Cross-posted to AO3 as well : /works/21513139/chapters/51277537

Melodic Whispers

Standing at the base of the stairs, Dimitri heard a soft humming near the Eisner plot. He approached her, saying, "I knew that I would find you here."

"Did you now?" The blue-haired woman chuckled while crafting a crown out of flowers, "How ever could you have known?"

Dimitri was hardly in the mood for games, "You told Flayn how to revive the profess – Byleth. How did you know what would work?"

She started shredding the crown and turned to talk to him, "So now you know his name . . ."

"Something tells me you knew it all along. But I'm more curious about what you told Flayn."

"There wasn't much to tell. I witnessed the attack. I knew that his mortality clung to that arrow."

Dimitri shook his head, "You were talking to me when it happened. If I didn't make it in time, you sure didn't – unless you claim to be in multiple places at once. So cut the act and tell me what you know."

"I'm afraid that's all I can tell you."

"I doubt that."

"You should go to Byleth."

"I plan on it. You should come with me," Dimitri extended his hand.

"Probably best that I don't," she adamantly refused.

"A knight and a few of my friends are looking for you."

"They mean to question me, yes. I don't believe that's a good idea."

Dimitri crossed his arms, "You have to admit that there's good reason for suspicion. You play the part of an innocent well-meaning woman exceptionally, but you just seem to know too much."

"Since when is having knowledge a sin?" She contested, "I simply wanted to allow those who could defy destiny a chance to intervene. Whether fate has changed or not will be determined soon."

"Who are you?" Dimitri asked.

"I am your ally. I do not want the child, Byleth, to die. Go to him. And after, sleep. You will need it."

"Sleep is an impossibility."

She dropped the tattered crown and clenched a fistful of its shavings. "I already know about your insomnia and your inner demons," she blew the fragments of buds into Dimitri's face as he took a breath. He snorted and coughed instantly, inhaling the bulk of it.

He grunted at her as he cleared his throat, "What was that for?"

But his words echoed back in the empty space. The woman had already vanished along with the shorn flower crown. Who was she? Where did she go? How did she keep slipping away without a trace?

After Dimitri sneezed away the last of the invasion, he felt a sapping of his energy. He yawned despite the circumstances and physically desired nothing but sleep.

'Professor,' he thought while his body lagged. He hurried back as fast as his burdensome body would permit.

A roaring crash alarmed Dimitri, causing his heart to jump. Dark clouds rolled in, covering the moon and stars, leaving only flickers of lightening to guide Dimitri's path.

'Right. Rain.' He remembered.

Thick drops assaulted him just as quickly as the warning blitz. He took shelter in the knight's hall and sat on the couch by the fireplace, drying off what little rain managed to tag him.

It pattered on the roof steadily and an encroaching breath of tamed thunder accompanied it. It whined at a low vibration that gradually built momentum, taking its time to culminate. The fire crackled happily alongside the weather, lulling Dimitri into a false sense of security.

'I have to see him first,' he reminded himself, trying to keep his eye open, 'I have to – "

For some reason, Dimitri stood on the bridge where he found the professor – found Byleth. Balking over the location, he looked out to the horizons to ease his mind. The stony riverbed and the monetary structures framed a strangely clear starry sky.

"I never thought about the view here much. Can't say I care for it, considering," Byleth said, standing next to Dimitri.

"Professor?" Dimitri stepped back away from him questioningly, "How are you here?"

"I'm not sure."

Dimitri looked him over, feeling his skin rumple with goosebumps, "Am I dreaming again?"

Byleth nodded, "That's as far as I can figure."

Dimitri knew better than to trust apparitions, "What happens now?"

"I've been thinking about that. I honestly don't think I have much time left."

"Until what?" Dimitri asked, feeling a knot swell in his gut.

"Until I either fall unconscious indefinitely. Or die," He explained bluntly, "Probably a mixture of the two."

Dimitri, unable to process what was happening, examined the professor closer. He could not see anything wrong with whom he spoke. The antagonistic nature of the nightmare shade had yet to creep forth from this Byleth, though Dimitri hesitated to accept him as real. The professor appeared seemingly fine and without injury, which did little to appease Dimitri's skepticism.

"I swear, if you're just another ghost here to taunt me," Dimitri bitterly trailed off.

Byleth leaned forward on the parapet, arms overlapping on the stone, and gazed outward, "If I were a ghost, don't you think I'd have better things to do than haunt you?"

"You're saying you're not a ghost?"

"Not yet, at least. Give it about ten more minutes."

Dimitri winced, "You're incredibly calm for someone supposedly facing death . . . though that's actually the most credible part about whatever this is."

Byleth laughed, "What do you think I am, exactly?"

After a few moments of cautious deliberation, Dimitri admitted, "A hallucination."

"So, are you in my head or am I in yours?" Byleth joked.

"Please don't," Dimitri pleaded as his sanity began to collapse.

"Sorry," Byleth stood tall then sat on the ledge, facing Dimitri with softening eyes, "I'll behave."

Part of Dimitri started to acknowledge Byleth as an actuality but struggled with what that meant. Byleth looked at him with the same peaceful adoration as earlier, before they fought and before he was attacked. There was a chance that this Byleth was genuine. This might have been the last chance he had to speak with the professor.

"This is my fault," Dimitri dropped his guard.

"No. It's not."

"I left you," Dimitri recoiled, "And I can never take that back. Do you know how that feels?"

"How many times have I found someone praying alone? More often than I would like – but before tonight, that area was safe. As unfortunate as this night has played out, you have to let go and move on. The ones responsible are probably still be lurking around."

"I can't! Even if I wanted to let go or move on, I can't just silence it. I'll see your body picked over by the vultures until it drives me mad! I will hear you screaming, waking or sleeping. I can't escape it! . . . So, if you die tonight, then I will too."

"No. You will not. You will continue to live."

"Only if you do," Dimitri went emotionless. Calm. The clock was ticking and Byleth feared Dimitri would do something stupid if he couldn't convince him otherwise.

Byleth hopped from his low perch and opened his arms, "Come here."

Dimitri looked at the professor, to his outstretched arms and felt his face pulling down. Byleth worried he might start crying.

"Why?" Dimitri simply asked, though the single word weighed with multiple meanings. 'Why are you asking for a hug?'; 'Why are you willing to comfort me?'; 'Why do you still want anything to do with me?'; 'Why don't you hate me?'; But that single word was all Dimitri could muster.

"Just come here," Byleth beckoned. Dimitri gave in – in truth, he wanted it more than he felt he deserved – and wrapped his own arms around Byleth. He laid his chin on Byleth's head and relaxed as the professor embraced him.

"I'll be disappointed if you try to follow me into death." Byleth said, "I need you to remember everyone else who is relying on you. I will be okay." Dimitri did not answer, but Byleth knew he listened. Dimitri squeezed him harder, afraid to let go.

"I am not the one you need to worry about," Byleth reiterated, "Try to find happiness. You have friends who want you to succeed."

Dimitri's stomach turned uneasily in effect to rising emotions. The pressure built up in his restless heart, swallowing his voice. He could not give a proper response.

A cool breeze nipped at them while Byleth considered his next words carefully. Words alone could not correct this – but the wrong ones could throw everything Dimitri achieved into ruin.

"I have no intention on dying without a fight. Like before, it might take some time for my wounds to completely heal. I need you to stay strong if that happens."

"Like before?" Dimitri questioned with a cracked voice. He pushed back from Byleth and looked at him.

Byleth nodded, "Yes. Five years, give or take. I don't want it to take that long this time around."

Dimitri's face contorted. A crucial piece of information came into place, but with it more questions, "I thought Gilbert said your whereabouts were unknown for five years."

"Is that what he told you?" Byleth seemed surprised, "I thought I explained what happened . . . perhaps he didn't believe me, after all."

"Why didn't he just say that?" Dimitri's anger flared a moment, "What happened in those five years you were gone?"

"Nothing," Byleth looked away, "I was unconscious during all of it."

". . . Unconscious . . ."

"Maybe dead. I'm not sure. I remember falling and hitting my head on some rocks. I woke up, drenched, on the riverbed just outside the town."

"Unbelievable," Dimitri scowled.

"It does seem unlikely," Byleth outwardly regretted, "I wish I could have been there for you. I am sorry. I don't want to lose any more years, but I'm not sure I have a choice now, either."

"No, you misunderstand. Even if he did not believe you, he should at least have told me your account of things. I should have been given the chance to determine whether or not I believe you."

". . .And?"

"I do," Dimitri smiled weakly, "But you're right. Five years without you was rough. I don't want to imagine what the rest of my life would be like. Let alone live it."

"I am not sure what I can do. I am somewhat aware of my injuries and know at least two of them alone would be life ending."

Dimitri grimaced, recalling the endless blood.

"Now, I also know that, unlike last time, I have the help of the infirmary. I just need enough energy to recharge. It may be enough."

"What are you planning?"

"If I can," Byleth stepped back and opened his palm to the open space before him. A golden circle appeared before them. Patterns and words encapsulated it, but none that Dimitri had ever seen before.

"What is that?" Dimitri asked. It was divine in nature, he recognized that much.

"Ugh," The professor closed his eyes and the circle began to shimmer in and out of existence. "It's the pulse I need to survive. But it's weak. I am weak. I am not strong enough to maintain it."

Byleth allowed the circle to dispel. Dimitri still didn't know what it was or how Byleth planned to use it, "Is it a healing spell? Will you will die without it?"

"Not necessarily, no. I was hoping for . . . Anyway, I have no choice but to try. Or, maybe I am meant to let fate take its course. Perhaps it is destiny that marks this night."

"Wait, no! Don't say that!" Dimitri blurted out, "If you have a way to live, then you must do it!"

"Even if I successfully manage it, I'm afraid it would not change much. Especially if I can't . . . hmm." Byleth fumbled on how to explain the Divine Pulse. "Let me put some more thought into this. I only have a few options and none of them guarantee the results we're looking for."

"Can you explain what your plan is? Maybe I can help," Dimitri suggested. Byleth avoided telling anyone about the Goddess' power, for fear of what that knowledge might bring. Still, he wanted to open up to someone about it – maybe Dimitri could handle it.

"Suppose I am successful in turning back the hands of time. What then? This will play out the exact same way."

"Turn back the hands of – is that what that is?"

". . . Yes."

Again, Dimitri was perplexed by how many questions sprung to mind. The first one he asked, however, was, "Could you have saved Rodrigue?"

Byleth figured Dimitri might asked that. He answered, "No. I overused my abilities in Gronder. I haven't been able to summon it since. It will too late to turn back now for Rodrigue, unfortunately. I can normally do a few hours. As I am now, probably an hour at most."

"An hour," Dimitri contemplated it, seemingly accepting Byleth's explanation. "That puts you right back in battle . . ."

"Which is why I'm hesitant. I fear that I would just relive this. And I'd rather not, if it's all going to end the same."

"If I can protect you then you won't have those injuries," Dimitri followed the thought path surprisingly well.

"You will likely not remember this conversation. For you and everyone else, this entire branch will be undone and forgotten."

"I see. But you'll remember it? You've done this many times before, haven't you?" Dimitri observed, "Obviously, there is a good reason to try it."

"Without a reason to act differently, though, you will follow the same path. The only merit to this plan is that I will know where the lurkers are. It is a small boon; one that may not be enough."

"Then I'd be doomed to repeat that same mistake," Dimitri shamefully admitted.

"That's just how it goes." Byleth downplayed it with a shrug. "Normally, a mistake like this could easily be rectified, but I think that trying a rewind would only result in wasted effort. And I have to be careful how I use my energy right now."

"If you think that is the better course." Dimitri had no idea himself, "But, what do you think will happen now?"

Byleth sat back on the parapet and placed clasped hands on his lap, "My hope is with proper healing I can make it through. It might just take longer than I want it to."

"I don't think we can afford another five years without you," Dimitri said.

"I know," Byleth closed his eyes, "I can't summon the full circle, at any rate. I will make my decision when the pulse has a charge."

"How much longer do you need?"

"I am not sure," Byleth folded his arms with eyes still resting.

"Cold?" Dimitri asked.

"Tired." He said softly.

Dimitri placed his hands over Byleth's, and asked, "Can I do anything for you?"

Byleth opened his eyes slightly and smiled, "The tomb where Edelgard first attacked us has a throne. You remember it, right?"

"The Holy Tomb?" Dimitri nodded.

"Yes. Take me there. I might be able . . . to . . ." Byleth's head bobbed after his words trailed off. Dimitri held Byleth's head up with one hand while still holding hands with the other. Byleth slipped one hand out and lightly caressed Dimitri's face.

"We're close now." Byleth chuckled, "If there's anything you want to tell me, do so now."

"I . . ." Dimitri sighed, "I just don't want to lose you."

"I don't want to leave you."

Dimitri frowned, "I don't understand why you give me a passing thought."

"Stop underplaying your importance to me. You and I have been through too much for you to hold on to those sentiments."

"It's not a sentiment if it's true." Dimitri argued and pulled away. "You're only dying because I abandoned you."

Byleth exhaled, "I don't blame you for this."

"I can't see how it's not my fault. In all honesty, you should hate me."

"I don't. I've been foolishly in love with you for a long time. I doubt it's possible for me to ever hate you."

Dimitri forcefully rubbed his face, applying the most pressure over his eyes. With his face still hidden away, Dimitri said, "I will find a way."

Byleth gently took Dimitri's hands and lowered them, then reassured, "No, you won't." Byleth pulled Dimitri into another embrace.

"Is it okay to return these feelings?" Dimitri wondered, feeling overwhelmed by the usually emotionally level professor.

Byleth looked up at him with a smile, "I have no objections."

"Hah . . . Of course you don't," Dimitri slowly cupped Byleth's face, internally struggling with whether or not he should. Even though Dimitri often misunderstood Byleth, especially in the beginning, he always found Byleth to have an elegance to him. A certain captivating beauty.

Dimitri leaned forward and touched foreheads. Byleth enfolded his hands around Dimitri's wrists and pressed his body into Dimitri's. It was unclear who initiated it, but the pair locked into a bittersweet kiss, knowing time ran short.

When Dimitri opened his eye, he stared at a fire. The rain poured ruthlessly overhead and he remembered where he was. The Knight's hall. He took shelter here at the start of the storm – but what happened to Byleth? That couldn't have been just a dream . . . right?

He pushed himself off the couch and went to the double doors. The concrete and earth drowned in the wrath of the sky, but Dimitri went out into the elements. With renewed energy, he set out to Byleth.