Part 1: White Clouds

The Fourth House

It was now evening at Garreg Mach, and Byleth was busy meditating while sitting on a brick wall. It had been a week since her fainting spell and she oddly didn't have another incident like that again. So she decided to head back to her training and try to access that power that she was looking for previously.

Sothis was next to her, also meditating as she hummed to herself. 'I feel something in you… untapped potential. If this is the power of the Oozaru, then having something like this under your control would do wonders for future battles. Can you reach it?'

"I'm… unsure." Byleth replied. It was just her for now as Jeralt and Shamir offered to train the others while she focused on trying to find what laid beneath her surface. "You are right, however. It is incredible but… oddly unstable. Almost similar to Flayn's Ki, now that I think about it."

'Hmmm, that's a good point. Perhaps we should exercise caution before going further. We wouldn't want to destroy anything now, would we?'

Suddenly, Byleth's eyes snapped open when she sensed something near her and she quickly stood up, staring into the distance, behind a wall. Sothis floated next to her and narrowed her eyes.

'You sensed it too? It seems we have an audience member.'

Byleth hopped off of the wall and slowly made her way over to the place where she sensed the Ki signature. It hasn't been the first time she sensed it either. The same one that was in the library last time, but every time she went to find it, it disappeared. Whoever this was, they were very skilled at hiding themselves. And sure enough, nobody was there as Byleth sighed.

"They got away again…"

Although tonight was different when she heard a voice from behind her. A familiar voice.

"Yo, Teach! You might want to come with us!"

She turned around to find Claude, Edelgard and Dimitri walking up to her and she tilted her head. "What are you three doing here? It's almost curfew."

Claude shrugged. "I've been noticing you looking tense this past week and decided to see what the fuss was all about. So imagine my surprise when I sensed a mysterious Ki lurking about Garreg Mach. Let me guess, you can't find them?"

"Unfortunately." Byleth replied, sighing heavily. "They seem to always be near me…"

"Well, that's where I come in!" Claude exclaimed flashing a grin. "See, they may be able to hide their Ki, but they can't exactly hide THEMSELVES! Long story short, I've been following them from a distance and I know exactly where they went. I rounded up both their Highnesses here and we're going to find them together! Come with us, Teach!"

Byleth raised an eyebrow at that, but couldn't exactly argue with what he was saying. This individual was being a right pain lately so it would be nice to get some answers. But then she heard Sothis yawn behind her.

'You do what you want, I'm going to sleep. All this training really makes me tired…'

"I… suppose we're going to find this mysterious person then." Byleth said after feeling Sothis disappear from her mind. Claude gave a thumbs up and grinned again.

"Awesome! Follow me!"

"Claude, are you certain that suspicious individual you spotted went through… there?" Dimitri asked as the group all saw an entryway in one of the walls of the Monastery which seemed to lead somewhere. Dimitri rubbed his chin as he examined it.

"I will say, that does look a bit like a passageway, doesn't it?"

Claude shrugged. "Unless I either dreamt it up while sleepwalking or my eyes aren't as sharp as I thought, there's no mistaking what I saw."

"I never thought I'd say this, but I believe Claude's story." Edelgard said, still looking at the entryway. "In fact, it reminds me of something. I have heard tales of countless passages snaking beneath Garreg Mach. This is undoubtedly one of them. Perhaps after what happened with the various beasts and the full moon one of the entrances got revealed."

"Perhaps so." Dimitri muttered. "In any case, there is no telling where it leads."

Claude just gasped in shock and placed his hands on his face. "Oh no. Oh, you're right! There's no telling what we could find! Terrible danger. Wicked creatures. Unspeakable smells! Why, even the rats may be as big as… my own arm!"

Edelgard flinched at the image of that and shook her head, clearly not amused by this act Claude was doing. And neither was Dimitri. Claude just continued on, as if fuelled by their annoyance. "The risk is too high, your Highnesses! I must humbly insist that you wait here, where it's safe… and smells nice."

He then wrapped an arm around Byleth and shook his head. "Meanwhile, Teach and I will track down our mysterious friend. If we don't return, do me a favour and call the knights, will ya?"

"Alright Claude, I think that's enough." Byleth said, gently prying his arm off of her and Edelgard had a death glare at the tanned man next to her.

"Yes, I have to agree. As if we would allow you to make that call on your own anyway! With so little information, it's far too dangerous! We'll come along as well. Right, Dimitri?"

Dimitri smiled at Edelgard and nodded. "Yes, of course, El."

Edelgard flinched again at that nickname but nobody noticed as Dimitri continued to speak. "This person has been stalking Professor Byleth for quite a while. If he has any malicious intent, then we must stop him before he gets the chance to commit any crime! And considering what has been going on lately, he might be part of the same group of people we've been fighting! In the Kingdom, Lord Lonato, the Goddesses Rite of Rebirth, the Almyran's and the Alliance as well as what happened with Flayn. Vigilance is paramount."

Claude sighed and threw his hands up in defeat jokingly. "Right, well, tag along if you insist. Just don't come crying to me if we all meet a terrible fate, deal?"

He finished that sentence with a playful wink and Edelgard sighed once more. "Likewise. Well, no use dallying. Let's be on our way. Unless there's someone else we should call for?"

They all turned to Byleth as if silently asking for her opinion on what to do. She hummed to herself and poked her cheek in thought.

"While the four of us should suffice, it would be wise to bring in extra bodies just to be safe. Perhaps the Task Force can help out."

Dimitri smiled in return. "A fine idea. Though at this time, I fear few of our classmates will be awake and about. As you said, it is almost curfew."

That's when they heard a voice behind them and turned around to see Ashe, Hilda and shockingly Linhardt walking towards them. Hilda gave a cheeky grin similar to what Claude has and winked. "Woah there! What's all this, Professor? You and the three House leaders creeping about at night? Pretty shady, if you ask me."

"Though considering how often we sneak in training at night, it's not completely out of the question." Ashe interjected but frowned. "Though under these circumstances, it's definitely unexpected."

Linhardt however, was uninterested and turned around. "Looks like a whole lot of something is about to happen. I'm heading back to bed."

But before he could go, Edelgard's voice cut through the air. "Stop right there, Linhardt. Your bad luck is our good fortune. You're coming with us."

Byleth was surprised at this. He was the only one here that wasn't trained in using Ki, so what use could he be? Then again… they could use a healer if things went south. And before any arguments could be made, Claude spoke up.

"You can stop thinking of ways out of this, Hilda. We could use your help too."

"You as well, Ashe." Dimitri continued. "I'll explain everything on the way."

"Oh, but I'm so sore from training today…" Hilda whined loudly, but found herself not being able to wriggle her way out, and neither could Linhardt despite his obvious protests. Really, the only one who was remotely positive about this was Ashe.

"Happy to help!" He beamed, not noticing the death glares that Hilda and Linhardt gave him. "We don't have anything better to do at this hour, so we might as well pitch in."

Dimitri nodded, loving his enthusiasm. "You have our gratitude. Now then, let us be on our way. Shall we, Professor?"

"The more the merrier, I suppose." Claude smirked, winking at a seething Hilda as he knew this was a punishment for her. "Let's just hope we're not marching to our doom…"

Byleth nodded to herself and instructed everyone to follow closely behind as they all slowly made their way into the entryway as Linhardt slowly tried to back away but was grabbed the ear by Edelgard.

"You don't have a choice in the matter!" She barked.

"Okay, okay! Ow! Let go of my ear! Oh, why didn't I just stay under the tree…"

Meanwhile, inside the underground tunnels of Garreg Mach, inside a worn down classroom, two men were sitting at a table with one of them groaning loudly.

"Ugh… Yuri this is brutal! Tell me again why you're subjecting me to this devastating boredom?"

The big man yawned loudly as if to reiterate how bored he was which started to get in Yuri's nerves. "Enough with the yawning, Balthus. If you're really that bored, we could always have a… friendly wager?"

Balthus let out a loud laugh and waved his hands. "Thanks, but no thanks, pal! I'm low on funds as is. Last thing I need is another debt I can't pay."

"Right, B. As if you could say no to that." Both guys turned to see a pair of women coming from behind as the blonde one giggled to herself.

"Ahaha! How diverting that you should bicker for my amusement! Imagine my overwhelming dread were I stuck here without such joyous entertainment."

The other women just shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Count me out. I'll leave the talking to Yuri-bird and Coco."

That's when another voice sounded which caused the group to all turn around and see a rogue looking guard run up to them.

Yuri was certainly surprised to see him. After all, he wasn't meant to be back for a while. "Back already, huh? Did you find any movement on the surface?"

The guard rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, uh, I looked for the cardinals' meeting just as you said. Thing is…"

"You were sensed?" Yuri frowned in confusion. "That can't be right. I specifically sent you out because your Ki is so low. She must be more adept at sensing Ki than I thought…"

The guard nodded and sighed. "Those weirdos spotted me. They chased me and everything. They weren't knights, but…"

"No need to continue. I think I know who it was." Yuri replied. "Only makes sense. She would've gotten curious sooner or later."

"Honestly, they probably think you're some kind of villian!" Balthus exclaimed. "They'll lock ya up if they catch ya."

He then punched his fists together and grinned. "Finally, a little action! And judging from what I've heard, they won't crumple after just one punch."

The girl named Coco, or Constance, tried to catch him. "Wait Balthus! 'Tis ignorant itself to rush headfirst into trouble! Especially considering who it is that we could be finding!"

The other girl named Hapi looked at Constance and had a light smirk. "You're excited to fight too. You've been waiting for a chance to try out your Ki and magic combo's."

And Yuri chuckled in return. "Surface laws don't apply down here. Means we can do whatever we want and it means they're crippled in a way. Unless they want to bury us all in a tomb, they won't be going haywire with their own attacks. That gives us the chance to have some fun."

"Yuri don't say that! I don't want to be buried!"

Yuri ignored Constance and kept talking. "They're not knights, but our esteemed guests are part of the church, that's for sure."

With that, both Yuri and Hapi walked off and Constance ran after them. "Y-You best not leave me behind!"

"Light those torches on the wall." Byleth said while holding a ball of Ki in front of her to act as a makeshift light. Edelgard nodded and used what little fire magic she knew to light some torches, illuminating the area around them and gave them a better look at their surroundings as Byleth dissipated the Ki ball.

Edelgard noticed something very different now that she got a good look at her surroundings. "It seems this place is more than a simple passageway. There's clear evidence of human habitation."

"People living under Garreg Mach…" Hilda mumbled but then snapped her fingers. "Oh! My brother used to tell me stories like that back in his academy days!"

"So, Holst had attended the academy too?" Claude said, being very careful with his words as they were in a very sore subject at the moment. Thankfully, it seemed Hilda was fine and continued to explain.

"Of course! Back then, there were all sorts 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."

She then prodded her cheek in thought and stared up at the ceiling while thinking out loud. "It had a real intimidating name too. Ah, what was it again… I think it was called… Abyss?"

"That's two points for the pink haired girl! Welcome to Abyss, strangers!"

They all spotted Balthus in front of them folding his arms in front of his chest with a big grin and Dimitri was on guard.

"Identify yourself!"

But then he noticed his uniform and noted how familiar it looked. But Balthus let out a laugh and looked at them all. "Welcome, curious students of the Officers Academy! What brings surface dwellers such as yourself down to our part of the neighbourhood?"

"We were tracking someone who was creeping around the Monastery." Claude responded but was quickly cut off by Edelgard.

"Our business here does not concern you. Do you intend to let us pass?"

"Ahaha! Such indulgence simply cannot be permitted!"

They all felt a slight headache coming on from that voice as Constance stepped out from the shadows and smirked. "Your words may fool the fool, but I cannot be so easily deceived! I, Constance von Nuvelle, shall divine your true intentions."

'She's like if Ferdinand and Lorenz got together and created a female clone.' Byleth thought to herself, noting the way she carried herself surely must've implied she was a Noble. But then… why was she here? But something caught Edelgard's attention as she whispered.

"Did she say… Nuvelle?"

But Balthus interrupted her train of thought before she could think further. "Who cares about true intentions? All I know is that a fight is on the menu, and my fists are ready to feast! So let's get to it, yeah?!"

Dimitri was still on guard, checking them out and calling out to his team. "Judging by their looks and the way that they carry themselves, I'd say that they're experienced fighters. This may not be a wise endeavour."

"I was thinking the same thing." Claude said. "Shall we make a strategic retreat, then?"

"Turning back already?"

They all saw Yuri walking out the shadows alongside Hapi as he was smirking. "Oh, but you'll make me so sad. Now why would you wanna do that? Everyone here is STARVED for amusement. They've been waiting for a good fight.

Claude whistled looking at the group and nodded to himself. "Wow, look at that. A flawless example of a surprise attack. These aren't your run-of-the-mill thugs."

Dimitri just groaned and shook his head. "Claude, this isn't the time to be impressed by our enemy. We just find a way through at once."

Though something Dimitri said had caught Balthus's attention and looked at the tanned man. "Wait. Claude, is it? As in the brand new heir of House Riegan?"

"Who, me?" Claude chuckled nervously. "Nah, wrong guy. Claude's a common name in Fódlan. It's just too dashing for new moms to pass up."

That got an irritated glare from both Dimitri and Edelgard as Claude then winked at their opposing group.

"It's even a popular choice for fake names. Just a good, solid, all purpose moniker, you know?"

But Balthus wasn't buying this whatsoever and smirked. "Right. Except there's only one Claude enrolled at the Academy this year. Looks like that's you."

That stopped Claude in his tracks. "Shit… was kind of hoping he was a meathead, didn't think he was smart. Wait a minute… how do you even know that?"

Balthus now had a huge grin as Claude just realised he got played. "Ah, you just gave yourself away, pal! Looks my luck is finally taking a turn for the good!"

"Dammit…" Claude whispered. "I'm really sloppy today…"

But Balthus just continued on, now in high spirits after that conversation. "Now then, you have two choices. Either come line up for the beating of a lifetime, or you come with us and be locked up like the good girls and boys you undoubtedly are."

Now this was certainly an interesting offer as Edelgard stepped forward. "You know who we are, right? If you've kept tabs on us and the Academy, then you should know that you're out of your league."

That's when Constance laughed loudly and waggled a finger. "Don't count us out just yet! We can do the exact same thing you and your group can do!"

That completely shocked Byleth and the others. There were others that knew how to use Ki? But who could've done that? As far as she knew the only ones who could use it before Garreg Mach were herself and her father.

"Damn… looks like a fight is about to break out. And it's all my fault." Claude sighed, shaking his head. "One thing is for sure, we can't fight like this."

Byleth nodded. "Yes, it's not safe to go all out-"

SHICK!

The room went silent as a dagger hit Byleth straight in the centre of her forehead and made her fall to the ground, unmoving as Yuri had thrown the weapon. Nobody said anything… and then the room was filled with screams.

"YURI WHAT THE HELL?! WE WERE JUST GONNA FIGHT!" Balthus yelled out as Constance covered her eyes.

"Oh I'm going to faint!"

"You killed our teacher!" Hilda screamed.

"Everybody shut up." Yuri simply said as surprisingly, everyone did just that. "Now one, it's always wise to try and take out the strongest first. And two, she's not dead. I'm sure the three over there know that better than anyone."

Edelgard, Dimitri and Claude looked at each confused… until they remembered. At that moment, they heard groaning as those in the area started freaking out as Byleth picked herself up rubbing the spot where the dagger struck her, revealing only a bruise and a shattered blade next to her.

"Owwww… that hurt…"

Hapi was taken aback, though her stoic face seems to hide that. "Woah, looks like her head is thicker than B's."

"Hey! I take offence to that!"

"Oh hush, Balthus!" Constance yelled and kneeled down. "I need some air… I was so not ready for today…"

Amidst all the mayhem, one name stuck out to Hilda as she narrowed her eyes at the large man who looked a little afraid.

"Hey woah, little missy! All I wanted was some good old punching!"

"Balthus… Balthus… Balthus…"

She gasped loudly once the connection formed in her mind. "Balthus?! From House Albrecht?! Baltie, is that you? Wow, haha you look erm… old!"

That caught his attention. There was only one person who gave him that nickname. Come to think of it, she DID look familiar.

"Do… we know each other? Wait, hold on. That hair… those eyes… that voice! Hilda! I don't believe it! Holst's little sis!"

He laughed out loud and gave a grin to her. "I can't believe it! Little Hilda herself. Why didn't you say anything sooner?!"

But then he had a sad look on his face as he looked at the ground and rubbed his head. "I… heard what happened to him. I'm sorry. I would've come to the funeral but I…" He trailed off after that.

Hilda gave a sad smile in return but then shook her head, now with an angry look. "Well, imagine what he would do to you if he was here knowing that you threatened his little sister!"

He gulped and tried to look away. "Yeesh. If I knew him, probably not good. Look, I'm sorry, okay?"

She now had a bright smile. "Apology accepted! Though nowadays, I don't need him to put people in their place! And believe me, I can do MUCH worse."

Claude stepped in and separated the two. "Okay, before we all do something we all regret, and believe me, I know that's something we don't have at this point. I have a question. You, big guy. Why did you say it was lucky that you found me?"

Balthus froze again and slowly turned away. "Oh… one of the guys I owe gold to is Count Gloucester. He said something about forgiving my debt if I could dig up any dirt on you. Figured this was my only shot."

"And any tension that was here has just been thrown out the window…" Edelgard groaned, rubbing her temples.

"Aha, so it was purely selfish. But then, was a fight really necessary? Or better yet, throwing a dagger at Teach's face?"

Claude finished that last point glaring at Yuri who just shrugged. Balthus gave another grin and thumped his chest. "Really was. Best way to acquaint yourself with someone is to get into a tussle with 'em. That's common sense right there!"

The group of students looked unsure at his logic but Byleth stepped forward, smiling with her bruise gone. "I agree. When you're fighting, you can see everything a person is and more."

"See? She gets me! Why can't you guys understand like she does?" Balthus exclaimed to his team as Yuri sighed.

"Because we have evolved to a point where we don't need to punch to solve our problems."

Balthus just shrugged and looked at the Garreg Mach group before him and nodded. "Say what you will, but I've learned all I need to know. They're not a threat to us. Plus, I got to meet the actual Byleth Eisner!"

Byleth blinked at that. "You… know who I am?"

Yuri nodded. "Your reputation precedes you. That's why I threw the dagger at you, because I was curious if the rumours were true. Good to know that I'm seeing the real deal. The Ashen Demon."

The rest of the students were confused at that title. Ashen Demon? They knew Jeralt was the Blade Breaker but they never heard anything about Byleth having a title.

Byleth just glared at Yuri and said nothing in return, and Balthus sensed some tension and looked around the area. "Anyway. Maybe we should head back. Just because these guys aren't harmful doesn't mean those other creeps aren't snooping around."

Thankful for the change in subject, Byleth was now confused. "Wait, I thought you were expecting us. I mean, I sensed you or your men following me around. There are others that know of this place?"

"Someone is targeting Abyss." Balthus replied. "Sorry to say, but we mistook you for one of those creeps. I mean, from what I've heard of you, you're crazy strong and nobody has managed to beat you and you work for the Church on top of that. Sounded like a no brainer. Thankfully though, I can see that I was wrong. But yeah, they won't let up on sniffing about this place."

"It's a real problem, and we have no idea who's pulling the strings." Yuri continued on. "There are many within the church who would love to see this 'filthy' city purged. So when you guys showed up, we thought you were going to do just that. Apologies for the confusion."

"So THAT'S why you came with that nasty 'kill the outsiders' act! And why you tried to kill our Professor!" Hilda exclaimed but Yuri just sighed.

"I was testing her. Believe me, if I was actually going to kill her I would've been more subtle than a throwing weapon. I would've used poison or something discreet."

"A man after my own heart!" Claude grinned.

Hapi cut in before another argument could come forth and motioned to Yuri. "As Yuri-Bird said, we're sorry. We're all pretty on edge these days."

"Indeed!" Constance nodded. "People coming into Abyss out of sheer curiosity was far too outlandish to consider. Plus we almost lost Abyss when that nasty beast showed up a while back."

"Ah, yes. The Moon Beast." Ashe murmured. "That was certainly a hectic night. Many almost lost their lives."

Byleth and the House leaders all looked down, knowing what really happened but chose to keep quiet as Byleth looked around. "What is the purpose of Abyss?"

Balthus shrugged his shoulders and scratched his head. "Who knows. These tunnels have been around for ages. Heck, they might be older than the Monastery for all we know."

"None are alive who know the complete truth." Constance continued. "However, I can tell you all what 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."

"One of many shadows…" Edelgard grumbled to herself as Hapi continued.

"The Church tolerates us quietly. They think they need a place like this for Garreg Mach to thrive."

"The deal is simple." Yuri said. "The Abyssian's don't get involved with the surface, and the surface never gets involved with us."

"However, it seems lately the surface dwellers have been after us as of late." Constance huffed, crossing her arms. "Further oppressing those poor souls who can only find solace beneath the ground? I cannot abide it!"

But then she cast her eyes to the ground hugging herself tighter. "Though it pains me to admit it, we each have our own reasons for not venturing into the light. That is why, by our esteemed patron and teacher, we have been granted sanctuary in Abyss."

"So Baltie, does that mean you have a reason for being here too?" Hilda asked to which Balthus sighed and nodded.

"Afraid so, Hilda… the reason is because there are more bounties on my head than there is hair. I needed to lay low. Real low. It's why I couldn't make it to Holst's funeral."

"Baltie, that's awful!" Hilda scolded him but that's when Yuri interrupted.

"Okay, enough with the niceties. Let's get you guys out of here."

But Constance didn't agree with that decision and spoke up. "Nonsense! Absolute nonsense! Why on Earth would we let this chance of aid slip by our fingers?"

Byleth understood now what was going on. "That's why you've been spying on me. You need our help, correct? I'd believe you were using your men to scout for intruders if I didn't find one near me literally every day. And I recognise your Ki signature Yuri. You have also been checking in on me."

The four Abyssians looked at each other and Hapi turned to Yuri. "She's caught us out, Yuri-Bird."

Realising they had been caught, Balthus explained. "Like we said, this place is being targeted by Mercenaries. Myself excluded, a lot of the people that live here who can't defend themselves. They came here to avoid conflict. The elderly, the infirm… orphans, lost souls… merchants who were chewed up and spit out by the nobility. The works."

"It rests upon us to protect those who cannot protect themselves." Constance continued. "As well as protect our home. To that noble end, I must insist that you lend us your strength."

"Wait a minute." Edelgard said, eyeing them up. "If you four know how to use Ki, why do you need our help? Surely you are more than capable of handling it yourself."

Balthus scratched his head and sighed. "Yeah, we do know how to use it. But it's a little hard to control and we're nowhere near the level of Byleth over there. Plus, it would be risky using something so dangerous in an enclosed space. Whole place would come crashing down."

Dimitri looked over to Constance. "I feel for your cause, truly I do. However, I cannot help but wonder why you would trust us so readily. We are from the surface, after all."

Yuri shrugged. "Trust is a choice. And we're choosing to trust you. For now, that is. It's clear you're not here by the command of the Church, and it's clear you're not just a bunch of noble twerps, either. The reputation of Task Force 141 is spoken of highly around Abyss and the surface. It's clear that you all know how to carry yourselves. It's in the way you fight. Especially with your teacher over there."

He sighed and shook his head, feeling unsure. "But still… I'm reluctant to get you involved with this madness. It's our problem, not yours."

"It's too late now, we already told them everything." Hapi said. "Let's at least give them a chance to decide for themselves."

"Most true." Constance nodded. "Wander about Abyss for a time and I am certain you will come to the only correct conclusion."

"Right!" Balthus grinned, slapping Byleth on the back. "Take a look, think some thoughts. Consider yourselves our special guests!"

Yuri smirked a little and looked at Byleth again. "Still though. It is wonderful to see the Ashen Demon in the flesh."

There was that word again as the students all watched Yuri and his group turn away and lead them to Abyss. But Byleth stayed still staring into space with a dark look as memories of her past started to surface.

In the Adrestian Empire, there was a village that was under attack. A village that housed bandits who had been causing trouble for other neighbouring villages. Houses were on fire and the bandits that were keeping watch were being slaughtered one by one. Villagers were running trying to find safety but found their way onto the end of a blade quite quickly.

A family were trying to sneak their way out as the woman was clinging to her husband. "Oh gods, oh gods, we're going to die…"

She screamed as a body slumped in front of them as their children hid behind their parents as the husband found an alleyway. "We can get out of here! Don't worry, they won't find us!"

"Why… why did you join those bandits? Why did you bring destruction to our family?"

"Let's not have this talk right now, save it for when we get out of here!"

The little girl held onto her moms dress and looked behind her to see if anyone was coming as they entered the alleyway to find a locked door. The bandit fumbled with his lock picks and kneeled down. "It leads to a network of tunnels. We can escape that way."

But the son and daughter both screamed when they saw someone coming and the bandit turned around to see a woman standing at the entrance to the alleyway her form slightly shown thanks to the light of the flames around them. Her blue eyes were cold as she looked at all of them and slowly stepped forward, sword in hand and her tail at her side. The bandit looked at his family and brandished a knife before charging towards the woman.

"DIE!"

But she just stepped out of the way of his swing, and stabbed him in the back, twisting the blade and left him bleeding out on the ground. But she then looked over at the cowering family as the children all cried and clung to their mother after watching their father die as the wife looked up.

"Please… please…"

The woman stared at them for a moment, and then slowly sheathed her sword at her hip and the wife thought that she would let them go… but then saw the woman slowly raise her hand so her open palm was pointing straight at them.

A ball of light formed in her hand as the woman just kept that same cold expression and the wife hugged her children tightly, squeezing her eyes shut as the ball of light fired at them. And then an explosion occurred.

"Professor?"

Byleth blinked as she was back to the present and realised her tail coiled tightly around her waist and the students were all looking at her with concern. Edelgard looked at her and noticed something was wrong.

"Are you okay?"

"…I'm fine. Let's get going."

Leaving no room to pry further, Byleth walked further into the underground as the rest looked at each other, worried for her. But Byleth just kept walking, pushing that memory to the back of her mind.

She had done many things in her past. Things she wasn't proud of. But what she had to do. She truly hoped that she could truly have a fresh start at Garreg Mach, but it seems that her past doesn't escape her. Unaware to Byleth, she would find more about her past in this place.

*Song: Closing Theme (DBZ)*

Byleth and the students have found themselves tangled up in yet another mess, though this time the issue stems from right under their noses! The elusive city of Abyss is in trouble and they have been asked by the secret fourth house of Garreg Mach to help! Who are these mysterious individuals? How do they know an ability that previously was only known to Byleth and Jeralt? And how will Byleth's past come into play? Find out next time on The Ashen Saiyan!

So we have officially started the Cindered Shadows arc. Bit of a shorter chapter this time around but I'm gonna do it in chunks so we're not here forever as Cindered Shadows is a long dlc in terms of cutscenes and fights. But here we are going to get some backstory on Byleth too.

One thing I wanted to explore was Byleth's past as a Mercenary. She was known as the Ashen Demon because of her power and her abilities. She was a cold blooded killer. She killed men, women and children for money. I wanted to specify that even though Byleth is a good person like teaching the students and such, she isn't Goku. She's a killer. She doesn't spare enemies, she doesn't leave any stone unturned. Even in Part 2, you rarely spare the students, you kill them upfront.

But yeah, like I said, we're going to explore Byleth's backstory on top of the story of Cindered Shadows. Since there is someone who knew Sitri back then. Perhaps he taught the Ashen Wolves about Ki? Who knows.

Also more art by Budgie_QM on Twitter, she made art of Jeralt and Saiyan Sitri. Go check it out. And also thanks to everyone who favourites and follows, we now have 109 favourites and 130 followers! Thank you all so much!

But yeah, join us next time for more Cindered Shadows! Catch you later!