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FireEmblemMaster101 – Well this will be the chapter that will show it all I just hope you're both okay and excited to see what's to come from it…
Fire Emblem: Three Houses of Hope
Roar of the Lion
Chapter 4 – That Fateful Day
20th Day of Great Tree Moon
This was it.
Today was the day.
The day that both Byleth and Jeralt Eisner would be found in that little town of Remire and brought to the Monastery setting off a series of events long in the making.
This day was the start of both something new and an end to the peace Fódlan had maintained for some time.
But I have no control over that…
I can only do what I can, and right now that is sit back and watch.
But little did I know that this day would give me one of the biggest shocks of my life and would send an even bigger shock larger than that.
(Mess Hall)
As the morning came and in quite a show of camaraderie all of the Blue Lions were at the same mess hall table having breakfast together and were discussing the main topic of today's classes or well… more so an event.
"An outdoor exercise?" Dedue inquired.
"Yes, apparently it's an annual event the Academy has been doing since it's inception. This event is supposed to build camaraderie among the three houses. It's apparently a survival event where the three houses are supposed to be left in the woods for a week's time and the knights are to supervise the area, but not interfere unless a dangerous situation occurs." Dimitri explained.
"Geez, this sounds exactly like one of those survival shows you'd see like Naked and Afraid or Bear Grylls. I didn't think the idea was as medieval as well… Oh what am I thinking of course they would." I thought to himself as listened to Dimitri and the others.
"To have such an important exercise and so early as well… who is leading this outdoor expedition?" Annette asked.
"Apparently Professor Burgundy is to be made in charge of this excursion."
"Uggggh." A collective set of groans sans myself, Madeline, Dedue, Felix and Dimitri are heard throughout the table.
"Now, now everyone I understand you all have your complaints and issues with Professor Burgundy's… 'methods' but even so this event should be seen as a great chance once again for us to hone our abilities and help with our synergy." Dimitri tried to assuage their concerns.
"But even so Professor Burgundy is just… unbearable Your Highness. Her 'methods' as you say are more boorish; we've spent more time in the classroom than in the training yard and she's supposed to be our COMBAT instructor and yet we've barely seen her pick up an axe." Sylvain explained his grievances.
"Not only that she looks down on many of the students who can't complete her 'tests' when it's quite clear that the students aren't capable of completing them. Poor Annette here had to go see Professor Manuela for all the back pain she's had carrying heavy armor." Amelia explained as Anette leaned into her cousin's shoulder.
"That woman spits on the very image of knighthood; she is pretentious, fatuous and acts like the very definition of arrogance." Mathilda said with slight anger to her tone.
"I actually have to agree boar; I'm getting tired of that woman's teaching ways; I'd rather watch paint dry then listen to her." Felix in a surprising bit of annoyance made his own complaint.
"Well even so… if this excursion has it where the Professor isn't interfering wouldn't that be good for us?" Mercedes tried to defuse the room.
"She's right if Professor Burgundy is being ordered to stay back then perhaps this could be our big break from her." Amelia joined with her fellow light mage.
"When is this outdoor event to occur Dimitri?" Bernard inquired.
"Later tonight, but all students and facility sans those who don't wish to participate will be heading for a prepared camp that's in the Barnabas Woods located in the Empire. From there that's where the event will begin." Dimitri explained.
"So I guess the question now is… anyone here who wants to drop out; speak up or hold your peace." I asked looking around the table.
Despite some the many issues that had been brought up no one at the table was arguing or speaking up about sitting out the exercise.
"Well I believe that settles that. Well then Blue Lions we should prepare well by eating a hearty breakfast. We'll definitely need the energy for the trek to the camp on foot." Dimitri explained.
With that everyone began eating their breakfast and following their house leaders words all of us finished what was on our plates cleaning them off.
"Will we need to bring our own supplies or are we to be provided for when we reach camp?" Reynold asked.
"If I remember the camp will have all the provisions and equipment we will need. Also they'll be providing us with basic iron weapons since our training equipment will not be effective at hunting." Dimitri replied.
"Well that's that I suppose. And I heard around the Academy from some of the knights and instructors that classes have been canceled today. So I guess until evening comes we'll be on our own." Ashe pointed out.
"True, perhaps we should take this time to prepare ourselves mentally and if possible learn anything about this event. The more knowledge the better." Madeline added.
"Well then seems we all understand what's to come. Well then Blue Lions, until then." Dimitri said and with that we all went in separate directions mostly to our rooms although I looked over my shoulder and saw Felix pestering Dimitri for a match.
Haaah… some things just never change.
As I returned to my room I closed the door and fell back on my bed as I began to think to myself about what was about to happen.
Okay Arthur… by this time tonight you'll meet the one person who will change everything in Fódlan.
You'll meet the one who's THE reincarnation of the Progenitor Goddess and one of the best warriors in all of the land.
One who's mind is supposedly unmatched like their father's in the realm of strategy and tactics.
And someone who's very influence seemed to turned a 5-year long stalemate to an absolute victory…
Think about it… it all just feels so… hopeless. When you feel those chills; it kind of reminds of in my world the phrase of: "Do not pursue Lu Bu"; comes to mind a bit.
This woman has the charisma to have those from other countries join their cause and that inspires those that fight with them.
But… even so… even with all that against me… even if this person is a Goddess with time travelling powers… I have a duty. I have people I have to protect. I have people I love who are looking up to me…
And I won't let anyone stop me…
As my thoughts consume me I can feel my eyelids get a bit heavy and I softly close them as I begin to curl up in my bed letting my body be loose.
(4 hours later…)
A soft knocking at my door is then met with a voice calling out to me, "Hello, Arthur are you in there it's almost time for our departure."
That voice was that… Ingrid?
"S-sorry, I must've fallen asleep for a few hours. I'll be right outside." I replied. Looking in a mirror very quickly and giving my hair a quick brushing to make it presentable I do so and open the door.
Greeted by the smile of Ingrid I return it with one of my own, "Thank you Ingrid, I guess the nerves must've been getting to me."
"Don't worry I had the same feeling, but I tried to work it off by training and even still I have to confess I am quite nervous." Ingrid replied with a soft smile.
"That's quite the thing to hear, but I guess we're kindred spirits in such a way." I reply getting a chuckle from her as I join in.
We eventually see the moderate group of students that were to be going out on this excursion. I guess a great amount decided to stay at the Monastery; one of those I assume would be Bernie and another group being the Ashen Wolves as I saw neither hide nor hair of a white coat.
"Everyone please, be silent and listen!" A loud voice exclaimed as all of us went quiet and looked to see Alois was the one who spoke.
"To all of you who have decided to join us on our annual outdoor excursion; I welcome you all and to those who did not; do not worry this event will not cost you any grade and you may stay here in peace. But to preface this those who participate… although the year is still young this does not mean you can't give your full effort. We of the Knights of Seiros will be watching over you for your safety at all times." The knight said.
"As Sir Alois said, this exercise is an annual event the Academy hosts every year, and this will be no different. This challenge will test all of you, and I'm expecting nothing else but your best. Understand?!" Professor Burgundy questioned.
"Yes, Professor…" The crowd replied.
"What was that?!" She asked again but more loudly.
"Yes, Professor!" The group of us were much louder than before.
"Very well, we shall be departing from the main gate and joining a caravan that will be escorting us to the camp in the Barnabas woods. Now all of you stay together and do not stray from the main path at any point." Professor Burgundy explained.
With that all of us began heading out with small rucksacks of our own as we began down the main path to Barnabas territory.
After several miles of journeying we all finally made it our humble base camp which… actually looked just like the one from that spin-off game, Three Hopes. It was large in size with just enough space for all those who was here.
I guess they always suspect that there will be drop-outs, and this event is purely optional and doesn't count towards our grades.
"Alright then, everyone we shall make camp here for the night and by tomorrow we will begin the outdoor excursion proper. I'm most certain many of you are tired from the journey so I hope you will find this humble camp to your liking." Alois explained.
"Now then if all House leaders would follow me please." Professor Burgundy said as Dimitri, Edelgard and Claude followed her as it seemed she was probably going to explain what this whole event was to entail.
Everyone then began to go in their separate directions; each house seemed to take a corner of the camp for themselves. Just as I remembered the camp actually had cabins that were big enough to house each of the houses and a reasonable amount of participants.
The Blue Lions were already taking to the northeast corner of the camp as the Black Eagles chose the southeast and the Golden Deer the southwest.
Now the question is… what to do now? I mean it's not like we were ever told what happened at camp before the attack by Kostas' bandits against the house leaders.
But now that I think about on it; when I see things more clearly I wonder how exactly this attack was planned.
From Kostas' reaction he had no idea that the Knights of Seiros were even in the area sans the heirs of the three nations.
I know Edelgard planned the attack to not only scare away the professor at the time in order to elevate Jeritza to professorship, but that all changed in many ways when Byleth intervened saving her becoming a new factor in her plans.
But Edelgard also had to have known the risk involved with trusting bandits of all people to know who to kill since he was only told to kill one of them and he didn't know her face so what if she ended up dying instead?
But I also suppose that's why she led Dimitri and Claude towards Remire since she also knew that Jeralt's mercenaries were in the area, how she did know I still can't figure that one out.
But there was also that alternate scenario of a dead Kostas; without him to lead the bandits they run to that fortress in Rowe territory, but that was Shez not Byleth.
Haaah, maybe I'm just overthinking all of this. I'm gonna get an aneurysm just trying to make sense of this one event.
"Lord Arthur, are you okay? You seem unwell." I turned to see it was Madeline behind me looking uneasy.
"I'm fine Madeline; it's nothing just some nervous jitters I suppose. Are you doing well yourself? Getting along with everyone?" I ask her, trying to take my mind off things.
"Oh yes, everyone has been very welcoming." She simply answered.
"Good; well I suppose since we have time we should introduce ourselves to the other house members. Just because were from different houses shouldn't mean we can't get along." I propose.
"Yes, I think we should as well. Should we go to the Golden Deer first I remember you practicing with one of them when we first arrived correct?" Madeline inquired.
"Oh yes, I didn't know you were watching, but like you said let's go." I reply as both of us head for the Golden Deer camp.
With Claude gone most of the Golden Deer seem to be doing their own things. I saw Lorenz of in some corner speaking to some female students of his own class; given his early stages they were probably daughters from some of the Alliance's noble houses.
Walking towards them I was greeted by the first face I saw from the Alliance; "Hey Arthur! That you?!"
It was Leonie who waved as she ran over to greet us, "It's good to see you again Leonie; my apologies we haven't been able to train again since before. I never expected the school to be so busy right out of the gate."
"Nah, no worries. And who's that with you?" Leonie asked seeing Madeline by my side.
"My name is Madeline Arnette; I am the household knight of my lord Arthur here." Madeline introduced herself with a respective bow.
"Woah, I only thought kings or queens get retainers. Isn't that how it's supposed to work?" Leonie inquired.
"Not necessarily. Many of the houses in Faerghus have banner lords under them even ones as small as the barony my family occupies. Take House Gautier for example; many of their bannermen in the north act as buffers against the people of Sreng from their defensive lines. This way House Gautier is able to gather it's forces these lords hold the line in case of a Sreng attack." I explained.
"Okay, but what about Madeline here." Leonie got to the main issue.
"Well for my family we don't actually serve any noble house. You see my father was once a Paladin for the knights of the Western Church. But after a disagreement he had with their leadership he left to join Garreg Mach and joined the Knights of Seiros there. My father left me and my family with Baron Dominic and slowly I earned their trust." She explained.
"And just a few months before we came to the Academy she decided to swear herself as my household knight; think of it as a mix between a retainer and a bodyguard. Like Dedue is for Dimitri." I finished off.
"Wow, I thought all this noble stuff was complicated, but that's just even wackier than before." Leonie said as she nursed her head.
"Well I suppose the life of a mercenary is simpler. One makes a contract with their client and completes the mission until it's done. Some have their own codes of honor, but that's few and far between." I said.
"Yeah, I suppose and I guess that's why I like the freedom being a mercenary comes with; that and the pay it gets; only if you live to tell the tale." Leonie says simply.
"You are really deadest on this lifestyle of a mercenary aren't you?" I say though I do know what animates her to take this path.
"Yeah, back in my village we primarily made a living as hunters, trappers and sellers. But I always wanted to be something… bigger you know? Plus… no that's not important; what's important is that I achieve my dream." Leonie said with a look of resolve on her face.
"You know Leonie, I had a thought. I know you're not some big hotshot merc yet, but don't you think this is already and opportunity you're wasting?" I offered getting a quirked eyebrow from Leonie.
"What do you mean?" She asked with a hand to her chin.
"Well think about it were at Garreg Mach Monastery; the one stop place for anyone important and worth their weight gold past through there on a daily basis. You got a ton of potential clients just sitting there." I say; a look of realization comes over her face.
"See? But it would be better to start small; no one knows who you are. So it's best to test the waters first. Start small; things like hunting varmints for farmers will get your name going among villagers and as you become more known other people will hear your name." I continue.
"And from there more and more people will know my name. Villagers, merchants, and then… lords and ladies would come looking for me. Why didn't I think about that in the first place?! Thanks Arthur, you've been a big help." Leonie said with a thankful smile.
"Well why don't I became your first potential customer? I've not inherited my title, but that wouldn't mean I couldn't hire you on later don't you think?" I proposed as I offered my hand to her.
"Yeah." She takes it and we shake. "It's a deal I'll put you down on my list as my first potential client. Thanks again Arthur!" Leonie turns and heads back to doing whatever she was doing.
"That was very nice to give her advice like that Lord Arthur." Madeline says with a quaint smile.
"You never know Maddie… it's good to have a merc in your back pocket." I reply teasing her with her nickname.
She blushes, "My lord… you promised…"
"Sorry, sorry… I didn't think you blush like a tomato… again Maddie." I continued to tease her.
"S-stop, Lord Arthur." Her cheeks were now stained crimson.
"Alright, alright let's see if there's anyone else about." We parted through the small gathering of Golden Deer students when a tuff of pink hair caught my eye; knowing of only one family with such as an outlandish color of hair it had to be Hilda Goneril; the dotted younger sister of Holst Sigeswald Goneril.
As we were approaching her she caught a glimpse of us and then she gasped as she ran past me and towards Madeline; "Oh my gosh, you look… so beautiful. I have to ask what kind of cosmetics to do you use for your hair? It smells so sweet and your skin looks so smooth and soft."
"U-Um… I don't use anything fancy. It's just some scented shampoo and a special cream I use." Madeline answered with sweat on her brow.
"Well now that's quite the greeting. I suppose it's bad manners to not introduce one's self, I'm Arthur Dominic and this is my friend, Madeline Arnette. You're Hilda Goneril, I presume?" I say with a quirked eyebrow watching the scene before me.
"Yeah, I'm Hilda Valentine Goneril from the Leicester Alliance. Nice to meet you… hmmmm." I could see going into what I called her "fashion mode" as she gave me a look over now.
"Hmm, you seem about average from a guy from Faerghus as I thought. That's to say the rugged look can't work, but it just needs something t accentuate it. If you want I could pick you out the best outfit you've ever seen in your life." Hilda offered.
"It's fine, but I will remember your offer for another time Hilda, and if you'll let me be so honest as well you're just as beautiful as the rumors say." I say.
"Oh really?" Hilda replies cutely in a deliberate sort of fashion.
"Yes, that unique hair color of your family's coupled with your eyes is cute and even with just the Academy uniform your figure is quite… gorgeous. I-I can tell you take really good care of you clothes and yourself as well." I say with a bit of a stutter.
What could I say Hilda was both cute and beautiful all in her own way. She'd never beat our either Ingrid or Flayn for number one or two on my list of favorites from this game but she was definitely up there.
"Aaah, thanks for that Arthur. It's not everyday I get compliments like that. Most of the people think because of my family name I'm sometimes some kind of tough girl, but I'm just a delicate flower when it comes down to it. I'd rather buy clothes than pick up a sword and fight." Hilda said all of that with a smile on her face.
"Well, is that offer still on the table?" I asked.
"Yeah! Just give me a call and we'll go into the shops and I'll find you and Maddie the most perfect clothes that'll catch all the eyes of the girls and guys in the Academy! ~" Hilda said with a teasing grin.
"C-catching guys attention? B-but… I'm not a good candidate for such things." Madeline once again blushed and twiddled her fingers together this time.
"Forgive the poor girl; she's never really responded well to teasing." I say trying to wave away Maddie's slightly smoking face.
"Aah, it's nothing. If you ask me, Maddie here could get any guy or gal she wants. She just a needs a bit more 'oomph' to get her over the edge. She's just as cute as Lysithea is." Hilda replied.
"Well it was great to meet you, Hilda. See you later, maybe we'll meet during the excursion." I said as I took Madeline's hand and we walked on.
"See you later!" Hilda said with a wave.
Walking a little bit, I left Madeline to rest in one of the tents and continued on my own on I found myself in the Black Eagle camp. Walking along I spotted some of them mostly talking in groups, but one that caught my attention was a female student with a camp talking to one of the knights.
Well the only student with a cap to go with her uniform was…
"D-don't mention it Dorothea and thanks again for that demo! I got to go now before my captain notices me gone." I heard a female myrmidon squeal as she ran back to her post.
"But of course, just ask and I'll perform anytime!" The heavenly voice was none other than Dorothea Arnault, a former songstress and diva from the Mittlefrank Opera Company.
She turned and noticed me and smiled, "Well then handsome. What's your name?"
"My name's Arthur Dominic. If I'm not mistaken did I just hear your name was Dorothea? As in Dorothea Arnault, of the famous Opera company in the Empire?" I said pretending to not know who she was.
"Why yes indeed, that would be me. Tell me have you heard one of my performances?" She asked.
"Unfortunately no, given I live so far from any great theaters I've never been able to hear a performance from the company myself." I answered.
"Aaah, that's too bad. We really do try to go anywhere we can to sing for people. But that's not important right now. Like you said I'm Dorothea Arnault and if your name is Dominic then that means your from Faerghus right?" The former diva pointed out.
"Yes, from western Faerghus in particular." I reply.
"Well even so to hear about is still quite the honor. You know if you want, I could give you demonstration of a song I used to sing back in the company." Dorothea offered.
"No, no it's fine. But I must say you truly must have a great voice to have gotten fanbase you have." I point out.
"Oh, you saw that? Yes, I've had many admirers throughout my days. Both male and female; it comes with the territory but sometimes it can be just a little annoying only with the very… insistent ones. Stalkers also don't help either." Dorothea added.
"I'm sorry to hear about that. You know to honest… I dabble in singing myself. I'm nothing like my cousin Anette, but we'd always sing together; just lullabies we used to make was all." I say with a slight flush on my face.
"Oh, that sounds precious. Besides, I'm not one to judge someone based on superficial things like hobbies. If someone likes to sing then that's what they love." The diva replied.
"Well if you insist; perhaps if we ever have some time together… could I receive some lessons from you or take you up on that offer to sing?" I inquire.
"Oh but of course." She then gave me a sultrier smile as she said, "I'd be more than happy to serenade you; just ask and I'll do so ~"
"A-ah… will do." I reply with a slight stutter.
"See you later." Dorothea says with a smile, but as she walks away she blows a kiss and winks at me leaving a bit stunned
"B-beautiful…" Was all I could say as I watched her walk off. Haaah… why does this land have some of the most beautiful women in ONE PLACE!?
I crouch down trying to clear my head when I hear a voice behind me, "Come now friend, there must be more interesting things to look at then the dirt."
I turn to identify the voice and see that it's the one and only, Ferdinand von Aegir. Son of Ludwig von Aegir.
"Aaah, my apologies that was quite an embarrassing look for me. Arthur Edmure Dominic, at your service." I say with a bow.
"Aah, a fellow nobleman; I am Ferdinand von Aegir, heir to my father the Prime Minister of the Adrestian Empire!" And there's that iconic line!
"It's an honor to meet you Ferdinand. I'm quite studied in your family's history just as much as the other noble families of the Empire as well." I reply.
"Well despite our influence one family alone cannot govern an Empire. Many of the large families have hereditary positions in the forms of Minsters. I suppose though you already knew about that." Ferdinand said.
"Yes, and even though we aren't as well stories as Adrestia's noble families I hope the stories of the War between the Lions and Eagles is of great interest as well." I quip.
"Aah, yes that war was quite the spectacular tale to read about. Even though I belong to a family of said Empire than Faerghus rebelled from I have nothing but respect for those that stood for what they believed in." Ferdinand began.
"Although I have to wonder, despite the tales that I've read it mostly tells the story of King Loog and his allies. I must wonder was your family at that climactic battle at the Plains?" I inquire, curious as to who fought this battle.
"Aah, we were. My ancestor, Thomas von Aegir and his recently of age son, Richmond von Aegir were at that climactic battle at Tailtean. In the thick of battle it was said that Thomas faced down Loog's great ally Kyphon and it was said to have been a great duel on the field, but when all was said and done it was Kyphon who won the day; and after many of the western houses defected and joined Faerghus' forces they were forced to flee to Adrestia." Ferdinand explained.
"So your line currently comes from Richmond Von Aegir?" I asked.
"Yes, he was the only living son of Thomas at the time and after that battle he was forced to take up the mantle of Prime Minister at such a young age. I must say it's one of the many inspiration I use to keep my spirits up. One day I shall take my father's place and show the Empire that I'm just as great as Edelgard will be as Emperor." And there's the rivalry.
"So tell me friend, do you have any great dreams?" The Aegir heir asked of me.
"Well there are not as great as yours I must say. But I suppose my greatest dream would have to be… to be the greatest servant to Faerghus as I can be and to protect my people with all that I am. In Faerghus all the people are our family in a way; that is why we put such as premise on our martial and magical abilities… well… at least that's how I see things." I add on.
"Yes, that is quite the noble sentiment. I'm sure with the peace we have now we won't have to put our talents to use except for dispatching bandits, but whoever knows where the next war or great battle will come from." Ferdinand pointed out.
"You have no idea Ferdinand… no idea…" I thought as my thought drifted to all the deat hand destruction such a war will bring. All the sadness, heartbreak and rage it lets fester…
"Well I must say it was…" However I never finished when we both heard a commotion in the camp as riders and soldiers began running around.
"What is going on?!" Ferdinand said with equal surprise.
Suddenly a cry emerged, "Open the gates! The house leaders have returned! The bandits have been driven back!"
"What!? Bandits!? What happened to the house leaders?!" Ferdinand also pointed out. Everyone ran towards the main gate to see the commotion me and my new friend from the Black Eagles pushed to the front.
And in that moment I will never forget the sight in front of me…
There were six people I expected; there was Dimitri, Claude and Edelgard as to be expected. Then I saw the two I expected the most; there was the Blade Breaker himself Jeralt Eisner.
Next to him was his daughter, Byleth Eisner. Seeing her in person I could see why any man would fall head over heels for her. Despite her stern features that didn't take away from her beauty at all.
But what really shocked me was the other person next to her; said person was also a girl with purple hair and eyes. The same kind of orange and black armor I knew only ONE person in all of Fódlan would be wearing…
It was Shez herself in the flesh… standing next to the Ashen Demon.
"WHAT THE FUCK!?" I screamed inside my head as my mind was blown and my world shook.
AN #1: Welcome everyone to the fifth chapter of Fire Emblem: Three Houses story, "Fire Emblem: Three Houses – Roar of the Lions". In this chapter Arthur finally sees Byleth Eisner in the flesh and how things are about to pick up.
But not before a wrench is already thrown into the gears. He also sees Shez standing peacefully next to the person who they were supposed to be sworn enemies with.
Arthur must now come to terms with this big shift in history and must come to realize that not all is lost…
Next time join the Blue Lions in the next chapter, "Two Mercenaries."
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.
AN#3: DUN DUN DUNNNNNN! The big reveal is upon us. Not only is it Byleth that's now entered the picture… but now Shez too!?
I know this seems random and misplaced given the story we have in both Three Houses and Three Hopes… but just go with me here and I'll hopefully give you guys a good backstory come next chapter for how Shez and Byleth came to be like this unlike how we know them.
Well then… until next time!
Author of Mystery out!