Mind Reality of Eclipse

Flashing In and Out ~ Chapter 21

"He's... dead," Chrom gasped as he stood there shining his light on Mario's dead body. He was covered with slashes and cuts. He was bleeding from his stomach. He was stabbed multiple times and there was a huge cut on his face. Flesh was showing... "Get the others."

Byleth asked, "What do you want me to do!?"

"GET THE OTHERS!" Byleth nodded and dashed out of the pond. The heroes were all waiting there when Byleth walked over.

Byleth grunted, "We found Mario... but, something happened to him." The heroes looked one another in worry and dashed in after Byleth. Chrom was trying to examine Mario but he couldn't. He just felt disbelief and shock.

"MARIO!?" The rest of the heroes questioned. They dashed over and checked him, sure enough he was dead. Byleth stood there staring at the body, he was... conflicted.

Alear asked, "What happened on his way back!? Did he get attacked and murdered there!?" Byleth shook his head as Chrom walked over.

"Well... we called the police to investigate a lot more thoroughly, gods... this just... is bringing back aching memories," Chrom explained as he felt his heart racing again. He felt anxious all of a sudden, he took a deep breath and looked at everyone.

Alear muttered, "Don't worry, we'll find out who is responsible for this. Whoever did this really hated Mario..." Chrom and Byleth nodded in agreement as they looked back at everyone else.

Shez groaned, "This is all so... stressful. I'm really worried about finding out who the person was and what their intentions were supposed to be."

"I agree, but we should go ahead and investigate a little more. Let's go on ahead and see what clues we can find," Byleth replied as he looked back at Mario's body. The three nodded as they walked on ahead.

Chrom asked, "What was going on before I left?"

"Mario was supposed to go on an expedition over the mountains in the Northern area of Dawn. He probably came back and was ambushed by someone, but the question is... who did ambush him?" Alear explained. Chrom looked down upon himself and took a deep breath.

Alear shook her head as Shez stated, "It's a lot to understand but I think we have this. I know for a fact that Mario's death will not go in vain and whoever did this will be punished."

"Especially since he was the team leader..." Byleth replied as he looked down upon himself. He felt like he was supposed to do something but was unable to.

Chrom sighed, "I understand how you're feeling Byleth. However, we shouldn't mourn for so long like this. I understand how you feel and I know you wish to have done more. But we just need to figure out the murderer and then we will have our vengeance."

"What if the murder was from a team member?" Someone asked. The group looked over and saw a person they haven't seen in months. They were one of the workers at the concert months ago. It was none other than Alcryst.

Byleth asked, "Alcryst?"

"I know I won't be of much use but I want to try helping. It's not a lot, but it's the least I can do," He replied as he slightly smiled. The heroes looked at one another and nodded.

Chrom explained, "By that comment you just made. What do you mean by that?"

Alcryst explained, "You know how you guys are always so bonded together? What if there was someone you didn't realize was gone; do the murder?"

"If that was the case... how in the world did our communicators stop working?"

Alcryst asked, "Were they working for the previous couple of days?"

"As a matter of fact, they were... however, they stopped working this morning," Byleth explained. Alcryst took a deep breath and looked into the forest.

Alcryst muttered, "Nevermind, my guess was probably not worth the effort. I feel like the police will be able to handle it..." Byleth shook his head as Alear stood there thinking.

Byleth sighed, "You're fine Alcryst. We'll figure this out all together, then soon we will find out who is responsible and who will take the blame for it all."

"I do hope you're right... but I don't feel like I'll be able to do much," Alcryst replied as he tried hiding his face.

Alear replied with a smile, "Nonsense you do wonderfully!"

"You think so?"

"Of course I do, you're an amazing person and we will need your efforts in order to solve this case. Are you willing to give it a try?" Alear replied as she smiled. Alcryst thought for a moment, he stared at the heroes who were wall patiently waiting.

Alcryst sighed, "You got yourself a deal. I won't be much of use though so I personally think it's a horrible idea. However, I can't disappoint you. I will do all I can."

"That's awesome! Glad to hear you're willing to try it out at least! I like that spirit," Alear responded. Alcryst slowly nodded as Byleth stood there thinking.

Byleth grunted, "Who... who would do such a thing?"