A/N: Hi everyone. I am not so confident about starting yet another fic while I haven't finished the others, but I absolutely love Fire Emblem Three Houses and wanted to write something for it. Now I hope this isn't as terrible as I think it is. I consider this a test chapter to see if anyone is interested in reading. This would follow the Blue Lions route with minor changes.

Byleth was used to battle. It was necessary with the famed Blade Breaker as a father. She knew the sounds and smells of the struggle and death. But even a lifetime of experience couldn't prepare her for this. She never could be prepared for this. The sheer chaos was overwhelming. She had never seen anything like it. It was loud, her ears filled with the shouts and screams of men, the neighing of Pegasus and horses. Sounds of pain and triumph were deafening. Her lavender eyes could barely take it all in. She blinked against the rain that poured down. Bodies ran past her, but no one acknowledged her presence. She was just a ghost, a spectator. They were close enough to blow her dark blue hair into her face in their wake. The woman stood stoic as she took in everything.

The charging men were blown back as burning fireballs crashed into their line. The smell of burning flesh stung her nose, but she didn't react. She could feel the barest hint of heat from the attack. The mages that cast the spell were speared as Pegasus knights dove from above, their lances gleaming in the dim light. She could hear their dying screams in surprise and pain before they were silent. Byleth stepped forward, her feet sinking into the mud of the battle. The ground was soaked with the rain and blood of men.

A shout from her right made her reach for the blade at her hip that wasn't there. Her lavender eyes narrowed as she let the armored knight barrel past her. The man gave a shout as a blade of wind magic knocked him off his feet. She relaxed her stance and stood straight.

A streak of orange light in the sky drew her attention. The arrow of light crashed in front of her, blowing men off of their feet. Byleth could feel the force of the attack, but her feet remained planted in the mud as her cloak billowed behind her. A ring of fire crackled around the crashed item as its glow diminished to leave behind not an arrow but a sword. Byleth stepped closer not feeling fear in this strange vision.

A man jumped into the clearing made by his weapon. He was older than her father with white hair an a stern face. He reached for his weapon, his large hands grasping the bone-like hilt. The fire that surrounded the man and Byleth died down. She could hear the trampling of hooves as a battalion of cavaliers charged forward. The woman watched in awe as the man's blade became like a whip. Its segmented joints crackled like bone as he swung it. Horses and men screamed as the weapon tore through them. They fell like puppets without strings. The man turned to his ghostly spectator and for a moment Byleth thought he could see her. The clouds above blew away to reveal a portion of the sun as Byleth turned to face behind her.

A woman with green hair and eyes stared at the man. Her golden circlet shone while the white lilies in her head looked unphased at the battle that was roaring on. With the growing light, Byleth could see the man more clearly. He was without armor and blood dripped from an unseen wound at his forehead down his face. His golden eyes were fixated on the woman with green hair as he held his sword back. It started to glow again as he lowered his stance. He swung the blade and its segmented blade whipped across the battlefield. Any remaining men between the woman and man were knocked down. Byleth remained standing, feeling nothing at the weapon had passed through her.

She looked over her shoulder to see the woman press her red lips into a thin line. She readied her own weapon as she ran forward, her heels not even getting caught into the mud. The man's sword returned back, just in time for him to block a strike from the woman. He swung down, forcing her to jump back and away from his blade. The two crashed again and again. Their blades sending sparks in the air. The woman back flipped out of the way just to return and lock their blades. The man pushed her back and she struggled to regain her footing. Byleth took a step forward to defend her, but stopped; what could a specter like her do. The man whipped his sword toward the woman and she turn to allow it to pass with millimeters to spare. The man swung again and the woman rolled under the weapon to dodge it. He struck down, but she held her own sword upright to entangle the whip-like sword. With a grunt, she tossed her weapon aside. The man's sword slipped through his grasped and joined hers in the mud.

The ran to the man and gave him a solid punch to the jaw. Byleth could hear the impact from where she stood; it was impressive. Stunned the man backpedaled and the woman jumped into the air to kick him solidly in the chest. He fell to the ground, struggling to get up. The woman didn't allow it. Pulling a dagger from a hidden sheath, she pinned him to the ground with her body. The golden blade pointed at his throat. She leaned in close and Byleth jogged forward to hear what she would say. "Tell me, Nemesis. Do you recall the Red Canyon?" she asked, her brows furrowed. She rose her dagger in the air, diving it deep into Nemesis's throat. "You'll die for that! Die! Die!" The woman shouted, stabbing the man again and again. "You took everything that I loved." Her breath became shaky as his stalled. She leaned back, leaving her dagger in the man's chest. Her green eyes scanned the now stilled armies as the light returned.

She pushed herself to her feet and walked to where the two swords laid. Byleth followed the warrior, silently. The woman picked up the man's bone-like sword gently as one would cradle a child. She no longer looked at the soldiers around her. She held the sword to her face, whispering so no one but her unseen spectator could hear. "He's gone now, Mother."

Byleth tilted her head in curiosity. The light was fading as if the clouds were moving in once again. A quick glance to the sky said that this wasn't true. The clouds didn't move, but everything darkened still. Byleth spun around as she was greeted with only darkness like a starless night. Specks of lights appear completing the night sky image, but they started to swirl and Byleth shut her eye to keep herself from getting dizzy.

When she dared to crack one eye open, she found herself in a great hall. The ceiling too high to see, disappearing into darkness. The dim green light that surrounded her was just bright enough to illuminate the stone columns of the hall. The woman sighed frustrated; she was hoping that she would have woken by now. Her ear caught a soft sound almost like the coo of a dove. Ever curious, Byleth followed the sound, stepping into the green light.

The source of the light appeared to be a young girl sitting on a stone throne. Her thick hair was green as the light that shone around them. She rested her cheek on her hand with her eyes shut. Byleth stopped her walk, not wanting to wake her. The girl was clearly someone important her clothing seeming fit for nobility or perhaps a high ranking member of the Church of Seiros. Without warning, the girl blinked her eyes sleepily. She wiped her green eyes gently as she tried to gain her bearings. Byleth jolted with surprise as she could see the girl's pointed ears. The girl gave a small yawn, covering her mouth politely. She turned her sleepy eyes to Byleth who had remain silent the entire time. The girl leaned forward to peer down at the woman at the foot of the steps to her throne. "Oh my," the girl finally spoke, "What could've brought you here?" Byleth remained silent, but looked behind her to see if there was another person the girl could be speaking to. The girl yawned again before speaking to herself. "I wonder how you got in here. It is most rude to interrupt a moment of repose. Very rude indeed," the girl continued to speak frowning slightly. The woman supposed that the strange girl could see her as her green eyes didn't leave her face. "Now come to me. I wish to have a look at the one who would interrupt me so rudely."

Byleth stepped forward into the green light. She quickly ran her fingers through her dark blue hair to straighten it from the inevitable mess that it was. Compared to the girl, the woman was dress very plainly. A dark tunic with pink trimmings and a cloak around her shoulders were nothing compared to the girl's regalia. Byleth's heels clicked against an unseen stone floor as the girl inspected her, her green eyes looking up and down on the woman. "Hmm.. I have not seen the likes of you before. Who are you?"

Byleth thought about it for a moment before opening her mouth to speak. "I'm a ghost," she replied. The girl frowned and Byleth had to admit it was cute like a small puppy growling.

"Do not deceive. You would do well to keep your wit in line," the girl reprimanded, shaking her head.

The woman sighed, "I am a mortal." Apparently the girl didn't enjoy a joke, though the men in her father's mercenary company also had difficulty with her humor.

"I see. Then you must have a name of sorts. Go on," the girl continued, she held out her hand as if to give her permission.

"My name is Byleth," she answered truthfully. The girl blinked at the sound of the name. Byleth wasn't one to care what other thought of her, but the reaction made her shift her weight slightly uncomfortably.

"Huh. I shall never grow accustomed to the sound of human names," she said, finally sitting upright. Byleth rose an eyebrow at the comment; the girl wasn't human. "You must posses a day of birth as well. Beneath which moon and what day were you born to this world?"

"The twentieth of the Horsebow Moon," she replied.

The girl gave her a smile," Well, wonders never cease! It seems we share our day of birth. How strange!" Her face became reflective as she hummed to herself. "It all feels so... familiar. I think it may be time for yet another nap." She yawned again as her eyes slowly closed. "It is almost time to begin," she muttered as her eyes finally shut and she started to breath evenly.

"Wait, What is your name? What's about to begin?" Byleth asked, but the girl didn't hear over her soft snores.

Dimitri hoisted his pack higher on his back as he kept an eye on the knights that were marching ahead. They kept to the clear path through the forest. The few that were on horseback were point; their helmeted heads scanning the path ahead. He could hear their armor clicking as they scouted ahead. The sense of familiarity, made him uneasy. It reminded him too much of another trip he had taken. Too much of memories that plagued him. He could feel his stomach churning uncomfortably. Are you going to let them die too? The thin, whisper of a voice reached his ears. Dimitri lowered his head, letting his blonde locks cover his face. He didn't want to see the owner of that voice. He kept his eyes trained on the ground, studying the little insects that crawled across the dirt while trying to avoid them with his boots. Pathetic, how do you expect to be king if you can not protect anyone? A different voice asked. The prince tried not to flinch at the familiar voice; one that once held so much love for him. Dimitri turned his gaze to the source. He grit his teeth at the man before him.

The man's feet didn't touch the ground and in his hands was his blonde-haired head. The blonde young man could see the forest through the man's armor. Dimitri tried to avoid the blank blue eyes that matched his own, but they tried to seek his own. You are wasting time. The ones who killed us are still out there while you play school. Dimitri rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. He shut his eyes for a moment to reopen them. The ghostly form still stood in front of him though he was silent now.

"Do you think we will be stopping soon?" a female voice asked from beside him, her voice caused the specter to fade, swirling into nothing as she walked into its space. Dimitri's shoulders lowered into a less hunched posture. "The sun is about to set and it would be foolish to continue," she commented further not noticing her companion's troubles. Dimitri turned his blue eyes to see her.

The young woman was shorter than him with her head barely reaching his shoulders and the pack on her back was smaller than his oversize one. She had pulled her silvery hair over her shoulder so it was gathered in front of her shoulders instead of getting caught under the pack's straps. "Is there a problem, princess?" a sly voice asked from Dimitri's left. The darker-skinned young man smirked at the young woman. His green eyes sparked with mirth. "You look a little winded," he teased. " Perhaps Dimitri, here can be a gentleman and carry your pack." He elbowed the prince in his side.

" I have no problem, Claude. I am merely concerned about you. You seem to be falling behind. It wouldn't do well for the heir of the Leicester Alliance to fall here," the young woman replied with a returning smirk. She lifted her head to look down her nose at him.

"Now, you two. This house leader training will be much longer if we bicker amongst ourselves," Dimitri spoke up, he held up his hands in a peaceful gesture. "And two days are long enough." He shifted the straps on his pack that were starting to dig into his shoulders.

"It really isn't bickering, your Princeliness. Just some good natured teasing," Claude responded with a playful tilt of his head. "Though you are looking pale yourself. Do you need a breather as well?" Dimitri sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He didn't give the young man a reply instead answered by speeding up his footsteps to leave the others behind him.

The metallic ring of armor broke the mood as one of the knights turned to the three young leaders. Dimitri figured that the man must have heard their conversation. His broad smile and kind eyes spoke more to his nature than the heavy armor on his back and the weapon in his grasp. "You are all in luck," he spoke jovially. "We are setting up camp here. Set up your tents and get some sleep. We will work on battalion drill tomorrow morning." The man looked over the future leaders.

Dimitri gave a bow, "Thank you, Sir Alois." He could hear Claude and Edelgard also thank the man, their voices not quite in sync.

"Of course, Your Highness. If you excuse me, I have to set up the night's patrols," the mustached man said. He turned around to shout at the other knights. His heavy armor's clanking was masked by his own boisterous voice. The knights gathered around the man with the white armor.

Dimitri removed his pack while watching as the knights separated, setting the bag against a tree. He rubbed his sore shoulders and straightened his blue cape as Edelgard and Claude removed their own packs, the latter rolling his stiff shoulders. Edelgard brushed off her black skirt. Dimitri turned his attention back to his pack. He set the durable canvas pack to reveal the ties that held his tent and sleeping roll to the rest of the pack. With quick movements, he undid the loose knots. With one hand he separated the tent pouch from the pack. The prince opened the pouch set aside for his tent and sleeping roll. He set the sleeping roll beside his pack, nestled into the short grass. Dimtri turned over the dissembled tent in his hands, watching the wooden poles tangling into the canvas tent canopy. He grabbed one pole, pulling gently as it was caught in the tent material. He dropped the first pole before removing the second and third. He looked over the small pile of poles he had amassed. He picked up a couple and turned them over in his hand. Fumbling with the poles, he narrowed his blue eyes in was he supposed to set this up? You're making yourself vulnerable. Better to sleep under the sky. Dimitri pointedly ignored the dark-haired specter.

The rats are coming for your head next. He turned away from the headless man.

They will kill all of you. What would you do then? Dimitri could feel the tent pole snap in his hands. He looked at the two pieces in his hands. He sighed before tossing the broken pole aside.

There was a low whistle, "Wow, what did that tent do to you?" Claude's teasing voice asked. Dimitri searched for the other's tent. The only evidence of it was the pile and folded fabric on the ground.

"I apologize. My strength gets out of control in the most inopportune times," Dimitri apologized with a bow.

Claude chuckled, "I don't think I am the one you need to apologize to. Hey, how about you and I set up my tent first, and I will help with yours." Dimitri looked over the other young man with suspicion. "Woah, what's with that look. You're not going to break me as well." The other young man took a step back as if he was afraid of Dimitri.

Dimitri flushed in embarrassment, shaking his head, "No. Of course not. I was attempting to determine your alternative motive."

Claude gasped, putting a hand to his chest as though struck, "I am hurt. Me having an alternative motive." Dimitri shook his head, but grinned to himself.

"Very well. How may I help you?" he asked, crossing his arms while trying to look stern.

"I am glad you asked. With your monstrous strength, can you nail in the stakes?" Claude asked. The blonde picked up the mallet that was beside Claude's deconstructed tent. Dimitri nodded and between the two, the tent was set up. It was a little crooked, but Dimitri had to admit that it was good for a couple of nobles with no idea about camping. Dimitri's own tent was a bit more difficult, both young men deciding to make it more of a lean-to than a free standing structure. Both young men looked over to see Edelgard's tent. It had taken her just as long to set hers up, but the time spent was evident. It was perfect; the edges were sharp. Dimitri looked at his own lean-to in shame.

"I am starving," Claude announced as his stomach growled. Dimitri's own stomach growled as well.

"Excuse me. I am going to get my rations ," the prince said, placing his hand on his stomach. He walked to his leanto. He held back its thick flap to reach for his pack that stood just inside. He opened the durable canvas and pulled out the wrapped jerky and hard bread.

Food in hand he joined the other house leaders. They sat in front of a small campfire that one of the knights had lit. The prince lowered himself to the ground gracefully and unwrapped his food. The three house leaders ate their rations together in silence until Edelgard started the conversation. "This taste better the second day," she stated, "Or perhaps I am merely becoming accustom to travel rations."

"This bread doesn't taste better the second day. In fact, I think it is harder now than last night," Claude replied picking pieces of the bread off that he didn't approve of. "I think you can knock some one out if you threw it at them."

Dimitri continue to eat his portion in silence. He couldn't add anything to this conversation. He couldn't taste anything, but it wasn't unusual. He hadn't been able to taste for years. The sound of ghostly laughter sounded in his ears, mocking him. Taste is the smallest price you could have paid.

Look at the poor prince, crying because he can't taste travel rations. Dimitri clenched his fist, crumbling the bread in his hand. He dropped the crumbs to the ground, brushing his hands together. Edelgard got to her feet, chasing away the specters. "Excuse me, momentarily," she asked with a bow before she disappeared into forest. THe young men turned around to give the young woman privacy.

"Which Professor do you think is going to teach the Blue Lions?" Claude asked as he wiped his hands on his uniform pants. The crumbs on his pants fell to the ground.

Dimitri smiled, "I am hoping the new professor would. He appears to be familiar with many weapons." Claude looked at the mentioned professor. The man was busy speaking with one of the female knights. He brushed back his short brown hair back as he hovered over her. Dimitri frowned as he was reminded of one of his classmates, especially when the knight slapped him across his face. She stomped on his foot for good measure.

"Professor Clarice," Claude repeated, his tone thoughtful, "Interesting choice. I heard Professor Hanneman is a scholar. I look forward to learn from him if he were to choose the Golden Deer." Dimitri nodded along; he could see the benefit from learning from a man who studied the way the world work.

Doesn't matter. They are all weak.

Dimitri cleared his throat and pointed ignored the ghosts that gathered around him. "Of course, Professor Hanneman is a good choice. He has been at the monastery for years as well as Professor Manuela. I hear that she is exceptional in the healing arts which would be beneficial in battle."

"Are you sure that is the only thing that is exceptional about her?" Claude teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

"She was once a songstress, so I suppose her singing voice is exceptional as well," Dimitri admitted, not catching his companions look. Claude laughed, shaking his head. "I fail to see what is so amusing, Claude."

"Nothing, your Princeliness," Claude replied with a shrug. Dimitri frowned, his brow furrowed slightly.

"What are you discussing?" Edelgard's voice asked as she sat beside the two young men. She straightened her skirt and crossed her ankles.

"We are speaking about the Professors this year," Dimitri responded. "Have you a preference on which professor teaches the Black Eagles, Edelgard?" Dimitri asked.

"I don't think the Professor teaching makes a significant difference. Everyone is invited to after school seminars. Therefore, we will all experience their differing teaching styles," Edelgard explained, her purple eyes looking up to the canopy in thought. She placed a gloved hand on her chin as she thought about the question. Dimitri watched as the man the trio watched being rejected walked toward the future leaders.

"Your Highnesses," Professor Clarice greeted, giving the three a low bow, "It is time to turn in for the night. We have a busy day ahead of us." Dimitri and the other two gave the man a nod of understanding before getting to their feet. They each wished the other a good night entering into their tents. Dimitri was hunched over in his short leanto.

He lowered himself to the hard ground. Dimitri laid on his bedroll looking up at the top of his shelter. With a grunt, he turned to his side. He shut his eyes. He wasn't sure if he truly slept or his eyes were just shut for a moment when his ears were filled with screaming. He jolted awake, reaching for his lance. His hands wrapped tightly around the weapon as his heart raced. His eyes searched for danger. There was nothing in his tent. Outside of his tent, he could hear not panic or screams. He released the hold on his weapon. With a shake of his head, he turned to his other side. Shutting his eyes, Dimitri drifted to a fitful sleep. He opened his tired eyes, rubbing to relieve the soreness. He sat up, blinking at the entrance to his tent. Deciding that he wasn't going to sleep, he crawled out of his lean-to. He stood at his full height, brushing off his clothing. His blue eyes looked over the campsite. The various campfires that were full were now dying out.

The rats are here.

Dimitri glared at the ghost who spoke to him. A young man with dark hair glared back at him. Blood slipped past his lips as he smirked. The prince looked pointedly ahead and marched to the brightest campfire. The ghost didn't follow, staying out of the dim light the fire provided. He sat on the ground, staring at the dying embers. Dimitri ran his fingers through his blonde hair, watching the ember glow. "Your Highness," Professor Clarice called out as he approached. His footsteps sounding behind the prince.

"Professor," Dimitri responded, standing at attention and turning to face the man. The man sat beside the young man while motioning for the prince to sit down as well. The older man didn't stare down young man, but kept his gaze at the embers.

"You should be resting," the older man stated at last, turning to face the prince.

"Apologies. I seem to be unable to," the prince responded, he gave the professor only a glance. The older man gave him a sympathetic look, but the professor didn't push the issue. He smiled slightly.

"I can keep you comp-" the man's offer was silenced by an arrow as it sunk into his neck. Its feathered shaft embedded in the man's throat. The professor gurgled, blood pooling at his mouth. Dimitri caught the falling man, his green eyes looking the prince in the eyes as they faded. Dimitri could hear his heartbeat in his ears and his breath caught in his throat.

"We're under attack," Dimitri shouted, unnecessarily as the knights keeping watch were already waking their comrades. The prince lowered the dead man to the ground. He stood crouched over as he ran to his tent. The knights sent to protect the nobles were scrambling into the woods hunting down the unseen enemies. Dimitri tried to keep track of the attacks as an arrow whistled past his ear. Diving beneath the cover of his, he grabbed his lance. By the time he exited, the knights were forming a circle around the small campsite, their shields high. The once dead campfires were now rising to reveal a group of men storming the campsite.

"We must do something," Edelgard stated as she hefted her ax, her hair was completely loose. Dimitri nodded in agreement, raising his lance. The pair ran to the nearest bandit. Dimitri thrust his spear forward to pierce the man's side before Edelgard's ax stroke him across his shoulder. "Where are you going?" she called out, her head turning sharply away from their felled enemy. Dimitri turned in the same direction she face. He could see the yellow of Claude's cape as the archer disappeared into the forest. The dark trunks didn't conceal the bright color.

"Claude!" Dimitri called out, running after the splotch of yellow. "You're putting yourself in danger." The knights blocked the bandits from following the young nobles.

"Stop shouting, Dimitri. You are drawing their attention," Edelgard's stern voice called as she followed the two young men.