Chapter 12 - Garreg Mach

Lucas was falling hard and fast. He looked down and saw water fast approaching. It did not cushion the fall, it felt no different from smacking the ground. His breath was forced out his lungs, sending bubbles to the surface. The pain was so great he wanted to pass out. But to pass out now was to drown. He opened his eyes and focused on the surface. The currents tried to keep him down, and his lungs began to burn. But he summoned enough strength to break to the surface. He took a greedy gulp of air, trying to figure out which way to go. The ship was sailing further away. So he turned his attention back to the land and docks.

He began to swim, trying to keep himself above water with all of his strength. He was only a decent swimmer on the best of days, but this was a storm. The kind of waves even rescue divers hesitated to go into.

Do or die Lucas thought grimly. He refused to die like this!

Lucas was getting tired of waking up from bad dreams. It seemed to be a recurrent trend. He was still dressed in his clothes from the last day. He got up and tried to think about the dream. Getting thrown overboard and trying to make it back to shore? Was that some sort of metaphor for what Prometheus had told him last night? Dawn was still an hour off, but he noticed he wasn't the only one awake. Byleth stood in the distance, arms crossed muttering to herself. That was a new one. He should probably check on her.

"So you really don't remember anything Sothis?" Byleth confirmed with the ghost. She had been plaguing Byleth's dreams for years, last night had been no exception. Only this time they had talked.

"I am afraid not. I am sure of my name, and my title of 'The Beginning', but am unable to recall who called me that." She said, lounging on her throne. She was frowning, frustrated at her lack of memories.

"I can't say I've ever heard of you. That title does make you sound important though." Byleth reasoned. Since Byleth stood at the foot of her throne, Sothis towered over her despite her childlike stature.

"Childlike!? Do you think me some… lost forgetful child!" Sothis cried! Byleth hadn't even spoken those words aloud, merely thought them. Sothis caught herself and blinked in surprise. "Insults aside, it appears I can hear your thoughts. Can you do the same?" She placed her head on her knuckles, looking intently at Byleth.

Byleth closed her eyes, but could hear nothing. "Doesn't look like it. Not very fair" It was unnerving to have her thoughts read, even by this girl she felt comfortable around.

"No, it is not. And it is also strange that I also feel a certain level of familiarity with you. Almost as if I have known you for some time…" Sothis responded.

"Maybe we have been connected like this for a long time? You've just been asleep."

"A sound theory. Even so, I insist I am no ghost. Of that I am certain. Surely I am merely… detached from my real body. Yes, that must be the case!" Sothis declared, confident in her conclusion.

"How would we even find your body then?" Byleth asked. Sothis's enthusiasm vanished as her face froze in a triumphant grin. Reality washed her optimism away, as she looked to the side. Byleth felt guilty. "We could play things by ear?" She proposed weakly. Sothis remained silent, looking away.

"I suppose we have no choice. Now it is high time you wake up!"

Byleth had gotten dressed and ready for the road once again. Edelgard had asked them to join her and the other heirs as they passed through the gates of Garreg Mach. But as she saddled her horse, she was talking to Sothis who was awake.

"It is imperative you keep my existence to yourself, child. I do not feel… comfortable with others knowing." Sothis said. It was surprising to hear her when Byleth was awake. She was even capable of taking a ghost form which made her visible, but she only did this when they were alone.

"What about Father or Lucas? I trust them." She could see keeping it from Shez for now. Shez was excitable, always asking her for a training session or tips to improve his skills. He was also a blabbermouth, which worried Byleth about his ability to keep a secret like this. Her father could be trusted, but it would only serve to worry him. She wasn't blind to the fact he was unwilling to come to Garreg Mach. He made no secret that he wanted to get back on the road as soon as possible and put some distance between him and the monastery.

Lucas was someone she trusted too. There were also feelings they both felt for one another but refused to act upon. If there was someone she could trust, it was him.

"Ah yes, the outsider. I must admit, his story of coming to this world is a fantastical one. Not to mention his gaps in memory." She looked away, weighing her options. "I suppose if you had to confide in someone, it could be him. Especially since you are smitten with him." She teased.

"Sothis!" Byleth warned. Byleth had accepted what she felt for him, but was unprepared for teasing. It was a new feeling for her. Sothis began to laugh unfazed. She then flashed a mischievous grin before disappearing in a flash. Byleth was confused by her sudden exit.

"You okay By?" Lucas asked from right behind her. Byleth spun, taken off guard by his sudden arrival.

"I'm okay. Just, been a weird couple days right?" She asked weakly. Lucas raised an eyebrow.

"Weak attempt to change the subject aside, are you okay? I saw you talking to yourself." Byleth had forgotten that she was speaking to Sothis aloud. Despite Sothis's ability to read her thoughts, she felt the need to speak to her aloud. Now Byleth realized how ridiculous it made her look.

"I told you child." Sothis said smugly.

"Just thinking about some things." She looked away, trying to weigh the merits of telling Lucas about Sothis. She would tell her father eventually, but three heads were better than two. Two and a ghost that is. "Listen, I need to talk to you about something." But just then, the three heirs arrived.

"Ah, if it isn't our mercenary friends! I hope you're ready to feast your eyes on Garreg Mach." Claude exclaimed.

"Morning Claude. I suppose we are a bit excited. I was told once that the Monastery was one of the wonders of Fodlan." Lucas replied.

"It is more than that. It is the spiritual center of the Church of Seiros, and the virtual heart of Fodlan." Dimitri added. Edelgard nodded her head.

Everyone mounted their horses as their caravan began to move. Claude and Dimitri were talking to Byleth ahead while Lucas rode next to Edelgard. He had gotten better at horse riding, but was more of a passenger than a rider once it started to gallop. "Do you mind if I ask you some questions?"

"Of course Lucas, I will answer to the best of my ability." She responded.

Lucas licked his lips. "I mentioned I was a foreigner, right?" She nodded. "Well, I don't know a whole lot about the Church. Actually, I know nothing."

Edelgard tilted her head in confusion, and turned her gaze back to the road. "If it is a theological question, you will soon arrive at the center of religious academia. One of them could answer your questions better than I could."

"I'm aware. I just need to know if there is any faux paus that might get me burned at the stake." He may have gotten a little too critical of her religion if the look she gave was any indication. "Um… I meant no offense. I mean that I…"

"You do not wish to offend a very powerful institution on your first day." She interrupted, a knowing look in her eye, her harsh gaze turning to understanding. "I must confess, it surprises me that you would ask me. Why not Jeralt?"

"He told me that he wasn't particularly faithful either. Not to mention he doesn't like talking about his past or the church for that matter." Lucas confessed.

"I must admit, there must be quite a tale behind his reluctance. Nonetheless, I shall do my best to elucidate the basics of the Church of Seiros."

They spoke for several minutes, with Lucas asking a few questions here or there. If he was honest, the basics were easy to understand. The standard 'thou shalt not kill', 'thou shalt not use the lord's name in vain', etcetera. "So, does the Goddess have a name?" Lucas asked.

"She does, but it is considered to be blasphemy to say it aloud, save for important celebrations." Edelgard warned. "So perhaps it would be wise for me not to tell you, should you accidentally utter it." Lucas nodded his head in agreement.

"My own homeland had a similar rule once. Whomever uses the Lord's name in vain must be stoned to death." Edelgard's mouth opened in shock. "I take it that it's not the punishment here?"

"N-no, the punishment is a day in the stocks!" She was horrified by the punishment. "That is barbaric!"

"I agree, but to my people's credit that hasn't been done in a very long time. It was something done a thousand years ago, but the line in our holy books remains." She relaxed.

"I must admit, that is something I am curious about. What is your homeland like?" Lucas went silent, weighing what to tell her. "Your apprehension stings. Have I not been honest and accommodating enough to gain even some trust?" He began to feel bad. "But If you need more reason, allow me to share a secret. I am not faithful, not to the Church or its teachings in the least." She confided. Lucas was surprised by that fact. But then again, how many in history paid lip service to the Church regardless of their true faith to keep power?

"But as the heir to an Empire that follows that faith, you must appear devout." Lucas reasoned. She nodded, impressed by his astuteness. "All right princess, now that you've shared a secret, I have to as well. Well played. But I could just refuse to."

"You could. But you don't look the type." She said, her gaze not breaking from his. He was almost annoyed with how right she was.

"I don't know how I got to Fodlan to begin with." She looked at him blankly. "I'm serious. I woke up one day in some weird crypt in the Ohgma Mountains. I had all of these scars on my body I didn't have before." Her face did not change, but he noticed a twitch of her hand. He told her sparse details about his nation, only mentioning a few technological marvels and their lack of magic. She probably inferred that he may have been from a far off land that was not on their maps. She seemed enraptured by what he described, especially when he mentioned that they had no formal nobility.

"Quite the tale Lucas. Did this… crypt have anything else in it? Any clues as to how you came to Fodlan?" Lucas shook his head.

"I couldn't access any of their computers. To make matters worse, the door locked itself behind me."

"What's a computer?" She asked, looking confused.

"What? Oh, it's like a book that holds a lot of other books or other information inside of it." He tried to dumb it down. Not because Edelgard was stupid, but because he would have to get into too many things. He had to describe cars as horseless carriages for the same reason. "I'm guessing you're also curious about my gun?"

"I am indeed. You say your people use no magic, but the fact you used it to kill a man from so far away without an arrow says otherwise." Lucas chuckled, causing her to frown. "Did I say something amusing?"

"Not at all, and I didn't mean to offend you. I suppose it did look like magic." He reached into his bag, picking up a spare bullet. He passed it to her. "Do you see how the head looks like a separate piece? That is what is what shoots out of the front. It's basically an arrowhead that moves faster than the eye can see. The casing has powder inside that gives a controlled explosion that sends it shooting out the front. That's why it was so loud." She turned it in front of her, inspecting it.

"I think I understand it, at least in theory. But the metal work is incredibly smooth and precise, I confess I have a hard time imagining these being made in mass." Lucas sighed, agreeing with her. He was down to nineteen bullets, less than half of what he originally had. Once he ran out, his gun would be near worthless.

"I know. Once I run out of ammunition, it'll just be a reminder of the past for me." Lucas said mournfully. Edelgard thumbed the dagger at her belt, humming in agreement.

"We're almost to the monastery. It really is Fodlan in a nutshell. The good and the bad." Claude announced from ahead, the last part tacked on as an afterthought.

"Like it or not, we will be there soon enough." Edelgard said, her eyes focused on the way ahead. The treeline finally broke and Lucas was greeted with what could only be described as a fortress.

Rhea stood on her usual perch, staring down below at the gate of Garreg Mach. She was fond of heights and the outdoors, which is why she loved Garreg Mach so. She had received word that her wayward friend, Jeralt, had been found. He and his mercenaries saved her charges at the academy no less. She stifled a laugh. It seems that he couldn't help but play the hero, even if he grumbles when she calls him that.

He led the knights of Serios through the gate, with even Alois following behind his old leader. Her vision was excellent, so she could see his warm smile when talking to his old comrades. It warmed her heart to see Jeralt hearty and well. Now emerging from the tree line was the Prince of the Holy Kingdom and Heir of the Alliance flanking a woman with blue hair and eyes. The woman looks bored, but Rhea could see her intrigue of the monastery from here. Jeralt had stopped his horse ahead and was looking directly at her, his smile fading to a complicated expression.

"I wonder, did the flow of time bring you here?" She said aloud, as her vision focused on Sitri's child once again. Her vision was so focused on her, that she ignored the other mercenaries, deeming them inconsequential.

The cloaked man should have known that he would cross pass with Lucas Raithe here. It was a risk to hang around the monastery, but this was the capital of Fodlan. He had considered watching Lucas by following him at a distance, but abandoned that idea. He was mercenary now, with reliable allies that could keep him alive. He sat on the veranda of a small cafe that he rather liked.

"Can I get you anything else Dereck?" the waitress Dolores had asked him. He turned around and gave her a polite shake of the head. It wasn't his real name, but it sufficed.

"This will be all my dear. I must say, this blend of tea is excellent! Do I detect hints of cinnamon?" He asked.

"Afraid I can't tell you that. Otherwise, you won't come here anymore!" Dolores replied. He hummed at that. He couldn't fault her for good business sense.

"Keep your secrets then. I thought you might take pity on this old man, who knows when I might throw my hip out and be bedridden!"

Dolores scoffed. "You are in your forties at the most! And if that does happen, I'll bring you a house blend myself. It's the least I can do, especially after you helped with our problem." She gave him a wink at the end.

He wondered what his siblings would think if they heard him using his abilities for helping cafes deal with pest infestations. Probably laugh, scoff, and berate him all at the same time. Dolores took his empty cup to get a refill on the house. He took note of the slight sway in her hips and felt a very old hunger stir. Had he grown desperate for companionship?

He turned his attention away from her backside and back towards the less appealing Lucas. From this distance, he could see the red flakes in his eyes, a sign of what was to come. He reached into his pocket and began to play with a black card. "I wonder, did causality bring you here?"

Jeralt and Byleth were led to a meeting room, where a stern man with emerald eyes and dark green hair waited for them and a woman with the same eyes but lighter shade of green waited for them. He bowed his head to them. "Thank you for your patience Jeralt. I am Seteth, advisor to the Archbishop."

"Right, hello" Jeralt said bluntly. Byleth swore she saw Seteth's eye twitch at the lack of formality.

"It has been a long time, Jeralt. Was it the will of the Goddess that we should meet again under such chance circumstances?" The woman Byleth presumed to be the Archbishop said.

Jeralt clenched his jaw slightly. "Forgive my silence all of these years. Much has happened since I left." He gave a formal bow to her, on instinct. Rhea let out a breath, amused how quickly Jeralt fell back into old habits.

"So I see." She turned her attention to Byleth. Byleth noticed those emerald eyes were searching her for something. "The miracle of fatherhood has blessed you."

"Yes, she was born many years after I left your services. I would introduce her mother, but we lost her to illness long ago." Rhea gave him a look of sympathy, but he knew her too well. To him, she had all but raised an eyebrow and asked if he thought her blind.

"My sympathies. May I ask your name child? I would like to formally thank you for rescuing our young charges. Ser Alois gave quite the impression of you and your allies." She turned her attention to Byleth.

"Byleth Eisner, ma'am." Rhea gave her a maternal smile, motioning her hand.

"A fine name indeed. Words cannot properly express my appreciation for your deed." She turned to Jeralt. "Jeralt, you know what it is I am going to ask next."

"You want me to rejoin the knights of Seiros. I won't refuse, but I don't want to replace Alois and put him out of a job."

Seteth chose to intervene. "Not necessarily. He has been looking to take less duties to spend more time with his wife and their daughter."

Jeralt let out a sigh, Alois had told him about this on the road, but he never thought about him using it as an excuse to bring him back. He didn't doubt his old squire's good intentions, but he really did not want to do this.

"Your apprehension stings Jeralt. Rest assured, I intend to employ your mercenaries as well if you worry for their stability. As you recall, the Knights of Seiros deal with many threats, and we are always looking for reliable allies." It was a regular practice by the church, but they tended to favor bands led by nobles or specially trained army corps on loan from the three nations. She was making it sound unreasonable for him to turn it down, which objectively, it was.

"As for you child, I have a separate proposal for you." Byleth tilted her head in confusion. Sitri, Rhea thought. She used to do the same. "Alois gave quite the recommendation . And as you may have heard, the professor overseeing the training exercise abandoned the students. Because of this, we need a replacement."

"So you want me to be a sword instructor?" She asked. The thought excited her, one of the passions she had discovered was training others. First with Lucas and then with Shez.

"More than that. I would like you to be the professor of one of our three classes." Rhea corrected. Seteth, who had remained poised, widened his eyes at the proposal. It seems Rhea hadn't let him in on that idea. She gave him a look. "Forgive me, but I must cut this meeting short. Professors Manuela and Hanneman shall get you started on here. Please come and see me later once you have made your choice of which House you wish to lead."

Lucas and Shez sat at a table in the dining hall. Once they were let inside, Byleth and Jeralt had been invited for a personal meeting with the Archbishop. The rest of them were told they could use the facilities as guests and to help themselves to a meal. So naturally, they hauled ass at the promise of good food. The monastery was serving fish this day, which led to their current dining companion, a girl with poofy green hair, Flayn.

Flayn had come to the dining hall as early as she could, as fish was the meal of the day. But the presence of two unfamiliar faces made her curious, especially considering their attire. The thought of someone with stories about the world outside of the monastery excited her, so she joined them at their table. "You must travel a great deal. If you do not mind my asking, what is it like?" She asked, dabbing her face with a napkin.

Lucas nodded. "I've only been a mercenary for about a year, and I've been to each of the three nations. Never made it to any of the capitals, we worked in the center of the continent for the most part. But for every complaint I have, being able to camp out under the stars makes it worth it."

Shez nodded. "It's definitely one of the perks. That being said, I do miss a warm bed once in a while." Flayn nodded in understanding.

"I can see why you might feel that. What of the people you meet? I would imagine you have met interesting characters." She asked.

Shez answered. "Oh, all kinds. Nobles, commoners, soldiers, Almyrans, Brigians, heck even Duscurians. Remember that job, Lucas?" Lucas rolled his eyes. It was hard to forget that one. Flayn looked at him with puppy eyes, pleading for a story.

"It was a job in the alliance, believe it or not. Some noble had hired a Duscurian bodyguard for his daughter, years before the tragedy. Anyway, one day, we get a letter from the noble, saying his daughter had been taken hostage." Lucas began. Flayn gasped in shock. "So naturally, we haul ass to their last known location. But every step of the way, we kept getting conflicting information." Lucas gave a nod to Shez to continue the story.

"Everytime we asked about a Duscurian, they mentioned his wife. Naturally, we think he's making her play along. But all the innkeepers, traders, and others could talk about was how happy and kind they were."

"We caught up to them in a small village near Goneril territory, where they had been traveling with a group of musicians. And surprise surprise, the daughter had a different story."

"She was in love with him!" Flayn correctly guessed, looking delighted. Unbeknownst to the trio, Dedue was nearby, listening to the story. He had come to thank the mercenaries for saving his liege, but was stopped dead when they mentioned hunting one of his kin. "And they were actually eloping!"

"Exactly." Lucas confirmed. "We even separated her from him just to make sure he wasn't lying, and she insisted they were in love. Apparently, her father found out about their relationship and didn't approve. He accused the bodyguard of stealing her mother's jewelry and drove him out of town."

Shez finished. "Then hired us after they ran off together." Shez smiled to himself. "It's a nice story, it was almost worth the headache of chasing them around the alliance at breakneck speed."

Dedue finally made himself known. "Forgive me for eavesdropping. But I must ask, what befell him?" Lucas took in the giant, noting his Duscurian features.

"We didn't kill him and drag her back to her father if that's what you're asking. They were killed when they stumbled upon a nest of monsters." Flayn gasped while Dedue closed his eyes, pained at the death of another of his people. Lucas let it set in, before smiling wickedly. "Is what we told her father."

Both looked at him in shock, before Flayn frowned. "It is not kind to mislead us like that!" If it had been just her, it would have been fine, but it was personal to Dedue. Lucas realized it was in poor taste at all and tried to apologize.

"It is fine, I am not offended. So they live?"

Shez nodded. "As far as we know. They were going to leave for Almyra, but ended up staying with that performing troupe." And with the noble none the wiser, they would be free of pursuers.

"Then it seems I owe you two debts. One for saving my prince, and one for helping one of my people. Thank you, truly. There are not many of us left." He said, bowing deeply to the mercenaries.

Just then, Byleth appeared with a food tray and sat down next to Lucas. She looked nervous, not a good sign. Flayn found herself drawn to the new arrival, unable to place why she felt familiar.

"You okay By?" Lucas asked. She remained silent, looking at her soup. Finally she looked at lucas.

"I just got a job as a professor." She said plainly. "I'm going to be a teacher here." Lucas was shocked. The officers academy was the most prestigious place of learning on the continent, their professors were renowned, and they hired Byleth to teach? It was great for her, but unexpected.

"Well, you are great at teaching combat, I would know. So that should be…" Lucas started but she shook her head.

"I'm supposed to be one of the three main professors for one of the classes. I'll be in charge of curriculum, telling them what to study, homeroom, and leading them in monthly class missions." She elaborated. Okay, forget dipping your toes in the water, she had been thrown into the deep end.

Shez whistled. "Sounds like you've got your work cut out for you."

"A random mercenary chosen for one of the most prestigious positions on the Continent? A bit convenient, wouldn't you say? It would make far more sense to hire her as a sword instructor first as a trial run." Prometheus appeared, his feet propped up on top of the table. Lucas nearly jumped at his sudden appearance, and forced himself not to look directly at him. "Just think whatever you want to say to me. That way you won't look like a complete maniac."

"Ah, well, let me be one of the first to welcome you! I am Flayn, sister to Seteth whom you may have met." Flayn began, her smile infectious.

"When you said you'd be taking a more active role, I didn't think you meant like this" Lucas bit back mentally, pretending to listen to Flayn.

"It's boring being cooped up in your mind all of the time." Prometheus said back. Lucas was about to respond, but Prometheus cut off this thought. "But focus on the conversation, and stop looking at me." Then why did he bother to show himself? "To mess with you"

Lucas realized he had been staring at Prometheus. Thankfully, the others were focused on Flayn's conversation with Byleth. She was telling her about the monastery and the various things to do. Things that Flayn herself wanted to do, but her brother forbade. The conversation kept going, and things eventually returned to Byleth's new position.

"Apparently, I can choose which class I teach. Manuela and Hanneman told me I would get the first pick since I was new. Any thoughts?" Byleth asked the three. Lucas had to think about the three classes. All he had to go on what the leaders of those houses. Dimitri was a gallant knight, probably chilvalrous and honorable. Not to mention a good fighter. Claude was mischievous and sly, a strategist in the making. Edelgard was a leader, someone who has a vision and the will to see it through. But who would be the best for someone like Byleth? Prometheus spoke up.

"She's out of her depth. Of all of them, that Edelgard girl looked the most competent."

Lucas raised an eyebrow as Flayn began to talk about what she knew about each of the students. "Sounds like she impressed you."

"She did. Edelgard seems more assured and in control than the other two. And besides, you like her too." Prometheus pointed out waving his hand. Lucas didn't disagree, not to mention he thought that she and Byleth would get along fine.

"I think the Black Eagles would be good for you By." Byleth looked up. "I talked with Edelgard on the way here. If she's any indication, I'm sure her class will be easy to get along with." Byleth nodded, thinking about it.

"What do you know about the Black Eagles, Flayn?" She questioned the girl.

Flynn pursed her lips, looking upwards. "They are from Adrestia, the oldest nation in all of Fodlan. The imperial line has been unbroken since Wilhelm the First, an ally of Saint Seiros herself." She recites, as if from a textbook. "As for the students, I have only had a few interactions with them. They are most endearing!" Flayn gave a warm smile.

"What do you think?" Byleth asked the young girl more directly.

Flayn gave a gentle smile. "I believe that the Goddess shall guide your path." She said piously. "But the guidance of your allies is invaluable."

Byleth mulled it over. In the end, she chose to follow Lucas's advice and told Rhea she would choose the Black Eagles. She hoped Lucas was right about Edelgard and her class being easy to get along with. He was a good judge of character after all.

Byleth changed her mind. Lucas couldn't have been more wrong. She had gone to Rhea after eating and announced her intention of teaching the Black Eagle house. She should have gone by the classroom earlier to meet the students. If she had, she would have run for the Blue Lions or Golden Deer. A green haired boy sat sleeping, while a blue haired boy that resembled Count Bergeliez stood atop a desk trying to wake him. A pretty girl with a hat was scolding her orange haired classmate, pointing her finger at him. A Brigan girl with tattoos was sharpening a sword nearby while Edelgard tried to bring them together.

And she couldn't forget the purple haired girl with a hood. She was used to intimidating people with her blank stare, but never to that extent. When she stood over her and asked her name, the girl screamed and ducked under a nearby table. She then proceeded to beg Byleth not to kill her. Or kidnap her. Or feed her to wolves. Or whatever the last thing she said was. Edelgard was standing next to her, her expression desperate and embarrassed.

"I promise professor, we are normally far more… subdued than this." Edelgard said utterly mortified this was the introduction she had to their class. "Everyone…" Edelgard said, trying to get their attention. None heard her over the blue haired one's shouts or the brunette's scolding.

A loud whistle came from behind her, where a tall man stood, getting the room to quiet down. He was pale with dark hair and frown lines. "If you are done embarrassing yourselves, Lady Edelgard has an announcement to make." He nearly growled.

Edelgard regained some of her composure. "Thank you Hubert. This is our new professor, Byleth Eisner." The student all gathered around her, with the green haired one waking from his nap. Edeglard then introduced each of them, allowing Byleth to put names to her new students.

"Wait, you're our new professor?" Caspar asked. He seemed surprised by her age. "Didn't see that one coming…"

"Caspar, don't be rude." Dorothea warned. The green haired one shook his head.

"Manners have never been his strong suit, Dorothea. Allow me to rectify this." He bowed his head. "A pleasure to meet you. I look forward to learning from you. Now I am off to take a nap." He walked off, intent on accomplishing just that. Now that he had moved, Bernadetta who had been hiding behind him was exposed.

"U-um… I'm Bernadetta. Please don't look at me too much. Or talk to me too much either." She turned around, marching to the nearest table to hide behind. Byleth could feel her concern growing.

"A pleasure to meet you professor. I am Ferdinand Von Aeigr!" The introduction was not needed, Edelgard had introduced him five minutes ago. "I cannot help but notice that we are all close in age. You see, in our class we try to treat each other as equals, regardless of background or status. Would you be alright with joining this inner circle?" Perhaps he wasn't so bad afterall.

"I don't mind at all. The same can be said for me. Despite being your professor, I have a lot to learn, so please bear with me." The man, Hubert let out a dark chuckle.

"I am relieved to know you are aware of your limitations. Had you come in and boasted of your advancement, I would have been rather displeased." He said darkly. "I am Hubert Von Vestra, sworn to Lady Edelgard. I thank you profusely for rescuing her." His voice was softer this time, and he seemed genuinely thankful.

Petra stepped forwards and extended her hand. "You are a member of the Breaker of Blades, yes?" Petra asked.

Byleth nodded her head. "Blade Breakers. But yes, I am." Petra then bowed from the waist.

"I am giving my appreciation to you and your allies." she said. Byleth knew what she was referring to, as did Edelgard. "Had it not been because of you, there would have been no survivors that day." The other eagles looked confused, save for Ferdiniand whose countenance darkened.

"I only wish we could have done more. It was one of the worst jobs I have been on." Byleth admitted. Edelgard shook her head.

"No, it is I who should have done more. Had I been more forceful, had I sent Ladislava or gone personally it may have been avoided." Edelgard had not forgotten the day she heard about what had happened in Bladthanna. She and Petra were having lunch when the messenger arrived announcing the town's destruction.

The other black eagle students were lost, not knowing what they were talking about. Even Caspar who was away from home was kept in the dark about Bladthanna.

"What happened to Wulf and the survivors? I've always been curious." Byleth asked.

"Captain Wulf was sent to my grandfather. Wulf asked for death, to atone for what happened. But Grandfather punished him with mercy, so he will help the people of Brigid and learn our ways." Petra said. Byleth looked at Edelgard who nodded.

"It's true. And I received a letter that Sairose's baby was born four months ago. It is a boy. Sairose has stayed in Enbarr, working with Minister Hevring to improve relations with Brigid." Edelgard said with a smile. "Despite how things happened, I will admit it brings hope that our peoples might become true equals someday."

"I agree. And with hard work, we might prevent such a tragedy from repeating itself." said Ferdinand. His face was hard as he nodded at Byleth. "As a noble of the empire, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service that day."

"Why Ferdie, I believe that may have been the most noble thing I've ever seen you!" Dorothea commented, a smile on her face.

"Truly!" He nearly leapt at the praise. "I mean, of course!" He said, composing himself.

Edelgard coughed into her hand, getting the rest of the class's attention. "I believe we are all forgetting something." She moved to stand in front of the class. "Welcome, professor to the Black Eagles. We are looking forward to learning from you." Every student gave Byleth a welcoming smile. It made Byleth crack a small grin. Perhaps it wouldn't be too terrible.

Solon retreated to his meager personal quarters. It was irksome that a man of his standing must hide and live in squalor. He accessed the hidden compartment of his bed and retrieved his communication device.

"Lord Thales. There has been a development."

"Report Solon."

"The operation did not go as planned. The professor was driven off, but that beast did not choose who we expected to replace him." He sneered.

"I see… Fortunately, this was never a priority for us. Though it would have made other operations far easier, we will continue regardless." Thales said. He was no stranger to setbacks. He was the oldest of the true humanity, their leader for over a millennium. He knew that one didn't have to win battles, only the war. "And who did she choose?"

"The child of her former Knight Captain, Jeralt. A mercenary who goes by the title of Ashen Demon." It confounded Solon that she would choose some ignorant mercenary that was likely illiterate.

"Has she employed anyone else?"

"Yes my lord. It seems the whole mercenary company is to be employed by the knights."

"Then send the identities of their members back to me. No need to approach them, simply send a list of names and our spies will do the rest." Thales paused, weighing his words. "Beast though she is, I doubt the Archbishop would give such a position on the basis of nepotism alone. There is something else at play."

"Understood. You shall have the names by the end of the week." Thales ended the communication without another word. Solon prayed for this assignment to end, he was weary of playing this role and eager to get back to his experiments.

Authors Notes

They've finally arrived at Garreg Mach. New faces, new possibilities, and new threats

And that's right, the Cloaked exposition man from CH1 is back. Comment on who you think he is.

And yes, she did choose Black eagles but it will not follow Crimson Flower or Silver Snow, but may hold similar events. I'm trying to give each of the students opportunities to shine.

Lucas and Shez won't be with them on their Bandit elimination. Instead, they'll be proving themselves in another way.

I may or may not bring back Wulf and Sairose from CH 5-7 at a later time, but they won't play a major role in the story.

I'm keeping to canon for now, but you will see things starting to diverge.