10/20 Wyvern moon
A gentle breeze was coming from the south as they started their journey to the Empire dominions. All of them were riding horses since the Pegasi were being carried by the members of the Church. They were the spearhead of the Black Eagle students. It had been the first time he had seen such amount of students since most of them were attending their classes in other facilities of the church. The other two classes had their own group and each House was separated from the other by the carts of the members of the Church.
"I can´t wait to fight!"
"Caspar, we have just left and you are already looking for a fight. When will you ever change?"
"The same could be said about you Linhardt."
"For once we are heading to the south. It won´t be a trip to the capital, but it is better than nothing" smiled Dorothea. "Don´t you think Professor? If you ever come to Enbarr you must go the Opera House. You will enjoy it. Of course Edie is invited too"
"I promise I will go" he said.
"You can count with me too." Edelgard smiled to her, although the moment their eyes met she lightly blushed. "I will keep true to my promise, my Teacher. I hope that Enbarr is of your liking"
"It will" he assured her. Even though he had travelled around Fódlan and beyond, his group had always avoided the big cities. "The skirmishes between nobles are more frequent in the countryside and there isn´t so much competition" had told him his father.
"I can´t wait the coming of that day" smiled Dorothea.
"That´s not fair Professor, you are showing again favoritism, but travelling to another place must be troublesome so I guess I don´t mind"
"How can you disagree about something and give up in the same phrase? I want to go too Professor!" shouted Caspar.
"I will be joining all of you then. I will take the occasion to repay everything you have done for me as a Professor" said Ferdinand.
"I don´t mind if you don´t use it as an opportunity to talk about your nobility"
"Don´t worry Dorothea. I just want to share some time with all of you. Besides, I want to show our Professor that I´m better than Edelgard on matters like this"
"I am afraid to break your dreams Ferdinand, but you don´t have any opportunity to win against Lady Edelgard. I will accompany all of you then, for Lady Edelgard´s wellbeing."
"Both of you haven´t changed at all" Dorothea sighed. "But I guess that this is the way you are"
"I want to visit the capital too. I will use it as an opportunity to learn more about Fódlan"
"I really don´t want to be outside on a long trip, but I guess that if the Professor and the rest are there I could go" Bernadetta said in a low voice.
"Hearing that coming from you makes me happy Bernie!"
Feeling happy about their small chattering Byleth remained silent, guiding them in their path.
…..
As they lost sight of the monastery the terrain around them started to change. The mountains that were a common sight in the lands of Garreg Mach changed into hills and scattered trees. The sun was still high in the sky and the visibility was excellent with not a single cloud in the sky.
"In a few moments will be entering the Adrestian Empire. When we first met in Rhemire we were on the west side of the empire, but the eastern side is more notorious for its gentle weather and fertile lands. I must admit that is strange to return to the Empire with you by my side" commented Edelgard
"You once wanted me to work for the imperial army"
"I know, but I think I can´t offer you something like that anymore. You are more valuable to me than a simple soldier."
Hearing her words made him happy.
"You are valuable to me too."
"Thank you for your sincere words, my Teacher, with you by my side I´m certain that there is nothing that can stop us"
"Of course, we will win this fight and the ones to come"
After a short while, they arrived to the border between the territories of the Leicester Alliance and those of the Empire. A group of soldier was already waiting for them.
"Princess Edelgard, we are pleased to see you well" said the leader of the committee. "For security reasons we wish to escort you until you arrive to the domains of House Bergliez"
"Thank you, although I highly doubt that thieves would dare to attack a group like this. Your company is welcome, but I wish to remain with the rest of the students here"
"As you wish Princess Edelgard"
Leaving behind the streams of the Airmid River they entered into the Empire territory.
….
10/21 (at dusk)
"We will establish the camp here, orders from Seteth" announced Byleth. "The battle will start tomorrow at noon, so make sure that all of you have rested enough. I want all of you prepared at dawn, no exceptions. We will meet at my tent" he said, looking at Linhardt.
"Don´t worry Professor, I will do my job tomorrow"
"I´m sure we will win. Persevere and we will prevail"
"That applies to you too, Professor. It looks like you aren´t going to bed anytime soon" observed Dorothea.
"I´m planning to scout the battlefield to make sure that we have the odds in our favor"
"In that case let me accompany you, my Teacher. As the second in command it is my duty to assist you on these matters"
"You are free to accompany me" he nodded at her. He then looked to the rest of his students. "The rest of you, I want all of you sleeping by the time I arrive. Don´t waste your energies. We are going to need all of it tomorrow"
"Said and done" said a yawning Linhardt. "See you tomorrow Professor"
Accompanied by Edelgard, they headed to the future battlefield. The light was running scarce, but there was still enough visibility to see their surroundings.
"There are several natural barriers in the battlefield." He said looking at the streams and small group of forests to the east. "The hill in the center of the area appears to have a platform on it."
"It is a ballista. That place has a height advantage compared to the surrounding areas, but its location in the center means that is going to be a highly disputed area. Do you know where is going to be our starting area?"
"To the north of this stream" he said. "There are two wooden bridges that will allow the crossing of our troops and the waters can serve as a natural barrier, but we have the risk of being attacked from flying units. You and Petra will be our countermeasure to such risk. Seteth hasn´t told me the starting position of the other two teams so we have to take that into account when we make our advance."
"I´m sure that Claude and Dimitri are preparing their strategies at this very moment. I wonder what kind of scheme is preparing Claude"
"We will find out about it tomorrow. Let´s return"
They arrived to the camp, where only members of the Church could be seen.
"Take some rest Edelgard. I will need all your strength tomorrow"
"The same can be said about yours. I hope you can rest as well."
After parting from her he entered his tent and started reviewing a map of the region.
"You heard the little Princess. You should get some rest too"
"I know I´m just making a final review" he said as his attention was caught by something. "We could advance that way" he thought, before entering his bed.
….
10/22
"Good morning everyone" Byleth greeted them as they entered his tent.
"So this is how your tent looks like. It is strangely tidy, I wonder how your room looks like" smiled Dorothea.
"Is that the only thing that catches your attention Dorothea? That bed looks very uncomfortable. Sleeping on the ground would be the same to you Professor for all I know" Linhardt said.
"We aren´t here to discuss about the way I handle my private chambers, but about or strategy for the upcoming battle" he said, clearing his throat, making everyone silent. "Our starting area is located to the north. A stream crosses the area with only two wooden bridges on it" he said pointing the area in the map to them. "The one to the east is too far away to have any purpose so we will be focusing on this one. I, Ferdinand and Caspar will spearhead the advance of our troops through the bridge. Edelgard and Petra will use their Pegasi to give us cover as we get to the other side. Bernadetta, Hubert and Dorothea will cover the rearguard. Flayn and Linhardt will stay in the middle to heal their surroundings"
"I get the formation, but where are we heading?" asked Caspar
"There is a hill with a ballista on its top in the middle of the area. The hill will not only give us visibility, but it will give us advantage over the other two teams. I want Bernadetta to take control of the ballista and use it against our enemies. Taking it is a high priority if we want to succeed. Take into account that we won´t be alone, the rest of the students of the academy will take part in the fight. Lead them as you would lead a battalion under normal circumstances"
"Shall we go against a particular group first Professor?" Hubert chuckled.
"No. We will fight them as they come. If we focus on one of them we are giving the other an opportunity to break through our lines. We can´t allow something like that to happen." He then looked to all of them. "The fight will be harsh, but if we stick together and give our best victory will be ours"
"I completely agree with the Professor. We may have had our differences at the beginning of this year, but if we help each other there is nothing that can stop us" Edelgard said.
"Looking at you I can´t wait to fight! Golden Deer or Blue Lions, it doesn´t matter. I will beat them all! My father may come too. He loves watching a good fight when he isn´t taking part into one" said an excited Caspar
"I know that and I hope he doesn´t come. I still remember that time when he tried to train with me" Linhardt said sighing.
"I hope that my father doesn´t come!"
"Don´t worry Bernadetta. Knowing your father he might be discussing some matters with mine" laughed Hubert.
"If you laugh like that it´s scary!"
"Thank you for your encouraging words Profesor, Edelgard. I will give my best" Dorothea smiled.
"I will protect Brigid´s pride!"
"I will give my best too Professor. I will give our team the victory" promised Ferdinand.
"Me too!" Flayn said, making a small jump of excitement.
"I´m counting on all of you. Prepare your equipment and to the victory!" he shouted
They left his tent and headed to the battlefield. Alongside them were the rest of the students that were part of his house.
"How many people attend this monastery? The number of students here is really impressive" asked Sothis inside his head.
"I don´t know, but I am impressed by how many they are too"
The sky was spotless and the weather was nice so they could count on the reliability of the terrain of the battlefield.
"Good morning Professor" greeted him Seteth, who was checking one of the carts. "I see that you are already prepared for battle"
"I am and my students will be in a few moments prepared for battle"
"I am glad to hear that. I hope that Flayn remains safe. Even if it is a mock battle, I don´t want to see her get hurt."
"Don´t worry, she will be protected. I promise"
"I´m counting on you". Seteth´s face was still serious, but it was more relaxed than usual. "Good luck" he said as he left.
…
"The battle is about to begin" commented Edelgard, flying her Pegasus to his side.
"You are right" he said, riding his own.
The cry of an eagle made both of them look to the sky. The eagle was flying in circles above all of them.
"An eagle. It is a good omen about our victory" Edelgard said smiling to him.
"You are right"
The sound of trumpets silenced their voices. Behind them at the top of a crag he could see Seteth and Rhea.
"Students" Seteth said, his voice amplified by magic. "The battle of the Eagle of the Lion is about to begin. Use everything you have learned until now to achieve victory. The winner will be the House that defeats the biggest amount of opponents. A large reward is prepared for the team that wins so I hope that all of you will give your best"
"May the best team win" Rhea said, her voice amplified by magic too. She then casted a fire incantation and released it to the sky. A few seconds later it exploded, marking the beginning of the battle.
"Advance with all our might!" he shouted, leading his Pegasus to the heights.
Edelgard and Petra were leading their mounts to the west where Ingrid was leading a group of Pegasus Knights. To the other side of the bridge they had their first opponents. "The Blue Lions" he thought. Gaining height he nosedived on a group of armored knights that were barricading the bank of the river.
"Fire magic at will" he shouted. The moment he said it a cloud of magic fell on the enemy lines, breaking their frontline. Taking advantage of the confusion Caspar and Ferdinand started to secure the surroundings of the bridge. Fifty meters away from him he saw Edelgard and Petra, which were facing Ingrid´s group.
"Ferdinand, Caspar! Advance forward and secure the ballista!"
"Leave it to us!" shouted Ferdinand.
Byleth charged against one of the Pegasus Knights. After defeating it he searched for his next adversary.
"For Brigid!" he could hear Petra shouting, flying through the enemy lines as if she had been born with her mount.
"So you have come" smiled Ingrid when he noticed him. "I will show you the true strength of a future knight!"
Ingrid´s mount was incredibly fast and Ingrid´s agility with her lance was something to consider, making him change to a defensive position.
"You are very good"
"Tell me that after I dismount you. Prepare yourself!"
He was preparing his sword and shield to face her attack, when a familiar back appeared in front of him.
"Impressive strength, but your lack of awareness will be your undoing" smiled Edelgard, blocking Ingrid´s lance with her shield.
"Edelgard? If I defeat you Dimitri will be proud of me. I won´t hold down!"
"Me neither!"
Lance and axe met. Even if they were using blunt weapons to avoid accidents the impact destabilized both mounts.
"I will prevail!"
Using all the strength she had, Edelgard released a brutal impact on both Ingrid and the Pegasus, making Ingrid fall, but she was quickly picked by a Church Pegasus Knight.
"Defeat. You have bested me, but I´m confident that victory will be ours. Good luck Professor, Edelgard"
"Impressive show of strength Edelgard" he congratulated her.
"This is the result of your guiding, my Teacher I owe…"
Their conversation was interrupted when a giant projectile pierced the sky between them.
"The ballista" he thought. "We must take it down. The west area appears to be free of flying units. You and Petra, follow me"
"Understood!"
They approached the platform at the top of the hill avoiding the projectiles aimed to them.
"We are above them. Charge now!"
As they approached the platform he could see that Ashe was the student operating it. His confident face quickly changed to a surprised one when he saw the three of them charging at him at the same time.
"Counterattack!" he cried, the moment he shouted a storm of magic spells fell on them, but they could neutralize him. Looking at the source of such amount of spells he could see Mercedes and Annette leading a group of magic students.
"I hope I haven´t hurt you Professor" Mercedes said with a smile on her face.
"Even if you are nice with us we won´t be easy on you Professor, right Mercie?"
"Of course Annie, if you want to take the hill you will have to defeat us first"
"Edelgard to my right! Petra to my left!"
"Professor, riders are coming from the forest!" Petra shouted.
"That must be Claude forces" Edelgard said, avoiding a spell aimed at her. "We have to gain height fast"
"Don´t worry Professor" said Ferdinand appearing behind them, accompanied by Caspar. "We will take control of this position for you"
"Understood, Hubert, Dorothea and Bernadetta cover Ferdinand and Caspar´s advance with your range! Petra and Edelgard with me" he shouted as they avoided another round of spells.
As they gained height Byleth could have a complete vision of the fight. The Golden Deer forces were doing a pincer attack against the infantry of the Blue Lions at the base of the hill. He could see that the forces of the Golden Deer were leaded by Leonie and Lorenz.
"The rest of their forces must be in the forest, but we have more urgent matters to solve" Edelgard said looking to the southwest of the hill. "The main forces of the Blue Lions are coming to aid their forces at the top. If we don´t stop them we will lose our main forces and the hill"
"If we take down Dimitri the moral of their group will be destroyed and we will cause confusion between their lines."
"You are right Professor. Taking down the king, the purpose of the rest of the pieces on the board will be lost."
They headed to the position of the main Blue Lions forces. At the head of it he could clearly see the Blue Lions leader mounting a war horse. Charging at him from the skies they approached him as fast as the lightning. He was about to hit him when Dedue appeared in front of him, blocking the attack with all the strength he had. The impact was so brutal that he lost control of his mount, crashing to the ground. Edelgard and Petra clashed against Sylvain and Felix that were accompanying the advance of the rest of Dimitri´s forces.
"Thank you Dedue. Professor, your tactic was interesting, but now you are surrounded by our forces. Even if it is you I won´t back down" He said as he charged at him accompanied by Dedue. Blocking every attack coming from them he knew he was running out of time. With the surprise effect gone it was only a matter of time that the forces of the Blue Lions started to counterattack.
Dedue was about to hit him with a mace when a magic spell impacted against him sending him to the ground.
"What?"
Losing his focus for a second Byleth took the opportunity to punch Dimitri in the stomach.
"Ugh. Good hit Professor, but I´m not done yet" Dimitri said using his horse to reposition.
Dimitri was starting to charge at him with his horse when an explosion of magic happened, sending him to the ground alongside Dedue.
Looking to the source of the spell he could only see a group of bushes.
"Wait. The forest is moving"
The main force of the Golden Deer had used branches and leafs as camouflage to approach them unnoticed and they were charging at them now.
"Protect the position, form a line!" he could hear Dimitri´s voice giving commands, but the field around him was already in complete chaos.
"It appears to be that that was the scheme of Claude" commented Edelgard, arriving to his side. Her hair was completely messy and her face was red by the physical effort, but apart from that she was alright. Alongside her was Petra with a few scratches on her cheek. "A three way battle is unfolding around us, we must take the opportunity to take Dimitri down now that his defenses are low"
They approached Dimitri´s position fighting against Golden Deer and Blue Lions students. Noticing them, Dedue was preparing his shield to protect him again, but he released a potent spell that rendered his defense useless.
"Your Highness. I´m afraid that I have reached my limit. Guide the rest of us to victory"
"Thank you Dedue." Dimitri said, he then looked at Edelgard "So it is time to cross blades. Thinking about our past, I have never imagined such a day would come to pass"
"If the Empire and the Kingdom go to war, we´ll be able to fight as much as we please"
"I am very sorry, but that is not something to joke about. The thought of fighting you is troubling at best"
"In that case I wonder when you´ll be able to stomach facing me in battle. Do you need a few moments? We are in the middle of a battle though"
As Edelgard and Dimitri charged at each other Byleth had to avoid a punch from Raphael, who was still wearing branches around his torso.
"Claude is a clever guy. I would have never thought about doing something like this" he said as he tried to punch his face. Behind him he could hear cries and a familiar voice shouting.
"I have to agree about that, but it is impossible to plan ahead every possible outcome" he said as he released a magic explosion against him. After leaving Raphael out of combat he looked behind him and he was relieved to see that the rest of his forces had joined the fight. For once he was relieved to hear Caspar´s battle cry.
….
"You are strong Edelgard" said Dimitri as they exchanged blows. Dimitri had the reach of his lance, but after fighting countless lance wielders enemies she had grown used to it. "I must admit that I´m envious that you have the guiding of the Professor"
"You have improved a lot too, but regrettably it won´t be enough to stop me"
"I couldn´t expect less from you"
Dimitri charged at her releasing a savage hit. She could block it, but her iron shield shattered as a result. She counterattacked using her axe. Dimitri tried to block the attack with his lance, but the sheer strength of her attack sent him to the ground. With his lance out of reach and on his knees he sighed.
"I have no choice but to admit my defeat. I wish you luck" he said as he was taken away by a Church member.
A familiar cry made her look around. The moment she saw their main forces joining the battle at the base of the hill she couldn´t avoid smiling. "We are winning this fight" she thought. She could see Caspar and Ferdinand breaking through the lines of the Golden Deer and the Blue Lions with the cover of Dorothea and Hubert. Lindhart and Flayn were casting such amount of healing spells that a green cloud was surrounding both of them. She was wondering where Bernadetta was when a projectile from the ballista impacted in front of her, clearing her way to reunite with her Teacher. Looking to the top of the hill she could see a purple haired girl handling the mechanism of the ballista. "One more push and this will be over" she smiled
…
"Good job everyone, just a bit more!" he shouted to his students
"Said and done Professor" shouted Caspar
"We will win this fight!" said Ferdinand avoiding an armored unit and retaliating.
"There is no sight of Claude yet" commented Edelgard that had just approached him. "I suspect that he is still in the forest preparing new schemes against us. The use of vegetation to approach us undetected was a clever idea"
"The forest isn´t a place suited to enter with our entire army. Our Pegasi won´t be of use there anymore."
"In the forest you have to be silent to catch your prey. Silence and not the group of hunters is what matters"
"You are right Petra. Edelgard and Petra accompany me. Stay with your ears and eyes open. Most of their forces are here, but he might have reserve troops waiting for us"
They entered the forest. As they advanced through it the sounds of the fight behind them grew quieter. They could only hear the sound of their breaths and leafs moved by the wind. He was about to enter a forest glade when an arrow almost hit him.
"Teach you should have moved a bit to the left." Claude said, leaving his cover behind a group of bushes. "If you are here it means that the fight outside here is already lost, but if I can take you down the reward might land on our side" he said smiling to him. He charged at him, but the moment he entered the forest glade a potent spell impacted against him, sending him flying against a tree.
"I´m sorry Professor, but even if it is you I must win" Lysithea said.
She was charging another spell when Petra appeared from the shadows knocking her down to the ground. Taking advantage from the situation he got up, applying some magic on his body to heal the injuries from the impact. He noticed a silver light coming from his left and avoided by the skin of his teeth and axe attack aimed to his head.
"You are making me work Professor" Hilda said, smiling to him. "Why can you stay unconscious for a moment? Be easy with me, I´m a frail lady"
The strength of her blows was telling otherwise. Taking advantage of the situation Claude was able to neutralize Petra and was preparing to attack him when Edelgard appeared in front of him, blocking the arrow with her axe. Letting her taking care of Claude he focused on defeating Hilda.
…
"I didn´t expect to see you around here Princess. You seem to be exhausted, why don´t you take it easy and surrender? I promise to be nice with you"
"That would be a foolish decision. The only possible outcome must be our victory over you"
"I wouldn´t worry about that right now. There´s a rat right by your Imperial feet"
"Ah!" losing focus for a moment Claude tried to attack her with his sword, but hopefully she was able to block it with her axe. "How dare you make a fool of me. You will not rile me with such childish tactics"
"I don´t think so. The sheer terror in your eyes was something else entirely. My mistake. Anyway, it was only a joke. Take it easy"
"You really hope to unsettle me with childish jokes? It won´t work. Prepare to face your defeat!"
Claude had the agility, but he lacked the resistance to face her for too long. After a few minutes of fight his reaction to her attacks was slower and he couldn't avoid an attack aimed to his stomach, cutting his breath.
"You´ve got me there, Imperial Princess. Victory is yours"
"You fought well too"
"No need to hit the face Professor. I get it, I surrender." She could hear Hilda´s voice behind her.
"I still have much to learn" Lysithea admitted, getting up. She then released a fire spell to the sky. A few moments later a group of Pegasus Knights arrived helping the three of them to leave the area.
"Congratulations Teach, Edelgard. Let´s celebrate this little battle back in the monastery" Claude said as he was taken by one of the knights.
"Congratulations Edelgard" her Teacher said, approaching him. Applying his healing magic he healed her and Petra. "We must reunite with the others"
"You are right. Petra if you want to, I can carry you"
"Don´t worry Edelgard, the Professor´s magic was enough to me"
The three of them left the cover of the forest and arrived to the area to the south of the hill, where she found the rest of her classmates. They appeared to be exhausted, but their faces were filled with pride.
"Good job everyone! I´m proud of all of you" her Teacher congratulated all of them.
"My Teacher we still need to hear the announcement from Seteth, but I´m certain that we have prevailed" she smiled to him.
"The battle of the Eagle and the Lion has come to an end" the magic amplified voice of Seteth said. "Looking at the results of all the teams and the display of strategy the winners of this year are the Black Eagles!" The moment Seteth said the results an explosion of happiness unfolded around her. Surrendering herself to the happiness around her she was about to join the celebrations when she felt familiar arms surrounding her.
"You have done a great job Edelgard. I´m especially proud of you" he whispered to her ear as he hugged her. Feeling her heart fighting to leave her body she embraced him too.
"You too my Teacher, I will never forget this moment and it is all thanks to you"
"Lady Edelgard?!"
"Oh my, this is so cute!" she could hear Dorothea´s singing voice.
"That´s favoritism Professor" Linhardt complained.
"Let´s make a big group hug!" Caspar shouted embracing the two of them.
"Ok, ok, but don´t use brute force. I´m already tired" Linhardt said yawning.
"I must agree with Caspar. It is a proof that our bonds are deeper than ever before" said Ferdinand
"Is this another custom from Fódlan?" Petra asked.
"Let me join too!" said Flayn with her usual smiling face.
"Don´t leave me behind" cried Bernadetta.
All of them made a group hug. Hubert´s hands were dangerously close to Byleth´s neck, but a look from her was enough to stop him. She was at first overwhelmed by the proximity of all of her classmates, but looking at all of their smiling faces she couldn´t avoid smiling too. Forgetting all her worries she surrendered to the blooming feeling of happiness exploding inside her heart.
"I wish this could last forever" she thought.