Our Forbidden Symphony

Rated T/M for themes

Synopsis:

Manuela Casagrande was a simple woman living in a complicated world. Kaede Seishin was a mercenary with a secret past. A chance encounter leads him to Garreg Mach, under the vigilant eyes of Arch-Bishop, Rhea, and a future empress. But something about the former songstress makes this new life bearable. What path will he choose? What secrets will be uncovered during this new journey? What secrets does he possess himself?

A/N:

I apologize for the delay in posting this chapter, everyone!

With things happening in real life, I was afraid to continue writing this chapter due to my limited knowledge of Fire Emblem history. I was first introduced to the series with Radiant Dawn for GC but didn't really dive deep until Three Houses. I know how much people love this series and how critical they can be about their favorite series.

That being said, I'm simply going to continue to learn and grow with the series as much as I can as I got through this story. There will be an element of Radiant Dawn introduced in this chapter and this will follow the series up to the point of the Crimson Flower/Silver Snow split for the first half before entering the 5-year gap.

I am a huge fan of the game, particularly these routes as I love a good choice that could reshape the entire narrative of the story. Both sides held higher stakes to me versus Azure Moon and Verdant Wind as they appeared to draw a definitive conclusion to the tale being told. Anyway, I'm going to be following up to the point of Byleth's decision before finally branching off on an original path. Certain elements will shift (as they did in Three Hopes), but the main direction of White Clouds will continue to head that way, though I plan on it being short.

The focus will be on Kaede and Manuela mostly, either individually or together.

Lastly, I plan for each chapter to be much longer moving forward.

With that being said, I thank you to those who enjoy this story and I look forward to bringing more updates in a more consistent manner.

Great Tree Moon

White Clouds

Chapter 1: Settling In

"Manuela! Come back here this instance!" Hanneman's voice bounced off the walls of the academy halls. The dapper gentleman was furious at his colleague for yet another reason, surprising no one. Very few of the staff or students even bothered to notice the pair as they passed by. "We are not finished with this conversation!"

"Well, I'm finished with this conversation, so just drop it, Hanneman!"

Manuela stomped away, managing to keep a good distance. Her face was flushed, hot with humiliation after a mishap in the Dining Hall. Being covered in mashed potatoes and gravy would certainly do that. Hanneman hadn't faired much better as his face was drenched with gravy as well, courtesy of Manuela. Whatever their argument was about, it caught the ears of Byleth who was content with releasing a sigh and returning to her lesson plan.

It took a little concentration, but she was able to focus on gathering the necessary information for her class. Unfortunately, such a notion would come to a halt when her attention was drawn to the sound of a chime ringing. It would be time for classes soon and she didn't want to be late. Stepping away, she found herself passing the training hall where a particular warrior stood with one of her students.

Felix?

Her curiosity had gotten the best of things, luring her closer to the two males. The Faerghus native held his wooden sword high with a focused gaze, his body remaining still. Byleth recognized this tactic; avoid telegraphing one's intentions until they were confident of the blow. With silent commendation, she found her attention drawn to the taller male.

"Professor Kaede...?" her tone was but a whisper.

Unlike Felix, he held his blade low with a parallel approach. The subtle nuances of combat always allured the former mercenary and this time would be no different. Controlled breaths would give way to the back foot as each lunged at the other. Felix swung first. He knew that he was at a disadvantage due to his position so it was best that he struck first.

Merely lifted his sword to parry the attack. Felix wasn't deterred though, rushing in with a measured thrust. Simply stepping aside, the older male smirked and tapped the boy along the shoulder, earning a grunt of irritation.

"You're overthinking again, Felix," he chuckled beneath his hood. "Your strength is without question, but you're hesitating."

"How am I hesitating? I was precise in my attacks and decisive with my movements!"

As he listened to the boy's frustration, Kaede couldn't help but smile at how passionate he was. Such passion was marred by expectations, many of which were not his own.

"What I mean is that your blows lack conviction; specifically, your conviction. If you wield a weapon to satisfy another, you will never reach your full potential. I was able to see what you were going to do simply by staring into your eyes. You carry with you a heavy burden that you must let go of. It will take time, but a warrior's mastery isn't just in physical ability, but their conviction as well. Understood?"

Such words would be considered overwhelming to take, but Felix seem to take well to the man's gentle tone. The two would share pointers about the boy's technique before another chime signaled the beginning of classes. Byleth was intrigued by the short display, watching Kaede send her ward off to class. Only when he turned around did his smile fade away, followed by a defensive grimace.

Gone was the temperate mood

"It's not polite to spy on people, you know?"

"I... I apologize for intruding. It was not my intention to invade your privacy, only to observe the valuable lesson bestowed upon one of my students."

Kaede tilted his head at the woman's apology, wondering if it was just a means to pacify his forthcoming ire. Seeing her blank stare, however, revealed no deceit as he shrugged, choosing to let sleeping dogs lie for now.

"So, you teach the Blue Lions?" she bowed, revealing a ghost of a grin. "So, that would mean that Hanneman is in charge of the Golden Deer, correct?"

"...And Manuela is over the Black Eagle class. I'm surprised that you weren't on your way to aid her." It took some effort from the hooded male, but he also flashed a grin. Byleth took notice but didn't press matters. "The classes aren't too far from here. If you're comfortable, we could head to our pupils together."

"Are you sure? I wouldn't want to be a bother to the famed Ashen Demon..."

Kind. Fierce. Insecure. She surmised. Such a drastic change in a short period. I wonder what triggers these shifts in emotions. Perhaps, if he'd be willing, he could share with me how he can feel these feelings so effortlessly.

"I doubt that you'd be that," she'd calmly reached for his wrist, tugging him onward.

Kaede expertly pulled away but stepped beside the warrior, reaching up to adjust his hood. She didn't take offense to his rejection to be touched in such a way, opting to change the subject. They conversed about their past as mercenaries and how they came to join the monastery. Byleth gained a bit of insight into her fellow warrior-for-hire, as the more he talked, the more relaxed he became, sporting a fond smile. Her moniker of the Ashen Demon was finally matched when the male mentioned his alter-ego.

"The Bloody Fang of Cerberus?" she raised a brow, one that masked her perplexity. "Unfortunately, we must part ways for now, though I hope to test out your sword skills one day. The Black Eagles class is just two doors down."

"Likewise, Professor Eisner and thank you."

With a nod, both warriors left for their respective classrooms. Kaede managed to slip inside without drawing much attention, thanking the spirits for his skills. He preferred to stay close to the shadows while the sweet voice of the professor filled the room. Sweet like honey with a hint of lavender; the perfect mixture of serenity that eased his spirit, if only a little. From the way she walked with elegance, to the grace exhibited when she silently reprimanded a student with her wand, without missing a beat.

"...And that class is the reason why, Oh!"

Kaede twitched when she gasped upon finding him posted near the door. His face lighted with discomfiture, observing as the other students fixed their eyes on him. Whether it was intrigue or judgment, Kaede couldn't shake off the discomfort that washed over him. Manuela took notice, chuckling at how a seemingly powerful combatant would shrink under the eyes of children.

"You've finally arrived! I was beginning to wonder if you'd gotten lost."

"T-Thank you..." he coughed softly, trying desperately to conceal his affliction. "It's a pleasure to... to meet you all."

"Class, read chapters 7 through 9," she instructed, approaching the uncomfortable male. "Mr. Seishin and I need to discuss something."

With a deep sigh, he graciously followed the woman out of the room, ignoring the many stares pointed at him. One of them, a pair of faded lilacs, focused on him until his departure. She continued to squint at the spot when a hand gently rested on her shoulders.

"Lady Edelgard?" her most trusted lieutenant, Hubert, inquired with a soft frown. This didn't trouble the future ruler of Adrestia as she disregarded his overprotectiveness. "Does something trouble you?"

She shook her head. "Not at all, Hubert. I've never seen him before is all."

"News around the monastery claims that Lady Rhea hired him to be a knight and teacher. However, I'm just as curious as to his reasons for being here specifically."

"Perhaps, it's inconsequential..." she replied offhandedly, contrasting her earlier interest.

"Oh, Edie! We both know, anything that catches your attention is far from inconsequential!" giggled a girl across from her wearing a beret. "Why don't you just admit that you're smitten by the mystery of that young man? Surely, one can't consider such an enigma, trivial."

Edelgard von Hresvelg turned back to her studies, tucking some of her white hair behind her ear as her friend, continued rambling on about how attractive the guy was. She was indeed interested in this new knight but for a dissimilar purpose than what Dorothea was going on about. Even Caspar and Ferdinand seemed to rave about him, mostly debating about how capable he was on the battlefield. Bernadetta was busy wailing about how the 'creepy knight' unnerved her.

She tuned out the noise, pretending to read her textbook on magic arts. But, all she could think about was when he turned to leave. There was something about him that struck her as odd. From how he was dressed to the way he was self-conscious about covering his head. Was he on the run, seeking asylum?

Kaede... Edelgard stroked her chin thoughtfully.

Manuela walked down the hall, enjoying the silence around them. The air was warm, deviating from the grey skies above. It was refreshing to get out of the classroom even if the reason wasn't so pleasant. Her smirk fell slightly when she took a look over at the young man next to her. She silently observed him, studying the shifts in his demeanor.

The other week he was so chic and suave. Now, he's insecure...?

Throughout her analysis, the two found themselves at the greenhouse. Surrounded by foliage, Kaede started to calm himself. The Adrestrian woman crossed her arms as he slowly approached one of the many plants. it was empty for now, so perhaps it was the perfect time to spark a conversation.

"The students seemed excited to meet you earlier..."

Unexpectedly, Kaede chuckled and shook his head. "Is that what it seemed like? I thought they were just staring at the freak in the shadows. Guess that was on me, huh?"

Manuela tilted her head in confusion. She may feign ignorance, but she was no fool. The songstress was an expert in details and something was troubling the man. She reached out, resting a hand on his shoulder. He didn't pull away, turning to face the woman.

"Why on earth would you think of yourself as a freak?"

The hooded male scoffed, averting his face away. "If you knew about me then you'd think the same thing as everyone else."

"Is that why you keep that hood on?" She waited until he bowed his head in adherence. "Mr. Seishin, in all my years under the employ of the monastery, we've had all manner of characters, both as allies and enemies. Anyone welcomed here is gifted a fresh start; the past means little compared to what the future holds."

Manuela couldn't see the look in his eyes, but the skepticism fused with hope could be felt from behind the concealing cloth. As if he was contemplating, she patiently waited for a response. Being new to a foreign place, it was normal to be anxious but, seeing him in such a way, so vulnerable stirred something inside of the woman.

Was it anticipation? Familiarity? Maybe it was a longing to see his face finally? Was he concealing a hideous scar?

None of that would matter; Manuela wouldn't judge him, no matter what he revealed. She felt something that countered everything in her and though she wasn't pleased with this, what was a little change in approach? Ever the one for being superficial, forsaking her usual approach to action felt far more exhilarating.

Kaede didn't stop her, as if staring at her froze him in place. His silence suggested that he was okay with her deed as she gently clutched his hood as if it was the most delicate thing.

"Miss Casagrande! I was hoping to catch you when you had some free time. Lady Rhea wanted me to...?"

Manuela released her hold mere seconds just as Seteth wandered into the greenhouse. Thankfully, he was too busy mumbling about whatever was on the docket to notice their actions. Only when he finally looked up from the paperwork did he notice the young male standing next to her. Immediately, his suspicions were heightened.

"Good morning, Seteth."

"Am I interrupting something?" he groaned, eyeing a tense Kaede.

"Not at all!" she chuckled softly, donning an innocent smile. "Mr. Seishin was assisting me with some fauna to introduce to the classroom. Er... You were saying something about Lady Rhea's request?"

"Hmmm... Yes, well, the archbishop has your first field assignment ready. There have been reports of raids occurring within some villages near Vali and she's chosen your class to handle things. You'll need to head out this evening if you're to avoid losing them. Our scout reported they'd taken refuge in Zanado, the Red Canyon so that's where you'll be heading."

"I'll alert the student immediately!" Manuela looked to Seteth with a confident simper. "I'm confident that our students will handle those ruffians without breaking a sweat."

Seteth shifted with his usual stony expression. "My apologies, Manuela, but only Kaede was mentioned as the one to lead the Black Eagles on this campaign."

As expected, Manuela frowned in shock at the news, stomping her heel in protest. "Excuse me?! What is the meaning of this?"

"With the Blue Lions heading to Zanado as well, Lady Rhea said that it would be best if you remained here just in case there were any complications or injuries that would need attending. Professor Eisner will be guiding them, but that's no reason to throw caution to the wind."

Kaede watched as the pair continued their dispute. He was impressed with how composed the green-haired man managed to be despite the fiery temper of the former opera singer. If it wasn't for the mentioning of the upcoming mission, he might've considered enjoying this display a bit more. Unfortunately, the pleasantry wouldn't last long as the realization of his blunder surfaced. Nearly letting the former diva reveal his secret, let alone so easily, was against his very code. No enemy or target had ever gotten so close to such actions and yet, Manuela had broken his impenetrable defense.

Never again... this intimate mantra ricocheted inside his head as he silently grounded himself back to the present moment. He had a job to do, and that would require him to cease this amusement.

Raising a hand to his lips, the dark-skinned warrior cleared his throat, drawing the pair's attention from their squabble.

"While this is entertaining, I still need the details of the assignment, Seteth," he interrupted softly, revealing a canine on the corner of his mouth. Manuela felt a hitch in her throat, though it was less about apprehension and more along the lines of attraction. Gone was the vulnerability, replaced by a focused and piercing gaze. Such a look was accompanied by an unreadable expression, not that she could make out much of his features with the concealing hood. "I trust that my request had been filled?"

"They just arrived this morning and have been sent to your room. Also, we managed to acquire the materials for the weapon you commissioned, it'll take some time to complete but, otherwise, you should find everything to be your liking. I trust that you'll be ready to depart soon..."

Trust; Hearing this word from someone such as the right hand of the Archbishop was almost laughable. Though his time was short here, it was obvious that Seteth was a cautious, if not paranoid man, especially around strangers.

The pair exchanged a silent nod before Seteth took his exit, leaving Manuela to look at him while blanketed in the awkwardness of their prior encounter. It had only been a week since Kaede's arrival and already, she felt close to the warrior. Though she didn't know it, the sentiment was mutual, but the response was where their paths would diverge. While she felt a warmth welling in her chest, he felt something that betrayed his profession.

Apprehension.

It was a moment of weakness; everyone has it, even the strongest of warriors. That being said, such an emotion was not tolerable to one such as him. His mind roared at him for such a blunder, yet his soul felt as if this was right. Conflicting feelings were nothing if not an invitation for death to a mercenary. Kaede couldn't afford that now, especially with the new responsibilities placed upon him.

"I... I must prepare for the mission. It's... been a pleasure, Miss Casagrande."

"Already?" her voice matched the disappointment behind her eyes. "Surely, there's time to introduce you to the students first."

The greenhouse grew quiet as his gaze fell to the stone floor. Manuela could feel the conflict permeating around the taller man as if he was hiding something beneath his hood. Furthering her curiosity was the actuality that she was mere seconds from discovering that secret before Seteth interrupted. Now, all she was left with was the image of Kaede's back as he departed the greenhouse.

While she was saddened by the result of their first encounter, the socialite discerned something far stranger in her stomach, as if a void had been left with his absence. Confusion washed over her face before she shrugged the feeling away. She had been rejected before, more times than she cared to admit, but this felt different. She hadn't experienced this sensation in such a long time; Her mind could vaguely reminisce of her days as the aspiring diva she would become at the Mittelfrank Opera Company.

Sadly, there was no time to process the good old days in Adrestia. She needed to check in with her wards and ensure that they were brought up to speed on the situation.

Unknown to her, Kaede felt his left ear twitch some time after he was far from the songstress. His eyes remained pointed forward, narrowed as if he was deep in thought and wished not to be disturbed. Many who laid eyes on him received the message, not even bothering to pay him much attention as he strode by.

His chest ached, but he kept his poker face intact, that is until he arrived at his quarters near the knight's barracks. Once he stepped inside, he made sure the door was shut and locked before finally leaning against the heavy wood. The rigid breath he held finally forced its way out. His body shivered as if he'd been left out in the tundra.

"It's her...!" he found himself hissing, though there was no malice in his voice. Only reluctance held any weight with his words and he knew why. Briefly, his mind flashed with memories of a past that he wished to forget altogether. Despite his best efforts, there was no denying the actualization of this outcome as, once again, his left ear twitched at the thought of the woman. "Damn it..."

This time, Kaede removed his hood, allowing the dark and thick tendrils to fall freely. However, it was the quivering animal's ear that expressed gratitude for the release of the hood. Fox ears wiggled and stretched at the command of their master who shared in the sentiment. It was only temporary, but he would savor every second before embarking on his mission. Pools of silver finally opened to find the parcels containing the clothes he requested from Seteth.

It was enough of a distraction for the half-animal as he began to change, revealing a long black spindly tail to match.

A tiny bit of fear once again crept through his body, though it lasted only seconds before the fox Laguz reminded himself that the door was locked. With some semblance of relief, Kaede threw on the articles with precision. A black turtleneck, armored mail hugged his torso firmly underneath a crimson/black fur-lined hooded jacket. Simple black pants rested under matching greaves and a thick crimson-coiled tattered belt that wrapped around his waist. His arms were covered in fingerless gloves and vanbraces but, there was one thing that truly brought a smile to Kaede's face.

The helm he requested was a large-rimmed hat and face covering to protect him from poisons. It was expensive, and it took nearly all of his past earnings as a mercenary to commission it, but the result would be worth it in his eyes. He wouldn't have a chance to try it on as a knock on the door tore his attention away.

"Professor Kaede?" he sighed when he heard a gentle voice call for him. "I would like a word with you before you depart."

He rushed to pull his hood on before answering the door. Thankfully, it wasn't Manuela, but the presence of the Archbishop herself staring back at him with a sweet smile on her face. Her green eyes held a warmth that many would find to be soothing. Kaede was not one of those souls.

"Lady Rhea..." he bowed respectfully, stepping aside to allow her entrance to his humble abode. She obliged, stepping inside with a grace one would expect from someone of her stature. All the same, the laguz was still cautious in her presence. "I assume you're here to discuss final details related to the mission?"

"Dear Kaede, shall we cease with the formalities? It's just us right now."

What...?

As if reading his mind, she turned slowly, still retaining her motherly grin. This time, there was no doubt in Kaede's mind that there was something sinister in her aura, but he'd play his cards close to his chest for now.

"I've ensured that the knights are occupied with other things so we'll be afforded enough to talk before your first mission. Have you met the students yet?"

"Only briefly..." he replied curtly, crossing his arms with a soft frown. "I think such luxuries are reserved for when the mission is finished. My focus is purely on completing the assignment by any means necessary."

"I expected nothing less from your kind. I've read stories about the history involving the Hatari, but I never imagined I would have the honor of actually meeting a living descendant of a once powerful race," A bead of sweat ran down his face, when she approached him, her aura looming all around him. It was a stark contrast from the sweet woman that stood before him. Sensing this, Rhea giggled when he flinched upon placing her hand on his shoulder. "I accept that the flow of time brought you to the monastery. I wonder though, Mr. Seishin, was it the desire for a brighter future or a faded past that brought you to the gates of Garreg Mach?"

The mahogany warrior felt his chest hitch at the mention of his motives. Still, he wouldn't allow himself to be broken down twice in one day. In his mind, he still held whatever advantage he possessed, minuscule as it may be. This didn't sway the matriarch of the Church of Seiros. He was not foolish enough to think this would be enough to think that she wouldn't have her reservations about him, even if she was the one to advocate his staying here in the first place.

"You've done your research, Archbishop. I'm impressed, if not flattered."

"As the head of this institution, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of all the children of the Goddess. It was merely a formality to gather as much information on you as possible to assure that you and anyone else who enters these grounds are trustworthy. Needless to say, while I wouldn't consider you a threat to our establishment, the history of your bloodline was what brought me here. I would like to request a meeting with you once you return to the monastery to discuss these findings as well as how a Laguz ended up in Fodlan. Are we in agreement?"

As much as Kaede wanted to decline, he wouldn't get the chance when the sound of heels clicking caught their ears. He pulled his hood on while Rhea removed her grip on his shoulder right as a familiar brunette arrived outside of his room.

"Kaede...! I was wondering if you were ready to... Oh!" her eyes widened to find the Archbishop standing inside with him. "Lady Rhea! I apologize for interrupting."

"Think nothing of the sort, Manuela! We were just conferring about Kaede's future here," the woman smiled warmly at the songstress. Manuela returned the gesture without skepticism. "I must take my leave, though I hope that we'll discuss this further upon your return, in private."

That was all he needed to force out a nod, earning a farewell in return. Once again, a tense silence permeated through the room, trailing far behind the smothering air that followed the Archbishop. Manuela could tell something was wrong, though she wasn't certain what she could do about it. Kaede remained still, appearing to speak only to stop at the last second.

"I... wanted to let you know that the students are..." she paused when he turned away, humiliation washing over his concealed features. Manuela wondered if he was about to explode right there, only to find him exhaling slowly repeatedly. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No..." he shook his head slowly, his tone finally stable. He turned "You did nothing wrong, Miss Casagrande. I... You were saying something about the students?"

To say that Manuela was conflicted would be an understatement. As a physician, she knew that something deeper was afoot, something that would require extensive dialogue. Unfortunately, neither had the time for such a thing. The Adrestian woman resolved only to remind him that the students were waiting for him to lead them before watching him leave without much more than a simple 'thank you' and a weak smile.

Shaking her head, she scoured his room, almost as if she was looking for something. Though it was fairly empty, she happened to stumble across a leather-bound book with a quill and ink nearby. Moving quickly, she wrote something inside of it before taking her departure as well. While she wasn't sure of what happened exactly, Manuela extended an olive branch. All she could hope for was that Kaede would accept her invitation... If not as anything romantic, at least they could come together as colleagues.

She could hope.