A/N: Special Thanks to Greatkingrat88 for his work on editing and cleaning up the chapter, and to Jameyofthemegacosmos for his ideas and fact checking.
I should probably explain why there was a longer than usual delay with the posting of this chapter, and its because I had accidently sent chapter eight of this story instead of chapter seven to Greatkingrat88 for beta work, so good news is the next chapter is ready to go but the bad news is that it has delayed the updates for my Fate/Grand Order and Sunrider crossovers by a week or two provided no further delays from real life events on our ends.
Now Lelouch will arrive at a certain place this chapter, and he will be meeting potential allies and among his new classmates will be the first member of his traveling party when the time comes for him to leave the "training world." I have already picked out the other two who will travel with Lelouch, being the Donald and Goofy of his group let's just say, but I am between two choices at the moment.
Furthermore I am debating on when he should leave which I am between after (omitted spoiler for Three Houses) or the meeting of the Ashen Wolves.
Now before the chapter time to attend to some reviews I couldn't PM responses to.
Captain Imaginat: Thank you and they'll be slowly integrated into the story as part of a preparation for the world's involvement as a world Lelouch or Sora's party will visit later. Another world later to be hinted to be visited shall also be mentioned in this chapter.
Uh it will be some time before Fairy Tail gets properly involved.
They will depending on reader reception of the villain, otherwise I do have a few successor in mind. Anything else I cannot say due to potential spoilers.
C: Thanks
Now on with the chapter.
Chapter 7
The Chosen House
Lelouch walked through a forest in Fódlan, along with the knights and some of of Jeralt's mercenaries. Unlike their original destination, the monastery wasn't too far; something like a day and a half of travel. Most of his time was spent with Byleth, Claude, Dimitri, Edelgard, and Solus. He knew they would arrive soon. As he walked, he noticed that although the march took its toll on him, it was nowhere near as bad as before.
"This will be your first time at the monastery," Dimitri said, as they walked along the road. "I would be happy to show you both around."
"It really is Fódlan in a nutshell," Claude added. "The good and the bad."
"Like it or not, we'll be there soon enough," Edelgard said, looking ahead.
Moments later, the group cleared the forests where Lelouch and Byleth beheld their destination. Perched upon a mountain surrounded by two stone walls near the base, each provided a layer of extra defense along with the tall mountains and hills surrounding it. Garreg Mach Monastery had a cathedral-like structure to it, but it looked more akin to a fortress than a convent.
"There it is, Garreg Mach Monastery," Edelgard said upon seeing their destination.
Lelouch was quiet, but he answered any questions Edelgard, Claude and Dimitri had asked him throughout the journey. He had even allowed each of them to hold the Keyblade, before it inevitably returned to his hand. Even so, Lelouch was cautious about any questions that would reveal him to be of another world, and together with Solus he had crafted a plausible background story. As far as anyone would know, Lelouch was an orphan whose parents died while he and his sister were young. His sister was kidnapped and missing. Lelouch had been wounded trying to defend her, left for dead and waking up with the Keyblade in his hand. He came from a family of traveling merchants before their untimely demise, having tried to raise his sister by himself before her abduction. Like any good lie, most of it was true.
Thankfully tales of his training under Byleth and the missions they've carried out as a member of Jeralt's band had allowed him to deflect any further questions easily, and they were more interested in Byleth to begin with. Throughout the trip, Lelouch knew he would have to be on guard around Claude and Edelgard.
Every time she looks at me, it's like she is evaluating Claude and I… for all of his smiles that it masks.
Beyond that, Lelouch was worried about what lay ahead, although Solus assured him that he would be present every step of the way.
Upon arriving at their destination, they were all given time to rest, and Edelgard, Claude, and Dimitri had left to clean up and retire to their rooms. After resting for about an hour, Jeralt was called away by Alois for about twenty minutes, before returning. By that point, they were escorted to the Audience Chamber on the second floor of the monastery's main building. A few moments after the knights who accompanied them had left, Jeralt broke the silence.
"It's been years since I've last set eyes on this place. To be forced to see her now…"
"You were here before, weren't you?" Byleth asked.
"Yes, I was a knight here. I reported to the Archbishop," Jeralt answered.
"Lady Rhea is the leader of the Church of Serios, isn't she?" Lelouch asked.
"Yes, and as you know, the majority of folks in Fódlan are devout followers of the teachings of Seiros," Jeralt replied. "The leader of that ridiculously large religious organization is the archbishop, Lady Rhea."
At that moment, two figures entered the room. The first was a woman with long, light green hair and matching eyes, wearing a white gown with a dark blue and gold-trimmed cape with a golden, crown-like headdress. Following her was a man with dark green hair, a small, thin beard, and green eyes, wearing a cape and blue uniform trimmed with gold.
"Thank you for your patience, Jeralt," the clergyman said. "My name is Seteth. I am an advisor to the archbishop."
Then that must mean the woman is Rhea, Lelouch thought.
"Right. Hello," Jeralt said.
"It has been a long time, Jeralt. I wonder… was it the will of the goddess that we have another chance meeting like this?" Rhea said. Her voice was kindly, with an almost motherly disposition.
"Forgive my silence all these years. Much has happened since we last spoke," Jeralt politely bowed.
"So I see," Rhea turned her attention to Byleth. "The miracle of fatherhood has blessed you. That is your child, is it not?"
"Yes. He was born a few years after I left this place. I wish I could introduce you to the mother of my child, but I am afraid we lost her to illness."
"I see—my condolences," Rhea turned to Lelouch. "As for you, I have heard of your valiant efforts from Alois, and you as well Keyblade Wielder. What are your names?"
"My name is Byleth."
"I am Lelouch."
"What fine names you two have," Rhea complimented them. "From the bottom of my heart, I wanted to thank you all for saving those students of the Officer's Academy."
Solus remained quiet, as did Lelouch. Although he wanted to finish his training before trying to find a way to locate his sister, his benefactor had cautioned him about doing anything to anger somebody as powerful as Rhea.
"Jeralt, you already know what it is I wish to say, do you not?" Rhea said with a hopeful expression.
"You want me to rejoin the Knights of Serios? I won't say no, but…."
"Your apprehension stings. I had expected that Alois would've already asked this of you. As for you, young man," Rhea turned to Lelouch. "I heard from Alois about the arrangement Lord Solus has made with Jeralt and his daughter to train you. You and Lord Solus may rest assured I have prepared an alternative that will allow your arrangement to be honored while granting you enrollment in the Officer's Academy."
"I had a feeling that would be the case, and I have a suspicion as to what you have in mind," Solus said, looking intrigued.
"What do you mean?" Lelouch asked, confused.
"Regrettably, I must take a step back for the time being, but there are others who I wish for you all to meet. Please listen carefully to what they have to say. Lord Solus, I request you meet with me about Lelouch later this evening."
"Of course," Solus replied, bowing politely.
"Until then, farewell. I'll see the rest of you tomorrow."
With those words, Rhea and Seteth left the audience chamber, leaving the others alone. After a few moments, likely wanting to be sure Rhea was well out of earshot, Jeralt sighed.
"I can't believe it. Forced back into the Knights of Serios," Jeralt said. "Although I suppose I expected it…"
"Refusal wasn't an option?" Lelouch asked.
"I am sorry I dragged you two into this," Jeralt said, looking at Byleth and Lelouch. "It looks like I'll be here a while, and it seems your services will be required, Byleth. As for you, Lelouch, it seems Rhea intends on allowing you to become a student here."
"I must work here?" Byleth asked.
"It seems so."
"So, I am going to be a student here then?" Lelouch said. He had mixed feelings about it. On the one hand he would receive the education he needed, but on the other hand he disliked the way his teacher had been strong-armed into this position.
"On the flip side, you'll have more dedicated instruction and chances to flex your natural abilities as a leader," Solus said hopefully, before suggesting with a smirk, "You might be able to find useful allies here. You cannot rescue your sister on your own, after all."
"I suppose," Lelouch was skeptical, but he knew the idea had merit.
Their conversation was interrupted, as two new people walked in on them. One was an older man, at least in his fifties or maybe older. He had gray hair and a small beard, wearing a monocle over one of his green eyes. The man wore a faded brown suit with a green cravat and a scholarly air. The woman accompanying him seemed to be her companion's opposite, an air of affluence about her.
She seemed younger than the older man, but Lelouch couldn't be sure. She carried herself with confidence, reflected in her light brown eyes. She hard short brown hair, and wore a dark blue dress showing her legs, ample cleavage, and a white robe with large sleeves.
"So," the woman said, approaching Jeralt. "You must be the new Professor. My, how stern and handsome you are! I am Manuela Casagranda: professor, physician, songstress, and available. It's nice to meet you."
That makes you sound desperate, Lelouch thought, internally shaking his head.
"Uh, I am not the new Professor, but I think…" Jeralt turned to Byleth.
"I can't believe they're making you a professor here," said Jeralt, sighing.
Lelouch was surprised too, but he had masked it well enough. It was quite the sudden appointment.
"Come now, Manuela, I believe Lady Rhea told us the new Professor was a woman," the older man said, lightly scolding his colleague. "I am Hanneman von Essar, a Crest scholar, Professor at the Officer's Academy. You must be the new Professor I heard about from Lady Rhea. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"How is she a professor?" Lelouch could not hold back his questions. "She has barely been here for an hour. Not that I doubt her ability to teach, but still."
"A fair question, but I am surprised Lady Rhea didn't mention it," Hanneman agreed. "As I am sure you've guessed, the Academy has an opening for a professor. The Professor we had in mind fled when the bandits attacked the students. Needlessly to say, he would not be welcomed back. We considered others when Alois went to Lady Rhea, who recommended this young woman to be the new Professor. She has proven herself a capable educator by teaching this lad with the Keyblade here."
"Oh, of course that damned Alois would do that," Jeralt sighed.
"Yes, he gave the Lady Rhea quite an earful, which probably is why she was late seeing you. She had already decided before formally meeting you," Manuela said sympathetically, before turning to Byleth adopting a playful smile. "As for you, you are quite young, yet I expect you'll have the eye of many of the male students here."
"How so?" Byleth said, seemingly oblivious.
"I wonder if you bear a crest of your own," Hanneman intervened. "Next time when you have a moment to spare, I insist you visit me so we can delve into the subject further."
"I don't see why not," Byleth said. Hanneman then turned his attention to Lelouch.
"And that invitation is open to you as well, young man, since you possess a Keyblade. I wish to learn if possession of the weapon is passed down akin to a crest, or if you might have one as well."
Lelouch almost wanted to say no, but he recognized it might be worth investigating. It might reveal if anyone else in the Royal Family could awaken the Keyblade. If so, then Lelouch would know he would need to plan on the possibility of facing a Keyblade Wielding rival when the time for his vengeance upon Britannia came.
"I suppose, as long as nothing weird happens," Lelouch said with some reluctance.
"Nonsense. All I would need is a sample of your blood. Nothing more than that," Hanneman said reassuringly.
"Sounds easy enough," Lelouch said, breathing a sigh in relief.
"And don't think I didn't notice you, Lord Solus," Manuela said, "It's a pleasure to see you again as well."
"It's been a while, Manuela," Solus replied politely. "I am pleased to see you have been doing well here."
"Yes, I've fit in as a professor and physician far better than I imagined. I owe it to you for that letter of recommendation you sent to Lady Rhea."
"No need to thank me," Solus replied, striking a subtle tone. "You wanted to expand your horizons, so why would I refuse? I understood your desire, so I fulfilled it… nothing more."
"Oh, don't be so modest," Manuela said, but Hanneman interrupted them.
"Manuela, may I suggest you and Lord Solus have tea later where you two can properly catch up. I am sure Jeralt and these two do not wish to stand here all day."
"I suppose you are right. Business before pleasure."
"I'll be here for a bit, so we'll have plenty of time to chat later," Solus offered reassuringly.
"I am glad to hear that," Manuela said.
"Now, on to the matter at hand. I should brief young Byleth on the nature of the three houses here at the Academy. As Professor, you'll be charged with teaching one of the class houses here."
"Class Houses?" Lelouch asked.
"Yes, the Officer's Academy has three Houses of students, each of which is closely affiliated with its region of origin," Manuela began explaining. "The Black Eagle House is for students from the Adrestian Empire. This year, their house leader is Edelgard, the Imperial Princess in line to be the next Emperor."
"And the Blue Lion House is for students from the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus," Hanneman said. "Their house leader this year is Prince Dimitri, who will be the next king of Faerghus."
"Lastly, there is the Golden Deer House, which is for students of the Leicester Alliance," Manuela said. "Their house leader is Claude, grandson to Duke Riegan, the leader of the Alliance."
"To think the next Emperor, King, and Sovereign Duke are all here. It certainly is a year full of promise for the Academy," Hanneman remarked.
"I'll say," Manuela said. "I hope none of those little rascals cause any trouble. And to top it off, we will now have the first Keyblade Wielder in Fódlan, one not seen since the War of Heroes."
"I agree. You don't need to decide right this second, but you will be expected to pick a house," Hanneman said. "I suggest you two take this time to stroll around the Academy to get your bearings. And when you have a moment, could you both stop by my research laboratory?"
"The old man is right; take some time and explore before you make a decision. We'll take charge of the class houses you don't pick," Manuela said, a mischievous smile appearing on her face. "Oh, and keep in mind, I've only notified the House leaders that you're our new Professor. It will make things a little more fun. I suggest you spend some time with the students. Some odd ducks in that bunch, but they are all good kids."
"As for you, Lelouch," Hanneman turned to the young man. "I advise you do the same. The Class House you'll be enrolled into will depend on which class Byleth chooses to teach."
"I'll be enrolled in whatever class Byleth will take over?" Lelouch said, a bit surprised.
"No one has trained a Keyblade Wielder before, so Lady Rhea decided to have you remain under Professor Byleth's instruction."
"I am sure Lady Rhea will have more information for you tomorrow, but for now, you should be exploring and getting to know the students more. Good luck; you'll need it," Manuela said with a wink. "You two are going to be very popular."
"We'll leave you two to your own devices now," Hanneman said, gesturing for his female colleague to follow him. "Let's go, Manuela."
"Coming," Manuela said as waving farewell to the group. "I'll be looking forward to your visit, Lord Solus."
Once they were gone, Jeralt gestured for Lelouch and Byleth to come closer.
"Listen, I don't know what Lady Rhea is doing making you a professor here, but be on your guard. Most importantly, be cautious around Lady Rhea."
"You don't trust her?" Lelouch asked.
"Yes, but…"
"But?" Byleth asked.
"That's a story for another time. For now, you should begin exploring this place," Jeralt said before leaving. "I have duties to attend to."
"Lots of secrets in this place, it seems," Solus said.
"What will you be doing?" Lelouch asked.
"I'll be having tea with an old friend and likely meeting with Rhea later. Don't worry, I'll stay nearby should you need me," Solus said, leaving the room and giving a flippant hand wave. "I'll let you two explore this place on your own. Have fun."
"So, where should we go first?" Byleth asked, once she and Lelouch were alone.
"Maybe we can just wander around the place."
Byleth offered no argument since, like Lelouch, none of them knew where they should start. So the two begun to explore at their leisure.
The following morning across the Ocean Between, in Traverse Town, Sora was inside a large circular room where enchanted furniture pieces were floating around. They were targets for Sora to shoot with his magic, using the Keyblade.
In the months he has spent in the company of Merlin, Sora has learned a great deal. He was in better physical shape than Lelouch, but lacked proper combat and magic training. Whatever skill he had with a Keyblade came from he and Riku sparring with wooden swords as they grew up. Aside from magical training, Hordak and Entrapta had contributed to Sora's training by creating training drones to battle him. Hordak had made sure Entrapta didn't make them too formidable for Sora to handle.
Currently, to push Sora in evading when casting spells, Merlin had included animated books. The books weren't harmful, but they would dive into Sora if the young man stopped paying attention to the world around him.
"Very good. Keep moving, and mind your surroundings," Merlin coached.
Sora ducked to avoid a dive-bombing book before shooting a fireball from his Keyblade. A second book flew at him from another direction, but Sora saw it in time and batted the book away. Once he was sure nothing else was coming at him, Sora aimed. Unleashing a bolt of lightning this time, he destroyed his second target. Sora quickly dodged a slew of new incoming books. Although some narrowly missed Sora, he swatted all the others away.
The number of books increased, as did the frequency of their attacks. Still Sora pressed on, managing to destroy his third target while moving his head down to barely avoid a book that only narrowly missed.
Geez, Merlin is laying it on real thick, Sora thought, dodging another book.
Sora channeled magical energy into his weapon before unleashing a burst of ice magic. Not only did it hit the target, his fourth, but it also froze attacking books in its path, removing them as a threat. Feeling confident, Sora moved towards the final target, but the number of attacking books doubled. Forced onto the defensive, Sora used his Keyblade to swat away the attacking books, but the attack continued relentlessly.
No, I am so close! Sora thought. His last target seemed close, yet so far away.
Using his Keyblade, Sora cast a barrier spell to repel the books, pushing them back. That bought him a brief reprieve from the attack. Deciding not to waste time, Sora hurried ahead, readying another spell with his Keyblade.
Almost got it…
Sora unleashed a fireball from his Keyblade. The last target was destroyed, but in Sora's rush to take out the final mark, he missed a single book, which hit him in the back of his head.
"Well done on dealing with the targets while evading most of the books," Merlin said sagely. "But you should always watch your back, especially when victory is near. An enemy could seize advantage of that opening to strike you down when you least suspect it."
"Sure, but ouch," Sora said, rubbing the back of his head.
"I suppose that is enough for now. The visitors from that world I told you about will be here soon," Merlin said. Sora found himself suddenly inside the old wizard's home. Merlin had taken up residence in an old house that sat upon a small island in a modest lake, just outside the Third District of the town. The place had once been empty, until Merlin decided to make it his home, filling it with tall piles of books, a bed, a dresser, a round table in the center, and a pair of chairs. There was a small lab with a chemistry set and other magical implements in the room too. They were currently in the basement.
"So, who are these folks?"
"Well," Merlin began, taking a seat in his favorite chair while Sora sat in the chair opposite of him, "They are the Court Magician and Captain of the Guard from Disney, a rare world that has known only peace and prosperity throughout its written history."
"Right. So their king sent them?"
"Correct," Merlin said. He waved his hand, his magic preparing a cup of tea for the both of them. "You see, their King, Mickey Mouse, actually arrived here in Traverse Town while I was busy training you, it seems."
"Really?!"
"Yes, really," Merlin levitated his completed cup of tea into his hand while Sora similarly received his.
"I did ask him if he would be willing to take you under his wing as the king has his own Keyblade," Merlin said before taking a sip. "Regrettably, King Mickey said where he needed to go was a place someone very new to wielding the Keyblade can't follow."
"Really? Wait, the King has his own Keyblade?"
"Yes, and he is a Keyblade Master, taught by a retired Keyblade Master, no less" Merlin replied. "King Mickey did give me some suggestions for teaching you and telling me where you could find his master if he needed further guidance."
"I see," Sora said, clearly disappointed.
"But rest assured, he did say he would contact me if ´something were to happen to any of your friends," Merlin said reassuringly. "So, you have more eyes on the lookout for them now."
"That's good," Sora said, sipping his tea.
Sora was disappointed, but at least now he could finally venture out beyond the town to search for Riku and Kairi. He had been training diligently under Merlin and Hordak's eye while resisting the desire to go and search. Two things had stood in his way: he didn't have a ship to explore the other worlds with, and the Heartless would be a constant threat to him.
He had inquired about the ship that brought Hordak and Entrapta to this world. The former had explained that a system trap caused its crash. Upon attempting to divert it back to their world, it triggered a trap that disabled the navigation controls and sent it crashing to the nearest world. Entrapta had prevented a crash that would have resulted in their deaths, but the ship could no longer fly. Even worse, the pair discovered an electromagnetic pulse was set off upon landing, rendering all of the ship's electronics useless.
The ship wouldn't fly again, and its navigation systems were destroyed. Even if Entrapta somehow successfully repaired it, they would have no idea where to go. Entrapta had been able to scavenge parts from the wreck, whatever wasn't beyond repair, and found that its cargo was undamaged, which was another source of useful parts.
"Maybe after we finish our tea, we should go out and meet them," Merlin suggested. "Assuming they are here."
"Sure," Sora agreed.
Back on Fódlan, Lelouch and Byleth went to the audience chamber to meet with Lady Rhea. It was time to choose houses.
"So, have you decided which class you'll teach?" asked Lelouch, as they walked up the stone stairs to the lady's office.
"Hard to say. Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude all made compelling cases, I suppose," Byleth said, sighing tiredly. Although she had trouble showing emotion, exhaustion was another thing.
Lelouch was annoyed, yet strangely amused by how the future leaders of Fódlan had tried their utmost to court Byleth into becoming their new Professor. Of course, on the other hand, this was complicated because whichever class Byleth would choose to teach, Lelouch would join by default. Even though technically, according to Solus, because of where Lelouch was found and the backstory he had crafted for himself, he should have ended up in the Black Eagle House. However, he also told Lelouch it wasn't uncommon for some students to request transfer to another class in a different house from the one they were initially assigned.
"It's pretty clear they were trying to win you over," Lelouch said.
"Indeed, they were," Byleth said.
"Edelgard was quite disappointed you wouldn't join the Empire, but she wants you to teach her House," Lelouch said as the pair reached the top of the stairs. "Dimitri was a little more modest in comparison, not quite as forceful on the matter."
"I noticed Dimitri was disappointed for not joining his Kingdom as well, but he was more interested in learning from me than Edelgard seemed to be."
"I agree."
"Claude, on the other hand, he was much friendlier than they both were," Byleth approached the doors with Lelouch to the audience chamber.
"He also wasn't the first one to jump on you asking you to join their respective nation. He ultimately wanted to build a true friendship before asking," Lelouch said as a compliment to Claude. "I take it then you are considering his house, then?"
"Maybe," Byleth said, clearly uncertain.
Lelouch knew he had no say, but a part of him was glad he wasn't joining the Black Eagle House. It wasn't because he had anything against Edelgard, even if she was being rather forceful in convincing Byleth to join the Empire. Everything Lelouch had heard about the Insurrection of Seven had soured his opinion of the Empire and how the nobility held itself above the common folk. Edelgard's siblings' demise did leave Lelouch feeling sympathetic towards her, but it also worsened his opinion of the Empire and cemented his belief that he should be wary of it.
The Empire likely killed her siblings so the nobility could force her to marry and claim the throne.
If nothing else, Lelouch had observed in his tour of the monastery grounds that the Black Eagle House seemed to have the most members hailing from aristocratic backgrounds compared to the other houses. Furthermore, they specialized more in magic than any other houses.
The Holy Kingdom of Faerghus wasn't held in any higher regard than the Adrestian Empire, especially with how its people reacted to the Tragedy of Duscur. Committing the near genocide of a race who didn't seem to have been capable of assassinating the King of a foreign nation didn't sit well with Lelouch. On the other hand, the Blue Lion House, based on what Lelouch had learned, was the most close knit of the three-class Houses, possessing the best teamwork.
If I had to pick, I suppose I would consider the Golden Deer House, since the Alliance seems to have fewer skeletons in its closest, Lelouch thought.
There was just one problem Lelouch had with the Leicester Alliance: how their society was built around Crests. If you didn't have a Crest, you were unlikely to rise to any meaningful position in life, except maybe if you become a very wealthy merchant. Lelouch had noticed the Kingdom of Faerghus seemed to be much stricter than the other two, with the Adrestian Empire following very close behind it in this regard. The Leicester Alliance didn't seem as strict as the other two, but the injustice was there too.
The Golden Deer didn't appear to be the most unified of the Houses but were more specialized, with a few capable fighters and archers making up their class house. There also seemed to be fewer aristocrats among them, which was notable compared to the other houses.
"Whichever House you chose to teach, I am fine with it. As long as I can become strong enough to save my sister and maybe find a few allies."
"Thank you, but don't forget I can help you save her as well."
"I appreciate that, thank you," Lelouch said as Byleth pushed open the doors.
Rhea, Seteth, Hanneman, and Manuela all waited for Byleth and Lelouch.
"How are you two enjoying your time at the academy thus far?" Rhea asked, addressing Lelouch and Byleth as they approached the gathering. "I hope you've found our halls brimming with the vitality of well-intentioned souls."
"Hmm, I suppose it's time for you to take charge of one of the three Houses," Seteth said with notable reluctance. "I must note I am personally against entrusting someone with lacking a trackable history as yourself with such a task. But it is what the Archbishop desires…"
I can't say I blame him, given how sudden the appointment was, Lelouch thought.
"The Black Eagles, the Blue Lions, and the Golden Deer, all of them are so different," Manuela said. "I hope you have made it a point to get to know them."
Oh, I wouldn't worry about that, Lelouch mused. Thanks to their leaders, Byleth got to know each House well.
"Since you are new here, Manuela and I have decided to let you pick first. Manuela and I will take charge of the other two houses," Hanneman said.
Byleth pondered the question for a moment before speaking up.
"I'll take charge of the Golden Deer House."
"The class house led by Claude, correct?" Rhea inquired.
"Yes," Byleth answered.
"Your heart has made its choice then," Rhea said. "All I ask then is that you guide these open minds with virtue, care, and sincerity."
"They are all promising youths, bearing the weight of Fódlan's future on their shoulders. I hope you appreciate what an honor it is to lead them," Seteth said. His tone was severe; he spoke slowly and with clear emphasis on every word. The gravity of the responsibility was apparent.
"Brother," a new voice said. Lelouch turned his head, noticing a young girl around his age approach. She had long bright green hair, styled into a pair of long drill pigtails that hung over her shoulders. Along with her bright green eyes, it made her stand out. The girl was dressed in a black outfit trimmed with gold and a short dress, with blue leggings and black knee-high boots. Her cheerful demeanor was obvious, but she seemed oblivious to the meeting taking place- at least at first.
"Oh, I am terribly sorry," the girl said. "I did not mean to interrupt."
"I am in the middle of something, Flayn. is it urgent?" Seteth asked.
"No, no, it's nothing," Flayn looked of Lelouch and Byleth. "But who are these two?"
"This is our newest Professor, Byleth Eisner. The young man is Lelouch Lamperouge, a new student at our Academy and a Keyblade bearer," Seteh said.
"Oh, my. New additions to the Officers Academy, and one of them wields the legendary Keyblade? I am so very pleased to meet you both," Flayn said with a bright smile. "I am Seteth's little sister Flayn, and I am so happy to make your acquaintance."
"Let us focus on the topic at hand," Seteth said. "There is something you should be aware of. In a few days, there will be a mock battle between the houses to gauge the students' current progress. We will use this battle as an opportunity to ascertain your abilities as well, so do not disappoint the archbishop."
A few days? That doesn't leave much room to prepare for a three-way mock battle, thought Lelouch. He couldn't help but wonder if that was normal, or if they did it for Byleth.
"Now, you should take this time to get to know your class, professor," Seteth said. "You are both dismissed."
Not long after, once her new status as Professor of the Golden Deer House was made official, Byleth and Lelouch went to the Golden Deer Classroom to meet the students under Claude's care. Claude smiled knowingly, while some of the students were surprised to realize Byleth was their new teacher.
"Wait, what?" a girl with long pink hair exclaimed. "Are you really our new professor?"
The pink hair girl wore her hair in the style of a pair of long pigtails, and her pink eyes made her stand out as well. She wore a female variation of the Officers Academy uniform, consisting of a white dress top with golden patterns present in the design, its long white sleeves rolled up to her elbows. The black skirt she wore was attached to another portion of the uniform wrapped around her waist, showing her curvy figure. She carried a dagger attached to her belt and wore the same boots as Flayn did with blue sticking out from the top of the boots.
Hilda Valentine Goneril, notoriously spoiled and the laziest girl in the class, Lelouch thought, recalling what Claude had told them about his classmates yesterday. Or at least that's how Claude put it.
"Hilda is the only daughter of Duke Goneril, and it seems both her father and older brother coddle her quite a bit. If you look up lazy in the dictionary, you won't find her picture there because she never got around to submitting it. Not unusual for a noble, I guess."
She might be a liability come the mock battle, Lelouch thought.
"Is that true? You aren't quite as I pictured," a young man among the students began. "Oh, sorry, I didn't mean that the way it sounded."
The young man had olive hair and dark orange eyes wearing glasses. He wore the men's uniform for those attending the Officer's Academy, a black best over the white dress shirt with a cravat, black pants, and black shoes and matching socks.
Ignatz Victor, the second son of a wealthy merchant family. They want him to become a knight, Lelouch recalled. He didn't choose that path, but something his family wanted since his older brother is being groomed to inherit the family business.
"I thought you were going to be roped into joining the knights," Hilda remarked.
"Don't tell me you chose this class to get to know me better? I am flattered, really," Claude said to Byleth. "Heh, whoops, I guess now that you are our professor, I should choose my words more carefully."
"I don't mind," Byleth said.
"Oh, I suppose since we are close in age, I guess formalities aren't all that necessary," Claude said.
"Who is this, a new student?"
The question came from a girl, the youngest member of the house. Her most striking features were her long white hair, pink eyes, and pale skin. At fifteen, she had joined the Officer's Academy, the youngest ever to enroll, a magical prodigy. Unlike Hilda, the girl wore the full uniform with the double-breasted black and gold uniform with the black skirt, blue tights, and white boots. She was Lysithea von Ordelia, the only child of Duke Ordelia who, despite being the youngest student to enroll in the Academy, tended to be Claude's favorite to pick on playfully. Lysithea hated being treated as a child, and Claude had admitted to enjoying getting a rise out of her.
"You've got to make your fun here," Lelouch recalled Claude's words.
"Ah, this is Lelouch Lamperouge, the new student who wields the Keyblade," Claude now put Lelouch into the spotlight. "The first to do so in all of Fódlan after a thousand years, actually, and we get him by default so our professor can continue teaching him. It's a package deal."
"You're joking. The rumors are true?" Hilda said in surprise.
"Oh, I saw him in action myself. One blast of magic he released from what weapon demolished a hill," Claude said. "And he has only had it for two months."
"Then what I heard about Captain Jeralt and his daughter training him was true then?"
That question came from the third female member of the class, whose short orange hair and orange eyes combined with her tanned complexion made her stand out. She wore her uniform similar to Hilda, but the top buttons were undone, revealing a necklace underneath. An orange cloth wrapped around her waist, a long black glove around her left arm, and she wore a black archery glove on her right hand.
Right, she must be Leonie Pinelli, Lelouch thought, remembering what Claude had mentioned about her.
"Leonie enrolled here because she wants to become a mercenary, so I think she said her father is a hunter. She is pretty blunt and stingy as they come but a habitual saver as well. I think she wants to repay her village for sending her here."
"Yes, that is how we met. I encountered Jeralt and her daughter training Lelouch when we happened upon them at the village that we all fled to," Claude replied.
"What an intriguing appointment. And to gain a student who is the first to possess the Keyblade in centuries… I think this is shaping up to be a very interesting year so far. But you also have to marvel at the appointment of a professor nearly the same age as us."
The next student of the Golden Deer House was a young man with neatly combed purple hair and matching eyes. He wore a coat on top of his uniform shirt, with a large rose clipped to it.
I guess he must be Lorenz Hellman Gloucester, the son of the Duke of Gloucester. Why does something about him remind me of Clovis? Lelouch thought.
"He's the heir to Gloucester territory, and if you haven't noticed, he is a bit arrogant and fancies himself a ladies' man," Claude had said to Lelouch and Byleth. "That said, deep down, he is devoted and honest, but I wouldn't mind not hearing him talk about his noble obligations ever again."
"Despite being a skilled mercenary, I do feel some discomfort at the idea of you being our professor," Lorenz said. "The lad with the Keyblade, I am more than happy to welcome to our class, though."
"Are you really as strong as they say? Come on, let's see your biceps. I bet I've packed on more muscle than you."
The last male student in the room was also the largest, standing at over six feet tall. His white shirt seemed ready to burst open due to his enormous muscular physique. He had short blonde hair and matching eyes.
I guess he must be Raphael Kirsten, the only son of another merchant family.
According to Claude, Raphael had lost his parents some time ago, falling under the care of his grandfather alongside his younger sister. Raphael didn't seem to be the most academically inclined person in the class, but he made up for it by being among the physically most powerful of the class.
"I doubt that," Ignatz said. "Apparently, the professor was recommended by Alois."
"As for skill, I saw that with my own eyes, and Teach is the daughter of the renowned former Captain of the Knights of Serios, Jeralt the Blade Breaker," Claude said. "Not to mention in two months, she has done a good job training Lelouch here."
"I heard about that, and there is no way a child of the captain is not worthy of being a professor," Leonie said. "It's just not possible."
"The captain? I am afraid I am not familiar with Jeralt the Blade Breaker," Lysithea said.
"Captain Jeralt was among the most notable of the Knights of Serios, known as the Blade Breaker for his skill in battle," Leonie said clearly in admiration of the man. "After leaving, he became a peerless mercenary."
"I think you are exaggerating a bit," Byleth said.
"Hmph. It doesn't matter what you think of him. Captain Jeralt deserves nothing but respect," Leonie said with a sour expression on her face, seeming insulted.
"He never really spoke or bragged about his exploits, so I assumed Captain Jeralt was just being modest. Even when someone did bring them up, he just waved the subject off," Lelouch said.
"Huh, I suppose that makes sense," Leonie replied. "He was never the bragging type when I knew him."
"Well, I guess growing up as a mercenary under such a father figure, I have high hopes for our new professor," Lysithea said confidently.
"Just because someone's parent is special doesn't mean their children are special, too, Lysithea," Hilda said. "Assuming someone is going to be exceptional because of their lineage is a bad idea. Don't you agree, Marianne?"
The last female and the final member of the Golden Deer House was a young girl with light blue hair, styled into a braid that encircled her head. Her skin was pale, and she had bags under her gray eyes. Despite her beauty, a feeling of gloom hung over the young girl. She wore the same uniform as Lysithea, but with a dress underneath instead of a skirt.
Marianne von Edmund, Lelouch had also been told about her by Claude yesterday. Claude knew surprisingly little about Marianne beyond her being Margrave Edmund's daughter. Much of this was due to Marianne keeping to herself most of the time, interacting very little with others. Clearly, the girl had some self-esteem issues and lacked social skills.
She shares the same name as my mother, Lelouch thought. But they seem to be very, very different people.
"Huh, oh," Marianne realized someone was talking to her. "I suppose so."
"Well, I am sure we'll see our new Professor in action soon enough. I can't wait to see what tactics the Captain has taught you, but I do want to see him in battle too," Leonie turned to Lelouch.
"Speaking of which, can I see your Keyblade?" Lysithea asked, turning to Lelouch.
"Sure," Lelouch replied before extending his hand outward, prompting his Keyblade to appear.
"That is the most bizarre weapon I have ever seen," Raphael commented.
"Its design is simpler than the one in legends, but there is no doubt that is a Keyblade," Lorenz said, intrigued by the weapon. "And two months into his training, he is strong enough to devastate a hill?"
"Yeah, it was quite something to witness. The bandit leader who got caught in the blast turned to ash," Claude replied.
"Interesting. Then I am curious to see how more potent a Keyblade can be in well-trained hands." Lorenz said.
"Alright, enough chatting, let's have a welcome party with lots of meat," Raphael said.
"No, I say we should have a nice quiet cup of tea. I'll even fetch some high-quality leaves," Lorenz said.
"Tea? It's not a party without meat," Raphael said disappointedly.
"Your commoner sensibilities are painful to my ears, I'll have you know," Lorenz countered.
Claude could only sigh at the argument between Lorenz and Raphael.
"I apologize. As you can see, we at the Golden Deer House can be a rowdy bunch, and we are not especially unified," Claude admitted. "You'll find commoners and nobles among us here, along with those dedicated to their studies alongside the slackers. But, hey, that just makes your lives a lot more exciting here. I hope you both are looking forward to the school year as I am."
"If nothing else, I doubt my time here will be dull," Lelouch said.
Through it, all Lelouch began to wonder where Solus was during all of this.
"I think this is the first time we have been able to meet in a setting like this," Solus said, sipping from a cup of tea.
"Yes, other than having met each other in passing, we've never talked much, have we?" Edelgard sat opposite of Solus, a table draped with a white table cloth between them.
Standing behind Edelgard was a young man in his twenties with black hair and calculating light green eyes, wearing the uniform of a male student of the Officer's Academy, standing in silent vigil behind Edelgard.
"I suppose since I've kept my distance from politics within the Empire, which didn't seem to bother anyone," Solus admitted.
"Indeed. Which is quite strange, given the upheaval during the Insurrection of Seven. Those who sided against my father flourished while those who sided with him ended up in ruin," Edelgard mused before taking a sip from her teacup. "Yet your house, which did not take sides, came out of it completely unscratched."
"I can see how that would seem odd to you, but the other six Noble Houses knew better than to make an enemy of me. In my defense, I tried to warn your father about responding overtly to House Hrym's attempt to defect to the Alliance. I warned him such an action would cause the other nobles to panic and rally together to strip him of his power, but we all know what happened when he ignored my counsel."
"Are you suggesting my father should have allowed House Hrym's deflection?"
"No. I merely offered more effective alternatives to stop it without turning the rest of the Imperial Nobility against your father. Assassination against key family members and placing blame upon House Ordelia of the Leicester Alliance, or just staging an incident that would've allowed your father to suppress their effort to defect under a different pretense," Solus suggested. "One of many potential solutions and similar ways could've been used to keep the other houses in line, before they had an opportunity to band together."
"I suppose. But that does not answer my original question," Edelgard said.
"Well, the imperial nobility has tried and failed many times throughout my House's long history," Solus said with a cold, unnerving smile. "I've always repaid them in kind, resulting in severe damage to their reputations or, even worse, the loss of coins in their coffers. I've used all kinds of methods from blackmail, the occasional assassination, and sabotaging their business or political ventures. I even kidnapped the young children of some families to drive home how easily I could get to them if I wished it."
"That is difficult to believe, given how you just admitted all of this to me. You could face serious charges back in the Empire," Edelgard said, her expression guarded.
"Maybe so. But the truth of the matter is that they've all made the same mistake of underestimating me. Of course, that is how I operate. I keep to the background, and when I move, I ensure no one will see it coming. You are someone who I am confident would not make that mistake," Solus said, a knowing smile on his face. "Because I am sure people would be very interested in knowing what you've been doing as of late, as much as they would want to know about me."
Edelgard's expression darkened for a moment.
"I haven't done anything of note," Edelgard said evasively.
"Really now? Because I've heard all kinds of rumors lately. Of course, instead of doing something as crass as blackmailing you, I instead intend to extend an olive branch to you," Solus said affably. "I can make you an offer that might be very beneficial, and I would become a powerful ally in your endeavors. I have access to resources no one is aware of that would give you a considerable advantage in your endeavors."
"Really now?" Edelgard said warily.
"Yes, and all I ask in return is that no harm befalls Lelouch. I wish for him to obtain his full potential with the Keyblade."
"For what purpose, I might ask? I can't imagine you are going through all this trouble just to satisfy your curiosity about the legends. Even I am having a hard time believing you just found him in the middle of nowhere."
"I had a feeling you would be among the few to catch on quick, which is why I hoping to reach a… mutually beneficial understanding," Solus said with a knowing smile. "You certainly have the makings of being a far more capable ruler than your father."
"So you say, but you are avoiding the question," Edelgard was growing impatient.
"The boy has an important role to play, but that is not information I can reveal to you yet. Instead, why don't I tell you where he really came from?" Solus smiled deviously. "I dare say you two might be kindred spirits."
Back on Traverse Town, Sora, Hordak, and Merlin walked out into the First District to meet with the King's representatives. Entrapta was absent, to Hordak's concern.
"Maybe you should go look for Entrapta if you are worried," Sora said.
"Perhaps, but it's likely she might be caught up in one of her projects," Hordak said. He wasn't worried for her well-being, but there was no telling what she might get caught up in. "If anything, I do wish she would tell me where she is. She is quite capable, but I worry."
"Entrapta always means well, but sometimes her curiosity and eagerness for science can get the better of her," Merlin said.
"True enough, but I would've thought she would have been eager to meet people from a completely different world," Hordak said, putting a hand on his chin.
"Yes, that is true," Merlin agreed. "So now I wonder where she could be?"
Suddenly an explosion drew their attention.
"That came from the Third District," Hordak said, before he and Merlin heard the sound of screaming, followed by a distinctive holler.
"Yaaaaaaa-hoo-hoo-hoo-hooey!"
"There!" Hordak caught sight of two people, falling towards them.
"I got them," Merlin said, using his wand to create a gust of wind to catch the falling duo and gently lower them to the ground. Donald and Goofy landed, both of them having dropped their formal attire in favour of their civilian clothing.
"What happened?" Donald mumbled, badly disoriented from whatever had attacked them.
"Did we get it?" Goofy asked, in worse shape than his friend.
"What did this?" Sora asked, but Hordak figured it out when he saw something take to the air.
"Get your Keyblade out," he warned, pushing a button on his suit. Within seconds, Hordak was encased in a powered battle suit of armor in grey, black and blue, with enlarged metal gauntlets and boots. Sora summoned his Keyblade, while Merlin stepped back.
Landing a safe distance from them, towering over them at twenty-five feet tall was an armor-clad Heartless. Or rather, its body was composed of dark purple and black armor components, with clawed metallic hands and head in the shape of a knight's helmet. It had a bell-shaped body, and bore what was presumably the emblem of the Heartless. Some unseen power connected the Guard Armor's limbs, and its presence prompted a dozen Shadow Heartless to appear.
Hordak attacked first, firing a combined energy blast from his gauntlets at the Guard Armor. The blast wasn't strong enough to harm it, but the impact was enough to make it stagger backward. Using this chance, Sora attacked the smaller Heartless, intent on wiping them out first to then focus on the bigger threat. Understanding Hordak's intentions, Sora used haste to speed things up.
I got to take them out before the big guy recovers.
The smaller Heartless rushed Sora, hoping to overwhelm him using their numbers. However, thanks to his time spent training, Sora had more ways to deal with the Heartless. Swinging his Keyblade, the young man unleashed a burst of lightning magic to force the Heartless to pause their advance, destroying one Shadow too close to Sora. After his opening attack, Sora cut down the nearest Heartless before casting Fire to eliminate another. Sora swiftly cut down a third, Hordak using the energy blasts from his gauntlets to keep the Giant Armor at bay, knowing only the Keyblade could truly finish off a Heartless.
No! Hordak saw more Shadow Heartless appear behind the Guard Armor. This is not good. We'll need to kill the large one to stem the flow of the Heartless.
Seeing the situation unfold, Sora knew they could be quickly outnumbered, but turning his back on the lesser Heartless could be dangerous. He channeled Thunder through his blade, the resulting lighting strikes wiping out six at once. Unfortunately, almost double the number of Shadow Heartless appeared to replace them.
Even worse, the Guard Armor managed to counterattack against Hordak. The clone was caught off guard when the giant Heartless' limbs began moving in unexpected ways. They weren't truly attached to the Heartless body, and while Hordak had expected this, he didn't realize how fast it could move them. After quacking and spinning its arms around itself to force Hordak away, it quickly launched one of its hands at the former warlord. The first strike narrowly missed, but a second strike connected. However, Hordak's battle suit had a built-in force field absorb direct hit.
That was too close, Hordak thought.
Suddenly one of the Guard Armor's feet flew past Hordak, who narrowly evaded it in time. The Guard Armor's limbs were flowing freely, levitating around its body.
So the body is the core of this Heartless.
Hordak began wondering if he could at least destroy the limbs to weaken the entity. Even if he lacked the means to put it down permanently, he could still wound it. As Hordak charged up his gun, Sora was contending with the Heartless as more Shadows continued to appear no matter how many he struck down.
"There is just no end to them," Sora said, using a blizzard spell to flash freeze a trio of Heartless.
"Thunder!" the duck shouted, joining the fight after Merlin had finished using his magic to mend Donald and Goofy's injuries.
"I got your back," Goofy shouted, using his shield to plow through the Heartless' ranks.
Sora was aided by Merlin, who empowered his next Thunder spell. Over a dozen Heartless were caught in the torrent of lightning bolts, killing them instantly. With the flow of Shadows momentarily halted, Sora moved to attack the Guard Armor, with the aid of Donald and Goofy.
Hurling his shield, Goofy stuck the head of the Guard Armor. His shield bounced back into his hand just in time to deflect a counterattack from one of its clawed hands. Donald struck the giant Heartless with a fireball, causing it to stagger backward. Hordak seized this chance to target and successfully destroy one of the Guard Armor's clawed arms with a powerful beam, creating an opening for Sora to strike. The giant Heartless proved persistent as it tried to stomp Goofy, but the lean knight managed to hold back the stomp with his shield, holding his ground.
Merlin, who had been gathering power, unleashed a powerful gust of wind at that moment to throw the Guard Armor off balance. Hordak destroyed one of its feet, followed by Goofy counterattacking and using his shield as a blunt weapon to destroy the other foot after Donald struck it with another lightning bolt. Sora leaped towards its main body, intending to strike with Keyblade, but it seemed the Guard Armor was about to swat the young man away with its last limb… until…
Hordak destroyed it, clearing the way for Sora to strike his main body.
"Take this," Sora cried, driving the Keyblade deep into the body of the giant Heartless. After plunging the weapon deep into its body Sora dragged it down, almost splitting the creature in half, but his attack had done it. The Giant Armor stopped moving before its body disintegrated, releasing the defeated monster's captive heart from within. Quickly Sora struck its core, ending the monster at last.
Goofy approached Sora as the dust settled, noticing the Keyblade in his hand.
"Hey Donald, I think we found the Key the king spoke of."
"I take it you two are the king's emissaries," Hordak said, landing beside Sora.
"Uh-huh," Donald nodded.
"So these are the ones who came looking for me?" Sora asked, dismissing his Keyblade.
"That's right," Goofy explained. "King Mickey told us to find the Key, and that someone with a Keyblade was found here."
"Yeah, but we need to find the King, and we don't know where he is!" Donald said. Then, Goofy had an idea.
"Why don't you come with us? We got a vessel that we can travel to other worlds with."
"Maybe I can find Riku and Kairi," Sora said hopefully.
"You are more than capable of surviving whatever awaits out there now, but still, be careful," Hordak said sagely.
"I concur, and traveling with the King's emissaries will be best for you as well," Merlin said. "Since both of you are seeking someone."
"Do you think we could find his friends?" Goofy turned to Donald, who shrugged.
"Who knows? But we need him before we can find the King. Maybe we'll find them as we search for the King," the duck replied.
"Okay, I'll go with you guys," Sora said.
"I am Donald Duck."
"I am Goofy."
"My name is Sora," Sora said before the sound of a wheel barrel could be heard.
"Oh, there you are," Entrapta arrived on the scene, pushing a metal wheel barrel with strange red blocks and electronic parts in it. "I really need your help. I found this strange ship, which I couldn't help but examine, and I need some extra hands to sort through all the parts."
Hordak sighed before turning to Donald and Goofy.
"I must apologize to you. By some chance, did you have a red ship?" Hordak realized where Entrapta had been and what had happened.
Sora also came to a similar realization, "Entrapta, did you ask if that ship belonged to anyone?"
Entrapta stared at him for a few moments before a single word escaped her lips, "Oops?"
"I guess this means you'll be staying a little bit longer, Sora," Merlin sighed.
A/N: I do feel I could've done the scene with Lelouch and Byleth meeting the rest of the Golden Deer class much shorter, but this was at a time when I did the chapter who was I going to do for the third member of Lelouch's party when he leaves that world. I am down to two, and those I've bounced ideas off of know who I have in mind.
As for Sora he is preparing to head out to his first world, which will begin his first visit on a different world outside of the normal canon to shake things up. After of course they put the Gummi Ship back together again since Donald and Goofy made the mistake of leaving it unattended with Entrapta about lol.
But I promise the next chapter, since its already done I might post in a week or so to make up for the delay, will see Sora in his first battle on another world facing more than Heartless this time.
Thanks for reading, and I thank you in advance for your favorites, reviews and follows since they help encourage me to keep going with the story.