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Chapter Text

It was a sunny day in Adrestia, though not the Adrestia we are more familiar with. Edelgard, clad in her silver and red armor with a ponytail streaking down her breastplate watched as her Universe A counterpart stepped through the Askr portal with Annette by her side. “Nice to see you two again, I hear Monica is doing well in your ‘Smash Bros.’ tournament as a…what did you call it?” began Universe 1 Edelgard.

“Mii Gunner.” Replied Annette. “I’m one, too, and we can both use fire spells on the Smash Bros. Battlefields. You guys said Mercie’s here?”

“Yes, let me lead you to her.” Said Edelgard 1. She led the two to a humble bakery where a blonde gave a white-haired woman in purple a pastry full of fruit.

“Mmm, these may be your best yet, Mercedes!” smiled the white-haired woman as she gulped it down.

“Glad you think so, Lysithea.” Smiled Mercedes kindly. Edelgard 1 opened the door. “Ooh, your majesty…is that…it can’t be?”

“Hi, Mercie.” Smiled Annette, greeting her old friend with a warm hug. Edelgard A turned her attention to Lysithea and the sweets.

“What are those you’re eating, Lysithea?” she asked.

“Sweets from Mercedes, I am NOT addicted, I can quit whenever I WANT TO!” she said, her voice rising in volume. Just then a loud TCHRRRRZZZ came from her rear as her pants seat and thigh seams split.

“Oh, Lysithea, you’ve gotten too big for your britches!” moaned Mercedes.

“May I try one?” asked Edelgard A. Lysithea embarrassedly handed a pastry to her, then went to the back room as she handed her pants to Mercedes, who began mending them. “Mmm, scrumptious!” commented Edelgard A as she bit into one. “Mercedes, when you’re done being Lysithea’s Taylor, could you teach me to make these in heart shapes? I want to bring some home to my wife.”

“Sure, no problem.” Smiled Mercedes. About twenty minutes later, Mercedes went to her cupboard. “You will need flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, vinegar, eggs and vegetable oil.” She said, getting some of the ingredients out. Edelgard A got eggs from the fridge. “Now, take off your gloves.” Instructed Mercedes.

“Do I have to?” replied Edelgard A.

“Mercie, her hands are badly scarred, she doesn’t want you to see that.” Whispered Annette.

“Okay, you can use rubber gloves.” Said Mercedes. Edelgard A changed, hiding her hands from the others except herself, who already knew what they looked like. She poured the ingredients into a bowl, one by one.

“You make it seem so easy, Mercedes, I usually make foods inedible.” Chuckled Edelgard A as she stirred the batter.

“Well, cooking has to be taught, I take it no one taught you?” asked Mercedes.

“I’d rather not discuss my family, other than I wish things had gone better.” Replied Edelgard A with a crestfallen look.

“I think we all do, even the best of us.” Nodded Mercedes sadly. “Now, we use these.” She added, getting out a rolling pin.

“Looks like a weapon.” Muttered Edelgard A.

“Hahahaha, no, silly, it’s a rolling pin! We’ve made some splendid dough, but we need to make it flat!” smiled Mercedes. She poured the dough out of the bowl and demonstrated how to use the rolling pin. “Here, you use it.” Said Mercedes.

“Um, o-okay.” Said Edelgard A. “It’s for Byleth.” She reminded herself mentally. Edelgard A began rubbing the rolling pin over the dough until it was about half an inch thick. Mercedes then brought out some metal circles.

“What are those things?” asked Edelgard A.

“Cookie cutters, to make the dough small enough. We can then mold it around the fruit easier.” Instructed Mercedes. Edelgard A and Mercedes each grabbed one and went to work, making about 36 circles. Mercedes then handed Edelgard A bowls of strawberries and blueberries, which she molded the dough over in little heart shapes. 36 little hearts soon sat on the table, Mercedes putting them on a baking sheet and putting that in the oven. “It’ll be about twenty minutes.” She said.

“I’ll go get her.” Said Edelgard A, heading back to the portal. She journeyed through the Askr Castle to her own Castle at Enbarr, where Byleth lay, napping. Edelgard A rubbed her shoulders and softly kissed her cheek.

“Wake up, my darling, I have a surprise for you.” Excitedly whispered Edelgard A. Byleth blinked awake.

“What is it, El?” she asked. “I was napping, it was hard trying to convince Parliament to pass those new payments for the less-fortunate yesterday.”

“Your efforts are more than appreciated, so, with the help of Universe 1 Mercedes, I baked you something.” Replied Edelgard A. Byleth blinked in surprise.

“El, I love you, but your cooking isn’t exactly the best, that’s why Bernadetta comes over in the mornings.” Said Byleth.

“I didn’t make it alone.” Stated Edelgard A.

“Okay, hope it’s good.” Shrugged Byleth. They arrived just as Mercedes was taking the last batch out of the oven. Mercedes gasped and almost dropped her tray.

“Y-your wife is…th-th-the Ashen…” she stammered.

“Please be calm, I am unarmed.” Stated Byleth. “Hmm, made into little hearts, nice touch, El.” Edelgard 1 paused and softly smiled, she knew from Byleth saying that name where she had got it from, and thus, how much she meant to her other self. Byleth picked up a sweet and bit into it, chewing. “MMM!” she grunted with delight. “This is delicious! Mercedes, you must be a great teacher, this is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten!”

“I think it turned out that way…because Edelgard there cares about you so much.” Replied Mercedes. Byleth got up, cheeks full of pastry, and kissed Edelgard on the lips, hugging her softly and softly shedding tears of joy.

“Thank you, El.” She said, gulping down the sweet. “This is the sweetest treat you’ve ever baked for me.” Edelgard returned the hug, cradling her Queen fondly.

The End

Chapter Text

“Ugh…” groaned Edelgard as she lay, thermometer in her mouth, in bed. She could barely move and her hair lay unkempt around her face. Byleth sat by her side, worried. Linhardt came in and took the thermometer from Edelgard’s mouth.

“100, looks like you’re staying in bed today.” He muttered.

“But (cough cough) I had a full day planned (cough cough cough)!” protested Edelgard, interrupted by coughing fits.

“I’ll handle your duties, you stay in bed and rest, honey.” Stated Byleth, cradling Edelgard’s head, guiding it to the pillow. “I’ll bring you something warm for lunch and snacks through the day, too.”

“By-(cough-cough-cough)-leth, don’t overwork yourself.” Muttered Edelgard.

“Don’t worry about me or anything, just get some rest.” Replied Byleth, stroking Edelgard’s feverish head. Edelgard closed her eyes and began napping while Byleth went over to her Imperial desk, looking at her plans for the day. Edelgard had planned to oversee reconstruction in Fhirdiad with Hubert and Ferdinand, come back to Enbarr for drills with Caspar and Annette, then head to Hyrule with Byleth for a 4 on 4 Smash Battle with Samus and Zelda as allies against the usual troublemakers of Ganondorf, Ridley, Sephiroth and Kazuya. “It does seem like a busy day.” Muttered Byleth. She put on Edelgard’s crown to show authority and set off for Faerghus. When she arrived at the capitol, Hubert and Ferdinand were already there, clearing scorched rubble. Rhea loyalists had made reconstruction slow; the battle was three years ago and the city was still in ruins. “Hubert, Ferdinand, how goes it?” asked Byleth. Hubert glared at Byleth with an intense look that could kill her.

“Though you are Queen of Fodlan, I do not see how that makes you fit to wear Her Majesty’s crown.” He hissed.

“Hubert, lay off, Her Majesty is in bed, sick, today.” Replied Byleth.

“Oh, no, poor Edelgard.” Muttered Ferdinand.

“Are you telling the truth, or maybe you assassinated her in a long-con power grab?” asked Hubert.

“Hubert, I almost died in her arms that night!” replied Byleth. “Maybe my compassion doesn’t register as loyalty to you, but I’ve spent intimate time with her where she poured out her heart and emotions and painful memories to me! She needs compassion, not blind loyalty! I promised her I’d take care of her tasks, go ahead and ask her if you don’t believe me! Just make sure you get her a freshly cooked pizza or some hot soup beforehand to help open up her sinuses, okay?!” Hubert recoiled as if seeing a poisonous snake. Never before had Byleth spoke to him like that, she usually stood silently by Edelgard, now he saw it was to make His Empress more comfortable in her role as ruler of the continent. He cleared his throat.

“Very well, we have restored 45% of the city to its former status, unfortunately, this means if we continue at this pace, it will take at least another 3 ½ years to finish.” He stated.

“Because of the Rhea loyalists.” Sighed Byleth. “Do you think I should invite the Black Eagles of Universe 1 to help us with this problem?”

“We’ve had our Annette and Ashe on the Battlefield here; I doubt a second Ashe and a Mercedes is going to do much more convincing.” Stated Ferdinand.

“So, it’s brute force as our only option.” Replied Byleth.

“It would appear so.” Stated Hubert with a slight smirk.

“Again, I feel I should bring up Universe 1, they have quite the numbers and a lot of competent fighters.” Said Byleth.

“It is a possibility, but I’d like to check all in-house options first.” Replied Hubert.

“Like contacting Hyrule or the Mushroom Kingdom for aid.” Suggested Byleth.

“That is…being considered.” Stated Hubert.

“Well, bring up all the options, including mine, with Her Majesty next time you see her.” Ordered Byleth. “I think she’d choose the best allies for the job. If you’ll excuse me, I’m needed back in Enbarr.” Byleth headed off, feeling intense. Hubert chuckled to himself as he saw her leave.

“She has more of Her Majesty in her than I thought.” He muttered. Byleth went back to the Castle, before she could consider sparring Caspar and Annette, she had to make lunch for her wife. She put a few chocolate candies in a glass of milk and cast a low-level flame spell, then took out a frozen pizza and did the same, placing them on a tray and carrying them up to their bedroom. Edelgard was reading a children’s book about a talking dog, a talking tiger and a flying witch.

“Lunch, honey.” Smiled Byleth. Edelgard set down the book and smiled.

“Thank you (keff-keff) Byleth.” She said wearily. She ate the pizza and drank the hot chocolate as Byleth sand “You Are My Sunshine” to her. With her nasal passages clearer, Edelgard relaxed and lay down on the bed, starting to nap. Byleth put the book on the end table. She picked up her sword and headed off to the barracks, Caspar and Annette waiting outside.

“You’re late!” said Caspar.

“Edelgard’s sick, Caspar.” Replied Byleth. “Annette, I hate to spring this on you last-minute, but I’m going to need a partner for a Smash Battle later. Any chance you can fill in?”

“Sure, we can do that instead of my sparring round!” smiled Annette. Byleth smiled and drew her sword as Caspar drew his axe. He swung at Byleth, who feinted back and slashed across his armored midsection. Caspar punched Byleth, stunning her as he struck her with the flat of his axe. Byleth responded with two slashes across his armored torso, then kicked him over. Caspar got up and threw his axe, knocking Byleth down. Byleth got up, looking a bit weary, but dashed over and slashed Caspar hard across his torso, knocking him down and he couldn’t get up.

“It seems (huff-huff) I won (huff-puff).” Panted Byleth, helping Caspar up. Annette, however, was nervous. Byleth had never come that close to losing to Caspar, would the Smash Battle be all right? The two appeared at Hyrule Castle shortly thereafter to find out.

“These chumps again?” asked Byleth.

“They always try it, sometimes Kazuya doesn’t show up, sometimes it’s Dark Samus in his place, but Ganondorf, Ridley and Sephiroth are determined to make our lives miserable.” Replied Samus.

“I want the Triforce!” bellowed Ganondorf.

“I want vengeance!” added Ridley.

“I want to hurt inferior people.” Smirked Sephiroth in Japanese.

“Yes, hurt the weak!” added Kazuya in Japanese.

“Ready…GO!” shouted an invisible announcer. Samus hit Ganondorf with her paralyzer while Byleth hit Ridley with Dimitri’s spear. Annette cast fire, burning Sephiroth and Zelda hit Ganondorf and Kazuya with her Phantom. She then cast Din’s fire, hitting Ridley and Sephiroth. Ridley shot fireballs, striking Byleth and knocking her down. Byleth got up, but kept feeling something inside her, a voice.

“You shouldn’t be here; your wife needs you.”

This left her open to an attack by Ganondorf’s sword, sending her to the sloped side of the roof. She pushed her thoughts down and grabbed an Assist Trophy.

“Suffer Me!” said Alucard, attacking Ganondorf and Kazuya. Kazuya was soon caught up in the Dhampir’s barrage attacks, getting defeated when Annette blasted him in the face. Samus hit Ganondorf and Sephiroth with her paralyzer, Annette following up on Sephiroth with fire, while Zelda hit Ridley with her Phantom.

“Get in there, fight, fight, fight!” said one voice in Byleth’s head.

“El needs me.” Said another.

Byleth used Dimitri’s lance on Ridley, defeating him, as a Smash Ball appeared. She used the lance again, damaging it, then Ganondorf hit it with his sword, but it was Samus’ paralyzer that broke it. She appeared in full armor a good distance away and hit Ganondorf with a continuous blast while Zelda and Annette used their Phantom and barrage of blasts on Sephiroth. Both madmen flew off the stage, defeated and the four posed.

“We did it, Byleth!” smiled Annette as she returned to her normal proportions.

“Yeah, um, you can still keep going if you want, I think Petra and Monica might be around. I gotta go.” Replied Byleth. Annette’s smile turned soft.

“I understand, if Caspar were sick, I’d do the same.” She said.

“Thank you.” Byleth replied. She hurried back to the Castle at Enbarr, Edelgard still sleeping. Byleth held her scarred hand with one hand and held her children’s book with the other, softly reading to her. She could swear she saw her Empress smile in her sleep.

The End

Chapter Text

Edelgard A and Byleth arrived in the alternate Adrestia, Linhardt and Lysithea constructing a large gate in the middle of a field with Edelgard 1, Monica and a purple-haired woman standing nearby. “You said you needed our help with something?” asked Byleth.

“Ah, good, you made it.” Smiled Edelgard 1. “Monica and Yuri here got invited to Askr and we’re building a portal based on the specifications they sent.” Yuri’s visible eye narrowed at Byleth.

“You.” She hissed.

“What’d I do?” Byleth asked.

“You wiped out my previous family like they were nothing!” replied Yuri, scowling.

“I’m sorry to say, I do not remember you or your family. I fought countless mercenary battles.” Stated Byleth. “But fighting for money left me wanting, it was dull…then I met Edelgard and all I wanted was to protect her. Money, glory, status, they didn’t matter anymore, all that mattered was making sure she had a good night’s sleep.” Yuri relaxed as Monica stared with a soft smile; Byleth’s words echoed her own feelings.

“She does have that way with people, doesn’t she?” asked Monica.

“Yeah, that’s our Empress.” Smiled Yuri. She raised her hand for a high-five, Byleth staring for a few seconds.

“Oh, the old mercs ritual!” she said, giving Yuri her requested slap.

“Yeah.” Grinned Yuri.

“It’s done as best as I can understand these instructions.” Spoke up Linhardt. A blue glow emanated from the gate.

“Okay, now you two, go in and see if it takes you to Askr.” Instructed Edelgard 1.

“Why not use someone here as a guinea pig?” asked Byleth.

“They’re busy.” Said Monica. “Also, we fought Thales up close and in person, so some are scared of strange magic.” Edelgard A shivered at the mention of that name, occasionally, he would turn a copy of Ganondorf and Palutena into his pawns to remind her of him and Rhea while the real Ganondorf or Sephiroth would team with them to add to the torment. Luckily, she had Byleth, Annette and Monica at her side in those Smash Battles and they had yet to lose.

“Very well.” Said Edelgard A. “Let’s go, Byleth.” The two entered the gate, arriving at what appeared to be a stage, but the atmosphere was so…strange. Atop the stage curtain there was a black banner with blue writing that said “GODZILLA KOTM SCREENING/SHELF LIFE PANEL” with five varnished wooden chairs and a podium on the stage.

“Nice costumes.” Said a voice to their left. They turned to see a young woman in a purple kimono, a large fan upon her back and a blonde wig done up in four bobs in the rear. “You here for Tara, too?” she asked.

“T-Tara?” asked Edelgard.

“She’s the best, isn’t she? I like her and Abby a lot.” Smiled the young woman, heading to a seat. Edelgard and Byleth looked around, there were men covered in spider-webs, women in shawls painted blue with ram’s horns and stuffed weasels, a woman with a redhead wig, a black leather outfit and a white faux-fur coat standing next to a woman dressed like an elevator attendant in blue, who they recognized as Elizabeth from their fight last year, a man in a black leather jacket, spiky hair and visor-like sunglasses and even someone dressed like their friend Rise Kujikawa! A man with glasses and a goatee came to the podium.

“All right, people, settle down, the show’s about to begin.” He said.

“Show, is this entertainment?” asked Edelgard.

“I am guessing we are in an alternate future, or a convergence of worlds.” Muttered Byleth.

“How do you figure that?” asked Edelgard.

“I haven’t seen machinery like this except in the Smash Arena.” Replied Byleth. “We’ll watch this presentation, then look for the exit portal.”

“Let me introduce our guests-slash-commentators and getting them wasn’t easy, believe me.” Said the man. “First, a man we all know and love, I first heard him as Ben Tennyson, then as Yosuke Hanamura, Mr. Yuri Lowenthal!” A dapper-looking man with tousled hair came to the podium, shook hands, then sat down in the chair. “Next, his lovely wife, you may know her as Temari, Mitsuru, Elizabeth, Kali Belladonna or Edelgard—”

Edelgard A’s mouth dropped. He had said her name! Did he know she was here? Could he help her find the exit?

“Ms. Tara Platt!” he continued, an attractive brunette with a nice smile came up, shook his hand, then sat down next to her husband. Edelgard A was confused, this woman looked nothing like her, how could this man claim she was her? Questions began filling her mind.

“Third and fourth, you may know them from rolling natural 20s on Thursdays, or you may know the lady as Rise Kujikawa, Sarada in the Naruto Switch fighting game, Chun-Li or Lucina, and the man from playing Guile, Knuckles and the Incredible Hulk; Laura Bailey and Travis Willingham!” A heavier man with a goatee and a svelte brunette with glasses jogged on-stage, shook the podium man’s hand, then sat down to the other couple. They made chit-chat as the podium man introduced the last guest, guests speculated what it was about, it was really about their children and making sure they were healthy.

“And our last guest, the guest of honor, from my High School, did the soundtrack of God of War, Outlander and Call of Duty Vanguard, give it up for Bear McCreary!” said the podium man. A long-haired man with a gray beard came in, arms raised, shouting “YEAH!” and shook the man’s hand before sitting down with the others. The man started asking them about the web show Shelf Life, their experiences with Bear’s brother Brendan, projects the four actors had worked on, or at least three of the four, like Naruto and Persona, Bear’s experiences making the soundtrack to Godzilla; King of the Monsters, his project with Kim Thayil of Soundgarden and what the other four thought of the movie.

“This is entertainment?” asked Byleth. “Looks like a pretty bleak future.” Edelgard A had her own question.

“How does that Tara woman sound just like me?” asked Edelgard A back.

“Maybe she’s your equivalent in this time period, or our descendant.” Replied Byleth.

“We’re both women, we can’t reproduce!” whispered Edelgard A.

“And crests than enable us to shoot fireballs at will is normal?” asked Byleth rhetorically. Edelgard A stared, pondering this as more questions were asked of the people on stage. If this ‘Tara Platt’ was her descendant, her happier nature and genuine laughter convinced her that things might eventually work out, at least a little. The two then saw a series of images and scenes play out on a large screen, showing a wingless, heroic draconic figure battle a gilded, three-headed dragon that reminded Edelgard A a little of the Immaculate One. It even bent a giant, scaly bird to its whim, making it duel a gigantic moth. The action was non-stop and the drama was riveting, giving them a realistic sense of fear, anger and triumph. Edelgard A cheered at the end as Byleth applauded. All while, the five guests and the podium man offered their thoughts on a scene, sometimes with insight, sometimes making a joke at a visual or line. The five guests then sat behind a table and five lines formed. The young woman from before came up to Edelgard A and Byleth.

“You guys going to get Tara’s autograph?” she asked.

“Her what?” asked Edelgard A back.

“I suppose taking a few minutes wouldn’t hurt.” Replied Byleth. She and Edelgard A got in a line with the woman, eventually walking up to the brunette with the nice smile and the man with tousled hair.

“Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone go as all out as you two have.” Commented Tara. “Which print do you want, I’m guessing the Edelgard one?”

“Looks like we found your biggest fans here, honey.” Smiled Yuri.

“And if they’ve got my back I call them fans.” Sang Tara softly as she brought the print out, making Yuri chuckle. “Who do I make it out to?”

“You probably shouldn’t use your own name, she might realize who you are, and you might be her ancestor.” Whispered Byleth.

“Um, uh, El, Em, Emily.” Said Edelgard A.

“You have a lovely voice, Emily.” Smiled Yuri.

“She’s imitating me, honey.” Smirked Tara. “To Emily, my biggest fan at ECCC, Tara Platt.” She handed Edelgard A the picture, the Empress stunned. A laminated drawing of her, possibly signed by her own descendant.

“You going to get back in line to get Laura’s autograph?” asked the woman in costume.

“We’re actually looking for a way out, we got kind of lost.” Sheepishly stated Byleth.

“The door’s over there.” The woman said, pointing.

“Got it, thanks.” Smiled Byleth. She led Edelgard A, still stunned, to the door, looking around and seeing the blue rectangle in front of a nearby window. The two went inside, coming out in front of Edelgard 1, Monica and Yuri.

“Did it work?” asked Yuri.

“It didn’t go to Askr, but where it went to, when it went to, was someplace strange and fascinating.” Replied Edelgard A. Byleth nodded.

“Well, it needs to go to Askr, we’re going to have to fix it.” Said Monica.

“Aren’t you the least bit curious?” asked Edelgard 1.

“I am, but I think it’d be best if we remember our mission with this, get Yuri and I to Askr.” Sighed Monica. “They’ll be waiting.”

“Yeah, and we want to fight alongside you, too. There wasn’t any fighting for us there.” Replied Byleth.

“No fighting?! Sounds pretty dull to me.” Said Yuri.

“If only you knew, Yuri, if only you knew.” Thought Edelgard, still thinking of the titanic battle projected on the wall and the woman who might be a descendant of a version of her and Byleth, holding up the picture and looking at the signature.

The End

Chapter Text

It was early one morning, Byleth sitting in a lawn chair out on the grass outside the Enbarr Castle in the dark. Edelgard came out, yawning, Byleth had made a campfire and the Empress could see it from her bedroom window. “Byleth (yawn) what are you doing?” she asked.

“Waiting for sunrise, El.” Replied Byleth. “This is the perfect time of day to go fishing, if you want.”

“Ugh, no.” replied Edelgard. She didn’t like fish, they always still had their bones inside and she wasn’t much for meat, in general. “So, what made you decide to get up and do this?” she asked.

“Couldn’t sleep.” Muttered Byleth. She sighed heavily. “Had a nightmare that Thales was still attacking us after we turned over the throne to a worthy individual. We were too old to fight back and he had Ganondorf and Palutena throw us off a cliff. Monica and Annette were already dead.” Edelgard softly shed tears as she rubbed Byleth’s shoulders.

“I wish I had an answer for that.” She stated.

“It was just a dream.” Sighed Byleth. “But it got me worried, so I decided to watch the sunrise. Dad…Jeralt…used to show me the sunrise when he had bad dreams and couldn’t sleep. He said the light flowing over the land, brightening everything, it made him forget his worries.”

“Did you go watch the sunrise when you had bad dreams?” asked Edelgard.

“I…I felt almost nothing before I met you, Dimitri and Claude that night.” Admitted Byleth. “It’s why they called me the Ashen Demon, I killed with no remorse or joy, just…emptiness. I hated that about myself as I got to know you, the Black Eagles, Shamir, Annette, Lysithea, Leonie, Ignatz, Ashe…it made my time before feel so…passionless, so…dead.” Edelgard hugged her.

“You bring out the same in me.” She replied. “I had…given up on compassion, on outward displays of emotion, on letting myself…feel my true emotions. I had to prepare for a country to run, Hubert and others tried to take me from blubbering survivor to royalty, so I pushed down all the sadness and tried to use my rage to strategize. But…well, I told you enough times at Garreg Mach.” Byleth chuckled, Edelgard certainly made no secret of her passionate feelings towards her professor as a student and as an Empress.

“You ‘made up your mind long ago, yet still sought my approval.’” Said Byleth, quoting Edelgard almost directly. The sky turned navy, heralding that sunrise was nearby. Edelgard chuckled.

“I will never forget that, you standing before me, sword of the creator ready to defend.” Smiled Edelgard. “I have often wondered, what went through your head as you did that?”

“Something like, ‘No, Rhea. You don’t get to take another. I’m sick of heading your personal death squad. This is my friend. She’s been through enough, she needs love, leave her alone.’” Replied Byleth. Edelgard smiled, tears of joy running down her cheeks. She hugged Byleth again as the sky brightened.

“The sun is almost here.” Said Edelgard.

“Yeah, let’s stay out a little bit longer.” Smiled Byleth. “This is good, but it’s only as good as it is because you’re here.” Edelgard kissed Byleth as the sun started to rise, illuminating the city of Enbarr before them. Edelgard helped Byleth up from her chair and kissed her cheek, leading her back inside.

The End

Chapter Text

Edelgard was sitting on a couch in the Enbarr Castle, dangling an old shoelace in front of the gray tabby cat her and Byleth adopted a year ago. Its antics gave the two leisure numerous times. “Sarah, there’s still food in your bowl.” Stated Edelgard. The tabby simply looked at her and meowed. “I know you can see the bottom, but there is still food there, I don’t want to refill it every hour.” Edelgard said with a smile.

“Sarah, we can still see you.” Smirked Byleth another time as Edelgard chuckled. Sarah had hidden under the couple’s quilt. “Just because you can’t see us doesn’t mean you’re invisible.” Added Byleth, Edelgard laughing at that. Yes, Sarah was a good, funny cat and a member of the Black Eagles family. Today, something would change not just Sarah’s life, but also Edelgard and Byleth’s lives. Byleth entered the Castle in present day, holding a shoebox.

“Aw, you and Sarah, I always love this side of you, El.” Smiled Byleth.

“What do you mean?” asked Edelgard.

“You, acting like the little girl you didn’t get a chance to be.” Replied Byleth. Edelgard smiled.

“Thank you.” She replied. “It’s a good way to ease my burdens. What’s in the shoebox?”

“I was by the animal shelter and I saw this little feral kitten. Just…her face, her determination, her story…she reminded me of you.” Said Byleth. She opened the box and put a white kitten with purple bows on the floor. As it scuffled around confusedly on its front legs, it became obvious to Edelgard this kitten was paraplegic, or at least, hadn’t learned to control her back legs. That didn’t stop her from running to the couch, Edelgard picking her up.

“Oh, it’s a baby fur baby.” She said softly. “What’s her name?”

“Little El, of course, she was abandoned before she had full use of her legs, so we’re going to need weekly physical therapy sessions for her, but looking at her, she just seems worth it.” Replied Byleth.

“I’m Empress, I can afford it, who will watch her when we’re both busy?” asked Edelgard.

“I asked Annette and Universe 1 Marianne to do it.” Replied Byleth. “I think, ultimately, Sarah’s going to take care of her, mostly.” Edelgard set Little El down next to Sarah, hoping their first interaction would be good. Sarah sniffed the smaller cat, then placed her paw protectively on her and began licking her face.

“Aw, Sarah.” Smiled Edelgard. “She’s reminding me of you right now.”

“Yeah, I can see that.” Smiled Byleth.

A couple weeks later, Annette and Marianne were taking care of the Castle, or rather, the cats, as Edelgard and Byleth debated with Parliament. Marianne worriedly paced the floor as Annette came up.

“What’s wrong, Marianne?” she asked.

“I can’t find Little El!” she replied. “What if Sarah attacked her? Cats can be mean to each other, and I’ve never known a house where two cats got along well!”

“Is there any place you didn’t check?” asked Annette.

“The throne room and the den.” Replied Marianne.

“Okay, you go to the throne room, I’ll check the den.” Said Annette. Marianne arrived in the throne room, seeing Little El climb the stairs like a frog, then scuffle over to a waiting Sarah, who she tackled the neck of, proceeding to lick it as Sarah hugged her. Annette arrived just then.

“Oh, no, Sarah’s going to kill Little El, I better do something!” she shouted.

“No, they’re playing. I can hear them laughing with joy.” Stated Marianne, holding out her hand. Just then, Byleth and Edelgard entered the room. “Thank goodness you’ve come to see this!” smiled Marianne. The two walked over, Little El pulling down Sarah’s head, Sarah licking her face in response.

“Are they fighting?” asked Edelgard.

“No, they’re playing, they’ve become close.” Replied Marianne.

“They really are us, aren’t they?” asked Byleth. Edelgard nodded, a tear of joy was allowed to trickle down her cheek as she continued to see Sarah and Little El at play.

The End

Chapter Text

The F-Emblem Grand Prix was a brutal, lightning-fast race that attracted competitors from across the galaxy. Bounty Huntress Captain Lucina was considered the best of these, the sponsors trying to get the blue-haired woman in her blue jumpsuit and yellow gloves and boots to be the official face of the race, but she declined them. Other competitors included Samurai Hinoka, whose Fire Pegasus could wipe other racers off the track and into the emergency room, Dr. Camilla Stewart, a professional racer who loved to play it to the crowd, enjoying the attention of men and women alike, Kiria Kurono, a pop star who was doing this to promote her music, Jody Summer, a young woman trying to make a name for herself, Pico, an aggressive racer from a distant planet who cared more about turning it into a demolition derby, Octoman, another alien who was doing this for charity, Veronica, a young human racer who started off as aggressive as Pico, but had mellowed over the years, Dimitri, a racer who had lost his left arm and right eye in wrecks, replaced by robotics, and the duo team of Edelgard and Byleth, who raced together in two racer that looked like futuristic fighter place cockpits glued together.

Edelgard, wearing a red catsuit with a black stripe on the left side and a white stripe on the right side, approached Byleth on the track, as her wife made last minute adjustments to their racer. Byleth was dressed in a black catsuit with navy blue stripes on the sides. “Hey, cutie, how’s it going?” asked Edelgard. Byleth chuckled.

“You sound like Captain Lucina hitting on Jody Summer, El.” She replied with a smirk. About a hundred feet down the track, that exact thing was happening, Jody not interested in Lucina’s frat boy/bounty huntress personality, though they did have a physical relationship, kissing each other on the lips before parting ways.

“Sorry, I did not mean to upset you, but how are the adjustments faring?” asked Edelgard.

“So far, so good, got the fusion reactors to both cockpits running smoothly. Improved the chassis, too. Hopefully, we’ll win today.” Stated Byleth.

“Hey, El!” shouted an angry voice. Edelgard turned to see Dimitri. “I hope you remember; YOU did this!” he scowled, pointing to his red optic right eye with his robotic left arm.

“We merely tapped you into a spinout as we went past, Pico knocked you off the track.” Replied Edelgard.

“If you hadn’t put me in that spinout, I wouldn’t be a damn cyborg freak! I’m gonna kill the both of you today!” he threated, stomping to his light blue racer, modeled after a lion’s head and mane. Byleth closed the hood on their racer.

“Looks like it’s time.” She said.

“Let’s give it our all!” smiled Edelgard, helping her up. The two stood by their machine, the Double Eagle, as the other racers played it up to the crowd. Camilla, wearing a black bodysuit with purple stripes on the side and her name printed across her chest, tossed a rose to the crowd before entering her racer, which looked like a wyvern. Captain Lucina flexed, shouting “Show me your moves!” before getting in the Blue Falcon. Hinoka spun her swords, then entered her racer. Kiria Kurono spun a spiked microphone above her Pirate Hatsune Miku look, stabbing it in the ground before entering her racer, which looked like a kitten’s head. Pico and Octoman posed, Veronica crackled electricity from her fingertips and Dimitri stabbed a spear into the track, holding a dagger aloft. Edelgard and Byleth crossed a war axe and a sword, then tossed their weapons to the other, holding them aloft. Each got their own degree of cheers and the racers entered their machines.
3…2…1…GO!

The race began, the machines zooming across the track through the desert landscape of Alchuk 6, the pack close and tight. Captain Lucina was in the lead as Edelgard and Byleth were forced to the rear.

“We’re not getting last today.” Stated Edelgard angrily. “Ready to spinout and knock down some competition?”

“Always ready.” Replied Byleth. They spun their steering wheels, the racer clobbering Veronica and Camilla! Edelgard and Byleth zoomed ahead.

“Oh my, we’re playing rough, hmm, sweetie?” mused Camilla. Veronica’s eyes flashed red.

“You will pay for that, whelps!” she growled, slamming her racer into Camilla’s, making her hit the warning track and take damage.

“Oh, you want to play rough, too, little girl?!” asked Camilla angrily. She slammed her racer into Veronica’s, making her hit the warning track hard. Veronica then saw a jump was up ahead and slammed Camilla into a spinout, making her crash as Veronica cleared the jump.

Meanwhile, Dimitri and Pico were slamming into each other when Hinoka came up from behind and knocked Pico off the track. She radioed Dimitri. “It seems we both have thorns in our side.” She stated.

“Yes, you have Lucina, I have those infernal dogs to deal with.” Replied Dimitri.

“How about an alliance for this race? We both focus on those two, they won’t come out of this alive.” Asked Hinoka. Dimitri smirked.

“I agree, we should kill that woman and her lover who ruined my face and arm.” He said. “Tell me your plan.” Meanwhile, Edelgard and Byleth were neck and neck with Jody Summer about 100 meters behind those two.

“We’re going to need to pass her.” Said Edelgard.

“Agreed, even though she’s the nicest woman in F-Emblem.” Replied Byleth. The Double Eagle and the White Cat entered their second lap simultaneously, Byleth wasting no time using the turbo to zoom ahead. Jody grinned and turned on her own turbo, but wasn’t quite catching up. Veronica then boosted in, knocking Jody into the warning track and last place. She zoomed her racer, designed after a flaming crown made of lightning bolts, ramming into the Double Eagle.

“Looks like Ronnie’s back to her old self.” Muttered Edelgard.

“Let’s use a spinout, then.” Replied Byleth. The women spun their steering wheels quickly, knocking Veronica into the warning track as they and Jody Summer raced ahead. Veronica tried to pursue, but her engine core had been over-exhausted, she was now stuck on the side of the track and out of the race.

It was down to Lucina in first, Kiria in second, Dimitri third, Hinoka, Octoman, Edelgard and Byleth and Jody. Edelgard and Byleth spun out into Octoman, making him miss the same jump Camilla missed earler.

“PARG!” he shouted, a curse word in his own language. Meanwhile, Dimitri slammed into Kiria, holding her racer against the warning track to destroy its chassis and make it explode.

“What are you doing?” asked Hinoka on the radio.

“She’s in our way to Lucina, she must be taken out.” Replied Dimitri coldly. He moved his racer side to side, slamming Kiria hard into the warning track. Her engine core gave out and she was stuck. Dimitri considered that good enough and set his sights on Captain Lucina. He slammed into the Blue Falcon with a spinout, causing it to spinout.

“Dimitri?! What the hell, man?!” asked Lucina. The two were neck and neck after that stunt, Lucina responding by slamming into Dimitri. Dimitri yelled in anger, slamming his racer back into hers. His cybernetic optic scanned the Blue Falcon, looking for weaknesses. Lucina and Dimitri slammed their racers into each other as the final lap began, them tied for first, Hinoka 3rd, Edelgard and Byleth 4th and Jody last. Lucina rammed Dimitri right into the warning track, but he spun out, ramming her into the other side. Hinoka caught up and slammed into Lucina from behind. “Oh, you want to play, too, Hinoka? Your butt is mine!” declared Lucina. She went into a forceful spinout, knocking both her and Hinoka off the track and into a ravine, where their racers exploded!

“Poor Hinoka, but it is now time to focus on those two!” stated Dimitri. He watched as Edelgard and Byleth boosted to be neck and neck, as he planned. Dimitri slammed into the Double Eagle with a spinout, forcing it into the warning track.

“Guess he was serious about trying to kill us.” Muttered Byleth.

“Let’s hit him back!” declared Edelgard. Before Dimitri could use his racer to keep them in the warning track, like he had with Kiria, Edelgard and Byleth spun out into him. Dimitri recovered and slammed his racer into theirs. The finish line wasn’t far.

“Look, I can see the finish, let’s boost and take first for once!” suggested Byleth. Edelgard picked up her war axe.

“You can do that; I’m going to make sure he leaves us alone.” Replied Edelgard. Before Byleth could ask any questions, Edelgard ejected from the Double Eagle, screaming a war cry as she smashed Dimitri’s windshield and crushed his engine core by crashing into his hood. “It…wasn’t…my…fault!” shouted Edelgard.

“Maybe that wasn’t, but for wrecking my Azure Lion Mark II, to the pits of Fire Field with you, El!” he screamed before collapsing from exhaustion. Edelgard stood up, wondering if her quest to be the best and most moral racer had made her the monster. She saw the White Cat get second right after, and smiled lightly, thinking she had done some good.

Edelgard and Byleth got first place for the first time in their careers, Jody Summer got second and no one else ranked because their racers were inoperable. Edelgard dashed to the finish line, wrapping her arms around Byleth in a big hug, kissing her full on the lips before laughing triumphantly. Jody Summer politely applauded. The other pilots were not severely hurt, and the next race would occur next month.

The End

Chapter Text

It was the day of the Fall Festival and Edelgard and Byleth were excited as they changed into their costumes. To surprise each other, they were getting dressed in separate rooms, soon heading out to the foyer. Edelgard had put her hair in four buns at the back of her head and was wearing a purple kimono and holding a giant fan. Byleth had dyed her hair red and was wearing plate armor with a cross on the breastplate and a blue skirt and brown boots on her lower half. “Hello, Erza Scarlet.” Chuckled Edelgard.

“I see that woman in the future really inspired you.” Replied Byleth after a chuckle.

“Yes, something about this just feels…right, I don’t know why.” Stated Edelgard.

“It could be your large fan, which is equal in size to Amyr.” Suggested Byleth.

“Perhaps, maybe it’s also how non-restrictive the kimono is.” Added Edelgard. “I also found out this character is named Temari.”

“I’ve heard rumors the real her will be joining Smash as a Mii Swordfighter alongside someone called Sasuke.” Stated Byleth.

“Well, if they’re true, I look forward to meeting this mysterious woman in person.” Replied Edelgard. Byleth smiled, then there was a knock on the door. Byleth and Edelgard went to open it, seeing Caspar in a green plaid kimono, hair tousled, sword at his hip and a red scar painted on his forehead. Annette was wearing a black wig with orange tips, a pink kimono, a black jacket, and a green rebreather in her mouth.

“Trick or Treat!” smiled Caspar.

“Mmm!” added Annette.

“How nice to see you two, come on in!” smiled Edelgard. “What are your costumes?”

“I am Tanjiro Kamado, Demon Slayer!” proclaimed Caspar, drawing his blade. “I seek the cure for my sister Nezuko to turn her back into a human! Together, we traverse the land and fight demons!”

“Mmm!” began Annette before taking out the rebreather. “And I’m Nezuko, his sister. I’ve been cursed to be part-demon, part-human, and so far, I can keep my demon impulses in check and help Tanjiro!”

“Ooh, what inspired these costumes?” asked Byleth.

“I saw this in a costume palace and tried it on…and it just felt right, you know?” said Annette. “Not sure why.”

“I feel the same about my costume.” Replied Edelgard. “This just works for me, can’t explain it.”

“Exactly!” Added Annette. There was another knock on the door and Byleth answered. Monica was there, wearing silver contact lenses, a red corset, a white long sleeve shirt, a red miniskirt, black leggings and boots and a red cape.

“Trick or Treat!” she said.

“Hi, Monica! Is Edelgard 1 around?” asked Byleth. The aforementioned empress walked in, wearing white thigh-high boots, her hair in a braided ponytail, wearing a white miniskirt with a blue top with snowflakes on the shoulders and navy-blue opera gloves. She carried a rapier on her hip.

“Yes, she is.” Said Edelgard 1. “I feel a little embarrassed by my costume, is all.”

“But you’re Weiss Schnee!” stated Monica.

“I’m unfamiliar with your shows, Monica, and this costume just feels a little too tight.” Replied Edelgard 1.

“Come on in, you guys, Caspar and Annette are already here!” smiled Byleth. Byleth led Edelgard 1 and Monica inside.

“Nice matching Ruby and Weiss costumes, you two!” complimented Annette.

“You think so? I feel embarrassed.” Replied Edelgard 1.

“You look splendid…me.” Stated Edelgard A.

“Thanks…me.” Replied Edelgard 1.

“So, what’s the plan for tonight?” asked Caspar.

“There’s another couple and two more guests coming.” Said Byleth. There was a knock at the door as she said that. Byleth and Edelgard went to it, opening the door to see Samus, her hair down, dressed in tight black pants, a brown trench coat, an orange shirt, a yellow gauntlet on her left hand and a yellow and black glove on her right hand and arm. Zelda’s hair had been dyed black as she wore costume store kitten ears and a sleek white jacket, black pants and a purple T-shirt, a gun-knife in a holster at her side.

“Nice to see you, Samus, Zelda.” Smiled Edelgard.

“Dressed as your roommates?” asked Byleth.

“They helped.” Replied Zelda, Samus nodding. The two went inside and Monica zipped over to them.

“Oh, my gosh, you guys, me and Her Majesty, we’re a full set group costume!” she said with a huge smile.

“Heh, so we are.” Commented Samus.

“Ooh, can I take a picture of the four of us?” asked Zelda. Samus handed her a smartphone-like device.

“Just push here when it looks good.” Smiled Samus. Edelgard 1, Monica and Samus grouped around Zelda.

“Pose!” smiled Zelda. They posed like their characters, Zelda taking the picture. “Oh, it looks beautiful!” she smiled, looking at it.

“Yeah, not bad.” Added Samus, nodding in approval.

“So, who are the last two guests, Edelgard?” asked Annette. There was a knock on the door and Byleth opened it, letting in Manuela and Shamir. Manuela was wearing a light gray martial arts gi for a top and tight black pants, while Shamir wore a blue polo shirt, baggy jeans, a blue beret and a multi-pouched belt.

“Who are you two supposed to be?” asked Edelgard A.

“You should recognize me, Temari, I’m Tsunade, one of the best ninja instructors of all time.” Smiled Tsunade.

“Oh, I don’t know much about this character, I just really like the outfit.” Replied Edelgard A.

“And let me guess, Shamir, you’re…Jill Valentine?” asked Samus.

“You’re right, Samus. I guess you’ve run into Jill before?” asked Shamir.

“Lots of times, helped her with her mental issues after she was rescued from Wesker.” Replied Samus.

“She’s still blonde from that.” Muttered Shamir.

“They wanted someone like me, but loyal, so they used my DNA and fused it with hers.” Stated Samus. “It’s why I try to make sure she’s doing all right; I feel partially responsible for how she looks now.”

“Well, she’s kicking as much butt as ever, so you did good.” Replied Shamir.

“Can I have everyone’s attention, please?” asked Byleth. “I suppose you’re wondering what the big Fall Festival party game is. Does anyone remember the Heron Cup?” Everyone but Samus and Zelda raised their hands. “Well, all the couples are going to dance, and Shamir and Manuela will choose the winners!” explained Byleth.

“Oh, dance party? Sounds fun.” Smiled Samus. Shamir and Manuela got to the side of the room as Byleth put on recordings of Edelgard’s favorite music before slow-dancing with her. The couples all gazed into their partner’s eyes romantically, Samus holding Zelda close, Caspar letting Annette out to do a twirl, Monica just staring, hoping it would never stop and Byleth lightly dipping Edelgard A and bringing her face back close. Byleth softly kissed Edelgard A’s cheek and lightly stroked her back, massaging her lovingly. After about 30 minutes, they stopped. The couples stood in a row as Shamir and Manuela talked it over.

“All right, we’ve come to a consensus.” Declared Manuela. “The winners are…Edelgard and Byleth!” The others clapped for the two, who went into the middle of the room and bowed. They hugged each other and kissed once more, glad to spend this night with their best friends.

The End