Chapter 11: The Rivalry of the Houses
Author's notes: I'm pushing the Mock Battle one day ahead so we can jump right in it! Also, my longest chapter yet! Woot!
Sparks101: I just adore schemey Claude! xD
Dracus6: I'll definitely consider it, but can't make any promises with school and soon full time work. I do like your pairing ideas and I hope you continue to enjoy this story!
NyanCat: Protective father mood engaged! Definitely, I hope to develop the friendship between Byleth, Dimitri, and Claude. I do have a father daughter training sketch coming up! We'll see why Jeralt has the title 'Blade Breaker'. Oh yes, I feel like Sylvain cherishes his life enough to not dare flirt with Byleth in Jeralt's presence.
The Apocryphal One: I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the little side adventure, as well as Claude's shenanigans, and Felix's penchant for swords! Yes, onto the mock battle!
Osheana259: - Thank you Osheana! In an upcoming training sketch we'll see why Jeralt has the title 'Blade Breaker'. I totally agree with you as I plan to develop the friendship between Byleth, Dimitri, and Claude. It's going to add more of a dynamic storyline post-time skip when their friendship and trust is tested. As for Edelgard, I like your thinking and we shall see how it develops!
B1ackAshes: Thank you for your reviews! Yes, I am addicted to cliffhangers and have joined Cliffhangers Anonymous for help. Thank you for alerting me to the typo; it has been fixed! I hope you will continue to enjoy the story!
RAX: Oh yes, all should be in fear for Papa Bear, the Blade Breaker, is here… o3o
Guest: Indeed! Dimitri will be more cautious going forward! xD
FantasyFan223: Gasp! *Turns to see Fantasy Fan standing in the door frame* You've arrived! And just in the nick of time! xD I hope your week went well even though it was busy; it's always a pleasure to read your review! As for pairings, not sure yet as I may bring in a few students from the other two houses, Flayn, and maybe some staff members, so I may mix pairings up again. I guess we'll see which pairings just develop naturally over the course of the story! O3o Pfffttt, Claude knows no shame! Now, let's see if you win the bet! xD
In only three days Jeralt's predictable life took a sudden turn, leading him to the last place in all of Fódlan he ever thought to return to. But, after watching his daughter instruct her students on the training ground, Jeralt knew in his heart that this was the right choice. When it came to teaching, Byleth was a natural. The young woman had weaved in between her students, straightening their postures, correcting their aim, and being ever patient with their shenanigans. That saint-like patience must have been inherited from her mother because Jeralt would already thrown a couple of those Blue Lions students into the fish pond had he been their professor.
And who would have known that Jeralt would one day hold a tea party for his daughter? 'Your wife did…' a voice whispered from the back of the captain's mind, stirring Jeralt awake from his stupor. The captain had fallen asleep in the chair at his desk, arms crossed upon his shoulder, and his old diary laying open on the desk once again. Shaking his head, the man quickly relocated the old worn book into the deep recesses of his desk drawer.
As he closed the drawer a confident knock came at his door. 'Now who could that be at this hour?' Jeralt frowned as he peered out his window. Night had darken the sky, allowing the moon to illuminate the stone monastery with its ethereal glow. Surely the visitor wasn't Alois, otherwise Jeralt would have heard him coming up the stairs. The captain shivered at the very idea before replying out loud, "Yes?"
The wooden door cracked open as an orange haired young woman stuck her head in. "Captain Jeralt, sir," Leonie acknowledged cordially, "Sorry to intrude but," the door suddenly flung wide open as the rest of Leonie's classmates rushed in.
"Claude is missing!" Hilda cried out in a tizzy as she anxiously twisted her hands through her long pink ponytailed hair.
"Well, he's definitely not in the library," Lysithea stated with a frown as she crossed her arms. She was slightly irritated at this ordeal for the day-long search had stolen precious time away from her studies.
"And he is nowhere in the monastery," Ignatz added in concern as he pushed his slipping glasses back upon his nose. This was probably the loudest Jeralt had ever heard the shy young man talk.
"And more importantly! Do you have any food?" Rapheal added in desperation causing the rest of the Golden Deers to pause as they turned to stare up at the burly young lad. "What? The dining hall is closed for the night and all this stress is making me hungry...I might not make it to morning this time guys!" A loud ravenous growl from Rapheal's empty stomach and warned the crowd that this might be a very real possibility. The young man patted his belly, as if that would help calm the famished beast within.
"Clearly we are desperate," Lorenz sighed as he rubbed his delicate fingers along a furrowed crease upon his forehead.
'Claude,' Jeralt thought to himself as he pictured the free spirited leader of the Golden Deer house. The captain had pegged the young man as trouble from the moment he first laid eyes on the wild haired lad. So, where would a troublemaker go on the eve of the mock battle...after Byleth had left with her class to go on a secret training activity. The captain sighed, 'I'm too old for this shit,' he thought as he rose from his chair.
"I know where he is," Jeralt announced to the crowd of worried students. "You all stay here," the captain stated as he pushed his chair back. A flurry of protesting groans, moans, and whines filled the room; but they were instantly quelled by one austere look from Jeralt. The captain snatched something off his desk before making his way through the parting sea of Golden Deer students. "Here," Jeralt prompted Rapheal as he handed the young man a breakfast croissant bundled in an ivory napkin.
"May Sothis bless you sir!" Raphael cried out with joy at the captain's retreating back.
'Not likely,' Jeralt thought darkly as he marched down the stone hallway.
Once through the stone maze of the inner monastery, Jeralt spotted a slightly hunched figure leaning upon a cane waiting at the portcullis. As the captain drew near he realized it was Tomas, the kind wizen librarian of Garreg Mach. It looked like he was getting ready to leave the monastery as well. "Why hello, Tomas," Jeralt greeted warmly. The captain recalled that the gentle librarian had always been helpful to him when he was just a love stricken knight meandering about the library.
The elderly librarian nearly dropped his cane in surprise. "Oh, Captain Jeralt, hello," Tomas greeted in his soft voice as he collected himself.
"Are you on your way to the village?" Jeralt continued as the heavy portcullis began to rise. "If so, please allow me to fetch one of the knights to take you down the path by wagon."
"Oh, no no no, kind of you my lad, but I was merely gazing off into the distance. An odd quirk of my age perhaps," Tomas chuckled gently as he shook his head.
"I see...well please accept our assistance when you do decide to travel," Jeralt added kindly.
"Of course, such a kind offering Captain Jeralt," The librarian replied as he nodded his head gratefully before quickly shuffling back into the Monastery.
Jeralt silently watched the elderly man disappear into a nearby hallway. Then a thought crossed his mind, 'Never had Tomas lied to me before…'
"Sir, your steed," a knight called out, shaking the captain out of his thought. Jeralt turned to see one of the Knights of Seiros lead over a proud snow white Lipizzaner. The stallion was grumpy at first to have his beauty sleep disrupted, but instantly perked up at the sight of his rider.
"Come Oskar," Jeralt prompted his steed and soon they were off, trotting down the path of the quiet mountain side. The clip clop of hooves harmonized to musical hum of cicadas, while a gentle breeze brushed along the captain's face. With the twinkling stars and luminescent moon glowing above, Jeralt began to pine for the time he felt free to roam across the wilds of Fódlan.
As the captain crossed under the stone archway, he scanned the area, noting that a few of his men were standing watch at strategic points of the quiet slumbering campsite. Indeed, it seemed like everything was in perfect order, until Jeralt spotted two individuals sitting by the fire that caused the man's jaw to clench painfully tight. His precious Byleth and that mischievous Claude, both of whom were sitting much too close to each other. A vein upon the 'ole captain's forehead began to throb, and even Oskar came to a halt as the stallion could sense his master's mounting rage. Jeralt silently slid off his horse, all the while ensuring that his sword was secured to his hip, as he deftly approached the two. He crossed his arms just as the young man leaned towards his innocent daughter, "Ah-HUM!" The captain cleared his throat loudly causing Claude to freeze up as his green eyes widened at the sight of the new arrival.
"Why, hello there," Jeralt began as he attempted a smile, which only made him look even more menacing in the hellish glow of the fire. "Mind if I join you two?" The captain asked, though he didn't bother to wait for an answer as he wedged his left boot right in between the pair, then his leg, and finally his entire body as he pushed the two apart. Jeralt could practically hear Claude's heart pound loudly within the lad's chest. Pleased, the man set his gloved right hand to pat Claude upon the shoulder, "Now why is the Leader of the Golden Deer doing out here when his fellow classmates are worried sick in the monastery?"
"Ah, well, you see sir," Claude began as he searched for the right things to say that would smooth over this entire situation. However, the one who had always been praised for having a silver tongue, was tongue tied for once.
The captain's hand came to rest upon the lad's shoulder as Jeralt continued in his low rumbling voice. "I know, you snuck out here seeking additional training, didn't you?" He asked as the crackling firelit danced upon his narrowing eyes. "Well, I can help you there, kid," Jeralt added in a low threatening tone. "I may have been called the Blade Breaker, but that's not all that I've broken," the captain whispered in a dark menacing tone.
From the safety of the tent, Dimitri watched the scene play out with great interest. The prince had been inexplicably angry with the Golden Deer leader, and ready to chuck his toothbrush at Claude's head when the young man began whispering who knows what into Byleth's ear. But this scene was far more satisfying than what a little toothbrush could have accomplished. And while this all played out, Byleth was just as daydreamy as usual as she watched the dancing crackling fire, seemingly unaware of thick tension filling the air.
As if hearing Dimitri's thoughts, the Golden Deer leader suddenly looked towards the prince's direction. "Help me!" Claude mouthed with an urgent expression.
Dimitri vehemently shook his blonde head. "You wanted to stir up trouble, and you got it!" The prince mouthed back.
Then Claude finally unleashed his special attack. The young man's vibrant green eyes widened and his lips trembled in such a dramatic expression of innocence.
Dimitri scowled back, "Don't you dare use those puppy dog eyes on me!"
Desperate, Claude upped his game. He fluttered his eyelashes in one last attempt to evoke the Prince's sense of empathy...and the display was super effective.
"Damn my soft heart!" Dimitri cursed under his breath as he exited the tent, not at all eager to get tangled in Claude's mess. "Why hello Captain Jeralt, I am pleased that you have joined us," the prince began diplomatically.
"Ahhhh," the captain murmured dangerously. "Just the other young man I wanted to have a talk with," Jeralt remarked at the sight of the Blue Lions Leader; the one with the lingering gaze.
Dimitri froze right on the spot as he gulped. 'What did I do?!'
"I was just about to tell young Claude here on what I do with rapscallions who prey upon innocent young maidens." Jeralt added as he tightened his grip upon Claude's shoulder causing the young man to wince.
"Oh, is that so? Then I know of another student who could do well to hear from you." Dimitri sighed as he thought of Sylvain.
"Bring him to me," Jeralt practically hissed. The prince nearly thought the captain exhaled smoke from his mouth.
"Uh, well…" Dimitri stuttered. Sure Sylvain could use a good talking to, but the prince wanted his friend to survive afterwards!
Luckily he was spared the fate for Byleth suddenly jumped to her feet causing all three men to turn their attention towards her. "We are being watched," the young woman whispered as she began to scan the area for the source of her unrest. Her steel blue eyes widened once she spotted her target. A figure hidden at the edge of the Sealed forest was stoically watching. The being was nearly invisible by the obsidian robe wrapped around its body, but the bright crimson feathers decorating the shoulders, highlighted its presence. To Byleth, the figure looked like a phantom within the ancient forest. But she knew that couldn't be, so who was this phantom who wore a white mask with red flames. Whose face was silently peering out?
Byleth took a step forward, then felt the warm hand of her father's, grasp her shoulder. The young woman look questioning back a Jeralt who was now standing next to her. 'Don't' his look stated. "I'll report this to Rhea once we return. For now, remain alert. You two," Jeralt barked at the lads, who instinctively jumped and straightened their postures. "Go to bed," the captain ordered with a dismissing wave of his hand.
"Yes sir!" they both stated in unison before quickly retreating to the large tent.
"Ah," Claude winced as he tested his shoulder. "My bow arm is going to be useless for the mock battle," the Golden Deer leader woefully sighed.
"Huh, cursed by your own scheming hubris, wouldn't you say?" Dimitri remarked with a raised brow.
"Ugh," Claude groaned as he glanced over at the prince. "That smug look of yours is unbearable," the Golden Deer leader concluded with a shake of his head. Then he admitted in a lower tone, "but, seriously, thank you for coming to my aid."
"Any time," Dimitri shrugged, for in the end it was the natural thing for him to do when others were in need.
"Hey now, I'll remember that your kingliness!" Claude winked mischievously as the two ducked into the tent.
Jeralt shook his head as the two young men disappeared into the tent. "Those two sure are trouble," the captain sighed as he sat back down; meanwhile Byleth added more logs to fire to ensure that the campsite stayed well lit. Jeralt watched her and a fatherly ache tugged at his heart. She wasn't his little buttercup anymore, Byleth was a full grown woman becoming more independent with each day, and with that thought the captain sighed at the inevitable.
Byleth sat down beside her father and peered up curiously at his worn face. It was time to have the talk, Jeralt realized. Well, not the birds and bees talk, goddess...the captain would rather rush into battle naked than do that talk. But he still had to say something to prepare his daughter; to guide her from heartbreak if possible. Too bad he was terrible at heart to heart talks, his strength resided in lopping off heads.
"Look," Jeralt began awkwardly as he beckoned to his daughter. "I know I can't boss you around anymore, but just do your old man one thing." The captain took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly before continuing. "When you think you've found that special someone in your life, see if they are just happy when you simply smile. That's all it should take." As Jeralt searched her face, he could discern by the puzzled look in his daughter's eyes that she was his little Byleth for just a bit longer.
"And just one more thing, pick a sleeping bag furthest from those two knuckleheads!" Jeralt quickly added before he ushered his daughter to the tent. His warm eyes then glanced back to gaze at the Sealed Forest as the hairs on the back of his neck raised instinctively. Something was in motion, and Jeralt was sure it was all connected with her...Rhea...
In the early morning, even before the rooster could caw, Jeralt's booming voice filled the campsite. "Everyone wake up!" The captain announced to the several bleary eyed students. "The mock battle will commence soon and you still need to have breakfast!" An additional wagon had arrived earlier carrying breakfast prepared from the dining hall. Plates of fluffy eggs, crispy bacon, and butter toasted bread were passed around for the students to hungrily dig into. But just as quickly as their morning began, the students were already being rushed about. "Alright, Blue Lions grab your weapons from the other wagon and follow me," Jeralt announced before he waited upon his steed as the students assembled. Their expressions varied from a look of steeled determination to a look of 'I shouldn't have eaten so much just before a big match'. They silently began their march through another stone archway of the far side of the campground. Here the grassy battlefield was similar with dark rock formations and a lush green forest. However, as this area was closer to the town, there were remnants of old structures scattered about, no doubt the other two classes would have conveniently taken them over.
"I'll be overseeing this mock battle," Jeralt announced as he came to a halt. "Claude, your class is already out on the field so join them quickly."
With an over the top salute at the captain, than a gleeful smile towards Dimitri and Byleth, the Golden Deer leader sprinted down the path before turning around to yell, "I won't be offended if you take it easy on me!" He gave the Blue Lions a wink before disappearing past the bend of trees.
"Well, the Leicester Alliance has an interesting future in store for it, that's for sure," Jeralt remarked before he turned back to gaze down at his daughter. "I'm not supposed to show favoritism," the captain began as his honey brown eyes warmed at the sight of her confident stance. "But you know I hope that your students will do well and that you'll win." Suddenly a jet of brilliantly glowing light, like a comet, shot out above the treeline into the sky from somewhere within the forested battlefield. "Go get 'em!" Jeralt cheered as he pulled on Oskar's reigns, making the stallion rear upon his hind leg with a whinny, before taking off in a gallop down the dirt path.
Dimitri cleared his throat, beckoning his classmates attention to him. "Our victory doesn't just depend on our Professor's tactics," the prince began in his crisp confident tone. "But upon how well we can work together as a team. And that is what you wanted us to learn during camping, wasn't it Professor?" Dimitri asked with a nod towards Byleth. "That even when we, as individuals, do something we aren't the best at, we can rely on our partner to provide their strength?"
Byleth nodded appreciatively back at Dimitri. "Yes," She began as she surveyed her class. "Split up into your camping pairs," the professor instructed and each Blue Lions student rearranged themselves accordingly. As they did so, Dimitri realized how they were grouped. "Short range weapon users stay in front of your long range partner. Now create a tight formation!" Byleth commanded as she walked towards the rear of the group. Dimitri, Dedue, Felix, and Ingrid created a line with their respective partners following behind. "Forward!" Byleth commanded with her arm outstretched and her sword pointing towards their goal.
The Blue Lions marched down the path, weary of anyone lurking in the shadow of the forest on either side of the path. As the class followed the bend, they were met by Ignatz and Lorenz, the latter who had been shouting back, "None of your shallow tactics are required, Claude. I'm not crawling over the mud and hiding in the bushes like a coward! Ignatz and I will dismantle the opposition properly and...oh hello!" Lorenz exclaimed at the sight of the fully formed and armed opponents. Organized together, the Blue Lions were a formidable sight to behold.
"Oh gosh!" Ignatz blurted. "I'm not ready!" The young man quickly grabbed an arrow as he spotted the incoming forces. Claude and Hilda could be seen further ahead behind a tall but old wooden fence.
"Fear not Ignatz!" Lorenz yelled as he advanced with his spear pointed at the ready.
"Dimitri and Mercedes, take care of this. The rest of you continue forward." Byleth instructed as the bulk of the Blue Lions marched on. The professor continued to hang back in the rear, when she realized she hadn't been spotted just yet. Taking the opportunity, Byleth ducked into the forest and began to climb up a tree.
The first match was Dimitri versus Lorenz. "Ah, Prince Dimitri," Lorenz began with an expression of excitement upon his sharp face. "Finally a worthy opponent, our battle will be legendary! But who will be the victor? No doubt it will be I for -oouufff!" While Lorenz was busy pontificating, Mercedes had taken aim with a blunt ended arrow and hit the Golden Deer student right in the stomach.
"Now Dimitri!" Mercedes called out and with a nod towards the prince. The Blue Lions leader charged, deftly knocking the spear out of Lorenz's hands with one swipe, before swinging his spear again right into the Golden Deer student's left flank.
"Arrghhh!" Lorenz groaned, then collapsed dramatically onto the ground. "I am...defeated...and covered in dirt," Lorenz lamented.
"One Golden Deer student down!" A mercenary, from Jeralt's company, cried out a he waved his white flag and helped Lorenz up.
"Oh...how embarrassing," Lorenz grumbled as the mercenary helped him off the field, past the forest, and onto the sidelines where Jeralt and the rest of the mercenary band watched.
The triumph of the Blue Lions was brief for arrows were flying at Mercedes. The young woman quickly ducked behind a nearby tree trunk. Ignatz turned his attention towards Dimitri, who was trying to make his way behind cover. The Golden Deer student took aim and then, "Ouuff!" He blurted out as Byleth leapt from a nearby tree and fell down onto Ignatz.
"Are you serious?!" Claude cried out in disbelief as he watched. Though he had his own worries as the rest of the Blue Lions advanced in his direction.
"Sorry about that," Byleth apologized as she rolled off Ignatz. The archer was now wheezing due to having the air squished right out of him. "Are you okay?" The young woman asked with growing concern, but was relieved when the young man nodded in confirmation.
"Don't worry Byleth," Another one of her father's mercenaries remarked as he approached them waving a white flag. "Just continue onward," he added with a nod as he helped a slightly dazed Ignatz up.
"Hmmm, Hilda and Claude are hiding behind that wooden fence," Dimitri observed as the trio rejoined the rest of the party.
"We'll smash it down." Annette exclaimed with excitement as she eagerly patted Dedue's arm. Then Annette charged forward with her axe held above her head as she cried out. Dedue, and the rest of the class, were taken aback by the mighty war cry that emitted from such a petite body. "Dedue smash!" Annette called out and the muscular Blue Lion sprinted after Annette with his own axe at the ready. The pair destroyed the fence leaving Hilda and Claude exposed.
"Now it's our turn!" Ingrid stated as she took on Hilda while Ashe, more focused than ever, rained down arrows upon Claude.
"Ouch!" Hilda cried out as Ingrid ducked her thrown hand axe and jabbed her with the training lance to the belly. "Was that really necessary?" Hilda grimaced as she rubbed her tender abdomen.
Claude was distracted by Hilda for that moment, just as a hail of arrows rained down upon him, leaving him nowhere to run. "Ow ow ow!" Claude gritted his teeth as he was pelted by the sticks. "Argh, I hate losing!" Claude griped, then sighed as he accepted the result. "Well good luck Lions, you'll need it against Edelgard." Claude helped Hilda to the sideline, just as another white flag bearing mercenary ran out to accompany them.
All that remained of the Golden Deers on the battlefield was their professor, Hanneman, and he awaited them up the path. A little table and chair had been placed in front of what looked like an old depaldated farmhouse. There professor Hanneman sat as he sipped on a cup of tea, "Ah, I see you've arrived. And just in time for I have finished my tea." He remarked in content as he set down his empty teacup. "Now, shall we?" Hanneman asked as he rose to his feet and picked up an golden ornate tome that had been laying upon the table.
Dimitri took a step forward, but Byleth's hand flew out in front of him, halting him in mid-step just like the day he met her. "Leave him to me," Byleth stated. She then drew closer to her colleague.
"How intriguing." Hanneman commented as he examined the young woman. "I do wonder if this mock battle will awaken any Crest within you? Well, let us find out!" Hanneman opened the tome, causing the pages to turn on their own accord until it stopped at the spell he desired. "Sagittae!" Hanneman yelled out. A large arrow made of light, similar to what prompted the beginning of the mock battle, formed in front of the man. He then he pointed a finger at Byleth, letting loose the dart of light as it blitzed towards her.
'I may have undercalculated this,' Byleth thought as she dropped her sword and threw up her hands protectively in front of her.
"Professor!" Dimitri yelled as he helplessly watched the scene unfold.
Byleth kept her hands out and could feel the crackling electric energy pulse towards. 'If only I could stop it!' She thought frantically to herself.
'That can be arranged!' Chimed Sothis's high pitched and confident voice. 'Now follow my instructions!' She quickly informed the professor. 'I want you to catch the magic,' Sothis calmly advised.
'What?' Byleth replied utterly confused.
'Don't think, just do!' Sothis urgently commanded.
Opening her eyes, Byleth cusped her hands together like a bowl and imagined scooping up the incoming pulsing magic. The young woman winced as the crackling lightning zapped painfully at her palms and fingers, but she remained calm as she concentrated upon her task in collecting Sagittae in between her hands.
'Now, launch it back upon your opponent!' Sothis cheered. Byleth drew her hands up and over her head before chucking the orb of condensed Sagittae right back at Hanneman. The older professor's eyes widened in surprise before he quickly conjured up a small shield of golden light magic to block the incoming attack of his own magic. The orb of crackling lighting struck the professor's shield, sending a shock wave through his body. Hanneman stumbled back, nearly tripping over his chair, before he leaned himself against the wall of the hut.
'Wait...I can use magic?' Byleth thought in surprise as she looked down upon her gloved hands. There were multiple small holes where the lightning magic of Sagittae had burned through the leather.
'You can now!' Sothis's replied with laughter, slightly maniacal...laughter. 'Now go win this!' Sothis cheered as she faded back into the recesses of Byleth's mind.
"My goodness! Remarkable, absolutely remarkable!" Hanneman wheezed, before blacking out His body slumped down along the hut's wall. Whether the professor was truly knocked out by the counter attack or from just the sheer joy at a possible Crest discovery, no one, not even the incoming white flag bearing mercenary.
"He's fine! Just passed out…" The mercenary reported as he checked Hanneman's pulse.
"Professor!" Dimitri breathed as he ran up to Byleth's side. "That was amazing!"
Byleth nodded appreciatively, "Alright, let's move out, the Black Eagles await us!"
As the rest of the students marched past, Dimitri held out Byleth's sword. The young woman reached out to grab her weapon when the prince gasped and quickly scooped up her hand with his free hand, lifting her palm up. He surveyed her damaged glove. "Are you alright?" Dimitri asked gently. He was relieved to see that the gloves did their duty in protecting her skin.
"I'm okay," Byleth answered, as she surveyed the prince. An array of emotions quietly played out upon his face and the young woman could read them all as if he was an open book. There was surprise, worry, relief and finally disappointment. 'Why disappointment?' Byleth wanted to ask.
The prince quickly let go of her hand and cleared his throat as he handed back her sword. 'I will protect you,' that is what Dimitri wanted to say, but he knew he wasn't strong enough. The prince had to become stronger!
The sound of a roaring thunderclap, crackling lightning magic, and a painful scream made the pair jump. "Quickly!" Byleth prompted as the two sprinted down the dirt path.
Just moments ago down the dirt path, Felix and Sylvain spotted Dorothea of the Black Eagles, blocking their advancement up ahead. "Hello boys," she remarked in her melodious voice as she smiled pleasantly. But the student's smile didn't reached her forest green eyes. "I'm afraid you will go no further," Dorothea added as she summoned lightning magic to crackle around her hands. Her sweet forest green eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Oh boy," Sylvain sighed. "A beauty who can shoot lightning is never good news."
"Speaking from experience huh," Felix sniggered. Though he couldn't agree with Sylvain more. But then an idea crossed his mind. "Hey, you got your javelin right, remember your fishing trick?"
"Yeah, but she'll electrify me on the spot," Sylvain pointed out as he gripped his weapon.
"Not if she's distracted," Felix added as he withdrew his training sword.
"Wait!" Sylvain remarked in surprise as his eyebrows jumped up his forehead, "You'll take a lightning strike for me?"
"I'm doing this to win, idiot. So don't miss!" Felix shouted before he charged ahead along the dirt path with his sword swept back. Just as he planned, Dorothea instantly focused on him as she charged up her magical attack, which turned out not to be a little zap of lightning, but a full on thunderous roar of lightning! 'Aw, crap…' Felix cursed as he braced himself. "Arrrgghhh!" The swordsman cried out, unable to concentrate as electricity crackled through his entire body, painful stiffening his muscles. Felix keeled over on the spot as his muscles relaxed.
Dorothea, on the other hand, was breathing laboriously after releasing the spell. She had not yet learned how to properly partition her supply of magical essence. A sudden movement made her gasp and before Dorothea could react, the wind was knocked right out of her as a blunt javelin made forceful contact into her belly. Slightly dizzy, the brunette slumped to her hands and knees as she waited for the world around her to stop spinning.
Byleth and Dimitri met up with the rest of the team. They spotted Sylvain up ahead who was already kneeling next to the swordsman. Mercedes was also lowering herself down at Felix's side. "Ugh, we cleared the way for you," Sylvain updated Byleth and Dimitri as they dropped to their knees besides him. "But Felix is a little crispy…" Indeed some of the tips of his hair were burnt.
Mercedes reached out to Felix and he stiffened at her touch. Not letting this dissuade her, Mercedes began to hum as weaved together shimmering opalescent light from her hands to wash over Felix. "Thanks," Felix sighed as he felt his body relax. The young swordsman never realized how calming healing magic could be. Not only was his pain soothed by Mercedes's compassionate healing, but somehow she even managed to slightly ease the deeper pain that plagued Felix. Mercedes just smiled pleasantly as she continued to hum.
"Hey Professor," Felix stated as his eyes sluggishly opened and closed. "You better win this." He remarked before he closed his eyes. Two mercenaries were coming with a stretcher and the young swordsman grimaced slightly as they transferred him onto it. "And Professor," Felix added just as his stretcher was lifted up. Byleth nodded for him to continue. "I want to learn magic," the swordsman murmured before he passed out.
Another one of Jeralt's men appeared from the sidelines to help Dorothea up. "Are you alright?" Byleth asked the brunette. The Black Eagles student nodded before adding, "My, my...your students are very capable." Dorothea was very impressed and gave the professor a small smile before she too was lead off the battlefield.
"Yes, they are," Byleth murmured as she gazed towards Felix who was being carried off to the sidelines and no doubt the infirmary. The young woman would be making alot of visits in the infirmary to check up on everyone, no matter if they weren't from her house.
Further up the path, the Black Eagles leader was able to catch glimpses of mock battle here and there. Edelgard had to give it to the professor. Byleth had executed flawless tactics and could now apparently manipulate magic. And here Edelgard was thinking the young woman as just an above average mercenary. No...the Black Eagles leader had always sensed there was something more to Byleth, something intangible that beckoned to Edelgard. Like a scent that made her nostalgic, but Edelgard couldn't put her finger on where or when she had smelled it. 'Stop it,' Edelgard reprimanded herself. 'You need to concentrate on the battle at hand!' For now the battle turned in such a way that forced Edelgard into one option, a head-on attack!
Further down the path, Hubert and Ferdinand awaited the Blue Lions. Meanwhile Edelgard hung back with Manuela. The Black Eagles professor had taken a stand within the center of dilapidated shrine. The marble pillars had long since crumbled away with time, but at the center of the smooth elevated platform was an enchanted heal tile that continued to pulse strongly with rejuvenating magic. Manuela was humming softly to herself as she thumbed through her ivory tome of Faith magic. Edelgard could make out the tune, recognizing it from one of Manuela's acts at the Mittelfrank Opera Company. The young woman had never told Manuela that she had seen the songstress perform on stage when she was very young. However Edelgard had her reasons, for one she didn't want to establish more emotional ties to those of the Officers Academy and the Church. But apparently the young woman was already having difficulty with that rule...
"Really Edelgard!" Ferdinand's voice piped up, shaking the leader out of her reflection. "I can do this on my own."
Even from this distance Edelgard could make out Hubert's eye roll. "Clearly not," Her confidant sighed with vexation. "Otherwise her Highness would not have asked me to watch your back." The sound of footsteps crunching the dirt alerted the Black Eagles. "Oh look, they're here," Hubert remarked in a languid manner.
However, it was only Byleth and Dimitri who strode up the dirt path. Where was the rest of the Blue Lions? Surely not so many of them had fallen along the way?
"Have a taste of Miasma," Hubert remarked nonchalantly as he prepared his spell. As short range weapon users, Byleth and Dimitri would not have the time to strike Hubert before his cast his spell. A smile curled the young man's lips as he aimed his dark magic upon Byleth. She was a meddling pest, one Hubert would enjoy squishing. But before he could finish the spell a sudden hulking figure charged out from a nearby bush like a rhinoceros. It was Dedue, and before Hubert could even twitch a muscle, the muscular Blue Lions student tackled him down like a raging bull. Hubert let out a yelp as he was swept into the brush and shadows of the forest, completely out of sight.
"Woooo!" Annette cheered from behind one of the tree trunks; completely forgetting that she was suppose to remain silent and hidden. "Oops!" Annette gasped as her hand covered her mouth. The girl ducked back behind the tree, hoping she hadn't been spotted.
Meanwhile Ferdinand, who found himself alone, slid into his stance with his lance at the ready. But after seeing Hubert tackled like a ragdoll out of nowhere, the Black Eagle student was understandably unnerved. Suddenly an arrow whizzed behind his back, causing the Black Eagle student to jump in alarm. Then a second arrow whizzed by his chest, this time coming from the opposite side. "The rest of the Blue Lions are hidden in the forest and they have me surrounded!" Ferdinand reported loudly to his remaining comrades.
His eyes caught movement in the forest just to his left. Annette had just jumped out from her hiding spot and was about to cast her Wind magic when a band of silencing magic wrapped itself around her like a snake. "What!" Annette gasps as her magic was rendered defunct for the time being.
"I've still got it!" Cheered Manuela from a distance as she closed her tome of Faith magic with a snap.
"Ha!" Ferdinand cheered, not realizing that someone had just leapt out the forest. Ingrid sailed through the air like a Valkyrie warrior. Her straw blond hair whipped about her as she twirled her training staff, before landing a sweeping blow to the back of Ferdinand's calves.
"Gah!" Ferdinand gasped as his legs were whipped out from under him. The Black Eagles student fell painfully right upon his rear and found Ingrid's staff pointing right at his face.
"Yield!" Ingrid demanded as she hovered the end her staff just before the tip of Ferdinand's nose. The Black Eagles student looked up at Ingrid with awe as he slowly lifted up his hands in defeat.
The rest of the Blue Lions continued up the path to the shrine, but was quiet trek was...unsettling. Where is Edelgard? There at the center of the clearing was of the ruins of the shrine, and Manuela stood awaiting them. The Blue Lions paused as they scanned the area.
"Looking for me?" Edelgard revealed herself from behind one of the crumbling pillars.
"Professor," Dimitri prompted as he glanced at Byleth. The young woman turned to look at his determined expression, and gave him a nod of approval. The prince nodded back and stepped forward, while Byleth remained behind.
Edelgard was surprised at first. The princess had been expecting to face Byleth in battle. And so Edelgard had been keenly studying the young woman's tactics and fighting performance. A miscalculation on her behalf, one that would not occur again.
"The Blue Lions leader against the Black Eagles leader, quite poetic don't you think, Edelgard?" Dimitri stated as he came to a halt.
Edelgard frowned at his words, "Poetics aside Dimitri, it is finally time for us to settle who is stronger."
"Then I shall not hold back," the prince replied as he primed his lance, directing right at her.
"I expect no less," Edelgard retorted as she slid into her fighting stance with axe held at the ready. Her violet eyes narrowed as she watched Dimitri.
No one dared to intervene, as they watched with bated breath. Even the birds seemed to have fallen silent.
Dimitri knew that strength alone would not be enough to win this showdown, he would need a tactic. Then recalled their fight against the bandits a couple of days ago when they first ran into Byleth and her father. Edelgard had a preferred speed and angle to the swing of her axe. It would be a risky move, but if Dimitri could prompt her into doing again as habits die hard. Dedicating his mind to the task, the Blue Lions leader charged at her with full speed. In response Edelgard slid into her battle stance in turn, her axe swept back and up on her right side. 'Now!' Dimitri's mind yelled as he slid down onto his knees, tilting backwards just as Edelgard's axe whooshed over his head. Quickly the Prince leapt to his feet, he only had mere seconds before Edelgard was out of reach. As Dimitri turned in mid-air, he whipped around his staff with all his might and landed a blow to the princess's left side, just as she was turning to face him.
"Urghhh!" Edelgard grunted as she dropped her axe and clutched at her abdomen. After a couple of deep breaths, the princess resumed her regal posture to fully face the Blue Lions leader.
"That was a fine match," Dimitri remarked as he held out his hand out to Edelgard.
She paused at first, looking down at his outstretched hand, before finally accepting his handshake. "Yes, may we both grow stronger, and less predictable…" The princess added before she walked off the battlefield with her head held high; refusing assistance from the white flag carrying mercenary.
The Blue Lions watched her go before turning there sights upon Manuela. The songstress gulped. 'Seven Blue Lions students plus Byleth, against little 'ole me?' She thought as she watched the students slowly surround her. They had her surrounded, and the healer did not know who to strike at first. 'Dammit, if only I could strike them all at once!' she cursed inwardly as she reflected on her predicament. Aided by the pulsing heal tile under her feet, Manuela could put up a good fight as she could continue to heal herself after each attack, but they would be stuck in a loop of ongoing healing and fighting that could go on into the night. Plus, the healer was sure she would be too tired to continue. Manuela had to face the facts, she wasn't going to win this one and it was better not to end up as a patient in her own infirmary. Which she had a feeling was going to be quite full already. "Ugh," Manuela grumbled before finally announcing, "I concede!"
The sound of pounding hooves upon dirt reached their ears before Jeralt appeared upon his faithful steed. "Woahhh!" He remarked as Oskar came to a halt. Everyone turned to look towards the captain as he announced, "All right, that's that! The winner of this mock battle is, The Blue Lion House!" The entire class whooped and cheered before Jeralt added, "and the MVP of this battle is, Prince Dimitri Blaiddyd."
"Oh well," Dimitri's eyes widened at being singled out as the MVP. He didn't even know that was a thing as all the gazes turned towards him. With the spotlight upon him, the prince couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. He looked about his teammates as everyone began to clap, included Byleth. "Well, this victory is the result of everyone's hard work," Dimitri declared. "Thank you, my friends." The prince smiled graciously and bowed.
More rambling notes from the Author:
I hope you enjoyed my take on the Mock Battle, and Papa Jeralt! I look forward to reading your reviews! :D
Now let the celebration commence in the next chapter!
(DISCLAIMER) I do not own nor claim to own any of the Fire Emblem Franchise, Intelligent Systems Co., and Nintendo's exceptional work. It is from the team's own brilliance…my additions are from my own madness.