The Alliance Leader's Ambitions.
Though plans to resist the Empire are still being devised by the Alliance army, the Imperial army has already anticipated their next move. An Imperial vanguard, just outside Garreg Mach, led by General Randolph, begins to advance with the aim of toppling the monastery once again... While their current plan of attack is for now, unknown to the Alliance, a battle is inevitable.
In the Reception Hall Claude was making a speech "Everyone, listen up! I have a proposal. We are now building our forces in order to rise up against the Imperial army. But it wouldn't be smart for us to fight under the banner of the Alliance. That would only incite the lords who support the Empire. We've also combined forces with the Knights of Seiros. Therefore, I suggest that we operate under a new symbol. That's why I've prepared this...
He holds up a banner with the Crest of Flames depicted on it. Which earned everyone's full attention.
"You may recognize it as the Crest of Flames, which resides in Teach. The phantom Crest that has reappeared after more than 1,000 years. We're attempting our own miracle, so it seems like a suitable symbol for us. So... Until we welcome the dawn of a new age in Fódlan... Let's fight to the very end, as one, under the symbol of the Crest of Flames!" Claude finished, earning some cheers from his allies.
"Impressive, Claude. Forget restoring the monastery. You've somehow roped everyone into fighting back against the Empire!" Hilda said
"If you recall, I never asked anyone to join us. If anything, we have Teach's achievements to thank. Now that you mention it, I guess I should express my gratitude" Claude said before he went to find Byleth.
He found her in the Goddess Tower. She seemed lost in thoughts. Who could blame her? She had only recently woken up from a 5 years long sleep, and everything she knew had changed. Claude would've been more surprised if she wasn't full of questions.
"Hey, friend. So this is where you've been. Without you, the knights never would have joined our cause. I could never pay you back for that" Claude spoke.
Byleth looked at him and smiled "You're welcome. Let's do our best".
Claude smiled back "Just leave it to me, Teach. When this fight is over, I plan to see all of my dreams come to fruition, and yours as well".
That brought back a question that Byleth always wanted to ask "What are you dreams, Claude?".
"Well, for example... to bust open Fódlan's Throat. There's a massive fortress there, which is responsible for protecting the eastern border of the Alliance. I like to think of it as a lid on a bottle. The people of Fódlan only know a small part of the world. Their prejudices are born because they don't know what lies beyond their borders. And the opposite is true too. Those outside of Fódlan don't know about this place. Ignorance breeds discrimination. Whether you look inside the bottle or outside of it... If you really look, all you find are people who you can get along with, if you only try. That's why I wanna bust open that lid, which is keeping us locked inside. Or destroy the bottle entirely" Claude explained.
"Are you going to tell our allies about this?" Byleth asked.
"I'll find the right time to bring it up. Even if I talked about it now, it doesn't seem realistic, does it? First we need to defeat the Empire and restore peace to... Huh?" Claude began before Leonie runs in.
" Professor! Claude! We're under attack!" She said in alarm.
"I guess we'll have to cut our conversation short. What's going on, Leonie?" Claude asked.
"It's a small group, but some Imperial troops are headed this way. It looks like they were stationed nearby" Leonie explained.
Claude narrowed his eyes "I got to hand it to Edelgard. Nothing gets past that woman".
"We should proceed cautiously" Byleth said, knowing full well that even a small empire force can still be dangerous.
"As long as we don't let our guard down, there's no way they can defeat us. This will be our first battle alongside the Knights of Seiros. Let's kick off our new partnership with a magnificent victory!" Claude declared.
The Alliance forces and Knights of Seiros gathered outside to face down with the Imperial forces. Their enemies had numbers on their side, so this will be far from a simple clean up.
The leader Randolph, stood ready to command his forces "The Knights of Seiros are a powerful enemy, but we have more soldiers, and if things go bad, we have our secret weapon. We'll take them down all at once!".
"So, the enemy intends to use their overwhelming numbers to defeat us. Let's fight fire with... actual fire" Claude said, already having a plan in motion.
A Knight of Seiros ran up "Report! The enemy has entered the periphery of Garreg Mach!".
"If they reach the interior, the enemy will take the monastery. Drive them back immediately!" Claude ordered. His plan would be useless if they fail to hold back their enemies long enough to implement it.
The battle broke out, with the allied forces doing their best to hold back their enemies' greater numbers. Byleth cut down two imperial soldiers, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong... She could feel someone else was nearby... someone familiar. She couldn't dwell on the thought, if she drops her guard in the middle of a battle, she will die. So she continues to fight, blocking the attack of a soldier before quickly cutting him down. He students didn't just sit back either, they proved how much they had improved over the past 5 years.
An Imperial Soldier noticed something "What? That strange battle flag is... But isn't our enemy the Church of Seiros?".
Randolph didn't look worried "They didn't have enough soldiers with just the church, so they upped their numbers by joining with those filthy rogues. It doesn't matter what flag they fly. They're nothing more than a mob. We'll destroy them all!".
Claude saw their allies were ready for the plan "Allied soldiers are making preparations for the plan. Protect them!".
The allied soldier began hurrying through the battlefield. A Pegasus knight descends towards him, only for Leone to tackle the rider of her flying steed. The female soldier tried to impale Leone with her lance, but the Blonde allied warrior grabbed her lance and used it to pull her enemy closer before before delivering a strong blow to her chest plate wither her armored knuckles. The blow was strong enough to dent the Pegasus rider's chest plate, and forced it in to her own chest. Leaving her slowly suffocating by the very armor that was supposed to protect her.
"Sorry. But I will not allow you to take away what little we have left" Leone said before she used her enemy's own lance to impale her through the heart, giving her a quick death.
With everyone doing their part, the allied soldier reached his location. The first part of the plan was a success. Now it was time for the important part.
"We're prepared for the fire attack. Now we just need to draw the enemy's attention" Claude said before calling out to their enemies "You can't defeat us with that many soldiers? The Imperial army is doomed without a capable general!".
Randolph growled "Quiet! Don't think you'll get away with mocking me! Attack! Make sure they never speak again!".
The enemies began moving further in, just as Claude had planned "Now!".
Suddenly, a large part of the battlefield erupted in flames. Caught completely by surprise, many of the Imperial forces were unable to escape the blaze in time. The enemy forces had suffered a devastating hit, and their numbers had decreased immensely. Now the allied forces had a good chance of winning.
"Argh, a fire attack... The damage is too great. We can't fight anymore! All units, retreat! I'll take on our pursuers! Carry away the injured soldiers!" Randolph ordered.
"If we let them escape, they'll come back to attack later. We have to take them out!" Claude declared.
"I... really believed we could do this without her... but we have no choice now! Give the signal!" Randolph ordered.
Nearby a cloaked figure had been watching the battle. Her red eyes narrowed when she saw the signal. That fool waited until he lost before finally calling her in. But there would be time to scold him for it later, right now she had to cover her allies' escape, and take out as many enemy soldiers as possible. So she quickly arrived on the battlefield and pulled out her sword... a very familiar looking sword.
Byleth cut down an Imperial soldier before she heard screams. She looked and saw several allied soldiers being cut down... by a hooded figure... Byleth got wide eyes. That sword! She had seen it before. She quickly struck down an enemy soldier that was trying to blindside her, and rushed towards the hooded figure. Said figure was currently fighting Leonie, who was struggling to match her enemy's skills with a blade.
She was kicked to the ground and the hooded girl got ready to finish her off... But just as she was about to be killed, Byleth quickly blocked the strike with her sword. Reacting on pure battle instincts, The Hooded Girl began attacking Byleth, who blocked each strikes, already being familiar with the girl's fighting style... and she knew who it was, as they locked blades, and Byleth saw the very familiar red eyes under the hood.
"Akame!" Byleth shouts, having finally gotten the chance to say something.
The red eyes became wide as they broke the blade lock "Byleth...?".
"It's me Akame... And I know it's you" Byleth said softly.
The hooded girl finally removed her hood, revealing she was indeed, Akame, who was looking at Byleth with shocked eyes "Impossible... you are dead!".
"I'm sorry it took 5 years. But I'm back now, Akame. It's going to be ok" Byleth said as she lowered her blade.
"NO!" Akame yelled as she raised her sword "This is a trick! Made by those horrible knights and their false goddess! My sister died years ago! I've finally accepted that! I'm finally ready to move on!".
"Akame... I can't even imagine how much you must've suffered during my absence. But I promise you, I am real. I am alive. And I back" Byleth said as she reached out her hand "Come here, and I will prove it".
Akame was breathing hard before she let out a loud scream before sprinting away at full speed, unable to cope with this sudden revelation.
"AKAME!" Byleth called after her sister, but the flames made it impossible to catch up with her... Byleth finally found her sister... only to lose her again.
Meanwhile Randolph was slain by Claude in a one on one duel "Mother... Fleche... I'm so...".
Claude gave him a sympathetic look before he sighed "Those Imperial troops are really something. Looks like we'll face a lot of resistance in the future".
The rest of the enemy soldiers were finally defeated. The battle was won... for now.
After the battle, the Golden Deer gathered together.
"Phew! Nice work. We won without much incident, thanks to all of you" Claude said.
"I don't think the Empire will leave us alone now. What do you plan to do?" A knight asked.
"I intend to ask the Alliance lords to share some troops with us to bolster our forces" Claude said.
Lorenz spoke up "I will speak plainly. No matter whom we beseech for reinforcements, our envoys will inevitably pass through Gloucester territory. My father is being cautious not to give the Empire a pretext to intervene. Therefore, he is unlikely to allow even envoys to pass through".
"Why not request reinforcements from the Kingdom?" Byleth asked.
"Ah... I guess I haven't told you yet, Teach. The Kingdom isn't in a position to be sending anyone reinforcements. After losing King Lambert during the Tragedy of Duscur, a Regent had been handling it's politics. But then... There was a bloody coup. The Regent and Prince Dimitri both... Apparently the whole family was killed" Claude said.
Byleth looked shocked. She never expected Dimitri of all people could be killed like that... now she wondered what happened to all the Blue Lion students.
"All Blaiddyd territory, including the Kingdom capital, is being ruled by those who are cooperating with the Empire. The Kingdom is no more. It's not called the Faerghus Dukedom. The vast majority of the former Kingdom lords bent a knee to the overwhelming power of the Empire and the Dukedom, and now fall under their jurisdiction" Claude continued "Some who formerly held power are continuing to resist, but it would be difficult for them to regain it".
"Oh, hey! I can think of one person who we can ask for reinforcements. Someone whose territory is really close, and who's on good terms with Claude..." Hilda spoke up.
Lysithea perked up at that "Ah! The Hero of Daphnel, I presume?".
"I've seen her before, and she does seem to be reliable" Leonie said.
"You're talking about Judith, right? I bet she would lend us a hand..." Marianne said.
"Would you look at that, Hilda actually had a good idea for once" Mine said, as she was sitting on a crate and gave her sister a teasing smile.
"Very funny, sis" Hilda said with a frown.
Byleth remembered Judith "She seems intimidating. And she seems strong".
"That's right, you've met her once before, Teach. She's a fearsome one-woman army. She did a lot for me, even before I was recognized as the heir to House Riegan. I don't like the idea of owing her more than I already do, but given the situation, sacrifices must be made. I'll reach out to her. As for the rest of you, prepare for our next battle" Claude declared.
"Oh and she is not the only one. Najenda would also be willing to help us. She is a brilliant leader, and knows how to fight. She could be vital for our battles against the Empire" Leone spoke up.
"Oh yes, I remember her. You're right Leone, I will leave Najenda to you then" Claude said.
"You got it!" Leone said.
With their plans set, everyone went to do their parts. A while later, Byleth and Claude were alone in the Knight's Hall.
"Heya, Teach. How are you feeling? Does anything feel, um... strange at all?" Claude asked.
"She was there Claude... Akame... She was in the last battle" Byleth answered.
"Your sister was there? Now I am really gald you're back. Her sword is no joke, there is no telling how many of us she could've killed if you hadn't been there" Claude said.
"She has changed, Claude. She cut down our allies without even hesitating... She nearly killed Leonie, and would've if I didn't stop her. She didn't hold back at all, not even against someone she used to be friends with" Byleth said, sounding really sad.
Claude looked down for a moment before he sighed "I'm sorry, Teach. But Akame has indeed changed during these last 5 years. She spent all that time with the Empire... Guess Edelgard managed to convince her to rejoin her old Black Eagle classmates".
Byleth looked down "All because I wasn't there for her... I failed her. When she needed me the most, I wasn't there".
"Things have gotten dark, no doubt about it. But try focusing on the good things. You are back now, and we are fighting together again. Your command bringing my schemes to life... That's just how we fight best".
Byleth smiled at that "You're right. Any word from Judith?".
"Not yet, but there's no need to worry. That woman adores me. Once we've bolstered our forces, it'll finally be time to start taking decisive action. But I wonder... Do you really think Rhea is still alive?" Claude asked.
Byleth nods "She's alive".
"I think so too. It's hard to imagine the death of someone as important as her staying a secret" Claude said as he rubs his head "I wonder where she is and what she's doing...".
Byleth decicded to ask a risky question "Do you hope she's dead?".
Claude almost laughed at that, but it would not be a happy laugh "That's a dangerous question, Teach. To be honest, I've given it a lot of thought. All I know is that I still have a lot of questions I need to ask her. About the true history of Crest Stones and Heroes' Relics... and the truth behind the legend of Seiros and Nemesis. She has secrets. Too many of them for my comfort. Considering the state of the world... it's suspicious. You must be curious about what was done to you and what her plans were for you, right? And you never did learn about your mother, did you? None of our doubts will ever be clear unless we hear these answers from Rhea herself. In that sense, I absolutely hope Rhea is still alive. But as far as Fódlan goes, I do wonder what a world without Rhea would look like".
"A world without Rhea?" Byleth asked.
Claude nods "The majority of people in Fódlan believe in the Seiros faith that Rhea preaches. That's why they accept the noble system as if it were the only option, and refuse to associate with those who believe in anything else. That closed-minded philosophy is the reason why Fódlan's Throat is locked tight. But if you remove the archbishop who strictly advocates that doctrine, that world view is no longer absolute. There's room for free thought. The leadership of the church would undoubtedly fall to you, and you would hold the power to change the shape of the faith. Of the world. Then, for the first time, people would truly be free to think for themselves. To decide what's right, and what's wrong. Honestly, I believe Edelgard is probably hoping to achieve something very similar. But her methods require too much bloodshed. That's not something the world can get behind. Anyway... The best thing we can do is find Rhea and hear what she has to say. Heh, oops... I guess I've been going on for a while now. Sorry about that. You should get some rest".
Claude had given Byleth a lot to think about... but right now she was worried about Akame... her sudden return had really shook up her younger sister. She hoped she could still restore their relationship.
Elsewhere, Akame was walking through a forest alone. She was tired and confused. Byleth was back... after years of believing she was dead, Akame's older sister was back... Akame struggled so hard to move on from the pain of loosing her sister... and now that she finally had, Byleth just returned out of nowhere.
Akame fell to her knees... before screaming in to the night sky...
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Tell me what you think.