loyalflutist - Tumblr blog

loyalflutist · 5 years ago

Text

Satisfying Her Urge (Edeleth) [R-18*]

Rating: Explicit Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply Category: F/F Words: 5,490 Summary: Byleth and Edelgard enjoyed their times together. However, the times they've had for their nightly adventures had diminished. As the days pass, Byleth became impatient, the lustful demons eventually driving her to an intense session with Edelgard.

A/N: It’s been a while since I’ve last uploaded any work on here. I kept doing it on AO3, but forgot this since I don’t visit Tumblr too often. However, I will still keep putting up my works, even if it’s at a slower pace via Tumblr. If you wish to see them as soon as possible once they’re up, feel free to subscribe to my AO3 account under the name “KazueEmiko”!

---

To Byleth Eisner, restraint had always been a part of her life. Whether out on the battlefield or dealing with social situations, she had always kept herself under control. She partially blamed the Crest of Flames for afflicting her with stoic features and the inability to express complex emotions. However, upon her meeting with Edelgard von Hresvelg, the stunt in her emotional growth melted away. Once love bloomed, all boundaries were open before her eyes.

But that meant she had some difficulty pulling the rein back too.

Especially when pressure was built.

“…during my time out on the field, trust is important.”

Edelgard sat in the second row of the Black Eagle’s lecture hall, her hands on the wooden desk, staring at their professor. The teal-haired woman slowly paced back and forth in the front of the classroom, white chalk in one hand. Byleth would occasionally stop in front of the blackboard and draw arrows and write notes. But she would never stop speaking, her lecture droning on about trust and bonds.

“Trust is crucial,” she said, stepping behind the podium. “If you do not have trust, then it would be wise to stay away from the battlefield, lest you wish to die an early death.”

Caspar crossed his arms behind his head. “Kinda silly you have to say that, Teach,” he remarked.

Byleth blankly stared at him. “When all reasoning leaves you in a fight, most people’s instincts tell them to run away. Stay away from it. Abandon their comrades in favor of saving their own life.” The ex-mercenary placed the chalk onto the wooden surface, grabbed ahold of its sides, and sighed. “You would be surprised who stays and who runs.”

“We aren’t like that though,” Caspar said with sharpness. “At least, not for me. I’m not a chicken.”

“Caspar,” Linhardt grumbled in the background. “She means what you say if you were never in a situation may differ once it actually happens to you.” The young boy resumed planting his forehead on the table, mumbling incoherently. Caspar tried to shoot a retort, but it fell on deaf ears, the student dozing off to dreamland again.

When he groaned, it elicited a chuckle from Hubert. “It would do well to not only pay attention in class, but to use your critical thinking skills,” Hubert said. “Then again, you lack the skill, so I suggest you learn how to get one.”

“What did you just say to me?!”

Caspar rolled his left sleeve with a snarl. The instant Caspar got up from his seat and marched to the magus, and before Byleth and Edelgard could stop the two males, the monastery’s bell chimed in the background. They froze in spot as Bernadetta sprung to her feet.

“Oh, f-finally!” Bernadetta said. “W-We can go back to our room!”

Bernadetta shakily sighed, gathering her written materials into her bag. Unfortunately, Dorothea’s friendly slap on the shoulder threw her into disarray, causing her to make a mad dash out of the classroom without her belongings. That led to Petra running after the frightened student with bags at hand, calling out to her until the class could hear her no more. Dorothea followed them, jumping to the air of stray papers. Linhardt stretched his arms and slinked away from the lecture without another peep. As for Caspar and Hubert, they decided it was not worth pursuing their argument, though it lowered their tolerance for each other. Ferdinand dragged the two boys away from the classroom, admonishing them for their unprofessional attitude. Though it appeared that the instant he suggested teatime to settle their differences, Caspar and Hubert socked him squarely in the face, a vocal “OUCH!” heard.

Eventually, the lecture hall emptied out with the other students, leaving behind Byleth.

Or so it should’ve been just Byleth.

The professor raised her brow, staring at the remaining student. She placed the textbooks in a neat pile on the podium, dusted her hands on her legs, and approached the house leader. Edelgard stood in front of her desk. Hands behind her back, she watched Byleth come close.

“Is something the matter, El?”

“Please don’t use my nickname,” the student pleaded, feeling heat collect under her cheeks. “Someone could hear it.”

“Aren’t we alone, though?” Byleth inched closer until their face was directly in front of one another. Looking down at her girlfriend, she cracked her rare smile. “I sense no one nearby.”

“Are you sure?”

She nodded. “I’m sure. If you want to be extra cautious…” Byleth took Edelgard’s hand and, without further ado, left the premise, leaving behind their belongings.

“Where are we going?” Edelgard asked.

No answer.

Edelgard drew her lips to a line. She was not a pushy person, but it would do well to have some form of communication. A response would be great, especially if they left the classroom in a hurry. Byleth glanced over her shoulder. Edelgard frowned. Then, Byleth tilted her head.

“Remember what I taught in class today?”

“About trust?”

“Yes.”

“So, you’re telling me that I should trust you.”

“Yes.”

Edelgard’s shoulders slumped and strained a smile. Perhaps it was a surprise Byleth wishes to show to her. Yes, that might be it. It would explain her lacking response to her earlier question. But it appeared that their trip was shorter than anticipated.

Byleth clicked the door shut and locked it behind her back once they entered Byleth’s dormitory room. Edelgard, standing near Byleth’s desk, drifted her fingers over its surface, her lilac hues directed at the scribbled scrolls. She paused and looked up once Byleth approached.

“Is there a reason why you wanted to bring me here?”

“Yes.”

Byleth inched closer. Instinctively, Edelgard stepped back. Her back immediately bumped into the sturdy furniture, her hands grabbing its edge. Her breath hitched once their face was in proximity. Looking into each other’s eyes, Edelgard could see Byleth’s navy hues reflect her face. It showed a young lady, no younger nor older than 18, staring up at the person she called her girlfriend. Heat discolored her cheeks.

“Byleth…”

“El…”

The older woman leaned in. Edelgard knew where this was going, so she closed her eyes, tilting her head up, ready for what was to come.

Byleth kissed her softly on the nose… and stepped away.

“H-Huh?” Edelgard opened her eyes. As if she could read her mind, Byleth faintly smiled. “Edelgard,” she said. “I want to continue teaching you what kisses mean.”

Oh… oh, it was that. Edelgard was a bit disappointed, but perhaps she had read one too many erotic literature a few nights ago. The build-up was almost perfect. Invitation to a lover’s private bedroom, the physical closeness, and the kiss… That shattered in less than a minute. The house leader scratched her cheek and glanced away. Then again, she felt ashamed. Edelgard ushered her own lustful demons back into the abyss. She lowered her head and chuckled.

“What does this kiss mean then?”

Byleth’s hands slowly reached up until she cupped Edelgard’s soft cheeks. She leaned forward, planting another tender kiss on the tip of her nose. “This,” she said. “Represents a desire to care for someone. To be nice to them.”

Then, she moved her lips up to Edelgard’s forehead. She planted a kiss. “This represents dominance.” One of Byleth’s hands began to snake behind the back of her head, fingers gently combing through her white locks. Then, she hovered her lips above Edelgard’s.

“This…” she leaned in. “Represents how much I love you.”

A kiss on the lips.

Edelgard smiled into her girlfriend’s lips and retaliated with her own. When they parted, their blush was dark. Byleth leaned in once more until their forehead touched. They stared into each other’s eyes. At that moment, the older woman rested her hand on Edelgard’s chest.

“Your heart is racing…”

“So is yours— or so I would like to say…” The house leader’s gloved hand smoothed her chest, the corner of her lips pulled down. “I could never get used to your still heart.”

Byleth’s eyes were crinkled. She took her hand and removed it from her chest. Pressing the back of her hand to her lips, she said, “My heart may not beat, but I’m happy with you.” She kissed her hand. “El, I love you. I love you so much.” Then, Edelgard’s eyes widened, Byleth biting the tip of her glove. She slowly slid the glove off with a gentle tug. In its full glory, scars exposed themselves to the open. Edelgard bit her lower lip. Once the white material dropped to the floor, Byleth’s eyes darkened. “I can’t hold myself back anymore.”

“Hold yourself back?”

“Yes.” Byleth pulled Edelgard towards her and buried her face into her shoulder. She deeply inhaled, allowing the fragrance of scarlet carnations to fill her sense. The older female closed her eyes and, after craning her head, planted a kiss on her girlfriend’s neck. Edelgard immediately reached up, but was stopped short between their embrace, her hands trapped to gripping Byleth’s dark overcoat. She squirmed and felt her face become hotter as Byleth whispered into her ear, “This represents my desire to have you all to myself.”

Heartbeat. Edelgard’s ears heated up and she tightened her grip. Through her flushed features, she whispered, “I want you too.” Edelgard leaned upward to capture Byleth’s lips.

“Mmph!”

Byleth’s eyes widened, noticing her lover begin to insert her tongue inside of her mouth. She tried to move away, but her aggressive kiss enticed her to stay. The professor’s eyes narrowed, unintentionally letting out a groan into Edelgard’s mouth, feeling the heat build-up from within her chest. Edelgard was taking the initiative, but when they parted, Byleth instantly moved to attack, locking their lips once again.

“You don’t know how much I want to do this to you,” Byleth panted after parting. “I’ve been holding myself back for so long. We've been so busy and everything.”

Although they tangled their bodies and ate up each other’s nectar in the past, it was at odd intervals. With their profession on the line, their reputation, and their setting, Byleth and Edelgard hardly had some alone time with each other. Or rather, some alone time that lasted long enough to sustain their sexual hunger. Byleth’s fingers slid down until she came upon her shoulders. Then, she unclicked her red cape.

“Please, let me love you.”

“You know I can’t say no to that.” Edelgard shrugged off her cape, letting it plop to the floor without a sound. She smiled, starting to peel off her uniform bit by bit, eyeing her girlfriend. The sight of Byleth widening her eyes with a slacked jaw made her giggle. “But you’ll have to bear with me for a bit.”

She kicked her leg out and stripped her bright red legging. Her pace was agonizingly slow. And that was her intention. The rising emperor smirked when Byleth’s features became beet red, imaginary steam wafted from atop her head. Edelgard, in her white undergarment, walked towards Byleth. It was her teacher’s turn to back away. Her knees gave away, back falling upon the mattress from behind. Byleth’s chest rose and fell, her navy hues staring at Edelgard.

Edelgard climbed on top of her dressed professor, her knee snuggled between Byleth’s thighs, and placed a hand beside her head. She smirked and bit on the end of her remaining glove, pulling it out to expose another scarred hand. Byleth felt a puff of hot air seep into her head.

“You’re so sexy,” she whispered. “This can’t be a dream.”

“Then it would be a lucid, wet dream for you, hm?” The student laughed and pecked her nose. “What do you want to do now, my teacher?”

Byleth felt her core twitch in response. But she bit the bottom of her lip and locked her arms around Edelgard’s neck. She pulled Edelgard close until their lips met again, their eyes closed. Byleth poked her tongue, inviting Edelgard to open her mouth. A sweet moan vibrated the inside of her mouth as Byleth’s tongue snuck inside. But Edelgard was not one to timidly let Byleth dominant her, the young lady probing and pushing at Byleth’s. During their exchange, Edelgard’s hands slowly crept to her clothes.

“Take… these off,” she commanded with bated breaths. Another kiss was given on the lips, albeit shorter. “I can’t be the only one without my clothes.”

And she listened to the future emperor’s wish. Byleth sat up after Edelgrad removed herself, watching her lover remove and throw the clothes onto the ground. Those plump breasts freed themselves from her black shirt, surprising Edelgard that she wasn’t wearing any garment for it.

“No matter how many times I’ve told you to wear a bra, you still didn’t listen to me,” she said.

Byleth tilted her head. “I’ve never worn it before I became a professor. Why should I now?”

“Ugh, you are hopeless.”

Then again, they’ve developed into fine shape. The times she’s held them in her hands, they were soft and bountiful. A perfect substitution for a pillow whenever they slept together. Edelgard glanced down at hers and pouted.

“Perhaps I should not wear a bra either…”

“But I like your cute breasts the way it is now.”

“I don’t know if I should be angry at you for saying that.”

“It’s the truth. And easy for my mouth too.”

“YOU—!”

She was cut off short once Byleth stripped entirely. Whatever seething fury she had about her size, it vanished in a blink of an eye, the toned body becoming her eye-candy. Both now in their undergarments, one in a lone black underwear, and another in a pair of whites, Byleth captured her hands. A twinkle in her eyes, she said, “Let’s do something different.” The older woman remained seated and pulled Edelgard towards her again. However, she had her student face forward, her breasts pressed against her sturdy back. Edelgard shuddered, her lilac hues shifted to the side.

If she recalled, in those forbidden erotic books, they’ve mentioned that in this position, Byleth could touch her in all sorts of places. And Edelgard would be powerless to stop her.

“Hnngh!?”

Byleth bit into her shoulder. She did not harshly dig her teeth into the smooth skin, but the teal-haired woman impressed with enough force to leave a red mark. Arms wrapped around the now-squirming royal, she proceeded to kiss the same spot. She faintly sucked on the marker, kissing and sucking. Soon, Byleth moved closer to her neck, repeating the same action sequence, spreading the hickeys in a trail.

“T-That’s sensitive— Ah!”

Edelgard quietly cried out, bringing up her hands to cover her mouth. Byleth paused and whispered into her ear with a tinkly voice, “I want to hear you, El.” Then, she blew a hot breath, eliciting a yelp. “Let your voice out.”

“W-What if the others hear?” she said. “I can’t have Hubert hear me.”

“That won’t be possible.” Byleth’s hands slowly crawled to their next destination, Edelgard unaware of her advances. “No one should hear us.” She slid her slender fingers over her lover’s mounds, a soft whine escaping Edelgard. Byleth cocked her head at an angle, staring down at those perky breasts, her fingertips brushing over the covered erected nipples. Another whine. Byleth felt her heart race and she massaged them with care, saying, “But if he did, I won’t mind. I’ll deal with him later.”

“Y-You— Ah! You… you speak as if you know how to— Nngh… deal with him.”

Edelgard sharply inhaled when Byleth’s cool fingers slid under her garment. The fabrics that rubbed against her already-hot skin and direct contact with her sensitive mounds made sitting still difficult. She gasped again when Byleth pinched her nipples.

“I do know. I’m sure Hubert would approve me pleasuring the person he’s served his entire life.”

“Why would you tell him that?!”

“I won’t.” One of Byleth’s hands slipped out to undo Edelgard’s bra, tossing the white material next to her large overcoat. She resumed her ministrations on her breasts, chuckling and planting a kiss to her cheek. “But Hubert can’t say anything if it makes you happy. He’s told me so.”

“He told you— Nfh… gh!?”

The sensitivity oddly kicked up a notch upon hearing Hubert’s response to their explicit activities. Edelgard had tried to hide it, their relationship already placing a strain on Hubert’s tolerance of Byleth. She struggled to keep her groan down once one of Byleth’s hands roamed downward to her stomach… side… then abdomen. Rubbing them as they shared another passionate kiss, Edelgard finally heard a click in her head.

That explained why Hubert backed away from their relationship… and he was kinder to Byleth.

“Ahh… gh…”

Knowing that intensified her heat, her core burning with great fiery.

Byleth broke their exchange, a thin string of saliva connecting them, breaking in a matter of seconds. Panting, she leaned into Edelgard’s back, her breasts and hardened nipples pressing again into her girlfriend. She couldn’t calm her pounding heart with their exchange. Although she was giving more than receiving, the fact that Edelgard’s flustered features were bright red, her eyes clouded, and mouth occasionally singing lovely, lustful tunes tickled her hot core. Byleth rested her chin on the girl’s marked shoulders.

“You’re so cute.”

She traced the outlines of her white underwear, lightly scratching her crotch’s surrounding with her fingernails. And that made Edelgard wiggle in her grasp.

“B-Byleth!” she called out. “That… that feels good—!”

Byleth smiled. “I’m happy to hear that.” She eyed her lover’s reaction as her fingers eventually hovered above the white garment. A tap. When she retracted her finger, a small portion of her fingertip was wet. Edelgard, through her fast, hot breaths and moans, closed an eye and glanced down. Another wave of heat washed over her at the sight of her girlfriend’s finger. “You’re so wet, El.”

Another tap— This time, she continuously patted on Edelgard’s underwear, going up and down vertically. The taps soon transitioned into flicks, eliciting more gasps and moans from the noble. Once she felt the fabrics soaked enough to become visible, Byleth removed her busy hand from Edelgard’s breast.

“I’m going to take this off, okay?”

A pause. Then, Edelgard nodded, turning her head to look at Byleth. “Please,” she pleaded and captured her lover’s lips again. “I want to feel your touches.” Byleth’s eyes darkened again, an animalistic urge to tear off her garment and bring her to euphoria in a matter of seconds. She wanted to ravage her. To eat her up. To drag her on until she fell unconscious.

But she tried to hold herself back.

At least, for now.

Byleth stripped the soft, wet material from her girlfriend and, just like their other clothes, threw them off the bed. She groaned into the young lady’s mouth, her dominance faltering. Edelgard was fully bare, sweat glistening on some parts of her naked body. The Black Eagle’s house leader took initiative and nibbled on Byleth’s lower lip.

“Mmm… El, you’re so beautiful…”

Edelgard’s eyes squeezed shut when she felt a pressure applied to the nub in her crotch.

“A-Ah…” she moaned, barely cracking open one eye, staring at her teacher’s fingers. Byleth’s thumb pressed upon her clitoris, the bundle of nerves rattling underneath. She continuously did so as if it were a button, her other hand rubbing the outside of her labia. Mini explosions of euphoria colored her sensation, slowly overwhelming her sense of sanity.

“N-Ngh!”

The way Byleth pressed, hard, upon her clitoris, caused her to cry out.

“AH—!”

Byleth captured the hard nub between her thumb and index, pinching it.

“AH! B-Byleth— Not so— Nnngh! Not so rough— HAH!”

Keeping the clitoris in her grasp, Byleth rolled it between her fingers as if it were a ball.

“W-What are you— Wait—! A-AH! No— Don’t— H-Hyaaaah!”

Byleth’s other hand began to sneak two fingers inside of her moist labia, stroking the starting point of her inner walls.

“D-Don’t stroke so roughly— Nnngh! More! Byleth, I want— I want more!”

Edelgard arched her back, thrusting her lower body into her touches. If she had any shred of dignity left, she now had none of them. Her eyes heavy-lidded, Edelgard choked back an outcry as Byleth’s fingers worked through her. One focused entirely on her favorite spot, the clitoris, and another in her vagina, stirring and rubbing the throbbing walls. Edelgard started to grind into her hands until Byleth accidentally stuck two fingers deep inside of her moist cavern, Edelgard’s face twisting.

“Are you okay, El?!” Byleth stopped everything, looking with beads of sweat flying. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know I was going too fast.”

She felt a steel hold grip her wrist, forcing her fingers to remain inside of Edelgard’s inside. When she shot a worried look at Edelgard. But her expression loosened. Edelgard shook her head and softly growled, “Don’t you stop.” Byleth felt a switch flick on as she mumbled an “okay.”

Byleth resumed her ministrations, circling the stud and pinching it while rubbing her inside with two fingers. The rubbing came to a pause. Then, Byleth dug them as deep as she can into the cavern and curled her fingers up.

“Oh!”

A jolt of pleasure electrified Edelgard, her muscles jerking. Byleth narrowed her eyes and gave her another finger, stroking her inside, the rubbing also intensified on her clitoris.

SLICK

The wet sound of her pumping fingers and touches washed over Edelgard’s ears. She thrust her hips out again, moving them back and forth. Edelgard tried to grind as hard as she can on those three fingers and lean into the pleasurable rubs on the sensitive bundle of nerves.

“AH—! AH! Byleth— BYLETH!” she cried out, riding on her girlfriend’s hands. “I-I’m… I’m close—!”

Even though her muscles in her arms burned and sweat dripped down Byleth’s face, she grunted in response, burying her face into the girl’s shoulder. Byleth deeply inhaled, trying not to move her own hips against the fabrics of her mattress. She had to quell the monstrous desire to grind against her girlfriend’s back. Edelgard whined once Byleth bit hard, Byleth’s eyes squeezing shut.

She had to control herself.

She had to pull her rein back.

She—

“A-Ah— AHHHHHH!”

She snapped her eyes open and removed her mouth. Feeling Edelgard’s vagina clench around her fingers, Byleth immediately rubbed the nub well after Edelgard’s climax, her stiffened body jerking in her grasp. The orgasm slammed into Edelgard like a tidal wave. Hard. Although she came down from her high, Byleth didn’t stop, her rubbing only intensifying.

“Nnngh—! S-Stop—HAH! N-Not again— AH!”

Byleth bit back her own moan, aroused and full of heat from the sweet groans and cries from Edelgard. Beautiful. So beautiful! The beast inside of her had awoken! The teal-haired woman continued to focus onto Edelgard’s favorite erogenous spot: the clitoris.

Twisting it.

Pulling it.

Pinching it.

Rubbing it.

Ah, if only she could put her mouth on it…! But in this position, Byleth opted to continue using her fingers, instead, littering kisses and hickeys throughout the sensitive nape of her neck.

“I’m coming— I’m coming—!”

Byleth planted one last kiss before she roughly tweaked her overly sensitive nub.

“El…!”

“A-AHHHHH!!!”

Her efforts paid off. The pleasure that rippled through Edelgard spiked again before she could descend back to ground level, her back arching violently. Unlike previously, there was a silent scream, Edelgard unable to vocalize the near-whitening experience. Byleth bit back a cry, albeit for a different reason, an accidental bonk on her nose from Edelgard’s head bursting waves of pain throughout her face. The older woman shook off the anguish as her girlfriend collapsed into her arms, her breaths fast and spent.

“A…. Ah….” Edelgard lulled her head to the side, resting the side of her face in Byleth’s arm. She shakily brought her hand up to her chest, feeling her heart race a thousand miles. “That… hah…. was amazing…”

“I’m…. I’m… glad…”

“…Byleth?”

The Black Eagles student looked up. Her eyes widened and she scrambled to her knees, facing her professor. “Oh my gosh, are you okay?”

“I’m okay,” Byleth waved her hand and removed another from her nose. “It’s… Yes, I’m okay. It’s not bleeding.”

Edelgard felt sweat fly out of her head and sat on her knees, hands rested on her legs. She lowered her head, strands of her white hair slipping out of its place and hanging over her eyes.

“I am so sorry! I… I didn’t know I hurt you while we were doing it!”

“Things happen,” Byleth said with a strained smile. “But you… feel good, right?”

“Gosh, I… Why are you asking me that?” Edelgard leaned in and pecked her red nose. “I love it. I love every part of it.”

“Then I’m glad.”

Byleth glanced down and noticed her damp underwear. However, she pushed aside her own needs, happy to sate both her girlfriend and the erotic, horny beast that howls for food. As she reached for a tissue box near her bedside and wiped Edelgard’s bodily fluid from her fingers, the student too looked down to her teacher.

“…”

“…?”

Byleth felt her back press upon the mattress, her navy hues widening, staring at Edelgard from above. When she tried to move her arms, Edelgard had pinned them near her head. She smirked.

“I think it’s unfair that I’m the only one that’s feeling good.”

“Edelgard, you don’t need to— Hey! Don’t take it off!”

“Your words fall on deaf ears, my teacher,” Edelgard threw the wet garment aside, bringing forth a glorious sight. Beautiful is an understatement. No words could describe the lovely, toned figure before her. Edelgard exhaled, pulling out a faint gasp from Byleth as she stared at her wet nether region. “You always steal my breath away.”

“Huh, so you could say something cheesy too.”

“Professor!”

Now it was Edelgard would was red on the face, more so than Byleth! Byleth laughed and looked at her girlfriend. “What will you do now, El?” she smiled. “Will you ravage me like how I did to you?”

“Ravage? I am no savage.” Edelgard released her hold on Byleth’s wrist. She descended down her body. Byleth nearly choked on her own spit once a hot breath puffed upon her crotch. She propped herself up with both elbows, staring with wide eyes at Edelgard. Edelgard’s hands pressed upon her thighs, pushing it down, and eyed the moistened region. “I’m simply quelling your aches.”

“O-Oh, don’t be silly, I do not ache—”

“Byleth.”

“H-HNNGH?!”

The first stroke of her tongue on Byleth’s flower bloomed pleasure in seconds. Byleth tossed her head up, her hands fisting the dark mattress underneath. She let out a long groan, Edelgard tasting her again with another flick of her tongue. The noble raised her head with crinkled eyes.

“You shouldn’t lie to me. What happened to your lecture from earlier?”

Byleth moaned again before an objection left her lips, Edelgard tackling the wet premise. Vibrations fluttered through her sensitive region, the two groaning simultaneously. The young lady adjusted her upper body, keeping Byleth from snapping her thighs together, and took her time licking her folds.

Up and down, up and down, up and down.

Edelgard’s heart fluttered when Byleth clenched the bedsheet again. The teal-haired woman’s arms wobbled, her breathing ragged, Edelgard’s tongue undoing her little by little. Byleth was so used to giving, and she was used to receiving very little. It was her job as a mercenary. It was her job as a professor. It was her job at the monastery. But Edelgard was different. She kissed the hardened pink nub, eliciting a sharp gasp from Byleth.

“You’re…. really good at this, aren’t you— Nngh…. AH!?”

The kiss was followed up with sucking, and Edelgard sucked on her clitoris. Hard. Byleth’s arms collapsed, her back plopped back on the soft bed, a whine leaving her. She nearly bucked Edelgard off with her hips from the abrupt intensity! The student huffed and braced an arm across her hips to hold her down. Her mouth devoured and greedily tasted her sex, Edelgard sent to Cloud Nine from its sweetness.

“Haaah…. Haaah!”

Byleth could not sit up. Instead, her hands reached down to grab ahold of Edelgard’s head, her fingers tangling with her white hair. Although she had climaxed twice from Byleth’s help, the house leader felt her core heat up, the sexy moans and cries from Byleth tickling her to arousal. Edelgard pressed her hips into the blankets, the rough texture brushing her sore clitoris. She softly gasped and repeatedly ground into it.

“Nngh… This is addicting…” Edelgard whispered. Once she said her confession, Byleth bucked under her hold, Edelgard’s arm muscles tensing. In response, Edelgard enveloped her mouth over the entirety of her region, her tongue sliding around the entrance. She kept on licking, the strong, sweet, nectar-like smell of her bodily fluids seeping out from its warmth. And Edelgard lapped it all up. “I love you so much, Byleth.”

When she bucked into the blankets again, her tongue returned to her clitoris. She flicked her tongue on the bundle of nerves, occasionally running the entirety of her entrance vertically. And Byleth felt her abdomen burst in an explosion.

“A— AHHHHH!”

She had not climaxed, but her muscles from inside and out were twitching, her head thrashed left and right.

“NNNNNGH! Your— Your tongue— NGF— GH, AH!!”

“Oh, Byleth—!” Edelgard groaned, her thrusting becoming wild. Her licks were becoming sloppier, but the intensity increased by two folds, her focus now entirely on the clitoris only. “You’re so… beautiful— Nngh… I love you…. I love you so much, Byleth!”

The build gradually grew in time, the pressure of her stroking tongue increasing at the same rate. Byleth, and the swirling roll on the blankets growing the same way. Their pants were loud in the bedroom, hot breaths puffed from their mouth, as they desperately attempt to hit euphoria and relieve their aching core.

“I-I’m— I’m too close—!”

“Me… Me too— Hngh!?”

To their surprise, Edelgard climaxed for the third time, albeit it lasted shorter and with less intensity than the previous two. Her student slumped, her breaths fast. Yet her recovery was quick. Byleth immediately howled once she felt her tongue flick between her folds again. The bud of her clitoris was held in the warmth of her mouth, and she sucked on it like a baby.

Byleth slowly raised her head, her eyes staring up at the ceiling, and could barely cry out anymore. The pleasure was overwhelming. It had taken all forms of reasoning from the teal-haired woman, her throbbing bud enveloped and melting in her mouth. Byleth felt her soul transcend to the next plane as her fingers deathly gripped Edelgard’s head.

“….a….. Ah….. AH…… AH…. AHHHHHH!!!”

She squeezed her eyes shut and immediately sat up. Just like Byleth did to Edelgard, Edelgard made sure to drag her out into another round, her tongue abusing the hypersensitive area. A voiceless scream ripped through Byleth’s throat as she stiffened, her orgasm dragged on for what seems like a forever.

“Oh… Oh my gosh…”

Byleth flopped back on the mattress and released Edelgard's head. The highness that filled her body to the brim evaporated upon coming down to reality, her chest rising and falling. Byleth saw her girlfriend slowly crawl up to her outstretched arms. Edelgard laid down on her side, head resting on one of them. The two females stared at each other. Then, they softly laughed.

“Ha… haha… You…” Byleth shakily exhaled and turned to Edelgard, reaching over to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “That… was amazing…”

Edelgard closed her eyes and smiled. “I’m happy to hear that.” But their conversation did not continue past that point, their heavy eyelids closed and fatigue settled into their bones.

From the distance, right outside of the door, Sothis, once again, stared at the locked door, a pulsating red anger mark visible on her head. It had been hours, the sun had set, and darkness replaced daylight. She crossed her arms and grumbled.

“Great. Does that mean I have to sleep outside again?"

Meanwhile, Hubert and Ferdinand snuck into their quiet classroom, gathering their teacher's and Edelgard's belongings.

"What could have possibly transpired that they left their things behind?" Ferdinand asked.

Hubert paused. He glanced up at the ceiling. Then, his frown turned upside-down and his cheeks were inflamed. Hubert dryly swallowed and hastened his pace. "They... might've been busy with a matter." He grimaced, failing to dispel the heat. "It's best you know nothing about it."

"Why?"

"I will not repeat myself twice."

Ferdinand was about to open his mouth, but... clamped it after seeing Hubert's flushed features. "Oh." He shifted his gaze and adjusted his hold on Byleth's supplies. "...oh." It didn't take a whole minute for his face to turn bright red.

#loyalflutist #lemon the lemonade #edeleth #edelgard #Edelgard von Hresvelg #byleth #byleth eisner #f!byleth x edelgard #f!byleth #fan fiction #fanfiction #fanfic #fan fic #os #one shot #oneshot #fire emblem #fire emblem three houses #fe3h

49 notes · View notes

loyalflutist · 5 years ago

Text

The Warriors of Light

Rating: Mature Archive Warnings: Graphic Depiction of Violence Category: F/F Relationship: Edeleth Characters: Edelgard, f!Byleth, Hubert, Mercedes Words: 8,404 Summary: It has been five years since the Seventh Umbra Calamity. Byleth Eisner, once a proud mercenary and hero for Eorzea, now retreats as a Botanist in Gridania. She vows to live a content life in the present, throwing away her past. However, a meeting with one Marauder soon ignites what she truly desires.

A/N: Whew, I finally wrote something. I got hooked into FF XIV, so RIP, I had a ton of ideas for some of the Three Houses cast. Some information may be inaccurate or not up to date as I’ve only finished A Realm Reborn as of this posting. Other than that, I hope you enjoy it! Major thanks to HeartbeatDivinity for looking over the work!

------

How long has it been since she last traveled the lands?

Back when she was a green sprout, Byleth walked among the lands of Eorzea, acting as the Gladiator, and stayed with her father and his mercenary guild. So long as the payment is right and the reasoning is just, they’re willing to do just about anything.

They were always on the move, and there was always so much to see. By the time she became a Paladin, she was at the ripe age of 18. The people she’s met, the landmarks she’s seen, the unforgettable battles she’s witnessed, and the friendship she’s forged with others… The adventures she had with her comrades seem never-ending.

She recalls the memory of a conversation she had with Jeralt.

“You know,” Jeralt mused. “I sometimes wonder if I’ve raised you right.”

The two sat near the campfire, their fingers toying with the grasses, the stars lighting up the night sky. Many of their comrades had fallen asleep in their tents, those awake safeguarding their temporary camp. Byleth raised her brows and glanced at Jeralt. He did not look at her. Instead, he kept his gaze high up, the corner of his lips occasionally twitching.

“I’m sure your mother wouldn’t want you to become a mercenary if she were still alive.”

“Really?” Byleth frowned. “Are we talking about this again?”

He shrugged his shoulders, finally looking at her, and weakly smiled. “I can’t help it. You were forced into it when you were young.” Jeralt moistened his lips. “If there’s one thing I regret, I regret dragging you into this business—”

“Father,” Byleth immediately placed a hand over his. “I never regret going into this business.” She squeezed. “If anything, I’m grateful. I got to see so much. It wouldn’t be the same if I were to stay in the city. Besides,” the Paladin grinned. “I get to help everyone, especially you.”

But nothing could last forever. Byleth hadn’t traveled for three long years. She’s settled not at her bustling homeland, Ul’dah, but in the lush greenery of Gridania.

How long has it been since the Seventh Umbral Calamity?

The surreal experience had Byleth checking if the event truly transpired with her journal each waking morning. She’s flipped the pages of her poorly conditioned bundle, her dark hues staring at the surviving written pages describing the horrors of the Battle of Carteneau.

It should have been a victory for everyone in Eorzea. All three Grand Companies from Ul’dah, Gridania, and Limsa Lominsa had joined forces. The Garlean Empire’s VIIth Legion was set for defeat. Dalamud, a lesser moon that was meant to purge the primals and cause massive destruction upon the world, would be stopped. Byleth, Jeralt, and their guild offered themselves to be a part of the frontline fighters for The Immortal Flames from Ul’dah.

Yet by the time Dalamud arrived, Byleth, down onto her knee and Jeralt supporting her, stared in pure horror at the moon with everyone.

No… It wasn’t the moon.

It was Bahamut.

The massive dragon screeched into the red sky. A single sweep of its wings blew everyone off their feet. Jeralt tightly embraced his wounded daughter as they tumbled backward. He grunted, spun himself upright, and rammed his lance down into the terrain in one smooth motion, stopping them short of crashing into the rocky walls. Through Byleth’s narrowed eyes, she watched the fearsome beast shoot endless supplies of firepower, striking like meteors upon the battlefield as it flew around. No matter which side the warriors were on, everyone in sight was obliterated, clouds of smoke left in its wake.

“!”

A blast of heatwave rushed through the duo. Jeralt grimaced and tightened his grip around his daughter. One of the meteor-like attacks was coming at them, and they were unable to escape it.

But Eorzea strategized a last-minute defense: Louisoix. The old male beckoned forth a single spell, shielding them from the killing strike. A couple of other lucky adventurers and fighters on the field were also protected from the relentless assaults. Soon, he, along with several other important individuals, performed an imprisonment ritual on Bahamut.

“No…”

It had failed.

Byleth whited out in her father’s grasp as Bahamut began to charge up its ultimate move. Just before she lost consciousness, she saw Jeralt smile.

Because of that, everything was a blur afterward for Byleth. She had woken up in a familiar desert. Patting herself all around and feeling her items, armors, weapon, and body parts intact felt too good to be true. The fact that she survived The Calamity when she was out in the frontline is a miracle in of itself.

How long has it been since she lost those precious to her?

Was it a curse? Or was it karma? Losing someone was common, especially when one becomes an adventurer or works in the field as a mercenary. Byleth had lost some of her comrades in the past. She’s mourned for them. However, none of them were like the time when she awakens after the Calamity.

Byleth had woken up outside of Ul’dah.

Alone.

She scrambled up to her feet after regaining her composure. Then, she called for her chocobo, Sothis, with a whistle, and searched for her comrades.

For one month, Byleth traveled to every possible continent in Eorzea, and she questioned everyone she saw. She lavishly spent gils on traveling at least twice a day. Some receptionists and chocobo keepers at the stations began to see her as a regular because of this.

It matters not to Byleth. Every nook and cranny in imaginable places where her guild members might be— most importantly, her father, was examined. Dungeons and expeditions to dangerous, foreign lands were thoroughly investigated as a solo member.

“Get out.”

She viciously lashed out to wild creatures and enemies that provoked her during the investigations. Blood splattered upon her face as Byleth heartlessly carved their demise. She slammed her sword down in a series of quick, powerful blows against the enemy, the squelching sound of flesh mashed by the sharp blade.

They were in her way.

“…” Byleth sheathed her bloodied sword. Her chocobo softly cooed in the background, her beak tainted with crimson from pecking their enemies. She approached the yellow bird and gently pat her. Standing in the very last room of an abandoned manor, Byleth firmed her lips. “They’re not here either.”

Something stirred inside of her. Like it was tearing her apart. Tears flowed down her cheeks as the Paladin lowered her head, a quiet sob shaking her body.

To this day, Byleth still misses Jeralt and her allies. Five years had passed, yet no one had announced their return. Their deaths were confirmed after she was invited to speak with Raubahn from Ul’dah. Only Byleth had survived from her guild.

Alone.

How long has it been since she had last seen the battlefield?

The last time she participated in any sort of battle was before she succumbed to her injuries near Gridania.

Byleth stood up to fight a growing threat within the forest. The East Shroud from The Black Shroud brims with various large creatures. That doesn’t exclude insects too. Sylphs had asked for her help to rid of the pesky buzzing intruders that threaten to overwhelm their community.

The young Paladin had changed gears, a red robe exchanged from her heavy armors. Sothis squawked nearby with her new steel armors, her wings flapping wildly at the incoming black wasps. Byleth bent her knees, reeled her body back and placed her hand on the katana.

She inhaled.

Eyes narrowed, she exhaled.

Byleth dashed forward, smoothly sliding the blade out, and diced her enemies into fine pieces. Grime and thick, gold fluid discolored her plain attire with each strike.

However, she had not expected the appearance of imperial forces, the Garlean Empire’s soldiers present with their guns.

Byleth danced around their bullets, slicing them cleanly in half with swift strokes. Sweat trickled down her face as she slashed a soldier’s side. Quick work was made with the other remaining cadets. They didn’t even have a chance to cry for their mothers.

Her chocobo kicked those that slipped past her owner’s sight with a powerful thump. They were sent flying and crashed into the others. Amidst the flurrying assault of red that rained on their bodies, the swarm eventually died down. Byleth straightened her posture and sheathed her katana.

It was too soon for her to relax.

A gunshot rang out. Byleth’s eyes widened as she jerked. Smoke drifted from a dying soldier’s barrel. When his light was finally extinguished, the Samurai hurried on Sothis, the yellow bird running to the nearest safe zone. Blood oozed from her right side, staining the feathered creature’s back. By the time she got there, she was unconscious.

That was the last time she ever went into battle.

When she recovered thanks to the kind residents of this land, after some self-reflection, Byleth swore to give up her arms. The wound she’s sustained hindered her ability to continue with her operation as a solo warrior, the occasional sharp, needle-like jabs stabbing her side.

Besides, it was high time she gives into early retirement.

Byleth would always look outside of her window, hearing the loud chatters and laughter of companions heading off on a quest. She drew a deep breath. There were plenty of other adventurers to take up arms and lead the future of Eorzea. Byleth dryly swallowed. She eventually turned her back from the glass panel and returned to her workstation.

The years that slowly crawled by brought about nostalgia. She sometimes missed being an adventurer despite her decision.

How long has it been since she had been called the Warrior of Light?

She, and so many others who were once called the Warrior of Light, ceased to exist in the present.

Whether they went into hiding, had given up, or died in the line of battle during The Calamity, the tale of their adventures became nothing more than a fantasy. Leaders and survivors speak of their existence, but after five years of silence, no one would speak about them.

Not even Byleth.

The ghost of her past threatened to torture her, its black talons hovering over her neck. Just hearing the title sparked terror for the Samurai. Memories surged about the people she’s once befriended. Other Warriors of Light that shared a draft beer with her every week vanished, their final impressions being that of their corpses.

And every night, Byleth would wake up, screaming for her father. Annette would rush into her bedroom, offering warm towels, and a shoulder to lean on. On the day the young girl asked about Byleth’s nightmares, Byleth swore to never speak or think about the past ever again. Even if it meant forgetting her friends and family.

It was a success, the nightmares lessened until she could sleep like a baby. Any events before and relating to The Calamity were steadily pushed further back into the depths of her mind. Before she knew it, she became a Botanist Master, head of the Botanist guild, and living her new life.

Her role as one of the Warriors of Light would forever be lost in history.

And she wanted it to stay that way.

[-----]

“Master Eisner, you have a visitor!” one of her students, Annette, called in the background.

Byleth, adorned with an attire fit for a farmer, straightened her posture, her bare, wet hands having harvested the plants. With the sun beating down on her back, she deposited the fresh greens into the basket, and wiped the sweat off her forehead as she carefully treads through the moist plantation.

Annette provided a clean towel to her mentor upon arrival. Byleth motioned thanks to the youngster before patting her scarred hands dry, her navy hues locked to their three guests.

They were clearly adventurers… and new ones at that.

A Thaumaturge, a Marauder, and a Conjurer.

Her eyes fell upon their get-up. The equipment they had was rustic and had seen better days. Byleth stifled a grumble. Do all guilds provide their new members weathered weapons? She could not recall a time when she ever had a sword or katana in such a sorry state. Then again, times are a-changing. Old mentors of guilds were replaced with newer ones. Catherine and Shamir were fitting examples, respectively teaching and guiding Gladiators and Archers.

“So, what is it that you need from me?” she asked.

Out of the newcomers, the shortest one of the three stepped up. “I would like to become a Botanist.” She placed a hand on her chest with a smile. “Master Eisner, I want you to teach me.” When the Marauder noticed Byleth eyeing her comrades, she shook her head. “Don’t mind them. It’s just me that wants to join your guild.”

Byleth tried not to sigh. She had half-expected the trio to be here for minor tasks. Adventurers always came and went to help the Botanist out with her duties. When she could not traverse the rough terrains, they did so diligently, but with a small price. Some even became full-time students like Annette. Others became part-time students, their mind set into stone with other guilds. This youngster most likely came as the latter. Byleth crossed her arms.

“Tell me, what do you hope to achieve in this profession?”

The white-haired responds, “I want to be able to distinguish what’s appropriate to gather and harvest in the wild.” She motioned to her friends. “If we’re going to travel and find work, I want us to be able to survive out in the wild, at the very least.”

“I see.” Byleth nods. “As an adventurer, you will be out in the wild more than an average civilian. Your reasoning is sound.” She extended a hand towards the Marauder. “I will teach not only what you need to know for the field, but the importance of maintaining a symbiotic relationship with Eorzea’s plants.” When her hand was shaken, she asked, “And who do I have the honor of teaching?”

“Forgive me for not telling you my name,” the female’s cheeks slightly pinkened. “I am Edelgard von Hresvelg.” She glanced over her shoulder at her teammates. “The Thaumaturge is Hubert von Vestra and the Conjurer is Mercedes von Martritz.”

They both bowed to Byleth.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Master Eisner,” Mercedes clasped her hands together once she straightened her posture, her head tilted to the side with a smile. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Yes, you seem to have a wonderful reputation here in Gridania,” Hubert added. “Everyone says you’re reliable.”

Byleth chuckled. “Their expectation must be dangerously low. All I’ve been doing is harvesting and logging for the community.”

“But the head of the Seedseer Council said you’ve done many great things for Eorzea.”

“She must have been exaggerating.”

Their conversation came to a closure, though rather abrupt. Byleth made a scheduled meeting would follow up the next day for Edelgard, but only after Byleth had spoken to Kan-E-Senna.

The secrecy of her past life as both a survivor of the Sixth Umbra Era and Warrior of Light must remain behind closed doors.

“It’s painful,” she admits to Kan-E. “Hearing that title or my accomplishments only reminds me of him.”

Kan-E could not find the words to comfort Byleth. And that was okay. Byleth didn’t need it.

[-----]

The days that followed afterward were that of varying tasks Edelgard must take up. Byleth had offered her new equipment and tools to get started. Logging, harvesting, gathering, and learning how to identify items in the wilderness were taught at a steady pace.

“You have a knack for this,” Byleth complimented. Under the relentless sun, Edelgard wiped the sweat from her brows and leaned her hatchet against the tree trunk. A large volume of chopped woods settled nearby, its usage exclusively for Gridania’s winter preparation. Annette, Marianne, Hubert, and Mercedes offered to take them to the town’s square. From there, Shamir and her guild would evenly divide and deliver the firewood for their citizens. The teal-haired ruffled her student’s hair. “It hasn’t even been a week, but you’ve mastered the basics of gathering and tending. Today, you’ve done well with timbering.”

Edelgard managed a smile. “Only because you’re my teacher,” she said, swatting Byleth’s hand.

“You jest.”

“She’s right, you know,” Annette hollered in the background. A red mark pulsating on her head, Byleth bent down, grabbed a small rock, playfully tossed it into the air, and swung it at the speaker. The air whistled and Annette yelped. It was going to hit her, and it was going to hurt. Badly. Byleth clicked her tongue when Annette avoided her throw. “What do you think you’re doing, Master!?” she shouted. “Are you trying to kill me!?”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe!? What’s wrong with you?”

“Stop embarrassing me in front of my student then.”

“I’m your student too, you know!”

Edelgard could hardly contain her laughter. But it was one of the biggest mistakes she’s made in her life. Byleth crossed her arms and glared at Edelgard.

“I hope you’re ready to be out on the field. You’re getting some Tree Toads for me.”

“…How many?” She instantly regrets asking. A sly smile bloomed on Byleth’s face. Hearing the numbers caused her knees to buck. Edelgard’s features paled as she exclaimed, “100?!”

This is an impossible feat! Hadn’t she already done enough for the day?

“It’s all a part of your training. This will also teach you the delicate balance of nature. Overpopulation is a major issue here in The Black Shroud, after all.” Byleth pats her shoulders. “Also, please make sure they are alive. I need to deliver them to Flayn.”

“…you’re lucky that I like you.”

“Did you say something?”

“N-Nothing, Master Eisner.”

Edelgard hung her head and dragged her scythe, hatchet, basket, and net outside of the premise.

Hubert and Mercedes watched from afar, a crate of chopped woods at hand. “I can only hope milady can stop provoking Master Eisner…” he sighed.

The blonde magus giggled. “I think she might be having fun.”

“Our definition of ‘having fun’ is different, I’m afraid.”

“Speaking of that, when do you think Edelgard will ask Master Eisner out?”

“Wha— Why are you bringing up a silly matter like that?” he scowled. “I’m returning to my duty!”

“But this is the last—”

“And so should you!”

Mercedes watched Hubert storm off, leaving her alone. Annette emerged in his place, her hands behind her back. She softly hummed. “That’s something you don’t see every day.” Mercedes chuckled. “I agree.”

[-----]

Days marched to weeks, and weeks marched to months, and months marched to a year. Edelgard no longer was a Marauder, but a Warrior. By that time, training began to move from location to location appropriate for her student, the environmental conditions becoming harsher.

Unlike her students like Annette and Marianne, Edelgard made a commitment to perform various other tasks at hand for Eorzea. Hearing of her student’s adventures with Hubert and Mercedes reminds Byleth of her own. Each story told was like hearing from her own memories. The achievements, the accomplishments, the heroic deeds they were known for… It was like looking at a mirror. She smiled awkwardly. Edelgard’s tales were full of optimism and pride. Byleth’s was the complete opposite.

Eventually, the days they’ve spent together must come to an end. Edelgard would have to graduate from her Botanist guild. It was bittersweet, but a farewell was soon in place.

They were now seen in Coerthas Western Highlands. A thick, brown overcoat covered their bodies as the four stood over the café’s table, a crinkled map rolled out.

“Your final task is to find this,” Byleth tapped on the booklet with a sketch of a Rainbow Cotton Boll. “However, due to the nature of this assignment, I will allow you to have your allies with you.”

The Warrior looked up. “What about you?”

“I will also come.” Byleth adjusted her overcoat and smiled. “I wouldn’t want to miss my final moments with one of my students.”

“Only because I’m your student?”

Byleth deadpan stared at Edelgard. “Yes.” Edelgard lightly scratched her discolored cheek and looked elsewhere. “I had expected more, but if you say so, Master Eisner.”

Oh… Oh, it was swinging in that direction.

“Don’t push your luck, young lady. I’m not going to pass you just because of our relationship.”

“That’s not what I’m implying— Oh, nevermind, you wouldn’t understand.”

“Then make me understand.”

“…remind me why I chose you over my suitors again?”

In the background, Hubert and Mercedes exchanged looks. They shrugged their shoulders. It was always like this between the two women. Byleth and Edelgard were entranced and intoxicated with each other’s presence since the day they’ve met, their banters nonstop. It had only worsened since the day they began dating last month.

Hubert sighed. “Can we go now? Let’s not waste any time.”

The party eventually exited the bar. Cold air tickled their nose, snow gently falling upon their figures. Their metallic and leather boots crunched the white plain as they traversed to their destinations.

Yet somewhere along the way, they had taken a detour.

Byleth felt a bead of sweat roll down the side of her face. They were far from their destination. Very far. Edelgard, Hubert, and Mercedes were enticed by their curiosity, and so they chased after it. Far north from their assigned areas, the four marched into The Steel Vigil.

‘ I don’t like where this is going… ‘

Call it instinct, Byleth could not soothe the butterflies in her stomach. Their White Mage ran up to what remains of the watchtowers. She traced the uneven concrete slabs of the outer walls, the majority of its content destroyed by the Dravanian Horde.

Edelgard dropped her hatchet and scythe. In lieu, the Warrior reached for the large axe behind her back and dashed past Mercedes. A gust of wind blew against her party members, forcing their arms up, as she bellowed. In conjunction, the dragon screeched, hurting their eardrums. Edelgard breathed deeply and tore her weapon from the massive black creature. Crimson trail slithered down its scale as it screeched once again.

Almost half as tall as the watchtower, they were mere insects to the magnificent beast.

“I knew this was a bad idea!” Byleth took a step forward. She paused, placing a hand on her side, a dull ache resonating.

Was she able to participate in this battle?

It matters not for now. Mercedes and Hubert immediately jumped in front of Byleth. Their hoodies were blown off, electricity crackling from Hubert’s fingertips.

“Thunder!”

He threw his hand out and lightning shot from his palm. Edelgard bounced back just in time for the spell to slam into the dragon. It howled and stumbled backward.

However, the dragon reeled its head back, an orange glow beginning to emit from its throat. The color brightened drastically as it neared its mouth. Edelgard’s eyes widened. It was aiming at Hubert, Mercedes, and Byleth. She ran until she was on the opposite side of her comrades, charged at the creature, and too reeled her arms back. The young woman leaped high into the air. Edelgard focused on the creature’s scaly neck. A battle cry chortled from her throat once her axe swung at full force.

It diverted its attention, but the energy it gathered could not dissipate. A fiery beam shot out of its mouth. Edelgard had to summon her strength to brace for the impact. She gritted her teeth as her overcoat burnt away, the thick armors cracking under the pressure. By the time the dragon was done, Edelgard was still left standing. Breathing heavily, the Warrior crumbled to her knee, the axe used as support.

Mercedes hastily cast healing spells to Edelgard as Hubert continued to send Thunder in its direction. But the dragon stared at the four, their presence so miniature compared to its destructive powers.

“We should make a strategic retreat!” Mercedes beckoned. She swung her staff as another Cure was directed to their injured comrade. “We might outrun it!”

“Are you sure about that?” Hubert asked. Flames danced around his wrist, fire shooting from his hand at the powerful dragon. Despite his attempts, the monster shook off any ill effect. The Black Mage cursed under his breath. “This dragon will chase us until one of us admits defeat!”

Edelgard grimaced. When the dragon focused its attention on her comrades once more, the female dragged her axe on the white ground, running to it.

“Pay attention to me!”

Another smash was delivered. Sure enough, she had the huge creature’s undivided attention. Its claws slammed on the ground, shaking their balance. Edelgard rolled out of the way with each attempt and knelt on one knee. This dance composed of dodging and striking at the dragon continued for some time. Hubert and Mercedes also continued their support, the Black Mage casting offensive magic and the White Mage casting shrouds of healing spells.

Byleth was the odd one out.

She watched the adventurers beat down the dragon bit by bit. The Botanist bit her lip. At that instant, the dragon roared, spread its wings, and flapped them. Strong gusts knocked everyone but Byleth off their feet, their bodies sinking into the snow.

Compared to Edelgard and Hubert, Mercedes was unfortunate, the beast slamming its hand into her. Mercedes felt its claw dig into her innards, the healer screaming. Red colored her vision as the creature raised its bloodied limb. Then, it struck again. Again. And again. Dread gripped their souls as Mercedes’s squeals of pain pierced the sky.

“MERCEDES!”

Edelgard scrambled to her feet, but her knees gave way, face greeting the chilly ground. Hubert combined Thunder, Fire, and even Blizzard, but it had done little to the fearsome foe. The dragon was squarely in control of the situation.

Were their efforts from earlier fruitless?

The sound of snow crunching perked the two’s ears.

“B-Byleth?” Edelgard hoarsely whispered once she raised her head. The white-haired watched her mentor slowly approach the dragon. Since the day they have met, Edelgard had never seen Byleth engage in a fight. Seeing her older girlfriend face the dragon without a weapon was suicidal. She shook her head and tried to crawl. “Byleth! Don’t do this!”

Edelgard’s outcry caught the dragon’s attention. The creature kept its hold on the White Mage, its bleeding blue eyes staring at the Warrior. Then, it turned to the last standing person, its claws finally removed. Mercedes weakly gasped as it marched towards Byleth. Hubert hurried to her side to tend her wounds. Buffs of hot breath escaped its nostrils once it stopped before the Botanist. It gave a thunderous roar, knocking back her hood. Byleth frowned and held its blue eyes, weighing its gaze.

The dragon made no hesitation to blow hot blue flames at the teal-haired woman. Edelgard screamed.

“BYLETH!”

The flames had eaten the thick overcoat, but left the pristine, red robe underneath unscathed. A glimmer pierced the raging vortex. Byleth swept the fire, clearing her position, with a katana at hand. Edelgard’s heart pounded. Her girlfriend was standing in the middle of the blue flames, unharmed and armed. The roles were now reversed.

“Looks like I can’t run away forever.”

Byleth ignored the strong aches that reside from her years-old injury. She adjusted her stance. The dragon flapped its wings, producing more wind, fluttering her robe. They glared at each other, a period of silence hanging in the still air.

Then, the enemy reacted.

It breathed more blue flames. Byleth sidestepped and rushed head-first to the creature. She swiped and flickered the katana, its blade creating lacerations in its wake. It screeched from the top of its lungs. Its claws reached out for her, but she parried and dodged it with ease. Byleth kept the momentum up, driving the dragon backward, persistent with lightning strikes.

“Getsu.”

She angled her katana into a crescent shape, a faint illusion of the moon drawn from her blade.

“Setsu.”

Solid icicles burst from the dragon’s fresh cut, freezing its innards.

“Ka.”

Cherry blossoms scattered from her katana and danced around Byleth as she slashed in a flurry.

The dragon snarled. It reached out to grab Byleth once she regained her composure. Byleth sidestepped once more, but winced, a sharp stab to her side. She staggered and the beast easily pulled her into its grip. She gasped as it tightened. Then, it flew into the air. They disappeared into the snowing clouds above the adventurers’ head.

Seconds ticked by, yet there is no sign of return.

Edelgard got to her feet, stumbling in the process. “W-What’s going to happen to Byleth?” She propped herself upright with her axe. “Am I going to lose someone I love again?”

Those words stung. Hubert cursed as he sprinkled more potion on Mercedes’s crimson gash. “She will survive, milady!” His stained hands continued to apply first-aid to the mangled flesh exposed in this rigid environment. Sweat slid over his brows as the Black Mage said, “Have faith in her!”

“Should I be concerned that it’s coming from your mouth?”

“Milady, if you have the time to tease,” a katana stabbed between the two from above. “I suggest you help Master Eisner.”

Just as he predicted, the clouds had dispersed, leaving the center empty. A black blur flew down. The dragon twisted in the air as it descended, tossing Byleth to the side. She smashed into the outer wall, debris and smoke filling the area. Once it dissipated, Byleth groaned, laying still in the rubble.

“Byleth!” Edelgard rushed to her side. Snow kicked up in front of her. She skidded to a stop and took a step back. Looking up, she saw the dragon in her path, rosy fluids dribbling from its mouth. It roared, but weakly, at the Warrior. She grimaced and raised her axe. She had to keep the dragon’s attention off Byleth.

Edelgard roared, swinging her axe. “I’ll be your opponent!”

Amidst the crumbled structure, Byleth struggled through her swimming vision. The impact had cut her scalp, drawing blood that trickled between her eyes. Byleth slowly rolled onto the snow. She hissed as needle-like sensations relentlessly jabbed into her side.

Byleth reached for the item pouch around her waist. A shaky hand retrieved one Hi-Potion. The substance poured into her mouth, its potency quelling the pain. Byleth flung the empty glass bottle aside. She wiped her mouth with the back of her sleeve and rose. Hubert, who now carried an unconscious Mercedes, ran to the Samurai.

“Here!” he tossed. Byleth’s outstretched hand caught her weapon. She nodded. “Thanks.”

She turned her attention to the dragon and Edelgard. Byleth’s brows furrowed.

“Edelgard!” she said. “Bring it closer to me!”

“Byleth, wha— you’re okay!?”

The white-haired female nearly bit her tongue, ducking from a swipe. Edelgard straightened her posture and shot a glance. Byleth began to kneel, her hands resting on the sheathed katana, staring at the beast. There was a pause. Then, Edelgard nodded. The axe in her grip tightened and spun. Both the creature and Edelgard roared in synchronization as they raced to land the first strike.

A burst of flames and lightning sprouted upon the dragon. Hubert had released his hold on the injured Mercedes. Decorated staff in one hand, he grunted and unleashed a torrential of magic onto the field, its destruction rivaling that of the beast.

The adventurers and Byleth felt invigorations mere seconds later. Mercedes leaned against what’s left of the outer wall, her white magic going into effect. Edelgard was granted silent permission to recklessly throw herself into the enemy, ramming her heavy axe.

They were slowly inched closer to Byleth. Soon, the dragon shook the ground with its roar, reeling its head back. The same orange light started to emit from its throat. Sweat slid down her face. With the wall, Hubert, and Mercedes behind her, she was trapped, Edelgard stalling for the final blow. Byleth drew her lips to a line.

It was only a matter of time until they were blasted into oblivion.

Byleth slowed her breathing, her knuckles whitening. Three components of Iaijutsu had activated previously in battle. She exhaled. A calm wave washed over her, Byleth narrowing her eyes. The instant Edelgard smashed her axe onto its belly, Byleth pivoting on her heel.

NOW!

Byleth sped through the dragon. Not even a second passed and she stood on the other side of it, her katana flicked out.

Silence.

Then, blood spewed from the dragon.

It screeched and thrashed as the bright light from its neck disappeared. Hubert, Mercedes, and Edelgard hopped back as its tail swished. Byleth remained still, the rampage narrowly missing her. She twirled the katana at hand. When she sheathed it, the dragon collapsed, the surrounding snow painted in a ruby splatter.

“…”

Byleth’s tense shoulders eased, her head lowered.

It was over.

The Samurai was immediately greeted with a crushing hug from behind, Edelgard’s face nestled into her shoulder. “I’m so glad we’ve defeated the dragon,” she whispered. “I can’t imagine what would happen if we didn’t…” Byleth turned to face Edelgard in her embrace, her smile soon strained as the Warrior frowned. “Though I have questions for you. A lot.”

As Edelgard wiped off the blood from the older female’s face with a singed handkerchief, Byleth said, “I will answer them all once we’ve headed to safety.”

She and Hubert would then whistle, two yellow birds coming just as quickly as they were called. Sothis tilted her head and cooed softly once Byleth and Edelgard sat on her back. As for Hubert and Mercedes, he took the rein for her chocobo, Pom Pom (clearly named after Annette’s suggestion), He offered to head to the nearby town first as their White Mage required medical attention.

They hurried off. Both Byleth and Edelgard would shortly follow after them, albeit at a slower pace.

Byleth blinked. She was seeing doubles. Another blink and a shake of her head.

“Byleth?” Edelgard touched her on the arm. “Are you feeling alright?”

She went limp in response. Edelgard muffled a grunt and caught her girlfriend from falling off their mount. Despite the everlasting winter environment, Byleth felt cold to the touch. Colder than ice.

“No, this cannot be happening!”

The Warrior took the rein from behind and, after adjusting the taller female to rest on Sothis, sprinted into the snowy town.

The chocobo squawked and leaped off a high cliff. Edelgard leaned forward, almost hugging the unconscious Samurai. Sothis squealed when a jolt of pain traveled up her legs. However, she continued running as fast as she could. Her owner was in danger! Edelgard bit her lip as they neared Camp Dragonhead.

“Don’t you dare die on me!”

Their arrival startled many. Blood splattered their attire, bruises and patches of peeling, hot red skin had many citizens turn away. Guards from Camp Dragonhead approached the four warriors.

The interrogations did not last long.

Mercedes and Byleth were transported to the premise’s medical facility in a hurry. Doctors and nurses brought them into surgery while nearby White Mages offered to heal Hubert and Edelgard. The two sat outside of the operating room. Hubert crossed his arms and stared at the ceiling. Edelgard buried her face into her palms, not a peep heard from the tank.

“They will be okay,” Hubert rested a hand on her back, his eyes soft. “I believe in them.”

“Are you sure…?” Edelgard raised her head, her bandages wet from the tears. Her lips quivered as she asked, “They will not meet the same fate as my brothers and sisters, right?”

He nodded. Then, he pulled his childhood friend close. Resting his chin on her head and rubbing her back, he whispered, “El, they will never leave your side. I promise you that.” Hubert knew of the loss Edelgard sustained as a child. The false promises of becoming the next emperor of new territory in Eorzea, the Adrestian Empire. Surviving the assassination that took the lives of her parents and siblings. Fending for herself in Limsa Lominsa. Reuniting with Hubert in Ul’dah and becoming friends with Mercedes in Gridania. She had gone through so much.

Hubert tucked a stray strand of white hair behind her ear. He stared at her face, then smoothed her head, almost as if he were her older brother.

“You shouldn’t have to suffer like this.”

The two eventually fell asleep sitting up, waiting for the return of their comrades.

[-----]

One week later…

“Are you still here to ask me questions?”

“Yes.”

“Persistent, aren’t you?”

Edelgard shrugged, peeling the apple’s skin with a knife. Byleth huffed in her bed. Resting in a shared recovery room with Mercedes, the four were present with their own business. Hubert tended to Mercedes with news about the day. As for Edelgard, well, it was self-explanatory.

“I don’t understand why you aren’t willing to open up about your past with me.”

“I… just need some time.”

“Time?” she raised a brow, hands still occupied with the fruit. “How long?”

“Until I feel the time is right.”

“Pfft. That’s going to take forever.”

The Samurai’s hands balled into fists. Though it is a jest, it has some truth behind it. The weight of her past continues to chain Byleth down. If anything, just as she confessed to Kan-E, Byleth wants to stay as far away as possible from her past title and occupation. Surging memories of Jeralt was inevitable, and she shuddered, her heart beating fast.

“…perhaps I should ask you something...” Edelgard raised her head, the peeled apple placed on a plate, all ears on her. Byleth’s navy hues wandered elsewhere, her thumbs tapping and toying with one another. She jolted from feeling her girlfriend’s warmth. Edelgard enveloped her hand with hers, lilac eyes staring into the Samurai’s. Byleth dryly swallowed. “What if… What if I’m afraid to talk about it?”

“Afraid?”

She nods. “Let’s start from the beginning. You’ve heard of stories about the Seventh Umbral Calamity, right?” When her student and allies admit, she continued, drawing in a deep breath. “Then, you must’ve heard rumors about those called the Warriors of Light.”

“Bits and pieces. Always thought they were nothing more than a made-up story about Eorzean heroes. Why do you ask?”

“If I were to tell you that I was once labeled as one, would you believe in me?”

“You’re joking.”

“I wish I was. Louisoix called me one when I first met him.” Byleth recalled her meeting with the old man. Still a budding sprout, the Gladiator and Jeralt were invited to speak with the key figure. Feats they’ve achieved for the sake of Eorzea went unnoticed. It was likely they would talk about them. However, Louisoix had said very little. Instead, he motioned his aged hand to the two, a smile blooming. “…and that was when he called me and father the Warriors of Light.”

Mercedes, opposite of her bed, clasped her hands and wondered, “Oh, Master Eisner, so the reputations from the Grand Companies were not untrue then! To think that I would meet one in-person.” The blonde grinned. “Helping others, upholding justice, and doing what is good for Eorzea… You must’ve accomplished so much in your life.”

“Yet I’ve lost so much too.” Mercedes’s features drooped, Byleth staring at Edelgard’s hand. “If anything, I wished I wasn’t the Warrior of Light.”

A chill slithered down her spine. Byleth slowly opened about the moments during the Calamity. Rocks turned to ashes from the intense heat, flames spreading throughout the battlefield. The Garlean Empire unleashed mighty magiteks, weapons, and soldiers on the dreadful landscape. And Byleth was there in the frontline, acting as the Paladin. All f their efforts to stop the empire and Bahamut… In the end, she was the lone survivor from her father’s mercenary guild.

“I remembered,” Mercedes said. The others looked at her. She cast her sight to the floor. “Although I was not at the frontline, I witnessed Dalamud approaching our planet from the church.” True to her words, before she was a White Mage and a Conjurer at Gridania, Mercedes was raised and served at the Church of Saint Adama Landama in Thanalan. When tragedy struck, she could only offer prayers for the lives that were lost and hope to repel the enormous dragon. “I could only imagine how much you’ve suffered.”

Edelgard rubbed Byleth’s arm. “You’ve done so much for Eorzea…” she bitterly smiled. “You were out there, protecting us… You’ve saved us all.”

Hubert, though, crossed his arms. “If you so claim that you are the Warrior of Light, then why did you hide that vital piece of information from everyone, especially from us?” The Black Mage frowned. “Why did you pretend to be a Botanist?”

“I…” Byleth’s heart squeezed. She placed a hand over her chest, the wounded Samurai shakily exhaling. “I was a coward.” A pause. “I still am.”

The past was always haunting her. Its shadows prickled the back of her neck, darkness looming over the survivor. Byleth rubbed her arm. “I’m afraid of the ghost of my past— My dead comrades, my dead father, and the Calamity.” The rubbing intensified. “Hearing that title reminds me of them. I would rather live my life in peace, forgetting about it all.”

Though sympathy was gained by the ladies, Hubert thought otherwise. He got up from the wooden stool, marched up to the teal-haired, and shook her shoulders.

“Get a grip, Byleth!” he yelled. “To live like this is no better than to die!”

“Hubert—”

When Edelgard too stood up, he shook his head.

“Milady, forgive me, but I cannot stay silent.”

He placed a hand on his chest, glaring into Byleth’s navy eyes. “I too have a past I wish to never remember. Everyone does.” He swept his arm to Mercedes and Edelgard. “They have a past they wish to make amends with. To change the course of history for a better outcome. However, we only have today and tomorrow.” Hubert tightened his grip. “If you are to continue acting this way, then it’s no wonder why you’ve abandoned your duty as the Warrior of Light.”

“I’m sure there are others that would carry the future of Eorzea—”

“But you are here right now!”

“I am unable to fight at full strength. You saw how I collapsed after the battle last week. It’s impossible to return to duty as I’ve had when I was by myself.”

“We are here for you! Did you seriously forget that we are also your comrades?” The older male released her, still scowling. “I’m sorry, but I cannot deal with a person who wishes to waste their potential on a meaningless life.”

“Isn’t she the Botanist guild master though?” Mercedes quipped.

“That is not enough for someone with her capability.” He turned his back to the Samurai, walking to the exit. “I don’t even think she’s worthy of being Edelgard’s woman.” The door then slammed from behind.

Edelgard scratched her cheek. “I’ve never seen Hubert so angry before.” She glanced at her girlfriend. Hand still on Byleth’s, she gave another squeeze, leaning in. “I want to let you know that, unlike Hubert, whatever you choose to do with your life… I will support you.” The Warrior captured Byleth’s lips. “Don’t you worry about protecting anyone,” she said after parting. Getting up from her stool, Edelgard gave another kiss, this time on the head. “You’ve protected us once during the Calamity, and you’ve protected us a week ago with the dragon. I think you deserve to rest.”

“El…”

Compared to her male companion, Edelgard was gentle. Yet the two of them had a point, their arguments well-supported.

Her lover waved farewell for the evening, visiting hours over, and returned to the inn for the night. That left Byleth with Mercedes. She looked to the White Mage.

“I’m not even sure what to decide anymore.”

“Hm…” Mercedes cupped her chin. “This is a difficult choice to make. But I know that so long as you remain true to yourself, then you’ve made the right decision.” She settled into her blanket, the nurses coming in to dim the candles. “Have you ever thought of becoming an adventurer again?”

“Sometimes,” she answered truthfully.

Mercedes hummed again. “Then you’re being chained to the past. Though, knowing you, I know you’ll reach an answer before we fully recover.”

“What if I can’t?”

“I think that’s too soon to say.”

The rest of the night, they slept in silence. Mercedes did, at least. Byleth found herself staring up at the ceiling, her gauzed hands resting over her stomach. Her thumbs casually tapped at an even, rhythmic interval.

What is it that she truly desired?

She sighed. It was time for some self-reflection.

[-----]

Another week crawled by in Camp Dragonhead. During the days she and Mercedes were out of commission, Edelgard and Hubert traveled around Coerthas Central Highlands. Small quests and duties with other party members were tackled, the latest task partnering them with Ingrid Brandl Galatea and Dorothea Arnault, respectively a Dragoon and Scholar.

Was this busywork? To keep their minds off about Byleth’s true identity? Or did they use this chance to make new relationships and make some spare gils on the side?

Whatever it was, it matters not, the time for their friends’ discharge finally here. Mercedes had left first, leaving Byleth alone. Or so she thought she was alone.

“Congratulation on your discharge, Master Eisner!” Annette and Marianne, who had traveled from Gridania, greeted Byleth, a bouquet of scarlet carnations offered. “Just wanted to stop by here and make sure you’re still kicking.”

“I-It would be… terrible if you were to die…” Marianne fidgeted.

Annette laughed in response, slapping her colleague’s back, hard. “It would be terrible, huh! But I’m glad she’s still here with us.” Marianne yelped and tried to swat her friend’s hand. “Can you… please not do that?”

“Oh, you’re no fun!”

Seeing their cheery selves caused Byleth to smile. Then, she stood up from her mattress, walking to the closet. Folded neatly was her decorated red robe. Nearby, her katana stared at its owner, begging for usage. Byleth glanced over her shoulder. Annette and Marianne were still in the room. She dryly swallowed, the Samurai’s fingers delicately rubbing the silky material.

“Annette, Marianne, I have something to tell you both.”

“Hm? What’s up?” Annette said. “Are there materials you want us to harvest or gather for you?”

Byleth shook her head. “That’s not it. I’m actually thinking about putting you both as the new masters for the Botanist guild.”

“…I heard wrong, did I?”

When Byleth shook her head, Marianne felt a rising dread from her chest, as Annette wondered, “Is there a reason as to why you want to make us the new guildmasters?”

An answer was already in preparation for a question like this. Soon, Annette and Marianne’s eyes sparkled, shaking the Samurai’s hands.

“I wish you the best of luck, Master Eisner,” Annette said, a tinge of sadness hinted. “We’re going to miss you.”

“It… It was fun studying under you,” Marianne added with a smile.

"I might stop by, so don't slack off."

The two shuddered, Marianne especially. She trembled in her boots, her fingers still tasting the slimy toads years prior.

Soon, the three left together. Both Marianne and Annette departed back to Gridania. As for Byleth, the mentor approached the three-man group she had seen so often. Edelgard, Hubert, and Mercedes waiting for her return.

“Glad to see you’re doing better, Byleth,” Edelgard said. “There aren’t any complications that we need to know of, right…?”

“Other than my damaged side from six years ago, no.”

“I see,” Hubert crossed his arms. “Have you thought about your future?”

Jumping right to the gun. Hubert was not the kind of person to be dilly-dallying. Byleth shrugged her shoulders, causing his furrowed brows to deepen. However, she said, “If I were by myself, no. But with you all… I believe I can follow my heart’s true desire.” The mentor laughed. “After some self-reflection, I’ve come to terms that I want to become an adventurer once again.”

“But what about your trauma?”

It's not easy getting over the past. Still... Byleth took Edelgard’s hands and squeezed them. “I’m okay. So long as I have you, I… I won’t be afraid anymore. I’ll try to, I promise.” She looked to the Black and White Mage. “I hope you have room for an additional member of your party.”

“We always have room for one more,” Mercedes giggled. “We actually need someone of your expertise to form a perfectly balanced group.”

“Glad there’s a spot waiting for me to fill.”

Hubert quietly nodded in the background, satisfied with her answer.

Edelgard rushed into her lover’s arms, pressing her face against her breasts. She closed her eyes, whispering, “I’m glad you decided to travel with us, my love.”

"Me too." Byleth kissed the top of her head. “It’s good to be back in business.”

This time, with new comrades, the ghost of her dead allies only able to watch from afar.

Soon, Eorzea will hear of the news that the Warrior of Light has made her return. Accomplishments of her past are soon forgotten in place of newer ones. Impossible assignments that would turn anyone’s tail around were deliverable. The tales of Byleth Eisner stretched far and wide, her reputation spiking. However, the Grand Companies pointed out her closely knitted party, the three on equal standing with the teal-haired female.

“Are you thinking of what I’m thinking?” Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn, leading the Grand Company of Limsa Lominsa, remarked during a meeting with the other two Grand Companies.

Raubahn from Ul’dah chuckled. “I’m not surprised. That kid managed to find a band of warriors that share the same motivation as her.”

“And they’re always together too,” Kan-E added. “They continue to forge a powerful bond that rivals many alliance leaders of the past.”

“You don’t say,” Merlwyb tapped her finger on the wooden table. “I say that they remind me of Byleth— No, that isn’t right. What I meant to say is how they share similarities to the heroes of the past.” She leaned forward, a grin breaking out. “Could they be the new Warriors of Light?”

And it turns out, Byleth, Edelgard, Hubert, and Mercedes would become just that: the Warriors of Light.

18 notes · View notes

loyalflutist · 5 years ago

Text

Easy Breezy

#final fantasy #final fantasy type-0 #final fantasy type 0 #rem tokimiya #rem #deuce #queen #fan art #fanart #loyalflutist doodle noodle

12 notes · View notes

loyalflutist · 5 years ago

Text

Her Wish

Rating: Teen and Up Audience Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Major Character Death Category: F/F Words: 1,714 Summary: "There are types of happiness you cannot attain by wishing." - Hubert

A/N: Been a while since I last wrote a pure Edeleth OS. So have fun with this one.

-----

There were two people standing in a gravesite. After the great war that had plagued Fodlan for five long, arduous years, it had concluded almost anti-climatically. Claude had surrendered to the Adrestian Empire and was banished from Fodlan. Dimitri had died during the conflict with Edelgard in bitter resentment. Rhea succumbed to her wounds right before the war ended.

It was all predictable. Edelgard and Hubert had foreseen this happening. However, what they did not foresee were two events.

“I never wanted her to be my enemy.”

Byleth siding with the Church of Seiros was one of them.

Edelgard had almost expected it. The young house leader knew that there was a high probability of Byleth retaining her position as protector of Lady Rhea. Losing her classmates as potential comrades were already foreseen, but deep within her heart, Edelgard yearned for Byleth to choose her over Rhea. Was it because of her exposed identity as the Flame Emperor that drove her instructor to the corner? The death of Jeralt had already driven Byleth to the ground. Edelgard’s truth was likely the final strike on the nail.

There was almost no emotion behind the two females. Only disappointment lingered in their hearts, knowing full well that this situation could have been different. Alas, the deed had already been done. Hubert and Edelgard teleported away from underground. Byleth was left behind with the rest of her students and Lady Rhea.

“I only wished she had called out for my name… to chase after me… to scold me… but she stayed with the archbishop to the very end.”

Her lilac hues never left the site as she went down to her knees. There, Edelgard smoothed the tombstone, almost as if she were brushing on a certain someone’s head. Images of the past when Edelgard would desperately comb through Byleth’s disheveled hair flickered to mind. A strained smile transcended upon her lips.

“It would have been better if she had killed me.”

“Lady Edelgard?”

“Hubert,” her gaze not removed from the stone, she dipped into a whisper. “Why did she kill herself?”

Byleth committing suicide was the second unforeseen event.

A month ago, the two were exchanging blades, sparks flying in the air like mini-fireworks. They were all alone on this dark night. No one would come to their rescue, and, certainly, no one would come by. Edelgard and Byleth had specifically set up their final confrontation to be a one-on-one duel.

Edelgard was losing in the war. She had lost considerable strength over the past few days thanks to her old classmates’ attempts to thwart her plans. Even Hubert was unable to patch up the battered holes that littered their tactics. And it was all thanks to Byleth’s return to their world. It would have been better if she had stayed in a coma until the war ended. Unfortunately, her best bet was to cut off the root of her problems.

She had to kill Byleth.

“It looks as though… my path… will end here.”

The fight ended miserably for the vermillion lord. She was down to one knee, the sword keeping her upper body upright. Edelgard was out of breath. No matter how much strength she called forth to move her muscles, they refused to surge forward. She was completely exhausted compared to Byleth. The progenitor godlike powers were no joke. Facing Byleth was like facing god.

No… That wasn’t it. Edelgard could have easily upped Byleth. She had the resources to kill her. During the five years, the emperor had trained herself in the arts of every weapon known to mankind. Lances, bows, daggers, katanas, broadswords, javelins, black magic… She learned everything. The young woman knew of Byleth’s weaknesses too. Byleth may live up to her name as the “Ashen Demon,” but she wasn’t a perfect mercenary. A single hit to the shin or usage of black magic could obliterate Byleth.

And black magic was Edelgard’s forte in the magic department.

Edelgard bit her lower lip. It was because she loved her teacher.

“My teacher… claim your victory.”

Byleth lowered her Sword of Relic and closed her eyes with a pained expression. Edelgard grimaced at the sight. Then, with a plea, she added, “Strike me down. You must! If you do not act now, this conflict… will go on forever.”

“…”

Her teacher opened her eyes. Then, she slowly approached Edelgard step-by-step. Edelgard faintly smiled when the older woman neared.

“Your path… lies across my grave. It is time for you to find the courage to walk it.” Standing above her, Edelgard raised her head. “If I must fall… let it be by your hand.”

Byleth’s lips trembled, yet she was always a quiet person. A soft, metallic effect was heard as her grip tightened on her blade’s handle. Edelgard lowered her head in surrender.

Vulnerable. She was wide open for Byleth to land the final strike. Just like Edelgard surmised, killing the emperor of the Adrestian Empire will cease the conflict. She was the last threat in this vicious war. Removing her is equivalent to concluding this part of history. Byleth raised the relic above her head.

Edelgard knew what would happen next. In her final moment of life, memories danced in her mind, the sweetness that made an everlasting impact on her as a person.

Her childhood was fleeting when she met with the young Dimitri. The experimentations from Those Who Slither in the Dark. Disguising herself as the Flame Emperor. Meeting Byleth for the first time. Being saved by Byleth when the bandit she hired. Being happy when Byleth chose the Black Eagles House. Danced together during the ball. Met at the Goddess Tower. Became her anchor after losing Jeralt. Proclaimed their love to each other after avenging Jeralt. Sharing the beautiful moments they had together before betraying each other.

Tears formed from the corner of her eyes. Edelgard almost surprised herself when she felt them slide down her cheeks. She shouldn’t be able to cry anymore. So why…?

“I wanted… to walk with you.”

Those were her parting words. Edelgard slowly exhaled and closed her eyes. The strike came. Blood splattered in a haphazard fashion around the two figures. There was a pause. Then, one of the two collapsed.

“…?”

Edelgard cracked open her eyelids. The Sword of Creator had successfully penetrated its target. Byleth had fallen to her side, her hands still holding onto the handle, the blade plunged deep into her chest cavity. Magma-red substance poured out of her mouth, causing a pool of crimson to form by her cheek. She began to gasp and cough as more spilled forth.

“Byleth!”

The vermillion female hurriedly crawled towards the older woman. Edelgard’s bruised hands hovered over Byleth, her lilac hues frantically skimming Byleth’s body. She had the ability to cast white magic. Unfortunately, her stamina had depleted long ago, all her energy honed on physical attacks and skills.

Another cough emitted from Byleth. Bits of the gooey substance flew in her direction, some droplets smacked on the royal’s face. Edelgard began to cry, albeit for a different reason.

“Why professor?” she croaked. “What madness possessed you?!”

Byleth opened her mouth to speak. Despite her best attempts to vocalize her thoughts, crimson bubbled from her throat, filling her mouth and seeping the marbled floor almost to no end. Lines drew upon her forehead as the ex-mercenary shakily extended one hand out. Edelgard noticed that her girlfriend’s eyes were beginning to cloud. Fingers outreached and grasping the air… looking for someone.

Edelgard barely bit back her cries and instantly received Byleth’s hand. She pressed her sticky palm onto her cheek with both hands.

“I’m here for you, my love.”

Ironic how it was when Byleth was at death’s doorstep when she would hear those tender names again. The professor had lost her vision, yet tears sprouted. This was the second time she had cried in her life. The first time was for Jeralt’s death. Who knew that the second time would be for Edelgard.

‘ I’m sorry, ‘ Byleth spoke, unaware that none of her words were getting through. She weakly smiled at the darkness. The warmth from Edelgard reassured her that her girlfriend was still here. ‘ I couldn’t kill you, El. ‘

She exhaled. Then, Byleth tried to pat Edelgard’s face.

‘ My path does not lie across your grave. My path… is for you to live and be free across my grave. ‘

Byleth knew very well of the impact her death would have on the war. Similar to Edelgard’s, if she were to die, the conflict would be over. The war against the remaining force from the weakened Church of Seiros would end. As for the students, Byleth had already written to them about her planned demise, for they should support Edelgard whenever they can and if they choose to do so. It’s unfortunate they would find this out after she long passes from this world.

Another exhale. Edelgard noticed that Byleth shifted her other hand into her pocket. When it pulled out, there was a silver ring between her index and thumb. That same hand became limp, though Byleth had not noticed and imagined offering it to her lover.

‘ I’m glad my wishes were realized. ‘

There was an elongated exhale when Edelgard retrieved the jeweled band. Byleth had given her last breath, a faint smile glued to her face, and her eyes closed. After five long years, Byleth finally found her happiness.

Present time, Edelgard’s ring finger shimmered, the wedding ring obvious to the public as she continued to smooth the tombstone. Hubert, by her side, looked up to the blue sky. He softly sighed and mournfully watched the clouds lazily drift by above the abandoned monastery’s ground.

“It was her wish.”

“She must’ve made a terrible mistake then,” Edelgard grumbled and pat the stone. “It should have been her victory. If she wished to let me live, she should have surrendered. There would be no bloodshed on either end.”

“You misunderstood me, milady” Hubert glanced to his emperor. “I believe wishing for happiness is not a bad thing.”

“Happiness?”

“There are types of happiness you cannot attain by wishing.” He ignored the confused looks Edelgard was giving and posed a question. “Tell me, milady, would it be a sin to even wish for it?”

#loyalflutist #fire emblem #fire emblem three houses #edeleth #edelgard von hresvelg #edelgard #f!byleth x edelgard #f!byleth #byleth #byleth eisner #fanfiction #fan fiction #one shot #os #fanfic #fan fic

21 notes · View notes

loyalflutist · 6 years ago

Text

i cry that i put in more effort for doroleth/bylethea than edeleth. where are my priorities??????????

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

#✘ loyalflutist talks #fffffffffffffffffffffffffffff #idk how i feel about this

4 notes · View notes

loyalflutist · 6 years ago

Text

BONUS:

#loyalflutist #loyalflutist doodle noodle #that's all i have to give right before christmas here EEK #now back to the original program of writing lol #dorothea #dorothea arnault #byleth #byleth eisner #f!byleth #f!byleth x dorothea #doroleth #bylethea #fan art #fanart #fire emblem #fire emblem three houses

46 notes · View notes

loyalflutist · 6 years ago

Text

Bonus:

#loyalflutist doodle noodle #loyalflutist #edeleth #edelgard #edelgard von hrevelg #byleth #byleth eisner #f!byleth #f!byleth x edelgard #fan art #fanart #fire emblem #fire emblem three houses #hope you all enjoy your holidays :)

103 notes · View notes

loyalflutist · 6 years ago

Text

My second favorite ship with f!Byleth. :)

#loyalflutist #loyalflutist doodle noodle #f!byleth #byleth #byleth eisner #f!byleth x dorothea #dorothea #dorothea arnault #bylethea #doroleth #fan art #fire emblem #fire emblem three houses #fanart

55 notes · View notes

loyalflutist · 6 years ago

Text

#loyalflutist doodle noodle #loyalflutist #edelgard #edelgard von hrevelg #byleth #byleth eisner #f!byleth x edelgard #f!byleth #edeleth #fan art #fire emblem #fire emblem three houses

79 notes · View notes

loyalflutist · 6 years ago

Text

Ten Steps Ahead (F!Byleth x Edelgard)

Rating: Mature Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions of Violence Category: F/F Words: 4,282 Summary: Edelgard had lost Byleth after the Adrestian Empire had rebelled against the Church of Seiros. However, Volkhard's visit gave her what she wanted... but it appears that Edelgard has to be ten steps ahead of Those Who Slither in the Dark to save the very person she loved.

A/N: Has it really been that long since I’ve last written an Edeleth piece? Probably not, but it strangely felt like one. Hope you enjoy this. Might continue this after my finals once I get the chance.

-----

Times moves forward, and time waits for no one. Edelgard von Hresvelg had always believed in that. No matter how much she yearned to change the past, it would do nothing but reopen old wounds. The least she could do is focus on the present and future. She had no choice but to move forward.

Until it came to her professor. Her beloved professor was caught up in a conflict that was never hers, to begin with. If there was one thing Edelgard wished to do, she wished for them to meet under different circumstances. Yet without her teacher, Edelgard would not be standing where she was now.

“I will always stay by your side,” Byleth whispered nectar into Edelgard’s ears one night, the two huddled underneath the sheets without a single piece of clothing article. The older female placed a tender kiss on the noble’s neck from behind as she uttered, “I promise you from the bottom of my heart.”

How horrifically wrong she was. Edelgard wanted to go back and slap her across the face. By her side, Byleth and Edelgard raised the flag to rebel against the Church of Seiros and enraged the Knights of Seiros. The fight against the Immaculate One devastated the monastery. Yet despite their victory, a price must be paid in full, and it was a payment she had no choice in.

Edelgard could never forget the expression that Byleth made before the crumbling structures fell upon her. Byleth was gone in a snap of a finger. As Rhea escaped from the premise with her surviving soldiers and guardians, the aftermath left the Adrestian Empire in complete disarray. A raw scream like never heard before echoed into the red horizon. Not even losing her siblings and undergoing the experimentations from Those Who Slither in the Dark threatened to tear her apart like this.

The emperor, despite her injuries, ran in a flurry at the mountainous heap. She sunk to her bruised knees, her fingers clawing and shifting the boulders around. No matter how big or small they were, Edelgard shoved them aside, the worn muscles beginning to tear and burn. Her progress was beginning to slow. Fresh blood smeared the dusty concrete and sand, her nails torn apart in the process. Edelgard lowered her head. The tears flowed down her cheeks, her wails unhidden, begging to a godless being for a miracle.

“BYLETH!!!”

She weakly pounded on the huge pile of debris. Dorothea and Hubert approached from behind and tried to stand her up. Their house leader violently shook them off and curled into a fetal position.

Edelgard had to try again. She cannot give up. She had to dig Byleth out. She can’t leave Byleth alone. Byleth means so much to her. Byleth promised her that they would always be together. Why did she go back on her words? Why did she do that? Why? Why did her girlfriend do that? Didn’t they promise they would also be engaged in the future? Were those false promises? Why? WHY? WHY? WHY? JUST WHY?!

“Lady Edelgard…”

Hubert grimaced when he saw his emperor crawl towards the heap. Edelgard’s efforts to dig their professor out was a futile attempt. But he could not bring himself to stop her. As a loyal servant, it was his job to do what was best for Edelgard. He glanced away and scowled when he could not budge from his spot. Hubert felt so useless.

As he stood there, Dorothea approached the young woman, her arms wrapped around the frail noble. There was a bit of resistance from Edelgard, but the strong grip from the songstress tempted Edelgard into submission.

“Edie, let’s go back.”

“…”

“We can’t do anything right now. Let’s return and try to find her again once you’re healed up.”

“…okay.”

Hubert took it upon himself to carry the poor emperor into his arms. When he glanced, he noticed just how vulnerable Edelgard was. She was covered in grime and blood, but underneath it all, she was nothing more than a young lady. Although Edelgard’s duty as an emperor was of utmost importance, sometimes Hubert wondered if she would’ve been happier if she were nothing more than that of an ordinary commoner. Even if it meant not meeting him, maybe he wouldn’t have to see her so distraught like this. Maybe she would have fallen in love with Byleth normally. The two wouldn’t have to go through this conflict… right?

He cursed to himself and rushed back to the group. Just like Edelgard, he understood the importance of the present and future, yet hoped for a miracle to rewrite history.

Especially right now.

It has been five years since the first phase of their rebellion against the Church of Seiros. Edelgard and Hubert made a temporary alliance with Those Who Slither in the Dark to achieve victory in the current deadlocked war. As for the rest of the Black Eagles, they slowly regrouped under her flag, their hopes for achieving a better future motivated by her speech and, most importantly, the slim miracle to see their professor again. After all, after the entire class and some trustworthy battalions removed the debris a couple of days later, Byleth’s body was nowhere to be found. Even Edelgard felt her heart aflutter from the news.

Search parties led by students from the Black Eagles Strike Squad spread throughout all parts of Fodlan. They’ve trekked through varying landscapes and came under crossfire on many occasions. However, the results delivered to Edelgard’s doorstep were always disappointing. There were noted rumors about the “Ashen Demon” running amok on the battlefield… but that can’t be it. If it were true, then Byleth would’ve returned. So far, that hadn’t happened.

Until one letter arrived. She and Hubert quickly canceled all events for the day in order to meet with the sender.

“I’ve found your beloved professor, niece.”

Volkhard, after entering the main entranceway of the monastery (acting as their main headquarter), motioned to the approaching figure. Edelgard and Hubert held their breath in anticipation.

“…”

It was her. It was truly her. Byleth Eisner was here. She stood in full glory as of the progenitor god, as their professor, and as her girlfriend. Edelgard had to rub her eyes to distill any illusion. It was too premature to be excited this soon… right? When she removed her hands, Byleth still stayed, unmoving. A genuine, rare grin sprouted from Edelgard’s face as she rushed forward.

“Oh, Professor—!”

She couldn’t believe it! Her professor— She’s here! She’s finally here! Edelgard could barely reel back the desire to kiss with her girlfriend this very instant!

When she hugged the older woman, she immediately observed her physical state. Byleth was thinner, her chin was more pointed, her body was sturdier, and there were notable fresh bruises painted on her exposed skin. When they parted, Edelgard stared into Byleth’s eyes. Those sunken eyes, though neon, had dulled.

“Professor…?”

“…”

Something was wrong. Something terribly wrong. Edelgard bit the bottom of her lip and gently shook Byleth’s shoulders.

“Professor, why aren’t you saying anything?”

“…”

Hubert noticed his highness’s confusion and glared at Volkhard. “May I ask why our professor refuses to speak to Lady Edelgard?”

“Hounds don’t need to talk.”

“Wha—” the young man was taken aback. “It may be rude of me to ask, but did you just call her a hound?”

The uncle sighed. He did not answer Hubert’s question, instead, directing his attention towards the two females. Volkhard snapped his fingers.

“Byleth, come here.”

“…”

To Edelgard’s horror, she watched her girlfriend obediently followed his instruction, returning to his side. Seeing her reaction caused her uncle to faintly smirk.

“I apologize, but your dear professor now works under me.”

“That’s… That’s not right!” Edelgard swung her arm outward. “She is our professor and has always been. As the emperor of the Adrestian Empire, I command that you return her back to us.”

“I’m afraid the emperor does not have full authority over who possesses what. Unless…” he narrowed his eyes. “You are that of a dictator. I’m sure your citizens would not be pleased.”

“Tch.”

He wasn’t wrong. Yet at the same time, Byleth was not a hound… and she was in no one’s possession. The fact that he treated her like an animal… This made Edelgard’s blood boil over. She then shot a glance at Byleth. Just why wasn’t Byleth saying anything? What was going on?

“…Please, let me stay with her.”

Well— Scratch that off, she could speak. Relief washed over Edelgard. She had to get a grip of herself before letting her knees instinctively buckle. Though it appears as if that evoked irritation from Edelgard’s uncle. Volkhard deeply breathed before mumbling, “Do as you wish, but I shall permit it starting tomorrow.” He glanced at Edelgard. “Is that sufficient, my niece?”

“Yes.”

Though Edelgard has every authority in this empire to take back her girlfriend, something felt off about the exchange, her guts screaming to keep her lips sealed and go along with the act. Besides, it would also do additional damage to her slowly diminishing reputation. The more drawn out the war, the more her citizens disliked her. She can’t lose the morale of the people in the empire any more than she has.

Eventually, Edelgard and Hubert were forced to watch Volkhard and Byleth take their leave from the once-holy ground.

Byleth paused. She glanced over her shoulder and spotted her girlfriend’s sadness. Then, a rare smile broke from the ex-mercenary’s stoic features.

“I never break my promise, El. Wait for me.”

It’s unfortunate that those words never made it to the emperor’s eardrums.

[-----]

Once Volkhard and Byleth distanced themselves far enough from Garreg Mach Monastery, they descended into a secret tunnel built by Those Who Slither in the Dark. Though their main hideout was in Shambhala, the organization expanded all across Fodlan to appear whenever and wherever desired. This was one of them.

Down the stairs they go in a rhythmic pattern, Byleth walking behind the man. With each step, the tunnel made of the earth’s soil transitioned to a metal pathway and a pulsating, neon blue line across the walls. Byleth began noticing a physical change of appearance in Volkhard. The uncle that should’ve been one of the many guiding figures in Edelgard’s life… It appears that he was long dead.

Once the ground flattened to a stable level, the duo was greeted with prisoner cells. Out of four, two of them were occupied. They were children with surgical stitches and scars running along their skin. Both the boy and girl trembled in the corner of their enclosed space at the sight of Byleth and Thales.

“…”

Byleth expected to be placed back into one of them. Ironically, it was the once place that she calls a safe haven for five long, arduous years, a place where she could curl up and sleep in her own misery. No… That wasn’t it. It was a place where she didn’t have to see the horrific experimentations and surgeries done unto those children. Their screams shattered bits and pieces of whatever sanity Byleth had. Witnessing it with her own eyes begged for merciful gouging.

“You…”

She stepped in once the metallic door was unlocked. Yet when she entered, so did the taller male.

“!”

Volkhard— No, Thales, immediately punched Byleth squarely in the face. When she stumbled backward, another punch was delivered into her abdomen. The wind was knocked out of her and caused the professor to go down on one knee. Byleth started to cough as Thales stared from above.

“What a fool you are to tell me what to do. Did you really miss her so badly?”

“…”

“You’re nothing but a dog, Fell Star. If I remember correctly, dogs don’t bite back at their masters.”

“Ggk…”

Byleth hated this treatment. When she was violently stirred awake from her short-term coma, she found herself in this underground facility. Close to the monastery, close to her students, close to her allies, yet so far away when Thales and members of Those Who Slither in the Dark conditioned the ex-mercenary into a powerful warrior for their needs. Five years of being grounded to the dirt into a lowly status of a hound. She wasn’t a human anymore nor a progenitor god through their eyes.

The number of deaths she tallied skyrocketed compared to her time as a mercenary. Ashen Demon was boldly adorned over her head with every swing of the Sword of Creator. She killed everyone in her sight. Criminals, soldiers, innocents… Their lives were extinguished in a single action, and their ghosts haunting Byleth until the day she joins their rank.

Though this was all in the name of surviving for one more day. Plus, Byleth would’ve gladly chosen death over it if it weren’t for her longtime commitment with Edelgard. She had to stay alive and see her girlfriend, bear with their cruelty, and condone their atrocious sins. Today was an example of her hard work paying off.

As she caught her breath, Thales’s voice boomed. “I want to remind you that we still need you for our grand plan.” His white eyes pierced through the female like icicles. “You have what we need in you and we need you to control Edelgard.”

Byleth raised her head. Compared to the look she had previously, they were ignited with a small flare. She spat, “Edelgard will never bow down to you. Using me won’t achieve your goal.”

He smirked. Then, leaning down, he mumbled, “But you can make her bow down to us.”

“!!!”

Thales got up and slammed his foot onto her hand. Hard. Byleth instantly cried out as pain rapidly spread from her fingerbones to the rest of her arm. She had to bite on her lip until it drew blood when the man twisted his metallic boot to the right. It felt as though the bones were creaking and snapping.

Eyes narrowed, Thales demanded, “You will report to us about her activities every night outside of the monastery. I will have a soldier deliver the message to us. Failure to do so…” He intensified his pressure onto her hand, causing Byleth to cry out again. “Will result in something far worse than death. Do you understand?”

“Y-Yes…”

“I can’t hear you.”

“Agh!”

He was relentless. If this was going to keep it up, Byleth’s dominant hand was going to be broken. And if they’re broken, she would be forced under the knife again for healing… without anesthetics. Byleth frantically shouted,

“YES!”

When he released his hold, Byleth immediately withdrew her hand to her chest, fear glistening in her neon hues. The sight of watching the woman known as the Ashen Demon succumb was a reward in of itself to Thales.

Out of all the military members he recruited by force, none was as strong-willed as Byleth. She would always bite back. She was no fool either. Weak points that he had never noticed came to light when the warrior exposed it. Too bad Byleth is only a single woman. One versus a dozen without her weapon would always end poorly. Time and time again, Byleth landed back into her prison cell, Thales forcefully conditioning her to follow their code. It took months to weaken her until she became that of an obedient hound.

He turned his back towards her, but not without leaving his parting message.

“You should thank Edelgard for bringing you to me. If she hadn’t abandoned you, perhaps you wouldn’t be here.”

“…”

After the loud metallic slam of the barred door, his footsteps started to fade. Byleth realized she had held her breath once silence returned. The teacher scooted to the side of her confinement and leaned against the chilly wall. Neon blue dimly lit just enough for her to examine the afflictions.

‘ He didn’t fracture my bones. ‘

Byleth’s hand didn’t possess a stabbing pain when she flexed and moved her fingers. She weakly tightened it into a fist and stared up at the futuristic ceiling.

‘ El… ‘

She never blamed Edelgard for the fate that she had received. Perhaps it was… what was it that Mercedes or Marianne once said… Karma? Yeah, was this karma for the killings she had done as a mercenary that led her to this position? Byleth brought her knees in and rested her head on them.

Regardless, she at least met Edelgard in person, and properly this time. It was a gutsy move and Byleth feared the wrath that would incur from Thales. However, perhaps it was a blessing that he had granted her this peace. But there was a catch. Thales was not stupid. He had always thought two steps ahead of everyone. This could be the same. Byleth scrunched her brows. Despite the throbbing aches, she felt a drowsy spell be cast upon her mind and closed her eyes.

‘ I… I’m going to be by El’s side again… ‘

[-----]

Edelgard propped herself up on the mattress. In her white nightgown, the young noble stifled an audible yawn, her scarred arms outstretched up in the air. Birds chirped in the background as natural sunlight washed over parts of the flooring. If Edelgard were, to be honest, she’s not exactly a morning person, but… she had to do what she had to do as an emperor. She must always be punctual and there for her people.

Not much time was spent getting ready despite her flamboyant attire and hairdo. White switched with red, the ex-house leader left the noble’s dormitory floor.

Or so she was supposed to. Opening her bedroom door greeted her with a familiar presence… and a presence she yearned so much for.

“Byleth!”

The older woman cracked a smile. Then, she fell forward and into the welcoming embrace of her girlfriend. Edelgard nearly vocalized her surprise from the amount of weight Byleth dropped on her— or rather, the lack of it.

“Are you okay?!”

“I’m… just tired.”

“Tired?”

Byleth nodded. “I didn’t sleep much last night.”

It was unfortunate that Thales and some scientists decided to experiment on one of the kids roughly an hour after she nodded off. The event that transpired right afterward startled her awake to their piercing shrieks. Though Byleth was never subjected to their experimentations (it was unnecessary), she couldn’t imagine the agony they had to go through. After all, all four cells, including her, were originally occupied. One of them had died from the implantations of multiple Crests. It might’ve been a blessing to that teenager as they didn’t have to suffer anymore. The other two were the unlucky bunch for five years.

‘ I want to go back and save them, but… ‘

“Do you want to sleep in my room for the morning?”

Byleth couldn’t answer anyway as Edelgard immediately plopped her onto the mattress. The comfortable mattress that she had taken for granted from becoming a professor… If she wasn’t careful, the ex-mercenary would be easily lulled to sleep. She silently shook her head. This caused Edelgard to pout.

“Why are you objecting— Wait… I don’t remember you having a bruise near your nose.”

“…”

Well… Thales did punch her… twice. The pain had subsided when she had woken up and there was no mirror to check her features. No wonder why some of her alumni that spotted her gasped from sight. When she stayed quiet once more, Edelgard sat on the edge of the bed. She reached over to caress Byleth’s swollen cheek.

This warmth again. How long has it been since she’s last had her girlfriend touch her? Byleth caved in and nuzzled against her rough palm. Then, despite years of inability, she began to cry. This startled Edelgard, but only for a little bit. The emperor quickly laid down and pulled Byleth into a hug despite the height difference.

“Byleth...” Hearing her name being called caused the teacher to curl into a fetal position and bury her face into the noble’s chest. Edelgard’s heart clenched at the sorrowful sight. She tightly held onto the older woman and allowed her to weep. “I can’t say I understand why you’re crying, but I’m here for you. Whenever you’re ready to tell me… please… let me know.”

Byleth cried even harder into her girlfriend. “I’m… I’m scared!”

“Scared?”

“Of Those Who Slither in the Dark!”

“?!”

Those Who Slither in the Dark. Why did she bring up those names? Was it because of Volkhard? But it appears that it wasn’t the case when Byleth clutched her girlfriend’s clothes. “For years… They… They… I tried— I really, really tried to hang on. I tried. I’ve— I’m so scared of them!” She couldn’t form a coherent timeline of what she wanted to say, the blubbering sporadic and all over the place. But Edelgard is patient. The seething fury made her even more patient as she hoped to hear the full story from her lover.

It took about an hour, but it felt so much longer than that. Horror tales that Edelgard vividly recalled when she was a child came crashing back to her. This time, she was hearing it from someone who was a bystander and had nothing to do with Those Who Slither in the Dark. The fact that they were still conducting those inhumane experimentations… and conditioning of the soldiers… This is unforgivable. Edelgard mentally beat herself up too for not coming to Byleth’s rescue either. If she had persuaded Hubert and Dorothea to let her dig her professor out from under the rubble, then none of this would have occurred.

When Byleth timidly showed off her body to Edelgard, Edelgard nearly lost her breath. Scars similarly to hers were riddled on multiple parts of her body. Those that weren’t had scabbed over and blemished the skin with discolorations. Stitches did heal the wounds, but at what cost? The noble soon cast a basic healing spell on Byleth’s dominant hand too after mentioning the injury she sustained from yesterday.

“I’ll never forgive them,” Edelgard’s jawlines became prominent. “I swear to you, I will find a way with Hubert and Ferdinand to defeat them.”

“…I won’t be under them ever again?”

“No.”

“But… Thales is always two steps ahead of everyone.”

“Don’t you worry, my teacher,” she kissed her softly on the lips. Then, smoothing her hair, Edelgard whispered, “I’m five— no, ten steps ahead of them. I won’t let them harm you ever again… and I won’t ever let them call you their hounds. You’ll always be my girlfriend first and foremost.”

[-----]

Nightfall came. Just like the clear morning, the late evening was clear, the stars twinkling alongside the moon. At the request of Thales, Byleth did as what he told and wandered right outside of the monastery. She didn’t have to skim the area for long to find them— or more like they came up to her.

“You’re with no one?” the disguised soldier barked. When she nodded, the soldier continued. “Very well. Tell us about Edelgard’s plans against the Leicester Alliance.”

“…”

And so, she spilled the beans. There wasn’t much to spill though as Byleth had merely spoken two sentences maximum... And they were all false information. This seems to have irritated the messenger, but it was more so from the lack of information than the truth of her statement. They shoved the ex-mercenary, causing her to stumble backward.

“I doubt he will be pleased. Don’t expect his next visit to go well, dog.”

“…calling me a dog is the same as calling yourself a dog.”

“Try not to provoke me. I’m the messenger and I don’t need to do dirty work like you hounds.”

“…”

The person huffed and quickly fled the scene. That now left Byleth all on her own in the dense woods. Though it was not long until Hubert appeared from the shadows. He stood by her side, facing the opposite direction.

“We’re safe. I’ve checked our surroundings with Ashe and Lysithea.”

“…”

“I would expect them to be mindful of their surroundings,” he chuckled and cupped his chin. “But perhaps I’ve overestimated them.”

Byleth continued to look straight ahead while responding to his remark. “I guess when they’re invisible, they stop looking over their shoulders.” She felt his firm hand placed on her shoulder. Hubert gently squeezed them and released his hold. At that same moment, both Ashe and Lysithea came up from behind. This was their cue to make their return.

Meanwhile, Edelgard sat in the lecture hall, writing and drawing on a scroll. Plenty of crosses and scribbles littered the page. Sharing the same study space was Sylvain, Ignatz, and Ferdinand. They were procuring up plans that would allow them to tackle not only the opposing nations but to handle the corrupted organization. As for Ingrid, Caspar, and Raphael, they were in charge of guarding the only entranceway into the premise.

“I can’t believe they exist…” Sylvain hummed. “They’re going to be tough to take down, but I have no doubt that we can do it.”

“We shouldn’t have any doubts,” Ferdinand motioned. “We have the majority of our classmates with us. It’s just too bad Hilda and Dedue won’t join us…”

“Bigger number doesn’t always mean success,” Ignatz shook his head. “However, if anything, I won’t allow us to fail any mission regarding them. It’s… It’s just not right to have them running free and do what they want, even if we are teamed up with them.”

“…”

As her classmates chattered among themselves, Edelgard was fully focused on their plans. Yet there was a break, her hand motionless. She blinked. The vermillion noble’s knuckles whitened on the feathered pen.

‘ Once the war is over, I will tear them apart for harming my Byleth. Limb… to limb. ‘

#loyalflutist #fire emblem #fire emblem three houses #edeleth #f!byleth x edelgard #edelgard #edelgard von hrevelg #byleth #f!byleth #byleth eisner #fan fiction #fanfiction #fanfic #fan fic #one shot #oneshot #os

32 notes · View notes

loyalflutist · 6 years ago

Text

Happily Ever After (F!Byleth x Dorothea)

Challenge: Bylethea Week 2019 (Twitter) Day 7: Wedding

A/N: And it’s all done! I’m glad it could end on a happier note. Thanks for sticking with me until the end of the ride, everyone!

------

The Divine Pulse is a powerful tool for someone like Byleth. Combining her strength with Sothis caused the two to bounce around in various timelines to their likings. Unlike those who favor its ability to cause destruction or personal gains, Byleth had always chased after one goal: to save, fall in love, and marry Dorothea.

Too many times had the professor seen the atrocities of war crimes. Too many times had she held Dorothea in her arms, her tears dripping once more for another person passing on in her life, the first one being Jeralt. Too many times had she executed revenge against those who defiled and eliminated Dorothea from the earth. Too many times did Byleth spiral into a fit of insanity from losing the songstress.

Was fate… so cruel?

Just how cruel can it be?

Byleth nearly tore her teal hairs out from its scalp. She gripped ahold of her head as if possessed by a ghost. An inhumane scream boomed throughout the neighborhoods regardless of the time of day. Ingrid and Edelgard always hurried to their professor’s side whenever Byleth’s breakdown occurred. Their presence managed to soothe the poor instructor to a state of emptiness and brought her indoors.

It’s unfortunate that the married women could not stay by Byleth’s side for long. They had their duties as a sworn emperor and a loyal guardian. Leaving the unified Fodlan without a leader would disrupt the political and social order they’ve worked tirelessly to mold.

Not that they were too concerned. A certain someone was always there by the female’s side.

“Don’t you dare give up on me,” Sothis pinched the warrior’s wet cheeks, the two retired to an abandoned shack.

Byleth dully stared back at her friend. This was another loop where Dorothea died, this time, murdered by a former classmate, Dimitri.

She vividly recalled when his lance plunged into the singer’s neck. Out of all the places he had to strike her, he had to tear her apart from the throat. Blood gushed out once he retracted the relic. Byleth nearly dropped her silver sword and caught the collapsed alumni. At least Dorothea was graced with instantaneous death. Byleth and the others were spared of an agonized scream and shouts of the injured. She bit the bottom of her trembling lip as Edelgard engaged in a vicious fight against Dimitri. Normally, she would assist her ex-house leader. Yet her legs were like jelly. In her arms lay a deceased Dorothea.

‘ Again… and again… and again… ‘

It was overwhelming when similar results repeated itself. The end of the tunnel was nowhere in sight.

She blinked as Sothis continued, “Your journey cannot end here like this. You will make it.”

“But how long?” she croaked. “How long will it take…?”

“For as long as you want it to be. You wanted to achieve that happily ever after with Dorothea, right?”

“…”

“Or…” Sothis crossed her arms and floated away from her host. “You can stop here. Just know that you will never be able to try again if you give up now.”

“…you’re right.”

Byleth balled her hands into fists. She lowered her head, took a deep breath, and glanced up at her friend. After tens of loops, she has yet to find the one timeline she can settle in. The teacher has gone far into the deep end. Sacrifices she had made would all go to waste if it all ends now. She wasn’t even sure if she could die in peace knowing this. Byleth parted her lips.

It was time to try again. For the sake of her sanity… and for the sake of Dorothea’s life. She would do anything to find their happily ever after.

“Byleth?”

A familiar voice. The older woman blinked. When she snapped back to reality, she found herself staring at someone she had fallen for since the first day they’ve met. Natural sunlight trickled through the glassed window and fell upon the magus’s glistening white attire. Dorothea was standing in front of her instructor… in a wedding dress. Byleth raised her hands and immediately discovered the black sleeves of her suit.

‘ When did I… ‘

Byleth pat her own cheeks. This can’t be lucid dreaming, right? Just moments ago, she was having a mental breakdown at the dusty shack with Sothis. Ingrid and Edelgard calmed her down… and then… then what?

“Byleth…”

Just what is going on? She stared at her own hands. Faint scars were strewn upon her palms, but nothing too drastic. There was also a touch of weakness that infected her bones and sinews. The tactician curled and uncurled her fingers.

“Byleth.”

This seems too surreal to be a dream. No lucid dreaming can go on this long. Besides, how come Byleth can’t remember what she did before sitting in the chair, cladded in a dark tuxedo. The fact that Dorothea is also in a lovely wedding dress… Did she finally achieve the ending she chased after with all her might?

The retired mercenary lifted her head when she felt the warmth seep into her cheek. Dorothea had cupped one side of her face. Then, she leaned forward, kissing her forehead.

“Don’t cry, Byleth.”

Cry? The older woman quickly checked and noticed bits of tears sprouted from the corner of her eyes. They were wiped away with a quick swipe from the songstress. Dorothea smiled.

“Be happy. We’re finally getting married.”

“…”

Then, Byleth finally cracked a smile of her own. The tears came forth once again, but this time, for an entirely different reason. She stood up and pecked her soon-to-be wife's lips.

“I love you, Dorothea. I love you so much.”

“And I love you too… Though I think we should save it for when we’re blessed by Ignatz.”

“Yeah.”

The bells chimed throughout the small part of the empire, their surviving friends and allies present for their sacred celebration. Flowers and cheers rooted after the duo. By the time they stood before Ignatz, and their vows exchanged, Byleth and Dorothea shared the most simplistic, yet passionate kiss in their whole life.

“I’ll always be with you,” Byleth whispered unto her wife’s ear in the midst of their hugs. “No matter what, I’ll fight for our happy ending.”

#loyalflutist #fire emblem #fire emblem three houses #dorothea #dorothea arnault #dorothea x byleth #f!byleth x dorothea #f!byleth #byleth #byleth eisner #fan fiction #fanfiction #fan fic #fanfic #one shot #oneshot #os #day 7: wedding #byletheaweek2019

16 notes · View notes

loyalflutist · 6 years ago

Text

Knight in Shining Armor (F!Byleth x Dorothea)

Challenge: Bylethea Week 2019 (Twitter) Day 6: After the War

A/N: This is actually a direct continuation of Day 5′s OS, so feel free to refer to that! Otherwise, it could still act as a standalone in a way.

------

Would this be the last time she would see her wife? That sort of question never crossed through Byleth’s mind. No matter how many times she was sent out under Edelgard’s orders, she would always return home.

She was unstoppable. Despite her weakened health, despite the frail heart, despite the abnormal gait, Byleth lived up to her nickname as the Ashen Demon. The woman easily crushed their spirits by mere existence. Terror ran through their spine, her enemies frantically cutting her down. Their actions were elementary. Byleth simply had to sidestep a few times and swing the Sword of Creator with a flick of her wrist. Victory was always one-sided for the Adrestian Empire against Those Who Slither in the Dark.

But what about this time?

A shaky exhale slithered out of her bleeding lips, her head hung, and wrists bound from behind the chair. Droplets of cool water dribbled in the background as the bruised warrior slowly breathed. Goosebumps formed on her exposed skin after having shed the tattered, large overcoat, the piece of attire crumbled in the far corner. Byleth shuddered from the chilly damp atmosphere.

‘ I messed up big time, didn’t I. ‘

Was 29 years of age starting to catch up to her? Impossible, as her deceased father, Jeralt, was far older than that and was in tip-top shape. Could it be from arrogance? Byleth relished in the pride of becoming a hero for the Adrestian Empire and for striking fear in the hearts of her enemies as the Ashen Demon. Whatever it was, she couldn’t fix her mistake. She was stuck in this underground cellar with no natural light peeking in, only the faint, neon blue, technological lights inscribed into the solid walls.

It was a trap she should have seen from a mile away. She, Edelgard, and Ferdinand raced to tackle the main headquarter of Those Who Slither in the Dark. Other members of the Black Eagles Strike Squad were to act as a diversion to the terrorist organization. Soldiers and commanders engaged in a violent skirmish as the three headed into the depths of Shambhala and descended into the secret tunnel.

Edelgard led the two volunteers deep into the dark terrain. Man-made lights eventually filled their vision and dispersed the black surroundings. They were greeted with the city standing without light. Yet it was too late for the trio as the emperor stepped on a thin, silver wire. Boobytraps were rare in this time era. Technological advancements procured simple ones, but not ones that were as futuristic as the ones Those Who Slither in the Dark had.

She hurriedly grabbed the back of their attires and summoned all her strength to chuck them backward. The impressive feat caused the nobles to fly away from their professor. A loud slam echoed throughout the suffocating chamber, a metal barred box trapping its prey. And the moment they landed on their behinds, Byleth was surrounded by hidden assassins and soldiers, their lances, daggers, and swords aimed at the encased female. Edelgard and Ferdinand were spared the misfortune of being captured by the cursed group thanks to Byleth.

Or rather, this was Those Who Slither in the Dark’s intention.

‘ At least they ran away. I don’t know what would’ve happened if they were captured too… ‘

The tales Edelgard and Hubert spoke of about the dreadful organization were full of truths. What made matters worse was the fact that they hadn’t spoken about the horrifying details that encompassed Those Who Slither in the Dark.

“You still awake?” Their dark, lanky boots stopped in front of her. Byleth’s eyes trailed upward to the captor’s face. The sight of the cruel male made her blood run cold. It was none other than Thales, the leader of Those Who Slither in the Dark. A faint smirk ran across his lips as he remarked, “You just don’t know when to give up, do you, Byleth?”

“…”

She glared at him. Seeing as how she will not answer to his rhetorical question, Thales came closer to the wounded female. Standing above the limped ex-mercenary, he added,

“Your body houses the same power that we’ve bestowed to Nemesis. I think it is time we resurrect him.”

“In your dreams,” she spat on his shoes. Never losing that fiery gaze, the teal-haired harshly whispered, “I don’t have the power of the progenitor god anymore. You’re too late.”

“Yet you are still connected to Sothis. Am I wrong?”

“…”

Another silent treatment. This time, it was not well-received, Thales sinking his fist into her abdomen. Byleth’s navy eyes widened, her mouth wide open from the sudden strike. He kept his hand buried into her abdomen and bent down just enough to speak into her eardrum.

“I suggest you tell us the truth, Byleth. You will suffer if you do not.”

“Nngh…”

Despite having the wind knocked out of her system, Byleth remained steadfast on keeping her mouth shut. The torture she endured from him earlier was nothing… sort of. His methods of roughing her up were more extreme compared to the times when she was a mercenary. However, if she was able to survive two of his sessions in the past two days, she could bear through another. Another sharp gasp left her throat when Thales twisted his wrist, burrowing the fist further in. The immense pressure squeezed uncomfortably upon her intestines.

“Think carefully, Byleth. I wouldn’t want to get answers from you the same way as I did to Dorothea.”

“!!!”

This was a first! Fury colored her vision red as she snapped open her jaw. She instantly lurched forward to bite his ear. Tear that pale cartilage off and make him suffer, even if it’s for a little bit. It was unfortunate that he pulled away just in time. His hand was gone, but it instantly came back to her, this time to the face. He socked her squarely on the nose. It was shocking that the fragile body part hadn’t been crushed or fractured from the powerful blow.

An outcry was heard from her and the weight of her body caused the steel chair to fall sideways. She winced when her head collided against the smooth flooring. Stars danced in her vision as the neon lights blinded half of her sight. Byleth groaned from the burst of needle-like pains frenzied her face and skull. She nearly blacked out… but wouldn’t allow herself to do so. Instead, Byleth forced herself to shoot a glare at the leader.

Thales felt humored. He took one step and pressed his foot against her side. The weight of his boot caused her ribs to creak, Byleth biting her tongue to remain silent.

“Don’t act so surprised, Byleth. Those Who Slither in the Dark know everything and everyone in Fodlan… especially you.”

Tears pricked from the corner of her eyes as the old male began his dialogues.

“Dorothea Arnault… She was a precious… hostage. No… Hostage is not the right word. She was vital to finding you. At least, that’s what we originally thought.”

Byleth gasped when he stomped on her bruised side, his features contorted.

“That cursed songstress had nothing to tell us! Even after we’ve tortured her, she wouldn’t tell her where you are. Had it not been for Edelgard von Hresvelg either, we would’ve killed her off long ago.”

“…”

Just… why didn’t Dorothea tell her this? Weren’t they wives now? Byleth grimaced. Ever since she came back from her coma, she immediately leapt back into the fray. The Black Eagles Strike Squad and the Adrestian Empire were so preoccupied with the three-way war… When the instructor had tea sessions with the opera singer, she would never touch upon events that occurred during the five years Byleth disappeared. Thinking back upon it… Byleth never really tried to delve into her wife’s traumatic history. Even when they got together, Dorothea strongly urged that they make new memories in place of old ones.

‘ It’s no wonder why Dorothea argued with me… ‘

It wasn’t just weak health or missing her wife in the end. Dorothea feared that the same fate she experienced would befall upon the very person she loved. Too bad Byleth didn’t listen to her… and it was horrible that Byleth never took the time out of her day to really sit down and relieve Dorothea of the nightmares and depression that plagued the poor woman.

“…I have something to say to you… Thales…”

Thales’s attention reverted to the warrior. A shadow overcame his white eyes as Byleth snarled, “You’re going to regret touching my wife.”

“Wife? How amusing.” He slammed his foot once more. “All the more reason to move forward with our plans.”

“I’m going to kill you..!” She gritted her teeth and barked, “You’ll wish you’ve never captured me here!”

Anger was a foreign concept to the retired professor. She may be irritated and annoyed, but never scathing in pure fury. Byleth squirmed under his iron foothold. Thales squinted his eyes. Then, he laughed. She was just like a bug! The way she squirmed and growled at him… she was more pathetic than a bug, actually! He couldn’t hurt her anymore. In fact, he didn’t want to, the sight of the struggling warrior far too entertaining.

Thales took a couple of steps back. “Perhaps keeping you here for another day isn’t going to hurt our resources. Besides…” He snapped his fingers. One of the two followers for the organization stepped forward from the cell. “I would like to find Dorothea again. This might make you talk.”

“YOU…” Byleth hollered, watching in horror as the listener took a step away from the premise, “DON’T YOU DARE LAY A FINGER ON HER!”

“Not unless you tell us what we need to know,” Thales warned.

“…”

“Smile, Byleth. You have a choice here. I’m not all that generous. I’ve never given anyone any options… not even to Edelgard and Dorothea.”

“You monster!”

“Only if you make me one.”

Byleth audibly snarled at their leader as a dog. She viciously tugged against the bondage and desperately wiggled out of her ensnarement. Thales never was a man to play around. His words were absolute. Those Who Slither in the Dark would always accomplish their goals. Their passion and determination were frightening. The teal-haired slowly lost her strength to fight for freedom and pummel him into submission. Byleth laid still, her chest rapidly rising and falling, her hues darkened while watching the sadistic man.

Was it really going to end this way? In the end, she was never going to come home, was she? If she did… would it cost Dorothea’s life?

Byleth squeezed her eyes shut.

‘ I’m… I’m so sorry, Dorothea… ‘

“ARGH!”

The remaining guard in this room bellowed from the top of his lungs. Byleth’s and Thale’s attention swerved to the man. He was on fire, the flames searing through his exposed epidermis, the black cloths and chainmail melting into his sensitive skin. Screams and wails filled the cramped room as he dashed out of the room. Thales could hardly cast a spell of his own when electricity crackled through his sturdy figure. Yet what would have downed most ordinary man or woman did not apply to the leader.

“You…!”

At that moment, Byleth stared at the person, who wielded the Sword of Creator, standing before the greatest enemy in Fodlan.

“Dorothea…?”

How did she manage— But… why?

Standing behind Dorothea was none other than Edelgard and Hubert. They both quickly parted way towards Byleth as Thales’s gaze focused on only one person: Dorothea. A bead of sweat slid down his face as he forced a chuckle.

“What a surprise to see you again, Dorothea. Did you come here to die?”

“Not today,” the songstress pointed the relic in his direction. Although one should not use these ancient weapons, ever since the disappearances of the Crests and its system dissolvement, these artifacts were nothing more than ordinary weapons adorned in mystical materials. (Excluding Byleth, who still possess some inherited level of the Crest of Flames thanks to Sothis’s permanent connection.) Dorothea frowned. “I’ve come to take back my professor and defeat you.”

“Defeat me? You?” He almost buckled from laughter. “You’re nothing compared to the strength I have.”

When she charged forward with the Sword of Creator, Thales grinned. It was reckless of her. Did she not learn this from the Officers Academy of rushing headfirst without a plan? Dark energy enveloped his dominant hand as he reeled it back. He didn’t bother to use up all his energy in delivering a punishing blow. A direct hit to her stomach. Dorothea felt a spray of pain seep into her surrounding muscles as spit flew out of her mouth. At that same moment, the sword slipped out of her grasp and flew upward into the air. The songstress flew in the opposite direction and slammed into the thick wall.

Dorothea managed to crack an eye open as Thales came close.

“See? You were never a challenge, to begin with.”

She coughed and stared up at the intimidating man. Then, she slyly smiled.

“You… You may be right, but… I have my wife!”

“What—?!”

Thales had an issue with hyper fixation. When Edelgard and Hubert slipped past his figure, he was so focused on Dorothea, his mind automatically ignored them. It was a devastating biological mistake to make. And he cursed them.

Turning around caused the Sword of Creator, bright in its glory, to puncture into his chest. Blood flowed into his mouth and trickled out as the tip protruded out of his back. Byleth had slammed the blade so hard, the hilt smashed right into his chest cavity. Thales could only gasp for breath. His hands violently shook, the pair grabbing ahold of Byleth’s back. His fingertips tried to claw at her in a futile attempt to get back. What he didn’t notice was how weak his attempts were.

Byleth tore the weapon out of his tainted body. Then, she twirled the sword and gave a diagonal slash in his direction. Blood spurted from his newly-formed gash, its crimson substance splattered onto her weakened figure. His death was immediate after the final blow. When he crumbled to the ground, the injured professor glanced at Dorothea.

“Dorothea…”

Dorothea had gotten up from the floor, brushing the debris that soiled her vermillion robe. The punch that the songstress had sustained was minimized thanks to the thick armor plate hidden underneath the attire. (It was a good thing she had listened to Byleth long ago about it.) Linhardt, who was supposed to be retired in a remote village, was present and had cast white magic on Dorothea’s injuries in addition. This made her healthy as a horse, ready to get into another fight if needed.

“…”

Byleth felt like the invisible weight amplified its pressure on her shoulders. The ex-mercenary’s knees buckled, the sensation overwhelming her balance. Her vision began to fade in and out, the whole world begins to tilt sideways.

“Byleth!”

Dorothea rushed in to catch her slumped lover. Byleth barely held onto her consciousness as she murmured,

“You came…”

“Of course I did,” her wife responded.

It was a good thing Dorothea listened to her gut feelings. Since the night she tossed and turned, Linhardt stopped by that same night, providing a message that they should hurry to Shambhala. He predicted that their presence is needed now more than ever for Byleth. How did he know? Linhardt prefers to call it an educated guess... or it was just another fancy way of saying that he had a horrible nagging feeling like Dorothea. Regardless, they hurried as fast as they could to the destination from afar. Bumping into Edelgard, Ferdinand, and Hubert was by chance. That led them to crawl into the underground city and demolish the dreadful organization.

She shifted her position so she could cup one side of Byleth’s swollen face. Scabs from old cuts and broken skin riddled parts of her sturdy features. Dorothea dryly swallowed, knowing that her face would be scarred. She had once been captured by Those Who Slither in the Dark. They hadn't tortured her as Thales bluffed it to be, but it wasn't a pleasant experience either, Edelgard luckily coming to her rescue. The fact that they did a number on Byleth... Dorothea felt her blood pressure rise.

“Oh, why did he do this to you…?”

“Probably… bored out of his mind…”

“This is no joking matter!”

Then again, if she was able to joke around, that probably meant Byleth isn’t in danger of dying. She hadn’t lost much blood either, save it for the beating she’s experienced these past three days. The songstress had to resist the temptation to shake her wife silly when the teacher added,

“Looks like my… my knight… in shining armor… came to save me.” Byleth faint smiled. “Thank you…”

From that day onward, Those Who Slither in the Dark were no more, the remaining members arrested and executed for their criminal activities. Byleth was finally able to retire from her duty as a tactician and a key figure to dismantling the corrupted group. Not that she had a choice as her weakened health began to deteriorate even more after the events with Thales. Going into battle was still possible, but it was more out of self-defense and last resort. It pained the professor to use a cane for the rest of her life... but at least she was alive and by her wife's side. Now, she was stuck with the duty of handling simple responsibilities such as watching over the house and hosting her famous tea sessions with alumni.

Tranquility befalls them. At long last, they were finally able to live their lives in peace. Yet what if danger arises again?

"It's my turn to be your knight and protector, Byleth," Dorothea boldly proclaimed as they snuggled in the comfort of their homes. The two spouses laid on the bed, the songstress resting her head on top of her wife's chest. Their fingers were intertwined as she continued, "I'll always come to your rescue... just as how you did with me."

#loyalflutist #fire emblem #fire emblem three houses #f!byleth x dorothea #f!byleth #byleth #byleth eisner #dorothea #dorothea arnault #dorothea x byleth #fan fiction #fan fic #fanfic #fanfiction #one shot #oneshot #os #byletheaweek2019 #day 6: after the war

13 notes · View notes

loyalflutist · 6 years ago

Text

Nightmares (F!Byleth x Dorothea)

Challenge: Bylethea Week 2019 (Twitter) Day 5: Nightmare

A/N: RIP Dorothea. That’s all I’m going to say.

------

Nightmares had plagued Dorothea for years. It always had been. Since the time of abandonment, the young girl would be clawed by the darkness. Horrifying imagery and sickening faces blew up before her. It had only gotten worse the older she got. The dreams would evolve to that of assassination attempts, rapes, and failure as an opera singer. They eventually morphed to dead soldiers and brutal deaths experienced by her old classmates.

Compared to someone as strong as Edelgard or Caspar, Dorothea was one of the few students who came to the Officers Academy for a purpose other than warfare. And she wanted to keep it that way. Yet fate decided otherwise. She was pulled into a tragic three-way conflict between the Adrestian Empire, the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, and the Leicester Alliance. Three ideologies, three rulers, three factions, and none willing to find a compromise.

“…”

These hands… Dorothea stared at their callouses. They were meant to gracefully touch and lovingly comfort her significant other. Scribbled with lacerations and scars, her palms and fingers had killed instead. One glance upward foretold the future she would be burdened with.

Just like in her nightmares.

“I’m never going to find someone to fall in love with,” she laughed during a tea session with her neon professor. “I’ve killed so many. They’ll think of me as a killer.”

Byleth watched onward with concern as the songstress simmered down. Since her revival from the coma, the instructor had not only relinquished her title as the powerful Ashen Demon, she regained her grown alumni. Not all of them had safely transcended into adulthood. Many of them possess varying internal and external scars in this five-year war. Byleth sipped on her teacup, her gaze never leaving the young woman.

Dorothea was an unfortunate student caught in the tragedy. Those weary eyes glossed over the barely touched drink despite speaking about the mundane topics. None of the snacks were bothered with too. She couldn’t even swallow those dry crackers and cookies with her favorite tea.

Another sip. Byleth then lowered her cup, a faint smile blooming on her face.

“Dorothea… Have you ever considered that someone might fall in love with you from the academy?”

The alumni lightly scoffed. That was a comedic suggestion. Outside of those who allied themselves or worked under the flag of the Adrestian Empire, they were sworn enemies, never meant to be on the same level from mere allegiances. As for those who are, they were either already taken, were not interested, or had died on the battlefield. Dorothea intertwined her fingers and forced a smile.

“I have, but they died. Or… they were a little too… crazy for my safety.”

“…”

She chuckled. “I know, right? Shocking.” Sarcasm dripped from her words.

Byleth instantly shot up to her feet. The chair’s feet skidding on the stony pavement screeched loud enough to startle Dorothea from her daze. By the time the young lady looked up, she saw her professor standing by her side. Her hands were snatched up by Byleth’s, the warmth enveloped her chilly fingers. Dorothea soon widens her eyes once Byleth proclaimed,

“What would you say if I told you that I’ve fallen for you?”

An audible gasp came from Dorothea. Out of everyone that confessed, she did not expect it to come from the mouth of her teacher. Byleth was a mercenary, a teacher, and a confidant. But never was she ever thought of as a lover. It never crossed through Dorothea’s mind that Byleth would ever hold feelings that transcend beyond mere friendship. It was from that day she also realized just how much her professor meant to her.

Did she accept the proposal?

“I… I need some time.”

Well… only after the war had ended… and only when she had almost lost Byleth.

Injuries tattered their figures as the battlefield roared in flames. From the background, many of their comrades gathered and retreated from the burning environment. Some on wyverns and Pegasus took the sky to douse the premise with water. Edelgard and Hubert rushed to the two females. To their horror, they’ve witnessed the close death of their beloved professor with the magus by her side.

Dorothea profusely wept into the girl’s chest when Byleth barely managed to crawl back to earth.

“I love you,” Dorothea croaked as she tightened her hold. “Please, don’t ever leave me.”

The songstress felt like the whole world would crush her if she were to lose her professor. She’s never felt anything like this before. Death was a concept she was not unfamiliar with anymore, but the thought of losing Byleth… She would be unable to live if Byleth were to die.

Byleth’s eyelids were barely lifted. Soft groans were inaudible as she reached to Dorothea. The instructor slowly patted the back of Dorothea’s head as she croaked, “…I won’t.” It was unfortunate that she was left with permanent handicaps and damages, but she was alive at least.

Fast forward to the present time, it has now been two years since the Immaculate One had been defeated by the hands of Edelgard and Byleth. Unlike Edelgard, Hubert, Caspar, Bernadetta, and Ferdinand, Byleth and Dorothea, alongside Linhardt and Petra, took their leave and went their own ways within the unified Fodlan. The two girlfriends thought it would be best they retire from serving under a ruler. Dorothea refused to commit any more killings. Her time of being a soldier was over the instant the war had concluded. Byleth had a slight limp and a frail heart. She was not back to her full strength and it’s unlikely she ever will be.

“Should anything happen, please, don’t hesitate to find me,” Byleth immediately pulled the old house leader into a strong hug. “I’m always here for you as your teacher.”

“My teacher,” Edelgard laughed once they parted. For once, she genuinely smiled. After all of the tragedies and anguish the noble had to go through, she finally broke into the cheerful disposition she once had as a little girl. “I will take up your offer for the future. But for now, I think you’ve earned your rest.”

Eventually, Dorothea and Byleth didn’t move too far from the castle. Hubert poured his resources to relocating the two females into a wealthy empire’s household fit for their statuses. The interiors were simplistic in contrast to the exterior designs, both women not bothering to purchase more than necessary, save it for some handmade clothes. Finance was never an issue as Ferdinand provided monthly allowances to them.

They’ve lived a lifestyle full of luxury. Dorothea finally found her peace and so has Byleth.

Sort of.

“You have another assignment?”

“Yeah.”

It was early in the morning when a thin mist hung in the air. Byleth stood by the doorway, the Sword of Creator snuggled on her waist. Within the living room was a retired Dorothea who occasionally performed live performances once in a blue moon. She approached the warrior with solemn features. Then, without hesitation, the songstress embraced her wife.

“Come home soon, honey.”

Byleth’s dulled eyes softened. She wrapped her arms around Dorothea and kissed her forehead.

“I will.”

Retirement may have come for Dorothea, but it didn’t for Byleth. Edelgard and her working companions sought to defeat and eliminate Those Who Slither in the Dark. The announcement of their plans to bring them down eventually invited Byleth back into the frontline, much to Dorothea’s dismay. How could Byleth volunteer to fight them? She wasn't as strong as she was before! Whatever strength she had before was hindered by incurable medical conditions.

They argued about the matter. They debated. They cried over it. But in the end, Byleth’s stubborn nature won, and there was nothing Dorothea could do.

“…”

Dorothea laid in bed once nightfall descended. She laid on her side, her hands resting upon the empty spot on the mattress. For the third time this month, Byleth was sent out on a task only she could complete. She wasn’t sure when her wife will return either. Some days, it took less than a few hours. On other days, she would come back after two months. What will it be for this assignment?

“Byleth…”

Dorothea curled into a fetal position and felt hot tears soak the white fabrics. She quietly whimpered, the negative thoughts slowly eroding bits of her hopes. Though she was lulled to sleep due to mental fatigue, she was greeted with a familiar set of dreams.

Nightmares. Those nightmares that had been sitting in the backburner made its return to the opera singer since the day Byleth returned to duty. This time, she watched the scenes unfold of when Byleth would never return home, of when Byleth went insane from PTSD, and of when Byleth proposed divorce to continue her occupation.

Just when will it end?

When will these nightmares be put to rest?

And most importantly… will these nightmares soon become a reality?

#loyalflutist #fire emblem #fire emblem three houses #f!byleth x dorothea #f!byleth #byleth #byleth eisner #dorothea #dorothea arnault #dorothea x byleth #fan fiction #fanfic #fan fic #fanfiction #one shot #oneshot #os #byletheaweek2019 #day 5: nightmare

19 notes · View notes

loyalflutist · 6 years ago

Text

Stupidly in Love (F!Byleth x Dorothea)

Challenge: Bylethea Week 2019 (Twitter) Day 4: Sacrifice & Enemies

A/N: I tried to fuse the two prompts together! Well... This OS is shorter than the previous three days, but hopefully, it’s still self-sufficient like the others.

------

The ex-mercenary drew a long breath under the beating sun. Hugging one knee, she leaned against the crumbled walls of the fortress, her neon hues dulled. The Sword of Creator nestled in her grip, its tip stabbed upon the soft earth. Blood oozed from the top of her head and crawled down to her jawline, Byleth not bothering to wipe it. Throughout the battlefields were strewn with bodies of soldiers and alumni. The fighting had ended with a dramatic conclusion… and a conclusion that led to one survivor from this dreadful war.

“Heh… You didn’t have the decency that I’ve asked for…”

Make that two survivors.

She struggled to raise her head. Not that she needed to as that hoarse voice was easily identifiable. Dorothea stood above the fallen warrior, her elegant clothing torn and stained with grime and blood. The songstress grimaced once she tore an arrow buried deep within her shoulder. A tiny curse word flew out of her mouth from snapping the wooden obstruction by accident, its sharp head settled in the injury. Then, she tossed the arrow’s body to the side, her piercing gaze reverting to her girlfriend.

“I told you to kill me quickly when you had the chance.”

“…”

Five years later… Five long years had taken its toll on everyone. Edelgard had gone mad. Dimitri had gone mad. Claude was uncertain of his future. Lady Rhea had gone mad. Students forced to graduate early scattered about in Fodlan. Some of their fates were predetermined by pure bad luck. Illnesses, assassinations, and suicide were bestowed for them without hesitation. Others struggled to remain afloat in this deadlocked war between the four sides.

Dorothea was always depressed. Since her childhood was riddled with painful memories, she had joined the Officers Academy in hopes of finding a special someone. Marriage was her one and only priority. She couldn’t care less about the war. In the end, anyone that survived an ordeal and lived a comfortable life afterward is a winner, no matter what. Yet she could not find that person. Searching for them was like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Until she met Byleth. Dorothea’s depression was somewhat lifted whenever her lover came to mind. The times they’ve spent together was something she truly cherished. Too bad Dorothea was not able to transfer into the Golden Deer’s house, despite the pleas from her girlfriend.

“It’s like we’re distant lovers,” she joked at one time from their tea session. “We can only do so much.”

Then again, she had wished she did.

When her professor disappeared from the face of the earth, the opera singer nearly shattered. The person that brought light into her dark life had been removed. Depression had hit Dorothea harder than ever. Staying with Edelgard kept her from descending into pure madness. Her best friend and Petra had stopped the young lady from brandishing a dagger and sliding the edges across her neck or wrist on various occasions. And that went on for five long years.

Dorothea almost laughed out loud. “Five years later… and the Goddess fated us to fight to the death.” Tears prickled from the corner of her eyes. “Isn’t it ironic?”

“…”

“Hey, tell me… Why weren’t you able to kill me quickly like I’ve asked you to?”

Byleth softly exhaled, her bright eyes finally looking at Dorothea. “I couldn’t bear to,” she whispered.

“You couldn’t? Are you sure about that? Because look at this!” The songstress limped to the side and motioned from behind her. Bodies of varying sizes, shapes, and origins littered the premise. Blood pooled underneath their figures with enough volume to create a river of horror. All three house leaders and almost all the students and staff had walked into the afterlife thanks to the climactic finale. Dorothea cried, “You did this! You murdered Edie! You even murdered Ingrid! You— You tried to kill me!”

Underneath the disheveled attire laid a terrible gash on her side. Dorothea was quick on her feet. She would dodge in succession thanks to her levitation and fast somersaults. However, the Sword of Creator acts as a sword whip. She could not avoid the powerful relic from letting its serrated edges tear into the soft epidermis. Had it ripped through another layer of muscles… Losing her ability to use her body would be the least of her concern.

“…”

The instructor shifted her gaze elsewhere. No response. She wasn’t sure of what to say. Attacking her old students was already bad enough. Hurting her girlfriend was a sin in itself. Even if it was an act of self-defense against an army under the Adrestian Empire’s flag, it was unacceptable. And this infuriated Dorothea.

“Why are you being silent?” she growled. “What’s wrong with you?!”

“…”

Seeing as how her professor wouldn’t speak up, the young woman felt the tears roll down her cheeks. “I don’t even know what to do with you anymore.”

Those were her last words as the alumni turned her back towards Byleth. Dorothea had always been abandoned as a child and teenager. She had been abandoned by her girlfriend too when she heard about her support for the Leicester Alliance. She felt abandoned by her lover when they fought with each other. This time, she’s abandoning Byleth.

It’s over.

…yet something tugs at Dorothea’s heartstrings.

Did she really want to do this?

She slowed her pace to a stop and glanced over her shoulder. Byleth’s head had lowered, her breaths becoming ragged, her eyelids heavy as lead. Dorothea firmed her lips. Pitiful. Absolutely pitiful. The great Ashen Demon that terrorized those that faced her had succumbed to a weak woman. She looks so… small though. Byleth looked like a child trying to stay awake for another late-night hour.

“…?”

Confuzzled features scrawled all over the warrior’s face when Dorothea neared her once more. She knelt down to her level with a neutral expression.

“…”

“…Dorothea…” Byleth finally called her name. “Don’t leave me.”

“…you’re hopeless.”

She shouldn’t forgive this killer. This… This murderer that mowed down the majority of the Adrestian Empire’s armies singlehandedly. It was a terrifying sight to see her double up with Claude and wreck the field. Dimitri and Edelgard stood no chance against her. But desperate love distorts rationality.

Dorothea bore through the pain that throbbed from her wounds and pulled Byleth into a frail hug. She was willing to sacrifice her sanity if it meant being by Byleth’s side one more time… After all, they were the only ones left alive from the bloodshed that left many dead. The young woman buried her face into the ex-mercenary's crook of her neck. Metallic iron wafted into her nose as she mumbled,

“Why am I still so stupidly in love you with?”

15 notes · View notes

loyalflutist · 6 years ago

Text

Fusion (F!Byleth x Dorothea)

Challenge: Bylethea Week 2019 (Twitter) Day 3: Fusion

A/N: I could’ve gone for the other easier prompt, but yolo, I wanted to take a spin on this unique one! Also, I seem to be writing more and more references for Edelgard x Ingrid for some reason...

---

“Um, Dorothea, do you know where the professor went?”

“…”

“Dorothea?”

“She probably went to see Lady Rhea, Hubie.”

“Oh, okay then. Guess I’ll ask her later.”

“Can I relay the message for you?”

“Hm… just let her know that I’m looking for her.”

“…”

Dorothea, who had waved farewell to Hubert, felt an invisible tug pull upon her arm. A couple of steps were taken to the nearest bookshelves. Then, the opera singer reached out towards the thick covers, her fingertips brushing upon the spines. She frowned and harshly whispered,

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Then, from the same mouth, she said, “I’m looking for the solution.”

Although she was alone in the library, if anyone were to catch sight of her, they would have mistaken her as being mental. Just who in their right mind would speak to themselves? It didn’t help that Dorothea’s features would switch between expressionless and annoyance every ten seconds. She had spooked Bernadetta already by accident this morning. She didn’t want a repeat of it again with someone else. She wasn’t in the mood to explain their predicament either… if anyone would believe in them, that is. The student loudly sighed and lowered her head, her hand acting on its own accord.

“I still can’t believe this isn’t a dream, professor.”

“…”

This morning was rather eventful. The two females yesterday shared a late-night tea session. Since they were already in a relationship, both Byleth and Dorothea shared sweet romantic words to each other (though awkward) and cuddled in bed. When it had gotten too dark, the two parted ways, with Byleth taking her leave from Dorothea’s bedroom. By the time they woke up, Dorothea found herself staring in unfamiliar territory.

She was in Byleth’s room. A glimpse around told her that Byleth was nowhere to be found. The young lady had panicked as she had no recollection of what led her to the professor’s private quarter. It didn’t help that the instant she slammed open the door, Edelgard was in the midst of knocking on the wooden barrier. Seeing her classmate dressed in nothing more than undergarments invited a full red makeover of the noble’s face. Steam wafted from the top of her head as Edelgard excused herself from the premise.

It didn’t take long for Dorothea to figure out what sort of unintentional message was conveyed… and she didn’t appreciate it.

“Edie gave me these strange looks, you know!”

“It’s not my fault that I’m stuck inside of your body now.”

The opera singer shrugged in conjunction with Byleth’s thoughts. True enough, Dorothea was not only forced to deal with the flustered Edelgard whenever they made eye contact, she nearly got a heart attack when her mouth started moving on its own. It took a solid five minutes for Dorothea to believe in Byleth’s words, originally thinking she was possessed by a ghost.

“Ugh, and you saw everything when I had to get dressed!”

“Um… this isn’t the first time I’ve seen you naked though.”

“T-That’s—” A deep blush tainted her cheeks. “What are you trying to say?!”

“I still don’t understand what’s the embarrassment. We’ve seen each other naked when we were—”

“STOP RIGHT THERE!” She slapped over her own mouth, muffling Byleth. When her girlfriend stopped trying to talk, she removed her hand and quickly added, “That’s different! You really need to work on your social skills, you know.”

“People tell me that all the time.”

“And I think you should listen to them.”

“Father doesn’t have a problem though.”

“Captain Jeralt is… different.”

Dorothea shook her head and rubbed her temple. This is such a hassle. As much as she loves her teacher, this was inconvenient for the two members, especially when it came to more… sensitive and private matters. Then, she felt her hand slid down to her chin, cupping it. A faint hum slipped past her lips. Dorothea watched her control slip out of her reign as Byleth began to take their leave from the library. Their search— or rather, Byleth’s search, was fruitless. Not a single booklet contained the information they needed about their definition of bodily fusion.

“Oh, Dorothea, I want to talk to you.”

Byleth stared at the person speaking to Dorothea right outside of the hallways. She retracted her hand and observed the speaker through her girlfriend’s vision. It was a male guard. Though unlike the Gatekeeper that the professor has come to know and like, this one was a little rough on the edge.

“You still haven’t responded about the date.”

Her eyes widen. Okay, maybe he was more than rough around the edge. Byleth could feel Dorothea bubble from within her chest in order to regain control of her own body. Yet she didn’t allow it. There was a powerful force that pressed the host away from the panel. Dorothea resisted the temptation to exclaim. It’s unfortunate that their fusion didn’t allow the transmission of thoughts between each other. Though on second thought… It might be for the best. There are some things Dorothea prefers Byleth not to know and vice versa.

Dorothea was forced to remain silent as Byleth… crossed her arms. She almost wanted to slap herself on the forehead as the student rarely, if ever, would do so. It wasn’t part of her routine! Regardless, this professor’s habit went unnoticed as the guard approached them. Byleth narrowed her eyes. He was taller than them.

“I hope you understand that I’m already in a relationship.”

“With who?”

“Do I need to tell you?”

He clicked his tongue. Despite the blunt answers, his persistence stayed. The young man took another step forward, closing their distance to an uncomfortable degree. Dorothea nearly gagged when she felt his breath tickle her nose.

“Actually, you don’t need to. However, it wouldn’t hurt to go out with me just this once, right? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”

“SHE would mind.”

“Oh…” Byleth’s glare didn’t scare him away. The response she provided had fueled his next reply, making him sound even worse than he already did from the beginning. “She wouldn’t know how a man treats his lady. Let me teach you, yeah?”

Dorothea nearly took control of her body by sheer instinct when his hand snaked around her waist. From the distant, it would appear as though he was ready to meet their bodies together, his lips yearning to touch for hers.

“Can you stop!?” the student vocalized her objection. “Leave me alone!”

That didn’t budge him. Byleth widens her eyes and felt… a rush of emotions she has rarely felt: fear.

It’s clear that there was no consent between the two. Not that it lasted long anyway. Dorothea quickly took partial control and slapped him. But her ownership did not last long, the older female taking it away like previously.

Byleth hadn’t knocked his hand away. She kneed him. Hard. The guard instantly pressed against his abdomen and felt the wind knocked out of him. She didn’t let up, her elbow came crashing down onto his back. This forced him down onto the ground with a loud slam. As he groaned, the professor stared at him. If looks could kill, she would have murdered him ten times over.

“Since you pose a danger to her, I’m going to make sure you’re removed from the monastery.”

“H-Her?”

She didn’t answer. Byleth turned her back towards him and, to their luck, spotted Caspar and Ferdinand. One flick of her wrist was all it took to bring them over.

“Take care of him,” she mumbled and walked away. “I don’t want to see him ever again. Make sure he stays away from everyone.”

Ferdinand and Caspar had plenty of questions for Dorothea. Just what happened? However, the youngsters had their hands full with pulling the man up. Though the scenario was unclear, what was clear for sure were the outcomes. They know their comrade enough to heed her words. After all, Dorothea would never lie when determining how bad an individual is. She was never off the mark either.

“Byleth…”

“…”

Byleth had stepped back from the wheel and allowed Dorothea to regain full motor skills with her own body. The songstress curled and uncurled her fingers. She called out to her girlfriend again once they were in the safety of Dorothea’s bedroom.

“Byleth…?”

“…”

The brown-haired sat on the edge of her mattress when Byleth finally spoke up, alas in a small whisper.

“That man is disgusting.”

“I know, right?”

“I can’t believe you deal with this every day.”

“It’s normal.”

“Normal? I don’t want it to be normal.” She felt her grip ball into a tight fist. Oddly, her eyes became watery, Dorothea feeling her heartache from Byleth. “I’ve never felt so angry.”

“I could tell.”

“I… I don’t want this to happen to you anymore.”

“I would love that.”

Just because it's happened so many times doesn't mean she's gotten used to it. There is no "getting used to it" anyway. This sort of situation always invites disasters and trauma. History of men and women that proposed and attempted nonconsensual activities back during her opera era were always in for a beating. Yet that fear never went away. If she was unable to protect herself or if Byleth wasn't present... What would happen? Dorothea shook those hypothetical scenes off, her attention fully set on Byleth. This situation wasn't only affecting Dorothea.

Byleth bit the bottom of her lip.

“Just… why? Why would they do that to you?”

“My dear Byleth, oh, how much I want to hug you right now.”

Dorothea wiped her tears away with the back of her hand, even more tears falling from her eyes. Byleth was always publicly known as the Ashen Demon. Not a lick of emotions would be expressed. To be frank, it had worried everyone in the monastery. Some students and staff hardly paid attention to this part of the professor. Others, especially Edelgard, Mercedes, Raphael, and Dorothea, were concerned about it. They didn’t know if Byleth was repressing them or if she was actually THAT emotionless.

Turns out moments like this proved otherwise. Behind closed doors, Byleth would cry to herself, having no one other than her father to consult. Sometimes her father wasn’t even helpful, Jeralt either out of the monastery or his perspective was unhelpful for the situation. Dorothea felt her chest ache again, its impact doubled as she resisted the temptation to hug herself.

It was a mixed reaction as control wildly shifted back and forth. Comforting Byleth made her look silly on the outside. She was wiping her own tears and giving the occasional pat on the arm. Soft hushes ushered the poor adult to her normal state, her silent cries coming to a cessation.

“I’m sorry to show you that side of me," Byleth finally voiced, though it somewhat cracked. "I shouldn’t act this way.”

“Don’t be so uptight, professor,” Dorothea smiled. “I’m always here for you… just like you do for me.”

“Mhm…”

The rest of the day was spent in leisure within Dorothea’s bedroom. Since Byleth was physically absent, the Black Eagle’s lectures were canceled for today. It was safe to say that Rhea, Seteth, and Flayn were desperately calling for a search party to find the teacher. All three house leaders were forced to partake in the mission themselves. As for the other students, they were responsible for keeping their eyes peeled on campus.

Nightfall descend upon the land… and morning occurred before the two. The search results were futile. Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude returned exhausted after staying up all night with the soldiers and scouts. Jeralt himself was a bit frazzled for having lost his daughter. All participants, excluding Edelgard, hurried back to their dormitory for their long-desired sleep. (Thank goodness it’s the weekends too.)

Dorothea rose up from the bed, rubbing both her eyes. She yawned and dropped her hand on top of Byleth’s bareback. The songstress turned to the naked professor and— Wait a minute… Whatever drowsiness the student was inflicted with vanished without a trace. Dorothea blinked a few times at the sight of her sleeping instructor.

“…”

She leaned forward to get a closer look.

“Zzz…”

“Oh my gosh, we’re separated!”

Jolly, this is wonderful! This couldn’t be a dream, right?! The opera singer pinched her own cheeks, leapt off from bed, and ran to the bright windows. It was real alright, and the outcome was exactly what she wanted. Questions about the abrupt fusion from yesterday lingered in her mind. Yet those could be searched for later. Right now, she has to wake up Byleth and tell her about the good news!

Dorothea heard a few knocks on the door. Her ecstatic state rendered her capability to critically think to a lesser degree than normal. The young lady opened up the door for their guest.

There stood Edelgard… and Edelgard’s features were… completely red. Unlike yesterday, she rooted herself by the entranceway and coughed into her fist.

“D-Dorothea… I… um… wow, I’m surprised you’re not cold in those undergarments.”

“Under— Oh… Yeah, I don’t sleep with my clothes on.”

“…Anyway, I just wanted to stop by and let you know that we have yet to find the professor— !!!”

The redness that discolored her friend’s face darkened in its shades. Edelgard lost her ability to speak. Dorothea wasn’t sure what the cause was until she glanced over her shoulder.

“Is there something you need?” Byleth asked, her figure going full commando from behind the songstress, blanket just covering her nether region. “I’m sorry I was out of commission yesterday.”

“DOROTHEA…………………..”

‘ Oh goodness… I have a feeling I know where this is going… ‘

“Don’t tell me that the reason our professor went missing was that you were having… sex with her?”

‘ GOD DANG IT. ‘

Dorothea viciously shook her had. “N-NO! W-W-What kind of conclusion— Why— How did you—”

“I mean…” Edelgard motioned to the naked ex-mercenary. “She doesn’t have clothes on… and you don’t have most of yours on either… like yesterday… in her room…”

“#$@&%!!!"

"I know you both partake in these nightly activities... as Hubert and Ferdinand do... but I've never seen the professor out the entire day. You... didn't do her THAT hard, did you?"

"%#$@!!!!!!”

Meanwhile, Byleth tilted her head from behind, unaware of where the conversation was leaning towards. Common sense didn't apply to the warrior. If she casually joked about "night crawling" to Dorothea... there are already problems. Dorothea got down on all four and frantically tried to explain their situation to their house leader.

Least the fusion issue was over with. Sothis shortly stopped by to tell Byleth she accidentally screwed up their inner dynamics and, well, just happened to transcend Byleth into spirit form and inhabit Dorothea’s body. The short female earned a bop on the head from the professor. A very strong one.

As for Edelgard… Dorothea and Byleth found themselves in an awkward relationship with her. Edelgard can’t seem to see them in the eyes anymore…

"Is something the matter?" Ingrid questioned her girlfriend during lunchtime. The two sat right outside of the Mess Hall, their private meals shared with one another. As she took a bite from a slab of meat, the knight lightly elbowed the noble. "Did you both get into a fight?"

"...hardcore..."

"Excuse me?"

"...sex."

"El, just what is going through your mind?"

#loyalflutist #fire emblem #fire emblem three houses #dorothea #dorothea arnault #byleth #f!byleth x dorothea #byleth eisner #f!byleth #byleth x dorothea #fan fic #fan fiction #fanfic #fanfiction #one shot #oneshot #os #byletheaweek2019 #day 3: fusion

9 notes · View notes

loyalflutist · 6 years ago

Text

My Call to You (F!Byleth x Dorothea)

Challenge: Bylethea Week 2019 (Twitter) Day 2: Song

A/N: hi, have some pain. just... don’t try to come and kill me, please.

-----

Reckless was Byleth’s middle name, and it was a middle name Dorothea resented.

Flames singed their sullied clothes and many soldiers exchanged blows in the background. Battle cries echoed into the dark, smoky sky like blaring trumpets. The two females, alongside Edelgard, Caspar, Ingrid, and Linhardt, faced the Immaculate One. Their weapons were all drawn out and battle position ready, the bruises, lacerations, and debris splattered on parts of their fatigued figures.

Caspar, Ingrid, and Byleth were burdened with injuries that require immediate attention, the blood dripping from their head and arms. Linhardt and Dorothea were bruised and exhausted from tumbling and exerting a large amount of white magic to their allies, their sweats stinging the small gashes on their skin. Edelgard miraculously stood the healthiest out of the six. Then again, not only did she have the entire Black Eagles Strike Squad to protect her, her role as the emperor of the Adrestian Empire emphasized the importance of her survival.

Byleth righted the Sword of Creator, Ingrid swung her lance downward, and Caspar raised his crimson-stained fists. Restoration magic was cast once more from the healers with a swift motion of their arm, a bright green light emitted from the three warriors. Linhardt immediately fell on all four to catch his breath. Dorothea stumbled backward and was caught by Hubert. The dark magus in his black robe gently held her upright as he quietly nodded to the vermillion noble. Edelgard stepped forward with her axed relic and joined by Ingrid’s side.

A roar boomed from the pale dragon, her teeth threatening to sear them in half. If anything, she would want to trample on Edelgard, who had ruined her plan, and tear out the Crest of Seiros from Byleth’s chest, who had crushed her hopes. The Immaculate One’s tail wildly swung left and right, another roar bellowed.

“You humans betrayed us!” she screamed. “You will pay for your sins!”

Edelgard pointed her ax at the large creature. “I think it’s time we end this once and for all. Your corruption must end now!”

The question of whether she was correct with her presumption or not is up for debate. None of that matters now as the six members engaged in the last heated battle against their ultimate foe. Taking the Immaculate One down meant ending the dreaded war for good.

“Dorothea!” The calling of her name prompted the magician to glance upward. Sylvain flew from above with his wyvern and hovered next to her and Hubert. “Are you okay? You look like you need some help.”

She weakly scoffed. “Am I okay? Of course, I’m not, Sylvain. I feel like collapsing any minute now!”

“Yikes… Guess I shouldn’t have asked the obvious,” The red-head began to dig into his pouch and pulled out a vulnerary. “Here, use this.”

Hubert caught the tossed item and presented it to the weak female. Sylvain then motioned a farewell to his two allies and flew away. He had other comrades to tend to. After all, most everyone, aside from Dimitri, Dedue, Claude, and Hilda, had been recruited under the Adrestian Empire’s flag. That was all thanks to none other than Byleth.

Dorothea drank the bitter substance. If it weren’t for her good friend supporting her, she would have spat it out the instant it touches her tongue. Her facial features contorted as she chucked the container aside.

“No wonder why Byleth begs me to heal her instead of drink this medicine. It tastes horrible!”

“Unfortunately, we need you back into the game. We can’t afford to have you drag us back.”

“You’ve always had a sharp tongue, Hubie.”

He shrugged, released his hold on Dorothea, and pulled out another vulnerary. “I’m speaking the truth. Victory for Lady Edelgard might slip through her fingers if one of us becomes a burden.” A popping sound was heard from the bottle, Hubert’s hues darkening. “I won’t allow that to happen, especially in this battle.”

The young man took his leave and focused his attention on the other healer. Dorothea was left to her own device once again. She felt her shoulders slump and a sigh escapes her, but only for a brief moment. They were at war and they were in a battle. Anything could happen and Dorothea had to be ready. The opera singer balled her hands into fists. She frowned and ran back into the fray with six other fighters.

“Watch out!”

Edelgard’s warning was a tad too late as Caspar was smacked with the dragon’s tail. He barely managed to vocalize his shock from the impact. Its massive weight and dangerous speed threatened to shatter the poor man’s skeletal system! The blue-haired knight soon flew out of their vision. An audible crash was heard from the distant, bits of dirt and bricks flying into the air. Dorothea glanced over her shoulder. Caspar was too far away for her to see how he’s doing… but she spotted Mercedes and Lysithea running in his direction. She bit the bottom of her lip and returned her attention to their current objective.

“You’ll pay for that!” Ingrid reeled her dominant arm back, the relic brightening its glow. “Begone!”

She tried to stab the dragon’s belly. The powerful blade plunged into the huge beast, an uproar occurring. Ingrid pulled it out and twirled the device at hand. She made another attempt to stab the Immaculate One. Right behind the golden knight was the emperor leaping above her. Arms pulled backward, Edelgard delivered a smashing hit with her relic into the creature’s armored chest. It doubled the damages and it was breaking her.

A painful wail filled the air as the dragon thrashed. The frantic movements caused Ingrid to lose her grip on her weapon. It was a huge mistake on her end, the Immaculate One’s claws shredding right into the warrior’s abdomen. Magma-red substance soaked the chainmail and shattered armor as the blonde female cried out.

“INGRID!”

Edelgard rushed to her guardian knight and barely caught her from crashing onto the rough pavements. The mixture of anguish and exhaustion painted the noble’s features. A quick examination of the fallen warrior said plenty about her status. Ingrid needs to be treated now. Edelgard grits her teeth and carried Ingrid away from the scene. She quickly shot a shout towards Byleth and Dorothea before escaping.

“I leave it up to you both! Try to hold on until I come back!”

Byleth and Dorothea nodded. Then, side-by-side, they glanced at each other. Sweat gleamed on their faces, their eyes burning with a fiery passion to end this war. They didn’t utter a word. Instead, the two women readied their offensive stance. The Immaculate One roared and slammed her limbs onto the cracked grounds. She was heavily injured thanks to Caspar, Ingrid, and Edelgard’s efforts. It won’t take long until the dragon finally falls for good. Now, it’s up to Byleth and Dorothea to finish it off… or at least whittle her health down until Edelgard arrives with backup.

“You—!” their enemy snarled, her eyes sharply aimed at Dorothea. “You took her away from me!”

Ironically, it wasn’t Edelgard that caused Byleth to betray Lady Rhea. It was actually Dorothea. Ever since they were engaged in a romantic relationship since Dorothea was a student, Byleth vowed to always be by her lover’s side no matter what. Even if it meant going against the Church of Seiros and rejecting everyone around her… It’s all for the sake of Dorothea’s happiness. Siding with Edelgard was simply an act of friendship and the following of Dorothea’s decision. (Dorothea would never want to abandon her best friend, Edelgard!) Besides, the added bonus to staying with the Adrestian Empire was from learning about the corruption and lies the church was built on. Byleth could never forgive them for such crimes.

“You speak as if I’m a kidnapper,” Dorothea shook her head. A ball of white light began to formulate on the palm of her hand as she pointed it to the dragon. “I think you need a reality check. She belongs to me now, Immaculate One!”

A hot ray of beam struck the large beast. At the same time, Byleth ran forward at an incredible speed, the power of the progenitor god bearing fruit. She raised the Sword of Creator high in the air, jumped into the air, and allowed momentum to slam the blade onto the dragon’s head.

Or so she thought. Dorothea stared in pure horror as the relic landed by her side, its tip digging into the concrete earth. Her girlfriend was caught in the dragon’s mouth with a single snap of her jaw. The opera singer and the tactician had clearly miscalculated their move sets. In this game of chess, they had not expected their opponent to make use of their mouth, quite literally.

“NO!” Dorothea immediately started forming a red magic circle mid-air. She didn’t care if she was going to run out of energy by the end of this cast. She didn’t care if the nerves in her body start to fry from overuse. She didn’t care if she becomes a handicap after this battle. She didn’t even care if she died in place of Byleth. Dorothea needed to save her girlfriend! She can’t lose her again! Anything but that! “LET HER GO, YOU MONSTER!”

Excruciating burns bubbled from within the brown-haired female's nerves as she sent out numerous spells. Fire, thunder, meteors… She threw everything at the Immaculate One. Yet that dragon kept her jaw locked on the struggling professor. Tears naturally flowed from Byleth’s eyes as the sharp teeth dug into her sturdy body, the armors and chainmail barely preventing them from piercing her vital organs. Rhea’s eyes narrowed as she loosened her jaw to talk.

“I will take back Mother from you, you thief!”

The burdens of casting so many spells are starting to do more harm than good to Dorothea. She felt her knees buckle once lightning shot out of her palms. Dorothea nearly fell on all four, her strong will preventing her from doing so. She stared up at the pale beast. Compared to her size, the enormous size can easily squash her underneath her feet. Rhea’s wings flapped once, blowing a strong gust of wind at the opera singer’s direction, causing Dorothea to weakly raise her arms.

“I think it’s time we end this, Dorothea,” the dragon proclaimed. “And I think it’s time we end this war.”

She was just about to firmly close her jaw on Byleth when Felix and Annette came into the picture. The powerful sword-wielder swung his two weapons in a flurry. Though the strikes were normally ineffective against the dragon, Felix was no ordinary guy. His attacks were bolstered by his major Crest and it packed a punch for every successful contact. This caused the creature to drop Byleth and howl in agony. As for Annette, she approached Dorothea, concern scrawled on her face.

“You shouldn’t be pushing so hard,” Annette scolded and proceeded to heal her comrade. “You’ll lose the ability to use magic if you keep this up!”

Dorothea nearly laughed once most of her strength had revitalized. “I’m willing to risk it if it meant saving my girlfriend.”

“…I suppose I could share the same sentiment for Felix.”

The magus accepted Annette’s helping hand and got back up to her feet. Soon, the duo was joined by Ignatz and Raphael, with Raphael recovering their instructor from danger. He presented the bloodied female to the group.

“Is… Is she going to be okay?” he asked, voice somewhat shaky.

Ignatz closely examined their teacher. That bite did a number on the poor woman. Many crimson holes scattered about on her figure based on the teeth’s locations. The injuries were minimized to a degree thanks to the tough attires. If it weren’t for that… Then… Ignatz mentally shook his head. No point in thinking about that now. He had to save their professor. Not saying another word, he quickly began to cast a couple of healing spells on the still body.

Dorothea never left her sight on Byleth. She was down onto her knees once more, her hands grabbing ahold of her lover’s hand. “Don’t you dare leave me like this, you hear that? I won’t forgive you if you do.”

“…I won’t.”

Byleth’s eyelids fluttered open. The neon-haired ended up staring at Dorothea, to which Dorothea nuzzled into the injured woman’s held hand. Tears of relief flowed down her face as Ignatz straightened his posture and let out a loud exhale. Raphael grinned at his boyfriend knowing that he had just saved their professor. The two got up from the ground, bid their farewells to the two, and resumed their battle as support for their other allies. This left Dorothea alone with Byleth.

“I’m so glad you’re okay,” she whispered to Byleth. “It would kill me if I were to lose you.”

In the background, Felix was soon joined by Edelgard, Sylvain, Ferdinand, and Hubert. The five of them dealt the final attack onto the dragon. A gruesome screech emitted from the Immaculate One, her head thrown up into the air. Then, the creature fell onto her side, never to rise again. Yet despite the end of the conflict and the cheers Felix and Sylvain had by slapping a friendly high-five, there was a cost to pay, and it was one Dorothea did not wish to happen.

The Crest of Seiros disappeared from Byleth’s heart. However, it acted as a pacemaker for the originally still-born child. Byleth faintly gasped, her eyes widen, then immediately fell into a sea of darkness. At the same time, her hair color resumed to its original state, leaving the ex-mercenary in a state as if she never merged with Sothis. The only difference was that her heart stopped beating.

“Byleth…?” Dorothea felt a knot in her stomach. She stiffened her lips and pressed her ear against Byleth’s chest. Once she noticed no sign of life, the tears flowed down her cheeks… this time, with sorrow. “Byleth…!”

She pulled her girlfriend up so she could hug her. The instructor weightlessly flopped forward and into Dorothea, her face buried into the woman’s shoulder. How ironic... After expressing how grateful she was with Byleth's survival, it completely turned around and bit her back with the opposite result.

‘ How could this be…? I’ve already lost her once five years ago… Now I’m going to lose her again? ‘

This hurts.

‘ No, NO! That’s not right! ‘

Dorothea felt her lower lip tremble.

‘ Impossible! Ignatz had healed her! What could be wrong?! Don’t tell me it had something to do with her Crest…! ‘

She held back her outcries.

‘ This isn’t fair! She doesn’t deserve this! If anything, I should be the one to die! ‘

Quiet weeps were muffled when Dorothea pressed her face into Byleth’s head, trying to provide as much warmth as possible in her embrace. From the distant, everyone, especially Hubert and Edelgard, felt their heartaches. So, it seems that they had lost someone important… War is so very cruel. They couldn’t imagine how much pain Dorothea is going through right now. If they felt like someone sucker punched them in the gut, then the poor woman was probably going through that tenfold. Dorothea slowly rocked her limp lover as if she were in a deep sleep.

Then, a song was sung.

“I feel like I’m losing hope

In my body and my soul

And the sky, it looks so ominous.

And as time comes to a halt

Silence starts to overflow

My cries are inconspicuous

Tell me, God, are you punishing me?

Is this the price I’m paying for my past mistakes?”

There was a small pause, Dorothea retracting her face so she could watch over Byleth’s. Droplets of tears fell upon the older woman’s face as she struggled to sing the last two lines to her lover.

“I need you more than ever right now

Can you hear me now?”

Is this song a way to cope with the surreal event? Is it out of desperation?

Dorothea leaned forward to kiss the professor's forehead.

“…good-night, my Byleth.”

It appears that this is farewell. The time that they've spent together was full of good memories. They would be priceless treasures that no one would be able to replace nor replicate. Dorothea dryly swallowed. Hopefully, she’ll see her again soon… and hopefully, it won't be a long wait to see Byleth up there.

Right when Dorothea was going to lower her girlfriend down to the ground, there was a faint groan that slipped past the female’s cracked lips. The magus froze. She glanced down and saw her teacher stirring. By the time Byleth awakens, she found herself nearly crushed to death in a bear hug by the alumni, the chest pain from the frail, now-beating heart, worsening it.

“D-Dorothea—!” she barely squeaked. “I can’t— breathe—!”

Dorothea quickly released her hold, but not without giving her one heck of a kiss in their lifetime, the kiss yearning for love and confirmation that this isn’t a dream. She could choose to scold Byleth. She could choose to bawl. She could choose to express frustration. Instead, the young singer cupped Byleth’s face, and whispered, “I’m glad you didn’t leave me behind. I wouldn't know what to do without you.”

“I would never,” the professor soon rested her upper body against Dorothea. “Besides, you were calling out for me. I had to come back to you.”

"?"

Eventually, Dorothea put two-and-two together. The song that she had sung had ultimately saved Byleth's life.

#loyalflutist #fire emblem #fire emblem three houses #f!byleth x dorothea #f!byleth #byleth #byleth eisner #dorothea #dorothea arnault #byletheaweek2019 #one shot #os #oneshot #fanfic #fan fic #fanfiction #fan fiction #day 2: song

11 notes · View notes