Chapter 1: The Lion, The Eagle, and The Deer.

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There was definitely something watching her, and it irked her to no end that she could not pinpoint the location. They were only on the road for a handful of minutes before a rain of fire fell on their heads. The troop dodged the magic, scattering into the woods. In the sudden chaos she lost sight of her brother. Now the only problem was that they were separated. She had to regroup quickly. 'Would be nice if I could see where they were hiding…' Balaiya thought.

She covered her mouth with her sleeve to block the smoke from burning her lungs. There was so much smoke and everything had happened so quickly. But she couldn't keep standing around like a sitting duck, she needed to arm herself. Sge fumbled for her sword and her stomach dropped, the sword wasn't on her belt. 'Where is it?' Balaiya searched the area urgently, had she really lost it in the blast? Unable to find it nearby she cursed under her breath and hurried off toward where the commotion was loudest. If her memory served her correctly, there was a village nearby, she needed to protect the villagers. And she wasn't completely unarmed.

The fire grew brighter and more intense the closer she got to the village and she could feel her pulse quicken. It was moments like this where she became absorbed in the thrill of combat, terrified? Excited? She had no idea but those who met the other end of her, and her brother's blades were quick to accuse them of demonic heritage.

Something caught the light at the corner of her eye and she quickly ducked, dodging to her right. Her foot landed back into something soft and before she realized what had happened she was tumbling down into a ditch. A slew of leaves and twigs flew into the air around her as she fell, and for the second time in less than one hour she was crashing to the ground, this time tasting dirt.

She groaned and covered her eyes with her hand, the world still managing to spin in her makeshift darkness. 'Damnit!' grunting she clawed her way out of the ditch, her gloved hands growing damp as she dug them in the mossy soil. 'This trap is new, whoever set it must have shot at me also. They're probably still nearby.' The moment she was free from the ground she slid behind a tree to catch her breath. The smell of smoke burned her lungs and she glanced up at the reddened sky. 'Think Balaiya! There has to be som-' Something sharp and cold touched the back of her neck. Her eyes widened and she reached for her dagger, whirling on her right foot to face her attacker. In that moment a sharp pain shot through her ankle, and she lurched forward. Ever the quick thinker she flicked her wrist to the side, effectively disarming her opponent and in her downward momentum tackled her assailant and brought her blade to their neck.

"Wh-whoa! Easy there! I yield!"

She paused a moment though didn't loosen her grip. Balaiya surveyed the man pinned beneath her, he wasn't even wearing armor. Despite her reputation, she was no monster nor did she considers herself a murderer. She drew her blade back from his skin though made sure it still pointed threateningly at his face.

"Who are you? Why are you here?" Her eyes narrowed when a seemingly nonchalant laugh broke his silence.

"I'm Claude, I'm on a mission." He winked at her, his eyes full of mirth "Are you friend or foe?"

Balaiya rolled her eyes and poked his neck with the knife, he was one of those types then. Foolish. "The truth."

He gulped then and his face regained a solemn look. "Nothing but."

She scanned him once more before she released him and stood, though she kept her weapon pointed at him as he stood.

"Hey, hey now, no one told ya to get up." Another wink that she could only stare at.

"What mission?" She asked bluntly.

His face fell and he crossed his arms. "Quick to business I see, well to protect the village. Also to return this to ya." There in his hands was her sword! She frowned and stepped forward, quickly swiping it from his hands.

"Where did you get this?" She took a few steps back, replacing her dagger with her retrieved weapon.

"Well, when your group went boom I noticed you lost it so I decided to return it to ya."

"Did you make the trap?"

"Hm, well...not for you. Though I'm impressed with my catch all the same."

"What about the arrow?"

"I actually was doing you a favor, see there was a bandit behind you ready to attack you. So I took care of it for you."

Balaiya surveyed this 'Claude' once more, deemed him not a threat and hurried back toward the village. She didn't have time for ridiculous word games. She needed to get to her brother, then her father.

"Hey wait up! That ankle of yours must hurt, here have this!" She grit her teeth and turned toward him, only to take a step back to inspect the vial an inch from her face. "It'll make you feel better, promise."

She blinked at him once and crossed her arms. "You know I can't trust you. That could be poison."

He placed his hand over his heart in mock offense. "Oh you wound me m'lady, it's only a bit of healing potion." He popped the cap and sipped it before tossing it to her. She caught it on instinct. "'Sides, the poison is in the other bottle."

'Hmm…' Inspecting the vial once more for good measure she downed the contents. Sure enough a pleasant warmth overtook the pain in her ankle before it was wiped away completely. "Huh, thank you Claude." Tossing him the empty vial she took off toward the village, she had wasted enough time already. As she pushed herself out into the clearing relief washed over her, there was her brother and he seemed well. He stood with her father and two other strangers. Besides the grime and soot on their clothes the group seemed unharmed.

Byleth turned when she got within earshot and offered her a small nod. She nodded in return and stood by his side.

"Father and I have agreed to help these two deal with the bandits." He said.

"Yes, we are most fortunate to have run across such capable fighters. I can only hope you too will lend us your strength." The blonde said.

She turned toward the blonde curiously, he wore a similar outfit to the one she met in the woods.

"Have you seen our incapable companion? He sticks out unbearably you couldn't have missed him if you did."

Balaiya turned her attention toward the fair haired girl before her, they seemed about the same age, and judging by her comments she didn't like her companion very much. Considering she wore such a bright red and was still accusing her comrade of sticking out unbearably Balaiya could only assume this girl thought highly of herself. Infact, the most sincere one seemed to be the blonde. However, she was well aware that prejudices had a way of proving one wrong. At times.

"Ha, we might have had a scuffle in the woods." The familiar voice surprised her but she did not react.

The blonde cleared his throat. "Claude, how nice of you to join us. I was concerned."

"Were you now?" The sarcasm wasn't so obvious but it was definitely there. Though the reply was unaffected.

"Yes."

"Enough chatter, let's take these bandits down." Without wasting another moment the fair haired girl ran off into the village, axe in hand.

The blurred rush of combat soon overtook them and Balaiya found herself back to back with her brother. A familiar stance. The two could easily carve through any obstacle, and this one was no different. The group had succeeded in driving back the bandits, their leader, Kostas unconscious on the ground.

"Excellent job everyone." Jetalt surveyed the area and motioned behind him "I'm going to check in with the rest of our troop. You guys stay here with the kids."

Balaiya nodded and sheathed her sword. "Who do you think he works for?" She glanced at Byleth. People like Kostas always had an employer.

"Not sure, I can't think of anyone at the top of my head who could be it."

"Perhaps we could integrate some of the lackeys?" She offered.

Byleth turned to some who seemed awake but able to move. "Careful though, we should stay close."

Balaiya surveyed the area carefully to see if anyone was still awake. Movement caught her attention up ahead and she carefully approached the area, hand on her sword.

"Hey! There ya are, thanks for helping us out miss." Claude stopped waving at her and placed his hands on his hips with a grin. "You sure can fight, pretty amazing too." He smirked and elbowed the blonde beside him and whispered something under his breath. The flush of red that filled his cheeks was pretty impressive.

"Claude!" He frowned and clenched his teeth together, jaw tense. "That's inappropriate!"

Claude only snickered and pat him aggressively on the back. "You'll be fine your highness! Loosen up a little!"

Balaiya tilted her head, so the blonde was royalty? Interesting. "So, what's your name?" She asked.

The pair startled out of their argument and the blonde cleared his throat.

"Ah, forgive me. We have asked so much of you already and never properly introduced ourselves. My name is Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, Prince of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. It is a pleasure to meet you." He gave her smile and held his hand out. If what she knew of nobles and royalty was true she should probably take his hand for some reason? Though it didn't look like he wanted a handshake… regardless she placed her hand in his, no matter how awkward it seemed and shook it a few times.

"I'm Balaiya."

Dimitri's face pinked slightly. "Uh, right. Again it's a pleasure."

She stood there silently observing the pair curiously until she heard a loud battle cry behind her. Eyes widening she took off back to where her brother and the girl was. The next few moments seemed to play in slow motion, though she felt powerless to overcome the weight. The bandit leader had swung his axe toward her brother, who was in the middle of drawing his weapon. 'He won't make it in time!' She thought, adrenaline surged her forward and she reached her arms out, shoving him to the ground. A searing pain burst suddenly in the side of her head, followed by a rush of heat. The next thing she knew, everything went black.

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"Honestly! What are you accomplishing with that little stunt? It's like you're trying to get me killed, you fool!" That was a familiar voice, slowly Balaiya opened her eyes and looked around. This room- the girl on the throne! The girl sighed heavily and shook her head. "Well it's fine. After all, if you don't know the value of your own life, you're not going to protect it very well, are you? Course not." She giggled softly though it was more of a chuckle. She jumped to her feet and clapped her hands together. "Well then, I guess it's up to me to guide you from now on. Right?~"

Balaiya watched speechless. The girl had never spoken to her this much before not to mention the fact that she actually got off the throne. She didn't know what to say or do. "Um...wha-"

"You can call me Sothis… but I'm also known as "The Beginning." She closed her eyes briefly and hummed to herself. "Sothis...how strange. I was not able to recall my name until just now! How...odd. No matter… what were you thinking anyway? You threw yourself in front of an axe!"

Balaiya shook her head slowly, is she dreaming again? Dead? No, that can't be the case. She frowned and put two fingers against her wrist, her pulse was racing, she was definitely alive, right? Her brows furrowed.

"I… my brother he was-"

"Perfectly capable of protecting himself! Do you doubt his ability? Or do you think too highly of your own?"

"No, that's not it. He would have gotten injured if I didn't- or worse."

The girl shook her head and tsked at her. "Well, now you got the or worse part. Yet all is well, as I have stalled the flow of time for now. You would have died had I not intervened."

Balaiya's mind was whirling. Stop time? How? What was she supposed to say? She took a deep breath to try and calm herself. "Thank you." This seemed to please her as Sothis nodded a few times.

"There now. Is gratitude so much to ask? I diddeem you worth saving after all." She frowned and tapped her chin, adding quickly under her breath "Though I also would have died if you had, and we can't have that."

"... What will happen when time resumes?" Balaiya asked.

"Well, obviously. The flow will continue and the axe will lop off the side of your head! A gruesome way to watch his sister die, don't you think? Can't you feel the poor soul's panic? I sure can."

Balaiya frowned again and grit her teeth, she really was foolish. Her father would be disappointed in her poor thinking, and her dear brother… yes she did feel his fear. It was a strange feeling, she wasn't quite sure she could recall feeling this way before. Nevertheless it froze her and choked her unbearably.

"I can."

"Good! That's your fault! I hate this feeling...hmm what to do…" Sothis tapped her chin silently.

She thought for a moment, if this girl had somehow, stopped the flow of time. Would it not also be possible to reverse it? "Um, reverse the flow of time?"

"Hmm, yes! That's it! I'll just reverse time! That'll work well indeed. However I cannot turn it back too far, but all is well. You are aware of what's to come, which means you can protect yourself this time. Don't let it happen again. Now go… you who bears the flames within. Drift through the flow of time to find the answers that you seek..."

Balaiya could do nothing but stare in anticipation before she was suddenly being yanked backward in the darkness.

/\/\/\/\

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Before her eyes the scene unfolded once more, this time she was indeed prepared. Right as the bandit lifted his weapon she threw her knife at his knee. He howled in pain and stumbled, allowing Byleth the time needed to disarm him, and take him down. She skidded to a stop in front of her brother, her breath heaving in and out of her lungs harder than she'd thought possible.

"Y-your safe. I am… glad."

Byleth's eyes were wide, his voice a whisper ."Bala… wh- what happened? I thought… you…"

She shook her head slowly, this wasn't the place to explain things. 'Later, I promise.' He seemed to understand and his face fell back to it's usual stoic expression.

"That was impressive."

Balaiya turned her attention to the fair haired girl, whom her brother had apparently nearly died for. For whatever reason, this did not sit right with her. "Me?"

"Yes, the two of you work so seamlessly. It's as if you can read each other's minds…" Balaiya frowned slightly and shook her head.

"No, nothing like that. It's just… experience."

"Hm. I see."

"Whoa that was amazing! I've never seen anyone move that fast before." Claude and Dimitri joined them at the bottom of the small hill, both out of breath. "You'd make a good shot!"

Balaiya stared at him silently. "Good shot?"

He grinned and gestured to the bow on his back. "Yup, though bet ya can't beat me." Another wink that she met with a deadpan face.

"Hey! Are you kids alright?" The worried voice of her father caught her attention and she turned just as he rode into view. "I saw him get up… you're not hurt are you?"

She shook her head. "No Father, we're fine."

He frowned at them for a moment before another voice joined them.

"The Knights of Serios are here! You'll pay for harming our students! What? They're running away? After them!"

Balaiya strained her neck to see over her brother's shoulder when her father groaned.

"Ugh…why him?" 'I wonder if Father knows them? He seemed pretty familiar with these three. At least with what they are wearing."

The fair haired girl cleared her throat and stood straighter. "Thank you for your help back there. The two of you work wonderful as a team. I should expect nothing less from the children of Jeralt, the Blade Breaker. That is him is it not? "

Balaiya shook her head while her brother shrugged. "We weren't aware he was a Captain of anything besides our mercenary group."

"How curious…"

"Hey! You are coming with us to the monastery right?" Claude smiled and placed his hand on his hip.

"Well, actua-"

"Of course you are! I'd love to bend your ear as we travel. Oh! Just incase these two didn't beat me to it. You should know the three of us are students at the monastery. We attend the renowned Officers Academy. Unfortunately we were ambushed during training… and I got the worst of it…" He shook his head slowly.

The girl of their group frowned and rolled her eyes. "That's because you ran off!"

"Haha, yes but it was all part of the plan. A… strategic retreat if you will. Buuut, I ran into some… mishaps."

Dimitri shook his head. "And here I was thinking you were doing it for our sake, acting as a brave decoy so the rest of us could make it another day."

The girl huffed and rubbed her temple. "Are you serious? His intentions were clear as day. You will prove a lacking ruler if you cannot see the deceit behind a person's words."

"Hm. You will prove a lacking ruler yourself if you look for deceit behind every word, and fail to trust those whom you rely on."

Claude snickered and winked at Balaiya. "Oh, joy. A royal debate between Their Highnesses.~ I wonder… how would being completely predictable affects one's ability to wield power." He gestured to himself dramatically, expression smug. "Personally, as the embodiment of distrust, I'd say your little exchange smacks of naiveté."

The girl grit her teeth together and stepped closer to him. "Me? Naive? Tell me, are you actually incapable of keeping quiet, or is y-"

Balaiya frowned and nudged her brother, they both stepped back from the trio slowly. Clearly they had forgotten they were standing there.

Byleth sighed and shook his head "Those three all seem… childish."

"Perhaps immature is the correct word?"

He regarded her for a moment and nodded. "A bit of both would fit best…"

"I agree." Out of the corner of her eye Balaiya saw Dimitri step forward, leaving the other two to bicker in the background. She caught wind of Claude apparently bringing up something that enraged the girl.

"Excuse me, but I have to say. The way you two handled the bandit leader was captivating! It's clear I have much to learn…"

The girl turned away from Claude at that point and flicked her hair over her shoulder. "Your skills are precisely why I must ask you to consider lending your services to the Empire. After all, I am no mere student. I am also the Adrestian Empire's-"

Dimitri cleared his throat. "Halt Edelgard, I do recall I was speaking first. Please allow me to finish my own proposition. The Holy Kingdom of Faregas is in dire need of exceptional individuals as yourselves. Please, do consider returning to the Kingdom with me."

"Whoa, there! You two sure are hasty. Trying to recruit someone you just met. Tactless, really."

The two shot him looks, Dimitri that of annoyance, and the one called Edelgard one of disdain.

Edelgard huffed and spoke again, this time a notch higher than before. "I am the Adrestian Empire's heir, Edelgard von Hresvelg. You are?"

"Byleth."

"Balaiya."

"Awesome! You guys must be twins, right? You have to be. No one looks that identical to each other. I've always heard stories about them. Back home, it's thought twins are good luck. Mind rubbing some of that on me?"

"Claude, that's impolite. Ahem, it's a pleasure to meet you Byleth. The two of you are amazing fighters. I'm Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, Prince of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus." He stuck his hand out towards Byleth, though Balaiya was quick to note in a regular handshake way. 'So what was that earlier?'

Byleth merely stared at his hand until he decided to drop it.

"Nice to meet you."

She thought not returning the greeting was distasteful, but the prince seemed unaffected by it. Amused even.

Byleth turned over to Claude expectantly.

He stepped forward, a smirk tugging his lips. "Well, the nice lady already met me." He tossed her yet another wink which was only met with her yet another deadpan face. "But it's nice to meet you too, call me Claude."

Byleth nodded once and nodded his head off to the side.

Balaiya quietly followed him a little ways off.

"They're… an interesting group." He crossed his arms.

"Yeah, lively bunch."

Horse hooves approached and the twins turned to greet their father.

"Alright kids, we're being summoned to the monastery. We might not be leaving it any time soon either." The look on his face concerned her, he never really mentioned the monastery before, so what could have caused that expression? Regardless, she'd never seen the monastery at all. Only in pictures. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't at least interested.

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A few days on the road and she was feeling a bit under the weather. Ever since they started walking her brother had been talking to Dimitri and Edelgard, though Edelgard did most of the talking. That left her rather annoyed, her brother never paid too much mind to anyone besides herself and her father. However, her father was getting his ear talked off by this strange Alois fellow. The apparent right hand man of her father's from back in the day. While she was left alone, well not entirely. Though he walked by her side, she felt as if Claude's strange presence was nipping at her heels.

"You know, you're pretty strange for a mercenary."

She paused slightly, intrigue filling her. Strange? Usually she got cold or even scary. "How so?"

"Well, sure most mercenaries I've met are pretty brutal and cold. In both mannerism and in battle. You? You're like... a silent flame, a force that burns harsh and bright. However you don't leave complete ruin in your path." His tone lightened exceptionally as he added, "Well, that's what I'm guessing anyway."

Her brows furrowed. Why did being compared to fire feel so familiar. Who else had done it? And why was he? Besides, how could a fire be anything but destructive? "What do you mean? Fire is destructive."

"Yes, but it's also warm, and inviting. I'd even dare to say nurturing. After all, you cook with fire and it keeps you warm during winter."

She glanced over at him curiously, something in his gaze surprised her. Despite only knowing him for a few days she did consider herself a good judge of character. However, even she was thrown off guard by how serious he looked. "I'm nothing like that."

The smile that tugged at his lips then was unlike the others she'd seen. This one nearly reached his eyes. "You don't know that."

She shook her head slowly. "I know that you don't know me."

He laughed then, and it actually startled her but she remained calm.

"True, you got me there… but I'd certainly love the chance."

Unsure of how to respond she fell back into silence for a few moments, but for some strange reason she found herself continuing the conversation. "You're pretty strange yourself."

He laughed and raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? How so?"

"Um, well…" She thought quietly for a moment. 'Everything I guess…' After a moment she just sighed and gestured to him.

"Ha, you just gestured to all of me."

"Yea. I did."

"Care to elaborate?~"

"...You're not very noble."

"Should I take that as a compliment?"

"Well… it's not an insult."

He tapped his chin and grinned. "Then it's a compliment.~"

Dimitri turned around then and paused a moment for them to catch up. "Pardon me, I hope you won't mind me joining your conversation?"

"Not at all Dimitri! I was just asking her how life was as a mercenary."

"I see, I am curious though. Have you ever been to the monastery? Byleth tells me he's never been. Though I do not want to assume your answer is the same."

She nodded. "Yeah, neither have I. The two of us have never really been apart. I'm curious though. I know many travelers always talk about the place. I'm not entirely sure why however."

He smiled slightly and continued walking."It truly is quite beautiful. I'd be happy to show you two around."

"It really is Fódlan in a nutshell… the good and the bad." Claude added.

Balaiya had to wonder what he meant by that.

Edelgard shook her head and pointed up the path. "Like it or not, we'll be there soon." After a few more moments the trees split and a massive structure came into view. "There it is, Garreg Mach Monastery."

Balaiya looked up through the clearing to marvel at the building before her. The monastery was massive. Like a castle in it's own right. She stopped walking a moment just to absorb the view.

Byleth stood next to her, the same wonder rolling off him.

"I wonder why father never spoke of this place…" She asked.

"Maybe… we can talk to him later?" He mumbled.

"Yes… we should talk first though…" Images of Sothis flashed through her mind.

"Yeah, we should." Balaiya said.

Claude and Dimitri had stopped some feet away to wait for them.

Claude grinned and waved them over "You two coming? Don't get lost now!"

"How would they get lost? We're right here." Dimitri shook his head and sighed.

Claude shrugged and waved more urgently. "Let's hurry inside! I'm starving!"