DLC leak! Can't wait for some more Bernadetta content! I wonder how the sauna will function, and if Bernadetta will get a paralogue. It would be sweet to see her get her own relic and destroy everybody. Now let's see how she fares against bandits.


Byleth stood in the main chamber of the monastery's second floor. He had expected to meet the knight captain in this location, but instead he was presented with unfortunate news.

"The knights will not be accompanying us?"

Seteth rubbed his temple and frowned. "I'm afraid not. A local Lord in the Kingdom has been rather aggressive lately, and we fear it may escalate into full conflict. The knights that were assigned to you are one of the only few available units we can use to help prevent tensions."

Byleth furrowed his brow. "I see, so we are to take care of the bandits ourselves then?"

"That is correct, as much as I loathe leaving our students unsupervised with you, we have our hands tied. Besides, Lady Rhea seems to have a lot of faith you will succeed without their help and I will not go against her wishes, no matter how misplaced her faith in you is." Seteth scoffed.

"Very well."

"Best of luck to you Professor. Do remember you are no longer a mercenary, this isn't just another one of your "jobs". You now represent the Church as one of it's core members. Make sure no harm comes to your students. There would be no shortage of diplomatic outrages if one of them were to meet an unfortunate end."

Byleth gave a single nod and left.

"What could Lady Rhea possibly see in him? I do hope I haven't left the students in the hands of some madman."


"... and so unfortunately we will be conducting the mission without support."

Wait... that can't be right.

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that? I might not have heard you clearly." Bernadetta asked in a soft voice.

"We will engage the bandits with only the members of our class." Byleth responded.

Ah, yes, of course that's what he said… So this is to be my end then.

Bernadetta slowly closed her eyes and clasped her hands.

I suppose I should compose my Swan Song. Let my last words echo through the ears of all unfortunate souls that share my fate.

"The wind faintly blows… The candle engulfed by dark… Bernie's time has come."

"Bernadetta, please. Just because the knights aren't with us doesn't mean it will be the end of the world. Still, the Church is unable to keep their promises in escorting their own students. That is unfortunate." Edelgard mused in a dissatisfied tone.

"No matter, mere bandits will stand no chance against me. I have no doubt they will hide their tails and flee at the first sight of my noble presence." Ferdinand triumphantly proclaimed.

"They'll be running alright, because they don't want to get an earful from you." Caspar mumbled.

"If you are scared then just seek refuge behind me, Edelgard. I shall have defeated them all before you know it." Ferdinand continued.

"I am not frightened, Ferdinand, I am merely disappointed in the Church's conduct. For an organization that all of Fódlan looks to for leadership, they ought to be more capable."

Linhardt clicked his tongue. "And here I was hoping I could catch a ride on one of their carriages and take a nap on the way."

"Napping would be a waste. This will be good for our experiences yes? But I am admitting feeling a bit of nervousness without the knights helping." Petra added.

"This was supposed to be an easy mission, I guess now I need to put in some effort." Dorothea sighed.

"I am disappointed in this development as well, but we will operate just fine without the knights. The bandits have been reported to be relatively small in number, and their hideout is poorly fortified. I have confidence in your abilities but be sure to act with caution. Grab your things, we depart now." Byleth told the group.

Hmm? Now…NOW?! I just woke up! Don't we get a pep talk or something!? Some kind of warm up!? Ohhhh I think I need to use the restroom. It would be horrible if I had to go during the fight! Maybe I can still run back and...

"Come on Bern, everybody's begun marching. You don't want us to leave you behind, do you?" Dorothea called out to the girl as the rest of the class exited the monastery gates.

"W-w-wait, but…"

Bernadetta frantically looked back and forth at the monastery and her classmates. She desperately wanted to run back and hide in her room, but panic set in as she watched her class get farther and farther away.

"Noooo, please don't leave me behind!"

Bernadetta scrambled after the others, praying to the goddess that her bladder would not betray her.


Leaves crunched under the feet of the Black Eagle's as they made their way to the Red Canyon. While the location itself was not too far from the Monastery, the path to it was long and strenuous. The chilly morning wind blew steadily around them, and soon proved to be an inconvenience.

"Why does it have to be so cold! Couldn't we have worn something a little warmer. I'm practically freezing here!" Caspar shouted in frustration.

"Come now Caspar, nobility should not be bothered by something as petty as the cold." Ferdinand remarked.

Hubert smirked. "You must be lacking in nobility then. I can hear your teeth chattering from a mile away."

Petra blew hot air to warm her hands. "This coldness is why I have a dislikeness of Fódlan. Brigid has much more warmth and comfort."

"Some warmth sounds great right about now. It's so cold I might actually feel awake for once." Linhardt complained.

"I must agree, this is absolutely dreadful! How can you possibly remain so composed Professor?" Dorothea asked angrily to their teacher, who seemed unfazed by the wind.

"I have a resistance to lower temperatures. In my time as a mercenary, it was no rarity to camp during cold nights without a fire. The light could give away our position to enemies, who could then set up an ambush." Byleth stated.

"Uggh… I shiver at the thought of what your life must have been. Perhaps I should be more appreciative of my own situation." Dorothea replied with a worried look on her face.

"Now, now, Dorothea, I am sure our professor doesn't regret his past. Having a teacher with a lifetime of real battle experience is a blessing for us. While others may see your background as something to be loathed, I see it for what it really is Professor. We are lucky to have you leading us. I am confident we will find victory as long as you show us the way." Edelgard cut in.

Byleth nodded.

Despite the cold, the group continued to march on towards their destination. All of them pressed on, each fueled by a different desire, except for one small individual trailing off in the back.

Gahhh! I can't believe this! Why didn't I just run back to my room? I'm so cold I could die! Heck, I'm actually going to die! How could they possibly send us out without the knights! Now I'm going to be run through by bandits!

A sudden voice pierced her thoughts.

"How are you feeling?"

"Eyaaaa! I'm under attack! Somebody please save meeee!"

She instinctively tried to use her bow to shield herself, not that it actually provided any defense.

"Calm yourself, Bernadetta."

She slowly peeked through her fingers.

"P-professor?" She sighed in relief. "Please don't scare me like that."

"I apologize, I forget that you are easily excitable."

"Ah… ahaha… sorry… you're probably annoyed with me by now huh… " Bernadetta sulked.

"No? Everyone has their own quirks. Besides, I don't dislike that part about you."

Bernadetta could feel her cheeks tinge slightly red.

"Still, it is dangerous to get lost in thought. As we get closer to enemy territory, you must be prepared for combat at all times. It wouldn't do to have you get caught off guard and killed."

"Yes! Of course! I'm sorry professor. I wasn't thinking clearly. I'll be more careful from now on!" She saluted.

"That is good to hear. Your face seems to have more color now as well, I am glad." Byleth noted with slight smile.

"Oh w-well that's!" Bernadetta turned her face away in embarrassment.

"We are approaching our destination. I am going up ahead." Byleth stated as he made his way back to the front of the group.

That was so embarrassing! Why did he check on me? Don't tell me… he was worried about me?

Bernadetta slightly perked up at the thought. But then shook her head.

No… I'm just a nobody after all. Plus he barely even knows me. He probably just saw me lagging behind and wanted to keep our formation together.

"Well that was certainly interesting." Dorothea hummed as she walked over to Bernadetta.

"Wha…Dorothea?!" The archer jumped.

"Oops, did I scare you too? Sorry Bern." She apologized . "I was just noting how interesting our professor is. He may not show much, but he sure is a worry wart. Hard to believe a stone faced man like him is actually a big softy deep down."

Bernadetta calmed herself and thought about the diva's words for a moment. "Now that you mention it, I suppose he is pretty strange huh. I expected him to be scary but he seems nice."

"Right? And get this, he even reprimanded me for going on a dating spree! That's not something you would expect a former mercenary like him to care about in the slightest. He sure is taking this teacher business seriously, but a commoner girl has to get her future set, you know?" She frowned.

Bernadetta slightly flinched at the mention of "commoner". She appreciated Dorothea's company, but couldn't help but feel uncomfortable around her.

"Hey, world to Bern. You alright there? I'm not boring you am I?"

"No! Not at all! I didn't mean to make you feel that way." Bernadetta cast her gaze downward. "You shouldn't associate yourself with me."

"Don't say that Bern!"

"B-but."

"I'm just trying to take your mind off things. I know your scared about the upcoming battle, but it will be a cinch! I mean we have the professor with us afterall, he's an expert at fighting baddies. We'll be done with this in no time."

Bernadetta slightly smiled. "I-I guess so. Thanks Dorothea, I don't deserve your kindness."

"Nonsense! I… Oh, hold on, we can continue our talk later. Looks like we're here."

The class stopped in their tracks as they noticed Byleth giving the signal to stop.

"The bandits are located on the other side of this pass. It seems this location has only one point of entry. Be on guard for any traps or ambushes as we make our way through."

The students nodded attentively and prepared their weapons.

"You have all worked hard to prepare yourself for this moment. Remember your training and stick close to me. Let's move out."

Bernadetta's entire body began to shake and she swallowed hard. She took out an arrow from her quiver and felt her breaths rapidly increased in speed. Her stomach began to churn.

This is it… This is it… Calm down Bernie, you can do this! Just follow the Professor's orders, and you can make it out alive.

Slowly the group marched through the pass and found themselves in a large clearing. Looking to their sides revealed a deep drop of an unknown depth, and the entire area seemed to be shrouded in a light mist. Ahead of them lay an ancient stone bridge that looked ready to crumble at a moments notice.

Bernadetta stared at the expansive space ahead of her. The sight made her head throb.

Nope! Nope! Nope! I can't do this!

"So this is the Red Canyon… A ruin of sorts by the look of it. Let's end this quickly." Edelgard spoke as she tightened the grip on her axe. "The thieves must have been driven back. Be careful, or the cornered mice might bite us."

Two axe wielding bandits stood guard on the bridge. They soon noticed the class approaching their position. One of the guards whistled as a signal.

Mice?! Are you really comparing THEM to MICE?! They are big, scary, and armed to the teeth! What kind of mice have you dealing with in the capital?!

The bandit leader was on the other side of the clearing, digging through a pile of their latest score.

"Hey boss, I've got some bad news!" One of his underlings frantically shouted.

"Can't you see I'm busy! Bugger off before I get in a worse mood!" Kostas scowled.

"It's important! Our lookouts have spotted an incoming group, it seems they're from the monastery!"

Kostas slammed the nearest wall. "What?! The knights chased us all the way here?!"

"I don't like the sound of that! Chief, let's get out of here! There's no way we can win against them!" Another bandit pleaded.

Kostas picked up a piece of loot and chucked it at the bandit. "Shut your dumb mouth! Where would we go at this point? You can't be a thief if you fear death!"

"Well actually boss, they don't seem to be knights. It looks like its a class of students and their professor." The first bandit reported.

"Hahaha! Are you serious! They sent a bunch of brats and their babysitter to come kill us? What a joke! Looks like we're off the hook today boys!" Kostas shouted to his men as he raised his axe.

The bandits cheered and set their sights on the intruders.

Bernadetta quivered as the bandits began preparing to defend their hideout.

Oh no… I really should have gone to the bathroom!

"Professor… I hear there's a back road to the west. Why don't we split up and attack from both the west and the front? If we advance tactfully, we can attack our enemy from both sides. Of course, the decision is yours." Edelgard reported.

"A fair suggestion, but they appear to have high morale. No doubt they have noticed the knights are not present. Even bandits may pose a threat when they are this confident. It would be dangerous for a group to proceed without my supervision. We shall all take the path directly ahead."

"Very well Professor, I trust your judgement." Black Eagles! Prepare yourselves for combat!"

"Infantry units in front. We will draw the attention of their vanguard and allow our ranged attackers to chip at them from behind. Be careful not to get too far ahead or their archers will make quick work of you." Byleth commanded.

The two front guards started running to intercept the group. Bernadetta could have sworn one of them was glaring directly at her. Who knew what thoughts were in his head as he stared at the frail girl.

"Nooo! On second thought this was a bad idea! I don't care if they're thieves, they can keep what they stole! I just wanna go home!" Bernadetta cried.

Her comment went unnoticed as the professor and Edelgard moved to engage the bandits on the bridge.

Ahhhh! This is really happening! I can't run now!

The bandits quickly found themselves out matched by the Black Eagle's two best fighters. Byleth easily sidestepped an overhead swing from one of the bandits and countered by stabbing him through the abdomen. Edelgard broke through the other's guard and landed a blow directly to his ribs, knocking him to the ground.

She glanced down the the corpse she had just created. A slight look of apprehension plastered itself on her face as she tightened the grip her free hand.

"Regrettable… but there was no other way."

While she was slightly distracted, another bandit made their way to the bridge and poised himself to strike.

Edelgard put up her axe in an attempt to block, but it was unnecessary as a blast of dark magic hit her attacker dead on, killing him instantly.

"Allow me to clean this up for you, Lady Edelgard." Her retainer said from her side.

"You have my thanks, Hubert."

"Thanks is hardly necessary."

"Caspar! Ferdinand! Take the enemies coming from the left!" Byleth shouted as he engaged a swordsman on the other side of the bridge.

"On it!" Caspar shouted back, charging with his gauntlets ready to strike.

"You share my thoughts professor, I must commend you!" Ferdinand responded as he followed Caspar.

Thank the goddess I'm in the back! I knew being an archer was a good idea! I just need to stay back here where it's safe and sound!

"Dorothea, Bernadetta! Move up to support! Petra, I want you to guard them."

OH COME ON!

"Aye, aye Professor! Leave it to me!" Dorothea saluted.

Petra readied her blade. "I will not be failing, Professor!"

"This is a huge mistake!" Bernadetta screamed as she chased after the other two.

The trio moved up to cover Ferdinand and Caspar's flank. Byleth, Edelgard, and Hubert took on the bandits coming from the north. Linhardt waited in the back, ready to support if one of the students got wounded.

Ferdinand's lance allowed him to easily out range his sword wielding opponent. He kept his distance and prevented the bandit from ever getting close. He landed a clean strike and took the bandit down.

"These ruffians are no match for a noble like me!" He shouted as he wiped his brow.

Caspar, opting to use gauntlets in this battle, was much quicker than the bandit that thrashed at him with an axe. Using his shorter stature he got up close and stabbed the bandit through the jaw with an uppercut.

"Are all real battles this exciting? Come on, let's get on to the next one!" He shouted as he pumped a fist into the air. He flinched when he realized his right arm had been slashed and dropped a gauntlet.

An enemy archer saw this as the perfect opportunity to land a hit. He notched an arrow and aimed directly at the cyan haired youth.

"Look out Caspar!" Dorothea shouted. She quickly launched a Thunder spell and managed to hit the archer before he fired.

"Thanks Dorothea, I didn't even see him." Caspar thanked as he held his cut arm.

"Don't mention it, the Professor was the one who ordered me here." She looked at the charred corpse and sighed. "So is making us experience a real battle part of the church's teachings? How barbaric."

Wow, Dorothea is so amazing. She took out that guy like he was nothing! I sure am glad she's on our side!

Bernadetta positioned herself next to Dorothea. She took one look at Caspar's arm and gasped.

Ewwww, that looks so painful! Ohhh I don't think I can deal with this! I'm getting queasy.

Linhardt ran up to treat the wounded student. "Of course you would be the one to get hurt first. Here, this might sting a bit." He said as he used Heal on Caspar's arm.

Two more bandits rushed from across the west bridge and headed towards the leftmost group.

Eeek! Here they come! Stay away from meeee!

"We stole this treasure! It's all ours! There's no way we're gonna give it up to some kids!" One shouted.

Petra ran in front of Caspar and Linhardt to shield them. She expected to draw both of them to her but only one engaged. The other blew past her and went straight for the healer.

"Linhardt, have carefulness!" She shouted as she traded blows with one of the bandits.

"Damn, I can't hit him, he's too close to you!" Dorothea screamed from behind.

Bernadetta notched one of her arrows, but like Dorothea, she couldn't shoot without risk of friendly fire. She could only watch in horror as the bandit charged her classmates.

Caspar! Linhardt!

Caspar was still wounded but he tried punching the attacker with his weaker arm. Unfortunately it was easily blocked and the bandit kicked him straight in the stomach, knocking the air out of him as he collapsed on the floor. He then turned to Linhardt and raised his axe.

"No!" Petra shouted as she ran towards them, having finally defeated the bandit she was fighting earlier.

As the bandit was about to bring down his axe on Linhardt, Caspar managed to stab him in the leg from the ground, causing the bandit to scream out in pain.

Not letting the chance go to waste, Linhardt quickly picked up Caspar's dropped gauntlet and stabbed the attacker in the throat, blood splattering all over the healers face.

Linhardt looked at the blood covered weapon in his hand in horror and dropped the weapon.

"I… I killed him. What have I done? T-the blood…"

That was really close! If that were me I'd have died for sure!

Petra made it to the two and put her hand on Linhardt's back in empathy. "People and beasts are as one. Calm your heart, and do not be worried about this killing. You still live because of it."

"Right…"

Slowly, Linhardt regained his composure and began healing Caspar again.

"Thanks Linhardt, you… you did well."

"Likewise… "

Byleth, Hubert, and Edelgard caught up with the rest of the group.

"You are all doing well so far. That takes care of all the bandits on this side. A few remain across this bridge. Take care of the final stragglers while I deal with their leader. He is more skilled than the others, perhaps a former soldier." The professor stated.

The class reformed their ranks and continued across the northern bridge.

Ahead of them, the remaining bandits held up within a small set of ruins.

"Sending these brats instead of knights means they've underestimated me! Big mistake!" Kostas shouted.

As the class advanced, three bandits rushed out from behind cover. Edelgard, Ferdinand, and Petra moved to hold them off.

Wow! They're all doing so well! I don't even have to do anything! I think I'm actually going to live!

With the other bandits occupied, Byleth ran forward to the ruins to engage Kostas.

"Bernadetta, cover my assault, I will strike him down and end this."

Ohhh! Me and my stupid brain! Why do I always jinx myself! Stop thinking Bernie, you always get yourself in trouble!

Bernadetta moved up slightly and prepared an arrow as she watched her professor clash with the bandit leader.

"Y-you're… It can't be! The mercenary from before? So what, now you're pals with the knights?" Kostas questioned as he blocked an incoming swing.

Byleth stared back as the two pressed their weapons against each other.

"Not much for talking are yah? No matter, I'll just kill you and your pesky brats!"

This seemed to gain a slight reaction from Byleth as he began to put more weight in his swings.

Ok don't freak out, everything's still fine! I can't possibly mess this up! The professor doesn't even need my help, he's totally destroying that guy, I just have to sit here and…

Her thoughts were cut short as a mage moved out from behind a pillar. He had been waiting for Byleth to engage so he could take him out from behind.

I was thinking again! Professor! Oh goddess what do I do! If I don't shoot he's going to get attacked! B-but if I miss it's over! Aghhh! Don't miss Bernie! Don't miss, don't miss, DON'T MISS!

"Haha! Should of paid more attention! Your about to be turned into a pile of ash!" Kostas laughed triumphantly.

Byleth remained unfazed by the comment, not even sparing a glance backwards.

The mage behind him fell dead onto the ground as an arrow hit him square in the chest.

Kostas looked in shock and Byleth gave a slight smile. He had noticed the mage earlier, and trusted that Bernadetta would take care of him.

I did it? I did it! I actually did it! Great job Bernie, you actually were useful!

"Aghhhh! I'll have your head!" Kostas screamed as he raised his axe for a heavy strike.

He never got the chance to bring his arms down as Byleth quickly whipped past him, slicing his side open.

The bandit leader fell to his knees. "Damn, I should have never listened to that idiot... What a mistake…"

He collapsed dead on the floor.

Byleth sheathed his blade and called to his class who had finished off the other bandits.

"That looks like the end of them. Excellent job. Tend to your wounds so they do not get infected."

Bernadetta walked up to the ruins in triumph, she had survived her first battle! She felt good about herself, that is until she stared at the corpse at her feet. It was unreal. Not long ago it was a person. Living, thinking and breathing just like her, just like her.

She looked down again at the corpses face and to her horror instead of the bandit's, she saw her own. There she lay, a small and frail girl with an arrow lodged into her chest, her body still and lifeless, her eyes wide open but void of all color, forever stuck in a look of pure shock.

"No…I..."

She ended a life that was just like hers.

She quickly turned and released the contents of her stomach onto the ground. Tears began to form in her eyes.

It's kill or be killed Bernie… That could have been you… That could have been you… You did this...

"It's never easy to take a life."

Bernadetta wiped her mouth on her sleeve and looked up to see the professor.

"I believe this may be of some use."

He handed her a small white handkerchief.

"Thanks." she replied weakly as she took it.

"I know it may not be much consolation, but your arrow saved me."

Bernadetta slowly shook her head. "No... you put too much trust in me Professor. Dorothea or Hubert should have covered you, I almost didn't take the shot. And now, I can't help but regret that I did. I really am a useless girl…" She said as she looked again at the corpse she created. Unease rising in her stomach.

"But you did fire, and I still live because of it. I cannot claim to understand how you feel right now, but you have my thanks."

"Professor… I… Thank you. I think I feel a bit better."

It was her first time killing someone. It wasn't easy, but she understood that sometimes, there really was no other option.

"That was an impressive shot Bernadetta, you should be proud of it." Edelgard said as she walked over to the two.

The princess then briefly stared at the body of Kostas, Bernadetta could of sworn she saw disgust in her eyes.

"Our mission was successful. Thank you for leading us Professor. Though I suppose there was no way we could lose to a familiar foe."

"That was a piece of cake! Maybe I can actually have a real challenge next time!" Caspar shouted, his wound finally bandaged.

"You and I almost died Caspar. A "real challenge" would have likely seen us in shallow graves by now." Linhardt dryly commented, his mind still on their near death experience.

"If I am present in a battle, it will pose no real threat! I was moments away from saving you but alas, you didn't require my help!" Ferdinand boasted confidently.

"That was far too close for comfort. I'm just glad we all made it out in one piece." Dorothea sighed.

"I am agreeing. We must be training harder so that is not happening again." Petra added.

"In any case, something about this canyon feels inexplicably strange." Edelgard contemplated.

"You speak the truth Lady Edelgard. This location is unnatural, I have no knowledge of any texts that mention these ruins." Hubert reported.

Byleth took another quick glance around the canyon and paused a moment in thought.

"We can investigate the issue later. For now we should return to the monastery before it gets dark, we are not prepared to camp overnight. A job well done everyone, let us begin our march back." He commanded.

"That sounds like an excellent idea, I could use a nice trip to the sauna after this." Dorothea hummed.

Bernadetta closed her eyes. "It's over… oh thank goodness…I never want to do this again…"

With the help of her classmates, and the professor, Bernadetta had survived her first real battle.


So, I've never killed anybody before. So I can't really say I know how a person would feel after ending another life. Doesn't really help that Bernadetta's first kill line is her screaming about going home and that's it. Doesn't really sound like she just killed a person. But I figured shes not heartless like Caspar who doesn't actually care. So I tried this instead. Hopefully it was alright. Bernadetta didn't have too much of an active role in this fight. I figured it would be better to focus more on her one kill near the end. This was my first time writing a real battle scene. Boy this was the hardest thing so far. Tell me what you think. Until next time!