Kostas didn't know how long he had been doing this type of job but who cared about it? Ever since he had chosen this sort of life, he had never regretted it for the spoils he could obtain and most importantly, the satisfaction of crushing someone weaker than him.
Yes, there was nothing better than being on top of the food chain in this wretched world.
That's why when a job came to him from a shady figure to kill some noble pipsqueaks, he jumped at it without hesitation.
However, that chance to earn a living fortune turned into a nightmare once he found out those nobles were protected by a group of mercenaries.
And those mercenaries must be those he loathed more than anyone else – The Twin Ashen Demons.
Even now they were still haunting him even in his dream, refusing to let his mind rest in peace. The thought of these two left a sour taste in his mouth and caused fear to creep into his heart. Kostas tried to push it aside and focused on the task at hand.
"All of you, kill the Ashen Demons now."
He motioned for his men to surround the female Demon, confident in their numbers. But as soon as they charged forward, they quickly dropped like flies. In a matter of minutes, the Demon was standing before him. Her eyes were cold and empty and her face emotionless. Kostas threw away his weapon and ran away as fast as he could, not daring to look back.
"You think you can escape me so easily, little Fiend?" A deep voice drifted over his head, sending shivers down his spine.
He lifted his head, and just inches from his nose was a man's chest. His heart hammering and his lungs frozen he slowly lifted his gaze to his face, those terrifying eyes piercing through him and accompanied with an emotionless face.
Shadow of Ashen Demon- his worst nightmare.
"You believed that by killing her, I would be weakened and you would be able to flee. But from the start you were doomed to fail; there is nowhere you can go where I won't follow." The male Demon's hollow voice filled the silence around them.
A cackle of laughter rang out behind Kostas and he spun around to find the female Demon standing there with a menacing glint in her eye. "No matter how many men you have on your side, you still couldn't kill either of us," She spat, her lip curling in disdain. "How pathetic."
'This isn't real,' Kostas told himself desperately. 'They're just illusions.'
"Illusions? Not quite," The male Demon spoke again with an eerie smirk. "Your fallen soldiers could attest to our reality if they hadn't been wiped out so easily – this dream is my domain after all." His mocking laughter echoed loudly.
Kostas snarled and lunged forward with all his strength, aiming a punch at the male Demon—but it was too late. He felt a sharp pain in his side as the enemy kicked back, sending him flying through the air before hitting the ground with a thud.
The Demons were now standing over him, their voices raised in unison once more:
"Let us embrace our destiny together, Kostas."
15th of Harpstring Moon, 1180
" Get out of my head !" Kostas raged in fury.
"Boss, what is wrong? Are you upset?"
"That is none of your damn business! What news do you have for me?" He ground his teeth against each other in anger.
The lackey quivered in fright: "A troop of knights is heading our way!"
"What?! How many are there?"
"At least 10 of them accompanied by several kids."
"Kids?! They won't live to regret underestimating us." Kostas growled with contempt.
"But that's not all. We ... we witnessed 2 blue-haired figures among them." The ruffian shuddered in terror.
Let us embrace our destiny together, Kostas.
"So be it!" Kostas snarled bitterly, knowing fate had caught up to him.
"What should we do now?"
"If this is the day we die, make sure they will join us in the depths of Hell! Gather our forces and prepare to fight!" The ruffian nodded fearfully and ran to spread the word across the camp.
Gazing at his severed left hand, Kostas clenched his right fist and shouted into the air:
"You are nothing but a powerless fool, Shadow of Ashen Demon."
Red Canyon, Zanado
Bylass walked steadily towards Red Canyon, feeling the tension in the air as they grew closer. Her heart ached when she thought about what her Eagles may face- danger from those barbarians- but she reassured herself that if anything went wrong, the Knights of Seiros would be there to protect them. As much as she wanted to believe this, a part of her wasn't so sure.
Unsurprisingly, Byleth was quiet after hearing the news and only seemed to withdraw further inside himself. Before things got too tense though, a little surprise welcome party for Byleth started up at just the right moment and it seemed to pull him from his shell. Bylass didn't know who organized it but silently thanked them. With the other Eagles' sincerity and her moments of comfort with him, Byleth seemed to slowly regain some color in his eyes and relax a bit. Hopefully, this day would be the one where his demons could finally be slain alongside Kostas -the source of his trauma.
Caspar wiped away the sweat from his forehead, looking far ahead at the winding dirt path of their mission. "How far do we have to go, professor?" he lamented.
Ferdinand's eyes drooped with weariness. "I know we're all supposed to be equal here, but it's not fair that we don't even get horses for this task," he sighed.
Linhardt smothered a giant yawn. "Can you two please just be quiet? I'm already exhausted."
"It's too loud if we bring horses," Bylass explained nonchalantly, "so it's better this way."
"That doesn't make sense! Their hooves won't be louder than those ruffians shouting..." argued Von Aegir, only to be interrupted by Hubert who placed a hand on his shoulder in exasperation.
"Von Aegir, would you please keep quiet for a minute?"
The complaints of her peers followed Bylass like a cloud, and while she usually would give in to them, something stopped her this time. She had bigger concerns in her mind; Why had Byleth been so unusually quiet since leaving the Monastery? Even if he reassured everyone he was fine, Bylass knew the truth; that his reckless behavior could easily be triggered when faced with danger. She recalled vividly how Remire had ended- her hands held his lifeless body, and that regretful expression on his face as he left this world. Worry filled her mind; she wanted to help him, protect him, and let him know of her true feelings, yet she was helpless. All these thoughts only scared her more than anything.
Please live your life for both of us!
Edelgard approached the professor, concern creasing her features. "Professor, are you alright?" she asked.
"I'm good, Edelgard! Just ... thinking about our upcoming battle." Byleth waved her hand nonchalantly, but tension radiated from every line of her body.
"I know this is not my place to say," Edelgard continued, "but I understand your concerns for him. As long as we are united, no harm will befall any student of the Black Eagles." Her voice was firm and reassuring.
"Thank you for understanding, Edelgard!" Bylass nodded gratefully.
"Perhaps you might want to check on him then. Even though we've become friends recently, I believe that he might be more open toward you."
"Don't say it like that, Edelgard. I'm pretty sure Byleth appreciates everyone here, but thank you for your advice." With a courteous nod and a polite smile, she bid farewell and set off to find Byleth who was slowly pacing the grounds with his gaze glued to the ground.
As she approached him, she noticed the tension in his shoulders and the tightness of his gaze; something weighed heavily on his mind. But before she could ask what was wrong he spoke up. "Bylass," he muttered softly. "These memories - they're taking their toll on me."
She reached out and gave his back an affectionate rub. "We will get through them together," she promised warmly.
His eyes met hers as he responded. "Even though I said that I would be fine, this feeling is too surreal for me, Bylass. It also doesn't help that this is the first battle for many of our classmates. What if they can't defend themselves? What if I'm not fast enough? Just like when my fa…" He trailed off hesitantly as sadness filled his expression.
She held both of his hands firmly in her own and looked into his eyes with determination radiating from her gaze: "You are not alone in this, Byleth. We will protect all of them. Together!" His worried look began to fade at her words and soon a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Thank you for standing by my side after all these times," he said gratefully with visible joy as she returned the sentiment with a warm grin. Suddenly realizing that they'd been spotted by the bandits, they quickly departed and each lifted their sword to offer one last silent prayer before preparing for battle. Raising her hand to signal the students, she bellowed confidently:
"Everyone! Go to your positions now!"
This was it- the moment that had been plaguing his mind for weeks ever since his second encounter with that fiend. In contrast to what most people asked him, Byleth did not wish to exact vengeance on the bandit leader. Honestly, he did not even know it himself but there was one thing he was certain- unless that coward named Kostas was put down, there would be many more innocents suffering under his cowardice and that was more than enough for Byleth to slay him without a second thought.
On the other side of the bridge, appeared 2 bandits who looked calm even though they were being hunted down. It didn't matter to Byleth anyway. Rumors had circulated about the gruesome methods Byleth used to take down his foes, but this time he was not fighting for revenge - he was fighting to protect his classmates, who had welcomed him without prejudice. This time, he would protect all of them.
"We managed to reduce their numbers weeks ago," Bylass said sternly, "but don't let that fool you - they are still formidable opponents."
"Understood! What would you have us do, professor?" Edelgard asked.
"Byleth and I will engage with those two on the bridge first; once we break their line, the rest will come straight at us. Everyone stay in your teams and follow our commands."
"Great! Time for action now." Caspar said excitedly.
"I don't care if they are stealing! Can we go home now?" Bernadetta said as her body was shaking.
Before Byleth opened his mouth, Bylass glared at him and warned:
"Say something stupid and I will murder you first!" Her warning seemed to be effective as he silently obeyed.
"Anyway, I'm counting on you, Byleth."
"Let's finish this together!" His voice was full of determination and conviction.
Bylass and Byleth moved with lightning speed, spurred on by the sound of axes wielded by two men standing on the other side of the bridge. The men laughed maniacally, expecting easy prey. In a flash, Bylass pulled a gleaming knife from her pocket and hurled it underhand. It struck true, slicing into one man's face as he screamed in agony and collapsed onto the ground. His partner felt not a shred of sympathy as he pushed forward to meet Byleth.
The axe clashed against the blade with explosive force, ringing out across the field like a clap of thunder. Taking advantage of the disorienting effect, Bylass launched a furious kick at his wounded counterpart and sent him tumbling off the side of the bridge, screaming until his cries were silenced by the unforgiving cliffside below. Consequently, Byleth was able to dispatch his other opponent quickly, and soon their path to Zanado lay open before them.
"My team and I will take on the north while you and the rest tackle the west. This way, we shall have their forces surrounded." Bylass gestured in the direction with her hand.
"Understood. Stay safe, Bylass." She nodded as each of them set off, trailed by students assigned to them.
Shrieks and yells filled the air as Byleth predicted a sea of bandits, both lancing and axe-wielding, rushing toward them. His calm in the face of danger rewarded him as his signal to Caspar was followed instantly; Caspar veered right to tackle the lance bandit while Byleth confronted the axe-wielding ruffian. The man's strength seemed to increase tenfold with each swing of his weapon, but Byleth was not cowed. With an explosive roar, he broke the axe with a single blow and rolled away just in time - leaving Ferdinand to deliver the finishing strike. Bernadetta, shaken by fear yet determined to help, slowly gained her footing before aiming straight for the eye of the other charging bandit. Caspar then returned to finish what she had started. The battle was won - at least for now.
Byleth calmly issued orders to his companions, "Great job, everyone. Advance slowly until our forces are united with the professor!"
Ferdinand nodded in agreement, "Understood! We are counting on you, Byleth."
Before they could move forward, Byleth deadpanned Caspar, "And Caspar, could you please stop shouting?"
Caspar sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck and smiled smugly, "My bad. Though it gives me strength whenever I yell, my friend."
Byleth raised an eyebrow and frowned at this reminder of how dangerous the battle could be. His distant eyes scanned the horizon before he raised his voice, "It will allow them to kill you instead. This is a real battle."
"I'm … I'm sorry, Byleth. You were right, we should remain cautious." Caspar said apologetically as he realized his mistakes once his eyes contacted Ferdinand who gave him a disapproving look; eventually reminding him of Byleth's backstory.
Ferdinand encouraged them all with a warm smile across his face,
"Don't worry, Byleth! All of us will complete this mission safe and sound."
"And I will heal everyone should you have any wound." Linhardt chimed in,
Bernadetta nervously tried her best to stay confident as she added her promise,
"I will also do my best."
Byleth surveyed his companions one by one before turning ahead and heading for the other side, preparing for the assault on the leader of the bandits. Unbeknownst to everyone, a small, satisfied smile creased Byleth's lips. Maybe Bylass was right he thought; Everything would be alright.
You can't save anyone, Byleth! Not even yourself!
"Long time no see, Ashen Demons! I've been waiting eagerly for this day!", Kostas hissed viciously.
"Don't play with me, fiend! You are surrounded now!" Byleth roared vehemently.
"With children too? I did not expect you to stoop that low, Shadow of the Ashen Demon!" Byleth's face twitched in pure disgust at the mockery.
"Kostas, today we will put an end to your wickedness once and for all. Prepare yourself!" Byleth's fury was visible as his hands shook fiercely, gripping his blade so tight his knuckles turned white.
"Wickedness? Last time I checked it was you and your kind who ran rampant in this land, terrorizing everyone."
"Slander us all you want; it won't make a coward like you - who preys on innocent people without a single ounce of mercy - become a saint." Byleth spat venomously.
"And the fact that you've assembled such a large number of men to attack three young students is proof enough of your cowardly nature," Bylass added.
"It's funny that you call us vile monsters having no remorse while you two are just the same; no, we can't even be compared to you." Kostas paused before delivering his final taunt: "Enlighten me, what doesn't show emotion after killing someone?"
"Byleth, ignore his insolence," Edelgard quickly chimes in, hoping to defuse the situation but it's already too late.
"Of course, the answer is obvious."
"..."
"Only demons and monsters."
"And this time I will drag all of your favorite noble brats to hell with me while you are standing there hopelessly. Just like that time." Kostas sneered maliciously.
I'm glad your first tears were for me.
"Enough! All of you, heed my warning now!" Byleth's voice turned cold and menacing, causing everyone to still be in horror.
"Lay down your arms and I will grant you a merciful death. But if you do not..." He paused, allowing for the gravity of his words to fully sink in before adding a chilling snarl that seemed to freeze everyone to the spot.
"...you will regret ever being born into this world!" Byleth snarled, his voice dripping with malice and loathing.
"Everyone! Retreat now and leave the rest to us!" Bylass demanded hastily.
"Professor, we cannot abandon you both here!" Edelgard protested firmly.
"Lady Edelgard is right! May I remind you that this is the Black Eagle's duty and that includes everyone here."
"Just do it!" Bylass roared as everyone flinched. Despite disagreeing with the command, Edelgard and the rest of the Black Eagles reluctantly fell back, leaving Byleth and Bylass to deal with the rest of the bandits.
"Don't worry, Byleth. I won't let anyone harm you ever again."
An eternity of ferocity seemed to pass as Byleth and Bylass fought the unrelenting bandits, their battle a testament to mankind's struggle against tyranny. Without a word exchanged between them, they moved in concert with each other, attacking and parrying the enemy's blows in perfect tandem. The first bandit ran at Byleth but was immediately blocked by Bylass who sent him hurtling into another bandit behind him. Before either could react, Byleth had deftly strode through and cut both their lives short. Others followed suit but still refused to fall despite the hopelessness of their situation, fighting for what could be the last time knowing not of their ultimate fate.
Through the wave of his minions, Kostas cowered – an appropriate display of cowardice for one who had caused so much misery. How many innocents had paid their lives for the enjoyment of this scum? How many families were ruined while their daughters were sold into slavery? Byleth's rage burned hot until it collided with his single-minded goal: to ensure that no more lives would be ruined by this man or any like him. He had sworn it.
The air was heavy with the promise of death as Byleth moved through the mass of bandits like an unstoppable force. With each slash of his blade, their screams echoed in the dawn, and their blood splashed across the stones like a macabre waterfall. Fear rippled through the group as the next bandit trembled in terror, waiting for his turn to die. Suddenly, an assassin's dagger flew out from the shadows and shot straight for Byleth's eye. But with lightning reflexes, he batted it away, revealing yet another ruffian who had been creeping up behind him. In a single movement, Byleth brought his sword down on the man's arm swiftly, sending him crashing to the ground screaming in agony. His screams were abruptly cut off as Byleth delivered a deadly blow, immediately silencing him forever. The remaining bandits looked around in horror as an unholy red mist seemed to settle over them like a blanket.
"Mon …monster!" one of them stuttered in dread, knowing this foe was too powerful to stand against.
"Boss! What should we do now?" another one asked desperately.
"Damn it! Initiate plan B now. Target those noble pigs behind them." Kostas yelled desperately as his men rushed to obey him.
Until one of them was slaughtered instantly, revealing Bylass who had stood emotionlessly amidst all the bloodshed and carnage. Her sword dripped with their lifeblood, its edge gleaming sinisterly in the edge of dusk.
"Switching to the old dirty trick, don't you? Unfortunately for you, it's useless to me now." Bylass said coldly as her gaze cut towards Kostas like a blade and he began to sweat in panic.
"Looks like you are already cornered now, Kostas!" Byleth intoned menacingly from the shadows as he slowly advanced towards their leader with purposeful strides; death began to crawl closer along with every step.
"Damn, both of you!" Kostas roared furiously before launching himself at Byleth in a blind rage.
Kostas had no chance at survival. Byleth moved like a ghost, dodging each of Kostas's swings with ease. Desperately, Kostas tried to retaliate - his one good arm swinging the axe maniacally - to no avail. Byleth's sword effortlessly parried the axe and sent it flying away out of reach. Bylass came up from behind, delivering a sharp kick to his kneecap and sending him crashing against the ground. Kostas could taste the blood on his tongue as he desperately tried to stand again, only for Byleth to send one final kick straight to his face, sending him skidding across the ground. When his vision cleared there was already cold steel pressed against his neck.
"This is your end, Kostas," Byleth said coldly.
"I should not have listened to that idiot. What a mistake."
"Before I unleash your pathetic soul into oblivion, what futile words do you have for me?" His voice dripped with venom as he sneered at Kostas, relishing in the power he held over him.
"You think by slaying me it would prove you a saint before the people's eyes. How wrong you are, Shadow! After this day, you've only proved that this land was right to cower in fear of your name instead of ours!" Kostas spat out from between clenched teeth, rage burning behind his hate-filled eyes.
"Lies! I did this land a favor by exterminating scum such as yourself who prey upon the innocent and leave family graves untended."
"Then turn back and behold what you have done."
Byleth reluctantly turned back his head, revealing a scene of carnage he had created. No matter how many times he denied it, the brutality he left behind was always unbearable, leaving broken limbs and shredded lungs strewn like farm animals across what was once a pristine field. Blood stained the ground in an endless pool of red - every last drop belonging to those who pleaded for their lives but were refused mercy. This was no different from any other carnage he has caused - each time feeling nothing from watching life slip away in front of him.
The Black Eagles all looked afraid but in different ways. Bernadetta was trembling, her face filled with panic, until Dorothea tried to comfort her, though even she appeared uneasy. Ferdinand and Caspar stood still, their eyes betraying their distress. Linhardt seemed in danger of vomiting at the sight before them. Edelgard and Hubert gazed around in shock and amazement, but there was something else in their expressions- curiosity.
"You can't deny it any longer, can you?"
Byleth's eyes blazed with hatred and his sword quivered in the air against Kostas' chin. He said nothing, but rage radiated from his still form.
"The girl who died for your so-called heroic act was just another victim of your recklessness. You and Ashen Demon are the same—the embodiment of evil that loves nothing more than to tear its enemies apart without mercy. And you, Shadow, bring ruin wherever you step, leaving death and destruction in your wake. Neither of you will ever know peace until the day you perish."
Byleth gritted his teeth and pressed the tip of his blade further against Kostas' throat.
"You don't know anything! Nothing about me or her !" His voice was strained as his hand quivered with rage.
Kostas raised an eyebrow and smiled smugly.
"Do your worst then but remember this: You can never deny who you are."
"Shut up! I'm not …"
"I shall wait for you in hell, Shadow …."
Without hesitation, Bylass dealt the final blow before Kostas could utter another word. "You won't hurt him ever again!" she roared, fury pouring out from every pore of her body.
She stepped closer to him and opened up her arms wide, inviting him in for an embrace. As they hugged, she felt his trembling body and heard his quiet sobs. "It's finally over," she said softly into his ear.
Byleth smiled at them both, the joy evident in his voice.
"Bylass! We did it! We saved everyone!"
His companion pulled away slightly and looked directly at him, her gaze softening.
"I told you that I'd make sure everything was alright," she said with a kind smile before allowing herself to drift back into his embrace. The two shared a moment of peace before finally parting ways, both filled with hope knowing their long struggle had finally come to an end.
They shared a moment of understanding before Hubert cleared his throat, snapping them out of their reverie.
"Sorry to interrupt but we have another matter now," he said apologetically.
"Shall we head back now, professor?" Edelgard asked, keeping her gaze on Byleth.
"It seems that the sun is about to set so we'd better return to our camp which is not far from here for tonight. I will inform the Knights of Seiros that they can return to the Monastery and report our mission." Edelgard nodded in response and turned her attention to Byleth again.
"Are you alright, Byleth?" she asked with concern lacing her voice.
"I will manage. Thanks for asking, Edelgard!" Byleth smiled in appreciation before turning toward Bylass and waited for her next move.
"Let's head back now!"
Despite the mission being accomplished, it could not be said for the Black Eagles class due to the troubled looks on each face. None said a word as their eyes filled with sorrow while having dinner that Bylass and Petra had prepared after returning from their hunt. Most importantly, some students were still shaking with fear, which Bylass knew was the cause. Even though it was known to her that this was the first time for her students to participate in real combat, she did not expect this would take such an emotional toll on them; especially Linhardt who had never seemed so shaken before. The oppressive silence lingered until Linhardt spoke out:
"I… killed them. What have I done? The blood…"
"Linhardt! Breathe slowly, it's over." Bylass advised gently.
"Professor, I know we must punish the lawbreakers but this is too much for me. My hands used for research are now covered in blood." Linhardt's voice carried great sadness and his head was inclined as he stared down at the ground.
"So, is making us participate in killing part of the Church's teachings?" Dorothea added, her voice strained with confusion and conflict. Edelgard mumbled something to herself while frowning.
Conflicted by how to cheer up her students, a voice suddenly rang, catching the attention of the Black Eagles:
"If this is too much for you all, I will be the one to deliver the final blow. None of you should have to face such horror." His eyes were distant and his tone drained of emotion, yet underneath he was carrying so much turmoil in his heart.
As Byleth finished, another pregnant silence filled the air. Each second passed like an eternity until Ferdinand began:
"Byleth, may I ask something?" His voice was uncertain.
Byleth nodded, "Sure."
"How do you feel after killing those bandits?" The question caught him off guard as Byleth widened his eyes a bit before returning to his blank stare.
"I know many of you have heard about my reputation so I will cut to the chase. In contrast to what the majority believe, I never enjoy a single moment of these battles as there is no honor in that scene. Still, I had no other choice but to take their lives as they were a threat to our lives. But…"
"But why did you use such a cruel method? I know they are bandits but the way you killed them …. it was butchering, Byleth." Ferdinand sounded so conflicted between suspicion and empathy that it felt like he wanted to stop himself from saying anything more but couldn't resist the temptation.
Byleth avoided Ferdinand's gaze as he knew that by looking into his eyes he would have to confess why exactly he acted so brutally with those men. Gathering all of his courage, Byleth continued:
"I understand your reasons for asking. Deep inside me, I wish that I could've done something less violent but at the same time, hating myself for not being able to live up to my moral code. I can't blame you if you are afraid of me; I'm certainly afraid of myself right now. I will keep my distance if that's what you wish." Byleth said sadly and averted his gazes away from them all, not daring to look at any of them.
"But it was because of your actions that we were all able to make it out safe today," Edelgard stepped in, her stance resolute. "It may be true that the Church disagrees with how you and the professor handle combat, but did you not say that the only reason you draw your blade is to protect everyone? It was for this goal that you acted today, wasn't it? Not out of hatred or vengeance." Byleth reluctantly nodded his confirmation and she continued:
"And don't forget that you are still one of us in the Black Eagles as well. Kostas' words do not define who you are."
"Though I cannot condone your methods, Edelgard is right. You are part of us too, Byleth. And thank you for guiding us through this mission today." Caspar added.
"Everyone..." Byleth stuttered uncertainly, unsure of what to say in response.
Edelgard smiled warmly at him before suggesting:
"Let's put the mission behind us for now and just enjoy dinner together okay?" Byleth forced a small smile onto his face as he nodded in agreement; although it was clear to all present that the internal conflict he felt over his actions was far from resolved.
But after all of this distress, at least, he had a family who would stand up for him now.
The night was silent as the moonlight was casting brightly on the forest. The sigh of crickets and a gentle lapping sound from the shore of the river were the only sounds. Byleth was sitting on a weathered log before the water, staring across the still surface. The light looked soft from here, he thought to himself, like silk or amethyst stone.
" Shadow of Ashen Demon ." He muttered to himself, his hands balled into fists at his sides and his brow furrowed. Suddenly, he felt a presence beside him and heard Bylass's voice.
"And the Ashen Demon herself."
He turned to face her, feeling the warmth radiating from her body. Despite knowing that she could read his thoughts, Byleth was still comfortable with her presence during these moments.
"I thought you were guarding our students?" Byleth said, trying to change the subject.
"Hubert just volunteered to switch with me so don't worry. However, you did well today, Byleth." Bylass smiled gently.
The corner of Byleth's mouth twitched in a half-smile as he looked away from her. "I did what must be done, Bylass. At least, none will face such a cruel fate from those bandits anymore." He remembered the man's final taunts ringing through his mind and felt a pang of anger in his chest.
"I could not agree more. But are you still bothered by his last words?" Her voice sounded worried, and her delicate hand reached out to touch his arm to console him in some way. He took a moment to contemplate his thoughts before replying:
"Honestly, I do find his taunts were rubbish just like his ignorance. Though I loathed that title to the core, I'm already used to it after all these years." His voice was monotonic and his eyes were distant and furrowed in thought.
"Byleth…" She began but trailed off when he suddenly relaxed and looked back at her with determination in his gaze.
"However, there is no point in loathing myself, isn't it? The world may believe whatever they want for I do not care." He held her gaze firmly and continued. "I will keep moving forward for that is where my conviction stands as long as there are lives at risk."
A relieved smile tugged on the corners of Bylass's lips and she nodded slowly in agreement. "I'm happy you've realized it, Byleth," she said softly," No matter what happens, you will never be alone ever again. You have Jeralt and the Black Eagles." Bylass paused before shyly continuing: "And you have me."
"We promised to walk this path together, didn't we? I look forward to what is laying ahead." Byleth smiled softly.
"Of course, my Demon King." Bylass giggled jokingly as she curtsied gracefully.
"Though you may be Queen now, you're still as cheeky as a Princess, my dear." Byleth took the hint and smirked playfully.
"Admit it, I do make an excellent Princess. Even Jeralt agreed!"
"Yes, yes milady." Byleth chuckled in amusement but made no move to leave. Instead, he suggested they stay there for a little while longer. They settled in the grass, content to simply enjoy each other's company without exchanging words until finally, Byleth spoke up again:
"Thank you for everything, Bylass."
16th of Harpstring Moon, 1180
Is everyone ready?" Bylass asked as she fastened the final buckle of her pack.
"Except Linhardt who was still deep in a blissful sleep despite my attempts to rouse him," Edelgard sighed and rolled her eyes. "Hubert, would you take care of our slumbering friend?"
The professor chuckled as Hubert strode away with a menacing glint in his eye, no doubt intending to give Linhardt a rude awakening. As the Black Eagles finished packing their belongings, Bylass waved them forward and one by one they left the forest clearing.
Byleth was about to follow suit when he heard a distant whisper from the direction of Zanado. He stopped in his tracks, curious, but before he could investigate further Edelgard spoke up. "What is it? Did you hear something?"
He listened intently for a few seconds but heard nothing more. "No, I must have imagined it… Let's go." He turned away and followed Edelgard,
Then they departed and followed the rest of the Black Eagles, leaving the forest behind. The words were spoken into nothingness and were caught up in the wind. No one heard the voice, but its ripples reached across time and frolicked through the air with a gentle tone, trying to reach a certain blue-haired man.
"Byleth… You made it."