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glitterandmoondustofficial · 1 year ago

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Side To Side

Chapter 242: Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Notes:

Characters: Law, Jun, Bepo, Penguin Rating: Teen Warnings: Language, Alcohol Notes: I know, I know, it's been a while. A lot of life stuff happened (and is still happening) but I thought about this a lot. I have more stuff planned. I have a very long AU in the works that will be published separately after Dressrosa, I'm working on a part two of my Lammy lives AU, and of course I'm working on this fic with all of my heart. There will be a few Law chapters for a while, I figured you guys might want to read the One Piece character who's the star of this fic haha. ENJOY!

~~~~~

Law could not sleep. At all.

Everyday he worked himself to exhaustion and then would stare up at the ceiling every night, his body fighting any melatonin or sedative. This, of course, made him grumpier every morning. He would go through the motions as each day passed.

He couldn’t believe how pathetic he had become in Ruby’s absence. Every damn night he would wait by the den den mushi, hoping he could just hear her breathing. She never did. Naturally. Law doubted she had made it to Dressrosa in two weeks. She had a few more days at least, and she would surely call once she was safe. She was far too clingy to not call the first chance she got.

That didn’t stop the anxiety in his heart and stomach, however. She was capable and strong and smart, but she was just as easily drawn to danger. He wondered every night what kind of mess she had gotten into already. Something in the back of his mind told him she had been up to some shit and she’d already have a story to tell about whatever adventure she had gotten herself into. She probably already made new friends and had someone fall in love with her.

And naturally he was dealing with the crew, as well. While Ikkaku was undoubtedly the most upset about Ruby’s departure, the rest of his crew was definitely missing their gardener’s presence. Unlike Ikkaku, they were not causing issues or distress. Everyone else had been very mature and reasonable. Everyone had been dealing with the loss of their beloved friend in their own way.

It’s always hard to lose someone you love, even temporarily. It wasn’t like when there had been that one guy who had been on the crew. He was an ass. He was cruel, even by Law’s standards. He had been harassing Ikkaku and Bepo, and if it wasn’t for Ikkaku decking him one day Law would have never known. Ikkaku thought she could handle it on her own and Bepo was far too timid to say anything. Law hoped he had proven to both of them that the comfort and safety of every crew member was far more important than numbers. Ruby would’ve hated that guy. She probably would have killed him.

No, this was depressing. This was missing her laugh and the way her heels clicked down the hall. Her thick accent and the way her hair got on everything. The crew was already talking about having a big reunion party when everyone was back together. Law still couldn’t bring himself to tell anyone he wasn’t sure if he would come home. There was still doubt creeping in his heart. He knew, he knew, that Ruby would try to keep them both alive, but he really couldn’t make any promises. There’s always a very large chance of him dying, of them both dying, and he couldn’t be irrational and try to say there wasn’t.

The best decision he had made was making sure his crew got to Zou. They should be safe in Bepo’s original home. They would be able to move on and find a new life where he didn’t drag them down with suicide missions.

He heard his alarm go off and groaned. It was already morning again. Another night of no sleep. Another night of overthinking. He sighed and turned to sit up. He stared at the metal floor of the Polar Tang, his toes twitching against the cold. He ran his fingers through his hair and then rubbed his temples. He had a migraine coming on and it was definitely because he wasn’t sleeping.

He let out a huff and stood up. He walked over to the window and stared out of it. He squinted his eyes in the early morning darkness before relaxing. Hakugan apparently had sailed them to an island. He tried to recall the islands that were nearby but came up with nothing. He wasn’t the navigator but he wasn’t sure that even Bepo knew the name of the island. There were so many on the Grand Line after all.

He dressed himself. He washed his face and brushed his teeth. He took a deep breath before leaving his empty bedroom, no naked Ruby to kiss awake. He sadly walked towards the kitchen and more specifically, the coffee pot. Caffeine was what kept him going most days, although coffee was hardly making a dent and he was running out of caffeine pills. Or someone was hiding them. He wouldn’t put it past Shachi to do something like that.

Clione was already prepping breakfast, probably making something filled with carbs and protein since everyone would be busy running around and exploring the island. Law wasn’t interested in eating but he knew if he didn’t it would probably cause an intervention and he would be threatened by the crew saying that they would tell Ruby. So he would eat breakfast and drink his morning coffee. He would search for caffeine pills and if he couldn’t find any he would buy some from the island. That seemed like the perfect plan for the day.

As he sat at a table and nursed his coffee his crew started filing in. First it was Hakugan, wanting the second mug of coffee. Next was Jean Bart and then it was Bepo. Then they started to come in groups. Erina came in with Ikkaku, which was a relief. Law couldn’t force Ikkaku to go to her, but he really wished she would go. Ikkaku had been an absolute wreck without Ruby, and Law, being the hypocrite that he was, took care of Ikkaku instead of himself. He gave her advice that he wasn’t going to follow himself.

What he also noticed was that Jun came in by herself after everyone else. And then she sat aside by herself, not engaging in any conversation. Law pinched between his eyes. He was going to have to deal with that.

After everyone had filled their plates and walked back to their seats, Law walked over to Jun with his plate. He sat in front of her with a flat expression. He popped a grape into his mouth and savored the taste of his girlfriend’s perfect vegetation. He sighed and ate another grape, watching irritation on Jun’s face grow.

“What do you want?” She asked quietly, knowing if she was too loud with her irritation she’d be faced with the wrath of Shachi.

“Want?” He questioned. “I just want to sit with one of my crew members.”

“I don’t want to sit with anyone.”

“Which is why I’m sitting with you.” The irritated look on Jun’s face grew but she said nothing. “What is happening?”

“It’s none of your business.”

Law raised his brow. “Tell me,” he started. “Out of the two of us, who is the captain and who is the subordinate?”

Jun’s face grew red. She picked up her fork and pushed her eggs around. Law ate another piece of fruit, waiting for his wounded crew member to speak up. She huffed with a glare towards him.

“Why do you care?”

Law stared at her perplexed. “Because you’re a Heart Pirate.”

Jun rolled her eyes before shoving scrambled eggs into her mouth. “There’s nothing you can do,” she said while chewing.

“Try me.” He had finished his fruit and was starting on the potatoes.

Jun scoffed like she was a teenager and he was her father. “You really wanna know?” Her voice started to raise but she cleared her throat and quieted down. “Ikkaku…Ikkaku she…” tears filled Jun’s eyes and her bottom lip shook. Law started to understand what had happened.

“Have you two actually talked or has it just been you two being pissy and bitchy?”

Jun glared at him through her tears. “It’s not my fault she only loves Ruby.”

“So no.” He sighed and continued to eat his potatoes, silence growing between them. He had told the two of them to not make it an issue and now it was becoming one. He finished his potatoes and then looked up at Jun and her pathetically depressed expression. “You two need to sit down and have an adult and mature conversation. Don’t isolate yourself from the crew, we’ll give you space but you’re nakama , we’re here for you.”

Jun crossed her arms. “I don’t want to."

“Don’t be petulant. You two made each other happy. My girlfriend leaving shouldn’t stop that.”

Jun narrowed her eyes but said nothing. They continued their meal in silence, apparently Jun had no retort to that. Law finished off his perfectly runny eggs and wiped his mouth with a napkin. He stood up, taking his plate and mug with him.

“Trafalgar,” Jun called him quietly. He turned to look at her with a raised brow. “What if it doesn’t work out?”

Law sighed with a frown. He didn’t really know the answer to that question. He knew how he would react if he and Ruby didn’t work out. He knew how Ruby would react if they didn’t work out. But that was him and Ruby, they were different people from Jun and Ikkaku. “We’ll see what happens if that happens. No point in immediately thinking about the worst possibility. Just try talking first.”

Great answer! He was quite proud of his masterful avoidance there.

He walked away and placed his dishes in the sink. He turned and jumped when he saw Bepo at his side. He forgot how quiet polar bears could be.

“Bepo,” he greeted and then cleared his throat.

“Captain,” Bepo said. “You didn’t sleep again.”

Law frowned. “I’m fine,” he said. He rubbed his temples, that almost migraine coming back. “I just have a migraine. I’ll need to go to a pharmacy and pick up more pills to deal with it.” He walked behind Bepo and started to walk away, passing by concerned looking Heart Pirates.

“You’re running out because you have a migraine all of the time from not sleeping,” Bepo said as he caught up with him. He nervously wrung his paws together. Law chose not to answer that. “Let me come with you today.”

Law closed his eyes and sighed. “Okay,” he said, unable to deny Bepo anything. Law opened his eyes and saw Bepo’s ridiculously concerned stare. Law had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. “I’ll be fine.”

Bepo didn’t look like he believed him but the hope in his eyes made Law want to try. God. The two cutest members of Law’s crew had him by the heart strings. Bepo followed Law out of the cafeteria and towards the deck. Law was already ready to leave the Tang, not needing much other than Kikoku and his wallet.

He figured that they wouldn’t stay long on this island. Everyone just needed to stretch their legs on land and maybe have a nice night in a tavern. It had been so long since they had fun in a tavern that Law barely remembered the last time they did. It seemed like they used to do it so often, but it was such a rare thing these days.

Law guessed that he hadn’t really thought about it in months…maybe longer. Weren’t they pirates? Weren’t they supposed to get drunk on land and ruin the town? What had happened?

Law sighed. He knew that answer. Hard to go out and have fun when you’re constantly plotting your next step. Hard to enjoy yourself when your girlfriend is constantly getting hurt in some way and you want to stay home to take care of her. Hard to get drunk when you need to be sober enough to watch out for any impending threats. A lot had changed since the Heart Pirates entered the New World. Some things were for the better, some things, however, seemed to just dull the crew’s enthusiasm.

Not that they’d ever say anything like that to Law. Not even Shachi, who had always been the hard-ass voice of reason, would argue with him over this. Law supposed he should be grateful for his crew’s sympathy, but Law never wanted to stop them from having fun. So Ikkaku had trouble talking to him about her problems, Jun had been distressed and isolating herself, and his crew had been stopping themselves from having fun because he was pulling away from everyone. Great. What else had he missed while he was in the middle of selfishness and self pity?

“Hey, Bepo,” Law called. “Let’s get everyone together tonight and go to a tavern.” It wouldn’t fix everything, but it should help his crew relax. Besides, spending as much time as he could with them is what he should be focusing on. Once Ruby was on Dressrosa and fed him the right amount of information, he would be on the way to Punk Hazard. After that…well…

“Aye aye!” Bepo saluted dramatically like Law had given him some serious order.

Law walked onto the deck and into the sun. He squinted his eyes in the bright sunlight and sighed, it was way too hot for him. If Ruby was here she would undoubtedly be sunning. He stared at her sunchair before moving to leave the Tang. Bepo caught up with him again, stating that he told Hakugan and Hakugan was going to tell Shachi and then word would spread.

Hopefully it would cheer up the crew, especially the more depressed members. Ikkaku was the worst, of course, she was the one who threw a tantrum. It wasn’t just Ikkaku, however. Jean Bart and Penguin were both feeling down since Ruby’s departure, but they were being silent about it.

And definitely not taking it out on anyone. No, that job was reserved for Ikkaku and Jun.

Law and Bepo started to walk towards the direction of the nearby town. Of course they weren’t actually at the port. They were pirates after all and the last thing that Law needed to bring attention to the crew or, worse, a fight. So they were docked at a seemingly secluded beach. Nobody cared. They were just happy to run around on an island for a day.

The Heart Pirate captain and navigator made it to what seemed like a large town. It seemed like a relatively simple town but with busy people. Fairly standard for many islands. There were plenty of shops where the crew could shop, which would keep them entertained for the day and Law had already spotted a tavern where everyone could meet up later that night. What was next was finding a pharmacy.

He asked for directions as calmly as he could while the townsperson gaped at the walking, talking polar bear at Law’s side. He rolled his eyes and didn’t bother to thank the person before walking towards the direction that was pointed out to him. He needed to get those migraine relief pills if he was going to survive the rest of the day, let alone a night of loud music, drinking, and fun.

After arriving at the brightly lit pharmacy he sighed and rubbed his temples. How annoying. It was warm, bright, and now there were even more bright lights in this store to make his temples want to explode. He walked in with Bepo in tow. He looked around noticing the uninterested teenager behind the counter, snacking on potato chips. He walked towards the back, ignoring Bepo staring at the chocolate bars. He easily found what he needed, scooping up armfuls of each bottle.

He knew he looked like a crazy person as he dropped the medicine on the counter in front of the stunned pharmacy tech. He stuttered in what Law thought was protest but stopped when Bepo slid a chocolate bar onto the counter next to the mountain of pill bottles.

The pharmacy tech snapped out of it and cleared his throat. “Is that all for you?” He asked as calmly as he could but Law knew that he was terrified of him and his stupid amount of pill bottles.

Law looked at Bepo. “Is there anything else you need?” Bepo shook his head. Law turned back to the pharmacy tech. “This is it.”

The pharmacy tech took a deep breath. He started to count the bottles with a shaky hand and then added the chocolate bar last. “2002 berries.” Law laid down the money on the counter with no expression. “D-Do you want a bag?”

Law held back a smirk. “Yes.”

Law left with his bags of pills followed by Bepo and his chocolate bar. They walked around the town, grabbing lunch, going to a bookstore, and then going to a coffee and tea shop. Law bought a pack of coffee beans but didn’t buy any tea. Ruby had left behind plenty of tea that she had made and Law was sure nothing could ever beat the taste. He had to buy coffee because of how quickly the crew went through it. Ruby would never keep up with the Heart Pirates’ coffee intake.

They left the store and Law stared at a crepe vendor. He blinked and looked to his side. He blinked multiple times to get rid of Ruby's image, grinning up at him. The grin that spread across her face when she was about to tell him to buy her something.

“Captain?” Bepo called and Law blinked back to reality.

Law cleared his throat. “Let’s go back to the Tang and drop everything off.”

Bepo said nothing but the look of concern did not fade. Law chose to ignore it, not really wanting to explain that he was missing Ruby again.

Law hadn’t realized that they had been out all day until he noticed that the sun was sinking closer to the horizon. He stared in the distance behind the Tang, looking at the vast ocean that was his home. The temperature was starting to drop and it seemed like it would be a nice evening. It would’ve been nice for a picnic to watch the sunset. Ruby would’ve liked that. She would’ve been overjoyed that he thought of her like that, as if his mind wasn’t occupied with thought of her at least 50% of the time.

“Captain?” Bepo called him from the Polar Tang.

Law switched to Bepo and his seemingly permanent concerned gaze. Law sighed. “I’m fine, let’s drop everything off and go to the tavern.”

It was best that they were headed to the tavern now. Law was starting to become hungry and greasy tavern food and an ale might actually cure his loneliness for a night.

Law dropped off the bags of pills in the infirmary while Bepo dropped off the other items. Law was so lost in his thoughts about missing Ruby that he was surprised to see Jun standing in front of him with a flat look. He swallowed and then raised his brow at her.

“Did you need something?” He asked her.

She shifted. “I…don’t know…” she said slowly.

“Why are you here? Did you know I was in here?” Jun looked uncomfortable. “Well?”

“My chest hurts,” she said with a frown. “It’s tight and hard to breathe. I dunno, maybe I’m having a heart attack.”

Law grunted. “Let me see. Get in the bed.”

Jun did so. She waited patiently while he ran his ECG test. He checked for all signs of a heart attack. Looking at his results and what Jun had told him, he had a theory. He had a feeling what this actually was so he was going to prod. Gently.

“How long have you felt like this?” He asked.

“For the past, like, 30 minutes maybe?”

Law nodded. “What all did you do today? Don’t leave out any details.”

Jun looked uncomfortable again so he raised his brow at her. She huffed. “After breakfast I went looking for Ikkaku but she had already left. She was hanging out with Jean Bart, of course. Now that Ruby isn’t here she had to hang out with the other one,” she said scathingly. She winced and then cleared her throat. “I was going to just stay on the sub today but Clione asked if I wanted to go grocery shopping together. I dunno, maybe he felt bad for me since Ikkaku didn’t want to hang out with me. I agreed and we went to go get groceries and then lunch. When we came back with groceries and were putting them away Ikkaku and Jean Bart came in. Jean Bart offered to help but Ikkaku got really quiet.” Jun frowned deeply. “Ikkaku looked like we just fucking shot her. Like putting up groceries was some goddamn crime against humanity. Clione and Jean Bart asked her what was wrong but she shook her head and said she needed to wash her face. She ran away and I followed after her.” Jun went silent. Law’s theory was starting to seem like it was a reality.

“And?” He prompted.

“I caught up with her, wanting to make sure she was okay. She wasn’t. She was crying. I asked her what was wrong and if I could help.” Jun frowned. “She yelled at me and accused me of trying to get rid of Ruby. She said she was tired of me trying to replace Ruby and that she was done with me. I was so confused and hurt. I…almost started crying because I didn’t know what else to do. That’s when my chest started to hurt. Before I could ask Ikkaku for help she walked off, saying she didn’t want to be around me anymore.” Tears filled Jun’s eyes. “I don’t even know what I did wrong! And now my chest hurts! I don’t know what to do!”

Law pinched between his eyes. “Well, I think I know what Ikkaku was on about. Did you buy any produce?”

“What? Yeah. Didn’t I say we went grocery shopping?”

“Ikkaku is upset that we’re buying produce that we don’t have because Ruby isn’t here.”

“That’s-”

“I know. Don’t worry, Ikkaku is working on becoming more emotionally stable again. Now, as for your chest, have you heard of takotsubo cardiomyopathy? Or even stress cardiomyopathy?”

“Uh, no.”

“It’s also known as broken-heart syndrome,” he said. Jun made a sour face. “Whether you like it or not you’re having heart problems because you’re stressed. You have the symptoms of it. You and Ikkaku are in a tiff. You’re getting into fights and causing each other stress. Ruby’s gone and it’s become a wedge between you two. Instead of talking it out, you’re both just arguing more.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“And Ikkaku does. So you’re ignoring each other’s needs and are at each other’s throats.” Law gave her a serious look.

“Well how do I make it stop? I hate this pain.”

“I’ll give you some aspirin and diuretics to see if that helps, but you also need to relax. I also recommend just talking to Ikkaku.”

“But I don’t want to talk about Ruby!” She shouted before wincing.

“Part of being in a relationship is talking about the shit you don’t necessarily want to talk about. Do you think I want to talk about shopping and nail polish and what fucking shampoo smells best in my hair? No, of course not. I do it anyway because it makes Ruby happy.”

“Those are not comparable.”

“Fine. Do you think I want to talk about my past? About her past? About all the bullshit we went through growing up? Of course I don’t. We have to talk about what hurts and how we can help each other. You both are being selfish for not listening to each other but for fucks sake the least you could do is listen to Ikkaku cry because she misses her best friend.” Law huffed. He walked to the cabinet and pulled out the medicine he needed to give Jun. “These should help. You’re banned from the tavern tonight. Eat a light meal and get some rest.” He looked at his pitiful crew member and held back a groan.

“Fine,” Jun said stiffly. “Whatever you say, Captain.” Jun stood up and walked out of the room with a sniff.

Law did not hold back from groaning after she left. What a fucking mess. He can’t even keep two of his nakama from being upset at each other over something so easily fixable.

“Captain?” He heard Bepo walk into the room.

“Ugh, sorry, Bepo. I had to take care of Jun before-”

“I understand,” he said with a smile. “Do you still want to go out?”

Law stared at his oldest friend and sighed with a tired smile. “Yeah, let’s go.”

Even though the tavern was loud and rowdy, and his crew was singing sea shanties and drinking until they dropped, Law read a book in a corner booth. He kept the den den mushi to his side, never letting it out of his sight. He smiled nostalgically, thinking of those early months when he and Ruby would sit in a booth together, brooding and bonding. Of course, she’d be eating her greasy food but back then she didn’t drink much.

He looked around at the crowd, the whole tavern in a tizzy. Everyone was here except Ikkaku and Jun. It seemed this was exactly what the crew had needed. A night to forget their troubles. To drink to good health and be merry. This was good.

Over the course of the night the Heart Pirates drank the tavern dry and many ended up needing to be carried home. Law, Bepo, Penguin, and Shachi walked back together. Well, Law, Bepo, and Penguin walked, Shachi was on Bepo’s back being carried because he was too drunk to see straight. He was still singing a song as they made their way back home.

“He’s drunk as a fish,” Penguin snickered. “Hope he doesn’t barf on you!”

Bepo made a disgusted noise. “Don’t say that! He might actually do it now!”

Penguin laughed and Law chuckled. “How are you feeling, Cap?”

“Fine.”

Penguin looked at him. He took off his hat and rubbed his head. “Are you sure?”

“As sure as I can be.” Law looked at Penguin’s now fully revealed face. “How are you feeling, Peng?”

He was silent for a moment. He sighed. “I miss her. I kept expecting her drunk ass to start singing in her thick as fuck accent.”

Law felt himself smile. “She could be pretty tone deaf.”

Penguin laughed and put his hat back on his head. “She sure fucking is.” He sighed. “Tonight was good. We need to start doing this more often again.”

“Yeah, we do.” Law patted Penguins back. They smiled at each other before making faces as Shachi vomited and Bepo cried.

After Penguin assured that Shachi would be safely put to bed and Law helped Bepo clean his fur, Law went to bed. He showered quickly before getting into his clean bed. He stared at the den den mushi on his desk before sighing. He had to keep telling himself that she couldn’t have made it to Dressrosa quite yet. That she would surely call when she was safe.

He yawned, the day catching up with him. He hadn’t gotten the chance to check on Jun and Ikkaku but he’ll do it in the morning. He was tired. The tavern food and beer was catching up to him. He settled into sleep, dreaming so many things that even in his sleep he was confused.

#one piece #op fanfic #trafalgar law #lawxoc #law x oc #one piece fanfiction #heart pirates #sela ruby #ruby sela #hi i'm back #sorry for the wait #hope you guys are still with me #side to side

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houseisekai · 4 years ago

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House Isekai: Shadowbringers - Act 1 Finale: The Warrior of Darkness

House Isekai Shadowbringers AU Masterlist Here

—

Most of House Isekai have finally reunited, with the help of the Ashen Wolves, The former Blue Lions, and Black Eagles class. Leaving Claude and the Investigation Team unaccounted for.

However, as they are discussing the nature behind Sitri’s resurrection and the plans of Lahabrea, they notice something terribly wrong...

—

Outside the Monastery, Present Day...

Byleth walked towards the Monastery alone, the winds blowing back his white hair.

One hand held Sara’s pistol while the other held the Sword of the Creator.

It had been five long years since he saw any members of House Isekai.

He hadn’t even seen the Investigation Team with Claude, even though he knew they were alive.

So much has happened since that first battle at Garreg Mach. He wasn’t even sure what to say when he saw them again.

As he kept walking, he noted something was off.

The wind had just stopped blowing completely.

He looked up into the air and his eyes went wide.

The skies had just went almost completely white.

(Byleth) “Shit.”

He held his weapons tightly and began running towards the Monastery.

...

(Yuki) “U-Um, excuse me.”

Everyone turned to her.

(Megumi) “Yuki-chan? What is it?”

(Yuki) “What time is it?”

Ryuji pulled out his phone and checked.

(Ryuji) “Hm…According to the phone, time in Fodlan’s about 9 in the morning. You forget something to do, Takeya?”

(Yuki) “Should…it be THAT bright outside?”

Everyone paused for a moment before slowly turning to the door behind them.

The outside shone an eerily bright white on the grass, and the wind appeared to stop blowing against the trees.

And the sound of footsteps seemed to be approaching from the main hall.

Megumi got the School-Living Club and Sitri behind her as everyone slowly stood up and reached for their weapons…

The clothes of the Phantom Thieves suddenly switched from their school uniform into their metaverse forms.

(Bernadetta) “Um...D-Don’t your clothes only do that when-?”

(Akechi) “Oh SHIT.”

KABOOOOOM!

[Holminster Switch - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers OST]

The wall exploded into chunks of concrete, monstrous four legged creatures cloaked in white erupting from the main hall and reducing the entrance of the mess hall to rubble.

Albedo, Sebas, and Sara and Darkness jumped to the front, hitting back the debris that was about to hit them.

The monsters’ mouths separated into four jaws, looking something akin to a horribly mutilated dog.

Soldiers began to flood in behind the monsters, drawing their weapons.

(Edelgard) “Damn it, the Church found us!”

(Yuri) “Tch, brought the war right to us, didn’t ya?!”

(Dimitri) “It was going to reach you regardless, now quit complaining and help us kill the angels!”

Edelgard, Yuri, and Dimitri ran forward to meet the soldiers head on.

(Minato) “What’s the plan here?!”

(Kazuma) “WE GET THE HELL OUT, THAT’S WHAT!”

Kazuma motioned the others to himself before trying to head out the exit, before more soldiers started to flood in.

(Felix) “That’s just great!”

(Sitri) “What about the entrance near the lake?!-”

Right as they spun around, more angels blocked the doorway.

(Balthus) “Well, IF IT’S FIGHT THEY WANT!”

(Junpei) “Not sure fighting them head on is our best idea, man!”

(Millium) “Then we’ll make an exit out of here! LAMMY!”

Her golem materialized behind her and charged the soldiers, and with one swipe sent them into the air.

(Megumin) “Think our best bet is to move our butts to Abyss!”

(Sharon) “Very well! We will take point!”

Sharon jumped above everyone and towards the entrance along with Doomguy.

More soldiers were on their way from the direction of the classrooms, forcing Doomguy to pull out an assault rifle.

As he began to unload the gun’s ammo into the Church soldiers, everyone began to retreat.

Edelgard, Dimitri, and Yuri sheathed their weapons and quickly got behind the group running away.

(Church Captain) “DON’T LET THEM ESCAPE!”

The Captain turned to the angels and nodded.

(Church Captain) “Cut them off at all entrances!"

The angels nodded and charged away, leaving the soldiers to pursue the others.

The Phantom Thieves, Machias, Crow, Towa, Aigis, and Doomguy covered everyone as they ran from area to area with their guns, dropping soldier after soldier.

(Machias) “This is absolutely insane! Just how much people did they send after us?!”

(Aigis) “According to my scans, there are currently over a hundred-”

(Towa) “I-I DON’T THINK I WANT TO KNOW THAT NUMBER, AIGIS!”

(Ann) “JUST GO AWAAAAAAAAY!”

(Megumin) “W-Wait a second!”

It was then everyone realized that the group was shooting to kill.

(Kazuma) “The hell?! I thought you guys didn’t ki-”

The fallen soldier’s bodies began to twitch violently as they exploded into pure white winged bats.

(Kazuma) “OKAY, WHAT IN THE FUCK?!”

(Constance) “Keep moving, Kazuma!”

Sharon and Doomguy turned the corner to the entrance of Abyss before Hapi realized something.

(Hapi) “Wait a second, we never saw their bodies do that when we were leaving. Crap, does that mean?-”

Hapi’s question was answered when several more of the white bats flew out of Abyss’s entrance.

An angel was there waiting for them, charging full speed.

(Albedo) “OUT OF THE WAY!”

(Darkness) “EXCUSE ME!”

Albedo in an instant transformed into her black armor and shoved the others out her way, Darkness standing beside her.

They both blocked the monster and shoved them both back into the ground.

Its jaws unhinged and was about to devour them before the two of them drew their weapons and cleaved the side jaws, making it recoil back in pain.

Mercedes, Annette, Linhardt, and Dorothea raised their hands and all cast a fire spell, flying straight into the creature’s mouth and setting it ablaze.

It made an almost ear piercing screech as it inelegantly flopped over, immediately lying dead.

(Linhardt) “Hm, these angels appear to die from our attacks than the one we encountered at Enbarr.-”

(Annette) “D-Don’t think now’s a good time to conduct research, Linhardt!”

(Linhardt) “I’d beg to differ but eh, you’re probably right. Gotta waste our energy escaping.”

Felix, Sylvain, and Ingrid slashed apart the bats following behind them.

(Sylvain) “LESS TALKING, MORE RUNNING!”

(Ingrid) “I don’t think we can get to the stables in time!”

(Felix) “Not gonna help anyway, there’s too many of us to escape on horseback!”

Petra and Ashe shot two out of the air with a bow as Dedue grabbed one and slammed it into the floot.

(Petra) “Then we are hard of pressed for decisions!”

(Ashe) “All the exits are covered by these things right? Then that means they got us surrounded!”

(Dedue) “And going into Abyss seems like a good way for us to get separated and picked off!”

(Bernadetta) “S-SO WE’RE JUST GOING TO BE TRAPPED HERE THEN?!”

(Caspar) “Calm down, Bernadetta! I’m sure we can punch our way outta here!”

(Ferdinand) “Then they will simply follow us! I am not sure we have the stamina to nor the manpower to stave off an entire army!”

(Miki) “Wait a second, what about Valimar?! He can teleport us out of here with that spirit portal thing!”

(Rean) “We’re going to need a huge area for all of us to get teleported!”

(Sitri) “I-If the Cathedral is still here, we could try that!”

(Aqua) “WHAT?! That’s like, the number one spot they would be in!”

(Hubert) “Then we will need to secure the area inside first.”

(Yuuri) “Besides, the Entrance Hall is too dangerous to push towards there, and if we’re out in the courtyard then we’ll be right in the open!”

(Futaba) “Enemies closing in behind us!”

(Fuuka) “More coming from Abyss’s entrance!”

(Pandora’s Actor) “MMMM, IF WE MAKE OUR CHOICE, WE BEST DO IT NOW!”

(Kazuma) “BRIDGE IT IS, MOVE YOUR ASSES PEOPLE!”

...

Byleth cut down the angel blocking the entrance to the Monastery, and shot down any soldier trying to approach him.

The angel began to fade into nothingness before its energy was absorbed into Byleth.

(Soldier) “I-IT’S THE WARRIOR OF DARKNESS!”

(Soldier 2) “GET THE CAPTAIN, WE’LL TRY TO-”

The soldier was interrupted when his head exploded and fell to the floor.

When the other soldier looked back at Byleth, the sword slashed across his chest, sending him flying back.

Their bodies started twitching as Byleth raised a hand towards them.

His hand shot out a wave of a black and purple aura, completely enveloping them.

The bodies had disintegrated completely, leaving no trace of them on the ground.

Byleth saw the path of destruction from the main hall, to the Mess Hall.

After running to the room, he looked at the debris and bodies left in the group’s wake and followed the trail towards the church.

...

(Narberal) “Lord Ainz, the main hall is secure for now!”

The Pleiades and Sharon killed the soldiers inside and collapsed the other entrances leading inside.

(Ainz) “Understood, DEMIURGE, COCYTUS!”

Demiurge opened his hands and flicked his wrists, summoning a massive flame wall in front of the bridge.

Everyone else made it inside, and Cocytus created a freezing mist cloud in front of their entrance, letting ice shoot up into the air forming another wall.

(Cocytus) “IT IS DONE, LORD AINZ.”

(Shalltear) “Get on with it, Schwarzer!”

(Rean) “Right. Heed my call...

VALIMAR, THE ASHEN KNIGHT!”

Valimar stood up from the forests nearby and flew into the air, towards the Monastery.

Byleth finally cut his way to the bridge when he saw several winged bats pick up a specially dressed Church soldier.

(Byleth) “Damn it!”

He aimed the pistol at it and squeezed the trigger.

More bats flew in to intervene and took the bullet, the bat dropping below the bridge. Byleth fired several more shots only to have the same result.

A massive shadow enveloped Byleth, and he spun around with his sword expecting another angel.

Instead, it was Valimar stopping its flying to float next to Byleth.

(Valimar) Instructor Byleth. Please get on.

Valimar held a hand out for Byleth to hop on, to which Byleth responded with a nod.

(Rean) “Valimar, where are you?!”

(Valimar) Awakener, the Instructor is here.

(Rean) “Instructor- Wait, Instructor Byleth?!”

(Minako) “HEY, INCOMING!”

Minato and Minako put their Evokers to their heads and summoned Thanatos, and it casted a massive sphere around them as the ice wall exploded.

From the mist, a massive angel stepped in, roaring and shaking the entire Cathedral.

It had four legs and jaws like the others, but the tail appeared to be some sort of snake-like creature.

(Yuri) “Tsk, must be that captain!”

(Aqua) “Come on, we’ll kick your ass!”

(Edelgard) “This is bad!”

(Albedo) “What do you mean, with all of us here it stands no chance!”

(Akira) “That’s what we thought at Enbarr too!”

(Rean) “We have no idea what the hell’s empowering them, but an ‘Inquisitor’ or whatever turned into one of these, not even Slayer laid a permanent scratch on it!”

(Megumi) “C-Come again?!”

(Bernadetta) “WHAT CHANCE DO WE HAVE THEN?!”

(Ingrid) “If I die today, I die for Faerghus!”

(Hubert) “And I for the Empire!”

(Kazuma) “REAN, WHERE THE FUCK IS YOUR GIANT ROBOT!?”

A massive figure dropped in from the ceiling and landed in front of the angel who was approaching the group.

(Angel) “WHO DARES-...!!! YOU.”

Valimar’s hand went loose as it flew back behind everyone.

(Valimar) Preparing Spirit Portal. Please secure time for me to allow us a safe transportation.

(Byleth’s Voice) “Sara, catch.”

A pistol flew out from the dust and Sara caught it, and a smile grew on her face.

(Sara) “You took your time, didn’t you?”

[Boss Theme #2 - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers OST]

(Sitri) “Byleth...!”

(Futaba) “Cheesy reunion dialogue later, enemies are starting to come from behind!”

(Angel) “I WILL NOT PERMIT THE WARRIOR OF DARKNESS TO INTERFERE ANY LONGER! YOU DIE NOW!”

(Byleth) “I’ll worry about the finishing blow, who’s helping me?”

(Cocytus) “I WILL ASSIST YOU, BYLETH.”

(Sharon) “I as well!”

Doomguy nodded as he threw a few of his smaller guns at the School-Living Club and unsheathed his sword.

(Sara) “Well, looks like this is a good way for the staff to reunite!”

(Angelica) “We’ll join in the fight another time, we’ll take care of our kids!”

(Towa) “Good luck, Instructors!”

Byleth couldn’t remember the last time he smiled. Hearing their voices again brought him a calmness he hadn’t experienced in five years.

He also noted Sitri’s presence with them, but those questions will come later. For now-

The angel roared again, readying its tail.

(Byleth) “With me!”

(Sharon) “Understood!”

(Sara) “Got your back!”

(Cocytus) “FOR THE GLORY OF NAZARICK!”

(Doomguy) “...”

The angel spun around and had its snake-like tail lunge at the five.

Cocytus was the only one not to jump out the way, grabbing it with three of his arms.

It spat poison on the floor, which quickly began to spread into a wide area.

Cocytus stabbed it through its head with the arm holding the halberd and moved aside before the poison could reach him.

(Cocytus) “THE TAIL IS DOWN.”

Doomguy didn’t bother to look at the area he was jumping to as his shoulder cannon fired a grenade behind him, setting the poison ablaze.

He jumped onto the angel, which begun to flail wildly, trying to get him off.

Doomguy jammed his wristblade into it, but couldn’t do anything else other than hold on.

Sara kept its attention by repeatedly shooting it in the face with her pistol, which didn’t seem to do much other than annoy the angel.

Byleth appeared to be doing something with his sword and made it glow a black and purple aura.

(Sharon) “Arcus, activate!”

Sharon smiled and used her wires to wrap around the angel’s legs, making it slower and almost trip.

She dashed from leg to leg at high speeds, using her knife to slice open the parts behind its legs, then pulled the wires closer to her, making them shift into the open wounds.

The angel screamed loudly, flailing even more violently and finally flinging Doomguy off.

The wires broke off which made Sharon frown. It was still moving far too much for her liking.

And just as she expected, the wounds began to heal.

(Sharon) “Master Byleth, I trust you have a solution to our problem?”

Byleth didn’t respond and instead held his hand out, shooting out a wave of dark energy at the creature, making it howl in pain as the wounds suddenly stopped regenerating and caused miniature explosions.

He activated the whip function of the sword as he jumped onto the angel, and swung at the head, dicing many parts into pieces.

(Sara) “Arcus, activate!”

Purple lightning shot back and forth around the angel, slicing off entire limbs with Sara finally appearing where the lightning ended, right in front of the beast.

Byleth jumped off as Doomguy took his place, putting his sword between its neck and slicing downwards, severing the head.

The head was still alive and was about to lunge at Sara with its jaws before Cocytus used the top part of his halberd and impaled it to the floor.

Byleth’s eyes glowed red for a moment before deactivating the whip and looking at the angel.

He raised his hand into the air and began to absorb the light from the angel.

It then was enveloped by a dark aura which covered the floor they were standing in, making everyone take a step back.

When the dark aura disappeared, the angel was completely gone. Even the head Cocytus had impaled left no trace of any gore.

(Cocytus) “HMPH. I CANNOT HELP BUT FEEL A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED AFTER WHAT WAS SAID ABOUT THE LAST ENCOUNTER WITH ONE OF THESE.”

Doomguy shrugged in response as Sharon dusted off her dress.

(Sara) “Well, this one didn’t seem to be an inquisitor. If it weren’t for Byleth, I’m not sure we could’ve killed it.”

She smiled and turned to face him.

(Sara) “Speaking of which-”

That smile went away when she realized Byleth was heavily panting and on one knee.

(Sara) “Crap, Byleth!”

The four ran over to him and helped him up.

(Sara) “Rean, status?”

Rean sliced apart the last bat with his tachi and took a quick look around.

(Rean) “Now’s a great time to go!”

(Valimar) Opening Spirit Portal. Destination required.

(Dimitri) “Take us to Derdriu!”

(Rean) “Right, what Dimitri said!”

(Valimar) Acknowledged. Beginning transport now.

Everyone in the room was quickly teleported away from Garreg Mach.

Soldiers flooded into the room alongside the lesser angels but saw no trace of anyone left.

(Soldier) “W-What happened? I thought the captain was here?”

(Soldier) “Goddess save us...!”

They saw several burn marks on the ground that wasn’t caused by fire. Some of the energy was still emanating off and that's when they came to the conclusion:

(Soldier) “The Warrior of Darkness is with House Isekai!”

Several Agarthans were watching from a distance as the soldiers began to move out of Garreg Mach. The men and women in black robes looked at each other.

(Agarthan) “This is going to be a problem...”

...

Zanado, the Red Canyon, Present Day...

[Sands of Amber - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers]

Hilda yawned as she exited the tent she was sleeping in.

(Hilda) “Ugh, we gotta wake up so early...”

The skies hadn’t even turned blue yet and was still a crimson red over the horizon. Hilda groaned as Marianne exited the same tent and stretched.

(Marianne) “Well, at least we’ll just be exploring today right?”

Hilda rolled her eyes as she picked up her axe.

(Hilda) “Psh, my butt. Claude always says that and it ALWAYS escalates into a skirmish.”

The two walked beside each other as they moved down the resting area and towards the rest of the group.

Naoto and Rise were already up, staring at the same thing.

(Rise) “My Persona still isn’t picking anything up.”

(Naoto) “That can’t be right. Perhaps we need to-...Oh, good morning.”

(Marianne) “Hello. Still nothing?”

(Rise) “Not a thing. I still can’t believe none of us ever noticed this beforehand during the academy!”

(Hilda) “Well, I don’t think it was there to begin with...”

Hilda put her hands on her hips as she examined it.

The Golden Deer and Investigation Team had set up camp to examine a massive tower that went up into the sky, something that definitely wasn’t there before.

Or, maybe it was. Every time they stared at the tower, their memory got a bit fuzzy.

The tower stood out from the rest of the area, looking half natural formation, and half man-made. It had glowing blue lines throughout the entire structure.

Records seemed to indicate it had been there prior, yet earlier in the year when the Houses were sent to this canyon, it wasn’t present. Nor was it present during the previous five years.

Or, at the very least no one was aware of its existence until just recently.

(Marianne) “Perhaps we should wait for everyone else to wake up?”

(Claude) “Wow, Hilda up early. Didn’t think that was possible.”

Claude tossed everyone a canteen of water as he looked up at the tower.

(Hilda) “Speak for yourself! You used to sleep in all the time back in Garreg Mach!”

(Claude) “Well, I like to think I’m a changed man. Though sometimes I wish I hadn’t. Growing up sucks.”

His smile faded as he continued to examine the tower.

(Claude) “...Ugh, looking at this is just giving me a headache.”

(Naoto) “Perhaps this tower is messing with our memories and causing us to perceive things differently?”

(Claude) “Too early to tell, Naoto. And uh, little too early to start conspiring when we haven’t even gone inside the thing yet.”

When he looked at Naoto and Rise, another thing was starting to give him a headache.

They had been here for at least 3 years, yet not a single one of the Investigation Team showed any signs of having aged.

A velvet door appeared next to them with Yu and that strange girl Marie stepping out.

(Yu) “Mornin’.”

(Marie) “...Hey.”

(Rise) “Any luck, senpai?”

(Yu) “No. Margaret, Theodore, Elizabeth, and Lavenza had no idea what it was either.”

Yu held out the sample from the tower and Naoto put it near the crates.

(Marie) “Most we’re really able to tell is it’s definitely from this world. Other than that, Iunno.”

(Claude) “Then we’re really left with the worst plan we got...”

He sighed as he turned to the others.

(Claude) “Let’s get everyone up and grab some grub. After that, we’re going inside.”

Everyone nodded and turned around back to camp. Claude was about to follow them when-

“I see. Right until the very end, I've read this whole thing terribly wrong... All my hopes have fallen to ash...”

Claude first checked his throat. He was positive that he hadn’t spoken, yet...

He then looked behind him, and there was nothing other than a few crates facing the tower.

That was definitely his voice he heard clear as day, but there was no one around him.

(Claude) “The hell...?”

Shaking his head, sure he hadn’t gotten enough sleep and went back with the others.

Town outside Derdriu territory...

[Return of the Night - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers OST]

The townspeople watched from their windows as the massive ball of light began pulsating and eventually flickered out, revealing a group of people they had never seen before materialize into existence.

(Valimar) Apologies Awakener. This is as close as I am able to get.

(Yuri) “Huh? Why can’t you get us into the city directly?”

(Valimar) I cannot teleport anywhere without the magical currents in the area being high enough.

(Kazuma) “So, you just happened to teleport us in the middle of some backwoods town and had us scare the shit out of everyone here?”

(Megumi) “W-What about Byleth? I think he’s injured!”

(Byleth) “N-No, I’m not...just...so...tired.”

Byleth gently shoved off Sara and Doomguy’s arm and stood on his own.

It was then everyone realized what was different about Byleth.

He looked more jaded than anything, but what stuck out most was his white hair.

It was some form of green the last time they saw him, but...

(Byleth) “It’s good to see all of you again.”

Byleth made a weak smile, and Megumi was the first to hug him.

(Megumi) “Thank goodness you’re safe!”

She began to cry as Byleth hugged her back.

(Byleth) “Words cannot describe how relieved I am to see everyone okay.”

(Sara) “Oh come on, don’t start crying too. You might make me tear up too.”

(Rean) “Welcome back, Instructor!”

(Yuuri) “It must have been a long wait, Byleth-sensei!”

(Minato) “It’s only been half a year and that’s already been too long.”

(Minako) “We almost got the whole gang together!”

(Akira) “Nice to see you again.”

Dimitri and Edelgard wanted to say something, but thought it best to keep quiet for now. The Black Eagles and Blue Lions watched the class all speak to each other again.

House Isekai was as close as one could be, and seeing almost everyone reunited was a sight for sore eyes.

It reminded them of a certain missing House that could really make this feel like a proper reunion...

Sitri wiped away some tears, finally getting to see her son all grown up.

Megumi let go and motioned towards Sitri, and the two finally met face to face.

(Sitri) “Hello, Byleth.”

(Byleth) “Si...Sitri?”

She slowly reached out her hands, and Byleth grabbed hers.

Both of them made the same response, their eyes going wide.

(Sitri) “Look at you, hah...You’re all grown up...!”

Some of the group began sniffing and wiping their eyes but the rest smiled as they watched.

(Hapi) “Kiiinda feels like we’re intruding here.”

(Yuri) “Shut up, you’ll ruin the moment.”

(Balthus) “Nah, she doesn’t mean on Byleth and Sitri, dumbass. I meant the fact we’re doing this in the middle of a town.”

(Ainz) “Wait a second, Valimar said that he can only teleport us to areas with high magical energies. What’s so special about this town?”

(???) “Oh nothing. I just made enough energy to where you’ll teleport here.”

[Bedlam’s Brink - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers]

Everyone turned around to see Lahabrea leaning against a nearby building.

Sitri put Byleth behind her as everyone had a hand over their weapons.

(Lahabrea) “Oh, spare me the dramatics, would you?”

He got off the wall and looked at the group standing.

(Lahabrea) “And take a look at this! At...!....A-At...”

Lahabrea was cut off as he reached for his head.

(Kazuma) “...The hell is he-AGH, FUCK!”

Kazuma and his group were the first to reach for their heads, wincing in pain.

The next was the Phantom Thieves, Class VII, the School-Living Club, S.E.E.S, then the denizens of Nazarick.

Byleth and the Blue Lions and Black Eagles quickly followed, leaving Sitri the only one unaffected.

After a few moments, Byleth collapsed to the ground while Lahabrea fell to one knee.

(Sitri) “BYLETH!”

Lahabrea shook it off and looked back up to see everyone slowly recovering.

(Rean) “What...What was that?!”

(Fie) “Ugh, nearly split my head open...”

(Elliot) “Um...W-Was I the only one who heard voices during that?”

(Mare) “You too?!”

(Albedo) “That voice was my own, it was-Ugh...!”

(Yukari) “I don’t remember saying those things at all, yet...”

(Ken) “C-Clear as day? Yeah, same here.”

(Ryuji) “Hey, asshole! What the ‘eff’s going on with...us?”

Lahabrea slowly got up look back at everyone.

(Morgana) “You better have a good explanation of what you did to us!”

(Lahabrea) “...”

(Kurumi) “Tch, what?! Nothing funny to say now? No sass in ya all of a sudden?!”

(Emma) “Guys, he’s not alone!”

Everyone looked at Emma then back at Lahabrea who was still standing there, staring at them.

(Kazuma) “Sold us out to the Agarthan’s didn’t you?! Made them put shit in our heads!”

(Darkness) “You will pay for that, fiend!”

She was the first to draw her weapon, and the rest followed suit.

(Ainz) “Hang on a moment.”

Ainz finally took the time to scan Lahabrea with a magic detection spell.

As he was doing so, Megumi stepped forth.

(Megumi) “You’re putting a lot of time into people you’re supposed to hate. No more dodging the question, who are you, and why are you so invested in us fighting the Church and the Those who Slither?!”

(Minato) “Give us another stupid answer, and you won’t like what happens!”

...

(Lahabrea) “...They deserve to know.”

(Everyone) ?

(Lahabrea) “...Yes, I know what might happen if we do.”

(Towa) “Why is he just talking to himse-”

It was then Towa noticed the faces on Emma and Aqua. Megumin was quick to notice what she was looking at and caught on.

(Megumin) “Eh? Aqua?”

Kazuma had the same face as well. Akira, Morgana, Minato, Minako, all of Nazarick, Doomguy, and Sitri included.

(Edelgard) “What’s happening to them?”

(Dimitri) “Can someone give an explanation or-”

(Kazuma) “What. The. Fuck.”

[More than Truth - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers]

(Sothis?) “...Hello, everyone.”

She awkwardly rubbed the back of her head.

(Sothis?) “I forgot that not everyone can see me.”

Sothis had appeared next to Lahabrea, though she was wearing slightly more ragged and darker clothes.

Compared to the normal Sothis, she had a dark red dress and looked slightly older and more tired, but it was still undoubtedly Sothis.

(Albedo) “What sort of trickery is this?!”

(Emma) “S-Sothis was infused into Byleth such a long time ago! How are you here?”

(Aqua) “No...No! You’re not Sothis! This is some sort of magic that-”

(Lahabrea) “Would the Agarthans really go through the lengths to make an exact copy of Sothis that only certain offworlders can see, Aqua?”

By the tone of his voice, he had dropped any pretense of disguising his voice.

He took a deep sigh and shook his head.

(Lahabrea) “No...You and all of House Isekai have every right to doubt our motives.”

(Yuki) “T-That voice...”

Everyone started listening closely and realized what Yuki was hearing.

(Lahabrea) “Good, I can end this charade. Felt annoying as hell to keep up.”

Lahabrea reached for his mask and slowly took it off, putting the hood down and revealing his full face.

Everyone lowered their weapons, some gasped while some held their breath.

Sharon’s smile had went away a while ago but this was the first time anyone had seen her shocked.

Doomguy took off his helmet for a brief moment to make sure his visor wasn’t acting up, and saw the look of utter confusion on his face as well.

(Lahabrea?) “Sothis, go ahead and make yourself visible to everyone.”

Sothis nodded and did as he asked, making most of everyone jump.

(Sitri) “You’re...also Byleth? How is that possible?!”

(Kazuma) “Hey, don’t fall for it! The Agarthans did some crazy shit with Monica and Thomas way back! This has got to be the same thing now!”

(Sothis?) “Kazuma, it’s-”

Sothis floated towards Kazuma, but everyone quickly went back on guard.

(Kazuma) “Back off, asshole! You aren’t Sothis! This is some really clever trick so you can stab us in the back!”

Lahabrea looked at the Sword of the Creator and grabbed it.

(Alisa) “S-SITRI! GET AWAY FROM HIM!”

Megumi got in front of Sitri and stretched her arms wide.

Lahabrea motioned a hand upwards, motioning them to wait.

(Crow) “Nice try, that thing only responds to people with a crest of!-”

The sword glowed in response, activating in the exact same way as if Byleth held it.

(Crow) “...Flames...”

(Ainz) “Everyone...That is Byleth and Sothis.”

(Lahabrea?) “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at this reaction...”

He looked among the group, but all he felt were the eyes of complete strangers.

(Sothis?) “I told you this would’ve happened...”

(Lahabrea?) “I promise, I will answer any question you have. For now, let’s get to Derdriu and get your Byleth some rest.”

(Rean) “...Fine.”

Rean was the first to sheathe his Tachi, and Valimar stood up and began to walk with him.

Class VII eventually followed, then the rest of the group.

(Lahabrea?) “...”

(Sothis?) “I told you they wouldn’t remember us. They never do.”

(Lahabrea?) sigh “...I know, Sothis. I know.”

He put on his mask and hood again and followed behind everyone, Sothis floating behind.

(Lahabrea) “Hopefully in due time, they’ll remember us.”

PART 4: END

---

[Escape - Darling in the FranXX OST]

The forecasted rain wets us

What should I say to you, as you tremble? My soaked blazer is cold and heavy

I feel as helpless as a chick who’s left its cage. I felt that my dreams were on the other side of the heavy clouds

I digested only the sweet pain that spread in my chest

I wonder if it’d be better if I’d never met you

Hey, I can’t even see the stars

Hey, my tears won’t fall either

---

EPILOGUE:

The first thing anyone would notice stepping into the Hearing Chamber was that it was a blinding white.

The floors, the wall, and even the guards were dressed head to toe in white, with gold accents highlighting the armor and edges of the room.

Catherine never liked this room much, but whatever made Rhea happy. She guessed.

Catherine knelt down before Rhea, joined in by Alois, Shamir, Seteth, Flayn, and Cyril.

(Cyril) “Lady Seiros, the Warrior of Darkness has made a reappearance at Garreg Mach Monastery.”

(Rhea) “And?”

(Cyril) “...He has rejoined House Isekai. It would seem that this third party is making its move.”

Rhea frowned and looked back at her loyal subjects.

(Rhea) “Then we will make ours as well. Do not fail me, Inquisitors...”

...

Claude took a deep breath, opening the door to the tower.

The Golden Deer and the Investigation Team stood behind him, weapons at the ready.

(Yosuke) “Dude, you REALLY didn’t have any other plan than just walk through the front door?”

(Teddie) “This is a very terrible idea!”

(Leonie) “...No bear pun?”

(Teddie) “NO, CAUSE THIS IS A TERRIBLE PLAN!”

(Chie) “Daaamn, didn’t think I’d ever hear that!”

(Lorenz) “I, for once, agree with Teddie.”

(Lysithea) “And I didn’t think I’d hear THAT.”

(Yu) “Everyone keep quiet and...listen...?”

“You’re not me!” “The dreams of men don't amount to much. Sorry, but... it's up to you now.”

The voices flooding in gradually grew louder and louder, everyone being able to recognize their voice as they stood there.

(Claude) “What in the hell did we just find...?!”

...

Everyone continued walking towards Derdriu silently, unable to make words of any kind after what they just saw.

Lahabrea and Sothis continued to stay behind, unable to approach any of them.

(Sothis?) “So, what do you plan to tell them when they ask?”

(Lahabrea?) “The truth. They deserve to know everything...Even everything that I’ve done.”

He looked at his hand and clenched it into a fist.

(Lahabrea?) “...How many years have come and gone, since that day, Sothis?”

Looking back up, he saw House Isekai, the Black Eagles, and Blue Lions standing side by side.

(Lahabrea?) “How many years have we waited for this moment?”

Sitri was next to Byleth with the Pleiades carrying him.

(Lahabrea?) “For the House that stood alone against the storm?”

(Sothis?) “I suppose you’re not wrong. What about the Sothis of this time?”

(Lahabrea?) “I’m sure she’s watching us as we speak.”

Lahabrea’s attention turned to Sitri.

(Lahabrea?) “Even if they don’t know it.”

ACT 1: ENDED

[Shadowbringers - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers OST]

One brings shadow, one brings light Two-toned echoes tumbling through time

Threescore wasted, ten cast aside Four-fold knowing, no end in sight

One brings shadow, one brings light One dark future no one survives

On their shadows, away we fly

The road that we walk

Is lost in the flood

Here proud angels bathe in

Their wages of blood

At this, the world's end, do we cast off tomorrow

One brings shadow, one brings light To this riddle all souls are tied

Brief our moments, brazen and bright Forged in fury, tempered in ice

Hindmost devils, early to rise Sing come twilight, sleep when they die

Heaven's banquet leavened with lies Sating honor, envy, and pride

One brings shadow, one brings light

Run from the light

Authors of our fates

Orchestrate our fall from grace

Poorest players on the stage

Our defiance drives us straight to the edge

A reflection in the glass

Recollections of our past

Swift as darkness, cold as ash

Far beyond this dream of paradise lost

HOME

RIDING HOME

DYING HOPE HOLD ONTO HOPE

HOME

RIDING HOME

HOME, RIDING HOME HOPE, FINDING HOPE

One brings shadow, one brings light One more chapter we've yet to write

Want for nothing, nothing denied Wand'ring ended, futures aligned

One brings shadow, one brings light One brings shadow, one brings light

You are the light

We fall

We fall unto the end

ONE WORLD’S END (The end)

OUR WORLD’S END (The end)

WE (Our world)

END (We won’t end)

I am shadow, I am the light

#House Isekai #House Isekai Shadowbringers #fanfic #crossover #byleth eisner #fire emblem three houses imagines #sothis #akira kurusu #minato arisato #minako arisato #satou kazuma #aqua #ainz ooal gown #dimitri alexandre blaiddyd #Edelgard von Hresvelg #Claude von Riegan #yu narukami #megumi sakura #yuri leclerc

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