Hey everyone! Welcome to the latest chapter of Love in the Dark.

Bit of a growing trend here, but originally I planned to fit everything in one chapter, but I found myself delving into some things I hadn't expected to, so to be safe I just split it into two chapters so I could get this first part how quicker.

Rebiele: I do have plans for Flayn! It'll be following one of the two choices Byleth can make revolving around Flayn and Seteth after the timeskip.

Hope you all enjoy!


Byleth stood at the window in his father's office, looking out the academy below. While he was once again faced with a reflection of himself, those soulless eyes of his once more staring back at him, he did not care. His mind was too busy racing through the possibilities the next few hours might hold. He was too preoccupied with thoughts of how to protect his loved ones- on how to get out of the Sealed Forest alive.

His fingers brushed against the Sword of the Creator. At his touch, the weapon sprung to life. Though he did not turn his head to it, he could see that red light out of the corner of his eyes.

In one more hour, he would leave to rejoin Edelgard and the others. The princess had no doubt gathered the Eagles by now and had likely informed them of their coming battle. Knowing his students, they probably all agreed readily.

The professor wished he had the confidence they did. While he had a plan of his own set in motion to ensure their safety, he was still uneasy. His heart could not shake this feeling of dread and impending doom that hung over him like a darkened cloud. It was only amplified by the fact that Byleth was no longer sure who was in the most danger; his students, or… himself.

Byleth lowered his head, staring down at his upturned palm.

These hands once worked without thought; solely relying on instinct to carry the rest of him through any battle. They had held swords, lances, axes, bows. They had casted spells. They had punched, grabbed, twisted, and throttled. Byleth's hands had only brought endings. To many, many people, that's what Byleth was to them; the end.

However, for all of those countless lives he had claimed, it was no longer their weight he felt linger on his fingertips. It was the warmth of Edelgard's hand. The feel of Bernadetta's hair. The touch of Dorothea and Lysithea's backs when they had danced together. Over time, these wonderful things had slowly overtaken the unseemly ones. That wasn't to say he had forgotten who he was. His past was still there… It always would be.

But, when Byleth considered who he truly was and why he was put here, it was no longer the Ashen Demon he pictured. No longer the mercenary.

When he thought of who or what he was, he saw himself as the professor for the Black Eagle house. As his students' friend. As Edelgard's… Whatever she needed him to be.

Byleth watched as his fingers slowly curled inwards, his hand closing into a fist.

Losing those things were just a handful of his many worries. When he stepped into that Sealed Forest… Byleth honestly didn't know what to expect from these hands. Would they revert to their old purpose? Or something more?

The knocking at the door pulled Byleth from his thoughts.

Taking a breath to compose himself, he turned away from his reflection to face his visitors.

"Come in."

The wooden door creaked as it opened, and in stepped Alois and Shamir.

"Hello." Shamir nodded at him, her arms crossed.

"Good afternoon, Professor!" The knight greeted Byleth with his usual gusto as he entered the room. "You called for us?"

The professor silently examined the two. Originally, he had considered asking Clade and Dimitri to accompany them as well, but his fuzzy memories regarding their last battle with the Demonic Beasts and Monica had given him pause. Byleth would never know with certainty what was currently affecting the prince's mental state, but whatever it was, it was clearly eating away at him. Dimitri had been suffering from something for a while now, and he feared that another bloody and emotional battle might just push him over the edge.

He had no such worries regarding the leader of the Deer, however. Claude von Riegan was the same as he always was; cocky, brimming with confidence and intelligence, with that mischievous side he was famed for. It had been a great relief knowing that this past month had not put a damper on his spirit.

But, in the end, Byleth could not bring himself to ask for his aid, either. Like Dimitri, Byleth viewed Claude as a friend.

A pair of friends that he would one day be at an impasse with. Due to their positions as leaders of the Kingdom and Alliance, the day was fast approaching where Byleth would undoubtedly cause them substantial amounts of pain and heartache. One day, they would see Byleth as an enemy more so than a comrade. While he didn't want to relinquish the friendships he had formed with those two, it was better for all involved if Byleth kept his distance until the time came to say farewell.

It was… regrettable, but it'd be better this way. There might come a time in the future where he could not protect them as he might Edelgard, but at the very least he could protect them now.

"Shamir, Alois," Byleth greeted them. "There's something I would like to ask of the two of you."

He did not hold the same fears for these two that he did the house leaders. When his allegiance to Edelgard came to light, it was likely to distress the two veterans, but Byleth was confident enough that it wouldn't affect them in the same ways it might Claude or Dimitri.

Shamir was an experienced mercenary, just as Byleth was. He was certain that during her time as a blade for hire, she had likely faced off against many past friends or allies. While it was a terrible thought to judge her in such a light, she was likely pragmatic enough to deal with Byleth one day becoming her foe.

And Alois… Honestly, Byleth didn't know what to expect. As foolish as it might be, the idealistic side to him truly believed in the oaths Alois had made him just a few days ago. Jeralt's former squire had sworn to protect Byleth with his very life… He only hoped that courtesy extended to those dear to the professor.

"What is it?" Shamir asked, curt as ever.

Byleth shifted his weight, suddenly feeling somewhat awkward. What he was going to ask of them was no small feat; in all likelihood, they would be risking their lives for him. Risking their lives for a man that would one day be their enemy. He did not like using them for his own agenda, nor did he enjoy the fact that he would be abusing the trust they held in him.

But if this decision was the difference between life and death, he couldn't worry about it. If a year from now, these two hated his guts, it would be a fair trade-off if it meant his students were still alive and breathing.

"I am sure you have been made aware of my upcoming mission in the Sealed Forest."

Alois and Shamir shared a knowing look.

"Lady Rhea had mentioned it, yes." Alois affirmed.

"I am no fool; I know what we'll be walking into." Byleth frowned as his thoughts once again drifted to the unknown.

"A waiting ambush in disadvantageous territory," Shamir clarified for him.

"Yes, that would be it." Byleth nodded. "…Which is why I'm asking for your help."

"Of course!" Alois bellowed, placing his fist to his chest. "Whatever you need, I, Alois, will gladly assist!"

Shamir rolled her eyes, ignoring her friend's antics.

"What do you need from us?" She asked. Straight to the point. Byleth appreciated that quality.

"To protect my students."

"That's it?"

"More or less."

Alois's enthusiasm died down as he ruminated on Byleth's words, likely the not-so-subtle implication behind his request.

"And where might you be during all of this, Professor?" He asked.

"At the front, clearing a path. I am the most equipped to deal with a sudden ambush or trap."

A reasonable conclusion, but Byleth hadn't decided that based on reason or logic. While it was true that he most likely would be the one best suited to lead the charge, he simply didn't want his students getting caught in the crossfire. He had agreed to Edelgard's way of doing things, but that didn't mean he wouldn't set up the necessary precautions to keep the others out of harm's way.

"A trap you won't have any knowledge of?" Shamir rose an eyebrow. "A possible ambush that you won't know when, or how, it might happen?"

"That's right."

"Foolish," Shamir scoffed. "We've all seen what they're capable of. Equipped or not, bumbling in blindly all by yourself will do no one any favors."

"I agree." Alois nodded. "If you plan to be at the forefront, at least let me join you. Strength in numbers, as they say."

"I'll be fine. Besides, I won't be going alone." Byleth shook his head. His assurance at least seemed to alleviate some of their worry; Alois in particular. "But, because I'll be at the front, I need you two to make up the rearguard to ensure the students' safety. I cannot be in two places at once, and their safety is paramount."

"True," Alois relented, rubbing his facial hair. "Yet, there surely must be alternatives to such a dangerous plan?"

"There might be," he admitted. "But unfortunately, I do not have the luxury of wasting time thinking one up. We must move quickly, and this is the plan I am most comfortable with."

Byleth looked to Shamir.

"Wouldn't it be better to know what we're dealing with sooner rather than later? Wouldn't it be wise to let someone experienced in this kind of battle shoulder whatever the enemy has in store?"

The archer frowned, clearly not entirely convinced, but she didn't voice any objections.

Their conversation was interrupted as the door opened.

"Professor, the Eagles are ready and waiting," Edelgard announced as she entered the room.

That was quick; she had returned earlier than he had expected.

The emperor paused, only now noticing the presences of Shamir and Alois. Her eyebrows rose for a split second before her features settled into a neutral expression. It was impressive, yet somewhat troubling how quickly she could put up that barricade.

"Sir Alois, Lady Shamir," she greeted the two formally.

"It's alright, Edelgard. They're filled in on the situation," he informed her, then turned back to the two. "I would not force either of you to put yourselves in danger, but I would greatly appreciate any-"

"Say no more, Professor," Alois said, holding up a hand to stop him. "If this is what you need from us, we will readily accept. Right, Shamir?"

The mercenary glanced at Alois, then looked to Byleth. For a second, he could feel her analyzing him. Shamir always had a critical gaze, but unlike Rhea's, he did not feel so disturbed by it. Perhaps it was because of the camaraderie he felt towards a fellow colleague, or perhaps because he was aware of what those eyes were looking for. Knowing Shamir, it was likely she was searching for the strength of his resolve or of his convictions rather than who or what he might be.

"Very well. My bow is yours."

Byleth relaxed.

"Thank you, Shamir. Thank you both."

"Think nothing of it," Alois said as he waved him off. "As knights, it is our duty to soldier our fellow man's burdens."

Byleth cocked an eyebrow. That didn't make any sense. Why would he purposefully use the wrong word…? The word he was looking for was 'shoulder,' right?

However, Shamir somehow seemed to understand his meaning, if her lengthy sigh was any indication.

"That was bad; even by your standards." The sniper shot him a pointed glare as she walked by. "We'll be waiting at the front gate, Professor."

"H-hold, Shamir! If that pun wasn't to your liking, I can surely think up a another!" Alois hurriedly followed after her.

"They certainly make for an interesting pair," Edelgard remarked to herself as she watched them go.

"That they do." Byleth smirked, absently running his hand across his father's desk. He was grateful they both agreed rather quickly after their disagreement regarding Byleth's role in all of this. He was expecting them to put up more of a fight. Perhaps they really did see the merit in his decision…

Or, perhaps they simply trusted in his judgement. Byleth would like to think so.

"They'll be coming with us, then?" Edelgard asked, glancing at him.

"Indeed. I'll feel much safer forging ahead if I know there are two more pairs of eyes watching over the Eagles."

"'Forging ahead?'" Edelgard repeated, her expression wavering. Though she tried to hide it, Byleth could hear that disapproving edge to her tone. "I presume you plan on running headlong into their trap, then."

As of late, Edelgard seemed to always have a lock on Byleth's thought process. Granted, in most cases he wasn't always so subtle, but she was still more perceptive than most. That fact did not upset him; if anything, he found it a testament to how close the two had gotten. He liked knowing that Edelgard had a read on him. He liked that she understood him. It made him feel… less alone.

However, it was rare for her to be wrong when she tried guessing his intentions.

"I am… Which brings me to my next question."

Byleth stepped out from behind his desk. Edelgard's gaze followed him as he approached.

It was likely a question that did not need to be asked, as Edelgard had made it quite clear many times before, but he would ask it regardless.

"Will you face Monica and Solon with me?"

Byleth did not know what was waiting for him in that forest. He did not know what they had planned for him, nor did he know exactly how he might respond to it. While he had a somewhat level head now, he knew that it wouldn't last. He did not wish to lose sight of himself as he did at Remire Village, but he knew it wouldn't be so easy; it was a fool's hope to think otherwise. Byleth understood his emotional state enough to know it would be impossible to stay composed in the face of these monsters.

Monsters that had tortured and used Edelgard and Lysithea.

That killed his friends.

That killed Jeralt…

There was no realm of possibility that these driving forces wouldn't influence his hands.

Byleth would see to it that they all met an end, but he feared how far he might just go to see that desire become a reality; he feared how much himself he might lose.

His father had once informed him that one doesn't kill without surrendering something in return- that you cannot claim something as heavy as another's life without losing a piece of yourself in the process. At the time, Byleth interpreted that nugget of wisdom in a literal sense; that in a battle of life and death, you should always be prepared to lose blood or a limb in the process.

However, as he grew older, as he learned more and more about the human heart, he began to understand the true meaning behind Jeralt's words. He understood that those other mercenaries drowning their demons in a bottle of liquor were doing so because they had lost something very dear to themselves.

They had lost their sanity… Their humanity. For many, they had become the monsters they had fought to kill.

Byleth did not want that. He did not want to revert to who he was before. He did not want to become like Solon and Monica; people who slaughtered for their own personal gain. Monsters who slaughtered without worry for the ramifications of their actions.

So, if the inevitable happened, if his hands grew cold in the blood that covered them, became thoughtless as they killed and maimed, became mere tools for the Ashen Demon to fill the void in his dormant heart…

He had to trust in the warmth of her hand in his.

Trust in her to make his heart beat again.

"Yes."

Edelgard's response was immediate. Byleth didn't expect anything else.

"Thank you, El." Byleth smiled and closed his eyes. As he thought of what Edelgard meant to him, he became vastly aware of the chain dangling down his chest.

When he opened them again, Edelgard's gaze had not left him. Though she was not smiling as he was, he could see the way her features brightened as he spoke her name.

Clearing her throat, she brushed a strand of her white hair behind her ear.

"Shall we depart, my teacher?"

"Yes." Byleth nodded, glancing at the desk behind him. "There's just one thing I…"

He did not know how to rightfully explain what he had to do first, so he elected it better to show her rather than explain it.

Walking over to the desk, he opened the bottom cabinet. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Edelgard raise an eyebrow out of curiosity, but she didn't say anything.

Pulling out the bottom drawer, he placed it on the desk.

"Come over here for a second."

Edelgard did, leaning forward to take a glimpse inside.

"There's nothing there." The emperor frowned, sneaking a peek at Byleth.

"There is."

Edelgard's eyes widened as he removed the false bottom. Byleth set the plank of wood aside, then pulled out his father's diary and the stuffed lion Byleth had picked out so long ago.

"These…" Byleth hesitated, his thumb gentle caressing one of the doll's torn ears. "Are two of my most valued possessions: my father's diary and this little toy."

She nodded slowly, once more her eyes squarely on him.

Byleth licked his dry lips, swallowing down the growing knot in his throat. Now came the hard part.

"If something were to happen to me-"

"Byleth, please don't-"

"Listen to me."

Edelgard frowned and looked away, snapping her mouth shut. Byleth didn't want to be the cause of that anguish in her brilliant purple eyes, but he would forever regret it if he didn't at least inform her of what's there.

"As much as I intend to keep my promise to you, I…"

It went against every fiber of his being to even consider breaking his promises to Edelgard, but he was a practical man.

He planned for everything.

He had a plan, then a backup plan to the backup plan.

Even he had things in place for a possible demise. Things he had set in motion months ago.

"If something were to happen to me, come to this room. Search this drawer. Everything I leave here, will be for you."

"Why…" Edelgard's frown deepened. "Why are you telling me this now?"

"I have no plans to die. My place is forever by your side," Byleth assured her. "But knowing that my most precious belongings would be protected by my most trusted friend, my dearest love… would be a great comfort to me."

Edelgard faltered, that stubborn refusal to accept the possibility of Byleth's death cracking beneath the weight of his words.

Her gaze jumped to the diary and the little lion, then to him. That pained look was still prevalent, but the strength Byleth loved her for had returned.

"I promise." She nodded.

Byleth sighed in relief. It might not be today, nor tomorrow, but if one day he did fall… Knowing that Edelgard would be there to receive these pieces of his heart gave him the strength to push onward.

He opened his mouth to thank her, only to be cut off before he could.

"I also promise that it'll never come to that. I will keep you safe," Edelgard said, her eyes shining with the fire they held. That fire flickered as she continued. "I will not lose you, too. I… I can't. I won't allow it."

The professor had to bite back the urge to wince as he felt a rattling in his ribcage. His hand instinctively shot up to grasp his chest beneath his tunic, nearly tugging his necklace off in the process. His heart ached as he heard the agony in her words; the agony of a woman who had lost everything once before.

The temperature in the room dropped as the mood worsened.

"I'm sorry, El," Byleth whispered. She had been the one to promise his safety, but he had to find a way to ensure her own; a way to cheat death. He didn't want to leave her all alone… He didn't want to be one more tally on the list of all she's lost.

"You do not need to apologize; the fault is not yours, it's…" Edelgard sighed, shaking her head. "I'm being selfish. Forget I even said such a thing."

Byleth tilted his head to the side. How was that? It wasn't selfish. It was a very human thing to hold so tightly to what you loved. He could not fault her for that. Were there positions reversed, Byleth would feel no differently than her. He was the one threatening to break his oath to her. What did she have to apologize for?

"You're not being selfish," he told her as such. If anything, Byleth was more selfish than she ever could be.

Edelgard held his gaze for a moment longer. The princess turned away, but not before giving Byleth's belongings one final look.

"We should… depart. The others are likely waiting for us."

"Very well."

Placing the diary and lion back into the drawer, he fitted the false bottom into its grooves and gently pushed it all back into the desk. His hand lingered on its wood. For a brief second, he considered placing his parents' ring inside as well, but decided against it.

Walking out from behind the desk, he made his way to Edelgard's side.

"Let's be off, then."

Edelgard nodded, and the two left the room without another word between them. Byleth closed and locked the door behind him.

The monastery was surprisingly quiet as the two made their way through the second floor. Other than a passing guard here or there, there really wasn't that many people up here at this time of day. Byleth wondered if that was due to the fact that most knights were probably still deployed to various other locations.

He snuck a glance at the Imperial heir as they walked. The fragile and frail look he had seen Edelgard making moments ago was gone now. Her head was held high, her eyes pointing straight ahead.

But even so, he could see the distant look they held. It wasn't so much as Edelgard was looking in front of her, but what laid beyond. Her pupils danced back and forth as they searched for what the future might hold, her teeth lightly chewing on her bottom lip as she probably thought of the worst. Their prior conversation was no doubt weighing heavily on her still.

Byleth reached for her hand, lightly taking it in his own.

Edelgard flinched as his fingers fit between hers. Her hand was rigid in his.

"Byleth?" She murmured his name.

"I don't want to forget this warmth."

Edelgard's eyes widened as he spoke honestly. She gave their conjoined hands a single look before her sight returned to what was in front of her.

Yet, as they walked, she squeezed his hand as hard as she could, honoring his request.


The trek to the Sealed Forest would not be a long one. It was only half a day's march, but at the pace Byleth was pushing them to set, it'd be considerably lessened. He did not relish forcing his students to exert themselves like that, but he feared what the ensuing battle might be like should they arrive at nightfall. Low visibility would only make things riskier, and with more risk, came more danger.

As he walked, Byleth looked to the group behind him. The line of Eagles went for several feet. Most of them were divvied up into pairs, while Alois and Shamir brought up the rear. They all were unusually quiet for an assignment. Byleth could always expect to hear a loud voice or two above the rest, but today, there was no idle chitchat; likely due to the severity of the situation approaching them.

Byleth met Edelgard's eyes, who had been walking beside him at the front for most of the trip. She did not look as disheartened as she had earlier, but he knew it was likely she would still be reflecting over their previous conversation.

Sighing, Byleth returned his gaze to the path ahead. In the distance, he could see the tops of great trees poke over the horizon. It wouldn't be long now.

Sothis?

Byleth internally called out to his partner, only to be met with silence. Since his decision to head to the Sealed Forest, she had been suspiciously quiet. Byleth could hazard a guess as to why.

Are you upset with me?

"Of course I am, you fool!"

As expected, that had managed to lure her out.

"Like a boulder that rolls down whatever hill it's on, you are simply moseying right into their designs! No, even a boulder has enough sense to not move unless forced to!"

Byleth sighed again. He couldn't say she was totally off base.

"Is something wrong, Professor?" Edelgard asked upon noticing his sigh.

"Nothing." Byleth shook his head.

I'm sorry, Sothis.

"As you should be!" Sothis huffed. Byleth could almost picture her angrily adjusting herself on her throne. "Although…"

The goddess went meek as she continued.

"I do suppose it is a wise course of action to remove those two before they can cause more harm… After all, they are the ones that claimed Jeralt's life… They are certainly too dangerous to be left to their own devices…" Sothis mumbled to herself. "E-Even so! Have some self-preservation!"

I will, Sothis. I promise.

Byleth didn't have a death wish. If it could be avoided, he would certainly prefer to not die.

"Good! That's… good," Sothis sighed. "Forgive me, Byleth. I did not mean to sound overly critical; I am only… worried. There is a small chance that I allowed that worry to get the better of me."

Byleth resisted the smirk that tugged at his lips.

You don't need to apologize. I am the one putting our lives in danger. You're the one forced to follow along.

"I would not word it like that," Sothis murmured. "And it is not my own life I am concerned with. I…"

Byleth raised an eyebrow at the hesitation in Sothis's voice. It was very rare that the goddess had difficulty finding her words. If anything, she was one of the more open people Byleth knew.

"I would rather you did not meet a gruesome end on this day."

Byleth blinked, turning his eyes to the ground before sneaking another glance at Edelgard. He silently watched as she walked forward. Watched as her white hair bobbed with each step. Watched as the occasional gloved hand would move to brush it out of her face.

I would like that as well.

When Edelgard noticed Byleth's eyes on her, she turned to look at him. Byleth smiled at her. She did not seem to know why he did, if the confusion on her face was any indication, but she responded in kind, nonetheless.

Thank you, Sothis.

"Huh?" She sounded surprised to hear that. "Why are you thanking me, when only moments ago I was the one to deliver upon you a tongue-lashing?"

Because you care about me.

"…Extremely so," Sothis whispered. Byleth could feel her smile seep into her words. "There is no other boulder I would rather be bound to."

This boulder feels the same.

The chime-like sounds of Sothis's soft giggling reverberated in her ears. As her mood lifted, Byleth's did as well. He could not ascertain if that was because of their connection to one another, or if it was because that sound put him at ease.

As her laughter died down, Sothis did as well. Again, as he could not see her, Byleth could not be sure, but he felt a twinge to this silence. It was not as comfortable as the others they had shared. He did not know why.

Sothis?

Byleth called her name, but she did not respond. She was ruminating on something, but as to what, he was not certain.

Is something wrong?

"Hm?" Sothis hummed. "Ah, it is nothing. I was only… reflecting upon our intertwined fates."

Did you recall something?

The silence returned; it spoke volumes.

"Yes, but that is a conversation I promise we'll have another time. For now, your destination is fast approaching."

Byleth frowned, not entirely comfortable with her quick deflection, but she had been right. As they conversed, the Sealed Forest had grown closer and closer. It wouldn't be long now before they were underneath its cover of trees.

With Sothis's cryptic reply still lingering on the forefront of Byleth's mind, the professor stopped to address the group following behind him.

"Byleth?" Edelgard rose a brow as she watched. The sound of his name from her lips brought him back to the real world and the task at hand.

"Let's wait for the others." Byleth motioned towards the group crowding in. Edelgard nodded in reply.

One by one, his students, plus Alois and Shamir, slowed to a stop before him. Linhardt, Ferdinand, Petra, Dorothea, Bernadetta, Caspar, Hubert, Lysithea, Felix, and Flayn. As they all came to stand before him, Byleth allowed himself a single moment to take them all in.

"Today may very well be our most difficult battle to date," Byleth began, catching each of their eyes as his own passed by. "What awaits us in that forest may be more than we're prepared for. If you want to walk away now, I will not hold it against you. You are free to do so."

As he expected, not a single one of his students made any moves to leave. If anything, the determination in their eyes burned even brighter- even the meek Bernadetta's will looked unbreakable. The groggy Linhardt did not look tired in the slightest. The gentle Dorothea did not waver in the face of their coming challenge. The brooding Hubert didn't appear annoyed by Byleth's talking.

He could hardly believe how much they had grown. The close-knit class that stood before him was so drastically different from the disorganized group he had met nearly ten months ago. They all had become so… strong. In body, spirit, and the bonds they had formed. Byleth was very proud of them all.

Smiling, Byleth continued.

"Edelgard, Hubert and I will clear a path to the middle. Should Monica or Solon present themselves, we will handle them."

The Eagles nodded, none of them voicing any complaints with his strategy so far. Even Hubert agreed fairly easily.

"The rest of you, led by Alois and Shamir, will bring up the rear. Pick off the remaining foes and we'll regroup in the center. Keep your eyes peeled for any hidden enemies. Given the terrain, we are susceptible to ambushes."

Byleth paused, allowing time for anyone that may have a question. When none came, he finished.

"Let us proceed with caution," Byleth said, drawing the Sword of the Creator. "The three of us will enter the forest first. Once we do, wait thirty minutes, then follow at a steady pace."

The class nodded as one. He locked eyes with the knight and mercenary, who were standing near the back of the pack.

"Thank you both," Byleth told them, then looked to his students. "Follow Alois and Shamir's orders as if they were my own. Got it?"

"Understood, Professor," the Eagles replied in unison.

"Good." Byleth smiled slightly, then motioned to Edelgard and Hubert. "Let's get a move on, then."

With the two in tow, Byleth turned towards the entrance to the forest. If he didn't go now, he might not ever have the strength to leave the rest of his class.

He couldn't help but feel afraid that he was making the wrong decision. It was hard not to be when over a dozen men and women's lives hung on Byleth's every decision.

But he had to be strong, have trust in his comrades, and in himself. Splitting up was dangerous, but he had to trust that this was, in the end, the correct choice. The brunt of the danger would fall on his shoulders instead of his students', and if everything did go horribly wrong, he could at least ensure Edelgard and Hubert's safety. Alois and Shamir could watch over them in his stead, and the Eagles as a whole would be strong enough to get out of this forest if nothing else.

"Are you two ready?" Byleth asked them as they fell into step.

"Always, my teacher."

"Indeed; I will trust in your judgement this time, Professor." Hubert dipped his head.

Byleth exhaled slowly, setting his sights on the trees approaching him. The Sealed Forest was thick. It was nearly impossible to see through the brush at what lied within.

"Professor!"

The teacher stopped, raising a brow as he turned his head back to his class. It was Dorothea that had called out to him.

"We won't let you down."

"You can be counting on us!" Petra exclaimed

"We'll do you proud, Teach!" Caspar grinned, flexing a bicep.

Byleth's eyes widened.

"We are the Black Eagle house," Ferdinand reminded him, placing a hand to his chest. "Walk forward without hesitation, Professor, and know we will be right behind you. Whatever awaits us within will be no match for the greatest house in all of the academy."

"Together, we cannot fail!" Flayn assured him.

"Go get 'em, Professor!" Bernadetta said, pumping a fist in the air.

"They really have grown, have they not?" Sothis remarked quietly within his mind. "To think, even the frightened rabbit would have the bravery to follow in your footsteps."

Byleth closed his eyes and smiled.

Perhaps it's time for this professor to follow their example.

Opening them, Byleth met their expectant faces.

"You've already done me proud. Be careful, everyone."

Mustering his resolve, with the faces of his students never straying too far from his mind, Byleth turned towards the Sealed Forest.

With Edelgard and Hubert close behind, the trio disappeared into the line of trees.


"The visibility is awful," Sothis muttered. "Keep your wits about you, Byleth."

Byleth's grip tightened around the hilt of his sword in response. The inside of the Sealed Forest was just as ominous as the outskirts. With the ceiling of leaves and branches covering the sky, the light from the falling sun could barely break through. It was though time had passed by in nothing but a second and the night had come. With the fog that crept across the blanket of leaves on the ground, the visibility really was poor.

'Sealed Forest' was a fitting name for a place so cut off from the outside world. Byleth felt like he had stepped out of the real world and into somewhere far more treacherous.

A dried batch of leaves crunched beneath his boot as he took another step. Though the noise was light, to Byleth it sounded as though he had just stepped on a pile of glass.

It was entirely too quiet. They were traversing through a forest, so there should have been some other signs of life outside of the three of them. A wolf howling, birds chirping, owls hooting. Anything.

Yet, as Byleth, Edelgard, and Hubert carefully made their ways through the labyrinth of trees, he could hear nothing but the sounds of their footsteps or the puffs of their controlled breathing. If he didn't know any better, he'd think they were the only occupants of this place.

However, looks can be deceiving. Though it may appear tranquil, Byleth knew it really was not.

"Do you feel that, Byleth?" Sothis asked. It seemed he wasn't the only one to notice.

"They're watching us," Byleth mumbled under his breath. He felt it the moment they entered their domain; multiple pairs of eyes following their every movement. Killing intent that seemed to grow closer with each step they took.

"They have been since we entered," Hubert concurred. "Tread carefully."

Byleth nodded. He wasn't sure when his foes would make their move, but it could be any-

Edelgard's brow twitched. She motioned for the two men to stop by raising her fist.

"We're no longer alone," the princess whispered. "There's something lurking within the fog."

Byleth frowned, following her gaze. It was impossible to see more than a dozen or so feet in front of him with how heavy the mist was, but now that it had been mentioned, Byleth felt it as well. A rustle here, a twig snapping there. It had been masked before by his own movements.

It was worrying that it had taken him this long to notice, but perhaps Edelgard's senses were more finely tuned than his. Given her heightened strength and instincts due to her pair of Crests, Byleth would not be surprised.

With their ears on high alert, the trio continued onward. Now that Edelgard had pointed it out, the sounds she had heard seemed to be much more prevalent. Whoever was out there was craftier than he realized, as it seemed they waited to move only when he did. When he took a step, so did they. When he took a breath, so did they… Had Edelgard not made him aware of it, he might have attributed the sounds to one of the three of them instead of an enemy.

Byleth froze, his head perking up as a terribly familiar sound shattered the nerve-wracking silence.

Twang!

His eyes widened. Before his mind could register what his ears had heard, he was already moving.

"Get back!"

Instinctively turning his body towards the noise, he pushed Edelgard behind him with his free arm.

The arrow had arrived much quicker than he had expected- he did not have the time to raise his weapon to deflect it.

"Byleth?!"

Byleth grimaced as the wooden shaft punched through his armor, embedding itself in his shoulder. The breath was stolen from his lungs as incredible amounts of pain flared up and down the length of his left arm, radiating from the entry point of the arrow's tip.

Almost immediately that stabbing pain morphed into a burning sensation; as though someone had lit his very blood on fire. The prickling sensation of thousands of pins and needles poked his skin. Against his will, the tensed muscles in his left arm went completely limp.

Poison?!

Stabbing the Sword of the Creator into the ground, he used his good hand to tear the arrow out. If he was lucky, by removing the source and opening the wound, the toxin wouldn't have as strong an effect. Whatever they coated the tip in was fast acting, but if it was truly a lethal dose, Byleth would be dead by-

"Ambush!" Hubert shouted.

Byleth jerked his head up just in time to see nearly a dozen men appear from the fog. The two closest were wielding a sword and lance respectively, while two behind them carried bows.

"Spread out!" He barked. "Hubert, deal with the archers!"

Edelgard darted forward, while Hubert jumped back, magic already primed in his palm.

The emperor met the first two enemies head on, while Hubert focused his attacks on the archers in front of her. A ball of dark magic tore through the leaves, burning them to cinders as it raced towards his first target.

The archer shrieked in agony as the magic washed over his chest.

The second had taken aim at Hubert by now, but he proved far too slow for someone of Hubert's caliber. By the time he had nocked his arrow, Hubert had already struck.

The man was thrown to the side as the black fire engulfed his chest. As he fell to the ground, he frantically clawed at the unquenchable flames eating away at him.

That was two down. Knowing Edelgard's battle prowess, it wouldn't take much for another two to follow.

All he needed to do was down an antidote, reclaim his sword, and join the-

"Byleth! To your left!" Sothis cried.

Byleth twisted towards the direction, his eyes widening as he saw another group of men converging on their flank.

"Damn it," he cursed under his breath, digging his feet in as he waited for the closest swordsman to make their move. There wouldn't be time to heal his wounds and cleanse his system; he'd have to power through and hope he could finish this before the poison might spread elsewhere.

Though his left arm was essentially dead weight for the time being, even in this state Byleth should be more than enough to repel their attack.

With only a few feet separating them, the enemy swordsman raised his blade.

Dodge his blow. Pin it to the ground. Retaliate.

At the final second, Byleth spun to the side as the sword cleaved through the air. The blade's sharpened edge buried itself into the dirt. Just by that one attack alone, Byleth could tell this person was unexperienced and poorly trained.

That would make things easy.

Raising his leg, Byleth stomped on the flat of the sword, pinning it to the forest floor. With his good arm, he threw his elbow into the man's jaw. There was a terrible cracking sound as the bone beneath his flesh broke.

The man grunted as he stumbled to the side, his sword wrenched from his grip. Had he the full use of both of his arms, Byleth would have been able to finish him with ease.

But with another two of Solon's forces already on top of him, Byleth had no choice but to resort to guerilla tactics.

Avoid. Use the arrow. Retrieve your sword. Quick, concise movements.

The first man to reach him was an axe wielder. Byleth was grateful for that; of all the weapons out there, the axe was certainly the slowest.

As the axe flew towards his neck, Byleth weaved underneath it. Borrowing a move from Claude's playbook, Byleth twirled the poisoned arrow across his knuckles, regripping the shaft point first.

Rising to his full height, Byleth plunged it into the waiting neck.

The man gargled as blood filled his mouth, trembling hands already grasping at his inflamed skin.

Byleth kicked at the side of his knee, forcing him to buckle. As his leg gave in, his body twisting awkwardly to the side, the professor looped his good arm around the bleeding neck, pulling the dying man's back to his chest.

Not even two seconds later, two more arrows punched through Byleth's makeshift shield.

Taking a step back, he kicked the already deceased man towards the oncoming lancer. The two men tumbled to the ground. Another threat diverted, but only for a short while.

The swordsman whose jaw he broke was moving to reengage him. Given the anger and contempt the man had in his eyes, Byleth could tell he pissed him off. Another prime example of his inexperience.

Take advantage of his anger.

Easier said than done. Hand-to-hand combat with a man wielding a blade would not be simple, but given the terrain he currently found himself in, Byleth had a few ideas. It would prove beneficial that rage was perhaps the most encompassing emotion in a battle. When one was overcome with anger, they were unlikely to pay much attention to their surroundings, as their sights would only be set on one, single thing.

The swordsman ran towards him, his knuckles white as he gripped the hilt of his blade.

As he attempted a horizontal swing at Byleth's waist, Byleth jumped.

With his good hand, he took hold of the branch above him and curled his body upwards. He wouldn't be able to hold this position for long, as there were no feasible ways in which a single arm could support the entirety of his body, but it should hold long enough.

As the sword passed by, only inches away from his rear, Byleth wrapped his legs around the man's neck. The man's eyes bulged, filled with surprise and fear as Byleth's legs locked around his throat and squeezed.

Letting go of the branch, Byleth twisted his body to the side as the two fell, slamming the man into the dirt.

The moment he felt his body crash, Byleth's hands shot towards the dagger he carried on his belt. In one fluid motion he pulled it from its sheathe, then plunged it into the man's midsection, directly beneath the ribs.

As the swordsman's squirming ended, Byleth pushed himself off the ground and back to his feet. He only had a few seconds before they'd be right on top of him.

Retreating to where the Sword of the Creator still rested in the dirt, Byleth pulled it from the ground-

-Then smacked aside another duo of arrows.

The lancer, who had finally managed to untangle himself from the carcass Byleth threw on him, was back on his feet. Letting out a savage roar, he charged with his lance. Byleth instantly noticed how close to the ground the point of the lance was.

Ferdinand would have known better than to commit such an egregious mistake.

Rinse and repeat.

Lunging forward, Byleth smashed his boot atop its shaft, pinning it to the floor and cracking the wood in the process.

Lifting his sword, Byleth pushed its tip through the man's chest, then tore it out as swiftly as it had entered. The body made no sound as it fell unceremoniously to the leaves and mud beneath it.

Turning his gaze to the two archers that remained, Byleth flicked his wrist. The Sword of the Creator unfurled, awaiting his commands.

There.

Byleth leaned to the side as another two arrows passed harmlessly by, lodging themselves into the tree trunk behind him.

He whipped the Sword of the Creator towards the source of the attacks, making sure to keep its trajectory in a straight line. As they were currently surrounded by sky-high trees, Byleth couldn't risk accidentally toppling one of them in the process.

The professor was rewarded with a cry of pain as he felt the blade struck home. Jerking his sword to the right, he was rewarded with another as the sword cut through flesh and bone.

Byleth flinched as the Creator's sword smacked back into its hilt. The glowing blade was coated in blood, signifying his aim was true.

Wiping the viscous liquid off on the back of one of the men he killed, Byleth turned his focus to the battle behind him.

Though, 'battle' may have been a generous term. It was more like Edelgard and Hubert's combined strength squashed whatever attempt Solon's men had made. Though their foe was greater, the two Eagles didn't even seem to break a sweat.

In fact, Edelgard seemed more concerned with him than she did the fallen.

"Byleth," she uttered his name as she hurried over to him, her hands already moving to care for his wound. "You- you should have avoided that! Why take the arrow in my stead? I would have been able to-"

Byleth gripped her two smaller hands in his own. While it caught her off guard, his touch seemed to calm her somewhat after that initial shock.

"Edelgard, I'll be fine," he assured her softly. "Besides, the tip was poisoned. I couldn't risk it hitting you or Hubert."

"Poisoned?!" Edelgard exclaimed, anger blossoming in her wide eyes. "You couldn't have mentioned that sooner?!"

Perhaps he was better off not mentioning that.

"When would he have had the chance?" Hubert questioned, raising a brow.

Reaching into his uniform, he pulled out a small, grey vial and removed the cork.

"Here," he said, offering it to Byleth.

The professor nodded his thanks, taking the bottle and downing it in a single gulp. The taste was extremely bitter; like someone had boiled down dark chocolate and removed any hints of sweetness. It made him want to gag, and coated his mouth in a terrible taste, but he forced the vile concoction down.

And, after a few moments, the medicine had its effects. The terrible burning in his arm quieted down to a dull throb.

"Thank you, Hubert," Byleth sighed in relief as he watched his hand close and open.

With that taken care of, he casted a simple healing spell to mend the damage done by the arrow. The tugging sensation of his flesh slowly closing was uncomfortable, but nothing compared to the injury itself.

"See?" Byleth wiggled his arm in Edelgard's general direction. "All better now."

Edelgard's eyebrows knitted together as she glanced at the torn hole in his clothing. She didn't look convinced or set at ease in the slightest.

"It is remarkable how easily you can shrug off being poisoned," Edelgard sighed, a hand massaging her brow. "But, as long as you are okay… I suppose we should put the matter to rest and continue onward."

"Let's." Byleth nodded.

"We've thwarted their attack for now," Hubert said, reeling their focus back to the matters at hand. "But we should expect greater numbers further in."

"There are sure to be more surprises waiting for us," Byleth agreed, shaking his hand to restore some of its feeling.

"Indeed." Hubert nodded. "Once we reach the center, there'll be a clearing. I am sure what waits us there will be much grander than this paltry force."

"It's likely the intent of this ambush was to gauge our strength, or to soften us up before the real battle begins," Edelgard concurred, turning to Byleth. "Be prepared for much more fearsome foes than this lot."

"Understood," Byleth paused to give his two allies a once over. "Are you two ready to push forward?"

Both nodded.

"Good. Watch your surroundings."

Holding his sword now in both hands, Byleth set out once again with Edelgard and Hubert at his side.

As they crept across the forest floor, Byleth's eyes went back to scanning the surrounding area for any potential threats. The two were most likely correct in their assessments; if the intent of that ambush truly was to kill and maim, they could have easily claimed that. Had that arrow had a more potent poison doused on its tip, Byleth would surely be dead now. Instead, the attackers were felled, while they continued onward. That decision was curious as it was baffling, and yet…

Byleth feared what that might mean. He feared the conclusions his mind had drawn. If they truly didn't intend for that little ambush to seal the deal…

What could they have at their disposal that they'd be more confident in?

Byleth exhaled slowly, shaking the fear from his head.

While that worry still gnawed at his heart, this little scuffle had increased his own confidence at the very least.

One battle down, a battle that did not start in his favor, and he had yet to find a need to use Divine Pulse. As he still could not assuage the doubt that came with that logic-defying ability, Byleth was quite thankful its power was not needed. If he and the others could make it through today without once having to turn back the hands of the clock, Byleth would count that as a victory.

As long as they were all safe, that's all that mattered. If it was his blood that spilled, that was alright.

To him, that would be a fair trade-off. As long as they lived, it was fine.

As long as she lived.

…It would be fine.


"This forest gives me the heebie jeebies," Alois mumbled, ducking underneath a low-hanging branch. The knight looked to Shamir, who was currently leading the way. "Are you sure this is the path they took, Shamir?"

"Yes."

The mercenary knelt down, her fingers brushing against a pile of crushed leaves, her eyes landing on a snapped twig.

A spider crawled across it.

Drawing her bow, Shamir rose to her full height and turned to face the flock of Eagles. Without looking, she squashed the insect beneath her boot.

"It's this way," she said, motioning with her head towards the direction Byleth had taken.

"I hate this place," Lysithea sighed to herself as she followed behind. "It's too…"

"Spooky?" Linhardt finished for her.

"That is not the terminology I would have used," Lysithea grumbled. "But I suppose it is an apt enough term."

"Do you think they're alright?" Dorothea asked worriedly as she stepped over a root. "This place is so… gloomy. I wouldn't want to be caught dead fighting in forest like this one."

"There is not a single doubt in my mind that they are in good health," Ferdinand declared, his back straight and chin held high as he walked. "The professor is surely skilled in fighting in such terrain, and with Edelgard and Hubert complimenting him, I am sure there is nothing to fear!"

"Pipe down back there," Shamir barked in a hushed whisper. "This area is far from safe."

"Yes…" Petra nodded warily. "I have been feeling eyes on me since we started."

"I'm not the only one, then," Felix murmured, his hand never straying too far from his blade.

Shamir frowned, clutching her bow a little tighter. Though some of the Eagles were a little too loud for her liking, they were correct. The mercenary's trained eyes and ears couldn't detect anything lurking in the shadows; but she could not shake the feeling that they were being watched. Something was out there, but as to what it might be, she could not tell.

She never liked not knowing when a threat might present itself. It put her on edge.

Shamir's feet slowed to a stop, her eyes widening as her nose picked up a scent. A familiar scent.

The smell of smoke.

The smell of burning flesh.

"Hold," she ordered, holding her hand up to stop them.

Once she was certain the class had followed her instructions, she stalked forward, her gaze cutting through the thick fog and veil of branches and leaves to try and spot whatever fire was creating the stench.

As her feet drew her closer to the source, her eyes caught on something. It was brighter than her surroundings, but it had not been the fire she had been expecting. It was much, much smaller than she had anticipated.

Instead of orange, yellow, and red, the flames were colored a dark blue. Almost black.

And they were entirely confined to one, dead man.

As she scanned the area, the other signs of battle became vast apparent. Nearly a dozen corpses. The deep red of blood splattering the ground. Torn branches and damaged trunks. Arrows protruding from the wood.

"They've definitely been through here," Alois remarked as he came up behind her. "Looks like they repelled an ambush."

Shamir hummed quietly, spotting a grey object poking out from under a few leaves.

Stepping on another spider that had scurried out from its shelter, Shamir knelt down.

Brushing away the leaves, she picked up the vial. She ran her finger across the rim, then placed it to her lips to give it a taste.

"What is it, Shamir?" Alois asked, watching her curiously.

Ignoring her partner, she tossed the used antidote aside and strode over to one of the arrows.

Ripping it out from the tree, she held the arrow and its head but a few inches away from her eyes. Obviously, if it would be impossible to discern whatever poison they might have used with sight alone, but…

Holding it beneath her nose, she took a cursory sniff.

Grimacing at the pungent odor, she tossed the used arrow aside.

"The tips are coated in poison," Shamir stated, wiping her hands off on her pants. "One of the three was hit."

Shamir couldn't be certain, but after their conversation earlier in the day, she'd wager that it was Byleth. He was the type of man that held others' safety above his own.

"P-Poison?" Bernadetta's eyes widened. "A-Are they okay?"

"Likely." Shamir nodded, pointing towards the discarded vial. "One of them came well prepared."

"Troublesome news, indeed," Flayn whispered, her head turning back and forth as she examined the woods.

"Don't worry," Shamir replied, drawing an arrow and placing it to the bow's string. "Just don't get hit, and you'll be fine."

"Well, that's reassuring." Caspar frowned.

"If nothing else, one of the healers can take care of it," Shamir shrugged, then set out once more. "Enough talking. Let's continue onward."

The group quieted down, following behind her once more.

As they walked, Shamir's fingers held her nocked arrow a little tighter. Her eyes worked a little harder. Her ears listened a little closer.

The knowledge that her foes would be incorporating poisons and other toxins into their attacks was troubling news indeed, but it was not unexpected. Knowing the group they were hunting, it hardly came as a surprise.

If she wanted to complete the task Byleth had entrusted to her, she'd simply have to strike first.

It was… strange. Shamir had no real allegiance to Byleth or his class, yet… She found herself trusting in his decisions and judgements. Found herself tied to the clumsy kids behind her, even though most of them were born from the very nobles she hated having dealings with.

Perhaps it was simply because she didn't want to see needless death, or perhaps it was because one of them dying would amount to a failure on her part.

Or, perhaps she simply didn't want to see a person lose someone they loved. Shamir understood that pain.

I'm getting sentimental.

Which was unlike her. She had never been one to cling to sentiments before.

The former merc pondered if that slight change was due to her increasing time in Fódlan, or if it was more because of her time with the professor and his students. Shamir and Byleth didn't have many dealings in the past year, but since the incident in Remire Village they had seen more of each other. Not a lot, but they had the occasional conversation here and there. On a few occasions where she hadn't been busy with her own work, she had even assisted the professor in some training exercises.

If she spent more time around this group, would she become even… mushier?

Shamir snuck a glance at the students behind her.

She wondered if Byleth had the same thoughts and feelings when he first signed on as a professor. Given the tales she had heard of his feats with the Blade Breaker, she could only speculate, but she assumed so. The man that had asked for her assistance in Remire was hardly what she pictured when envisioning the Ashen Demon.

"Something troubling you, Shamir?" Alois asked upon noticing the contemplative look on her face.

"It's nothing." Shamir shook her head. Now was hardly the time to be considering such things. "Let's pick up the pace."


And that's that! Since it feels like it's been ages since I wrote an action scene, I couldn't help myself from bringing back Byleth's thoughts during battle like I did with the Miklan chapter. That was pretty fun to write, not gonna lie.

One of the things I found myself doing this chapter was exploring Shamir a bit more, as I love some Shamir. I have my reasons, but this chapter felt like a good a time as any to start laying some ground work for some other things I have planned later on. Some of it isn't... exactly the most subtle. You can probably hazard a few guesses of a few certain scenes to expect come timeskip time if you caught some of the details here and there.

Anyhow, next chapter we'll get to the conclusion of the Kronya and Solon fight! It'll most likely be a BIGGIE, as it's a huuuuge chapter for a myriad of reasons. Expect more Edelgard POV come next chapter too, by the way.

And, before I go, just wanted to touch on the upcoming DLC a bit just to give you guys some clarity on how I'll handle them:

Unfortunately, given just how close we are to the end of Part One, I will not be incorporating any of the new story into Love in the Dark. It sucks, but hey, what can you do? I'd have to beat the DLC, read the supports, then beat Crimson Flower again to get a grasp of their characters in this route. It'd just take up too much time, and I don't want to just toss them in during War Phase. If the DLC arrived around Flayn's Kidnapping, man that would have been PERFECT. But, alas... Sorry, fellas.

However, if I end up really liking the DLC and the characters, maybe once this is over I'll do a lil somethin somethin for them and the Eagles. We'll see.

Welp, that's it for now! Thanks for reading everyone, can't wait to see you all next time!

Take care!