A/N

I had wondered whether the reunion was a bit too… lacking in it's emotion, at least when it comes to Byleth. So, at first I was planning to have this chapter end with Byleth becoming a professor. Instead, I decided to make this more of a supplementary chapter detailing what goes on during the trip to the monastery. These chapters will not necessarily be required to read, however events during these chapters may be referenced later on. I will let you know when these chapters will come about. Enjoy, folks.

What Am I?

Chapter 2: Long Way Home

Questions whirled around Byleth's head as they began the trip to Garreg Mach. Why had his father never told him he was a former captain of the knights of seiros? Come to think of it, whenever talking about the past his father would get an extremely sad look on his face. Also, why was El's hair white? Not only that, but something else had been bothering him. She had a very different way of carrying herself and looked extremely burdened. He had changed too, but there was something… unnatural about El's changes. Almost as if she hadn't wanted to change, but circumstances had forced her to. He had noticed her giving him odd looks, but still there was zero recognition in her eyes. The boy in yellow (Claude, he reminded himself) had started walking next to him. Claude grinned and said "Hey, you look troubled friend. What's bothering you, leave a girl back at Remire?" Byleth was surprised at his concern. Shaking his head, Byleth somberly stated "Haven't spent a good amount of time with a girl in years."

While Claude had his own share of ups and downs with relationships, he never once let it stop him. However, the look on the other man's face spoke of something worse. Heartbreak, or at the very least a longing for someone who wasn't there. He said "Hey man, sorry about that. Listen, I've a few questions for you." Byleth had perked up at that.

Wondering what kind of questions he was going to ask, Byleth nodded. Claude had noticed the man had chosen the empire for more than just it's cuisine. "Byleth, I was wondering why you actually chose the Empire. You don't seem well versed in politics, and I can't see you picking a country without an ounce of hesitation just for its cuisine." Byeth gave a shrug and appeared to be lost in thought. Claude had a wicked thought and said "So, was your little crush from the Empire?" Byleth tensed, telling Claude that he was correct. "I can see that as a mercenary, you would have to leave sooner than you would have liked. If it's any consolation, I'm sure you'll find her soon." Byleth grew even more depressed after he said this, so Claude decided to move on. "So, what do you think of us three?" Byleth paused and said "Permission to speak freely ?" Claude laughed after he said this. "You don't need permission. Start with me, then tell me what you think of Dimitri and Edelgard. Don't go easy on me." Byleth said "Your smile doesn't reach your eyes Claude. I think you hide a lot more behind that mask of a prankster." Claude nodded, as Byleth had gotten it to a T. "As for Dimitri, I can tell that he didn't exactly fear me, he fears his own demons." Claude almost applauded at the observational skills of his new friend. "Edelgard seems… calculating, cold if you really want to put a name to it. Just like you though, she hides her true feelings behind a mask of indifference towards everyone she meets." Claude nodded but said "She seemed to be a lot more interested in you, my friend. I hadn't seen her act that way towards anyone, and we have plenty of excellent fighters at the monastery." Byleth hummed in acknowledgement and wondered if she did perhaps recognize him, yet didn't want to make a scene. No, he didn't think so. She did seem to be avoiding him, though. Claude patted him on the back and said "Regardless, I'd love it if you reconsidered my offer. There's something special about you. Uh oh, I think his highness wishes to bend your ear."

Dimitri had walked up next to the mercenary. Byleth said "Sorry about before, I didn't mean to snap at you." Dimitri smiled and said "It's okay, after all if someone had called me a demon, I'd be rather incensed as well. I suppose Claude had tried to get to change your mind." Byleth said "No, actually he tried his best to ease my pain." Dimitri had noticed the man's troubled look. "What's bothering you?

"Just a little bit of nostalgia, I suppose." Byleth hoped he had avoided looking at Edelgard at that very moment. If Claude or Dimitri had noticed anything, they didn't say so. Claude then laughed as he said "No, it appears our man with no emotions here had a bit of a love interest he left behind." Byleth purposely stayed tight-lipped. Now it was Dimitri's turn to snicker. He then said "Sorry, but it's hard to picture you as the romantic type." Byleth wanted badly to end this conversation. "I hope you will meet her again soon." Dimitri said, prompting Byleth to begin thinking. I think you already found her, though. Byleth had almost forgotten about the not-child in his head. It was weird having something (or someone) else in his head. Either that, or he was going mad. "Damnit Sothis, give a warning next time!" Sorry, it's funny to irk you. I actually wanted to tell you that the upcoming days will change our fates. This, I know for certain. Though why I'm bound to you is still a mystery. We have a long list of questions, as to who can give us the answers we seek is unknown. By the way, it appears El wishes to speak with you. Good Luck!

Edelgard's POV

It appears that my fellow house leaders are probing the mercenary's brain. He seems rather uncomfortable with their line of questioning. Now that she thought about it, Byleth seemed familiar. It wasn't just that she thought they'd met before (although strangely enough, she did get that feeling) she could've swore the axe that Hubert had given to her almost pulsed whenever he was near. Hubert had claimed it was hers, but refused to tell her where she got it. It was of custom design, as evidenced by the superior craftsmanship. What really made it unique was the symbol engraved on it: The Crest Of Flames. Her crest, but Hubert had told her that she had gotten the axe before the "experiments." Suppressing a shudder, she brought the axe out and she gasped as something was different. The crest glowed purple, enveloping the weapon with a kind of…. aura. Her weapon was more powerful, it seemed. It was still no relic, but it felt that Claude and Dimitri had stopped talking with Byleth, she decided it was her turn. As she got closer, she realized she hadn't sheathed her weapon. The axe had started to pulse the closer she got to Byleth, almost as if it had a mind of its own and was reaching for him. She sheathed it and noticed she was next to the man. He however, was lost in his own world seemingly talking to himself.

Byleth's POV

He realized that Edelgard was next to him, and was hit with a dilemma. How should I approach this? Deciding that it was best to wait until they got to the monastery, so he could find Hubert and…. well , find Hubert and deal with whatever's going on. Edelgard decided to break the silence first. "I never got a chance to thank you for earlier." Byleth didn't know what she was thanking him for. Observing from her throne, Sothis decided she should remind the fool. You remember the axe getting stuck in your back. Are you that scatterbrained? In my defense, I've got a lot on my mind. "Oh, that was nothing." Edelgard did a facepalm and said "You sound like Dimitri with that kind of false modesty. Have some pride!" Oh, she's got you there, Sothis commented. She was very much enjoying this. Byleth gave a small sigh and said "You're welcome." Edelgard had decided that it was up to her to continue the conversation. "Why did you say you'd choose the empire? I mean, our food is superior but that's hardly a reason to choose us over the others. Yeah Byleth, why did you choose the Empire? All jokes aside, think about your answer. Something tells me she really has forgotten you. "There is so much history there, and I really do like the food. " Byleth explained.

Edelgard knew he was lying, but decided to drop the subject. She was wondering if Byleth had caused her axe to respond like that, So she brought it out. "Byleth, can you take a look at this?" Awww, it appears she still has the axe you gave her. Although... the symbol is glowing. Byleth's face paled as he realized it really was her. Of course, he was pretty sure it was her. Was he that insignificant? Is that why she doesn't remember me? Quit your whining, fool! I'm sure your questions about her will be answered. After all, she does keep the axe you gave her as her preferred weapon. "Thank you, Sothis," said Byleth as he wondered what to say to Edelgard. She beat him to the punch and said "Does the symbol mean anything to you?" Byleth shook his head "...No, it does not. The axe is clearly custom-made. Was it a gift?" Edelgard thought for a moment and came up with a blank. "Maybe, although I can't remember who gifted it." Byleth was mildly disappointed by this, but that's one question definitively answered. After a short while, he said "Well, I hope you can thank the person one day." Look at you, the man with no feelings is actually surprisingly competent when it comes to words. Edelgard gave a small smile.

"Really Edelgard, are you trying to monopolize him? Jeez, at least allow us one chance before you sink your claws into him." Claude said, coming up from behind. Dimitri then said "Claude, we talked about this. You shouldn't piss off her highness." The two of them shared a small laugh. Edelgard then said "I wonder who is trying to "monopolize" him when you're the one treating him like an object?" Really, that one was good. Claude and Dimitri regained their composure. The four of them walked side by side, and Dimitri said "Will this be your first time at the monastery? I'd be happy to show you around." Claude started laughing again as he said "The only way you're giving him a tour is if Edelgard lets you. And I think she wants that honor for herself." Edelgard gave a small huff as Claude continued "You know, the monastery really is Fodlan in a nutshell." As a way to shut him up, Edelgard said "Like it or not we'll be there soon enough." The trip came to an end as the monastery was in sight. Edelgard said "There it is. Garreg Mach Monastery."

They were home.

A/N

This was a difficult chapter to write. I believe I portrayed the characters correctly. Just wanted to point out that Dimitri in my story is a lot different from others. True, he's still looking for the group who caused the Tragedy of Duscur. But he's not the boar prince. He and Claude also have a better relationship in my story. Sorry for the wait on this chapter, I lost a lot of creative motivation. Today, I happened to listen to "The Edge of Dawn" and it hit differently. I know Edelgard is not a "good" person in every sense of the word, but I like the fact that she's (as well as claude and dimitri are) morally grey. The lords from previous fe games were… too good. Just dunno why people shit on her so much. I mean, you wanna compare her to Rhea then you have to admit that at least Edelgard didn't want to kill/supplant your character. Rhea's plan involved Byleth's death. Edelgard didn't want Byleth to die. Yes, she is working with TWSITD, and they killed Byleth's Dad. Yes I get it. But I truly believe she had no idea what Kronya was doing at the monastery. People forget that they're the same group who tortured her and countless others. I feel like she wouldn't accept "help" from those bastards if she didn't feel it was neccesary. And about the whole "BuT sHe stARted thE wAR" thing? Look, war was coming to fodlan regardless of who started it. The first step to starting a war is mass revolts and rebellion (Just look at the kingdom) Rant over, see you guys next time!