The time has finally arrived

The White Heron Cup has finally started. A Dance computation between the three houses. Each of the Houses chooses a repetitive as Dorothea, Leonie, and Annette when on stage where the rest of the students sat down below them. 

Edelgard, Dimitri and Claude were sitting right next to each other at the front row while Hubert, Dedue and Hilda were behind them. 

"I can't believe you and the Professor chose Leonie instead of me!" Hilda cried out as she groans in frustration 

"Hey, you asked for it. After all, you did say 'I am just a delicate flower'" said Claude in a mocking voice towards Hilda. 

Both Dimitri and Edelgard laughed at Claude's comment with Hubert and Dedue throwing in a smile. 

"Alright quiet down everyone, the computation is about to start," said Edelgard as she hushes everyone to be quiet 

Hilda just rolled her eyes as she moves deeper into her seat in embarrassment.

The Judges were Alois Rangeld, Manuela Casagranda and Shamir Nevrand who all introduces themselves before the contests started to perform with Leonie going first the rest when backstage to wait for their turn. However, Byleth was nowhere to be seen within the crowd 

Leonie's music sounds serious, hard and rough. 

Leonie dance mostly focused on the art of battle as she moves with solid footwork and appears to be dancing with an invisible sword in her hand

"Those movements...they appear to be focused on the way of fighting with the sword," said Dimitri as he became interested in Leonie dance 

"Whoa...that was a handful of words you just shoved down to everyone ears," said Claude as he about picked his ear but Edelgard quickly stopped him by grabbing his arm 

"You know, this dance is quite enjoyable but...it looks like some of her movements are a bit sloppy," said Edelgard as she let go of Claude's hand while Leonie continues with her perform who a while until she ended with a strong sword-like thrust forward towards the sky 

Everyone started to clap as Leonie bowed towards the audience before retreating backstage 

"That was an enjoyable dance by Leonie, I am impressed but...let see who next," said Dimitri as he smiles at Claude and Edelgard as they nod 

Annette came onto the stage as she bowed down to the audience 

"Annette...hmm, this should be interesting...hopeful," said Claude as he smiles 

Edelgard frowned at Claude "Let hope she doesn't disappoint," Edelgard sighed 

Annette's music sounds cheerful, hopeful and bright

Annette dance was focused on being light as feather and balance as one with her body. Her arms move as if she was using magic and her legs move fluidly from one spot to another. 

"Wow...she must have practice hard for those fluid movements and her dance is like magical," said Claude as he became fully invested in Annette dance 

Dimitri quickly turns towards Claude with a strange look on his face "Am I hearing something or am I deaf? Claude praising someone?" Dimitri scoffed 

"I agree with Claude, her movements are fluid alongside her dance having a message behind it. The feeling of missing someone dear to her heart and is hoping that he/she comes back to her," Edelgard smiled at Annette 

"Oh come on Dimitri, is it really a surprise? I often praise people for their good work...well if they earn it that is." 

Dimitri turned back to face Annette and examines it more closely "Her dance...she misses her father and is hoping he would come back to her....it seems happy on the surface but deep down it nothing but sorrow, sadness and despair with a bit hope within the dance and song itself." 

Edelgard just looks at Dimitri with a sad look on her face as she slowly turns towards Annette where she finished her dance with grief and sorrow look on her face as she positions herself kneeling and begging. The crowd filled the air with cheers and claps as Edelgard personally stood up as she smiles towards her. 

Hubert had a shocked look on her face alongside Dedue, Hilda and Dimitri with Claude having a wide smirk on his face

Annette when backstage as Edelgard sat down once more 

"Well Princess, it looks like you enjoyed Annette dance," said Claude in teasing voice. 

"You dare disrespect Lady Edelgard?" Hubert asked as his righthand started to fill up with dark magic but that when Edelgard simply waves with her right hand as Hubert cuts his dark magic

"Please forgive Hubert's behaviour, anyways as for Annette dance...yes I enjoyed her dance as a whole because it reminds me a lot about my home...the outside part of it and the inside of the palace," said Edelgard as she looks down onto the floor

"I understand," turns back to the stage "Edelgard, Claude Dorothea is going next...she a Songstress in the opera company am I correct?" Dimitri asked Edelgard

Edelgard looked back up towards Dimitri "Yes, Prince Dimitri, she the only commoner within the Black Eagles. She was offered this position by our Professor and she gladly accepted the offer," 

Claude looked suspicious as he took one look at the audience before turning back to Edelgard and Dimitri "Well then, it should be easy pickings for her as she seems to have the most experience out the three of them," said Claude 

"We shall see, as Annette dance has set a high bar for her to leap over," said Dimitri as they turn to face the stage 

Dorothea enters the stage as the music started to play in the background

The music, however, was unique as it feels desperate, hopeful, despair at the start at the middle was hopeless, struggle, loss at the end is playful, hopeful and sense of over completing a challenge 

Dorothea dance like she is telling a story with her movement, pacing, and all of this without saying a single word 

It started with Dorothea sitting on the ground as she appears to be beaten up before she started to sing a smooth, gentle, calming song as she holds her hand forward towards the sky where it seems like someone had accepted her 

Manuela gasps as she continues to watch Dorothea performs as she stood center stage for while with completely silences besides the music as she slowly starts to move as she dances like she is enjoying it 

"I see...Dorothea is telling the tale of an orphan rising up and becoming a famous performer," said Edelgard as she smirks 

"She is telling a story of struggles of young orphans and how hope can maybe save them," Said Dimitri as he agrees with Edelgard

"Alongside how orphans are often treated within the streets," said Claude as he smiles a bit but his mouth does not match his eyes

Dorothea continued her performs as the story continues to move forward as she sings her heart out with as she dances smoothly like on thin ice. 

She finished her performance by making a strong opera feet as she steadies herself straight and looks towards the sky. 

Everyone in the crowd alongside the judges and even the house lords Edelgard, Dimitri and Claude all stood up and clapped and cheered as Dorothea exited out of the stage 

"Alright, that everyone, now let us take a moment to decide who will be the winner of this year's White Heron Cup," said Alois

"Wow...they were all great performances...but only one can win," said Edelgard as she turns her head to face Dimitri and Claude

"We just have to find out later on. But we can agree that all of them were great as they have something behind them," said Dimitri as the other house leaders nod their heads 

"I agree, by the way, Edelgard are you going to dance with Dimitri at the ball? After all, it coming up very soon after the cup," said Claude as he slightly smirks as the two of them 

Both Dimitri and Edelgard started to blush slightly while Hilda is trying to cover her laughter 

"Yes...we shall," turns to face Hubert who has surprised look on his face "Hubert is alright with you if I dance with Princess Edelgard?" Dimitri asked

Hubert stared at Edelgard for a moment before nod his head "Very well Prince of Faerghus, I allow it," said Hubert 

Edelgard turned her head to face Dedue "Same with you Dedue? Is it alright if I dance with Prince Dimitri?" Edelgard asked

Dedue remained emotionless as he nods as well "If Hubert agrees then I don't have a reason to say no," said Dedue

"Ohh! The Princess and the Prince are going to dance together! How cute," said Hilda as started to giggle 

"They will be having a fun time once this White Heron Cup is over," said Claude as he sighs before he leaned back to take a looks up at the roof of the monastery 

"Ladies and Gentlemen! The judges have finally decided who would win this year's White Heron Cup!" said Alois as he, Shamir, and Manuela all step on stage. The Houses leader return their eyes to the stage alongside the crowd 

Dorothea, Annette, and Leonie all when on stage behind the judges 

"We all have decided who would be the winner of this White Heron Cup...all of you perform amazingly as I can see that you poured all of your heart into your performance," said Manuela as she smiles within her heart  

"You all carried yourself greatly but there will be only one winner reminding," said Shamir who remind emotionless 

"That right Ladies and Gentlemen, now this winner White Heron Cup is...Dorothea Arnault! Come on forward Dorothea and claim your prize!" shouted Alois as he points at Dorothea 

Dorothea had the biggest smile on her face as everyone started to fill the room with cheers, clapping and even more, all of the three lords stood up as all of them a smile on their faces. 

"Th...thank you, everyone, it was a true honour to stand on this stage and perform right in front of everyone here," said Dorothea as Manuela put a White Heron Leaf onto of her head.

"I am very proud of you Dorothea, you have grown into a pretty rose," said Manuela as she hugs Dorothea 

"Alright that it every one the White Heron Cup is over, Now it time to clean up then we can get the ball started," said Alois 

"Don't worry, we will be helping," said Shamir 

A couple of hours have passed as everyone cleaned up and set up the tables, drinks, food alongside the music

As soon as the music starts Dimitri and Edelgard took each other hands and started to dance while Claude just gives the thumbs up

To everyone shock as it the first time that they saw the Prince of Faerghus Dimitri and the Princess of the Adrestain Empire Edelgard dancing with each other as they steal the center stage of this dance. Claude just sat at the sidelines drinking apple cider as he stared at Edelgard and Dimitri dancing, he smiled as his eyes fail to match what on his mouth

Meanwhile, Sylvain greets a hand to Mercedes with Ingrid having a frown on her face

"Umm...I might sound like I am flirting with you but...umm...can you dance with me, Mercedes?" Sylvain asked in a very awkward voice as Mercedes just stared at Sylvain 

Ingrid's face was filled with shock "Sylvain this isn't like you...are you alright?" Ingrid asked

"No, I am fine...so did you say yes?" Sylvain extend his hand more while Ingrid had a suspicious look on her face

"Sure, sure. I accept your offer," said Mercedes who accepts Sylvain's hand as they when onto the dance floor and started to dance

Ferdinand when towards Dorothea 

"Hello, Dorothea may I offer you a dance?" Ferdinand asked as he extends his hand forward

Dorothea sighed but she accepted Ferdinand's offer "Oh alright, Ferdie, I accept your offer this time," said Dorothea as they both their way onto the dance floor 

Ashe slowly walks up to Ingrid as he offers a hand who is blushing bright red

"Ashe....are you serious?" Ingrid asked with a slight blush on her face 

Ashe started to blush even more and nods "Can...we dance like the twin....oh no...I forgot what to say next!" cried out Ashe as Ingrid just grabbed Ashe hand

"Very well but...I am not exactly a good dancer," said Ingrid who is blushing bright red

"Me too...I don't know how to dance," said Ashe in an awkward voice 

Both of them started to dance in a plain odd fashion way

Hilda was spotted dragging Marianne "Come on Marianne, let dance," said Hilda 

"I am not sure I can do this," said Marianne as she closes her eyes 

"Nonsense, I teach you to dance just follow my steps." Hilda continues to drag Marianne 

"Oh...alright," Marianne sighed as she let herself be dragged 

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In the dark underground of the abyss 

A Dark shadowy figure covered in a dark hood and black mist to cover ___ face and arms alongside the sword which is just covered in black mist 

"Gah!" cried a mercenary as he fell onto the ground with a clear cut on his chest 

"Dam...who the hell are you?" Yuri asked as he raises his sword as Constance got silenced and knocked out cold as a brick but not killed. Hapi also got silenced and suffered the same fate as Constance. Balthus charged head-on against the figure but the figure easily dodged it as if the figure already knew his moves before disarming him and knocking him out cold alongside the rest. Yuri was the last one standing 

"Chaos...you may call me Chaos, I am here for the Chalice...I know you have it," The figure named Chaos raised ___ mist hand and point at Aelfric 

"Ho...how did you know? Nevermind...Yuri we can't allow this Chaos figure to attain the Chalices. We must prevent him at all cost!" shouted Aelfric 

"I am trying Aelfric but this Chaos is not only really strong but it seems like that he/she knows our every move," shouted Yuri as Chaos sudden disappeared in a black mist "What the?" Yuri quickly scanned his surround as Chaos soon reappeared right behind him "Carp!" Yuri quickly turned around swinging his sword around with a lower slash but Chaos simply stepped back letting the slash pass through harmless "What?" cried out Yuri as Chaos soon dashes in forward with a black mist and quickly slammed Yuri in the gut making fall over to his kneels "How...did you know?" Yuri asked before getting knocked out by Chaos pommel end of the sword 

"You shouldn't have stood in my way," muttered Chaos as __ turns around to face Aelfric "The Chalices...give to me now and I spare your life," said Chaos 

Aelfric shakes his head as he prepares a spell "No...I never give the Chalice of..."Aelfric cut of as Chaos disappeared and reappeared right behind Aelfric and stabbed him in the back right through his chest 

"Forgive me but your death will serve a greater cause," said Chaos before pulling ___ sword out of Aelfric leaving him to bleed onto the ground as Chaos makes his way towards the altar that houses the Chalice "The Chalice of Beginning, it now within my hands," Chaos examines the Chalice before quickly turning around where a metal noise was heard "Death Knight, have you finished killing the remaining rogues?" Chaos asked 

"As ordered..." Death Knight replied as he presents his weapon soaked in blood 

"Good, remember to keep your side of the bargain," said Chaos who moved away from the altar and towards the Death Knight 

"I understand, do you believe it will work?" the Death Knight asked as he moves closer to Chaos 

"Yes, it will...you will get your chance to see your sister after the thief that been saved by the light, takes a rest for good," muttered Chaos who examines the Chalice again "Which is coming very soon, so do me a favour and wait patiently without killing anyone without my orders or the Flame Emperors no matter what," 

The Death Knight nods very slightly with his armour and simply says "As you command," 

--------------

Soon everyone started to join in from Felix and Annette (this was quite shocking to Annette), Claude and Petra, Benedetta and Hubert (Benedetta was dragged out by Casper and Hubert.), Lysithea and Lorenz, Ignatz and Raphael, and finally Casper and Linhardt (Was too dragged out by Hubert and Casper). As for the Teachers Shamir and Catherine alongside Manuela and Hanneman. Cyril and Flayn were paired together with Seteth approve.

Leonie was the last one as she waits patiently for Professor Byleth to show up. 

"What is taking him so long?" Leonie asked as she stared at the crowd right in front of her 

Dimitri and Edelgard stole center stage as everyone focused on their dance as they continue on their amazing performance 

Dimitri leaned in next to Edelgard ears "Everyone has their eyes on us," whispered Dimitri

"Let them glaze Dimitri and let us continue our performance," Edelgard whispered as they continue on their performance until the music finally stopped for a moment. 

"It finished...now Edelgard...shall we?" Dimitri nods towards the exited 

"Yes, we shall...come on, before the music starts once more," 

Both of them slip out with the help of Hubert, Dedue and Claude as they  soon arrived at the Goddess Tower

"The Goddess Tower, this is a special place for my parents...this is where my mother met the current Emperor...my father during her time at the academy," said Edelgard as she looks at the sunset 

"I see...is it love at first sight?" Dimitri asked as he looks on at the sunset beside Edelgard

"Maybe so as my father was previously a member of the officer academy before he was crowned Emperor. He decided to return to the Goddess Tower and well...that where my father met my mother."  Edelgard stared up at the sky 

"It sounds like a lovely story, it a shame that it ended in tragedy," said Dimitri as he looks down 

Edelgard sighs "You know Dimitri, I always wonder what would happen if..." looks away for a moment "Nevermind...Dimitri, may I ask...do you truly love me?" 

Dimitri started to blush bright red "...why do you ask that El? Of course, I do, within my heart, you filled me with happiness and hope as you are the only family that I have who is still among the living." 

"And you are the only one who treated me as Edelgard herself...not as a tool," Edelgard smiles at Dimitri

"A tool...you mean those monsters who ruined everything that we hold dear to our hearts," Dimitri clutched his fist tightly 

"Yes, Dimitri, but to them, I am just a tool to serve their grand plan...Dimitri, what if I tell you that I have two crests within me," Edelgard closes her eyes as

Dimitri grabbed onto her tightly "Two crests...no...don't tell me...those monsters...they...did this they did this you?" 

Edelgard nods as her face filled with sadness "There is a price for processing two crests....the ultimate price for processing more power...the price requires the user to shorten its life span," Edelgard looks down onto the stone floor 

"No...no, no, no, no! El please tell me there is a way to save you! I do anything to save you...I can't be left alone once more! Please tell me there a way please!" Dimitri begged as his eyes were filled themselves with water as he grabs Edelgard's hands tightly. 

Edelgard shook her head as Dimitri's face soon turns into despair "I am sorry Dimitri, there is no known to cure...but while I am still alive...can you become my..., my lover Dimitri?" 

Dimitri hugs Edelgard "Yes, El...we shall. I swear that I will destroy the darkness that surrounds you and find a way to save you before your time runs out," said Dimitri 

Edelgard pat his back "Thank you, Dimitri...now shall we mark the seal of our love?" said Edelgard 

"We will El...we will," Dimitri soon kissed Edelgard on the lips as warm of heat boils within them as for the first time they were alone to be treated as lovers

They soon separate as they stared the sun setting down for the Azura Moon as Crimson Flowers started to enter the Goddess Tower. 

----------------

Leonie waited at least an hour until she finally saw Byleth entering the ballroom 

"There you are! I was looking all over for you...what took you so long?" Leonie asked with a frown on her face 

"Sorry Leonie, I had to handle some stuff back there. Anyways what to dance?" Byleth asked as she extends her hand to Leonie 

"Sure...I forgive you this time," Leonie smiles as they started to dance 

-------------------------

He returned to his office after dancing for a while before leaving only to be greeted with a letter at his front door. 

He picked it up as the seal of the Church of Serios on it. He opened the letter and reads it content. 

"Hmm....rumors of Students going to transformed into Demonic beast near the Chapel...I better get my student ready to prepare themselves...once the ball has set in," said Hanneman as he enters his office.