Narrator: In the days before the events of last month and the coming events, let us observe our mighty heroes as they tackle problems that would not concern their own enemies. Like Dedue for instance, he has some personal issues that need to be resolved. Maya feels his pain instantly...
Maya: Has something happened? What's on your mind?
Dedue: Oh–it's you, Professor. Since you are here, I have a favor to ask.
(Dimitri joins them)
Dedue: Your Highness. You've returned.
Dimitri: Sorry to keep you waiting, Dedue. I'm glad you're here as well, Professor. I want you both to hear this. Dedue is already aware, but you should know there's been an uprising in the Duscur region, in the western part of the Kingdom.
Maya: An uprising in Duscur? Why?
Dimitri: Dedue... Would you like me to explain?
Dedue: No. It should be me.(To Maya)I am from Duscur. It lies just beyond the mountains on the northwestern border of Faerghus. But the people of Duscur no longer live there. The land was burned to ashes by the army of Faerghus. All of the people were slaughtered.(Dedue looks away, eyes closed.)This was our punishment for the crime of regicide.
(Dimitri sighs)
Dedue: The barren expanse that was once Duscur is now controlled by a Kingdom noble. But Duscur survivors, such as myself, still exist outside the region. This uprising is most likely the work of such survivors, seeking to reclaim their homeland.
Dimitri: A request for aid was sent from Viscount Kleiman to the Kingdom capital and the church. He is the one who rules over that region at present. For now, the lords surrounding the Duscur region have sent their armies to help suppress the uprising. However...
Maya: Are they short on troops?
Dimitri: They have sufficient troops, and strong ones at that. My worry is that there will be more unwarranted death. There have always been many in the Kingdom's army who believe the people of Duscur our foes, and hate them because of it. You would think they'd refrain from squashing the rebels out of political expediency...but I doubt that will be the case. If the Kingdom's army and the rebel forces of Duscur collide, there is no doubt that the rebel forces will be annihilated. I'm afraid...that's the best case scenario. It could also turn into complete and bloody chaos for both sides.
Dedue: (sighs) Indeed.
Dimitri: Which brings me to my news. I have just now received the permission I requested from the church.
Maya: Permission for what?
Dimitri: I asked the church to deploy our class to help handle the situation.
Dedue: So, we may go?
Dimitri: Not so fast. We still have a responsibility as students of the academy, after all. The only one who can truly make the decision as to whether or not we go is our professor. So... What do you say?
Maya: Very well.
Dedue: You have my most sincere gratitude.
Dimitri: And mine as well. But we must move fast. I will go and alert the others.
Narrator: Our heroes had no idea how to proceed with this, but they came in as any other hero would!
Dedue: The Kingdom's vanguard has already arrived. Just as we'd feared, they far outclass the Duscur forces. We cannot stand by and allow another massacre. But we cannot obstruct the Faerghus army, either. Our best hope is to force the troops of Duscur to withdraw before the Kingdom soldiers get to them.
Dimitri: The main body of the Kingdom's army is bound to arrive soon. Until then, let's aim to quell this uprising ourselves. Once the main force arrives, we'll be out of options. We must move fast.
Maya: Let's go!
Dimitri: It seems the church and the Kingdom troops are not working together. My head hurts just thinking about it, but we may be able to use that. First, let's push Duscur to retreat. The Kingdom might then also withdraw without a fight.
Dedue: Let us be quick about it.
(Our heroes move forward in taking on the rebellious warriors)
Duscur Soldier: I give my all for our goal! You will die here!
Maya: We'll handle your ways!
Dedue: Go now if you value your life.
Duscur Soldier: But aren't you with Faerghus? In any case... Thank you.
Max: Your little peace-disturbing actions end now!
Dedue: You can still get out of here. Run.
Z: Time to end this warlike game!
Duscur Soldier: You're not going to kill us?! Well, I won't wait here to find out. I'm leaving!
Dedue: Safely away.
Jack: Push forward, we have to force a retreat!
(The Rangers take on enemies in the northeast)
Kingdom General: Seems this area's done already. All right, men! Fall back!
(Then, Max and Danny deal with foes in the midwest)
Kingdom General: OK, looks like they're already under control. Let's head back now.
Duscur General: You...are a man of Duscur. How can you make friends with our hated foes? Is it possible that you've lost your Duscur spirit?
Dedue: Are you finished?
Duscur General: Now, this is a windfall... Who knew we'd meet our sworn enemy here!
Dimitri: Sworn enemy? Well, I cannot disagree.
Duscur General: We will slay you and topple Faerghus! That way, for the first time in ages...Duscur can be reborn!
Dimitri: Hmph.
Maya: Yield, and this will go no further...
Duscur General: Is this...how our dream ends...
Dimitri: I will check the status of the Kingdom troops. Dedue, I leave the Duscur army to you.
Dedue: Yes, Your Highness. Please be careful.
Duscur General: Why save us?
Dedue: I will not abide the needless death of my own people.
Duscur General: You must know that as long as there is breath in me, I will fight.
Dedue: Then fight, and be defeated. But so long as you pose no threat to His Highness, I will not end your life.
Duscur General: Idealistic fool. We will not relent. Not until we've taken back the homeland you monsters stole from us!
Dedue: I share the same sentiment.
Duscur General: You? Who sold his soul for Faerghus?
Dedue: His Highness has promised the people of Duscur a home. His will be a kingdom that is proud to harbor the blood of both Faerghus and Duscur.
Duscur General: That's impossible. Don't be naive.
Dedue: Believe what you will. But Faerghus will change under his reign. That is my firm belief.
Duscur General: ...
(Dimitri joins them)
Dimitri: The Kingdom army has retreated to the fortress. There should be no further danger.
Duscur General: Prince of Faerghus! You monster!
Dimitri: Can you still run? Then I suggest you do so now. Your people are waiting for you on the other side. Remain hidden from the Kingdom army.
Duscur General: ...
Dedue: May our paths cross again.
Duscur General(turns away): I certainly hope not. But remember this one thing. The people of Duscur never forget their grudges. Nor do they fail to honor favors.
(Duscur General leaves. Dedue bows to Dimitri)
Dedue: Thank you, Your Highness, for accommodating my selfish request.
Dimitri: Think nothing of it. This was something I wished for, as well. If you must give thanks, direct it at the church for allowing us to join the battle, and to our professor for leading the charge. It's about time we headed back. The professor and the others are waiting.
Dedue: I am right behind you.
Narrator: Afterwards, Maya met Dimitri for some 'private time'.
Dimitri: Perfect timing, Professor. If you don't mind, I have a favor I'd like to ask of you.
Maya: What's the favor?
Dimitri: It's in regard to sword training. Not for myself, but... Well... To be honest, I've been teaching swordsmanship to the orphans at the monastery for a while now.
Maya: How did that come to be?
Dimitri: I must agree. Frankly, I'm not great with children. Some of them saw me sparring with the knights one day. They started pestering me to teach them. They were so earnest... I couldn't help but oblige. There's much I wish to show them, but due to my own studies and training, I'm afraid my time is rather limited. Which brings me to my favor. Your swordsmanship is unmatched. I hate to ask this of you, but... Would you consider lending me a hand?
Maya: You can count on me.
Dimitri: Thank you, truly. I am in your debt. And I always repay my debts, I'll have you know. All of these children lost their families and homes to war or illness. This may sound a bit arrogant, but...I feel it's my responsibility to help them. I lost my parents without warning too. In that way, we're the same. In Duscur, I lost my father, stepmother, and closest friends. I didn't have many allies at the castle after that. In truth, I had only Dedue for companionship.
Maya: Is there no one else you can trust?
Dimitri: I'm afraid not. My birth mother fell ill and died shortly after I was born. And my uncle... suffice to say we don't get along. I once had people I could confide in. Family, friends, instructors, even the royal soldiers. But they were all taken away from me four years ago. Ah, but there were those outside the castle walls I was close to. Such as Rodrigue!
Maya: Rodrigue?
Dimitri: Heh, pardon my rudeness. I meant Lord Rodrigue. He is my father's old companion, and the father of Felix. On the occasions he would visit the capital, he'd take me out hunting or on long horse rides. While Dedue is like a brother to me, Rodrigue is more like a second father. It might sound ridiculous, but...he's the kind of man I hope to become one day. Someone who helps others... Someone who can reach out and save a lost soul. Oh... Please accept my apologies for boring you with my life story. In any case, don't forget your promise, Professor. I'm counting on you.
Narrator: Maya was not the only one who'd gotten lucky with a man-Kendall was hitting it off great with Claude.
Claude: Hey, Teach. I see you're as stony-faced as usual. Hmm. I can't tell if you're feeling resigned or if you're just lost in thought. Or maybe you simply don't care about anything that's going on. Oh… Sorry. I really didn't mean to be rude. I just find you fascinating. Actually, there's something I'd like to talk to you about. Can you spare some time?
Kendall: Sure.
Claude: That's just the sort of attitude I'd expect from a new teacher! Speaking of, before you came here, you were a mercenary, right? Always getting your hands dirty on the battlefield and whatnot? It's a bit unusual that you suddenly decided to become a teacher one day. In any case, I've been meaning to ask. Did your father teach you how to fight?
Kendall: Yes, he did.
Claude: I figured. Your father used to lead the knights, didn't he? And I hear he was a legendary mercenary as well. It must have been hard on your mother when you followed in your father's footsteps and became a mercenary too.
Kendall: I never knew my mother.
Claude: I see. I suppose you grew up moving from battlefield to battlefield with your father then. You know, for someone who's right around the same age as me, you certainly have an unusual amount of composure. I guess it's only natural that you'd be different from young nobles who grew up in the lap of luxury.
Kendall: You don't seem like a noble either.
Claude: Ha! Well, even so, I am heir to House Riegan, the leading family of the Alliance. But I didn't exactly grow up in luxury like most people of noble blood. Hey, maybe that's why you and I get along so well. Folks like us should stick together. As house leader, I'll do all I can to help you out. We can start by making time for more little chats like this.
Narrator: But whilst the male house leaders were getting along with their new teachers, Zayto was about to learn something big about his charge.
Edelgard: Ah, it's you. Out late again, I see. What brings you here?
Zayto: I could ask you the same.
Edelgard: I just wanted some fresh air. There's a lovely breeze tonight. I always wander outside when sleep evades me.
Zayto: I couldn't sleep either.
Edelgard: So, I see. Still, it's ill-advised to stay up so late. I should get some sleep too, but... Have you ever felt a sort of longing for the outdoors? I have. There are times I long for the warmth of the sun, for a sweet breeze on my face... Do you remember what I told you the other night? About...my past? None of my siblings had a chance to lead the sort of life they deserved. An ordinary life.
Zayto: Oh, I remember. That's why I was hoping you could tell me more.
Edelgard: My siblings and I were... We were imprisoned underground, beneath the palace. The object was to endow our bodies with the power of a Major Crest. I have always possessed the Crest of Seiros, inherited through the Hresvelg bloodline. But it was only a Minor Crest, and most of my siblings bore no Crest at all. In order to create a peerless emperor to rule Fódlan, they violated our bodies by cutting open our very flesh. Now here I stand, the fruit of that endeavor: Edelgard von Hresvelg! But that came at too high a price... The others were sacrificed. Ours weren't the only lives devastated by that terrible process. Innocents died as well, without even knowing what they were dying for. And there you have it, the truth of the Hresvelg's Empire.
Zayto: Who is to blame?
Edelgard: The prime minister and his gaggle of nobles. They had the Empire under their thumbs. My father, the emperor, tried to stop them, but...it was futile. My father was nothing but a puppet on a string by then. He was powerless to save us. I know how it all sounds. But when you see my true strength, you will know I speak the truth. I have kept it hidden all this time, but...I will reveal to you the power of my second Crest.
(Edelgard displays her Crest)
Edelgard: It is the same as yours...the Crest of Flames. When it manifested for me, I swore a silent oath. For the sake of my family and for all the poor souls whose lives were traded for my existence... For their sake, I will build a world where such meaningless sacrifice is never again sanctioned. As emperor, I will change the world. I swear it.
Zayto(to himself as he stares at the Dino Fury key bearing the Crest of Flames): Just what are you trying to hide from me, Rhea? Guess we'll find out.
Narrator: The day had finally come-the day when the three houses were once again locked in pretend combat. After a not-too shabby fishing competition, Maya and Dimitri joined everyone else in crossing The Great Bridge of Myrddin over to Gronder Field. All were unaware that the Rangers' enemies had sent some warriors over to spy on the children, since their comrades had failed to defeat them. This group consisted of a Bruiser, a Loogie, and Mucus.
Dimitri: So, this is to be our battlefield... Gronder Field. Are you feeling confident, Professor?
Maya: Very.
Dimitri: Excellent. That's most reassuring. We can win. I'm sure of it. After all, it's not as though we've spent the last half-year sitting idle. And I'm feeling stronger this moon. As though I could conquer a thousand opponents all on my own.
Maya: That's reassuring.
Dimitri: You can depend on me. I hope you know that. Well, it's about time for the battle to begin. Everyone, brace yourselves.
Felix: Hmph. All I'm worried about is finding someone worthy to cross swords with.
Mercedes: We've prepared and trained a great deal. We should be fine, right?
Annette: You're always so carefree, Mercie! Don't forget we need to try our hardest out there so we can win!
Ashe: This is our chance to show how hard we've been working! Let's do our best.
Sylvain: If I emerge victorious in the lauded Battle of the Eagle and Lion, the ladies are sure to take notice. I'll have to go into hiding.
Ingrid: Ugh, is that all you think about? Actually, as long as you try your hardest, frame it however you like.
Flayn: Haha, I shall give it my all!
Dedue: No matter the battle, I will never falter.
Dimitri: We're counting on your guidance, Professor. Let's show the world what the Blue Lions are made of!
(On the battlefield)
Dimitri: The Battle of the Eagle and Lion is set to begin at long last. Everyone, show off the results of your dedicated training!
Claude: Remember, we're not just fighting for honor. There's a prize at stake!
Edelgard: It's almost time to begin. Steel yourselves, everyone.
(A vast field. Rhea and Seteth stand on a cliff above the field as trumpets begin to play. Dimitri advances from between soldiers in armor and lifts his lance to point towards the other classes.)
Dimitri: You all should know... I am not about to go easy on you today.
(Claude walks forward from among soldiers in yellow, resting his bow on his shoulder.)
Claude: As long as we can pull off the win, it doesn't matter how.
(Edelgard stands before soldiers in red, flicking her hair over her shoulder as she speaks.)
Edelgard: Our victory must be absolute...no matter what it may take.
(The soldiers in red draw their swords. Zayto, and the other two Rangers raise the altered versions of the Sword of the Creator and look up towards the cliff.)
Zayto: Hey, no matter what happens afterward or on this very field, we fight fair.
Maya: Agreed.
Kendall: My thoughts exactly.
(Seteth stands beside a soldier in armor.)
Seteth: It is time.
(The soldier beside Seteth raises a flag. The scene returns to Edelgard, who lifts her hand and gestures towards the other houses as she speaks.)
Edelgard: Forward! now!
(The Black Eagles surge forward, yelling. Dimitri's lance is lifted into the air. He lowers it and points it forward.)
Dimitri: For honor!
(The Blue Lions run towards the enemy, yelling. Claude does not speak as he lifts his arm and his soldiers advance. Rhea and Seteth stand in silence and watch as the students begin the battle.)
Narrator: While Kendall and Maya were looking to recover after their first loss, Zayto was more concerned about what he had heard from one of his top students. This would prove less effective, however.
Claude: Hey Princess! Heads up! There's a rat right by your Imperial feet...
Edelgard: BAH! I—Huh. How dare you make a fool of me. You will not rile me with such childish tactics.
Claude: Ah, so the sheer terror in your eyes was... something else entirely. My mistake. Anyway, it was only a joke.
Edelgard: You really hope to unsettle me with childish jokes? It won't work. You must stand and fight!
Kendall: Zayto, if you are going to let every little thing bother you… It's going to be a very long night!
Zayto: Right now, my mind is simply not agreeing with you!
Claude: Hey, Your Royalness! If you promise to let me have the prize, I'll let you take the honor of victory. Do we have a deal?
Dimitri: Enough of your foolishness! I– Wait a moment. You are trying to anger me, is that it?
Claude: Saw right through me, did you? Well, if there's no deal, I'll just have to win this thing fair and square!
Dimitri: I will happily face you, here and now. Do not hold back, Claude!
Maya: I always knew we'd have a catfight in mind for this, but I never expected this.
Kendall: Maya, you may have the power of thunder on your side, but my smarts have never let me down!
Seteth: That is the end of this year's Battle of the Eagle and Lion! And the winners are… The Golden Deer!
Claude: A victory worthy of a feast! We did so well, there's no way we didn't secure that prize.
Edelgard: Well done, Claude. I see your schemes are not to be underestimated.
Dimitri: Yes, I must wholeheartedly agree. As ever, I have proven to be no match for you.
Claude: It is the utmost honor to receive praise from your royal– (laughs) I'm kidding, of course. Really, though, I was lucky to have Teach on my side. In all honesty, you two made me work for it. If I had to face you again, there's no telling which way it would go. What do you think, Teach? How did the other houses fare?
Kendall: Aw. They were nothing.
Claude: Too true, Teach! That just about sums it up. Oh, I'm sorry. That's probably too hard for the losers to hear, isn't it?
Claude: In any case, I hope the day never comes when we have to put this experience to use.
Dimitri: Agreed. I would hate to know a future in which I'm forced to cross swords with you.
Edelgard: I wouldn't mind. I'll accept a challenge from either of you at any time. Heh, I'm kidding, of course!
Claude: Well, now that the three-way battle has ended in an Alliance victory, I daresay it's time for some post-battle reconciliation. The victor has but one request. Hear me out... When we get back to Garreg Mach, let's have a grand feast to bring down the walls between our respective houses. And by a "grand" feast, I mean a fairly regular feast in the dining hall.
Dimitri: Hmph. I accept your proposition. Please notify me once your preparations are complete.
Edelgard: It seems I have no choice but to drown my sorrow at losing in overindulgence. I'll help you with the preparations.
Claude: It's not a feast if you don't eat too much! Leave it to the Imperial princess to say such wonderful things.
Edelgard: That's not exactly what I said, but... Ugh, forget it. Laugh all you want.
Claude: Oh, if you insist! Hahahaha! Hey, Teach. Looks like you're having a good time too. Seeing you smile like that means we've got no choice but to have a great time tonight. Let's get going!
Zayto: I would like the sound of that.
Maya: Me too.
Kendall: Okay then, let's eat.
Golden Deer Classroom | Evening
(All the Golden Deer except Claude and Byleth are present)
Hilda: Ugh, I can't believe our house leader ate so much he passed out. I guess he should just...sleep it off? Oh, Professor! Great work today!
Ignatz: As long as we have you and Claude, the Golden Deer House is unstoppable!
Lorenz: I am sure we did not require Claude for our victory, but it certainly would not have been possible without our professor.
Lysithea: Haha! I'm so please to be in your class, Professor. You truly bring out the best in us.
Raphael: Let's keep fighting! And winning!
Leonie: I knew the tactics you learned from the captain would be something else. I better work harder to catch up!
Flayn: I have had the opportunity to experience much. Please allow me to offer you my gratitude once more, Professor.
Marianne: Because of you, I managed to get through the fight without feeling like a burden. Thank you, Professor.
Hilda: I hear Lady Rhea and Seteth are singing your praises too!
Kendall: You all worked hard.
Hilda: You're always so modest!
Claude: You really showed them, Teach! I would really hate to be on your bad side.
Hilda: Oh, look. Claude has been revived.
Claude: Your tactics were ingenious, and you've somehow mastered the power of the King of Liberation's Relic. You really are incredible. Though you can be a bit absentminded at times. Your mind is like a giant bowl with a tiny crack in it...
Hilda: Claude, saying that only makes your own mind bowl seem tiny.
Claude: How dare you! My bowl is much bigger than Teach's! Unfortunately, it doesn't just have a crack. The whole bottom of my bowl is missing.
Lysithea: In other words, you are the absentminded one, not our professor.
Ignatz: That's true. He just admitted it.
Marianne: Hehe!
Leonie: It's unusual to hear you laughing, Marianne. Your smile is really cute.
Claude: All joking aside, I'm having trouble sizing you up, Teach. The honest truth is that I'd hate to have you as an enemy. If possible, I wish for you to fight by my side. If I could use the Sword of the Creator, we wouldn't even be having this conversation. I bet if I could use it, you would trust me to... Right? That selflessness may be what I like best about you.
Audience Chamber | Daytime
Rhea: I can only call your deeds during the Battle of the Eagle and Lion...quite versatile.
Seteth: Comparing against their performance in the mock battle of the Great Tree Moon, the students have grown significantly. It is clear that this is a result of your guidance.
Rhea: In appreciation of your efforts, and to show our high hopes for the future of your students, I award you with this.
Rhea: Please continue to instruct your students as a model teacher.
Sothis: So! You've made good use of all my power after all. I would have been upset if you had failed at such an easy task!
Seteth: It pains me to assign such a disturbing mission to you during such a blessed moment in time... However, next month your assignment will be to journey to Remire Village to investigate an abnormal occurrence there.
Sothis: Remire Village... If I recall, you've been there with your friend many times.
Byleth: An abnormal occurrence?
Seteth: I have yet to ascertain the details, but it would seem the villages have been acting strangely. I have already dispatched the knights to verify the authenticity of this information. They should be back shortly. I suggest you begin by finding out what they have discovered.
Kendall: You got it.
Rhea: I pray this is not a bad omen... May the goddess protect you all.
Bruiser(from outside): Heh, don't get too comfy. This is where things get worse!