Chapter 10 destiny's tipping point
30 days since the shy girl squad victory
Dorothea noticed Ingrid was silent, the sadness in her eyes, the dried tears; she looked like her heart was in turmoil, but why? She had noticed something that she didn't say anything about up until this point because she was happy that Ingrid and Hinata had become friends, but something else had happened the night before, something must have occurred that caused Ingrid to be in the state that she's in; she looked like an emotional wreck, which was unlike her.
Dorothea did not know how to feel. Did Hinata hurt her? If she did, she wouldn't tolerate that, even from Hinata. Ingrid was still precious to her, even though they had broken up; she still loved her and wouldn't want her to be hurt by anyone, not even by Hinata, the woman that she had fallen in love with when she first laid eyes on her. She even wouldn't let her do such a thing to her first love.
"Have you ever felt like your heart is being pulled in multiple directions, and you have no idea what to do because every choice feels wrong?" Ingrid asked her. This caught her off guard. What did she mean? Why would she ask such a question?
"I don't know what you mean, Ingrid. What's wrong? Did something happen between you and Hinata?" Dorothea asked, concerned.
"she didn't do anything to hurt me not intentionally I."Ingrid was trying to get the words out.
"Ingrid you could be honest with me."Dorothea said not being prepared with Ingrid was about to say.
"I'm in love with her I can't explain how it happened but it has I realize that last night my feelings for her I felt like I got too close she's like the Sun and I got too close I."Dorothea had no words the sadness the last thing she expected was Ingrid to fall in love with Hinata after she fell in love with Naruto she didn't know how to feel about that. Hinata is someone deep into Dorothea's heart as well she did not expect to fall in love with her but she did the more time she spent with her.
she understood Ingrid's feelings too well but she also had other questions she wanted to ask her.
"what about Naruto how can you be in love with him and be in love with Hinaa that doesn't make much sense?"Dorothea asked Ingrid turned away.
"My feelings for her and Naruto and you it's what's pulling me apart I feel like no matter what I do all of you are out of reach I can never have the people I love why does this feeling have to be so painful why?"Ingrid asked Dorothea she had no words none. she didn't feel her heart being pulled in three different directions like Ingrid was could she really choose between them Hinata and Ingrid? then she clenched her chest and realize no she couldn't it would destroy her her heart being pulled into that many directions she doesn't know what she can do but she still had to see this through Naruto she had to find out if he was worthy of Ingrid and Hinata.
Her reluctance to transfer to the golden deer had more to do with her friends in the Black Eagles she values them and transferring if it's temporarily in order to find that out was something that she knows would change her life forever and she didn't know why she had this foreboding revelation.
"I'm still going to find out if Naruto is worthy of either one of you I have to see for myself what kind of man Naruto truly is not what I hear you and Hinaa say about him."Dorothea said which caused Ingrid to look at her in surprise that she was still deter.
" He's not a bad person Dorothea please."Ingrid said weekly which caused Dorothea to shake her head she wasn't going to be swayed.
"you know I still love you Dorothea you know that right?"Ingrid asked her she clenched her heart she couldn't reply no she had to tighten her resolve if she didn't she would relapse.
"I have to see this through Ingrid even if my heart has to be broken in the process to 1,000 more pieces I will see this through."she said with cold hard resolve she looked at Ingrid and left she was going to the golden deer classroom to request to be part of the golden deer mission that was coming she didn't know if it would be the day after tomorrow or even today God forbid but it would happen and if there be no perfect time to see for herself if Naruto is truly the man Hinata and Ingrid say he is.
Seteth summoned Sasuke to his office. He knew it had to do with him sleeping outside his dorm the previous night. He knew this would happen, but he didn't care. He wasn't going to wake up Mercedes, his friend, and he wanted to uphold his clan's traditions. Considering how few Uchiha's there were, someone had to uphold their traditions, even if it was just him.
Things were silent when he entered the man's office. It was organized and clean, just what he would expect from a man like Seteth. He motioned for Sasuke to sit, and Sasuke did exactly as he instructed. He couldn't help looking at his surroundings. His office carried the flag of the Blue Lions house, and on the right side, there was a painting of a woman who he assumed was the man's wife. He didn't ask because he felt like it wasn't appropriate or proper.
The man's desk itself was made out of high-quality wood that couldn't be found where Sasuke was from. In fact, most of the materials that he had seen and felt were of higher material quality than anything in Konoha. He didn't get a chance to admire any of the materials for much longer when the man spoke.
"It was reported to me that you violated one of our rules regarding sleeping outside the dorms. I know you're not the kind of person that violates the rules, Sasuke. I would like to know your reasoning why you slept outside your own room?" Seteth asked in a calm tone that was difficult to pick up. He was not trusting of Sasuke, and he could understand why. He is a foreigner from a different land and culture. He took a deep breath. He couldn't show any sign of nervousness, despite feeling it.
"Mercedes fell asleep on my lap, and I didn't want to wake her, so I took her to my dorm. Because of my clan's traditions, I couldn't sleep in the same room as her, so I slept outside. It was a difficult choice, sir, between upholding the rules of the monastery and violating my clan's customs. I chose to uphold my clan's customs because nobody else can or will." Sasuke explained, hoping he didn't have to further elaborate.
The man wasn't completely convinced.
"You could have escorted her to her quarters. Why didn't you do that?" The man asked, hoping to get an answer that was satisfactory.
"The Uchiha way considers it rude to wake up a woman who falls asleep on your lap. I wouldn't be able to escort her to her room, even if I wanted to. Her door was locked, and I'd have to wake her up, which I didn't want to do because it would violate my clan's customs. I did the next best thing and had her sleep in my room, and I slept outside. I didn't mean to violate the rules, sir." His nervousness was showing, and he wasn't sure if he could give an answer that would be satisfactory.
"I never heard of such a tradition, and I've never seen Itachi or any Uchiha uphold it." Seteth pointed out. Sasuke resisted the revulsion he was feeling just from hearing Itachi's name being mentioned.
"That's because they never befriended a woman here, that's why." Sasuke said, hoping that he didn't have to reveal more. He noticed the man's eyes seeking, feeling like he would interrogate him for everything until he was satisfied. Sasuke didn't want to give him any more information, especially not embarrassing things like his feelings for a woman.
"Very well, Sasuke. I see that you don't have any nefarious intentions and that you're only looking after your classmate and are in a position to uphold your clan's traditions or follow our rules. Since you didn't mean any offense, I won't discipline you, but be careful in the future so that you're not in a position where you have to choose between following our rules or your clan's traditions. You're dismissed." Sasuke felt relieved. He left the office, bowed as a form of respect, and left.
He saw Felix outside the office, along with Annette.
"So, what happened? Did you get in trouble?" Annette asked.
"No, I was just giving a warning not to be in a position where I have to choose between following the rules or my clan's traditions." Sasuke said, not giving much of any information.
"I see," said Felix, not really buying what Sasuke was saying.
"I mean, how do you explain Mercie being in your room? You two didn't," Annette was about to ask, which caused Sasuke to turn so red he had to bury his face in order to hide his embarrassment.
"We didn't do anything, I swear," Sasuke said, stuttering, which caused Felix to laugh at how pathetic he looked.
"You better be careful. If you show up like that, you'll never hear the end of it from Sylvain," Felix warned. Sasuke did not want to look like a fool in front of anyone, especially Sylvain.
"We're going to be going on a mission today, I know it." said Felix, as the trio walked towards the Blue Lions classroom.
Sasuke looked and then saw Sakura, who did not look particularly happy.
"I'm sick of these damn rumors of Sasuke Kun seeing someone I wish to know the truth who is seeing Sasuke?" asked Sakura which cause Annette to roll her eyes in annoyance and Felix eyes twitching.
"Surely, Sakura, there must be other guys you can pursue who might be interested," said Sylvain, trying in vain to get Sakura to stop talking about Sasuke.
"Oh, great, this damn banshee again," said Felix, annoyed that Sakura was going on one of her episodes again regarding Sasuke. He saw another woman in the scene and thought it was the delusional ramblings of a sick mind.
Sasuke looked at Mercedes, who was twitching, and he knew he had to do something quickly before she snapped and got herself into trouble. Sasuke said hi, which caused Mercedes to calm down. Just being in Sasuke's presence, Sakura had an annoyed look on her face, seeing Sasuke sit next to Mercedes, but he didn't care. Let the annoying banshee be jealous; he wasn't going to give her what she wanted, no matter how many times she annoyed him about it.
"I wish she would shut the fuck up," Mercedes said softly to Sasuke, with barely controlled anger. She continued to go on a rant, causing everyone to want to grab earplugs so they wouldn't have to hear her screeching voice. The more important question on his mind was, "What's taking Manuela so long? She's never late for her lessons." He wanted the scene to end quickly; he couldn't stand hearing the banshee's irritating voice any longer.
Are you sure that's where she's located?"Edelgard asked Jeritza, the person she intended to replace as the professor of the Black Eagles, he was her inside man when it came to what was going on with Those Who Slither in the Dark.
"That's exactly where she's located in that bandit hideout if you wish to rescue her you don't have much time at most you have two to three weeks after that it will be too late"she assumed it was 2 weeks not three she didn't have much time to make her move she didn't have much time to make her decision this would make or break the alliance that she was forced to have with the scum that ruined her life and murdered all of her siblings.
"Thank you for informing me you are dismissed" Edelgard dismissed Jeritza she had to be careful about how she approached this in the Black Eagles classroom she had to come up with her next move.
"So we know where she is what course of action are you we going to take lady Edelgard?"asked Hubert, who wasn't keen on rescuing Monica."we don't have much time this could be our only chance to rescue her"she was trying to separate her feelings for her regardless how much she means to her she cannot let that get in the way they both agreed that she cannot let her personal feelings get in the way of her ambition.
"Considering that we've won the mock battle we're going to get special treatment we will be expected to deal with those bandits but, How are we going to spin it so those who we have alliance with won't turn on us?"That was a good question. She hated the very people that ruined her life that destroyed her childhood and were responsible for many horrific things. What options did she have?
"If there's one benefit of having Hinata in the Black Eagles is her Byakugan it could speed up our search."She didn't like the way Hubert was talking about Hinata like she was a tool.
"Don't think of her like a tool Hubert how many times do I have to tell you?"Hubert didn't understand the depths of her emotions when it came to Hinata; she was precious to her.
"Whether you want to accept it or not Hinata could be a powerful asset or a powerful enemy we should be working to get her on our side"she knew he was right from a strategic standpoint but she hated thinking of her that way she hated thinking of all of her friends that way she had to keep them at arms length because she did not know if they would stand with her when the time came.
"We've been over this. I will not treat her as a tool to be cast aside when she outlives her usefulness Hinata is a"was cut off by Hubert.
"I strongly disagree with my lady the Hyuga clan are powerful the strongest clan of Konoha having her on her side would be akin to having them on our side in war there is no such thing as honor we win by any means necessary"again she hated how he spoke in his detached manner but it was true but it was hard considering it was difficult for her not to see her classmates as friends. She would have to steal herself in the future but she would like to for a little bit longer think of them as friends be the girl that she wants to be not what she has to be.
"Then there's this matter with Monica, it would actually be better"she didn't let him finish.
"I will not lose one more person. Do you hear me Hubert? I will change my fate and the fate of those I care about. And I will not sacrifice people unnecessarily. The new professor who is teaching our class things could have easily turned quickly against us if He didn't choose our house. I will do whatever it takes to keep him on my side."Hubert couldn't help but point out her hypocrisy.
" So it's okay for him to be a tool but not Hinata?"he asked her knowing that she cannot retort.
"Hinata's a childhood friend Byleth Eisner is our professor. There's a huge difference one I've known as a child the other I just met a month ago."she didn't believe it anymore than Hubert she sounded like a liar when she said it out loud she wants him as a friend not as an ally or a tool.
"Whatever course of action you decide we have to tread carefully if we break our alliance with them too soon it could be potentially disastrous"she knew she was playing a dangerous game but no game was worth winning if a huge risk wasn't involved if this Gambit succeeded she can not only save someone important to her but also gain the trust of Ingrid, Byleth, Marianne and Lysithea
It was also the students from Konoha that were in the Black Eagles she had to consider."we will be a on our mission soon I suggest we get some sleep Lady Edelgard tomorrow we will be given our mission"yes she knew tomorrow they would definitely be given a mission and she has to find out a way to convince her professor to leave immediately the timetable was very small they would barely make it everything had to go right if anything where to go wrong her ambitions for the future could burn to ashes before it even begins.
Byleth, Manuela, and Kakashi were being summoned by Rhea. It was time for their missions. This was the moment where he would test the results of his training. He felt it was too soon, but he knew he couldn't argue. All three professors waited for the archbishop to speak.
"As you all know, the three of you will be assigned on your own separate missions."
Rhea motioned for one of the knights to hand over the dossier to each of them. He read his. So he was going to eliminate the remnants of that bandit band that he had destroyed a month ago. He didn't think this was worth the use of his time, but he didn't want to say it openly, so he bit his tongue.
She asked the archbishop, who calmly answered her question.
Considering this is a matter for the kingdom, it's only appropriate that your class deals with this matter. This is a Faerghus matter that should be dealt with as soon as possible before it erupts into a full-scale war.
He was glad his class was not assigned to putting down a rebellion; something about it irked him.
Then he saw Kakashi, who also asked a question: "I understand you want my class to go to the Land of Waves, isn't it out of the way from Fodlan? I know it's halfway to the point of East Adrestia; is there any particular reason why you want us to go to the Land of Waves when it's better to be handled by Konoha?"
Kakashi asked.
"Since you're from that part of the world, I think you would be a good fit to lead your students, since most of them have never been to any part of the five nations. This would be a good learning experience when they eventually go to Konoha itself."
It made sense to Byleth, but he still couldn't figure out why.
The archbishop looked at him if he had any questions for her.
"You're all dismissed." Kakashi and Manuela left; he was alone with the archbishop. He had his own questions.
"You look troubled." Rhea said, noticing his turmoil. He didn't want Marianne to go on a mission like this; he didn't want her to soil her hands with the blood of others. He wanted to voice that, but he couldn't.
"Is there any reason our class is being sent to kill bandits, instead of doing something else? I thought this was a school; I wasn't told we were training soldiers." For what he could tell, she looked like she was twitching. Was that anger he saw in her eyes?
"It would be a good use of their training after all. They must learn to kill their hesitation. If they are to defend themselves on future missions. I have full confidence in your ability to keep my students alive and safe."
The very idea was ridiculous. How is taking them to a place that could get them killed and having him simply being there keeping them safe? He wanted to say something but he couldn't. He bit his tongue.
"I will head out at once," he said hesitantly.
When he was out of earshot, he spoke aloud to Sothis. "I don't like this one bit. I didn't agree to train my students to be killers." It was one thing for him. He was used to it. He had been a mercenary since he was 12. But these were people with no experience; they could potentially get killed if they froze and their deaths would be his fault.
" The power that I used the other day, I can give it to you to help you ensure they survive, but know that my power has its limits." Sothis told him cautiously. "I just want to keep her safe." he said to himself. "Believe in your strength and the strength of your students. She's stronger than you know." he didn't know why he was protective of her; he didn't want to put Marianne in danger. He clenched his fist, but if he didn't go, someone else would lead, and they would likely get his students killed. It had to be him. He was going to inform his students that they were going to be gone on a mission by the end of the day.
Rhea saw Byleth leave. Seteth had a look of disapproval on his face. She should not want to have this conversation at the moment, but she knew she couldn't avoid it due to it being impossible to ignore.
"His feelings for that girl are not appropriate for a teacher. You know this, yet you allow this. Why?" Seteth asked, referring to Byleth's relationship with Marianne.
"Because he's a lot like his mother, my Sitri." She had rarely mentioned her daughter's name in the past 20 years due to the pain. Seteth couldn't possibly understand the pain of seeing your own child die, especially a mother who had given birth to said child. In her child's dying moments, she saw memories of her when she was a newborn, then when she was able to walk for the first time, talk for the first time. Even though Sitri was a woman when she died, in Rhea's eyes, she was always her little girl, and always will be.
"I understand, but you have to understand how it looks. There are already rumors that he's taking advantage of her. I know he isn't the type to do such things, but that doesn't stop the rumors. There are those who resent that he was given the position of professor over others, and some of the faculty feel like they are more deserving." Seteth said the same thing she had heard before from others; she didn't need to hear it again, and she was tired of hearing about it.
"My grandson was more than qualified to be the professor of the Black Eagles. He had more than proven himself in the past month. My decision to allow him to be a professor was the correct one, and I will not be told otherwise, especially by anyone in the faculty." Rhea said to Seteth, who did not recoil. He was one of the few that was not afraid to confront her on any disagreements.
"I know too well the grief of loss. You have to understand, Sonia and Byleth are their own people. They're not Sitri; they may be her children, but they're different from her and their father as well. You have not allowed your heart to heal." Seteth said, not flinching when Rhea snapped at him.
"I know what I'm doing. I do it for Sonia's own good. If the world knew that Sitri had two children, Sonia would be kidnapped, and they would steal her blood for their own ends. I will protect her by any means necessary, even if she hates me. I will not lose anyone else." Rhea said unflinchingly. She wasn't going to be deterred. She was too close to her goal. The possibility of her mother being brought back, her grandson was the only one that was compatible. Up to this point, there was nobody.
"I will not change my mind, Seteth. I do what must be done," she waved a hand motion in order to dismiss him without saying a word, and he left her alone. She looked over the balcony, where she could see everything. She saw Marianne at the stables, the girl she was the one person that brought emotions in her grandson that others couldn't. She couldn't help it, seeing parallels between Sitri and Jeralt with Byleth and Marianne.
Sitri and Jeralt fell in love at first sight, just like Byleth and Marianne have. She was seeing history repeat itself. She felt sadness for the girl, for what Rhea intended for Byleth. Her mother could be revived, but at the price of Byleth's entire being. She clinched her heart, more conflicted than ever. What right did she have to sacrifice the life that her own daughter gave in order to make her selfish desire become reality?
she wanted to see her mother again and hear her voice, but the price to pay was high, and Rhea wasn't sure if she wanted to pay that price. She wasn't willing to do that with her own daughter, yet she felt sick about doing it to her own grandson because he was stillborn. Part of her thought he was unnatural, but that changed when she saw him for the first time as an adult. He had feelings, even if he didn't understand them, and he felt pain, sadness, and happiness, just like everybody else.
Yet, she wanted to see her mother. She wanted badly to see her. Her conscience was eating at her, a life for a life—that's the price that it would cost to bring her back, and she wasn't sure what her resolve was anymore. Seteth's words couldn't leave her mind because he was right, and she couldn't refute any of it.
She prayed and hoped that her grandson would come home safely, not because he carries her mother inside of him but because she doesn't want a part of her daughter to die and her sacrifice to be in vain.
"We're going on a mission to put down a rebellion in Castle Gaspard Blue Lions we will be heading out today" Said Manuela. Ashe couldn't believe it, it couldn't be his friends noticed that he was troubled.
"Are you okay, Ashe?" asked Annette. "I'm fine," he lied.
"To think it would come to this," Dimitri said with a sad look on his face. "What's going on?" asked Sasuke, who was completely left in the dark.
"We will explain it on the way. We really don't have time." said Manuela.
"Everyone get everything that you will need. It will take us days to get to Castle Gaspard. We have to put an end to this rebellion as fast as possible before it escalates into a war." he was conflicted. Why was he doing this? He remembered his adopted father fondly. He helped his siblings and him when they really needed it. He treated him like he was his own flesh and blood. Why?
He got his equipment before he left the armory. He saw Sasuke, who gave him a look.
"I take it you know something everyone else doesn't?" Sasuke asked him as if it were a matter of course.
"I don't want to talk about it, Sasuke." Ashe said, walking past him.
"I will know one way or another. There's no need to beat around the bush. I won't tell anyone." He wasn't going to be satisfied with any answer as long as he got something. "Lonato is a great man. I don't know why." He couldn't bring himself to say it.
"I see you don't have to tell me right now. Let's go." He was grateful that Sasuke didn't ask him for more information. His loyalties were torn. Why didn't Lord Lonato tell him why he kept what he was doing a secret? He would find out one way or another. There must be another way; killing him cannot be the only answer.
Sasuke didn't think he would go to any region of Faerghus so soon; all of his training, which he had accumulated over the past 3 months, would finally be put to the test. Quelling a rebellion wasn't something he was keen on. He did a practice motion with his sword. This would be the first time he would use the sword, which was used by his father during the Third Great Ninja War in his home continent. He put his sword back into its sheath and turned around, noticing a woman who was looking at him with interest.
"I must say that's an impressive sword you have there" the woman was blonde, her skin was tan but then he noticed her features, which were those of someone who was born and raised in Faerghus. She wore a uniform that was typical for the knights of Seiros.
"Thunderstrike Cassandra, what did I do to deserve such an honor
"So you're the famous prodigy from Konoha, Sasuke Uchiha. I have a proposition for you, but it will have to wait until after the mission."
Sasuke was intrigued by what she was offering him.
"What is it that you offer me, Catherine San?" He wondered why she would take the time out of her day to approach him of all people.
"Training. I see how skilled you are with that blade, and I know you desire to get stronger. I can offer you that sort of training. I can offer you to be stronger, but know that I'm a very strict teacher."
Being offered to be trained by one of the most skilled swordsmen of the continent was not something Sasuke thought he would ever be offered.
"You don't have to decide right now, but know that my offer stands. Truth be told, he wanted to accept her offer on the spot, but you were right; "you don't have to decide right here, right now."
"Why do you offer this to me?" Sasuke asked her.
"The Archbishop is considering making you a Knight. You should consider this an honor; it isn't often that foreigners are offered such an honor." A Knight, he thought. If you were to be trained by them, it would help him in his goal of avenging his family and clan, but he couldn't accept such an offer lightly. Accepting such an offer would mean he could never go back to Konoha.
"Of course you don't have to accept the position of being a knight, but my training is something that would help you become one if that's what you wish after you graduate." He felt relieved hearing that. Sasuke bowed as a form of respect and left.
Catherine bowed before the archbishop; he is open to my offer of training. She said, looking down, "Good! The Uchiha will be a great asset to us. I have no doubt you will succeed in training him and in time he will come to me and swear his loyalty." She knows Catherine was confused.
"My lady, if I may speak freely." She motioned for her to speak.
"Are you positive that he would do such a thing? It's no secret that his goal is to kill his brother, become a Knight that may get in the way of that goal." She knew that, but she also knew something else.
"It's better that we train him and mold him so he will be one of our allies and not our enemies in the future we have a rare opportunity: one of the last Uchiha. It would be a waste not having him loyal to us."
She knows this could potentially make enemies in Konoha, but she isn't concerned. They aren't foolish enough to strike at the church. The church has allies and supporters, even in the five nations. Even if it's not as strong as it is in Fodlan.
"Do you have any further questions, Catherine? Are there any other concerns you want to voice?" She could predict what she would say or wouldn't say; she shook her head.
"Make sure to put down those who are foolish enough to rise against the goddess." She dismissed Catherine.
"Mother, soon you will return to us." She had a strong feeling that she would return after a thousand years of failure. It was only a matter of time; nothing would get in her way.
"We're going to the Land of Waves?" asked Claude, surprised that they would be going so far away from the monastery.
"Yes, it's halfway between East of Adrestia and the land of water. This is a learning experience to see what some of the Nations the five nations look like. This will be a glimpse of what you will be seeing when you go to the continent of the five nations yourselves and see Konoha." he said to everyone in the Golden Deer.
"It seems troublesome," said Shikamaru, not thrilled with the idea of going on a boat.
"Is there any reason why we're going there?" asked Claude the Land of Waves, which he had heard was south of Almira, his homeland. He was hoping to avoid going near his homeland. There wasn't anything he could do about it.
"The inhabitants of the Land of Waves are being terrorized by a bandit gang, and we are requested to assist." Kakashi explained didn't make sense to Claude Why not just hire the ninja from Konohagakure? That's what Claude wanted to ask, but he knew better than to do that.
"We'll leave within the hour," Kakashi told everyone.
"Oh, and before we go, there's someone I want to introduce. She'll be with us for month. Introduce yourself." Kakashi said as a brown haired woman appeared.
Claude recognized her immediately. It was Dorothea; why was she with the Golden Deer?
"Introduce yourselves to everyone. Everyone, introduce yourselves to her." Kakashi said, clearly enjoying this annoying and tedious routine.
Claude hated having to introduce himself for the fourth time. Everyone did what they usually did by introducing themselves.
"I'm Dorothea Arnault. My hobbies are music and art. My dislikes well"she stared at Lorenz with contempt but also looked at Naruto.
"Are arrogant nobles"he could tell she was holding something back. She had a dislike for Naruto, which he noticed immediately. Why was she in their class? He knew it was no secret that she flirted with Hinata constantly; she was not happy that Naruto was dating her.
"I don't think we have met. I am Naruto Uzumaki," Naruto said, introducing himself to Dorothea.
"Yeah, Hinata's boyfriend, I know." Dorothea said in a tone that wasn't friendly.
"Did I do something wrong?" He asked, confused by her hostility.
"Yeah, you ignored Hinata for years after she had feelings for you, and only now are you starting to pay attention to her, and not to mention playing around with Ingrid's heart. Yeah, you're damn right; you've done something wrong."
Claude didn't want anything to do with this Hilda signed.
"Just great we have to deal with this relationship crap." Hilda said not happy Claude couldn't help but agree.
"I'm sorry if I angered you, Dorothea San. It was never my intention."Naruto said to her apologetically; she didn't want to hear it.
"Well, I have issues with the way you've been treating Hinaa and Ingrid. You can't even choose between them; you're dating Hinata while Ingrid likes you too." Dorothea said something that was obvious.
"Look, can we not do this right now? Can we at least be friends? At least until the mission's over?"Naruto asked trying to defuse The situation.
"Fine, but I'm not leaving this class until I know you deserve Hinaa. Because as far as I'm concerned, you don't. You don't deserve Ingrid either. You're like the kind of men who play around with women's hearts." She walked past him. She didn't care if she pissed him off."
"I think you're judging me when you don't know me at all. I'm nothing like what you say I am."Naruto said defensively.
"Sure, you're like every other arrogant noble." Naruto's face changed to anger at Dorothea's judgmental attitude towards him.
"What do you know? You don't know a damn thing about me. You don't know the kind of life I've lived. Don't you dare judge me! Hinata Chan was the first one to believe in me she was the first one to look at me as human. You know nothing about my life." Naruto stormed off, not wanting to be near her.
"Wow that was smooth" said Leonie.
"I must have touched a nerve" said Dorothea, but the look on the orange-haired girl's face said the opposite.
"You really don't know anything about him; you've only spoken to him once and you act like you know everything about Naruto. Don't forget we've been around him for 3 months. You shouldn't be so judgmental." Obviously, he was popular among the Golden Deer; he was good friends with most of the class.
"Whatever"she thought everyone was getting ready to leave for their mission one way or another she would get to know Naruto when she thinks about it no she disregarded the thought and decided that she would ask later one way or another she would judge for herself if Naruto was truly Worthy of Hinata and Ingrid's affections.
Ingrid saw Byleth enter the classroom the Black Eagles were awaiting their orders knowing that they were going on a mission. It was difficult to believe only a month ago she transferred things were definitely different in this house compared to the Blue Lions. She didn't think she would adjust but she did she made friends with Lysithea,Bernadetta and Marianne
She befriended Hinata and fell in love with her. For the past month, it has been awkward between them. They haven't spoken since that night. It was painful, but she had to keep up appearances. She had to appear strong. She couldn't let anyone believe things were different between her and Hinata.
She knew Dorothea was helping the Golden Deer so she would not be going with them she asked her to look after Hinata for her something she would have done anyway. She would do what she can to protect her. She also made Dorothea promise to do the same to Naruto she reluctantly agreed it was no secret she disliked him.
Byleth started to speak "as you all know we are going on our first mission we're going to go to the bandit hideout and eliminate the remnants not to spare any of them these scum have terrorized the people and they cannot be allowed again to organize. I will not sugar coat it, you will be killing someone you'll be taking their lives if you don't have the stomach for it, do not come on this mission you will only be a burden and get yourself and those around you killed."none of her classmates questioned what he was saying it was almost as if they were all in unison.
"So when do we leave professor?"asked Edelgard."we leave within the hour get everything that you will need. We will be gone for days"he dismissed everyone. When everyone was dismissed, she ran into Hinata who looked troubled.
"I don't know if I have the stomach to kill," Marianne said with revulsion of the idea of taking another life.
"I know what you meann Marianne, Chan"Hinata agreed.
"I didn't know you felt that way Ingrid"said the first thing she said to Hinata since that night Marianne didn't look happy with the idea of taking another life.
"You'll get used to it in time assuming you don't want to die,"said Hubert to Marianne with that dark sense of humor.
"You are not helping," Hinata said angrily.
"I'm only pointing out the truth, Lady Hinata," Hubert said, ignoring Hinata's angry look.
"I don't wish to be a burden, Hinata. You don't have to defend me," Marianne said. Hubert's next response would make Hinata even angrier.
"If you don't want to be a burden on everyone in this class, you'd better be prepared to take a life," Hubert said harshly. He walked right past them. Ingrid did not like him. Something about him rubbed her the wrong way.
"Don't take it personally, he does that to everyone," Edelgard said trying to defuse The situation.
"Well, I don't like him,"Hinata said coldly.
"I didn't think you were capable of disliking anyone,"remarked Edelgard.
"Well I think he's an asshole and just because I don't dislike people generally doesn't mean. I'm not capable of feeling that way towards certain people,"Hinata said darkly. It was so strange to her Hinata she seem to be like an angel but she was far from an angel. Ingrid knew this when she starred with her for the past month she had learned more and more about her there was plenty of people she disliked though to Ingrid she was perfect no she had a disregard that thought.
She wasn't perfect, and that's what made her perfect in Ingrid's eyes. She wanted to protect her, she wanted her not to become the cold-hearted person that others expect her to be. She knew why Naruto fell in love with her because she fell in love with her too. She vowed to herself that she would protect her, her feelings did not matter, not for Naruto, not for Hinata or Dorothea. She would protect her because she wasn't going to fail to protect someone she loves again. That's the whole reason she transferred to the Black Eagles.
Her training would be put to the test. If she wasn't strong enough to protect those she loves, she wasn't worthy. This mission would be a test of that, but little did she know how her life would change on this little mission that should be going on.
Dorothea was about to head out; it would be a few weeks, if not more, before she would see the monastery again. She made sure to get everything before she left. Before she got to her door, she saw Ingrid in front of her.
"I wanted to see you before we left," Ingrid said.
"I really do have to hurry, Ingrid. Our mission is going to start soon, and I don't want to be late," Dorothea said, trying to end the conversation.
"No, I want to have this now. I don't know if we'll have another opportunity," Ingrid said in a tone that indicated she was not going to back down, regardless of what Dorothea said.
"Okay, I'll give you a few minutes. What is it?" Dorothea asked her.
"Please don't judge Naruto harshly. I know you don't like him, but please try to get to know him. He's not a bad guy; I know he's not. Hinata wouldn't love him, and neither would I, if that's what he was. He's a nice person, please," Ingrid pleaded, not wanting to hear it.
"Are we really going to talk about this now? Ingrid, I'm going to protect him. I'm going to keep him safe. I'm not going to allow anything to happen to him because of my dislike," Dorothea said, trying to end the conversation and not wanting to drag it out further.
"I would protect Hinata even if you didn't tell me to, even if she never returns my feelings, even if Naruto never returns my feelings, even if you never return my feelings, I know my feelings will not change." Ingrid said. Dorothea clenched her heart, thinking about the three people Ingrid loved. How could Ingrid love three people? Dorothea couldn't see herself loving more than two.
"Please don't talk like that," Dorothea said, not wanting to hear about Ingrid's willingness to sacrifice her life for Hinata. She didn't want to lose one person to save another; she would rather her life be sacrificed instead.
Their faces were inches apart, and they hadn't been this close since their breakup. Dorothea knew she shouldn't be doing this; her heart would hurt later. But she couldn't control her feelings. She kissed Ingrid, and Ingrid returned the kiss. It didn't matter if everyone was watching; when they pulled away, Ingrid said softly:
"I love you, Dorothea. Please be safe."
Ingrid left the room, and Dorothea responded:
"I love you too, Ingrid. Please be careful."
The woman said nothing as Ingrid left, and Dorothea was left alone. The mission she was going on would bring her closer to Naruto, and she wanted to know what others saw in him. She wanted to know what drove Ingrid and Hinata to him. She shut her door and left, not realizing that this journey would change her and teach her something about herself that she didn't know.
"I promise to look after her," Naruto said to Hinata regarding Dorothea. They were near the exit where their classes would go on their separate missions. He couldn't help but notice something in Hinata's eyes; perhaps she was troubled about something.
"Are you all right, Hinata-chan? You look sad. What happened?" Naruto asked her, worried. Hinata's eyes told him that she was in turmoil. He wanted to help her, anything to get her to speak.
"Naruto kun, I love her. I can't help it. I don't know how it happened, but I love her, and I cannot control my feelings towards her. It's not fair, and Dorothea I..."
" Naruto did not know how to respond. Hinata falling in love with Ingrid was not something he thought would happen. He heard his Fox companion chastise him for his stupid thought.
"Well, that makes things so much easier. If your potential mates love each other, that makes things much easier. All you need to do is win the Dorothean woman over, and you will have three busty females as your mates. Quite a bargain," his companion said, making a light joke out of a serious situation, which Naruto did not appreciate. He ignored his companion for now in order to focus on Hinata.
"I have no words, Hinata-chan," Naruto said, shocked at Hinata's confession.
"Do you feel the same about me?" Hinata asked, referring to the feelings of love he had no idea how to express. He didn't understand them.
"My feelings towards you and Ingrid Chan are the same. I care deeply for both of you. You both mean a lot to me. I wish to protect both of you and make you both happy." He didn't know if that would satisfy her. Why couldn't he just simply tell her that he loved her? Why was that so hard? What was he afraid of?
"The thing is, Naruto-kun, I love Dorothea too. I feel like my heart's being pulled in three different directions. I can't choose between the three of you; it would destroy me. I'm lost, I don't know what to do." Hinata said, trying to stay strong. Naruto had to stay strong himself for her. There was a way all parties could be happy, but the only way they could be happy was if all were willing.
"We could just share each other." Naruto said. Hinata looked at him like it was a ridiculous idea, but she wasn't against it. This was a good sign.
"You mean polygamy? If I can have all of you without breaking any of your hearts, I would gladly do it." Hinata said, open to the idea.
She was more willing than before. This was progress.
"Please be careful, Hinata Chan. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you." He leaned towards her and kissed her; she kissed him back. This would be the last time they would see each other for the next week or two. They broke away.
"Be careful," Hinata said to him.
"You too, my Hime." Hinata turned her back on him and went with her class. Naruto didn't know what awaited him in the Land of Waves, but he had a feeling it would change his life forever, and his relationship with Ingrid and Hinata would not be the same. Dorothea was the key to all this, he knew, but he just didn't know why yet.
Dimitri was done making preparations going to Castle Gaspard the idea of killing such an honorable man like Lonato it felt wrong there has to be another way a peaceful resolution was violence really the only answer? As if he was sensing his turmoil Dedue spoke softly."your highness I know what you're thinking I don't like doing this anymore than you do but you know what has to be done if this rebellion isn't stopped it could start of War and many more people can die"he hated this logic but it was true.
"I wish there was another way,"Dimitri said quietly. He saw Sasuke who was with Felix Annette,Sylvain, Mercedes, Ashe and Sakura they were one person short thanks to Ingrid leaving to join the Black Eagles class but then he saw two newcomers that he did not recognize. One of them was a man who wore a bandana on his forehead. He had the same features that he saw in Hinata regarding his eyes. His hair was Brown his hair was tied to a ponytail. His companion, the shorter one, was a woman with brown hair who had her hair tied to twin buns."who are you?"asked Dimitri.
"I am Neji Hyuga. I am here to fill avoid left by one of your former classmates and to be part of your program. Do you have an issue with me being part of your house Dimitri Sama?"Neji asked him politely."I have no issues and who's the woman beside you?"Dimitri asked."oh me I'm the weapons master Tenten at your service I hope we can get along as the newest members of the Blue Lions"he shook both of their hands they were both polite both respectful he was not surprised by Neji because of what he expected from him and the Hyuga clan then he noticed something usually the transfers in Konoha are usually teams of three."to answer your question that I know you're going to ask Rock Lee decided to go with the Golden Deer he's meeting up with them. now"that made sense.
"Well welcome Neji San,"Dimitri said with hospitality."we should get going,"Manuela said, cutting their conversation Blue lions headed out on their mission Dimitri hoped it would not end in tragedy.
She's waiting by the gate. Things weren't easy for her; her grades suffered because of her inability to test her abilities against the new professor. She hated him; he killed her mercenary band. To her, he was a monster nothing more than a cold-blooded killer who thought nothing about the people he killed. Her desire for revenge something she hadn't told any of her classmates; she didn't want to defeat him, she wanted to kill him. This mission that she was going on would just take her further away from her object of revenge; she couldn't say anything due to her not being in a good position. She wasn't liked by her classmates and she didn't want to fall even further out of favor than she already has.
She noticed some boy who had it peculiar hairstyle. His hair was short, he had some strange eyebrows when he she can gather and he looked like he had a lot of energy.
"who would you be?"asked Claude she was not that far from him she was curious why another person was going in the Golden Deer.
"I'm here because I want to spread the power of youth. I am Rock Lee and I want to join the Golden Deer because the power of youth is strong here compared to the other classes"another weirdo she thought.
"Brushy brows I was wondering when you would finally show up I mean where have you been the whole time?"Asked Naruto excitedly, obviously they were friends.
"We missed the boat when you left so we are late but we're here now though my other teammates joined the Blue Lions"so more transfers but these ones were late and one of them joined her class interesting she thought.
"I could see you totally getting along with Caspar," remarked Dorothea.
"My lovely lady, you are like a goddess in human form. Will you date me?" This caused Dorothea to look at him confused. She was caught off guard; he didn't look like the kind of person who would hit on anyone.
"It's okay. I know you're not interested. I just had to let you know that I find you beautiful." She couldn't help but notice that Dorothea had something about her past that made her act the way she does, being apprehensive when men compliment her on her looks.
She thought she was a striking woman, but she wasn't a lesbian, so her chances of being involved with another woman were almost non-existent but she wasn't interested there was one girl she was interested but she hasn't been in the golden deer house since she joined the Black Eagles. It's not like she hadn't been involved with other girls before; it's just that none of those relationships had materialized into a serious relationship in her line of work.
"I'm sorry if I offended you, Dorothea San. It was not my intent." Lee apologized.
"I'm sorry, but when I hear it from so many men, I just don't believe you." The man looked at her with understanding.
"I understand; I once thought I would not amount to anything because I have no talent and can only use Taijutsu, but through my hard work, I am able to beat most of the elites in my village." Now she was impressed by what she saw on her face.
"You mean you're a commoner from where you're from?" asked Dorothea, surprised.
"Yeah, you could say that. I can tell you that you are a commoner too, and I compliment you because I find your accomplishments even more impressive. And I do sincerely mean that you're beautiful. I'm just saying what I truly feel."
The tension was gone even if she's not attracted to men she can't help but find something about Lee that is endearing hard working strong for what she can tell from his stance he was proof that the commoner class can surpass the elite she was looking forward to seeing him in action and in the future potentially sparring with him.
"Oh I could totally see you Raphael becoming friends"said Naruto excitedly. Lorenz Spoke.
"Oh great another obnoxious ruffian from the commoner class no less"this angered Shez hearing his condescension and elitism but before she can say anything Dorothea spoke.
"I would rather be in his company than some obnoxious Noble like you who looks down on the commoner class thinking that we're incapable of doing things on our own. You see Lee is far more capable than you are and I would love to see you too spar. I would love to see him knock your ass down."ouch Shez thought that was not something she could think Lorenz counters back.
"If it weren't for your beauty you'd be insufferable don't forget that that's the only reason any man would even pay any attention to you"elitism and sexism but before she can say anything Naruto spoke on her behalf despite her dislike of him.
"You know I don't like you, but I'm just going to make it clear: what you said about Dorothea San was way out of line, I suggest you back off because Dorothea San's sharp tongue won't be the only thing you'll have to be concerned with on this trip if you continue talking." This caused him to back down; he definitely went to be something they would have to deal with at some point.
"I hope we can be friends." Lee spoke to her, acknowledging her presence.
What does she say she's not here to make friends, she's here to get stronger, she's here to get her revenge, but she cannot afford to be rude to anyone now. It's not like he has done anything to her; she signed.
"Sure, I wouldn't mind, though I'm going to let you know I'm a lesbian, so don't try to hit on me." This did not surprise him in the slightest.
"I would never think of it. I know when to back off." Then he smiled again. That smile again; she cannot help but like him or Naruto for that matter. They gave off that kind of energy that made her want to be friends with them.
"Looks like everyone is here you all know what the mission is,"said Kakashi they're are professor. The class got in formation Dorothea wasn't used to this due to them doing this formation based off konoha.
"Everyone is going to be assigned to teams, and I'll read out all the teams. One will consist of Claude Shikimaru and Lorenz. She wasn't surprised by this team setup; Shez suspected it, so she finds it curious why that kind of team."
"Team two will consist of Rock Lee, Raphael, Choji, and Ignatz." An interesting choice she thought."
"Team three will consist of Ino, Hilda, and Shez." Wait! She wasn't complaining, but this was not what she expected.
"Team Four will consist of Naruto, Leonie, and the temporary transfer student, Dorothea. She was disappointed to say the least that she wasn't assigned to the other teams, though she supposed that's the way of things.
"This does not mean you won't interact with your other classmates. These are the teams that you'll be sticking with on the mission. These three-man cells are what we do back in Konoha. You will learn to work together as a team. Those who do not will have their grades suffer for the rest of the month.' All the students complained."
"But why does one of the teams have four members while the rest of us have only three?" asked Shez
Shez genuinely wanted to know.
"Because we're short on students; two of them have left us recently, and if it weren't for Dorothea here, we would have two teams with four people."
That made sense, but she still didn't like it. She couldn't argue with the results now; not without the grades of herself and her team being affected.
"It's time for the golden deer to head out," Kakashi said in a commanding tone as he went with his team and they left the monastery, not realizing that their mission to the Land of Waves would change how they looked at their class.
Marianne was tending to her horse. This will be the first time that Dote would be coming with her on a mission. She hopes she doesn't have to take any lives, as the very thought of doing so repulses her. Why can't she just stay behind and support her class? Why does she have to kill?
She heard footsteps behind her and knew it was Byleth, even without him saying anything.
"Are you all right?" he asked, their faces close, the memories of what they did the night before, and the morning after, still fresh in her mind. She didn't want to disappoint him, nor did she want to be a burden.
"I want to be useful to you, Byl. I want to be able to help my class and to help you. I don't want to stay behind." Marianne said, and she could tell from his eyes that he didn't want her to go.
"I want to keep you safe. I wish you didn't have to go. Someone like you shouldn't be taking lives." Byleth held both of her hands tightly. They were really close.
"I won't be a burden." Marianne said, her voice low.
"I don't believe you will be a burden. I think you're strong. I just don't want you to kill with those hands of yours." Byleth replied, leaning on her and kissing her. She didn't care if anyone saw them. He pulled away, knowing that soon the entire class would question where they were.
"I'll protect you, Byl. I won't let any harm come to you." Marianne said, her resolve clear. She had to prove that she was strong, strong enough to stand by his side, and strong enough to protect him with her own hands. She didn't want to be a burden to anyone, not anymore.
He turned around, his eyes telling her, "I'll protect you," and she was able to understand things without hearing him speak. They had a bond that she couldn't explain to anyone. Byleth got on his horse, Sora, and Marianne went on hers. They rode in silence.
All the classes were at the gates. At first, they were on the same road, but in an hour, they would diverge into separate paths.
She saw Hilda, who was talking to Ino. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw her. She wanted to say something, anything. Before she could, the Golden Deer were the first of the classes to go their separate ways.
The Blue Lions and the Black Eagles would go their own direction before long. Marianne did not know what this feeling was, but she felt like her life was about to change. It was as if she was going to go through an awakening and would never look at things the same way again. She felt a power, as if a beast was clawing its way out of its cage, or something was about to wake up and could never be held back again.
The three houses set out on their missions, not knowing the ramifications they would set the stage for the fate of two continents. The Black Eagles are on a mission that is far more important than they realize and will ultimately change the fate of a young woman destined to die. The Golden Deer will learn the harsh realities of the world outside of Fodlan. The Blue Lions will go on a mission for which the lines between justice and revenge are blurred and we'll learn about a conspiracy against the church.
Unknownst to the transfers of Konoha, these are the first missions that will change the course of history.