March: The Beginning of the End

Sophie followed Caeldori outside, where the army awaited her. Dorothea gave Sophie's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Let's go eliminate these Twilighters. Hopefully in this world we'll get a clue about how they're able to influence the Dragon's Gate."

Silas addressed the troops, "Alright everyone, it's time to investigate the strange beings. They were spotted in southern Hoshido. We need to move fast, and now!"

The tension was almost tangible. The scent of blood from the battle still stung everyone's nose. In fact, there were still puddles of sanguine stained on the ground. It would take a very long time to scrub away the signs of war.

On the march, Gustave caught up to Annette and Caspar. "Hello. Caspar, I'd like to thank you for looking after my daughter. As you are aware, she can be clumsy and needs assistance. I am grateful she has someone to make sure she is alright."

Annette glared her father. "Hey! I don't appreciate you talking like that in front of my boyfriend! Are you trying to scare him away?"

Gustave frowned. "Annette, if he cannot handle hearing these things, he is not suitable for you," he changed the subject, "I have also looked into your records during the war. You have a phenomenal job in protecting your allies and defeating the Old Empire. When I asked Lady Rhea about you, she earnestly spoke your praises. I look forward to witnessing your abilities myself when you join the House Dominic guard."

Caspar beamed. "Thank you, sir! I hope to live up to your expectations."

Gustave watched his reaction intently, and deciding that Caspar was genuinely looking forward to what the future held for him and Annette, approved. "I don't doubt that you will."

As they approached the area matching the description of where the mysterious soldiers (presumably Twilighters) were, Odin crouched down. "Lo, the hour draws near! Shield yourselves from the crafters of darkness!"

Shiro stood there with a puzzled expression on his face. "Uh . . . what?"

Camilla translated, "Be careful not to be spotted by the enemy."

Subaki cleared his throat. "Right. Of course."

The group clandestinely searched around the premises for a secluded building. Mary craned her neck around. "I think I see a blurry shape in the distance. Do you think that's what we're looking for?"

Dimitri squinted to see where she was looking. "I see it as well. Excellent job, Mary! I dare say that you'd make a wonderful pegasus knight."

Ingrid offered, "Speaking of pegasus knights, should I go scout ahead?"

Byleth nodded while brushing away a strand of hair that fell in front of her face. "Yes; that'll be the best course of action. If it gets dangerous, turn back."

Ingrid flew away. Linhardt sat under a giant tree, hoping to sneak in a nap. Gustave turned to his daughter and her boyfriend. "Thank the Divines that you didn't end up with the lazy one."

Dorothea felt the need to defend the sleepy mage. "While Linhardt has his faults, he's reliable when it counts.

Gustave's eye turned to the sleeping mage. "Yes, but can you imagine him with Annette? Their personalities are like cats and water."

Ferdinand chortled at the cute analogy. "That may be true."

Ingrid landed next to Dedue. "Mary was accurate in her assessment. There's a building with what appear to be Twilighters crawling around it. Thankfully I was not spotted."

Khalid smiled. "Alright then! Let's do this."

The group slowly advanced toward the fort. Once it was time to make a move, Byleth assessed the enemy. Since there were no archers, she ordered, "Ingrid, Shigure, Camilla, Khalid, go attack from above to distract them. Then we all charge."

The flying units struck with a mighty blow that took the forces off guard. The rest of the army punctured through and took down the rest. Ophelia stood on the tips of her toes, peeking inside the facility. "It's time to discover the silent secrets buried inside that scream for a listening ear!"

Shiro pushed open the doors and hollered, "ALRIGHT! THIS IS SOME KIND OF RAID!"

Caeldori moaned. "Must you say that at every hostile base we arrive at?"

Shiro defended, "Come on, it's fun! It's like saying 'only you can prevent fires' at nighttime to get people to turn off their lamps!"

The Twilighters inside became visibly panicked. A dark mage ordered, "Don't let them investigate this base! It'll ruin us!"

Khalid smirked. "Now I'm just even curiouser about this."

Dedue struck a wyvern lord through with his axe. "None will stand in my way of protecting the future of Faerghus."

Sophie attacked a paladin. "This is for Siegbert! You'll regret hurting him!" She brought her sword down with all her might, and managed to take him out.

Severa crossed blades with a myrmidon. "I've had enough of you meddling around! Do you know how much my shoes are falling apart from all this marching?! You'll pay!" Severa vengefully hit her with her sword.

Dorothea blasted a valkyrie with Meteor. "All you've done is sow discord in our lives. You won't be allowed to get away with this anymore!" She dodged a spear and slammed the attacker with Sagittae.

Caeldori pierced a trickster with her lance. "I will protect all that is good from your evil plans. You will not stop me here or anywhere."

The battle continued with a fervor, with the heroes determined to unlock the information they yearned for the entire journey. Sophie fought back tears from Siegbert's injuries and put more effort into her blows, making every single one a force to be reckoned with, toppling most in her path.

The hours grew long as the only sounds were the clashing of steel and the singe of magic bursting. When the final enemy drew her last breath, Azura glided over to the back of the building. She opened some of the research notes and glanced at its contents. "I think we finally have our long-awaited answer."

The party rushed over to where Azura was and read the text.

Controlling Outrealm portals:

-When Velezark attacked Aytolis, he used Outrealm portals, which suggests that it is possible to manipulate or create Outrealm portals

-It appears that Velezark used his chaotic powers to form new portals

-If we can replicate this, we can establish bases across the worlds

-Velezark manipulated spacetime to shield himself

-If we can manipulate spacetime, we can control the Outrealm portals

It explained so much, yet there were still a few lingering questions that begged to be answered . . .