#but like. both askr siblings are so. they put their entire hearts into everything. and i think alfonse previously

[moe-broey]

Ooooh!!!!!! I think you captured exactly what I was trying to illustrate, and then some!!!! I also think it's especially significant when you consider Alear specifically, and their relationship with the Emblems.... they have had the rings taken from them, yes. They've had to get them back. But, for the majority of the game, Alear never has to permanently lose them (I say majority cause.... I........ still haven't finished Engage........ I'm really late game though, just recruited Veyle for an idea of where I am LMFAO)

Meanwhile when Bruno had to leave, that was something that changed the nature of Alfonse's relationship with him then onwards. Which almost feels like a permanent change (and well. You know. The other thing that would permanently change the relationship with Bruno).

Though I don't wanna get too tangled in the details cause I think you put it really well, especially factoring in how Bruno and Veronica are also so close to home too (making them a more consistent presence). There's something else that occurred to me too when it comes to Kiran though!

Canonically, Kiran is an amnesiac. They remember their world, details of it, they remember their name. But any details of their personal life and what they may or may not have left behind, they have no memory of. This, paired with suggestions that no one really Knows How to get to Kiran's world, may have also subconsciously been a comfort for Alfonse. I don't think he'd Like to feel that way if he was aware of it, and I do think he's still thinking of Kiran's well-being and desires. He's still thinking of "Finding a way to your world. We can go there together".

But what I'm thinking here, is how there's no actual outside pressure right now FOR Alfonse to think on it more than just a "what if" and "maybe someday". There's also a possibility that Kiran doesn't Have anything or anyone to return to. That maybe, Kiran would enjoy living in Askr more anyway. But beyond any speculation, the fact of the matter is Kiran isn't actively Searching for a way to go home. That, paired with their presence and familiarity, may have eased Alfonse into letting his guard down more (whether or not he was aware of it).

MEANWHILE. In another realm. I've revisited Alear's FB's

I FEEL LIKE. Alfonse's problem isn't so much that he's emotionally guarded, despite, you know, being extremely emotionally guarded. It's that He Isn't. Like. At the same time.

Consistently, without fail, Alfonse puts himself in situations where he's amicable and helpful. Their C support consists of Alfonse helping Alear see to her own odds and ends, having been brought to Askr with nothing but the clothes on her back. A common situation! He gets her a ring case to put all her rings in. So here, he's helping. And when Alear shows him the rings, and tells him the lore/significance of the rings, he takes an interest -- because of course he would! That sort of thing is right up his alley. And so he's not only amicable enough to be approachable, he's also showing interest in the things she's interested in, and having a spirited conversation about it.

Their B support consists of more of the same, just getting into the details of how Emblems work. HE DOESN'T REALIZE IT YET. But he's bonding with Alear. This goofy ass motherfucker doesn't realize this is literally how friendships are formed. Like I'm convinced he's thinking they're just talking lore and stuff and it's a casual conversation between casual allies and surely nothing emotionally charged will come out of this. He's just being friendly (without NECESSARILY becoming Friends) and there's nothing more to it, there Will be nothing more to it.

A support.

She voices A Problem. TWO things about Alfonse. 1) He was built in a lab to be a fixer (juries still out on his methods/solutions) and 2) He takes things SO personally when he relates to it. PVP enabled he's going to fucking get your ass about it. He is sooooooooo emotionally distant Up Until you fucking provoke him (AND THIS. ISN'T EVEN ENTIRELY TRUE. BC WHAT HE DOESN'T REALIZE IS GENUINELY BONDING OVER SHARED INTERESTS COUNTS TOWARDS BECOMING INVESTED IN THAT PERSON which is HOW he ended up in The Situation in the FIRST PLACE).

Which leads to him "helping" (POORLY.) (Because in all of this he IS still wired to help people)

Which just pisses him off even MORE, believing he has the Correct and Inevitable perspective and desperately wants to get Alear to see it the same way, doubling down.

(Bro I am going to hit image limit again before even making my point..... AUGH)

Alear's next lines, "That's true, but won't keeping my distance mean I appreciate them less while I have them?" / "Is that how you see your relationships with Heroes? With me?" / "No matter how much time we spend together, you'll always keep me at arm's length for when I have to go?"

Here, I think Alear is expressing to him she already sees him as her friend. I don't think Alfonse picks up on it though, trying again to get her to see his side of the issue -- as if, in his mind, they're just debating and not having an emotional conversation.

Alfonse's next lines: "Consider it from my perspective. If I am too attached to you, and you leave, I could lose my will to fight." (ALFONSE. ALFONSE. COME ON MAN.) (LIKE. Idk man if you're saying shit like that I think it's too late. It's so over for you.)

THIS ONE THOUGH. I THINK. PLEASE staywith me but it is the root of it all

Euden's (named Milo here lmfao Milo jumpscare) next line: "Do you not feel the same way about us?"

Alfonse's lines: "My apologies, but no. The forming of friendships is a thing I don't take lightly." / "It's true that I rely on the assistance of Heroes summoned from different worlds when fighting, but that is wholly different."

Alfonse lines (continued): "I have a duty, and can't afford such hurt. So if I grow close to someone, I do so accepting the potential consequences."

AAAAUGHHHH WHAT IS MY THESIS. WHAT THE FUCK AM I TALKING ABOUT. I HAVE MORE CONNECTIONS TO MAKE. AND FOR WHAT‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️

SOMEHOW. His Book 1 (p sure they're from Book 1) lines to Kiran that go, "I suppose we don't know much about your world. And how rude of us to not ask until now!" / "What? Your world has buildings that scrape the sky? And what do you mean by 'cars'?" / "Like wagons... that run without horses... and are made out of metal? Fascinating." <- THESE LINES. Combined with his smiling sprite. TO ME are a direct parallel to his C and B Alear conversations, HOW, he's taking an interest in Kiran and without realizing he's growing a fondness for them.

Something SOMETHING about his cognitive dissonance about how he can be friendly without "being friends", how he's afraid of caring too much when it's clear he already cares at least a little ESPECIALLY SHOWN. In how, Alfonse doesn't realize he could have hurt Alear's feelings until she directly states it: "I understand. Still... it makes me sad."

ONLY THEN he gets his panicked(?) sprite, replying, "I apologize for upsetting you." It's here I think he finally realizes, OH. THIS IS. An emotional conversation and not like a debate of ideals and I feel bad for hurting you. BECAUSE!!!!!!!! HE'S COME TO CARE ABOUT ALEAR!!!!!!!!! IN ALL OF THIS!!!!!!!!! Whether he's fully aware of it or not, whether he LIKES it or not, he cares about her feelings and wants to make it right. Into, expressing (again that PVP "Well I took that personally" reaction he has): "I suppose it's just that, when you talk about the Emblems, how you worry, I feel as if I'm hearing my own voice."

Which S support, sets up for a resolution and mutual understanding peace and love all is well with the world 👍

ALSO the parallel to Euden, since this is the very start of what would be analogous to support conversations (side story content unlocked by powering up the character), Euden takes Alfonse's response to him in stride -- since, there's no real emotional stakes. Aside from, Euden wishing they could be friends (since he's just built like that), but ultimately giving Alfonse space and respecting his feelings about it. The Point: While they've been working together, Alfonse hasn't Quite developed that fondness yet I don't think (esp from what I remember from the main plot of the crossover event, which is next to nothing LMFAO). It develops later!!!!!!

If I hadn't hit image limit I would insert the What the FUCK are you two talking about meme here like. What the fuck AM I talking about. Can someone else make this post actually I don't think I'm qualified 😭😭😭😭😭😭

MAIN POINT.

I look at Alfonse and I go I think I hauve covid.

[yukiwrites]

Corrin, Inconsolable

Thank you for the support as always, @xpegasusuniverse! I-I'm not crying, you are...

Summary: Prince Corrin had heard about Flora's situation from Felicia before he met with his counterpart, Princess Corrin. Meeting the maid that had died in his own world alive and well in Askr had been a shock, but nothing would be able to compare to the moment when he met Elise and Xander again...

Commission info HERE and HERE!

__________________________

After Corrin met with his female self in Askr, his comings and goings in that world felt both natural and forced at the same time. It was always a breath of fresh air; to be able to hold her hand and confide in her the feelings she also had deep in her heart, as both of their regrets were the same.

They never spoke of any specifics -- it would hurt too much to mention the names of those they had lost, but each of them instinctively knew everything that had happened in the other’s world. That was why they never talked about their loved ones. The ones they lost.

It would be too painful to realize that the ones Corrin had saved in his own world were the ones who died in his sister’s world. It would only deepen his regret -- to know that if he had taken another path, his current family would all be dead.

And it would be by his own hand.

He didn’t speak of his own losses to Corrin, either, especially after hearing through the grapevine to whom she had married.

He felt like his stomach churned as he thought about all of the possibilities -- about all of the things that he could have done to save everyone. Now, after reuniting with her, Corrin felt that he could have guided his younger self into a path of understanding.

But what good was knowing that, now, after everything was over?

What good was having this newfound strength of meeting the one with the same pain as him if that wouldn’t bring back the ones he lost?

Lost in thought, Corrin didn’t notice someone approach him. He absent-mindedly sat at a corner of the central training ground after having finished his rounds for the day, only noticing the person approaching when they blocked the sun.

“Oh. My. Goodness. He truly is utterly adorable.” A voice Corrin knew too well spoke in a tone so full of love that he felt like he had been thrown back in time. Blinking, the prince looked up to the friendly princess in front of him.

“Big- sister…?” Corrin croaked out, his heart beating in a different rhythm than usual, making him gasp for breath.

It had been so long since Camilla had looked at him with such a warm gaze.

Back home, she had given Leo the throne, leaving the royal affairs entirely to him. She never abandoned her little brother, but she gave up her title and simply lived as a free woman.

Corrin was the one who had taken everything from her. He had led the war to knock on her door and rob her of everything-

“I always knew my little Corrin was the best, but having a little boy Corrin isn’t half bad, either!” Camilla spoke with a bubbly voice, unceremoniously hugging the prince within her chest. “His hair feels exactly the same, too! Come, Leo, come touch!”

Unable to react, Corrin’s eyes shook inside the embrace he had dearly missed. He choked on his own lack of air as he heard a sigh that he was well acquainted with.

“Hahh, Big Sister, Corrin isn’t a pet.” Leo approached from behind Camilla, patting her arm so she would let go -- which she didn’t, by the way. “Look, you’ve shocked him.”

Camilla pouted, squeezing Corrin in her arms just one more time before letting go. “How is it that you don’t understand how adorably lovely it is to have a boy Corrin at the same time we have our little girl Corrin at home?”

Leo coughed. “It’s not that I don’t understand the novelty of having two Corrins in our family, but we should exert caution in dealing with him, big sister. He’s our brother, but at the same time, not.”

The coldness of Leo’s ending words made Corrin’s heart go back to normal. That was the usual tone he had been dealing with after the end of the war.

Letting out a shaky breath, Corrin looked up at the duo from his seat. “Um, so you’re from her world, yes?”

The princess held back a squeal as she pinched Corrin’s cheek. “Even his voice is adorable.”

Meanwhile, Leo shook his head with a groan. “Indeed. In our world, our Corrin is a woman. She talked about you briefly, so we decided to meet you ourselves.”

“And I regret not doing this sooner!” Camilla added with a sweet voice, making Corrin’s heart falter. He didn’t even know what kind of expression he was making at that moment. Was he shocked? Was he happy? Was- was he going to cry?

Perhaps noticing the hurricane of emotions in his face, Camilla shifted her hand from his cheek to the back of his neck, pulling him into a warm, kind embrace.

“Elise has been dying to meet you, you know.” She said in a low voice, feeling his entire body go stiff. “Do you want to meet her?”

Leo had planned to demand answers from this strange yet familiar Corrin before this meeting. He wanted to ask him what drove him to choose THEM instead of their own family, but seeing how much the dragon prince reacted to simply meeting them; he couldn’t. Although they were of a different gender, this Corrin and the one from Leo’s world were still one and the same.

He sometimes saw how princess Corrin sometimes put up an act to better lead them. He knew she suffered with the choice she had made.

This Corrin was no different. He was struggling to come to terms with his choice.

“... She’s been pestering Xander to teach her how to use a sword, lately.” Leo said in the end, following Camilla’s lead as Corrin remained stiff in shock. “Something about meeting Ike’s sister.”

Corrin opened and closed his mouth in Camilla’s embrace, slowly pulling away to look them in the eyes, his own face so pale one would think he would pass out on the spot. “Elise… and Xander…”

Smiling, Camilla patted her little brother’s head. “Indeed. Shall we go? They’re not far from here.” She slid her hand to Corrin’s shoulder and arm, taking his hand into hers.

He was cold. So cold.

She felt him shivering and gulping.

“Y-yes,” Corrin nodded weakly, his throat so dry he couldn’t even gulp. “Let’s go.”

Leo scowled as he looked at the scene, his heart being pricked by guilt. He wanted to suspect this Corrin so much, but when he reacted like that...

They walked in silence as Camilla led the way, with Corrin’s hand in hers. Leo walked one step behind them as though to watch them, but in the end decided to walk alongside Corrin, if only to give him the comfort he needed at that moment.

Corrin looked down the whole way, somehow unable to lift his eyes and meet the warm gaze of the family he had left in the past. He licked his lips to wet his dry mouth, but it was never enough -- he was so nervous he felt his entire body dry up.

He felt his steps echo in the wide hall as they made their way through the corridor towards the western training ground -- and Corrin heard it before he saw it.

He heard a voice he had missed for so long he immediately looked up.

The first thing he saw was Elise’s small back.

She was so tiny. So pitifully small. Yet, her conviction was as tall as a mountain as she threw herself in front of her brother’s blade to protect her ideals. She, perhaps, was stronger than anyone Corrin had ever known -- and he wasn’t even able to protect her.

A small, pure and wonderful creature as her. He couldn’t protect her.

He saw her small back hunch over and hold the wooden sword sloppily, aiming it at the mountain in front of her.

Xander.

Corrin’s blood ran cold.

“If you swing your sword without conviction, there is no way you will hit your target!” His voice felt like thunder in corrin’s ears, so loud it was as though they were cramped in a small room instead of a wide ground.

He saw Xander lift his sword as though in slow motion. He saw it, frame-by-frame, as the sword went up, as darkness surrounded their very beings in an image he had known far too well.

In a image he still saw in his nightmares no matter how many times he tried to forget it.

He saw Xander lifting Siegfried, ready to strike Corrin down, when Elise-

“NO!” Corrin huffed, fighting against the resistance of time and space, running towards that small back he had failed to protect. “ELISE! No, please!” He cried out, hugging the little girl in his arms as he jumped out of Xander’s way. He rolled on the sandy ground with Elise safe in his arms as his body shook. “I won’t let you die again… I’ll protect you this time, I’ll!” he sniffled, not realizing how hard he had been crying.

“Eh? Eh?!” Confused, Elise looked like a rabbit caught in a trap as her big, round eyes looked around in shock. “Big Siste… Wait, Big Brother Corrin?!”

Her words dug deep into Corrin’s heart in a way that nothing Camilla and Leo did could compare. A sweet, jovial voice that called him with boundless love.

The little girl that died right in front of his eyes.

Corrin sobbed. “Elise! Oh, Elise…”

“Corrin?” Xander stuck his wooden sword on the hard ground, walking with heavy steps towards the long lost siblings. “What is the meaning of this-”

“...!” The prince widened his eyes, feeling his heart being crushed with but the sound of Xander’s voice calling his name.

Askr was such a cruel place.

It was dangerous; to be able to meet the source of his regret like that without any kind of warning.

“Ah…!” Corrin let go of Elise as though he had burned himself, quickly scurrying away as though a wounded animal. “F-forgive me,” he hiccuped as a stream of tears rolled down his cheeks. “Forgive me!” He turned on his heel and ran.

He ran, the weight of the voices he so longed for called that his name making his feet wobble. Still, he ran as fast as he could -- and he was always one to outrun his siblings.

“Corrin…” He huffed, tears and sweat staining his face. “Corrin!” he called for the only one who could understand his pain; the only one whom he knew would be with him through this nightmare.

Askr was a cruel place.

How foolish it was to think that it might’ve brought him an ounce of peace; when he was just an arm’s length away from meeting the ones that died by his hand. Meeting them and receiving their warm gazes as though nothing had happened -- as though they were still his family, as though they were still…!

“Corrin!” he wailed, running without destination, his body begging for comfort.

He knew in his head that he should know where to look for her, but his mind was so chaotic he was even blaming himself for not being able to think straight. Why couldn’t he simply think? Why was he running around yelling his own name as though he could summon his sister? Why couldn’t he look at this situation more naturally like Felicia had done?

Why why why why why?

Why didn’t he choose to stay with them? Why didn’t he think of a way to coexist? Why didn’t he-

Why didn’t he die before killing the ones who had raised him so lovingly?

It hurt so much. It hurt so, so much. It hurt to live. It hurt to bear this regret that dragged his every step. How could he ever face the ones he had turned his back on with a smile, like they had done to him? He could never! He… he could never.

Even though he had finally found comfort in this strange world, the agony of knowing the consequences of the choices he didn’t make was unbearable. He couldn’t do this on his own.

It was such a burden. Such, such a great burden.

“Corrin…!” He sniffled, his eyes widening once he laid them upon the silver hair much akin to his own.

The princess turned her head at the call of her name, widening her eyes right away once she saw the state her counterpart was in. “Corrin!” She gasped, running to him with open arms and fresh tears in her eyes, as though she felt his exact same pain.

The prince all but tackled the princess, digging his face into her shoulder as his dry throat racked itself to let out soundless cries.

Askr was a cruel place. But it was at least the only place where he could meet his other self like this and share their burdens.

His tears now had a place to fall.

[iturbide]

Crest Control Edelgard in Heroes

(CheeseAndCake here) You asked for Crest Control Edelgard in Askr, so here she is! My brain does not like being quiet, apparently. I want you to know that this is your responsibility now, Enjoy! (I also have no idea if this will work, so heres to hoping for the best.)  

Note: The things Edelgard says/thinks are things she thinks are true, that doesn’t mean she 100% perfectly understands her past self. 

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The former Emperor blinked as her surroundings disappeared and reshaped in a flash of light. What was- 

Just a second ago, she was entering Queen Ivanna’s office to deliver news, and now she was standing at an altar, with a hooded figure in front of her, and no idea what was going on. She was still wearing her black dress with pink highlights, with her armour over said dress, hair still done up in a bun, and still holding her dagger, so if this was an ambush, it was poorly planned. She was pretty sure the Texts guarded by the church never mentioned this, and-

“Greetings, hero, welcome to the world of Ask.” The figure began, nodding their hood, “I am Kiran, the summoner who called you forth. This world is under attack, and in desperate need of aid, will you fight with us?”

“I am no hero,” She responded,  knowing that anyone that referred to her as hero must not know about her earlier life, before she fought Those Who Slither, or have a gross misunderstanding of what heroes are, “But if you need my aid, I shall give it. I am Edelgard.” 

That didn’t mean she trusted them, but if they were being honest, she would give her aid.

Kiran nodded, “Very well, welcome to the Order of Heroes. Here, different people are summoned across space and time, so you may run into people you know, or… other versions of yourself.”

 That was… the last thing she needed, but she nodded anyway, and Kiran led her to what would be her chambers. This was a war. She knew war.  

She nearly tried to sit Kiran’s throat when she thought heard a nearby child scream, but after a moment she realised the child- who she could see had green hair and wings now that she was closer- was laughing, as an older woman who looked similar to her smiled in response.

“You recruit children to your order?” She asked. She didn’t how dragon children aged, truely- there weren’t any dragon’s left when she escaped, after what she did- but she knew only children laughed like that. She made a mental note to talk to them later and ask about their beliefs and traditions, since there weren’t any dragons in Ivanna’s army, and it would be important to know.  

Kiran sighed, “I cannot control who I summon, or from what time I do. Sometimes, they are children. I don’t let them fight, but they can stay if they want.” 

She didn’t ask why they would want to stay in a country at war. If she had the opportunity as a child, she would have grabbed it with both hands. 

“When it’s over, will they be sent back to where they were taken from?” If enough time passed…

“Yes, they’re sent back to the same place, without any time passing, but they keep their memories.” Ah, that’s… not the best, for the children in a bad position, but at the very least, no one will panic about her disappearance. 

It was only when she turned a corner and saw a version of herself, not wearing any black, but an Emperor’s red and a horned crown, that she realised how bad this would be. A nightmare. This was a nightmare. But she’s lived longer than most, and she knows how to push down the familiar feeling of dizziness, and focus on following the white cloaked figure up the stairs.

She makes it to the second floor before she empties the contents of her stomach. 

Kiran was yelling something, but she didn’t completely hear it. Something about a bad reaction to seeing counterparts? 

Before she knew it, someone was leaning over her speaking in a deep voice.. It was only after a few breaths that she understood the words, and looked at the face of the person who came to comfort her, “-completely fine that you had a bad reaction, lots of worlds branch off, and- Edelgard?” 

“Dimitri?” For a moment, she wondered if the stress finally broke her before she dismissed it. If it did, Dimitri would look like he did on the Tailtean Plains. He wouldn’t be so calm, wearing royal armour, or missing an eye. 

“Which timeline are you from?” Kiran asked, voice breaking through her thought process and they helped her sit away from her vomit.

 “‘Timeline?’” 

“Ah, right. Each hero comes from their own individual world. In some worlds, different people won the war of Fodlan.” Kiran explained with a shrug, as apparently this was a common occurrence. 

She turned to Dimitri, “I’m assuming that in your world, you won the war?” He nodded, wincing.

“Then I guess congratulations are in order.” Edelgard continued, giving a short bow before a thought struck her. “Tell me, what was the fate of- Professor Byleth in your world?”

“They became Archbishop of the church of Serios.” Dimitri responded, starting to look concerned, but she didn’t care. That Byleth didn’t follow her, and Those Who Slither would have destroyed the church if they had a pawn in such a high position, which meant…

There was a world where Byleth lived their own life. Free.

She pushed aside any bitterness that it wasn’t her world that had that Byleth. She played her own part in what happened, and now all she could do was move forward. 

“Did I join you, or die?” Now Dimitri was openly staring at her, and she quickly schooled her expression into something more neutral. 

Dimitri glanced down, and in that moment, he looked exhausted. “You… died, El.”

She winced at the old name, “Please don’t call me that.” Her death really wasn’t a surprise. She knew how stubborn she was in the past, and how stubborn she can still be.

“I would apologise for all the heartache I put you through,” she began, standing up straight, “but we both know an apology won’t fix anything. I can only try to make it right with my actions.”

“It won’t fix anything,” Dimitri agreed, his single eye almost looking into her soul, “It’s start, though.” 

“…I’m… sorry, for everything.” The words felt like lead in her mouth, but once they’re out, she didn’t feel any lighter.  

“Thank you.” He sounded sincere, and that just make it worse. 

“Don’t thank me. Not for this.” 

————————————

It’s later, when she was directed towards a woman named Kagero after a few questions, that she thought about what she was about to do. 

She knew herself well enough to understand she only had one chance at it, and if she ruins it, would take much more time and effort to reach the same goal.

Her past self did have a very narrow mind view, so presentation would be half the battle. 

She looked at the small drink offered with a bone deep wariness, and asked “Is the drink alcoholic?”

“Yes,” The ninja- who was currently dressed as a maid- nodded as she cleaned one of the glasses, “I can get a different one if you want.”

“No, thank you, I’m going to need this.” She drank the entire thing in a few gulps, willing for the contents of the glass to give her confidence and numb any pain that would come. 

“Don’t let me have any more,” Edelgard said as she passed the glass back to the server. “I’m going to need a clear head for this.”

“Working together with an enemy for your world?” The ninja asked, as if it was something that happened every week.

“Something like that.”

—————————————

“In my world, Those Who Slither won.” That was all she needed to say to quiet her student self enough to listen. Despite all the time that passed, and everything that happened, Edelgard still knew how to stand and speak like a ruler, and she used every lesson she learned into what she had planned to say here.

“They won, because my war created instability instead of destroying it. Afterwards, they took me back to that godforsaken dungeon and continued their experiments. You know, when we were younger, they needed to keep us alive.” She didn’t bother trying to hide her bitter smile, “They didn’t need to keep us alive this time, so they didn’t restrain themselves.”

It wasn’t a kind thing to say, but Edelgard wasn’t kind. Kindness didn’t win battles, but violence didn’t win hearts. 

“Do you know, why, in the end, they failed?” She continued before her student self could interject, ignoring any memories or emotions that surfaced, “Because Dimitri’s cousin and Claude came back to Fodlan- after years of hiding- to help the people. If we killed them that night in the forest, I never would have escaped. I would have died just another nameless experiment.”  

 The ‘like our siblings’ goes unsaid, and Edelgard wondered if her younger self even heard it.

“You still think it’s a fairy-tale where the fight will be the hardest part, but war… War will be the easiest thing you’ll ever do. The most natural thing you’ll ever do. We grew up on the stories of freedom through violence, of Nemesis and Serios. We have enough resources to sit upon a throne without thinking about who died for it. We’ve been exposed to bloodshed since we were a child, so killing will be easy. Being remembered will be easy.” 

Because at the end of the day, that was all her past self was: a child who wanted to be strong and free like Nemesis. The church was the most visible cage, so it was the first one she tried to destroy.

Edelgard looked her past self in the eye, making sure that if nothing, she heard these words. “Building something after you destroy everything will be impossible for you, because you don’t even know what will come after. You haven’t even thought of it.” 

It didn’t take a mind reader to know she’s shaken the girl, but it only took a moment for her past self to deny it.

“You’ve clearly been corrupted by them, if you believe that humanity won’t be able to build themselves up once the church is gone!” Her past self had a fierce look in her eyes, and she knew at this moment the conversation wouldn’t get anywhere.

“Maybe I have,” Edelgard agreed easily, because she never did find out what it was like to have her free will taken from her. Maybe it felt like you were in control, maybe you were aware the entire time, unable to call for help, maybe it felt like you were half asleep.

She hoped that it was the last option, because if it wasn’t she didn’t know what she would do, but she knew better than to hope.

“But I’ll ask you this:” She continued, because her past self might not bother looking for anything that will change her view, but Edelgard knew her past self’s fears and hopes, and she knows just how stubborn she can be. “Do you honestly think that every act in history was created or twisted by dragons? You claim that humanity is strong, but then claim that they have no agency.

“I’m not foolish enough to try and convince you otherwise.” Edelgard turned to leave, “Nothing but your own consequences will do that. I’m just telling you to prepare for the worst.”

She took a few steps down the hallway before stopping. “Of course, if you want to learn how to limit casualties in the upcoming war, come to me. It’s a useful thing to know.”

Because she can’t force anyone to do anything. She doesn’t have the right, but if her past self is curious enough to listen, she will tell the truth, without hesitation.

Fodlan had already paid enough for her ignorance.

 ______________________________________________

I’m not gonna lie I’ve read through this at least three times now in my inbox and I just love all of it???  Holding strong even after seeing another version of herself until she’s safely away and then completely losing it?  Coming face to face with Dimitri, saying she won’t apologize for the heartache she caused because it doesn’t fix anything, but when Dimitri says that it’s a shart she does it (and it doesn’t feel any better but she did it and I’m proud of her)?  Steamrolling her way through the start of her conversation with her younger self because she knows that it’s the only way to get a word in edgewise?  It’s all fantastic and I love it and I want to see more of it

Also I felt compelled to try sketching out a conceptual CC!Edelgard take this as either thanks for sending this or a bribe for more or both your choice

[fe-husband-heaven]

Top ten ((or 5)) heroes who will end someones whole career if they hurt their summoner Or.... A private 'one on one lesson' with M!Byleth please? From a fan who heard your wish Ps your amazing

rjdjdj Ngl, that one on one session sounds mad spicy ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) but the more husbands the marrier so I pick the Top 5 (For length reasons) but I'm adding 3 hee hee (ฅ`ω´ฅ)

+++I'm super weak to protective heroes nya-

In no specific order! Just whoever pops into my head first!

1. Grima:

I mean...C'mon..do I even have to say anything? Like, just breathing in the general vicinity of his summoner has Grima on red alert. You see, Grima is in one state and one state only when it comes to humans that aren't the Summoner.

And that state is: "People suck. Except for this one. I like this one. This one is mine. You are not them. Which means you suck. Die."

But when someone foolishly dares to harm the summoner, all bets are off. No one will even attempt to interfere, they can't, not if they don't want to be collateral damage. Grima will go absolutely feral and the dark suffocating aura radiating off of him is enough to bring the greatest of heroes to their knees.

The only thing that will bring him out of such a state is the complete decimation of the person who inflicted harm upon you, or your whimpers at the entire ordeal. He places you over everything else, no matter how much he wants to rip the offender limb from limb.

2. Ephraim:

You see, Ephraim is already looking for a chance to use Siegmund so when he's served a silver platter in the form of a hurt Summoner, he won't think twice about ripping into who ever was the perpetrator.

He's quite protective and it probably stems from his doting brother side but he is just a little wary of anyone you talk to, you don't fight so you're left completely defenseless. When he imagines what sort of fate might befall you, it nearly makes him want to abandon Renais and escort you wherever you go.

His confidence is not ill-placed, he certainly will eviscerate anyone who tries to hurt you, and he has full faith that he can stand up to any opponent. He'd want someone to do the same for Eirika if he were not present so when he sees that you have no elder sibling accompanying you in Askr, he feels his elder brother heart crack.

Those feelings are only heightened by the fact that he's fallen for you, he's plenty strong, so he's more than able to keep both his sister and his beloved, safe. Just stay by his side, he won't let anyone lay a finger on you.

3. Henry:

Those hexes aren't just for show! And he's more than eager to test them out! Especially, after they've given an ouchie to the Summoner.

Henry would just love to test out his most horrific spells, he doesn't think twice about using the most malicious hexes he can think of. And he'd test many all at once, only stopping when you ask it of him and even then he'll secretly slip in a couple more to ruin the others life.

Henry really likes you, and its 'cawse of that that he sticks to you so diligently. Henry isn't at all ashamed of showing his fondness, following you wherever you go so it's to no surprise to anyone that Henry reacts so strongly to you being hurt.

Also, after you get hurt, expect Henry to be everywhere you are. Oh you took a shower? You'll find him on your bed when you come out. A walk through the Askran garden? Don't be surprised if he's up in a tree conversing with his crow friends. He does see one silver lining though, and its that he now has a valid excuse to stick to you like glue nyaha

4. Alfonse:

Now you might be a little surprised. Yes, Alfonse can be overprotective but end someone's whole career? Yes. Yes he can. Did you see how he reacted when Bruno was falsely claiming he killed Zacharias? Yeah, he was going to strike him down for it, now imagine when someone hurts his other half.

You've gone and made him attached so he's going to do everything in his power to protect you. You're not even from Askr. You had no friends, no family, no one to count on when you first arrived so Alfonse couldn't help the mother hen instincts that wanted to keep you safe from harm.

If Alfonse could have his way then he'd probably keep you by his side 24/7, aside from his protectiveness, he also just enjoys your company. It's been a long time since he has allowed himself to accept someone into his life and he'll protect it at all cost. Though he wouldn't want to, if it meant ending the prospects of another's life for you, then so be it.

5. Jakob:

You see, you being hurt greatly upsets his liege which greatly upsets him but his unprecedented attachment to you only makes it worse! When you are hurt, it is as though Corrin them self has been harmed. He's already pledged himself to Corrin but he finds himself compelled to serve you too.

As such any harm to come to you is a failure on his behalf. And he absolutely will not hold back on the just punishment for the scoundrel who dared to lay their grubby hands on you.

Afterwards, he will surely tend to your every need as he allowed such a thing to happen in the first place. When you tell him that it is not at all his fault, he only doubles his efforts to taking care of you.

6. Dimitri:

You have shown him such kindness and did away with formalities that often stifled relationships with his friends that he cannot help but want to remain by your side. He quite adores your smile so to instead see such a pained expression, it is so...crushing.

When someone who gives so much selflessly is treated in such a way, he can't sit by and watch, he'll eliminate anyone who can be seen as your enemy. Anyone.

It's one of the few times that his demeanor changes completely, its almost frightening. We're Felix in Askr, he'd definitely remark about it being his true form. At the very least, Dimitri makes it very clear that you are off limits and any ill will towards you will be met with the tip of a lance.

7. Niles:

You see, the only one to inflict pain on you shall be him, and it'll be in the bedroom so he's not a fan of someone else trying to get in on the fun. He toys with whoever hurt you, a cat looking down at its prey. Whether physically or mentally, he'll ensure the suffering of the offender he can promise you that.

While he might have hated the idea of being at your every beck and call when he first arrived in Askr, now, he is more than happy in getting rid of vermin nipping at your heels.

He does think you would look good with a few chips but he'd like to be the one doing the breaking so all bets are off when someone else interferes~

His unsavory past gave him nothing but torment and abandonment issues but it did allow for various nefarious connections with the underground and information network that he intends to put to use against the little rat who will become his next meal.

Now then, you really should take better care of yourself, he'd be glad to show you how.

8. Ranulf:

Ranulf just radiates "I know shit." energy

And while abandoning his daily naps in your lap and purr inducing scratches behind the ear in favor of getting his hands dirty isn't what he'd call a fun time, he'd more than repay whoever hurt you for what they did.

It's such a hassle but he has claws and he isn't afraid to use him, especially when it comes to you. He's not one to hold grudges but you're the exception. If you don't want the claws, then don't mess with a cat's belongings.

Of course, don't expect him to leave you alone afterwards for a while. The whole ordeal is deserving of a few cat naps together, don't you think?

[bylethstimewheel]

Skyscraper Labyrinth

“Promise you’ll never leave us… not without warning me first,” Alfonse plead. He had promised he would never become close with anyone, especially if they were summoned, yet here he was again. “I won’t!” the summoner promised, though deep in her heart she knew she would have to do it eventually. Shave gave him a warm smile and fought the urge to give him a hug, she didn’t want to become too attached either, but she was almost certain she had failed at that.

“Stop being so gloomy all the time Alfonse!” Sharena, who had missed the conversation spoke loudly as she came into the large room. “I was talking to some of the other Heroes and we want to have a huge party tonight!” the princess beamed. “Oh?” Alfonse ignored her remark, “what’s the occasion?” he asked. “We wanted to thank our wonderful Summoner for everything she’s done since she came here!” Sharena hugged the summoner tightly. “We love you Mae!” “Thank you!” Mae chuckled, “It’s been a lot of fun!” “Hasn’t it?” Sharena giggled, “And I’m sure we’ll have a lot more fun together! this is only the beginning!”

Ana stepped outside to get fresh air when she caught a glimpse of Alfonse who seemed to be lost in his own thoughts. “Alfonse?” Anna tapped his shoulder. “Yes?” “Why aren’t you inside with Sharena and the Heroes?” Anna took a sip of the drink she was holding. “I needed some quiet,” he answered. “Ah yes it can get pretty loud in there sometimes,” the commander laughed, “but I’ve see that face before.” she added, “what’s troubling you?” The prince took a deep breath and adjusted his posture so he could look at her. “When you summoned Mae,” he paused. “What of it?” Anna asked causally. “Did you open a portal to her world?” he asked. Anna looked at her drink then back at Alfonse, “to be honest, I have no idea how that happened.” “What?” “I told you this before on the day I introduced her. I held out Breidablik and she just kinda showed up!” Anna chuckled, “it was magnificent!” “I heard you say that yes but…” he looked down at his own feet for a moment. “How is she going back to her world if she….wanted to?” the words stung him, though he fought hard to conceal this. “Oh details details…” Anna waived her hand, “I have no idea and she hasn’t asked so…” Anna took another sip of her drink and smiled. “Don’t trouble yourself with that stuff Alfonse, she won’t be going away any time soon.” the red head went back inside.

Shortly afterwards Sharena came looking for him. “There you are!” she wrapped her arms around him, “What’s wrong brother?” “Nothing,” he lied, “just getting some fresh air, you know i’m not one for-” “You know, Mae was asking me where you were so i came looking for you!” she giggled, “she’s so popular! all the Heroes just want to dance and talk with her! I’m convinced if she went looking for you, it would turn into an expedition involving all the heroes!” Both of them laughed at this. “You know, I’ve been worried,” Sharena confessed. “About what?” “Well I’m afraid a day will come when Mae wants to go home,” Sharena said, “I mean yeah, she’s been of great help to us, but she had a life too, What if there is someone in her world who is desperately looking for her?” “…Yeah i know.” Alfonse turned around and gave his sister a hug. “This is why I kept telling you not to get attached.” “Yes i know but it’s so hard not to! she’s amazing and so are the Heroes!” “Ok now there are two of you out here? Let’s go inside!” Anna was yelling from the door to the balcony, The siblings broke the hug and walked silently towards the commander who could already tell what they had been talking about. “This is not going to turn into another thing like Zacharias, the two of you need to be responsible royals of Askr and go tend to this gathering! I won’t do it for you! no more sulking!” “Yes commander,” they replied in unison.

“Anna you really are lucky!” Mae chuckled as she put a hand on the woman’s shoulder. “Why’s that?” “If i was either Alfonse or Sharena I would never let you speak to me that way.” Mae admitted. “I don’t do it because I want to abuse my power or anything, it’s just that they have been sad about Zachareias for a very long time and i am worried it’s bad for them.” “So that’s why they were outside?” Mae asked. “Yes, but you shouldn’t worry, this is your night!” Anna smiled and went to dance with one of the heroes. Mae sat staring into her drink and wondered what Alfonse and Sharena had been talking about. The sudden disappearance from the party, the fact that Zaharias’s name had been mentioned again, and Alfonse’s request were all clear signs to her. They were afraid of her leaving, just as she was afraid of leaving them.

“I would like to one day open the portal to your world. Maybe we could visit together.” Alfonse had said this to her not that long ago. This had only made her daydream about visiting all sorts of places with him. Driving him around, going on the ferry, and maybe a plane if sh could get the cash for it. She chuckled at the thought of seeing his reaction to an airplane. The closest thing she could describe it as was a flying shark, but she wasn’t sure if he had even seen a shark. In all her time in Askr, she hadn’t seen a beach.She felt embarrassed when she realized that none of her fantasies included Sharena or Anna and she suddenly felt her cheeks redden. She chugged her entire drink and looked nearby for a distraction, she found Corrin(M) sitting nearby with a bowl of fruit and a liquor in front of him, he had a puzzled look on his face. “What;s up?” Mae sat down and grabbed an orange slice. “Whys there fruit and liquor here?” “Some people in my world say it helps!” Mae smiled. “So was this set up your idea?” Corrin asked. “Yes it was, when Sharena told me we were having a party i couldn’t help myself, i had to give some input.” Mae spoke to Corrin casually but Alfonse was still in the back of her mind. She began to talk slower and more carefully in order to make sure she wouldn’t say his name by mistake. “Are you ok? you seem distracted,” Corrin commented as she took note of her sudden silence. “Yup, just thinking of how amazing it is to be here with all of you!” she smiled, “we should dance!” “Oh Ok, but I’m not that good,” he admitted. “That’s ok! neither am i!” Mae pulled him out of the seat and in to the designated dance floor leaving her thoughts on the table with the fruit and the liquor.

So this is part 1 of the fic I promised earlier. a few things

I’m Stil not sure i want to keep that name for the summoner.

title is subject to change

I was originally planning for a short drabble but it turned into this thing that is going to have to be divided into several posts so you guys don’t die reading it. 

I hate the verb “to plea” because it’s weak and its past tense crap is all over the place. pled, plead and pleaded are all correct, where pled is more used  in legal terms, plead is American and pleaded is English. so… read that first sentence however you want… :/

I had to stop because my computer is freaking out and i don’t want to lose this, so it was a rushed post.