The bedrooms in Derdriu's palace were of average size. There was enough space for a medium-sized bed, a dull, wooden desk, and there was plenty of open space for general walking around purposes. Apart from the extravagant-looking walls, the only other items of note within the bedrooms were a slightly long table, as well as a small window on the wall near the bed.

Inside of the lodgings that Edelgard was given, she was entertaining a guest at the aforementioned table. A similarly white-haired girl. The fallen princess' borrowed hat was placed in the middle of the table while the two drank their tea.

"Thank you, Edelgard," Lysithea said after a sip of her heated drink. "I'm surprised, though. I hadn't expected you to be the one to prepare the tea."

"Could you elaborate? Is it truly that surprising that I would go out of my way to do this? Especially for a friend?"

"Well, to be honest, yeah."

Edelgard silently swallowed a drop of tea.

"I wasn't prepared for such honesty." She smirked. "It's almost refreshing."

"Better than dealing with everyone's lies. Honestly, it's so annoying listening to someone talk about how much they pity you, or whatever. If you're gonna say something, it might as well be something truthful, and straight from the heart. Otherwise, it's not the real you saying it."

"So many people are caught up in their lies that they end up hurting those around them."

"Ugh, I can't believe how right you are!"

Lysithea angrily drank from her cup.

"It's like people just want to be wrong, or something! Do they really want to live their lives not being true to themselves? That must be so unfulfilling."

"Different people have different values. If that's how they choose to live, then so be it."

"Ugh." Lysithea scrunched her face in distaste. "I can't believe how right you are."

Edelgard smiled and took another sip. Lysithea followed suit, though with a disgruntled expression.

The former of the two lowered her cup onto its small plate.

"I think that's enough about that topic. You didn't come to me just to discuss lies and honesty, did you? There was something else you had in mind."

"Even now, you continue to be right…" Lysithea also lowered her cup. "Yeah. There was something I wanted to talk about. Your time at the monastery - what exactly did you get up to? In the five years since the war started, I mean."

"Training, mostly. There wasn't much else for me to do. Why do you ask?"

Lysithea frowned in a dissatisfied manner. "Did you ever talk with Professor Hanneman? He's with you guys, isn't he?"

"He is. And yes, I have spoken with him. Numerous times. You're asking about…"

"Our Crests."

Edelgard nodded in understanding.

"I see." She took another sip of her tea, immediately putting the cup back down. "You've been here in Leicester all this time, meaning you aren't aware of how far he has come."

"Exactly. I would like to know what sort of advancements he has made. I've done my own research, based on the findings he presented to me before the war began, but I can't say I've made much progress. If any at all. What about Professor Hanneman? Has he had any better luck than I have?"

"He's made some breakthroughs. I believe he is getting close to the outcome we desire, but there is still quite a path for him to follow."

"Oh…"

Lysithea's head hung forward. Sensing her disappointment, Edelgard quickly continued.

"But that is not to say he will never get there. Since he is not on the frontlines and is currently at Garreg Mach, he may very well be spending all of his days swarmed by his own research. It is not as if he has to travel with myself, and the others. He can spend as much time as he needs on our request."

"I sure hope so. I don't know how much longer I have left."

Edelgard drank some more tea.

"He will find a solution to our problem. I have faith that he will."

"You're that confident in him? I never really took you for the kind of person to have such unwavering faith in another individual."

"I wasn't. Not until recently. And even then, I can't bring myself to trust everyone. Only those that have proven themselves trustworthy."

"You say that like you've got someone in mind. Lucky." Lysithea pouted. "Everyone here is fine. They're good, no, great people. It's just that there's always something that makes me not trust them completely."

Lysithea laid out one of her palms and began pointing at her fingers.

"Hilda with her lazy mannerisms, Marianne with her constant self-doubt, and Leonie with her overzealous respect for Jeralt." One of her fingers rose for every name she mentioned. "Ignatz has a similar problem as Marriane, and Raphael…he's just too simple. I don't mean any disrespect to him. It's just the way he is. I'd rather not change that."

"And Claude is far too secretive."

"Yeah!" Lysithea enthusiastically nodded. "He keeps far too many secrets for my liking…he's so bothersome. He keeps talking about 'the Empire's corruption' in such a vague and annoying way. Sure, I already know what it is he's referring to, but that doesn't make it any less irritating!"

"He's never been direct regarding the Agarthans?"

"Not at all. It's so frustrating! Just say their name, you irksome oaf!"

Lysithea slammed a fist on the table, almost spilling tea straight out of her cup as a result. Edelgard's cup, fortunately, was in the air within her grasp - it was unaffected.

While she stared wide-eyed at the practitioner of dark magic, Edelgard entered a state of ponderance. She had herself another sip, before humming in agreement.

"Now that I think of it, I don't see any reason why he would do that. Perhaps he believes that by revealing them to your classmates, he would induce some sort of panic. Though, I would like to believe they are all stronger than that."

"Exactly. I think he should get it all out there sooner rather than later. I think everyone would be a lot more focused and determined if they knew exactly who it was they're fighting."

"Agreed. I will discuss this with him at our next meeting. Whenever that will be."

"I hope you do. That guy…he needs to get common sense beaten into him. It's one of the reasons why I don't trust him all that much. With matters outside of combat, that is. You know how good his battle strategies are."

Edelgard smirked. "His infamous 'wait and see' tactics are not likely to work in a wartime setting. Particularly in battles where there are only two groups fighting. He wouldn't be able to tire the opposing side so easily."

"No, but that's not all he's done. Just wait and see. Next time we get into a fight, you'll be able to see the Master Tactician at work."

"Master Tactician?" Edelgard giggled to herself. "Such a ridiculous name."

"It's true, though. For all his faults, Claude's a genius when it comes to battle. There's a reason why Derdriu hasn't fallen yet, you know. Especially against the might of Count Gloucester's forces."

"Which are primarily taken from the Empire. The Resistance Army has battled against his soldiers before. I cannot say they are very impressive."

Lysithea grinned. "That's true. But still, Claude's no joke. Just wait and see. His tactics are unrivalled."

Edelgard continued drinking her tea, even as Lysithea praised Claude's strategies some more. She made a mental note of them, hoping they would come into play whenever they were needed.

Their conversation lasted for quite some time. As the tea in their cups gradually decreased to nothingness, the two were ready to part ways.

But then a knock on the bedroom door changed everything. Upon opening it, Edelgard was met with the urgent expression of a certain pink-haired woman.

Elsewhere within the palace, Lucas was wandering around on his own. He wasn't doing so aimlessly - he had a place in mind. One of the palace guards had given him directions to the location he wanted to go to, so he had no issues with that.

Mostly. Remembering them was a bit difficult. Still, it wasn't as if he was under a time limit. He had as much time as he needed to get over to the training grounds.

Or so he thought.

"Hey, Professor."

A voice called from behind him in the hallway. He turned around, finding a familiar set of orange hair, orange-brown clothing, and black, fingerless gloves.

Leonie approached him.

"I need to talk to you about something."

She stopped in front of him. Lucas eyed her suspiciously, then sighed.

"Go ahead. What is it?"

"Captain Jeralt told me about what happened at the Great Bridge of Myrddin. How you guys had to fight Ferdinand…" Her expression became sorrowful. "And Lorenz."

Lucas' face relaxed, but not into some kind of contentment. A downpour of sadness washed over him. He sighed once more.

"We did. What else did Jeralt tell you?"

"Not much. He told me to ask you for more details. I'm…getting the feeling that something bad happened out there."

Lucas nodded, slowly. He breathed another sigh, steeling himself to speak the truth he had been forced to accept.

"I killed Lorenz."

Leonie's eyes and mouth widened - for less than a second.

"Oh…" she said, her voice trailing off. "I figured it was something like that."

"Are you mad at me?"

"No. I'm not. If anything, I'm mad at Lorenz. He could've avoided that happening to him if he came with us, and not gone over to his home. I guess he chose his family over his friends." Leonie closed her eyes. "I don't blame him. Still…"

"I'm sorry. I did what I had to. He said he would've brought about the end of all those I care about if I'd let him live."

"He said that? Doesn't sound like the Lorenz I know. But I guess if it's either that or letting his home fall to ruin, then I don't think he felt like there was any other choice."

"I don't think we would've destroyed his home."

"Maybe not, but he didn't know that. For all he knew, you, or Claude, were perfectly willing to decimate his territory for the sake of the war. We all get a little stronger when we're trying to protect something we love, so…maybe he was trying to tap into that. Look what good that did for him."

Lucas' expression became full of suspicion, once again.

"What are you saying?"

"I'm just saying that it didn't work out for him. Clearly, it didn't, because he's dead. I'm not about to say it was a wrong choice, either. I think I probably would've done the same if I were him."

"But you're smart. You would've chosen to come with us, and thus avoid your death. Lorenz's struggle was completely meaningless!"

Leonie nodded. "Thanks, Professor, but I'm not sure about that. I treasure my village. They're the reason why I was even able to get into the Officers Academy in the first place. If I had to choose between them, and my friends in the Golden Deer…"

She frowned.

"Well, let's just say that my struggle would've also been meaningless. Anyway," she smiled, "don't worry too much about it, Profess-I mean, Lucas. I'm not mad about it, or at you. I don't think anyone here would hate you for what you did. Killing someone so you can survive…that's just how war works."

Lucas turned away, failing to hide his sullen face. Leonie said nothing in response. She merely swivelled around on the spot, intending to depart.

"Hang in there."

The orange-haired girl began to walk away.

Almost immediately, she was interrupted by the arrival of one of her friends. Ignatz rushed toward the two, a hurried expression upon him.

"Whoa, Ignatz, what's wrong?" She asked. "Something happen?"

"Yes! Well, uh, not just yet, but-no, I'm getting distracted. Look, something will happen." Ignatz looked at Lucas. "Claude's asked for you, Professor."

"Why?" Lucas wondered.

"Imperial forces are approaching the city. Claude wants your help in determining a strategy. Follow me, I'll take you to him."

Lucas and Leonie shared a glance, then nodded at one another. Although the former of the two was tired, he was still able to find the energy to answer the call given to him.

The war wouldn't stop for him.

Minutes later, Lucas, Leonie, and Ignatz entered the war council room. The one-time professor recognised it as the same place Hilda brought him and his allies to. The same lengthy, wooden table as before was plastered in the middle of the highly detailed room.

Sitting upon it were those he expected to see. Claude and Hilda were there, as were Edelgard, Jeralt, and oddly enough, Lysithea. Her presence surprised Lucas at first, but then Claude's voice interrupted any questioning thoughts he may have conjured.

"Glad you could make it, Teach. Thanks for finding him for me, Ignatz."

"You're welcome!" Ignatz beamed in response. "May I sit in on this meeting? I'm rather curious about the situation."

"Sure. As long as you don't interrupt or distract us with anything. This is important stuff, and I need to make absolutely certain of what we can do to prepare."

Ignatz nodded, then sat down next to Lysithea. Leonie took a seat next to him as Claude silently accepted her presence.

Blinking confusedly, Lucas shrugged, deciding to sit next to Edelgard, who was to the left of Lysithea. He was on the edge of the table, right by Claude's seat.

The Master Tactician smiled.

"Great. You're all here. Now we can get started."

Claude pulled out a small, rolled up piece of paper from a brown pack that rested by his side. He unrolled it and held it up for everyone to see.

It was a map of the Leicester Alliance. A tiny, black mark was drawn upon it, somewhere near the cluttered collection of petite icons located near the word 'Gloucester'.

"Our Wyvern Lord squadron found the Imperial soldiers here." Claude pointed to the mark. "Their movement patterns indicate that they're coming our way."

"How long until they get here?" Jeralt asked.

"Five days. At most."

Everyone became either wide-eyed, wide-mouthed, or were restraining themselves from showing anything further than a mild level of surprise.

"Five days?! At most?! How are we supposed to prepare for an attack that quickly?" Ignatz raised his hands to his head.

"That's exactly what we've come here to find out. From what I've been told, there doesn't seem to be that many of them. There are even some Alliance soldiers thrown in there. Probably some of Count Gloucester's own men." Claude put the map face-up on the table. He looked straight at Lucas. "Teach, got any ideas?"

Lucas folded his arms. He closed his eyes, rummaging through his mind. Before he could speak, he was stopped.

"Be careful. The Golden Deer don't know about your foreknowledge," Byleth said.

"Ah. Good point. I was just about to reveal it, as well…"

Lucas reopened his eyes. Everyone in the room was staring at him with curious gazes, though Edelgard and Jeralt seemed much less confused than the others.

He turned to Claude.

"I've got an idea. It's not perfect, but it's something."

"What is it? I'm all ears."

"We should blockade the city. Force the Imperial soldiers to come in from one specific way. Then, when they've already made their way in, we can send some of our own to sneak around their back and hit them from behind." Lucas blinked once. "Any chance we could get some outside help?"

"Outside help? Wait, you can't mean…" Claude slowly came to a realization. He smirked once it occurred to him. "Heh, unfortunately, not yet. We're on a tight schedule here, so we can't count on them. We've gotta work with what we've got."

"Damn. Alright, that leaves out the port. Maybe we can stuff some of our soldiers in obscure alleyways, where we can then pounce on the Empire's forces, taking them by surprise. We could put them in buildings, but that'd leave less places for citizens to hide…"

"I see where you're going with this. Sounds like a pretty great plan. We just need to find a good way for our soldiers to strike our invaders' flanks. We could try using a lot of Warps, but that would take far too much out of our mages. And we don't have many of those, comparatively speaking."

"You mentioned there aren't that many of them," said Edelgard. "I will presume that means we have the numbers advantage."

"Well, we don't know how many they've got exactly. And I haven't seen their numbers for myself. But if you take into consideration all the times we've fought with all the pro-Empire forces over the years, as well as the fact that we're now occupying their only means of calling for reinforcements…I think we've got quite the advantage."

"I see. If that is the case, then I do not believe we have any need to concern ourselves with overly complicated strategies and tactics. A simpler, all-out offense may work in our favor."

"Hmm…" Claude pondered the idea, clenching his chin with two fingers as he thought. "You might be right, Edelgard. Taking them head-on might be the best way to go about it. But you know me. That's not entirely my style."

"Of course." Edelgard sighed. "You are welcome to make use of any scheme you see fit. After all, this is your city. Lucas, Jeralt, Flayn, and myself - we are all under your command."

"Agreed. You've got a good eye for tactics, so I'll listen to you, kid."

Claude smiled.

"Thanks, you two."

He stood up from his seat, grabbing the map and rolling it up back to its pre-laid out state. He looked at his audience.

"I think that's all we needed to talk about for now. I'll spend the rest of the day thinking about how we're gonna handle Count Gloucester's men. Feel free to prepare however you guys like. I'll see you when it's time for battle."

As per Claude's recommendation, everyone departed from the war council room.

The impending arrival of Imperial and pro-Empire Alliance soldiers was always on their minds. They all readied themselves for the next battle.

It was the day of battle. Claude's soldiers were scattered around Derdriu's central plaza. Most of the city's pathways were blocked off, including the main gate toward the east.

The only way in was through the northern gate. It led straight into the plaza, where Claude and his allies were ready to greet their enemies.

Lucas was positioned at the opposite end of the soon-to-be battlefield to where the gate was. He was alongside Jeralt, as well as a group of Alliance soldiers of varying weapon disciplines.

From atop his horse, Jeralt looked over to Lucas.

"You ready for this, kid? They'll be here any moment now."

"Y-yeah. I'm ready. I just wanna get this over and done with as soon as possible."

"Same here. The sooner we take out the remainder of the Alliance's pro-Empire soldiers, the sooner we'll be able to get more allies for the Resistance Army. And when that happens, we'll stand a better chance of fighting the Empire as a whole."

"That's…not quite what I was referring to, but yeah, that makes sense."

"Oh. Better get over whatever it is you're feeling, then. War's not gonna wait for you to get better."

Lucas simply nodded in response. Jeralt directed his gaze into the distance, past an alleyway between two buildings, and towards the faint appearance of the gate.

Meanwhile, Lucas suddenly felt the need to check his gear. His Killing Edge was still ready to go for at least another battle, it seemed. As was his Levin Sword, which was strapped to his side. The Seiros Shield was attached to his free, left arm as if it was some manner of horrifying growth.

He sighed when he laid eyes upon his black and grey Myrmidon armour.

"Didn't get the chance to change my class…I gotta do that when this is all over."

As for now, he accepted his unsatisfactory state of being. Lucas waited for the gong of battle to sound - alongside his allies.

Many minutes passed. The city's defenders kept themselves prepared as they awaited the arrival of their foes.

Before much longer, shouting was heard in the distance.

"It's time! Get ready!" Jeralt stared at Lucas, as well as the Alliance soldiers around them.

The battle commenced.

Several Imperial soldiers rushed into the city, passing over the gate. A bevy of defenders was there to greet them. Swords, lances, axes, bows, magic - all manner of weaponry was used. Soldiers fell on both sides.

Raphael, Ignatz, and Marianne were the first three Generals on the anti-Empire side to engage in battle. The first of the three's sheer strength was enough to deal considerable damage on anyone he came across. A single punch from the hulking Brawler caused many to fall unconscious.

Spells were a notable weakness of his, however. Raphael was capable of taking at least one blast of magic. Before another could reach him, Ignatz would come in and deal with the projectile using one of his own. Another well-placed arrow ended the life of whichever Mage got in their way.

Being Generals of their army, Raphael, Ignatz, and Marianne carried a high level of authority over the lower-ranked soldiers around them. This gave them the ability to command their soldiers to do anything they wished. The three did not use this ability often, but when they did, it was solely to rearrange their formation into something that better suited the flow of battle.

Aggression was key. They needed to stay on the offensive, to prevent any of their foes from getting any further into the city. Marianne supported their aggressive endeavors with her expert command over Faith magic.

Their efforts were not perfect. Some minor groups of soldiers were able to break away from the skirmish in the plaza, and therefore reach the depths of Derdriu. All sorts of alleyways and pathways were still blocked, meaning they couldn't go far.

As the Imperial soldiers attempted to break down the walls that confined them, two more of Derdriu's defenders approached, as well as a sizable number of Alliance troops.

Edelgard and Leonie were honing in on their targets. Killer Axe and Silver Lance in hand, respectively, they both charged in with the soldiers they commanded. The two of them separated, taking on different halves of the Imperial group.

Leonie's spearwork allowed her to keep her distance from each individual foe she encountered. She spent her time sending in jabs and lunges, piercing through any available holes in the armor of the opposition.

On the other hand, Edelgard's axe meant that she needed to get in close. Her gargantuan strength, combined with the critical might of her Killer Axe, as well as her two Crests, all meant that her comparatively simple opponents were mere stepping stones on her path.

The two girls, along with the Alliance soldiers they held some command over, were able to clear away a notable chunk of their adversaries. But as the pair looked into the distance, they could see another group of soldiers coming their way.

Leonie grunted. "Wasn't Raphael, Ignatz, and Marianne's team supposed to hold off these guys? What the hell happened?"

An answer came in the form of a distant howl. Edelgard grit her teeth.

"Of course, they would have more Demonic Beasts. It's a shame I'm not fighting them. My Sword of the Creator would be most useful in those efforts."

"Then why not go help them?"

Edelgard turned to her assigned partner with a partially concerned, partially doubtful look.

"I couldn't very well leave an ally all alone." She aimed her axe in the direction of the oncoming group. "Let us clear this street of enemies first. If we are fast, then we'll be able to assist those three."

"Sounds good to me. These no-name nobodies are going nowhere!"

Edelgard, Leonie, and the additional Alliance troops, all charged ahead, engaging the new round of Imperials.

Elsewhere within the city, a different group of Imperial fighters had been able to navigate away from any Alliance Generals. They were going down an alleyway on the west side of the city, somewhat close to the port.

As the area opened up, they were immediately blasted with spells and arrows alike. Lysithea was leading a squadron of mages and archers. She was blasting away her enemies from a comfortable distance.

"I don't have time to deal with any tyrannical sympathizers like you! Get out of here!" The Mage said as she fired Miasma after Miasma into the crowd of foes.

At one point, an arrow from an opposing Archer nicked her on the shoulder. This forced her to retreat from the frontlines so she could tend to her wound. She stepped back and stood behind several Alliance bow-users.

Protected by her allies, Lysithea used this time to pull the arrow out of her shoulder. She looked around for any healers. None were in sight.

Save for the green-haired girl that waved a staff in her direction. A flash of bright magic engulfed her, healing the wound.

"Huh…?" Lysithea spun around on the spot. "Oh. It's you, Flayn. I didn't realize you were so close. Thank you for that much needed Heal. Or was that Physic?"

Flayn giggled. She twirled around her staff, which, as Lysithea could see, had a most unusual design. Steel lines circled the middle pole. Metal wings spread out from the apex of the staff, where a small red sphere rested.

Lysithea froze as she stared at the unusual item. Flayn giggled once more.

"I see you are interested in my Caduceus Staff. As it is one of the ten Sacred Weapons, it is understandable you would be intrigued by it."

"Where did you even get something like that?"

"It was hidden within Garreg Mach. My brother knew where it was located, so when the war began, he retrieved it and allowed me to make use of it."

"The monastery has these kinds of weapons lying around…?"

Lysithea shook her head, clearing her mind of all immediate speculative thoughts.

"No matter. Come on, Flayn. We've got to get back in there! We can't let these Imperial fools get anywhere close to taking the city!"

"I am by your side, Lysithea!"

Lysithea and Flayn propelled themselves back into action, taking on the opposing forces with all the offensive spells they knew. The latter of the two's Sacred Weapon, the Caduceus Staff, proved to be rather useful. With it, she could hurl spells from much further distances than any average mage would dare attempt to attack from.

The port was nearby. A small, stone ledge that extended out from the city led onto a deep-rooted bridge, which in turn linked the prior ledge to another one. On the second stone platform was an elevated wooden construct. It was at a perfect height for any bow-user.

Claude was utilizing it, but not with any ordinary bow. His bow glowed orange, had an ancient bone-like appearance and had spikes protruding from the tips of its curve.

Failnaught was in his possession. Unfortunately, it had not seen any use in the battle, as there were no invaders that approached the port. Any of the ones that got remotely close from the plaza's entryway had already been taken care of by his soldiers.

Which he was fine with. Claude remained atop the wooden construct, Hero's Relic in hand. His wyvern was perched on the ground next to the construct, ready for use at a moment's notice.

Aside from the wyvern, he was not alone. Hilda was with him, prepared to defend her leader from any would-be assailants.

She had her own Hero's Relic. Freikugel, a gigantic axe with plentiful bone-like spikes. It too glowed orange, just like Failnaught. Unfortunately, it had also not seen any use in the fight.

Claude and Hilda were the last line of defenses for the city. From where they were at the edge of the port, the only indication they had of the battle's progress came from the distant shouts and other kinds of sounds they could hear coming from the center of the battlefield.

"Don't get me wrong, Claude," Hilda said out of nowhere. "I like not having to do anything. You know that. But when our friends are all in danger…I can't help but feel nervous."

"Me too. I heard that massive snarl earlier. There's gotta be a Demonic Beast or two over there. I sure hope everyone's alright."

"You know, you have a wyvern. You can always take a look for yourself."

"I could, but we've gotta hold this point. If those Imperial troops get through to here, then that probably means they've snuck their way all throughout the city. We wouldn't be in a great position if that happened."

"But it hasn't happened. I think you can afford to take a look, if only for a second. It's not like some random soldier's gonna show up here that quickly."

"You make a good point, Hilda. Still…"

Claude looked over to his wyvern. It returned his gaze as if it sensed his uncertainty.

He struggled to decide what to do next.

Within the midst of the battlefield, the fight raged on. The soldiers within the central plaza thinned out on both sides as a result of all the fighting. Bodies gathered on the ground. More and more dropped while the Demonic Beasts were still alive.

Raphael, Ignatz, and Marianne were fighting as hard as they could. Their combined strength and tactics were notable, allowing them to deal some kind of damage to the one beast they both targeted. Most of their soldiers engaged the other artificial creature.

When it seemed like it was too much, they were saved by the timely arrival of two additional allies. Edelgard and Leonie were finished with the group they had been dealing with, thus they were able to assist the anti-Demonic Beast offensive. The Alliance soldiers that came with the two women backed up the ones that were fighting the second beast.

Edelgard's Sword of the Creator was indeed quite useful in these efforts - as anticipated.

On the east side of the battlefield, in some street, Jeralt and Lucas were clearing away swathes of zealous Imperial soldiers. The older one of the two was employing his century-long refined skills by disarming his opponents, and then promptly eliminating them. All from atop his horse.

Lucas was nearby. His capabilities were nowhere near as impressive, but his Seiros Shield did give him an advantage most others didn't have. Its defensive prowess was far superior to any other shield that anyone wielded. Its automatic healing effects were also quite effective in patching up any minor wounds or cuts he received from his more reckless-minded actions.

Divine Pulse was, as ever, another useful advantage of his. Turning back the hands of time to avoid a lethal blow was a strategy he utilised only twice in the battle at that point. The Seiros Shield made it so that such a temporal technique was not needed as often as previously.

Even still, he was more than aware of the fact that he had three pulses left.

The battle continued. Jeralt and Lucas were clearing the street of any enemies. Before long, there were none left alive.

"Looks like we've taken care of this part of the city." Jeralt looked down at Lucas, who was breathing heavily and staring at something beneath him. "Come on, let's get back to our old position. We've got to make sure these bastards don't get anywhere near the palace."

"R-right. Let's go."

Lucas looked up, disregarding the blood on his Sacred Weapon. He was about to turn around and follow Jeralt back to where they were previously standing guard, but something caught his eye.

Shadows stirred at the opposite end of the street. Jeralt soon realized what Lucas may have discovered. He called for the Alliance soldiers to stop leaving, and start standing strong.

Around the corner came another batch of Imperial soldiers. But this one was different. They seemed to be led by someone. Someone with violet hair, and the garb of an Archer.

Lucas almost dropped his Killing Edge out of complete shock.

"No, no, no…! Not again; no!"

Jeralt gave him an eye full of confusion.

"What? What's wrong, kid? See someone you know?"

Lucas nodded. "That's…"

"...you, Professor?"

A voice came from the purple-haired person, ringing through the distance.

"Bernadetta…" said Lucas, quietly. He then raised his voice, hoping she would hear. "You're with the Empire?"

"N-not by choice!" The former Black Eagle's voice had a strong sense of fear to it. Her visage was difficult to make out due to the distance. "I don't even want to be here! Please, Professor, get me outta here!"

"Huh? You mean…you don't want to fight?"

"Of course not! I'd never want to fight you, Professor!"

Lucas' mouth gradually curved into a smile. He slowly, unsteadily, held out his arm toward his old student.

"Then join us," he said to her. "Please. I don't want to fight you, either. Just join us. Don't do anything stupid, please…"

"C-can I?"

"Yes, you can…please, just get over here. Before anything bad happens."

Bernadetta nodded. Her eyes wavered. She briefly glanced at her soldiers before refocusing on her old professor. Then, with as much speed as she could muster, she bolted across the street. Her soldiers screamed and shouted in protest of her rebellious action. Some even aimed their bows in her direction.

But before any of them could be loosed, Lucas rushed out and grabbed Bernadetta, forcing her behind him while readying his Seiros Shield.

"I won't let another student die. Especially not you, Bernie. You're safe now."

"P-Professor…"

Lucas rotated his head, only to give Bernadetta a comforting smile.

"It's okay. You're safe. You're with us. You're alive." Lucas turned back around to face the now-leaderless Imperial soldiers. "And I won't let a single one of you bastards change that! Get out of here, now!"

The soldiers seemed unsure. Some lowered their bows, while others kept them steady. They all looked at each other, uncertain of what to do now that they lacked someone commanding them.

A flash of bright purple magic quietened them down. All eyes were laid upon the visage of the new arrival.

An unmasked individual with a black and red cloak stood in front of the Imperial soldiers.

"My, Bernadetta. Disappointing, but not unexpected."

The girl cowered behind Lucas. He stared back at the medium length, blue-haired stranger, who partially wore the clothing of the Flame Emperor.

Lucas scowled at the individual.

"Oh. You must be Lucas. How interesting," the person said. "I don't believe we've ever had the pleasure of meeting before. My name is Adrian Aquila, but you shall call me the Flame Emperor."

"Flame Emperor? Adrian Aquila?" Lucas paused, thinking about the names. A realisation came to him seconds later. "Oh, right. I've heard about you. You're the guy that ran away when the three house leaders were attacked near Remire."

"And you're the one that stole my job." Adrian frowned. "By all means, I should be dreadfully angry at you. But I'm not. I'm a calm person, dear Lucas. As calm as any could be."

Adrian raised his Hero's Relic, Aymr, at Lucas.

"I do have my limits, however. I implore you, for your own sake. Return that girl to me. Now."

Bernadetta whimpered. Lucas grit his teeth, intensifying his grip on his Killing Edge and Seiros Shield.

"No. I'm not letting you take her."

Adrian grinned. "Bold words for someone in range of a stream of arrows. I don't think you understand. You're in no position to reject me."

As if on cue, every single Adrestian under the Flame Emperor's command aimed their arrows directly at Lucas.

"Try again. Give me the girl. Now."

Lucas stared daggers at the man who wielded the Hero's Relic. He looked back at Bernadetta, relaxing his expression to not spook her any further.

"Run," he whispered to her.

"Huh? P-Professor, you…"

"Run. Get behind Jeralt, and our other soldiers. You'll be safe."

Bernadetta sniffled. "But what about you? Professor, I can't leave you here. What are you going to do?"

"Just get moving."

The arrows were nocked. Lucas raised his voice.

"Now!"

"Fire!"

Lucas pushed Bernadetta as soon as the call was made. She was suddenly forced forward against her will. After stumbling ahead, she turned around, hoping that her professor would be okay-

A flash of bright purple magic blocked her view.

"You were making friends with an enemy of the Empire. We can't have that, can we?"

Adrian gave her a malevolent smile. Bernadetta yelped in fear, and quickly prepared a shot with her bow, aiming for her aggressor's head.

"It will be far more efficient to get rid of you. I don't think your father would complain."

"N-no! Please…get away from me!"

"A traitor cannot be left unpunished."

He raised Aymr up to the sky. It pulsed with an orange glow, of which intensified with each passing second. Bernadetta dropped her weapon. She was shaking, unable to respond to the fate that was just about to befall her.

A projection of the Crest of Seiros appeared in front of the Relic.

Then, he swung.

Aymr struck Bernadetta's skull with all its might. Her shaking ceased. Her limbs fell to the ground.

Jeralt, as well as the rest of the Alliance soldiers he commanded, were mostly taken aback by the sudden murderous action that took place before him. Adrian pulled his Relic out of the large hole it created upon Bernadetta's head, aiming it for the Blade Breaker.

"I would suggest you all run. You all want to survive this war, don't you? Then get out of my sight."

"You bastard…" Jeralt readied his Silver Lance. "I'm not gonna let you hurt anyone else."

Adrian smirked. "How cute. You think you can fight me. I'll have you know, Blade Breaker. We are on completely different levels."

"You do realize I'm not alone, right? Even if I can't beat you, I'm sure at least twenty soldiers can."

"If they value their lives at all, then they will leave. And it will only be you and I."

Jeralt said nothing in return. He prepared himself for a fight for his life.

Meanwhile, some ways behind the unmasked Flame Emperor II, Lucas narrowly avoided certain death. He was able to evade the stream of arrows by leaping backwards before they were all fired.

But he was not without injury. As he was moving backward while in the air, a handful of arrows successfully struck him in the leg. They pierced through his thin, Myrmidon armor, causing him to cry out in pain.

Powering through the hurt, Lucas tried to check on Bernadetta's current state. Adrian was blocking most of his view.

He saw the raised Aymr, and watched helplessly as the Relic slammed into something he couldn't see. A splattering of blood exploded onto the ground. As Adrian raised the blade and approached the Alliance soldiers, Lucas' view was no longer obstructed.

"No! Not again, not again!" He reached out, but was unable to grasp anything. "NO! GOD DAMN IT, NO!"

The world shattered, pausing as it gained a purple tint. Lucas activated his third Divine Pulse. He rewound time, hoping to change fate.

Lucas found himself back to a point where he was protecting Bernadetta from the crowd of arrows, along with Adrian's murderous intent.

"Try again. Give me the girl. Now."

Lucas ignored Adrian's demand. He checked all around himself with quick, jagged movements, trying to come up with anything he could do to save his student.

His eyes locked onto someone.

"Jeralt! Quick! Take her, and get out of here!"

"Sure thing, kid!"

Without any hesitation, Jeralt charged in with his horse, aiming to pick up Bernadetta.

"Fire!"

Seconds later, Jeralt was struck in the head by a dozen arrows. He was unable to move, providing Adrian with an opportunity to warp into the scene and finish the job.

A single swing from Aymr was all he needed. Once throwing the body off the horse, he focused his sights on Bernadetta.

He raised his Relic.

"No!"

Lucas froze the world once more, activating his fourth Divine Pulse. He turned back the hands of time - again.

He returned to the same spot as before. Facing down the array of arrows, as well as the threat of a Hero's Relic.

"Try again. Give me the girl. Now."

Caring less about Adrian's words, and with endless sweat pouring down his face, Lucas decided to do the one thing he hadn't tried yet: taking matters into his own hands.

Literally. Lucas stood up, turned around, and picked up Bernadetta. He carried her bridal-style, uncaring for the social implications of his actions.

Then, he ran. He hurtled away from the second Flame Emperor as fast as he could, forcing his way past the Alliance soldiers.

He was stopped by a flash of bright purple magic.

"You can't escape from me."

Adrian raised Aymr, then brought it down upon Lucas.

…

The world froze. Aymr was right in front of his face. Death had been avoided once more. His fifth Divine Pulse had been activated.

In the void that represented his mind, he fell from where he was standing. His hands and knees were on the floor, as was his gaze. He was breathing heavily, as if he was suffocating. His sweat was running rampant on his face.

"I…I can't do it. I can't save her. Everything I try just doesn't work!"

Byleth teleported to his side, while Sothis watched on from her throne.

"You have one more try. Give it your all."

"But nothing's working. I can't do anything. Is this what fate is?" He looked up at Sothis, with a face full of desperation. "Is this what you were talking about?!"

Sothis nodded. Lucas slammed a fist into the ground.

"Damn it…! This can't be it, I've gotta save her! I've gotta think of a way, something…anything!"

Byleth looked over at Sothis, who only shrugged. He went back to Lucas.

"I don't know of a way to save her. I'm sorry," he said. "But as I said, you have one more try. Do not falter. Be prepared to give all that you can…only if you're willing."

"OF COURSE I'M WILLING!"

Lucas was staring straight into Byleth's eyes. The flames of anger, the waves of sorrow - they were both in his expression.

Byleth closed his eyes.

"Then do your best. That is all one can ask for."

He disappeared, leaving Lucas on his own.

There was only one option for him. To do his best, to give all that he could; there was only one way to do that. He clenched his hands, balling them into agonised fists.

Lucas turned back the hands of time.

Returning to the physical realm, he was once again facing down a multitude of soldiers with bows, as well as Adrian and his Hero's Relic.

Though, his vision was blurry. His mind was foggy, and his ears were clouded.

"Tr..gn. Giv…irl. Now."

His breathing rapidly increased. There was no way he could respond. There was too much going on, he could barely see or hear anything, he couldn't-!

Lucas collapsed to the ground. He was still awake, and able to move his head around. He could still see some vague, grey figures in the near-distance, along with a larger black, red, and partially blue one.

Something unintelligible came from somewhere. He wasn't sure what it was, but it sounded somewhat familiar. He knew he had heard it before, yet he couldn't place where.

A flash of…something. A loud, faint noise from somewhere behind him. Lucas looked to his side, finding an unclear purple mist next to him.

He opened his mouth to speak, yet nothing came out. He attempted to turn back the hands of time again, to go back, and save her.

The world did not shatter. Neither did it pause, or gain any sort of purple tint. Instead, his mouth twitched. Some vague, green substance spilled onto the floor.

His vision disappeared; everything faded to black.

Author Notes: Death finds it way to Lucas' door once more. Happy...holidays? Happy new year? I don't know if y'all would like this as a late present, but here it is anyway.

Also, I'm 22 now, so that's kinda hype, lol. Anyway, big props to Frost for beta-ing this one.

With that said, time to do the usual review response shenanigans!

eseer - You know what I mean. And yeah, let's hope those two don't have to fight each other.

Axel363402 - Things are certainly looking up, but it's not completely going well, as this chapter shows.

Lord-Azrael3 - Thank you! Here's the 'more' you were looking for.

And that's that. I'll see you next time!

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