Even after centuries had passed, Rhea still couldn't escape the memories that haunted her. She could feel them creeping back into her mind like unwelcome guests, refusing to leave. These thoughts tormented her for days on end, leaving her exhausted and drained.
She closed her eyes and tried to push them away, but they came rushing back with vivid clarity. The image of the thief who had caused so much pain and destruction filled her mind. She could see him standing tall, his proud stance betraying his true nature as a cunning and ruthless criminal. His sword, a symbol of his supposed liberation, glinted in the sunlight as he proclaimed himself the savior of humanity. But to Rhea, he was nothing more than a despicable thief who deserved to be burnt in the depths of hell.
The clash began with a deafening boom as the Sword of the Creator clashed against her shield. The battlefield was lit up with sparks, revealing the two opposing forces locked in fierce combat. Nemesis swung his massive sword with brutal force, taking out countless soldiers who stood in his way. But she was nimble and agile, dodging his attacks with ease as she closed the distance between them.
With each strike of their weapons, the sound of metal on metal grew more intense. She expertly parried his blows, her movements fluid and precise despite the weight of her shield. Her eyes burned with determination and centuries of pain and rage as she fought to avenge her people.
As they circled each other, their swords clashing and scraping in a frenzied dance, Rhea saw her chance to strike. With a sudden burst of speed, she threw down her sword and lunged at Nemesis, knocking him to the ground. In a blur of motion, she unleashed a flurry of kicks and punches, each one landing with ferocious strength. Finally, as Nemesis lay defeated at her feet, Rhea pressed a dagger to his throat. Her voice echoed across the battlefield as she yelled at her mortal enemy.
"Tell me, Nemesis. Do you remember the Red Canyon?" Rhea spat out his name with venom, her eyes blazing with furious determination. This was it, the showdown between them. Her mother would finally be freed from the twisted hold this man had over her. Unexpectedly, Nemesis smiled in response, a malicious glint in his eye as he mocked her in a taunting tone.
"Of course, I remember it vividly, Seiros. How could I forget the one pitiful soul I spared amidst the merciless carnage in Zanado?" His voice dripped with twisted glee as he relived the memory of his bloodthirsty rampage.
"Don't you dare mock the tragedy of Zanado with your lies, Nemesis? Your supposed mercy was nothing but a cruel joke amidst your savage slaughter. And my survival only fueled the fire that brought your reign of terror to its rightful end."
"Reign of terror? It is I who is saving humanity from liars like you and your kind. Especially that deceitful being who calls herself God." Nemesis laughed mockingly and Rhea seethed with rage.
"Saving humanity? Is that your excuse for massacring my family who never wronged you?" She lunged forward, pressing her dagger against his throat even harder. "You speak of salvation while bathing in the blood of those you claim to protect. Your actions betray your deceitful words, Nemesis. To call your butchery a noble cause is an insult to all those who suffered at your hands. And my mother...how dare you taint her divine remains by crafting that cursed Sword?"
"Ahh, there she is- the little one desperate for attention from her mother. You still have not changed, haven't you?" Nemesis' mocking grin widened as he sneered at her.
"How dare you! You have no right to speak of her, to tarnish her memory with your lies and ignorance. Once I'm done with you, she will return to me for she is the true Creator of this world, unlike that False God of yours." Rhea snarled, her voice shaking with fury and grief at the thought of her mother being abused by this monster.
"You don't know what you are talking about, false Saint. I caught a glimpse of truth when his divinity was bestowed upon me. Tell me, Seiros, are you sure it was Sothis's wish to be brought back to this world?"
"Shut up!" She roared, lunging forward with her dagger aimed at his heart. But Nemesis' laughter only grew louder, his eyes fixed on hers with a look of calculated amusement.
"Mark my words," he sneered, "No matter how many lives are sacrificed and no matter how much time passes, the Goddess will never return, Seiros. Your mother is nothing but a treacherous liar who abandoned you and your kind for her selfish desires- which ultimately led to her downfall."
Rhea's blood boiled at his words, fueling her rage even further as she drove her dagger into Nemesis's chest. But she couldn't ignore the unsettling feeling in the pit of her stomach at his final taunt.
"I can't wait to see what will become of you on that day- the moment your greatest creation becomes your ultimate downfall, Rhea!"
26th of Blue Sea Moon, 1180
Rhea jolted awake, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. She could feel the cool morning air seeping through her window, signaling the start of a new day. As she rose from bed and changed into her archbishop's robe, the remnants of her nightmare lingered in her mind, causing her to run her hands through her hair in an attempt to shake it off. Despite her unsettled thoughts, Rhea knew she had duties to attend to, so she made her way out the door and prepared for the day ahead.
"Forget it, Rhea! He's gone now! They were just pathetic taunts from a dying man and nothing more." But as she spoke, doubt gnawed at her mind, replaying the cruel words of her nemesis over and over. Still, there were more pressing matters at hand - today was the long-awaited Rite of Rebirth, where she and other devout followers would pray for the return of their beloved Goddess which would come true sooner or later.
"Just a little further, Mother! Then we'll be together again!" With a soft murmur, Rhea slowly turned the doorknob and entered her office, ready to fulfill her duty.
After all, it was her mother's will to be brought back to this world, wasn't it?
The Holy Mausoleum
"The Goddess's Rite of Rebirth is about to begin. Are we going to move forward with our plan?" Hubert asked.
"I believe so. How confident are you in our theory, Professor?"
"We're not wrong. This must be where their real objective is." Bylass replied confidently.
"No one's intuition is perfect. It's ridiculous to not have doubts, Professor." Linhardt chimed in with a sigh.
"All that matters is how our enemies make their move, not how our teacher feels about the plan. Though I wouldn't worry that much as long as we have our famous duo here."
"Thanks for the compliment, Hubert. But let's focus on preparing and... Byleth?" Bylass noticed her partner shaking his head vigorously.
"Forgive me for intruding, but are you feeling alright, Byleth? I've noticed you've been experiencing headaches for hours now," Ferdinand asked with concern.
"It'll pass, don't worry," Byleth groaned and recomposed himself. "Let's get ready now. We can't be sure what awaits us inside the Holy Mausoleum."
The group huddled together, murmuring and exchanging quiet words. Bylass leaned in close to Byleth's ear, her voice filled with concern.
"Did the dream come back again?" Bylass whispered.
"No, but the very same feeling is getting stronger and stronger as I'm heading toward the Holy Mausoleum. It's like … something is calling to me." Byleth replied unsurely.
"Knowing you, I suppose you will not leave here while there's a risk to our well-being. Just call for my help if anything goes wrong, okay?"
"Of course. Anyway, good luck to you, Professor."
"And the same goes for you, partner." Bylass gave him an understanding nod and they started to march towards the Rite of Rebirth along with their students.
Carefully, the Professor and her students descended the stone stairs of the ancient ruins. Bylass, their fearless Professor, scanned the area for any signs of danger. When they finally reached the Holy Mausoleum, they were met with a startling sight: a group of armed soldiers, led by a mage wearing an intricate bird mask. The mage was frantically trying to break the seal of the tomb. As soon as he noticed the intruders, he barked orders at his soldiers, and a large, intimidating Knight in gleaming armor stepped forward to confront them.
"Those Central Church dastards have spotted us… Buy me some time while opening the seal of the casket. Death Knight, show me your strength!"
"I don't take orders from the likes of you." The Death Knight replied calmly and pointed his scythe toward them.
"Our hypothesis was correct then. Everyone, stay alert!" Bylass commanded as the rest of the class unsheathed their swords in preparation for battle.
"Professor, what are your orders?" Edelgard asked.
"Edelgard, Hubert, Petra, and Linhardt; you will follow my lead and advance on their left flank. Byleth, you and the rest will take care of the right flank."
"And what about that Knight? Can I take him on?" Caspar interjected eagerly.
"Unless you have a death wish, be my guest," Hubert replied coldly.
"Once we finish dealing with their flanks, keep advancing to take care of their Death Knight. Byleth and I will lead the charge so stay put. Is that alright with you?" She asked and Byleth nodded without hesitation.
"That's fine by me. Everyone, prepare for the battle!"
Throughout her life, she had been called many names: Ashen Demon, Demon of Remire, and worst of all - Calamity of Varley. Despite the disdain that came with these titles, they held a common belief - her invincibility and mastery of tactics. Her students, who had grown to admire her in just a few short months, echoed this sentiment.
But as she dodged another swing from the Death Knight, she couldn't help but doubt her abilities. She threw a dagger towards his head, but it simply bounced off his helmet with a loud clang before falling to the ground. Before she could even think of her next move, Ferdinand charged at the Death Knight, only to be knocked back by a powerful blow from his scythe. The weapon continued to swing violently towards the young heir of Aegir. His life was on the thread as each second passed.
"I refuse to let it end here!" The world around her seemed to pause, then rewind to the moment before their showdown with Death Knight.
Frustration boiled in her stomach as she repeatedly attempted to change the outcome of the battle. But no matter how skilled or determined she was, it always ended the same way. Instead of Ferdinand, it was Dorothea who rushed in and took the fatal blow for Edelgard. The clang of metal against metal echoed in her ears as she gripped her blade tighter, tears streaming down her face. She screamed Dorothea's name, but it was too late. The songstress fell to the ground, gasping for air until her breath finally left her.
Even after reversing the time once again, fury burned through her veins as Bylass charged at the Knight, the clash of metal resounding like a haunting melody. Each strike was precise and deadly, each meant to exact revenge for the lives lost under his blade. Byleth joined in, attempting to knock the Knight off his horse with his but he deftly parried and dodged skillfully as his horse jumped into the air, charging at her once again.
And so, the dance between the deity of Death and the Twin Ashen Demons continued, a deadly game of cat and mouse with both sides determined to come out victorious. Despite having more manpower on their side, it soon became clear that they were no match for the Knight. With one swift swing of his scythe, he took Caspar's life, leaving Byleth reeling from shock and despair. Though she had the power of Divine Pulse to turn back time and save her students, each moment felt heavier and more unbearable as she watched them fall one by one in her failed attempts to defeat the Knight.
Ferdinand's last words echoed in her mind, filled with regret and self-doubt. Caspar, who was usually full of energy, now hung his head in defeat, blaming himself for not being strong enough. Petra's final moments were marked by a desperate cry for her homeland, tears streaming down her face. And even Edelgard, known for her cold demeanor, showed raw emotion as she took her last breath. It had been five times now that she relived this cycle of loss and grief, each time feeling the weight of that fateful day when she almost lost her dearest Byleth forever.
"Bylass, I'm begging you. Please, stop!" Sothis pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Don't try to stop me. I won't leave anyone behind again," Bylass snapped, her grip tightening on her sword.
"But at what cost? The more you try to reverse the damage, the more it takes upon you. Fate is not something to trifle with, Bylass!"
"Then the God of Fate can go and shove themselves. There is no such thing as destiny or preordained paths. Only the choices we make determine our future." Bylass declared fiercely, raising her sword.
"It seems you've finally decided to follow his path. But how far are you willing to go, even if it means defying fate itself?"
"As far as it takes. My future is mine to decide, until my dying breath!"
Once again, the scenery of the Holy Mausoleum shifted and warped as Bylass manipulated time again.
"We've got the flanks covered. Should we start moving towards the Death Knight?" Edelgard asked, taking down another soldier.
"No!" Bylass exclaimed, surprising everyone. "The rest of you handle the remaining forces while Byleth and I take care of the Death Knight."
"But Professor, earlier you said..." Dorothea began.
"I know, but my decision stands. This enemy could be incredibly dangerous, and I don't want to risk any of your lives." Bylass explained, her eyes fixed on the looming figure of the Death Knight. Unbeknownst to her, Byleth quietly observed with concern.
"Professor, with all due respect, facing the Death Knight alone is a huge risk. Working together as a team would give us a better chance at success. We've trained for moments like this." Ferdinand argued.
"I understand your bravery, Ferdinand, but the danger is too great. I must protect all of you."
"We've trained and fought together countless times before as a team. You told us that as long as we stick together, no one will be left behind in even the direst situations." Petra chimed in.
"I know! But..." Bylass sighed wearily, tightening her grip on her sword.
"Professor, we understand your concerns, but we can't just watch you face this danger alone. We're a team and we need to support each other." Edelgard added.
"That's enough!" Bylass roared, startling her students. "My decision is final and it won't change! Edelgard, continue advancing with the rest of our class and stop them from opening that coffin. Now go!"
"I don't take orders from the likes of you." Hubert retorted, his tone dripping with disdain as he met Bylass' icy gaze. He was about to argue further when Edelgard touched his shoulder and shook her head, silently urging him to comply with their teacher's command. With a sigh, Hubert reluctantly obeyed.
As their students left, Byleth and Bylass were left in an awkward silence. He reached out and gently touched her shoulder, offering a comforting squeeze. She let out a weary sigh and looked up at him with tired eyes.
"Bylass, I don't know what's going on, but just remember that I have your back. We're a team," Byleth said reassuringly, eliciting a small smile from Bylass.
"Thank you, Byleth. It's complicated...I'll explain later. But for now, let's focus on the task at hand." Bylass raised her sword, and Byleth followed suit.
"Like a moth to a flame! Run and I promise I won't chase you." the Death Knight threatened in a low, menacing tone. But instead of backing down, the duo pointed their swords fiercely at him.
"So, this is the choice you've made. Well then, come to me, Ashen Demons!"
After the Death Knight's declaration, the battle resumed, and both sides began to their moves. Without a moment's hesitation, Byleth and Bylass charged forward, their movements perfectly synchronized as they sought to exploit any weakness in the Death Knight's defense. The clash of metal reverberated across the desolate landscape as swords met in a symphony of battle.
With supernatural fluidity, the Death Knight countered each strike effortlessly, his weapon slicing through the air with deadly accuracy. Byleth and Bylass fought ferociously, their combined strength and tactics creating a frenzy of blows and parries. Despite their best efforts, the Death Knight remained unfazed, his relentless defense seeming impenetrable. Sparks flew as steel clashed against steel, the combatants locked in a fierce dance of blades.
Byleth's strikes were swift and powerful, while Bylass moved with graceful precision, always searching for an opening in the Death Knight's defenses. But the armored figure seemed unbeatable, his scythe never faltering as he tirelessly pushed back against his opponents' onslaught. The three warriors continued to wage war against each other with unyielding determination, their respective strengths and skills evenly matched in this epic battle for victory.
Despite their best efforts, the Death Knight proved to be a formidable opponent. His dark powers surged, creating an eerie aura that consumed the battlefield. Shadows twisted and writhed around him, empowering his strikes with malevolent energy that threatened to overwhelm Byleth and Bylass. But the duo was not deterred. With a determined glance at each other, they sprang into action, launching coordinated attacks against the Death Knight. Their weapons glinted in the dim light as they fought with skill and precision.
As their relentless assault began to wear down the Death Knight's defenses, they could hear Edelgard's voice from the other side of the battlefield. She was fighting off the Western Church's forces, but she also shouted a warning to them.
"Professor! The tomb, he's breaking the seal!"
"Bylass, go take care of the mage. I will handle everything from here." The horrors consuming her were suffocating as she vehemently denied it.
"No, I won't let you face this demon alone."
"We can't let them achieve their objectives either," he countered. "I know you worry for me, but trust me, I'll be fine." He gestured to his dagger and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I'll come back when it's all taken care of."
"Please live your life for both of us!"
Bylass hesitated, unsure if she should trust Byleth's words. But in a split-second decision, she nodded and pushed past the Death Knight, towards the mage who was attempting to open the tomb. The heat from his fireball washed over her as she dodged it effortlessly, her body trained for this type of combat.
"You're too late. The seal is broken, now you can't… a sword?" The mage's brow furrowed as he gazed at the sword with uncertainty. Sensing an opportunity, she lunged forward and easily swiped the sword from his trembling grasp. It flew towards her in a graceful arc, and she caught it easily in her hand.
As she grasped the hilt of the blade, a surge of energy coursed through her body. The soft, otherworldly glow emanating from the blade seemed to fill the entire chamber as she raised it above her head. She could feel the weight of its power in every fiber of her being, causing a mix of adrenaline and fear to flood through her veins. Without hesitation, she charged towards the mage who stood in front of her, his hands glowing with magic. As she swung the sword, it cut through him effortlessly, leaving her students and enemies shocked and speechless. She couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph and awe at her newfound power.
"Isn't that …" Edelgard stuttered as if she knew about the sword Bylass was holding. But the thought quickly disappeared as she heard Byleth's groan. The Death Knight knocked the sword out of his hand and looked at him menacingly. In a swift motion, he raised his lance to strike at Byleth, and Bylass's face contorted in fear and confusion.
As she raced towards Byleth, a wave of memories crashed over her mind. The sight of him taking that fatal blow from Kostas, the look of regret in his eyes, and his final smile as he left this world - it was all too much to bear. She had already watched her students fall, but the thought of losing him again was unbearable. As she gripped the Sword tightly in her hand, its power still pulsing through her, an idea sparked within her as she gathered her strength and prepared to execute it.
For she will always save him, no matter the cost.
A few minutes ago
Despite Byleth's assurance that he would be alright, it became clear when the Death Knight used his superior weapon and armor to overpower him. His steel sword clashed against the Death Knight's scythe, the sound ringing out in the Holy Mausoleum. But no matter how swift and precise Byleth's strikes were, they couldn't penetrate the heavy metal armor that encased the Knight.
As the two engaged in a fierce battle, Byleth could feel his strength waning as he struggled to keep up with the Knight's relentless attacks. Sweat dripped down his brow and his breath came in ragged gasps as he desperately fought this losing battle. Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, the Death Knight landed a powerful blow that sent Byleth's sword flying from his hand. But even at that moment, he refused to give up, knowing there was still so much he needed to uncover before facing his ultimate demise.
"Is this the best the Shadow can show me? Pathetic!" The Death Knight sneered at Byleth and raised his lance, ready to attack. Byleth's mind raced, trying to come up with a plan. Suddenly, Bylass's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Byleth, catch!" She threw the Sword towards him which flew through the Death Knight as Byleth managed to catch it. As he made contact with it, time seemed to stand still until a loud blast of energy was released from the Sword, throwing the Death Knight back.
"Lady Edelgard, that is…!"
"I know, Hubert. But how can this be? Unless…" But before she could finish, the soldier charged again and forced her to refocus on her task.
Byleth paced around the dusty Mausoleum, his fingers gripping tightly onto the Sword's hilt. The sword hummed with an otherworldly energy, coursing through Byleth's veins and creating a blinding light that filled the room. With each step he took, the memories of wielding this powerful sword flooded back to him, yet there was something elusive about these memories that he couldn't quite grasp. As the sword's light intensified, so did the pounding in Byleth's head, until he could almost hear a voice whispering to him from beyond. It was the same voice that had plagued his mind for years, but now it seemed more real and urgent than ever before.
"The stage is set!"
Byleth's head throbbed and he fell to his knees, gritting his teeth in pain. The Death Knight readied himself for another attack as Bylass struggled to stand up after being knocked down by a powerful blast of energy. But when Byleth opened his eyes, they glowed with a bright yellow light, similar to the ones she saw in her dreams. He stood up calmly, his sword crackling with energy as Bylass fell to her knees again.
"Everyone! Fall to your knees now!" Despite their confusion, her students immediately they all had the same questionable thoughts. Until they saw a large whip swinging around, creating a huge storm that knocked down all of the enemies instantly, including the Death Knight.
The shock was undoubtedly on their face as Byleth Byleth stood in the center of the blazing inferno. His hair covered his eyes until he lifted his head to look at them, Bylass noticed that his once deep blue eyes were now a piercing gold. But what was truly unsettling were the empty, lifeless emotions that seemed to reside in those golden eyes. It was as if there was nothing left inside Byleth except for the flames that danced around him.
"This endless cycle… this never-ending agony… this meaningless world!" He murmured, yet his Sword glowed with a fiery intensity as if reflecting the fierce anger burning within him.
"That Sword… it's getting interesting now!" The Death Knight murmured then disappeared, just before Catherine and the Knights of Seiros arrived.
"Looks like you already have it under control, it seems I ran here for nothing." Catherine said neutrally until her eyes widened at the sight of Byleth holding the Sword." The Sword of the Creator…how did you have it?"
Instead of answering her, Byleth's face remained emotionless as he gazed at Catherine, causing an icy chill to run down her spine. She couldn't shake off the feeling of fear that always seemed to surface around him, especially those cursed yellow eyes. Suddenly, he pointed the sword toward her with a stoic expression, sending shock and alertness throughout both sides. The Knights braced themselves for a potential strike while Catherine locked eyes with Byleth, unable to move. Just as tension began to build between them, Bylass shouted from behind Byleth, trying to catch his attention.
"Byleth, it's me. Don't you recognize me?" Her voice trembled as she reached out to him, but he refused to make eye contact.
"I don't know what happened to you or what caused such a change in you, but one thing is clear; you are feeling hurt, aren't you?" He slowly turned back and glanced at her; his face betrayed no emotion.
"Despite the changes, I can see that look of pain in your eyes now. But it's not just from physical wounds, is it? It's the emotional scars that run deep, the doubts and insecurities that have taken over. But deep down, I know the real you is still there- the one who showed me that even in this harsh world, there is still beauty worth fighting for."
"…"
"Do you remember the children we taught together? They are waiting for their hero to return. The one who gave them hope and showed them that they are not alone. And what about our friends at the academy? Our journey together, the battles we fought side by side, the memories we shared - they all mean something." Bylass held her breath and continued. "And what about your family? They are still waiting for you, knowing that you have not given up on them despite the obstacles you are facing."
Byleth remained silent, his face betraying nothing as he stared ahead. Bylass could see the conflict in his eyes as she pressed on.
"Remember, no matter how Fate or this world may define you, you'll always be Byleth to me - the kindhearted man who refuses to give up on anyone. Jeralt needs you, the Black Eagles need you...I need you." Bylass finished with a conflicted tone, tears glistening in her eyes as everyone in the room watched with bated breath. Byleth continued to stare at her blankly until suddenly, his body twitched in pain and he fell to his knees.
"Bylass..." he managed to say, a faint hint of gratitude in his eyes before they turned blue again. Bylass rushed to his side, relief flooding through her as she checked on him. Meanwhile, Catherine ordered the Knights to lower their weapons and apprehend the soldiers from the Western Church. The Black Eagles gathered around Bylass as well, worry etched on their faces.
"Byleth, what happened back then? And the Sword, is it..." Ferdinand asked reluctantly.
"The Sword of the Creator!" Edelgard interjected with shock in her voice.
"The Sword of the Creator?" Bylass questioned, looking at Byleth who was still catching his breath. Even though he looked confused, the expression on his face revealed that he knew something significant had taken place.
"I can't believe it! The legendary relic wielded by Nemesis himself, just sitting in that tomb all these years, and now both of you can use it with ease," Linhardt exclaimed, barely able to contain his excitement.
"Wait, even you, Professor?" Catherine exclaimed in surprise before Bylass could reply. "We must tell Lady Rhea immediately!"
"At least let me take Byleth to the infirmary first," Bylass snapped back impatiently as Catherine glared at her. But Byleth waved off her concern and assured her.
"I'll be fine."
"Falling twice in one day doesn't seem 'fine' to me," Bylass retorted bluntly, annoyed by his stubbornness.
"I don't like it either, but we can't keep the Archbishop waiting any longer. Let's get this over with," Byleth insisted as Bylass signaled for the Black Eagles to follow. But before they could leave, a voice called out from behind them.
"Once again, the puppet has defied his predetermined fate. How long will you continue to defy me?" the voice spat with venom, devoid of any trace of warmth or humanity. The Black Eagles and Knights recoiled at the sound, a palpable sense of danger filling their chests.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows - cloaked in darkness and radiating an evil aura. A hood obscured most of his face, but strands of pale, white hair peeked out like shards of snow on a cold winter's night.
"Bylass, it is him!" Sothis exclaimed in disbelief.
"I can see that, but there's something...off about him. I can't quite put my finger on it," Bylass replied, her voice laced with uncertainty and unease. She couldn't deny the familiarity of appearance but it was mixed with a sense of discomfort that she couldn't shake off.
His voice reverberated through the chamber, chilling the blood of all who heard it. The figure's eyes glinted with malice as he spoke, his words dripping with disdain and venom.
"Even with that Sword in your hand and the blood of ruler coursing through your veins, you still fail to reach your full potential. I'm disappointed, Byleth!"
"Tell me who you are before I cut you where you stand!" Fury burned within Byleth as he shouted back, tightening his grip on the Sword. But the figure just chuckled mockingly, casting a condescending glance at Byleth.
"You're still so impatient, aren't you? Byleth - the self-proclaimed righteous warrior of Fodlan, protector of the weak...or so you tell yourself to hide from the ugly truth that you are nothing but a puppet, dancing to the whims of fate."
Byleth gritted his teeth and asked again, trying to keep his voice steady despite his rising anger. "Who are you?"
The figure stepped closer, its movements fluid yet unnerving. It exuded an air of familiarity that sent shivers down Byleth's spine. "Stop pretending, puppet." He hissed. "You might think you know you are, but you are merely a reflection, a fraction of what once was. Just like that day- the day you did not hesitate to forsake your so-called family." Byleth's eyes widened in shock and he spoke through clenched teeth.
"What do you know about my family? Tell me!" The figure's grin grew wider, almost manic as it barely contained his laughter.
"To think you forget even that fateful day. You never fail to amaze me, don't you? But listen closely - whatever you're searching for is not there. You couldn't save anyone, Byleth. Not even your father." Byleth finally lost control and lunged towards the figure, intent on striking him down. But with one swift movement, the figure parried the attack with ease and pushed Byleth away, into the waiting arms of Bylass. In that transition, everyone was shaken and barely able to whisper.
"He blocked it with his bare hands?" Caspar's voice echoes through the Mausoleum.
"No, he is using his magic to counter the strike. But even so, what kind of spell that can withstand a Relic." Linhardt chimed in, frowning in confusion, and turned to Catherine" Catherine, has anyone ever succeeded in stopping your Thunderbrand?"
"Not that I've recalled, Everyone, on your guard now." Catherine prepared her Thunderbrand as everyone prepared for the battle including Bylass who looked more guard than ever.
"That Thunderbrand...you must be Cassandra Rubens Charon" he smirked, his eyes glinting with malice as Catherine opened her mouth widely. "What a shame that the descendant of such a fierce warrior has now become a lapdog for the Church. Your ancestor must be rolling in his grave now."
"For speaking such heresy against the Goddess, I will have you executed!" Catherine's grip tightened on her weapon as she growled." And shut that mouth of yours. You know nothing about me, not about my heritage!"
"Oh but I do," he sneered. "Why don't you ask your beloved archbishop? The one whose lies have been poisoning this land for centuries."
The knights all bristled at these words, tightening their grip on their weapons. Byleth's eyes blazed with fury as he shouted, "Enough riddles! Who are you?"
The figure gazed at him through the shadows of his hood, his eyes calculating and predatory, like a hunter toying with his prey. He began slowly, each word dripping with malice and authority.
"Who am I? It is a question that has echoed through the annals of time. Some call me the Burning One, herald of Liberation and bringer of hope to a world corrupted by lies. Others know me as the Serpent, a title whispered in fear by my enemies within the Church for the winding paths I tread." He paused for a moment before unleashing a massive wave of energy, forcing everyone to stand still.
"But all those titles are mere masks adorned by mortals attempting to comprehend the incomprehensible. For they pale in comparison to the truth. I am more than fire and fangs. I am Seraphim- the Archangel of Liberation." Then his eyes fixed on Byleth with a malevolent stare.
"And your only master!"
Author's note:
I'm searching for a beta who doesn't mind giving harsh criticism. If you find some errors that need to be fixed, feel free to point those out as I don't mind criticism. Since the next arcs are getting a bit complicated, I want to take some feedback to make it as perfect as possible till the end of this story. So anyone interested in a beta- -tester, feel free to leave a comment behind. Until next time.