HEY GUYS!
IT'S ME AGAIN!
AFTER BOSOM BUDDIES I WAS REALLY FEELING THE VIBE AND I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON SOME OF MY OTHER PROJECTS BUT THEN I READ A REVIEW FROM ZEROBLADE23(A03) THAT REALLY MADE ME SMILE.
THIS USER HAS ALWAYS ENCOURAGED ME AND THIS STORY IS FROM AN IDEA THEY GAVE.
THIS IS NOT ONLY FOR ZEROBLADE23 BUT FOR ALL OF YOU WJO HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGING ME THROUGH THESE HARD TIMES.
I HOPE YOU ALL LIKE IT!
Edelgard von Hresvelg-Eisner, hero of the war, unifyer of the continent of Fodlan, Emperor of the Grand Adrestian Empire, stood alone in tranquil silence.
Her gaze stretched over the beautiful scenery before her. A harmonious mixture of a golden beach, lush forest, majestic ocean and a cloudless sky.
For a moment she allowed herself to bask in it's serene beauty.
A familiar welcomed presence joined her, one of her oldest and most trusted companions now stood at her side.
"Your Majesty."
Edelgard responded.
"Hubert. Do you have anything to report?"
"No. The area is secure, Bernadetta and her snipers will keep watch on the roads and tracks that lead here. You have no need to worry, you deserve a few days of peace."
Peace.
It was Edelgard's loftiest ambition and greatest hope but at times it seemed all but possible.
"Don't hesitate to send word if anything happens-"
Hubert interjected.
"If anything happens, we are well equipped and ready to handle those situations. Our wise leaders have prepared us."
A soft laugh slipped from the Emperor's lips.
"I see. Thank You, my friend."
Hubert cast his gaze towards the large cabin sitting on the end of the road. It had only been recently cleaned and furnished for the royal family's use.
"Would you like an escort?"
Edelgard shook her head.
"No, it's not far...I'll be fine."
Hubert bowed one last time before vanishing within a cyclone of his dark magic.
Byleth Eisner, hero of the war, the Commander of Adrestia's army, the Ashen Demon, husband to the Emperor, proud father and warrior stood...in front of a hot stove.
"You're not following the recipe in the book."
The former Professor did not turn his gaze away from his culinary project but did manage to respond to the young lady standing beside him.
"I'm aware."
"Why?"
"Because it's flawed."
The young lady snorted.
"Flawed? As far as I can see, all you've done is just throw in random herbs and spices. You didn't even use a measuring spoon."
"Because that's how this stew is made. With feeling."
The young lady sighed.
"Sure. I'd really appreciate it if you didn't give us all food poisoning."
Byleth scoffed before using a wooden spoon to skim a small sampling of his chicken stew. He carefully blew onto the steaming liquid before offering it to the lady at his side.
"Taste."
The young lady stared at the offered spoon with an ounce of hesitance before finally accepting the offered selection.
Her eyes lit up as a delightful myriad of flavors hit her tastebuds.
Byleth smirked.
"Well?"
The young woman blushed.
"I suppose it's alright."
Byleth's expression of disbelief was not faltering.
She caved.
"Finnnneeee. It's delicious. Better than the stew at the palace."
"Because they cook using the recipe."
The front door to the cabin opened with a small squeak, Byleth and his firstborn child, Alanna von Hresvelg-Eisner stepped out of the kitchen to greet the new-comer.
Edelgard's face exploded into a happy smile as she approached her husband and daughter.
"Sorry I'm late, something came up at the last minute that required my attention."
Byleth perched an eyebrow.
"Is everything alright?"
Edelgard nodded.
"Yes. The issue has been resolved."
Alanna offered her mother a hug.
"To be honest I was kinda worried you wouldn't make it again. I know how busy things are right now."
Edelgard returned the embrace, not missing the emphasis that her daughter had placed on the word 'again'. This would have been the fourth family outing that she had missed.
"The Empire won't crumble if I take a weekend off with my family...and if it does we'll just blame everything on Prime Minister Von Aegir."
Alanna snickered.
"You should really stop bullying Uncle Ferdinand."
Edelgard would have responded but her opportunity was cut short as she suddenly found herself targetted.
Two masked assailants dived from the nearby staircase, wooden swords in hand.
"SNEAK ATTACK!"
Edelgard caught both attackers with ease, shaking her head as she dropped them on to the floor, butt first. Byleth stepped forward with a shake of the head.
"What did we tell you two about launching sneak attacks on family members?"
The aggresors removed their 'masks' to show identical chubby six year old male faces. The twin on the left, Arav von Hresvelg-Eisner spoke first.
"To not do it in public?"
Byleth frowned.
"What else?"
The twin on the right, Amani von Hresvelg-Eisner spoke next.
"To not use real weapons?"
"What else?"
Both twins answered as they lowered their gazes in shameful realization and remembrance.
"To not do it at supper time."
"Good. Apologize to your mother and then go back upstairs and wash up, we'll be eating shortly."
"Sorry Mom."
Edelgard kissed both boys on the forehead.
"It's fine, boys. I know you're just excited to show me the techniques that Auntie Petra has been teaching you. I promise we can play tag together outside the cabin before it gets too dark."
The identical twins grinned with excitement before racing each other upstairs.
Alanna sighed as she followed after them.
"I'll make sure they get clean without destroying the entire cabin. Be right back."
Edelgard watched her children for a few more seconds before floating forward into her husband's waiting arms.
"I'm sorry my love, I almost missed this one too. I doubt Alanna would have forgiven me."
Byleth kissed her on the forehead.
"Don't worry about it, El. We all love you. Let's make the most of tiis weekend."
The Emperor sighed happily before twitching her nose a few times.
"Is that your world famous chicken stew I'm smelling? It's been so long since you've gotten the chance to make it."
Byleth puffed out his chest in pride.
"It is my world famous chicken stew."
Edelgard offered her husband a cute unassuming smile.
"You don't suppose I could get an early helping?"
"Oh normally I wouldn't...but I'm sure I could be persuaded."
The proudest of mothers and happiest of wives laughed heartily as she shared a passionate kiss with the love of her life.
The previous night of chicken stew, board games, funny stories, late night snacks and shenanigans flew by all too quickly.
It was however fair to say that a brand new day was another opportunity for fun and frolick and that is exactly what the royal family had in mind.
Amani and Arav wasted no time in discarding their shoes as they arrived at the beach's golden shores. The boys shouted in childish glee as they raced across the sand leaving their footprints and family behind them.
Edelgard watched them with keen interest and a sense of nostalgia. They reminded her so much of her first family. The light brown hair that adorned the top of their heads was identical to the one that her oldest sister had possessed. Their kind yet fiery hazel colored eyes reminded her of the eyes that had watched her as a baby, the eyes of a Emperor that had given her his crown and throne.
Motherly instinct kicked in as she watched her sons get closer and closer to the foamy waves of the ocean.
"Stay in the shallows you two!"
"OKAY!"
Alanna unfolded a chair she had been carrying under her arm.
The tiny rucksack strapped to her back was soon emptied of it's contents. A small pillow, a canister of honey porridge, a water bottle and a novel. Adrestia's only princess hummed quietly to herself as she prepared her own little haven of happiness on the beachside.
Edelgard observed the scene with no small amount of amusement.
"I take it that you won't be joining us in the water?"
"I doubt it. Auntie Dorothea said I should work on my tan while I'm out here, and Uncle Linhardt's newest novel is possibly his greatest one so far. I was hoping to knock out a few chapters while I soak up the sun."
Byleth finally stepped out from the border of the forest that seperated the trees from the beach.
Several bags of snacks, furniture and other equipment were stuck to varying appendages but he didn't seem troubled in the slightest. The superhuman display of strength would normally unnerve or surprise nearby on-lookers but the family had grown accustomed to the patriarch's unusual strength.
The Ashen demon tilted his head in curiousity at his daughter's little setup.
"Not going for a swim first, kiddo?"
Edelgard responded on her daughter's behalf, a slight tone of teasing playfulness could be heard around the edges of her remarks.
"She's getting a tan first."
Byleth blinked.
"Dorothea?"
The Emperor nodded.
"Dorothea."
Alanna pouted.
"Hey! I won't let you two slander one of my favorite Aunties. I would be lost without her fashion advice."
"Our apologies. We'll be in the water if you change your mind."
Alanna relaxed into her chair with a smile, laying her head down on the aforementioned pillow. Her right hand carefully scooped up her novel with gentle efficiency.
"Maybe I'll come in for a quick dip later-"
"INCOMING!"
SPLAT!
A small waterball shot across the beachside and slapped right into Alanna's forehead.
Edelgard perched an eyebrow before turning to her husband.
"I thought you were only teaching the boys, magic theory."
"I am and only the magic theory for harmless water control exercises. They must have worked out the mechanics on their own . They're pretty sharp."
"It seems so..."
Alanna chuckled as slowly pulled away the strands of damp dark teal hair that had been temporarily glued to her forehead by the waterball's impact.
She spared a few seconds to examine her miraculously unsullied novel before turning her eyes to the heavens.
"So they have chosen...war!"
With the speed of a perfectly shot arrow, Alanna peeled off into a thunderous sprint. A maniacal grin etched on to her face as she descended upon her own kin.
"Come here you little gremlins!"
The 'war' quickly descended into playful joyous laughter, splashing, tickling and all other forms of beach related tomfoolery as Alanna absoultely dominated her twin brothers.
Byleth smiled at the scene before beginning the process of unpacking the bags, his loving wife stepped over to help but he advised her otherwise.
"Go ahead and join them, I'll be done with this soon."
"You sure?"
"Mhm."
Edelgard turned to join in on the festivities but was halted by her husband's beckoning.
"Darling?"
Edelgard paused, looking back to Byleth.
"Yes?"
A hunger Edelgard so easily identified and appreciated was painted all over Byleth's face.
"You look absolutely ravishing in that swimsuit. I was hoping I'd have the pleasure of seeing more of it later."
Edelgard smirked.
"Perhaps..."
"Only a chance?"
Edelgard began to walk away, making sure to throw extra sway into the motion of her hips.
"Or I could just assign you the task of taking it off for me later."
It was the mother of all stand-offs.
A deadlock that could not be broken.
Each team seemed confident of their chances but wary of their opponent's dastardly tactics.
Arav and Amani stood close to each other, running empty on magic but still waiting for their moment to pounce.
Alanna cracked her knuckles as she prepared for one final assault against her adversaries.
Edelgard watched her children with the eyes of a hawk. Her fingertips were already resting on the top of the sea. She would defeat them at a moment's notice.
A few more moments of silence passed between them as the waves gently passed.
Alanna attempted to form an alliance.
"Boys. We need to remove the greater threat. Once we've defeated Mom we can come to an agreement."
Edelgard perched an eyebrow at her only daughter.
"Seeking allies to use as shields, Alanna?"
Amani spoke up.
"How do we know you won't betray us?"
Aarav countered his brother.
"It's worth the risk. Mom's definitely gonna splash Alanna first but who do you think she'll target next? Us. She's too powerful a foe for us to challenge alone."
Edelgard grinned. It seemed Arav would be the tactician among the three. She decided to have some fun and channel a persona long forgotten.
"Either way my victory is assured. I am simply the strongest. There is no defeating the Flame Emperor!"
The twins gawked in disbelief.
Who knew their Mother was so cool?
Alanna narrowed her eyes.
"What kind of dumb name is 'Flame Emperor' ?"
Edelgard twitched.
Oh she was definitely going to splash Alanna first.
A surge of magical power broke everyone's concentration.
Slowly...
An army of waterballs rose from the sea's surface, surrounding Edelgard and her children. The quartet watched in amazement as the waterballs remained in perfect form and synchronization as they circled around them.
"Flame Emperor or not...there is only one person here who should be considered 'the strongest'..."
All eyes turned to Byleth, who had somehow managed to sneak up on them. The water droplets rolling off the top of his head was an indication that he had swam around them.
Edelgard spoke first.
"Dear...you wouldn't..."
Alanna pulled out her most poweful puppy dog pout.
"Dad? You're picking my side right?"
The twins were wise enough to not say anything. They merely hugged each other and braced for impact.
Byleth finished his previous statement with a grin.
"I win."
The waterballs descended upon them without mercy.
The Eisner family sat together on the beach in a warm, comfortable huddle, enjoying the lunch items that the family's patriarch had so lovingly prepared.
Despite the seats and cushions that Byleth had provided for his sons, the twins had decided to plop themselves down on his lap as they enjoyed their sandwiches. Their father offered not even an ounce of protest or resistance.
Byleth himself was seated on a small cushioned seat that provided ample back support, enjoying a kebab.
Edelgard and Alanna sat next to each other on the chair Alanna had brought happily sharing the final remnants of last night's chicken stew.
The peaceful recess lasted for several minutes longer until Alanna stood up with a small stretch.
"Hey Dad. I'm sure I saw a few banana trees on our way here. Quite a few of them looked ripe. You think we could whip up something tasty later?"
Byleth ran a quick mental inventory of what ingredients had been left in the kitchen.
"I'm sure we could think of something, We can pick some on our way back."
Alanna shook her head.
"It may be too dark by then, I'll go pick some now while we're taking a break from the water..."
The yojng girl blushed nervously as she looked away.
"...Mom? Maybe you could come with me?"
Edelgard immediately responded.
"Of course dear. We'll be right back boys, stay out of trouble."
Husband and Wife shared the briefest of glances before the Emperor joined her daughter on her fruit picking mission.
Byleth, Amani and Arav watched as the female duo disappeared into the forest. A few precious seconds of silence passed before Arav spoke.
"Hey Dad. How big and fast can you make those waterballs, do you think you could make one solid enough to hold human weight?"
Byleth took a final bite of his kebab, chewing carefully as he contemplated his son's question.
"I don't know son, never thought about it."
Amani grinned.
"Maybe we should try to find out...you know...for science?"
Byleth smirked.
The venture had been a success.
Edelgard and Alanna were already on their way back to the beach, they both had a large bag of ripe bananas in each hand.
The Emperor side eyed her daughter for a few seconds. It was obvious that Alanna wanted to say something but perhaps she did not how and when to say it.
Edelgard could empathize, she had several of her own awkward episodes when she was a teenager.
Maybe she could find something to spark the conversation?
"I'm glad you're here."
There was no need, Alanna seemed to be ready. Edelgard responded.
"So am I. It's felt like ages since we've really had some quality time together. I know I've allowed my duties as Emperor to affect us more than it should have, but the reason I work so hard is so that things can get even better."
"I know, Mom. I must confess that I didn't always understand. When I was younger, I used to think that you were more interested in being Adrestia's leader than being a mother and a wife."
"Alanna..."
"It's okay. I was just being childish... and maybe a little jealous for your time and attention. Dad, my Aunts and Uncles. They've really opened my eyes to a lot. The prosperity of Adrestia...no the propserity of Fodlan has been laid on your shoulders. I know it can't be easy."
The pair had paused, laying their bags down on a nearby rock. Edelgard took her daughter by the hand.
"It isn't easy but I'm not alone. You have all been the encouragement and motivation that I've needed to carry on. I don't know what I'd do without your help. I may be Emperor for a season but I will always be your mother."
Alanna quickly wiped away a tear that threatened to slide down her cheek.
"Thank you. Mom...there's something else that I've wanted to say. for a little while now."
"Mhmm?"
"Next year, when I turn seventeen, I wish to attend Garreg Mach."
Edelgard blinked a few times in surprise.
"May I ask why?"
"As far back as I can remember, I've always been reminded of who I am, of who my parents are. The Ashen Demon, strongest warrior in Fodlan if not the whole world. The god-slayer, Crimson Axe, the revolutionary that freed the continent from a corrupt, hypocritical church and their false god."
Edelgard remained silent, watching as her daughter expressed herself.
"As your firstborn, as your heir. I'm expected to be a prodigy above all other prodigies, a mighty warrior, and one day... a great Emperor."
Alanna's mother spoke up.
"Alanna, don't let this world force you into their expectations! You can be whatever and whoever you want to be. Your Father and I have done all that we have so the future generations could have the right to choose."
The Emperor's daughter chuckled.
"Don't get me wrong, Mother. The pressure of society came with its own burdens but I made my decision long before that. As a little girl I would visit Uncle Linhardt in the library, I'd read the history books, I'd read the stories of what the Black Eagle strike force accomplished. I read what my parents did to give us a better world. That's when I chose my path."
"And what path is that?"
"I will ensure that the seeds of peace that you have planted will become a mighty tree that fills this whole continent. I will ensure that the Grand Adrestian Empire only grows from strength to strength. I will make my family, my teachers and even my nation proud by achieving one simple goal."
"By becoming Emperor?"
"By surpassing you."
"Me?"
"You're my hero, Mom. You've given everything to accomplish your dream, to free Fodlan. You would have even fought Dad if you had to."
Edelgard nodded. There was indeed time where she had decided that even Byleth would have to fall if he stood in her way. Thankfully it never came to that.
Alanna continued.
"That focus. That strentgh. That determination. I need to have the same. I want to see the Fodlan that you envisioned come to a reality."
"It won't be easy, Alanna."
"Great things don't normally happen easily."
Edelgard smiled before hugging her daughter.
"When did you get so wise?"
Alanna smiled as well.
"During the last three family vacations that you missed."
"You're never going to stop mentioning that, are you?"
Alanna snickered.
"Nope."
The embrace slowly ended but Edelgard couldn't help but feel that she had grown so much closer to her firstborn.
"Does your father know about your decision to attend Garreg Mach?"
Alanna pouted and folded her arms. Edelgard found the sight absolutely adorable.
"He figured it out somehow. How does he do it? Can he read minds ?"
The Lord of Adrestia shrugged as her mind also called forth memories of Byleth doing the same to her when they were younger.
"Trust me, I gave up on trying to figure that man out ages ago."
Edelgard narrowed her eyes.
"What...is going on here?"
Byleth was sitting by a small firepit roasting a large collection of saltwater fish.
"Just roasting some fish for dinner later."
Edelgard leaned forward.
"I can see that. I'm talking about them."
Arav and Amani were too busy skating along the water's surface on their own medium sized waterball, screaming to their heart's conent to notice the arrival of their mother and older sibling.
Byleth scratched the back of his head as he sensed his wife's incoming ire.
"Uhhh...science?"
Byleth and Edelgard sat cozily in front of the cabin's fireplace, tucked away underneath a fuzzy red blanket. The pair were finally granted an opportunity to rest after a day and evening filled to the brim with action.
Byleth had served a mouth-watering serving of mashed potatoes, vegetables and roasted fish.
Edelgard then led the family through singalongs, storytelling and even more board games. It would help to mention that they also had the pleasure of enjoying freshly baked banana muffins.
It had been a wonderful time.
The Emperor sighed as she rubbed her husband's cheek.
"I wish we didn't have to go back tomorrow."
"I know. We should take another weekend like this before Alanna goes off to the Academy."
"How long have you known?"
Byleth didn't answer the question directly.
"She wished to tell you herself. I would be the cruelest of fathers to rob her of that right. Forgive me for not saying anything."
"I understand. It feels like just yesterday I was bouncing her on my lap."
Byleth chuckled, holding Edelgard even closer.
"Mom? Dad?"
The current topic of discussion joined the couple, standing in between them and crackling flames. Alanna continued.
"I just wanted you guys to know that the boys are asleep. I'm gonna turn in a little bit, too."
Edelgard responded.
"Don't spend all night reading your novels again. Get your rest."
Alanna chuckled.
"Before I go, I had a question for the both of you."
Byleth nodded.
"Go ahead, sweetheart."
"How does one...choose a moniker?"
Alanna watched as her parents looked at her, at each other and back to her. Edelgard was the one who spoke first.
"To be honest Alanna, most warriors don't choose their monikers. They get their names from accomplishments, feats or special weapons they possess."
Byleth added his own two cents.
"Some monikers are also given based on negative reasons. Certain shortcomings, losses or weird habits. Despite what you're led to believe 'Ashen Demon' was by no means a compliment."
Alanna posed her question.
"But what if I wanted a specific name? How could I get it?"
Byleth answered.
"Best way? Get strong. So strong that whoever you face, whether it be military men, bandits or mercenaries, they will ask...no...beg to know your name. Then you hit them with it and allow gossip to do the rest."
Alanna tilted her head in curiousity.
"Warriors gossip?"
Byleth nodded.
"That's what bars and guild halls are for. Bruit, Booze and...other things."
Alanna noticed the slight hesitation in the ending of her father's statement but decided not to pursue it. Edelgard spoke next.
"It sounds like you have a moniker in mind, Alanna."
"Yes mother, Yes I do."
"Well, what is it?"
Alanna took a deep breath and in that moment Edelgard realized that her daughter had been staring directly into her father's eyes.
"Blade Breaker."
Silence.
Edelgard could have said something but she now knew and understood that she was going to be a simple passenger in the vehicle of this conversation.
The flames crackling behind Alanna held their composure, keeping the room warm and providing the light that allowed Alanna to see the shifting emotions on her father's face.
Finally...he leaned forward.
"Alanna von Hresvelg-Eisner."
Alanna almost froze in place, there was a sheer terror in hearing her father recite her full name in such a cold tone.
"Father."
"The last man who truly held that title was a mighty warrior and a paragon of justice. A true knight. When others have tried to claim it, I dissuaded them. If you wish to one day use that title you must prove yourself worthy."
"I understand."
"I hope you do."
"I may not be ready now father, but one day...one day I will show you how far I've come."
"We shall see."
"Mother, Father. Please excuse me."
Alanna retreated to her room, her heart still pounding.
Edelgard waited for a moment to pass before speaking to her husband.
"She has such high ambitions. I don't think she'll stop until she accomplishes her goal."
Byleth smiled.
"I know. I can't wait to see it."
The Next Morning
Byleth perched an eyebrow as he took a seat in the living room at the request of his twin sons. The moment he stepped out of his bedroom,they had ambushed him.
"What's going on? Why are you both awake so early?"
Amani glanced upstairs before speaking.
"Is Mom still asleep?"
Byleth's mind flashed to last night's activities that had surely tired his wife out. The former professor did his best to hide his blush.
"Yes."
"Good. We need to talk."
"Is something wrong? I'm starting to get worried."
"We've been having dreams."
Byleth shook his head.
"I'm sorry you guys are having nightmares, but you really shouldn't scare me like this."
Arav spoke next.
"We didn't say nightmares, Dad. We both had a dream, the same dream."
Byleth scratched his chin. He could have sworn he had read in a book somewhere that twins have experienced things like that before.
"Well, it's not impossible, boys..."
Arav sighed.
"We just have to show him."
"Show me what?"
A pulse of power passed through Byleth's body as his twins clasped each other's hands.
Was that...?
No...it can't be.
Behind his sons, a green haired woman appeared in a glow of golden light.
Byleth's eyes widened in disbelief.
"You're...alive?"
The Progenitor god scratched the back of her head in confusion.
"I'm not sure... but I think i just gave your sons the power to turn control space and time...oops?"
THERE IT IS!
I HOPE YOU GUYS HAD FUN READING THIS!
BECAUSE I HAD FUN WRITING IT!
REVIEW/COMMENT/FAV TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT!
TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK.
THANK YOU AGAIN GUYS, YOU HAVE BROUGHT ME THROUGH ROUGH TIMES.
BY THE WAY. MY FIANCE AND I ARE BACK TOGETHER!