The moment Byleth stepped through the doorway to the archbishop's throne room, he was accosted by a visibly distraught Seteth.
"Professor, have you seen Flayn recently?!"
Byleth blinked as the man grabbed hold of his shoulders and shook. A frantic Seteth was not what he was expecting when he was called here.
Rhea's righthand man was renowned for his cool, stern nature, after all. If Rhea was the heart and soul of the church, Seteyh was the rational brain. He valued order, discipline, and loyalty above all else, which put Byleth on the receiving end of his skepticism many times. To see him break character like this was unexpected, to say the least.
There was really only one thing that could get the bishop's second-in-command to lose his composure, and that was his sister.
"I have not," he replied truthfully, his gaze moving to the archbishop. "What happened to Flayn?"
"She has gone…" Rhea's calm expression faltered. "Missing."
Byleth's eyes widened slightly. Missing? Here at the monastery?
"Have you looked everywhere?" Byleth asked Seteth.
The news in of itself was hard to believe. Garreg Mach was incredibly well guarded; guards and the fabled Knights of Seiros covered every post. For a normal student to go missing in their fortress seemed unlikely, but for Flayn to go missing? The young woman whose presence never went unnoticed by her brother? That was simply impossible.
"Everywhere! I have searched everywhere!" Seteth exclaimed, a trembling hand running through his unkempt hair. "She may be in danger! Oh no… No, no! What am I to do?!"
Byleth met Rhea's pleading eyes and nodded. He could see the unasked question that lied behind those green orbs.
"Calm yourself, Seteth." Rhea placed a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "I think of your… sister as family as well. We will not rest until we recover her. We will devout ourselves fully- mind, body, and soul- to find her."
Rhea turned to Byleth.
"Isn't that right, Professor Byleth?"
"Yes." He nodded. "The Sword of the Creator and my Eagles are at your disposal."
Byleth's words seemed to calm Seteth, if only a little bit.
"I will find her," he assured, grasping the older man by his arm. "But I'll need more information in order to conduct a thorough investigation."
This wasn't the mercenary's first time conducting a manhunt. He had tracked many thieves, bandits, and other criminals before, although in those cases, it was usually in order to apprehend or kill them. Investigating a kidnapping was something of new territory for Byleth, but he was quick study. This was also Flayn they were talking about. Even Byleth had grown rather fond of the green puff ball over the moments the two had shared while fishing. He didn't want to see any harm come to her either.
"Of course, of course," Seteth exhaled shakily. "I… I will compose myself and tell you what I can."
"Good." Rhea smiled and turned to Byleth. "At the present, all we know for certain is that she has not left Garreg Mach."
Byleth frowned. That wasn't much to go off of.
"Flayn is not the type of person to just wander off on her own without telling me where she is going," Seteth explained, the pitch of his voice raising with each passing word. "We have searched the monastery thoroughly but have found nothing. I am now mobilizing knights to begin searching the town."
That wouldn't do any good. If Flayn's kidnappers had taken her with malicious intent in mind, they would either be long gone, or go into hiding the moment a band of knights entered that town. He knew it was important to find Flayn, and logic dictates the more people looking meant a better chance, but such an act had its own drawbacks. If you were chasing prey, you wouldn't go hunting with an army, would you? It'd draw too much attention.
Byleth knew better than to mention that, though. It was for Seteth's own peace of mind. If he wanted to send an entire army up and down the countryside, so be it. If anything, perhaps it would draw the abductors focus away from a smaller, more undisclosed group investigating the matter.
"There is also the issue of the troubling rumors that have been running rampant lately," Seteth continued undisturbed. "I do not wish to consider the worst, but…"
He tilted his head to the side. Byleth knew of the common rumors of ghosts haunting the monastery, but he doubted ghosts stole Flayn.
"Troubling rumors?"
"There is talk of someone prowling the streets and attacking innocents, night after night," Rhea answered, her face growing weary at the thought. "The knights have investigated the matter. They have not discovered any remains, nor have they found any concrete evidence."
"That's hardly helpful-"
"The people are panicked!" Seteth interrupted Byleth, though he doubted the man had heard his words in the first place. "They all insist someone called the Death Knight is coming to claim their souls with his blade."
Byleth's blood ran cold, his nostrils flaring at the familiar name.
Death Knight…
An image of a knight darker than the night filled his mind. Red eyes glowing in the shaodwy pits of his eyes. A terrifying scythe. A helmet resembling that of a skull.
His fists clenched at his sides.
"There is no way she could have escaped unscathed if she were captured by such a fiend!" Seteth cried. "Where is she?!"
"Seteth," Rhea spoke in her usual calming voice. "Recall that impatience begets error. Please, do your best to calm yourself."
"My apologies… It's just… when I think of my sweet, innocent Flayn, lost and afraid I-"
Seteth stopped himself and shook his head. His green eyes were wet with unshed tears.
Rhea's gaze softened as she peered at the broken man. Even Byleth felt himself wilt at the sight.
The bishop tore away and turned to Byleth.
"Professor, your mission this month is to help find Flayn. The knights have the town covered, so I ask that you focus your efforts on searching the monastery again. There is no time to waste."
Byleth nodded, his eyes darkening as he recalled the scythe that tore through so many of his students. There was no telling if the Death Knight was truly involved, but for such a fate to befall the kind Flayn…
It was unthinkable.
He would not allow it.
"…Do I have your permission to conduct my search as I see fit?"
Rhea's expression grew grim, her lips contorting into a frown.
"I will leave it to your discretion. The monastery is at your disposal."
"Good." Byleth nodded. That would make things easier.
The mercenary turned to one of the nearby knights, beckoning him to come closer.
"Sir!" The knight saluted, his armor clanking at the sharp movement.
"Bring me Felix Hugo Fraldarius. You can find him at the training grounds."
The Knight of Seiros bowed and turned to leave, only to be stopped abruptly when Byleth's hand snatched up his arm.
"I am not done," Byleth said, his voice cool. "Lysietha von Cordelia, as well."
The knight nodded, scurrying off the moment Byleth released his vice grip.
Byleth turned back to Rhea and Seteth.
"I will find Flayn by the day's end."
He stooped into a bow, then turned to leave, his back completely straight as he walked. There wasn't an ounce of hesitation in his steps.
Byleth strode through the academy grounds, Felix and Lysithea in tow. Heads turned as the trio sped by, but it was hardly a surprise. It must be a rare sight for the Eagle professor to be leading a Deer and a Lion. He paid it no mind.
"Professor, may I ask why you have summoned the both of us?" The white-haired mage asked, confusion etched onto her face. "I'm always appreciative of your guidance, but I'm having trouble following when you won't tell us what's going on."
He glanced over at her, only now realizing the pace he was setting was more than she could keep up with.
The sight of the younger girl's heavy breaths caused his motionless heart to stir in his chest as he recalled Hanneman's words.
Byleth slowed his stride.
"It's obviously something important, otherwise the mercenary wouldn't have had one of those knights pull us out of class." Felix shrugged. "Even a child should be able to tell that much."
Lysithea glared at the Blue Lion.
"Are you insinuating something, Felix?"
"I don't insinuate."
She looked as if she was prepared to knock the smirk off his face.
"He's right." Byleth interjected before the two came to blows. "It is important."
"Care to extrapolate on that?" Lysithea frowned.
"Once we get to the Eagles' homeroom."
Lysithea sighed and nodded, realizing she couldn't get anymore out of the tight-lipped professor until they reached their destination.
Byleth looked around as he walked, his eyes scanning each passing face as if they might hold some kind of clue to this sudden mystery. There was something about Flayn's disappearance that wasn't adding up, which only elevated his suspicion of everyone even more.
Seteth was as overprotective as they come. Flayn was hardly allowed to go to town without her brother or a personal guard coming along, so for her to be kidnapped there would be unreasonable. Plus, someone would have surely noticed a child like her getting snatched up. If not a citizen, surely one of the numerous Knights of Seiros that were posted there.
It's possible she snuck out in the dead of night and was taken then, but even that seemed unlikely. As Seteth said, she would always check in with him first, and Flayn didn't seem like the rebellious type. Protest as she might to her brother's protecting nature, she never went out of her way to disobey him. Rhea also had said she hadn't left Garegg Mach. It's possible her information was wrong, but he saw that just as unlikely.
If she wasn't abducted in the nearby town, that meant-
"Oi, mercenary."
Byleth blinked, turning to Felix.
"We've been standing outside your classroom for a minute now."
Sure enough, the three were standing outside the door.
Byleth shook his head. He had been so lost in his own thoughts he hadn't even noticed.
"Of course."
Opening the door, he stepped inside with Felix and Lysithea right behind him.
True to her word, Edelgard had gathered the Black Eagles. Petra and Dorothea were casually chatting near his chalkboard. Caspar sat atop one of the desks, joking around with Linhardt, who looked positively exasperated by his closest friend's laughter. Ferdinand was trying to hold a conversation with Bernadetta, who was currently hiding under the cover of a book to try and escape the frightful situation. Hubert stood in the corner with crossed arms, looking annoyed at the sight of professor as he entered.
Then there was Edelgard, who smiled warmly at him as he approached, as if their previous conversation had never transpired in the first place.
"Ah, there you are, my teacher. What did the archbishop want?"
The smile on her face vanished completely when she noticed the two students who had entered behind him. Her expression didn't seem to change when she saw Felix, but Byleth could immediately spot the softening of her features when her eyes landed on Lysithea.
"Gather around, everyone."
Byleth's commanding voice ended whatever conversations they might have been having. The students hurriedly formed a circle around their professor.
"First, Felix and Lysithea will be joining us for this month's mission. Please make them feel welcomed."
The rest of the class looked curiously to the pair but didn't object. Hubert simply appeared indifferent to the news.
"And that mission being…?" Hubert trailed off, his question lingering in the air.
"Flayn has disappeared. We are to find her immediately."
The silence that was born from the news was thick with unease. The only ones that looked marginally unaffected by the news were Felix, Edelgard, and Hubert.
"That's why you called us?" Lysithea gasped, her eyes widening.
"Indeed." Byleth nodded. "I thought the academy's strongest swordsman and mage would expedite the process."
Lysithea looked blindsided by the sudden praise, while Felix simply grunted and crossed his arms.
"Yes, well… You would be right."
To her credit, she was able to compose herself enough to respond with her usual self-assuredness.
"Any help you can give is more than appreciated," Edelgard agreed, turning to her professor. "Flayn has truly gone missing? That is indeed a cause for concern."
"Most unsettling indeed," Hubert agreed, a hand rubbing his chin.
"Not missing." Byleth shook his head. "Abducted."
Edelgard nodded gravely, voicing no objections to his statement.
"Yes, it doesn't seem likely that she's simply gotten lost."
"Archbishop Rhea has given me the go ahead to proceed with extreme prejudice," Byleth continued. "We'll start by investigating around the monastery."
"Do you think someone here could have seen something, Professor?" Dorothea asked.
"I think it far more likely someone here at the monastery is behind it."
The class grew quiet at the reveal, a few of them even exchanged glances with one another.
"Ooooh, I knew this place was no good," Bernadetta groaned, retreating back underneath her book.
"What is making you say that, Professor?" Petra asked, looking equally disturbed by the news.
"I am curious as well." Edelgard frowned. "You must have your reasons for suspecting such a thing."
"Rhea said they were certain she has not left Garreg Mach. She could be wrong, but not much escapes her watch," Byleth explained, his eyes darting to Edelgard before continuing. "And we all know that Flayn can't so much as step outside the monastery without Seteth's approval."
"Maybe she just snuck out?" Caspar suggested. "I probably would too with a brother like that…"
"Unlikely."
"I agree, that doesn't sound like something Flayn would do." Lysithea nodded.
"Which leads me to believe that she must have been taken from within the confines of the monastery. For the church to not have any clear suspects, it must have been someone they did not expect. Someone that knew how and when to capture Flayn without drawing any suspicion to themselves. Someone that is… familiar with the monastery and its layouts. This place is simply too well guarded for some common kidnapper to come in unnoticed."
"There is logic to your reasoning," Hubert hummed. "But it is baseless speculation until we find proof."
"Is there any other information we can work off of, Professor?" Edelgard asked.
"Yes." Byleth paused, his brow furrowing. "Seteth spoke of rumors regarding the Death Knight."
The temperature in the room dropped at the name. Edelgard's posture went rigid, while Hubert shifted his weight to his back foot.
"Death Knight?" Ferdinand's eyes widened. "Are you meaning to say that shadowy creature could be behind this?"
"As Hubert said, it's pure speculation. But we would be fools not to be prepared for such a thing."
"If such a skilled foe might be involved, we should tread carefully," Edelgard agreed. "We should gather as much information as possible before proceeding.
"Yes." Byleth nodded, his blue eyes scanning the sea of students. "If anyone has seen anything, now would be the time to come forward."
There was a chorus of "No's" before Byleth continued.
"I mean anything. Maybe someone saw Flayn talking to someone she doesn't usually associate with, or maybe there were some suspicious individuals around the monastery that have caught your attention."
Byleth had his own list of possible suspects, but he wanted to hear what his class came up with first.
"Well, I hear that Flayn has a crest," Linhardt murmured, a hand idly scratching the back of his head. "It's probably irrelevant, but Hanneman seems interested in her."
The teacher frowned. He knew Hanneman well enough to know he wouldn't do such a thing.
"There's always Alois," Ferdinand mumbled uncertainly. "He seems to have taken quite a liking to Flayn recently. I've even heard he's gotten in trouble with Seteth numerous times for trying to speak with her. Quite suspicious indeed…"
Once again, probably not. Byleth was assured it was some kind of paternal instinct that brought Alois to Flayn rather than some kind of ill intent. If they were to look into every man that tried talking to her, they'd have a mile-long list.
"Well, it may be nothing…" Dorothea mumbled, a hand resting on her cheek. "But I saw Professor Manuela running off somewhere in a terrible hurry. I didn't think anything about it before, but… maybe it has something to do with Flayn's disappearance?"
He sighed. Knowing the flirtatious professor, it probably had something to do with her… interesting habits. While seeing a member of the staff run around the monastery in a hurry is a unexpected sight, he couldn't write it off as something suspicious.
"Jeritza."
Byleth raised his head and glanced at Felix.
"What about him?"
"There's something about how he's handling his blade lately," Felix stated, hand on his hip. "It seems more… impulsive than usual. It couldn't hurt to try speaking with him, at least."
The professor nodded. Now that was a good enough reason for him. Felix sparred enough with the man to tell the difference, and the Lion knew his way around a sword.
Byleth also felt there was something off about the instructor. The way he talked made him feel… uneasy.
"Good. We'll start-"
"Professor?"
Lysithea raised her hand.
"I don't mean to interrupt, but I also have something of my own I'd like to add."
Byleth motioned for her to continue.
"Leonie mentioned in passing that the old librarian has been acting strangely as of late."
"Tomas?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. He's been asking around about Flayn, as well as you and your father." She nodded. "I found it strange, sure, but with what you've told me it seems awfully suspicious. It might be worth looking into."
That was rather… concerning. Tomas was a frail old man, so it was unlikely he could have abducted Flayn without assistance, but as Lysithea said, it was worth looking into.
His gaze lingered on Edelgard, who looked unreasonably annoyed at the new information.
"We'll start with Jeritza and Tomas," Byleth said. "Break off in groups of two and start asking around. Don't be soft about it. Step on as many toes as you need to. But no one goes anywhere alone, and we all meet back here in one hour's time. Am I clear?"
The class nodded.
"Lysithea, Felix, Hubert. Go to the training grounds and look for Jeritza. If he's not there, start asking around. If he is, don't try and apprehend him. Just keep him occupied while one of you comes to fetch me."
Hubert looked slightly put off at the idea of babysitting the two, but to Byleth's surprise, he didn't voice any protests.
"You're having me play the role of detective, now?" Felix frowned. "I don't know how helpful I'll be. You'd be better off asking someone else."
"Nonsense." Byleth waved him off. "Lysithea has the smarts and Hubert the crafty mind, but they'll need your sharp instincts."
The swordsman didn't look very convinced, but he relented with a shrug.
"And where will you be, Professor?" Edelgard asked.
"With you. We're going to go speak with Tomas."
Edelgard's brows twitched. There was a pause before she responded.
"…Very well."
The princess and professor duo marched through the monastery. It wasn't an unusual sight to see the two together given their circumstances, but the fact that Byleth's right hand never strayed too far from the sword on his hip was enough to pull a few curious gazes towards them.
Edelgard did her best to control her breathing as she walked, but the heat of the anger that assailed her made that difficult.
Tomas, you fool of a man. What could you have possibly been thinking to so brazenly investigate the professor and his father? Do you have no tact?
Lysithea's insight had been a shock to her, but to say she hadn't expected something like this would be wrong. Tomas and his kind were sure to be wary of Byleth after news of the Sword of the Creator and his Crest came forth. No doubt the spotlight would land on him, especially given the fact that she had so openly allied herself to him.
She regretted ever bring that information to her uncle in the first place; she should have known it would have drawn their attentions to him. But if she were to stay in their good graces for a little while longer… She had no choice. Not if she wanted to continue using them for her own agenda. They couldn't start suspecting her of treason yet. Not when she was so far away from her goals. Not when she was this weak.
They must never expect the axe that inches closer to their necks. When the time came, the guillotine would fall. The simple thought of slaughtering the snakes that slithered around in the dark was enough to bring a smile to Edelgard's face.
"There he is," Byleth stated in a level tone. The hand tightening around his hilt was a rather telling sign, however.
The librarian stood alone in the small area behind the knights' hall, completely tucked away from view. Even his choice in area was suspicious.
'Tomas,' you will be the first to step up to the executioner's block.
Edelgard's expression didn't flinch as they drew closer. It was too soon for Byleth to suspect the two might have anything to do with one another.
Tomas's head perked up as the two approached, his wrinkled face turning towards them.
His brown eyes caught on Edelgard. It was brief, but for a moment they flashed the lifeless look they usually bore. It had happened so quick that Edelgard wondered if she had even seen it at all.
"Ah, if it isn't the young professor and his prized pupil." Tomas smiled a greeting at the two, both of his hands resting on his cane. "How are you fairing today?"
His voice was warm and welcoming. The sound of it reminded Edelgard of a loving grandfather greeting his grandchildren.
How such a creature could emulate such a sound was a mystery to her. It made her want to gag.
Byleth didn't look convinced either.
"Tomas, have you seen Flayn recently?" he asked.
"Flayn?" the librarian repeated innocently. "Not recently, no. Why? Is something the matter?"
"She has gone missing."
"Missing?!" Tomas gasped.
"Would you know anything about that, Tomas?" Edelgard scowled at the man.
"Not at all." He shook his head. "I am but a simple librarian. I'm afraid I don't get out much."
"Is that so?" Byleth's eyes zeroed in on his expression. "For someone that doesn't get out much, you seem to ask a lot of questions."
"'Questions?'" Tomas frowned. "You wouldn't be suspicious of an old man like me, would you?"
"That depends. Why were you asking around about Flayn?"
"Oh, that… I can see why you found that odd all things considered," Tomas chuckled nervously, a trembling hand rubbing the back of his head. "You see, I've been at the monastery for decades now, yet it wasn't until recently that I learned Seteth has a sister. It is only natural to be curious, don't you think? I assure you, there is nothing more to it than that."
Tomas's eyes flickered to Edelgard, his smile faltering if only for a moment.
"Then what about my father and myself?" Byleth countered. If he believed Tomas's story, he didn't show it. "Why look into my bloodline?"
"I suppose that was rather uncouth of me," Tomas sighed, shaking his head. "I admit, even I have caught wind of your feats, and I had seen some of your father's firsthand. It seems I may have been too eager in my search for heroic stories… As a librarian, I do love a good tale."
Byleth didn't budge. His piercing blue eyes never ceased evaluating Tomas.
…However, after a few moments of strained silence, Byleth nodded, seemingly content with his answers.
"Fair enough. That will be all."
Byleth turned to leave, his jacket billowing in the wind.
"Come, Edelgard."
She nodded, moving to follow after her teacher when-
"Take care, Professor," Tomas called out after him, his veiled eyes turning to her. "And I am glad to see you are in good health, Miss Edelgard. Your aide had me slightly worried earlier."
Byleth stopped in his tracks, turning his head back to the librarian.
"Hubert spoke with you already?"
"Indeed, although not about this. That young man can be a frightening one, but he seemed rather concerned for her wellbeing."
Edelgard stiffened, her blood running cold.
Her nails dug into her skin hard enough to draw blood.
"Why was he worried?" Byleth asked, raising an eyebrow. His gaze drifted to her.
"The boy didn't give me a straight answer, I'm afraid." Tomas smiled apologetically. "But he left mumbling something about 'losing her focus.'"
Tomas turned to the princess.
"I am glad to see whatever it was isn't affecting your… studies."
Edelgard glared dangerously at the man, her hand subconsciously moving to the dagger she always carried on her person. Were Byleth not here, how she would love to plunge its blade into his rotten heart and watch as the life left his disgusting eyes… reveling in the gargled sounds of his final breath…
She bit her tongue to prevent her growl from surfacing.
"Let's go, my teacher."
Edelgard stormed off, leaving Byleth with no choice but to follow after her.
"Are you alright, Edelgard?" Byleth asked worriedly, his eyes darting back and forth between her and Tomas.
"I am fine."
Edelgard spared a glance at the librarian as they left. It was hard to say for certain at this distance, but she could swear she saw his smile contort into a sneer.
"Don't brush me off."
Byleth's hand grabbed her arm, forcing her to a stop and turn towards him.
"We made a promise, did we not?"
He peered into her eyes, his own searching hers.
Edelgard could see the concern that had blossomed in those blue orbs of his. She could feel his grip on her arm lessen into more of a comforting squeeze. She was highly aware of what little distance separated the two.
She turned away, her heart twisting into a knot.
Don't look at me like that, Byleth… Please, do not make me feel even more guilty than I already am.
"I am fine, my teacher," she lied. "You know Hubert. He probably heard me cough and went right to expecting the worst."
Byleth exhaled slowly, eventually releasing her.
"That does sound like him," he mumbled, his brow knitted in concern. "If that is the truth, then I can accept that."
"It is." Edelgard nodded, meeting his gaze. "It would be best to get back on the task at hand. There's little time to-."
"Hey, kid. Funny seeing you here."
Both heads turned to the sound to see the familiar orange and brown of Jeralt walking towards them, an easy-going smile on his face.
Edelgard didn't have many dealings with the man since their meeting in Remire, but she had heard many sing the countless praises of the Captain and his skill. And of course, who hadn't heard tales of the legendary Blade Breaker?
Jeralt was Byleth's father, so she knew she had to be polite around him in order to leave a good impression, but… she couldn't help but feel nervous in his presence. If he was half the man people said he was, he could prove to be a troublesome foe should he too discover what the soon-to-be emperor was plotting. As disturbing as that thought was, it was one she couldn't avoid, just as she couldn't avoid the possibility of standing against Byleth.
"Though, I suppose it doesn't come as much of a surprise," Jeralt said, patting his son on the back as he came to a stop beside the two.
"Father." Byleth nodded a greeting, then motioned to her. "You remember my student, Edelgard."
"As if I could ever forget." Jeralt smirked, turning to her as well. "My son speaks very highly of you. He damn near talked my ear off the last time we had dinner together."
"Jeralt…" Byleth grumbled.
"What?" he shrugged impassively. "I was just praising the girl. She must be impressive if she can get you to speak in full sentences about something."
Byleth coughed into a fist, turning his head away. For a second, Edelgard thought she spied the slight hints of a rosy red tinging his cheeks, but she knew such a thing was impossible. The imagery was pleasant, however.
Given the sly look in the father's eyes, Edelgard assumed he knew exactly what he was doing.
Edelgard cleared her throat, reminding the two that she was still in fact present in the conversation.
"Yes, well… I can only hope I live up to whatever my teacher has told you about me."
"Good answer." Jeralt nodded, looking pleased. "So, what brings you two out today?"
"Flayn's disappearance," Byleth answered readily, probably more than eager to change the topic.
"Ah, right." His smile fizzled out. "The knights have been searching for her nonstop."
"Any leads?" Edelgard asked.
"Not a one." The captain shook his head. "And Seteth's face is getting paler by the minute. It's getting hard to watch."
"It's rather concerning that they couldn't even find a single clue as to her whereabouts," Byleth mused.
"Whoever did this knew what they were doing," Jeralt agreed, his expression grim.
"Has anything caught your eye lately, Father?" Byleth questioned. "We've been running down a few leads ourselves, but time will tell if they bear fruit."
"Then I assume you've already talked with Jeritza?"
"My students are searching for him now." Byleth frowned. "Why? Do you know something we don't?"
"Hard to say. I'm not close to the guy."
Her professor sighed.
"But I did pass by Manuela earlier. She was carrying a mask of some sort."
"Jeritza's mask…?" Byleth mumbled, his eyes lost in thought as he began to connect the dots.
"Seemed like it." Jeralt nodded. "I was getting ready to question him myself when I ran into you two."
"Thank you, Father. We'll take it from here."
Byleth looked to Edelgard.
"We need to regroup. I have my next course of action."
With that said, the professor turned and left. He hadn't even bothered to give his father a farewell.
"He can get like that when his mind is elsewhere," Jeralt sighed, watching his son leave. "I guess he takes after me in that regard."
"So, I've noticed." Edelgard repressed the urge to chuckle at the fatherly words. The two really were similar. Maybe not in the looks department, but they definitely had similar temperaments.
She wondered what Byleth's mother must have looked like for their son to have such striking blue hair and eyes.
"…Hey, kid."
The princess nearly jumped when Jeralt's rough hand fell on her shoulder.
"Look after my boy, alright? He's cheered up an awful lot since coming here, but I still worry."
Edelgard opened her mouth to speak but found the words hadn't come to her.
So, instead, she simply nodded.
"Good girl." Jeralt's easy smile returned as he patted her on the back. "Better run along, now. He's going to leave you in the dust."
Edelgard nodded once more, then took off after Byleth's shadow.
She spared a single glance behind her as she walked, only to see Jeralt still watching the two as they left.
"Jeritza!" Byleth shouted as his fist banged on his door. "Open up!"
"I don't think he's there, P-Professor," Bernadetta whimpered at the booming sound, her hands protectively covering her ears.
"I am aware," Byleth replied, glancing back at the pool of students behind him. "I'm just giving him a chance."
He turned back to the door, slamming his fist against it a few more times for good measure.
"Catherine said that she hadn't seen him today," Lysithea spoke up.
"I wouldn't think so."
He punctuated his statement with a few more bangs.
"What in the blazes is going on?!"
Byleth spotted a frantic Hanneman run up to them. Unsurprising. They had passed the professor on their way here.
"Don't worry, Professor. We have this handled." Byleth nodded at the scholar before turning back to the door.
Raising his leg, Byleth kicked as hard as he could at the wooden door.
The door gave way with little resistance, crashing to the ground below.
"I am beginning to think you get some kind of perverse pleasure out of that," Hubert grumbled.
Byleth ignored him and stepped into the building, his students following closely behind.
His eyes immediately landed on the unconscious body sprawled out on the floor.
He fell to the ground beside her, rolling her over on her back as he checked her pulse.
"Professor Jeritza? Are you-"
Edelgard's question died on her lips as she spotted Byleth holding the fallen Manuela.
"Is she alright?!" She exclaimed, falling to her knee beside Byleth.
"Yes," he sighed in relief as he felt the slight thumping against his fingertips. "Only unconscious."
"What is the meaning of this?!"
Hanneman pushed his way through the sea of students, his eyes bulging when he caught sight of his fallen colleague.
"Manuela!"
Byleth looked to the professor, motioning with his head to the woman in his arms.
"She needs to be taken to the infirmary."
Hanneman knelt down opposite Byleth, checking her pulse for himself.
"Yes, and quickly!" Hanneman looped his arms under her legs and her neck, then looked to Edelgard. "Give me a hand, child."
Edelgard glanced at her teacher, who nodded in response. While it was disconcerting to proceed without her beside him, there was nothing for it. Manuela needed her more than he did in this instance.
"Understood," she said, her hands moving to her head. "I'll support her head."
The two slowly rose to their feet, Hanneman holding most of Manuela's weight while Edelgard gingerly held her head in place.
Professor Manuela groaned softly as she was moved, but her eyes didn't open.
"Professor, I'll be back shortly," Edelgard told him, her brow creasing slightly. "Please be careful."
"I will." Byleth nodded and rose to his feet.
The two made their hasty, albeit careful exit from the Jeritza's room, leaving Byleth alone with his students.
"What now, Professor?" Caspar asked, rubbing the back of his head as he looked around. "It doesn't look like anything's here."
At first glance, that would be true. Jeritza's room was nearly as bland as his own. There was a bed with a single sheet and a single pillow, a sole bookcase with no contents, and a desk in the corner that looked completely untouched. If Byleth didn't know any better, he'd wonder if anyone had lived here at all.
"Are you sure? Survey your surroundings."
Byleth's words only seemed to confuse his student more as he scanned the area again.
"Don't just use your eyes," Byleth chided him. "When sight fails, use your other senses."
"'Other senses?'" Caspar mumbled, inhaling through his nose. "Well this place stinks, I'll tell you that much."
The boy blinked as the realization came to him.
"Actually, it's kinda musty."
"Good." Byleth grinned slightly. "Anything else?"
"There's a draft," Felix interrupted.
Byleth nodded. His face might not show it, but he was very pleased with the answer. He was right to choose Felix and Lysithea after all.
"If this teaching moment is over," Hubert sighed with a roll of his eyes. "There's an opening behind the shelves there. I noticed it when we entered."
"Good eye, Hubert. Caspar, help me move this."
The two pushed the bookcase aside to reveal the dark tunnel that hid behind it.
"Well, this is curious," Linhardt hummed to himself as he peered into the depths that it led to. "To think Professor Jeritza would have a secret passageway in his quarters…"
"This certainly doesn't make him seem innocent," Ferdinand muttered, a hand rubbing his brow. "First Professor Manuela, now this?"
"Nothing will be solved if we stand around chatting," Hubert said in a raspy voice. "We should start by investigating just where this passageway leads. Do you agree, Professor?"
"Yes. We don't have the luxury of waiting around for the knights."
"Agreed." Hubert nodded. "The culprit could be hiding inside.
"Yeah!" Caspar laughed, pumping a fist in the air. "Let's take it to these monsters!"
"Caspar, please read the mood." Dorothea flicked him in the back of the head.
"Yeah, yeah… My bad…" the Eagle mumbled, rubbing his head.
Byleth lifted his hand, a small flame bursting to life in his palm as he casted a simple Fire spell.
"Stay close, everyone."
The professor turned to the tunnel, ducking his head as he stepped through the entry. He could hear Bernedetta whimpering like a lost puppy as she followed the group, but he tried to push it to the back of his mind. He'd reward her bravery with cake and headpats later.
"Watch your footing," he advised, frowning as he nearly tripped over a rock. "Those of you who can, try and make some light."
The small light source grew as a few of those proficient with magic followed Byleth's example. They weren't torches, but they would have to do for now. They were walking blindly otherwise.
A rat scurried by his feet. The professor suddenly didn't feel very regretful that Edelgard was not there with him. This would have been nightmarish for her.
"Er, Professor?"
Byleth spotted a small ball of fire bob towards him, Lysithea's face poking out from the darkness as she got close.
"What is it?" he asked.
"I'm not scared at all- let's make that clear."
Byleth quirked an eyebrow but nodded anyways.
"I'm well aware ghosts aren't real," she continued, her eyes darting back and forth between each of their shadows that painted the rocky wall. "But, uh, hypothetically speaking, if they were real, do you think they'd haunt a dingy place like this?"
Despite the situation they found themselves in, Byleth felt the corner of his mouth tug upwards ever so slightly.
"Stay close to me. I'll protect you."
"P-protect?" Lysithea blubbered, her eyes widening. "I don't need to be protected, thank you very much. I am perfectly fine of taking care of myself!"
The mage huffed and started to cross her arms indignantly, only to stop when she realized she was still holding a small flame.
Lysithea put up a tough front, but Byleth couldn't help but find her occasional antics… cute. However, for him to voice that observation meant certain death. She wasn't a part of his class, but even he knew never to compare Lysithea to a child.
She is, though…
His eyes softened as he watched the girl move slightly closer to his back, completely unaware of Blyeth's watchful gaze. A small hand gingerly gripped the sleeve of his jacket.
Only fifteen and already has a death sentence.
He pushed the thoughts from his head. That could wait until later- there were more pressing matters to attend to first.
"Just how long is this passageway?" Ferdniand spoke up from the back of the pack. "It seems as if we keep delving deeper underground with no end in sight."
"Close," Byleth replied. "I can see some light at the end of the way."
"What could possibly be under here?" Linhardt pondered aloud. "One of the Church's close-guarded secrets, perhaps?"
"It is rather strange," Lysithea agreed. "Even more so considering the opening to this passage was in Professor Jeritza's room. It seems unlikely he could have dug out a path of this length all by himself."
"Maybe he had assistance?" Petra responded.
"Doubtful." Felix scoffed and shook his head. "The Church would have noticed if a bunch of shady characters came through with shovels. Like the mercenary said, there isn't much that escapes the bishop's eyes."
Byleth frowned as he ruminated on their words. It seemed as if with each discovery they made, another dozen questions presented themselves. Just how did a hidden passage of this magnitude appear? They've been walking for five minutes now and have yet to reach the end. It seemed far too convenient that this tunnel was simply waiting for Jeritza when he was given his quarters, but Byleth could see no other explanation. Even a crew of half a dozen men would have trouble digging a corridor of this length in six months' time. Not without Lady Rhea catching wind.
"Be silent. We're getting close."
The light that sat at the end of the tunnel was growing closer and closer. They'd find out whatever was down here soon enough.
As Byleth stepped into the light, his eyes widened at the sight that awaited him. Even in his wildest imagination would have he expected this.
"I never would have imagined…" Hubert breathed. Even the most unshakable Eagle looked dumbfounded.
Byleth didn't know how to put what he saw into words. It was some type of gigantic, underground… maze. The corridor they stood at the foot of went for a few meters before it opened into a huge chamber. At each side of the chamber were two more hallways that seemed to lead further inwards. Such a thing shouldn't be possible but… it was all manmade architecture. He had seen similar archways before.
Torches lined the walls- the source of the light he had seen. Yet, somehow, the lighting wasn't nearly as dim as it should have been… It was as if some kind of artificial light enveloped the place. None of it made sense.
His eyes eventually landed on the forms of two, lifeless bodies in the center of the chamber. He recognized the bright green hair of Flayn's anywhere, but the other girl he had never seen before. With such striking red hair, she would have most definitely stood out. If she were one of his students, it was one Byleth had never met before.
"It appears they are unconscious," Hubert noted. "The one closest is definitely Flayn… I do not know the other girl, but she appears to be a student."
"Well, come on!" Caspar charged forwards. "Let's go get 'em!"
Byleth shot a hand out, stopping the boy before he could take a second step.
"Hold."
"Huh? What for-"
Caspar closed his mouth, his eyes narrowing at the slight sound of footsteps.
"They're coming." Byleth placed his hand on his sword.
He closed his eyes, straining his ears.
Seven… No, ten? Damn it, there must be two dozen of them.
The cacophony of shuffling sounds grew louder as they drew nearer. It wasn't just footsteps, either. The scraping sound of metal rubbing against metal stuck out like a sore thumb. Whoever was approaching was equipped with armor.
Byleth opened his eyes.
And then he saw it.
A pair of blood red eyes that glimmered in the shadows. The sheen of his scythe as it reflected the lights from the torches. The face of a skull that was suspended in the darkness. It was the same demonic creature that haunted Byleth's dreams, although this time, he had no mount.
The sight of his ghastly form was enough to elicit a response of rage in the professor's chest.
"Him again…" Hubert seethed.
Behind the Death Knight was at least a score of robed men, their faces hidden from view. They carried swords, lances, axes, and bows. Those that didn't, he assumed were mages or healers.
Their choice in attire was curious. Black robes and hoods with no visible insignias. Any face he might have recognized was tucked away behind the confines of their outfits. Whoever they were, they didn't belong to any country or organization at first glance- at least, not that Byleth was familiar with. They were as shadowy as the reaper that led them.
"I count twenty or so heads," Felix said, drawing his sword.
Byleth did the same. The Sword of the Creator came to life at his touch.
They found themselves in a precarious position. At their backs was the passageway that led back to Jeritza's room. Should they be forced back, they would have no where to go. Trying to retreat through that pitch-black, cramped tunnel would be suicide. Any mage or archer worth his salt could fire blindly into it and hit his mark.
Were they to push forward, the outcome would be similar. The corridor before them wasn't nearly as narrow as the tunnel, but it still didn't leave them with much to work with. In a battle of this size, there'd hardly be any room to swing his Sword of the Creator as he did in the previous one at the tower. It was too unwieldy. He couldn't risk the chance that the blade might strike one of his own students inadvertently.
But they really didn't have much of a choice. If the Death Knight's forces took Flayn and the other girl further into this maze, there was a good chance they'd never see them again. Or the light of day, for that matter. Who knew what lurked in the dark of this place?
"We'll have to push through," Byleth announced.
"I concur." Hubert nodded. "We can't let these rats scurry away."
"Hubert, command the Eagles and fight your way to the girls. I'll take-"
"Kill them."
The Death Knight's voice rasped out, clear and true.
"Professor!" Dorothea cried out.
Byleth's eyes widened as a volley of dark magic was thrown their way- much more than he had anticipated. He counted nearly twenty separate spells slinging through the air. Did all of his men have access to such powerful magic?
"No one move until I give the order."
He would need the space.
Uttering that final sentence, Byleth ran forwards, jumping down the set of stairs at their feet.
He hit the ground with a thud, only a brief hesitation in his stride.
Byleth sped forwards, pivoting on his back foot as he spun around one single time, gathering momentum.
As his arms came back around, Byleth grunted as he swung forwards with all the strength he could muster.
The Sword of the Creator cleaved through the air as it expanded, the bone-like sword forming a giant arc as it flew forward. It was an attack Byleth had used before, and one he had practiced countless times, yet somehow this time it was different. There was more latent energy humming within the hilt.
There was a loud boom as the sword tore the air.
Red electricity that he had never seen before crackled around the blade, the red strands jumping to every available surface. The force of Byleth's swing paired with the unleashed energy of the Creator's Sword caused the floor beneath them to crack at the pressure. The foundations of the walls on either side began to crumble as the sword's edge drew close.
The oncoming wave of magic dispersed as the Sword of the Creator cut through them.
Byleth recalled the sword, his arms recoiling as the blade smacked into the hilt. He spared the weapon a single glance before turning his head to the students behind him.
"Hubert! Take the Eagles and recover the girls! Felix, Lysithea, you're with me!"
His order caused the dominoes to fall. As the students poured down the stone stairs, the Death Knight rose his arm towards them. His own forces began to spill forward.
"What's the plan, mercenary?!" Felix shouted as they ran to intercept.
"We will engage the Death Knight," Byleth spoke calmly, his gaze jumping to the small mage behind them. "Lysithea, I assume you're more than just talk?"
"As if… you even… have to… ask!" she gasped as they ran.
"When I give the signal, hit him with the strongest spell in your arsenal."
Lysithea's head jerked up and down.
Byleth returned his focus to the enemies in front of him.
The Death Knight stood behind a row of five men, his form towering behind them. The scythe that rested on his shoulders but made no signs of moving.
His red eyes never left Byleth.
Byleth sidestepped the first attack; an overhead strike from a sword.
Rearing his arms back, Byleth thrust forwards.
The Sword of the Creator cut through the man's robe as if it were nothing more than tissue paper. There was a gargled cry as the blade pierced his heart.
He wrenched out his weapon and ducked as an axe passed over his head. Spinning around on his back foot, he rose to his full height to cut the man in two-
Only to find that Felix had already struck him down.
All that remained between him and the reaper was a single lancer-
Or so he thought. A ball of purple magic crashed down on the final foe, leaving his body a crumbled, smoldering mess on the ground.
Lysithea really did pack quite a wallop.
"Felix!"
"I'll cut through!"
The two swordsmen charged forwards as the Death Knight finally detached his weapon from his shoulder.
The Lion reached him first, but his strike was easily parried by the metal shaft of the knight's scythe.
Byleth attacked next, his sword angling towards the Death Knight's exposed left flank.
The knight's gauntlet flew out, snatching the glowing blade from the air before it could connect.
"This sword…"
His voice slithered out from his helmet.
His hand tightened around the weapon. Blood slowly trickled out from his fist as the blade cut through the metal.
Beady, red orbs locked on to Byleth.
"One of us will die, the other will live…" The Death Knight cackled madly. "I will enjoy this dance of damnation."
Felix's steel sword fell towards him.
The Death Knight let go of the Creator's Sword and jumped away, Felix's attack passing by harmlessly.
Byleth spared a single look at the rest of the battlefield. His Eagles were fighting valiantly against the other force, pushing them back.
His eyes hardened as he spotted a gash on Petra's arm. A burn on Bernie's cheek. A limping Ferdinand.
"Felix, show me what you are capable of," the professor said as he released the Sword of the Creator. "Attack with quick, decisive strikes. Don't engage him for more than a few seconds before retreating."
Felix nodded, shifting the grip on his sword before running forwards. Even in the face of an overwhelming foe, the swordsman didn't falter.
Byleth's grip tightened around the hilt. Horizontal slashes like the one before were out of the question now. Too many risks.
But if he could angle the sword to fly in a straight line…
The clash of steel on steel rang in his ears, bringing Byleth back to the present.
"Lysithea, are you ready?" Byleth turned to the girl behind him.
"Leave it to me," she replied, ever confident. The purple glow of magic pooled in her hand.
"Wait for my signal."
There was another clang as Felix's sword bounced off the black armor. It was a clean strike, but the Death Knight's shell proved to be too thick.
The moment Felix darted back, Byleth flung his arm forwards.
The Sword of the Creator cut a path down the corridor. Once again, red lightning crackled around the length of the blade.
The sword connected with the scythe, the tip coiling around the shaft and locking itself into place.
The Death Knight growled as the electricity arced through the metal shaft, his arms trembling as it jumped up his limbs. That had been an unexpected reaction, but a welcomed one.
With a firm tug, he wrenched the scythe from the reaper's grip. The Death Knight tumbled forwards slightly as his body was pulled.
"Now!"
Lysithea was already channeling her spell. Her arms hung in the air as the familiar purple light grew brighter in her hands. Thankfully, she could spot an opening when she saw one.
Eight, glimmering purple tendrils formed in the air, their points directed towards where the Death Knight stood.
As she brought her arms down, the dark spikes fell with them.
There was a thunderous boom as the magic connected, followed by a sphere of shimmering purple as the explosion spread outwards. He had to cover his eyes with an arm to avoid the blinding light.
Wind whipped at Byleth's jacket. Were his feet not planted so firmly on the ground, the force of the explosion might have toppled him over.
Byleth lowered his arm as the magic dissipated, his eyes wide at the crater left in Lysithea's wake.
That had been… more than he expected. No man would be left standing after an attack of that strength.
As the smoke cleared, Byleth could see the faint outlines of the Death Knight's black armor sprawled on the floor. Small wisps of smoke billowed from his metal body. His helmet rested on the stone. There was no red light shining in its sockets.
Byleth sheathed his sword, but his hand didn't stray too far.
"Professor."
Hubert's voice suddenly appeared beside him, causing the mercenary to jump.
"What is it, Hubert?" Byleth asked, finally tearing his eyes away from the reaper's form.
"We've reclaimed Flayn and the other one," Hubert said, motioning to the Black Eagles.
Byleth looked to the group behind him. Sure enough, a banged-up Caspar had the red-haired one slung over his shoulder like a sack, while a wincing Ferdinand gently cradled the unconscious Flayn in his arms.
Hubert turned his head towards the small crater, his expression souring.
"It appears you've finished up as well," he remarked, then looked back to Byleth. "What are your orders?"
"Take those two to the infirmary," Byleth replied, his gaze lingering on the Death Knight. "I'll be right behind you. I just need to make sure that-"
A strong gust of wind blew through the corridor, nearly blowing the two over. The flames of the torches were smothered out and the chamber grew darker. The only lighting that remained was whatever artificial light that enveloped the area.
"What is this?!" Hubert growled, his feet sliding back at the force of the wind.
And then…
The wind stopped.
And every other light went out.
Leaving them in complete and total darkness.
Goosebumps broke out up and down Byleth's arms as he sensed something stir in the abyss.
"Professor, what's going on?!" Lysithea shrieked.
"Professor, where are you?!" A scared Dorothea shouted from somewhere in the dark.
"AHHH! H-help! I-I can't see!" Bernadetta cried. "P-Professor Byleth, help!"
Byleth's breathing quickened as an unfamiliar emotion gripped him.
Fear.
His head swiveled around frantically, but in this permeating darkness, he could not see. He couldn't even see Hubert, who was standing only a few feet away. He couldn't find his students.
"Professor!"
"P-Professor!"
"Professor Byleth!"
All he could hear was them crying out his name.
"Tell me…"
Byleth froze as a familiar voice drifted through the dark.
"Will you see the blade that claims your lives?"
Thanks for reading everyone!
I wasn't planning on leaving this as a cliffhanger, but it was too good to pass up.
This chapter ended up being a bit more difficult to write than I expected! I had some trouble deciding how to handle the fight this chapter. The setting for this particular map is somewhat confusing, in retrospect. I wasn't sure if I wanted to stick to the formula of the story and tinker with all of those teleporting/defensive tiles and levers, or put my own spin on it.
Plus, I found it kind of weird looking back on it. I mean, the DK kinda just strolls up to you, says a few words, then I guess walks away? Is his horse chilling somewhere further in?
They clearly spot Flayn and Monica when they enter, so what happens with that? Do they just kind of leave them there while they chase after DK?
It's a bit of a conundrum. In the end, I went with a more simplified approach, and added my own spin on things. Hope you all liked it!
