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The Cause of Sorrow/Script (Blue Lions)

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White Clouds
Ethereal Moon

The Cause of Sorrow

Opening Narration FETH Blue Lions symbol.png

Ss fe16 chapter 9 mural.png
Though most stars will still glimmer in the crisp winter air, the blue sea star has gone back into hiding. Legend states that the goddess prays for peace from her home in the heavens. In the town of Garreg Mach, the anniversary of the monastery's completion nears, and the people's prayers intensify ahead of the millennium festival, still five years hence.
— Chapter 9 introductory narration

Event - Chapel in Ruin

Date: 12/6
Audience Chamber
Daytime

(Byleth reports to Rhea.)
Rhea: We are planning a grand ball for this month. I am sure the students will be most pleased.
Seteth: Yes, certainly. However, we must not devote all of our time to frivolity. We have a new mission for you. We have found evidence of someone sneaking into an unused chapel.

Choice 1 Choice 2
A chapel? Was something stolen?
Rhea: It is a building that was once a temporary sanctuary at a time when the monastery was under renovation. Rhea: No, there is nothing of value in that building. We do not yet know what the intruders' objectives are.

Seteth: This month, your class is tasked with guarding the chapel and investigating these intruders. With the recent state of affairs surrounding the holy church, we cannot afford to overlook any abnormality, no matter how seemingly trivial.
Rhea: I am ordering a seasoned knight to assist you to ensure the safety of the students. In times like these, I am afraid we must always expect the worst.

Choice 1 Choice 2
That's reassuring. Which knight?

(Jeralt enters the room.)
Jeralt: Reporting for duty, Lady Rhea.
Rhea: I thought you two could use the time to bond. And to speak of important matters...
Jeralt: Appreciate the thought.
Seteth: Bear in mind that Jeralt has a separate mission of his own. He will join you once he has finished it.
Jeralt: It's true. I'll be away from the monastery for a while. But when I return... I'll come and watch you work. I'll be looking forward to it.
(Byleth nods in agreement.)

Exploration: The Cause of Sorrow

Potential Dates: 12/7, 12/14 and 12/21

This page has been marked as a stub. Please help improve the page by adding information.

Event - White Heron Cup

Date: 12/16
Main article: The White Heron Cup/Script

Event - A Night of Promises

Date: 12/24
Blue Lion Classroom
Evening

(Byleth and the Blue Lions are reunited in preparation of the upcoming ball.)
Dimitri: This is the only ball of the year, and I see why. Everyone is absurdly excited...
Dedue: Your Highness, you sound so detached. We are all encouraged to enjoy the ball tomorrow.
Dimitri: Right you are. What a burden...
Felix: Huh. I never thought we'd see eye to eye, but I agree. I'd rather be swinging my blade than wasting my time with some girl at a ball.
(Sylvain is startled by his peers's attitute.)
Sylvain: Felix! Your Highness! You must be joking, right? This is our chance to dance with all of the ladies of the academy to our heart's content. You wish to throw away the best day of the whole year for sword practice? Insanity, I tell you!
Ashe: I'm pretty excited about the ball, myself. It's not like we get to do things like this very often.
Sylvain: Too true, Ashe. In fact, I'm gonna do you a favor and give you a crash course in chatting up girls. By tomorrow, you'll be an expert!
Ashe: Actually I'd much prefer if someone could just teach me how to dance...
Annette: Don't worry about the dancing part. I can teach you that, easy!
Mercedes: It's time for the ball! That warrants at least a tiny bit of makeup, don't you think, Ingrid? Just a smidge?
Ingrid: I...hmm. Maybe. I'll think about it.
Annette: It's settled! Tomorrow morning we'll meet up in Ingrid's room. Ooh, I can't wait!
Dimitri: Hahaha.
(Dimitri is amused by his classmates's antics.)

Dimitri: You know... There's no telling where life will take us after we leave here. If only we could find a way to come together again, just like this...
Dedue: A fine notion, Your Highness. Perhaps five years from now?
Dimitri: Five years from now? Ah! That's when Garreg Mach Monastery will be holding its millennium festival.
Ingrid: By then we'll be addressing Your Highness as Your Majesty instead!
Sylvain: That's right. I suppose we all know it's coming, but by then you'll be far removed from us.
Dimitri: Come now. You know me better than that. My title may change, but I won't. And it won't just be me, you know. Five years from now, you'll all have your own stuffy positions to contend with.
Dimitri: But as I understand it, the festivities at the millennium festival will be of a scale far beyond anything we've yet seen... In other words, the perfect excuse for all of us to return here.
Annette: Ooh, a reunion? That sounds fun! I wouldn't miss it for the world!
Dimitri: I'd love for you to be there as well, Professor. After all, you're the heart of the Blue Lion House.

Choice 1 Choice 2
I'll be there. I'll try.
(Support points with Dimitri go up.)

Dimitri: Good. Then it's settled.
Dimitri: Of course...if something happens and I'm not able to attend, I'm leaving all of the logistics of organizing this reunion to you, Professor.

You have to attend.

Mercedes: It's true! I'm sure being a king will keep you busy, but it's a bit early to be backing out of your own plans, don't you think?
Dimitri: Yes... I suppose you're right.
Dimitri: I'm sorry. You have my word. I will return as well. Count on it.

Movie - The Ball

Date: 12/25
Ss fe16 the ball icon.png

The reception hall is seen filled with students on the night of the ball. Everything is bright.
Multiple couples dance in the center hall. Edelgard and Dimitri dance with a male and female student respectively. At one point they get close of each other and neither notices.
Meanwhile, as Byleth stands by the tables in a crowd of students, Claude approaches and takes their hand, grabbing them to the center as they both dance among the students.

Event - To the Goddess Tower

Courtyard
Evening

(Byleth goes outside of the hall for some air.)
Sothis: Running away? I understand. You hardly had the time to breathe in there. It must be hard to be the favorite teacher at the ball! Poor, poor Professor!

Choice 1 Choice 2
I am not everyone's favorite... It is difficult.
Sothis: Was that a joke? I find it hard to tell with you. Just think of all the students begging you to dance! (Support points with Sothis go up.)
Sothis: So you do think you're the favorite! I might have known.

(Suddenly, Byleth happens to find Dimitri passing by, also outside the halls.)
Dimitri: Professor? What are you doing here?

Choice 1 Choice 2
Aren't you going to dance with Edelgard? Aren't you going to dance with Claude?
Dimitri: No. I should think not. Dimitri: Haha, good one, Professor. I could see saving a dance for Edelgard, but Claude is another story. In any case, I have no intention of dancing with anyone.

Dimitri: As a child, Edelgard taught me how to dance. It was...a bit awkward, honestly.

Choice 1 Choice 2
Edelgard? As a child?

Dimitri: I've told you before that we're siblings by marriage, haven't I? Her birth mother was my stepmother, although I didn't know that at the time. My stepmother treated me with such kindness... just as though I were her own flesh and blood. And yet she never so much as hinted that she had her own child...Edelgard.
Dimitri: We were born and raised in different territories, without ever knowing the other even existed. Yet, against all odds, for just over a year, we became childhood friends.

Choice 1 Choice 2
Friends? Not siblings?

Dimitri: Indeed. Unaware of each other's stations or backgrounds, we met and became incredibly close. This was when she and Lord Arundel were living in the Kingdom.

Why were they in the Kingdom?

Dimitri: They were in exile... This was a time of great turmoil within the Empire. I ran into her when visiting Lord Arundel's residence with my father. She seemed... quite bored. With everything. At first I found her to be difficult and stubborn, but that facade quickly fell away, revealing her true self beneath... That's around the time when she taught me how to dance. Her instruction was... Oh, let's call it strict. To put it nicely.


Memories of such times begin flowing through Dimitri's mind...

Cg fe16 child dimitri and edelgard dance.png

Edelgard: You're supposed to lead with your right!
Dimitri: El, the sun's going down! I really oughta be heading home...


Dimitri: That one year before she had to return to the Empire was...so much fun. The time of my life, in many ways.

Back in the present time...


Dimitri: It's kind of pathetic to think about it all these years later, but can you guess what I gave her as a parting gift?

Choice 1 Choice 2 Choice 3
Flowers? A book? A dagger?
Dimitri: No, that makes too much sense. Actually, I gave her a dagger. You should have seen the look on her face! Dimitri: No, that makes too much sense. Actually, I gave her a dagger. You should have seen the look on her face! (Support points with Dimitri go up as he's startled by Byleth's guess.)
Dimitri: Huh. Good guess, Professor. But I swear, it came from the heart.

Dimitri: In Faerghus, we've long considered blades as tools of destiny. As a way to cut a path to a better future. She was being dragged all over, unable to live the life she wanted. I thought the dagger could help her cut a path to the future she dreamed of.
Dimitri: However...that was many years ago. I'm sure she's forgotten all about the boy I was back then.

It's not too late to reconnect.

Dimitri: I'm afraid it's far too late for that. Things are different now. She's different. I'm different.
Dimitri: Anyway... I'm feeling a bit out of place here. Festivities like this don't suit me.

If Byleth's Female and Dimitri's Goddess Tower Scene is set to happen Otherwise

Dimitri: Professor... Will you join me for a bit? You must be getting a bit tired of the ball by now.
(Byleth nods as she and Dimitri walk towards the Goddess Tower.)

Goddess Tower
Main article: The Goddess Tower/Script

Event - Rhea and Sothis

Reception Hall
Daytime

Sothis: It seems that everyone is having a delightful time. Will you not dance some more?

Choice 1 Choice 2
I'm tired. I'd rather not.

Sothis: How dull of you! Had I a body of my own... Oh, I would sing and dance until I fell upon the ground! But you... Hmph. Do you as will.
(Rhea then happens to walk pass Byleth without noticing, then stops.)
Sothis: Ah, you're not the only one who feels that way. Look over there.
(Byleth looks at Rhea from behind.)
Rhea: ...
(Rhea then resumes her walk...)
Sothis: Hmph. I'm bored beyond compare. Will you not follow her?

Choice 1 Choice 2
Why would I? I have no reason to.
(Support points with Sothis go down.)

Sothis: Oh, come on! Hurry up! I know that you are curious to see what she is up to...
Sothis: I hear...someone singing. From other there...

(From afar Byleth and Sothis watch Rhea sing an alluring song as the stars illuminate her figure in the dark sea of the night...)

Cg fe16 rhea singing in the night.png

Rhea: ♪ In time's flow...see the glow of flames ever burning bright... On the swift river's drift, broken memories alight... ♪

(The camera then returns to Byleth.)

Sothis: That song... I feel I have heard it in the past...
Sothis: Actually... It is not that I have heard it. I... Did I once sing that song to someone?
Sothis: No. There's more. I wrote this song... Oh, but how could that be so?
Sothis: If that were true, then how could she be singing it? Unless...
(Sothis yawns as she and Byleth begin feeling sleepy...)
Sothis: No, no. I am suddenly so exhausted... As are you, no doubt? Quickly then. To bed with you.
(The screen slowly goes white as Byleth can barely stand up from drowsiness...)

Event - An Urgent Report

Date: 12/26
Entrance Hall
Daytime

(Byleth notices Alois is looking for someone...)
Alois: Captain? Captain! Where are you? Hey, Professor. Have you seen your old man?
(Byleth shakes head in denial.)
Alois: Too bad. I guess it will have to be you, then...
(Jeralt then happens to arrive at the scene.)
Jeralt: I'm back. Sorry for the delay, my last mission took longer than expected.
Alois: Captain! Thank goodness you're here. There are reports of Demonic Beasts near the chapel!
Jeralt: Nonsense. I haven't heard anything about the monastery's walls being breached.
Alois: That's why I'm heading there now, to see what's really going on. You'll join as well, won't you?
Jeralt: Of course. We're both sworn to protect this place.

Choice 1 Choice 2
Where did they come from? Demonic Beasts?

Alois: It's odd. Just before they appeared, someone saw a number of students heading toward the chapel. They were apparently acting strange, as though they weren't in their right minds. Shortly after, Demonic Beasts started to appear, one after the other.

Choice 1 Choice 2
Are the students safe? Were the students killed?

Jeralt: Hm... The students... There's no way those Demonic Beasts got in from the outside... But none of that matters right now.
(Jeralt turns to Byleth.)
Jeralt: We need to act. Go summon your students.
(Byleth nods in agreement.)
Jeralt: Jeralt: Damn it... I wanted to talk to you about something important, but there's no time. There's never any damn time. But this is much more urgent, so it can hold for now. I'll meet you there.

Battle: Salvation at the Chapel

Monastery (Chapel Ruins)

Before Battle

Jeralt: There really are Demonic Beasts here... They're emerging from the chapel!
Jeralt: I'll head that way. The rest of you, protect the students who weren't able to get away.
(The camera then focuses on the students cornered by the Demonic Beasts.)

Student(1): Help me! These beasts... They're...
Student(2): Argh! Somebody help me!
Student(3): You stupid beasts! Don't you dare come over here!

First Demonic Beast is Slain

(The Demonic Beast is engulfed by some unknown energy before bursting out, leaving a Student's body behind.)
Student: ...
Jeralt: The Demonic Beasts were actually students? How can this be...

Ally Phase 1

Jeralt: That beast... There's a stone or something on its forehead...
Monica: ...

Students are Saved

Southwest student

Student(1): Thank you! But my friends who couldn't get away... Are they OK?

Northwest student

Student(2): I was so scared... I'll find a way to repay you, I promise!

Northeastwest student

Student(3): You stupid beasts! Don't you dare come over here!

NPC - Jeralt

If Talked With Byleth:

Do you really think you can keep going? Don't push yourself too hard. Thinking about what happened at Remire Village, it's clear you've gotten the hang of being a leader. Maybe you should have taken command of me too!
— Jeralt if talked by Byleth

First time Jeralt is Damaged:

With this many Demonic Beasts, getting to the chapel won't be easy.
— First time Jeralt is damaged

If Jeralt's HP is low:

This will be tough... Someone, lend me a hand!
— If Jeralt's HP is low

If Jeralt is defeated:

Facing Demonic Beasts in such a place... I must retreat for now.
— If Jeralt is defeated

All Students Were Saved

Student(4): Phew... You saved me. Thank you!
(The student gifts Byleth and co. a reward for their efforts.)

After Battle

(Byleth and Jeralt move to the chapel to investigate.)
Jeralt: This must have something to do with Remire. Perhaps...
Monica: Wait!

(Monica reveals her presence on the area.)
Jeralt: Huh? Another student?

Movie - At Death's Door

Ss fe16 at death's door fbyleth icon.png

Byleth watches Jeralt speaking to Monica, who had been laying near the ruined chapel.

Jeralt: Run along now.
Monica: Thanks for all your help, sir.

Monica playfully skips around Jeralt. Once she gets to his back, she pulls a dagger and quickly stabs him, shocking Byleth.
As Jeralt starts collapsing on the floor, Monica takes the chance to gloat.

Monica: You're just a pathetic old man. How dare you get in the way of my brilliant plan...you dog.

Byleth is so shocked over this they can't move. However, an idea appears on their mind, leading them to quickly activate Divine Pulse.
Time has gone back right before Jeralt found Monica from the chapel.

Jeralt: Run along now.
Monica: Thanks for all your help, sir.

Monica playfully skips around Jeralt. As she begins to pull her dagger, Byleth quickly uses their sword to attack the student from afar and save Jeralt.
Just then, a pale dark mage clad in black armor and wearing a crimson cape teleports out of nowhere and creates a magic shield which protects Monica from Byleth's strike.
Jeralt has been stabbed regardless.

As Monica finishes her deed, she notices the one who saved her.
Monica: Huh? What are you doing here?
???: You must survive. Merely because there is a role that I require you to fulfill.
The dark mage quickly grabs Monica and teleports away along with her.

As Jeralt collapses, Byleth drops their sword and runs towards their father, pulling him over their lap.
Jeralt then tries to speak as the camera focuses on him.

Jeralt: Sorry. It looks like...I'm going to have to leave you now.

After saying this, tears start to fall over Jeralt's face.

The camera raises up.
They're Byleth's.

Jeralt: To think that the first time I saw you cry...your tears would be for me.

Jeralt: It's sad, and yet...I'm happy for it.

Jeralt: Thank you...kid.

Jeralt closes his eyes. He is no longer breathing.

Rain begins to fall. Byleth cradling Jeralt as they break down crying.

Event - Father's Diary

Captain's Quarters
Daytime

(Byleth's on their father's office...)
Sothis: So this is where your father lived... Hm? Are you still crying? If turning back the hands of time was not enough to save his life, you must accept what came to pass was fate.

Choice 1 Choice 2
It wasn't fate. Our enemies will pay.
Control yourself. Though Jeralt's death was at the hands of wicked ones, a fate is still a fate. (Support points with Sothis go up.)
Sothis: Agreed. We cannot let the wicked ones run free.

Sothis: Oh! Your father said to look for something here. He must be referring to whatever is behind that bookcase there...
(Byleth inspects the bookcase and finds what seems to be a diary...?)

FETH open book.png

Sothis: Your father's diary... Huh, his handwriting is prettier than his face would suggest. Well, well! These entries here are from before your birth. He seems to have been writing this for quite some time.
Sothis: Hm? Ah... Read that part there. Horsebow Moon, Year 1159...
(Byleth and Sothis begin reading Jeralt's diary, which is being narrated with his voice. As it happens, the screen goes black and displays an image of his diary...)

Day 20 of the Horsebow Moon. All is cloudy. I can't believe she's dead.
Lady Rhea said she died during childbirth. But is that the truth? And still, the child she traded her life for doesn't make a sound. Didn't even cry at birth.

Day 25 of the Horsebow Moon. It's raining. The baby doesn't laugh or cry. Not ever.
Lady Rhea says not to worry, but a baby that doesn't cry...isn't natural. Had a doctor examine the child in secret. He said the pulse is normal, but there's no heartbeat. No heartbeat!

Day 2 of the Wyvern Moon. Sunny. I feel I must take the child and leave.
But the church is always watching us... I don't know what Lady Rhea has planned. I used to think the world of Lady Rhea. Now I'm terrified of her.

Day 8 of the Wyvern Moon. More rain. I used the fire that broke out last night to fake the child's death.
Lady Rhea is in a state over the news. But I can't change what I've done. I've got to take the child and leave...


— Jeralt

Sothis: Well now! That baby must be you! That means... Hm? Someone is approaching us.
(Dimitri quietly enters the room.)
Dimitri: There you are. Lady Rhea is looking for you, Professor.
Dimitri: And after your audience, why don't you join me at the dining hall? You haven't eaten since... since it happened. Have you?
Byleth: ...
Dimitri: Forgive me... I suppose it's too soon to try and coax you back into the normal swing of things.
Dimitri: As for what happened to Jeralt... I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything to stop it. Stay here until you've found some peace. I'll cover for you with Lady Rhea and everyone else.

Choice 1 Choice 2
Thank you. If only.
Dimitri: We'll be waiting for you whenever you're ready to return to us. Dimitri: No need to put on a brave face. No one would blame you for taking time for yourself.

Dimitri: I don't believe it's a sign of strength to just keep moving forward no matter what. Taking the time to grieve for those we've lost... there's strength in that too. That's what I think, anyway.
Dimitri: That said... It's also important to remember that no matter how sad you are, eventually your tears will dry up. That's when you have to figure out what it is you're living for. Then you can cling to that, with all your might, and start moving forward again.

What I'm living for?

Dimitri: Four years ago, in Duscur, I experienced the same pain you're feeling now.
Dimitri: My father...was the strongest man I knew. Someone I loved and admired deeply. That day, he was killed before my eyes. His head severed clean off. My stepmother, the kindest person I had ever known, left me behind and disappeared into the infernal flames. Everyone who I considered precious...my family and my closest friends...I couldn't save any of them. Not a single one.
Dimitri: Now, the burden of the work they left behind falls on me. I must ensure they have no regrets. That's my duty, as the sole survivor of the tragedy. It's a heavy burden, but accepting it gave me the strength to pick myself up off the ground and start moving again. Start living again.
(Dimitri looks directly at Byleth's eyes.)
Dimitri: Jeralt is gone... So, what will you do now, Professor? What must you do? Look deep in your heart and I'm certain you'll find the answer there...indelible and inescapable.
Dimitri: I've probably bothered you enough for today, but I have just one more thought to leave you with.
Dimitri: Even now, Seteth is gathering the knights to begin a full scale search for the enemy. It may not be right away, but before long they will find their trail. No matter what happens or what anyone may say, know that I plan to stand by you, Professor. Through anything. Until the bitter end.
(Dimitri quietly leaves the scene.)
Sothis: Well? Did you search deep within yourself as he suggested? And did you find yourself some answers?
Sothis: This book is filled with secrets yet unknown. We must return another time to read the rest. Oh, but I have at least figured one thing out.
Sothis: I know now why our fates are intertwined...

Event - Report: Ethereal Moon

Audience Chamber

Rhea: Professor. I have been waiting for you. I am filled with grief at the loss of our most celebrated knight.
Rhea: Jeralt was an ally of many years…and also a dear friend.

If Rhea's C-support wasn't unlocked If Rhea's C-support was unlocked

Choice 1 Choice 2
Many years? When did you meet?

Rhea: It was a long while back. At the time, Jeralt was a soldier of the Kingdom. He was injured in battle, and I saved him just as he was about to perish. That was our first meeting.
Rhea: After that, he became a Knight of Seiros. He gave his all to the service of the church.

Why did he leave the knights?


Rhea: He...fell in love with one of the nuns here at Garreg Mach. Their love produced a child...whom she died giving birth to.
Rhea: It was her decision. She weighed her own life against that of her child’s and, in the end, implored me to save the child.
Rhea: Your father...never truly accepted that decision. He took the child—took you—and disappeared without warning.

Choice 1 Choice 2
Who was my mother? Did I inherit my Crest from my mother?

Rhea: Your mother...she was my...
(Alois suddenly enters the room.)
Alois: Sorry for the interruption, Lady Rhea. There’s something you must hear immediately. A report from the knights patrolling the area...
Rhea: Very well. Professor, you are dismissed for the day.
Rhea: Please rest and focus only on mending your heart. Understood?