[Hours Earlier - Remire Village]
"Alright, that's enough of the small talk! It's time to head back to the monastery!"
"Looks like we'll have to pick this up another time. I can't wait to tell the others about what happened!"
"The tale about your 'heroic' retreat? Or about the knife against your throat?"
"'Strategic' retreat, Edelgard. 'Strategic.' Besides, at least I didn't lose my axe and needed to be saved by a dashing mercenary."
"C-Claude! Are you not capable of keeping your mouth shut?!"
"You make it too easy, Princess."
"Come now, you two. It wouldn't kill you to stop berating each other."
The three nobles continued to bicker amongst themselves as they followed Knight Alois, leaving Byleth to himself… momentarily.
"What an interesting trio."
He heard a voice. One that he already knew yet still caught him by surprise.
"Sothis?"
"The one and only! You are quite jumpy, Byleth. Remember, I'll always be with you from now on. I cannot have you startled every time you hear my voice"
"...Right."
"Anywho, those three sure talked your ear out. Probably as much as they did to each other with all that bickering. But it did show me just how unique they are in their own way. Don't you agree?"
Indeed, they were all refined, young nobles. Yet, each one of them had the qualities that made them stand out. Edelgard's evaluating gaze, Dimitri's lingering darkness that may lurk beneath his sincerity, and Claude's easy smile that never reached his eyes.
"Oh, if only that brother of yours were here, too. I'm most curious about his opinion of them."
"He's not fond of most nobles. His opinion might be rather poor."
"Hehehe! Is that so? But you know, a lively bunch like them might do him good."
"How so?"
"Hmph! I'll let you find that out for yourself, By the way, where is he?"
Byleth began to wonder, as well. With the enemy routed, there weren't any more signs of fighting breaking out. Although, the aftermath was very much noticeable as he scanned his surroundings. Various remains of the deceased bandits were already being recovered by the mercenaries.
It wouldn't be fair to the villagers to let the bodies rot just outside their own village.
"Keep your mouth shut, you jerks! Hey! Are you even listening?!"
"...Was that-?"
"Himari?"
A sudden flash interrupted Byleth. Before he knew it, Sothis was floating off the ground next to him. Taken by surprise a second time, he followed her widened eyes towards the direction she was looking.
He spotted Alexia kneeled down and two other mercenaries standing behind her. But what stuck out was Himari standing in front of them, berating the two mercenaries specifically. However, it was as though they couldn't hear her.
Regardless, if Himari was there, that could mean...
"Found him," Byleth made his way toward the group, with Sothis following not too far behind.
As they got closer, Himari finally noticed them.
"Byleth! Sothis! A little help here? These two meatheads keep bothering Haruki! What's worse, they're completely ignoring me! ME! The audacity!"
Despite her shouting, Alexia and the mercenaries didn't react at all. Instead, the men turned their attention to Byleth. They flinched at the sight of him and backed away a few steps. But this reaction wasn't because of seeing Sothis. In fact, they didn't seem to notice the floating girl as their attention was solely on Byleth.
Strange…
"Something is amiss. For now, just act natural."
Sothis' words and the mercenaries' lack of reaction to it further fueled his suspicion. For now, though, he nodded discretely at her and approached Alexia.
"Hello, Alexia," he greeted the brunette who flinched at the sound of his voice before looking at him.
"Oh… Byleth, you gave me a scare."
"Sorry."
"No need for that, dear," she shook her head. "I should be more aware of my surroundings."
Byleth hummed before glancing next to her to see Haruki laying on the ground unconscious.
"Is he alright?"
"He's covered in injuries, but he'll live… like he always does. I've patched him up the best I could, so don't worry. He's just sleeping like an old wyvern, right now."
"I see… Thank you for looking after him," Byleth bowed his head to Alexia.
"It was no trouble at all," she smiled before standing up and raising her hands, presenting some of Haruki's knives and what remained of his sword. "I'll have Brotus do repairs on them and find replacements. Let Haruki know he'll like to have… a word with him."
"...Will do," he stifled a sigh, knowing what will happen after Brotus sees his work damaged by Haruki… again.
"Good, then I'll leave him to you," Alexia glanced back at the two mercenaries. "Alright, boys. Back to it."
"Yes, Ma'am!"
The mercenaries approached another body not far from them: the bandit leader's bodyguard with an arrow piercing through his skull.
"Damn, this is a heavy one!"
"You're telling me! You think the brat killed him?"
"I bet a mug on it. I mean, he is the Reap-!"
"Shhh! Not in front of the Ashen Demon, idiot!"
As Alexia continued to walk away, she walked along the path where Sothis was. But none were prepared for what would happen next.
"Brrrr, why'd it get so chilly all of a sudden?"
Alexia walked right through her, with only a shiver as a reaction. Sothis' widened green eyes clearly expressed everyone's astonishment.
"I… I understood something felt off, but this?"
"You're telling me! What the heck is goi- WAH!"
"W-W-Woah!"
As the two mercenaries came closer to Himari, instead of going through her like Alexia did with Sothis, one of them actually bumped into her, stumbling and dropping the body on her.
"What the hell?! You drunk or something?!"
"Not that I know of! Damn, must've tripped on the Reap- I mean the brat."
"Honestly, you got two left feet drunk or not. Just hurry up, or Alexia's gonna give us an earful. You know how scary she gets when she's mad!"
"R-right."
The men picked up the body once more and followed Alexia, leaving Sothis and Byleth speechless and Himari, picking herself, messaging her now aching back.
"Alright… Allow me to repeat myself… WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?!"
[20th day of the Great Tree Moon, Imperial Year 1180 (Night) - Byleth's Room]
"Aaaand that pretty much sums it up. The end!"
As if finishing a fairy tale, Himari finished explaining what happened during the aftermath at Remire Village.
"That being said," Sothis said to Haruki who was sitting on the floor at the far corner of the room, "after what we've witnessed, it was deemed best to have you aware about our situation to keep you from doing something foolish."
"That's right! You're involved in this too. What do you think will happen if someone sees you talking to yourself?"
"I'm curtain he will have a hard time explaining himself without sounding crazy. Heh, It might actually be humorous to witness."
"I bet you'd really enjoy seeing me humiliate myself," Haruki scratched his head. "I'm starting to understand, but there's just one big problem, though."
"That being?"
"It still doesn't explain anything. It just leaves us with more questions than answers."
Byleth, sitting on the chair near his desk, agreed. Cupping his chin with his hand, he thought back to everything they knew thus far.
It began when Sothis and Himari awakened within his and Haruki's respective dreams, if they can even be considered dreams. Because In turn, they even appeared after the brothers woke up. To top it off, now they know that they were the only ones who could see them.
This did not even begin to explain Sothis' ability to turn back the hands of time and the strange anomaly surrounding Haruki and Himari: visions that show the immediate future.
"And it doesn't help that both of you are as stumped as we are."
"Well, you can't blame us for that," Himari frankly put. "It's not like we wanted to wake up without any of our memories."
The fact that neither girl had any recollection about their pasts aside from their names was yet another problem.
"I'm hardly blaming you," Haruki said, yet his frustration was clear. "There's just too many unknowns, and not a single clue to figure them out. It's like trying to figure our way out of an unknown forest without as much as a map."
"But isn't that more of a reason to try harder and solve our questions?"
"Haven't you been listening? Without anything to go off of, we're just lost. We don't even know where to start."
Byleth couldn't lie and say the lack of knowledge about this wasn't troubling, especially for Haruki. If there was one thing the younger brother disliked most, it was ambiguity - the inability to see a clear picture.
What they needed now more than anything was information. But like Haruki said, it would be impossible without a place to start.
But that was when Sothis stepped in.
"And that's where you're wrong," She proclaimed, her regalia and jewels elegantly swayed as she floated towards the boy with a confidant grin. "In fact, we're at the best starting point possible."
The boy remained quiet, but his quizzical look was Sothis' cue to continue explaining.
"You mentioned that we're lost in this forest without a map to guide us. That may be true, but that doesn't mean we are entirely hopeless. Although we may not have a map, we still have something else: a compass."
"A… compass?"
"Yes, a compass. A contraption that allows one to know which direction they're pointing."
"I know what a compass is, dammit. What I'm asking is what you're implying by bringing it up?"
"Well, you must be more specific on such things, What I'm saying is that like a compass we have something that can guide us not to our destination but at least in the right direction, even if we don't have a map."
"Hmm, a compass," Byleth mused. Then, it dawned on him. "By that, do you mean… Garreg Mach Monastery?"
"Exactly!"
"Of course!" Himari exclaimed. "Garreg Mach is our compass! When you think about it, it makes perfect sense."
"Because of our current situation."
"Yes, while we have no choice but to stay here-"
"No thanks to the old ma-"
"Stop it!" Himari pulled on Haruki's ear, who in turn pulled on her cheek.
Trying to ignore the commotion, Sothis continued. "Given your new roles as a professor and student, you'll have access to plenty of information that dwells within this monastery that can possibly prove most useful to us."
"So while we're playing teacher and student, you think we should take advantage of our time here in hopes of finding some sort of answer," Haruki concluded while still pulling on Himari's cheek.
"There now. Was it that hard to figure out? You ought to be grateful that you have me around."
The idea was sound. Since they were staying here because of their father's predicament, it would not hurt to take advantage of it whenever they could.
"It's a gamble, though," Haruki suddenly countered, finally letting go of Himari. "I don't doubt this place has tons of information about all sorts of things, but we can't say for sure we'll find the answers we need. Like you said, it's a possibility, not a guarantee. And even if there was something, there's a chance that we won't have access to it at all because of our status. For all we know, our little compass would only lead us to another dead end. At worst… it could lead us directly to a pitfall."
Of course, with any plan, there were risks. In this case, Haruki summarized them perfectly. It even made Sothis hesitant. But, it did not deter her, and she began to speak her piece.
"That is completely true. Even I can't say for sure we will find something. And yet, to be given this one opportunity? We cannot pass this up… and all we can really do is put our faith that we will find something."
"You can't be serious," his frown deepened. "Taking a high-risk gamble with the only reason going for it is faith? You know what I call that? Blind optimism."
Faith…
Haruki hated such a thing as much as ambiguity.
"Call it whatever you like," Sothis waved off his concerns, "I'm willing to take that risk. Besides, you also recklessly take unprecedented chances, do you not?"
"Only when it's completely necessary."
"And how is our current situation any different? Do you not think taking a risk now is completely necessary? Because the way I see it, Haruki, we have no other choice given that you two are now part of the Officer's Academy whether you like it or not. If you have any better ideas, speak now."
Haruki averted his gaze away from Sothis, no doubt trying to formulate any other possible strategies that can compete with hers. her idea was indeed a gamble; there was no denying that. However, it was a better approach than plundering in the dark.
Because Garreg Mach, their new home, and now their compass, was their one and only starting point. Haruki knew that, too. And besides…
"I do believe you still owe me for saving you from your own despair. That was what you said, right? So why not return the favor, now?"
"Now that's dirty..."
Haruki wasn't one to turn back on his word either.
"Fine," he finally gave in. "We're going all in. And now this makes us even. Happy?"
Sothis let out a sigh of relief, floating back next to Byleth. All the while, Haruki turned his attention to Byleth.
"But what about the old man? You sure you want to keep him out of this?"
"Yeah, I wonder, too," Himari looked at Byleth. "Wouldn't it be a good idea to have someone as trustworthy as your father helping us? I know it would sound crazy to him, but I'm sure he'll believe us, anyway. You're his kids, after all."
Sothis also looked at him curiously. Of course, Byleth considered that option. In fact, it was the first thing that came to mind. However, he decided against it for one particular reason.
"We shouldn't have him worry while he has his own duties to uphold. Not while we don't know the whole situation ourselves, at least."
"Idle thoughts have no place on the battlefield," Sothis echoed what Jeralt once said. "The battlefield can take on many forms. I suppose we can't have him worrying about his two boys when he has his own work to focus on."
"Hmm, you're right. He just returned to the Knights of Seiros. There's no telling how much he has on his plate, right now."
"I see… just making sure we're on the same page," Haruki shrugged his shoulders. "We'll just call that even, since he's keeping things from us."
"Petty."
"..."
"Don't look at me like that! You know I'm right!"
"Alright you two, settle down. So, with that being said, we are at an agreement on what to do: to remain in Garreg Mach, gather information, and look for anything that may help resolve the mysteries surrounding us."
Byleth nodded his head in affirmation. He then glanced over to Haruki, who simply gave a curt nod. It looked as though everything was settled, but Himari suddenly began to speak.
"Before we're done here, I do want to say something."
"Is there something you're still confused about, Himari?"
"It isn't that. I got a good grasp of it, but there's just one thing I want you guys to remember."
She first looked at Haruki.
"Remember when you said that you and Byleth will 'play' teacher and student?"
"What of it?"
"Yeah, you're a big dummy for saying that."
"Huh?!" the younger brother was taken aback by such a sudden remark. But the girl ignored his reaction and continued.
"Don't you get it? This isn't a game. You and Byleth being part of the Officer's Academy that is. You both now have immense responsibilities, just like Jeralt does."
Himari then turned to Byleth
"Especially you, Byleth. After all, you now hold the future of the little ones that will be under your tutelage. You've realized that, haven't you?"
Professorship. That was his new role. A far-cry from the role of a mercenary.
Byleth still wasn't sure why he was recommended for the job. And he was more confused why Lady Rhea would accept it without a second thought. He was certain there were other, more qualified, candidates to take on such a role. And yet he was still chosen.
However, no matter how or why it happened, Himari was absolutely right. The responsibility of teaching the students, the future leaders of Fodlan, now rested upon his shoulders, no matter how unqualified he believed he was. All he could do now was to perform his task to the best of his ability, just like any other task given to him.
"As for you, Haruki," Himari turned to Haruki once more. "I don't think you should pass this once in a lifetime opportunity. I mean, not many people can have such a chance to learn at an academy like this. You won't admit it, but you're still just a young boy; you still have a lot to learn and to grow… in more ways than one."
Haruki only scoffed at Himari's advice, seemingly rejecting it. But the way he began to fidget with his scarf, he may actually be thinking of the possibility more than he'd like to admit.
Suddenly, it was a split second, but it looked as though Himari took a glance at Haruki's arm - the one fully covered in bandages. It could have been just a coincidence, but it made Byleth curious. But he didn't put any more thought into it as he heard a chuckle coming from Sothis.
"That's quite the sense of responsibility you have, Himari."
"Is it? It's just common sense if you ask me."
"Heh-heh, I see. Regardless, I have to agree. While we pursue our goal, we cannot lose sight and neglect the responsibilities given to us. That would be unbecoming of the sons of Jeralt, no?"
"Hmm…" Haruki mused. "I guess to avoid any obstructions from the Church, taking our roles more seriously would be the more logical approach."
"Ugh… not what I was going for, but it's fine to look at it that way."
"Whatever," he shrugged, propping himself onto his feet with his crutches. "So, as for my first responsibility, I need to meet with this Seteth guy tomorrow, right?"
"Yes. He'll tell you everything you need to know about your enlistment. Try to be on your best behavior."
"Unless he gives me a reason not to."
"Haru..."
"Relax… I won't cause trouble, so quit it with that look."
"Don't worry, Byleth. I'll have my eye on this dumb brother of yours."
"That is reassuring. Thank you, Himari."
"Hmph. You should be more worried than reassured, if she's watching over me."
"Hey! Why you little…!" Himari charged at Haruki to deliver a smack on the head. Unfortunately for her, Haruki saw it coming and slightly ducked, making her hit only air, and countered by flicking her on the forehead.
"OW! Hey, that hurt!"
"Anyway, what about you, By?" Haruki asked, ignoring the pouting girl.
"I'll be meeting with the Archbishop to discuss the rest of my responsibilities. After that, I'll likely be meeting the students."
"Hm… my classmates," Haruki muttered as he limped toward the door with Himari following close behind. "Seems like this year will be busy for us… and a major pain in the ass. You know it, too… don't you?"
Without waiting for a reply, Haruki left the room. Himari waved and bid goodnight with a slightly more forced smile before closing the door on her way out, leaving Byleth and Sothis by themselves in relative silence.
"Byleth," Sothis spoke first. "His words… they had more meaning, did they not?
"Yes."
"Then, do you...?"
"..."
"…I won't push the matter any further, for now. He is willing to do his part, so that is enough." Sothis yawned as her eyes grew heavy. "All this deliberating has made me rather sleepy once again. Why don't we call it a night? We have a long day upon us, after all."
Byleth nodded as he changed out of his armor and got ready for bed.
Himari followed her new companion as they made their way to their own room. Unfortunately, the only other room available was at a separate dormitory building some ways away from Byleth's. With Haruki's injuries, the progress getting there was slow. At least the cool breeze of the night made the walk a little more bearable.
After a while, they arrived. Although it was dark, the dim light of the candles was enough to tell that the room was identical to Byleth's.
A single bed, a desk and chair, multiple drawers, and a chandelier hanging above. His spare clothes and signature cloak were already delivered, and they were as clean as the room itself.
The monastery really knew a thing or two about hospitality.
Although, the new student did not share the same sentiment as he briefly glanced around the room with indifference. He set his crutches against the wall, limped to the far corner of the room, and took a seat on the floor, all while carrying the same blank expression throughout.
The same one he briefly had in the infirmary. And like then, Himari knew what it meant.
After hopping onto the comfy bed, Himari chucked a pillow at Haruki. Still lost in his thoughts, he had no time to react, and the pillow struck him in the face.
"Wooow. You really are in the dumps if you failed to react to tha-"
Before she could finish, the same pillow slammed against her own face.
"Do that again, and the next thing I'll throw is you… out the window."
Himari let out an exaggerated gasp. "You wouldn't dare!"
"Try me."
"Why you… Oh whatever. As if you could in your current state," she sighed, letting the matter go. "At least you're back to your old self… sort of."
"Don't know what you mean."
"Don't play the tough act, Haruki. It's rather silly trying to hide it, especially from me."
As she expected, Haruki raised a brow from hearing the sudden accusation.
"Ha! You should see your face. Yours truly can read you like a children's book. We're one body and mind, remember?"
After a moment of thought, Haruki slightly nodded. "I guess if you think of it like that at this point, it makes sense."
"Right? Our Thoughts. Our feelings. We seem to be connected in more ways than we think. But we're getting off track. We're talking about you, right now. So, what's the matter?"
Heaving a sigh, Haruki averted his gaze away from the girl.
"I want to hear you say it, Haruki."
"Tsk…"
Despite his annoyance, Haruki went into deep thought, leaning his head back against the wall. It was obvious to the girl that discussing his worries was difficult for him. But Himari wasn't one to be subtle.
"You think this is a completely bad idea."
"Didn't you just say you wanted me to say it?"
"I did. You were just taking too long."
"..."
"Well, given your reaction, my guess was spot-on. So? What's so bad about it?"
Hesitantly, Haruki raised his bandaged left hand in front of him, staring at it with complete contempt before tightly clenching it.
"Everything."
"..."
"Nothing… good will come of-"
The pillow once again slammed onto his face.
"I knew it… You really are one big dummy."
Now irritated beyond belief, Haruki yanked off the pillow from his face.
"?!"
But that was all he could do once he gazed upon the intensity flaring within Himari's golden eyes.
"Not. Another. Move."
Her sheer tone of authority was a far-cry from her playful nature just moments ago. It was as if she was looking down on a mere child.
She blinked only once, and her eyes softened, her intensity winding down instantly. Although, she was still noticeably upset.
"You see me angry, yet you don't know why. Honestly, how will you ever be popular with the ladies?"
As she spoke, she hopped off the bed and approached Haruki then kneeled down in front of him.
"You… no… Your pessimism is what's so irritating to me!"
"My... pessimism?"
"My my. It's made you so much of a dummy that I have to spell it out for you."
"Oi-"
"Hush you! I'm speaking right now!" Himari placed her hand on his mouth to keep him from interrupting.
"All this negativity welling up in that head of yours. All that's doing is making you worry about the worst possibilities and nothing else! And to be quite honest, it's getting really annoying! And don't get me started on how cramped it gets in that head of yours!"
"..."
"Don't you get it? Just as you thought blind optimism clouds the mind of the faithful, your pessimism is foolishly clouding your own! Just like it did when we saw Byleth die in that vision."
Haruki's furrowed brow and narrowed eye clearly showed his anger from her words as he snatched her hand off him.
"Don't you dare bring that up, again," He gripped her hand tighter, causing her to whimper. Yet, she did not submit. Instead she remained firm with a pained smirk.
"Hit a nerve, huh? Is it because it proves my point?"
"It doesn't prove anything…"
"Hah! How long are you going to tell yourself that?!"
"My mind is perfectly clear, Himari. I'm looking at everything logically as I always do."
"Logically?" Himari reached her boiling point, craning her head back. "Don't blanket over your fear and call it LOGIC!"
"What the - Ack!"
Her head swung down upon his own. There was so much force behind it, it made her forehead numb. She even felt something wet. She must have hit so hard that even blood came out. It had to be Haruki's. Yes, it couldn't possibly be hers… Could it?
That was beside the point. A better question would be if Haruki was still conscious after that hit. He didn't look responsive. He even loosened his grip enough for Himari to pull away her arm.
"...I'm."
Yes… he was still conscious. If Haruki was anything, he was resilient… and very, very stubborn.
"I'm… not afraid… Himari!"
"DON'T YOU DARE LIE TO ME!"
"!"
But Himari was just as stubborn.
Her sudden words were harsh.
Very harsh.
"..."
So harsh that it even left Haruki at a loss for words - his anger all but disappeared and was replaced by puzzlement.
Flinching at the fact, Himari closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. She had to be calm. Headbutting her new companion may be already going overboard, she would admit. After one more deep breath, she opened her eyes and pulled back her head from his.
As she did, Haruki never stopped staring bemusedly at her. He didn't even seem to register the blood trickling out from his wound and down his face.
"I already told you," Himari said, wiping away the blood stain on her own forehead. "You can't hide it from me."
"..." he just didn't know what to say.
"What are you really afraid of that's got you against this path we're taking? For once, just be honest with me… with yourself… Please."
Himari's fury turned to worry, and her demand turned into a plea. It finally got to the troubled boy… and he answered. Not with words, however.
"..."
They say silence can speak a thousand words. But at that very moment, Haruki's silence spoke a million. She heard his thoughts, but she could see it so clearly in his cold scarlet eye. An eye that has experienced too much in this world.
"I see… I'm starting to get it, but that doesn't make me feel better."
She… wanted to help him. But she was not about to make him change by force... she couldn't. All she could do is watch over him, for now.
"You're old enough to make your own decisions. Do what you think is best. But don't think I won't keep quiet if you stray far off the path.
"..."
"One more thing, though. There is no way of knowing whether or not the worst will happen. But Rather than pointlessly worrying about it, don't you think it's more logical to plan ahead for it in case they do happen? Use your specialty and stuff."
"..."
"Just food for thought, 'kay?" Himari stood up and searched the room for something. "Now, why don't we call it for tonight. It's getting late, and you know we have a big day tomorrow. It's a long road ahead, so we must be ready for anything… Ah, here we go."
She found what she needed. A first aid kit to treat Haruki's wound. Truly, Garreg Mach knew a lot about hospitality.
"But while we're at it, we can at least enjoy our time here! Who knows? You might even make a friend or two… Ooo! Maybe a love intre- aaand you're asleep."
"Zzzz."
Himari could only chuckle as she walked toward Haruki to treat him.
"You know, we have a bed here. And it's pretty comfy, too. Better than the floor. You should try it. Although… that may be too much to ask, right now, huh?"
AN
Hello, everyone.
As you can see, I'm still here! But seriously, I was not expecting to be gone for so long. Let's just say life had some twist and turns. But even with everything going on, I always make an attempt to work on this story whenever time allows it. It's always a fun hobby getting to work on it, which is why I have no plans of stopping. As a result, I got the next chapter completed, and I'm getting really close to finishing Chapter 6.
I want to say thank you so, so much for the patience, and I hope you can continue following Haruki's story.
Side note: Whose excited for Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes? I for one am! While I haven't played a Warriors game before, I'm super excited seeing the characters of Three Houses again, and I'm really interested on how the story will play out, given that Byleth will not actually be the game's protagonist, judging by the trailers. What are your thoughts?
Anyways, that's enough from me. As always, feel free to leave a comment.
Thank you again, and I'll see you all next time!
JQ
