Hey all! Sorry for the long break, I had a work emergency that consumed about 16 hours of my days! The project's supposed to come to a close on Jan 31st with wrap ups on Feb 1st, I'll probably take a couple days break and then hopefully get back into a normal writing schedule! Thank you all for your patience and I promise I haven't lost interest!
Big shoutouts to: BioMatrix2012, Didique, GreatLight432, Aud, TabibitoSan, Medicine_Gamer0110, TG, ArtzySyam, CoreyU26
"I can't wait for the professor to wake up," Leonie held the leather reins of her horse tightly in her hands as Bernie sat behind her, her arms wrapped around her peer's waist. "He's going to be so proud."
Shamir let out an uncharacteristically loud laugh. Her horse moved a little more erratically than the others due to her position as it swung its head to and fro as it lightly galloped. Byleth sat behind her with his arms secured around her waist with a rope, his face rested peacefully against the back of Shamir's shoulder.
"What?" Leonie shot her a glance. "You don't think so?"
Edelgard felt Dorothea readjusting her grip around her stomach as she pulled gently on her reins to slow their horse.
"Oh no, I'm certain he'll be proud," Shamir tried to wipe the smirk from her face. "I'd be the first to tell him that while he was out, his students didn't know what to do, so they tied him to a horse and conquered an empire."
"Technically, we tied him to you," Ferdinand and Caspar rode alongside the knight and their unconscious professor. "We thought that'd be more dignified than simply draping him across the horse's rear. You are the strongest of us all, after all."
Caspar raised a hand to his chest and rubbed the center of his sternum where Shamir had dug her finger into it to accentuate her point just before they had fled, "I can attest to that."
"I'm not entirely sure that sounds any better," Edelgard tightened her lips to keep a smile from growing. Though Shamir had simplified the situation greatly, she couldn't doubt that it would indeed surprise her teacher when he awoke from his slumber.
Of course, Edelgard wouldn't even entertain the idea that Byleth might not wake at all, and apparently so did her peers as they talked jovially of the things they couldn't wait to tell him.
"On a more serious subject," Shamir reached behind her to grip Byleth's collar and pull him closer to her back, "what kind of resistance should we be expecting? We're not more than a couple of hours from Enbarr, and that's the longest I've ever gone without an exit strategy."
Edelgard tightened her lips as she thought, "as a child, there were always several soldiers dressed in red and black, much different from the Adrestian soldiers. They… intermingled with our army as if they were our own. It wasn't until many years later that I was told who they were."
"A dozen, a hundred?" She could hear Shamir let out a frustrated sigh.
"Two or three dozen maybe," Edelgard answered her. "They were always treated better than the rest of our soldiers, as if they held some sort of seniority. And then there was…"
Shamir gave her a moment to finish her sentence, but she never did, "there was what?"
Edelgard did not answer as she averted her gaze.
"Him," Hubert interjected. He expertly led his and Lindhardt's horse closer to Edelgard so that his voice could be heard clearly. "Thales. Where his men were, he was never too far behind."
"From my understanding, Thales possesses abilities that far superseded Solon," the blue-haired noted to no one in particular.
"I'm always up for a challenge!" Caspar let one of his hands loose from Ferdinand's waist to give them another of his famous fist pumps. "Besides, I think we've found the right teams. We can take on anybody!"
"Boastfulness is only being a prelude to failure," Petra muttered quietly. She led a chestnut mount as Lysithea rode behind her.
"It's true," Ingrid took a deep breath. "If Solon was able to banish our professor to the void, I can't even begin to imagine what Thales might be capable of."
"And I don't think any of us have any goddesses within us to help us get out," Leonie pursed her lips. "But if any of you do, now's definitely the time for an ace up our sleeve."
"Sorry, all out of goddesses," Caspar shot Leonie a sly smile. "Our professor took the last one."
"Besides," Shamir interrupted. "I don't believe this will be the time to split into our usual teams."
"Our strategy seems to have been working well thus far," Ferdinand furrowed his brow.
"This isn't exactly like every other battle, is it?" Shamir tugged on Byleth's hands around her waist. "If we're to encounter anything like the void again, it would be best if we go together. It would greatly increase our chances of escaping a prison such as that."
"But we are more agile and deadly in smaller groups," Annette scrunched her brows in confusion.
"And easier to take out with soldiers like the Agarthans," Shamir shook her head. "Besides, I promised your teacher I wouldn't let anything happen to you. And with his absence, I suppose I have no choice but to assume his duties in his stead. So you'll do as I say, and we will stay close to one another."
"You certainly sound like him," Edelgard decided against making light of her veiled admission of her affection toward them.
"I think Shamir likes us," it appeared Leonie didn't have the same filter nor foresight as Edelgard did.
The blue-haired knight let out a not-so-subtle groan.
"How could she not?" Caspar played on Leonie's words. "I mean, we're quite likable. Noble students risk it all for the greater good."
"Well, you know that I'm her favorite," Leonie lifted a single brow toward Caspar.
"I am going to pretend that the small, rather inexperienced army I'm about to lead into the Agarthans base of operations isn't having this conversation right now," Shamir kept her eyes forward with one hand gripping Byleth's hands.
"I hate to crush the dreams of my peers that I'm rather fond of," Edelgard flattened her lips. Though the words that flowed through her mind were quite uncharacteristic, she couldn't help but appreciate being able to participate in such a ridiculous conversation, "But it's clear that besides our teacher, that I am Shamir's favorite."
"No fair!" Leonie protested with a scowl, "you're already the professor's favorite, you can't have both."
"I-I am not his favorite," her words took Edelgard back. "I'm merely the class leader, and as such-"
"You're not fooling anybody," Leonie lifted her brows as she gazed at Edelgard. "He didn't take anyone else to the ball. Plus, you two are inseparable."
"As much as I do enjoy the lightheartedness as we march off to certain death," Flayn's tone didn't betray the seriousness of their situation. "I do wonder if you might have a plan for when we return to Garreg Mach? I truly do not wish to see any of you punished."
"I doubt there will be any serious punishment for any of you," Shamir lowered her tone as she kept her eyes forward. "You are all the future of Fodlan, after all."
"I'm not…" Leonie curled her lips.
"Nor I," Dorothea added.
"But you're students nonetheless," Shamir continued. "Simply taking orders from your professor and a Knight of Seiros. They'll never punish the Enlightened One, not without causing a political scandal with the other territories."
"But they'll certainly punish a rogue Knight of Seiros," Edelgard replied softly.
Shamir did not answer; she only tightened her grip on their horse's reins as she stared forward.
"We all left knowing well that we may not be able to return," Edelgard continued. "Just as you said you would never let anything happen to us, I hope you know that we share in your sentiment. If returning means you are to face an unjust punishment, then we simply won't return."
"That's right, us outlaws stick together," Leonie nodded.
"I won't allow it," Shamir sternly replied. "Byleth would never forgive me if you all had to resort to exile."
"You can't exactly stop us either," Dorothea's tone was gentle. "We're already horse-thieves and kidnappers."
"Actually, I'm not sure if we're kidnappers just yet," Caspar pursed his lips. "I mean, the professor didn't exactly say 'no.'"
"Nor did he say 'yes,'" Leonie added. "But I don't think he'll think of it as a kidnapping."
"But we did bind him to Shamir with rope," Caspar pondered. "Seems like a textbook kidnapping to me."
"Not if he's grateful when he wakes up," Leonie argued.
"Stop," Shamir pulled on the reins of their horse.
"Sorry," Caspar lowered his head, "we're not really arguing."
"Not that," Shamir's tone was annoyed as her horse came to a full stop. "He's moving."
Edelgard's heart skipped a beat, and she felt as if the air had been suctioned from her lungs.
In unison, each student jerked the reins of their own horses.
Edelgard's steed barely had time to come to a complete stop before she swung her leg over the saddle and fell quite a distance to the ground, deftly landing on her feet, "he moved? Is he awake?"
"Is he alright?" Lysithea stayed mounted as she peered on in concern.
Shamir shook her head, "I am unsure. I simply thought he was sliding off the saddle, but he's pulling on my waist and readjusting his head."
Edelgard took several strides forward as she approached Shamir's horse. She lifted her chin high into the air to try and catch a glimpse of Byleth's face. It was when her eyes met his piercing, light green eyes that she let a wide grin grow from ear to ear, "his eyes are open! Untie him!"
"Already on it," Shamir's hands frantically loosened the knot that bound his hands around her.
Edelgard kept her eyes on Byleth's face. His lips didn't move, nor did his eyes assess their surroundings, "can you hear me?"
He did not answer her. Once Shamir pulled the rope free from his wrists she twisted her body and gripped his arm tightly, but he did not lose his balance and fall as she expected. Slowly, Shamir removed her hand as she peered back at him, he slowly turned his head to meet her gaze.
It was then that Edelgard noticed several of her peers surrounding her at the base of Shamir and Byleth's steed.
"Professor!" Leonie's excitement couldn't be contained in her voice. Byleth remained silent, instead only turning his head down to peer at the young, orange-haired student.
"What's wrong with him?" Leonie swallowed hard. Edelgard couldn't help but notice the panic that began to overtake her face.
"Maybe he's broken," Caspar shrugged.
Without missing a beat, Leonie threw her fist forward and struck Caspar in his forearm.
"Ouch!" He winced and took several steps back as he coddled his arm. "What was that for?"
"He is not broken!" Leonie scowled. "He just needs… he just probably needs more rest."
Edelgard took several steps forward and gently placed her hand on Byleth's boot before raising her head, "Byleth, if you can hear me, we're going to Enbarr… please say something."
"Your hair…" Byleth muttered almost inaudibly.
Edelgard felt her body perk up at his words. She studied his face as his lips quivered.
"It was soaked in red."
Her shoulders slumped in disappointment. A part of her wished to hear Byleth's usual commanding voice, instead she was only met with words that made no sense to her. Edelgard turned her gaze to Shamir, "is he able to stay mounted on his own?"
Shamir shook her head, "he still seems off balance, unless I hold his shirt the entire time, he's bound to lose his balance."
Edelgard nodded her head slowly, "then let's rebind his hands. We must keep moving if we stand a chance to make it back to Garreg Mach before the ceremony."
"Very well," Shamir pulled each of Byleth's arms on either side of her waist and clasped his hands together before wrapping the rope around his wrists. He was complicit, he didn't struggle, he didn't protest.
Edelgard studied his face for a moment longer as she rubbed his boot with his hands, "you must come back to us, Byleth."
It had been many years since Edelgard had returned to Enbarr. The castle halls seemed darker than when she was a child. Grand stone columns lined the sides of the throne room, but they were in disarray. Many of them bore scars and cracks as if a battle had occurred in this sacred place.
In the short distance, Edelgard could see the grand staircase that led to the throne, where a figure she could barely make out sat, surrounded by what she could only assume was his royal court.
She peered behind her to see her classmates cautiously following her. Hubert had the professor's arm draped over his shoulders as they walked. Byleth's legs moved one in front of the other though his eyes stared blankly forward, as if he were on autopilot.
Shamir walked closely beside Edelgard, close enough that their shoulders practically touched She kept her hands close to her waist, where her weapons were holstered, "where's the welcome party?"
Edelgard shook her head slowly without breaking her gaze on the throne, "I'm not sure, there are usually more Adrestian soldiers."
"It's not them that I'm worried about," Shamir's head swung from side to side as she studied the columns as they passed, no doubt looking for signs of an ambush.
Edelgard had to admit the whole situation felt wrong. As a child, Agarthan soldiers often intermingled with the hundreds of Adrestian civilians and soldiers, as if they were one empire. But now, her father's castle almost seemed abandoned except for the few stubborn souls that refused to leave a crumbling palace.
"Daughter," a deep voice bellowed from across the throne room.
Edelgard took a deep breath as her father's voice rang in her head.
"Edie," she felt a hand grip her arm and hold her back. Edelgard turned her head to see Dorothea's concerned gaze staring back at her, "please, be careful."
"She's right," Shamir's tone remained cool and collected. "The Agarthans have been known to use illusions."
Edelgard tried to suppress the lump that formed in her throat as she returned her gaze to the man that sat upon the throne, "father."
She began her stride down the dirt-stained, red carpet as her colleagues followed close behind. Edelgard took extra care to ensure every step, every swing of her arm beamed with confidence. In truth, her heart couldn't be more rapid, nor could she control the perspiration that began to form. Edelgard would've much preferred her teacher walking beside her as she approached the throne, but she couldn't dwell on the fact that he was a million kilometers away, fighting his own demons.
"You've some nerve showing your face in Enbarr," a larger, pudgy, bald man hissed.
"It's good to see you doing well, Duke Aegir," Edelgard nodded her head as she stopped at the bottom of the stairs. At the top, she could see a frail man slumped over in the throne. His long white hair was stringy and fell in front of his face.
"Your Majesty," Hubert held Byleth's arm firmly, but bowed his head.
"Have you come to gloat at the latest destruction you've left in your path?" Duke Aegir scowled.
Edelgard blinked several times. Her eyes darted around the mostly deserted room, she took note of the several cracks in the cement that surrounded the sacred space, "me?"
"Those Who Slither in the Dark abandoned us," the Duke continued, disdain emanating from his tongue. "They say you've betrayed us all and that because of you, we're no longer worthy of their power."
"Aegir," Edelgard's father weakly lifted a quivering hand to silence the man. "Enough."
"Father," Edelgard ascended a few of the steps to be closer to her ailing father. "I've only followed my heart. And within the depths of what I've found, I only saw that Those Who Slither in the Dark do not have the interests of the people of Fodlan in their plans. They only mean to destroy-"
"My sweet El," his voice was low, but his eyes grew wide as they rested upon her face. "None of this was your fault. We were fools to think such darkness could help us reunite Fodlan."
"Father?" His words surprised Edelgard. For generations, the Agarthans held the emperor upon their puppet strings. She had honestly not expected her own father to sympathize with her own agenda.
"You have never been one to follow the path made for you," the emperor continued.
"Your Majesty," the Duke pleaded as he leaned over the armrest of the throne. "She has doomed us to be crushed by power we simply cannot maintain without Thales. Unrest has already spread throughout Adrestia."
"Have they truly abandoned this place?" Shamir was ever vigilant, she studied each of their movements and surroundings. Edelgard was certain she was expecting some sort of ploy to catch them by surprise, of which she was suddenly grateful to have an ally such as the knight.
The emperor wearily nodded his head as he looked upon the knight, "without warning, they withdrew their forces no more than a fortnight ago."
"I take it they didn't mention where they were going," Shamir moistened her lips.
"They did not divulge this information," he continued. "Only that the time has come."
"What time?" Edelgard's chest grew tight. "What time, father?"
"This, I do not know," he shook his head before lifting his eyes to gaze upon Byleth. "But I imagine it has something to do with him. He is the Enlightened One, no?"
Edelgard hesitated before nodding her head, "he is."
"Hmph," the Duke scoffed. "So he's the one responsible for the doom of a once great empire. Leading our own heir down such a dark and suicidal path-"
"He's responsible for nothing," Edelgard interrupted. It took several breaths before she was able to quell the anger that had arisen inside of her. "He's merely supported the choices I've made for myself. As all of my peers have."
"He'll make a fine consort, indeed," the emperor let a sly smile form from his lips.
"What's a consort?" Edelgard could hear Leonie's barely audible voice whisper behind her.
"It's like a noble baby-maker," Caspar answered her.
Edelgard pushed their voices out of her mind. It did not seem like an appropriate time to engage in playful banter.
"Edelgard," Shamir clenched her jaw. "If they truly did abandon this place in search of the Enlightened One…"
"Then they'll be heading for Garreg Mach," Edelgard didn't need to think it through. Byleth's mysterious disappearance from the monastery more than likely hadn't reached the empire so as far as the Agarthans were concerned, that would still be where he resided.
"Seems like you have learned something," Shamir nodded approvingly. "At least Byleth's lessons weren't completely lost."
Edelgard fought back the grin that tried to grow, she had become accustomed to Shamir's friendly jests, "as much as you deny it, they were your lessons as well."
"If it's a fight with Those Who Slither in the Dark you seek," the duke narrowed his eyes as he scowled at Edelgard, "you will not find it here. So I suggest you all leave at once."
"I…" Edelgard took a deep breath as she pondered her words. "Father, I've come for something else."
The emperor smiled gently as he slowly stood from his throne, "I always knew this day would come."
"Y-your Majesty," the duke stuttered, his eyes grew wide in disbelief. "Surely you don't mean to relinquish your throne to this… this heathen!"
"That is my daughter you speak of," the emperor kept his eyes on Edelgard. "I failed to protect you for many years when you were whisked away to the Kingdom. But I have a feeling it is a fight you seek."
"For the people of Fodlan, father," Edelgard lifted her chin and fought back the tears at the sight of his ailing body. "To put an end to tyranny once and for all. The tyranny of crests, the tyranny of the Church and the tyranny of Those Who Slither in the Dark."
"Then this is the least I can do for my only daughter," he removed the crown that rested upon his stringy, white hair and held it in front of his chest. "I've no doubt your… comrades have proven themselves more than capable. But the path you've chosen will require no less than an army, but I fear Adrestia's finest will still fall short."
"It's merely a stepping stone, father," Edelgard lowered her head as she suddenly didn't feel worthy to gaze upon the crown without its emperor. "I will unite houses and kingdoms and alliances. We will amass the largest army Fodlan has ever seen."
"We cannot crown a new emperor," the duke protested. "The Archbishop is among those you plan to dethrone, so there is no surprise that she is not here to witness your succession!"
Several long moments of silence befell the throne room. Edelgard could feel her heart pound against her ribcage with such force she wondered how long it would be before her bones finally broke.
"I am Shamir Nevrand," the blue-haired knight straightened her stance. "Knight of Seiros, and I will witness this succession."
Duke Aegir scoffed, "I don't imagine you'll be a Knight of Seiros for much longer once Lady Rhea discovers what you've done."
"Perhaps not," Caspar gulped, "But I am Caspar von Bergliez. I, too, will witness this succession."
"And I…" Ingrid hesitantly stepped forward. "I am of the Kingdom… or at least I used to be. I am Ingrid Brandl Galatea of House Galatea, and I will witness this succession."
"None of which hold any authority!" The duke's voice rose.
Edelgard stayed silent. Though they had risked their lives for one another countless times, albeit they would fail occasionally in which Byleth would have to correct their mistakes, she never expected her peers to speak on her behalf.
Perhaps they were all unaware of the momentous symbolism being a witness meant, as the title was only meant for those dearest to the heir. On the other hand, they might have been very much aware and it could have been Edelgard that underestimated their bonds.
"But we will, sooner or later," Ferdinand interjected. "It has been said we are, indeed, the future of Fodlan."
"Yeah!" Leonie firmly nodded.
"And you are?" The duke sucked his teeth at the less-than-elegant girl.
"I'm… Leonie… of House Pinelli," her tone quickly lowered. She quickly grabbed Dorothea's arm, "and this is Dorothea… von Arnault. And we'll witness this succession."
"I've never heard of you," skepticism filled the duke's tone.
"That's your loss," Leonie lifted her chin in an attempt to appear more intimidating.
"Surely, you've heard of me, father," Ferdinand took a deep breath as he straightened his stance to tower over his short, balding father. "Ferdinand von Aegir, and I will witness this succession."
"Wait, that's his father?" Leonie whispered though Edelgard couldn't see to whom.
"Boy, you dare-" the duke's face reddened throughout his cheeks, even the top of his head appeared to steam with a tomato red. "To stand against your own blood, it's-it's-"
"Enough," the emperor interrupted. "I will accept her witnesses."
"Your Majesty, you can't-"
"Edelgard von Hresvelg, the Path Maker" the emperor ignored his Prime Minister. "Bend your knee and accept the weight of the Adrestian Empire upon your head and shoulders."
Edelgard's vision felt surreal. Even as she descended to her knees on the stair, it felt as if her surroundings spun around her. She felt the gentleness of her father's touch as he lowered the crown upon her head.
"Now rise and greet your empire as their new leader," her father's voice beamed with pride.
Edelgard did as she was told and ascended to her feet. She was not used to wearing anything upon her head and briefly pondered how much force it would take to send it flying, though it was something she would not test.
"Your Majesty," her father bowed his head slightly with a large grin upon his face.
Edelgard swallowed hard, she knew she couldn't hesitate too long, she needed to maintain her facade of fearless confidence, "my first order of business, Duke Aegir, is to relieve you of your duties. It will be quite some time before you can show your face in public again."
"Y-your Majesty, my family served the emperor for generations…" his tone was suddenly more quiet, more gentle.
"And it shall stay that way, at least until we can reform our own empire," Edelgard craned her neck to peer at Ferdinand. "Ferdinand von Aegir, would you accept?"
"Edelgard?" Ferdinand furrowed his brow. "I-I mean, Your Majesty-"
"Please, everyone, Edelgard is fine," she continued. "We've been through so much, we've shared many secrets and yet here you all stand. Of course, you can choose a subjugate to perform your duties in your absence as I'd hope you'll come back to Garreg Mach with us."
"Of course," Ferdinand nodded. "We're far from being done, Edelgard."
"Agreed," Shamir nodded. "We've a long road ahead of us, but at least we have a bonafide Path Maker on our side now."
Edelgard von Hresvelg, the Path Maker… her father's words rang in her head. It felt strange. No more than a year ago, her path was clear and written for her to spare her the burden, and it was filled with blood and bodies of familiar faces that would greet her in the monastery.
But now, she was the Path Maker, for when her destiny didn't suit herself or the people of Fodlan, she would carve a new one.