[So focused was Byleth on winning the battle - and scenting victory on the horizon - he hadn't noticed Hayame's approach or the telltale wind-up of Gavial's tail. Once more he forgot it existed, and paid for it by feeling it slam into his side, driving the air out of his lungs and having him waver, off-balance. If she pressed the attack-
-but the frenetic air was cut rudely short by the whistle of an arrow and the meaty 'thud' of it striking home. Byleth felt Gavial convulse in pain underneath him, and he hurriedly scrambled off her, breathing hard and aching in random places that were definitely going to bruise later, as he finally noticed:]
no subject
-but the frenetic air was cut rudely short by the whistle of an arrow and the meaty 'thud' of it striking home. Byleth felt Gavial convulse in pain underneath him, and he hurriedly scrambled off her, breathing hard and aching in random places that were definitely going to bruise later, as he finally noticed:]
Hayame?!