"Wake…up. Hear…me? Are you-"

Izuku sits up gasping for air. Amidst his panic he desperately tries to understand where he is. Memories return like thunderclaps in a violent storm.

.

The LOV attacked UA's training camp. Some surreal wand-waving villain ambushed him and his friends. It was Midoriya's second taste of real combat. Clamorous chaos was deafening. Explosions, war cries, shouts of the badly wounded.

He withstood an outbreak of powerful quirks but the nerve-wracking scene made him hesitate for a moment. The villain hit him with a tornado of stars and-

.

And now…where is he?

"You're okay. Excluding some injuries your pretty faces are undamaged. Lucky, I'd say!"

Midoriya turns, following the amused voice, and sees a woman. She's savvy, dangerous, and charismatic. "Who are you? And where am I?"

.

Izuku looks around. He's in a medieval style medical room. Across from his bed are two other people. Shoto and Bakugo! They're alive! Before Izuku was knocked out they had also been hit by the same attack.

.

"I'm Manuela. Garreg Mach's nurse. Seteth and I found you three in the woods."

Izuku blinked. "Thank you ma'am."

"Just call me Manuela." She winked.

"I've never heard of Garreg Mach. There's no place in Japan like that."

"Japan? You must be from a faraway country. This is Fodlon."

"Fo…Fodlon?"

She nodded. "I'm going to get you three a meal. Afterword's we need to see Seteth, Lady Rhea, and Hanneman."

.

Manuela departed. Izuku is left in a heavy silence as he paces, trying to solve this mystery.

"Midoriya?" Todoroki sat up and calmly studied his whereabouts.

"Shoto!" He can't ignore tears stinging his eyes. Izuku runs over and hugs his friend who responded with a painful, "Umf!"

"I'm so happy you're okay!"

He smiled. "Me too."

.

"Ugh. Can you two losers shut up?" Bakugo got up and rubbed his head. "Shit. Did we miss the battle? Where the hell is everybody?!"

"Um…the thing is Kaachan," Izuku nervously laughed. "We're not at the UA training camp. Or Japan."

"What?!"

.

The two sit in a circle eyeing Izuku bewilderingly. "A nurse called Manuela said we're in Garreg Mach Monestary. This land is named Fodlon. She's never heard of Japan."

"So…an accident happened when that villain attacked us with his quirk. We're in a different world."

"Uh-huh."

"A different –do we still have our quirks?!"

.

Katsuki glared at his palms, thinking hard. Nothing happens. No explosions. "What?! Impossible!" He muttered angrily. "I'm…quirkless?!" He grabs his pale blonde locks and tugs at them despairingly.

"Are we all?"

Shoto turned his hands around. Subtle fire and ice activated –but it's somehow strangely unalike than what he was familiar with.

"What?! Why does Icyhot still get his quirk?!"

Izuku's brows furrowed. "Maybe…Shoto has magic. And our quirks are more based on physical attacks."

"Shit, you serious? Then what do we do?"

.

Manuela returned pushing a cart of food. They ate silently, stranded with their own uncertainty and thoughts. Then they followed the nurse to meet Lady Rhea.

.

The ancient Monastery is eye-catching. Unimaginably beautiful, but the three are wary. They know appearances can be deceiving. For all they know these guys are bloodthirsty thugs.

.

Something about Lady Rhea bothers them. Izuku, Bakugo, and Shoto briefly share an uneasy glance. Manuela introduces them to Seteth, Byleth, Hanneman, and Lady Rhea. An unquestionably powerful, sinister woman cloaked in divine, hifalutin, notoriety.

.

"You may stay here as long as you'd like. I can see auspicious capabilities from you three. I ask that you enlist into the Officer Academy."

"But Lady Rhea," Seteth's artless veridical is a shield to Rhea's sword. She strikes forth while he's protecting from dangerous wagers. "Is that practical? They are outsiders of Seiros."

.

Rhea considers his input. "Yet we've accepted Byleth."

"Yes well, he's the son of a trusted soldier."

"Izuku, Bakugo, and Shoto can help us and the church."

"Understood, Lady Rhea."

"You're free to explore Seiros. By tomorrow you'll decide which class to be part of. So will Byleth."

.

The blue-haired mercenary –no. Professor now. He silently observes the three who whisper amongst themselves. They split up, seeing what they could learn about Garreg Mach.

Eyes closed Byleth drifts into the darkness. Further ahead is a bright green light. He lands upon familiar ground –Sothis' chamber.

.

She sits upon the throne as she always does, one elbow propped up, hand on her face. Instead of distant boredom her expression is impatiently amused. "Their presence…is unlike any beings I have ever seen."

"Are they Gods?"

Sothis laughed. "Hardly! But they are from another dimension. This shall change our fate and Fodlon's too."

"How?"

"There are four paths originally. Vague shadowy destinies that you could choose –and must, eventually. But now a fifth is revealed. This one could change Fodlon forever. Maybe…I see Fodlon being separated but in peace. I don't know how this will happen though…"

.

Izuku is penchant for crafty wisdom and empathy. The elegant flags of the Golden Deer pilot him indoors. Green eyes catch a flash of astute brown. The rest follow his gaze and gape at the recruit. Midoriya shyly waves. "Hi. I'm Izuku Midoriya."

.

"Oooh, Claude! Isn't he adorable?" A pink-haired girl asked.

Claude sighed but keeps his signature grin. "Don't scare him off, Hilda. Hi Izuku. Somehow you're drawn to our group. May it be a hint of destiny? I'm Cl-"

"Claude von Riegan, leader of the Golden Deer. A man with the best accuracy and damage with bows."

The man's eyebrows jump in amazement. Though he was internally aware of Izuku's insightful nature. He reminded Claude of him, growing up in Almyra. "You studied us? Impressive."

A white-haired girl walks up and extends a hand. "I, Lysithea and the rest of us, welcome you to the Golden Deer."

"It's great to see another admirer of books! I'm Ignatz." The man points to the stacks of books Izuku is holding.

"Hey! Another snacking buddy! Welcome Izuku!"

While everyone was excitedly talking his eyes lift up to meet a blue-haired girl. Marianne. Her despondent bashful gaze latched on his a mere second before sinking to the dusty stones. Before Izuku could say anything, everyone dragged him to the dining hall.

.

Shoto always carrying an emotionless face felt his soul tug his feet towards the Blue Lions. A sense of elegance veils the group. He finds them in the training yard. Everyone stops sparring to greet him.

.

A blonde-haired man paused, locking eyes with Shoto –and his glaring scar. "Are you Shoto Todoroki?"

"Yes."

"I'm Dmitri, leader of the Blue Lions." He turns and smiles at his group. "Friends! Let us give him an honorable and warm welcome."

"Oooh, a guy huh? Bummer. I was hoping for a beautiful –ow!" Sylvain rubbed his face.

"Of course you'd say that! Don't be so annoying." Ingrid glared at him.

Ashe eyed him curiously. "You came from a faraway land? Can you tell us about it? Japan, right?"

"Do you have a crest?" Anette asked.

"No." Shoto shook his head. "I'm just glad to be away from such self-importance like status and unnecessarily high expectations."

Sylvain grinned. "Really? A man of true nobility. You'll fit in well with us!"

"For once I can agree," Felix twirled his sword. "Show us your passions through fighting!"

Shoto mirrored Felix's small smile. He equipped a spell book and said, "Gladly."

.

Shoto and Felix collapsed by a pillar. Ingrid scolded them for almost missing lunch, nearly dragging Felix towards the hall.

However, Mercedes sweetly sits by Shoto's side and heals him with her magic. "Are you okay, Shoto?"

He blinked, stunned by her kindheartedness. How she doesn't flinch at the sight of his scar. "I should be. Thanks."

"I haven't seen everyone be that happy in ages. I'm glad that you showed up and well, would you like to eat lunch with me?"

Standing, he smiled. "Of course."

"Wonderful! I can't wait to tell you about Garreg Mach. We can even join Ashe and Dedue and garden later…"

.

Bakugo of course marched right up to the strongest house and demanded he join them.

"Impulsive, aggressive, arrogant…another blundering fool. We can't possibly accept him, can we Lady Edelgard?"

"I'm Bakugo Katsuki and you'd be the fool for not letting me join! I'll show you how strong I am!" And like any smart fighter, Bakugo lunges at the skilled mage, weaponless.

Hubert smiled slightly, unafraid. Magic cracked at his fingertips ready to mercilessly slay his opponent when Ferdinand intervened.

.

"Gentlemen, listen to order. I, the awesome and justly Ferdinand von Aegir, say we settle this by vote."

"I say he leaves. Immediately." Hubert hissed.

Linhardt yawned. "For once I agree. Caspar and Ferdinand are already a lot to deal with."

"I, as a nobleman, will give him a chance!"

"Hmmm…well, I'm curious on how he'd be with our group." Dorthea grinned, amused by the chaos.

"I think he's cool! If Bakugo joins the Black Eagles we'll be the strongest house!" Caspar shouted.

"Yes, I am the thinking that he will be…be an amazing fighter!"

Bakugo proudly grinned. "See? I am the best! Nobody can defeat me."

Edelgard thought that Katsuki is wild and selfish, but he'd make an essential addition to the Black Eagles –and the army. In fact, with his help, going to war and winning should be guaranteed. "Then Bakugo Katsuki, welcome to the Black Eagles. We admire resolve, justice, and sheer power overall."

"Hah, that's good. So do I. It'll be cool working with you, Edlegard."

.

Petra was shocked when Bakugo, abandoning Fodlon formalities and strict fanciness, complimented her tattoos. "I will be thanking you. It is the tradition of my people in Brigid."

Katsuki crossed his arms, curious. He wasn't the best at flirting or talking but he tried. Petra is no girlie-girl and Bakugo knew they had similar views on strength and what a real hero is. Unrelenting. Powerful. Brave. He doesn't understand why everyone looks at Petra so oddly. "Really? What traditions?"

Her eyes light up and she smiles. "Are you the curious about learning about Brigid? I'd be the happy…teaching you of it. But only…if you be teaching me of Japan."

Katuski slung some armor over his shoulder. "Sure. But let's spar first."

.

Months passed at the monastery. Byleth is the professor for Golden Deer. Izuku, Bakugo, and Shoto eventually realized getting back home would be almost impossible and though they missed their old friends, they were very happy in Fodlon. Maybe something or someone brought them to this world for something important. They studied hard to become a mage, brigand, and mercenary. Unknown to them, things were going to change dramatically.

.

Byleth and his class normally goes out into Fodlon to slay bandits. Peering through the trees of sunlit woods, Izuku discovers freshly polished armor glinting in the sun. A thrown-together disguise can't hide the bandits' experience. "Something's wrong." Midoriya whispered.

Claude withdraws his bow, eyes narrowing. "You're right. They're waiting for something…"

Ignatz crawled towards them. "Byleth said the Blue Lions ran into these guys weeks ago."

.

Midoriya thoughtfully studies the camp. They must be hiding something. Instructions, war plans, anything useful. "I think we should sneak in –find out what they're here for."

"Excellent."

"Excellent?! We're outnumbered and…" Ignatz trailed off.

"But Izuku's right. They're up to more than just plundering and chaos."

.

Ignatz and Claude split up to cover more ground. Byleth, Hilda, and the others are battling bandits away from camp. Which leaves Izuku with Marianne.

She stood by the trees, eyes cast downward. "Um…I don't think I can do this."

Izuku's brows furrowed as he carefully walked back to her. "We have to. What if they're going to attack Garreg Mach or kidnap those with crests?"

.

Like quirks, crests are valuable. If they captured those who inherited marvelous powers, the bandits could wield it for a sinister apocalyptic plan.

"Please Marianne."

"But I…I'm so clumsy! I ruin everything. If I help, you'd just get hurt."

Midoriya gripped her hand passionately, with a pleading gaze. "Marianne. You don't ruin anything. You're an amazing mage and I am so happy to have met and befriended you! Even if you mess up I'm here. And I know you'll help me if I'm in trouble."

"I…okay."

.

For her friends, Marianne would do anything to help them. Izuku's kindheartedness banishes her timidity and dread. Unlike others Izuku sees everyone's best qualities –even if they don't.

.

There's a tent towering above others. It's guarded. Soundlessly they zigzag over to the tent. Magic, if adept, can be devastating. Marianne's spells hit two bandits, injuring them with bleeding and broken bones. Izuku leaps up and slashed at them with his sword. Three to go. His sword meets a spear and locks.

Marianne is narrowly stabbed by a bandit's sword and the man punches her face, sending her spinning.

"Get away from her!"

.

Pain shoots through his other arm and side. He parries the bandit's weapon and buries the sword blade into the enemy. But another was about to land a fatal blow –decapitating him if he didn't move.

"Izuku!" She summons a blast of magic and the last bandit collapses, dead. Izuku has never seen Marianne so angry. They take cover by some boulders, dodging arrows, and she heals his wounds.

Arrows fly overhead but then sharply stop. The archer clasps his neck, an arrow stabbing straight through.

"Claude! Ignatz!"

.

The battle is over. Claude asked, "Did you guys find anything?"

Marianne grabbed a scroll from her satchel. Izuku hugged her and cheered. "You're amazing! How did you even get that scroll?"

She blushed and hugged him back. "I didn't think I c-could be so brave."

Claude looked at the scroll and handed it to Ignatz. "It's written in code."

"Lysithea and I will decipher it."

.

Claude winked at Izuku. "Looking bewitching Midoriya."

"You too Claude."

"Hey, relax. We told Byleth and Rhea about the scroll. Seteth ordered extra fortification for Garreg Mach. It won't help if everybody is anxious. Besides, now you can ask Marianne to dance with you, right?"

Izuku jumped, surprised by Claude's wits. Of course he'd know. Claude is probably the smartest guy here.

His friend disappeared, walking into the maze of corridors and to the party. Taking a deep breath, Izuku stepped into the classical music, scents of mouth-watering food, and dancing.

.

"M-M-Marianne?"

"Hi Izuku. I didn't see you."

"Would you like to dance with me?"

Her eyes gleam with shock. Out of all their extraordinary classmates, he wants to dance with her? She accepted. Bashfully Marianne stood and followed Izuku.

.

"Good evening Midoriya."

He turned his head slightly. "Shoto?"

Todoroki is actually smiling! A big charming grin. Mercedes waved, and Marianne giggled. Izuku tried not to scream like a fangirl. Shoto and Mercedes are adorable together!

The couples parted and both waltz.

Rarely did Izuku's gaze leave Marianne's. But he did wonder if Bakugo is at the party. He hasn't talked to him in a week. Unlike Shoto, who often stopped by to talk.

.

After a few dances he and Marianne go to the food table and find Shoto and Mercedes again. They're sharing funny stories, talking about requests, and which classes to study for next.

Then the music changes. No more rigid, aristocratic styles. Onlookers curiously stare at two people who stood at the center. It's Bakugo and Petra!

Izuku chuckled. He never thought Bakugo would go to a party. People applaud their dancing. Midoriya may not ever be a hero but since being in Fodlon, he felt like he was home. He can be a hero, just not like how he expected.

.

Disaster! Deafening explosions –frighteningly strong dark magic. Students and chunks of debris fly upward. Screams of pain. Of agony. Orders are called and guards rush in.

Shoto, horrified, sees Izuku fall aside. Half of his body –gone. Marianne is hurled, one of her arms severed. He holds Mercedes, taking a sword blade to his back, saving her.

"No! Our friends!" Ignatz cried.

"How?!" Lysithea shoots magic at the enemy. The ballroom shakes like an earthquake; people are panicking and running. "We have extra guards and barricades!"

"They must've wanted to attack the students before Rhea!" Hilda led her friends away from fire.

.

Byleth froze time. Blood pools around his feet. The golden ballroom is now crimson. Could the decoded message have been wrong? No. There had to be a spy for the empire in Garreg Mach. He can't believe the empire is the one to start war.

They must've wanted to kidnap Rhea, Seteth, or Flayn but learned that there were fortifications made.

Sothis sadly looked at the violent turmoil. "You can only save a few people."

"I know." Byleth wants to save everyone but he can't. Sothis' powers are weaker than they had been ages ago.

.

Anette saved Felix, being crushed by fallen debris. Dimitri had killed ten enemies before he died to an ambush of soldiers. Dedue had died similarly, protecting his friends. Manuela, Shoto, Marianne, and Izuku, too. They died instantly. Byleth's hand waved at the blue-purple landscape, rewinding time.

.

"Claude! Everyone! The Agrestine Empire is attacking us!" Byleth shouted.

He drew his bow and fired –slaying some mages who casted the powerful spell minutes ago.

Manuela, Shoto, Mercedes, Marianne, and Izuku dive for cover and escape a flurry of magic and weapons.

Claude, Byleth, Raphael, and Hilda chase Hubert and Edlegard. Ignatz, Ashe, and Felix fight other Black Eagles. Linhardt and Dorthea surrender, shocked.

.

Past the bloodshed and chaos Izuku looks at Bakugo. He knew. Kaachan knew that Edlegard was declaring war!

Katsuki's grin is undoubtedly arrogant.

Petra runs, wielding a sword. Mercedes and Marianne shoot magic, jumping away from Petra's swings.

Izuku equips his sword and lunges at Bakugo. Shoto keeps others from interfering, creating a barricade of magic. Agrestine Empire soldiers are sent flying.

.

Muscles quiver as they're locked, axe to sword. Both struggle to break the other's defense. Their weapons clatter –and the world seems to become silent.

"Why, Kaachan?!"

"You'd never know because you'd never be a hero, Deku!" He spat. "Edlegard fights for real justice! Rhea is no leader and everyone knows that! She's a villain, destroying all territories in Fodlon!"

.

Claude is hesitant to listen to Rhea too. In the past few months Claude asked Izuku to continue his dreams and work as a leader if he's killed in battle. But at least Claude believes not to obtain peace through bloodshed.

.

"No! You're wrong! Edlegard is never going to change Fodlon if she does it through war! What have our friends died for?!"

Bakugo scoffed. Weapons ring as the two fight wrathfully. "They're not my friends. Edlegard and Hubert know that we all have to be united and destroy Rhea! She's worse that the LOV! And so what if the other territories fall? The strong survive and the weak die. That's just life. That's justice. I believe in Edlegard. And I won't let her be defeated by some weaklings who think they can say what justice really is."

Izuku parries Bakugo's violent axe swings. Every clang sends him backwards. Izuku gives one final swing, hurling Katsuki away. He has to regroup with his friends. "I can't stop you now. But next time we meet Kaachan, I promise I won't lose! Fareghus and Leicester Alliance won't surrender until the Agrestine Empire is defeated!"