Golden Hope | Fire Emblem Three Houses Fan-Fiction

The Road Less Traveled By

Part 2: Verdant Wind

Garland Moon

Conclusion of Crossing Roads

"The city has been secured," Eliza debriefed everyone, "And we finally breached the Imperial Palace. We can't afford to lose now."

"Is everyone ready?" Claude asked the Golden Deer, "The objective of this battle is to defeat Edelgard and rescue Rhea. According to the information Dedue gave us, the throne room is directly north of the castle's main entrance. It's safe to assume that's where Edelgard is."

"I don't want to kill Edelgard," Byleth admitted remorsefully.

" She's a fellow student to all of us. If there's a path that we can walk together, that would be preferable. But that all depends on Edelgard. If she won't yield, then that's that. If showing pity would put my allies in danger, I will not hesitate to kill her. I ask that you and everyone here prepare yourselves to do the same," Claude frowned.

No one spoke for a few seconds processing what Claude had said. His green eyes showing no trace of doubt. He had already almost lost his wife, he was determined to make sure his allies remain standing. Eliza meanwhile gritted her teeth at the burden Claude was trying to place on his shoulders alone. 

"understood," Lysithea nodded her head, "I think I speak for everyone when I say that we are prepared."

"The future of the Alliance- no, of Fódlan- is at stake," Lorenz braced himself, "I have been prepared for this my whole life."

"Captain Jeralt taught me that indecisiveness is a weakness. One must cast aside their doubts before fighting," Leonie said.

"The lives of Lady Rhea and everyone here are more important than all else," Flayn prayed, "I shall be prepared."

"You know what?" Raphael remarked, "I wouldn't be surprised if she took one look at my overstuffed muscles and surrendered in tears, then and there!"

"I really hope that Edelgard will yield..." Ignatz said.

Eliza looked at the archer with a tense gaze. The thought of Edelgard ever surrendering to them was foreign and unlikely. Still... She couldn't bring herself to tell him no. Hilda did though.

"Edelgard is a stubborn one. I don't think she's likely to surrender."

"Goddess," Marianne held her hands together, "Please protect us..."

"I... I'll fight with all I got to save Lady Rhea," Cyril steeled himself.

"Rescuing Lady Rhea is my dearest wish," Seteth nodded, "We must prevail, no matter what it takes."

"In the name of the Knights of Seiros, we'll bring the hammer down on the Imperial army!" Alois vowed.

"Satisfied yet lovebirds?" Judith asked Eliza and Claude, "Everyone made up their minds a long time ago."

"Ok," Claude said, "Let's get started. We're yours to command, my friend."

"Leave it to me," Byleth replied.

"Everyone," Eliza concluded the conversation, "Take your positions! The battle is upon us!"

The Alliance advanced further into the Palace. Claude glanced over at Eliza muttering quietly to her, "Are you sure you are healed enough for this?"

"I'll be fine, Claude," Eliza reassured him, "I will not fall here. Let us focus on the objective here. Taking down Edelgard. I've learned my lesson about trying to have faith in the enemy to see the error of their ways. I won't be making the same mistake again."