Narrator: If you are viewing this, know that this is one of three continuing stories. Zayto, Scott, and Devon have denounced their fellow heroes, and have joined with the new Adrestian Emperor-along with almost all of their own enemies. It is Imperial Year 1185. Half a decade has passed since Emperor Edelgard ascended the Imperial throne, yet the continent of Fódlan still remains lost in a tempest of turmoil and bloodshed. In the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, King Dimitri has welcomed Archbishop Rhea and her knights, who were driven out of Garreg Mach, to the Kingdom capital. As they work to build a unified front, the war with the Empire rages on to the west. Meanwhile, Claude, leader of the Alliance, staves off Imperial intervention by strategically stirring up conflicts between Leicester lords in an effort to feign neutrality. As events unfold, Edelgard and her Black Eagle Strike Force begin to take action in an attempt to break the war's current state of deadlock.

?: You... How long do you intend to sleep? Your body is awake. Your eyes must open now, and you must find the strength to stand upon those legs of yours. Like so much rain, a pool of blood has fallen to the ground... As spears and arrows pierce the earth, it weeps. And even now...it weeps. In order to survive, they kill. And so, the people of this world are lost in an abyss of suffering. They weep as well. The only one who truly knows the nature of such things is I... Or rather, you.

Zayto: Who?

?: Excuse me?! Are you saying you have forgotten who I am? How dare you! Get on your feet. Right now! I'll coddle you no more! You are just like a child, always needing me to hold your hand...

Farming Village Nighttime

?: Hey! A-are you awake?

Zayto: Who are you?

Villager: I'm just a villager here. What are you doing in a place like this? I honestly didn't expect to find someone floating away down the river... Garreg Mach is upstream of here, but that place was abandoned.

Zayto: What do you mean?

Villager: Huh? You don't know? The Church of Seiros isn't there anymore. Though there have been some folks still living there in the five years since... Well, you know. Regardless, the Imperial Army has taken over now.

Zayto: What year is it?

Villager: Um, are you feeling all right? You didn't hit your head, or anything did you? It's the Ethereal Moon of the year 1185. It's been nearly five years since the monastery fell. Tomorrow was supposed to be the Millennium Festival, but who's got time to think about things like that?

Zayto: The millennium festival...

Villager: Uh, yeah, that's what I said. But with the war and the archbishop still missing and all, I doubt there's a soul to be found who has enough blessings worth counting.

Zayto: You've been a great helper, sir.

Villager: Hey! Slow down, will ya? Where do you think you're going?

Zayto: The monastery.

Villager: Are you crazy?! The Imperial Army is there! Come on, I promise I won't say you're a coward. Just forget about going anywhere near the monastery.

Zayto: No need to worry about me. Now, there's a matter just over the horizon I need to take care of, so...farewell.

Villager: Unbelievable...

Goddess Tower Dawn

(The scene fades in to Edelgard, standing alone in the Goddess Tower at the monastery)

Edelgard: Five years ago, to the day... If things had continued on as they were, today would have been the Millennium Festival.

(She turns her head to her blind spot, noticing someone is behind her.)

Edelgard: Halt! Who's there?!

(The camera cuts to another angle, where Zayto is standing behind Edelgard. She turns around to see her former mentor.)

Edelgard: It can't be! Professor? Is it really you? But I searched everywhere and never found a trace! My teacher... what have you been doing all this time? Where have you been?

Zayto: I was sleeping.

Edelgard: Joking?! At a time like this?! You do realize it's been five years since you disappeared! (on the verge of tears) Do you have any idea how guilty I felt? How broken my heart was? I searched high and low after you vanished! Although there was no proof, I somehow knew you were still alive. All this time, I led everyone as best I could, and fought with all my heart. It's been a difficult path to walk alone.

(The scene fades to a CG image of Edelgard embracing Zayto.)

Edelgard(sighs in relief): Welcome back, my teacher. I'm so happy that you're safe. Five years... Such a short time, but it fells like an eternity ago. Do you... still feel the way you did all those years ago? You said that you would fight at my side no matter how many enemies we should amass. As for me, my resolve has not faltered. I'm determined as ever to see this through to the end. I will defeat the false goddess. I will save this world from those creatures and give humanity its freedom back. So, my teacher, are you prepared to stand with me?

Zayto: I am.

Edelgard: I— I thank you. Truly. Now then, I assume you understand the situation at hand, yes? ...And that is where we are now. The war is at a stalemate. Dimitri is the new King of Faerghus. It's clear that his territory will continue to support the Church. Meanwhile, Claude's leadership has thrown the Alliance into chaos. He maintains neutrality in their internal conflict. The situation has created a deadlock. We've been awaiting an opportunity for our squadron to return to the monastery. With you in the fray, I believe the state of the war will shift immediately. The Church, as well as the Kingdom and the Alliance... The time has come to eliminate them all.

Zayto: The Kingdom and the Alliance...

Edelgard: Although we were of different houses, we were companions who lived and learned together. Some of our ranks are hesitant to battle against them. However, knowing that you're alive is sure to raise their spirits.

Zayto: And the Church of Seiros...

Edelgard: Rhea, Seteth, the knights, and the others are in prime condition. They've set up their base within the Kingdom capital. The Immaculate One and her family have yet to fight on the front lines. However, we must eventually face and defeat them. It would mean a great deal to have you with us when the time comes.

Zayto: All of them must pay for their defiance!

Edelgard: Good. Well then, I believe it's time for a little reunion. The Black Eagle Strike Force never lost faith. They knew you were alive and have been awaiting your return. Let's not keep them waiting any longer.

Advisory Room Morning

(The scene fades in, revealing every character from the Black Eagles, having changed from the 5 year time skip.)

Hubert: Well now. That face is certainly familiar. I am glad to see you alive and well, Professor.

Bernadetta: Professor, it's me, Bernie! Do you remember me? I can't believe you're here!

Caspar: I can't believe it! Is this a dream? Can we really be this lucky?!

Petra: This is not dreaming. Our professor is with us again!(To Zayto)Welcome to the back! I mean, welcome back!

Ferdinand: Our group isn't the same without you. I am overjoyed to see you again!

Dorothea: It's been so long. Seeing you again fills my heart with hope.

Linhardt: Great, now everything will be easy.(To Zayto)Um, that's great you're safe, Professor. I'm deeply, deeply moved.

Edelgard: Quite the reunion, isn't it, Professor? Everyone's happy to see you.

Caspar: Come on, Edelgard. You must be happier than all of us combined!

(Edelgard blushes in response.)

Caspar: She took it really hard when you disappeared, Professor.

Ferdinand: Of course, we did our very best in your absence. And there was never a day that we doubted you would return to us.

Dorothea: Edelgard has been leading us as emperor. But...after you disappeared, it became apparent that you were her anchor.

Petra: It gives me regret to be admitting this, but...our power is not enough. The only one who can be meeting Edelgard's expectations...is you, Professor.

Linhardt: Most impressive of all is your uncanny ability to bring a smile to everyone's face.

Hubert: In the years since you vanished, we have not lost anyone from our ranks.

Edelgard: We all longed for your presence and your leadership. Myself included.

Hubert: It seems fitting to view this as a new beginning for the Black Eagle Strike Force. We already have our target.

Edelgard: Yes. We must eliminate the Alliance before moving on to fight the Kingdom and the Church. However, that doesn't necessarily mean we must occupy the entirety of the Alliance. House Riegan stands against the Empire... Therefore, our target is Derdriu, the Aquatic Capital.

Hubert: We must cross the Airmid River, which separates the Empire and the Alliance. To do that, we must take the largest bridge across it. The Great Bridge of Myrddin. Myrddin connects the monastery and the imperial capital to the east. It is the shortest route there.

Edelgard: An alliance stronghold has been built at the Great Bridge. We'll take that and then head north. At the same time, we must defeat the one who defends it, Judith von Daphnel. If we can also take control of Daphnel territory, it would be greatly beneficial to us. Prepare yourselves. The next battle will be a momentous one. Join me, my friends, as we begin our journey to bring peace and solace to this war-ravaged world.

(With the other Rangers)

Flynn: So, this is it, huh? Five years ago, all a guy like me could worry about was saving this world. Now, all that bloody work means breaking our kind's sacred rules.

Gemma: Getting cold feet early in this war game, aren't we Flynn? Whatever the new Emperor wants Zayto, me and Gem are far beyond ready to rumble!

Aiyon: So are we.

Devon: I think you know what my team's answer to all this is by now.

Zayto: Good. First, we topple Claude's aura of neutrality and force his scheming mind on the ropes. And when that's finished, Dimitri and Rhea are next to fall! I want no hesitation in vanquishing the wicked archbishop, but you can all do what you see fit to the mad King! We will take his entire kingdom...by force!(The other Rangers cheer)And when we're done here, all will know true subjugation! Are you with me?(A chorus of "I am"s comes from his fellow Rangers)Then let's go!

Devon: For five years, I've fought for the Empire. I've cut down hordes of enemies. Now, I have the same look in my eyes that the boar used to have in his. The look of a savage beast who loves nothing but destruction and violence.

Zayto: You're right.

Devon: Hmph. I can hardly hold it against him anymore. You and Edelgard must not disappoint me. Mark, my words. The future your building had better be worth all this bloodshed.

Nate: Since you came back, everyone's been smiling. Just you being here makes an incredible difference. I can't express how reassuring it is to see you.

Flynn: House Gloucester will remain staunchly neutral in this war. Even if we press into Alliance territory. The Count is no threat to the Empire. Lady Edelgard surely understands that. The Great Bridge of Myrddin, however, is another story. I hear it is held by Judith of House Daphnel. She is renowned for her military prowess. We would do well not to underestimate her.

Steel: Hey, Zayto! What have you been up to for five years? Hope you haven't gone soft! I got myself into perfect shape. Took all five years of pushing my muscles to the limit but look!

Zayto: You look very strong.

Steel: You bet I do! You gotta get training if you want to catch up!

Edelgard: Professor... I'm sorry to have dragged you into the fight again so soon after our reunion. But you appeared at a most opportune time. I'm truly humbled by your support, my teacher. Thank you.

Zayto: You can count on me.

Edelgard: And so, I will. I'm hoping your ability from five years prior are still intact. Make sure you're ready to head out, OK?

Hubert: Allow me to brief you on the details of our situation. The Empire firmly controls the western portion of Faerghus. However, the central and eastern regions continue to put up heavy resistance. The strongholds in these regions are Arianrhod, the Fortress City, and Fhirdiad, the Kingdom Capital. We cannot control Faerghus until we have taken both of these cities. As for the Alliance, Houses Gloucester and Ordelia seem predisposed to to capitulate to us. However, due to interference from Houses Riegan and Goneril, we have yet to secure their cooperation. Claude obviously hopes to keep the Alliance whole through diplomacy. But because we have had to focus our efforts against the church until now, our forces have yet to meet his. We have only recently begun to take the fight to Alliance territory.

Ferdinand: The last five years have been difficult at times. My relationship with Edelgard is rather contentious, due to the incident with my father. Nevertheless, I cannot abandon my family's duties. As Duke Aegir, I must play my part in the Imperial army. Edelgard intends to abolish the nobility, but I know I can dissuade her from doing so.

Linhardt: Professor! Do you know how happy I was to hear you were still alive? I'll tell you how happy-for the past two days, I haven't had my morning or my afternoon naps.

Zayto: You were taking those naps every day?

Linhardt: Well, as long as we weren't marching. Can't sleep much then...but it's not for want of trying...

Caspar: All right, I'm ready to fight! Let's do this!

Zayto: I'm counting on you.

Caspar: Leave it to me! I can take on the whole...most of the enemy's army! I know my limits now, Professor!

Bernadetta: Are we leaving for battle? I heard it's a long march. But it's fine! I've had plenty of time to stay inside lately, so I think it's time I...went out. Yeah! I can do this. No more Bernie-bear!

Zayto: That's the spirit.

Bernadetta: Yes! But, um. Please don't put me up front, OK?

Dorothea: Laaa-la-laaa-la-laaa... Professor! Oh my! It's so good to see you. These days, so many old friends seem to be disappearing. But you... You're here! It's incredible to see you again after five years! I have a feeling your name will go down in history.

Petra: Edelgard is controlling the Empire. She is putting the pressure on the Kingdom and Alliance. Empire and religion are at open war. It will be...difficult for us at first. But corrupt nobles are many. That means the common people will rebel and be joining our side. With you, Professor, the battle tides will...ah, will turn. I have certainty.

Tarrick: Annette's father used to be a knight in service of the royal family of Faerghus. For a time, he was at the monastery, but apparently, he's back in Faerghus serving as a knight again. I knew he couldn't resist the call of duty, but this sounds redundant.

Hanneman: You've finally joined us, haven't you? I attached myself to the Imperial army as well. Seemed the thing to do. I feel I owe it to Edelgard to set my past feelings about the Empire aside. I am happy to help her. It's strange, isn't it? After five years, the three Professors are together once more. I am most curious though. You say you were asleep for five whole years? Incredible. Perhaps this is another effect of your Crest. I do look forward to investigating you in greater detail.

Dillon: We can talk about that.

Hanneman: Wonderful news! I am most excited to begin. We must find the time, of course.

Jeritza: You survived. How very fortunate... Were you dead, I wouldn't be able to fight you. But you are very much alive—now I've a chance to kill you. Still, working with faces unseen before until now...(Thinking)And it was hard enough working with those reptiles, icemen, mutant bugs, and then some.

Randolph: Ah, a new face. I am Randolph von Bergliez. I'm the guardian of this place. Wait a moment... I'm sure I've seen you somewhere before.

Zayto: Five years ago...

Randolph: Ah yes! You're Her Majesty's professor. You're alive?! Um... Oh, this is my little sister, Fleche. She's just a rookie, but she's helping me as my assistant.

Fleche: H-Hello. I'm Fleche von Bergliez. It's nice to meet you. I know I'm inexperienced, but I'm going to do my best. You can count on me to look after my big brother!

Randolph: I heard you're planning to march into Alliance territory. I'll be here to guard the fort.(He shudders when he sees the stone soldiers, clay soldiers, and the others marching)

Great Bridge of Myrddin (Outskirts) Daytime

Hubert: We are about to commence the attack on the Great Bridge of Myrddin. But first, allow me a moment of your time.

Zayto: What do you need?

Hubert: It is something I can only ask of you. Listen well... It concerns Lady Edelgard's uncle. The regent of the Empire, Lord Arundel. Although he is currently cooperating with Her Majesty, he maintains his own sizable military troops. It seems to me that his plans differ from our own. I assume you recall a certain group's scheming from five years ago. Solon and Kronya... They both served Lord Arundel.

Zayto: He must be dealt with.

Hubert: Professor, I understand how you must be feeling, considering what they did to your father. I know it must be foul to even consider cooperating with their kind. However, their power is essential for us at present. Edelgard also strongly opposed the idea at first. Our enemy is the Church of Seiros itself. It cannot be toppled with the Empire's might alone. Those working under Lord Arundel are extremely hostile toward the church. And the enemy of our enemy is... Well, I think you sufficiently understand by now.

Zayto: Are you sure that's a good idea?

Hubert: Until all of Fódlan is united, it is a necessary evil. As for how we deal with them afterward...time will tell. Regardless, Her Majesty and I wish to join our power with yours. You should know that in her heart, Her Majesty regards that group as enemies of herself and her family. They used her father, the former emperor, as a puppet and murdered her siblings with their vile experimentation. I believe Her Majesty may have told you some of this herself. That is why this was a... very painful decision for her to make. I will do all I can to ensure her suffering is not in vain, and I hope I can count on you to do the same. As for all I have told you, please keep it in mind as we march forward. More importantly, I implore you to fight as best you can for Edelgard... From the bottom of my heart, I beg this of you.

Edelgard: We'll be capturing the Great Bridge of Myrddin, a key strategic location of the Leicester Alliance. Claude will surely be sending reinforcements, so we must prevail before they arrive.

Hubert: Our opponent is Judith, the so-called Hero of Daphnel. We can handle her. So long as we don't get careless.

Judith: The boy said to run if I was in danger, but... I could never do that. I'll hold out until reinforcements arrive!

Ivan: No need for that, Milady. This bridge will not fall into their hands, so long as I am guarding it!

Sledge: The Gold Energem and The Great Bridge of Myrddin, prizes worth taking by force if it comes to such a thing.

Tyler: If you want them and us, then bring it on!

(A few minutes into the battle)

Leonie: Judith! I'm so glad you're safe! Claude sent me here with reinforcements!

Acheron: Why do I have to put up with orders from that false leader...

Leonie: Because you're from the smallest noble house in all the Alliance, you whiner!

Edelgard: Enemy reinforcements... We didn't finish in time. Don't let them secure the ballista!

Fury: Will do!

Ignatz: I am helping Claude build the future of Fódlan!

Zayto: As I am helping Edelgard.

Ignatz: We can't place the future of Fódlan in Edelgard's hands. If you're allied with the Empire, I have no choice but to fight you.

Koragg: Move aside, archer. I don't wanna have to fight you!

Ignatz: Stop deluding yourself. You joined the Empire. Didn't you consider the consequences? I don't want to fight you either! But this is war.

Koragg: So it is... Wolf Attack!

Ignatz: Ungh... I should have known this would happen...

Judith: Ignatz! Damn it... Such a good kid. He died too young...(Hengemen and Hidiacs surround Leonie)

Leonie: Doesn't matter who you are. I won't hold back, and I won't fall to the Empire!

Necrolai: Oh look, she still means well to idolize the fallen Captain.

Wreckmate: Would bring me to tears if I wasn't annoyed.

Leonie: You're all Captain Jeralt's enemies! And I will avenge him here!

Zayto: I honor him by serving my Empire!

Leonie: Zayto! You know Captain Jeralt's killer was connected to the Empire! Why did you side with them?! Answer me, traitor!(He says nothing)

Ivan: The maiden has a fair point, traitor! You and I both know what must be done if this is the path you have chosen.

Zayto: I'm sorry you two, but I have to accomplish this. T-Rex Fury Strike!

Ivan: You've understood nothing, traitor. The other nine Energems will never fall into enemy hands, and with this, I see what you really are on the inside. The weak have their purpose. You'll understand that soon enough.

Zayto: No. I will not.

Leonie: Judith, I'm sorry... I leave the rest to you...

Judith: Leonie! You had such a full life ahead of you... I wish I could take your place... This is it... Claude, I'm sorry. I couldn't defend the bridge. All who are able, retreat!

Edelgard: Don't let her escape! If we take her out now, the Daphnel territory will be ours! That will allow us to march safely through the Alliance.

Cybervillain Blaze: Where do you think you're going?

Judith: Guh, it looks like I'm done for. Claude... I'm sorry...

Edelgard: Alliance soldiers, Judith has fallen! Further conflict is futile! If you surrender, your lives will be spared. Lay down your weapons immediately. You have all fought well. With this victory, we now have a foothold in the Alliance. The Imperial Army will cross the Airmid River and push the front lines forward. The fight will continue, but do not allow that to stop you from taking pride in our hard-won victory.

Ferdinand: Ah, this should put a stop to one of Edelgard's choice phrases. Well done, Professor. I believe it was "if only the professor were here, we could forge ahead and change the tides of this war."

Edelgard: Ferdinand. It is not necessary to tell the professor such things.

Caspar: We're not the only ones benefiting! The whole Imperial Army is stronger now!

Linhardt: Yes, it seems the Empire finally has both of its legs to stand on. Don't you agree?

Edelgard: You make it sound as though I can't run the Empire on my own. Perhaps it's more apt to say that the pegasus has recovered its horn.

Dorothea: Judith of Daphnel... What a magnificent warrior. I'm happy to have the professor back just like old times, but I don't think I'll ever get used to this cruel exchange of lives...

Petra: When there is something you must not be conceding, you must keep fighting! The fighting has been continuing for five years, but now I am again witnessing the professor's power.

Bernadetta: I hate fighting! But...with the professor here...maybe it's slightly less terrible? Oh, but everyone is working so hard! Stop it, Bernie, you can't be the only one complaining!

Hubert: I'm glad to see everyone so inspired. It seems the reappearance of the professor has done much to raise your morale.

Edelgard: Do you not feel the same, Hubert? Come now, be honest with yourself. Now, we must take advantage of the situation and blaze ahead. Our path is still a long one.

Zayto: Aye. That much I know for sure too.