Chapter 2: Decisions

Everyone was getting ready for the journey back to Garreg Mach. Dimitri packed his things and the only thing that was on his mind was her, Byra. He did not understand why. He did not forgive anyone that killed people without any emotions. It felt inhumane. But there was something about her that interests him. "Hello." A voice said. He turned and found Byra. Speak of the devil. He did not utter a word. He just stared at her in silence. She let out a sigh and walked closer to him. She grabbed his arm and he hissed. "You got hurt during the battle. You should not hide your wounds. It will get infected.¨

¨Forgive me but I did not notice.¨ Dimitri said, staring into her eyes. She pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the blood off his arm. ¨That won't be necessary. I can do it myself.¨

¨It's fine." She said, placing her palm on his wound. His arm started to glow and swiftly the pain and wound disappeared. ¨There, no wound.¨

¨Thank you.¨ Dimitri said, blushing.

¨Byra, we are heading out.¨ Jeralt said. ¨Did you finish packing?¨

¨Yes, father. I just noticed that one of the students was injured.¨ Byra said.

¨I see… You are always sharp in those types of things." Jeralt said. ¨Can you please contact your brother for me. I cannot find him anywhere.¨

¨Okay.¨ She said. Bro, Father is looking for you. Did you finish packing?

Yeah, I am actually on my way to you guys.

Alright then. She thought. She turned to her father. ¨He will be here in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.¨

¨Father, you need me with something.¨ Byleth said.

¨Yes, I was wondering if you gathered anything when you were scooting?¨ Jeralt asked. They were deep in conversation while Dimitri was in complete shock.

¨How did you know that he was coming?¨ Dimitri asked.

¨We twins have a special connection." She answered. ¨We can communicate with our minds and even sense each other presences.¨

¨That is amazing." Dimitri said. So not only they are skilled with weapons. They also have magical abilities.

¨Well, we are about to leave. I hope you are ready, milord." Byra said.

¨Please, call me Dimitri." He said.

¨Dimitri.¨ She said.

¨Hey, are you two ready?¨ Claude said, walking beside Eldegard.

¨Of course…" Dimitri said. Byra walked away from them and to her family. Why did she just leave like that? Then Claude wrapped his arms on his shoulders.

¨So Princey, I did not know that you were trying to make a move on Byra. I thought you were trying to get the Princess." Claude teased.

¨Enough with your foolishness Claude.¨ Dimitri said. ¨I was not doing anything of the sort."

¨You two are talking as if I am not here. We are falling behind. Letś gets a move on." Edelgard said.

As they journeyed to Garegg Mach, it was a very talkative walk for Jeralt and Alois. However, the twins and the nobles were silent. They haven't spoken a single word to each other. Oh, so they thought.

Brother, do you think it was wise for us to take a detour?

I do not know but father said that there is no way around it.

I believe Father used to be here. He knows that knight guy.

True, there are a lot of things that we do not know about father.

Maybe, we can learn something about Mother.

¨This will be your first time in the monastery." Dimitri said, smiling. "I'd be happy to show you around."

"It is really Fodlan in a nutshell," Claude said. "The good and the bad."

"Like it or not, we will be there soon," Eldegard said. Then, there was a castle up on a hilltop. "There is it. Garreg Mach Monastery." They entered the monastery and the students were looking at them.

So this is the academy? It looks okay.

I am looking for an exit route just in case this is a trap. I do not trust this place brother.

Same here. I have your back.

And I have yours.

Jeralt walked beside them as they made it to a balcony. "Rhea is here." He said, looking upward. The twins looked up and found a beautiful woman with long light green hair. My greatest fear is now a reality.

Rhea stared at them for a brief moment. I wonder. She thought. Did the flow of time bring you here?

They entered the 2nd floor of the monastery. Jeralt felt very uneasy about the situation. "It's been years since I've last set eyes on this place." He said. "To be forced to see her now."

"You've been here before?" Byra asked.

"Who is that lady?" Byleth added.

"I have never spoken of this to you both before, but many years ago, I was a knight here," Jeralt said. "I reported to the archbishop, Lady Rhea."

"Lady Rhea?" They both said.

"As you both know, the majority of folks in Fodlan are devout followers of the teachings of Serios," Jeralt explained. "The leader of that ridiculously large religion is the archbishop, Lady Rhea."

"Father, why do they want us here?" Byra asked.

"I do not know. Keep your guard up." Jeralt said. Then Lady Rhea along with a man. He also had green hair.

"Thank you for your patience, Jeralt. My name is Seteth. I am an advisor to the archbishop." The man said.

"Right, hello," Jeralt said.

"It has been a long time, Jeralt." Lady Rhea said. I wonder, was it the will of the goddess that we have another chance to meet like this?"

"Forgive me for my silence all these years. Much has happened since we last spoke." Jeralt said, bowing in front of her.

"So I see, the miracle of fatherhood has blessed you. These are your children, are they not?" Lady Rhea asked, staring at the twins.

"Yes, born many years after I left this place. I wish I could introduce you to the mother of my children, but I'm afraid we lost her to illness."

"I see, my condolences. As for you, I heard your valiant efforts from Alois. What are your names?" Lady Rhea asked.

I don't know about you, brother, but I do not like her.

I feel the same. She keeps staring at us.

They kept silent and it angered the advisor. "You must at least show some basic courtesy of telling us your names. Do you think you two are being a bit rude to the archbishop?"

I do not like that guy either, sis. It reminds me of that babysitter that we had when we were kids. So strict.

Is that the one we scared her off with a bear?

That is the one.

"It is all right, Seteth. My dears, I am called Rhea. I am the archbishop of the Church of Serios." Lady Rhea said. "In truth, I am only being polite. I already knew your names. And fine names are they."

Alois….

"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for saving those students of the Officers Academy," Rhea said. Jeralt let out a sigh. "Jeralt, I believe you know what I wish to say, do you not?"

"You want me to join the Knights of Serios, don't you. I won't say no but…"

"Your apprehension stings. I had expected Alois would have already asked this of you." Lady Rhea said. "I must step away for now, but I expect they desire a word with you soon. Please listen carefully to what they have to say. Until tomorrow, farewell." Lady Rhea and Seteth left the room, leaving them alone.

"I can't believe it. Forced back into the Knights of Serios." Jeralt said, letting out another sigh. "I'm sorry that I dragged you two into this. Looks like I'll be stuck here for a while and I am afraid both of your services are requested as well."

We must work here, against our will. How stupid is that?

Brother, it is indeed idiotic but we can't just leave father.

You are right. We should just go with the flow for now.

"Are we going to work as a servant here?" Byra asked.

"Or as a mercenary?" Byleth added.

"None, they want you both to teach, by the sound of it," Jeralt said. "You heard those brats earlier talking about the Officers Academy, right?" They nodded. "Well, the academy is short on staff and Alois recommended you two to Lady Rhea."

Remind me to kill Alois, brother.

I was going to ask you the same thing.

Then a man and woman walked in front of them. "So must be the new professor. I thought there were two" The woman said. She had short brown hair and makeup on. She was in a dress that was quite revealing. She turned to Jeralt and smiled. "My, how stern and handsome you are!"

"Er, no. I'm not the one you're looking for." Jeralt said, turning to the twin. "You two can handle things from here. Good luck." He turned and hugged them both. "And watch out for Lady Rhea. I don't know what she is thinking, making you both professors like that. She may be up to something. Keep your guard up." They both nodded as he let go off them and left the scene. I have a very bad feeling about this.

"So you two are the new professors, so young." The woman said.

"Competence and age are not necessarily correlated, as you well know." The man finally said. He was tall and looked older with his glasses and gray hair and beard. "I am Hanneman, a Crest scholar, and professor of the Officer Academy. I wonder if you both bear a Crest of your own. When next time you have a moment to spare, please pay a visit."

"I'm Manuela. I am a professor, physician, songstress, and available." The woman said, giving Byleth a wink. "It is nice to meet you both."

"You're a physician?" Byleth said.

"I look too pretty for this line of work. But, yes when I am not teaching, you can find me in the infirmary." Manuela said. "But if you are lonely, pay a visit."

"Anyway, you two will be taking over two of the three houses here in the academy," Hanneman said. "The Blue Lions, The Golden Deers, and the Black Eagles."

"I think it will be best for you two to learn more about these houses before deciding which you want to teach," Manuela said. "So explore the monastery while you two still can."

I guess there is no way around this. Are we capable of teaching, sis?

I do not know my brother. Let's explore this school before that woman flirts with you some more.

"Thank you for the advice," Byleth said, bowing in front of them. Byra bowed as well. "We are going to learn more about the other houses." They left and adventured out to the campus. Everyone stared at them as they walked past them.

Why are they looking at us like that?

Brother, we are new here so they can't help but stare.

I thought it was because we are weird.

We are weird.

They talked to everyone on campus, especially the leaders of each house. They made their way to the dining hall and ordered something to eat. "Byra, what do you think about the three houses?" Her brother asked.

"The Black Eagles are a living bunch that seems to have a non-cooperative vibe. I feel that I have to work twice as hard to keep them in check and teach them."

"I thought so too. I do not want to overwork myself." Byleth said.

"What is your analysis on the Golden Deers?" Byra asked.

"They are more laid back than the other houses. I see potential in this house but they need a strong leader to lead them. The leader Claude has that but I feel that he doubts himself being the leader."

"Still sounds like a lot of work," Byra added. Then a student with dark violet hair that is pinned into a bun.

"Hey you, I heard you saved the Boar from a group of bandits." The student said. "I wish to challenge you in a match. I heard a lot of interesting things about you. They call you two the Ashen Demon Twins and I want to know why. I only want to fight one of you." Byleth turned to him. "So, do you accept?"

I am bored at the moment.

Go ahead but try not to kill him, brother.

I am not going to keep any promises.

Byleth nodded and the student let out a smirk. "My name is Felix Hugo Fraldarius. I am going to enjoy this." Byleth rose from his seat and followed him out of the dining hall.

Sis, I will be close. Call out to me when you are in trouble,

I will be fine. Just go…

Byra was eating her meal alone. She turned to the other girls sitting on the same table as her. They averted their eyes away and whispered to each other. There is something that doesn't change.

"That is one of the Ashen Demon Twins. I heard that they love killing and do not feel anything." One girl whispered.

"What monsters!" Another girl replied. "I heard that she cut Prince Dimitri's arm."

"She is such a weirdo. She is also very ugly. I feel sorry for the man that marries her, he will die after their wedding." The other girl said... They all giggled.

It is so funny how rumors are created. They are created by idiots.

"May I dine with you?" A voice said, she looked up and found Dimitri. He was carrying a tray. "I hope I am not intruding."

"Of course, you can join me." She said."I cannot deny royalty." He sat on the opposite end and smiled.

"How do you like your time in the monastery?" Dimitri asked. "I hope people are treating you and your brother well."

"Hmm…" She mumbled. She turned to the girl again and found them smiling towards the prince. They were engulfed with love by his presence. Princey is popular. Well, it makes sense. He is royalty. "It is okay."

"Just okay? We have to fix that. I am happy to show you more if you like." He said. She then grabbed his hand.

"It's fine. I am just not used to being around a lot of people." She said. She noticed that the girls were furious and mad at her because she touched their beloved prince. They are idiots. "Your Highness, you do not need to do anything for me." She let go of his hand.

"I told you to call me Dimitri." He said. It is rare to get her without her brother. I think I can use this time to ask her questions about herself. "So Byleth mentioned that you were hired at the Kingdom. What for?"

"The usual, clean up bandits' attacks and all." She explained.

"How long have you and your brother been mercenaries?" He asked.

"For a long time, I guess. We were both taught how to wield a sword at a young age."

"Who taught you how to use magic?" Dimitri said. "It is understandable where you learn how to wield a blade but who taught you magic?"

"I was self-taught. I read every book I can find about white, black, and dark magic." She explained. "I usually buy books when we visit a village or come across a traveling merchant."

"That is amazing. To learn such a difficult skill with only one resource is incredible." Dimitri said. Then Seteth walked in front of them. "Seteth, is there something wrong?"

"Nothing at all, your highness. I am just here for Byra." Seteth said, turning to her. "Lady Rhea wishes to see you and your brother at once." He then looked around the dining room. "Where is your brother?"

"He is socializing with a student." She replied. Brother, Strict… I mean Seteth is here to get us.

I guess I have to finish this quickly.

"He is? Do you know this student's name?" Dimitri asked.

"Felix…" She replied. Dimitri quickly stood up from his seat.

"Forgive me for my rudeness, but I have to look for him," Dimitri said.

"There is no need." She said. Byleth and Felix entered the dining hall. Felix had an annoyed look on his face. I take it you won.

I did but it was not easy. He is very strong. Byleth thought, making his way to his sister.

"There you are Byleth. Lady Rhea wants you both." Seteth said.

"We will be there," Byleth said. He then noticed Dimitri with his sister. So I take it that you weren't alone.

I was not. He kept me company. I feel very comfortable with him.

That is a first. You hardly feel uncomfortable with anyone besides me and father.

I know that is why I am baffled.

"Felix, you shouldn't challenge random people to a battle," Dimitri said.

"Shut it, I will do as I please." Felix snapped. He then turned to Byleth. "I will win next time. You'll see."

"Forgive us but we must be leaving," Byra said.

"Right, will I see you again," Dimitri asked, looking away. He was hiding his blush once again.

"Maybe…" She said. "Goodbye, Dimitri." She walked beside her brother out of the dining hall.

"Why are you smiling, boar?" Felix said, crossing his arms. "They are not going to be here very long. They are mercenaries."

"Maybe…" Dimitri said, "Maybe, I will see them again."

When they got to the second floor, Lady Rhea, Manuela, and Hanneman were waiting for them. "How are you two enjoying your time at the academy thus far? I hope you have found our hall brimming with vitality of well-intentioned souls." Lady Rhea said.

"Hm. I supposed it is time for you two to take charge of two of our three houses of students." Seteth said. "I must note that I am personally against entrusting someone as lacking in trackable history as yourself with such a task, but it is as the archbishop desires."

"The Black Eagles, the Blue Lions, and the Golden Deers. All so different. I hope you've made it a point to get to know each of them." Manuela said.

"Since you two are new here, we have decided to allow you first pick. Manuela and I will take charge of the remaining two houses." Hanneman said.

"I will choose the Blue Lions," Byleth said. It seems like a good choice plus witnessing two of the Blue lions in battle, they are strong but still have a lot to learn.

I agree brother.

"So, you have chosen the Blue Lions, led by Dimitri. Correct?" Lady Rhea asked. He nodded with a confirmation. "Your heart has made its choice, then. All I ask is that you guide these open minds with virtue, care, and sincerity."

"They are all promising youths who bear the weight of Foldlan's future upon their shoulders. I hope you appreciate what an honor it is to lead them." Seteth said.

"So, Byra, what house would you choose?" Lady Rhea asked.

"Lady Rhea, I have a request," Byra said.

Meanwhile, in the Blue Lions quarters. The blue lions were anxiously waiting for their new professor. "Oh Mercedes, I am so excited. We finally have a professor." A girl said. She had orange hair and was in two loops. "I am nervous and excited."

"Same here, Annette. I am very happy that we have a professor. I hope he or she loves my cookies." A girl said. She had long light brown hair.

"I hope the professor is a worthy opponent like the Ashen Demon Twins," Felix said. "I fought them and he was fast and strong."

"It is so like you to fight with strangers." A girl said. She had long blonde hair. "Can you go one day without fighting?"

"If Sylvain can stop picking up on chicks, then I will stop," Felix said.

"You know that will never happen." A boy said. He had spiky red hair.

"Exactly." Felix.

"I wonder what kind of person our professor is." a boy said. He had wavy silver hair. "What do you think Dedue?"

"I believe the professor is knowledgeable and capable of teaching us." Another boy said. He was tall and dark-skinned. He also had silver hair. "Ashe, what do you think?"

"I agree," Ashe said, turning to Dimitri. "Your Highness, what do you think?"

"Ashe, I told you thousand times just to call me Dimitri," Dimitri said. I wonder if I am going to see them again. The door to the quarter opened and they were all shocked to see who their new professor was. Byleth walked in front of the crowd of students. Byleth!

"Hello, my name is Byleth Eisner," Byleth said. "We all met before."

"Wait! Does this mean our new professor is… No, I really can't believe it! But I was speaking to you so casually, as though we were companions." Annette said. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Professor! You just look at the same age as the rest of us, and...Oh, and I'm sorry I just said that too! I really must watch my tongue."

"I don't mind if you treat me as a friend," Byleth said.

"You say that, but I just don't know about all of this!" Annette said, looking worried.

"I'll admit, it doesn't sit well with me either. After all, we wish to show you due respect." Dimitri said. So he is our professor.

"Sure, but if the professor says it's okay, shouldn't that be enough? That is if your Highness can consent to such a thing." Sylvain said. "After all, we're already speaking this way to our future king, so we may as well relax our speech with our professor too, right?"

"Well, we're not in the Kingdom, so it only goes to follow that we should all speak companionably. I concede, if the professor says it's fine, we ought to accept that kindness gratefully." Dimitri said.

"As for me, I'm not sure I can manage…" Ingrid said.

"You don't have to force yourself if it's too difficult. You're fine with that too, right, Professor?" Mercedes said. Byleth nodded.

"I don't want to sound rude but I wish our professor was a woman. I can already imagine it, sipping tea together." Sylvain said.

"Control yourself, Sylvan. I have more important matters to discuss with our new professor." Felix said. "Come to the training ground later. I want a rematch."

"You aren't wasting any time, are you, Felix? As it were, count me in for any such battle." Dimitri said. Felix turned his gaze and looked away.

"Pardon me, but I would also love to observe you in battle, for future references. If that's okay with you." Ashe said.

"Ashe, I won't have you speak of merely watching. You should join us as well." Dimitri said.

"If you get injured, simply say the word and I'll patch you up straight away!" Mercedes said happily, smiling sweetly at them.

"Your Highness. Do take care not to go overboard." Dedue said.

"You worry too much, Dedue. I'll be fine, I promise." Dimitri said.

"My companions! Is there not something inherently wrong with crossing blades as a way to bond with each other?" Sylvain said.

"Huh, I never thought of it that way. Well, if that's how you feel, I suppose you'll just stay behind while the rest of us are at the training grounds." Ingrid said.

"Ingrid, my dearest friend! You are too harsh on me." Sylvain said.

"Well then, Professor, what do you think? As you can see, the Blue Lion House is a lively bunch, but you'll find none who work harder. I'm certain we'll cause our fair share of trouble, but I'm very much looking forward to the year ahead."

"So am I." A voice said. The gaze turned to the direction of the door and they found Byra in the Academy uniform.

"I forgot to mention to you all that not only you have a new professor but you also have a new student," Byleth said. Byra walked beside him and stared at the group. "I would like to introduce to you our new student, Byra Eisner."

"Hello, it is nice to meet you all," Byra said, bowing in front of them.

"Wait! You two have the same last name." Annette said.

"So that means…" Ingrid said.

"You all can't tell, we are twins," Byleth explained.

"TWINS!" They screamed.

This is going to be one interesting year, don't you think brother?

Yup, let's make the best of it.