A sea of flickering lights paraded through Garreg Mach as the clergy prepared for the Rite of Rebirth. Edelgard watched through an orange stained window as candles and torches flickered up and down the passageways, hymns echoing across the halls and into the deep corridors.

Seteth hummed, and Edelgard turned to look at him. The Archbishop's right hand wore the same carefully tailored robes as he always did, but a nervous energy trickled off him.

"Princess Edelgard." Seteth said calmly. "I see you and your class have joined the Blue Lions and Golden Deer tonight?"

Edelgard looked over his shoulder. Her classmates whispered and giggled amongst themselves. Linhardt was doing his best to nap through Sylvain's flirtations with Petra. Ferdinand and Lorenz were chatting about tea. Caspar was arm wrestling Raphael.

"Yes. Professor Eisner offered to oversee our joint rounds." Edelgard said blandly. Byleth was standing next to Dedue, talking about flowers.

"Yes, she told me as much." Seteth coughed and bit back a sigh.

Edelgard's eyebrow rose. "You disapprove of Professor Eisner?"

"Hm? Oh, no not that." Seteth shook his head. "It's- well. Let us call it a simple clash of personality. Nonetheless, she has my full confidence in this matter."

"You think we are wrong to suspect an attempt on the tomb?" Edelgard wondered how much she could get out of the man.

Seteth's brow twitched. "It's- well." He crossed his arms and gave a harrumph. "It's just a bit too obvious, I would think. And while the Holy Mausoleum is important to the church, I would say that there is no clear target for anyone to steal inside the hall." He glanced towards Byleth, who had trotted towards them.

"The three houses deduced the location on their own." Byleth shrugged. "I just agreed to chaperone."

A strangled sigh made it past Seteth's lips. "I'm sure. In any case Professor Eisner, I will expect you to sound the alarm if anything is amiss. You alone cannot protect nearly two dozen students."

"Catherine is closest, correct?"

"Yes, she is!" Flayn appeared from behind Seteth's back. "But I'm sure you'll be able to defeat anyone before she arrives, Professor Byleth!"

"Flayn, do not encourage her." Seteth growled.

"But brother, you heard the tales from the canyon just as I have! I hear people saying that even Charon could not perform such a-"

"Flayn!" Seteth shouted. "That is quite enough!" He glared at Byleth. "The professor has more than enough…fuel for her ego. You need not provide more."

"Yes, brother." Flayn giggled, before her eyes widened and sparkled. "Professor, may I join you tonight?"

"Absolutely not!" Seteth squawked.

"But I am certain she would protect me from any harm-"

"No Flayn, you will be staying with Lady Rhea and I for the entirety of the night!"

"it's alright, Flayn." Byleth spoke up. "Stay with Seteth tonight." Flayn pouted. Byleth's eyes gleamed in the evening shadows. "You can join the classes next month."

"What!" Seteth stomped his foot. "I- she- but-"

"I would be delighted to join my peers in learning!" Flayn beamed innocently. "Brother, you did mention letting change my usual routine under supervision. Surely this would count, no? Learning alongside the students, safe in Garreg Mach's halls-"

At those words, a hiss emerged atop all the other strangled sounds hitched in Seteth's throat. His glare snapped back to Byleth. "We will discuss this later, Flayn." He breathed in, and recomposed himself. "In any case. I pray you protect all the students tonight, Professor Eisner." Seteth glared at Byleth for a moment more. She did not react. Seteth swore under his breath, sighed, and turned to Edelgard. "At any point, do not be afraid to raise the alarm. A good night to you, princess."

Seteth turned and left. Flayn grinned up at Byleth. The two shared a nod, before Flayn turned to Edelgard and curtsied. "Good night Princess Edelgard! I shall hope to speak with you more in the coming months!" Flayn turned and left, leaving only one Nabatean amongst a throng of Humans. Byleth's face remained blank. Claude appeared from behind a column, an innocent smile on his face. He gave Edelgard a mock salute, before turning towards their classmates.

"Hi everybody!" Claude's voice carried through the room, loud but cheerfully.

"Hi Leader-man!" Hilda and Raphael shouted back.

"Tonight's the night we've all come together to see if the assassins are going to be paying the Holy Mausoleum a visit." Claude gestured to Byleth. "Teach has offered to make sure we all don't die. Thanks professor!" Byleth nodded back. Claude chuckled. "So that means anything she says goes. And if things do turn bad, we've got a back-up plan. The knights are close by, so just be sure to scream loudly and not die before they come to save us."

A few good-natured laughs rose up from the group. Claude continued. "Don't be scared to do it. Teach will be the first to sound off if we get in a truly sticky situation, she told me herself."

A ghost of movement played on Byleth's lips. Her lips did not move, but sounded a murmur that Edelgard could hear, if just barely over the hushed whispers and Claude's projecting.

"…Work to make me scream…"

Edelgard found herself stumbling to the floor, tripping without walking, cheeks burning. When she looked up, everyone was staring at her, confusion on the faces of the Golden Deer and Blue Lions, and worry caking the Black Eagles. Claude had turned back, a perplexed crease on his brow.

"You alright princess? What happened?"

Edelgard pushed herself back up. "Nothing. I just-" Edelgard dared to look at Byleth. The Nabatean's mouth hung open fractionally, her cheeks glowing against the candlelight, with a slight tremor in her eyes. It was a look Edelgard had seen in court before, on dukes and counts who had extended their reach too far even under the emperor's much-diminished powers, desperately hiding their panic under strict protocol training. It were as though Byleth was just realizing that she had spoken aloud her deepest-

Edelgard shook her head as she dusted off her pants. This was ridiculous. She must have misheard. "Nothing. I was overthinking some detail." She hoped.

"Okay…" Claude bit his cheek before turning back to the group. "In any case, we've got to stick together for this. Keep close, and remember that we're all here to help each other. Trying to hog glory is only good for getting you killed, or worse, in the sick bay without a broken jaw." Claude looked away from Lorenz and towards Dimitri as a scoff ripped through the air. "That's everything I wanted to say. You got anything to add, your princelyness?"

Dimitri was gripping his lance tightly, staring off into empty air. "…No. No, I have nothing to add."

Claude leaned his head back to Edelgard. "And her imperial highness?"

Edelgard rolled her eyes. "Dimitri and I are of the same mind."

Claude shrugged. "Any last words teach?"

"Be quiet when we move into the tomb." Byleth said. "The element of surprise is vital. Just because we are in a large group does not mean we are impervious."

A chorus of affirmatives rang out, and everyone began their final preparations. Byleth turned to Edelgard. "What was your fall about?"

"What- nothing." Edelgard inspected her axe. It was a fine steel weapon. The edge was a bit dull, but more than acceptable for this mission. "It was nothing."

Byleth cocked her head. "Are you growing sick? Symptoms of your-" Byleth waved her hand. "Don't show themselves until much later."

Edelgard sucked in a breath. "No, not that. I just- If you must know, I heard you say-" She returned Byleth's hand gesture. "And it caught me off guard. That's all."

Byleth blinked. "I didn't say anything."

Edelgard huffed. "If you're willing to keep a secret, I am more than happy to join you-"

Byleth's eyebrow rose. "Edelgard. I didn't say anything."

"But…" Edelgard winced. "But then why did you look so concerned when I fell?"

Byleth tilted her head. "Because a student collapsing is worth concern."

Edelgard's lip thinned. "I see. Thank you for your professionalism. All I can say is that my imagination has been…" She did not blush. "Overactive, these past few weeks."

Byleth gave Edelgard one last look, before moving to look over Ashe and Petra's bowstringing. Edelgard turned back to the window, feeling her eyes drawn to the gardens. They were barely visible from the window, hidden behind sea-green stained glass. Edelgard stared out for a moment more before turning away. Her axe needed sharpening.


"Stupid, foolish boy. You let the Riegan mongrel take command of the entire party. What king allows others to dictate what his subjects should do?" Lambert hissed from the window where Dimitri's reflection should have been. Dimitri turned away, descending the spiral staircase down towards the Holy Mausoleum. The Black Eagles descended first, their shadows swirling down the walls, flickering along with the candles they held. As Dimitri walked, the candlelight twisted and melded together, forming a woman's shape that came apart and then together with each step Dimitri and the other students took.

"You cannot ignore us forever, failure. You have hidden from your duty for years now. All that stands in your way is a woman you allow to remain silence." Patricia's mouth could not be seen in the growing darkness, but its sneer cut all the same. "This is the boy I raised? You allow this witch to dictate the terms of our revenge?" She scoffed as Cornelia did when no one was looking. "You truly are worthless. Take the answers from her. Force them out of her lying, scheming, quivering little—"

"Dimitri?" Byleth's voice echoed quietly behind him. Dimitri blinked, and the mass of shadows was just that.

"Your Highness?" Dimitri turned back to see Dedue and Byleth standing shoulder to shoulder. Byleth's green eyes nearly shone through the dim candlelight, while Dedue's silver hair seemed to absorb the small warmth of the candlelight dancing around the staircase.

Dimitri smiled. "It's nothing. I'm just a bit worried."

Byleth exhaled. "Dimitri, no matter what they say, your ghosts cannot harm you."

"How did you-" Dimitri bit his lip. "…Ah. Your gift." Byleth gave a small nod. "They warn me against…trusting you."

Byleth hummed. "I can only hope my actions are enough to put your mind at ease."

"Yes, we can only hope." Dimitri sighed. He turned back to the staircase, and took another step down. Dedue moved quickly, standing next to him.

"Are your hauntings as bad as…?"

The first few months after the tragedy had been cruel. "They are growing louder." Dimitri said softly.

Dedue dipped his head. "I shall ask the god of dreams for a boon when I next travel to the Abyss's altar."

"I am honored. You have my thanks." A dozen voices hissed around Dimitri each speaking a single word.

"Heretic."

Dimitri reached the bottom of the staircase. The room widened, allowing the students the break from their nearly single file formation. Dim light flashed across the student's faces, but Dimitri could see Byleth clearly. She stood tall and walked with purpose. Each step she took rang louder in his ears, widening the distance between them.

Dimitri looked down. He had not been moving. He raised his foot to take another step.

"Do not walk in her shadow, brat!"

"You are to be king. She is a mercenary. Lead her, even if you must wring her hair and drag the wench across your own footsteps."

"Harpoon the bitch. Her back is turned. She'll never see it coming. Then shackle her and force her to lead you to our revenge!"

Dimitri squeezed his eyes shut a breathed. Voices rushed around him whispering and shouting and screaming all at once. Dimitri gripped his spear, breathing in. Breathing out. The voices began to fade. Dimitri opened his eyes.

Glenn stared back; mouth contorted into a silent howl. His eyes burnt like the fires on that day. He opened his mouth to scream-

Dedue's hand fell on Dimitri's shoulder, firm but calm. Dimitri looked to his retainer. Dedue wore a subtle frown and a worried air. Dimitri forced a smile.

"It's nothing Dedue. I'm fine."

Dedue sighed, but retreated. Dedue seemed ready to say something, before looking ahead and glowering.

"Really? How are you this oblivious, Boar?"

Dimitri turned. Felix stood where he had seen Glenn, glaring daggers. "What your lapdog sees in you mystifies me."

Dimitri frowned. "Felix, do not hate Dedue because of me. He has done nothing to you."

Felix shot a look over Dimitri's shoulder and snorted. "What's wrong with you anyway? You've been on edge for nearly a month now." His eyes narrowed. "I haven't seen you this bad in two years. I thought you learned how to act human again."

"It's…slaying Lonato's men was…" Dimitri bit his tongue. Felix rolled his eyes.

"Don't go telling me you have feelings now, boar. I've seen you slaughter your people more than once. I know how much you really care about rebels."

Dimitri breathed in. "I remember my cruelty those years ago. It was…"

"Just. What the traitors deserved. Kingly."

"And then I said something…" Dimitri muttered. Dedue remained stoic as always.

"Him, His people. They are pawns. Pawns to slaughter us. They are worth no sympathy."

Dimitri exhaled. "Something I never should have. It made me realize that my faults might be…" The candlelight glowed too bright. Dimitri rubbed his eyes. "Dedue has-" A sigh left him. "I'm trying to be better."

"How noble of you." Felix turned to leave.

"Felix." Dimitri loosened his grip on his spear. "If you truly think I will act barbarically, I can only hope that you will try to stop me."

Felix stopped walking. He seemed to rotate back, his pale face a mix of surprise and suspicion. Dedue stepped forward, placing his hand on the shield strapped to his back. "I have sworn to protect his Highness from enemies without, and within himself." Dedue snorted. "Do not let your scorn blind you, Fraldarius."

Felix didn't say anything. He did not turn to leave. His orange eyes flickered along with the candlelight, but did not waiver. Dimitri wanted to look away, to break the sudden stare, but felt a duty to match Felix.

A harsh whisper broke the tension. "Hey, guys. You're lagging behind." Dimitri looked up to see Sylvain, spear in one hand and fire magic in the other. "Not a good place to get lost in each other's eyes."

Felix spun around and stalked away, bumping past Sylvain.

"Ow." Sylvain juggled spear and magic to rub his shoulder. "Guess he's in one of his moods." He flashed a grin at Dimitri. "Don't let him rub off on you, your Highness."

Dimitri sighed, before marching ahead.

The students had quietly gathered in front of a large stone door. Light crept from underneath the frame, and hushed whispers wafted through the air. Claude was on the floor, ear held to the ground.

"At least fifty. Maybe more." Claude stood up, pulling an arrow out his quiver, and began twirl it in his hand. "And from the heavy metal footsteps, I don't think they're a bunch of pilgrims who took a wrong turn." He flashed a grin. "Well Teach, how do you want this done?"

"Spears in front. Archers and mages in back. Everyone else will help wherever they are needed. I'll ask if they want to surrender before we strike." Byleth walked forward, putting her hand on the door. "I've been told there are protective wards on certain parts of the floor. Controlling that territory is paramount."

"Um, excuse me professor," A nervous Ignatz asked. "But shouldn't we wait for help?"

"Help will arrive soon enough. It's dangerous to split up now, and the noise we are about to make should attract Catherine." Byleth drew her sword. "Until then, simply keep each other safe. Form up, and remember your training."

Dimitri gripped his spear tightly as he marched forward. Taking position next to Ferdinand and Ingrid. He breathed in. a dull hiss echoed in his ears. Byleth looked over to him with a questioning look. Dimitri bit his lip, and nodded. Byleth's hand rose in the air, three fingers up. Each fell with a dreadful weight, falling like a bell tolled. The door crashed open, and Dimitri rushed in behind Byleth.

The Mausoleum was lit brightly, torches and magic bouncing off sternly cut stone, painting the room in a mix of dull orange and warm yellow light. Thick columns were placed beside small chests and coffins, each sparsely decorated with emblems of the Seiros faith. Across the floor were strange patterns and stonework, each with an odd shimmering air about them - the protective enchantments Byleth mentioned, no doubt. At the room's head lay Saint Seiros' casket, resting on an elevated platform, surrounded by an amphitheater-like semi-circle. It was simple, honest and clear architecture that Dimitri had seen in centuries-old ruins and the oldest cathedrals in Faerghus. A humble, plain style that did not concern itself with dazzling anyone. Beautiful in its own quiet way.

And scattered throughout the room like weeds were dozens of mages, soldiers and priests adorned in the colors of the Western Church. One stood next to Saint Serios' casket, weaving magic against the stone.

"Intruders!" A priest called out. "They will disrupt the plan!"

"You trespass on holy ground." Byleth shouted back. "Surrender now, and you will be shown mercy-"

A fireball flew past her head. "Kill them! They must not stop us! For the Goddess!" More churchmen readied their weapons. Their mages prepared for a volley. Dimitri wet his lips. His pulse thundered in his ears, and whispers clouded his mind.

"Traitors."

"Kill kill kill kill kill kill-"

"Well boy? Will you allow your subjects to raise arms against you?"

Dimitri roared, charging ahead. Byleth was already moving, cutting through a careless mage. Dimitri followed her example, crashed into a swordsman, his shaft bashing into the man's head, instantly sending him crashing into the ground. Two men with axes moved to rush him, and Dimitri responded with his own charge forward. The two men spread apart from each other, moving to flank. An arrow flew from behind Dimitri, piercing the shoulder of the man on his right, and the churchman cried out. His fellow churchman hesitated. Dimitri seized his opportunity, and gored the first man through his heart, and then swinging his spear to bash the other man with his fellow's corpse. Without hesitation, Dimitri raised the impaled body in front of him, and charged a mage hiding behind a pillar. The man panicked, firing spells directly at Dimitri, only for the corpse to absorb the attacks. Dimitri gored the mage through the throat, and then discarded his makeshift shield, taking cover behind the pillar to find his next target.

The melee had spread throughout the mausoleum, a cacophony of metal and magic erupting through and out the chamber. Byleth had been correct to say that Catherine would have no trouble hearing this battle. The other students with lances had all made contact with the enemy, viciously fighting. Leonie was dueling against a swordsman in brutal close combat, and Ingrid was keeping a mage at arm's length. The magic wielding students were matching the churchmen's own barrage, Annette and Dorothea assaulting them with a combination of wind and thunder magic, While Hubert and Lysithea used their dark spells to tear through mages and archers alike. Ashe and Bernadetta laid down a suppressive volley of arrows, preventing any of the churchmen from advancing while Caspar, Ignatz and Petra charged at the churchmen's own backlines, intent on silencing their archers. Bulkier students like Hilda, Dedue and Ferdinand kept any churchmen from advancing on their own vulnerable mages, and Mercedes, Linhardt, and Marianne rapidly cast healing spells to keep any wounds from becoming permanent.

Then there were the students using their Crests aggressively, as Dimitri did. Sylvain's spear shot forth, any armor its tip touched first fracturing like cracks in the earth, then crumbling apart with a second touch. Felix's arms coursed with Crest magic, infusing his limbs with a denseness Dimitri was all too familiar with, causing each sword stroke to strike heavier than it should and allowing Felix to easily slay each enemy Sylvain had weakened. Edelgard stormed ahead, her great strength breaking through any defense in her way.

And then there was Byleth. She moved with unnatural speed, closing the distance between her and the churchmen faster then Dimitri had. Each sword stroke landed fatally, without any wasted movement. Her opponents had not even hit the ground before she was halfway to her next target.

"Dimitri!" A harsh whisper from behind jolted Dimitri from his trance. It was Edelgard.

"How are you this oblivious, brat?" Glenn's voice hissed. "What if that had been an enemy?"

"Edelgard. How are you faring?" Dimitri peered out from his hiding place.

"Well enough. The battle is going well." Edelgard pointed to their left. "I thought we might advance down that side together."

Dimitri looked to where she pointed. It was deserted, save for a few archers hiding behind caskets. "Clear them out and then flank their main force from behind? A bold strategy for just the two of us."

"I agree." Hubert appeared from behind Edelgard, hand thrumming with dark magic. "Lady Edelgard, allow me to escort you."

"Hey, don't forget me!" Lysithea had rolled across the floor, panting and out of breath. She locked eyes with Edelgard. "People like us- I mean-" She looked away. "We should stick together!"

"Well…"

"Cowardcowardcowardcowardcowardcoward-"

"Four of us seems enough. The bulk of their force is distracted." Dimitri stood up, and rushed down the wall to the next set of pillars, watching the archers hiding on the far side. None of them had noticed him yet over the chaos, their heads and arrowheads pointed towards Byleth, who was steadily advancing. Dimitri arrived behind the first pillar, with Hubert quickly coming up behind him. Lysithea and Edelgard lagged behind, a stray fireball whizzing overhead slowing their advance. Dimitri peaked out again, looking for his next dash-

And sharp shriek crashed through the air. Dimitri pulled back behind the pillar, but it was to late. A cry escaped Dimitri's lips as an arrow buried itself in his shoulder, cutting just under his cape's brooch. Hubert was already on the other side of the pillar, a dark power humming in his hand. "Where is he?"

Dimitri sucked in a breath. There wasn't too much blood, but the wound stung badly. "One pillar ahead of us. Behind the gravestone."

Hubert pulled out a small hand mirror, holding it near the column's edge. After a moment, he darted out, and another scream joined the chorus. Slinking back into position, Hubert eyes darted around the room, searching for Edelgard. She and Lysithea had managed to advance to the pillar opposite to them.

Dimitri let out another hiss, his hand grasping around the arrow's shaft. "Hubert, can you heal me?"

Hubert turned and frowned. "Faith magic has always escaped me."

Dimitri grunted, and prepared to break off the arrow's shaft, before a dull warmth sprung up in his arm. Looking up, he saw Mercedes hiding behind a casket, her hands glowing with white magic. Dimitri nodded his thanks, before gritting his teeth and pulling the arrow out of his shoulder in a single motion. The wound closed quickly, with barely a drop of blood escaping.

A crash of glass sounded, and Dimitri looked over to see Hubert swearing, holding the remains of his hand mirror.

"Our quarry?" Dimitri massaged his shoulder, finding no permanent damage.

"Aware of us, and all trained on our position." Hubert reported dryly.

Dimitri sniffed. He looked at Mercedes, who grimaced, but nodded back. "Edelgard!"

"What!" Edelgard ducked away and back again from her hiding place, throwing a small hand axe.

"Mercedes is behind us. I'm going to charge, and draw fire." Hubert and Lysithea were good shots. Dimitri himself was quick enough on his feet. He could endure any pain.

Edelgard looked back at him. Her eyes hardened. "I'll join you. On a count of three, we charge their position."

Dimitri nodded back as Hubert scowled at her declaration. "One."

Edelgard gripped her axe tightly. Dimitri muttered a prayer. "Two."

"Three!" Claude's voice rang out from above, and the shriek of an arrow sounded. Dimitri did not allow himself a moment for surprise, and charged out. One archer lay dead, an arrow stuck in his skull. Another was clutching his wounded leg. Five more remained, each split between Dimitri, Edelgard, and the mages hiding behind the pillars. Short work was made of them all. The now six-person group regrouped at the now vacant far wall of the Mausoleum.

"Claude, how did you fire from above?" Dimitri asked as the group huddled near a stone coffin.

Claude grinned back. "There are grooves in the pillars. I've got a decent grip, and my Crest has the nice side benefit of making me great at jumping. It's murder on my hands, but better they smart than any vital organs." Claude paused as a light enveloped his fingers, and looked back. "Oh, thanks Mercedes."

She grinned, sweat on falling from her brow as magic sigils faded. "It's what I'm here for. No trouble at all."

"Is anyone else hurt?" Lysithea asked. Everyone shook their heads. "Then let's hit these brutes from behind! Just a bit more, and they'll have to give up!"

Edelgard's brow creased and she shot a look at Hubert. He scowled back.

"Is something wrong? Dimitri asked. The two Adrestians looked up.

"Yeah, you two know something we don't?" Claude said as he spun an arrow in his hand.

Edelgard shook her head. "It's- It's nothing. Just a feeling. This just seems…too easy."

Claude's eyebrow quirked. "Really? I know teach has been picking up a lot of the slack- " A scream rang out. No one Dimitri knew. "-And our own Crest make thing easy, but these guys are decently tough."

Edelgard gave a frustrated sigh. "It's not that. It's just a feeling."

"Enough. We have a battle to win." Dimitri said, eyeing a mage with his back turned to their group. "We can question our good fortune later. Mercedes, Hubert, Lysithea, are you prepared?"

Hubert rolled his eyes. "Please, Blaiddyd."

Mercedes nodded. "I am. Let's not get overconfident now."

Lysithea fought off a pant. "I'm not done yet."

Dimitri took another breath, and then dashed ahead. The mage barely had time to react to the crash of his footfall before he smashed them in the head. Edelgard cut down a priest in a single stroke. A swordsman fell to a quick arrow and blast of magic Across the distance, Dimitri could see Byleth advancing on Saint Serios' casket. The rest of the students were embroiled in the fight across the room, atop some of the protective wards- it seems reinforcements from the western church had arrived sooner than their own, but only a few scattered enemies remained. A desperate cry rang out, and Dimitri spun in place, catching the gleam of fire in a mage's hand. Without hesitation, Dimitri's lance flew through the air, impaling the mage and pinning him to the wall, the fire in his hand dying out with its wielder.

"I think we've cleared out this area!" Claude shouted as he pulled out an arrow from a corpse. "Teach seems the have the mages up on that platform well in hand. Let's go help finish up the rest of the class."

"Yes, let's go help our…" Mercedes trailed off, eye widening.

"What's wrong?" Dimitri followed her eyes to where he had thrown his spear. A ringing, metallic echo cracked across the stone floor, a dark figure stepped out of the shadows. He rode a horse covered in black armor, it's hooves falling with a dark grace. The rider, wrapped in black steel and cloth, wore a gruesome, skull shaped mask. In his hand was a scythe, as long as a man was tall.

"The Death Knight." Dimitri breathed.

The Death Knight glanced at the impaled body, and then reached down, ripping the lance out. "These vermin lasted longer than I expected." The rider threw the pike, and Dimitri's lance landed at his feet. The Death Knight's stare bore down on him like an eagle spotting a mouse. "You will have to do for a warmup, prince."

Dimitri hastily picked up his weapon. "What are you doing here? Have you thrown your lot in with these villains?"

Horse and rider shared a snort. "I came for a fight worth my time."

"Very well." Edelgard stepped forward, brandishing her axe. "It seems we have no choice but to fight."

"Well, this makes things interesting." Claude began to move away from the group, an arrow lazily knocked in his bow. "I heard you were tough enough to take down a demonic beast all on your own. Let's see how well you do in six on one odds."

Lysithea barked out a lough. "This will be easy. I've got just the spell to make you disappear."

Hubert blinked. "You couldn't have already mastered Luna. It's far too advanced for someone your age."

"I am not a child, you're barely older than me!" Lysithea shouted back. "And besides, I'll have you know I mastered Luna weeks ago!"

Mercedes remained silent, magic flowing about her fingers.

Dimitri raised his lance. A horse, no matter how well trained, would halt at a pike. All he needed to do was not lose his nerve, and the day would be theirs. "Come then, if you dare."

The Death Knight's gaze flickered between the six of them, sparing no more than a second on each glance. "This may be some fun yet." He snapped the reins, and his steed began to trot. Dimitri kept his spear level. There was still some distance between them and the Death Knight. There was plenty of time for the knight to try something.

Lysithea scoffed. "I don't have time for this!" A dozen dark purple shards flickered into existence, looming over the Death Knight. As one, the shards locked on to their target, before crashing downwards. Dimitri thrusted forward with his lance, intent to remove all avenues of escape. An arrow flew overhead, sailing towards The horse's eyes. A wave of miasma conjured itself around the Death Knight's flank, rolling towards their target with a deceptive slowness. The shards continued their descent, falling towards the horse's legs. It would be less than a second until they impacted-

The Death Knight flicked his reins, and his steed exploded into the air, nearly touching the ceiling. A moment later, the magic shards impacted the ground, exploding outwards in a blast that would envelop three horses. The Death Knight landed in the center of their formation, unharmed and without a spot of dust covering his armor. Dimitri lunged forward and Edelgard swung her axe down, but the Death Knight was already in motion. His steed burst forth, easily escaping their weapon's reach and charged Lysithea. The girl stumbled backward and tried to conjure a spell, but the Death Knight was faster. Reaching down from his saddle, the rider picked Lysithea off the ground by her neck, raised her high, and smashed her forehead against his own. Then with a flick of his wrist, the knight flung the girl at Hubert. Lysithea impacted his head with the back of her spine, sending the Adrestian tumbling down to the ground.

Dimitri felt his hands numb. He barely head Mercedes scream as she rushed to the two fallen students. The Death Knight, making no move to stop her, turned back to face Dimitri. The knight stretched his arm, swinging his great scythe through the air in a few practiced motions. Then in an instant, he charged, weapon raised high.

Dimitri lost his nerve first, and rolled out of the knight's way instead of attempting to pike him. This was not a battle he could win with conventional tactics. Edelgard followed his example, running behind a column. Dimitri stood up, blood and screaming pounding in his ear.

"Stupid, useless boy! If you cannot defeat this rouge, how can you hope to avenge us?"

"Use your Crest, Dimitri. Force a contest of strength. You should be able to manage that, if nothing else."

"Coward! Strike him! Never retreat!"

Dimitri grunted as he shook his head. The Death Knight had halted, content to stare down atop his steed. Dimitri gritted his teeth. He had to stay in control. He could not allow himself to grow blind in anger. He needed to-

"Is this all you are capable of, Prince of Faerghus?" A guttural laugh echoed out The Death Knight. "Does your blade only slay vermin barely capable of holding their own swords?" The skull mask seemed to sneer. "Or can you only kill your countrymen? You seemed so practiced fighting Gaspard."

The last shrieks of battle sounded across the room. Magic crashed into the walls. Edelgard shouted from her place. Dimitri could only hear his mother whisper.

"Kill him."

Dimitri was at his feet, sieging the Death Knight in an instant, lance strikes raining up at the rider with the force to shatter stone. The Death Knight held his ground, ceding ground inch by inch. Some blows the Knight parried away with his lance, others he made his steed jump or dodge. Dimitri did not let up, continuing his relentless assault.

In between a thrust the Death Knight parried, Edelgard shot forward, bringing her axe down at the horse's feet, causing it to reel upward in a panic. Above and behind the knight, Claude had jumped up with a short sword, on trajectory to plunge the blade into the Knight's shoulder. Dimitri seized his opportunity, thrusting his lance forward and under the horse's belly, spear tip aimed straight at stallion's heart. In that moment, Dimitri saw victory within his reach.

In the next, his delusion shattered. Without ever breaking eye contact with him, The Death Knight swung his scythe down under his mount, hooking Dimitri's lance away. At the same time he reached up with his other hand, grabbed Claude by the wrist, and swung down, clubbing Edelgard with the Alliance heir. Dimitri tried to push his lance back, summoning his Crest given strength to break through the Death Knight's grip. The Death Knight held his ground, putting both his hands behind his scythe, and Dimitri pushed harder. He could see the horse's hooves grinding against the stone floor. He could feel himself winning. But then there was a terrible creak in the shaft of the weapon. The Knight flicked his wrist, and Dimitri's lance shattered apart.

Dimitri stared up at the Death Knight, broken fragments slipping through his fingers. Beside him, Claude and Edelgard groaned as they rushed to untangle themselves. A sea of ghosts howled around him.

"Weakling! Worthless, useless weakling!"

"The house of Blaiddyd, ended here…"

"Worthless."

"Pathetic." The Death Knight gave a snort, raising his scythe high in one dreadfully long moment. Dimitri tried to run, to roll out of the way, but his legs would not respond. The world was fading, Shadows began to rush together and twist. What once was clear now seemed to be a crafted mosaic. Dimitri blinked again, and all he could see a burning field full of corpses, their twisted faces searing into his memory. A blade hovered above him.

His father lay prostrated atop a pile of dead, bleeding and broken. "Avenge us! Those who killed us…Tear them apart! Destroy them all!"

Dimitri could not move. The hovering blade fell, creeping slowly downwards. The dead's hands grasped at his feet, begging for justice and mercy and blood. Dimitri could only sink lower, falling to his hands and knees. The dead grasped at more of him, reaching farther and farther and his father- his father's face was covered in blood and hate. Dimitri wondered if his father had ever worn an expression different than his death mask.

The blade was at his neck, and Dimitri could hear voices. A man and a woman's voice. It sounded Like Dedue. Dimitri didn't recall him ever being here. The woman's voice sounded more distant. Like someone he knew once. Dimitri wondered if he should call back. It was all for naught though. The blade had drawn blood. Soon it would bite through his neck, and all would be as it should.

But the blade did not fall, recoiling back at the taste of blood. Dimitri looked up. A burning golden power crashed into the blade, and Dimitri was blinded, falling numb. He felt himself be pulled away from the sea of corpses by someone, his ears ringing with the moans of the dead. Another burst of light exploded, and then there was only ringing.

"…Mitr…"

"…Ignes…"

"…Mitri…"

There was something breaking through the thrumming. Voices. Distant, but growing closer. Dimitri opened his eyes, and tried to blink away a white void. The world was coming into focus, the warm burning echoing off proud stone.

That was right. Dimitri was in the Holy Mausoleum. He had come with his friends and classmates. Someone was shaking his shoulders.

"…Mitri! Dimitri! Answer me!" Edelgard's voice was fading in and out. Perhaps she was shaking him.

"Your Highness!" That was Dedue, Dimitri was almost certain. "Mercedes!"

"I-I don't-"

Dimitri lurched up. The room was coming into focus. Dedue knelt next to Dimitri, holding his shield up to protect from any stray arrows. Mercedes was quietly panicking, hands alight with magic. Edelgard loomed over him from behind. Her axe lay discarded on the ground beside her. "What the hell happened to you?" She demanded. "Why did you attack so recklessly? Why did freeze up? What is wrong with you Dimitri?"

"I…" Dimitri mumbled. "I don't know."

Edelgard's eyes flashed. "You don't know? How can you allow yourself to lose focus in a battle? It's life or death-"

A thunderous crash of metal and magic blasted out from across the room, dust and gravel shooting from the. floor. Edelgard recoiled, and Dedue raised his shield.

"Speaking of losing focus…" Claude muttered against a pillar. "I think it's best if we do our best not to get in the way of that fight. I think it's out of our weight class."

"What fight? With the Death Knight?" Dimitri forced himself off the ground. "Who could-"

Standing opposed to the Death Knight was a figure clad in black. Her green hair seemed to float with an unseen power. In her hand was a sword, burning red and gold, locked in contest with a jet black and silver scythe. She turned her head, and her almost glowing green eyes pierced through Dimitri.

"Rest now, Dimitri. You have fought enough."

In an instant her opposite hand raised itself, holy magic blasting against the black-clad rider. The air exploded, and when sight returned, Byleth stood firm as the Death Knight reeled away, pants echoing from under his mask. Byleth cocked her head to the side. "I believe we are done."

The Death Knight let out a raspy laugh between his ragged breath. "And after I went to the trouble of keeping your precious, suicidal students alive, you demand we end this now?"

"I say it because you have about one more blow left in you." Byleth said, adjusting her grip on the glowing blade.

"That blade…" Edelgard muttered. "It can't be…but it is…"

"That's the Sword of the Creator!" Claude sputtered. "But- What- How-"

The Death Knight Raised his hand, and lightning exploded out of his fingertips. Byleth jumped away, unperturbed. The lightning continued to flow, following Byleth's each and every dodge.

"How's teach gonna put him down now? The freak of nature seems more than happy to- wait." Incredulity entered Claude's voice. "What the hell is happening to the sword?"

The glowing blade in Byleth's hand seemed to snap and break apart as she ran, shards twisting an and swaying in the air, connected together in a thick wire. Byleth snapped her wrist, and the shards shot through the air, winding towards the knight's very head. The lightning ceased, and the Death Knight's hand reached out to try and catch the blade tip, Scythe reaching out to strike the wire. Byleth tilted her hand again, and the sword pieces accelerated, slipping through the knight's grasp and around the blade of his scythe before landing a blow on his chest, hiting with such terrific force that the Death Knight was thrown backwards off his steed, crashing into the stone ground below. If it was not a killing blow, it was certainly one that would render any man unconscious.

Dimitri stared ahead in bewilderment and awe, as questions raced through his mind. Was Byleth truly wielding the Sword of the Creator? Did that mean she was kin to Nemesis, the legendary king of old?

Byleth regarded the scene for a moment, before twisting her wrist again. The blade fragments snapped and clicked through the air, melting back into their original shape. Byleth had begun to turn back, and seemed ready to say something-

A shriek of metal forced her to turn back. The Death Knight was somehow standing, clutching the last segment of the blade, magic flowing in his hands and the same burning glow of the Sword of the Creator shining through the thick steel protecting the base of his neck. "One last blow." The Death Knight raised his Scythe high, ready to swing down at a target just in front of himself. Byleth's eye's narrowed.

"Professor, I'll help you!" Dimitri shouted, running forward. Byleth's eye flashed and she pushed him back.

Dimitri stumbled. Voices hissed. "See how much she trusts you, boy?"

Dimitri swallowed. "Professor, why-"

In a flash of dark light, Byleth teleported next to the Death Knight, and the glistening scythe descended. Dimitri cried out.

But there was no fleshy crunch, no fountain of blood, only another dull clang of metal. Byleth had dropped the Sword's pommel, and held a small dagger with both her hands, somehow holding back the Death Knight's great scythe. The two struggled against each other, metal grinding, but neither could move forward. The Death Knight groaned, before his head shot up. Dimitri could feel his eye dart around the room. A rasping metallic whistle echoed out of his mask, and the clop of hoof steps rung out. Another whistle, and the step changed to a gallop. The Death Knight's stallion was charging, and Byleth remained immobile.

Dimitri stood up again. "Profes-"

Everyone stopped as tremor ran through the ground. The once charging hoofbeats now were as uncertain as the nervous neighing. Another tremor ran through the mausoleum, closer this time.

"What have you done?" The Death Knight demanded.

Byleth sighed. "Not everything is my fault."

A tremor morphed into a rumble, and the ground began to shake. Dimitri stumbled to a pillar for support. Looking back, he could see all the other students and surviving churchmen clutching and stumbling amongst themselves, any semblance of order lost. Byleth and the Death Knight had disengaged, both somehow keeping balance in the quakes.

With one final tremble, the earth spilt apart under the casket nearest Byleth. Out of the rubble emerged a worm-like monster, It's neck twice as thick as one of the support columns. Dark brown carapace covered its body, and a pit of saliva oozed out of dark red mouth. A primal roar thundered out of the beast, and it raised its head high in challenge. In a flash of magic, the Death Knight and his steed disappeared.

Dimitri trembled, but steeled himself. "Everyone! To arms! We must fight for one last time! One final effort, and we shall- " The words died on his lips as he saw a small girl climb her way to the top of the beast, dust covering her entire body.

"I told you Shai! Left! Not right- " the girl paused looking up. "Oh." She leaned back, scratching the top of the beast's head. "Um, hi?"

Silence followed. Dimitri turned back to the group. From Hubert to Raphael, all wore confused, dumbfounded expressions. Dimitri turned back to the worm, which was now purring. What he was seeing continued to not make sense. Dimitri stared longer, wondering if that would make whatever delusion he found himself in break.

Byleth gave a long, loud sigh. "Hello Hapi." Dimitri remembered the name, it was from Abyss, and perhaps under the thick layer of dust it was the same girl.

Hapi waved down. "Hi Chatterbox. Did this big lug interrupt something important?"

"No." Byleth sheathed her dagger, before bending down to pick of the Sword of the Creator. "But the church will be here soon. You will have to answer their questions."

Hapi deflated. "Oh. Joy."

Byleth sighed, dusted her shoulders, and began walking to the doors. "Come along, Dimitri. You have wounds that need tending."

Dimitri watched her shadow pass him by, growing larger and larger in the candlelight, towards a stunned Dedue and Edelgard. His father's voice hissed.

"You must lead, boy. Do not follow her!"

Dimitri looked down to the sword at Byleth's side, still gently humming with power. A woman like that was strong. Stronger than anyone he had ever seen. Strong enough perhaps…

"Dimitri?"

Dimitri looked up into Byleth's green eyes, colored with concern. Behind her, Dedue was advancing, and in the corner of his eye, Dimitri could see Felix staring.

He looked away from them all, flustered and exhausted. "Yes, I suppose I do."


Thanks for beta reading Dox!

Also, thank you all for putting this story past 100 favorites and 200 follows! It means a lot, and i'll keep working to entertain you all!

And then Catherine kicks down the door, ready to bust some heads, sees this hot mess, and shouts "WHAT THE FU-"

And then Seteth stops her because Flayn is in earshot.

Hope the explanation of some of the Crest powers worked for you all. Sylvain's Fissure dragon Crest seemed easy enough. Apparently, Felix has a shield Crest which boosts damage, instead of giving him % chance damage block. I don't know either.

Happy first anniversary to the game too. At this rate, I'll make it to the school year's end by the second.