Chapter 26

Summary: Timeline- Rewind- Faerghus-

Notes: The next parts were getting way too long so I'm splitting them up there's going to be alot of updates to the story today so enjoy :3

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text 26

Byleth woke up warm. Laying between Dimitri and Guren the warmth made her very comfortable enough not to want to get out of the bed. She twisted in Dimitri's arms and started to pet Guren, letting her fingers slide through his thick fur.

"Feels nice." Guren breathed, still partly asleep.

Byleth tilted her head. When did…. The night came back to her, a little fuzzy at first. She had been trapped in Sothis's memories. Somehow Dimitri had been able to go with her as a spectator. She had tried to pull herself out, so she didn't have to go through the same pain Sothis did, but had been unable to until she was able to calm down and got to happier memories. Sothis had asked if she could talk with him, and she had let her. When she turned back to Dimitri his eyes were opened, watching her.

"I'd say morning love, but it's still dark outside." She said, pulling up to him for a kiss.

He breathed a sigh of relief, watching her eyes. "Sothis was…. interesting, to say the least, but I'm glad you're back."

He pulled her into another kiss. Byleth looked down as her hands touched fabric. When did he redress?

"What do you remember?" he asked.

"I was trapped as Sothis for a lot of those memories, in the sword and then as myself. I remember you being there at some point. I'm sorry you had to see some of that, and I took you to your past, Duscur. Slither…. No Arundel…..If Thales is the leader then it would make sense that he would be Arundel, pulling strings to puppet Patricia and then Edelgard herself, and he would have his kingdom connections through Patrica and Lambert."

"What do you mean trapped as her?" he asked. He had come to the same conclusion himself about Arundel.

"I don't ever want to repeat the sensation of my heart being pulled from my chest again." She grumbled, shivering at the memory. She was surprised that he wasn't seething more right now.

He held her tightly then."No wonder I couldn't wake you if you were going through such a horror."

"Sothis did more than come through in our viewing, didn't she?" Byleth asked.

"Yes, she was using your body for a little while. She gave Guren the ability to speak and let us hear him. She called Seteth and Flayn Cithol and Cethlenn. She referred to me as her champion and your lover and then asked if I could just hold her for a bit until she faded back to let you have control." Dimitri said. Then his eyes sparkled as he started to chuckle. "She is jealous of certain assets you have."

Byleth tilted her head, trying to get through the foggy haze that was in her mind. "Can she hear us now?" he asked

Byleth searched her mind, unable to make the connection. "No, she's faded back for now."

"Good, because I don't wish to offend her. You look much better in that outfit. I have to agree that these are nice. They are part of the reason why and what she's jealous of." His hands went to her breasts as he cupped them.

Byleth chuckled. "I think I can remember all of it now. Alright, to another subject, what are we going to do about Rhea and the church? Based on what history is the church has been running under a lie. I imagine that is why Edlegard is so hell-bent on taking it down. Slither has probably been feeding her more lies to twist her anger more. According to Hubert it was Rhea seeking how to revive Sothis that started the experiments on the children. I saw what you saw, Rhea is not right in the head. I understand it, but that does not mean I agree with what's been done as a result."

Dimitri had to think on that a moment. He had been very much the same. After Duscar his mentality had been on fragile strings that kept snapping until he finally lost it. If not for Byleth's healing hand creating that unbreakable cord that bound them, he would be nothing more than a beast himself seeking revenge at whatever cost it required. Rhea's binding cord had been her mother, so that had become her obsession. Everything that Rhea had done during the academy made more sense now with the responsibility she trusted Byleth with.

"They called her Lady Seiros, so she built the church as she wished it and bent history to her will. When she inflicts that divine punishment, it is her judgment as to who is guilty and who is not. I know how biased those thoughts can be, even when the truth is placed in front of you telling you otherwise." He said.

Byleth nodded. "When she gave us the mission to go after Lenato she specifically said it was to show you all what happens to those that point their blades to the church. There was also the bandit raid. The ones left had all surrendered and yet the church executed them all for daring to set foot in Zanado. I also don't know why she was so dead set on me sitting on that throne. What was she hoping it would do to me? There's when I first merged with Sothis and you brought me to her. Rhea was at my side at all moments except when she allowed you to come in to see me. I am glad that despite your blushes and fumbling, you were always refraining from doing anything then. Based off of what she said about Jeralt, she might have intended to see how you would act while we were alone, to see if you would also need to be taught a lesson. She was so possessive and reverent after that."

She sighed and Dimitri tucked a few stray hairs behind her ear as he listened. "It was part of why I stayed away from you for a little while. She had mentioned your visits and the hint of disapproval in her voice sent shivers down my spine. I didn't want her turning her eyes to you. I am sorry if putting distance between us had hurt you at the time….. then the holy tomb happened. Her rage and fury mirrored the one you had. I can imagine that if she had requested to stay in Faerghus with you that you'd have to let her because your kingdom is duty-bound to help the church, but also she would probably only feed your own madness to help her get what she wants. So maybe in that regard, it was good that she went missing instead. I know that's selfish to say because of what is happening to Faerghus right now, but I can see her sacrificing it just to get her revenge and you would be in no state to stop her if she did."

Dimitri, unfortunately, could also see the image she painted with her words. "She is your family." He said quietly.

She put her hands to cup his face before she leaned in for a kiss. "If she threatens you or Faerghus I won't hesitate Dimitri. Sothis can hate me all she wants, but I know where my loyalties lie and it is not with Rhea."

He smirked. "The next time my head is stupid enough to try to tell me you're a spy please smack some sense into me." He said before pulling her close for a kiss.

She laughed lightly at that. "Will do. I guess for the moment all we can do is focus at the task at hand and leave that for when we find her. If we can reason with her then it might be the first step towards a brighter dawn. If we can't and she attacks either of us we are going to have to defend ourselves."

He nodded. "How are you feeling?"

"Still tired, but I can manage. I don't think my mind will let me sleep now anyway." She said. She looked to Guren who had his head facing away from them."That does remind me Guren. I ever catch you with a cat in your mouth and we are going to have problems."

He huffed and looked at her. "As if I would….. ok Ashen if you're going to have me in the same room at least have some smallclothes on, please."

Byleth reached out and tousled the fur on his head as she chuckled. "Such a chivalrous wolf. Do you have any requests for breakfast or preferences?"

"I'll catch something for myself. It's been too long since I hunted. As far as preferences, a pillow outside your door would be nice if I'll be staying guard out there on nights when he's in here with you." Guren said.

Byleth thought a moment on that. "I don't want anyone trying to hurt you…. Would you mind if I made a collar for you? If people think you are tame and have an owner they would be less inclined to attack you."

Guren hopped down off the bed. "Very well Ashen. I understand your point. One of the knights had already raised their sword at me. Just make it light and not one that will impede my movement or make noise."

Byleth nodded before slipping off Dimitri and onto the floor. She moved her hand over the cloak Dimitri had gifted her and smiled. "How long did it take you to make it?" she asked before she looked around to figure out where clothing would have been placed. Dimitri stepped off and went over to a wadrobe chest to hand her some clothing to wear. Her armor was probably still in Mercedes's room. Guren had laid himself in front of the door facing away from both of them.

"Let's just say a while. I wouldn't have been able to do it without Mercedes' help." He said.

He watched her put on her tights as they slid over her leg and she attached the edges of it to her garter belt. They had better things to concentrate on, but she was always his best distraction. He went over to the door and let Guren out before he shut it and went to Byleth, taking off the more formal shirt. He would need to take off his current set to put on what went under his armor anyway.

A smile curled her lips as he leaned over her. "Now, now my lion do not look at me with such a devouring gaze."

"There is still a few more hours before we need to be anywhere." Dimitri said, running his hands over her leg.

"You're insatiable, aren't you?" She teased.

"Only for you." He said, kissing her neck.

She pushed him away as she bit her bottom lip. "As much as I would like to we have a long march ahead. Once we have won Fhirdiad how about you show me some of the castle? I'm sure it's full of comfy places that we can enjoy ourselves and have our own victory celebration."

He narrowed his eyes on her, clearly unhappy about the truth she spoke. "The future is unknown I'd rather live in the moment and take the opportunity we have."

She smiled and raised up to kiss him. "We will take back your home Dimitri. I will see it done. For now behave, I have some tasks that need to be taken care of before we leave and I'd rather enjoy you for more than just a quick romp."

"Then I'd better take my time."

Byleth was shaking her head as she put the herbs in her lavender tea as she took her cup with her down to go get her armor from Mercedes' room, a smile on her face. She had left Dimitri to put on his armor. He had tried to keep her in the bed, but she insisted. Guren was at her heels as she wandered in just a turtleneck and her usual attire. She knocked on Mercedes' door, hoping it wasn't too early.

"Just a moment please." Mercedes said from inside.

"Take your time." Byleth answered.

"Oh Professor. If it's just you…" The door opened. Mercedes was in a long white nightgown. Byleth slipped inside before someone saw her. Guren followed her in.

"Sorry for the early rise. Just needed to get my armor." Byleth said.

"That tea is lavender, but there's a different scent to it." Merceded noted.

"Mmmm, yeah Manuela gave me some herbs for when Dimitri and I… um…"

Mercedes giggled as Byleth seemed a little tounge tied. "You two are so cute. You're armor is over there. I'm sorry I forgot to bring it up with us yesterday."

Byleth nodded, putting the cup down on Mercedes' desk. "Question for you, I need to make a collar for the wolf, but it needs to be light. What would you suggest?" She asked as she started putting on her armor pieces.

Mercedes came over to Guren and put her hands on his cheeks as she ran her hands through his fur. "Hmmm, I'd say fabric or leather, I think that the ones in charge of making reigns and saddles would be a better choice." Mercedes stood to dig through her drawers that spilled with different colors of fabrics. She pulled out a blue scarf that she brought back and tied around Guren's neck. "For now this should do."

Byleth pointed to the mirror. "Suitable?" she asked, finishing off her tea.

Guren padded up to it. "Clashes with my fur color but as long as it stays tied it will do."

Byleth huffed. "Wouldn't have taken you for caring how you look. We could find a pink frilly one for you."

Guren's growl was deep. "Don't you dare Ashen."

Byleth's lips quirked. She might have some fun with this.

"If you'd like to leave the cup professor I'll bring it to you later. I imagine you have plenty of things you need to do and a cup isn't something you need to worry yourself over." Mercedes said.

Byleth thanked Mercedes and left, the wolf following close behind. She did stop by the stables who directed her to the blacksmith. They did some measurements on Guren's neck before they said they could have something suitable in an hour or so. She checked up on all of the supplies and shipment plans and made sure that the monastery wouldn't run out of anything while they were gone. There were a few people she had to talk to about restorations and other tasks.

When the bell tolled she went to the dining hall to pick up some breakfast and brought it up to the cardinal room. She had stopped by her room to grab a few things. The war council wouldn't be for another half hour, but she started to go over the maps while she munched on the fruit and bread she picked up. Getting to the capital shouldn't be that much of a problem if they followed the route through Fraldarius territory.

Rodrigue stepped into the room. "Ah I should have known you'd be in here. Did the preparations go well?"

Byleth smiled. "Yes thank you for that. It hadn't crossed my mind."

Gilbert came in and greeted them, stopping whatever Rodrigue had opened his mouth to say.

"Gilbert, Dimitri and I have something for you…. However he'll probably want to be here when you open it., now that I think about it." Byleth said.

"Thank you both for yesterday. I think you both would have had fun if you stayed. Darren played festival music from Faerghus and everyone got up to dance." Byleth said looking up at them.

"Yes, from what I hear it was a sight to behold. However, I doubt our children would have been as estatic if we were in their presence." Gilbert said.

"You both need to do something about that. Rodrigue I know you and Felix don't see eye to eye, but even just something as simple as saying that your proud of him for something that doesn't have to do with obligations might help. And you Gilbert, Annette does care for you. If you left them as punishment for what happened in Duscar then you've suffered enough. All of you need to move forward instead of clinging to the past." Byleth said.

"Professor, I have a question for you about last night." Seteth said coming in.

Byleth sighed. She wasn't going to get any work done at this rate. This is why she liked getting started earlier than this.

"Sothis showed me the memories of the past. Somehow Dimitri was able to make the connection and see them too. If you wish to speak with Sothis it will have to be another time." She said scattering the papers as she found something else more interesting. She had forgotten that Rodrigue and Gilbert would have no idea what she was talking about as her mind tried to focus on the tactic that was forming in her head.

"That battle on the bridge, that really was Sothis's powers then?" Rodrigue asked.

"I shouldn't have said anything, forgive me Professor." Seteth said.

"It's alright. I trust the ones in this room, but there are more important things to focus on." Byleth said.

"Of course. You are her chosen, and that is why Rhea trusted the church with you. As one who knows the will of the goddess, you are the best one to run the church. My question actually deals with Dimitri. Why did Sothis call him her champion?" Seteth said.

Byleth looked up from her papers. "Because she trusts him and his strength. We will strike Slither from this world. As my chosen, she knows that he will never betray us. Dimitri is the one who can fight by my side as an equal to bring peace to Fodlan. Now question for you. Is slither the Argathans?"

"How do you know that term?" Seteth asked.

"I told you Seteth. Sothis showed us the past, major events that are secrets long since buried." Byleth responded.

Seteth nodded. "I see. That would be a matter best discussed in private, but yes, it is a possibility concerning their obsession with you and Rhea. If that is true then we will need to prepare. They are not an enemy taken lightly."

Byleth nodded. The silence hung between them as she took notes on possible ways to get Fhirdiad under their control. Once she was done with her notes she brought Gilbert and Rodrigue to her side to critique the choices. She had never been to the capital before so she welcomed their insight to the territory.

Dimitri came in, holding a collar. "I had stopped by the smiths and they gave me this saying that you requested it. It seems you've already taken care of everything else."

Byleth nodded. "Thank you Dimitri. If you haven't eaten there's extra on the plate you can have. Guren, see if it needs adjusting and if it's to your taste."

Guren padded up to him as Dimitri hooked the leather and silver collar around his neck.

"Fits alright." Guren acknowledged shaking himself and happy that it didn't make any noise. "Thank you."

Dimitri nodded before going over to Byleth as she started to repeat the battle plans. It was decided that Gilbert would lead a force to clear to the main gates then Byleth and Dimitri would lead their main force to free the castle from Cornelia's grasp.

Byleth pointed to the box for Gilbert. "Not sure when you wanted to give it to him."

Dimitri took the box and his gaze went to Rodrigue. He would need to think of something for him later. "As a thank you for all you've done and help you've given Byleth and I wanted to do something for you. We wouldn't have been able to accomplish so much without you." Dimitri said, presenting the box to Gilbert.

Gilbert looked between them. "I was only doing my duty. I don't need to be rewarded."

Byleth looked up at him. "Would you refuse a gift? This is not a payment or a bribe. We wanted to thank you and this was the best way we knew how."

Gilbert took the box with shaking hands. When he saw the contents he was speechless for a moment. "I don't deserve…."

Byleth smiled. "That replica you made of the sword of the creator will serve me well. If you believe that you don't deserve it then how about creating one of Areabdhar for him to use. Take the tools to be able to complete the request."

Dimitri gave Byleth a peeved glare. They had both intended it as a gift so why did she ask that of him.

Gilbert looked to her and bowed. "Yes, yes that I can do. Thank you both. I will do my best to make something worthy of these tools."

The knowing gaze she gave Dimitri back told him all he needed to know.

They gathered most of the troops together for the long march ahead. Dimitri kept Byleth in his tent at nights with Guren guarding the entrance. He had found it hard to sleep most nights, his thoughts going back to the day that he was supposed to be executed for a crime he didn't commit. He had never gotten along with his uncle, but he had been family all the same. Just having her presence comforted him, and he knew he had to behave himself. If there was any sort of ambush they needed to be ready. Rodrigue would talk with them as they traveled, telling them stories of Lambert of their journies and travels. It was plain to see the reverence that Rodrigue had for his old friend.

When they got to the outskirts of Fhirdiad they received a report that the people were rioting inside against Cornelia and her men as their army approached. Byleth had been riding with him and he noticed even with her cloak she would still be shivering some nights. He had wrapped his around them both and held her tightly until the shivering would stop and she'd relax in his arms asleep. During the day when she road with him he let her use his old cloak to wrap around her.

He probably should have insisted that she wear a different armor set. She might hate the shoes and bulky pants but the trickster class did have a warmer outfit than her usual attire. However he knew how one's armor became an extention of themselves. He knew the weight and what movement was required. He found himself wondering how she would look like in Fhaergus attire, long dresses with fur lined trim to insulate for heat. She was probably going to complain about the multiple layers she'd have to wear to keep out of the cold since she normally wore so little.

She leaned her head against his chest as she looked up. "What are you chuckling at?"

He hadn't realized that he had laughed at the image of her complaining. "Nothing to concern yourself with Beloved. Are you warm enough? With it being spring it makes me wonder how you're going to handle the winters here."

"It's not that bad right now, its that breeze that brings the chill. As far as your question, we'll just have to see won't we? Just means you'll have to keep by my side to give me some of your warmth." She said setting herself closer to him so her back pressed tightly against his chest.

He rubbed her arm and looked ahead as Fhirdiad came into view. Even after so long, even after what he did, he still breathed a sigh of relief when he saw his home. He then saw the empire banners and his vision went red. He was going to relish tearing down every one of them.

Gilbert and Rodrigue led the main force to clear a path for them to reach the castle gates. Dimitri and the others were left behind for the castle assult. Byleth was looking around the central plaza. That's right, although she been to the kingdom before she had never been to the capital.

He went up to her and sighed as he looked around. He remembered when it was still pristine and full of activity. "Fhirdiad… It has been a lifetime since I was here last. Five years ago, in fact. On the day before my execution, when Dedue helped me escape my prison. I killed soliders from my homeland, stole weapons from their corpses, and made my escape, soaked in their blood… to think this is how I would return to the city of my birth, after all that has happened…"

She took his hand. "You had to do what you needed in order to survive. I am proud of you for coming so far."

"If not for you, Sothis, Rodrigue, I would still be lost. A mere shadow of what I should be. I am glad to have you at my side. From the bottom of my heart… I am forever grateful. Let's win this my beloved. Let's all make it out alive and we'll celebrate our victory together." He pulled up her hand to his lips.

"Your Highness. The path to the castle has been cleared. We are making preperations to advance. Say the word and we march." Gilbert said coming up to them.

"Give the order Dimitri. Let's take back your home." Byleth said.

He nodded to her. "Yes… Let us begin." He turned to their comrades. "Everyone listen well! This battle is for all that the empire stole from us. It is a fight to reclaim the days of peace we once enjoyed. I give you but two commands- stay alive, and follow your heart. That is all I ask. The gates to the kingdom capital are open. Join me! It is time to take back our home!"

With a roar of agreeance they turned towards the main gates. It was finally time.

Notes:

so apologizes for the delay- husband put on a harry potter marathon while he was cleaning and that was a distraction, and then Tenkage had recommended some awesome fanfics so was reading those. /users/prototyping/pseuds/prototyping/works?fandom_id=23985107 this person has a ton of absolutely wonderful Byleth Dimitri one-shots and all of them that I read were absolutely wonderful. If you haven't checked them out already go!

And then there is /works/20589794/chapters/48882500 I'm almost done with, I didn't think I'd enjoy a AU coffee shop one as much but with as much as I've been devouring through it with my husband giving me an odd look wondering what I'm bursting out laughing at I most definitely am enjoying the hell out of it.
If there are any fics you'd like to recommend that aren't in my bookmarks feel free to let me know.