The Battle Within
“ Hm.. “ It was strange; the darkness Byleth seemed to face seemed somewhat soothing. But this time it was different. The atmosphere of the never ending darkness felt as if it prolonged. Similar to a never-ending stairwell; once you start walking, you can’t make yourself stop. This was the case for Byleth. Ever since the twins turned sixteen years of age, Byleth would see future events involving the fraternal siblings. On a normal occasion they would be about her youngest, Sitri.
If Byleth had to describe her youngest with one word it would be audacious.
The care-free teen would leap into deaths arms as if it was a hug. That’s what worried Byleth so much. She’d give her life for her family, but the thought of loosing them was too much to bear.
After the reminiscing death of Jeralt, Byleth couldn’t stand the thought of loosing her loved ones. Sometimes Claude would have to sooth her concerns when it came to sending the children to fight.
Before tutoring the Golden Deers, Byleth was convinced she had nothing else to loose. Yes Jeralt had shown Byleth all he could in an attempt to catch her smile, but the cerulean-haired girl wouldn’t even stifle a smirk. Her expression would remain dead-panned as it always did. All of that changed when she started her sudden teaching job in Garrag Mach then soon after teaching the Golden Deer.
Who knew a group of unclassified young adults would help their professor regain such a personal part of herself.
Byleth regained herself from her thoughts, and stopped in the middle of the darkened abyss. She could hear muffled voices in the distance and began to make her way towards them. The atmosphere began to turn heavy the more Byleth wondered through. But she was determined to figure out what events lied ahead; especially when her family was involved.
Byleth remained in her war-gear. Black leather wrapped itself around her chest, stopping below her rib but left enough skin to show part of her stomach. Matching shorts went a quarter way down her thigh. Gold belt like straps connecting the shorts and leather top as one. A loose black cape hugged her body loosely, draping down to her ankles. An opaque silk travelled from the rim of her shorts down to her ankle protecting the skin underneath but left room for swift movement. Casual heeled boots were worn on her feet. Her hair was in a half up-half down style, loose waves ran through her jade locks. A gold encrusted twig like crown slanted on her head. On her neck lay a single chain which held the ring Jeralt had given her prior to his death. Two rings belonged on her left index finger. One of the rings was a zircon ring, given by Claude in a proposal. The second ring was a basic gold ring with diamonds encrusted around it like small spots.
The voices began to evolve into more understandable phrases, making it clear to what was being said.
“ You will pay for this!” The normal soft endearing tone her daughter possessed sounded brittle and gruff. An imagery of her daughter, Sitri, and the Empresses son, Ayadin, appeared in front of Byleth. Her eyes widened in shock. Sitri’s standard luxuriant ash brown hair had been soaked from rain fall and tinted crimson red by the blood pooling from her abdomen. Her war-wear was in a similar fashion. Those specialized eyes of hers glistened with tears, threatening to spill.
All Byleth could do was watch in horror.
The foe opposite Sitri, was towering over her body. His unpigmented hair was drenched, making rain-drops fall onto his face. The blood on his already crimson armor began to wash away from the rain. His hands were stained in Sitri’s blood and so was his weapon. The weapon held a green sphere at the end of the handle which seemed awfully familiar. It’s blade was sharp appeared to be sharp enough to cut through bone.
His face showed somewhat remorse, before turning away and continuing his battle.
Byleth ran forward- attempting to reach her daughter but was pulled back with force.
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“ Huh!? “ Byleth gasped looking around frantically, her chest rising and falling at an abnormal paste.
The abyss had faded, and was now replaced with the battle grounds.
“ Hey- Hey! “ Byleth looked up to meet Claude’s eyes reflecting back into her own, concern written on his face. “ What’s wrong? Are you hurt? “ Claude had his hands on her shoulders, keeping her stable incase she would fall.
Byleth took a moment to look at Claude. He wore a similar outfit to what he did 16 years ago. The only noticeable difference was the Almyran badge stitched under his right shoulder blade. He wore the same earring, which Byleth loved. It reminded her of his younger self. His left index finger held a simple gold ring, a reminder of the day they wed.
Byleth leaned into his chest, inhaling his scent. The hint of fresh cut grass and green apples that lingered on Claude’s jacket never failed to make her relax. She wanted to tell him everything, the visions, her worries. But she couldn’t bring herself to tell him, it would only worry him more.
Byleth gently shook her head, grabbing a fist full of his jacket in her hands. She closes her eyes in an attempt to get the picture out of her head but it remains. The blood.. the tears.
Claude placed his hand at the back of her head, his other round her waist. Something wasn’t right. There was a knot in his stomach, that never went away. He knew Byleth’s sudden outbursts were odd but they kept on getting worse. No matter what he did, she wouldn’t tell him what had been bothering her. But he’d respect her privacy and give her time until she wants to speak about it.
“ I’m sorry, “ Byleth lifted her head to Claude, making eye contact “, We should get back to the battle. I didn’t want to disturb you. “ She muttered quietly, smiling softly.
“ Don’t speak such non-sense.” Claude raised his hand, placing it on her cheek. “ Are you sure you’re able to fight? I don’t want you too.. “ His voice started to trail once he saw the look on her face. Her eyebrow slightly raised, with a taunting smile. This was Byleth’s way of reminding him of what she is capable of.
It was a common occurrence for Claude to forget the woman whom he shares his dreams with is practically a goddess.. in both ways.
Claude chuckled, a sly smirk on his lips. “ Okay-Okay.” He raised his hands up in surrender. “Be careful for your Golden Deer. “ Claude winked and picked up his bow, resuming his spot which happened to be next to Thee Lorenz Hellman Gloucester.
“ Must you act so unprofessional, Claude? I understand the romantic relationship you have with our former Professor but your actions must have consequences. “ Lorenz snapped, clearly annoyed at Claude. Much like Claude, Lorenz never changed. He always had a reason to be annoyed at Claude, even if the Alliance leader had simply done nothing wrong.
“I was being professional, Lorenz.” Claude shot Lorenz a smirk, before taking aim at an Empyrean Soldier.
“You were not. One must truly marvel at the acceptance of being crowned royalty. I am afraid checking on your beloved during a mass battle is intolerable. Have you forgotten the power that dwells within our former Professor?” Lorenz scoffed, not knowing how the smirking imbecile beside him was in hierarchy to him.
Soon after the passing of his father, Lorenz was given the responsibility as Count Gloucester. Which meant that Lorenz would be encountering them in meetings and battles alike. Even though his assistance was not needed during battle, he insisted to come along.
Claude ignored the exasperated youth beside him and attempted to remain focus on his battle.
As the battle resumed, Claude couldn’t help his eyes wondering to Byleth. Making note of every step she took, every swing she hit. Both fascinated by her techniques and mortified if she got hurt. He had wished he could resume his normal routine in battle, only glancing to Byleth now and again. But now it seemed as if he couldn’t peel his eyes from her.
Eventually, Claude was able to withdraw his eyes from Byleth, regaining his posture and greed to win the battle.
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Yet again victory had been claimed to the Alliances, making a crooked grin rest upon Claude’s features. Throughout the years, Claude’s satisfaction for victory never decreased. Even in his older ages. This time however, his grin wasn’t as bright as it regularly was. The emerald eyed man couldn’t help his mindless thoughts pulling him towards his beloved.
Unexpectedly he made his way to Byleth, embracing her from behind. The scent of lavender and spring engulfing his nose as he dug his head further into her neck.
The interaction made blood rush to Byleth’s cheeks as a small itched its way onto her face. She placed her hands on his arms that were wrapped around her abdomen.
“ Claude?” Byleth turned her head to her husband, a questioning yet amused look on her face.
“ Mhm? “ Claude’s voice spoke from her neck, causing shots of electricity to roam to that spot.
“Don’t get me wrong, I am thoroughly enjoying the affection. But I thought you’d like to know we are gathering rather questionable looks.” Byleth teased, tilting her head to the side.
Claude hesitated before removing himself from Byleth, the tips of his ears beginning to redden. The Alliance leader had forgotten about their whereabouts and took the time to make sure Byleth was uninjured from the battle they had won. Sure enough, on going soldiers would stare at the rare sight. He tried to remain a professional persona but it began to ware when Byleth began to laugh. It was hard for him to keep a straight face when her laugh was like music to his ears. Claude soon joined in with her laugher. The embarrassment soon washing away as they walked back to Garrag Mach, hand in hand.
God, he loved this woman.
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“ Interesting.” The Lilac-eyed Empress tapped her chin in thought, leaning forward. “They won again?” Her eyes landed back to her trust-worthy companion.
“ Yes, your Highness. My sincere apologies.” Hubert bowed his head in sorrow, before sighing in defeat. “ They were able to rid almost all of our troops. It is estimated over half of them have passed, your Highness.”
The Empresses hands curl into a fist, the burning hatred for the Alliances growing even more.
“ I’ll rid of them all! “ Her voice echoed throughout the vast room. The Empresses tone grew loud and cold. “I’ll hang their heads on the walls! They will pay for what they have done.”
Edelgard aggressively arose from her chair, it falling back from the force.
“I have a plan, Hubert. I promise you vengeance will be ours… we will need that goddess.” Edelgard left the room after her sudden outburst, Hubert quick on her feet.
Unknown to them, a certain Imperial Highness was hidden behind a wall, processing every word that had been said. One question lingered in his mind.
What was his Mother planning..?