Peace Abandoned

Year 1180 of the Imperial Calendar, 21st Day of the Great Tree Moon.

Garreg Mach Monastery, Audience Hall.

"Byleth?" Jeralt stated, glancing around. Strange. After the two of them had reunited, they both walked together to the audience chamber.

He glanced behind him... Byleth wasn't there either. They were just talking, where did he go?

"Thank you for your patience Jeralt. My name is Seteth," A man with dark green hair started to speak, and Jeralt turned to face him. "I am an advisor to the archbishop."

"Right, hello," Jeralt said quickly. His mind was elsewhere, but he was meeting with the Archbishop. Disrespect would not be tolerated.

"It has been a long time, Jeralt," Rhea spoke eloquently, a nostalgic look on her face. "I wonder... was it the will of the goddess that we have another chance meeting like this?"

It had been a long time, and for good reason. Truthfully, he didn't trust Rhea.

When Byleth was born, Rhea did... something to him. He couldn't conclusively say that she was responsible for his lack of heartbeat, or his odd behavior as a newborn, but enough evidence pointed to it. Enough for him to flee the monastery with his son.

And now he was back, under her watchful gaze. Her actions earlier certainly didn't inspire confidence, considering the hawk-like gaze she had on Byleth as they approached earlier. Even then, although there was enough there for him to mistrust Rhea, there wasn't enough to conclusively determine if she was a threat. In any case, there was no reason to show that mistrust so plainly. He opted for pleasant neutrality.

"Forgive my silence all these years. Much has happened since we last spoke," Jeralt responded, bowing.

"So I see," Rhea began, before adopting a slightly mirthful grin. "Or rather, so I saw. I am pleased that the miracle of fatherhood has blessed you, but... that young man does not appear to have accompanied you."

"He was right beside me until just a few moments ago," Jeralt sighed. "He vanished just as you two were walking up. I have no clue where he went."

Seteth's brow furrowed at that. "We summoned both of you, did we not?" He sighed. "It is disrespectful for him to not answer the summons of the Archbishop."

"Peace, Seteth. Perhaps he was simply nervous," Rhea voiced, her hand raising slightly.

"Hate to say it, but I don't think that's the case," Jeralt answered, crossing his arms. "Byleth isn't the type to get nervous. Something must have distracted him. Not sure what though."

"That is a shame. I was looking forward to meeting him," Rhea frowned. "I suppose we will meet later. Putting that aside, I must give you my thanks for saving those students of the Officer's Academy."

Jeralt simply shrugged at that. They were mercenaries, it was their job. And speaking of jobs...

"Judging by your expression Jeralt, you already know what it is that I wish to say, do you not?" Rhea asked. So they were both thinking the same thing.

"You want me to rejoin the Knights of Seiros, don't you," Jeralt stated. He phrased it as a statement of truth instead of a question, because- well, it was. Now that he was back at Garreg Mach, he couldn't avoid it. You don't just leave the Knights. "I won't say no, but..."

"I see. Your apprehension stings," Rhea uttered honestly. Perhaps he saw a glint of sorrow in her eyes, but he wasn't sure. "I had expected Alois would have already asked this of you."

"Oh, he certainly did," Jeralt chuckled humorlessly- somewhere between a laugh and a groan. "I just didn't give him an answer." Rhea smiled at that, and Seteth at least stood a little less rigidly. "I apologize for my son's behavior, I realize your duties leave you with very little time."

"It is quite alright," Rhea assured him. "Perhaps soon, I would very much like to meet your son. I must step away for now, but when you do find him, could you tell him to meet with the professors at the Officer's Academy?"

"Of course, Lady Rhea," Jeralt nodded at that. He heard from Alois that they intended to recruit him as a teacher, which- all things considered, seemed rather strange. But if he was to become a Knight again, there was no harm in it, especially since they'd be at the monastery for a while.

He just had to find Byleth first, and tell him about it.

Year 1180 of the Imperial Calendar, 21st Day of the Great Tree Moon.

Garreg Mach Monastery, Reception Hall.

"We checked the Eastern Wing, and we couldn't find a trace," A soldier reported, Alois taking in the information. "Again, the last anyone saw of him was at the audience hall."

Alois shook his head at that. Jeralt was searching as well, doing a good job at retaining his composure, but Alois knew that he was starting to become truly worried.

You drag him and his son and his ENTIRE mercenary band all the way to the Monastery, and then you lose track of his son on the FIRST day here. I'm sure he feels welcome here now.

"Deploy wyvern and pegasus riders. Search the main roads," Alois ordered, his normally jovial face bearing a serious look. "May be a good idea to check the town south of the monastery as well, just to be safe."

"Yes sir," the solider saluted, turning and running off to relay that information.

The day had nearly ended, and the sun was already sinking behind the Oghma Mountains, casting everything in an orange glow. It would have been a beautiful scene, if not for the situation.

The search had started out simple, where Jeralt had just asked if Alois could help him look for Byleth. Of course, Alois brought with him several of his Knights, leading to a groan from Jeralt. It was absurd for Alois to bring that many people to search for just one man, and even Alois knew that. Perhaps it was simply to make his mentor feel welcome again at the monastery.

But as the search continued, they started to realize that even the dozen or so people they had collected wasn't enough. Byleth was well and truly missing. An official search was ordered within the confines of Garreg Mach, and just now that search had been broadened to include the surrounding roads and villages.

Alois shook his head again. He was hardly able to interact with Jeralt's son, but the short conversations they had convinced him he was a fine young man. Had a great sense of humor too.

The students of the Officer's Academy spoke highly of him, and so Alois had recommended him as a professor. A mercenary trained by Captain Jeralt himself would be a fantastic instructor. Given that their previous one ran off at the first sign of trouble, Byleth was already better at protecting the students anyways.

It was his sincere hope that he didn't scare Byleth away with the prospect of being a teacher. He probably couldn't face Jeralt if that was the case!

Alois huffed, walking at a brisk pace. He last saw Jeralt at the Armory, he should tell him that the search was being widened. He rounded the corner, entering the Reception Hall, and-

"Sir Alois!"

-nearly stumbled into an extremely distraught student. Alois took a step back, seeing the forlorn expression worn on Leonie's face.

"Ah, Leonie. I'm sorry, but is there something I can do for you?" Alois asked. "I'm really quite busy right now, for... obvious reasons."

Alois knew all about her adoration for the Blade Breaker. Many times he'd regaled the young woman with his stories, tales of his time as a squire for the invincible Knight's Captain. So when she heard that the man was coming to Garreg Mach, she'd been ecstatic. She lept at the opportunity to see him, right as he was becoming seriously worried about Byleth.

They... hadn't gotten off on the best foot. Leonie was as excited as could be, pestering him even when it should have been clear that Jeralt really wasn't in the mood. The captain exploded, and Leonie had ran off. Alois couldn't exactly blame him, and after the situation was explained to her she understood why exactly he reacted the way he did, but it still left her a bit dejected.

Not to mention, her idol was in a miserable mood too, and the kind girl couldn't help but feel sympathy for the man.

"I was wondering if I could help with the search efforts," Leonie responded. "I really want to help."

Alois chuckled. "I appreciate it, Leonie. Of course you can," he answered. "If you go to the entrance hall, and talk to the Officer searching there, he can tell you where to search."

Leonie's face lit up at that, a smile spreading across it. "Thank you!" Leonie exclaimed, before faltering slightly. "I, uh... may have encouraged a few other students to help."

At that, a few other students one of the nearby tables looked up, seeing the Knight and making their way over.

"Well, you found him," Claude von Riegan grinned at Leonie. "Are we good?"

"Yep! He said to talk to one of the Knights in the entrance hall."

Claude nodded. "Let's get going then," he stated, leading the entourage of Golden Deer students. Except, Alois spotted Dimitri, head of the Blue Lion house, and several students from both the Blue Lions and Black Eagles.

Alois chuckled again, putting a hand on Leonie's shoulder. "You certainly found all the help you could get!" Her face flushed, embarrassed.

"I really didn't. I asked around in my house, but Claude was the one who asked the other house leaders," Leonie explained.

"Which I am thankful for," Dimitri smiled warmly. "Byleth and Jeralt fought to protect me, Claude, and Edelgard. That debt should not go unpaid."

"Shame the princess couldn't make it," Claude interjected. "At least we got Ferdinand. Maybe Lorenz will talk to him instead of me."

He normally wouldn't have asked, but the situation had put him just a little on edge. "I'm assuming you're talking about Princess Edelgard," Alois inferred. "Were you at least able to find her?"

The Aegir Noble raised his hand slightly. "I did. She had retired to her chambers earlier, stating that some wound was bothering her," Ferdinand explained. "While I didn't see her, Hubert confirmed it."

"Ah, well that's good. Wanted to make sure she wasn't missing too," Alois stated honestly. "In any case, I really have to go. I do appreciate the help though!"

"Of course! We're happy to help," Dimitri bowed, while Claude simply gave Alois a nod.

"Thank you again," Leonie said honestly. She could be blunt, be she certainly was earnest. She was a fine young lady.

"Of course, Leonie," Alois smiled, starting on his way. The students dispersed out the southern entrance, while the Knight made his way towards the eastern exit.

Year 1180 of the Imperial Calendar, 21st Day of the Great Tree Moon.

Gates of Garreg Mach, Outskirts of Town.

It was always a risk meeting with her shadowy allies, but Edelgard felt even more apprehension today.

Donned in her flowing robes and armor, her face covered by the visage of the Flame Emperor's Mask, she stepped into the dingy room chosen as their meeting point. Her ally was already sitting, and she took the seat opposite of him.

"You took quite a long time," Solon sneered, making no secret his disdain for her.

"Spare me your gripes," Edelgard responded, her voice coming out harsh and filter, distorted by the technology of the mask. "You summoned me here, I assume you have a reason." Solon's left eye narrowed, the right one unmoving.

"The Blade Breaker has returned to the Monastery," Solon stated. "His son bore the traits of one of the beasts."

Edelgard hummed in agreement. It would be a monumental coincidence if Byleth had no connection to Rhea. "I have given my retainer the task of researching the past of both the Blade Breaker and his son," Edelgard revealed.

"I will provide any documents he requires," Solon offered.

"We will both need to tread more carefully with the Blade Breaker at Garreg Mach, but he shows an aversion to Seiros and the church. He could make a powerful ally."

"And his spawn?" Solon questioned. "What of the beast-lookalike?"

"...He was dangerous," she answered, after considering what to say. "He was proficient in swordplay from what I saw, but was also well versed in Reason magic. I cannot speak on any of his other abilities or traits however, he keeps his emotions in check."

"The anomaly has vanished, in any case," he frowned.

"Oh?" Edelgard balked. "You don't wish to take credit for his disappearance?"

Solon actually shook his head. "Much as I wish I could, I can't take credit. Nor any of my comrades," Solon answered. "He vanished of his own accord, or at the hands of someone else."

"..." Edelgard processed this. That actually surprised her. She fully expected Those Who Slither In The Dark, as Hubert called them, to be responsible. The Dark Bishop could be lying, but she didn't see any reason for it. Byleth was powerful, and as cold as their relationship was, she couldn't see a reason for her allies to keep her in the dark.

"Will you be searching for him?" Edelgard questioned.

"Naturally," Solon scoffed. "I will speak with Thales, and inform him of this recent development. He will set our agents upon this task."

"I wish for him to live," she said, causing Solon to eye her curiously.

"Why?"

"He could be a powerful ally. He follows his father, and his father could have grievances with the church," Edelgard explained. "Those grievances could be exploited."

That wasn't the whole truth, but honestly Edelgard herself couldn't understand it. For whatever reason, she found a strange fascination with that man; some inexplicable interest. Perhaps that was why his disappearance (and her belief that her allies had caused it) had put her so on edge.

Solon shrugged. "I will relay that to Thales. We cannot make promises," he sighed. "If he becomes a threat, we will eliminate him."

"Be cautious," she warned. Solon raised his eyebrows, donning a haughty look.

"Do you seriously doubt our ability to slay him?" he sneered.

"No, I doubt your ability to not slay him," Edelgard retorted, rising to her feet. "You would invent reasons to deem him a threat, so long as it suited your needs."

Solon scoffed, but otherwise did not address that. They both knew it was true anyways.

"What of your failed operation?" Solon questioned. "The men you used could easily reveal information."

"I only spoke with the bandit leader, and he is now dead. I suspect the rest of his thieves will be hunted down by the Knights of Seiros," she responded, waving her hand. "I did not divulge any meaningful information, in any case. The only thing they could know is the name 'Flame Emperor'."

The slaughter of Kostas was necessary on the off chance he did know something, but fortunately that was already taken care of. She certainly didn't regret the man's death- he failed to accomplish the task she had set out for him.

"Aside from that, I do not have any other immediate plans. What of your work with the Western Church?"

"We have identified a minor lord who could serve as a leader for the forces," Solon answered, chuckling. "It will be another moon before we can convince him fully, and his troops can rally, but rest-assured they will march on the Central Church soon enough. It is far too easy to set those fools against one another."

Just as you plan to set me against the rest of Fódlan?

"I must go," Edelgard stated with finality, turning away. "I don't wish for anyone to take notice of my absence." That, and any more time in Solon's presence would aggravate her.

Solon laughed again. "Yes. Wouldn't want them to send out another search party."

"That reminds me, I saw wyvern riders flying over the city. The search was expanded," she warned. "Be careful."

He raised his hand up, a magical glyph she couldn't recognize appearing. "Do you wish for me to assist you?"

"Warp? No, I know how to stay undetected," She shrugged, placing her hand on her axe. "My retainer plans to use Rescue once I reach the rendezvous point, it wouldn't do to disrupt that."

The magic fizzled away. "So be it," Solon muttered, shaking his head. "I look forward to your continued cooperation."

She didn't grace that with a response. They were allies of necessity, and eventually they'd slaughter one another.

The meeting had given her much to think on. In the short term, security around the monastery would be tighter after Byleth's disappearance, but it would at least be manageable. The uprising of the Western Church was much closer than she anticipated, something her "friends" hadn't informed her of.

Long term, the Blade Breaker could become a powerful ally, his son as well. Assuming Those who Slither hadn't already murdered him. She doubted she could convince him to serve alongside her if that were the case.

Never-mind that though. The meeting was at least productive, if somewhat vexing.

Year 1180 of the Imperial Calendar, 21st Day of the Great Tree Moon.

Garreg Mach Monastery, East of Church Armory.

"Captain Jeralt Sir," Alois stated, resting a hand on his mentor's shoulder. "You should rest. It's late, and you'll run yourself ragged like this."

Jeralt smacked the hand off his shoulder, and was about to rant, but hesitated. His face alternated between a mix of anger and exhaustion. Clearly, he was seeing the truth in Alois' words, even if he hated it. "Yeah. Yeah, you're right."

"I already had your quarters prepared, they're on the second floor. Near the Audience Chamber." Alois began walking, Jeralt following suit. "I'm sorry, Captain."

"Quit the Captain nonsense," Jeralt sighed, shaking his head.

"I know you have more on your mind, but the Archbishop is pushing hard for you to rejoin the Knights of Seiros," Alois said. "That 'Captain nonsense' might stick around longer than you think."

Jeralt let out another large sigh. "I'll be forced to accept, of course."

The two walked in silence, making there was past the graveyard

For a brief moment, he stopped moving, his eyes darting around. It was just the two of them, and everyone had either turned in for the night or was about to. "Alois."

Alois when rigid. "Yes, sir?" He recognized that tone.

It was his "leader voice", the voice he gave when he was ordering his Knights to fight, or to retreat, and so on. He used that tone in two very specific situations.

The first, during the heat of battle, when he had to move men effectively to win the fight. It was just the way he talked when he was under pressure, but everyone knew that tone. Which was why, in the second scenario, everyone took it seriously.

The second was when he anticipated something- a "coming storm" as it were. Many times, the knights would be moving down a seemingly calm path, only for Jeralt to don that voice and order them all into formation, his intuition correctly predicting an ambush. As his squire, Alois had heard it many times.

"...This stays between us," Jeralt whispered, drawing closer to Alois. "I need you to do something for me... I think Rhea may have done something to Byleth."

"What? Impossible," Alois responded, shocked. "The Archbishop kidnapping your son? That's ridiculous."

"The moment we arrived, Rhea was watching Byleth like a hawk," Jeralt explained, his eyes still glancing around.

"You must have mistaken it. And even if she staring, how can you be sure it was at him and not you? She doesn't know Byleth."

And then Jeralt's face contorted in a different way, looking... if anything, sad. "This really stays between us. Understood?"

Alois stood up straighter. He was a devoted Knight of Seiros, but his loyalty to his Captain was perhaps of equal importance. "Understood, Captain."

"Byleth was born at the monastery," Jeralt said after a moment of hesitation. He looked over his shoulder, looking off in the direction of the graveyard. "He's Sitri's child."

"I thought you said he was born after, the son of someone else?" Alois asked, confused. He hardly interacted with Sitri, but he knew Jeralt and her relationship was perhaps the best thing to happen to Jeralt. Her death had truly shaken him. "I mean, I believe you, but why keep that hidden?"

"After... after Sitri passed, Rhea did something to Byleth," Jeralt muttered. "He never laughed or cried as a baby. And, for some inexplicable reason, he has no heartbeat."

"What?" Alois responded, his jaw hanging open in shock. "No heartbeat? And yet he could walk around and speak like anyone else? How in the goddess's name is he alive?"

"I don't even know," Jeralt admitted. "But she was the last one to see Sitri and the first one to see Byleth. And after everything that had happened, I realized I couldn't trust Rhea."

Alois connected the dots. "That's why you fled the monastery."

"Yes."

Alois sat down at one of the benches nearby, Jeralt doing the same. "How do you know Rhea even did anything?"

"I don't know for sure. Again, I just know that Rhea was the last one to see Sitri before her passing and the first one to see Byleth as well. She also became..." Jeralt paused, running his hand through his hair. "...oddly focused on Byleth. I can't explain exactly how, but I could tell she had some bizarre fixation on him. Just like she did today."

Alois processed all of this, considering his next words carefully. "And you think she might have done something. Well.. what do you want me to do?"

"I don't know, my friend," Jeralt spoke honestly. "I wouldn't ask you to do anything that could endanger yourself or your position as a Knight. But... if Rhea has any involvement in this..."

"..." Alois was speechless. The very thought that the archbishop had something to do with this was absurd. She would feel hurt and betrayed if she knew Alois was wary of her. But on the off-chance she was involved..."I'm not

"I... can look through church documents," Alois responded after a moment. "See how the Knights of Seiros moved around today. I'll see if there was any movement and tell you what I find."

Jeralt's shoulders slackened, and he let out a breath. "That's all I ask, Alois."

"Of course, Captain," Alois responded. "I mean, I was placed in charge of the search. It's my job to find him."

"And you're the first person I'd want to lead it," Jeralt responded solemnly. And, donning a slight smirk, added, "Well, maybe that's too generous. Second or third."

"Ah, give me some credit!" Alois chuckled, more than anything glad Jeralt could still joke around. The conversation had been so somber, any humor was a welcome sight. "C'mon, let me show you to your quarters."

"It's been a while, but I know the way to my room, Alois," Jeralt responded. "I'm old, but I'm not that old."

"I'll accompany you anyways. My room isn't far," Alois stood, holding out his hand. Jeralt grabbed it, pulling himself to his feet. "And I'll keep this conversation a secret."

Jeralt stared him right in the eyes. "Thank you."

Year 1180 of the Imperial Calendar, 21st Day of the Great Tree Moon.

Garreg Mach Monastery, Office of the Archbishop.

Rhea sighed, resting her chin on her left arm. The day had been stressful on everyone.

"Lady Rhea, you should rest," Seteth advised. "It will do you no good to stay awake, worried about something you cannot change."

"I know, Seteth," she responded, a hint of exasperation creeping into her voice. She knew Seteth was just trying to help, but she had more at stake here. "I just want the last knight patrol to return. Please."

"I understand your concern. Truly, I do," Seteth acknowledged, sinking into his own seat. "But the last patrol will not return for another hour at least. You have an appearance to make at the-"

"Yes Seteth, I know," Rhea snapped, though she relented when she saw Seteth's face. "I'm sorry. Today's events have troubled me greatly."

"We will need to increase security within Garreg Mach," Seteth stated, to which Rhea hummed in agreement.

"Jeralt will oversee that," Rhea confirmed. "He takes his role seriously."

Seteth shook his head. "I do not know why you put that much faith in him," he spoke honestly. "He almost seemed afraid of you, though that's not quite the right word. And after the disappearance of his son, do you really think he'll accept the position?"

"Jeralt is strong," Rhea answered. She knew that Jeralt was wary of her, especially after the death of Sitri and the odd behavior of his son. He suspected something, of that she had no doubt. But Jeralt said that the child passed not soon after Sitri, and then he vanished from the monastery.

And now, nearly 21 years after, he reappears, accompanied by a child that very well could have been a Nabatean himself. His hair, the exact same silvery-green as her own, the shape and curves of his face that so resembled the ancient race, and the eyes that bore into her very soul... She was certain that her mother lie somewhere within him.

And then, just as soon as he appeared, he vanished, yet again slipping between her fingers.

Jeralt was distraught, and Rhea couldn't help but feel sympathy for the man. It felt like just yesterday, but Jeralt was once her greatest ally... one of her few true friends. She lamented the degradation of that friendship- even if she knew it was her own fault for it.

But she couldn't explain it to him. How furious would he be, knowing that Sitri was of poor health her entire life as a result of Rhea's experiments? How would he react, knowing that his son was implanted with the heart of a literal goddess, in the hope that she would one day appear again? And the realization of just exactly what the Church truly was, her identity and the brutal history of Fódlan... she shuddered to imagine it.

Even the man who sat opposite her would view her experiments as abhorrent. And she understood as well, because she felt the same. That guilt clawed at her. But it finally seemed as though all that experimentation would be rewarded, twisted though it was.

And that man... Byleth... vanished again.

"Lady Rhea."

She was drawn back out of her thoughts. "I'm sorry. I was reflecting on the past."

"Of course," Seteth responded, glossing over it. "You have faith in this Jeralt though. That is enough for me."

"He saved my life once," Rhea smiled warmly. "There was an ambush, and he cast himself in front of a fatal blow to save me."

Seteth raised an eyebrow. "Fatal?"

"...I gave him the blood of Seiros at the time to save his life," Rhea admitted. Seteth pondered that for a moment, before relaxing. If Rhea trusted him enough to do that, Seteth could put his faith in him as well.

"I won't force you to rest, Lady Rhea... but I would recommend it," Seteth finished, rising to his feet. "The last patrol will be back in at most an hour, if you wish to see them return. I am going to return to my quarters to rest"

"I appreciate it, Seteth," Rhea replied kindly. "Say hello to Flayn for me, I did not get the chance to see her today."

"I will," Seteth responded just as kindly. "Goodnight, Lady Rhea."

"Goodnight Seteth." The door was left open, in the hopes that she would actually leave the room sooner rather than later. She chuckled lightly at that. She decided to heed that advice, standing. She pushed the chair back to her desk, and made her way for the door, her flowing gown trailing behind her.

Before she reached the door, putting out the lantern in that room, she made one last glance out of the window within her room, gazing at the dark and shadowy mass that was the Oghma Mountains. The moon must have been hidden behind the clouds, hidden from her view...

Mother... where are you?

Year 1180 of the Imperial Calendar, 21st Day of the Great Tree Moon.

Oghma Mountains, Outskirts of House Varley Territory.

There was hardly any light that evening, but he already knew the route well enough.

Byleth turned his head over his shoulder, sparing one last glance at the spires of the Cathedral in the distance.

"Farewell, Garreg Mach," he spoke quietly, a powerful conviction presented in just those few words.

He thought of his father for just a few brief moments, the sadness and fear that he must be feeling, before quickly banishing those thoughts.

Focus. "I'll return soon enough," he sighed, turning away from the stone sanctuary. He rose over the peak of the mountain, descending across the other side and disappearing from view.