#he did have some crow training during the mage stuff but he was an older fledgling

[katcadecascade]

Atla fic: Fire Emblem Three Houses AU

Still brainstorming ideas but essentially: 

Fire Nation as Adrestian Empire

Water Tribe as Holy Kingdom of Faerghus

Leicestier Alliance as Earth Kingdom

and a bunch of other stuff in this new idea of mine called The Dragon in the Dawn

Chapter One: Routes of Destiny

“Would you join the Blue Lions?”

“…No.”

Zuko is in his second year in the Officers Academy.

It’s here where the three regions’ to-be-leaders are in one location, the very center of Fodlan. He, among others of noble blood, is sent to Garreg Mach Monastery to be educated and trained by the best professors in the continent.

Aside from nobles there are others who come from other walks of life. Some commoners become students through the means of money or scholarship but that isn’t the case for the young woman before Zuko.

This stoic near-blank faced woman is rumored to only be five years older than Zuko and yet has the position as a teacher.

Yes, Zuko is one the many people who believe that Byleth Eisner is a complete mystery.

Originally a mercenary, under the training of the former captain of the Knights of Serios no less, and later offered the job due to saving the House Leaders from bandits.

Zuko’s House Leader already gave a report of the event, of Byleth’s skill as a fighter and strategist. He hasn’t seen Edelgard this impressed since witnessing Azula’s magical prowl. That had made Zuko extra careful during their mock battle with the other Houses.

Upon that battlefield is where Zuko got to see Professor Byleth in action.

She was precise and calculative, a challenge against Azula who eagerly stormed the field to attack the Blue Lion House much to their leader’s order. Zuko couldn’t catch much of that fight too busy dueling with a swordsman.

He did see his sister get knocked off her feet. That was quite a sight as lightning spells were flung carelessly around.

In the end, Azula’s recklessness and Edelgard’s brute force did not compare to the new professor and her students. It was only a mock fight, who knows what will happen at the event, the Battle of Eagle and Lion.

That is months away. A thing that Zuko looks forwards to like it’s just a little bit more exciting than an exam. In the meanwhile, all Zuko wants to do is continue his sword skills, study for an upcoming history test, avoid Azula and her friends, and be alone.

Because what else is there for Zuko to do here?

The point of this private school is for meet future elites of the other two nations and make nice with the Church. No doubt Azula has taken notes on every student worth her notice. Zuko leaves that obsession with her because she’s the one who actually receives letters back from father.

Duke Ozai sent his heir with one instruction: predict the future of their Adrestian Empire through the children of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus and Leicester Alliance.

Zuko doesn’t want to imagine what is in Azula’s head as they go through their school life. Azula has always been so critical with their own class house that she is overtly judgmental to the Blue Lions and the Golden Deer houses.

As for him, it is well known that every student has their own strengths and weaknesses but nothing particular strikes Zuko with suspicious or foreboding. Maybe he’s not as analytical as his sister but still, Zuko rather not view his classmates as future enemies.

That being said, he has no interest in seeing them as allies.

It’s not out of antisocialism, although it would be a justified answer for Zuko. No, he is just thinking ahead.

After all, in whatever future of Zuko’s it will be insignificant compared to Azula.

She is the father’s heir. Not only is she a prodigy in combat she inherited a Crest.

Fire spells are a signature of their family’s casters but from the moment she was born, her fire blazes blue. Of course that made her worthier than Zuko, the firstborn with no Crest and no perfection and no obedience to keep his mouth shut during important discussions he should have never been a part of.

The scar around his left eye itches as wind forces his hair to brush past it.

His lackluster status should have gotten Zuko kicked out of palace the moment the mages confirmed Azula’s Crest.

Discarding Crestless children is commonplace for the elite but Ozai kept Zuko.

For years Zuko wondered what sort of reason persuaded his father to not banish him. Zuko did his best to train in the art of swords, to study just as much as Azula and be worthy of his place but time after time his father would remind Zuko of one thing.

Do not get in Azula’s way.

It’s a simple task.

Don’t distract her away from her studies, don’t interfere with her training, and don’t stop her from launching fire at animals or people or a thousand other things that make Zuko uncomfortable.

Even to this day, Zuko follows that rule.

So Zuko sticks by the fishing pond, away from the rest of the academy. Azula hates the smell of fish so this is the best place to get out of her way. More importantly, it’s where the ducks waddle in.

As a result of his preferred loneliness, the rest of the Black Eagles leaves him be. If his own house doesn’t bother him, the rest of the student body does the same.

That is until today.

Zuko stops tossing food crumble to the ducks to properly stand up to the professor. She’s actually shorter than him but that does not make him forget that this is the girl who fought Azula and won. She looks like one of Azula’s dolls, expressionless and pretty. There is too much gossip about her compassion and her lack of emotional reactions.

Still though, she’s a teacher and she’s trying to recruit Zuko of all people.

The best Zuko can gauge right now is the small tilt of her head, meeting his eyes.

“Oh,�� she said and Zuko would assume she was disappointed if not for her usual blank expression, “Is there any way to convince you?”

“No.”

He’s aware that sometimes a requested student would have requirements or guidelines if a professor believes a transfer is in order. Yet for him there is no debate. Zuko sees no benefits of leaving the Black Eagles, the designated house for children of the Empire.

But if Zuko allows himself to be honest, there is a curiosity of getting leaving Azula’s shadow. That and his oldest friend had transferred to the Blue Lions a while ago. He misses her.

Still, that isn’t enough to convince him.  

“Why would I ever leave the Black Eagles?”

The professor merely blinks, “Why do you stay?”

The answer is that his sister’s will overrules his own. Even though Zuko avoids her as much as possible, he always returns to her side. They fight well together and he knows Azula better than her best friends, Mai and Ty Lee, do. Combine that with Azula’s conflicting feelings about Edelgard von Hresvelg, Princess of the Arestian Empire, Zuko knows he’s the one preventing Azula from committing crimes against the crown.

Because that would be a disaster.

“It’s my duty to my people,” Zuko said.

“I see,” Byleth nods. Maybe she is extremely careful with her emotions, lets no one slip through her guard. Zuko is convinced of that until her lips prose into a frown. “If you change your mind,” she offers before leaving.

The strange part is that Zuko almost succumbs to a pang of regret, of picking the wrong choice between two paths. This indecision is something he is familiar with.  

Uncle Iroh would call this a crossroad where Zuko is beginning to realize he is lost. Out of habit, Zuko touches the edge of his eye scar. Its dead skin is years old and is a testament that Zuko still has much to learn.

He thought he wasn’t lost, didn’t dare question the path he is on because there is no point to. Father only acted because Zuko misbehaved and showed weakness. Zuko cannot give anyone another reason to suggest Zuko is questioning his loyalties.

If he is lucky, if Zuko proves his worth, no one would see Zuko for his failings or inadequacy. People would view him in equal standing with Azula and maybe even Edelgard.  

“What were you doing talking to that professor?”

Yeah, Zuko is not lucky.

Just as he was leaving the fishing pond, sticking to the least crowed path to the training grounds, someone ventures out of the shadows.

“Mind your own business Hubert,” he demands, still stomping away.

Hubert von Vestra is probably the last person Zuko wants to be near. Azula teases they have an apparent rivalry of who broods more or styles dark hair more gothic. It irks Zuko how he mildly compares his unkempt hair to Hubert’s neat cut.

“Your loyalties do need to be observed,” Hubert persists, daring to walk beside Zuko.

“Really?” He snaps, “Your perspective on loyalty is vastly skewed to extremes since you are practically Edelgard’s shadow.”

From day one Hubert is very insufferable about his commitment to be the Princess’ retainer, going as far as to interrogate the other Black Eagles. He skipped Zuko and Azula at least but still, Zuko had to talk Mai out of stabbing the lunatic.

“I give Lady Edelgard my complete will. Something you should consider doing for your ward.”

Zuko stops, “Excuse me?”

“Lady Azula needs checks and balances, you’re aware of that I’m sure.”

“She isn’t my responsibility,” he deflects, finally reaching the doors to the training grounds.

Just as Zuko timed it, it is empty. He wouldn’t know what he would do if those two eager swordsmen were here. Yet Zuko has to suffer with Hubert’s annoying presence.

“Liar,” Hubert continues to invade in Zuko’s time. He’s smart enough to keep is distance once Zuko is at the weapons rack. “As a person with your status and position, Lady Azula needs someone to sate her needs.”

“I’m her brother,” Zuko scowls, “not her pet.”

“Many see otherwise.”

Oh that’s it.

The broadsword is heavy in his hands, its weight strong as Zuko lunges at the constant pain in the neck. Instantly, Hubert’s hands catch darkness and Zuko narrowly avoids the miasma spell as another hits his shoulder. He bares through the pain to swing the flat of the blade against Hubert’s side.

“You go on and on about my status yet you’re forgetting my family name,” Zuko grunts, trying to force Hubert to eat his own words. Another feint attack pushes Hubert off balance.

Trying to regain his footing, Hubert backs off with tried breath, angrily stating, “I hold no disillusion to my servitude. You on the other hand do.”

“I’m nothing like you, Hubert.”

“On the contrary, I believe it is you who is nothing compared to me. You bare no crest, your younger sister is tactical genius, and most importantly, she can get away with rising ire from others.” Hubert stands straighter while Zuko cannot hide the way his grip is shaking. The magic in the mage’s hands dies out. “You, well, I’m sure I don’t have to remind you of your mistakes.”

Zuko recklessly takes the bait and dashes forward, his anger and pride ruining his composure. He should be suspicious of Hubert’s unguarded stance but it’s too late. Once Zuko was a foot away, his sword held high for an arc, there is fire and heat ignited right before his eyes.

He flinches backwards, stumbling ungracefully to avoid the fire and falls onto his back. The sand and dust cloud around Zuko as the fire in Hubert’s hands flicker away.

“So disappointing,” the dark mage tuts, “I thought you’d be over this fear of yours.”

If Zuko was in his right mind, he’d agree. His mind is far too shaken to think, his heart is frantic with fear, and his left eye is reliving the burning. Zuko absolutely hates how weak he is before Hubert, for cowering at the fire spell, and so he forces himself to stand up.

“You’ll regret doing that,” Zuko promises with gritted teeth.

“It’s merely training,” Hubert chides mockingly, “You’ll face against other spell casters no doubt.” He narrows his eyes, “Best make sure you’re prepared.”

The mage walks off and Zuko has half the mind to strike his back but that will takes away the little honor Zuko has left. What makes this even more humiliating is that there is someone by the entranceway.

On his way out, Hubert warns the newcomer, “I wouldn’t challenge him right now. He’s far too temperamental.”

Sokka of the Fraldarius house gives Hubert a disgusted look before walking to Zuko, “Hey, you okay?”

“I’m fine, Hubert was just being Hubert,” he scowls and faces away from Sokka. He can’t bare looking at the other boy’s concerned face.

“What he said was really harsh.”

“I’m used to it.”

He almost expects Sokka to say something reassuring, a sentiment Zuko will automatically accuse as pity, but instead he hears the telltale clinks of metal. Looking over his shoulder, Zuko sees Sokka pick up a sword from the rack, testing its weight.

Sokka sends over a lopsided smile, “You wanna spar?”

Zuko allows himself a small smile and gets into ready position.

Now if Zuko is forced to count how many friends he has, he would be hesitant to include Sokka Mallik Fraldarius on that short list.

They’re acquaintances from different class houses so it’s sort of expected for them to cross paths on the training field. Azula has found her spellcasting adversaries and Zuko sparred with the many students proficient in the ways of the sword.

Don’t tell Sokka but Zuko believes the other Fraldarius swordsman is better. Still, sparring against Sokka feels almost cathartic as Zuko sweats off the residual anger inside him.

“Where’s your dual blades?” Sokka teases between quick slashes, all of which Zuko blocks.

“Still need repairs.” Zuko ducks under another slash and hooks an arm around Sokka’s wrist. The action catches Sokka off guard and jostles his grip. Zuko easily steals the sword and crosses the blades for a satisfying spark of metal. “But thanks for the second sword.”

“Boo!” Despite the goading call, Sokka is grinning.

Zuko hands back the stolen sword, “You’ve gotten a little better since last time.”

“I’m close to beating Felix, I’m sure of it,” Sokka said, examining his blade, “I think I can use Sylvain’s cheering as a distraction.” He lets it sink into the ground, casually leaning on it and there is that worrying and concerned expression again, “So what was that earlier? I thought Hubert leaves you alone.”

“Usually,” he shrugs, “but he saw your professor talking to me.”

Sokka freezes and then tilts sideways too far and almost falls off balanced. Zuko just raises an eyebrow as he gets back up. Ignoring the clatter of his falling sword, Sokka regards Zuko with awe, “Wait, are you joining the Blue Lions?” Before Zuko could speak, Sokka is grinning madly, “That’s amazing! We can go on missions together and we have more time for sword practice and-“

“I declined.”

“…Oh.”

Zuko forces himself to watch the crestfallen gloom surround Sokka. His signature brightness vastly dimmed because Zuko is really is nothing more than an obedient pet.

He is doing everything he can think of to prove his loyalty and worth to his father. The only way to do that is by staying at Azula’s side. Yet he knows Azula doesn’t need him. Goddess above, Azula doesn’t even want his company unless it’s to amuse her.

“I just think,” he struggles to think of an excuse. It was easier against the professor, a person who eludes emotions as if hidden in a dark sea. With Sokka, it’s all on the surface and so genuine. “I’m better off with the Eagles.”

“You sure? Cause Hubert was the most talkative I’ve ever seen of that guy.”

“Hey,” Zuko snaps, “if that’s his reactions then imagine how my sister would think.”

They both shiver at the thought of Azula.

Sokka agrees, “Yeah, she’ll go a little bonkers or whatever but Zuko,” he gets closer to lay a hand on Zuko’s shoulder and presents the most sincere smile ever, “A little change wouldn’t be so bad, right?”

Leave it to Sokka to think the simple and direct advice that could actually persuade Zuko.

Everything about Zuko’s life is linear and solid.

A royal family, disadvantaged with no godly crest, grieved with fallen cousins, a father who strives for bloodshed in this era of peace, a mother who stayed silent when her son burns, and a little sister who wants to be at the top by any means necessary.

Then there is Zuko, pliant to the hierarchy and rules of nobility and crests and expectations. His life, in entirely, is only valuable in title as second rate to heir-apparent Azula.

In the end, would transferring to the Blue Lions affect his future so much?

Uncle Iroh once wrote to Zuko’s cousin, asking ‘Who are you and what do you want?’

“You make a good point Sokka.”

-

In the courtyard, there are many alcoves. It’s the perfect place for a person to be hidden and watch the exchange between the professor and the newest Blue Lion.

A yawn breaks the silence and then a soft voice, “Must we meet in the shadows?”

“Shush,” Coldness snapped back, “He’s transferring out of the Eagles. That won’t be a problem will it?”

“Of course not,” the softer voice assured almost bored, “All I need is time and more observations.”

“Good. You will keep me posted.”

“Oh and why is that?” It’s as if a dagger slides under that cotton blanket of a cadence, “It is rather bold of you to think I need your permission to do my research.”

“It’s not boldness, it is caution.” The coldness corrects, “If your theory holds truth then there will be a mess in our future.”

Another yawn, mockingly nonchalant, “You’re paranoid. Zuko is simply an enigma, not a threat.”

“But his sister is.”

There is no reply.

The coldness continues, “Ah so you finally wiped the sleep from your eyes and understand.”

“I was under the impression you disliked Zuko.”

“I do but I will always eliminate potential threats against Lady Edelgard.”

 “…I do prefer Edelgard over Azula.”

“Then it is in our best interest that Zuko’s destiny does not start a fire.”

Thanks for reading!