This chapter unlike the original version has over thousands of words of additional material that I wish I would have included in the original.

warning this chapter has a sex scenes in it I'm not experienced writing these things so please be constructive it's not explicit or anything.

Anyway on with the chapter.

Chapter 17: Black Eagles Unexpected Awakening

The Black Eagles were on their way back from Garreg Mach, which turned out to be a mission to eliminate bandits but instead became a rescue mission of a student who had been kidnapped at the end of the previous year. Little did they know they would have pursuers in black cloaks with red stripes.

"Interesting. Itachi-san, these are just kids, and one of our potential targets is with them. This could be our opportunity."

Itachi silenced him with one motion of his hand.

"Our mission is to silence the girl, Monica. Nothing more. Kisame didn't buy it."

"Our goal is to make it look like our mission was to eliminate the girl, but that's not what we're going to do is it?Anything that undermines our enemies, we will do so accordingly. This girl's escape will set them back." Itachi said indifferently.

"Do we at least get to fight the famous mercenary on this continent? I've heard interesting things about the Ashen Demon Byleth Eisner; I would love to test my blade against him."

He said with a look of bloodlust.

"Remember the plan", he sighed. they both did the jitsu to create a shadow clone; it wouldn't have their full power, but it would do their real mission, which wasn't even to pursue the children from the Black Eagles.

"The Chalice of beginnings", that's our goal, isn't it? Itachi-san asked Kisame curious

"Yes, but first we're going to pay a visit to Orochimaru so he won't get any ideas about betraying the Akatsuki. We must remind him who he works for."

They headed in the direction where Orochimaru would be. He was disappointed, but he knew he would have another chance, assuming the Ashen Demon survived.

It had been four days. It was difficult for her to believe four days earlier she could have died and no one would remember her except Edelgard. She looked at her, so peaceful in her sleep, she never thought she'd ever hold her again or see her face again. The person who saved her, Hinata, she is forever grateful to her. She saved her from a gruesome end and brought her back to her beloved. She got out of the tent and then noticed Hinata was on watch; it was her turn. She looked at her and then spoke softly and quietly, due to everyone being asleep.

"You should get some sleep, Moni-chan!" Hinata said in her language. Monica was happy that she was called out to her using her childhood nickname that she used when they met in the Hyuga compound seven years ago. Even though there was another person, a boy named Dimitri, those were some of the happiest times she had; it was before Edelgard lost all of her siblings almost feels like a lifetime ago.

"It seems you haven't changed, Hina Chan!" Monica replied in Hinata's language. She sat down next to her old friend. It had been seven years since she couldn't help but notice how beautiful Hinata has become; however, not in the same way she finds Edelgard beautiful, but still beautiful nonetheless.

"I wish we could have met again under different circumstances. There's so much I want to talk about" Hinata said, she feels the same way; she never thought she would ever see Hinata again.

" So you chose Lady Edelgard; somehow I knew you would." She said with a smile.

" She is strong. I wish I could be more like her, compared to her. I feel so insignificant" Monica could relate to that due to her experience.

" I don't think you give yourself enough credit; without you, I would not be alive now. I owe you my life. I almost gave up on life and" she looked at the tent where Edelgard was.

" you don't have to say anymore; I know" Hinata replied.

"You don't have a problem with it?" She asked, wanting to make sure.

"Why would I? You love each other; what does it matter?" This was surprising, considering her upbringing in the Hyuga Clan. The Hyuga Clan is known to be socially conservative in their values and not tolerant of homosexuality.

In her time in that compound, she had seen firsthand the kind of culture the clan has strict stuck up, prideful and arrogant. She'd seen how Hinata's father treated his own daughter, chastising her for every failure, beating her to the point where she cried; she remembers that memory vividly.

flashback 7 years ago at the Hyuga clan compound

Monica was tired, it being a long day.

Dimitri and Edelgard were asleep after a long day of learning about the Hyuga clan. She hated this place; she couldn't stand the people, but she was required to be here for her lady's sake. The only saving grace about this place was her friend Hinata Hyuga, who was a sweet and kind girl. She couldn't help but like her friend Edelgard and her stepbrother Dimitri felt the same way.

She wore a kimono, which was white with Sakura blossoms on its lower and upper sections. She tried to be as quiet as possible so as not to draw attention. Then, she saw something that she couldn't believe she was seeing. Hinata was breathing heavily, and her face was bloodied. The girl was crying, and her father had a cold and indifferent expression.

"You are pathetic. You're supposed to be my heir, but you disgrace me and the clan with your weakness." Hiashi said with disgust.

The girl was crying, which disgusted Hiashi. He kicked the girl in the stomach.

"Get up, you pathetic wretch!"

The girl tried her best to stop crying by wiping the tears from her face. Monica just couldn't believe it - how could anyone be so cruel to their own child? Monica's father was never like that with her; she got up and tried to defend herself, but it was useless. The girl was exhausted, but her father continued to berate her.

"Your sister is only 2 years younger than you, and she already surpasses you. You are a disgrace."

She got up and took her stance again. Why was she doing this? She couldn't comprehend why anyone would be so cruel to their own child. This pointless act of violence was something Monica couldn't comprehend. The 11-year-old girl wanted to come to her friend's defense, but she couldn't do anything. She felt so useless.

The girl said, "I won't give up."

Hinata said barely breathing barely standing up.

"It's the Uzumaki brat, isn't it? You keep getting up despite how futile it is. I guess being inspired by a failure is fitting for you." He mocked.

"Keep Naruto-kun's Name Out Of Your Mouth!" The normally shy girl screamed at him. She charged and attacked him, not caring if she could win. She wasn't going to allow anyone to insult Naruto—not even her own father.

Monica had no words for how cruel this man was. Hinata attacked him in a wild fury, angrier than she'd ever been. Her father was amused by rage that she had felt towards him and continue to insult him even further.

"The boy will never amount to anything"Hiashi said mockingly.

"Shut Up"Hinata hit her father in the chest knocking him back.

"Got lucky with that one girl; it won't happen again." He knocked her back, putting his right leg on her chest to pin her down.

"The boy will never pay attention to you, and even if he did, it would never happen. You will only marry who I say you can marry. Do you understand, girl?"

Hitting her with his knee, he knocked her back, knocking over the nearby table. Monica couldn't believe what she was seeing.

Blood was dripping onto the ground, but the girl still wouldn't back down; she was going to die at this rate.

"That's enough!" said a woman behind him. She saw a woman with black hair and red eyes, and she had what was expected of someone of her rank. in the land of Fire...

"Take the girl and go" he said, dismissing them both.

As the raven-haired woman help lift Hinata up she couldn't help but notice the look of hatred for her father in Hinata's eyes.

This would forever be ingrained in Monica's psyche: one thing she was always praised for was her memory. Hinata would never knew what Monica witnessed that night.

Back to the present

"Some things never change. Your kind, as you were then. I personally think that's a strength, not a weakness. We could use more kindness in this cruel world." She truly meant it; she can picture Edelgard and Hinata together, making a better future. Though that was a fantasy, she can't let childhood friendships blind her to what the inevitable outcome could be.

"You should get some sleep, Hinata. I'll take over; you look tired."

She could tell that Hinata was barely able to keep her eyes open.

"I can't sleep; I'm worried sick for Naruto Kun and Dorothea San."

Dorothea that surprised her; she's friends with Dorothea.

Naruto; she heard of him when they were children; she heard people in the clan telling her to stay away from Naruto.

She had only seen him once before she left, but she remembers it vividly.

"Who are they to you, Hina Chan?"

Monica asked her if she knew how he didn't feel about Naruto, but it had been seven years; it wouldn't hurt to learn what she'd been doing for all that time.

"Naruto Kun is my boyfriend, and I'm worried about him."

So she is finally together with the boy she had been in love with for all those years? She was happy for her, but something else was in her eyes.

"What about Dorothea?" Monica asked her.

Hinata tensed when she was mentioned.

"She's a precious person to me, and I don't want to lose her or hurt her. I want to protect her."

The way she was talking about Dorothea—no, she can't jump to conclusions! She was going to ask her so she would know for sure before making assumptions.

"Do you love her?" Monica asked.

"I. I." She was struggling to get the words out, obviously she felt something strongly for her, she wouldn't be struggling to get the words out otherwise.

"Dorothea, she's kind and she's beautiful. Am I a horrible person, Moni-chan, for loving her and Naruto-kun?" She asked.

Monica had no idea how to respond; this was not what she expected to find out after 7 years.

But then again, she had seen the signs of Hinata being attracted to both boys and girls when she was at the compound.

"I really like you, Moni-chan!" a 10-year-old Hinata said to Monica. When she thinks about it, she was probably Hinata's first crush on a person of the same gender.

Being in that clan forced her to be in the closet for so long; she has to be honest with Hinata—she can't do anything else otherwise it would be a disservice to her.

"You should just tell her your feelings. That would be a start, wouldn't it?" She asked her childhood friend.

"What if she doesn't feel the same way?" Hinata asked her. Monica chuckled.

"You'll just have to talk to her and find out. I think it will work out. Is Naruto okay with sharing you with her?" She asked her generally wanting to know.

"Yes, I'm sharing him with Ingrid as well who's now my girlfriend." A four-way relationship, Monica didn't know how that would work out; she knew about Ingrid and Dorothea's love affair, but she didn't want to get involved too deeply because one relationship is already complicated enough; a relationship with three partners? The idea was ridiculous, but it had happened in history where couples of four people loved each other very much and supported each other at times of need.

"Oh, look at the time!"

Monica yawned and said she couldn't keep her eyes open.

"I'd like to do that sometime; when we get back to the monastery."

Monica said.

"I'd like for us to spend some time together, just the four of us, like old times." Hinata said with nostalgia.

"I'd like for you to do that" Monica said with a warm smile. She got up and headed to her tent.

Monica took one last look at Hinata and went to her tent.

She when they ever have the time where it's only her, Hinata, and Edelgard; perhaps when they return to the monastery and she rejoins the Black Eagles house she could do that someday. After her watch was over which didn't last more than a half an hour. She goes back to her tent.

When she goes inside her tent, Edelgard was still asleep; she lies back down only to realize she wasn't asleep after all." You have doubts about Hinata?" she asked her.

"I don't know; she's way too kind. I don't see her approving what we have in mind." Monica said.

"I don't agree: the kind of world that she wants is not that far removed from ours. I strongly believe she could join us in time, but for right now let's just enjoy the little time that we have to ourselves. Things will get hectic once we return."

She couldn't help but agree with her kidnappers. Will be exposed this was a huge risk; she doesn't know if it will pay off, but she believes Edelgard will find some way to turn any setback by their enemies into an advantage. She went to sleep dreaming of the new dawn her beloved envisions.

He was strapped down to a chair; there was barely any light. He had no idea where he was, and the only thing on his mind was his wives. Where are they? They had been on the run for six months, and there was no way they could have been tracked down. But these people did. They were both captured. The only thing that mattered to him was where she was. Where was her red thread?

He wouldn't wait long after the door opened, and he saw Marianne; her face was swollen on one side and her clothes were torn, having fought with everything she had.

The man had a knife at her throat; she didn't show any fear in her eyes. Her face was puffy on one side. Her clothes were torn into pieces. There was a pink-haired woman that he recognized, but he didn't know why her eyes looked like they were dead inside, as if she didn't have control over her body.

"You cannot use your precious powers to reverse this abomination. You know your powers don't work against this. He saw those eyes, the eyes he only knew too well, which he had encountered on multiple occasions. His powers were useless when they were activated."

He was completely helpless; they were all laughing as he was kicked in the jaw, with multiple teeth flying out. Marianne looked at him in an expression she had accepted her own demise.

"I went to great lengths track you and your wives down, Byleth Eisner."

A man with bandages wrapped around half of his face said, "you bastard, let them go!" His voice was barely a whisper. "No, your power will be a great asset to the village."

Marianne was forced to her knees; there was a pink haired girl whose features he couldn't make out but somehow they were familiar.

"Prove to us that you are worthy of being a member of the Root. Kill this girl and spill her blood on the floor along with the unborn abominations inside of her."

His eyes widened. "No."

"No, I won't do it," the pink-haired woman said, forcing the words out. The bandage man did a hand sign that caused the girl to scream in pain, which caused everyone in the room to laugh at the futility of the girl's resistance.

"With this jitsu I can make anything possible even make people like you kill those they love this girl means something to you doesn't she?"man with bandages asked the pink haired girl.

"I'm sorry for being a burden" Marianne said to both Byleth and the pink haired girl.

"I'll do anything, don't kill her. I beg of you." Byleth said, begging for the man to spare the woman's life.

"I won't"the girl forced the words out she screamed even more in agony as the bandage face man breast even harder which forced her to move tears were falling through the girl's eyes.

"You both love this woman? Think of this as your first lesson in loyalty. You will become my tool in time. You will be essential to the Konoha empire's success. You will be our weapon." The man snapped his finger, which forced the pink-haired girl's legs to move as she inched closer and closer to Marianne's body.

the pink haired girl fought with everything she had much to the frustration of the bandage face man she was putting all of her resistance she could but it was futile she was behind Marianne with a knife at her throat.

"No, don't make me do this. I'll do anything. Please don't make me do this." The pink-haired woman said, beggingly.

"In the root, the first thing you must kill is your emotions. You will kill Marianne Von Edmund because we can't let any abominations that are inside of her exist in this world. That girl's clan must die today by your hands." He did the seal. She fought with every ounce of her being to resist anything.

"This is for the safety of the village and the safety of the Shinobi world. This girl's bloodline must be extinguished." He continued pressing, and the pink-haired woman's last ounce of resistance gave away; her body would no longer obey her.

The woman cut Marianne's throat; she fell face-down on the floor. He couldn't believe it was happening; she was going to die, and the children inside her would die with her. The family they were going to have together, the pink-haired woman collapsed. She no longer had control of her body; she was like a corpse. She couldn't scream, tears fell, she was completely broken.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO MARI" he screamed in anguish, he couldn't believe it was happening; the woman who had become the most precious thing to him was gone. He had nothing to live for as he saw the other woman looking at him.

"I killed her, I'm sorry," the pink-haired girl said as she took her own life, not being able to live with the reality of killing Marianne. Both of them were gone; the blood of both of his wives was on the floor. The man was laughing at his suffering; he had nothing to live for. Then he felt a mark form on his forehead; he was no longer free. Long gone were his days of freedom; he was dead. No, his fate was something worse than death.

His body was no longer his own; he was a vessel of an empire hell-bent on world conquest. The one thing on his mind before he had completely died was that he would always remember this until his physical body deteriorated. Marianne and the pink-haired girl were gone. He screamed their names, but no one could hear him. He was a prisoner of his own body.

"MARI" He screamed; he was completely covered in sweat, and sweating through this nightmare was worse than the last one he had. He had difficulty breathing; the nightmare seemed so real, as if Marianne were being killed right before his eyes. He placed his hand on his chest, feeling the nightmare to be so real, so vivid, as if it were real, not just a dream.

Sothis looked concerned.

"What was that? Was it a vision or a nightmare?" He asked, barely getting the words out. The otherworldly being looked like he was in deep thought. I think it was both a vision of the future and a nightmare. Byleth said, his voice shaking.

His hands were trembling

"With my powers, apparently, you have the ability to see into possible futures. What you saw from your perspective was a nightmare. Seeing someone you love deeply being killed right in front of you and you were powerless to stop it and you were an enemy territory not able to escape, I don't know what the significance of the vision is." Sothis answered even though it wasn't the kind of answer he was looking for it wasn't enough.

That person he couldn't see her face, but he recognized her somehow. He didn't know why, and that scared him.

"I won't let it become real."

"He said with determination.

"If you become obsessed, you will end up doing a self-fulfilling prophecy: The future is always in motion. Remember that." Sothis reminded him

"The warning he understood what it meant, but he couldn't help but feel like this was a vision. But why did he receive such a vision?"

"why was I shown this what is the purpose?"he asked her.

"it's because of your fear of failure and seeing her death is what causes that nightmare is a result of your fear of failure."that made sense that still didn't explain these feelings he had for her they were strong.

"You have strong feelings for her that's another reason"she said almost as otherworldly being can read into his mind.

Then he thinks about the other extent of his abilities and then asks her another question.

"You say I can reverse time to some degree. Does that mean I could go forward in time and see into the future?" She asked.

" My power does not work like that. I cannot go back and forth through time. If I had that power, I wouldn't ever let you use it. It would break the fabric of reality. Time travel is the kind of power that should never be in the hands of mortals or even gods. For that matter." That made sense. He doesn't know if he could trust himself with such power.

"I know what you're thinking don't what happened a few days ago was not your fault."She reminded him.

"I couldn't protect her I couldn't protect anyone if I didn't have your powers, they would all be dead now. I don't know if this power is a gift or a curse. I keep reliving those moments when I shut my eyes. Is this what I have to look forward to every night? Reliving my failures, the deaths of friends that I saved"she looked at him sadly not being able to help me with his nightmares

"I'm sorry Byleth I wish I could help you with your nightmares but there's a limit on what even I can do I don't even know if I'm a God or not I'll do everything I can to help you and your friends don't be afraid to talk to them"that's what was the most frustrating thing how can he tell Marianne his nightmares she wouldn't understand he doesn't want to be a burden to her. He is supposed to protect her, it's not supposed to be the other way around.

"Are you okay, Byl?" asked Marianne as she walked behind him. He turned around. Had she heard him? "You should be sleeping." She didn't move from her spot. "You look like you had a nightmare." Marianne saw right through him. Of all the people, she was the one he didn't want to show his weakness in front of.

He had no idea what to say or what to do. She approached him; he felt her touch. Her hands felt so soft.

How did you know I had a nightmare?" He asked her, wanting to know.

I can't explain it; I just felt it when I woke up. I heard your scream. It must have been horrible." But he didn't scream, did he?" He got up, not wanting her to see him in his vulnerable state.

"You should get some sleep." He said, trying to avoid the question she had on her mind.

"The same can be said for you. I don't know what has happened to you since we rescued Monica; you have barely slept, and I'm worried."

Marianne was concerned about his lack of sleep; she could notice it, especially considering how much time they had spent together since she transferred to the Black Eagles. He didn't want to burden her; she had enough on her plate, but he couldn't be dishonest with her.

How can he explain that he saw everyone die, including her?

In the short amount of time that he had known her, she had become important to him, even though he couldn't explain the feelings at all. How could he explain that he felt like a failure? How could he explain to her that he remembered everything that had happened? He would sound crazy.

"You would think I'm crazy if I told you this," but it didn't deter her; it made her more determined to know. "Just tell me." Marianne spoke softly. "You wouldn't understand the burden that I carry, and even if you did, I don't want to burden you." He didn't want to tell her that he had seen all of his friends die—some of them were Marianne's friends. It scared him. This power that he had was as much of a blessing as it was a curse.

But he couldn't just lie not to her she wouldn't believe him anyway he wouldn't insult her that way. Sothis he wanted to ask her if he could tell her something she advised him not to. He decided to answer her question with a question of his own.

"Can you imagine having the ability to reverse time but there's a cost? Can you imagine seeing those you care for being killed and then imagine you remember how they died but they didn't die? You have the memories of what happened. Can you imagine having such a power before you use it? It feels like a blessing but to me it feels like a curse even if I saved everyone I"Marianne didn't let him finish she embraced him.

"You don't have to say anything more" this was an awkward situation, if anyone saw it, they'd ask uncomfortable questions. He wrapped his arms around her. The one person he could confide in and trust; she didn't call him crazy; she just listened.

"The secret will be just between us. I won't tell anyone. Byl then she said to him. He lay back down beside her. Their faces were inches from each other. He didn't notice earlier, but her hair was down, so beautiful. He thought. They wouldn't be able to do this back in the monastery; it would be frowned upon, despite their age difference being minimal. She wasn't a student to him. Their faces were inches from each other. Their lips were close enough for them to kiss. "I'll protect you," she said to him. He didn't understand what she meant.

She kissed him, her lips tasting sweet like lavender no matter how many times he kisses her it feels as fresh as he did the first time; he kissed her back with the same passion. Her hands were at his shirt, she started to remove it. He knew they shouldn't be doing this, he shouldn't be doing this with his own student, but he wanted her, he desired her they already did it before what difference did it make if they did it again.

Neither one of them paid attention as they slowly stripped each other of their clothes, despite the situation that was happening, he couldn't help but look at her body.

"You're beautiful, Mari." Hearing his compliments about her body made her bolder; she put her index finger on his nose.

"I want to be on top. Is that okay?" she asked him. He couldn't resist her at this point. He didn't care.

"Of course, anything for you." he replied. He inserted his rod inside of her. her insides felt tight he heard her whisper his name.

" He used her hips as he slowly thrusted inside of her entrance. He held her hips as she bounced on him. she wanted to please him, but that's not who she is. She isn't one of his "or" is she? Is she someone much more precious to him? Not someone that he'll use and then forget. He lifted himself up, facing her. He wanted to face her. He wanted to touch every part of her. despite the situation.

"Mari", he said Horsley, as he continued to thrust inside of her, not being too gentle nor too rough. She was moaning with pleasure, despite the seriousness of the situation, he wanted to please his lover; he wanted her to forget everything, even if it's just for this moment, that she had been through in the past 17 years of her life.

He was about to reach his limit. This was his first time, and he knew it was hers as well. He passed his lips on hers as he thrusted one last time and didn't want to get her pregnant. He took his member and spilled his seed near her entrance.

He collapsed next to her, they were looking at the ceiling of their tent, not believing what they both had just done. He had just made love with his student; part of him felt dirty for taking advantage of her. Before he could indulge in that thought, Marianne silenced him not allowing him to indulge in such thoughts.

"I wanted this; you didn't take advantage of me. I meant that. Please don't shut me out. Let me help you. Let me protect you. It's the least I can do for all that you've done for me." He didn't know what he was feeling; he didn't want to see her cry. He wanted to protect her especially her smile It was cold as much as he hated moving he couldn't let Marianne be cold.

"I have to get our blankets. I'll be back." He said. He moved a little and got the blanket from his tent, wrapping it around both of them.

"It's me who should be protecting you. I ..." He buried his face in her chest.

"It's okay. I'll protect you." She said soothingly.

The feelings he was feeling were intense, and he didn't know what it was. He didn't want to fight it. He would ask his father when he returned. What was this feeling? He fell asleep, drifting to a peaceful sleep with Marianne by his side.

Hinata saw Lysithea she was one of the first people up and she would never get a chance to talk to her alone before they go back to the monastery.

"Do you have a few minutes Lysithea San"asked Hinata the younger girl looked at her preparing for a Sharp reply but stopped.

"I'll listen"Hinata took a deep breath.

"I still don't appreciate you downplaying yourself. I don't like it. I know you're talented far more than you think. I have to work hard too and it irks me when people do it."Lysithea said.

Hinata understood completely.

"Back home I'm nobody special my clan looks at me with contempt I'm not the ideal woman for them. The Hyuga clan is associated with being cold and detached; we're not encouraged to have any sort of kindness to anyone. I hate fighting. I never wanted to be a ninja. I never liked hurting anyone. I used to have a good relationship with my little sister until they chose her to be the heir to my clan. Because of my father my sister doesn't even speak to me Maybe I've said too much. I just get sad when I look at you. I'm reminded of my sister of the relationship we once had.she wondered if she said too muchwhen she was done she waited for Lysithea's response.

"Your clan sounds awful, shouldn't you be telling your friends this?"she pointed out.

"Edelgard know's so does Monica and Dimitri."she replied.

"I find it strange that you tell me this we barely talked to each other up until this point."She felt bad she wanted to be her friend, honesty was the only thing that could get her to respect her.

" I was hoping we could be friends if you don't want to. I'll respect that and keep my distance but I hope it doesn't come to that."She waited for her response it seemed like she was thinking carefully.

"Hinata, I think you are a smart and strong woman. That's one thing I like about you: you're kind to others. I wouldn't mind being your friend, just know I don't want to be part of your harem." her face was turning red. What are you talking about?"What does that have to do with anything?"she said, stuttering.

"Oh come on it's a fact that Dorothea has a crush on you Ingrid has a thing for Naruto and you two are planning on sharing each other with them and not to mention Ingrid your girlfriend now come on, anyone can see it if they weren't blind"she couldn't believe this this girl was so much more observant than she expecte.

"Mind you I don't care if you do that sort of thing just know that I am only interested in being friends"she sighed in relief.

"Thank you I won't make you regret this Lysithea San"the girl was embarrassed.

"Please drop the honorifics please"the girl requested she was reluctant to do it but she relented.

"okay Lysithea"a weight was lifted from her shoulders days of being worried about not being able fix a mistake that she had made.

"I could really go for a cinnamon roll now,"Hinata said out loud, which caused Lysithea to lit up." you like sweets too?"she asked, surprised.

" Yes though cinnamon rolls are my favorite. The girls laughed

"I can't wait to get back to the monastery. I'm tired of sleeping on the damn ground."she heard Ferdinand complain behind her.

" Stop you're complaining at least it's not cold at this time of the year"She heard Ingrid chastising him.

" I don't mind, I think it's quite refreshing,"Petra added.

"How much are we going to travel today?"asked Kiba, clearly looking forward to getting up after being asleep for 8 hours.

" Where's the professor?" asked Caspar Hinata was wondering as well she could easily find him with her Byakugan but that would be a violation of privacy so she was reluctant to use it.

"You could instantly find him with what do you call it?" Petra asked her.

"I would use it but it's a violation of privacy"she answered."I don't see how that would be you're just looking for the professor with it you can find him" Ferdinand was cut off by Lysithea.

"She said she doesn't want to use it"she said to him sharply.

"I don't see the big deal."Ferdinand insisted.

"I have no desire to use it especially when we're not in battle I will not repeat myself again"she walked past him this was the second time she snapped at him on the trip she didn't care she was worried was Naruto and Dorothea all right? She couldn't think about that at the moment to keep her mind off of it for the them time being she tended to her horse. She spoke to her horse soothingly she wasn't as good as Marianne or even her professor but the horse calmed. She heard footsteps behind her it was Ingrid.

"Are you alright Hinata?"Ingrid asked her she stopped.

"I'm worried about them "she felt powerless. She never went this long being away from the people that she cares about. Ingrid tended to Grian

"Naruto and Dorothea are strong have faith in them"Hinata couldn't help but pick up that she was trying to convince herself more than anyone else.

"How do you truly feel Ingrid Chan?"Hinata asked her. The blonde stopped in her tracks she wondered if she said something wrong.

"I'm worried about them too."She heard cracking in her voice as if she was trying to hold back something.

"We should focus on the task at hand"Ingrid said if she got on her Pegasus Hinata couldn't help but notice a tear. Was she crying? No, she had to imagine it. She got on her horse along with everybody else and they started making the long tenuous journey back home.

Marianne woke up, she was alone and completely naked in Byleth's tent. His arms were wrapped around her waist, and his head was buried in her chest. Her face was completely red. She didn't do what she thought she did, did she? Then she thought of the previous night and couldn't believe it that she had actually slept with Byleth in the middle of a mission.

She felt more bold ever since Byleth entered her life and transferred to the Black Eagles. She had to get out of the tent before awkward questions were asked. She got dressed and looked around to make sure no one was looking and got out. She didn't even bother braiding her hair. Dote was waiting for her; she tended her horse and he was speaking to her.

"It's not what you think," she said to him. He disagreed; it was so hard she couldn't explain this to anyone. Her growing feelings for Byleth were more than a friendship; he was more than a friend to her. She knew she would not give herself completely to him last night and the first time they did it two weeks before if he was just a friend. She had only known him for a short time, but she felt like she had known him a lifetime ago. She couldn't explain it.

She noticed Hinata was passing by.

"Marianne Chan I was wondering where you were" Hinata had that I know what you did look.

After Marianne made her horse was comfortable she went on Dote. She was next to Hinata. There was a silence for a few moments before Hinata spoke once again.

" I've noticed that you were not in our tent last night."She turned away trying to hide her blushing face.

She couldn't tell her friend that she had slept with Byleth. Basically, she was surprised she had the courage to do such a thing in the middle of a mission. It took everything she had not to faint from embarrassment.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of. I know what it's like to fall in love with someone and want to comfort them. You're braver than I was when I discovered I was in love with Naruto-kun. I didn't have the courage you did." Hinata said, as if she knew from experience.

"I didn't think I was braver than you, Hinata. I just couldn't do nothing as he was in pain from the nightmares that he was having. I had to do something. I had to protect him from the nightmares. I want to do more. I don't want to be weak and useless." She felt a tear fall through her eye. All she wanted to do was to be strong to protect those important to her: her friends in the Black Eagles (Hilda and.)

"You love him, don't you?" Hinata asked as if she already knew something that Marianne was trying to come to terms with.

"I've only known him for over a month; how can I love him?" Marianne asked Hinata, not understanding her own feelings.

"Love works in mysterious ways; I fell in love with Naruto-kun when I first saw him, along with Dorothea and Ingrid I fell in love with her even though I've only known her for the same amount of time as you've known the professor." She was three people? She didn't know how anyone can be involved with more than one person. Marianne didn't want to be involved in Hinata's love life if it involved so many people.

"Love," she repeated to herself over and over again.

"Does someone like me really deserve to be loved by someone like him?" She asked herself.

"You deserve to be loved, Marianne Chan. Don't believe otherwise." Hinata replied to her inner thoughts.

she's still wanted to know what could she do to protect him? that's what she wanted to know she felt useless. Hinata answered her knowing what she was thinking.

"The best thing you can do to protect him is to be there when he is down and lift him up. Sometimes the best thing you can do is to simply listen. The way she was saying it, it looked like she was saying it from experience. You're amazing, Hinata! I wish I could be more like you. There was an awkward silence between them.

"You're fine as you are, Marianne Chan. There's nothing wrong with being who you are." She noticed there were others nearby; their conversation had to be cut short.

"When the time comes, Marianne, you will be the person who will be essential. Don't devalue yourself." Marianne can't help but find what Hinata was saying ironic. One thing they both have in common is their self-esteem. She said nothing for the rest of the day, thinking about what they just talked about. Yes, she would protect him when the time came; she didn't know how, but she would do it, no matter what.

Even if it meant becoming a monster, she would protect her precious person. she felt like a beast was clawing at her in size begging for release if she had to become a beast to protect Byleth and Hilda she would do it.

Edelgard had a lot to think about how she would approach this situation. Monica has been rescued, which undermines Those Who Slither in the Dark, but it also jeopardizes everything she's been building over the past seven years. She looks at Byleth. He could be her greatest ally or her greatest enemy. How could she get him to join her side?

She hated thinking this way but ever since the death of her siblings she had to keep on guard the only people she could truly be open with was Monica. She understood her well. She truly wanted Hinata and Byleth on her side, one because she was a friend, and the other because no she felt dirty she was thinking of him as an asset rather than a person.

"Damn those bastards" she said to herself she hated those who wronged her family she hated the whole damn irrational world that allowed it to happen she hated the crest system entirely that has created a hierarchy that is determined based on who has a Crest and those who doesn't. Entire families have been destroyed as a result of the crust system, children being disowned by their parents. When one of their siblings was has crust it was a cancer and those who are undeserving are in positions where they shouldn't because they have a Crest even if they're incompetent.

It didn't apply to where her friend Hinata came from, though there were their own problems, such as wars and the cutthroat nature of her clan. She noticed in the past day Hinata was mostly silent. They rode next to each other; they were out of earshot of everyone. This would be one of her rare chances to talk to Hinata alone.

" This mission has been going better than I thought it would," she said out loud.

" You knew, didn't you? About Monica, why didn't you tell me?" Hinata said, feeling betrayed.

" It isn't that simple, Hina-chan. You have to understand: trust is hard to come by." She saw disappointment in her face

" You can't lie to me. These eyes can see through lies. You know this better than anyone, Edelgard." It was rare when Hinata called her by her name instead of an honorific or a nickname. How could she make her understand?

"Could you imagine being surrounded by enemies, not knowing who you can trust, not even your closest relatives? You're not even sure if they're reporting to your enemy or even friends. Ever since the death of my siblings, I can only count on one hand the people that I truly trust. Could you imagine such a thing?"

She asked her friend. Hinata took her time to respond, but when she did, it was sharp.

"You could have still been honest with me. What I'm to you? My friend or one of your potential pawns that you could cast aside when my use is exhausted?"

Hinata could be her worst enemy if she doesn't choose her next words carefully.

What could she say, what part of the truth could she reveal? Damn it, telling her partially the truth was necessary even if there was a huge risk.

"There's more at play than I could tell you if I were to tell you you wouldn't be able to tell even Naruto could you bring yourself to keep a secret from him?" She hoped this wouldn't drive her away.

"I'm not stupid, Edelgard. I know you're planning something. My eyes can see through any deception. I would never betray you. Do you not trust me?" She asked her pleadingly. She had a hurt look on her face with Edelgard's lack of trust. She would take her chance.

"The people I rescued, Monica from, are a sinister force that have done untold evils onto the world. I can't tell you fully unless you swear to secrecy that you will not tell anyone unless I tell you you can. You got to understand this could endanger everybody you love; they could become a target, including Naruto. Do I make myself clear? Hinata, what I'm telling you is dangerous. Everyone that has this knowledge could be a potential target. There are secrets you'll have to keep from Naruto, even Ingrid and Dorothea, along with other friends. Can you do that?" edelguard asked barely able to get the last words out this was it next few seconds would decide what role Hinata would play as a friend or an enemy.

"I don't like it, but if that's what's going to take for you to trust me, I'll do it. I don't want to, but I'll do it."

She saw Hinata take out a dagger from her pouch. She cut her hand. Edelgard realized what this meant. This was a pact of trust from where she's from. There's no higher form of honor if she violates this, she would dishonor herself. She knew she would have to do the same for Hinata it's prove to Hinata that she is willing to trust her. She took off her glove from her right hand and did the same. They shook hands. Both of them were covered in blood.

She noticed Marianne was passing by.

"What did you do just now? That's dangerous." She cast a spell that healed their hands.

"We were making a promise to each other." Hinata answered.

"Please don't do that again while we're traveling." Marianne scolded them both. She was getting bolder every day since the professor came into their class. She was looking at the professor who was talking to one of the other students, teaching them lessons while they were riding their horses.

If she could win him over she would win Marianne over due to their deep feelings towards each other. The sun was going down and they would have to stop and camp soon. They got off their horses. Perhaps she should start talking to the professor one on one more. It would be a good idea she won over Hinata. The professor would be more challenging but she believed she can do it by befriending him and acting like the friend that he needs.With her iron resolve she heads to the professor's tent.

Byleth doesn't know how he could teach while he's moving; he knows the lessons can't stop because they're not at the monastery right now, so he has to teach his students something while they're on their journey home. He's in his tent trying to figure out what he could add to the curriculum in the next month, anything to keep his mind off what happened. He doesn't get a chance to indulge for long when he hears someone enter his tent.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he turned around and saw it was Edelgard, his student; they'd barely had a chance to talk one-on-one since he started teaching the Black Eagles.

"It's not a problem anything from my students; what do you need?" Edelgard looked like she was in deep thought about how to ask him her question.

"I know this is a philosophical question, but do you believe in fate?" that was a strange question for him to be asked.

"No, the future is always in motion. The very idea of fate is disgusting to me. Having others decide our fate is not something I would revel in some higher power deciding how my life is going to go before I'm even born is something that I find disgusting."

He wondered why she asked that question; she looked surprised by his answer.

"You say the future is always in motion. What about those who don't have the ability to change their fate because of circumstance? Wouldn't you say that their future is decided for them?"

This philosophical discussion wasn't something he expected to be having.

"Truth be told, I don't know if I have an answer for that" He felt lost as a professor; he feels like he should have all the answers, but he has a student who is asking him questions that make him think. Dimitri wouldn't have done that if he had taught him; nor would Claude Edelgard truly have challenged him, which was the main reason he chose her in the first place. It was a challenge to be challenged by his students, which was something he wanted as a way to improve both his body and mind.

"What we did for Monica as an example had we not intervened, who knows what would have happened to her. Her fate was sealed until we rescued her. The reason why her fate was altered is because we were able to get into the fortress. It was luck more than anything else, and Hinata's Byakugan. Without these factors involved, who knows what would have happened to her. She likely would have died."

He didn't think about that; yes, he did alter her fate, but like he said, the future was always in motion.

"The future is in motion in some instances, but for many people, it's already decided. There are those who were born poor and will die poor due to circumstances beyond their control. It's even worse if you're born without a silver spoon in your mouth. There are those in our society who believe we should uphold the crust system. It's an honor to have it, but if anything, it's a burden and a curse. Don't you think people should be able to live their own lives on their own merit, rather than something that's decided for them before they're even born? Don't you think we should be able to decide our own fate with our own hands?"

He thought about this for years, managing to survive but that's only because of his father and his prior training with the knights. Without it, where would he be?

" You argue a strong case for reforming the society we live in, but how would you propose changing something so drastic? Something like that would require a revolution." He couldn't tell what she was thinking; she looked like she was thinking of a response.

"It's unfortunate we can't continue this discussion, thank you for your time, professor"

Edelgard left; he didn't know why she was asking these questions or challenging him in this way, but it got him thinking. A world where you succeed on your own merit doesn't sound so bad, but he sees problems with this. What happens to those who already have the positions of power? He would ponder this later; right now, he needed some sleep.

"That went far better than I expected" Edelgard said to Hubert back at their tent.

"So you got lady Hinata to join our little circle," he said chuckling.

"I'm glad we managed to get her on our side. I wouldn't want to fight against her." Monica said happily that their friend wasn't going to be their enemy in the future.

"Byleth Eisner would be quite an ally if you can somehow get him to join our side," he said in disapproval.

"We shouldn't be pushing our luck. You saved me, lady Edelgard, which could expose us sooner than planned. What course of action are we going to take when we return?" That was a good question. Edelgard thought: just what were they going to do? There were other problems they would have to deal with.

"I've been hearing rumors of an organization from where the transfer students come from called the Akatsuki." Hubert said concerned. The Akatsuki were not a joke; they were some of the most powerful ninjas and they were all missing-nin, which are outlaws and deserters from their villages. If they are allied with their enemies, they are possibly even more dangerous now.

"I'm sorry, but I'm lost. What is the Akatsuki?" asked Monica, feeling completely out of the loop.

"They are an organization riddled in secrecy. Not much is known about them; the only thing known is that former Shinobi from the hidden villages are part of the organization. They essentially function as a mercenary army that can be hired at a moment's notice. Their presence in Fodlan is small; there are two members of the Akatsuki currently here, which we know from our contacts in Those Who Slither in the Dark. They are dangerous Shinobi that we should keep away from if they ever show up. From what we know, it's Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki. We are to run as fast as possible. They are not to be trifled with." Hubert explained in a serious tone that had a hint of fear regarding those two individuals he had named.

Monica took everything that Hubert said with her memory; she recalls one of the former students from the Blue Lions' house. Monica spoke.

"Itachi Uchiha, you mean one of the students of the Blue Lions' house, that Itachi?" Monica asked in disbelief.

Edelgard answered.

"Yes, the very same person who murdered his clan when he returned."

" When she went to Konoha 7 years ago, she heard all sorts of things about how the villagers once thought of Itachi, how he was once revered and how he became hated in the span of a single night.

"I hope we never fight someone like that, what I've heard he is a psychopath."

Monica said shivering at the horror stories she remembered hearing when he was ever brought up. For what she knew about them from Itachi's former classmates, they hated him; he was cruel and vindictive. He took pleasure in killing his victims; he tortured them in various ways. Itachi was so cruel and evil that any mention of him is shunned. The Blue Lions don't even acknowledge that he was once part of their house; that's how much he is hated.

"So what are we going to do about Naruto?"asked Monica she knew that would be asked eventually Hinata's loyalties would be torn but if she can get Naruto to join her Hinata's loyalty would be assured. She didn't like thinking this way she hated it but it was necessary when she had to prepare for something drastic such as reforming the irrational world that the church enables.

"Simple I'll be his friend"Edelgard answered. Monica didn't like that idea.

"Don't worry Naruto doesn't have his eyes on me he has his eyes on Hinata and Ingrid I'm nowhere near his radar"this made her feel better but then she asked a question that was no doubt on Hubert's mind as well." What about Dorothea and Ingrid?" yes she thought Dorothea she believes no doubt will fight alongside her should the time come but Ingrid the recent transfer from the Blue Lions was another story altogether.

Before they could discuss anything further, they heard a loud noise."What was that?" asked Monica."We're being attacked." Hubert said as he ran out of the tent to get their weapons. Edelgard ran off to find out what was going on; someone was trying to finish what they started back at the hideout.

Earlier

Byleth was out on watch most of the students were asleep; he looked at Marianne, who was on his lap with her eyes closed, her hair down, she wasn't asleep. They had almost done this every day since he had the nightmares; he couldn't explain it. He felt calmer in her presence. He wished he could ask his father what his feelings towards her were; he knew once they returned, they wouldn't be able to do this freely. They'd have to maintain being teacher and student. His feelings for her were complicated. He cared deeply for her more than he should. This is not how a teacher should feel towards a student.

"Did you hear that?" Marianne said, opening her eyes did she know something he didn't. Then he saw a fireball and picked Marianne up and jumped out of the way. He looked and saw a raven-haired man with a black cloak and red stripes. He had a smile on his face. Right next to him was a man who was taller than he was; he looked like a humanoid shark. He didn't truly look human at all; he looked strange to him.

"Who is that?"Marianne asked her voice sounding terrified he could feel it the killing intent.

"Something about the raven haired man makes me feel uneasy be careful"Sothis advised.

"it's not every day I get to test my blade against the legendary Ashen Demon. This should be entertaining"he licked his lips.

He put his hand on his sword and withdrew it from its scabbard. The shark man laughed as if he thought it was amusing.Faster than he thought, he was right behind him. He blocked his strange sword with his own. Marianne was terrified.

He laughed again, like a madman. He didn't know why, but he felt like he was getting weaker.

He jumped as far as he could. He didn't know why, but something about that blade made him feel weaker; he felt drained.

" Mari, stay away from these two. They're too much for you." The raven-haired man was right behind them. There was barely enough time to spare; he barely blocked his Kanai with his sword.

"Interesting... the Host of the foul star is." He had no idea what he was talking about; for some reason, he felt like he couldn't use part of his powers. What was going on?

Before he could do anything else, he heard a spell being cast that knocked the raven-haired man back.

"Be careful, professor. That man is Itachi Uchiha, and the other one is Kisame Hoshigaki. That strange sword he carries can drain your magic and chakra."Hubert informed him than another spell was being cast; it was a meteor that knocked Itachi back.

He couldn't believe it; he had read records of a former student who thought he was facing a former top student of the Blue Lions. His students were in danger: Itachi Uchiha and his partner, Kisame Hoshigaki, are dangerous. None of his students is a match for him, not even he. They had to retreat; he had never felt fear like this before in his life.

Then Itachi heard him speak again in a taunting manner.

"So we two powerful mages are here. Interesting! It seems like the Black Eagles aren't weak this year, unlike the year I was in the Blue Lions."

Itachi spoke with amusement.

Ingrid didn't want to believe it, so she couldn't believe it; it was a lie. She remembers one of her brothers, Roderick, being killed by one of the students in the Blue Lions who went rogue, but it couldn't be this man, Itachi Uchiha. No, just no, it wasn't possible. She held her lance tighter than she'd ever held anything in her life. She didn't even pay attention as her hands were bleeding from how tightly she was holding it. She charged straight at him and screamed.

"LIAR, THERE WAS NO ONE NAMED ITACHI UCHIHA IN THE BLUE LIONS" yelled Ingrid who in a blind rage charged at him. he casually dodged her attacks he moved in a fast and smooth motion it was as if time was slowing down for her what was going on?

"Pathetic girl surely you have heard of the Sharingan?"that explained why her senses were messed up she tried to strike at his chest but her Lance went through him or did it?

"Pathetic so weak"she attacked him again filled with even more rage she striped with a fluid motion and hit achi at the tip of the Lance at the chest knocking him back. she celebrated her victory only for it to be short-lived she felt a tip of a Kanai at her back.

"So you are the sister of the foolish Roderick", Ingrid looked at him shocked.

"How do you know that name?" she didn't need to see his facial expression to know he was smiling.

"Because I killed him" he said gleefully; this made her sick; someone taking pleasure in the murder of another human being especially her brother.

"You son of a bitch" Ingrid said enraged.

"I remember the day that I killed him; he screamed and begged for mercy. He begged for me to stop torturing him, oh, I remember his scream so well, it's probably one of my fondest kills."

He was gorging himself on the memory of murder. What kind of sick person is this?"

"Give your brother my regards in hell.""

He was about to jab the Kanai to her spinal cord but was stopped when Lysithea fired off a dark spike at him but it was futile because it was a clone.

Byleth heard laughing as if the idea of his body being destroyed was amusing.

"That was only a clone he looked behind him he was going to Target Marianne

"MARI GET OUT OF THE WAY"he shouted. The girl looked terrified as Itachi grabbed her by the throat. He was about to run to come to her aid but he got a slashed at the back by Kisame he fell face down on the ground.

He was powerless, and he couldn't use Sothis's power.

"Why can't I use your power? Why does it feel like it isn't there?"

He heard nothing from her. Itachi Uchiha smiled: "It seems you are weaker than I thought, Byleth Eisner."

He wanted to slam his fist to the ground. Why was he so powerless? Why couldn't he do anything? Damn it all! What was the point of having this power if he couldn't use it he needed it most?

Hinata looked at the scene in front of her. Her professor had been cut down, and her friend Marianne was being held by the throat by one of Konoha's most notorious criminals. She cursed herself for her weakness. Ingrid almost died; the Itachi that they had destroyed wasn't real; it was a clone. She was clenching her fist in rage; he was messing with them; he was toying with them.

Kisame looked down on everyone. They were terrified Byleth getting defeated so easily. It couldn't be before he could go any further. A blade went through his chest.

"I've had worse wounds than this," he said with a labored breath. His body melted. Byleth was pulled away by Edelgard. Acid would have disintegrated him, but Marianne was still having her life held in the balance by Itachi.

"I can end this wretch's life without even trying. What will you do?" he said to Byleth, gloating.

She felt so much rage Hinata hates being powerless. How can she face Naruto and Dorothea if she just stood there as her friends are being killed. She screamed like a lion protecting her pride she charged at Itachi before he even had a chance to react Hinata hit him straight at the chest he dropped Marianne to the ground. She heard him laughing again

"Pathetic you couldn't even defeat clones of us fighting you all with the real thing is a waste of time."These were clones Hinata thought. How their power was immense it was like fighting a mountain.

Was Her power really that insignificant.

"Pain would like us to capture Byleth we might as well do it since we cannot do it get the carrier of the Kyubi"Wait what Hinata thought what are they talking about? They were about to lift Byleth like he was a useless paperweight. As if a demon had awakened Marianne shouted in a blind rage that she had never seen from her friend before. her eyes looked like those of a demon

"TOUCH HIM AND I'LL KILL YOU"she saw ice mirrors formed around Itachi and his partner they looked shocked. She saw the most powerful spell she'd ever seen Marianne cast no it wasn't a spell it was a jitsu. It completely froze both Itachi and Kisame solid. Their professor was also shocked by this power; she had never seen such a thing before.

This couldn't be; she had to have a hidden kekkei genkai that can only mean one thing: one of her ancestors came from one of the five nations, but how was that possible? The raw power it was nothing like she had seen from anyone in her class before. This power, it was nothing like she could imagine.

And as soon as the moment passed, she collapsed. Everyone was shaken up about the sudden ambush and the injury to their professor. They would have to leave; they couldn't stay there, they couldn't rest as much as they wanted. It would take a few more days before they got back. There were questions Hinata wanted to ask her friend.

"What do we do, lady Edelgard?" asked Monica everyone else was waiting for her answer.

" We make our move we will go as far as possible until tomorrow night and then we will rest."A night without sleep but they had to they didn't know where the the real Itachi or Kisame were and as a result they had to stay on the move they couldn't stay where they were they had to keep as much distance from them as possible. Everyone packed their things and left but not before attending to Byleth's injuries.

In an undisclosed location

"A little disappointing, I will admit, but that girl was something such raw power."

Kisame said, disappointed, at the fact that the battle had ended so soon.

"It doesn't matter; we'll have other chances. Our main objective still stands."

Itachi said emotionlessly as they were on the move again. It would be a few more days before they would reach their destination to remind Orochimaru who the he truly works for.

Kisame wasn't bothered that they had failed, killing Monica was never their intention; the girl being alive was more useful to Akatsuki's goals than her being dead. He tailed behind his partner. He was looking forward to the day of having a real fight, none of this nonsense of fighting children or weaklings.

A day passed, Marianne looked at her hands; she couldn't believe what she had done with the raw power she had possessed. How did she manifest this power? She had so many questions, then she saw Hinata sit next to her. They didn't speak much in the past day. Her sudden display of power freaked everyone out. Maybe she would have been better off if she weren't their friend.

" How are you holding up?" Hinata asked, concerned.

"You're not afraid of me, Hinata?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"No, I'm not; you're my friend, Marianne Chan. I would not abandon you."Hinata said with a warm smile.

What did she do to deserve a friend like Hinata? She's such a good person; she's everything she isn't.

"If it weren't for you, we would have all died, and the professor would have been taken. You've saved us all." Bernadetta added.

"You saved us; we are forever indebted to you," Petra said to reassure her.

"You have come a long way in the past month, Marianne. I could tell you with honesty that you did nothing wrong. You saved us, and Hilda would be proud of you if she had seen how strong you have become."

Lysithea said this in a rare occasion where she praises people and turns away, embarrassed.

"What you did was noble; you are a perfect representation of what we should be doing for each other and for the people." Ferdinand put his hand on her shoulder and smiled.

"You saved us all; don't beat yourself up over something you had no control over," added Ingrid.

"Any friend of Hinata's is a friend of ours. You saved us all. Do not be afraid of your power." said Shino, in a rare case where he shows emotion.

"I have to admit I am sorry for how I originally judged you, Marianne. You're awesome; you are strong. you would have made a great Konichi" Kiba said that Hinata's team laughed at the idea, not in a malicious way, but the image of her being a ninja from Konoha was funny.Even Marianne laughed at the idea because of the mental image in her mind.

"You are strong, I hate to say this, but you have me beat." said Casper, embarrassed that someone was stronger than him without training in hand-to-hand combat.

"I am fascinated by this ability that you have it's certainly isn't something from a crest fascinating"Linhardt said in the rare occasions where he isn't bored.

"you saved Lady Edelgard so you have my thanks lady Marianne"Hubert said the closest thing to a compliment that he ever gives to anyone.

"You were with the people who saved my life, and I'm are forever indebted to them and to you. You have saved my life twice over, and along with my beloved thank you."

Monica said with a genuine smile.

"Marianne, you are one of us now; don't be afraid." Her house leader, Edelgard, said. She looked at everyone in her class; they were with her. They supported her, but the truth was her fear of what would happen to Byleth that is what caused her to snap.

"I need to be alone for a while, if that's okay with you all" Marianne said, one by one they left her until Hinata was the only one left.

"Hinata thank you."Marianne said generally meaning it.

"I can't deny my feelings, how I feel about him, I love him."

Marianne couldn't deny her feelings any longer; she wanted to protect him. She wanted to be worthy of his love, but as she is now, she doesn't feel worthy.

"Was this how you felt when you discovered you loved Naruto?"asked Marianne Hinata she put her right hand on her chest when her heart is.

"Love is something you cannot explain; it just happens. I loved Naruto-kun since I was seven years old."

She loved someone for that long? That's dedication to love someone and them not returning it for over 10 years! She doesn't know if she would be able to do it, but she could. She looked at the man in the tent. She would wait an eternity because that's how much she loves him. He had changed her life in a short amount of time. He makes her feel safe. He gives her a chance to be herself, to be the best person she wants to be, without changing who she fundamentally is.

"Thank you Hinata I know what to do now"Hinata left Marianne alone to her thoughts.

Rather than drown herself in self-pity, she would be there for the person she loves the man who has changed her life in the short time he has been in it. The least she can do for him is be there for him when he needs her.

She went to his tent, he was asleep. The wounds he received were nowhere near as bad as they could have been. The cuts on his back she managed to heal with her healing magic. But the rest would have to be healed back at the monastery. The wounds she was told by her classmates from Konoha attacked his chakra reserves. It would take time for them to completely heal. She tried to stay awake so she could be there when he woke up. But her body's exhaustion and everything that she had been through in the past few days took its toll. She lay down and put her head on his chest and drifted off to sleep.

Hinata left Marianne alone with Byleth. Hinata couldn't believe just what had changed in the past month: Naruto became her boyfriend, Marianne officially became her friend, and Byleth brought out strength she never thought she had. She looked at Ingrid, fell in love with her, and didn't think that would be possible, but here she was, with her girlfriend. She liked the sound of that. Every time she said it in her mind, "If only Dorothea was her girlfriend as well, and she would be completely happy, having her three most precious people."

Hinata and Ingrid were alone in their tent, and they had a lot to talk about. Hinata didn't want to put it off any longer; her feelings for Ingrid had changed so much in such a short amount of time that she couldn't lie to her. She had to tell her her feelings, but she didn't know how.

"Are you alright, Hinata?" asked Ingrid, who was concerned about Hinata spacing out.

"Do you think it's strange to fall in love with two people in a short amount of time Ingrid?" Hinata asked her.

"No," Ingrid said, "but from other people's perspectives, it is, but not from our perspective." Then she knew what she meant.

"At first, I wanted to hate you, but I ended up falling in love with you. It's confusing; I never thought I'd fall in love with two people, one after another. You and Naruto—why does love have to be so complicated? I want Dorothea, too. Damn it." Ingrid said, trying to stay calm, but she was not successful.

"Life wouldn't be worth living if it weren't the truth is I don't want our relationship to become just about you and Dorothea, but rather for all 4 of us to be equal. .. I mean, I.. I" She was struggling to find the right words.

"Hinata, what are you trying to say?" Ingrid asked nervously.

"Please don't make me say it out loud. It's embarrassing." Hinata blushed deeper.

"What's embarrassing?" Ingrid's face turned as red as Hinata's.

Instead of saying anything, Hinata kissed Ingrid on the lips. The blonde-haired girl was surprised at first but recovered from her shock and kissed Hinata back. Hinata felt Ingrid's hands on her waist; however, his notches hands were on Ingrid's upper chest. They kissed for what seemed like an eternity until they pulled away, both girls not believing what they had done.

"Oh, shit! I can't believe we did that." Ingrid said in disbelief. "Me neither." She kissed her again, this time it was far more passionate than before. The girls didn't pay attention as they removed each other's clothing.

Ingrid and Hinata touched every aspect of their bodies; they couldn't stop touching each other. Despite the situation, what happened, Hinata needed this when she looked at Ingrid's bare body. She couldn't help but be blown away. "Perfect." Hinata smiled despite seeing it night's prior.

"It's kind of embarrassing, Hinata-chan." Ingrid said, embarrassed by her body.

"It's beautiful, my beloved knight. I've seen all of it before. There's nothing to be ashamed of." Hinata said with a voice full of love.

"I love you, Ingrid Chan." Hinata said softly to her.

"I love you too, Hinata-chan" she replied back. The two girls continued on with their passion, not caring about the irrationality of falling in love with multiple people at the same time to them; they would deal with that later. Right now, what matters is the love they have for each other at that moment.

The girls continued on with their lovemaking, not even paying attention to how loud they were, not caring about erotic things that were getting with them, not paying attention as they switched positions. Ingrid was dominant in one instance, and Hinata in another.

For the most part, Hinata was the one on top. Hinata was determined to make Ingrid forget about all the bad things she had been going through and, for the moment, make them all a distant memory.

After a few hours of love-making, Ingrid was looking at her lover in amazement; she couldn't believe what they had done. She had made love to Hinata Hyuga for the second time and she didn't feel guilty. She could look at her lavender eyes for hours and get lost in them; she couldn't believe she was complying with Hinata this wonderful woman. Sharing her with Naruto and Dorothea, she couldn't think of a better woman to share them with Hinata.

"The first time we made love, was that your first time?" Ingrid asked Hinata. "No, me and Naruto-kun on my first date we've been making love multiple times since." She wasn't surprised, but then she wanted to ask another question. Though she probably knew the answer, she said,

"What about women?"

She knows it, turns away, and buries her head in the taller woman's chest."You were my beloved knight" Hinata whispers softly.

"Wow, you were amazing! You know, it would make things even better if we included Naruto and Dorothea and have a foursome." She was blushing red to see even suggesting such a thing; her father would be furious if he ever found out what his daughter was doing.

"My father wouldn't approve of me having two girlfriends and a boyfriend, but to hell with him; nobody gets to tell me who I can and can't love. Never again!"

Ingrid said with determination.

"My father won't tell me who I can and can't love; he can go to hell, and so can the clan. If I can't" love you, Dorothea, or Naruto Kun, excuse my language; can get fucked. I'm tired of sacrificing my happiness to try to appease others. I want to be selfish for once."Hinata admitted.

"You're not selfish, Hinata-chan. You are the most selfless person I've ever met."

Ingrid smiled, not believing Hinata could ever be selfish.

"I appreciate that, but I'm being selfish because I won't share Naruto kun with people who won't share him with me."

Hinata said this with a serious tone.

"I'm the same way towards Dorothea."

Ingrid admitted.

The two women were silent.

"it'll work itself out like Naruto said it will work itself out."Hinata said as if the matter was already settled.

'We should get some sleep we will have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."Ingrid said yawning.

"Yeah, when we return to the monastery, you, me, Naruto, and Dorothea will have a long talk. We can't avoid it anymore. I love all of you, and I won't give you up."

Hinata said Ingrid wasn't too far behind her. She couldn't help but think how lucky she was to be loved by such wonderful people. All of them, who are better than she is, fall asleep thinking about the potential future with their partners.