This is a Dimitri and Hinata-centric chapter. The upcoming chapters in this version of the story will focus on specific characters and developing their relationships. In this chapter, it's focusing on Hinata and Ingrid and their developing relationship, along with Dimitri and Sonia (female Byleth). This chapter will also showcase Byleth more as a teacher, something I didn't really do much in the original version.
chapter 10 The Pegasus and the lion
Dimitri was waiting for Sonia. It had been two days since the mock battle. Dimitri was wearing his casual clothes; he wore a blue shirt with white pants. It didn't have the symbol of his house, as he didn't want to draw attention. Usually, he would be using this time to train, but he didn't feel like doing it today due to an opportunity to go outside to the monastery with his new friend he had met over a week ago. He wondered why Sonia wasn't a student in the academy, despite looking like she would fit in perfectly. It perplexed him. But then again, with the number of people in the monastery, it was possible he could have missed some individuals. Still, Sonia—her appearance stood out with her green-blue hair and eyes. There was no way she wouldn't be noticed by anyone, especially the male population. So how was she able to keep herself hidden? He did not get a chance to think about it for long.
He heard footsteps and turned around. It was the woman from last week. She wore a different dress this time. It was typical for those who are warlocks, but they were going nowhere near a war zone. Perhaps this is how she normally dressed?
"I'm sorry Dimitri, I want to wear something more comfortable. Is that okay?" Sonia asked shyly.
"Of course whatever you feel comfortable with is what you should wear." Dimitri said he felt stupid and wanted to kick himself.
"A friend of mine showed me a way where we can leave the monastery unseen from the cathedral." Sonia said, taking Dimitri by the hand, not even noticing his flushed face.
The passageway she was taking him through was hidden in plain sight; it was on the eastern side of the cathedral. They said nothing as they went through the tunnels and when they were done, they were out of the monastery. He couldn't believe it; it was this easy to get out.Then he saw a horse. He went towards the horse and talked to her soothingly.
"It's all right, Sitri Dimitri's a friend"she said to her horse soothingly to reassure the agitated animal it wasn't comfortable around strangers.
"You can understand animals?" Dimitri asked in amazement.
"It comes naturally to me. I've been able to do it since I was a little girl, although there are people who think I'm a freak," she admitted. He couldn't help but notice the similarities between Sonia and Byleth; Could there be a connection between the two? Then he noticed other things as well. He didn't even think about it at the time that when he met Byleth, there was a strong resemblance between them, almost as if they were twins. Could it be possible that this woman is Byleth's sister? She has to be around the same age, 20 to 21, but would she not be known by anyone? He found it to be strange.
"I met someone who also understands animals" Dimitri blurted out.
"Wait, what do you mean there are others who can understand animals?" asked Sonia eagerly. She had read about those who could understand animals; they were some of the loneliest people, and it was difficult for them to make friends. The ability to communicate with them was rare—only those who were indigenous to the lands of Faerghus possessed it. It was also rumored they possessed the blood of a race that was now extinct. He didn't know what truth there was to those legends.
"There's a girl named Marianne Von Edmond. It's well known that she can communicate with animals. She tends to stay away from people whenever possible," Dimitri said, thinking about the light blue-haired girl from the Golden Deer who had recently transferred to the Black Eagles.
"I see; it must be lonely for her. I've had a difficult time making friends because of my gift, though sometimes I wonder if it is a gift at all," Sonia said with loneliness. Dimitri wondered what it would be like to have the ability that Sonia and Marianne had—to talk to animals and understand them. It was hard to imagine. He heard the whispers of what people said about Marianne every time she was alone.
"Even though she is lonely, at least she can leave without having to sneak out like a criminal," said Sonia bitterly.
"Does your home really feel like a prison?" Dimitri asked.
"It's complicated. I don't know how to answer that. I'm not locked in a cell; it's just…" Sonia paused.
"I'm constantly told the outside world is dangerous, that it isn't safe, that the safest place is home. Yet, my home, where I live, no light shines through. In order for me to experience the outside world, I have to sneak out. I'd be lying if I said I'm not a little afraid, but I'm afraid of being stuck in the darkness even more," said Sonia.
"I've heard about Abyss, but I've only heard rumors. What is it exactly? Why would anyone live underground?" asked Dimitri. He had heard legends about Abyss from his father for many years—rumors talking about criminals living under Abyss and all sorts of rejects from society—but he doesn't know what truth there is to those rumors.
"To dispel any misconceptions you may have I will explain what abyss actually is. Those who are rejected by the outside world go to abyss because they have nowhere else to go, whether they are criminals, orphans, or exiles. It is the only safe place. It is safe. I know it is, but it's not living to me for 20 years. I have not known what it looks like. The outside world. Things that you take for granted, I want to do badly. I want to feel the sand on my feet, the cold wind on my face, the hot scorching sun on my skin. Cold water at the sea, the grass on my feet. I can go on and on. It's ridiculous that I want to do these things and it may not be a big deal to most people who take these things for granted but it's something I desire greatly."Dimitri couldn't help but wonder what his life would be like if he were deprived of the things he took for granted.
"There's nothing wrong with the way you feel if I in my own way can help you experience these things. I'd gladly do it, my lady." Dimitri continued to walk by her side of the forest. It was so peaceful that the woman looked at the forest in wonder.
"This place is beautiful. Is all Fodlan like this?" She looked at Dimitri and asked him.
"Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder there's lots of places that are beautiful. If you go east you will eventually go to a land that is mostly desert." Then he pointed northeast. "If you go there it'll be mostly grasslands." Then he pointed north. "If you go northward you'll encounter the mountainside and snow." He pointed south. "If you go there you'll see the ocean as far as the eye can see." She absorbed everything he was saying.
"It would take multiple lifetimes to see the whole world. It's impossible." the woman said, disappointed with the finite time they have.
"Yes, but that's what makes the world beautiful, Sonia. There's so much in our world, so much to learn. That's what makes life beautiful. We never stop learning; life is one big adventure." Dimitri couldn't help but think about what his life would be like if he weren't born into the Royal family.
He didn't think it would be so bad to be an adventurer, become a farmer, or become a mercenary in an ideal world he would love to choose anything that he wanted to be, but that's not the world they live in. He has a duty as the future king to protect the realm and ensure a better future for his people.
He knew one day he would have to find a bride, a woman to help him carry on the family lineage. Marriage for love was something that only happened in fairy tales. It almost never happened; his father and mother, the ones who gave birth to him, never loved each other as a marriage of political convenience.
He has little memories of his mother who gave birth to him. It made him sad when he thought about it. His father did love someone once, but he never talked about her. Who was the woman that captured his father's heart in his youth? That was a question he had always wanted to know but would never get the answer.
"Are you alright?" Sonia asked Dimitri, concerned.
"It's nothing, it's just the scenery is overwhelming." Dimitri said telling half the truth.
"Why do you spend time with me, Dimitri? There are so many better options for you. I'm a nobody. I have no land. I have no connections to any House. Why me?" the woman asked generally, wanting to know why he would spend his day with her.
"Why not? You were sad when you left last week. I wanted to do something in a small way to help you make you smile to brighten up your day. Maybe I'm just a fool, but I don't like seeing anyone sad. If I can help lift someone up and make them happy; then I've done my duty." Dimitri said.
"You're quite something, Dimitri, but I want to know what you think I see when I look into your eyes?" the woman asked him.
"I see a kind man, Dimitri. I really wish we would have met under different circumstances." the woman looked away.
"Our difference in station means nothing to me. I do this because I want to."Dimitri held her hands. He didn't know what was wrong with her. This woman he didn't know what was driving her to him; it was driving him crazy.
"I wish more people in the nobility were like you. If they were, it wouldn't be so rotten, and I wouldn't hate it as much." He saw a tear fall.
"The sun set, it's beautiful. I've never seen one before. I'm sounding like a broken record. Everything is new." Then he noticed her look was sad again and he knew what that meant.
"I'm sorry Dimitri, unfortunately we have to stop. I have to return home." Sonia was sad it was over. Dimitri was too. He felt like he found someone that understood him in some way, a kindred spirit.
"How about tomorrow after class that I meet you where I met you a few days ago?" Dimitri asked.
"What?" asked Sonia, surprised that Dimitri wanted to see her again so soon.
"I may not be able to do what we're doing today, but we don't have to wait a week to see each other. Sonia, I wouldn't mind you showing me around your home," said Dimitri, turning away.
"Abyss is not necessarily exciting," Sonia said as they continued to walk.
"Learning more about my friends is a way for me to understand them. I like to understand what's beneath the Officers Academy. I don't want to remain ignorant," said Dimitri. They continued to walk. It was as if they were both taking their time, not wanting their time together to end so soon, but it would only be until tomorrow, Dimitri thought.
"Wouldn't a Noble have better things to do than spend his time with me?" asked Sonia as they both continued to walk.
"I may be a Noble, but in the Officers Academy, I'm just every other student," said Dimitri, not wanting to flaunt his status as the Future King of Faerghus. He didn't know why, but he felt a calling to try to understand the common people more. He wanted to live by his father's example by trying to make a better future for the common folk, even if the nobility in Western Faerghus rejected such efforts.
"You keep surprising me more and more, Dimitri. You're not like I expected," Sonia admitted.
"What do you mean?" Dimitri asked.
"I haven't had good impressions of people from the nobility. I've always seen most of them as individuals that think too highly of themselves and don't think about how they impact the lives of others. I've read too much history about what the nobility has done and how they have little regard for the common folk, and how one member of the nobility could plunge entire countries into war on a drop of a hat. They don't grasp the responsibilities that are placed on them; instead, they choose to abuse the power that's been given to them," Sonia answered. She was articulate. He wasn't sure if she had any form of formal education; she was self-taught, there's no doubt about that. But then again, he couldn't help but compare her to Byleth in that regard. Both of them were well-read; he could tell, and well-educated despite not being taught in a formal setting. She could be a professor if she were given the chance.
"I do agree there are many in the nobility that do not care about the common folk and do not take their responsibilities seriously. I believe those who are given power have the responsibility to use it to protect the people and empower them, not step on them or force their will on them. That's what I believe," Dimitri said with full confidence. He had never talked to anyone about what he believed openly, not to this extent. With Sonia, though, he felt comfortable for some reason, and he couldn't understand why.
"What you believe is admirable, Dimitri, but you're only human. Even the most noble of people within the nobility are not immune to corruption. What happens when you're in the position to change people's lives with a stroke of a pen? What's going to stop you from abusing your power? What's going to stop you from being the very thing that you are against? Nobody is immune to being corrupted by the power that they wield. People of power need to be surrounded by those who can hold them accountable and keep them honest. I wouldn't trust myself if I were in a position of power, because I do not know what I would do," said Sonia, thinking about what it would be like if she could make decisions that alter the lives of thousands in an instant.
"You have the potential to be a good advisor. I might offer you a job," Dimitri said with a boyish grin.
"Me, offering you advice? I don't know if you're ready for what I would advise you to do," Sonia said. They both laughed despite the seriousness of their discussion.
They were getting close to the entrance. She did not want to leave; she did not want to separate from him, but she had to. She had been out longer than she originally intended.
"We'll have to continue this discussion tomorrow, Dimitri. I'll see you in the library in Abyss," Sonia said as she headed home with her horse.
The discussion that she had with Dimitri played over and over in her mind. She couldn't help but think what it would be like to be a student in his class, to be one of his peers. She thought about it and felt depressed, considering it would never happen. Even if she were offered a position, she would be a professor, because the staff would think she shouldn't be a student, given that her level of knowledge was higher than the average student.
She didn't want to teach; she would rather be a student, not because she wanted to learn, but to experience what it would be like to attend school with others, to experience the things that her friend experienced daily. She decided to sleep on it for now and eagerly looked forward to meeting Dimitri again the following day.
Byleth was testing everyone to see if they had any potential proficiency in any skill other than their primary. Hinata saw her classmates, one by one, try out other weapons and techniques. She was amazed at how her professor managed to spot the potential talents her classmates had; he had a good eye for the skills people could develop. She saw Edelgard having potential with her fists and Sakura showing extreme proficiency using axes. Hilda also showed potential with swords, as did Marianne, though Hinata suspected that Marianne had received private lessons at some point in the past. However, she wasn't going to ask because it wasn't her business. She did suspect that Marianne and her professor were in a private relationship; in public, they were just student and teacher.
Her teammates showed surprising skills in areas she didn't think they had. Kiba was proficient, potentially, if he was trained enough, using bows, though she didn't think he would focus on that as a skill. But what surprised her most of all was Shino, who showed potential in black magic. Ingrid, one of the new transfers, also showed promise in wielding swords, which wasn't surprising considering that Pegasus riders are usually proficient with either swords or lances. Everyone was wondering where Hinata's alternative skills could potentially lie.
She was nervous.
"I know you may be wondering why I'm having you do all this. The reason is that I want everyone to be able to use alternative skills in case one is not helpful in a situation. But that's not the only reason; it's also to help you understand how to focus on skills that you're already good at and master them. That is also the lesson for those of you who are spreading your skills too thin. This exercise is to show you what you need to work on and not to spread yourself too thin. Those who don't think they're capable of anything can also find that they are capable of something; they just haven't found the skill yet. That is the purpose," Byleth explained.
"I'm a master of the Gentle Fist. Is there any reason for me to be taught any other skill, Professor?" asked Hinata confidently. She wasn't going to sugarcoat her skills with the Gentle Fist; she wasn't going to let doubt cloud her judgment anymore. Her cousin was a master, and she wasn't going to downplay her skills for anyone.
"That's a good question, Hinata. But as I said earlier, it's to expand your skills. What if you have potential talent in another form of combat that you don't know about because you've never tried other fighting styles? This transfer program is supposed to teach you many things, correct?" He waited for her to respond.
"Yes, Professor. I can understand, and the reverse is also true for the natives here," Hinata said, referring to her peers from Fodlan, who she knew would be taught by sensei from Konoha in order to learn the differences in culture and fighting techniques compared to what the inhabitants were used to.
"That is correct. Eventually, I will have an assistant who will assist everyone else with skills I, myself, haven't been taught. I want everyone to have a chance to succeed. Now, Hinata, pick up a weapon of your choice and choose your sparring partner, excluding myself, of course," he said.
She looked at the weapons. There was a sword. She picked it up and swung it; it felt a little too clumsy for her. The grip of the sword that she was holding didn't feel right—it didn't feel like something she would want to wield. Then she looked at an axe. The weapon felt clumsy as well; she felt like she would have to have a lot of upper body strength to wield an axe properly. With how slow it would feel on her swinging arm, she might as well just use her gentle fist. What she was taught was that speed and precision were everything. The sword would be a better option, but she didn't feel like her talent would lie in that direction.
Then she looked at the bow. She picked it up to feel the weapon; it felt strange in her hands. It didn't feel as clumsy as the sword and axe, but she didn't feel like her talent would lie there either. Her Byakugan would assist her greatly if she had the talent to use a bow, but she knew that's not where her skill lay. She looked at the last of the weapons—the lance. Ingrid used this weapon as her weapon of choice; Dimitri also used it as his weapon of choice.
She picked it up. She felt the weapon, swung it left and then right. Then she jumped it upwards, then downwards. She closed her eyes, imagining herself in a dance as she did all sorts of elegant movements. She imagined herself on a battlefield, fighting thousands using this weapon. The enemy soldier she imagined charged at her. She moved slightly to her left and then jabbed her weapon into her imaginary opponent's eye. Then she turned to the right and jabbed her lance into a woman's throat.
When she opened her eyes, everyone was shocked, from what she could tell.
"I can't believe it! Are you sure you've never wielded a lance before?" asked Ingrid in disbelief. Hinata looked around; everyone was amazed that Hinata was holding this weapon in her hand yet wielded it like she had used it multiple times before. But that was impossible.
"Impressive, Hinata. Though there were still a lot of openings that an enemy can exploit. Well done! I will make it a point to have you spar with Ingrid regularly so she can help you get better. Now, who do you want to spar with?" Byleth asked. She knew who she wanted to spar with.
Ingrid didn't need to be asked. As she entered the sparring arena, Hinata got into her stance while Ingrid got into hers. They said nothing.
Hinata made the first move. She was not experienced at all using a lance like Ingrid was. Ingrid was fast—faster than Hinata—as she struck Hinata at the left. Hinata, to the best of her ability, blocked with a defensive stance that she had seen Ingrid use in their sparring sessions. She was knocked back. Ingrid did not relent in her assault as she struck at Hinata's left foot. Hinata moved out of the way to prevent the match from ending too early, but she didn't get far, as Ingrid was behind her. She struck at Hinata's back. Hinata was barely able to stand, but she did not relent as she struck at her again. Hinata had lost her balance; she had almost fallen on her back before Ingrid took her by the hand to prevent her fall. It was over; she had lost.
Had she, though? Using the gentle fist, it would not have ended this fast. She felt disappointed. She was hoping to last a little bit longer.
"Not bad for your first time," said her professor.
Hinata blushed at his praise.
"Not bad for your first time using a lance. I have a difficult time believing you never picked one up before," said Ferdinand.
"I don't know. It just felt natural to me when I laid my hands on this weapon; I just can't explain," said Hinata as she held the practice lance in the air, as if she was aiming for the heavens itself.
"Those who show potential in using the lance like you do are usually those who would be likely a Pegasus Knight," said Hilda. Hinata looked at her friend, who was impressed.
"A Pegasus Knight? Me?" asked Hinata in disbelief.
"I don't know if you have the potential for it, but we could try," said Ingrid, who had an eager look on her face about teaching her.
"When I didn't think you could be any more amazing, you surprise me, Hinaa Hime," said Dorothea, amazed by how she was able to wield the lance in the way that she did.
"It will take time, but I could teach you, that's if you want me to," said Ingrid, looking away.
"Of course I would love to," said Hinata.
"All right, everyone, my assignment for you for the month is to train in the alternative skill that you did the best at. By the end of the month, I seek to see improvement. I know you can do it; I believe in all of you," Byleth said as he dismissed everyone. The Black Eagles left one by one until only Hinata remained. She looked at the sky and wondered if it would ever be possible for her to ride a Pegasus. If she did, would she ever find one who would accept her as their rider?
Sonia was looking at her stack of books; it was overwhelming. She didn't know which one to read. Some of them she had read multiple times, and some of them she had read so many times she knew almost entire passages by heart. Reciting information always came naturally to her. Her reading level was extremely high, even at a young age. There were those around her who were surprised by how literate she was; some didn't even believe she was a commoner at all due to her level of education. She was once told by Aelfric that she inherited her mother's ability to easily remember and recite information once she was exposed to it. Some would consider her a savant; she thought those were exaggerations. She just enjoyed reading—whether it was history or philosophy—as long as it was a book, and as long as it interested her, she read it. Even boring material still intrigued her. There wasn't a single book she hadn't read in this massive library. She had read so much that she was forced to wear glasses in time, which she was currently wearing now.
She was so into the book she was reading that she didn't notice Dimitri approaching.
"Oh, I'm sorry! You're here earlier than I thought," Sonia said, embarrassed.
"My class ended early today," Dimitri said.
"Out of curiosity, what were you doing in your class today?" Sonia asked.
"Nothing really of interest; we were studying the history of the first great ninja war in the continent of Ninji—so much death and destruction, battles on a scale that I couldn't imagine, and feats that seemed out of this world," her friend answered.
"I've read every book in this room, but I never read anything about a continent named Ninji. What is it exactly?" Sonia asked excitedly. It was something new that she didn't know about, and it was exciting. She hoped he had a book about it; even if it wasn't in a language she understood, she would learn it in order to read the history.
"Well, the book was translated by a well-known Shinobi from Konoha who, in a few days, is going to help my professor with these lessons because they're native to that land," Dimitri answered, knowing that she would ask that question.
"It's not fair! There's knowledge that is not within my grasp, and I can't learn any of it because there is no book on that continent in our language. I know it's too much to ask; maybe I shouldn't…" Sonia looked away, feeling embarrassed for asking the question she wanted to ask Dimitri.
"Ask away, Sonia. It's just the two of us," Dimitri said.
"I was wondering if you could teach me everything you learn. I mean, that's stupid for me to ask; maybe I shouldn't have bothered," Sonia said, burying her face in the book that she was holding, not wanting to show Dimitri her blushing. What she wanted was something she couldn't tell him: she wanted to find any excuse to spend time with him, even if it was studying. She didn't want him to be bored doing something he wasn't interested in.
"I'd have no problem telling you what I've learned, but it will be secondhand information; it's not as dependable as firsthand," Dimitri warned.
"Well, maybe there's someone I could ask, though I don't know if she would be open to talking about it," Sonia said.
"What do you mean?" asked Dimitri.
"If you can get me a copy of the history of Ninji—anything related to that continent—I can have her translate it for me," Sonia stated.
"I might know someone who could help me get such a copy; a friend of mine in the Black Eagles, she should be open to helping," Dimitri replied.
Who was this friend he was referring to?
"In the meantime, just tell me everything you know; please don't leave out anything that you've learned, even if it's insignificant to you," Sonia requested. She listened patiently as Dimitri explained the lesson to the best of his ability. She even took a look at the notes he had taken and wrote them down herself. His handwriting was surprisingly neat and easy to read, which was more than she could say for other people she knew, where their handwriting was so bad it was barely legible.
They talked for about an hour about what he had learned and her interpretation of it.
"Wow, the feats that I hear about with Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha sound unreal. It's hard for me to believe that a battle so epic in its scope could shape an entire landscape. I have a difficult time picturing beings possessing such power that they could have taken over the world if they wished. If they truly did have these kinds of feats, did they really have the ability to change entire landscapes with their battle in the Final Valley in the Ninja World? I have to research this more; there's just no way there were people with that kind of power," said Sonia in disbelief.
"They were powerful clans; I'm pretty sure their feats are exaggerated. But Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha were considered the gods of Shinobi and the greatest Shinobi that ever lived. There are even statues built in their honor in the Final Valley, though I've never seen them. I've only heard about it from my father, who has seen the statues with his own eyes," said Dimitri.
"Unbelievable that such powerful beings existed. I'm surprised the church would even allow someone like Sasuke Uchiha to be in the monastery when he potentially has the ability to bring Fodlan to ruin if he was given the chance," Sonia said.
"I doubt he would do that," Dimitri said.
"What makes you say that?" asked Sonia.
"His goal is not power, but something else. I do not know what it is because he hasn't shared it with me." Dimitri didn't really give her an answer that was satisfying; she couldn't force an answer from him that he did not possess, much to her frustration.
"Do you really know everything there is to know about all these books here?" asked Dimitri, changing the subject.
"Oh yes, I know much, but one story that leaves me perplexed more than any other is the tale of the lioness and the lion king," said Sonia, which caused Dimitri to look at her in shock.
"You're studying about my father and the mysterious woman, the queen that was never crowned? Why are you studying this subject?" Dimitri asked, curious.
She couldn't answer his question because she had no evidence one way or the other, but she suspected the queen that was never crowned was Hitomi Hyuga. She couldn't prove it; she didn't have much evidence, but something did not match up. Dimitri's birth—he was born December 22nd—yet something seemed off, even with that.
Her evidence was sparse because the royal family wasn't going to reveal their secrets, but she suspected there was one—a big one—and it involved Dimitri's birth and the woman named Hito. Her reaction when she brought up Dimitri's name; something doesn't add up. Could those two be connected? She did not know. But then there was another matter regarding a girl—the transfer student, Hinata Hyuga. What is her connection to Hito? She was rarely wrong when she pieced things together, but she chose not to voice her conclusions until she was certain she guessed correctly.
"I have a hunch, but I can't prove anything until I have fully studied every variable," Sonia answered, dispelling any suspicions that Dimitri may have. She couldn't afford that.
"The queen that was never crowned—I just don't understand why she fascinates you so much," Dimitri asked.
"Don't you find it a little strange? Her name is never mentioned, just the title she could have had. I just find it odd," Sonia said.
"What is it that you're implying?" asked Dimitri.
"I can't prove it yet. I'll keep my thoughts to myself until I have concrete evidence. When I know for sure, I'll let you know," Sonia said, with her guard up. She did not want to endanger Dimitri with a hypothesis that could be wrong; she had to be sure first.
She heard her stomach growl, and Dimitri's as well.
"Do you mind if we continue this at the nearby tavern?" asked Sonia.
"Of course," said Dimitri. She got in front of them and escorted him to the place where she regularly ate. She was wondering if Hito was present. They both sat at the table that she usually sat at, which was in the back. Dimitri was looking around.
"This place seems to be lively at this hour," Dimitri said, looking at all the people around.
"Yes, Hito-san's cooking is extremely popular—it's a favorite among the locals here," Sonia said. Dimitri was curious when he saw the woman appear before them.
"Is this your friend you told me about the other day?" Hito asked, looking in Dimitri's direction.
"Yes," Sonia answered.
"Will you have the usual today, Sonia-chan?" asked the woman.
"Yes," Sonia answered.
"What about you, young man?" asked Hito.
"I'll have what she's having," Dimitri said. She took their order and then got to work.
Dimitri and Sonia were waiting for his food. He did not expect to spend this long in the fabled abyss. Nobody in his class even knows where he is right now. It felt a little relieving in a way—where you get to simply be alone for the moment, not having to think about anything, not having to know. He pushed that thought aside along with the voices that he was hearing.
"How long have you lived here, Sonia?" asked Dimitri, curious about how long his friend has been living in this place underneath the monastery.
"As long as I can remember. I don't remember a single time where I haven't lived here," Sonia answered.
"Were you born here?" asked Dimitri, wanting to know more.
"I don't know," Sonia answered. Not feeling comfortable with the subject, he decided to change it, knowing that it was a sore spot.
The silence was brief when Hito put both of their food down on the table. Dimitri was surprised at what he was seeing: rice with teriyaki, along with an omelette. He remembered eating this kind of food in Konoha when he stayed there for the summer in 1173. The woman dismissed herself, and when Dimitri used a fork, he felt the woman's cooking in his mouth. He couldn't help but think back to Hitomi when she made something exactly like what he was eating now for himself, Hinata, Edelgard, and Monica. They loved her cooking; it was one of the things he loved the most when he visited Konoha that summer.
It tasted exactly like Hitomi's cooking in every way—the way that texture tasted, the smell, the spices—it was exactly how he remembered Hitomi's cooking. It could be a coincidence, but it was identical in every way.
"Are you all right, Dimitri?" asked Sonia, not wanting his friend to get the wrong idea. He responded quickly.
"I'm sorry. It's just that what I am eating reminds me of the mother of a dear friend of mine; her cooking tastes exactly like this," Dimitri said.
"I see, well, Hito is a great cook — the best here. Everyone seems to want to go there every time it's her shift. Some say that her presence here is good for business, even if what she makes could be a little expensive at times because of having to import the ingredients. But with the black market, it's not as much of an issue because the channels that we go through aren't full of as much bureaucracy as the official ones," Sonia said. Dimitri was surprised — a black market underneath the Archbishop's nose, and she allows this?
"It's unfortunate; I know what you're thinking, Dimitri, but we do what we have to in order to survive. A lot of the people here don't have any other means. Those who come to the monastery do so because they can get food they can't get otherwise. We make up the difference with the richer customers," Sonia answered.
"I feel like I know nothing," Dimitri said, looking around the tavern. The people from who knows what walks of life — he saw some foreigners whose accents he couldn't even understand, and there were even those he suspected were once nobles. He couldn't help but think about people who had their lives ruined and were forced to flee their homes; they would have nowhere to go except here. There were other places, yes, but here he could see a community that takes care of each other because they have to do so for their own survival.
"I highly doubt that, Dimitri. I can see it in your eyes — you know more than you're letting on," Sonia said. How would Dimitri get himself out of this? Sonia was brilliant; she obviously knew he wasn't just a noble but something more. But how would she react if she found out she was in the presence of a prince? He would never use that on her; he didn't want to. He didn't want anything to change in their relationship. In the short amount of time that he had known her, he wanted them to be on equal footing.
Realizing his food was getting cold and not wanting it to go to waste, Dimitri ate while Sonia continued.
"This Konoha you told me about— you've been there? You've actually seen it? Tell me everything you know! Reading it from books is one thing, but hearing it from someone who's seen the Land of Fire with their own eyes is another. Whatever you've seen, tell me everything." Sonia then realized she was ordering him instead of requesting, and turned away in embarrassment.
"I'm sorry! I keep being told that I must be more mindful of social cues; that was rude of me," Sonia said, feeling embarrassed. He couldn't help but find her cute.
"It's okay. I could describe everything I've seen, though I have not seen much of the Land of Fire, especially Konoha. I spent most of my time in the Hyuga Clan compound. My friends and I weren't allowed to leave, so I cannot really tell you much," Dimitri said. She had a look of disappointment, knowing that he didn't have much information.
"Did you at least see the Kage monument? I've heard everyone in the Leaf Village can see it no matter where they are. Did you manage to at least look at it once?" Sonia asked, excited. Even for something so trivial, he did see the monument. He wasn't able to see it up close, but he was able to see the faces of the Hokage, or at least the faces as they were at their prime.
"I have! The Kage monument is a monument built in honor of the Hokage of the past and present. The faces that are enshrined on the mountaintop in the Leaf Village are the faces of the Hokage as they were when they were given the duty of Hokage of Konoha. I'm not sure about the other villages on the continent, but I do know that's one thing that is part of their culture for sure," Dimitri said, recalling what he had read about the history of the founding of the Land of Fire. He had finished reading about it a few days ago.
"That's interesting! What is a Hokage? Are they like kings?" Sonia asked excitedly, hungry for new information; she definitely was a lover of knowledge.
"I can't answer that because I don't have firsthand knowledge of how it works, they don't work like kings. There is no dynasty that I know of. The systems in Konoha and how someone becomes the Hokage are complicated; you'd have to ask a resident of Konoha for that, and there aren't that many in the monastery," said Dimitri.
"If you can get one of your friends to come here sometime, I'd be grateful. I'd like to know more about the village—anything," Sonia said. There was much more to this; Dimitri was able to pick up on the fact that this woman was lonely. She wanted companionship; she wanted friendship. He didn't mind. For him, if he could help make her less lonely, then he'd be doing something good for once.
"It's unfortunate that I have to go. I have a class tomorrow. If you're available tomorrow, I'll come back here again," said Dimitri. Sonia lit up.
"Of course! You're always welcome here, Dimitri," Sonia said. They walked out of the tavern. They were about halfway to their respective destinations; she was reluctant to part with him as he was reluctant to part with her, but they had to due to where they were. They went their separate ways, and Dimitri just couldn't help but think about Hito, the woman's cooking, her voice. It sounded familiar, and he couldn't explain why.
He went to his quarters and lay down, looking at the ceiling and thinking about his conversations with Sonia today and yesterday. He couldn't help but think he had found a kindred spirit—finally, not in the same way as Sasuke, no, but a kindred spirit nevertheless—lonely and someone he could simply be himself with without having to be the prince, but just be Dimitri. The expectations that everyone had on him were too much to bear at times. He needed to be with someone that didn't know him as the prince. He often wondered what it would have been like if he had never been born a prince but instead as a commoner. Would he have had more freedom than he does now? Would he have had more freedom to choose his path in life? He didn't often indulge in these thoughts, but he couldn't help it. Sometimes he envisioned a world where people could choose to be the kind of person they wanted to be, not have their lives dictated based on where and how they were born.
He and Edelgard disagreed heavily on many things, especially how to enact change, but that was one thing they both agreed on 100%. He closed his eyes and drifted off to a dreamless sleep, the first in a while.
It had been a week since the mock battle; a lot of time was being spent studying and training. Hinata had barely had a chance to do anything else—even time with her boyfriend was limited due to how busy things were. The new professor was a strict but fair teacher, unlike the last professor, who was incompetent and barely did anything of note. It was as if Byleth was making up for lost time. What Hinata and her class learned in one week was more than what the previous professor taught them in the past three months. It was overwhelming; she would be lying if she said it wasn't. However, she was used to this due to her upbringing in Konoha. It wasn't easy, but it was not something she couldn't handle.
She was being assigned chores, which was an assignment that the professor gave to everyone in the class in order to teach his students further skills that they would find useful when they left the academy. Hinata was currently with Ingrid, tending to the Pegasus. She felt nervous the first time she was grooming one; they weren't like horses—they tended to be more sensitive and could sense the hearts of the people that groomed them. If they weren't careful or showed any negative emotions, they could become hostile to the people that were cleaning them.
She was currently attending to a pegasus with gray hair; it was an older Pegasus that was long since retired from duty and was relaxed for most of its daily activities. Hinata couldn't help but look at the sky; she saw a pegasus that nobody dared approach. She couldn't get a close glance at it due to how angry the Pegasus got when anyone went near it. Nobody had been able to tame it; it was one of those rare Pegasus that only those they deemed worthy would be allowed to approach.
She looked at the Pegasus. It was not like Grian. The fur of the Pegasus was pure white, and she couldn't see what it looked like from a distance, but it seemed as if the light itself was shining everywhere when the Pegasus appeared. It was considered wild, and nobody dared approach it.
She had read about the kind of Pegasus that Freya, the warrior queen, once had. The only people that were allowed to ride that class of Pegasus, which Hinata was gazing at in the sky, had the blood of queens. The idea was ridiculous, though Hinata always wondered what it would be like to ride a Pegasus and be a Pegasus Rider. To even be a Pegasus Rider, they had to learn how to wield a lance in combat—because that's what most Pegasus knights used. Swords were also a weapon of choice, but that was mostly as a way to counter wyvern riders, who primarily used swords and axes. Hinata was surprised when she was asked to train in other forms of combat on the first day after the mock battle.
She tried other weapons—swords, axes, bows—and the last weapon she tested was a lance. Hinata was surprised by how well she performed, despite having barely picked up a lance in her life; it felt natural when she first used it.
She was still surprised how well she was able to use a lance despite not having picked one up before when her professor asked everyone to use weapons that they weren't familiar with. It felt relieving learning something different; it was a way to differentiate herself from her clan, who only focused on the same techniques and didn't dare venture beyond their rigid traditions. Ingrid noticed her looking at the sky.
"You've been looking at that Pegasus ever since we started doing these chores, Hinata. We need to get this done. I can't groom these Pegasus without you," said Ingrid, taking her out of her trance.
"I'm sorry, Ingrid-san. I just can't help but admire the white Pegasus in the sky," Hinata confessed. Ingrid looked at her, knowing exactly what she was talking about. The white Pegasus—nobody knew her name. The only thing known about this holy beast was that only those with a pure heart could ride her, and someone with the heart of a queen. She didn't know what that even meant; she never understood it at all.
But something was telling her to go to her. She didn't understand why, nor did she understand the bonds between Pegasus and their riders.
"Ingrid, I have a question regarding your bond with your Pegasus. How long have you had it?" Hinata asked her.
"I don't know. It's hard to explain. It's a superstition in my homeland that a Pegasus born on the same day as their rider are bonded for life. It's hard to even imagine. Some don't believe in this superstition; they think it's not based in reality, but I believe in it," Ingrid answered.
"What do you mean?" Hinata asked, now wanting to know more.
"Grian has been my Pegasus since I was 3 years old. She was born on the same day as me, even though it's hard to believe." Ingrid said. Hinata looked at Grian. Unlike other creatures, Pegasus tend to live a very long lifespan, as long as humans. It's usually because of the bond between their riders that keeps them with their partners for their whole lives. So, it's rare that they meet them as young as Grian met Ingrid.
"How old is that Pegasus in the sky?" Hinata asked.
"I don't know. This Pegasus has been here for the past 17 years. Every time anyone approached her, she treated them with hostility. The mother did the same thing, protecting her young. The mother is still in the monastery to this day." As Ingrid finished, Hinata saw another Pegasus. She was older, Hinata knew based on the color of her fur and her wings. They were not as pure white as they once were, but still beautiful. This Pegasus was 43, which was amazing. A Pegasus could still look young despite its age. There was a lot Hinata did not know.
"That Pegasus, is that who I think it is?" Hinata said, with fascination. Ingrid couldn't believe it herself, looking at it. She was still strong. How she flew in the air was graceful, like her offspring. Age hadn't slowed her down. It was amazing what Hinata was witnessing.
"That Pegasus is named Aisha. I didn't know she still existed," Ingrid said with amazement. Aisha was considered the queen of love and beauty. She didn't officially rule anyone, but she was considered the queen of love and beauty because of her love for her people. She was considered a queen in all but name. Why would her mother name her Pegasus after such a woman? It was before the founding of the empire, shortly before the war of liberation, where she existed. She had suffered a tragic death at the hands of Nemesis. Not much about her life was known, but her mother named a Pegasus after a woman that had lived a thousand years ago.
"At last, I finally meet you, little flower," Hinata heard. She turned around and did not know what she was hearing.
"Only you can hear me, little flower. I have waited so long," Hinata heard again. Then she saw the white Pegasus, the younger one from earlier, fly towards her. Everyone in the Black Eagles stopped doing what they were doing to watch what was happening. Hinata stood there as the white Pegasus flew as if the Pegasus was happy to finally meet someone that had waited their whole lives to meet. The Pegasus landed gracefully on the ground. Hinata was inches from her.
"You're exactly how I imagined, little flower," the Pegasus said.
Hinata had no idea how to react. The Pegasus was talking to her as if it were human. The language the Pegasus was speaking was her native language, but how? A pegasus shouldn't know human speech.
"Your confusion is understandable. Only you can understand me, and since this is your first language, your native tongue, I'm naturally speaking to you in the language you were raised in," the Pegasus said. She spoke as fluently as any native speaker. Hinata couldn't comprehend what was happening.
Hinata looked around. The Pegasus was waiting for her to make a move.
"Your first words to me were 'at last, we finally meet.' What do you mean?" Hinata asked, not realizing she was speaking out loud. Then she realized her mouth wasn't moving.
"We're communicating with each other telepathically. Nobody can hear us. Everything we say to each other, only we can hear it," the white Pegasus answered.
"Hinata, what's going on?" Byleth asked, wondering why Hinata was standing there.
"It's nothing, Professor," Hinata said respectfully.
"He has the ability to understand animals, including one such as myself. He possesses an ability that has been lost to time," the Pegasus said, which surprised Hinata.
"He can understand animals? I never knew that," Hinata said, feeling foolish for not noticing why he and Marianne spent so much time in the stables when they weren't doing schoolwork or he wasn't teaching.
"The kind of skill you possess is one that only a queen has. You have the blood of a queen, Hinata," the Pegasus said, making Hinata blink. The blood of a queen? Ridiculous, she thought.
"I don't possess the qualities of what it means to be a queen," Hinata said, disbelieving with the Pegasus told her.
"Your heart is pure, just like your ancestor. You have a compassionate soul that values peace over violence. Those are the qualities of a queen," the Pegasus answered a question Hinata had been thinking.
"I have the blood of a queen. That doesn't make any sense," Hinata still couldn't believe it.
"Over time, you'll understand, Hinata. You are my Rider. I have waited my entire life to meet you. For 17 years, I have waited for you. When I found out that you were here, I was eager to come and see for myself the daughter of my mother's Rider," the Pegasus said. Then, Hinata looked at the sky. The Pegasus, who was white but older than the one in front of her, pieced it together.
"My mother... she was a Pegasus Rider?" Hinata asked, amazed. Her mother's Pegasus was in the sky, and the white Pegasus in front of her was its offspring.
"Hitomi was a pure soul, just like you. I have waited my entire life to meet you, Hinata. Please ride me. Prove to me that you're worthy to be my Rider." The Pegasus got down low enough so Hinata could get on. Everyone in the class was looking at her. Hinata thought about it. Any fear she may have had, she put aside. If she was afraid to go to the skies, she was not worthy, and she refused to be afraid.
"You don't know how to ride a Pegasus? Are you insane?" Ingrid said, worried. She didn't say anything else.
She did not reply as the white Pegasus took off into the sky. She never felt the wind press against her skin as much as it did at that moment, as her Pegasus went higher and higher. She thought she would feel fear, but she didn't. She felt adrenaline, an excitement she had never felt before. The wind pressed against her face, and she saw more and more of the landscape around her. Her Pegasus, how it flew in the sky, it was as if she had trained her entire life for this very moment. The white Pegasus did not stop; it went faster and faster. Her movements were graceful, and she was careful because it was Hinata's first time ever riding a Pegasus, so she didn't do the more erotic moves that Pegasus are known for.
It was amazing. She felt free when she was in the sky. She felt it, the kind of freedom she never felt when she was back home. She felt like she could go anywhere, fly anywhere. The sky was the limit. Two weeks ago, she would not have had the confidence to do what she was doing now. She wasn't afraid; she wanted to go higher and higher.
"Don't be too eager. We will have to train together first, Little flower," the white Pegasus said as she slowed down. She looked around, and they were far above the monastery, thousands of feet up. It was unbelievable.
"I can't believe this. I've never seen anything like this before. It's beautiful," Hinata said. She could see so much of the land that she was currently inhabiting—so much grassland, mountains, even desert. She felt something she had never felt before, especially when she looked in the direction of Faerghus—a longing. It didn't make any sense to her, wanting to set foot there when she had never been there before, almost as if…
Before she could finish that thought, the Pegasus dived quickly down to where Hinata's class was. She stayed calm; she did not scream when the Pegasus landed gracefully. Everyone was in shock, even the faculty in the monastery was surprised.
"I can't believe it. She tamed her," Edelgard said in disbelief.
"Wow. When I thought you couldn't be any more amazing, you surprised me," Bernadetta said.
"You know what this means, Hinata. She's your Pegasus. That bond lasts for life. You must be careful of what you do from this point onwards," Marianne said, knowing from experience of raising Pegasus and horses.
"Wow. I'm starting to feel like the lame girl out," Hilda said, amazed by her achievements.
"Hina Hime, you keep amazing me. A pegasus that only a queen can ride," Dorothea said with amazement. She heard whispers. She didn't know what to do or say.
Hinata got off and then looked at her Pegasus. She couldn't believe it. She was a Pegasus Rider. She had to think of a name, a name that was worthy of such a beautiful Pegasus.
"Do you have a name?" Hinata asked.
"Only my rider can name me. What do you wish to call me, Hinata?" the white Pegasus asked. Hinata had thought about it, thought about many names. There was only one that came to mind. Only one.
"Hitomi. That's what I'll name you, as a way to honor my mother," Hinata said. The Pegasus smiled in approval.
"Hitomi. Naming me after a queen. I guess it was fate. I accept this name with pride," the Pegasus said proudly.
"So, what did you name your Pegasus?" Ingrid asked, curious about what had happened. Hinata had forgotten where she was. She had to be careful.
"I named her Hitomi, after my mother," Hinata said.
"You named her after the queen that was never crowned?" Ingrid asked in disbelief. Hinata looked at her friend, surprised. The queen that was never crowned, and her mother. No, they couldn't be the same person.
"This will definitely be the talk of the monastery for the next month," her professor said.
"Ingrid, I'm assigning you as Hinata's training partner. She will need to know how to ride her Pegasus and wield a lance. Can you do that?" he asked Ingrid.
"I can, Professor," Ingrid said with confidence.
"Excellent, Hinata. You made an incredible accomplishment today. Not many can say they ever bonded with a Pegasus that only a queen can ride. You're someone special indeed." Byleth said with respect. She did not want to be treated differently because of Hitomi, but things had changed in the past 3 months. She was more confident than she was when she first set foot here. Her boyfriend, Naruto, was by her side openly without hiding. She had made lots of new friends, friends she never thought she would make. But something on the back of her mind couldn't help but think there was a big secret that has been kept from her, a secret that her mother took to the grave and that she'll never know.
Naruto couldn't believe what he had just saw; his girlfriend was riding on a Pegasus, but not an ordinary Pegasus—a Pegasus for a queen. He was in a trance, watching Hinata flying off into the sky with the white Pegasus. She was gone for at least 10 minutes before she landed gracefully on the ground. Naruto had no words; it was as if he was witnessing a scene from a fantasy story.
"She's definitely something, to be able to tame a Pegasus like that. One white Pegasus only accepts someone with the blood of a queen as their Rider," Kyubi said with interest. Naruto heard Hinata name the Pegasus Hitomi. He went towards Hinata; Ingrid was close by, along with Dorothea. They were all amazed by what Hinata had accomplished.
The Pegasus looked at Naruto and smelled him.
"Hitomi likes you, Naruto-kun," Hinata said as the Pegasus rubbed her face on Naruto.
"The fact that you managed to get your mate's Pegasus to like you is an accomplishment within itself. Most males are not liked by Pegasus," Kyubi remarked.
"Why is that?" Naruto asked.
"It has to do with the hearts of men being full of malice," Kyubi answered.
"I wish I could get Grian to like you, Naruto, but he's wary around males," Ingrid said, apologizing about her Pegasus feeling agitated with Naruto's presence.
"It has a lot to do with me, unfortunately, kit; though Hitomi is different," Kyubi said in an apologetic tone.
"I wonder if you did a Shadow Clone Jutsu on top of Hitomi, would multiple Pegasus appear without making it possible to do the triangle attack without requiring three Pegasus knights?" asked Claude, who found it fascinating that his girlfriend managed to tame a Pegasus born for queens.
"I don't know, Claude-san. I might try it when I'm trained on how to ride my Pegasus," Hinata answered.
"You keep amazing me, Hinata-chan. To think that you would be a Pegasus Rider! If only those fools back home could see you now," said Ino, who was smiling happily at her friend's accomplishment. What surprised Naruto was that she was training how to use white magic, a skill that one of the professors—who was currently a substitute because Kakashi caught a cold—was named Hanneman von Essar. Naruto remembered the day he met him; it was two days ago.
Naruto is bored out of his mind; studying was never his strong point. He didn't have Hinata to help him with notes, nor did he have Sasuke to give him hints about what he had to answer on this damn paper he was working on. The only person that could assist him would be Claude, but he was with his girlfriend. Ever since that day Naruto could swear they spent time together alone, they had almost become inseparable. They may deny that they're dating, but they clearly are by the way they present themselves.
"Their pheromone levels are so high that it's driving me crazy. I can smell it even as far back as your dorm! I don't know how you can stand it," said Kyubi, annoyed with the strong sense of smell that he possesses—something Naruto does not have, thankfully.
"I didn't hear you complaining about Sasuke and Mercedes-san," Naruto said.
"That is mostly because those two tend to keep their desires under control, even though it's becoming increasingly difficult," Kyubi said with amusement at the sexual tension between Sasuke and Mercedes. Even he was starting to notice it, but then again, he didn't want to think about it. He was wondering what was taking Kakashi so long.
"Of all the days that lazy fucker has to be late," Leone said, annoyed that Kakashi was extremely late—almost a half an hour.
"We could be even one minute late, and he would deduct points from us. It's not fair," Lorenz said, irritated with their professor for being tardy.
"I really wish we had one of the other sensei other than Kakashi, because at least they're reliable," Ino said, not happy about Kakashi being late again.
Naruto was about to voice his displeasure when he saw an old man enter the room. He was in his fifties, his hair was graying, and he wore a brown coat. He was not what Naruto was expecting; was he their substitute teacher?
"I am sorry about being late; unfortunately, Kakashi Hatake couldn't make it today because he caught a cold," the old man said, as if it were routine for Kakashi to do this.
"I would have been here a lot sooner had I not been needed in the Empire, but I'm here now to teach you the best way I can. And don't worry, Kakashi will still be the professor of your class; I'm just going to be his assistant," the man said to reassure them that Kakashi would not be leaving.
"Why haven't we seen you until now?" asked Ino, who was as perplexed as Claude, along with Naruto, though they weren't voicing their thoughts.
"After finishing my duties that were asked of me at the Empire, I've returned to my true passion, which I pursue on the side while teaching here. I'm involved in Crest research, though I doubt any of you from Konoha have a clue what I'm talking about," the old man said.
"Excuse me, but what do we call you?" Naruto asked.
"Sorry, I got carried away. I am Hanneman von Essar. I hope to be a good professor to you all in the upcoming months, at least until December when you will return to Konoha and the inhabitants of Fodlan to learn about the land where your friends come from," Hanneman replied respectfully.
"You are a researcher with Crest; why?" Naruto asked with his arms crossed, curious.
"To make it short, it's to learn how crests appear to those who have children with crests or who are descendants of those with crests. There's a lot we don't know despite centuries of research; we've only scratched the surface. My goal is to learn more and potentially give everyone who wants a crest one if they desire it, but I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm probably boring you," the man said as the rest of the Golden Deer entered.
"I really hope we don't have to do those tedious introductions," said Shikamaru.
"Fear not, I have no intention. I have all your names. I hope to be a good assistant professor. I'll make sure you all are given a proper education in Kakashi's absence, and when he's here, I'll be his assistant," the man said to everyone in the class. They all sat in their proper places. Naruto didn't know what to think of Hanneman; his first impression was that he seemed to be a pleasant man to be around. He wasn't like some of the other people he dealt with, though that remained to be seen.
What surprised him, though, was that he saw Hanneman test everyone and made them test for alternative skills. The results surprised him with the potential each of his classmates from Konoha had and skills he didn't think they had the potential to possess with the proper training.
He saw Ino do white magic like it was second nature. Naruto supposed that it had a lot to do with her clan's signature jutsu; that white magic would be an attribute that would fit her clan well. The kind of white magic Naruto saw wasn't anything amazing, but the very fact that she could cast basic white magic spells was proof she could become a White Mage with enough training.
To his surprise, Naruto possessed potential for Black magic should he train for it, though he was recommended to stick to what he already knows and work on that. But Naruto considered training in that skill to widen his arsenal.
He remembered the lessons he managed to conjure up, a basic fire spell he couldn't believe he could do it. He was determined to use any skill to get stronger to protect those he cares about; he wasn't going to throw away any potential abilities that he could have.
"I've heard you have the ability to potentially be a powerful mage. That's amazing," said Hinata as Naruto demonstrated basic fire spells. Dorothea was impressed, as well as his display of lightning, though not as good as the fire.
"I could easily picture you as a Pegasus Knight, Hinata-chan. I could see it now: enemies cowering in fear as you point your spear at them with your Byakugan activated," Naruto said as he imagined the mental image of bandits running away in fear.
"I'd rather not use Hitomi in that way. In fact, I don't want her to be used in battle," Hinata said, dispelling Naruto's fantasies.
"I'm sorry; I couldn't help it," Naruto said apologetically.
"She would want you to learn how to fight with her, though, Hinata. Even if you hate it, a Pegasus wants to feel useful. Even if their rider despises violence, you should learn how to fight together with her," Ingrid said, looking at her own Pegasus, who nodded in agreement.
"I don't know. I just don't think such a beautiful creature should be used for death and destruction," Hinata said as she looked at her Pegasus.
"I can relate to that all too well. I wouldn't want Dote to ever take part in violence, but if he wants to fight alongside me, I wouldn't deprive him of that," Marianne said.
"Hinata, it's not easy. I know Sora hates violence but she hates even more being left behind and not being able to fight alongside me. Hitomi will feel the same way. For right now, don't worry about what will happen; just focus on building your bond with each other. Train together; that should be a priority, not thinking about the future," Byleth said reassuringly to Hinata.
"Thank you, Professor. I'll take what you said to heart. I just don't want to use my new friend to kill anyone," Hinata said, looking at her Pegasus flying in the sky. Naruto could tell she was happy finally meeting Hinata and finally having a name to call herself: Hitomi, the name of Hinata's mother. Naruto had always been curious: who was she? What was she like?
"Just out of curiosity, where is Dimitri anyway?" asked Ingrid, wondering where her childhood friend was.
"That's a good question," said Claude, wearing a smile of mischief.
"Do you think he's seeing a girl and doesn't want us to know?" asked Naruto.
"Probably, but I don't think we should interfere with what he does in his personal life," said Hinata, shutting down any ideas about following him.
"You know what? I'm hungry. Let's get something to eat in the cafeteria. You mind coming with us?" Naruto asked Hinata and her friends.
"I got paperwork I have to do. I'll see you later," Byleth said to his students.
"I wouldn't mind but I'm not an interesting person to be around, Naruto," Marianne said.
"It's all right," Naruto replied.
"One thing you better remember, Naruto: Marianne doesn't like eating meat, so don't offer it to her," Hilda warned.
"Noted," he said as he walked with his girlfriend along with their friends to the cafeteria.
Bernadetta never sat with Naruto before, but because he was Hinata's boyfriend, it was unavoidable. She hoped he wasn't scary; she knew it wouldn't be with him if he was. There was a huge selection of food—she didn't know how they would be able to eat all this. Naruto managed to grab enough for everyone using a technique that she had seen a handful of times called Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Everyone began to eat before Edelgard started to speak.
"I still can't get over that such a Pegasus existed! I thought the white Pegasus was a myth, but what I saw with my own eyes was a sight to behold! You have such a Pegasus, Hinata. This is not going to be a feat that will be forgotten anytime soon; no student this year has accomplished what you have," Edelgard said in disbelief that she had seen a white Pegasus.
"The white Pegasus! I've read much about it in my childhood. Those who are chosen by such a mystical creature have pure souls and have the heart of a queen," Claude said, implying that he knew a lot more than he was saying. Naruto would have to talk to Claude more.
"What makes this feat even more fascinating is this is the second time it's happened in this century. Only one other person had managed to accomplish such a feat," said Dorothea.
"My mother... there's so much I don't know." Hinata said, looking at her food.
"How come you don't know anything about what your mother has done here? Surely you must know something?" asked Dorothea.
"I don't know anything. My mother never talked about her time here," Hinata said as she stopped touching her food.
"My mother said a lot about Hitomi Hyuga. She was kind to everyone, including my mother, who my father treated horribly. Even back then, she stood up to him and threatened to castrate him if he ever laid a hand on her." Bernadetta said, thinking about the conversation she had with her mother 2 years ago when her father physically abused her and told her a story about a friend that stood up to her father.
"Wait, your mother know mine?" asked Hinata.
"Yes, she holds your mother in high regard," Bernadetta answered.
"My mother was also was friends with Hitomi. I don't know much about my mother's relationship with her, unfortunately, but they were good friends, and they went to the same class together."Marianne said Hinata couldn't believe it. Her own friends knew more about her mother's time here than she did. Bernadette could only picture in Hinata's mind how angry she was now.
"I can't believe it," Hinata said. She saw her eyes darken almost instantly. Bernadetta had to think quickly. Whenever she came to Hinata's family, her mood darkened almost instantly.
"Let's talk about something else," Bernadetta suggested.
"I'm sorry I have to excuse myself?"Hinata said as she left the table. Bernadetta felt down. She felt like had she been a little bit faster, she would not have left when she did.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have said anything," said Marianne, blaming herself for Hinata's mood darkening.
"It's not your fault, Marianne," said Naruto reassuringly.
"How can it not be?"Marianne asked.
"The clan back in Konoha is a sore subject it's a topic I try to avoid," Edelgard answered.
"What they have done to her to cause her to feel the way she does?" asked Ingrid, wanting to know about her clan and why it cause her so much pain when it's ever brought up.
"I can't reveal that it would violate her trust and not to mention it probably changed for the worse when I left all those years ago," Edelgard answered.
Bernadetta felt utterly useless. She wished she could help her friend, but how could she? Nobody can understand Hinata as Naruto could. Only someone else could help her.
Mercedes saw Hinata leave the cafeteria. She knew what it was about. She saw those eyes, darkness, the rage. It had gotten worse in the past five years. Anger, a deep-seated hatred, the malevolence in the air was almost enough to choke her. Not even Sasuke possessed such strong malevolence. She looked at her friend. He was with his class, talking with Dimitri and Felix. She could use a distraction right now, anything to keep her mind off her feelings towards her friend.
She excused herself and went to where Hinata would be. Mercedes heard screaming.
She saw practice dummies destroyed, one after another. The rage she felt from Hinata, she saw her vent her frustration in her training grounds, but this was nothing. This anger was more raw and violent. She had a difficult time believing this was the same woman before. She could approach her, but another girl entered the room. The last person Mercedes wanted to see.
"The caged animal apparently has tamed the white Pegasus. To think that a failure like you has a legendary beast." Hanabi said. Hinata turned around.
"Unless you want to lie down on the ground, state your business." Hinata said, with her composure barely keeping itself together.
"You know the real reason Father wanted you here in the monastery is to increase our influence. Yet, here you are, diluting our clan by associating with low-class, pathetic scum that are so beneath you. You disgrace our clan." Hanabi said, trying to get a reaction.
"This is your last warning. Leave or you will be on the ground." Hinata said threateningly, activating her Byakugan. This was not like her at all. No, she had to step in before Hinata made a mistake.
"Stop. She's not worth it." Mercedes said, which caused both girls to look at her. Hanabi with disgust, and Hinata with shock.
"So the rubble's stench still hasn't been removed from you," she said insultingly.
"Being a noble doesn't make you great," Mercedes said calmly. She couldn't lose her cool; it would never work for her because that's what Hanabi would want.
"No, but it does give you privileges that you wouldn't have otherwise. Such a shame that you would give that up," said Hanabi.
"It's people like you why I don't want anything to do with the nobility, whether it's in my former Homeland or yours; for every good Noble, there are more like you," Mercedes said, trying to remain calm, trying not to give Hinata's younger sister the satisfaction.
"Whatever, you two deserve each other," Hanabi said as she left.
After Hinata's younger sister left, she saw a look of shame on her face.
"So much for me being pure, huh?" Hinata said as she sat on the bench. Mercedes sat next to her; she wanted to do something to comfort her friend.
"I'm sorry that you saw me in this state." She saw Hinata's hands shaking—the built-in rage and hatred that Mercedes was afraid would take over. Had she not intervened, Hinata might have severely injured Hanabi.
"I'm not an angel; that's what Naruto-kun, Dorothea-san, and Ingrid-san believe. It's a lie; it's not true. I'm not an angel, I..." Hinata hesitated.
"It's just the two of us, Hina. I won't judge you," Mercedes said.
"I would rather do this in private, where nobody can eavesdrop on our conversation. I hope that isn't too much trouble," Hinata said. It was a reasonable request, so they left the Black Eagles sparring arena and went to Mercedes' quarters, where they would have their conversation in private.
Hinata had never been to Mercedes' quarters before; it was nothing special. She couldn't help but look around out of curiosity and see a picture—the one that she had taken when they were in Konoha. She looked and saw the people that were in it: Sasuke, who was wearing his blue shirt and white shorts, and his headband. Mercedes was smiling warmly in the picture. It wasn't just Sasuke that was there; there was Naruto and Ino, along with her team. She had a picture as well. It was amazing how much had changed in the past five years.
Mercedes was on her bed, waiting patiently for Hinata to speak her mind. Hinata had to take a deep breath; she couldn't let her anger control her.
"I'm sorry. Am I a bad person for hating my father?" Hinata asked, harboring feelings that she wasn't able to voice out loud to anyone because of the expectations placed on her. The perception of her was that she was incapable of hating anyone, even though that wasn't true—it was far from the truth.
"You're not. Your father is a wicked man. I cannot understand how anyone could treat their own daughter like he does. You don't owe him your forgiveness, Hina. He treats you horribly. This anger, this rage—I can feel it. It's darker than before. I can see it in your eyes. The violent thoughts you have of him could be dangerous. If you don't control those emotions, you could do something you'll regret someday," Mercedes said, concerned about the malevolence in Hinata's chakra.
She didn't just hate her father; part of her was ashamed to admit it. She couldn't voice it out loud because how would that come out to anyone, especially Mercedes, who, like Hinata, considered her family everything? She had a little brother that she would do anything to see again. As someone with a younger sibling, it would feel wrong to voice her true feelings about Hanabi.
"Hanabi, it's just like him—the perfect daughter. Dealing with her is like dealing with him." Hinata clenched her hands so tightly that they were drawing blood. Mercedes noticed this; it wasn't a light red, it was a deep, dark red.
"You've got to be careful; you can get an infection," Mercedes said as she used her white magic to heal the wounds on Hinata's hands.
"I'm sorry, I'm a bad person. I truly am. What kind of sister...?" Hinata didn't finish because she felt guilty. She didn't want to voice what she felt out loud because once she said it, there would be no taking it back.
"I hated my step-siblings for what they've done to me, for what they did to my little brother, for how much they made my life hell. I'm not an angel either, Hina. I'm capable of feeling hate just like anyone else. We're not perfect; no one is," Mercedes said. She couldn't help but disagree; she knew one person who would strongly disagree with that sentiment.
"He would disagree with you. To him, you are an angel and you are perfect. That's how I see you, Mercie-chan," Hinata replied.
"I know he does, but I'm not who he thinks I am. I'm not an angel; I never have been. I have dark thoughts, too, that are difficult for me to control. Sometimes, I'm not what Sasuke Kun believes that I am."Mercedes said as she clenched her heart. Hinata couldn't help but notice something in her eyes. She didn't want to say anything because she wanted to keep herself out of their business.
Hinata placed her hands on Mercedes, and she had to face her.
"you're wrong. You saved me. You stopped me from making a terrible mistake 5 years ago. I was so angry I wanted to.."Hinata looked away not knowing how she would take this confession.
"I wanted to kill my father. I would have done it, too; his guard was down; all I had to do was put poison in his tea, and he would have died. I would have felt nothing if I had done it. I would have done it to my sister as well and all the elders. Had I not spoken to you that day, I would have done it; I would have been a cold-blooded killer now had it not been for you."Hinata said she felt ashamed of admitting the secret before her first kill with the bandit; she would have murdered her sister and father along with all the clan elders had Mercedes not spoken to her that day to comfort her as a shoulder to cry on her soul would have been tainted she had come very close the malevolence almost consumed her. It was after Naruto won the Chunin exams. The thoughts she had that day, she couldn't believe how close she had come had Mercedes not been there when she was just to talk to her.
"I have no words," Mercedes said.
"You must think lowly of me, don't you, knowing what you know?" Hinata said, afraid of Mercedes' reaction, but what she would get in response would shock Hinata.
"I don't; how can I possibly think lowly of you? No, I can't think lowly of you. You're my friend, Hina. You and Sasuke-kun were there for me when I needed someone. I had no friends for six years until I met you both. You saved me. I was so angry that I wanted to simply watch the world burn, and if I never met Sasuke-kun that day, I don't know who I would be now," Mercedes said. Every time she talked about Sasuke, it was different. It was not a secret to Hinata that she and Sasuke were really close back in Konoha, but now things were different.
"I'm sorry; I am making this about myself, and I'm trying to help you," Mercedes said, but Hinata knew something was bothering her.
"What does it feel like to be in love?" Mercedes asked. Hinata wasn't expecting to be asked that question. She thought about it and closed her eyes, thinking about what it felt like when she found out she was in love with Naruto. She didn't realize she was until she started to be his friend; it was a crush that developed into something else.
"You're lucky, Hina. I can't help but be jealous of you. I don't know if I'll ever find someone that will love me like Naruto loves you," Mercedes said with sadness.
"I'm pretty sure there is someone out there that would love you for who you are," Hinata said, trying to reassure her friend.
"I highly doubt that all the men that I've met have been only after one thing. They only care about my Crest and nothing else. They don't care about anything about me; the only thing they want me for is to bear their children that may have a Crest."
Mercedes was very bitter when it came to men, more than Hinata had expected. Who was comforting whom? Hinata couldn't help but notice Mercedes was struggling—there was someone, and she didn't want to come to terms with it. She was struggling, too.
"But there is someone that does value who you are. What about him? How would you feel about him being that person?" Hinata asked, referring to Sasuke.
"Don't be ridiculous; he's just a friend—a precious friend," Mercedes said, trying to convince herself.
"It's just the two of us; you can tell me," Hinata said, trying to help her friend.
"I'll just be in the way. I can't get in the way of his revenge; I'll just be a burden," she said with sadness. She knew she couldn't get anywhere; love couldn't be rushed. The seeds were already planted; it would take time for them to take root.
"I'll do what I can to support him. I cannot get in the way of his revenge for anything. I can't have him give that up for me." Mercedes wouldn't budge, and Hinata knew this was a dead-end conversation, and it was getting late.
"Thank you for talking to me, Mercie Chan. You're a great friend. I don't know what I would do without you," Hinata confessed.
"I'll do anything to help a friend in need. If you need an ear, I'm always here for you, Hina," said Mercedes with a sad and warm smile. It didn't go exactly how Hinata wanted; the sad look on her face whenever it came to Sasuke was concerning. She didn't want to push it, considering how sensitive that subject was.
"Good night," Hinata said as she left Mercedes's quarters. She was in deep thought as she looked at the moonlit sky and saw Hitomi flying gracefully with her mother. She wondered what it would be like to be free out in the sky without any restraints. When she thought about them, she thought about her clan and her family, the one she was raised in. What would it be like to be freed from those shackles?
Then she thought about why she chose Edelgard over Dimitri. It was because of that reason: Edelgard fully supported her. Not that Dimitri didn't, but what he did not believe regarding the crest system. She saw it as a shackle—a shackle that held down Mercedes, her best friend. It was a chain that held down Ingrid, who wanted to be a knight but couldn't because of family obligations.
What would happen if Hinata found out she possessed a crest? How would she live with it? How would she deal with the burden of having one and those coveting it? She didn't blame Marianne for not wanting to talk about her crest or Mercedes for hating them, or Edelgard for wanting to abolish the crest system altogether. She looked at the moon, and as if grabbing onto it, held her fist up high in the air with defiance. If by some small chance it did turn out she possessed a crest, she would denounce it because it's not the crest that defines who they are, but their character. Hinata would not allow another shackle to hold her down again. No more chains, not from her clan, not from the crest; she would free herself from such a system.
She went to her dorm and lay down on her bed. She looked up at the ceiling, then closed her eyes and drifted off to a dreamless sleep.