Yep that's right ladies and gentlemen another Three hopes One Horizon chapter we are now entering the Cindered Shadows Saga! It's here we will meet the Ashen wolves with the bouns of having Shez, Sera and Monica in this little story arc anyway it's time to to get onto the story enjoy!
In the Imperial year 185, the construction of Garreg Mach was completed. Saint Seiros held a sacred ritual to honour the occasion. Four saints, known as the Four Apostles, were led to a tranquil place to perform the ritual. They poured their holy essences into the Chalice of Beginnings - a gift from the goddess herself - in hopes of bringing about her second coming. Alas, the Rite of Rising failed…
Bearing the blame for the ritual's failure, the Four Apostles immediately left the monastery, all but vanishing from the land. The first sought the lush forest of Adrestia's mountains. The second traversed Fódlan's Fangs, settling on the ocean's salty shores. The third travelled to the mountains, vanishing beneath their lofty peaks. And the fourth faded into shadow in a town untouched by day's light. Lost to history, nothing but legend now remains of the Four Apostles, their offering to the Nabatean chalice, and the goddess who never returned.
Present day Verdant Rain Moon
Rhea's chambers evening
The church leader was reading a book until she heard someone knocking on her door "Enter…" Rhea said as Alois enters the room who then said
"Please, forgive the disruption, Lady Rhea, but I have that report you asked for!"
Rhea smiled and said, closing her book "Do not worry yourself, Alois. As it happens, I am presently unoccupied. Please, go on." Alois nodded and said Ah, great! I'll just… Huh?" He then noticed the book Rhea was reading and said "What's that book you've got there?"
Rhea then said "It is a chronicle covering the 995 years since Garreg Mach Monastery's completion. "Huh! Sounds like a good read!" Alois said astounded."
Rhea then said, telling more of the book "Maintaining the church's records is one of the duties entrusted to all archbishops, myself included. This one states that Saint Seiros ordered the monastery's construction after the end of the War of Heroes. This is a rare and valuable text. Most documents of that era have been lost to time."
"I see, I see… Time aside, we also lost many books in that massive fire 21 years ago…Rhea nodded to the knight "Indeed. What was once well documented exists now only in this chronicle. Not least of which is the ceremony commemorating the monastery's completion.
Alois then said inspecting the book and finding it fascinating "Interesting! I'll admit, I know the year it took place but not a thing beyond that."
Rhea then said "That is to be expected, unfortunately. According to this chronicle, the Rite of Rising was held during the ceremony. The intent was to bring about the goddess's rebirth." Alois said complete confused as Rhea went over to her window
"The Rite of Rising, eh? Hm, can't say I've ever heard of that one."
Rhea then said "I am not surprised. There should be countless records documenting that important ritual. Alas… Today, all we have to go on are fragments of forgotten memories and our own imaginations. One thing is clear as day however… Their wish for the goddess's return was most fervent. Saint Seiros held the ritual along with the Four Apostles: Noa, Chevalier, Timotheos, and Aubin. However, it did not bear fruit, as the goddess did not return to this world… So it is written."
Alois then said with honesty in his voice I've never heard of the Four Apostles before. They're different from the Four Saints, right?"
Rhea nodded and said looking at the man "That is correct. Today, almost no records exist of the Four Apostles. Their names live on only in the names of their Crests, but the bloodlines bearing those tokens of the past have been lost. Any deeper knowledge of the apostles has all but disappeared from the grand stage of history..
Alois "Well then, that's interesting. Does that mean they're somewhere...Backstage?" Rhea then said
"In a sense. It is possible that their bloodlines have carried on in secret, perhaps materialising where no one thought to look. I did not intend to indulge in such a long-winded lecture. Please, tell me your report, Alois. It concerns the underground, does it not?"
Alois said "Oh, right! It's as you suspected. Recently, there have been several incidents in the area beneath Garreg Mach…"
Elsewhere in the monastery very late at night Byleth, Shez, Sera and the house leaders all looked at what seemed to be a wall appears while it looked like light glowing at the end of the tunnel in the distance as Dimitri then said
"Are you certain that the strange individuals you saw went through..There? I will say, that does look a bit like a passageway, doesn't it?" Claude nodded and said "I'm positive unless I somehow made this passageway while I was somehow asleep…"
Shez then said "Yeah it's not possible that Claude could make a passageway while sleep walking…"Monica nodded and said "Agreed and I believe Claude's story. In fact, it reminds me of something. I have heard tales of countless passages snaking beneath Garreg Mach. This is undoubtedly one of them."
Edelgard nodded and said "That is correct we have no clue where it even leads to…" Claude then saw this as a his chance to see Byleth in action with the Sword of Creator as it was in his possession as he said
"Oh no. Oh, you're right! There's no telling what we could find. Terrible danger. Wicked creatures. Unspeakable smells! The risk is too high, Your Highnesses! I must humbly insist that you wait here, where it's safe…And smells nice. Meanwhile, Teach, the twins and I will track down the bandit-shaped person. If we don't return, do me a favour and call for the knights, will ya?"
Edelgard then said seeing though Claude's scheme no doubt wanting the sword of the creator for himself or to see it in action "That is quite enough. As though we would allow you to make that call on your own. With so little information, it's far too dangerous. We'll come along as well. Right, Dimitri?"
Dimitri nodded and said Yes, of course. If it was indeed a thief, we must not allow them to get away with their crime. Considering what took place at the Goddess's Rite of Rebirth, vigilance is paramount."
Claude shrugs and says, "Right, well, tag along if you wanna. Just don't come crying to me if we all meet a terrible fate, deal?" Monica then said as if serious
"Back at you because I'm not letting you do something bad to Shez since you're a trickster!" Shez then said almost sounding like Monica wanted to defend him "T-to me?" Monica then took a step back as she blushed and said "I-I mean to Shez and Sera that's what I meant to say!" Monica laughed awkwardly as she played with a bit of loose hair
Sera chuckles softly while mentally screamed in her mind on why Monica didn't just confess her feelings to Shez and be done with it for Pete's sake as Arval hears the scream as he just had a deadpan look on his face on this romantic comedy scene between Shez and Monica
Edelgard then said "Well, no use dallying. Let's be on our way. Unless there's someone else we should call for?" Byleth then said "It'd be best that we gather some allies just in case should our enemy regroups with reinforcements…"
Dimitri then said "Yes, a fine idea. Though at this time, I fear few of our classmates are still awake." It was at that exact moment Ashe, Hilda and Linhardt came over as Hilda then said
"Whoa there! What's all this, Professor? You, Shez, Sera, Monica and the three house leaders creeping around at night? Pretty shady, if you ask me." Ashe nodded as he was holding a lamp in his hands "Yes it is certainly a rare and unexpected sighting… especially considering the hour."
Linhardt yawned and said "Looks like a whole lot of something is about to happen. I'm going back to bed." Edelgard then grabbed the sleepy head and said "Oh no you don't, Linhardt. Your bad luck is our good fortune - you're coming with us." Linhardt groans "I would rather be in bed
Claude then said "You can't stop thinking of ways out of this, Hilda. We could use your help too." Then the blue lions leader said with a assuring smile "And that goes for you as well, Ashe. I'll explain everything on the way."
Ashe nodded and said with a smile "Happy to help! We don't have anything better to do at this hour, so we may as well pitch in." Shez then said as Monica stood next to him "Thanks guys we mean it! Now then, let us be on our way. Ready, Professor?" Byleth nodded in agreement as he took the lead
Claude smiled and said "The more the merrier, I suppose. Let's just hope we're not all marching to our doom…" As he and Sera are the last ones to enter
Somewhere in a classroom Yuri and a strange man were talking to each other
"Ugh… Yuri, this is brutal. Tell me again why you're subjecting me to this devastating boredom…"
Yuri then glared at the other man and said "Enough with the yawning, Balthus. If you're really that bored, we could always make a friendly wager…" The man chuckles nervously
"Thanks but no thanks, pal. I'm low on funds as it is. Last thing I need is another debt I can't pay."
Just then Constance and another girl enter the room as the other girl said
"Right, B. As if you could say no to that." Constance on the other hand simply laughed "Ahaha! How diverting that you should bicker for my amusement! Imagine my overwhelming dread where I was stuck here without such joyous entertainment." The other girl however said "Count me out. I'll leave the talking to Yuri-bird and Coco." Just then a man enters the classroom as the four look at the man as he says "H-Hey boss!"
Yuri smirks and said "Ah your back already so tell us did you see any movement on the surface?"
The Rogue then said "Well, uh, you see I looked for the cardinals' meeting-just like you said… Thing is, I was spotted by some weirdos. They chased after me and everything."
Yuri then said as if it was serious ""Some weirdos," you say. So very helpful. They weren't knights, were they?"
The Rogue shook his head "I'm not sure. There were only a few of 'em, but I bet they were armed to the teeth!"
Yuri then said twirling a knife in his hands "With meagre numbers like that, I doubt they intend to take on Abyss." Balthus on the other began throwing punches
"They probably took you for some kind of villain. They'll lock you up if they catch ya. Finally, a little action! Let's find them first and throw some punches." Constance on the other hand said as if trying to act as the voice of reason
"Now Hold your horses, Balthus! 'Tis ignorance itself to rush headfirst into trouble right Hapi?"
The now identified Hapi then said "Come on Coco You're excited to fight too. You've been waiting for a chance to try out your shiny new magic."
Yuri simply laughed and said "Heh heh, surface laws don't apply down here. And that's gonna give us the freedom to have some fun with them. They're probably not knights, but our new friends definitely work for the church. Let's move wolves."
Hapi and Balthus nodded as they followed Yuri out of the room as Constance shouted
"You had best not leave me behind!" Constance then runs after them
Byleth's little group had ventured even further into the passageway as Edelgard then said " Hmm… It seems this place is more than a simple passageway. There's clear evidence of human habitation." Sera then said "People living under Garreg Mach weren't sure it was possible…"
Hilda then said remembering something from her time her big brother was at school "Oh! My brother used to tell me stories like that back in his Academy days."
Claude then said " so Holst attended the academy as well, then?
Hilda then explained "Of course. Back then, there were tons of rumours about what goes on below Garreg Mach. Something about tons of passages and houses beneath the town, all inhabited by super-shady people. It had a real intimidating name too. Ah, what was it again… I think it was called...Abyss?!"
Just then a knife was thrown at Hilda but Shez summoned his sword and blocked it and said "Who goes there?" Just then Balthus then steps into the light
"Two points for the pink gal and two points for the purple haired dude who blocked that knife attack!" Dimitri then said while being shocked "Wait that uniform he's wearing!"
Balthus then said "Welcome to Abyss and curious students of the one and only Officers Academy! What brings such fine, upstanding surface dwellers to our humble abode?"
Claude then said "Well if you must know we're someone who was creeping around the monastery." Edelgard then said "Indeed we have no business with you so could you kindly step aside?" Just then they heard something like a royal laugh as Constacne then walked over
"Why such indulgence that simply cannot be permitted!" As she then said "Your words may fool the fool, but I cannot be so easily deceived! I, Constance von Nuvelle, shall divine your true intentions. You are here by order of the church...which cruelly plots to eliminate the inhabitants of Abyss!:"
Sera then said in confusion "You think the church sends us to hurt you?" Monica then said "Wait did that woman say Nuvelle?"
Balthus shrugs and said "Well I really don't care that the reason for this little brawl is a fight on the menu and I'm ready to feast!"
Dimitri then said ready to draw out his lance "By the look of them, I'd wager they're experienced combatants. I'm not certain this is a wise endeavour." Claude nodded as he brought out his bow and said
"I was thinking the very same thing. Time to make a strategic retreat, then?" Just then another was thrown as Byleth just dodges it in time as they hear another voice "Aw turning back already? Oh, but you'll make me so sad. Now why would you wanna do that?" Just then Hapi and Yuri walked onto the scene as Hapi held her spellbook out
Yuri then said "Everyone here is starved for amusement. They've been waiting for a good fight."
Shez then said "Well would you look at that. A flawless example of a surprise attack."
Claude nodded and said "Yeah something tells me these aren't your run-of-the-mill thugs or even the attackers we fought last month."
Dimitri then said "Claude, this isn't the time to be impressed by our enemy. We must find a way through at once." Balthus then said surprised to hear the name "Wait…Claude, is it? As in the brand-new heir of House Riegan?"
Claude then said, trying to hide his name in case it drew in the wrong crowd "Who, me? I think you got the wrong guy buddy. Claude's a common name in Fódlan. It's just too dashing for new moms to pass up. It's even a popular choice for fake names. Just a good, solid, all-purpose moniker, you know?" Balthus chuckles and says if not buying it "Right, except there's only one Claude enrolled at the academy this year. Looks like that's you." Claude gulps in worry
Balthus said "Ha, you just gave yourself away, pal. Looks like my luck's finally taking a turn for the good. All right, so your choices are as follows: line up for the beating of a lifetime...Or let us lock you up like the good little boys and girls you undoubtedly are."
Claude then said "I have no clue what this guy's going on about, but it looks like a fight's in order, and it's pretty much all my fault. There's a saying from the east about fighting a flicker with a flame. Seems applicable right about now." As Byleth's group then enters a battle stance as Shez then said "Guess talking's no longer on the table!"
Balthus cheered and said "Finally! Let's do this already! Prepare to face the Almighty King of Grappling!" Hilda then said, bringing out her axe "Hm… Why can't I shake the feeling that I know that wild man?"
Shez and Sera charged at Balthus but Yuri steps in and blocks the attack "Ah ah!" Yuri said with a finger wag before kicking them back Monica then cast an Elfire spell as Hapi casted a barrier to protect Yuri from the attack casted by the Black Eagle graduate
Dimitri then said "Who are you people, anyhow? It doesn't seem right to cross blades without knowing at least that much."
Hapi scoffed and said "Wow, does it hurt to take yourself that seriously? Answer the man's question, B." Hapi said as she pushed the man into the centre who said
"Why me? Eh, fine." Balthus then said with pride in his voice "We're the Ashen Wolves. We're the secret fourth house in Abyss. The surface world turned its back on us, and we did the same in return. Back for a back, as they say."
Shez and Monica's eyes widened in shock "No way!" Shez said in shock while Monica said "A fourth house? Impossible. Still, we must focus on the battle ahead…"
Byleth then sees the four Ashen Wolves then cast a binding spell as Balthus remained where he was most likely they had split up Byleth then said taking command of the situation
"Hilda, Linhardt and Sera handle Balthus!" Sera's group nodded as they charged at the man armed with glowing gauntlets "Dimitri you and Shez are with me, we're gonna take down the girl riding the horse!" "Of course Professor!" Ashe said while Shez nodded as he cuts a path for them "Let's move!"
Byleth then said to Edelgard, Claude Ashe and Monica "Edelgard you take Claude, Ashe and Monica and take down the woman with the blond hair riding the pegasus as we know archers are very skilled!"
Claude grins and says "Leave it to us teach!" Byleth then said "Once we finish them off we go for their leader!" Sera yelled as her swords clashed with Balthus's gauntlets Sera then said to herself 'His weapons I think they're divine weapons!" Hilda charged at the man breaking his defence Hilda then said
"I can't shake the feeling that I know you from somewhere, but...I'm drawing a blank. Either way, you wouldn't want to hurt a helpless girl like me. Maybe you should let me and my friends off the hook?"
Balthus smirks "Anything for a pretty lady. Why don't we talk it out over a hot meal? Your treat?" Just then Balthus felt uneasy and said feeling as if daggers were going for his throat "No bad idea, something tells me it's not gonna work out!"
Hilda was dodging some of the attacks as Hilda managed to deliver a good blow to Balthus as he crashed into a wall "Urgh…You've got guts, I'll give you that much." Balthus said wincing in pain
Byleth, Dimitri and Shez cut their way though some of the bandits before approaching Hapi who said "Is it too late for me to back out of this fight? I don't want to hurt anyone. But in this case, I guess there's no avoiding it." Shez then said "Huh? Guess you don't wanna fight huh?" Hapi then said
"Nope it gets messy it's easier to do this!" She then sighs just then a giant crawler emerged from the ground as Hapi makes a run for it
"How did she do that!?" Shez shouted in shock knowing that was no way a summoning spell Byleth then said "Let's move we don't wanna lose her!" Dimitri and Shez nodded as they defeat the giant crawler and then slashed Hapi as she flew off her horse as the three warriors point their weapons at her
"Dang it!"
Monica blasted a path for Edelgard and Claude to move forward as they see Constacne who cackled and said
"Underestimate the denizens of Abyss and it won't end well for you! Tremble in fear at my magical might! Ahaha!" Claude and Ashe nodded as they began firing arrows at Constance who gasps as she tries to dodging some of the attacks but she is then blasted by a bolt of magic by Monica pushing the Nuvulle back a bit until she sees Edelgard
" You're of noble stock, yes? Name yourself!" Pointing to Edelgard who said "I am Edelgard." Constance then said "That is the same name as the Imperial princess! It's a lovely name, but a bit cheeky in my view!" Monica then said "Oh bother this woman's full of herself!"
Constance then unleashed lightning attacks as Edelgard, Ashe and Claude took cover while Monica charged at her armed with a powerful fire spell "I'll fight with everything I have!" She unleashed the spell as Constacne yelled as she was defeated as she raised her hands over her head
" It's not that I'm defeated so much as I'm temporarily grounded." Yuri sighed and said "Well guess it's now to me to save face!"
His hand then begins to glow as one of the bandits Byleth's group vanished from sight "Huh where'd that bandit go!?" Just then Yuri appeared from a puff of smoke as Byleth then blocks Yuri's knife attack as Byleth kicks Yuri back as he said with a chuckle
"That one's got skills whoever he is he's not to be underestimated!" Yuri then got back to his feet as his knife clashed with the Sword of the creator Byleth was blocking every attack every time and then kicked Yuri back as Shez and Sera charged at slashing the man a few times before they jumped out of the way was Byleth's sword became a whip and grabbed Yuri's left hand and slammed the Ashen wolves leader into a wall
Yuri then spies Edelgard and Dimitri charging at him as he throws a smoke bomb down and in his place was Monica the two gasp in shock to see this happen as Claude blocks an incoming attack from Yuri who stood where Monica once did
"Guys, a little help here would be nice!" Exclaimed Claude as he was blocking Yuri's knife with his bow Sera then said charging at Yuri "I'm on it Claude!" She then jumped kicked Yuri as the Ashen wolves leader grunts in pain as Shez kicks away his knife
"Stand down!" Shez said with a serious look as Yuri chuckled nervously "Maybe I got a bit too carried away." Until he shrugs "Nah!"
Monica then said wiping some sweat from her forehead "Man that was too close!" Claude nodded and said to one of the defeated Wolves Balthus "Hey you said your name was B right?"
Balthus then said "The name's Balthus. I don't lose often, but I can at least recognize what it looks like." Hilda was thinking until the gears in her brain finally clicked together "BALTHUS?! From House Albrecht?! Baltie, is that you?!" Hilda pushed Claude aside and looked at the person until Balthus then said "Hilda?! I don't believe it! Holst's little sis?!"
Balthus rose to his feet and hugged Hilda with a smile on his face seeing Hilda's face "I don't believe it. Or rather I can't even believe my own two eyes. It's Little Hilda herself who all grown up. Why didn't you speak up sooner?" Hilda then said as Balthus parted from the hug "Baltie, this isn't the time to catch up. What would Holst think?! I bet you didn't consider that, did you?"
Balthus then said with a worried look on his face "Look, sorry. OK? Just don't tell Holst. If he knew I raised a hand against you, he'd have my head. You know, considering he's Holst!"
Most interestingly we've gone from complete strangers to old accomplices in the past Arval comments as Sera said with a small smile "Well I guess there's nothing with being reunited with old friends.." Hilda sighed as she then said to her old friend
"Just this once, and just for you, I'll keep quiet." Claude rubbed away some dizziness having been pushed by Hilda maybe a little to hard and said "R-reunion aside, what did you mean about it being lucky that you found me?" Balthus then said "Oh, that. One of the guys I owe gold to is Count Gloucester. He said something about forgiving my debt if I could dig up some dirt on you. Figured this was my shot." Sera then said "So besides this debt was fighting really needed?"
Balthus then said as he went over to Sera "Really was. Best way to acquaint yourself with someone is to get into a tussle with 'em. That's common sense right there." Byleth then said
"Somehow I don't believe your story…" Yuri then said "That's the correct response for a reasonable person. We're not all as far gone as Balthus here." Balthus then said ""Hey! Say what you will, but I learned all I need to know. It's clear this lot has nothing to do with the church's intentions. But that means those other creeps could always attack us at any moment."
Shez then said "So who would wanna attack you?" "Someone's targeting Abyss. Mercenaries keep sniffing around and causing trouble here. They won't let up." Balthus then said explaining the situation and why they attacked Yuri nodded and said "It's a real problem, and we have no clue who's pulling the strings. There are many within the church who would love to see this "filthy" underground city purged. When you first showed up, we thought you were here to do just that. Apologies for the confusion."
Hilda then said, understanding why "So that's why you came at us with that nasty "kill the outsiders" act." While Sera and Monica nodded in agreement
Hapi then said as he pets her horse "As Yuri-bird said, we're sorry. We're all pretty on edge these days."
Constance then said "That is indeed! That someone would descend to Abyss out of pure curiosity was far too outlandish to consider." Sera then asked "If I may ask what's the purpose of Abyss?"
Batlhus then said with a shrug "Beats the heck outta me but what I do know is that these tunnels have been here forever!" "None remain who know the complete truth. However, I shall tell you all that we know for certain… Abyss is home to those who shun the light of day. It is the secret shadow of Garreg Mach, if you will." Constance replied Hapi nodded in agreement and said "The church quietly tolerates us. They think they need a place like this for Garreg Mach to thrive." Yuri folded his arms and then said
"The deal is simple. Abyssians never get involved with the surface, and the surface never gets involved with us." Constance then said as dramatically "Alas! For some foul reason, surface dwellers have been after us as of late. Further suppressing those souls who can only find solace beneath the ground? I cannot abide by it! Though it pains me to admit, we, too, harbour valid reasons for not venturing into the light. That is why, by the grace of our esteemed patron, we have been granted sanctuary here in Abyss."
Hilda then said looking at her old friend "I see… Baltie, does that mean you've got a reason for being here too?" Balthus nodded and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly "Afraid so, Hilda. I'm here because...there are more bounties on my head than there is hair. Needed to lay low. Real low." Sera then said "Must sound awful with a price on your head!"
Yuri then said "Alright folks that's enough let's get these guys back to the surface!" Constance then shook her head and said "Nonsense! Intolerable nonsense! Why ever would we let slip this chance to acquire their aid?" Byleth then said
"Why do you need our help?" Balthus then said to the Professor "Like we said, recently this place is being targeted by mercenaries. Myself excluded, a lot of the folks who live here can't defend themselves. They're here to avoid conflict. The elderly, the infirm...orphans, lost souls… merchants who were chewed up and spit out by the nobility. The works." Byleth then said understanding "So I see!"
" It rests on us to protect those who cannot protect themselves...and to safeguard our home. To that noble end, I must insist that you lend us your strength!" Balthus explained the students and to the professor in the room Dimitri then said willing to help out "I feel for your cause, truly. However, I cannot help but wonder why you would trust us so readily. We are from the surface, after all."
Yuri then said spinning his knife like no big deal "Well trust is a choice. We're choosing to trust you. For now. It's clear you're not here by command of the church. And you're not just a bunch of noble twerps, either. You can hold your own. It's in the way you fight. How you carry yourselves. Still… I'm reluctant to get you involved with this madness. It's our problem, not yours."
Hapi shrugged as she got back onto her horse "It's too late now-we already told them everything. Let's at least give them a chance to decide for themselves."
Constance nodded "Most true. Wander about Abyss for a time and I am certain you will come to the only correct conclusion." Balthus smiled and said "Right, what she said. Take a look, think some thoughts. Consider yourselves our special guests."
The Ashen wolves led the Ashen demon and his students as they saw more of Abyss as it was an underground village as they were completely surprised and stunned on how lovely it was
