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Fire Emblem: Three Houses of Hope

Roar of the Lion

Chapter 2 – The Officer's Academy

11th Day of Great Tree Moon

Class were now in full swing and that also meant that all of the various activities that the Academy allowed it's students and faculty to delve into were formally open to all.

Of course as we all know it from the games it was always up to the player's interpretation of how these things went as we only ever say an avatar do a few actions and viola the task was done.

But reality is always much harsher. More so as our situation now…

"Come students pickup the pace now. I for one would like to go to dinner just as well you do… sometime soon."

The annoying voice that spoke came from our professor, Amanda von Burgundy. The one that Byleth was to replace after the disaster of an outdoor drill from that fateful day.

We never knew if the professor that Byleth replaced as the game never gave us any details, but hey… The more you know.

Apparently Amanda was the older sister of the current Viscount Burgundy of the Alliance whose territory sat as the eastern gateway to the Monastery next to House Gloucester in the Alliance as well.

Apparently Professor Burgundy was a "renowned knight" of their family. However as I would later figure out she had no such experience and while she was intricate in her explanations on theory she lacked in the "physical aspects" of battle more so.

Such was the training we were undertaking today. Heavy Armor training or an "Endurance Test" as the professor called it.

Now one would expect the sanest thing to do would be to use weights or such to simulate carrying the heavy armor that Armored Knights usually wear into combat… Nope!

For professor Burgundy; she actually had all of the students wear the plate armor that knights were meant to wear into battle.

Now as one would expect the ever training and battle-ready Blue Lions didn't have many complaints; except the few grumbles from Felix about how he saw it as a distraction from his sword training and bless their hearts Annette and Mercedes seemed to struggle staying up in the armor. Ashe given his own smaller stature to seemed to struggle quite a bit.

Sylvain could only complain about how sweaty it made him feel and how it chaffed. Ingrid herself with her own lack of pure muscle too seemed to struggle in staying upright, but from what seemed to be through sheer willpower alone she continued on.

As for Dedue he looked like a natural in the armor with no issues for him given his natural strength and physique. Prince Dimitri to surprisingly given his family's well known super strength was doing fairly well.

Me and the others also did our best to catch up and follow with the class, but when one has to do TWENTY laps around the training fields… the pain caught up quickly.

And now we had to wear these the whole time the drill was going on… yay.

Aah, now that I'm on topic I'm sure you're curious about my interactions with the other Blue Lions? Well since we have plenty of time I can shed light on my first interactions with them…

(2 days ago…)

We had only settled into life at the monastery for the first two days since the semester began. These first few days have just been simple review of what material and expectations are to be expected of us as students.

Professor Manuela had been out new homeroom teacher and was the one to explain to us all the basic ground rules of the Academy and said expectations we were to meet. She also told us that for now the Academy was in a sort of… "trial period" as near the end of the month the three houses would be given a permanent professor to their classrooms.

For now though they would rotate in between weeks. One would be with her; then Professor Hanneman and another by the name of Professor Amanda? Didn't know who that was but I threw it by the wayside…

After classes were over and lunch was called almost all of the students filed out; just as in my old life I saw some running to the dining hall. Good to know that said feeling of stuffing your face was a universal thing at schools.

Madeline was with Amelia and Mathilda as they told me they wanted her for a bit of "girl time" and with that I found myself alone as I made my way to the dining hall.

That was until I felt a hand grab my shoulder and a voice introducing itself; "Ah a moment Arthur."

And it was a voice I recognized; it was Prince Dimitri and surprisingly no Dedue with him. That meant it was only me and the heir apparent to the throne of Faerghus. Oh joy…

"A-ah your highness; to what do I owe the pleasure?" I replied in some shock that Dimitri would approach me so openly.

"Haha, please Arthur there is no need for such formalities. At the academy here we are all equals and I wish to know all about my classmates this year." Dimitri replied.

"But of course your… no Dimitri; but I assume you were also heading for the dining hall? Let us share a meal together shall we?" I propose.

"Ah, but of course I am feeling rather empty myself. I wonder what today's special will be?" Dimitri pondered as the both of us made our way to the mess hall.

Today's special in fact happened to be one of the prince's and my own favorite dishes Sauteed Jerky and just as I remember the meal I enjoyed with my own favorite tea.

As the prince and I snacked on our jerky strips and munched on our sides we picked up our conversation from before.

"So then Arthur, how has life been treating you and the others?" The prince asked.

"As fair as it can be Dimitri; for as fair as Faerghus can be now a days." I answered honestly but I think the prince could notice the mild sorrow in my voice.

"I know the last few years have not been… fair to you and the others from western Faerghus. My apologies… if I could…" I however stopped the Prince by putting my hand up.

"No, Prince Dimitri there is no need for such words. We all have had to endure such hardships; just as you and your friends have. We are just as resilient I assure you." I tried to assuage the future king's anxiety, but I could tell from his frown I'd failed.

"But even so… my failure on that day… if I only I was…"

"Please your majesty… there is no need for this. I and the others have longed since understood our positions as the children of western Faerghus lords. We know in our hearts that Duscur is innocent, and we hold no blame for you or anyone for that matter for the aftermath. Even if you do not deign to listen to me now. Please understand… we are here for you just as much as we are for Faerghus." I reiterated my pledge to him.

After the Tragedy of Duscur and the coverup that was foisted on the people of Duscur it was the one thing that shielded the lords of the west from blame for their crimes. But I, Bernard, Reynold, and the others grew to despise the wickedness of our parents.

Save for my own father who dared to keep the King's last wish and maintain peace with Duscur even going so far as to proclaim their innocence himself as well, but as I had said before where as they would normally cow to my father's word given his influence; none listened.

All that filled the hearts and minds of the soldiers and people of Faerghus was vengeance and anger.

Sometimes… it scared me what Dedue thinks of us children of the West. Especially Mathilda; she hated her father with a passion but would that be obvious to him; for as much as he threw his own anger to the side I know he is still capable of it.

"I am sorry; I did not mean to ruin our time to relax with such despondent talk." Dimitri apologized.

"Not at all Dimitri… we all have our issues. But we can only get through them… together." I said with a smile to the next king of Faerghus.

"Now then I think we should finish quickly. Instructor Jeritza is in charge of training class today… I do not wish to get on his bad side." I warned.

"Ahaha, quite even my own skill with a lance pales in comparison to the skills of the Instructor Jeritza. But yes we should be off; thank you again Arthur for listening to me. I hope we may speak again soon." And with that me and the prince departed for the training grounds.

(Late Afternoon – Kitchen Duty)

After both classes and training ended we were given group tasks to finish before heading for bed later that night. I had been assigned cooking duty, but I had no clue who my partner was to be.

With that task in hand however I headed for the kitchen posthaste. Meeting up with the head cook; she had told me that my partner was already in the back assisting and for to join.

As I rounded the corner into the kitchen I was greeted by the sight of gray-ish hair as I could then tell it was Ashe Ubert, Lonato's adopted son.

"Oh, hello there you be Arthur Dominic correct? Annette's cousin?" Ashe asked as he greeted me with a flour covered apron tied to him.

"Ah, yes. And you're Ashe correct? The son of Lord Lonato, right?" I asked already knowing the answer.

"Actually I'm his adopted son. My siblings live in the town that he oversees from his castle in Gaspard territory. He was the one who helped sponsor me to the Academy in the first place - "

"Less talking more rolling out that dough! You're not paid to laze about and flap your cheeks!" The head cook screamed from beyond the door.

"Oh my, we should get this done quickly, but efficiently." Ashe insisted.

"Yes, we should I do not want to get on the nerve of the staff here." With that we both took to our tasks.

Ashe was busy rolling out bread dough; while I was busy dealing with what remained of the dish's from today's lunch period.

As for entails Kitchen duty? Mostly cleaning of the kitchen, mess hall and preparing the basics. Such as baking bread, chopping vegetables, etc.

However we had made it a small habit as we worked now to talk as we did our task. The space in the kitchen was small enough we could hear each other.

"But to answer your question before; I am Lonato's adopted son. I've heard of you from Annette personally, but I do have to say it's wonderful to meet the person she's looked up to for so long." Ashe said.

"Oh no, not at all. If anything it's Annette who've I've been looking up too. That constant never-give-up/never back down attitude is quite infectious. I only wish it part of it extended to my own brother…" Memories of Simon entered my mind.

"Oh, you have a brother?" The resident Faerghus archer asked.

"Yes, his name is Simon, but currently… I don't know where he is. Or if he's even alive at all." I said.

"What do you mean?" Ashe said a look of genuine curiosity on his face.

"Hah, my brother is… how shall I say… he is very fast and fluid with the world around him. He was an excellent student he during his time. But as it came to be he preferred living in his own way rather being a knight or a noble heir." I began to explain.

"Slowly but surely he and my father would constantly argue over such things; and just as before Simon began shirking his duties. More busy playing and making songs as a minstrel and even more so his libertine ways were what finally caught up with him." I explained the troubles Simon would bring with him.

"Unfortunately one day; he was caught in-flagrante with the daughter of a well-known merchant family in Dominic territory. When the daughter's family came to complain it was already found out that Simon had long since left that night… and I haven't seen him since. Stories here and there about how he is, but even so… nothing." I said with a sigh.

"Do you hate him?" Ashe asked.

"That's… complicated to say the least Ashe. I mean in some ways I did look up to him as a big brother; he was an excellent archer, he taught me music himself… But after he just seemingly abandoned us… how could I just forget that?"

"Well if you ask me… maybe just maybe… one day you two can perhaps make it up?" Ashe said. I looked to the optimistic archer to see he had a smile on his face.

Hah… I should've known… if it's neither Annette or Mercedes being infectious with their personalities it's Ashe and his damn optimism.

"Hah… maybe… maybe." I say again with a sigh.

For the rest of the afternoon and into the early night me and Ashe eventually finish our kitchen duty. We left for the day as we both headed for our rooms respectively.

12th Day of Great Tree Moon

The next day was rather dull. But of course it was our first officially off say so of course I couldn't be too upset.

Of course on days off the students were free to do as they please unless it meant leaving the monastery then that was forbidden lest it be some kind of emergency or on mission with their class.

But as it was only the first month of the new year that wasn't going to be a thing until the mock battle had occurred.

But now that has me thinking… just what class will Byleth pick? Were only a week away from the big day itself; I can't help myself but double over myself in both anticipation and a sort of fear that washes over me…

Byleth is the one who's the giant cog in all of this. They'll be the ones to start the tory proper; I mean all of this story does certain on them and the house they pick.

I mean… what if they don't pick the Blue Lions? Is that some kind of automatic loss for us? No… I can only do what I can and unfortunately that only can happen once Byleth gets here…

So all I can do is buckle up and just be ready when that coaster of emotion comes rushing in.

"In a way that's when things get really interesting…" I said to myself out loud.

Knowing that I stand to gain nothing by resting all day long; I decide to head out for the training yard to get in some early practice.

Unfortunately for me it seems most people are doing more non-rigorous activities this morning as the training grounds are nearly empty save of course the training yard keeper.

Deciding to have some quiet time to myself; I ask again for a wooden training spear and start to go to work on the training dummy here and the yard.

Nothing fancy or special; just practicing some of the basics. A few jabs here; and even adding a few slashes here and there.

I know for some due to a lance's weight and length they find it an unruly weapon, but I don't think so especially whenever I've been on horseback. Then truly as though a lance is perhaps the best tool for a cavalier or paladin.

I guess I can see why so many combat classes throughout the FE series at least able to use spears. However though in my merriment I fail to realize that I began speeding up my strikes and increasing the power behind them.

"Haah!" *Splinter!*

The training spear then shattered and splintered; a sharp pain come from my hand as I looked down in the moment to find that a few splinters had made their way into my hand.

"Ouch… should've been paying attention…" I grumble to myself.

"Oh my, are you hurt? Let me see please." That same soft voice that I'd never forget; I looked up to see that it was Mercedes herself.

"Oh n-no, it's quite fine I just take them out myse - " She then took my hand into hers and I saw a green glow encompass my own. The pain from before gone or at least I didn't notice it.

"There that should numb the pain for now. Now then let's get rid of all these nasty splinters shall we?" Mercedes then took put a pair of tweezers she seemed to keep in her pockets and began one by one taking out the splinters in my hand.

Eventually taking out all of them she put them away and smiled at me. "There. Now be careful when practicing from now on."

"Oh um… thank you Mercedes." I then realized my mistake as she looked at me with a funny face.

"I never told you my name. Oh, but where are my manners; my name is Mercedes von Martritz. I'm one of the Blue Lions. Hmm… you look very familiar." I could Mercedes' curiosity as she pondered my identity.

I would've expected my family's bright orange hair to be a giveaway but I guess with Sylvain in the ix you'd never know right?

"Where are my own manner. I'm Arthur Edmure Dominic; I think you may know my cousin Annette by chance?" I answered for her.

"Oh that's right! Annie did tell me about her cousin coming to join us. It's so great to meet you!" Her trademark caring smile graced her visage once more.

"Well after that I'd prefer just relaxing for a while. Would you perhaps care to join me for some desert in the dining hall?" I proposed.

"Oh but of course. I can make us some tea while we wait." Mercedes offered.

Both of us left the training grounds and headed for the mess hall. There we ordered some Faerghus sweet buns for ourselves while she brought over a tray of tea.

"It's been quite a while since I've enjoyed a spot of tea that didn't involve just eating." I sniff the air and realize the flavor of tea. "Oh my… is that Albinean Berry?"

Mercedes looks to me and smiles, "Yes, it's one of my favorites beside Southern Fruit and Crescent-Moon tea."

"Well then shall we?" As I pointed to the batch of sweet buns before us.

"Yes lets." And with that me and Mercedes shared small talk here and there as we enjoyed our tea and treats.

I know this isn't close to a more private tea party, but it did feel rather refreshing all the same either way.

"So how did Annette take the news that I would be coming here by chance?" I asked Mercedes.

"Oh she was over the moon literally. She wouldn't stop talking about the person who she always looked up to back at home." Mercedes explained.

"Haha, no no; Annette's always been a get-up and go type of person from the very beginning. I mean I still remember at one point when we were kids about how at first she wanted to be a great warrior and then she started climbing the trees in our gardens." I explained an old memory of mine.

"Ufufu… yes that does sound like Annie. She always wanted to try new things at the school of sorcery back at the capital. Always wanting to try new spells and make ones of her own. Me, her and another friend of ours by the name of Constance were always together." Mercedes thinks bac fondly on her own memories.

"Yep, that sounds like Annie. But what can you tell me about yourself Mercedes?" I ask her.

"O-oh me? Well I don't think I'm very interesting. I mean I do love to practice my magic, but above all I enjoy baking, embroidery, and caring for people. I tend to be a bit of a scatterbrain, why just the other day I wandered onto her into the mess hall wearing only my… Well that's to say I easily forget things." Mercedes flushed face made me smile and chuckle seeing such innocence.

"I'm no different sometimes; I remember…" And so for a while me and Mercedes shared story after story about our families and past.

We talked for so long the sun was starting to set from what I could see of the orange sky outside the windows.

"Oh my, we've been here for quite a while. We should go I think. I don't think the staff would like us loitering in here all day." I said.

"Oh yes, thank you again Arthur. I'll tell Annie I saw you and hopefully you two can formally see each other again." Mercedes offered.

I smiled and replied, "Yes, I would like that very much."

With that both of us went our separate ways. However as I was walking out of the mess hall I bumped into someone again like during my second day here.

"Oh my goodness I am sorry." "No, no I should've been paying attention."

Wait that voice, I looked up from my spot to see that it was none other that it was Ingrid Galatea who I had bumped into.

"Apologies again… I-I'm so sorry." I replied as I offered my hand to her. She took it as I helped pull her up.

"Again it is quite fine. I was putting myself in quite a hurry trying to get here. I heard the special for today was one of my favorites; Gronder Meat Skewers. Oh, it just sounds so succulent just saying it." Ingrid said.

Looking at the young female Pegasus knight to be I couldn't help but admire her. She was perhaps one of my favorite characters in Three Houses and Three Hopes. Despite her own disinterest in beauty items her own natural beauty was amazing all the same.

Accentuated by her slim figure; her blonde hair and green eyes only brought such beauty even more so.

"Oh but where are my manners. I am Ingrid Brandl Galatea. I believe you're Arthur Dominic correct? Annette's cousin?" Ingrid said bringing me out of my stupor.

"Y-yes… I apologize I never got the chance to properly introduce myself in class before. If you don't mind may I join you for dinner?" I ask despite the fact I call feel my flush overtaking me.

"Oh, but of course. Food always tastes better with company or at least I see it." Ingrid replied.

"Then shall we?" I allowed Ingrid to enter as I followed behind her. We both received our portions of skewers and sides as we both went to find a seat for ourselves.

Enjoying our meal initially in silence I looked to see her enjoying the food quite fondly. The games don't do justice just what kind of appetite she has. Just as I had finished my own plate; I had seen she had left and came back with another.

"I-Ingrid… are you sure that's not too much?" I say with a slight bit of concern.

"Oh no, not at all. It's just that I just got done training and was in the mood for something filling and these skewers were always my favorite as a child. My father always had the best spreads for me and my siblings." Ingrid explained.

"Well that's not out of line with what she said to Byleth in their supports I suppose." I thought to myself.

"That reminds me Arthur; your family trades with Albinea correct?" She asked.

"Oh yes, it's where we get much of our own herring, besides our fishermen of course. Dominic herring is one of the most popular in Fodlan. Grilled Herring, Herring and Cabbage Stew…" I could see a slight frown on her face when I mentioned that dish.

"And perhaps one of my most favorite; Fruit and Herring tarts. Me and Annette would always enjoy those after dinner. My father was a generous man, but he was frugal in his life. As a baron he's always had to balance the life's of his people with his own." I reply.

"I see. I've heard nothing but good things about the Baron; my own father has nothing but praise for him. A man who's an exemplary warrior and administrator all at the same time. I wish to be a knight, but I suppose given our situations we'll be inheriting our family's titles." Ingrid said while she looked neutral I could hear the melancholy in her voice.

"My father… is a great man to me. I've modeled myself after him in many ways. I feel as though he always puts too much on his own shoulders. It certainly doesn't help that our own territory is much smaller than our neighbors. We've always had to tread carefully. Our status as a western lord… has never been a good one." I explained.

"Oh yes, I remember now. As the sole family with a well-known crest many of the family's in western Faerghus see you as a threat. It's quite like my own situation. As the only crest bearing child in my family I'm seen as our family's last hope." Ingrid said.

"It is… a heavy burden indeed. But my apologies I didn't mean to bring up such a dour topic. Shall we enjoy the rest of our meal?" I said trying to fix the mood.

"Hah, of course. Thank you Arthur…" And with that we both finished what we had and afterward me and Ingrid found ourselves in the small gardens behind the mess hall.

I had never expected to find myself becoming such fast friends with the Blue Lions; and now Ingrid and I were swapping stories about some of our favorite tales from the Faerghus rebellion.

"I've always been amazed at how King Loog was able to gather so many of the descendants of the Ten Elites to his side. How charismatic he must been and how his prowess on the field was said to even make those of his enemies join him after watching him." Ingrid recounted.

"Yes, many in eastern and northern Faerghus joined the king early in his rebellion. Much of what was western Faerghus only some had joined in such as houses Gideon and Mateus. But my own remained neutral in the conflict despite the large influence we wielded." I said describing the situation at the time from my own studies.

"Oh yes, I remember the famous charge that changed the tide at the Tailtean Plains. It was said that even as the heat battle occurred. Neither side was willing to give an inch, but then both sides looked when they saw banners of House Dominic coming to the battlefield. And then to the Empire's shock the Dominic riders and soldiers charged the Imperial Army from behind and pincered both sides." Ingrid explained with an excited smile on her face.

"Yes, many in the Empire called us 'two-faced,' but my ancestors saw the writing on the wall and followed what they believed to be right. I too hope to one day be a model warrior for Faerghus and if need be… I will do all I can to protect my home." I said with a bit of resolve to my voice.

"Then seems we share the same dream in a way. Just two different methods I suppose. I have always dreamed of being a royal knight in service to the royal family, but I suppose there are many ways to achieve such a dream. I've enjoyed this time we've spent Arthur. I hope to see you in classes next week. If you wish we could train together next time?" She proposed.

"But of course, Ingrid. I'd be honored ." I replied with a slight bow.

"Good night Arthur."

"To you as well Ingrid."

We both went our separate ways. Then just as I had returned to my dorm…

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh… I talked to Ingrid… I talked to her without looking like a wreck. Oh, it's like a dream come true."

I felt so giddy in the moment returning to my room I couldn't help but laugh to myself as I recounted the moments just before.

"Hmm, maybe I shouldn't worry so much… for now at least. These aren't just my classmates they're my friends, allies and family. This isn't just a game anymore… this is reality now."

I headed off to bed that night with those thoughts in my head.

AN #1: Welcome everyone to the third chapter of Fire Emblem: Three Houses story, "Fire Emblem: Three Houses – Roar of the Lions". Our protagonist meets half of the Blue Lions crew and with only days away from that fateful encounter he starts to steel himself

Arthur knows this isn't just some 3-D models anymore… this is his new reality, and he has come to accept that.

Next Arthur meets the last of the Blue Lions in the next chapter, "Moments Like This ."

AN#2: As always it's you guys that keep me going and I hope you hear from you with any constructive criticism. So remember to favorite, follow, and most importantly review so I can hear from you guys.

Author of Mystery, out!