Imperial Year 1180, Outskirts of Remire Village
It should probably concern him, Byleth thought, how easy it was to fight. How easy it was to end lives, or at the very least grievously wound those that he fought. How easily the world slowed down and became naught but blood, sweat and steel.
Right step. Bring blade up to block. Now push back and slash!
He didn't even enjoy it anymore, not as he had done when he was younger. Now, combat was simply a matter of routine. It was a rare thing to encounter an opponent that required more than the most basic of attention.
Left step. Thrust to the sword arm. Now the throat!
These bandits were not such opponents. Simple. Boring. Without finesse or skill or worth.
Back step. Side step. Thrust through the knee...and then the heart! Move to the next one.
Around him, the other mercenaries made quick work of their own enemies, by magic and by blade. Whilst a couple of his fellow Bears had suffered minor wounds, they would no doubt end up little more than scars thanks to the healers.
Behind us!
Byleth wheeled round, his blade already sailing through the air. It took all his attention and strength to stop himself mid-swing. For stood before him now were the three young people that had entered camp earlier.
"..What are you doing?" This is not the place to sneak up on people. Surely that should be known. "..Why are you not back at the village?"
"Not to offend, but there's like twenty bandits..and seven of you." The one in yellow stated. "We're here to lend a hand of course!"
One of the other Bears let out a chuckle. "Do you take us for some common militia? We're professional mercenaries, Young man. Seven is all we need."
"Nonetheless. It would not be right of us to not at least assist you in this." The blonde young man pointed out. "We led them here, it would be poor of us to abandon you to deal with it by yourselves."
"Agreed!" The young woman exclaimed. "It would be wrong if we didn't help."
The mercenary let out a loud sigh, and nodded. "Alright then. Doubt I could stop you. Just stay out of the Demon's way, and there'll be no issue."
"Demon?" The blonde asked.
There was a quiet that came over the mercenaries now, and they nodded towards where Byleth stood, blade pointed toward the bandits in an obvious challenge. "Him. Captain Jeralt's kid, though he'd never admit it these days. The Ashen Demon's what we call him. He's a bit….unique in how his head works, but a decent fellow all the same."
"...That..seems a little rude." The younger man continued. "...Calling him a demon.."
One of the mercenaries offered a shrug. "He encourages it. If he ever turned around and told us to stop calling him as such, we would."
Byleth ignored them, and strode onwards. The leader had yet to show himself yet, and until he fell, the bandits would simply keep throwing themselves at Byleth's blade.
Side step. Thrust to the throat. Back step. Slash. Blade up to block. Thrust.
Suddenly, there was an axeman in front of him. He waved the others aside, and strode towards Byleth, chest puffed out. "Hey! You with the blank stare!"
"..I see. You must be the leader then." Byleth commented. "How fortunate."
"You're the bastard that's been killing my men!" The axeman boomed.
"I'm told that my parents were married when I was born." Byleth replied. "So. Shall we begin, or is talking all you're good at?"
"Everyone that hears it, fears the name Kostas!"
"...I shall take that as a yes." Byleth told him plainly. "What a pity."
And without hesitation, the Demon was moving. His blade purposefully aimed for his enemies exposed skin. The brute was strong but slow, his axe swings easy to avoid.
Leap forward. Slash. Thrust. Duck down. Backwards leap.
"Stop moving!" Kostas bellowed.
Why? Downwards slice. Thrust to the should- Who fired that arrow?!
Byleth leapt backwards, and hastily looked around. Soon, he found the culprit. The student in yellow, who offered a cheery wave. The other two were at his side. The blonde young man looked a little apologetic, but the woman...she had nothing but curiosity on her face. It was her that made her way to Byleth's side, readying an axe of her own.
After offering a faint, respectful nod, Byleth turned his attention back to his foe. But Kostas had already increased the distance between them, the frown on his face steadily deepening as his gaze flitted between the pair, before letting out a roar of frustration as he charged at them. Byleth stepped in front of the young woman, his blade up to block.
Sword Up...now Brace!
Kostas' axe slammed into Byleth's sword, the bandit straining against the younger man's strength with all his own.
Now push up! Hard!
Kostas' eyes widened as he stumbled backwards, axe slipping from his grip. Byleth advamced on the Bandit, sword level with the mans throat. But before he could lurch forward and end the man's life, he was interrupted by a booming voice.
"The Knights of Seiros are here! We'll cut you down for terrorizing our students!" Byleth did not recognise the voice, but the trio of multicoloured students clearly did as they dropped their guards a little.
"The Knights of Seiros?! Go! Go!" Kostas yelled to his remaining men. "There will be another day!"
"..Bowman?" Byleth asked aloud. "Could you take him out?"
The yellow clad man shrugged with a grin. "I could. But it seems we have a surprise guest doubt they'd like to see it.."
Before he could ask what the younger man meant, Byleth's answer arrived.
"Papa!"
As the group turned to look at the owner of the voice, their eyes soon fell upon its owner, a young girl with pale green eyes and red and white ribbons haphazardly woven into her dark hair. She trotted over to them, seemingly oblivious to the dead and dying bandits around her, more content to keep holding on to the stuffed bear, dressed up as a knight, in her arms.
Pointedly ignoring the students and mercenaries, she made her way directly to Byleth, a bright smile on her face. "G'morning Papa!"
Byleth knelt down, and all trace of the Demon vanished as he opened his arms wide, and embraced the small girl, warmth and affection now in every word he spoke. "Hello Sweetie. What are you doing up so early, hm?"
"Couldn't sleep!" She chirped happily. "The bad men were being noisy. It was kinda scary, but I had you and Sir Reggie to protect me!"
As if to prove her statement, she thrust the stuffed bear forwards, allowing Byleth to 'inspect' it. Keeping a small smile, one that would be nearly unnoticeable to strangers, on his face, he dutifully looked 'Reggie' over. "I see. It's good to see you have a loyal knight to protect you while I'm gone."
"Yup! And Papa too!"
Byleth chuckled softly. "Of course. Papa will always protect you, Little One."
The child turned to look at trio of heirs, and backing into Byleth a little in surprise, clutching her bear close again. "..Papa, who are they?"
"Don't be rude now." Byleth instructed, still smiling. "introduce yourself to the nice people."
"Oh! I'm Amy Eisner!" The girl announced, offering them an enthusiastic wave. "It's nice to meet you all!"
My Dearest Helga,
We encountered bandits chasing a trio of young students. Amy and I are fine, although a few of the Bears took minor wounds. The Healers made quick work of them, but they will likely be taken off of duty for a few days.
It looks like we are escorting the trio to Garreg Mach. I recall you saying it is the seat of the Archbishop, correct? I look forward to seeing it. The Captain appears hesitant, though. I am not entirely certain as to why, and he refuses to say. I suppose I shall find out.
Yours Always,
-B
..I suck at writing fighting scenes.
We're finally reaching Garreg Mach next time, I can finally start calling characters by name, huzzah! How do you all think Rhea will react?
Also! First of the Side Stories should be up soon, no ETA, but it should be in the next few days with any luck.
