The Dawn of Silver Snow.
Story Summary: Byleth, a girl with no heartbeat and Daughter of Jeralt, a mercenary, finds that Sothis has Awakened inside of her; soon, changes begin to occur to Byleth while Sothis, the Spirit who guides Byleth, remembers everything of her Past life. Will the World be Ready for the Goddess to walk with the living once again? Who are the mysterious Argathians? This is a Rewritten Silver Snow route with a couple of significant twists.
Chapter Summary: Byleth Learns a bit more about her Nabatean body, and the First mock battle occurs.
Chapter 4: The Mock battle.
Rhea's Quarters
23 of the Great Tree Moon, Imperial Year 1180
Byleth walked into her grandmother's room a bit after finishing teaching her first class. To Byleth, this was the first time meeting her since the day they came to the monastery, and she was eager. She had a smile on her face that went from cheek to cheek. Like with her talk with Cethlean, she was eager to talk with her grandma Seiros to get to know her better; she wanted to give them a chance, especially after they showed kindness to her.
"Greetings, my grandchild," greeted Rhea "have a seat; I have tea ready if you want."
"Hello, grandma Serios," answered Byleth taking a seat at a table across from the archbishop and knowing full well that nobody is allowed up on the third floor but the archbishop's family. "I would like to thank you for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to get to know you better, and yes, I would love to have some tea with you."
"Welcome, Byleth. This is the first time I have welcomed you on good terms. There is no need to be nervous. When you speak with me here in this room, you are not speaking with the archbishop but with Rhea, your grandmother. It's just me." stated Rhea as she poured tea into Byleth's cup
"I'm not nervous," replied Byleth. "I am just curious as to why Cethlean and now you are being nice to me. I have not had a talk with uncle Cichol yet, so I don't know much about him. But it's weird that everyone usually treats me like a monster other than dad and his Mercenary group, but even they just kept on expecting me to be my dad and not my own person, so I ended up shutting myself out."
"I am sorry, Byleth, but in truth, you are your own person; you are Jeralt. He may be your father, but you have every right to want to walk your own path. I am sure your father will be proud of you when you do. I believe you are doing that now." remarked Rhea "see us Nabateans had a saying when we were more common, there will always be when your little dragon must stretch their wings and fly away from the nest. In time you will realize why now that doesn't mean abandoning your family altogether."
"It makes sense a lot of sense, actually," replied Byleth
"Since you are here, shall I tell you about the Jeralt that I knew? By the look of it, you haven't heard much about his time at the monastery, have you? When I first met Jeralt, he was pretty young. Why he could not even grow a full beard at that point! On one fateful occasion, the band of mercenaries he belonged to fought alongside the Knights of Seiros. I was travelling with the knights at the time, and Jeralt jumped in front of an attack meant for me. He was gravely wounded on the verge of death. I tended to his wounds in a desperate attempt to save his life. Thankfully, my efforts were not in vain. Jeralt managed to escape seemingly inevitable death. I made arrangements for him to receive further care at Garreg Mach. The moment he was deemed fully recovered, I invited him to join the knights." Stated Rhea, "now, this is something you should never do, but I saved your father by giving him my blood. This, in turn, gave him my dragon sign, the sign of sky dragon humans call them crest, but that is not really what they are, and that is a topic for another day."
"I didn't know... Thank you for telling me, "Replied Byleth
"Well, it is not a story I have often repeated. Even at the monastery, there are not many who know that. I tell you this because...to me, you are the child of the one who saved my life all those years ago. And also..." said Rhea with a pause at the end
"Yes?" asked Byleth
"Has anything seemed different to you lately?" asked Rhea "what I mean is has anything begun to change with your body from craving more meat than usual. Beginning to lose teeth, feeling more power than you have. things like that."
"Well, I have been more emotional as of late, and I've been eating a lot more recently, and I only eat meat because if it's fruits and vegetables, I tend to vomit it. my eyesight has been better, and I mean a lot better, as I can see further away."
"OK, thanks for telling me. I am asking you because I was checking in on how far are you from transforming for the first time and if your eyesight has improved, but you still need glasses, then you are a bit away, but just because of the other factors that you told me, you are much closer than I expected," said Rhea
"What do you mean," said Byleth
"I mean that your very close to your first transformation to a dragon; see us Nabateans are born with Blue Hair and blue eyes as you have, with poor eyesight as you have glasses. After we reach twenty are, our eyesight begins to improve, eventually better than humans. When our eyesight is fully improved, they turn green. After we transform for the first time are hair turns green, and then it turns back to blue when we can no longer transform." said Rhea
"What should I look for when the time is near?" asked Byleth
"Mostly, your skin will begin to harden; when that happens, come to me, Cichol, or Cethlean immediately," said Rhea
"OK, I understand," said Byleth. "I will do just that, don't worry."
'You know you should tell Your grandmother what you told Cethlean, little dragon,' said Sothis
"Um, Grandma?" asked Byleth, remembering the conversation from yesterday with Sothis.
"Yes, Byleth," replied Rhea.
"Can you tell me more about my Nabatean side? Like, are they any others? What will I look like when I transform?" asked Byleth
"You sure are taking all this well," said Rhea
"Well, I always knew I was different, and now I know why. I want to know more about that other side of me because if I reject it, it is still a part of me too, that won't change, so I rather learn as much as I can about that side of me," declared Byleth.
"OK, OK, I will tell you," replied Rhea. "Well, there are many of us left that you don't know, there are my brothers Indech and Macuil, Macuil's wife and child, Indech's daughter Demeter, Anna, and her kids; Noa, Aubin, Chevalier, and Timotheos there may be others most were killed about a millennia ago. As for what you will look like, we won't know until you transform fully. Your dragon form is unique to your own person. The colour pattern of your scales, how many wings you have, how big you will be this will be all unique to you. Yes, at first, if you are like your mother and most children, you will not be able to control it for the first time, flying may be hard, but after a bit, it will come naturally to you."
Outside Black Eagles classroom
30th Great tree moon, The Imperial Year 1180
A few days later, after outside the Black Eagles classroom, Byleth had her arms folded into each other with her back and left foot against the wall and right foot on the ground for stability reasons. In her hands was a book, and her eyes were fixated on it that she didn't notice Edelgard approach her.
"It's finally time for the mock battle. This is my chance to measure your worth as an instructor. Do you think you can rise to the challenge?" asked Edelgard causing Byleth to close her book and look at her while standing up straight.
"Leave it to me," replied Byleth, "but do keep in mind I am using this as a gauge to see where everyone is combat-wise."
"So confident. This will be interesting." said Edelgard " Each of us has undergone strict training. We're prepared for anything that comes our way. That means there's no need to hold back. Show us what you're capable of."
At this point, both Claude and Dimitri were several meters away from Byleth and Edelgard in opposing directions. Claude was approaching from several meters to the left of Edelgard. Dimitri was approaching from several meters to the right of Byleth. They continued walking until they were standing right next to them.
"Hey there! Did we miss our invite to this strategy meeting? Oh, no worries–we'll join in now." yelled Claude.
"Just tell me your weaknesses, and you're welcome to stay, but given the time we have, I am not even sure there is even enough time to cover them all?" mocked Edelgard.
"ha, so you just admitted that you can't win unless you know my weakness. Oh, you poor little princess, you really should believe in yourself more," snorted Claude.
"I spare absolutely no effort when pursuing my victory. As an expert in schemes, I should think you would understand," stated Edelgard.
"Schemes? Me? What schemes? I have no idea what you're talking about! I plan to fight fair and square, as ever." said Claude.
"Hearing the words fair and square from Claude can only be a bad omen," said Dimitri
"Your Highnesses haven't known me for very long, but you already have me figured out, don't you?" said Claude
"No need to poke fun; I will fight with honour. That said, I will fight to win," said Dimitri
"Yes, and the same is true of us. Right, Professor?" said Edelgard
"I don't intend to lose," said Byleth
"If that is how you feel, then I will not hold back," said Dimitri
Unbeknownst to everyone involved in this conversation, from several meters away, Manuela and Hanneman were watching this conversation unfold from a few classrooms down. After a bit decided to walk towards the group to grab Byleth for the faculty prior to the mock battle.
"Aw, how precious. It looks like you and the students have become fast friends," cooed Manuela as she approached the group, Hanneman.
"While I am pleased that you are taking the initiative to acquaint yourself with the students, I'm afraid it's about time for the faculty strategy meeting," said Hanneman. "Professor Eisner, we need you in the audience chamber."
"Ah, how time flies! In that case, I'll see you later," said Claude
"Edelgard, Professor Byleth, be careful out there," said Dimitri
Audience Chamber
Byleth was standing right next to Manuela, and to the left of Hanneman, standing across from them, was Rhea and left of her was Seteth. Although nobody but Byleth can see her, Sothis was currently sitting on top of Seteth's head with a smirk on her face while looking directly at Byleth.
"As you all know, today is the mock battle. The information you receive here is the instructions on how the mock battle will be conducted," declared Seteth.
"As you know, today is the mock battle, and this mock battle is to gauge where your students are at the beginning of the year," continued Rhea
"Due to several factors this year, including a change in a professorship in one class, uneven class sizes due to last minute changes, and bandit reports near the field we normally we use. We will be using a smaller field just outside the monastery. For this very reason, we are also limiting the scope of the mock battle. Only four students will be able to participate. One of those students must be the class leader," stated Seteth before continuing, "Overseeing the mock battle will be Jeralt, and we have already preassigned your starting positions."
"The Black Eagles will be starting to the south. The Blue Lions will be starting to the northeast. Finally, the golden deer will be starting to the northwest. Any questions?" asked Rhea
"No," everyone declared in unison
A field outside the Monastery
30 Great Tree Moon, Imperial Year 1180
The mock battle took place inside a field outside the monastery houses that were already in their formations. Professor Hanneman was armed with reason magic to the northernmost side of the area; directly west of him was Mercedes. Oddly enough, she was armed with a bow instead of her faith magic. Directly south of Mercedes was Dedue, who had his axe in hand. Now east of Dedue was Dimitri, the Class leader of the Blue-Lions and armed with a Lance. To the southwest and in front of a group of trees was Ashe, armed with a bow. Byleth knew from experience that there were two significant deficiencies in the blue lion's formation. The first was that their archer was in the front line, and the second was that their healer was armed with a bow instead of her standard magic.
Now the Golden Deer was the west of the Blue lions; they had Lorenz further south than anyone armed with a Lance. To the Northwest of Lorenz was Ignatz, who was armed with a bow. Behind them, there was a barricade where Claude, who was armed with a bow, and Hilda, right next to Claude and armed with an axe. Professor Manuela was to the rear of their formation and very far from the group. There were several significant deficiencies with the Golden deer formation. First, like the Blue Lions, the golden deer had their archer on the front. Second, their healer was nowhere near anyone else. Third, although they had a barricade, they had one archer and an axe-man behind it where both of their archers should be. Fourth their front line should be the barricade, not a diagonal line in front of the barricade. This rendered the wall useless.
Byleth had everyone in a formation that looked like the letter "L" to the northernmost end was Edelgard who was armed with an axe. Behind Edelgard was Hubert, one of the two mages in this group. To the left of Hubert was Ferdinand, who was armed with a Lance. Dorothea was the second mage in this group to the left of him. And finally, Byleth was on the far left, armed with a sword.
Watching the battle from afar were Rhea, Seteth, Flayn, and Jeralt.
'I'm sure you already understand, but the house that defeats the other two will be declared the winner. Incidentally, I'll be overseeing this mock battle. So, listen well if you want to win." said Jeralt.
"None of your shallow tactics is required, Claude. Ignatz and I will dismantle the opposition," said Lorenz
"Me?! But I'm not ready!" replied Ignatz
"Are you making light of our new Professor? If you drop your guard, you're going to get hurt...," said Claude
"Ashe, can you move to the front lines? I want to lure the enemy this way," said Dimitri
"Got it, Your Highness! Leave it to me!" Replied Ashe
"Once you've finished preparing, make your move. Dedue, Mercedes. Keep our enemy occupied until then." Ordered Dimitri
"I'm on it," said Dedue
"Oh my! We'll try our best!" said Mercedes
Upon hearing the other classes battle intentions with her sensitive hearing while she directed Edelgard and Hubert to be spaced out in the thick trees to just directly to the north of them. While also directing Dorothea and Ferdinand to go to the thick trees to the right. All the while, Lorenz, Ignatz, and Ashe charged towards. She knew very well the mistake both the Blue lions and the Golden Deer just made, and she, for one, was going to capitalize on it.
When Lorenz ran, making loud noise through the grass, aiming directly at Edelgard, he swung his lance while "shouting I've got you now" and aimed his lance directly at Edelgard. Hearing Lorenz coming, Edelgard readied her axe. When Lorenz swung his lance Edelgard made a summersault to the left, got up, and with her axe, she hit Lorenz in the chest, knocking him out of the match. "I've lost?! Oh! Unthinkable!" he said as he was escorted off the field.
Meanwhile, Ashe ran forward and then, without counting for the wind, aimed his bow at Hubert, then fired his arrow, the arrow embedded itself into a tree. Seeing an opportunity to counterattack, Hubert fired a miasma at Ashe, hitting him. " Ah–so strong! Have to do better next time..." Ashe said as he was now escorted out of the field.
While this was happening, Ignatz ran over to Dorothea and aimed his bow, not counting for the wind he was aiming at. fired an arrow, similar to what happened to Ashe, but this time the arrow flew over Dorothea's head and embedded itself into the top of the tree; Dorothea then countered the arrow by firing a weak thunder spell at Ignatz. "I've lost. The new Professor is quite a commander," he said as now Ignatz was being escorted out.
"Well done, Teach! I may have to take this seriously after all!" yelled Claude across the field
"Not taking me seriously was your first mistake!" yelled Byleth right back at him. Who paused to observe the battlefield and carefully creating a plan to counter both Golden Deer and Blue Lions. Then Byleth got a lucky break as Claude yelled out, "Let's use the forest to set up an ambush. I'm counting on your support, everyone!"
"Everyone, let's flank them to the left, do not attack any more Blue Lions until we are done with the Deer," said Byleth to everyone in the forest as everyone followed her to swing to the left. Dimitri believed that the Black Eagles were defeated and ordered the Blue Lions to move on the Golden Deer. Which is what Byleth thought he would do. After about a few minutes, The Black Eagles soon emerged from the trees.
"Welp, we're surrounded. All we can do is fight back with all our might!" yelled Claude
While Byleth then Ordered Ferdinand to Charge at Hilda, while Edelgard Charged at Claude. Unfortunately, Hilda was still ignorant of the entire situation that was unfolding around her and was in utter shock when Ferdinand yelled, "I am Ferdinand von Aegir," swinging his Lance and Knocking Hilda to the ground. "Ouch! Was that really necessary? Like seriously, you did not have to yell your full name when you hit me." said Hilda as she was removed from the field.
Next, Edelgard approached Claude while Manuela approached Byleth. Still, unfortunately for Manuela, Byleth got to her first "Let the lesson begin" yelled Byleth as she struck her sword to Manuela's hip. "Well done. I nearly wound up a patient in my infirmary," said Manuela as she was walking out of the field.
"So, you've made it past Manuela, eh? I see now I must focus and then make my move," said Hanneman
"Look at that, a real-life princess! I will have to be careful not to scar that little face of yours," said Claude in a taunting tone towards Edelgard
"Careful, Claude. I'll win no matter what, but you're only making things harder for yourself." Replied Edelgard
"Losing hasn't even crossed your mind, has it? Ooh, that will be a bit of a shock, then," said Claude
"To shock was your intention, to begin with, was it not?" said Edelgard as she swung her axe into Claude, throwing him on the ground.
"I must have let my guard down. I guess that's a loss for the Golden Deer House." Claude said as he was now being escorted out of the field.
Now Dedue and Mercedes advanced and went after Ferdinand and Edelgard, but before Dedue could Strike, he was knocked down by a miasma fired by Hubert. " Apologies, Your Highness. I can go no further," said Dedue, and now Dorothea fired a bolt of lightning at Mercedes, which hit but barely, but the result was the same she was now knocked out of the match. "Oh no... This is as far as I can go..." Mercedes said as she walked out of the field
Byleth, now after Hanneman, fired a nosferatu at Him, which hit precisely in his chest. "My goodness. The leadership of someone with actual battle experience is... Well! I was as good as useless." Hanneman said while he walked out of the field
"Dimitri... It is time! We can finally settle the question of who is stronger." said Edelgard
"Very well. I accept your challenge. With you as my opponent, I will not hold anything back." said Dimitri
"I would expect no less!" said Edelgard as her axe met his lance and a one-on-one battle began eventually; after a few hours, Edelgard's axe hit Dimitri's him, which knocked him out of the mock battle.
"I suppose that does it for the Blue Lion House..." he said, walking out of the field.
"All right, that's that! So the winner of this mock battle is... The Black Eagle House!" said Jeralt.
"Even though it was just a mock battle, we defeated both houses masterfully. Take pride in this victory, everyone!" said Edelgard.
Reception Hall
"Excellent work today, Professor. Though our victory should come as no surprise." said Edelgard=
"It was easy," said Byleth
"Yes, it was. Further proof that you are well qualified to guide the Black Eagles," said Edelgard
"I am going create that battle into a lesson next Class, so watch out," said Byleth
Next, the other Students of her class walked into the reception hall.
"That was impressing, Professor! I mean...impressive. We gained a victory because of your great leadership." said Petra
"We certainly did. We all tried our best, of course, but we could not have won without you," said Dorothea
"I was curious what it would look like if you did not hold back. And you did not disappoint!" said Ferdinand
"Hmph. I daresay we owe our victory to Lady Edelgard," said Hubert
"How so? She was only a soldier following our Professor's command for that battle. Sure, she was an incredibly powerful soldier..." said Lindhart
"Don't worry about it too much, Linhardt. All that matters is that we won!" said Casper interrupting Lindhart
"I'm all done with being on the battlefield, OK? I'd rather stay back than pursue victory out there," said Bernadetta
"You are all as ridiculous as always. We only managed to win because we worked together," said Edelgard. The Black Eagles all look at Edelgard. She continues nervously, "Was it something I said? Is it so odd that I was talking about togetherness? If so, that perception must change. I'm cancelling the festivities so we can discuss this topic further. I'm kidding, of course. Come on, everyone! We've earned this celebration."
To Be Continued
A/N: Going back to the Previous chapter the reason why I chose Catalan there was because that is a language I actually speak, even though I know a Celtic would fit better for her
A/N #2: For future references, which Paralogues and support conversations would you like to see in this story.
A/N #3: Thank you to everyone who has supported this story. I did not think this story was going to go anywhere. Thank you, everyone, very much.
A/N #4: Rewrite of this chapter is complete. Remember I will post chapter 10 when all nine chapters are rewritten
A/N #5: join the fanfiction treehouse none of the rewriting and my writing style improvements would have been able to be completed without the resources here discord. gg/9XG3U7a