Chapter Text
Dimitri wasn’t sure what he was looking at when he first started watching this.
But slowly… he began to understand.
Whatever this door was, it wasn’t playing everything in a singular line. It was more like it picked out a couple dozen memories and had Dimitri watch them like he was in the scene himself.
He watched Byleth pick the Blue Lions and introduce herself.
Now, here Dimitri did find it a little confusing on why Edelgard and Claude weren’t there. But the second the second memory started playing, it started filling gaps in his mind.
The end of the mock battle was the Blue Lions winning and asking their professor to help them celebrate.
The third memory was of Lonato. But Dimitri paid attention to the conversation between himself, Byleth, Ashe and Catherine.
The fourth was where things started getting confusing as he saw his class deal with Miklan and recover the Lance of Ruin. But not before the disowned son turned into a giant monster.
And he didn't get too long to think about it before he watched Jeralt die by Kronya’s hand.
He watched his professor sink into a pile of rage and vengeance, then get swallowed up whole by the people who had Jeralt killed. And he watched this other version of him start to show his true colors as nothing but a savage beast.
And then… he watched Byleth fuse with a girl named Sothis and take her power.
He watched her climb back out of whatever trap that was and take down her attempted murderers.
But from here on, Dimitri could feel rage.
He watched Edelgard expose herself as the Flame Emperor, ready to conquer Fodlan.
His reaction almost mirrored his past self, only he didn’t laugh like a maniac. He had found that bit uncomfortable to watch.
He watched her getaway, heard his past self threaten bodily horror to Edelgard. He watched Byleth try to comfort him, only for his past life to brush her off like it meant nothing to him.
Then he watched Edelgard come for Garret Mach, and he felt fear. Knowing that the entire Adrestian Empire followed her lead.
He watched Byleth fall into darkness, only to wake up five years later.
To a Fodlan soiled by war… the Kingdom split in two between itself and the Dukedom run by Cornelia… and a version of him that only listened to the voices in his head.
He watched him disregard his classmates… his friends… like they were nothing but husks to use for his revenge. Even ignoring the idea of taking back Fhirdiad and becoming King to save his people before going after Edelgard.
That one actually unsettled Dimitri there.
He watched him cut down several people, including Ferdinand, which almost made the prince sick to his stomach by how easy he went for it.
Finding out that Dedue died saving him in the first place was not easy for Dimitri to process either.
And then he watched his path full of unstable actions finally collapse as Rodrigue died for his sins. He watched him cry as the older man took his last breath right there on the fields of Gronder, another person taken from his life.
But Dimitri could still hear Rodrigue’s words ringing in his head.
“None of us… died for you… I’m dying for what I believe in… just as they did.”
But here… he watched Byleth finally manage to break through the broken shell of a beast.
And he was now paying close attention to what was happening.
“You seem to know everything these days, professor.” His past self spoke with agony and spite. “So tell me… how do I silence their desperate pleas… How do I… How do I save them? Ever since that day nine years… I have only lived to avenge the fallen… even my time at the officers academy was all so I could secure my revenge and clear away the regret of the dead…”
His past self looked down. “It was the only thing that kept me alive… my only reason for moving forward…”
And for once, Dimitri didn’t have anything to say. He knew he was exactly similar to this version of him. His time at the Officer’s Academy was just that. Revenge. For the Fallen. For the Dead. Not for himself. He didn’t have that right. Not after Duscur. But…
Byleth stepped up to the plate. “Dimitri. You have to forgive yourself.”
Dimitri blinked, not sure of that response. Forgive… himself? What was there to forgive? He…
Oh.
Byleth was the wise one apparently.
His past self seemed to agree, but he still looked unsure as he turned to her.
“But then… who… or what… should I live for?”
Byleth once again had the answer. “Live for what you believe in.”
Dimitri found himself agreeing with her. As this other version poured his heart out. Calling himself a monster whose hands were stained red.
But Dimitri… he found himself thinking hard on the Professor's words.
After all… did a monster like him… truly deserve to live?
*
There were several memories that Dimitri tuned out, only because he was focused on what Byleth said to himself in the past.
But he reached several more memories. His apologies to the remaining Blue Lions and Gustave. The retaking of Fareghus and his ascension as king. The end of the Leicester Alliance with Claude leaving Fodlan altogether. Then the fall of the Adrestian Empire soon after.
He watched his alternate self kill Edelgard with Arendbar when she threw the very knife he had given her at him.
And then… the very scenes he had watched with Byleth.
The time with the orphanage kids back in Garreg Mach. The proposal. The coronation…
And… him. Dying for Byleth so that she could live.
But he was greeted with one last memory.
Byleth sitting over his grave, his ring on the string with Rhea stood next to her, watching Byleth sadly.
“There is… a way.” The Archbishop spoke, earning her granddaughter’s attention. “But it is risky… and it could destroy you… but it might be the only way to right the deaths made by that vile creature… are you up for it?”
Byleth now looked vengeful. She stood up and stared at Rhea. “I’m in.”
And the world faded in a bright blue light as Dimitri absorbed everything from the door.
*
He found himself walking out of the door on his own. His vision cleared to find him looking at the lake within this weird spot. Byleth had her back to him, sitting on the side, knees deep in the water.
Dimitri swallowed as he looked at her. Now knowing the truth.
Slowly he walked to the side, gathering his thoughts. The Blue Ring felt heavy in his hand, and his skin was covered in goosebumps, but he pressed on.
Slowly he stepped in and sat down. Byleth didn't turn to him.
“You’ve…” Dimitri began, before he swallowed. “You’ve lived this year before… haven’t you.”
A sad smile made its way onto Byleth’s face. “Yes.”
The confirmation made Dimitri’s world spin. The truth was heavy.
“Pro…” Dimitri began, then shook his head. “Byleth. I’m so sorry.”
“Why are you sorry?” Byleth asked. “You’re not the one who killed them.”
Dimitri did concede to that. He wasn’t the one that killed them.
He also wasn’t someone who survived though.
“I…” Dimitri was trying to find something to say.
“I can understand if you hate me.”
Dimitri felt his eyes flare in anger. “I could not hate you!” Byleth turned to him with an unbelieving frown. “You have been carrying this pain for a long time. I know that pain better than anyone.”
In a way, Byleth had experienced a Tragedy of Duscur of her own. Watching everyone she loved die. Her class, becoming her family and support group all getting taken out. He could understand it.
Which was why he wasn’t going to let Byleth fall here.
“But… is it true you can manipulate time?”
Byleth nodded. “Yes and no. I can only do it over short periods of time. The big time jumps though take a lot out of me and…” Byleth stared at the ground. “You already know the rest.”
Dimitri absorbed this and nodded. “So, the Blue Lions, Golden Deer and Black Eagles all being in the same class… the rescue attempt with Monica… Lonato…”
Byleth closed her eyes. “I tried to save him…”
“I know.” Dimitri reassured her. Of course he knew. “But Byleth… how many times have you…”
Byleth closed her eyes. Of course he would ask. She wasn’t only wearing one ring. She had three.
“Byleth…” Dimitri was beginning to realize it, looking horrified. “How many…”
Byleth didn’t answer, but for the first time she looked up and at him, he could see the hollow, broken pain in her eyes, a single tear rolling down her cheek.
Realization hit Dimitri harder than ever. It was not just once. Or twice.
He brought a hand around her as she collapsed, her tears falling against his skin as she sobbed.
*
There was silence as the two embraced each other. Then Byleth pulled herself together.
“Sorry…” She muttered, wiping her cheeks.
“No, Byleth.” Dimitri said softly. “You’re not the one who should be sorry. It’s the goddess who should be sorry.”
Byleth looked confused, but Dimitri leaned forward staring at the water. “You've given everything… your blade… your heart… your drive… your soul… and even still… the world laughs at you like a broken record… laughs at your pain like some sort of sick joke…forces you to carry more and more pain…”
He shook his head. “You have every right to be angry and spiteful… yet you keep pushing. But I am surprised that you haven’t broken under all of that pain.”
“Because I’m not living for me.”
“You should, Byleth!” Dimitri spat. Byleth jumped.
But he didn’t back down.
“You once told a version of me to live for myself.” He spoke, like he was fully confident in his words. “That I need to forgive myself. You showed that version of me that he has to move forward and not look back. And now that I watch it unfold… I agree.”
He shook his head. “I will forever hate those who created the Tragedy of Duscur with every fiber of my being. But my life is my own. I will not waste it being a gravedigger for the dead. And if I am to help you, then I need to start focusing on those that are living here and now. Our pasts may not be the brightest… but that isn’t what makes us who we are. It’s the rest of the story. What we choose to be.”
Dimitri turned to Byleth. “And you know what? I know what I choose to be. I will not only be the person who fights by your side to make this right, but I will live for everyone I hold dear instead of those that are gone. I will take the throne and be the person who backs you to the end, even after we deal with Nemesis and those aligned with him.” He crossed his arms. “Because you are done walking alone in the dark. It is time you were given peace, and I will make sure of it with every fiber of my being!”
Byleth was at a loss for words. Truly.
She lowered her head to fight the blush. “Thanks.”
Dimitri chuckled, amused to see this side of his professor. “No. I believe I have you to thank for opening my eyes.”
“Well… technically it’s the ring.” Byleth gestured to his enclosed hand. “That’s the thing that sent us here.”
“Oh! Right.” Dimitri looked down at it. Then he looked deep in thought. “Why did it do that?”
“I don’t know.” Byleth shrugged. “Rhea mentioned that it was covered in Temporal magic. I’m sure she will want to look at it once we get back.”
Dimitri looked at her. “Is Lady Rhea… the only other person who knows?”
“No.” Byleth shook her head. “Seteth and Father know. And Rhea only knows in this loop. She doesn’t have the knowledge of the other ones.”
The blond hummed as he looked at the ring again.
“But…” Byleth spoke. “What else did it show you?”
“I know about Edelgard.” Dimitri confessed.
Byleth swallowed, then looked at the water. “Do you know of her plans?”
“Yes.” He did not look happy. “Her plans to conquer Fodlan to abolish the Crest System. Her soon to be role as the Flame Emperor. I saw all of it.”
Byleth nodded. “And… your thoughts?”
He took a moment, processing it all again.
“Part of me wants to dismiss Edelgard as a rabid animal for trying to do this. While I find her end goal noble, her method of going about it is completely wrong. Forcing war across the continent to force change always brings about the worst pushback.” Dimitri shook his head. “But… I feel like I am missing something. Something that you are aware of.”
Byleth nodded. “There’s… more to the story that she didn’t tell us in that loop.”
“Yes.” Her words confirmed Dimitri’s theory. “Which is why I wish to hold judgment on that for now. You are clearly trying to get closer to her for whatever reason, but I will not get in the way of it unless you tell me to.” He smiled. “And even if it fails, I want you to know that my blade is yours going forward.”
Byleth smiled. “Thanks.”
“Here.” Dimitri handed the ring to her, she took it into her hands. “This is yours.”
“Well…” Byleth looked sheepish. “Technically it’s yours.”
“I know. But I want you to keep it until I earn it.”
Wait. What?
Byleth turned to Dimitri wide eyed. The blond only crossed his arms again. “I meant what I said. I will back you to the end. And even if the future says we will or will not be together, I would like to take things in our own way. Build something original if we are to wed. But I will not see this as something to take lightly. Your feelings are important.”
Byleth blinked. She sat there just a little bit. Taking in everything he said and…
Oh?
Byleth smiled sultry. “Oh really, Dimitri? You’re actually up for that too?”
Dimitri blinked, realizing that Byleth was acting just a little bit more… mischievous. He nodded. “Yes.”
“Sooo,” Byleth dragged out before she moved her hand across the marble. “If I were to do… this.”
She moved swiftly, straddling his waist in a flash, which made Dimitri tense up as she looked down at him.
“You’re not going to do anything?” Byleth asked, looking like a dragon that found her mark.
Dimitri smirked back, though he moved his hands in a very awkward manner to her hips. “No.”
She licked her lips. “You should push me off.”
“I should.” Dimitri nodded in agreement. “I’m not going to.”
Byleth growled lowly. “You should. Who knows what Lady Rhea might say.”
Dimitri chuckled, actually enjoying this game. His grip tightened. “Do I look like I care for her opinion?”
Byleth grinned. “No.” She leaned forward. “No you don’t.”
She kissed him hard, earning his attention and pleased reaction in response. The blue ring shined brighter against the ground before the flash consumed them once again.
“Hey guys, what’s taking yo-, WHOA! WHOA! WHOA!”
Byleth and Dimitri shot apart before they turned to the voice.
Shez had his jaw dropped against the floor as he stared at the two of them. A comical look of shock and confusion on his face.
One look around and Byleth and Dimitri were back at Garreg Mach’s Arena. Clothed in their separate version of the Lord Class like nothing happened.
They shot apart, stood up and cleared their throats. Shez had not reacted once and looked like a broken machine, his eye twitching just a smidge all the while.
“Right, so…” Byleth coughed into her fist. “Should we… set up a time to discuss everything?”
“Yep!” Dimitri nodded. “Tomorrow! Lunch! Works for me!”
“Cool! Perfect! Bye!” Byleth walked away, grabbing Shez by the wrist and stalking to the exit.
It was here that Shez pulled himself together. “What the fuck happened!? I was only gone for three minutes!”
*
Dimitri exhaled as he walked through the monastery. Now that practice was done, he might as well get something to eat.
But as he entered the dining hall.
“Hey! There he is!”
Dimitri lifted his head to the Blue Lions all sitting around the middle table. Annette, Ashe and Ingrid were happily eating. Mercedes was conversing with Dedue until he showed up, Felix had his arms crossed as he looked at the table and Sylvain was waving him over.
He smiled and walked over. “Hello, Sylvain.”
Sylvain patted his shoulder. “How did it go with the professor?”
“Fine, actually.” Dimitri responded, though he could his heart tighten as he remembered everything in that weird room. “She’s slowly getting there but Byleth is excelling at her own pace.”
Felix looked up with suspicion. “Byleth?”
“Yes.” Dimitri nodded. “That’s her name, isn’t it?”
“When did you start calling her by name?” Felix narrowed his eyes.
Dimitri shrugged. “Since now.”
Ingrid broke from her meal and wiped her lips with a napkin. “Leave him alone, Felix. If he wants to start calling her by name, he can.”
Felix grumbled to himself before he rolled his neck. Dimitri could see that Felix was still suspicious, considering every time they talked about her, he always called Byleth, Professor instead. But…
A memory shot its way into Dimitri’s head as he remembered the coronation of himself and Byleth.
Watching Annette share a dance with Felix and somehow Sylvain managed to get Ingrid to dance like they were married put some thoughts in his head. Maybe…
Dimitri decided to roll with it.
“Oh by the way, Felix.” Dimitri opened with a smile that screamed sincerity as he stood up, walked around and patted him on the shoulder. “I didn’t know you like women that can sing!”
Annette choked. Hard. She coughed out her drink, slapping the table several times as Mercedes and Ingrid patted her back. Though they looked shocked.
Felix for his part looked horrified. Like his biggest secret had just been exposed. Sylvain felt his jaw drop while Ashe looked wide eyed. Dedue raised a brow, like this was supposed to be common knowledge.
“Wha, what…” Felix swatted Dimitri’s hand off his shoulder, now looking up at him furiously. “What is wrong with you!?”
“I think what you mean to say is: How’d you know that!?” Sylvain exclaimed before he started laughing. Mercedes giggled sweetly while Ingrid and Ashe were looking back and forth between Annette and Felix wide eyed and slacked jawed.
“I do not understand. Is this not common knowledge?” Dedue tilted his head slightly.
“No! I don’t! I’m asking the questions here, dammit!” Felix snapped at the redhead.
“You don’t like my singing?” Annette muttered, sounding almost like a little wounded puppy.
“No! No!” Felix panicked and yelled at the orange haired girl. “I do not! I think your singing is beautiful just like you!” He shook his head as he realized what he said. “Wait! No! No!”
Annette combusted on the spot. Sylvain’s laughter grew louder. Now Ingrid couldn’t stop the laughs watching Felix panic.
“Oh my…” Mercedes muttered, giggling without a care in the world. Dedue blushed hearing her laugh so close to him.
Dimitri smiled to himself as he patted Felix’s shoulder again. “I say this as your friend. Be honest. Love should never be stopped.”
“You shut up!” Felix swatted his shoulder again. He pointed a finger at him dangerously. “What the hell are you doing? You think you can just come here and expose private conversations! That’s not-,”
He kept yelling things that Dimitri stopped listening to. Only standing there smug and letting the chaos unfold.
Felix was so caught in his rambling that he didn’t notice a tomato faced Annette get up from her chair and run around the table to the bluette before she tackled him off the bench.
“OH SHIT!” Sylvain stopped laughing on the spot as Annette kissed Felix hard. Felix froze for a second before he returned her kiss, not putting up a fight anymore. Others around them took notice and began cheering and yelling in excitement as the two made out on the floor.
Dimitri took a seat, smug with himself as he waited for his food. Ready to bask in the moment that was right here in front of him.