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[CLOSED] I don't know which way to walk
WHO: Shez & Byleth
WHAT: Divine Pulse training
WHEN: Early February
WHERE: Alenroux
WARNINGS: none for now, will update as needed
[ In this place, Shez has quickly learned, there is no such thing as the calm before the storm. At best, there are moments of peace sprinkled in between the chaos, the chance to break surface for a breather -- for one more second of air in the lungs, one last hope to make it to safe shores, one more tomorrow to laugh in the face of death -- before sinking beneath the dark depths again, as the tempest rages on forevermore.
(There's no stopping the unrelenting marching of time, he knows. Like all things, one day he, too, will be engulfed in darkness, his final dawn coming to a halt. But at the end of his struggle to just survive, he is rewarded with these moments that are truly worth living for.)
And so he seizes each day like nobody's business, most of his leisure time spent on, well, making himself spent, drained of too much energy that can only be put to good use in a challenging fight. With his nearest and dearest sparring partner at his side, that is all but a guarantee; minutes turn to hours, an entire day if they're not careful, their bodies moving like well-oiled machines meant for combat and little else, refusing to back down-- another match, another point to score, and no more debts to settle. For a while, their bond, too, had struggled, had survived on bedrest and intensive care from a distance, and though their teamwork may have been (pathetically) compromised on a certain failed attempt from earlier, Shez can say with some confidence they have re-established their status quo, bit by bit. ]
You ready for more yet?
[ It's only a short break, one generous swig of water and a now empty bottle cast aside without ceremony, the back of his hand wiping sweat off his forehead. When he turns back to Byleth, it's with a roll of shoulders and stretch of his neck, loosening up his muscles for another bout of vigorous training. Though sword fighting is always a must between them, today they're also focusing on their magic-- aka, the reason behind their shameful failure when pitted against a giant... straw goat. Truly an incident they must not speak of... ]
Remember, no holds barred! [ In that vein, he only wields a single sword, one hand free to cast spells-- and to beckon at his rival in good teasing fun. ] C'mon, I know you can do a lot better than that!
WHAT: Divine Pulse training
WHEN: Early February
WHERE: Alenroux
WARNINGS: none for now, will update as needed
[ In this place, Shez has quickly learned, there is no such thing as the calm before the storm. At best, there are moments of peace sprinkled in between the chaos, the chance to break surface for a breather -- for one more second of air in the lungs, one last hope to make it to safe shores, one more tomorrow to laugh in the face of death -- before sinking beneath the dark depths again, as the tempest rages on forevermore.
(There's no stopping the unrelenting marching of time, he knows. Like all things, one day he, too, will be engulfed in darkness, his final dawn coming to a halt. But at the end of his struggle to just survive, he is rewarded with these moments that are truly worth living for.)
And so he seizes each day like nobody's business, most of his leisure time spent on, well, making himself spent, drained of too much energy that can only be put to good use in a challenging fight. With his nearest and dearest sparring partner at his side, that is all but a guarantee; minutes turn to hours, an entire day if they're not careful, their bodies moving like well-oiled machines meant for combat and little else, refusing to back down-- another match, another point to score, and no more debts to settle. For a while, their bond, too, had struggled, had survived on bedrest and intensive care from a distance, and though their teamwork may have been (pathetically) compromised on a certain failed attempt from earlier, Shez can say with some confidence they have re-established their status quo, bit by bit. ]
You ready for more yet?
[ It's only a short break, one generous swig of water and a now empty bottle cast aside without ceremony, the back of his hand wiping sweat off his forehead. When he turns back to Byleth, it's with a roll of shoulders and stretch of his neck, loosening up his muscles for another bout of vigorous training. Though sword fighting is always a must between them, today they're also focusing on their magic-- aka, the reason behind their shameful failure when pitted against a giant... straw goat. Truly an incident they must not speak of... ]
Remember, no holds barred! [ In that vein, he only wields a single sword, one hand free to cast spells-- and to beckon at his rival in good teasing fun. ] C'mon, I know you can do a lot better than that!
no subject
Not only because Shez was a skilled swordsman and mage in his own right, but because Shez had come to Kenos fresh from the Fodlan war: his skills were razor sharp and his battle instincts even sharper, while Byleth had been resting on his laurels and allowing peace to lull him into unforgiveable complacency. He hesitated where he shouldn't, fumbled what should've been instinctive and lightning-fast parries and, more embarrassingly, almost tripped over his feet when executing one of his tight evasion spins - granting Shez the win he had always desired over him in the most unsatisfying of ways.
Getting whipped into shape was a blessing, then, even if the learning curve was steep and merciless - especially on the heels of his recent dissipation, where it had taken weeks to shake off the heaviness to his limbs and the sluggishness of his magic. This sparring match, focusing mostly on magic and combining it with their swordsmanship, was really the first time Byleth felt like he was beginning to get to grips with things: regarding his lost skill and his bond with Shez.
Before, he might've stayed silent in the face of Shez's friendly teasing, only stating readiness to continue. Now, however, he felt himself smile impulsively - a quick, fleeting gesture - and lifted his blade in his customary battle stance as he extended his hand, a friendly repartee leaving him unthinkingly:]
Well, I suppose we've both warmed up enough now. I'm ready to get serious if you are.
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(Whatever label they bear, all that really matters is that they should never be enemies again. There will be no defeating the Ashen Demon, if it means being on opposite sides.)
Granted, their sparring matches are something else entirely, a way to measure up against each other for pure sport, without their lives on the line. So what's a little extra trash talk, right? ]
Oh, yeah? Guess I can finally drop the handicap I've been giving you!
[ That much is all bark and no bite, though refusing to accept his victories over a rusty opponent may as well be a handicap in its own right. There may be Oracle trials to mind, and the threat of an all-out war looming over their heads, but their intensive training is fueled in no small part by more personal reasons: the will to restore their status as true equals. ]
How about we focus exclusively on our spells for this match? [ He cocks his head to one side, in all pretense of second thought; in reality, he gives it none, and his Agarthan sword vanishes into thin air as further proof. ] C'mon, send a really strong one my way, and I can only counter with one of mine!
[ ... that's just asking to get blasted with fire in the face, but if he can't hone the instinct to summon magic of his own in time, well. He did survive against the Shadow, didn't he? ]
no subject
I see... you want a mage-fight.
[As Jeralt would call it, anyways. Byleth rarely engaged in such sparring sessions, as despite Jeralt's own skill with magic, he always preferred a 'solid weapon' in his hand, even in sparring. But Byleth understood that it would be a useful exercise. There may come a day where he'd have no weapon but his magic, especially with how these Oracle ordeals snatched them away at random moments, so he should stop training under the assumption that he'd always be armed.]
Very well. Please be mindful of our surroundings with the more destructive spells, though.
[Last thing they needed was to be arrested for setting half the city on fire, or Shez sucking something important into that black hole spell of his. He sheathed his blade at his hip and widened his stance into something more befitting of a mage on the battlefield, raising his hand.
A few inches from his palm a magical circle spawned, with the Crest of Flames blazing brightly in the centre - yet, he held the spell, not quite casting it as he peered past the circle's glare at Shez.]
Ready?
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Besides, watching Byleth so poised even without a sword in hand, a magic circle flowing to his hand with such calculated ease... It's inspiring, to witness how he really looks as though he knows what he's doing. It's humbling, too, as Shez digs in his heels and widens his own defensive stance like he prepares for a physical assault, no halo or lines forming around him-- does he even summon a circle when casting spells? He's honestly never paid attention, but it's about time he does. ]
Right. No quick escapes for us this time.
[ With one last glance spared to the glowing symbols sourced from Byleth's palm, he gives a firm nod. ]
Ready when you are!
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With that bit of administration done, he snapped into combat mode. The magical circle, which had been passive glowing in a primed state, flared brightly, power building in its centre. With precise control and skill, Byleth launched a moderately sized but highly controlled fireball forwards.
At its initial launch, it looked like something that could easily be dodged with a quick sidestep, but as it travelled the distance between Byleth and Shez, the fireball seemed to flatten and deform, spreading outwards until it was less a fireball and more like a rapidly approaching firewall! Red-hot and roaring, bearing down on Shez like a living beast!
It'd take a pretty big sidestep to dodge that! (Or, what Byleth was thinking, a quick-draw spell to make a little 'hole' to jump through! The firewall was wide, but it did so by sacrificing thickness)]
no subject
As Byleth first launches his spell, Shez thrusts his arm forward, palm splayed out as the beginnings of a spell begin to swirl in the shape of shadows around his fingers: the same Luna that had once inadvertently sucked in Byleth's fire magic in their frustrated goat arson attempts, should now be just the counter he needs.
... except what was meant to be a fire ball spreads out into a whole fire wall, the searing heat beginning to prickle at his skin, and his instincts kick in-- by summoning his Agarthan sword, that is, the urge to have a solid weapon at hand taking over the mental rules of a mage duel.
Shit. No good. Given a bit more distance, he could fan the flames out with swift slices of his dual blades, but from this up close, he has no choice but to resort to his Shadow Slide for a quick, eyes shut as he unleashes his power and--
--and what follows isn't the usual chill of darkness seeping in from his narrow gateway through space. Instead, it's warm, and for a moment he thinks he wasn't quick enough to evade Byleth's flames, but as soon as his lids flutter open again, his shadows are nowhere to be found.
Instead, the wall of fire stands still, frozen to the spot much like Byleth behind it.
He's seen this before-- has witnessed it from both sides of the ordeal. This is-- ]
Huh...?
[ One could say there's no time to mull over details, but the truth is there might be too much of it, frozen under his unconscious command. Whatever just happened there, Shez at least still has the good sense to (largely) side-step the flaming wall, his stride swift but not urgent, his frown as fixed in place as the rest of his surroundings.
Once time resumes again, Shez will be found standing right outside the wall's area of damage, a hand hooked under his chin and head slightly tilted as he just watches the flames cross his dumbfounded gaze as though a spell that large could simply miss the target. ]
... um.
[ Um!!! ]
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It was the only way Byleth could describe what happened, like he had blinked and in that split second the world sort of, shifted about half a centimetre to the left. Not a whole lot, but enough to leave him with a briefly disorientated sensation - and distracting him from hawkishly watching his launched spell.
He only realised at the fatal last second that there was no opposing magic crashing through the wall to disrupt its structure. He cursed, quickly gathering ice magic as he stepped forwards, half-expecting to hear Shez cry out in pain or see the telltale flicker of teleportation to avoid an untimely scorching-
-only to stop and stare, when in his periphery he saw Shez standing calmly to the side. No teleportation, no flicker of that strange magic. Just. There. Like he'd always been there. Between one blink and the next, sidling into the gap between seconds.
Byleth let the ice spell fizzle out, and the wall of flames crashed harmlessly against the stone fence, embers flying everywhere but extinguishing before they touched the ground. The only evidence of the spell's existence was a dark scorch mark against stone.]
...did you pre-emptively teleport...?
[It was the only conclusion he could come to. But- no, he would've seen. From his position, he would've seen Shez teleport to the side. But he hadn't. He'd just. Appeared there. In a blink.
So... oh!]
I see... you've been improving the speed and stealth of your teleportation! That's impressive work, Shez!
[Ah.]
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[ Yeah, give him a moment as he's a complete paragon of eloquence, he is Processing it all. Eventually, his features settle on a frown. ]
You mean... that wasn't your doing?
[ No, of course not. For one, he recalls Byleth had been as frozen to his spot as the rest of their immediate surroundings, and even Shez figures there would be no point to that odd magic if the caster was just going to be left vulnerable like that. Besides, he's caught a hint of glowing ice fading from Byleth's fingertips, which was probably his choice solution in putting out the fire before Shez could get seriously injured, which only further reinforces the idea. So...
... so he's left with his head between his palms, a quick but vigorous shake as though the answers would physically drop out of his skull if he put in enough effort. In the end, all that spills forth is a groan in frustration. ]
I don't get it! I could swear that was just like your power-- just like you showed me from your side before!
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[The mutual confusion is reaching critical, with Byleth dumbly parroting Shez's frustrated words back with a comically bewildered look on his usually blank face. He was just struggling to understand what Shez was talking about because, what he was implying...
Well, it was impossible. Byleth's power was due to Sothis, it wasn't something that could be learned (...maybe?) or inherited by other means (...maybe????), and while Shez also had another entity dwelling within his soul once upon a time, this 'Arval' had a mastery over traversing the Shadows - a god over space, where Sothis presided over time. Within the rules laid down in Fodlan, Shez shouldn't be able to do what Byleth could do.
...
But they weren't in Fodlan. They were in Kenos, where Byleth had managed to overcome the limitations of his hybrid body and transform into a Nabatean's true form at will (even if he lacked the other skills that Sothis claimed they had, like energy breath or flight). Since Shez was able to manipulate space, then perhaps Kenos allowed that power to evolve to manipulate time as well...?]
Could you... describe it to me? What happened on your end? Tell me every detail. Leave nothing out.
[As Byleth spoke, his words came out faster, more clipped, his gaze all but pinning Shez in place. He's letting out a very intense aura right now, but he needs to know.]
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(He only remembers having felt like this once, upon awakening from an odd dream.) ]
Every detail? It all happened pretty fast [ and he was, understandably, a little (panicked) distracted ] but let's see...
[ Hooking a hand under his chin, he closes his eyes in hopes to better focus and summon forth the brief memories of his encounter with foreign powers, yet familiar in how bizarre they were. ]
I guess... what first clued me in that something was off was that it felt hot, and I thought I hadn't managed to escape your spell in time. [ In contrast, traversing the shadows has always felt chilly, not that either truly bothered him. ] But when I opened my eyes, the wall of fire was stationary, staring me right in the face like it was just-- just waiting for me to sidestep it. And when I searched around, everything around me looked like a vivid painting, real life-like but motionless. Nothing moved at all, not the flames, not the trees, not even you.
[ He's sure many would find the Shadows unsettling, but watching his surroundings look frozen as though robbed of life... it was eerie. But he doesn't need to tell Byleth this much. ]
Soon after I strolled out of the way, everything went back to normal, and the wall picked right back up from where it had been standing immobile, just like it hadn't paused at all. I know for sure that's not like my power, but it did feel a lot like what you did when we met up at the welcome feast in Springstar, remember?
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[Byleth's tone is distracted, and his face fell into a heavy frown as he pondered this odd turn of events.
First of all, he was so thankful Sothis was deeply asleep here. The tantrum she would throw at the 'snake child' learning how to use her Divine Pulse would be enough to give him a migraine, and while she may have very educational insights on how this could've happened, he'd rather not pay for that knowledge by resisting her attempts to murder Shez with her own two hands (figuratively, as the hands would be his own unwilling ones).
Second of all, how the hell did this happen. Byleth's ability to tap into his Nabatean heritage to transform into their draconic form made sense. Shez tapping into Sothis's powers to stop time did not make sense. Unless... was he also a holder of the Crest of Flames? A hybrid baby of dubious origins and Rhea's meddling hands? Was Shez more like him than he ever knew?
He did have Arval... perhaps Sothis, as a goddess, was not only bound to be naught but a spirit, but had her soul split in separate parts? It was a wild theory he barely believed despite concocting it, but it was Kenos and Fodlan history was wild, according to Claude and Dimitri, with their demonic beast experiments and... underground civilisations and whatnot...]
This... may be a strange question, and somewhat invasive but... by any chance... do you have a Crest and, did Arval ever make mention of... 'Divine Pulse' or, Nabateans or... anything like that?
[Time to disprove (or prove????) crazy theory number one: Shez long-lost brother via Rhea cloning/homunculus fuckery????]
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Anyway! As much as Shez doesn't usually mind Byleth's incomprehensible, silent staring, right now he does, arms tightly folded as though shielding himself. It's not as if he blames his friend for it or thinks he would actually bear such ill intent, but there's definitely something unsettling about that narrow gaze, like he's a rare specimen put under scrutiny before a thorough dissection. Honestly, he's not even sure where he gets the feeling from, but he truly hates the idea of being thought of as some odd experiment...
But his impatient tapping of a foot slows to a halt once Byleth drops his questions, and as much as they earn a quizzical look in return, Shez can't say they're any more invasive than that quiet stare. ]
I don't... think so? [ A tilt of his head. ] I mean, I'm pretty sure I don't have a Crest, but everything else is a mystery to me. Honestly, Arval never told me much about these powers, mostly because they didn't seem to know much about about them beyond how they work. Epimenides said some stuff when we were all trapped in that void, but nothing like that...
[ It was more like calling Shez a vessel for his conscience, and some incoming events that have yet to take place at the time of this thread will only further instill some troubled feelings in his chest, but it's fine, he'll be fine, everything will be all right. ]
Are your powers connected to your Crest? I heard it's pretty rare, isn't it?
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(Of course, there was a possibility that Sothis herself didn't know either... it seemed like something she would say to cover up her own ignorance...)
But regardless, Shez's response didn't prove Byleth's tinfoil conspiracy theory of them being long-lost relatives via ancient forbidden love between Nabatean and Slithers. He frowned - an expression which only intensified when Shez abruptly flipped the interrogation onto him.]
...yes.
[It was a guarded response, Jeralt's warnings fresh in his ears about his Crest and how it related to Rhea and why Byleth was raised as he was. Sothis had added precious context in too, and had explicitly said the Divine Pulse was linked to it, so it wasn't something he should be talking about recklessly...
But this wasn't reckless, and Shez wasn't some random off the street who would scurry off and yell the secret to the rooftops. And in Kenos... such a secret didn't really matter. Set had taken the whole thing in stride, but he was probably an outlier, being a God and all... and somehow Claude and Dimitri already knew...
...
...he supposed the time for secrets were over. In retrospect, keeping this concealed from Shez for so long had long since left the realm of pragmatism and into... well, cowardice. He supposed he was concerned that Shez's attitude towards him would change, or worse - he'd think him insane. It was one thing to hear the voice of some mysterious spirit, quite another to proclaim you could hear the Goddess's (bratty) voice and housed her soul.]
...and no. Just possessing my Crest isn't enough to wield that ability. It requires... additional components, that I highly doubt you have. So, it should be impossible, but... here you are, using that ability...
[Okay, here we go. Take the plunge, Byleth-!]
To use Divine Pulse, you need to possess the Crest of Flames, its corresponding Crest Stone... and be one of Sothis's descendants.
no subject
... huh?
[ Look, it's all his eloquence making a return! Just give him a moment, his two brain cells are scrambling here, but he's got this...! ]
Okay, okay, hold on-- [ A quick shake of his head, and he presses the pads of his index and middle fingers against his forehead, as though he could drill into his skull and fish out what little, relevant information he did possess-- because so much of what Byleth just said? It sounded very foreign to him! ] So, "Divine Pulse" is what your special powers are called? And you need a Crest Stone to unlock it, just like those Heroes Relics, right? Maybe it's a powered up spell, then...
[ That makes some sense in his head, anyway-- his own Shadow Slide is similar to the end result of a Warp spell, though the mechanics are vastly different. Though he can't liken Byleth's Divine Pulse to any other magic, the fact remains that, if it's really a spell, then it possibly can be taught, though Shez can't remember any such lessons.
That said, there's one more missing piece in this puzzle, and he tilts his head to a side as he ruminates over it. He feels like he's heard about this somewhere before, but: ]
Who's Sothis, though? I feel like the name rings a bell, but I can't really place it.
[ Or: Rhea gets huffy when lowly people use Mommy's name willy nilly. And clearly there's no one lowlier than a snake child, right? ]
no subject
Shez... didn't recognise the name?
For a brief moment, Byleth felt a surge of disbelief. Hadn't he spent over two years in the Kingdom of Faerghus, serving King Dimitri himself? While the man hadn't come across as very devout, he had to play the part when doing the ever dangerous balancing act with his nobility... but, Byleth supposed he couldn't toss rocks here. He'd gone most of his life without knowing there was even a huge religion everyone followed in Fodlan...
(And, of course, there was the ever brief, blink and you'll miss it, suspicion that Sothis had lied by omission, that she wasn't the goddess after all and simply allowed Byleth to obliviously continue on under his mistaken assumption... that'd be just like her, to be honest)]
Oh... I thought you'd be somewhat well-versed in Church scripture after your time in the Kingdom Army. Though, granted, I'm not sure if her name is spoken much. I've never heard her worshippers utter it, in retrospect...
[Which is a roundabout way to say-!]
Sothis is the name of the Goddess. The one that the Church worships and has all those saints dedicated to her.
no subject
... huh.
[ But it's swiftly replaced with a frown, a tilt of his head reinforcing the air of absolute bemusement. ]
I didn't know the Goddess had a name. I mean, it's always 'the followers of Seiros' this, or, 'the teachings of Seiros' that. [ A brief pause to fold one arm, the side of his face now propped on the back of his hand. ] Wouldn't it make more sense to call it Church of Sothis instead...?
[ Not that he's exactly a man of faith or anything, but that's what makes the most sense in his head? What's the point of having this entire religion built around one major figurehead only to have it named after someone else? Don't let Church people hear him, but this Seiros is starting to sound a bit full of herself, isn't she...
... except, Byleth is apparently Church people, too? But-- ]
Anyway, what I do know of the scriptures is that the Goddess created all of Fodlan and everyone who lives in it, so doesn't that mean everyone is one of her descendants?
[ WELL. Not you, snake child, not you. ]
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[That is... a very good point?
In fact, Byleth did recall one of Sothis's grumbling, sour rants about how she was the "mother to all who call Fodlan home", but he had assumed she'd meant that in a sort of, figurative way, not literal. It was mind-boggling enough to imagine she'd given birth to the Nabateans - the green-haired lot - because she must've been like a rabbit with the whole, two wombs, having litters at a time, deal to manage that, but adding humans on top of that...
Unless Sothis didn't distinguish between biological birth and divine creation? Hmm...]
No- well, yes, I think? But, it's more that, those she actually gave birth to? Supposedly...?
[Okay, now Byleth's sounding even more unsure and confused than Shez.]
I'm not sure on the mechanics of it, but in any case... it's more than just being one of her, ah, 'creations', I think. You need to have the blood of a Nabatean.
[Wait, would Shez know that term? Claude knew it, but Claude knew a lot of things he really shouldn't (the joys of the Golden Deer route in Houses, where All Of The Lore was stored)]
Do you know what Nabateans are? They have green hair.
[...yeah, that's the only descriptor he's tagging on there. They have green hair. That's it. Yup.]
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Clearly this is not working. A bit more elaboration would be nice?? ]
... green hair? You mean like... Ignatz?
[ A comment brought to you by: this player actually thought Ignatz was involved with dragon people in her first playthrough of Three Houses. But let's pretend for a moment that Shez is quicker to overcome that lapse in judgement than his player ever was, his two brain cells reshuffling his thoughts to bring a certain memory to the forefront of his mind: ]
Wait, hold on-- [ His head droops to one side, frown deepening. ] Your hair wasn't always green, either. And I remember it changed right in the middle of one of our battles, too.
[ He also (painfully) recalls the kind of inhumanly strong punch he was subjected to, and (less painfully) the oddly feminine voice that poured out of Byleth's mouth at the time, but is that relevant? Spoilers: yes, yes it is, but his train of thought is already heading elsewhere: ]
Was that when you learned to use your powers? But I didn't change hair color just now, right?
no subject
Reddish-orange, with pale green? He'd have to change his wardrobe.]
...no, you haven't. It's still fuchsia.
[But this just didn't make sense. The only conclusion he could come to was that this was, once more, 'Kenos Weirdness', and somehow Shez gained the ability to use Divine Pulse... was it due to their close bond? They were both Advocates, so it was possible that some... soul... thing was happening here? It was the only explanation he could come to that made sense, but then if that was the case, whose soul was Shez really tangling with here? It was Sothis's ability, one that Byleth could only draw upon as he and her shared the same heart. So...
...
...she was asleep for now, but the use may rouse her at one point. She likely would be displeased to learn that the entangling of souls that the Shard-bearers endured meant that Shez could use her Divine Pulse, enough so that she may try to harass him. While he was certain Shez could hold his own against Sothis on the mental plane (he only had to plant the heel of his palm against her forehead and hold her there, since she was so short), he should probably brace him for the inevitable headache he'd get from the incessant yelling and complaints.]
I may as well be blunt. The Divine Pulse is an ability that is tied to the Goddess. Of Fodlan. Allegedly. I, myself, can only use it, because... ah, Sothis, that is, the Goddess...
[He hesitated, because even in his mind it sounded deranged or stupid: the goddess's soul resides within me. He hoped Shez didn't think of him as a lunatic...]
...much like how Arval was to you, Sothis is to me. That's the source of my Divine Pulse... and likely your source too. With how these Shards work, and how they connect us mind and soul... it's possible some... blurring is happening? Likely due to our close relationship...?
[As he spoke, his tone just became quieter and increasingly hesitant, as if partway through he was abruptly regretting his decision to be so. blunt and open about this whole nonsense.]
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So... you think I'm becoming more like you, and you, like me?
[ I am thou, thou are-- wait, no, wrong canon!
Still! Sorry to disappoint, but if Byleth was expecting any kind of real shock or at least a look of disbelief at his well-guarded secret? He may have to revisit his standards, because Shez is taking it in stride about as well as someone who has just been informed of the weather forecast, one big figurative "oh, okay" like it was less of a revelation and more of a confirmation. He has suspected that to be the case for some time, after all-- that Byleth also shared headspace with someone else, though he wouldn't guess that someone else was the goddess of Fodlan herself.
But does he make a big deal out of it? Nah. ]
I guess that makes the most sense, but I've never heard Sothis or anything like that any time we've talked over Communion. [ If he sounds all too nonchalant about this Sothis deal? It's because he legitimately is. ] Definitely didn't hear anything just now, either. Unless she's the quiet type?
[ Sothis. The quiet type. Lol. Lol lmao. Give him a moment, okay, it's not like they've been formally introduced, but his eyes do light up with another memory. ]
Oh, oh wait-- was it her speaking when you first changed? I remember you suddenly sounded like a girl-- and a very haughty one at that!
[ The indignity of being called "small" by a half pint like that! ... yes, forget about the whole "goddess" thing, this is his immediate source of protest! ]
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[Excuse the delay in responding, Byleth's just somewhat baffled how easily Shez took the declaration that he "heard the Goddesses's voice" without batting an eye, like it was a perfectly normal thing for someone to claim without challenging or thinking them a little touched in the head. He knew Shez was incredibly laidback and open-minded, but surely there was a limit...?]
I... you... quiet? Sothis?
[He didn't know what to address first: Shez's easy acceptance, the utterly ridiculous claim of Sothis being meek in any kind of way, or commiserating with being subjected to her haughtiness. It resulted in the rare sight of Byleth being thoroughly tongue-tied, making a few more abortive sounds as he tried to navigate this very unique social situation. Should he just roll with it? Or press? Maybe Shez didn't fully understand...? Maybe he thought Sothis was just, another spirit-thing like Arval, rather than an actual Goddess? (If she was even that, Byleth was having his doubts).]
Aren't you... concerned? Have questions? [He settled on being blunt: his biggest strength] About Sothis, I mean... she's- she's not like Arval, she's... she has a church and. Everything.
[Yeah. A church. And some very obsessed offspring that results in a very strange romance route with Rhea, but mostly the church thing! Did Arval have a church? No.]
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So, regarding Byleth's concerns? He doesn't mean to make light of them, of course, but the combination of long-standing suspicions and his own otherworldly experiences both in Kenos and otherwise just have him acting, well, perhaps less phased than anyone has any right to. ]
Not... really? [ A hum as he gives it some quick thought. ] I mean, if I got to throw around questions, then I guess I'd ask if she's got any idea as to how two people can just share the space in their heads like that, y'know? [ Another breath later, he folds his arms. ] Or, I'd ask why she's not pitching in and helping us out here. If she really created all of Fodlan, then she ought to have a better idea about how we're supposed to save it!
[ That's right! That's his most pressing question: why aren't you helping them, Sothis? Meridian is currently down one (1) goddess, better start working that divine bum off! ]
In any case, I'm not really that worried. If it was her taking over your body that one time, you did manage to hold her back, right? That means your willpower is a lot stronger than hers. If she tried anything weird against any of us, I definitely trust you to stop her.
[ ... come to think of it, maybe he should be a bit more concerned. Sothis did seem to have quite the grudge against him... or, was it Arval? Epimenides? Did these two have a History...? ]
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[Byleth knew this already. They had their very dramatic yet emotional promise to support one another, and to explore Fodlan together when (not if) they restored their world from the void it was trapped in. But in this... this was a unique scenario, and one that even he was unsure whether he could be trusted in. Sothis was not just a little girl, despite how she looked and sounded...
He knew, deep within his heart, that if she really wished to subsume him, she could. He was naught but a leaf in a storm where Sothis's will was concerned, and she had already dominated his spirit once in Kenos, threatening to raise a lethal hand to Dimitri, walking in his body and advocating for him when he had been mute with despair. He had only managed to fight her influence back in Fodlan because she hadn't put up a serious fight. She had capitulated because it was the path of least resistance, not because Byleth's will had been an obstructive wall to her.
He crossed his arms, his discomfort palpable as he considered this complicated situation. Shez trusted him, but it was in a situation where he trusted him in something that Byleth couldn't fully promise to achieve... he didn't want to lie to him, but at the same time, something in his gut twisted anxiously at admitting that Shez's trust, in this case, may be misplaced...]
...you shouldn't. Trust me to stop her, that it. Not where you're involved.
[In the end, though, he decided to be honest.]
Sothis indulges me when I protest her possession, but when it comes to you... she's far more aggressive and... dominant. When Arval attempted to kill me, not only was I trying to fend off their attacks, I was fighting to keep Sothis contained, because she wished to use that opportunity to "annihilate that snake-child once and for all". The, ah, 'snake-child' being you...
[Because he had noticed it too, Sothis's utter disdain towards Shez. To most humans she was indifferent, if bitter, and was weirded out by those of the Church, but Shez? Oh. Oh she did not like him, not in the slightest, not in the least, yet she never gave an answer as to why whenever Byleth asked. She just dropped cryptic and acidic hints of Shez being a 'snake-child' or a 'descendent of thieves', and never elaborated.
Did Shez remind her of someone from her past? Or was it linked to... Arval...? Did they actually have a history...?]
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That's why it's not so odd, that he's still smiling when Byleth completes his train of thought. That his response to the Goddess's ancestral hatred for him remains one and the same: ]
That doesn't change anything to me. I still trust you.
[ Is this a simpleton Wii shop music resolution? In part, sure. But he has surprisingly reasoned it out, too: ]
Or, if you really want to argue semantics, I guess you could say I have no choice but to trust you. If Sothis ever does take over again and tries to come for my throat, there's not much I could do to stop her, not without hurting you in the process. [ And they have promised not to ever be on opposite sides again, so this much doesn't need saying. ] At best I could stall and hold her back for a while, but everything else would fall on you. So, if that time ever comes, I'll be counting on you.
[ It's easier said than done, even he realizes it. But vessel or not, that is still Byleth's body, Byleth's mind, and Shez has faith in their bond and the reinforced knowledge that his friend wouldn't want to hurt him, either. Whether through persuasion, pleading, or sheer willpower, he just knows Byleth could wrestle control back from some haughty goddess's clutches. ]
That aside, it's kinda weird that she dislikes me that badly, huh? [ It's his turn to fold his arms again, head tilted to one side in thought. ] I mean, snake child? Sure, my turning on you probably felt like a betrayal from her perspective, but that wasn't really me. Or does she always keep a grudge against any personal enemy you've squared off with?
[ He doesn't doubt there may be countless of them... though maybe not a whole lot who may have survived to claim revenge on the Ashen Demon. ]
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Each word felt as weighty as a brick on Byleth's shoulders, yet he found his resolve only solidifying, rather than him buckling beneath the heavy responsibility. Byleth was something of a people pleaser when it came to those close to him, and if Shez had no choice but to rely on Byleth's willpower - as brittle as it was these days - to ensure his survival if Sothis ever wrested control from his hands... then much like Shez had no choice but to trust him, did Byleth have no choice but to succeed in subduing a goddess.
He exhaled quietly, a bracing sigh, but he straightened up with his shoulders squared.
Yet before he could murmur some low, dramatic vow on how he won't disappointed or fail Shez, his friend voiced a question that Byleth had ruminated over multiple times himself. He hesitated in answering, because he wasn't sure whether he should let Shez believe that Sothis was merely a crotchedly old lady when it came to his enemies, or gift him the weary knowledge that he was being singled out for divine retribution for reasons unknown...
In the end, though, the more informed Shez was, the better he could protect himself, maybe, from possible Sothis aggro.]
Admittedly, I'm not sure why she hates you so much. She's rather indifferent to those who've attempted to kill me in the past...
[Oh, she would give running commentary and yell at him if he made a mistake or narrowly evaded death, but otherwise she thought little of his foes and held no grudge. Shez, though, oh her grudge smouldered with the fires of a thousand dormant calderas.]
...I wondered if maybe it was Arval, but... hm. She also called you a 'descendant of thieves', so I'm not sure if she recognises you, somehow? Your ancestor, maybe? Or... perhaps she mistook you for someone else? She's very old, so...
[She might be senile...]
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[ Which would make sense, seeing as the Goddess allegedly created Fodlan and everyone who lives in it it (lol lmao no) but that still begs the question of why she would bear such resentment for one of her own (lol lmao) creations. What does dragon Catholicism say about Old Testament Sothis, he missed that class...
Yet, there's one thing he recalls, back from that same battle where Byleth first changed hair and eye color. ]
I guess... she did say something along those lines, that one time? That maybe I really was one of their descendants? [ With a sigh, he tilts his head again, cheek propped up on his knuckles. ] But that doesn't tell me anything about who they are...
[ Okay. Okay! If Arval was still around, Shez is sure they would advise against it, and in all truth, he can practically still hear the admonishment in his head, but he's only got his own Wii shop music brain to rely on and a lot more questions than he did prior to this fateful sparring match, so: ]
You don't think we could... maybe ask her, do you?
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[Byleth's tone was faintly apologetic, aware that he was potentially closing a door on answers Shez desperately wanted, but he had no way of knowing how she would react. Provided they could even wake her up. Despite a brief burst of activity, she had fallen into a deep, peaceful slumber ever since he did that ritual on her sword, purifying it of its resentful malice and transforming its shape into something far more pacifistic. She'd been granted peace, but it seemed that peace translated to an impenetrable coma.
It could be something about Kenos too, though.]
I've asked her multiple times why she dislikes you, and every time she evades my questions. I don't think you directly asking her would make her more willing to talk. She'd sooner, ah, try to stab you, I think.
[And...]
And she... hasn't been awake for a long while. She's asleep, and I'd rather keep it like that for now. I'm sorry. I know you want answers, but...
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It's all right. I knew it was a long shot, anyway.
[ Still, despite his sigh and slumped shoulders, the apology is utterly dismissed-- because, really, how could he find fault in his friend when Byleth himself probably had plenty of questions of his own? When he, too, had been made a vessel for someone else's conscience, having control of his own body stolen from him, used as an instrument to some greater goal neither of them can comprehend...
For a moment, he remembers a thought he had soon after leaving that hall of mirrors, a thought that has only gained traction in the many months since: that he and Byleth are somehow part of something bigger. So big, in fact, that not even the threat on multiple universes and the alleged end of all things has been able to purge from their lives, with all of Fodlan's mysteries left so far behind.
(But what is it?) ]
I also happen to know first hand how it feels to have the voice in your head taking over your body, so I wouldn't wish that on you again. Besides, with the way this place works, there might be other ways to find some answers or something. Until then...
[ A vigorous shake of his head, as though shedding off this defeatist mood left hanging between them. It's not like Shez to hang on to intangible what-ifs -- or even to do a lot of thinking in general, if he's being honest with himself -- so there's no point in focusing on things beyond his reach.
(Until then, he'll just have to wonder in silence.) ]
Until then, I still need to figure out how to use yet another weird power. And you-- [ Yes, that's a very energetic finger pointed straight at Byleth's face. ] --are gonna have to help me with that!
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[Byleth almost stammered over the word, leaning back from Shez's very enthusiastic finger thrusting at his face. He went briefly cross-eyed, focusing on the demanding finger, before taking a half a step back and brushing his hands down the front of his tunics in a manner that was distinctly... nervous.]
Ah, well, yes. Of course. That'd be the logical thing to do. I, who use the Divine Pulse as well, quite frequently at that, teaching you how to use it...
[Yet, despite saying that, there was a faint grimace pulling at his face. It wasn't that they were fresh from a topic that clearly discomforted him, or at the prospect of teaching Shez in general. In fact, he was a model student: driven, attentive, albeit a little too passionate about improving (he would try to break down a brick wall with his head if he thought it'd make him stronger), it was just that, well...
Hm.
How to say it...
Byleth had no idea how to teach the Divine Pulse. He just did it! It was something as instinctive as breathing without thinking about it, or reflexively parrying a blade you hadn't fully registered swinging for your vulnerable points. He had no idea how to translate that into something that wasn't a feeble 'um, just do it???' Shez deserved better than that.
...
Right... Shez deserved better than that...
As unprepared as Byleth felt, that was no excuse to try and shirk his duty to his friend. Even if his instruction was lacking or inexperienced, or even immature, Shez deserved to have him try to make an attempt, to help him make sense of this divine power he shouldn't have but had anyways, to help him hone one other potential weapon that could aid him in this merciless and confusing world.
He took in a breath, and braced himself for some healthy humiliation. He'll give it his best shot...]
...so we can start now, if you want. Are you ready?
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More than once, they have used them against each other, even long after their promise to stick together, under circumstances that were very particular to this world they live in right now. Circumstances that have forced their hands, and that could very well come to pass again. Again and again, they have reaffirmed their loyalty, forged their bond stronger every time, but if they're ever not themselves again... it would be unwise to give a potential enemy any more ammo, right? ]
I'm as ready as I can be. But the real question is if you are.
[ He shifts on his feet, one hand clutching his opposite elbow. This isn't the only uncomfortable topic they've had to deal with in a single day, but it's always best to clear things up before they get started in earnest. ]
Look. I know this place likes to play tricks on us, and the best I can do is promise I won't take it lying down. I won't let anyone take control over me without a good fight. But it could still happen anyway, and if you'd rather not have your own power used against you, I get it.
[ Or: he knows he's asking for a lot, so Byleth can just say no, for whatever reason. ]
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[Though he could practically hear Sothis yell that it "should very much be a concern!" Shez gaining both the power of space and time made him a very lethal threat to his enemies, and while Byleth had the advantage of experience with Divine Pulse, it very much closed the gap between them to a razor thin degree. He should be concerned at Shez turning this power against him, but...
He wasn't, oddly.]
...the truth is, I don't actually... know how to use Divine Pulse.
[There. He said it. He admitted it!]
It's very instinctive for me. It's not something that requires much conscious thought on my end, and I never 'learned' how to use it. I simply just knew.
[It was faint, but Byleth's perpetually blank face gained an embarrassed edge to it, aware that this instantaneous expertise meant he was severely lacking when it came to teaching someone about it. But in his defence, he didn't think that was ever going to be a thing!]
I fear I'll be a terrible teacher in this regard...
[And though he hadn't thought about it for a while, he felt that uncomfortable twinge at unconsciously comparing himself to the Other Byleth - the one that Dimitri and Claude sang praises for, their beloved 'Professor', who no doubt would know how to teach this particular thing despite the impossibility of this scenario.]
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In all honesty, it's a relief that Byleth isn't worried about sharing those powers, and Shez takes it as a further sign of trust despite their rough beginnings-- and possibly one haughty Goddess standing in their way in protest. And as for his actual concern, well-- ]
Yeah, I get that, too. I'm kinda the same in that regard, you know. Arval never really taught me how to use my own powers, and I don't think I could explain how to activate them if I tried.
[ It would seem these noggin ghosts just have a way with thrusting otherworldly powers upon their vessels and leaving them to deal with the aftermath! But hey, at the very least that means Shez isn't about to judge Byleth on his teaching skills-- nor would he compare his friend to the 'Professor' Dimitri and Claude have spoken of. Between this Byleth and some other who likely crushed Shez's counterpart under the sole of his boot like a meaningless insect, he would much rather take this self-proclaimed terrible teacher, any day.
That doesn't mean he's willing to forego instructions, though. They just need to... think outside the box. ]
But, see... An instinct is still a type of feeling, right? And for as long as we're here, we know there's a way we can share feelings as if they were our own. [ Or: their bond as Advocates, heightened through physical contact. ] I dunno if it's gonna work out, but it could be a good place to start?
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[Well, Byleth was glad that his admitted inability to teach was taken in stride, and his thoughts quickly turned towards the suggestion Shez posed. It had merit. Instinct was a feeling at the end of the day, a very basic unthinking one. As an Advocate, Byleth wouldn't need to concentrate that hard to maintain Communion, so Shez should be able to observe the instinct and try to replicate it.
This could work.]
We can try it. Shall I demonstrate a Divine Pulse while maintaining Communion with you?
[Although, he had no idea how it would work, if they remained connected while he stepped outside of the flow of Time while Shez remained in it. Would it create some sort of paradox? Would it force Shez to step outside of time? Would the connection sever?
...
...now Byleth was academically curious.]
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Yeah! No reason to waste any time, right?
[ Well. In theory, sure, but Shez does still pause to consider his next move. The one time they had made use of their connection's whole extent had been unplanned, a stroke of luck that spared them from a difficult conversation they weren't quite ready to have in the moments immediately following Byleth's rebirth. He doesn't doubt they will need physical contact in order to achieve their goal, all the more so when he's meant to get a good enough read on his friend's instinct that he can replicate the feeling behind a skill that is (was?) so uniquely Byleth's, but would it take something quite as drastic? Not that Shez is adverse to hugs or anything, but Byleth is... something else.
In the end, he extends out his hand in offering, palm facing up. If it proves to be insufficient, they can always step up their game later, but this is probably awkward enough on Byleth as it is. ]
Guess this should be enough for a first try.
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[A... baseline? Byleth does not elaborate on this point, reaching out to grasp Shez's hand without hesitation, his mind too griped by the academic curiosity before him to ignore the inherent discomfort that came in touching someone. It was glove on glove contact, anyways. At least two layers between their bare skin...]
Alright, I'll explain what I'll do and we'll see what you experience in that time.
[Probably best to start with something very basic, and something Shez was familiar with. Byleth had moved him before with the Divine Pulse, so if he mimicked that...]
I'll activate Divine Pulse and walk us exactly five paces forwards before deactivating it. I want you to focus on how it feels during the activation process, and in turn, I'll try to slow it down as much as I can. As I said, it's all instinctive for me, so I'm unsure on how much control I'll have on the speed of activation but... I'll try.
[As he spoke, his words became a mix of apologetic and mildly frustrated. If this was trying to teach Shez any other spell, he'd be able to break the whole thing down and demonstrate the activation through very slow-walked stages - but in this? Nope. It's a 'look real hard and don't blink!' way of teaching here. He'll likely have to do it multiple times before Shez could grasp the mechanism...]
Are you ready?
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Whatever the case, the truth remains that he trusts Byleth, not just as his only option but as his best. With such a close bond between them and how similar they are in their oddities, they definitely can make it work, even if it takes some time. ]
Right. As long as I can get a solid grip on activating it, the rest of the process shouldn't be too hard to handle. I'll focus as best as I can.
[ It's the least he can do for all the trouble he's putting Byleth through, so he gives him a firm nod and immediately follows up on his word, eyes closed and head empty; no thoughts, only feeling. ]
Ready when you are!
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[Byleth unconsciously tightened his grip around Shez's hand, his expression falling into a slight frown of concentration. He was going to try his best to 'slow' the Divine Pulse activation as much as posisble, though he wasn't quite sure how he was going to achieve that. It was very much a split-second instinctive cast...
But he tried. His gaze shifted fractionally, peering into the middle distance as he stopped the flow of time. It wasn't as instantaneous as it usually was - there was a strange stutter to it, like the Divine Pulse wavered before fully taking hold, not quite slowing despite Byleth's best attempts, but stalling. It made what should've been a seemless change almost nauseatingly jarring, and Byleth visibly grimaced in discomfort.]
Mngh, more difficult than I thought...
[His mutter was distracted and mostly to himself. Discontented but still remaining focused on task, he walked the promised five paces while tugging Shez along, and released the Divine Pulse slowly.
Or, tried to. Again, that strange stop-start stutter happened, making Byleth feel like he tripped out of the Divine Pulse rather than elegantly stepping out of it. He couldn't help but feel like Sothis was somehow chastising him in her sleep, a figurative scolding smack across the rump for daring to manipulate the Divine Pulse in a way she didn't directly approve of. It'd be like her...]