Chapter Text
The world moved on without me.
On the terrace of Kristen Inn, I sat alone. A gust of cold, dawn wind whipped at my dress and tossed my hair into the air. I held onto the lilies behind my ears as if blocking out the wind's unwanted whispers.
The floating Angelica tea leaves had sunk into the bottom of the cup. Its hot steam dissipated. Bringing the teacup close to my lips, its scent was all the solace I could muster.
Amber hues engulfed Deidriu and the ocean, yet the aquatic city remained asleep. I was green with envy. Sleepless nights had accompanied me for far too long.
I closed my heavy eyes, hearing the faint rustling of the forest trees from behind the inn. Nature used to be everywhere. Huts and kiosks were replaced by urbanised tall factories and small cafes. Little to few strays animals roamed around. Familiar residents became strangers.
I took another sip of the bitter tea. Above all, my best friend, Ashley, wasn't here anymore.
It had been 21 years since my last visit. However, it felt more than that. Centuries or even millenniums. Or was the past just a dream?
The sight of her grave would be my wake up call.
"Whatcha doing here by yourself, beautiful?"
It seemed a bug landed near me. I plastered a small smile, praying I didn't have to resort to using my fist. "I'm simply taking in the morning sight. I love how quiet it is."
Unfortunately, the stranger didn't take the hint. He continued to blabber on. I drank the tea, drowning out his words as much as possible.
Out of the blue, something whizzed over our heads. A metallic object coated in silver hovered over the bugger. Its lenses zoomed in and out his face.
He swatted with exasperation. "Gah! Get this drone off me!"
"Auntie! Gosh, I'm so sorry I'm late!"
A breezy voice came from inside the inn. A yellow hooded lady rushed out with huge waves. The man's futile swatting was reflected in her sunglasses.
She pressed a button and the drone went towards her. The man went to her too, blasting vulgarities and swore he would bring the management up for a complaint. She only nodded as he stamped downstairs.
Seeing that the man was gone, she walked over to me. "Are you alright?"
Before I could reply, a huge yawn escaped her lips. She quickly covered it up.
My plastered smile remained intact. I said, "Thank you. Though, I'm afraid it's too early to relax."
She followed my line of sight. "Oh, him? Don't worry! Once he meets the management, he'll get what he deserves."
As if on cue, the man screamed and ran out of the inn without looking back.
The lady triumphantly continued, "See! Raph's got us covered. Oh, Raphael's the owner by the way."
"I... I supposed I must thank you for that."
"No problem! I'll leave you to the beautiful scenery in silence."
I nodded. Ah, so she did overheard the conversation.
Suddenly, another gust of wind blew past. It tore the hood from her head and released her long, blue hair. A huge grin spread across her face.
"Are morning winds always this strong?" She opened her backpack and kept her drone and sunglasses. "Guess I can't fly you out there today."
At the sight of her unconcealed face, I let out a gasp as I clutched onto the teacup handle. A cold chill crept up my spine. Adrenaline pumped loudly in my mind. "As-"
"Hmm?"
Gulping down my initial thought that was almost spoken out loud, I stammered an excuse. "As-as I thought, I would like some company."
"Oh sure! Let me just holler up my breakfast real quick!"
Ashley's doppelganger went to the staircase, shouting her order.
Was **the Goddess playing a cruel trick on me?
Her navy blue wavy hair. Her equally blue, big and round eyes. Her petite body frame and height. Every feature was unmistakably similar to Ashley.
I pinched my hand. It hurt. This wasn't a dream but a nightmare.
I rubbed my arms, hoping to get rid of the goosebumps and the haunting feeling. However, she reappeared in front of me with a plate of french toast and glass of milk. Her yawn sent me flinching. Fortunately, she didn't see it.
She said, "Sorry, I don't normally wake up this early. I'm Byleth!"
I bit my lips. Byleth was the name of the mighty and terrible king of the Hell. Concealing my quivering lips behind my teacup, I said, "Nice to meet you... Byleth, I'm Rhea."
"Hello Rhea! Sorry that I called you auntie earlier. I find it's easier to chase them away if we're related. Also, is it just me or is your face paler? Are you okay?"
I chose my words carefully. "I'm alright, Byleth. If I may ask, what brings you here?"
Chugging down the milk, she replied, "I'm here to visit my parents. It's my Mum's death anniversary today."
Then, it clicked. Ashley was her mother.
Time seemed to halt. With trembling hands, I put the teacup down. My eyes closed shut and my ears began to ring. I clenched my aching chest, catching my breath.
A hand was on my shoulder. Ashley's hand. No, her daughter's.
Her voice echoed my name. Ashley's voice seemed to mix in as well. Their anguish screams pierced my very core. Flashing visions of Ashley in her casket tormented my mind.
The sudden overwhelming smell of toast snapped my eyes open.
Byleth pulled her hand and the french toast away. "Ah sorry! I'm used to being open with my parents about this. Ah, I mean my foster parents. Gah, I'm making this worse! Are you okay?"
I answered, panting, "I understand. You're referring to visiting your... biological mother."
"Yeah."
I finished the tea and controlled my breathing. Wiping my face with a tissue, I recollected my thoughts. At the very least, Byleth wasn't aware of my identity.
"I'm sorry for my behaviour, the grim topic of death is a trigger for me."
"I see. That's understandable!"
So her daughter came to visit too. The most absurd idea crossed my mind. However, who was to say the situation wasn't preposterous?
Clutching the teacup, I asked, "This may seem ridiculous but can you bring me to her?"
"What?"
"I-I wanted to visit a friend in the local cemetery too. With your presence, I believe it would help me tremendously."
"Hey, this isn't ridiculous at all!" Byleth chewed and swallowed the last piece of bread. "I'm happy to help, let's go."
On the way to the cemetery, Byleth had left her backpack at the inn. Instead, with both of her hands, she carried a bucket full with water.
I had offered to carry the cleaning materials and her gravestone gift. Seeing my empty hands, she reluctantly agreed.
Eventually, the scent of the violet bouquet enveloped us.
Byleth glanced over her shoulder. She said, "Violets were her favourite."
I knew that. It was our favourite. My lips were chapped from the constant biting and swallowing of her name. I couldn't tell her daughter. She would leave me.
Sunlight filtered through the tree leaves. I kept my eyes on her like a mirage that would disappear.
My steps became heavier. The heels were the least of my problems. Dread and grief were perpetually washing over me in huge waves. What would Ashley think when her daughter showed up with me?
There she lay in the middle of the forest amongst others. In a tasteless belonging sense, she always loved nature and she had returned to her roots.
Byleth greeted, "Hello Mum and Dad! I missed you both so much. Oh, I also brought a new friend today, Rhea!"
I tried not to flinch at my introduction and touched my hair clip. "Hello."
Nothing happened. The air was still and the birds kept chirping. For years, I had feared this moment. It went differently in my nightmares, especially the part where her ghost appeared to strangle me.
Byleth squatted in front of her marble gravestone, or rather both of her parent's gravestone. 'Ashley Eisner - 20 September 1998 & Jeralt Eisner - 26 December 2006' was written on the nameplate.
"They took the phrase 'Till death do us apart' too literally."
Ashley's funeral was a blur. Many people had loved her, especially for her works. As a conservation scientist, she drew respect for her unwavering efforts and care in safeguarding the environment. However, rumours pertaining to her death had me involved. I couldn't stand them and left once I viewed her lifeless face. She was always so animated.
Most of all, I couldn't stand myself for not rebutting the rumours and visiting her grave throughout the years. It should have taken less than two decades to do so.
I passed Byleth the cleaning tools after she cleared the dead leaves and flowers. As she cleaned their gravestone, I tore my eyes away and headed to the far end. I placed one of my lilies on a random marker. Please rest in peace whoever you may be, Tomas.
By the time I returned, she was done wiping. She placed a strange set of items near the headstone; ancient coins, snails, a beer can and the violet bouquet.
Byleth showed me one of the coins. It had a big hole in the middle. "The coins were from my foster father's collections. He mentioned the coins could somehow be used in the afterlife but I think he might be scammed about that."
"I see. What about the can of beer?"
"Ah, well this may sound odd but my bio Dad died doing what he loved. Fishing and drinking. The snails and beer represent that. I think he missed a good drink. Oh, snails are the natural cleaner of gravestones too."
"Hmm."
I hummed and shifted my gaze to the violets. I couldn't care less about the man who snatched my best friend away from me.
"Mum loves flowers. Dad's a mess but he never screwed up on bringing flowers to her grave every year. He loved her the most."
My heart stung at those words. That wasn't true. I loved her the most.
Byleth added, "Apparently, Mum's group was the first to plant one of the trees here. To honour her, they buried her here. 'Back to her roots' they say. I think that's neat. But you came at the right time! They weren't matured yet until this year."
I knew. I was there when we planted the dove trees. I skipped my training just to join her on that blazing hot day. To think they finally bloom now, it felt as if they waited for me. It was almost laughable that they were also called handkerchief trees.
Ashley never knew where her exact roots came from. However, this was much better than the orphanage we were from.
"You mentioned your mother loves flowers." I plucked the lily out of my hair. "Please, let me offer this in tribute."
"Ah? Is that alright?"
"It's the very least I can do."
"Thank you, I'm sure Mum and Dad would be very happy!"
I placed it close to the violets and had to refrain myself from knocking the beer can away.
The afternoon sun was up and shone on our faces. It's been a long time since I'm spending hours outside. I covered my eyes with my hand. I didn't realise how deep the half-moon indents on my palms were till then.
We left once Byleth was done with showcasing her photographs of her travels on her phone. I was impressed she journeyed around Fodlan alone.
Byleth carried the bucket over her shoulders as she skipped down the road. The sponge and rag bounced and knocked about in it. I couldn't fathom how she was being so cheerful after informing her parents she would be leaving Fodlan by the end of the year. How could she leave them behind so easily?
"Have you played poohsticks before, Rhea?"
Her voice brought me out of my thoughts. How many memory lanes would I be going down today?
"I did. But that was when I was around 14."
"Usually Maya would join me but she left to find inspiration for her art. Ah, Maya is Raphael's sister! Anyway, I was thinking if you would like to play poohsticks before we head back to the inn."
My sigh of relief perplexed me. My initial plan was to visit her gravestone. Did I want to spend more time with her daughter? Or perhaps... deep down inside, this was to make up the time lost with Ashley?
"I would be delighted too."
Byleth beamed and ran ahead. "Nice, follow me! It's not far from here."
I reached down for my heels and paused. The roads might be smoothly paved but I rather not get cuts on my feet. Instead, I strode towards her.
Prior to Ashley's planting movement, the forest didn't exist. Meadows were everywhere. Wild flowers and bushes would tickle our feet as we foraged for mushrooms and fruits. Once we were done, we would head to the red bridge we called the red canyon. The corners of my lips tipped upwards. The name canyon didn't make sense but we loved it.
However, my chest deflated at the state of the bridge. Its painted coat had peeled off, colouring the bridge red from rust. It was creaking despite nothing was on it.
Byleth placed her bucket on the ground. "Don't worry, I know it doesn't look great but it's still working! In fact, I think the creaks adds to the thrill factor."
"No, Ashley!"
She jolted at my raised voice. I hugged myself. I didn't want to lose her again.
A blurry tissue was handed to me. Words were said but I couldn't understand them. Ah, I was doing so well. Yet, it took a creaky bridge to cause the leak. I took it and turned around, wiping the tears silently. This was supposed to be a harmless game. I didn't have to get so worked up.
"I'm sorry."
Before I could reply, she stood in front of me and reached out her hand. She continued, "There's another bridge nearby. It's made recently and it's well maintained. Are you still up for it?"
We found ourselves on the said bridge.
It was smaller but safer. Byleth picked up a tree branch and snapped its twigs. Then, she handed one to me.
Did I call her Ashley earlier? I... I don't know what to say. Fortunately, Byleth didn't pry into it. She brushed it off, thinking I mixed her name up.
Her voice was quiet. "I lost my Mum due to childbirth so I didn't really know much about her other than her environmental achievements. Dad had mentioned one of her hobbies was poohsticks. It was hard getting someone to play along with me. Denise isn't an outdoors person. Oh, Denise is my sis. My foster father's side. Pa named her that because uncle called her 'the niece' and he thought that was a great name. Um, sorry I'm getting off-topic."
I shook my head. "No. I'm sorry for your loss. You don't have to worry, I'm happy to listen."
"You're very kind, Rhea." She hiccuped and looked over the bridge. "I guess I'm excited because I'm facing a new opponent! Seems like an experienced one too. Do you remember how to play it?"
"I do. Although, don't get your hopes up. I haven't practised."
"Great! Then let's do this quick. Hic, I don't know about you but I'm starving and craving for some water."
We dropped the sticks at the same time and Byleth raced to the other side. "I think I see it-my stick won!"
Her excitement was palpable and contagious. Ashley used to be excited over the poohsticks too. She believed there were certain physics in dropping the stick to victory. I simply believed its all due to luck. Strange thing was that she always won. I supposed I was rather unlucky.
I asked, "Wow, what was your technique?"
"Hehe, it's all about finding the right poohstick! Tubby and long, fairly heavy with quite a lot of bark."
"Oh, so you had the advantage of picking the perfect poohstick?"
"Yup!"
"And it seemed like a perfect solution to your hiccups too." Soon, we found ourselves chuckling. I was expecting a long scientific formula that Ashley used to recite but that somehow worked too. "Sorry, but you looked so proud of your explanation."
"Hahaha! And you looked so serious!"
My stomach hurt from the laughing but I didn't mind. It had been a while since I had a good laugh.
Suddenly, Byleth said, "Say cheese!"
A flash of light blinded me. I rubbed my eyes and saw a picture of us on her phone. Didn't Flayn called it a selfie?
"What?"
"There! A picture to commemorate today."
Commemorate? For Ashley's daughter to enjoy her day with me... I never thought nor dreamt of it. While I may be blamed indirectly for Ashley's death, I had told myself the main reason she had died was because of her child. The very child in front of me. Thus, I had avoided her family like the plague.
I despised pictures of myself, yet I didn't mind this candid picture. I had to do a spit take at her wide smile. It was almost as if Ashley was back. I wished time would stop. How long have I been so jaded?
And so desperate?
"Byleth. Earlier, you have mentioned your mother had passed away in childbirth... does that make today your birthday?"
"Ah, yes."
"It must be hard for you to celebrate your special day. Nevertheless, I wish to gift you a present."
"Oh? You don't have to!"
"It's more of a request. I would like to join your trail. I hope you find my presence worthy as a gift."
Before leaving Fodlan, she had informed her parents that she wanted to go on one last trail around Leicester. To me, it was my final chance to be around her. The likelihood of meeting her otherwise was close to none. I swore this visit would be my final farewell to Ashley and surprisingly, her remaining family, as well. If I had this promise then, I could delay my goodbyes.
Most of all, I didn't want to feel so bad again. At least, not so soon.
I believed her grin said it all.
Byleth moved like a bee.
As I had no place to stay, she offered me to stay in with her. Maya loved to crash in her room, thus she had always booked a two-bedroom. The owner Raphael was younger than I expected and one glance at him, I understood why the bugger ran in fear. Nevertheless, behind his fierce exterior was a kind smile. Not to mention, he was a great cook too.
Byleth pulled me into her room and immediately switched on her laptop.
"I planned the trail ahead! Oh I'm so excited to show it to you."
Suddenly, the name 'Pa' covered her whole laptop screen. She asked me to hold on as she pressed the video call button.
She said, "Pa! Can you see me?"
The screen was pitch black. His voice was breaking. "N-No, d-dear."
"Ah, the internet reception is bad currently." She switched to the audio only button. "Pa, say something."
"Hello, my dear daughter Byleth! How's the visit?"
"It went great, thanks! Yours?"
Somehow, the voice seemed familiar. As he chatted about his day, I racked my brain trying to match his voice to a face. Someone whom I knew before in the past.
"I uploaded the pics to the Cloud Drive!" She paused and glanced at me. "You're in a treat Pa, I made a new friend."
"Awesome! Which bird species is it?"
"Gah, go check the latest one yourself."
"Eggs-sighting!"
"Sheesh it's not a bird, really."
"Okay, it's loading. Did you remember to give my coins to the old pal? I don't want his ghost to go haunting me tonight!"
"Yup. Don't worry."
Bad puns, ancient coins and fear of ghost? Moreover, it seemed as if he knew Eisner for a long time.
Without warning, the call hung up. Then, her phone lit up with an incoming call from Whatsapp. My legs quivered as I took a step back from his profile picture.
"Pa? What happened? What, you spilled your drink over the computer?"
... Her foster father is Alois Rangeld. Eisner's best friend. Again, my world began to spin. My head turned light and my hand leaned the table for support. I took deep silent breaths. All I could hear was my heart hammering in my ears.
He knew me.
Then, Byleth turned to face me. Her smile had the opposite effect as more fear was instilled in me. Reluctantly, I leaned closer to hear her better.
She said, "Rhea, Pa wanted to say hi to you! Don't worry, he's the friendliest person ever."
Slowly, I grabbed the phone. With both of my hands, I held it against my ear.
His jovial tone was gone. "Seiros. It's Alois on the line, Alois Rangeld."
Under Byleth's gaze, I forced myself to answer. "Hello, Rangeld."
"Does she know?"
"... No."
"That's good. I understand she had a good time with you today. Thank you for that."
He heaved a sigh. I swallowed and felt my chest burning.
Then, he continued, "I hope you could leave our family alone. Please, she's the only one left."
Something seemed to shatter in both of our voices. "I understand."
"Thank you."
I returned the phone to her with a feigned smile. "Don't worry, Byleth. He's just concerned for you."
While she wasn't looking, I whipped out my phone. I faked a gasp. A thousand apologies were spilled from my lips as I told her I had overlooked something urgent and I had to leave immediately.
Her smile thinned. I couldn't bear to look back at her nor Raphael as I left.
In the end, I was just really unlucky.
"Rhea! Please just let me see you."
I leaned against the backstage door, feeling the thuds from her knocks. Anger boiled inside me as I squeezed my boxing gloves. "Leave me be, Ashley. My match is next."
"I just... wanted to cheer you on before you go. We don't talk anymore. I miss you."
"Who's fault is that? Who was the one who left me in the first place? Getting yourself knocked by that brute!"
"R-Ree, argh!"
"... Ashley?"
Her screams shook my core. Pools of blood leaked underneath the door. Terrified, I dropped the gloves and opened the door.
Ashley collapsed on the floor, grunting in pain. Her water had broke. I clutched onto her hand, yelling out her name until my throat went sore.
When I looked back at her face, her eyes and mouth were closed shut. Her skin turned ashen white.
And I found myself gripping the edges of her casket.