This chapter is loosely based on Chapter 3 of Fire Emblem: Three Hopes, and Edelgard's endgame ship is revealed here, though it was actually implied in Chapter 7 if you had paid attention. This chapter introduces one of my favorite characters, but unfortunately, they weren't utilized enough in three hopes; they don't really have many supports, so if Monica comes off as being out of character in later chapters, that's why - I don't have much to work with.

chapter 9 Black Eagles the rescue of Monica von Ochs

In the abandoned fortress of the former Iron King Thieves.

It was dark and gloomy. She had lost count of how many days it had been since she had last stepped outside. She was on the verge of graduation when she was kidnapped. She didn't know where she was or who had taken her. She was scared. The possibility of her death was high, and her chances of survival were nonexistent. Monica couldn't bring herself to give up.

The one thing everyone who knew her recognized was her dark red hair and red eyes. She was known for having a great memory and she suspected this was why she was targeted. She heard footsteps and recognized this woman, the same woman who had terrorized her and tormented her every day. Her skin complexion was white; she looked like a zombie from a nightmare, with orange hair and revealing clothing.

"Oh my dear little Monica, how is your day today?" Kronya asked cruelly this woman was a sadist. Monica knew this; she enjoyed torturing her victims. What perplexed her was why she was still alive?"She did not say anything. "your defiance is adorable." Kronya said the creature knew in her eyes she was terrified. "Do you have any idea what kind of fate I had in store for you?"

"You're no fun, enjoy what little time you have left, you pathetic beast" Kronya said, disappointed that she didn't get the entertainment she wanted. Monica made a sigh of relief; she didn't know how much longer she could endure these torturous sessions. It would only be a matter of time before she he does something horrific to her. She had heard rumors of what Cornelia, the woman who she used to be, prior to disappearing for a month. Could that be what's going to happen to her? The idea terrified her. Would they really be wearing her skin as a piece of clothing? She shivered. A quick death would be preferable than having herself slowly devoured.

"I wish I could have seen you one last time, Edelgard, and told you how much you mean to me." Monica was resigned to her fate. It would be a miracle if she would ever see Edelgard again, but if she somehow survived, she would never be helpless again.

She didn't know if the goddess would answer, but she prayed and hoped beyond hope that the goddess would answer if she existed.

It had been three days since they left the monastery. It was mostly in silence, they and the Rocky Mountains. There was some grass on the road but barely anyone said anything since they left the monastery. Marianne couldn't help but feel something in the air. Edelgard the way she carried herself, she was in a hurry; she was extremely worried about something. She was riding alongside Byleth, Dote, and Sora, who were not happy and could feel the tension in the air and the darkness. She hoped she wasn't the cause of it. She told herself she couldn't appear weak in front of Byleth or her friends. She didn't want him to regret having her transfer there. She had to learn a lot even in a short time, feeling more confident than she ever had before, wondering if Hilda is okay? She's worried about her. This is the longest time that she'd ever spent not seeing her; it made her uncomfortable. Hilda is her best friend, her friend since childhood. She hoped nothing happened to her on her mission. Byleth was looking at her in concern when they were out of earshot from the others. He spoke.

you okay Mari?" Byleth asked .

"I'm worried about Hilda." She answered.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about her. She's much stronger than she appears. She has reliable friends in the Golden Deer Naruto being one of them. I think she's in good hands." he said to reassure her. It didn't.

"You don't have to hide anything from me. I'm here for you, Mari. You don't ever have to hide anything from me." she felt like she could trust him. She didn't know why.

"It's just so new to me. I just don't want to be a burden on anyone." nothing was said for a few moments until he responded.

"You're not a burden to me, Hinata and Bernadetta are happy that you're their friend. I think Hilda is too." he wanted to say more, but they couldn't because the group caught up.

"We will camp here for the night. We should reach our destination the day after tomorrow. Even though our mission is urgent, we don't want to be too exhausted to become easy targets. Rest is essential for any warrior."

Everyone got off their horses and started setting up their tents. She knew she wouldn't have any time alone with Byleth; he had his own tent, so she went where Bernadetta was. Everyone was required to share a tent.

"You're not going to where Hinata is?" asked Marianne.

"Marianne saw Hinata enter Edelgard's tent."

It must be something important if she's going to in Edelgard tent tonight.

"Do you mind if I join in?" asked Ingrid, who joined the Black Eagles right after she did.

"Of course we don't mind," Marianne said, looking at Bernadetta.

"I don't know; she kind of broke down my door." Marianne remembered that it happened after they won the mock battle almost single-handedly. She felt bad for her, but she understood Ingrid didn't mean anything malicious.

"I'm really sorry about that," Ingrid apologized apologetically.

"I wish I could believe you, but it's just no offense, you're scary when you do that." The Ingrid looked down, ashamed.

"It's alright. I forgive you, just don't do it again." Bernadetta said, hoping to diffuse the situation.

"Where's your Pegasus?" Marianne asked.

"Oh, Grian. She's laying down. I've been flying all day. She hasn't had a chance to really fly in a long time, at least freely." Marianne saw her Pegasus once. She thought she was beautiful.

"I'm glad you're friends with Hinata. I was afraid there'd be tension between you," Marianne said, knowing about her feelings towards Naruto. "My feelings are complicated. Marianne understood all too well the she feels about Byleth and she didn't have the opportunity to ask Hinata, she never had the opportunity every time she didn't she have cold feet." Oh, I see. You two are good friends yourselves." Ingrid said to both Bernadetta and Marianne. "Hinata isn't scary; she's like an angel." Bernadetta blurted out. Marianne couldn't help but agree that she was so kind and beautiful, and she was everything Marianne wasn't.

"I feel jealous of her. I'd be lying," Ingrid admitted. "we should go to the tent so people don't eavesdrop on our conversation" Marianne suggested. "good idea" Ingrid remarked. The trio went inside the tent. There was enough room for at least four people. Marianne sat at her corner, which was the farthest from the entrance. Ingrid sat near the entrance on the left side. Bernadetta sat at the back, on the opposite side of Marianne. The girls decided to talk to pass the time.

Edelgard was anxious because there was so much at stake that she didn't know who to talk to or who to trust. This action could have dire consequences if it went wrong. She knew Hubert wouldn't approve of what she was doing. Her doing what she was doing was a huge risk in itself. Rescuing Monica could destroy everything she had been planning carefully for the past seven years. The day Her siblings died; everything changed. The brutal experiments she endured left her with nightmares physical and emotional scars, but she couldn't indulge in her thoughts for long. She heard Hinata enter, and she was relieved that she was alone. She didn't know what to say.

"El Chan, you look troubled; what's wrong?" Hinata asked worriedly. "I'm sorry for doing this on such short notice. I just don't know who to talk to or who to trust." She admitted. "We are friends, El Chan; you don't have to hide anything from me. What's wrong?" Edelgard didn't know what to say; Hinata couldn't be fooled. Her eyes would be able to detect lies, so she had to tell the truth to the best of her ability without revealing too much. "Hina-chan, what if I told you that there's a lot at stake in this mission? Would you trust me even if I didn't tell you everything?" Hinata looked confused.

"I know there's things you can't tell me, but tell me what you can. I'm your friend, aren't I?" She looked at her pleadingly. "Someone important to me is in that hideout we're headed to. It's not strategically a good idea to save her, but I can't bear the thought of losing anyone else." She felt like she said too much. Hinata didn't have a judging look on her face; instead, she looked at her with understanding. "I would do whatever it takes to save those I love. I know it's not rational for me to say that you're doing the right thing. Are you sure you can't tell me?"

Asked Hinata she really wanted to tell her."You have to understand that trust doesn't come easily for me, not after what happened to my siblings."Hinata looked understandingly."After losing my mother, I never wanted to be weak again. I also know what it's like not to trust anyone. The ruthless politics of my clan, not knowing whom to trust, even family I know all too well."Hinata understood her better than she thought. She had heard about the ruthless and cutthroat nature of the Hyuga clan. She wouldn't press her for an answer right now.

Hinata was about to turn around before Edelgard said one last thing.

"Thank you," after she was finished, Hinata left. She didn't have long before Hubert appeared behind her.

"She would make a valuable ally; you two are more alike than I thought."

She didn't like having him in the same room, but he wouldn't agree to her proposition unless he heard from Hinata's own words if she could be a potential person they can get into their inner circle.

"The lioness of the Hyuga clan; that girl is way too kind for someone to be a member of that clan."

Edelgard couldn't help but agree; she was way too kind and gentle, but maybe that's what the world needed was more people like Hinata. Despite all the trauma she's been through, she's able to beat a kind and gentle person; she's one in a million.

"You won't talk me out of this, Hubert. I will not lose any more, not her." He left her tent and left her alone. When she was sure she was alone, she took her locket out of her shirt and opened it. It was a picture of her and Monica. This was a gift for her 16th birthday. "I can't give you anything that can express my love for you better than this. I love you with all my heart. I don't care what other people think or say."said Monica she was 17 when she gave her the locket. Nobody in the Empire knew that Monica is Edelgard's lover. She would do everything necessary to save her and anyone else who got in her way would die; she would not lose any more people, not one more.

Everyone was asleep. Ingrid decided to go outside the tent; there was so much on her mind. Things had changed rapidly in the past few months: meeting Naruto, her new professor, and Hinata. When she thought about Hinata, she wanted to hate her, but she couldn't. She saw how Hinata treated her peers. She was kind and helpful. She was a good listener and she didn't judge anyone.

It was no wonder why Dorothea and Naruto loved her. Where did that leave her? Naruto said he didn't want her to be sad and he wouldn't mind having both her and Hinata, but the idea was absurd. Would she really be open to sharing even Naruto with her? The idea was absurd, but so is the idea of the shy girl squad almost single-handedly beating everyone. She heard footsteps and noticed it was Hinata. "Can't sleep?" Hinata asked her. "No, I can't. I have a lot on my mind." Ingrid replied.

"Do you hate me, Ingrid San?"

Hinata asked, unsure how to answer. She couldn't help it; she had to be honest with herself and with her.

"It would be easy to, but I can't. You're kind and beautiful; you're everything I'm not. You're not judgmental, you don't even want harm to come to your worst enemies. I mean, compared to you, I'm nothing. Just look at me: my hands."

She showed her. Hinata gently touched her hands and rubbed them with hers.

Her hands felt so soft. Hinata spoke softly.

"I'm jealous of you. I have to be honest with you, Ingrid. You're beautiful far more than I am. Your skin is flawless, you're stronger than I am. It would be so easy to hate you but I can't. You are honorable, you are loyal, traits that I admire."

She didn't expect to get this much praise from her, but then again, she shouldn't be surprised. Hinata is that kind of person who always sees the good qualities of others more than herself.

"You are wrong, Hinata. Everything about you is beautiful. You're the first person to ever believe in Naruto. Back at your home, hardly anyone treated him as a human being; they treated him like garbage. It makes me so furious the pain that he had gone through. No person should ever have to go through this. Nobody else supported him before you did."

A tear fell down her cheek. It was difficult for her to get the words out, but she had to fully tell him how she felt.

You were the first one. There's no way I can say that. You were there for him when he needed someone. The only thing I know how to do is to swing a sword or lance, whatever you want to call it. Fighting is all I can do. You do so much more. You're everything that I'm not. You're literally." She was about to cry. She was so pathetic compared to her. Hinata wrapped her arm around her.

"It's okay, you can let it out." And she did; she cried all the pain that she had been through: the loss of her fiancé, Glenn. Her dream of wanting to be a knight, her life, which wasn't under her control, felt so hopeless; she couldn't show weakness in front of anyone, but with Hinata, she was everything like an angel -- that's what she thought. They stayed like this for a few minutes until she pulled away.

"Naruto believes in your dream, doesn't he?" Hinata asked her.

"Yes, he tells me I should pursue it. He's told me that to me many times." They both laughed.

"It's hard not to love him." Ingrid admitted, then she realized she had admitted her deepest feelings. She saw Hinata's face; She was not surprised. by Ingrid's confession.

"We love the same man, don't we? We are both helpless,"

Hinata admitted.

"So what do we do then?" Ingrid asked her.

"share him of course." She said as if it was already decided but then there was another elephant in the room.

"What about Dorothea?" Ingrid asked her. This caught Hinata off guard.

"I don't know what you're talking about." She said, trying to hide her blushing face.

"we don't have to discuss this right now; it's getting late." Ingrid said, dropping the subject.

"Yeah, I could use some sleep," Hinata admitted. They both went inside the tent. Each went to their respective spots and fell asleep. Ingrid, however, was determined to find out one way or another about Dorothea. The last thing she wanted was for her friend to be hurt. Despite their history and how their love affair ended.

Byleth was on lookout, everyone else was asleep; he had a lot to think about. It's thanks to the powers of Sothis that he didn't need as much sleep as his students. There was a lot on his mind; he didn't know why, but he felt like this mission that he was going on would change the fate of many people across the entire continent. He had a premonition; it was hard to understand. He saw multiple possible futures. It terrified him how this mission might go could change the fate of everyone. He looked at the tent where Marianne was; he was worried about her more than anyone else. "You should get some sleep." Sothis advised. "There's so much at stake if I screw up. My students could die if I make a wrong call. I'm not used to this." He admitted his insecurities; he wasn't used to being in command.

"You're worried about Marianne, aren't you?" She could read him like a book. "Yes, I am. I just don't want her to get hurt or possibly be killed" You're afraid of making the wrong call; you're afraid of making a mistake. Byleth's fear is a natural instinct up until this point. You haven't felt it because all you had to worry about was yourself. But now you have others to worry about. Believe in yourself and believe in your ability to lead your class. It was easier said than done. They weren't just his students; they were his friends. They had futures ahead of them and dreams. It could all end if he didn't make the right call.

It angered him that the archbishop was sending his students on a mission so soon when they weren't ready. Most of the students were inexperienced in the harsh world; only a few of them had any combat experience. The Konoha transfers he had no worries about because they had prior training. He had no concerns for Edelgard or Hubert The Way they carried themselves, they had experience. It was the others that he was concerned with, the ones who had never picked up a weapon before and used it to kill someone to take a life. Marianne was the kind of person who didn't revel in violence, but if he left her out of this mission, he would show her that he didn't have faith in her. Actions speak louder than words, and he couldn't afford to make his students seem like he didn't have faith in them.

"This is what the burden of leadership is."she said Byleth knows. "I am sure your father felt the same way when you went on your first job as a mercenary. It is natural to be afraid, but you cannot let that fear control you. I can help you. My powers can reverse time to a limited extent, but it has its limits." Sothis reads every one of his thoughts. It's not surprising that she's been inside of him his entire life, though he didn't know until recently.

"Don't worry, I will do a lookout get some sleep; you're going to need it." The way she said it left no room for argument. Byleth fell asleep and, for the time being, put his worries aside.

Everyone woke up early in the morning. If they wanted to get to their destination by the end of the day, they would get there. The professor was always on time. Lysithea was new to the Black Eagles. She didn't have strong opinions about anyone; in the Black Eagles she couldn't help but be reminded of herself when she sees Edelgard because her hair was like hers, she wondered if did she go through the same experiments as she did? She couldn't imagine someone going through such horrors, but she wouldn't be surprised she was wary of the Empire due to her past experiences and what it has done to her and her family. Hinata was another story; she heard from the Golden Deer that she was the equivalent of an angel. She thought that was an exaggeration. They said the same thing about Mercedes. What she had seen since she transferred, the rumors lived up to what they said, even if they were exaggerated.

She was kind to her classmates and didn't judge anyone harshly, and she treated everyone with respect. Hinata noticed her looking at her; she never talked to her once. They were next to each other, and things were silent before Hinata spoke. "I've heard much about you, Lysithea-san. I haven't had a chance to talk to you up to this point because we've been so busy. I've always wanted to talk to you one-on-one; but we have never been presented with any opportunities due to how busy things have been since the mock battle"

"She spoke softly, knowing that she couldn't help but think that this is who Marianne could be if she had more confidence in herself. She noticed that Marianne was next to the professor; she couldn't help but notice something of an attraction between them, though she would keep it to herself."

"At least you're not treating me like a child like everyone else seems to." She said, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Why would I do that? You work hard. You're talented. I wish I could be half as good as you are." This irritated her; she clearly was far stronger than she wanted to admit and she was downplaying her abilities.

"Don't insult me there's nothing that pisses me off more than someone downplaying their own abilities just to make me feel better. I don't like it."

Hinata was shocked that she snapped at her like that, but she didn't care. She wasn't going to let anyone pity her or downplay what they can do just to try to gain her respect.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disrespect you. I'm just not anyone special." This made her angrier.

"Have you forgotten that you almost single-handedly won the mock battle due to your skills and leadership? Stop downplaying them just to try to put me at your level." Lysithea marched forward. She didn't want to be anywhere near her. Those who downplay their abilities to try to appease her made her angrier than anyone else, and she wouldn't tolerate such people, no matter who they are.

Lysithea stormed off; Hinata was about to tell her to wait, but someone placed their hand on her shoulder she looked around. It was Ferdinand.

"Don't take it personally; she doesn't like it when people downplay what they can do, but you shouldn't really do that; you dishonor yourself by doing that."

She did not want to hear this from Ferdinand.

"I don't want to be arrogant," Hinata replied.

"You're from a noble house; from your homeland, you dishonor your house by putting yourself down in order to lift others up."

She listened as he continued.

"You are a hard worker just like Lysithea is, and I think you're doing yourself a disservice by putting yourself down; you're not going to gain her respect that way if you talk to her as an equal, she'll be far more receptive."

She couldn't help but agree with him on this one, but she didn't want to come off as arrogant, that's what Ferdinand came off as.

"I don't want to come off as arrogant, I'm not like you,"

Hinata said, more irritated than she intended.

"Come on, no need to act so rude." He said defensively.

"If I'm coming off as being rude, it's your fault." Hinata rode ahead of him.

People were surprised and whispered.

"Did she just snap at him?" asked Caspar, surprised by the normally soft-spoken girl snapping at their classmate.

Hubert looked amused. She didn't pay attention to what the rest of her classmates were saying; she was focusing on the task at hand.

There's a lot of things she was concerned with Naruto and Dorothea. Were they okay? She was anxious, she was worried sick about them, she wouldn't indulge in those thoughts.

She heard the wings of a Pegasus. It was Ingrid and Grian. She looked up at the sky and wondered what it would be like to ride a Pegasus? She heard that only someone with a pure heart can ride one, whatever that meant. Nothing more was said throughout the day. She knew they were getting close to their destination. She saw a fortress on the horizon; it was completely made of stone and looked ancient. She saw Edelgard who was anxious. Just what was it about this place that made her that way? She activated her Byakugan and noticed something: there was a girl who was tied to a wall, her hands were tied by a chain. Hinata realized things were not so simple anymore. This mission wasn't just to eliminate all the bandits, it was a rescue mission. she knew this? Why didn't Edelgard tell her? she knew this the whole time there's no way she didn't.

She was going to get answers when the opportunity presented itself. Everyone got off their horses, this will be the first time she would ever take a life. All her life she was trained to kill, but she never took a life. She applauded the idea; however, if she was going to be able to protect those she cared about, she had to steel herself.

"An entire fortress of bandits; what are our orders, Professor Byleth?" asked Shino Kiba, who was also waiting for orders along with everyone else.

"Defend yourselves by any means necessary; they have no qualms about killing you, so don't have any qualms about killing them. I will not have any of you die. All of us will make it home; do what is necessary to survive. This is not a game; this is real. Remember your training."

Everyone looked at him with acknowledgement; Hinata got into her fighting stance. She looked at her friends Bernadetta and Marianne; they were looking at her for orders, so she was leading them.

"Follow my lead, both of you," Hinata ordered. They got into formation. She hated the idea of taking another life, but she would protect her friends by any means necessary.

Edelgard saw her companions go ahead; she knew it was now or never. The first of the bandits that the Black Eagles encountered, Edelgard killed with ease. The first of the bandits tried to attack Hinata only for him to be cut down by Byleth. The man fell into a heap and died instantly. To her left, Edelgard cut two of the bandits in front of her; they fell to the ground before they could do anything to strike at her. A dark spell used by Hubert hit them.

To Edelgard's right, Hinata fought a group of bandits. One of them tried to attack her from behind, but was killed instantly when Hinata did a rotation, which was a technique foreign to the inhabitants of Fodlan. Five of the bandits died instantly, and she was shocked at the brutality. Hinata wasn't playing around. The normally shy and gentle woman had the look of a beast. Which unsettled her this was not a side of Hinata she thought ever existed she put that thought aside right now what was important is saving Monica.

There were two lion fists formed from her hands; the bandits were confused. The first of them tried to approach, but Hinata didn't give them any time to attack. They were dropping like flies. Edelgard thought it was too easy; she couldn't ponder. She had to focus on the task at hand: rescuing Monica. Monica took priority. She noticed Hinata had her Byakugan activated. She didn't know how the Byakugan worked the only thing she knew for certain is they would assist her in her search faster.

Hinata was going ahead of the group she was being accompanied by Ingrid who cut down multiple groups of bandits with her sword that she had equipped. She wants to cut through these bandits like the vermin that they are but she cannot lose control of her emotions too much dependent on her. She was risking everything to save Monica. Her plan her ambition could crumble if she dies here. she dealt with one bandit after another; she didn't notice there was one about to attack her from behind before she could strike at the bandit; the woman was killed by Marianne. She silently thanked her as she progressed further she would save Monica no matter what it took she would not lose anybody else.

She killed for the first time Marianne felt dirty her hands were shaking she couldn't be a burden on anyone another bandit attacked before she could strike a blow the bandit was struck with an arrow in the eye instantly killing him. Bernadetta had a look of horror on her face what she had done but she couldn't, like Marianne, think about it. She killed another one and another one with her bow. Marianne didn't pay attention to the blood that was on her hands; she couldn't be a burden especially to Byleth; he accepted her so she wanted to pay him back by any means. A bandit was about to strike at her Marianne was about to cast a spell but she knew it would be futile she would be killed she closed her eyes accepting her fate but the blow never came.

She saw it blade through the bandit's chest, he collapsed in a heap. Byleth shouted at her.

"What the hell are you doing? You could have been killed!" He had a worried look on his face. Another band that was about to strike, unlike Marianne Byleth, was much faster; he didn't give the bandit a chance to strike at him. "Stay by me" He commanded Marianne did exactly as she was told. She felt like she disappointed him; she wished she could be so much stronger. The bandits kept coming. Why was there so many of them? What were they guarding? Marianne may not be an expert, but there would be this many bandits in this fortress that they're going to unless there was someone or something important hiding there. She had no time to think about survival; it was the priority.

Along with Bernadetta, they covered each other's backs.

Bernadetta took another arrow out of her quiver and fired. The arrow entered a man's skull.

Marianne cast a thorn that killed five bandits instantly.

"There are so many of them, professor." said Bernadetta, fear in her voice. She was terrified, just like Marianne. She wished she could be like Hinata and Ingrid. If only she could be as brave as them! She felt like a coward.

Monica heard noises. Was there a battle going on? She thought her tormentor looked at her, not happy about what was going on.

Kronya had a cruel smile. No, it couldn't end like this; she wouldn't allow herself to be consumed by this monster. Death would be better than being taken by this abomination. Her cell opened; she grabbed her. Monica fought back with all her strength; she wasn't going to allow herself to die. Not if there's a sliver of hope that something might happen up there. If what's happening above is what she thinks it is, then she won't grovel and die like an animal. "I will not die! You abomination! Keep your hands off of me!"

Monica said with hatred. It was no use; she was so much stronger than her, with barely any food and barely any water, and months had taken their toll on her. She was overpowered quickly.

Multiple bandits fell from the stairway, their bodies blown to pieces.

There was a girl with long blue hair and lavender eyes. Both sides of her face were eyes that didn't understand what she was seeing.

"What the hell are you?" Kronya asked her.

"You're worst nightmare. Let her go now." The girl said coldly. "No." She said as she dropped Monica to the ground. She took her blades out; she was going to cut her to pieces. She thought.

"You should feel privileged. It isn't often that the gentle fist is used on foreign soil, especially not often when I get to use it against an abomination like you."

The gentle fist Monica thought that girl couldn't be? Kronya tried to defend herself but the girl was a lot faster than she was and stronger. She dodged the best she could but she was too fast.

"1.8 trigram 64 palms"

with lightning speed she hit every single point in her body which looked like a regular technique of martial arts but it was nothing like that what Monica saw she remembered that technique well when she traveled with Edelgard to Konoha when she temporarily stayed at the Hyuga clan compound.

Kronya was about to cast a spell, but it was no use; she looked at the girl with hatred. "You beast! So you're one of those damned ones!" Kronya ran away; she could no longer fight any of them. If she were to fight any member of their group, they should be killed because she couldn't use any of her magic. She was suspicious of this girl after being locked up for months; she didn't know if this was another one of Kronya's terrible jokes. "Don't worry, I'm a friend. I'm not here to hurt you." The girl said calmly, a contrast to the cold-blooded nature she had earlier.

Something seemed familiar about her; it couldn't be."Hinata, is that you?"Monica asked the girl who looked familiar."Moni Chan?"Hinata asked, surprised to see her at a place like this. She was relieved to see a familiar face. Her face looked fresh and changed immediately. The kind face turned into a serious and cold one. "There's no time to explain. I'll get you out of here." The girl lifted her up, despite being someone of her stature, she was quite strong.

She noticed a symbol on her chest; it was a black eagle, which meant Edelgard was there. She was relieved she'd be able to see her again; she had almost given up all hope of ever seeing Edelgard again. She didn't know what her reasoning was for saving her, but she didn't care. Being saved from a fate worse than death was good enough for her.

Lysithea fought her first battle in her life, and all that training she had done up until this point was paying off. One bandit after another was being incinerated by the spells she was casting. Her classmates supported her: Petra jabbed her sword through a bandit's throat, preventing Lysithea from getting a fatal blow. Her other classmates were also protecting her: Kiba used a strange technique that she would have to ask him about later, where he transformed into a wolf-like form (though it was a dog) and incapacitated multiple bandits; they weren't dead, at least she thought they weren't. She didn't have time to think.

She cast another spell, and here an incantation needle popped up in the air and killed five bandits instantly, leaving no bones behind. It was quite powerful; she was amazed she had managed to do it.

"You should be careful about using a spell that's powerful," Linhardt warned, not wanting to hear it from him. The fighting was almost over; there were fewer and fewer weapons clashing. She saw Ingrid get off her Pegasus and block multiple blows from bandits who were trying to assault her. She wondered why she would get off her Pegasus? The bandits were knocked down; the battle was all but over.

Decapitated bodies were everywhere there must have been at least a hundred bandits if not more. How does a class of under 20 people at best kill that many? She couldn't help but think that they were a small army. She saw Hinata holding a red-haired girl just who she was exactly? she wondered Hinata spoke."we should get out of here Byleth sensei." Hinata said as a gigantic beast who was accompanied by a pale skin woman with pale orange hair. "I'm not letting you take our prize,"the woman said.

A gigantic monster; how can they take it on? She felt terrified and couldn't move; the beast claw sliced at her, cutting her to pieces. The last thing she heard as her life left her were her classmates screaming.

Byleth saw one of his students die, but she wasn't the only one. The second victim of the beast's was Bernadetta. The girl didn't get a chance to run; her body was smashed and she no longer looked human. One by one, his students were being torn to pieces. Even Hinata couldn't survive the onslaught. He felt helpless; it was all happening so quickly. Then he saw the beast grab Marianne. The girl's body was being crushed. She looked at him and spoke weekly. "I'm sorry for being a burden to you." Marianne; said to him the last words that she said as the beast ended her life

He screamed her name.

"NO", he went on his knees, he failed all of his students were dead; he had completely failed them.

"What the hell are you doing? Have you forgotten about the power I gave you?" The words barely registered. The beast was about to strike at him; his claws would pierce through his chest if he didn't do anything.

"Are you really just going to stand there and let us die?" She asked him angrily.

"Time stopped. He looked at Sothis and asked her a question.

"Well, my students remember that they died?" Byleth asked Sothis.

"They will not remember; it will be as if it never happened, but they will remember it has limits. Your chances aren't infinite." She advised him; he reversed time up until the point where the beast was about to strike at Lysithea.

With his sword, he jabbed his blade into the beast's hand. Yelling at the white-haired girl to run, she did as she was told. "Bernadetta, aim your arrow at the beast's eye." He ordered the girl, who hesitated due to her fear. "Do it, dammit!" He didn't mean to shout at her; but he couldn't bear it to fail again.

he did exactly as she was told and let her arrow loose, which went through the beast's eye but didn't take the beast down.

It screeched in pain. Hinata put the red-haired girl down gently and activated her Byakugan. "Sensei, aim for his stomach; that's his weak point." Hinata told him that he didn't know how her abilities worked. He would ask her later. The beast tried to attack him, but he dodged and slashed at his stomach. The beast screamed in pain.

The beast was about to strike, but a lance went through its head. It looked up and it was Ingrid on her Pegasus. Hubert cast a dark spell which burned the creature's skin on its right side. The beast still wouldn't go down before he could defend himself. He saw the beast was aiming straight for him when it could strike at him. A thorn smell destroyed the creature's right hand. It screeched in pain. He looked and it was Marianne who had saved his life. He felt foolish for making such a mistake that an amateur would make.

The beast was still attacking wildly. How is this thing still alive? What kind of abomination is it? "Hinata, can you tell everyone else about any other weaknesses?" Edelgard asked her. She couldn't believe it; they were on the verge of getting out. All they had to do was kill this beast, and Monica would be rescued. "I don't know. We struck at its weak spot, and it's still alive. I don't know what the hell this thing is made of. We're going to have to hit it until it's dead." Hinata admitted. This was dangerous. She thought so much could go wrong, and this mission could be for nothing. She had to think quickly.

With the power of her Crest and Hinata's gentle fist, she theorized it would be possible, though it would be a risk.

"Hinata to me," Edelgard ordered, and went to her side.

"When I tell you to strike, we will strike; do you hear me?" Edelgard asked her.

"Yes," Hinata answered.

Edelgard went ahead of her; the beast would focus on her with her axe, Edelgard jumped in the air and slashed at the beast's chest. Hinata charged with lightning speed, with her Byakugan activated and with her fist yelled, "Eight Trigrams: Lightning Air Palm!" A lightning blade came out of Hinata's palm which pierced the beast's heart. There was silence, and the beast collapsed. Nobody did anything.

Byleth singled for the students to stay put; he checked everywhere to make sure the beast was dead, and then said, "The base is dead. We completed our mission and rescued the girl. We should get as far away from this place as possible. I don't like the stench here."

Edelgard couldn't help but agree with him, but she noticed he went straight to Marianne with a worried look on his face. Making sure she was okay, Marianne reassured him, Edelgard can't help but notice he has a haunted look on his face. What is it exactly?" She would like to speak to him alone; she hasn't had many opportunities due to how busy things have been and her lack of trust.

She went to Monica. The girl looked at her and she didn't care what everyone thought. She wrapped her arms around her Edelgard and let her tears fall.

"Monica, I thought I would never see you again."

Monica spoke softly.

"Thank you."

No words were needed between them; she pulled her face away, facing Edelgard, and placed her lips on hers, not caring if everyone saw. Everyone was shocked, including Hinata. It was the most passionate kiss she had ever had with her. It didn't matter about her smell or anything. Just feeling her again for the first time in her life. She didn't fail to protect someone important to her.

Hinata decided to give Edelgard and Monica space. She could see it in their eyes that they loved each other and the kind of love that they had was deep. She hadn't seen Monica for 7 years, another friend from her childhood. Edelgard was keeping something from her; she knew why—didn't she tell her? Wasn't she her friend? She had to find out why and she would find out why, but not now. She wouldn't ruin the moment between them. She went as far away from them as possible to give them some space. As they walked away from the fortress, Ingrid noticed something about Hinata. "Are you alright, Hinata?" asked Ingrid, concerned. "Yeah, I just can't help feeling like something happened back there, and it didn't happen at the same time. It just..." She shivered. She could have sworn that she saw one of her classmates get torn to pieces and one of her friends being smashed, but that didn't happen you still can't help feel like it did it was unnerving.

It was messing with her mind, "so you noticed the effects that Byleth's powers had; it seems like your bloodline is immune you, remembering what happened. She looked around, wondering who was talking to her, then she saw a girl with long green hair; Ingrid couldn't see her because Ingrid was wondering what Hinata was looking at. "Only you can see me, other than your professor, of course; you have something in your blood that makes it possible." This perplexed Hinata even more. "Who are you?" Hinata asked. Generally, she wanted to know; Ingrid couldn't hear what Hinata was asking her, which surprised Hinata even more. "Time is standing still, but it's only going to happen for a brief amount of time. At least for me; for you, it'll be much longer. I am what you would call the beginning. My name is Sothis."

"How is that possible? You couldn't have existed at the same time as the sage of six paths"

The girl looked at her confused.

"I never heard of someone with that name." Sothis said to her. This put her even more confused. This is supposed to be the Goddess; how could she not remember something from over a thousand years ago?

"You're a Goddess; how can you not remember?" Hinata asked her. The girl ignored her question.

"There's one thing I want to tell you. Do not tell anyone. You will only make things harder for your friends. I don't think anybody wants to be remembered how they died or how they someone they care about. It's best that you don't tell them."

Hinata remembered it all vividly, nearly all of her friends died, including her.

"If you think it's best than I won't tell them, but I still find it strange how a goddess doesn't remember anything. I thought you were all-knowing." The girl laughed at her as if she felt she said something foolish. "I don't know myself, Hinata. I'm learning too; Byleth is learning, so I will likely find the answers in time. I've observed you so far; I like you. I find Naruto to be especially interesting, especially with your harem that you're both building." Hinata was blushing; she was in a deep shade of red. How did she know about that?

"You're so cute when you blush, no wonder Dorothea and Naruto want you. You even added Ingrid to your harem as well, so it's a win-win for both you and Naruto." This caused Hinata to blush in an even deeper shade of red. "What you're saying is ridiculous." Hinata said, denying what she was saying. "What the four of you do in your bedroom is your business." Sothis teased. Hinata wanted to bury her head deep underground.

"I have to go. It was nice meeting you, Hinata. I hope we can talk like this again."

Sothis disappeared, causing Hinata to return to the road. She couldn't believe it; the time she spent talking to Sothis had only been a second.

"Are you okay, Hinata?" Ingrid asked, concerned.

"Today was an exhausting day; I just can't wait to sleep." Ingrid remarked; Hinata couldn't help but agree.

They continued along with the rest of the class on their journey until nightfall, where they camped. Everyone was exhausted. They were glad to be near a hot spring. Maybe they could take a bath. She would give anything to bury her body in hot water. "If you want to take a bath, you're all welcome to do so. The girls will go first; we men will go afterwards." said Byleth.

Not all the girls went at once; the first among them to go was Edelgard, Monica, and Petra. Hinata would go with the others when it was their turn. For now, she decided to make dinner for everyone since it was her turn to do so.

When she went to the hot spring, Monica couldn't help but feel like she was in heaven. The past few months had been hell. I felt like it was a decade. Washing herself from all the dirt and grime that was in her skin, she couldn't stand being in clothes that she was stuck in, so she tossed them aside as soon as she took them off. When she entered the spring, she closed her eyes. It felt so good to finally feel alive again. She was afraid this was all a dream and she would wake up back in her cell. She felt a hand on her cheek. It was Edelgard; her hair was wet. It wasn't often that they were both naked together. It wasn't the first time, but to be alone like this with her, it felt like a dream after what had happened. She struck Edelgard's hair. "I missed you," Edelgard said to her on the verge of breaking down. "That was reckless of you, but thank you."

Monica felt her own tears drop into Edelgard's arms once again; there was so much she wanted to do, but there was someone else: Petra. She was quick about her bathing, unlike them.

She knew what Edelgard was thinking. "We shouldn't be doing it here; people would hear us."

Monica said to Edelgard, "I don't care. I didn't think I'd ever see you again." She kissed her neck. This wasn't the most appropriate time to make love, but Monica didn't give a damn after everything she had been through. Usually, it was Monica who was the dominant one when they made love, but she didn't care this time. She allowed Edelgard to control the situation. "I love you," Monica said to Edelgard. "I know. I want to show you how much you mean to me, Monica." Edelgard didn't often tell her that she loved her, but that's what made their relationship special. When she did say it, she meant it. "I love you, Monica, and I will never allow anyone to touch you or harm you again. I will make what happened a distant memory."

The two lovers made love. It would take them longer than everyone else, but Monica needed this. She let go for now of the nightmare that she had suffered from for the past few months.

The rest of the Black Eagles girls got into the hot spring. Marianne undid her braids, her hair falling to her back. She doesn't go to hot springs very often, but when she does, it always feels relaxing. The other girls from her class were in the spring with her. The last one to enter was Hinata, who covered her chest. She blushed deeply, trying to cover herself; she could relate only too well. She was glad there were no men to stare at her.

"I'm so glad we're at a hot spring. It certainly hits the spot," said Ingrid, whose hair was down. "It's nice to be able to relax after that scary experience." remarked Bernadetta.

"It certainly feels good to get that blood out of my hair, not that I care about that sort of thing" Lysithea she dipped her so deep into the water as if she was embarrassed by her chest size compared to all the other girls in the hot springs. "I don't understand why you're hiding yourself Hinata, you have nothing to be ashamed of"Ingrid said to her."I'm sorry it's just"she removed her arms away from her chest which shocked all the girls at the hot spring including Marianne. She wasn't attracted to women but she could see why Hinata where's the modest clothing that she wore due to the amount of attention that men would give her if they saw more of her body.

She couldn't help but admire her body. It was everything she wasn't perfect beautiful she looked at her own body. She did not notice Hinata looking at hers."You have nothing to be ashamed of Marianne Chan. I think you have a beautiful body far more than mine."She didn't understand why she talked down about herself so much; she had everything she didn't she has confidence, beauty strength attributes which she wished she had."please stop doing that Hinata I don't like when you talk bad about yourself you're everything I'm not"the girls notice the tension between them. Ingrid stepped between them."let's just relax."Ingrid suggested they both sighed in relief."I'm sorry"Hinata said apologely."I'm sorry too,"Marianne replied.

Marianne couldn't help but notice Hinata was blushing; she wasn't aware that Ingrid was exposing herself fully to her; she turned away.

"Am I doing something wrong?" Ingrid asked, then she realized why and turned red herself. Lysithea rolled her eyes.

"Is it me, or is half of this class bisexual?" Lysithea asked. "I don't mind; I mean it's safer to be a lesbian here than it is in other classes." Bernadetta admitted, which shocked Marianne.

"Wait what?" Hinata asked, surprised.

"Oh, I'm sorry. It's just that it's not something I'm open about." Bernadetta admitted.

"I highly doubt that where you're from doesn't have people that are gay or lesbian" Ingrid pointed out. "it's just not common where I'm from personally my clan people are more socially conservative" that was something that Marianne was not surprised about. "it's actually quite common for bisexuals, gays, and lesbians to be in the Black Eagles." Ingrid informed Hinata. "which explains why Dorothea hit on you." remarked Lysithea, not surprised. "Am I really that popular?" Hinata asked her peers. "Well, out of all the girls, you and Dorothea are pretty much at the top. The guys are especially angry that Naruto is dating you in the first place." Ingrid pointed out. "You know, among all the people, I never thought Sasuke and Mercedes would ever be a thing." Hinata said, which surprised everyone.

"I take it, you know Sasuke?"asked Ingrid."I don't know him on a personal level. We barely talked but of all my times of what I've seen he barely interacted with anyone. All the girls that admired him and squealed every time he appeared he didn't pay attention to them yet with Mercedes things changed you were in the Blue Lions Ingrid San you know Sasuke better than I do what happened what was Sasuke's reaction when he first met her?"Marianne was curious as well; she never spoke to Sasuke but she saw him from a distance. He always looked like a lonely soul; she couldn't see herself ever showing any romantic interest in him. Something was dark about him and she could see that.

"Sasuke was awestruck when he saw her for the first time. The way he looked at her is hard to describe."

Ingrid answered.

"You mean like a red thread?"

Hinata asked.

"That's what I've been meaning to ask you. What is a red thread, Hinata?" asked Marianne wanting to know what it is.

Marianne had heard about the red thread of Fate, but she didn't understand what it actually meant.

"It's when two or more soulmates meet each other for the first time, a bond is formed for a brief moment they could see their thread with their respective partner. The deeper red, the stronger the bond; there are other words for it, but soulmate is the most universal way to describe it.

Marianne recalls her first encounter with Byleth. She felt awestruck when she first met him, then she remembered when she thought about it, a thread formed between them. She didn't think of anything of it at the time.

"I don't know, but the idea of it is kind of wishful thinking. It's too good to be true." Bernadetta said sadly as she looked down at the water.

"I agree; it seems too convenient." Lysithea said, not believing it. Marianne knew where they were coming from. She put her hand on her chest and thought about everything that had happened since Byleth came into her life. It's only been a short time, but her heart beats rapidly.

When she's around him, she feels safe. He isn't judgmental; he's everything she ever wanted in a man. She almost forgot one of the things she wanted most; she almost gave up on it until he came into her life. "I don't agree with either of you. I think what Hinata says is true" all the girls looked at her, including Hinata who was curious about what she had to say.

"Well, I find it a little convenient, but is it possible to have more than one soulmate?" Ingrid asked Hinata.

"Yes, but it doesn't happen often," Hinata answered. They were silent; the girls washed themselves one by one until it was only Marianne and Hinata left.

She was finishing washing her hair when Hinata spoke. "You've experienced it yourself, haven't you?" Hinata asked her. She took a deep breath, maybe Hinata would understand because of Naruto. She understood what she was going through better than anyone. "I don't know in what way it's similar to you and me. It's just" She stopped working on her hair; she didn't feel like braiding it that night. Hinata finished putting on her clothes. Marianne finished before she continued. She put the rest of her clothes back on and sat down. "For the first time, I feel safe. I feel confident when I'm around him. I feel like I'm stronger. I want to be better, I want to be stronger so I won't burden anyone, especially him." Hinata made her face her.

"I know that feeling too well. I will support you every step of the way, Marianne. I've been through the same thing. I support you every step of the way."

She's in love with her professor. That's absurd. She didn't want to even think about that; she doesn't think she's worthy. She thinks there's someone else who's more deserving, but the thought of another being in his arms makes her angry when she thinks about it. "Is that how I feel towards him?" Marianne asked Hinata. "How does he make you feel?" Hinata asked her.

"When I'm around him, I feel safe, I feel confident, I feel stronger. I don't have to be someone I know I could just be me. I'm not good with talking to people, and he's okay with that. We could just do nothing for hours, and he'll still be happy to be in my company."

Hinata continued to listen.

"He's patient; he listens; he respects people's boundaries. He's like a light that cuts the darkness compared to me; he's an angel, and I'm a demon." She felt a tear run down her face; it was difficult for her to express these feelings openly with another, but she knew someone would understand what was going through her mind.

"You deserve to be loved by Marianne when you're ready to tell him, I will be there for you, okay." She hugged Marianne; she was such a good friend. What did she ever do to deserve someone like Hinata?"They went back to camp. Marianne can't help but think when she looks at Hinata, she's like an angel. She can understand why Naruto loves her so much and why Dorothea loves her as well. She's so kind.

She didn't really care about braiding her hair; it felt good to let it down for once. She went to her tent with Hinata and fell asleep.

Byleth decided to bathe alone; he had a lot to think about. A lot to ponder. A lot to reflect. No matter how much he wanted to deny it, he felt like he had failed. He thought about what would have happened if he didn't have Sothis's powers. He remembered their deaths, even though he had prevented their deaths when he reversed time. He still remembered them. He remembered his students getting torn to pieces, being crushed. Worst of all, he was hopeless when Marianne was also killed. All this power. This whole mission almost went to hell because he wasn't strong enough.

"That girl is alive, that should be enough."

She pointed out, but it wasn't; he couldn't protect Marianne with his own power. He didn't understand these feelings.

Sora might be able to help; Sora may be able to give advice.

He has to be better; he has to train his students better to avoid the disaster that happened.

"Then when you return, you'll have to train; that's what you would have done anyway, right?" Sothis pointed out.

"I won't let a disaster like what happened before happen again." Byleth promised. He looked up at the sky, wondering something he hadn't wondered in years: who was his mother, more than ever, he wanted to learn about her. Who she was and why his father didn't talk about her?

One day he would get the answers he wants to know where he came from, who his mother was, and most of all why is his father keeping secrets from him. He may not say it, but he can detect the answers he seeks. He will get an answer someday, though; if he can have his way, he would rather get his answers sooner than later.