Three Winds of Fodlan
Time for a support chapter! Yeah I am trying to make up for lost time by writing as much as possible. In regards to Three Wolves of Ylisse, since there is a bit of a fan base for this fic: When I do that fic, if you want Mark and Byleth to have a significant other, they can and that person will go with them. However this does mean we won't have romance hijinks between Byleth or Mark with a Ylissean member or Future Child. Also please be sure you read Chapter 8 if you haven't yet. Also if you haven't seen the official possible pairings list from Chapter 3's new AN, here it is:
Robin: Lysithea, Marianne, Dorothea, Shamir, Ingrid, Bernadetta, (If Ashen Wolves join the fic) Hapi, Constance
Mark: Petra, Edelgard, Bernadetta, Lysithea, Mercedes, Flayn, Rhea, (If Ashen Wolves join) Hapi, Constance, (If enough of a good argument is made) Kronya
Byleth: Edelgard, Mercedes, Dorothea, Dmitri, Claude, Ashe, Linhardt, Ignatz, (If the Ashen Wolves Join) Hapi, Constance, Balthus, Yuri
Okay that's enough prefacing, time to support!
Chapter 9:
White Clouds: Supports and Shackles
-Three Winds of Fodlan-
The students were going through some therapy to help them cope with their first kills. While he waited for his students, Robin was looking at his right hand. He did not see the Mark of Grima but he was sure he had sensed the dark power of his Fellblood. "Is there some power left? Also…. Mark's joke didn't sound like a joke. I think he might be more knowledgeable than he is letting on. Then again back home we worship a dragon as a god as well. Still, Rhea was disturbed. There's no way it's a coincidence." Robin mused. He wanted to go out and train but Manuela had ordered he, Mark, and Byleth were ordered to only do light work at most in order to ensure that their wounds did not reopen. Robin just sighed before he began to read a book.
-Robin and Claude C Support-
Claude looked around for Robin before finding him nose deep in a book. Claude slowly crept up before he saw Robin holding a Thunder a spell. "No chance to sneak up on you huh?"
"Not a chance like that." Robin said looking up from his book. "I've known a few thieves and assassins in my time. Including one that has an obsession with sweets. How can I help you?"
"I wanted to discuss strategies with you." Claude said. "I'd like to pick your brain for any interesting ones.
"There's the time I used an empty ship as a fire bomb against an enemy navy." Robin said causing Claude's eyes to light up.
"Wow, Teach, that's pretty badass." Claude said with a smile. "How did you distract the enemy?"
"Oh we drew them in for boarding combat and once everything was set, we jumped overboard." Robin chuckled.
"Damn Teach. That's pretty cool. Remind me to never get on your bad side." Claude chuckled. Robin got up and started to leave but stopped at the door.
"Claude, if you ever got on my bad side, my strategy for revenge would ensure you'd never know." Robin warned before he left.
-Three Winds of Fodlan-
Mark was playing the newly repaired piano in the music room. As he played, he could hear the voices of his old comrades chastising him for his stunt in Zanado.
"Were you trying to kill yourself? I thought you were the smart one." Hector's voice echoed
"That was a needless stunt. I respect you as a tactician but I must question your decision." Came Eliwood's.
"How are we supposed to keep our promise if you throw your life away? Mark, you have to be more careful." Finished Lyn's. Mark sighed as he knew the echoes were right. Mark had been far too impulsive when he had seen his students in danger.
-Mark and Hilda C Support-
Hilda was walking past the music room before she heard a piano. Hilda peeked inside and was surprised to see Mark playing the instrument in question. She listened for a moment before she felt something his her stomach. Hilda looked down to see a paper knife.
"Can I help you, Hilda?" Mark asked as he continued to play, not missing a note. Hilda fully entered a room.
"I had no idea you were musically inclined. Tactics, assassination, and the arts. Is there anything you can't do?" Hilda asked.
"Flying." Mark said. "You'd think a man blessed by the wind would get along well with wyverns and pegasi but you'd be very wrong. Perhaps my Blessing repels them." Hilda laughed a little at the irony.
"I must say, that's quite funny." Hilda said as she stopped laughing. "Anyway, does this song have a name? Or words?"
"Not really. I just came up with it." Mark shrugged. "Besides, I'm not much of a performer. I've only ever played songs for very close friends." Mark put a hand on his heart. Hilda wanted to say something but Mark began to close the piano. "This has been an interesting chat. Now if only you showed such interest during lectures. Have a good day."
-Three Winds of Fodlan-
Byleth was taking her light duty orders well as it allowed her time for more tea and books. In fact, Anna had just sold her a lovely fruit blend tea that she was enjoying with some sandwiches. Nothing could ruin The Ashen Demon's tea.
-Byleth and Leonie C Support-
Leonie walked up to Byleth with a scowl on her face. "Hey, do you know where Captain Jeralt is?" Leonie asked. Byleth quietly took a sip of her tea and gently set the cup down.
"Please, have a seat and calm down. My father is just a little late from whatever mission Rhea has assigned him." Byleth said calmly. "It's not all that odd. You can never fully predict when a mission will end."
"I know that but I was hoping to ask for some training." Leonie said as Byleth poured her a cup of tea. Leonie took the cup and drank from it before setting it down.
"You know I could train you. I know a good deal of my father's techniques." Byleth said, getting a snort from her surprise visitor.
"I am aiming to prove that I'm Captain Jeralt's greatest apprentice, even above you. You don't even know your father's age or that he used to be a Knight!" Leonie said accusingly. Byleth frowned slightly but hid it behind her tea cup.
"My father is allowed his secrets, even from me. I am not inclined to pry into his past if he has no desire to tell me about it." Byleth said calmly. "Now please drink your tea and remain calm." Leonie just huffed before she stormed off.
"I will prove myself your better." Leonie declared. After she left, Byleth sighed.
"Now I know how Edelgard feels when Ferdinand comes to challenge her." Byleth said before she cleaned up.
-Byleth and Dimitri C Support-
Byleth was in her room, straightening out her tea set and collection. As she cleaned up she heard a knock at her door. "One minute." Byleth called as she finished up. At the door was Dimitri who appeared sheepish. "Something wrong, Dimitri?"
"Yes, Professor. I must apologize for the way I acted back in Zanado. I was so caught up in the fighting, I did not notice I was drowning in my own darkness and you were forced to save me." Dimitri said looking down before Byleth put a hand on his shoulder.
"Protecting you is part of my job." Byleth said. "I am more than happy to do that. I don't know what the darkness is that claims you, but know that I will be there to pull you out of it as will your friends."
"Thank you, Professor." Dimitri said smiling. "That truly does make me feel better. Oh yes, I heard you are a fan of tea and I just received some from home. Take some as an apology for disturbing you while you should be resting." Byleth took the offered tin of tea.
"I'm not an invalid and I've suffered worse injuries. Still I happily accept this gift." Byleth said gratefully. Dimitri nodded and bid his teacher farewell. "He tries a little too hard. Still his heart is in the right place. Hopefully that never changes."
-Robin and Dedue C Support-
Robin took a seat in the dining hall to snake on some pie when he noticed a familiar young man. "Dedue! Please, come and join me." Robin invited. He was surprised to see the man hesitant. "Have I offended you in some way?" Robin asked.
"Not at all. However as a man of Duscur, if you associate with me, people will talk." Dedue said solemnly. Robin waved that away with one hand.
"That sounds ridiculous." Robin said. "What is wrong with the people of Duscur?" Dedue looked down before he took a seat across from The Fellblood.
"Do you know of The Tragedy of Duscur?" Dedue asked. Robin shook his head as he ate. "It is an event where the king of Faerghus was assassinated. The people of Duscur were blamed by the masses and subsequently, most of my people were killed. It is only by His Highness's grace that I was spared." Robin stopped eating a nd looked down.
"I can understand you a little. Many years ago in the country of my birth: Plegia, the country I call home: Ylisse began to kill Plegians en masse due to Plegia worshipping The Fell Dragon Grima. In Ylisse, they worship The Divine Dragon Naga and the Exalt, the title of Ylisse's ruler, of the time wanted to kill all those who truly worshipped Grima. When I traveled with my companions in Ylisse, many commoners looked at me with disdain. Even a decent amount of knights looked like they hoped I'd do something wrong so they could arrest me." Robin said. "And just like you, it was a prince who saved me. The son of the man who tried to exterminate my people. He saw past my race, even when his protector did not. With his help, the people of Ylisse learned not to see me as Robin the Plegians, but Robin the tactician. Stay by Dmitri's side and the same will happen to you."
"Your words give me hope, Professor." Dedue smiled. "I am glad to have met a kindred spirit. Perhaps I can cook you a meal sometime."
"I've heard your cooking is second to none so I'd like that." Robin said
-Mark and Sylvain C Support-
Mark was taking a nap in a tree when Sylvain happened upon him. Sylvain readied a rock but when he looked up, Mark was gone. Sylvain turned around to see Mark chuckling. "I was awake when you were fifty paces out." Mark said simply. "Now what is it that you need?"
"Actually I was just looking for a place to lay low for a bit. Seems a few girls got to talking about me and well…. it's not good." Sylvain said with a shrug. Mark shook his head in slight irritation.
" Is there always going to be a fucking Sain everywhere I go?" Mark thought to himself before he spoke aloud. "Perhaps you should be less of a philanderer."
"Hey, their all just going after my crest." Sylvain defended but he could tell from the gleam in Mark's eye that he didn't care.
"Be that as it may, using them because they may want to use you is a good way to end up alone." Mark said with a growl. "Take it from someone who knows what it's like to have lost love due to his own shortcomings, keep up this path and when true love finds you, you'll be too jaded to know it for what it is." Mark then Gale Stepped away, too irritated with Sylvain to stay, a hand on his heart. The heir to House Gautier was surprised at the raw emotion that the Legendary Tactician had shown him.
"Am I really that jaded?" Sylvain asked the wind
-Mark and Edelgard C Support-
Mark was staring up at the stars on the bridge between the academy and the cathedral. "You know, I was truly impressed with how you were able to rally everyone to fight." Mark said, never taking his eyes off of the sky as Edelgard walked up.
"Too be honest, it's because of how inspiring you are that I was able to rally everyone. You, Professor Robin, and Professor Byleth are truly great leaders. "It's only been a short while but we all admire you." Edelgard said with a smile as she leaned against the side of the bridge. Mark finally faced her with a gentle smile.
"Then I guess we have to keep things up in order to inspire you all even more." Mark said as he played phantom piano with one hand. "Still that does not lessen my praise. You were able to temporarily cause everyone to forget about how upset they were over their first kills long enough to back us up. I don't think many commanders could do that. You already show signs of being an amazing emperor. Your country should be proud." Edelgard blushed at the sincere praise as she looked up at the stars.
"You know…..I have not given up on recruiting you for the Empire." Edelgard said after a few moments. "Your talents and skills would be appreciated there."
"I like how my life is now. Despite working for the church of a religion I don't follow, most of my days are rather care free. After my last campaign and a…certain incident….I need such days." Mark said putting a hand on his heart. Edelgard was about to reach out but stopped. "Well it's getting late and if Manuela catches me up this late while I'm recovering who knows what she'll do. Enjoy your evening, Edelgard." With that, The Legendary Tactician made his way to his room.
-Robin and Hubert C Support-
Robin was taking a break in the greenhouse when he felt a familiar slimy feeling on his skin. Robin remained still for a moment before casting Blàrraven to surround a figure that had snuck up on. The Grandmaster of Ylisse turned to see that he had caught Hubert. Robin dismissed his spell but kept his guard up. "Good evening, Hubert. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"
"I must say, I am surprised you had sensed me." Hubert said with his trademark grin. "You are far more alert than your friendly attitude conveys. As for why I am here, it's because of the shadow that surrounded you as you fought in Zanado. It's quite intriguing. As a fellow user of Dark Magic, I have come across no mention of such a shadow.
"Not will you ever." Robin said. "That shadow is something that would not be documented here in Fodlan. It is something tied to the land of my birth…and it's dark religion."
"Of course. Considering how strict they are about what books they allow within the library, one discussing a distant lands religion would not be….suitable here." Hubert mused, fascinated. "I was asking only because that shadow seemed to make you stronger. If I could do the same, it would be useful to Lady Edelgard."
"Power like that comes at a price. And I'm not sure you or Edelgard would be willing to pay it." Robin said be he began to leave. "Your devotion to Edelgard is admirable but take my advice, drop this topic." Hubert thought to himself as Robin left before shaking his head.
"I can't do that. For Lady Edelgard's sake." Hubert said to himself with a frown.
-Byleth and Bernadetta C Support-
Byleth was grabbing a quick snack when she saw a figure sneaking towards the dorms. The stoic faced professor walked over to see Bernadetta sneaking food. "You know, Robin mentioned this was how you two met." Byleth said, surprising the poor girl.
"What's with you professors being so mean and sneaking up on Bernie?" The scared girl asked.
"I wasn't sneaking. I just…walked up." Byleth said, causing Bernadetta to pout cutely. "Why is it that you sneak food?"
"Bernie already explained it to Robin. I don't like to be around others. I just want to be alone in my room." Bernadetta said.
"That's not exactly mentally or socially healthy." Byleth said but this caused Bernadetta to pout more.
"You can't force Bernie to eat with people!" Bernadetta exclaimed before she ran into her room and locked the door. Byleth knocked a few times before sighing in defeat.
"Seems I need a gentler approach with her." Byleth muttered to herself.
-Three Winds of Fodlan-
Robin was enjoying an early morning walk when he noticed something that caught his attention. After observing for a moment, The High Deliverer went and found Mark and Byleth. He brought them to the site of what he had found.
"Is that….a tunnel that leads underground?" Byleth asked. "That's very interesting. What do you propose we do?"
"I say we go in and explore. Truth be told, this light duty order has been bothering me. I need to exercise and this looks like it could be fun." Mark said with a smirk.
"I know it sounds reckless, but I agree with Mark." Robin nodded. "We could get the knights but we're very capable and if it gets bad, we just retreat. Now let's quickly grab our gear and get going." After they retrieved their weapons, the trio of professors headed into the tunnel. After a while, they saw a force of what looked like guards.
"Sorry but can't let you come any further." A voice called out. "This is Abyss and not a place for you surface dwellers."
"However, if you can beat us in a fight, we'll talk and get to know each other." A loud voice said. This brought a smile to the professors' faces.
"We'll take you up on that." Robin said as he, Mark, and Byleth readied themselves.
(Begin Playing Three Houses OST-Shackled Wolves)
Mark and Byleth ran ahead and clashed with the guards. Mark had decided to use his gauntlets instead of his Gale Wolves in order to get more practice. The guards lunged with their spears but the duo just smiled with Byleth breaking the spears with her axe before striking with the flat of her blade while Mark used his Gale Step to get behind them and use knockout chops. Robin then unleashed a barrage of low energy Thunder spells to knock out the advancing axe wielders.
"Seems like these guys aren't your run of the mill fighters." A dry female voice said.
"Indeed. They appear to be most skilled. However they will soon fall to my magical prowess." A haughty voice said. Mark smirked as he got in front as a fire spells came their way. The spell was blocked by his Blessing before they saw the caster. She was a beautiful young woman in a white and black uniform with chains on it. She had a ribbon in her beautiful short blonde hair and blue eyes.
"You shouldn't have said you were a caster. Now you've not only lost the advantage but we aren't harmed." Mark said before he dashed up and swept her legs before striking her in the gut before she hit the ground. Robin then countered a Miasma ∆ spell with his own Miasma. The second enemy caster was a dark skinned girl with red hair. She was wearing a similar uniform to the first though her skirt was short and a short jacket that had a purple top underneath that exposed her midriff.
"Seems we have someone versed in multiple kinds of magic." She said with a bored tone before unleashing another Miasma ∆. Robin countered with Thoron, which pierced through the Miasma ∆ and struck the female caster.
"Now that's strategy." The trio of professors said in unison before Robin noticed an influx of guards.
"Find the leader. I'll take care of the foot soldiers." Mark said as he entered his unarmed stance. Robin and Byleth nodded as they left Mark to his fun. Byleth soon saw a large man in another white and black uniform. She blocked a punch with her sword.
"You're not some garden variety fighter are you?" The large and muscular man said. "Don't bore me." The man then launched into a series of blows as Byleth jumped back.
"Let's see if you like my technique." Byleth said as she readied a unique combat art. "Demon's Rush!" Byleth charged and performed a slide kick before striking her tripped opponent with the flat of both weapons.
"Damn….good Combat Art." The man chuckled in pain before Byleth put her boot on his back.
"Get up and I'll go full demon on you." Byleth warned. Robin soon saw the final foe, an effeminate young man wearing a purple uniform with a cape like Claude's but it too was purple. In his hand was a beautiful sword.
"You must be the one in charge." Robin said, drawing his Levin Sword. "Which means that if I defeat you, we win."
"Indeed. I have to say, I'm impressed by your skills." The young man said before he and Robin began to circle each other. Neither one wanted to make the first move but it was finally Robin who decided to make the first strike. The High Deliverer unleashed Nosferatu. The young man dodged to the side just as Robin hoped as he unleashed his Levin Sword's magic, striking the young man. "A magic sword as well? You aren't leaving anything to chance are you?"
"A good tactician never does." Robin replied as they clashed blades. However the young man never knew he had fallen for Robin's trap. Robin let go of his sword as he stepped to the side before stabbing the young man with a spear of lightning. The young man stepped back in shock. Robin had to suppress the memory of when he had to do the same attack to Chrom, both the memory he had from Grima and the set up he had done to trick his father.
"It seems….you've won." The young man said. "Welcome to Abyss."
(End music)
Mark ran up with the two female casters as well as Edelgard, Hilda, and Ashe. "Looks like we won." Mark chuckled getting a worried look from Edelgard.
"You are supposed to be relaxing. Professor Manuela won't be pleased to hear about this excursion." Edelgard said sternly.
"And she won't hear about it. Ever." Mark said simply. "After all, I just got a box of delicious imperial sweet buns and it'd be a shame if I had to bribe Manuela with them." Edelgard looked at Mark before clearing her throat.
"Indeed. Perhaps I won't say anything after all." Edelgard said, as Mark tried to hide his smirk.
"Thank you. Do you like sweet buns? I don't think I can eat the whole box." Mark said slyly. Edelgard just gave a nod. "Excellent."
"Forgive them. We did technically break our limited duty orders to come down here." Byleth said.
"I getcha. You get a little bored and your muscles start to itch." The large one said before he noticed Hilda.
"Baltie?" The lazy girl asked surprising everyone.
"Damn Hilda? That you?" The man asked. "Wait these must be the trio of new professors we heard about."
"Yeah. I'm Robyn Zephyr, professor of the Golden Deer. And this is my student Hilda."
"Byleth Eisner, professor for the Blue Lions and this is Ashe."
"Mark Frey, Black Eagle professor and with me is the leader of my class, Edelgard."
"Good to meet you, I'm Balthus von Albrecht also known as the King of Grappling." The large man laughed. "I'm a friend of Hilda's big bro."
"Hapi. Guess it's nice to meet you." The redhead said bluntly.
"I am the great Constance von Nuvelle!" The blond said haughtily, causing Edelgard to look pensive.
'Nuvelle?' Edelgard thought to herself
"I'm Yuri Leclerc, the leader of the Ashen Wolves, Garreg Mach's unofficial fourth House." The effeminate young man said. "Follow me, we can talk more."
-Three Winds of Fodlan-
And it is official, welcome Ashen Wolves! Now in case it isn't obvious I'm modifying the events of Cindered Shadows to fit into the narrative I am writing. Don't worry I'll give these four their chances to be in the light…..sorry Constance. Anyway please review and give me your input on who you want paired with the professors. And always remember
Even the smallest kitten can have the soul of a lion