Chapter 14: The Red Canyon

Author's notes: Thank you everyone for your continued support and reviews! I have greatly enjoyed hearing from you!

RAX: I'm happy to hear that you liked the Dorathea and Caspar plot; I was wondering what had happened myself; but, at least here we have closure now! I'm glad you like my take on the certification exam. I didn't want to leave this part of the game out, but I also don't want to prolong it where it becomes boring. Yep, Dimitri's got the bad case of a crush and it's just going to go downhill from here! Muahaha! xD Ah, to explain why no one commented on Dimitri's flub...I just got exhausted from writing and wanted to post the chapter. But your review had inspired me and I went ahead and updated that bit in the chapter! Claude is soon going to be on the case as well! xD

NyanCat: I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the family bonding time. Indeed I want to do the father-daughter duo justice while they are still together! Oh, and Claude is going to feel like Christmas has arrived early once he figures out that both Dimitri and Edelgard are smitten with Byleth. He's definitely going to use it to his advantage. Also, there is a cat rescue sketch coming up in a later chapter that ends in a catly twist!

Osheana: Thank you for your review! :3 I'm glad you like how Jeralt can sense his daughter's emotions even though she cannot express it herself. I think its a true testament to their father-daughter bond. And indeed, with Dedue's help Byleth is going to have many lovely flowers to hand out. As for Claude, oh yes, he is going to be insufferable with his teasing once he catches wind of Dimitri's and Edelgard's crush for their professor.

sn: Hello! Thank you for your review. I think I'll do a couple of seminar classes like we have in the game. As for what Byleth's class will be, I'm not sure just yet. I'm going to see what naturally develops so that she can support her students.

Rahzel and Ryu: Thank you! I am happy to hear you like the chapter! That is a sweet idea for Byleth, Jeralt, and cats. I will definitely consider it as I have a Cat Rescue sketch coming up. I'll also give Bernadetta some thought. I am trying to sway her into the Blue Lions right now in my game. And as for Byleth's default outfit, I totally agree with your thoughts and am planning a cute/touching reason as to why she receives the outfit post-time skip that I hope you and other readers will enjoy! :3

Krystal501: I am happy to hear you like the addition of the dialogues and supports from the game. I feel like it's an important part of why I just love Fire Emblem! You really start to care for the characters. There will definitely be more Dorothea and Caspar in the future. Plus poor Dimitri trying to figure out his feelings for his professor! Thank you again for your review!

Rean-Belle: You got it! I hope you will enjoy the pressed flower part in this story :) Also I am happy to hear you like the extra tidbits as they are such a joy to write. Indeed, it's going to be as if Claude stumbled upon buried treasure once he finds out about the other two house leader's crushes...on the same person no less!

CielCial: Have no fear for more father-daughter duo will appear! Also, Dimitri may catch on to Edelgard's crush over the professor sooner than Claude! Also more Sylvain shenanigans to come as well! I hope you will continue to enjoy the story! :D

Dimitri tried to skidaddle, but he wasn't fast enough. "Now where are you going?" Came Sylvain's voice honeyed with impish delight. His warm hand clasped the prince's shoulder, ensuring that Dimitri wouldn't run off. "A coin for your thoughts?" Sylvain asked with a knowing smile.

"Oh, well...I am relieved we all passed our first certification exam and am going to go train with Dedue now," Dimitri stated innocently as he kept his gaze straight ahead. He knew that wasn't at all what Sylvain wanted.

"Okay," Sylvain rolled his warm cider brown eyes as he let go of the prince's shoulder. The sly student now walked besides Dimitri and Dedue. "Let me rephrase that, a coin for the thoughts you didn't share with the class?"

Dimitri's gait stiffened as he shook his head silently.

Sylvain sighed in slight exasperation. "Look, if you need to practice picking up ladies, come with me into town? I'm meeting a special lady today!" Sylvain's eyebrows began to wiggle up and down with excitement.

"How is this lady different from last week's special lady?" Dimitri asked with a raised brow and a slight frown at his childhood friend.

"Why Prince Dimitri," Sylvain gasped. "She is far more special in every way!" The redhead gushed, earning an eye roll for the prince. "Oh, her sweet smile, heartfelt laughs, and her plump delectably lips!"

As Dimitri carefully mulled Sylvain's words over, the image of Byleth popped into his mind. She had her usual daydreamy gaze and tilted her head slightly when she noticed his gaze. The very thought made him feel downright...scandalous! The prince silently chided himself as he wafted away the thought away. He held their professor in the highest of regard, indeed she stood upon a gleaming golden pedestal in his estimation. Plus, the prince had never seen Byleth smile nor heard her laugh, but her lips...Dimitri became acutely aware that Sylvain was watching him like a hawk, the corners of his mouth starting to curl. "Y...You've mistaken the whole situation Sylvain," Dimitri huffed as he hastened his pace.

"The redness of your ears state otherwise!" Sylvain hollered at Dimitri's quickly retreating back. "Oh well, more pretty ladies for me." The young man shrugged as he headed off to the front gates of Garreg Mach monastery. He would begin counting down the days until the prince would finally came to him for romance advice. Until then Detective Sylvain would investigate who it could be to cause Dimitri to get so flustered.

Meanwhile, in his quiet office, Jeralt gave his diary one last look. His warm honey brown eyes gazed fondly down at a dried white stargazer lily that had been pressed between two blank pages. Suddenly there was a purposeful knock came at Jeralt's door. No doubt it was Seteth delivering the briefing for the mission. "Come in," the captain prompted as he returned the diary back into the drawer.

However, it was not Seteth for Rhea quietly glided in. "Jeralt," she greeted in her musical voice, though there was a tone of wariness hidden within. She closed the wooden door gently behind her before she finally asked, "May I please talk to Byleth." A hint of yearning woven into her request.

"Absolutely not," Jeralt replied curtly. All formal pretense he had shown Rhea in the public eye had evaporated.

"But...I am her grandmother," Rhea pleaded gently with her hands clasped in front of her.

"And I am her father!" Jeralt rose from his desk. An anger he had been able to repress for years finally surged forth like a breaking tidal wave. "And until you finally tell me what happened that night, you shall not talk to Byleth anymore than your duty as Archbishop."

Rhea was silent, but her face remained calm as she studied the captain.

Meanwhile, Jeralt sighed and rubbed his face wearily. "Why do you refuse to tell me?"

"It is information I have sworn to protect," Rhea responded with a gentle shake of her crowned head.

Jeralt huffed as he placed his hands on the desk and leaned forward as he uttered in a low voice, "I have seen the limitations on your ability to protect Rhea. You were unable to protect your daughter from being kidnapped, her blood nearly drained, and Byleth almost taken out of her." The memories of that terrible scene that met Jeralt on his return from a mission threatened to engulf the captain once again like a dark endless whirlpool. He slumped back into his chair for stability and he watched Rhea slide onto the nearby couch, her face pale at the memory.

"You let her die when I know very well you could have saved her. You could have saved her like you did me…" Jeralt's voice nearly cracked as his heart strained against the weakly healed scabs of time. "And then again you failed to protect when the Byleth's nursery was 'mysteriously' engulfed in flames."

"I will not be talked to in such a manner," Rhea snapped like a viper, her tranquil demeanor beginning to crack against the flood terrible memories Jeralt was forcing her to relive. "I loved my daughter, just as much as I love Byleth!" The Archbishop countered passionately as a tormented expression pained her usual placid face.

"Then love her in silence until you offer us the truth," Jeralt stated with such finality that Rhea just rose from the couch and swept out of the room, slamming the door in her wake.

The Archbishop then briskly fled to the third floor. She couldn't reveal to Jeralt her true nature, of why there were those keen on her family's blood. Should Jeralt ever be caught by the enemy, they would surly torture him for information. He would already reveal that Rhea had given her his blood to save him from the brink of death, and as such he has lived a long life...far too long of a life for a mere mortal. Suddenly Rhea felt like the massive stone walls were pressing in on her. She felt like she was suffocating and needed fresh air. Quickly the Archbishop strode to her little area of serenity. The outlook upon where she quietly observed Garreg Mach, and beyond. From her balcony she watched Byleth leave Garreg Mach Monastery with one of her students. Her own granddaughter, so close to her again, yet completely out of reach. Rhea knew that if she approached Byleth, Jeralt would find out, and the two would leave her again, this time surely to never return.

"Mother...why is everything so difficult." Rhea whispered to the wind. "I know what I did was wrong, but I had to save the babe. Yet as I feigned the role of Goddess, my hubris doomed her to such a fate. I know not how to make things right without risking everything." Rhea sighed as she gazed up at the midday sun. "I wish you were here to guide me."

Earlier that day, as class ended, Byleth retreated back to her room to retrieve enough coin for a new sword. It was as she was opening her door that Ashe's knuckles were about to meet her face.

"Oh Professor!" Ashe gasped as he nearly knocked upon Byleth's forehead. "Beg pardon, I...I was just about to knock!" 'Oh wow why did I just say that? It was obvious what you were doing Ashe!' He chastised himself internally before noting that his professor just dreamily shook her head, making him feel less anxious about his blunder.

"Is everything okay?" Byleth asked she closed her door.

"Ah, well," Ashe began as he took a step back. "I was wondering if you would like to go with me into town. I wanted to buy my siblings gifts to mail home, and I remembered your sword's a bit broken."

"I can still stab with it," Byleth remarked with a poker-face.

Ashe blinked at her, then chuckled pleasantly as he remarked, "I can imagine!"

While his professor still looked daydreamy at his response, Ashe felt that she appreciated his laughter. She then added, "Let's be off." And the two walked in comfortable silence over to the main gate before Byleth stated, "I didn't know you have siblings."

"Ah, yes, I have a little sister and brother," Ashe explained as the portcullis rose. "We were all adopted by Lord Lanato."

He could see the professor gave him a questioning glance from his periphery. But she appeared to think better of it for she remained silent. "I know what you want to ask, Professor and I don't mind telling you," Ashe remarked as the pair continued down the well worn dirt road towards the bustling town below. "My parents owned a little restaurant in Gaspard, the southern region of the Kingdom. It was pretty successful, we had travelers from all over the kingdom and even from the empire stop in for our family's well known comfort food. But then the plague came…" Ashe paused at this as he recalled those dark times. "My father began to cough. At first it was an innocent cough, nothing to cause us concern. But then he coughed more throughout day and it was from deep within his chest...with blood. We then heard the news that a plague had been spreading from the north. As a busy restaurant, any visiting traveler could have brought it all the way down to the south. But it wasn't just my father, I noticed more people in town were having the same cough, many of them looked tired and pale. Slowly there were less people out and about and the only place that became busy, was the graveyard. Soon, we were burying my father...and then mother began to cough..."

He felt a gentle warm hand rest upon his shoulder. He looked to see that Byleth had been watching him, her dark steel blue eyes full of concern. "Here," the professor gently prompted as she held up a delicate ivory handkerchief.

Ashe blinked, and as he did so, warm tears slipped down his cheek. "Oh, I didn't even realize...thank you Professor." The smokey-haired student said kindly as he dabbed the silken handkerchief at his eyes. Ashe had been so consumed in his own memories, that didn't even realize that tears had welled up in his bright lime green eyes. "Heh," he chuckled dolefully, "By now I thought I would have stopped crying over it. I'm sorry Professor, I didn't mean to get all emotional."

He then felt Byleth's hand grip his shoulder and her turned to see her gaze seriously at him. "Never apologize for being able to show your heart," Byleth remarked as her eyes earnestly searched his.

Ashe's overbright eyes widened as he heard the words Byleth didn't say...couldn't express. That there were those who were unable show their heart no matter how much they wished too. "I...yes...you're right, Professor," Ashe nodded as he made a fist around the ivory handkerchief.

Byleth nodded fervently as she let her hand slip from Ashe's shoulder and hang again at her side. They had just walked into the bustling village as the dirt road turned into smooth cobblestone. "What are you getting your siblings?" Byleth asked Ashe as they entered an even busier marketplace. Shopkeepers tempted buyers with enticing aromas of fresh baked goods, while stall owners showed off their various wares to curious shoppers.

"Well, there this special sweet shop just up ahead. Look there it is!" Ashe chirped with excitement as he lead the professor to a modest looking shop. Byleth was confused by Ashe's bubbling excitement, until she took a step inside. The venue was wildly colorful and filled to the ceiling with an assortment of sweets; from brightly colored hard candies to caramel coated apples, and everything in between. Byleth's head was practically spinning as her eyes roamed around the shop. She wanted to try a little bit of everything and eagerly stuffed her hand into her pockets to grab a fistful of coins when she recalled why she was shopping in the first place. The sense of responsibility, that had been engraved into her at a young age, won. Byleth released her grip upon the coins in her pocket and strode out of the tempting shop. This did not go unnoticed by lime green eyes.

"Um, sorry, but can I add one more thing to this purchase?" Ashe quickly asked the shopkeeper. He then found his professor leaning against the side of the shop, watching the various people walk by. "Here, for you, Professor," Ashe prompted as he held out a little bag filled with various hard candies.

Byleth's eyes widened as the bag was plopped into her outstretched hands. "Thank you," the young woman replied.

Ashe's was certain that the corners of her mouth lifted just ever so slightly. Grinning now, Ashe stated with a clap of his hands, "Now let's go find you a new sword!"

They peered about as they continued on into the bustling marketplace, until finally a large blacksmith workshop loomed up ahead. A keen and sturdy middle aged woman appeared to be the proprietor as she exchanged a handsome gleaming shield to a mercenary in exchange for what appeared to be a heavy purse of coins. She had an assortment of weapons and armor on display as workers tended to the steaming forge and heavy anvil deeper inside the shop. Byleth perused the section of swords, quite fascinated by the variety available. But all she needed was a simple steel sword, or so Byleth thought until her eyes fell upon a gleaming silver sword that practically made the young woman drool in hunger. She picked the blade up, noting its light weight and fine edge. Not that Byleth would try it, but this blade would definitely slice right through a thick tree truck. Then the young woman's eyes fell upon the price tag, and her mouth went dry.

"Why don't you buy it?" Ashe inquired curiously when he noticed his professor freeze up. Byleth slowly showed him the price tag to which Ashe could only murmur, "Oh goddess." As his eyes widened at the price.

"All sales are final," spoke up the keen eyed proprietress before she shifted her gaze to keep watch over other shoppers.

Ashe studied the shopkeeper and then commented loudly, "Come now Professor." The proprietress's ear wiggled at the name. "Surely we can find better priced weapons back at the Monastery." The student heard the shopkeeper scoff at the remark, though she then tried to pass it off as a cough. "I know you need a supplier to keep us students well stocked for our battles," Ashe continued now noting that the proprietress was watching them with great interest. "But you can establish yourself with a closer venue."

"Alright, hold it right there," the shopkeeper finally spoke up as she strode over to the pair. "If you're looking for the finest weapons without having to go directly to the heart of either the Kingdom, Empire, or Alliance territory, then my shop is the place to buy. And, I don't normally do this but as a first time customer, I'll lower that price on the Silver sword, a one time deal. But you'll be back once you've seen just how excellent our craftsmanship is." She stated confidently as she folded her arms across her chest.

Byleth nodded as she exchanged her coins for the sword. Her fingers now itched for battle with the new blade strapped to her side. "Thank you again Ashe," the professor remarked as they began to head back.

"Why it didn't take much other than a few well chosen words to make her realize you were a great investment," Ashe smiled before he let out a surprised gasp. Quickly he strode to a nearby stall which had all sorts of obscure trinkets, vials, and accessories spread out on a purple velvet clothed table. The young man had reached out for an old navy blue leather bound book.

"Something caught your interest love?" Asked the shopkeeper. She was a young woman who may have been around Byleth's age. She had dark magenta hair that was swept up into a side ponytail, leaving well styled bands and tendrils of hair to frame her keen dark magenta eyes.

"Indeed I am!" Ashed remarked in delight as he cradled the book lovingly in his hands. "I had no idea they sold this book around here. I haven't seen this one for ages!"

"You've got excellent literature taste," the shopkeeper replied with a playful wink that made Ashe blush. "You should stop by more often. I get all sorts of unique finds."

Curious, Byleth leaned over to peer at the book. Noticing her interest, Ashe held it up for the professor to see. 'Loog and the Maiden of Wind,' the young woman read. Why did that name sound familiar? She then recalled that Ingrid and Ashe had mentioned a King Loog on their way to the campsite.

"It's a well known tale of chivalry in Faerghus," Ashe explained with a bright smile. "Loog is the King of Lions and this book is full of his exciting adventures." The young man beamed fondly down at the books as it were an old friend. "I've loved this since I was a kid. It was what got me excited to learn how to read."

Suddenly a tall man was at Ashe's side. He was slightly out of breath and his pale blue eyes were fixed upon the book in Ashe's hand. "Gimme that book!" He growled through gritted yellowed teeth. Without another warning, the man snatched the book right out of Ashe's hands and sprinted off.

"Hey!" the merchant cried out. "Somebody catch that thief! Cut him in half like my prices!" she shouted as she shook her fists in outrage.

Byleth was about to unsheath her silver sword, her right hand itching to test it upon the thief. But instead she withdrew her dagger that had been concealed under her skirt by a strap on her thigh. She held it aloft taking aim at the back of the thief's neck, noting that he must be a greenhorn as he didn't even zigzag in his escape; his mistake, for now he was an easy target.

Suddenly a warm hand gently stayed her arm. "Please Professor," Ashe begged with pleading lime green eyes.

"What're doing kid!" The merchant cried out angrily.

"Please, ma'am. Please calm down," Ashes remarked as his soothing voice tried to relax the shopkeeper's nerves.

The merchant frowned as she pointed an accusatory finger at Ashe. "No, you calm down kid! If he gets away with that valuable merch it'll be a huge loss for me!"

"Then here, please allow me to compensate you," Ashe replied as he handed over one gold coin and a few silver ones.

Byleth was confused at Ashe's actions while merchant's jaw nearly dropped onto her sales table. "Are you serious kid?" She remarked as her pointed finger went limp to her side. "I mean, I have no objection, but...that's just crazy!"

"Don't you worry, that thief will be paying me back, just as soon as I catch him," the young remarked without breaking his kind smile.

"Ashe?" Byleth questioned as he turned to follow the thief.

"Professor, you head on back to the monastery. I'll take care of everything here!" And before Byleth could argue, Ashe had taken off down the street after the thief.

"Well…" the shopkeeper sighed. "He is a good kid."

"Yes," Byleth replied fondly, the corners of her mouth slightly lifting again.

"I'm Anna, by the way," the merchant introduced as she extended a hand out to the young woman.

"Byleth Eisner," the young woman replied as she shook the receptive hand.

"Ohhhh, you must be the new Professor at the Officer's Academy. And Eisner...Eisner...where have I heard that name before?" Anna tapped her lower lip in thought before she just gave a shrug. "Anyway, please come again to my shop. I am sure to have other helpful items next time!"

Byleth nodded and was making her way back to the monastery, her thoughts on Ashe and hoping she made the right choice in letting her student go after the thief alone. The professor kept ruminating on that thought until another familiar voice made her pause. A young man's voice that came from the other side of a green bushy hedge.

"You think I'd cheat?" Gasped Sylvain's voice in almost a theatrical quality as he punctuated his remark with just the right amount of hurt. Byleth couldn't see her student, but she could imagine his face and the well controlled expression that flitted upon it.

"On you baby doll? Why I would never!" His shocked tone expertly became sweeter as he added, "Come on, you should know me better than that as you're the only one for me. But," Sylvain gave a well timed deep sigh, "if you don't believe me…" there was a dramatic pause before his tone turned accusatory. "Oh, ohhhh, I get it, I'm suddenly not your type now so you want me to introduce you to other guys who have a Crest, who are all nobles, just like me, hmmm?"

"What?!" Stammered a dainty feminine voice that was completely flabbergasted at the roller coaster of emotions Sylvain had just put her through. "That isn't...why I'm….you!" She stammered as she was no doubt overwhelmed by now.

"Hey now, I just want you to be happy. You know, get what you're after." Sylvain added as female sniffles reached Byleth's ears. "I hate seeing a girl cry, especially one as beautiful as you." Sylvain's voice was lower now...almost tender in speech. "So, you know, maybe we can…"

"You're the worst Sylvain!" The young woman screeched before stomping off.

'Oh my…' Byleth thought and she turned to make her own quick escape, when she was caught red handed.

"Oh, hello Professor. Enjoy spying on people?" Sylvain's cool voice came from behind her.

'Dammit,' Byleth cursed before turning to face her student.

Sylvain had his arms crossed over his chest as he lifted an inquisitive brow. "You look like you've got something to say, so go ahead, say it. I can take it." The redhead stated as he braced himself against the usual tirade from an authoritative figure.

"What's the point?" Byleth remarked with a shrug.

"Huh?" Sylvain gawked, confused at this unusual response.

But Byleth just shook her head and walked right past her student. Leaving him to stare at her as his arms felt limp to his side.

"Hey!" Sylvain cried out as he hurried after his professor. "I really do hate seeing a girl cry, you know." He stated once he caught up to her brisk pace. But, Byleth just shrugged again without comment. So Sylvain tried another tactic. "Come on, it's hard on me too!" However, his remark was met with silence as the continued to walk. 'Hmmm,' the redhead thought to himself and quickly scanned the crowd around, checking if Jeralt was in sight. Nope? Alright! "Professor," Sylvain started in his honeyed tone. "It's okay it you want to console me. I happen to have some exquisite tea back in my quarters and I heard you love tea. Maybe you can come by and we can chat about love?" Sylvain wiggled his eyebrows.

Byleth came to a halt and stared up at her student. At first Sylvian couldn't read her at all, but then he focused on her eyes and saw a disappointment looking right back at him. His heart tightened at the very thought she had of him.

Byleth turned her gaze away from him and resumed her brisk pace. "Ah! Professor!" Sylvain cried out and caught up with her again. "It was only a joke!" He stated with a slight plead in his voice.

"Terrible joke," she stated impassively.

"Like you would know," Sylvain grumbled. "You've no sense of humor," he added testily.

"I know what's funny," Byleth replied in such a deadpanned manner that Sylvain wasn't sure whether to laugh or roll his eyes. "Also, you're on stable duty with Ashe," the young woman stated.

"What!...Why?" Sylvain stammered in dismay.

"You can learn from him," Byleth replied.

"Oh yeah, like what?" Sylvain huffed indignantly as he crossed his arms tightly over his chest.

"Everything," Byleth stated simply.

"Professor...is this punishment for earlier?" Sylvain asked as they reach the gates of Garreg Mach.

"Part of it," replied woman replied cryptically before leaving a dumbfounded Sylvain at the entrance of the monastery.

As Byleth nearly reached her room, she was met by Ingrid, who seemed slightly out of breath. "I finally found you Professor!" She exclaimed. "Report just arrived that the bandits have been cornered in Zanado, the Red Canyon, and that we've been given permission to depart."

The young woman nodded at the news. "Ingrid, round up your classmates and tell them to get ready for battle. We head out once everyone is accounted for."

Ingrid nodded her golden haired head and gave her professor a determined look before she quickly departed. Byleth momentarily watched her go before she slipped into her room. The professor quickly changed into her usual mercenary outfit, which now sported the sheathed silver sword at her hip. Her Blue Lions awaited her, each wearing their new armor and had upgraded their weapons based on their new class. Geared up in their new soldier outfits, Ingrid, Sylvain, and Dimitri now huddled together comparing their lances and javelins. Dedue was testing out his large heavy axe with great powerful arcs. Nearby Annette stood watching, and though she was dressed in the dark blue lightweight gown of a monk, the young woman had a sizable hatchet strapped to her belt. Felix wore the same mercenary armor as Byleth, though his was obviously newer and shinier than hers. Byleth was also relieved to see that Ashe was amongst them and he appeared unharmed as he tested out his new bow. But something was amiss. "Where is Mercedes?" The professor asked, noting that the young woman was not in the crowd.

"I'm here! I'm here," the healer cried out as she rounded the nearby corner. Mercedes was adorned in her new white and red embellished monk outfit. Her cream colored long hair spilling over her shoulder.

Byleth nodded and waved to her students to come closer. "This battle will be our first true test," the professor began as he steel blue eyes scanned her students' faces.

Felix crossed his arms over his chest, "Hmph. We're just fighting common thieves, right? I don't expect much of a challenge."

"Then don't take any unnecessary risks to make it so," Byleth remarked as she stared Felix down. Her gaze made the young man shift his weight onto his other leg as he conceded an understanding nod.

Ashe the piped up, "We certainly can't allow those underhanded thieves to get away. Let's work together and do our best to take them down!"

Byleth nodded at her student's words. "Watch your partner's back," she stated as a sea of heads exchanged glances with their respective companion.

Annette then chirped, "Well, a real battle is a great opportunity to see how far we've come."

Mercedes looked at her dear friend and nodded. The healer than added, "True. The mock battle was a success. We'll be fine so long as we stay the course."

Byleth could feel that her students were quite at ease with the whole situation. So why couldn't she shake off this odd feeling coiling itself in the pit of her stomach? "So much excitement, but I hope everything turns out all right." She remarked, not realizing that the prince was now at her side.

Upon hearing the professor's remark, Dimitri naturally wanted to assuage her concern. "Perhaps we are a bit overly excited, but we will have the knights on our side. All should be well Professor." The prince stated calmly with a confident nod.

Sure enough, Dimitri's words soothed the coil of tightness that was making Byleth feel tense. "Yes, you're right," the young woman replied gratefully with a nod. But something about the professor made the prince pause...something was different about Byleth. Then his icy blue eyes widened as he noticed that the corners of the young woman's mouth were slightly curled; the prince had never seen the expression before upon her! He was about to open his mouth when the whinny of horses stole everyone's attention. A few eager squires lead horses to the Blue Lions class, allowing the students to select a steed for the trek to the Red Canyon. Behind the squires was a group of knights already clothed and armed for battle. The journey began quietly, as it appeared each student was lost in their own thoughts as the hooves clipped clopped over the dirt path.

'Byleth, a warning,' Sothis voice piped up in the young woman's mind. 'The power I wield over the hands of time is limited.'

Byleth tightening her grip upon the reins. 'Duly noted,' she simply responded. The young woman could feel that Sothis wanted to say more, but decided not to as she faded back into the recesses of professor's mind.

The prairie terrain slowly became rockier, the horses' hooves crunched on the rocks underfoot. Even the vegetation began to lessen the closer they drew near to the rocky canyon. Gashes into the ground causing boulders of various shades of brown to jut out. The air was dry and the sounds of animals were less frequent, save for a circling group of scavengers flying high above them. The canyon seemed simply that until the class collected upon a crag overlooking the deeper levels of the canyon below. The young woman's eyes widened as she took in the vast and intricate ruins of what appeared to be once a great city chiseled into the rocks. The city was now in various stages of decay as surely once magnificent stone obelisks, temples, and bridges now laid crumbled from the ravages of time.

She could feel Sothis perk up again in her mind. 'This place feels so familiar,' Sothis remarked and Byleth agreed for there was a vague sense of nostalgia, which was odd for a place the professor was sure she had never been too. And why was it called the red canyon? There was nothing red about it from what the young woman could see.

'Maybe it's metaphorical?' Sothis added as she viewed the scenery with Byleth. 'Hmmm…' Sothis hummed soothingly. 'I daresay I would have ever forgotten a place like this. But, I feel these fleeting feelings of joy and sorrow. Of pain and love...and everything in between.' Byleth paused at Sothi's remarks and tried to feel for the emotions that had just described, but nothing moved her like it seemed sway Sothis. 'I wonder what had taken place here,' Sothis added softly before she sighed quietly into Byleth's mind. 'Maybe one day...one day I will remember all that I have lost…'

Dimitri's sudden voice tore Byleth out of her reverie, "Look over there below us!" There at the ground level appeared to be a collecting group of armed people desperately searching for a way out of the ruin's labyrinth. "That must be the thieves that were driven back."

From their viewpoint, a quick and direct path towards the bandits was within reach. If they could make their way down without being spotted, they could outmaneuver and even flank the bandits. However, if the enemy caught wind of their location, then no doubt they would try to bulldoze the students down on the hazardous craggs. Plus one wrong step down the path and one of her students could very well fall to their death. Byleth did not like this option, but the longer they waited to survey other routes, the more time they gave the bandits to find a way to escape.

"Alright, but be careful of your footing and remain quiet." Byleth stated as she slipped off of her horse. Her student's quietly followed as the knights lead the horses out of sight. The professor leaned a hand against the wall, ensuring that her body tilted away from the sheer drop on her left. Copying her example, Annette, Dedue, and Ashe cautiously followed suit. Signaling to the soldiers Ingrid, Sylvain, Felix, Mercedes, and Dimitri started down the steep path. They continued undetected and Byleth felt herself sigh with relief.

"Huh?" Sylvain remarked as dirt sprinkled onto his shoulder. The young man looked up, just in time to see a large boulder teetering dangerously along the stony edge above them. Then it slipped, and came rolling down, gaining speed as it hurtled towards his comrades. "Watch out!" He warned, grabbing Ingrid's arm and pulling her close to him. And it was just in time for the boulder rammed right through the path where Ingrid had been standing. "Whew," Sylvain sighed with relief, though he noticed Ingrid still hugged him tightly as she stared down the new precipice with wide eyes. "Hey? You okay?" Sylvain asked with a little bit of worry in his voice. Ingrid quickly let go of him and nodded, without looking at him.

The Blue Lions were now split into two as a gaping hole through the path separated them. Byleth paused with the lower her group of Ashe, Annette, Dedue. Meanwhile, Dimitri was with the group above - Ingrid, Felix, Sylvain, and Mercedes. "We'll find another way down!" The prince called as his team quickly retraced their steps back up. The hairs on the back of Dimitri's neck gave him the uneasy sense that the boulders did not just naturally decide to tumble down at that moment. But the plateau appeared calm as they had left it and the knights were a little distance away with the horses corralled. "Come, quickly!" Dimitri commanded to the back up unit in a forceful tone that made his childhood friends exchange looks as they hurried after the prince.

"Do you think that boulder was pushed?" Sylvain asked as they ran along the edge of the chasm searching for another path down.

"Well, I have a suspicion, but that doesn't matter now, we need to regroup or our friends will be outnumbered," Dimitri answered swiftly as he just couldn't shake off a twisting feeling that all was not well below.

His words caused Felix's orange tiger eyes to widen as he realized Byleth, Ashe, Annette, and Dedue were now stuck halfway down the canyon with no way of turning around. If the bandits had taken notice, which they surely would have after that clamor the boulder made, then the other team may very well be fighting for their lives without any back up.

"Look there!" Ingrid stated as she pointed to another path at the western edge.

"Make haste, but be sure footed!" Dimitri warned his group as they quickly descended.

Then an echo reached their ears. "She's the Ashen Demon!" it screamed.

"There they are!" Sylvain pointed ahead as they passed around the next hurdle of ruins.

"Oh no!" Mercedes cried out at the sight that reached her worried eyes.

The crumpled figure of Ashe laid still at Byleth's feet as she stood protectively over him. The pair were being encircled by the group of bandits; as if they were a hungry pack of wolves snapping and barking at every angle while the young woman made them reel back with a swipe of her sword. But what was worse, was that their professor held her sword in her left hand, her right arm limp...as an arrow protruded out of back.

More rambling notes from the Author:

Gasp! Twist! xD I hope you are enjoying the battle so far. In the next chapter will discover what had happened to Byleth's group!

Also a deviation into non-canon storyline development based on Jeralt's and Rhea's conversation. After reading more about Those Who Slither and Rhea's backstory, I want to weave in another layer into this fanfiction. I also feel that at least in the Blue Lions route Rhea deserves more of a back story, explanation, and a chance for redemption. So I'm going to reveal Rhea in a different light and I hope you will enjoy it!

(DISCLAIMER) I do not own nor claim to own any of the Fire Emblem Franchise, Intelligent Systems Co., and Nintendo's exceptional work. It is from the team's own brilliance…my additions are from my own madness.