Chapter 11 - A fateful encounter

20th of the Great Tree Moon, 1180

Scattered Clouds

Lucas's now chin length hair fluttered in the breeze. A loose wolf tail kept it out of his eyes. He had his sword raised in a defensive position, spreading his legs out, sizing up his opponent. He was covered in sweat and grim, waiting for the signal. He wasn't much better.

"And… Go!" Jeralt cried.

Shez rushed Lucas, sending a slash with his sword. Lucas parried his blow aside, but had little chance for a follow up when Shez made a stab with his dagger. Lucas twisted his body, letting the dagger go past him. He stomped on Shez's foot, making the teen yelp in pain. Lucas sent an elbow into his lightly armored stomach, making Shez grunt. Shez backed up, twirling his dagger into a reverse grip, ready to resume their bout. Lucas raised his sword overhead with both hands. A moment passed, and then they ran at each other, a battle cry on their lips.

A downward slash from Lucas was deflected while a slash from Shez's dagger was stopped by Lucas grabbing his arm. Shez didn't let this stop him, cocking his head back. Sensing the danger, Lucas pulled his hand back, releasing his dagger and causing Shez to stumble. As he fell, Lucas twisted his body around Shez, giving his head a shove forwards. Shez didn't not fall to the ground, but stumbled several feet. Lucas capitalizes on Shez's poor footing and attacks. Lucas thrusted his blade into Shez's exposed back, a blow that would have been fatal had the sword not been blunted.

"Alright, that's enough." Jeralt called out. He had been standing at the head of the training ring, arms crossed. "I want you two to be able to walk tomorrow. Now that spring is here, jobs are popping up all over the Kingdom. Still, good job you two."

Lucas gave the downed Shez a hand, which he took. Pulling him up to his feet, Shez had a large grin on his face. "Gotta admit, that dodge was pretty smooth. Not to mention how you threw me off balance like that." He raised his hand for a high five. Lucas slapped it back. "I'll get you next time."

"You probably will. You've gotten pretty damn good these past few months Shez."

"You done flirting?" Byleth asked blankly. Both men rolled their eyes. "Then maybe you'd like to spar with me again?" Both of them grimaced, the last bout with Byleth had seen them both get their asses handed to them. Despite how good they had gotten, Byleth remained top dog. "Didn't think so."

"Still, we're getting closer to your level. Just you wait." Shez taunted back. Their relationship had grown from co-workers to that of siblings. Byleth the cool and collected elder, Shez the excitable and personable younger. He idolized her skills and prowess, using her as a goal post. Shez returned their training weapons to Flora, before heading off to the tavern.

Lucas gave Byleth a nudge. "Praise the kid from time to time. He looks up to you."

"If I praised him too much, it would lose meaning." Byleth countered. Lucas shrugged.

"Fair enough. Now do you want to come with us to the tavern? I hear Wesk has roasted boar on the menu tonight." He had heard the local hunter had killed it the previous night and gave it to the tavern for their going away party. The Blade Breaker mercenaries were a popular group around here. Unlike other mercenaries, Jeralt made sure his crew wasn't rowdy or rough with the locals, even making them work small jobs and helping out the town. It was also where Byleth had been raised.

"Mmm… That sounds good. Let's go."

The two made their way to the tavern, and inadvertently into a new chapter of their lives.


The dream was the same. It always was for Byleth. Large battlefield? Check. Angry woman stabbing the old man? Check. But one thing changed.

"Oh my, what could have brought you here." The girl was awake. The one who had slept on her throne her whole life was now awake and talking to her. "It is most rude to interrupt a woman's repose. Very rude indeed."

Once Byleth would have taken her words in silence. But between Shez and Lucas, she had taken to speaking more often. "It is also rude to speak without introducing yourself." The girl raised an eyebrow, not at all offended.

"A very fair point. Now come closer, I wish to have a look at you." Byleth stepped forward closer to the throne. "Now what is your name?"

"Byleth Eisner" She answered. The girl's voice was rather shrill and prepubescent. But she spoke in a tone and manner that implies otherwise.

"I shall never grow accustomed to the strangeness of human names. But there is something strangely familiar about all of this." She yawned. "It can wait though. I feel it is time for another nap." Byleth felt annoyance flare at the girl.

"You've been sleeping for over twenty years. I think you've slept enough"

"How… impudent" She mumbled as she fell back asleep


Byleth woke to Lucas holding her nose closed. He released her as soon as her eyes landed on him. She glared, annoyed at how she had been woken. "What was that for?" She demanded.

"You wouldn't wake up. Get ready, something's happened." Her anger faded as she leapt from bed to don her armor. Her sheathed sword was held by Lucas who tossed it to her once she was ready. They marched downstairs and heard other mercenaries getting dressed or snoring the night away. Seems that some of them drank a little too much.

Once they emerged from the tavern, they saw Jeralt and Shez talking to three colorfully dressed teenagers. Each of them wore what appeared to be a uniform with a different color scheme.

"Good you're here. We've got a problem" Jeralt said.

"I've heard. What's the situation?"

The Blonde with the blue cape stepped forwards, giving a bow. "Please, forgive our intrusion. We would not trouble you if the situation was not dire." Byleth noted his blunted spear and a sheathed arming sword. "We are being pursued by a group of bandits, and I must ask for your support." That was surprising. The Blade Breakers had been in Remire ever since Winter. Any local bandits would have known to steer clear.

"It is true. They attacked us at our camp. We fled while our companions went to find reinforcements, while we led them away." The white haired girl with a red cape added. Her violet eyes were calm despite their situation. She had a blunt axe with a dagger on her hip.

"In short, we're separated from our companions and after our lives… not to mention gold." Said the brown haired bowman with a yellow cape.

Lucas looked at him unamused. "I'm guessing you brought up gold to try and get us to help?" He asked, only somewhat offended.

"That depends, did it work?" He winked, but his smile did not reach his eyes. The white haired girl sent a look of exasperation to him. "What, you were thinking it too Edelgard!"

"Perhaps so, but I did not choose to bring it up so callously." She countered. Jeralt coughed to get their attention.

"I'm surprised you're staying so calm despite the situation. What are a couple of nobles like you… Wait, that uniform…" Jeralt was cut off by Bartrand.

"Boss, the bandits are here. Hell, there's a lot of them."

Jeralt let out a sigh. "Most of our boys were drinking hard last night. I'm worried they'll be a liability in a fight. From your uniform, I guess you can hold your own?"

Edelgard nodded. "I would appreciate a real axe. I can hold my own. So can Dimitri. Claude might need some help though" Dimitri nodded, but the yellow caped boy, Claude put his hand over his heart.

Shez ran over to a table holding iron weapons. "Doubt it's what you guys are used to, but it'll have to do." The nobles accepted the shoddy weapons.

"Byleth, you take point. And just to let you know, If these three are from where I think, there will be hell to pay if they get hurt." Jeralt warned. So they were a big deal?

"Understood. Let's move"

The mercenaries and heirs moved out as a group, charging out the front gate. A bandit that was charging screeched to a halt, seeing that he was outnumbered. When he turned to flee, Claude hit him with an arrow. "Looks like they don't like it when the shoe's on the other foot!" He said.

"No one really likes having the tables turned on them" Shez retorted. A group of four bandits emerged from the forest, eager to avenge their comrade. Edelgard and Dimitri ran out first, meeting the bandits head on. Dimitri in a feat of strength swung his spear, shattering the bandit's sword. Edelgard sidestepped a blow, and drove her axe into her opponent's shoulder. Another bandit tried to stab Edelgard when her back was turned, only to be kicked by Shez. He finished his bandit without issue. Byleth parried the last bandit's axe while Lucas spun behind, slashing his knee. The bandit let out a cry of pain, his wounded leg unable to bear his weight. Byleth swung her sword, slicing his head clean off.

"You three seem to have a strang aura about you." Edelgard tells the three. She was unconcerned about the blood on her uniform or her kill. Looks like this noble has fangs Lucas thought. Her violet eyes seemed to pierce through them. She seemed to linger on Byleth, who paid her no mind. She alway disliked idle talk on the battlefield. "Show me what mercenaries such as yourselves can do!"

Lucas couldn't help but quip back. "Trying to figure out if we're worth our price tag? Fair enough." He shot her a grin. Byleth gave an exasperated sigh.

"Stay focused Lucas. Let our swords do the proving"

"What're mercs doing in a backwater place like this!?" A new voice emerged. He was an ugly man with missing teeth, looking to be in his mid thirties. He looked at Byleth who had advanced on him with an ugly glare. "Hey, bitch with the blank stare, outta my way!" Byleth had clearly been annoyed at that remark, because when she dodged one of his attacks, she retaliated with a kick to his groin. The bandit leader backed up, his face twisted in pain. Edelgard ran to follow up Byleth's attack, sending a powerful slash to the bandit, which he dodged. Her axe buried itself in a tree root, becoming stuck. Sensing an opportunity, Kostas charged, hoping to kill her. Edelgard let go of her axe and retreated. At that moment, Jeralt and Bartrand had arrived with backup.

One of his followers that stood behind looked nervous. "Boss, I think I know those mercs! Those are the Blade Breakers!" Any confidence of the bandits drained.

"What are a group of legendary mercenaries like them doing here!?" He focused on Edelgard who was closest to him, armed with only a dagger. "I ain't leaving until we kill at least one of those brats!" Kostas charged, intent on killing Edelgard.

Byleth sprinted to the Edelgard. Lucas had finished a bandit with Dimitri's help and saw the sight. He stabbed his sword into the ground and drew his pistol. He would need both hands to aim at this distance. Byleth ran as fast as she could to try and reach the girl. She heard Lucas fire a shot, but Kostas kept charging. In her haste, she tripped on a root at the worst time. Byleth crashed into Edelgard, sending them both to the ground, narrowly avoiding Kostas's blow. Hitting the ground hard, Byleth dropped her sword, which got carried away by its momentum. Byleth rose, drawing her own dagger. She looked up to see Kostas raising his axe for a killing blow. But before Byleth could strike the man, another gunshot rang,sending dousing her and Edelgard with his blood.


Lucas saw Byleth charging, and decided to risk the shot at this range. He missed, and Kostas kept charging. Lucas swore while Dimitri and Claude looked startled at the gunshot. He saw Byleth trip and crash into Edelgard, knocking them both to the ground, making Kostas miss his swing. Kostas's first blow missed, but his second would not. He raised his axe to deal the killing blow on his downed foes. Lucas couldn't miss again.

A little to the left

He did so without question, managing to hit Kostas in the temple, causing his body to crumble like a puppet whose strings had been cut.

Thanks

With their leader dead, the bandits began to panic. Most turned to flee while a few brave ones remained looking at their fallen leader. They looked to where the loud noise had come from, and Lucas aimed his pistol at them. They seemed panicked by the unknown weapon, and turned to flee with the rest of their comrades.

"Never fear, the Knights of Serios are here!" A boisterous voice let out in the distance. A man in heavy armor ran towards them, flanked by two knights. "Those thieves are getting away! After them!" The knights gave an affirmative 'Sir' and went to pursue the routed enemy. His posture relaxed when he saw Dimitri and Claude unharmed, but immediately went rigid when he saw Edelgard's white hair dyed red from blood. "Your Highness, are you alright!" Edelgard nodded her head, pulling a kerchief from a pocket, wiping her face.

"I am unharmed Ser Alois. It is this fiend's blood, not my own." At the mention of the Knights name, Jeralt had dismounted his horse and turned to it quickly so his back was turned to the man, as if afraid he would be seen. "I owe my survival to these mercenaries. I must admit, I wanted to meet the Blade Breaker mercenaries myself, though under better circumstances." Jeralt froze, his head pressed against his horse's saddle. It snorted, as if to bring more attention to him. Even at a distance, Byleth could tell Jeralt was cursing up a storm.

Alois's back straightened at the name. He followed Edelgards gaze to their leader, and saw familiar blond hair and a shield that he had polished many times nearly twenty years ago. "Captain Jeralt?" His old captain let out a sigh Alois would know anywhere. "By the Goddess it is you, Captain! It's me, you old squire and righthandman, Alois." He roared. Lucas bet that the imperial court in Enbarr could hear this man.

"You haven't changed a bit Alois. Just as loud as ever. And quit it with the Captain nonsense, I'm not your captain anymore. And from your armor, it looks like you've taken that role yourself." Though Jeralt was wary, the energy of his old squire was enough to make him relax. His eyes softened as the young man he took under his wing had grown. But he couldn't get dragged back to Garreg Mach, not with her there. He hoped Alois was as scattered brained as ever, it was the only way this pitiful plan would work.

"It's been twenty years, much has changed for me, as it has for you I'd imagine."

"Fair enough. I am a mercenary now, and unfortunately we have a contract that needs to be fulfilled. Goodbye old friend" It was weak reasoning and Jeralt knew it, a lowly mercenary who didn't turn down the Central Church. But he also hoped his 'Captain' voice would awaken old instincts in Alois to follow his orders.

"A-ah yes, goodbye Captain" Alois responded obediently. Jeralt couldn't believe that worked. Neither could Byleth and Lucas if their faces were any indication. "O-oh hold on a minute! That's not how this ends! I insist you return to the Monastery with me!"

Jeralt let out a sign looking resigned. "I suppose it was inevitable. Very well." Alois turned to Byleth with a spark of recognition in his eyes.

"I take it you are the captain's daughter?" Byleth nodded. "Would you like to come with us? Garreg Mach is one of the greatest wonders of Fodlan, surely you'd like to see it?" Byleth tilted her head in thought.

"Do we need to worry about our contract Father? I wouldn't want our reputation to be hurt by breaking an agreement." She asked.

"Not to worry, I'm sure your employer will understand, especially after getting a letter from the Knights of Seiros!" Alois proclaimed dismissing their fears. He didn't seem to have malicious intent, he sounded genuinely happy to have Jeralt and Byleth accompany them. "And of course, I'm sure your mercenaries will find work with us." He offered. It seems like he was doing everything in his power to accommodate them. Byleth was not used to that kind of treatment, it was not normal for mercenaries.

"Give up on trying to convince him otherwise, kid. Once Alois makes up his mind, few things can stop him. We are going to Garreg Mach. Bartrand, send word to the others we are heading out." Jeralt commanded.


"Looks like we're chopped liver, huh Shez?" Lucas commented. While Alois was fawning over Byleth and Jeralt, Lucas and Shez had faded into the background. Jeralt was an old friend of the Knight and Byleth his daughter. They were just two mercenaries that worked for him.

"Sounds like things are about to get interesting though. I've only heard about Garreg Mach in passing, but I know it's home to some fancy school for nobles." Shez motioned to Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude. "They must be students there." Shez could be scatter-brained, but he was no idiot. The uniforms were too formal and not suited for combat. Lucas took a moment to observe the three of them.

He started with Edelgard. While short in stature, she wielded her axe with ease and carried herself with dignity. He also noticed that she spoke to them as individuals rather than subjects, a rarity he had only seen with lesser nobility like Lonato. She was being attended to by a healer, looking exasperated by the cleric's attention. She looked their way and noticed Lucas and Shez staring at her. Edelgard did not look away, instead returning their stares, as if measuring them. Shez was the first to look away but Lucas lingered on the girl, trying to place where he had heard her name before.

Moving on to Dimitri, he was tall and in his late teens. Lucas noticed the great physical strength he used in the battle, regularly sending foes flying with powerful blows. He was almost afraid he would break his spear and be left defenseless. He had charged ahead in battle several times, but quickly returned when it appeared Lucas or Shez needed assistance. Like Edelgard, he also spoke like any refined noble should but it felt… off. Like a mask that didn't fit right.

Finally, Lucas turned his attention to Claude, the boy with a yellow cape. Lucas had not interacted with him much, before or after the battle but everything was strange about the young man. He had a tanned complexion that was rare in this part of Fodlan, meaning he was from the Alliance. He seemed to act counter to everything Lucas expected from nobility. He was relaxed, joking, and sarcastic, but unlike Edelgard, he seemed somehow disingenuous to Lucas. Like Dimitri, something didn't fit.

"Sounds like it. And I think I finally know who we just saved. Two of them, at least." Shez raised an eyebrow, motioning Lucas to go on. "I think we just saved the Heirs to the Empire and Kingdom. So I'm going to put money on that being the mysterious heir of Duke Riegan that popped up a year ago." Shez froze at that and turned his gaze back to the three of them. Lucas could almost hear the hamster wheel turning in his head.

"I think contracts are going to just flood in after this." Shez said. Lucas agreed. They were mercenaries and reputation was everything, so a feat like this would propel the Blade Breakers reputation even higher. "I just have to make sure I don't put my foot in my mouth around them."

While Alois was talking to Byleth, she shot them a look of desperation, begging for a rescue. "We should probably rescue By. She's hit her 'socializing with strangers' quota for the day." Lucas and Shez made their way to her. Alois turned his attention to the two mercenaries approaching and gave them a large smile as well. "Pardon me, but we need to borrow Byleth. We need to coordinate with our quartermaster about our supply wagons." Lucas made up an excuse, hoping the Knight would either fall for it, or notice Byleth's discomfort.

Alois's smile never faded, and made no indication he had even heard Lucas's words. "Ah, forgive me. I would be remiss if I did not offer my thanks to our other gallant mercenaries!" Lucas was unaffected by the praise, but Shez rubbed the back of his head. "Our invitation is open to yourselves as well! You are the two that joined young Byleth and our students in combat, yes?"

"That's right. The three of us fight as adjutants in battle. Name's Shez, and this is Lucas Raithe." Shez volunteered. Lucas gave a nod when his name was mentioned. "Your offer is great, generous even. But it sounds like hush money to me." Lucas gave him a wide eyed 'what are you doing' stare. It was too generous for mercenaries, even for an old friend. But that doesn't mean he should have said that aloud! Byleth also fixed an intense stare at Shez for his remark. To their luck, Alois did not seem offended.

He lowered his boisterous voice, as to not be overheard. "You are not wrong young man. This whole episode has been embarrassing for the Church and Officers Academy. We allowed the heirs of the three nations of Fodlan to be placed in grave danger. On top of that, the professor that should have been protecting them chose to turn tail and run." Even Jeralt raised an eyebrow at the last part.

Lucas nodded his head, relieved Alois didn't take offense to Shez's bluntness. Alois opened his mouth but was interrupted by a knight calling him. He gave the group an apology and ran off to deal with whatever came up. The three heirs began making their way to the mercenaries. Before they did, Lucas whispered to Jeralt. "I've never seen you this rattled. Should we make a run for it?" Jeralt shook his head so gently it was barely noticeable.

"No. That will just make things worse. We are going to Garreg Mach, nothing can stop that. But when we do arrive, I want you to keep your origins to yourself. Especially around the Church officials. Make sure to hide that gun of yours. Along with anything else from your world." Lucas remembered the conversation about the Church he had with Jeralt a year ago. He would keep his past to himself, more so than before.

Garreg Mach was supposed to be a monastery, but it was also the seat of power for the Central Church. "Need me to scout for an escape route?" Lucas asked. His covert skills were the best in the band. Jeralt shook his head again as the three heirs drew closer.

"No, I lived there for a long time. If there's an exit I don't know about, you won't find it. Just keep your head down and let me and Byleth be the center of attention. Shez too, I think I know what Alois is gonna offer him."


Byleth didn't know what to make of the situation. So when Alois left to tend to some matter, it made her breathe a sigh of relief. Now she could think and maybe talk to Lucas about the developments. But then she noticed Edelgard, Claude, and Dimitri making their way towards her.

Great, She thought. Byleth never liked dealing with nobles. The double talk, the backroom dealings, confusing etiquette, you name it. She was a mercenary who preferred to be given the job and finish things as simply as possible.

" I wanted to personally thank you for your assistance. Had it not been for you, we may have perished" May have? Byleth thought. "But I suppose nothing less can be expected from the daughter of the Former Captain of the Knights of Seiros. Oft praised as the strongest Knight alive." Byleth's eyes widened. Edelgard looked confused. "You…. were not aware of your father's reputation."

"I knew he was a Knight once, but I never knew he was their leader." Byleth answered numbly. She turned around to see Jeralt standing in the distance whispering with Lucas. Their faces appeared neutral, but she could tell they were worried about something.

Claude chose to speak up. "I sense an interesting story there. Would you mind if we rode with you to the monastery? I bet mercs like yourselves have some good stories to pass the time." His smile never reached his eyes, but his interest was genuine. "Maybe you could impress upon their royal highnesses the importance of strategic retreats." Byleth tilted her head in confusion.

Edelgard and Dimitri frowned at his words. "That was not a strategic retreat Claude, it was running away!" Edelgard retorted. Shez laughed at her anger, only to find her glare placed on him. He raised his hands in surrender.

"Not true. If you hadn't followed me, only a few would have been on my tail. When you did, all of the bandits followed." Claude shot back evenly. It sounded like he left them to the wolves, a fact Byleth would not appreciate either.

"Ah, so that was your plan. I had hoped you were leading them away as a decoy for our sakes." Dimitri said, looking both affronted and annoyed.

Edelgard rolled her eyes at Dimitri. "His intentions were clear Dimitri. You will prove yourself a lacking ruler if you cannot discern the truth of a person's intentions." Her words were scolding, yet Byleth detected genuine concern.

Dimitri rebuked her evenly, "And you will be lacking if you only look for deceit in every word. How will you even be able to trust those close to you?"

"There is a difference! Of course I trust those closest to me, but that does not mean that one should be blind to their motivations!" Edelgard turned back to the mercenaries. "What do you two think?"

Shez answered first. "Well, a little of both probably? You don't want to get played for a fool and you don't want to push everyone away." Byleth nodded at his assessment. It was very much like Shez to take a centrist approach.

Claude clapped his hands, amused by their debate. "A middle of the road man, my favorite! I do find that a royal debate between these two is always fun. I just hope they leave the Alliance out of whatever war they start." Both scowled at Claude, their eyes darkening for the mention of war. "Too far?" He asked.

"I do have a question. Where is the other mercenary that was with us? Lucas was it?" Edelgard asked Byleth, changing the subject. "Dimitri told me it was him that used a strange weapon to kill that bandit. I want to give him my personal thanks as well."

"He's…" Byleth turned to where she saw him last, speaking to her father. Both men were still whispering. "He is talking to Father right now. Let me introduce you."


"Think you are going to be in trouble when we arrive? I get the feeling you didn't exactly leave on good terms." Lucas whispered to Jeralt.

"I didn't leave on bad terms either. Don't worry, if it was anything serious Alois would be a lot more grim. He tends to wear his emotions on his sleeve." Jeralt responded. Lucas nodded in relief. "Just play nice, nod your head and agree if someone asks you if you believe in the goddess. " Byleth was leading the three heirs their way.

"This is Lucas Raithe, our best sneak and my partner when it comes to missions." Choosing to obey protocol, he gave a bow at the waist.

"My Lords" Lucas responded formally. Edelgard raised an eyebrow while Claude chuckled.

"None of that Lucas. We are still students, and the three of us prefer to be greeted as individuals rather than our titles. That especially goes for one of the men who saved our lives" Dimitri corrected, giving a kind smile.

"Indeed. Which means I owe you even more. Had it not been for you, I would have perished." Edelgard said, giving a nod of her head in thanks. "But I must admit, I am curious about how you managed to do so. Dimitri tells me it was some sort of metal object that was as loud as thunder?" Lucas was trying to think of a way of getting out of talking about his gun, but decided it was hopeless. He couldn't give the full truth, so a half truth would have to do.

"Yes I did. It's a weapon of my homeland, one that I have not seen since I arrived in Fodlan." Edelgard and Dimitri's brows rose in surprise.

"I see. From where do you hail, Lucas?" Dimitri asked. Lucas did not have to fake his pain. His amiable grin faded as a more neutral expression took root. Dimitri's eyes darkened as he seemed to recognize he had asked the wrong question. "Forgive my asking Lucas. I have touched a nerve…" Lucas waved his hand while Byleth looked concerned.

"I've had a year to process things. It still hurts but…" Lucas trailed off, deciding it would be best if he stopped here before he revealed something he shouldn't. "If it's not too much to ask, can I get you to not mention my weapon, or my status as a foreigner?"

Claude nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Of course we will. None of us are blind to Fodlan's hostility to outsiders. Sending a lie the church's way is the least we can do to repay you." Dimitri scowled at Claude.

"We would not be lying. We would… merely be omitting facts!" Dimitri protested. Edelgard raised an eyebrow at the prince.

"Perhaps the Kingdom is not in such bad hands after all. We might make a politician of him yet Claude." Lucas could not help but laugh at Dimitri's pout. Then Dimitri started laughing, followed by Edelgard and Claude. The six continued to chat throughout the night.


Lucas sat down on a log alone. He had told Byleth about Jeralt's concerns regarding his origins and their current plan. For now, they go to the monastery, collect whatever reward they were offered, and hopefully that would be all.

Now that he was alone, he was thinking about the voice. In the past few weeks, it has become more vocal. Mostly in the heat of battle. It still didn't respond to his questions, opting to grunt or make a cryptic statement before going silent. He just wanted it to answer even a single question.

"You know, I might be more receptive if you used my name." It said

Lucas blinked. And across from him lounging on another log was an armored man. It took a moment to recognize the black and red apparel. It looked like the armor he had seen nearly a year ago, but intact. There were no gashes, no broken horns on the helmet, and no ripped cloth, save for slight wear on the waist cloak. Not an ounce of skin was visible, as if he was doing his best to hide any sign of humanity. His shoulder length white hair fluttered in the non-existent breeze.

"You never told me your name." Lucas responded numbly. He had tried to get him to talk for months, but now he appeared in person?

"You never asked," he countered quickly. "But I understand. You are a long way from home. Strange things have happened to you. You want, no, you need answers."

"And you have them." He could finally get some clarity. But he was wrong to get his hopes up.

"I do. But I won't give them up that easily. This relationship won't work like that. You have to find things on your own. I'll confirm and give a helping hand." Lucas should have guessed as much. That didn't abate his anger though.

"Your really going to be that fucking cryptic with me! Oh, hello, I'm the guy that spouts vague bullshit and words of wisdom for you." Lucas couldn't stop his rage. A year's worth of frustration had been building, and the fact he chose now of all times to show himself caused it to bubble over. "Now you have the ball to show up, tell me you have answers and stonewall me! Why am I here! Who are you and what was done to me!?

But the figure did not respond. He wasn't phased by his anger. Lucas was about to resume his demands when his helmet dipped ever so slightly. "I will tell you one thing. There is a small part of you that thinks you can go home. Do not deny it" The mention of going home stopped his rant cold. He sat in anticipation, hoping for the best. "You can't Lucas. There is no going back. I am sorry."

Lucas's mouth hung open, his rage subsiding. He looked down at his lap. He knew. From the day he realized he was in a new world, he knew. But he still held on to that fleeting hope that it might happen. Tears began to form in his eyes, as that hope was crushed once and for all. He didn't know why he trusted him so implicitly, but he did. He looked back up to the armor figure. A leaf fell from the tree and phased right through him, like a phantom. "I won't thank you for that." He choked out.

"I know. But you needed to hear it."

"What's your name?" Lucas asked the question he should have asked long ago. The figure grew silent and looked away, in the direction of the rest of the mercenaries. Lucas followed his gaze, and he eventually found Byleth speaking to Dimitri over dinner while Shez chatted up Edelgard.

"Prometheus" He responded simply. Lucas scoffed, not quite believing him to be the Greek Titan. "No, I'm not him." Prometheus grew silent, and his next sentence came out as a pout. "It sounded a lot cooler in my head when I came up with it."

Lucas huffed out a laugh. "So it's not your real name?" Prometheus shook his head.

"It has been my name for a long time. So long, I doubt anyone remembers my real name."

"Will you ever tell me your real name?"

"One day. When you've earned it. I'm going to be a lot more involved from here on. Things are accelerating, and you need to be ready."

"For what?" Lucas asked. Prometheus disappeared in a fickler, his presence fading. His question remained unanswered, as Lucas sat alone in the dark woods.

"The truths and trials which await you, Wraith."


Authors note - I felt that mentioning Birthdays was more of a gameplay thing that didn't sound right.

I am getting rid of the scene when Byleth gets her divine pulse. Mostly because of the way it happens in-game. They just threw themselves on Edelgard, not pushing her, not attacking Kostas. An experienced mercenary wouldn't do that. I get it was meant to show the MC selflessness, but when I tried writing it, it was just odd. She will get that power later, at a more appropriate point. It was the same with Shez's awakening. It hit hard and fast, but didn't feel earned since it was in the prologue.

I like Arval a lot more than Sothis, but that may be because he and Shez have actual conversations, rather than Sothis monologuing to Byleth like four times.

Now that Sothis is awake, Arval/Epimendes is going to start waking up as well, sensing their old enemy. I think of this as a reason Arval turns into Epimenides in the Byleth route of three hopes.

And I couldn't let Lucas go without his own navi/voice in his head. Arval's relationship with Shez will be like partners but with a fraternal feeling. Sothis will feel maternal with Byleth. Prometheus and Lucas will be more like a guide and mentor figure.

Italicized text is mental communication/ ghosts

Bold text is distorted voices/echoes

Prometheus's dialogue is distorted and mental so it is both

No, Wraith was not a misspelling of Lucas's last name.