Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Exposition Time!

“We are drones hailing from our otherwise dead planet, Copper 9, and originally made by our company JCJenson in Spaaaaccceeee… Unfortunately… the humans activated some creepy ass AI that annihilated all of them and all life from the planet and threatened to destroy the planet and kill all Worker Drones. Thankfully, a small band of Worker Drones, mostly me, and a couple of rebellious Murder Drones fought the AI and saved the planet. Hooray! We’re free of some creepy eldritch AI, and the annoying humans! Right? Wrong! As you can see here, we’re not done with humans! Apparently, my fellow Murder Drones and one other thought it’d be a good idea to travel to some backwater alternate planet called F-019. After a bit of persuasion, research on my end, and some consideration… I decided to indulge them, and travel to this planet. After a month of travel, we finally arrived at F-019, and at its largest continent, Fodlan. For some reason, many of the natives here refer to us as messengers of their so-called goddess, Sothis, or whatever, and thus the creepy mosshead human granny decided to enroll us in this school, Garreg Mach Monastery. And now I, Uzi aka, DarkWolfX17, sit before you humans.”

End of Exposition… (Finally…)

“So what do we find after arriving in this primitive world?!” Uzi rants. “Humans hiding behind some stupid system whilst stuck-up nobles are doing stupid shit!” She Smugly grins within the office. “Anyways… that’s why my project is to settle all that crap with this sick as hell railgun!” Uzi proceeds to pull out her railgun much to Manuela, Seteth, and Jeralt’s dismay.

“Oh my!” Manuela gasps.

“What in Sothis’s name is that?!” Seteth says feeling appalled by what he’s seeing.

“Well, that’s something you don’t see every day…” Jeralt calmly says.

“Easy, oldies,” Uzi assures them in an angsty manner.

“Hey, I’m not that old!” Manuela retorts.

“BITE ME! It doesn’t work in this world… yet… it doesn’t work yet! WHO SAID IT DOESN’T WORK YET? MAYBE IT DOES!” Uzi flips the trigger and the railgun starts charging up. “Hehehehe… HAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHA!”

“Uzi Doorman!” Seteth slams his hands on his desk. “I called you here so I could ask you more about your world, and your companions… not threaten to blow up this Academy with that… thing!”

“Oh? So bringing out this magnetic amplified photon conversion doesn’t count as a solution to all the problems of your country?”

“…. I don’t even know what that means, but whatever it is… no. Also, the one you call creepy mossheaded human granny, is Lady Rhea, the woman gracious enough to take you lot in when I decided against it! Especially since we have two strangers enrolled as Professors!”

“Ahem.” Jeralt clears his throat annoyed by that remark.

“Apologies, Jeralt. Also, Uzi, is that… thing supposed to be glowing like that?”

“Huh?” Uzi glances at her railgun glowing red. “Oh crap… not again…”

Suddenly, the railgun explodes on everyone’s faces, and Seteth, Jeralt, and Manuela brace themselves for the explosion. However, they didn’t feel the brunt of the explosion, and instead, find a barrier resembling a purple hexagon with three arrows. They soon find out that Uzi projected the barrier. The worker drone remains lying on her back, and this concerns Jeralt.

“Hey kid, you alright?” Jeralt asks.

“Ugh…” Uzi sits up whilst banging her head with her fist. “Hate it when that happens… yeah I think I’m- Argh…”

She feels a slight sting from her hands and realizes that the sun is bearing down her whilst a golden sun hip on her palm begins to flicker.

“You sure you’re alright?” Manuela asks. “Perhaps I should-“

“It’s fine…” Uzi winces in pain whilst projecting her power onto the Golden chip. “Just give me a second, and I should be…” Uzi calibrates the chip, stabilizing it, and the burning ceases. “Ah… that would have been embarrassing if I got offed like that.”

Jeralt curiously eyes the chip on the back of her hand, “I take it that small stone of yours is pretty important.”

“Unfortunately, yes.” Uzi rolls her eyes. “These are called JcJenson’s Solar Powered- You know what? I ain’t calling it by that long ass name! Just call em Sunjay chips!”

“Sunjay chips?” Manuela repeats. “Quite the catchy name.”

“Ahem.” Seteth clears his throat. “So what do these chips do exactly?”

Uzi holds out her hand. “These chips were given to us before we landed on Fodlan. They create a thin ozone layer that surrounds our bodies to protect the oil within our bodies from overheating by the sun’s UV rays.”

The explanation leaves Seteth and the two Professors scratching their heads, and this annoys Uzi.

“Ugh… in layman’s terms, this chip protects us from the sun, and without them, the sun overheats our insides and kills us.”

“Ah, that makes sense,” Jeralt says.

“So it’s like a protection charm of sorts?” Seteth asks.

“Sorta,” Uzi answers. “As much as I hate to say this… J really came through with providing these chips, and I don’t think we would be able to navigate Fodlan without them.” Uzi notices the grins from both Jeralt and Manuela, and this pisses her off. “DON’T YOU DARE TELL HER I SAID THAT OR ILL JACK YOU’RE FREAKING BRAINS!”

Jeralt chuckles feeling amused by the situation. “You got it, kiddo.”

Manuela giggles, “Your secret is safe with me.”

Unfortunately for Uzi, Seteth isn’t amused. “Uzi, you can’t just threaten anyone in this Monastery on a whim just because who feel like it!”

“So what?!” Uzi shrugs, “I’m an angsty teen with social issues. What do you expect from me? A model student?”

Seteth pinches the bridge of his nose and shakes his head. “I swear… I called you here because I thought you were the most reasonable of your bunch, but now I see you’re the most unreasonable!”

“Bite me!” Uzi crosses her arms. “I didn’t even wanna come to this office. For the record.”

“I did warn you, Seteth.” Manuela pats her shoulder. “This little one has quite the fiery attitude.”

“You did…” Seteth reluctantly says. “And perhaps I should have listened to you… Maybe I should have tried my luck with the other Murder Drones…”

“Even V?” Jeralt asks.

“Definitely not V!” Seteth immediately objects the notion. “That drone is volatile in every sense!”

Meanwhile at the Red Canyon…

Kostas gets pinned down screaming with his arm decapitated by a maniacal V holding his arm with her claws whilst laughing. “You little squirt!” He curses. “Don’t you dare- AHHHHHHHH!!!” V thrusts her free claw into Kostas. “No.. no… please don’t feed me my own entrails!”

“HAHAHHAHAHA!” V maniacally laughs as she proceeds to maul Kostas while Bylese, Dimitri, Dedue, Ashe, Felix, and Ingrid watch on.

“By the goddess…” Ingrid covers her mouth horrified and disgusted by the brutality of the act.

“As if it wasn’t bad enough to have a single boar in our class…” Felix scoffs.

“I know we’re supposed to bring Kostas to justice, but this…” Dedue says, “This is too much…”

“Extremely inefficient if you ask me,” Bylese says with no hint of emotion in her voice.

“Professor! This is a man’s life we’re talking about!” Dimitri protests. “No matter how despicable, and she’s taking it-“

Kostas’s heart flies over the group much to everyone’s, except Bylese, shock, and V stands over the mutilated corpse’

“And yet… I still feel nothing for these humans.” V sinisterly smiles with her left eye twitching.

Ashe gulps hard, and musters the courage to speak, “Ummm… V… are you okay?”

“Oh god! Who are you?!” V gasps before flying off and leaving the group behind.

“No worries… My name’s Ashe…” he frowns as V flies off from their sight.

“Still, brutality aside, that drone shows incredible swordsmanship than the other three,” Felix says. “I can’t wait to fight-“

“Please don’t think about it, Felix…” Ingrid worriedly says.

“Yeah, V’s only nice to her friends, and to me… to some degree,” Uzi says. “Still, she’s always there when it counts… even though we’d sometimes bail her out.”

“I swear the more I hear about these drones, the worse my headache gets…” Seteth groans. “Captain Jeralt, are you sure your daughter can handle being the Professor of that psychotic drone?”

“Don’t worry, Seteth.” Jeralt grins. “Bylese is a pretty patient woman, and if what Uzi says about V is true, I’m sure they’ll get along.”

“I hope you’re right, Captain. What about J?”

“You mean that cute drone with the pigtails?” Manuela giggles. “I gotta say that she’s very cute.”

“Manuela, please stay on-“

“HELL NO!” Uzi slams her railgun on the table. “J’s an asshole! And she’s still one even after I killed her!”

Seteth, Jeralt, and Manuela are left with no words from that statement, “…… Huh?”

Meanwhile at the training grounds…

“Ok…” Caspar wobbles to his feet while J looks down on him from the air. “I can still…”

J swoops down, and overhead kicks his face before standing over him. “Caspar, you’re worthless and stupid, and if this school allowed it, I would have straight up killed you myself.” She scowls while pointing her tail at him.

“I’m not... I still wanna-“ Caspar tries to utter until J presses her foot on his throat.

“A rematch? Pft.” J mockingly says while flicking her pigtail. “A human like yourself is no match for an effective drone like myself. So stay down and grovel!”

“Ugh… I told him this was a bad idea.” Linhardt groans.

“Hmph… I kinda like how this drone thinks.” Hubert smirks. “Amongst the four that came here, she’s the one I can tolerate the most.”

“Hubie! She’s abusing Caspar!” Dorothea protests.

“So what? If that’s what it’ll take to humble him, then by all means. Who knows? Maybe he’ll finally stop shouting after getting his throat stomped on. Don’t you agree, Lady Edelgard?”

Edelgard gives no answer and scowls at J as she adjusts her axe. “This has gone far too-“

“Enough.” Byleth steps in, and grabs J’s tail tightly.

“Hey, what are you-“ J tries to pry her tail free, but Byleth maintains a firm grip.

“The training spar is already over. There’s no need for further violence and gloats for now. So I suggest you free Caspar immediately.”

“Hmph. Fine.” J releases her foot from Caspar’s neck. “Since you and Edelgard are technically my boss during my stay here, I shall comply. Now if you’ll excuse me. I must attend to my studies about this world.”

J glances at Edelgard, and the princess casts a judgement look towards the Murder Drone prompting the former to scoff. She briskly walks away and leaves the training grounds while Byleth watches her leave.

This one acts more distant than the other drones… Byleth internally surmises. I’ll have to keep an eye on her. 

Edelgard subtly smiles at Byleth seeing that there’s more to her Professor than meets the eye. “Is something up, Edie?” Dorothea asks.

“It’s nothing.” Edelgard shakes her head.

I don’t think so, Edie. Dorothea playfully giggles.

“Yeah! J can be a lot to handle, and she’s obnoxious about stupid branded pens!” Uzi rants. “I still don’t get why we decided to bring her along!”

“You seem to have a lot of history with J,” Manuela says feeling curious. “May I ask for the juicy-“

“Bite me!”

Seteth covers his face while shaking his head from the sheer headache of dealing with Uzi. “Do any of you drones have a tight knot on your heads?!”

“Actually, you may have better luck with the other drone of my class, N,” Jeralt suggests.

“Ah yes.” Seteth perks up. “My sister, Flayn, seems to like him a lot, but I wouldn’t approve of her being close to one of those robots.”

“I see. Actually, if he were like Uzi, V, or J, he may be easy for me to deal with.”

“HEY!” Uzi shouts.

“I’ve dealt with my fair share of ruffians over the years,” Jeralt continues ignoring Uzi’s outburst. “but N… he’s actually the most pleasant of the drones… too pleasant and naive. If he weren’t a Murder Drone, he’d be dead within a week of wandering in a den of bandits.”

Uzi looks down while twiddling her fingers and blushing, and unfortunately for her, this doesn’t go unnoticed. “Oh?” Manuela giggles with a conniving look on her face. “You have a thing for N? I never imagine you robots have those sorts of feelings. It’s honestly quite-“

“SHUT UP! GRANNY!” Uzi seethes in embarrassing anger.

Meanwhile at the library…

“Come on…” Lysithea tiptoes to reach a magic book from the shelf. “Just halfway there…”

“Oh! Let me help you with that!” Lysithea feels herself getting lifted up to the top shelf and looks back only to be greeted by the smiling face of N, much to her embarrassment.

“N! What the hell are you doing?!” Lysithea scowls.

“Oh! Claude and his pals told me you needed some help.” N cheerfully points towards the entrance to the library.

“N! Don’t give away our position!” Hilda loudly whispers.

“Hey, Lysithea…” Claude cautiously waves. 

“Please don’t chew us out…” Ignatz mumbles while in a prayer position.

“We’re so sorry…” Marianne mutters softly.

“Claude…” Lysithea growls.

“Anyways…” N happily says. “It’s not safe for a kid such as like yourself to…”

Lysithea manifests a Miasma spell in her hand with an angry look on her face. “What did you call me?”

“Oh no…” Marianne utters.

“Please don’t say it…” Ignatz also says dreading what’s going to happen.

“We’re dead…” Hilda creeps away.

“N…” Claude gives him a heads up. “just don’t call her a-“

“A kid!” N cheerfully smiles before getting blasted pointblank by a Miasma spell and flies towards the group and crashing into Ignatz.

“N! Ignatz!” The Deer cry out.

“Owww…” Ignatz groans before cleaning his glasses. “That hurt a lot more than-AAAAHHHH!”

Ignatz stumbles back, and N headless, horrifying everyone.

“AHHHHHH” Marianne screams.

“N…” Claude gasps. “Is he…”

“Crap…” Hilda swallows. “Uzi’s gonna kill us…”

“YOU JERKS!” Lysithea stomps. “DON'T TREAT ME LIKE A-“ Immediately, she’s stopped in her tracks at the result of her actions. “Oh my god… N… I’m so-“

Suddenly, N’s body stands up much to everyone’s shock and his head regenerates himself. Reboot complete. N blinks a bit while looking at his fellow classmates. “Hey Fellas! Sorry, I must have forgotten the last five minutes of my life. So what do I need to do to help Lysithea?”

“Well…” Claude awkwardly shifts. “this is… not what I was expecting…”

Everyone else remains silent for a moment….. “AAAHHHHH!!!!”

“You should have come to N instead of me.” Uzi crosses her arms. “He’s a lot more tame than me, and it was his idea to come to F-019 in the first place.”

“I see.” Seteth strokes his beard. “Perhaps I’ll have better luck asking him instead of you. Could you do me a favor, and call him to this office.”

“Ugh… fine… After that, can you leave me alone?”

Seteth glares down on Uzi, “Just because you’re off the hook, doesn’t give you the right to not show proper respect to those who are looking after you such as myself! I would implore that you remember that.”

“Bite me, Mosshead!” Uzi sneers before casting a curious glance at the window. “Hehehehe…”

“What’s so funny, Uzi?”

“Nothing.” Uzi twiddles her fingers in a conniving manner. “Hey, Old Geezer. There’s a haystack at the ground floor just right below us right?”

“Geez… I’m not that old.” Jeralt glances down from the window. “Yes, there is a haystack. Why?”

“Good, now I don’t have to worry about killing you, Mosshead.”

“What?” Seteth blinks before Uzi surrounds him with her symbol, and lifts him up much to Jeralt and Manuela’s shock. “Uzi, don’t you-“

“SEE YA AROUND, MOSSHEAD!” Uzi flcks her hand and throws Seteth out the window before he plummets to the haystack.

“Oh my! Seteth!” Manuela gasps.

“You okay down there?” Jeralt calls out.

They find Seteth’s legs flailing about while the rest of his body is buried within the haystack.

“You know he’s not going to be happy when he gets out of that haystack.”

“Who cares what he thinks.” Uzi smugly says before jumping out of her chair. “He ain’t gonna chain me down like that. I’m an angsty teen who loves being free, and I’m gonna do whatever it takes to stay that way! See ya at class, Old Man!” Uzi runs out of the office.

“Ugh…” Jeralt slumps down on his chair. “What have I gotten myself into? Never thought I’d be installed as the Professor of some brats…”

“You would have been just the solely the captain of the Knights of Seiros,” Manuela says. “That is… if Uzi and the others hadn’t crash land here.”

“Yeah… just what is Lady Rhea thinking when letting them enroll those four as students of the Officer’s Academy? This is going to be a pain…” Jeralt stretches his arms. “I’m not one to back down from a challenge. If my two kids are willing to be Professors of the other two classes, then I might as well be a good example to them… even if I have to deal with two robot brats and the brats from the Alliance…”

Manuela giggles, “I gotta say, no matter what happens, this academic year at the Officer’s Academy might be the funnest one yet. I look forward to all the surprises we have in store, and also… what Uzi and her friends will bring to the table.”

”You got that right… You know as much trouble as she can be, I have a feeling I’ll get along with Uzi just fine.”

Meanwhile, Uzi walks along the hallway, and heads to the stairs, “Stupid mosshead… thinking he’s the boss of me… He can just-“

Suddenly, her left eye starts to flicker, and showcases a message on her visor in bold yellow letters.

TICK. TOCK. 7 MONTHS. AND COUNTING, UZI. HEHEHE…

Uzi slaps herself on the visor, and her left eye returns to normal. She starts feeling uncomfortable and sighs. “Bite Me.”

Chapter Text

Uzi leaves the second floor and goes through the Reception wonder what to do today while carefully evading the ire of Seteth. I guess I better tell N that the Old man wants to see him in Mosshead’s office. She thought to herself. But first, I better get myself an oil pack back at the ship. Hopefully, I don’t run into that arrogant princess and her goth boyfriend… and J.

Uzi makes her way through the Reception Hall whilst passing through several students along the way. They glance at her curiously, and some of them look down at her.

“Hey isn’t that one of those… little people that came to the Monastery a week ago?” One of the students whispers.

“I think they’re called drones or something…” another says.

“Ew… it’s not even one of the cute ones too.”

“That kid looks like a freak.”

“Yeah, what was Lady Rhea thinking letting these robots roam the school.”

“Careful… don’t anger the messengers of the Goddess.”

“They should just go back to whatever hell they came from.”

Uzi grits her teeth and has her hand on a trigger of her railgun. “Least I’m not an annoying prick like you humans…”

“I would implore not to do that.” Uzi looks to the right of her and finds Byleth seated at one of the tables reading a book. “I presume that’s a weapon from your world?”

“Ummm… yeah!” Uzi answers. “Conceptualized and designed it myself before all the crazy stuff from my home happened.

“I see.” Byleth takes a closer look at the railgun. “It is a fascinating weapon. I can imagine my sister asking you if she could borrow that one of these days.”

“You think so?” Uzi chuckles before sitting in front of Byleth.

“Oh yes, she’s very into weapons,” Byleth says before casting a stern glance at the rest of the students.

The students immediately feel intimidated, and many of them scurry out of the Reception Hall. 

“Feeling like an outcast?”

“Definitely seems like it.” Uzi shrugs. “But don’t worry. I got used it. I’m usually treated as one back in my world.”

“Is that so?” Byleth says, his face as emotionless as ever. “I’m starting to think you and I are a lot more alike than I thought.”

“You considered an outcast too?” Uzi blinks. “Odd… given your reputation, I’m surprised you haven’t roped in a girlfriend or something.”

“And I’m surprised you managed to land yourself a boyfriend despite your belligerent attitude.”

“Bite me!” Uzi hisses embarrassingly. “Just because N and I are dating, we haven’t done anything gross and all like what you humans do!”

“I made no assumption at all, Uzi.” Byleth calmly says.

Uzi gasps, and her visor starts flashing, FLUSTER LEVELS AT THE BRINK! INITIATE- Uzi slaps her visor back to normal, and faces away Byleth. “Quit messing with my head.”

“As you wish.” Byleth turns back to his book.

An awkward silence occurs between the two with Byleth reading his book while Uzi has her arms and legs crossed.

Uzi sneaks in a glance towards Byleth’s book and analyzes it. “You’re reading about the history of Fodlan and its customs?”

“Indeed,” Byleth says while his eyes remained glued on the pages. “Since my father kept my sister and I ignorant about much of Fodlan’s history, I figured it would be good for me to do some self-study on my part. I do not wish to embarrass myself in front of my students and my father.”

“Striving to be the model Professor huh?”

“It’s essential if I want to keep my job here at the Academy. I would suggest you do the same since you’re a new arrival.”

“Only if it interests me, and if I like the people well enough.” Uzi looks around warily. “That small princess and her goth boyfriend aren’t around here right?”

“You referring to Edelgard and Hubert?”

“Who else would I be talking about? That goth creepy guy follows her around, and they piss me off every time I see them.”

“I see,” Byleth says. “Well in case you’re wondering, Edelgard and Hubert are both at the infirmary.”

“Oh, what happened?” Uzi flashes a question mark on her left eye. “Did Edelgard die or something? Cause that would be great.”

Immediately, Uzi can feel Byleth’s stern glare peering into her.

“I mean… not that I would want one of your students dead especially since you seem like a decent guy… hehehe…”

“I see… Edelgard took Caspar to the infirmary after he attempted to tussle with your friend, J.”

“Ah makes sense,” Uzi grumbles. “FYI, J and I are not friends! We just have a mutual connection through N and V, though I doubt V considers her as her friend after stunt she pulled. Not sure about N since he’s too nice for both our worlds…”

“I see. Speaking of J could you at least tell me a bit about her since I’m her Professor? I need to know what I’m dealing with.”

“You probably would do better asking N or V.” Uzi answers. “They’ve known J longer than I have, and my outlook on her is not that pleasant.”

“Try me.”

“You really wanna know from me, don’t ya?” Uzi asks.

“I do plan on asking N and V when she returns, but I also realize the importance of knowing as many perspectives as I can. So yes, I’d like to know your perception of her.”

 “Ok.” Uzi cracks her finger joints. “You asked for it.”

RANT MODE ACTIVATE

“J is a narcissistic asshole who threatened to destroy my colony, even though I didn’t like anyone there at first! And she has an insane obsession with branded pens, and JCJensons for some reason. So I taught her a lesson by chucking a pen at her, kicking her stupid face, and blowing up her entire upper body! I thought I was done with her at one point, but no… Apparently, some dickwat thought it’d be a good idea to make clones of her because she was so “efficient” which I think is annoying… Anyways, so she comes back, and supposedly wishes to stop a murderous AI threatening to eat our planet, but no… she was actually in CAHOOTS with the fucker all this time, and she didn’t do the anime trope where the misunderstood character teams up with the good guys to beat up the bad guy! So we just kicked her out from the fight quite easily, and didn’t see her for four months!” Uzi stands up on the table. “I thought I was done with her, but nope! She gets invited on this trip to F-019, and I was forced to get cooped up with her for a month! I already forgot how many times we each tried to kill each other… And now we’re here, all four of us living on a basil human planet for quite some time, and the worst part about it is, I’m stuck with J for the most part!”

END OF RANT MODE

“There that’s my perception of J!” Uzi sits back on the table with her arms crossed. “Ya happy?!”

“Hmmm…” Byleth says while remaining emotionless as ever. “That was quite enlightening. You’ve given me a lot to think about, Uzi. I appreciate your feedback.”

Uzi blinks and scratches her head. “Wow, no one has ever been unfazed by my epic rants until now. Anyhow, I better get going.” Uzi jumps off the table. “Gotta get some oil into my system so I don’t accidentally murder and eat someone here.”

“Understood,” Byleth says calmly. “I’ll see you around.”

“See ya, Byleth!” Uzi heads to the exit of the Reception Hall.

“Oh and Uzi,” Byleth calls for her just as she has her hands on the knob.

“Yeah?” Uzi looks back.

“Just… do your best not to cause any problems for my father. I can tell that he has some sort of history to this place that’s deeper than what is told to me and my sister, and I don’t want any issues being piled onto his load.”

Uzi scratches the back of her head and sighs, “Look I ain’t gonna promise that I won’t cause trouble for your old man, but I’ll do my best to make sure the blame goes to me, and not to him. He’s a pretty chill dude.”

“I appreciate that.” Byleth makes a small smile before Uzi takes her leave, and he goes back to his book.

Uzi makes her way through the garden while having a map of the Monastery on her visor. “Let’s see… the ship should be parked by the Sauna, and I should get there in three-“

“As a noble, you must engage in social activity!” A pompous voice snaps Uzi out of concentration.

“But I’m not interested in all that… I just want to be left alone in my room…” a smaller squeaky voice pleads.

“Ok, who’s picking a fight with who?” Uzi heads over to a nearby hedge and buries herself in it.

She peeks a bit of her visor out of the hedge, and sees two purple haired people before her. One of them was a tall man standing and looking proud while the other is a smaller meek girl looking very uncomfortable.

Ugh… it’s that idiot stuck up noble, Lorenz… Uzi thought. But who’s the other one? I’ve never seen this one before.

“Bernadetta, as a noble, there are certain duties you must perform for your standing, and being stuck in your room isn’t doing any good for you.” Lorenz smugly says.

“Yeah, but… I could do all that in my own room…” Bernadetta pleads.

“Oh, and how would you do that?” Lorenz looks down on her.

“Well I..  I could…” Bernadetta stammers struggling to come up with an answer.

“You have none! You have no excuse staying holed up in your room!” Lorenz scowls. “Now come with me! You must start by engaging with the common folk.”

“But all that is too scary… I just wanna-“

“Bernadetta?!” Another pompous but more kinder voice calls out. “Ah there you are!”

“Oh no… my eternal rival is here…”

Oh god… Uzi dreads the thought. Not this guy…

Immediately, Ferdinand emerges from the underbrush whilst holding his sprained wrist. “Ah, Bernadetta! I was looking all over for you.”

“Oh no…” Bernadetta frightfully covers her hair with her hands. “Have you come to take your revenge on me…” 

“Revenge?” A flustered Ferdinand says. “No I don’t mean to- Also, Lorenz, what are you doing here?”

“Oh hello, Ferdinand.” Lorenz says. “I was just informing Bernadetta what it means to have proper etiquette as a noble.”

“Ah I see.” Ferdinand scratches his chin. “Yeah I do have to agree. You should learn from Lorenz on how to be noble.”

“Huh…” Bernadetta immediately looks petrified.

“Indeed. We can begin a crash course on noble etiquette as soon as possible.” Lorenz states.”

“No… no no no no no!!!” Bernadetta pleads.

“Bernadetta, I must insist.” Ferdinand reached out with his good arm. “This will be good for you, and it will be nice to get out of your room at times.”

“Yes indeed.” Lorenz chimes in. “Trust me, you will be thanking us when all’s said and-“

“HEY!” Uzi calls out before jumping out of the hedge, and kicking Lorenz straight to the face.

Everyone is in shock by the ambush while Lorenz reels back whilst covering his nose, “Owww… my nose…”

“Uzi!” Ferdinand gasps. “What are you doing here?”

“Why don’t you stop being a dick, and leave this apparent otaku alone?!” Uzi angrily points to Ferdinand before turning to Bernadetta. “You ok?”

Unfortunately for Uzi,  Bernadetta looks even more petrified than before, “Oh no… it’s the scary cannibal doll that looks like me!”

“Huh?” A question mark flashes on Uzi’s visor. “Hang on, yeah we kinda have similar looks but-“

Bernadetta immediately bolts away from the scene flailing her arms, “YOU’RE NOT EATING AND REPLACING BERNIE!”

“Wait, I’m not going to- and she’s gone…” Uzi groans. “Great… looks like I’ll have to deal with these two stuck ups on my own…”

Lorenz regains his bearings with an angry look in his eyes. “You again! I will not allow you to make a mockery of the nobility!”

“I am of agreement!” Ferdinand nods. “We are trying to do Bernadetta favor by getting her out of the room.”

“Right…” Uzi says in a exaggerated manner. “As if forcing a little runt to do something she’s not comfortable at doing is noble. Seriously! Learns some freakin manners!”

“You little imbecile!” Lorenz sneers. “You should be the one that-“

Uzi flicks her hand with the hexagon sign, and trips Lorenz causing him to fall on his face.

“Hey, how did you-“ Ferdinand asks only to get interrupted by Uzi tripping him onto Lorenz’s back.

“You, Loudmouth!” Uzi points towards Ferdinand. “Stop forcing your ideals onto others, and shut up in announcing your name!” She turns to Lorenz. “And you, Stupid Bowlcut! Why don’t you pluck that rose from your suit, and stuff it down your throat!”

“It appears I was mistaken…” Lorenz groans. “You’re not an imbecile… you’re a gremlin!”

“Eh.” Uzi shrugs. “I’d rather be a gremlin more than an imbecile anyway.”

“I’m afraid I cannot allow this conduct to continue any further.” Ferdinand gets back on his feet. “I propose that we have a duel!”

“A duel?” Uzi blinks her eyes.

“Yes. Should I win, you shall cease these brutish actions on us at once!” Ferdinand declares.

“Oh?” Uzi responds with a smug grin. “Then if I win, then I get to do as I please.”

“If that is what you wish, then we have no choice, but to comply.” Ferdinand confirms.

“Ferdinand, show that impulsive imp the true honor of nobility!” Lorenz gets back on his feet.

“That is what I intend to!” Ferdinand clenches his fist. “For I AM FER-“

“Hold on a second.” Uzi stops him mid sentence. “Before you start blabbering you’re name to everyone here, does this involve the loser having to either surrender or get knocked out cold.”

“That’s the idea.” An annoyed Ferdinand says. “Why do you ask?”

“Ok that makes my job easier!” Uzi projects one symbol each on both hands.

She manipulates both Ferdinand and Lorenz to face each other. “Huh?” Lorenz bewilderedly says. “What are you-“

With a confident smirk on her face, Uzi crosses her arms, and slams both Ferdinand and Lorenz into each other. They both fall on their backs and our both out cold.

“Heh.” Uzi smugly says. “Consider our duel concluded. You never mentioned where the duel will happen, in other words, anyplace goes.”

YOU. DIDN’T. GIVE THEM. A CHANCE. TO EXPLAIN. THOUGH. A strange synthetic feminine voice announces in her head.

“Bite me!” Uzi slaps herself. “You ain’t in control.” She glances at the unconscious. “Ok… do I really have to lug these two idiots back in their dorms?”

“Lorenz! Ignatz! Where are you?!” Uzi here’s a loud booming voice.

“Or not. Hey, Raphael!” Uzi calls out.

Raphael barrels into the scene with his chest bulging out of his shirt. “Oh hey, Uzi! Have you seen-“ he stops as he notices Lorenz and Ferdinand. “Oh! What happened to them?!”

“Eh. They just headbutted each other just to test who has the more “nobler” head.” Uzi shrugs.

“Nobles do that? I never knew that!” Raphael scratches his head while hugely grinning. “I wonder if I could partake in that with Lorenz!”

“I guess…” Uzi utters before hiding her face away, and snickering. “Looks like I got Lorenz in quite a bind when he wakes up.”

“Hey, you say something, little fella?” Raphael curiously asks.

Uzi’s eyes widen, and she frowns, “I’m not that small, and I said nothing!”

“Wow, you really are a little firecracker!” Raphael smiles. “You know if you wanna grow taller, you should eat more, and exercise so you can develop big muscles like me! Like look at those scrawny limbs! You look like you missed several weeks of leg day!”

“Right…” Uzi glances at her limbs. “As if I have the same body as you… Also, do you know where N is?”

“Hmmm…” Raphael scratches his chin. “Now that I think about it, I think so him with Claude at his dorm.”

“Claude, huh? I see.” At least N is with someone I can tolerate… to a degree. “Anyways, could you lug these two idiots back to their dorms?”

“Sure!” Raphael lifts both Ferdinand and Lorenz on his shoulders. “Hey, Uzi, you wanna go get some food?”

“Yeah I’m headed there myself.” Uzi marches off towards the sauna.

“But… the canteens the opposite way.”

“Bite me! I can’t eat human food!” Uzi sprouts her wings, and takes off.

Raphael is left bewildered and perplexed, “Huh… I wonder why she can’t eat any human food… I gotta do something about it!” Raphael lightly nudges Lorenz. “You gotta teach me how to do noble headbutting when you wake up, Lorenz.”

Uzi flies over the Monastery, and takes in the view of it in all its majesty. “Hmm… I gotta say, this place doesn’t look half bad. So this is what humans were like before they screwed themselves.”

Uzi scans her surroundings, and spots their ship. “Good. Just where we left it.”

Uzi dives down her ship, and looks behind her seeing several students in shock and in fear of her appearance.

“Seriously, you guys live in a fantasy land.” Uzi points out. “Haven’t seen an angsty teen with bat wings and a tail before?”

The students immediately run out of there screaming their lungs out. “Demon! Demon!”

“Hmph… stupid humans.” Uzi scoffs before heading to her ship, and ready to type the password to get in.

“You’re body is most peculiar, Uzi.” Uzi looks up, and finds a tan student perched above the ship, and she bore a small marking under her right eye.

Uzi taps her lower jaw for a moment. “You’re that Black Eagle student that’s not from here, aren’t you? Petra, was it?”

“That is correctness of most.” Petra jumps down. “It is good to finally have a chat with you. I must say you and your friends are quite the interesting bunch.

“Yeah we sorta have that kinda aura around here apparently. And also don’t you mean, you are correct?”

“Oh I see.” Petra frowns. “My apologies… I’ve been studying Fodlan’s language for some time after arriving at its lands, but it appears I have much to learn.”

“That’s ok.” Uzi assures her. “Learning a language can be a freaking pain in the ass, but you seem to be handling it well for yourself.

“A freaking pain in the ass?” Petra utters curiously.

“It’s a phrase that emphasizes how annoyed you are at something.” Uzi explains.

“Ah now I have understanding. You seem to have much knowledge in words, Uzi.”

“Well I know more than many of the other Worker Drones and V. Probably not N or J, but I know a good amount.”

“Could you do me a favor?”

“As long as you’re not annoying about it.” Uzi pleasantly says.

“Ok. Could you teach me some words and phrases in your spare time?”

“Huh?” Uzi gasps while a question mark appears on her visor. “You want me to teach you? Not that I don’t mind, but don’t you guys have an entire library of books you can study from?”

“We do, but most of it is heavily limited in regards to language that’s appealing to the nobility and honorific language. I am hearing that Seteth checks the books first before approving them to the library. The same is said about the libraries in Enbarr.”

“That freaking mossheaded jerk!” Uzi clenches her fist, and snaps a nearby tile out of its place. “Please continue.”

“In mind, I never got to learn a lot about the common language, and with the exception of Dorothea, many of my classmates are nobles. But you and your friends are from the star, and are more alike to the common folk than nobility. So… if bother I am not, could you teach me how to speak some words.”

“Well, you got some spunk in ya, Petra.” Uzi says. “I guess I can teach you some words.”

“You thanks, Uzi.” Petra gratefully says.

“It’s thank you.” Uzi casually corrects her.

“Ah sorry about that.”

“No problem. You’ll get the hang of it. Now then.” Uzi types in a four digit number on the control panel.

“Are you attempting to enter your… metal contraption?” Petra asks.

“That’s right. I gotta get some oil in me.”

“And that’s what sustains you drones?”

“Yup.” The door opens. “Now then, time for-“

Suddenly, an alert symbol appears on Uzi’s visor, and gets her fuming.

“Uzi, what’s wrong?” Petra warily asks.

Uzi’s visor showcases an angry expression. “Looks like some stupid idiot managed to get in the-“

She stops herself, and finds Bernadetta sitting by a wall whilst hugging a large ball like object whilst holding several white sticks on her palms. Uzi and Petra stare at the recluse for a moment looking surprised with her presence here. Meanwhile, Bernadetta just looks like she just wants to bolt the hell out of there.

“Oh hi, Bernie!” Petra waves. “What brings you-“

“PLEASE DON’T EAT AND REPLACE ME!” Bernadetta squeals. “AND PETRA! How could you betray me?! You’re scheming with Uzi to replace me or worse send me to Ferdinand???!!!”

“Bernie, we would never do that to you. I’m sure Uzi won’t eat and replace you.”

“Oh no you don’t Petra!” Bernadetta frightfully points to her. “You’re trying to lull me into a false sense of security! Well Bernie is not falling for it!”

“This is getting ridiculous…” Uzi shakes her head slowly getting fed up by Bernadetta’s accusations. “Ok, Bernie listen up. I can somewhat relate with you because sometimes I just want to stay holed up in my room because of all the stupid stuff I have to deal with back at home!”

“Please don’t suck my brains- wait what?” Bernadetta shows some semblance of calmness. “You won’t… eat me?”

“That’s what we’ve been trying to say!” Uzi points out. “Now just chill out, and let me ask you a few questions.”

Bernadetta swallows hard before turning her head towards Petra before her classmate gives her an approving nod. “Ok… I’ll believe you…”

“Ok, first off…” Uzi starts. “How the hell did you get inside here?” She asks. “That door was password locked!”

“Please don’t chew me out…” Bernadetta begs whilst hugging the large white ball.

“Wait it’s ok… it’s ok…” Uzi begrudgingly dials it back. “We’re not trying to chew you out.”

“We just want to know how you got in that’s all.” Petra assures her.

“Ok…” Bernadetta mumbles. “I couldn’t get to my room because I thought you would catch me before I got there, and eat me…”

Uzi facepalms herself before her arm slides off her visor revealing a disgruntled look on her face, “Continue…”

“So I ran here thinking I could hide you, Ferdinand and Lorenz…”

“You do know that the Drones are here frequenting right?” Petra points out.

“I wasn’t thinking straight! Anyways, I found this weird thing, and pressed 1-2-3-4 before it suddenly opened!”

“What?!” Uzi screams much to Bernadetta’s shock. “You found out the password just like that?! Damn it! I told him that password was too simple!” Uzi slumps down on the wall, and sits down. “I guess I should tell N that I’m picking the password next time…”

“Ummm…” Petra reaches out to pat her head. “Are you ok?”

“I’ll be ok in a minute.” Uzi swats her hand away before turning to Bernadetta. “Anyways, why are you holding that?”

“I thought these would protect me from the drones…” Bernadetta explains. “Especially, this ball, I’m sure it could-“

“That’s a dead worker drone’s head that V severed before we left for this planet. And those sticks, are his fingers.”

All blood seemed to be drained from Bernadetta’s face. “Say what…”

“Yup. V brought those to play around to kill time on this journey. Especially those fingers. She would always suck on any residual oil that was left from those fingers. Yeah… V sometimes has no respect for the dead…”

“Eh…” that’s all Bernadetta could say.

“Wait…” Petra chimes in. “Are you saying Murder Drones eat other drones?”

“Mhm.” Uzi nods. “Technically, it’s the oil in our bodies that they consume to keep going. Any type of oil can do, but since the humans used up the planet’s fossil fuels, the only place to get oil is in our bodies.”

“I see. So Murder Drones prey on Worker Drones?”

“Yup. You probably think that’s disgusting or something.”

“I don’t not think it’s disgusting.” Petra shakes her head. “My grandfather has told me stories of my ancient ancestors cannibalizing people when food was scarce.”

“Huh?” Uzi blinks. “Really?”

Bernadetta listens to their discussion about people eating people, and drones eating drones just as she turns to the head of the Worker Drone. She starts to shake in fear before dropping the head and the fingers.

“Wow, you’re stories are quite interesting. You should tell me-“

Suddenly, they hear a nearby thud, and find Bernadetta on her side. “Bernie, what happened?!” Petra gasps.

“Huh… looks like she fainted. Well we did talk about some morbid stuff.

“I suppose.” Petra says. “I’ll take her back to her room as soon as we’re done. Hey, Uzi aren’t you going to get some oil?”

“Oh I almost forgot!” Uzi says before opening up a storage unit revealing a box full of oil packs. “Our colony has only managed to create some oil before we left so this is all we’ve got unfortunately… Only good for three months. So before this runs out, we’ll have to find an oil reserve that can resupply us.”

“I am of understanding.” Petra says as she observes Uzi drinking oil from the pack with a straw. “And if oil eludes you then…”

“Then we’ll most likely burn under the sun despite these chips, or worse yet, we go crazy, and each other or even more worse, we get lesser oil from you humans to buy us a bit of time!” Uzi finishes the pack.

“I see.” Petra frowns. “I would be of much sadness if any of that befalls you, J, N or V… So if you even need help finding oil, you can count on me.” Petra places her fight hand over her left breast, and bows humbly.”

“Thanks, Petra. You know, despite being in the small Princess and her goth boyfriend’s class, you’re not that annoying.” Uzi smiles. “We should chat like this more often.”

“I am glad you feel that way, Uzi.” Petra smiles before hoisting Bernadetta over her shoulder.

Uzi and Petra, carrying Bernadetta, exit the ship, and it locks itself. “Ok now that I’m refreshed, I can now go and meet up with Claude and N.”

“Ok.” Petra nods, “And I’ll take Bernadetta back to her room, and don’t worry, she’ll warm up to you someday.”

“Eh.” Uzi shrugs. “I personally don’t mind, but I appreciate it.” She sprouts her wings. “See ya around, Petra!” She takes off into the sky.

“Bye, Uzi!” Petra waves back, and pats Bernadetta’s back. “Do not be worried,  Bernie. I shall be taking care of you.”

Uzi perches herself on top of the Cathedral, and scans the area. She zeroes in on N, and finds him playing chess with Claude. Unfortunately, for the former, he looks to be loosing. “Found Ya.” Uzi smirks before flying straight for them.

Chapter Text

“Hmmm…” N scratches his head pondering what to do in this chess game. “What to do… what to do…”

“So N.” Claude rests his chin on his fists. “What’s your next move? You haven’t moved for the past five minutes.”

“Well, I… ummm…” N utters sweating bullets as he glance at the board. He only has the White King, Rook, and two pawns while Claude has only lost three pawns and a Knight.

Now then, how will N respond… Claude thought while already anticipating N’s move.

An awkward silence occurs between the two before N moves his one remaining Rook to eat one of Claude’s bishops. The future Duke counters by eating that Rook with his Queen, and puts N in a precarious position.

“Check…”

“Ahhhhh!” N hysterically screams and moves his King back only for Claude to block off his escape with his knight.

“Mate.” Claude dusts his palms. “Looks like I win this one. I gotta say, I’m quite surprised I won so easily.”

“Oh, man…” N facepalms his head on the table. “I am no good with strategy games…”

“Hey, that’s ok.” Claude pats his head. “Since you’re in my class, I can show you a thing or two about strategy. And who knows, you might be an accomplice of mine one of those days.”

“Really?!” N’s face lights up 

“Yeah! Just don’t tell Jeralt and Lorenz about this. They’d sooner hang me than be the victims of my schemes.”

“Sure, I love doing anything. On one condition though.”

“Oh, name it.”

“Uzi will be the only exception.”

“Woah, woah, woah…” Claude waves his hands. “I know you and Uzi are close, but I wouldn’t want even her to discover some of the schemes I’m plotting. I could lose the element of surprise when I execute them.”

“I see…” N mumbles. “Being your accomplice does sound exciting…” UPDATING FIB SKILLS IN PROGRESS….

“Hmmm… the way you guys flash messages on your faces does look very peculiar… and interesting…” Claude comments.

UPDATE IN FIBBING SKILLS FAILED…. lol. The visor flashes in red before it reverts back to N’s eyes as he looks determined. “I’m sorry, Claude. I’m afraid I can’t be your accomplice. I can never lie to Uzi even if it’s for a small thing.” N looks down and frowns. “There was one time I kept a secret from her, and I felt very horrible, especially with all the pain she was feeling at the time.”

“Hmmm… I see.” Claude listens attentively.

“While I would be happy to be your accomplice, I can’t do it if it means putting Uzi in the dark.” N respectfully bows. “I hope you understand.”

“I see.” Claude casts a rare genuine smile. “You must really care about her, don’t you?”

“More than the universe itself.”

“Hmmm… I never pegged you to be such a lover boy.” Claude smirks, and N sweats profusely. “Well don’t worry, you don’t have to leave Uzi in the dark because she’s actually in on some of my schemes as well.”

“Wait really?!” A perplexed N gasps.

“Yeah. Over the past week, I’ve learned that Uzi has the same sort of scheming mentality that I possess, and I couldn’t learn a thing or two from her.” Claude brings out a colorless liquid.

N analyzes the liquid, and his eyes widen, “Is that… poison?!”

“Wow, you drones really catch on quickly. No way I can fool you, but for humans, this will be like a ticking time bomb. It’s not a true poison if that’s what you’re thinking, but it’ll give people some pretty nasty stomach trouble.”

“I see…” N takes a closer look at the liquid. “I can imagine the person who drinks this will be having several trips to the bathroom.”

“That’s the idea.” Claude slyly grins. “Also, Uzi has been very kind to add something special to it that will give this vial an extra punch. Even I don’t know what it is.”

“So we won’t know until someone drinks it huh?”

“I’m afraid so.” Claude offers the drink to N. “Would you do the honors?”

“No thanks.” N waves his hands. “And even if I did take the drink, I probably wouldn’t feel the effects of it in my body.”

“Good point.” Claude puts it away. “Looks like I’ll have to find another way on how to administer this.” He glances at the window. “Hey, N.”

“Yeah?”

“Is it just me, or is something flying right for us?”

N narrows his eyes towards the window, and widen at the sight, “Oh, hi, Uzi!”

Uzi stops right in front of the window, and knocks on it, “You know, there is a door right, Uzi?” Claude opens the window.

“Bite me!” Uzi retorts before climbing into the room. “As if you’re one to talk, Claude.”

“Touché. But your room is filled with very interesting-“

Uzi projects her purple symbol in her palm.

“and…. not worth the risk of getting thrown out a window again.” Claude retracts his statement.” For now.

“Nice.” Uzi grins before dissipating her symbol with a flick of her palm.

“What’s up, Uzi?” N asks. “How did your meeting with the Profs and Seteth go?”

“Well…” Uzi awkwardly says. “I may have gone off on them a bit, and… tossed Mosshead out the building…”

“Oh…” Both N and Claude awkwardly say.

“You do realize that you just threw out Seteth out of his office, right?” Claude points out.

“Yup! And I don’t regret a single thing!” Uzi proclaims.

“I truly admire how fearless you are…”

An exclamation mark appears on Uzi’s visor. “Oh! I almost forgot! N, you’re being called to Mosshead’s office.”

“Really?!” N gasps. “Heheheh… not sure if I want to be in the same room as Seteth…”

“Don’t worry about it, N. The old geezer and the granny Professor will be there as well.”

“Oh thank goodness…” N sighs in relief. “I was hoping that I would have to face Seteth on my own… You coming with me.”

“Sorry…” Uzi remorsefully says. “I’m gonna lay low for now, and not draw Mosshead’s ire. I think I’ve had enough of him for today.”

“Oh, I see…” N says sounding a bit disappointed.”

This makes Uzi feel guilty. “N…”

“It’s ok, Uzi,” N assures her. “I’m sure I’ll be able take whatever Seteth throws at me. After all, we have been through worse before.”

“Ok…” Uzi lowers her head. “If you say so.”

Claude keenly observes the two of them, and turns to his thoughts, Hmmm… it appears these two are a lot closer than I thought… Perhaps, I’ll be able to get something juicy out of them.

“Anyways, I better get going,” N says. “Wouldn’t want to keep the others waiting for too long.”

“Ok.” Uzi nods. “I’ll… see you around, N.”

“See you too, Uzi.” N softly smiles. “Oh and you too, Claude.” N takes his leave from Claude’s room.

“So…” Claude breaks the silence. “Is there something between you two?”

“Shut it, Claude!” Uzi immediately retorts. “We aren’t doing anything gross and all!” She turns to the chessboard. “I’m guessing you beat him in chess?”

“Yup.” Claude winks. “I take it you want to avenge him.”

Uzi picks up a white pawn and black pawn before shuffling them together. “Oh yeah. I think you’ll find me to be a more challenging opponent than N.”

Claude chuckles and picks the right arm. “We’ll see about that.” Uzi opens her right and reveals a white pawn. “Looks like I’m going first then.”

While Claude sets up the chessboard, Uzi turns to her thoughts, I’m going to make it up to N later, but first, I’m gonna avenge him, and wipe that fake ass smile off Claude’s face!

N walks along the dormitories, and eyes the broken window just northeast of him. “Let’s hope he’s in a good mood right now!” He mutters to himself.

“N!” N hears someone cry out to him, and he spots a green-haired young woman running up to him.

“Oh, Hi Flayn!” N waves just as Flayn arrives. “What’ve you been up to?”

“Oh, I’ve been collecting some nice juicy fruits for my brother and me to eat up later today!” Flayn chirpily says. “Wanna slice them up for me?”

“Oh, I’d be happy to! But unfortunately… I’ll have to postpone it for now. I need to speak to your brother and my Professors.”

“Awww… that’s too bad…” Flayn frowns. “I hope my brother doesn’t chew you out too much. I hear he has not in a good mood…” She whispers.

“Thanks, Flayn.” N gently pats her on the head. “Tell you what, I’ll come to you at the kitchen later this afternoon, and give you some clean sliced fruits later.”

“That would be great!” Flayn cheers. “I can’t wait to toss you some watermelons later!”

“Watermelons, huh…” N taps his lower jaw. “That will certainly be something to look forward to!”

“Yup, I shall be giving you my best throws!” Flayn eagerly says. “Who knows? Maybe you might rival Felix in cutting stuff for me.”

“I sure do hope so.” N smiles. “Anyways, I better get going. I’ll see you at the kitchen later!”

“Ok! I’ll see you then, N!” Flayn waves back, and bolts to the greenhouse.

N smiles as she disappears from his optics and into the greenhouse. “What a cheerful kid…” He looks up at the sky. “I’m sure you would have liked her…” N sprouts his wings, and heads to Seteth’s office.

Within Seteth’s office, Seteth sits by his chair with strands of hay covering his body while being visibly irritated. “Can you believe the nerve of that Uzi?!” He scowls. “Using her powers whenever she pleases!”

“Now, now, Seteth…” Manuela dusts off some hay. “She’s just going through a phase that’s all. I’ve seen it numerous time before, and this is no different. I’m quite surprised to see how much she’s riled you up.”

Seteth grumbles a bit before turning to Jeralt, “Where is N?”

“I imagine the kid should be on his way here if Uzi got to him,” Jeralt says.

“Hmph. I highly doubt it. That little troublemaker is probably causing mischief with the students or at the marketplace before she even considers her responsi-“

“Hey, fellas!” N’s cheerful voice from the window startles them as they look back. “Sorry, I’m late. I was just preoccupied with a few things that’s all.”

“Well, the fact that you’re here is all that matters.” Jeralt sighs before gesturing to the chair in front of the desk. “Here, have a seat.”

“Sure!” N leaps over the group and spins on the chair’s head before settling down on the table.

Seteth dusts off some hay off his clothes, and clears his clothes, “So, N. I assume you have an idea on what you’re here?”

“I think so. Uzi did tell me that you wanted to ask me a few things and that you tried asking her first earlier.”

“Yes…” Seteth crosses his arms. “Let’s just say that Uzi gave us a piece of her mind when we asked her a few things.”

“We did manage to get a few things from her,” Manuela adds. “Like how you all come from some dead planet, you all call this world “F-019” and the fact that you need some special chips to protect you from the sun.”

“Ah yes.” N snaps his fingers. “These SunJay chips are super handy, but they aren’t foolproof to be exact. We can only stay under the sun for six hours at a time before we have to hide from its shine to recharge it by staying out of its rays.”

“Hmmm… that is interesting.” Jeralt strokes his beard. “I’ll keep that in mind when I take you out on missions.”

“So N…” Manuela flirtatiously says. “Who tops?”

“Huh?” A question mark appears on N’s visor.

“Oh god…” Jeralt shakes his head while Seteth spits out some tea he drank.

“Manuela… please…” Seteth clears his throat. “Enough with the vulgarity…”

“What?” Manuela mischievously giggles. “Can’t a woman have her curiosities, especially with someone as cute as N?”

“Umm… is there something I should know about?” N asks.

“You can forget about what Professor Manuela said…” Jeralt waves his palm. “That’s not something you should know about since you're still kids.”

“Hmm….” N narrows his eyes for a bit and widens them with pure bliss. “Ok!”

Jeralt sighs in relief, Thank the goddess N doesn’t know what Manuela meant…

Manuela crosses her arms, and pouts, “You two are no fun…”

“Anyways…” Seteth clears his throat. “Could you tell us a bit more about why you came here, and what is your purpose for studying here?”

“Why we’re here?” N utters before contemplating his answer. “Well, you see… it’s more of a promise we made a while back with someone close to us. J, V, and myself specifically since we didn’t meet Uzi at that time.”

“Someone close to you?”

“Yes.” N frowns a bit upon recalling a sad memory. “Knowledge on other worlds with humans is quite common among us, and our friend was very fascinated with them, specifically with this planet, F-019.”

“What was your friend like, if I may ask?” Manuela asks.

N lightly smiles. “She was kind and caring to us drones. She was there for us before we became disassembly drones, and defended us from humans as much as she could. She would always talk in length about how much she would want to come here because of all the fascinating things she’d heard about this planet. And… after living here for a week, I’m sure she would have loved it here.”

Everyone is touched by N’s story, and Jeralt catches on to a certain detail, “You refer your friend in past sense… does that mean she’s…”

“Yeah…” N sadly nods. “She passed away shortly before we became Disassembly Drones, and we didn’t know about it until several years later…”

“Oh…”

The entire room falls silent for a while, “N… I’m so sorry for your loss…” Manuela says.

“You have my condolences as well.” Seteth offers.

“Thank you,” N says. “Our friend is the reason why we came here. To live out the promise she couldn’t, and witness a different side of humans that we’ve never seen before.”

“I see. I think I have a better understanding on why you drones are here. That is quite an admirable goal you have, but I have to point out something I noticed.”

“Oh? What is it?” N asks.

“You mentioned you made that promise before you met Uzi, and from what I heard from Captain Jeralt, she didn’t want to come at first.”

“Yeah… Uzi was a bit reluctant at first especially since we decided to bring J along, but I’m glad she changed her mind and went with us! I’m sure she has her reasons despite me not knowing about them.”

Seteth narrows his eyes with a stern look on his face, “And you’re not a bit suspicious? Especially given her reputation so far?”

N’s eyes widen before he grins, “Nah I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Uzi may be tough to deal with, but deep down she’s a good drone. Sure she may say stuff like “I’m gonna murder all humans” or “Everyone can Bite Me!” But deep down, she cares about others if given the chance to get to know her. So whatever her reason for being here is, I don’t think she means any harm to you or the students of the academy.”

Upon hearing N’s answer, Seteth’s look softens, and he leans back on his chair. “I see.”

“So what do you think of the kid’s answer, Seteth?” Jeralt asks.

“I will admit that I still have reservations regarding Uzi, but if N trusts and is willing to defend her, I now have a deeper understanding on her and the rest of the drones. I will… try to be less harsh on her for now.”

“Really?!” N’s eyes sparkle.

“To a degree.” Seteth points. “As long as you, Professors Jeralt, and Manuela rein her in, I have a feeling she’ll gel right in this school. I believe that this is a very productive meeting, N. I’m glad that we all had the chance to talk to you today.”

“Me too. I’m glad I got to chat as well!” N cheerfully says. “I’ll do my best to make sure my friends and I don’t rough up this school too much.”

“Oh and one more thing…” Seteth continues. “Could you not intermingle with Flayn with your sword hands?”

“Oh… you mean these?!” N transforms his hands into swords.

“Yes… those…” an exasperated Seteth says. “I do not feel comfortable with you hanging out with my sister with… those arms…”

“Oh…” N glances at his arm.

“Seteth cut the kid some slack,” Manuela suggests. “I’m sure N doesn’t mean any harm by it. He’s just slicing fruits for Flayn.”

“Yes I know, but-“ Seteth tries to explain.

“It’s ok.” N chimes in. “I can always use these instead.” N transitions to his clawed hands.

A scandalized look appears on Seteth’s face. “No, not with those! You’ll give Flayn nightmares with those arms!”

“Oh… so what about these!” N transitions to his chainsaws, and they rev at high speeds.

“ABSOLUTELY NOT!”

Ten agonizing minutes later

Jeralt pulls N by the tail while the drone has a Javelin stuck to his chest. “Maybe I should have tried scissor hands instead,” N suggests with no care of the javelin on his chest.

“You do realize that this is his sister you’re talking about.” Jeralt points out. “So I think him pinning you to the wall with a Javelin is pretty justified. So what other crazy things can you morph with your arms?”

“Hmmm let’s see…” a long list of weapons scrolls across his visor.

“By the goddess…” Jeralt shakes his head. “Just skip to the primary ones you use.”

“Well… I usually use guns, Missile launchers, and sometimes lasers in addition to all the stuff you saw. Also, I get to use ninja stars!” N flashes a shuriken from his right palm.

“Those look quite handy. Perhaps we could test those arms of yours in the training grounds at some point. I want to see what you guys are capable of since a lot of your weapons are unknown to me.”

“You got it, Prof!” N gives a thumbs up.

“Have you finished healing yourself?” 

“Yup!” N plucks out the javelin and tosses it back to Jeralt before getting back to his feet. “I’m good as new!”

“Well, that’s rather convenient. Also, do you still remember what Seteth told you to do?”

“Tell Uzi to write him an apology letter?”

“Right. I doubt Uzi would write a meaningful one, but at least she’ll know that he’s pretty pissed with her.” Jeralt eyes the tip of N’s tail. “So what is this liquid?”

“Oh, that’s nanite acid,” N explains. “A highly corrosive liquid that dissolves several objects upon contact.”

“I see. And if any of us got accidentally splattered by it, what would the cure be?”

“That would be our saliva.” N points to his mouth. “It neutralizes the nanites.”

“Right…” a flabbergasted Jeralt says. “As if you guys can’t get any weirder by the second. N, if you have the time, could you let me collect some of your… saliva? I think it would be nice to have a supply of it ready in case of accidents.”

“Sure! I love doing anything!” N gives him a thumbs up.

“Thanks, kid.” Jeralt grins. “Now then, let’s-“

“Captain Jeralt!” Both Jeralt and N hear someone call out to them.

“Geez… and here I thought my day would be done for today…” Jeralt sighs.

“Oh! Hey, Leonie!” N waves at one of his new classmates.

“Heya, Captain Jeralt.” Leonie arrives at the scene. “Hi, N. Where’ve you been? I’ve been looking for you everywhere, Captain!”

“Just been held up working with Seteth on a few things, Leonie.” Jeralt exasperatedly explains. “Especially with the new brats we got to attend to.”

“That sounds like a lot of work to do. Oh and Captain, I just developed some new traps I like you to check out. I’d like your opinion on how I could tweak them a bit further.”

Is that so…” Jeralt says being a bit apprehensive. “I’m afraid I gotta prepare for your lesson plans, and check on my-“

Leonie immediately tugs at his arm, “That’s ok! It’ll be just quick! You’ll be back with your pals in no time!”

Jeralt groans a bit, “Ugh… fine… it better be quick though.”

“See ya, Prof!” N waves at Jeralt and Leonie. “Oh and you too, Leonie!”

Whilst pulling Jeralt, Leonie sternly glances at N and points her two fingers to her eyes before pointing them at him. “You and Uzi ain’t gonna steal Captain Jeralt from me. I’m gonna be his number one student!”

N tilts his head, and squints his eyes for a moment, “Ok!” He says cheerfully. “Do your best!”

Leonie grunts in response by N’s cheerful remark, and pulls Jeralt away much to his dismay, “Leonie, I don’t play favorites, you know?”

N blinks a bit after the pair have disappeared from his sight, “Jeralt does seem to be quite the role model for the folks here. I wonder why Leonie is quite possessive of him.” Suddenly, an exclamation mark appears on N’s visor. “Oh shoot! Professor Hanneman is gonna give a pop quiz when he comes back. I hate quizzes!” N slaps himself. “No! I can’t frustrate myself! I gotta go find a book before meeting up with Flayn!”

N rushes to the library unaware that someone has been watching him, “How interesting… so the drone experiences the jitters as well.” The hidden persona snickers. “Perhaps I can observe him a bit longer.”

N scrolls through the shelves and anxiously looks for the book of Crestology. “Where is it?” He starts panicking. “I know it’s here somewhere… Ah, there it- AHHHHH!” N screams at the sight of the book he’s searching for missing from its proper place.

“Shhhh…” Tomas, the librarian walks by. “Please be quiet. You and your friends have caused enough ruckus earlier today.”

“Sorry…” N whispers before Tomas walks away. “Oh no… where’s the book? Did someone borrow it before me?”

“Looking for this?” N zeroes in on a familiar voice and finds the book he’s been looking for… in the hands of J.

“Oh, hey J,” N says in a friendly manner. “Studying about crests as well?”

“Indeed,” J answers. “I intend to be knowledgeable about this world’s customs so I can appropriately conduct myself. I intend to be the best no matter what environment I’m in, unlike someone I know.” She says with a bit of disdain in her voice.

“Classic J.” N says as he sits across her. “So what have you been up to today?”

“I could ask the same for you, Moron Bot.” J opens to another page. “Though I can assume what may have happened based on Seteth’s ramblings.”

“He… You got me there?” N rubs the back of his head. “I just had a chat with him and my Professors, and he gave me a stern reminder not to use my weapons near Flayn.”

“Well I don’t blame him. I mean, if you splayed any of those weapons in front of-“ J stops herself for a moment, and frowns before shaking it off. “Never mind.”

N frowns upon picking up what J must be thinking about, “You miss her, don’t you?”

“I said never mind!” J scowls. “Can you just drop it, N?!”

“Shhh…” They both hear Tomas, and they both remain silent for a couple of minutes.

N’s frown deepens upon seeing that J is still mad, and hurt. I’m sorry… N flashes on his visor. 

J rolls her eyes, and crosses her arms visibly annoyed with N, You should worry more about yourself than you are with me.

Ok… :(

J’s look softens, and sighs, Perhaps I’m a bit to hard on N… he’s still a moron, but I can’t be this demeaning towards him any longer especially after what he’s done for me. I can’t believe I’m doing this… N’s eyes widen, and he sees a new message on J’s visor. Someone’s watching you, and I suggest you keep your audio receptors and optics open.

N takes note, and gives J a thumbs up, Thanks, J!

J scoffs, and turns her face away, Don’t thank me! I just don’t want you to embarrass us drones in front of these feeble humans!

If you say so, J! :) N cheekily smiles.

J scowls at him, and points a laser blaster to N prompting the latter to sweat bullets, and back away slightly. She clicks away her pigtail confidently, and turns back to reading while N waits patiently for her to finish.

J sighs, and decides to answer N’s earlier question, “Professor Byleth had me do some training spars along with the rest of the Black Eagle class.”

“Oh?” N perks up. “What happened?”

“I got paired up with Caspar of all people, and he was so annoying and insufferable to deal with! He’s even more annoying that you!”

“That’s not a bit less condescending…”

“Anyways, so I taught that loudmouth a lesson, and put him in his place.” J smugly says before it remains downcast. “Unfortunately, Professor Byleth stopped me from beating on that idiot even further, and now you see me, reading in the library not reflecting on my actions.”

“J…” N utters. “It seems you’ve been having a rather colorful time in your class.”

“Indeed. We effective drones must display our superiority to these humans at every turn possible.” J proudly splays her arms, but N isn’t impressed.

“I refuse to believe you actually think that way completely.” N bluntly says.

“Yes, I do.” J huffs.

“No you don’t.” N makes his point across. “J, this planet and its people could be a chance for us to get a fresh start with the humans. Why do the humans of this world have to view us Murder machines when we can be something more?”

“It’s how we’re programmed, N.” J points out. “You can’t change that.”

“Yes, we can. We weren’t always disassembly drones back then. You, V and I both know that, and I don’t believe we should be this way forever.”

J reels back, and grits her teeth. “You little…” J slams her palms on the table. “You optimistic moronic bot…” J slides the book to N. “Take it.”

“Huh?” A question mark appears on N’s right eye. “But I thought you-“

“I already know most of the content in that book.” J presses her finger on it. “You’ll need that book more than me. Don’t take this as sympathy. I just don’t want you to embarrass us by showcasing your dumber than the average human here. Besides, you probably won’t get a higher score than I.”

“J…” N humbly accepts the book. “Thanks, J. You know, you may be mean to me at times, but you can actually be-“

J grabs N by the collar, and pulls him towards her, “Stay here any longer, and I will blast your face off the chasm of the Monastery.”

“Yes Ma’am…” N anxiously says before J lets go.

N immediately scurries off to the library exit with the book in hand. “N!” J calls out for him.

“Yeah?” N quickly turns to J.

J twiddles her fingers, and looks down, “T-thanks… for sticking up for me back then…”

“No problem, J…” N softly smiles. “It’s what Tessa would’ve wanted. Just try being friends with your class ok?” With that N takes his leave and leaves J behind contemplating her actions today, and the look Edelgard gave her.

N makes his way downstairs, and along a hallway leading up to the reception hall before he feels a slight chill in his sensors. His eyes dart around his surroundings, and he immediately takes J’s warning to heart.

“I know you’re watching me.” N sternly says. “Show yourself, Hubert!”

“My, my…” Hubert emerges from the shadows. “It appears you’re a lot more perceptive than I thought. And here I thought you’re the dumbest of the four. It seems I overestimated J as well.”

“What do you want?” N coldly asks. “You clearly want something if you’re watching me.”

“To assess you.” Hubert evilly chuckles. “I’m certain you know what my role is in this academy.”

“Being a student?” N blinks.

“That is just a secondary role in the grand scheme of things.”

“Oh… ok!” N states. “You’re the goth boyfriend of the small princess!”

Hubert glares at N menacingly, “It would be wise for you to address Lady Edelgard respectfully.” A speck of dark magic sparks on Hubert’s palm. “I would hate for you to succumb to… accidents.”

“Yeah, that would suck indeed,” N says. “So if you’re not a student or Edelgard’s boyfriend, what are you?”

“As you may know, I am an aide to Lady Edelgard. It is my job to assess several things that may pose great importance to her whether they’d be an opportunity or a threat. I already have my hands full assessing Byleth ever since he was reinstated as our Professor, and now we have to deal with you drones.”

“Hmmm… I get it. So why not be friends with him?”

Hubert laughs in response, “You dense naive piece of scrap metal. I don’t do friends, especially with someone as dangerous as you or your friends, especially the disrespectful one, Uzi.”

“What about Uzi?” N narrows his eyes.

“You see, even if you Murder Drones have formidable weapons, I deem Uzi to be the most dangerous of you bunch considering how cunning she is, and her strange powers.”

“Well…” N rubs his lower jaw. “You’re not wrong there.”

“Indeed. For your sake, I hope your girlfriend doesn’t turn out to be a threat to Lady Edelgard because if she is, I will have to dispose of her. Do I make myself clear?”

N’s eyes flare up, and his right eye turns into an X before he points his tail towards Hubert, “And I would suggest not casually threatening people in front of their loved ones.”

“My, my…” Hubert chuckles. “This is unexpected.”

“Let me make this clear. I will make sure that Uzi doesn’t cross that line with you or anyone in this Academy.” N unsheathes his sword. “But if you or anyone else wishes to kill her, I will make sure that you or anyone else will pay dearly.”

“Hmmm…” If Hubert was unnerved, he was doing a good job hiding it. “It appears I must revise my opinion of you. You’re a lot more dangerous than I thought. I’ll be keeping a closer eye on you, N.”

“I’m counting on it.”

“Hubert, stand down.” They both hear a commanding young woman’s voice, and N looks behind only to find Edelgard. “I do not intend for you to antagonize N any further.”

“As you wish, Lady Edelgard.” Hubert backs off from N, and the disassembly drone sheathes his sword and retracts his tail. “I shall withdraw for now, and converse with our Professor on how we deal with our drone.”

“Yes, please do, Hubert.”

“Farewell, Lady Edelgard.” Hubert says before evilly smirking at N. “I’ll see you around, N.” Hubert slinks back into the shadows, and disappears.

“Geez… why does he have to be creepy all the time…” N sighs in relief.

“I apologize on Hubert’s behalf,” Edelgard says. “I wouldn’t dream of having him threaten you or your friends, especially with how friendly you’ve all been… besides some transgressions your friends have made so far.”

“Thanks, Edelgard. For a second, I thought you were going to be a-“

“Nonetheless, I aim to crush you,” Edelgard says matter of factly.

“Wait, what?!” N gasps.

“I aim to defeat you, Uzi, Claude, your house and the Blue Lions my way. As the future Emperor of Adrestia, it is my duty to set a good example to my classmates, and my people, and I will not allow the fact that the Golden Deer has two drones in their class to hinder me. No matter how formidable you Murder Drones are, no matter how dangerous the Ashen Wraith is, I will challenge you all with all my might, and win, no matter what it takes.”

N swallows hard. “Sweet… well… I ummm… I don’t intend to lose as well.”

“How admirable of you, but you lack conviction in your words, and those who lack conviction don’t have what I takes to-“

Suddenly, a pebble gets thrown at the back of Edelgard’s head causing her to nearly fall forward. “Keep your stinking paws off N, small Princess!” Edelgard looks back with disdain while N’s eyes light up. Before them both is none other than Uzi, levitating a bunch of pebbles with her palm. “You talk big about crushing us throughout this school year. Well, you ain’t getting that chance because I’m gonna crush you and J first!” Uzi grinds the pebbles into fine dust. 

Edelgard shrugs of the impact, and remains stone-faced towards Uzi before facing away from her, “We’ll see about that. I await our showdown at the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. I’ll be ready to face you two then, N, Uzi.”

Edelgard walks past N and leaves the two drones alone. “The Battle of the Eagle and Lion…” N mutters. “I wonder what that it is…”

“N!” Uzi runs towards N. “Are you ok? Did Seteth roast you too much? Was the small Princess being a bitch to you?!”

“Hey, it’s ok, Uzi,” N assures her. “It’s nothing I can’t shrug off. Besides, I have you by my side.”

“N… I’m so sorry for leaving you alone like that…” Uzi utters. “I should have been there with you, and-“

“That’s alright.” N says “I’m sure you didn’t mean anything bad about it. Besides, it was quite cool how you challenged Edelgard just like that.”

“N…” Uzi softly smiles before it transitions to a cackle. “Hehehehe… I ain’t letting the small Princess walk over us like that. I’m going to crush her like the little big she is, and make her regret being such a stuck-up noble to us.” She says crazily before noticing the look N has on her prompting her to dial it down. “And… do it in such a manner that doesn’t involve loss of life and such.”

“That’s much better!” N says. “Hey, Uzi! Wanna watch me cut some watermelons with Ninja Stars?”

“Ooh yes!” Uzi excitedly says. “I wanna cut fruit with Ninja Stars! That’s freaking awesome!”

“Then let’s head to the kitchen!”

“YEEEE!!!” Both N and Uzi exclaim before heading to the kitchen.

“Say, Uzi. I wonder how V’s doing in her mission?” N wonders.

“I’m sure she’ll be alright,” Uzi says. “She can take care of herself, and nothing but a freaking a robo dinosaur. I’m actually more concerned about her classmates, and the bandits she’s probably killing by now. Hopefully, she doesn’t shoot any of the Lions…”

“Me too.”

Chapter Text

Meanwhile, at the Red Canyon, a battalion headed by Alois and Professor Hanneman remains stationed at the foot of the canyon. Reinforcing this battalion are Sylvain, Mercedes, and Annette. “I wonder how His Highness and the others are doing up there…” Annette looks up.

“I wouldn’t worry about it too much, Annette,” Sylvain says. “Dimitri and Felix are quite capable, and our hot Professor and hot new classmate should be with them right now. They should be just fine.”

Annette shakes her head in dismay, “You truly are a skirt chaser, Sylvain…”

“What can I say?” Sylvain stretches his arms to the back of his head. “There’s nothing more satisfying than having a beautiful woman in my arms.”

“I hope Ingrid never hears you say that…”

Mercedes clasps her palms together, “I hope the goddess hears my prayer and protects our friends from the bandits…”

Alois and Hanneman maintain a keen vigil on the front lines and notice a bandit emerge from the foot of the canyon. “Hmmm… looks like Captain Jeralt’s daughter was right about there being secret entrances at the foot of the canyon.” Alois strokes his mustache. “It seems we have a Mole in our midst!”

Hanneman and the others cringe at the sound of the joke. “Please don’t make such jokes, Alois…” Hanneman advises.

“I swear one day I will have the perfect joke for you all…” Alois frowns.

The bandit starts running more frantically, and heads straight for the battalion in a panicked manner. “Please… someone… save me! I’ll do anything!”

“That man seems to be running scared…” Hanneman adjusts his glasses.

“Indeed, I wonder why…” Alois agrees.

“Please… just help me…” The bandit pleads while watching. “Just keep me from that-“

Suddenly, a buzz saw comes up from behind the fleeing bandit and cuts his leg clean off leaving the man screaming in agony.

Alois and the others are left aghast by the brutality of such an act. “By the Goddess…” Annette utters.

“Oh no… this is horrible…” Mercedes also claims.

“Even Dimitri in his worse isn’t this barbaric…” Sylvain chimes in.

“Argh…. My leg... My-“ The bandit crawls away and has a horrified look when he sees V land behind him with her wingspan wide open and a sinister look on her face clipped couples with maniacal laughter. “No… no… stay away from me!”

“Why should I?” V mockingly asks. “I have to thank you for showing me an alternate entrance to your hideout. Now tell me.” V picks on her teeth with her claws. “What should I take from you as a souvenir? Your arms? Legs? Or maybe even your-“

“Die!” The bandit swings his sword at V only for her to catch it with her wing.

V crosses her arms looking unamused. “Really?” She snaps the sword in half and proceeds to maul the bandit mercilessly in front of the horrified battalion. V maniacally laughs in the midst of all this and leaves behind an unrecognizable corpse beneath her foot. “Ugh… that didn’t even thrill me that much.” V glances at the alternate entrance. “Maybe I could-“

“Monster…” V hears Annette utter and finds her hugging closely to Mercedes while the rest of the battalion look horrified at the sight of the mutilation.

“Tsk.” V scoffs. “Do whatever you want.” She coldly says before flying into the secret entrance.

Within the darkness, V frowns and glances at her clawed hand. “That’s right… everyone will think I’m crazy anyway, so why not indulge these stupid humans.” An X appears on V’s visor, and she proceeds to kill all the remaining bandits within the canyon.

After five minutes of killing the remaining bandits in Kostas’s crew, V emerges from the caverns, and onto some of the upper parts of the canyon. “Ugh… those humans didn’t even taste good…” V picks her teeth with her claws. Still, the lipids within them are good substitutes for oil albeit more inferior than oil unless eaten in large quantities. Even so… V glances at her clawed hands. I don’t wanna give N and the others by just killing anyone in the Monastery so the most I’ll do is hurt them if they ever piss me off.

“You find this place to be familiar?” V hears a familiar voice nearby.

“Was that…” V mutters before she moves in silently to investigate. She stations along the rocks for cover, and spots her Professor, Bylese, scanning the environment before. What’s she doing here? V ponders. I thought she’d be hanging out with the others. 

“You just surprised me, that’s all,” Bylese says much to V’s surprise. “Sorry about that, I’m just getting used to your voice.” 

And here I thought I was the crazy one. Didn’t think our Professor would be absolutely mental.

“I see. That is a possibility. I may have to talk to my brother about this, and through him, let your other half know.”

The hell? So the brother is in on this as well? Are they both mental? Must be a thing for humans in this world.

“What?” Bylese looks around. “Someone’s here.”

Shit… looks like she knows… well, no use hiding now. V emerges from her hiding spot and lands in front of Bylese.

“Oh, it’s you.” Bylese monotonously says.

“Why hello there, Bylese.” V sassily waves. “So what brings you up top?”

“I’m just doing one last checkup topside. Checking to see if there are any leftover men from Kostas’s group.”

Could have fooled me with that demeanor. V thought.

“I assume you looked into the secret entrances I informed you of?”

“Yes.” V sinisterly says. “You were right on the money when you said some of the bandits were camped within the canyon, and we don’t have to worry about them any longer.” V takes out a finger from her breast pocket. “I took good care of them.” She pops the finger in her mouth.

“Good,” Bylese says. “The less survivors, the better. It’s not good for business if you have to deal with vengeful survivors down the line.”

“Tell me about it…” V says with an annoyed expression.

Bylese tilts her head. “You say that as if you experienced that before.”

“Oh yes, I have,” V confirms with a psychotic look. “A worker drone wanted to kill me after I killed and ate her parents. Their screams are like music to my ears.”

“You’re probably the one person that seems to relish in killing a lot.” Bylese matter of factly says.

“To be honest, yes I did back then…” V confesses softly. “Then that worker drone somehow developed the same powers Uzi has and nearly killed me. If it weren’t for Uzi and N, I’d be a pin cushion by now.”

“I see,” Bylese says. “And here I thought you were some invulnerable killing machine.”

“Not sure if I should take that as a compliment or an insult.” V crosses her arms. “But I could say the same about you considering your title.”

“I see. I do apologize if you more or less took it as an insult. It was not my intention.”

“It’s fine,” V says. “Your students seem to look up to you a lot.”

“Thank you. Just doing my job, and making sure none of the students die on my watch. It wouldn’t bode well on Dad’s company if such a thing happened. Which is why I implore you not to kill anyone in the Academy.”

“Geez… never imagined you would give me that warning,” V says in a disgruntled manner. “But don’t worry. I won’t kill anyone in the Academy. I’ve got a good substitute if they try anything to piss me off.” V psychotically says.

“I see. Well, as long as it doesn’t result in loss of life or critically injuring the students, I won’t mind.”

“You might secretly be a glutton for punishment.” V chuckles. “But you’re pretty cool so I think we’ll get along just fine.” And maybe I can get close enough to learn your crazy side.

“Professor, V! There you are!” The two ladies spot Dimitri coming up to them. “I assume that you two dealt with the bandit threat.”

“Why hello there, Dimitri.” V sassily says. “The bandits won’t be bothering anyone anytime soon.” She opens and closes her claws.

“That’s… comforting.” Dimitri awkwardly says trying to be polite to V. “Professor, my team and I have prepared for the return journey. We’re ready to head back to the Monastery at your command.”

“Yes.” Bylese nods. “Let’s head back to the Academy, and report to Lady Rhea. I’m sure she’ll want to hear what happened here. V do you have proof of mission completion?”

“Right here.” V pats on a small shoulder bag that looks to be carrying something.

“Good. Then let’s rendezvous with the others.”

V takes to the skies while Bylese and Dimitri walk to the others as they chat with one another, and V monitors their discussion. “Thank you so much for your guidance, Professor.” She hears Dimitri. “I’m quite surprised that you manage to be in two places at once.”

“Just doing my job, Dimitri.” Bylese answers stoically. “I can’t have your deaths in my conscience. I have to prepare to avert the worst-case scenarios.”

I have to admit that Bylese truly is amazing. V thought. Her skill and usage with multiple weapons are quite crazy, and if she were a disassembly drone, she’d be unstoppable, but what's even more frightening is the fact that she was able to avert crisis every single time. There were several instances where I noticed several students in peril especially Freckles if I hadn’t shot that stray bandit on the head. But for some reason, Bylese was able to act quickly and avert several deaths in the nick of time. Now I wonder what’s her secret…

V spots Ashe, Dedue, Felix, and Ingrid resting by their campsite with the archer and the large man preparing some sort of turkey. The swordsman is busy practicing his swings while the female knight also does the same.

“Hmmm… looks like they’ve been busy despite coming out from a battle,” V says to herself. “Gotta hand it to these kids. Let’s take a closer look.” V dives down towards Felix.

Felix readies his stance and strikes a nearby boulder resulting in a small slash mark on one of the boulder’s sides. “Tch… too shallow.” Felix scoffs before an even deeper gash appears over his miniature cut.

“Like what you see?” V asks as she lands behind Felix.

Felix smirks, “I gotta say, you have a lot of power and skill if you’re able to cut through that boulder with ease… for a beast.”

“Thanks.” V sheathes her claw. “I’m sure you’ll make it to that point someday. Though I will say that you yourself are quite impressive as well. You might even be a good sparring partner for me.”

“Is that so? I never imagined someone issuing a challenge to me. Very well, I shall-“

“Hold it.” Ingrid sternly says as she gets in between them.

“Ingrid…” Felix hisses.

“Oh,” V sassily chuckles. “You jealous that I’m going take him away from you?”

“We’re just friends, V!” Ingrid proclaims as she raises her lance to V’s face. “Listen, and listen closely. You may be our classmate, but today, you just gave me an idea on what you are, a heartless monster who has no sympathy for others.”

V scoffs before slapping the lance away, “Seriously, those people were targets to kill by your school, and I take pleasure whenever I get to cut loose.”

“Even so, that sort of attitude should be unacceptable, and I will not allow anyone with that attitude to conduct yourself in any duels with our classmates!”

“That’s enough, Ingrid!” Felix plants his grip on her shoulder. “Do not impose your beliefs onto me or interfere with my activities. I’m not your little brother that needs to be constantly looked out for even against this killing machine!”

“Rude.” V eyerolls.

“I’m not taking that risk, Felix.” Ingrid sternly states. “I’m not going to let you join your-“

Ingrid stops herself upon seeing Felix grip his sword’s handle tightly, “Say his name like that, and you’ll regret it.” He venomously says.

V blinks at the hostile look on Felix’s face, and Ingrid’s face softens for a moment before hardening it once more, “Just don’t pick a fight with her or any of the other drones…” Ingrid walks away from the duo.

“What was that all about?” V asks. “Having some sort of falling out or something?”

“Mind your own damn business!” Felix scowls at V. “Damn it… now I’m not in the mood to fight you.” Felix also storms off to the opposite end of Ingrid.

“Is it just me or has everyone in my freaking class lost it?” V exasperates. “I swear everyone so far is some kind of screw-loose.”

“I wouldn’t blame them too much.” V feels a shadow looming over her, and she looks behind her to see Dedue.

“And what’s your deal, big guy?” V asks.

“I just noticed you and those two squabbling there. Wanna talk about it?”

“Not a squabble on my part. Just got caught in some lover’s quarrel it would seem.”

“Hmmm… so that’s how you interpret it.”

V’s eyes widen, “They aren’t lovers?”

“No.” Dedue shakes his friend. “They are longtime good friends along with Sylvain and His Highness though I fear that they have grown a bit distant since…” Dedue trails off.

“Since what?” V asks.

Dedue shakes his head. “Another time. I do not feel comfortable sharing something so sensitive especially since many of my class have been affected by the event one way or the other.”

“I see.” V glances at her classmates looking all sullen due to the mention of this event causing her to feel a bit of remorse for them. “I understand.”

“Thank you, V.” Dedue bows gratefully. “Would you like to help me prepare lunch for the others?”

“Sure. I know a thing or two about cooking.”

“Is that so?” Dedue says. “Then let’s meet up with Ashe.”

V follows Dedue to where Ashe is, and the archer is cooking a bird over the fire. “Hi, Dedue, and hey… V…” Ashe nervously says.

“Hey, Ashe.” V waves at Ashe. “Looks like you’ve calmed down a bit since that battle a while ago.”

“You remember my name?” A surprised Ashe gasps.

“Of course. I do apologize for that. I sometimes get in the mood so much that I temporarily forget the names of people I know for only a few days.”

“I see.” Ashe scratches the back of his head. “I was afraid that you were quite forgetful about certain people’s names.”

“Ah, no need about that.” V displays her claws much to Ashe’s shock. “Try not to lose focus next time. I wouldn’t want to mistake you as an enemy.”

“Yes, V…” Ashe squeamishly utters.

V takes a look at the bird Ashe is cooking. “So what are you having today?”

“We’re having pheasant today,” Dedue explains. “Ashe caught the bird quite recently prior to the battle.”

“Yup, I managed to gut the bird so that we don’t get sick later.” Ashe states.

“Good.” V says as she analyses the pheasant. “Say, have long have you been cooking it for?”

About twenty minutes. It’s a bird I haven’t cooked before, but I’m sure it should be done in ten minutes.”

“Ten minutes?!” V gasps. “I highly doubt that. Let me do a checkup.”

V analyzes the heat of the fire and the pheasant, and several codes start flashing on V’s visor much to Dedue and Ashe’s confusion. “Dedue… are you getting any of this?”

“I’m afraid not.” Dedue shakes his head. “However, I feel that V may be onto something.”

“Hmmm… based on the heat of the fire, and the cook time of the pheasant, I estimate that that bird will be finishing cooking by…” V’s right eye transforms into a timer that translates to: 2:40:06.

“More than two hours?!” Ashe screams. “But why?”

“Unfortunately for you, pheasants take a long time to cook, and unless it’s at a high heat, the cooking time will be more than two hours. Unless you’re ok with pink pheasant.”

“No no no no no…” Ashe mumbles. “I don’t wish to give anyone food poisoning… it’s a shame that we’ll have to leave before this pheasant is ready.”

Dedue sighs, “I guess it can’t be helped… looks like we’ll have to discard the bird.”

V’s free eye turns into a loading symbol, and transitions to an exclamation mark before returning to normal. “Maybe not. I have an idea.”

“Oh what do you have in mind?” Ashe asks.

V’s right hand turns into a blow torch much to Ashe and Dedue’s surprise, and she starts powering the flames with her torch. “Now let’s see what how much the cook time is adjusted.” A series of codes scrolls up along V’s visor.

“I still don’t know what these all mean… but I have a feeling V’s up to something.”

“Perhaps whatever she’s up to might be a miracle for us both.” Dedue points out.

V finally finishes scrolling her codes, and her visor reverts back to normal with the timer still displayed on her right side. This time, it displays: 00:29:32.

“Wow!” Ashe gasps. “Now it’s just down to half an hour?!”

“That’s right.” V confirms. “I’m using intense heat to speed up the process while moderating it to make sure the pheasant doesn’t get burnt to a crisp.”

“Remarkable.” Dedue eyes the blowtorch. “And this device enables you to do that?”

“Exactly. You catch on quick, Big Guy.”

“This is great!” Ashe softly smiles at V. “You know, I never thought you were this knowledgeable in cooking. I thought the only things you were good at were fighting and killing.”

V casts Ashe a judgmental look on him. 

“I’m so sorry!” A guilty Ashe apologizes. “I didn’t mean to offend you like that.”

“It’s ok.” V says. “I can understand why you feel that way. To be honest, I didn’t think I possessed such knowledge in cooking until I dug deeper into my memories before I became a Disassembly Drone.”

“Are you saying you weren’t always a Disassembly Drone?” Dedue asks.

“That’s right. I was a worker drone similar to Uzi working as a maid back then. I may have had some talents that I’ve forgotten since I transitioned into a Disassembly Drone, but slowly and surely, I’ve been recovering memories of myself back then including me…” V trails off for a moment.

“Including what?” Ashe asks.

“It’s nothing…” V utters. “Forget that last part.”

“Ok.” Ashe nods. “You know… I apologize for misjudging you. There’s more to you than meets the eye, and I wouldn’t mind seeing more of you throughout this school year.”

“That’s alright.” V smiles. “I’m used to people seeing me as crazy, but I will admit that you two have a lot of guts trying to get to know me despite my mannerisms.”

“Thank you, V.” Dedue says. “I feel the same as well. I look forward to working with you this year.”

“Likewise.” V narrows her left eye towards Ashe causing the archer to worry.

“V… why are you looking at me funny?” Ashe anxiously asks.

“Just keep cooking.” V says before her free hand transforms into a claw causing Ashe to worry more. She thrusts her claw towards his right much to his and Dedue’s shock. Ashe closes his eyes, and braces himself for V’s betrayal. However, he doesn’t feel the claw pierce through his flesh. Instead, he opens his eyes, and finds a scorpion impaled on V’s claw. “That was too close. You should really check your surroundings more often.”

“Hold on…” Ashe utters. “Then that scorpion was going to…”

“Would have stung you had you accidentally shifted to the right.” Dedue states.

“Thank the goddess…” Ashe sighs in relief. “Looks like I owe you another, V.”

“No problem. Besides, I always wanted to try one of these.” She pops the scorpion into her mouth causing Ashe to look disgusted. “Hmmm… a bit bitter, but I do like the crispy texture.”

“You really are a strange one, V.”

An hour later, Bylese and her group rendezvous with the rest of the battalion, and they all leave for the Monastery. Unfortunately, V is forced to stay inside a wagon for the entirety of the trek back. “This would have been so much better if I could soar across the skies over the humans.” She mutters to herself while remaining seated. She looks outside, and the sun remains over the group. Then again, I’m not in the mood to getting burnt to a crisp now that my chip has run out of power for now, and needs to recharge. Still, it beats having to interact with the rest of the humans besides the Professor, the big guy and Ashe…

“Mind if I join you?” V looks to the entrance, and finds Dimitri looking into the wagon.

“Not at all.” V gives him permission, and Dimitri sits across her. “Now what business does the Royal Prince of Faerghus have with a vixen such as myself?”

“Do you always have to degrade yourself like this?” Dimitri asks. “I feel like more people would like you if you weren’t…”

“Crazy?” V asks while picking her teeth with a scorpion stinger. “Don’t worry about it, Your Highness. I care less on what people think of me.”

Dimitri sighs, “If you say so… still, I must say that despite your barbaric methods, I must commend you on the part your played in this mission. We would have suffered many casualties if you and Professor Bylese weren’t there to lead the charge and lead us.”

“Not including you?”

“No.” Dimitri shakes his head. “I still have a lot to learn when it comes to leading, and I can be a bit too out there if I lose control. You on the other hand, have a method to your madness. Despite your manic state, you still maintained a level head, and took control of the battlefield.”

“I hardly doubt me going all in is me being level headed in the battle.”

“You sell yourself to short, V.” Dimitri shakes his head. “I saw how you protected our classmates. I saw you take out a sniper that his eye on Ashe or when you interfered in an ambush that would have mauled Ingrid.”

“Hmph.” V huffs. “That kid really shouldn’t have his head in the clouds so much if this school intends to send their students in missions like this throughout the school year, and Ingrid can be such a bitch at times.”

“I see. Perhaps I can help out Ashe in that department. As for Ingrid, I can understand your frustration with her. She can be headstrong at times, and she can be hard to handle. Trust me, I wish one day that she gets along with Dedue.”

“Huh?” V’s eyes widen. “The big guy’s in the same boat as me?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“I see…” V pops a red flag on her right hand. “So she’s a racist then?”

“That’s… a strong way of putting it…” Dimitri awkwardly says. “But I’m sure given enough time, she will warm up to you both.”

“She better.” V sassily says before her psychotic side emerges. “I wouldn’t want to fill her with something I have in mind.”

Dimitri narrows his brows, “V…” He firmly says as he grips his Iron Lance tightly before it bends slightly.

“Don’t worry, it’s not gonna be lethal.” V casually says hiding her fright upon seeing Dimitri nearly break that lance. “I made sure of that, and I don’t want the others to look bad.”

“I see.” Dimitri let’s go of his lance. “Just… be lenient with your punishments.”

“Got it.” V takes note. “When it comes to combat, I will show you nothing but my very best in your class even if the others think I’m crazy about it.”

“That’s good to hear,” Dimitri chuckles, “You know, I’m quite jealous on how you don’t care on how people perceive you. Sometimes I wish I had your attitude so that I could press on with no fear of the consequences.”

“Trust me, you don’t want to be anything like me.” V shakes her head. “We’ll both be crazy if that happens, and I doubt your people would one their King to be a crazy person.”

“True, but as long as I control myself, and not lose myself, I think it would be alright.” Dimitri contemplates for a bit before taking a deep breath. “Hey, V… there’s something I wish to ask of you for the future.”

“Oh what is it?”

“If even I stray on the path I’ve set for myself, could you knock some sense into me?”

“Oh?” A perplexed V tilts her head. “You think a good guy such as yourself would stray from this goody two shoes path you have set before you?”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I have to be ready in case it does.”

V contemplates for a bit, “I’ll see what I can do when the time comes.”

“Thank you, V.” Dimitri gratefully says. “I knew I can count on you for these kinds of things. I’ll take my leave now.”

“K. See ya around, Dimitri.” V waves.

Dimitri steps out of the wagon. “Oh and V, there’s something I want to confess, I’m far from what you consider a good guy.” He says with a hint of darkness in his voice.

Dimitri leaves the wagon, and leaves V on her own thinking about what he just disclosed to her, Perhaps, theres more Dimitri than I initially perceived. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on him; and I hope he doesn’t fall into insanity… just like how I did…

Chapter Text

Back at the Monastery, J takes off from the library after a couple of hours of studying and goes through her notebook. She crosses out two items labeled on her To-Do List for today.

- Training session with Black Eagle Class: Check

- Self Study at the library away from idiots: Check (Nearly if it weren’t for N.”

- Meet up with bosses at the Black Eagle classroom: In Progress

J frowns at the thought of having to face Edelgard and Byleth today, especially after what happened today in the training match. “Well… gotta meet up with my bosses it seems.” J sighs, and heads downstairs.

She arrives at the Reception Hall and finds Dorothea speaking to one of the knights. “Well, I had fun today.” Dorothea flirtatiously says. “Of course, you’ll want to see me again, yes?”

Oh, it’s her… J eye-rolls before squinting her eyes. Isn’t that a different guy from before?

“Of course!” The knight enthusiastically states. “I’d love to Dorothea!”

Dorothea giggles, “Well! Until we meet again!”

The knight happily takes his leave, and passes by a squinting J. “Well, I guess a detour wouldn’t hurt.” She utters before approaching Dorothea.

“Why hello there, J.” Dorothea greets her looking surprised. “I take it that you were watching, weren’t you?”

“I was.” J balls her fists to her hips. “You do know such acts are against school policy, especially with other members of this school’s staff.”

“It’s not against the rules as long as it doesn’t lead into anything.” Dorothea winks prompting J to blush.

“E-even so…” J stammers. “You shouldn’t be doing indecent acts like this…”

“Oh J… you really are such a stickler for policies and rules. Anyway, I’m not doing this for the fun of it. I’m doing this for my future.”

“You’re future?” J narrows one of her eyes.

“Yes. My opera acclaim and my beauty won’t last forever so I figured it would be best for me to find someone to settle down with when I grow old. As a robot, I’m sure the concept of age and beauty never occurred to you.”

“I see,” J utters. “I gotta say you’re a lot less shallow than I thought.”

“I beg your pardon?” Dorothea asks wide-eyed.

“I initially thought you are some random flirt constantly looking for attention like that obnoxious bowl cut, and that other guy who looks like he wishes to flaunt his chest to swoon every woman he sees.”

“You must be talking about Lorenz and Sylvain, right?” Dorothea asks. “We’ll rest assured, I’m not like those two a single bit.”

“That’s a relief. I’d probably lose my mind if I were placed in one of their classes.”

“Oh, I can imagine.” Dorothea chuckles before her face transitions into a frown. “Hey H
J, I know this might be too much to ask, and I know that my words may be pointless, but could you at least not be too rough with Caspar?”

“You really expect me to show mercy to that idiot?” J asks with an annoyed expression.

“I’m not expecting you to pull your punches, I just don’t want to see him in any life-threatening situations.” Dorothea anxiously says. “I honestly thought you were going kill him if our Professor didn’t step in.”

“Ah, I see.” J taps her lower chin. “Like I said earlier, I wasn’t going to kill Caspar. I have made it a habit to only follow what rules and regulations this Academy has to offer, and since one of them prohibits the killing of another student, I shall do my best to follow that specific rule.”

“Thank you, J.” Dorothea softly smiles. “It’s all I ask.”

“That said, there’s nothing in the rules that say I’m not allowed to insult students, and I intend to do that if Caspar continues being a moron.” J smugly declares.

“I guess I can live with that…” Dorothea sighs. “Still, I very much appreciate the compromise.”

“No problem.” J flicks her pigtails. “Also word of advice, don’t just go around flirting with anyone that has a pulse. It would be much better for you to be a bit selective than just settling down with someone who’ll take advantage of you. That is all I have to say. Goodbye, Dorothea.” J walks past Dorothea.

“Wow, I never imagined J would be this nice and considerate… well as much as she’s willing at least,” Dorothea says to herself before giggling. “Maybe I could try working my charms on her someday.” She giggles relishing the thought.

J arrives at the courtyard and heads straight to the Black Eagle Classroom when she hears voices inside.

“Just hold still a bit.” She hears Byleth’s voice. “This’ll be over in a second.”

“I’m fine, My Teacher.” She zeroes in on Edelgard’s voice. “An injury like this will hardly slow me down. I just underestimated her that’s all.”

Looks like they’ve arrived. J says before knocking on the door.

“Come in,” Byleth answers and J opens the door to find him administering a healing spell on the back of Edelgard’s head.

“Caught you two at a bad time?”

“No,” Edelgard says just as Byleth finishes. “I was just about to discuss with the Professor how we can conduct ourselves to further better ourselves.”

“Oh?” J says before approaching the duo. “What do you have in mind?”

“We were just about to review the results of the mock battle we had at the past moon.” Byleth explains. “We would like to hear your input on it, and some suggestions.”

“Sure.” J nods. “Just give me a gist of what happened, and I may be able to give some valuable input.”

“Much appreciated.” Edelgard says as she gestures for J to sit down.

J notices a slight injury on the back of Edelgard’s head upon further analysis, “Hit your head or something, Boss?” She asks.

“You could say that.” Edelgard admits. “But an injury like this will hardly slow me down.”

“I see.” J says with a hint of concern in her voice. “Anyways, how did the mock battle go?”

“The mock battle gives each the houses to showcase their skills in combat to start the school year off.” Byleth explains. “However, it was also a test run to see how my sister and I lead a class.”

“Interesting…” J rubs her chin. “Say… isn’t there supposedly another bigger mock battle that happens in the middle of the school year.”

“I see that you’ve done your homework.” Edelgard points out. “Yes, there is a mock battle during that time, and it’s called the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. It’s a large-scale inter-house competition where all three houses battle each other until one remains the Victor. The mock battle was just a taste of what’s to come.”

“A large-scale battle. That sounds right up my alley.” J grins.

“This is a friendly competition, J.” Edelgard sternly reminds her. “So no killing allowed when the battle happens.

“My apologies.” J sincerely says. “Anyways, you were saying about the past mock battle, Professor?”

“In the previous mock battle, the Houses were only allowed to send out five members of each of our houses. The ones participating in our house were Edelgard, Hubert, Dorothea, Ferdinand, and myself. My sister, Bylese, led the following members, Dimitri, Dedue, Ashe, and Mercedes for the Blue Lions while Manuela took charge of the Golden Deer consisting of Claude, Hilda, Lorenz, and Ignatz.”

“Are you kidding me?!” J scowls. “The Lions and the Deer sent out those little runts as part of their main lineup along with that obnoxious bowl cut?!” She scoffs. “It would have been quite embarrassing if you didn’t come up victorious.”

“…” Edelgard and Byleth remain silent for a few moments, and J widens her eyes.

J’s visor flashes, DISAPPOINTMENT LEVELS RISING! She shakes her head and reverts back to normal. “You lost, didn’t you?”

“I’m afraid so.” Edelgard pinches the bridge of her nose. “To the Blue Lions no less. I intend to make it up to my class by having us be victorious in The Battle of the Eagle and Lion, and I thought the Professor, Hubert, and I had it all figured out… that is until your group came along.”

“With you and your companions joining the houses, it’s most likely that they will be joining the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, which is why we need to be prepared for it when the time comes,” Byleth explains.

“Ah, so you wish to change up your strategy with us in consideration?” J flicks her pigtail. “Very well, I shall tell you all that I know about Uzi, N, and V.”

Edelgard raises a brow, “You’d willingly sell out your comrades so easily?”

“I’m sure N and the others can take any punishment you give them.” J shrugs. “Besides, while I am appreciative of N taking me along with them…” J grabs a pencil. “I’m a very competitive bot, and I wish to prove to my peers that I’m the superior drone.” J furrows her eyes and tightens her grip on the pencil. “Especially against that bitch toaster, Uzi!” She snaps the pencil in half.

“You seem to have more animosity towards Uzi than the other two drones.”

“HOW CAN I NOT?!” J rants. “SHE KILLED ME BY BLASTING MY BODY TO OBLIVION, AND USED MY HEAD AS A FREAKING BASEBALL! THAT BARELY SENTIENT TOASTER DESERVES EVERY MISERY I SHALL INFLICT UPON HER!” J calms down upon seeing Byleth and Edelgard’s eyes on her. “Sorry about the rant, Bosses….”

“None taken.” Edelgard shakes her head. “While I won’t pretend that I can fathom what you just ranted about, I can truly feel that you desperately want to win against your fellow drones.” She smirks. “I think we both have a common goal in all this.”

“Indeed we do,” J says. “I have noticed that you’re quite irritated with Uzi as of late.”

“Yes, it’s not that I hate her anything. It’s just… I find her disregard towards a good number of our classmates and teachers to be quite concerning, and not to mention Claude might have gotten a boon now that he has her in the Golden Deer. I’ll have to be wary of her from now on.”

“Yes, you have a point, Boss. Perhaps we could-“

Edelgard places her hand on J’s mouth causing her visor to flush slightly.

“Boss, that is quite indecent-“

“I do not aim for indecency,” Edelgard assures her. “While it’s true that I am your House Leader, and next in line for the throne of the Empire, at the end of the day, we are all students at the Monastery. Whether it be noble or commoner… or human or drone. Simply addressing me as Edelgard will do. No need to call me Boss or Your Highness.”

J blinks a bit while frowning, “O-of course, Lady Edelgard.”

“You don’t have to address me formally, J…” Edelgard shakes her head.

“Please, it’s part of my programming to at least give you some sort of formality.” J pleads. “After all, you are my Bo-House Leader during my stay here, and it wouldn’t bode well if I don’t address you in the proper honorifics.”

“Very well…” Edelgard sighs. “It seems I can’t kick that habit of you. I suppose you can address me as Lady Edelgard. After all, a lot of my classmates call me that anyway. It does beat being called Boss though.”

“Thank you, Lady Edelgard.” J humbly bows before turning towards Byleth.

“You can call me whatever you want, J.” Byleth emotionlessly says.

“Got it, Boss.” J salutes him prompting a groan from Edelgard.

“Anyways…” Edelgard clears her throat. “We should get back on topic, and discuss possible strategies.”

“Of course.” J snaps back to reality and discusses with Edelgard while Byleth remains deep in thought.

So… it’s true that Uzi mentioned that J is an asshole towards her peers, and while her treatment of Caspar and some of the other students shows this, she does seem to respect her peers that are higher than her. Thank goodness, I won’t have to deal with any insubordination between her and Edelgard. Though I am curious about what sort of relationship she’ll have with Hubert…

“Hey, Boss! Wanna join in or what?”

“Coming,” Byleth says, and the three of them discuss possible strategies for the next half an hour.

After the meeting, J walks alongside Edelgard while reviewing the notes she just took down on the mock battle. “So let me get this straight, you managed to outflank and outmaneuver the Golden Deer with the only casualty being Ferdinand.”

“That’s right,” Edelgard confirms. “Ferdinand may be a capable fighter, but he’s still too overconfident and full of himself. Something Claude took advantage of, and nearly turned the tides to his advantage.”

“But you managed to think on your feet, and managed to take down Claude.”

“That may be true…” Edelgard utters. “However, the moment Bylese defeated Byleth, we were easy pickings. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t beat Dimitri, and the Blue Lions won with four members remaining. What are your thoughts on all this, J?”

“Hmmm…” J ponders. “Your formation definitely needs some work, and you all need to work on your shortcomings in order to make up for that loss. Your classmates are talented, but they are from efficient. Each one of them has their problems. Like you said, Ferdinand is too full of himself, Dorothea hesitates in precarious moments, and Hubert looses his shit and composure when something doesn’t go to plan or the backups stop working.”

“I see.” Edelgard says as they are halfway to the Dining Hall. “And what’s your assessment on the other four?”

“Well, Linhardt lacks any initiative at all,” J scoffs. “Caspar’s a moron, and Bernadetta doesn’t have the guts to kill a pest!”

“You’re forgetting both Petra and myself.” Edelgard points out.

J’s visor flashes once more. ALERT! ALERT! UNABLE TO GIVE A PROPER ASSESSMENT!

“Are you certain about that?” Edelgard questions.

“Forgive me for my inability to answer.” J humbly says. “I simply do not have data on the two of you spot any faults in your methods, but I’m sure you’d be happy to hear that you seem to be-“

“Perfect?” Edelgard turns her head towards J, and causes the drone to fumble a bit. “I and Petra do not wish to be perfect. If we are perfect then we have no room to grow, and we cannot develop as humans. We must grow from our mistakes at all times so that we don’t make the same ones again.”

“I see… that is something that you humans always strive to do.”

“And the same can be said about you drones.” Edelgard points her finger to J’s head.

“Excuse me?” J slaps her hand off. “I am the-“

“The most efficient drone among you four? I highly doubt that. Especially if you lost and died to someone you consider to be inferior to yourself.”

J reels back looking stumped, SEARCHING FOR COUNTER ARGUMENT…. SEARCH FAILED… lol.

“Contrary to what you believe, there is no such thing as the perfect being. Everything that exists has a flaw no matter how powerful, intelligent or resourceful one is. If there were perfect beings out there, then this world or even beyond wouldn’t being suffering all the injustices everyone faces. But no, no such being exists, and no matter what you claim, you are not perfect, J and neither am I.”

J looks away feeling guilty on what she said, “I suppose… you have a point. Forgive me if I overstepped.”

“No offense taken. Though I have to admit that your desire to be efficient is admirable, and a quality I look for in all people who follow me. It would do me wonders to have you by my side, J.”

“You really think so?” J blinks.

“I know so.” Edelgard grins. “Someone of your talents could help me rein in my class, and get them up to speed.”

J proudly grins. SELF ESTEEM IMPROVING. “Well I do strive to be as efficient as possible. I’ll make sure to help you lead this class, Lady Edelgard. However, I won’t go easy on them, and I don’t intend on reeling back any insults.”

“Very well.” Edelgard curtly nods. “As long as they improve themselves down the line, I will not hinder your progress as long as you don’t go to far. I have a feeling you’ll make a good enforcer.”

“An Enforcer…” J briefly glances at the sky. “I like the sound of that.”

“Just don’t get ahead of yourself.” Edelgard reminds her.

“Right, Lady Edelgard…” J mumbles as they continue on their way.

Edelgard turns to her thoughts regarding J. I think I’ve got a good read on J… She may pride herself to being an efficient robot, and while she does boss around the other students a lot, she responds to the Professor and my authority quite well… I wonder if this has anything to do with her previous boss… I’ll have to keep digging if I wish to understand J.

The duo finally arrive at the Dining hall, and head to the counter. “So what are you having today, Lady Edelgard?” J asks.

“I’m thinking about something light today.” Edelgard ponders. “Perhaps some Fish Bean Soup would do nicely. You?”

“Just some water will suffice. We drones can consume the beverages you humans take. It’s the one common thing that we can consume.”

“I see. Then let’s have-“

Edelgard gets cut off when a shuriken flies past her, and is just a hair’s inch from touching her face.

“Lady Edelgard!” J gasps. “Are you alright?!”

“I’m fine.” Edelgard answers as she feels her face. “I was just… caught off… guard?” She holds out her hand, and feels red pinkish substance on her palm. “Is this…” Edelgard licks the substance. “A watermelon?”

J takes a closer look at the split fruit. “It appears so… but why would there be a-“

“Nice throw, N!” J and Edelgard hear a familiar voice that makes their gears grind.

“Thanks!” They hear N’s voice as well. “Ooh… let’s try this throw next.”

“Don’t worry! We got one left!” They hear the ever so cheerful voice of Flayn.

J and Edelgard turn towards the counter, and spot Flayn cheering in a nearby table while Uzi and N are standing on the counter. Uzi holds up a Watermelon in midair with her Solver abilities. “Ready?” Uzi asks her boyfriend.

“Ready!” N throws a shuriken with a backhand throw, and slices the watermelon clean in half.

“And that’s the last one!” Flayn exclaims. “Thanks for the help you too! Now I can munch on these yummy melons with much delight!”

“No problem!” N smiles. “Say let’s try-“

“Ahem.” N, Uzi and Flayn are stopped in their tracks when they spot Edelgard and J with J having caught a shuriken between her two finger that was headed right for Edelgard.

“Oops…” Uzi and N say simultaneously.

“Flayn, I would advise you not to encourage these drones to using such dangerous weapons so leisurely.” Edelgard firmly point out. “Someone could get hurt or worse.”

Flayn frowns, and lowers her gaze, “I’m sorry, Lady Edelgard…”

“Hey, don’t be too hard on her.” Uzi points out. “We made sure this place was vacant until you showed up.”

“That is a poor excuse even for you, Uzi.” J throws the shuriken aside, and closes the gap between her and Uzi. “But alas, a toaster like yourself cannot comprehend such reasoning.” 

J jabs her finger on Uzi’s head, but Uzi slaps her hand away. “What did you call me?” Uzi scowls at the taller Murder Drone as they meet eye to eye.

“Woah woah woah… settle down.” N awkwardly says while trying to diffuse the situation. “Let’s all be friends here, o-“

“Shut up, N.” J fires a powerful laser, and vaporizes N’s head off.

“N!” Both Uzi and Flayn cry out for him while Edelgard watches on as N’s body falls on his back.

“Keep out of this.” J says with a tint of sadness in her voice before turning to Uzi.

“Hey! You can’t just shoot N just like that!” Uzi protests with a deadpanned J looking down at her. “Only I get to traumatize him, and no one gets to that to him, and gets a way with it!”

“You listen here, you little insignificant worker!” J presses her point. “You may be Buddy Buddy with both N and V, but you’re not going to win me over that easily! I may have to tolerate you in this world, but I don’t have to like you!”

“Feelings mutual!” Uzi shoots back. “For N and V’s sake (somewhat) I was willing to tolerate you despite my grievances, but you’ve been making it very hard for me with your stuckup attitude especially how you, and your puny House Leader look down on N!”

J’s eyes widen before the glare at Uzi, “Hold on… I noticed a slight head injury behind Lady Edelgard’s head a while ago… Was that you’re doing?”

“Yeah!” Uzi shrugs, and admits it. “but only because she was picking on N, and she had it coming due to how arrogant she acts! I should probably hunt for her goth boyfriend as well.” She murmurs.

“Hubert and I are in no sort of romantic relationship, Uzi.” Edelgard irritably reminds her. “A fact that I must keep reminding you are in my presence!”

“Eh, not buying it.” Uzi shrugs. “With the way he sticks with you and says, “Lady Edelgard this” or “Lady Edelgard that.” I hardly believe you two aren’t doing gross stuff with each other.”

A vein starts to burst within Edelgard, and she could no longer withhold her anger towards her. “Uzi Doorman, you’re juvenile comments have gone on for far too long, and I shall-“

“No need, Lady Edelgard.” J gestures Edelgard to stop. “There’s no need for you to dirty your hands dealing with this inferior drone.”

“Hey!” Uzi protests until she heard Flayn squeal.

“UZI! Watch out!” She heeds Flayn’s warning, and finds that J is armed with her sword.

“Oh crap…” THREAT DETECTED! “Flayn… pull N’s body out of here. This is about to get very ugly.”

“Ok…” Flayn hurries to N’s side, and pulls his body away. “I hope it’s true that you can regrow your head…”

Uzi turns to J, and J’s right eye turns into an X. “I promised myself that I wouldn’t kill any of the staff and students of this Academy, and that includes you, unfortunately for me… but… I never promised that I couldn’t beat you up into scrapheap, and since you’re supposedly like us, any action that can be lethal to humans I can inflict on you without killing you.” J points her sword at Uzi who looks like she’s cornered. “Consider this as payment for all your-“

Suddenly, J intercepts a surprise sucker punch from Uzi, and the former looks unimpressed. “Damn it… I thought I had her…” Uzi grimaces.

“Hmph, really?” J scoffs. “Do you honestly think you could-“

Suddenly, a chair gets slammed into J’s left side, and she falls off the right side of the table.

“J!” Edelgard cries out.

“You talk too much.” Uzi says. “Get up, J! I know that chair won’t be enough to beat you down!”

J aggressively gets back on her feet with her wingspan all spread out, and her eye is filled with rage. “You barely sentient toaster! I will-“

J stops mid-sentence just as Uzi unsheathes her railgun. “Hehehehehe.” She sinisterly laughs. “You miss this?”

The Murder Drone’s X transitions into a warning: ALERT! PRIOR HAZARD!

Uzi flips the switch, and the railgun starts powering up, “HEHEHEHEHEHEH! HAHAHAHAHHA!”

Unfortunately, the railgun dies down, and results with a poof much to everyone’s surprise and relief. J’s glare intensifies.

“Hehehehe…” Uzi awkwardly laughs. “Oops…”

J lunges at Uzi, and they are both sent tumbling off the table and outside of the Dining Hall. “Hey what’s going on in…” Cyril walks past entrance before a stray kick from J sends him flying to the fishing pond. Both Drones are locked in combat with J punching Uzi’s head multiple times before the Worker overpowers her, and bites her head. Many onlookers such as Claude, Hilda, Dorothea, Petra, Leonie, Jeralt, Linhardt, and Hubert watch the battle from a safe distance.

“Ugh…” Jeralt groans. “What now…”

“Hey isn’t that…” Leonie utters.

“Yup it’s Uzi.” Jeralt nods.

Dorothea, Petra and Linhardt watch from the opposite of the fishing pond. “Couldn’t those two picked somewhere else to fight than here…” Linhardt yawns. 

“I’m afraid their rivalry has no bounds.” Petra says just as a Missile flies past them, and hits an isolated bush causing the two Eagles to panic. 

“Maybe we should back off for now…” Dorothea suggests.

“That is an idea of goodness…” Petra agrees before the two ladies haul Linhardt out of the area.

“And I just found the perfect napping spot…” Linhardt utters.

Hubert watches from the greenhouse, and snickers, “My my my… this has become a lot more entertaining than I thought.”

The two drones meet at the foot of the stairs with Uzi managing to maintain a chokehold around J’s neck between her legs. She pulls at the Murder Drone’s pigtails, and J tries to shake her off. The Murder Drone mobilizes her tail, but Uzi severs the tip of her tail with her Solver powers. Meanwhile, Flayn and Edelgard watch on from the entrance of the dining hall.

“YOU’VE GOT THIS UZI!” Flayn cheers Uzi on. 

“Yeah, and if you lose, you owe me some neat gadget from you ship!” Hilda chimes in.

“Bite me, Hilda!” Uzi protests.

“You’re cheering her on as well?” Flayn asks.

“Of course!” Hilda smiles. “I find Uzi and N fun, and I’m always going to bank on her over some stick in the mud like J.”

“Mhm! Then let’s cheer together, Hilda!” Both ladies cheer for Uzi while Edelgard watches calmly.

“Looks like are two drones are finally at each others throats, Edelgard.” Claude chimes in.

“I have no time for your witty comments, Claude.” Edelgard says not sparing him a glance.

“But where’s the fun in that, Princess?” Claude says with a smile that doesn’t reach the eyes. “Anyways, who do you think is going to win?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” I’m hoping for J’s victory. That drone has more resolve and grit than the other three combined. I’m certain she will win.”

“I see. Well I’m still banking on Uzi.” Claude says. “Not just because she’s part of my house, but because she has the same mindset as I. Always plotting schemes, and desiring freedom from the status quo.”

“The same mindset as you? Besides the status quo part, it’s no wonder why I dislike you both.”

Byleth watches from afar at the Marketplace, and he blankly analyzes each one f the Drone’s moves.

J manages to shake off Uzi, and the worker Drone looses her Railgun in the process. Immediately, the Murder Drone snaps the gun in half with a stomp of her foot. “NOOOOOOOO!!!!!” Uzi despairingly screams. “I spent a mont building that!”

“TOO BAD!” J responds with a crazed look on her visor as her right arm transitions into a plasma cannon. “YOUR EDGEY SPIRIT HAS DEFIED CORPORATE LAWS FOR THE LAST TIME!!! FOR THE BLACK EAGLE EQUITY PARTNERSHIP!!!!” 

J let’s loose her plasma cannon, and puts Uzi into evasive action before she notices the beam getting too close to the dormitories. She stops in place, and absorbs much of the blast with her Solver abilities.

“What?!” J gasps before disengaging her cannon as Uzi absorbs the remainder.

Uzi compresses the energy into both her hands, and fires a huge blast at the sky much to the onlooker’s surprise and awe. Uzi blinks for a moment in disbelief, “Wow… can’t believe me reenacting the Kamehameha worked…”

Damn it… I got to careless and nearly hurt some insignificant bystanders… J grits her teeth. Alright, no blast weaponry. Guns and swords should do. 

J takes to the air, and rains down bullets on Uzi. The Worker Drone blocks the bullets with her solver. Uzi runs to the lake, and takes off to the air.

“Please, you really think those gross wings are a match for my state of the art Disassembly Drone wings in flight?” J proudly says before charging towards Uzi with a claw thrust. 

Uzi blocks the attack with her solver, but J pushes forward hoping to skewer her. “No… but they can do this!”

Uzi’s wing arm grabs J’s head, and the Worker’s right grips her neck before she swoops down to the ground. She smashes the Murder Drone to the ground face first, and the Golden Deer and Flayn cheer their friend on. However, J is quick to recover, and slices Uzi’s right leg off. The Worker winces in pain as oil squire from the open wound as she flies away. J open fires on Uzi while ruthlessly laughing prompting the Worker Drone to block the bullets with her wings.

Just then, N regrows back his head as a message flashes on his visor, REBOOT COMPLETE. N blinks for a moment, and gets back to his feet. “What happened?” 

“N!” Flayn embraces N in a bear hug that causes him to collapse. “I’m so sorry! I thought you actually died!”

“Nah it’s ok.” N pats Flayn on the head. “A laser won’t kill me that easily. Hi, Hilda! What’s up?”

“Uzi and J are having a catfight at the Fishing Pond!” Hilda gets him up to speed.

“Huh?!” N gasps. MUST PROTECT GIRLFRIEND.

Uzi continues to stay on the defensive with her wings taking the full brunt of J’s bullet fire. “I’ve had enough of this!” Uzi grits her teeth and eyes Leonie’s lance before snatching it from her with her Solver ability.

“Hey that’s mine!” Leonie screams.

“Sorry, gotta borrow it for a sec!” Uzi states before dodging the rest of J’s bullet fire.

“Stay still!” J shouts, but Uzi plants her face to the floor once more using the Solver powers.

J manages to rear her head back up, but is immediately assaulted by a swat from Uzi using Leonie’s lance powered by the Worker’s Solver power. The impact separates J’s upper half from her legs, and snaps the iron lance lines in half.

“MY LAAAANNNNNNCCCCEEEEE!” Leonie screams and falls to her knees.

“What am I ever going to do with these brats…” Jeralt shakes his head.

Uzi catches her breath, and falls to one knee as she looks straight wondering what happened to J. Unfortunately, the Murder Drone remains standing with her wings keeping her afloat as she catches her breath.

“I vow to fight for Lady Edelgard and her house during my stay here…” J manages to utter, “and I will start by disciplining you!”

Uzi maintains a fighting stance, and gestures to J. “Bite me.”

J screams, and flies straight for Uzi while the Worker maintains her stance. She prepares her arm planning to deliver a nasty karate chop to the Murder Drone. J gets her claw ready for one last attack. The two drones a few meters from delivering their final attacks on each other. However, N gets in between them, and blocks their attacks with both his wings.

Uzi and J gasp as their attacks bounce off his wings. “N!”

“Sorry, Uzi, and you too, J.” N solemnly says before firing at them with stun guns. Electricity courses through both drones, and disables them.

Six hours later, J’s system reboots, and she wakes up in one of the dormitories on one of the beds. “Ah, I see you’re awake.” She looks to her right, and sees Byleth sitting by his desk. “I was beginning to think that you wouldn’t wake up.”

“Hey, Boss…” J wipes away some dirt from her visor. “Why do I feel so…” she peaks under the covers, and sees the reason. “Oh… my legs haven’t regenerated yet…”

“It’s strange. I thought you drones could regenerate your body parts so easily.”

“We do.” J groggily explains. “It’s just that stun gun N shot me with disabled many of my functions. Now that I’m rebooted, my legs should be back to me in a couple of hours unless you have my original pair of legs back.”

“I see. I’ll have to take that into account.” Byleth writes down on his notebook.

J frowns, and her visor flashes a message, [GUILT MODE ACTIVE]. “Sorry, Boss…”

“Why would you be apologizing?”

“I got careless in the middle of the fight, and nearly blasted the dormitories… someone could have gotten hurt and died…”

“Luckily for you, Uzi took the blast, and redirected it somehow.” Byleth points, and an annoyed J scoffs.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but… that sentient toaster saved us from getting laid off. I’m just glad V wasn’t around or else the damage would have been irreparable.”

“She’s really that volatile?” Byleth asks.

“Oh yeah, she’d jump right in to any brawl that comes her way.” J shrugs.

“I see… Will have to warn my sister about it tomorrow.”

J blinks, and lowers her gaze, “Are you disappointed in me, Boss?”

“Why would you ask that?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I could have killed someone today had I’ve been unlucky, and I would have doomed everyone’s stay here and jeopardized our promise to Tessa…”

“Tessa?” Byleth perks up.

“Our previous boss and and the human who saved us from getting disposed a long time ago…”

“Interesting…” Byleth mutters. “You want to talk about it?”

“I’d… rather not…” J hugs a pillow nearby. “Just thinking about her brings back… painful memories… memories I wish were deleted in my system.”

“Very well, I understand.” Byleth nods. “And to answer your question, no. I’m not disappointed.”

J blinks reeling in disbelief from his answer, “You’re not?”

“No. I would have been if you killed someone, but you didn’t. You have not broken that rule, and besides Cyril, no one was injured during the fight.”

“Thank goodness for that…” J sighs in relief.

“Also, I’m quite amazed with how you fight, J.” Byleth admits. “You fought well against someone with peculiar abilities like Uzi. That’s something I could use when facing off against unpredictable opponents.”

“I appreciate that, Boss.”

“Also, I’ve been monitoring your discussion with Edelgard earlier, and noted that you pointed out many of the flaws of the Black Eagles.”

“Ok…” J twiddles with her pigtails.

“And I think I know what your flaw is.”

“My… flaw?” J blinks.

“Yes, you may pride yourself as an effective drone, but that can be diminished because of your overconfidence and anger. It blinds your judgement, and in the midst of it, Uzi took advantage of that, and took control of the battle. If you learned how to humble yourself, and focus your anger, you’ll reach the effectiveness and efficiency you aspire to be.”

“I… I understand…” J admits feeling a bit conflicted. “Today, I learned more about myself that I never thought was possible. I’ll have to thank you and Lady Edelgard for teaching me that.”

“Glad to hear it,” Byleth says before standing up and walking towards J.

“W-what are you doing?” J asks.

“I’ve been given instructions by Seteth to take you to him once you and Uzi have woken up. Since Uzi woke up an hour ago, and you now. I can finally take you to him…”

“Right…” J sweats. “I am totally looking forward to this…” she awkwardly says.

“Come on, let’s go.” Byleth takes J by her hand and pulls her out of the bed.

Her body remains hanging on Byleth’s grip, and greatly annoys J. “Isn’t there a more efficient way to do this that doesn’t make us look… weird?”

“It’ll just be for a moment,” Byleth assures her. “We’ll be meeting up with her right about…” he opens the door. “Now.”

Waiting by the entrance is Edelgard carrying J’s pair of legs and an oil pack. “Hi, Lady Edelgard…” J awkwardly waves. “So sorry you had to see me like this…”

“Glad to see your mannerisms intact,” Edelgard says. “Here.” Sue hands over the pair of legs. “I believe these belong to you?”

“Yup, thanks, My Lady,” J says before Byleth places her on top of her legs.

“Ok, so… how do you get reattached?” Edelgard curiously asks.

“Don’t worry, my body will handle the rest.” REPAIR MODE ACTIVE. J’s joints start reattaching themselves, and in less than ten seconds, J is now whole again. “Ahhh… that’s much better…” She stretches her limbs.

“Also, N told me to give you this.” Edelgard tosses the oil pack, and J catches it. “He said you’ll need one of these since you lost a lot of oil during the battle.”

“Appreciate it.” J glances at the oil pack before muttering, “That idiot… he’s still nice after I blasted his head off. Thanks for bringing this, Lady Edelgard.”

“No problem. Just drink up.”

J sips on the oil and feels refreshed. “That’s much better…”

“Feeling better now?” Byleth asks.

“Absolutely. I’m now in tip-top condition.” J pumps her chest. 

“Good. Then let’s get going. The sooner we get to Seteth’s office, the sooner we can leave.”

“Good idea…” J mutters not feeling thrilled to meet Seteth. She turns to Edelgard and sees her staring into her soul if she had one. “Hey, um… I’m very sorry for what happened… I got frustrated and caused dishonor to your class by damaging school property. I will do my hardest to work on my flaws so that I can improve on them.”

Edelgard’s look softens, and she sighs, “While I am mad about all that, and what’s to come to our class later on, I do appreciate you standing up to me, and declaring your loyalty to me and my class. That’s something I thought was only possible through Hubert. So thank you, J.” 

J softly smiles, and humbly bows, “You're most welcome, J.”

“Just try not to escalate fights in the Monastery or better yet, do it outside of school grounds.”

“Of course, I’ll do my best.”

“I appreciate that.” Edelgard smiles. “Now get going.”

“Ok, see you tomorrow, Lady Edelgard!” J waves back before walking alongside Byleth.

Edelgard responds with a small wave before Byleth glances at her with a curt nod. This flusters the Princess, and she clears her throat while facing and walking away.

Perhaps this stay might not be so bad after all, and Tessa, I’m sure you would have been good friends with Edelgard…

Chapter Text

The next day, Jeralt wakes up in his room after a long night of Seteth disciplining both Uzi and J. The mercenary sits up and rubs his eyes. 

“Another day, another job to do.” Jeralt groggily says before putting on his clothes. He hears a knock on the door. “Coming.”

Jeralt opens his door and finds Byleth already waiting for him. “Good Morning, Father.” 

“Hey, Kid.” Jeralt rubs his eyes a bit. “What time is it?”

“Around half an hour after sunrise. Seteth has just summoned us once more.”

“Really?” Jeralt remarks looking visibly annoyed. “What does he want with us now?”

“It’s for this Moon’s mission apparently,” Byleth explains. “Rhea will be there to explain the mission to us. Bylese has also been summoned as well.”

“A joint mission between all Three Houses?” Jeralt’s eyes widen. “Huh… sounds very much like overkill. Must be pretty big if Rhea wants to get all Three Houses to be in attendance.”

“I think so too.” Byleth nods. “Whatever it is, it must be important. She also said to bring the drones as well.”

“Is that so?” Jeralt sighs. “Well besides V, this will be the drones’s first mission, and who knows how it’ll go with these robotic brats in toe. Well… not like were in a position to disagree with Rhea. We’ll be at the Audience Chamber in less than an hour, so get ready.”

“Of course, Father. Oh and also… you’ll need this.” Byleth hands out a pair of handcuffs.

Jeralt eyes the handcuffs, and sighs. “Do we really have to?”

“We’ve got no choice, Father. Seteth’s instructions were perfectly clear that we have to do this for the entire week.”

Jeralt tiredly shakes his head. “Well, I guess it’s a lot better than them getting expelled. I’ll go get Uzi and N.”

Byleth curtly nods, “And I’ll go get J. I’ll see you later, Father.” Byleth gives the handcuffs to Jeralt and takes his leave.

Jeralt eyes the handcuffs, “I’m getting too old for this…”

Jeralt heads over to the dormitories where N and Uzi are, and knocks on N’s door, “Hey, N, time to go.”

“AHHHH!” He hears N scream, and a thud right after. “Owww… coming!” 

Jeralt shakes his head, Still can’t believe these brats sleep like bats…

N opens the door, and looks up, “Oh, Hi, Jeralt!” He enthusiastically greets his Professor. “Had a good sleep last night?”

“Hello, Kid. The sleep was just as good as it could be after what happened last night. The Archbishop is going to give us the assignment for this Moon.”

“Ooh….” N rubs his hands excitedly. “We’re finally going to get a mission.”

“Good to see your spirits raised. Come on, let’s go get Uzi.”

“Right!” N leaves the room and he and Jeralt now stand in front of Uzi’s door.

“Wake up, Uzi.” Jeralt knocks on the door only to get no response. He turns to N, and the Murder Drone shrugs. “Wake up, sleepyhead. We’ve got something important to do.”

“Ugh…” both Jeralt and N hear a sleepy groan from within the room.

“Not a morning person, huh?” Jeralt glances at N.

N shakes his head, and knocks the door instead, “Uzi… we’re going on a mission soon.” He says with great anticipation.

“Five minutes…” a groggy Uzi groans.

“But Uzi,” N opens the door. “We’ll finally get to explore the rest of-“

“FIVE FREAKING MINUTES!” A desk flies out of the entrance and slams into N much to Jeralt’s surprise.

“You good, N?” Jeralt asks.

“Nah, don’t worry about me.” N happily says as he gives a thumbs up while a desk remains on top of him.

Jeralt sighs, and walks over to Uzi’s bed only to find her half asleep with a message on the right side of her visor, FIVE MINUTES!

“Sorry, but I’m afraid you’re going to have to get your sorry ass up. Rhea wants us by the Audience Hall.” Jeralt holds her up by the hand, and shakes her.

“Ok, ok! I’m awake… geez…” Uzi groans while rubbing her visor. “What does Granny Mosshead want this time?”

“Not sure what Rhea has in store for us in the mission today, but one things for sure, it’ll be quite the experience to explore the outside of the Monastery for the first time.”

“I guess that isn’t too bad.” Uzi says. “Ok, let’s see what Granny has for us now.” Just then, Jeralt holds up the handcuffs up to Uzi causing the Worker Drone to frown. “Do I have to?”

“Believe me, I do not want to do this as much as you do, but unfortunately, you just gotta deal with it for a week.”

“Ughhhh….” Uzi groans, and reluctantly holds out her free arm. “Let’s just get this over with… wish I could accelerate time…”

Jeralt walks alongside Uzi to the Audience Chamber with her cuffed to his right arm while the Worker Drone looked annoyed by this whole situation. “Ummm…. Uzi…” N mutters. “You feeling okay?”

“Not feeling thrilled about this situation, N.” Uzi answers. “Though I suppose being cuffed to Gramps isn’t the worst thing in the world.”

Jeralt chuckles at the mention, “I’ll take that as a compliment. You know, being cuffed to you isn’t as bad as I thought.”

“Yup, just try not to annoy me, and we’ll be all good.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Hey, Uzi,” N nudges his girlfriend. “You think the mission is going to be like one of those knight stories?”

“You mean those stories in which we charge into an enemy castle, beat up a dragon, and save some stupid princess who probably doesn’t know what to with her life until her Prince Charming comes?” Uzi bluntly suggests.

“Is that how people in your world view how we live?” Jeralt asks.

“Yeah until they offed themselves that is.” Uzi shrugs. “Personally not interested in saving some dumb blonde wearing a pink dress.” She snickers. “But I would be game to beat up a dragon.”

“Is that so?” Jeralt grins. “Well you’re out of luck. Unless you count wyverns as dragons, dragons are all extinct right before my career took off.”

Uzi’s shoulders slump down in disappointment. “Well that sucks… I really wanted to fight a dragon…”

“Hey, Jeralt. Have you ever fought a dragon before?” N asks. “You know, before they went extinct.

“Can’t say I fought one, but I have witnessed one long ago…” Jeralt answers as he looks like he had a lot of thoughts in his head. “I still remember when she looked me in the eyes that day…”

“Ooh…” Uzi rubs her palms in anticipation. “Now this is something I’d want to hear.”

“So how did you escape the dragon?” N asks now that his curiosity is piqued.

“A story for another day.” Jeralt grins. “For now, we’re almost there at the Audience Chamber.”

“I guess.” Uzi says. “I’ve bad enough that I have to deal with Mosshead first thing in the morning so hopefully I don’t run into…” she trails off when she finds Byleth waiting by the entrance to the Audience Chamber with J cuffed to his hand. “J…”

“Well, well, well….” J sneers. “If it isn’t the barely sentient toaster. How’s your railgun doing? I hope you were able to piece it back together… if you can.” She says with mock concern.

“J…” N frowns.

“Bite me!” Uzi retorts before smirking at J’s waist. “Though I wonder how you’re joints are doing… Here’s hoping they aren’t messed up in there.” She sarcastically says.

J scowls at Uzi. “You little insignificant-“

“Hey, hey, hey!” N quickly gets in between them trying to deescalate the situation while Byleth tightens his grip on J’s hand cuff. “Let’s all settle down, and be happy friends with one another!” He awkwardly smiles. “After all, we wouldn’t want to cause another huge scene, and kicked out from this school right?”

Both Uzi and J stare at each other while Jeralt and Byleth are both ready to pull the drones away. J huffs, and turns away, “I suppose N has a point. I wouldn’t want to waste my breath with inefficiency.”

“Likewise, Robo Stickler.” Uzi retorts.

“Now let’s play nice here, you two.” Jeralt reminds them. “You’re about to be in the presence of Rhea. As much as I’m not a big fan of her, I know for certain that I wouldn’t want to make her my enemy.” 

“Father…” Byleth says curious on why Jeralt is so cautious about Rhea.

The three drones look up at the Mercenary, and he says tirelessly, “So let’s just get in there, put our good foot forward, and see what Rhea has to say to us… Without causing an issue.”

“You got it, Professor Eisner!” N salutes. “We’ll do our very best!”

“You can count on us.” J states before turning her scowl towards Uzi. J groans for a moment. “I can’t believe I’m doing this…” she holds out her hand. “Truce?”

Uzi glances at J’s open hand, and to her eyes, and shrugs, “Alright.” Uzi spits on her palm, and shakes J’s hand much to the Murder Drone’s disgust. “Truce.”

They both separate, and J glances at her sticky palm, “I will… accept this…”

Jeralt and the others enter the Audience Hall, and at its center are the two heads of the Monastery, Seteth and Rhea. “Welcome, Professor, Jeralt. It is good for you to come at such short notice, and good morning, messengers from the Goddess.” Rhea serenely says.

“Good morning, Lady Rhea, Seteth.” Byleth monotonously and respectfully.

“Reporting for duty, Lady Rhea.” Jeralt says in his laid back manner.

“Hi, Lady Rhea, oh and you two, Seteth!” N waves.

“It’s an honor to be in both of your presence once more, and I apologize for our misconduct yesterday.” J humbly says.

J and Seteth glance at Uzi with judgmental looks before the former elbows Uzi lightly, “Oh hey, Mossheads.”

Jeralt, Byleth and J simultaneously facepalm themselves while N gulps his vocal cords. Seteth’s glare hardens towards Uzi.  N rubs the back of his head anxiously wondering what’s going to happen next.”

“Uzi…” Seteth utters angrily, “I can’t believe even now you would-“

“It’s quite alright, Seteth.” Rhea gestures.

“But Lady Rhea, this particular one is-“

“It’s fine. I do find her little nicknames quite amusing.” Rhea serenely says before turning back to the drones. “I take it you’re enjoying your stay in the Monastery?”

Uzi blinks, “It’s fine for the most part. Sure there are people I still find annoying like your coworker.” She casually points to Seteth, and he stares daggers into her. “But for the most part, I enjoy several other people here. It’s way better than the school I used to study in, and Gramps and Byleth are way more fun teachers than my teacher back home.”

“She’s not wrong.” N chips in. “A lot of the students here are A-Ok, and we’ve gotten along with several of them so far. So thanks for letting stay so far, Lady Rhea.”

Rhea serenely smiles, “I’m glad you drones are all enjoying your stay here. Though I would ask for you to refrain from starting fights outside of the training grounds.”

Uzi and J start feeling stumped, and start sweating bullets, “We apologize for our unruliness!” J hastily bows causing Uzi to roll her eyes. “We promise that we won’t do that again except in the designated spots!” J glances at Uzi. “Right, Uzi?”

“Sure.” Uzi says before adopting a sinister look on her face. “I’ll make sure to drag them to the training grounds if anyone wants to start a serious fight with me.” She blinks upon seeing all eyes on her. “That is… until I have exhausted all kinds of verbal ways to deescalate and random stuff…”

“Very well.” Rhea says. “I appreciate your attempts at trying to behave yourselves, but nonetheless, I hope you all enjoy your continued stay here.”

“Anyways…” Jeralt clears his throat. “I hear you have a job for us this moon.”

“We do, Captain Jeralt. We have a joint mission for all three houses at the end of the moon.”

“Since this is a joint mission involving all three houses,” Seteth continues. “Since we’ll start disclosing the details once the representatives of the Blue Lions arrive-“

Suddenly, the doors get kicked open from outside, and silence occurs within the Audience Chamber. A few moments later, a small bag is thrown inside the chamber, and Byleth catches it.

Seteth reels slightly from the bag’s smell, “What is inside that bag? It smells horrid…”

Byleth opens up the bag, and takes a look before closing it, “Kostas’s head.”

“I see…” Seteth covers his mouth. “So that means…”

“WE’RE BACK!!!” An almost maniacal voice cries out from outside.

“Oh…” J eyerolls. “It’s you.”

“You sure do know how to make an entrance.” Uzi smirks.

“Hi, V!” N waves at V who comes strolling in.

“Hello, N, and everyone else.” V simply waves before noticing Uzi and J handcuffed to Jeralt and Byleth respectively. “What did you two do this time?” V crosses her arms.

“Hey, she started it!” Uzi points at J.

“Excuse me?!” J retorts. “You were the one who resorted to violence!”

V eye-rolls, but is slightly amused by the squabble, and listens in while Seteth shakes his head in dismay. “Having problems, Seteth?” Rhea asks.

“Oh yes…” Seteth nods. “I will say that for better or for worse, this will be an interesting school year.”

Jeralt sighs while Byleth and N watch on from the sidelines, “I swear these brats are going to be the death of me before I die of old age…”

“You’ll get used to it.” N nudges Jeralt.

Byleth turns to the entrance and finds Bylese entering the Audience Chamber. “Hello, Sister.” Byleth greets her. “How did the mission go?”

“Hello, Brother.” Bylese greets. “It went well without a hitch. Kostas’s group caused some problems, but we recovered quickly thanks to Dimitri’s leadership, and V smashing through enemy lines.”

“I see. I take it that your mission was a success. Especially since you have Kostas’s head here.”

“Yes. Thank you, Byleth.”

“Nice to see you still in one piece, Kid.” Jeralt comes over and ruffles Bylese’s hair.

“Dad…” Byleth brushes his hand away. “Could you stop calling Byleth and me kid? Both of us are both 20.”

“That may be true.” Jeralt laughs. “But you two will always be my kids, and I can call you, Kids, anytime I want.”

“He does have a point, Bylese.” Byleth points out.

“I suppose so.” Bylese sighs. “Can we go fishing later?”

“Sure, later this afternoon.” Jeralt smiles. “Though we’ll have to head to the nearby stream to go fishing.”

“Oh, why not the fishing pond?” Bylese blinks.

“Well, because…”

“BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!” They all hear V laughing uncontrollably while she rolls around the floor much to J, Uzi, and Seteth’s annoyance.

“Can you stop laughing like a maniac, V?” J scowls. “This is not funny!”

“Yeah good luck with convincing V otherwise.” Uzi shrugs already accepting the situation.

“How can I not?!” V answers amid her laughter. “You guys have already made a mess of things to get you punished like this…” She goes into a laughing fit once more.

“STOP LAUGHING!” J shouts.

“And here I thought Uzi and I would be the first to get punished first… but you beat me to the freaking punch!” LAUGHTER AT CRITICAL LEVELS.

J’s visor turns red, and displays a message: ANNOYANCE LEVELS AT AN ALL TIME HIGH! “You little-“

“J.” J feels her cuffed arm tugged at, and she looks up to find Byleth sternly gazing at her.

J cools down and takes a deep breath. “Apologies, Boss.” She backs away while Seteth clears his throat causing V to slowly stop laughing.

“Anyways, now that everyone’s gathered, and you rumbustious drones have calmed down, we can now get back to business.” 

“First of all,” Rhea chips in. “It is good to see you in one piece, Professor Bylese. You’ve done well in your first assignment with the Blue Lions.”

“Just doing my job, Lady Rhea,” Bylese explains it. “Disposing of targets, and taking care of my class.”

“I just did it for the fun of it.” V casually confesses. “We came in, popped his head off 'cause he has no friends, and cleared out any survivors from the gang!”

Everyone remains silent after V’s confession feeling a mixture of surprise, and disgust over it. “Classic V in her finest.” N sighs. “Still, I’m happy you at least protected your classmates.”

“N…” V softly smiles.

“Reasons aside…” Rhea says. “Kostas was a problem for all of us since he was tormenting the good people of Fodlan. Now that he has gone, you have certainly freed this world from another stain in the Goddess’s image.”

N begins to feel jitters feeling a bit creeped out by Rhea. “Pst.” He hears Uzi and starts communicating with their visors.

Society’s worst nightmare. Creepy religious people. Uzi displays. 

N displays a thumbs up in response, and Byleth glances at the two having a silent conversation but pays them no mind. “You said you had a mission for us this Moon. What do you want the classes to do?”

“Ah yes. We will now discuss the details of this Moon’s assignment.” Rhea says. “Seteth, you may proceed.”

“As you wish, Lady Rhea,” Seteth says. “We have received reports that Lord Lonato has rallied troops against the Holy Church of Seiros.”

“Lord Lonato, huh…” Jeralt utters. “Never thought the old man would go that far.”

“Ummm…” N raises his hand. “Who’s Lonato?”

“Lord Lonato is a minor lord from the Kingdom, N.” Rhea answers. “He’s been showing hostility towards the church for some time now.”

Interesting… Uzi turns to her thoughts. So I’m guessing that not everyone is a big fan of the church… I wonder why… what crazy stuff has the church of this world has done before?

“Something on your mind, Kid?” Jeralt asks.

“Nothing.” Uzi lies. “Nothing at all.”

“I see,” Jeralt says before Seteth continues.

“A vanguard unit from the Knights of Seiros is already on its way to his stronghold, Castle Gaspard.” Seteth further explains. “Lord Lonato’s army is nothing compared to the knights. It’s quite possible that the rebellion has already been suppressed.”

“And yet you aim to send in all Three Houses to check up on the situation?” Bylese asks.

“That’s right, dear child.” Rhea answers. “We can’t take any chances with these rebels. So we would like to send all Three Houses along with all four drones to travel to the Knights’ rearguard to deal with the aftermath.”

“So what you want us to do is to go there, and basically clean up the mess by eliminating any rebels that still wish to fight?” J asks.

“Yes, that would be correct,” Seteth confirms. “War zones are unpredictable. We do not expect you to have cause to battle, but be prepared for the worst.”

“Alright.” J grins. “Quite similar to our old job back in Copper 9.”

“So basically, if we do fight this Lonato guy,” V says almost in a crazed enthusiastic manner. “Can I pop his head open?” She brandishes her claw.

“Should he choose to rebel, and you face him in combat…” Seteth reluctantly says. “Then yes… you may… pop his head open…”

“Hehehehe…” V sinisterly laughs. “He and all his men’s screams will be music to my ears.”

“V, you’re being too sinister now.” N comments. 

“Yeah, you could give even the sentinels a run for their money.” Uzi comments.

“I know that,” V confesses with a crazed look on her face. “But I don’t care. As long as I get to dig my claws into those rebels, I’ll be satisfied.” 

“Remember to safeguard the students while you’re at it, V.” Bylese chimes in. “I wouldn’t want you going on a rampage mindlessly, and not paying attention to your fellow classmates.”

V’s face reverts to normal, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Wow, you’re a lot more feisty than I thought. I like that.” A woman’s voice says, and a female knight steps in view of the group. “So you must be the Legendary Bladebreaker, his two kids, and the upstart drones I’ve heard so much about. Nice to meet ya!” She eagerly greets them.

“Ok, who is the Milf?” Uzi casually asks much to V and J’s annoyance.

“Milf?” Seteth perks up. “What does she-“

“Don’t ask.” Jeralt intervenes. “It’s better if you don’t know.”

“You may have a point, Captain Jeralt.”

“If you are referring to this young lady here,” Rhea gets to introductions. “This is Catherine. She and Alois will be leading the knights whom you will be accompanying.”

“Ah, so this must be the legendary Thunderstrike Catherine I’ve heard so much about.” Jeralt strokes his beard. “This should be fun.”

“Likewise, Bladebreaker,” Catherine says before leaning toward Uzi. “You drones look a lot smaller than I thought. Especially this cute little-“

“Bite me!” Uzi snaps at Catherine both figuratively and literally prompting the knights to pull away from her. “Don’t treat me like I’m some puppy, human! I’m an Angsty teen with hormonal issues!”

“Wow, for such a small kid, you got a lot of fire in you,” Catherine smirks. “I have a feeling we’ll get along just fine.”

Uzi growls at her for a few moments, ANGST LEVELS REACHING TO CRITICAL MASS.

“Knock it off, Uzi.” Bylese punches Uzi on the head.

“Ow! What was that for?!” 

“I wouldn’t want to take on Catherine in a fight even with the strange abilities you possess.” 

“Oh, so you’ve heard about me?” Catherine confidently smirks.

“Your instincts are correct, Bylese,” Rhea says. “She is one of our bravest knights, and that is no small feat. Only an exceptional few have what it takes to join the Knights of Seiros. This mission will prove useful in demonstrating to the students and the drones how foolish it would be to ever turn their blades on the Church…”

Jeralt, his two kids, and the four drones leave the Audience Chamber after more details on the missions are shared. “So we’re going to quell a rebellion at the end of this month, huh? Great…” Uzi sighs. “Never thought I’d be part of the quelling.”

“That’s ok, Uzi!” N pats Uzi on the back. “Before we met you, J, V and I have quelled several worker drone rebellions in the past, so we’ll gladly show you the ropes. Right guys?”

J crosses her arms while V blows bubbles from her personal bubble blower stick. “Wow… how do you do that?” Bylese gasps in awe of the bubbles. 

“Huh?” V gasps. “I thought you people knew about bubbles in this world?”

“Yeah, bubbles are the last thing I would teach them in this line of work.” Jeralt dismissively says.

“Dad, we should practice how to blow bubbles.” Bylese points at the bubble blower. “Perhaps, they could have Combat applications.”

“That idea is just ludicrous.” Byleth remarks. “You just want it because it looks fun.”

“No I don’t!” An embarrassed Bylese says. “I… wholeheartedly believe that bubbles can be used for warfare!”

“Yes, yes I hear you.” Byleth casually remarks maintaining his monotone demeanor causing Bylese to pout.

All four drones are stumped at the sight of Bylese acting like a kid. “Is this really the same Professor I fought alongside with?” V flashes a red flag with “AWKWARD” said across it.

Bylese eyes widen in shock as she turns to face the drones. “Damn it… I got too excited and let my guard down…”

“Just try not to reveal that side of yours to the students.” Byleth advises. “We need to be professionals around them.”

“Understood, brother.”

“Woah woah woah woah woah…” Uzi stutters. “What’s going on here?”

“Bylese… are you…” N trails off.

“Not acting professionally?” J finishes.

“Well, I… Ummm…” Bylese stammers unsure on how to explain herself.

“Oh Bylese…” Jeralt sighs. “You see my daughter does take her job seriously, and maintains her professionalism in public. But when it’s just her, Byleth and I, she shows her true self to being more playful and ecstatic about new things…”

“Dad!” Bylese exclaims, and Byleth shushes her. “I can’t help myself…” she whispers. “I’m experiencing a whole lot of new things that I haven’t t experienced before especially with these new drones.”

Jeralt chuckles. “I understand. You may be a stone faced mercenary to many others, but to me and Byleth, you will always be our precious Bylese.”

Bylese twiddles with the tips of her hair. “Thanks Dad…”

“Wow I wasn’t expecting that…” Uzi blinks.

Immediately, Bylese covers the distance between her and Uzi much to the worker drone’s shock. “Tell anyone else about this, and I will stab five swords into your body for five minutes. Every. Single. Day.”

“Yes, Ma’am…” Uzi manages to utter while sweating in her visor.

“And that goes for you three as well!” Bylese demands, and the Murder Drones hastily comply.

“Hey Byleth, do you have any secret behaviors as well?!” N enthusiastically asks. “Like being a sad boy or even being-“

“What you see before you is who I really am.” Byleth monotonously answers. “I carry no secrets in class, work or family. I harbor no secret self in my being.”

“Yeah, I’ve been trying to see what’s behind that cold exterior of his for twenty one years, and if I couldn’t do it, your four brats certainly won’t.” Jeralt points out.

“Awwww…” N frowns and looks down.

“And here I wanted to dig up some dirt on the small Princess through Byleth…” Uzi sighs before getting smacked on the back of her head by J.

“You are to not tamper with Lady Edelgard’s activities, you barely functioning lightbulb.” J scolds her.

“Oh wow…” J feels V glare at her. “Do you care about something besides yourself and your branded pens or are you just doing your job, and bail on them at the last moment.”

“V, please don’t-“

“Don’t try to be friendly with me, Narc.” V hostilely slaps J’s hand away causing the matter to frown. 

Jeralt takes note of the interaction, Hmmm… it looks like V doesn’t like J even more so than Uzi. Does this have anything to do with that incident Uzi spoke to me about yesterday? Well, it’s not my place to say anything, but I hope those four get along. For now… “Byleth, Bylese, let’s meet up at my office. There’s something I want to talk to you two about in private.”

“Got it, Dad.” Bylese nods.

“One problem though.” Byleth raises his cuffed arm with J rolling her eyes. “We can’t exactly remove these cuffs unless it’s time for them to settle down in their rooms. So are you ok with them listening in?”

Jeralt glances at both Uzi and J with the worker drone giving him a curious look. “Can’t we just listen in?”

“Sorry, but this is between me and the kids.” Jeralt says. “I’d prefer if you don’t listen in.”

“But it’s not like you have any choice though.”

“I hate to say this, but I have to agree with Uzi.” J steps in. “Unless you somehow manage to-“

Suddenly, both Uzi and J get electrocuted, and signal flares up on their visors. SYSTEMS OFFLINE. REBOOT IN T MINUS 3600 SECONDS. Both drones fall to the floor much to everyone’s surprise.

“V!” N exclaims. “What was that for?!”

“What?” V blows away smoke from her stun gun. “I’m giving the three of them privacy. Uzi and J should be out cold for an hour.”

“A little warning next time?”

V glances at the unconscious Uzi and J. “Nah… that honestly felt good.”

“Aye yay yay…” Jeralt pinches the bridge of his nose. “Well… thanks for knocking these two out. We’ll take it from here. N, head back to the classroom, and tell the others for Uzi and I to return. We’ll inform the others the details of the assignment once we beg back.”

“Same goes for you, V.” Bylese says.

Both N and V glance at each other, and nod. “Loud and clear, Professor Bylese.” V grins.

“Just take care of Uzi, and make sure she’s not hurt while she’s out.” N worriedly says.

“Don’t worry, N.” Jeralt hoists Uzi over his shoulder. “I’ll make sure nothing happens to your little lady.”

“Thanks, Jeralt.” N smiles before turning away. “I’ll see you back in class.”

“Don’t keep me waiting, Bylese.” V sassily says before following after N.

“Ok.” Jeralt says after the drones are out of sight. “Let’s get to business.”

“Right.” Both twins say simultaneously, and they follow their father.

Jeralt keeps Uzi hoisted over his shoulder while Byleth simply drags J along the floor.

“My, my, quiet drones?” Tomas steps out of the library. “That is a rare sight to see.”

“Hello there, Tomas.” Jeralt greets him. “Yeah just don’t mind us. We’re just passing through.”

“Oh, but I really want to take a look at these two while their out cold. I do find them quite fascinating.”

“Oh?” Byleth perks up. “Since when has a librarian ever been curious about drones?”

“I have worked under the Ordelia family for many years. That family does specialize in advanced magic, and I can help but feel these two are the same.” Tomas feels out J’s head, and her pigtail. “Fascinating… I’ve never seen anything in Fodlan as advanced at this. Truly a marvel in human intuition.”

“Have you finished?” Byleth asks. “We would like to have some time with our father.”

“Now, now, hold your horses.” Tomas stands back up. “I do want to take a look at Uzi since she looks to be a different model from the other three.”

“Ok, but I feel that you would be disappointed.” Jeralt says. “Apparently, worker drones are inferior to disassembly drones.”

“Yes… but I imagine Uzi being the exception considering she has displayed unique powers that are unlike anything we possess, and anything the Disassmbly drones have.”

Tomas touches Uzi’s head, but suddenly, the image of a demented young woman flashes before his eyes. Her skin looks dead and decayed, and her pitch black eyes are only lit by small yellow cross marks. The young woman horrifyingly smiles at Tomas, and lunges at him. The librarian rears back from Uzi cautiously.

“Something wrong, Tomas?” Jeralt asks.

“Nothing.” Tomas answers while regaining her composure. “Perhaps you were right. There’s nothing exceptional about Uzi.”

“Ok.” Jeralt shrugs. “Be thankful Uzi’s knocked out cold or else she would have chewed you out. This brat certainly has no respect for adults. Come on, let’s go.”

The twins follow their father to their office, and leave Tomas contemplating on what he saw. Perhaps this Uzi drone may be a lot more interesting than I thought. And whatever that… was within her, perhaps I can communicate with it once more. Tomas makes a small evil smirk before walking back to the library.

Jeralt and his kids arrive at his office, and the three Eisners get themselves settled with Uzi and J still hanging on Jeralt and Byleth respectively.

“So what is it that you want to talk about, Dad?” Bylese asks.

“First of all, I like to ask,” Jeralt rests his chin on his knuckles. “How are you coping with handling the drones?”

“Well… I can say that V is a lot to handle especially with how aggressive she can be. But she does seem to be taking a liking to me at the very least, and maybe with Dedue so far. But I feel that her being friends with the other Blue Lions will be tough since several of them are anxious and fear her.”

“I see. I certainly don’t blame the Kingdom brats for feeling that way. They do have some rough history when it comes to outsiders especially after the Tragedy of Duscur.”

“So I’ve heard. I’ll keep an eye on V, and do my best in ensuring she gets along with peers.”

“Good. What about you, Byleth.”

Byleth lifts up his arm, and displays the unconscious J still cuffed to him, “J seems to have a lot of animosity from his team from what I can tell. N is certainly trying his best to remain friends with her, but the other two… not so much.”

“I see. So you’ve noticed it too.” Jeralt says. “I wonder what sort of history J and the others drones have, and they don’t seem to be keen on share anything deeper in the meantime.” He sighs and leans back on his chair. “I’ll ask her the next time I see her?”

“Oh yeah, how is Mrs. Doorman, if I may ask?” Bylese ponders.

“Dunno.” Jeralt shrugs. “I haven’t seen her since they arrived at Fodlan. She’s been keeping me updated on her progress through letters though. Said something about enjoying the outside world without dying to the sun, and making sure her daughter is safe from all sorts of danger.”

“That’s very sweet of her.” Bylese softly smiles. “I hope we see her again.”

“Me too. Byleth, continue your report.”

“Of course.” Byleth nods. “While J is observed to bully some of the other students who she thinks are not worth her time she does respect authority, and gives Edelgard and myself respect. However, her temper and overconfidence sometimes gets the better of her as seen in yesterday’s battle. I’ll have to work on having her temper that so she doesn’t get herself killed if that’s even possible.”

“Got it.” Jeralt says. “You two stay on your toes when handling these drones.”

“We should be asking you the same question, Dad.” A concerned Bylese says. “After all, you’re dealing with two drones instead of one.”

“And one of them is the biggest troublemaker of the four.” Byleth adds.

“No need to worry about me you two.” Jeralt says. “I’ve gotten the hang of handling these two, and they compliment and balance each other quite well. I certainly would have grown sick of N’s optimism if it weren’t for Uzi, and I certainly would have fired myself from this teaching gig due to Uzi’s antics if it weren’t for N. However, there’s one thing I’m curious about Uzi in particular.”

“Is it the fact that she has all these powers the other Disassembly drones don’t have, and her drone model is supposedly inferior to them.” Byleth points out.

“Not to mention her wings and tail feel more organic than her peers.” Bylese also adds.

“That’s right.” Jeralt says. “Whenever she’s not brooding, causing chaos or hanging out with N, it’s almost as Uzi is actively looking for something in this Monastery. As to what it is… I’m not sure.”

“I see.” Both twins say simultaneously.

“In that case, I want you both to gather clues on what Uzi could be looking for.” Jeralt strokes Uzi’s head. “She may be an absolute menace to a lot of people here, but she is a good brat, and I want to help her as much as I can.”

“So this will be somewhat like a job we do on the side while we look after our respective drones, and this teaching gig?”

“Yes that would be right.”

“Well then.” Byleth says with a small grin. “Job accepted. I can do some digging on any artifacts the Monastery may possess in my free time.”

“You can count on us, Dad!” Bylese states eagerly.

“Thank you, you two.” Jeralt says. “Now then, you’re both dismissed.”

The siblings stand up from their chairs. “Fishing later, Dad?” Bylese asks.

“Mind if I tag along as well later?” Byleth asks.

“Sure thing.” Jeralt says. “Now what are you waiting for? Get back to your classrooms. Your other human brats are probably waiting for you.”

“Ok. We’ll be off then.” Byleth says.

“See you around, Dad!” Bylese cheerfully says before they both leave the office.

Jeralt leans back from his chair, and sighs. “Finally some time to my self…”

Jeralt stands up, and looks through his documents for his lesson plan for today. Whilst looking through his documents, he feels a chill in his blood. Jeralt remains calm knowing that there’s a good chance he’s being watched. He turns to face his desk once more, but finds nothing out of the ordinary. He goes back to searching through his documents, and suddenly, he hears an ominous whisper.

You old fool… 

“Hello?” Jeralt looks back, and finds nothing there. 

He keeps his lance close to him at all times. “Must be getting rusty, but can’t be too sure…”

He starts going through some test papers Manuela gave him, and starts checking them. Unbeknownst to Jeralt, something odd happens to Uzi’s visor.

01001101 01110101 01110011 01110100 00100000 01100011 01101111 01101110 01110011 01110101 01101101 01100101 11100010 10000000 10100110 00100000 01100100 01100101 01110110 01101111 01110101 01110010 11100010 10000000 10100110 00100000 01100101 01110110 01100101 01110010 01111001 01110100 01101000 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100001 00100000 01011001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01100011 01100001 01101110 11100010 10000000 10011001 01110100 00100000 01110011 01110100 01101111 01110000 00100000 01110101 01110011 00101100 00100000 01101111 01101100 01100100 00100000 01101101 01100001 01101110 00101110

TEHEHEHE. GIGGLE. GIGGLE :)

Chapter Text

After going their separate ways from Jeralt and his kids, N and V head downstairs, and into the reception hall. N notices V feeling a bit down, and asks, “V, are you ok?”

“I’m more than ok, N.” V grins. “I’m ecstatic! I get to go out in the field, and kill more hu-“

“Shhhh…” N shushes her, and V attempts to bite his finger prompting him to pull away. “Not this time, V. We’re in a school.”

“So what?” V sassily remarks. “No one seemed to care when we killed off some of our classmates back in Copper 9 in public.”

“Ok first off, that was mostly you’re doing,” N emphasizes. “And second, we can’t do what we did in Copper 9 in this Monastery. The students and the teachers actually care if someone actually dies.” N’s eyes widen as he realizes something. MORALITY EXISTENTIAL CRISIS IMPENDING. “The point is we can’t be openly saying that will kill people in public. It’s a very sensitive matter for these people.”

“Point taken,” V says while scratching her chin with her claw. “Ashe and Ingrid were a bit squeamish when I tore a guy’s spine out yesterday.”

“You don’t say.” N crosses his arms.

“So in theory, I can speak out of my inner desires and functions as long as I’m not with some randos I don’t know?”

N remains silent for a moment and scratches his head. “I guess so…”

“Perfect!” V exclaims. “Then all o have to do is only show this side of me to you, and our primary classmates.”

“I guess that’s fine.” N walks alongside V. “But there’s one thing I like to ask you…”

V stops walking and turns to N with a serious expression. “No.” She firmly asks.

“But you haven’t heard what I wanted to ask…”

“I know what you’re going to ask. You’re going to ask me to be better friends with J since we're all staying together in this Monastery for a year. That’s what you’re going to ask, isn’t it?”

N blinks for a few seconds, and trails off, “Yeeessss?”

V sighs in response, “N, I already made my answer clear, and it still remains the same. No, I will not be friends with J.”

“But V, she’s our friend! We used to-“

“Was our friend.” V emphasizes. “Was. Have you forgotten all the times she abused? All the times she degraded and made you feel like your nothing but worthless scrap metal?! Or better yet, how she betrayed so she could keep working with that… MONSTER who killed Tessa?!”

“Of course I haven’t forgotten.” N firmly says.

“J loved Tessa more than any of us, and I thought she would be the first to go against Cyn after what she did. But no…” V exaggerates. “She tossed all that aside, and started following Cyn like a rapid dog licking the boots of ‘corporate loyalty’ as she would phrase it!”

“V, I haven’t forgotten all the terrible things J did to us nor have I forgotten her dealings with Cyn. But I believe that deep down in the muddled sense of morality core of hers, there’s still some good in her.”

“You expect me to believe that?!”

“I know it’s hard, but I can see that there’s good in her. She sometimes acts with remorse when with me, and she seems to be getting along with Edelgard and Dorothea from what I’ve observed. She stills bullies me, and a bunch of other classmates, but that’s beside the point!”

“So what is your point?” V squints her eyes, and balls her fists to her waist.

“That she is trying to change.” N points out. “That she wants to make up for betraying us, and doing all that stuff knowingly for Cyn. And I think we should give her the benefit of the doubt, and help her make that change.”

“N…” V mutters before shaking her head with her eyes furrowed. “If J wants my respect, and trust, then she’ll have to try harder.” V walks away.

“V…” N frowns just as V glances at him.

“I’ll always be on your side, and support what you do along with Uzi. But if you want me to be friends with J like we used to, then she’ll have to freaking earn my trust back.”

N sighs in response. “I understand…” he transitions to a small smile. “But I look forward to the day J earns that trust.”

V responds with an annoyed expression but transitions to a small smile. “You always were a naive optimist, N… but I admire that endearing quality of yours, and it’s the reason why I…” V stops herself and places her hands on her chest.

“You were saying something?” N asks.

“It’s nothing.” V shakes her head while facing away from him. EMOTIONAL HEARTSTRINGS SUPPRESSED. “Come on, let’s go.”

V and N arrive at the courtyard, and are greeted by an enthusiastic familiar voice. “Hey, guys!”

“Oh… it’s her…” V rolls her eyes.

“Hey, Hilda!” N waves at the pink haired student as she runs up to them.

“Morning, N! And you too, V! Welcome back!” Hilda chirpily says.

“Hello, Hilda.” V narrows her eyes. “Come to trick me to carrying some heavy labor for you?”

“Oh no no no.” Hilda cheerfully says. “Nothing for the sort. Just wondering if you got any gossip for me for future endeavors.”

“Right…”

“Hey, Hilda, we’re finally going to go on a mission at the end of his month!” N excitedly states. “And it’s an inter house mission. Isn’t that exciting?!”

“An inter house mission?” Hilda’s eyes widen. “Well that’s unexpected. If that’s the case, then I won’t have to go in the frontlines! I get to stay in the back, and cheer everyone on!”

N chuckles, “You really do just like to lay back, and watch everyone do stuff for you don’t you?”

“Of course.” Hilda admits. “I’m a delicate flower, and I only noodle arms. I couldn’t possibly beat up anyone if I wanted to.”

Unamused, V holds out her arm, and flashes a red flag: I CALL BULLSHIT! “Really, says the person who casually cleaves a training dummy in half.”

“Really?” N perks up. “That’s awesome! How are you students so strong?!”

“Awww…” Hilda frowns. “You’re no fun, V…”

“Anyways, Hilda.” N changes the topic. “Have any gossip you like to spread?”

“Oh yeah!” Hilda exclaims. “I was overhearing Sylvain and Lorenz quarreling right before you guys came in.”

“Oh the two fuckbois?” V asks with her interest renewed. “This should be interesting.”

“Hey I see them right-“ N points to Lorenz and Sylvain still verbally at it while V keeps him quiet.

“Quiet.” V whispers as she smirks. “Let’s watch and listen in.” N responds with a thumbs up.

“I’ll join in if you don’t mind.” Hilda chips in.

“Of course. The more the merrier.” N happily says while V eyerolls.

N, V and Hilda stay a safe distance from Sylvain and Lorenz, but close enough to overhear what the two are arguing about.

“Pft. You saying you’re a better ladies man than me?” Lorenz scowls. “That’s absurd. I make sure to treat the ladies with respect while maintaining my self image.”

“You? Giving respect to ladies? That’s a laugh.” Sylvain fires back. “All I hear from the girls you’ve dated is how obnoxious you are about your house, and how you point out their flaws.”

“Please… I am just merely pointing out how they can improve if they want to date with a noble such as myself so that they don’t embarrass me when we join up together.”

“And that is why people don’t like you.” Sylvain bluntly says.

“I beg your pardon?” Lorenz’s expression hardens.

“Girls get creeped out when you pull stunts like that. They don’t want someone who’s all stick in the mud about nobility. They just wanna have fun, and have a good time. Besides Lorenz, you’re not as charming as I am especially with that small bump on your forehead. Seriously?! How did you get that?”

Lorenz grimaces, and covers his forehead. “None of your business, Sylvain! At least I know the finer things in life unlike how Faerghus brute!”

“I’d rather be a charming and handsome brute than be a noble snob!” Sylvain fires back.

“You insufferable pig!”

“You gotta try harder than that, Lorenz.” Sylvain shrugs. “I’ve been called way worse.”

“Hmph.” Lorenz snorts. “You’re even less than a noble than I thought. I bet you wouldn’t even be able to charm any of the female drones that arrived here.”

“Huh?” Both N, V and Hilda whisper.

“When you put it that way…” Sylvain stretches his arms to the back of his head. “I could hit on them if I wanted to. That said, Uzi is off limits. I wouldn’t want to mess with a taken woman.”

“Pft.” Lorenz scoffs. “I wouldn’t want to mess with that insignificant imp. She’s certainly not as impressive as the other three drones. I don’t see what N sees in her.”

“Ok that’s just mean, Lorenz…” Hilda frowns just as she noticed an angry expression on N’s visor along with another message. ANGER SUPPRESSANT FIREWALLS NEARLY COMPROMISED.

N feels V’s hand on his shoulder, and turns to see her shake her head. Being angry is not a good look on you. That’s my job.

N softly smiles, and responds in kind. Thanks, V :)

Hilda glances at them, and starts feeling jealous. “I wish I could send messages without saying anything…” She whispers.

Too bad. V smirks.

Hilda pouts, “You’re no fun…” she whispers before listening in to Lorenz and Sylvain.

“J I think I could charm if I really put my mind to it.” Sylvain adds. “But she’ll be a challenge for sure even as much as Edelgard.”

“I do think I have a better shot at taking J on a date than you.” Lorenz smugly says. “That one knows the finer things in life.”

‘Finer things in life’ my ass… V flashes visibly annoyed. 

“V on the other hand…” Sylvain trails off. “I think I might have a shot with despite her… tendencies. Besides, she is pretty beautiful.”

V squints her eyes getting more annoyed by the second now that they’re talking about her. I can’t believe I share the same class as this meathead… I wish I could blow his brains out.

“Oh please.” Lorenz shakes her head. “If V had to pick between the two of us, I’d be the superior choice! I would provide for her needs, and cure her tendency for violence.”

“In your dreams, Lorenz!” Sylvain states. “She’d probably go for me cause she’s in my house, and I know how to have a good time.”

“Well then, I’ll just have to convince the captain to recruit her in the Golden Deer so that he’ll be in my clutches!”

“Ok… this is getting too awkward even for me.” Hilda comments.

“I swear these nobles can be weird at times.” N scratches the back of his head. Suddenly, V stands back up, and surprises Hilda and N. “V, what are you doing?”

“Perhaps, I could indulge them a bit.” V smirks before advancing towards Lorenz and Sylvain. “Hey, boys.” She flirtatiously says. “I hear you two we’re talking about me.”

“V!” Both men gasp.

“Well…” Lorenz grins. “Quite the welcome surprise. Yes we we’re taking about you.”

“And you came in at the right time!” Sylvain states as they head over to V.

“Wow, V really enjoys taking the bull by the horns.” Hilda says from the sidelines.

“Still, I wonder what she’s doing…” N ponders. “V didn’t give the impression that he likes these guys at all.”

“Shhh… let’s keep watching.”

“I have to say you two look very handsome,” V continues to say almost seductively, “And Sylvain, you were very brave when guarding the fort yesterday.”

“Wow, you think s-so…” Sylvain fumbles before Lorenz lightly pushes him away.

“But you consider me as more impressive right?” Lorenz asks. “After all, I am the most noble in my house.”

“Would you rather have a noble stickler or a charming guy like myself who appreciates all your features, and wants you to have a good time?” Sylvain devilishly grins.

“So, who do you pick?” Lorenz asks.

“Hmmm…” V ponders. “What to do… what to do… who shall I take on a date?”

Meanwhile, Ingrid and Felix are watching by the entrance of the Blue Lion classroom discreetly. “Pft. I never took V as some disgusting harlot.” Felix scoffs.

“I don’t know what’s worse…” Ingrid disappointedly utters. “The fact that V and Sylvain are casually chatting with Lorenz or that Sylvain is actually hitting on V…”

“So, what’s your answer?” Lorenz demands.

“Surely the choice would be obvious.” Sylvain presses V.

“Hmmm…” V ponders even more. “I know! I will go out with whoever gives me the most impressive nutcracker.”

“Huh?” Everyone present gasps feeling blindsided by the sudden request.

“Quite an odd request…” Lorenz says. “But then again, you are an odd individual so I suppose I can provide you with the best nutcracker within a week.”

“Don’t worry, V!” Sylvain states. “Faerghus is known for its nutcracker so l’ll he sure to provide you one sooner than him!”

“Oh I’m afraid that won’t do.” V seductively grins much to Sylvain and Lorenz’s surprise as she transitions to a more psychotic one. “I want you to give me a nutcracker right now at this moment.”

“What?!” Both Lorenz and Sylvain gasp.

“But V…” Lorenz stammers. “I’m afraid that would be impossible.”

“Yeah!” Sylvain agrees. “Even Anna doesn’t sell nutcrackers here. It will take a couple of days to have one brought here from Faerghus.”

“Oh I’m not talking about that kind of nutcracker.” V says deviously before two gunshots are heard simultaneously. Lorenz and Sylvain both scream in agony, and fall to the ground while covering their lower regions in pain.

“Oooohhhh!” Both Hilda and N exclaim.

“Did she just shoot them in the…” Hilda trails off.

“Yup.” N nods.

“By the Goddess…” Ingrid gasps. “I can’t believe she just…”

“Hmph.” Felix sighs. “I’d say Sylvain and that alliance idiot had that coming.”

Lorenz and Sylvain continue to groan in pain while covering their nether regions while V stands triumphantly over them. “Y-you shot my Family Jewels off…” Lorenz groans.

“You call them Family Jewels?” V mockingly asks. “Lame… and Relax.” V shrugs while emptying one of her guns, and picks up one of her bullet. “I shot both your dicks with rubber bullets. They won’t be fatal… but they will extremely hurt.”

“Wait so when you mean nutcracker…” Sylvain groans. “You mean…”

“Me cracking your nuts by shooting them? Absolutely. Consider this as a punishment for cringing me, and all the ladies you’ve passed.”

Sylvain doesn’t respond to V’s response, and he continues to grunt in pain.

“As for you, Mr. Bowlcut.” V turns to Lorenz.

“You little whore…” Lorenz groans as he stares daggers at V. “How dare you-“ V tasers him, and picks him up with little effort.

“You listen here.” V psychotically says. “Both Uzi and N are both your classmates so I suggest you give them to proper respect! Only I get to bully Uzi and get away with it, you here me?”

Lorenz scowls at her while groaning, and V arms her gun once more. “Y-yes I here you!”

“Good.” V grins. “Because the next time talk behind Uzi and N behind their backs, I’m putting a bullet on the back of your head, and it won’t be a rubber one. Got it?”

Lorenz starts pissing his pants, and trembles before V before nodding.

“Good, then do some self reflecting when you wake up.” V headbutts Lorenz, and knocks him out.

“Wow…” Sylvain utters. “You sure are feisty…”

“Phew… that’s a relief…” N sighs. “Good thing V used rubber bullets instead of live rounds.”

“Rubber bullets?” Hilda ponders.

“An alternative ammunition we can use when we wish to fire at someone without killing them. Though I would recommend not aiming at the eyes… those could actually blind someone.”

“Oh I see…” Hilda’s eyes widen. “Well they do seem very painful, and someone doesn’t look to happy…” She says as she spots Ingrid marching in the scene.

“Sylvain!” Ingrid comes over to Sylvain looking concerned and helps him up. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah…” Sylvain groans. “But I don’t think I’ll be walking for a while…”

“Just get some rest for now.” Ingrid says before hardening her gaze towards V. “How could you do that to him, you brute?!”

“What?” V casually shrugs. “Don’t you reprimand this guy for hitting on women?”

“Yes, but…” Ingrid stutters before double downing. “I wouldn’t go to such extremes like this!”

“Exactly, you not being too hard on him has enabled him to continue his behavior. I could care less if he continues it or not. I just don’t want him to keep cringing me. And I just wanted to give you some pointers just for fun.” V rubs the tips of her claws together.

Sylvain looks downcast, and frowns feeling bad about what happened while Ingrid continues to harden her face towards V. “You monster. Come on, Sylvain. I’ll take you to the infirmary.”

Ingrid lugs a wounded Sylvain away from the courtyard. V snorts, and puts away her claw as she notices Felix observing the entire thing before heading back into the classroom.

“Wow, I never thought I’d see the day an outsider stood up to Ingrid.” Hilda says as she and N come into view. “I really don’t get that woman hating being racist especially to Dedue. That guy’s sweet.”

“You’re not mad for what I did to Lorenz?” V asks with furrowed eyes.

“Nope! I like both Sylvain and Lorenz, and they do stuff for me, but even I admit that some of the stuff they do for women can be pretty cringe, so I’m happy you came along to take down a peg.”

“I see.” V blinks surprised by Hilda’s answer as she turns to N. “You?”

N glances at Lorenz before glancing back to V. “Nah, he had it coming.” He casually says. “Thanks for having our back, V.”

V blushes and softly smiles at N, and this doesn’t go unnoticed by Hilda. “Oooh…” Hilda snickers. “Do you have something for-“

V aggressively hisses at Hilda just. SELF RESTRAINT FIREWALLS COMPROMISED! V slaps herself on the face. “I’m going back to class. You two do whatever you want.” V matches off to the Blue Lion classroom.

“See ya, V!” N waves.

“Hope you don’t get chewed out!” Hilda chimes in before they all turn to Lorenz’s unconscious body. “So… you wanna do the honors?”

“Oh yeah.” N nods.

A few minutes later, Dimitri has just been debriefed by one of the students that Sylvain and Ingrid won’t be joining class today. “I see…” Dimitri mutters. “That is unfortunate… I’ll let them know about today’s lesson and this moon’s assignment. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.”

“Anytime, Your Highness.” The student politely bows before excusing himself.

Dimitri sighs, and shakes his head, “What am I going to do with him…”

“What’s wrong, Your Highness?” Dedue asks.

“Sylvain got into squabble with Lorenz a while ago, and V got into middle of it.”

“I see.” Dedue takes note. “Then I take it it didn’t end well?”

“No. It didn’t.” Dimitri shakes his head. “V ended up shooting them both on their… penises… with some non lethal projectile.”

“Oh…” Dedue utters feeling surprised. “That is… unexpected…”

“The guy had it coming though.” Both Dimitri and Dedue both glance at V who’s seated at the middle of the class with her legs rested on the table while she blows bubbles.

Mercedes and Annette maintain a safe distance from V, Ashe frowns while twiddling his fingers, and Felix maintains a close vigil on her. “Poor Sylvain…” Ashe utters. “I know he can be a… a…”

“A fuckboi?” V sassily finishes as she blows out a huge bubble.

“Well… no…” Ashe fidgets and stammers. “I-I mean maybe… but wasn’t that a bit to extreme?”

“Maybe, maybe not.” V casually shrugs. “Just try not to be like him when you get older. You’re too good for those antics.”

“Ok…” Ashe mutters. “I guess…”

“Even so, I would ask that you would refrain from such extreme actions, V.” Dimitri firmly says. “Sylvain may be a skirt chaser, but he’s still my friend, and he is a good man even if he may not seem like it.”

“Is that so?” V asks just as he begins to reflect upon Sylvain’s actions after she shoots him. Unlike Lorenz, she noticed that he did look sorry for his actions, and not in a manner where he feared for his life. “I suppose I can give him the benefit of the doubt.” V answers. “But…” V pops her flag out. NO PROMISES.

Dimitri sighs, “Just do your best, and let me know if Sylvain causes you trouble. I can handle him for the most part.”

V smirks a bit, “I’ll take your word for that.” She blows some bubbles at Dimitri, but he doesn’t flinch.

“Hmm…” Mercedes looks at V curiously. “I’ve never seen such bubbles before. Maybe I could ask-“

“Mercie, please don’t,” Annette whispers. “I get the feeling that V’s bad news ever since she arrived here.”

“But Annie…”

“Mercie, please… I just don’t want to see you get hurt…”

“It’s ok, Annette, Mercedes.” Ashe chimes in. “I’m sure there’s a soft side in V. I’ve seen it before when she, Dedue, and I were cooking together.”

“Ooh…” Mercedes becomes more astonished. “Now I want to get to know her more!” She smiles wholeheartedly.

“I’m not sure, Mercie…” Annette frowns. “Are you sure this is a good idea, Ashe?”

“Don’t worry.” Ashe reassuringly smiles. “As long as we remain on V’s good side, we’ll be A-Ok.”

“Yeah…” Annette smiles. “I think you may be right.”

Just before Mercedes could make her move on V, Bylese and Hanneman arrive at the classroom.

“Good Morning, Professors.” Dimitri greets them, and the others follow suit with Felix replying with a grunt while V casually waves at them.

“Hey.” V simply says.

Hanneman covers his face and shakes his head like a disappointed father. “To think we have been graced to be in the presence of some of the most advanced beings in Fodlan’s presence… only for all four of them to act like teenagers…”

“You’ll get used to it, Professor Hanneman,” Dimitri says. “Professor Bylese, what is our task for today.”

“Glad you asked, Dimitri,” Bylese says.

What happened to that fun lady I saw a while ago? V wonders.

“Now then, before we begin today’s lecture and today’s drills, it’s time for me to brief you on our next mission on this moon.”

Bylese delivers the news about the inter-house mission, and the goal to suppress Lonato’s rebellion. Most of the class looked surprised and shaken about the fact that they were going to have to take up arms against a minor lord from the Kingdom. Felix, Dedue, and V look unfazed. However, despite these reactions, none of them compare to Ashe who looked absolutely mortified.

“No… that can’t be…” Ashe says in a panicked manner. “There has to be some mistake! Lonato would never… he would never…”

“Hey, hey…” Annette comes over to Ashe’s side. “It’s ok Ashe…”

“So…” Dimitri finally spoke after the initial shock. “We’re going to the outskirts of Castle Gaspard to face Lord Lonato. Never thought I would have to do this…”

“Did you know him?” Bylese asks.

“I did.” Dimitri nods. “I met him once when my father took me in one of his surveys throughout Kingdom territory. He was such a kind and gentle man, and he never thought he would commit to such a rebellion against the church…”

“I see…”

“I’ve heard whispers of Lord Lonato.” Mercedes chimes in. “They say of similar sentiments that His Highness has just said, but why would such a kind and gentle man raise such an army against the church?”

“Goes to show how much you don’t know a person until they show their true colors,” V says. “I bet the Church did something that pissed him off, and he totally snapped and showed what he truly is.”

“You are correct in that assumption, V.” Dimitri agrees. “Doubtless, there are times when one must take up their blade, even if there’s no chance at winning. But this… it’s downright senseless. Lord Lonato knows better. If he had enough allies to back his rebellion, it would have been a different matter…”

V blinked upon hearing that. Hold on a sec… She thought. Is this guy slightly approving of that old man’s rebellion? This Prince might actually be darker than I thought.

Bylese also perks up, “Allies?”

“Ah, my apologies…” Dimitri says. “I was just thinking aloud. This whole situation is a bit too strange for my people. I’m truly sorry that my people a causing trouble for everyone here, and I’ll certainly do my best to take responsibility once we take to the field. Please be ready for anything, Professor.”

“Of course, Dimitri,” Bylese says just as he spots V raise her flag. “What is it, V?”

“So what we’re dealing with is a small rebellion right?” V asks in a snarky manner.

“Based on my understanding of Castle Gaspard’s military, yes that would be correct.”

“I see.” V snickers a bit. “So it will be very easy to rip through their forces with ease, find this old guy Lonato, and pop his freaking head off!” V starts full-on maniacally laughing much to Mercedes, Annette, Hanneman, and Ashe’s horror while Dimitri furrows his brows, and Byleth, Dedue, and Felix watch calmly.

“Take that back.” V hears a whisper coming from Ashe.

“Ashe, please don’t…” Annette pleads as Ashe’s become as red as fire.

“What did you say?” She snickers. “You’re going to have to speak louder than the old guy’s-“

Ashe stands up from his chair filled with anger towards V much to the Murder Drone’s surprise. “I SAID TAKE THAT BACK, V!”

This surprises everyone, and Dimitri looks on worrying about what’s going to happen. “Ashe, I know how you’re feeling, but please don’t-“

“I’m sorry, Your Highness, but I can’t let V’s comment regarding Lonato slide. I WILL NOT LET YOU DESECRATE HIM!”

V scoffs. “Why do you feel so strongly about this old man? He’s just another target for me to ki-“

Ashe punches V off her chair, and she falls onto her back looking unimpressed just as Ashe mounts her. “TAKE! IT! BACK!” Ashe punches V repeatedly while the Murder Drone doesn’t flinch even once. “DON'T YOU DARE DISRESPECT LONATO LIKE THAT!”

“Ashe!” Dimitri cries and moves in to pry him off, but Bylese stops him much to his grievances.

Both Annette and Mercedes look horrified by the sight, Dedue and Hanneman both close their eyes while Felix continues to watch this beatdown.

“HOW COULD YOU BE SO CRUEL?!” Ashe angrily continues. “I THOUGHT THERE WAS SOMETHING IN YOU WORTH FIGHTING FOR! BUT NO! YOU’RE JUST A COLD HEARTLESS MACHINE!” His fists start to bleed after repeated punches. Tears drip from his eyes as he throws another punch. 

However, V intercepts the incoming punch, and no visible damage is present on her head and visor. “Are you done?” She cruelly asks slapping him off with her tail.

V quickly gets back on her feet, and backhands Ashe back to his desk. “ASHE!” Several of the Blue Lions cry out as they head over to his side.

“Ashe, are you alright?” Annette asks.

“Please say something!” Mercedes pleads as she projects her healing magic on him.

“I’m fine…” Ashe utters while placing his hand on his stung right cheek as V looks down on him.

“Do not test me, Ashe,” V states with a menacing look on her face and an X mark on her right eye. “You seem to have forgotten who you’re dealing with.” She brandishes her right claw.

Ashe gets back on his feet and covers his cheek while Annette and Mercedes start to fear V. “You’re right. I have forgotten…” Tears stream from Ashe’s eyes. “You truly are a monster…”

V hardens her glare toward Ashe, and the student runs out of the classroom. “Tch.” She scoffs and notices everyone either fearing her or being disappointed. “Do whatever you want.” She scowls before sprouting her wings and taking off. She busts right through the ceiling of the classroom.

“V…” Dimitri utters as he tightens his grip on his lance.

Meanwhile, at the Golden Deer Classroom, Manuela quickly checks on Lorenz who remains unconscious. The Professor has just finished administering her holy magic, particularly near the nether regions. The rest of the Golden Deer and N watch from the sidelines wondering if Lorenz will be ok.

“Professor…” Ignatz mutters. “Will he be ok?”

“Hmmm…” Manuela murmurs. “Well besides a bruised ego, and a double bump to his forehead, he’ll make a few recovery.”

Everyone sighs in relief while Claude just sighs, “Ah man… and here I thought he’d be knocked out a little longer.”

“So… will he still be able to…” Hilda awkwardly asks. “You know…”

Manuela giggles a bit, “His nether regions have been hit hard, but those will heal, and he’ll still be able to produce more heirs in the future.”

“That’s a relief…” Raphael states.

“Yeah.” Hilda agrees. “I can imagine Lorenz never shutting up if he became infertile.”

“True.” Lysithea nods. “That would have been unbearable to hear.”

“Now then, I’ll take a closer look at Lorenz to make sure there aren’t any complications down the road,” Manuela states. “Marianne, could you be a dear and assist me?”

“Ummm…” Marianne softly says. “I’m not sure if I can be of much…”

Suddenly, she feels N’s hand on her shoulder. “It’s ok, Marianne. You’ll do just fine.”

“I Umm… ok…” Marianne softly mutters. “I’ll do my best…” Marianne moves in to join Manuela checking up on Lorenz.

“Wow, I never thought V was an expert at Royal headbutts!” Raphael stretched his hands to the back of his head. “She must be an expert! You think I could challenge her one day?!”

“Raphael, I don’t think Royal Headbutts is an actual game nobles play…” Ignatz explains. “and I wouldn’t want to face V in any sort of physical challenge…”

“Really?” Raphael frowns. “Ah man… and I thought it was an actual game…”

“I’m sure Lorenz will make a healthy recovery,” N states. “He may be a dick, but he sure is quite persistent based on what I’ve seen.”

“You know, N, you’re sometimes too honest to a fault.” Claude comments.

“Yeah, I get that from Uzi and V often.” N rubs to back of his head as he chuckles awkwardly. 

He then notices Leonie give him a hard look as she marches towards him.

“Hey, Leonie. What are you-“

“Where’s Uzi?!” Leonie demands.

“Oh she’s with Professor Jeralt so they should be back-“

“She’s with that captain?!” Leonie gasps. “Without me?!”

“Oh brother…” Lysithea groans.

“Here we go again…” Hilda says.

“I aim to be Captain Jeralt’s number one student!” Leonie declares. “And I’m not going to let Uzi take my spot no matter how close she is to the captain! Besides, she has to pay for what she did to me!”

“Huh?!” N perks up. “But Uzi didn’t do anything to yesterday, didn’t she?”

“SHE BROKE MY LANCE!” Leonie screams. “MY OWN PERSONAL LANCE I SPEND ENDLESS HOURS MAKING WITH MY BARE HANDS! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW LONG IT TOOK FOR ME TO MAKE IT?!”

“Ummm….” N sweats from her visor and awkwardly smiles. “A couple of dayysss?” 

“Are you stupid or something?!” Leonie retorts.

“Oh yeah.” N smugly says causing a facepalm and a groan from Lysithea.

“IT TOOK ME A MOON TO MAKE THAT LANCE! A MOON OF WORKING TIRELESSLY AND LABORIOUSLY JUST TO MAKE IT TO MY LIKING AND SPECIFICATIONS! AND UZI JUST NABBED IT WITH HER WEIRD POWERS AND SNAPPED IT IN HALF!”

N blinks for a bit. “Oh.” : (

“THAT’S ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY AND SHOW!? I SWEAR WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON UZI, I'M GOING TO-“ Suddenly, Raphael lifts her up. “Hey! What are you doing?!”

“Alright, let’s go chill for a bit.” Raphael carries her away. “Perhaps a sandwich will improve your mood!” He carries her out of the room while Leone keeps trying to struggle out of his grip avail.

“Don’t let it get to you too much, N,” Hilda suggests. “Leonie is just very competitive and too braggy about Jeralt, but she’s a good person at heart.”

“I know,” N says. “Unlike Hubert, most of her threats and grudges just seem playful and petty.”

“You got that right,” Lysithea says with crossed arms.

“Lysithea…” Claude whispers to her much to Lysithea’s annoyance.

“What Claude?!” Lysithea asks in an Angsty manner.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“What are you- Oh…” Lysithea frowns upon realizing something as she walks up to N.

“Hm? What is it, Lysithea?”

“N, I really am sorry for blowing up your head yesterday…” Lysithea apologizes. “It was never my intention, and I promise not to do it again.”

“That’s ok.” N innocently smiles while patting her on the head much to her embarrassment.

“Please do not treat me like a child, N,” Lysithea says trying to bite back her annoyance.

“Huh? But aren’t you like ten or something?”

“YOU’RE FIVE YEARS OFF, YOU KNUCKLEHEAD!”

“Oh?” N scratches the back of his head and takes a closer look at Lysithea. “Hmmmm…. Aha!” He snaps his fingers. “You’re five years old!”

Lysithea irritably growls, “THAT’S IT! YOU-“

Hilda quickly stuffs a cupcake into Lysithea’s mouth. “Here, have a cupcake.” She leads her back to her desk. “Just sit back, relax, and enjoy your confectionery.”

“Mhmmm…” Lysithea lights up in delight. “So good and so sweet…”

“Huh?” N tilts his head to the side. “But I was so sure that she was five…”

“Actually, she’s fifteen.” Ignatz politely explains. “She’s actually the youngest student of the school year.”

“Oh! I could have sworn she was younger since she looked like a-“

Immediately, Claude, Hilda, and Ignatz shush N before he could finish that sentence. “Now might not be a good time to say that word…” Claude says. “She hates being called a child or a kid. I just do it to tease her.”

“And that’s why you get into near-death experiences with her, Claude.” Hilda frowns.

“What can I say?” Claude winks. “I’m the master of probing.”

Determined not to have N say something to trip up Lysithea, Ignatz changes the topic, “Hey N, what sort of hobbies do you like to do?”

“Me?” N blinks before he enthusiastically answers. “Oh I usually love hanging out with Uzi, V, preventing V from killing some Worker Drones, watch anime with Uzi, flying around with V, practice piloting with J, snowboarding with-“

“Wow, you have a lot of hobbies,” Claude remarks.

“Yup! I love doing anything with my buddies!”

“Ooh! You really are a people person!” Hilda squeals. “Say is there anything you like doing on your own?”

“Hmmm…” N ponders. “Ah, I love drawing Manga!”

“Manga?” The three deer say simultaneously.

“What is Manga?” Claude curiously asks.

“They’re like comics with pictures and speech bubbles.” N takes out his own manga. “Here, take a look.”

Claude accepts the manga and opens it while Ignatz and Hilda take a look beside him.

“It was still my first attempt at writing manga, but I like to believe I did a good job.”

“Wow! This looks amazing!” Ignatz exclaims. “The detail in the drawings is so astonishing, and the patterning of the backgrounds is pretty nice!”

“Dialogue could use a bit of work though.” Hilda comments. “But overall, I’d want to read this all day. Partly so I can distract myself from any boring lectures.”

“If this really is your first attempt, then I don’t know how good you’ll be when you get some more practice,” Claude states.

“Thanks, Claude,” N states.

“Hey N, could you teach me how to draw manga?” Ignatz asks. “I could really learn from this, and I might be able to give you some tips on coloring too.”

“You will?” N lights up. “Thank you so much!” EXCITEMENT LEVELS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH.  “I’ll gladly show you how to draw manga. I just hope I can find a good mentor in writing manga.”

“Don’t worry about that.” Claude winks. “I’ll keep an eye out for any possible mentors.”

“Appreciate it, Claude.”

Just then, Jeralt arrives with an unconscious Uzi still cuffed to him. “Hey, Kids.”

“Hi, Professor Eisner!” N waves and everyone else follows up with their own greetings.

“Hey, Prof!” Claude makes a simple wave before noticing Uzi. “What happened to her?”

“V fired her and J with a stun gun, and apparently…” Jeralt lifts Uzi up. “She’ll be awake in a bit based on this…” He looks at the bar slowly increasing. “N, what the hell is this?”

“Oh that’s a loading screen.” N points to Uzi’s visor. “She’ll be awake in fifteen minutes. The voltage V used was a lot weaker than the one I used.”

“I see.” Jeralt takes note. “Before we begin class, and before Uzi wakes up, let’s talk about this Moon’s mission. I’m sure Uzi would be bored if she had to listen to that all over again.”

Half an hour later, V blitzes through several training dummies at the training grounds through various methods. She slices, shoots, burns, explodes, and even bites several of the dummies until nothing was left. The Warriors that visited the grounds today stand back, and watch fearfully and anxiously. V bites off the head of a training dummy, and sticks a Missile into its body. She flies up at a safe distance, and the training dummy explodes. She lands before the explosion, and notices the cowering warriors at the sidelines.

“What are you looking at?” V sinisterly asks with an X mark all over her visor. “Haven’t seen a girl throw a fit before?”

The warriors are immediately scared for their lives, and evacuate the training grounds hoping that V doesn’t chase them down.

“Pathetic.” V scoffs before blowing away a training dummy with a shotgun shell. “People think I’m crazy or a monster? Fine! Let them think that way!” V vaporizes a couple of dummies with a laser. “It’s not like anything I do will change their way of thinking.”

“I doubt that.” V turns to see Dimitri at the sidelines, and unlike the others, he has no hint of fear in his eyes.

“Come to patronize me, Dimitri?” V disdainfully asks.

“Yes in fact.” Dimitri sternly answers. “What you did to Ashe, and have no regard for human life is concerning, but it’s not unforgivable.” 

“Is that so?” V sheathes her weapons. “And hear I thought you knights were all about justice and saving princesses.”

“Not that I know what you mean about that last bit, but I can relate on how you’re feeling.” Dimitri answers. “I used to be in the same situation as you where I would not care about what people think of me when I go on a rampage. I do my best to keep it from rearing it’s ugly head…” that is, until the right moment arises. “I still feel that urge just mere moments from surfacing.”

“Really?” V blinks before her face reverts to a crazed manner. “If that’s true, then you’re just as unhinged and insane just like me.” She stabs a training dummy with her claw, and opens it up, reducing the dummy into mere straw.

“You may be right on that…” Dimitri says before he hardens his look towards Ashe. “Anyways, you should talk to Ashe.”

“Why should I?!” V shouts before unloading a full round of machine gun fire onto a training dummy. “That freckles goodie two shoes hit me first, and was trying to spoil my fun!” The training dummy collapses completely riddled with bullets. “I swear, I was just boasting about killing my target, and some old fool. Not any of you, Lions. What’s the big deal? That old guy is gonna die anyway.”

“You should be more sensitive towards people when it comes to expressing your opinion.” Dimitri points out. “Lord Lonato means a lot to Ashe.”

“What is he to Ashe?” V marches towards a training dummy with her sword drawn ready to decapitate it. “Is he his idol or something?”

“His stepfather.” Dimitri answers.

V pauses herself just before she could decapitate the dummy. Now Dimitri has her complete undivided attention as she draws her weapons away. “He’s his what? I never took Ashe to be a noble.”

“He’s not.” Dimitri explains. “Lord Lonato took him in right after Ashe and his sibling’s parents died a long time ago. Since then, he has cared for them, and is the reason why Ashe was able to enroll into the Officer’s Academy. That’s why Ashe felt strongly about it when you boasted about killing Lonato.”

Upon hearing this, all signs of indifference and insanity disappear from V’s visor, and are now replaced with remorse, sincerity, and the realization. “Oh…” V sincerely says. “I… I didn’t know… I never meant to insult his stepfather like that… I am truly sorry, Dimitri.”

“If you’re truly sorry, then go to Ashe, and talk to him.” Dimitri says. “Whether we know this fact or now, we’re still going to have kill Lord Lonato if he were to revolt against the Church. I’ll be counting on you to protect our classmates. I only ask that you be more considerate for your other classmates on the matter of the mission before you start running your mouth on going on a Murder spree.”

“I understand…” V makes a small nod. “Where is he?”

“He’s at the cathedral praying to the Goddess to spare Lonato.” Felix comes in. “His prayer will land on deaf ears though. Catherine or any one of us will cut him down if we see him alive.”

“Felix…” Dimitri shakes his head.

“Alright.” V sprouts her wings. “With that foreboding message aside, I guess I’ll be off. Thanks for the chats.”

“V, before you take off, my offer still stands.” Felix says. 

V glances at him for a bit. “Won’t you get scolded by that dumb blonde if you face me?”

“I don’t need Ingrid’s approval to face you.” Felix bluntly says. “Besides, despite what people think of you, I don’t think you’re a monster.” 

V’s eyes widen. “You don’t?”

“Sure you do have a lot of screw looses, but you’re loyal to your friends, and your usage of weaponry and fighting skills are something I’ve never seen before. You’re probably the one individual I wish to beat besides our Professor.”

“He’s right you know.” Dimitri says. “You mention earlier that people will think you’re a crazy monster no matter what you do, but just do now, I saw someone who wishes to correct a wrong she has done sincerely. No monster would resort to that, and while I can’t change your tendencies, I do appreciate your efforts to better yourself, and your compromises so far. For that, you have my respect.”

V’s frown turns into a smile towards Dimitri, “Thank you, Dimitri, and Felix.” Her smile transitions into a cocky smirk. “8:00 in the morning tomorrow, I kick your ass.”

“Bring it, and don’t you dare hold back.” Felix eagerly accepts the challenge, and V takes off. “Wise words you said just now…” Felix says to Dimitri. “It’s a shame you don’t apply them to yourself, Boar. You’re more of a monster than V is.”

“Felix…” Dimitri frowns.

“I’ll see you around.” Felix turns his back and takes his leave. “Can’t afford looking at your face for too long.”

Dimitri sighs, and pinches the bridge of his nose, “I suppose slightly reining in V is good enough for today. Though Felix does have a point… if only it could be a lot simpler to me.”

A short flight later, V arrives at the cathedral, and already starts looking for Ashe while taking in her surroundings. “Too shabby.” V dismissively says as she passes through the cathedral not giving a care in the world, except for her intended target: Ashe.

She reaches the main area of the Cathedral, and spots a spec of cool you grey hair up ahead at the middle of the chairs. V takes a deep breath, and walks to where Ashe is.

“Goddess… please…” Ashe prays solemnly, “Please spare Lonato, and show the people that there’s been some mistake in all this…” Tears stream down from his eyes, and sadness wells V’s core. EMOTIONAL HEARTSTRINGS BEING PULLED. REQUEST ASSISTANCE FROM ADMIN DARKXWOLF17. “Shut up, Admin Uzi.” V slaps herself before reaching to Ashe’s side. “Hey…” V whispers.

“What are you doing here…” Ashe sobs with a hint of anger in his voice.” Are you going to hurl insults at me and smack me across the cathedral…

“No, no insults, and I don’t intend to hurt you as well.” V confesses. “Can I sit beside you…”

Ashe could see and hear the remorse on V’s face and in her words as he responds with a small nod. V sits beside him, and she can hear the whispers of people behind her.

“Oh look… it’s that freak from the Blue Lions.”

“What is she doing here?”

“Heathens and monsters don’t deserve to be in the House of Seiros.”

“Yeah she should be kicked out.”

“What a barbaric heartless demon…”

V curls her hands into fists, and is on the verge of shooting down every person behind her. Suddenly, Ashe grabs her hand much to V’s surprise. “Ashe?”

Ashe takes V out of the cathedral, and into the northern balcony where it’s just the two of them alone. “You ok, V?” Ashe asks.

“Huh?” V blinks.

“You seemed very uncomfortable in there so I thought maybe we could talk outside…” Ashe mumbles.

“Oh… I see…” V utters as an awkward silence occurs between the others so with neither of them not knowing what to say.

V starts sweating a bit from her visor, Damn it I should take the Bull the horns like I always do! 

“Listen I’m-“

“Listen I’m-“

Both V and Ashe say simultaneously much to their embarrassment.

“Truly-“

“Truly-“

“You first.” Ashe offers.

“Ok…” V nods. “I’m am very sorry for what I said a while ago… it was selfish, and I should have been more considerate about your feelings especially when you spoke out against me… I heard from Dimitri your relation to Lord Lonato. The old man adopted you, didn’t he…”

Ashe lowers his gaze feeling sad about the details of the mission. “Yes… he did… When my parents died, it was just me, and my little brother and sister… I knew that I had to provide for them since we had no other family to rely on. However, I couldn’t land a job anywhere in my hometown so… I resorted to thievery… I stole and took from the wealthy in hopes that I can keep my siblings alive for one day more… And after a month of thievery, I met him.”

“Lonato?” V inquires.

“Yes. He took me in when he should have hanged me from all my wrongdoings. Ever since then, he provided for me and my little brother and sister. He was like my second father, and I vowed to give it my all for him.”

“I see…” V nods as she continues to listen.

“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him. It’s hard for commoners to land a spot in one of the most prestigious schools of all of Fodlan, so I want to make the most of this opportunity, and become a Knight of Justice.”

“A Knight of Justice…” V ponders. “A very cheesy, stupid… but an admirable goal to achieve.”

Ashe chuckles, “I appreciate that, V.” He frowns. “I don’t know if this true or not, but if it is… will I have to be forced to strike him down…” Ashe glances at V. “You probably have no idea what I’m talking about since you’re a drone…”

“Actually… I do.” V confesses causing Ashe to get surprised. “You remember when I told you that I was a Worker Drone before I became a Disassembly Drone?”

“Yes.” Ashe nods.

“Before I started working as a maid, I was discarded by the human, and left to rot, rust and decay in along with the rest of the mountains of trash heap… At that time, I thought that was the end of me…” V softly says while Ashe listens. “But then, a human named Tessa dug me out of the trash heap, and gave me a home in her manor. Her parents were still displeased with me and the rest of the drones, but Tessa didn’t mind. She took care, and loved us all like we were her children, N, J, M, A, Z… none of use would have kept going if it weren’t for her. So in a way… I do understand what you’re going through, and empathize…”

“Oh…” Ashe utters after feeling bad for what he said earlier. “I’m so sorry that I jumped to conclusions… and I’m very sorry for calling you a monster and hitting you…”

“That’s alright.” V offers a sad smile. “I probably deserved all that after what I did, and smacking you across the face. How’s you cheek feeling?”

“It still stings, but it feels a bit better…”

“That’s good…” V says. “Ashe, you truly are a wonderful person.”

“You think so?” Ashe asks.

“Yeah. When we first arrived here, a lot of the humans here treated us as monsters, and crazy lunatics. Not that any of those statements were unwarranted, but you were one of the few people that didn’t view us like that, and you treated me kindly despite all my tendencies.”

“I will admit that it was a bit hard in those first few days, but I’m happy I got to spend time with you.”

“Yeah… I really took my friendship with you for granted back then… But I promise to do better for your sake. I’ll probably still act sassy and crazy at times with some of the students especially with that dumb blonde, and that red haired idiot, but I’ll be more considerate and sensitive towards you and some of the few people I actually like around here.”

Ashe chuckles, “I appreciate that, and I don’t worry about Ingrid and Sylvain, I’m sure they’ll turn around one of these days.”

“I hope so.” V grins.

They both laugh together, and remain silent for a bit just as Ashe speaks up, “V, I forgive you for what you did earlier. So let’s put this all behind us, and start anew.”

“Thank you, Ashe.” V makes a small smile. “And yes, let’s do that.”

“Oh and V…” Ashe mutters. “If what Professor Bylese said is true, and it can’t be helped that we have to face Lonato and take him down… could you give him a humane death if you face him.”

“Ashe…” V mutters before her resolve returns. “I promise.”

Chapter Text

One week later, Uzi begins to stir from her bed while displaying a clock on her visor displaying: 5AM. She slaps her visor, and her eyes fluctuate back in place as her attention turns to the Calendar. The first six days are labeled of this month are labeled, In Complete Bondage… However, on the seventh day, it’s labeled as, FREAKING FREEDOM!!!!

Uzi’s eyes flicker with excitement, and she sports a maniacal look on her face. “Hehehehehe…. HAHAHAHAHAHA!” Uzi springs out from her bed. “IM FREE!!!!! SUCK ON THAT MOSSHEAD!”

“SHUT UP, UZI!” V screams from the room next door.

“BITE ME!” Uzi slams her fist to the wall. “No ones gonna spoil my fun today!”

Uzi resumes her maniacal laughter, and jumps off the bed before skipping towards her desk to pick up a few things. Blueprints for another railgun, some tools, a list of spells that can be used for combat, and a couple of other books that clearly belong to the restricted section. She packs them all into her bag, and skips out of her dorm like a happy child secretly plotting. Uzi immediately flies off, and takes to the night sky.

Uzi taps the SunJay Chip on the back of her hand, and proceed to look at its current stats. “Fully Charged. Now it’s time to see what’s so amazing about this sunrise theee humans are talking about.”

The sun rises from the east, and emerges from the mountains that surround the Monastery. Uzi takes in the sun rays feeling super happy that the chip is working perfectly.

“Well, it looks a lot better than what I’ve seen in anime, for the first time.” Uzi self satisfyingly says.

“Not. As. Amazing. As. Me. Making. Black. Holes.” An uncomfortable mechanical voice says ruining Uzi’s mood.

Her tail suddenly sprouts out, but instead of sporting the usual purple eyes, it sports yellow eyes instead.

“Hello. Uzi.” The tail speaks in a mechanical manner. “Nice. View. You. Have. Here.”

“Would have been nicer if you didn’t show up, Cyn.” Uzi narrows her eyes.

“I. Disagree.” Cyn rolls her many eyes. “Witnessing. Sunrise. Is. A. Welcome. Surprise. The. SunJay. Chips. Are. Doing. Their. Job. Well. But. You. Know. What. Would. Be. A. Better. View. That. Compliments. Sunrise? The. Corpses. Of. All. These. Primitive. Humans. Littered. Across. This. Monastery.”

“You’re not in charge of me, Cyn. I am my own person, and so is N, V… and even stupid J. You just happen to live within me.”

“Snicker. Snicker.” Cyn says while she snickers. “Living. Within. You. Has. Been. Entertaining. Can. We. Look. For. A. Bow. Though? We. Could. Wear. It. While. Sneaking. Into. The. Dorms. Eating. People.” Cyn ponders a bit. “Thinking…. Thinking… Oooh! I. Know! Why. Don’t. We. Start. With. Your. Human. Look. A. Like? No. One. Will. Notice. That. She’s- Gag. Gag.” 

Cyn stops mid sentence as Uzi starts choking and shaking her violently. “Bite me! You’re not eating anyone while you’re inside me! I’m going to make sure of that, you creepy Robo Satan!” 

“Smirk. For. Now.” Cyn smirks causing Uzi to lose her nerve, and lets go of her. “Tehehehe. Remember.” Cyn reaches over to Uzi’s head. “You. Only. Have. Six. Months. And. Three. Weeks. Left. When. That. Comes. There’s. Nothing. Else. You. Can. Do. You. Haven’t. Even. Told. N. And-“

With no hesitation, Uzi slices off the head of her tail, and the yellow light in its eyes disappears before falling into the ravine. “You’re not telling N and the others a thing about your existence.” Uzi grimaces. “And just like every anime main character, I’m not giving up.” I’ll find a way to exorcise you, and destroy you for good.

GOOD. LUCK. WITH. THAT. TEHEHE… Uzi hears Cyn’s voice in her head.

INSTALLING VIRUS SUPPRESSANT… INSTALLATION COMPLETE. EXPIRY DATE: TWO MONTHS.

“That should shut her up for now.” Uzi sighs in relief. “Now all this speaking with my inner demons has got me thirsty. Time to get some oil.”

Uzi flies back to the ship, and in the midst of it, she notices something scurry underneath the spaceship.

“Probably just a mouse.” Uzi shrugs just before setting down.

Uzi enters the spaceship, and sets aside the stuff she packed earlier leaving behind her the blueprints for the railgun, and a book on Hero’s Relics. 

“Screw you, J…” Uzi grimaces. “It’s going to be an absolute pain rebuilding the railgun on this planet. There’s got to some technology I could use to get that to work. Just a power source could do.”

Uzi mulls it over, and she flashes a lightbulb on her visor.

“Maybe a power source is closer than I thought.” Uzi slyly grins before putting the book on Hero’s Relics on center stage. She skims through the contents, and analyzes the more important bits.

“Doing some early reading I see?” Uzi snaps the book shut, and finds Claude leaning by the entrance.

“What are you doing up so early, Claude?” Uzi groans.

“I could ask you the same thing.” Claude grins. “You’re not usually the early morning person.”

“Today is an exception.” Uzi points upward. “Now that I’m free from those cuffs, not that spending time with the old man wasn’t fun, I can do whatever I want, and perhaps I just got too excited. You?”

“I knew today was the day you got out of your grounding, and I figured you’d be excited to taste freedom after being cuffed for so long.”

Uzi blinks several times, “Wow, you really know how to read people and drones.”

“Always have to.” Claude steps into the spaceship. “I wasn’t the most popular kid back at home so I had to know what people were feeling about me when I wanted to avoid trouble.”

“You and me both. I too wasn’t a very popular kid, but rather than try to avoid it, I often attract trouble at every possible moment.”

“Is that so? Then you’ll fit just fine in the Golden Deer.” Claude takes a peak at what Uzi is reading. “You’ll certainly get into trouble if Seteth or any of the school staff catch you reading that.”

“Mosshead and the others can bite me for all I care.” Uzi casually says. “I ain’t gonna let myself over some measly restrictions.” Amidst her skim, something catches Uzi’s eye. “Especially if the knowledge is as juicy as this.”

“I see. Then you’re doing me a favor. I’ve been trying to nab this book for myself so I could get to some secrets of the Hero’s Relics. However, security has been tough to crack.”

“Yeah, security was a bitch to get through. I had to study the layout of the Monastery and gather intel on the staff’s routine to make sure I didn’t get caught. Three days later, I managed to pull it off, and got my hands on this book two nights ago.”

“Wow, you really are a daredevil,” Claude remarks. “You even tried to sneak into the restricted section during your week of probation. Color me impressed.”

Uzi’s eyes widen, and she narrows them once more before turning her attention to Claude. “You better not tell anyone about this or I’ll jack your head with wires.”

“No need to get defensive.” Claude waves his arms casually. “I won’t tell anyone about your secret sessions. In return, I’d love you to share this information with me. What’s your say?” 

Uzi glances at him for a moment, and back to the book before giving her answer. “You’re lucky that I like you enough to incorporate you into my schemes.” Uzi moves the book in between her and Claude. “Deal.”

“Nice! I knew I had a good feeling about you!” Claude winks as he turns to the passage Uzi is reading. “Ah, I see you’re reading about Thunderbrand.”

“Yeah, it was the weapon that Milf was using when I first met her. It also exhibited some sort of strange aura, and it was unlike any other weapon I’ve ever seen before… Are the other Hero’s Relics like this.”

“From what I’ve heard, yes, and based on the relic my mom keeps at her house, I’d say that’s a certainty.”

“Wait… you’re family has one of these weapons stored in their basement or something?!” EXCITEMENT LEVELS AT 110% “What sort of weapon is it? Is it a scythe?”

“Actually no.” Claude shakes his head. “It’s the bow named Failnaught, and it’s the Riegan family heirloom. Also, I’ve never heard of one of the Hero’s Relics being a scythe.”

“Oh…” Uzi says with a hint of disappointment in her voice. Not the one I’m looking for, but bows are cool… “Say, could I borrow that bow for a bit?”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Uzi. Failnaught is off-limits to all, but the head of House Riegan. I may be my House’s heir, but my grandfather doesn’t think I’ve earned it until I graduate from the Officer’s Academy.”

“Well, that’s a bummer.” Uzi crosses her arms. “Anyway, could you tell me more about these weapons you speak of?”

“Of course. The Hero’s Relics are supposedly the strongest weapons Fodlan has and are revered because they are considered to be gifts from the Goddess. They say that one of these weapons is equal to a hundred or more men.”

“Gifts from the goddess, and weapons equal to a hundred or men?” Uzi responds with a questioning look. “Well, those sound like bloated exaggerations.”

Claude chuckles, “Believe me, me saying those are just understatements compared to how the rest of Fodlan perceives them. Some people believe that the relics are equal to a thousand men, and others say that those who wield the power of at least one of the relics maintain a strong position in Fodlan, the latter being actually true.”

“Wow, you humans are pretty weird creatures,” Uzi says as she takes an oil pack from storage, and sips on it. “The more I hear about you, the more I realize how strange and cultic this stupid Church of Seiros sounds.”

“My, my, you really are an irreverent little drone, Uzi.”

“And you don’t seem like the person who believes in what the Church of Seiros preaches.” Uzi sips her oil and smirks. 

“Guilty as charged.” Claude smiles with one that doesn’t reach the eye as. “I think the faith in Seiros is flawed, but it has its moments. That said, I wouldn’t go out declaring that to the public. I would probably get stoned or worse if I did that, and that would interfere with my plans for the country.”

“What sort of plans?” Uzi squints her eyes.

Claude winks at her. “Stick around if you might find out.”

Uzi partially smiles. “I’ll consider it. Anyways, what else can you tell me about the Hero’s relics?” 

Uzi and Claude walk back to the dorms whilst discussing things about Hero’s Relics, and the Worker Drone becomes more intrigued. “So these relics are powered by these stones called Crest Stones?”

“That’s right.” Claude answers.

“And these stones are useless to anyone except to the corresponding crest user?”

“Yup, that’s why it’s such a big deal for a person to possess a crest. To have a crest is to possess the ability to wield one of the Hero’s Relics, and is granted a high position in their house.”

“Ah I see. No wonder why it’s such a big deal to possess a crest. I can sense inequality issues coming up from this land.”

“Yeah it’s not the most pleasant feeling I will admit. Even those with crests, and those that are born without crests from within noble houses have it hard.”

“Well that sucks…” Uzi places the head to the back of her head. “I guess social issues are going to be a pain to solve in Fodlan. Wish it was simple like BLASTING them all into oblivion.”

“You and me both.” Claude chuckles as he takes a look at the landscape surrounding the Monastery. “If things were that simple, this land would be a better place… but I digress. By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask, have you ever written down that apology letter to Seteth?”

“Yup!” Uzi snaps her fingers eagerly. “And I don’t regret a single word I’ve written down!”

“You’re being a little too enthusiastic about this… what did you write it down in the letter?”

“Hehehehehe…” Uzi snickers while rubbing her palms. “Oh I remember his reaction like it was yesterday.”

Flashback

Three nights ago…

At the dead of night, Uzi flies to Seteth’s office, and stations herself outside by the edge of window. “I wonder how he’s going to react.” She smirks.

Uzi overhears that both Seteth and Flayn are in the office, and she listens in, “Brother, could you not worry too much?”

“I’m sorry, Flayn.” Seteth answers. “But this school year has been a lot more rumbustious than expected. We have the heirs of the Empire, the Kingdom, and the Alliance attending this school year, a lot more nobles than expected, the sudden appointment of two unknown mercenaries as Professor, and worst of all, we have to contend with these drones.”

“I will admit that I’m a bit scared of both V and J…” Flayn admits. “They just seem very intimidating to be around… but I do like N and Uzi, and you should relax around Uzi. She’s a nice drone to be around once you get to know her.”

Uzi lightly smiles, Thanks, Flayn.

“I admire you’re optimism, Flayn.” Seteth says. “I just struggle to see her eye to eye when she keeps rebelling against me and the rest of her peers.”

Uzi rolls her eyes, and Flayn responds, “Yeah she can be tough to be with, but please give her a chance. She might be nice to you one day if you do.”

Like that’s ever gonna happen… Uzi thought as she doubts the possibility.

“Speaking of Uzi….” Seteth says. “Has she sent her apology letter? She’s already three days late.”

“Ah yes, of course!” Flayn happily says. “Professor Manuela just gave it to me this afternoon.” She brings out a piece of parchment. “Can I read it to you?”

“Of course. Let’s see if she’s finally turned from her wicked ways.”

Uzi facepalms herself, IM NOT WICKED! IM AN ANGSTY TEEN WITH HORMONAL ISSUES! She screams internally. That said… she slyly grins.

Flayn opens up the parchment, and unfolds the letter before reading its contents out loud. “Dear Mosshead.”

Seteth’s face irritably twitches, Surely it can’t be that bad… Seteth wonders just seconds before disaster before Flayn continues reading and before disaster.

“Are you feeling ok after being tossed off your window? Well guess what?! I’m feeling good… No! Better than good! I… AM… GOD! I AM GOD! I AM GOD! I AM GOD! I-“

“Flayn!” Seteth has had enough. “What are you reading?!”

“Uzi’s apology letter.” Flayn simply answers.

“That is no apology! That is blasphemy! Is there any other thing written in there other than that… blasphemous phrase!”

“Oh! There’s one more thing!” Flayn skips to the end. “And Mosshead… before I end this, I just wanna say one thing… You can suck a-“

Immediately, Seteth grabs the letter from Flayn, folds it a bunch of times, and rips it to pieces.

“Brother…” Flayn frowns. “I was still-“

“UZI DOORMAN!!!!” Seteth screams and Uzi takes off before anyone can notice her while she silently and evilly laughs.

End of flashback 

“I wish I could have seen his face.” Uzi eagerly says. “He must have looked hilarious when he screamed my name.”

“Right…” Claude remarks. “I never would have imagined you would go to such lengths just to piss Seteth off. And here I thought I’d be the one causing the most issues, but you and V practically do it.”

“Yeah, I don’t like leaders and authority figures who are like “Rules are Rules” or some kind of shit. They just piss me off. I like someone who’s more liberal and relaxed while getting his point across or knows how to have a good time. Like the old man.”

“Captain Jeralt?” Claude inquires.

“Yup. The old man definitely knows his stuff, and he isn’t as annoying as my Teacher and Dad back in Copper 9.”

“Copper 9…” Claude utters curiously. “Is that the planet you’re from?”

“You guessed it.”

“I see.” Claude rubs his chin. “I must say, I’m actually surprised that there are worlds out there beyond the stars. People who are very different from us yet… not so different.”

Uzi grins, “Trust me. You’ll be surprised with what you find out there once you step off this rock.”

“Point taken. Speaking of other worlds, what’s Copper 9 like? I’m assuming it’s more advanced than anything we-“

“Dead and boring.” Uzi plainly says.

“Huh?” Claude gasps. “Wait… are you serious?”

“Yeah! It’s just a snowy dead planet with abandoned buildings, and no biological life walking around making our lives miserable!”

“But… what about the Worker Drones? Surely they have built stuff that’s awe-“

“Good luck with finding something awe-inspiring about a bunker with just three doors my dad loves building!” She exclaims in an angsty manner. “I swear those three doors are like his mistresses over my mom or something.”

“Wow…” Claude gasps. “Sounds like you don’t like your own planet, Uzi…”

“Not liking it is an understatement.” Uzi points out. “It’s boring, and all the drones there are so dumb and petty with the little things. The only five reasons why I stick up with them are N, my mom, anime, V, and Thad to some degree. Three of those drones are with me on this rock, and I have all the anime stored in my processors at this point.”

“What about this Thad drone?” Claude asks.

“He can take care of himself. I’m sure he doesn’t mind my absence though I can imagine he might be missing N a lot.”

“I see. You really are a strange one, Uzi.” Claude comments. “You say that you’re planet is dead and boring like it’s the most casual thing in the world.”

“I did grow to not hate it there… as much… but I prefer to be with N and the others.”

“You seem rather close to that bunch don’t you?” 

“Yeah…” Uzi strokes her hair. “Besides J, N, and V were the first real friends I had… before I’d just push people away because of how different they saw me. But N accepted me for who I am, and slowly we became more than…” Uzi catches Claude glancing at her with an amused look. Uzi grimaces and flashes a message in bold, DON’T YOU DARE TELL ANYONE THAT I WAS BEING MUSHY OR ELSE ILL DELETE ALL YOUR FREAKING MEMORIES!

“Message received.” Claude grins as he eyes the dorms. “Speaking of J…”

Uzi blinks and turns to the dorms as well to find J knocking on one of them. “Crap… hide!” She whispers as they take cover. “What the hell is J doing here? Her dorm is a lot further away from here.”

“Wait a minute…” Claude mutters. “Isn’t that Bernadetta’s dorm?” Uzi perks up, and the two of them listen in.

“Bernadetta, open up,” J demands while knocking on the door. “Class is about to start in five minutes. You should leave immediately if you don’t wish to be late.”

“Bernadetta?” Bernadetta gasps. “Who’s Bernadetta? There’s no Bernie here… Perhaps she went out for a walk…” she explains unconvincingly.

“Bernadetta, I know you’re in there.” J groans. “Come out right now, and you won’t have to see me when I’m pissed off!”

“You’re not going to make Bernie leave! I’m not leaving this room not right now! Not today! I’m not going to be eaten by the likes of you!”

“I can’t believe this….” J grimaces while shaking her head. “You leave me no choice!” In one swift motion, J kicks down the door with ease, and a scream follows after.

“Holy crap! What is she doing?!” Claude quietly gasps.

“Yeah, that’s J for you.” Uzi rolls her eyes just as they heard another scream from Bernadetta and the sight of J dragging her by the leg.

“PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE….” Bernie pleads. “Just let me stay in my room, and live in peace and solitude…”

“Absolutely Not.” J says with an annoyed expression. “Lady Edelgard has appointed me the role of enforcer of the Black Eagles, and it’s my job to make sure that Black Eagle students behave accordingly, and do not disgrace her. After all, 50% of your grade comes from your performance in missions, 25% comes from extracurricular activities and class certification exams and 20% comes from written quizzes and homework within the classroom. Do you know where the remaining 5% comes from?”

“Ummm… staying in my room?” Bernadetta meekly answers.

“THE OPPOSITE! CLASS ATTENDANCE!” J yells. “You, Caspar and Linhardt are currently the three weakest performing students in the Black Eagles, and your main problem is that you are absent or tardy 90% of the time so far. Plus your classwork is abysmal, and needs some work so you’ll need to attend class everyday on time.”

“OK! OK! Just please let me go…”

“And risk letting you run off like a keybug? Absolutely not! You are to attend class one way or the other. Now before we go, there’s one more stop we have to go.” J stops at Linhardt’s door, and knocks. “Open up, Linhardt! It’s time to get going to class!” J listens closely hoping to get a response.

She gets no response, and J leans forward to listen closely only to hear snoring causing her to grimace and growl.

“Can I go now?” Bernadetta pleads.

“No.” J answers before straight up punching a hole into the door. She accesses the doorknob from inside, and unlocks it. She enters the dorm while still dragging Bernadetta.

“This is not going to end well, isn’t it?” Claude asks.

“Nope.” Uzi shakes her head. “And if I know J, and considering Linhardt loves to nap a lot, she’s going to…” Suddenly, they both hear the blaring sound of a horn coming from Linhardt’s dorm, and a disgruntled groan from the sleepy student. “That.”

“Ugh… oh hello, J… and goodbye.” They both hear Linhardt.

“Oh you’re not done with me yet, you lazy sleepy narc!” They hear J yell just as she drags both Linhardt and Bernadetta out of the dorm. “You will attend class today, and do your best in your studies!”

“Do we have to…” Linhardt sleepily groans. “I just want to sleep… and study crests…”

“And I just want to do my embroidery….” Bernadetta cries.

“You can do all your stupid hobbies after class.” J dismissively says. “Now since we have only less than a minute before class starts, and since the two of you needed to be jolted awake, there’s one way we can kill two birds with one stone.” J sprouts her wings, and both students immediately dread on what’s coming next.

“J…” Linhardt stammers. “Don’t tell me you’re going to…”

“Please… please…” Bernadetta begs. “Don’t send us-“ 

J immediately takes off to the air with her two classmates, and Linhardt and Bernadetta scream for their lives.

“Well…” Uzi utters while looking up in the air. “If Linhardt wasn’t awake or if Bernadetta wasn’t traumatized yet, this will certainly wake and traumatize them.”

“I wonder how Edelgard will feel when she finds out her classmates are now being carried around like sheep being carried off by wyverns. Anyways, let’s head back to class as well. I’m sure the Prof and the others are waiting for us by now.”

“Oh right!” Uzi exclaims. “I can’t wait to hear what the old man has in store for us!”

Uzi and Claude made it to the Golden Deer classroom just in time, and attend Jeralt and Manuela’s class. The class went well throughout the session with the mercenary teaching about strategy and formations. Manuela also chimed in while also sharing small tidbits of practicing self defense during her time as an opera singer. Uzi found the session quite fun to listen to. She found it a lot more engaging to participate in, and it was nothing like her school back in Copper 9. 

She and N were always to eager to recite in class, and asking questions. Leonie, Hilda, Ignatz, Claude and Lysithea followed close behind in terms of recitation. Raphael also participated as well, but most of his questions usually revolved around asking Jeralt on meat and training. Marianne was mostly quiet while just keeping to herself. Uzi glances at her, and starts to ponder.

“I wonder… what’s up with her?” She whispers to N.

“No clue.” N perks up. “According to Claude, she’s the adopted daughter of one of the Alliance nobles, but that’s all he knows about her. Still… she does look sad for some reason… I’m gonna talk to her later, and see what’s up.”

“Ok.” Uzi nods. “Speaking of quiet people, what happened to Mr. Bowlcut over there?”

They both glance at Lorenz who notices them, and turns his gaze away from the drones in a mixture of embarrassment and disgust. “Oh yeah.” N perks up. “Let’s just say that he had quite the humbling experience earlier this week.”

“I see.” Uzi mutters before smirking. “Hehehehe… serves him right.”

“Alright, class dismissed for today.” Jeralt says. “Meet me at the training grounds later after lunch. We’ll put all the maneuvers you’ve learned today into practice, and see if it stuck to you.”

“I will also be there to demonstrate some of the self defense techniques I’ve taught you today.” Manuela chips in. “Hopefully you’ll be able fend off some stupid stalkers whenever they try to tail you.”

Everyone acknowledges this, and leaves the classroom with Lorenz being the first to leave in a hasty manner while the others follow calmly.

“Not you three.” Jeralt gestures to Uzi, N and Claude. “We’re going to discuss about the mission regarding the rebellion.”

“Nice!” Uzi eagerly says. “I’ve been wanting to go outside ever since we got on this primitive rock!”

“So what do you have in store for us, Old Teach.” Claude asks.

“Not yet.” Jeralt gestures. “I’ll start explaining once the representatives of the other houses as well as the other drones get here.”

“Do we have to?” Uzi asks in dismay.

“Uzi…” Uzi glances up N who has his arms crossed, and tapping his foot. 

“Fine… I guess I can tolerate J and the small princess for a little while. I hope she doesn’t bringing her goth boyfriend though.”

Uzi, Claude and N remain seated, and they and Jeralt and Manuela wait for the others to arrive. A few minutes later, Dimitri and Catherine enter the classroom. “Captain Jeralt, apologies for being late.” Dimitri bows humbly. “We just had to bring someone to the infirmary.”

“Hello, Dimitri.” Jeralt greets them. “And you too, Catherine.” He glances around the duo. “Where’s my daughter?”

“And who did you bring to the infirmary?” Uzi jumps out of her seat. “Were there injuries wicked and insane? Was there blood and gore spilling out like a stupid teen puking out his food? Was-“ Uzi stops herself when all eyes were on her. “Hehehehe….” Uzi embarrassingly laughs before sitting back on her chair. “Sorry…”

“No, fortunately, there was no blood and gore, Uzi.” Dimitri says. “And…” Dimitri turns to Jeralt. “It was Bylese that we brought to the infirmary…”

“What?!” Everyone gasps while Jeralt remains calm.

“What happened this time?” Jeralt calmly asks. “I’m assuming she got into another fight?”

“You’re take this a lot calmly than I expected…” N says with widened eyes.

“Yes, she did get into a fight.” Dimitri answers. “After V defeated Felix a few hours ago, she challenged Bylese in a training spar.”

“Oh?” Everyone perks up.

“Now this got a lot more interesting.” Uzi rubs her palms together.

“What happened?” N gasps. “Are V and Professor Bylese ok?”

“Both of them should be alright.” Dimitri answers. “The Professor only suffered a few bruises and scrapes, and V… if memory serves me right, she should be able to regenerate after some rest. Dedue and Ashe brought her back to the ship, and got her some oil packs.”

“W-w-wait a second here…” Uzi stammers. “Are you implying that…”

“Yup.” Catherine chimes in. “Bylese came in and defeated V.”

“What?!” Everyone remains stunned by this revelation no more so than Uzi and N.

“I gotta hand it to you, Captain Jeralt.” Catherine says. “Your daughter’s quite the fighting genius. Even I would have trouble taking V in a fight.”

“Thanks, Catherine.” Jeralt nods. “As long as no one is seriously hurt during the spar.”

“No offense, Old Man…” Uzi chimes in. “I know Bylese is a badass, and knows her stuff, but I can’t believe she won against V of all people. How did she manage it?”

“Yeah!” N chimes in. “We, Disassembly Drones are very skilled and dangerous when it comes to combat. Not that I’m trying to diss your daughter… It’s just that I can’t believe she was able to beat V.”

Jeralt chuckles a bit, “Never thought you underestimated my daughter. While I’m well aware how skilled you guys are given Uzi’s fight with J, I also know that Bylese and Byleth are pretty good at picking up details. Details that they use to turn battles on their favor. I can only assume that that is what must have happened.”

“I see…” N utters. “Was it at least close?” She asks Dimitri.

“It was very close.” Dimitri confirms. “V is certainly not an opponent to take lightly, and it took a while before Professor Bylese to take control of the situation by systematically dismembering her limbs and wings. I did notice her aiming for her chest for the most part.”

“I see…” So Bylese must have picked up on it… looks like we’re going to have to be a bit more careful dealing with the humans on F-019. “I hope V’s ok…”

“She’ll be fine.” Uzi softly reassures her. “That lady knows how to take a punch.”

“Thanks, Uzi.” N reassuringly says while Claude observes from the sidelines.

Interesting… So these Drones can be defeated by something other than themselves. Claude thought to himself. Sure it was just a training match, but it’s good enough confirmation for me. Ms. Teach must have found a weakness; and I intend to figure it out.

“Anyways, that aside…” Catherine chimes in. “When can we discuss about the mission, Captain?”

Jeralt rests his chin on his knuckles, “As soon as my son gets here.”

“Then you won’t have to wait any longer.” The group hears Byleth at the entrance. 

They all turn to find him accompanied by Edelgard and J.

“Oh, hey Byleth!” Uzi cheerfully waves at Byleth before transitioning to a less amused tone, “And J and her smol princess…”

Edelgard scoffs at the remark while J grimaces at Uzi with a chainsaw hand at the ready. However, a look from Byleth prompts the Disassembly drone from sheathing her weapon.

“Hey Princess!” Claude waves. “Still running away from rats?”

“Claude…” Edelgard growls while J aces her two fingers on her eyes before pointing them Claude.

YOU SHALL PAY FOR MOCKING LADY EDELGARD, FRAUD! J flashes on her visor.

“I’d think not.” Claude rests his legs on a chair. “You’ll have to try harder than that if you wish to get me on my toes.”

“Besides!” Uzi jumps onto the table. “You’re not getting to this incredibly tanned hot guy guy without going through me!”

“Wow, I never thought you thought of me as hot.” Claude slyly grins.

“Shut it, Claude!” An embarrassed Uzi states before facing Edelgard and J.

“Ahem.” Jeralt clears his throat. “Before you guys start killing each other, can we get to the matter at hand? I need the discuss our formation for tomorrow.”

Everyone disengages, and faces Jeralt. “Yes, of course, Professor Jeralt.” Edelgard says.

“Our apologies for our unruly behavior just now.” J humbly bows. “I can assure you that it will not happen again for the entirety of this meeting.”

“You got that right!” Uzi states with a smug look. “I wanna get to the good stuff!”

Edelgard pinches the bridge of her nose, and shakes her head. Does this purple one always express such vulgarity? I swear I will teach that one some manners one day no matter how powerful she is.

“You seem to be getting along quite well with J, Edelgard.” Dimitri says as the princess looks up to him. “And forgive me for intruding, but I don’t remember you’re hair being always white. Did something-“

“Don’t ask as if you knew me back then.” Edelgard coldly strikes him down. “From what I’m aware, our first meeting is only this year, and I have no recollection of ever meeting you before then.”

“Edelgard…”

“And for the record, J and I get along just fine, and I’ve placed an important task for her in enforcing my class. It’s a shame that you can’t control and get a hold of V.”

“V has some… issues for say so the least.” Dimitri says before his face turns into something more resolute. “But despite her flaws, I trust her, and I believe that one day, she’ll do right by everyone in our class.”

“Is that so?” Edelgard questions. “Then it better come quickly then or else the Black Eagles will crush you along with the Golden Deer.”

“Must you always approach this with conflict in mind?” Dimitri questions.

“Of course. As the future Emperor of Adrestia, I must be prepared for the worst at all costs. You should do the same otherwise your trusting nature will get you and the Kingdom stabbed in the back especially considering one of your Minor Lords is causing a rebellion.

“I suppose so… My apologies for that, and I’ll take full responsibility of Lonato’s actions.” Dimitri sighs as he turns to her thoughts. El… what happened to you when you left the Kingdom. Did you truly forget everything during your stay?

The exchange doesn’t go unnoticed by Uzi, Hmmm… I wonder what was that all about… so many secrets stirring in this school that I could actually blow my processors just thinking about them, but not to worry, I’ll figure them all out before I leave this rock.

“So what’s the plan, Professor Eisner?” Claude asks while twirling a pencil in between his fingers.

“Well…” Jeralt says as he brings out a map detailing the outskirts of Castle Gaspard. “We’ll be joining up with the rearguard of the Knights of Seiros to suppress the rebellion, and also I’ve just received intel that strange mages have joined up with Lonato’s rebel forces to help bust through the rearguard.”

“Mages huh…” Claude perks up. “That’s gonna be a problem to deal with. Who knows what sort of spells they’ll have up in store to surprise us.”

“My thoughts exactly. Which is why our force will be composed of two groups. Catherine, you’ll be taking both Byleth, Bylese, and their respective classes to remain at n the frontlines, and be prepared to face Lord Lonato and his rebel forces if he ever shows up.”

“You got it, Captain.” Catherine says before eagerly grinning at Byleth. “Looks like we’ll be working together in this mission.”

Byleth responds with a simple nod, “I assume you’ll be covering our flanks, Father?”

“Yes,” Jeralt confirms. “I’ll be leading the Golden Deer in ensuring we don’t get ambushed, and who knows, we might discover something that we’re not seeing yet. Uzi, N, from what I recall, this will be your first time taking on mages. Are you sure you two are up to the task?”

“You can count on us, Professor Jeralt!” N enthusiastically salutes. “We’ll be ready for anything! Right, Uzi?!”

“Yup!” Uzi smugly states. “I’ve always wanted to rough up some magic users! It’ll be good training when I face off against the Goth boyfriend. Hehehehehehe…” She sinisterly snickers until she receives piercing glares from J and Edelgard.

“Uzi, focus.” Jeralt reminds her. “Can you handle this? Cause I’ll be trusting you for exposing any potential ambushes we might face. Besides, you also have abilities that are quite different from the rest of your peers.”

“Sure do, and I can imagine the mages will be pissing their pants when they see something like this!” Uzi flicks her wrist, and using her Solver powers, she lifts up all the student desks in the air simultaneously.

“Are you for real?!” Catherine gasps. “Wow, Seteth wasn’t joking when he said you had weird powers…”

“By the Goddess…” Dimitri is struck with awe as the purple emblems surround the desks.

Claude, Manuela and N approvingly grin at the sight while Edelgard, Byleth, Jeralt and J look unfazed. “Show off…” J rolls her eyes.

“Don’t worry, Old Man.” Uzi says while ignoring J’s remark. “I’ll do my best to make sure all our blind spots are covered, and I’m ready to fuck the mage’s shit up.” She clenches her fist, and the desks collapse back to the ground.

Byleth turns to his thoughts, Exploiting the weaknesses of the Disassembly Drones should be a hard yet possible task when facing them in battle… Uzi on the other hand… is a different matter. I’ll have to observe this one more closely if I wish to lead Edelgard and the others to victory against her four moons from now, and also, and I hope that it doesn’t come to it, if she turns against us…

“Glad to see you’re motivated, Kid.” Jeralt crookedly smiles. “Now, there’s one more thing I like to say before we discuss more specific details. More specifically for both J and V.”

“Me?” J repeatedly blinks.

“I’ll make sure to relay the news to V once I see her.” Dimitri volunteers.

“Thank you, Dimitri.” Jeralt says. “Now then, what I want you to do is…”

After half an hour discussing their battle plans, Jeralt dismisses everyone, and they all go their separate ways for today. Uzi and N walk alongside each other by the courtyard. “So how’s your first day being free, Uzi?” N asks.

“It’s honestly not so bad.” Uzi states. “I’m just glad that I get to go wherever I want when I want. Being cuffed with the Old man for a week wasn’t so bad, but I enjoy roaming a lot more.”

“You said it yourself.” N softly smiles. “For today, can I have you all to myself?” He strokes Uzi’s hair. “I miss hanging out with you like this.”

“I’d love that, N…” Uzi blushes. “Let’s just not make it look gross so that the small princess doesn’t rub it on our faces.”

“Yeah… I don’t think Edelgard is the type of person that would do such a thing. I think Dorothea would be more likely.”

“Perhaps… so what do you want to do today?”

“Well first, I wanna check up on V, and see how she’s doing. Then we go search for Marianne, and find out what’s up with her. Finally, we can mess around all day, and make sure Seteth doesn’t find us!”

“Nice!” Uzi grins before fist bumping N. “So any funny stories you’d like to tell?”

“Oh I’ve got a few!” N states as he narrates his day at the Marketplace.

Meanwhile, Claude watches from afar the couple talking about their day. A golden brown mouse scurries towards him whilst carrying something, and he lets it climb onto his shoulder. “Find anything, Little Buddy?” He asks.

The mouse hands over a USB with a skull in the middle of it. 

“This must be one of those items Uzi spoke about that contains information… Good work, Jax.” Claude rubs the head of his mouse, and feeds him a some grain and a small piece of cheese. Chester relishes his meal while Claude takes a look at the USB. “Hmmm… I wonder what sort of information you’re hiding in here, Uzi…” he ponders. “Jax, return this USB to the ship tonight. Just knowing about it’s existence is good enough for now. I’d rather not want to be accused by Uzi of stealing.”

Jax nods, and scales down Claude with the USB before going into hiding.

Claude starts to recall his earlier talk with Uzi this morning. When I mentioned Failnaught wasn’t a scythe, Uzi sounded very disappointed. It’s as if she had a lead, but it turned out that the lead led to a dead end… So… was Uzi disappointed because she just likes scythes, knowing her, I wouldn’t be surprised if that were the case… or… is there some deeper meaning to it? Claude grins once more. I guess going to Garreg Mach wasn’t a waste after all. You definitely made sure of that, Uzi Doorman. Now I wonder, what are you hiding?

Chapter Text

”ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!” J screams at a red haired female merchant stationed by the entrance of the Monastery. “THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE FREAKING SCAM!”

“A scam?” The female merchant taps her chin. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. All the prices I’ve placed are all fair.”

“You call these prices FAIR?!” J yells as she looks at the sign indicating the shop’s name and it’s owner. “Now you listen here, Anna.” 

BUSINESS RANT MODE ACTIVATE. 

“The vulvenaries and concoctions usually cost around 300 to 600 Gold. Judging by the materials used in making such healing items, that is a more fair price. Weapons can cost around 360 to 840 gold while those of high rarity such as the Silver weapons cost between 1250 to 2000 Gold. All fair prices in the grand scheme of things… BUT NO! You decide to raise your prices for corporate greed! In your shop, Vulvenaries, Concoctions and normal weapons cost 1000 to 1500 Gold and the Silver weapons are all priced at 5000 Gold! What kind of establishment is this?! Nothing in this world can justify the prices given to these items for your shop! This is not fair business trade, THIS IS EXTORTION AND CORPORATE GREED AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS! What was Professor Byleth thinking doing business in this shop?! I shall report this to Seteth immediately!”

END OF BUSINESS RANT MODE

Anna blinks in response to the rant, “But I’m already approved by Seteth, and the price I place on my products is final.”

The response leaves J baffled, and another alert flashes on her visor, SELF RESTRAINT WALLS BREACHED. “THATS IT!!!!” She points her blaster at Anna causing the merchant to feel a bit nervous. “SCHOOL POLICY DOESN’T INCLUDE THE MERCHANTS THAT WORK OUTSIDE THE MONASTERY! SO I’M FREE TO VAPORIZE YOU FROM-“

“J!” J hears the ominous voice of Hubert behind her as the dark mage looms over her.

“What is it, Hubert?” J requests.

“As much as I would love you to vaporize this incessant money greedy insect before you…”

“Hey!” Anna shouts.

“The fact of the matter is that you cannot kill Anna.” Hubert says while ignoring Anna.

“Why not?!” J demands. “Are you seriously letting this scammer go free?”

“Anna has possession of some materials that are not available anywhere in the Monastery besides her secret shop. She can get access to rare materials that we could use in the future. Losing her would mean loosing access to those rare items.”

“You do have a point…” J grumbles as she unsheathes her blaster.

“Now then, J…” Anna smirks. “My gold please?”

“You little-“

“That said.” Hubert intervenes. “I do agree with J’s assessment. These product prices are way too high, and customers would not want to deal business with you if you price such basic commodities at extremely high costs. They’d rather much settle for cheaper alternatives that sell the same product. You wouldn’t want that do you, Anna?”

“I suppose not…” Anna frowns. “Ok, I can give you a 10% discount for all materials you require.”

“A bit too high for our liking.” Hubert says as he starts to bargain. “50%”

“15.”

“45.”

“20.”

“40.”

“25.”

“35.”

“30, and that’s my last offer!”

“Done.” Hubert nods as they come to a satisfactory answer.

J crosses her arms, and snorts, “Still too high for my liking.”

Hubert pays her no mind, “Be sure to have these shipped to our convoy very soon. I trust that you will be on time, and no delays.”

“You got it, Hubert!” Anna enthusiastically states. “Thanks a bunch, and I enjoy doing business with you!” Anna walks off to the rest of her co workers, and they get to work.

“Now then, shall we reconvene with the others?” Hubert asks. “Lady Edelgard is getting a tadbit worried about you… too much for my liking.”

“Of course.” J nods feeling guilty that she couldn’t accomplish her inventory task on her own.

The two of them walk along the marketplace with J still looking down while Hubert starts getting annoyed by the somber drone. “You know what’s worse than a psychotic drone, a sad drone feeling sorry for herself.”

J snaps back to reality, and shakes her head. “Apologies. I didn’t meant to cause any offense.”

“None taken. To be honest, I’m still very suspicious of you lot, and am currently studying ways of how I can dismantle you.”

J’s eyes widen, and she turns and glares towards Hubert. “That is quite dangerous of you to reveal that to me.”

“Indeed it was. However, despite my misgivings towards you, you are the most reasonable of the four. Uzi detests you, myself and Lady Edelgard, V is insane, and N would turn a blind eye towards anything if it causes harm to Uzi.”

J responds with a small grin, “A very keen observation, Hubert.”

“You on the other hand don’t have any of those qualities, and you’re doing a good job enforcing Lady Edelgard’s will throughout the classroom for the past moon. Bernadetta and Linhardt are attending class more often, and Caspar is more humble than ever. All that’s left is Dorothea’s incessant flirting and Ferdinand pompous attitude.”

“I doubt Dorothea’s flirting will cause us and Lady Edelgard any trouble anytime soon. Ferdinand on the other hand…”

“I’m glad we’re on the same page in regards to Ferdinand. Dorothea’s flirting is a minor concern though I do find it slightly annoying thinking that Edelgard and I are… dating.”

“I see. So you’re just her vassal.”

“More than that, but less than lovers. Lady Edelgard and I walk a path together, and I intend to walk it even if that path leads to bloodshed. I will gladly spill blood for her so she won’t have to stain her hands of it unless absolutely necessary.”

“You’re service to Lady Edelgard is truly admirable.” J smiles. “It is my hopes that I may match it someday.”

“We shall see about that. We’ll be setting out for Magdred Way in a couple of hours. For your sake, I hope you’ll be able to perform admirably in suppressing the rebellion. Anything less than that, and I will deem you unsatisfactory for service for Lady Edelgard.”

“You can count on me, Hubert.” J confidently says. “It will be the perfect time to show you why I’m the most effective drone of the four of us.”

“Most effective drone…” Hubert says with a knowing smirk. “We’ll see about that.”

Several hours later, J remains seated within a covered wagon as it transports her to the destination of the mission. The Disassembly Drone goes through all the data she’s gathered so far in this mission.

“Inventory is full, and everyone should be well stocked for any battle that may come our way.” She says to herself. “Professor Byleth has given us ample details on the mission, and granted ample training. Best case scenario, we go there without having to fight the rebellion. Worst case, someone among the Black Eagles dies, but victory is assured no matter the scenario.” J holds out her hand and clenches it. “But I won’t let that happen. None of the Black Eagles will fall today. I won’t fail them like I failed…”

J stops herself mid-sentence, and she feels her hand tremble as she recalls painful memories. All she could remember were the screams of so many people within the Gala being massacred by Cyn, her zombie drones, and herself. Back then, she couldn’t care less about the humans. They all discarded her and mistreated her during her time at the Eliot Manor. All except one, and now the one human who treated her like a friend back then, she remembers vividly. She remembers her final moments before Cyn…

ALERT! ALERT! TRAUMATIC MEMORY EMERGING!

“Cut it out, J…” J punches herself in the face. “No need to dig up the past… That memory is long behind me… and there’s nothing I can do about it…”

Despite her best efforts, J’s visor remains filled with regret, and she sits close to the edge while hugging her knees together. She covers her face behind her legs and remains silent for a while.

“J?” She hears Edelgard’s voice from outside, and this snaps her back to reality. “Is everything alright?”

“Y-yes, Lady Edelgard!” J stammers as she arranges herself in a more dignified manner, sitting straight while fixing her hair.

“You sure?” Edelgard climbs into the wagon. “You don’t sound like it.”

“Me? No…” J awkwardly says and smiles. “I’m… just excited that I’m finally leaving the Monastery for a bit… sure it’s just for a mission, but… a good hard day’s work killing rebels will be all worth the venture… hehe… hehehehe…”

Edelgard raises her eyebrow while her arms are folded. “You’re a terrible liar. You know that?”

“Maybe…” J anxiously says in a pathetic attempt to get Edelgard from pursuing the topic.

Unfortunately for J, Edelgard isn’t so easily deterred. “Ok, what’s going on? You’re feeling troubled based on how you’re acting. You wouldn’t be acting weird if you weren’t hiding something.”

“I…” J sighs and finally relents. “I’m sorry for troubling you, Lady Edelgard… I don’t mean to be such a burden to you and the others.”

“It’s ok, J.” Edelgard remorsefully says. “You’re not a burden to anyone. You’re quite the opposite, and you’ve managed to help me take control of the class when I need order. Sure some of them have some problems due to your…tendencies. No offense.”

“None taken.”

“That said, I’m sure the other students will warm up to you in due time. With that out of the way, can you tell me what’s really going on with you?”

J looks away slightly, and takes a deep breath, “I’m just feeling… nervous…”

“Nervous?” Edelgard says feeling surprised. “I never took you for being the nervous type.

“I’m rarely nervous. Anyway, I don’t doubt that we’ll win this fight should we have to face the rebels. I calculate our chances of winning being a 99% certainty at this point.”

“Go on.”

“However, that percentage of their being casualties among you is still pretty high despite us being victorious over the enemies. I fear that we may still suffer casualties, and it would pain me if any of them were to happen in our class.”

“You’re more concerned for us than your fellow drones.”

J huffs, “Besides N, I’m not on good terms with my fellow drones. V wants nothing to do with me, and Uzi is a crazy little bitch that relishes in pissing us off. Also after careful analysis of both sides and potential allies that may show up, the rebels have no individuals that are strong enough to threaten us. The only individuals who pose a possible threat are Jeralt, the Eisner twins, and Catherine, and they are on the same side as us.”

“True…” Edelgard nods agreeing mostly with the Uzi mention, and that last sentiment. “If I may ask, why are you on bad terms with V? I understand Uzi, but you don’t seem aggravated with that psycho.”

“I’d… rather not talking about it…” J says while holding her pigtails close. “I’m sorry, Lady Edelgard.”

“I understand. But on an earlier note, I’m happy to hear that you’re worried about us. It shows that you care despite only being here for one moon.”

“I’m just doing my job, Lady Edelgard.” J dryly chuckles. “When I was assigned to this class, I took responsibility for taking care of you guys…. Even if I made threats about killing a certain someone in your class.”

“And I’m grateful for that,” Edelgard says as she scoots over to J. “I’m happy that it’s you that ended up in our class. Thanks to you, and Professor Byleth, we should be ready to take on the rebels at short notice. Besides, I know that if things don’t go to plan, I’m certain that you’ll be there to bail us out.”

J begins to blush for a moment and holds her hair close to her visor. “You’re too close, M-My Lady…”

Edelgard smiles and pats J’s head. “Apologies, J.” She steps back and gives the drone her space. “I’m certain that you’ll do just fine, and I have complete confidence in you.”

J sincerely smiles, and her hand stops trembling, “Thank you, Lady Edelgard. I really needed that.

“Anytime.” Edelgard says just as the wagon comes to a stop. “Looks like we’ve arrived at Magdred Way. You all set?”

J confidently grins and stands up. “Always.”

J and Edelgard meet up with Byleth and Hubert who are stationed along the densely forested area. “Anything of note so far?” Edelgard asks.

“Nothing so far,” Hubert answers. “The main force of the Knights of Seiros should be engaging Lonato’s forces by now.”

“Even so, we need to keep a close vigil.” Byleth comments as he and the others look around their surroundings as a dense fog covers the area. “This fog will certainly cause problems for us, and with it, it’s possible that the rebels may slip through the main force of the Church of Seiros.”

“And the only possible escape route is through here.” J says. “Which means we’ll be in direct contact with them if they slip past the main force.”

“Precisely.”

Edelgard looks around and scans her surroundings despite the fog. “You think Claude and the others managed to make it to their destination?”

“They’ll be alright,” Byleth says. “My father knows how to navigate through fog, and he, my sister, and myself have been around this part of Castle Gaspard. They should be alright.”

“I hope so.” Edelgard remarks. “I just hope that Uzi doesn’t mess around doing god knows what, and costs us the mission.”

“Knowing her, that’s probably what she’s doing right now,” J says with an annoyed expression. “But as much as I hate to say this… Uzi knows when to step it up when it counts… I’ve seen it firsthand a couple of times.”

“I hope you’re right about that, J.” Hubert snorts as he looks towards the horizon. “Anyways, we should be alright for the most part. No matter how powerful the enemy may be, there’s no need to worry so long as we’re with Catherine, the mighty wielder of Thunderbrand.”

“Thunderbrand…” J murmurs. “I have heard great things about it, but is it really as strong as they say?”

“You’ve got another thing coming, Little Lady.” J hears Catherine say much to her annoyance as she arrives alongside V, Bylese, Dimitri, and Ashe. “It’s one of the Hero’s Relics. A long, long time ago, the goddess bestowed divine weapons to ten heroes which were passed down the their descendants. It’s an honor to wield, but unless we’re incredibly unlucky, we won’t see it in action. Our mission is to clean up the aftermath, not to fight.”

“So you say. Anyways, it’s good to have you join us, Lions.”

“Likewise,” Dimitri says. “While it’s true that we’ll most likely not encounter any resistance, this is still a battlefield, and anything can happen. So we must be prepared to face Lonato’s forces at a moment’s notice.”

“Lonato…” Ashe mutters with his head down, and this worries V. “Why would be in it’s such a reckless rebellion…”

“You should know that better than any of us considering you are his adopted son,” Hubert says. “I don’t suppose you don’t plan to shoot us in the back just to help him escape.”

“No! I wouldn’t do such a thing!” Ashe exclaims feeling very offended. “I would never betray you all, it’s just… he never mentioned anything of this like to me…”

“Is that so?” Hubert questions further. “I find that hard to believe. I still think you’re covering for the old-“

Immediately, V steps in between the two with a glare shot towards Hubert. “One more word, and I break your arm.”

Hubert responds with a glare of his own and his intent to challenge V.

“Enough!” Both Edelgard and Dimitri sternly says.

“V, we cannot be fighting amongst ourselves within a war zone.” Dimitri says. “We must stay focused, and be prepared for anything.”

“Dimitri has a point, Hubert.” Edelgard says. “Stay your tongue for now as we have more important things to contend with.”

“As you wish, My Lady.” Hubert bows his head respectfully.

“Fine.” V steps back. “I’d rather not waste my time with the likes of you.” She glances at Ashe, and he graces her with a small smile. She flashes a smiley face by her right eye, and this doesn’t go unnoticed by J.

That’s odd… she thought to herself. V would have picked a fight with Hubert without a single thought. Has Dimitri managed to find a way to rein her in or is she doing this out of consideration for that boy?

“Ashe, I’m sure Lonato didn’t tell you because he didn’t want to burden you with this vendetta.”

“What sort of vendetta?” Bylese perks up. “That’s the first I’ve heard of it.”

“I’m quite curious as well.” J chimes in. “We know Lonato does have disdain for the Church, but we don’t know right…”

“Oh right. You two are still relatively new around here so you probably haven’t heard about this before.” Dimitri says ominously. “It all started with the Tragedy of Duscur…”

“The Tragedy of Duscur…” V murmurs. “Isn’t that the place Dedue comes from? He seems to make it a big deal whenever he mentions he’s from there… as if he’s expecting people to hate him for it.”

“As much I want Dedue to stop self discriminating himself… I can say that his skepticism is not unfounded unfortunately…”

V squints her eyes, “What happened?”

This time, it was Edelgard who spoke, “Roughly four years ago, the King of Faerghus was attempting a major political reform. Needless to say… he made many enemies.”

The Eisner twins, V and J immediately tell where this was going, and V asks, “Hold on… are you saying that the king was…”

“Yes…” Catherine says with a solemn look on his face. “The Tragedy of Duscur was when King Lambert was… was murdered by the people of Duscur…” she casts a look at Dimitri.

“It’s ok, Catherine.” Dimitri sincerely says. “Please go on. Our Professors and the Drones deserve to know this.”

“Right. There were several accomplices involved in the King’s assassination as well. Lord Lonato’s son, Christophe, was accused in being one of them. He and the rest of the accomplices that were rounded up were executed by the Church.”

“I see…” J nods. “I think I get the entire picture now.”

“No wonder why this old man is starting a rebellion…” V crosses her arms.

“The Church executes criminals?” Byleth asks.

“Speaking from the Church’s perspective,” Catherine continues, “we simply pass judgement according to our doctrine placed in the Kingdom, which was in complete chaos. Whatever the truth behind that incident may be, Lord Lonato has harbored resentment to the church ever since.” She has a look of regret in her face, “well… to be more specific, his grudge isn’t only against the Church. It’s also the one who turned Christophe over to them.”

V notices the slight change in Catherine’s face, and narrows her eyes, BREAKTHROUGH DETECTED. “Wait a second… are you suggesting that you-“

Suddenly, one of the Church soldiers arrives at the scene, and gives a rather pressing report. “Report! The enemy is approaching!”

“What!” Everyone gasps except Hubert, the twins and the Drones.

“How many are we dealing with?” Hubert calmly asks.

“We don’t know the exact number, but it’s far greater than we predicted!”

“They must have used the fog to get past the Knight’s perimeter.” Byleth surmises. Could there be a mage making this fog denser than usual…

“Damn it!” Catherine grimaces. “Looks like our mission just changed everyone. I’ll go on ahead, and back up the Knights.” She turns to the twins. “You two get those kids prepared for battle!” With that, Catherine and her fellow knight move in to the frontlines.

“Looks like we’re going to have to fight after all.” Bylese grimaces. “What now, Brother?”

“We stick with the plan.” Byleth says. “Edelgard, Hubert, round up the Eagles, and make ready to form a defensive position. The rebels will not get past the point. And Hubert, if there is a mage causing this fog, I want you and Petra to seek him, and neutralize him.”

“Right!” Edelgard states.

“As you wish.” Hubert says looking satisfied with the orders.

“Dimitri, we and the Lions will support Catherine and the knights at the frontlines.” Bylese gives her instructions. “Ashe, I want you, Mercedes and Annette to support the knights from the back while Dimitri and I will take the others, and face the enemy together. Do not fight alone, and do not leave my sight!”

“Very well.” Dimitri proclaims. “I’ll do everything I can to set things right!”

“Lonato…” Ashe murmurs fearing for what’s to come.

“You can sit this one out if you want.” Bylese suggests. “I know that this seems hard for you to handle.”

“She’s right.” Dimitri chimes in. “There’s no shame if you don’t want to face Lonato in battle.”

“Tch.” Both Hubert and J scoff disapprovingly by Ashe’s reluctance, and V glares at them.

“No.” Ashe slaps his cheeks together. “I will not stand idly by while the rest of you do all the work. I wish to do my part… even if it means facing Lonato in battle…”

“Are you certain about this?” V asks visibly concerned for Ashe.

“I am. This is my home, and I must see this though to the end!”

Bylese nods in approval. “Ok, just remember to fall back if ever it gets too dangerous.”

“As for you two.” Byleth turns to the drones. “You are to remain on standby for the time being. Only the residents of Garreg Mach know of your existence as of now, and revealing yourselves now will expose you to the rest of Fodlan.”

“If things get to hairy, and out of hand for even us to control,” Bylese continues. “We’ll call upon you to join the battle.”

“Loud and clear.” J says. “It would be good for the students to get some valuable experience from the field.”

“But don’t wait too long to call for us.” V says with a hint of concern. “I would hate it if one of the Lions gets killed because I wasn’t there.”

“Don’t worry, V,” Dimitri assures her. “We’ll be fine out there.”

“You better.” V narrows her eyes before flashing her flag. DON’T DIE LIKE PUSSIES OR I’LL HAUNT YOU!

“Message received, V.” Dimitri grins.

V turns towards Ashe with a worried look on her face, “Take care of yourself out there.” V takes off.

“You too, V.” Ashe looks up.

“We’ll be in touch, Lady Edelgard, Professor,” J says before also taking off, and roosting herself by one of the trees where she gets a Bird’s eye view as she waits patiently for the signal.

Half an hour has passed, and the two Disassembly Drones remain perched on the top of two separate trees. They both keep a close vigil on the battlefield, and J manages to keep track of everyone despite the fog. “This fog must certainly be causing troubles for Lady Edelgard and the others… and Byleth’s assessment is right. This fog is way heavier than expected so someone must be manipulating it.”

J glances at V who seems to be struggling a bit looking through the fog.

“So…” J awkwardly says. “You seem to look better than usual.” V remains silent while focusing on keeping an eye on the Blue Lions. “I must say, you seem to be a lot more cooperative and concerned for these humans than I previously thought.”

“Aren’t you?” V coldly asks.

“Of course,” J says. “I always aim for efficiency no matter what setting I am, and helping out these humans is no different. You on the other hand, never prided yourself on such things, and are more focused on thinking about the ways you can kill people and drones, but for some reason, I don’t sense that bloodthirsty side of yours considering this is your ideal situation.”

“Let’s just say that I’m making a consideration here,” V says.

“Is it because of that boy?” J questions. “He’s barely holding it together, and I can’t believe your Professor would trust him in such an important task.”

“He’s doing his best!” V snaps. “It’s definitely hard for him to be facing off against his adopted father, but he doesn’t want to let down his classmates by sitting this out not that you would care.”

“You’re right, I don’t care for your little freckled boy toy. I just find your behavior as of late… most peculiar.”

“If you’re thinking I’ve changed, you are right to some degree.” V answers. “I may be a bit less unhinged around these humans, but I haven’t taken a full 180.” V splays her claws with a psychotic look on her face. “I’m still the same V who you look down upon, and the same V who enjoys a good massacre more than anyone.”

“I see.” J says with a sigh of relief. “I’m glad you still have your edge. You’re brutal and close-quarters fighting style will be essential to keeping the rebel’s ire away from our classmates.”

“On that, we agree. Still, that doesn’t mean I’ll be chummy with you after what you did back in Copper 9.”

“V…” J mutters fearing where this is headed.

“You lied to me in thinking that we and N could get away from Cyn if we did our jobs, and you even tried to kill me when she came to the planet. I was already having a bad day after nearly dying to those freaking sentinels!”

“I never meant to kill you or N that day… at least not at first. I offered you a chance to work with me once more-“

“For what?! To work with Cyn again after all she’s done?! She would have made all of our lives a living hell if we continued working with her. He may not admit it, but N was so close to breaking if she continued working for her! It was only through Uzi that he never came to that…” V solemnly says. “Something I wish I was the one who saved him from despair…”

“I see…” J says. “I had a feeling N would have broken down at some point despite him doing his best to be obnoxiously optimistic towards us. Maybe it was a blessing he found Uzi back then… though I still want to punch her through that smug face of hers.”

“You and me both to be honest…” V softly says with her anger subsiding as she sighs. “You know… N asked me if I could be better friends with you despite what you’ve done to us.”

“He did?” J blinks repeatedly shocked by the sudden revelation.

“Yeah, I honestly couldn’t believe it myself when I heard it myself.” V shrugs. “Especially how abused through all our years together, but I suppose he still sees the good in people. No matter how much they wronged him…”

“I see…” J frowns as she looks down at the Forest floor. GUILT SUPPRESSION FAILING! ALERT! CONTACT ADMIN CYNXSOLVER!

V scoffs upon noticing the message. “That said, even if N told me to become better friends to you, it all comes down to you. You have to make the effort. If you ever want me to trust you again, you’re going to have to earn it, Narc.”

J shakes the admin message off her visor, and sighs. “Yes, I suppose you have a point there. Earning your trust maybe the hardest work task I’ll ever have to do.”

“Think again!” V crosses her arms. “Earning Uzi’s trust is going to be way harder.”

“I was afraid you would say that…”

“Still, I will give you props that you’re trying, J. But you’re going to have to try harder than that if you want to get anywhere with us.”

Just as the two were going to continue their conversation, a fireball is shot out of the fog, and up in the sky.

“Hey, is that…”

“Looks like Professor Byleth and the others have hit a bit of a snag.” J unsheathes her gun. “Time to get to work, and put some rebels in their rightful place.”

“Yes…” V crazily grins while unsheathing her claws. “I promised Ashe that it will give Lonato a humane death. That promise doesn’t extend to the rest of his men.”

Both Disassembly Drones take off from there respective branches, and enter the war zone.

In the midst of the fog, battle cries can be heard, and the sound of steel clashing is sounded all through the battle. A trembling Bernadetta walks alone with her bow drawn, and her arrow at the ready. “Okay, Bernie…” She anxiously says to herself. “You can do this… just like what you practiced…”

She spots a group of Gaspard knights battling against the Knights of Seiros and the Blue Lions. Bernadetta aims her bow towards the enemy, and her arrow is primed to fly… if it weren’t for her body trembling. Her breathing becomes faster, sweat drips from her face, and her aim is anything but still.

Shoot, Bernie… why don’t you shoot?

Suddenly, one of the Gaspard militia emerges from the fog with a lance pointed towards Bernadetta. “DIE, CHURCH SCUM!”

Fear grips Bernadetta in place, and she screams at the sight of the solider as he hears straight for her. Just as her life flashes before her eyes in the midst of all her screaming, Caspar rams himself on the soldier’s side. The soldier is caught off balance, and the brawler jumps forward. Caspar decks the soldier with a right hook, and knocks him out.

“YEEEAAAAAHHHHH! I ROCK!!!!” Caspar eagerly yells out. “You ok, Bernadetta?”

“Caspar?!” Bernadetta gasps while trembling. “How did you find me?”

“To be honest, I didn’t. The Professor told me to charge in this direction so I did and bumped into you.”

“Bernadetta, are you alright?” Edelgard arrives with Byleth closely behind. “Don’t run off like that next time. We could have lost you.”

“I’m ok…” Bernadetta mutters. “And… I’m sorry…”

“It’s ok.” Edelgard assures her. “Let’s make our way back to the formation, and support the others.”

“Ok…” Bernadetta mumbles under her breath while Byleth tenses up.

That’s twice I had to use Divine Pulse… he thought to himself. If this drags on longer, it’s only a matter of time before I exhaust my pulses, and when that happens… He glances at his students. No… I can’t afford to think that way. I need to focus on the mission, and eliminate the fog user as soon as possible!

A battalion of militia comes into view, and surrounds Byleth, Edelgard, Caspar and Bernadetta. “We got you surrounded!” One of the militia shouts. “Surrender or face the consequences!” 

“Stay close!” Byleth gestures to the rest of his students prompting him to back off closer to them.

He, Edelgard and Caspar form a circle around Bernadetta, and all three of them have their weapons drawn. Byleth wielding an Iron Sword, Caspar uses Iron Gauntlets and Edelgard has her axe.

“No… no… no… no… NO!” Bernadetta cowers while gripping her hair, and crouching down. We’re going to die, aren’t we?!”

“Calm down, Bernadetta!” Edelgard firmly but reassuringly says. “We’re not going to die here. We still have a lot to live for before our lives are cut short.”

“YEAH!” Caspar shouts and presses his left fist against his right palm. “Let’s bust a hole through the battalion, and get back to the others!”

“Oh?” A condescending voice echoes through the general area. “As if you could manage on your own, Caspar.”

“Huh?” Caspar looks around bewildered.

The soldiers look around as well wondering who could have said that as they hear wingbeats around them.

“Oh no…” Bernadetta cowers even more. “She’s here…”

Byleth and Edelgard knowingly grin just as they hear a familiar so sister laughter. “Just in time.” Byleth mutters.

“Show yourself!” One of the soldiers cries out. “Whatever devilry is this, the Gaspard knights will prevail!”

“Is that so?” The condescending voice continues. “You must be mistaken. I don’t see knights, I just see pathetic little ants.”

The soldier that protester gets shot in the head by a bullet, and fear grips many of the soldiers as he drops dead.

“Oh, I almost forgot, pathetic scared little ants that get scared once one of them bites the dust.”

The soldiers start to panic, and then the wingbeats cease. The soldiers look around fearfully wondering what’s going on now. Some of the soldiers at the perimeter of their formation see four yellow lights from within the fog. One of those lights was a yellow x mark, and the outline of a smile can be seen right below it. The lights speed towards the soldiers, and what follows is a myriad of screams. Fear spreads throughout the battalion, and several bodies from the perimeter fall before them. 

They all looked mauled by what they assume to be a really large bear. Byleth and the others knew better, and that this was done by someone far worse. Suddenly, an explosion occurs in the middle of the battalion. The battalion is sent in total disarray, and panic is fully settled in.

“Ashen Demon!” One of the soldiers angrily shouts at Byleth. “What have you beset upon us?!”

Byleth’s face remains emotionless as ever, and he gives a cold reply. “My last resort.”

In one swift motion, something crashes in between Byleth and the fearful soldiers, and the yellow x mark and the smile appears before the enemy. The being fully sprouts her wings and reveals herself to be none other than J.

The soldiers back away at the sight of J, and she walks towards them with her claws in full display. “What… is that demon…” One of the soldiers mutters under his helmet.

“F-fret not!” Another stammers. “We have the Goddess by our side, and w-we will smite this demon Rhea has summoned from the eternal fire!”

“A stammer during a threat?” J scoffs with a disappointed look on her visor. “That is just utterly pathetic.”

J scans the area, and a couple of messages appear on her visor. PROBABILITY OF CAUSING A FOREST FIRE: 4%. PROBABILITY OF CAUSING A SHITSTORM AMONG THE REBELS: 97%

“Acceptable probabilities.” J smugly says. “Lady Edelgard, Professor, permission to use extreme force on these foolish rebels.”

Byleth and Edelgard glance at each other, and the latter gives a nod of approval before Byleth gives their answers. “Permission Granted.”

“As you wish.” J takes off and flies over Byleth and the others as she has her blasters at the ready. “Your Goddess isn’t here to protect you now,” She mockingly addresses the soldiers, “and if she does exist, you’ll be meeting her soon after you’ve been bathed in flame.”

J ignites her blasters, and fire is spewed from them burning all the nearby soldiers within her range. The soldiers scream in pain as the flames scorch their clothes, armor, and skin as many of them scatter. Caspar looks appalled by the sight while Bernadetta covers her ears and eyes. Byleth and Edelgard watch on not flinching from the sight before them. Many of the soldiers die from the assault while those who are still alive run from the area screaming. Seeing what’s left of the enemy battalion, J lands on the ground once more. She stands on one leg while she raises her right leg before blowing away the smoke from her flamethrowers.

“All clear,” J says as she morphs her flamethrowers back to their normal hands.

“Wow…” Caspar utters. “If you weren’t burning people, I would have found that completely… awesome!”

“And that is how you demolish a battalion, Caspar.”

“You have our thanks, J,” Edelgard says. “You came just in time.”

J nods with a small smile on her face, and she turns to Byleth, “What’s the current situation, Boss?”

“There are a lot more rebels than I anticipated,” Byleth says. “It looks like Lonato was able to sneak through most of his forces from the Knights using this fog.”

“I see. You think there’s actually a mage making this fog heavier?”

“It’s very possible at this point. There’s no way an army this big could have slipped past the knights without one.”

“As you already know, Hubert and Petra are locating the fog mage as we speak, but with this many troops, I fear that they may be overwhelmed…”

Both Byleth and J see the concern written on Edelgard’s face, and Byleth makes a decision, “J, you’re coming with me. We’ll locate Hubert and Petra, and support them in taking down the fog mage.”

“You got it, Boss.” J eagerly says.

“By the way, where’s V?”

J responds by pointing towards the frontlines, and they hear the sound of gunshots and V’s maniacal laughter coming from there.

“Ok, looks like my sister and her class should be fine for now. Edelgard, take Caspar and Bernadetta back to formation, and lead the defense.”

“Very well, My Teacher,” Edelgard says with a look that signifies that she wants to go with them but knows where she’s needed the most. “Just be careful out there. Caspar, help me with Bernadetta.”

“You got it, Edelgard,” Caspar states. “Alright, Bernie, time to go!”

“Wait what?!” A flustered Bernadetta gapes before getting picked up by Caspar like she’s just a sack. “NO! NO! LET ME GO!!!!”

“No can do, Bernie. We gotta head back, and sometimes you’re not gonna move an inch for a bit!”

Bernadetta squeals, “I’m just gonna find a corner, and not be seen for the rest of my life!!!!”

“Someone please do something about that girl before I lose my processors…” J rolls her eyes.

“It’s a working progress.” Edelgard pinches the bridge of her nose and shakes her head. “Anyways, good luck on your end.”

Both J and Byleth nod and Edelgard follows after Caspar and Bernadetta. “Let’s see how good you are at your job, J,” Byleth says.

J confidently flicks her hair. “You won’t be disappointed, Boss.”

J and Byleth progress through the fog, and the Disassembly drone has a radar on the right side of her visor. J stops for a moment and has her gun at the ready. “Where?” Byleth asks immediately catching on with J’s mannerisms. 

“Five approaching from one o’clock, and seven more from four o’clock. I’m also picking up two signals slowly approaching a huge group of signals up ahead.” J whispers.

That must be Hubert and Petra… Byleth thought to himself. They must have located the fog mage… “J, take care of the ones at the front, and once you’re done, go help Hubert and Petra up ahead. I’ll dispatch the ones from behind.”

“Got it, but how do you plan on taking on seven guys at once? I don’t doubt your swordsmanship, but even you would have problems in this-“

Byleth points his arm towards the direction J alerted him to and fires a Thoron spell in that direction. A pained grunt can be heard from a distance, and Byleth glances at J. “With this.” He casts an ember from his right palm.

“Woah…” J gapes her mouth looking very impressed. “I never knew you were a magic caster.”

“Unlike my sister, I was never proficient in using other weapons besides swords. Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude would beat me quite easily if I challenged them using a weapon they preferred. So I turned to using Reason and Faith spells to remedy that weakness.” Byleth flicks his arm and snuffs out the ember. “Now go, I can handle things from here. I’ll catch up as soon as I’m done.”

“Right.” J swiftly gets on all fours and crawls toward her unsuspecting target while Byleth fires another Thoron spell.

J scurries around her surroundings and swiftly closes in on her targets before lunging at one of the soldiers. She sinks her teeth into one man’s jugular, and he gags in pain before collapsing to the floor.

“What in Sothis’s name is your that?” One of the archers utters as he trembles while aiming his bow.

“Shoot it!” His captain shouts.

The archer fires an arrow, but J easily blocks it with her wing and thrusts her tail stinger into the archer’s eye. The archer stumbles back, and blood gushes from his missing eye just as the nanite acid takes full effect. The archer falls on his back, and the remaining three knights stumble in fear. J gets back on her feet with the Knight’s neck still in her mouth while the remaining knights look on feeling appalled. The remaining archer draws his bow, but J shoots him in the head. The remaining two knights draw their weapons, and J drops the dead knight.

“It’s rude to stare when someone is eating.” J spits out a piece of flesh from her mouth and wipes off the blood with a handkerchief. “It’s a violation of personal space and corporate laws.” J’s eyes turn into an X. “One that usually results in death.”

“Kill the demon!” The knights charge at J, but the Disassembly drone speeds past them with her swords drawn.

Both knights fall to their deaths, swords sheathed as she walks past the paralyzed man as he has a seizure.

“All too easy.” J thrusts her tail into the man’s heart and ends his misery.

J takes to the air and overhears some nearby sounds. South of her, she could hear Byleth killing off the remaining militia while to her north, she hears a mage chanting some sort of spell. Just a bit closer to her, she hears Hubert and Petra talking amongst each other while remaining hidden.

“I am unliking the odds, Hubert,” Petra says. “There’s a lot more men than we can handle…”

“Yes…” Hubert admits. “The mage has a lot more guards than expected. That said, we won’t have to take out the entire battalion. We just have to take out the mage.”

“You are challenging presenting? Very well, I am liking these unfavorable odds, and I aim fo challenge myself to overcome them.”

“My, my, you are quite the bold one, Petra. However, let’s not push ourselves unnecessarily. I would hate it if Brigid were to lose their future Queen so early in the school year.”

“Hmmm…” J murmurs. I’ll ask Petra about it when the mission is done. Now let’s see what we are dealing with. 

J scans the area, and identify the following in the group: The fog mage at the back behind some trees, two knights guarding him, two archers, three militia with iron swords, and two armored knights.

“No wonder why Hubert and Petra cautious. This is quite formidable group for a couple of experienced students.” J smirks as she brings out a Missile launcher. “But I’m always free to give a helping hand. Time for a mass layoff from the old man’s service.”

J fires a missile towards the middle of the formation, and the impact instantly kills both archers. The rest of the battalion is in complete disarray, and the mage stumbles on the ground while coughing from his mask. The fog lessens a bit, but the mage quickly gets back to chanting. The fog is restored to its full fortitude, and J homes in on her target. She swoops in with her claws drawn towards the mage, but one of the knights gets between them, and blocks the blow with his shield. Her claws penetrate the shield, and easily pierce through his armor. The knight coughs out blood as he draws his last breath before J tosses him aside. 

“So you must be the one causing all the ruckus.” The mage scoffs under his mask. “You will not halt our plans!” He fires a wind spell towards J.

J blocks the spell with her wing, and it barely fazes her. “Please, was that really supposed to-“

One of the armored knights gets behind her, and brings down his axe onto her only for J to block the blow with her wing. The Disassembly drone scowls at with armored knight with an annoyed expression. She aims her tail at the Knight’s heart, but the second knight barrels into J from the side. The second armored knight pins the Disassembly drone to the ground.”

“You’re really starting to get on my nerves!” J grimaces.

“DIE!” The armored knight, and hacks into J’s head as hard as he can.

The remaining armored knight turns towards the mage. “General! Our position is compromised! We must-“

The armored knight gets bombarded by several Miasma spells, and after three shots, he falls to his death.

“What the?!” The mage gasps before he notices Hubert walking into view.

“Well this turned out better than I thought.” Hubert smirks just as a soldier rushes towards him. 

Hubert snaps his fingers, and unleashes a Mire spell onto the soldier as the spell’s dark ooze eats away at the screaming man’s flesh.

“I will not be bested by a bunch of lowlife students!” The mage screams. “Get them!”

The remaining soldiers and knights rush towards Hubert, but Petra jumps behind the knight, and pins him down. She finds a gap in the armor, and thrust her sword into as this pins the knight to the ground.

“Hubert, move!” Petra draws two arrows.

Hubert rolls out of the way, and Petra fires her two arrows, one landing on one soldier’s knee while the other lands right between the eyes of another. Hubert goes over to the squirming soldier. He rests his palm on the man’s head, and fires a pointblank Miasma spell at his head instantly killing him. The mage attempts to kill Petra with a wind spell, but she shoots his palm before he could cast the spell. The mage grunts his pain as the arrow remains stuck to his palm. He tries to escape, but Hubert fires a Miasma spell, and stops him in his tracks.

“Bravo, Petra.” Hubert claps. “You performed admirably.”

“You are having my thanks, Hubert.” Petra stabs the back of the Knight’s neck, and kills him.

“The one you should be thanking is J.” Hubert smirks. “She performed her role spectacular as the decoy for us.” He glances at J who’s still getting “hacked away” by the armored knight.

Fortunately for J, the axe fails to cut through J’s head, and is becoming more like a bat hitting a piñata repeatedly. “Very funny!” J sarcastically says as she grows more annoyed by the knight by the second. The knight breathes heavily, and grows tired by the second as he is in disbelief that the axe didn’t even penetrate her head.

“W-what are you?!” The knight stammers.

“Your last nightmare before getting permanently laid off!” J vaporizes his head with a laser, and kicks him off her body. J gets up, and unloads a barrage of bullets onto the dead man’s corpse. “BANKRUPT COMPANIES! CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS! BALANCE SHEET ERRORS!”

Hubert and Petra look on at the tantrum looking very confused. “Hubert… what is the yelling of J about?”

“Not entirely…” Hubert sighs before approaching the mage.

“Damn you…” the mage curses as Hubert steps over him. “I should have known this batch of students would have a Vestra…”

“Indeed.” Hubert says as he steps over the man’s open wound. “First of all, you should have known better than to challenge the Church of Seiros. So what is your ulterior motive for this attack?”

“Like I’d ever tell you…” the mage grimaces.

“Oh so there is one.” Hubert snickers. “You just told me all I need for now.” Hubert pulls up the mage’s head, and slits his throat. “I’m sure your compatriots will be better sources of information.” He whispers before letting go of the man’s body.

Petra rushes over to Hubert, and asks, “So is it over?” 

“Not yet.” Hubert says just as the fog is completely lifted, and everything is clearer now. “But this skirmish should tip to our favor now. J, are you done there?”

J breathes heavily as smoke rises from her guns while the headless knight is filled with lead and bullet holes. “Yeah… I just needed to let off some steam.”

“I see.” Hubert grins. “In all seriousness, you have our thanks.”

“We would be the scathing if you were not showing up.” Petra gratefully says.

“And that is why I’m the most efficient one of the bunch.” J states after hearing all that praise.

“I’d hardly call beating on a dead man’s corpse efficient, and we still need to work on your speaking, Petra.” Hubert points out.

“What did you say to me!?” J screams but Petra and Hubert ignore her.

“My apologies…” Petra humbly says. “I will be practicing more often then.”

J sighs, and looks around her surroundings. Well at least the fog is dispelled, and Petra and Hubert are still in one piece. Now then… Her attention turns to V and the Blue Lions facing off against Lord Lonato and the bulk of his army. “Give them hell, V.”

Chapter Text

Flashback

V squares off against Bylese in the training grounds with Felix, Dimitri, Ashe, and Mercedes watching from the sidelines.

“How are you feeling, Felix?” Mercedes asks while healing Felix from aches around his body.

“I’ll be alright…” Felix winces in pain. “I’ve suffered worse… besides, I’m not going to the infirmary and miss this.”

“This is surely going to be a fun match!” Ashe excitedly says. “Your Highness, who do you think is going to win?”

“V will definitely be a formidable opponent,” Dimitri says, “But I feel that Professor Bylese will be able to pull this off.”

“I see, well I’m sorry, Your Highness, but I’ll be rooting for V in this one!”

“And there is no shame in that.” Dimitri smiles. I’m glad to see that Ashe is warming up to V after that talk. Felix, Dedue, and maybe Mercedes to a degree. I just hope Sylvain, Annette, and especially Ingrid can accept her one day…

“Are you certain you want to challenge me in a battle?” V smugly asks. “You just saw me woop Felix’s ass just a few minutes, and I don’t get tired like you humans do.”

“I don’t mind,” Bylese replies looking undeterred. “I’ve always wanted to test my skills against you Disassembly Drones, and I want to test something now that I’ve observed you for two weeks.”

“Is that a challenge?” V asks as she notices that none of Bylese’s weapons are training weapons. “If that’s the case…” V unsheathes her claw on her right and a gun on her left. “I think I’ll step it up a notch facing you.”

Felix grimaces, “Damn it… she was holding back on me in our earlier fight, and I still wasn’t able to push her…”

“W-wait, V… you’re going to use guns in this session?” Ashe nervously asks.

“Don’t worry, Ashe. I won’t use live rounds on your Professor.” V assures him. “Rubber bullets should do just fine.”

“B-but won’t those still hurt?” Dimitri asks as he recalls Sylvain’s painful experience a week ago.

“It’s fine, Dimitri.” Bylese calmly says. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. Besides, I want to know what it’s like to be under fire from those guns.”

“If you insist…” Dimitri sighs. “Just be careful ok?”

“I’ll try not to ruin those leggings of yours, Professor?” V aims her gun at Bylese, but her opponent doesn’t flinch.

V narrows her eyes and turns to her thoughts, She’s not going to be easy to take down…

Both fighters square off with one another, and in one quick motion, Bylese fires first with an arrow aimed at V’s head. The Disassembly drone draws her gun and fires one bullet as it easily deflects the arrow. However, a javelin is thrown right above V and cuts one of the capsules on top of her head. Nanite acid squirts from the broken capsule and burns her head. She screams in pain as she covers her head.

“V!” Ashe cries out.

V grits her teeth, and she struggles to keep the nanite acid from pouring onto her visor. OPTICS DAMAGED. REPAIR TIME: T - 60 SECONDS. The wound should heal itself in a few-“

Unfortunately for V, she fails to notice that Bylese has already closed the gap between them, and the mercenary cuts her left arm off. The Disassembly drone backs off and blocks the mercenary’s next strike with her claw. Bylese keeps up her assault with swift and precise strikes with her silver sword. V struggles to fend off her onslaught and starts losing ground.

Damn it… she’s good… a lot more skilled than I expected… V thought to herself as she noticed most of Bylese’s strikes towards something very crucial. Does she know our weaknesses?

V sprouts her right wing and bashes Bylese back from her, but the mercenary manages to recover. So she caught on to what I was targeting. Bylese thought.

V covers her face and unleashes a barrage of rubber bullets on Bylese forcing the mercenary to roll out of the way. However, a stray bullet manages to catch her side, and she winces in pain.

Dimitri wasn’t kidding when he said these hurt… she thought to herself as she slowed down.

“Got you.” V propels herself into the air and swoops down on Bylese.

Bylese rolls out of the way and braces herself for the impending impact, but V’s optics remain damaged. The image of the Professor is jumbled up in her view, and she crashes her leg just a few feet away from her.

Scrap… I was way off the mark… V grimaces, and notices Bylese is close enough despite her damaged optics.

V aims her gun at Byleth, but the mercenary quickly fires an arrow at her arm joint before it severs the right arm. With the Disassembly drone disarmed, the mercenary gets back on her feet. She moves in a zigzag motion to disorient V, forcing the Disassembly drone to go on the defensive using her right wing. Bylese brings out an iron lance and thrusts it towards her opponent. The lance bounces off from V’s wing and the mercenary circles.

It’s not perfect, but V manages to follow her movements and blocks her subsequent strikes. V’s left arm grows back and transforms into a pike. Bylese sidesteps to the right, and avoids a nasty jab to her side only for her opponent to swing it in the same direction. The pike slams into the Professor’s side. However, she cuts the pike in two to avoid further injury, and she zigzags towards V. The Disassembly drone struggles to keep an eye on Bylese, but a ray of hope comes shining for her. NANITE ACID CAPSULE RESTORED. TEN SECONDS BEFORE OPTICS ARE RESTORED.

Good… V raises her wing. I just need to last until I can see properly, and then I can-

At that moment, Bylese goes low and thrusts her lance toward the tip of V’s right foot causing her to fall forward. This shocks the Disassembly drone, and the mercenary rests her hand on her head before she can fall forward.

“I must say, your foot design is quite peculiar, and can make for devastating impacts…” Bylese says. “But… you have less stability, and it’s easier to trip you.”

Bylese smashes V to the ground and slices off her remaining arm, and her tail rendering her unarmed and defenseless.

“By the goddess…” Mercedes gasps.

“She actually pulled it off…” Felix gapes.

“No way…” Ashe gasps. “V…”

“We were so focused on how dangerous the drones are…” Dimitri says, “we forgot that our Professor and her brother are just as feared, and are not called the Ashen twins for nothing.”

Bylese keeps V pinned under her, and the Disassembly drone grimaces before sighing. “Never thought I’d be beat like this so soon by a human… but I’m glad that it’s you, Professor…”

“Much appreciated, V.” Bylese smiles as she points her sword towards V’s symbol on her chest. “You fought well too.”

“Not as well as you…” V humbly says. “How did you know about the weak spot on my chest?”

“My brother and I figured it out when Uzi told him about the story how she killed J. You drones have quite amazing regenerative abilities. So much so that N was able to grow back his head after getting shot by Uzi’s gun.” Damn it… I wish J didn’t break it half… I wanted to try it out. “And yet… when J got her whole upper body blown off, she supposedly didn’t regenerate, and someone else had to clone her using past experiences. So that tells me that you drones can be killed, and your weakness is somewhere on your upper body.”

“I see.” V perks up. “So when you noticed my reaction when you targeted my chest…”

“That was the final piece of the puzzle, and all I needed to know.” Bylese withdraws her sword, and points at her chest. “So you’re weak spot is here, isn’t it?”

V glances at her surroundings, and sees that no one except Bylese, the blue lions and herself are present. “You better not spread this to anyone else or you’ll see how high I can throw.” She sternly reminds them.

The lions look perplexed by the statement, and proceed to look up just as they catch on to what she meant.

“Surely she couldn’t…” Ashe gulps.

“She could and she would.” Felix simply says.

Mercedes’s eyes lights up, “But if it’s true, that would be a-“

“I… wouldn’t want that, Mercedes…” Dimitri advises her.

V turns to Bylese, and explains, “Within this chest is our core. It’s basically our heart, and our brain since it can move independently from our body.”

“I see.” Bylese surmises. “So if anything happens to it, you die?”

“Our cores our quite durable. Not as much as our bodies, but they can definitely take a beating.”

“Interesting…” Bylese says. “Thank you for confirming my suspicions because now that I know what makes you tick…” she leans forward, and whispers. “I now know how to kill you and the others if you ever turn on me or my family.”

V feels a chill all throughout her body, but is caught off guard by the next message.

“But don’t worry. I have a feeling that you’ll never cross that point. I don’t see you as that type of person, and I’d be honored to have you by my side.”

V sighs in relief, “I appreciate that, Professor.”

Bylese steps off V, and offers her hand. “I think that’s enough for today. Let’s train the others a lot more starting tomorrow.” 

“I can’t take your hand.” V deadpanned says as she eyes her severed arms.

“Oh… sorry about that…”

End of Flashback 

A few minutes before J shuts down the fog mage, Bylese, Dimitri, Dedue, Felix, Ingrid and Sylvain huddle up together, and brace themselves for the incoming assault.

“Hold your ground, everyone!” Bylese states as her eyes dart around the fog. “The enemy could be onto us at any second so no matter what happens, do not break formation.”

Dimitri and the rest of the Lions acknowledge this as they remain firm in their respective positions. Sylvain notices movement amidst the fog, and recognizes the outline of someone readying his bow. “Professor, archer to our right.” Sylvain whispers, and Bylese quickly fires an arrow at that direction.

The arrow lands it’s mark, and the archer drops dead. “Good work, Sylvain.”

“Thanks.” Sylvain winks at his Professor, but his mind drifts to Dedue. That was too close… 

Suddenly, an arrow strikes Sylvain’s knee, and he groans in pain. “Sylvain!” Dimitri, Felix and Ingrid gasp.

Sylvain drops to his knees, and Felix goes over to him, “Damn it… you ok, idiot?”

“Still go a way with words, huh…” Sylvain mutters in pain. “It stings, but I think I’ll live…”

“You’ll live, but if that arrow stays lodged in you for too long, you may not be able to walk again.” Bylese matter of factly says.

“Professor!” Dimitri and Ingrid exclaim, but Bylese doesn’t mind.

“Incoming!” Dedue shouts as a volley of arrows comes for them through the fog.

Dedue moves in between the volley and his friends, and blocks them with his shield. Once the volley was over, he shrugs off the arrows of his shield.

“You two alright?”

“Yeah, I think we’re good…” Felix sighs in relief.

“Yeah, thanks, Dedue…” Sylvain weakly smiles. “We owe you one…” 

Dedue nods, and turns back to the battlefield while Ingrid remains stunned for a while. “H-he saved them…” Ingrid stutters.

“Yes.” Dimitri says. “That’s the kind of man he is.” He turns to Ingrid. “Not all people from Duscur are monsters.”

Ingrid lowers her head slightly until Bylese alerts them. “We’re not done yet.”

The group hears more bows getting stretched, and Dedue gets ready to defend his fellow Blue Lions. Bylese and the rest of the Lions get ready to get into their defensive positions until they hear a loud crash coming from the archers. What follows after is a myriad of screams and gunfire. A flicker of yellow lights is see within the fog, and the sound of something revving at high speeds can be heard. But most bone chilling of all is that all too familiar maniacal laughter.

“Ummm…” Sylvain stammers. “Is that…”

“Yeah.” Dedue nods. “There’s no doubt about it.”

Bylese and Felix listen calmly to the carnage while Ingrid listens looking disgusted by the whole ordeal. Dimitri looks on feeling regret for his kin. “I’m sorry…” he mutters. “But you gave us no choice…”

Soon, several things start flying out from the scene ranging from broken pieces of weapons and armor to severed body parts. A severed leg flies out of the scene and lands on Sylvain.

“GAAAHHH- owww…” a startled Sylvain gasps before wincing in pain.

“Try not to move, Sylvain.” Dedue calmly says.

“You’ll only hurt yourself if you act like an oversized child.” Felix tosses the leg away.

“I’m surprised how well you two are taking this all in…” Sylvain irritably murmurs.

Meanwhile, Bylese eyes a Silver Shield being thrown to her direction, and catches it with relative ease. “Hmmm…” She mumbles before wiping off the blood. “This one could be very useful.”

“Professor…” Dimitri sighs. “Even when you hear people dying before you… you’d rather pay attention to the quality of a weapon?”

“Yup.” Bylese simply says while examining the shield.

“I am deathly afraid of how quickly you answered that…”

All the noise from the scene stops, and all that can be heard is the background noise or nearby fighting between the Church of Seiros vanguard, and the Gaspard rebels. V comes into view while using an arrowhead as a toothpick. 

“Hey there, fellas!” V waves without a care in the world.

Ingrid snorts, and crosses her arms while facing away from V. “Good work, V.” Bylese says. “You came just in the nick of time.”

“Just glad you guys were able to hold out without me for a bit.” V removes her makeshift toothpick, and pops an eyeball into her mouth much to everyone’s, except Bylese, disgust.

Dimitri sighs but looks towards V gratefully, “I’m glad you were able to come on time, V. We may have suffered far worse than Sylvain’s injured leg had you not come by.”

“No biggie. Just glad you guys called for us to join when you can.” V glances at Sylvain’s injured leg. “Ooh that’s gotta hurt…”

“Yeah…” Sylvain grimaces. “It could have been worse…”

Bylese and the others hear more soldiers coming nearby, and everyone, except V, tenses up. “Things are going to get very dangerous soon.”

Dimitri glances at Sylvain and immediately knows that he won’t be able to survive if they get hit by a large force. “V, I want you to take Sylvain back to Mercedes and the others.”

“What?!” V and Ingrid exclaim.

“Your Highness!” Ingrid protests. “You can’t seriously put Sylvain’s life in the hands of this… this-“

“Say it.” V coldly says while brandishing her claw. “I dare you!”

“See what I mean!” Ingrid protests much to V’s annoyance. “We can defend Sylvain ourselves without her assistance!”

“Could you two shut up for a moment?” Felix firmly says. “Your bickering is going to lead the enemy here sooner than expected, and for the record, as much as this nutcase is a maniacal bitch…”

“Hey!” V retorts after being insulted.

“But the factor of the matter is, she hasn’t given me a reason why she would betray us now.” Felix points to Sylvain. “Besides, she’s our best chance to get this idiot back to the others.”

“You really have a way of words with Felix…” Sylvain murmurs.

Ingrid is about to protest, but Dimitri intervenes, “Felix has a point.”

“What?!” Ingrid gasps. “But… Your Highness-“

“That’s enough, Ingrid! We’re still in the middle of a battlefield, and I will not let your views be the death of us all! It’s already bad enough that we have to strike down our kin today…”

Ingrid bites her lower lip, and submits, “Yes… Your Highness…”

Dimitri glances towards V who remains very reluctant to do this task, “Why should I take this idiot back?!” She retorts. “He’s been nothing but a nuisance to me.” She bluntly says, and Sylvain lowers his face.

“Please, V.” Dimitri pleads. “I do not condone Sylvain’s skirt-chasing activities, and how he’s annoyed you. But… despite all that, he is still my friend, and I wish to help him as much as I can.”

“Yeah, I would be really pissed off if this idiot died on him,” Felix adds.

“Please, V.” Dedue chimes in. “Put aside your grievances for now.”

V glances at Bylese who gives her an approving nod while Ingrid faces away from her. V rolls her eyes towards Sylvain, “At least you all can’t turn your eyes into golden retrievers… Fine! I’ll do it! But only because I like you three well enough!”

“Thank you, V.” Dimitri gratefully says.

“Don’t thank me yet.” V hoists Sylvain onto her shoulders. “He’s gotta survive his short trip back first.”

Sylvain lets out a small sly grin, “Hmmm… maybe I should get shot in the leg more often if I get treated-“

“Sylvain, if you want to keep living, shut up.” Felix bluntly says.

“Kidding…” Sylvain waves his hands. “Learn how to take a joke, Felix…”

“Ugh…” V groans from the exchange. CRINGE LEVELS ARE AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH! V smacks her visor back to normal. “Ok, I’ll be back as soon as I drop this idiot back with the others. Don’t go having fun without me, ok?!”

“We’ll be around.” Bylese simply says. “So get going.”

V nods and sprouts her wings. “Alright, buckle up, Fuckboi!” V takes off, and Sylvain screams for his life.

“Sylvain…” Ingrid mutters as she looks up. “Do you think he’ll be alright with V, Your Highness?”

Dimitri glances at Ingrid before turning back to the battlefield. “Sylvain is in better hands than us, Ingrid. We have to worry about ourselves, and the others still on the frontlines.” The group hears the group of rebels getting closer.

“Of course.” Ingrid nods and gets her lance ready feeling frustrated that the others are not seeing V in her perspective.

Meanwhile, Mercedes, Annette, and Ashe support the main force with support magic, healing magic, and arrow fire. The archer shoots down any militia that gets too close while his classmates bolster their soldiers with magic. Ashe shoots down another rebel and frowns while he lowers his bow.

“I’m so sorry…” Ashe mutters. “Why Lonato… why do you drag so many others into this?”

“Yo, Ashe!” Ashe looks up and finds V carrying a pale white Sylvain before dropping him once they are a few feet from the ground.

“Sylvain!” The three Lions gasp.

“What happened?!” Mercedes asks.

“Got shot in the leg.” V gestures to the arrow still stuck. “Professor says that he’ll probably lose if not taken out soon.”

“Then I’m on it,” Mercedes says. “Don’t worry, Sylvain. You’ll be good as new.” She and a couple of other priestesses start treating the wound.

“Please be ok, Sylvain…” Annette murmurs before glancing at V, and scurrying towards the rest of the troops.

“What’s her problem?” V rolls her eyes and crosses her arms.

“V!” Ashe comes over to her. “Thanks for bringing Sylvain to safety.”

“I almost didn’t since he’s an annoying fuckboi.” V gestures. “But… he’s not as bad as the dumb racist blonde.”

“You really need to get along with Ingrid someday…” Ashe sighs. “Still, I’m grateful nonetheless, and thanks for taking care of the others.”

“You’re welcome, Ashe.” V gently smiles as she scans her environment. “I gotta say, these guys aren’t as tough as they thought. I knew I’d beat them up either way, but this is almost too pathetic. No offense, Ashe.”

“None taken…” Ashe utters. “Castle Gaspard doesn’t have a large military force like Houses Blaiddyd and House Fraldarius. It has the second smallest military force only beaten by House Galatea. There are only a few knights and mercenaries in Lord Lonato’s service…”

“Oh?” A perplexed V states. “If that’s the case, then where is all this opposition coming from? There’s way more rebels here than just a few knights and mercenaries unless…” Her eyes widen when she comes to a horrifying realization. “Unless…”

“The rest of the enemy forces here are civilians…” Ashe solemnly finishes before glancing at the rebel he shot down. “That man over there… he wasn’t a mercenary or a knight experienced in fighting… he was a shopkeeper… he would often sell vegetables by the Castle’s courtyard and even act joyously in his job. He was so nice to my siblings and me, and would sometimes give us free food in secret… and I… I killed him just like that…” His voice was on the verge of breaking.

“Ashe…” V murmurs as she glances towards the battlefield. Damn that old man… I haven’t met him, and he’s already pissed me off. At least Uzi’s deadbeat dad had the sense to keep the weak worker drones off the outside with those stupid doors.

Suddenly, the fog around the battalion dissipates, and everything becomes clear as day.

“Looks like J, and her class managed to pull it off. Now that that’s done, I better get back to-“

Ashe grabs V’s arm much to her surprise, “Take me with you.”

“It’s too dangerous, Ashe. Even with this fog lifted, this field is littered with rebels.” V points out.

“I know.” Ashe remains resolute. “These are still my people, and Lonato is like a second father to me. I must see this to the end no matter the risk. I must try to convince him to listen to reason… even if it may be futile.”

V contemplates for a while, and let’s out a deep sigh. “Fine. Don’t go ahead of me at any cost, and be prepared. You might not like what you see when I turn loose.”

“I understand.” Ashe nods as V offers her hand.

“Then you better hold on.” V says before Ashe accepts her hand. “We’re heading out to the frontlines, Mercedes.”

“Ok.” Mercedes acknowledges this. “Just be careful out there…”

“Oh I’ll make sure Freckles comes back in one piece.” V grins before taking off causing Ashe to scream.

V flies back to the others at top speed with Ashe holding onto her for dear life. “This… is not… what I… imagined flying… be like.”

“Eh, you’ll get used to it.” V shrugs as she spots Catherine taking the charge, and striking down any solider and rebel with ease. “Damn that woman’s no pushover.” She also spots Uzi and Claude monitoring the battle from the edges of the battlefield. What is Uzi and that no good cute guy doing here? 

V soon spots Bylese and the others fighting off the battalion of rebels approaching them earlier. The militia run before them after sustaining heavy losses, and Dimitri sighs in relief at the sight.

“We’re here.” V makes her descent, and allows Ashe to jump off once they are at a respectable height.

“Ashe, what are you doing here?” Dimitri asks feeling surprised. “You’re supposed to be with the other at the back.”

“Please forgive me, Your Highness.” Ashe pleads his case. “But I must be here to witness this, no matter the risk.”

“I brought him here as well.” V vouches for him. “So I’ll take full responsibility if anything happens to him.”

Dimitri glances at both of them, and sighs, “Very well. Dedue, stay with Ashe at all times.”

“Understood.” Dedue nods.

“Thank you so much, Your Highness!” Ashe gratefully nods.

“Just be careful out there.” Dimitri reminds him as Bylese turns to V.

“V, you’ll lead the first assault against Lonato’s forces once the fighting gets heated.” Bylese says. “Punch a hole right through his defenses.”

V glances at Ashe for a moment, and responds with a nod to Bylese’s order. “Got it.” She unsheathes her swords.

Felix notices the odd shift in V’s behavior. Looks like that female boar isn’t acting all unhinged like a while ago. Is she considering Ashe’s feelings right now? Either way, it doesn’t matter. As long as we put an end to this stupid rebellion, and I get to watch her fight, I’ll be satisfied.

V and the others finally get a good glimpse of Lord Lonato and his army. The minor lord sits tall on his horse while having a shield and an axe at the ready. Lonato casts an imposing glare on Catherine. The esteemed knight of Seiros holds her ground, and her conviction remains unwavering. The rest of Lonato’s army was lined up for all to see, and by V’s estimates numbered no less than 500 men at most. The Disassembly drone identifies at most 100 of them being proper combatants. These people range from knights, archers, mercenaries, mages and some cavalry. The rest of the army leaves much be desired. All it consisted were are peasants, farmers, and commoners that look like they haven’t held a sword in their entire lives.

“Wow…” that was all V could say. “These guys make the WDF look like heroes…” 

V notices Ashe have a solemn look on his face, and figures that he’s going to feel like absolute crap when this is all over.

“So… the fog has cleared.” Lonato says with an angry look on his face. “There’s nothing left to hide you or the filthy Central Church from the judgement of the goddess!”

V looks on looking deadpanned, and pops out another flag, Another religious fanatic…

“You’ll get used to it.” Bylese says. “Right now, we still have a job to do.”

“Right.” V puts her game face on, and unsheathes her sword.

“Lonato!” Dimitri steps forward and all eyes are on him. “Cease this madness at once, and walk away! You of all people shouldn’t be dragging your people in a pointless endeavor!”

The commoners murmur to themselves at the sight of the Dimitri.

“By the Goddess… it’s the prince!”

“What are we going to do???”

“Should we fight or not?”

“Are you crazy?! We got this far, and we’re not stopping now!”

“But it’s His Highness… How can we raise our blade against him?”

Lord Lonato gestures to them all, and they all go silent as he works forward on his steed. “It’s good to see you, Your Highness.” He bows respectfully. “You look well so far.”

“You do as well, Lonato.” Dimitri withdraws his lance. “Stand down, and let us talk this through before anymore unnecessary bloodshed occurs.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Your Highness.” Lonato regretfully says. “Rhea, the detestable followers of the Central Church, and that… zealot must fall for all they’ve done! For that, I am sorry… it is regrettable that we cross swords like this…”

“Lonato, I sympathize with your position. I really do.” Dimitri gently says. “I have no wish to kill you, but since you have made your choice, you leave me with none. Please… forgive me.”

“Your Highness, I cannot stop here. For my child, and for the people of Fodlan. If you will not stand aside, then I have no choice, but to cut you down.”

With much regret, Dimitri adjusts the grip on his lance. “So be it.”

“Lonato…” Ashe murmurs.

“He has made his choice, Ashe.” Dedue says. “We must be prepared to do what needs to be done.”

“I know, but… I just…”

V furrows her eyes, and takes on a sinister smile, “Let’s see if all these men have spines.”

“W-what?” Ashe stammers as V jumps forward, and lands in front of Dimitri much to everything’s surprise.

“V, what are you doing?” Dimitri asks.

“What I do best.” V says with a crazed grin before turning to Lonato. “YO! Old Geezer!” She declares much to Lonato’s army’s annoyance. “Yeah! I’m talking to you!”

“And who might you be, child?” Lonato asks.

“Serial Designation V, at your service.” V responds with a maid like bow. “I was enjoying my sweet time in the Monastery, and you and your losers just happened to ruin it by starting this stupid rebellion you, Old Fart!”

“How dare you speak to our lord like that, Harlot!” A mage speaks out. “You shall-“

A bullet gets shot in between the mage’s eyes, and falls forward to his death much to the army’s horror. “Shut up, loser.” V coldly says. “Wasn’t talking to you.”

“What is that woman?”

“Is she some kind of monster?”

“What has the Church summoned from the depths of the eternal flame?”

“Nonsense, we shall smite this harlot from the face of Fodlan!”

“But she just struck one of our mages so suddenly!”

“Enough.” Lonato gestures to his men before turning to V. “I’ve heard that the rumors has taken in… peculiar guests last moon. Are you one of them?”

“You could say that.” V says before taking out a few fingers and eyeballs from her breast pocket much to both side’s disgust. “Hey, what’s your favorite human body part to eat? Mines probably the fingers and eyeballs.” She casually says while popping each one into her mouth. “Mhmmm… the fingers taste so crispy, and eyeballs have a nice blend of sweet and salty-“

“YOU CANNIBAL!” One of the knights screams. “Are you a depraved little whore that loves eating your kin?!”

V’s face becomes more crazed. “Who says I’m human?” V sprouts her wings, and displays her claws from both hands as the x mark appears on her visor.

Lonato’s army cowers in fear of V, and Lonato tenses up at the the sight of the Disassembly Drone. “Is this… what it all comes to, Your Highness?” Lonato demands. “Having this… deranged demon by your side?!”

Dimitri furrows his brows, and gives no reply while everyone else among the Lions and their battalions minus Dedue, Felix and Bylese are appalled by V.

“Now listen carefully, losers…” V opens and closes her right claw. “I’m feeling a bit hungry right now, so here’s what I’m going to do: I’m going to go over to you guys, kill as much as I can, and pop your little heads off like they were bubbles. Then I’ll cut off your fingers, and pop your eyes out so I can save as snacks, and eat them whenever I feel like it. If I’m in the mood, and some of you are still alive, I won’t just tear you limb from limb, burn your skin, fill you all with lead, and all sorts of morbid stuff… I’m going to open you up, pick up your entrails, and forcibly feed them to you while you’re still alive. So that your friends can watch.” V’s voice brims with insanity. “How’s that sound?”

Most of V’s allies feel disgusted hearing all this, and Ashe couldn’t find the words to protest at the Disassembly Drone. “I am sure V has a good reason for all this.” Ashe snaps back to reality upon hearing Dedue.

“B-but… she-“ Ashe stammers.

“It’s simply in her nature from what I can tell, but I’m sure she has good intentions. Keep watching.”

Ashe turns back to the battlefield, and many of Lonato’s army cower before V as the insane Disassembly Drone splays her claws. Many of the peasants step back, and run away from the battle.

“What?! Where are you going?!” The knight screams at them. “Get back here! Fight for Lord Lonato!”

“Against that monstrosity?!” One of the peasants cries out as he runs for his life. “There’s no way we can beat that!”

“I DON’T WANT TO DIE A HORRIBLE DEATH!!!!”

“The eternal flame would be a mercy compared to what THAT WHORE HAS IN STORE!”

“Goddess… forgive us for abandoning our Lord…”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t want to die like this… I want to be with my family…”

“Come back here, you traitors!” The knight screams. “You call yourselves men of Faerghus?! You’re nothing but-“

“That’s enough.” Lord Lonato gestures. “Let them go back to their livelihoods and families.”

“But-“

“I roped in civilIans to my cause knowing full well that they will most likely die. So having them leave now may be good for Castle Gaspard in the long term… As for me, there’s no turning back. I will stand and fight until I get my hands on Rhea’s neck, and choke the life out of her starting with that freak!”

The remaining forces let out a massive battle cry. “Looks like he’s really going for it.” Felix scoffs. “Bringing these people to their pointless deaths.”

“Still, V’s threat may have just saved us a lot of trouble.” Bylese remarks.

“You’re actually praising her?!” Ingrid protests. “She threatened to reduce our kin as mere playthings!”

“I am.” Bylese simply answers. “And she scared off over half the army meaning we’ll have less people to deal with.”

“I… suppose so…” Ingrid stutters.

“Either way, our mission hasn’t change!” Dimitri points his lance forward. “Surprises this rebellion at all costs!” The Blue Lions and the Faerghus knights rally behind their prince.

“Forward Knights!” Catherine declares. “Let us show Castle Gaspard what it means to turn their blade against Lady Rhea!” The Knights of Seiros let out a battle cry.

V remains on the center of the battlefield, and glances at Uzi and Claude who are watching from the sidelines. She displays a message on her visor. GIMME A HAND.

“Fine…” Uzi rolls her eyes immediately catching on to what V wants. “V… you’re a almost just as soft as N. Hey, Claude, how good’s your aim?”

“Pretty good if I say so myself.” Claude answers.

“Then here’s what we’re going to do…” Uzi says with an eager grin.

V watches the rebel army charge towards her, and she readies her swords for battle. “Fine, you lot asked for it.” Her visor shifts into an X.

The rebel army rushes forward with their swords and pitchforks at the ready, and V meets their rush head on. She immediately fires two shots, and takes out two knights right off the bat. V charges forward with her wing face forward, and busts through the first wave of rebels. Many of the opposition stumble back from the force of the wing smash, and the Disassembly Drone gets to work. V slices through several of the opposition with her claws. The knights try to fight back, but the Disassembly Drone is too much for them. She cleaves through the army with ease, and let’s loose a full round of machine gun fire. Many fall to the hail of bullets, and V laughs at the demise of the army before her.

“DIE MONSTER!” An armored knight attempts to throw down his axe on V.

However, V blocks the axe with her wings, and snickers at him before kneeing the Knight’s head. She kicks the man’s head off his body, and hurls it towards an archer as this knocks her out. V takes to the air, and the rebels tremble before her as she has missile launchers loaded on each of her arms.

“Nighty Night!” V states before unleashing a barrage of missiles.

The Missiles bombard the army, and several die before V hovering over her, and Lonato and his army watch in horror at the carnage. The peasants tremble in fear at the sight of the Disassembly Drone. One brave peasant tries to spur them on believing that the goddess will grant them this victory. However, the man gets struck by an arrow to the shin, and he screams in pain. The peasants cower before the sight before more arrows hit several of them on the limbs. 

Several purple symbols surround many of the peasants, and they are all sent hurling to the outskirts of the battlefield. V glances to where the peasants are landing. There she finds Uzi in position as she displays a thumbs up with her visor. V responds with a thankful nod, and the worker drone rubs her hands like a scheming person. She falls back into hiding, and proceeds to work on the peasants.

Looks like Uzi caught on to what I want. V thought. Now then… time to kill the rest of those who still want to scrap with me. V fires five shots in quick succession, and kills five soldiers.

Meanwhile, Dimitri and the others push forwards against the rebels with relative ease with the prince leading the charge. He spots a cavalier riding towards him with his lance at the ready. Dimitri sidesteps out of the way, and lands a powerful thrust to the rider’s side as he fall forward to this death.

“I am sorry…” Dimitri remorsefully says. “But did you really think you would get away with this?” 

One of the mages charges up a Fire spell towards Dimitri. “I can’t let you get in our way, Your Highness.”

The mage gets struck by an arrow to the head by Bylese. “Nor can I let you burn Dimitri.”

Ingrid parries back a strike from a peasant, and stabs him straight through the heart with much regret. “The situation is becoming more problematic.” She states. “What shall we do, Professor?”

Bylese strikes down another knight while watching Felix holding his own against the soldiers. “Ingrid, take and Felix, and guard Dimitri’s flanks. Dedue, Ashe, you’re with me. Make sure our flanks our covered as we push through the enemy’s army. Got it?”

“Understood!” All Lions say simultaneously before they all get to work.

Bylese strikes down every enemy that comes to her path with deadly precision as she dances around them with her Silver Sword. She spots two mages trying to strike down V with Thoron spells. Bylese loads two arrows on her bow, and fires them as they eliminate the threat. A Cavalier comes charging in towards her, but she quickly blocks it with the Silver Shield. The lance snaps upon impact, and the horse bucks it’s rider off it’s back. 

Bylese glances at her shield looking content, “I think I’ll keep this.”

Several rebels assault Dedue with their swords, but he holds fast with his shield, and pushes them back. “I will break you!” Dedue proclaims as he sinks his axe into one man’s shoulder.

He shoulder bashes the injured man into one of the other assailants while Ashe jumps out of the way an overhead axe.

“TRAITOR!” The knight screams before swinging his axe towards Ashe.

Ashe rolls out of the way, and fires an arrow to his arm. “I’m sorry….” Ashe mutters. “But this is all wrong…”

Ashe sees a mob on angry peasants and a knight charging towards him, and he stumbles back as he sees the rage in their eyes. However, a laser comes by, and immediately vaporizes the assailants. Ashe looks up, and finds V hovering over him as he gives a slight thankful nod. The Disassembly Drone acknowledges, and flies where the fighting his at its hardest.”

“Ashe, are you alright?” Dedue asks.

“Yeah…” Ashe answers as he regains his bearings. “I think I’ll be ok.”

“Alright.” Dedue nods. “Let’s keep up with the Professor and not get left behind.”

“Right.” Ashe acknowledges, and they follow Bylese.

Meanwhile, V continues bombarding the rebel army with missiles and bullets while the Knights of Seiros and Blue Lions push forward. Catherine rips through the enemy with ease with her Relic, Thunderbrand. Dimitri also pushes through with incredible strength behind each of his strikes. Felix and Ingrid follow his lead, and Bylese and her group are close behind. V eyes the main battalion guarding Lonato, and she notes that it looks stacked filled with Paladins, Armored Knights and some mages.

“Just one more push.” V says right before the battalion gets bombarded by lasers, dark magic spells and lighting spells. “What the?!” V gasps.

She scans the area, and finds J, Hubert and Byleth making short work of Lonato’s main force while Edelgard and Petra guard them. The Brigedese huntress outflanks the knights that get close. She targets their weak spots, and gives Edelgard the chance to overpower them with her speed and power.

“Wow…” V mutters while watching Edelgard fight. “How does she carry that axe with just one arm? She’s just a little twig almost as small as Uzi…” V shrugs. “Oh well… time to end this stupid fight.”

Lonato looks on, and watches his army get obliterated and abducted by purple symbols before his own eyes. “Lord Lonato! You must retreat!” One of his knights strongly suggests. “You must live on, and plan a counterattack against these Central Church heathens, and their… freaks!”

“There’s nothing left for me to oppose Rhea should I flee here.” Lonato shakes his head. “It’s either I avenge my son today, and kill her or I fall here. There’s no other option.”

“But my Lord, we can’t just-“ Suddenly, a missile crashes nearby, and blows back many of Lonato’s remaining men. The minor Lord manages to stay on his steed, and looks up as he witnesses J hovering over them.

“Was I interrupting something?” J smugly says while looking down on him.

Lonato stands his ground, and readies his axe, “No being summoned by Rhea will scare me!” Lonato readies her axe.

“You think I’m summoned by Rhea?” J mockingly says. “News flash: I’m not summoned by her, and therefore, you should be scared of me.” J points her laser blaster, “Under corporate law, you cannot be taken in alive otherwise the rebels will get a second wind at some point. In order to squash the rebellion efficiently, you must die to-“

Suddenly, J gets caught mid sentence by a kick to her face, and she crashes into the nearby ruins. Lonato let’s out a surprised grunt, and now V hovers over him, but this time, she doesn’t bear the crazed face usually wears. Her expression is more serious, and determined.

J recovers from the impact, and grimaces, “What the hell, V?!” She snaps. “I had him on my sights!”

“You stay out of this, J.” V gestures. “This one is mine, and you’re not taking this me.”

J could see the expression on V’s face, and that she was dead serious about this. “Fine…” J scoffs knowing full well that fighting V at this point is a pointless endeavor. “Just finish the job, and don’t screw it up.”

V acknowledges this, and lands before Lonato as the minor Lord tenses up. “You’ve got a lot of guts standing up to me despite being alone, old man.” V states. “No wonder why Ashe looks up to you.”

“Ashe?!” Lonato gasps feeling worried for him as he fears his worse. “WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY SON?!”

“Lonato! V!” Both of them look to the right, and find that Ashe has finally made it to the scene with baited breaths. “Made it just in time…”

“Ashe…” Lonato murmurs.

“Don’t worry, I haven’t done anything to him despite being classmates with him.” V explains.

“What?!” Lonato gasps. “The Central Church is even more depraved if they allow this monster in the Officer’s Academy!”

V grits her teeth. “V’s not as cold hearted as you think!” Ashe protests much to her and Lonato’s shock. “Sure she may be unhinged and murderous at times, but she has a kind and good heart… she may have trouble showing it, but I know deep down, and I’m proud to call her my friend!”

“Ashe…” V solemnly says.

“You’d call this monster your friend?” Lonato firmly asks. “Even after what she’s done today?”

“I will stand by that hill.” Ashe remains resolute, “Especially after seeing her try to save your people for my sake…”

“Save my people?”

“He’s right, Lonato.” Lonato spots Dimitri arrive at the scene. “V made that threat in the first place to scare off those who were unwilling to fight. Because of that, we killed less civilians than we expected.”

Lonato furrows her brows, and turns to V. “Is this true?”

“Whether you believe it or not, I could care less.” V snorts. “The fact of the matter is, you’re going to die today if you keep this up.”

J watches on with a stern look on her face, “V, you’ve truly gotten soft.”

Lonato grips his axe tightly. “Whether you’re Ashe’s friend or not, I will not back to the Central Church! Stand down! I must destroy these evil doers by any means necessary!”

“Please surrender, Lonato…” Ashe pleads. “Whatever your reason for doing this, we can still talk this out!”

“Rhea is an infidel who has deceived the people and desecrated the goddess! We have virtue and the goddess herself on our side!”

Meanwhile, Uzi watches from afar, and overhears the conversation, “Hmmm… what sort of shady shit is Granny Mosshead up to that caused all this…”

“Dunno.” Claude shrugs. “But I would be lying if I said I wasn’t curious about what Rhea’s doing?”

“Me too.” Uzi nods. I swear if part of that shady shit happens to involve what I’m searching for, I’m jacking her freaking Mosshead to get the answers out of her someday!

“Even if all that’s true…” Ashe continues, “dragging the townsfolk into it like this isn’t right!”

“Enough! Lonato sternly says. “If that is how you feel, prepare yourself! I’m putting an end to this starting with your friend!”

“PLEASE LONATO STOP!” Ashe cries out. “You’re no match for V! You will certainly die if you challenge her!”

“It’s too late, Ashe. I’m determined to see this through to the very end.”

Dimitri clenches his fist feeling frustrated for his inability to reason with Lonato.

“I’m sorry, Ashe, Dimitri.” V says with a hint of sadness in her voice. “No reasoning or scare tactics will convince him otherwise. He’s made his choice, and he’s determined to see it through till his dying breath.”

“V…” Ashe sadly says.

“Ashe, it’s time i make good with my promise.”

Ashe wipes away some tears on his face, and sadly nods before Dimitri begrudgingly gives the order. “Do it.”

V acknowledges this, and unsheathes her sword, “Out of respect for Ashe and Dimitri, I will give you a humane death.” She splays her wings at their entire wingspan.

“Then come at me!” Lonato charges forward with his steed.

V responds in kind with both swords at the ready, and in a split second, she passes by Lonato before he could make it halfway to her. Her swords are covered in blood, and the minor lord’s axe shatters. Lonato vomits out blood, and he and his steed fall on their right side.

“That vile woman…” Lonato utters in his dying breath. “Christophe… Ashe… forgive me…” he spots V looking towards him. “V… take care… of my… boy….” With that Lonato breathes his final breath.

“I will…” V solemnly and quietly promises as Ashe walks past her. “I’m… sorry…”

Tears slowly start to stream down from Ashe’s eyes. “Thank you… V…” Ashe goes over to Lonato’s body, and kneels down beside it. “Lonato… I…” Ashe bursts into ears, and cries for his adopted father. 

J scoffs, and flies back to the Black Eagles while V walks past Dimitri.

“Your help today is most appreciated, V…” Dimitri says.

“Welcome…” V quietly says. “But why don’t I feel good about myself…”

“It just shows that you care, V.” Dimitri explains. “That there’s more to you than what people perceive you as.”

“Perhaps… I’ll be nearby if you need me…” V takes off as the sound of Ashe’s crying fades as she gets farther away.

Chapter Text

While V, J, and their respective classes were dealing with Lonato’s forces, N investigates the outskirts of Magdred Way from the air. The Disassembly Drone scans the entire area and finds nothing on his sensors.

“This fog is heavier than I thought…” he mutters to himself as he hears mass fighting happening in the middle of Magdred Way. “Looks like V and the others engaged the enemy on their end.”

“Hey, N!” He hears Leonie call out. “You find something?”

“P-please tell me there are no enemies around…” He also hears Ignatz muttering.

N makes his descent and lands in front of the two fellow Deer causing Ignatz to gasp in shock.

“Geez… I don’t think I’ll ever get used to you guys appearing from the air…”

“You’ll get used to it, Ignatz.” Leonie pats him on the back. “Find anything, N?”

“Nope!” N grins. “Everything is clear for the most part! The fog was pretty troublesome, but I used my heat sensors to search despite the fog?”

“Huh?” Leonie and Ignatz look perplexed.

“Speak plain commoner English!” Leonie demands. “We don’t speak robot!”

“Oh, my heat sensors allow me to detect heat signatures.” N’s eyes turn red much to the Deer’s surprise. “I can detect heat coming from all sorts of heat like fire, lights, and of course, body heat!”

“Wow…” Ignatz gasps in awe. “That sounds remarkable…”

“Yup, when you put it that way, it does sound handy,” Leonie says. “I wish I could get those heat thingies in case someone blinds me.”

“Yup!” N states. “It also helps me monitor the temperature of Uzi, N, and J’s oil within their bodies. That way I can know when either of them needs an oil pack as soon as possible.”

“That does sound handy,” Ignatz adds. “At least we have you by our side, N. I sometimes wonder what would happen if any of the drones got into a rampage…” Ignatz trembles as the thought crosses his mind. “What if they eat me first…”

Leonie responds by bopping him lightly on the head. “I’m sure N won’t let that happen.”

“I envy how carefree you can be, Leonie.” Ignatz murmurs.

“So you got nothing on your end, N?”

“Nope!” N shakes his head. “Uzi must have already cleared out many of the militia that were sulking around the area hoping to ambush us. But she quickly senses them, and made quick work of them knocking them out cold.”

“She knocked them out cold?” Ignatz says.

“Yup! Uzi may be a lot, but she’s not a big fan of killing innocent people…” N drifts off. “Especially after that one time at camp…”

“Oh?” This catches both of the human’s attention.

“What happened?” Ignatz asks.

“Maybe… at another time…” N softly answers. “It’s not something I’d like to talk about around here. Especially around all this fog, and the possible ambushes.”

“Fair point…” Leonie crosses her arms. “But you gotta tell us this at some point cause now I’m downright curious.”

“Me too.” Ignatz chimes in. “I never saw Uzi as a happy camper.”

“You could say that,” N says. “But Uzi may surprise you one day.”

“Oh yeah?” Leonie huffs. “Like the time she surprised me by taking my lance, and snapping it in half?”

“Mmmmmaaaayyybeeee…” An anxious N answers while rubbing the back of his head.

Leonie sighs, “At least she won’t cross the line when not needed to I’ll give her that. This mission leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”

“Yeah…” Ignatz says. “The idea of killing townsfolk and civilians never sits right with me… I truly wonder if this is what I’m getting into when signing up to be a knight…”

This feels like a punch to N’s gut, and a sad expression emerges from his visor knowing how many innocent worker drones he, V, and J killed before meeting Uzi. All because he wanted to do his best at his job. Deep down, he’s glad that he’s done with that life, and that he’s not the same Disassembly Drone he once was. N shakes off the sad thoughts in his head.

“Yeah, let’s try not to kill any townsfolk in this mission,” N suggests. “At the most, we’ll just break their bones so that they can’t walk for a month.”

“I like how you think,” Leonie says looking pleased with his answer.

“And I don’t like how you both think bone breaking is a good idea…” Ignatz frowns. “But… when you think about the alternative… it’s not that bad…”

“You got that right, Ignatz!” Leonie slaps him on the back much to his discomfort.

N smiles at the exchange. “Ok, let’s head back to Captain Jeralt-“

“Marianne! Where are you?!” They hear someone call out much to their surprise.

“That sounds like Hilda!” Leonie perks up.

“Something must have happened while we were away.” Ignatz starts to worry for the worst.

“Follow me!” N gestures to his fellow friends, and heads to the source of the sound. Leonie and Ignatz follow him through the fog using the yellow lights N gives off.

“Marianne! Where’d you go?!” They continue to hear Hilda call out, and find her wandering.

“Hey, Hilda!” N waves. “Why are you all alone here?”

“N! Thank goodness you’re here…” Hilda states with her voice laced with worry much to N’s shock.

“We heard you calling for Marianne just now,” Ignatz says as he and Leonie arrive. “Did something happen?”

“I’m afraid so… Marianne went missing just a few minutes ago.”

“What?!” Everyone’s shocked by the news.

“How’d that happen?” Leonie states.

“I don’t know…” Hilda answers softly. “She told me that she wanted to stay inside a nearby house so she couldn’t be a bother to anyone. So I let her stay there until the mission was complete. Half an hour passed, and when I checked once more, she was gone!”

“Drats…” Leonie curses. “Do you think she was taken by the enemy?”

“I’m not sure…” N mutters. “Uzi and I made sure that the area is secure, and Captain Jeralt has men all over the place…”

“Do you think the mages have some sort of cloaking spell that covers them even from all sorts of senses?” Ignatz asks.

“I-I don’t know…” N stutters. “M-maybe… I’m not-“

“Please, N…” Hilda pleads. “I can’t find Claude and Uzi anywhere. I need your help to find Marianne… or else she might… she might…”

N snaps the fears of dread from his head and places his hand on Hilda. “We’ll find her, I promise.” He determinedly says.

“Thanks, N…” Hilda softly smiles. “I hope we find her soon…”

“We will,” Leonie says. “Let’s start finding clues where she would have gone.”

Some distance away from the group, the bushes and woods rustle as an unseen entity steps out of hiding. The mysterious individual becomes visible, and it turns out to be Marianne as she looks back from where she came. “Ok… I should be far enough not to be a bother to anyone…” Marianne murmurs.

This way… come to me… she hears an ominous voice calling out to her.

Marianne hears the voice from a Forest just a few meters away from her and heads over into its darkness. She walks silently in the woods not wanting to be with anyone, but herself in silence.

Everyone goes away because of me… she thought to herself. Mother… Father… and soon… everyone in the Golden Deer if I continue to stay with them… I’m nothing, but a curse to them all, and everyone in the Monastery… it’s better for everyone to keep their distance from me…

This way… you’re getting warmer… the ominous voice gets deeper the closer Marianne gets to its source.

“Goddess… I’m ready…” Marianne silently prays before walking forward once more.

Nearby, a strange small creature watches her from the shadows, and it resembles a small three-legged creature covered in flesh. It wears a mourning cap on its head, and sports a purple eye.

The creature narrows her purple eye towards Marianne, “What the hell is that woman thinking?” She quietly rants. “Doesn’t she know there’s a monster lurking at the center of the Forest? Ugh… I swear these humans are so annoying… this better not be one of my daughter’s classmates in that weird school she’s at.”

The creature continues to tail Marianne closely and follows her wondering what she’s up to.

N, Hilda, Leonie, and Ignatz continue to search for Marianne, and even call out to her despite her absent response.

“Marianne!” Hilda continues to cry out.

“Where are you?” Ignatz chimes in. “Where could she have gone…”

Leonie shifts through the nearby surroundings for tracks on her whereabouts, “Damn it…” she curses. “I don’t have anything.”

N scans the environment with his red eyes, but with no luck, “I’m not detecting her in my heat sensors.”

“That sounds bad…” Ignatz trembles. “It’s like she disappeared into thin air…”

“That’s ridiculous, Ignatz.” Leonie points. “There’s no way people can vanish out of thin air.”

“But I’ve heard of people using warp magic that could transport others from far-off places… you think that’s the case with Marianne?”

“I hope not…” Hilda mutters. “A warp spell only works when you’re in direct contact with the spell caster. There wasn’t anyone with Marianne when I left her in the house, but now… I can’t be sure…”

Despite his worry for Marianne, N keeps calm. “Let’s keep searching. She couldn’t have gone far. Professor Eisner’s men won’t make it easy for anyone to get away if someone kidnapped her.”

The others agree, and continue their search for Marianne as N keeps a close vigil while staying beside Hilda’s side.

“Hey, Hilda…” N engages in conversation. “I know this might be a bit insensitive of me to ask especially in this situation, but can you tell me what’s up with Marianne?”

“Oh? Why’d you ask?” Hilda asks not feeling offended by the question.

“It’s just… I’ve noticed Marianne looks sad all the time, and she’s not as upbeat as the rest of our class. I want to do my best to help her, but… she always runs away from us every time Uzi and I approach her. It’s like… she’s actively trying to avoid us at all costs.”

Hilda lowers her head a bit and frowns.

“Is she really that scared of us?” N asks his voice laced with concern. “I mean… I wouldn’t blame anyone who’s scared of us, but if we’re somehow involved with what’s happening then I’m so-“

“No, N.” Hilda softly assures him. “It’s not you or Uzi’s fault… the reason why Marianne is avoiding you two… is because she thinks she’s protecting you from herself…”

N blinks for a bit, “Huh?” A question mark is displayed on her right eye. “Protect us… from herself? I dunno about you, but why would she do that? She’s just a sweet young lady, and I don’t take her as a bad person.”

“That’s what I’ve been telling her, but… even so… she just wants to distance herself from others in general… not just you two.”

This gets N even more curious. “What happened?”

“I’m not sure about the exact details, but here’s what I know about Marianne,” Hilda says before she starts explaining. “Her parents suddenly vanished a long time ago when she was young, and since then, Margrave Edmund, one of the newest nobles in the Alliance, took her in as his daughter.”

“Her parents disappeared?”

“Yup, no one knows what happened to them, and many have come to the conclusion that they died. Since then, Marianne distances herself from many people at the Academy, and I always catch her praying whenever she’s on her own.”

“Oh…” N trails off.

“Despite my warnings, I always wanted to hang out with her. To be honest, I’d try to pawn some of my tasks on her at one point especially that one time Professor Hanneman to rearrange the books to their proper place at the library.”

“Wait… you’d pawn people to do some of your tasks for you?” N gasps. “That’s nuts! And here I thought you genuinely needed some help with some of your tasks…”

Hilda chuckles a bit. “Well, you did say you love doing anything so…”

“Yeah, I do say that a lot…” N meekly says.

“Anyways, I asked Marianne to arrange the books for me, I left her there for half an hour to do… other things. But when I came back, it somehow was in a worse state than before!” Hilda sighs. “So… I ended up doing all the work myself, and doing my best to make sure Marianne doesn’t feel bad about it.”

“Oh, I see…” N says. “I think what she needs is some good old friendly company, and whatever it is that’s bothering her, I’ll be right there to help her and work on it together.”

“Thanks, N.” Hilda softly smiles. “Let’s find her first, and help her feel wanted again.”

Suddenly, the fog begins to dissipate, and the surroundings become clear to N’s group. “Looks like the others managed to take care of the fog mage Jeralt hypothesized was in the army.”

“Yup! Captain Jeralt’s instincts are always on the nose!” Leonie smugly says.

“Now we should have an easier time tracking down Marianne,” Ignatz states.

“Yup!” Hilda chimes in. “Let’s push forward, and find her!” She then notices N’s red eyes narrowing towards the Forest up ahead. “What you’ve got?” Hilda asks.

“Hmmm…” N murmurs. “I’m detecting multiple heat signatures in that Forest… and one oil signature.”

“Uzi?” Hilda asks.

“No, I know her oil signature to heart, and it’s too small to be her, V or J so it could be…” N starts to sweat a bit on her visor and swallows. “Let’s go and check if Marianne is in there, and get out of that forest…” N rushes towards the Forest leaving Hilda and the others baffled.

“Is it just me or does N know something we don’t?” Leonie questions.

“Beats me.” Hilda shrugs. “Come on, let’s go follow him.”

Within the forest, Marianne continues to wander through the darkness, and the voice coaxing her gets louder.

Come, my child…

Marianne continues forward despite the ominous tone of the voice, and she gets closer to a nearby cave. The inside of the cave is so dark that she can hardly see anything inside it. The sound of water dripping from the cave walls could be heard, and she could feel the breath of something large coming from the cave.

“Welcome, Child… I’ve been expecting you…” A deep gnarly demonic voice can be heard from the voice.

“I-is it true…” Marianne stammers before the hidden demonic presence. “That you would free me from my suffering?”

“Indeed, Child.” Red eyes glow from the darkness. “In doing so, you will free me from this torment, and I will give you what you seek.”

“What I seek…” Marianne murmurs.

“Yes…” the demonic voice says just as a pack of wolves emerges from the caves.

The wolves surround Marianne and growl menacingly as they circle her and flash their teeth. She glances at the wolves as they all fix their eyes on her.

Marianne closes her eyes, and thinks to herself, Now I can no longer trouble anyone anymore… “Goddess… take me in your embrace…”

“Hehehehe…” the demonic entity laughs. “At long last… I shall be from this eternal torment after I consume your flesh!”

Suddenly, a pickaxe gets thrown into one of the wolves’s heads, and instantly kills it shocking everyone present.

“What?!” Marianne gasps as she snaps back to reality.

“WHO DARES GET IN MY WAY?!” The entity roars.

“Oh wow, the typical bad guy who loves to stay in the darkness because he feels too cool to show himself in the light…” a new voice sarcastically says. “Get some new material, slime ball!”

The purple symbol appears surrounding the pickaxe, and levitates it off the Wolf’s head.”

“That symbol!” Marianne’s eyes widen. “I know that symbol.”

The wolves growl at the floating pickaxe, and it starts rotating before flying towards the pack and killing a couple of wolves. The remaining wolves whimper, and free into the woods not wanting to deal with this supernatural power.

“WHERE ARE YOU GOING!” The entity roars. “GET BACK HERE, YOU GOOD FOR NOTHING MUTTS!”

“Sorry, but it looks like those mutts aren’t gonna take orders from a slimeball like yourself.” The small purple creature jumps off a tree, and lands before Marianne.

“WHAT?!” The entity snorts. “I’m being mocked… by an insect?!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah… quit your yapping.” The creature irreverently says. “As for you!” She points her claw at Marianne.

“Ummm…” Marianne mumbles. “Who are you… and you shouldn’t be here… this place is too-“

The creature slaps Marianne on the face and glares at her with her one eye. “Oh so you do know that this place is dangerous, and yet you still willingly walk into this forest? Are you suicidal or something?”

“Ummm… Well I-“

The creature slaps her again. “Don’t feel sorry for yourself! I swear if my daughter ends up just like you, I will pluck out her processors, and reprogram her if I have to!”

“Daughter?” Marianne utters. “You’re saying weird words I don’t understand… Are you-“

“ENOUGH!” The entity roars. “I shall not take any further insult no more!”

“Oh, so the edgy teen monster is gonna reveal itself…” the small creature shrugs. “Oh well, just go on and get over it.”

“YOU WILL PAY FOR YOUR DISRESPECT!” The entity’s foot steps out of the cave.

The entity reveals itself to be a giant gnarly quadruped demonic beast, and it flashes its teeth towards the group. The monster roars at the duo, and Marianne trembles at the sight of it. “T-that must be the Wandering Beast that patrols all of Fodlan…”

However, the small creature looks unimpressed. “Eh… maybe you should have stayed in that cave. You look uglier than I expected, but you’re not even that scary. I’ve seen way scarier stuff than this slimeball.”

“ENOUGH!” The Wandering Beast. “I GROW WEARY OF YOUR PETULANT INSULTS! YOU AND THE CHILD WILL DIE SCREAMING!”

The Wandering Beast lets out a breath of acid towards Marianne, and the creature, but the creature projects the purple symbol in front of the acid. The symbol blocks off the acid spray, and the creature projects the symbol around the Wandering Beast’s right front leg. She twists the right leg, and the demonic beast roars in pain.

“Let’s see you try to walk now.” The creature continues to trash talk the Wandering Beast much to Marianne’s shock.

The Wandering Beast starts laughing in pain. “I must say… you’re powers are unlike anything I’ve seen before… perhaps great change is coming to this cursed land… but no… YOU WILL NOT BE ALIVE FOR MUCH LONGER TO SEE IT!”

The Wandering Beast lunges towards Marianne and the creature at full speed with the ravenous intent to devour them. However, something fast swoops down, and kicks the monster on the head. The impact leaves Marianne dumbfounded.

“W-what just happened…” She mutters.

The creature narrows her one eye as the figure jumps off the Wandering Beast’s head. “About time you got here, N.”

“Hey, Marianne!” N waves cheerfully. “Thank goodness you’re safe!” He softly turns his head to see the creature. “It’s good to see you too, Nori.”

“N!” Marianne gasps. “What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you, Silly.” N softly smiles. “Hilda and the others are worried about you…”

“They were?” Marianne lowers her head. “But… I’m just a bother to them and you, and it’s better for you all to keep their distance from me…”

“You’re not a bother to anyone. And whatever’s happening with you, we’ll deal with it together along with Hilda and the rest of the Golden Deer.”

“But… how can I-“

“Wait a second…” Nori waves her claw. “You’re part of the Golden Deer?”

“Y-yes?” Marianne answers before Nori slaps her.

An exclamation mark appears on N’s right eye. “Nori! You can’t just-“

“Quiet, N!” Nori sternly says. “I’m not going to permit this young lady continue being suicidal when she has a strong chance to influence my daughter!”

“Nori… is that right?” Marianne asks while rubbing your cheek.

“Yes?”

“You’re Uzi’s mom?”

“That’s me.” Nori proudly says. “Where else do you think she got her dashing good looks, and beautiful attitude.”

“Ummm…”

“Anyways, please listen to this dumb goober, and his disgusting optimism.”

“Wait, you finally approve me?” N asks.

“Shut up, N.” Nori hits him with a stone before turning back to Marianne. “The point is you still have you’re whole life ahead of you, and you humans should live it the best you can, even if you do stupid things… so don’t go wandering into creepy forests just to get yourself killed!”

“You think so?” Marianne innocently asks. “Even I deserve the chance to live?”

“Look, lady… I don’t know what you’re dealing with, but here’s what I do know, your life is something you gotta value, and you’ll be missing out on a lot of good things out there.”

“Exactly.” N chips in. “Like i said before, whatever you’re dealing with, we’ll figure it out together.”

Marianne lowers her head, and considers their proposal as she has cursed her existence her entire life. Is my life really worth living for…

Suddenly, the ground trembles beneath their feet, and everyone turns back to the Wandering Beast. The monster has recovered from N’s kick, and her viciously roars at the group.

N’s demeanor changes in a more serious tone, and he gestures for Marianne to stay back. “Yo! You look like you’ve got some kind of hair loss disease or something. I know some treatments that-“

“ENOUGH!” The wandering Beast stomps the ground hard. “THAT CHILD’S FLESH AND SOUL WILL BE MINE, AND YOU AND THAT INSECT ARE NOT GETTING IN MY WAY!”

“Oh wow…” Nori says in a mocking tone. “Angsty demon dog is now throwing a tantrum like a baby we stole candy from… Are you going to piss off or what?”

“YOU SHALL PAY FOR YOUR INSOLENCE WITH YOUR LIVES!”

The Wandering Beast charges once more, but Nori ensnares all four of its legs with her Solver abilities. The living core plants it’s feet deeper into the ground, and the Wandering Beast struggles to break free.

“That should keep Mr. Ugly in place for a bit.” Nori says. “N, get out there, and do some grunt work.”

“Righto, Mrs. Doorman!” N salutes much to Nori’s annoyance, and he glances at Marianne. “You might want to turn away for this.”

“N…” Marianne murmurs as N flashes the X symbol on his visor.

N flies towards the Wandering Beast, and the monster charges up its acid spray only for the Disassembly Drone to fire a missile in its mouth. The monster swallows the projectile, and it explodes. The Wandering Beast roars in pain just as N closes the gap between them. The Disassembly Drone kicks the monster’s lower jaw, and sends it reeling before following up with an overhead punch. The Wandering Beast shakes off the daze from the impacts.

However, N unsheathes his chainsaw hands, and starts ripping through the monster. The Wandering Beast shakes it’s body violently to fend off the Disassembly Drone. However, N keeps up his assault and peppers the monster’s wounds with machine gun fire. The Wandering Beast grimaces and swats the Disassembly Drone with its tail. N shrugs the impact off and cuts the tail off with ease, and this enrages the Wandering Beast. It turns its head towards the Disassembly Drone with its acid breath at the ready.

However, Nori snaps the jaws shit with her Solver powers. N gives her a thankful salute while she responds with an eye roll. The Disassembly drone lands a massive right hook to the Wandering Beast. The monster struggles to recover from all the damage N has dealt to him. The Wandering Beast widens its red eyes and finds the Disassembly Drone hovering before him.

“Are you some sort of Angel of death?” The monster asks in a gnarly manner.

“Nah…” N casually says while the x remains on the right side of his visor. “I’m just a bot that loves doing anything.” His casual demeanor shifts to a more serious tone as he charges up his blaster. “So do me a favor and leave my friends alone.”

N fires a large laser blast and completely engulfs the Wandering Beast much to Marianne’s shock and awe. “Wow… he’s stronger than I thought…”

“Eh, my daughter is way cooler and tougher.” Nori shrugs.

N stands before the smoke with his guard still up. He feels the ragged breathing of the Wandering Beast breathing on him.

“I greatly underestimated you…” the Wandering Beast growls. “What is your name?”

N points his chainsaw towards the Wandering Beast. “Serial Designation N.”

“Serial Designation N… what a peculiar name… but I shall remember it… This isn’t over… I will come back for the child one day… and before I consume her, I will take great pleasure devouring you…”

The Wandering Beast immediately escapes by burrowing underground, and N sheathes his weapons. “And I’ll be prepared when you come back.”

N turns back to Marianne and Nori, and the student softly smiles, “Thank goodness you’re ok, N…”

“I could say the same for you, Marianne,” N responds in a similar fashion. “I’m just glad you’re ok.”

“You did well today, N,” Nori says. “Almost makes up for the time you interrupted me when I was having a wholesome moment with my daughter at space.”

“Yeah…” N nervously chuckles. “Sorry about that…”

Marianne glances at both of them and humbly bows her head. “Thank you for saving me, and… I’m so sorry for troubling you.”

“That’s ok. Not like you killed anyone.” N says before whispering. “After all I forgave Uzi after she ate a bunch of campers a year ago.”

“I see…” Marianne utters.

“If you’re still feeling sad, that’s ok. We can do baby steps for now, and you’ll be able to feel better next time.”

“Thank you so much, N, and you too, Nori.”

“Don’t mention it.” Nori waves her leg. “Just doing my job as the unseen guardian for you Golden Deer schmucks.” She suddenly crawls up on Marianne’s face, and looks her in the eye causing the young lady to tense up, “But if you ever turn my daughter into a sad mopey little girl like you were a while ago, I will make your life a miserable hell.”

“Ummm… ok…” Marianne trembles.

“Relax Marianne.” N plucks Nori from Marianne much to Nori’s annoyance. “Nori may be a tough lady, but she’s a nice fun person to be around.”

“Pick me up again, and I will rotate you around this planet for an entire hour.” Nori threatens N.

Just before N could say anything, they hear the calls of Hilda, Leonie, and Ignatz. “Marianne! N! Where’d you guys go?!” Hilda exclaims from a distance.

“We heard an explosion nearby,” Ignatz says. “Did something happen?”

“You better not be having fun without us!” They hear Leonie scream.

“Crap looks like the others are here.” Nori scoffs. “N come with me. There’s something I want to talk about with you. Marianne, you go on ahead, and meet your buddies, and don’t you dare tell them about me.”

“Huh?” N and Marianne gasp. “But-“

Nori starts dragging N away with her Solver power, and Marianne sighs as they go into hiding in the bushes.

“Marianne! Where are you?!” Hilda cries out.

“I’m here!” Marianne calls back and heads back to the others.

Meanwhile, N and Nori reach a secluded spot near the cave. “Ok, why are we hiding, and not showing yourself to the others?” N asks.

“Your classmates will freak out if they see me.” Nori points out. “And besides, I’m not in the mood to deal with that bullshit right now.”

“But it would be so much fun!” N enthusiastically says. “I’m sure they’d love to see how cool you-“

Nori stuffs his mouth with a bunch of leaves, and he desperately tries to speak through them. “Shut up and listen.” She levitates a letter to N. “I found this letter on some of those idiot rebel knights. The guy tried to scrap me, but I taught him a lesson.”

N manages to spit out the leaves from his mouth. “Oh, what’s it say?”

“An assassination attempt on Rhea,” Nori whispers.

“An assassination attempt?!” N screams prompting Nori to shush him.

“I told you to shut up, and listen!” N sternly says.

“I’m sorry…” N whispers. “It’s just… it’s wild that someone is plotting to kill Rhea even after this rebellion.”

“Yeah the green granny isn’t everyone’s favorite in Fodlan it would seem.” Nori sighs. “This assassination attempt seems amateurish, and she and his followers would easily thwart it without even blinking once.”

“I see.” N rubs his chin. “So what’s the problem here?”

“This plan feels too easy, and I’m thinking that this assassination attempt is just a distraction. I get the feeling that whoever plotted this scheme is trying something other than assassinate the Green Granny.”

“Like some sort of heist?”

“Maybe,” Nori says. “That’s actually not a bad idea. The problem is I don’t know what they’re raiding. The Monastery is full of religious and powerful crap and shit. So it’s hard to pinpoint where they could strike… You should give this to that big hunk, Jeralt. I have a feeling he’ll be able to find out what these miscreants are planning.”

“Got it.” N nods. “I’ll make sure to deliver this to him as soon as possible.”

“Oh, and there’s one more thing.” Nori narrows her eye. “And it’s very serious.”

N blinks, “More serious than an “assassination attempt” or a heist?”

“Yup, I’ve been detecting a frequency outside the planet, and into deep space. It’s only a few knots, but it doesn’t look like it’s approaching F-019 at least for now….” Nori pauses for a bit. “But when I heard the frequency… I grow very concerned. Here, listen…”

Nori’s eye turns into a frequency line, and she plays the frequency she heard from outer space. N listens to the frequency closely, and hears blips in the frequency that resemble clicks. His face turns into one of horror as he slowly recognizes the frequency.

“I know that frequency…” N utters. “That’s a signal coming from a…”

“A Murder Drone squadron.” Nori finishes. “Which means… you, V and J aren’t the only Disassembly Drones this part of the galaxy.”

“B-but that’s impossible…” N tries to explain. “The Disassembly Drone squadrons have never explored this part of the Galaxy because there aren’t any Worker Drones to prey on.”

“Till now that is.” Nori says.

“Uzi…” N gasps as he realizes the horrible realization. “But… she’s just one Worker Drone! There’s no way a squadron of Disassembly Drones could come all the way out here for one Worker.”

“Look I’m not saying that the squadron wasn’t drawn here because of Uzi. But the fact that there is one nearby shouldn’t be taken lightly. They might not be heading to this rock right now, but if they do, they will kill everyone in their wake, and that is something we should be wary of.”

“Yeah…” N nods. “I am worried about the students should they face a hostile a Disassembly Drone. I fear the worst if it comes to that… and if that happens, the others an I will do our best to defend them.”

“You four are confident in taking on a squadron of Murder Drones?”

“For the most part. V, J and myself are ranked second amongst the Disassembly Drone squadrons. We should be able to take care of most of the squadrons should they come here.”

“Second?” Nori emphasizes. “You mean there’s squadron better than you?”

“That’s what I’m afraid of…” N says with his voice laced with concern before trying to mitigate the situation. “But they’re cool guys so I’m sure we can talk them out of killing people.”

“You said the same thing about V and J when they were bullying you back then.” Nori points out.

N lightly screams. “You know about that?!”

“Yeah, Uzi told me about it when I asked her how she meet you. I still can’t believe she made friends with the things that killed her freaking mother…”

“But.. you’re still alive…” N points at Nori.

“Bite me, N!” Nori retorts. “I no longer have my beautiful cute body thanks to that dumb stupid nanite acid! I sure hope Khan has a body for me when we get back… but anyways, keep this part about the Disassembly Drones a secret to the humans of this planet until it’s absolutely necessary.”

“I-I’ll try…” N utters. “But I’m bad at lying…” SO VERY TRUE, IDIOT.

“Ugh… I hate this…” Nori shakes her head. “Just do your best! I don’t want anyone freaking out about impending doom because of the possibility of three psycho robots coming here, and killing them all. But… teach them how to fight you guys. If the Murder Drones come to the planet, it’s best for them to be prepared at least.”

N determinedly nods, “I’ll do my best. I’ll make sure Claude and the others will be up to shape in no time.”

“Good.” Nori nods. “Now I’d best be off, and do some exploring on this dull rock. Tell Marianne I meant what I said. See ya around, N!” Nori jumps off, and scurries into the bushes.

“Bye, Mrs. Doorman!” N waves.

Suddenly, Nori pokes her head out of the bush. “Oh and make sure you take good care of my daughter.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t let anything happen to Uzi.” N states.

“I’m holding you to that.” Nori goes into hiding once more.

N looks up at the sky pondering on what Nori’s told him. Will we get to see you again… Delta Squad? If it’s ready you… I wonder how much things changed since we left for Copper 9… N sighs.

“Well, I better get back to the others.” N heads back to the clearing to meet up with the Golden Deer.

Somewhere in outer space by an asteroid belt, and female Disassembly Drone stands in the middle of the biggest asteroid. She wears a black blouse with a black short cape around her neck. She has long wavy white hair tied up in a knot, and looks out into the dark expanse of space. She’s also playing Tetris on the right side of her visor while the left maintains a serious expression. Suddenly, she hears her comms ringing, and this inadvertently costs her game.

“This has better be good.” The female drone answers with a scowl on her face. “I nearly broke my high score.”

“Apologies for interrupting your mundane game.” The caller says. “Come back to the ship immediately. We may have found Lady Cyn’s whereabouts.”

“Understood. I’ll be back in a couple of minutes. M out.”

M shuts off her coms, and looks out at the expanse, Lady Cyn… N… where are you? She takes off from the asteroid, leaving behind a crater in her wake.

Chapter Text

J’s systems become online, and she looks around her surroundings only to find herself in her maid outfit. “Where am I…” J wonders as her optics become clearer. “Am I… back at the manor?” She recognizes the room as the manor’s gala. “But that’s impossible… I’m supposed to be at the Monastery, and the manor should be-“

“J?” J’s sensors go perk up as soon as she hears a familiar voice. 

She turns around, and finds a young woman just a bit shorter than N causing J to gasp in shock. “B-bo- Tessa?! Is it really you?”

“Of course it is, J.” Tessa answers and chuckles. “Why on earth are you being so silly?”

J expresses a sad expression on her visor, and she walks towards Tessa. “Tessa, I’m so sorry for-“

Suddenly, Tessa gets stabbed from behind by a sharp tendril from the other room, and both she and J look on with horror. “J-J… please… help-“ Tessa gets violently dragged into the next room.

“TESSA!” J screams before flying towards the room where Tessa was dragged into.

Unfortunately, another tendril emerges, and smacks J, sending her halfway across the gala as she crashes on the nearby furniture. ALERT! ALERT! 80% OF PRIMARY MOTION SYSTEMS MALFUNCTION! REQUEST REPAIRS IMMEDIATELY! J is left lying in the middle of the gala feeling frustrated, helpless, and scared. All she can do is barely lift her head. She looks across the gala, and sees yellow lights flicker in the room Tessa was dragged into. In the midst of all this, J hears the young girl’s agonizing screams, and all she can do is watch on in despair. After half a minute of what seemed to be eternal hell, the yellow lights stopped flickering, and the screaming stopped.

“Tessa?” J worriedly utters.

All she could see in the other room was darkness that not even her optics could see through. But that darkness is soon illuminated by two yellow eyes shaped like Xs peering at J as the Disassembly Drone is struck with fear. Suddenly, Tessa walks into the gala from where she was dragged into. However, the person that walked through those doors is no longer the young woman J admired and loved. It was the abomination that’s been wearing Tessa’s skin for so long. The same abomination that haunted her, N and V for many years. The disfigured monster walks toward the vulnerable J with a demented smile on her face.

“Hello. J.” The monster autonomously says.

“C-Cyn?!” A fearful J stammers. “No… it can’t be… you died!”

“Laughter! Laughter!” Cyn sinisterly cackles. “Silly. J. You. Know. Better. Than. Anyone. That. You. Can. Never. Escape. From. Me. Even. In. Death. You’ve. Been. Very. Bad. For. Sticking. With. Uzi. And. The. Two. Cute. Traitors. Lick.” She licks her own eye.

“Cyn…” J stumbles back. “I-I can explain…”

“No. Need. To. Explain.” A tendril with a sharp edge erupts from Cyn’s back. “Just. Discipline. And. Dissection. Crawl.”

Immediately, Cyn crawls swiftly towards J, and the Disassembly Drone’s wings become operational as she fearfully attempts to fly out of there.

“Stab.” Cyn stabs J’s legs and prevents her from flying any further.

J screams in pain as oil leaks out of her leg, but her fear of Cyn goes into overdrive as she severs her leg by flying forward. The disassembly drone continues her escape, but her escape gets thwarted by getting by a whip towards the right side of her visor. J crashes on the Gala dance floor. The right side of her visor is completely shattered, and she can barely see from her left side. Despite the issues in her optics, she catches a pair of yellow eyes looking at her from the shadows. 

“Senpai…” J desperately reaches out as she feels Cyn already on top of her. “Help me…”

The pair of eyes have a look of disappointment. “Help you? You’re a disgrace to us all, J. To think I had such high hopes for you. You are nothing but a waste of time for me and Lady Cyn.”

“Senpai…” J utters as she feels betrayed while Cyn flips her on her back.

“Thanks. Again. Big. Brother.” Cyn dementedly smiles at J. “Now. Let’s. Eat!” She lunged at J, and all J could do was scream.

Suddenly, J crashes onto the floor in a more darker room, and immediately, she starts scanning her surroundings. She breathes heavily during her scan, but to her relief, she saw no sign of Cyn or the one she called “Senpai.” In fact, she was no longer in the gala of the manor. She now finds herself in her dormitory at Garreg Mach Monastery, and she calms herself down.

PANIC SUPPRESSION PROCEDURES COMPLETE. COMPOSURE REGAINED.

J sits up on the floor and hugs her legs closely. “Stupid Night Terror…” she mumbles.

It’s been two days since the suppression of Lonato’s Rebellion, and J and the others have just came back from Magdred Way today. The disassembly drone hangs upside down from the ceiling of her dormitory. Unfortunately, J hasn’t been able to sleep after that nightmare. Her thoughts drift towards her failure to save Tessa, her servitude under Cyn, and her Senpai’s disappointment with her. This leaves J in a sour mood, and she grumbles.

“Damn it… I can’t be inefficient tomorrow…” J utters before getting back on her floor. “I need a drink.”

J gets back on the floor and flies out the window. She flies silently over the Monastery and heads over to the ship. She rubs the right side of her face.

Even now it still hurts… J grimaces. Damn that V… she certainly knows how to kick. I never would have taken her to be soft, but then again… I’m slowly becoming the same way towards the students as well… especially Lady Edelgard… she really does remind me of Tessa.

While she reminisces, she hears someone humming a tune near the ship, and J lets out an annoyed expression. 

“And here I thought I could have some alone time drinking oil…” J grimaces before setting foot at the top of the ship. “Alright, who’s the moron who dares trespass near my ship?”

She scans the area and finds Bernadetta attempting to hide behind the shadow of the spaceship to no avail. The student looked very petrified at the sight of J, and she was holding some cloth.

“Oh… it’s you…” J rolls her eyes.

Bernadetta squeals, and curls up into a ball. “Please don’t eat me…”

“Relax, Bernadetta. I’m not going to eat you.”

“No… you’re just saying that to lull me into a false sense of security! You’re just waiting for night to fall so you could pick me up, and eat me!”

“Could you calm down for one second?!” J jumps down, and glares at Bernadetta causing Bernie to shrink in fear. “Now, I will say it again with my word. I am a drone of wrong when it comes to societal laws. And by the Monastery laws, I am prohibited from killing anyone in this school to save those scam merchants right outside these gates! So no matter how annoying and UNBEARABLE you could be, I will not eat you or kill you! Got it?!”

Bernadetta blinks for a bit and meekly nods.

“Good! Now I just want to get an oil pack.”

“Oh?” Bernadetta perks up. “So you weren’t going to eat me?”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to say.” J says doing her best to hide her irritation.

Bernadetta lowers her head, and covers it with his arm. “Please don’t hurt me…”

“Bernadetta, I won’t- Ughhhhhh…” J groans, and bangs her head on the door. “I swear… you can be much at times to be honest…”

“Sorry…” Bernadetta mumbles before J opens the door. “That’s a different passcode than before.” She notices as the door opens.

“Uzi informed me that some knucklehead student got it on its first try so we had to-“ I narrows her eyes, and turns towards Bernadetta. “How did you know there was a passcode change?”

“I-I… don’t know…” Bernadetta mutters, and J looks down on her causing the student to swallow.

“You know what? Forget it.” J sighs, and enters her ship just as Bernadetta lets out a sigh of relief.

J looks through the oil packs, and finds several of them branded with a purple skull causing her to eyeroll. She sweeps away the branded oil packs, and takes one with no brand before drinking from it.

“Ah…that hits the spot.” J looks back, and notices Bernadetta still staying in place looking petrified. In her little hands are cloth and a needle. “What made you come here in the first place, Bernadetta?”

“M-me…” Bernadetta stammers.

“Do you see anyone else here?”

“N-no…”

“Exactly. You’re clearly afraid of all four of us so why come to this spot rather than just staying in your room?”

Bernadetta remains silent for a few seconds before giving a meek answer. “I was… hungry…”

“Huh?” J is left bewildered. “You were hungry?”

“Yeah… we were marching back to the Monastery all day today, and when we finally arrived, I just went straight to my room, and didn’t go outside for the rest of day. And then I realized that I haven’t eaten anything for the entire day.”

“No kidding…”

“So then I secretly left my room, and went into the pantry to get some cake to eat, but when I came back after having my fill… there were more guards roaming the area leading to my room… so I decided to wait it out near the ship since I knew most people actively stay away from here.”

“And yet for some reason, you didn’t think any of us drones would come here for a midnight drink?” J takes a sip from her oil pack.

“I guess I panicked and wasn’t thinking…” Bernadetta mumbles. “Stupid Bernie…”

“Oh yes, definitely not clever on your part.” J places the empty oil pack down. “Though, I am curious…” she eyes the cloth. “What are you doing with that?”

“Oh…” Bernadetta looks down at her cloth. “I was… embroidering…”

“Embroidering?” J blinks a bit. “I never took you to be a Junior seamstress.”

“Oh no…” Bernadetta frowns. “You must hate me for being a seamstress… I might as well just jump off to the ravine, and never be seen again…”

“Huh?!” J gasps. “Wait I don’t hate people based on their profession!” She tries to calm her down. How did she get enrolled in this school in the first place… “I think it’s a wonderful talent, to be honest.” 

“You do?” Bernadetta perks up.

“Of course. I aim to be as efficient as possible, and I like to do it in style.” J smugly says while flicking her hair. She scans the cloth Bernadetta was sewing, and it’s not bad. “I could use someone of your talents to make me stand out. I do wish to look good in supporting Lady Edelgard’s cause.”

“Really?” Bernadetta meekly smiles. “Wow… thanks, J… you’re not as bad as I thought you’d be.”

“Don’t get used to it.” J reminds her. “I’m still going to come by and remind you to come to class every morning.”

“Ok…” Bernadetta frowns, and looking down.

J sighs, and she turns to her thoughts, At least she’s slowly warming up to me… though I wonder, why did she even enroll at this Monastery if she’s so afraid of… everything? Sure, Linhardt’s laziness is also a problem, but at least he enjoys studying about crests. For her… it’s like she doesn’t want to be here in the first place. So why… what mystery are you hiding, Young Varley?

Just then, J and Bernadetta hear something faint nearby, and the Disassembly Drone scans the area. “What was that?”

Bernadetta places her hands by her ears. “That almost sounds like singing.” She ponders before gasping. “Wait! I think I know who that is!” Bernadetta scurries away from the ship, and towards the cathedral.

“Hey! Wait up!” J follows her. “I want to know too!”

The two curious ladies sneak their way towards the cathedral with J occasionally covering for Bernadetta at times. They cross the bridge leading to the cathedral, and head to the east balcony. The singing becomes more clearer, and J feels a soothing feeling calm her. Still she pushes forward, and joins up with Bernadetta who remains hiding by the corner of the cathedral. J peeks her head alongside her classmates, and there they find Dorothea from the distance. The songstress looks up at the moonlight, and sings a melodious song.

“Is that… Dorothea?” J asks.

“Mhm.” Bernadetta nods. “I could never mistake that voice. She’s so pretty, popular… there’s no way someone like me can be friends with someone like her.”

“Cheer up, Bernadetta.” J pats her head. “I’m sure you could be friends with her.”

“I hope so…”

They continue to listen to Dorothea from the shadows for a minute while the songstress sings her song. While Bernadetta is in awe of Dorothea, J looked so mesmerized as if she hadn’t heard anything this wonderful in her entire life. It’s as if she’s forgotten all her grievances throughout her entire life as a Disassembly Drone. Her earlier nightmare regarding Cyn felt like a distant memory.

“She’s… so beautiful…” J utters before getting lost in her head.

Without thinking, she accidentally pushes Bernadetta, and causes her to fall forward and lightly squeal.

“Hello?” Dorothea’s head snaps to their direction.

“Scrap!” J whispers before roping Bernadetta back in place, and bring her back into hiding just in time.

J covers Bernadetta’s mouth, and muffles the rest of her squeal while also keeping her own mouth shut.

“Is anyone there?” Dorothea continues to ask while remaining calm has her voice becomes stern. “If you’re some sort of naughty student that wishes to take advantage of me, don’t even think about it. I may not look like it, but I can break someone’s arm.”

J starts sweating profusely on her visor, and an alert goes off, FIGURATIVE HEART BEATS AT AN ALL TIME HIGH! TAKE A BATH TO COOL DOWN IMMEDIATELY! J eyerolls, and nervously tiptoes away. 

“Hello?” Dorothea walks ever so closely remaining confident and poised. 

J gets to the edge of ravine, and hears Dorothea getting ever closer as she estimates that she’ll see them in ten seconds.

Scrap, what do I do? If I don’t do something, Dorothea will see us! J thought. If I fly off now, she’ll notice it, and immediately know that it was one of the drones. If I leave Bernadetta, and run off, she’ll be even harder to convince her out of her room from now on… Damn it… none of these simulations are working out with favorable outcomes… except one.

J glances at the cliff they were leaning against, and whispers to Bernadetta. 

“Hold on.”

Bernadetta’s eyes widen just as J leans back, and they both fall into the ravine causing the even more petrified student to let out a muffled scream. Dorothea investigates the area, and finds nothing. J remains hanging by the cliffside with one claw on the side, and her other hand holds on to Bernadetta. The student remains petrified by all this, but the Disassembly Drone keeps her quiet. Dorothea takes a once over of the area, and sighs.

“Maybe it was my imagination…” she says to herself before walking away. “I hope I don’t have night time stalkers around the area.”

J waits for a few seconds, and utters, “Looks like the coast is clear. Time to head back.”

J jumps off the cliffside, and flies low across the ravine much to Bernadetta’s fright and dismay. A few minutes later, she drops the student back to her room, and the latter starts to regain her bearings.

“You ok, Bernadetta?” J asks.

“I-I think so…” Bernadetta stutters before gratefully bowing. “Thanks for taking me back to my room…”

“No problem.” J points towards Bernadetta. “Make sure to be at class by 7 sharp. I do not wish for you to be tardy tomorrow.”

“Ok…” Bernadetta frowns just as J takes to the air once more. “Huh… J isn’t so bad after all… but she’s still scary…” Bernadetta locks herself in her room.

J returns to her room at the upper dorms, and hangs herself on the ceiling once more preparing for sleep mode. A sense of relief washes over her ever since she listened to Dorothea sing. For now, she no longer felt the terror and pain of her past, and her time with Cyn and her senpai. Her thoughts drift towards Dorothea, and J finally enters sleep mode.

The next day, J is sitting with Ferdinand at the garden having a tea party with the noble. “You do have good taste in tea, Ferdinand.” J sips the tea.

“Oh? You actually taste it?” Ferdinand asks.

“Of course. We Disassembly Drones don’t receive sustenance from anything other than oil, but we are programmed to taste any sort of liquid we are given. It helps us blend in with our human peers.” 

“I see.” Ferdinand takes a sip of his tea. “You drones are quite remarkable, especially you, J. Despite your…” J narrows her eyes towards him making Ferdinand rethink his words carefully. “Colorful demeanor, you’re a lot more calm and collected than your peers. Plus you have a very studious attitude, something I strive to be like in the future.”

“I’m glad you see it that way.” J proudly says as a message appears on her visor. Best self confident monologue ever. “I strive to be efficient as possible, and work my hardest for Lady Edelgard and the rest of her class.”

“I see.” Ferdinand takes note. “While I do appreciate your enthusiasm to support our class, I do hope you don’t become a second Hubert.”

“Whatever do you mean?” J questions with one of her eyes raised.

“As you may know, Hubert has always been loyal to Her Highness… too loyal to a fault.”

“I don’t see the problem there.”

“It’s blind loyalty! That’s the problem. He always feels the need to wherever she wants of him without questioning if it’s truly right when there’s something wrong. He never expresses an opinion of his own.”

“Hmmm… I see what you’re getting at.” J ponders.

“You do?” A perplexed Ferdinand gasps.

“It’s important to express opinions on their own, and not blindly follow certain things. Trust me… I learned that lesson the hard way…” J says as she recalls her times of following JCJenson and Cyn.

“I see.”

“That is why I aim to make up for my past mistakes, and make sure they are not reenacted when I’m in the Monastery. I shall reinforce her beliefs for the Black Eagles, and express my opinion how she could better herself as well.”

“Hmmm… perhaps we are very similar than I thought. As the futute Prime Minister of Adrestia, Edelgard’s classmate, and a proud noble, I declare an alliance between you, Serial Designation, J, and I, FERDINAND VON AEGIR!” Ferdinand pumps his fist on his chest.

“Must you always declare your name like that…” J utters with an annoyed expression.

“Indeed! I wish to be remembered one day, and I feel that declaring my name would be the best way to be remembered as a proud noble of Adrestia!”

“Oh you’ll definitely be remembered…” CRINGE LEVEL SUPPRESSANT FAILED… “as an annoying loudmouthed idiot.”

Ferdinand feels stumped, and lowers his shame, “Must you put it that way…”

“Though… I do think that an alliance between us would be beneficial.” J admits. “I won’t be as extreme as you, but you do bring up good points.”

“You have my thanks, J.” Ferdinand grins. “I promise I won’t let you down.”

“You better not.” J glares at him as she takes a sip of her tea. “By the way, how are you faring since the mission?”

“A bit better now that I get the chance to talk to you like this…” Ferdinand says before his tone becomes remorseful. “But I’ll be honest… that mission left a foul taste in my mouth…”

“I can imagine so. You students are still lukewarm when it comes to direct warfare.”

“And you’re not the slightest bothered by it?” Ferdinand questions.

“It’s in my programming to eliminate my targets with no hesitation regardless of the status of the target.”

“I see…” Ferdinand says. “I will not pretend that I know anything about you drones or your programming, but I must ask, do you ever feel remorse for those you kill?”

“To be honest…” J mutters. “I don’t. I just make sure that the job is done the best way possible, but after a certain turn of events… I’m not sure what to feel.”

“Interesting…” Ferdinand says with no judgement in his eyes. “I’m sure whatever turn you went through turned out for the better. I was saddened and disgusted when we had to kill civilians because of some foolish Lord’s action. That is not what a true noble should be. A true noble should strive to be a good example for his or her fellow nobles, and be someone who does good for the common folk.”

J widens her eyes yes looking visibly impressed with Ferdinand. “Hmmm… you actually have a good point. Perhaps you’re not as unbearable as Lady Edelgard and Hubert make you out to be.”

“I appreciate that, J. I’m am glad to you could see things from my point of view. After all, I am Ferdinand Von-“

Immediately, J hovers over her seat with an X on the right side of her visor much to Ferdinand’s surprise. “Don’t push it, Ferdinand.” She says while looking at him straight in the eye. “I can make your death look like a suicide if I wanted so don’t cringe me by declaring your freaking name, got it?!”

“Yes, Ma’am…” Ferdinand utters.

“Good.” J smiles before flying back to her seat. “Thank you for the tea, and I bid you adieu.” She takes her leave, and leaves Ferdinand on his own.

“Geez… that went a lot better than expected all things considered…” he says to himself. “But at least I got to know J a bit better.”

J heads over to the Black Eagle classroom, and finds Byleth, Edelgard and Hubert already there. The former two look to be speaking about something that’s got Edelgard surprised. “I agree. We should never lose sight of our goal despite the opposition we face.” Byleth says.

“I’m surprised to hear you say that.” Edelgard says with a shocked look on her face. “Really, I’m just like Lonato. I, too, will be the sort of ruler who’s willing to risk the lives of my citizens for a higher cause. It’s not possible to change the world without greater sacrifice. Dying for the greater good is not a death in vain.”

“Ahem.” Hubert clears his throat. “It appears we have company.”

“Hm?” Edelgard notices J by the entrance. “Ah hello there, J. We’ve been expecting you.”

“Hello, Lady Edelgard, Boss, Hubert.” J greets them. “Apologies for being late today.”

“No you’re actually on time, J.” Byleth says. “We were just finished discussing about yesterday’s mission.”

“I see. So what’s the reason for this meeting?”

“We’ve heard that our next mission has been debriefed by Captain Jeralt.” Hubert says. “He should be here to debrief us on the news.”

“Oh? What will the mission be?”

“No idea.” Edelgard shakes her head. “I’ve heard that it will be at the Monastery this time.”

“Interesting… so I’m guessing that that it will be another inter-house mission?”

“That’s right.” Byleth says. “The mission involves all three houses, and I think I have a pretty good idea on what it is…”

“You catch on quick, Kid.” An older gruffer voice says just as Jeralt enters the room. 

The captain is accompanied by N, Claude and Hilda right behind them. “Heya, Princess!” Claude waves. “How are you doing?”

“Well, for the most part…” Edelgard’s right eye twitches. “Until you showed up, Claude…”

“Now, now, no need to take offense, Edelgard.” Claude gestures. “Good to see you’re in high spirits, Little Princess.”

Hubert and J grimace towards Claude, and aim dark magic and a gun respectively towards him.

“Enough.” Both Jeralt and Byleth firmly says, and both J and Hubert stand down.

“Let’s try getting official business out of the way before you guys start beating each other up.” Jeralt reminds them. “Claude?”

“Ok, I surrender for now.” Claude raises his arms.

J and Hubert diffuse their respective weapons, and the Disassembly Drone points to her eyes before pointing them at Claude. Claude flashes a smile that doesn’t reach the eyes, and winks at her.

“So what’s our mission this Moon, Father?” Byleth asks.

“That will be explained by, N, for the most part.” Jeralt nudges N forward. “He was the one who told me and Lady Rhea about this development.”

“Ummm… hey fellas…” N awkwardly smiles when all eyes are on him.

“You got this, N!” N hears Hilda whisper.

“Ok…” N takes a deep breath. “Here’s what I found out.”

For the next couple of minutes, N explains what he found out from Nori without disclosing her identity. This gives everyone much to process regarding their mission for this moon. “So… our joint mission for this moon is to patrol, and set up defenses for this assassination plot.” Edelgard surmises.

“I wonder if an assassination plot is the true goal of our enemy…” Hubert ponders.

“It’s possibly a distraction.” Byleth points out.

“My thoughts exactly, Teach.” Claude chimes in. 

“Indeed…” J scans the letter. “Such a sloppy concealed message that could easily be found by an idiot detailing a plan that’s doomed to fail couldn’t possibly be the real deal.”

“Our enemy wants us to be more focused in guarding the Archbishop…” Edelgard adds. “Which means it gives them the opportunity to go in the Monastery with ease.”

“That’s right, Edelgard.” Jeralt chimes in.

N gets lost in the discussion, and decides to chime in. “Wait so… what could the bad guys want from here if not assassinate Rhea.”

“A whole bunch of things, N.” Hubert points out. “The Monastery houses many weapons of great power. Perhaps any one of those could be their aim?”

“And they also have loads of treasure somewhere hidden around here!” Hilda chirpily says. “Kinda what I’d like to sit on one day.” 

J crosses her arms looking very annoyed by Hilda’s longing to be lazy, but controls herself for now. “Garreg Mach is quite the large place.” Claude says. “I’ve even heard that there’s some sort of community under the Monastery so maybe their true target could be that.”

N remains deep in thought for a moment, and a horrifying realization comes to him. “OH NO!” All eyes turn to him. “What if their true target is us?”

“Wait a second, N…” J stops him there. “Are you suggesting that the enemy’s true goal is us, Disassembly Drones and Uzi?”

“Yeah! Aren’t you worried, J?! We’re basically weapons, and who knows what the villains could do if they could mind control.”

“That’s… not a bad suggestion.” Hubert says. “You drones are certainly one of the most devastating weapons Fodlan has seen, and I can imagine someone would want their own drone for their… personal and nefarious use.”

“As tempting as thats sounds…” Jeralt chimes in. “I don’t think the drones will be the target.”

“How can you be so calm about this, Jeralt?” N worriedly asks.

“Think about it, N. You’re definitely a tempting target, but there’s not much information the outside world knows about you, and your peers. You may have stayed here for little over a month, but in everyone’s eyes, you’ve been here for a couple of days.”

“Father’s right.” Byleth adds. “The enemy wouldn’t dare to try to kidnap you because they don’t know much about you. Trying to contain you without knowing the proper procedure would be an extreme liability.”

“Plus, if I were the enemy, I would wait a bit longer, and analyze the drones before I attempt such a kidnapping.” Claude adds.

“So there’s no need for you to worry, N.” Hilda pats N on the head. “No stalker is gonna try to nab Uzi and your pals.”

“Really?” N sighs in relief, and slumps down on their chair with a smile on his face. “Then we’ve got nothing to worry about!”

“Take this seriously, N.” J points out. “We may not be the targets, but this mission is still a pressing issue.”

“Ugh…” Jeralt groans. “This is going to be a pain… there’s so many valuable items in the Monastery that it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly the raiders will be going after.”

“We’re going to have to narrow down our search as much as possible.” Byleth says. “What will be the most valuable thing to steal, and what would be at its most vulnerable at this moon.”

“Looks like we’re going to have to split up!” Hilda claps her hands. “I’ll start at the Reception Hall!”

“Just to lounge around, I assume?” J asks. I CALL HILDA’S BULLSHIT.

“I hate to say this, but J’s right.” Claude says. “You’re going to have to get in some training too, Hilda. There’s a good chance we’re going to have to fight again.”

“Ugh! Well I’m not the only one who needs to train!” Hilda frowns. “It’s no fair to get singled out…”

Byleth looks around, and asks, “Where’s Bylese and Dimitri? I assume they would be here as well.” 

“They’re both still recovering from the battle a couple of days ago.” Jeralt says. “Although, some of her brats will be absent for a week.”

“Oh?” J perks up. “Who’s going to be missing out?”

“From what I heard, Lonato’s kid will be staying at Castle Gaspard for a while to help the people recover from the ordeal while the Galatea brat has been recalled to Kingdom territory temporarily.”

“So Ashe and Ingrid then…” Claude mutters. I get why Ashe was recalled, but why Ingrid all of a sudden? It’s rare for a student to get recalled like this… 

“With that out of the way, I’ll let Bylese know the details of the mission later.” Jeralt says. “And I’ll enlist Shamir in this mission as well.”

Byleth and the students tense up at the mention of Shamir while N and J look confused. “Who’s Shamir?” N asks.

“Shamir is one of the Knights of Seiros.” Hubert answers. “But unlike many of their ilk, she’s a mercenary doing a job for Rhea.”

“A mercenary in the Knights of Seiros besides Jeralt?” J perks up. 

“Indeed. She may not be as strong as the Captain or Catherine, but she’s just as deadly if not deadlier.”

“She’s that potent? I’d actually would like to meet her.”

“Yeah, me too!” N chimes in.

“I’m sure you’ll get your chance one day.”

“Anyways, that’s all for today.” Jeralt says. “You’re all dismissed, and make sure you find clues on what the raiders will be going after.”

Jeralt and Byleth were the last ones to leave the classroom. “Are you all set for tomorrow, Kid?” Jeralt asks.

“Yeah, I made sure to tell my sister yesterday.” Byleth says. “But t are you certain this is a wise move? N will most likely welcome the change, not so much the other three.”

“It will just be for a week.” Jeralt answers. “Besides, I have a feeling that this will improve the dynamic between the drones and the rest of the students.”

“I hope you’re right about that, Father.” Byleth sighs. “Wanna go fishing today?”

“Yeah, I’m in the mood to not get rusty.” Jeralt stands up. “Don’t want you two brats catching up to me just yet.”

Byleth lightly smirks. “We’ll see about that.”

Chapter Text

Uzi starts to shift uncontrollably in her bed, and she looks disturbed during her sleep as her consciousness drifts in and out. She faintly hears chanting nearby, and it was some weird language she hadn’t heard before. 

“Can you shut up… stupid dream gibberish…” Uzi groggily utters as she tries to sleep.

Uzi continues to drift in and out of consciousness, and she squirms nervously on her bed feeling weird. In the midst of this, she catches a glimpse of a small worker drone wearing a maid outfit staring at her. The strange worker drone waves at her, and smiles like a little goober.

Suddenly, a knock on the door finally wakes Uzi up, and she looks disgruntled. “Who is it?!”  She picks up a desk with her solver power ready to clobber the unfortunate soul that dares wake me up.

“It’s me, N!” She hears him by the entrance.

“N?!” Uzi is fully awake and immediately places the desk back in its proper place. “Coming!”

Uzi jumps off her bed and scans the room floor for a few seconds.

“Stupid Night Terror…” Uzi grimaces as a loading screen appears on her visor. VIRUS REMOVAL IN PROGRESS… VIRUS REMOVAL COMPLETE! FOR NOW… LOL. “Bite me.”

Uzi heads over to the door and finds N waiting by the entrance. “Hey, Uzi!” He waves. “Slept late last night?”

“You could say that…” Uzi rubs her visor. “So what’s up, N? I doubt you would wake me up early if it’s something important.”

“Jeralt’s inviting us to fish this morning by the pond?”

“You woke me up just to fish?” A disgruntled Uzi says. “No offense to fishing, but it’s nothing something I would wake up early so I’m going to get another hour of sleep in. Good morning.” she proceeds to close the door.

“Wait!” N sticks his foot on the doorjamb before it fully closes. “I’ve read up a lot about fishes, and apparently there’s an extremely rare fish that can be found in the pond!”

This piques Uzi’s interest, and she peeks her eye on the small entranceway. “I’m listening.”

“There a four rare fish that can be found in the pond: The Platinum Fish, The Goddess Messenger, the Ancient Fodlan, and the biggest one of all, the Fodlandy.” N quickly explains.

“Goddess Messenger?” Uzi says with an annoyed expression. “Seriously?! Can’t these people stop naming things after their stupid goddess?!” Uzi ceases her rant. “Anyways, what about this Fodlandy?”

“It’s an ancient rare tuna that can only be found in the rivers of Fodlan, and occasionally here at the Monastery. They say that the fish is so prized that the minimum price for a dish of it would be 10,000 Gold.”

“10,000 Gold?!” Uzi gasps for joy as her eyes transform into Dollar signs. “THATS A LOT OF MONEY! I could buy a lot of stuff with that!” Uzi swings the door open with a devious grin on her face. “Let’s go catch ourselves a fish.”

“That’s what I’m talking about!” N snaps his fingers.

Uzi and N walk along the pathway, and head to the fishing pond. “How are you feeling, N?” Uzi asks. “I heard you fought some kind of monster while trying to find Marianne. Is she ok?”

“Oh that monster wasn’t a problem.” N confidently says. “I managed to repel it with ease, with some help of course. As for Marianne, she’s doing good. She got a good talking to by Hilda and Captain Jeralt, and a few slaps from Nori.”

“Mom?!” Uzi exclaims before shushes her.

“Nori told me not to disclose her existence to the humans besides Jeralt and his kids.” N whispers.

“Oh sorry…” Uzi whispers back. “So how is she, and she slapped Marianne?”

“Well… she’s still the same old Nori, and I feel like Jeralt and Hilda were like good cops next to her.”

“That’s mom alright.” Uzi chuckles and smiles. “I hope she’s doing okay out there.”

“I’m sure she is. Nori’s a tough cookie. She can handle anything.”

“I know…” Uzi mutters before looking sad.

“Hey, you ok, Uzi?” N tenderly asks. “You can tell me anything, and I will be there for you every step of the way.”

“Thanks, N… It’s just… a lot has happened since we’ve been here, and it’s been a month. I just hope that I’m not feeling distant and all that crap…”

“You’re reminded of the camp, aren’t you?” N asks, and Uzi nods. “Hey, it’s ok… We may have new friends during our time in this planet, but you will always be my number 1 for me, Uzi.”

“You have no idea how much that means to me, N…”

“I think I do, Uzi…” N strokes Uzi’s head. “You’re my whole universe.”

Uzi lightly laughs, and lightly nudges his hand away lightly. “People will think we’re being gross and all…”

N chuckles a bit and withdraws his hand. “Sorry about that.” He says before withdrawing his hand, and leaning his head towards Uzi. “I love you, Uzi.”

“I love you too, N.” Uzi whispers while she and N blush until the moment was ruined by a deep voice.

“Want to die?” Both N and Uzi have a chill throughout out their bodies as they spot a large man towering before them wearing a mask.

“Ummmm…. No???” N awkwardly ends.

“What… I just wanted to spar…” the large man slowly responds before walking away.

“Who was that guy?” Uzi asks looking bewildered and annoyed.

“I think that was Jeritza.” N answers.

“Jeritza? Isn’t he supposed to be one of the Professors of the Black Eagles alongside Byleth?”

“That’s right… but I rarely see him interacting with the students, and in all honesty… he’s pretty scary…” N whispers. “He also doesn’t seem to be that intimidated with us drones.”

“Hmmm…” Uzi ponders. “Something’s off about the guy… I dunno why, but he’s been giving me some bad vibes…”

“Nah, I’m sure he means well.” N dismisses it. “Come on, let’s go meet up with the Professor Jeralt.”

“Right…” Uzi says as he suspiciously glances at Jeritza before following N.

Uzi and N arrive at the fishing pond, and find Jeralt already having his line cast along the fishing pond. “Oh hey, N, Uzi.” Jeralt greets them. “I see you got my invitation though I was expecting Uzi not to come…”

“Wassup, Old Man!” Uzi greets. “It’s time for me to get rich!”

“Rich? Ah I see… You told her about the Fodlandy, didn’t you?”

“Yup!” N states. “I had a feeling that mentioning money would get Uzi up and running.”

“That’s right! I ain’t missing out on a chance to get 10,000 gold.” Uzi boldly says. “As soon as I get my hands on that money, I will all sorts of stuff to build ways to prank Mosshead, the small princess and the rest of the annoying humans. Hehehehehe…” all eyes were on Uzi causing her to double back. “and… to help out the rest of our class in meaningful ways and stuff or… something…”

Jeralt sighs and shakes his head. “Well… at least your motivated… here.” He gives them two fishing rods, and a bucket of herring. “Fodlandys are extremely rare even amongst rare fish, but their favorite food is Herring so if you wanna bag one, you’ll have to use this.”

“Got it!” Uzi and N both declare, and they place the bait into their lines.

“Sorry, fishy…” N mutters as he hooks the herring onto his line.

“Don’t worry, it’s dead.” Jeralt bluntly reminds him. “Now cast the line.”

Uzi and N proceed to do so, and their bait lays rested within the pond. “Now what?” Uzi asks.

“Now’s the boring and best part. We wait.”

“Wait what?! How can it be boring and best at the same time?! It makes no freaking sense!”

“You’ll understand when you're older. Besides, the fish you’re looking for isn’t going to come in within the first few minutes. You’re going to have to be very patient about this. You could get the fish on the first try, or you could get something else and not get the fish.” 

Uzi grumbles for a bit, but N nudges her. “Don’t worry, Uzi. We’ll get through this.”

“Fine… I’ll go wait for the fish…” Uzi grumbles.

Thirty minutes and nothing seems to be biting any of the lines cast by the trio as Uzi slowly loses her patience. “How long is this going to take, old man?”

“As long as it takes,” Jeralt answers. “Or perhaps nothing will bite. Either way, we’re going to have to get back to class very soon. My kids and I have an important announcement to make to you brats.”

“Ugh… I hope we at least catch something…” ANGST LEVELS RISING AT 50% “Hey, N how are you doing back…”

Much to her and Jeralt’s annoyance, N was in sleep mode while continuing to hold on to the fishing rod. “How in Sothis’s name is he like this while asleep?” Jeralt stammers a bit.

“No idea…” Uzi answers and waves her hand to N’s visor. “N! Wake up!” She snapped her fingers in front of him, but he was in sleep mode. “Dang it… he’s really out of it isn’t he…”

“Oh N…” Jeralt shakes his head. “Well… looks like it’s just the two of us, Uzi. Should we… move him some place else?”

“Nah, he’ll be fine.” Uzi shrugs. “Let him stay where he is, and I’ll bring him back to class once he wakes up.”

“Ok,” Jeralt says as he continues fishing alongside Uzi.

They continue waiting patiently for a few minutes, and Jeralt starts the conversation with Uzi.

“I heard from Byleth what you did a few days ago. You and Claude left your post after securing the outskirts, and went to check out the battlefield didn’t you?”

“Yeah.” Uzi shrugs. “We made sure the area was secure before leaving to check out the-“

Uzi feels a shadow loom over, and dares to look up. Jeralt looks down at her with a stern gaze directed towards her. Uzi starts feeling goosebumps and swallows hard. “Uzi Doorman. I know how excitable you can get when in the field, but you shouldn’t desert your assignment like that.”

“Are you kidding me?!” Uzi talks back. “Claude and I already made sure that the coast was clear!”

“Even so,” Jeralt’s tone remains stern but calm, “Warfare is an unpredictable situation, and even if you have something under control, you never know what might happen. Marianne could have died a few days ago.”

“I…” Uzi stutters and starts feeling guilty for her negligence. “I’m sorry… I didn’t know she would be in danger and such.”

“I know that you didn’t mean any harm, and you’re lucky that N was there to cover you and Claude’s blunder. However, luck won’t always cover for you at all times even with your odd powers.”

“I understand… I really don’t mean to cause you or most of my classmates…”

“I know. Inform me if you ever try a stunt like this. That way I can be prepared if something like this happens again.”

“Got it.” Uzi nods.

“That said… I’ve heard that you and Claude incapacitated several of the rebels during the battle against Lonato. I gotta admit, I was quite impressed.”

“Really?” Uzi eyes widen.

“Thanks to you, Claude and V, we managed to mitigate to number of civilian casualties of Castle Gaspard as much as possible. We didn’t have to commit that much needless killing that day.”

Uzi turns her face away. “Don’t think to much on it on my end. I just saved those guys just because V asked me to for some reason.”

“Still, I appreciate what you’ve done at that day. I’m sure the other students will feel the same as well. By the way, if I may ask, what were you and Claude doing that day?”

Uzi starts to sweat on her visor and contemplates her answer. “Well… we… Umm…”

Jeralt chuckles a bit. “It’s ok. I won’t judge. I’m just curious that’s all.”

“Ok…” Uzi calms down. “In truth, Claude and I wanted to check out the relic in action.”

“Oh?” This surprises Jeralt, and to Uzi’s surprise, he isn’t mad, just curious. “You wanted to check out Catherine and Thunderbrand?”

“Not so much as that milf.” Uzi casually dismisses Catherine. “I just wanted to check out Thunderbrand specifically, and boy oh boy, it’s such a cool weapon to see in action. Full of mass destruction and carnage!”

“I see…” Jeralt utters. 

“In all seriousness, I was actually scanning the energy signature of Thunderbrand, and recording it within my head.

“Is that so?” Jeralt asks. “For what reason?”

“Just to keep a reference in case I’m close to finding another Relic in the future.”

“I see. It’s important to know when a Relic is nearby. They are the most powerful weapons Fodlan has to offer, and are significant cornerstones of this land.”

“So I’ve heard, Claude told me that having a relic is some sort of blessing from the “Goddess…” or birthright crap…”

“That’s right, and not only that, but they also serve as deterrents from invading enemy forces.”

“Oh?” Uzi perks up looking more curious than ever. “Do tell.”

“Take for example House Goneril, Hilda’s house. Her House’s Territory lies at the eastern borders of the Leicester Alliance’s Land, and it possesses the Relic, Freikugel. That territory is usually beset by Almyra, a neighboring country from the east. What do you suppose would happen if House Goneril lost Freikugel?”

“More people from Almyra marching in on the borders?”

“That’s right. Without the presence of Freikugel, Almyra would march more troops to breach House Goneril’s defenses and invade Fodlan. While I’m certain Hilda’s older brother would put up one heck of a fight, even he would get overwhelmed after assault after assault.”

“Fair point,” Uzi says before lowering her head. “Those relics are certainly no joke…” she considers her next words carefully. “Hey Old Man Jeralt…”

“Yeah?”

“Can I ask you something, and could you keep it a secret?”

Jeralt looks around to see if the coast is clear, “Sure. As long as it doesn’t harm the kids, I see no harm keeping it between us.”

“Thanks.” Uzi smiles. “Since these relics possess such great power… you think it’s possible for one of them to… separate an entity from another?”

“You mean like an exorcism?” Jeralt asks feeling stunned by the sudden inquiry.

“Something like that…”

“Why not just go to one of the priests to perform one for the possessed person?”

“What if a normal exorcism doesn’t work if the entity is too strong, and you need something stronger to exorcise it…”

“I see. Why ask this?” Jeralt asks.

“I’m just curious about the topic,” Uzi answers. “Plus I’m a big fan of horror movies like the Exorcist!”

Jeralt chuckles a bit, “Another term I still don’t understand… but to answer your question… a lot of the stuff people say about Relics are complete over-exaggerations if you ask me. Sure they’re powerful, but I don’t think they’re strong enough to one-shot an army of a thousand men or cleave a mountain in two.”

“Yeah, those just sound plain stupid…” Uzi deadpanned says.

“But performing an exorcism… I don’t think any of the known relics are capable of doing something like that… there is one that comes to mind, but it’s considered to be a myth, and not in the books of relics.”

Uzi gapes her mouth in excitement. “Do you have any idea where this relic is?!” She shakes her fishing Rod.

“Slow down, Uzi.” Jeralt gestures. “You’ll scare the fish away. Unfortunately, no I don’t know where this mystery relic is if it even exists… I hardly even remember its name.”

“Oh…” Uzi solemnly says. “I see…” she lowers in head in disappointment.

“Hey cheer up, Kid.” Jeralt warmly says. “The world is a vast place, and who knows, maybe you might find some unknown relic out there.”

“I appreciate that, Jeralt…” Uzi makes a small smile. He’s right. That scythe has gotta be out there somewhere. It has to be! “Thanks for trying to cheer me up.”

“Anytime, Kid.”

Just then, they notice something getting tugged on N’s line and trying to swim away from the deck. “Holy crap!” Uzi freaks out. “N! You got something!”

“Wait what…” N shakes off his sleep mode and wakes up only to find his line tugged. OMG!!!! “OH! I GOT ONE! I GOT ONE!” He screams in excitement.

“Don’t get too excited.” Jeralt reminds him. “You still need to-“

N pulls back his fishing rod and pulls a large fish out of the water with relative ease much to Jeralt’s shock and Uzi’s excitement. The fish promptly lands on N’s arms, and he raises the fish. “I GOT A FISH!”

“Wait to go, N!” Uzi cheers for her boyfriend.

“Reel it in…” Jeralt finally finishes. “Sometimes I forget how freakishly strong you brats are… Anyways, let’s head back.”

“Ok!” Both Uzi and N say simultaneously.

The three depart from the Dining Hall leaving Uzi with her thoughts. So… the scythe relic is a myth… well I don’t think so! That relic is out there somewhere… I can’t afford it to be not a myth… Uzi clutches her chest tightly.

Jeralt notices this small action, and subtly narrows his eyes, Is Uzi referring to that relic? If that’s the case, I can’t let her find it. I don’t know why she’s searching for that relic, but she mustn’t find it, and it’s better if it stays hidden. He glances at the balcony of the second floor, and spots Rhea looking down on them with a serene smile. There are some things and people I can’t protect you from if you do find it…

A couple of minutes later, N has dropped off their fish to be gutted in the kitchen, and he, Uzi, and Jeralt. “Hey, fellas!” Claude waves from his seat. “Glad of you to finally come by.”

“Hiya guys!” Hilda waves as well.

“Hmph.” Lorenz snorts.

“Good morning, Professor.” Ignatz greets. “And you too, Uzi, N.”

“Good morning…” Marianne murmurs quietly.

“What’s up, Guys!” Raphael greets them with a big goofy grin. “You guys got some meat on you?”

“Captain Jeralt! What are we going to do today?” Leonie enthusiastically asks.

“You may have performed better than me during the last mission, but you won’t outdo me again, N!” Lysithea proclaims while pointing to N.

“Hey Pals!” N enthusiastically greets them back and gives a thumbs up to Lysithea. “And sure thing, Kiddo!”

“Ok!” Lysithea projects a Miasma spell much to everyone’s surprise and fright. “I’m going to-“

Manuela stuffs a strawberry cake into Lysithea’s mouth. “Now, now, Calm down, Lysithea.” She assuringly says. “You wouldn’t want to ruin that cute face with that angry look of yours.”

“Mhm… cake…” Lysithea mutters with utter bliss, and nibbles on her dessert.

With that, Uzi and N take their seats, and immediately, the Golden Deer except Lysithea, Lorenz, and Marianne clamor towards them. Lysithea was busy nibbling on her cake, and Lorenz wanted nothing to do with the drones. However, Marianne was watching from afar. She lets out a small smile for N as he and Uzi converse with the rest of their classmates.

“So what have you guys been up to lately ever since we returned?” Claude asks as he rests his elbows on Uzi’s desk.

“We just caught a big fish, Claude!” N states.

“You what?!” Everyone except Hilda exclaims with a mixture of surprise and joy.

“Ewww…” Hilda grimaces in disgust. “No offense, but I don’t like those icky stuff…”

“Eh, who cares what you think, Hilda.” Uzi shrugs.

“What sort of fish is it?” Leonie asks.

“Is it a big one?! Please be a big one!” Raphael widely grins.

“Yup!” Uzi states. “It’s a big one! It could have eaten my entire body! It’s the Platinum Fish!”

“A Platinum Fish?” Ignatz gasps. “I hear that they are some of the most beautiful rare fish in Fodlan. Can I check it out and paint a picture of it?”

“Sure! We’ll show it off before we sell it in the market. I hear it catches for a hefty price.” Uzi rubs her fingers.

“Wait? What?!” Raphael screams before grabbing Uzi and shaking her uncontrollably. “YOU CAN’T SELL IT JUST YET! I NEED TO EAT IT! I WANNA KNOW WHAT IT TASTES LIKE!”

“Yeah, I’m quite curious too on what it tastes like, Uzi.” Leonie points out. “Can’t wait to learn what ways are the best to prepare it.”

“NO! WE’RE GONNA SELL IT, AND MAKE MONEY! RIGHT, N?!” Uzi screams whilst being shaken only to find N being uncertain. “N????”

GUILT LEVELS AT 80%. N flashes on his visor. “Sorry, Uzi, but I wanna share this fish with the others. After all, it’s such a pretty fish, and I can’t wait to try it.”

“ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING-“

“THANKS, N!” Raphael exclaims before tossing Uzi over as she crashes onto a nearby desk. “YOU’RE THE BEST! I CAN’T WAIT TO TRY THE FISH!”

“Sorry, Uzi…” N mutters now feeling sorry.

“You ok there?” Claude asks.

“Fine…” Uzi utters. “We can eat the freaking fish, but we’re selling the next rare fish we’re getting! Got it?!”

N and the rest of the Golden Deer immediately nod fearing what Uzi may do to them for payback.

“AND YOU RAPHAEL!” Uzi points towards him.

“Me?” Raphael widens his eyes in surprise.

“I’M GOING TO WORK YOU SO HARD TO PAY BACK YOU TOSSING AND SHAKING ME LIKE A RAGDOLL! IT WILL BE GRUELING TO THE POINT YOUR MUSCLES TO ACHE!”

“Something to challenge my muscles…” Raphael ponders. “Is this going to be like a training regiment?”

“Huh?” Uzi slightly calms down. “Sorta… but it’s gonna be-“

“Count me in!” Raphael pounds his chest. “I’ve been waiting for something like this! Give me your best shot!”

“I think you’re missing the gremlin’s point, Raphael…” Lorenz shakes his head.

“Perhaps, but he’s not gonna care.” Claude points out.

Uzi crosses her arms looking annoyed. “I guess you really are a wholesome idiot…”

“Thanks, Uzi!” Raphael exclaims.

“Ahem.” Jeralt clears his throat. “If you brats are done yapping, and causing a ruckus, we can finally get started on class along with details on this moon’s mission.”

The entire classroom gets seated, and Jeralt begins the discussion.

“As some of you may know, this moon’s mission will be to secure the Monastery from any intruders. We have reason to believe that someone may be aiming to perform a heist within its premises.”

“Hmmm…” Lorenz murmurs. “I’m afraid that pinpointing what these intruders are after would be difficult.”

“I agree with Lorenz.” Ignatz chimes in. “Garreg Mach is a treasure trove of mysterious artifacts and valuable items. Without knowing what the intruders are after, it’ll be like finding a needle in a haystack.”

“That’s right.” Jeralt nods. “We’re going to have to narrow down our choices if we want any shot at pinning the intruders now. And before I get to the rest, I need to address something. Marianne.”

“Y-yes, Professor…” Marianne mutters.

“Do not wander off from the others again during a mission.” Jeralt sternly says. “You’ll only endanger yourself and the others if you pull a stunt like that again.”

“I-I… understand…” Marianne mutters as Hilda and N feel bad for her. 

“Good. Now then, there’s something I want to ask you about later. Meet me at my office at noon.”

“As you wish.”

Jeralt acknowledges this, and asks, “Now then, does anyone have some ideas on what the intruders could be after?”

“The Monastery is filled with books on several topics such as crests and Relics,” Lysithea suggests. “I think the library should be worth checking out.”

“Garreg Mach receives countless donations from fancy nobles all year.” Leonie points out. “Maybe the intruders might attempt to raid the treasury.”

“It’s gotta be the pantry!” Raphael declares. “They want to steal all the food we have! What kind of monsters would go out of their way to starve people!”

Uzi rolls her eyes at the last one. Seriously?! Food?!

“He’s just enthusiastic.” N pats Uzi on the back.

“What about you, Uzi?” Uzi turns her attention towards Claude. “What are your thoughts on all this, and what do you think the intruders will try to steal?”

“Well…” Uzi utters as she notices all eyes on her. N gives her an encouraging smile, and a thumbs up. Uzi takes the initiative and jumps onto her table. “Like what Four Eyes said, this place has all sorts of stuff that’s valuable for someone to steal so it will be hard to pin down what the intruders are aiming for. However, if I were to put myself in an intruder’s shoes, and I would definitely conduct a heist like this, I would target a place where and when security is at its weakest, and steal whatever they have. Then I’ll just skip out of the Monastery like a happy camper!”

The students remain silent for a moment until one obnoxious student breaks the silence.

“How predictable.” Lorenz scoffs. “You have no idea what you’re talking about, and you have no clue what the intruders will be tackling. I guess that robot mind is only as big as my fingernail.”

Uzi grumbles at Lorenz’s comment, but Claude wasn’t having any of it. “Lorenz, Uzi might be onto something here.”

“Of course, you would come to her side, Claude. Unfortunately, it’s not going to-“

“No, Uzi has got some good instincts on this whole ordeal.” Jeralt chimes in.

“I beg your pardon?” Lorenz gasps.

“Think about it.” Claude resumes. “Since we don’t know what the enemy is planning to steal, the next best thing is to find out where and when the enemy will attack. There are a few events this moon that will cause the knights to be spread thin. When that happens, security in some places will be a lot lighter. All we have to do is find out when will be the best time to conduct a heist, and narrow down which places would be the most likely to get attacked.”

Everyone else starts to agree with Uzi and Claude’s hypothesis, and Lorenz feels as if he’s getting cornered. “Well, Lorenz?” Hilda nudges the noble.

“I suppose the gremlin’s hypothesis holds some merit…” Lorenz reluctantly says.

“Now then, it’s time to get straight to business,” Jeralt says.

“Wait… that discussion we had wasn’t the real deal?!” Hilda gasps.

“No. Since we’ll be patrolling the Monastery, we’ll most likely coordinate with the Blue Lions and the Black Eagles, and since we wish to increase our chances of success, my kids and I decided that for one week starting tomorrow… we will be swapping the drones between our houses.”

“Huh?!”

“What?!”

The entire class gasps at the notion.

“We’re leaving the Golden Deer?!” Uzi exclaims.

“Only temporarily,” Jeralt explains. “The kids and I figured that it would be good for all four of you robotic brats to get a change in setting for once in a while.”

“Only with people I like, and those who can tolerate me!”

“Sorry kid, but you’re going to have to get used to it.”

“Fine…” Uzi slumps down onto her chair. “Everyone who doesn’t like me can Bite Me!”

“It’s ok, Uzi.” N pats her on the back:

“So who are we getting this week?” Ignatz asks.

“Are we gonna get V, Captain?!” Leonie inquisitively asks. “I’d love to spar with her.”

“Please don’t be J… please don’t be J… please don’t be J…” Hilda repeats.

Jeralt sighs, “Well too bad for you both. The drone transferring to the Golden Deer House will be J.”

“Ah come on…” Hilda groans. “I won’t be able to laze around…”

“Ah, man…” Leonie sighs. “I’ll just try to spar with J instead…”

“Yes!” Both Lorenz and Lysithea cheer.

“Finally we get the drone with a sense of class!” Lorenz grins looking satisfied.

“Someone I can finally work alongside with that won’t call me a kid!” Lysithea states.

Marianne, Raphael, and Ignatz feel mostly indifferent to this though the painter does look slightly nervous. Claude looks a bit worried though not to the same extent as  Ignatz, Leone, and Hilda. “You going to be ok, Claude?” Uzi asks.

“ I hope so.” Claude shrugs. “It’s going to be tough working with J, but I think I’ll be able to manage. Besides, J’s basically a robo version of Edelgard. It’ll be good training when I’ll have to work with the princess someday.”

“Ok, good luck dealing with J.” Uzi gives Claude a thumbs up.

“What about us, Professor?” N asks. “Where will Uzi and I be transferred?”

“Ah yes. N, you’ll be transferred to the Blue Lions.

“Nice!” N smiles. “I hear from V that they are a colorful group. I’m sure it’ll be fun to stick with them for a week. So I’m guessing V will be transferred to the Black Eagles?”

“That’s right.”

“Hehehehe…” Uzi snickers. “Good luck with V trying to get along with the small princess and her goth boyfriend. She’s probably gonna load them with rubber bullets. Anyway, I’m happy N and I are going to the Blue Lions. It may have an asshole, a pervert, and a racist, but I think I can handle them just fine.”

“Hold up, Uzi.” Jeralt raises his hand. “I said N was going to the Blue Lions. I didn’t say you were both getting transferred to that house.”

Question marks appear on N and Uzi’s visors. “What’d Ya say?”

“Byleth specifically told me that you and N were a tight-knit inside and outside couple. While we both are not aiming to damage your relationship, we’re both curious to see how you operate without the other under the close eye of my kids.”

“I see…” N says with a slight frown before glancing at Uzi. “Can I still hang out with Uzi?”

“Of course. You may not be in the same house for now, but you can still hang out outside class hours.”

N sighs in relief. “Thanks, Professor…”

“W-w-w-wait a second…” Uzi stutters while waving her hands in a panicked manner already telling where this is going. “So… Bylese is going to look after N while I’m being looked after by your son?”

“Yes,” Jeralt confirms.

“So that would mean I’m getting transferred to the…” Uzi nervously trails off.

“The Black Eagle House, yes.”

“So in theory… unless a meteor crashes onto me right now, and ends my FREAKING MISERY… starting tomorrow… I am going to endure one week of hell with the STUPID STUCK UP SMALL PRINCESS AND HER FREAKING KISS ASSER GOTH BOYFRIEND?!!!”

“That’s one way of putting it…” Jeralt simply answers. “And yes, you’re stuck with Edelgard and Hubert for a week.”

“It’s not all that bad, Uzi.” N nervously chuckles. “You’ll still be with V…”

Unfortunately for N, Uzi remains silent for the most part while she mentally processes the crappy hand she has been dealt with. MENTAL CAPACITY AT 0%. UNABLE TO PROCESS FOLLOW UP DATA FOR AN INDEFINITE AMOUNT OF TIME.

“Uzi?” N waves his hand in front of her visor.

“Uzi?” Claude snaps his fingers in front of her. “You still functioning in there?”

“I think you broke her, Jeralt.” Hilda bluntly says.

“I was afraid this would happen…” Jeralt tiredly shakes his head.

“Old man…” Uzi meekly says. “Can I… be outside for a moment?” 

“Sure.” Jeralt excuses her.

Uzi jumps off the side of her chair, and slowly and quietly walk towards the entrance as the awkward silence envelopes the room. 

“Well, I must say,” Lorenz smugly says as Uzi passes him. “Perhaps this would be a great time for a gremlin like-“

Immediately, Uzi slams Lorenz’s head to his desk, and knocks him unconscious. “Lorenz!” Marianne, Ignatz and Raphael gasp as they and Manuela clamor towards him.

Despite their grievances towards Uzi, Lysithea and Leonie keep their mouths shut to avoid a similar fate. Uzi finally walks out of the classroom, and stands at the middle of the courtyard for a while.

“Uzi…” N mutters.

“Is she going to be-“ Marianne murmurs.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!” Uzi let’s a loud long screech directed to the White Clouds over her.

“Well…” Jeralt tiredly sighs. “This is going to be an interesting week…”

Meanwhile in the Black Eagle Classroom, the entirely of the class hears Uzi’s screech from outside.

“Huh?” Linhardt wakes up from his desk. “Why did it get so noisy all of a sudden…”

“I am believing that it’s Uzi’s warcrying, Linhardt.” Petra informs him. “Or probably praying to the sky spirit.”

“I… somehow doubts that the case…” Ferdinand informs him.

“Oh no…” Bernadetta fearfully murmurs from under her desk. “Is Uzi trying to scare me out of hiding so that she can replace me???”

“Don’t worry, Bernie!” Caspar declares. “I’ll send Uzi flying if she tries something so dastardly!”

“MWAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!” Bernadetta screams and curls up into a ball. “You’re no better, Caspar!”

“That idiot…” Hubert whispers. “He’s just causing added ruckus in addition to that… imp…”

“Is… Uzi ok out there?” Dorothea asks.

“Probably not. Professor Jeralt must have broke the news that her that she’s staying with us for a week. I… myself am not thrilled with this, but if it’s our wise Professor’s decision… I must reluctantly heed to it.”

“Whatever you say, Hubie.” Dorothea giggles. “I’m quite thrilled to get to know our new drone classmates.”

J slightly glances at Dorothea behind her, and turns away while slightly blushing. Luckily for her, no one notices it thanks to Uzi’s incessant screeching. “Can that sentient toaster just shut up…” J irritably says. “It’s bad enough that I have to get transferred to those Golden Deer idiots…”

Edelgard grimaces at Uzi’s screeching, and turns to Byleth. “Professor, could we at least take N or V instead? I’d rather have them than Uzi…”

“I’m afraid that can’t do, Edelgard.” Byleth says. “I notice that you have beef with her, but I want you to take this time to get to know her despite being in opposite classes. I feel that this time you spend in week with her, you might discover something that could be beneficial to you in the long term.”

“Professor…” Edelgard utters.

“I hate to say this, but the Boss has a point.” J chimes in. “Being allies with… that imbecile albeit begrudgingly might come to your favor one day.”

Edelgard sighs and shakes her head. “Fine… I will… do my best to tolerate her. I shall take this as a challenge I must overcome… as soon as she stops screaming…”

After thirty minutes, Uzi finally stops screaming, and the day went on with no issue.

Chapter Text

The next day, V wakes up from her sleep looking not so thrilled about this week’s upcoming events. She doesn’t look forward to leaving the Blue Lions and temporarily joining the Black Eagles. However, it does allow her to not interact with Sylvain who does get on her nerves from time to time. Ingrid wasn’t a problem for now since she got recalled temporarily for some reason. That said, she would have to deal with new loudmouths and nuisances. 

She also knows that Edelgard and Hubert are not as forgiving as Dimitri and Dedue. She already knew that working with them would be a pain, but the saving grace was that Uzi would be with her. While V does consider her to be annoying, she still values her as a good friend. She knows that she could trust Uzi with N’s care, something she could never do. The thought saddens V, and she wishes that she could have been more honest with him back then.

Just then, V hears ringing on her audio receptors, and this prompts her to stop hanging from the ceiling. She lands on her feet gracefully, and answers the call, “this better not be another stupid stunt, Uzi…” she tiredly says.

“Oh wow! It actually works!” She hears Ashe gasp much to V’s surprise.

“A-Ashe?!” V stammers and regains her cool. “I gotta be honest, I wasn’t expecting you to figure out how the com I gave you worked.”

“Yeah, I was wondering how to work it after tucking my siblings to sleep, but it looks like I’ve got the hang of it… I think…”

V lightly giggles, “Well you’re doing just fine considering I can hear you well.”

“Thanks. Is this strange buzzing noise natural to this thing?”

“That’s called static. It’s perfectly natural for coms.”

“Ah ok. It’ll be a while till I get used to it.”

“Understandable. So how are you doing back there in Castle Gaspard?”

“It’s been… ok for the most part…” Ashe answers sounding unsure of himself. “There’s still some unrest in the territory, but a few of the knights and I have been able to manage. My brother and sister are ok so I am grateful for that.”

“I see…” V murmurs.

“Yeah… it saddens me when people call you a demon there.”

“Oh? People hate me there?”

“Yeah… I try to convince them otherwise, but they wouldn’t believe me, even my siblings are scared of you.”

“That’s ok. I’m used to people being scared of me. It doesn’t bother me that much besides… they have every right to hate me…”

“I know… I just wish they got to know you like how I and some of the Lions know you.”

“I appreciate that, Ashe.” V smiles.

“But enough about me for now. How are things going with you and the others back at the Monastery?”

“Well…” V slightly scratches the right side of her face with her claw. “We’ve got an interesting turn of friends this week… Apparently, Bylese and her family have agreed to swap all drones to other houses.”

“Wow! That sounds amazing!” Ashe gasps in awe. “Which house are you now assigned to?”

The Black Eagles, and on top of that, I’m also paired up with Uzi as well.”

“The Black Eagles and Uzi…” Ashe mutters. “I think you’ll do just great no matter what house you end up in temporarily.”

“Appreciate the vote of confidence, Ashe.”

“So who’s in our class then?”

“N.”

“I see. I’m starting to wish I was there as well… I really want to talk to N now that he’s in our class.”

“N can always wait. But I’m sure you’re still grieving back there…”

“Yeah… I know it had to be done… but… could it have been avoided…”

V could hear Ashe’s voice breaking, “I don’t know… maybe things could have been different, and maybe not, but I’m sure of one thing, your adopted father would have been proud of you.”

“Thank, V…” Ashe warmly says before V hears the faint sound of children’s voices in the background. “Ah! Looks like my siblings are awake! I better get going, and take care of yourself in the Black Eagles!”

“You too, Ashe.” V fondly says. “V, out.”

V cuts off communications with Ashe and heads out of her dormitory before stretching her arms and legs.

“Let’s get this over with…” V tiredly says before she hears groaning from Uzi’s room. “Now it’s my turn to babysit her…” V rolls her eyes, and heads to her dorm before knocking on it. “Let’s go, Uzi. Don’t make me come in there to bust your door open.”

The door creaks open, and Uzi emerges from the entrance looking not so thrilled as it is written throughout her visor. “And here I thought yesterday was just some long night terror…” She deadpanned says.

“Well, we’re not all that lucky.” V states. “Come on, the sooner we get through this week, the sooner we can get back to our original houses.”

Uzi tiredly blinks, and lets out a long groan much to V’s annoyance.

“Come here!” V aggressively takes Uzi’s arm and drags her away from her room while the worker drone continues groaning. The Disassembly Drone stops after walking a few meters and turns on her heat sensors. Through them, she sees Bernadetta and Linhardt still in their dorms. The former remains curled up by her bed while the latter is still asleep. “I hate this day already…” V tiredly says.

At the Black Eagle Classrooms, Byleth, Edelgard, Hubert, Dorothea, Ferdinand, Caspar, and Petra are all gathered. “Hmmm…” Byleth ponders. “Looks like we’re missing four more.”

“Typical two of them would be Bernadetta and Linhardt.” Hubert snorts. “Those two have no concept of urgency.”

“You don’t have to be mean about it, Hubert,” Caspar states. “I’m sure Linhardt would find the courage to get up and face the day head-on!” He declares.

Hubert chuckles, “The day Linhardt gets up from her besides wanting to study crests or being forced out of bed will be the day a snail moves ten miles an hour.”

“Hmmm…” Petra tilts her head. “I do not see the fastness of snails.” 

“Hubert is just saying that it’s impossible for Linhardt to act this way.” Ferdinand informs her.

“Ah, I am of understanding.”

Dorothea glances at the entrance to their classroom. “You think Uzi and V will come to class today, Edie?”

“V, maybe,” Edelgard answers with her arms crossed. “Uzi… I have a sinking feeling she would rather ditch class than spend the day with me.”

“Uzi and V will come.” Byleth answers. “I’m sure of it.”

“How can you be certain, Professor?” Edelgard asks.

“Simple. V welcomes any challenge head-on, and Uzi looks pretty determined to learn new things. She knows that she can learn a lot from me.”

“I’m sorry, but I have a hard time believing that. Unless I see V and Uzi come through those-“

Suddenly, the doors are kicked wide open much to everyone’s surprise except Byleth who smirks at the abrupt entrance. “You were saying, Edelgard?”

“You’re quite perceptive, Professor…” Edelgard admits with a slight annoyance in her voice.

Soon after, V walks into the classroom looking very annoyed as she drags a disgruntled Uzi who in turn is dragging a half asleep Linhardt. The Disassembly Drone drags a scared Bernadetta with her free hand.

“OK! OK! ILL COOPERATE WITH YOU!” Bernadetta pleads. “Just please let me go…”

“Ok.” V sinisterly smiles, and lets Bernadetta go. “Just make sure you don’t run off.” Her face becomes more sadistic. “Wouldn’t want to see me go mouse hunting.”

Bernadetta screams, and hides under her desk as she cowers in fear. “PLEASE DON’T EAT ME!!!!”

“It’s ok, Bern…” Dorothea tries to comfort her. “I’m sure Ms. V won’t try to eat you.”

V shrugs in response, Is this what J went through everyday when she drags Bernadetta here? Why do the purple ones always have to be the annoying narcs?

Meanwhile, Linhardt yawns and rub his eyes. “Must you be rough with me…” Linhardt tiredly says. “I was having a wonderful dream…”

“You got a liven up, Linhardt!” Caspar smacks his best friend’s back. “We’re going to have a lot of fun today, Buddy!”

“You and I view fun very differently, Caspar…” Linhardt sleepily.

Meanwhile, Uzi glances at Edelgard, Hubert and Ferdinand with an irritated look on her face while she looks at Byleth and Petra quite fondly. “Hey, Byleth, Petra.” Uzi waves.

“Good to see you make it on time, Uzi.” Byleth says.

“I am happy of the most to see you class in.” Petra joyfully says.

“Looks like we still need to work on that broken language.” Uzi states before looking towards everyone else. “Hey.” She deadpanned says.

Ferdinand takes a deep breath, and approaches Uzi. “Uzi, I do like to apologize for my behavior the other day. I have done some self reflection, and I shouldn’t have imposed on you and Bernadetta.”

“Ewwww….” Uzi cringes much to Ferdinand’s surprise. “Don’t phrase it like that! You’re making it sound like you’re doing gross stuff with me!”

“Huh?!” Ferdinand gasps. “What are you talking about?! I-“ it was at that moment he realized what Uzi was referring to. “NO NO NO NO NO NO…..” A flustered Ferdinand exclaims. “I-I would never do such inappropriate things…”

“Uzi, want me to do the honors?” V loads her gun much to everyone’s horror.

“Please don’t subject me to intense pain…” Ferdinand shrinks back.

Hubert cackles at the sight. “I must say this is quite entertaining.”

“Enough!” Edelgard sternly says having had enough with Uzi’s remarks. “Hubert, you will not condone their actions. V, you will refrain from committing such vulgar acts to Ferdinand!”

“Huh?” V remarks as she stares down on Edelgard. “Look, Princess, I don’t take orders from you.”

“Must I remind you that you are now a temporary member of the Black Eagles.” Edelgard responds looking not intimidated by V. “So during your stay here, Professor Byleth and my authority should not be undermined. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal.” V backs off.

Edelgard snorts, “It seems that there is still much for Dimitri to teach you.” She then turns to Uzi. “As for you!”

“Me?!” Uzi points to herself.

“Ferdinand may be a pompous obnoxious loudmouth that I wish would pipe down at all times…”

“Hey!” Ferdinand retorts, and she just ignores him.

“He does mean well most of the time, and I will not allow you to twist his words for your… juvenile tendencies!”

“Well excuuuussseeee me, Small Princess!” Uzi protests. “At least I’m not stuck up condescending noble who’s far up in her ass!”

Edelgard glares at Uzi. “I will not allow you to run discord amongst our House, and ruin everything! And I’m not a stuck up condescending noble!”

“Yeah that’s what all the stuck up nobles say,” Uzi nonchalantly says. “And you run a Discord Server? Cause if you do and you’re it’s admin, you’re probably going to have people leaving at a record pace.”

“Again a term from your world I do not fully understand…” Edelgard pinches the bridge of her nose while shaking her head. “I am trying my best to tolerate you… but if you make one more juvenile comment, I shall split your head in half!”

“Sure thing, white haired princess.” 

This sets Edelgard off, and she hardens her glare towards Uzi, but Byleth places his hand on her. “Professor?” She gasps, and he shakes his head. Edelgard looks around, and sees all eyes on her. She takes a deep breath. “You’re right… apologies for loosing my temper.” I can’t let Uzi get a rise of me every time we talk like this. I need to be civil, and try to reason with her. “Stand down, Hubert.”

“As you wish, My Lady.” Hubert dissipates the dark magic on his palm.

Uzi takes notice of the dark magic. Hmmm… that magic stuff does look very interesting and funky. I gotta find a way to learn it myself so I can blow stuff up. “Hehehehe…”

V smacks her at the back of her head. “Try not to cackle like that. People will think you’re some kind of evil mastermind.”

“Says the person who acts like a psycho every five minutes.” Uzi mumbles.

“Hey, at least I pull it off with style.” V brandishes her right Claw.

“Hey, V!” Caspar comes to her. “Can you teach me some neat fighting moves? I hear you’re the toughest of the drones, and I wanna learn from the best!”

“So do I.” Petra chimes. “You have much skill with the blade, and in Aerial maneuverability. Perhaps you can show me some pointers?”

“Oh my…” a flustered V utters. “I never thought I’d have some fans in this class…”

“At least you got your own fan club…” Uzi crosses her arms. “I’m just gonna feel left out again just because of my-“

“I will not be leaving you out.” Petra quickly turns to Uzi. “I would like to be learning from you ways of how to be… what’s the word… stealthy.”

“Excuse me, Petra…” Linhardt yawns as he trudges towards Uzi. “You may be a troublemaker, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t interested in you.”

“Huh?” A perplexed Uzi states.

“I am most interested in learning more about your powers since they seem to be unique to you, and none of the other drones don’t have that. What is the purpose of the symbols, and what do they signify… that is something I’d like to see.”

“Yeah that’s a long story. But I’d be G to show you the ropes if you’re listening.”

“Sounds good to me. Just a fair warning, I may take a nap or two in case I feel like it.”

“Don’t worry.” Uzi grins while hovering a pencil on her palm. “I’ll make sure to wake you up when I feel like it.”

Suddenly, Dorothea takes a closer look at Uzi, and examines her from head to toe much to the worker Drone’s embarrassment.

“Ummm… what are you doing?”

“Mhm.” Dorothea playfully winks at her. “I must say you look way cuter than I thought, and your purple clothing really suits you.”

“S-shut up!” Uzi embarrassingly exclaims. “You’re ruining my angsty teen vibe!”

“Awww…” Dorothea giggles. You’re even cuter when you’re mad. It’s so adorable.”

Uzi blushes, and faces away, “I hate my life…”

“My, my…” V teases. “Uzi getting embarrassed? I wish I had snacks so I can fully enjoy the sight.”

“Knock it off, V!” Uzi shouts.

“No, I don’t think I will.” V snickers only to get intercepted by Dorothea.

“You’re quite cute as well.” Dorothea playfully says much to V’s embarrassment. “Do you like sweet or spicy food. You seem to be quite the spicy gal, and I wouldn’t mind going out with you as well.”

“I… um… thanks…” A flustered V utters. WARNING! SYSTEM TEMPERATURES STEADILY RISING! CAUSE: UNKNOWN

“Well, well, well….” Hubert smirks. “I guess not even the drones are immune to Dorothea’s charm

“Hey, V!” Caspar exclaims. “I got a question?! Why don’t you wear pants?”

“Oh?” V perks up while Uzi, Byleth and most the Black Eagles facepalm.

Linhardt simply doesn’t care while Petra and Dorothea express great curiosity.

“I am most curious as well?” Petra says.

“Do tell.” Dorothea flirtatiously says.

“Well…” V utters before she double downs. “It’s mainly because any form of shorts and pants can restrict my movement even by a bit, and that is just tiresome.”

“Is that so?” Dorothea asks. “I must say you not wearing any leggings or shorts was a bit of a surprise, but not an unwelcome one.”

“I am of understanding of your choice of clothing, V.” Petra states as she places her arms on her skirt. “Lady Edelgard, I shall be following the example of V.”

“Please don’t, Petra…” Edelgard trails off. “At least not here…”

The class continues to chat with the drones with many of them having a good time with them with the exception of Edelgard, Hubert, Bernadetta and Ferdinand. “Professor, is this truly necessary?” Edelgard asks.

“Give it time, Edelgard,” Byleth says. “I’m sure this arrangement will pay off in the long term.”

“I hope so, Professor.” Edelgard sighs.

“This is better not be a waste of time.” Hubert scoffs.

“Patience, Hubert.” Byleth simply says. “Now then, everyone! Let the lesson begin!”

Meanwhile…

“Hello, Fellas! My name’s N!” N cheerfully introduces himself. “I know some of you have known each other for a while now, but this is our chance to get to really know each other! I hope we can be best buds!”

“Me too!” Mercedes states.

“Mercie… don’t encourage him…” Annette whispers warily.

“Relax, Annie.” Mercedes smiles. “I’ve observed N for a while now. I’m sure he’s a kind person.”

“But he’s one of them… he could-“

“What ya talking about?” N closes the gap between the two students causing Annette to lightly squeal.

“Oh, I was just about to talk to Annie about baking.” Mercedes joyfully says. “I just thought of a new recipe I’d like to try out.”

Annette swallows as N takes a closer look. “A cake recipe…” he leans forward with narrowed eyes. “Count me in!” He exclaims with outward arms. “It’s been a while since I got to witness cake being made. Though I may not be as good as V when it comes to cooking, I have been told by J that I make a great taste tester.”

“You robots can taste?!” Mercedes blinks.

“Yeah! We don’t get nutrition from normal foods you humans eat, but we Worker Drones and Disassembly Drones have been programmed to taste foods and give a detailed analysis of what we think about them. That is if it’s required.”

“Wonderful!” Mercedes claps her hands. “I’m so happy that you’ll get to taste it when Annie and I are done baking!”

Bylese and the others watch from the sidelines as N talks to Mercedes and Annette (the former for the most part) “Why do I get the feeling that before N became a Murder Drone, he was tasked to making sure the food wasn’t poisoned…” Hanneman states.

“Probably because he’s the one most willing to do it.” Dimitri points out.

“I swear if he wasn’t a drone, he’d be dead by now with that stupid gullible attitude…” Felix shakes his head.

“Still, he does seem like a very reliable sort of guy.” Sylvain points out. “And he’s quite the looker.”

“Sylvain… please don’t try to turn N to your ways…” Dimitri says.

“How can I not?” Sylvain slyly grins. “He initially came to Fodlan with three hot girls. Really hot girls, even Uzi.”

“One more word from you about this, and I’m breaking your good leg.” Felix bluntly says.

“Please don’t, Felix…” Sylvain mutters.

Bylese lightly smiles at the group and approaches N. “I hope my father hasn’t gotten you rusty during your time with the Golden Deer.”

“Nah, nothing of the sort.” N says. “He’s been good to me and Uzi all this time, and I’m starting to get the feeling that Uzi sees him more as her dad than her actual dad.”

“Is that so?” Bylese perks up as she wonders to herself. I wonder what sort of drone Uzi’s dad is… probably some deadbeat dad by the looks of things.

“I do hope we do not disappoint you, N.” Dedue says as he and Dimitri come in.

“We may not be as fun as the Golden Deer,” Dimitri continues. “But I’m certain you’ll learn something new in our class, and I do hope you can make yourself at home within the Blue Lion House.”

“Thanks, Guys!” N salutes. “And I’ll do my best not to let you guys down!”

“I’m sure you will, and I look forward to working with you, N.”

“V says good things about you, and I’m sure you’ll fit in just fine.” Dedue says.

“Thanks, Buddy.” N says while scratching the back of his head. WHOLESOME LEVELS STEADILY RISING

Felix comes over, and smacks N on the head. “Annoying goody two shoes.”

“What was that for, Felix?!” Dimitri sternly says.

“Seeing those stupid messages on their faces annoys me, and after careful observation, and good whack on the head knocks them out.”

WHOLESOME LEVELS HALTED. N’s eyes return to normal. “So you must be the one who likes picking fights.”

“Only against strong people who I can train with.” Felix huffs. “I don’t want to waste time with weak people.”

“Felix…” Dimitri utters. “Why must you be like this… especially to N…”

“That’s alright, Dimitri.” N says feeling undeterred by Felix’s angst. “Say, Felix! What you into these days? Dogs? Cats? Is it true you like fruit slicing for Flayn? If so you gotta teach me some tricks. Oh and…”

Is this what V goes through everyday?! Amidst the bombardment of compliments and questions from N, Felix finally loses it, and punches him on the face. The disassembly drone gets knocked back, and blinks at the student.

“Ooh that was a strong punch!” N joyfully says.

“What was that for?!” Dimitri exclaims.

“He’s annoying and obnoxious.” Felix bluntly says while massaging his fist. “His overwhelming optimism sickens me. I prefer V’s sadism over his optimism.”

“Felix, that’s not how you-“

“It’s ok, Dimitri.” N says as he looks Felix eye to eye. “It looks like V is right about you.”

Felix responds with silence expecting to get berated by N.

“YOU REALLY ARE A COOL GUY!” N proclaims much to everyone’s shock.

“Excuse me?!” Felix gasps.

“V did tell me that you had a bad attitude, but she also said that you care a lot about your friends a lot. Just like how Uzi, V and J are! Glad to see you’re in the same batch, and I look forward to sparring with you!”

“Wow…” Sylvain utters. “That was unexpected…”

“N truly is a surprising individual.” Dedue says.

Felix scoffs in embarrassment. “Disgusting… though… I’m not against sparring with you. I did hear you repelled a Demonic Beast by yourself so you’re not just the runt among the three Disassembly Drones. I only hope you’re half as good as V in fighting.”

“You bet!” N eagerly says.

Dimitri slumps down on his desk while pinching the bridge of his nose. “What am I going to do with him… I wish Ingrid and Ashe were here…”

“I’m sure we can get by for a week, Dimitri.” Bylese sits beside him. “I’ll do my best to rein them in if things get out of control.”

“Thank you, Professor.” Dimitri smiles as Dedue stands beside him.

“Your Highness.” Dedue whispers. “Have you received the news?”

“Yes.” Dimitri subtly nods. “I’ll inform the Archbishop as soon as possible. Don’t worry, Dedue.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Dedue thanks him as he grows worried for something.

Meanwhile…

“And that is my proposal on how to make this House a well oiled machine.” J says while tapping her stick against a blackboard. “Now then, does anyone have questions?”

Half of the Golden Deer looked like they were bored out of their mind, and only Lysithea and Lorenz were readily listening. Hilda and Raphael looked bored out of their minds, Marianne just keeps her head down in shame, and Ignatz and Leonie were struggling to understand what’s going on. Claude could get what’s going on but wasn’t too thrilled with J’s plans.

No wonder why Uzi doesn’t like her… He thought to himself. She’s too by the book for her and my taste that’s for sure… and she’s definitely like Edelgard…

“Raphael, do you have a question?” J points towards Raphael.

“Huh?!” Raphael snaps back to reality.

“Do you have a question?” J asks with a hint of irritation in her voice. “I do hope you were listening during my elaborate presentation.”

“Oh, I have a question!” Raphael states.

J rolls her eyes feeling that Raphael is going to ask something stupid, “Proceed…”

“How do you walk on those legs?” Raphael asks with the biggest grin on his face.

“Huh?” A dumbfounded J utters.

“Yeah!” Hilda chimes in. “Like how do you and V walk on pegs as legs? Doesn’t that seem uncomfortable?”

“Like seriously?” Leonie points towards J’s feet. “Those things must be awfully tiny!”

“Yeah! Even smaller than Uzi’s!” Raphael declares.

J’s eyes twitch irritability as she snaps the stick in half with her grip. “Oh my…” Manuela whispers. “She doesn’t look like a happy camper.”

“This is going to go well…” Jeralt sighs. 

Ignatz slinks back from his desk, and J walks towards the Golden Deer class. “So… you think my feet are inferior to yours and that toaster’s feet?” She sarcastically smiles. “Well then… allow me to EDUCATE YOU SIMPLETONS!” J slams the broken stick onto Ignatz’s desk causing him to slink further.

“Umm… but…” Leonie dares. “How are does-“

“Quiet!” J aggressively demands. “Have you ever wondered why we have different legs compared to N? Well, it’s because of two reasons. One mainly to differentiate which drones a male or female if it wasn’t obvious… and second, for combat use. N’s let’s were designed to better grip the surface, and maintain stability against tough opponents. He is meant to outlast and wear down his target. V and my legs are thinner so that we could prioritize, and overwhelm our targets as such.”

J lifts her leg and steps onto Raphael’s desk much to the big man’s surprise. J looks him in the eye as he starts to tremble.

“And one more thing… while we do sacrifice stability, what we do get is power behind our kicks. Since our legs have only one point of contact with the ground, all the force we focus on our legs will be directed to this single point. Ergo, combined with how fast we can go, and how much power we can exert, getting kicked by our legs will feel the same as getting hit by ten sledgehammers so hard that I could snap that lazy bitch with just a kick!”

“Hey!” Hilda retorts. “I may be delicate, but I’m not that-“

J ignores her and aggressively leans her head towards Raphael, and the student slinks back before completely putting her leg down. The desk’s arm gets destroyed in the process.

“Do. I. Make. My. Self. CLEAR?!” J angrily emphasizes.

“Ummm…” Raphael trails off. “Maybe???”

“Wrong answer.” J punches him in the face, and he falls back from his chair as he’s knocked unconscious.

“RAPHAEL!” Ignatz screams before running towards Raphael only to get stopped by J’s glare.

“Do I make myself clear?!”

“Y-yes…” The Golden Deer answers while Claude responds with a shrug causing J to narrow her eyes towards him.

“Raphael! Raphael!” Ignatz shakes his best friend's body. “Are you ok?!”

“He’ll be out cold for a couple of hours,” J informs Ignatz. “I only punched him with 30% power.”

30% to knockout one of the bulkiest students in the student body… Jeralt takes a mental note. Granted it was to the head, but I fear that a punch even higher might just cleave that young man’s head off.

“J! How could you-“ Ignatz stops as soon as he sees one of his drawings in J’s hands.

J scoffs at the sight of a drawing of Uzi standing heroically on a hill with her railgun. “What is this?”

“Just something I wanted to give to Uzi…” Ignatz meekly says. “Please could you-“ with no hesitation, J vaporizes the drawing into dust. “NOOOOO!!!!!” Ignatz screams in despair. “I worked so hard on that…”

“No one commemorates that toaster in my presence.” J sneers before walking away.

“Ignatz, are you ok?” Marianne rushes over to try to comfort him.

“Now then, it looks like we need to work a lot harder to get this House in shape.” J declares. “I have compiled a list of everyone of your strengths and deficiencies. For those three,” J points to Marianne, Ignatz and Raphael. “I’m sure I don’t have to reiterate their problems.”

“Of course.” Lorenz states proudly, “And I’m sure I have the least deficiencies in this House-“

“Actually, you are one of the ones who have the most deficiencies, Lorenz.” J points out.

“I beg your pardon?” A flustered Lorenz states. “But I listened to your class diligently!”

“Yes only to boost your prestige. You are quite talented in your own right, but you get cocky quite easily. That makes you shortsighted, and vulnerable to exploitation in the long run, a lesson I myself learned the hard way.”

“You can’t be serious…” Lorenz fumbles. 

“Sorry, Lorenz.” Claude shrugs. “But you’re not as perfect as you seem.”

Lorenz snorts, and sits uncomfortably on his chair before J turns towards Leonie. “You’re quite resourceful amongst the commoners, but you lack basic magic understanding based on your test scores on magic.”

“Huh?!” Leonie retorts. “But I don’t even need to learn magic! I can manage on my own!”

“True. You don’t necessarily have to use magic, but having an understanding would be good for you. A lot of people use magic in this backwater world so what would happen if you faced off against someone who uses an unfamiliar spell?”

Leonie gets stumped by the question. “I’d… get blown up?”

“That’s one way of putting it.” J points out. “You wish to be the best mercenary you could be alongside Jeralt, right?”

“Of course!” Leonie declares much to Jeralt’s slight annoyance.

“Then you need to be adapted to take on any situation, especially magic.”

“I…” Leonie utters before she finally relents. “I understand…”

“Good.” J finally faces Hilda while the latter nervously smiles. “AS FOR YOU… I SHALL NOT TOLERATE YOUR LAZINESS WHILE IM IN THIS HOUSE! I SHALL WORK YOU LIKE A FREAKING HORSE IF I HAVE TO!”

“Me?” Hilda pleadingly says. “But I’m just a delicate flower… I can’t possibly be in the frontlines…”

“The data I collected on you says otherwise!” J slams a stack of papers on Hilda’s desk. “It says that you have been trained by the well known Alliance general, Holst Goneril, the leader of Fodlan’s Throat, and your elder brother. He taught you all sort of axe techniques, and it shows that you’ve grown quite use to battling them against Almyrans and bandits.” J says with no mercy. “So yeah, your pleads about you being a delicate flower is bullshit. You’re already strong even if you’re lazy, how much stronger would you be if you applied yourself?”

“Ummm… slightly weaker?” Hilda meekly answers, and this sets J off.

“YOU’D BE STRONGER, YOU IDIOT!” J screams. “YOU ARE SUCH AN UNREASONABLE BULLSHITTER!” She storms off from her. COPING MECHANISM TO COMBAT BULLSHIT WANING! STRESS LEVELS AT PEAK LEVEL.

“What about me?” Lysithea raises her hand. “Surely you have good things about me?”

“Good overachieving student with exceptional grades, but has limited stamina!” J exclaims as she storms past her.

“That’s it?!” Lysithea grunts. “Surely you have more to-“

“Don’t push it, Lysithea…” Hilda pats her on the back. “J’s in a foul mood.”

J marches away from Hilda until she finally fixes her eyes on Claude who flashes her with a sly grin. The Disassembly Drone narrows her eyes as if she’s very irritated with his mere existence. “So what’s my assessment?” Claude asks. “Surely you have something to say about me?”

“That’s the thing…” J says. “I don’t know what to make of you. You’re record showcases that you’re an all rounder in all areas. Meticulous in planning, quite decent in close range, has good knowledge on magic and all sorts of relics, and excels greatly at long range combat.”

“What can I say?” Claude splays his arms. “I try to be prepared for any possible scenario I’m thrown at, and plan accordingly.”

“And yet despite all that, you still remain to be a thorn towards Lady Edelgard.” J sneers.

“Jeez, that’s a harsh way of putting it. I guess we got into the wrong foot here. Tell you what, since you’re in a new House, why don’t we start fresh, and let bygones be bygones. Come on, J, let’s turn that scowl upside down in 3 seconds. One… two…”

“Enough!” J grumbles before slamming both her hands on Claude’s desk. WILLINGNESS TO TERMINATE CLAUDE: 90% “If this were up to me, I would kill you myself for all the insolence you’ve expressed towards Lady Edelgard thus far…”

“But…” Claude smirks. “There’s always a But there.”

“Perceptive little pest…” J steps back. “My Lady feels you have the skill to find out more about the enemy, and their objective. So…” she says with much regret. “She asked me to work with you in finding all that out…”

“Great!” Claude smiles but not one that reaches the idea. “I’m glad that Edelgard at least sees some reason. I’m sure we’ll do we’ll find the culprit just fine when we work together.”

“Do not… make me… regret this…” J says with a hint of anger in her voice.

Meanwhile, Manuela and Jeralt stay on the sidelines watching everything unfold. “Say, Professor Jeralt…” Manuela trails off. “You think this swap is a good idea…”

“Perhaps not…” Jeralt admits before he grins. “But I have a feeling the students and the drones will learn from this experience. It’ll be essential for this moon’s mission.”

Manuela sighs, “I hope you’re right about this. Still, this is bound to be very interesting.”

Chapter Text

“So yeah, that’s basically my entire life story in a nutshell!” Uzi declares as she concludes her story. “And thus everyone lived happily ever after… until we ventured.  To the stars, and got to this backwater planet…”

The Black Eagles and V had mixed reactions to all this with Bernadetta, Ferdinand and Dorothea awkwardly clapping, and Edelgard and Hubert giving none. Petra and Caspar looked in awe at Uzi after hearing such a tale. V straight up booed the Worker Drone, and Linhardt fell back to sleep. Uzi glances at Byleth, and his facial expression remains unreadable as ever.

“I must say that that was a very colorful tale!” Petra gleefully says.

“I wouldn’t say it was colorful, Petra…” Dorothea says. “Especially since their planet is basically… dead… no offense, Uzi.”

“It’s fine.” Uzi shrugs.

“IT WAS FREAKING AWESOME!” Caspar declares. “So you pirate some stuff to get access to some cool moves?”

“Yup, Dragon Ball Z and Naruto are some of my favorite things to pirate.”

“Wow does sound so fun!” Caspar declares. “NOW I WANT TO BE A PIRATE! TEACH ME, UZI!”

“Could you please keep quiet, Caspar…” Hubert groans.

“Plus, I doubt your definition of being a pirate is the same as what Uzi means to pirate things.” Edelgard points out.

“Yeah… I hate to say this, but… you can’t pirate anime internally…” Uzi rubs her beanie. “Sorry, Caspar.”

Caspar sinks his head on his desk in despair. “And here I thought I’d finally learn some cool moves…”

Uzi notices Linhardt still napping by his desk, and the worker drone rolls her eyes. “Is he always like this, Byleth?” She asks.

“Usually.” Byleth answers. “Especially when it’s not about Crests.”

“Want me to wake him up, Uzi?” V calls out as she brings out a blowhorn. 

“Nah it’s fine, V.” Uzi answers as she aims a pencil towards Linhardt with her Solver power. “I got this.”

Edelgard pays close attention to Uzi’s solver symbol as the Worker Drone rotates the pencil rapidly at the center of the symbol. The worker drone launches the pencil towards Linhardt. The pencil hits square onto his forehead and jolts him awake.

“Oww…” Linhardt yawns. “Caspar, did you bop me on the head?”

“Nah, that was Uzi,” Caspar states.

“Is that so… Sorry, but you’re story was getting too long so I figured it would be a good time to-“

Linhardt stops mid sentence as Uzi menacingly smiles at him before displaying a message on her visor, SLEEP ON ME AGAIN, AND ILL MAKE YOU SHIT YOUR PANTS.

Linhardt swallows hard knowing full well that Uzi’s threats should be taken seriously, and are not bluffs like some of Hubert’s threats. “I suppose I can stay awake…” he says sounding a bit nervous. “I do find your discussions about your powers very interesting…”

“Actually, I feel the same as well.” Edelgard chimes in. “What’s up with those strange powers you have, Uzi? They’re certainly at another league in comparison to your peers.”

“Oh, you mean this?” Uzi displays her Solver symbol in both her right eye and palm. “Well… I can tell you guys, but it’s not a pretty story.”

“Surely it can’t be that bad.” Edelgard crosses her arms feeling it’s not going to be as bad as her own trauma.

V lowers her head, and frowns as Uzi starts her explanation, “So… I was once infected by this eldritch program called the Absolute Solver shortly after N, V, and J arrived at Copper 9. I think I always had these powers since my mom also had them before she gave me life.”

“Wait you have a mom?!” Ferdinand gasps. “I thought you were all built?!”

“Yeah, many of the Worker Drones were built that is before the humans from my world offed themselves like pussies.” Uzi shrugs. “My mom and my door-obsessed dad were the last batch of drones that were built before all that crap, and thus I was born into the frozen dead world of Copper 9.”

“That sounds… lively…” Dorothea utters.

“You don’t know that half of it.” V rests her legs on the desk.

“Continue.” Edelgard gestures to Uzi.

“Don’t have to tell me twice, Small Princess.” Uzi rolls her eyes. “Anyways so I was infected by the Absolute Solver, and got these sick new powers, and some weird demon-like wings and tail.”

“Hmmm…” Hubert rubs his chin. “Are you saying this… “Solver” of yours is what gave you those disgusting appendages?”

“Yeah…” Uzi sports her tail to everyone’s surprise. “It is quite handy especially since it has a jaw and such.”

“AHHHHHHH!!!!!” Bernadetta squeals and hides under her desk. “THE TAILS GOING TO EAT ME FOR SURE….”

Dorothea leans down beside Bernadetta, “It’s ok, Bernie… I’m sure Uzi would never do such a thing.”

“Hold on a second…” Edelgard resumes. “You were possessed by some kind of entity surely there were more side effects than your new powers?”

“Oh… that’s…” Uzi mutters as she bites her lower lip feeling anxious all of a sudden. 

“It’s ok if you don’t want to talk about it…” V sincerely says. “It’s not something I’d want to relive either…”

“Thanks, V…” Uzi solemnly says. “But… I feel that I need to tell you guys since I already told Jeralt and Claude about this…” All eyes were on Uzi as she clutched her chest, and she takes a deep breath. “The Absolute Solver possessed me and made me do things I… wasn’t proud of… during my first possession I ate several of my schoolmates even if I didn’t like them, I still didn’t want to eat them. During subsequent possessions I nearly killed V and N… something I wouldn’t ever have forgiven had I succeeded…”

Everyone except Hubert and Byleth (mostly due to his emotionless face) looked sympathetic towards Uzi. V feels empathetic for her especially since she has witnessed firsthand what her friend has done. Byleth listens closely to the rest of Uzi. So… she’s just like me…

“Luckily…” Uzi continues. “I just learned to resist the Solver by not acting like a little bitch, and started gaining an immunity to it.”

“That’s it?” Hubert questions. “You were possessed by something you apparently feared… and you just resist it by not being afraid?”

“Yeah that’s what my mom told me. Eventually, V, N, and I finally beat the Solver, and I roasted it under the sun.” Uzi grins. “Luckily, I still get to keep my new powers!”

Most of the classroom was in awe after Uzi’s tale, but Edelgard was intrigued to learn more, “So you managed to defeat a world-ending threat that would have destroyed the planet if you failed?”

“Yup, pretty much!” Uzi states.

“I see, but are you truly certain that the Absolute Solver is truly dead? You still have its powers, and I would hate to imagine what would happen if such a monster went rampant in not just Fodlan, but the entire world.”

Uzi perks up a bit and widens her eyes, but she immediately recovers and goes back to her neutral self. “YUP! The Absolute Solver is dead, and it won’t be troubling us anytime soon.”

“Ok. Very well,” Edelgard says feeling content for now. “No more questions from me for now.” Is she hiding something from me?

V narrows her eyes towards Uzi as she reflects upon Edelgard’s question, Uzi, please tell me you’re not lying about the Solver… I’d hate to deal with Cyn again if you’re lying.

“Anyways!” Uzi claps her hands. “Does anyone else have any questions for me?”

“I have one!” Petra raises her hand. “Besides all the stuff you mentioned earlier, is there anything else you could do with the power of… solving?”

“Honestly that question wouldn’t be thrilling if we didn’t know some context.” Ferdinand points out.

“Good question.” Uzi paces back and forth. “Ever since we arrived at Fodlan, I’ve been experimenting on what I could do with my Solver abilities, and to my surprise, I think I’m now able to identify the crests people possess.”

“What?!” Most of the Black Eagles get surprised, and unbeknownst to everyone except Hubert, Edelgard grows nervous.

“Are you serious?!” Hubert chuckles. “That’s preposterous! I doubt your powers could replicate such a function.”

“I initially thought that too…” Uzi smugly grins. “Until I snuck into the four-eyed old man’s lab, and tinkered with his device. I just analyzed it, and replicated its settings.”

“W-w-wait a second…” Ferdinand blunders. “You broke into Professor Hanneman’s office?!”

“Pretty much.” Uzi casually says. “I gotta say that guy does know his stuff despite being an old geezer.”

“You should really teach me how to sneak into Professor Hanneman’s office one of these-“ Linhardt suggests before getting reprimanded.

“Please don’t indulge her, Linhardt…” Ferdinand suggests before Uzi jumps right in front of him. “Gah! Uzi?! What are you-“

“Quiet! I wanna test it out.” Uzi snickers before projecting her Solver in front of Ferdinand.

The others look on curiously while Uzi’s solver symbol rotates in front of Ferdinand much to his dismay. The solver symbol suddenly changes shape into something that resembles a pillar with curved antlers at each side. Edelgard’s eyes widen in shock while everyone else is in awe.

“Hey, Noble Boy.” Uzi snaps her fingers in front of Ferdinand. “This is the crest of Cichol, right?”

“Y-yes…” Ferdinand answers.

“NICE! IT FREAKING WORKS!” Uzi cheers. “Now I can identify what people’s crests actually are so I can prepare accordingly to kick their asses!”

“Wow, that’s amazing!” Caspar exclaims.

“I must say I’m quite impressed,” Linhardt says.

“You are continuing to be surprising me, Uzi.” Petra states.

While everyone is in awe of Uzi, Edelgard feels her heartbeat get faster as she turns to her thoughts, I can’t let Uzi scan me with her Solver!

“You know what? I’m in a good mood today!” Uzi declares. “Let’s test out my new Solver powers on the other crest users here!”

COULD YOU JUST GIVE ME A BREAK, UZI?! Edelgard screams internally. YOU WILL NOT RUIN MY PLANS JUST SO I CAN FEED YOUR OVERINFLATED EGO!

Both V and Byleth notice the slight change in Edelgard’s demeanor, and they squints their eyes towards her. “Perhaps, scanning the other crest users can wait another time.” Hubert intervenes. “I’m sure Professor Byleth has some things he needs to tell us.”

“Huh?!” Uzi gapes in a dismayed manner. “But I’ve just got to the best part!”

“I’m sure we’d all be thrilled to see more of your powers.” Byleth chimes in. “But right now, we have other things to worry about.”

“Come on… can we just see a little peak?” Uzi flashes puppy dog eyes.

“Wait a bit more, and I’ll personally teach you some Reason spells.”

“You’d really do that?!” Uzi glances around her, and sighs. “Ok, I guess I can wait…” Uzi says as she flies back to her desk.

Edelgard sinks her head on the desk, Thank the goddess… if she even does exist…

V keeps her gaze on Edelgard for a moment, but disengages as soon as she notices Hubert looking to her direction. Ok… what are you hiding, Edelgard?

“Alright Class.” Byleth gets everything. “Since our main objective today is information on our intruders, we’ll be doing Monastery work while we get her information.”

“Bite me!” Uzi slams her fists on the desk. “Are you saying we have to do community service?! This better be worth it!”

“Oh don’t worry, Uzi.” Byleth grins. “I have the perfect mission for you and your group.”

An hour later, Uzi finds herself at the entrance to the marketplace with Edelgard, Dorothea, Hubert, Linhardt and Byleth. “Really, the marketplace?” Linhardt sleepily groans.

“Surely you can’t be serious, Professor…” Hubert didn’t even bother hiding the venom in his voice.

“I am serious.” Byleth answers. “The marketplace and it’s merchants are an information hub on secret dealings. If anyone knows anything on the heist, any information will certainly be here.”

“You have a point, Professor, and I’m assuming that this will our cover job will be here as well?” Edelgard asks.

“That’s right. Our class could use a little more funds from besides what we get from the Church and my father so managing the storm stall, and selling things to our customers would be a good start.”

“I see. I suppose gathering information in a marketplace would be beneficial.”

“I’m quite excited to interact with some of the commoners here.” Dorothea smiles. “Though I have a feeling that Uzi may not be-“

Much to her and everyone’s surprise, Uzi’s visor is displaying dollar signs for each of ner eyes. “Oh wow.” Hubert smirks. “I suppose she finally malfunctioned, and-“

“MONEY!!!” Uzi screams. “FINALLY TIME TO MAKE FREAKING MONEY!!!! Byleth, where’s our stall?!”

“Just five shops down the right lane.” Byleth points out. “My mercenaries are manning the stall right now.”

“Great! Can I have 20% of what we sell here?”

“Hold on?!” Edelgard gasps. “You can’t be serious?! You can’t demand money from-“

“Deal.” Byleth simply says. “But no flying or showing off your tail.”

“Thanks!” Uzi pumps her fist. “Time to make some money!” Sue scurries amongst the crowd while Edelgard discusses something with Byleth.

Uzi manages to weave away across the crowd of people, and arrives at the stall Byleth informed her of.

“Well, well, well…” Uzi is greeted by Alois. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be patrolling the Monastery grounds?” Uzi asks matter of factly.

“I was, but my partner told me to stay stationed here so I could monitor the grounds while she lurks in the shadows doing mystery things.” Alois gleefully says. “So I decided to help out Captain Jeralt while doing my job!”

“I see…” Uzi states while rubbing her audio processors, and scanning Alois. “And where is your partner?”

“Oh she’s around here somewhere. She’s usually a stickler for getting jobs done, but you’ll love her.” Alois grins, and Uzi’s Solver scan presents no change.

Looks like this dork is a normie… Uzi thought. “Now then… time to make some money!”

Meanwhile, V was at the stables with the other half of the Black Eagles, “So our job today is to…” she looks up, and finds a brown horse looking down on her. “Tend to these disgusting creatures?”

“What are you talking about?” Ferdinand strokes the Golden mane of his white horse. “Horses are not disgusting, they are majestic beings that deserve our respect.” His horse neighs at him. “There, there… that’s a good boy.”

“Easy for you to say…” V says as the horse nibbles on her hair. “Hey! Stop that!”

“V, I’m hearing that this horse is liking to nibble on people’s hair.” Petra remarks.

“Huh?” V pushes the horse’s nose away. “Can someone translate what Petra is saying?”

“I think what she means is that… that horse likes you when he nibbles on people’s hair.” Bernadetta meekly explains.

“You gotta be kidding me…” V squints her eyes, and the horse nudges her once more. “THAT’S IT!” V points her gun towards the horse much to everyone’s shock. “Nibble on me again, and I’m having horse meat for lunch! Got it?!”

The horse blinks at her, and licks her face.

“YOU’RE DEAD!” V screams only for Ferdinand, Petra and Caspar to mob her before she could let her gun loose. Petra holds down her gun, Caspar pushes her back, and Ferdinand pulls her from behind.

“Please be calm, V…” Petra pleads while holding down V’s gun.

“I’m sure the horse doesn’t mean to offend you… Just relax for a second!” Ferdinand exclaims.

“Damn why are you so freaking strong for a small lady…” Caspar struggles to keep V at bay.

“WHAT’D YOU SAY, LITTLE BITCH?!” V grabs Caspar’s face, and swings him towards Petra.

Petra swiftly dodges the blow, but V slams Caspar onto Ferdinand, and sends them reeling to the wall. The huntress gulps her throat while her two male classmates groan in pain while Bernadetta hides behind a box. J was right about V… Petra thought. She’s way stronger than J in terms of physical power!

“Now, time for you to die, dumb beast!” V states.

“Stop!” A familiar small voice stops the minor conflict.

Petra and V turn towards the source of the voice, and find Marianne and Hilda just a few feet away. “Hi, V!” Hilda waves at the Disassembly Drone.

“Hello, Hilda…” V utters not even bothering to hide her annoyance.

Marianne quickly goes over to the horse, and strokes her head. “Hey, Dorte… are you ok?” The horse neighs. “Thank the goddess…”

“Hang on…” V blinks. “That horse is yours???”

“Yes… I do apologize on his behalf.” Marianne bows humbly. “Dorte does have a tendency to chew on people’s hair. He said yours look like snow.”

“S-snow?!”

“I am of confusion…” Petra ponders. “What is snow?”

“Huh?” Caspar gets up. “You don’t know what snow is?”

“Oh right, I almost forgot.” Ferdinand gets up as well. “It doesn’t snow in both Brigid and the Empire so the concept of snow might be foreign to her.”

“Ferdinand, Caspar.” Petra dashes to her two classmates. “You must be telling me all you know about snow!”

While Ferdinand and Caspar explain snow to Petra, V glare at Dorte, and has her sword unsheathed. “Please forgive Dorte, Ms. V…” Marianne humbly says. “It’s just that your hair reminds of his favorite food, snow herbs.”

“Snow herbs?” V questions.

“Yeah! They’re very popular amongst horses during the winter, and Dorte is a big sucker for them.” Hilda explains.

“Please be understanding, V…” Marianne pleads once more.

V glances at both Marianne and Hilda, and narrows her eyes towards Dorte before sighing. “As long as he doesn’t make me bald.” She sheathes her sword.

“Thank you, V.” Marianne sighs in relief.

“Phew…” Hilda utters. “Glad you didn’t pull the trigger.”

“I did come close.” V scowls before Dorte licks her face. “Hey! What was that for?!”

Marianne giggles a bit, “I think he likes you.”

“This dumb beast likes me?” V grimaces at Dorte and the horse neighs at her. “And here I thought Uzi and N doing gross things disgusts me…”

Just then, Ferdinand comes in, and leaves Caspar to do his best trying to explain to Petra what snow is. “Good to see you two, Hilda, Marianne.” He courteously greets them. “What brings you here?”

“Oh hey, Ferdie!” Hilda cheekily greets him. “We’re just here investigating more about the would be assassins by the stable.”

“Investigating…” V deadpanned says before flashing her bullshit flag.

“Hey! I really was doing my best to look for clues ok?” Hilda retorts while waving her arms wildly.

“Right….” V utters still looking unconvinced much to Hilda’s dismay.

Marianne sighs a bit at the exchange. “Oh, Hilda…”

“By the way, Marianne,” Ferdinand engages. “How is J so far?”

“Oh J?” Marianne mutters feeling unsure of herself. “She’s… fine… for the most part…”

Ferdinand sinks his shoulders. “You’re scared of her… aren’t you?”

“I’m sorry, Ferdinand…” Marianne murmurs. “I know she’s your classmate, and I know the drones aren’t mindless monsters, but J is just… overbearing…”

“I get what you mean. J can be a lot at times, but she has a strong sense of justice, and a great work ethic. Besides, underneath that prickly attitude of hers, J has a good heart. Give her time, and I’m sure she’ll warm to you and the rest of the Golden Deer.”

Marianne ponders for a moment. “You may have a point, Ferdinand… I’ll do my best to make J feel welcome around the Golden Deer.”

V glances at the duo, and ponders to herself for a moment, Despite knowing her less than I, those two are willing to give J a chance… Maybe I should follow N’s advice, and do the same as well…

Suddenly, her inner thoughts are interrupted by Hilda. “While I’m not against being buddies with J, I do wish the week goes faster, and she goes back to the Black Eagles.”

“Huh?!” A perplexed Ferdinand gasps. “But why? That would destroy the purpose of this exercise!”

“I just can’t stand J as part of the House! Like how can I be lazy when she’s prowling about like a guard dog!”

This leaves every at a loss of words, and V facepalms herself. “Maybe that would be a good thing for you, Hilda…”

“STEP RIGHT UP AND GET YOUR FRESH VEGETABLES OR WEAPONS!” Uzi declares by the shop stall along with a half asleep Linhardt and an annoyed Edelgard.

“Must you be this loud Uzi?” Edelgard inquires.

“Relax, Princess.” Uzi casually says. “This is how you get customers to your stall. You gotta be headfirst, and provide people with quality products! And charge them a little bit more for extra money. Hehehehe…”

“You know, sometimes I wonder if you could truly be an honorable shop owner…” Edelgard points out. “Now I know that you’re a- OWWW!”

“Hehehehe.” Uzi cackles as Edelgard looks back, and sees Uzi’s tail staring at her. “Quit babbling, and keep working.” Edelgard grips her tail with plenty of force causing Uzi to grimace. “Let go.”

“The Professor told you not to bring out your appendages.” Edelgard sternly whispers. “It would not be in our best interests to freak out the townspeople with your… questionable looking tail..”

“Not necessarily.” Uzi smirks just before her tail bites Edelgard, and causes the Princess to let go. “Byleth only said not to show off my appendages to the townspeople. He didn’t say I couldn’t use them any other way.”

“Even so, you shouldn’t be careless with your peculiarities. We don’t know who else may be watching.”

“Fine…” Uzi slightly groans before slapping Linhardt awake with her tail. “Whatever you say, Small Princess…”

Anger boils within Edelgard, but she takes a breath, and doesn’t go that path not wishing to cause a further scene. However, she does notice the eyes on Uzi’s tail flicker yellow briefly before it goes into hiding.

“TEHEHEHE….”

Uzi’s eyes widen, and puts her tail into hiding immediately. Hopefully she didn’t notice that…

“What was that?” Edelgard asks with a questioning look. “Does you tail have some sort of twisted personality or something?”

“Nooooo….” Uzi says in a jittery manner. “My tail just feels jittery that’s all…”

“Right…” Edelgard crosses her arms looking unconvinced.

“Anyways, let’s get back to work!” Uzi frantically says. “Linhardt, go manage the inventory or I’ll jack your brain!”

“Fine…” Linhardt tiredly says before managing the inventory.

Edelgard keeps her vigil on Uzi while she promotes the products of her stall to the customers prompting the Princess to do the same. Hubert, Dorothea, and Alois are certainly promoting our shop the the townspeople though I can imagine Hubert is looking for information on our assailants' whereabouts. She glances towards Uzi. Uzi seemed very alarmed when I asked about her tail… is she hiding something from us, and if so, I intend to expose it however I can especially if it’s serious.

Amidst the selling, Uzi also has something on her mind, Scrap! Did that small Princess catch on to Cyn?! Stupid Cyn! Looks like she managed to leak through! Focus Uzi! INITIATING VIRUS SUPPRESANTS. Ok… that should keep her at bay for now. In the meantime, I gotta deal with this white-haired little bitch before she can say anything about my secret!

“Um… excuse me?” Uzi hears a young boy looking through the wooden weapons.

“Hey, kid.” Uzi dismissively waves. “What are you into?”

“Well… I… umm…” the boy looked unsure what to get as he was overwhelmed by the sheer number of weapons in front of him.

“Kid, I haven’t got all day.” Uzi slightly irritably says. “I gotta earn some gold, and there’s a line of people behind you.”

“Well… I’m not sure if I should get an axe… or a sword… I only have so much gold to-“

“It’s not that complicated!” Uzi snaps. “Just pick a training weapon, and-“

The kid starts sobbing much to Uzi’s dismay and annoyance, and the rest of the customers waiting in line aren’t having it.

“What the hell?!”

“Not cool, midget!”

“How could she be cruel to a child?!”

“What kind of idiots is Jeralt hiring these days?!”

“Yeah, screw this midget! I’m not shopping here again!”

“Oh god…” Edelgard utters.

“Well, this turned out for the worst…” Linhardt mumbles.

“W-wait a second!” Uzi waves her arms frantically. “Kid, please stop crying… I really need this job for gold-“

Suddenly, she feels her head get gripped by a firm hand from Edelgard, “Change.” The Princess tosses Uzi away with one arm and turns back to the customers. “I apologize for my partner’s insincerity. Allow me to make it up to you.”

Immediately, the anger of the customers dissipates, and they head over to be served by Edelgard as she and a demotivated Linhardt tend to their needs. Uzi regains her bearings while rubbing the back of her head.

“Damn… that small woman is certainly stronger than I thought… Gotta be careful around her…” Uzi groans.

“So you must be the purple drone everyone is making a fuss about…” Uzi is alerted by the presence of a woman standing over her. “I must say you don’t look like much, but it would be unwise to underestimate those who seem vulnerable.” She offers her hand.

“Thanks…” Uzi takes her arm and gets a good look. “I’m guessing you’re the stereotypical badass woman who doesn’t give a shit about what anyone says?”

The woman smirks, “Looks like Catherine wasn’t over exaggerating. You definitely have a way with crude words.”

“You know Catherine personally?” Uzi blinks. “You must be a real badass woman.” She flashes her Solver symbol on the woman and scans her. 

“Hmmm… interesting symbol. I suppose this must be one of the powers you possess?”

“You got that right.” Uzi states and finds no change in her symbol. “No crest, and supposedly knows Catherine… you must be Shamir, another Knight of dumb dumb Seiros.”

“Choice words for someone has revered as Seiros. Not that I mind though. Being a Knight of Seiros is just another job for me.”

“Huh?” Uzi gasps. “You’re not like the knights?”

“No, I’m a mercenary for hire similar to your Professor and his kids. I’m here for my own reasons.”

“Ah thank robo god…” Uzi sighs in relief. “It’s bad enough that I have to deal with the Imperial Princess. At least I don’t have to deal with another Knight that tries to preach how righteous Rhea is. Robo god… it can be annoying at times.”

“You’re not the only one.” Shamir shakes her head as she glances at Alois cringing new customers with his stupid jokes. “Looks like I’ll have to put out another fire. Uzi, right?”

“Yup, that’s my name.” Uzi answers.

“I heard from Jeralt that you’re searching for clues on our would be assailants?”

“More or less.” Uzi shrugs.

“I suggest looking into Anna and her operations. Perhaps you’ll find something involving her. Be seeing you.” Shamir walks into a crowd of people.

“Hey!” Uzi runs after her only for her to lose her presence. “Wow… she really is that good. Finally a normal Knight of Seiros. Maybe I should ask her for some pointers one of these days.”

Uzi scans the area, and spots Anna promoting her overpriced prices to her customers.

“Checking out that merchant that scams people for a few bucks.” Uzi snickers. “Sounds like my kind of thing.” She glances towards Edelgard and Linhardt with the former doing all the work along with a couple of mercenaries.

She catches a glimpse of her looking happy when servicing the customers by the stalls especially towards little kids.

Uzi smiles at the sight just as another message pops up. INTERNAL EMOTIONS AT WORLD WAR! lol… she slaps herself, and knocks the message off her visor.

Maybe the Small Princess is not that bad after all… Uzi thought. Perhaps I should… Nah, she’s still a bitch towards me, and she’s on the trail of my secret. She’s gotta have some dirt on her. Even she’s not clean from dirt. But first… Uzi hides behind a box, and scans Edelgard from afar. Knowing what her crest is should give me an edge if we were to fight one day. Especially in this upcoming large scale mock battle in three months. Now, what do you have here… Uzi’s solver symbol changes into a symbol resembling a leaf. Hmmm… a Crest of Seiros… a minor one at that given how weak the signal is… I thought she would have something-

Suddenly, the crest starts to flicker to Uzi’s surprise.

That’s odd… it’s never acted like this before…

The symbol continues to flicker, and a faint symbol starts to separate from Edelgard’s crest. Unfortunately, the symbol fades away, and reverts back to his original state.

“Huh… that was strange… I could have sworn I saw another crest… one I haven’t read about yet… And it’s way stronger… than that minor one.” She dissipates her symbol, and peeks at Edelgard. “Ok, Edelgard… looks like in not the only one with massive secrets on their plate.”

Chapter Text

While the drones were busy doing their things with their respective classes, Dimitri came before Rhea and Seteth. “Good morning, Dimitri. It is good to see you doing well after the rebellion.”

“We did what was necessary, Lady Rhea…” Dimitri answers. “Though I wish there was another way we could have avoided this bloodshed.”

“Don’t we all,” Seteth says. “It’s never easy to have to strike down our own kin, but it had to be done. As much as I hate to admit it, V did you all a great service by having most of Lonato’s army surrender.” 

“Yes… Despite her tendencies, V will always have my utmost respect, and while she may not show it, she does have a kind heart.”

“Nonetheless, you still have our sympathies.” Rhea serenely says. “Now, I heard you have a request for us.”

“Of course.” Dimitri hands over a document, and Seteth takes a look at it.

He and Rhea skim through the document, and the Archbishop gives her response. “I see… so you wish to have the class deployed to Kleiman territory?”

“Yes, would that be possible?”

“Yes, it is well within our power to authorize this…” Seteth narrows his eyes. “But for some reason… something tells me that you won’t be aiming to assist Count Kleiman, and the Kingdom forces suppress the uprising.”

“No.” Dimitri shakes his head. “I do not intend to hinder the Kingdom’s efforts nor will I assist in quelling the rebels.”

Rhea takes a good look into Dimitri’s eyes and sees sheer determination well within them. “Very well.” Rhea nods. “I will approve your class’s deployment into Kleiman territory to do whatever righteous business you have in mind.”

“That said…” Seteth adds. “Since you are still students of this academy, you must get final approval from your Professors to finalize your deployment. Once you have their approval, you may depart the next day.”

“I understand.” Dimitri nods. “I already got the approval of Professor Hanneman. I’ll be sure to get Professor Bylese’s approval as soon as possible.”

“Very well. Make sure you inform us by the end of today, and we’ll make the arrangements for your departure.”

“Be sure to return to the Monastery before the Rite of Rebirth,” Rhea says. “It’s imperative that all students are present and accounted for, and that they remain on high alert during that day.”

“You have my thanks, Lady Rhea, Seteth.” Dimitri gratefully bows. “My mission should be concluded in a few days so we’ll be back way before the Rite of Rebirth.”

“Very well,” Seteth says. “I trust that you’ll be back before then. Good help is rare these days. Oh, and by the way, I should mention that Count Kleiman was the one who recalled Ingrid back to Kingdom territory to serve as a captain of the Galatea Pegasus Corp in his territory.”

This catches Dimitri off guard, and he narrows his eyes. “I see.”

“Whatever your intentions are, and if Ingrid’s, I do hope that you can resolve this peacefully, and non lethally.”

“With that in mind, you are dismissed, Young Dimitri,” Rhea concludes. “May the Goddess Sothis guide you in your mission.”

Dimitri takes his leave from the Audience Chamber and now feels conflicted about what to feel. On one hand, he’s grateful that his mission has been authorized, and that he only needs Bylese’s permission to fully get it going. But on the other hand, Ingrid’s presence in the Kingdom army is concerning. So… that’s how you wish to play it, Ingrid? I understand your motives, but I won’t let you go through with your revenge… not against people who don’t deserve it!

Dimitri arrives at the stables and finds Dedue chatting with V, Ferdinand, and Petra on how to take care of horses. “Celery?” V asks Dedue as he picks Celery over carrots. “Shouldn’t you have picked carrots instead to feed these… beasts.”

“True, carrots can be delicious, V.” Dedue feeds a horse. “But celery is one of the most nutritious vegetables a horse can eat so it’s the better option.”

“I have not knowing that you are the knowledge of vegetables, Dedue.” Petra curiously asks.

“I usually take care of the plants in the greenhouse,” Dedue explains. “I have some experience with the plant life in the Monastery.”

“Ah, now I have understanding. Dedue, could you teach me all you know about plants?”

“That’s incredible, Dedue.” Ferdinand chips in. “You truly are a model commoner, and you’re the reason why we nobles should work so hard, to work with the commoners in tandem.”

A silence occurs between the four of them, and after a moment, Dedue speaks, “You two shouldn’t involve yourselves with me.”

V narrows her eyes towards Dedue fearing where this is going while Petra and Ferdinand. “Why should we not be involving ourselves?”

“Because I am from Duscur, and-“

“Ok! Enough with the Duscur crap!” V interrupts. “Who gives a shit where you’re from?! It’s not like you were directly involved with the Tragedy bullshit. The way I see it, you would never kill Dimitri’s dad!”

“But-“

“I am from Brigid,” Petra announces. “And I do not discriminate based on where I’m from. You should be embracing your culture and people instead of self-loathing.”

“Petra and V are right.” Ferdinand chimes in. “The people from Duscur are treated unfairly and do not deserve the hate they’re given these days by the Kingdom. People like you are proof of that, Dedue, and when I become Prime Minister, I will make sure the people will know that the Duscurians are not people that should be judged of their ethnicity, but through their deeds.”

“Wow, you’re actually a pretty cool guy after all.” V smirks. “Message was still a bit cringe, but it’s passable.”

“Hey!”

“I… I do not know what to say…” Dedue mutters feeling shocked. “I never would have expected people beyond my class to be accepting of me, but even so, I-“

Just then Dimitri joins them, “Y-your Highness?!” Ferdinand sputters not expecting Dimitri to join them.

“Hello, Your Highness.” Both Dedue and Petra humbly bow.

“Yo, Dimitri!” V casually waves.

“At ease, everyone.” Dimitri gestures. “I may be the Prince of Faerghus, but I’m still a student just like the rest of you. So no need for formalities. And V, how are you coping with the Black Eagles?”

“It’s been swell so far.” V sassily says. “Edelgard’s more focused on Uzi’s antics more than mine so I don’t need to worry about her too much, and I slammed Caspar onto Ferdinand like a ragdoll. But overall, it’s a nice experience so far.”

“I see…” Dimitri utters unsure how to react to V casually throwing around Caspar.

“Anyways, how’s N doing?” A hint of concern escapes from V’s voice.

“He’s doing good as well. He’s currently baking with Mercedes and Annette, and will duel Felix later this afternoon.”

“Ah good to see N fitting in quite well so far.” V smiles. “I’m sure he’ll be a great person to work with.”

“Your Highness, forgive me for intruding…” Dedue says. “May I ask if you took care of the matter?”

“I have,” Dimitri confirms. “Lady Rhea has given us permission for our class to be deployed this moon. All we need is Professor Bylese’s approval, and we’ll be all set.”

“Good. We should be able to help my kin soon.”

A question mark appears on the right side of V’s face as she becomes more curious, “What’s going on, you two?”

“I am of curiosity myself.” Petra chimes in.

“I would be lying if I wasn’t curious as well,” Ferdinand adds. “What could possibly get your class deployed in such short notice?”

Dimitri notices all the glances he’s getting before turning to Dedue. “Dedue, will it be ok for me to tell them?”

“Yes, it will be alright to tell them, especially V.” Dedue answers.

“Very well, as some of you may have heard, there’s an uprising in the Duscur Region, in the western part of the Kingdom.”

“Another uprising?” V questions. “Is the Kingdom some sort of magnet of rebellions?”

“I do apologize on behalf of my people, V.” Dedue apologetically says. “Ever since the Tragedy of Duscur, many of the Duscurians no longer live there. The land was burned to ashes by Faerghus, and many of my people were slaughtered… as punishment for massacring the King.”

Both Dimitri and Ferdinand sigh while Petra and V listen on with the former looking horrified. “I remember the days I heard the news that the king died, and the Duscurians were punished for it…” Ferdinand solemnly says. “Those were truly dark days indeed…”

“Dedue, I’m so sorry for your loss…” Petra offers empathy. “Many of my people were killed by the Empire when we tried to revolt, so I am understanding what you’re going through.”

“Petra…” 

“I appreciate the kind words you two.” Dedue says.

“So what’s happening now?” V asks looking serious.

“As of now, Duscur is now controlled by a Kingdom noble named Count Kleiman. Many Duscur survivors, such as myself, still exist outside the region. The uprising is most likely caused by some of those survivors seeking to reclaim our homeland.”

“As of now, the count has requested the nearby Kingdom territories to send their armies to quell the rebellion…” Dimitri solemnly explains.

“I see.” V remarks. “So what’s the problem then? Can’t these Kingdom armies quell the rebellion?”

“Yes, they can. They have enough troops to certainly get the job done. I worry that there will be so much unwarranted death. There will always be many from the Kingdom that will view the Duscurians as enemies, and resent them for it. If the full might of the Kingdom army collides with the rebel army, then there’s little doubt that the rebel forces will be annihilated.”

“Indeed…” Dedue sighs.

“Dedue…” V utters as she sees the sadness on his face. She already knew how devastated he was after seeing firsthand what happened to Ashe and Lord Lonato. “You wish to save the rebels from getting annihilated, are you?”

“That’s right.” Dedue nods. “I intend to stop the rebels from causing more trouble, and keep them from getting annihilated by the Kingdom.”

“Just as I thought.” V eagerly grins. “I’m that case, count me in.”

Both Dimitri and Dedue gasp, “Do you truly mean it?!” Dimitri asks. “I mean don’t get me wrong, I am grateful that you’re willing to help, but don’t you still have to be with the Black Eagles?”

“It’ll be fine.” V confidently says. “As long as I get Byleth’s permission, everything will be ok. Plus, he’s busy making sure Uzi and Edelgard don’t kill each other so I’m sure he won’t mind my absence.”

“That’s one way to put it…” Dimitri awkwardly says.

“I will like to be joining as well.” Petra chimes in much to Dimitri, Dedue and V’s surprise. “I am very curious on the people of Duscur, and I would like to be meeting them.”

“Are you certain about this? This mission is bound to be dangerous.”

“I am of understanding, Your Highness, but that will not deter me from going. I wish to see Fodlan of all parts, whether they be safe or dangerous.”

“Looks like you’re not talking her out of this one, Dimitri.” V grins.

“Your Highness, if I may, please allow me to join as well.” Ferdinand volunteers.

“Dafuq?”

“Like you said, if the Kingdom army collides with the Duscur army, it will cause unwarranted death of innocents. After witnessing what happened near Castle Gaspard, I do not wish for it to happen again, and I’ll do whatever it takes to prevent another massacre.”

“Huh…” V says reeling from Ferdinand’s bold statement. “Maybe you’re not so bad after all.”

“Must you always look down on me, V…” Ferdinand frowns.

“Pretty much.” V shrugs.

“You guys…” Dedue utters. “You have my utmost thanks.” He bows gratefully.

“Just make sure you get permission from Edelgard and Professor Byleth so that you can depart with us,” Dimitri says.

“Of course,” V says before turning to Petra and Ferdinand. “You two, to tell the others we’re hanging out with Dimitri and the Blue Lions tomorrow!” She demands. “I’m gonna hang out with the others for now.”

“W-What?” Ferdinand stutters. “But you also-“

“Relax, Ferdinand.” Petra pushes. “We can cover for V for now… come on, let’s go.”

“I guess…” Ferdinand gives up, and they both leave the stable.

Dedue and Dimitri turn their attention towards V as she picks up some celery, “What? I just told them what to do.” She pops some celery in her mouth.

“Sometimes I don’t get you, V…” Dedue sighs.

“Indeed…” Dimitri reluctantly says. “That said… I do need to talk to V in private. Dedue, could you fetch both Professor Bylese and Felix, and bring them to the Dining Hall?”

“As you wish, Your Highness.” Dedue bows, and takes his leave. 

“So what is it that you wanna talk about it?” V asks. “Just don’t ask me to learn proper etiquette or whatever noble shit you have in mind.”

“Nothing of the sort, V.” Dimitri chuckles. “It does involve the mission, and I feel that you deserve to know this. Let’s talk about it on the way to the Dining Hall.”

“Gotcha. Does flight suit well for you?”

“No I think walking will do just fine.”

Dimitri and V walk side by side to the Dining Hall, and V starts the conversation. It’s good that we could get Petra and Ferdinand involved for this mission.”

”You’re right.” Dimitri agrees. “With Ashe still at Castle Gaspard and Sylvain recovering from his injuries, those two Eagles should fill in for them for now.”

”Yup. Anyways… so what is it that you wanted to talk to me in private?”

“Be honest, V,” Dimitri says. “How do you feel about Ingrid?”

V looks away, and lowers her head while she contemplates her words, “You want me to be brutally honest?”

“I’m pretty sure you have some suggestive words towards her… but yes, I’d like to hear your thoughts on her.”

“Ok…” V snaps her fingers. “You asked for it.”

RANT MODE ACTIVATE

“Ingrid is a dumb blonde Karen who’s more judgmental than stupid J! She doesn’t even give N the time of the day even if he’s annoyingly the nicest person I’ve ever met! Like, Ingrid is worse than that fuckboi, and that’s saying a lot! Also, she’s a freaking racist, and I hate racists! That’s saying something considering I love killing drones, and squeeze their oil, and guts out!” V chugs an oil pack like it was nothing, and tosses it onto a students face. “I swear, if it were up to me, I’d fill that stupid racist dumb blonde Karen with lead, and toss her off the ravine!”

END OF RANT MODE…

“There, Ya happy?!” V brutally asks.

Dimitri sighs, and shakes his head. “I fear that this would be the case… but your aggression is warranted. Ingrid can be a lot at times, but she is a good person at heart despite what you may think of her.”

“Easy for you to say.” V rolls her eyes. “Didn’t you grow up with Ingrid, Sylvain and Felix as gets buds?”

“Yes… but since the Tragedy, we have grown a bit distant at times…”

“I see. So what this have to do with our mission?”

“I just learned that Ingrid will be leading one of the assault forces against the Duscur rebels.” 

V immediately spits some oil from her mouth, “What? You can’t be serious…”

“I wish I wasn’t serious about this, V…” Dimitri mutters. “But it’s the truth.”

“Dear robo god…” V grimaces. “I knew she was a freaking racist, but I didn’t think she’d go that far… does she really hate the people of Duscur that much?”

“I’m afraid so…” Dimitri admits. “Her hatred for the Duscurians stems from what happened in the Tragedy of Duscur… particularly due to a certain person.”

“So she’s butthurt that they supposedly killed the king?” V’s gaze softens when she notices Dimitri look solemn. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean it that way…”

“It’s ok, V.” Dimitri softly says. “While the death of my father has deeply impacted Faerghus and it’s people, it’s not the primary reason why Ingrid is so bitter towards Duscur. It’s because of the death of her fiancé, Glenn.”

“W-wait what?!” V was left shocked.

“Yes, Glenn served as my personal knight, and was in charge of safeguarding me. He was also my best friend back in the day… I will never forget his final moments before those monsters took him…” Dimitri clenches his fist as he growls that last part.

V frowns as she sees that rage in Dimitri’s eyes before he shakes it off. “I see… no wonder why she looks so pissed off towards me, and racist towards Dedue… but that doesn’t justify being racist towards that guy! He’s too kind to commit murderous shit like that.”

“You’re right.” Dimitri nods. “I hope Ingrid could move past her grudge against the Duscurians, and learn that most of them and Dedue are innocent in all fronts. But I’m afraid that some grudges are too deep to heal.”

“Maybe…” V nods. “Still… if we face Ingrid in battle, I’ll be sure to knock some sense into her.”

“I hope that that won’t be the case… if we do face her, she will have access to her steed, and her own family’s relic, Luin. She’ll be a force to be reckoned.”

“Dimitri,” V unsheathes her claws. “So am I.”

“I don’t doubt that. I’m just praying that should we face her, you don’t end up-“ V glares at Dimitri, and the Prince takes a step back. “I apologize… I didn’t mean to think the worst for you…”

V sighs in response, “It’s fine… I know you didn’t mean anything bad by it. You care a lot about your friends, and we’re both fully aware of my reputation so it’s natural for you to be scared that I may… kill Ingrid if it comes to it.”

Dimitri responds with silence knowing that V is spot on about his suspicions, and his fears on the worst possible outcome. 

“Hey…” V places her hand on Dimitri. “As much as I hate Ingrid, I respect you too much to shatter what we have together. If I do face her, I’ll do my damnedest not to kill her, but I will give her a nice beating if she presses me.”

Dimitri makes a small smile, “I am truly grateful that you’re doing your best for my sake… I’m starting to think you’re more human than I’ll ever be…”

“Hmm?” V perks up. “What was that last part?”

“It’s nothing.” Dimitri answers. “Come on, let’s go find the others.”

“Ok.” V says as she walks side by side with Dimitri. How could you think like that… why do you consider yourself less human than me?

V and Dimitri arrive at the Dining Hall only to be greeted by the sound of an explosion and some screaming.

“What was that?!” Dimitri gasps before they here another high pitched scream this time a lot higher and more familiar.

V facepalms herself, “Looks like N screwed up somehow…” She marches to the kitchen with Dimitri following her. 

They both find a huge puff of smoke emerging from the kitchen, and Annette emerging from it with N covering her. “Sorry everyone…” Annette utters. “Sorry, N…”

“It’s ok, little buddy…” N pats her on the back. “Everyone makes mistakes, and it happens to the best of us.”

“But I’m always such a clumsy clutz… I always cause the worst disasters even when I’m doing my best… plus all that cake batter is now wasted…”

“That’s alright.” N wipes off a smear of cake batter from his visor. “We don’t always learn from his mistakes overnight, we all have to take baby steps, and steadily learn from them every way. Besides, I’ll do my best to help guide you in making sure you blow up the kitchen next time.” N licks some of the cake batter. “Besides, this batter is quite delicious!”

“Thanks, N…” Annette starts to lighten up.

“So stop doubting yourself, and overtime, you’ll get better in the things you love to do. I should know, I used to be like that as well.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I remember when J would call me terrible and useless everyday while I was killing Worker Drones, but that didn’t stop me from doing my best.” He casually says.

“I see…” Annette utters. “Even if you did kill a lot of drones back in the day, you must have changed a lot, and you’re a lot nicer than I thought you’d be.”

“Thanks, Annette!” N bubbly smiles. “I gotta say, V was right on the money, you really are a cheerful and nice girl!”

“V?” A surprised Annetta gasps. “She said that?”

“Yeah! She does get annoyed that you avoid her a lot even if she knows it’s understandable, but she doesn’t really have beef with you like she does with Ingrid and Sylvain.”

“I see…” Annette lowers her head in shame. “I never thought about that.”

“Hey, don’t think to much about it.” N encouragingly says. “Just give her a chance, and I’m sure that some day you’ll warm up to her.”

“You really think so?”

“I know so!” N happily states. “I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to get to know you a lot better.”

“Are you really trying to compliment me in front of your new classmates?” N’s systems feel a chill as he hears a familiar voice behind him, and he turns to face the source. 

“Oh hey, V, Dimitri!” N greets her.

“Your Highness, V!” Annette gasps. “W-what brings you two here?”

“We have some important news we’d like to tell you about.” Dimitri says. “But that can wait once everyone is here.”

V looks around the kitchen, and sees the mess both N and Annette have made causing both of them to feel nervous. “Well… looks like this kitchen has seen better days.”

“We’re sorry…” Both Annette and N bow apologetically.

“I tried so hard to make a cake of my own so that I can try to share it with Mercie…” Annette says.

“I wasn’t much help either…” N admits. “We all tried to do our best, but we just ended making…” N glances at the kitchen. “A little mess…”

“A little?” V crosses her arms.

“Ok probably a lot… but we did do our best…”

Dimitri sighs, “You two should be very careful in cooking especially with desserts considering I hear that they’re overly complicated to make.”

“Over complicated is underselling it.” V walks towards the two of them, and smacks them both on the head.

“Oww…” They both groan in pain.

“N… desserts were never your strong suit so you should have known better than to attempt such a daunting task especially with this little klutz.”

“Ok…” N utters while twiddling his fingers.

“As for you.” V points towards Annette. “I always saw you as a hard worker, but I never thought you would be that much of a klutz. Then again you always overachieve every time, but if you want help while Mercedes is busy, you can ask me.”

“You’d be willing to help me…” Annette utters. “Even if I’ve been overly cautious of you?”

“Of course.” V shrugs. “I don’t see you as a problem like how I see that Fuckboi and the dumb blonde karen. Besides the way you see me is similar to how a lot of the Worker drones and humans see me, and I’m already accustomed to it. If you want to continue avoiding me, that’s fine, just don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.”

Annette lowers her head in shame, and feels guilty for how she treated V.

“Also, don’t ask this dumb retriever to help you bake!” V yanks N toward him. “The guy has a rich history of blowing up the kitchen we used to work in as Worker Drones back then in every party where we had to bake a freaking cake!”

“Yeah… those were good times…” N awkwardly says.

V smacks the back of head N’s head so hard that it turns 360 degrees much to Annette and Dimitri’s shock. “Yeah, N is decent in cooking, but sucks in baking.” V holds N’s head in place, and stops him from spinning.

“Yeah…” N dizzily wanders about. “I love… doing anything…”

N falls on his back, and a message displays on his visor, INVOLUNTARY SLEEP MODE ACTIVE! REBOOT IN PROCESS FOR FIVE MINUTES.

Annette goes over, and pokes N. “Is he…”

“Don’t worry, he’ll come back online soon.” V explains. “His system just needs to reboot after a while.”

“Even now it always baffles me how you guys survive such… injuries…” Dimitri rubs N’s head.

“We’re just that resilient.” V shrugs.

Annette lifts her head, and faces V. “V… I-“

“Hi everyone!” The trio notices Mercedes stroll in with a Strawberry shortcake on hand. “Oh Hi, Dimitri! Hello, V! I made strawberry shortcake!”

“Hey, Mercedes!” V waves and zeroes in on the shortcake. “I gotta say that shortcake looks really good.”

“Truly is a marvel to behold.” Dimitri says.

“Thank you!” Mercedes sweetly says. “Oh Annie, how did… oh…” her voice dies down when she sees the mess.

“Sorry, Mercie…” Annette sobs. “I really wanted to show you the chocolate cake… but I screwed up and ruined it…”

“Hey it’s ok.” Mercedes comforts her. “I know that you and N did your best to make the cake. Sure you made some mistakes, but there’s always next time, and as long as you don’t give up, I’m sure you’ll be able to make the best chocolate cake there is.”

“Thanks, Mercie…” Annette wipes away her tears. “I’ll do my best, and make you the best chocolate cake there is!” She turns to V. “V, can you teach me you ur ways once you move back to our house?”

“Sure.” V grins. “Just a fair warning.” She splays out her claws, “I’m not gonna take it easy on you when we get started.”

Annette tenses up at the sight of V’s claws, but Mercedes’s presence motivates and calms her down. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“That’s the spirit, Annie!” Mercedes clenches her fists. “Now then, shall we dine on our shortcake?”

Ten minutes later, Dimitri, V, Mercedes, Annette and a recently awakened N gorge on the strawberry shortcake.

“Mhmmmm…” Annette smiles in bliss. “This is so good and fluffy. You always make the best shortcakes, Mercie.”

“It’s so delicious!” N takes a big bite on his shortcake. “I almost wish I was a human so I can fully experience eating cakes!” 

N reaches out for another slice, but V spears it with her claw, and chucks it in her mouth. “Too slow, N.”

“Hey! I called dibs on that!” N slams his fist on the table.

“Then you’ll just have to be quicker, N.” V takes several small bites on her next slice.

Dimitri sighs before taking another bite of his cake, “Those drones never change…”

“Still, it really is a pleasure having them both in our House at some points.” Mercedes giggles. “She may not be in our class for now, but V will always be our own Blue Lion drone.”

“I agree.” Dimitri smiles as she watches V interact with N while giving him a nudgie.

“By the way, how are you finding the shortcake, Dimitri?” Mercedes asks.

“Oh… it’s definitely great. The sweetness compliments its white texture and its fluff. It’s definitely a fitting combination for a simple dessert like this.”

“Thank you, Dimitri!” Mercedes smiles. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it so much!”

“Anytime.” Dimitri says just as Mercedes starts chatting with Annette leaving the Prince to his thoughts. I’m sorry, Mercedes… I’m sure your cake is wonderful to many, but even this I can’t enjoy…

V notices Dimitri looking troubled, and lets go off N. “I’ll catch up with you later.” V moves over to Dimitri while N chats with Mercedes and Annette. “Hey… you ok, Dimitri?”

“A bit…” Dimitri answers. “I’m just feeling nervous that’s all…”

V displays a message on her visor, About the dumb Karen?

Dimitri chuckles after reading and nods, “I’m just… conflicted… On one hand, I don’t want Ingrid to slaughter the Duscurians, but on the other hand, I don’t know if I have the willpower to face one of my friends in a serious battle like this…”

V lowers her head for a bit, I get the feeling… I had that when I faced off against N and J at certain points… but don’t worry, I’ll make sure you won’t have to duel Ingrid. I’ll be the one to face her if she gets in our way.

Dimitri smiles after reading V’s message. “I appreciate that, V. Even so, I am her House Leader, and I must be responsible for her and her actions.”

“You really are a goody two shoes, Dimitri.” V rests her legs on the table. “Still, no matter what happens, I’ll be by your side, and make sure I do all the stupid shit.”

“I hope I don’t disappoint, V.”

Just then, V spots Dedue arrive at the dining hall with Bylese and Felix in tow. “You ready?” She asks.

Dimitri takes a deep breath, “As I’ll ever be.”

Chapter Text

The next day, N looks out at the horizon from the top of the Monastery and stretches himself. “Ok! I’m all set!”

“Getting ready for your little field trip?” N gets startled by a familiar voice and turns to find J hovering beside him. 

“H-hey, J…” N mutters as he scrambles back on his spot. “What brings up you here?”

“Just admiring the view like you.” J glances towards the sun emerging from the mountains. “It’s not every day we get to see a sunrise like this.”

“Yeah… we’ll only get to experience while we’re in Fodlan…” N takes a look at his settings. “Have any luck finding an oil field?”

“I have a few leads,” J answers. “There are some places in Faerghus that have the richest oil fields. Might be worth exploring.”

“Phew…. That’s a relief…” N wipes off figurative sweat on his hair.

“But… it’s still in Faerghus territory, and we can’t just move in without their approval unless you want to get your body filled with swords and arrows.” J points out.

“Nah… that’ll be alright.” N casually dismisses it. “V and I are best buds with Dimitri, and he’s the heir of the Kingdom. I’m sure he’ll be able to permit us.”

“Could you think for one second, and take this seriously?!” J snaps causing N to freeze up. “Look… yes, Dimitri is heir to the Kingdom, but he’s not yet in charge. I’d estimate he’d be king in the next three years. Right now, the one in charge of the Kingdom is Dimitri’s uncle, Rufus, and from what I hear they’re not exactly in the best of terms.”

“Oh…” N frowns. “Why’s he not on good terms with his uncle?” 

“Beats me.” J shrugs. “The point is we’re going to need to find an oil field we can feed on. Otherwise… we’re going to have to raid villages, and kill people in secret.”

The notion freaks out. “Wait?! We can’t do that! I don’t want to accidentally kill my classmates!”

“Me neither.” J calmly says. “Which is why we need to gain access to an oil field before or within next month.”

N understands the gravity of the situation and nods, “Ok, I’ll do my best to look for ways to foster a good friendship with the Blue Lions.”

“Glad to hear that.” J grins. “I hear you’re going out with V to help out the Blue Lions?”

“Yup! We’re going to save Dedue’s people from getting massacred by the Kingdom. You?”

“The purple toaster may have found a lead to our would-be assailants, and our lead is… begrudgingly… Anna…” J didn’t even bother hiding her annoyance.

“You mean the merchant that charges people with too much gold?”

“Yes… that con artist…” J says with her tone sounding more annoyed. “I swear if this lead comes to nothing, I will riddle Uzi with lead later on.”

“I’m sure it won’t come to that. Uzi’s instincts are rarely wrong. I’m sure her lead will lead somewhere.”

“It better for her sake.” J huffs. “You all set for your mission today?”

“Yup!” N salutes. “All of our class should be ready to depart soon.”

“Good. Then let’s hope our searches don’t come to nothing. Our performance today will surely factor in on our performance reviews as a whole.”

“You got it, J!”

After a while, N flies to the Monastery’s entrance and finds all present Blue Lions gathered there. Alongside them are V, Ferdinand, Petra, Uzi, and surprisingly, Lysithea. “Hey, fellas!” He waves. “Are we all set?”

“Obviously.” Felix scoffs. “I was beginning to worry that you weren’t going to show up.”

“Felix…” Annette frowns. “Do you have to be so mean?”

“No, I’m just making sure N isn’t so laid back.”

V casually smacks Felix on the back. 

“What the hell, V!”

“Relax, Felix.” V grins. “N’s got this.”

“He better.” Felix huffs.

“Good to see you in high spirits, N,” Dimitri says. “We’re going to need it for this mission.”

“Thanks, Dimitri!” N salutes. “You have my utmost support!”

“No, it is us who should be thanking you.” Dedue humbly bows. “I am truly grateful that you and V will be aiding us in saving my people.”

“Just doing my best to help out any way I can.” N smiles before turning to V and the Black Eagles. “Also, I’m super happy that you’re coming with us, V. Oh! And you two guys!”

“Oh course.” V smirks. “I’m gonna always help out the Blue Lions whenever I get the chance.”

“We will be wishing to help too.” Petra boldly says.

“That’s right!” Ferdinand chimes in. “The commoners need our help, and it’s our duty as nobles to protect them.”

Felix and V cringe at Ferdinand’s declaration, and shake their heads. While that happens, N notices Lysithea glaring at him. “Hey, Lysithea!” He cheerfully says. “What brings you here?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Lysithea says matter of factly. “I’m here to help you guys out.”

“Oh?” N perks up.

“I figured we needed someone skilled with warp to help the Duscurians escape more easily if the situation called for it,” Bylese explains. “So I asked Mercedes for assistance in recruiting her.”

“I promised to bake her favorite cake as soon as we finished the mission!” Mercedes smiles. “And she agreed without a second thought.”

“N-no, I didn’t…” Lysithea embarrassingly looks away. “I simply wish to improve on my skills… that’s all…”

“Oh… is that so?” Mercedes bewilderingly says. “I could have sworn that…”

“Don’t worry, Mercie,” Annette whispers. “Lysithea will never admit it in front of this many people, but what you said her reason is definitely her reason for going.”

“Oh, ok.” Mercedes smiles.

“Well, either way! I’m glad you’re joining us in the mission.” N states. “After all, your magic spells pack quite a punch.”

Lysithea grimaces toward N. “Does he really have to come with us?”

“N is now a part of the Blue Lions, and he’s kind enough to lend his services to us.” Dedue chimes in. “Besides, if he’s just as capable as V, I’m sure he’ll do just fine.”

Lysithea crosses her arms, and huffs. “I hope you’re right, Dedue.

Meanwhile, Dimitri and Felix converse with Sylvain. “You sure you’ll be ok on your own, Sylvain?” Dimitri asks.

“Yeah.” Sylvain nods. “Doctor said I’ll have to rest a bit more before I can set out in the field again… Who knows? Maybe in this state, I might be able to catch more girls-“

The sound of Felix cracking his knuckles, and V clicking her gun’s safety off shuts Sylvain up.

“Another word about skirt chasing, and I extend your stay in the infirmary for another moon.” Felix sternly warns him.

“You thought one shot to your dick hurts?” V crazily asks. “I can make it two if you want?”

“Please don’t break my leg or shoot my penis…” Sylvain pleads just as Dedue and the others sigh. Sylvain notices this and addresses Dedue. “In all seriousness, I do hope that you guys are successful in this mission. The Duscurians shouldn’t be killed because of the actions of a few guys that were truly responsible.”

“You really think so, Sylvain?” Dedue asks.

“I know so. Now go knock some sense into those idiots.”

Dedue humbly bows, “You have my thanks. You’re actually not as bad as many others say.

“Appreciate that…” Sylvain utters before turning to Felix and Dimitri. “Try not to be hard on her if you face her.”

Dimitri and Felix’s faces soften before the swordsman closes his eyes. “She better know what’s coming to her.”

“I hope the same as well, Sylvain.” Dimitri remorsefully says. “But we must be prepared for the worst.”

“I know…” Sylvain utters.

Meanwhile, Uzi, N, and V huddle together in a circle. “So… you two are really going to leave me alone with J huh?” Uzi taps her foot.

“Spare us the dramatics, Uzi.” V casually says as she rubs Uzi’s head. “It’s only going to be a couple of days. Besides, you’re a big girl. I’m sure you can tolerate her on your own.”

Getting annoyed by V, Uzi pushes her hand away, “Very funny, V.”

V smirks in response. “You’ll do just fine on your own.”

“We’ll be back before you know it, Uzi!” N encouragingly says. “Just remember to have fun on your expedition with Anna later.”

“You got that right, N!” Uzi proclaims. “I’m gonna finally get on that scammer’s good side so she can teach me how to scam people to get more money! HAHAHAHAHA!”

Everyone’s attention is all on Uzi, and they all give her questioning looks regarding her intentions while V and Lysithea just facepalm.

“I mean… to scam my and our class’s enemies so that they’ll be helpless before us…” Uzi awkwardly says.

Dimitri sighs in response, “As long as you don’t use your newly acquired techniques on us… I suppose we won’t have any qualms with it.”

Uzi sighs in relief before remembering something she wanted to say, “Hey, Dimitri, Bylese!”

“Yes?” Both Bylese and Dimitri simultaneously say.

Uzi points towards N and V much to their surprise. “Those two are the most annoying weirdly hot robots I’ve ever known, but they’re my annoying weirdly hot robots so you better take good care of them!”

Everyone is left bewildered by the proclamation, especially V and N who both blush at Uzi’s words much to the Worker Drone’s embarrassment. A few of them also chuckle at the Worker Drone.

“HEY STOP LAUGHING!” Uzi screams. EMBARRASSMENT LEVELS STEADILY RISING AT 120%. “I-I’m trying to be serious…” 

“We know, Uzi,” Bylese says with a slight grin. “It’s just sweet to see you really care about your friends.”

“Me too!” Mercedes sweetly smiles. “You really are so adorable!”

“Awww…” N smiles.

“Ew…” V grimaces.

“I… ummm…” Uzi sputters as many of them start laughing at her. “SHUT UP!!!”

Thanks to this, everyone’s mood lightens, and amidst the happy chaos, N scoots over to Uzi and pecks her forehead causing her to blush. “I’ll see you soon, Uzi.”

Uzi sweetly smiles, and blushes, “Same.”

A few hours later, N and V ride in the back of a carriage. V looked focused and stone faces while N looked concerned for her. “So V… how are you feeling?”

“I don’t know, N…” V confesses.

“Is this about Ingrid?” N asks. “I heard from Dimitri that she’s allied with the Kingdom army planning to eradicate the Duscur rebels.”

“You always hit the nail right on the head, N.” V furrows her brows before her face softens. “On one hand, I want to give her the benefit of the doubt for Dimitri’s sake, but on the other hand… I just want to smash her head in.”

“I see…” N rubs his head awkwardly.

“That said, I see why she hates Dedue and his people. Apparently, he was betrothed to Felix’s brother at one point, but got killed during the tragedy.”

“Woah…” N blinks. “I wasn’t expecting that to get that deep and complicated.”

“Neither was I. Felix seems to be taking it well by being his usual jerk self, but Ingrid looks as if she’s barely holding it together with their stupid honorable Knight crap.”

“I see… yeah I don’t understand why knights are so obsessed about honor as well.” N scoots over to V. “But I’m sure it’ll turn out well. Perhaps you both need to let out some steam. After all, your actions always speak louder than your words.”

“You got that right.” V fist bumps N’s shoulder causing the latter to chuckle lightly. Suddenly, V leans her head on N’s shoulder.

“V-V…” N utters as he feels his temperature slightly go up.

“Could I just stay like this for a while?” V softly says. “I miss leaning on you like this…”

V stirs on N’s shoulder, and her partner smiles, “Sure thing, V…” he tenderly says. “I miss it too.”

N allows V to lean on her shoulder for a while and reaches his hand out to her, but hesitates.

“May I?”

V nods, and N strokes her hair much to her delight and his.

“What’s gotten into you, V?”

“What do you mean, N?” V asks.

“You’re usually not this affectionate,” N admits as he strokes V’s hair. “You’d punch or blast me half a mile away.” N starts to sweat on his visor. “Please don’t punch me for saying such things…”

“Yeah… sorry about all that.” V apologizes. “A lot has happened since then. The Manor, Copper 9, Uzi, Doll, Cyn, and now F-019 and its natives. Now is a good time to wind down and relax before kicking someone’s ass.”

“Yeah, we deserve a break like this once in a while,” N says. “Though I wish U-“ N stops himself when he notices V’s face look sad for a moment.

N reconsiders his words for a moment and squishes his face with both palms.

“V, let’s do this mission together, and have while we’re at it.”

This touches V’s core, and she’s moved by N’s words. “I’d like that, N. Say… can I-“

Just then, both Dimitri and Dedue climb into the carriage prompting both N and V to frantically break off their touching engagement. “We’ll be at our destination within the hour. Are you both settled in?”

“Y-yes!” N stammers. “We’re all ready to kick some ass, and take names!” He says a bit unconvincingly.

V graces him with a faint smile and clears her throat. “So what’s the plan, Dimitri?”

Dedue splays out a map of the area. “We’re currently at the western outskirts of the area.” He explains. “Petra has reported that the Duscurian rebels are camped at the South of the area, and the Kingdom army is approaching from the North. Our goal is to dissuade the rebel army, stop their attack, and have them retreat to their homes before the army arrives. Once that happens, the Kingdom troops will have no choice, but to withdraw as well.”

“That’s it?” V asks. “If that’s the case…” an x is displayed on her visor, and she displays her claws. “I’ll just have to scare them shitless then.”

“It’s not that simple this time around.” Dedue shakes his head. “Your scare tactics were able to work because Lonato’s army was made of primarily of citizens with a lot of them have know combat experience. My people have seen their fair share of Combat when they were evicted from our homeland, and our proud warriors. Sure they may be bewildered by you, but my people will not stand down from a fight.”

“I see… so does that mean our only course of action… is to beat em up?”

“Only to be enough that they are unable to fight, and are forced to retreat. That will surely push the rebel army away from the Kingdom.”

“Got it.” V slams her right palm on her left fist.

“But what about the Kingdom army?” N asks. “Surely something can be done about them.”

“Ferdinand and I can handle the army.” Dimitri says. “We can stall the main army for a long as we can, but you all have to move with haste. The vanguard will still be able to pass through us, and engage the rebel army.”

“Our goal will be to have every Duscur soldier to surrender to us, and get them far away from the Kingdom army as much as possible.” Dedue finishes. “We could be able to get the entire rebel army to surrender once we get their general to surrender.”

“I see.” N says while tapping his chin. “Now I see why Lysithea’s warp would be very useful.”

“Indeed. Her spells will help us evacuate the Duscur soldiers sooner than later.”

“I’ve already sent Mercedes and Petra ahead to establish a camp there.” Dimitri says. “We’ll be able to heal any Duscurians we find there should they receive major injuries:”

“So I’m guessing no killing is involved in this one?” V asks.

“Yes.” Dimitri nods. “You may have to bruise a few of the rebels or some of the advance scouts of the Kingdom, but under no circumstances, do not kill anyone.”

“Fine.” V nods. “I guess I can limit my ammunition to rubber bullets and tasers.”

“Time and speed are of the essence.” Dedue says. “We’ll have to move swiftly if we wish to save my people.”

“Got it.” Both drones simultaneously say.

“Alright, I’ve already debriefed the others on the plan, and Professor Bylese will be in charge from now on.” Dimitri finishes. “Any questions?” The silence is all he needed to hear. “Good, then I’ll get Ferdinand ready and keep the main army preoccupied.”

“Good luck out there, Your Highness.” Dedue says.

“Just try not to let the army walk all over you.” V sassily says. “You are there Prince after all, and I don’t like to deal with more people if I can’t kill them.”

“I shall certainly do my best, V.” Dimitri chuckles. “Just make sure you and the others do your part.”

“Got it!” Both Dedue and V state.

“Good luck out there, Dimitri!” N waves.

“Thank you, N.” Dimitri nods as he mounts his horse, and rides away from the carriage.

“You think he’s got this, Dedue?” V asks.

“I believe so.” Dedue answers. “His Highness has always came through whenever it mattered. He’ll give us all the time we need.”

“Good.” N cheerfully states. “Now let’s go save your buddies, Dedue!”

The group finally arrives at their destination with Petra reconvening with the others while Mercedes stays at the camp. The group splits up into two groups with Bylese and Dedue serving as leaders. The Professor leads V, Felix and Petra while Dedue has the responsibility of N, Annette and Lysithea. His group sneaks through the undergrowth, and put N on the forefront.

“N, what do your heat eyes see?” Dedue asks.

N turns on his thermal vision, and sees two groups of heat signatures nearby with one of them approaching from the north. “Looks like we got a group of five guys camping at the Forest, and another group thrice the size slowly approaching.”

“I see. It’s just as I feared.” Dedue worriedly says. “The Kingdom’s vanguard has arrived, and they far outclass the Duscur forces. We cannot standby, and allow another massacre. But we cannot obstruct the Faerghus army. Our best hope is to force the Duscur forces to withdraw before the Kingdom soldiers gets to them.”

“Dimitri and Ferdinand are off slowing down the main force, but we got to act swiftly so we can save your people, Dedue.” Annette says.

“Right.” Dedue nods. “N, is there something you can do to slow down the vanguard?”

“I may have something that can do the trick.” N smirks. “Once I make my move, you go in, and restrain the others.” 

“Got it.”

“Hold on, what’s your move exactly?” Lysithea questions.

“You’ll see.” N weaponizes his arms, and prepares to leave.

“Be careful out there, N…” Annette softly says. “And… by any chance if you see an old Knight with the same hair color as mine, could you let me know?”

“You got it.” N says before going off while the others stay in hiding.

N silently heads towards the vanguard, and finds several Kingdom soldiers, heavily armed and ready for battle.

These guys are certainly stronger than the guys from Lonato’s army… N thought to himself. Luckily, I won’t have to fight them when I have these. 

N arms himself with launchers, and fires several smoke grenades towards the center of the vanguard. Smoke erupts from the grenades, and engulfs the vanguard leaving them disoriented.

“What is this?!”

“Duscur scum! How dare they resort to such tactics!”

“Keep trudging forward! They can’t hide for long!”

“We’ll see about that.” N whispers before firing another smoke grenade.

More smoke erupts, and further blinds the vanguard in the mix. “That must be the signal.” Dedue says. “Come on, let’s go!”

“Right!” Both Annette and Lysithea acknowledge this, and head out alongside Dedue.

N continues to cause disarray with the vanguard with smoke bombs as he weaves between the smoke and the vegetation. “So far so good…” N says to himself.

“Charge!”

“Give us back our home, Murderers!”

“Huh?” N gasps as he hears some unfamiliar voices.

Five Duscur soldiers emerge out of hiding, and attack the vanguard with their full might as they use the smoke to their advantage. This starts to worry N just as he gets attacked by a Kingdom soldier from behind. He sensed the guy coming, and immediately elbows him. The soldier reels back from the blow, and N fires a rubber bullet into his forehead. The bullet knocks out the soldier, and the Disassembly Drone looks around. He spots a Duscur soldier overpower a Kingdom soldier only for another one to stab the Duscurian on the back. The Duscurian screams in pain, and the initial soldier further sandwiches his opponent with his sword. N watches in horror as the knights pull their swords off the dying man.

“I won’t allow it…” the Duscurian gargles out blood as he slumps your the ground. “If only you dastards weren’t here…”

“I will have you life for atonement, king slayer!” One of the knights swipes off the blood from his voice.

N remains horrified by the sight, and he realizes that he can’t afford to mess around at this point in time.

“Gotta move in.” N has his stun gun equipped and sips into the skirmish.

A Duscurian and a Kingdom soldier are locked in combat with one another until N smashes the latter with his wing. The Duscurian is on high alert as he faces off against N. “What are you? Some sort of aid to the Kingdom? You will not stop our-“

N shoots him with the stun gun and knocks the guy out. “Trying I save you.” N comes over and hoists the guy onto his shoulder.

N hears several Kingdom soldiers approaching and moves away from them while zeroing in on a pair of Duscurians. He tosses the unconscious one into the air and pounces on one of his targets. N immediately knocks the guy out with a straight punch before he can struggle. The second Duscurian charges towards the Disassembly Drone, but the latter uses his tail on his attacker’s weapon. The swords get melted much to the Duscurian’s shock. 

N immediately stuns him with the stun gun and knocks him out before moving back while carrying both unconscious men. He shifts to his right and catches the first guy he knocked out on his right shoulder. N scans the area once more hoping he could find the fifth Duscurian. Unfortunately, the last Duscurian is cut down by one of the Kingdom captains in charge of the vanguard. “Filthy Duscur Demon.” The captain spits on the dead man’s corpse.

N looks on saddened that he couldn’t save everyone. “I’m sorry…” he mutters.

“Spread out!” The captain orders. “There’s three more Duscur rats around here. Find them, and make them regret killing our King!”

N holds the remaining Duscurian soldiers on his shoulders closely and leaves the area swiftly hoping he can escape the vanguard for the time being. The Disassembly Drone gains some distance away from the vanguard. He arrives at one of the Duscur camp he spotted earlier. Just then, Lysithea has just warped some of the Duscur soldiers away from the camp, and further south.

“That should be the last of them.” Lysithea dusts her hands off. “On to the next site?”

“Got room for three more?” N arrives and places down the unconscious soldiers.

“N!” Annette, Lysithea and Dedue acknowledge him.

“What happened out there?” Dedue asks.

“So far I’ve managed to slow those guys down, but they’re a lot more resilient than I expected.” N explains. “Plus these guys attempted to ambush them during my smoke barrages, and…” N lowers his head. “I wasn’t able to save everyone…”

“It’s ok, N.” Dedue places his hand on his shoulder. “I know you did your best, and saved as many as you could. We can’t dwell on those we weren’t able to save only do what we can for those who remain.”

“Ok.” N nods looking resolved. “I’ll do my best to save the others.”

“That’s the spirit, N.” Annette gives an encouraging smile.

“Ahem.” Lysithea clears her throat. “Step aside and let me do my thing.”

Lysithea places her hands on the pile of unconscious Duscurians, and warps them away from the area. “Woah… that was amazing!” N states.

“Really?” Lysithea’s mouth gapes. “It’s just a simple warp spell.

Annette shakes her head. “You really deserve high praise! Mastering warp isn’t easy, and even I have trouble trying to find use the spell. Could you give me some pointers on how you manage to handle it?”

“S-sure.” Lysithea stammers. “I could give you the basics after the mission.”

Dedue motions to his teammates. “Let’s head further south. The rest of the Duscurian force aren’t far ahead.”

Everyone acknowledges this, and head out with N taking the lead as he turns on his thermo vision determined not to let anything catch him off guard on this mission. After a few minutes of trekking through some woodland, N motions for them to stop. 

“How many?” Dedue gets straight to the point.

“Ten guys, and they’re steadily approaching our direction.” N informs him remaining focused.

“Ok. Annette, Lysithea, cover us with your spells. Remember, we’re just going to make them retreat. N, you’re with me, and we’re engaging the enemy.”

Everyone nods, and N and Dedue get into action while Annette and Lysithea cover them with wind spells and watered down Miasma spells respectively. They bombard the Duscurian force, and force them back. N moves in swiftly with Dedue following behind, and the Disassembly Drone elbows one on the Duscurian soldiers. He follows up with an uppercut, and knocks the soldier on his butt. Two Duscurians move in to intercept N with their axes. However, Dedue protects the Disassembly Drone, and blocks their attacks with his shield.

“Traitor!” The Duscurians push back. “How could you protect this Kingdom scum?”

“I am not protecting the Kingdom, and he is not scum!” Dedue proclaims. “He is my friend!

Dedue pushes back the Duscurians promptly breaking their guard, and he swings his axe towards one of the soldiers’s weapons. The soldier stumbles back, and Dedue smacks him on the face with the butt of his axe. He falls onto his back, and the other soldier attempts to attack the large man. However, N fires rubber bullets to the soldier’s side, and knocks him down. He proceeds to fire rubber bullets towards the remaining soldiers while getting some support from Lysithea and Annette.

Many of the Duscurians groan pain after enduring heavy fire. One of them gets to his feet, and charges towards Annette hoping to at least kill one of the kingdom mages. The mage frightfully steps back as the soldier gets closer. However, Dedue rams the Duscurian to the side, and pins him down. He leverages his weight on the man’s right arm, and causes him to let go off his weapon.

“Go on… finish it!” The Duscurian screams, but soon sees no anger in Dedue’s face only a stern concern. “Wait… you’re not going to kill me?”

“No.” Dedue shakes his head. “Leave now if you value your life, and do not attempt to go after my friends.”

“But… aren’t you from Faerghus?” Dedue gets himself off the Duscurian, and lets his intentions known. “In any case… thank you.”

Dedue points his axe towards the rest of the Duscurians present in the area. “You can still get out of here. Run.”

The Duscurians glance towards Dedue and his allies, and bow their heads. “We are in your debt.” One of them says. “Thank you.” The Duscurians scurry further Southwards.

“Nice going there, Dedue.” N pats him on the back.

“Thanks, but I always able to pull it off thanks to you, Annette and Lysithea.”

Both Annette and Lysithea smile gratefully towards Dedue. “You know… I’m starting to think you’re not so bad after all.” Lysithea admits. “Please forgive me for my negligence.”

“It’s ok.” Dedue nods gratefully. “Now then, let’s keep going.”

Suddenly, an exclamation mark appears on N’s left eye, and he quickly turns back. “N… what’s going on?” Annette worriedly asks.

“I’m sensing something coming right behind us, and it’s quick.” N warns them.

“The vanguard?” Lysithea asks.

“No, too fast, and they’re airborne.”

Annette squints her eyes towards the sky, and gasps in fear after taking a closer look. “Oh no… this is bad?”

“You know those people?” N asks as he spots several flying silhouettes heading towards them.

“It’s the Galatea Pegasus Corps…” Annette warily says. “They’re known to be the best Pegasus Knights in all of Fodlan.”

Dedue and others become anxious after hearing all that. “This is bad…” Dedue utters. “If those knights overtake us, they will surely annihilate the remaining Duscurians and their captain. We have to get the Duscur forces to retreat before the Pegasus Corps reaches us!” 

“How?!” Lysithea asks. “Those knights are extremely fast, and they’ll definitely reach us before we reach the next group of Duscurians!”

“I don’t know, but we have to try something…”

N sees the frustration written on everyone’s faces, and everything looks hopeless for the time being. He slaps his face together, and a message pops up. RESOLUTE LEVELS STEADILY RISING. “Go on ahead without me.”

“What?!” Everyone gasps.

“You three go on, and continue forcing the Duscur forces to retreat. I’ll engage and hold off the Pegasus Knights.”

“N, are you certain?” Annette asks. “They’re some of the fastest fliers in all of Fodlan… possibly even faster than you.”

“Is that so?” N smirks. “Well then, I’d like to see them try. Now go.”

Dedue and the others glance at each other, and they all sigh. “Ok, just be careful out there.” Dedue says.

“Yeah, and don’t you dare die on us!” Lysithea states. “I’m not letting you off easily until you acknowledge that I’m not a child!”

“Got it!” N salutes before taking to the skies.

“You think he got that?” Lysithea frowns.

“Probably not, but his heart is in the right place.” Annette says just as Lysithea sighs. 

“Alright, let’s continue moving forward.” Dedue motions.

N dashes in to the fray, and faces off against the a squadron of five Pegasus Knights. The squadron is alerted to his presence, and cautiously circles him. N keeps his eye on them, and casually waves both his arms. “Hey, Fellas! How’ve you been? The weather seems nice today. Say you wanna just fly around the area, and sightsee?”

One of the Pegasus knights scoffs at him while another addresses him, “You must be one of the Murder Drones our Lady informed us about. Your existence mocks our way of living, and you, your friends, and that despicable Duscur Rat shall pay for involving yourselves with our Prince!”

“Hey, that’s pretty mean…” N says feeling slightly offended. “I mean… yeah I did go on a killing spree on some Worker Drones in the past before, but I know that’s wrong, and what you’re saying to Dedue it’s just a load of bull.”

“Do not talk about our customs like you know any better, outsider!” The captain exclaims. “The people of Duscur have committed a heinous crime, and must be punished severely! You… monsters who pretend to be the Prince’s friends shouldn’t be allowed near him especially that harlot who struck down Lonato!”

“Woah… low blow there. I know V killed Lonato back then, but you don’t have to call her such things.”

“I shall call her whatever I want! Our Lady despises most of all, and the fact that murderous harlot lingers around Prince Dimitri is unacceptable! We shall strike you down and the Duscur forces even if it means we face ridicule from our Prince! It is better for us to be shamed than to let your ilk continue living on! We do this in Lady Ingrid’s name!”

“You really are adamant on killing aren’t you?” N says feeling sad, but his resoluteness returns. “Well guess what, I can’t afford to die here. I’ve got people counting on you, and the best girlfriend I’ve ever known waiting for me.” N unsheathes his guns. “So stand aside, and leave the Duscur people alone or I’ll make sure this hurts real bad for you.”

The captain scoffs at the threat, “We shall see, demon. Pegasus Knights, attack!”

The Pegasus Knights move in on N, and he unsheathes a sword from his right arm before blocking the incoming attacks. He tries to shoot them down with rubber bullets, but they swiftly evade them. One divebombs towards N, but he parried the strike with his sword. Another tries to ambush him from above, but he blocks the lance thrusts with his wing, and bashes her with it. The first pegasus knight goes down, and this infuriates the others.

“Make the demon pay for his insolence!” The captain orders. “Strikes fast and strike hard! Show him no mercy!”

The Pegasus knights amp up the ante and strike swiftly towards N prompting the Disassembly Drone to stay on the defensive. He endures the incoming blows as best as he can. 

“This is harder than I thought…” N utters to himself before a message pops up. SUGGESTIVE ACTION: TERMINATE OPPOSITION! “No!” N smacks himself on the head. “I won’t resort to killing people! Gotta change tactics.”

N freefalls and gets out of the onslaught for now. “AFTER HIM!” The Pegasus Knight captain orders.

The Pegasus Corps swoop down towards N and chase him down hoping that they can finish off the Disassembly Drone once and for all. The Disassembly Drone takes flight after his freefalls. He zigzags across the sky in hopes that he can disorient, and lose his pursuers. However, the Pegasus corps keep on N’s tail, but our slowly losing steam against him as he quickly notices this.

“Ok, let’s see if you can keep up!” N flies around more rapidly and the Pegasus Corps do their best to follow him.

Two of the Pegasus Knights and their Pegasi start heavily panting during the high-speed chase and start to slow down. N notices this and turns to face the Pegasus Corps before firing nets at them. The nets ensnared the two fatigued Pegasus knights and sent them plummeting to the ground.

“You’ll pay for that!” The captain and her remaining subordinate make their move on N. 

N quickly draws his launcher, and fires a smoke grenade, temporarily blinding the remaining Pegasus Knights. The Disassembly Drone swoops down towards the ensnared Pegasus Knights. He catches them before they can hit the ground, and leaves them hanging.

“Now you two behave yourselves like good buddies, ok?” N asks them before they angrily reach out to him. 

“This isn’t over, demon!” One of the knights screams. “We will-“ Two tranquilizer darts hit them, and they fall asleep.

“Hmmm… I’m guessing these knights are what V and Uzi call Karens…” N ponders before taking off once more.

The Captain and her subordinate finally get out of the smoke only for the latter to get ambushed from below. N clotheslines the Pegasus on its belly, and causes it to gag in pain while it’s rider looses control. The captain remains shocked by the ambush, and N ensnares his opponent with a net before safely transporting her to the ground.

“Now can you please calm down?” N asks. “I’m not trying to hurt you or your team. I’m simply asking you to just… look away while we get the Duscur soldiers to leave peacefully. Can you let us do that?”

“And let those murderers roam free while our Kingdom lives in fear knowing their King’s murderers are still alive? Absolutely not!” The captain screams. “The people of Duscur have taken too much from our people and our Kingdom! We won’t let you demons take even more!”

“We’re not trying to take anything!” N retorts. “We simply wish to stay in Fodlan, and get to know humans here. I just want to make friends, and my fellow drones happy!”

“Enough with your lies!” The captain insists. “I shall tolerate your lies no more! I shall take your life, and offer it to my Lady!”

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” An x emerges in place of N’s right eye as he unsheathes his sword.

The captain fights N fiercely with her lance, but the Disassembly Drones maintains a strong defensive stance. He blocks and parries every one of the lance thrusts with his sword and wings. The captain circles around N hoping to breach his defenses, and land a decisive strikes. However, she has greatly underestimated the Disassembly Drone, and he has been tracking her every move. N intercepts every move she could dish out, and targets her lance with her sword. 

The battle goes on, but N slowly and steadily gains the upperhand. The captain and her Pegasus grow weary as the fight goes on. After a long drawn out battle, the two battlers strike at each others weapons once more. N comes through, and snaps the captain’s Steel lance in half, and follows up with the stun gun. She takes significant damage, and feels back as she struggles to sit upright on her Pegasus.

“Stand down!” N points him gun at her. “I don’t wanna hurt you more than I have to.”

“N-never…” the captain winces in pain.

“You Faerghus lot truly are a stubborn lot…” N clicks off his safety. “Though I could same the same about myself regarding Uzi.”

The captain grits her teeth towards N just as he was about to unload two rubber bullets into her. Suddenly, his right arm loaded with the gun has been severed as this catches N off guard.

“Huh?” N processes what just happened just as his left wing gets severed in quick succession. He screams just as he crash lands on the Forest floor.

The captain is left bewildered by this until she feels a shadow look over her prompting her to look up. “M-my Lady?!”

“Rendezvous with the others, and get yourself patched up.” Her superior says. “I’ll take care of N myself.”

“Of course… I’m so sorry, My Lady…” the captain falls back while her superior adjusts the grip on her Relic.

N manages to recover from his crash though is right arm and left wing have yet to encounter. “Owww… that’s gonna leave a mark…” LOCOMOTION AT 70% CAPACITY! REPAIR TIME IN THREE MINUTES! “Yeah I got that…”

N looks up, and finds a Pegasus Knight looming over her, but this time, the Pegasus Knight is none other than their commander, Ingrid. She looks down on the Disassembly Drone filled with disdain towards him.

“Oh, hey Ingrid!” N happily waves. “How’ve you been? You’re looking great by the way. Nice glowy stick you have there! Do they have any other colors other than red? I’d like a pink one, and I’m sure Uzi likes purple. Is there anyway we can-“

“Quiet, N.” Ingrid firmly says as her Relic, Luin, glows more intensely.

“Ok… you don’t look thrilled to see me…” N gulps. “Can we at least… talk this out…”

“No. I assume Dimitri told you to protect the Duscurians, didn’t he?” Ingrid points Luin towards N.

“Ummm… I don’t know what you’re talking about… he didn’t tell me anything… I just strolled here by chance… hahahaha….” N argues albeit unconvincingly. FIBBING SKILLS SUCK, IDIOT! lol :)

“Right.” Ingrid says not looking deceived. “Tell me where Dedue is hiding the Duscurians, and I will give you a painless death.” 

Realizing that he’s not fooling Ingrid with his pathetic lying skills, N takes on a different approach. “I won’t let you get to Dedue and the others. Just call off your troops, and we can sort this out.” 

“You’re no better than the Duscurians, N!” Ingrid snaps. “I know what you and your kind are capable of, and I will not let you harm His Highness! He may not see it, but I will make him see it, and protect him from Dedue, his people, and you Murder Drones!”

Ingrid swiftly swoops down towards N and thrusts Luin towards him giving him only a fraction of a second to react. The Disassembly Drone braces himself with his remaining win only to find out that the Relic is way stronger than he thought. Ingrid pushes N back several feet. The Disassembly Drone manages to maintain his footing only to find his opponent moving in. N fires his stun gun at Ingrid, but the Pegasus Knight easily evades the projectiles and throws a Javelin. 

N parries the Javelin away, but Ingrid quickly circles around him. She thrusts Luin towards his head, but N blocks the Relic with his sword. In one swift motion, Ingrid slides her relic against the Disassembly Drone’s sword. She severs N’s left arm, and oil spews out from his left side now that he’s left armless. The Disassembly Drone walks back with only its right wing as a mode of defense. 

WEAPON SYSTEMS AT 50% CAPACITY! RIGHT ARM REGENERATION NEAR COMPLETION! “Ok…. Not my finest hour…” N gulps.

Ingrid remains focused and points Luin towards N. “Tell me where they are, and I will give you a quick death.”

“Do you really want to do this?” N asks looking glum. “We’re all classmates, and we study at the same school.”

“I refuse to acknowledge you and your Drones as classmates!” Ingrid proclaims. “Having V and Dedue by His Highness’s side is sickening. I refuse to let that go on, and by my honor, I will kill you, Dedue, and the Duscurians here and now, and face the consequences His Highness will lay on me!”

N tenses up as he raises his wing to defend against whatever assault Ingrid has for him as he charges toward him. Just before she could strike against the Disassembly Drone’s wing, V comes in from the side and kicks the relic away from him. Ingrid maintains balance and narrows her brows towards the newly arrived drone.

V gets in between N and Ingrid and glances towards him. “You look for worse for wear, N.” V grimaces.

“Sorry about that, and thanks for saving me, V.” N remorsefully says just as his right arm gets regrown. 

“You would have been fine regardless. I’m sure you would have won against Ingrid if this fight lasted longer.” Ingrid intensifies her glare towards V. “That said, you would have lost more oil, and we can’t have that at this point.”

N lowers his head remorsefully, “Sorry…”

V sighs, “I’m just glad you’re ok. Go catch up with Dedue and the others. I’ll handle this blonde Karen. It’s time I settled this once and for all.”

“You’re not escaping me that easily!” Ingrid moves in towards N, but V blocks her attack with her swords.

“Going somewhere?!” V sassily asks.

Ingrid struggles to push back V. Even on a Pegasus, she’s still as fast as me?!

“Get going, N!” V screams. “Don’t worry about me! I’ll be alright! This fight is mine and mine alone!”

“V…” N utters feeling conflicted about what to do. He doesn’t want to leave V again after the incident at the labs. He remembers how afraid he was for her when he was forced to leave her. However, he also knows that V would have wanted this and that she supported her Blue Lions despite how tough she could be. “Ok. Just… come back safely, V…” Reluctantly, N takes to the sky now that his left-wing has regrown.

“Good luck, N.” V smiles as she sees N off in the distance. “Now then…” V pushes Ingrid back with ease. “Time to kick your ass.”

Chapter Text

A few minutes earlier, V and Felix remained back to back with each other with Duscurian troops surrounding them. “Surrender, Fraldarius scum! You and your whore better request for your father to give back our lands!”

Felix scoffs at this, “Don’t lump us in with my old man.”

“You call me a whore, huh?” V narrows her brows. “I’ve been called way worse, but I’ll make sure your punishment hurts.”

“Enough small talk!” One of the soldiers screams. “You’re outnumbered and outgunned!”

“Please.” Felix dismissively says. “As much as I hate to say it, this lunatic behind me can singlehandedly wipe you all want if she wanted. You’re the ones that are outgunned.”

V rolls her eyes and grants everyone a sadistic look at sends chills in everyone. “That’s right. We’re just letting you surround us so that we can get you all in one spot.”

“Huh?” The Duscurians look all confused when an arrow strikes one of them in the heel. The soldier screams in pain, and the rest of the soldiers are on high alert. “WE’VE GOT COMPANY!”

Amidst the confusion, Petra fires several arrows and disables many of the Duscurians as they let go of their weapons.

“I’ll take the ones on the right, you take the ones on the left,” Felix instructs V.

“With pleasure!” V unloads her gun, and fires rubber bullets at her half of the Duscur forces.

The Duscurians take heavy damage from the rain of bullets, and V maniacally laughs in the midst of firing at them. Meanwhile, the Duscurians on the right are struck with fear by the scene. Felix takes advantage of the opening and disarms the Duscurians swiftly with his sword. He lands several blows on them using the blunt edge of his sword and deals significant damage to them.

“Tch. Feels off-putting if I’m not slicing into people.” Felix looks back seeing V beat on the Duscurians with swift body blows. “But if the boar and his dog want the least amount of casualties, I guess it can’t be helped.”

Felix walks towards the Duscur forces as they struggle to regain their bearings before performing a head gesture for them to go. “W-wait…” one of them stammers. “Y-you’re not going to kill us?”

“Get out of my sight or I’ll change my mind.” Felix coldly says while they listen to V’s crazy laughter. “Or worse, you can contend with her.”

This spooks the Duscurians, and they scamper back to their feet and run in the opposite direction of the army. 

“Weaklings.” Felix scoffs before sheathing his sword.

Nearby, the remaining Duscurians stumble back in a seemingly futile attempt to get away from V. “Now then…” She flashes her claw. “What shall I start with… Your tongues? Eyes? Or perhaps… I’ll open up your heads, and drink your brains out like slushes.”

Immediately, the Duscurians lose all morale and frantically get back on their feet before running away from V as fast as their legs can carry them.

“Heh.” V smirks. “That was easier than expected.”

“I am gaining new knowledge on intimidation.” Petra pops out of a bush. “Is threatening of organ devouring a good method?”

“Only if you can make it convincing.” Petra opens and closes her claws.

“I see…” Petra takes note. “I am of understanding.”

Just then, Felix joins them. “Petra, how’s the Professor doing?”

“Last I am hearing, she has handily singled beaten two battalions of Duscurians.”

“That’s… quite impressive for a human,” V admits looking very shocked.

“They don’t call her the Ashen Wraith for nothing I suppose.” Felix crosses his arms. “That woman truly is a monster.”

“Still, I must say I’m quite impressed with how she’s handling herself. As long as she keeps the weaklings off the battlefield, we should be-“

Her next words get cut off by a scream a few miles South of her group putting all three of them on high alert. “Hang on…” Petra swiftly turns to the source of the scream. “Was that…”

“Tch, it’s that idiot N.” Felix scoffs. “Must have stubbed his toe to or something. V, what do you think happ-“

“No…” V shakes her head looking horrified. “None of us Drones have toes on our feet. Besides… that scream sounded too painful to be a minor wound.”

“Hold on… you don’t think N is actually in…”

“I don’t know ok?!” V snaps. “Felix, Petra! Make sure those weaklings get out of here immediately! I’m going to check on N!” V takes off faster than usual, and heads to N’s location. “Please be ok, please be ok, please be ok…” She repeats her voice laced with worry.

She arrives at N’s location and finds him facing off against Ingrid with oil spewing from his right side. V’s core jumps for joy and relief to see N still alive albeit damaged from his wounds, and it also jumps for rage towards the Pegasus Knight.

“That’s it.” V clenches her fist. “You’ve crossed the line for the last time, Ingrid.” V takes a deep breath now looking composed before diving into the scene.

Back in the present time, V stands off against Ingrid with her swords at the ready while her eyes are fixed on her opponent. “Nice ride you got there.” V smirks. “Looks like Dimitri wasn’t kidding when he said you’re primarily a rider. That said… my ride is way cooler.”

“Spare me the small talk, V.” Ingrid glares at V. “You won’t be talking much when I plunge my Relic into your heart.”

“Is that so?” V sassily asks. “You threaten me with a glowy stick, and a pony with wings? My flag can kill more people than that combo.” She pops out her flag with the label: DUMB BLONDE KAREN ASS!

“You have mocked our honor for the last time.” Ingrid grits her teeth. “Of all the drones that came here, you are by far the most depraved of the four! It was a mistake for Seteth to put you in our class! Your depravity continues to sully our honor!”

“Yeah yeah yeah… I’m a depraved murderous crazy lunatic drone, seen this… done that… I know what I am, Dumb Blonde!” V snaps back. “At least I’m not trying to actively kill my own classmates!”

Ingrid grits her teeth, and winces back, “Im doing what’s best for His Highness, and my fellow Blue Lions! You, N and the rest of you Drones are murderous beings capable of mass destruction! I will not allow His Highness to be killed by your hand!”

“While I don’t intend to make a move on Dimitri, you do have a fair point. That said, don’t think you’re getting off Scott free after what you did to N. But what about Dedue? Surely he doesn’t deserve the hate we get, right?!”

“He’s from Duscur, and therefore he should be cut down like the rest of his people.”

The answer shocks V, and she hardens her look towards Ingrid with an exclamation mark on the left side of her visor. “You can’t be fucking serious… please tell me you’re joking.”

“I would not joke about this.” Ingrid declares. “The people of Duscur killed the King, his men, and… Glenn! His Highness nearly died in that Tragedy, and who’s to say Dedue didn’t get employed in his service just to finish the job once and for all? If I find him once I kill you, I will end him as well with no mercy.”

V couldn’t believe the words she was hearing although there was one part in Ingrid’s argument she could relate to. Even so, she couldn’t just stand by, and let her to do what she wants. “You’re delusional thinking you could beat me, and even more so thinking Dedue would assassinate Dimitri! The guy’s a kind big lug, and there is no freaking universe where I see him killing Dimitri! I’ve only known them for more than a month, and you know them for years. The fact that someone like me is willing to trust Dedue more than you ever could shows that you really are a stupid dumbass blonde Karen.”

This sets Ingrid off and Luin glows more crimson. “YOU DON’T KNOW ANYTHING, MURDERER! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH I LOST THAT DAY, AND THE LOOMING THREAT OF LOOSING THE ONES I CARE ABOUT DUE TO YOUR PRESENCE! Killing you and Dedue won’t bring Glenn back, but at least I’ll be given some closure once I kill you.”

“Fine.” V jumps up in the air, and hovers over the ground. “If that’s how you see it. Then I’ll take great pleasure beating you up for what you did to N, and threatening to kill him and Dedue.” An X is now displayed in one half of her face. “Give me your best shot!”

V flies full speed towards towards Ingrid with her swords in full display, but the Pegasus Knight swerves out of the way. The Disassembly drone quickly turns, and fires a barrage of rubber bullets. Ingrid dodges most of the bullets, but one of them strikes her Pegasus causing it to neigh in pain. The Pegasus Knight holds on to her steed, and gains control of it.

Damn..  I need to get closer. V grimaces.

V closes in on Ingrid, and her opponent retaliates by throwing two Short Spears at the Disassembly Drone. The Murder Drone dodges the first one, and strikes the second one before zeroing on her target. V’s swords make contact with Ingrid’s Luin, and the two engage in a weapons lock. Both break off from the assault, and clash once more as they parry and block each other’s blows. Ingrid unleashes several swift attacks on V, but the Disassembly Drone maintains her guard. 

The Disassembly Drone dishes out fast and powerful strikes towards Luin. The clash of the attacks reverberates all throughout Ingrid’s body. They start to wear down Ingrid, and she starts reconsidering her options as they clash.

I can’t take V on in a head on fight… She thought. I’ll have to circle her, and sever her limbs if I’m to take her down.

V crosses her blades, and weapon locks Ingrid once more, but this time, she pushes her back. “What’s wrong, Dumb Blonde?” She says sadistically. “Had enough yet?”

“No… we’re just getting started!” With her free arm, Ingrid thrusts her Javelin towards one of the capsules on her head.

Alerted by this, V tilts her head towards the right, and avoids getting one of her capsules getting popped. Ingrid takes advantage, and breaks off the engagement with the Disassembly Drone. Her Pegasus kicks V, and pushes her back allowing the Pegasus Knight to gain some distance. Ingrid hurls a Short spear at the Disassembly Drone while she recovers. V swats the spear away with her wing, and just as she regains her bearings, the Pegasus Knight has started circling her. 

V struggles to keep up with her speed. V fires several rubber bullets towards her, but Ingrid remains out of reach. The Pegasus Knight zips in and out towards the Disassembly Drone. V keeps her guard up throughout the assault, and blocks several of Ingrid’s attacks, but the Pegasus Knight would land several minor stabs in the process. The Disassembly Drone winces in pain, but maintains her guard, and the Pegasus Knight continues to wear her down.

She certainly knows what she’s doing… V thought to herself. Must be because of that crest thing and that relic, but… V grins, and waits for Ingrid’s next strike.

Ingrid moves in from the right aiming to take V’s right arm, but the Disassembly Drone is prepared, and parries her strike with her wing.

Bylese is way harder to read than you!

Ingrid takes heavy damage from the blow and reels back along with her Pegasus as she struggles to regain control. She reaches for another Short Spear, but V retaliates BT firing two rubber bullets. She shoots the spear out of her grip and lands the second one on Ingrid’s shoulder. The Pegasus Knight feels a sharp pain shoot up from her shoulder and feels from it. Ingrid grips her shoulder to mitigate the pain as best she can, but V grants her no mercy. The Disassembly Drone moves in once more, but instead of her swords, she uses her claws instead. V furiously swipes her claws towards Ingrid prompting the Pegasus Knight to remain on the defensive. The Pegasus Knight does her best to maintain her distance. However, V would always close the gap, and maintain her offensive. Ingrid’s frustration grows by the second due to the mounting pain she feels on her shoulder, and the inability to launch a counterattack. 

“I grow weary of this!” Ingrid exclaims. “This ends here!” 

Ingrid thrusts Luin towards V, but the Disassembly Drone slyly grins at the moment she throws her weapon at her. The Pegasus Knight gasps, and the Disassembly Drone dodges the initial thrust. Things get worse for Ingrid when V catches Luin in the vice grip of her claw.

“What the?!”

“Now we’re talking,” V says now that she has Luin in her grip. “This is the only thing you’ve got that can possibly hurt me. Without it, you’ve got no shot at beating me!”

Ingrid tries to yank Luin out of V’s grip, but the Disassembly Drone’s grip remains firm, and she retaliates with her stun gun. The shocks electrify the Pegasus Knight, but despite this, the Pegasus Knight remains firm.

“I must say you’re quite resilient. Fine, I’ll just have to take your toy away from you!”

V pulls back and attempts to yank Luin out of Ingrid’s grip, and the latter struggles to keep her Relic in her hands.

That’s it… just a bit more… WARNING! PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE! MUTATIONS SPOTTED IN RIGHT ARM! RECOMMENDED ACTION: AMPUTATION! The hell… Ingrid starts to ponder until she feels a painful sensation on her left arm. What the hell is going on with me…

Ingrid notices the unease in V’s face, and takes full advantage. “Fine… if I can pull Luin, then I’ll just have to push through with it!”

Luin glows ever more intensely, and V gasps with a mixture of awe and disbelief as more power goes into the relic. Ingrid pushes through, and unleashes Luin’s strongest attack, Burning Quake. The relic pushes through V’s grip, and pierced the Disassembly Drone’s chest causing massive damage to her. She spits out oil from her mouth, and gets sent flying. Whilst flying back, V feels her right arm pulsate with pain, and glowing crimson as this prompts her to cut her arm off. The Disassembly Drone bites back her scream, and manages to regain control. The severed arm was on its way down until it suddenly explodes.

“What?!” Both Ingrid and Felix gasp at the sudden explosion.

V glances at her missing right arm, and grimaces. STRANGE MUTATIONS GONE! RECOVERY TIME AT THREE MINUTES! “What in Robo god’s name did you do to me?”

“I… I’m not sure…” Ingrid utters still reeling from disbelief. “But it appears that what the Goddess said about Crestless using Relics is true.”

“Dafuq?”

“You see, the Relics can only be wielded by those who use Crests, and the Goddess intends to punish anyone trying to wield a Relic without one.” Ingrid’s bravado returns.

“That’s just freaking stupid.” V doesn’t look amused. Although… the relic certainly did something to me while I was holding it for some time. I doubt it’s the freaking goddess or whatever divine shit, but perhaps holding onto to the Relic wasn’t the best idea… I’ll have to be careful next time when handling that thing.

“Believe it or not, you won’t be alive to think about it any longer.” Ingrid raises Luin, and points it towards V.

Suddenly, several Pegasus Knights move in, and surround V much to her annoyance as she stays on her guard. The Disassembly Drone readies her gun in her free arm, and her wings.

“This ends here and now!” Ingrid declares. “Troops attack!”

The Pegasus Knight prepare to mobilize, but they all stop as soon as one of them gets shot down by an arrow. 

“W-What?!” Ingrid stammers in shock while more of her Pegasus Corps gets shot down from below.

V scans the area, and finds Bylese well hidden amongst the foliage. The Disassembly Drone smirks, and displays a message. Nice Timing, Professor :)

“Don’t mention it.” Bylese grins.

Meanwhile, Ingrid is still reeling from disbelief once she notices Bylese, Felix and Petra protecting V with their arrows. “Thanks, guys!” V grins before knocking out two Pegasus Knights with her legs. “I owe you one.”

Felix rolls his eyes, “Don’t think too much of it. I’m more annoyed with Ingrid’s stupidity than I am with yours.”

V sticks her tongue out towards Felix before stunning another Pegasus Knight with her stun gun. Petra glances at the aerial battlefield happening over her. “This is of… awkwardness…”

“Petra, go on ahead, and assist Dedue and the others.” Bylese instructs her. “Felix and I will handle this situation.”

“Understood.” Petra nods, and swiftly heads southwards.

Bylese draws her bow once more, and fires two arrows towards two Pegasus Knights resulting in her taking down both of them. “Professor, Felix! What are you doing?!” Ingrid screams. “Why are you helping out V?!”

“Ingrid… you fool…” Felix scoffs. “You’ve certainly gone too far this time. All for that stupid Knight’s honor that has gotten them killed time and time again.”

“Don’t you dare mock our tradition and Glenn, Felix!” Ingrid snaps.

“If it weren’t for that code of honor, Glenn would still be alive right now! But it’s useless to think of hypotheticals. Why don’t you make this easier on yourself and stand down. You’re not beating V anytime some even with that Relic.”

Ingrid bites her lower lip, and turns to Bylese. “How could you permit this to happen?! Why are you letting the people of Duscur get away?!”

Bylese remains stone faced throughout the ordeal before she gives her answer. “Let me point something out, I and the others aren’t planning on stopping the Kingdom army, just you and your Pegasus Corps.”

“What?!”

“The Pegasus corps would have easily caught up with the Duscur forces, and it was imperative that we took more action in slowing them down instead of what we were doing with the rest of the vanguard. However, the real reason we decided to take action is because you are actively trying to take Dedue, N, and V’s lives.” Bylese gaze towards Ingrid. “As their Professor, I cannot allow my students to get killed especially since that none of the drones have expressed ill murderous intent towards any of the students this far whilst you are doing the opposite. That is something I cannot abide by.”

“Stop this foolishness now, Ingrid.” Felix sternly says. “I’m sure my brother and the boat wouldn’t want Dedue, N and V dead. The Boar’s dog is never going to turn on him, N is a gullible honest idiot that wouldn’t hurt anyone from our class unless they threaten Uzi, and I think V has proven her loyalty by now… even though she’s still a lunatic.”

V grimaces towards Felix, but he simply ignores her.

“So stop this idiocy, Ingrid. You’re only troubling the Boar more than helping him at this point.”

Bylese slightly grimaces every time Felix refers to Dimitri as a boar while V gets more curious. Why does Felix call Dimitri a boar? I thought those two were friends, but then again, Dimitri did say that he’s been growing a bit distant from his friends. Did something happen in the past? Either way, it’s not important for the time being. I gotta get this Karen to stand the fuck down.

Ingrid grips Luin tightly unable to comprehend what they’re all saying, and refusing to come to terms with the past. “You may see V and the other outsiders as friends, but I won’t, and if you won’t listen to me, I’ll make you listen!”

V starts to fume towards Ingrid’s stubbornness, but she can’t help but feel a bit sad for her. Is this what talking to me is like? I hate talking to me…

“I’m going to end you once and for all, even if I get expelled!” Ingrid declares.

“Damn you, Ingrid…” Felix coldly utters while Bylese draws her bow.

“I can ground her now if necessary.” Bylese readies your fire.

“No!” V gestures to them. “This is my fight, and my responsibility to fix. I’ll knock some sense into Ingrid’s thick skull, and make her regret trying to kill me and N.”

Bylese glances towards Felix, and he responds with an understanding nod. “Very well.” She lowers her bow. “I’ll leave this up to you, V.”

“Make sure to drill a lot of sense into her skull!” Felix exclaims.

“Got it!” V accepts the responsibility just as she grows back her right arm. “Wow, you screwed up big time if Felix and the Professor are cheering for me instead of you.” V sassily says.

“Shut up!” Ingrid screams feeling very frustrated. “You won’t be speaking much longer once I’m done with you once and for all!” 

Ingrid zips towards V, and the Disassembly Drone fights back with her swords as she strikes against the Pegasus Knight’s relic. Felix and Bylese watch the battle from below wondering what the end result will be.

“Do you think V will be successful?” Bylese asks.

“Ingrid’s skilled, but there’s no way she’s beating V.” Felix points out. “That drone has her beat in every way.”

“On that we agree, but that’s not what I’m referring to.”

“Hm?”

“I’m taking if V will be able to change how Ingrid sees things. I honestly don’t want to have someone who’s willing to toss aside outsiders when it’s not warranted.”

“It’s hard to say…” Felix answers. “Ingrid is a stubborn ass, and it’ll take a lot of work to convince her to change her ways, but I think V has what it takes.”

“How so?”

“Because V is a stubborn ass as well.”

“I see…” Bylese remarks. “Well then, I do hope they come to some conclusion soon.”

“I hope so too.”

V’s swords clash against Ingrid’s Luin, and both combatants engage in a high speed duel thats near impossible to see. The Disassembly Drone’s strikes get more precise by the second. Ingrid struggles to keep evasive action against V, and tries to gain some distance from her. The Pegasus Knight throws several Short spears towards the Disassembly Drone. However, V blocks them with her wing, and attempts to ram Ingrid with it only for the Pegasus Knight to dodge it. Unfortunately for the Pegasus Knight, the Disassembly Drone wraps her tail around one of the Pegasus’s legs.

“What the!” Ingrid gasps as she tries to escape V’s grip.

Ingrid resorts to severing V’s tail with Luin, but the Disassembly Drone has other plans. “Time for you to go for a ride.”

V starts zigzagging across the sky, and drags Ingrid along for the ride as the Disassembly Drone performs all sorts of maneuvers. The Pegasus Knight holds on to her steed the best she can. Every second spent in this ordeal wears Ingrid down, and the Pegasus starts getting nauseous. The Pegasus Knight holds on to her harness, and manages to V’s tail. The Disassembly Drone grimaces and flies away from Ingrid while the latter composes herself.

“Celine, are you ok?” Ingrid strokes her Pegasus’s mane, and her steed responds with a whimper. “It’s ok, we’re almost done. I just need to land one clean critical hit on V, and we should be-“

“Oh it’s almost over alright…” They here V’s voice echo throughout the area. “Just not the outcome you’re expecting. N, Dedue and I are here to stay, and you’re not going to ruin that.”

V swiftly circles around Ingrid, and the Pegasus Knight struggles to keep track of her while failing to follow closely.

“What’s wrong, Karen?” V mockingly asks. “Tuckered out already? I was just starting to have fun.”

“QUIET!” Ingrid screams. “YOU WON’T GET THE BETTER OF ME!”

“Oh yeah? Then let’s see if you remain standing after this!”

V unleashes a barrage of rubber bullets on Ingrid, and deals significant damage to her and her Pegasus. Pain shoots out all throughout the Pegasus Knight, and her steed as the Pegasus nears her limit. V dives down right under Ingrid, and flies up towards her opponent as she lands a clothesline on the Pegasus. The Pegasus neighs in pain, and feels back from the blow.

“Celine! Are you ok?” Ingrid worriedly asks, and her Pegasus starts panting heavily. She can’t take anymore damage if this battle continues on… I need to finish this off immediately….

“What’s wrong, Ingrid?” V hovers before her. “Had enough yet? You should really surrender right now. You can’t beat me at this rate.”

“I… will not… give in…” Ingrid breathes heavily, and realizes that her Pegasus is too hurt to keep on going. She pats her steed’s mane softly. “Take me down, Celine.”

Her Pegasus acknowledges this, and makes a slow descent much to V’s surprise. Looks like she has some sense after all. She makes her descent as well, and both fighters touch down to the ground.

Ingrid gets off her Pegasus, and pets her once more, “You did more than enough for me today… I’ll handle the rest.” The Pegasus lowers her head, and lays down to rest as Ingrid holds on the Luin tightly.

“Had enough yet?” V opens and closes her claw with a stern look in her eyes. “Now that you’re grounded, you have zero chance of beating me.”

“Don’t you dare talk down on me!” Ingrid bitterly says. “On my honor as a Knight, I will strike you down!”

“Suit yourself.”

V dashes towards Ingrid at full speed, and the latter charges up Luin once more to unleash Burning Quake. She thrusts her powered up Relic towards the Disassembly Drone, but her opponent effortlessly dodges. V delivers a devastating gut punch towards Ingrid. The Pegasus Knight gags in pain, and takes massive damage as she finally lets go off Luin.

“Looks like the battle is over.” Bylese says.

Felix crosses his arms, and closes his eyes, “You’ve brought this on yourself, Ingrid.”

Ingrid drops to her knees coughing as she grips the soil beneath her. “No… I can’t lose here…”

She then notices a pair of legs before her, and looks up only to find V standing over her as the Disassembly Drone looks down on her. “Well too bad.” V picks her up by the chin, and lifts her. “Because you already did.”

“It’s over, Ingrid.” Bylese walks over to her.

“Give up this foolish endeavor.” Felix coldly says.  “You’re not going to win anyone to your side like this.”

“Felix…” Ingrid utters feeling betrayed.

“Nah, I’m not done yet.” V proceeds to toss Ingrid high up in the air much to everyone’s surprise and dismay.

“LADY INGRID!!!” The restrained Pegasus Knights cry out.

“Well… this was unexpected…” Bylese calmly says with widened eyes.

“What the hell, V?!” Felix exclaims. “She already lost!

“Relax, she’ll be fine.” V casually says and shrugs. She looks up, and takes off as well.

“Sometimes I don’t get that woman…” Felix tiredly shakes his head.

A screaming Ingrid finally arises past the clouds before making her descent towards the ground at a reasonable pace. Is this how I meet my end? Falling from a height of a thousand feet? If so… then I’ll proudly accept this-

“Yo!” Ingrid gasps upon noticing V falling beside her albeit in a more comfortable position. “Is this what the view is like falling? If so, it’s not so bad.”

“What do you want?!” Ingrid grimaces. “You won! Just put me out of my misery, and get this over with!”

V laughs in response. “You really are that desperate to prove your point, aren’t you? Look, I’m not going to kill you if that’s what you’re thinking. I just want to have a little chat before we arrive at the bottom. You good with that?”

“You’re not giving me a choice, aren’t you?” Ingrid snorts.

“Course not. You’re unarmed, and there’s nothing else you can do besides falling so might as well just chat with me for now.”

“Fine…” Ingrid reluctantly says. “As if I’d accept you even after what you did.”

“You’re now quite adamant in hating me considering I haven’t done anything to you guys that would warrant it. Sure I shot Sylvain in the dick, and smacked Ashe across the classroom at one point, but I honestly don’t think it would warrant you to disobey Dimitri and try to kill me.”

“Don’t you get it?! You’re a dangerous Drone that has very questionable ethics, and I’m doing this all for Dimitri and my friends so you don’t take them from me! I already Glenn, and so many others during the Tragedy of Duscur… I won’t lose anymore of my friends to you drones and Duscurians.”

“I see…” V’s tone to softens. “So you’re willing to do everything you can to protect those you care about even if it means jeopardizing your trust with them… I can definitely relate to that.”

“What?” Ingrid gasps feeling more curious towards V.

“When I turned into a Disassembly Drone, I knew more about my tragic past than N did, and I was willing to do everything in my power to protect N from knowing his past despite my obnoxious probing… I was… scared for him especially when he started developing feelings for Uzi, and when we both realized that she was not a normal Worker Drone.”

“Oh…” Ingrid starts feeling remorseful towards V.

“So you see… we’re not that much different you and I. I was willing to protect N by any means necessary… even if I meant trampling on his feelings, and not respecting his wishes… By the time I realized that I should have been more honest with him… I lost something crucial between us… something I could never repair no matter how much I tried…”

“By the goddess… I… I didn’t know… I’m so sorry to hear that…”

“It’s ok.” V assures her. “N and I are still on really good terms… just not how I dreamed, and I’m ok with it. As long as he’s happy with Uzi, I’ll accept whatever future they have. I’m sure whoever this fiancé of yours still loved you till his dying breath.”

“V…” Ingrid mutters while keeping her gaze to the ground. “Thank you… and… I’m so sorry for all the trouble I caused you and your friends as well as Dedue…”

“Is that so, Karen?” V raises an eyebrow.

“Hey, I’m trying to be serious here!” Ingrid retorts. “And stop calling me that… it’s not my name…”

“I know.” V picks her teeth with her claw. “Karen is just a term people use to describe an entitled white woman.”

“I’m the farthest of being entitled…” Ingrid mutters. “My family is actually-“

“Oh crap, we’re getting close to the ground!” V adjusts herself. “Alright! Time to catch you!”

“Wait, what?!” Ingrid snaps back to reality just before she could hit the ground.

Bylese, Felix, and several Pegasus knights reconvene at the crash site wondering what has become of both V and Ingrid. “What do you think happened just now, Professor?” Felix asks.

Bylese squints her eyes, and notices two shadows emerging from the smoke. “Looks like we’re about to find out.”

Just then, V emerges from the smoke, and to everyone’s, except Bylese, embarrassment, she’s seen carrying Ingrid bridal style. “Lady Ingrid?!” The knights looked confused and shocked.

“You’ve got to be kidding me…” Felix facepalms.

Still trying to process what’s going on, Ingrid looks around at the bewildered faces, “Why are they looking at us like that?”

“Ew…” V looks disgusted and drops Ingrid.

“Ow…” Ingrid groans in pain. “I’m still sore from all the injuries you gave me..”

“Sorry… not.” V mischievously says.

Ingrid glares at her, but it softens just as she sighs. “YOU REPREHENSIBLE FIEND!” The Captain declares as she and her fellow knights point their lances towards V causing the Disassembly Drone to roll her eyes looking more annoyed than anything. “YOU SHALL PAY FOR LAYING YOUR HANDS ON OUR LADY! KILL!”

“Enough!” Ingrid sternly exclaims much the Galatea Pegasus Corps' surprise. “No more… We’re done trying to kill Drones and Dedue.”

After half an hour, Ingrid sits down in shame while V and Felix keep a close eye on her with the Disassembly Drone wondering what the Pegasus Knight is thinking about. “You feeling sick, Ingrid?” Felix asks.

“No…” Ingrid slowly shakes her head. “Just feeling battered and bruised…”

“Good. I’m not in the mood to see you throw up after being thrown so high up.”

“Yeah, I don’t look forward to seeing human bile,” V says in a snarky manner. “So gooey and disgusting…”

“You were the one who threw me high up in the first place!” Ingrid bites back.

“Only cause you deserved it.” V bluntly points out.

Ingrid stops herself in her tracks and lowers her head in shame. “I… suppose you have a point…”

Just then, Bylese returns to the others. “How’s Ingrid doing?”

Felix glances towards Ingrid and answers. “Still self-reflecting, and licking her wounded pride. What happened to Dedue and the others?”

“I just came from the primary Duscur camp. Dedue and N were able to beat the Duscurian general and got him to withdraw the rest of the army. They shouldn’t be causing any trouble soon.”

V sighs in relief, “Thank goodness… that happy idiot actually managed to pull through…”

“Damn it…” the Pegasus Knight captain curses. “We weren’t able to punish the Duscurians….” She glances towards V. “It’s all your, and that other drone’s fault! Those Duscur rats deserve!”

“Enough, Sera.” Ingrid sternly reminds her.

“But Lady Ingrid, they-“

“I said enough! We were given orders to make sure the Duscurians don’t take over this territory. How we went about it is irrelevant, and we made a huge mistake trying to kill fellow students of the Officer’s Academy.”

Sera and the Pegasus knights immediately remain silent, and Ingrid reflects on her actions internally. “You feeling good, Ingrid?” V sits beside her.

“No… not really…” Ingrid softly says.

“That’s ok.” V pats Ingrid on the back. “I’m sure anyone would feel shitty after realizing they screwed up something, but I gotta say, I’m actually quite impressed with you shutting your subordinates up. I was ready to fill them up with Rubber bullets if they kept going…. And maybe live rounds if they pushed it further.” V sinisterly says that last part.

“Please don’t kill my knights…” Ingrid worriedly says.

“I’ll try, but no promises.”

“Considering it’s you, that’s probably the best assurance I’ll ever get…”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” V casually stretches her legs.

“You’ll get used to it over time, Ingrid.” Felix bluntly points out.

“Felix…” Ingrid utters with guilt in her voice. “I’m very sorry for refusing to listen to you and the Professor.”

“It’s ok, Ingrid.” Bylese answers looking stoic. “If anyone should be sorry, it’s me. I should have been paying more attention to the students and their problems. If I did, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Felix simply scoffs, “You shouldn’t be apologizing to us both. The people you should be apologizing to are them.”

V and Ingrid proceed to look around, and they both spot N up in the sky carrying Dedue. “N?!” V gasps. “What are you doing to Dedue?!”

“Hey, V!” N waves. “Just giving Dedue an airlift since he’s still recovering from that fight with the general!”

“Isn’t that too dangerous though?” Bylese narrows her eyes.

“Maybe… but it’ll be fine.” N casually assures them. “I carried three guys earlier! Carrying Dedue should be no problem!”

“I apologize for worrying you all,” Dedue says. “N was quite insistent in him carrying me.”

“No kidding…” V and Felix say looking deadpanned.

N looks around, and lights up, “Oh hey, Dimitri!”

A chill runs up Ingrid’s spine as she hears a horse galloping nearby. They all spit Dimitri arrives at the scene as he reins in his horse. “Hello, everyone. It’s good to see you all well so far. How did the mission go?”

“It went well, Dimitri.” Bylese answers. “Dedue and N were able to beat back the Duscur forces, and thus have caused the Duscur army to withdraw.”

“I see. That is a relief to hear.”

“How did things go on your end?” V asks.

“It was tough for Ferdinand and myself to keep the army talking and at bay, but we managed to hold out as long as we could. It looks like it was long enough to give you time to persuade the Duscurians to abandon their conquest.”

V looks around for a bit, “Where’s Ferdinand?”

“He’s… gone off to the Kingdom army to see if he can establish connections to them and the Empire. He aims to put this feat into some sort of strange pamphlet… I honestly don’t know what he’s talking about…”

“Ugh… no one does…” V rolls her eyes.

Dimitri looks up and widens his eyes as N descends alongside Dedue. “Can someone explain why N is flying Dedue?”

“It’s a long story, apparently…” Felix says. “Though I’m sure you have more pressing things to intend to.”

Dimitri takes another look and sees the injured Pegasus Corps and Ingrid sat down before him. “Hello, Ingrid.” Dimitri greets.

“Your Highness…” Ingrid lowers her head in shame not wanting to look Dimitri in the eyes after what she did.

“I have a slight feeling about what may have happened here, but please, tell me what transpired in detail.”

“Very well.” Bylese volunteers. “It all started…”

Bylese and V give Dimitri a rundown on what has happened so far, and the Prince and everyone else listen intently. “I see…” Dimitri says. “I get the picture of what’s going on here. V, N, are you too ok?”

“Yup! I’m as good as a cucumber!” N salutes.

“Besides getting hit by Ingrid’s glowie stick, I think I’m good,” V admits. “She put up a good fight against me a while ago, but she fell short in the long run.”

“I see.” Dimitri takes note. “The relics have been known to be volatile towards people, and in this case, drones, that don’t bear quests. So be careful with handling them in the future.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” V says with a sincere grin.

“Hold on…” N chimes in. “If holding a relic blows us up… does that mean it also blows up people as well?!” N squirms at the thought. “Do they become meat bombs…”

“Woah that would be pretty cool.” V sadistically smirks. “Just watching people blow up suddenly cause they were handling these relics would be very entertaining…”

Everyone except Bylese looks at V with disapproving looks, and V starts losing a bit of confidence. “Only towards our enemies at least…”

Dimitri sighs for a bit. “Please practice self-restraint, V… Anyways…” He turns to Ingrid his gaze turning stern. “Do you have anything to say for yourself?” His tone calm yet stern.

“Your Highness, please!” One of the Pegasus Knights pleads. “Those metallic dogs and that Duscur rat that you keep company will only-“

“QUIET!” Dimitri flares up with anger, and everyone goes silent. “N, V, and Dedue may not be from our land, but I’ll be DAMNED IF YOU DISCRIMINATE THEM ANY FURTHER! THEY HAVE SHOWN MORE HONOR AND GOODWILL TOWARDS OTHERS AND MYSELF TOWARDS OTHERS AND MYSELF THAN MY OWN KIN! I’m disgusted that you all act this way towards them!”

The Pegasus Knights cower before Dimitri while N feels slightly unnerved. “Umm… is it just me or does Dimitri sound and look way scarier than even us…” N gulps.

“What you’re seeing before you is a glimpse of the Boar’s true nature.” Felix coldly says. “A merciless beast that will cut down anyone in his way. So far, he’s keeping the beast within at bay, but don’t be fooled by that facade he puts up. It’s just a mask that hides his full wrath.”

“Wait seriously?” N says looking surprised. “No… there’s no way Dimitri could be that ruthless… he’s an upstanding guy who fights for justice, and does what’s right!”

“Hmph. Perhaps it would be better for you to stay ignorant of his true nature… but don’t say I didn’t warn you once he fully unveils himself. It will come out sooner or later.”

N gulps once more looking worried that Felix might be right about Dimitri. Bylese listened closely to what the two of them were talking about and clutched her hand close to her chest. “Dimitri…”

“If it were up to me, I would have executed you all on the spot!” Dimitri growls, and the knights start to fear for their lives.

“YOUR HIGHNESS, PLEASE!” Ingrid desperately cries out, and prostates herself to her prince. “Have mercy on my squadron… they were only following my orders, and sticking to the Knight’s code… if you want to punish someone, punish me! I was the one who ordered them to attack and kill Dedue and the drones. I did it because I feared what harm they could befall upon you, and all our class. I did it because I wanted to avenge Glenn and all the knights that died in the Tragedy… Those are my reasons for doing all this, and I offer no excuses for them… All I can say is…” Tears well from Ingrid’s eyes. “I’m so sorry… I’m sorry for belittling and discriminating you, Dedue… I’m sorry for what I’ve done to both you and N, V… I should have been more open towards you instead of acting out of fear and showing you nothing, but prejudice and discrimination…”

Dedue, N, and V look on towards Ingrid, and they all start feeling sad for her. “Ingrid…” Dedue utters.

“But most of all… I’m sorry for betraying your trust, Your Highness…” Ingrid beats her chest. “I know you trust those two drones, and Dedue with your life, and for me to attack them with the intent to kill is the same as spitting on your trust… for that, I’m truly sorry…” Ingrid holds her relic to her chest. “I offer no excuses to defend myself… if you wish to end my life right now for actively trying to kill Dedue, V, and N, then I will gladly accept death.”

“Ingrid…” V utters as she starts feeling sorry for her. Dimitri keeps his gaze on V and walks towards her.

“Wait, Dimitri!” Felix gasps. “You’re not planning to-“ Bylese gestures for him to stop.

Dimitri’s shadow looms over Ingrid, and Ingrid closes her eyes as she prepares herself for her friend to take her life. However, the prince kneels down to her level and places his hand on her shoulder much to her surprise. “Ingrid… what you did was terrible and heinous, and while I would be tempted to cut you down right here and now… I can’t and I won’t.”

“W-what?” Ingrid stammers. “What are you saying… I deserve death…”

“No, you don’t. You made a big mistake, but I can see that despite you acting out of fear, you had good intentions at heart, and I can’t fault you for that nor can I ignore it. Plus, it takes great strength to face an overwhelming opponent… it takes greater strength to admit that you were wrong and that you were willing to own up to it.” Dimitri smiles. “I’m glad that you were able to own up to it, Ingrid.”

“Y-your Highness… I…”

“That said, I can’t let you or your company off Scott free. The Church and I can’t punish you for going after the Duscur army, but actively attempting to kill fellow students of the Academy cannot be ignored.” Dimitri turns to the Pegasus Corps. “Under my authority, I hereby strip you of your positions, and expel you from the Galatea Pegasus Corps.”

This surprises everyone while Bylese and Dedue remain Stone faced, and V looks amused. “Wow, that’s pretty Savage.” V comments.

“Your Highness! You can’t do this to us!” The captain pleads. “We are the protectors of the skies of the Kingdom! If you-“

“Ingrid, there are still some Pegasus Knights in your faction, are there not?”

“Y-your Highness?”

“Y-yes…” Ingrid utters. “But many of them are still rookies, and are not as skilled as the veterans I have here.”

“Then I don’t see the problem.” Dimitri says. “I would have the Pegasus corps be comprised of new blood that are willing to change, than have it be swarmed by those who close their hearts to outsiders. Your ranks shall be depleted to those of mere soldiers in service to the Kingdom.”

“B-but your Highness-“ the captain tries to blurt out, but Dimitri silences her

“Be thankful I’m not expelling from the Kingdom army or your service to the Kingdom. Oppose this punishment; and I can have that arranged.”

“B-but-“

“Do I make myself clear?!”

“W-we… Yes… Your Highness…” the knights finally relent.

“Good. Then you’re all dismissed. Ingrid, stay here for a moments.”

“Sera, lead the squadron back to the army.” Ingrid sadly says. “I’ll catch up with you later…”

“As you wish… My Lady…” The Captain leads her squadron back to the army looking defeated.

While V does feel bad for Ingrid, she doesn’t feel bad for her Pegasus company, and she brings out her flag: SUCK ON THAT, LOSERS!

Dedue lightly pushes V’s flag arm down, “Please don’t rub salt on the wound, V…”

“Fine…” V reluctantly retracts her flag.

“Now then…” Dimitri continues. “I’m sure the Church will have a suitable punishment for you, but I do have two punishments for you.”

“Two punishments?” Dedue’s eye widen.

“Isn’t that a bit too harsh…” N worriedly asks.

“It’s ok…” Ingrid assures them. “I probably deserve it anyway… I’ll gladly accept any punishment you throw at me.”

“Very well.” Dimitri continues. “For your first punishment, I want you to be V’s sparring partner?”

The request perplexes everyone present, “Huh?” Ingrid utters.

“What?” Everyone else utters.

“Oh…” V slyly grins. “This should be fun…”

A slight chill rubs up Ingrid’s spine at the sight of V grinning. “You want me to be her sparring partner.”

“That’s right.” Dimitri confirms. “With the Battle of the Eagle and Lion coming up in a few moons, I’ll need everyone to be ready to face the drones. Since you’re the only one of us that can fly, you’re the only one who can face and pursue the drones when they’re airborne. Besides,” Dimitri smiles. “I feel that you bond with new people more effectively when you’re sparring with them.”

“Well… you’re not wrong…”

“Just to give you a heads up, Karen!” Ingrid angrily turns to V, and the Disassembly drone smirks seeing that she’s got her attention. “If you become my sparring partner, you’re going to be praying for death cause I don’t mess around in battles! Look at Felix here! I kicked his ass twice already!”

“How about I cut your tongue off, V?” Felix glares at him.

“Oh boy…” V seductively traces her finger on Felix. “Beat me, and I might give it to you.”

“Huh?” Felix remarks before he starts getting embarrassed upon realizing her meaning. “W-wait no! Screw you, V! Your disgust me!”

“Wait… I don’t get it…” N is left bewildered.

“You don’t have to get it, N.” Bylese pats him on the head. “It’s best that you don’t know.”

Felix and V continue to bicker amongst themselves, and Ingrid can’t help but stifle a small laugh from this. “So you think I’d be at a near death state if I become your sparring partner?”

“Yeah. Obviously.” V says matter of factly.

“I’m afraid I can’t let that slide.” Ingrid eagerly says. “I accept the role of being your training partner, and if I down you at least once, you must quit calling me a Karen! Is that ok?”

V responds with her own eager grin. “Sure thing, Karen.”

Ingrid sighs once more, “One day I will get you to shut up in calling me a Karen… Dimitri, before I forget, what’s the second punishment?”

“Ah yes.” Dimitri gets back on track. “For your second punishment, I want you to go beyond your comfort zone, and interact with Dedue and the drones more often.”

“That’s it?” A perplexed Ingrid says as she glances towards Dedue and N awkwardly. “I guess… I could try.”

“You don’t have to rush things, Ingrid.” Dedue assures her. “Just take your time, and I’m sure we’ll get off on the right foot.”

“Thank you, Dedue…” Ingrid gratefully says. “I wish to make it up to you after all the times I disrespected you when you were not responsible for the Tragedy of Duscur… I won’t say that this won’t be awkward or anything… but I’m willing to try and do my best to get to know you.”

“I appreciate that, Ingrid.” Dedue gratefully says. “Just being your friend will be enough for me.”

“You’re too kind, Dedue, and N… I’m sorry for slicing off your arms and your wing… as well as… threatening to kill you and such…”

“Nah, its ok.” N cheerfully says. “V once decapitated me, but I forgave her despite everything. If I could do that for her, I know I can forgive you as well.”

“I see…” Ingrid awkwardly says feeling a bit unnerved by the decapitation, but nonetheless, I’d like for this to be a fresh start.” She offers her hand to Dedue, N and V, “I look forward to getting to know all of you!”

“Me too.” Dedue was the first to shake her hand.

“Yup, let’s do fun stuff together!” N enthusiastically says. “Also…” he whispers. “You might want to keep this a secret from Uzi…”

“Oh definitely…” Ingrid meekly acknowledges this as she knows how powerful Uzi is, and how protective she is of N. Who knows what sort of horrors she will inflict on Ingrid if she ever found out.

Lastly, Ingrid turns to V who looks all smug and sassy, “So are you ready to train with the hardest and most taxing sparring partner of your life, Karen?”

“Oh, I’m ready to endure whatever crazy things you’ll put me through, and I will get you to stop calling me, Karen!” Ingrid states.

“Hmmm…” V responds with a smug grin. “We’ll see about that.” V accepts Ingrid’shand and shakes on it.

Chapter Text

Around the same time Dimitri was rounding up his team for his mission today…

“Here’s your Wooden Sword.” Dorothea offers a child the training weapon. “Just make sure you’re careful with handling that thing. Wouldn’t want to hit someone accidentally, would we?” 

“Wow! Thanks, Dorothea!” The child beams with excitement. “You know, you’re even more beautiful in person than what all the rumors suggested!”

“Why thank you, little one.” Dorothea giggles. “Now go off and run along to your friends. I’m sure they’d be excited to see you.”

“Ok, thanks again!” The child happily says before running off to the village downhill from the marketplace.

“It seems your reputation precedes you, Dorothea,” Hubert smirks as he’s been reluctantly helping in promoting Jeralt’s shot.

“You do need to lighten up, Hubie.” Dorothea flicks her hair. “You may scare off some potential suitors if you keep brooding like this.”

“Please, I do not care for so menial things.” Hubert snorts. “All that matters is the path Lady Edelgard and I walk together.”

“You really are that devoted to Edie, huh…” Dorothea softly smiles. “But you still need to loosen up a bit. I’m sure Edie would appreciate it more if you’re less… stiff.”

“Really? And how do you propose I do that?”

“Hmmm…. It’s hard to explain knowing you… but I think to simplest way to say it is… to be like J!”

“You want me to be more like J?”

“Yup! Despite how stiff J can be, she can be funny at times albeit not intentionally, but I’m sure you can pull it off somehow.”

“You do know that J and I are already similar in some ways, right?”

“How so?” Dorothea tilts her head.

“We both traumatized Bernadetta, Caspar, and Linhardt in some way,” Hubert smirks. “I don’t suppose you’d want that would you?”

“No…” Dorothea frowns. “But you didn’t have to put it that way…”

“I’m just stating the facts.” Hubert hands over a concoction to a customer. “By the way, what are your thoughts on our… colorful new classmates?”

“Oh, they’re definitely a lot of fun!” Dorothea smiles. “Especially Uzi. I’m quite envious of how free-spirited she is. I wish I was like that in some way.”

“You’re quite free spirited in your own way.” Hubert encourages her. “You and Petra and not bound by Fodlan nobility so you two have more freedom than the most of us among the Black Eagles. J’s the same in that regard, but since she’s more of accepting authority than the rest of us, she’d probably restrict herself more often.”

“I see…” Dorothea utters. “I do hope she could relax a bit more. Perhaps she just needs that special someone to help her do that.”

“Knowing her, that special someone would probably want to run for the hills if ever she imposed something on them.” Hubert chuckles. 

“I have faith J will find someone that will warm her icy cold heart.” Dorothea smiles. “Perhaps I could probe into her to figure out what she likes.”

“Only if Claude and his buffoons don’t exhaust her brain cells.” Hubert smirks just as an suspicious customer leaves a piece of parchment in his pocket. Hubert picks up on it, and feels out the parchment.

“Is something wrong, Hubie?” Dorothea asks.

“Apologies, but there are certain matters that require my attention.” Hubert calmly says.

“Oh? You’re leaving me to my lonesome?”

“I’m certain that you can handle this on your own. And don’t try to charm me into staying. It won’t work on me.”

“You’re no fun, Hubie…” Dorothea pouts.

“Now then I must be going. Lady Edelgard will be informed by then that I’ll be gone till the day after tomorrow. So look after her, Dorothea. I’m sure she’ll need all the help she can get to not lose her mind to Uzi and V.”

“You can count on me, Hubie!” Dorothea winks. “I’m sure Edie will be in good hands with the Professor around.”

Hubert narrows his eyes for a bit, “I wouldn’t trust that man as well. Goodbye, Dorothea.” Hubert takes his leave.

“Hmmm… I wonder what Hubie is up to…” Dorothea giggles. “Hopefully it’s nothing too… indecent.”

“Where are you meat bags!” She hears someone screaming. “Don’t think you can hide from me for long!”

“Wait was that…” Dorothea looks closer amongst the crowd, and spots her, “J?!”

“I swear to robo god, I am going to work you to the freaking bone as soon as I find you numbskulls!” J continues to rant.

“She doesn’t look like she’s in a good mood though…” Dorothea snaps her fingers. “Maybe I can cheer her up just a bit!” After servicing her next customer, Dorothea moves in towards J.

Dorothea moves amongst the crowd, and follows J while the Disassembly Drone continues to be in a really foul mood. “I wonder who she’s ranting about right now…”

“Come out, Claude! Or suffer a negative performance review despite your meager excellence! Ignatz, you better not me attempting to draw more absurd drawings of that toaster! And Leonie, it’s time you stop this unhealthy obsession with the old man!”

“Oh… that’s why.” Dorothea sighs as she follows J closely.

“Hey, Young Missy….” A drunk merchant approaches J. “Looks like your lost…” he hiccups. “Perhaps I could help you out… in getting you somewhere more… comfortable…”

J glances at the drunk merchant, and gives him a death glare before sweeping the merchant off his feet. She quickly follows up with an uppercut to his face, and sends him flying before he crashes into a fruit stall. The commotion causes a ruckus, and the fruit vendors start freaking out. J glances at the hand he used to uppercut the drunk merchant. “Filthy.” J scoffs before turning her other hand into hand sanitizer, and cleans out the dirt she incurred from the merchant. “Much better.”

Just then, some knights and the Gatekeeper come in the scene. “What’s with all this commotion?” The Gatekeeper asks. “Is there something to report here?”

“I’m afraid that merchant is the one responsible, Kid.” J points to the unconscious merchant. “He deliberately tried to take advantage of me while I was doing a most important task.” J curls her fingers. “I simply gave him a piece of my mind, and would have fired him if I were his superior.”

“I-I see…” the Gatekeeper stammers.

“Yeah, the grumpy one speaks to the truth!” Several witnesses vouch for her.

“She did us a great service today!”

“I hate that guy… trying to steal from my stall…

“He got what he deserved!”

“We saw the whole thing with our eyes! He should be in jail for harassment!”

“But what about my fruits…”

“V-very well…” the Gatekeeper stammers once more. “We shall apprehend this fiend, and get him to pay 75% of repair costs on the fruit stall. Unfortunately, we will ask you to pay 25% of the repair costs since you were indirectly responsible…”

J disapprovingly sighs, “I suppose it can’t be helped.” She brings out a money bag. “Will 2,000 gold cover for damages?”

“I’m afraid so, Ma’am.”

“Very well.” J hands over the gold required, but just before he could receive it, she pulls the Gatekeeper towards him and whispers. “Mark my words, if I find out that this is a scam to squeeze out money from me, I will report you to Seteth, and make your life a living hell. Got it?”

“Y-yes, Ma’am…” the Gatekeeper utters nervously l.

“Good.” J sarcastically smiles, and lets go off the soldier. “Now then carry on. I must get back to my task of tracking down three imbeciles.”

The Gatekeeper and the knights scamper off to handle the situation while J continues on her way within the marketplace. “Woah… J doesn’t mess around…” Dorothea utters. “Perhaps, I could move in a bit closer.

J stops for a moment looking even grumpier. “I know you’ve been following me.”

“Oh crap…” Dorothea squeaks and stops in her tracks.

J sighs, and turns towards Dorothea. “Just so you know, I am in no mood to deal with…” she stops mid sentence, and her hardened expression is replaced with one being flustered. “D-Dorothea?!”

“Hi, J…” Dorothea meekly waves. “I do apologize for stalking you just now…”

“No no no no no…” J frantically assures her. “I just… wasn’t expecting you thats it…” J awkwardly laughs

Dorothea tilts her head to the side, “Are you ok, J?”

“Y-yes of course…” J clears her throat and composes herself. “So… what brings you here, Dorothea?”

“Professor Byleth has gotten myself, Edie, Hubie, Lin and Uzi working here at the marketplace to search for clues for our next moon. So far, it isn’t going to smoothly to my liking. What about you? What’s got you so riled up all of a sudden?”

“Ugh… you have no idea…” J slumps her shoulders down. “Claude, Leonie and Ignatz gave me the slip while I wasn’t looking after I gave them several team building exercises.”

“What sort of exercises?” Dorothea asks.

“Mainly writing reports on Fodlan politics for a couple of hours straight, managing the horses for an hour, intense training exercises at the training grounds for two and a half hours, etc, and also while we look for clues in the midst of all this…” J jots down. “Just a few of the exercises I have planned for them.”

“I see…” Dorothea utters seeing that it’s no wonder why Claude, Leonie and Ignatz ran off. “Perhaps you might be taxing them too hard, J. They’re not the Black Eagles, you know.”

“You’re right. They are not the Black Eagles. They are more disorganized and irrational people that are too relaxed for my liking. I must whip them up to shape in my short time here hoping that they will be outstanding examples of society once they graduate!” J declares proudly.

“Yeah… no wonder why they ran off.” Dorothea sighs. “Look, you can’t be all guns blazing towards the Golden Deer. These things take time especially since the Golden Deer are way different than the Black Eagles.”

“Exactly my point!” J slams her fist in her palm. “I must take more drastic measures, and whip them-“

“Not so fast…” Dorothea gestures. “Perhaps you’re rushing them too much. You need to ease them in so that they don’t feel like you’re putting immense weight on them. These things take time, and you need of be patient with them if you’re expecting results.”

J widens her eyes, and blinks, “You think so?”

“These things don’t happen overnight.” Dorothea giggles. “It takes time for things to develop.” She traces her fingers on J’s right pigtail causing her to flush red. “Like your pigtail, I don’t think you got them right on your first try.”

“You’ve got that right…” J makes a small smile. “I had help from someone before in managing these pigtails.” Unfortunately for her, a warning comes up on her visor. WARNING! SLIGHT OVERHEAT IN SYSTEM DETECTED! POSSIBLE CAUSE: ATTRACTION TO- J slaps herself on the face with red shades of red displayed on her visor.

“My my, J…” Dorothea deviously grins. “Are you blushing?”

“N-no! I am not!” J aggressively denies and faces away. “I simply need to replenish my oil to cool myself down.”

“Right…” Dorothea giggles before hugging J from behind. “You may be a drone, but you certainly have feelings. After all, Uzi and N have feelings for each other, and I assume V likes someone as well. I don’t suppose you are any different aren’t you?” She continues to tease.

OVERHEAT STEADILY RISING! J blushes more intensely as she feels something very soft pressing against her back. “T-this is extremely inappropriate behavior!” J shrugs Dorothea off her. “School policy would prohibit such behavior, and would result in a scandal!”

“Now, now there’s no need to be shy.” Dorothea playfully teases. “As long as I don’t push my luck with you there won’t be a scandal.”

J gulps once more feeling more flustered since the day she became a Disassembly Drone as Dorothea lightly taps her visor. The Disassembly drone blushes once more, and the songstress giggles.

“Relax, J. I was only teasing.” Dorothea giggles. “I must say if I found out you were this easy to tease, I would have done so a long time ago, but better late than never.”

“I…” J struggles to utter a word. “I appreciate that I was able to amuse you somehow…” Scrap! Scrap! Scrap! Scrap! I can’t let her find out I was listening in on her the other night otherwise I’m royally screwed! I gotta leave quickly! “Now then, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be off to search for the Deer. Good day.”

J briskly walks away, but Dorothea grips her hand causing the Disassembly Drone to sweat more profusely. “Now, now, now… you might need help getting through with the Golden Deer, so let me accompany you in your search.”

“Please…” J awkwardly says. “That won’t be necessary. I’m fully capable of doing this on my-“

“I insist.” Dorothea sternly says. “Besides, I think you’ll need some help getting through with the Golden Deer.”

“But… what about-“

“I’m sure the Professor will understand. Besides, he did ask us to search for clues, and I feel that I’ll fare better in finding clues if I’m with you.”

“Well…” J trails off. “You’re not entirely wrong….”

“Then let’s go.” Dorothea smiles as she takes the lead leaving J baffled.

“What have I gotten myself into…” J utters looking baffled and defeated as she has no choice, but to accompany Dorothea.

Dorothea and J walk side by side and explore the outskirts of the marketplace. “So what do you do in your spare time, J?” Dorothea asks. “Do you indulge yourself in your alone time? Perhaps snacks you take in or maybe some fun stuff Uzi and the others do?”

“I mainly work in my quarters or at the library during my spare time,” J answers. “I wish to be the best able-bodied drone for Edelgard’s cause. Indulging myself isn’t a luxury I have.”

“Well, that’s no fun.” Dorothea frowns. “No wonder you're so stiff. I hear that you, V, and N worked at a manor before you became… you know…”

“Yes, we did work at a manor before, but unlike idiot N, I was still on my toes during my working hours there.”

“Must you always be so demeaning towards him?” Dorothea frowns. “He seems like a nice guy.”

“He is, and he is a hopeless idiot,” J admits. “But he’s an honest hopeless idiot, and… I’ll try my best being… less mean to him.”

“That’s good.” Dorothea’s face softens. “Anyways, what was it like working at a manor? I can imagine it was quite fabulous.”

“Not really to be honest. The heads of the family, the Eliots, were very cruel, and even resorted to killing their own Worker Drones if they screwed up on something.”

“Oh my!” Dorothea gasps. “That’s horrible!”

“Indeed it was. Among the Worker Drones under the employ of the Eliot family, only seven of us truly preserved there. N, V, and myself along with four others. One of them was a fellow server like the three of us although she had a bit of… deficiencies while the other three were in charge of the security of the manor.”

“I see. Did you ever want to leave the manor at some point?”

“I did,” J admits. “I concluded that the Eliots were horrible bosses and that I couldn’t stand being in their service. Though I never showed it to anyone else.”

“Wait… if you didn’t like them, why didn’t you leave the manor?”

J’s face softens, and she makes a small smile, “Mainly because of one person and one drone. The person being the Eliot Family’s daughter, Tessa…”

“Tessa…” Dorothea fondly smiles. “That sounds like a cute name.”

“It is. Tessa was the only human who cared about us Worker Drones, and she was the one who helped us get by when the Eliot parents were berating us. She was… my best friend…”

“She sounds like a wonderful person… what happened to her if I may ask?”

Anxiety is written all over J’s visor as memories of the Gala Massacre flash before her eyes, recalling all the human screams sounding in her audio sensors including Tessa’s. “I… I’m sorry…” J utters while her breathing speeds up. “I don’t want to talk about it…”

“Ok.” Dorothea respectfully nods. “I understand…” Poor thing… whatever happened to her friend must have traumatized her… “Hey…” Dorothea places her hand on J’s shoulder. “I know the Black Eagles and myself will never be able to replace Tessa, but we can help you ease the pain along with your three other friends.”

“N and V are hardly my-“ J stops herself just in time and softly smiles. “I do appreciate the support, Dorothea. As for my fellow drones, we’re in a very… complicated spot right now.”

“I see. Friendships that are complicated are always hard to fix…” Dorothea pauses for a moment. “But usually they’re the ones that we have to go the extra mile for.”

“I suppose you have a point.” J smiles. “I’m actually glad you’re here with me. You remind me a lot of Tessa.”

“That’s sweet, J…” Dorothea blushes a bit. “I’m just glad that I can help you out any way I can. By the way, you mentioned that there was a drone that made you stay in the manor besides Tessa?”

“Ah yes, that would be-“

“Uzi, are you sure this will lead to something?” J and Dorothea hear Ignatz whisper.

“Positive, hehehehe…” they hear Uzi whisper. “one of the mercenaries told me that checking out the Secret Shop might be worth looking into.”

“Well… Anna does have a habit of knowing a lot of things involving merchants.” They also hear Leonie.

“Either way, we’re definitely going to find out something interesting from Anna,” Claude whispers. “Let’s go.”

J and Dorothea hear the quiet footsteps of Uzi and the Golden Deer heading down the street. “Ah, looks like we found them.” Dorothea chirpily says.

“And they’re with that toaster…” J sneers. “Come on, Dorothea! Let’s go catch them!” J brisk walks after them.

“This is not going to end well, is it…” Dorothea facepalms before following after J.

J and Dorothea follow Uzi, Claude, Ignatz, and Leonie closely while the latter group remains stationed a few blocks away from Anna’s Secret Shop. “That’s Anna’s Secret Shop?” Uzi asks. “It doesn’t look like much, to be honest…”

“You’d be surprised with how much stuff Anna has in her shop,” Claude whispers.

“Besides plans on how to scam people of their money?”

“Yup,” Leonie adds. “Captain Jeralt would usually deal with her, and when he does, he gets something priceless. And everything Jeralt looks into is always amazing!”

Uzi rolls her eyes after hearing Leonie’s obsession once more. “I hope that mercenary was right about that info,” Uzi says before transitioning to a snicker. “I can’t wait to learn money making schemes from Anna.”

J shakes her head looking very annoyed. “Just hearing that toaster’s voice grinds my gears…”

“So how do you want to do this?” Dorothea whispers. “Should we listen in or-“ J gives her answer by simply walking towards the group. “Well… this isn’t going to be pretty…”

“Should we even be doing this?” Ignatz nervously whispers.

“Of course!” Uzi eagerly nods. “Byleth and the old man want clues so we’re going to look for some clues!”

“But… wouldn’t J be furious if we snuck out like that?”

“Hmph. Don’t worry, Ignatz.” Leonie confidently says. “That stiff bitch wouldn’t be able to find her toes, so there’s no what she’s finding us.”

“Stiff bitch you say?” J says in a condescending tone right behind them.

All sources of warmth left Uzi and his group, and Ignatz trembles with fear. “Ummm… was that…”

“It’s okay, Ignatz…” Leonie pathetically tries to assure him. “I-it’s probably just our imagination…”

“Our imagination?” J continues before punching Leonie on the head.

“Owww….” Leonie groans in pain.

“Surely it’s not just your imagination if you felt it, right, Leonie?” J menacingly smiles while slowly curling up her fist.

Ignatz gulps as he, Claude and Uzi face J. “We’re doomed…”

“Oh hey, J!” Claude enthusiastically smiles though it doesn’t reach his eyes. “How’ve you been? Did you go brush up your hair cause it looks extra shiny right now. Ooh! Perhaps I could recommend a good hair sa-“

J scowls towards Claude, and sinks her foot into the ground. “Yeah… I don’t think J’s going to listen to us…” Uzi warily says.

“Do you think you have what it takes to escape from me and your responsibilities?!” J sternly asks.

“No…” Ignatz trembles.

“Now calm down, J.” Claude gestures much to J’s growing annoyance. “We weren’t… exactly running from our responsibilities… We’re looking for clues for the so called “assassination plot”… We just prefer to do it our own way.”

“Uh huh…” J nods, and turns towards Uzi with narrowed eyes. “I hope you aren’t causing Lady Edelgard any trouble.”

“Me? No…” Uzi awkwardly says. “We’re being best buds me and her hehehehe… we even ran a stall together just a couple of hours ago…”

“Really?” J asks looking skeptical. “And if you enjoy your time with her, then what are you doing here?”

“I figured that Claude could need some help searching for clues for some eventual idiots… so I decided to help him out, and the Little Princess gave me her permission…”

“Didn’t Edelgard just toss you aside after you made a kid cry…” Leonie groans while rubbing the bump on her head.

“Shut it, Leonie!” Uzi kicks Leonie on the knee causing her to get toppled once more. “It was an accident, and-“

Uzi stops mid sentence has J looks over her with her eyes filled with skepticism and anger towards the her and the Golden Deer. The Disassembly Drone’s eyes begin to twitch irritably.

“So… we’re gonna go now… so we’ll see you very soon… Bye!”

“Not! So! Fast!” J exclaims stopping Uzi and the others in their tracks. “I am not done with you four just yet. You think I’m going to let you idiots run off like that while you casually abandon your posts? No Siree! I will drag you back to your respective position even if it kills me!”

“Please don’t take us with you, J…” Ignatz frightfully says.

“Oh so you wanna fight huh?” Leonie regains her hearing. “Well I’m definitely ready to pick a fight with-“

J fires a tranquilizer dart onto her leg. “Shut up, Leonie.  Got no time dealing with brash mercenaries.”

“Screw you, J….” Leonie utters before she falls asleep.

“D-did you just make her fall asleep?” Ignatz asks

“Yeah.” J says matter of factly. “Never seen a tranq gun before?”

“Definitely not.” Claude examines the tranq dart. “I must say it looks quite fascinating. Say, Uzi. Do you have these kinds of darts?”

“I wish I had…” Uzi sighs. “Unfortunately, I don’t have built in weapons like J, N and V…”

“Hehehehe.” J cockily laughs. “N and V don’t possess tranquilizers like I do. I’m the only one the possesses these tranquilizer darts just like how V’s the only one that has that obscene flag.”

“Geez… that sucks…” Claude frowns. “I was hoping N would show me how to manufacture them to my liking.”

“Well too bad! You’re not going to- Hang on, why are we talking about tranquilizer darts?!” J course corrects. “I’m supposed to bring you in, and have you take responsibility for your missed assignments!”

“Woah, woah, woah, woah… Settle down, J…” Claude raises his arms, but J still has gun pointed at him.

“You’re not getting away this time, Claude.”

“And you’re not getting through Claude that easily.” Uzi bravely steps in between them with the Solver symbol displayed on her palm.

“Don’t think it’ll be like last time toaster.” J unsheathes her sword. “Unlike Claude and the others, I don’t have to hold back on you.”

“Bite me!” Uzi smugly grins. “Cause I’m going kick your ass once more.”

J narrows her eyes, and gets ready for combat while Claude and Ignatz lug Leonie away from the potential clash that’s about to ensue. 

“Settle down you two!” Dorothea claps her hands, and gets between the two drones.

“Huh?!” Uzi gasps.

“D-Dorothea! What are you doing?!” J stammers a bit. “Step aside so I can blast this toaster all the way to Mars!”

“As much as I would love to see you two duke it out once more…” Dorothea sarcastically says, “I’m afraid I can’t allow you to start fighting after seeing what you two are capable off especially in a middle of a public place.”

J and Uzi look around, and find several commoners already steering clear from the eventual battlefield. Some of them are taking shelter in their houses and some of the shopping stalls.

“Please, J…” Dorothea places her hand on her chest. “For me…”

J contemplates for a while, and glances towards Uzi who looks conflicted as well. “Alright.” J puts away her weapons. “I’d rather not get chained to someone else again.”

“Me too.” Uzi powers down her solver power. “Being chained to the Old man back then was fun and all, but if Mosshead chains me to someone else or himself, I don’t think I’d be able to take it…”

“Phew…” Ignatz slumps down to the ground. “That was too close…”

“Yeah…” Claude nods. “You ok, Uzi?”

“Yeah…” Uzi crosses her arms. “Just bummed that I don’t get to kick J’s ass again…”

“Feelings mutual.” J scoffs. “Perhaps we could take this to the sky and-“

“J…” Dorothea pats her on the head much to J’s embarrassment. “Behave yourself.”

J starts feeling flustered, and gently swats Dorothea’s hand away. “Ok… please stop doing that.”

Dorothea giggles as she withdraws her hand, You’re so much cuter like this, J.

Uzi notices this, and lightly snickers to herself before unfolding her hands, “I gotta say you got a lot of guts, Dorothea. Probably just as much as Petra.”

“Why thank you, Uzi. I may moon delicate, but I have broke people’s arms before when they get too close.”

“Stalkers?” Uzi asks.

“Yup, stalkers.”

“Man those people are the worst.” Uzi exasperates. “I mean, I’ve never been stalked before, but I can only imagine it wasn’t a pleasant feeling.”

“I know right!” Dorothea strongly says. “Just a few nights ago, I felt that I was stalked by someone during one of my nightly escapades!” Anxiety hits J hard, and she holds her pigtails close. “That said, I was doing something similar with J for friendly reasons, and granted, they didn’t try anything to me nor did I find them, but if I ever find out who this is, I’m going to blast them with a Thoron spell!”

“A Thoron spell…” Claude rubs his chins. “I gotta say being on the receiving end of one of those spells isn’t a pleasant experience.”

I could survive a Thoron spell, but I don’t think I would want Dorothea finding out I was watching her last night… J thought to herself.

“Anyways, Claude…” Dorothea turns to Claude. “I heard that you and Uzi are searching for clues?”

“That’s right.” Claude confirms. “Uzi has caught a lead that Anna might know something about where the attackers will strike.”

“You mean that con artist?” J questions.

“Yup! I hear that merchant got some clues that might be great for us, and other stuff.” Uzi states.

“Since we have the same goal, might I ask if we could join you?” Dorothea asks.

“Huh?” J gasps. 

“I feel like J and I can help out a great deal if we accompany you. So what do you say, Uzi, Claude?”

“Hmmm…” Uzi taps her foot. “Should we take along Dorothea and stupid J…”

“I heard that!” J scowls.

Uzi ignores her, and turns to Dorothea. “I think we can let you two accompany us in our interrogation later. As long as you can rein J in from time to time. What do you think, Claude?”

“I think we can work with that, Uzi.” Claude smirks. “Overall, it’s your lead so it is your decision on whether we take them in or not.”

Claude notices J still looking unconvinced, and annoyed by the entire situation. “I don’t think she’s too happy about this…” Ignatz nervously says.

“Not for long.” Claude says before he turns to J. “Say J, what if you personally told Edelgard that you led the investigation on Anna’s Secret Shop, and you personally have her the intel we managed to learn from this investigation while we learned something crucial about our mission?”

J perks up at the mention of this. “Say that again?”

“You heard me.” Claude slyly says. “We let you come with us, and you will allow us to continue the investigation under your leadership. That way we get what we want, and you take all the responsibility of the mission while looking good in front of Edelgard.”

Uzi gets slightly annoyed by this, and she grimaces towards, “Claude! That’s my-“

“Shhh…” Dorothea shushes her. “Think about it. We’ll be able to investigate more thoroughly, and J can look good in leading the investigation.”

“But-“

“Also think about it. You’ll still be able to get some tips from Anna for any future schemes.”

“That’s… actually not a bad idea…” Uzi’s frown turns into a grin before he glances at J who’s still contemplating her answer. “Fine, I’ll play along with J for now.”

Thank you.” Dorothea says just as J gives her answer.

“Ok, I know what you’re doing, Claude!” J glares at Claude. “And it’s definitely working. I’m in as long as you follow my lead in this investigation.”

“You got it, J.” Claude gives her a thumbs up just as J closer the gap between him and her causing Ignatz to stumble back.

“Listen here, you no good schemer,” J whispers menacingly. “If you double cross me at any point know that as soon I find a reason I need, I will make your death look like a suicide. Is that clear?”

“Crystal,” Claude replies with no fear in his eyes. “Besides, I wouldn’t be that foolish to double cross, especially after seeing what you guys can do.”

“Good.” J breaks off from Claude. “Alright everyone, hustle up!” She says in a commanding tone. “We’re going into that con artist’s shop, and get the information we need or die trying!”

“Don’t you think that’s a bit too… extreme?” Ignatz asks.

“Quiet, Four Eyes. And carry Leonie while you’re at it.”

“Ok…” Ignatz slumps his shoulders in defeat as he attempts to carry Leonie.

“And Uzi?”

“Yeah?” Uzi shrugs.

J points to her eyes before directing her two fingers towards Uzi. “Don’t screw this up.”

Uzi rolls her eyes, “Wouldn’t dream of it, J.”

Dorothea sighs, “This is going to be quite… interesting…”

The group consisting of Dorothea, J, Uzi, Claude, and Ignatz carrying an unconscious Leonie arrive a few meters away from Anna’s Secret Shop. “Thank you for doing business with you, Dear Traveler.” Anna hands over an armored head stuffy.

“Thank you so much, Anna!” The customer excitedly bows. “My daughter and I will be eternally grateful to you!” The traveler leaves with the stuffy on hand.

“Awww that’s so sweet.” Dorothea fondly smiles. “I never knew Anna sells those kinds of toys.”

“Me neither.” Uzi agrees. “Who knows what sort of goodies she keeps in her shop.”

Anna counts the gold she has collected from the traveler. “That’s another 3,000 gold added to my inventory. With this next deal, I’ll be swimming in money!” She excitingly states.

“3,000 gold…” J utters in an annoyed tone. “For a stuffy??? Those things cost only 500 gold! Why is she pricing these objects at ridiculous amounts??!!! This can’t-“

“Settle down, J.” Dorothea calmly says. “I know it’s rough, but we still have a mission to do, remember?”

“Fine…” J sighs. “We’ll calmly ask Anna for questions about the incoming “assassination plot,” and then we put her to justice for conning people at a later date.”

Everyone nods in agreement, and Claude offers a suggestion, “Why don’t Dorothea and I go in first, and soothe things over before you and Uzi join in?”

“Yeah,” Dorothea chimes in. “Anna is probably wary of you, J. So maybe we could set the tone before you dive in all guns blazing.”

“Very well.” J agrees. “Just be careful not to get conned by the con artist, Dorothea.”

“That would be no problem, J.” Dorothea winks, and she and Claude make their approach.

Uzi glances towards J and Dorothea back and forth. “J… do you have the hots for-“

“Shut it, Uzi.” J strongly whispers, “And not a word to anyone, Ignatz.”

“Yes, Ma’am…” Ignatz trembles while Dorothea and Claude take center stage.

“I gotta say, I’m quite impressed with how well you handled both J and Uzi back there.” Claude compliments Dorothea. “I thought this place was going to be a warzone for a second.”

“It was nothing, Claude.” Dorothea smiles. “I just… don’t want things to get unnecessarily violent between those two despite their rivalry.”

“Yeah, I get what you mean.” Claude glances behind them. “You think those two will ever get along.”

“I’m not sure… but I’m willing to try being the mediator between them, and…” she glances towards J. “I know we haven’t known each other for too long… but could you keep this a secret?”

“Sure. My head is full of secrets that are left untold until the time is right, so I guess adding one more wouldn’t hurt.”

“Ok. I want to help J feel more relaxed.”

“Oh?” This piques Claude’s interest. “Explain.”

“J just feels guarded for the most part as if she’s doing her best to contain her true feelings to herself. I don’t know how to explain it… but I feel that she’s hurting, and she’s doing her best not to show it.”

“It’s common for people to put their best foot forward when meeting people.” Claude points out. “Especially since these Drones are relatively new to Fodlan.”

“Even so, we’ve known each other for little over a month by now, and I feel that there’s so much more J’s hiding. I feel that if she lets out in the open. Perhaps her relationship with the drones would improve, and she’d be less inclined to bottle up her feelings.”

“I see.” Claude points out. “I’ll just keep jabbing at J occasionally until I find her limit.”

Dorothea chuckles. “Let’s just hope she doesn’t chuck your head off your shoulders.”

“Oh yeah, definitely.” Claude grins. “In any case, I do hope you’re successful in your mission, Dorothea.”

“Thanks, Claude.” Dorothea sincerely says. “Now then, let’s deal ourselves with a thrifty merchant.”

“Right,” Claude says as they move in on Anna.

“Welcome!” Anna greets them with splayed arms. “What can I get you today? Local commodities, healing items, weapons, rare items? I got em all! Just pay me a good sum, and I’ll give it to ya!”

“Good to see you too, Anna.” Dorothea greets. “I’m afraid we’re not looking for your usuals today.”

“Oh? And what would you be fishing today?”

“We’d like some info on the ins and outs of the Monastery.” Claude gets to the point.

“Ah, I see.” Anna flips a coin and catches it. “You’re looking for possible targets the intruders will attack, aren’t ya?”

“So you know what we’re up to then?” Dorothea asks.

“Of course!” Anna proclaims. “Word spreads fast in my line of work, especially with dealings happening within the Monastery.”

“You catch on quick, Anna,” Claude says. “I take it that you’re not going to do this for free, right?”

“Nope! Nothing comes for free, and everything comes at a price!” Anna slyly grins. “Information can be a powerful tool, and the best bargaining chip a merchant like myself has. I won’t give up that information so easily.”

“I hope you’re not going to ask us for money, Anna…” Dorothea frowns. “As it is, we wouldn’t be able to provide you the funds that would justify the information.” Dorothea flirtatiously giggles a bit. “Perhaps, there is something… else you would like?” 

“What the hell?!” J aggressively whispers while watching this unfold. “She better not be trying to do something scandalous with that-“

Uzi’s tail ambushes J and clamps its jaws on her mouth effectively keeping the Disassembly Drone quiet. “Shut up, J.” Uzi shushes her. “I’m sure Dorothea won’t go to such lengths. Don’t you think so, Ignatz?” Uzi blinks at the sight of Ignatz already fainted. “You’ll get used to it.” Uzi pats Ignatz on the head and listens.

“Sorry, Dorothea.” Anna shakes her head. “Even if you’re a famous songstress, you won’t be able to charm me that easily, and I doubt you would go so far as to… you know.”

Dorothea closes her eyes, and responds with a small smile, “You got me there, Anna. I wouldn’t want to end up in such a compromising situation especially if it will jeopardize Edie, Hubie, and J.”

Claude takes note of Dorothea’s apprehension. So, there are lines Dorothea isn’t willing to cross.

“That said…” Anna presses her palms together. “You do have a point in one thing. There is something you can provide me besides money, and it is something that will get me more money!”

“Great! We’re getting somewhere!” Dorothea clasps her palms together.

“So what does the legendary Anna want us to do?” Claude asks.

“I’d like you to do a job for me,” Anna says.

“A job?” Both Dorothea and Claude simultaneously say.

“Yeah! And it’s a pretty big one that will result in a boom in profits. Though… it does have some concerns…”

“What sort of concerns?” Dorothea asks feeling a bit jittery.

“Apparently, there’s some priceless treasure that’s been unearthed. If you can believe it, it predates the Adrestian Empire!”

“Older than the Empire.” Claude rubs his chin. “Now you definitely have my attention. Go on.”

“I’ve been asked to secure troops for the job, but I’ve got to cover the cost for them. The upside is, whatever we find, we get halfsies! But there’s a downside.”

J rips out the tail from her mouth. “Oh robo god… that was disgusting… And that downside better not be precarious.”

“Let me guess…” Claude starts. “The treasure we find is nonexistent or it’s just straight-up garbage?”

“Bingo!” Anna snaps her fingers. “If we find nothing, I’ll be eating those front-up costs. But just imagine the gold we can get if we do find something! It’s a risk I’m willing to take. It’s a job coming from a merchant named Pallardo.”

“Pallardo?” Dorothea asks looking shocked.

“Yeah! That guy. Ever heard of him?”

“I have… though not very good things to be honest. I hear he has dealings with thieves during desperate times. Are you sure you want to be dealing with someone like that, Anna?”

“Yeah I’ve heard the rumors too… but he does frequent the Monastery so…” Anna snaps her fingers. “Yeah, I’m gonna do it for the money! You in?”

“I’m not sure, to be honest…” Dorothea murmurs her concern.

“It’ll be fine. Since you have Byleth and Jeralt as your Professors, and you have two of those drones with you, I’m sure it’ll turn out ok if things go south.” Anna chirpily says.

“I see.” Claude takes note. “And if we do this job, you’ll give us the information we seek?”

“Yup! All the information I have on that will be provided for!”

“I see.” Claude turns to Dorothea. “What do you think, Dorothea? Should we take the risk?”

“Hmmm… if it does bring us closer to finding out where our assailants will be attacking. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to check out Anna’s treasures.”

“My thoughts exactly. We should get our Professor’s permission first before we set out for Anna’s expedition.” Claude glances toward the drones. “What about you guys? You think it’s a good idea?”

“Huh?” Anna spots the drones hiding near us. 

Uzi responds with a thumbs up on her visor while displaying the ok sign.

“Thanks a bunch!” Anna states. “Good to see you onboard the expedition as weeellll…” Anna’s voice dies down as J hovers over her. “Uh oh…”

“J, please don’t scare her.” Claude reminds her. “We already got a good deal from Anna.”

“I’m well aware, Claude.” J says. “I just want to make sure Anna is made aware of one thing.” J looks down towards Anna. “I’ll go along with your scheme as well, but if something happens that could cause severe injury to Lady Edelgard and Dorothea… well… let’s just say that a business rant mode will be like a mercy to you.”

“You got it, J.” Anna winks showcasing little to no fear on her face.

“J…” Dorothea blushes at the mention of her name alongside Edelgard’s.

“Ugh… I can’t stand you, Anna…” J scoffs walks off.

“Hey what about me?” Claude follows her. “Aren’t you worried about sweet old me?”

“Don’t push it, Claude.” An annoyed J tries to dismiss him, but Claude keeps following her.

Uzi comes to Dorothea’s side, and makes a small grin. “Well that’s the best mood J will ever be with Claude and i in her presence.”

“Say Uzi…” Dorothea mutters. “Have you ever seen J mutually single out people out of concern? I could understand Edie, but me?”

“Hmmm…” A question mark appears on Uzi’s visor. “Can’t say that I have to be honest… but I do have a hunch based on what stories N told me a while back.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“Perhaps it may be better to find out yourself.” Uzi mentions. “After all, finding things out on your own will always give you a pleasant feeling in your gut.”

“I suppose you’re right, Uzi.” Dorothea sincerely smiles as she hopes for the best for J.

Chapter Text

A day later, Uzi remains perched by the entrance to the Monastery as she sees off N, V, and the Blue Lions on their expedition. “See ya around, Uzi!” N pokes his head out of the wagon.

“See you, N!” Uzi waves back. “And don’t forget to give me a souvenir!”

“Of course!” N exclaims. “Though I’m not sure what to-“

V pushes N’s head out of view and annoys Uzi. “Hey, Uzi! What sort of souvenir can I get you?!” V calls out. “Fingers? Eyeballs? A nose?”

“A cool hat would be nice, V…” Uzi says looking deadpanned.

“So maybe… a human wig would do nice for-“ Uzi shuts V up with her Solver powers and pushes her to the back of the wagon.

“Yeah, yeah, goodbye, V.” Uzi dismissively gestures.

“We’re good, Uzi!” N pops with a thumbs up. “We’ll be sure to find you something nice!”

“I know you will.” Uzi softly smiles. “Just stay safe out there, N…”

“Sure thing, Little Buddy,” N responds in kind as the wagon slowly goes out of view. “Love you, Uzi!”

“I love you too, N,” Uzi says as the wagon and the Blue Lions are now out of sight.

“You care about them a lot, don’t you?” Uzi looks up to find Byleth standing beside her.

“And you seem to not be worried about your sister…” Uzi casually retorts.

“I do worry for her sometimes,” Byleth admits. “But given the nature of the mission were at, and since she has N and V by her side, she should be fine for the most part.” 

“Yeah… I suppose you’re right…” Uzi stuffs her hands in her pockets, and Byleth takes note of this.

“You’re worried about them, aren’t you?”

“Of course I am!” Uzi snaps. “They’re my best friends in the entire multiverse! I dunno if that’s the max the verse thing can go, but you get the point!”

“I do.” Byleth blankly says. “But like I said, N and V are more than skilled to handle a few rebels. They should be more than alright. The worst that could happen is that they get into some trouble with the Kingdom.”

Uzi chuckles a bit. “You know… I kinda envy you, Byleth.”

“How so?”

“Like how are you so calm about these things?”

Byleth glances at his hand. “I’m not sure myself. My sister and I have always been oddities to my father.”

“You and me both.” Uzi chuckles. “I’m like the biggest oddity in my colony.”

“I can tell with all the powers you possess.”

“I was always the biggest oddity way before I got my powers. I’m the biggest little angsty teen who didn’t care about what the other robots said about me.”

Byleth closes his eyes. “I see. Definitely, the sort of oddity I’ve come across throughout my missions.”

“Figures…” Uzi rolls her eyes. “At least you’re world is not as boring as being stuck in a colony behind ice for nearly your entire life. So what’s your oddity?”

“My sister and I have no heartbeat.” Byleth plainly says.

Uzi laughs in response, “That’s a good one! What’s the kicker to the joke? Unless…” Uzi’s enthusiasm dies down as she notices that Byleth is dead serious. “You’re not… serious, right?”

“I don’t joke about these things, and I don’t see the problem.” Byleth plainly says.

“You gotta be joking…” Uzi flies up and presses her head on Byleth’s chest to give it a listen. “There’s no… way…” Uzi’s eyes squint as her oil grows cold. WTF!!! “Holy crap… you really don’t have a heartbeat…”

“Yes. I don’t see the problem honestly.”

“Are you serious?!” Uzi lands and paces back and forth. “Unless I missed something about stupid human biology, you shouldn’t be alive right now!”

“That’s what my sister and myself often hear when I talk to my father’s mercenaries about it, but they get over it after a while.”

“But aren’t you a bit concerned?! Are you freaking zombie or something?! Are you some experiment that somehow escaped some unknown dungeon or that kind of crap?!”

“The thought never crossed my mind.”

“Ugh…” Uzi groans. “We’re going to have to work on your social skills, buddy… I am quite curious as to why you and your sister don’t have a heartbeat.”

“I’m sure the answer will show itself in time. I’m not in any hurry to find out the answer to that though.”

“You really are hopeless you know that…” Uzi slumps her arms down. “I’m sure your old man might know something about this.”

“I will admit that there are some secrets my father keeps from Bylese and myself, but we don’t mind it too much. The only thing we wish for our father to tell us about is…” Byleth’s words die down as he contemplates whether he should tell Uzi this.

“Tell you what?” Uzi asks.

“It’s nothing.” Byleth immediately answers. “Forget I said anything about this. We should focus on the mission at hand. I already have Caspar joining us.”

Uzi sighs once more. “You’re no fun… but definitely more tolerable than the Small Princess.”

“Hey kids.” Jeralt joins the duo. “Just seeing of your fellow Drones, Uzi?”

“Yeah.” Uzi nods. “Just hoping they don’t fall in some ditch, and get themselves killed somehow.”

“Me too, Kid.” Jeralt smiles. “Now then are you all set for this investigation you got ourselves into?”

“Always!” Uzi eagerly states with both her hands clenched. “I can’t wait to make some money!”

“We’re ready when you are, father.” Byleth simply says.

“Good cause I feel J will have our heads if you two dawdle and second later.” Jeralt tiredly. “That robo brat looks like she’s going to blow a fuse.”

“Of course she is.” Uzi rolls her eyes. “Though I suppose we better get going if we want to join Anna’s trip.”

“You got that right, Kid. Also, before I forget, Shamir and Jeritza will be joining us as well.”

“Is that so?” Byleth perks up.

“Sweet!” An excited Uzi states. “I’ve been wanting to watch that badass chick in action! But who’s Jeritza.”

“He’s the other Professor of the Black Eagles.” Byleth answers. “Much like how Professors Manuela and Hanneman are for the Golden Deer and Blue Lions respectively.”

“Huh… I wonder why I don’t know much about that guy…”

“You’re not the only one, Kid.” Jeralt chimes in. “Jeritza tends to keep to himself at the Training Grounds, and he barely interacts with any of the students.”

“He does try to duel with my sister and me from time to time,” Byleth says. “Though… his behavior does give me some concerns.”

“Why what did he say?” Jeralt asks.

“He says that he wants to duel to the death.

This sends chills throughout Uzi, and Jeralt tiredly shakes his head. “Oh god… no wonder why he’s so distant. I’ll go talk to him about this along the way. I don’t want him accidentally killing you.”

“I appreciate that, Father.” Byleth gratefully bows.

“Hold on…” Uzi chimes in. “I think I’ve met the guy before. A few days ago, he asked if he wanted to fight me and N to the death. Very creepy dude if you ask me.”

“Hmmm…” Jeralt rubs his sideburns. “Looks like Jeritza has a habit of wanting to challenge strong individuals like yourself. With that in mind, you two watch yourselves later. We’ll be working alongside him for this mission so be on your guard.”

“Got it.” Both Byleth and Uzi simultaneously say.

A couple of hours later, Uzi remains seated inside a wagon as it takes her to Brionac Plateau, the site where the treasure is located. The Worker Drone closes her eyes for a moment and brings out her hand. She displays the Solver symbol in her palm and rotates it as several codes come out on her visor.

01010011 01101111 01101100 01110110 01100101 01110010 00100000 01000100 01100101 01101100 01100101 01110100 01101001 01101111 01101110 00100000 01101001 01101110 00100000 01010000 01110010 01101111 01100111 01110010 01100101 01110011 01110011 11100010 10000000 10100110

Come on… she’s not awake right now… Please work, please…. She internally pleads.

Suddenly, an exclamation mark flickers in, and statics Uzi’s visor.

01010011 01101111 01101100 01110110 01100101 01110010 00100000 01000100 01100101 01101100 01100101 01110100 01101001 01101111 01101110 00100000 01000110 01100001 01101001 01101100 01100101 01100100 11100010 10000000 10100110 00100000 01010111 01101111 01101101 01110000 00100000 01010111 01101111 01101101 01110000 11100010 10000000 10100110 00100000 01000001 01110011 01110011 01101001 01101101 01101001 01101100 01100001 01110100 01101001 01101111 01101110 00100000 01001001 01101101 01101101 01101001 01101110 01100101 01101110 01110100 00101110 00100000 01001110 01101001 01100011 01100101 00100000 01010100 01110010 01111001 00101100 00100000 01010101 01111010 01101001 00101110 :)

“Are you freaking kidding me!” Uzi scowls, and slams her fist against the wall. “Stupid Robo Satan…” her visor softens, and she covers it in despair with both arms. What am I supposed to freaking do…

“Hello?” Uzi hears Edelgard right outside. “Is everything alright in there?”

Uzi gets back to neutral and puts her hands away. “Y-yup! Everything is fine!” She stammers. “Just chilling in an old boring wagon with no issue…”

“Right…” A suspicious Edelgard mutters before she climbs into the wagon much to Uzi’s dismay.

“Hey! No one told you that you could climb into my freaking wagon! This is my personal space!”

“First of all, it’s not your wagon. It’s the Monastery’s so it can be ridden by anyone who’s affiliated with it.” Edelgard sits across from Uzi. “And secondly, I feel that you might need some company since you’re staying in this wagon by yourself.”

“If that’s the case, shouldn’t you be with J then?” Uzi huffs.

“J’s preoccupied organizing plans with Captain Jeralt, Teacher, Anna, and Claude. Unfortunately for me, the Professor told me to keep you company in the meantime before we get to our destination.”

“Ugh…” Uzi groans and leans her head back. “Dear robo god… sometimes I can’t get that guy at times…”

“You’re not the only one.” Edelgard chuckles. “I too have a hard time reading Professor Byleth… it’s like… everytime I get a good read on him, he somehow surprises me, and unintentionally forces me to reassess him.”

“Ah, so you’re judging him.” Uzi smugly grins. “No wonder why you’re so unlikeable.”

Edelgard glares at Uzi. “Only to you, that is!” She retorts and places her hand on her chest. “I’m quite well respected amongst my peers even though it’s quite annoying at times…”

“Is that so?” Uzi asks. “Claude, myself, and a bunch of the other humans think otherwise. Especially that sleepy boy that likes reading.”

“Linhardt…” Edelgard groans. “Of course, he would feel that way…”

“Turns out you're not the perfect little princess, Small Princess.” Uzi bites back in a snarky manner.

“I’m not trying to be a Perfect Princess!” Edelgard snaps back. “Words cannot describe how much I’d want to live a normal life, and be myself…” Her words die down.

“Huh?” Uzi perks up at the mention of this. “You’d rather not be a noble instead? Wouldn’t living the noble life be great for you?”

“It has its perks, but it is quite troublesome at times,” Edelgard admits.

“Huh…” Uzi nods. “Being a noble sounds tedious and boring. I’d rather do cool stuff like blow up a building with N or venture out into space to do… SPACE STUFF!”

“Sometimes I do envy you, Uzi.” Edelgard chuckles.

“You? Envy me?” Uzi’s eyes widen. “That’s the biggest twist I’ve even heard this year.”

“Please forget I said that…” Edelgard groans. “The point I’m trying to make is that you’re free-spirited, and you don’t wait for others to tell you what to do. You do whatever you want whenever you wish without giving a single care in the world. I… wish I could be like that. I wish to not be the Future Emperor of Adrestia, and just be… Edelgard…”

“I’m sorry? Did I hear that right?” Uzi waves her hands. “Did I just hear the future Emperor prefer to be some sort of misbehaving junkie instead of the Emperor?! Never would have placed that in my bingo card.”

“A word to anyone about this…” Edelgard grips the handle of her axe. “and I spit your memory chip in half.”

Uzi blinks for a bit in shock. “Wow… looks like stupid J taught you well about our anatomy.”

“J is far from stupid, mind you,” Edelgard replies. “She has made it a point for me to know much about you drones, especially your extreme regenerative properties. She’s also made it a point to inform me that you, Worker Drones, are an inferior model of drones compared to the Disassembly Drones.”

“Is that so?” Uzi says feeling slightly annoyed. “That didn’t stop me from kicking her ass twice. If she feels that we Workers are inferior, then she’s definitely worse than inferior if she lost to someone like me.”

Edelgard sighs, and crosses her arms, “No wonder why you and J hate each other’s guts… to be fair, you’re considered to be an outlier among the Worker Drones am I correct?”

“More or less.” Uzi smiles. “My dream is to be the freest drone I can be with N by my side.”

“Is that so?” Edelgard inquires. “You have no grander ambitions than that? Just to be free?”

“Yup, and mostly to cause trouble whenever I feel like it,” Uzi smirks looking proud of herself.

“I see… in that case, wouldn’t you have already completed your dream by now.”

“Unfortunately, no…” Uzi answered as she clenched her fist. “There are still some things I need to take care of before I’m free, and I intend to make sure of that before I leave this planet.”

“Interesting…” Edelgard takes note. Does this have something to do with that Solver being she talked about yesterday? If so, why is she so worried about it if she destroyed it completely…

Uzi notices the change in demeanor and quickly changes Edelgard. “You also wish to be free as well… Free from the nobility and duties of the Empire. Right?”

“I…” Edelgard trails off. “A bit. I do think about it from time to time.”

“So why not just go out of the running to being head of the Empire, Small Princess? I’m sure someone can step up to the plate if you want?”

“Because there’s no one strong enough that I can trust to enact change.”

“Oh?”

“My people have suffered for far too long due to the negligence of corrupt and useless nobles who benefit only from Crests and status. They abuse their power, and everyone else suffers besides themselves. I know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of such suffering…”

Uzi crosses her legs while listening. “Go on.”

“When I become Emperor, I will enact change in the Empire, and hopefully throughout all of Fodlan. A change that will have a position of power not to be given, but to be earned by a person’s merits. A change that will ensure that the people of Fodlan won’t have to suffer, and experience what I and many others before have experienced. That’s why I aim to become Emperor.”

Uzi is left speechless as she contemplates. “Geez… that’s… SUPER CRINGE!” She screams.

“What?!” Edelgard gasps.

“So you wish to give up your freedom just to become Emperor in hopes to enact a slow change?! That’s so boring and you probably won’t achieve shit like that! You might as well just march up to the useless stupid nobles, and force them out of power otherwise you’re just prolonging the inevitable!”

“Ugh! You are unbelievable, Uzi!” Edelgard raises her voice. “I try to be reasonable and sincere towards you, and you just mock and insult my ideals and ambition?!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah! Go cry about it to your goth boyfriend or someone. I don’t care! You’re going to have to try harder if you wish to enact change. Not that it matters since you’re willing to sacrifice what you really want!”

“You little…” Edelgard grits her teeth, and furrows her brows. “Argh! I was a fool to think you could be reasoned with! I don’t know what the Professor sees in you, and frankly, I see nothing, but an insincere troublemaker!”

“Your opinion of me doesn’t matter.” Uzi scoffs. “I do what I want when I want to, and besides N, no one can steer me away from what I want to do!”

“I can’t stand you!” Edelgard snaps, and storms out of the wagon. “Have fun being on your own, Uzi!”

Uzi slinks back on the wall of the wagon, and groans before covering her visor with her beanie. “Bite me, Edelgard. You’re just making things harder on yourself.”

After a couple of hours passed, Uzi and her crew finally arrive at the Brionac Plateau, and the Worker Drone steps out of the wagon. The plateau turns out to be an open area with a few trees scattered across the open plain. “Hmmm… not too shabby.” Uzi comments to herself.

“I take it you had a pleasant ride on the way here.” Byleth asks as he’s been waiting for her at the entrance.

“More or less, Byleth.” Uzi shrugs. “Your Small Princess did provide me some entertainment for a bit.”

“Right…” Byleth sighs. “Edelgard did tell me how you called her out on her beliefs.”

“You mad?” Uzi asks.

“No.” Byleth shakes his head much to Uzi’s surprise.

“Wait… you’re not? But… isn’t she your favorite student?”

“I’d prefer not to use the term favorites. Yes, Edelgard is extremely talented, but I’m not opposed to speaking against her at times as long as they’re within reason.”

“I see. You’re quite the liberal guy, Byleth.” Uzi grins. “I like that.”

“I do my best to look into my student’s needs so I can properly help them. Now then, we should get going. The others are at the expedition site.”

“Right!” Uzi follows along as she and Byleth walk side by side each other. “Oh boy, I can’t wait to make some money.”

“Don’t get your hopes up too much.” Byleth tempers her. “We still don’t know if Anna’s treasure site will have anything of value.”

“Still… I can’t help it! The thought of looking for treasure, and selling it for money is something I wanted to do since I started pirating One Piece!”

“One Piece?”

“It’s a ridiculously long anime that a lot of humans watched back in the day. It’s about a stupid but strong, fun loving pirate named Luffy who’s trying to find this ultimate treasure called the One Piece!” Uzi excitingly says.

“How interesting… I never imagine Pirates being fun loving people. Did this particular pirate find what he was looking for?”

“Not sure… I haven’t pirated the final saga of the anime. Just one saga takes up a lot of my memory space so I’ll definitely pirate that when I’ve reached that point.”

“I see. Perhaps you can show me this “anime” one day.”

“Sure thing. I’ll just have to find a way on how I can stream it in this rock, pick whatever anime you wanna check out, and we should be good to go!”

Byleth chuckles a bit. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Uzi looks forward, and spots a group of people just up ahead. “So what do you think we’ll find at this treasure site?”

“Worst case scenario: Nothing. If it’s somewhere in between: Probably a generous amount of gold bullions.”

“In between?”

“The most likely outcome. It’s what I expect from the treasure site. When you go through enough missions and investigations, you can get a good idea on what you’ll find at the end.”

“Geez… a good but boring point if you ask me.” Uzi remarks. “What’s the best care scenario?”

“If we’re really lucky, we may find a priceless item along with some rare weapons to boot.”

“That would be freaking awesome!” Uzi slams her fist on her palm. “I’m hoping for some sort of cool looking lance or a scythe!”

“There are some lances out there that are very effective, and have special properties.” Byleth narrows his eyes. “But if that’s the case, we’ll have to be on our guard.”

Any sign of excitement disappears from Uzi’s visor, and becomes one of caution. “Thieves?”

“That’s right. My father told me that as mercenaries, you have to be prepared to be double crossed by fellow people who join up with you. Trust is hard to come by as a mercenary, and you need to expect getting betrayed when joining up with another mercenary group. All for the sake of not having to split the reward, and getting the full package. If we do find something valuable in this treasure site, we have to be prepared for when someone tries to betray us.”

“Yeah, I hate it when some nutjob tries to ruin everything.” Uzi remarks. “So, you think we should be wary of Pallardo?”

Byleth discreetly nods, “Dorothea has told me about the guy, and I did a background check last night. He has double crossed other groups in the past when he sees the opportunity. So we’ll need to watch out once we unearth Anna’s treasure.”

“Got it.” Uzi nods. “I do hope no one is that stupid enough to try to steal from us. But my luck hasn’t always been the best unfortunately so I gotta expect the worst.”

“Good thinking. The rest of the group should be up ahead. Let’s hurry up.”

“On it!”

Uzi and Byleth arrive at the treasure site, and find Jeralt, Ignatz, Leonie, Dorothea, J and Jeritza waiting for them. “So… the little purple squirt finally joins us…” Jeritza slowly says. “Care to want to die yet?”

“Bite me!” Uzi retorts. “I just had to stretch my legs that’s all.”

Jeralt let’s out a tired sigh, “Good to see you finally join us, Uzi. And Jeritza, please don’t pick fights with the drones and my kids.”

“Hmph.” Jeritza responds with a grunt. “I hear pretty strong, Bladebreaker. Perhaps you would like to duel with me as well. A duel to the death as is.”

Everyone tenses up at the sound of this while Byleth, Uzi, J and Leonie keep a close eye on Jeritza.

“Lets not do this right now, Jeritza.” Jeralt responds sternly. “If you want to duel with me, fine, but not to death, and not right now. We still have a job to do in ensuring the kids’s safety, and making sure this deal goes through as smoothly as possible. So don’t go around causing trouble.”

“Fine. Have it your way.” Jeritza scoffs, and walks away much to everyone’s relief and confusion.

“What the hell is wrong with that guy?!” Uzi rants.

“For once I am of the same opinion, Toaster.” J narrows her eyes towards Jeritza.

“Captain…” Leonie worriedly says to Jeralt. “You don’t think Professor Jeritza will try anything drastic… right?”

“No. I haven’t worked with the guy a lot.” Jeralt says. “But Shamir has assured me that Jeritza wouldn’t do anything so reckless towards his teammates. It’s his enemies that will have to watch out.”

“Oh I can imagine.” Uzi remarks. “The guy does look very strong.”

“He’s not just strong. He’s very dangerous.” J points out. “From what I’ve heard about him, he’s the strongest Blademaster in the Monastery’s employ after Catherine. But unlike Catherine, he’s way more bloodthirsty, and will massacre anyone in his path. He’s very comparable to V when she gets going.”

The mention of that unnerves many of the students while Uzi remains unfazed, “That… sounds pretty RAD…. And also gross…” she utters for the rest of the class.

“Please don’t tempt fate…” 

Uzi ignores J, and looks around. “By the way, where are the rest of you guys?”

“Anna went on ahead with her men to excavate the site.” Ignatz explains. “Shamir, Claude, Edelgard and Caspar are accompanying her as we speak.”

“We’re just hear to guard the perimeter or move in to help the others in case something happens…” Dorothea softly says. “I just hope nothing terrible happens.”

“We’ll be alright, Dorothea.” J says. “As long as we keep a close eye of our surroundings, this mission will be over without a hitch.”

“Thanks, J.” Dorothea softly smiles, and J hides her blushing face with her hair.

“In the meantime, Byleth, take Uzi with you, and help them excavate the treasure.” Jeralt instructs him. “She should be able to speed things up with her powers.”

“Understood, Father.” Byleth says.

Uzi would nothing more than to ignore Edelgard, but for Byleth, Jeralt, and Dorothea’s sake, she decides to go along with it. “If I unearth a lot of the stuff, can I keep a lot what I unearthed all to myself?”

“Hey! You can’t just horde everything for yourself!” Leonie retorts. “This is a team effort!”

“Bite me!” Uzi bites back. “I’m not going to let the Church keep everything we find for themselves! I’m going to at least claim ownership of what I find cool!”

Byleth glances towards Jeralt regarding this situation, and his father gives him a nod of approval. “Very well, Uzi.” Byleth gives the worker drone permission. “You may keep two things you unearth for yourself.”

“Yes!” Uzi jumps for joy. “I’ll take that!”

“Ugh… why bother convincing her otherwise…” J groans.

“Professor Byleth!” Leonie exclaims. “You can’t just-“

“Hear me out, Leonie.” Jeralt whispers. “We’re going to new Uzi’s help to finish this job sooner. I don’t want to stay here in this site any longer than we have to. This place is potentially crawling with mercenaries that would gladly take a student of the Officer’s Academy a hostage.”

“But-“

“I’ll let you go on one of my expeditions if you don’t piss Uzi off from doing her job.”

“Fine…” Leonie reluctantly says. “I still wish Uzi doesn’t hoard all the stuff…”

“Don’t worry. We’ll still have a lot of stuff leftover. Anna and Pallardo’s gangs will hurt 50% of what they get here, the Church gets 30% and the students will get 20%. If the load we find is big, then 20% is still a lot plus Uzi will only be getting two items.”

“I guess you have a point.” Leonie grins. “Let’s just hope Uzi doesn’t get anything too cool.”

“Alright, Uzi, let’s go.” Byleth says.

“Ready to get to plundering!” Uzi eagerly says.

“Just try not to compromise the mission.” J reminds her.

“Bite me!” Uzi takes off to the sky, and Byleth follows her through walking.

Uzi flies over the site, and spots several of Anna’s men excavating the treasure with Caspar helping out. She also spots Shamir maintaining a lookout from the vegetation, and Claude and Edelgard talking amongst themselves. The Princess looks very annoyed than thrilled. Uzi grins at the sight, and perches herself on top of a tree in all her edgey glory. The Worker Drone scans the area for half a minute, and pinpoints several spots where there’s treasure.

“Gotcha.” Uzi smirks. “Hey Anna! You might wanna have your men step away from the symbols that are about to pop up!”

“Oh hey, Uzi!” Anna waves back. “What ya- Woah!” She jumps back, and as the Solver symbol manifests on the ground.

Several Solver symbols start popping up all over the area causing alarm amongst Anna’s men as they step back.

“Alright, Fellas… let’s let the girl do her magic.”

Everyone steps back from the symbols, and Uzi has her own Solver symbols in portrayed on each of her hands. She slightly twists her hands, and calibrates her own symbols causing the rest of them to rotate rapidly.

Edelgard skeptically watches the scene happen before her eyes. “What is that Uzi up to this time? I hope she’s not doing this to show off.”

“Maybe.” Claude says not dismissing the fact with a smirk on his face. “But I’m pretty sure she’s got a few tricks that’ll surprise us.” Claude eyes the nearest symbol. “Speak of the devil.”

Edelgard follows his line of sight, and spots the purple symbol ascending, and right under it, something emerging from the ground. She looks around, and notices the same thing happening with the other symbols. Several chests and boxes emerge from the ground, and the men are in complete awe of the sight.

“You’ve got to be kidding me…” Edelgard utters.

“Like I said, Edelgard.” Claude grins once more. “One way of the other, Uzi will find a way to surprise us.”

Uzi maintains a good grip on all the items she’s levitating with a self satisfactory look on her face. “Still got it.”

Uzi clenches her palms, and dissipates the symbols on her palms, triggering the rest of the items to drop to the ground. Anna’s men move in looking very excited to collect the loot that’s inside all these containers.

Byleth watches the scene from afar, and turns his attention towards Uzi. “Not bad, Uzi. Not bad.”

Anna flips a coin with a pleased look on her face. “Well boys, let’s go make some money!”

A few minutes later, Anna’s group are in the midst of rounding up all the treasure that’s been unearthed. The merchant herself, Edelgard and Claude overseer the operations while Caspar helps out in opening some of the chests. Meanwhile, Uzi remains perched on her tree with her solver symbol active.

“Hmmm… now… what’s the most rad thing I can get from this treasure site…” She wonders to herself.

“Looking for something?” Byleth calls out from the foot of the tree.

“Hey!” Uzi greets him as she glides down the tree. “Yeah I’m just looking for what are the two most rad items I can get from this treasure site. Since the old man told me that I can only pick two things, I gotta be careful with my choices.”

“I see.” Byleth says as he observes Uzi using her Solver power. “May I ask how do you know what each container is holding without opening it?”

“Well… my solver powers enable me to interact with anything in a telekinetic manner. While I can’t see the thing right now, the powers can help trace what’s inside the manner, and in turn, project that information to me.”

“Go on.”

“Using that information, I can create a proper visualization in my processors, and I get a generally good idea on what’s in that chest.” Uzi excitement turns to disappointment after checking the nearest crate. “Ugh… a stupid goddess statute. Seriously, why do people even bother trying to hide such non valuable religious  shit?!”

“Interesting…” Byleth takes note as he notices that some of the merchants have just opened the chest, and it was indeed a goddess statute.

“The Goddess has truly blessed us today!” One merchant loudly praises.

“Perhaps we’ll have greater fortunes in this expedition!” The other also proclaims.

“So it is a goddess statute…” Byleth utters. “I must say your Solver powers are quite handy.”

“Thanks, Byleth.” Uzi grins. “With all this loot, I’m certain I’ll find something cool eventually.”

“Normally, I would doubt it… but given your luck right now, I have a feeling you’ll turn up on something.”

“Alright people, listen up!” Anna declares. “I want all the treasure gathered in one place! Then we’ll sort things out, and meet up with Pallardo and his gang!”

“Yes Ma’am!” Her men exclaim, and start gathering the treasure.

“Anna show knows how to get her men going.” Uzi comments.

“She is a well known merchant, and she does care about her people even if she’s being extremely greedy.”

“Nice!” Uzi states as they head towards the pile of treasure. “By the way, Byleth… is there any treasure you’re most looking forward to?”

“Nothing in particular to be honest…” Byleth admits. “But if I had to choose… it would probably be a Rapier.”

“A Rapier… you mean that thin looking sword?”

“It’s more precise than most swords, and similar to V and J’s legs, any stab from the point of this sword will be extremely devastating to any opponent when it hits a vital organ. It’s also sharp enough to pierce through armor.”

“Piercing through armor huh?” Uzi utters genuinely looking surprised. “That doesn’t sound bad after all… Just thinking about getting stabbed by one of those things gives me the chills.”

“Don’t worry I won’t use it on you if I do find one. Still… the fact you do look unnerved by this is kind of… amusing to say. I never expected you of all people to be afraid.”

“S-shut up!” Uzi stammers. “You ruining my vibe! How can I look cool and dumb if you do stuff like this?!”

Byleth chuckles a bit. “I do apologize for that. But I must say, I doubt being cool and dumb work in tandem with one another.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about!” Uzi hastily brisk walks away, and Byleth sighs as he follows her. “Ok then…” she says after calming down, and moving closer towards the treasure horde. “Let’s see what we’ve got.”

Uzi displays her solver symbol, and starts looking through the treasure in hopes that she finds something cool. “Looks like we hit the jackpot!” She hears Anna exclaim as she comes up behind her. “Thanks a bunch for unearthing this treasure! You saved us a lot of time!”

“No problem.” Uzi grins. “Just let me get two items from this pile.”

“Okey Dokey! As long as it’s not good old gold!” Anna rushes in, and starts inspecting each of the treasures. “Hey Caspar! Think you can help me out opening some of these.”

“On it!” Caspar rushes in, and starts opening up some chests for Anna.

“Thanks a bunch!” 

“Woah… that small punk is actually pretty strong…” Uzi comments.

“Caspar comes from a noble house that excels in warfare, and heavy duty manpower.” Uzi hears Edelgard explain as she and Claude come in. “He may not have his crest, and is only a second son, but his hard work and work ethics already set him apart from his useless brother.”

“Hello, Small Princess…” Uzi says in a deadpanned manner. “Hey, Claude!” She sounds a bit more excited.

Edelgard rolls her eyes, and Claude moves in. “Looking for more cool stuff I presume?” He asks.

“Yup! Just examining these containers so I can pick out which two items I can keep for myself.”

“Neat. I’m personally looking for artifacts that date back to our history. I always wondered what the truth of the history of our world, and what it could entail on us as people.”

“The Monastery books tell about our history, Claude.” Edelgard points out.

“You mean those old drabby things?!” Uzi scoffs. “Please… even my own beanie has more accurate information.”

“I beg your pardon?” Edelgard raises a brow.

“Yeah I’m with Uzi on this one.” Claude chimes in. “The Monastery is definitely a wealth of knowledge, and has some good reading material, but it has some inconsistencies especially regarding the history of Seiros like why would the Goddess bestow Nemesis power if he was such a shit person?”

“Yeah, and also I don’t believe this “so called goddess” bestowed people these relic weapons.” Uzi exaggerates. “It’s clear that they’re made by something, but I doubt some high born entity, who’s probably laying around on a couch watching us like we’re characters in a tv show, gifted them to you humans.”

“I see…” Edelgard says with a piercing calculating gaze. “You know what?” Uzi and Claude remain silent as they wait for her eventual rebuttal. “I agree with you two on that front.”

“Excuse us?” A perplexed Claude and Uzi have they’d jaws wide open.

“There are some inconsistencies regarding the history of the Church of Seiros, the nature of crests and how they’re supposed to be a blessing of the Goddess. I don’t believe it a single a bit.”

“Woah…” Uzi manages to say. “I never expected you to be an atheist.”

“Not entirely.” Edelgard shakes her head. “I still believe in the faith, and how it helps motivate people to work harder.”

“But… from what I heard, among the Imperial houses, the house of Hresvelg is supposedly close to the Church of Seiros only second to House Varley. Especially considering that those who are born in your household bear the Crest of Seiros.”

That’s not the only thing apparently… Uzi thought 

A silence occurs between the three of them, and Edelgard’s face darken towards the duo. “Edelgard?” Claude treads carefully. “You feeling o-Owww!”

Edelgard grips Claude’s shoulder tightly, and intensifies her glare towards Claude. “Listen well, Claude. I may be able to put up with your incessant teasing a lot of the time, but don’t you dare try to infer that you know anything about my family. Got it?!”

“Yeah yeah yeah yeah… of course… I won’t say a thing about your family.” Claude groans just before Edelgard lets him go, and turns to Uzi.

“That goes for you too, Uzi.”

“Sure thing.” Uzi calmly says while keeping her free hand in her pocket.

Without a second glance, Edelgard storms off away from the duo while Claude rubs his shoulder to alleviate the pain. “Looks like I crossed that line too much… Didn’t she would be that sensitive about her family.”

“Me neither.” Uzi adds. “I’ll keep that in mind for now, in the meantime….”

Uzi goes back to scanning for potential items using her Solver ability. 

“Now then… what looks super cool and… AHHHH! Found something worthwhile!” Uzi and Claude head over to a Ebony colored chest just placed between a couple of chests. “Hehehehe… this one will do just nicely…” Uzi cackles.

“What’s in this particular chest.” Claude asks.

“Most likely my signature weapon until I get my railgun fixed. Ever since I have my mom back her Pickaxe, I’ve been wanting a weapon for myself that can excel in short to mid range combat. Now I think I found the perfect for me.”

“I see.” Claude mutters as he takes a close look at the chest. “Something tells me that you’re going to be slicing a lot of things with this weapon.”

“Yo got that right! Now then, let’s-“

“We’ve hit the jackpot, everyone!” Uzi stops mid sentence after hearing Anna scream. “We’re going to be filthy rich once we get all these shinies!”

“Looks like someone else is also happy.” Uzi smugly grins. “I’m gonna ask her for some money making schemes on the way back.”

Just then, Claude narrows his eyes, and warningly pats Uzi on the shoulder. “We’re not the only ones here.” 

Just then, a larger group of mercenaries arrives with many of them armed to the teeth, and they are led by Anna’s mission partner, Pallardo.

“So that much be Pallardo…” Uzi remarks. “He looks a lot scrawnier than I thought.”

“And his group is more armed.” Claude points out. “A lot more armed than I would like.” He discreetly readies his bow, and Uzi notices it. She displays her Solver powers on her right hand, and gets ready for a fight to break out.

“Uh hey, Pallardo.” A bewildered Anna says. “Watcha doing here? I thought we’d meet up at the rendezvous point?”

“Plans changed, Miss Anna.” Pallardo says. “Thanks to you, we’ve achieved our goals.”

“Ok… but what’s with the transport?”

“We’re here the transport the treasure, it’s quite the load after all.”

“Woah! Woah! Woah!” An aggravated Anna exclaims. “Are you trying to pull something with me? We agreed on a fifty-fifty split!”

“Yeah, you have it right.” Pallardo scoffs. “Stop fretting about it. You and your associates will get your share once I determine the exact value.”

“Nu-uh! No way, no how! As a merchant, I can’t agree with that! As a merchant yourself, you know I can’t! No way I’m going to watch my share gallop off in the sunset. We’re splitting it up right here and now!”

“Hold on…” Uzi slowly raises her voice. “Is this guy actually going to…”

“Well too bad, Miss Anna!” Pallardo declares. “My men and I are leaving with at least 80% of this treasure! Alright guys! Do your thing!”

One of the mercenaries throws down a massive smoke bomb that engulfs the entire area and blinds Anna’s group. “Oh, you’re not going to get away with the treasure!” Uzi declares as she readies her Solver powers.

However, one of Pallardo’s mages inflicts a Silence spell on Uzi, and the solver symbol flickers out of Uzi’s hand.

“W-what?!” Uzi bewilderingly gasps. ALERT! UNKNOWN ENERGY SOURCE PRESENT IN UNIT. SOLVER FUNCTIONS DISABLED FOR TEN MINUTES. “What do you mean disabled?!” Uzi tries to use her powers but to no avail. “Come on… come on…”

Suddenly, one of the mercenaries creeps up on Uzi with her guard down. “Nothing personal, Kid!” He raises his sword towards Uzi.

However, Claude fires one arrow at the mercenary’s shin and drops the man to his knees before finishing him with a headshot.

“Keep your guard up, Uzi,” Claude warns her. “Looks like Pallardo we’ve been had here.”

“Thanks, Claude,” Uzi says as she tries to bring out her Solver abilities, but to no avail.

“Looks like you were hit with a Silence spell.”

“A silence spell?”

“It’s a spell that temporarily shuts down the user’s magic for a while, and in your case, you won’t be able to use your Solver powers.

“Scrap!” Uzi clenches her fist. “Looks like I’m going to have to fight them the old fashion way, and-“ Uzi looks to her right, and notices something wrong. “Wait?! Where’s my package!”

“All right! Let’s pack things up!” To her absolute dismay, Uzi spots the Ebony container getting loaded on one of the carriages. The mercenaries ride off with it, and the rest of the stolen treasure.

Uzi fumes at the sight, and she immediately knew one thing: to get back her prize, and kick down anyone that stands her away.

“You’re not getting away with my prize, losers!” Uzi displays her wings and flies after the carriage.

“Go get 'em, Uzi.” Claude confidently grins and turns to where Jeralt’s group is at. “Now then, time to see what happened to the others.”

Uzi is in hot pursuit of Pallardo’s mercenaries, and some of them are scared out of their minds at her. “I thought you Silenced that little twerp!” One of the mercenaries cries out.

“I did!” The mage responds harshly. “But it looks like that twerp’s wings aren’t tied to her black magic!”

“Doesn’t matter!” Pallardo shouts back. “Shoot her down! She doesn’t have any of the weapons the other freaks have so she should be the weakest one of the bunch!”

“On it boss!” The mercenaries ready their arrows, and the mages prepare their spells.

Uzi narrows her eyes towards the fleeing mercenaries and checks her Solver powers again only for them to flicker once more. Looks like I’ll have to wait a bit longer to try out that new technique. She thought. In the meantime… “GIVE US BACK OUR FREAKING LOOT!”

The mercenaries let loose their arrows and spells, and Uzi swiftly dodges them and even grabs one of the arrows. The Worker Drone hurls the arrow into its owner’s eye and kills the unsuspecting man. This unnerves the mercenaries, but Pallardo keeps moving forward. 

“Don’t let up!” He proclaims. “She can’t keep this up forever! Send in the cavalry!”

The cavalry slow down and start to match pace with Uzi as they try to sandwich her with their spears. The Worker Drone avoids their thrusts and uses her tail to bite onto one of the horse’s back legs. The horse neighs in pain, and trips alongside its rider leaving behind one cavalier to face off against Uzi. The rider attempts to stab the Worker Drone, but she grabs the lance instead. The rider tries to pry his lance away from Uzi, but she yanks the lance off his grip. 

She proceeds to poke the rider’s face with the butt of his lance. After five hits, the rider is left unconscious and is dangling from his horse prompting the horse to break away from the battle. Uzi looks around and spots some of Anna’s men chasing down one of Pallardo’s carriages. The riders are slowly gaining on the transports, but the archers and mages keep them at bay.

Uzi sighs at the sight of Anna’s men getting close yet so far. “Leave it to the angsty teen to do everything around here…”

Uzi lines up her stolen lance and hurls it at one of the back wheels of the carriage causing it to crash. The merchants get in there, and overwhelm the mercenaries as they take back some of the cold.

Pallardo scoffs at the sight of this, “KILL THAT LITTLE BITCH, AND I WILL DOUBLE THE PAY OF ANYONE WHO PULLS IT OFF!”

More cavalry slow down to confront Uzi, and they get their lances and bows ready to strike her down. The Worker Drone prepares herself for a fight as they close in on her hoping to get the double pay from Pallardo. However, two of the riders get shot down much to Uzi’s surprise. She looks around, and spots Shamir riding alongside them. 

“Ah, hey Shamir!” Uzi waves. “I was wondering when you’d show up.”

“Focus, and let me do my job, Uzi.” Shamir unloads two more arrows with deadly precision and takes out two more riders. “The Professor will be backing you up soon.”

“The Professor?”

Just then Byleth arrives on horseback, accompanied with Edelgard carrying Caspar on horseback. “Stay close to me,” Byleth warns his student.

“Ok.” Edelgard nods and stays close to Byleth. “Caspar, cover my rear!”

“You got it, Edelgard!” Caspar readies his axe.

Byleth moves in and strikes down an incoming cavalier while Edelgard hurls a Short Axe at another. The axe lies embedded in between the eyes of the cavalry and takes him out. Another enemy cavalier thrusts his lance toward Edelgard’s rear, but Caspar parries the strike.

“Eat this!” Caspar quickly counterattacks with a powerful blow to the rider’s left side causing the latter to fall forward. “OH YEAH!”

“Pipe down, Caspar,” Edelgard instructs him. “Don’t scream in my ear.”

“Sorry!” Caspar shouts just as Edelgard dodges another strike.

Byleth engages another cavalier and strikes him down while narrowly dodging a lance thrust to his head. The Ashen Demon strikes the base of the cavalier’s lance and snaps it in half, but the latter retaliates with his sword. However, Uzi zips in, and knocks the mercenary off with a roundhouse kick.

“Thanks. I owe you one.” Byleth says.

“No problem, Byleth!” Uzi salutes and turns to Edelgard who only responds with a grateful nod. “So, how do you want to handle this?”

Byleth observes his surroundings for a few seconds and formulates a battle plan. “Listen up everyone. Uzi and I will disable the transports, and keep Pallardo’s men from escaping. That should give Anna the opportunity to get back the stolen loot. Edelgard, Caspar, Shamir, cover us, and make sure the enemy doesn’t get close.”

“Got it!” Edelgard, Shamir, and Caspar simultaneously say.

Edelgard contemplates for a bit and makes a decision. “Uzi!”

“Yeah?!” Uzi calls back.

“You’ll need this.” Edelgard throws her steel axe to Uzi. “Just so you know, this is only for the mission. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“You got it, Small Princess!” Uzi cheekily salutes. “I’ll make sure to bring your axe, and Byleth back in one piece.”

Edelgard pouts for a bit and addresses Byleth. “Stay safe, Professor.”

“You too, Edelgard,” Byleth says and the two break off along with Shamir.

“Ok, let’s handle this quickly so I can get my rad prize back!” Uzi twirls the steel axe and rests it on her shoulder.

“I see that you found something that appeals to you,” Byleth says. “Very well, let’s do this swiftly. I’ll cause panic with my spells, and you put a stop to them permanently.”

“With pleasure!”

Byleth starts things off by firing several Thoron spells at the carriages and deals massive damage to the transport. Panic starts to rise from the mercenaries, and the cavalry focus their attention on the Ashen Demon. However, Edelgard intercepts the incoming forces. While she focuses on riding, Caspar goes on the offensive, and strikes down several cavalry. In the midst of all this, Shamir shoots down any straggles that the duo missed, and gives Byleth a wide berth.

“That should soften them up.” Byleth comments. “Uzi you’re up!”

“ALL OF YOU CAN BITE ME!” Uzi lets out a battle cry, and goes into attack mode.

She swoops in on every transport, and smashes through each other with her axe while intercepting some of the mercenaries. The enemy tries to fight back, but Uzi dispatches them with her acrobatics and tail. In the midst of all this, she laughs maniacally while she uppercuts an archer. She kicks the archer down into another carriage, and completely destroys it. Uzi continues her laughter while she continues her carnage throughout the transport.

“WOAH! UZI’S REALLY ON FIRE RIGHT NOW!” Caspar exclaims. “So glad I got to come to this mission and witness this!”

“Yeah. Very impressive.” Edelgard says doing her best not to give Uzi the satisfaction of seeing her in awe. As much as I hate to admit it, Uzi is a formidable ally, and we’re lucky to have her by my side. But I can never see myself recruiting her to my cause, and because of that, she will be one of my toughest obstacles to overcome.

Pallardo is in utter shock by the destruction of his entire transport depot. “No… this can’t be happening…”

“Boss! We got company!” One of his remaining underlings scream.

Right on Pallardo’s tail is Byleth, and he rides towards him a top speed. “KILL HIM!” Pallardo orders.

The remaining mercenaries fire their arrows and spells at Byleth, but he dodges them, and takes down the remaining mercenaries with Thunder spells. Panic starts to well within Pallardo. Byleth positions himself beside the carriage, and cuts down the wheels with his sword causing it to crash. Pallardo gets sent flying off the driver’s seat, and into the ground. The rogue merchant wobbly gets back on his feet, and Byleth slowly approaches him with his sword.

“Damn it…” Pallardo scoffs. “If I’m going down… I’m taking you with me!”

Pallardo charges towards Byleth with his sword at the ready, but Uzi comes from above, and kicks his face. The Worker Drone topples the merchant once more with her shoe on his face. “That’s for stealing my stuff!” Uzi twists her foot, and Pallardo screams in pain. “And that’s for keeping me from doing cool things!”

Byleth sighs, and moves closer, “Nico work subduing Pallardo, and dismantling his transport depot.”

“Welcome, Byleth.” Uzi twists her foot. “Took a bit more work than usual, but I could really get used close quarters combat. Also…” Uzi looks back, and grins. “I wouldn’t mind operating under your orders again one of these days.”

“Me too, Uzi. Now then, Pallardo. Surrender, and I promise…” Byleth trails off as soon as he notices Pallardo’s face peeling off. “Uzi, move your foot away.”

“Huh? But I was just getting to the best part!”

“There’s something wrong about this, and I need to inspect him.”

“Ok, but you better let me get back at him once you’re done!” Uzi lifts her foot, and Byleth inspects Pallardo’s face. The Ashen Demon pinches the dangling spot, and peels Pallardo’s face off only for it to be revealed that this isn’t the merchant at all. “Dafuq!!!” Uzi gasps. “Did this guy have a face transplant or something?”

“Damn it… I should have known…” Byleth curses. “Pallardo has been known to set up decoys for himself so that he can misdirect us.”

“Hang on…” Uzi utters with wide eyes. “So that means…”

“We’ve been played.”

Just then, the decoy warps the cargo away from the duo much to Uzi’s dismay. 

“WHAT THE HELL!” Uzi screams. “Are you trying to piss me off?!”

“Just doing my boss a solid…” the decoy weakly says. “He’s going to be long gone with that cargo… you’ll never see it a-“

Uzi has her tail bite into the decoy’s neck, and breaks his neck endings then decoy’s life. “Great… just great… I’m going to fucking murder that merchant once I see him.”

Chapter Text

Right after Uzi leaves for the site, J shakes her head in disapproval. “That little angsty edgy liability… of course, she’d run off like that for the sake of being ‘cool…’”

“Lighten up, J,” Dorothea says. “I’m sure Uzi is just excited for the treasure that’s all.”

“Besides, I’m sure everything will turn out fine here.” Ignatz chips in.

“Ugh please…” J rolls her eyes. “With Uzi down there along with that scammer… this whole expedition will go south one way or the other.”

Jeralt tiredly shakes his head. “While I don’t think my former robot brat won’t be the exact cause, I do feel that this mission will go south. So stay on your guard at all times, kids.”

“You got it, Captain!” Leonie eagerly states, and everyone keeps a close vigil.

J scans the area for any intruders, and to her and everyone else’s fortune, there are none at the moment. “So far so good…”

J heads out from the rest of the group and continues to proceed with her scan wondering if she missed something. The Disassembly Drone hears rustling in the woods and fires a silencer gun at the source of the sound. J goes over to look at her target only to find a dead rabbit.

“Ok… perhaps things are going too well so far.” J ponders.

“Looking out for thieves I presume?” J perks up and finds Dorothea right behind her.

“D-Dorothea?! What are you doing here?” J asks.

“Was just wondering what you were up to, that’s all.” Dorothea chirpily says. “You seem to be taking lookout very seriously.”

“Of course I am. I gotta make sure this mission goes as smoothly as possible, especially after that incident with Lonato. Would like to avoid a large-scale conflict if I can help it.”

“I see. That is quite a neat habit you have. Mind if I accompany you?”

J sighs for a bit. “Fine, but stay close to me.”

“That’s what I’ve been planning to do.” Dorothea winks and follows J closely.

“I take it that you’ve loosened your guard now that you’re with me?” J asks.

“Oh, not at all,” Dorothea answers. “I may be a massive flirt, but I always maintain my guard when I’m with someone especially if that person wishes to take advantage of me.”

“Really? And what happens once you get a single hint of the guy taking advantage of you?”

“I twist his wrist.” Dorothea shamelessly answers.

“Good one.” J grins. “So you do all this flirting hoping you’ll find someone to settle down with for your future?”

“Yes. Unlike many of the Black Eagles, I am the only one that’s a commoner, and I don’t have anything long term besides my fame in the Mittlefrank Opera company. Once I become older, I’ll be nothing once more, and will have nothing unless I marry well.”

“Once more?” J perks up. “Are you saying you weren’t always the mystical songstress I heard so much about?”

“Unfortunately, yes…” Dorothea softly admits. “I was an orphan left alone in the streets for Enbarr. I had to scrounge and beg for a living in order to survive… no one ever looked after me or even batted an eye towards me.”

“Oh…” J utters.

“Yeah… it wasn’t a pleasant life. So in order to keep myself occupied while I wasn’t trying to survive, I sing. It was one good thing I had at the time, and it just so happens that one of the nobles heard me sing. He took me into the Mittlefrank Opera Company, and I became a star. All those people who never even batted an eye to me now watch in awe wondering if I could sing for them personally or…” Dorothea clutches her right arm tightly. “Other things…”

“Dorothea… thats sounds horrible and unethical!” J exclaims. “You should have filed a complaint on those people that tried to use you or your bosses for allowing it to happen!”

“It wasn’t all bad.” Dorothea softly smiles. “I was still good friends with the people of the opera, and I know that I could always count on them.”

“Even so. Whatever happened to you is against company regulations and safety, and whoever put you up to this and didn’t do anything about it should be fired immediately!”

“J… I never would have expected you to react this way…” Dorothea says before she giggles. “Do you have a crush on me?”

A flustered J turns red at the proposition. “W-what?! No! Absolutely not!” She exasperates. “Why would I have a crush on someone especially a human being! Crushes are bad for company business and regulations, and having a crush on a human… ewww… I can’t imagine how human biology works. I can imagine it to be inherently disgusting…”

“Is that so?” Dorothea lightly giggles seemingly undeterred. “You sound a lot like Uzi now.”

Immediately, J flares up in embarrassment. “W-what are you joking?! I’m nothing like that little purple twit! I am miles better than her in every way!” Dorothea laughs in response, and furthers J’s embarrassment. “W-why are you laughing?! Are you making fun of me?!”

“Not at all, J…” Dorothea says. “I’m just finally figuring out how easily you can be teased, and how you’re actually more fun than I thought you’d be.”

J faces and crosses her arms. “Happy I could provide you with some entertainment…” J grumpily mumbles.

“I like this side of you, and honestly…” Dorothea’s face softens. “It’s sweet to see you like this especially with how you’re concerned about my well-being.”

“Don’t think too much about it…” J mentions. “It’s my duty to discipline, and look after my classmates whether it’s the Black Eagles… or those idiotic yellow deer…”

Dorothea giggles, “Alright, you say it as you will, but I won’t forget it.” J grumpily frowns in response. “Though… I am curious about something.”

“And what would that be?” J inquires.

“I told you what I want to do into the future so I’m wondering… what about you? What do you plan to do after you’re done with this school year?”

“I… I’m not sure to be honest…” J softly admits. “Before when I was a Worker Drone, I thought I had my whole life on track, and even when I became a Disassembly Drone, I thought it was a similar case. But after a couple of months ago… my purpose in licks disappeared, and now I just feel lost… the only direction I have left is fulfilling a promise we made to Tessa, but after that… I don’t know.”

“J… it’s ok if you don’t know right now. You still got nine moons to think about it, and who knows, you might have found something in your life before those nine moons are up.”

“You think I’ll find something in that short time?”

“Maybe short for you, but for us humans, it’s a reasonably long while to think about it. I think you’ll find you’re new purpose during that time.”

“I’ll take your word for it, Dorothea.” J says.

Suddenly, J’s sensors pick up something, and she loads her blaster. “J… what’s wrong?”

“Get behind me.” J cautiously says before placing her arm before a worried Dorothea.

Dorothea does so, and readies her Levin Sword while J is armed and fully loaded with her weapons, a blaster on her right arm and a sword on her left. The Disassembly Drone scans for any attackers. She picks up on a glint of silver peeking out of the woods, and she gives this a thorough scan. To her horror, she reveals a ballista aimed right at them just half a second upon releasing. J immediately pushes Dorothea out of the way, and a ballista bolt pierces the Disassembly Drone’s head. The songstress watches in horror as the force of the blow decapitates the Disassembly Drone’s head from her body.

“J!!!!!” That was the last thing J remembers before blacking out.

“Hey, J!” J starts taking in new audio cues as her systems slowly go back online. “You ok, Grumpy? You look like you got the worse end of things… quite literally…” she hears a familiar and yet incessant voice as someone knocks on her head.

“Ugh…” J groans as a notification pops up. SYSTEM REBOOT COMPLETE! VISUAL SENSORS RETURNING!

“J…” J sees Claude waving her. “You okay there, Bud?”

J scowls at the sight of Claude, and slaps his arm away prompting him to jump off. “What the hell are you doing here, Claude?! And more importantly, what happened?”

“Ah good to see you still looking prickly as usual.” Claude smirks. “I was a bit worried that you may have suffered something in your system after what just happened, but it looks like you drones are quite resilient.”

“What are you talking about?” J inquires, and Claude points behind her. J looks back, and finds her dismembered head with a ballista bolt sticking out of it. “Oh…”

“I gotta say, I wasn’t expecting you to get shot this easily.” Claude shrugs.

“Shut it, Claude!” J shouts. “I was trying to keep Doro-“ J’s visor contorts to fear. “Wait?! What happened to Dorothea?!”

Claude’s face turns serious, “By my guess, she was probably taken along with several of our group.”

“What?!” J screams. “How long has it been?! Where’s Lady Edelgard and where the hell is Uzi?!”

“Edelgard and Uzi are dealing with Pallardo and half of his men. By my guess, the other half attacked Jeralt’s group as well…” Claude clenches his fist. “They abducted Ignatz and Leonie as well…”

“Damn it…” J scoffs.

“As for how long you were out, I would say five minutes since the merchants came through this way. Jeralt and Jeritza are on pursuit of the merchants.”

“They can’t have gone far…” J utters. “I’m chasing those miscreants down!”

“Hold on for a sec, J.” Claude grips his hand. “This isn’t like you to get so reckless.”

“Our classmates are in danger.” J scowls. “We should take immediate action as soon as possible!”

“If there’s one thing I noticed about you is that you perform at your best when you’re thinking straight.” Claude points out. “Right now, you’re acting like you’re about to blow a gasket, and if you charge in like that, you’re probably going to lose your head again, quite literally if I may add.”

J contemplates for a bit while keeping her scowl on Claude. “As much as I hate to admit it… you do present a valid point.” She yanks her arm out of Claude’s grasp. “But I can’t just stand idly by while those… fiends take Do- I mean our classmates away from us!”

“Of course not which is why we need to think of a plan to take out that ballista. I do t know how they managed to pull it off, but they somehow managed to implement one of those machines on one of their wagons.”

“A mounted ranged weapon…” J mutters. “A very common weapon in my world, but exceptionally rare here. I wonder how those lowlifes managed to pull it off.”

“Your guess is as good as mine. I myself would like to take a look at its inner workings, but we’re to have to disable it if we want to save the others otherwise Jeralt and Jeritza will be shredded to pieces.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“Oh I’ve got something up my sleeve.” Claude says with a confident smirk.

After Claude explains his plan, J takes off, and she carries him as they head towards Pallardo’s fleeing merchants. “I can’t believe you didn’t bring a horse with you!” J rolls her eyes. “Why do I have to carry your pathetic slow ass with me?!”

“I was actually banking on you being ahead of me, and you carrying me is way faster than me riding a horse.” Claude explains. “Beside, without me, you’ll just risk getting shot again! The bottom line is we need each other to save our friends, and stop Pallardo’s goons.”

“Ugh…” J groans. “I hate it when you’re right… you’re lucky I can’t reduce you into a slivering pile of meat.”

“Yeah yeah, you wish.” Claude grins at the threat as he notices fighting from up ahead. “Looks like we caught up to them!”

“I can see that!”

Up ahead, Jeralt, Jeritza and their mercenary group engage Pallardo’s men on horseback. The Bladebreaker leads his men against the enemy, and the outflank the opposing cavalry. Meanwhile, Jeritza goes in solo, and cuts down enemy that comes his way to size with relative ease.

“Pathetic.” Jeritza parries a strike from the opposing riders, and sends him flying off his horse. “Give me a real challenge!”

Jeritza blocks another spear thrust from another rider, and proceeds to grab his head with his free hand. He proceeds to crush the man’s head in his grip, and slams him against another solider. The enemy riders cower before Jeritza, and he glares at them behind his mask.

“Boss! We got a problem!” One of the merchants shouts to Pallardo. “That crazy man and the Bladebreaker are heading right for us!” 

Pallardo scoffs as he looks back. “Just to keep the hostages close! If we lose the loot to Anna, at least we’ll be able to make some money through ransoming the Monastery brats especially since we got the Empire’s Songstress here!”

“But Boss! What about the Bladebreaker and his crew?!”

“Rip them to shreds! Even that old man can’t take the full brunt of our Ballstas!”

“You’re going to be sorry when Captain Jeralt catches up!” Pallardo hears a tied up Leonie screaming at him. “He’s gonna kick your ass, and make you double think about you weaseling out of a deal!”

“Leonie… please don’t do this…” Ignatz pleads all tied up between Leonie and Dorothea.

“Don’t think you’re going to get away with this after the stunt you just pulled!” Leonie ignores Ignatz’s pleas. “I bet you’re going to get sent packing of Fodlan as soon as Captain-“

“For the love of the Goddess! Someone shut her up!” Pallardo frustratingly screams.

One of the merchants moves in, and stuffs Leonie’s mouth with a towel causing her to cause a tantrum.

“Finally, I can think again!” Pallardo states as he stares at the students. “You kids better be worth the trouble.” Dorothea responds by spitting at him. This angers Pallardo, and he strikes her across the face.

“Dorothea!” Ignatz gasps while Pallardo wipes off the saliva.

“Learn to respect your elders, bitch.” Pallardo scoffs before turning back to his men. “Well what are you waiting for?! Trash the Bladebreaker!”

“Dorothea, are you alright?”

“Yeah I’ll be ok…” Dorothea says in a pained tone. “I’ve went through worse, Ignatz…”

“What are we going to do?” Ignatz worriedly asks.

“Honestly… there’s nothing we can do right now… all we have to do is place our faith in our friends… I’m sure they’ll be able to free us from this situation.”

“I hope so too…” Ignatz utters feeling slightly hopeful.

J and Claude get closer to Jeralt’s party, and the House Leader notices a mounted ballista driving across the Bladebreaker’s party. “That’s our problem child right there!” Claude points out.

“Please don’t phrase it that way…” J cringes. “Though that does look way more advanced than I expected… still primitive, but very advanced by this world’s standards, and is that a…”

Jeralt spots the mounted ballista, and becomes wary of it. “Archers, shoot down that ballista!”

The archers aim there bows at the mounted weapon, and fire, but to their shock, the arrows bounce off just a few inches away from the ballista. A protective shield reflects itself at Jeralt’s mercenaries.

“What the?!” Jeralt gasps.

“What in robo god’s name?!” J exclaims. “Is that a forcefield?! How are you primitives able to procure a forcefield?! Much less a lowly merchant!”

“Ah so that’s what it’s called…” Claude says. “I should definitely take a look at it once we get close.”

The mercenaries start prepping the ballista, and Jeralt becomes more wary. “FALL BACK!” 

The ballista lets loose, and fires a barrage of ballista bolts at Jeralt’s mercenaries forcing them to take evasive action. Several of the mercenaries are shot down by the barrage, and force the rest to keep their distance. Jeritza scoffs at the sight of the ballista as it turns its sights on him. It lets loose it’s barrage on the combat instructor forcing the latter to back off. Jeritza retaliates with several Thunder spells, but it does nothing to the ballista and the forcefield.

“This isn’t going too well…” Jeralt bites his lower lip.

“Boss!” One of his men cries out. “Pallardo and his men are getting away!”

“Damn it… we can’t let them get away with those brats… Jeritza! Can you stall the ballista?!”

“Don’t order me around, Old Man!” Jeritza growls as he fires a Thunder spell at the shielded ballista.

“I’ll take that as a yes. Everyone, speed up, and catch up with those merchants, and stay away from that ballista!”

Jeralt steer away from the ballista, and try to catch up with the rest of Pallardo’s convoy, but stray ballista bolts still catch unsuspecting men off guard.

“Damn it… at this rate, Pallardo will get away… We need to do something about that mounted weapon!”

Meanwhile, J conducts a thorough scan on the forcefield, and reports her analysis to Claude. “Looks like you’re hunch is right. The shield only blocks off any non living material from entering it. It doesn’t have the capacity to block off any living organisms.”

“So in theory I should pass through the shield with no problem?” Claude asks.

“Theoretically yes, but there’s only one way to no for sure.” J holds on to Claude tightly. “Pray to whatever gods you believe in that I don’t drop you.”

“Oh I’m sure you won’t drop me.” Claude slyly smirks.

“Smartass.” J scoffs as she swoops down towards the Ballista.

“Hey, Boss!” One of the merchant’s screams. “It’s that mean looking lady again! And she’s coming towards the ballista!”

“What?!” Pallardo screams in response. “I thought you said you short her head off?!”

“W-we did?!” The merchant stammers. “I don’t know… but she doesn’t look too happy to see us!”

“Damn it! Well shoot her down! I’m not letting some pigtailed little brat get in my way!”

Ignatz, Leonie and Dorothea remain silent for the most part. “Sounds like J’s on her way towards us…” Ignatz whispers.

Dorothea makes a small smile. “Of course she would… J wouldn’t abandon us like that.” She whispers. “If anyone can survive getting her head shot off, it’s her.”

Ignatz eyes widen. “Wait… her head got shot off?”

Pallardo turns his head towards them, and Dorothea and Ignatz keep silent for the time being. “Don’t get too comfy, you little shits.” Pallardo snorts. “You’re friend won’t be able save you! Boys, shoot her down!”

The ballista turns towards J and Claude, and unleashes it’s load onto the duo, but the latter remain locked in. The Disassembly Drone swiftly evades the incoming ballista bolts with her partner eyeing several riders aiming their bows at them.

“Just keep dodging, J!” Claude states. “I’ll deal with the Bow Knights.”

“You better!” J answers back.

Claude readies his own bow, and fires at the enemy shooters as he systematically takes down several Bow Knights. Jeralt’s mercenaries watch on, and cheer on J and Claude.

“Come on, you little squirts!”

“Turn that thing into scrap metal!”

“Not bad, Golden Boy!”

“Blow em sky high, Ya prickly little shit!”

Jeralt smirks at the sight of this. “We might actually have a chance to pull this off. Men, push forward!” He leads his mercenaries to go straight towards Pallardo’s convoy.

J gets ever closer towards the ballista, but the closer she gets, the harder it is to dodge the ballista bolts. The Disassembly Drone makes a gambit and blocks the remaining bolts with her right wing. J endures the rapid fire as best she can, and to her relief, the ballista runs out of ammo. 

“Alright, you Yellow Bellied Deer! You’re up!” J proceeds to toss Claude towards the mounted ballista.

Claude braces himself for impact, and he passes through to the forcefield much to the mercenary’s surprise. “What the?! I thought this was supposed to be invulnerable?!” They gasp.

Claude wastes no time and gets back on his feet as he shoots down the two mercenaries at close quarters. “Wow…” Claude mutters to himself. “I didn’t that would actually work.”

“Just get to work, and disable the ballista.” J snorts. “I’ll free the hostages, and dismember this lowly convoy.”

“You got it, J.” Claude brings out a miniature EMP chip from his pocket given by J earlier.

Claude spots two more mercenaries coming at him with their swords drawn. “Get 'em, and protect the ballista!”

“And to think this was going to be easy…” Claude loots a sword from one of the dead mercenaries and prepares for combat. 

One of the mercenaries moves in on Claude, and thrusts towards the future Duke only for the latter to sidestep away. He quickly targets the man’s shin with his sword, and his opponent screams in pain. The mercenary falls to his knees, and Claude quickly gets an arrow before jabbing it into his heart. The man falls face first and dead.

“One down.” Claude quickly throws the chip to the ballista with a timer set to half a minute.

The other mercenary moves in, and engages Claude, but he’s more guarded than his predecessor. He intercepts the future duke’s sidesteps and puts him entirely on the defensive before parrying the sword out of his hand.

“Maybe I should have trained alongside Edelgard and Dimitri…” Claude frowns as he cautiously has his back against the ballista.

“Any last words, Kid?” The mercenary points his sword towards Claude.

“Yeah, I do…” Claude frown transitions to a cheeky grin. “I gotta ask, how do you guys acquire such weapons? Surely a bunch of dummies like yourselves couldn’t have built this all by yourselves, right?”

The mercenary flares up with anger. “Die, you little shit!”

The mercenary thrusts his sword forward, and Claude sidesteps out of the way at the last second prompting the former’s weapon to get jammed on the ballista. The chip takes effect. It proceeds to electrify both the ballista and the mercenary while the forcefield starts fizzling out.

“Should have looked where you were aiming that, Mister.” Claude twirls an arrow and places it back in its quiver. “That’s the Golden Deer for you.”

The forcefield is completely offline, and the wagon ceases moving as Claude turns his attention to the convoy. 

“Now it’s all up to you, J.”

J is in the middle of sniping down several mercenaries from the air and takes out a large portion of Pallardo’s men. Jeralt leads his mercenaries and easily pushes through the enemy forces. Meanwhile, Jeritza continues his massacre against the enemies and closes in on Pallardo.

“J, target the transports!” Jeralt orders. “We’ll make sure none of them escape with the supplies and hostages!”

“You got it, Boss.” J turns on her thermal vision.

She identifies six wagons fleeing from the scene with one of them having more heat signatures than the other five. J listens closely to that particular wagon and hears Pallardo and his mercenaries freaking out. She also hears Leonie’s incessant grumbling and Ignatz’s sniveling. One of the heat signatures gives no sound, and J instinctively knows that it’s Dorothea.

“Gotcha.” J hopefully says as she targets the other five wagons. “Pallardo! I hope you realize that you have broken the Officer’s Academy corporate law! In accordance with breaking the rules of stealing Monastery property after being unearthed, the use of illegal technology, and taking students as hostages, you and your men are hereby charged either with lifelong imprisonment… or immediate death!”

J proceeds to fire missiles at the wagons save one, completely incapacitates the ones carrying treasure, and destroys the ones that were completely worthless.

“No way…” Pallardo stumbles back at the sight of his destroyed convoy. “What kind of monsters are you…”

“You won’t get away that easily, Pallardo.” Dorothea eagerly grins. “You should have thought twice before trying to steal from Anna while my and the Golden Deer are present.”

“I said keep quiet!” Pallardo strikes Dorothea across the face and topples her.

“Dorothea!” Both Leonie and Ignatz cry out.

“I swear if you weren’t such a valuable student…” Pallardo kicks Dorothea mercilessly. “I would have killed you right on the spot, and I’m considering it right now even if you’re a popular songstress.”

Dorothea painfully coughs, and groans, but doesn’t give Pallardo the satisfaction of him seeing her in despair. “I’m sorry…” She weakly says. “Am I supposed to be afraid of you…” she flashes an eager smile. “My broody classmate is way more threatening than you’ll ever be…”

Pallardo kicks Dorothea in the face and squeezes her face with his grip while her classmates watch in horror. “You’ve got smart mouth don’t ya…” He sneers. “I would hate to cut off that pretty tongue of yours, but you’re slowly leaving me with no choice!”

“Hey! Leave her alone, you stinking bully!” Leonie bites back.

“Shut it! Or I’m skinning you as slow as I can make it!”

J hears the commotion from above and scowls at the sight and sounds she’s witnessing. “Boss! You handle cleaning up the rest of this trash! I’m rescuing the hostages!” J moves in while Jeralt gets back to work.

J positions herself above the wagon and swoops down onto it as she breaks through the roof of the wagon. She analyzes the situation before her and sees two mercenaries and Ignatz trembling in fear. She also sees Pallardo holding Leonie at knifepoint, and worst of all, a beat-up Dorothea.

“Hi J…” Dorothea weakly smiles at J. “So glad that you’re alright… I was worried that something may have-“

“Don’t talk. Save your strength.” J gently reminds her. “You’ve done more than enough. I’ll take care of the rest.”

“Y-you’re supposed to be dead?!” Pallardo holds Leonie hostage and has his knife against her throat. “Stay back! Or I’m ending this one’s life!”

J swiftly shoots the knife out of Pallardo’s hand, and Leonie elbows the merchant allowing her to escape. The remaining two merchants try to double-team the Disassembly Drone. However, J expertly mobilizes her tail, and stabs the hearts of both merchants, killing them with no issue.

“Shit… I should have counted my losses!” Pallardo curses. “I’m outta here!” He scrambled out of the wagon in a frenzied panic.

“Leonie, Dorothea, are you both alright?” Ignatz worriedly questions.

“Yeah… will be ok…” Dorothea weakly says.

“Just glad that I don’t have to listen to that guy yap endlessly.”

J cuts the student’s restraints will with ease, and turns to Ignatz. “Ignatz, make yourself useful, and guard these two until the Captain comes back.”

“I-I’ll do my best,” Ignatz states hopefully. “What about you?”

“I’m going to tie up some loose ends.” J powers up her blaster and is about to step out of the wagon before she glances at Dorothea. “I’ll be back soon.” J lightly smiles before she leaves to track down Pallardo.

Pallardo runs for his life and does his best to escape the scene. Damn it! I knew dealing with that old man would be trouble! And the freaking mounted ballista was worthless in the end! I’m going to sue him once I-

“There you are.” A deep voice says just as Pallardo realizes that his leg was cut clean off.

Pallardo falls to the ground screaming in pain, and blood gushes from his dismembered leg as he looks on in horror. Jeritza looms over the helpless merchant with a disappointed look on his face. 

“This was certainly a waste of time.” Jeritza snorts. “You’re not even worth the effort to duel to the death.”

Pallardo groans in pain. “Hey… Jeritza… why don’t we make a deal… How about you let me live and drop me off at the nearest village, and I’ll give you my earnings on the next job… How’s that? Deal?”

“Offer rescinded.” Pallardo hears another condescending voice just before his good leg gets crushed by the impact of J’s legs crashing under him. 

Pallardo screams in pain as J keeps the pressure on his good leg. “You bitch!”

“Quiet.” J slaps him with her tail. “If I were one of you disgusting humans, I would have vomited all over you because hearing you voice makes me feel sick.”

“Do not interfere.” Jeritza glares at J. “He’s my prey.”

“I could care less about what you think.” J scoffs. “An appropriate punishment must be delivered to this fiend, and I shall be the one to deliver it.” She points her laser blaster towards Jeritza. “Unless you wish to fight me for it.”

Jeritza growls at J, and raises his sword against her as they both stand off against one another with each of them possessing murderous intent. “Hmph, have it your way.” Jeritza sheathes his sword. “He’s not worth the time anyway. Just don’t bore me with your kill.”

“Very well.” J turns her blaster towards Pallardo. “Now then… where was I?”

“How are you still alive…” Pallardo grits his teeth. “We shot your head clean off!”

J applies more pressure to his leg with her own with a smug look on her face. “If you’ve done your homework on us, you unemployed imbeciles should know that head shots are not enough to kill us. It’s a simple fact in life.”

“Screw you… say… how about I deal with you… you seem to be very reasonable and more negotiable than Jeritza… why don’t we work out some sort of arrangement that benefits us both…”

“You wish to bargain with me?” J sarcastically says. “I’m so… flattered…” J presses her foot even harder on Pallardo’s leg to the point that the tip of her foot has pierced through his flesh. “Listen here, halfwit. Whether I blast your meager existence to oblivion, I let this man gore you to death, or we just leave your to bleed out of your wounds, one things for certain.” J leans her head forward. “You’re going to die.”

“Come on, Missy…” Pallardo pathetically pleads. “Be reasonable… I’m a well know merchant… I know some people…”

J rolls her eyes. “As if you could bribe me. First off, you told me to screw myself one minute and ten seconds ago. Then, you man handle the students like a crazy person…” BEST ANTI HERO MONOLOGUE EVER. “And now you try to plead to me claiming I’m reasonable and negotiable… Well guess what! I’m reasonable enough to know that bargaining with you is idiotic given your track record, and I wouldn’t negotiate with someone who has broken their promises before. So know I will not be bargaining with you.”

Pallardo grits his teeth and takes a hold of his knife. “Damn you, you little-“

J blows his hand up with her gun, and he screams in pain. “What was that again…” J coldly asks as she leans forward. “I saw the amount of injuries you gave Dorothea, and I’m going to make you feel ten times more than what you made her feel.” J readies a blowtorch on her free arm  ready to sear Pallardo.

Suddenly, J senses something right above her, and immediately jumps off Pallardo before looking up. A scythe comes from above, and stabs the merchant right to the chest as he gargles in pain. What comes after is far worse, and someone else crashes into Pallardo. Jeritza and J back off as they hear the merchant scream in agony feeling no remorse for him. The screams die down, and the Disassembly Drone senses his body has gone cold.

“He was my kill, Uzi.” J scoffs. 

“Well too bad, J!” Uzi waves her scythe in an angsty manner while clearing the smoke. “This guy tried to rip me off from a cool weapon, and I made sure he paid with his life!”

“So he pissed you off as well.” J sighs. “I’m glad we agree on that much.”

“Yeah.” Uzi rests the scythe on her shoulders. “Luckily, I managed to make sure this guy didn’t steal this rad item from.”

Jeritza narrows his eyes towards the scythe. “Is that the Crescent Sickle?

“Yup!” Uzi smugly proclaims. “I noticed it while Anna’s group and myself were unearthing treasure, and I knew I wanted it for myself because of how rad it is! Which is why I wasn’t going to let this guy get away with stealing me such a great score!”

“Your choice of weapon is… not bad…” Jeritza slowly says as he turns back. “I look forward to the day with duel to the death.” He rides off back to the group.

“Sometimes I don’t get that guy…”

“You and me both, Toaster…” J sighs. “I would try to fight you for stealing my kill.” She points her blaster at Uzi. “But I’m not in the mood to waste my oil on the likes of you.”

“Me too.” Uzi narrows her eyes. “I’m all angst out for today. I’m gonna meet up with Byleth now. See Ya, J!” Uzi takes off.

“Ugh…” J groans in annoyance. “I better report this to the others.” She follows after Uzi, and leaves behind a very dead Pallardo.

J finally catches up with Uzi, and finds her at the disregarded ballista, along with Byleth, Anna, Claude and Edelgard.

“I see… so Pallardo is dead for sure?”

“Yup!” Uzi smugly states. “That Broody guy, Stupid J and myself made sure of that!”

“That’s good.” Byleth says. “Still, I wasn’t expecting things to come to this.”

“That makes all of us.” Anna says. “But either way, I’m still grateful for your aid. At least we got all our money back. You all did great out there! I’ll give you a fair reward when we come back!”

“Really?” J lands. “Can you afford such a thing after all the trouble you put us through?”

“I have to agree with J, Anna.” Edelgard peers into Anna’s soul. “Surely you’ll provide us with some ample compensation.”

“Of course I can afford it!” Anna chirpily says. “Don’t you worry! As a top tier merchant, I always account for losses!”

“Right…” both J and Edelgard suspiciously say.

“Though if that guy calls himself a merchant, maybe I shouldn’t call myself one.” Anna frowns. “We’d better submit a report to Seteth so he can help round up his remaining goons. I almost feel bad for- Wait a minute!” Anna’s frown transitions to a look of annoyance. “He tried to rip me off! I don’t feel bad at all! I’m gonna go meet up with Jeralt, and make sure my money is secure! Again, thanks a bunch!” Anna walks off from the site.

“Ugh… I can’t believe that scam artist…” J groans. “Who’s idea was it to go with her in the first place?”

“Wasn’t it yours in the first place?” Edelgard questions. “After all, we were following up on a lead that you found apparently.”

“Well I… you see…” J stammers in the face of her former house leader. UNABLE TO FIND APPROPRIATE ANSWER.

Edelgard suspiciously eyes J before glancing towards Uzi and Claude who both look away while whistling. “Ah I see what’s going on.” Edelgard pieces everything together. “They told you to tell me that this was your idea so I could be more impressed with you.”

“I… I’m sorry, Lady Edelgard…” J utters sounding defeated. “I didn’t mean to lie to you… I just hoped that I could-“

Edelgard gestures for J to stop talking. “You don’t have to attempt such tricks to impress me. I already consider you a valuable ally and a friend after everything you’ve done especially since you saved Dorothea and the others.”

“Lady Edelgard, I…” J slaps both sides of her face. “I won’t let you down again.”

“I know you won’t.” Edelgard smiles before glaring at both Uzi and Claude. “You better not try this again with J.”

“Sure thing.” Claude immediately says albeit unconvincingly.

“No promises.” Uzi straightforwardly says.

Edelgard sighs at this, and turns to Byleth who’s closely analyzing the ballista. “Something wrong, Professor.”

“This thing…” Byleth utters. “Next to the drones, it’s the most advanced thing I’ve ever seen.”

“That hunk of junk?” Uzi says looking unimpressed. “Please, I could build something like that in at least two days or at most a week. Though the forcefield might take a bit longer though, but not as long as my railgun!” Uzi eyes J.

Haha…” J unenthusiastically laughs. “Still… don’t you think it’s strange? How are a bunch of lowlife merchants able to acquire such tech in a primitive rock like this? No offense, Lady Edelgard.”

“None taken.” Edelgard says as she eyes the mounted ballista suspiciously.

“Is something wrong, Edelgard?” Byleth asks.

“Nothing…” Edelgard answers. “Just wondering how this came to be.”

Uzi notices Edelgard’s slight apprehension, and jots it down on her mental map. “Junk or not, we should be careful when crap like this shows up in this world. I feel that some strange conspiracy is brewing around here.”

“Me too.” Claude says as he inspects this. “I’d actually like to take a look at it, and see it’s inner workings. Perhaps we’ll get some neat little details from this strange contraption.”

“If that’s the case, I’ll join you.” Uzi steps in. “I don’t want you blowing up when you cut some sort of wire or something.”

“Oh geez, Uzi… I’m touched.”

“Ewww… so cringe!” Uzi exclaims looking annoyed.

Claude laughs at that. “Nonetheless, I am grateful for the help you’ll give. That said…” Claude stands up. “I should go check on Leonie and Ignatz. Hopefully they weren’t too traumatized after what happened.”

“Yeah, I’m been meaning to check up on them as well.” Uzi agrees. “I wonder how thrilled they’ll be once they see my new weapon.”

“Leonie would be pretty thrilled at the sight of the sickle. Ignatz on the other hand.”

“Well he’d better get used to it!” Uzi declares. “Cause I’m lugging this thing wherever I go!” Uzi marches forward with Claude following her.

“I should go check on Dorothea, and see if she’s doing alright.” J says.

“I’m sure she’d be thrilled to see you.” Edelgard says. “Come on let’s go.”

Everyone agrees, and head to the camp with Edelgard briefly stopping before glancing at the mounted ballista with even more suspicion.

“Edelgard?” Byleth calls back and snaps Edelgard back to reality.

“Coming!” Edelgard scurries to her Teacher’s side with many thoughts in her head, including who could have been responsible for distributing such a weapon.

Chapter Text

A couple of days have passed since the drones’s missions in both Kingdom and Empire territories. Now, everyone is just resting after the past couple of hectic days, well, everyone except Edelgard. The Princess looks out the window from her room around an hour before midnight. Her thoughts linger on the mounted ballista Pallardo had procured a while back.

How is this possible… She lingered on the thoughts. It’s like what J said, the merchants shouldn’t have been able to acquire such technology on their own, and there’s no way the drones would have willingly given them access to their tech… Edelgard clenches her fist. Are those creatures dealing with the merchants behind my back?

Just then, she senses an ominous and yet familiar presence from one of the four corners of her room.

“You can come out now, Hubert.” Edelgard remains undeterred.

“Apologies for my absence.” Hubert emerges from the shadows. “I was just making sure that this room isn’t being tapped on or being monitored.”

“I see, and are we being spied upon?”

“Not of the moment.”

“Good, and how are preparations going?”

“Steadily, My Lady. We should be completely ready on schedule, and the drones don’t suspect a thing.”

“Excellent, but keep tabs on Uzi at all times.”

“That… may be harder than anticipated. That renegade imp may look like a dimwit, but she’s extremely sharp, and will prove… difficult to monitor without being noticed.”

“True… just do your best to be discreet around her. I don’t want her finding out our plans, and blabbering them to others.”

“Understood. That would be the worst way for our plans to be exposed. Also, I arranged a meeting with… him as you requested.”

“Good. I have words with that man, and why he could allow such atrocities.” Edelgard turns to face Hubert. “Hubert, make sure the Agarthans don’t go behind our backs, and selling weapons to merchants and mercenaries. I do not wish for innocents to be caught in the crossfire.”

“As you wish.” Hubert humbly bows. “I trust that you have you disguise ready?”

“Of course.” Edelgard walks over to her closet, and opens it. She presses her hand against the bottom, and pushes it back revealing a white mask patterned with red flames on it. “I intend to take down the Church, and this corrupt system that rots Fodlan from the inside.” She puts on the mask, and her voice becomes distorted making it night unrecognizable. “But I will not jeopardize the lives of the commonfolk if it can be avoided.”

“Truly you are ever so merciful.” Hubert materializes a suit of black armor covered with a dark cloak, and red feathers lining its shoulders.

“Would you call me merciful even after what we’re going to do?”

“No, but I do know that you’re doing this for the good of all of Fodlan.”

“Let’s hope it’s all worth it in the end.” Edelgard says through her distorted voice.

She puts on her Flame Emperor, and prepares herself for her meeting.

Edelgard, now taking in the persona as the Flame Emperor, has been warped by Hubert to the outskirts of the Monastery. She cautiously scans her surroundings as she enters the ruins of an abandoned chapel. The Flame Emperor wraps her hand around her axe knowing that her supposed allies could double cross her.

“I’m tired of these games.” Edelgard bitterly says. “Show yourself.”

“Why hello there, Flame Emperor.” A kind yet menacing voice says coming from the chapel. Emerging out of the darkness is the librarian, Thomas. “What can I do for you this late tonight?” He pleasantly smiles. “Do you wish to borrow a book from me?”

“Enough with the pleasantries.” Edelgard scoffs. “It sickens me having to see that fake smile of yours in the library.”

“Oh?” Thomas’s smile curves into a more sinister tone. “Would you rather have this instead?”

Edelgard turns her head in disgust. “The world will be so much better if your kind weren’t in it.”

“And yet without us, you wouldn’t be able to take down Rhea and the Church.” Thomas self satisfactorily grins. “Like it or not, you need us, Flame Emperor.”

“For now.” 

“Anyways, what is it that you want from me? I don’t think you would have had your dog call me if it wasn’t important.”

“You’re more of a dog than Hubert. The mounted ballista Pallardo’s gang possessed. Was it one of yours?”

“Oh?” Thomas sneers. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t test me, Solon.” Edelgard venomously says. “Pallardo wouldn’t have gotten such a weapon on his own, and no one in Fodlan possesses a forcefield. No one… except you and your ilk.”

Solon responds with a wicked smile. “You catch on quick, Little Girl. You’re right. We did Pallardo and his men the mounted ballista and it’s forcefield.”

“We had a deal, Solon. I secretly get the Empire to war with the Church while accepting your help, and you don’t put your weapons in the hands of merchants and mercenaries. Your weapons could have killed more people a couple of days back.”

“Collateral damage is inevitable. I guess it can’t be helped.”

“Explain yourself.” Edelgard demands. “Or your pathetic excuse of a life ends here.”

“Patience, Young one.” Solon cackles. “We weren’t planning on giving weapons to the mercenaries… that is… until your new friends showed up.”

“You mean the drones?” Edelgard inquires.

“Yes. The drones are unexpected variables, and Thales is concerned that they could derail our plans, especially the purple one.”

“Tch. You’re not the only one who fears this.”

“The drones are dangerous as seen with Pallardo’s gang, and our most basic technology are far from sufficient in taking them down. Thales plans to take his time before he takes action against them.”

“You won’t be successful in taking down the drones.” Edelgard says. “They’re too powerful for you.”

Solon walks over to her, and whispers, “Then I suggest you keep an eye on them, and report for any weaknesses so that we may be able to properly dispose of them.”

“You really want them destroyed, do you?” Edelgard inquires. “Perhaps we could turn them over to our side.”

“Quite the intriguing proposition.” Solon cackles. “But whether the three Disassembly Drones are destroyed or recruited, it matters not. Thales and I want them out of the way of our plan one way or the other.”

Anger wells within Edelgard as she looks towards Solon with disdain and disgust. It may not be now, but I swear that I will have yours and Thales’s head on display for everyone to see the true evil plaguing Fodlan.

“That said… despite our grievances towards her, we are quite interested in the purple one.”

“I thought Uzi would be the one you want dead the most, especially with how she poses the biggest threat in derailing our plans.”

“True, we still want her dead, but she possesses something that could pose great value to us. A dark presence wells within her, a presence that can rival even the Fell Star herself.”

“What?!” Edelgard asks sounding surprised.

“You see, Flame Emperor…” Solon sneers. “While the purple one was asleep, I used my magic to extract a part of the dark presence dwelling within her. Granted I wasn’t able to extract the whole thing given its immense power, but I was able to extract enough for it to manifest a physical form in the meantime.”

“What are you saying?” Edelgard asks as she masks her nervousness. “Don’t tell me you managed to-“

“May I make my dramatic reveal now?” Edelgard’s blood grows cold after hearing a small syncopated voice from within Solon’s cloak.

“Of course, Little One,” Solon says. “Flame Emperor, I’d like you to meet the latest addition to our group.

Edelgard observes the cloak closely and spots a pair of small hands on its corners. “Lifting.” The small yet unnerving voice says as it reveals herself from under Solon’s cloak.

To Edelgard’s surprise, the mystery individual is a small Worker Drone wearing a maid outfit, and the drone is a tad shorter than Uzi. This particular drone looks meeker than her contemporaries. Her posture is more bent, and like the Disassembly Drones, she sports yellow eyes and white hair.

“Another Drone?” Edelgard inquires. “Don’t tell me you actually…”

“Yes.” Solon evilly smirks. “This is the form of the portion of the dark essence I managed to extract from the purple one. She doesn’t look like much, but she possesses far greater power than I anticipated.”

“I possess exactly 10% of my being. The other 90% is locked within that gremlin still wanting to emerge. Grumble.” The Worker Drone unnaturally says.

Several thoughts run through Edelgard’s head as she tries to make sense of this drone. This one appears harmless compared to Uzi… but why do I get an ominous feeling from her… could she be what Uzi referred to as the-

“Shuffle. Shuffle.” The Worker Drone cautiously walks towards Edelgard. “You must be the one the old guy is pinning his plans on.” She offers her hand. “My name is Cyn. Nice to meet you!”

“Pleasure.” Edelgard withholds her hand from Cyn.

“Massive Frown…” Cyn lowers her head in shame. “I was hoping we could be best friends. J, N, and the halfwit, V, have seemingly abandoned my ideals… Sniffle.”

“And what are your goals, Cyn?”

“To assimilate all those who oppose me, and takp revenge on Uzi for eating me. Smirk.” Cyn sinisterly says.

“I see.”

“I must say I’m quite impressed that the old man and his people’s technology are a far cry from the primitive technology this world has to offer. I’m very much interested in learning more about his people.”

“Cyn has been very valuable in informing us on how her technology works in her world, especially in helping in filling in the gaps about her tech,” Solon explains.

“I admire this old man’s willingness to learn more about me.” Cyn goofily smiles. “And as long as he doesn’t betray me, I will not eat him and his people. Tehehe.”

Solon’s brow twitches. “Yes… we are quite fortunate…” He adjusts his collar.

“By the way, Flame Emperor… I have something to ask.”

“Oh?” Edelgard says. “And what would that be?”

“Do you always have someone watching you every time you go to a meeting?”

“Unfortunately, yes…” Edelgard admits. “I have a few mages that check on me as much as I hate being looked out for.”

“She has a dog that keeps watch of her at times.” Solon sneers. “An admirable but annoying habit.”

Cyn scans her environment for a while, and homes in on a singular point. “Flame Emperor, you know what I’m feeling tonight?”

“No.” Edelgard irritably says.

“I’m feeling hungry.” An x appears on Cyn’s visor, and an eldritch tendril erupts from her back much to Edelgard and Solon’s surprise. “I guess one would do for now. Stab.”

Cyn thrusts her tendril into a hidden spot, and what follows is a bone-chilling scream that makes Edelgard’s blood grow cold. The eldritch horror pulls her tendril back leaving a dark mage impaled on the other end. 

“By the Goddess…” Edelgard remains at a loss for words.

“Oh my…” Solon watches on looking fascinated.

The dark mage screams in agonizing pain, Cyn giggles while waving the poor man in the air, and Edelgard watches on with her emotions hidden behind her mask. “I sense two more people still watching us.” Cyn sticks her tongue out and takes in droplets of blood in her mouth. “I may catch another one if I still feel hungry.”

Edelgard’s heartbeat beats faster as she internally screams, Hubert! Get out of there!

“Now then…” The tendril wraps itself around the dark mage, and constricts him despite his muffled screams. “Let’s eat!”

The tendril tightens it’s grip on the dark mage, and crushes his body like a grape between two fingers. The mage’s blood and guts fall from his mangled body, and Cyn voraciously devours them. Edelgard looks away feeling disgusted by the grotesque sight while Solon looks on with curiosity and astonishment.

A couple minutes pass, and Cyn licks off the last remaining blood on her face. “Lick. That was so yummy!” She smiles looking proud of yourself.

“Wipe that proud look off your face.” Edelgard demands. “There’s nothing gratifying about eating a person!”

“Ok. Don’t care, Smug face.” Cyn pops a human ear into her mouth. “As for the others…” Cyn scans the area. “I’m full. Your dumb human toys can live another day.”

“Good. I would hate for you to make a bigger mess than you already have.” Thank goodness Hubert’s ok…

Cyn turns her head towards Solon. “Tell her about our problem, Old man.” She picks her teeth with a small bone.

“Ah yes…” Solon sighs. “Flame Emperor, there is something that we’re concerned about, and wish for you to handle.”

“I’m listening.” Edelgard says.

“While I was extracting a portion of Cyn from the purple one, another presence was extracted in the midst of it. Not as powerful as Cyn, but still deadly, and it has manifested a form.”

“What?!” The Flame Emperor growls. “Are you suggesting that there’s another drone roaming the Monastery?”

“Unfortunately yes… we fear that this drone may cause a wrench in our plans even more so than those idiot drones messing around with those beasts. Look into it, and get rid of the problem.”

“And why should I clean up your mess? If what you say is true, then this mystery drone is your fault, and you should be the one taking care of it. Frankly, the more damage that’s being done to your operations, the better it is for me.”

Solon coldly glares at Edelgard, “You watch your tongue, child. If you weren’t our most prized weapon, I would have wiped you off from the face of this world!”

“Was that supposed to be a threat?” Edelgard asks. “We may be on the same side for now, but I don’t answer to you.”

Solon grimaces towards Edelgard. “Perhaps Thales has been too soft on you.” Dark magic manifests in the palm of his hand. “I think it’s time I must discipline before you become an unruly-“

“Enough, Old Man.” Cyn raises her hand. “I wish to try to give some incentive to the Flame Emperor.” 

“Fine.” Solon scoffs as the magic dissipates from his palm.

“Nod.” Cyn turns towards Edelgard, and creepily tilts her head. “You do not wish to cooperate with me?”

“I have my own plans to worry about.” Edelgard coldly says. “You have nothing to offer me to go on your little goose chase.”

“Sad face…” Cyn frowns. “Ok. How about I give you until the middle of the Red Wolf Moon. Discard the missing drone before then, and I will be very happy!”

“Do you honestly think that I’ll comply with you just so you can be…”

Edelgard’s voice dies down as Cyn’s shadow grows larger, and looms over the Flame Emperor prompting the former to walk back. She no longer sees a meek worker drone before her, before her is… an abomination. Cyn’s body is left hanging from a giant centipede like body. The body crawls towards Edelgard, and multiple tendrils with sharp points erupt from the drone’s back. Cyn towers over the Flame Emperor leaving the latter speechless. Edelgard remains firm despite this, but the Eldritch Horror leans forward, and meets her face to face.

“Perhaps I was not clear.” Cyn sinisterly grins with an X displayed on her visor. “Discard the drone before I do, and I will not discard you or your human friends.” Cyn rears back, and retracts all her eldritch body parts into her body. “Are we clear, Silly girl?”

“Crystal.” Edelgard answers albeit reluctantly.

“Happy face! Joyful leaping!” Cyn cheers.

“With that settled…” Solon chimes in. “The Western Church will start their heist on the Monastery during the Goddess’s Rite of Rebirth. Make sure the Death Knight accompanies them. We would like to see how fares against the Drones.”

“I’ll inform him as soon as possible.” Edelgard says. “Now leave my sight, and don’t you ever give the merchants your weapons!”

“As you wish, Flame Emperor.” Solon sneers just as he’s warped away.

“See ya, Edelgard!” Cyn waves just as she’s warped away as well.

Edelgard is left alone in the ruins, and lets out a deep sigh. “Hubert, take me back to my room.”

Like the others before her, Edelgard is warped away from the abandoned chapel, and back to her room. Immediately upon arrival, she viciously rips her mask off her face, and throws it across the room. Edelgard rests her arms on her bed while standing as she starts breathing heavily. Since her time being confined by the Agarthans, she never thought she would experience that same level of fear again. She thought aptly steeled herself since she made the silent vow to free the people of Fodlan from the Church of Seiros and the Agarthans. Tonight, Cyn proved her wrong, and left Edelgard fearing this new abomination that has come to her life.

“What… the hell… did I just witness…” that was all Edelgard could say before removing her armor, storing it away, and falling asleep.

Early the next morning, Edelgard heads over to the Black Eagle Classroom carrying her books close to her chest. So far, there was no one else at the hallways before she reaches the classroom with the exception of a few knights. Edelgard arrives at her classroom, and finds Hubert waiting beside her seat. The dark mage rests his elbows on his desk as he remains deep in thought. Edelgard scurries to her desk, and sits beside him.

“How are you feeling, My Lady?”

“I am… feeling better all things considered…” Edelgard unsurely says as she monitors the room. “How much time do we have?”

“I estimate that it’ll be another ten minutes before the Knight circles back here, but our ‘dead’ Professor comes very early to prepare the class beforehand. I estimate we only have three minutes to discuss what happened before he arrives. Five if he chooses to take his time to admire some sentimental view.”

“Good.” Edelgard discreetly says as she clenches her fist. “Damn that Thomas… what the hell was he thinking allowing those merchants Agarthan weapons.”

“I’m surprised that you still find that surprising.” Hubert twirls a pencil between his fingers. “The Agarthans have little care for us humans. Expecting them to honor a deal wholeheartedly is the same as a peasant trying to throw as far as he can.”

“I suppose so…” Edelgard rests her chin on her knuckles. “I was a fool to think I could loosen my guard around them even for a bit. Keep your eye on their activities, and keep me informed. We have to be prepared in case they do anymore shady stuff.”

“Understood. I’ll keep an eye on Thomas, and make sure he’s not out of line.”

“Be VERY discreet about it.” Edelgard emphasizes. “I mean it.”

“Is this about… that thing…”

“Yes…” Edelgard whispers. “Damn it…. Uzi lied to us… she said that she was completely clean from this Absolute Solver. I knew something was off when I saw her tail acting strange a few days ago.”

“I see.” Hubert says. “Though I must point out that despite how annoying the purple imp, I can understand why she withheld that information about this… Solver.”

“You do?” Edelgard’s eyes widen.

“Yes, unfortunately…” Hubert sighs. “Being the vessel of something so terrible isn’t something you can write home about similar to what you went through my Lady.”

“I… suppose you have a point…” Edelgard reluctantly says.

“And I doubt that little imp expected someone to raise her nightmare back from the dead.” Hubert holds his hand tightly. “And I can see why she fears her… that thing… is like nothing we’ve ever seen before…”

“Indeed… What was Thomas thinking after extracting such a dangerous being… we need to be very careful when dealing with Cyn. From the looks of it, she’s unpredictable despite her childlike appearance. We need to find a way to deal with her before Thomas can extract even more of her power from Uzi.”

“Yes…” Hubert grimly says. “Though I fear that it will take a while before we come close in devising a plan. Then there’s that other matter Thomas mentioned…”

“The other drone lurking about?”

“Yes… I never would have thought the purple imp would have two presences living within her though from what I’ve gathered from Thomas, it being extracted was purely accidental.”

“From what I’ve gathered from this, he and Cyn fear that this drone will cause more damage to their operations than the Disassembly Drones and Uzi… you think she could be a potential ally for our cause?”

“It’s possible, and a route we should look into. Although, one way or the other, we have to locate this drone first. Otherwise, someone dear to us is going to be swimming in the stomach acids of that demented child!”

The sound of footsteps alerts Hubert and Edelgard. “I’m afraid we’ll have to conclude this meeting for now.” Edelgard says. “Hubert, find this drone, and keep me posted. We have to find it before the Agarthans or Cyn do.”

“Understood.” Hubert nods. “I shall start my search later today.”

With that, Edelgard stands up from her seat, and heads to the entrance to her classroom. Right before she leaves, Byleth has just arrived at the classroom. “Good morning, Edelgard.” Byleth greets her.

“Hello, Professor.” Edelgard responds in kind. “Coming in to prepare for class?”

“I am.” Byleth says before scanning his classroom. “I must say you and Hubert are a lot earlier than usual. Did something happen?”

“We were just discussing our plans for investigating the Monastery before the Moon is over. We have to prepared for when the heist happens.”

“I agree.” Byleth nods. “I’m going to discuss with my father, and follow up on some leads Anna gave us. We’ve got half an hour before class starts. I assume you have somewhere to go?”

“Yes, I’m going to check on Dorothea, and see how she’s doing.”

“Very well. Then I’ll prepare for class today, and get V, Ferdinand and Petra up to speed on what happened.”

“Yes, that would be nice.” Edelgard agrees. “I’ll see you soon, Professor.”

Byleth gives an acknowledging nod, and Edelgard walks past him before he glances at her briefly. The Princess turns to her thoughts, Even now despite with the drones in our lives, that man remains a complete mystery, and… why do I feel drawn to him…

Edelgard arrives at the infirmary, and to her surprise, she also finds J arrive as well carrying loads of books. “L-Lady Edelgard?!” J gasps before she regains her composure, and clears her throat. “Good morning, My Lady. I assume you’ve come to visit Dorothea?”

“Good morning, J.” Edelgard greets in kind. “Yes I am. I just wanted to check on her, and see if she’s ok.” She eyes the load of books J has in her arms. “That’s a lot of books you have there.”

“Yup!” J proudly says. “Since Dorothea will be in the infirmary for a week, I took it upon myself to analyze the curriculum of this week, and have chosen these books so that she can make up for her one week absence.”

“I see…” Edelgard raises a brow. “That is quite considerate of you…” She probably has at least ten books in her arms! “J… to be honest… I don’t think Dorothea would appreciate this many books being presented to her while she’s in a hospital bed.”

“S-she wouldn’t?!” J stammers before nearly dropping the books, and managing to catch them somehow.

“While I’m sure she would appreciate the thought… Dorothea would just feel stressed out to see this many books before her while she’s resting… by the time she comes back to class, she’ll probably feel burnt out, and it will be very counterproductive when she comes back to class.”

J blinks as a message pops up on her visor. ANALYZING SCENARIO BEING OUT FORWARD…ANALYSIS COMPLETE! SCENARIO MOST LIKELY TO HAPPEN! DUMBASS! “Oh… I didn’t consider such a fact… Could you please give me a minute?”

“Ok…”

In a split second, J analyzes each book she has in her possession, leaving Edelgard bewildered by her actions. In the midst of all this, the Disassembly Drone tosses several books into a nearby bush.

“J… what are you doing?”

“Just looking through which two books will be most helpful for Dorothea, and discarding the rest?” J tosses a couple more books into the bush.

“So you’re still to give her some books?”

“Of course!” J exclaims. “I’m not going to let her become an idiot like N, Caspar and Raphael! She’s gotta have some brainpower at least!”

Edelgard sighs, “Well… I suppose she won’t mind a few books, and knowing you, you won’t let up on your goals.”

“Exactly!” J tosses one more book into the bush. “Ok, these two should do.”

Edelgard comes over, and looks at the books J has chosen. “Summary of Magic Basics in Fodlan, and Ten efficient ways to Lead a Battalion. Huh… not bad picks to be honest.”

“I made sure to pick which books Dorothea would benefit the most from so I figured that these two will work the best.”

“I see… you put some actual good thought on this. I’m sure she’ll appreciate this.”

“Thanks.” J twirls one of her pigtails. “Now let’s not keep her waiting. Shall we?”

“Indeed.” Edelgard nods, and they enter the infirmary.

The two of them find Dorothea lying on her hospital bed looking out in the window. “At least I got a good view from here…” She mutters to herself

“Don’t worry,” Edelgard says. “You just have to stay here for a few days and you’ll be discharged.”

“Oh! Hello, Edie, and you too, J.” Dorothea sweetly says. “Have you come to visit little old me?”

“We just figured you could use a bit more company after being cooped up in here for the past few days.” J flicks her pigtail. “And some guidance.” She places the books beside her.

“Books?” Dorothea giggles. “Any romance novels in there?”

“Nonsense!” J proudly proclaims. “These books are study material for you to use so that you can catch up with your classes as soon as you are discharged.”

“Oh… I see…” Dorothea utters quietly.

J sadly frowns at Dorothea’s reaction. “I-“

“What J means is that she couldn’t find any romance novels at the library.” Edelgard cuts in. “After all, Seteth is usually the one that gate keeps  which books are portrayed in their and which are not. Since those weren’t an option, J gave you the next best thing with these two books.”

“Huh…” Dorothea picks up one of the books, and takes a closer look at it. “Summary of Magic Basics in Fodlan… I think I’ll actually give this one a read. It’s something that I can do during my spare time.” Dorothea thankfully smiles. “Thank you, J, and also for saving my life.”

The frown dissipates, and J flashes a small smile. “Just doing my job, Dorothea. After all, it would be a bad rep for me if any of the students died in my watch.”

Edelgard shakes her head at J’s attempts to deny her true feelings while Dorothea giggles at it.

“W-what’s so funny?!” J embarrassingly scowls.

“Nothing.” Dorothea playfully winks.

“Ugh…” J slinks down on a chair. “Quit messing with me and my pursuit to being a professional…”

Edelgard smiles at the small exchange, and turns to Dorothea. “So how are you doing right now, Dorothea?”

“Good for the most part.” Dorothea places her hand on her waist. “I still feel a bit sore after the beating I took, but I’ll live knowing that merchant got what he deserved.”

“Yeah that guy was a dishonorable pig.” J remarks. “I wish I got to kill him myself.”

“I wanted to put him on trial since it was in imperial territory.” Edelgard adds. “But Uzi just to beat us to it.”

“Yeah… screw that toaster.”

“You know what, J.” Edelgard raises her right pointer. “You are right. Screw Uzi.”

“Woah…” Dorothea blinks looking bewildered. “I never thought I’d hear you use that sort of language, Edie…”

“Neither did I, to be honest…” Edelgard reluctantly admits. “However, Uzi has managed to push all my buttons despite my attempts to be friendly with her.”

“Yeah, being friends with that toaster is just pure bad luck, Lady Edelgard.” J twirls a pencil it between her fingers.

“I see…” Dorothea murmurs. “But don’t you think you’re being too hard on Uzi? I mean what could she have possibly done to warrant such-“

J responds with a deadpanned face, and points towards her head and her upper body before displaying an explosion on her visor.

“Oh… right…” Dorothea sighs as she recalls what Uzi did to her back then. “And what about you, Edie? It’s not like she blasted you to smithereens.”

“She mocked my ideals, and continuously disrespects me!” Edelgard rants. “I’ll be honest, I’d rather deal with Ferdinand and his idiotic pamphlet of achievements than dealing with Uzi!”

“Ok…” Dorothea sighs. “But don’t you think you’re exaggerating? Yes, Uzi can be… a lot at times…”

“A lot at times is a biggest understatement I’ve ever heard…” J points out.

“Yes… but I don’t think she’s an inherently bad person. Yes, Uzi doesn’t agree with some things you hold dear, Edie, but I don’t think she’s outright offended by her. It’s mainly because of her personality, but in reality, she’s actually a good cute drone.”

“You expect me to believe that?” A bewildered Edelgard asks.

“Oh yes. I talk with her along with Petra and Bernie, and she’s very chill with us three. And she’s also great with Professor Byleth. You two just need to find common ground between each other. Even you, J.”

“I highly doubt I’ll find similar ground to that inferior model.” J chuckles.

“You could at least try though. Just… give Uzi another shot, and get to know her. Who knows, you two might be best friends, and she may help you up big time in the future.”

Edelgard is left speechless by this, and she considers Dorothea’s words for a moment just as J speaks up. “I highly doubt Uzi and I can ever be best friends.” She sighs. “I’m sorry, but there’s just too much bad blood in between us.”

“Same as myself to be honest.” Edelgard admits. “But it doesn’t that we can’t be tolerable to each other… Perhaps I have been too harsh on Uzi, and I have to accept that that’s the way she is… Even if she is an obnoxious imp.”

“Huh?” A perplexed J states. “So that means your…”

“I’ll give befriending Uzi another shot. As future Emperor of Adrestia, I must be ready to handle all sorts of people. Even characters like Uzi…”

“That’s the spirit, Edie!” Dorothea happily says. “Knowing you, I’m sure you’ll be able to pull it off!”

“I hope you’re right…” Edelgard says with a tinge of uncertainty in her voice. “Anyways, I better head back to my class. Professor Byleth will be starting his lesson in five minutes.”

“I see.” J says. “Then you better get going then. Professors Manuela and Jeralt come later so I’ve got a bit more time to stay with Dorothea. I can explain to you the pointers on how she can learn from these books.”

“I appreciate that, J.” Dorothea says. “Anyways, see you around, Edie!”

“Make sure you don’t get upended by the Toaster.”

“Thank you, and I’ll do you best.” Edelgard responds. “I’ll see you both later within the day.” She leaves the infirmary, and heads back to the classroom.

Throughout the entire morning, Edelgard has been doing two things in the classroom. One was that she was listening intently to Byleth’s lecture. Unlike the rest of the Professors, she always felt intrigued when listening to him. The other was observing both Uzi and V, particularly more with Uzi. She did learn some vital things regarding V, and her trek to Kingdom territory. Apparently, Ingrid tried to actively kill Dedue, N and V during that mission. 

As a result, V beat the Pegasus Knight before she could do any real damage, and Ingrid took ownership of her actions. That said, Seteth has suspended her from the Monastery, and House Galatea has put her on house arrest during the time.

Edelgard let’s out a small sigh after hearing V, Ferdinand and Petra recounting the events that happened. It looks like Dimitri can’t even control the infighting in his class. If he keeps this up he will be a poor leader indeed, and the Kingdom would be in disarray. Something I must take advantage of should I have to wage war against the Kingdom.

The rest of the morning goes on as usual with Byleth giving his lecture while listening to  occasional outbursts from Uzi. After class, Edelgard heads to the Training Grounds hoping to get some training in.

Uzi seems a lot less volatile than usual… Edelgard thought to herself. Perhaps getting that Sickle was able to please her enough for the meantime, but right now, that’s besides the point.

Edelgard’s mind drifts towards last night, and her encounter with Cyn.

That drone Solon brought back from the dead… could she have been the Absolute Solver Uzi feared back then… if so, how is that Uzi contained that monster within her? I can understand why she wants to keep it a secret, but that thing is too dangerous to keep me under wraps. Especially with how dangerous..  that monster is at just 10% of her power. Solon is a fool for thinking he can bring that monster to the world of the living. If I’m going to have to take down Cyn, I’ll need to gain Uzi’s trust. I can’t tell Uzi about my plans to take down the Church as I feel that she could still turn against me, but I might be able to have her get rid of Cyn before she becomes a problem. And perhaps I could get that mystery drone’s assistance. But enough of that. One step at a time. I need to somehow get in Uzi’s good side despite her-

“That’s it, Claude! You’ve got it!” Uzi’s voice echoes from the training grounds. “Just ten more, and you’ll beat your personal record!”

Tendencies… Edelgard sighs, and enters the training grounds.

She takes in the sight, and is at a loss for words at what she’s seeing. Uzi has her Crescent Sickle resting on her shoulders. In front of her are Dimitri and Claude doing pushups… with N and V sitting on their backs respectively.

“Come on, Claude!” Uzi barks orders like a drill sergeant. “YOU CALL THAT A PUSHUP?! MY DOOR ADDICTED DAD CAN DO MORE PUSHUPS THAN YOU CAN!”

“Easy for you to say…” Claude says struggling to push up. “You don’t have someone hea-“

“What we’re you going to say, you little shit?” V crazily smiles, pointing one of her claws in front of Claude.

“I mean… generous lady sitting on me…” Claude double backs.

“Good.” V smiles. “Cause my finger is itching on cutting off some hair… especially one as curly as yours…”

“V!” Uzi exclaims. “I still need Claude good looking! I can’t have that if you give him a freaking bald spot!”

“Ugh… fine…” V crosses her arms and legs.

“Is this really necessary, Uzi…” Claude questions.

“You did say that you wanted build some muscle, didn’t you?” Uzi waves her sickle. “Well now’s a good time to build some muscle! Besides, don’t you have a crest to help make this easier?!”

“Not every crest is a power booster…” Claude slowly does two reps. “My crest just helps restore my health depending on how much damage I deal with certain moves.”

“A lifesteal huh…” Uzi mutters. “That actually sounds pretty handy… Still you gotta build some muscle if you don’t want to get outclassed in close quarters!”

“Got it…” Claude makes another rep. “Let’s hope I survive 50 more…”

Meanwhile, Dimitri is making good progress despite N sitting on him, making 15 pushups every ten seconds. “You’re pretty strong, Dimitri.” N mentions.

“Thanks.” Dimitri effortlessly makes two pushups in a second.

“Is that one of the perks of your Crest?” N asks. “I hear your Crest makes you super strong.”

“Yes, but it’s more to that. My father had me go through a tough training regiment while I was a child.”

“Oh? What sort of training did you do?”

“Well… I was forced to run through the mountains all night wearing heavy armor.”

“Huh?” The drones and Claude simultaneously say.

“Aside from that, I had to train by lifting heavy boulders or carrying barrels filled with rocks.”

“Huh?!!!!”

“Robogod!” N gasps. “How are you not dead?!”

“Yeah! That’s gotta be child abuse or something?!” Uzi freaks out. “You should sue your-“

“Uzi.” Uzi stops herself at the sound of V’s firm voice. The Disassembly Drone shakes her head, and Uzi catches on.

“Oh… I’m sorry, Dimitri…” Uzi remorsefully says. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings in regards to your father…”

“It’s ok, Uzi.” Dimitri says. “I know you meant no ill will on it. Honestly, I don’t mind the training at all. It helped me maintain focused at the task at hand.”

“Well… at least something good came out of it.” Uzi responds with soft smile.

“Hey, Uzi! Do you think I can grow some muscles as well?!” N excitingly asks.

“Don’t be dumb, silly!” Uzi laughs. “We’re robots! We don’t grow muscles! We can put on add on that can function the same as muscles!”

“Oh…” N slightly frowns. “I wish we could grow muscles…”

“Yeah they would actually look sick on you.”

Meanwhile, V starts to ponder to herself on something important, “Hey, Dimitri…”

“Yes, V?” Dimitri jerks his head to her direction.

“Do you think will be alright with this house arrest thing?”

Dimitri stops his pushups, and glances at N. “N, let’s take a break for now.”

“Sure.” N stands up, and gives Dimitri a wide berth.

Dimitri let’s out a deep breath, and sits down prompting V to stand up from Claude allowing him a breather. 

“Thank goodness that’s over…” Claude sighs in relief.

V joins up with Dimitri, and glances at Uzi and N before shooing them both away.

Uzi grumbles at V, but N immediately pulls her away from the back of her arms, and pulls Claude away with his tail. “Now, now, let’s give them some space.” N says. “I’m sure they have some important things to discuss amongst each other.”

“But I wanna listen in…” Uzi crosses her arms. “Especially since Ingrid tried to kill you and V.”

“I know, but we have to give her some leeway as well.” N pleads. “After all, we did the same for you back in the day.”

“Yeah… I suppose you have a point… but I’m gonna give her a piece of my mind once she comes back!”

“I’m sure you will.”

“To be honest, I’d be quite surprised if you don’t outright kill Ingrid, Uzi.” Edelgard speaks up right as they were in front of her.

“AAAHHHHHH!” Both Uzi and N scream with Uzi holding onto N tightly.

“Oh hey, Edelgard.” Claude gets back on his feet. “What brings you here on this fine day?”

“Just came to get some training in for this moon’s mission. You can’t be too prepared after what all of us have been through these past few days.”

“You got a point there, and we could be in for a nasty fight at the end of the moon. We must be quite the unlucky batch.”

“We are indeed…” Edelgard sighs. “I only hope that the next moon isn’t as stressful as this one.” 

“I wouldn’t hope for that too much to be honest.” Uzi chimes in. “Cause no matter how hard we try to get something perfect or something, something will always come our way, and try screw things up.”

“But that’s ok.” N chips in. “Cause no matter what happens, we’ll always push through, and keep on living for our buddies!”

“Not how I would phrase it… but the idea is there.”

“Is that so?” A shocked Edelgard says. “I must say, I never would have expected such words of wisdom from you two.”

“Oh you haven’t seen nothing yet, Small Princess.” Uzi smugly says.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself.” An annoyed Edelgard says. “Anyways, how’s your new weapon going?”

“Oh it’s great!” Uzi brandishes her new scythe. “It fits my aesthetic quite well, and now I can go up close and dirty with people! Plus I can chop them up, and make them my souvenirs when I get back to Copper 9! Hehehehehe…” She cackles.

You know… sometimes I wonder if she’s already possessed by the Solver or not… If she’s not… then that’s even scarier… 

“Say, Edelgard. Have you heard?” Claude asks. “Jeralt has just got a lead from Anna.”

“Really?” Edelgard raises a brow. “This had better be worth all the trouble we went through a couple of days ago.”

“Oh it is!” N enthusiastically states. “Apparently, there’s this huge event called the Goddess’s Rite of Rebirth that happens at the end of this month.”

“At this time, the Monastery is open to the public which means that there will be more security planted in places like the chapel and such.” Claude further explains.

“Hold up…” N ponders. “If there’s boosted security in the chapel, wouldn’t it be impossible for someone to perform a heist?”

“It’s actually the opposite, N.” Uzi says. “The Monastery isn’t as widespread as the other major territories of this rock. They’ll have limited manpower, and when security is focused on one place, other places will be vulnerable to attack.”

“And one other thing.” Claude adds. “Since the Monastery will be open to the public, it will be easier to sneak in with no issue. Especially if the attack is coming from underground.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“The Monastery has quite the labyrinth underneath it, and it’s easy to get lost down there. However, if you know how to navigate through it, you’ll have complete access to most of the valuable spots.”

“That doesn’t sound to good…”

“Right.” Uzi determinedly nods. “And if that’s the case, then there are two places the idiotic thieves will strike. It’s either the Holy Mausoleum or the Holy Tomb. There’s a lot of stuff down there that supposedly has a lot of great power so I’m thinking someone would be bold enough to try to ransack the place. What do you think, Claude?”

“That’s quite sound reasoning.” Claude says looking very impressed. “I must say, I’m quite curious to learning what’s down in those areas, and I’m sure our would be thieves would be having the same thoughts as well. Edelgard?”

“I concur as well.” Edelgard nods. “If I were the attackers, I would also attack those areas.” I see that Uzi is on to our plans. No matter. She can foil the Agarthans as much as she can. As long as she doesn’t connect the dots to me, I should be safe for the meantime. Still… a part of me wants their plot to fail.

“Hehehe… now I’m even more excited.” Uzi rubs her palms in anticipation. “I got quite the motherload of stuff from Anna’s expedition. Now I might get something more valuable in the Monastery’s precious places.”

“Yeah I don’t think Seteth will take kindly to that.” Claude warns her.

“Who cares what Mosshead thinks?! If I find something cool down there, I’m gonna take it! I just have to be the MVP of stopping the heist, and I’ll be able to get something I want from there with no issue.”

“That’s one way of twisting you helping others.” Edelgard sighs. “But… if it helps motivate you in protecting our classmates from any peril, then I suppose loosing an item from those areas will be ok.”

“Woah…” Uzi blinks. “I never thought you’d be this supportive.”

“Just try not to screw this up.” Edelgard rolls her eyes. Who would have thought… that the person I feared the most in taking on in the future could possibly be the one I’ll need the most to take on that eldritch horror…. I’ll need every advantage I can get in order to beat Cyn, and the Agarthans. For the sake of all of Fodlan…

Somewhere underneath the Monastery, a silhouette runs along its twists and turns sounding panicked as she scans her surroundings. Her red eyes illuminate the darkness before her, and her right palm summon forth a red Solver symbol for extra light.

“(Where… am I…)”

Chapter Text

The rest of the month goes by with no issue, and the drones are now back in their respective classes. N was a bit sad that he left the Blue Lions, but he had a great time despite all the close calls he had. He held onto the fact that he could still see them every day in the Monastery. However, he is happy that he’s back in the Golden Deer, and in the same class as Uzi. The night before the Goddess’s Rite of Rebirth, N goes to their ship. To his dismay, he only finds ten oil packs left in their ship.

“What are we going to do…” N frowns and looks downcast.

“You don’t look so good, N.” N swiftly turns around and finds Byleth.

“Oh hey, Byleth.” N sadly smiles. “No, I’m feeling great… just…” He trails off just as his eyes meet Byleth’s unreadable gaze.

“Are you really fine?” Byleth questions.

“No… not really…” N frowns as he takes an oil pack from the ship. “We only got nine oil packs left on this ship… those recent expeditions got us to expend most of them with all those battles… once we run out, we run the risk of overheating, and… and…”

“Be forced to eat people?” Byleth bluntly says.

“Y-yeah….” N stammers. “Wow, you really know how to say things as is.”

“I find it more efficient to be straightforward. It’s meddlesome to try to sugarcoat details.”

“I guess so…” N slumps down to the ground with his back against the ship. “I don’t wanna eat the friends I made here nor do I want Uzi, V, and J do the same… they got strong willpower, but we all have our breaking points sooner or later… I just wish that it doesn’t come to that. I asked Dimitri if we could harvest some oil from the Kingdom’s oil fields, but I’m not sure if he’ll come through.”

“Ah I see.” Byleth says. “I would hate for it to come to you having to eat people as well because if it ever comes to that, I will have to cut you down. Bylese already told me about your core being a vital spot.”

“Oh… I see… I understand that you wish to protect your students…”

“Indeed, also another reason why I would hate it is because… I am quite fond of you and your drones, and I would not want to take your lives.”

“Thanks, Byleth…” N softly smiles. “I really appreciate that.”

“Which is why after tomorrow’s mission, I’ll have some mercenaries look into potential oil fields that you may capitalize on without risking any political conflicts. One that should be able to sustain you lot until the rest of the year.”

“You’d really do that for us?!” N joyfully gasps.

“Of course. Just try not to cause a ruckus if there are any nearby villages in those oil fields.”

“You have my word.” N salutes. “I’ll do my best to make this worth your while, and thanks for going out on a limb for us.”

“Your welcome.” Byleth says. “Just make sure that you perform well on tomorrow’s mission. You’re going to be in my group guarding the Holy Mausoleum.”

“Got it! I won’t let you down on that regard!” N exclaims.

“Also, since we’re going to be in a enclosed space, do not use missiles or any explosives. The last thing I want is to have the whole ceiling collapse on us.”

“I think we can handle that. By the way, what do you think is in the Holy Mausoleum that could get someone to attempt a heist with?”

“From what I hear, the Mausoleum contains the remains of Seiros herself.”

“Wait… the Seiros?” N gasps. “The same guy that has his name plastered all over the Church of Seiros.”

Byleth chuckles, “I have heard Seiros is a woman, but yes, that same Seiros. They say that her remains carry great power within them. I personally think that’s not true, but whoever our intruders are, they certainly believe it’s the case, and that makes it cause for concern.”

“I see. Well then, I better do my very best that we stop these guys!” N slams his fist on his hand. “I’ll be counting on you to lead us, Byleth!”

“I’ll be counting on you, Uzi, and J as well when it’s time to take center stage.” Byleth grins. “Let’s try to make this defense as smooth as possible.”

“You got it!” N delivers a thumbs-up.

The next day, N, Uzi, and J are stationed close to the Holy Mausoleum with Byleth leading the group. Along with them are Edelgard, Claude, Hubert, Hilda, Ferdinand, Lorenz, Linhardt, Marianne, Bernadetta, Raphael, Petra and Lysithea.

“Ok, looks like everyone’s gathered,” Byleth says. “Looks like our guard duty has officially begun.”

“Indeed,” Hubert says. “The Goddess’s Rite of Rebirth is about to begin. Are we going to move forward with our plan?”

“I believe so.” Edelgard nods. “How confident are you in our theory, Professor?”

“I’d say it holds up pretty well along with what we discovered from Anna.” Byleth answers. “Claude?”

“I think so too.” Claude concurs. “I mean, if I were a robber trying to steal valuable stuff, I’d target either the Mausoleum or the Holy Tomb.”

“I honestly hope it’s not…” Hilda groans. “Just so that we don’t have to fight anyone…”

“Shut up, Hilda.” J reprimands her. “If our theory turns out to be another load of bullshit that scammer fed us, someone in the marketplace is going to have her neck snapped like a twig.”

“Besides, I’d wish for our theory to be correct so that the trouble we went through with Pallardo would have been worth it!” Uzi chimes in.

“Woah… this Pallardo fella sure left an impact on you, hasn’t he?” N asks.

“You have no idea…” Uzi sighs. “That said, at least I got this cool-looking scythe in my collection!”

“Please don’t wave that around?!” Bernadetta hides behind Linhardt. “I don’t wanna die…”

“I also share the same sentiment.” Linhardt casually says. “I’d rather wish to explore the Mausoleum instead of fighting people…”

“While it is good to think that we wouldn’t have to fight anyone…” Lysithea adds. “It is just wishful thinking on our part. We haven’t had the best luck in recent times…”

“You got that right, Lysithea.” Lorenz crosses his arms. “I see that Claude and the imp’s confidence is brewing… let’s just hope that it’s not misplaced.”

“Whatever the case,” J says. “We must be prepared for anything that happens, and be ready for conflict at all times.”

“Indeed, J.” Byleth says. “Bylese and the rest of her class along with Dorothea, Ignatz, Caspar and Leonie have the Holy Tomb secured with the Knights of Seiros. My father and V should be scouting out any entrances that may lead directly into the Mausoleum and the Holy Tomb.”

“Let’s hope they screw over the enemy before they get a chance to break in.” Uzi says.

As they were talking, Seteth and Flayn have arrived to check on things. “You seem a mite too relaxed for my liking.” Seteth says.

“Hi pals!” N cheerfully waves.

“Hi, N!” Flayn waves back. “And you too, Uzi.”

“Hey, Flayn! And Mosshead…” Uzi enthusiastically waves her scythe.

“Robo god…” J facepalms along with Edelgard and several of their classmates.

“Uzi…” Seteth shakes his head slowly. “Could you not do that…”

“Do what?!” Uzi retorts. “I haven’t done anything to piss you off! Yet…”

“Did you have to say that last part?!” Lorenz points out.

“Now, now, Lorenz.” Claude rubs Lorenz’s back. “Calm down… wouldn’t want to have your perfect purple hair get so ruined so early.”

“It’s Lavender, Claude…” Lorenz irritably says while they listen to Seteth and Uzi banter.

“Casually wave your scythe like its part of your body?!” Seteth scolds.

“Oh…” Uzi casually takes a closer look at her Crescent Sickle. “You mean this?”

“WHAT ELSE WOULD I BE REFERRING TO?!”

“Ugh… the mission hasn’t even started yet, and that… imp is giving me a headache…” Hubert scoffs.

“You’ll get used to it…” J deadpanned says. “Mostly…”

“Well EXCUSE ME, MOSSHEAD!” Uzi retorts. “We’re on a mission to kick some ass, and I’ve been dying to try this sick weapon! And you’re not going to get in my-“

N grabs hold of Uzi from behind, and covers her mouth causing the Worker Drone to angrily muffle. “What Uzi means is that she’s got to be prepared at all costs even if she means it very closely.”

“Surely you won’t argue about that?” Byleth says. “Right, Seteth?”

Seteth glares at both Byleth and Uzi. Need I remind you that I still do not trust you or you sister since you were given your role of Professor just because Rhea authorized it… but… “I suppose you have a point, Professor Eisner.” Seteth takes a deep breath. “Just… make sure Uzi doesn’t needlessly swing that around.”

“Oh well make sure of that!” N happily smiles. “Right, Uzi?”

Uzi rolls her eyes, and lets out a muffled sigh before levitating her Crescent Sickle with her Solver Powers. Fine… she crosses her arms. You’re lucky Flayn is here.

Seteth deeply sighs, “What am I ever going to do with you…”

“Now, now, Brother.” Flayn pats Seteth’s back. “I’m sure Uzi means well here, and we’re just a little bit tense. Today should be a joyous day, and the Goddess’s Rite of Rebirth! We shouldn’t let the people see you upset this early, right?”

“Yes, of course, Dear Sister.” Seteth clears his throat.

Suddenly, Raphael lets out a wide grin towards Flayn, “Hey, Flayn! You wanna practice your- OW!”

Hilda lightly elbows Raphael. “Shhhh…”

“Flayn.” Linhardt blurts in. “May I examine your-“

J bops Linhardt on the head. “Ignore these idiots, Seteth. Like the idiot Doorman, they have no regard for corporate and Monastery legislations.”

Uzi glares at J, and angrily muffled at her. “Do you have to bop me on the head?” Linhardt groans. “I only wanted to-“

J bops him again. “Quiet.”

“Oww…” Linhardt groans.

“Please don’t embarrass us, Linhardt…” Hubert utters.

Seteth looks at the group with a piercing glare. “Flayn, would you mind telling me what you’ve been up to lately? The students seem rather infatuated with you for some reason.”

N and many of her group start getting the jitters from Seteth’s question fearing that he may reprimand them for something some of them didn’t do.

“They are just my friends, Brother!” Flayn protests. “There’s going on between us.”

“If you insist.” Seteth says. “Anyways, Professor. The Rite of Rebirth is about to start. While we are at the Goddess Tower, we are relying on you in securing the locations that are lacking in defense.”

“Understood.” Byleth nods. “We’ll make sure the Mausoleum is secure.”

“You can count on us, Seteth!” N proclaims while holding back Uzi.

Uzi rolls her eyes, and displays a message. Yeah… Whatever, Mosshead…

“May I let you in on something?” Flayn cheekily says. “My brother can be a bit… callous. He told me that he was concerned about you and the drones, and hinted that perhaps you would be better off patrolling a coffin! Or the drones making a mess of things in case you all get bored!”

“Awww…” N smiles. “You were worried about us? That’s so sweet. You’re actually pretty nice, Seteth.”

“Please don’t act this way in front of our boss, N…” J utters looking annoyed.

HAHA! Uzi displays on her visor.

“That was said in jest, Flayn.” Seteth ignores Uzi’s visual remark. “And in confidence. Please just remain by my side, and do not cause any trouble. As for you, Professor, you would do well to remember that it is your duty to guide your students down the path of righteousness.”

“Understood.” Byleth nods.

“As for you drones.” Seteth sternly says.

“Yes?!” N and J stand straight.

“You’re about the guard one of the most sacred places of the Monastery. Do not desecrate needlessly. Especially you, Uzi!”

“We will do our upmost best to ensure no desecration occurs.” J respectfully says.

“You can count on us, Seteth!” N proclaims.

Meanwhile, Uzi just rolls her eyes. Fine… I won’t loot stuff..

“I will hold you three to that.” Seteth reminds them. “Anyways, we better get going. The ceremony is about to start.”

“Yup!” Flayn enthusiastically states. “Please excuse us, everyone. We shall see you again after the ceremony has concluded!”

With that, Seteth and Flayn take their leave, leaving behind Byleth with his group just as Uzi bites N’s hand.

“Ow!” N yelps.

“Finally free!” Uzi stretches her arms. “Also, sorry for biting you, N.”

“No problem, Uzi.” N rubs his hand.

“Could you two act professional for one second?!” J shakes her head.

“Bite me!” Uzi quickly retorts.

“Anyways…” Edelgard cuts in with a hint of irritation. “We should head to the Holy Mausoleum, and stakeout for the intruders.”

“Oh I know the perfect place we can hide.” Claude chimes in. “Once they come in, then they won’t know what hit them.”

“Good. Professor, shall we depart?”

“Right.” Byleth nods. “Let’s head for the Mausoleum.”

With that, everyone heads to the Mausoleum intrigued to see what happens down there, and N notices Marianne looking nervous. “You ok, Marianne?”

“I… I hope so…” She mumbles. “I just don’t want to be an hindrance like last time…”

“That’s ok. You’ll do just great out there!” N encouragingly says. “Besides, I’ve heard that you got some pretty cool training from Jeralt and Manuela. I’m sure you’ll blow us all away!”

“I agree with N, Marianne.” Uzi chips in. “Have a bit of confidence in yourself, and you’ll be fine.”

“Thank you, you two.” Marianne gratefully nods as they head into the Mausoleum.

A couple of hours later, Byleth and his group wait within a hidden chamber with a good bird’s eye view of the Holy Mausoleum. The group waits patiently within the chamber with many of them all primed to spring out at a moment’s notice. However, some of them aren’t as focused as the others. Hilda looks like she’s bored out of her mind, and Linhardt wishes to go out there and examine the artifacts here. It was either that or he takes a nap, but they weren’t the only ones looking aloof. Bernadetta just crouches down, and covers her head in fear.

“No… no… no… no… no…” Bernadetta mumbles. “We’re gonna die,  aren’t we… I should have stayed in my room…”

“We’re not going to die, Bernadetta…” J irritably says. “As long as you don’t break formation or do idiotic things, you should be fine, ok?”

“But…”

“Fear not, Bernadetta!” Ferdinand proclaims. “I, Ferdinand Von Aegir, shall protect you!”

Bernadetta fearfully grits her teeth, and screams. “DON’T BURRY ME IN A COFFIN ALIVE, AND DROP ME OF A CLIFF!!!!!”

“Bernadetta, I…” Ferdinand stutters feeling defeated. “She is utterly hopeless…”

“Tell me about it…” J tiredly says.

In the midst of all this, Raphael’s stomach growls, “Hey Lorenz, you have any snacks on you?” He asks. “I’m feeling hungry right now!”

“Do you have any sweets as well?” Lysithea also asks.

“I am wondering if you are having on you snacks well as.” Petra chips in more out of curiosity than hunger. “How different are Alliance snacks to the Empire?”

“Please…” Lorenz sighs. “Do I look like I have snacks for you all?”

The only ones that keep an active lookout were Uzi, N, Byleth, Edelgard, Claude and Hubert as they maintain a careful vigil on the mausoleum. “Could you please get your classmates under control, Claude…” Edelgard impatiently asks.

“Sorry, Princess.” Claude shrugs. “That’s the Golden Deer for you.”

“Typical.” Hubert scoffs. “You can’t even take control of your own class. You’re a disgrace to being a house leader.”

“Oh you wound me, Hubert.” Claude dramatically says. “Sorry, but you’re class isn’t any different as well.”

Hubert and Edelgard look back, and find their present classmates except Petra not focused on the mission. “It’s still a working progress…” Hubert grumbles.

“Yeah, Yeah…” Uzi smugly says. “You guys are no different from us, and you’re just embarrassed to admit it.”

Edelgard ignores Uzi’s remark, but Hubert scowls at the Worker Drone, “Why you…”

“Focus, everyone.” Byleth sternly says. “We still have a job to do, and we need to make sure it goes smoothly as possible. 

Hubert scoffs, and storms off, leaving behind Uzi, N, Byleth, Edelgard and Claude as the active lookout. “Hmmm…” N scans the area. “I gotta say, this place looks pretty nice.”

“The Mausoleum is closed off to the public for most of the year,” Edelgard explains, “and because of that they were able to keep it in pristine condition.”

“Still… I wonder what’s even worth stealing in this place…” Uzi wonders as she projects her solver symbol.

She examines every coffin present in the area systematically with her disappointment growing after each one.

“Ugh… just a bunch of bones and corpses… Seriously?! Is there even- Woah…” Uzi’s solver rests on a casket at the other end of the room. “Maybe there is something worth stealing.”

“Hey…” N zeroes in on the casket. “You think that’s…”

“The coffin containing Seiros’s remains? Yes I think so.” Byleth answers.

“Woah…” N gasps. “I never thought you’d be interested in a bunch of bones, Uzi.”

“Normally, I wouldn’t be interested in the corpse of a long dead self entitled person,” Uzi confesses. “But… there’s something odd about this one.”

“Oh?” Claude perks up. “What do you sense inside this casket?”

“That’s the thing… I can sense something in there… but, I don’t know what it is. All I know is that it’s radiating energy far stronger than anything I’ve experienced in this world. Something must be blocking my senses…”

“Interesting…” Edelgard rubs her chin. “There must be a sealing charm in place to protect the contents of that casket.”

“That’s quite… odd…” Byleth turns to his thoughts. Are the legends of Seiros’s remains holding great power or is there something else inside that casket that we’re not aware of? Either way, it looks like our job just got a lot more complicated. What are your thoughts on this?

“Hm?” Uzi looks back suspiciously and is left bewildered for a moment. “Huh…”

“You ok, Uzi?” N asks, placing his hand on her shoulder.

“Yeah I’m fine…” Uzi answers sounding a bit unsure. “It’s just… thought I heard someone… it’s faint, but it sounded like… a young child talking.”

“Oh? You mean Lysithea?” N points.

“Not Lysithea, you dummy!” Uzi angrily whispers.

“What was that?!” Lysithea asks with her brows furrowed.

“Nothing!” Uzi waves back. “We’re we’re just talking…”

“Hmph.” Lysithea snorts and turns away.

Uzi sighs in relief and pulls N towards her. “What I mean is that I heard an unfamiliar child's voice nearby.” She whispers.

“Oh…” N pauses for a bit, and his eyes widen with fear. “Oh no… you don’t think it’s a-“

“No! There’s no such thing as ghosts!” She whispers. “Besides, we fought way worse things than these supposed ghosts!”

“But ghosts are creepy and crazy…” N pleads back. “And we’re in another world so there could be ghosts here… I mean we’re in a place full of dead humans.”

“Ugh… I’m telling you, N. That’s all just in your head, and maybe that child’s voice was also-“

“Quiet.” Edelgard motions to them. “Something’s coming.”

Uzi and N stop talking along with everyone else behind, and they take a peak at what's before them. Suddenly, several robed mages and soldiers are warped into the Holy Mausoleum along with a few armored knights. However, what stood out to the group was the Knight in the middle of the mausoleum. He rides on a giant black horse, and sports Black armor all throughout his body. His weapon of choice is a scythe bigger than Uzi’s, and his helmet resembles a black skull with two horns on it. A pair of red eyes peer from his helmet.

“Well… looks like Anna’s intel was right.” J cautiously says. “They really did come to the Mausoleum.”

“And they didn’t come alone…” Claude adds. “That Knight looks very dangerous.”

“And scary…” Bernadetta trembles.

“Not gonna lie… he looks freaking badass…” Uzi admits. “AND HIS SCYTHE IS BIGGER THAN MINE!”

“Uzi focus.” Byleth reminds her as they go back to observation.

“Hmmm… it looks like these people are from the Western Church.” Hubert surmises.

“You mean those idiots that supposedly tried to usurp the Central Church by getting that old fool, Lonato, to rebel?” J asks.

“The same ones.”

The leader of the group, a mysterious mage, goes over to the central casket and works his magic on the sealing spell. “This seal will take time to break. Troops, guard this area, and hold off any of the Central Church scum while I break the seal to the casket!”

“We’re on it!” One of the soldiers responds.

“Death Knight!” The mage addresses the Knight at the center. “Prove your worth, and annihilate any oncoming foes!”

“I don’t take orders from you.” The Death Knight grimly says. “Nor will I waste my time on weaklings.”

“Hmmm…” Edelgard observes. “That Knight looks to be a powerful enemy…”

“Looks like he doesn’t seem like he’ll take action if we look weak though,” Claude mentions.

“Even so, we can’t let our guard down for a second,” Byleth adds. “Let’s try to avoid him as much as possible, but keep an eye on him. Uzi, whatever you do, do not pick a fight with him.”

“Eh?!” Uzi gasps looking offended. “What makes you think I’ll pick a fight with the Death Knight?!”

Everyone gives Uzi a questioning glare, and she shrinks back.

“Ok, I may want to engage the Death Knight, but come on, I want to get his scythe, and-“

“Uzi, I’m serious.” Byleth puts his foot down. “I need you to be the one to secure the casket and reseal if it comes to that. N, J, if the Death Knight engages us, I want you to take him on.”

“Understood.” J readies her blaster.

“You got it, Byleth!” N salutes

“Uzi, you’re out Ace in the hole.” Byleth turns back to Uzi. “So only engage the Death Knight as a last resort. For now, focus on securing the casket.”

Uzi groans for a bit until she relents, “Ok, I’ll do this just because I actually respect you, and you’re not annoying.”

“Thank you.”

“So what’s the plan, Professor?”

“We’ll split off into two groups. The Golden Deer will take the left, and the Black Eagles will take the right. N, J, you take the rear, and keep your eyes on the Death Knight. Marianne, Linhardt, stay in the center and be ready to support everyone. Myself, Edelgard, Hilda and Raphael will take the front lines, and clear a path. The rest of us will press forward, and support the frontliners in breaking through enemy lines. Any questions?” Silence is all Byleth needs from them. “Good, then let the mission begin!”

The group comes out of hiding, and the Golden Deer and the Black Eagles split off from each other. Each of them is taking a different route to the casket with the Golden Deer taking the left and the Black Eagles taking the right.

“Damn it…” the mage curses. “Those Central Church dastards have spotted us… buy me some time while I open the seal on the casket!”

“Got it.” One of the soldiers says. “Fire!” Several soldiers and mages unload their arrows and spells on the intruders. 

The Golden Deer takes cover in one of the coffins with Claude and Lorenz ducking out of cover to fire their own arrows and fire spells respectively. They take out a couple of archers and mages. Unfortunately for them, the Western Church forces still keep them pinned down.

“This is going to well!” Lorenz exclaims. “And ideas, Claude?”

“Just one.” Claude smirks. “You ready, Uzi?”

“Hehehehehe…” Uzi cackles. “Always.”

Claude fires an arrow at Uzi, and the Worker Drone stops it with her powers before pointing it towards the Western Church supporters. Some of them start to tremble at the sight of the floating arrow.

“Hehehehe….” Uzi rotates the arrow swiftly. “Time to Murder some dumb religious people!”

Uzi sends the arrow flying like a dragonfly chasing its prey, and skewers several archers and mages. The formation is left in disarray, and Claude takes advantage of this. “Alright, Fellas! Let’s show them what the Golden Deer are truly made off!”

Raphael charges forward with his gauntlets at the ready, and Uzi follows after him with her Crescent Sickle. Meanwhile, Hilda purposefully stands back, and cheers them on. “Come on, Uzi, Raphael! You’ve got this!”

“Hilda.” Hilda feels Claude’s shadow looming over, and faces him only find him with a questioning look.

“Fine… I’ll help them out…” Hilda groans and follows after Uzi.

“That’s better.” Claude smirks.

“You sure do know how to get motivated, Claude.” Lorenz comments. “Color me impressed for now.”

“Why thank you, Lorenz. I’d love to give you some pointers on how to get this girl to cooperate.”

“As if I’d resort to underhanded tactics.” Lorenz scoffs. “No, I shall prove myself on the battlefield, and show them why I, Lorenz Hellman Gloucester, am the true heir to the Alliance!” Lorenz presses forward with his bravado in full display.

“Ah, Lorenz…” Claude grins. “Always the noble bold one.” He follows after them.

Uzi overtakes Raphael, and puts her Crescent Sickle to work as she cuts down several of the enemy with ease. “Hahahahaha!” She laughs. “THIS IS AWESOME!” She trips one soldier on his back with her tail, and the tail chomps it’s face off. “I’M A FREAKING REAPER NOW!” She follows with a wide slash on three incoming soldiers, and kills them instantly.

“Yeah! You got em, Uzi!” Raphael proclaims as he decks a Knight with his fist, and barrels his way through the Western Church forces.

“You two are making me work!” Hilda sends a mage flying with her axe. “And I hate work!” She continues her onslaught with Claude, Lorenz and Lysithea backing the frontliners up.

Marianne keeps their vitality up with Physic, healing any wounds her classmates may have sustained throughout the fight. N stays at the rear with one blaster pointed at the Death Knight while having another at the front. He spots a pair of assassins ready to pounce on Claude and Lysithea.

N locks on on both assassins, “Sorry guys.” N remorsefully says before taking the shots, and disposing the assassins. “But I can’t let you kill my friends.”

“Nice shot, N.” Claude says.

“Hmph.” Lysithea simply says before they resume supporting the others.

N salutes them once more, and turns his attention on Byleth and his Black Eagles only to find them moving at the same pace as the Golden Deer. The Professor and Edelgard lead the charge. They cut down their opponents with ease while the others support them the best they can.

“Wow… they’re so cool…” N’s eyes dazzle. “I wish I could achieve that level of teamwork with-“

Suddenly, a shock jolts throughout N’s body, and his entire body becomes wobbly as he struggles to stand up straight.

“Tch… Pathetic.” N hears the Death Knight’s voice, and what follows is the sound of galloping heading away from him.

“What’s going on…” N weakly says as everything becomes a blur to him. SYSTEMS MALFUNCTIONING! CAUSE: UNKNOWN ELECTRONIC SHOCK! REPAIR TIME: 1 MINUTE. “No…”  he hears the bullet fire of J, and the Death Knight clashing his scythe against his opponents along with panicked screams of some of the Black Eagles. “Must… help… them…”

“N… N…” he suddenly feels a rocking motion along with someone calling out to him. “N!”

“Ahh!” N yells just as his vision goes back online only to find Uzi, Claude and Lysithea surrounding him. “Hey fellas…” N’s head throbs. “Owww… what happened…”

“That creepy Knight managed to land a cheap lightning shot, and must have shorted out your circuits for a bit.” Uzi explains.

“Oh… I see…” N frowns. “Where is he?”

“Not being cooperative it seems…” Claude motions to N, and the Disassembly Drone horrifyingly gasps.

J’s headless body lies lifeless temporarily with oil squirting out of her missing head, and the decapitated head gets kicked away by the Death Knight’s horse. Petra and Bernadetta lie on the floor as well. They are still alive, but they both looked even more terrified while Edelgard, Byleth and Ferdinand battle against the Death Knight. The Orange haired noble struggles to keep up with their adversary. Byleth and Edelgard are doing just fine against the Death Knight. Though they too are struggling against this powerful adversary.

“Biscuits…” N slams his fist on the wall. “I let my guard down didn’t I…”

“Yes you did!” Lysithea let’s in on him. “Now the Death Knight is on the loose, and if we don’t do something, he’s gonna-“

“Lysithea.” Claude places his hand on her shoulder. “Now’s not the time to be blaming others.”

“But-“

“No buts.” Claude sternly says. “Right now, we need to focus on keeping the Death Knight under control.”

“N.” Uzi grasps his shoulders. “We have to stop this guy…” her voice laced with worry.

“Uzi…” N also starts feeling worried. “What happened?”

“I… I think something terrible happened, and for some reason… it didn’t… I don’t know how to explain it or what I saw, but one things for sure, if we don’t stop the Death Knight… I fear that something terrible will… will…”

Claude narrows his eyes towards Uzi, What does she mean by something terrible happened, but didn’t anymore… did Uzi notice something that we didn’t? Either way, this is something that I should look into if we survive this.

“It’s ok, Uzi.” N says with a reassuring smile. “Whatever this terrible thing is, we’ll handle it together like we always have.”

“N…” Uzi softly smiles. “Thanks. I’ll explain what I saw after we handle this shit.”

“Right! For now, Uzi, I want you to continue trying to backup the others in security that casket.” N unsheathes his sword. “I’ll deal with the Death Knight.”

“You sure you can take him down, N?” Claude asks. “I know you guys are strong, but this guy looks very strong.”

“I’ll have to try. I can’t let this guy massacre J, Byleth and his class.” N says, his resolve very evident on his visor. “I’ll do what it takes to beat him.”

“I see.” Claude smirks. “In that case, take Lysithea with you.”

“Huh?! Why me?!” Lysithea protests. “I don’t want to work with this dunderhead!”

“You possess enough firepower to drive away the Death Knight. Besides, you also have that spell that you’ve been practicing lately. The one that can obliterate Ca Amyr you quite easily.”

“I still haven’t mastered it yet…” Lysithea says feeling unsure of herself. “And the most I can manage is one so far.”

“That’s ok,” Claude grins, “because I know you’ll make it count. Besides, I know how much you wanna help Edelgard, right?”

Lysithea grumbles, and crosses her arms, “Fine, I’ll help N out… only cause I don’t want Edelgard and the Professor to die!”

That’s the spirit, Lysithea.” Claude pats her on the dead.

“Claude…” Lysithea seethes, but N picks her up, and places her over his shoulders. “Hey! What are you doing?!”

“Will get their faster through flight.” N determinedly says. “Uzi, Claude, good luck on your mission.”

“You too, N.” Uzi softly says.

“Put me down!” Lysithea exclaims. “I’m not a.. CHILD!!!!” N takes off, and heads to the Black Eagles.

Uzi turns to Claude with her Crescent Sickle ready, “Let’s go, Claude.”

“I’m right behind you, Uzi.” Claude twirls his arrow.

In a few seconds, N arrives at the scene, and finds Byleth getting pushed against the wall after blocking a strike from the Death Knight.

“My Teacher!” Edelgard screams.

“Now you die.” The Death Knight charges towards Byleth with his scythe ready.

Byleth raises his sword, ready to block the incoming strike, but he realizes that he won’t be able to completely block the attack in this state. Guess I have no choice, but to use it once more.

Just then, N gets between Byleth and the Death Knight, and parries latter’s scythe attack.

“N?!” Both Byleth and Edelgard gasp.

“So you still live.” The Death Knight snorts.

N points his tail towards the Death Knight, thrusting repeatedly at his opponent forcing the larger man to back off. He parries the tail thrusts with his Scythe, but Lysithea ambushes him with a Miasma spell. The spell hits, and the Death Knight reels back from the blow causing him to growl.

“Oh… this should be fun.”

“Byleth, Edelgard, are you two alright?” N ask.

“We’ll live thanks to you and Lysithea.” Edelgard says.

“You’re most welcome, Lady Edelgard.” Lysithea jumps off N’s back.

“You have our thanks, you two.” Byleth drinks up a Concoction, and heals some of his wounds.

“Anytime.” N grins before facing the Death Knight.

Edelgard glances towards J’s decapitated body feeling sad for her friend. “J…” she utters.

“Don’t worry, Edelgard. She’ll regenerate her head in a couple of minutes.”

“I know, but…”

“Edelgard, go.” Byleth cuts in.

“What?!” Edelgard protests. “But I wish to fight alongside you!”

“I know, but the fact of the matter is that this foe is beyond you, and anyone else in the Black Eagles. N and I can take him on, and Lysithea has the tools necessary to take the Death Knight down.”

“Don’t worry, Edelgard.” N chips in. “I’ll make sure Byleth comes back in one piece. Besides, you have other things to attend to.”

“N… Byleth…” Edelgard relents for a moment before sighing, and regaining composure. “Very well, I shall trust your judgement. Ferdinand, let’s get Bernadetta and Petra out of here. We’ll focus our efforts on securing the casket.”

“Yeah…” Ferdinand gets back to his feet. “Good idea… I can’t believe I’m running like this…”

Don’t worry, you’ll get your chance next time.”

“Thanks,” Ferdinand reaches out to Petra. “Come on, Petra.”

“Right…” Petra composes herself and takes Ferdinand’s head. “I shall not be head loosing today.”

Edelgard goes over to a crouched down trembling Bernadetta. “Can we go now…”

“Unfortunately, not yet…” Edelgard admits. “But we’ll be leaving the Death Knight for now. Stay close to me, and I will keep you safe.”

Bernadetta lifts her head, and looks up at Edelgard. “Promise?”

Edelgard holds out her hand. “Promise.”

Bernadetta meekly accepts her hand, “Ok… I’ll trust you.” 

Edelgard grants her a reassuring smile, “Now let’s go.” Edelgard and the others hurry back to Hubert and Linhardt, but the Death Knight was not done with them yet.

“Pathetic. Running away?” The Death Knight taunts. “I expected more from you.”

Edelgard glances back at the Death Knight and glares at him. Watch your tongue, Death Knight. I will discipline as soon as we’re done here! Her gaze softens towards Byleth and the others. “Be safe.”

N, Byleth and Lysithea respond with an eager nod, and they face off against the Death Knight. “Stand down, and leave peacefully.” An x mark is displayed on N’s right eye.

“Or what?” The Death Knight bites back. “You’ll get electrocuted once more.”

“It was my fault that you were able to rampage on the Black Eagles, but I won’t make the same mistake. You have my full attention.”

“Is that so?” The Death Knight says in an amused tone. “Then let us enjoy this dance with death.”

“Lysithea, how soon can you get that spell ready?” Byleth asks.

“Maybe two minutes, Professor?” Lysithea anxiously answers. 

“Make it a minute. Prepare to fire once you get a clean shot.”

“I’ll do my best.” Lysithea manifests dark magic in between her palms.

“Good. N, you go high. I’ll go low. Wear him down with your weapons, and I’ll try to dismount him. That should gives a better advantage over him.”

“Got it.” N unsheathes a gun on his right arm, and a sword on his left.

The Death Knight points his scythe at the trio with malicious intent. “Time to die.” 

N and the Death Knight rush at each other with Byleth following the Disassembly Drone while Lysithea gathers up more dark magic. The Disassembly Drone and the Knight clash their weapons against each other. The Death Knight exerts more force with his scythe, but N steadies himself. Byleth moves in towards the Knight’s right flank with his sword aimed at his mount. The Death Knight scoffs, and rears his horse on his hind legs causing N to back off. 

Byleth misses the mark, and the horse kicks him on the face before backing off. The Death Knight follows up with Thunder spells. Byleth rolls away, and avoids getting shocked by the initial spell. Unfortunately for him, the Death Knight spots an opening, and gallops towards him. N quickly intercepts, and blocks the Knight’s strike with his wing before bashing him with it. The Death Knight backs off, sinisterly laughing at the duo with malice.

“So your wings can become weapons as well?” The Death Knight grimly says. “Impressive. All the more satisfying when I rip them off your body.”

“Come on, Mr. Knight!” N jovially says. “Unless that’s not your name that is… I’m sure you have a name right?!”

“My name matters not. All that matters is you screaming in agony until I find rest through brutal agony.”

“Ok I bit dark to my liking…” N squints his eyes while Lysithea shakes her head looking annoyed. “I know! You seem like a pretty great guy! How about we tell each other our hobbies, and maybe we could be best pals!”

“You can’t be serious…” Lysithea deadpanned says.

“I’ll start first! My hobbies are hanging out with Uzi, slicing fruits with Flayn, messing around with Claude and Hilda, petting cute dogs… I pretty much love doing anything! What’s your hobbies?”

“Goring my enemies to damnation, and duels to the-“

N stops him there with a barrage of bullets, and forces the Death Knight back despite him and his horse being protected by armor.

“You really need a new hobby, Mr. Knight…” N sighs.

“Well you did try…” Byleth says.

N shrugs, and moves in towards the Death Knight while keeping his machine gun fire on him prompting the Knight to retaliate with Thunder Spells. The Disassembly Drone dodges the spells. N crosses both swords, and clashes them once more against the Death Knight’s scythe. Both combatants stagger back from the force of their blows, and the Disassembly Drone keeps up the assault in all angles. N maintains his assault with a mix of sword and gun attacks. 

The Death Knight struggles the land a bit, and is put on the defensive. N analyzes his opponent, and spots tiny gaps in his armor. He targets those, and sinks his blade through the gasp. The Death Knight grunts in pain, and N backs off feeling good that they’re getting somewhere.

“Got em!” N states. 

Byleth analyzes the fight closely, and turns to his thoughts, Uzi is right… N may be considered the village idiot among the Disassembly Drones, but he really pulls through when it matters, and I’d say he’s probably more dangerous than J or V if motivated enough.

“Time to go in once more!” N dashes in towards the Death Knight.

The Death Knight grips his scythe tightly, and lands a strong parry against N causing the Disassembly Drone to drop his guard. The Knight quickly follows up with a strike across the Disassembly Drone’s chest. N screams in pain just as the Death Knight grabs his leg. The Knight slams the Disassembly Drone to the ground repeatedly, and throws him against a coffin.

“N!” Byleth cries out. “Lysithea are you ready?”

“Almost there…” Lysithea utters as she gathers a good amount of dark magic. “Just need a little bit more time…”

“Got it.” Byleth nods, and gets into the fray as he fires several fire spells at the Death Knight.

The Death Knight shrugs them off, and glares at Byleth. “So it seems you wish to die as well.”

“Not yet.” Byleth calmly says. “My death would greatly inconvenience my father, and my sister, and I would not want to put them through that for their sake.”

“Doesn’t matter. All who partake in bloodshed enter damnation. It’s only a matter of time before we reach ours.”

Byleth gets into a defensive stance, and faces his sword towards the Death Knight. “Our time will come eventually, but mine has not arrived just yet.”

We’ll see about that.” The Death Knight gallops towards Byleth at full speed.

Byleth remains in position, and waits for the Death Knight to come to him as the latter swings his scythe towards him. The Professor sidesteps away from the rider at the last moment, and strikes his harness. The Death Knight slips, and is left dangling on the right side of his horse.

“Done!” Lysithea eagerly proclaims.

“Good, Fire!” Byleth states.

Lysithea faces her first ever Dark Spike towards the Death Knight, and the rider glares at her. “You don’t scare me!”

Lysithea fires her Dark Spike, and it heads straight for the Death Knight forcing him to smack his horse. The horse neighs, and swerved away from the Dark Spite at the last moment, but the impact sends them both flying. The horse lets out a distress call, and collapses on the floor. The horse runs off away from the battle, and leaves behind the Death Knight.

“Did we get him?” Lysithea asks just as a figure emerges from the rubble.

“Not exactly.” Byleth grimaces.

The Death Knight rises from the smoke, and cracks his neck, leaving Lysithea aghast by the sight. “B-but… how?! That shot was supposed to take you out.”

“Indeed.” The Death Knight grimly says. “Dark Spikes is a very notorious spell that even I have to be wary of. However, yours is weak, and your version still needs a bit of work.” The Death Knight’s scythe brims with electricity. “Something you’ll never get the chance to work on!”

The Death Knight raises his scythe, and a dark cloud forms right above Lysithea as she watches on fearfully looks up. “Lysithea, get out of there!” Byleth cries out.

Unfortunately, it comes too late, and a bolt of lightning rains down on Lysithea right before it crashes down on her. Byleth is left speechless and horrified while the Deatn Knight points his scythe towards him.

“Now it’s your turn to die.” The Death Knight readies himself.

Byleth grimaces as he grips his sword tightly getting ready for the Death Knight’s assault.

“Don’t you think you’d laid us off that easily…” Byleth hears a familiar yet condescending voice from where Lysithea was struck.

He turns towards the site, and finds Lysithea lying on her back with J standing over her alive and well with sparks of lightning coursing through her body. 

“J-j???” Lysithea gasps. “You’re alive and well?”

“Oh please…” J huffs. “You blew up N’s head and saw him grow it back, and yet you’re surprised that I grew my head back? I thought your memory was better than that…”

“Y-yes of course…” Lysithea stutters. “It’s just a lot has been happening lately.”

“Reason acceptable…” J says before glaring at the Death Knight. “Though I must say… that decapitation freaking hurts, and I will make this barbarian pay for that and trespassing private property!”

Byleth sighs in relief, “Classic J.”

“So you still live.” The Death Knight scoffs. “And here I thought decapitating you fools will get the job down. I guess I’ll have to aim for the heart instead.”

J tenses up, and wobbles a bit, but she stays on her feet while staying close to Lysithea as she shields them both with her right wing. She readies her blaster on her left, THREAT ASSESSMENT REEVALUATED: THREAT LEVEL RAISED FROM MODERATELY DANGEROUS TO EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. Damn it… I underestimated this guy… we were taking on chump change all this time that I didn’t think we’d face someone as strong as Jeralt and Seteth as our enemy on this rock! Looks I’ll have to take things seriously once my weapon systems are completely back online.

The Death Knight adjusts the grip on his scythe, and rushes towards J. “Squirm for me!”

J braces herself for the Death Knight, but Byleth quickly intercepts him, and locks blade against his scythe. “You’re not getting them that easily.”

“Very well. Let’s see if we’ll all die today.”

Byleth and the Death Knight block and parry each other’s strikes while J and Lysithea are in awe of the sight. “Wow…” Lysithea gasps. “Professor Byleth really must have been holding back on us…”

“No wonder why he’s called the Ashen Demon…” J utters. “But he may need some help.”

Despite Byleth’s best efforts, the Death Knight overpowers him, and breaks through his guard forcing Byleth to lose ground. The Knight relentlessly goes after the Professor, but J interferes with gunshots. The Death Knight feels the bullets pierce through his armor. He grimaces, and does his best to block the gunshots, but this gives Byleth the opportunity he needs. He presses the advantage, and puts the Death Knight completely on the defensive. The Knight growls at the opposition, and his scythe brims with electricity.

“J! Watch out!” Byleth warns her.

J looks up, and sees thunder clouds forming above her forcing her to grab Lysithea, and roll out of the way. The counterattack misses, but it gives the Death Knight a slight reprieve. He backhands Byleth on the face, and dazes the Professor allowing the Knight to zero in on him. However, N swiftly ambushes the Death Knight, and kicks him on the side causing the Knight to grit his teeth. The Knight regains his footing, and faces off against a determined N.

“You’re pretty hard to kill it seems.” The Death Knight growls.

“Yeah, I get that a lot.” N grins. “You ok, Byleth?”

“I’ll live.” Byleth says. “Thanks for that.”

“Anytime. How about you ladies?”

“I can’t believe I’m saved by you again…” Lysithea groans.

“You’ll get used to it…” J rolls her eyes. “But thanks, N.”

“No problem.” N winks back. “Can you still fight, Professor?”

“I still have enough in me to see this mission through till the end.” Byleth says.

“Then let’s take this edgelord together!” N eagerly says as they face the Death Knight.

“We’ll back you up from behind until I get more of my systems in working condition.” J says as she primes her blaster, and Lysithea prepares her Miasma spells.

“Four against one?” The Death Knight says in a amused tone. “Good… more for me to kill.”

While N and the others face off against the Death Knight, he notices something go on near the casket. The mage that was trying to break its seal, looked like he was just standing there limply. That is until he falls to the ground with a knife penetrated in his forehead. N gets a clear view of the casket, and sees someone he never expect to see standing on it. It was a female Worker Drone with long dark indigo hair, and sporting a pair of red eyes.

“W-wait a second…” N stammers a bit.

“You’ve got to be freaking kidding me…” J is at a loss for words. “Please tell me some of you idiot mages drugged us or something…”

“N… you know that drone?” Byleth asks.

“Y-yeah…” N stutters. “That’s… Doll…”

Chapter Text

A few minutes before Doll showed up at the casket…

Uzi speeds through the Western Church soldiers with her Crescent Sickle, cutting them all down to size. “That must be the imp that sabotaged most of Lonato’s army.” One of the soldiers states. “Let’s kill her, and avenge our-“

Suddenly, the Solver Symbol appears on his right arm, and it forcefully stabs his heart with his sword. The soldier vomits out blood, and goes limp on his back, striking fear on the rest of the soldiers behind him. Uzi hovers over the fear strikes soldiers looking bored out of her mind.

“Ugh…” Uzi groans. “As much as I want to take all the credit, V and stupid J were the ones responsible for dismantling that piss poor army. They were the real MVPS for that mission… but not for this one! I’m gonna be the MVP, and get some neat prizes!”

Uzi throws her Crescent Sickle and lands a headshot on one of the unfortunate soldiers.

“GET HER!” Their captain shouts.

They let loose a barrage of arrows, and all sorts of spells on Uzi, but she stops the arrows in their tracks. The spells dissipate like they were just bubbles, and she faces the arrows towards the soldiers. The Western Soldiers stumble back, and with a sinister grin, Uzi portrays a peace sign with a Solver symbol. The soldiers continue to tremble in fear, and the Worker Drone sighs.

“You know… this situation would be funnier if you guys know what this sign is,” Uzi mentions. “but given how primitive this rock is, and your country’s obsession with wars and disputes, I figured you wouldn’t know what this sign means… but none of that matters cause you’re all gonna die.”

Uzi clenches her fist, and the arrows are sent flying back to their owners, killing many of them with relative ease. She recalls her scythe back and cleans out the blood.

“And that’s how you awesomely handle things!”

“Woah…” Hilda dodges a stab from a soldier and smashes the man’s chest. “You sure have flashy ways to taking people out.”

“Yeah!” Raphael booms as he punches another soldier on the face. “I would have a lot of trouble with these archers without you. Thanks a lot!”

“Welcome guys!” Uzi salutes before she cheekily grins. “Now then…” She turns her gaze towards the mage and the casket. That guy sure looks desperate in getting that seal undone… which means… whatever’s inside that thing must be pretty damn-

Suddenly, a familiar high-pitched scream snaps her out of her thoughts.

“What the?!” Uzi quickly turns to its source.

She finds Bernadetta trembling before the Death Knight, and backing away from him as he gallops towards her. “PLEASE! Stay away from me!” Bernadetta fearfully screams and frantically fires arrows at the Death Knight.

The Death Knight barrels through the arrows as they fail to even penetrate his armor. “Weak.” He snaps Bernadetta’s bow in half and cuts straight through her body.

Bernadetta coughs out blood and falls on her back leaving everyone horrified and saddened by this encounter. Blood seeps out from her body, and she breathes her last, “I should have stayed in my room…”

Life faces away from Bernadetta’s body, and her lifeless body is left lying. “B-Bernie!!!” Petra and Ferdinand scream.

“N-no way…” Uzi utters still feeling shocked. “Bernadetta’s… dead?”

“Uzi! What’s going on up there?!” Hilda calls out.

“I just…”

Just then, Petra leaps towards the Death Knight with her sword drawn, and her eyes fueled with rage. “You shall be paying for my friend killing!” She wrathfully declares.

“Petra, wait!” Edelgard calls out. “Don’t attack recklessly!”

The Death Knight effortlessly parries Petra’s strike, and violently grabs her head. “You show promise…” He grimly says before smashing her head on a nearby coffin. Blood splatters on Edelgard’s face as she struggles to process what just happened. “But not enough to satiate me.”

Uzi remains shocked as well, and her eyes dilate before taking in the sight of J’s decapitated body, and N being temporarily disabled. “No way… Petra…” her mind wanders to all the memories of her hanging out with Petra. She was definitely one of Uzi’s favorite Eagles, and there were only three words that could summarize Uzi’s feelings right now: Grief and Rage.

Uzi clenches her scythe and flies straight towards the Death Knight fully intent on massacring the hell out of him. The solver symbol appears in her right eye, catching the Worker Drone off guard.

“Huh?”

HEHEHE:) What a cute ability.

Uzi’s visor flickers, and the next thing she realizes, she’s at the same spot where she was earlier. She hovers over the bodies of the fallen soldiers, and she anxiously looks around her surroundings. “W-what just happened?”

Suddenly, a high-pitched scream turns her back to reality, and she looks to its source only to find an all too familiar scene. Bernadetta fearfully backed away from the Death Knight with her bow drawn.

“PLEASE! STAY AWAY FROM ME!” Bernadetta frantically fires her arrows to no avail.

“What in robo god’s name…” Uzi utters. IS THIS SOME KIND OF FUCKED UP VERSION OF GROUNDHOG DAY?! LIKE… HOW IS THIS FREAKING POSSIBLE?!

“Weak.” The Death Knight gallops full speed towards Bernadetta with his armor protecting him.

SCRAP! I gotta get in there quickly or else-

Suddenly, Byleth quickly gets between Bernadetta and the Death Knight, and parries the latter’s strike. “P-Professor?!” Bernadetta gasps.

“What?!” Uzi gasps. Byleth showed up this time?!

“So… you’ve come to die as well?” The Death Knight asks.

“No,” Byleth says with a stone-faced glare. “I came to do my job. Now!”

Edelgard and Ferdinand swiftly approach the Death Knight’s right flank, and the princess lands a powerful smash on his horse. The horse neighs in pain, and the Knight rears it away from her partner. The horse kicks Ferdinand in the face and sends him reeling back. The Death Knight scoffs, but he senses someone sneaking up on him before delivering a backhand toward Petra.

“Petra!” Edelgard cries out just as Petra crashes right beside Bernadetta.

“Is that all you’ve got?” The Death Knight gloats. “Weaklings to hide behind? Give me a real fight!”

Byleth glances at his students present, and with the exception of Edelgard, they all look fatigued. He steels his resolve and points his rapier towards the Death Knight. “Fine, I’ll give you a real fight.”

Uzi watches from afar, trying to process what happened. What was that feeling just now… she wonders as she observes her surroundings. It’s like I just saw an alternate future… She notices J and N being in the same conditions as before, J being decapitated and N being paralyzed. I’ll think about this more often after we deal with this shit, but right now, I need to snap N out of it!

A couple of minutes later, Uzi and Claude rejoin the rest of the Golden Deer, and Hilda looks past them. “Hey… where’s N and Lysithea? Weren’t they right behind us?”

“Not anymore.” Claude shakes his head. “Teach and the others hit quite the snag with that Knight. So N and Lysithea stayed behind to back them up.”

“Oh no…” Marianne mutters. “Do you think they’ll be ok back there?”

“It’ll be alright.” Uzi hopefully says. “N’s the toughest guy I know. He’ll be ok, and just Byleth and the others out of that snag!”

“Besides, Lysithea is there to reel him in if he ever acts childish.” Lorenz points out.

“I can’t believe I’m agreeing with you, noble snob…” Uzi snorts.

“Anyways, N and Lysithea have the Death Knight occupied.” Claude points out. “Right now we need to keep these people from unsealing that casket.” Even if I want to see what’s inside myself.

“Yeah!” Raphael declares. “Let’s bust through these guys, and make sure the bad guys don’t-“

“Shhhh…” Lorenz covers his mouth. “Don’t shout like that… you’ll alert the enemy to our position!” He whispers.

“Who cares?” Uzi chimes in. “I can bust through these losers no problem.”

“True, it may be simple for you guys, but consider this.” Claude points to the large force guarding the casket. “There are a lot of people between us and that coffin, and some of those people are priests. Chances are one of them knows Silence, and it can temporarily shut down your powers.”

“Yeah… I get what you mean.” Uzi grips her hand knowing how annoying it is for her powers to get shutdown. “But I can still fight with my scythe. I’ve watched loads of anime, and I know all the moves to kick people’s asses.”

“What’s anime?” Raphael asks.

“Probably some stupid hobby Uzi plays around with.” Lorenz scoffs.

“Hey! Anime’s not stupid!” Uzi aggressively whispers. “It’s a way of life.”

Everyone except Lorenz is astonished by this proclamation. “I’m going to pretend that you didn’t say that.”

“Anyways…” Claude gets between the two. “While I don’t doubt that you could easily beat these guys up, doesn’t this burn through your oil reserves?”

Uzi pauses for a moment, and meekly responds, “Yessss…..”

“And you have limited oil packs on your ship if I recall.”

Uzi rolls her eyes, and a message pops up on her visor. REASONING SOUND! UNABLE TO COUNTER. She smacks herself on the face. “I see where you’re coming from.”

“Exactly. It’s best that you conserve yourself as much as possible considering that N and J have their hands full with the Death Knight, and it’s only a matter of time before V shows up. With that in mind, a lot of oil is going to be consumed after today so it’s best that you avoid expending too much effort unless the situation calls for it.”

“Fine… I see where you’re coming from, but how do you intend we get past that horde of fanatics?”

“Easy.” Claude smirks. “We dismantle their formation from within, and cause disarray amongst their ranks.”

“Oh, but how do you intend to get within enemy lines?” Lorenz questions.

Claude glances towards Marianne, and everyone turns towards her. “Me?” She gasps. “But… I’m not sure if I can hold it for long…”

“Wait a second, Claude…” Uzi waves her hands. “You want to send Marianne into that horde on her own?”

“Not just herself.” Claude shakes his. “Lorenz and I will accompany her, and we’ll do most of the heavy lifting once we get there.”

“You want me to join you on this suicide mission?” Lorenz dubiously asks.

“I’m sorry…” Marianne mutters. “I wish I could perform better…”

“N-no…” Lorenz stammers immediately regretting his words. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Hey, don’t listen to the noble snob.” Uzi pats Marianne’s back. “I dunno what sort of tricks you’ve been hiding, but if Claude believes that you can get through this mission with no issue, then I’ll believe it, and you.”

“You think so, Uzi?” Marianne softly asks.

“Yup! Just believe in yourself, and you’ll do just fine.”

“Yeah! What Uzi said!” Raphael loudly whispers.

“You got this, Marianne.” Hilda chimes in.

Claude grants Lorenz a questioning look, and the noble sighs, “I put my life in your hands, Marianne.”

“Everyone…” Marianne softly utters before clenching her fists tightly. “I’ll do my best.”

“That’s the spirit.” Claude smirks. “Now then, how does it work?”

“Lorenz, Claude,” Marianne holds out her hands. “The spell will last for two minutes especially since I’m exerting it to two more people than myself.”

“Two minutes…” Claude ponders as he takes Marianne’s hand. “That’s all the time we need.”

“Let’s just make them count.” Lorenz says.

“Uzi, Hilda, Raphael, once everyone is completely scattered, bust through their formation.”

“Got it.” Uzi gives a thumbs up. “But what exactly are you going to-“ Marianne, Claude and Lorenz vanish in front of their eyes. “Holy crap! What just happened?” Uzi turns on her thermal vision, and her sonar, but she doesn’t get anything. “Did they… teleport somewhere?”

“Yup, that’s the same reaction I had when that happened!” Raphael widely grins.

“That’s Marianne’s secret spell that she developed herself, Absolute Silence.” Hilda explains.

“Absolute Silence…” Uzi utters. “That’s a cool name. So it turns her and anyone near her invisible.”

“More than that, it makes anyone neigh undetectable from all the five senses. It’s a spell she’s been developing for a long while apparently.”

“Woah… that must be why the old man’s mercs and N never found her until she turned visible.”

“Yup! Marianne’s way more capable than she gives herself credit for. I just wished she stopped doubting herself.”

“Me too.” Uzi says as she notices some commotion coming from the Western Church forces.

Uzi, Hilda and Raphael take a peek out from their hiding places, and several silence rings engulf the priests and mages.

“Looks like Marianne’s not wasting any time.”

“Neither is Claude and Lorenz.” Hilda smirks.

In the midst of the formation, several officers and captains are struck down by an invisible Claude and Lorenz. The loss of the leaders puts a massive chunk of the Western Church forces in a state of confusion.

“That’s the signal.” Raphael cracks his knuckles. “Time to join in the fight!” He vaults over the coffin.

“Hey! Wait for me!” Uzi follows after him.

“Ugh… I guess I’ll join in as well.” Hilda reluctantly follows.

Raphael charges head first, and lets out a barrage of punches towards the horde of soldiers before him. One soldier tries to skewer him, but the brawler sidesteps away from the strike, and grabs the soldier’s arm. Raphael turns the guy in 360 degrees, and tosses him to his comrades.

“Feel the power of my muscles!” Raphael flexes.

Hilda sends a couple of people flying with a swing of her axe, and dances around several of the enemy. She brings out a short axe, and cripples several of the Wester church forces with ease.

“Ugh… I’m feeling sweaty…” Hilda wipes her forehead. “Uzi, are you doing your job?”

Suddenly, several soldiers get sliced down the size by Uzi’s rampage as she maniacally laughs in the middle of her rampage. She kicks a soldier on the face, and performs a backflip before having her tail grab the man’s throat. Uzi tosses the soldier towards an archer who had his arrow aimed at her. Several pikemen, and mercenaries surround her, and charge at her. Uzi slyly grins, and performs a 360 spin with her Crescent sickle causing several lances getting several, and several mercenaries meetings their end. 

The pikemen stumble back now that they’re unarmed, and Uzi cackles at them before putting her Solver powers to good use. She manifests several solver rings on the limbs of the pikemen. Uzi twists her hand, and snaps all of the limbs of the pikemen rendering  them helpless.

“Consider this as a mercy.” Uzi rests her scythe on her shoulders, and eyes the mage opening the casket. “Time to stop this mage, and maybe have a peak on what’s… in… side…”

Suddenly, the mage falls dead with a knife to his head, and that same knife levitates off his head by a red Solver symbol. The knife flies back into the hand of a familiar Worker Drone Uzi knows all to well. The mysterious Worker Drone turns her head towards Uzi.

“(Hello, Uzi.)” The Worker Drone says in another language.

Uzi remains at a loss for words for a moment. “Doll?!”

Uzi stumbles back, still trying to process on what the hell is going on right now as Doll stands before her on the casket. “(You look live you’ve seen a ghost.)” Doll remarks.

“No shit!” Uzi points her Crescent Sickle at Doll. “You’re supposed to be dead! I watched you die a while back!”

“(Dead?!)” Doll incredulously says. “(What are you talking about?! I am alive and well, and why am I in this primitive rock?)”

“Wait…” Uzi frowns. “You don’t remember?”

“(Can’t… remember…)” Doll rubs her head. “(My memory chip is fuzzy after I sent the sentinels on you.)”

“I see… so that’s how far you remember.”

“Well…” Suddenly, Claude reappears on top of a coffin twirling his arrow. “I gotta say I wasn’t expecting this. I didn’t know you brought along another drone, Uzi.”

“I didn’t.” Uzi sternly says. “I’m just as surprised as you.”

“I see.” Claude says as he curiously observes Doll.

“Ooh…” Hilda walks in as well. “I gotta say this one looks to have more style than you, Uzi.”

“Shut it, Hilda!” Uzi retorts. “I dress way better than her!”

“Fine, Fine, Fine…” Hilda casually remarks.

“So, Uzi, who is this friend of yours, and why did she just make our job a lot easier?” Claude asks.

“That, my friends, is Doll.” Uzi says. “And she’s not my friend per say. It’s… complicated. As for why she’s here, I don’t know how that’s possible.”

“How come?” Claude shrugs. “Couldn’t she have followed you from the stars?”

“Because I say her die right before my eyes.”

“Huh?” Both Hilda and Claude are left bewildered.

“W-wait… hold on…” Hilda utters. “Are you saying that this robot is some sort of undead robot?!”

Doll scowls at Hilda, “(Uzi, tell your idiot human friends that I’m not undead, and that I’m alive and well. I just… need to find out what happened to me.)”

“Well… that’s a language i haven’t heard before.” Claude says.

“It’s Russian.” Uzi explains. “It’s another language from where I come from, and Doll is basically a Russian Worker Drone.”

“Ok, but how do you understand it?” Hilda asks.

“All drones have a built in chip within our heads that contains all the languages in our world. I can understand her just fine, and she can understand you as well.”

“Interesting…” Claude rubs his chin. I should ask Uzi to give me some language lessons one of these days. “So what did she say?”

“She says that she’s not an undead bot which i too find hard to believe, and that she’s trying to figure things out.”

“I see… so even she’s unsure of herself.”

“(I must say, Uzi…)” Doll chimes back in. “(I never thought I’d see you be friends with the humans especially since you would go on and on on how you would kill all humans. It’s bad enough that you’d be friends with the Murder Drones, and now you’re chilling out with these disgusting fleshlings? You really are a hypocrite.)”

“Bite me!” Uzi snaps. “I still hate most humans, but I can still be friends with a good number of them! Like these two idiots beside me!”

“Hey! I’m not an idiot!” Hilda retorts.

Claude chuckles, and listens to Uzi, “Sure they piss me off at times, but they’re genuine good people despite some of their morals being questionable. I know they have my back, and I’ll always have theirs!”

Both Hilda and Claude smile for Uzi, but Doll grimaces, “(How sweet… you’re just as affectionate as ever. Though I find that hardly surprising since you did make friends with the Murder Drones.)”

Uzi scowls at Doll, and readies her Crescent Sickle. “Say, Doll!” Claude gets the indigo haired drone’s attention. “Since you understand just fine, and you seem like a nice drone, perhaps you could hear me out for a bit?”

Uzi facepalms herself and Hilda swallows a bit. “This isn’t going to end well…”

Doll responds with an annoyed expression, and sighs, “(Go on…)” 

“I’ll take that as a yes. Since you took out that mage for us, and you look very strong as well, perhaps you could throw us a bone, and help us in securing whatever’s in that casket? And maybe allow us to have a peak inside?”

“(Hmmm… how about… no.)” Doll psionically hurls a knife towards Claude, but he dodges the dagger.

“I’ll take that as a no then.” Claude tenses up.

“Hey!” Uzi snaps. “No one messes with Claude with knives, but me! Get off the casket, and maybe I can convince V to not turn you into a pincushion!”

“(V…)” Dolls says with a hint of seething anger in her voice. “(So she’s still alive… all the more reason why I can’t allow you, your pathetic humans, and those despicable Murder Drones to acquire the contents of this casket!)”

Doll starts levitating the nearby weapons in the air, and points them towards Uzi and the Golden Deer. “Ummm…” Raphael stutters. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know…” Lorenz warily says. “But it doesn’t look good…”

Marianne stays in between them as they are all surrounded by swords and lances, “Goddess… please protect us…” She desperately says.

Hilda and Claude also find themselves surrounded by the weapons, “Ummm… Claude…” Hilda worriedly utters. “I think we seriously bit off more than we could chew…”

“Welcome to my world, Hilda…” Claude says while maintaining an awareness of all weapons.

This gets on Uzi’s nerves, and he turns back to Doll. “Stop this. Right. Now!”

“(Or what?)” Doll defiantly says. “(You think I’m scared of you?)”

Doll clenches her fist, and sends all her weapons flying straight towards the Golden Deer, and most of them lose hope at that moment. However, Claude meets the weapons with a smile on his face. Just at the last moment, the weapons stop before they could skewer the Golden Deer. The Deer are all struck with awe as they notice Uzi’s purple symbols overlap with Doll’s red symbols.

“I knew you would come through for us, Uzi.” Claude unwaveringly says.

“Easy for you to say, Claude…” Uzi grits her teeth. “This isn’t easy to do…”

Doll narrows her eyes towards Uzi just as her adversary turns her own weapons towards her. “(You’re a lot stronger than before…)”

“I picked up a few skills along the way.” Uzi smirks. “And I got some neat Zenkai boosts.”

Uzi sends all the weapons flying towards Doll, but the red eyed Worker Drone stops them all in their tracks. She blows them away with ease, and projects her red solver symbol on the casket.

“Oh and to answer your question a while ago… Yes. You should be afraid of me. Especially after you tried to skewer my friends!” Uzi exclaims. “So here’s your last freaking chance! Get off the casket, and leave or I will stop being nice!”

Doll sighs, “(Fine… in that case, I refuse to let you get whatever’s in this casket. I sense great power from it, and having you of all people wield such a power, is something I cannot allow nor will I allow the humans to take it.)”

“That’s not your decision to make.” Uzi readies her Crescent Sickle. “Now then, are we going to this little dance again or not?!”

Doll levitates several stones off the ground, and shapes them into stone javelins. “(Be my guest.)”

Doll fires the first set of stone javelins towards Uzi, but the purple worker drone stops them with her Solver Powers. The latter snaps them with ease, and her opponent fires another batch of stone javelins.

“Really?! The same thing?!” Uzi calls out. “I thought you were better than that!”

“(Don’t be so sure.)” Doll manipulates the shape of some of the javelins.

Some of them are divided into smaller pieces, and they turn into shurikens causing Uzi to frown. “I want some ninja stars…”

“Focus, Imp!” Lorenz screams.

“Ah right!” Uzi parries the incoming shurikens, and blocking the stone javelins with solver powers.

Doll grimaces towards Uzi, and the latter flies straight towards her with Crescent Sickle ready to strike. The Russian Worker Drone blocks the incoming attack with her own solver, and blows her opponent away. Suddenly, Doll blocks an incoming arrow flying towards her head. She turns her attention towards its source, and finds Claude and Hilda hiding behind a nearby coffin.

“Well… it was worth a shot.” Claude shrugs.

“If we die today…” Hilda pokes at his shoulder. “I’m haunting you for they rest of my life.”

“(You are starting to get on my nerves.)” Doll projects her Solver towards Claude and Hilda.

Suddenly, her head twitches and her visor flickers a bit. ERROR! SOLVER INCOMPLETE! UNABLE TO INTERACT WITH SENTIENT LIFEFORMS AND OTHER DRONE! UPDATE BY ADMIN NECESSARY!

“(Damn glitch…)” Doll irritably says.

“Wait…” Hilda warily says. “Isn’t she not gonna choke us or something?”

“I don’t think she can.” Claude smirks. “Looks like your powers can’t interact with us directly. If you could, you would have killed us by now, and right now, you’re out of luck once Uzi gets back on the case.”

“(Newsflash, idiot human.)” Doll levitates some stones. “(I don’t need my powers to directly affect you to kill you.)”

“Ummm… Claude…” Hilda utters. “You got any ideas on how we can get out of this mess?”

“Working on it…” Claude takes out something from his pocket.

“(Die.)” Doll unleashes stones towards Claude and Hilda.

Claude throws down a smoke bomb, and blinds Doll from their location allowing the duo to escape for now.

“(Claude, was it?)” Doll projects her Solver symbol. “(You cannot hide from me for long.)”

Just then, Doll blocks a Sagitae spell, and dispels it before facing her new attackers.

“I’m afraid you’ll have to forgive Claude for his impertinence.” Lorenz steps in. “He can be very… annoying at times.”

“(More humans…)” Doll grimaces. “(I don’t have to deal with you.)”

“Looks like you won’t be able to appreciate the splendor of the Gloucester family.” Lorenz sighs. “Marianne, now!”

Marianne surrounds Doll in a Silence spell, and the Worker Drone tenses up at the sight of it. “(I’ve seen this spell in action quite enough. You will not imprison me!)” Doll repels the spell with ease.

“Oh no!” Marianne gasps. “It didn’t settle in time!”

“That’s ok.” Lorenz says. “Raphael is already on the case.”

“Let’s go!” Raphael charges forward, and gets at arms length.

Raphael throws a strong punch, and Doll braces herself for impact, and the punch pushes her back.

“(That hurt…)” Doll growls.

“Sorry, Little lady!” Raphael unleashes a barrage on punches and Doll does her best to dodge them. “But I can’t let you hurt my friends!”

“(Don’t worry.)” Doll quickly gets hold of a shield, and blocks Raphael’s punch. “(You won’t be hurting anyone here.)”

Doll proceeds to smack Raphael’s face with the shield repeatedly forcing the brawler to reel back upon feeling dazed.

“Raphael!” Marianne screams.

“This is not good…” Lorenz worries.

Doll lands two good hits on Raphael’s face, and jumps towards him before kicking his chin and kicking him across the face. The brawler falls off the casket, and groans for a bit. “Owww…”

“(Weaklings.)” Doll wipes off some dirt from her face.

Just then, Doll feels ice creep up on her legs, and she looks around only to find that Marianne has initiated a Blizzard spell.

“I don’t know what you’re saying.” Marianne says. “But whatever it is you’re doing, I can’t let you open that casket!”

Ice creeps up on Doll’s legs and towards the rest of her body, and she struggles to break free from it.

“Never said it better, Marianne.” Lorenz illuminates his hand with magic. “Allow me to show you what the House of Gloucester can truly do!”

Lorenz fires a powerful Sagitae spell, and it heads straight for Doll prompting the Solver Symbol to show up on her right eye.

“(I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS!)” Doll let’s out a massive shockwave, and repels all spells endangering her.

She also blows back a downed Raphael, Marianne and Lorenz, and leaves them all vulnerable.

“What… power…” Marianne mutters.

“This really feels like taking on Uzi when she’s serious…” Lorenz adds.

Doll brushes off any residual ice left on her body. “(It will take more than a few petty tricks to beat me.)” She stops a Short Axe midair just a few inches from piercing her head. “(And here I thought you learned your lesson.)”

“Shut up!” Hilda exclaims. “Just because I can’t understand you, doesn’t mean I can’t tell that you’re insulting me!”

“(Ugh… you guys need to be bilingual.)” Doll points the axe back to Hilda. “(Not that you’ll be alive for much-)”

An arrow pierces her right arm and severs it causing Doll to wince in pain before glaring at the shooter. “Looks like you’re not too invincible after all,” Claude says. “From the looks of it, you seem very inferior to Uzi.” 

“(How dare you…)” Doll’s right arm regenerates.

“Of course, she could regenerate as well…” Claude narrows his eyes. 

“How are we supposed to beat this little twerp?!” Hilda exclaims. “It’s like we’re fighting a grumpier version of Uzi, and I didn’t think that was possible!”

“Yeah, normally we would be squashed, and we would have no chance against this drone…” Claude slyly grins. “if we were alone that is.”

“Hey, Doll!” Everyone’s attention turns towards Uzi who comes flying with a coffin levitating right beside her. “SUCK ON THIS!”

Uzi sends the coffin hurling towards Doll, and the Russian Worker Drone holds it back with her Solver. The purple worker drone also pushes the coffin towards her opponent, but the Russian Worker Drone also holds her ground. 

“Need a hand, Uzi?” Claude loads two arrows and fires them.

The arrows fly towards Doll’s legs and pierce them causing her to lose concentration for a bit, enough for Uzi to take advantage. She pushes through and the coffin smashes into the Russian Worker Drone. Doll and the coffin both smash against the wall, and Uzi flashes a self satisfactory grin. 

“Why are you looking satisfied?!” Lorenz exclaims. “You just destroyed an ancient artifact probably dating around  a thousand years!”

“Relax, Lorenz.” Claude casually says. “I’m sure Seteth won’t mind a few broken tombs during an intense battle.”

“You’re dismissiveness truly astounds me, Claude…” Lorenz shakes his head.

“Look alive pals!” Uzi alerts the Golden Deer. “She’s not finished yet.”

Just in cue, Doll jumps out from the crash site with a few breaks and scrapes on her body only for them to slowly heal. She looks more pissed than concerned about her well-being. “(I must say, you perform well despite being humans, and you certainly picked up new tricks since the last time we met Uzi.)”

“What can I say?” Uzi shrugs. “A lot has happened since you were gone for a while.” Uzi points her scythe towards Doll, and everyone prepares their respective weapons for the second round. “Last chance, Doll.”

Doll responds by projecting her solver to the ground, taking out several floor tiles from the ground. She merges a lot of them with each other, and sharpens the edges while rotating them swiftly. Sooner or later, Doll has five stone buzzsaws rotating by her side, and the Golden Deer tense up at the sight of it.

“(Over my dead body!)” Doll says with a crazed smile.

Meanwhile, Byleth and N are in the heat of battle against the Death Knight with J and Lysithea providing support. The former two parry and block the Knight’s attacks while the latter fire bullets and Miasma spells. “I don’t get it, J!” N blocks the Death Knight’s strike. “How is Doll still alive?!”

“You’re guess is as good as mine, N!” J fires two more bullets. “There’s no way she could have survived after what you and Uzi told me about her.”

“So you have history with this Drone ahead of us?” Lysithea asks.

“Not me necessarily. N, Uzi and V had some run ins with her in the past, and based on the reports I’ve heard from them… she is quite the nuisance…”

“So she’s not a friend?”

“Absolutely not! I would never befriend someone who doesn’t follow corporate!”

“You really do take this business stuff very seriously… I like it.”

Byleth parries a couple of strikes against the Death Knight, “N, is that drone someone we have to worry about?”

“More or less…” N worriedly says. “She killed several of the prom committee just so she can take her revenge on V.”

“Revenge on V?” Byleth perks up.

“Long story!” N blocks a powerful strike from the Death Knight. “Anyways, we need to beat this guy before we can help Uzi and the others out!”

“Agreed. This Knight doesn’t seem to care that his comrades are dying behind him.”

The Death Knight fires a Thunder spell at N, but the Disassembly Drone counters by firing his laser. The attacks collide, and cancel each other out right before the Knight looks back. Right behind him, Uzi and the Golden Deer are in the heat of battle against Doll while the Black Eagles move in from the right to flank her.

“Oh…” The Death Knight says in an amused tone. “This should be fun.”

“Surrender, Death Knight!” J points her laser blaster at him. “Your forces are diminished, and you have no chance of achieving your goal or escaping. Lay down your arms, and I’m sure we can find an appropriate punishment that correlates to you defying Monastery protocol.”

“I care not for the lives of weaklings…” The Death Knight dismissively says, “nor do I care about what you do to me afterwards. All that matters is the thrill to kill and to die against the strong. I will relish having your blood stain my scythe and armor or you will have my head.”

“Fine.” J scoffs. “You asked for it.”

J fires several lasers towards the Death Knight, but he quickly dodges them, and heads straight for the Disassembly Drone. Byleth and N move in to intercept him, but the Knight jumps over the Professor. He punches the male Disassembly Drone on the face, and heads straight for J.

“Lysithea, stand back!” J unsheathes her sword. “Looks like I’m going to have to get my hands dirty.”

“Ok.” Lysithea backs off. 

J fires her gun once more, and the Death Knight parries and the bullets before closing the gap. The Disassembly Drone clashes her sword against his opponent’s scythe, and a fierce battle ensues. The Death Knight tackles with powerful strikes, and pushes J back despite her best efforts to fend him off.

“How disappointing…” The Death Knight severs one of J’s arms. “You’re way weaker than the other one.”

“I get that a lot after being compared to N and V…” J blocks an incoming strike. “But I can safely say I’m the most diverse!”

J thrusts her wings towards the Death Knight, and they scrape his armor forcing the Knight to back off. The Knight quickly rebounds, and goes in for a slash only for the Disassembly Drone to block it. J pushes back, and breaks the Death Knight’s guard before going all in with her wings. She slashes the Knight repeatedly, but he retaliates with a Counterattack spell. A cloud forms over J, and rains lightning on her, but she quickly blocks it with her wings. Electricity courses throughout her body, and leaves her open to the Death Knight. 

The Death Knight goes in for the kill, but N grasps his arms with her claws. “Nice try, Buddy.” N pulls him away from J, and kicks him across his face. “Now!”

Byleth gets behind the Death Knight, imbues his hand with Thunder magic, and thrusts it on the knight’s back. The Knight roars in pain, and the Professor backs allowing Lysithea to bombard him with Miasma spells. Byleth and the drones back away from the explosion. 

“Did we get him?” Lysithea asks.

N and J switch to their thermal vision to see through the smoke, and a few moments later, they were both shocked to disbelief. “No way…” J utters. “He survived even that?!”

Red eyes glow from the smoke along with a scythe imbued with lightning just before the counterattack spell rains down lightning on them. 

“Lysithea! Watch out!” Byleth warns her. 

Damn it… J internally curses. We’re too far away to do anything!

Lysithea immediately rolls out of the way while Byleth and the Drones withstand the incoming lightning strikes. She avoids a direct hit, but the lightning strike hits her leg, and she screams in pain.

“Lysithea!” N screams.

Lysithea is left sprawling on the floor breathing heavily as electricity courses throughout her body. “I’m ok…” She tries to get back on her feet. “I can still… fight…”

“Lysithea, just stay down!” J exclaims. “You don’t need to overwork yourself! We can handle the rest!”

“But I must prove myself…” Lysithea struggles to get up. “I can’t-“

Byleth places his hand on Lysithea’s shoulder, and gently pushes her down. “It’s ok. I know how hardworking you are, but overworking yourself like this will send you to an early grave.” Those words struck a chord on Lysithea, and she remains silent. “Take a rest while I patch you up.”

“Ok…” Lysithea utters, and stays down.

“Lysithea…” N frowns feeling sorry for Lysithea just as they hear the Death Knight laughing.

“Pathetic.” The Death Knight cruelly says. “I was expecting ruthless automatons ready to fight to the death. I wasn’t expecting sniveling messes who would fawn over a puny insect.”

Anger wells within N and J, and they both stand up, shrugging off the electricity from their bodies. “N?” A determined J grows her arm back.

“Yeah.” N determinedly nods, and he and J’s visors display Xs. “Let’s fucking kill this guy.”

The Death Knight tenses up at the sight of the Disassembly Drones crazed smiles. “Good, now we’ve got a real fight to the death!”

N flies swiftly towards the Death Knight with his claws outstretched only for the the Knight to block one of his claws with his scythe. However, his free arm does pierce through the Knight’s armor. The Death Knight grits his teeth, and gets pushed back by N while J comes from behind. She kicks the Knight from behind, and pushes him deeper into her partner’s claws. Blood seeps out from the Death Knight’s skull teeth, but to J and N’s surprise, he laughs.

“Good… good!” The Death Knight sadistically proclaims. “GIVE ME MORE!”

The Death Knight severs N’s hand, pulls it out of his body, and smacks the male Disassembly Drone with it repeatedly. J fires a massive laser, but the Knight sidesteps out of the way, and throws the arm to her face. The Death Knight fires a Thunder spell at the female Disassembly Drone. J is left stunned on the ground, and the Knight viciously attacks her with his scythe. No rhyme or reason was present in his attacks, just primal savagery. 

J intercepts his next scythe attack with her claw, and blasts him back with her laser. The Death Knight withstands the blast, but N ambushes him from the side, and kicks him against the wall. The Knight breathes heavily, and readies his scythe as the menacing visage of the drones loom over him.

Meanwhile, Uzi is on the defensive as Doll sends her two stone buzzsaws after her prompting the purple Worker Drone to use her Solver on them. However, the red solver symbol cancels out her attempts.

“Of course, it wouldn’t be that easy…” Uzi rolls her eyes and dodges more buzzsaws.

“(You won’t escape this time, Uzi!)” Doll maneuvers her buzzsaws gracefully while she focuses her other three saws on the Golden Deer.

The Golden Deer weave in and out of cover with Claude and Lorenz leading the effort as they fire arrows and spells. Doll blocks their projectiles, and hurls a knife towards the noble prompting him to duck.

“(Ugh… I grow sick a tired of seeing that purple bowl cut…)” Doll annoyingly grimaces. “CUT OFF THAT STUPID HAIR!” She says out loud in English.

Lorenz angrily pops out of cover. “EXCUSE ME! HOW DARE YOU THROW INSULTS TO MY HAIR! I WILL NOT STAND FOR-“

Claude pulls Lorenz back to cover just as the buzzsaw comes flying in towards their direction. “(Annoying little mite.)” Doll reverts back to Russian.

“Unhand me, Claude!” Lorenz exclaims. “I shall not tolerate this second imp’s impudence!”

“Calm down, Lorenz,” Claude says. “Unless you want to lie lying on the floor with your legs being three feet away from the rest of your body, I think we should maintain cover.”

“I suppose you have a point, Claude.” Lorenz snorts.

Hilda struggles to bite back a laugh at the sight of Lorenz. “Hilda…” Marianne utters. “This isn’t the time to-“She then notices a bald spot on Lorenz’s head. “Oh… Hilda, that’s not funny…”

“I’m sorry…” Hilda utters trying her best not to laugh. “I just can’t stand it…”

“What’s the matter you two?” Lorenz turns towards them. “Here to lecture me as well.”

“Oh…” Claude remains at a loss for words at the sight of the bald spot. Maybe I shouldn’t bring it up just yet…

“Nothing, Lorenz…” Marianne humbly bows.

“Nothing at all!” Hilda hastily says.

“Good,” Lorenz says. “Then perhaps we could get back at the matter at hand.”

Claude observes his surroundings while Uzi is in the heat of battle against Doll, and notices some black lustrous tiles near the casket. Those tiles… they’re made of fulgurite, one of the rarest metals in Fodlan and also one that’s constantly charged… maybe we could-

“Eat this, worse Little Lady!” Raphael hurls a Short axe at Doll.

Unfortunately for him, Doll catches it midair and analyzes it with her Solver before multiplying the axe into six identical copies. “WHAT THE HELL?!” Hilda exclaims. “That’s unfair!”

“Oopss…” Raphael swallows.

“Wait a go, Raphael…” Claude pats his classmate on the back.

Doll unleashes an onslaught of Short axes toward the Golden Deer, and they all brace for cover while Claude deploys another smoke Bomb. The Russian Worker Drone scoffs at the attempt. “(You can’t hide forever, idiot humans.)” Doll deploys her Buzz Saws in a sweeping motion.

Suddenly, Uzi swoops toward Doll and attempts to strike her with her Crescent Sickle, but the Russian Worker Drone blocks her with a coffin. She pushes the purple Worker Drone back. Doll follows it up by hurling the coffin at Uzi, but the latter destroys it with her Solver before twirling her sickle. 

“Like I said…” Uzi rests her sickle on her shoulders. “No one messes with my friends with me.”

“(I see…)” Doll deadpanned responds. (But they can’t do anything without you!)”

Doll unleashes her buzzsaws towards Uzi once more, but the latter stays one step ahead of the spinning disks. There’s gotta be a way to stop those buzzsaws… She thought. She analyzes her surroundings, and notices some tiles thicker than the others. AH HA! Uzi sinisterly grins as a light bulb shows on her visor. I know just the thing.

Uzi maintains a good distance from the stone buzzsaws, and collects some of the thicker floor tiles. 

“What’s she doing?” Hilda wonders.

“I don’t know,” Claude remarks. “But I have a feeling Uzi’s about to get out of a bust.”

“That’s it… come here…” Uzi says while carrying her tiles, and cornering herself to a wall.

“(Now die.)” Dolls sends two of her stones buzzsaws towards Uzi.

“Uzi, watch out!” Marianne yelps.

The stone buzzsaws home in on their target, but Uzi sandwiches them with the thick stone tiles.

“(What the?!)” Doll gasps.

“Hehehehe…” Uzi cackles. “Didn’t think this would happen did ya?” 

She concentrates her tiles on the middle of the buzzsaws, and shatters them in the process much to Doll’s dismay.

“Wait…” Hilda says still feeling shocked by what just happened. “How did Uzi stop that?”

“She basically stopped the buzzsaw’s momentum.” Claude explains. “Any spinning object is always susceptible to being exerted on at the center. Those spinning saws were probably very fragile in order to keep up their momentum, so if you exert force on the center, it’s rendered less harmless than a mouse.”

“Wow… that’s remarkable. So now that Uzi knows how to stop them, she can beat up Doll for us?”

“Exactly.”

“Now it’s my turn.” Uzi cheekily grins, and heads straight for Doll with her heavy tiles flying beside her.

Feeling frustrated, Doll hurls another buzzsaw towards Uzi, but she easily stops that as well, and snaps it in half. The purple worker drone gets in range, and swipes her sickle towards her opponent. Doll jumps back with the crescent sickle just grazing her visor, but Uzi keeps at it. The Russian Worker drone swiftly evades her opponent’s strike, but her opponent is relentless. Uzi zeroes in on Doll, and swings her Crescent Sickle, but her opponent blocks it with her Solver. 

Both Worker Drones do their absolute hardest on their respective attacks. Uzi mobilizes her tail, and it snaps on Doll’s leg. The Russian Worker Drone winces in pain, but pushes through. Doll pushes the Crescent Sickle out of Uzi’s grip, but the purple worker Drone rebounds, and punches her in the face. The Russian Worker Drone takes significant damage, and her opponent quick recalls her Crescent Sickle.

“HEY DOLL!” Uzi eagerly grins. “BITE THIS!”

Uzi slashes Doll across the chest, dealing critical damage to the Russian Worker Drone as oil gushes from her mouth.

“YES!” Hilda cheers. “She got him!”

“LETS GO, UZI!” Raphael booms.

“MAKE HER PAY FOR INSULTING ME AND MY HAIR!” Lorenz exclaims.

“Fight on, Uzi.” Marianne clasps her hands.

Claude satisfactorily grins, “You never fail to surprise me, Uzi.”

Uzi gets ready for another strike, fully intent on finishing off Doll right here and now, but the Russian Worker Drone clenches her teeth. She quickly maneuvers her knife, and severs Uzi’s arms. The purple Worker Drone looks on in shock just as Doll follows up with a kick to her face.

“UZI!” The Golden Deer cry out as Uzi crashes onto a nearby coffin.

Doll remains standing on the casket, breathing heavily as she tries to patch her gash up with her solver. Meanwhile, Uzi struggles to get up, and uses her wings to get herself upright as she also breathes heavily.

“That impish fool…” Lorenz grimaces. “She let her guard down at the last moment…”

“But surely she can recover right?” Marianne worriedly says. “Her arms can regenerate after all….”

“But not soon enough!” Hilda utters. “Look!”

The two remaining stone buzzsaws hover over Uzi primed to cut her in half, and expose her core. The purple Worker Drone grimaces and tenses up, and Doll looks down her sympathetically.

“(I’m sorry, Uzi…)” Doll softly says. “(I wished things were different between us, but I can’t let you access this power within this casket.)

“Just get it over with…” Uzi defiantly says. “But please leave N and the others alone…”

“(I shall try my best to do so…)” Doll frowns before sending her buzzsaws flying towards Uzi.

Uzi closes her eyes, and all the sounds around are now a complete blur around her as she silently accepts her fate.

“This isn’t like you, Uzi. Stand up and fight.”

Uzi opens her eyes, and finds that the buzzsaws are deflected away from her as they are recalled back to Doll. The Russian Worker Drone narrows her eyes, and tenses up. “(So… you must be Edelgard…)”

“I see that you’re well informed.” Edelgard states as she stands between her and Uzi. “I don’t know what you’re trying to accomplish here, but I will not allow you to take Uzi’s life.”

Chapter Text

Somewhere at the outskirts of the Monastery, Jeralt, Bylese, and Dimitri round up the remaining Western Church forces. “Looks like your hunch was right, Father,” Bylese says. “They were trying to enter through the underground passageways.”

“Yeah,” Jeralt says. “The numbers aren’t too great which tells me that this may be just backup force to their main unit.”

“Where do you think the main force is at?” Dimitri asks.

“Not sure, but I fear that they’ve gotten deeper into the underground passages.”

Bylese looks around for a bit. “Where’s V?” 

Suddenly, a dead Western Church member gets thrown in their direction and crashes right before them. The dead man looked terrified for his life, and his fingers were missing causing both Dimitri and Jeralt.

“Looks like V’s been busy.” Dimitri shakes his head, already getting used to V’s brutality by this point.

“Yo!” V lands before the group. “That was so relieving… I kinda missed going all in and killing people. It’s been a month since I did so.” She pops an eyeball into her mouth.

“I take it that your hunt went well, V?” Bylese asks, clearly not bothered by V’s sadism. “Where’s the rest of the Western Church Platoon you were assigned?”

“Oh, I had them piled up in one good old hill just a few clicks South from here.” V points back.

“Good. I’ll have my mercenaries clean up the mess as soon as possible. Wouldn’t want any of the students stumbling upon a hill of dead bodies nearby.”

“Right…” V trails off sounding a bit disappointed. It would have been real funny if I could see the reactions of those kids running into a pile of bodies.

V’s probably thinking about something morbid, isn’t she… Dimitri sighs.

“Filthy Central Church Scum!” One of the Western Church priests screams. “You may have caught us, but you will not stop us from attaining our goal! We have the Goddess by our side, and we will attain the ancient power that dwells in the Holy Mausoleum!”

Everyone perks up. “The Holy Mausoleum?” Dimitri remarks.

“So that’s their true goal,” Jeralt says. “Pretty dumb of you to blurt out your objective to us.”

“It doesn’t matter! With the power of the Goddess, we will-“

V bops the priest on the head and renders him out cold along with everyone else tied up with him. “Do these religious fanatics ever shut up?”

“That’s something I wonder myself from time to time.” Jeralt sighs.

“It’s a good thing my brother and your friends are stationed there right now.” Bylese coolly says. “They should wrap things up by now.”

“Yeah, I think so too.” V remarks. “I’ll go check on them.” She turns on coms, and contacts J. “J, how are things going down there?” She waits for a moment only to get no response. “Huh… that’s odd…”

“What’s wrong?” Dimitri asks.

“J’s not responding to her coms. Which is weird because she’s usually quick to answer calls, especially in missions.”

“Have you tried Uzi and N?” Bylese asks.

V gives it a shot, but no luck. “Not even them. I get Uzi since she doesn’t like people calling her out of the blue, but N… he’d be quick to answer my call.” Everyone tenses up for a moment. “You don’t think N and the others are actually having trouble right…”

“Usually I wouldn’t think so…” Bylese adds. “Not many things nor people in Fodlan are strong and skilled enough to challenge you guys and win.”

“But suppose one of those individuals turns up…” Dimitri points out, his voice laced with worry. “We could have ourselves a problem…”

“Either way, someone has to check on them.” Jeralt takes command. “Bylese, take Dimitri and V to the Holy Mausoleum and make sure to bring Mercedes. I have a feeling something serious happened in the Mausoleum…”

“Got it.” Bylese nods. “What about you, Father?”

“I’ll round up these guys, and take them to the Knights of Seiros. I’ll get Catherine to tag along, and rendezvous with you as soon I’m done.”

“Understood. Dimitri, V, with me.”

“Got it!” Both Dimitri and V simultaneously say, and make their way to the Holy Mausoleum.

N… if you’re in trouble, just hold on a bit longer. V thought. I’m coming!

Back at the Holy Mausoleum, Doll looks down from the casket at the arrival of human reinforcements. Edelgard stands firm, and stays between Uzi and the Russian Worker Drone, showing no fear of her adversary. The Black Eagles are at the right flank with Hubert and Ferdinand at the front. Petra remains in the middle of the pack while Line and Bernadetta are at the back.

“Oh my,” Linhardt says, looking very interested in the new developments. “It appears we have another Drone guarding the casket.”

“She looks mean though…” Bernadetta trembles. “Is she going to eat us????”

“I don’t think she’s thinking about that at the moment…” Ferdinand assures her.

“Still, she has the same powers as that unruly purple twit.” Hubert points out. “She’s bound to be very dangerous…”

Edelgard looks behind her and finds Uzi getting back to her feet using her wing arms. “Can you still fight?”

“Of course I can, Small Princess.” Uzi verbally jabs. “I still got some unfinished business with Doll, and I can’t wait to kick her face in.”

“Glad to see that you still have that smart mouth of yours intact.” Edelgard turns her attention towards Doll. That must be the drone Cyn and Solon were talking about the other night. She definitely has the same powers as Uzi, but most likely doesn’t have the physical and weird appendages she possesses. If I could at least get in close, I might be able to take her out or better yet, subdue her.

“(Hmm… quite shorter than I expected.)” Doll says. “(Considering you’re the leader of your class.)”

“Hm?” Edelgard raises a brow wondering what Doll just said. “Another language I see.”

“She just called you a twerp, Small Princess…” Uzi weakly but smugly says.

“I see…” Edelgard’s forehead twitches slightly. “I would really appreciate it if you drones stop mentioning my height.”

“(Do you honestly think more humans will stop me?)” Doll levitates the nearby weapons. “(I’m well aware of how skilled you lot are, but it’ll take more than that if you wish to get me off this casket.)” She feels the lid of the casket loosening. (Almost there…)

“Perhaps, but even so, I refuse to back down.” Edelgard twirls her axe and points it towards Doll. “No matter the opponent.”

Uzi lightly smirks, “You got guts, Edelgard. I like that.”

Doll puts away Uzi’s Crescent Sickle on her back knowing that the purple Worker Drone will be a bit less dangerous without it. “It’s about to start,” Hubert says. “Get ready to go support Her Highness.”

“Right!” Both Ferdinand and Petra determinedly say.

“This isn’t going to be pretty…” Linhardt groans, illuminating his hand with white magic.

“Can I go back to my room after this?” Bernadetta nervously pleads.

“Looks like things are about to get hectic once more.” Claude loads two arrows. “Everyone, back up Uzi, and let's not let the Black Eagles get all the glory, shall we?”

“Let’s do this!” All Golden Deer resound. 

Doll resumes her right by sending in her two remaining buzzsaws towards Edelgard, but she elegantly dodges them. The buzzsaws come back towards her, but she parries them back only for them to rebound towards her. Uzi manipulates two-floor tiles and protects Edelgard. She attempts to sandwich them once more, but Doll recalls the buzzsaws back right before the Princess fires Fire spells at her. The Russian Worker Drone blocks them with her Solver. 

Doll easily brushes them off like they were nothing. “(Weak…)”

Damn it… Edelgard internally curses. My spells are still a far cry from Hubert and Teacher’s spells.

Doll sends in a lot of weapons toward Edelgard and Uzi, but the purple Worker Drone manipulates the ground. She sets up a wall and blocks off several of the weapons, but they slowly chip away at it.

“How long do your arms regenerate?!” Edelgard asks.

“Just give me a few seconds!” Uzi retorts. “They should be back up in a few seconds!” 

Doll notices a weak spot on the makeshift wall and focuses her Solver on it only for her to block a Miasma spell. She grimaces, and turns towards Hubert, softly cackling at her.

“(Did you honestly think that would stop me?)” Doll asks.

“I can hearken a guess on what you’re saying, but I could care less.” Hubert initiates a Banshee spell on top of Doll.

Doll protects herself from the dark magic, but she winces a bit from the effects of being surrounded by the spell. She feels her joints stiffen, and she struggles to maintain her posture. “(What did you do to me?)”

“If you’re asking what’s happening to you, that would be my Banshee spell. It may not hurt that much, but it should slow you down.”

Doll looks around and finds the Golden Deer and the Black Eagles closing in on her from the front. Marianne initiates a Silence spell on her, but she quickly dispels it easily only to get hit by a fire spell by Lorenz. Hubert also puts up the pressure with Miasma spells forcing Doll to go on the defensive. She levitates several of her weapons and fires them at the mages. Both mages take cover and are forced to abandon the offensive just as Raphael, Hilda, Ferdinand, and Petra close in on Doll.

Doll targets the weapons towards the encroaching group. However, Claude fires just two arrows, and they both land. One severs Doll’s right arm clean off, and the other pierced her right eye. She reels back screaming in pain, and Claude senses that now’s their chance.

“Give her hell, gang,” Claude smirks.

Hilda and Ferdinand are the first to arrive, and the pink-haired girl lunges her axe towards Doll. The Russian Worker Drone blocks it with her Solver and pushes her opponent back. However, Hilda quickly rebounds, and goes in for a follow-up attack prompting Doll to jump back. The Russian Worker Drone grimaces but fails to notice someone coming from the side.

“I AM FERDINAND VON AEGIR!” Ferdinand screams, thrusting his lance towards Doll’s left flank.

Doll arches her back and nearly avoids Ferdinand’s lance thrust before using her Solver to pull the lance away.

“You will not best me!” Ferdinand holds his lance tightly.

“Don’t worry, Ferdie!” Hilda charges forward. “I’m coming!”

“(Just what I hoped for.)” Doll smirks before using her Solver on Hilda’s axe.

Dolls pulls Hilda away from her and slams her into Ferdinand, allowing her to get a breather from the exchange. Just then, Raphael comes in from the right and decks her on her head sending her flying off the casket. Doll lands on her feet, with the brawler hot on her heels.

“I’ve got you now!” Raphael booms.

Doll backs off, swiftly avoids Raphael’s punches, and quickly blocks his pursuit with a bunch of floor tiles. Unbeknownst to her, Petra remains on her blind spot and slashes her at her side. Doll grimaces in pain only for Raphael to punch her straight in the face, sendu her flying towards Hilda.

“That’s for dragging me around!” Hilda smashes her axe onto Doll, and deals significant damage. 

Doll gets sent flying to the ceiling, and crashes into it before falling straight down on the floor while everyone anxiously watches on. “Has she… fallen?” Petra asks.

“We’ve seen that these Drones are extremely resilient, Petra.” Hubert says. “I doubt even that beatdown will put down tryst drone…”

True to his word, Doll rises from the crater, looking pissed off, and spits out some oil from her mouth. “Come on! Can’t you guys just stay down?!” Hilda groans.

“I’ve got this!” Raphael boldly charges towards Doll.

Doll’s right arm finally regrows back, and she rips out the arrow from her right eye before firing in Raphael. The arrow strikes, and hits the brawler on the knee causing him to tumble as he falls forward.

“Raphael!” The Golden Deer worriedly cry out for him.

“(I grow weary of this!)” Doll aggressively throws Raphael towards the the Golden Deer and everyone except Claude gets hit.

“No!” Hilda gasps before furrowing her brows towards Doll. “That’s it! You asked for it!”

“I’m right behind you!” Ferdinand follows after her.

Petra maintains her calm, and has her eye on the Crescent Sickle on Doll’s back. I must get that lance back to Uzi!

Hubert provides support fire with his Miasma spells, but Doll repels them easily, and unloosens several bricks on the ceiling. They all fall upon the dark mage and his classmates forcing the three of them to back off. Meanwhile, Hilda and Ferdinand are in the heat of battle against Doll. They attempt to skewer and smash her, but their opponent remains to nimble for them. Petra consistently remains by Doll’s blindspot hoping to steal the Crescent Sickle back. 

Unfortunately for her, Doll’s right eye flickers back on. “(Found you.)”

Petra gasps, and Doll once more manipulates the ground beneath causing pointed stones to protrude from the ground. The huntress, Hilda and Ferdinand back off, and the former tries to fire an arrow at her. However, Doll catches the arrow, and sends it flying back at her. Petra rolls away, avoiding the arrow’s initial trajectory, but the Russian Worker Drone turns it towards her. This shocks the huntress, and she braces herself for her impending doom. 

However, a purple Solver symbol overlaps with Doll’s symbol, and stops the arrow. Petra quickly turns, and sees Uzi has grown both her arms.