Hey everyone, FriendlyMushroom here. And I am finally returning to writing Fire Emblem stories. You see, many years ago, I used to write some Fire Emblem stories of Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn. I have played every Fire Emblem game (that arrived to America), and was even a constant player of FEH. Three Houses was also a game I enjoyed quiet a lot, and probably broke some controllers playing the DLC (damn you chapter 3). And when seeing the DLC and discovering the Fourth House, I thought that perhaps in Warriors Yuri would be a more important character. And I mean, I haven't really played warriors, but I have seen play troughs, and Yuri is fine, but never felt part of the Three Lords. How could he anyway, after all, he wouldn't have a kingdom, or empire, or anything.

Anyway, long story short, my wife is also a huge Fire Emblem fan, she began with Blue Lions (until chapter 6), and then switched to Golden Deer (I'm so proud). And after seeing her beat her first ever Fire Emblem on her own, I decided to write her a story.

So, what is this story? I love AUs, it gives me the chance to explore different possibilities, and excuses to change the things I don't like, to things I do like. Yet, I am also a person who tries to respect someone's character to its fullest. For example, there is no possible way for Hilda to join the Black Eagles (unless Church + 30 charm), which also means there is no possible way for her to interact with Hubert in a romantic way. So, if the original creators of Fire Emblem decided there is no way it happens, even in fanfiction, it won't happen with my story. This just applies in the relationship department.

This story, is my own take of the events of Fire Emblem, having Yuri as one of the main lords. And one of my personal rules in AUs is that something small changes in the universe, that detonates in something majorly different.

In this universe, the battle of the Tailtean Plains ended a little differently. And one character made this whole universe possible just because he listened and tried to negotiate. Does this mean it was something good? I don't know, some things may be better, some won't. But I'm going to have fun finding it out. The main difference is that thanks to this character, there are truly 4 Houses, and 4 Kingdoms. So maybe the main storyline will change drastically.

As a final note, since I'm writing this story for my wife, she chooses the parings, not me. I only picked the main one, Claude x Byleth (She is a Claude x Hilda fan, I'm not), so, in vengeance, she picked the second main couple, Dimitri x Flayn. The other two major couples are: Edelgard x Shez, and Yuri x Ingrid.

Enjoy.

Prologue:

Fódlan. Tailtean Plains. I.Y. 91.

-All this bloodshed… will it never come to an end? -the land of Fódlan, a continent immersed in a seemingly endless war between the Adrestian Empire, led by Saint Seiros and the Four Saints, against the armies of the Fell King, Nemesis, and his Ten Elites. Soldiers who wield powerful weapons that shine orange when fueled by the power of a Crest, stones that resonate like the beat of a heart and give life to the bones that were once part of holly individuals that were massacred to create such weapons. The most powerful of such weapons, being the Sword of the Creator in hands of the Fell King himself.

With weapons capable of unleashing unparalleled destruction with a single swing, it is no secret why Fódlan remains under the tyrannical rule of the Fell King, it required the union of most of the kingdoms of Fódlan to create an army numerous enough to face the Ten Elites, but even with such numbers, it wasn't enough, not until Saint Seiros recruited the 4 Saints, two of which were creatures of immense size and power.

-This war disgusts me… -towering high on the sky, one of such saints, who was more like a half-breed between a Griffon and a Dragon, surrounded its throat with powerful red energy-. I am the Wind Caller, tremble before me Eites! The human spirit… is weak! –with its powerful blast, friends and foes alike were vaporized, something another of the saints could not tolerate, as she ran past the wounded and used her healing magic to try to save as many lives as were possible to her.

-Uncle Macuil! Please stop! It is our allies who you are hurting! Restrain yourself, please! –the girl of pale blonde hair begged, as the man she had tried to heal could not withstand his wounds, and perished on her arms-. No… -she cried, her heart pained by the horrible reality of war.

-You must hear our dear Cethleann, brother –another giant beast added, raising from the ground as it had been knocked out of its senses recently by dark hooded mages. The beast looked like a breed between a Dragon and a Giant Turtle-. The rage within your heart is understandable, but your wisdom must prove stronger than your rage. The Nabateans are no longer the future of Fódlan, humans are. And it is up to us to teach them the rightful way. I am the Immovable –the beast blasted, and different than Macuil, it only hit the ones on the enemy lines.

-Your softness will one day be your doom, brother Indech –replied Saint Macuil-. Humans are responsible for what happened to our people. Regardless of the side they are in, punishment is what they deserve –the beast complained.

-Enough, Macuil! –complained a human, or at least he seemed human. Wearing a shiny armor and raiding a Wyvern, with determined emerald eyes facing the Griffon-like saint-. I will not allow your personal believes to temper the morale of our troops. I remind you that they can hear you –the man added with authority, readying his lance, and launching it toward the ground, where it exploded, launching several soldiers around the plains.

-You are weak, Cichol –Macuil replied-. All of you are. But specially you two for sealing your true forms and forming alliances with these humans. Once order is restored to Fódlan, you will see how humans turn their backs on us –Macuil added, Cethleann covered her ears in pain, the less she needed was seeing her family arguing with one another in the middle of a battlefield.

Before the discussion could continue, fire once again began falling from the sky, in reality being launched by several black cloaked figures, who were aiming at the Four Saints from a higher position, concentrating their efforts in eliminating them before the rest of the Adrestian Army.

In the middle of the battlefield, Saint Seiros was witness of the attack toward the Four Saints, and so, ignoring her comrades, rushed on her own toward the cliff the mages were attacking from, and faced directly the pale skinned leader with pinkish red eyes that surrounded itself with blue flames as its wings and crown shinned orange just as the weapons of the Ten Elites.

Saint Seiros ran across the battlefield, slaying anyone in her way. When endangered, Saint Cichol reached her side, and with his spear once again in hand, protected the leader of the Adrestian Empire, allowing her to continue her way.

-Seiros! –he yelled, understanding the situation was running out of hand. Seiros jumped, higher than any human would be capable of. But she was no human, she was one of them, one of the same species as the Four saints, and perhaps, stronger than them. A Sky Dragon, and she transformed into one.

-I am the Immaculate One! You shall perish for your sins against my mother! I banish you! –she blasted, the mages on top of the mountain tried to shield themselves, but even their combined efforts weren't enough. Their shields shattered, the mountain exploded, the figure with the bright wings and crown disappeared.

Without the mages, the armies of the Adrestian Empire began winning terrain, regardless of the powers on the relics of the Ten Elites. It seemed like the battle would soon end, Saint Cethleann even dared to smile, but then, the Immaculate One was blasted. Some kind of powerful javelin was launched at her, and she ended falling on some of her men, but managed to recover, reverting to her human form, and facing with rage toward the advancing opponent that was launching soldiers through the air with ease. The sight of such demon, surrounded Saint Cethleann's heart with sorrow, and nature for an instant, seemed to cry with her, as at that very moment, rain began to fall around the plains as the war intensified.

A sword fell from the sky, exploding and creating a circle of fire. With it landed a human, or at least he seemed like a human, since no human would ever compare to the brute force the old man with a fierce stance and golden eyes was capable of. With sword in hand he advanced, cutting and killing without a care. Extending his sword as if it was some kind of whip, and proving to be an almost unstoppable force.

Once recovering, nothing mattered to Saint Seiros but the man. She even failed to notice an enemy soldier who tried to kill her, a soldier who was stopped by one of her own, not that she cared, she was beyond caring. The one who cared was Saint Cethleann, who was having enough. The enemies around the man, Nemesis, had fallen, and the old warrior faced Seiros with an evil smile on his face. At last, the confrontation was to begin. The leaders of both armies faced one another, and between them an understanding was achieved. They would face one another in single combat, to end the war. Or so was the plan, when a bright light won even Saint Seiro's attention.

-No more… this ends now… -Saint Cethleann mentioned, her body glowing, the soldiers around her being surprised. Saint Macuil smiled, Saint Indech flinched with surprise. And Saint Cichol, on top of his Wyvern, yelled out of surprise and fear-. I am the Benevolent One! –abandoning her human form, Saint Cethleann transformed into a Wyrm, a snake like Flame Dragon, who flew toward Nemesis and tried to swallow him whole. The Fell King, however, was too fast for her. With a single movement, he dodged the beast, and slashed though it's belly, bringing a heavy silence, one that was broken by the powerful and hurt-filled yell from Saint Cichol, as he saw his daughter returning to human form, with her dress soiled by her own blood, and her face hitting the mud below-. Father, please forgive me… I am returning to Mother now… before you do… -she whispered, while her eyes lost all of their light.

-Cethleann! Please, no! No! –Cichol yelled, and before anyone could react, it was him who launched himself off his Wyvern, and who faced Nemesis with his lance in hand. Seiros tried to intervene, but the fury on Cichol's heart was too much, his spear, as if it could reach the potential of a Relic Weapon, blasted powerful beams of light that cut the ground and shattered the land, forcing Nemesis to defend himself, and unfortunately for Cichol, he was winning, a slash on his chest was proof of the difference in raw power, but not on the difference in rage-. I am… the Hammer of Justice… -Cichol chanted, his body shinning, growing in size, emerging as a powerful Earth Wyvern-. And my justice, will be absolute! Perish! –with a blast, Nemesis was no more, his chest exploding to the powerful force emanating from Saint Chicol's mouth. The Fell King lived no more, and his corpse fell to the ground, with no cheers from the Adrestians, as they now feared the Wyven in front of them-. It's over, Cethleann… it's finally over… -the Wyvern cried, his body returning to the one of a human, his eyes deprived of any light, of any hope. Saint Seiros and the Adrestian Empire were all speechless, they knew not if praises were in place, they knew not if the battle should continue, they just waited.

-Cichol… -Saint Seiros spoke, Chichol barely faced in her direction, his heart felt heavy, and he only had eyes for the body of his daughter, laying still on a pile of mud-. Cichol… the sword… this war will not be over until we have the Sword of the Creator in our hands. As the one who slayed Nemesis, it is your right –she added with annoyance. It was obvious it was her who wanted the opportunity to face Nemesis in combat.

-I'm afraid this is not over yet, Saint Seiros –someone interrupted, a white skinned one, who appeared in front of the Sword of the Creator and took possession of it-. It will never be over, not until all of you, Nabatean invaders, are destroyed. And with the Sword of the Creator in our hands, that is more than possible –the man added, taking control of the Army of the Ten Elites. Seiros grabbed her blade, lifted it commanding her army, but Cichol stopped her.

-My daughter… gave her life to end this fruitless war… -Saint Cichol mentioned, lance in hand, facing the one with the Sword of the Creator with tears in his eyes-. She was the Benevolent One! Without her, nothing matters to me! Nothing… should matter to me… and yet, she wouldn't want this war to continue, regardless of who is wrong and who is right! –he continued, the man with the Sword of the Creator, readied his sword and pointed it toward Cichol's neck-. Tell me what you want to end this senseless war, and I shall give it to you –Cichol began, Seiro's tried to complain, but Cichol was done with hearing about her-. It was I who slayed the Fell King! And I assure you, stranger, that right now I am far too furious and am willing to end you as well. It is only because of the memory of my daughter, Cethleann, that I am opening this sole opportunity toward negotiation. What will it be then, stranger…? Will you spit on your only chance to resolve this peacefully? Or will you lay your sword low, before I transform and rip your head off with my jaws… think very careful on your answer… -he finished.

-Bold words from someone considered a Saint… -the man replied, he faced Cichol, he faced the furious Seiros, and the corpse of Saint Cethleann, he also faced his own men, the few that remained. What the man understood right then was that, even if he admitted it or not, without Nemesis, his chances were slim-. My name is Thales, and I am the leader of the Agarthans, the true owners of this land –he sentenced, Cichol growled, but to his surprise, Thales allowed the Sword of the Creator to fall toward the ground-. If my demands are met… the sacrifice of your daughter, will not be in vain… -to everyone's surprise, and contrary to what Saint Seiros would have preferred, there was no winner on that day on the Tailtean Plains. But history would know this day, as the day the War of the Heroes was ended, thanks to the sacrifice of Saint Cethleann.

Fire Emblem: The Shambhala Prophecy.

White Clouds.

Prologue: The Four Houses.

The Adrestian Empire. Barnabas Woods. I.Y. 1180. 20 of the Great Tree Moon.

-You finally got her, don't let her escape! –on Imperial Year 91, a peace treaty was signed between the Adrestian Empire and the back then known as Liberation Army that served the Agarthans. But during more than a thousand years, Fódlan couldn't be considered a peaceful land. There were now 4 ruling powers, many things had happened during a thousand years. But one thing never changed, the need of mercenaries, because even in a world of relative peace, mercenaries were the answer for the ruling powers to get an advantage against other ruling powers, or a tool for lowlifes and corrupted nobles to do their bindings. And so, in a world with such an uneasy peace, the clash between mercenaries, wasn't uncommon.

-I know that! This is the day the Ashen Demos falls! –and so it is that, in the middle of a forest close to a village known simply as Remire, that a violet haired man, a mercenary, and a young woman of long blue hair, clashed swords with the night being the sole witness, or so they both though, as both mercenaries shared a secret.

-What are you doing? Just take him out as always! Don't you dare tell me that after almost half a year of continued battles he is finally catching up to you. It is my life the one at stake here after all you know –inside of their minds, there were voices. Inside of the mind of the violet haired man he heard the voice of an androgynous being of pale white skin and hair who also had red eyes. Inside of the mind of the blue haired woman, she heard the voice of a childish green haired girl with pointy ears who complained more than it helped-. Should I turn back the hands of time again? I shall remind you that this power isn't limitless! And wasting it like this is unacceptable –the girl added.

-He is not that good yet… -the woman replied, dodged a sword attack from the man, placed her foot on his way, and so the man ended falling face first against the grass-. Your technic still needs polishing. If you are satisfied already, I must leave now –the woman added, refusing to give the finishing blow, and walking past the violet haired one.

-Jezz, so full of herself that… But I would be cocky too if I had DEFEATED YOU 22 TIMES ALREADY! –the being inside of the man's mind complained-. Really Shez, if she beats you one more time I will… well, I don't know what I will do, but it won't be pretty –the voice in his head complained.

-There won't be a 23. I'm gonna avenge Captain Berling –Shez replied, standing up, and being surrounded by a yellow energy, an energy that materialized some orange constructs of energy in the form of bracelets around his wrists, same kind of energy that appeared around his neck. His skin won a pale violet color, and his eyes shined orange as white marks of energy appeared on his face. Finally, a couple of twin swords materialized, one on each hand-. This time is the last one. We finish this tonight, Ashen Demon. Let's do this Arval –he sentenced.

-Again that strange power… -the woman breathed out of annoyance-. I will try not to abuse your power Sothis, but if I don't and get hurt, father will worry –she added with monotony, readied her weapon, and turned serious-. Let's go… -she continued, ran fast toward Shez, and the sword battle continued, violent, erratic, with the woman being faster, but the man being stronger. Each swing from the man's sword was masterfully blocked, but forced the woman to be pushed as well because of the tremendous energy they released. In some instances, however, the woman's sword moved so fast that Shez could almost see fire coming out of its blade, he wasn't sure if it was his imagination or not, but he definitively could feel the heat.

The more both mercenaries fought, the faster the swings, the trees around them were even cut in half by the tremendous power of each swing from either of them, and yet, despite Shez being stronger, he was losing terrain.

-Impossible! I have trained every day for this confrontation! How is it possible that our abilities are so… even…! –the man insisted, cutting in the form of an X trying to decapitated the woman, who skillfully dodged him-. No one moves that fast! –he complained.

-I do… -was the woman's sole reply, while kicking hard, her heel trapping one of the swords, her sword hand blocking the swing of the other one, and then gracefully spinning on her free foot, kicking Shez's face, angering the mercenary-. There is still room for improvement. But regardless of how much time you invest, I have more time than you –she sentenced while disappearing in front of him, and suddenly shoving him aside, something he did not understand at first, but did so once a beam of light almost blasted his face off. Someone had attacked Shez from the shadows of the forest with some kind of violent energy that blew up after hitting a tree nearby-. We will continue this later… come! –the woman mentioned, and began running on the direction the blast came from.

-Did she just… save my life? Hey you! Wait up! –Shez complained, the energy of his transformation disappeared, and he fell to his knee, weak, but he refused to let go of her, and ran after the woman, who suddenly dodged another beam of light-. Who? Why? –Shez complained.

-That's an Agarthan Javelin! She just saved you from an Agarthan Javelin! How fast is that girl? Even I can't dodge an Agarthan Javelin! –Arval, the spirit residing inside of Shez's mind informed as the mercenary caught up with the woman, who pulled him aside helping him dodge another blast from somewhere above the trees.

-Am, Byleth… do you mind explaining to me: Why are you using my power to save this knucklehead!? Trice by the way! –the one inside Byleth's mind complained, while the mercenary woman ignored her, and followed a path of fallen trees, apparently crumbled behind the weight of something big.

-I don't kill for fun… and whoever tried to kill him, is using a Titanus –Byleth replied, Shez was so close to her by now, that he managed to hear that last-. A Titanus this close to Remire Village. I'm not planning on having it reach the town –she mentioned.

-A Titanus? Do you mean those magitechnology dolls from the Abyss? –the man wondered, the woman just nodded-. I thought they were a myth. You are telling me they are real? –he added with surprise.

-Real… and illegal… -she replied, the sound of mechanical steps then reached their ears, and both noticed the giant mechanical knight fleeing from them both-. Go home, there is no need for you to get involved –she mentioned.

-I may despise you, but I'm no hypocrite. There wouldn't be a head on my shoulders if it weren't for you. I will leave my pursuit for vengeance aside for now until I know why that thing tried to blast my head off –he continued, reading this time his only blade, as the other constructs had vanished once he ran out of energy.

-Suit yourself… -she replied, readying her own sword, and cutting just behind of the machine's connection of its legs, cutting it in half, and forcing the machine to fall. The violet haired mercenary then arrived, and cut the head off of the Titan, revealing the bandit inside, grabbing him by the neck, and pulling him out.

-You! What were you trying to accomplish? Do I owe you money or what? –Shez complained, and then threw the bandit aside, who crawled away scared, but found Byleth's sword cutting his escape route-. Speak! –he threatened with his own sword.

-I'm sorry! I mistook you both with someone else! People don't just go into the Barnabas Woods at night, it was dark, I saw a light and though it was a torch from the royals –the man complained, both mercenaries exchanged looks-. What I mean is… you aren't our prey, so let me live –the man begged, and suddenly, an explosion was heard. Somewhere inside of the woods, another Titanus was blasting something or someone.

-How many of those things are there? –Shez wondered, Byleth in the other hand, just rushed toward the explosion site-. Hey, wait! What are you? Some kind of heroine? Mercenaries don't usually rush toward an explosion if there is no coin to suffice! –he insisted, but still followed.

-My mercenary group is inside of Remire alongside my father… that Titanus is too close… -she informed, but said no more, she just continued rushing toward the place the explosions were coming from.

Remire Village Outskirts.

-Hey, will you look at that? Found the village! –the forest ended right in front of a village, a village that suddenly woke up because of the sound of the explosions, and the arrival of a group of four teens, who were running and already losing their breathes-. Although I would be happier if we weren't been chased by tin cans with Agarthan Javelins. Thanks a lot your royal highnesses for ruining my strategic retreat –the one speaking was a tan skinned young man with messed hair and intriguing emerald eyes wearing a black and yellow uniform.

-Oh, so that's what you were thinking Claude. And here I thought you were acting as a decoy for the sake of us all –a blonde haired one with lance in hand complained, he wore a black uniform as well, but with blue adornments, and it was obvious in his fighting stance that he refused to step inside of the village at that very moment.

-His intentions were as clear as day Dimitri –replied the only female in the group, of pale skin, white long hair, violet eyes and wearing the same uniform, only with red adornments. She also held her axe tightly as if ready to defend herself.

-Enough with the royal debate you three. I don't know about you, but even saving my own hide isn't enough as to lead a Titanus inside of an innocent village –added another young man in the group, his uniform having grey adornments, his skin was also pale, but he wore makeup around his face tanning his skin a little pinkish, the grey haired one even had some lipstick on-. So, I suggest we ask Mr. Decoy here to finish what his clear as day intentions started and make a strategist retreat the other way around… as far of the village as possible –the man complained.

-You would like that right, Yuri my boy? But as much as I find fascinating your tasteless personality, I'm afraid not, and it got nothing to do with Edelgard thinking me a heartless coward –Claude added, and then pointed his bow and arrow toward the forest, and fired, very close to Yuri's head by the way, which angered him, but only for a moment, since after Claude's attack, a heavy sword fell to the ground next to Yuri-. Sorry for messing your hair –he blinked.

-No time for hesitation. These bandits are after us. It would be improper to risk the villagers lives. Let's go! –Dimitri replied, he jumped, and stuck his lance strongly against the Titanus, forcing it to back off, and once that was done, Claude and Yuri ran past it and back to the forest-. Edelgard, go look for help, we will handle this –Dimitri offered.

-And you believe me a damsel in distress? Think again. You go for help –she replied angrily, pushed Dimitri away, and took her axe, launching it toward the Titanus's head, effectively knocking him down. The girl then ran toward her axe, took it off the Titanus's head, and faced the forest-. Those cowards, leaving a woman on her own don't they? Anyway, want to get help, I heard there is a renowned band of mercenaries on Remire that go by the name of Jeralt's Mercenaries. Go look for them if that is what you want –she finished, and ran back to the forest.

-That is not… I don't… oh for the goddess's name –Dimitri continued, grabbed his lance, and went inside of the forest as well. As the four young adults ran inside of the forest, a mercenary made it out of the village, and saw the defeated Titanus.

-That uniform… -the man in orange clothes, with lance in hand, and a shield tied to his back, mentioned-. Get this monstrosity out of here. I will handle it from here. And if you find my daughter, tell her she is in for a scolding –he finished after delivering his orders to his men, climbed his horse, and made it inside of the forest as well.

Barnabas Woods.

-Our pursuers are closing in! –Dimitri mentioned, running in front of the other three, which was a surprise considering he was the last one to enter the woods. The first one to enter though, Claude, was the last one alongside Yuri-. Claude, you are staying behind! –he complained.

-Ever heard of work smart not harder, your royalness? –Claude complained, and just after doing it so, another of the Titanus made it out from behind of some trees-. Yeah, why not? It's not like I have more gas to keep on running –he complained.

-Found ya you royal brats! –spoke the Titanus, in reality it's pilot, who different than the other Titanus had a giant axe integrated into its arm and not a sword-. Though you could run away from me? Big mistake! I'm gonna kill you were you stand! –he added while wielding his axe, being dodged by the four of them.

-You aren't so smart, are you? Do you have any idea of who you are attacking? Of course you don't, but I assure you that I at least have more money than your current employee –Yuri began, although keeping his distance-. Name your price. The crown of Agartha surely will easily compensate whatever you are being paid –he insisted.

-That wouldn't be honorable between mercenaries! Take that! –the four teens heard, and from the trees fell down Shez, sword in hand, and slamming it hard against the Titanus, forcing it to back off due to his weight-. A true mercenary doesn't leave a client in favor of a richer one. It's called honor between mercs. As for me, I am currently free, and feeling my pockets ratter light. So how about you hire me to save your pretty faces instead? –Shez offered.

-That was irresponsible –complained Byleth once arriving behind the arrogant mercenary-. You barely delivered the blow with the strength needed to destabilize the Titanus's gyroscope, but placing all the burden on your sword. Combat Arts should not be used lightly –she instructed.

-You are just mad because I left you behind and asked for coin first –Shez smiled, but before anyone could understand what was going on, the Titanus began shining red-. What the hell is that? –he wondered readying his sword.

-The Titanus is entering Staggering Blow Mode –Yuri explained-. Once it's charge is full it will blow us all to pieces! If you all don't want to die, I suggest you forget about coin, and deactivate that thing! –he insisted.

-Archer, hit the power cores. The crystals on its joints –Byleth ordered, Claude noticed the crystals, aimed, and fired a couple of arrows, hitting their mark-. Sword and lance, tackle it down penetrating the abdominal cavity –she continued, Dimitri and Yuri exchanged looks, and did as they were told, pressing their sword and lance against the abdominal structure, which began releasing electricity stored in their mechanism-. Axe lady, throw your Hand Axe and hit the helmet as strong as you can –she continued.

-It's not a Hand Axe, if I lose it, I will have nothing to defend myself with –she explained, Byleth just glared at her-. I supposed we will all blow up regardless. Here goes! –she obeyed, her axe hit the helmet of the Titanus, and the malfunctioning of the machine began spreading.

-Shez… stab… -was everything she said to him, Shez grunted, but did as he was told, and both jumped and stabbed the Titanus, using their own weight to push it toward the ground, were it turned off.

-Stab? Really? –he added in annoyance-. I may be more brawl than brain, but you give me too little credit considering we have been fighting for six moons nonstop already –he complained. During the distraction though, the hatch of the Titanus was launched toward them, and both were knocked down by the man jumping out of the machine.

-Grrr… roaaarrr…! –yelled the man, launching himself toward Edelgard, who no longer had an axe to protect herself, and instead took out a dagger. Claude, Dimitri and Yuri could just stand there not knowing what to do-. Die…! -Shez and Byleth were just recovering when they noticed, but to Shez's surprise, Byleth stood up almost immediately and rushed after the man, reaching the girl before the man could kill her, and launching him through the air-. Woooaaah…! –yelled the bandit before slamming the floor hard.

-Hey… over here! –Claude yelled, with Dimitri following behind, Yuri just took his sword out and kept the bandit on the ground-. Nice catch Yuri –he added with a smile, one that Dimitri couldn't share while he saw Edelgard sheltering her dagger.

-Hey, Ashen Demon –Shez complained-. How did you move so fast…? It was as if you actually knew what to do and how to do it before it even happened. Is this some kind of magical trick? –he wondered, Byleth just crossed her eyes thinking about what to say.

-Not one I had ever used against you, so keep practicing –she replied, and then noticed the man in a horse arriving to where they all were-. I can explain… -she began once the man jumped off his horse as the group prepared their weapons not knowing if the one arriving was a friend or not.

-Then explain… because this isn't how I pictured having to answer to the Knights of Seiros –the man complained, and once that last was said, Shez was pinned down by a man in a shining silver armor, being caught off guarded due to the man arriving from their back. More warriors came out, all of them wearing silver armor, and they all pointed their weapons toward Byleth and the man who arrived by horse.

-The Knights of Seiros are here! We will cut you down for terrorizing our students –the man pinning Shez down mentioned, while the violet haired one tried to fight him back-. Hey, none of you look like being terrorized –the man added, especially since seeing Yuri with the man on the ground with a sword to his face-. The students seem to be unharmed. And… who is this? Captain Jeralt? –the man added with surprise.

-Ugh… why him? –the man by the name of Captain Jeralt complained. It was only then that both mercenaries understood that the ones who they have saved were students of some sort, and that apparently, both the knight who pinned Shez down and the mercenary who arrived on horseback knew one another. The situation was puzzling, and there was much to be said and understood of the situation. The man on the ground just cursed his luck.

The Knights of Seiros's provisional Campsite.

-So, let me see if I can understand this correctly. Your father, Jeralt the Blade Breaker, used to be a Knight of Seiros? No wonder you are so strong –before any of the students could have a chance to speak to their saviors, the Knights of Seiros, led by the knight who went by the name of Alois, took them all toward their camping site. The treatment they were given, however, was strange, as it didn't seem to be something optional. The Knights of Seiros just pushed both Shez and Byleth inside of a tent, and Jeralt left with Alois to speak-. Captain Berlling used to tell me never to mess with the Knight of Seiros… so now what? Are they going to kill us? –he wondered.

-I don't know… -was Byleth's reply-. I didn't even know my father was once part of the Knights of Seiros… whatever they are… -she mentioned, Shez just delivered to her a puzzled look-. What? –she wondered.

-I mean, I am not well known as a smart man or anything… but even I have heard of the Knights of Seiros… -he mentioned, Byleth gave it little importance-. But that's not important at this very moment. There are more important matters at hand. I want to know how you did what you did. No one moves that fast –he pointed out.

-Right… well… no one glows and transforms into some kind of war demon either –she mentioned, Shez had to admit that was true-. I can't explain it. I don't even know much of it myself. All I know is it began happening shortly after the first time we fought and you transformed into… that… -she mentioned-. You got a lucky hit… I was caught off guarded. A rookie mistake. But ever since, well… I met someone who taught me some… tricks… -she finished, Shez just glared at her with disbelief-. You…? –she wondered.

-Kind of the same –he admitted-. You got a lucky hit… ok maybe more than one lucky hit… and then boom. Powers –he summarized, Byleth gave it little importance-. Hey, if you aren't going to be more specific with me, why should I? –he defended himself.

-I don't care anyway –she mentioned, puzzling Shez-. You are who you are, and you have much to learn, with or without the strange power you possess. What I really want to know is, why do you despise me so much? –she wondered.

-Really? Was Captain Berling so minor to you that you can't understand it? You truly are the Ashen Demon –he complained, Byleth then directed a curios stare at him-. You killed my captain, you and Jeralt's Mercenaries killed my whole company in fact –he finished while crossing his arms.

-And that's enough reason to despise me? –she wondered, Shez just bit his lips with rage-. We are mercenaries. We meet new faces and deal with it. There was nothing personal in me killing your friends, just as it wasn't personal you killing mine. If you are going to hate anyone that kills your mercenary companions, then you shouldn't be a mercenary. Try fishing… unless you also feel like weeping for the fish –she added.

-Do you think so little about anyone? What if I had killed your father? Would that be enough reason for you to despise me or not? –he wondered while biting his lips hard.

-You can't beat my father –was her reply, Shez just closed his hands into fists, ready for a physical confrontation-. And even if you did, I wouldn't despise you. It is our job, nothing more, nothing else. We fight, we risk dying. Your personal believes are not of my concern. The only one who suffers, is you. I don't care about your vengeance. The only reason I let you live, always, is because I don't kill for sport. That's all –she finished.

-You know what? Maybe I really didn't care much for my mercenary comrades. Maybe, I am more into looking for vengeance because I want to beat you more than avenging Captain Berling and my companions –Shez added, Byleth didn't even turn around to see him, she just stared at the entrance of the tent, waiting-. But there is one thing I know for sure. You have no heart. You care about nothing. You are nothing more than a soulless being who obeys blindly whatever her father says. And I pity you. And I swear that one day, I will end you –he sentenced.

-Ahem! –they both heard and faced the entrance of the tent-. I hope I am not interrupting your lover's quarrel. Will you both be so kind as to join us. There are important matters to discuss –it was Alois, the man who brought them to the campsite. Byleth just stood up and obeyed, Shez just grunted-. I assure you there is nothing you have to worry about. At least not if you are cooperative enough –the Knight of Seiros mentioned-. You see, the four young people you and your partner assisted earlier are the heads of the Officer's Academy on Garreg Mach Monastery Four Houses –Alois pulled the tent's corner, inviting Shez out, the mercenary then noticed Byleth already talking with her father, and the four students they had helped waiting closely. The man who attacked them was also nearby, tied to a post. Shez breathed out in desperation, and followed Alois toward Jeralt and Byleth-. As I was telling your captain… -Alois began, Shez was about to complain, when Byleth silently placed her hand on his shoulder, silencing him-. You caught us in the middle of an annual outdoor activity carried out at the beginning of the academy school year. But the situation became quiet the mess when a group of Titanus attacked us. The Knights of Seiros managed to pull the remaining students into safety, but we lost track of the caravan with the four House Leaders, which you three found, thankfully –he mentioned with shame-. First of all, my sincere apologies for asking this of you three but… as Captain Jeralt is well aware of… my hands are tied here, so I beg your understanding in the matter –he added, both Byleth and Shez faced Jeralt.

-What Alois here is trying to say, or at least what he wants to believe at least is, that we have done Garreg Mach Monastery a great service by saving the leaders of the Four Houses of the Officer's Academy –Jeralt began, crossing his arms, Byleth knew her father enough as to understand were this was going, and also crossed her arms, Shez couldn't understand it at all, but crossed his arms anyway-. What is really happening though is, that the young people you two rescued, are not just ordinary students. These are the Adrestian Empire's future Empress, the crowned Prince of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, the future sovereign Duke of the Leicester Alliance, and the representatively elected Ambassador of the Abyssian Monarchy of Agartha –he added, Byleth wasn't affected by the news, Shez however, was impressed.

-The future Empress, King, Duke and Monarch of the 4 Nations? –Shez added with concern-. Oh I truly hope I will be paid in consequence of your royalness. This is higher than my normal mercenary standards –he added.

-You aren't listening between the lines –Byleth began, confusing Shez-. They will repay our service, but they aren't accepting a no as an answer –she finished, the explanation just confused Shez even more.

-I'm afraid that's true… -Alois mentioned with sadness-. We allowed students of the Officer's Academy out of sight. And House Leaders of great political consequences, at that. And then they crossed swords with a Titanus! If word got out… well, let's say it would sit poorly with everyone. So you see why we must ensure you are well-compensated. Also, there must be some papers for you to sign… perhaps in blood –he added carefully.

-That sounds more like hush money than a reward –Shez replied-. But I suppose you have no real choice in the matter. And it also helps the fact that I have no coin to my name at this very moment. Hunting you down wasn't cheap at all –he added while facing Byleth.

-Oh, believe me kid, you and I will have a long talk about this insistence of yours of hunting down my daughter –Jeralt whispered, placing himself between his daughter and the mercenary-. But right now we are dealing with the Knights of Seiros. Agree to come along, and we will probably avoid nasty confrontations –he threatened, Shez just bit his lips in annoyance, but nodded-. We will go with you, Alois, you know darn too well that even I wouldn't dare run from the Knights of Seiros –he finished.

-Bless you my friends! What noble souls you all are! –Alois added with joy, failing to notice how on the ropes everyone else was about it-. Now, Captain, I'm afraid we should hold our horses, or else our fine students will gallop away of patience –he joked, Jeralt just grunted and walked away-. Aw, come one, that was a good one! –Alois continued while following Jeralt to his tent.

-So, we heard you will both be joining us in Garreg Mach –Edelgard was the first one to greet the mercenaries once Alois was gone-. Perhaps somewhat unwillingly I may add –she added with a small smile on her lips. I know this wasn't part of any of your plans, but considering how extraordinary your efforts were, perhaps it would prove worth it in the end –she added.

-Oh, they aren't coming willingly, that as much is true –Yuri continued-. But that doesn't have to be something bad at all. Considering the display of skill from one of you, and the tactical prowess of the other one, I am sure you will both accommodate yourselves well on the monastery –Yuri finished, his gaze analyzing both mercenaries in front of him.

-In any case, regardless of your willingness or not, I must speak with you both, if you can spare a moment -Dimitri began, carefully selecting his words-. The way you held your ground against a Titanus –he began, facing Shezh directly-. And the leadership you displayed with those tactics. It was captivating. Neither of you lost control of the situation. It showed me I still have much to learn. The Holly Kingdom of Faerghus is in dire need of exceptional individuals like yourselves. Please, do consider returning to the Kingdom with me –he finished while facing Byleth.

-Woah there! –Claude interrupted-. You three sure are hasty. Trying to recruit someone you just met? Tactless really –he mentioned, although facing directly to Byleth as well-. I was personally planning to develop a deep and lasting friendship on our journey back to the monastery before begging for favors –he added with enthusiasm.

-Right, lasting friendship, let's all just pretend you are not gazing entirely at the female mercenary who impressed you both, mentally and charmingly –Yuri added, annoying Claude a little-. I, in the other hand, know exactly the kind of language these mercenaries talk. The language of the coin. And I'm sure I have enough coin for someone whose pockets are ratter light –he continued, facing Shez directly.

-Perhaps the Monarchy of Agartha has money to spare, but true opportunity lies in the Empire –Edelgard mentioned, facing Shez as well-. If it is coin what you seek, no matter how much he offers, I will double, and I will also arrange you a political position that you will not be able to ignore. Sound tempting isn't it? I don't care if you are of noble birth or not. The offer stands regardless –she finished, which annoyed Yuri.

-Is coin and a political position all you two care about? And here I though the Aliance was the one with the heavier interest in coin –Dimitri smiled, which in turn annoyed Edelgard-. There is more in this world than coin and self-enrichment. The way you battled, how you went to our help in our moments of need without asking for compensation of any kind. I am sure you understand the need of people with your talents between the Kingdom –Dimitri continued, facing Byleth directly, after all, Shez did ask for coin, it was the first thing he did actually.

-Yes, honor and glory may be important, but they don't put food on a table –Claude continued, annoying Dimitri-. Don't give me that face, I'm not saying it's not important. I'm just saying you need to be more realistic. Surely there is something else you can offer. I surely know I have a lot to offer. But I suppose we will have to have fun finding it all out. Would be boring if we didn't. So let's all be nice little boys and girls, and stuff this conversation for later my friends. Some may need their beauty rest after all –he insisted.

-You are awful at flirting. You knew that? –Yuri added, Claude just smiled at his words-. But you are also right. Even if your main interest is not actually to hire someone to reinforce the Alliance, that is both, not my problem, as well as a valid justification to hire someone. Let's all continue with this fascinating conversation tomorrow, shall we? –he finished.

-That would be for the best. Claude seems to be insufficiently capable of keeping his true intentions in check, and lacks self-awareness to not understand his behavior is deplorable at most –Edelgard added, apparently annoyed by the boldness of Claude.

-I'm sorry, I am afraid I am not following. Why are we all complaining about Claude again? –Dimitri wondered, Edelgard and Yuri just faced him with disbelief. Claude in the other hand just placed his arm around him.

-I will explain later, dagger boy. Let's go. The princess needs her beauty sleep, not saying you don't friend, but I'm sure you don't need it as much –he continued, Edelgard flushed furiously, but turned around and left. Yuri did the same, Claude just grabbed Dimitri, and forced him to leave both mercenaries alone.

-An odd bunch, are they not? –Shez asked, Byleth never replied. For a moment she seemed like she was in deep thoughts, or probably lost in her own thoughts, but once she finished with her inner discussion with apparently herself, she just turned around, and went back to her tent-. So, are we just going to pretend we are not mortal enemies trying to kill one another and we will just be friends or something? –he asked.

-Why not? –she asked, once again confusing Shez-. I don't see you as an enemy. I don't see you as anything in fact. If my father believes this is what should be done, then I believe it as well –she finished, entering her tent and closing it behind her.

-You really are a sad little girl, and I can't help but pity you –Shez mentioned, but then noticed something-. Hey! Where will I sleep? Hey! Are you listening to me Ashen Demon? –he complained, not understanding how his little rivalry with the Ashen Demon, ended with them both involved with the four ruling powers of Fódlan.