They both came to the end of the corridor, catching their breath whilst still hand in hand. Shadows of people stirring and rushing around were cast on the walls through the torchlight. They looked to each other with urgency, knowing they had to go their separate ways for now.
"I'll go find Lady Edelgard," He said, panting.
"I'll find out what I can and meet up with the council as soon as I'm able."
They had at least half a day judging by the ability of their scouts, but the situation still caused for utmost haste. They nodded in agreement, splitting to go their separate ways.
She re-grabbed his hand and he knew immediately why. He pulled her close and they shared a final kiss amongst the growing chaos. They parted slowly, taking a lingering look at each other.
Hubert smirked, "Don't take your time."
She huffed in amusement before heading in the opposite direction. Her disposition changed to that of concern and urgency as the chilly air of a new dawn bit at her skin. She promptly made her way towards the commotion. Soldiers were shouting, trying to gain control of the situation.
"General!" one of the captains of reconnaissance squadron hailed, waving her over.
"What's the situation?" she demanded.
"Raid from the north! Their flag bears the symbol of the Knights of Seiros! One of our troops has already intercepted them!"
As she suspected, the church had decided to make its move upon the Monastery. She had to think on her feet. "Fortify the castle walls and send out a reconnaissance team round the parameter, report anything unusual back immediately."
"By your order!" he replied as he turned to garner command of his soldiers.
Byleth paused to catch her breath. After the evening she'd just had, it felt like the world was a thousand miles away. At that moment she just wished for a moment of reprieve, to be able to enjoy the dreamlike life she had only just tasted. But alas, they were at war. A crushing reminder that normal life was far out of reach for any of them.
"Our enemy knows Garreg Mach from inside and out," Edelgard explained, her expression dire. The council stood in silence, listening to her every word, as they had done since their arrival. "They can come and go as they please. It would have been best if we had detected them sooner, but that can't be helped." She then looked to Byleth who was standing firm by her side, "My teacher, we must hurry and intercept them ourselves. I'll leave the battle preparations to you."
Byleth nodded, taking the command in her stride. Everyone began to leave, readying themselves for the coming siege.
Hubert walked to her side, shooting her a calculated eye. "The battle looks to be rather cumbersome. We are still guarding all of Garreg Mach, but there are undoubtedly numerous secret passages and magic traps... There is still much about this place that we do not know. They may attack from a location we cannot anticipate."
"I've gone ahead and sent reconnaissance to assess the situation. Hopefully, we hear back from them soon." She allowed her demeanour to soften. Thought it felt jarring to go from one extreme to the next. A marriage proposal to a battle, with just a few hours in between.
"You seem to be taking this well, considering Seteth and Flayn are part of the enclosing forces," Edelgard said with a hint of scrutiny.
"They are technically your kin, are they not? You said yourself that you see them as family," Hubert said gravely.
"I would prefer not to engage them if that is what you're asking. But I will not neglect my duty if the situation calls for it." She paused, even the thought of them falling in battle caused her a great deal of sadness. Seteth was much like a father figure after Jeralt had died, and Flayn, a sister. "To ask of you to show them mercy..." she whispered.
Edelgard thought inwardly for a moment then swiftly changed the subject. "I must head out first to give my orders. I'll meet up with you soon. Call for General Randolph and General Ladislava! Hurry!"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Byleth replied, though she did not meet her gaze. It was foolish of her to request mercy from Edelgard. She had no cause to offer sympathies to her enemies, lest she was seen as weak or soft-hearted. Hubert wordlessly placed a reassuring hand upon her shoulder before following Edelgard out of the room.
It seemed the goddess was mocking them indeed. A roll of thunder boomed over the land as the heavy clouds began to rain with a seemingly conscious fervour. The morning light hid behind the overcast sky, the whole monastery stood behind them in deep shade. Along with the relentless rain it made seeing at a distance difficult. The mud squelched under Byleth's boots as she adjusted her stance.
She looked to Edelgard who stared ahead towards the gathering enemy, her eyes blazing. What was left of her army stood unwavering behind her, it seemed the surprise attack had wounded her pride somewhat. The compulsion to put the invaders in their place was evident through her voice. "Our enemies have followed us even here. How unfortunate. The main bulk of our army has been held back by the Church's main force – and so they send an expeditionary force to retake Garreg Mach. It is a good tactic, but they will have to break through our lines first."
Hubert quickly returned to them, steadying his midnight black steed to heel by Edelgard. "Reconnaissance returned with vital intel. The enemy is transporting large quantities of flammable material into the woods. They intend to attack us with fire. We should do all we can to prevent it."
Edelgard grimaced the taught grip upon her axe tightening. "If so, then let's face them without delay." She raised her voice, calling out to the troops in her stead. "Form defensive lines and hold them to the death! Strike down all who approach!"
There was a great war cry as the soldiers began marching past into the great shadows of conflict.
"Their troop composition is also strange. I would bet that they are concealing additional soldiers," Hubert said over the upheaval, his eyes squinting through the heavy rain.
Edelgard nodded. "Troops waiting in the woods to ambush? The main army must avoid any suspicious areas as we advance. Hubert, take a small task force and intercept to the west on our flanks, the first sign of an ambush retreat to the bulk of the army. Only engage if you feel it necessary."
"By your will," he replied without question.
Byleth clenched her teeth as she watched him gallop away. She breathed deep, stealing herself. She needed to keep her head firmly on the battle.
"As agreed, you will stay back and support the backlines, my teacher. Now, let us see that the Church rues the day they decided to march upon us!" she commanded before moving with the troops.
The battle had been waging for a long while, though she was unable to gauge how much time had passed as another injured soldier was bundled into the medical area. She wiped the blood and sweat from her forehead and lingered a hand over the wound. She could tell just by looking that there was no chance he'd survive; the injury was far too deep, and he was losing blood far too quickly. She braced herself before allowing the bright healing magic to flow from her soul, determined, pleading to the gods that there must be a chance he would live.
He began to fade, and with that came desperation. She pulled her other hand over him, feeding more magic into his dying body.
"It is difficult to get used to, but sometimes you need to accept when there is no saving them," Linhardt soothed logically, pulling one of her hands away. "You're better saving your strength for those you can save."
She pulled her hands away, balling them into fists, and just as she did, the soldier passed away. Damn it. Another one, dead, she thought, angry at herself, convinced that if she were on the front lines, she may have been able to prevent at least some of these injuries.
"You're right, I should –"
A huge flash of light illuminated their surroundings, followed by an almighty boom. She could feel the heat of the air whip through the tent canvas carrying with it debris and smoke.
"An explosion?!" Linhardt stammered.
"Stay here and keep everyone safe!" Byleth demanded, running out of the tent before she could hear his reply.
The area was a mess, the air mingled with cinders and ash; flames licked at the base as soldiers ran around in the chaos. A huge pillar of black smoke billowed and merged with the grim sky. That's when she noticed him in the distance, a great Wyvern Rider with unmistakable green hair. Seteth.
She grabbed the nearest horse without thinking, mounting it and galloping through the field. Its hooves crashed through the ashen mud and deep puddles; the heavy rain stinging her eyes as she kept sights upon the man. She drew the sword of the creator as she neared, her horse rearing up and she came to a sudden halt. It whinnied, garnering the man's attention. He swiftly turned in the sky atop his wyvern, heading straight for her.
"Seteth!" she yelled. She leapt from the horse, rolling on the ground before brandishing her weapon in his direction. She was caked in ash, mud and the blood of her allies. Hair crazy and untamed. Eyes fierce and determined. As he closed in, she whipped her sword out in warning, the great spiny blade extending into a long glowing whip; illuminating the gloomy atmosphere. It stopped Seteth in his tracks, his eyes narrowing as his wyvern lowered to the ground. The force of its wings beating against the earth billowed her cape and whipped dirt into her eyes. They stung with tears and she hurriedly wiped them as the creature landed.
"Byleth!" Seteth shouted, keeping his weapon at bay. Such a large target had no chance against her terrifying blade. She quickly disengaged, holding it steady behind her, showing that she wasn't a threat. "It… saddens me to face you on the field of battle, after everything you've done for me… and for Flayn."
"Please! Seteth! We don't have to fight, there must be another way."
"I cannot approve of your actions," he replied briskly over the anarchy, but then his eyes softened. It seemed he was truly conflicted. "But I also cannot follow Rhea on her current course."
Her legs felt unsteady as the pain in her flank burned, she was almost breathless.
He noticed her struggling. His war-torn eyes looking at her with affection. "It may not change anything but allow me to make a promise to you. If Flayn and I survive this battle, we will withdraw from the world and leave you to do as you please."
"You are not our enemy," she replied faithfully. "Please, let me help you find her! I'll make sure you're not pursued. You can live in peace; I promise you that."
"Truly? Come with me then, Flayn is with a covert team to the West."
The realisation then sunk in. It was were Hubert and his team were travelling to investigate. She sprinted towards his Wyvern, climbing on behind him. "We need to hurry! We've already sent a strike force to intercept in that area!"
Seteth's brow furrowed anxiously, and without a moment's pause, he drove his Wyvern into the sky. From this height, she could survey the battlefield. It seemed the Empire was pushing the Church back, who were setting off explosives as a desperate measure to garner control. The battlefield was spread out among the rubble and fires on the suburbs. A thick, black smog filled the air, making it difficult to breathe properly.
"Are you sure we will be able to flee without being hunted by the Empire?" he shouted over the wind and rain.
"The troops will listen to me. For now. By the time Edelgard gets word of your escape I trust you will be far enough away to find safety. That is the best I can do," she replied, faltering through the searing pain in her chest.
She heard the whistle of arrows searing into the sky, at least at this range it was difficult for archers to be accurate.
"Alright, it seems the best chance we have – What?"
His sudden pause caused her to search the field. Then she saw it; a young girl with bright green hair, her body led motionless upon the earth. But the person she saw standing over her body sent a bold of dread down her spine; purple flames still hovering over his bloodied hands.
"Flayn! NO! PLEASE, NO!" Seteth screamed in agony at the sight of his fallen daughter.
Tears brimmed at Byleth's eyes, it was that feeling again – she same on she felt after her father's passing.
As soon as the creature touched the ground, she sprinted over to Flayn's body. Her footsteps sunk deep into the mud with each step, and as she closed in, she slipped and skidded, falling next to her. "Flayn!" she bawled. Not knowing what to do with her hands as she held her limp body.
She then felt overcome by anger. She stood, turning towards Hubert. His expression was that of shock, possibly even dread.
"YOU! What did you do?" she seethed, turning to face him directly. But before she could utter another word her reactions took over. She whipped out her blade, turning to block Seteth's axe which he swung violently towards Hubert. Normally she would have parried and pulled away, but the sheer force of his strike caused her to scream in agony, her would burning and catching her breath. It felt as though her chest had been torn to shreds. Their weapons cracked and creaked into each other as she grunted. The axe jammed between the teeth of her sword. Seteth's eyes were wild with rage, unrelenting and wracked with despair. With one final bout of energy, she swung her blade sideways, barely managing to counter his attack. The sword then fell from her hand, unable to muster the strength to hold it any longer.
A sputter of blood spilt from her mouth and she felt all her energy fade. She fell back into Hubert who caught her firmly, taking a few steps back to gather distance from Seteth. Hubert draped his cloak over her head to protect her from the pounding rain. Her eyes were barely focusing as her head led nestled upon his chest. Without much she could do to react, she merely watched with misery as Hubert's hand ignited with a beautiful violet flame.
But then something strange happened. There was a moment of silence. Hubert hesitated.
"If you leave with Flayn now, there is a small chance she can be saved," he said bitterly, holding Byleth closer into his arms. "However, if you take another step closer, I will make sure that neither of you draws breath."
"Flayn! She- she's alive?" Seteth stammered, lowering his weapon and running to her side.
"I made sure that the blow was not terminal, but I would not tarry, as my troops will be back shortly. This is not for your sake, so I suggest you do not linger before I change my mind. I'll be sending scouts after you come nightfall."
Through blurring vision Byleth watched Seteth carry Flayn to his Wyvern. She could barely think, but the relief was clear. She felt herself fading in and out of consciousness, unable to say anything.
"You made a fine mess of yourself," he whispered to the woman in his arms, grimacing as the wyvern's wings whipped up the air and cinders around them, taking flight.
