Part One: Concepts of A New Dawn
Garland Moon
Chapter Four: Settling Differences
It was a new month when the class got back to Kapena. Maira was not going to stay long but was waiting for a conversation with Oceania. Eventually she was called into Oceania's private chambers.
"Welcome Maira." Oceania greeted her.
"What do you think of the students?" Maira asked, getting right to the point.
"Nobody warned me that you would be so direct. Even in all of Finn's excitement he failed to mention your stoicism."
"I apologize."
"No, that isn't necessary. I appreciate the stoicism actually. I think you are doing a great job with the students. I am very appreciative of your father for letting us partake in the Officer's Academy. As I am sure you can guess, we are not very popular."
"I have noticed."
"I feel I must also inform you about my own internal problems, so you can prepare Finn for what he is walking into. The Meritocracy contains multiple nationalities, Outsiders, like Finn and I, former Empire Royalists, Empire Citizens who welcome the Meritocracy, and, most recently, the disciples of the Western Church. It is extremely difficult to maintain harmony. With that said, I want to formally thank both your father, for including us, and you for listening to my problems." Oceania said.
At that very moment the door burst open, in came Hukai and a differently dressed military woman. The woman had green eyes and short red hair.
"You ordered the two of us?" Hukai asked Oceania.
"I did. Maira, you know Hukai by now, so allow me to introduce you to Lawe, my second in command as of right now. Lawe is a skilled combatant and quite loyal to the Meritocracy."
"I would serve this country with my life. I have to thank you for your work with the Western Church. It was such a relief to learn that they had been subdued." Lawe thanked Maira.
"Maira I hoped that the two of them would accompany you two back to the Monastery. In fact, to show my appreciation, after consulting with your father it has become apparent the security that is lacking at the Academy. That is why when they arrive they will become the official delegates from the Meritocracy sworn to protect the students there."
"Your Majesty, I have to object. With all of the political turmoil I am needed here now more than ever." Lawe interrupted.
"And you will be here when you are called upon. I just see this as a way for you to talk to the other delegates and show off the Meritocracy."
"I still have my misgivings about this but, I will relent."
"Hukai, do you have any objections?" Oceania asked.
"Never. I trust in my Supreme Leader's decisions." Hukai smirked. This caused Lawe to elbow him. "Ow! That hurt!"
"Good."
"I hope they do not act like this at the Officer's Academy." Oceania groaned. "I believe it is time for you to depart, take care of the Emerald Sharks."
When they returned Maira, Hukai, and Lawe were immediately whisked off to a faculty meeting. All of the teachers had returned with two delegates. It seemed that each house's mission had been a success. As the professors chatted with the other delegates while waiting for Byleth, Maira found herself feeling a sense of pride in her students. She had never expected that they would come together so quickly and work so well as a unit. She was even excited since it seemed that all of her class was experienced enough to try out Beginner's Classes. Finally, Byleth entered the room.
"Welcome back everyone. It brings me joy to announce that the missions from the past month were all successes. And I must also say welcome to the new faces. These delegates will serve as people to review how the Officer's Academy works and how they fit together. With all of that said I have the assignments approved by the newly named Council of Six." Byleth paused. He held his head in his hands for a moment.
"Dad, are you okay?" Wynne asked, concerned.
"Yes. Sorry I have a headache. Anyways, I will be giving your assignments individually. As usual I will start with Maira."
With that everyone except Maira and her delegates left the room.
"So what are the kids up to this month?" Hukai asked.
"And which one of us will be going?" Lawe asked.
"Neither of you will be going this month. I intend for the delegates to have a meeting at the end of the month. I also wish for the students to have more experience with only their professor."
"And what of the assignment?" Maira asked.
"This month your class will be traveling to Alliance territory. After the War of the Great Powers there are Empire Royalists scattered throughout Fodlan. A large congregation of them reside in Gloucester territory. It is your job to take them out. I trust that your students can handle this task."
"They definitely can. I saw the way they handled the Western Church. Under Maira's leadership I believe they can do it." Hukai endorsed Maira.
"Excellent. Then you will depart at the end of the month. And I should add, Wynne would like to speak with you before you leave so just wait until he comes to you."
After leaving her father Maira left to go be alone in her room for a little while. She sat on the bed and tried to reach out and talk to Sothis.
"Well this is a first!" Sothis was shocked. "I don't ever recall your father trying to converse with me. What do you need?"
"What was my father like?" Maira asked her.
"Oh! I followed your father for a long time. What exactly do you wish to know?" she asked.
"What was his relationship with his students?"
"Your father wasn't just a professor, he was their peer. He had close bonds with each and every one of them. He loved his students and his students loved him. He believed in Edelgard, that is why he joined her when he regained consciousness."
"What changed?"
"What do you mean?"
"Why doesn't my father still support the Empire?"
"To be honest, I don't know. I think after you and Wynne came around he had to stay neutral to protect his family. But him willingly sending troops out to eliminate Royalists does seem somewhat out of character."
"Do you think there could be something larger happening?" Maira asked.
"It is certainly a possibility. You certainly are a little more politically adept than your father. Tread carefully."
The next day Maira met with her students to discuss the mission for that month.
"Ah Professor! What are we up to this month?" Malosi asked.
Maira explained the mission to them.
"Which of these two will be accompanying us?"
"Unfortunately neither of us will be able to go with you this month. We have our own duties to attend to this month." Lawe informed the kids.
"Aww man…" Keola sighed. "I was looking forward to see the Earthshaker in action."
When Keola said "Earthshaker" Lawe blushed. "It has been awhile since I have heard that name."
"That's okay! It just means we get more one-on-one time with our lovely Professor!" Fiafia smiled.
"That is something I can get behind!" Olaga agreed.
"Now now class we still haven't even gotten to our assignment. Let Polopeka speak!" Finn commanded his classmate's silence.
"Thank you Finn! This month we are going into Alliance Territory. Specifically we are going into Gloucester Territory so that we can subdue Imperial Royalists." Maira explained.
Many of the student's moods shifted dramatically. Most noticeably was the change in Finn, Atamai, and Olaga's faces. A silence fell among the students until Penina broke it.
"Olaga, are you going to be okay with this?" she asked.
"Yeah, if it's my assignment then I have to do it. It is what it is." she said glumly.
"I forgot, you are the daughter of General Ikairo aren't you?" Lawe asked Olaga.
"Professor, General Ikairo, though holding great rank in the Meritocracy, isn't fond of all of its policies. He is an Imperial Royalist and is always watched closely by my mother." Atamai explained.
"My father's politics will not have any impact on my performance this month." Olaga assured her classmates.
"Finn, you've been awfully quiet." Kai noted.
"This is ridiculous. The Council of Six made a great move, now we are going to be sacrificed." Finn was exasperated.
"What are you talking about?" Hukai asked.
"I get it." Penina said. "They could have easily sent Demeter and the church troops to take out their enemies but they chose to send us."
Atamai's eyes widened. "They are hoping to stir an insurrection within the Meritocracy."
"Yup. Sorry Olaga but you know as well as I do that most Royalists are extremely volatile. So they will see this as a direct attack on them. It will cause complete chaos." Finn said.
"I was also aware of this." Akemi joined the class.
"Akemi, what are you doing here?" Finn asked.
"Trying to help out. You don't deserve this, and Eliana agrees. She has also agreed to secretly send a correspondent to General Ikairo to see if she can preemptively get him to calm down. And my father has agreed to lend Abyssal troops to mask the fact that it was the Emerald Sharks attacking Royalists." Akemi said.
"But why would you do this?" Atamai asked.
"Because it isn't fair. And what Abyss thinks is the best for Fodlan at the moment is peace. But in order for this to work we need help from you."
"There is always a catch, isn't there." Fetu said.
"We think the best way to calm down General Ikairo is to send Meritocracy people out with the Imperial correspondent. We thought that his daughter and one other person would be best."
"I would gladly do it if the Professor lets me." Olaga said, looking at Maira.
"My family is old friends with the General." Malosi said. "It makes sense that I go with her."
"Thanks." Olaga said quietly to Malosi.
"So?" Finn asked Maira. "What do you think?"
"I think that they need to go. I hate losing you, even for a month, but it's necessary."
"You really are too kind." Lawe said to Maira.
"It is no problem. My students have their own duties to attend to and I can understand that."
"Alright then it is up to us to train as hard as possible to make up for Olaga and Malosi's absence. We can do this you guys!" Finn tried to cheer up his teammates.
Almost immediately after the conversation ended Olaga and Malosi departed to meet with the imperial correspondent. Over the next couple of weeks Maira spent her time teaching her students and certifying them for new classes. Finn, Atamai, and Fetu all became Monks. Fiafia and Penina both became Myrmidons. Finally, Keola and Kai became Fighters to round out the team's upgrades. Before they left Maira had given the tests to Olaga and Malosi and they became a Fighter and Monk respectively. Nearing the end of the month Maira was approached by Wynne.
"Hey Maira. Can we talk for a second?" he asked her.
Maira nodded. "Whatever you need Wynne."
Wynne pulled Maira into an empty classroom. "I think that the Monastery is in danger. I've been hearing whispers about a group threatening the Monastery. There are people that have grudges against Dad. And I think that they are starting to surface."
"What exactly have you heard?"
"Eliana said that within each nation there are people that resent our father. The last time there was a shadowy organization… well it didn't end well."
"You mean the Agarthan uprising."
"Exactly! When Myson came out with those Agarthan troops and marched on Enbarr the Empire was barely able to fend them off. If someone that is 10% as powerful as they were came at us we would crumble."
"Alright, keep seeing if you can figure anything out and talk to the other teachers and the delegates. I will stay vigilant and bring up the issue with Dad after our mission."
"Are you sure Dad can handle that right now?"
"He is going to have to be."
"Alright. Good luck with your mission Mai."
"You too."
Shortly afterward the class departed to Abyss territory to meet with troops. From there they marched into Gloucester territory. They met the Royalist forces as they occupied land on the Airmid River near the Great Bridge of Myrddin.
"General!" a grunt yelled to an important looking man. "There seems to be Congregation soldiers marching on our location!"
"Ha!" he laughed. "I'm surprised that Abyss cares about the Church State. Release the beast we got from our beneficiary. And send half our troops across the river. I also want troops defending our loot. And set up a defensive formation here."
"Of course General." the grunt bowed.
After the grunt left the General muttered to himself. "Count Gloucester will not be happy if we lose here. We have to push past this and take out Rhea."
"It seems that they have noticed us." Atamai noted.
"Yeah, they have started to form defensive positions. We are going to need to take that bridge in order to even touch the General." Penina said while pointing at a bridge a little away.
"Not to mention that Giant Wolf Monster sitting on the bridge." Kai muttered.
"It'll be fine you guys!" Finn tried to sound encouraging. "They won't move off the bridge until we go over there so let's focus on the troops in front of us."
"How should we take them Professor?" Fetu asked.
"Ask Finn. I am your Professor but it is best to learn by doing." Maira smiled at Finn.
"Professor!" he yelped "Are you sure?"
"But there is no way he could possibly be competent enough to do this!" Atamai objected.
"Nah, Finn's got this. I believe he can do it." Keola encouraged Finn.
"If you insist." Finn relented. "Alright guys. Polopeka, you, Keola and I will take an offensive assault and push head on. Fetu, stay behind us and keep up the healing. Atamai, take Kai and head towards their treasure chamber while pressing on the troops from the side from far away. Try to push them towards the covered area and take the Fortress. Fiafia, you and Penina should wait in the covered area and attack the troops when they get close enough. The Abyssal troops will form a buffer to keep the troops away from Atamai and Kai. Now let's move!"
Maira was proud of the way Finn commanded the students. And he had come up with a good plan. Like he said, Maira and Keola rushed toward the first soldier wielding an axe. Maira used her speed to press on him and batter him up so that Keola could find an opening and take him out with his axe. Finn moved past the two of them towards a sword wielding opponent. With two uses of Thunder he was able to take out the soldier. Fetu trailed behind and started chanting to use Protect to raise Keola's Resistance. As that was happening the other students went around the mass of troops towards where they needed to go. One soldier moved into the Fortress to hold a defensive position while the archers advanced towards the covered area. The mage in the back moved and attacked Atamai with Nosferatu. With a blinding white light it looked painful but Atamai could shrug it off with his large Resistance and sent a flaming ball of fire right back at the mage, hurting him substantially. An axe user swung at Keola but missed. Keola then slashed at the soldier but missed but the next time he swung it was a direct hit and was able to knock him out. But now the enemy troops were outnumbered. So the Sharks surrounded the remaining forces and finished them off. The only obstacle was the mage in the back who fired off some magic at Kai. But Kai was able to roll out of the way and shoot a killing blow on the mage earning him the door key and the chest key.
Finn went with Kai and Keola to move on the enemies in the treasure room while Maira and the other students moved toward the beast sitting on the bridge. The beast was a huge wolf with thick black hair. It was twice as tall as Maira and looked very they got positioned Kai opened the door to the treasure room. Finn rushed into the room and fired off a single use of Wind to take out the swordsman in front. The blast of green wind lifted the soldier and knocked him into the wall with a crunch. Keola followed Finn and engaged with an axe user. Keola slashed at the enemy but he was quick enough to dodge. But Keola used the momentum of the swing and turned completely around and used the now even greater momentum to lodge the axe deep into the opponent's chest. A bowman fired off arrows at Keola and grazed his cheek. Another axe user came after Finn. His axe cut a deep gash down Finn's arm. Finn responded by using Wind again to knock him back and then using Wind to completely incapacitate him. Kai then fired at the bowman while the bowman knocked another arrow at Keola and shot him down. They opened the chests and found a speed ring and a bullion. They then rushed to meet the others.
When they met with the others, Fiafia and Penina healed any wounds they had. Since they were all together they started their assault on the monster. Kai used his bow and Curved Shot to hit the monster from out of range and chip away at its health. Maira then rushed the monster and ducked under one of its paws as it slashed at her and stabbed it. Fetu used Sagittae and hit the beast straight in the face with blinding light magic. Some of the Abyss soldiers marched together and stabbed at the beast with their lances. A combination of Keola's attacks with his axe and Finn's magic with Wai and the beast finally went down. The mages that were supporting the beast started to rain Fire on the Abyss soldiers while the swordsman teamed up to attack Keola. Keola got a few good licks in but barely survived the combined attacks. Fetu rushed to aid Keola while Penina and Fiafia knocked out a swordsman each with their own sword skills. Kai used his superior range to knock out a mage without taking damage while Maira, supported by Atamai, killed the other mage. The team then all moved forward and marched on the remaining opponents. They engaged in fierce combat with swordsmen, mages, and healers. The Abyss soldiers did a good job of taking damage for the students. Kai, Atamai, and Finn were all attacking them from behind Maira, Keola, and Penina. Fiafia and Atamai were primarily there to heal anyone who needed it. Finally they were able to knock out all resistance and march up the steps. With a single blast of Miasma Δ Atamai knocked out a Heavy Armor unit. Similarly Fetu was able to knock out the other guard with two blasts of Nosferatu. Maira knocked out a bishop in the back and Penina knocked out the bishop on the other side. Finally, Finn confronted the General.
"Aren't you the to-be leader of the Meritocracy?" the General said.
"Yep! You've really caused me some trouble." Finn replied.
"Your silly country shouldn't even have existed in the first place." he spat.
"I don't have time for people like you." Finn responded simply.
Following that he used Thunder to blast the General off his horse and then used Thunder again completely finishing him off.
"Is it over?" Penina asked.
"Yeah, thankfully it is." Finn responded.
"Wait!" Atamai said. "What is that?"
Atamai walked over to the fallen general.
"Finn! We have a severe problem!" Penina said after reading over the note.
After he read the note he looked at Maira. "We have to get back to Byleth. This is the latest army report. They are about to mobilize their forces and march on the Holy Church State."