity. Conflict is inherent in the world. You can't have a relationship without inevitably falling into conflict. Sometimes this conflict, can be playful or exasperated as such my own relationships with Hubert's secretive nature, and his own caution vs. my straightforward methodology. Another example would be Ferdinand constantly making everything into a competition, it's obvious he sees conflict as a natural way to improve himself and others. Yet, when in conflict, a relationship can suffer as a result of that conflict. The fault can be one-sided or on both parties involved, or more, but regardless of number. A mistake causes a rift in that relationship.

I'm not so arrogant to believe I have never made a mistake… but apologizing forthrightly has never been my strong suit. Not exactly at least. If it was a mistake in actions, it's quite easy to apologize. But if it's something like this? When I know I am both in the wrong and the right? The difficulty of saying words I don't fully mean presents itself.

In hindsight, avoiding someone simply because they said kind words to me is childish and embarrassing, but when I take into context the future, allowing someone to try and become a friend… seems disingenuous.

Yet… subconsciously I've been avoiding that haven't I?

My brother, Dimitri, and my found sister-in-all-but-blood Lysithea. Haven't I already formed important and devastating relationships with them?

Despite knowing fully well, I intend to conquer the Kingdom and the Alliance to overthrow the entire nobility.

Just as I have avoided seeing that, I have so avoided Byleth in a weak attempt to distance myself.

I really am still so weak. Still so human. I cannot help but reach out for others to ease my loneliness.

What of Hubert then? Did he not swear to follow me down on this past no matter the personal cost? How can I say I am lonely when he is at my service. Exactly the issue. At my service.

Hubert and I cannot exist alone. Our bond may be inseparable from life, but we need equals in our relationship. And he's unfortunately, utterly dedicated to me. Far more than I could dedicate myself to him.

I can only dedicate myself to my ideals.

While Hubert tries to also avoid the fact-with his harsh criticisms-, the fact that he's already quite attached to the Black Eagles.

Well. If my loyal friend has already fallen to his weakness, then I may as well join him.

There's weakness in humans, but the strength of bonds are only made more precious by their fragility. Partings do not erase the past,as even with my own memory, the past stays with us.

I had completely forgotten of the true identity of that boy who gave me the courage to live on in the darkness, but his dagger stayed with me. And then it led me to his owner, unchanged and still foolishly naive and earnest.

What a long ramble of my thoughts. I have completely forgotten on what I was meant to think on.

How to apologize.

Hmm.

Would Byleth actually appreciate this owl feather inking set? Maybe another complimentary gift would enhance the apology. Flowers?

Somehow I feel as I have spurned a lover in some operatic comedy.

No, that would be too much of a promiscuous implication with such gifts. Byleth and I are not romantically involved.

We are… friends?

I groan into my hands. I had no idea relationships would be so hard! Now I am committed to no longer distancing myself. It somehow has only made the entire experience more painful and embarrassing!

What if my nearly fortnight long avoidance of Byleth has completely soured our bond!

Did I as Dorothea once put it. 'Ghost her?' What does that even mean?!

There's only one solution. Pretend nothing happened? What coward am I?

I would fucking fistfight the Goddess!

"...I am right here."

I will simply apologize with the full bearing and majesty of Edelgard von Hresvelg! And I will not attempt to sweeten the pot with gifts! I shall take the result without faltering!

"You are a fooooooool"

Shut up Sothis!

…

"Lady Edelgard, while I hesitate to question your proclivities… You do realize that hiding in a bush, waiting to ambush the Professor is… Suffice to say. This is a new low for us."

"Shush. We must remain vigilant! Now I believe that she usually dines at this hour, and then goes fishing. When you see her approach, make sure to distract Jeralt before they can start fishing."

Hubert rolls his eyes, but nods. Excellent. A dual pronged maneuver, I take Byleth and Hubert takes Jeralt.

"Edelgard. I am in confusion then why I am also here?"

"Petra, you were in this bush before we were…"

Hubert agrees. "Indeed."

Petra hums. "Hmm. I will need to work on that humour. I was attempting to joke."

I sigh. Her shining eyes make it clear she's simply waiting for one of us to ask.

"Why are you in this bush."

The Brigidian Princes beams at us, and I see Hubert visibly recoil for the purity of that smile. "I am in wait!"

I oblige her leading question. "Wait? Wait for what?"

Byleth pokes her head in the bush.

"Me. Thanks Petra."

Hubert and I freeze like startled rabbits. Petra stands up and high fives Byleth. "You are in welcome! I shall go practice fishing with your father then!"

In the spaces between the branches of the bush, I see Petra lightly jog over to Jeralt, who's looking at this entire scene with sheer exasperation. His eyes are full of pity as they catch my own helpless eyes. Don't simply mouth 'good luck' and wash your hands of the entire affair! You son of a-

Hubert and I silently communicate in the span of a second. Okay, we can still salvage this! A strange smile appears on his face- Don't you even fucking think about it!

He stands and bows. "Professor, please excuse our strange location, you see Lady Edelgar-"

I hurriedly rush to close his traitorous mouth- Is this because you somehow knew I was teasing you in my mind again?!- and speak out before he can. "Edelgard was only.. Only looking for lost items! Really, you inspired me Byleth-"

Cobalt eyes reveal nothing. Her face is also similarly devoid of emotion.

My voice dies in the face of such blankness.

Hubert takes that as his chance to escape from my grip and dives out of the bush.

"Lady Edelgard, Professor. I really must be going, busy matters and all. I have things to do, such as anything but be caught up in this."

Spotting Ferdinand, he grimaces but slinks off to him and begins a conversation with him! To leave me and even go to Ferdinand?!

Sothis floats by towards, them. "I shall also go-"

I always knew the Goddess would abandon me.

…

Now alone, I'm forced to acknowledge Byleth's' dead calm.

Staring into endless eyes of blue. I shiver.

"Byleth.... I must apologize for... I'm sure you know. " My words are barely whispers. We did it, mission accomplished let's fucking run for the hills.

Byleth says nothing.

Does she want me to say more?! I can't tell at all?! It's as if she is waiting for a satisfactory answer like that time on the hor-

"I apologise!" There I said it louder! Augh! I want to bury my head in the ground and never see the sun ever again!

Still she says nothing, only watching with an impassive face.

Surely you do not wish for me to say the direct action of what I need to say sorry for?! That would be too cruel?!

"..."

A stare off ensues as neither of us crumble in our actions. She waits. And I wait even harder!

I refuse to blink first! I have already lost my pride, I cannot lose this match either! And saying anything more would have my lost pride fall into the ground and die an ignoble death!

Stare.

How fascinating, she really does have dark blue eyelashes.

My eyes begin to water slightly from the exposure to air, but I keep them steady onto her pupils.

I don't see a hint of moisture in her own eyes, but my own have started to slightly blur.

I resist the urge to wipe the offending liquid from my eyes. That would be admitting weakness, and I cannot lose here!

It's a standoff. Sure my neck is angled upwards, but my height is not relevant here!

Huh, does she have a permanent pink resting just below her eyes? That would be interesting to paint in, maybe the slightest hint of pink to bring out her cobalt more. She really is quite attractive, no wonder so many have been charmed by her.

She blinks.

HA!

I blink furiously in victory! That was close, my eyes must be red from the strain now! But I have achieved my goal. Alright that about finishes that, I should really go retrieve some manner of eye drops-

"Edelgard. Is that all you have to say to me?"

Danger! I feel danger. Her first words to me in nearly a fortnight are so cold!

"Is there… is there more I should say?"

She pouts. Her entire face slightly curving downwards, incredibly resembling a disappointed puppy that has been left on the streets of Enbarr and that I need to immediately care for and nurse back to health. Wait did that actually happen?

"Papa was right. You are an idiot." Excuse fucking me?!

That feeling of worry for her disappears in a flash.

Replaced with indignation from being called an idiot by- by! this-this idiot!

"Well that's just incorrect! And you are the idiot!"

She shakes her head. "Idiot."

"There is only one idiot here!"

Byleth nods. "Yes. You."

"No it's you!"

"Wrong"

"What's wrong is you calling me an idiot!"

"An idiot would avoid me." She adds. "For no reason"

"There was a reason! I simply am unable to share it!"

"What reason."

Fuck. I trapped myself!

I blurt out anything that comes to mind. "You only need to know it was a highly important and meaningful reason and that avoiding you wasn't without deliberation and hesitation on my own part!"

"...Dumb."

I can't even! Before I can make a crushing verbal attack-

Byleth opens her arms. What is that supposed to mean? Are you saying I'm that much of an idiot?!

She speaks. "Now we've made up."

No we haven't?! How is that making up?! Where have you learned such things?!

Byleth wiggles her arms. As if to say, come over here.

I blush angrily. "I have not the faintest idea, why you believe we are 'made up' now. But I don't believe a h-hug is necessary!"

She rolls her eyes, and hugs me anyway.

…Hugs are nice. They're squishing on me?! I feel both delighted and crushed for some reason?!

I awkwardly pat her back. Or more her ridiculous cloak-jacket. Oh, it's surprisingly soft.

Wait.

I should say something meaningful here.

"I suppose I should thank you for forgiving me so easily…Even if it was utterly confusing and idiotic." Nailed it.

From atop my shoulder, Byleth speaks softly. "You talk too much."

"And you don't talk enough." Honestly, it is difficult to interpret her words, especially off so little. Maybe that is why she is able to charm so many, by being able to simply listen…

Still I'd rather her say more.

...

For a moment both of us are content to simply be quiet and enjoy the strange reconciliation.

I interrupt the moment however.

"This hug is lovely, if a little long…"

She sighs, but doesn't disentangle herself. Is this my punishment? Instead of avoiding her , I am forced to endure extremely close proximity to her?

How soft-hearted for a mercenary. I squirm slightly.

"Does this mean you consider me to be a friend?" Embarrassing to ask, but it needed to be said.

She may irritate me and anger me to no end, but I do think I sincerely enjoy her presence.

"...idiot."

Is that a yes or no?!

…

 

[ArtemisAvant]

A.N.
Jeralt swears off total responsibility of Byleth's weirdness. Completely ignoring the fact he seduced a nun.

Alternate chapter title: Byleth realizes Edelgard is a moron.

Canon Edelgard: doesn't realize her feelings until her teacher disappears for five years and then becomes a lovesick weirdo. Also in other routes, falls for a random mercenary who saves her from her own attack. Despite never interacting with her at length… Looking at you Verdant Wind. So we can't even say she fell for Byleth because she protected her from Rhea.

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Interlude IV: Brightest Flame
…

Fish.

Today, Flayn wanted to host a fishing tournament. Seteth shot that down though. So instead, I'm fishing with Flayn.

Stupid Seteth, a fishing tournament sounded fun.

I hum.

Flayn hums along with me.

Oh. A fish. I pull it in.

Flayn gasps and claps. "Byleth! We have only just begun and you have already caught a fish?"

I pat her he- Hmm. Her hair is a little weird to pat. I hold my fishing rod with one hand. My other waiting for a high five.

Flayn looks at my hand. Then looks at my face. I try my best to tell her with my eyes.

She doesn't understand it. Awww. I thought that family members could communicate by eyesight normally? Papa does. Seiros and Luke have trouble though… Maybe because Flayn is my… cousin? Auntie? Aunty.

"Aunty. High five."

"Byleth? But… Aunty? By Grandmother, you really are a peculiar person. And what is a high five?"

I stick my Fishing rod between my legs, and show her with my own hands. Clap.

"See?"

"I see!"

Clap.

High five accomplished. A yellow bar in my head lights up for Flayn.

I smile, or a I try to. Too many people have grey bars today for some reason. After I catch this fish I should light up their yellow bars. That seems to make them smile.

I pull in the fish with a splash of water. Ah. I splashed Flayn.

"Byleth! That is an amazing catch!"

I look the Fish in the eye. Hmm. Doesn't look very good to eat.

Kind of small. I remove my hook for his mouth and toss him back in. Oops. I splashed Flayn again. Ah. My own tights got wet.

I dab my amazing jacket-cloak onto Flayn. She thanks me. I tell her she should get her own jacket-cloak.

Hmm. Edelgard has tights too. Maybe I can borrow hers? We can share. Seiros told me that sharing colors was important.

I say goodbye to Flayn. By leaving her without a word and sprinting to my next destination. Papa keeps saying that's rude. But no one cares when I do it? Papa is really weird. Or am I really weird?

..

"Nothing to report!"

I pat Gatekeeper on the head. Helmet.

He preens.

I walk past him.

Hello Khalid.

"Hello Khalid."

"Hey, Teach. Have you seen Hilda? I would have thought she was in the Marketplace, but no sign of her."

I shake my head.

"Haaah. Thanks for looking, You got a little something on your… legs."

I nod.

"Great. You do you… Anyway I gotta get back to looking for Hilda."

I point to the stables.

"The stables? Teach… That's genius! I'll get Marianne to help me!"

Close enough. Not a perfect score today. I make a mark in my head.

I buy from the three people who huddle off the left stairs. I throw my money at them. The G-notes fall to the floor while they scratch their heads.

"Um.. Miss, how are you going to carry all of that?"

"...Magic?"

"Miss, if you're buying gifts for your students again, we can simply deliver them their dormitories?"

I pout. That's not as fun as watching their reactions when I give them gifts personally.

And their yellow bars would light up when I'm not ready.

"Okay." My dead voice shows none of the annoyance I feel. Sometimes my voice is a stranger to me. Maybe I should talk more. But… that's boring. I don't have anything to say.

I'm a simple person compared to my students. Technically they're not my students… but they all call me professor. So.. it's fair? Except Edelgard. But she's an idiot.

Papa said women are confusing, but when I said I'm a woman, he only tried to drink more. Back then, I didn't really get it. I'm not confusing am I?

But Edelgard… I think I get it.

A bell sounds off in the distance. The Morning meal times. I rush over to the dining hall, and slide between Rapheal's legs.

"Ahahaah! Professor that looks so fun." I nod to Rapheal as I pass him in line.

I don't say anything. Because food is a serious business and serious stuff needs to be silent. Right.

Stealthy Byleth. No wait. Stealthy Byleth is for missions. This is Supportive Byleth.

Grabbing my plate of steak and eggs, I grab a second. Oh. Luke baked more muffins. I'll take some.

Apparently Seiros has been feeling a little sick. She's a dragon right? Maybe she's cold? It is Wyvern Moon… And wyverns are just small dragons. I should get her a blanket. Or a jacket-coat.

I look over the dining hall. There.

I sit across from Dimitri.

Hapi yawns into the hall, and plops beside me, laying her head on my shoulder.

"Ah hello Professor! , Miss Hapi-"

"Just call me Hapi. Whatcha eating Chatterbox?"

"Stuff."

"Hmmhm. Stuff right. Mind if I take one of those muffins?"

I nod.

"I'll take that as a no, you don't mind."

I do.

Dimitri looks a little lost. But he takes up his own meal and eats it with a lot of stiffness. Nobles eat a little weirdly, but Papa made sure I ate like them.

Hapi doesn't care at all. Speaking with her mouth full. "Ofwhwh yuhueah, thfwfese are pretty good. Red's getting better."

Dimitri attempts a conversation. "I also enjoy muffins!..." Failure. I should critique him later.

He quiets down. "Umm. Mi-. Hapi you seem rather tired. Is something troubling you?"

Not bad, but not perfect, maybe I don't have to critique him.

Hapi leans on my shoulder. Trying to steal more bites of my food. I block her hands with my fork.

She speaks after she finishes my stolen muffin. "None of your business, ya princeliness. But since I'm nice, It was just us exploring the Abyss. Coco got too excited about some weird carvings."

Dimitri suspends a fork with meat on the air. "The Abyss? I have not heard of such a place."

"Meh. Not surprised. It's pretty much abandoned at this point. Everybody got moved out from Red's fight with Lizzie. Too much structural integrity damage or something. That's' what Coco said at least."

Boring.

"Fascinating."

What's fascinating is that steak you aren't eating.

They talk about other boring stuff, as I finish my meal. Hapi is pretty easy to get along with, when she showed up with a letter for Papa, she fit in easily. I think. Though she's very touchy about her necklace.

I just thought it was shiny. But, she does seem to like me now.

Both Hapi and Dimitri's yellow bars max out.

…

I munch on some popcorn.

"And that is why you should never allow your foe to regather themself. For you see, they may one day become your colleague!"

"Foe? You couldn't beat me if you tried Hanneman!"

"Manuela, do you not see I am instructing our young disciple into proper teaching methods? Why do you not go off and instruct Jeralt on also drowning yourself in drink."

"Your proper teaching methods will only bore the students into tears. And you should speak! Whos' the one who got so drunk he couldn't even find his own room at the Teacher's party!"

"That was a closely guarded secret I trusted-"

I sigh. I only wanted to visit the library. If they are going to argue. Then why don't they just move to flirting.

Isn't that healthier? Oh another lost item.

…

"Tea time?"

"Tch. I'm busy today, ask someone else."

"Tea time?"

"Oh Professor I really can't! I'm meeting Mercie for tea later!"

"Tea time?"

"oh… Dorte was scared by Khalid earlier…"

"Tea Time?"

"Sorry- I have to make sure Sylvain doesn't bash his head in."

"Tea Time?"

"Byleth. We're in the middle of something."

"Leave Fell Sta-"

"Stop it. How did I not know you were this dramatic when I married you."

"Tea time?"

"Oh hey kid. That's reserved for Seir actually."

"Tea time?"

"No time to today! I have to clean up these messes and then see Lysithea!"

"Tea time?"

"Meow." Incredible. Amazing.

"Tea time?"

"Byleth. Are you aware that your.. Stockings are dirtied?"

"We should share."

"Wh-what?! That does not even make an ounce of logical sense!"

"Color sharing."

"I fail to see how that clears up anything… very well. I shall discuss this further with you in a tea party."

Her smile is nice. But she's a little too silly. She could have just said yes.

…

I used to be called the Ashen Demon.

I used to slaughter without emotion. Terrifying my own command and those arrayed against me.

I have no heartbeat. I can't properly emote. My face is a block carved from stone.

Long ago, someone cursed me to die alone. Papa cut off that man's head.

But I remembered that curse still. When you kill as many as I have. You lose the right to choose how you die. That's the rule of a mercenary. Kill for coin, and die for coin.

Now… I'm a teaching assistant. And everyone calls me Professor. It's weird. It's really too weird. If this makes me happy, teaching them. Then as a mercenary, I should pay them back by protecting their happiness.

Yet. I'm scared. I don't know if I feel anything, but I do want to run away when I think about this.

What if I never came here? What if I never met Seiros and Luke? What if I stayed as the Ashen Demon. What if in the future, I killed my students.

Just as easily I killed anyone else that fell under my sword.

I have no ideals. No dreams of my own. No hopes for the future. No small little happinesses.

I'm so scared. What if I haven't changed at all.

When that brunette adorable girl shouted I wasn't the Ashen Demon. When she calls me by only my name.

I can believe I have changed. I'm Byleth. Not the Ashen Demon. That I won't die alone. Even if I deserve to. I'm still scared, but a little less each time.

I'm sure if I had a heart, it would have beat uncontrollably whenever she does anything.

Even if she's dumb, but maybe that's also cute.

…

 

[Cmmdfugal]

Completely ignoring the fact he seduced a nun.

Click to shrink...

in my mind his wife was fodlans equivelant of rosaria from genshin.

on a further note i like the expansions on what happens its quite interesting to follow.

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 15: 1st of Red Wolf Moon: Untenable
…

Hubert was paler than I've ever seen him, and he stiffly says. "Lady Edelgard… There has a been a situation."

The sun had been setting earlier and earlier, and the red hue of the sundown gave our entire scenery a sinister air. At least the unease I have been feeling from Hubert, gave off that impression.

I turn to him and give my full attention.

He continues. "I'm afraid the situation in Arundel is finally coming to a head. No longer can we keep up appearances. There's been a call for the Lord of Arundel to show his face."

I sigh. "I had hoped we may have already taken the throne at this time, but… circumstances, it appears, have delayed my ascension.."

Hubert bows. "I have devised several countermeasures for this day, which of them would you believe would be best suited?"

I pace. "The issue of course, is that the man's dead and you've been the one managing Arundel through letters. So that is a massive implication against you and I, and will likely have us both either executed or saddled with punishments that would have us in a situation worse than death. Naturally, the crudest method of simply setting the estate of Arundel alight and pretending that my 'uncle' had just died, is likely to work only in the short term. To the nobles it would reek of a cover up, and despite their bloated bodies, their minds are cruel and capricious."

"You would be correct on that, Lady Edelgard. What of the idea we proposed of posing as the Flame Emperor? The voice changing magic of the Agarthans is something I've deciphered. We may pose as the Agarthans and manipulate the nobles?"

"... Too risky. Without their advanced warping capabilities, we would be playing a political deathmatch bluffing the entire time. Eventually, some noble would call out our bluff, and without the Javelins of Light, or the Agarthans' disregard for ethics, we would be found out."

"Then… We must go with my last and least wanted countermeasure."

"Indeed. We shut down the Imperial Court." Entirely. Or maybe not.

Generally speaking the Palace of Enbarr was the Imperial Court in de-facto terms. but, in times of emergency or of a Imperial sanction, the court could be moved to another location. So shutting down the court was a quite difficult affair.

The crux of our issue, is that Arundel needed to show his face in the court. Not the actual public. We were able to maintain the present state for five years because of Thales's obvious disinterest in his persona's work. He had developed a reputation of being difficult to pin down. So not showing up for five years was in line with his established self, if suspicious.

Unfortunately, the Prime Minister had finally had enough of Hubert's forged excuses, now calling Arundel directly. And with an edict signed by my father. If Arundel did not show up, there would be an investigation launched.

Despite all this trouble that Thales's death had caused Hubert and I, neither of us preferred the other side of the fence. Having Thales alive would be much worse. In the end, this was a problem we were well prepared in advance for.

And the solution would be to simply disable the Court. A temporary fix that allows for me, to make a much needed power grab against Aegir.

The only reason we did not do this sooner, is because of the danger of this.

To paralyze the Imperial Court, in which nobles actually held all the power, while Aegir forced my Father to make a decision benefiting Aegir and his support. And to attack any nobles that Aegir had any petty squabbles with.

To paralyze that eyesore… I could use a cruel method of poisoning both my Father and Aegir. Hubert had more than the capabilities and means to do so.

But… that's rather weak.

I can't show my hand too early, only in one, decisive blow can I seize the throne. Two birds with one fucking stone?

…

"Hubert, send off a carriage from Arundel to Enbarr. Make it as grand and overbearing as possible."

He witnesses my impassioned voice and fiery eyes. "It shall be done." Realizing I have devised a new plan, he grins. Hubert, even when you smile… You look like a murderer.

"Then prepare an ambush onto said carriage with Imperial men. An ambush at a remote village, we need not kill any guardsmen. Instead, kidnap them and prepare to make sure they are not under Agarthan influence."

His sinister grin only grows. "Easily done."

"We'll turn the court in itself, but that could backfire on us, so we shall also stir up some trouble for Aegir. Make him see shadows where there are none. None except us. Hmmm. Can you alter the financial reports that Aegir receives?"

He sighs. Lowering his head in remorse. "Hevring is still hesitating to support our cause. Any alterations could be easily found with his doubling bookkeeping."

"Lindhardt's father is strangely much more diligent than his son. Very well, We'll have to be cruder. Burn the storehouses in Aegir's territory." A move that would be risky, but with the duel 'assassination' and personal territory damage, Aegir will be more on edge than ever.

"My lady?"

"Hubert don't play coy, I'm sure you have been placing your spies and men all over our opponents."

"Hmph. I'm simply a little rusty…." He quietly and somberly adds, looking into dying rays of the sun. "Our time in this peace is finally coming to an end."

I sigh. Yes. With this… Our pace will have to greatly accelerate. Without Hevring's and Bergliez's complete support, we may have to force a bloody attack on the capitol to wrest power away from Aegir. I'll have to pressure them with more letters and the Nuvelle's support.

But my ascension to the throne is coming soon. And with it. Our time at the Academy.

…

I walk up to the closed door of the Archbishop's chamber. I can't recall eth last time I have been in the room, I suppose that the Church is more seperated than ever from the Academy. Besides Seteth and Seiros both providing Masses.

Knock. Knock.

Knocking, I wait.

A crooked nosed, but otherwise gentle-looking man opens the door, slightly. "Oh hello. How are you doing Edelgard."

"Mr. Aelfric? I have urgent matters to discuss with the Archbishop. I need to request leave for one of the Black Eagles you see."

"...Archbishop .Archbissshhhhop. What archbishop?" His voice rises in pitch.

"What?" What sort of strange question is that? There's only one Archbishop!

He quickly responds. "What."

"Do not play a game with me! I simply need to quickly talk to-"

"Nope nope! Why don't you just get a Professor to sign it!"

"You are being really too strange about this matter! Now that I am already here, why don't I just meet with the Arch-"

"They are engrossed in incredibly busy matters!"

My rebuttal comes razor sharp and easily. "Impossible. They don't matter."

For a moment Aelfric, is visibly discombobulated. Frowning he replies.

"...Well that's just rude."

"What is rude is your annoying blockade. Are you hiding something Mr. Aelfric?" Is the Church up to something? If they are scheming something sinister. I'll spill their fucking brains over those tacky windows.

Sothis yawns. "All these human politics. Though, I am also curious what is this man hiding? And when we have a moment later, I have something to discuss with you Edelgard."

Hmm? Ah, yes your resurrection? I must admit I have not a starting point to even imagine your rebirth. Later then.

Aelfric pales. "Hiding something? Ms. Edelgard, I'm really afraid that the Church has nothing to hide whatsoever. Everrrrr. " His words are drawled out, likely hoping for something to come up and distract me.

Aelfric attempts to close the door, but I stick my foot in between the cracked open space.

"If you continue being so oblique, I will have to investigate this matter personally."

"There's no really no need!"

"Yes there is. As the Imperial Princess, this matter falls under my royal duty. If the Archbishop is once again interfering with human politics I will-"

"Yes yes you're very royal! But you see-"

I push through his feeble strength. And find-

Nothing.

The chambers are completely empty and there are obvious signs of disuse. There are even a set of boxes in the corner of the room. Which on top lay a set of cleaning supplies.

Staring at the man, I see that his priestly robes are matted with dust.

"..."

"..."

"Explain yourself."

"I really cannot, Ms. Edelgard."

"Then I will for you. If you are not the Archbishop. Then… There is no Archbishop."

He stays silent, but he nods ever so slightly.

"How is this even possible? How can the Monastery even run without the Archbishop?!"

"Well, it's more of a school now." He laughs awkwardly. "Haha. I'm too soft to be the Archbishop, and since Sitri was next in line but she died, then Jeralt denied it…" He speaks his words in a rush, clearly this matter has been weighing on the man. And he continues unloading his words. "We've simply been going about with no worries? With the release of the origin of crests, we've practically had no applicants to be priests or nuns. Besides the children who were wards of the Church. And since no one could really replace Rhea… Seiros. And no one needed to anoint new bishops or cardinals. Welllll-"

"You just never mentioned we've not had an Archbishop…"

He grins sheepishly. "You've hit the nail on the head."

I sigh, this entire Monastery is a mess. I wholly blame that dumb dragon and her equally dumb husband.

Eventually-

I get my request for Hubert's leave signed by Jeralt, who looks at me and claps me on the shoulder for some reason.

He also offers me a drink.

I decline. The alcohol content in the flask makes my nose wrinkle in displeasure. That's more akin to a medical grade cleanser than a drink.

…

"Caspar, while we have a moment, may I speak to you of your father?"

The electric-blue eyes of Caspar von Bergliez crinkle in easy joy at me. "Sure. you did just beat the stuffing outta me. Jeez, I can't believe I lost to you! We're the same height and everything!"

The corners of my lilac eyes lift in levity. "I fail to see how height is relevant in our spar, but I digress."

"Yeah yeah, you wouldn't get it…. Anyway dad? He's super tough! And he's missing an eye just like Professor Seiros! That's how you know they're super tough."

I roll my eyes. "... That's a correlation rather than a causation."

He squints at me. "Whazzat? Ugh, you're being all fancy again. Why are you asking about dad? You've never mentioned him before."

"Haaah. Perhaps his injury should remind you to exercise caution than your recklessness you constantly display." Sighing, I remind him yet again.

And as usual. "Jeez. Again with this Edelgard?"

"Don't 'jeez' me. If you continue trying to rush ahead without support, you will either fall, or learn your lesson through an injury. I don't want to see you lose an eye."

"Okay okay mom…."

"..."

"You never heard that."

"Heard what?"

"The part where I called you mom?"

Caspar please. I know you're intelligent. Probably.

"Oh oh! I gotcha Edelgard. Hahaahha!"

Boisterous and loud as ever. Still he does manage to lead surprisingly well. It appears his upbeat and confident mannerisms inspire his friends. Fucking weird as hell.

Despite his simple way of viewing the world. He's someone who'd I would not mind as a friend. But not a son. I don't even have white hair anymore! Do you see my beautiful brunette hair?! I'm too young to be a mother!?

Caspar scratches his cheek. "Ya know, Edelgard. I probably called ya by that, because Lindhardt keeps complaining about you mothering him."

"If he would simply properly apply himself to at least showing up on class in time, then I wouldn't have to."

"Eh. He's always been like that. What's the big deal anyway? You've really been all over the Black Eagles. Its.. kinda weird." He grasps his chin and stares me down.

"Is it?" I stall.

"Yeah! You've been all sneaky and aloof like you thought we were all losers compared to you, but now? You're trying to be our mom?"

Losers? I mean a little. But being a loser doesn't mean you're not my equal. Except in combat. "I never thought you were lesser compared to me. In fact I admire your straightforwardness."

Caspar points at me- "See! You've been really weird…. But. It's a good kind of weird." Laughing he lowers his hand. "Haha. We're the black eagles anyway. We're full of weirdos. I guess you finally fit in with the rest of us."

Rather touched. I go to ruffle his hair.

"You really are a mom!"

These peaceful days may be disappearing in the blink of an eye. But I hope these memories can be cherished even after I leave.

So, its all the more important for me, to try to make each and every day of peace count.

Before the end, I only hope I can help the Black Eagles grow into themselves.

…

 

[ArtemisAvant]

in my mind his wife was fodlans equivelant of rosaria from genshin.

on a further note i like the expansions on what happens its quite interesting to follow.

Click to shrink...

Now that's a fun idea! Sitri just has so little about her, anything's possible. hmm. And Jeralt was said to make her smile brighter than ever for something cheesy like that.

Hopefully, I keep it interesting! We're mostly in a fluff time, so mostly character development and stuff!

 

[Teiwaz]

Motherguard

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 16: 3rd of Red Wolf Moon: Icebreaker
…

An unexpected flurry of the worst snowstorm to ever grace Fodlan had suddenly attacked. Accordingly, Garreg Mach was shut down as the weather was so terrible, that most students had to shovel at least calf-length snow to even get out their doors.

Meteorologically, it was a phenomenon.

For nearly everyone else, it was a day to stay inside and not play in the fluffy snow.

Not.

The Knights of Seiros had cleared the main walkways but the snowfall was still ongoing so they soon gave up and let the ground be utterly covered with the precipitation.

Poor Hubert, and he so enjoyed the cold.

Like a snake, Hubert hated the cold with a passion. 'Lady Edelgard! If I would be snake then I would be the terrifying nightmare of all snakes.' Blah-blah more incredibly dark operatic words.

Or Ferdinand's rebuttal. 'Edelgard, do not call Hubert a snake, I quite like snakes and it would be most egregious to name him after such a friendly animal.' Blah-blah more nonsense operatic words.

I'm amazing at impressions.

Hmmm. If I paired my friend with Ferdinand, how would that turn out? Dorothea had confided in me, that she 'shipped' them. Something about opposites attracting each other? I must say though in her defence, the contrast made an interesting juxtaposition for an art piece.

What would be their ship name? A fun little game that Bernadetta surprisingly shared with me is naming a couple's name by combining their names.

Huberdinand? … Not bad. Fuck, I'm a genius.

…

"El! Would you like to engage in a snowball battle!"

A bright smile greets me in the morning.

"Dimi. You haven't changed at all, hmmm. with all those bundled clothes you remind me of something… Did you know? I believed you were a girl at first?"

"El?!"

A voice sounds off right of doorway. "Keep talking! Please say more! Look at our poor prince's face, he really does have quite fine features."

"Ingrid!" Dimitri blushes to the roots of his blonde hair, but good-naturedly chuckles and turns back to me. "Well now I must demand you have a snowball duel between us!"

I flick my hair cheekily. "Then be prepared to lose!"

Ingrid walks away to find her own fun, as Dimitri and I stare each other down.

"It is incredibly distressing not being able to taste such fluffy frozen particles of aqua!" Sothis tried to kick away the snow falling though her, only somehow spinning in air.

Hahaha- A childish energy flew through Garreg Mach.

And my own perfectly crafted ball of deadly precision!

Dimitris dodges into a snow heap, I roll into my own snow cover. As expected! A snowball breaks through my cover just missing my hat!

"Dimi!"

"My apologies!"

"No. You missed!" Vaulting over my snow heap, I launch an arced curve to force Dimi from cover! Palming another sphere of fluff to ambush him!

Whoosh!

Dimi's snow cover, explodes as he kicks it into a massive blockade! I brace myself against the flurry of stinging cold-If I can't see then he can't either!- I hear the whistle of several projectiles!

I see! He's going for quantity over quality of aim! I drop to the ground, palming another snowball.

Suddenly a snowball hits me in the face!

A voice from on high. "Haha! I heard that one strike! I'm more than ready to take you on now!"

I quickly wipe my face from the obstruction, to see Dimi aboard the Dormitory's roof! How?!

Dedue! I spot the massive man whistling in false nonchalance as he tried to lean against the walls.

Dimi shouts confidently. "I have the high ground!"

I duck from another snowball. "That doesn't even apply here!" Augh! If I only had Hubert to warp me to face him on the rooftop!

Flash!

Suddenly, I am warped!

I blink away, the purple light, and see a shocked Dimi ready to be snowballed to oblivion.

He sprints away, sliding across the rooftop, as I chase after him gathering snow balls to throw at him-

He slides down to the walkway into an awaiting Dedue who catches him soundly!

"Lysithea! Extraction!"

I hear an false-annoyed voice. "You guys are so childish, playing around in the snow. Hmph. Warp! You owe me some Ice-Cream after this!"

Ice cream is too cold for this weather! I'll find some hot chocolate instead!

I throw my arsenal at Dimi who's unprepared to handle my sudden appearance.

"Ahahha, Stop El. You win! It's cold!"

"Hahaha- Then why are you still running! Don't lie, I see that smirk, you're just waiting to backstab me!"

"I never was a good liar!"

We chase each other to the frozen over pond, sliding and laughing the whole way, on the icey packed over snow.

I ignore the full courtyard to focus on my target, who's now hiding behind the stairs!

Whoosh

I'm forced to dodge a stray projectile from the small scale war that has overtaken the large courtyard.

I hear- Dimi shout. "Blue Lions assemble!"

And then, Khalid-hanging upside down from a pegasus?-Shouting right back "Golden Deer! Don't assemble! Guerrilla tactics go go go!" Motherfucker that looks badass!

I grin, and stand ontop a snowed over crate. "Black Eagles! Defeat every last one of them!"

…

"We uhhh.. May have gotten out of hand."

In the end, the entire student population of Garreg Mach was thoroughly snowed over and soaking wet.

"You think? I don't know about that, maybe the roof can be fixed?"

"Not after someone summoned the blizzard."

I stare into the thoroughly destroyed roof of the Dining hall.

A massive dragon swoops through the clouds. What. What was that. I blink.

Sothis blinks. "Surely not…"

I look around, and most of the students who were also looking at the roof, look around in sheer confusion.

"Did.. Anyone- else the dragon?"

Boom! Crack!

A massive splash is heard. Poing my head out, along with the rest of the Students, I see the frozen-over fishing pond, now splashed over courtyard.

"I win this time Seir!"

"Impossible! You clearly are shivering from head to toe!"

"You cheated!"

"It is not a cheat if I win!"

"That doesn't even make any sense!"

"Sense? Then you would have even less sense-"

The students all collectively put our heads back into the dining hall.

"...Technically,... We can blame them."

"Agreed."

"Absolutely."

A moment of sighs went around the entire population.

Petra suddenly speaks up. "Is that how breaking the Ice is meant for?"

…

I sip my hot chocolate with Lysithea. Content to enjoy the silence as well watch the steam from our cups float away into more snow.

…

Dorothea and I smile at Bernadetta. Well her door.

"Oh~ Bernie?~"

"Bernadetta? Would you open your door? We have hot chocolate?"

"Nope! Nope! Today's a day for Bernie to stay inside where's it's warm!"

Dorothea and I share a glance, and in unison. "Awwww~ Bernie, but we heard that Hubert would be making sure that ever Black Eagle got a cup."

"Eeek! I'm coming, I'm coming, I don't want to dieeee."

We share a sinister smirk. Dress up time!

…

Lindhardt, surprisingly awake today, helps me perform a small joke on Hubert.

But first we test it on Caspar.

"Agh! Why does snow keep landing on my head!"

Lindhardt walks over to dust over his friend. "How strange, better go inside today."

We share a wink.

..

Late into the afternoon, I find Byleth looking at the broken ice of the fishing pond and then her own ice-fishing gear.

"Hello Bylet- Your clothes! Put something warmer on!" I take off my own heavy red coat to drape it over her.

"Honestly, You'll freeze to death." Buttoning the buttons on my coat over her chest, I blush.

"M-my apologies! You are perfectly able to button up the rest!"

The corners of her eyes curve downwards. "My hands are too cold."

I glare at this idiot- "Wear gloves!"

But I betray my anger out of concern for her and button my coat as best I can.

I huff. Thankfully, I used the coat that was the largest I could. It fits a little tightly on her frame, so I avert my eyes to her face.

Byleth then holds her hands out? Her fishing gear abandoned on the snow.

I look at her quizzically. "Do you want my gloves too?"

A twinkle lights up in her eye. "Share."

Oh! A joke!

"Ahahah! Your jokes are getting better! We can't share gloves? Here let me-"

She grabs my hands and I pause, allowing her for some reason, as she holds our right hands together.

And then she slides her own slender hand into my glove-

I blush furiously. "By-Byleth!"

"It's warm now."

"Th-that's not the point!"

She does the same to my other hand. And just like before I'm paralyzed.

My tips of my fingers tingle painfully. And the tips of my ears also flush with heat.

Hwawawwaawaw-

I mutter weakly. "Your h-hands are cold."

She smiles at me. And I blush further opon seeing her stupidly(pretty) face. "Then you can warm me up."

I choke. O-Outrageous!

She's teasing me!

I can't keep being defeated by her!

I have to fight back and secure our friendship as equals! Don't friends naturally bully each other?! Then I should also 'bully' her!

… but how?

As the future Emperor of the Adrestian Empire, I cannot lose here! When did this become about losing? Fuck if I know, but winning is what matters!

I push her hands with mine, moving her into the notice-board by the pier.

Lifting our hands over her head, I show my dominance!

I smirk into her surprised face! Ignoring the fact, I'm stepping on my toes and elevated boots to match her height.

"Well well, now whos' helpless and at my mercy." Bullying accomplished!

She flutters her eyes. Distracting me slightly with the movement.

I'm taken out of my focus to hear-

Crunch-.

Is that.. Popcorn.?

I whip my head around. And see the Marigolds watching with Hapi!

"In public, for shame. Tsk tsk."

"Kids these days."

"This is quality entertainment, but you guys were way worse."

"... These popped kernels of corn look strangely appealing."

…

At the end of the day, there were two holes in the fishing pond. And now I'm nursing back to health from the freezing cold, Byleth.

"I really am sorry."

"Hmmm. The notice board…"

"I'll pay for the damages!"

"Edelgard."

"Yes?"

"We brrrroke the ice."

"..."

"Brrrroke."

"I-I'm not laughing!"

"Brrrrrrrrrooke."

"Pffft-!"

…

A.N.
Did I write an entire chapter just for that dumb joke. … hmm.

 

[ArtemisAvant]

What's lewder than Handholding?

Sharing a single pair of gloves.

 

[Teiwaz]

Truly the greatest gift of Sopdet's bloodline is her sense of humor.

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 17: 4th of Red Wolf Moon: Matters of the Heart
…

"So you've reimagined more of your memories?"

"Can you not tell from my appearance?"

Is Sothis taller? Because of her floating in air, I honestly have no solid foundation to measure her height from. I got no fucking idea.

"And 'reimagined' ? I have proof! I remember who my children are now! See? 'Seteth?' What a strange name to transition to from Cichol."

"Oh? I had thought he was simply another descendant of Nabatean heritage, kept secreted away by the Immaculate One, like Flayn."

Sothis looks at me with annoyance, I return the favor. "Regardless of your extreme paranoia towards the Church, I have also recalled on how I 'birthed' my children. Through my own blood-"

"Oh! You want to secure your one blood to reforge a new body for yourself!"

The goddess pouts as if I took away her favorite toy. "... You have stolen the big reveal from me. Haaah. But… if that was the case, then I would already be able to just have you bleed slightly and use that. My divinity is still far too scattered and weakened." Loser.

"Hmmm. I never cared for much on matters of spirituality, but that seems a little more mortal than divine."

"Why must I suffer living with a Heretic, truly, the coincidences of the world are cruel. Ignoring your constant arrogance, I need a reliquary of my previous power. My crest stone."

A crest stone?

There are several methods to obtain a crest stone actually. As Hubert and I discovered from several 'missing' Agarthans, we assassinated in the Imperial Palace after Thales' defeat, crest stones can be found in their bodies. Most commonly was the crests of the Ten Elites engraved on their surface.

There is also the much darker source of Crest stones. Crest bearer remains. Especially those that actively sought after combat, or used their corresponding relic without moderation.

There are an infinitesimal amount of Demonic beasts in the world. And while a significant portion of their number were experiments conducted by the Agarthans, the ordinary carrion and pack animals that have mutated into their colossal forms… Those were formed by devouring those who bear Crests and then their bodies being devoured, passing on a horrific magical curse. It's why battlefields are often so filled with Demonic Beasts and Monstrous animals. In recent years this knowledge has faded with the absence of crest bearers on the front lines. Or when they do, having their bodies be buried at all cost. But… in the oldest journals of the previous Emperors, bodies of crest bearers were generally burned away. And their crest stones then buried in place of them.

"A power beyond human ken."

It's simply a power that was not meant for us. Nonetheless, as there are no bearers of the Crest of Flames besides my self and Nemesis, That is not a method we can utilize.

But. There is still your original crest! And it's Relic. The Sword of the Creator.

"... Relics." Sothis mutters the word with contempt dripping from her voice.

I sigh. While, I had no real use for the weapons made from her children. As they were far too expensive to maintain and use, even for an Emperor. The other nations saw differently, even with the exposure to the truth of crests and their origins, which included what really were Hero Relics. I could not even force my own Black Eagles to return such relics if they received any. But, the only relic that the Empire really had, was… Was?

"Wouldn't you fledglings already have received their Desecrations?"

No, but the Empire apparently has no weapon- Desecrations. Strange. And then only I can recall the Rafail Gem.

All the Desecrations lie in the Alliance and Kingdom, mostly concentrated in the Kingdom. Perhaps an ancient Agarthan ploy.

Regardless, The Church of Seiros likely still has your crest stone! All Desecrations have a slot for a crest stone, and the Sword of the Creator was probably the same!

"And…. You can simply ask- Actually, no! You should not ask for it. It would not do to give false hope."

What do you mean? I mean usually I'm all for not telling the church, but even I know that's kind of ass-backwards.

"Recreating a body is no simple manner, nor is the transfer of my consciousness to that body. Taking away the chance for my children to embrace their mother so cruelly… And after so long…"

Then.

We shall have to research on the possible locations of the Sword of the Creator.

…

Hubert was still enacting my plan, and so I had to venture to the Library myself.

"Edie? I don't see you in here. Like ever."

I lie as naturally as I breathe. "Lindhardt has been more troublesome as of late, and I require something to interest him."

"Could always bribe him with an unknown crest. God knows how much I have to stop Hanne-banana from asking about you kids." Marigold doesn't look up from his book, but he creases a corner.

I tilt my head. And ask. "I don't believe that the Black Eagles have any outstanding crests that have not been see-"

The man sneers. "Ugh. He's got a freaky ability to simply tell what crest a person has just by looking at them."

What a strange ability.

He sighs, putting down a worn journal. I catch a flash of anatomical diagrams. How curious. Sothis could you float over and peak at what he's looking at? The Goddess roll sher eyes at me, obviously again thinking me paranoid. But as Hubert is fond of saying, 'It is not paranoia, it is a justified concern for evil lurking in the shadows.' A tad dramatic for tastes. But it-

Marigold stands and walks over to a bookshelf. "Hmm. Lindhardt. Besides crests, I remember he likes fish. But…"

I follow, snatching a book that was just recently returned, and lying on a desk. Hiding a 'History of the Church' behind my back.

"What is wrong with liking to fish? I think it's quite an attractive skill."

Marigold stares at me dully, for some reason. What? It's an important skill!

I hear Sothis make a growl in the back of her throat and I instinctively turn to see her fail to flip the pages in the journal. I sh- I don't shake my head at her antics.

Marigold snaps his finger, and I turn my head back around. "Yahallo? Gosh, If you're so curious about what I'm reading you could just ask. Anyway, so no fish winkity wink wink, here's a book about crests. It's all nonsense biologically, but I'm sure it makes some sense magically or whatever."

I smirk. "I shall inform Lindhardt of you saying that." I'm sure my sleepy scholar will inundate Marigold with questions pertaining to what he meant by 'biological nonsense.'

The red-eyed man groans. "Still pissed? To be fair, it was in public."

I ignore my rising to blush to fire back. "You used a private moment with my friend as entertainment- Of course- I am well within my rights to set Lindhardt on you."

Marigold raises an eye at the word friend, but lets me finish what I have to say. We're friends! I can have fucking friends!

He walks back to his desk, and crosses his legs and steeples his hands. Moving through Sothis as intangible and ephemeral she is. The goddess hisses like a cat upon touching Marigold's shadow and flees back to me.

"His shadow!" I look immediately, noting its utterly ordinary nature of an absence of light from an object in the light's path. "Dadga, That disgusting creature, his shadow reeks of it."

How can a shadow smell?

"It is a metaphorical analogy for the complex metaphysical nature of my current being!"

I leave the library, ignoring Marigold's parting wave.

Sothis, does that mean Dagda isn't dead? I'm sure that Marigold informed me of his murder of both Thales and that foreign god. Kill thief. That was my fucking kill.

"...hmmm. The scent was metaphorically aged… either way, be wary. The husband of my daughter was reading something on the importance of hearts in your human systems."

Strange. Marigold had never seemed to suffer from his old injury.

…

So Byleth did unfortunately catch a cold from an out-of-nowhere accident. Truly the Church is to blame for having such weak Notice Boards.

But in all seriousness. I do feel guilty over my involvement over the entire affair.

Sothis hums in my mind, and sleepily says. "You should cook her some warming soup." Her voice drifts off into slumber. Sothis claims to be more tired after she phases through things, especially people, but I think she just enjoys sleeping.

Soup? I've never cooked before but soup must be absurdly easy!

I head to the Dining hall, opening up the closed doors and receiving more than my fair share of gals from students enjoying their late breakfast. My entrance provoking a large gust of chilling air in all those nearby. Ah, that must mean they repaired the roof.

I look up to find- the roof of the dining hall has been temporarily fixed by a tarp. Figures. Maybe miracles aren't possible through the Church after all~

I walk over to the student approved cooking area. And I unsheathe my dagger. No need to borrow the kitchen's knives when I have my own. If I had my sword or axe, it would be a little quicker, but taking my time may be beneficial in the long run.

Hmm, Byleth should be revived with a hearty supply of vegetables. And since it's so cold out recently, I should also add some peppers, But what if she cannot handle spice? Sugar cancels out spice right? I grab a box of that as well. Oh! Onions are good for you, I should also grab some, and what's this- garlic? That makes food taste better… Surely. I grab an entire white bulb. Hmm. But also meat would be essential in any diet! But what to choose from? I hack away at a piece of ham.

In the distance I hear, "Rapheal, why are you suddenly crying?!"

That is likely of no concern.

These should be satisfactory slices. It is not the presentation of what matters. But the actual food! … Maybe that's too little. I've only filled up half the pot. For the best experience I should make sure to fill the entire pot, so Byleth receives an excellent soup filled with vitality for her to receiver quickly.

Can I just dump the entire ham in? If it all is going to the same place, then surely it doesn't matter in which conformation it is in. But then if I do that, I need to equal it with vegetables!

…

I knock on Byleth's dorm. Tiptoeing, past the get-well soon gifts.

"Ahem-"

The door opens, slightly, showing a lone cobalt eye, rimmed with red.

I wince. Her eye curves into a slight crescent, and a husky voice accompanies it. "H-Hello. Edelgard." Her lips curl a little painfully on my name. I flush at her voice as I'm reminded of why it is so.

You can just call me Edie- sits on the tip of my tongue, but imagining it, makes me a feel a little uncomfortable.

Regardless of my feelings, I speak. "Byleth, please, you can just call me Edie. May I come in? I've brought a meal for you."

She shakes her head. I frown, but my face betrays my strange acceptance of such. With my mouth curling into a smile at the thought, unable to maintain my frown.

On my soup- I haven't tasted it-personally, that would be rude to partake of another's meal, but the smell seemed fine? I have full confidence in my ability to create a simple dish such as soup.

Opening the door, completely, Byleth lets me in. And I'm unprepared for the cold of the room. She must be freezing in here! I quickly sit down the tray I prepared to shut the slightly ajar door and window, And I rip off my own red cape to swaddle Byleth further in her bedsheets. Now resembling a caterpillar in a white and red cocoon, I push her back on her bed.

I scold her. "If you're are cold, then you shouldn't have opened the window!"

A sniffle and an aggrieved. "It was hot."

I soften slightly, "Still, you should be more mindful of your own health. Wait here, I will get some water and a towel to cool your head." Why did I say 'wait here'? It's not as if she is going anywhere?

Obediently, she nods. My heart seizes. Guilt and shame drives my heart to itch. Like a kitten's claws scratching onto my heart. Augh! Why did I panic and slip, forcing her to save me from falling in!

Before I open the door, I set my hands alight to ward off the worst of the chill from entering the room.

…

Soon enough, I return to find Byleth trying to slowly slide the tray continuing her soup to her, clearly hungry.

Before she causes the entire thing to spillover herself.

I grip her hand, it's cold! Wrapping a warm towel around it and returning it to rest on her head, I glare at her. Bad Byleth!

I brush away her bangs so I can place her hand onto her skin. Huh, they're strangely soft, I almost want to run my hands through them to feel more.

"You keep that there, okay?"

Byleth looks at me with a strange expression. Her eyes lopsided, and her brows confused. "... did we get married?"

I lean in, What did she say?

"Byleth? You mumbled that last part? Hmm. If your voice is that weak, then do not speak for now. Do you mind if I feed you? Slightly nod if you agree. If you do not, then do not do anything at all."

She barely inclines her head, so I help her sit up. It's a little awkward. Despite the cocoon of blankets surrounding her, I am unsure of where to place my hands in an appropriate place.

While doing so, I spot another bowl of soup. With a finely written elegant handwriting and signed off by 'Papa'.

Naturally, I smile, and I reach for that bowl instead of my own. Surely Jeralt would be better equipped to care for his daughter than my own first attempt.

I spoon a sizable portion with red tomatoes and beef for her.

She refuses to open her mouth, and stubbornly avoids the spoon. I chase her slowly, trying to not spill the soup over her. Why?! The cocoon wriggles as she avoids my attempts! Infuriating!

I keep that out of my voice, but my tone is still noticeably sharper.

"Byleth? Do you not like tomatoes?" I'm sure she's eaten beef before?

She rolls her eyes in response. It's obvious, that she wants to have my own soup instead out of some strange misguided sense of sentiment.

"Honestly. Idiot." Why did my voice sound so fond? Am I also sick? I suppose I'm touched by her misguided sentiment.

In contrast, to Jeralt's messy but very appetizing soup, my own looks even sloppier and is slightly blackened with charred vegetables and ashen meat. That only adds to the flavour. Right. It's all the same, taste is relative. Still, I'm absolutely fucking sure mine is delish.

…

A.N.
Byleth did recover the next day, but was it because of Edelgard's help? Or because she didn't want to suffer anymore?

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Interlude V: Nameless Valiant
…

There's always something behind all the fancy talk of nobles. Besides their egos.

They've got plenty of skeletons in their closets. And if you look just a bit closer, why it's not difficult at all to root them out. The tricky part is keeping those secrets away from the wrong ears.

Then again that's true for everyone, most have at least 1 skeleton in their closet.

And just my luck, the Blade Breakers have way too many secrets for even me to keep.

How'd I get mixed in with a bunch of mercs like these? It's a long story. Well, A short story, threatened some mooks, threatened a big mook who somehow knew about my past, decided not to kill a big mook, and listened to said mook when he directed me towards a place to be.

Now, usually I don't listen to damn fools who know more than they should, but I thought, why the hell not. Not like I was doing anything interesting. Running the underworld gets boring… and if you stay too long, you die.

Long story short, I got attached to these troublesome bastards. Really, why does some mercenary company have such weird people in it? I'm 33% sure that Aiax is some escapee from some sick experiment, and Shamir is the one who busted him out. And if Byleth isn't also from some opposing experiment, I'll eat my words.

Funnily enough, I wouldn't have guessed Hapi was also from an experiment. Except her pyromania. Ah. A girl after my own heart. Why let your enemies have shit, when you could burn it instead?

Jeralt is probably from one too, the ringleader of a merry band of circus freaks. And I guess I'm one of them. Which means that their also my people. No take-backsies, I adopted them.

So when I have to avoid a senseless fool who only thinks abouts Chivalry again, I'm a little annoyed. I have secrets to keep, and Jeralt to mess with- I mean discuss plans moving forward.

"Yuri! C'mon! You have to at least send a letter, or anything! Don't you realize how worried they must be?!"

I keep walking, I've heard once and I've heard it a thousand times. He just doesn't listen when I deflect.

Ashe shouts after me, and I hear his steps start to pick up the pace. "Don't just walk away from me! I'm talking to you!"

But, I'm not talking to you.

Whoop de doo, what's this? A conveniently placed escape route I found~

…

"Dammit! Why are you still following me!"

"A true knight never gives up!"

"That was so cheesy I nearly puked."

Ashe frowns, which honestly doesn't work for his face, but the kid's got grit, surprisingly, and is more resourceful than I would have thought. Heh.

"Hehe, I guess you can leave the streets, but the streets never leave you. I almost forgot, we're the same. Gutter trash that got picked up by a Kingdom noble." I smirk at the boy. I think I like his expression as if he just tasted something incredibly sour.

"... you don't have to put it like that, But I suppose you could say so." Muttering to himself, he straightens up and puts his big-boy face on. "Only difference is, I would never leave my family to worry about me!"

I raise an eyebrow in a perfect angle, making sure my eyeshadow is highly visible, fluttering my eyelashes just to enhance my devastating appeal. And I make sure to use a mocking voice. "Oh what a true knight you are." I switch my tone. Dropping my high tones into my regular old drawl. "But. I'm no knight. You got your moral ethical argument through to me, I've really learned my lesson. I'll be going straight back home!" Not.

Honestly, this kid is way too easy to tease.

His pale face goes red with anger , "You!"

"Me~"

I sprint away, laughing the whole way. "Haha! Never gonna happen! You can tell your Lord Lonato that!"

Ashe begins his chase once again, with a new argument he must have been saving. "How could you abandon House Rowe!"

They abandoned me first. I simply returned the favor. Not all gutter trash gets a happy family.

…

Eventually I lose the kid in the Abyss. Just need to catch my breath now, whew. He just doesn't give up. I even took him past the creepy ass dolls and statues. Should have scared the chivalry right outta him.

Oh?

I spot the Imperial Princess and her emo retainer. Now, I'm not judging my people's tastes. But, She's clearly up to something, with her little lapdog running around doing her errands. Now, the only question is whether that something is a good thing, or a bad thing.

I listen in behind a nearby wall, casually leaning there.

"-our efforts have finally bourne fruit." His emo-ness speaks, and I just catch the end of his words.

Her princess-ness of the Imperialness says. "I suppose you were right after all, and here I thought it would have left nothing."

Wonder what that's supposed be about? I listen in closer.

"Lady Edelgard, have you seen Lindhardt? I believe he's played a trick on me, and I intend to more than relieve him of his assumptions of my character-"

"You know Hubert, You look a little chilly, why don't I relieve you of your chill-Blah-blah blah."

Tch. They move to some annoying small talk. They also move inside to the Dining Hall.

First that punk starts stealing my spy network, and now he's doing shady things I don't know about? I'm almost proud.

"There you are!" A few gasps later. "I've finally caught up.. Ha. Ha. To you!"

He just doesn't give up!

I start to duck aw-

Thwack.

"Oh, no! You're not getting away this time!" Ashe starts running up to me, as I try to pull out the arrow that he stuck in my cape. Dammit, I knew fashion had sacrifices but not like this!

Fuck. I''ll just have Byleth buy me another, I pull out a dagger and cut myself free.

Just enough time for a cheeky line-"Better luck next time kid!"

He growls, like a little dog so it's not even a little intimidating, and sprints even faster. Whoa whoa whoa! Aren't you an archer?!

"I said! You're! Not! Getting! Away!"

Whumpf!

Oof. Poor Kid ran head first into that wall. Whistle-. I had nothing to do with it, who knows what happened. Probably the slush.

I'll just leave him here. Karma in action, or whatever.

"... Ugh. You're really a troublesome kid. Alright, up and at him, ugh. You're heavier than you look, hopefully Manuela won't ask any questions."

…
A.N
The Ashe and Yuri support we never got.

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 18: 7th of Red Wolf Moon: Instance
…

With preparation for the traditional Battle of the Eagle and Lion, there was a prudent set of actions I needed to do. Managing the Black Eagles's armory and maintaining their assigned battalions. Discussing the countermoves and tactical gambits, we could use when our stratagems inevitably encountered our rivalling houses and fell through. The arrangement of class exams to be taken for students ready to advance. And then there was the fact, that my Black Eagles could now properly undertake tactical commands effectively, and thus we could implement some unique battle plans left in reserve. Since the battlefield was the same as the mock battle done months ago, I had no need to scout out the area. Which was one thing I could write off my incredibly packed schedule.

Despite this, I was spending my one free weekend on a stroll with The Immaculate One of all people.

"Must you make such a face? Scion of Hresvelgs? I do not believe I am such terrible company…or would you rather be faced with more work?" The Immaculate One giggled at her joke. I did not. Ignoring the giggles from Sothis in my own head, both terrible humorists in my proximity, I glanced over the small town just past the monastery.

How bothersome. Even if the ex-Archbishop had stepped down, her mannerisms had not changed. Still walking around as if she owned the world beneath her feet. More than once, I saw passerbys freeze as they saw her, and turn to allow her way uncontested.

And she wonders why people seem to fear her.

"Oh!" Sothis exclaims in my ear. "I faced a similar encounter in my time!-"

Immediately, I tuned out the goddess upon hearing her puns. An impressive feat. Considering how Sothis appears to be getting louder and louder in my consciousness as of late.

I'm sure Lindhardt, if he knew, would marvel at the metaphysical properties of housing a child alien in my mind. See how he fucking likes dealing with this brat. Can't be sleeping if you got something chirping in your ears about stupid jokes.

"Edelgard, have you given more thought to what I proposed?" The Immaculate One changes her expression and tone to one of more somber mood. "... I will remind you, that the Church must stay neutral in this coming war. I have no desire to wage war." Not again. Her light green eye flashes with repressed memories and her own suppressed desire to stop me.

I knew full well what she was attempting to imply, that without another powerful force backing me, the Empire would fall. An ignorant assumption, but I could see her logic.

Her proposal was such, allow Garreg Mach to be the host to a diplomatic attempt to remove nobility and the crest system that still remains.

However, both she and I knew that was only her attempting to delay me. Those diplomatic talks would be nothing more than a sham. If words could have removed nobility from power? Then they would have already fallen.

It was simply her desperation to grasp onto the current peace and happiness, readily apparent in her. It appears both Marigold's knew that I could not longer delay for much longer.

But. "Professor Marigold… I can only vow that Garreg Mach will remain untouched in the conflict. That is all."

"...You cannot compromise even a little. Can you?"

Sighing, she muses.

"I suppose you and I are much too alike." She laughs bitterly. "Hahaha. Seeing those eyes. I can only be reminded of Wilheim. Especially when he tried to dissuade me from my maddened vengeance… Perhaps that is unfair. You are not searching for vengeance. No. You are chained to a far worse affliction."

Are we alike? There are some parallels in our beginnings...I suppose. Both victims of the Agarthans, both losing our families... but our paths diverged from there.

I smile for the first time in our walk. "Affliction?" My eyes don't show any mirth. "If that's how you see it." My idealism and convictions could be called as such. My mentality was certainly one that most would call insane.

"That is indeed how I see it." Mint green hair bounces with her steps. Her lone eye meeting my own. "Your madness will plunge this world into war."

"Better a war, than a peaceful lie." An easy response. If words could move my will. Then I would be lesser than those nobles wouldn't I.

Struck silent by lightning quick response, Professor Marigold closes her eye.

Sothis lounges languidly in a non-existent throne. "Apologies my daughter, but I wish to see through this journey as well… A mother should help clean up her child's mistakes. Though I cannot lay the blame entirely on you." Words that can't reach her daughter are spoken. An apology more of her own sake than any other.

The Immaculate One finally speaks. "Then I hope you can live with your actions. The blood spilled will be entirely on your head."

"I will see my path through. Regardless of what I must suffer." Or what suffering I must enact.

Otherwise, I would not be Edelgard von Hresvleg.

…

Professor Marigold and I stroll through town, both of us fairly unaccustomed to the area. Seeing the sights as it were. One millennia year old dragon who's far too enamoured with her husband and keeps making conversation of such. And one imperial heiress wholly questioning why she has not walked away yet.

Speaking of seeing and wlaking away, I spot a red-haired lancer speaking to By-

Sylvain! He must be attempting to flirt again with anything that has a pulse! Considering how innocent of worldly matters, my dear friend is, it would be remiss of me to not protect her from such a man! … Dear friend? I sound like an idiot. Am I an Idiot? Impossible?

I stride swiftly to my targets.

"Oh there she goes… Now that is an affliction of the heart. Hmmm. I think that I shall be winning my wager after all."

"Indeed daughter."

…

Sylvain of House Gautier is a peculiar fellow. Dedicated to an obsessive point to training for some unknown cause. Yet also a infamous womanizer… who never seems to care for any of his lackluster flings. Even abandoning many in favor of other matters. That strange man grinned at me, but it was a sickly, off thing.

"Well hello there, your Imperial Highness." His jovial tone betrays nothing of his true thoughts. "You got me. I was just trying to woo our beautiful professor here."

Byleth tilts her head. "No?"

I place myself between them anyway. "Regardless of such, Byleth you shouldn't associate with such a man. Who knows what venereal disease he has on him."

"Ouch. You really don't hold back your punches. Trust me. I know how to use protection."

"You don't use a shield?" Byleth questions. Adorably ignorant of such matters. "I can buy you some more armour. If you need that much pro-"

"I'm fine." Sylvain ceases his inappropriate grin. "My blood's more precious, than some steel." His expression twists into hatred. Before quickly shifting to a neutral facade.

Interesting.

Is he speaking of his crest? Hubert had mentioned that the Heir to House Gautier had seemed unusually cynical of Faerghus. Perhaps he may be of likewise mind to me of the necessity of crests.

I test the waters. "Is it? Personally, I can't see you as anything more than a simple womanizer."

His neutral facade snaps to meet my lilac eyes. Byleth looks between us, a little lost on the subtext playing beneath both of us. His brown shine copper-gold in the light. "Oh? If your highness thinks so, then who am I to disagree."

Was that an agreement with my disregard of his crest? Truly, this man is not as simple as he appears.

Byleth bops her hand with her fist, drawing both our attentions to her. "No flirting."

I blink.

What.

Sylvain bursts into laughter. "Haahah!" Holding onto his sides, he continues. "HAahaah! Oh man, Teach. Behind that face you're really quite the joker huh? Ahaha. Okay, Let's dispense with the noble double-talk. For the professor."

I blink again. What a tone-shift. I quickly regain my composure, turning to face Byleth. Correcting her misunderstanding takes priority. "You're gravely mistaken, I would not flirt with such an individual. And I'm appalled you even thought so for a moment." I make sure to firm my voice with sincerity. I have fucking taste.

Byleth looks down at me. Damm her height. But her eyes seem to almost glow despite the shadow the lights casts over her features. "The only one you are allowed to fl-"

Flash.

"Ohohoho! An excellent capture!" Constance von Nuvell with all the grace of a noble who just intruded on a private moment with nary a care, saunters into our party of three. "Professor! Lady Edelgard, And Sylvain Von Gautier! A strange party, but certainly striking one! Would you care to see my latest innovation?! I trust it will not disappoint!"

Byleth blinks, and I blink. Whatever strange mood overtakes Byleth is gone in an instant, and she turns to Constance with her neutral face. "Sure."

Sylvain drapes his arms behind his head, laughing still. "Haahaah- Can't read the mood at all. What was that flash anyway?"

Smug as a bug, the scion of the Nuvelles lifts her nose in the air, and twirls with her hand on her chest, revealing her other hand a strange metallic device. With a cylinder at the end, and a rather bulky appearance, for a movement I'm surprised how easily Constance can lift it with a single hand. Gleaming silver, it also resembles some Agarthan instruments I have seen before.

"It is an invention that I was inspired by a tale from an outsider's story. And of course you actually helped me with the final prototype, Lady Edelgard!" Constance von Nuvelle stares at me with cornflower blue eyes. Studying me to see if I could recall such an event.

The only thing that I remember was... "Do you mean your haphazard rainbow tea?"

"Exactly!" She ignores my poorly concealed insult. "And so I present onto you, a spectacular device which can capture a moment of time forever, in a perfect recreation! In colour no less!" What is it- in rainbows?

My eyebrows lift up in surprise. I also witness Sylvian stop laughing to be replaced by a similarly surprised look on his face, while Byleth remains confused.

"I see you do not believe! Yes it does sound incomprehensible does it not!" She remains undaunted by our disbelief. And pressing some sort of button on her creation, a tingle of magic enters the air and I hear a various buzzes and whirs of some sort before a sheet of paper ejects from the device.

Holding it to the light, she snaps her fingers and with another sense of magic in the air. I witness a canvas of reality trapped in a single moment enter into existence on a simple sheet of paper.

A picture of the three of us, Sylvain laughing, Byleth looming over me, and my own lilac eye's confusion stares back at me.

"Holy shit."

Aptly summarizing our feelings Sylvain speaks without reservation. Holy shit indeed.

…

As an artist? Someone who enjoys the practice of doodling? Is that right? Or maybe-

Someone who paints when she has time, which is never. "You could if you stop scheming." Comes the snide remark from the annoyed Goddess who was dragged away from following her daughter around. Anyway.

I listen to Constance's explanation as best I can, through her noble diatribe. "You se, there is a noble silver reactant, that I layer onto the sheet of paper, before it enters my device, named the Instantaneous Image Inducer! I'm open to naming suggestions of course. That is simply a working title. Regardless, when I send out a brief candlelight through the system, the mechanism quickly shutters and captures the light I flash, Imprinting it onto the sheet of paper which has now been carefully layered by my rainbow color. Then with another original spell, by yours truly! I set the colors. And… Voila!"

…Hmm. I understand approximately most of that. "You do? It sounded more as nonsense she conjured up."

To be honest, the explanation does not matter. What matters is what this invention represents. At least to my own experiences. As a matter of practically it could be incredibly useful, but since it's use is necessitated by Constance's own magic. And it appears more than a little fragile and clunky to use, those practical cases become startlingly few.

But a thought persists in my mind even as Constance leaves to present her idea elsewhere.

I wanted more pictures. "That is it? I almost believed you were going for something incredibly dramatic."

Eh. Sometimes, it can be as simple as that.
...

The latest hull-booloaa. What? hullla -boo-laa? How did Caspar say it again?

Whatever, the latest gossip that so consumed Garreg Mach was Constance's innovation. Even now, I could see her being eager to showoff her creation to a crowd of sparkly-eyed students who all wanted a picture captured.

Haha! Suck it losers. I got the first one! ….Then I gave it to Byleth. Stupid fucking puppy eyes.

Except for Ignatz. Who looked as if he much wanted to also share, but was torn by something. Fiddling with his glasses nervously, he kept sneaking glances at the crowd, enviously.

Should I intervene?

"Ignatz?" I startle the shy man. "Is something preventing you from going over? I can help if you need to do something else. It's no bother." might as well help a fellow student in need.

"Oh! Hello Lady Edelgard! No no no- It's nothing, I have to get back to my training."

I smile wryly. "Ignatz, don't be so pedantic. Missing some training will not change anything, you won't be able to focus anyway during it. Why don't you satisfy your curiosity?" Doesn't he enjoy painting as well? "I know, that it must be intriguing from an artists' perspective."

"... Oh. So you even you know?" A sudden outburst from Ignatz shocks me. Usually, he is far more polite. "Even though I 've been trying so hard to keep it a secret… "

I laugh a little, "Haha. Ignatz, your artistry has become quite famous throughout the academy. You're really quite talented. I'm a little envious myself."

He blushes in embarrassment. "Oh, I'm really not that good!"

"Nonsense-"

"No!"

Where did this come from! Sothis floats back, a little frightened by the suddenness. "I did not expect to be shouted at by that child!" Right, It's like suddenly having Ferdinand understand Dorothea's bee analogy. Impossible.

Ignatz rants. "Stop talking about my art!... " Holding back tears, he shouts at me. "Being an artist is impossible! Not while also training to be a knight! I can't go on like this! I have to abandon one or the other, and obviously it's art!

More talking to himself rather than me, Ignatz looks at me hoping for an understanding.

"Ummm." I am not the person to be hearing this. Failing to receive such an understanding he-

He lets out a frustrated growl. "Sorry! But you don't get it! You, Khalid, everyone else! You're all here because you have a burning ambition! But my burning ambition is only to be a painter! Yet, I would only become a burden to everyone if I give in to my ambition!"

"..." So this is what happens when you're a normal person, practically a civilian a forced into a role you're unsuited for. He is correct. He is unfit to be a knight.

"... So no. I can't go over there and study the fascinating innovation that Constance has managed to do. I have to give up art, completely…." Ignatz sighs and puts an act of resolving himself. "From now on! I'll be a knight. In my heart and in my actions."

Sothis floats above my shoulders. "... Can he not be both?"

It's… difficult to say. Ignatz is obviously talented at painting, but he also seems to have hidden talent in archery and battlefield control, having a ludicrous accuracy that no other archer can match. His natural demeanor would make him an excellent knight to the people, if he could be a little less shy when interacting with others. At least that's what Hubert says. Translated from his overly harsh criticisms.

Could he both? A knight and an artist? Perhaps. Nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it. But for someone who is a little too polite, I believe that the guilt of pursuing both, would cause him to feel like he is not fully purring the other. Ah. A fundamental difference in how most see art. It is not a hobby to him, it is a full on obsession. Unlike my own dabblings in art, he seeks not only pleasure, but fulfilment in his art.

"Ignatz. You are not suited be a Knight." He flinches at my cruel words. "As of you are now, you would die."

Sothis remains silent, allowing me to speak for now, but her presence turns cold at my harshness.

"Lady Edelgard-"

I don't let up. "Why are you even here?"

"My father he-"

"I see, you must be following another's wish. Pathetic. No wonder you are so weak."

Sothis alarms. "That is going too far!"

I ignore her. Advancing onto the shy man.- No.- boy who shies away. Fearful of my words and truths. "If you follow another's dream your entire life, then you will find yourself to be only a pawn. Easily discarded and killed."

He suddenly stands his ground. But words fail him.

I flick my hair, I've said more than I needed to. I have no more time to waste on such a fool.

"You should leave the Academy."

With that, I leave the boy behind to reflect upon my words.

…

It's obvious why no one has likely spoke of such to Ignatz, before. To receive education at Garreg Mach, despite coming from a simple merchant family. It would be as if you suddenly found a pile of gold billions in a haystack. Improbably fortunate. Of course, he could have also joined the general academy below the officer's academy… But the opportunities afforded to those who graduate the Officers' Academy are immense, as well as the responsibilities left after. If Ignatz continues down this road… He will likely be facing my army down in the Alliance as a knight. Instead of spreading art around the world, which can even captivate the well-versed cultures of the Nobles at Garreg Mach, he could waste his life against my conquest.

A life snuffed out like a candle. Instantly.
…

A.N.
Not exactly sure where that came from. There was more but it became a little off.

 

[ArtemisAvant]

I know totally get why Supports seem to end weirdly.

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Hmm. Yeah I'm probably going to rewrite ch 18. Sorry for the shitty writing, I've been little stressed recently! It doesn't even have a proper title!

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 19: 15th of Red Wolf Moon: Battle of the Animal Kingdom
…

Normally, The Battle of the Eagle and Lion is supposed to take place at Gronder Field, but House Bergliez was resolute in the battle not taking place there, this year. A rather strange denial from the Head of House Bergliez, and it was likely more due to the source of his permanent maims rather that out of a denial of the tradition as a whole. Sore loser much?

… So… I suppose tradition means nothing. Why have a tradition if you don't even follow it? Really, the entire affair is more of an excuse to have the Houses battle each other.

Naturally, we were set out at the original site of the Mock Battle.

And all was going about as normally you would expect, which in itself is rather boring. Dimitri led his troops at the front. I led my Black Eagles to their inevitable victory while Khalid set up traps for us.

So when the Demonic Beasts attacked. I was almost thankful. Almost.

Fuck.

…

A massive disgusting caricature of a common desert tunnel Snake spit out another wide spreading poisonous breath.

Dodging back, I set my recently forged shield to work. But not for myself-

Throwing it in front of the still trapped, Bernadetta, whos' mount had fallen in the sudden eruption of the creature from the earth.

"Lindhardt!"

"-A little busy right now!" As he said that, the man cast a Restore spell over the area, and I could feel my chest loosen up from the poisons being cleansed from my lungs.

I glance over at the medical tent's location which had been thrown up violently from the emergence of a Snake, directly underneath it. I could see the distant figures of the Faculty who were present battling the creature. And gathering up and healing the clerics injured.

Is this a trap? But by who?

I have no time to ponder it farther, when the snake head lunges towards my exposed form, in an instant.

Shatter!

My blade shatters upon meeting the force of the creature head on, and I'm sent tumbling back. Being caught by my own Imperial Battalion. I only tumble so far, and another under my command gifts me his axe.

A flash of white, as Lindhardt Rescues Bernadetta. Then, an arrow splinters against the Demonic beasts scales. Followed by a quick shower of arrows raining down on the creature, turning its attention to Petra., and her battalion.

With a sudden breath of poison, the force is annihilated.

Sothis!

The world neutralizes.

A step back.

Two steps back.

My blade shatte- slashes through the beast's charge ,using it's own momentum to carve a bloody swath through its open mouth.

A flash of white.

And then arrows rain down on the exposed flesh of the beast and it's own poisonous discharge explodes in it's throat. Choking the beast.

I force my crest to activate. And I end it's existence by stabbing my blade through it's bloodshot eye. The eye loses it's light and I flick my blade free of it's fluids.

I hear a distant cry of pain, and see the rest of the House who have converged in the centre of the battlefield- and the agonized screams of a dying battalion and their poisoned leader who coughs up blood before falling unconscious.

"Felix!"

Sylvain charges the Snake and run's his lance through it's side. The force of his charge breaking the scales, and he does a quick turn around. As his battalion then sends a lightning storm upon the impaled spear.

The resulting explosion of viscera and gore soaks through Sylvain and me, as I carry Lindhardt to Felix.

Dumping the cleric over, and with him valiantly holding back the urge to vomit upon being covered with so much blood, Lindhardt quickly chants another Restore.

"Thanks Edelgard!" Sylvain checks the pulse of Felix, still worried, but he relaxes upon feeling a heartbeat.

I ignore his gratitude and ask him. "Where's the rest of the Blue Lions?"

He points to the western forest, and then mounts his horse again, offering a hand. "We got separated in the eruption. Blew me and Felix way off. Just past those trees!"

I take his hand, and with a quick motion stand upon the saddle. I prepare a Bolganone.

"Hold steady Princess!"

"Just shut up and ride!"

Unsheathing my sword, I slash away the branches that impede my vision and body.

Upon the first sight upon seeing scales, I wait for a second glance. To recklessly fire magic here might be fatal, "El Watch out!" I duck instinctively as a spray of poison comes from just behind the dead snakes's slain kin!

Sylvain only spurs on our ride faster. "We're going to have to go for it!" The terrified horse now in pain, rides ever faster. Nearly falling off, I bend my knees and grit my teeth.

Sylvain and mount leap over the slain serpent, and I do my own leap off. Arcing my blade to slice the soft flesh of the living serpents' upper jaw, making it recoil as I find myself flailing through the air. Lining up my arm with my other. I fire my Bolganone down the monstrous snake's gullet. Finger outstretched and my thumb pointed upwards. Damm that feels cool.


I fall into the slain serpent scales. Bouncing off and rolling slightly, I immediately spring up upon hitting the earth.

The serpent hisses at me, and in it's distraction. It fails to react to the Lance that flies through it's vulnerable eye. I'm forced to roll backwards from the dying thrashes of it's body crushing me.

"El!" A worried Dimitri also on horseback, rides up to me. "Are you unharmed!'

"I'm fine. All the Black Eagles have retreated to the northern forest." I add, upon seeing him searching for them.

Sylvain calls out. "Felix is unconscious, but he went with them!"

Dimitri and I exchange worried looks. "The Golden Deer!"

…

Sitting behind Dimitri, we ride towards the eastern edge of the designated battlefield. Before we can approach the flaming forest. The form of a wyvern slams into the ground before us, forcing the horse to rear back.

Khalid crawls out from underneath the wyvern and pours an elixir down its throat. Spotting us, he shakily waves.

"Oh hey there, your highnesses. As you can see. We're fucked." A lopsided smirk rests weakly on his face, but his eyes show true worry.

Both I and Dimitri dismount. Dimi shouts. "How did the situation on your end escalate to this!"

"Beats me, No one was throwing any damn fire around… Dammit. If it wasn't you guys. Then-"

I interrupt him. "We have no time to determine the nature of our hidden enemy!"

"Right Right, sorry my head's all wrong."

All three of us start to run into the flaming forest. Led By Khalid- A possibly poor decision- but better than running in blind at least.

I catch glimpses of serpent bodies that have crushed parts of the forest, which are now burning themselves.

While the heat of the forest is painful, the smoke and the smell are enough to make anyone's eyes water… We continued our desperate run. Already, I could feel my body boiling in the flames, and my own steps falter as a result. My thick plate mail only insulates the heat farther!

Dimitri and Khalid quickly advance beyond me. So I throw off my chestpiece. And bulky arm pieces. Now lightened of my armour, I sprint faster to catch up to them. Just in time to see-

Dimitri throws his lance and it glances off a Stone Demonic Beast!

It's disturbingly armoured head slams into the ground. Forcing-

Khalid to fall on the ground., coughing up lungfuls of smoke. I also fall in the shake, but I'm able to transform my sprint into a slide. To go so far as to use a crest stone! Another's hand is definitely at work here!

Shit. I don't have a mace. Breaking through a stone demonic beasts' skin without a powerful weapon would be as chipping away at bedrock.

All of us dodge away from it's enraged charge into the forest. Behind it's body, I spot the rest of the Golden Deer in the forest in various states of injury.

A pink haired woman emerges. "Khalid! You're alive!"

"What about everyone else?"

Hilda shakes her head.

"Everyone beside Lorenz is okay! You shouldn't have taken that blow for me! And I can't find Lorenz!" Panicking slightly the young woman slaps Khalid's shoulder. Missing his face.

"Get it together Hilda! I need you to lead the Golden Deer to safety-" I add in. "To the north." Without missing a beat. Khalid continues. "And to lead them to the north!"

She nods, wiping away soot, and running back to the rest of the Golden Deer.

Khalid and I refocus on our foe. Dimitri guarding our backs as we talked.

"Any sign of it?"

"No… But, the noises are coming closer!"

I rush past both, ignoring their shouts at me.

Divine Pulse will be my armor.

I lower my eyelids to brace my eyes against the ashes and sparks off the falling branches. Fortunately, the trees have all lost their leaves. Unfortunately, the leaves made for excellent kindling.

I hear a hoarse shout, As I burst into a clearing with Lorenz bleeding but alive. And a pulped remains of a mount being gnashed in the Demonic Beast's teeth.

"I will not die today! As on my name of Lorenz Hellman Gloucester!" He throws his lance at the Beast's mouth. And it impales through it's meal and into the beast's mouth.

"********" The Monster roars in pain. And before I can do anything- it spits out blood and gore into Lorenz sending him to the ground.

As I run up to enact a foolish plan. Sothis cautions me. "I can only change Time's flow so much before your mortal body cannot bear my power!" I don't have time for any flashy words. So I make do with flashy actions. Throwing my useless sword at the Beast's head, I activate the Crest of Flames as well, making my weapon a powerful projectile that staggers the Beast.

I run up the forelimbs up the creature, barely keeping my footing on it's skin.

It attempts to shake me off, but just before my footing gives out, I grasp onto the mask on its head. Unable to attack me properly, it slams its head down onto the ground.

Anticipating such, I use my resulting upwards momentum to swing atop the beast head. Straddling the neck of the beast, I lift my hands and activate my Crest of Flames once again, hammering the back of the neck of the creature.

"**-" An awful screech is cut short as I remember I have a fucking dagger. It slides in easily just underneath its mask and I use it as leverage. Slowly and surely tearing off the masks from its head. Agonized the beast flails around wildly.

Suddenly it finds a target for it's rage, and I can feel its cruel human malice directed at Lorenz. Who himself is shakily leaning on his spear. I can see his eyes widen as he realizes what the beast is about to do. It charges at him. And unable to properly defend, the monster easily rips the man to shreds before me.

The world bleeds color.

A step back.

Blood drips down my face, but my grip on it's mask is undaunted as I swing up to straddle it's neck. This time, I pull out my dagger first. "That will not pierce the skin!" Heading Sothis's words I light up my other hand with Bolganone.

I breath in, and out. One fucking opportunity. Two hands.

And force my dagger through the contained heat of my magic. Boom. The pierced magic explodes in my hand. I close my eyes against the flash of heat and light.

A mangled left hand is set aflame. But I have endured more pain imaginable under the Agarthans. This much is fucking nothing!

I shake my left hand free of flames, putting it out on the beast's mask. Okay maybe that one was too much. My hand looks like a fucking nightmare.

With my right, I plunge the white-hot dagger piercing it into the Beast's spine.

It flails around wildly and the sizzling smell of burnt flesh rankles me. You stink bastard! Goddamit stay still so I can kill you!

My right glove sears into my skin. The sheer heat transfers from the blade of my dagger into my hand.

Fuck that noise.

I ignore it to drag my dagger through the spinal column of the beast. Somehow it clings to life, even with my dagger certainly stabbing though its bones. But I don't let up, forcing my dagger further into it's skull and cooking the brain.

Finally it collapses.

And I fall weakly to the ground. My dagger being pulled free not by my own grip, more so the fact it's burned into my hand.
Ow.

…Owwwwww.

I stare into the smoked sky. Isn't this the part where I fall unconscious? Sounds like a bitch move. And I may act like a bitch, but I'm no little bitch. I'm the future emperor.

A purple haired stupid haircut comes into my view.

"You're ruining the sky."

He pauses and closes his mouth from whatever bullshit he was about to say. "... I was about to thank you for undoubtedly saving my life."

"Save it. Do you happen to have a vulnerary?"

"Hssss. I unfortunately just used my own on myself." Bastard doesn't look very sorry.

"Fucccccccck-"

…

Well that's one way to get out of doing this months' paperwork.

"Lady Edelgard, you said that aloud."

"Shut up Hubert. I'm trying to ignore my hands being ripped apart again to remove my gloves. "

Maunela stares at me dryly. But doesn't speak, instead focusing on slicing away my seared skin. Great. Worth it. No one died today.

"Respectively Lady Edelgard. You're an idiot."

Byleth nods. "Idiot."

Dimi shakes his head. "El… When I gave you that dagger, and said to 'cut a path to your future.' I don't believe I meant to literally do so."

"That was open to interpretation."

…

A.N.
Edel-Sassy-Gard.

 

[ArtemisAvant]

Chapter 20: 17th of Red Wolf Moon: Woof
…

To sooth the Garreg Mach's worried and sullen atmosphere, a festival was being held. What kind of festival? No not the Garland festival where I would gift garland weaves for lovers and close family. Seeing as I have no lover, I often ignored the festival anyway.

Nor the Garreg Mach establishment festival, which coincided with the White Heron Dance Cup. Another romantically inclined event… annoying.

Instead, it was a festival of food and peace. Which was almost given the moniker of Thanksgiving, but Marigold apparently vetoed that. He was so vehemently against it, that the festival had instead changed its colour scheme of autumnal colours to a fanciful teal and golden hue.

So where was I during this time of relaxation and ignorant bliss? Obviously in the fucking infirmary.

"Try to lift your fingers." A layered voice asks.

"I am."

"Well.. That's not good."

Manuela set down her drink in front of me. "You might want to take a sip."

"Do all the adults in this monastery prescribe drink as their choice of medicine?"

She winks at me. "Only the good ones."

Manuela sets her face to a neutral, concerned frame. "I'll tell it to you straight. Your left hand's a mess. And your right hand's lucky I managed to save it. But… it'll shake like nothing else."

I close my eyes. My first sacrifice was my scarred skin, my second my heart, my third my happiness and future. This much is nothing. My body is a tool for me to use along my path. "Thank you for the lack of pandering." Injury and maiming are common in this world. If so necessary, I could cut off my left hand and receive Constance's prosthetic.

She takes a sip of her drink herself. "I figured you wouldn't like me to dance around the subject. Your left hand… If the battle wasn't so sudden, I would chastise you for exploding a spell into your own hand. To put it bluntly. It's useless."

Said hand was currently curled into a fist, I raise my left hand, and attempt to move anything. Beyond some pain, not even a twitch. Confirming her words.

"Your tendons melted. Not even faith magic can reverse that."

I hold up my right hand.

"I think I would like that drink."

Manuela offers it to me without a word.

I take a large gulp of the strong liquor. It burns down my throat.

A useless hand will have to go. And even I will need some liquid courage for what I need to do.

"Call Constance von Nuvelle."

Manuela opens her eyes in alarm. "Edelgard! No-"

"Don't try to stop me. I refuse to allow such a weakness."

"As a medical professional I highly advise against this!"

I smash the bottle and hold it against my throat.

"I will slit my own throat if you don't."

My lilac eyes burn fiercely with madness. Sothis screaming obscenities at me. Maunela's shock. The liquor sitting in my stomach. The joy of the festival outside the window. .

All of it fades away. The only thought I have... Is that I need two hands.

"Let me make the choice for you then. Either you amputate my hand yourself, or I saw it off right fucking here with this bottle."

In the end. Maunela folds.
…

Hubert looks distressed opon seeing my prosthetic but cannot bear to speak of his shame.

So I do so.

"Hubert. Stop. There's nothing to be ashamed of."

He doesn't stop. "Lady Edelgard…. I failed you. I should have been by your side-"... I see. A reminder of his past failure. Oh. Hubert. It wasn't a failure of yours at all. Somethings are just out of our control.

I smile at him, but firmly speak my words. "Shut the fuck up. I needed you to protect the Black Eagles and you did so. That is that."

He bows, but I see his face and it's in a rictus of shame still. "As you wish my Lady."

I sigh. Honestly… "Hubert, if you are taking this so badly, then I shudder to imagine how the more squeamish of Black Eagles will."

"...if they dare. I shall rain down a hell unlike any other on them if they see you differently." A sneer accompanies his wrathful words.

Well. Nothing could be said of my friend's loyalty.

I flex my metallic hand. I feel nothing of course, Constance von Nuvelle may be a legendary inventor unseen in centuries. But not even magic can make a miracle.

Meanwhile, Sothis seethes in my mind. Still rather cross with my stunt earlier. She has since refused to speak to me. But I can more than feel her anger through our link.

With my left, I push open the doors to the Black Eagles classroom. Instantly several pairs of eyes stare at my newest tool.

Dorothea walks up to me. "Edie! Wha-" But she falters under my steady gaze. Strange. My gaze is nothing to fear. "Wha-.. did you?"

Bernadetta is up next to speak. "Edie! Your hand! It's like…"

Lindhardt finishes for her. "Marigold's." Then he proceeds to vomit out the window.

Caspar pats his friend on the back. Electric blue glares at me. "Edelgard. You should have let us fight! None of us want to see you sacrifice yourself for us!"

Ferdinand continues. "Indeed, my rival! We should have been right there along with you!"

I… How sweet. How misguided. "Then you would have died. The situation would have only grown worse with more people. None of us are ready for that kind of attack." I close my eyes. "Not even me…"

Petra walks up to me and holds my left hand. "I believe Edelgard is speaking truth. But she is also speaking lie." I open my eyes and stare into Perta's disconcertingly close eyes. "You were acting as my father did. Putting yourself in line of death as a leader should. But not as a friend should."

Dorothea places her hand onto Petra's. "She's right." Flinching a little at the cold reality of my hand. "Next time. Next time we'll be stronger so you can rely on us. Okay?"

I smile fondly and shake my head at their kindness. "You've made your points, everyone. But let's not say next time. I refuse to let such a disaster happen again."

Dorothea rolls her eyes. "There you go again. Making such wild grand declarations. "

Ferdinand suddenly pops up behind Dorothea and lays his hand ontop of the others. "As expected of you Edelgard! …" Quieting down. He gravely states. "And I will ensure that whoever had set up such an attack will not go unpunished."

Capsar puts his hand as well on the pile. "Count me in with that!"

Bernadetta follows his example quickly afterwards. "R-Right! Even if we're scared!"

Lindhardt weakly places his hand on top of hers. "If everyone's doing it, then who am I to go against the flow." His words are lazy, but his focused eyes show his sincerity.

Hubert laughs sinisterly. Before placing his hand underneath mine. "All of you are such fools. I shall be the first to punish the scum beyond this incident. But, I suppose I could allow you to finish them up."

My hand may be metallic and dead. But in that ridiculous moment, I can feel warmth fill the very bottom of my heart from that hand.

…

There were a number of cats and dogs that lived in the Monastery. Partially strays and partially housebroken. But as Mr. Mittens and Ms. Claws often reminded me. They were first and foremost wild creatures. The moment I approached Mr. Mittens he quickly licked my hands.

Strange.

Usually, I would be not so fond of slobber, but seeing his adorable face, I can't bear to stop him with any real force.

A pale hand picks up Ms. Claws.

"Hello Edelgard."

Byleth blankly stares at me. No. At the cat attempting use her namesake to scratch away at Byleth's blue eyes.

I don't look on that, but instead on the ears adorned on Byleth's head.

Why.

"... Byleth."

"Edelgard."

"No, don't just say my name as if this is normal."

A lighting-fast response exits on my lips. But my mind is not present… instead wholly focused on the black ears that flop on her head.

A strange desire overtakes me. I should-pet the Byleth.

"Do you like them?" She takes them off, and. What? What just happened. I blink rapidly.

"Here you try." Without any decorum, the woman places the ears onto my head, a-and then to top it all of.S–S-She then strokes my head!

My face flushes with angry heat. "Byleth!

"Edelgard!" Playfully, her voice now matches her slight smile upon her face.

"Again! Don't just say my name as if this makes this normal!" Ignoring the cute smile on her face, I angrily call her out on her continued joke. I go to shake her.

Her eyes sparkle with glee as she dodges around me. With Mr. Mittens barking happily around her and his tail whacking my legs.

Hey! Stop running around me!

Ms. Claws watches me try to stop the idiot who keeps running around me!

"What are you a dog? Cease this nonsense!"

"Woof." She breaks into huffs of laughter. And does a double fist pump.

I roll my eyes.

Honestly. What a chi-

In my distraction I fail to notice her glaring at my hand. Suddenly Byleth pounces on me. Her cobalt eyes meet my surprised lilac, before we both tumble to the ground. Aah!

"What the fuck!" As of late… I keep lapsing into such foul language. But it's warranted when I get attacked by a… a… an. idiot!

Byleth ignores my words in favor of grasping my left hand harshly. Holding it up, to our faces, she inspects it.

My heart pounds in fear. Her opinion on such weighs heavily on me. Will I lose a friend due to this? It's hardly a grounded fear. If my friend would abandon me because of a simple-

"Edelgard. You cut your hand off." A statement that bores into me. Her eyes flash with something I can't catch.

I respond without shame. "It needed to be done."

"..."Byleth sighs. "Idiot"

She then slides the metal fingers open. I shriek. A little. Just a fucking little. "Byleth! That is wholly unnne-"

"Shut up." She fiercely stares at me. "Do you feel this?" She places her palm against mine.

I shake my head. "No I don't, now let me get up-"

"No." Do you feel this?" She traces a circle onto my palm. And then begins circling each of my fingers. Lingering slightly on my ring finger…

Regardless of my numb hand, I squirm at her ministrations. "I don't!"

Interlacing our hands together she leans in close and murmurs. "Do you feel this then?"

My heart beat triples in intensity and though I make to push her off at me and flee away from her, somehow her movements make me lose all strength.

So my only option is to shout. "I fucking don't! I don't fucking feel a damn thing! Okay!? … I can't feel your hand." I grip her hand. Careful to not exert too much force. "I can't even fucking feel if I'm going to crush your hand." With my hand in hers, I pull her under me as I twist.

She flutters her eyes up at me. "But. It was worth it. So shut up. I made my choice and I don't regret it."

My eyes blaze like meteors into her blue. My hair falling as strands of coffee over her own dark blue tangle. I can feel my face being pulled into a savage grin.

She blushes for some reason. "...bad."

"Maybe so." I realize I still have the stupid floppy ears on me. In a moment of brilliance I use my right hand to tear them off, and end up falling headfirst into her.

Kyaa! Dammit! I am an idiot!

Falling into her neck, and for a moment I'm surrounded by an intoxicating scent. A hint of blood and steel, but also a naturally floral scent of unknown origin, and also popcorn?

I flail and fail to leap off of her, because her arm wraps around me before I could even get the chance to. This is dangerous! Like really dangerous! I don't have a damn clue why, But I sense my entire life is serious danger!

A whisper into my ear. "I was scared…. I thought you had…."

I cease my flailing. I'm paralyzed by her heartfelt words of pain.

She whispers even softer. "I couldn't get to you. Why didn't you stop?"

I…I. can't stop. Moving forward is who I am. An endless strive for the future. Regardless of what it costs me. I burn and I immolate myself. I tear my body to shreds. I tear the world apart.

Nothing can stop me.

But… I weaken a little.

"I'm sorry. I suppose I'm a fool like that."

"Idiot."

"Mmmhm. An idiot."

"A dolt."

That's a new one. "Yes. Indeed."

A deadly whisper into my ear, and I can feel her lips on the shell of my ear.

"Earlier… Language. ."

My heart stops in intensity and my entire body flushes with heat. My vision darkens but-

Fuck!

I barely manage to stay conscious. How dare she! You can't whisper right next to someone's ear! That's a war crime! What? What. My mind fuzzes with anger. I prepare to end her entire existence verbally.

And then her next words send me straight into darkness.

"Bad girl."

That's not fair… Are my last thoughts before everything I know shatters.

…

 

[PrototypeGear]

Damn. Byleth is the most dangerous being in the entire monestary.

That said, Edelgard with a prosthetic because she did something stupid and reckless? My oh my, who does that remind you of?