Author's Notes
And so we proceed to the next episode. Let's go!
Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo
Fire Emblem is owned by Nintendo
Me? I only own the story you're reading right now.
3rd Person POV
White Clouds
Great Tree Moon
Bambietta has made her decision and walked to Rhea. Seteth, Manuela, and Hanneman are also there. "How are you enjoying your time at the academy thus far? I hope you have found our halls brimming with the vitality of well-intentioned souls." Rhea said.
"Hm. I suppose it is time for you to take charge of one of our three houses of students." Seteth pointed out. "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."
"Trackable history?" Bambietta repeated.
"The Black Eagles, the Blue Lions, and the Golden Deer... All so different. I hope you've made it a point to get to know each of them." Manuela pointed out, changing the subject.
"Since you are new here, we have decided to allow you first pick. Manuela and I will take charge of the remaining two houses." Hanneman declared.
'Which house will I choose... Heh. That's a no brainer~' Bambietta thought. "I'll lead... the Golden Deer House."
"So, you have chosen the Golden Deer, led by Claude, correct?" Rhea asked.
"Indeed I have." Bambietta gave her final answer.
"Your heart has made its choice, then. All I ask is that you guide these open minds with virtue, care, and sincerity." Rhea asked of Bambietta.
"They are all promising youths who bear the weight of Fodlan's future upon their shoulders. I hope you appreciate what an honor it is to lead them." Seteth added.
"You got it. I'll try my best." Bambietta nodded.
"Brother? Oh! I am so sincerely sorry! I did not mean to interrupt." A green haired girl, who looks more dainty than Sothis, apologized as she appeared.
"I am in the middle of something, Flayn. Is it urgent?" Seteth asked.
"No, no, it's nothing. More importantly... Who is this?" The girl named Flayn asked back.
"This is our newest professor at the academy." Seteth answered.
"Oh my! A new addition to the Officers Academy! I am so very pleased to meet you, Professor." Flayn greeted. "I am Seteth's little sister, Flayn. I am so happy to make your acquaintance."
"Same to you." Bambietta smiled.
"Let us focus on the topic at hand. There is something you should be aware of." Seteth pointed out to Bambietta, to her confusion. "In a few days' time, there will be a mock battle between the three houses, intended to gauge the current progress of the students. We will be using this battle as an opportunity to ascertain your own abilities as well. Please do not disappoint the archbishop. That is all." He warned as he, Rhea, Flayn, Manuela, and Hanneman leave.
Bambietta POV
After Seteth warned me not to disappoint the archbishop, I didn't have any other choice but to go to the Golden Deer's classroom. "Wait. What!? Are you really our new homeroom professor?" The pink haired lady, Hilda, gasped.
"Is that true? You aren't quite what I had pictured... Oh! Sorry! I didn't mean that the way it sounded." The blonde boy, Ignatz said.
"I was sure you'd be roped into joining the knights!" Hilda pointed out.
"Don't tell me. You chose this class just to get to know me better, right? I'm flattered, really." Claude told. "Heh, whoops. Now that you're our professor, maybe I should choose my words more carefully."
"Hey, I don't mind." I shook my head.
"Oh? Well, then! Since we're pretty close in age and all, I suppose formalities aren't all that necessary." Claude declared.
"One must truly marvel at the exceptionality of this appointment. Becoming a teacher to students almost the same age as yourself. How...unusual." The purple haired man, Lorenz said. "I've heard you are a skilled mercenary, but I cannot shake my discomfort at your new position."
"Are you really as strong as they say? Let's see your biceps! I bet I've packed on more muscle than you!" The blonde man, Raphael, exclaimed.
"I doubt that. Apparently, our new professor was personally recommended by Alois, one of the knights." Ignatz said.
"As far as skill goes, I saw it with my own eyes. What's more, Teach here is the child of the most renowned former captain of the Knights of Seiros." Claude declared to everyone in the Golden Deer.
"I heard! There's no way a child of the captain isn't worthy. It's simply not possible." The orange haired young lady, Leonie, spoke.
"The captain? Who are you talking about?" The white haired girl, Lysithea, asked.
"Captain Jeralt, of course! The most notable captain of the Knights of Seiros and a peerless mercenary." Leonie answered.
"You're exaggerating a bit. He's not that well known..." I shrugged.
"Hmph! It doesn't matter what you think of him. Captain Jeralt deserves nothing but respect." Leonie declared.
"Hm. Well, after working as a mercenary alongside a father figure such as he, I have high hopes for our professor." Lysithea declared.
"Just because someone is special doesn't mean their children are special too, Lysithea." Hilda pointed out. "Assuming that a child is going to be exceptional just because of their lineage is a bad idea." She added. HEY. That's true. "Don't you agree, Marianne?" She asked the blue haired girl, Marianne.
"Huh! Oh... Um, yes. I suppose so." Marianne said.
"Well, we can find out for ourselves in battle. I can't wait to see what tactics you've learned from the captain." Leonie voiced her excitement.
"A battle? Shouldn't we have a welcome party or something first? I'll get the meat!" Raphael suggested.
"How savage. I propose a nice conversation over tea instead. I am more than willing to procure some high-quality leaves." Lorenz declared.
"Tea? You can't get to know someone over tea. If there's no meat involved, it's not a party!" Raphael denied.
"Your common sensibilities are grating to my noble ears. Please quiet yourself." Lorenz grumbled.
"Sorry for the bickering, Teach. As you can see, the Golden Deer House is a rowdy bunch. We're not especially unified." Claude told me. "You'll find nobles and commoners alike here. Those who are dedicated to their studies alongside slackers. But, hey, that just makes your life more exciting, right? I really hope you're looking forward to the year ahead as much as I am."
Day 24 of the Great Tree Moon
There are new places to explore in the Monastery. I've also received more money from the Church of Seiros as funding for this month's activities.
Day 26 of the Great Tree Moon
I visit Hanneman in his dorm. "Say, while you're here... I'd like to use this device I designed to determine whether the power of a Crest resides within you. Won't hurt a bit. Promise." Hanneman said.
"Sure, but, um... what are Crests?" I asked.
"You don't know about Crests? Well, allow me to tell you everything-absolutely everything- about them. Is your calendar clear? This will take a while. Crests are a fascinating topic, but before one can dive deeply into said topic, one must first understand what Crests are. They are power incarnate. They are said to have been bestowed upon humans by the goddess countless ages ago. They exist within the flesh, and are passed down through bloodlines. Those who carry Crests may excel at magic, display exceptional strength, or any number of boons. Each Crest has its own power, the nature of which is beyond mortal understanding. For now." Hanneman answered.
"Uh-huh... And you believe I have a Crest?"
"I suspect as much, yes. But we won't know for sure unless I look into the matter. As I said, Crests are passed down through the blood. However, just because someone carries a Crest does not necessarily mean their descendants will inherit it as well. Only a scarce few descendants of a Crest's bloodline end up inheriting that Crest's power. Perhaps one of your ancestors bore a Crest, and you just happened to inherit it. That is how a Crest usually presents itself, after all."
"Well, if that's the case, do what you can to find out." I told him.
"Yes, of course. I'll get to the bottom of it straight away. Now then, please go ahead and hold out your arm over this device here." Hanneman pointed the device to me. I do so.
"Like this?" I asked him. Suddenly, the pattern of my arm's shadow was taken and curved in many, MANY directions.
"What is this!? A pattern I've never seen before... Is it possible an as-yet undiscovered Crest has been detected? To think there are still Crests out there that even I am unaware of! How thrilling!" Hanneman exclaimed excitedly.
"Uh..."
"Ahem... Pardon my unrestrained jubilation. I have much to consider. You may leave now. I have more research to do in regard to this Crest. Yes, so very much more research. But for now, your work here is done." He told me. Don't need to tell ME twice...
Day 27 of the Great Tree Moon
At my dorm, I thought about what Rhea taught me: "With each moon, professors at the Officers Academy receive a schedule for the month ahead. It notes the days on which events and missions will take place that month. Pay careful attention to your schedule so that you may thoughtfully plan what you intend to do each month, and when."
The monastery's schedule features different events on different days. Each week I'll have one day off, when I may choose what to do. My only option at first is to explore. I can view the schedule whenever I please, too. For now, I suppose I should take a look around the monastery.
So, this is my room... ...I thought I heard a girl's voice...but I must have been imagining things. I look under my bed and see a couple of items. A pair of shoes named Sacred Galewind Shoes, a robe called a Sacred Floral Robe, something called a Sacred Snowmelt Drop, and a stone called a Sacred Moonstone. ...This REALLY IS a fantasy kind of world, isn't it? Jesus... I also got a Chalice of Beginnings and... something called Renown? Don't really know what that's for, but I felt some of it was used to get some of my skills up to the point of expertise I had with them when I was with the Knights of Vanden.
Either way, I was pretty good with a sword. I'd say a B, at worst. After that, I learned the following Combat Arts: Grounder, Bane of Monsters, and I got an ability called Sword Prowess Lv 3. ...Is this the real life or some damn video game!? Either way, I got another ability called Axebreaker.
I don't remember wielding lances or axes, but I'm DAMN sure I'm really good with a bow. A B+ at worst! I learned the Combat Art Curved Shot, the Ability Bow Prowess Lv 4, and the Ability Close Counter. Looks like if I use this ability, I'll be able to counterattack at close range. VERY nice.
I'm also pretty good with Brawling. I'd say... C+ at worst. I learned the Combat Arts Draining Blow, Rushing Blow, Fading Blow, and the Ability Brawling Prowess Lv 3.
I'd say I'm pretty good at reason, so I'd say C at worst. I learned magic. ...Oh holy shit THERE IS magic in this world. YES. Uh... Either way, I learned the following black magic: Fire, Thunder, and Bolganone. ...What the hell is a Bolganone? Anyway, I also learned the Ability Reason Lv 2.
Faith? Hmm... I'm... not sure I don't need to work on this... but at the same time, I wouldn't want to sound TOO close to God... Er... C+. I learned the following white magic: Heal, Nosferatu, and Recover. I also learned Faith Lv 3. ...When the hell did Nosferatu get into white magic?
Authority? I've got that in spades. I'd grade myself an S in authority. I learned the Abilities Authority Lv 5, Rally Movement, Model Leader, Defensive Tactics, Battalion Desperation, and Battalion Vantage.
Heavy Armor? Pfft. Ain't nobody got time for that. ...But, just in case... C. I obtained the Ability Weight -3. ...What?
Riding? What? I didn't really see any Sternritter, Quincy, Soul Reaper, Hollow, or even Arrancar for that matter, ride any horses or any other animal to battle. Though just in case... B. I learned the Ability Dexterity +4. ...Seriously. Is this a video game or something?
Flying? Pfft. Not to toot my own horn, but I've got it down pat. How about... a B at worst? I learned the Ability Alert Stance.
Before I do anything, I'm just gonna use the Sacred Galewind Shoes on myself so I can move around a lot more freely during every battle. I'm also gonna need to equip the Chalice of Beginnings because I think I'm gonna need it. ...Wait, why am I being so cautious? That's VERY not like me. ...Maybe... No. It couldn't be.
Ugh! What am I doing and what am I saying!? I've gotta go... do stuff! Right... Okay. First things first, I need to go talk to Claude. I approach him and talk to him and Hilda who was also there.
"Did you hear the news, Teach? Looks like we're gonna have a good ol' mock battle between the houses! The Golden Deer House isn't exactly what you'd call an elite group just yet, so you may want to whip everyone into shape with some extra training. After all, competition is only fun if you win. To that end, I'd better prepare as well." Claude said.
"Sure." I nodded.
"You know, I was researching what it's like to live here long before I even enrolled. Want me to fill you in, Teach?" He asked.
"Go ahead. Tell me about the Facilities." I answered.
"Students and teachers of the Officers Academy are all free to use the facilities within the monastery. That means you can chow down with students at the dining hall, or get in some one-on-one sparring at the training grounds. As you explore the monastery, try visiting the various facilities and talking to the people who live here." Claude taught me.
"Okay. What about the Bulletin Boards and Quests?"
"If you haven't noticed, there are bulletin boards in various places around here. You can check them out to see posted requests or to find more information about the market. I hear that fulfilling requests can even earn you the right to use more facilities. The bulletin board gets updated frequently, so it's probably a good idea to check it once a month."
"Got it. So how do I spend my time here?"
"Far be it for me to tell you how to use the facilities, but it's a good idea to be mindful of how you're using your time. If you don't think about how you're spending your free time, it'll be over before you know it."
"Okay. Anything else?"
"Here at the Officers Academy, even professors are expected to study often to help maintain their strong leadership skills. In other words, students and teachers alike have to strive to grow in every possible field." Claude finished teaching me.
"All right. I guess that's it, then. See you later." I waved goodbye. I went and spoke to the big white haired man, Dedue.
"Let me know when you are hungry. I will make you a quality meal, as thanks for your service to His Highness." Dedue declared.
"Sure thing. Anything I can help you with?"
"Indeed. I have a request. There is a dish I would like to make, but I need more of a certain vegetable to do so. I was planning to grow it from seeds in the greenhouse, but if you'd like to help..." He trailed off.
"All right. What do I need to do in this greenhouse?"
"Plant these seeds there." Dedue answered my question as he gave me his bag of seeds.
"Right. Okay. Thanks." I nodded as I leave. I made my way through the Dormitory, passing by some students on the way to the greenhouse then I came across... ugh. That bright red haired guy, Sylvain.
"Well, there's Dorothea, Hilda, and Mercedes. Lady Rhea's quite the beauty too. And I must admit, I've even checked out Professor Manuela once or twice. You know, Professor, I'm going to like it at the Officers Academy. There are beautiful girls as far as the eye can see..." Sylvain declared. Creep.
"Yeah. Sure. You actually want anything for me to do?"
"In fact, I do. Professor, I have a request. If I have to eat in that filthy dining hall, I prefer to invite a cute girl to dine with me. Beforehand, I'll find out her favorite foods so I can order them. She's happy, I'm happy. I haven't missed a move! Pretty great, huh?"
"Jeez... Girls, girls, girls with you..." I grumbled. "Fine. I accept your request." I told as I leave him. I then make my way to the Greenhouse which is right by the Fishing Pond.
"Hello there~ I'm the Greenhouse Keeper. If you have any seeds you wish to plant, let me know and by the time you check up on them, you'll have some plants that have grown from the soil~" The Greenhouse Keeper declared.
"Thanks." I thanked as I gave her Dedue's Seeds. She plants them into the soil. I'll have to check back when I next explore the monastery on a free day.
"Would you like to cultivate them? I can infuse the seeds with magic if you wish." The Greenhouse Keeper suggested.
"Sure. Let's do that." I accepted. And so the plants and soil were infused with magic. After that, Dedue gave me some more seeds for later planting.
I head into the dining hall and see Flayn there. "Hello there, Professor. Well, I call you that, but I am afraid I am not a student here myself." She told me.
"That's a shame..." I sighed.
"Should the opportunity arise, I would love to become a student and begin my studies in earnest. The monastery is kind enough to provide a sanctuary for my brother and I. He's the only family I have." Flayn declared.
"Anything else you want to say?"
"Yes! Might you help me with a favor? There is a ceremony related to Saint Cethleann that requires rare fish. Would you mind helping me obtain some, Professor? You can fish by speaking with the fishkeeper at the fishing pond."
"All right. I'm gonna catch me a good one, you'll see~" I promised her, accepting the "quest". First things first, I think I gotta do Sylvain's request.
"What can I get you? Today's Special or something else?" The Dining Staff member asked me.
"What's Today's Special?"
"Saghert and Cream. A baked confection coated with Noa fruit cream and a currant reduction, often enjoyed as a dessert at family gatherings." They told. Ooh~ A sweet treat~?
"All right. I'd like that. Just gotta get, uh... Marianne and Hilda here first." I answered. The two I invited eat the food with me.
"It's... delicious." Marianne blushed.
"I know! So tasty. It would be nice if you spoke up once in a while though." Hilda told. I felt the bonds among the three of us grow stronger and the two that I invited become more motivated. I also feel like I can do more things when exploring the monastery. After that, the bell of the church rings. I guess my free time is over already... Oh well. I can still go fishing. With that thought in my head, Sylvain gave me some fish named Airmid Gobies, some onions, and some turnips.
So I go fishing with the bait Flayn gave me. I use it and then I catch a fish. I caught a Carassius. This small fish is common to all regions of Fodlan. It is somehow connected to Saint Cethleann... Well, better bring this to Flayn. After that, she gave me some Albinean Herrings, some Caledonian Gar, and some Insect Larva to use as bait.
Looks like that's about all I can do for the day, so I finish exploring for the day.
Day 30 of the Great Tree Moon
It's Ferdinand's birthday. I guess I'll buy him some flowers. That done, I think he loved the flowers.
Right. Today's the day for the mock battle. Hmm... I'll need to work on my lance skills, and I don't think I'll need to do the same for my axe skills. That said, give me a bow! Any bow! I got a Training Bow. It's got a couple more uses than the Iron Bow, but the Steel Bow is more expensive. Not only that, but I'll need to work on my Brawling skills too, so I'll buy the Training Gauntlets. Oh yeah. And I bought the Iron Lance too. I've got 150 G left. Not bad for my first time spending weapons for myself, I'd think.
Right. It's almost time.
END OF EPISODE
