Fire Emblem Three Houses: Wanderer

Thousand Yard Stare

The mental health institute was of at least moderate help to Byleth's condition as he was able to be treated with proper psychological help. Byleth had been there for two weeks, and his mental health had improved enough for him to function on a basic level. The Gatekeeper accompanied him to the hospital, as to continue serving as his therapist.

They spoke over tea, "How are you feeling Byleth?"

"I'm doing-" Byleth began to speak.

"Do not deceive," Sothis sighed, "You need to be honest with him."

"I've been having the same nightmare over and over again," Byleth sighed.

"Nightmare?" Gatekeeper asked.

Byleth nodded, "I'm in an arena..."

Byleth's nightmare saw him awakening in the arena, the stands filled with the faces of the Emerald Chimerias as he fought the members of the Black Eagels, killing them one by one as with each kill the crowds began to weep blood. He saw in the stands, alone, Jeralt, who glared, as if accusing Byleth of failing to avenge him. The arena now soaked with the crimson tears of the crowds, revealed Edelgard. Who merely hugged Byelth, who then stabbed her in the chest with a knife.

Byleth would then wake up crying, look at the ring, and get on with his day.

"Sounds to me you blame yourself for a war that isn't your fault," Gatekeeper explained, "That you feel you betrayed Edelgard when you killed her when you in fact did nothing wrong and merely protected your loved ones. Sure everyone was hurt by the loss of the Eagels and I understand why it hurt you most of all. However it is still better to focus on what you still have. Those whom are still around."

"Yeah but that includes those who killed Jeralt," Byleth sighed, "Who I may add we still have no leads on. It's a whole mess."

"It is a mess but a mess we are cleaning up," Gatekeeper assured Byleth, "You just need to take this one step at a time..."

Little did they realize that the next step would come very abruptly as Cyril, Seteth, and Flayn had come to the hospital to check on Byleth and deliver a letter on behalf of the Chimerias, all of whom were wishing him well, however Claude and Dimitri had also shown to inquire about the possession of Byleth by Sothis two weeks prior.

As they approached they saw in the trees of the forest mages and assassins, plotting to attack, dressed in the robes of the church and led by a familiar face...

Manuela realized they were spotted and gave the order to attack, reminding her troops, "We have our orders boys. Kill Byleth and retreat. Don't waste your time on the patients. In and out."

The Gatekeeper and Byleth heard a scream and rushed to see what was the matter, they spotted Cyril, Seteth, and Flayn rushed in, warning the duo, "The church is attacking!"

"Curses," Byleth muttered, "Looks like I'll have to continue treatment later. Gatekeeper evacuate the patients we'll fight off the church."

"Don't forget your sword," Gatekeeper replied handing the Sword of the Creator to Byleth who stood with the trio, instantly knowing that routing the enemy wasn't an option. He askes, Cyril they've come for me yes?"

Cyril nodded, gripping his hand ax, "Yeah. They're led by Manuela."

Byleth realized he had two choices as three bishops and two assassins rushed in led by Manuela, escape, or kill Manuela.

Kill another person he cared for.

Byleth began to hyperventilate. He felt the walls closing in around him as the weight of this choice held him down. He felt it in his chest, making it hard to breath as Seteth called to him, "Byleth!"