The young man sighed as he found himself hearing the same lecture again.
"Are you trying to prove me being right?! The definition of-"
"Insanity is trying the same thing multiple times and expecting a different result."
"So, is this a confession of your lack of mental stability?"
A small sliver of a smile appeared on the man's face as he stared at the miniature-sized goddess in front of him. It was hard not to; it was like staring at his literal other half. A part of him that had been there since his birth and his multiple deaths.
"No, admitting I'm doing such acts out of insanity will be an admittance that I can't achieve it, and that all my efforts are just madman's way of dealing with traumatic experiences."
Byleth didn't have to hear Sothis speak to hear her reaction to that statement.
'But that is what you're doing.'
"Sothis? Can I be honest for a second?"
The goddess' expression turned from agitated to saddened.
"I already know what you're going to ask."
"But I don't know if your answer is honest."
Sothis' expression didn't change, it stayed melancholy and pensive.
"You and I are one being, your desires are mine and mine are yours." She smiled.
"Besides I care about those little brats just as much as you do, as long as you keep trying, I will keep supporting you." Her brow then raised.
"Besides Goddess knows what you would do without me."
"Was that a pun?"
She shrugged then she snapped her fingers.
"Now let us- "
[The nebula 'Huntsmen beyond the Veil' asks if 'Huntress of the Brightest Stars' is a sadist, a masochist, or both.]
Both the Progenitor God and their host froze at the glowing square shape that appeared right in front of them.
Sothis' eyes glowed greenish-gold and a magical circle with the Crest of Flames as their core glowed in front of her. She raised her head to signal Byleth to get behind her.
"Who goes there?!"
[The Constellation 'Huntress of the Brightest Stars' glares at her nebula.]
[The nebula 'Huntsmen beyond the Veil' raise their hands in mock surrender.]
[The Constellation 'Huntress of the Brightest Stars' rolls he eyes and begs 'Sothis' not to see her as a threat!]
Sothis blinked and then glared.
"Well then prove you aren't one!"
[The Constellation 'Huntress of the Brightest Stars' is expending Probability.]
[The Constellation 'Huntress of the Brightest Stars' is entering the-the-the $cen3rio?]
"Wait, I thought you talked to the Dokkaebi's Bureau thingie?"
The voice was young and rather annoying.
Byleth blinked as he stared at the teen wearing rather odd clothing appearing into the mental dimension shared between Sothis and him.
[The nebula 'Huntsmen beyond the Veil' swear they did.]
[The nebula 'Huntsmen beyond the Veil' is writing a formal complaint.]
"Look at my size, do I look threatening?"
The green-haired goddess grits her teeth.
"Are you saying smaller-sized adults can't dangerous?"
"..."
"Just tell us what you want?"
"You can only Divine Pulse up to that day you met the House Leaders, right?"
Byleth stayed calm despite a burst of anger at the bratty intruder.
"Your point?"
"I can help Ascend your Divine Pulse so you can back as far as centuries, hell you could even stop Nemesis if you want."
Byleth stared at her trying to gauge her intentions, but it felt it hard to read if this person was just intentionally being insensitive.
He was vaguely reminded of Anna, and her roundabout method of advertising meant to make it seem like something you desperately needed is something easily reached by her, to the point it was irrelevant to her.
As If realizing how he felt the girl sighed.
"Look I'm sorry if I'm a bit of an asshole, but I want you to be cautious and I don't approve of the contract you'll have to sign if you say yes."
It was jarring the young women looked at the pair with admiration and anger.
"So, before I say something I'll regret I'll state the Terms and Conditions of the 'Foreign Incarnation Crossover Contract: Non-Disaster Program'."
"What?"
"The Dokkaebi's Bureau will use you as contracted beings to perform as incarnations, depending on your choices you will be able to strengthen yourself and strive toward the end of the scenarios. If Incarnation reaches end of scenarios... doesn't matter how they can keep all abilities they've gained. If not... contract will be terminated."'
"You mean the only failure is death, right?" Sothis frowned.
"Yes."
"What of me then? As a goddess living inside a mortal will I also be following Byleth on his journey?"
"Yes, but due to restrictions based on probability you won't have access to your current stats."
"Meaning? No Divine Pulse early on and your strength will greatly lessen."
"How much?" Asked Sothis, she was not about to send her other half, her human counterpart to be defenseless in a foreign domain.
"Sadly, you won't be able to slay multiple demonic beasts on your own anymore, but you can still win against most enemies if you're smart enough."
Sothis frowned.
"There is something else you want to say, isn't there? Speak child."
"You won't remember the contract, or me, specifically this entire conversation won't be remembered by either of you."
"What? Why?"
"The Constellations prefer seeing mindless suffering and what better way than a man not knowing what he's fighting for?"
"You're a constellation."
The girl smiled, with a dark look on her face.
"True and considering my nature I might be one of the worst." The way she looked at Byleth was filled with admiration, but looking at it now it was rather like a child looking at an interesting piece of art.
Interest and value, but nothing else.
It was deeply disturbing.
"And you swear on your life this is all true?" Sothis asked.
"Without a doubt." She answered not even skipping a beat.
Byleth turned to Sothis wondering if he had her blessing in accepting the deal.
She clicked her tongue in response, the message was as clear as before.
Your desires are mine and mine yours.
"We accept."
The girl gave a closed eyed smile, and when she opened them again, they were pure silver without a hint of pupil or sclera.
"I warned you; this isn't going to be pretty."
Byleth suddenly felt very tired.
YOU ARE READING
The Second Throne
Fanfiction"The idea of time travel is a petty thing, because no matter what you do the universe will always punish you in the end." He remembered saying that to one of his students when they joked of the concept, it was more out of instinct than anything. He...
