Garreg Mach Library, 6th Day of the Horsebow Moon, 1192

"Okay hear me out. Remember your old project... the one with the Ylisseans, Nohrians and the Hoshidans?"

Sylvain's question, while out of the blue, wasn't so odd. Bernadetta perked up, a confused expression upon her meek face. She dropped her quill to find a stack of papers with dust starting to coat the edges. Phew, still there.

"What of it? I'm still working on it. I'm just... stuck. Do you know how hard it is to rewrite everything when I keep losing track of what I want to rewrite? I'm like... not even close to catching up to my original endpoint. I haven't even introduced Shigure yet and now I kinda don't know who to pair Azura with or even if I have to pair her with any-"

"Oh no doubt, no doubt." Sylvain waved his hand dismissively, not caring about the inner workings of his wife's mind and more focused on pitching his idea. "Just, take this seriously okay? What if... they were here?"

"Here?"

"Like... among us. Like our allies. Our comrades. Robin and Corrin and everyone else from Archanean Hoshidan and Nohrian legend. In Fódlan... Like helping us in the Unification and the War. Maybe things would've gone differently."

Lady von Varley stifled a laugh, shaking her head.

"That's ridiculousandakindagoodidea. How would I even fit them in? Like students? Mercenaries?"

Margrave Gautier shrugged, looking over the multitude of books in the library they helped curate. Advisor Flayn was kind enough to give the couple free reign over the more... creative literature that the growing shelves would hold.

This would get the ban for sacrilege alone. For sure.

"I was originally going to say that you should add them to the original script, but you probably have everything planned out, don't you?"

Bernadetta nervously laughed, nodding in agreement. "Of course I do! Y-yeah! Such a d-detailed... uh, outline? Yeah, outline!"

"Right, so here's what I'm thinking: a slight... divergence. Make something new while your head comes up with ideas. That wouldn't hurt, would it, dearest?"

"I suppose not. It's not a bad idea," Bernadetta agreed, picking up a fresh manuscript. "They're kinda old to be students in the monastery though, aren't they?"

"Are they? They were around our age if the Archanean history is accurate. Same with the Hoshidan and Nohrian texts. Maybe a little older... but I think they could make a good house."

"A fourth house? That's ridiculous. Where would they even be? The basement? Actually, that's plausible. Hmm, give me a second to think this out."

When Houses Collide

Day 1 of the Shepherds' Liberation of Valentia, Ylisstol

Corrin and Robin stood above the throne room, smiling at the host of Shepherds at their disposal who sat chatting among themselves in ambient droning.

"It's really happening, huh?"

"It is. You like the feeling? That anticipation before a hard fight... It's nerve-wracking. And exhilarating."

There was a certain thrill in Robin's eyes- a taste of adrenaline in the presence of death and danger, a desire to beat difficult opponents. Leo had the same eyes when they were younger.

"You seem to enjoy your job."

Robin scoffed, but shook his head. It wasn't some game to enjoy, not with life and death in the palm in his hand. Emmeryn's face flashed briefly in his head, a testament to a greener tactician's failures.

"I enjoy a lot of things. Saving lives most of all."

"Well aren't you the epitome of battlefield inspiration?" Corrin smiled, feeling comfortable around the tactician she had met just a few days before.

"I try. Morale is a resource just like food and water out there. An army without morale is just as poor as an army without weapons."

"I see. I have a lot to learn about that."

"You're proficient in tactics, no? I'm sure you will be fine."

"I can fight a fight, sure... But looking at the big picture? It's scary."

"Have you ever fought in a war?" Robin asked quietly, quivering at the mounting dread that silently arose.

"...I've been preparing all my life for one," Corrin replied after a slow pause, gesturing to her two families swapping words and handshakes below. "A war to kill Hoshidans, to raze crop and castle to the ground. But no longer. Fighting alongside both of them after a lifetime of not even considering a peace? This is amazing. I can't tell you how ready I am for this. How excited I am to be with all of them. And all of you."

Their reverie was interrupted abruptly- a massive dragon of a blinding white and ephemeral green had flown in through the stained glass of Ylisstol Castle and had landed on the ground with a thundering shake. Ylissean, Hoshidan and Nohrian blades were raised in an instant, ready to eviscerate the intruding beast before Lucina suddenly ran in front, waving her hands in despair.

"W-wait! It's Tiki!"

As if on cue, the dragon shape shifted, glowing a bright lime before revealing the form of a woman, graceful and elegant. Lucina realized that while she was very familiar with the manakete, no one else in the room was. A hundred blades still faced her down, paired with resounding silence and the stilled breaths of many.

"The Voice of Naga," she added for clarification, causing the Ylisseans to lower their weapons, some even falling to a knee. Upon seeing this, the Nohrians and Hoshidans too stood down. Tiki nodded and scanned the room quickly, before walking quickly to Chrom. Of course, the Exalt looked quite nervous but a quick reassurance from Lucina told him that things were quite fine. More than fine actually, as the Voice was one of the most beautiful people he had ever-

"Sons of Naga. I come with a request by my asking for a chosen few."

Her voice was as water: so smooth and graceful, yet hiding a terrible and magnificent power within.

Robin and Corrin emerged from the stairwell, the balcony a nightmare to navigate in a hurry. Joining their Shepherds, Tiki seemed to take note of Corrin and nodded slowly.

"A few?" Chrom asked.

"I am aware of what you have to do on the coming journey across the sea. But before that can happen, I must ask a great favor of thee."

"Surely you can wait a few-" Robin was forcibly interrupted by a great gust of wind and Tiki's eyes glowed green with an otherworldly power.

"N-naga!" Lucina muttered, form shifting from kneeling to full-on prostrate.

"Hear me, wielder of Falchions," Tiki's voice was changed, as if two were speaking now. The second voice was overwhelming and reverberating, shaking the walls and windows ever so slightly, but still Tiki's own voice stood strong underneath. Was this what it meant for Tiki to be the 'voice' of Naga? Did Naga herself possess her chosen vessel? "Before you do what must be done, I must ask you help one of my own. Another dragon."

"W-what?" Chrom asked in wonder. "There are more?"

Tiki's face looked... sad, almost. Longing. And Robin couldn't tell if that was her own emotions or the ones of the spirit that possessed her.

"Many more... But less than I wish. I will need eight of you to protect a young dragon that I have not seen since an age before man. The world around her is changing and I fear it will claim the life so unwilling to let go of the past. I can transport you, just as you too took yourselves across time and space to Hoshido and Nohr. Time will stop and upon your safe return your compatriots will not have noticed even a cloud out of the place you remember."

"No time at all?" Lucina spoke, not really as a question but more so a statement of disbelief.

"When you are finished with your task, you will find yourself back here in this very moment. Nothing will have changed- If you are willing, not even you."

"...If you will it."

"What is going on?" Robin wondered to himself. "This seems rather sudden. Can we trust you?"

A small glare from Lucina. Okay, questioning the deity of Ylisse was not okay with the swordsman it seemed. Tiki didn't seem to mind too much, her words now directed at the cautious tactician.

"Fear not. I will keep you safe on this journey as best I can. Your stories do not end here, I can promise you. Do you... will you accept my request?"

"We do. But who among us will go?" Lucina answered, not even giving the others time to consider.

"I have chosen out of you eight. And you," she pointed a finger at Lucina. "Will lead them. Just as you have led others before. I grant all of you the power within me to aid you on your mission."

"We'll do it," Robin agreed. "If it is as you say, our journeys do not end with a little side-tracking. After all, I did ask to see the world, didn't I?"

Chrom laughed, joining Robin as well. "Well, Lady Naga, we are your willing servants. We will do as you ask."

Tiki shook her head.

"You will not be joining them, wielder of my blade. Your heart has not yet endured all of its chosen trials, nor has it felt the flow of time. Your daughter will go in your stead. She has more experience on what I ask of her. She knows what it will take to change fate."

The Exalt looked a little disappointed, but nodded. He knew his role, and he trusted Lucina to do Naga's task for him.

"Very well, I guess. If that's that, happy travels," he said to the group, but mostly to Lucina. The two shared a hug, and with that, time stopped with a shattering of glass.

To the Shepherds all around them, a blink was all it would take and things would continue along their fated path. The Shepherds would go on to save Ylisse from Valm, and to slay the risen Grima above their own soil.

But to the eight who were chosen, the ground beneath them sank. Tiles turned into sand which turned into void and sucked them into an emptiness that was terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

As the eight flew across sea and land, space and time, they could hear Naga's voice offer a distant plea.

"Save her. Save little Rhea."

Remire Forest, 20th Dawn of the Great Tree Moon, Imperial Year 1180.

Three young nobles watched in relative disappointment as their chaperone abandoned them to the Remire Woods, bandits hot on his trail.

"And there he goes, the finest rookie professor in Garreg Mach. Do you think the bandits will get him or the wolves?"

"Claude, do take this seriously. We are lost in the woods and now down our only map. We must reunite with the other Knights of Seiros."

"I'll scout ahead then. If I recall, there should be a village somewhere past the woodline. Let's split up and use those magical signals we have if we find shelter."

"Clau- and he's gone. Well... Princess Edelgard, it appears that we must- and I'm talking to no one. Blast, must we really begin our year at the monastery like this?"

"Are the Captain and the Demon up yet?"

"Haven't seen 'em yet. They must be getting ready still."

"Hmm, they should hurry. It's going to be dawn in a few minutes."

"Cap'n always likes marching at dawn anyway. We've plenty of time."

"Still, the Kingdom's a ways away and the road isn't easy. We'd best start as soon... Does anyone else hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"Shh... swords! And shouting!"

"There. See 'em? In the woodline!"

It was hard to spot, but the Blade Breakers were met with quite a dilemma- a small group of mercenaries of what appeared to be another faction were locked in close combat against run-of-the-mill bandits. They were outnumbered by quite a bit but held their ground quite well. With the sun beginning to peak over the horizon, it was clear to see that it wasn't long before fatigue would tip the scales.

"Bandits in Remire? Someone get the boss-"

"I heard them too," Jeralt announced, grog and sleep still in his eyes. "Let's help them out and see what they've got. Byleth, take your group and flank east- Byleth? Hey, where's the kid? I was just talking to-"

"They're already in the fight," another Blade Breaker called from the other side of the camp. "...found a noble out in the woods. She needed help, so the Demon went alone."

A deep sigh.

"Then we are to follow. If it's a noble and their company, that's a job with pay. Advance! Keep those mercenaries safe."

"Nothing like a morning fight with bandits to bond with your new allies, huh?" Robin laughed, casting pure lightning from his fingertips instead of his usual tome. "This is so much easier!" The levin sword by his side seemed similar enough, but the tactician was enjoying his new paperless power.

"Focus Robin. Bandits or not these enemies are still deadly with the right amount of bad luck," Lucina warned, back to back with the tactician. Falchion was still by her side, letting out an odd white-blue sheen. Judging by Robin, it appeared magic worked a little different in this world but the weight in Falchion's swing was still the same; Naga's bite was as sharp as ever.

"We have Naga's protection on our side, right?" Corrin called, dancing out of range of a pair of axes and replying with a flurry of attacks from Yato. Like Falchion, Corrin's sword had also let out a pale glow. "Which is good, because my dragonstone isn't working."

"It isn't?" Azura wondered, her lance keeping another bandit at bay. "Does that mean the power of my pendant is gone-"

"Careful there," Laslow warned, a sword sticking out of the back of a brigand inches away from Azura. "Focus on this fight first and then we can see what else changed." He seemed relatively unchanged, but this wasn't his first time hopping worlds. Turning suddenly past Azura, the dancer looked past to another of the Shepherds. "Are you feeling well, milady?"

"It's been ages since I've stretched out my limbs," Tiki announced, pummeling an unfortunate man unconscious with her bare hands. Her dragonstone wasn't working either, and Naga had abandoned control to the Voice's sole will. Still, the manakete was a surprisingly competent martial artist, disarming another axe wielder before picking up the heavy weapon herself, proceeding to go to town on the ones surrounding Azura. "I'm feeling quite nice."

"Brynhildr is still here... yet it isn't," Leo muttered, not as enthusiastic as Robin. Still, he would admit it was nice to have stone and root now bending to his will with a flex of his finger. "The darkness here is truly something else."

"That's because it's not even sunrise," Dimitri replied, staving off his own foe with ease. It wasn't much of a fight than it was a warm-up.

"..."

"It was a poor attempt at a joke. I apologize," the prince bowed, his opponent swiftly dispatched. "Your group is truly remarkable. How have I not heard of your exploits before?"

"It's a long story, Prince," Takumi replied, looking over his bow now that there was a lull in the combat. Fujin Yumi still the same shape as it once was, but instead of shooting bolts of wind, he would have to start carrying arrows. "We're not from here. Our company has traveled... a great distance."

First a battle between Nohr and Hoshido, then Ylisse... and now Fódlan. All in a span of days.

"Not from Fódlan?" Dimitri questioned, quite genuinely impressed.

"Y-yes, beyond Fódlan," the archer replied. "If you have maps... maybe we can find where we are. And where we were."

Their conversation was cut short when two more fighters burst from the trees in a mad sprint. One of them was dressed similar to Dimitri except bearing red instead of blue. The other was a mercenary by the looks of it, donning a coat of black and lightweight armor.

"Edelgard? You're safe! Where's Claude?" Dimitri asked, his worries slightly alleviated.

"He ran off. Who are these, part of your mercenary group?" Edelgard asked to the mercenary next to her.

"I have not seen them before," came her response, dull and flat. As if describing dirt.

"Well, they protected me," Dimitri vouched, smiling and waving at a hand at the eight Shepherds. "I owe them a great debt. Let's find Claude and-"

The woman next to Edelgard sprang forward suddenly, deflecting the mighty blow of a brigand who had sprang from the trees. Her counter wasn't strong and the effort winded her, but the man was knocked back a couple feet and landed on his back with a thud. His lackeys appeared behind him, but they were clearly itching to leave this fight and cut their losses.

"Oi- Kostas, boss... let's get out of here. We can't do the job-"

"No! Just give me one of those noble brats! You'll die!"

Getting up with surprising agility for a man his size, the one called Kostas charged again. Not expecting this renewed attack, none of the Shepherds were close enough to assist and were helpless to watch as the thug ran for Edelgard and brought his axe back for a blow that would surely cleave the small woman in two, even through her dagger's guard.

At least, before the mercenary somehow got underneath the blow, her sword catching the axe by the head and cleaving it right through the wooden haft. Something about her movements seemed a little too rehearsed though- as if she had seen the attack before it had even happened. Even Edelgard looked surprised, and the gaze she gave her savior was both appreciative and admiring.

Events happened one after the other it seemed, as another man on horseback rode in followed by many more mercenaries. These seemed friendly though, so the Shepherds lowered their weapons. From what it looked like, they were part of Edelgard's bodyguard's group.

"Captain Jeralt, they're all on the run. Looks like the other group got them," one of the footmen reported. Jeralt's attention seemed more focus on his daughter though, having caught the maneuver she had pulled on Kostas.

"How did you... Never mind. You okay?"

"Yes," she responded, looking quickly to Edelgard with a flat expression. "Are you?"

"Yes," Edelgard answered, before considering that she was asking Jeralt.

"Well, if that's that, let's move. We'll talk on the road. You there, you're wearing one of those Officer's Academy uniforms. Hmm... Garreg Mach is out of the way of our next job. We would escort you back to the monastery but- Shouldn't you have a knight contingent with you?"

"We lost our professor earlier, before morn," Edelgard replied, glancing quickly at Dimitri before realizing Claude was still missing. "And one of my classmates, it appears."

"Maybe he found Remire Village," Jeralt reasoned, before signalling a couple of his men to return. "Look for stragglers, see if you can find their friend. What's he look like?" Jeralt asked, turning his head back to the red-caped noble.

"He's wearing our uniform, except he's the Alliance heir. He's wearing yellow and is carrying a bow on his person."

"You heard the lady. Find that Alliance noble quick."

Allowing the group a bit of respite from their quick but invigorating fight, Jeralt turned now to Lucina.

"And you. I don't recognize your emblems or your uniforms. Freelancers?"

"Travelers," the Ylissean answered, keeping Takumi's account to Dimitri in her mind. "We're not native to Fódlan and we're looking for a woman named... Never mind."

It would be best not to let their mission slip on loose lip, so Lucina decided it would be best to keep that a secret for now.

"Ah, well I can't help much with that. Jeralt, of the Blade Breakers," he greeted, dismounting and shaking Lucina's hand. "You're an able group. Come to think of it, if you're up for it, you should be the ones to escort these nobles back to the monastery. Are you familiar with the land?"

"No," they muttered in unison.

"Huh. Well, it would save us the trouble. Here," Jeralt reached onto one of his saddlebags, before something else caught his eye. Turning to his daughter, he walked slowly towards the village. "Why don't you show 'em, kid. I think I left something in the inn."

"We haven't been formally introduced," Lucina greeted, shaking hands with the blank-faced mercenary. "Lucina. Your swordwork is impressive."

"Byleth," the woman returned, smiling very slightly. "Your group has been in many battles before. And yet you don't seem familiar with each other."

Robin's eyes widened at Byleth's analysis. She got it right on the nose.

"How'd you figure?"

"I watched."

"...Right," Lucina urged on, pointing back to the map. "Garreg Mach. It looks to be atop this mountain here? In the very center of Fódlan?"

"Correct," Dimitri joined in. "It's a bit of a hike, but if you are willing to escort us back to the Monastery I can see to it that your group will be rewarded handsomely."

"Oh, there is no need for all that," Lucina excused, before being met with Robin's glare. Clearly he was hoping for a good start for their mission, which a handsome reward would have provided. "But if you insist," she added quickly.

"I do. I am the Crown Prince of Faerghus after all. I don't think it would be suspect for the one's who saved me from bandits to receive a Kingdom's sum."

"Likewise," Edelgard joined in. "Your group protected us bravely, despite never meeting us before. I can see to it that the Empire shoulder a portion of the reward as well."

"Really, we just happened to meet you at an opportune moment," Corrin started, before Robin winced again. "B-But it would be greatly appreciated!"

Jeralt returned, slightly worse for wear. He considered mounting up, but let go of the reins and briefed the students on his findings.

"We found your third. And he found someone I'd rather not meet."

"Captain Jeralt! It is you! I thought I saw you skulking about Remire. How has it been, old friend? I thought you were dead! Don't you recognize me? It's me! Alois! Your right-hand man! At least, that's what I recall."

The two Blade Breakers Jeralt sent out and two more strangers joined the party. Dimitri and Edelgard looked pleased to see Claude safe and sound, if not slightly annoyed. Actually, he was probably the safest and soundest considering he didn't encounter any bandits, just the Knights of Seiros. Just like Edelgard had described, he was wearing the Officer's Academy uniform and a simple, yellow cape. His coat was open by the neck, revealing a yellow undershirt beneath. Unlike Dimitri, his trousers were rather baggy, though the boots he wore allowed full mobility despite the lack of form-fitting pants.

The man next to him was stocky, armored in a brilliant silver and bronze plate adorned by a white cape. A leaf-like emblem was visible on it, which led the Shepherds to believe that these were the Knights of Seiros the students were talking about.

"Alois. This day gets more exciting the more time goes by," Jeralt sighed, grasping the arm of his former second without much ceremony.

Alois turned to the Dimitri and Edelgard, sighing in relief. "Thank the goddess we found you safe and sound. Er... where's the professor?"

"He abandoned us at the first sign of trouble," Edelgard answered a bit too quickly. "I find it quite disheartening that he will be leading one of our houses."

"We'll see what Seteth says. And you," he turned to Byleth now, eyeing her up and down before connecting the dots with the shared emblems on their fronts and backs. "You're the Captain's kid?"

Byleth looked to Jeralt quickly before glancing back, shaking her head.

"I'm a bandit."

"..."

"..."

Alois threw his head back, a great guffaw echoing in the otherwise quiet morning. Jeralt shook his head and walked away, leaving Byleth alone with Alois for a few seconds while he let out a tightly lipped breath.

"I knew it! You get your humor from your old man! Aha, she's learned from the best, hasn't she Captain?"

Jeralt looked at Alois sternly, before shaking his head and turning away.

"Drop that Captain nonsense. You probably outrank me now. If that's that, let's be going?" Jeralt urged, saddling up and leading the Blade Breakers towards Faerghus, leaving the three lords and the Shepherds with the Knights of Seiros.

"Ah, farewell Captain."

"..."

"..."

"Wait."

"Faerghus is rather cold, and our farmland is lacking in quality. Still, our knights our some of the finest in the land, and our hold in the north grants us much advantage staving off dangers from across the land. Our knights are quite busy keeping the continent safe," Dimitri explained, trailing behind the Blade Breakers along with the Shepherds and Byleth.

"Adrestia is the oldest nation on the continent," Edelgard joined in. "Our territories comprise of much of the southern half of Fódlan and our farmland feeds much of the continent." She appeared to be comfortable walking next to Byleth, despite her otherwise colder treatment of Claude and Dimitri. Perhaps because of the little stunt the mercenary had pulled to save her.

"Leicester territory is a bunch of merchants who provide most of Fódlan with resources and goods. We're the smallest 'nation' with the largest pocketbooks." Claude seemed rather content with that and nodded happily to himself. "Edelgard here might say differently, but..."

"I will say differently. The Empire is the backbone of the continent."

"Perhaps you are. We're content being Fódlan's heart and Throat. Haha, geography puns."

Byleth laughed blankly, the mirth reaching her lips for a quick second before dissipating.

"It was a poor joke," she reasoned, "But the effort was humorous."

Edelgard seemed charmed, joining Dimitri in a bit of laughter of her own. "Perhaps you and your father should consider being contracted by the Empire. We could use professionals of your talents."

"Actually, we are on Kingdom business. If it wasn't for the Knights of Seiros, it would be safe to assume we would be on our march to Fhirdiad."

"Kingdom business," Dimitri questioned. "Then perhaps I should be making an offer as well. I've heard exploits of Captain Jeralt from his time in the Knights of Seiros. He is practically a legend in the flesh! The Kingdom would do well to make use of his and your services, Blade Breakers willing..."

"Hello, I am Claude von Reigan, heir to the Alliance. How are you, my lady?" Claude joined in, "Jeez, I thought they taught us manners in Noble-school. Pleasure first, business second, right?"

"...I am Byleth. I'm a mercenary," Byleth replied, matching Claude's sarcasm with her own.

"See? Much more polite. And how about you guys?" Claude asked, calling back to the Shepherds who were gathered slightly behind the nobles and talking among themselves. "You saved His Princeliness too. You should be negotiating your handsome reward."

Robin looked to Lucina who looked to Corrin, nodding simultaneously and picking up the pace to walk alongside the quartet of black-clad fighters.

"We can start with names," Claude suggested. "I hear that's pretty polite."

"I'm Lucina..."

"Lucina what? Do you have titles or lands?" the Riegan heir asked, getting awfully close.

"Well, yes, but..."

"Aha, relax," Claude laughed, stepping away from his inquisitive position. "In Fódlan we usually strap the word von in front of our territory or family name and call it a day. Old Adrestian for 'of' if my history books are right. Makes sense, right? Edelgard of Hresvelg territory, Claude of Riegan territory. Or family, let's not forget that. That's pretty much how most nobles in Fódlan go about naming themselves. Except Kingdom Nobles, for whatever reason."

"It's because we'd rather not associate with Adrestian naming traditions after winning our independence," Dimitri reminded sternly. "For example, I am Dimitri Alexandre Bla-"

"So how about it, Lucina? Are we looking at a Lucina von-oh! I never asked if you're a royal. Are you of prominent stature where you come from? Aha! Your face and clasp say it all. Are we looking at a duchess- or a princess?"

"Claude, you're getting awfully nosy," Edelgard sighed.

"I am very much aware," The Leicester heir replied without concern. "I'm curious is all. 'Princess Lucina.' Sounds about right."

Robin chuckled at Claude's behavior, not considering him much of a threat were they to stay on his genial side. The man was quite insistent but his attentions seemed innocent enough, even if he was bordering on suspicious. It was Dimitri he was more wary of, even after fighting back to back with him. Something just under the surface...

"Well, I suppose I would be of... important stature, but it's not that," Lucina explained. "I know my name well but-"

"We'd rather not reveal where we came from," Takumi finished.

"You are travelers, aren't you? Is it so strange to ask from where? You're not spies sent to investigate Fódlan, are you?" Dimitri wondered.

"No- of course not! Well, I suppose we are acting suspiciously but... well, this is our first time talking to royalty of Fódlan and we don't quite know the right thing to say."

"Archanea," Tiki interrupted, before looking to her companions. "Fear not. Our mission is not in danger by revealing certain truths. Especially from a land so far away from Fódlan as ours."

Edelgard stopped in her tracks, not noticing much of Tiki during the fight. Green hair and pointed ears, not hidden unlike Rhea, Seteth and Flayn... Was she one of those propagators of lies? Was this another cover-up?"

"Y-your ears... and hair. Are they common where you come from? I can't say I've ever heard of Archanea," Edelgard asked, her tone cautious and polite.

"I'm not the trusting type so forgive our... collective rudeness. But Edelgard here is right: I've never seen anyone quite like you before," Claude added. "And I've never heard of Archanea before."

"They are not," Tiki mused. "Not many like me exist anymore. Not in Archanea and not anywhere else, I can imagine. I can in good faith tell you that our homeland doesn't exist on any of your maps."

"Like you," Edelgard narrowed her eyes, ignoring the quip about her homeland for now.

"Like us," Corrin joined in, positive as ever and not discerning Edelgard's suspicions. "I'm also a-"

Tiki rose a hand to Corrin's mouth, smiling darkly and gazing through her more naive companion. Edelgard stared too, noticing the pointed ears of the off-white-haired swordsman. Her eyes weren't green, not like Tiki or Rhea. But still...

A half-breed of those beasts. Perhaps Tiki's daughter?

"..."

"I can imagine the road has been rough," Edelgard changed the subject, lessening the tension slightly. "Especially without shoes."

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that," Corrin laughed nervously. "I'm... used to it."

"I've a friend who'd be delighted to meet you," Claude joined, his smile ever so present on his face. "He likes... shoes. Or rather the things inside them... I... shouldn't say much more than that."

"Well, we are almost there," Dimitri interrupted, rather perturbed by Claude's description. "Look past the trees."

The party collectively gazed past the row of trees to the mighty fortress encompassing the horizon beyond.

"Whoa," Lucina breathed, astonished at Garreg Mach's size and position among the small mountain. "That's the Monastery? All the monasteries from Archanea are... humble."

"Garreg Mach isn't just the center of Fódlan," Claude explained. "It's the Center of Fódlan."

"Kingdom, Alliance and Imperial royalty gather every year. It sets friendships and relationships that transfer into the political court, trade relations, even marriages. That sort of large scale business. Church officials from across Fódlan convene here to discuss ongoing issues. If the Empire is the backbone and the Alliance is the heart... well, Garreg Mach is the head."

"It really is Fódlan in a nutshell," Claude agreed. "The good and the bad."

"Well, like it or not," Edelgard continued, her gaze ever-forward, "We'll be there soon."

It took a while to march the path to Garreg Mach but once they did, farewells were briefly exchanged and the party began to go their separate paths. A tall gate stood before them, and the gatekeeper quickly took account of who was entering among the party.

"Consider my offer," Edelgard requested to Byleth, shaking her hand and bowing to the mercenary. "I'd be honored to meet you again if fate allows. Thank you- I... hope to meet you again soon."

"Likewise. I will talk more with you inside if you've the time," Dimitri added, bowing as well. "And to you, Archaneans, was it? Expect a healthy reward for your actions. You have my gratitude, friends."

"Farewell for now," Claude spoke solemnly, but then lightening up with a twinkle in his mischievous eyes. "You know, there's going to be a feast to celebrate the beginning of the Academic Year. You should sneak in and sit with us Golden Deer. Not with those two stiffs," he added with a smirk.

"A feast sounds lovely," Corrin nodded. "I say we join, if the Monastery allows us."

"Oh they will," Jeralt joined in, nodding to Byleth. "The Church spares no expense on extravagance and ceremony." Taking Byleth aside, Jeralt led his daughter away from earshot.

"Rhea."

"Who?"

"I haven't the time to explain, Rhea's still in charge. I don't know what she plans to do with us here but... don't trust her. Got it?"

"I'm afraid I don't follow... but I understand," Byleth responded sharply and nodding in confirmation. Without a word, she and Jeralt circled back to the main group.

"Follow us," Jeralt ordered to both the Shepherds and Blade Breakers, leading them inside the courtyard.

Many more students and knights were to be seen walking about, the former wearing uniforms similar if not identical to the ones the three lords had worn. The Knights were more varied, some were clearly mages, others archers, others masters of beasts. All had a small leaf-like emblem on their shoulder or chest. Many heads turned, and the older ones even appeared to recognize Captain Jeralt.

"This is exactly what I didn't want to happen," Jeralt muttered, entering the reception hall first alongside Alois.

"Just wait a second here Captain," Alois bowed, knocking on the door and entering a stairway. Jeralt took the time to take a seat, letting the Blade Breakers know that they weren't needed and to wait outside.

"The cafeteria should still be here," he added. "Get yourselves some chow for a long day ahead of us. I have a feeling we'll need it."

Byleth and Jeralt came downstairs, the former looking rather surprised given her normal state, the latter looking plain tired.

"You're up next, kids," the Captain relayed with a yawn. "This old dog is going to grab some food."

"Please, this way," a tall man instructed, green hair covering his ears and most of his jawline. Blue robes and an administrative cape completed the getup, and Robin was reminded of his very first day in the Shepherds, thinking this man and Frederick to be kindred spirits. "I am Seteth. An advisor to the Archbishop. She desired a particular interest on meeting you."

The Shepherds began their walk, but Seteth raised a hand. His eyes were locked with Tiki's.

"Just her. For now. Is that alright?"

A slow nod from everyone, and Tiki disappeared behind the door to the stairwell.

Up the stairs they went, entering what seemed to be an audience chamber. Seteth took his place next to a woman Tiki imagined was the Archbishop. Like Seteth, she had lighter green hair and her eyes were a mesmerizing ocean of teal and-

"I was hoping my vision was not deceiving me," she began, her voice so calm and... immaculate. "When I saw those ears... and that green hair..."

Tiki stammered, not quite sure how to address the archbishop.

"I'm afraid I don't know-"

"It's quite alright, my child. I know. I know all too well why you are here."

"You do?"

"But of course! Another of my mother's lost children... returning home."

"I'm afraid I don't follow," Tiki said with a shake of her head.

"It is true that we have been separated by time and tragedy," Seteth joined in. "But surely after your long slumber you remember some remnant of Zanado?"

"I'm not what you think I am," Tiki explained. "I am merely an envoy. A servant of one similar to... you."

"You need not worry, dear one. I can see in your eyes and your face that you are like us. And your companions, have they escorted you this way?"

"They have. But please, Archbishop..."

"It's just Rhea. To you, I am just Rhea."

Tiki's eyes widened, kneeling quickly.

"You kneel when I say my name, but not to my title?" Rhea laughed. "How curious indeed. What is your name?"

"T-tiki, Archbishop Rhea. I come on behalf of someone I think you might remember."

"Ah, so you are a scion. Just like little Cethleann," Rhea seemed rather overjoyed. "I'm assuming you are here on behalf of your mother?"

"Yes. Naga sent me. And the seven others with me."

This time Rhea's eyes opened wider, along with Seteth.

"I feared she perished at the Red Canyon. To hear of her survival... of her escape?"

"...You know her?" Tiki asked, amazed to know her mother had kin.

"I knew many others," Rhea responded solemnly. "But to hear of one's survival- it brings me great joy. But the others that disappeared with her, what of them? Duma, Mila? Anankos?"

"I'm afraid Mila and Duma grew mad two-thousand years ago. They entrusted man to... end their suffering. To grant them rest. Of Anankos I do not know, nor have I heard that name."

"I did not know them well," Rhea said after a pause. But Mila and Duma rest. Does anything remain?"

"Anything remain?" Tiki repeated, unsure of what Rhea was asking.

"Did mankind... respect their bodies?"

"A Great Tree grows over their grave. I dwell there," Tiki explained. "It is revered by man as a place of repentance and faith."

"I see. So they rest peacefully, never to be awoken again," Rhea said, almost relieved. "Mankind must have some semblance of hope then."

"They do."

"Well then, little Tiki. Your mother sent you here for a reason. Shall I ask why?"

Tiki nodded, her stance finally finding itself and her posture strong and straight.

"We are to protect you, Lady Rhea. A great danger comes upon you. My mother sent us here to protect both Fódlan... and you."

The Shepherds joined Tiki in the audience hall, relieved to see her well and seemingly unrattled.

"Come, children of Naga," Rhea greeted, looking to Lucina and Laslow. "Of Anankos," she added for Leo, Takumi, Azura and Corrin. Opening her arms wide, her smile was more in her eyes than her mouth. "I welcome you to Fódlan. And to Garreg Mach Monastery."

Azura widened her eyes, not expecting to hear the name of Valla's dragon. Takumi and Leo seemed surprise for a different reason: that wasn't a name they've heard before.

"Y-you know..." the songstress whispered.

"I know the fate that all who suffer eternity face," Rhea solemnly spoke, her eyes gazing into the heavens even through her stone ceiling. "But enough of that. I hear you are here on behalf of your goddess. To protect me?"

"You are Rhea?" Lucina asked. "-Er, Archbishop Rhea, that is?"

"I am," Rhea replied with a smile. "Such a sweet strong girl. I smell our blood within you. You bear our blessings."

"She bears a crest?" Seteth wondered.

"She does. But this one was given freely, wasn't it?" Rhea asked, looking to both Laslow and Lucina. "Naga was kind to bless your blood with her power."

"Naga did," Lucina replied. "It has helped us maintain peace on the continent for thousands of years."

"And you," the Archbishop turned to Robin. "I smell a different scent upon you."

"Y-you do? I didn't know I was-"

"It is a foul one," Rhea dismissed, but her impassive gaze turned soft. "But it was against your will. You did not want to live a life that was asked of you."

"This is very new," Robin admitted. "D-do you know me?"

"I'm afraid not. But your blood has power akin to ours. Respect it and use it for the good of Fódlan. Even a blessing can be a curse, but so too can a curse be a blessing."

Rhea turned now to Azura and Corrin, looking at the pendant and then to Corrin's ears.

"Anankos' blood runs strong through you," she smiled. "He always did have odd hair compared to us," she mused, feeling Azura's long locks before backing away quickly. The dancer seemed unfazed, though her shoulders were visibly clenching.

"..."

"He was a solitary one. I'm surprised to hear he bore offspring."

"He didn't," Azura corrected. "I am a direct descendant of one who bore his blood. But I am just a human."

"But I sense-"

"That would be her," Azura pointed to Corrin, who looked shocked at the revelation.

Rhea let out a laugh, wiping her eyes quite genuinely.

"Forgive my mistake," she insisted, holding Corrin's hands in her own. "You share his strong red eyes."

"Y-you knew about me?" Corrin asked, not to Rhea but to Azura.

"I know far more than I wish," Azura replied mysteriously. "It was a burden I carried alone for many years."

"Some secrets are powerful weapons," Rhea spoke, reciting one of Seiros' proverbs. "But secrets are often shields as well, protecting others from harm. Know this well, young dragon."

"...I will keep that in mind."

"Now then, I do believe we have business to attend to."

Seteth nodded, retrieving a clipboard and a quill.

"If you are to be protecting me," Rhea began, looking rather pleased with herself, "Either you will join the inner circle of the Knights of Seiros... or you enroll in the Academy. You are all young and strangers to Fódlan; I'm sure you can figure which is less suspicious. And if I may, I think I have a rather nice plan."

Garreg Mach Training Grounds, 20th Dusk of the Great Tree Moon, Imperial Year 1180

"House Leader Lucina Lowell, Age 19," Byleth began, reading off the names to her roster.

"Present." Lowell was, according to the records anyway, the name Marth bore so many years ago. It was better than 'Lucina von Ylisstol,' in any case.

"Robin... no last name? Age 20,"

"Present. Never had one, Professor."

"Corrin von Gyges, Age 20."

"Present."

"Azura von Gyges, Age 21," Byleth read, going back and forth between Corrin and Azura. She never would have guessed they were related.

"Present." Gyges was the old castle in Valla where Azura was born. She thought that'd be a fitting territory considering... well, she didn't want to risk setting off the Vallite curse on their new professor. Even if they were worlds away.

"Laslow Lowell, Age 19."

"Present," Laslow answered. Funny, Lucina was more than a year older than him but thanks to time travel shenanigans and his travels in Nohr, he had caught up in birthdays with his older sister.

"Leo von Windmire, Age 17."

"Present." Leo thought it was clever of him to use the Nohrian capital for his last name, considering 'von Garon' didn't quite have the right ring to it.

"Takumi Shirasagi, Age 17."

"Present. Nice pronunciation," he added.

"Thanks. And Tiki. Age... unknown? No last name either?"

"Sorry if that's an inconvenience. I'm not sure of them." Tiki laughed to herself. A couple thousand years and you stop counting. And 'Tiki von World Tree' was not exactly a charming option.

"No, it's quite alright. My father forgets sometimes too. Or he's too lazy to remember."

Byleth went down the list one more time, making sure she got all eight of the students she had correctly. More would be coming, Rhea assured, but they weren't to be officers at the academy, just normal knights or lower-ranking students not in the Officer's Academy program.

"Anyway. I am Byleth Eisner, the instructor of your house for this year. Lady Rhea wanted me to be a Professor at the Monastery by personal request. I have no idea why but I think it will be a good experience for all of us. I've been instructed to help the eight of you learn just like the other three houses here. Speaking of... she asked that we come up with a name, preferably an animal that means a lot to your history as a people. And a color that isn't blue, yellow, or black. Something about becoming the fourth house."

"Fourth house?" Lucina asked, thinking about Edelgard, Dimitri and Claude suddenly.

"They want to know what color the carpet would be when they complete construction of the new classroom."