Hello, readers! Eli here, and as promised, I finished writing the story! *crowd cheers* For the next few chapters, I won't include an author's message. I may stop inserting them altogether and post any messages on my profile. If you want to stay updated, be sure to check my profile often. On to the story.
Chapter 6: Reassurance
It was the 31st of the Lone Moon when the Imperial Army invaded Garreg Mach. Both the knights and the students were forced to fight, whether they wanted to or not. This included the Blue Lion house. Everyone fought hard but suffered great losses. The enemy had more numbers and resources than the Church of Seiros did. Then, Professor Byleth fell. And soon after Byleth was Rhea. Because of this, everyone was forced to return to their home territories. It wasn't easy to leave the monastery with Dimitri hell-bent on taking Edelgard's head. He was convinced by Dedue to fall back. Felix, Ingrid, Sylvain, and Ashe stayed with the future king. Mercedes had decided to help those in need after returning to Farghus territory.
This left Annette and Richter with what they wanted to do. "I have to find my father..." Annette choked out, on the verge of tears. Richter's heart sank at seeing her like this. He wanted to say, 'I just talked to your old man last month,' but he would be breaking his promise he made to Gilbert. "I don't care how long it takes; I will find him." She said, crying slightly. Unsure of what to say, Richter pulled her close to him. Stroking her back, he did his best to soothe her. "Well, wherever you go, I go." He told her. Annette's crying became light sobs and sniffles. "You mean that?" She asked, gazing into his eyes, searching for any bit of hope at that moment. "Of course, but we can't stay here." Richter gestured to the monastery, now in ruins. He then looked at the others as they began to head off. "Let's stick with everyone else for now. We should be there to help when things calm down some." Annette said nothing but nodded in agreement.
Richter extended a hand towards Annette, which she took with a small smile on her face. "Annie, no matter what happens, I'll be by your side as long as I live." He vowed. Annette giggled a bit and blushed at his attempt to make her feel better. "Why don't you make me your wife while you're at it?" She asked jokingly. Richter blushed at her response. After the small quip, both of them silently thought about what it would be like to be married.
A bit further behind the couple, Mercedes and Sylvain were watching them. "I knew he had it in him," Sylvain said to her. Mercedes smiled, "Annie is such a lucky girl, I don't know who I would marry." Sylvain casually put his hands behind his head, "Y'know, I'm not sure who I'll marry either..." Mercedes frowned at him, "Bad timing, Sylvain." She pouted as she walked ahead of him. Sylvain sighed, "It was worth a shot."
There's chapter 6! Just a quick FYI, this story will have 9 chapters instead of 10. Just let me know with a comment or review if you want the 10th chapter. If I do end up writing one, it will be a bonus chapter.