Episode 8 - Dimitri's Limit

we open the episode with Jeralt as he put a letter in front of Byleth

J: Catherine found this on Lonato's corpse.

B: (picks it up and reads it) what's the rite of rebirth?

J: It's a holiday for the Monestary. Apparently a couple of guys want to assassinate Rhea while the holiday is on and Lonato was apart of it.

B: so what do we do?

J: Rhea asked me to protect her with Catherine, Shamir is scouting the area, Manuela and Hanneman are checking students who enter the class, and you'll keep watch of any suspicious activity while figuring out where the assassination will take place.

B: what about the three houses?

J: same job as yours. but that's not the only thing that's happening. the letter also says that these guys have to require a weapon that's in the Monastery.

B: it doesn't say what weapon it is.

J: exactly. so we need to be quick before the Goddess's Rite of Rebirth.

J: do you promise to get the information as best as you can?

B: of course.

J: then head back to your class. Hopefully nothing goes wrong.

we slowly fade to an underground fortress as the Flame Emperor slowly walks toward the Dark Bishop that controls the fortress

F: it looks like someone put a hole in our plans.

Dark Bishop: what do you mean?

F: Lonato is dead. he was going to give you a letter telling you to assassinate Rhea in the Goddess's Rite of Rebirth.

D: so I'm guessing we don't do the plan.

F: Not quite. I have a certain ally that will accompany you. He's hard to order around but hopefully he gets the job done.

Suddenly the Dark Bishop hears loud footsteps as a figure in spiked black armor and a black helm resembling a skull with large horns, who has black and red rags all over his armor and a large scythe on his back approaches them as the red pupils of his dark, almost soulless eyes stares at the Dark Bishop.

F: this is the death knight. He's very powerful and lusts for the blood of his enemies.

D:...he won't betray me?

F: of course. if you don't piss him off. now...let's discuss our plans

after the Opening we cut to Dimitri as Dedue was picking out outfits for the holiday

M: aren't you going to keep watch?

D: we don't know if there are spies in the Monastery. if there are, it's best to blend in with the crowd so they don't think your suspicious.

M: I guess I understand.

D: Besides, I'm sure the other two houses will get their attention

M: so what will you do while you wait?

D: I'm going to hang out with Professor Byleth of course.

Ingrid: and why's that?

D: I'm going to fully understand what makes her so special. three of our members are gone and I want to know why they always go for her.

M: don't you think your becoming a little obsessive or maybe Jealous?

D: Of course not! I understand if my friends have good reasons to move on. I'm sure it'll be a good reason. don't you think Dedue?

Dedue: of course.

D: so anyways I'll be off. I won't be gone for long. (gets up and leaves)

I: I don't know why but I have a feeling he'll mess up somehow.

Dedue: have faith Ingrid. he clearly knows what he's doing.

we cut to Byleth in the gardening house as she was teaching Felix how to plant flowers

F: why do you constantly need me to do such silly activities!?

Byleth: you want to learn Bernie's skill or not?

F:....very well.

Dimitri walks in and sees Felix

D: hello professor. hello Felix.

B: oh hello Dimitri. I hope my house doesn't bother you.

D: of course it wouldn't bother me. why would it?

B: well I thought you would be angry after losing 3 members.

D: oh that's all in the past.

F: excuse me professor. I think Ashe is calling me.

D: But I don't hear him-

F: goodbye. (leaves)

B: so what did you need Dimitri?

D: well. you see I think we haven't really hung out all that often. and with the whole assassination thing going around I thought I could also help you with that.

B: well I do need to keep an eye out-

D: I'll help with that as well. besides, you'll have more time to relax.

B: hmm. I guess you have a point. But who will keep watch on my students?

D: I'm sure Edelgard can handle it. she is a soon to be Emperor after all.

B:...alright fine. a little break wouldn't hurt.

D: let's go to the training grounds. I'd love to try a battle with you. just make it a fair fight.

B: battles aren't always fair.

D: yes but I'm a man of honor

we cut to Dimitri battling Byleth as the two constantly blocked and dodged each others attacks as one attack from Dimitri almost hits Byleth but she flipped over the attack and struck Dimitri only for that attack from above to be blocked as then Dimitri stops

D: has Sylvain never told you?

B: told me what?

D: hehe. your gonna love this. I don't know if it's my crest, or my father. But I was born with great strength.

B: I think your just bragging.

D: no really! watch this! (he grabbed a silver lance and broke it in half just by squeezing his hand)

B: woah...

D: I know right!? I almost rival Dedue in strength!

B: You sure you know how to control that?

D: Of course. I wouldn't hurt any friends of mine.

B: We're already friends?

D: Are we not?

B: well we haven't had a proper introduction together.

D: I thought we did back at Remire village.

B: all I got was your name and where you came from.

D:...well...the day is still young. how about we have some food at the dinning hall. heard today was the curry and egg special.

B: alright. (reaches for a hand shake) how about we start over?

D: heh. (takes hand shake) Dimitri.

B: Professor Byleth.

so we cut to Byleth and Dimitri as they eat while discussing things

D: So back in the day I was struggling constantly. every time my step sister practiced with me, I'd always lose. That's probably because of her father.

B: so what happened to her?

D: Hm? what do you mean you already know her.

B: what?

D: Edelgard hasn't told you? her mother became my step mother.

B: You and edelgard?

D: who do you think gave her the knife she keeps in her pouch.

B: oh my goddess.

D: it's not crazy. though it's hard to hang out with her sometimes. unlike me, she has a lot of work.

B: aren't you a prince?

D: of a kingdom. half of fodlan is Adrestian Empire territory. so it'd make sense if she had a lot to do.

B: her house is a bit of a handful.

D: Well mine isn't really a handful...at least. not anymore.

B: I'm sorry.

D: oh don't worry you don't have to apologize.

B: Well your house only has three members. doesn't it feel empty?

D: honestly...no....how do you do it?

B: what?

D: how do you attract them that easily? Ashe I understand because I know Petra is his friend but felix...sylvain...who's next?

B: don't act like that. your not a failure. and your definitely not failing your classmates. they just seem to have their own wants and needs that isn't in your house.

D: it's fine Byleth. really. I'm just not that great of a person.

B: well you are to me. so don't beat yourself up about it. your strong, caring, brave, and noble. always remember that.

D:...right.

Byleth hugs Dimitri as Dimitri hugs back with one of his arms slowly and tries not to tear up as Byleth then let's go

E: professor?

B: oh! what is it Edelgard?

E: Ferdinand has a theory you might wanna hear.

B: I'm sorry Dimitri. but I have to hear this.

D: it's alright. go.

Byleth and Edelgard as Dimitri whispers to himself while tearing up

D: looks like life has finally smiled back at me again father...

we cut to Dimitri in the blue lion house

D: And right when I thought I had her, she HOPPED over me but thankfully I blocked it just in time!

Dedue: It sounds as if you had a nice time my prince.

D: Nice doesn't even begin to describe it. I can't believe how funny she is! Mercedes I won't blame you if you also think she's beautiful!

M: (blushes) S-She's n-n-not bad to look at....

D: I know I've been taught to never judge people on looks but she is stunning!

Dedue: it's nice to see you become this happy my prince.

D: that's because I met probably the nicest woman I've ever met! I can't express how happy she makes me feel! I...can't believe...how much she makes me feel whole again...Dedue! it's almost evening. when Byleth is done with her meeting I want you to lead her to the reception hall!

Ingrid: what're you doing?

D:...I think I found destiny.

we then cut to Ferdinand talking with Black eagle house

F: Obviously it'll be hard for members of Lonato's group to get Rhea from anywhere on the outside or inside of the Monastery. But we haven't thought about the underground levels of the place. it does have a lot of open spaces.

E: but how could they strike rhea from there?

F: that's the thing. what if the weapon is in the underground levels?

H: then that means this weapon will break through any defense Rhea has if they plan to get it first

Dorothea: well then where will Rhea go if anywhere seems unsafe?

B: Seteth will hide with her in the Goddess tower.

H: will it hold?

B: I don't know

E: well for now we'll think about ferdinands theory.

Dorothea: not bad for a noble.

F: thank yo-hey what was that supposed to mean.

B: alright. it's getting late so we should get to our rooms and rest.

the Black eagle members leave except Caspar

B: What's wrong Caspar?

C: What? I'm not tired.

B: Caspar von Bergliez you will get to your room and not let any spy see us!

C: ugh fine!

Byleth then gets out as Dedue was there

B: oh! hey Dedue.

Dedue: Dimitri is wondering if he could spend some more time with you by the reception hall. you really cheered him up.

B: oh. well I guess a little bit more break time wouldn't hurt. Thank you Dedue. although I am curious about the dry blood in your nose. was it too hot today for you?

Dedue: professor...I will always make Dimitri happy. even if it means lying to him. now go, he's waiting for you.

B: wait what do you mean by-

Dedue: we'll discuss it another time. please go.

Byleth slowly leaves to the the Reception hall as she saw Dimitri practicing his foot work for dancing.

B: what're you practicing for?

D: O-OH! I-I was just trying to pass the time.

B: you seem to have a talent for dancing.

D: oh...well thank you (chuckles nervously)

B: it's a shame though. I'm not really a dancer.

D: well...it was just to pass the time. I-I-I was thinking of bringing you somewhere you'll like. Ever been to the edge of the Monastery?

B: isn't it near the Graveyard?

D: only by the stairs. trust me. you'll like it.

B: well if you say so then sure.

Dimitri walks with Byleth to the edge as they sat on the edge of the floor.

B: so what's so great about this part of the Monastery?

D: (turns Byleth's head toward the sunset through the clouds) the end of the evening.

Byleth looked at the sky with awe as Dimitri had a small sigh of relief.

B: what was that?

D: OH that was probably the soft sound of the wind

D: you know...I honestly never thought sunsets were that great in my opinion. But not only do I know that they impress others, but there's something about this sunset that gives me-

B: warmth?

D: heh. you read my mind.

B: wanna hear a secret?

D: sure.

B:...I hated my life in the beginning. I never had real friends, I never taught anyone my skills, I never had other adults besides my dad's friends that I could just sit down with and have a good conversation with. But ever since I came here...I felt happy...I felt like I belonged to one big family...

B: confession?

Dimitri holds onto Byleth's hand gently and looks at her with a loving look

D: Professor...no...Byleth...I-

B: I refuse.....

D:....Refuse what? I-I-I didn't finish what I was about to-

B: Dimitri....I wasn't lying about what I called you...and any other woman would have fell for you easily...but...I'm no where near ready for that step in life...especially with our age gaps...

D:.....

B: I'm sorry.

D:...hehe...it's all right. actually I'm glad you refused....now I know....Life...will never smile back...

B: dimitri don't say tha-

D: (happy attitude) I-I-It's fine P-P-Professor! I have had MUCH worse than this! (stands up and paces near Byleth) I was born in a busy life, My mother died shortly after my birth, I lost every battle I had with Edelgard! then she left me to do her own life, my father was assassinated, everyones attention went on YOU, Sylvain left me, F-Felix left me, Mercedes is starting to fear me! (gets close to Byleth) and then I get beaten down by Ashe before he leaves me for YOU and he's STILL WAITING FOR THE APOLOGY THAT I'M NOT GIVING HIM BECAUSE I FAILED TOO MANY TIMES TO ADMIT I WAS AN AWFUL PERSON!!!

Byleth backs up in fear while still sitting as Dimitri breathes heavily before his face slowly shifts to regret

D: P-p-p-p-professor (gets closer) I-

Byleth puts her hand on the handle of her sword just in case as Dimitri shows more regret

B: (harshly)...you need...to leave...now.

D:...I understand-

B: (more harshly) do you?

D:....I.......

Dimitri slowly walks away before we see that Mercedes saw the whole thing behind a pillar as we then cut to Mercedes putting paper work in front of Dimitri the next day

D: I-I dont understand. W-what happened?

M: last night happened...

Dimitri grips his fist to the point where blood dripped from his fists

M: (very kindly) I-I'm so sorr-

Dimitri was about to sock her before quickly stopping his fist in front of her face which caused a powerful breeze that moved some chairs as Ingrid and Dedue were in shock

I:...I'm leaving too....

D:.....(struggles to keep himself together) Ingrid...p-please don't...

I: I made up my mi-

D: THEN I WILL MAKE SURE YOUR FATHER PAYS FOR TREACHERY!

Mercedes pulls ingrid away from Dimitri

D:...wait...wait I didn't mean it!

mercedes and Ingrid leave as Dimitri grits his teeth

D: Dedue....

Dedue: right.

Dedue gets infront of dimitri to get punched as Dimitri knocked out some teeth, broke his nose, and sent him flying across the room with one punch

D:...Don't...ever...lie...or I won't hold back at all...

Dedue slowly gets up

dedue: I'm sorry. i just wanted to make you satisfied.

D: you already are...by staying by my side. but your a fool...for staying by my side...

Dedue: then I am the luckiest fool alive.

we then slowly fade to Dimitri sleeping as we slowly fade into his dreams as we hear soft music as Dimitri was on a stump in the fields as a cabin wasn't far from there as Dedue slowly sat next to him

Dedue: lovely day isn't it.

D: why are you here?

Dedue: Byleth wanted me to tell you lunch was finished.

D: Byleth?

Dedue: is everything alright.

D:...I don't know...what happened when you told Byleth to go to the reception hall?

Dedue: why do you want to know?

D:...was I simply dreaming...was I rejected when I confessed...

Dedue:  are you ill? did you have a nightmare?

Dedue: you should get going. (eyes went yellow for a bit) she's waiting for you

Dimitri slowly walks to the cabin as he opens the door and sees Byleth in a nice white dress making some food

D: (mumbles) is this real? ...B-Byleth?

Byleth slowly turned around as she looked afraid while her face was beaten and bruised. Dimitri backed off in fear as Dedue was behind him

Dedue: she did refuse. you just decided (distorted) to take action.

Dimitri wakes up as he sees Hubert standing by him

H: It's bad enough that you managed to scare the professor like that, but to put edelgard in tears when Byleth went to her...now...you deal with me

D: I'm sorry! I didn't mean to do it! I just had a rough day!

H: Oh! You had a rough day!?

D: just leave me alone!

H: I can't leave. not when your still dreaming.

D: What!?

H: now (flames start burning behind hubert while having an echoy voice) let's try to "understand" what you want

Dimitri then wakes up and grabs hubert by the throat with hatred

D: You...don't...know...ME! (throws Hubert out the door as a piece of wood got into his shoulder)

Edelgard hears the noise and exits her room only to see hubert injured

E: HUBERT!

Edelgard runs to him as Dimitri had a look of regret again

E: what happened!?

H: I...I only came to help him. apparently he didn't want any...

D: He tried to torture me!

E: really!? You don't look tortured to me!

B: what happened?

E: Hubert is injured! he wanted to help Dimitri but Dimitri threw him.

D: HE'S LYING!

E: Hubert never lies to me!

H: honestly dimitri...you'd make...a great ally...but it looks like your uncontrollable...

D: what do you mean by that!?

B: he's talking about our house you psychopath!

H: get away from me! you already made Edelgard upset so what more do you want!?

D:....I'm going back to bed.

B: Dimitri-

E: Professor. we shouldn't anger him any longer. you talk to Rhea, I'll take Hubert to the infirmary

we cut to the next day as Dimitri sat next tto dedue on an empty table in the dining hall while the other tables were crowded as this happens everyone becomes silent once they see Rhea and Byleth walking in as Jeralt and Catherine were keeping watch as Rhea then sits next to Dimitri as she gently places her hand on Dimitri's

R: Dimitri. I heard many things were going on while I rested in my chambers.

D: so now your going to insult me more?

R: I'm here to give you comfort.

B: Dimitri. Has your life really been full of failures? Because here you are, surrounded by people who became your friends, and instead of trying to think of the good stuff in your life you lashed out because of the bad. I admit I was harsh that night but it was an understandable response to your behavior.

R: If you truly want everything to go the way you want it then you have to earn it. however due to your assault on Hubert, I feel it's for the best of everyone if you stay in a cell downstairs for five days.

D:...I understand.

R: Catherine. take Dimitri away and please be gentle.

C: of course Lady Rhea. (gently lifts Dimitri off his seat and takes him away)

R: the rest of you. I expect you all to show Dimitri some kindness when he returns. He seems to have a rough time right now obviously. Professor Byleth. I would like to speak to you in my chambers

Byleth nods as she walks with Rhea

R: I thank you for helping me with this kind of matter. Dimitri sometimes has anger issues. sometimes they can't be stopped.

B: what if his limit breaks?

R: then we will need to be very cautious.

R: Professor.

B: yes?

R: I never truly thanked you for defeating Lonato, though it was a mistake to bring Ashe with you, I hope he's alright.

B: Petra makes sure he's alright.

R: That's good to hear. While Catherine didn't get any punishment or sentence, she did manage to kindly apologize to me for her behavior on Ashe and Petra.

B: what about Lonato?

R: Byleth. it is the church's duty to be rid of sinners. even if they are civilians. I will never let them effect the lives of believers

B: Lonato had more than just knights though. he had Dark bishops, mages. some looked like they came from a different church.

R: that is because they did. There are many churches all across fodlan and the one that seems to dislike the central church the most is the western church.

so after a bit they finally arrive in Rhea's chambers

B: so what did you need?

R: Seteth told you about Nemesis correct?

B: yes.

R: did he tell you everything?

B: I don't know.

R: hm? then I suppose I should fill you in. do you know how this all started?

B: The goddess gave Nemesis the sword of the creator and created the other relics so that humanity can defend themselves.

R: from what?

B:....I don't know.

R: there is a reason...we only worship the goddess

R: there were other gods. But after many years looking over the lands. they became agressive and attacked us. Nemesis begged the goddess to help them. so she gave Nemesis the crest of flames and the sword of the creator to kill the wicked gods with his allies also being given the hero relics and crests to aid him. After that, Nemesis became a hero who was titled "the King of Liberation"

B:...why are you telling me this now?

R:...a long time ago I lost...(almost tears up) people I loved. and I never thought I would ever see or feel them again...But...I feel a...special...connection with you. your greater than you think Byleth. Jeralt wanted to hide that.

B: no offense lady Rhea...but I don't feel that connection. at least...not yet.

R: I have faith in you Byleth. remember that.

B:...I will. anything else you want to tell me?

R:.....no......no not right now.

B: I'll see you soon then.

Byleth was about to leave until Rhea grabbed her and put her in a nice relaxing hug

R: you too...dear child.

So we cut to the Flame Emperor walking to the underground fortress again as the death knight was practicing on a soldier tied to a pole

F: you shouldn't be here. your identity will be found if you stay away from the Monastery for too long.

Death knight: If professor comes...I will fight.

F: and what will your precious big sister think?

Death Knight: There is no brother right now. only the Death Knight.

F: will that really satisfy you?

Death knight:...your different. your nothing like your partner. why would you care about my life.

F: because I am not cruel to those deserving a happy ending.

F: now go.

Death Knight:...she doesn't even know I'm there...so why does it matter? she just sees me as another...another...

F: stay calm Jeritza.

the soundtrack has a silent thud

F: I know you've been looking for a way far from the pain. I know that's why you joined me.

J: fine...I'll leave you be.

so then the flame emperor looks up

F: (in third person) Don't worry professor. I'll make sure it's challenging just for you...In time...I will see if you'll truly be helpful to the cause...hopefully

so then we fade to Ferdinand as he just told Rhea the theory

R: I see. from this theory there might be a big chance that Mausoleum down below the Monastery.

E: what could they get from there?

R: the coffin of Lady Seiros. when she died we put her in an area that would be calm enough to relax her eternal slumber

R: in there...she still holds that which she took from the thief Nemisis.

B: the sword of the creator...

H: this is very interesting news. I will go and let Seteth know about this.

R: thank you. he's at the goddess tower with Flayn.

Hubert bows and leaves

E: I will go as well. The other members must hear of this. they have to prepare.

B: you may go.

Edelgard leaves

R: could you go as well Ferdinand? the grown ups need to speak.

Ferdinand nods and leaves

B: what do you need?

R: A knight of mine was ordered to listen to you while you were in your room at night.

B: why?

R: because there were rumors by other students that you talk to yourself at night. who do you speak to professor?

B:...I just pray Rhea. pray for the safety of my students. I always want the guidance of the goddess.

R: oh. what a relief. I was afraid you were spy which would break my heart. But it was wrong of me to think that of you. I'm very sorry.

B: it's ok.

R: now run along. and may the Goddess Sothis watch over you.

Byleth's eyes widen as she almost passes out

R: professor! are you alright!? (holds onto Byleth)

B: y-yeah...just got a little light headed.

B: I-I need to go.

R: wait what's wrong?

B: I just need some rest.

Byleth walks away as she goes into an empty area of the Monastery

B: you never told me you were a goddess!

S: how was I supposed to know!? I had no memories!

B: So the goddess is actually a whiny child!

S: HEY! I WILL SMITE YOU!

B: you live inside my head, what're you gonna smite me with, a nightmare?

S: can we just calm down!?

B: (deep breathes) ok...

S: this is definitely big news for both of us. and we both definitely have a lot of questions. But for now we should just stay calm. by the way how did you know the stable was empty?

B: it's always empty at night.

Byleth hears a foot step as she saw Marianne trying to sneak away

B:.....you forget you saw this.

M: o-ok!

we slowly fade to Edelgard as she was on a small hill looking at the moon.

H: are you busy?

E:...no. I just fear for the professor's life.

H: she is simply a professor. nothing more.

E: to you. but to me...she's special....

End of Episode