Here's the next chapter, taking place where the last one left off.
Disclaimers: Fire Emblem Warrior: Three Hopes was made by Nintendo/Koei Techmo, the characters and setting of Fire Emblem belonging to its creators themselves.
A Shaded Past
Shez readied herself, pointing one of her two blades at the Sorceress"What exactly do you want with me, anyway?"
"Simple: I need you alive, word of your mysterious powers came to be through my peers" Zadiria replied"So despite appearances, I will not kill you this instant, but if it comes down to force: Then so be it."
Bylwth stepped forward, blade ready"I've heard enough out of you" he said"The fact that you are threatening a general of the kingdom, whose payroll I and the rest of Jeralt's mercenaries are under has made it clear that you are a threat to be neutralized."
"Ooh, the Ashen Demon thinks he can scare me" Zadiria mocked"Well, I am up for a little sport." Two of her swordmasters charged at the pair. Shez intercepted both of them, blocking with her blades before jumping backwards to stab one in the chest, killing him.
Byleth intercepted the other swordmaster, easily disarming and cutting him down before having to dodge as a mage tried to attack him with Elfire. Shez rushed forward and cut down the mage.
Zadiria smiled and cast orbs of dark magic at Byleth, driving him back before Shez threw a Blizzard spell at her, freezing her in place long enough for the purple-haired mercenary to knock her backwards with a kick before going to deal with a Halberdier.
Two enemy Swordmasters and a Mortal Savant charged next, accompanied by a couple Imperial Cavaliers.
"How many troops does she have?" Shez exclaimed as she parried a swordmaster.
"She's probably working with the Empire" Sothis suddenly spoke"Its not surprising she would have a brigade at her back" she easily warped Byleth's body behind a Halberdier and took him down.
Zadiria unfroze, furiously casting Bolganoe at Shez, who dodged and rushed at her, only for the sorceress to warp away and drive Shez back with dark spikes. Shez staggered, but slashed again, only for a swordmaster to come forward and block her.
Byleth managed to dodge and cut down a Cavalier.
"Quite the spectacle, looks like we have no choice but to cut in" said another voice as Jeralt, Alois, Raphiel, Ignatz, Lorenz and two more people came onto the scene: A white haired young woman and another young woman with orange hair and armor.
"Good thing Seteth sent us the message that Fort Merceus has been taken" Ignatz commented.
"I can't believe how many Imperial troops are left after King Dimitri and Claude's groups were done with them after defeating Duke Aegir" Lorenz commented"As a noble, I say we should intervene."
"My thought exactly" Jeralt was about to join the fight"Leonie, the two of us will take point with Lorenz and Alois."
"You got it, captain" Leonie grinned, the group diving into the fray.
One of Zadiria's troops, an Agarthan Sage reported"More of those beasts have shown up, they have turned the tables."
"We've wasted too much time, then. Send the word, we must retreat" Zadiria instructed, not wanting to lose too many of the imperial army remnants that General Karu had generously lent her along with the few remaining troops she had. A handful if Imperial Troops remained to try to fight Jeralt's group.
"Wait right there, witch" Shez shouted"What did you know about Arval and me!?"
"Ha, ha, ha" Zadiria laughed"You are yet unworthy of this knowledge, but consider this: I will be waiting at the Imperial Capital along with the doddering fool Waldamar and the naive brat, Karu, dear girl. You may even want to consider the possibility that the power and the unique sword that you wield comes from an ancient, magical lineage connected to our bloodline. And to the rest of you beasts, how long would it be before the seeds of doubt start spreading?"
"Our bloodline?" Shez repeated quietly, shock and fear threatening to creep onto her face"I knew that the woman who took care of me wasn't really my mother, but she was family just the same... And do you really think you can turn my allies against me?"
"That's enough" Byleth rushed Zadiria, but the sorceress teleported away, laughing.
Jeralt, Leonie, Raphiel, Ignatz, Lorenz, Lysithea and Alois took down the remaining soldiers before turning their attention to Shez and Byleth.
"Thank you, Jeralt" Byleth said.
"That was nothing, so what happened?" The older mercenary asked.
Shez just stood there in shock, trying to piece together what Zadiria had said.
"Don't let what she said get to you, I still trust you" Byleth told the purple-haired mercenary"Whatever Zadiria aims to do, we will stop her along with the rest of the Imerpial Remnants" he smiled softly.
"Hm? Well I'll be" Jeralt was surprised at the look on Byleth's face"This is the first time I've seen you bear your emotions..."
Shez was taken aback as well"I've never seen you smile like this before."
"I suppose that may have have to do with the fact that I am getting closer with you and I actually wanted to make you feel better about what you just learned about your power and connection to Those who Slither in the Dark" Byleth admitted.
"So I guess I can't call you the Ashen Demon anymore?" Shez asked in a teasing voice.
"Its not a moniker I was particularly fond of" Byleth admitted"But I earned it not too long after I first started working with everyone else in Jeralt's mercenary company."
Jeralt smiled a bit at the two younger mercenaries bonding with each other before speaking"We should regroup with everyone else at Fort Merceus."
Byleth nodded, and the group headed to the fortress. The rest of the Alliance and Kingdom forces were slowly arriving, some setting up camp outside the fortress. Leonie took this chance to introduce herself to Shez"So, are you one of Captain Jeralt's Mercenaries?"
"No, I was in Berling's mercenaries for a short while before they were wiped out, I was the only one in my old company who survived" Shez replied"My name is Shez, I am employed by the kingdom as a Commander of House Blaidyd's Private Military Force."
"Wow, that's pretty impressive. I'm a Mercenary myself" Leonie grinned"Its great to fight alongside you and the Captain, its kind of a shame I didn't get to help in taking back Garreg Mach for the church. Was too busy fighting on eastern front at the Alliance-Empire border. Now that that part is done, I can totally accompany you and Jeralt as we finish off the Empire."
"That's great" Shez smiled for a moment, then paused"Something is still bothering me about Zadiria, she said something about being a part of the same bloodline as her. If she's from Those Who Slither in the Dark, and I am... I'm almost afraid what everyone else will think."
Byleth wasn't sure how to react properly, he still wasn't accustomed to his newfound emotions, but said after a few seconds of silence"Sometimes, the truth is an unpleasant thing to know. I don't know Dimitri that well, but I am under the impression that he's reasonable about these things, I can't really speak for anyone from the church."
"Its probably not worth worrying about too much, either way" Shez forced a smile.
The group went to the command tent where Dimitri, Catherine and Seteth waited. Shez walked up to them"So far, the area is pretty secure. But we encountered a pretty suspicious group."
"Could they have been remnants of Thales's ilk?" Dimitri asked.
"Its possible, their leader Zadiria claims to know me and seems to have known about Arval" Said Shez, uncomfortably"The more I learn about my power and connections to Thales's people, the more I am unsure I want to know about my past before I spent my early childhood years in Leicester with the woman who raised me."
"I had my suspicions about you and your power when Lady Rhea and I invited you to join the academy as a student. What I was told happened when you lost control over yourself had given me reason to think my suspicions were confirmed" Seteth explained"But up until now, you were proven to be a trusted ally, your classmates in the Blue Lions still trust you."
Shez nodded"That's understandable, given the nature of my power. As for Zadiria, regardless of what her connection to my past is, that slithery witch will get what's coming to her."
"And even if in some way you are related to Those who Slither in the Dark, it would change nothing" The blond king smiled"Oh, and Ashe told me that he has a letter that was addressed to you."
"Really?" Shez asked"I'll go see him."
Lysithea was looking uncertainly at Shez"So you're kind of like me, then?"
"What do you mean?" Shez turned to the white haired girl.
"I'm Lysithea... I was a victim of one of some dark mages' experiments" The albino mage replied"If we can capture this Zadiria person you mentioned, you think we can get info on how to undo what they did to me?"
"I'm not sure, but we can try" Shez assured her before going to find Ashe.
The grayish haired archer was in his tent waiting for the purple haired Mercenary when she approached"Oh, Hey Shez."
"Hello, Ashe" Shez smiled"You said I got a letter?"
Ashe nodded"Yep, I was trying to find a good time to get it to you." He picked up the parchment in question"I was a bit curious as to what it said, but you don't have to read it with me if you'd rather not, since its personal."
Shez thought about it"Well, since we agreed to look into it, together, I don't see why we can't both read what the letter said."
Shez sat next to Ashe and started reading the letter:
'Shez, is it? I'm sure you've grown to be a fine young woman. My grandfather is bedridden with illness and could not reply to the letter, personally, so with his help, I am relaying this to you. Your mother, as you may know, was not your biological parent, but she loved you just the same. My grandfather told me that she was a brilliant swordswoman and scholar who was born to a minor lord and a commoner in Alliance territory, which is why she could write and read so well, owing to her privileged upbringing.
As for the circumstances of your adoption into Lady Sheena's family, a wounded knight had come to our isolated village and passed out while bringing you to our village for your safety. Sadly, despite our efforts, the knight had passed away shortly after you were taken into her care. That knight may, in fact have been your true father. Your biological mother's identity is unknown, only that she was a powerful mage according to the knight.
This is all my grandfather and I are able to tell you, I hope that life in the kingdom's army has been good to you. I'm sure you were a strong, independent girl to have survived for so long, to say nothing of you traveling the land as a Mercenary. I hope you've made many find friends along the way.
Signed, Lord Kenneth Terrence.'
Shez took in the contents of the letter silently for a moment, somehow not surprised by this turn"So she was a member of the Leicester Alliance's Nobility."
"In name, at least. Not many commoners had the privilege of marrying into nobility to the best of my knowledge" said Ashe"That knight who the elder's grandson mentioned must have been through something."
Shez nodded, still processing this information"So if the knight was my father, then my real mother must have been..." She paused, unsure what to even think about this revelation"Zadiria, a witch I met earlier, knows something. My powers are similar to Those Who Slither in the Dark, and I know my father was a knight who was seriously injured, And Arval" she frowned"I'm going to get answers sooner or later, even if I have to take Zadiria alive."
"Zadiria? Who's that, exactly?" The archer asked, curiously.
"Possibly one of Those who Slither in the Dark" Shez replied"To think I may really have a close connection to them." She sighed"I need to take a bit of a rest, we are going to take on the remaining Imperials at Enbarr."
Ashe nodded"Yep. Hopefully we can finally end the war."
Shez headed to her personal quarters to relax.
Byleth stood just outside the camp, glancing at the flowers. Dimitri had given him and the others leave to rest up for the next day. His feelings for Shez got him thinking, Jeralt may have wanted to move on once their contract with the kingdom is over, but under the circumstances, perhaps they might stay or possibly even be convinced to work for the church.
"Hey, kid" Jeralt approached"Something on your mind?"
Byleth turned after a moment to face his father"Somehow, lately, my mind has been on Shez,"
"She certainly made quite an impression" Jeralt commented"You know, before now, I never ever saw you bear your emotions before now. And as for the other girl you told me about, I couldn't help but wonder what happened when I heard that other voice coming from your body. It unnerved me a bit."
Byleth thought for a moment"I thought I was dreaming the first couple of times, but the second time I nearly killed Shez was undeniable because I wasn't in control of my body at that point. The first time was merely in self-defense. It hasn't been too troublesome, though."
"I'm glad to hear it. Just let me know if something else is wrong, okay?" The veteran mercenary replied.
Byleth nodded"I will."
"While we're at it, there's something I want you to have" Jeralt reached into his pocket and removed a silvery ring from his pocket"This is an engagement ring that belonged to your mother. Its all that I have left of her."
"Are you okay with giving me something so precious?" Byleth asked.
Jeralt smiled"Yes, I've been holding on to it until now. Perhaps I could've given it to you sooner, but I didn't think you would be interested in this sort of thing, or if you were, it was hard to tell. I hope that the person you give this to as a token of love and you will be happy together should you choose to."
Byleth thought about it, was his newfound fondness for that purple-haired Merc that obvious? Still, he stepped forward and respectfully took the ring"Shez and I still hardly know each other, but eventually I may consider this when the war is over."
"Somehow I'm not surprised" Jeralt commented, knowing how close Shez and Byleth had become ever since He himself, Alois and Byleth had agreed to join up with the kingdom.
Byleth headed back to the camp, coming across Sylvain on his way"Sylvain, correct?"
"Yes, say, did you need something?" The red-haired knight asked.
Byleth didn't really know how to go about this, but simply said"I need some advice."
"About a girl?" Sylvain teased.
If Byleth was annoyed at the knight's teasing, he didn't show it"Well, you and the rest of the kingdom army know Shez better than I do, so I am wondering what she might like. I am planning on asking her out."
"Ha, ha, just ask her out to dinner or something" Sylvain chuckled"Its not that hard."
"We're in a war, which leaves very little time" the mercenary pointed out.
"What's going on out here?" Ingrid, the blond Pegasus knight came over"Is there a problem, Byleth?"
"Jeralt gave me his ring and I am no good at planning things not battle related" Byleth replied"Its about Shez."
Ingrid thought for a second, then asked"You wanted to propose to her?"
Byleth shook his head"Not yet, we don't know each other that well."
"Well, in that case, why not ask her on an expedition or invite her to tea from time to time? You may not have a lot of time to date in wartime, but if you really love her and she feels the same way, just spend some time with her" The Pegasus knight suggested"Sylvain might have the right idea, but you don't want to be too forward."
"Hey, who said I was saying he'd be forward about it?" Sylvain exclaimed, indignantly.
Ingrid elbowed her friend"No one, I am just saying."
Byleth considered this advice"Thank you, perhaps after Enbarr, but even then, I don't know if there's going to be enough time. Jeralt might or might not want to remain with this army after the war."
"Anytime" Ingrid replied.
Catherine and Dimitri had met up and gone to spar at the training area around the same time, the two evenly matched as they primarily used regular weapons instead of their relics.
"You're not half bad" Catherine said after they finished, she had narrowly won this match.
"Same to you" Dimitri responded"I assume we're not going to see much of each other after the war, is there any chance you will come back to Faerghus?"
"My place is with Lady Rhea" replied the knight"But I suppose it would be difficult for us to see each other again, Fhirdiad and Garreg Mach are quite a ways away from each other and we'll be very busy."
"Even so" The king went silent for a moment"I am going to miss our occasional sparring matches together." If he was honest, he had grown fond of the Holy Knight and just wanted an excuse to be near her"I just want to be near you."
"Oh, stop it" Catherine chuckled"Save your romantic words for a girl you really like."
"That's how I feel about you, actually" Dimitri replied.
"I'll think about coming back, then" Catherine said after a moment's pause"You really are a bit greedy with your blade. I'm not too sure how Lady Rhea will react, but she might understand, although I don't feel I've completely repaid my debt to her."
Dimitri nodded"I'll understand either way."
"And what about Shez? You two were pretty close" The Holy knight pressed.
"I'm hoping she might continue to work with the kingdom, but there's also the chance she may want to leave us. Plus, she seems like she has a thing for Byleth, which while surprising, it doesn't change the fact that I consider her one of my most treasured friends" The king replied"And by some chance we can spar again after the war, I..."
"Save your flirting for another time" Catherine teased him.
Dimitri chuckled"Yeah, we should get ready for tomorrow's march."
The two headed to their tents.
Edelgard had again been moved, still in the tent she was assigned. Dorothea entered her tent with a tray of food"Good evening, Eddie. Are you feeling any better?"
"Sort of, It doesn't look like I'll be getting all of my memories back anytime, soon" The former Emperor sighed"I heard from Petra that Monica and Count Bergliez have been captured and brought to the camp."
"Yes" Dorothea put the tray down, there was a bowl of soup for her and another one for Edelgard"Caspar and Professors Manuela and Hannemman have been convinced to join the kingdom army. Are you going to want to start helping us to end the war? Dimitri is very kind."
Edelgard frowned for a moment upon a bite of her soup, responding after swallowing"Di and I are both very... Different nowadays, and even now we still have our differences. If I've any reason to assist him, it would be if there are anymore of my uncle... No, if Thales's ilk is still around."
Dorothea giggled at Edelgard's nickname for the King before taking a sip of her soup and then saying"I guess it would be a bit much to expect from you. You and Hubie were so devoted to your cause. Oh, and Salena hasn't joined up, we don't know if she'll listen to reason."
"If she's anything like her brother, she might be a bit too stubborn and firmly loyal to the Empire" Edelgard pointed out"And ts not like I will live to enjoy the peace that Dimitri and Shez will create."
"We'll figure something out. I don't know what Lady Rhea will want to do with you, but I hear she's very strict when it comes to dispensing judgement on her enemies" Dorothea said softly.
The two of them ate in silence, finishing their soup before the brunette mage stood up"Well, good night, oh and Caspar said that he wanted to come see you sometime tomorrow, he has been assigned to guard duty in the camp."
Edelgard felt conflicted, she barely remembered the blue haired brawler, but knew in her heart that she may well be spending the remainder of her life with her classmates from the Black Eagle House"I will think about whether to accept a visit from him or not, good night."
"Night, Eddie" Dorothea picked up the tray with the now empty bowls and walked away, leaving Edelgard alone with her thoughts.
Done, I hope this is enjoyable. I wanted to add a little fluff and buildup for certain pairings I just had in mind. So far I came up with Shez/Byleth and Catherine/Dimitri, I thought Catherine and Dimitri's support conversation line from Three Houses was cute in a way. I even took the time to try and match parts that I made up of Shez's past with what was vaguely established in Three Hopes itself, the game really felt incomplete in some ways and never fully explores Shez's past.
As for my flat villain OC Zadiria, I might try to include some redeeming factors down the road for her, but since the Agarthans are nothing but Chaotic evil, that might seem out of place, but I will try.