DISCLAIMER: I do not own Fire Emblem. It belongs to Intelligent Systems. This story is a work of fiction. All relations to places and characters, living and dead, are coincidental.

Ashen Wolves

Part I: White Clouds

Chapter 2: Mock Battle (Preparation)

After having gotten to know the members of the Ashen Wolves, those introduced to him earlier by Yuri and those he was meeting for the first time, Byleth and Yuri were called into Seteth's office to discuss something important. As they walked, the newly minted professor engaged in small talk with Yuri.

"Why does the Ashen Wolves have foreigners?"

Yuri initially looked offended before realizing his teacher's question was out of curiosity and not made with hostility. He then proceeded to explain. "Depends on who you ask, really. If you ask the teachers here at the Officer's Academy, it's to give the students a sense of equality. Almyrans are treated like they're scum of the earth, denizens of Duscur are looked at like they're criminals because of the Tragedy of Duscur, the people of Brigid and Dagda are treated with suspicion and everything else in between. Albineans are somewhat of a mixed bag, namely because out of all of Fódlan's neighbors, they don't have much interaction with Albinea."

"And what of the Church of Seiros?"

"Also depends on who you ask. Basically, the church has two camps. One wanted to lump together all the troublemakers, problem children and outsiders into a house so they could keep a better eye on them. The other wanted to give these quote 'poor lost souls' unquote a second chance."

Byleth frowned. "In other words, the Ashen Wolves are not very popular."

"No, they are not. But, that's fine with us." Yuri smiled. "We're quite known for our thick skin. I imagine you'll get the same treatment, seeing as how you chose to become our professor."

Byleth had expected as much. Hanneman and Manuela seemed intrigued by his choice while Rhea's face remained impassive. It was hard to tell what she was thinking. Seteth, on the other hand, was more than a little off-put by his choice. When the news came that he chose the Ashen Wolves, more than a few people had given him odd looks, some glaring and others pitying him for what they thought was a troubling year for him.

There were other things to worry about, though. He could care less what people thought. The only reason he was here was because Jeralt and he weren't given much choice in the matter. He felt that his father could have refused Rhea, but he doubted she would have left them alone. She seemed to value him, perhaps even more so now that he was here.

Why did the archbishop take such an interest in me?

Questions for another time, he supposed.

He and Yuri soon arrived at Seteth's office on the second floor. It was rather easy to find, since it was straight across from Jeralt's own office. The green-haired man was sitting at his desk when the two entered, absorbed in what Byleth assumed was a report or something along those lines.

"Yo, we're here." Yuri announced.

Seteth looked up. "Ah, good." He stood up and set his quill in the ink container, moving around and stood in front of the two. "I assume you have become properly acquainted with your house?"

"I have." Byleth affirmed. "Has something happened?"

"No, nothing of the sort. I called the two of you to discuss the mock battle at the end of the month."

"Ah, that time of the year again?" At Byleth's confused look, Yuri began to explain. "Every year, the House Leaders and a few students from their house come together and engage in a mock battle. It's more or less a warm up for the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, which is seven months from now."

"As Yuri says, it's but a prelude to the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. The professors and four students of their choosing will take to the field. It is mainly a training session, so they will be restricted to training weapons."

Byleth nodded in understanding. "Of course."

"The houses will be graded based on their performance. Additionally, it will help us gauge how they are progressing." Seteth continued. "Even if it is a mere training session, I expect for you both to give it your all."

Yuri rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. We get it. We'll do what we do best and cause trouble out in the field. I don't suppose we'll have any missions scheduled in the upcoming months, will we?"

"That remains up to Lady Rhea." Seteh replied.

Byleth frowned. "Mission?"

"At the end of each month, the houses are tasked with completing an assignment out in the field. A means for them to build experience and strengthen their bonds, if you will." Seteth paused for a moment before he resumed. "That being said, I should inform you that the Ashen Wolves' options are rather limited."

"How do you mean?"

Yuri answered, "You remember how close some of the students you met were to their House Leaders, right? They're all basically handpicked by the House Leader, chosen for either their smarts or their ability to beat someone into submission. For example, Claude's party has Hilda, Raphael, Ignatz, Lysithea, Marianne, Lorenz and Leonie. All of them were picked by Claude because of their talents, just like how I chose Hapi and Constance."

"And Balthus?" Byleth merely asked out of curiosity, wondering where the older man fit into the picture.

"Eh, he just tags along, but we do value his experience."

Seteth cleared his throat. "If I may?" After confirming the two's silence, he continued. "Just as Yuri has said, including himself the Ashen Wolves only has four exceptional fighters. The other students, while talented in their own right, have not quite seen the level of combat they have. As such, the number of missions the Ashen Wolf House will be assigned will be significantly less than what the other houses would have."

"Which is fine with us." Yuri said. "The less danger, the better. If that's all, Seteth, I'd like to get back to my house."

"Of course, Yuri. You may leave." The effeminate young man bowed his head and left the room. Byleth would have followed were it not for Seteth's gaze lingering on him. "May I have a word?"

He wasn't in any position to refuse in spite of the man asking him that.

"While I'm sure you are aware of the…unique situation of the Ashen Wolves, I believe I should inform you about the relations it has with the other houses." Seteth informed him.

Byleth pursed his lips. "I assume this has to do with the fact that it's comprised of mainly foreigners?"

"I'm afraid so. I'm sure you're aware, but Fódlan does not have the best view of outsiders. And as you can imagine, there are more than a few students who often get into altercations with the Ashen Wolf House."

"Anyone I should be wary of?"

"For the most part, the primary offenders are from the Black Eagle House. To my knowledge, none of Edelgard's chosen are involved and has helped stopped any altercations she happens to come across. If you have any trouble, please don't be afraid to ask for aid."

"I hope I am not overstepping my boundaries by asking this, but if everyone has such animosity towards foreigners, then why was the Ashen Wolf House founded in the first place?"

The man sighed deeply. "That is a complicated matter. The house was founded fifteen years ago, mainly at the suggestion of a member of our clergy by the name of Aelfric. If I recall, the proposal was to create a house for the less fortunate. Initially, the Ashen Wolves were for commoners who did not have the means to enroll and lesser families, though eventually it became home to those who were shunned by the nobility or suffered hardships. It was around three or four years that it began to welcome students from beyond the continent."

He took a moment to stop as he released an exhausted sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "The proposal was not well-received at first. In fact, a good majority of the bishops and one of the Cardinals in charge of the Eastern Church wanted to abolish the Ashen Wolf House entirely. That said, both Lady Rhea and Aelfric argued otherwise. On the one hand, outsiders are able to enjoy their time here at the Officer's Academy and start a new life for themselves. On the other hand, they must also face prejudice from the other students and many others."

"I see…"

It seems as though there aren't many people who approve of the Ashen Wolves, much less the students. Byleth filed this information away in his head. Aelfric… I wonder what sort of person he is if he didn't share the same views as the rest of the clergy.

"And what about you?" Seteth raised a confused brow at Byleth's question. "What are your opinions of the Ashen Wolves?"

"A rowdy bunch filled with delinquents," he replied with a scoff. "But, they are students here nonetheless. And there are many in that house who have suffered enough due to either the cruelty of the nobility, the flaws of the Crest system or even the more difficult members of the church. At any rate, that is all I wished to speak with you about. You should return to your house and begin their training immediately. The mock battle is close by, after all."

"A mock battle, huh?" Balthus rubbed his chin, a familiar eager glint present in his eyes. "Been a while since we been in one of those. Almost forgot what time of the year it was!"

Hapi rolled her eyes. "Whatever, we're probably going to get rolled over as usual."

"I disagree!" Constance said in her haughty tone. "We have proper guidance this time around, do we not? That is, assuming Yuri's tales of your combat prowess are not all talk of course."

Rather than feel insulted, Byleth understood where Constance was coming from. Even if the mock battle wasn't important in the long run, it was a good test to see where things stood between him and the rest of the students, as well as what the teachers were capable of. He needed to know how strong his allies were and how he could best instruct the students out on the battlefield.

"As much fun as it is discussing how we're going to get smashed to pieces, how 'bout we focus on the prep work first?" Yuri suggested. "At the very least, we can give the other houses a run for their money. So, Prof, where do you wanna start with us first?"

So Yuri was taking the initiative? That made things easier for him.

"I've already seen Yuri's skills with a sword, but what of the rest of you?" It was best if he got to understand their fighting styles and work around that. He knew little in the way of magic, but when it came to weapons and the good ol' fisticuffs, he could at least offer them some advice.

Constance smiled proudly. "I am unmatched in the art of magic! None can stand before my magical might!" she boasted and puffed her chest.

Hapi shrugged. "Same as Constance, though I guess I'm a little bit good with a spear. Plus, we both like horses."

"Eh, I prefer the old-fashioned way of kicking ass with my bare hands and gauntlets," Balthus slammed a fist into his palm for emphasis. "Though just 'cause I like busting heads with my fists doesn't mean I'm some muscle-brained idiot. I know a little Faith Magic, but just enough to lick wounds and all."

"I prefer having a sword, but you already knew that," Yuri smiled wickedly. "And I know how to cast a healing spell or two."

"And don't forget your bag of tricks," Balthus adds. "I'd be wary around Yuri whenever he's in the scheming mood, Professor. The Ashen Wolves have been in many a prank wars with Claude since he spiked the Golden Deer House's drinks with laxatives."

Byleth blinked. There was certainly a lot he felt like asking, but he perhaps he was better off sticking to what he knew. Instead of pursuing a line of questions regarding whatever Yuri did in his spare time, he chose to focus on what the students told him. Taking all of these into account, he worked his mind into thinking up a regimen that would let him see how they'd fare in a live combat scenario.

Obviously, the students would have already been trained in combat. There was a courtyard where the students could battle each other, and every month a tournament was held to test the student's combat capabilities with various rewards to incite them into participating for one reason or another. Byleth did not know if they had combat experience in the field prior to their time here in the Officer's Academy or if they gained it during their stay. If they lacked the experience, then he would simply need to beat it into their skulls as his father and the mercenaries did with him. If they knew what it was like to fight in the field, then that'd make their training a little easier for him.

"So, what's the plan here, Prof?" Yuri asked him. "Got anything in mind for us?"

"Somewhat," Byleth answered. "I should have something for you all by tomorrow."

Constance nodded. "I look forward to seeing what you're capable of!" she said rather haughtily. Of course, given what Yuri told him, he supposed he didn't have much choice but to live up to her expectations.

That being said… Why was Yuri smirking while glancing at her?

Byleth retired to his room for the evening once classes had come to an end. Today was mostly introductions and greetings and preparing the house for what was to come during his time here. The reactions to him being the teacher of a house made up of delinquents for lack of a better word seemed to be positive for the most part. Some treated him amicably to the point where they were friendly. Others were more cautious and wary, but he expected as much.

Yuri had already informed them that he was a mercenary, which seemed to help their interactions with him. Unsurprising, given what he knew about them thanks to Yuri and Seteth.

The Ashen Wolf House was a curious bunch indeed, both for its unique students to its relationship with the Church of Seiros. He frowned as he recalled what Yuri told him when they went to go meet with Seteth, of how the Church viewed the Ashen Wolves with disdain simply for being comprised of outsiders. If the Church disliked foreigners, then why create a house for them? It seemed contradictory, if maybe hypocritical. Perhaps there was a deeper meaning behind its creation.

"…maybe I'm overthinking this."

Byleth rubbed his brow. He set his quill down back into the ink bottle and looked over the course outline he made. It was a rough draft for the most part, and there were likely a few mistakes, but he intended to go over it with his fellow teachers. Hanneman and Manuela did tell him that he could rely on them since he had no experience teaching.

He disliked this immensely.

He was a mercenary, not someone who should be teaching people things he knew little of. He had some knowledge, yes, but nowhere enough to make him qualified. His father's suspicions and distrust towards the archbishop did not help matters much, either.

Yet no matter how hard he thought, he could find no possible reason or hint of treachery for why Rhea chose to hire him on as a teacher, rather than as a soldier. He was better suited to ground work and swinging his sword, yet she saw fit to impose him on the students. Why?

Again, he could find no answer.

For now, all he could do was play the role he was given and do his best to teach the Ashen Wolves. Even if he had no qualifications, he would offer them as much as he can and train them to the best of his abilities. After all, the day may come when he would find himself relying on them in the event they caught themselves in a battle that meant life or death.

Byleth thought back to yesterday's events and the battle against the bandits. His first meeting with the House Leaders, and more specifically, Yuri. Something about the young man intrigued him. He laid no claim to position of leadership or throne, but was instead the adopted child of a Faerghus lord that owned little territory. The house he led was one made up of those distrusted and looked down upon by others, and he himself saw fit to retaliate if given reason.

If he were to describe Yuri, he would say he was like an alpha wolf. A hound who obeyed no one but himself and looked after his pack. Fitting, for the House Leader of the Ashen Wolves.

At any rate, Byleth decided to turn in for the evening. It would be best if he got some sleep once he began his new job in earnest tomorrow, and to prepare for the training he would thrust upon the Ashen Wolves.

The dead of night provided perfect cover for Yuri to slip into the shadows of Garreg Mach, unseen by faculty, knight and student alike. He had done this routine several times, yet each time was as cautious as the last. Despite his complicated relationship with Rhea, he did take the job she gave him seriously. It'd be troublesome if the students or teachers discovered the entrance so he took great care in hiding it away and took every precaution when he entered.

By now, Yuri had memorized most of the cavern paths that led to his destination. The winding paths and various dead ends were a pain to keep track of, and there were likely many more paths he didn't know about. Charting all possible entrances and exits was a colossal pain, but well worth it if it meant he could pay Rhea back.

After ten minutes of wandering the desolate and empty corridors, Yuri finally arrived at his destination. Before him stretched a massive underground city, nestled deep in the underbelly of Garreg Mach Monastary and away from the rest of the world.

The city of Abyss. Home to those chewed up and spat out by the nobility, the elderly, the infirm, and even discarded children.

In other words, a home of wayward lost souls and misfits, no different than the Ashen Wolves themselves. In fact, it'd be accurate to say that it was Abyss that served as the true home for his house.

"Yo, boss!"

A man in shabby clothing approached Yuri. His attire was ragged and torn, a bandanna wrapped around his bicep and a dagger at his hip.

Yuri nodded back in greeting. "Sorry I'm late. I was busy trying to calm down the others. We've had quite a busy day."

"I heard," his underling chuckled. "Word's already started to spread down here. Some mercenary got hired by the head honcho to be a teacher and chose the Ashen Wolves, right? What's he like?"

"That's one of the reasons I'm here, actually." Yuri glanced around the entryway. Normally, there would be more people strewn about; namely the guards and patrons of the tavern sitting next door, yet he found few people standing around one of the entrances to their home. It must have been quite the slow day if they were being lax. "Is Marlow around?"

His underling shook his head. "Nah, he's out on a job right now. He said he should be back sometime soon, though. Want me to pass along a message for you?"

"Yeah. Tell him I need him to dig up everything he can about the Blade Breaker and his 'shadow.'"

"His shadow?" At first, the underling was confused. Then realization dawned on him and stared at Yuri slackjawed. "Wait, you mean the merc the archbishop hired was the fucking Ashen Demon?! Are you serious, Boss?"

"Know any other Byleths in Fódlan?" Yuri shot back, though he was pleased to hear that his new teacher's reputation was well-known even here. It'd make learning more about him a lot easier. "But yeah, that's the one. And I need you to try and dig up some dirt on some guy called Kostas. He's the guy who attacked us while we were out training in the woods the other day."

On the surface, it looked as though Kostas had gotten lucky and struck payday. Three heirs to the ruling powers of the continent grouped together? Granted, there were a lot of risks involved in such a plan, and chances were that if he made one misstep, he would find himself hunted down by everyone in retaliation. But Kostas was careful. He didn't kill any of the teachers or guards that were with them, but he was brutal in his actions.

He didn't care about the extra fodder. He cared about the prince, the princess and the Leicester heir. Hell, he didn't care much about Yuri himself, either. When the two confronted one another before the Blade Breaker stepped in, he thought Yuri was just some snot-nosed noble brat that was tagging along for the ride. He didn't know anything about his reputation.

Yet Yuri knew something was off about that whole thing. The only people who knew about that training excursion were the teachers and the House Leaders themselves. Kostas came at them prepared, as though he knew they would be there. A bandit as common and unremarkable as Kostas doesn't get lucky like that, no way.

That meant only one thing. Yuri was not thrilled about it in the least.

Garreg Mach had a traitor in its midst.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: As usual, thanks to Starlight's Poet for his contribution with this chapter.

It's on the short side, though this is because I'm prepping for the Mock Battle and showing off Byleth getting adjusted to his new life at the school and Yuri being the conniving man he is and wanting to learn more about the Prof.

Regarding poll results, the chosen students are Ashe, Bernadetta and Lysithea in case people missed the memo. However, they are not the only students to join the Ashen Wolves. There will be three more, but they won't join until much, much muuuuuch later in the story.

Regarding concerns of how much canon territory I will be treading, the answer is…not much. I can't say which events will still take place due to spoilers for the story and all, but early storylines that will not happen in this fic are Lonato's Rebellion and Kostas' execution, as those are missions the Ashen Wolves wouldn't have the numbers for. Refer to Seteth's explanation earlier in the chapter for clarification.

Anyway, the last update for this month will be Warning Letter – fucking finally! – and after that, I am going on my own little break. I dunno about the rest of you, but I really just can't get into writing in this kind of situation.

Anyways, stay safe folks, and remember to practice social distancing.

REVIEWS

Golden Zero16: I disagree about Jeralt overshadowing the new characters. If anything, the writers could have balanced things out and maybe made the storyline a little bit longer instead of just making it six chapters.

romeoraiden: It's pretty much headcanon at this point that, had Byleth not joined the Officer's Academy as a teacher, Jeritza would have been picked to lead the Black Eagles. Even Caspar was expecting it.

Just a fan of fics: It will diverge from White Clouds a great deal. While some canon events will be touched on, they will be altered heavily due to the actions and direction the Ashen Wolves go about in handling them. I can also tell you that Part II is going to be drastically different compared to the other storylines.

whitefri2z: Good reasoning for some of those you listed. And Jeralt is still alive in the Cindered Shadows DLC. It is mentioned that it takes place between the events of Chapters 4 and 9.

ShinKyu: It will certainly be interesting…