With the recent events, as well as with the continuous removal of every remaining noble house and title, there were still many things that required the Emperor's attention. The Empire was now reaching over the entirety of Fodlan, and to maintain the order and balance within the old territories of her former rivals, it would take time as well.
Which, in turn, wouldn't allow her to effectively pursue other matters that were of utmost importance. And it was in these times that she valued those whom she knew she could count on, namely two of her best generals.
She needed Byleth for every concern that was on her mind directly, she would entrust these issues with no one else. That included the strange occurrences that seemed to have appeared near the former building of the Monastery. However, it didn't mean that she could simply neglect the threats that were still secretly lurking in the shadows, even with her Uncle no longer controlling them.
"Your Majesty, you have called for me?", Edelgard smiled lightly at the voice of her trusted military commander.
"Indeed, I'm in need of your service."
Ladislava stopped a few paces away with a bow before she witnessed Byleth at Edelgard's side, her eyes wandering to the ring upon his finger.
"Forgive me, I have never had the chance to meet your consort before…", a trace of uncertainty trailed within her voice while she simultaneously tried her best to maintain a formal attitude.
"It is of no consequence.", Edelgard glanced at Byleth out of the corner of her eyes, and sure enough, she found that despite the mild curiosity within his expression, there was a hint of uneasiness and uncertainty as well. And she knew the cause of it.
Whenever they would pass down a corridor within the palace together and the guards bowed at their presence, he would shift ever so slightly closer to her side, uncertain of what he should make of that gesture. He was simply… not fond of the idea of others bowing due to him being near out of respect. And it almost caused her smile to widen.
But alas, they were inseparable, and along with it, his position was at her side, which meant that he was equal to her. And she made sure that everyone knew this.
However, knowing Ladislava a little more closely due to having chosen her herself, she knew as well that she was holding a grudge against most kinds of the nobility, seeing them as people who merely lived off of the hard work that the commoners provided. Even such was the case when Edelgard had first recognized her potential.
So it came as no surprise when she still witnessed the slight stiffness within the form of her trusted general, undoubtedly trying to make a picture for herself about Byleth.
But that was not why Edelgard had summoned her.
"I need you to travel to a distinct location near the Capital, I have already left the details for General Randolph. It is a secret passageway that leads beneath the ground, a hideout for a large group of dark mages that is posing a threat.", Byleth glanced at Edelgard within that small moment, knowing that she was purposefully leaving out certain details.
Meanwhile, Ladislava looked up as recognition lit up within her eyes for just a split second of hearing the name of her partner for that mission.
"Take as many soldiers as you can assemble, these mages are not to be taken lightly. They have committed several crimes and inexplicable acts of violence upon innocent people of this land, and they need to be eliminated. Without exception.", once again, Edelgard could feel a slight feeling of regret for the choice of her words once Ladislava took her leave with a firm nod, knowing that this was a side of her that she never wanted Byleth to see.
But within that moment, when all of these memories returned to her, these underground chambers beneath the palace…
… and Byleth's father…
She clenched her hands subconsciously, but only after a split second, she could feel his eyes upon her and the sheer anger slowly began to dissipate, leaving a whole other feeling instead. Regardless how many may regard her as an emotionless and cold leader, she didn't need to know anything else other than that Byleth was aware of who she really was.
"You remember them as well, don't you? Kronya and Solon… they have all been under the command of my Uncle. I have wished for ages to make them pay for everything they have done.", she turned her head to face him fully, regarding him with suppressed concern. She regretted the choice she had made, to believe that it was necessary to rely on them…
It didn't excuse the fact that she could have done more in the past to prevent them from committing these horrible experiments, along with the life's they had cost. There was never a single day where she didn't blame herself for the hardships Byleth had to face all those years ago.
It was her fault.
The moment she witnessed his hand subtly reaching out for her own she beat him to it, holding it within her own before closing the distance between them entirely, tenderly wrapping her arms around his form to hold him close.
"... I promise that everything I do, it will be to make them pay…", her own words did little to ease her own mind, for she knew that she couldn't just undo her past mistakes.
And yet, she could feel Byleth slowly but surely returning the embrace, moving his hand along her back as he placed his head against her shoulder, nudging her lightly in an attempt to lift her spirits once again.
She sweared it, everything she did, it would be for him.
"Thank you…", she could almost picture the expression he was holding once he lifted his head ever so slightly, causing her smile to return. Almost not daring to see the curiosity and confusion within his eyes, she responded to the unasked question that was lingering within his mind.
"... for being here."
Silence stretched between them for a long moment, and it was during these times that she wished they could last forever. But alas, Byleth slowly retracted from her embrace, her hands only reluctantly pulling back from him as they lingered where he had been a mere moment ago before she held them behind her back.
"Do you recall the strange phenomenon that has occurred near the Monastery? Whatever the cause, it seems that it has become a place of interest for large amounts of either bandits or thugs… until now, I barely had the chance to restore Order within that place.", she hadn't forgotten about it, and despite the painful memories that connected her with their separation years ago, she cherished all of the time they had spent there together, in peaceful days…
… thus, she refused to let it become a safe haven for bandits.
The road towards the Monastery was a chance for both Edelgard and Byleth to see more of the world outside of the palace, which became more and more of a rare occurrence with their newfound duties. However, knowing the reason for their small trip, it was not to admire the place that held so many memories within its ruined walls.
The dark clouds were looming above them as they reached the entrance of the Monastery, the wind howling along once they stepped into its confines, the withered courtyard greeting their sight. At a mere glance, Edelgard's eyes fell upon witnessing its state once more, this time without the pressure of moving forward as quickly as possible to infiltrate the former Alliance.
Byleth stood frozen as he stared at the scene in front of him, a cold chill overcoming him once he shifted his attention towards the grand tower that was looming above the courtyard, his eyes turning distant.
'Rhea is here…'
The birds chirped and the sun graced his face as he followed the gaze of his father, looking up at the tower in front of them. The stares they received from all of these people… he felt so… little…
'Rhea?'
'The Archbishop. You know when I told you about how the majority of folks in Fodlan are devout followers of the Church? Well, the leader of that ridiculously large religion is the Archbishop, Lady Rhea.'
Once again, his eyes wandered to the many unfamiliar faces of the students around them, before a warm hand suddenly pressed onto his shoulder.
'I know that all of this is not what you would prefer… I'm sorry that we got dragged into all of this…'
Suddenly, his mind snapped back into reality as the vision in front of his mental eye snapped away, the sounds of the birds, the happy voices of the students, and the warm sun vanishing into nothingness, to be replaced by the withered and cold remains of the courtyard. But…
His head slowly turned to the side, feeling a whole different warmth spreading through him as he witnessed that Edelgard had stepped up to him, her hand carefully holding his own.
"... Byleth? Is everything alright?", his eyes found her own, the sheer concern within them causing any last shreds of these memories to disappear, along with the empty sensation that had started to fill him a mere moment ago. He slowly nodded, a small and grateful smile adorning his face.
He became aware of their surroundings once more, glancing to the side to see that the small group of Imperial ceremonial guards that accompanied them was either watching the ruined interior for any kind of threat, or making an effort to appear as indifferent to the situation as possible, despite their helmets.
"Forgive me, I was… lost in thoughts. We should move on.", despite anything, his voice was almost quiet, as if he was uncertain whether or not he should speak them out aloud or to himself. Edelgard regarded him for a long moment before she decided to give him the space that he needed, albeit she gave him a last squeeze, wanting to make sure that she would always be listening whenever he needed her.
The group moved on, and the longer they remained, the more the clouds seemed to darken, the wind slowly but surely picking up in strength as it howled along the interior of the buildings. Edelgard was mindful as she glanced at Byleth from time to time, noticing the distant gaze within his eyes as they moved past the long road along the dormitory area.
She couldn't deny it either, the past memories rushed into her mind as they reached the end of the last house, the remaining two rooms at the end catching her attention. Their old quarters…
'Anyway, we all have rooms similar to one another's, but we are still free to customize them to suite our needs, as long as we keep them in proper order. I hope it is to your liking.'
She turned around one last time to face him, causing Byleth to look back at her as well.
'Don't hesitate to ask should you ever require something.'
After a brief moment, he nodded in gratitude, wishing her a good night before he stepped towards his room. She watched him for a little longer until she moved to her own quarters as well, albeit she halted one last time as she grasped the handle of the door, seeing Byleth disappearing into the confines of his own.
'... sleep well.'
She didn't know when it would be possible, but once they returned, she would make sure that she focused to rebuild the Monastery. All of it.
However, as they continued on, Edelgard stopped along with Byleth once they suddenly witnessed a large hole within one of the walls further down the street, the wind surging out of it signalling that there was more behind the dark void than the blackness suggested. Edelgard raised her hand, the ceremonial guards stopping behind them as well.
Both of them glanced at each other, no words being needed as they nodded, knowing that this wasn't originally here before.
"Be prepared for anything.", the guards readied their lances before they moved past the giant hole within the wall, finding a long passageway that led further into the underground. They wouldn't leave before they had vanquished any bandits or thugs that resided within this place, be it on the surface, or down below.
As they descended down into the earth, the wind from outside turned more and more distant, its faint echoes slowly beginning to disappear once they reached a certain level beneath the surface. But what they hadn't expected was that the walls weren't as dark as they should have been, instead, many lit torches were lighting up the way down into the depth as they followed the stairway.
Until they came to its end, and they were greeted with a long and wide corridor that led further into the unknown, a few single, smaller passageways branching off on its sides. The walls were in fact in a slightly better state than those from above, and the torches were lit here as well.
"This is more than I would have expected from a bandit hideout…", Byleth muttered his thoughts out aloud, and she couldn't agree more. Whatever they had stumbled upon, this wasn't merely a bandit camp. All of these interiors, as ruined as they may be, were still held in a rather good shape and must have been older than many years…
A feeling of uncertainty dwelled within Byleth as he glanced at the many smaller passageways on their sides, a continuous feeling of being watched nagging on his mind as they moved further down the corridor, their heavy, metallic steps echoing deeply upon the walls.
However, they froze when a deep rumbling sounded from behind them, realizing too late that a heavy stone gate suddenly closed behind them, blocking their way back. Several more steps began to echo through the corridor, causing everyone to become alert before everything turned quiet once more, a deathly silence reigning in the air.
The Imperials formed a circle around Edelgard and Byleth, raising their lances in a protective shield around them as they inspected every single passageway that wasn't illuminated by the torches, mindful of every shadow.
Before an arrow suddenly soared through the air, piercing one of the guards in his throat to which he lifelessly slumped to the ground without ever knowing what had transpired. Several more followed, coming from seemingly every direction out of the dark passages while the guards desperately tried to maintain their formation.
"Protect our Highnesses!", the captain grunted as an arrow managed to grace a part of his side which was unprotected by his armor, gritting his teeth. However, before they could move out to advance against their unknown aggressors, they beat them to it as several people rushed out of the corridors, their equipment ranging from steel to iron.
At one point, two guards fell upon the sudden onslaught, whilst a group of the attackers targeted the Emperor next. Edelgard merely narrowed her eyes, pulling out her silver axe as one of them tried to disarm her. However, despite the heavy armor she was wearing beneath her reinforced crimson attire, she moved quicker than he had anticipated and blocked his swing with almost no effort.
"Is that all?", her voice was deathly cold before she pushed him back, dismembering the thug with a clean swipe of her axe quicker than he could react. She glanced at the other one that was approaching her from the corner of her eyes, but a mere smile formed on her lips as Byleth drew his silvery sword and pierced the thug from behind, his body slumping to the ground. The remaining thug stared at the Emperor with a newfound fear, his previous confident demeanor having vanished upon witnessing the cold and ruthless force she used, not once bothered by the blood on her hands.
Yet, the assault never seemed to cease, and only more of them appeared out of the different passages while the guards tried everything in their might to hold their ground and protect the two of them. The captain grunted in pain as another arrow pierced him from behind, opening a chance for three of the thugs to attack him at once.
He managed to dodge the first one, stepping to the side to avoid the incoming strike before piercing his lance through his chest, but it was the end once the others were upon him and slashed him from both sides, ending his life on the spot.
It didn't take long until the sounds of clashing steel began to cease, and even though many of the aggressors lay lifeless on the ground, so did almost every single one of the Imperial guards as well once the last one fell to a barrage of arrows. Byleth panted lightly as he counted the remaining thugs, the handful that remained were encircling them, but nonetheless held their attacks.
Edelgard merely narrowed her eyes, gripping the handle of her axe tightly as she surveyed them closely, daring anyone to try and harm them.
"You… have brought us more harm than anticipated, I'll give you that…", one of the thugs suddenly stepped a bit forward, holding a hand to his chest for a moment as he tried to catch his breath.
"I encourage you to try like the rest, you may join their numerous examples on the ground.", Edelgard's voice was not trailed with even a hint of exhaustion as she merely pointed her axe at several of the lifeless thugs on the ground who fell against her wrath. Byleth glanced at her almost unnoticeably before he redirected his attention towards the remaining aggressors around them.
'Whatever the case, we must never show any kind of weakness to our enemies.'
He regarded the thugs closely, and sure enough, despite their advantage in numbers, he could see the frown upon their faces upon witnessing her cold ruthlessness, something that did not go past their leader as he scoffed.
"Curious, I didn't expect the high and mighty Emperor to have a sense for bloodlust. But you never cease to learn, isn't that right? I guess there was something true about those rumors of the ruthless and merciless Emperor after all…", Byleth narrowed his eyes ever so slightly upon hearing that, but remained still and calm beside her.
"I'm afraid this will be the last lesson you have learned.", Edelgard remained indifferent, swinging her axe slightly to her side as the silvery axe cut through the air, droplets of blood dropping onto the ground. The leader of the thugs merely gritted his teeth, a snarl escaping him as he even witnessed some of his people backing away slightly at the sight.
"I don't think so, sadly. You see, when we came here to retrieve something for our client, we didn't exactly expect the Emperor herself to walk in on us, along with her consort. I almost hate to say this, or to leave a job unfinished, but whatever this cantor might have paid us for it, selling you two to the Empire is worth more than anything he could have paid us.", Byleth's eyes widened slightly upon hearing this.
"You are mercenaries?", his calm voice caught the attention of their leader while Edelgard glanced back at Byleth.
"Indeed. Now, I don't want you to think that we are unhonorable, you have fought better than anything I have seen thus far… I am not one to underestimate my opponents, ever. But this is the part where I must ask you to cooperate, or this might end-", any other words he might have had died in his throat when an eruption suddenly shook the ground, causing everyone to stumble slightly before a deep rumbling echoed through the corridor.
"What the…", the mercenary leader could only watch in horror as the ground beneath him suddenly began to crack before a giant worm-like creature emerged through it, knocking him against a far wall while the rest of them watched in terror as the beast roared with rage.
"Hey, you there, follow me!", both Edelgard and Byleth were torn out of their trance as they followed the source of the voice until they noticed a woman clad in silvery white student attire standing at the other end of the corridor, waving them over.
"Come with me if you don't want to end up like them!", Byleth took one last glance behind, only to witness that the mercenaries were getting torn apart by the beast that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere, their cries of agony echoing along the walls.
And their choice was quickly made.
"Well, I'd say that was a close one for you.", the mysterious person spoke rather casually once they were safe distance away from the raging fight, but neither Byleth or Edelgard were amused, especially the latter. But as it was, their way back was still cut off, and they didn't know where exactly they had stumbled into, something that the unknown figure seemed to be more than aware of.
"Lately, we've been getting a lot of visitors… you know, the usual kind, mercenaries trying to kill us, the occasional group of bandits that finds their way down here… but certainly not a visit from the Empire itself. What exactly were you here for?", Edelgard wasn't sure if it was the sheer irritation or the growing frustration that was slowly starting to get to her, but nevertheless, her expression was never faltering as she regarded the person carefully.
"Well then, since it is obvious who we are, why wouldn't you tell us what exactly this place is?", even though her voice remained calm, she regarded the person closely, subconsciously moving a step in front of Byleth as the unknown figure suddenly halted before she turned around to face them directly.
"I'd say it's just as obvious… you've stumbled right into our home.", stating it as if she were talking about the weather, Byleth could almost witness how Edelgard internally rolled her eyes at that before he spoke up.
"... your home? And who else is down here?"
"I'm glad you're asking.", before he could inquire any further, the large stone door in front of them opened to reveal an even larger corridor that was at least twice as big as the one they had traversed… and it was exactly the opposite from uninhabited.
"I welcome you to our humble home that we call Abyss. Please enjoy your stay and don't forget to be nice…", without saying anything else, she once again motioned for the two to follow her along, their arrival having started to gain the attention of the people who were witnessing the newcomers.
Both Edelgard and Byleth looked at each other, neither of them comfortable with how the situation had turned out in the end.
And if there was something that she hated, then it was losing control of the situation. For as of now, they didn't have many options other than to abide for now until they knew more about what was going on here.
"This place is a safe haven for all those who were left betrayed by the people of the surface. We have always walked in these shadows, unbeknownst to most of the people from above."
"That is impossible, you couldn't have lived all this time beneath our noses.", Edelgard tried to connect the points, but she failed to see how all of these people could have always been living here beneath the Monastery when they were still learning here… as students…
"You wouldn't believe a lot of things, but what can I say…? We've grown accustomed to our new way of living. We have created our own laws and means to maintain order down here, and for a long while, it has been enough to live peacefully down here.", as they walked through the corridor, taking several turns along the way, there wasn't a single person that didn't stare at the two newcomers as they moved past them before they whispered among each other.
Byleth in particular watched the many people cautiously, especially whenever they passed a few who were equipped with weapons, seemingly guarding certain passageways and doors. Witnessing this, Edelgard took a step closer to his side, almost brushing against him as they followed the mysterious stranger through their supposed home.
"By the way, the name's Hapi, it is nice to meet you… your Highnesses.", Edelgard narrowed her eyes slightly as Hapi turned her head to give them a half-hearted smile, obviously not seeming to care about what kind of position they held. However, as they passed another corridor and took a turn into a more secluded passage, Byleth couldn't help but notice a pair of children who were sitting close to each other near the light of a torch, trying to warm themselves without ever moving an inch as their heads solemnly faced the ground.
"... our life has become harsher than ever with the continuous attacks on us, those among us who are able fight are constantly giving their life's to protect this place from the mercenaries, but not everyone returns alive from the assaults… the children who were born here have never witnessed the light of the surface, all they know is that they are waiting for their parents to come back. If they… well, you can think of the rest."
"These people that have ambushed us were not from you?", Edelgard's expression was unreadable as she glanced at Byleth out of the corner of her eyes, a twinge of sadness crossing her eyes before it disappeared as quickly as it had appeared once Hapi looked back at the Emperor.
"No, quite the opposite, they were sent once again to try and invade this place to get rid of us. In other words, I have to thank you, you have unknowingly managed to repel most of them this time without us having to interfere. You don't know how many life's you have saved of those who were worried for their children.", Byleth subconsciously heaved an almost inaudible sigh, not feeling an ounce better once he recalled the sight of their soldiers who had given their life's instead to protect them.
"Then, who is leading you?", at this, Hapi pondered for a moment as they reached a more secluded part of the corridors, ending in a small room that contained a few pieces of furniture.
"There isn't directly anyone leading us all, but… informally, it would be him.", both Edelgard and Byleth directed their attention to yet another person that was wearing a similar kind of attire that Hapi was already wearing, merely adorned with a few touches of black that went with the otherwise silver colored clothing.
The figure in question seemingly snapped out of their thoughts just then before it redirected its attention to the newcomers, and a certain kind of smile grew upon its lips.
And whether or not it was intuition, she could already feel that she disliked their presence. Immensely so.
"You have caused quite a bit of commotion down here. I bid you welcome within our humble home… I would bow to you, but I guess it's not really that necessary in this place, isn't it so?"
"I've already introduced them more or less to Abyss. The rest you could probably tell them yourself…? Oh, and before I forget it, you should enjoy your stay… have I already mentioned that…?", Hapi took her leave and closed the door behind herself, leaving Edelgard and Byleth with yet another stranger who was possessing a certain kind of air around him.
"The name's Yuri, a pleasure.", he shifted his eyes between the two of them before they settled upon Byleth, regarding him a little more closely, albeit his expression didn't change in the slightest.
"Now that you have seen our home, how do you like it thus far? I know it seems rough on the outside, but the more time you'll spend here and once you actually get to know us, you're going to love it here.", Yuri's voice reminded Edelgard of someone, and it left her with an annoyed feeling that started to dwell within herself as she witnessed the way he was regarding Byleth.
"I don't think I have to make it clear that we don't intend to stay here longer than it is necessary. Your people have helped us to fend off the mercenaries, that, I won't forget. But if you can help us to find another way back to the surface, I can promise you to repay you in kind afterwards.", for a moment, Yuri's eyes shifted towards the Emperor before they settled back upon Byleth once more, his smile not ceasing in the slightest even as he closed his eyes for a brief moment.
"I would hold you to your word any other time, but I don't think that you would have come to this abandoned place and ventured so far beneath the earth if you didn't have a goal in mind. I'm sure you must have heard of the phenomenon that occurred here a short while ago… either that, or you wanted to get rid of us as well.", his tone made it clear that he was more than aware of their previous intentions. For a brief moment, Edelgard pondered about their options before Yuri merely chuckled lightly, waving it off.
"Now now, I haven't said that I blame you for anything… you've probably heard about how bandits are more than attracted to this place. I guess you didn't quite expect to encounter something like this, did you? And now that you've had the chance to lay your eyes upon our home?", suddenly, his expression turned far more serious, and his confident smile dissipated.
"We are not just a group of bandits that lives down here, we have always been here. There are families, children, and among all those, people who have never seen the light of day outside. Would you truly seek to go after them?"
"I have never said that this was our intention-"
"Then I'm glad. For I must apologize, but as of right now, we can't help you to get back to the surface, as much as I would like to.", Edelgard ignored the interruption, her expression saying everything that needed to be conveyed as she maintained a cool facade, the air of authority that was always surrounding her never ceasing, even now.
"As you have seen, these mercenaries are more than intent to try and hunt us down with every chance they get. With each relentless attack, they only seem to grow in numbers, and we have no idea who is sending them. But as it is, most of the ways back to the surface are either blocked… or occupied by them. Up until now, we have used the main entrance through which you have come here as well… if it hadn't suddenly closed itself. No doubt it was their work as well.", Byleth could already see where he was going with that, and so did Edelgard, if the displeasure that was hiding beneath her eyes was any indication.
"As much as we would like to help you, we will need your help first in repelling the rest of the mercenaries who have found their way down here. Please, in the name of everyone who is fearing for their life's down here, we need your help for that. Whether you like it or not, we are currently all in the same boat."
Byleth glanced back at Edelgard, who didn't appear to be pleased at all as she regarded Yuri closely, but the latter never even flinched in the slightest as he regarded the pair with utmost certainty.
Now she knew why she disliked him so much… the way he was carrying himself, trying to keep his cards close to himself, but at the same time, appearing more than confident and cunning…
… the image of Claude came to her mind, with only a trace of more maturity mixed into the picture, and she had to refrain from narrowing her eyes, a headache threatening to grow within her head at the mere mentioning of the former leader of the Alliance.
But they didn't have another choice.
"... with the help of your people, it shouldn't prove to be a problem to clear the way, but that will be enough.", upon hearing that, Yuri's confident smile returned.
"Of course, I won't ask you for anything else upon the matter. You should probably rest for now, I will tell the rest of my people to prepare themselves for tomorrow, and there are probably a few individuals that I should introduce you to… but for now, I hope you won't mind having to sleep the night here. This room should fit you more than enough…", however, just as Yuri stepped past them to take his leave, he stopped just an inch beside Byleth before he turned his head to face him one last time.
"... don't hesitate to call any time should you require something, I wish you a good night.", Byleth backed away ever so slightly in irritation before Yuri closed the door behind himself, leaving both him and Edelgard to themselves.
And the latter had merely clenched her hands slightly until Yuri was finally gone, her posture only relaxing ever so slightly as she finally heaved a long and frustrated sigh.
"How did it come to something like this…", her voice was near a whisper as she closed her eyes briefly to organize her thoughts before she suddenly looked back at Byleth, regarding him for a long moment to which he tilted his head ever so slightly in obvious hesitation.
However, before he could do anything in return, she had suddenly closed the distance between them before she gently took his hands into her own, sheer concern reflecting from her eyes.
"I have seen the way you have regarded them all… but we still don't have enough knowledge about these people to think any further upon that matter.", Byleth averted her eyes after he simply couldn't bear the care she directed purely at him, but a hand stopped him from evading her gaze as she gently held his face to look back at her.
"And our soldiers won't have died for nothing…", just as he looked back into her violet eyes, he lost himself within them, frozen in place once she slowly closed the distance between them before she made the final move, connecting their lips in a manner to show him what she couldn't during everything that happened. It simply wasn't enough…
Slowly but surely her hand moved from his face to his neck, bringing them closer together as she relished in this moment where she had him to herself, separating herself from him only once it was necessary to breathe before she claimed his lips once more, that feeling of fulfillment…
… she needed him.
However, just as her hands moved along his back and down to his waist, he suddenly stopped her, holding them within his own to which broke the kiss to regard him with a mixture of concern and disappointment, panting lightly as her breath tingled upon his skin. But it was then that her eyes widened slightly and she quickly diverted her gaze to the ground, her desires having gotten the better of her.
"I… forgive me…", her voice was nearly quiet as she whispered it almost to herself. She should have known better than to just-
Her thoughts were interrupted as Byleth was the one this time to force her to look back at him, his eyes devoid of any kind of anger or disgust as he merely smiled at her, nothing but kindness meeting her gaze before he hugged her close, not allowing these kind of thoughts to spread within her mind.
"Don't apologize… this ring, it shows you that I feel the same way… I won't go anywhere.", he nudged her lightly before he met her eyes once more, the same, kind smile that he so rarely displayed for her to see.
"But… not here.", his voice turned more hesitant, uncertain even, and she couldn't help but to smile back at him, holding their hands together as she lost herself in this moment.
However, it was when Byleth's eyes suddenly wandered behind her that she followed his gaze to see what had captured his attention before she stared at the object in question.
Byleth froze, his hand slipping out of her grasp before he evaded her eyes once she looked back at him with an unreadable expression.
There was only one bed…?
Silence stretched between them which felt like an eternity for Byleth as he continued to struggle with his emotions, not witnessing the sheer glint that happened to appear within her eyes.
"Byleth…"
She wholeheartedly forced herself not to sound amused as she took in the picture of him while she reminded herself that this was the same person that was rumored years ago to have no kind of ability to feel anything among the students. And now here they were, her own ring finally and proudly resting upon his finger, when he finally belonged to her, and he…
She was glad, beyond glad.
"As much as it would be beneficial, we can't sleep with all our attire on…", feigning a neutral tone, she removed her crimson gloves before she looked back at Byleth, a small smile adorning her lips. And yet, the latter was merely looking down upon parts of his black armor, choosing to remove only these.
But even as he placed these few parts upon the small nightstand near the bed, Edelgard was subtly reaching for her back, intent to remove her cape that was adorned with the grand double headed eagle, along with her outer robes.
What he would never know was that she was more than surprised at herself. Never before could she have pictured herself acting in such a… feigned way, but…
"Byleth, could you help me to remove the rest of my cape?", he looked over towards her as she reached for the last few latches upon her back that were holding her attire in place. Byleth blinked once with an uncertain expression as he approached her back before he reached for the remaining latches. Edelgard kept a straight posture, granting him an easier access as she watched him out of the corner of her eyes, her expression hidden to him before he removed the last latch and her cape, along with her outer attire dropped into his hands as he caught it before it fell to the ground.
She stretched once to relieve her stiff posture as the hardened and reinforced parts of her attire were finally off her, leaving her only with the actual parts of her clothing that was meant for comfort, making her feel a lot lighter. However, Byleth merely did as he would always do and turned away, carefully placing her attire atop the bigger table within the middle of the room, neatly folding it together with care.
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes as he placed his sword upon the table as well, along with her silver axe. Placing her hands upon her crown, she lifted it slowly to allow her white hair to fall freely down behind her back, moving her hands through it a few times to straighten it before she placed it next to Byleth's armor pieces upon the nightstand.
Yet, Byleth took more time than was necessary to inspect their weapons, cleaning them of any stains that were still left from their previous battle while Edelgard sat down upon the bed, regarding him for a moment as several thoughts coursed through her mind.
"You don't need to clean them both as of now, not when they will still have a use…", her words hang openly in the air for but a moment before a certain thought entered her mind.
"You have once told me that I should rest when I need it most, you ought to do the same, Byleth…", she could almost hear the small gasp that escaped him before he merely sighed, carefully placing her axe back upon the table.
However, just as he turned around, she was ever so slowly working to remove her metallic boots, carefully sliding them off her legs before placing them near the edge of the bed. Glancing at him out of the corner of her eyes just as she let go of them, she faced him directly with observing eyes before she merely smiled lightly at him.
"Is something on your mind…?", merely shaking his head briefly with a blink, Byleth was oblivious and naive to believe that it was his fault that he always happened to stare at inappropriate times.
Always none the wiser. After all, he would never believe something like that from her. It simply didn't… fit together.
And so, as she regarded him calmly with a small smile, she made enough room for the both of them as she lay down at the end of the bed. Hesitating for yet a last moment as he was short of sitting down, she smiled once more and simply but gently took his hand into her own before she pulled him close to her side so that they were facing each other.
Blowing out the candles upon the nightstand so that only one remained, her eyes seemingly glimmered in its light before she placed a hand upon his cheek, brushing her lips briefly along the side of his face before ever so slowly placing a last and tender kiss upon his lips, her voice nothing but a small whisper.
"Sleep well, Byleth…"
And needless to say, he didn't sleep well that night.
A sudden knock on the door gained the attention of both Edelgard and Byleth as they just equipped their respective weapons, glancing to the door once they gave permission for Yuri to enter. However, an unfamiliar figure accompanied him as well, a person clad in robes who wore a smile as he regarded the pair while holding his hands together in front of him.
"Had a good night's rest? I hope so, for I brought someone who wanted to meet you-", Yuri halted in his sentence just as he heard a small gasp from his companion, witnessing him losing his composure all of a sudden.
Byleth was slightly taken aback as the eyes of the stranger settled upon him for a long moment, regarding him as if he was staring at a ghost. Something that did not go past Edelgard as she stood upright and broke the silence without hesitation.
"Is something the matter?", despite the neutrality in her tone, Byleth could witness the mask of indifference she was wearing once again in the presence of others just as she took an unconscious step in front of him.
However, they were not the only ones who were slightly taken aback since Yuri regarded his companion closely out of the corner of his eyes, a sense of wonder coursing through him. But before the silence could stretch on any longer, the stranger seemed to break out of his trance before he shifted his attention to the pair in general, bowing slightly in a means to apologize.
"... forgive my staring, I thought you seemed familiar. Allow me to introduce myself if I may, my name is Aelfric. I am supporting the people of Abyss to the best of my abilities whenever I can.", Edelgard's expression remained the same as she surveyed him closely, but the moment her eyes fell upon a certain symbol on his robes, her eyes narrowed.
"... you are a former member of the Church.", it was not a question, but still, Aelfric remained more than calm as he shifted his attention briefly towards the Emperor.
"I am not unfamiliar with your intentions. Yes, I have once been in the service of the Church, years ago, before the fall of the Monastery. But I have always been looking after these people that I care for deeply, and that will never change. I no longer have any ties with the Church itself, and neither do I hold any kind of hostility towards you. If I can prove that by offering you anything that you might need within these halls, then I would be happy to oblige."
Edelgard was more than aware of both of their situations, and truthfully, it was not directly his affiliation with the Church that was immensely bothering her. They had a chance to harm them, they still do… but she would never let her guard down around them, and she was especially wary of that stranger. For just as his eyes focused upon Byleth once more, she witnessed the way they were widening.
"I am deeply sorry, I haven't noticed that you were…", Aelfric's eyes stopped upon witnessing the glimmering ring upon Byleth's finger, the light reflecting off of its crimson ruby. It was then that his eyes shifted between the pair for a brief moment before a small smile grew on his face.
"Anyway, the original reason I've had to interrupt you was that I have prepared everyone that we have available to move out as soon as we are ready. I am sorry for having to drag you into this fight that isn't yours to begin with, but-"
"It is alright, we have agreed to help, haven't we? We'll assist you as best as we can.", Byleth's words caused Yuri to glance back at him for a brief moment before a small smile suddenly replaced his stern expression.
"... then I can't thank you enough for it. I'll be waiting for you outside, take the time that you need to prepare, that's the least I can do.", even as both Aelfric and Yuri took their leave, Edelgard couldn't help but notice how Aelfric regarded Byleth closely one last time before they closed the door behind themselves.
"Is something troubling you…?", her expression softened once she looked back at him to see the deep concern that was reflecting within his eyes, causing her to heave a small sigh.
"I don't trust them. Something tells me that they are having more on their mind than what they are telling us…", placing her hands atop of his own, earning her a small gasp, she held them dearly as she regarded him deeply.
"... you shouldn't entrust them with too much, Byleth. You can never know what is hiding behind someone's first impression.", not wanting to place any more worries upon him, she gave him a tender smile, causing him to avert her caring gaze for the briefest of moments.
"... I won't forget it."
"We have lured them into the remains of the Underground arena, it should be more than enough space for us to meet them in combat. After all, we know this place better than anyone else, and they will step right into our trap.", Yuri explained their plan along the way just as Edelgard and Byleth followed him through several of the underground tunnels and corridors until they finally arrived within a massive, open field.
It was there that a sudden voice called out for him.
"Yuri, they should be here any minute by now-", the new voice stopped as two unfamiliar figures approached them, once again, they shared a similar kind of silver clothing.
"These are the newcomers I mentioned, though, I guess introductions aren't necessary on their behalf.", Yuri ignored their dumbstruck expressions as both of the strangers stared at both Byleth and Edelgard with widened eyes.
"These two are Constance and Balthus, another part of our small but lovely group… they have taken it upon themselves to leave enough clues just so that even the mercenaries should have no problem to follow the trail."
Edelgard witnessed out of the corner of her eyes how Constance constantly stared at her, internally heaving a sigh until she chose to return her gaze.
"Mind you, but are you really the Emperor…? You wouldn't mind introducing yourself, would you?", humoring her for just this once, Edelgard mustered as much irony as she could find.
"Certainly. I am Edelgard."
Which was not much.
"Er, you're just both having the same name, aren't you… but taking the same name as the Emperor, it's not really tasteful…"
"Ugh.", Edelgard couldn't muster anything else as nothing but mental exhaustion escaped her mouth in the form of a careless sigh.
"... we have more pressing issues, you should focus upon these.", not at all amused himself, Yuri merely spared Constance a subtle but irritated glance.
"Hate to interrupt, but it won't be long until they're here, our people are ready to take them on without hesitation! I can almost hear them coming…", Balthus placed his broad axe behind his neck, holding on to it with both of his arms.
Byleth took a small moment to glance at Edelgard, and if her tone hadn't already conveyed her displeasure, then her expression certainly did as their eyes met almost simultaneously. They didn't belong here, not in a thousand years.
"Then we shouldn't waste any time to greet them, everyone is in position? We can't return without having dealt with them.", Yuri surveyed the arena, there weren't many strategic points or defense mechanisms, it would be an open fight. And while they had the advantage of knowing their home like no other, they had no idea how many of them were on their way within this very moment.
However, the times for planning were over once the first groups of mercenaries stepped through the anticipated passages, surveying the open field of the arena with both confusion and impatience.
"Huh…? That's… not what I expected…", one of their leaders muttered to himself before he noticed the assembled bandits and fighters from Abyss, and he merely shrugged.
"But if there are others, then we must be on the right course!", drawing his sword, he led the first wave against them and soon enough, the air was filled with the sounds of clashing steel, spells being launched and the cries of those who were unfortunate enough to be targeted.
Edelgard watched out immediately as a mercenary approached Byleth from the side, stepping between them quicker than he realized before she parried the incoming strike with her axe, the resulting clash causing the aggressor to stumble backwards slightly as the vibration coursed through his arm. Unfortunately it was more than enough time for her to smash him with a vicious strike, cutting him down before he could do anything else.
"Your loss was inevitable…", she didn't spare the fallen another glance before she concentrated on her surroundings once more, seeing Byleth giving her a small smile in gratitude before he focused on the rest of the mercenaries.
On the other hand, Yuri glanced at his opponent with a confident smirk, not bothering to draw his sword while the latter gritted her teeth upon feeling mocked before she charged right at him, swinging her sword in a vertikal strike. And yet, she never reached her target once he summoned devastating flames from his hands, all the while with his smirk never leaving from his lips.
"Face it, I'm better than you."
The battle raged on, and for a while, the continuous reinforcements didn't seem to cease as they fought and repelled wave after wave, but alas, the mercenaries weren't as coordinated as they would have thought themselves, for every leader was still out for their own gain and responsible for their own companions. But the people of Abyss were desperate, and most of all, united by a single thought.
To defend their home no matter what, and nothing would take it from them.
"Damn thugs, who are you and who paid you to come here as well? Is this some kind of game? How come everyone knows of this place…?", Balthus merely swung his axe in preparation as the mercenary leader in front of him held a hand to his chest, panting heavily.
"The only ones who were fooled are you, I bet your client didn't tell you about us! So quit talking, more smashing!", the mercenary merely stumbled backwards as Balthus gripped his axe before suddenly, a glowing symbol appeared beneath him, causing the leader to freeze in shock until the axe met its target and he succumbed to the ground.
Byleth witnessed this out of the corner of his eyes just as he repelled the last mercenary around him, subtly regarding the broad man as he raised his axe into the air triumphantly.
A crest…?
His eyes wandered around the battlefield only to witness that it was truly the last of them, and there were no other waves to be seen anymore. However, just as he relaxed his posture ever so slightly, a sudden eruption shook the very foundation of the ground, causing him to stumble before a hand suddenly steadied him.
Though, to his surprise, it was a whole other pair of eyes looking back at him.
"You alright?", Yuri regarded him for a moment for any signs of injuries before his gaze wandered around for a brief moment as if he were searching for something. Byleth merely nodded briefly in acknowledgment before he stood upright, causing Yuri to shift his attention towards him once more, letting go of his shoulder.
"This victory wouldn't have been possible without the help of everyone, and I must thank you for lending us your strength. You chose to trust us, and I won't forget that.", his voice lowered slightly at the end, and his smile didn't cease in the slightest.
"... with them gone, there shouldn't be anything left as an obstacle.", upon hearing that, Yuri shifted his eyes to the ground slightly, a thoughtful expression replacing the fond smile that he was wearing a mere moment ago.
"Yes, I've promised to fulfil my part as well. The moment you and the Emperor wish to leave, we will lead you to the nearest way back to the surface…", yet, just as he halted in his sentence, he suddenly took Byleth's hand into his own, a glint appearing within his eyes.
"... but for everything you have done for us, I would like to at least give you something as a reward. There is not much we can offer, and I'm sure that gold is nothing that you would be in need of, so… would you agree to meet me at a later time near your quarters? There is… something that I have neglected to tell you.", Byleth's expression remained indifferent as he merely pulled his hand away, but Yuri's smile still didn't cease.
"Of course, it is up to you… but, you know, back then, when I was still living upon the surface, without all of this ever troubling me, many would have fought for my affection.", Byleth narrowed his eyes in irritation, breaking his composure ever so slightly, and yet, just as Yuri's eyes suddenly shifted towards something behind Byleth, he merely gave him a last knowing smile before he took his leave.
Edelgard sheathed her axe just as she stepped up to him, glancing after Yuri in her wake as he walked away before she shifted all of her attention back towards Byleth, gazing at him intently.
And she didn't need to say a single word.
"You didn't leave me waiting.", Yuri smiled, and even if there was a hint of surprise, he didn't actually show it as Byleth stopped a few paces away from him, not a single soul other than them around as Yuri pushed himself off of the wall he was leaning against.
"What is it that you needed?", Byleth's expression was unreadable as he calmly regarded Yuri, the latter closing his eyes for a brief moment.
"Straight to the point, no? I like that about you. But then again, who am I to say such things…", his eyes wandered to the ring upon Byleth's hand before he merely shook his head slightly, putting the humour aside.
"You remember Aelfric whom I had introduced this morning? He seemed more than fascinated about you, didn't he? I promised that there were some things that I had kept hidden from you until now… I don't want to keep you from knowing. Aelfric knows you better than you might realize, the moment I have mentioned your name, I could hardly stop him from wanting to see you.", Yuri crossed his arms slightly as he looked back towards Byleth, who could hardly believe what he just heard.
"... I… can't remember anyone like him, you must be mistaken.", Yuri merely held his hands in the air for a moment as he shrugged before crossing them once more, his smile returning once more.
"I can't know for sure… that is probably something he ought to speak to you about himself. You will have the chance to do so, soon.", Byleth stiffened slightly as Yuri held his right hand up for him to see, his expression turning more serious.
"I know that you have already witnessed it firsthand, so I might as well not leave it out. Balthus, Constance and Hapi… there is something that connects us four, and by now, you can probably guess it as well, if I know you enough by now.", slowly but surely, a pattern formed upon the palm of his, forming into a single symbol that was unmistakably familiar.
"You possess a Crest…?"
"We do. All four of us. These Crests, they belong to a bloodline that was long forgotten, just as we are beneath the surface…", Byleth regarded the Crest as it slowly dissipated again before he directed his eyes back towards its holder, regarding him more carefully.
"You know, it wasn't always like this. Before all that, we were living upon the surface, among the people as well. Every single inhabitant within Abyss, all of them are connected by their own story on how the outside world has abandoned or left them to die before they came here in the hopes of gaining a last place that they could call home.", for the first time he had seen him, Byleth saw as Yuri glanced at the ground with closed eyes, a sheer amount of pain within his voice.
"Could you imagine? Bitter and grief struck people who had nothing or no one to turn to, who would remember them, care for them… it changed them. And it didn't get any better. Shunned by the Church, who was aware of our presence beneath the Monastery, it didn't stop when there were still numerous people who wanted to see us gone, who viewed us as nothing but dirt. It wasn't enough that famine and crime were ruling this place.", he opened his eyes once more, and when he did, something within his eyes had changed.
"That was when Aelfric had come to our aid. He witnessed the situation we were in when he laid eyes upon our withered home for the first time, and it was him who wanted to help us to believe, to believe that we had a future as well, that there were still good things left in this world… he sacrificed a lot of his own possessions to make sure that we had something to eat, to create peace and order, so that no one ever had to fear for their life every single day.", Yuri's gaze was almost distant as memories coursed through his mind, and a small but honest smile returned to his lips.
"My entire life, I was taught to protect what I had with everything that I could muster… but just this once, I thought that… we were actually cared for, and there truly was hope left…", until suddenly, it vanished, and his gaze met Byleth's own once more.
"... until it was betrayed. How do you think it would feel to have your hopes build up just once in your entire life, only to have them crushed immediately afterwards.", Byleth's eyes widened when Yuri suddenly drew his sword, holding it meekly to his side as he regarded him.
"This is nothing personal, but as I said, Aelfric wants to speak to you, and you'll have a chance to meet him within the Monastery itself. I'm sorry… I have no other choice. Just as I was once betrayed, so do I have to betray the trust of someone who gave their life to help me…", a small, weak huff escaped him.
"... that is the world that I remember."
And yet, before Yuri could take a step towards him, his eyes glanced to the side before he stepped backwards just in time as a silvery axe sliced against the wall where he had stood a mere moment ago, missing him by merely an inch.
With true surprise written upon his face, Yuri took several more steps back as he stared at the form of Edelgard, removing her axe from the crumbled wall before he was met with a cold and piercing stare that was befitting for the Adrestian Emperor as she regarded her enemy with a malice that was barely hidden beneath her violet gaze.
"I have heard enough."
Yuri glanced back at Byleth with widened eyes, the latter drawing his sword as well as he joined Edelgard's side, both of them nodding at each other without any need for words.
"You haven't trusted me after all…?", Byleth looked back at Yuri, the honest disbelief still evident within his expression to which Byleth merely closed his eyes for a brief second.
'... you shouldn't entrust them with too much, Byleth. You can never know what is hiding behind someone's first impression.'
"... it is nothing personal.", before he opened them once more, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. Yuri stared at the pair for a long moment until he actually chuckled lightly, a hollow and humorless laugh.
"I guess I deserved it… nor should I have expected anything else. However, you should know that it was not my intention to ever harm you, Byleth. That is not what Aelfric had in mind, far from it.", Edelgard merely narrowed her eyes, having already heard enough from him before.
"As I said, he is waiting for you within the Monastery itself. Again, it is up to you… but if you like to know more about your parents, then he will be waiting within the Holy Mausoleum.", with that, Yuri suddenly disappeared in a green light, vanishing from sight before either of them could react.
However, Byleth's eyes widened upon hearing that, his mind instinctively calling it out as a mere lie before Yuri's words began to echo through his mind once more.
He couldn't possibly mean that… how would he ever know anything about…
Suddenly, a hand intertwined with his own, tearing him out of his thoughts before he met Edelgard's eyes, the latter gazing back at him with a deep concern as she pushed any last shreds into the back of her mind in order to reassure him.
"You know we cannot trust him, walking into an obvious trap is the last thing we should do when we finally have the chance to leave this place once again.", her eyes pleaded for him to see reason, but she could see that expression he was holding. She had seen it before…
As much as he didn't want to believe it, there was something that told him that there was a certain truth within Yuri's words.
However, a sudden echo from above teared them out of their thoughts as something upon the surface caused the ground above to tremble.
"Whatever the case, we will have to find a way out of here first."
"So you've found it…", Yuri merely narrowed his eyes as he witnessed the glimmering Chalice within Aelfric's hands, holding it into the light.
"Indeed… you have fulfilled your part and did everything as I asked. I stand true to my word.", Yuri almost clenched his hands as he glanced behind himself to see the unconscious forms of his friends, who would never wake up to see another day.
His life was miserable… everything he had done… has there ever been a part where he wasn't selfish…? Where he didn't sacrifice everything and everyone to save what he cherished himself…?
"You'll let her go?"
"No harm will come to pass, your mother will continue to live for your own life that you are about to sacrifice.", Yuri gritted his teeth, watching the faint glow of the Chalice as if it was merely waiting to claim them.
"Then I regret nothing."
Aelfric hummed in response, and Yuri couldn't bear it anymore. That same expression that once held so much kindness… was now the same that regarded him as the world did before he lived beneath the surface.
All of it was gone for her. He was obsessed with her.
"Are there any last words that I can grant you before you will fulfill your part?", one last smirk grew on his face, one that spoke more than any words could express.
"I hate you."
As if time had never moved on, dark clouds were looming in the sky, a deep rumble sounding within the distance as Edelgard and Byleth finally reached the surface of the Monastery once again, feeling the wind rushing past them as it howled along the withering walls. And yet, the sound of several metallic steps sounded around them as they witnessed masses of soldiers moving along the streets, red symbols and colours adorning their armor, until one of them caught sight of the pair.
"Our army…", Edelgard muttered as the Imperial soldier bowed in front of them, kneeling on the ground.
"Your Highnesses! We have been sent to search the entirety of this place for you after you had vanished, we are blessed to see that you are unharmed. What are your orders? Shall we search for any-"
"Gather the troops to assemble here, there is not much time.", the soldier hesitated for the briefest of seconds in confusion before he merely nodded and complied, moving as fast as he could to gather every single battalion and stop the search.
Edelgard turned to face Byleth, gazing at him reassuringly as he looked back at her with concern.
"We will see now what awaits us within the Holy Mausoleum, whatever might be waiting for us…", her hand found his own once more before she a serene smile formed on her lips, taking away any fears or worries that lingered within him.
"... it is as it has always been, in the end, there is nothing that can stop us."
Aelfric stood with his hands clenching the stone altar in front of him, a growing sense of madness spreading within him as he stared obsessively at the filled Chalice in front of him, a mere inch from him apart…!
All that he had ever dreamt of, it was right in front of him, he had everything within reach that he had worked towards… he had sacrificed everything he had ever earned from his position as cardinal, his own private troops…
"Sir, the Imperial army itself is awaiting us just outside, what should we-"
"Hold them for as long as you can, all the gold and riches in the world are promised to you should you repel them."
It didn't matter if they died.
The former Knights glanced at each other as they held their positions in every space of the Mausoleum, and the tension was almost unbearable as the sounds of several metallic steps and weapons drew near at the front entrance.
The Knights raised their shields and weapons once it suddenly grew quiet again, almost trembling as they anticipated anything that might come at them at any given moment.
Before a barrage of flames suddenly surged into the giant hall, burning anything in its wake that stood too close near the entrance. As the smoke cleared, it only revealed the first battalions of Imperial soldiers who swarmed into the Mausoleum, taking on the remaining Knights who were partly scattered until the air was once again filled with the sounds of clashing steel.
The mages moved in last before Byleth and Edelgard rushed into the great hall, directing their sights upon the former cardinal who was leaning down upon the stone altar, disregarding anything of the battle that was raging in front of him as he directed his eyes solely upon Byleth, a small smile forming upon his face.
"So you have come… I'm truly delighted. I wouldn't have wanted you to miss it on any costs… the moment I laid eyes upon you, I knew that the time had come, Byleth.", grabbing the Chalice without uttering another word, he gave Byleth one last glance before he fled into the deeper parts of the Mausoleum, almost trapping himself by seeking out the last chamber that led no further afterwards, hidden away from the raging fight that was still continuing on as the Imperials slowly but surely won more ground against the Knights.
However, before Edelgard could say anything, Byleth had rushed ahead and after him to which she followed without hesitation, fearing that his recklessness would endanger him.
As they reached the final chamber, Aelfric was already awaiting them while standing behind an altar at the end of the hall, lit candles illuminating what was actually placed on top of it.
And the moment Byleth laid eyes upon it, he froze, his mind turning blank.
"Isn't she beautiful…? Even after all these years, time has refused to leave a single trace upon her body regardless how long she already slumbered…"
Edelgard gasped in pure surprise as she regarded the body of the woman that was lying on top of the altar, her pale skin confirming that she was long dead, and yet, by her appearance…
Her long, wavy hair possessed a strong, dark blue tone… and her curved face was almost the exact same as…
Her breath was caught in her throat as she shifted her eyes towards Byleth, seeing him dropping onto his knees as he lost himself upon witnessing her.
"Even when I first discovered her body, long buried beneath the Monastery and within Abyss, I was mesmerized how well she had been preserved… it equals a miracle.", Aelfric stood upright before he moved in front of the altar to face Byleth directly, forcing him to tear his eyes away from his mother as he stared at him in utter disbelief.
"How long have I waited for this moment? I knew that you were her child, I have long known about it. In fact, I have known your parents quite well, Byleth. Your mother, Sitri, she was the kindest woman I have ever known."
With every single word, Byleth felt a sharp pain within him as he trembled on his knees, unable to contain the emotional turmoil that began to overwhelm him. Witnessing this, Edelgard kneeled beside him as she held him dearly, trying desperately to bring him out of his trance, to simply banish the hurt within his eyes as she gazed at him with utter concern.
But he never moved.
"But I always knew that Jeralt simply always possessed something that I lacked… the way he could make her eyes shine, to brighten her mood whenever he was with her… I simply couldn't do that. But it never mattered to me, all that I ever wanted was to see her being happy. And she was, especially after knowing that she bore a child… you, Byleth. She would have loved to see you, she would have loved with no bounds, I know that. Which is why seeing you now, the pure and beautiful person you have grown into, it makes me beyond glad. And just like her, you have found someone who loves you unconditionally for who you are…"
Edelgard didn't once spare a glance at the former cardinal as she gazed into Byleth's eyes, holding his hand within her own. All that she knew was that Byleth was here, and the way he was, the way he felt … it would never change, regardless of what Aelfric spread within his mind. Everything that happened was meant to be, and nothing would ever change that.
"You are clinging onto a past that should be long buried, and for that, I pity you.", it was only then that she turned to give Aelfric a single glance, causing him to narrow his eyes ever so slightly, his expression never changing.
"A past that I will bring back once more.", she turned her head slightly as Aelfric held the Chalice within his hand, raising it into the air.
"Don't fret, Byleth. With this Chalice, I have the means to finally revive your mother. Wouldn't you want to see that as well? To see the life within her eyes for the first time, to allow you to finally feel how she would have loved you?", Edelgard could only narrow her eyes with a gasp, holding Byleth protectively within her arms as a faint glow started to emanate from within the Chalice.
And yet, he halted when Byleth's voice suddenly cut the silence.
"No… I won't allow you to desecrate her peace, I won't allow you to interfere, I won't allow you to touch my mother!", Edelgard gazed back at him with a joyful smile as he clenched his hands before he finally looked back at her with unshed tears.
Aelfric was frozen in place for a long moment as he stared at Byleth with an empty expression, his eyes seemingly looking through him.
Until a hint of a smile grew on his face.
"... how unfortunate that even you would stand in my way…"
Suddenly, the glow intensified, soon filling the entire chamber as Aelfric's eyes widened with a sickening smile, never letting go of the Chalice even as its contents began to envelop him.
"I will never abandon you, Sitri…"
Byleth was forced to cover his eyes before Edelgard shielded both of them with her attire, holding him close to herself until the glow began to subside once again, and the ground began to shake with a terrible roar.
Both Byleth and Edelgard stared in horror at the towering abomination that stood within the very center of the hall, not a single sign left anymore of both Aelfric and…
"Mother…", Byleth's voice broke, and just then, a tear rolled down his cheek before it fell upon Edelgard's hand, causing her to carefully wipe them away from his face, a look of pure determination crossing her face.
"We need to stop this creature and end this once and for all… it is the least we can do.", and with that, the creature let loose another piercing roar as the pair rose from the ground, giving each other one last nod before they drew their weapons.
"The time has come!"
The creature raised its giant claw before it drove it into the ground, the shockwave moving straight towards Byleth before Edelgard pushed both of them out of harm's way, the attack missing them by merely an inch.
Letting loose another roar, it lifted its monstrous arm once more before it tried to strike them directly just as Edelgard stood protectively in front of Byleth, a bright glow suddenly forming behind her back. Byleth watched in place as the beast could only screech in pain once she struck its skin with the power of her Crest, leaving it vulnerable before she glanced back at Byleth.
Nodding back at her, both of them charged at the beast together as it recoiled in pain before they buried their weapons deeply into its chest, causing it to let out a terrible screech, echoing off of every wall as it almost shook the entire chamber.
And the beast became deathly still, bursting apart in a bright light until it was no more, leaving behind nothing but ashes. Their weapons clattered onto the ground as it vanished, and in just this moment, Byleth finally collapsed onto the ground before Edelgard caught him within her arms, tears rolling down his face as he buried his face into her chest, his body slowly lowering to the ground until they kneeled against each other, his form trembling against her as she never let go of him, holding him dearly.
"It's over, Byleth… it's all over…"