After a very long week of discussions and negotiations, The Roundtable Meeting finally ended in success. Due to the charisma of both Sylvain and Claude, and the strength and determination of Byleth, the Alliance Nobles were finally convinced to unite under one banner each of them giving Claude and Byleth soldiers and supplies to support their cause. Sylvain's presence, while initially met with skepticism and suspicion, was surprisingly the man that they came to admire the most. His knowledge and experience out on the field against the Empire helped paint a picture to the nobles what their men and women should experience while fighting them. Plus his charming allure really pulled in the Alliance nobility.

Though, unbeknownst to Sylvain and Byleth, a main reason for the Alliance coming together other than everything else, was the obvious passion and love that the Phoenix of Faerghus had for the acting Archbishop. Claude, however, knew what he was doing. It had been many years of plotting in the making, ever since Teach had gained her powers and even a little bit before then. Wanting Byleth and Sylvain to enact on their desires was a little game that Claude was playing, but by the time Byleth had changed into the green haired beauty, Claude knew that his dreams could come to fruition should he make it so. Byleth, in Claude's mind, was a worthy successor to Rhea. She was smart, kind, open minded, and most of all, drew loyalty from all walks of life. She could bring forth an age of Fodlan that would change for the better, getting rid of the prejudice and the noble system from the inside out. So much more so than what Edelgard was pushing for. However, he knew that while Byleth could draw that kind of inspiration, she wasn't the most personable woman around. That's when it clicked for Claude; the man he had tried to get Byleth to hook up with was perfect in that department. Sylvain was a funny, charismatic, and smart guy. Plus the man knew and understood Fodlan politics, even if he hated it. So Claude made it his mission that these two needed to be together in order to bring real change to the world. The world that Claude envisioned for not only Fodlan, but for places like Almyra.

The week had passed and gone, and with what they set out to successfully done, the trio decided to head back to Garreg Mach monastery. Sylvain was packing up the rest of their clothes, while Byleth was drinking her herbal tea, wincing with every sip.

Sylvian shook his head looking at her, "That stuff smells worse than a cheap tavern, Byleth"

Byleth smiled at him, "Too bad, I have to drink this tea now, considering for the last few days you've been very...active with me." She smirked remembering their last tryst which was only a few hours ago.

Sylvain snickered, walking over to lean down and give Byleth a kiss on her cheek, "I didn't hear you complain earlier, while we were sharing a nice hot bath."

Byleth sighed, looking down at her cup, "Ah yes, the 'bath' that I had to retake after you decided to drag me out and get me all dirty again."

Sylvain shrugged, "Again, no complaints. Although I'd have to say, the night before last was pretty memorable." He grinned, giving her a wink.

Byleth blushed hard, "When you took me behind on the balcony? I was too afraid to make a sound."

Sylvain sighed dreamily, "And yet on that night I saw two impressive views."

Byleth tossed a pillow at Sylvain's head, having heard enough, "You do realize we have other things to worry about, Syl? You know, other than your libido."

Sylvain ducked in time, raising his eyebrows at her, "Your aim is getting worse, love."

Byleth huffed, downing the last bit of her tea, "Whatever, we should probably get our bags and start placing them on Astarte's saddle." She carried herself over to Sylvain, placing a kiss on his cheek and setting aside her tea cup for one of the servants to pick up. She helped pick up the remaining items off of the desk nearby, including a letter for Sylvain's father that he had written the night before. She grabbed the message and handed it to Sylvain with a half grin.

"Still haven't heard from him?" Byleth asked as Sylvain tentatively took the letter.

Sylvain exhaled loudly, "Yeah, I'm starting to get a bit worried, he usually replies within a few days."

"There hasn't been any fighting in Faerghus since the Alliance has been invading the South. Unless your spies have heard something." Byleth raised a questioning brow.

"Not that I know of, words don't always travel fast. Sometimes they need more evidence." Sylvain replied, his tone was a bit impatient. Byleth could tell he was getting anxious. His constant worrying over his home country was justified, after all he did leave it for her, just so he could have Byleth back. However, what did he sacrifice in order to do that? His duty and honor to his country? She didn't know, he rarely discussed his feelings on it, but she knew he felt guilty regardless if he told her or not.

She gently embraced him from behind, rubbing her hands soothingly on his chest, "I'm sure everything is alright, Sylvain. Perhaps he got caught up in something and he forgot."

Sylvain placed a hand over hers, "I hope so, my love." He turned to look at her in her lovely sparkling green eyes. It was hard to imagine the once blue eyes that were there so many years ago. Regardless she was just as beautiful as before. He started to lean down to kiss her soft pink lips, fluttering his eyes shut when the Alliance leader knocked on the door to their quarters. Sylvain and Byleth rolled their eyes. Of course that man had learned to knock in the past few days, and while it was better than him accidentally stumbling into him, it still was just as annoying.

Byleth released a breath, smiling to herself as she stared into Sylvain's welcoming brown eyes, "The door is open, Claude, nothing exciting to see here."

Claude turned the knob and sauntered in with a smirk, "Aw that's too bad, I wanted to eventually gouge my eyes out with the image of Teach and Sylvain in compromising positions."

Sylvain glared at him, "You're on dangerous territory, Claude."

Claude chuckled, "Well next time don't leave the door unlocked, maybe you wouldn't have to deal with that. However, I'm sure it's going to take a lot of time for me to forget the sounds in the night that have been happening for a while. Last couple of days at least." Claude wiggled his eyebrows to the blushing couple.

Byleth's gaze leered at Sylvain, "You told me no one could hear me outside."

Sylvain chuckled sheepishly, "Come now, my dearest, I-I didn't know, hehe"

Byleth rubbed her temples and groaned, "Now I'm sure every noble from here to Faerghus knows about us."

Claude laughed heartily, "Oh you have no idea!"

Byleth shifted her anger to her friend, "You're not helping!"

Claude backed off raising his hands in self defense, "Hey, if it helps, they seem to think your relationship is politically sound. I mean you're the acting Archbishop and he's a Commander of Faerghus and destined to be a leader of his own House."

Her eyes narrowed, her rage flaring, "We are not pawns in a political game, Claude!"

Claude huffed, "Listen Teach, I was just kidding around. I'm sorry if I touched a sore spot."

Byleth looked at Claude with a sympathetic eye; perhaps she was being a bit too hard on him. It was nice that the rest of the nobles didn't see her and Sylvain as being selfish, but having her personal life on full display was something she wasn't used to. Maybe this is why Sylvain was rather calm in comparison. He was used to the eyes being on him, making judgements and comments to his face and behind his back. In fact as she looked at Sylvain now, he was only slightly embarrassed, but was also handling this all better than herself.

Byleth eyes softened, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get that angry, Claude. It's just...I'm still very new to this."

Claude smiled warmly, "Don't worry about it, Teach. I know you're a bit sensitive with your emotions," Claude patted her back, looking back to Sylvain, "You guys ready to go though, it'd be nice to get a headstart to Garreg Mach, and plan our next attack from there."

Sylvain nodded, "We're almost done, just need to get the bags onto Astarte. I'll do it, don't want a servant to run in horror away from her." He snickered, knowing how terrifying Astarte could be to a person not used to her. She was above average in size for a Wyvern and was dark scaled with red eyes. She wasn't the friendliest looking Wyvern around, but Sylvain liked that, making her more fearful to his enemies.

Claude replied, "That's good, don't want to lose our morale quite yet. I'll see you two outside then." With that Claude turned to leave.

Sylvain cocked his head to the side, staring at Byleth, "You okay? You seemed to have gotten a bit heated."

Byleth sighed, "I know, I'm sorry. I don't know how to approach the idea of being the center of attention, especially when it comes to us. I don't want them to judge you or me because we love each other."

Sylvain reached out a stroke her cheek, "You think that after all of these years I would care what people thought about me? I wouldn't even give a damn if they thought our relationship was distracting, I love you Byleth. Nothing will change that."

Byleth leaned into his touch, "You certainly haven't changed in the flattering department."

Sylvain chuckled, letting her go and picking up their equipment bags, "No, not at all. Now let's get going before Claude starts getting suspicious."

Byleth giggled, "Alright, let's head back to the monastery."

The flight back was uneventful, no bad weather to slow them down and no resistance from any wind on their way there. As soon as Garreg Mach came into their sights, Byleth felt more at ease. She always felt like going back here was like going home. Even Sylvain thought the same, as he felt that this place, where everything in his life changed for the better was more warm and comforting than the family estate that he was set to inherit. Landing at the monastery, Claude and the happy couple guided their Wyverns to their holding pens and decided to go to the Cathedral to discuss their new plan of attack. By the time they came into the building, they were surprised to see the majority of their classmates and the knights had come back after spending time with family or securing the Bridge of Myrddin. Even Lorenz had returned, noticeably in a more relaxed demeanor than before. So with many of them still here, Claude decided to call a meeting with everyone to explain what had happened in the last few days.

"All of that went about as well as it could have. Each lord has agreed to provide us with soldiers and supplies." Claude finished, much to everyone's delight knowing that the Alliance was more united in dealing with the Empire.

"I'm impressed you were able to convince all of those scattered nobles to help us. I thought they would quarrel about how much support they should each provide. That's what they usually do." Judith remarked, her astonishment was large.

"Well, Count Gloucester took the initiative in taking on responsibilities. I presume that was because you spoke with him in advance, Lorenz?" Claude looked to the younger Gloucester noble who nodded in Claude's direction.

"I merely explained the situation at hand, then my father simply followed your lead, Claude. It was because you had the professor there to represent Lady Rhea. My father is a pious follower of the Church of Seiros." Lorenz stated, looking at his former professor.

"Me? I didn't think I'd be that strategic to have." Byleth said incredulously.

"I don't doubt it. I wasn't under the delusion that it was my personal charm that unified everyone. Thanks for that, by the way. I hope you don't feel like I used you... because I sort of used you." Claude spoke to Byleth, almost apologetically.

Byleth shook her head, "Don't mention it."

Claude smiled sadly at her, "I appreciate that. We don't have time to be picky about our methods. But be honest. You're having a hard time adjusting to your new role, aren't you?"

Byleth shrugged, "I'm not well pleased about it, but it's what's helping the cause."

Claude nodded in understanding, "I understand. You're having a hard time adjusting to your new role, aren't you? You weren't even a follower of Seiros to being with, and somehow you've ended up as a representative of the church."

Sylvain let out a short laugh, "That certainly is a promotion from being a professor."

Byleth sighed, "It's not just that, I'm not even sure I could even really represent the Church well enough, due to my inexperience."

Claude looked at Byleth with confidence, "I realize that you might feel guilty about deceiving the believers for our cause... But this is just what the archbishop wanted, and she's the highest authority in the church. Besides, as wielder of the Sword of the Creator, it's undeniable that you're special. I think you should be more confident in yourself and use your position to the fullest."

"I agree," Sylvain interjected.

Byleth turned to him with a questioning look, "You do? Why?"

Sylvain's gaze was entirely full of support and devotion, "Think about it, Byleth. You could change things in a way that Rhea can't, things that could improve all of Fodlan, not just the Alliance."

Claude agreed, "He's right, as sacreligious as it sounds, Teach, you may be the one who can help unite Fodlan. Like I said before, Edelgard is trying to do the same but her way causes too many people to die."

"You're placing a lot of faith in me, despite my lack of experience." Byleth retorted.

"Yes, but I have confidence in you, Teach, we all do." Claude pointed at the supportive glances of the students that she had taught, including Sylvain, who's gaze never wavered from her.

"I guess I'll do my best to show my worth," Byleth spoke somewhat unsure. The cheers from her students had only lasted a moment when all of a sudden Shamir entered into the Cathedral with an urgent message for the rest to hear.

"I have news. Our enemy is gathering troops at Fort Merceus. Their army is immense. Likely led by a renowned general. Or perhaps even-" Shamir reported.

Byleth's eyes narrowed, there was only one person in mind, "Edelgard?"

Claude sported a crooked grin, "Well now, that would be interesting. If we can defeat the emperor, then the Empire will collapse."

As Shamir handed off her report to Byleth, Judith also informed the group of another more pressing issue, "There's something else. An unidentified army has approached the Great Bridge of Myrddin."

"Huh?" Sylvain questioned, "Where did they come from?"

Judith continued, "They passed through the Daphnel and Gloucester territories from the northwest with incredible speed. They're raising the banner of House Blaiddyd. Perhaps they are the remnants of the Faerghus royal family."

Sylvain's eyes widened, as he replied in disbelief, "That's impossible, I would've heard something from my father by now if that were the case. Has there been any contact with them? Are they friendly or are they…?"

Judith responded in a calm manner, "From what we could tell, they posed no threat to the citizens of the Alliance, and so we refrained from engaging them in needless combat."

Claude stammered nervously, "Maybe they hope to fight against the Empire to avenge their fallen prince. And what about the bridge itself?"

Judith shook her head, "Obviously we wouldn't let them pass without receiving envoys first. We thought they may try to force their way through. We considered firing warning arrows, but they left immediately, heading east."

"Are they intending to use one of the bridges in Ordelia territory?" Byleth asked.

"Most likely. But the Imperial army still controls those bridges. I can't imagine what they intend to do in the Empire, even if they do manage to break through…" Judith trailed off, her face still lost in thought over this new military force.

Claude sighed rubbing his temples, "I'm reluctant to ease up on our surveillance, but it would be difficult to track them there... For now, let's assume they're just troops belonging to the old Kingdom. In any case, we should proceed with caution. Soon, we'll be entering Empire territory ourselves. If our enemies are going to intercept us with an attack... It will probably be at Gronder Field... How fitting that it was the site of the Battle of the Eagle and Lion five years ago."

Byleth clenched her eyes shut, of course it would be. How deeply ironic that all three armies would be there to fight. The unknown army was the most troubling by far. Looking over at Sylvain, he looked deeply conflicted and floored. He had no idea about this, and from the looks of it, he felt even more guilty for leaving home. She even looks at the other Faerghus students present here. All of them, even Felix, were solemn and confused, not sure what to do with this new information. Unable to bear the idea of sweeping their feelings under the rug, Byleth spoke out, "Claude, I need to have a meeting with the former Blue Lions students. You can accompany me as well. The rest of you: make sure you rest up and prepare yourself for this next battle. More than likely, this will be a tough one. This meeting is adjourned."

The rest of the former students filed out as Claude, the Blue Lions students, Sylvain, and Byleth all stayed put. The looks on their faces were telling. None of them knew what was going on. Byleth glanced at them all, a visage of concern graced her face as she asked for the Blue Lions to share anything that they may know or their feelings on the subject.

Felix was among the first to speak, "We can predict what the Empire will do. Faerghus is our real problem. The eastern lords have joined forces and are warring with the Dukedom."

Sylvain's eyebrows furrowed, "You mean the Faerghus Loyalists, right? Not whatever this army is?"

Felix shrugged at his friend, "It could be both, I don't know. But I've heard nothing about that conflict as of late. It's strange."

Sylvain shook his head, "I haven't received any letters back from my father, I'm used to him at least replying within a day or two."

Felix's eyes widened, "I haven't heard much from my father either. I can't help but find this silence unsettling…"

Ingrid looked towards the ground, "I've cut all contact with my family since joining this fight."

Ashe's eyes softened as he approached Ingrid with a hand on her shoulder, "Ingrid…"

Ingrid grasped his hand tenderly, "Don't worry about me, I'm just more concerned with accidentally running into them."

Byleth eyebrows furrowed, "Do you think that may be a possibility?"

Ingrid shook her head, "I'm not sure, Were I to see soldiers of the Galatea Family amidst the host flying the royal family's banner… I… Well. All chances of reconciliation with my father would end there."

Byleth responded further, "Are you okay with that?"

Ingrid sighed, "I do not know if that is the right path. But, the fact is, I've come this far. There's no time for second guessing. Not anymore."

Byleth lowered her head, "I...I see."

Annette spoke up next, her face filled with worry, "Claude you seem filled with confidence, but I wonder if everything really will be OK…"

Claude nodded, "That's understandable, in war, anything is possible."

Annette shuffled on her feet nervously, "The Imperial army might be hiding the emperor, and the troops headed south might belong to the old Kingdom. I'll be honest… I'm incredibly uneasy about all this. But at this point there's…no option but to move forward."

Byleth nodded, turning to Mercedes and Ashe, "Anything for you guys to share?"

Mercedes shook her head, "I'm more concerned with finding Lady Rhea. I know you're acting in her place, Professor, but she is needed here as much as anyone else."

"Ashe?" Byleth asked.

Ashe looked at Ingrid before turning to the Professor, "I will fight whoever we need to. I have to protect those I...we care about."

Sylvain smiled in the background as he observed the rare instance that Ingrid, whom he saw as his pestering little sister, was finally blushing at the idea of a young man giving her the time of day. She deserved to find someone that loved her for her, after all she was in the same boat as Sylvain. Their lives were almost completely dictated by their Crests, but it seemed possible that the future that was destined for the pair was now changing.

Byleth turned to Sylvain with a glance that he knew all too well, "My love? Thoughts?" Sylvain could see the looks of bewilderment. They had not seen their professor act so forward with her emotions to Sylvain. Of course all of them knew that they were together, but for her to be so open about it was a bit strange. Sylvain paid them no mind, in fact he was proud of her not being so ashamed for once.

Sylvain spoke clearly, "It's shaping up to be quite the battle. And I've got no problem with that, but that mystery army really worries me. There's no indication if they're friend or foe… Who do you think they are, By?"

"Remnants of the old Kingdom?" Byleth answered.

"I suppose it's possible. After all, His Highness is supposedly dead." Sylvain said somewhat bitterly.

"Could it be possible that his death was a hoax? After all, it should be impossible to unite some of the Faerghus nobility under the Blaiddyd banner without someone to claim it."

Sylvain snorted, "Heh, not unless he rose from the grave to secure revenge. That would mean… Actually, I have no idea what that would mean." His face fell, realizing if that were true…Goddess he remembered what Dimitri was like at the monastery before it all fell apart. He was barely functioning and tethering on the fringes of insanity. He took a sharp inhale, staring into Byleth's eyes, "Well, whoever they are, I hope we can avoid fighting them."

"Perhaps he's still alive and leading that army…" Felix muttered under her breath.

Byleth glanced back at Felix, "Would you be able to fight him?"

Felix scoffed, crossing his arms, "Don't patronize me. If his head is still attached to his body, I'll remedy that without hesitation."

Sylvain shook his head, "Felix, don't get distracted."

Felix sighed, "You're right. I can't let my emotions take hold. Either way, a major battle awaits us. Try not to die. I'll be annoyed if you did."

Sylvain chuckled, "Are you saying that to me? Or Byleth?"

Felix huffed shortly, "You pick."

Sylvain smiled, "Aw how sweet, you're starting to care."

Felix grumbled, "I never said that."

Byleth shook her head with a half smile, "Alright boys, let's stop this back and forth before we get out of hand."

Claude looked at the Blue Lions and addressed them directly, "I may not have been your original House Leader, but I do care about all of you guys. We secured the win in our first skirmish, but the next battle is a different matter. The Empire will come after us with everything it's got. Even so, the ultimate victory will be ours. And I'm not just saying that! I've made ample preparations to ensure our victory. It's my rule to never leave victory to chance. You can't rely on the protection of the goddess. With Teach's power and my schemes, I should be able to plot a direct course to victory."

Byleth looked to the Blue Lions students, "No matter what happens, I'll be there for you. If you need me to listen to you, train with you, or vent to, I'll be here. We don't know what to expect from this unknown army, but just know that I'm with you."

Just as she finished, a courier stepped into the Cathedral, a bit out of air from running all the way to the meeting participants, "I have word for you, Commander Gautier. Two letters of correspondence from your father."

Sylvain quickly rushed over and grabbed the letters, shaking the courier's hand,"Thank you, my man." The courier left as Sylvain started to rip open the envelopes and settle down on a bench to skim through them.

Byleth cleared her throat, "I'm pretty sure that we all need to rest and relax, go ahead and do so and I'll inform you if there are any changes."

The Blue Lions students nodded and left the Cathedral one by one, alongside Claude who knew that Byleth and Sylvain were more interested in some alone time as they dissected the contents of Margrave Gautier's letters. Byleth sat down next to Sylvain, she could tell he was tense as he looked over his father's words. He handed her the first letter wordlessly. She grabbed it and silently looked through it all

To My Son, Commander Sylvain Jose Gautier,

First let me congratulate you on your armies efforts in achieving success on the Great Bridge of Myrddin. Because of that, the homefront has been relatively calmer and easier to handle. Cornelia is not handling this well, as her support from the Emperor has been less and less as of late. I may have been suspicious and concerned for your switch over to the Alliance, but it seems to be of benefit indirectly for us, the Faerghus Loyalists.

As I was writing this letter to you, my son, I have been informed of a minority of our soldiers mutinying and following the banner of another. I don't wish to alarm you, however it seems that they are following the banner of House Blaiddyd. I was sure this was something to be considered false, but it seems to be true. I will try my best to inform you if any other information arrives, but do ensure that you and Byleth are safe as you attend the roundtable meetings in Derdriu. I would like to at least see her after the war is over.

~Your Father, Margrave Sylvestre Victor Gautier

Byleth set the letter down on her lap as Sylvain handed the other letter to her, huffing out a sigh and placing his face in his hands. She hurriedly skimmed through the following letter.

To My Son, Commander Sylvain Jose Gautier,

I heard that your talks went well, and that the Alliance is now a unified front on the war against the Empire. That is very good news indeed, I'm sure that you, Claude, and Byleth were very convincing. To see such a thing has brightened the spirits of those in our armies under the Faerghus Loyalist banners.

Although, that is where my good news comes to an end. I am sorry to inform you of this, Sylvain, but it seems that the Faerghus army that carries the Blaiddyd flag has gathered in strength. With them is Sir Gustave, whom you may know as Gilbert at the monastery, and Rodrigue Achille Fraldarius. They did contact me, asking me to join allegiances with them as they fight for the rightful heir of Faerghus. However, I will not betray your cause. Our troops have remained loyal, but some of the Fraldarius troops have splintered off. Their army does not mean us harm and they are preceding to invade south into Alliance territory. There have also been rumors that Prince Dimitri is leading them, but there's little evidence for that.

I don't know what they want or why they're choosing now to appear, but please be careful son. We cannot know what this army will do if they encounter yours. I only hope that they do not engage with you. Sending my best wishes to you and Byleth, and may the Goddess protect you all.

~Your Father, Sylvestre Victor Gautier

Byleth lowered the letter from her eyes and stared at Sylvain. He looked lost, somber, and angry. He grabbed the last letter from Byleth and placed it carefully in one of his pockets. He got up from his seat and stubbornly kicked a piece of rubble across the floor. His hands were clenched and his jaw was tightened. Byleth hadn't seen him like this in a long time, it made her deeply concerned. She approached him cautiously, allowing him to work through his emotions.

"Sylvain...what does this mean?" Byleth asked.

Sylvain let out a short breath, "It means that the Faerghus Loyalists have split up. Making them significantly weaker."

"Are you sure? It seems like it's only a small minority." Byleth tried to reason with him.

Sylvain growled, storming towards her, "But we were already small in number, Byleth! Without their full power, the Faerghus Loyalists can't help us!"

Byleth inhaled sharply, "Falling apart at this moment won't help us, Sylvain! We need to think this through!"

Sylvain grabbed his hair, running it through his roots, stressed and pacing across the floor, "I shouldn't have left. I should've been there. I could have prevented this. I…"

Byleth grabbed Sylvain's face and gently let his eyes peer into hers, "Sylvain, listen to me. I need you to answer these questions to the best of your abilities."

"O-okay," He mumbled, his body still shaking under the stress of it all.

"Is it possible that Dimitri is alive?" Byleth asked.

Sylvain exhaled shakily, "I-I don't know, maybe. No one ever saw his body, even after he was declared dead."

"Okay," Byleth nodded stroking his cheek to calm him down, "And why would Felix and Annette's fathers leave the resistance and follow the House Blaiddyd banner?"

Sylvain breathing was getting steadier, as Byleth helped him regain his sanity a bit, "I'm...not sure about Gilbert, but when it comes to Felix's dad...Rodrigue has always been about protecting and preserving the Blaiddyd bloodline. Mostly because of his friendship with the late king. And he's always been overprotective of Dimitri, even when he was supposedly dead, Rodrigue would still be on the lookout for him."

Byleth let her hands fall from his face, nodding, "I see. Do you think Dimitri will try to attack us?"

Sylvain shook his head, "I...I don't know. You remember how he acted after Edelgard was found out to be the Flame Emperor? He was...I don't know how to describe him. It was like all semblance of sanity left his body, By."

Byleth eyes furrowed, "Yeah, I remember. That's what concerns me. But we can't lose ourselves now, love. We need to find a way to make it through this fight." Her arms wrapped around Sylvain's midsection, snuggling into his chest.

Sylvain returned the embrace, "I...Byleth...I'm sorry...for freaking out like that."

Byleth hummed, "Sylvain, it's okay. It's alright for you to be stressed. We are in a war."

Sylvain let out a small laugh, "Yeah but, I shouldn't have made you worry. I should at least try to have a level head."

"No one is perfect, not even me. I mean, I still can't express myself very well." Byleth replied.

Sylvain nuzzled his head onto hers, feeling a lot less tense, "Byleth?"

"Yeah?" She answered

"Do you think I should have stayed? With my troops I mean. I honestly have been so conflicted. I practically abandoned them." Sylvain's voice cracked. Byleth could feel the pain in his tone, he seriously was doubting himself being here.

Byleth stared up into his eyes, smiling softly, "I can't really answer that, but I do know that I wouldn't have been as focused on my mission if I didn't know where you were or if you were okay. It's foolish and selfish of me, but I know that it's the truth."

Sylvain placed his forehead on hers, "I know damn well, I couldn't stay away from you."

Byleth nuzzled her head closer, "And we have achieved a lot for everyone in the fight thus far. We are close to ending this war, I can feel it."

Sylvain held her tighter to him, "One battle at a time?"

Byleth sighed against him, "Yes, one battle at a time."

The fog was thick as was the atmosphere in the air. The battle was about to begin and like they had gone over so many times in the Cardinal Room, Byleth's prediction that this would be a three way fight was correct. She didn't know what to expect from the faction from Faerghus, but she did know what to expect out of the Empire. Edelgard was many things to so many people. A visionary. A tyrant. A strong woman. An evil entity. But she was not dumb, that much Byleth understood. So she made sure to note that in Edelgard's playground, she would have many tricks up her sleeve. That's okay, Byleth thought to herself, Claude had a few schemes himself.

As the battle commenced, Byleth ordered her Blue Lions faction of students to head towards the Faerghus troops. Sylvain took command of them, hoping that he could sway some of the forces to his side. Byleth took command of the Black Eagle students, heading towards the middle of the battlefield, hoping to take control of the ballistas, and then regrouping with the Golden Deer students to pin Edelgard in. She was the main priority. If they capture her or take her down, the war would be over.

This battle was far worse than expected, however. The fighting was brutal and chaotic, one could barely make out friend or foe. At one point, Byleth had no choice but for Ferdinand and Caspar to help out the Blue Lions students as they were dealing with a lot more than they bargained for. Edelgard certainly wasn't making it easy on them either, as she blasted the center with fire magic, injuring several of the Black Eagles in the process. Claude's group was barely making it, had it not been for Byleth's intervention with the ballistas, they probably would've been obliterated.

She made her way off of the burning platforms of the ballistas, along with the remaining Black Eagle students as they realized that the fighting they had entered was now a crossfire between the Faerghus army and The Empire. Byleth fought through the men and women that came her way, cutting them down with her sword and quickly making work of the soldiers coming near the rest of her students.

Unfortunately her presence on the field at this present moment was a bad omen as a large Hero's Relic swung out and almost took her head straight off. Byleth took a step back as she stood in shock at the towering beast fighting her. There was no denying it, despite how disheveled and crazed he looked, this was Dimitri. Or at least the husk of the young man she had known.

She steeled herself as she readied her sword in case he would strike her again, "Dimitri, we don't have to fight. We can join forces."

Dimitri scoffed, "It would be a waste of my time." Dimitri pointed his lance in her face, ready to kill.

Byleth gritted her teeth, "Don't do this! Just think, if you lay down your weapons, we can take down Edelgard together, bring peace to Fodlan, and let this world be reborn into a new dawn! Don't you want that for your people, for Faerghus?!"

Dimitri remained unmoved, "I want that girl's head."

Byleth shook her head, "This isn't you. You aren't the same Dimitri that I knew so many years ago. That Dimitri would not want this!"

Dimitri swung his lance at her, Byleth narrowly ducked, feeling the weight of the blade on the wind, "That Dimitri is dead!" She countered his every movement, but he had grown far too strong, and addicted to the bloodlust that came from being alone for so many years. Byleth was being backed into a corner, she knew that getting this distracted by him was a bad idea and she struggled to remove herself from the situation she was in. Dimitri was not in his right mind, and he pursued after the former professor, his eyes looking at her in the most primal of ways.

"Are you trying to stop me?" Dimitri snarled.

"I only want you to listen to me, dammit! I want you to see that it doesn't have to end like this for you." Byleth pleaded, hoping in vain that he'd come to his senses.

Instead the man raised his lance high, "Then I'll just have to kill you!"

"LIKE HELL YOU WILL!" A loud voice rang out. Byleth looked up to see Sylvain on his Wyvern, Astarte, landing in between Dimitri and her. Sylvain quickly dismounted, unsheathing his Lance of Ruin. He turned to Astarte, ordering her to fly above them. As Astarte left the battlefield, Sylvain took a quick glance at Byleth, "Byleth, go. Meet up with Claude and take care of Edelgard."

"Sylvain, I can't-" She started before she was interrupted by him.

"Now, By! Don't worry about me! Just get to it, the fighting won't end until they're both taken down." Sylvain commanded as he watched as Dimitri got closer and closer to them.

Byleth reluctantly started to move away, "Syl, promise me you'll come back."

Sylvain let out a short laugh, "Even if it takes me a hundred years, I'll always come back to you, Byleth. Now, go. Go!" Byleth nodded affirmatively and commanded her Black Eagle students to follow suit.

As soon as he was sure that Byleth was out of Dimitri's reach, Sylvain turned to him with his eyes narrowed. He could feel his blood boiling; the idea that His Princeliness would strike down his lover, it made him furious. But on the other hand, he could feel his legs shaking, he knew Dimitri. He knew that Dimitri could easily best himself. He was always ridiculously strong, and now...Sylvain gulped trying to quiet his beating heart. Dimitri looked like a menace, entirely fueled by vengeance and violence.

Sylvain twisted his own Lance of Ruin around as he stepped forward to challenge Dimitri, his anger spilling forth "What are you waiting for, Your Highness?!"

Dimitri looked down in what seemed like shame, "You're not worth it. Get out of my sight."

Sylvain snarled at the wayward prince, "But she was worth it! Byleth was worth destroying!"

Dimitri growled back, "I only want Edelgard's head, if you're not going to let me, then I will kill you."

Sylvain huffed readying his lance for his attack, "Dimitri...I'm not going to enjoy this, but your rage needs to end here."

Dimitri didn't say a word as he lunged at Sylvain with the Hero's Relic he must've acquired from Rodrigue. Sylvain dodged his attack and quickly countered him swinging his lance at Dimitri. The two dueled it out, both holding their own. Sylvain was surprised at how well he was doing despite Dimitri's inhuman strength. He matched it with his own speed and experience on the field. They eventually made their way up hill, hitting and attacking each other with a ferocity that only a Faerghus soldier would know. He wasn't aware of the rest of the Faerghus soldiers and the Blue Lions Students watching them. The duelling nobles from their homeland, one representing the older power and dynasty and the other representing a man reborn from flames to defend Faerghus.

The fighting grew more chaotic, and Sylvain could feel his muscles straining under the pressure. He knew that if he didn't take out Dimitri now, Sylvain would die by his hand. He needed an opening, anything at this point. But he didn't want to kill his friend. His friend that he grew up with. His friend he saw as his baby brother. His sweet and kind friend who was so warped by the tragedies that followed him that led Dimitri and Sylvain to fighting for their lives at this moment. Sylvain didn't want to do this, he didn't want to kill another brother. But Dimitri was so lost, there was almost nothing left of him.

Dimitri made one move that gave Sylvain the chance to take him down, as he swung wide leaving his chest open for an attack. Sylvain took a deep breath and cried out as he kicked the Prince in the chest and launched him backwards, leaving Dimitri to fall down the steep hill and leaving Sylvain victorious. Sylvain watched the Prince from down below. He was muttering where Edelgard was and stumbled away in a daze.

Sylvain could only watch in pity; Dimitri was completely out of his mind. He sighed in sadness, as he felt Astarte land near him and nuzzle against him, her purring vibrated against his chestplate. He quickly mounted her, and tugged on her reins. He needed to get to Byleth, he was sure that her battle with Edelgard was going to be difficult.

Byleth could feel her emotions mounting as she stared down Edelgard. She couldn't help but feel an uncomfortable rage facing her. Here she was in all of her glory, with armor and a headdress that were as grandiose as her plan to conquer all of Fodlan. Edelgard looked at her former professor with eyes that seemed somewhat remorseful, but Byleth knew better. She knew that if she gave any ground, Edelgard would take it.

As they traded blows, Edelgard spoke, "I knew when next we met one of our paths would have to come to an end."

Byleth grunted as her sword clashed against her axe, "I will not be dying here! Your tyranny must end here."

Edelgard sneered, "Your journey ends here, Professor. Forever." She raised her axe to take down Byleth, but she expertly dodged her attack, ready to counter Edelgard with her own.

That's when Claude swooped in, hitting the axe out of Edelgard's hand with Failnaught, "Not if I can help it!"

Edelgard stared up into the sky seeing Claude's cocky face, "Claude…"

Claude snorted in response, "We haven't seen each other since Garreg Mach. You've grown lovelier than ever, Edelgard."

Edelgard smirked, "You're not so unfortunate yourself. And you have the aid of the professor. Frankly, I'm 's the chance for you and the professor to leave."

Claude barked out a short laugh, "I'm afraid I must decline. Even if we left, we'd just have to come right back."

Byleth readying herself for anything, raised her sword close to her, "It's over Edelgard, you're disarmed and your army is weakened. Stand down."

Edelgard shook her head, "I'm sorry, Professor, but I will not meet my end here. I must retreat for now. We'll meet again on the battlefield." She quickly grabbed her axe, Aymr, and stood tall without preparing herself to attack. Instead, Hubert warped near her and took her away as fast as possible, with the rest of her army retreating.

"Dammit! We were so close!" Claude exclaimed, as he lowered Fajr onto the ground to walk towards his friend. Byleth looked exhausted after her fight with Edelgard, her body was filled with small wounds and bruises. Her armor was falling apart from the weight of a Hero's Relic hitting her. But she was alive. She was okay.

Byleth gave a small smile, "At least we're alive...Claude? Did you see Sylvain on your way to me?"

Claude shook his head, "No, I don't think so."

Byleth's breath was shaky, she didn't want to believe he was dead, "Are you sure?"

Claude was about to answer when he and Byleth heard a loud screech from a Wyvern above them. Looking to the sky, Byleth breathed a sigh of relief as she saw Sylvain start to land on the ground, dismounting Astarte as soon as he could and rushing over to Byleth. He crashed into her arms and squeezed her tightly against his armor, "You okay, By?" he asked her.

Byleth chuckled weakly, "I should be asking you that. I'm fine by the way, a few minor injuries, nothing serious."

Sylvain sighed deeply, burying his face in her hair, "I'm glad. And I'm also alright."

Byleth muttered into his chest, "You're one hundred years early though."

Sylvain laughed, "Yes, I suppose I am."

Claude cleared his throat, allowing the couple to slowly detach from one another, "So... Edelgard retreated. I suppose she lives to be defeated another day."

Byleth sighed, clutching onto her side, "It was close."

Claude shook his head, "Too close. But I suppose all that matters is that we won. Some of our allies are injured, but can still fight. We'll just have to accept this outcome and press onward."

Sylvain looked around at the battlefield with a furrowed brow, "This place is a mess, too many people perished in this fight."

Claude raised an eyebrow at Sylvain, "What became of the Kingdom army. And Dimitri? "

Sylvain shook his head, "As soon as Dimitri was dealt with, they kind of fell apart and retreated."

Byleth looked at him curiously, "What happened after I left?"

Sylvain lowered his head, "I fought him, it wasn't easy. He certainly wasn't holding back, even after everything we've been through together…But I just threw him down a hill, last I checked he was still alive."

Just then, Hilda who had been listening in approached Claude and the pair with a somber and regretful look in her eyes, "I saw him."

"Who? Dimitri?" Claude asked his friend.

"He was completely different from how I remember him. He looked like a crazed demon while he was fighting. He pursued Edelgard as she retreated, but he didn't get far before he collapsed. I saw him surrounded by Imperial troops and... pierced by their spears. I'll never forget it. He deserved a better end." Hilda's eyes shined in unshed tears.

Byleth looked to see Sylvain's reaction and was disheartened to see his hollow stare, as he tried to process his emotions hearing this news from Hilda.

Claude sighed, "Dimitri... He went through so much to make it here, only for his efforts to be in vain."

Hilda's tears started to flow downward, "I can't even begin to understand what Dimitri must have been feeling, but...There must have been some other way. Why did he have to go like that?"

"And his vassal, Dedue... Did he fall as well?" Claude asked tentatively.

"I don't know...I'm sorry, I can't deal with this right now." Hilda sobbed.

Byleth watched as Sylvain slowly detached from her, walking numbly onto the open field behind them, clutching his face. Byleth followed close behind, as Claude comforted Hilda after the horrifying scene that she had witnessed. Byleth could feel Sylvain's pain, even if he wasn't facing her. She could see his body shaking, his tears flowing out as he collapsed on the ground. Byleth was quick in wrapping her arms around him.

"It...it shouldn't have been this way…" Sylvain sobbed, "H-he...he was supposed to bring peace and stability to Faerghus…"

Byleth nuzzled close to him, "I know, Syl."

"Goddess, Byleth, I didn't want to kill another brother…What am I going to do? How am I going to explain this to Felix, Ingrid, and the others? How is Faerghus ever going to recover?" Sylvain cried.

"Sylvain...you didn't kill him. The Empire did. You did what you thought was best." Byleth spoke softly.

"...he was like family, By, I couldn't just kill him. Even though...he tried to kill you." Sylvain sniffled.

"I know, I don't blame you." Byleth snuggled closer to him.

Sylvain wrapped his arms around her, "...Stay with me awhile?"

Byleth hummed, "Whatever you wish, my love, I will stay by your side."

The pair looked out into the mess that was made, thinking about their victory and the heavy price paid for the cause of a better world...