Part Two: Jade Tides
Pegasus Moon
Chapter Thirteen: First Push
After convincing Maira to return with them and repelling Those Who Slither in the Dark her former students escort her to Kapena to discuss a plan to finally drive the Kingdom and Empire away from the Western Church and start to reclaim Olaga's territory.
Kapena and the capitol building still amazed Maira even after all this time. As soon as they arrived she didn't have time to sightsee though, Finn escorted all of them into the War Room. Inside Maira saw some familiar faces, Lawe, Hukai, and Oceania were all already there waiting for their arrival.
"It's good to see you Maira." Lawe smiled as Maira took a seat.
"Yeah, Finn was right! When we heard he succeeded we were all ecstatic." Hukai said.
"A lot has happened since you left." Oceania informed Maira while studying her. "All of them have become Generals at this point and Finn has even taken over as Supreme Leader."
"Not that I have been able to do much." Finn lamented.
"Come on Finn. You did well bringing some stability back to the Meritocracy." Penina told him.
"And I didn't see the Empire's betrayal coming and I was working alongside them." Olaga agreed.
"We don't have time for a pity party Finn. How are we going to take the Western Church?" Atamai asked him.
"I thought I taught you to be somewhat more respectful." Oceania scolded Atamai to which he just rolled his eyes.
"It is a fair question Oceania." Finn said. "Penina, what are our options?"
"Well there are a few ways we can approach this. We can either send forces from here and march across the Brionac Plateau to engage in direct battle with both armies, we can divert troops from holding the line to trying to secure the Western Church, or we can push from the defensive line. All of which are extremely risky and will probably fail. The bottom line is that these lines don't give us enough advantages to defeat the Empire and Kingdom's larger armies." Penina informed them of their options.
"I would be inclined to send troops across the Brionac Plateau." Oceania told them.
"They would see us coming. I think if we push the line they can't hold us." Malosi said.
"But if we fail our entire defense fails. If we can covertly sneak some of our troops from the front lines and strike we might be able to get a win." Keola argued.
"We have been over all of this before." Kai told them all. "We can't take these risks. We just don't have the manpower. The only way is to somehow surprise them."
"But how can we surprise them? It is heavily fortified." Lawe asked.
Hukai looked at Maira and his eyes widened. He hit himself in the head and stood up.
"How could I forget?" he yelled.
"What is it?" Lawe asked.
"I didn't remember until I saw Maira." Hukai said. "Finn, there might just be a way to surprise the enemies."
"You have the floor Hukai." Finn said, very excited by a new idea.
"My plan hinges on one thing. Do you all remember the tunnels we trekked through to get to the Western Church?" Hukai asked.
"Hukai you are a genius!" Fiafia exclaimed.
"How did we forget about that?" Penina said.
"Hukai you might have just saved the Meritocracy." Finn smiled. "The tunnels should still be intact. By moving through them we can surprise the enemy and gain the upper hand."
"I will begin to coordinate our troops." Atamai got up and started to limp away.
"I am assuming that we can not send word of this to my people holding out in Vanguard territory." Olaga told Finn.
"I am sorry Olaga but yes. We can't lose the element of surprise here." Finn told her.
"I understand Your Majesty. I will go train our new soldiers. Malosi, Keola, you two are coming right?" Olaga asked.
"Of course Olaga. We will be right there." Keola gave her a half smile.
"Finn, at one point we must talk about the troubles we experienced getting our Professor back." Malosi told Finn.
"What troubles?" Oceania asked Finn.
"Come on guys. Let's leave this to them, we have a lot to do." Kai said while leaving with everyone besides Finn, Maira and Oceania.
"I ask again Finn, what problems?"
"We were followed by what appeared to be Those Who Slither in the Dark." Finn admitted.
"They were strong." Maira added. "But I thought that they were eliminated."
"It's very hard to kill pests." Finn said. "I don't think they are with the Empire though. After they were attacked they cut ties with them."
"They are resilient. After they were betrayed by the Empire they mounted a large attack." Oceania recalled. She sounded almost sympathetic. "Many of them know how to fake their own deaths though. It is possible they have just been biding their time."
"Then they are really the Empire's enemies. So why did they attack us?" Maira asked.
"Don't forget who your father was, Maira." Oceania warned her. "He killed Thales. Meaning you were probably their objective."
"Wonderful. Well I will leave you two to talk." Maira told Finn and Oceania.
"Alright. When you get a chance go visit Fetu. He will be able to show you to your room and fill you in on your role here." Finn ordered her.
"Alright. Until the war is over you will be living in this room." Fetu showed Maira to a grand room in the capitol building. "Finn refused to have you sleep with the soldiers. He said you were too important for that and that you earned your place here."
"I appreciate that." Maira said, feeling the walls of her room. "What have you been doing?"
"Unfortunately after the monastery fell Finn was somehow able to convince me to step up and become a General. I took over the central territory and worked very closely with Finn to suppress tension between Royalists and other groups." Fetu explained.
"So you haven't been acting?" Maira asked him.
"No but after the war Finn has promised to endorse an arts school in my territory." Fetu smiled. "When he told me that I agreed to become General."
"I'm very proud of you, Fetu." Maira smiled. "And I am happy to be back here with all of you."
"I'm happy you are back too. Lawe and Hukai are great and have been putting in a lot of work fighting with us. But we needed you." Fetu said.
"It is nice to be needed." Maira admitted. "Where are the training grounds, I need to start training again."
"They are in the courtyard. Just go down the stairs and past the reflection pool and you should find it no problem."
"Thank you Fetu."
When she got down to the training grounds she found Malosi and Kai sparring. They were both intensely focused on getting a win. Malosi was trying to slow down Kai with Whirlpool. As the water swirled around Kai Malosi focused his power into a blast of Fire. Kai seemed to be familiar with Malosi's tactics though because he was not falling for it. He kept his cool much better than Maira remembered him doing back in the Academy days and let the water rush over him. Despite that he shot off his arrow and hit Malosi, knocking him off balance and making him lose his focus. Kai then put 'Uhane away and pulled out his lance while rushing forward, not giving Malosi time to recover. He slashed and Malosi dodged backwards and summoned a blast of Fire which Kai deflected. Then Kai noticed Maira watching them.
"Hey Professor!" Kai smiled and put his lance away.
"Kai can you help me up?" Malosi asked.
"Of course Malosi." Kai put out his hand and lifted Malosi up.
"The two of you have gotten a lot stronger." Maira commented. "Kai, you have really grown into a more confident man."
"Thanks Professor." Kai blushed. "A lot of that came from necessity. When everything started to happen there weren't a lot of resources for my territory so I had to become more self reliant."
"Not to mention my tutelage of you. I helped you to know more about the paperwork and processes of General." Malosi boasted proudly.
"Yeah but you didn't help my confidence much. Keola really helped me to feel strong." Kai said.
"What are you talking about!?" Malosi was very offended.
"You constantly criticized me. Don't get me wrong, you were very helpful but also very critical."
"In any case it is nice to see that my students still worked together after the Academy to improve themselves." Maira interrupted before Malosi got too upset.
"Yeah, the two of them really helped me to stand on my own." Kai put his arm around Malosi. "When I really needed it they were there for me."
"Yes we really were." Malosi relented.
"So did you come out here to train Professor? I would love to spar with you." Kai offered.
"I was about to offer the same service Kai. Get behind me." Malosi pushed Kai out of the way.
"Why not both of you? The practice will be good." Maira smirked.
Malosi and Kai looked at each other and got their weapons ready.
After an intense workout with Malosi and Kai, Maira went to wash off the stink of battle. After coming from the showers she saw Oceania gazing out at the ocean from the balcony.
"Hello Maira." Oceania said while still facing the ocean.
"How did you know I was here?" Maira asked while joining her on the balcony.
"Where I come from it is common to sense power. And as someone that can wield Ultimus I can always sense your presence." Oceania explained.
"Where are you from?" Maira asked.
"The same place Finn came from. At least in part."
"Where is that?"
"You would be surprised." Oceania smirked but didn't say anything else. "I've known Finn for a long time."
"He is a good person. He just wants to do right by his people, and you." Maira told her.
"I suspect he also wants to do right by you. You mean a lot to him. He searched for you for years."
"I'm sorry I didn't come here earlier. I was just so lost." Maira admitted.
"You are here now Maira. That is the best we can ask for." Oceania told her.
"How did you meet him?" Maira asked.
"I honestly don't remember. It was so long ago, all I really remember is raising him." Oceania turned from Maira and focused on the sea.
"Well if you ever remember I would love to hear the story." Maira told Oceania while frowning.
"Isn't it a bit odd that she doesn't remember meeting someone so important to her?" Sothis asked Maira.
"She must have a lot on her mind." Maira told her.
"What was it Yuri said so long ago?" Sothis asked herself. "He trusted Finn, but he didn't trust Oceania. Be wary of her."
Oceania turned to Maira and for a brief second her face didn't seem to be her own, it had more of a scowl. Then it was her regular face. "The battle approaches." she stated. "I will go prepare for your sendoff, the old Emerald Sharks are in your care, along with Hukai and Lawe."
"Are you not joining us?" Maira asked.
"No, I must oversee what is going on here." she responded. "Someone has to make sure this place doesn't burn down in your absence."
"Well thank you for that, Oceania. I will make sure everyone returns safely."
"I hope that they will. Don't let Finn get too cocky though." Oceania winked.
After being reminded of the tunnels leading to the Western Church, Finn leads a small army through the tunnels to recapture the Western Church while the Imperial Vanguard and Kingdom of Faerghus are locked in intense battle.
"Your Highness, my scouts report that we are almost to the surface." Hukai bowed before Finn.
"What have I told you about bowing Hukai?" Finn sighed. "Lawe, how are the soldiers?"
"Ready for battle. A large portion can be attributed to General Ikairo. She was able to rally a lot of her people to fight." Lawe reported.
"It was nothing. My people and I are eager to prove ourselves and fight back." Olaga said seriously.
"It is something Olaga. You have my thanks." Finn thanked Olaga then turned to Penina and Fiafia.
"It's rough out there Finn." Penina told him.
"What do you sense General Lowan?" Lawe asked Penina.
Penina was clutching Manao and had her eyes shut. "There are a lot of people crying out for help. So much pain. Oh no."
"What is it?" Fiafia asked. She was holding Penina's hand and helping her focus.
"Edelgard is up there." Penina said which made the entire army groan. Everyone knew the danger Edelgard posed. "That isn't even the worst of it, I didn't think we would have to fight our old classmates."
This got Finn's attention. "Who is up there Penina?"
"On the Vanguard's side I can sense Duke Aegir, Reeva, and Nicole. On the Kingdom's side Violet, her mom, and Erika are all here." Penina informed them.
"I really don't want to fight our old classmates." Fiafia said.
"Neither do I. We all used to go to school together. It just doesn't seem right." Kai agreed.
"It doesn't to me either. But we have to win here. If you see any of them it is up to you whether you want to kill them or show them mercy." Finn told them.
"Are you sure that is the wisest course of action?" Atamai asked.
"Truthfully no. What I am sure of is that we need to defeat all enemy commanders. So we at least need to get everyone Penina listed off of the board. That should push all of them back." Finn ordered.
"I will start getting our first responders out. You rally the troops." Fetu said.
"Meritocracy soldiers!" Finn shouted. "Today we fight for the survival of this great nation. Our victory here will show all of Fodlan that we will not just roll over and take it. Raise your weapons and get ready to make history."
All of the soldiers cheered as Finn raised his new staff.
"Finn, where did you get that staff?" Maira asked.
"This is the relic that the Meritocracy got after all of the Hero's Relics were melted down. It only works for the Supreme Leader and grants me unbelievable strength."
"What is it called?"
"Grioavalr, it grants me the combat art Riptide."
"So it has similar properties as Ultimus."
"Yes it does. And we will need both of their power in order to win this next battle."
"Edelgard, we have a problem." Ferdinand reported.
"Has the Kingdom army pushed through our defenses?" Edelgard asked.
"No, there are soldiers emerging from the central church. They seem to be Naval Meritocracy soldiers and are led by Finn." Reeva informed Edelgard.
"Meritocracy forces! But how?" Edelgard asked. "We must crush them here! We can not allow them to get any farther, the future of Fodlan may depend on it."
"Understood. Reeva, stay close to me. As nobles it is…" Ferdinand was interrupted by his daughter.
"Our duty to protect and serve the Empire. I know Dad, just promise you won't cause yourself any problems. Mom told me to keep an eye on you."
"I have told your mother countless times that it is I who will look after you!" Ferdinand started to raise his voice.
"Ferdinand. Let's focus on the battle." Edelgard chided him. "If things get too dangerous I will not hesitate to retreat. We can not lose the two of you."
"There is no way we can lose. Not with Reeva von Aegir fighting." Reeva smiled proudly.
"Count Galatea! There are reports of Meritocracy soldiers coming from the central church. They seem to be fighting both sides at once!" a concerned soldier reported.
"How could the Meritocracy be attacking? I thought they didn't have the resources to attack?" Violet asked her mother.
"I don't know Violet. But we can not fail here, focus on the Imperial troops. The Meritocracy has fewer numbers, we can wipe them out after." Ingrid told the soldier.
"This could be our chance. We might finally be able to get the Western Church back to where it belongs." Violet smiled.
"It could be. We must move on Edelgard now." Ingrid told her daughter.
"Of course. For our King!" Violet started proudly.
"Violet! Be careful, I promised your father I would bring both of us back safely."
"I will be Mom!"
The Emerald Shark Squadron, which was the new name of the old Emerald Sharks and their delegates, emerged first. They had separated into four groups of three. Maira, Olaga, and Penina led the northern force. Finn, Atamai, and Keola led the eastern force. Hukai, Fiafia, and Kai led the southern force. And Lawe, Fetu, and Malosi led the western force.
Finn, Atamai, and Keola charged towards Reeva who was heading north to help Nicole. She was intercepted by the trio but had the numbers advantage thanks to the surrounding Imperial troops. Finn and Atamai took on the soldiers while Keola went wyvern to horse with Reeva. Finn was managing hordes of enemies with his intense water magic. Ke Kai was a very powerful water spell and it sent tons of water flooding the enemies and picking them off their feet. No soldier could stand up to that followed by Bolting, blasting the water with electricity and electrocuting all surrounding soldiers. Atamai was doing similarly well. From his horse he primarily cast Banshee Θ. The tentacles coming from the ground grabbed hordes of enemies and sent them into eternal darkness. Whenever any enemy got too close, Atamai would just blast them away with Miasma Δ. Reeva and Keola were locked in intense combat. Reeva would keep Keola at bay with Faith spells while Keola tried to close the distance with his wyvern. Finally Keola found his chance, he threw a hand axe at Reeva who had to shift her focus and knock it away with a blast of Nosferatu. This gave Keola the opportunity to knock Reeva off her horse and confront her.
"I have to admit." Reeva said while laying on the ground. "I didn't expect to see you guys."
"You expected us to just let the Kingdom and Empire have all the fun? No way!"
"I guess you have to take me out now, don't you?"
"No Reeva, I don't. If you retreat now then I can turn a blind eye."
"Fine, I can't help out much anymore anyways. Thank you for sparing me."
With that Reeva remounted her horse and fled.
"Go with the northern force to take on Nicole and Erika. I will start trying to take on Edelgard." Finn ordered.
"Understood." Atamai and Keola said while rushing off.
Violet and Ingrid had zeroed in on Kai as their biggest threat which was accurate because they were very vulnerable to bows. Because of this Kai had to leave to go assist the western force leaving just Hukai and Fiafia. Hukai was taking on Ingrid while Fiafia was dealing with Violet. Violet soared over Fiafia with her pegasus. This forced Fiafia to fight defensively, ducking every time she would come down to attack with her lance. Eventually Fiafia came up with a plan, she noticed that the pegasus had a chink in it's armor. So when Violet came down for another dive. Fiafia leaped above the lance and threw her sword, stabbing the pegasus through the armor which made it falter and fall to the floor throwing Violet forward.
"Come on Vi! I really don't want to fight you!" Fiafia whined.
"Neither do I Fi! War really is nasty, but I still have to fight." Violet complained.
"No you don't. If you leave right now then I would be more than happy to let you walk off."
"I'm sure Finn would be really happy with that."
"Of course he would. He gave us the option." Fiafia smiled.
"Really! Well, I can't do much with a fallen pegasus so I guess I have no choice. Watch out for my mom though." Violet smiled back before running off.
Hukai was trying to deal with Ingrid as quickly as possible but it wasn't easy. He willed his apukohai upwards to strike at Ingrid but she wasn't giving up easily. Hukai and Ingrid were exchanging blows between lance and axe high in the sky. Ingrid slashed at Hukai's head but he willed the apukohai downward and then came up on Ingrid's other side and rose higher before crashing down on Ingrid's pegasus with a swing of his axe sending the pegasus falling down with Ingrid on it. Hukai rescued Ingrid from the fall and landed on the ground.
"Why would you save me?" Ingrid asked.
"Are you kidding? Anyone who gives me a fight like that wins my respect. Though if you choose to keep fighting I will be forced to end you." Hukai responded.
"It seems that Violet has already retreated so I will go with her. I am sorry, my king." Ingrid said sadly.
After that Hukai and Fiafia rushed over to help Finn deal with Edelgard and Ferdinand.
Maira, Penina, and Olaga converged on Nicole and Erika while they were engaged in battle. The two were trading spells. While Nicole was attacking with Thunder and Thoron Erika responded with Cutting Gale and Excalibur. Both women were holding their own pretty well but were a little tired from their battling. Penina took on Erika while Olaga attacked Nicole and Maira attacked the surrounding soldiers. When Erika saw Penina she sent a blast of Cutting Gale soaring towards her which Penina countered with her own Cutting Gale creating strong winds blasting all around them and picking both of them off their feet. Because of Manao Penina knew that Erika was going to try to cast Excalibur and lock her in even more wind but Penina unsheathed her Levin Sword and sent a blast of lightning her way before she could cast the spell. The blast from the Levin Sword knocked Erika back twelve feet.
"So this is the end. For once I am at a loss for words." Erika said.
"It doesn't have to be the end, Erika." Penina healed her before her wounds became fatal. "Just shut your mouth and go. I can't bring myself to kill you."
"I will. Thank you for your kindness Penina. I appreciate it."
While Penina fought Erika Olaga was dealing with Nicole. Nicole knew she had to keep Olaga at bay with magic. So she kept on stalling with Thoron and sending large blasts of electricity at Olaga. One blast of Thoron connected directly with Olaga but Olaga stood her ground and started to march through the attack. She got close enough to Nicole to kick her legs out and place her arm on Nicole's throat.
"You are pretty strong Nicole." Olaga complimented her attacker.
"Not strong enough evidently." Nicole choked.
"No, a few seconds longer and I would have been toast. I can't kill someone who I want to rematch, now can I?" Olaga smiled.
"Why would you let me go?" Nicole was shocked.
"Like I said. One day, I want a rematch."
"You're on." Nicole said before disappearing.
Maira had just finished off a horde of soldiers that were giving her trouble when she saw Keola and Atamai heading their way.
"Finn must have gone to take on Edelgard by himself." Maira groaned.
"I can warp you pretty close to him." Penina offered.
"That would be great." Maira said as she was teleported close to Finn who was taking on Ferdinand and Edelgard with Hukai and Penina.
Finn was going one on one with Edelgard while the rest were attacking Ferdinand. Ferdinand was stronger than Maira originally thought. He was holding off the three of them pretty well. He knocked Fiafia away with his lance and then countered and pushed on Hukai while keeping his distance from Maira. But this dance didn't last forever. Maira did close the gap and threw Ultimus, knocking the lance away from Ferdinand, and leaped. Midair Ultimus returned to Maira but she just kicked Ferdinand off his mount and landed with Ultimus aimed at him.
"Reeva has already retreated. Go with her." Maira offered.
"It is my duty to fight till the end." Ferdinand started to argue.
"It is also your duty to raise your child. Believe me, no child wants their father to die so early." Maira started to get misty eyed.
"I was truly devastated to hear of Byleth's passing. I will accept and retreat for now. Thank you." Ferdinand said before retreating.
Meanwhile, Finn was trying to finish off Edelgard. It was a pretty even match. Finn's spells had been having little effect so he was forced to use Grioavalr. Edelgard was very quick for an axe using, heavy armor wearing, soldier. Her swings were alway precise and were as defensive as they were offensive. She was analyzing Finn's attack pattern. Finn was doing the same for her though. He wasn't telegraphing his next move and moved as quickly as he could to strike before Edelgard could collect herself completely. Then he came up with an idea. He dodged the next attack from Edelgard's axe and spun around sending Riptide's blast towards Edelgard and knocking her off guard before sending another blast and knocking her down. Right before he could end her he was knocked back by powerful magic.
"We must go." a man dressed in black warped in front of Edelgard.
"Thank you Hubert. You are right. We must retreat." Edelgard glared at Finn before she and Hubert warped away.
"Meritocracy troops raise your voices. Today we are triumphant!" Finn cheered and the whole Western Church erupted in cheering and celebration.