Another Kronya chapter.

Enjoy.


What was the Professor thinking?

"Everyone, this is Kronya. She'll be joining class from today onward. I hope you all get along."

The orange-haired agarthian standing next to Byleth gave a big smile and a perky wave, now officially wearing the Garreg Mach uniform. The hoodie variation, similar to what Bernadetta wore.

The students were floored; this was a woman who, a few days ago, had just tried to kill them! Not to mention she killed the Professor's own father! And yet he was casually standing next to her, introducing her! On top of all that she even masqueraded as a long dead student. Who was undoubtedly kidnapped, the real Monica must've been terrified...

"P-Professor, is this really a good idea?" Dorothea spoke up. The Professor nodded. "She's changed, she's no longer the killer she was before." Kronya nodding, agreeing with the Professor.

All eyes returned from the Professor to Kronya, who still wore that same grin she had on when she was fighting them.

"Kronya, you can sit next to Ferdinand." He said, pointing to the noble boy, who quickly became distressed. Kronya narrowed her eyes at him, and her grin turned more sinister. "You got it, Professor." Walking perkily over to Ferdinand and plopping in the seat next to him.

"With introductions out of the way, class will now began."

Surprisingly, Kronya paid close attention to the lesson, course whether or not she was actually just staring at the Professor or really paying attention remained to be debated. She did take notes, but Ferdinand had said the "notes" were more like descriptions of someone.

Most likely the Professor.

During the lesson Edelgard would also shoot glares over at Kronya, who would only playfully stick her tongue out in response. The two clearly had history, more than just their basic conversations they had when Kronya pretended to be Monica.

Once class was over, while everyone else gathered their things or left the room Kronya would instead hop up from her seat and walk up to the Professor and just stand by him. It was odd. No one really bothered questioning it though. Most were too afraid of Kronya, some of them had begun wondering if the Professor was underneath some sort of spell.

When they approached Rhea or Seteh they said the Professor was fully responsible for her, and refused to elaborate.

Something had to be going on.


"What are you planning?!" Edelgard had cornered Kronya in a obscured corner of the Monastery, pinning her against the wall by pressing the top of her axe against Kronya's throat. She had Hubert standing watch.

Kronya gripped the large axe head, struggling at first before giggling. "Whatever do you mean, Edie?"

"Getting close to the Professor like that, don't think you can tempt him over to your side!"

"Are we not on the same side, Edie?"

Edelgard grit her teeth. "You are not on our side, and stop calling me that." She lowered her axe, releasing Kronya's throat. Who still kept that same smile on her face.

"Sounds like someone's a little jealous~"

Edelgard narrowed her eyes. "As if I'd be jealous of a used rag like you"

Kronya's smile faded, her gaze sharpening. "You take that back..."

Edelgard raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Have I struck a nerve?"

"You have no idea what I've been through..." Kronya muttered bitterly.

"Nor do I care."

The two glared daggers at each other before someone called out both their names, the two turning towards the source. Seeing the Professor glaring at them both. Edelgard looked behind him, seeing a bewildered Hubert. He rushed up to her, bowing deeply. "Forgive me Lady Edelgard, I do not know how he snuck past me. One second he was there the next..."

"What are you doing." His gaze turned to look at Edelgard. Who pointed her axe at Kronya.

"Surely you cannot trust this...This...Liar!"

"I trust her."

"But why! She killed your father!"

The Professor's glare deepened, she could see in his eyes a brief flash of sadness.

"He was my father. His death is of no concern to you..." He turned to Kronya, then back to Edelgard. "I cannot forgive Kronya for what she did...But I can at least guide her towards rehabilitation."

Edelgard remained silent as she glared back at the Professor before pushing past him. "Do what you wish." Hubert following closely behind her.

Byleth watched the two leave, then turned back to Kronya. Who was hugging herself, and looking solemnly down at the ground.

"I-I'm sorry Professor. If you hadn't spared me you wouldn't be at odds with your students." The Professor shook his head.

"I've made my choice, they'll come around eventually." Byleth said. Kronya remained silent.

"I must return to my duties. Would you like to come with me?" The Professor asked. Kronya shook her head. "I-I'll be fine" she offered him a slight smile.

The Professor nodded before walking away, both of them emerging from the corner. Unaware of Edelgard watching from afar.

Edelgard turned to Hubert. "Follow her, see what she's planning."

"As you wish, Lady Edelgard."


Kronya's "plans" were simply to get to know the Professor's students. Many people averted their gazes whenever she walked by them, some would glare. But it didn't bother Kronya.

All that mattered to her was the Professor.

He was such a magnificent man, not only did he single-handedly defeat her in battle, but he spared her. After she ran away from the battle when the Professor rescued her, she spent the next few hours sorting out her feelings, processing what just happened. Sure she called out to the Professor for help, but he didn't expect him to actually come and save her; not after everything she did to him.

Her mind practically shattered in that forest, trying to process what had happened. With the Agarthans, she only ever knew hatred and killing; there was no room for anything else.

Something like compassion had no meaning to her. No reason, the very existence of it was an enigma to her. So to suddenly experience it was enough to turn her entire world upside down.

When she emerged from those woods she was a changed woman. She was so confused; overflowing with unknown desires and emotions. The Professor was the only one who could help her.

But why would he? She killed his father, tried to kill him and his students, she was apart of the Church's sworn enemies; he would sooner strike her down then listen to a word she had to say.

Yet to her surprise the Professor did not kill her. He took her in, got her fitted for a school uniform, and enrolled her in his class. He defended her when the church wanted to execute her, vouched for her, said that she could change.

When he introduced her to the class she knew they were afraid of her. She didn't blame them,

She also knew Edelgard would be pissed, and suspicious of her.

Other then Edelgard and Hubert, the rest of the students were relatively kind to her; either that, or they were too scared to talk to her.

Being pulled from her thoughts by someone calling her name, she whipped around to face the source of the voice. Being met with a brunette with a hat, and a small purple haired girl hiding behind the brunette. Kronya grinned widely at them. She remembered seeing them on the battlefield, mainly the purple-haired one. Who stuck close to the Professor during their encounter.

"Hello~ Did you need something?" Kronya tilted her head, a wide grin on her face. She wanted to see them squirm as they tried to interact with her.

Wait, what was that thought?

The brunette spoke up. "I-I'm Dorothea, and this is Bernadetta...We were wondering if you wanted to have some tea with us..."

"Tea, huh?" Kronya thought for a moment. She had tea back when she was pretending to be Monica, the Professor had served her some. It was something she did not forget, as the taste was unparalleled to anything she had tasted before.

"Sure! I love tea!"

Dorothea let out a smile and a sigh of relief. Leading her to the courtyard with hedges just behind the cafeteria.

They all sat down at the table where a tea set was already set up. Dorothea poured the three of them tea and gave each of them a plate with tea cakes on it.

Kronya went to reach for her cup, but stopped. Noticing that Bernadetta and Dorothea were holding their tea cups by the little handle. Instead of simply grabbing the whole cup like Kronya did. The way they drank from it was so elegant, Kronya glanced down at her cup.

The Professor had spared her and brought her to the Monastery in hopes of giving her a chance at a normal life. She had a long way to go, and it was not going to be easy; so she best start with the simple things. Like holding a tea cup properly.

She wrapped her fingers around the thin, curved handle and lifted it from the little plate it sat on. She watched Dorothea and Bernadetta when they drank from the cup. They tilted it towards their mouth a bit, while also tilting their head back. She mimicked their actions. Emptying the cup in one gulp. She set the cup back down on its plate, and looked up. Seeing Bernadetta and Dorothea staring at her. Had she down something wrong?

"Y-You drink pretty fast..." Dorothea spoke up, Bernadetta nodding meekly.

"Oh...D-Do I?" Kronya blushed, looking down at the table.

"Are you perhaps, trying to copy us?" Bernadetta finally spoke up. Kronya shot her a glance and the recluse squeaked, looking away.

"You noticed?" Kronya was impressed. This shy girl seemed to be quite sharp. Bernadetta nodded slightly.

"Why are you trying to copy us?" Dorothea tilted her head.

"I want to be normal...The Professor granted me a second chance. I want to fit in." Kronya fidgeted with her hands.

"You don't have to worry about fitting in, Kronya."

Kronya looked between me the two of them. "But you're all scared of me. I can smell it."

Bernadetta squeaked. "Y-Y-You can smell...Fear?"

Kronya nodded, a wide grin appearing on her face. This girl was so fun, watching her squirm excited Kronya.

There it was again...Those thoughts...

Dorothea poured Kronya another cup of tea as she munched on the tea cake offered to her. "I don't think you have to worry about being normal. I won't lie in that you do scare us a bit...But if the Professor trust you, then so will we." Dorothea offered Kronya a bright smile. The Agarthan eyes widened. This was the first smile she saw that didn't harbor any ill or mischievous intent. It was another strange feeling she'd have to get used to.

Kronya reached for her cup, stopping when she saw her hand. It was shaking terribly. Something was wrong, her vision was slowly going red.

She looked at her hands, they were drenched in blood; the thick substance dripping onto the table and into her tea. She stood up quickly, knocking the chair she was sitting in over, her breathing quick and panicked.

"W-Whats wrong!?" Dorothea stood up and approached Kronya, who backed away. Dorothea looked at her, concerned.

"B-Blood...There's so much blood." Kronya held out her hands for Dorothea to see. The brunette looked at them and shook her head.

"There's no blood Kronya, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Dorothea reached a hand out and Kronya slapped it away with one of her ribbon-like tendrils. Pointing the sharp ends at Dorothea.

Wait, when did her tendrils come out?

Whispers filled her head, visions of Dorothea and Bernadetta laying in a bloody heap, the grass soaked in their bright red blood; fogged her mind.

Kill, kill, kill! She was going to kill them! Beautiful bright blood was going to spill from their eyes and mouth! She wanted to see it, she wanted to see their sweet, innocent faces twisted in horror.

"K-Kronya?"

She looked between Bernadetta and Dorothea. A few other students had noticed the commotion and were now watching and whispering among themselves. Kronya backed away and recalled her tendrils. The appendages retreating behind her and disappearing behind her back. "S-Stay away from me."

Kronya fled the scene, leaving a confused Dorothea and a scared Bernadetta. The latter who passed out in her seat.


What was happening to her. She thought she fixed herself, she was changed now. Right? She was a different person now. So why, why are these thoughts returning to her?

She walked along the area outside the dorms, hugging herself and shaking. Whenever she looked at someone a quick vision of them having suffered a horrific death flashed in her mind. She kept her head low.

The Professor, she had to find the Professor.

"You there. Stop."

Kronya froze, slowly turning her head to look behind her. Seeing a man with long black hair wrapped up in a messy bun, his eyes were sharp.

"W-What do you want?"

The man stared at her silently for a bit before finally speaking. "You probably don't remember me, but I am Felix. I saw you and the Professor fight in the forest." He looked away from her. "I've never seen anyone fight like that, or corner the Professor so easily." His gaze returned to her and he pointed at her. "Therefore, I wish to spar with you! Show me your skills!"

This was bad, this a terrible idea. If she were to wound up in a fight, even if it was a spar, she wasn't sure what would happen. But she knew it couldn't be good.

"P-Perhaps another time."

"Are you scared? How unfitting, after everything I've heard of you I figured you'd be a challenging opponent."

Scared? Her? She was bred to kill, she was a weapon.

That's right...A weapon...

Kill, kill, kill! Those words echoed endlessly in her mind again. Her vision became red and wide grin appeared on her face.

"Okay...Lets spar..."


"Kronya!"

She came to, what happened? Where was she? She looked around, this was the dueling arena. When did she get here?

Something moved below her, and she looked down. Seeing that Felix man from earlier, she was on top of him.

He was covered in bruises, his arms, legs and torso were all bleeding. Kronya noticed her tendrils were out again, the tip of them dripping blood. She looked to her hands, covered in blood, a wooden dagger lay in her hand, broken in half and equally covered in blood.

Her tendrils retreated into her back and she got up, backing away slowly. There were students surrounding them, all cowering in fear and whispering. Kronya clutched her head with both hands, trying to drown out the voices. The whispers in her head were telling her to kill everyone.

She fell to her knees, it was too much. What was she thinking? Did she really think she could live a normal life after everything she had done?

She heard the sound of footsteps rapidly approach it. If it was someone coming to kill her, then she was ready for it.

But instead, she felt two arms wrap around her and hug her tightly, pressing her head against their chest. She opened her eyes and looked up, it was the Professor.

"Hold still, Felix." Kronya glanced over at the black-haired man, a female student was bent over him, healing him. A couple of the Professor's other students were around too. But they didn't look as scared as the others.

"Professor...I messed up..." Tears begin to fill her eyes, a new sensation.

"Shh..." He shushed her, stroking her head. They two pulled away from each other, both of them on their knees staring at each other,

She looked behind him, the doors to the Arena being thrown open and in walked Seteh with a bunch of church guards.

"What is the meaning of this commotion?!" Seteh looked around the area, staring at the wounded Felix before looking to Kronya.

"You!" He approached her, his fist clenched. But the Professor stepped in front of him. Hiding Kronya behind him. Seteh narrowed his eyes at the Professor.

"Byleth, It thought I made it clear would happen if this...Thing, reverted to its previous ways."

"Give her a second chance."

Seteh chuckled. "A second chance? Are you out of your mind?! I said one chance! It had one chance to fix itself and it failed. It must now be executed."

"Its my fault, I overestimated her ability to change by herself. I should have been watching over her more."

Seteh furrowed his brow even further. "Do not try to take the blame for this, Professor Byleth! How can you defend this thing when it just tried to kill one of your students! When it even killed your father!"

Byleth's brow furrowed, and anger filled his eyes. A rare sight for his students.

"Everyone keeps saying that she killed my father as if I don't know. He was my father, he was the only one who understood me. Not a day goes by where I don't miss him." He stood up, looking at Seteh directly in the eyes. "I can't forgive Kronya for killing him."

"They why save it?" Seteh crossed his arms, his anger against Kronya subsiding for now yet his brow remained furrowed.

"Because I'm tired of all this killing. Sons killing their fathers, brothers killing brothers, villagers killing each other. I've killed so many people in my life, I do not wish to go down that path anymore then I already have."

Silence filled the air as Byleth and Seteh glared at each other. Eventually, Seteh broke the silence.

"While your words do resonate with me, I'm afraid this is bigger then that. Step aside Byleth, judgement must be carried out."

Byleth did not budge, instead drawing his sword and readying it against Seteh who backed up in surprise.

"You would dare draw your sword against me! After everything me and the church have done for you! After you just said you would not kill!"

"If it is for one of my students, I would do anything."

"You-" A voice interrupted him.

"Seteh, cease."

Everyone turned towards the arena door, where Rhea was standing.

"Rhea...But-" Seteh gasped in surprise.

"Seteh, I said cease. Give the Professor a second chance."

Seteh glanced at Kronya then back to Rhea. "But it is-"

"I am aware of what she is. But the Professor's words ring true. I fear we have lost sight of what the church truly represents these past months. Let this be our redemption."

Seteh and Rhea stared at each other for a few minutes before Seteh looked back to Byleth. "One last chance. If this thing slips up I will not hesitate to kill it on the spot." Byleth didn't respond. Simply staring at Seteh before sheathing his sword.

Rhea and Seteh along with the church guards that accompanied him left. Byleth turned back to Kronya and gave her a small smile before walking over to check on Felix.

"How are you?" He asked, kneeling down next to him. Most of Felix's wounds had been healed and he chuckled.

"Now you're worried about me..."

A small smile formed on Byleth's face before he turned back to Kronya and approached her, offering her his hand. She took it and he helped her up.

"Come on, lets get you cleaned up."


The incident with Kronya had made him realize just how far gone Kronya truly was. He should've paid more attention, realized that curing Kronya was going to take a lot more work.

A knock on his door interrupted his thoughts and he moved out of bed and opened it, not too surprised to see Kronya a in a black sleeping gown, clutching a pillow and blushing.

"P-Professor...I wanted to sleep...With you..." She muttered, Byleth smiled. Seeing her like this made him realize that this would all be worth it in the end. This was going to be his redemption for everything he had done as the Ashen Demon.

He opened the door wider and let Kronya walk in, she hopped on his bed and he joined her. The agarthan killer snuggling up to him and the two drifted off to sleep.


A weak ending, I know. But I'm not good at endings! At least not entirely.

This wound up being a lot longer then I meant it to be. I hope that makes up for my lack of chapters. I've been busy lately with work and school.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed this.

Until next time!