Edelgard was writing her letter for her father in which, she stopped for a moment to examine the painting...however, she just shook her head as she continues with her letter 

Then a knock on her door interrupts her peace. she hid the letter under one of her papers before opening the door "Professor?" 

Byleth grabs her shoulder "Edelgard, a letter from Enbar," Byleth reveals the letter which has the Imperial seal on it 

Edelgard took the letter and examines it before turning her eyes back at Byleth "How did you get this letter?" Edelgard asked 

She just shrugs "A messenger arrived from Enbarr. He told me to pass directly to you," 

"I see...thank you, Professor, now if you excuse me," Edelgard closed the door, sat down and opened the letter to read it contents 

Byleth in the meanwhile just walked away from her room and headed towards the mess hall 

Edelgard frowned at the report "They are located in the forbidden forest? What for? There are only a...couple of ruins," she lowered the letter as Edelgard looked outside of her window "It can't be, I better tell the others," she stood up and quickly left her room in a hurry

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

Dimitri is practicing his skills with the lance near the stables against a small ring target. He frowned as he missed a couple of times before managing to land a successful hit 

He looked over the evening skies "Ingrid, Sylvain, Annette, Felix...please come back soon," he muttered as he dismounted, move his horse into the stable, returns the lance and when towards the mess hall 

Dimitri entered and line up for his meal. He examines the mess hall and noticed Byleth talking to Manuela and Hanneman alongside...Seteth? 

He turned towards the menu and realized that...all of the food within the menu is high quality from freshly made bread, steak, chicken, etc...normally it would just be pre-made bread, soup, beans, a couple of meat, wires (strings of dried carrots), steel wall (bread that has all of it liquid dried up to last a lot longer but without the liquid...the bread became hard and tough), and other not so tasty food "Is this some type of feast? If so...for what?" Dimitri muttered as the Black Eagles started to show up and line up behind Dimitri 

Dimitri tray became filled with chicken, bread, mash potatoes, slices of carrots and other good food that normally would be reserve for a feast, an important event like the ball or after the Battle of the Eagle and Lion but he didn't complain 

"Dimitri!" shouted Byleth as she waves towards Dimitri 

He just sighed as he obeyed and sat across from the Professor while Manuela and Hanneman stood up to leave the mess hall but Seteth remind beside Byleth "Professor, do you need something?" Dimitri asked 

Byleth nods "Wait first," Byleth replied as she kept an eye on the door 

Dimitri just agreed as he started to eat his meal. He noticed Seteth looking so...groomy and looks out of character but he ignored it as Edelgard arrived 

He rolled his eyes "Claude is the last one...again," 

All of the Black Eagles arrived first (besides Petra) while the Golden Deer arrived second...of course, the Blue Lions are still away as Edelgard got called over by her Professor

Edelgard smiled dropped at the sight of Seteth being right beside Byleth. She just kept a calm look on her face while she sat beside Dimitri 

Byleth sighed "Now...for Claude," 

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

Claude and Petra were studying together but that when Lysithea entered the scene and told them that it supper, in which they started to clean up, return the books and headed towards the mess hall 

"I had great joy in studying," Petra had a smile on her face 

Claude smiled back "No problem Petra, just remember that...one day..." Claude pats her on the shoulder "You might have to cut your wings by yourself not...because of duty," 

Petra frowned but she nods in agreement "I take your words to heart," Petra replied 

Claude and Petra finally arrived at the mess hall where they saw Lysithea and the rest of the Golden waiting in line but he notices that something is off within the menu "Whoa...we are getting...a feast?" Claude examine the room and notice the high-quality food while Jeralt just when passed him and exited out of the mess hall 

After a couple of mins of waiting in line, he finally got his tray full of food but that when he noticed Byleth waving at him alongside Edelgard and Dimitri 

He navigates his way towards their table as he sat beside Byleth...however, that when he noticed Seteth looking...down 

"Hey Teach," Claude points at Seteth "Is Seteth alright?" Claude asked with a concerned look on his face 

Byleth shook her head as she points at his tray "First, finish your meal," 

Claude sighed but nods while Edelgard and Dimitri continue to eat their meals 

After that and once they put away their trays Byleth started to speak up "Edelgard, Dimitri...Claude. Today is going to be a special mission...which will take place at midnight," said Byleth as Edelgard raised her hand "Yes Edelgard?" 

"Can you tell us the details?" Edelgard asked while Dimitri and Claude nod in agreement 

Byleth smiled "A group of merchants when near the forbidden forest and noticed something suspicious. So he reported to the Knights of Serios." Byleth turns towards Seteth

Seteth sighed as he straightens himself "The 1st Regiment of the Knights of Serios lead by Catherine was sent to investigate but..." he sighed once more "They got ambushed by an unknown enemy...we lost many knights within the forest but...Catherine claimed that she saw Flayn at the ruins within the forbidden forest but...she was greatly wounded by a magic-user." 

Dimitri had a concerned look as he raises his hand "Is Catherine alright?" 

He nods "Catherine is fine...however, they were forced to pull back to Garreg Mach. Once I heard about the report, I suggest Lady Rhea that we send in more knights but...she refused as all of the other knights are either busy with other duties, on leave or...wounded," 

Claude leaned back "I think, I know where this is going," 

Edelgard nods in agreement "You what us to save her...correct?" 

Seteth replies with a nod "Your Professor suggested that all of the other houses shall go on a special operation within the midnight of the night. It will be disguised as... 'night training'," 

"You have to save Flayn before the evening dawn raises. Tomorrow roads will be filled with merchants and well...I think you can understand the rest," said Byleth with a calm look on her face "Just remember that we only got one chance at saving Flayn...if we fail. Flayn will suffer a terrible fate." 

Edelgard looked at Seteth with a suspicious face "Seteth may I ask...what will do once we save Flayn?" Edelgard replied 

Dimitri turned towards Edelgard with disapproval on his face but...Seteth just sighed "I will tell you once save Flayn," Seteth replied 

"Seteth will be assisting the rescue...sadly" she sighed "I won't be joining the operation," said Byleth which caused Edelgard, Dimitri and Claude eyes to go wide 

"Can you explain why...my teacher?" Edelgard appeared to be heartbroken at Byleth comment of not joining 

"Forgive me Edelgard but, someone has to stay behind to make sure that Rhea doesn't find out about the secret operation," Byleht kept her emotionless look on her face but her eyes tell a different story 

Claude just pats Edelgard on her back "I understand Teach...come on Edelgard, Dimitri we need to prepare ASASP," 

Edelgard nods "I get the Black Eagles prepared, Claude, get your deers ready. Dimitri...prepare the supplies/equipment and if possible, try to contact the Blue Lions to meet with us as the Forbidden Forest," 

"Alright, we are counting on Dimitri," said Claude as he stood up and when over the Golden Deer. Same with Edelgard but with the Black Eagles 

Dimitri smiled as he quietly exited out of the mess hall 

Seteth lean in and whisper into her ear "How do you manage to make all of the three lords work alongside each other?" Seteth asked 

Byleth smiled at him "I didn't do anything...they did it by themselves," Byleth replied

He smiled back as he stared at Edelgard "I see...good for them," Seteth stood himself up

----------

Cornelia is waiting patiently at the stone ruins where there are no roofs just pieces of stone everywhere on the ground as a pair of Dark Mages 'escorting' Flayn arrived first "Perfect timing," 

Flayn didn't resist as her body is entirely beaten up, scars within her legs and arms, and all she is wearing is a white dress stained with blood

"Welcome to your final resting place." Cornelia smiled as she nods towards the mages 

The Dark mages dragged her into a center of the stone circle where there a bunch of wood lay onto the ground with a wooden pole that extends to the sky. They tried her tightly onto the wooden pole and when they are finished. The Mages took a step back and bowed towards Cornelia "Everything is prepared, Lady Cornelia. We just need one of the sacrifices to arrive," 

Cornelia smirked "Good. Now get me, General Metodey at once," 

"Yes madam," the Dark mage bowed and left 

After a couple of mins, General Metodey showed up with a wicked smile on his face "You called me, my lady?" Metodey asked

"Yes, I did, General Metodey. Flayn is within our hands now," Cornelia replied  

Metodey chuckled "Finally...now, we can burn that witch?" 

She shook her head "I am afraid that we have to perform a special ritual to slap her power...then we can watch her suffer," 

He frowned "Bluh! We have to wait?" Metodey sighed "Very well, but make it quick!" 

Cornelia smiled "That will have to depend on their 'escorts' if they can arrive quickly. They sadly have to take the long route to avoid being spotted by the patrols, but don't worry...they arrive soon or later," 

Metodey sighed in frustration "I hope so," 

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

Edelgard and Claude gather up the Eagles/Deers and brief them on the operation after the kitchen staff left the mess hall by Seteth orders while Byleth exited the dining hall 

While Dimitri is gathering the supplies and equipment needed for the operation as time is not on their side as the sun has fully set 

Edelgard stood up and reveal the map although...it more of a black blog than a map...as it shows the entrance to the forbidden forest but everything else is just covered black 

Claude just shakes his head "Seteth...you couldn't get a better map?" Claude asked 

Edelgard sighed at Claude "Calm yourself, Claude, the forbidden forest rarely get explored due to rumors about...dangerous monsters," said Edelgard as she rolled her eyes 

"Thank you Edelgard," Seteth pulls out a pointer "Now as you know. The Knights of Serios was sent earlier to investigate" He points at the entrances "But they were ambushed by an unknown enemy and were forced to retreat..." he moves the point around the black blog "However, thanks to their efforts. We can confirm that Flayn is within the forbidden forest, however, we don't know exactly where," Seteth tags at the black blog "We will face unknown amounts of resistance..." he sighed "I am counting on you to success in rescuing my sister..." Seteth clapped his hands "Now time is not on our side...grab your equipment and meet at the front gate as soon as possible!" shouted Seteth 

As they sprint into action 

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

Byleth looked up at the sky before entering the...Goddess Tower? 

When she arrived, Byleth stood at the center and then...sighed? 

"Thales...can you stop hiding?" Byleth asked in a calm voice 

She suddenly got a chill within her spine as she draws out the Sword of the Creator and made a wide swing behind her 

Byleth frowned as she lowered her sword "No matter how many times I kill you...you would just come back to haunt me," 

A moment of silence flew into the tower as Byleth widely swing her sword once more "Yes...I am changing their fate. No matter the cost...even if means __________ ___ ____," she just chuckled "Why should I even care about your story? All I care is saving my students and those who are dear to me," as she stabs the ground and stares at the stone floor 

She tightens the grip of her sword "I know...I can't defeat you...I already tried...but the second generation can," Byleth smiled "We just have to see Thales," 

"Who Thales?" A voice asked which caused Byleth to turn around and point her sword at...Jeralt "Nice form...you were prepared for anything," said Jeralt as she lowered her sword 

"Oh...hey, dad. How much did you...listen?" Byleth asked with a concerned look on her face 

Jeralt looked at Byleth and took a deep breath "Enough to figure out you are trying to change fate...Byleth, be honest with me...are you from the future?" 

Byleth stood there breathless as she stared away at Jeralt and...nods "So...you figured it out," 

He just smiled at Byleth "I knew it...all of those past events...they all fit together."

She slowly walked up to Jeralt "Dad..." 

Jeralt stared at his daughter "Byleth..." he soon pats Byleth on her shoulder "I understand if it too hard for you to speak about the future, but even so...you are still my daughter," whispered Jeralt 

Byleth stared up at Jeralt face "I...I...I missed you...dad," as she hugs Jeralt leaving him speechless but he soon gentle embrace his daughter 

But he noticed something as he touches his daughter's skin "Your skin...it...it's rough. How long have you been working?" Jeralt asked

"I lost count...it been too many times..." she replied as Jeralt pats her on the back "Byleth...it ok if you what to let it out, you deserve a better father," 

Byleth chuckled as she buried her face into his chest 

Jeralt smiled at smoothly brush her hair "You know...it the first time, I saw you cry," as he chuckled a bit 

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

Dimitri easily carried the needed arrows, camping equipment, field rations, cooking set, etc onto the carts which took a while "That should be enough...for at least a couple of days," he muttered after doing a double-check "Now for the mounts," Dimitri head towards the stables but when he arrived...he noticed that Jeralt and his mercenary band were already preparing everything else 

Jeralt turned around to face Dimitri "Hey Prince, we handle everything else. Just rest up for the operation," said Jeralt as he pats him on the shoulder 

"Jeralt, your..." Dimitri shook his head "Our Professor...did she told you about the operation?" 

He nods "Yep, she told me to assist with the operation. You don't have to worry about paying for our serves. Now get yourself ready," Jeralt smiled before turning back to his mercenary band 

Dimitri smiled and nods "It truly an honour to battle alongside the Blade breaker," he muttered as he when off to get his mount 

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

Thanks to Jeralt and his mercenaries. The preparation for the Operation sped up greatly as the Black Eagles and Golden Deer when off to get their equipment 

Bernadette examines her new bow...The Inexhaustible as Hubert pats on the shoulder "Are you alright?" Hubert asked with a concerned look on his face 

Bernadetta looked at Hubert "Hubert...your...caring for me?" 

He nods "Why not? You proved yourself useful for her majesty and...you told me that I should...lighten up a bit,"

She just smiled "Well, at least you are trying to appear as a nicer person then...before..." Bernadetta just stared Hubert "Please don't remember that," 

Hubert smirks "Remember what? I don't remember everything," 

Bernadette sighed "Thank you, Hubert...I try my best," said Bernadetta as she started to ran towards the front gate while Hubert followed behind 

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

Byleth watched from above watching the Black Eagles and Golden Deer students gathering near the front gate "...No turning back now...may Sothis be with you," she muttered as they started to move out...towards the Forbidden Forest 

Meanwhile, she just sat back down in her office, pulled out a book, when to a blank page and wrote 'An outsider prince is about to meet the cursed beast...for the second time,' as she continued writing on the page 

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

Seteth was surprised to hear that...Jeralt will be assisting them 

"Jeralt, it nice to see you..." He pats him on the back "I have heard that you will be assisting us in our operation," said Seteth as he examines his mercenary group which numbers around five hundred strong 

Jeralt smiled a bit "Yea, it will be just like old times..." He doesn't seem to be energetic with his comment "Anyways, we better get a move on," said Jeralt as he mounts up 

Seteth just sighed as mounts up on his Wyvern "Filers will have a mass disadvantage within the darkness," he muttered as he stared at the night sky "Even so...we better get moving," Seteth pats his Wyvern on the head "...here we go," said Seteth as he takes to the skies 

Edelgard sighed in relief as they started to move out with Dimitri upfront, Edelgard at the center and Claude at the...rear 

They were forced to do a long march towards the forbidden forest but they all knew that time...isn't on their side and that if they what to save Flayn. They have to do it quickly before it too late

(Yes...I made Jeralt playable. He starts at level 35

Bases:

69 Health

54 Strength

16 Magic

35 Dexterity

27 Speed

29 Luck

40 Defence

31 Resistance

40 Charm

Growth Rates: (not counting Paladin growth rates)

30% Health

30% Strength

5% Magic

30% Dexterity

20% Speed

15% Luck

30% Defence

20% Resistance

40% Charm

Abilities: Blade Breaker, Canto, Spearmastery, Terrian Resistance, Keen Intuition and Swordbreaker

Starting items: Mithiral Spear, Javelin (20), Longsword, Paladin Shield and Healing talisman )

(As for the Forbidden Forest map...oh boy, it not going to pretty that for sure. As it Fog of war...with a shit ton of hidden enemies. Alongside a couple of scary bosses that are hiding...well besides Cornelia but she has the Darkness ring.)