Narrator: The school year nears its end. The northern lands are enveloped in a bitter cold, and frigid winds are carried across the sea to the south of Adrestia. When feather-white snow falls on Fódlan's Locket, the fort looks as delicate as a pearl. However...beneath that snowy blanket, her Throat is more treacherous than ever.
Audience Chamber-Daytime
Seteth: Rhea, please talk to me. What are you hiding? What is the meaning of how that one looks? It is almost as though...
Rhea: As I said, there is nothing of which to speak. For now. At the end of this month...
Seteth: I read Jeralt's diary. I happened upon it in his room.
Rhea: What?
Seteth: In it, he stated the reason for his departure. The baby thought to have died in the fire...has returned to us. Jeralt realized that you had done something to the child and decided to flee. What did you do to that baby, Rhea? Nothing...questionable, I should hope?
Rhea: Seteth, enough. They will be here shortly. No more, I beg of you. I will take our dear professor to the Holy Tomb. There...I should be able to see our dearest wishes to fruition. When I was young, I heard her voice there... I'm sure of it.(There is a knock on the door)You may enter.(Door opens and the three Riders join them)I have been awaiting your arrival, Professor. Now that you have received sacred power from the goddess, there is somewhere you must pay a visit to at once. You must go to the Holy Tomb so that you may receive a divine revelation from the goddess.
Takumi: The Holy Tomb?
Haruto: A revelation?
Seteth: The Holy Tomb is where the goddess sleeps. This monastery was originally built for the purpose of protecting that hallowed temple.
Rhea: Only a select few know of it, but there is a legend about Seiros and the Holy Tomb. Saint Seiros, the first soul to be gifted power from the goddess, received her revelation there. She was told it was her sacred duty to save the people of Fódlan, and that she must use her power wisely in order to lead them. The words that were handed down to Seiros from the goddess will likely fall upon your ears as well.
Seteth: Prepare yourself to go at once. There, may you find out why you were blessed with such power.
Rhea: There will be a ceremony at the Holy Tomb. It is then that you will receive the goddess's revelation. You may share this mission with your students.
Gentaro: Do you think it wise to bring them into this?
Rhea: It is said that when Seiros received the revelation, she had holy warriors by her side, protecting her. Your students, who have followed you and fought alongside you through the darkest of times, are well suited to stand by you for the ceremony. Of course, as the leader of the Church of Seiros, I will be by your side as well.
Haruto: Isn't that too dangerous?
Rhea: The Holy Tomb is a sacred temple that is sealed off from the rest of the world. There is nothing to fear. Even if something were to happen, I am more than capable of protecting myself.
Seteth: Much has changed, but your duty has not wavered. Steel your mind for the ceremony, and prepare your students well.
Advisory Room-Daytime
Claude: Rhea and Seteth were not their usual selves. What happened to Teach that's "questionable", and what really awaits at the Holy Tomb? The way they were acting, I don't think they have any plans of sharing that information.(It's clear that he isn't the only one eavesdropping on the conversation, as Apocalypse heads out to tell the others)
Kuroto: Figures! Those meddling kids AND the archbishop in the same place? I don't think so!
Horobi: No matter the odds, our mission stays the same, so long as we stay the course.
Kumon: Think we can rob all of the Crest Stones with them in our way?
Apocalypse: Nebula has a way to resolve this issue. For now, we'll wait...
(In another hallway, Alois finds Shamir)
Shamir: Coming to confirm the obvious? You're joining up with Haruto Soma, aren't you?
Alois: Well, yeah. But what about...
Shamir: I can't. Catherine, Manuela, the kids. You may not feel it, but it feels like I'm locked out of the loop. I think, maybe Gentaro may be my only chance to fit in, somehow...
(On the second floor, Manuela and Hanneman seem to be having the same conversation)
Manuela/Pelican Orphnoch: What? Just because I have a monstrous side, you're feeling even more jealous because of it, huh?
Hanneman: It's not just that. Manuela, I have reason to believe that Mr. Kisaragi may hold all the answers I have sought to find out ever since you became...that!
Manuela/Pelican Orphnoch: You're just jealous because I'm such good friends with Takumi, aren't you!
Dedue: Professor. Please. If he hears it from you that he needs to rest, perhaps His Highness will listen.
Dimitri: He's exaggerating. He thinks my color is off and that rest will cure all. I have a headache, but that's just from lack of sleep. It's not going to stop me from completing this month's mission.
Shin: Don't overexert yourself.
Dedue: I must insist—
Dimitri: Who do you think you are? I can take care of myself, Dedue. In any case, we won't let you down this month, Professor. You can rely on us.
Claude: Hey, Teach. Is it OK for you to be out on your own right now? Just…please be careful not to topple over again. You scared us nearly to death. Anyway… Doesn't Rhea want something from you? Sounds important. I'm glad I'll be there to witness the ritual at the Holy Tomb. I want to see whether or not something happens with my own eyes.
Ferdinand: Edelgard and Hubert have been busier than usual. Constantly coming and going, in and out of Garreg Mach. Perhaps they are doing something in the Empire? As the legitimate heir of the Aegir family, I have not heard anything about it. But if it were significant, I am sure my father would have told me.
Linhardt: How are you, Professor? Did Hanneman make his, "I will do no harm" speech or promise "this won't hurt a bit" when he asked to study you? Both? I've a bit of research I'd like to perform. Nothing so crass as Hanneman's poking, prodding, and drawing of blood. No, I wish to investigate Crest power itself. Crest power must have some kind of limit, right? Lady Rhea says any limits must be the protection of the goddess, but that doesn't quite answer it for me. Hmm...
Caspar: I thought I was stronger, but I still have such a long way to go.
Momotaros: I'll help you get there.
Caspar: You'd better not go easy on me. I need your training to be strict if I'm gonna get any better!
Bernadetta/Kamikiri Inves: So hungry... Oh, is that you, Professor? Sorry. I'm really not feeling well this month. Even leaving my room for dinner is just too much. It's got nothing to do with your, um...changes. So, um, don't open the door, please!
Dorothea/Siren: Recently, Professor, I feel as though you've been a bit distant. It's like you're sort of floating above the clouds, separate from other people... And like you've got no interest at all in ever coming back down. How can I help?
Shinji: I don't know what to say to that.
Dorothea: Hey, don't worry. I thought maybe I'd ask and see what you'd say.
Petra/Seamoon Fangire: In Brigid, we have legends. Stories containing people who have a spirit living inside of them. Those spirit people have much strength. They are maybe able to fly in the air or race across the ocean. Hair that shines and eyes that glow... They have qualities that are not unlike what you are looking like, Professor.
Ryutaros: Perhaps.
Petra/Seamoon Fangire: Do not have doubt, Professor. The powers you have are like the powers of the legends.
Felix/Jaguar Undead: Hurry up and cage the wild boar. Look, he's losing his grip. Even in his swordplay, he's getting sloppy. If he keeps progressing like this, he's going to get himself killed. Kronya, Solon... They're dead, but we still have a glut of enemies. We still have to take down the Death Knight and the Flame Emperor. Our next battle is fast approaching. I'm ready for it.
Ashe: I can't even imagine what it must be like inside the Holy Tomb.
Ren: I don't know either.
Ashe: Well, it's probably a grave, that much is for sure. And it's likely underground. Beyond that, who knows? I can't help but wonder though... Just what kind of ritual is this?
Sylvain: I swear, it's like you're an entirely different person.
Kazuya: Isn't it weird?
Sylvain: No, not at all! I'm just not used to it. It really suits you though.
Ingrid: You've been granted this power by the goddess herself. Truly, you must be a very special individual. Maybe Seiros transformed before receiving her revelation too!
Mercedes: Hmm. I haven't heard anything about that before... Maybe that part never found its way into the legend?
Ingrid: It is told that Seiros had a revelation instructing her to use her power for good, and to lead the people of Fódlan to salvation... I wonder what sort of revelation you might have, Professor.
Annette: Bah! Professor! Sorry, this will take some getting used to... Your hair and eye color are completely different! You just don't look like yourself anymore.
Takumi: It's only my appearance that has changed.
Annette: Of course. You're right. I'm just being silly, as usual.
Lorenz/Crab Fangire: To be honest, I cannot keep up with all that's been happening recently. Monica was actually Kronya. Tomas was actually Solon. Who were these people? What about you, Professor? You are a true ally, yes?
Haruto: That's my intention.
Lorenz/Crab Fangire: Not the most convincing answer you could have given. Still, I simply must take you at your word.
Raphael: You look so...different. You're still our professor in there, right? Did anything else change besides your hair and eyes? Are your arms bigger? How do your abs look?
Haruto: I've changed quite a bit.
Raphael: Really?! You gotta teach me how to do that!
Ignatz: So, this month's mission is to take part in a ritual at the Holy Tomb, where you will receive a revelation from the goddess herself. What if she really appears? What if I finally get to gaze upon her radiance? I've always imagined the goddess--how beautiful she must be!
Lysithea: Your hair! And your eyes! What happened to you?! You didn't lose something as a result of gaining those powers, did you?
Aruto: Don't worry—I'm fine.
Lysithea: I see. Well, that makes me feel better. But still, be careful.
Marianne: Long ago, Saint Seiros was gifted with a divine revelation from the goddess, as well as incredible power. Is that what happened to you too, Professor?
Hilda: No way! The professor transformed before receiving any kind of divine revelation, right? Still, I wonder. Does the fact that you've changed really mean you've been granted some kind of power?
Marianne: If that's the case, then what sort of revelation can be gained from the ritual?
Hilda: I'm guessing the revelation will just be a gentle reminder to use this new power to save the people of Fódlan. What else is there to say? You don't actually believe we're going to hear the voice of the goddess, do you?
Leonie: When you changed, even the other professors were taken completely by surprise. There's a ritual at the Holy Tomb this month, isn't there? I wonder what will happen with that. I'm sure you'll be all right. But don't lose sight of who you really are, OK? However you may change, and whatever new power goes along with those changes--you'll still be the same person, deep down. Remember that.
Alois: Captain... Oh, Professor! How long have you been standing there? I didn't see you. I was just sorting through Captain Jeralt's belongings. I... Haven't made much progress. I keep finding things that bring back memories. Clearing out this room of his belongings again, it's... It's not easy. Still, Mr. Soma, I have been thinking this over after having a rather interesting chat with my associate... Anything I can help you with? I will do whatever I can to serve you!
Haruto: I'd be happy to have you along for the ride.
Alois: Excellent! Leave it to me. No matter how small the task is... I vowed to Jeralt I would help you!
Catherine/Ladybug Fangire: In our battle last month, we really cut the enemy down to size. But there are other enemies we have yet to hunt down, not the least the Flame Emperor. Once we've crushed them all, we can return to our peaceful lives at the monastery. It will happen soon. I have a feeling something big is coming. Then again, you've given me the courage to adapt to any kind of situation. You're good-looking, you know that? At the same time, you look like some who was born to fight. I bet we'd get along. I'm also good-looking and born to fight, heh! Need any help with your class?
Takumi: Happy to.
Catherine/Ladybug Fangire: Feel free to call on me when a fight's brewing. Thunderbrand and I will be there when you need us.
Manuela/Pelican Orphnoch: The Holy Tomb, huh? I've worked here for years, and this is the first I've heard of it. I mean, it does make some sense. Sort of. Something about it is still weird. I understand now why they'd build the monastery in the mountainous center of Fódlan. Although... When the monastery was built, the Kingdom and the Alliance weren't even around yet. But look how cleverly it was placed right in the middle of the Empire, Kingdom, and Alliance. That's weird, right? What's not weird... Having both of us in the same situation. That being said...I know that look in your eye... You want to ask me a favor. You want me to help out with your class, right? You just say the word, and I'll help however I can.
Takumi: I'm game.
Manuela/Pelican Orphnoch: Don't worry about it. you're just starting out as a teacher, right? It's only natural for those of us with more experience to help the younger generation.
Shamir: People who live an inordinately long time, people whose hair changes color, and those odd Heroes' Relics... Is Fódlan some mystical land full of inhuman creatures?
Gentaro: Is the world different outside Fódlan?
Shamir: You should see for yourself. I'd recommend exploring west of the Empire. First though, there's something I wanted to talk to you about... I can assist with any tasks, or help with your students.
Gentaro: I'll need that.
Shamir: On it. I'm available anytime I'm not on a mission with the knights.
Hanneman: Are you positive? Really? Your appearance is due to the influence of the Crest of Flames? Intriguing. Unfortunately, I have found no record of Nemesis's hair and eye color ever changing. However... If that transformation was brought on, in part, by the power of the Crest, that would be most... Well, I suppose interesting is too small a word. Still, it would be an absolutely exceptional discovery. To know for certain, we must investigate further. So, clothes off!
Gentaro: Uh...
Hanneman: What? A full physical is in order, yes? We need to know if this transformation affected you adversely. Don't worry, it won't hurt a bit. Changing the subject... After talking with my compatriot, I've been watching your class activities and I wondered if you might desire my help. Just say the word and I'll pitch in. Of course, I have to be truthful... It's all just a ploy to make it easier to research your Crest!
Gentaro: Ploy or not, you're hired!
Hanneman: Feel free to call on me anytime. I'll be happy to lend a hand. And then you can help me out with my class too. It's a joke, Professor. I'd never put a burden on you, a first-year teacher.
(Outside)
Ryusei: So, those two got tired of being left behind on the Monster Express, huh?
Gentaro: Well, that's what I figured. Now, I called all of you here to talk about our target. It is a large, underground chamber housing caskets that contain Crest Stones, as well as a throne overseeing the expanse. We're joining up with our ally to raid the Stones!
Kaito: Finally!
Gentaro: You'll move undetected to the Tomb with Ryusei, once everyone else is inside, that is.
Jin: What about you?
Gentaro(Noticing Edelgard): I've got some business of my own to take care of.
Edelgard: Professor, will you join me? There's something I must do. It will take a few days, but I promise we'll be back in time for the ceremony at the Holy Tomb.
Gentaro: Where are we going?
Edelgard: It's meant to be a secret, but...I'm going to Enbarr, the Imperial Capital. There is something I must do there.
Gentaro: I'll go with you.
Edelgard: Thank you, my teacher.
Imperial Palace-Enbarr
(Edelgard addresses her father who sits on the throne in the throne room. Byleth and a few Imperial soldiers are present.)
Edelgard: Father, forgive me for asking this of you. I know how much pain you're in--how the burden of the throne weighs heavily on you--and so--
Emperor Ionius IX: There is no need to apologize, Edelgard. You must know... (coughs) that I do not have much time left in this world. The time has come.(coughs)
Edelgard: Thank you, Father. Now, to complete the Imperial succession, you must relinquish your crown here in the throne room. The archbishop of the Church of Seiros would normally act as witness, but my professor will fill that role instead.
Emperor Ionius IX: Edelgard...
Edelgard: From this day forward, the weight of the Empire's future shall rest upon my shoulders. All that I do will be for the benefit of the people of Fódlan.
Emperor Ionius IX: Edelgard von Hresvelg, the crown is yours. By the covenant between the red blood and the white sword, and by the double-headed eagle upon your head, I hereby pronounce you the new emperor. Are you prepared to take those responsibilities as your own?
Edelgard: In accordance with the ancient covenant, and in keeping with the Hresvelg legacy... I swear that upon this throne, I shall use my reign to lead Fódlan to a new dawn and achieve peace for all.
Emperor Ionius IX: The Imperial succession is complete. (coughs) My daughter, I regret that I could not do more for you. When you were stolen away to the Kingdom, when the prime minister did those horrible things, I could only watch in horror.
Edelgard: I-- I understand, Father. In those dark times, your eyes and your fists were my salvation. Within your eyes, I saw true care. And upon your fists clenched tight with indignity, I saw the blood that dripped and fell. Even as I bled, I felt that you, too, must also be bleeding.
(Duke Aegir enters)
Duke Aegir: Your Majesty! You must not leave your sleeping chambers in your condition. (noticing Edelgard) Ah, Edelgard. I did not expect to find Your Highness here.
Edelgard: Prime Minister, you have misspoken. I am no longer "Your Highness" but rather..."Your Majesty".
Duke Aegir: I-Impossible!
Emperor Ionius IX: It is true. Edelgard is the new emperor of the Adrestian Empire. We will summon the officials,(coughs)and prepare an ordinance at once. And you, Prime Minister--
Edelgard: --are dismissed. It will be some time before you are allowed to make contact with the outside world again.
Duke Aegir: No! How can this be?! I- Understood, Your Majesty.
Emperor Ionius IX: Edelgard... My dear El, I leave the fate of Fódlan... (coughs) in your capable hands.
Edelgard: Father...(Back at Garreg Mach in the Entrance Hall)Thank you for staying by my side, Professor. Now that I'm the emperor, it's time to grasp my destiny. After the ceremony at the Holy Tomb, I must return to Enbarr. This may be the last we see of each other. We are out of time, my teacher. Everyone is waiting for us. We must go.
Cathedral-Daytime
Dimitri: A revelation from the goddess... To think we'll have the honor of attending such a historical event.
Dedue: I hear the archbishop will accompany us to the Holy Tomb.
Ingrid: If something happens to her, all of Fódlan will suffer. We must protect her at all costs.
Dimitri: This may sound mad, but perhaps we don't have to worry so much about that. Lady Rhea has said before that she is capable of protecting herself. I have a felling that is true. I thought it was a strange thing for her to say. and beyond that, her movements bring to mind a great warrior with an extensive military background.
Takumi: If so, we have nothing to fear.
Dimitri: I wonder. Mind it's also possible that I'm way off track. Regardless, perhaps we should brace ourselves for anything.
Ashe: I never imagined attending a ceremony for real revelation.
Mercedes: I wonder what the ceremony will be like. I'm so nervous. I'm not ready for this.
Felix/Jaguar Undead: There's no chance for battle unless something goes terribly wrong, right? How boring.
Sylvain: If you keep saying things like that, something bad is bound to happen.
Ignatz: If Solon's allies are still around, it's certainly true that we don't know when or where they may appear.
Leonie: I don't know what type of place this Holy Tomb is, but we should be cautious.
Raphael: If something happens, we'll have to take matters into our own hands.
Hilda: What do you think, Professor? Is it really okay for Lady Rhea to attend?
Aruto: It's encouraging.
Claude: Leave it to our fearless leader to shrewdly factor in Rhea's fighting ability. You're bold, Teach. I love it. Well, the truth is, we won't know what's going on until it happens. All we can do is stay on our guard and play it by ear.
Lorenz/Crab Fangire: That's quite enough babbling, Claude. There is nobody more unfit for a holy ceremony than you.
Marianne: Um, divine punishment won't strike us for setting foot in the Holy Tomb, right?
Lysithea: Good grief. Why are you always so negative?(Lysithea turns to Flayn.)Hm? Flayn, is something on your mind?
Flayn: Who, me? No, it is nothing. May we all see this through to the end.
Claude: It still doesn't make sense to me. A goddess was living inside Teach, right? But now there's a ceremony to receive a revelation or whatever. How could that be necessary anymore? There must be another objective.(sighs) It's pointless to speculate about it now. We'll know the answer soon enough. There isn't any danger for us students, but… be careful, Teach.
Dedue(to Dimitri): Your Highness, I will protect you no matter what.(Noticing something is wrong)Your Highness?
(Dimitri sighs)
Isamu: Lost in thought?
Kazuya: You haven't seemed like yourself lately...
Dimitri: Hm? Ah, I suppose you could say that. Nothing to worry about. It's about time for Lady Rhea to arrive. Let's all steel ourselves for whatever may occur at this ceremony.
(Everyone heads into the Tomb, with Apocalypse and the others not far behind)
Apocalypse: The plan is in motion. Go!(Horobi and his cohorts run off, with Apocalypse slowly following them.)
Holy Tomb-Daytime
Rhea: Are you surprised, Professor? This is the Holy Tomb.
Edelgard: To think there was such a vast space beneath the monastery all this time. It's hard imagine that any of these enormous contraptions are of this world.
Dimitri: Incredible. To think such a vast space has been hiding beneath the monastery all this time. I wonder what powers that giant mechanism that descends beneath the ground.
Claude: That mechanism for descending underground back there... What powers it? When I tried to come by myself, it wouldn't even budge.
Rhea: This is where the goddess who created this world was laid to rest, along with her children. This is where the goddess who created this world was laid to rest, along with her children. It is said that our creator, the goddess Sothis, sat upon this very throne. Professor, do you recognize this throne?
Haruto: I do.
Rhea: So long... I have waited so very long for this day. Sit upon the throne. I have no doubt you will be gifted a revelation from the goddess.(Haruto walks away from Rhea, and a CG image of him sitting on the Throne of Knowledge fades in)
Rhea: Well?(pauses as nothing happens)It was supposed to be but a step away. What could possibly be missing?
Dimitri: Halt! Reveal yourself!
(We soon enough see Metodey, accompanied by the Flame Emperor, Nebula's gang, and a contingent of soldiers from the Adrestian Empire)
Metodey(laughs): Don't move, any of you. If you move, your lives will be forfeit. Thank you ever so much for guiding us this far. The Imperial army will now take possession of everything in the Holy Tomb.(snickers)
Dorothea/Siren: What's the Imperial army doing here?
Ferdinand: Wait! Does he work for the Flame Emperor?
Linhardt: So the Flame Emperor's connected to the Empire. I never thought that possible.
Felix/Jaguar Undead: The Flame Emperor is connected to the Empire. What do you know.
Leonie: What are they doing here? What do they hope to gain?
Caspar: Hey, I think I see those Scorpion and Falcon punks who aided Lord Lonato!
Annette: And that thief who came in with those phantom warriors!
Lorenz/Crab Fangire: And the three warriors who had a hand in Jeralt's murder! They're all here...
Claude: All we're missing is their leader.
Apocalypse: Don't worry kiddies, you'll see him soon enough!
Claude: There's only one goal for grave robbers like these, right, Flame Emperor? You're here to steal the treasure that rests within the Holy Tomb.
Flame Emperor: For a fool, you catch on quickly. Those Crest Stones will be ours. That infernal power, which is masquerading as a medicine but is truly a poison, will plague this world no longer.
Rhea: Insolence! You will atone for the sin of tramping on this holy resting place. (To the Riders) Professor, destroy these villainous traitors who dare dishonor our creator! I will not allow such violence from the Empire! Strike down the rebels and protect the Holy Tomb!
Metodey: The Crest Stones are in the caskets! Open every last one of them!
Rhea: The Holy Tomb must not be desecrated! Protect as many of the Crest Stones as you can!
Dimitri: Heretics! What could be gained from desecrating these tombs and disgracing the dead?!
Claude: I guess we're fighting over who gets those Crest Stones… What in the world do they intend to use them for, anyway?
(Our heroes fight tooth and nail to defend the Crest Stones. Each one fights off a member of Nebula's gang, all while taking on Imperial soldiers. Apocalypse is soon surrounded by Dedue and Hilda on one side, Leonie and Annette on the other)
Apocalypse: This doesn't concern you, children. Get out of the way!
Dedue: You'll never hurt His Highness...or Archbishop Rhea. Not while I'm here.
Leonie: You're going to pay for what you've done to Jeralt!
Hilda: You're going to wish you never wore that utterly ridiculous costume!
Apocalypse(laughs maliciously): I understand you want to fight. Then so be it. I'll bring all of you six feet down under!
Metodey: I'm told it's fine to kill those who resist. Now then, how shall I cook you?
Aruto: I prefer to remain raw, sir. You?
Metodey: Wait... No! I was just following orders! I just... Graaargh!
Hilda: CLAUDE!
Apocalypse(after overpowering the trio): You're never going to win. Not today or any other day. My Flaming Fists have proven as much of this to you already, so stop trying to embarrass yourselves!
Raphael: OK, I guess it's my turn to take you on!
Hilda: Raphael, be careful...
Raphael: Don't worry Hilda, this guy will be a piece of cake!(They fight, and it seems clear that this time, Apocalypse may be in for another defeat. Meanwhile, Dimitri and Claude confront their shared enemy)
Dimitri: Do not try to say you have forgotten... Do you know just how many people died in Duscur?
Flame Emperor: Why bother with this? Stay silent and fight.
Dimitri: So you want to turn your eyes away from the lives you have trampled? Dastard! You are a monster. The lowliest beast I have ever known.
Claude: So, you're the fabled Flame Emperor? Go ahead and enlighten me. What are you planning to do with the Crest Stones? What did you use Flayn's blood for? Who's Kronya? Who's Solon?
Flame Emperor: Silence. There is no need for you to know.
Claude: Is it that mask that's to blame for your curtness? If so, maybe I should rip it off and ask again.
(Soon after defeating 'him', though, all are met with a shocking surprise)
Flame Emperor: Ugh...
Dimitri: Ah...
(The Riders are truly horrified to see that the Flame Emperor is none other than...Edelgard)
Edelgard: So the end has come...
Claude: Is this some sick joke? The Flame Emperor is actually Edelgard?!
(Dimitri is looking down on the ground. He starts dementedly chuckling, then proceeds to crazily laugh while Byleth looks at Dimitri with a concerned expression.)
Dimitri: Is this some kind of twisted joke?!
(The camera cuts to a closer shot of the unmasked Flame Emperor, who is actually Edelgard herself, guarded by a squad of soldiers. Dimitri brandishes his lance and steps on Edelgard's Flame Emperor mask, breaking it. Byleth tries to stop Dimitri as he approaches Edelgard, but is pushed away by him.)I've been looking for you... I will take that head from your shoulders, and hang it from the gates of Enbarr!
(Dimitri charges toward Edelgard, and her troops charge towards Dimitri to stop him, but Dimitri uses his lance to knock back 4 of them, and then proceeds to throw his lance toward Edelgard's face. She gasps, but the lance barely misses her face and whizzes past her shoulder. Dimitri continues beating up more Imperial soldiers with a crazy look on his face.)
Imperial Soldier: Stop right there!
(Dimitri stops the soldier and grabs his face, and then crushes his skull off-screen. Dimitri looks at the camera, with his eyes completely dull and blood on his face. He makes a sinister snicker as more soldiers are felled by Takumi as the Wolf Orphnoch and Isamu in his Punching Kong form. Edelgard barely dodges the attacks of Super-1 and his Five Hands, as well as a frenzied assault from Amazon. But a jumpscare from Shin quickly changes her chances of survival as the monstrous Rider disarms her and beats her relentlessly before stopping)
Dimitri: Before I break your neck, there is one thing I must ask you.
Edelgard: Stay out of my way.
Dimitri: I don't recall giving you permission to speak. Answer my question. That is all you have left to do. Flame Emperor...no. Edelgard. Tell me now. Why did you cause such a tragedy? You killed your own mother, and yet you haven't even had the decency to stop and consider the reasons behind your actions. Have you?!
Edelgard: I already told you, I had nothing to do with that.
Dimitri: Ha! It was foolish to think I could reason with a lowly beast.
(Two Imperial soldiers rush in front of Edelgard to protect her from Dimitri.)
Imperial Soldier: Your Majesty, now!
Dimitri: You are a monster...
Rhea: You have disappointed me, Edelgard. To think that a descendant of House Hresvelg would dare betray the holy church...(to both Haruto and Gentaro)Professor, kill Edelgard at once. She is a danger to all of Fódlan. Such a rebellious heart cannot be allowed to keep beating.(Haruto readies himself, but Gentaro stops him)
Gentaro: You know, I've got to hand it to you, Rhea...(He walks away from Rhea.)You definitely don't have any tolerance for heresy. Too bad, though, I was hoping we could settle this peacefully! After all...(The entirety of his gang comes to him and removes their helmets)this is my gang.
Dimitri: But then, that would make you...
Claude: Nebula.
Rhea: You... How dare you!
Edelgard(In shock): My teacher, I-- Thank you! But are you certain that-- No, now isn't the time for discussion.
(Hubert teleports besides Edelgard and the others.)
Hubert: Words cannot properly express my gratitude, Professor.
Gentaro: You may think us as traitors to the faith, Rhea. But in reality, the only traitor I see is you! Face it, you weren't doing anything else to prove your religious beliefs at all! So, is this about your mother or your super-sized ego?
Momotaros: You know what, he's right!(Ryotaro and the other Taros silently agree)Ever since we first met, I didn't trust you! So, why is now any better?
Shinji: I'm with you, Gentaro.
Nago: As am I, it would seem.
Shotaro: Phillip.
Phillip: I guess this is for the best...
(Daisuke, Keisuke, and Kazuya beg Shigeru to reconsider, but he brushes them off)
Shigeru: It's what Yuriko would do if she were here.
Rhea: So, this is the choice you have made. You are just another failure. Your presence soils this Holy Tomb, and disgraces my brethren. I will not allow one who would lend our enemies strength... to wield the power of the goddess Sothis. I have passed judgement. And now, I shall rip your chest open... and TAKE BACK YOUR HEART MYSELF!
(Rhea glows green and the scene fades to a CG image of Rhea's dragon form, the Immaculate One.)
Hubert(Chuckles): That must be the Immaculate One...
Edelgard: Yes. The monsters that have controlled Fódlan in secret for far too long. Rhea is their leader.
Hubert: There is no time to waste. Your Majesty, Professor, we must escape while we can.
Black Eagles-aligned Riders: Right!
Isamu: Hold up!(But they're already gone)You can't run forever, enemies of justice! You have defiled the Holy Tomb, dishonored the goddess, and humiliated your brethren. That crime will never be erased, even if you burn in the eternal flames, and spill all of your blood into the goddess's soil! We'll find you, damned Edelgard, scornful Gentaro! We'll find you, and destroy you!
Dimitri: Ngah...
Takumi: I can't believe it. Edelgard...
Dimitri: We weren't able to defeat her.(Dedue approaches Dimitri)
Dedue: Your Highness...
Dimitri: I will kill Edelgard. With my own hands. I swear it!(Calmly to Takumi) Let's return to the monastery, Professor. It is clear what must be done.
Claude: I'm not exactly on friendly terms with the princess, but I do have a few questions for her. Edelgard said that the Crest Stones represent power. That means she knows how to use them. She almost certainly knows other secrets of Fódlan as well... Once things calm down a bit, there's a lot more that Rhea needs to tell us.
Haruto: Right.
Claude: I just hope there's still time. I have this strange feeling... that history is being written. That an age of anarchy is upon us. Let's hope I'm mistaken.
(Back on the surface, the other Blue Lions are in a state of confusion and depression)
Felix: So... He's finally shown his true face. The same Dimitri I've seen once before–a beast who loves spilling blood.
Ingrid: You're wrong! I'm sure of it. There has to be an explanation...
Sylvain: I knew he'd been carrying the burden of that tragedy. I understand his thirst for revenge. His family and closest friends...all massacred right in front of him. But...it still doesn't add up. There must be more that we don't know.
Mercedes: That's true. Dimitri didn't come unhinged until after the Flame Emperor was unmasked...
Ashe: You don't think...there's some connection between those two...do you?
(Meanwhile, in Enbarr, things are more tense than ever)
Edelgard: The leaders of the church have misused its creed to fulfill their true desire–to rule the word. They have fooled the people of Fódlan. Long ago, they divided the Empire to create a Kingdom, and then...divided that Kingdom to create an Alliance. They did all of this to make the masses bicker amongst themselves. They caused instability in order to reinforce their own authority. They gathered gold and lived in extravagance. How? By preying on the devotion of those who wished for the goddess's salvation. Those corrupt hypocrites cannot lead Fódlan to true peace. Their foul belief system must be torn asunder so that true wisdom may finally prevail! And so, I have decided-- by order of the Adrestian Emperor, Edelgard von Hresvelg-- the Empire hereby declares war on the Church of Seiros!
Audience Chamber-Daytime
Seteth: I cannot believe it... Let us recount the situation as it stands, Professor. After you returned from the Holy Tomb... The Adrestian Empire declared war upon the Church of Seiros, as well as our allies.
Takumi: Declared war?
Seteth: Edelgard demanded her own father relinquish the throne, and then assumed the position of emperor. She has deemed the Church of Seiros to be an evil of this world, and is calling upon the people of Fódlan to help her tear it down. I must discuss our response to this declaration with the archbishop after the knights return from their investigation. Until then, watch over the students. See that they remain calm.
Haruto: We will.
Blue Lions Classroom-Daytime
Dedue: Professor. The Empire has declared war on the Church of Seiros.
Sylvain: We knew this day would come, sooner or later.
Annette: What's going to happen?!
Takumi: Don't worry.
Ingrid: We can't afford to be optimistic. It's entirely possible the Kingdom will be invaded.
Sylvain: Settle yourself, Ingrid. We need to carefully consider our options.
Ashe: We can't just act rashly. That will only make things worse.
Dedue: One we've ascertained the situation, we must return to Fhirdiad.(To Dimitri) Your Highness...
(Dimitri says nothing)
Golden Deer Classroom-Daytime
Claude: I heard what happened, Teach. The princess-- well, the emperor now-- she really did it, didn't she? The lords and dukes of both the Kingdom and the Alliance have been called out, and now have to choose between the Church and the Empire. The seed of conflict was always there, and now we find ourselves in the middle of a war that will tear Fódlan in two.
Lysithea: The Empire is rash, but I never thought it would come to this.
Leonie: How could something like this happen? I hope everyone back home is safe.
Hilda: I'm sure it's mass confusion at home right now. My brother must be worried sick about me.
Haruto: Let's calm down.
Claude: You're absolutely right, Teach. I'm sure a lot of us are worried about our homes, but... all we can do now is prepare for battle... and tread carefully.
(Afterward, the Riders met in the Entrance Hall)
Kazuya: Damn that Edelgard! I could've thought she'd want anything else, but war?
Aruto: I know. But we've got to defend ourselves now! If that woman wants a war, then we'll give her as much of it as she can stomach!