AN: I'm so sorry this took months to upload. A lot has happened, This story will get finished. I hope you enjoy it.
-Chapter 5: Bonding -
-Part One: White Clouds-
[Day Eleven, Harpstring Moon, Imperial Year 1180, 10:00 AM]
Bells's eyes flickered open slowly. Her eyes were met with the soft rays of the sun that half-blinded her. A yawn escaped her lips as she sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she looked at her clock. The soft ticking of the mechanical clock is the only sound in the room. Looking over, she read the clock. Ten AM. Dread and panic quickly set in. She had slept in. Shuffling around the room, ruffling through the drawers that held her clothing. In the panic, she pulled out all her drawers, only finding her armor over clothes last. A wordy lecture from Seteth was imminent..
Sothis floated into the room, the mess catching her eye. The floating specter didn't hesitate to address her dilemma. "It's Sunday you know. Classes aren't being held today."
Bells quickly turned to the voice. Being half-dressed, the mercenary drew her dagger. Sothis just rolled her eyes. It's not like a sword or any magic could do anything. Upon seeing her, she put the dagger down and sighed. Glancing at the large calendar in her room, she was both relieved and annoyed at her mishap.
"Don't scare me like that." She grumbles, starting to slowly put the drawers back into the correct places. Bells had always packed light. Never had more than three total sets of clothing at all times. Making for quick sorting. Mercenaries were nomads by nature, thus she had to be ready to move at any time.
"It is not as If I tried to, you must grow accustomed to my voice! It will not do to react in such a way common, lest they call you mad." Folding her arms and pouting to drive her point home, she looked down on the woman before her.
Grunting in confirmation, Bells began putting her wardrobe together. There was only so much time to spend in her room after all. The way clothes were set out in her drawers, Chainmail was set aside from everything else. Clothing order went: Small Clothes, Casual Clothing, a thin Gambeson, and Over-armor. The goal was to be lightweight, as to be nimble. But not to the point of having no protection should she be struck.
Despite her father's overprotective protest in her younger years (Going so far as to gift her an oversized suit of armor that forbade her movement), She enjoyed having mobility in combat, wearing just enough armor to protect her while not hindering her technique. A subtle, yet vital part of her combat prowess.
Thinking back on it now, her reunion with Sothis would not have happened had she worn more protection that day. Perhaps she could consider it a blessing in disguise, Ironic as it may be.
Seeing as school was not in session today, Bells decided to not go all out with her armor. Stopping at casual clothing. She ended up in a modest black shirt and shorts. Dagger still at her hip and all. Then putting her coat over her. Having finally sorted out her clothing, she made her bed and finally was ready to leave.
Grabbing the key to her classroom, (Along with the others to the classrooms.) Better to have it and not need it than vice versa. That was the thought process anyway.
"So. What are you gonna do today, miss teacher?" Sothis laid on her back, still floating in the air. Bells just paused, then walking over to her clock to adjust it, making sure it would go off at the right time tomorrow. "Check on my students."
Turning the notch to the proper time, preventing this morning's incident from repeating itself. She approached the door and twisted its knob, freeing the wooden portal to the outside world. The sun's splendor shone, welcoming Bells to its, kingdom.
Mid-morning was slightly chilly, but not enough to warrant anything more than a jacket. Stepping out, Bells saw various students about, none of whom she knew. First stop, Bernadetta. Most likely she hadn't even left her room.
The dormitories were set out deliberately. Being as haughty as nobles were, they often requested the second floor. (At least someone in the family did while enrolling.) Commoners were given the first floor as a result. Nearest to her was Bernadetta's room, which notably broke this code. Though she most likely preferred it that way. It made it quicker to access her room.
Stretching her back to an arch, it let out a satisfying crack as she started the day. Descending the staircase in front of her room, she journeyed east towards the recluse's domain. Glancing at the pond on her way, it reflected the sun's majestic light as she made her way, passing seven doors neighboring her own. She arrived at Bernadetta's door, The mighty shield standing between Bernadetta and all those that sought to persecute her. At least, that's probably how the lavender-haired young lady thought of it.
Sure enough, she was there. Bells gently tapped her knuckle to the door. Immediately Bells got a response. "W-who's there?!" A panicked voice came, the sound of sporadic movement escaped the room.
"It's me. Bells. Your teacher's assistant. I was just che-" Bells's voice was cut off before she could finish the sentence.
"What did I do?! Did I forget my homework? I promise I won't forget it next time!"
This was going to take a while. "No, it's just-"
"Is this about the carnivorous plants?! I'm sorry! I thought keeping them in my room would be fine! I'll take them to the Greenhouse!"
"Carnivorous plants? Bernadetta, no, listen-"
She was soundly interrupted by a sharp gasp.
"It's because I snuck cake from the dining hall, isn't it? Oh, I knew it wasn't worth it, I was just-"
She was cut off by a loud, almost punch to the door. Bernadetta yelped in surprise. Bells didn't want to bang on the door, but she wouldn't have gotten a word in otherwise.
"Bernadetta! You are not in trouble. Well, you may be for that last one.." The shifting noises in the dorm room ceased almost immediately. A short silence ensued.
"I'm just here to check in on you. Are you okay?" Bells' voice softened as Bernadetta responded more calmly.
"I'm okay." A curt tone of voice came from the other side. As much as Bells wanted to stay with her and talk things out, she wanted to check on everyone else first. It was good enough for now.
Bells then made way for the dining hall. Passing the greenhouse and fishing pond, making a mental note to visit the latter at a different time. People tended to gather there, even after meals had been served. Nothing more than a few minutes. Sure enough, she found two of her students there, chatting amongst themselves. Dorothea, Ferdinand, and Sylvain. Just as last night.
"I suppose I could give you a few pointers. You'll never get it right otherwise." Dorothea shook her head. Sylvain's face lit up with a slight grin while Ferdinand just raised an eyebrow. "It's all about confidence, the situation, and presentation." She capped off her tips with her signature charming wink.
Ferdinand opened his mouth, trying to say something. Only half getting it out, being cut off by Dorothea looking rather miffed. "Now. Dorothea. I'm not trying to get a partner. I'm not Lore-" the songstress just rolled her eyes. Whatever he was trying to do. It drove people away from him. Then Sylvain… maybe he could stop being such a skirt chaser if he knew how to do it properly. Then again, the Gautier wasn't known for his faithfulness to begin with.
Dorothea's eyes scanned the room. Surely an example would drive the point home. She hadn't need to look long. Out of the blur of colors, distinct pink hair styled into two long ponytails stood out from the rest of the crowd.
Hilda.
She sat at a nearby table, talking with Annette about fashion. In front of both of them were various things relating to it. Make-up, hair clips, perfume, the works. Even a sewing kit lay before them. The conversation was evidently lively, chatting rather passionately about their aesthetic customs.
Ferdinand and Sylvain watched intently. They couldn't hear all of it, just watching the reactions of everyone. As Dorothea came over, both of the other girls turned to face her. Words quickly exchanged between them. Expression and posture stood out the most.
"Hey. I see you're having a fun time over here." Soft, almost alluring tone. Both Hilda and Annette turned to look at her. Small talk ensued, something Dorothea used often to try to get dates. Impatient this time, it didn't last long.
"I'm gonna not beat around the bush. Would you like to go on a date, girl's night out? My treat."
Before long, excitement danced on their faces, as they planned out their night on the town. Dorothea turned back around with a triumphant grin on her face. Retreating to the attentive nobles, her hands supported her as she leaned over the table.
"I hope you learned something from that~" Her voice sang a little. Sylvain was a bit more enthusiastic than Ferdinand but both seemed satisfied nonetheless. The redhead was the first to speak up, a crafty smirk painting his features. "Well, Dorothea. I feel very enlightened by such a demonstration."
Bells let out an exasperated sigh, grabbing the attention of the two at the table almost immediately. Ferdinand spoke up first. "Ah! Professor. How long have you been watching?" The teacher just shook her head. It seemed that they would never get it. Sylvain especially.
"Long enough to tell that you all are fine." Bells tried to stifle a laugh, finally realizing how silly this situation was. Dorothea only tilted her head, before realizing she had indeed heard everything. The songstress shook her head silently before replying.
"So. Professor. What are you doing here?" Dorothea spoke, finally saying what was on the mind of all three of the students. Bells finally composed herself, able to (mostly) hide her laughter. "I'm checking in on everyone. Clearly-" Bells had to pause, stifling more laughter. "You all are fine."
Dorothea perked up a little. "It's pretty nice of you to do that." A more soft, genuine smile came to her face before turning back to Ferdinand and Sylvain. As it turns out, the redhead had left. It quickly became apparent as to why. He was quick to put his newly acquired knowledge to use. Oh, dear. This was going to be catastrophic.
Ferdinand looked at Dorothea. Both knew it. Dorothea stood up straight, rubbing her eyelids, and sighed. A part of Bells wanted to go chase him, curious as to how it would play out. That would have to come later. She still needed to make her rounds. Caspar, Petra, the list went on. Bells just would have to come back later. For now, she had to move on, the remaining Black Eagles awaited her.
"I'll see you two later. I'm going to check on everyone else. Try to find him before he causes something..." Bells let out quickly, before starting to walk away. Once outside the mess hall, she paused. Where would Caspar be? He loved a fight, so maybe sparring with someone? The training grounds would make the most sense… Only one way to find out.
Thus began the trek to the training grounds. Tournaments were often held there for prizes, such as gold, among weaponry, etc. The still somewhat chilly air nipped at her ears. Faces of students she scarcely knew passed on her way. For a moment, she thought she even saw Sylvain. Alas, it was just some other student she was unfamiliar with.
The rest of the walk was rather uneventful. Bells observed her surroundings, Pegsai flying above the monastery. passing the dormitories once more, she soon arrived at her destination. Grunts, yells, and the clashing of training weaponry could be heard from even outside the doors.
Sure enough, opening the doors revealed Caspar amid a spar with another student, Petra. Caspar, being more inclined with his fists, wielded a gauntlet in each hand, while Petra deftly flourished a wooden training sword.
"Try this!" Caspar leaped into the air with full force with intent for a downward strike, the goal is to use the added momentum from gravity to break through the girl's defenses, which should create an opening for a critical blow. Unfortunately, his dynamic movement created an opening of its own for his sharp-eyed opponent. Petra danced around his jump, pivoting to the side and dodging the strike, then struck him rather forcefully in the back as he landed, making him stumble to the ground.
Only now did the small audience that was witnessing the sparring session start to applaud Petra's victory. She turned to the clapping and bowed. "I am claiming victory." She states proudly before offering her hand to her partner and helping him up. Caspar ruffles his cyan hair, sweating somewhat.
"You're pretty good Petra. I guess I have much farther to go before I can best you." He lets out in between hasty breaths, massaging his own back.
Bells joined in the clapping, walking towards both of them slowly. "Excellent work from both of you. Though, Caspar." She pauses, just a few feet from them both. "Leaping into the air is a very risky tactic to play. It leaves you open to reprisal for too long." Caspar turned to the voice of his teacher.
"Oh, hey there Teach!" He calls over to her with a grin plastered all over. He half ignored the comment about leaving himself vulnerable, Petra now speaking up.
"I am glad to have put on a good showing." bowing to Bells, noticing the crowd gathered before was starting to dissipate, getting ready for the next battle and the like, picking up wooden weapons and imitations of what would otherwise be weapons that could cause some serious damage to someone in the right hands. The contenders used training dummies to warm up.
Stepping off the arena, Petra and Caspar quickly moved to stow away their weapons on the racks to the far end of the room. Everything was sorted neatly by weapon type. Swords, lances, axes, among others.
Coming back over, the trio met near the entrance. Caspar's grin never once faded, nor did Petra's look of accomplishment. "I see that you two are having fun," Bells says, playfully motioning to both of them. "Eager as ever to fight."
"You know it teach! I gotta get the chance to take you on sometime." Caspar lets out quickly. Petra then pitching in the conversation.
"Caspar. You are being quite good at combat. A formidable opponent." Petra lets out very formally. She was a foreign student. Brigid was a nearby nation. Closest to the Adrestian Empire. Fodlin was a very difficult language to learn. Brigidish was her native language and was a far cry from the language spoken here. Sayings would often go over her head. Despite that, she endeavored every day to become just a little bit better at it.
"As are you." He quickly responds before looking back at his teacher, hoping for the response he wanted. Bells realized that he wouldn't ever stop pestering her for a fight. He'd been doing so since the first day of class. "Fine. But not now. I'm a little busy."
Caspar's eyes lit up. He was already in a good mood. After this, he looked like the happiest person around. An excited fire burned in his eyes. Caspar then sprung off to the shower. Petra tilted her head, looking at her teacher.
"Caspar is… very eager to fight. Why is that professor?" Petra asked earnestly, looking to her teacher for some sort of answer. Bells tilted her head. Caspar was an odd one. Stubborn as hell too. Maybe a little too eager to jump into a fight for his own good.
"He's… He just wants to better himself. Always. He just doesn't think before he acts." Bells speaks plainly, pausing for a moment before looking back at Petra. She seemed satisfied by the answer by nodding. Both of them left at once. Petra to go shower, Bells to go check on her last students.
Stepping out of the gates to the training hall, and continued towards the dorms, despite having an idea of what the next student was doing already, she continued on. Being so close, it wouldn't be a long walk. Nothing more than a few minutes. She pauses. Before even knocking on the door, Linhardt's calm, albeit surprisingly loud snoring reverberated through the door. He was sleeping. Well, at least he was doing fine, relatively speaking. It Would be pointless and counter-productive to try to wake him up anyway. "I hope he catches up on his homework." She mumbles to herself, checking him off the mental list.
Finally, Edelgard came to mind, and by extension, Hubert. The two were never separated, save when sleeping. It made sense. Hubert swore his life to her, not only out of family tradition but something else. Purpose. He was happy this way, or at least was content with his situation serving her.
Where would the two be? She hadn't spotted the girl or her imposing right hand anywhere today. Edelgard wasn't the religious type. She rarely, if ever, steps foot into the cathedral. She didn't seem the type to spend a day off cooped up inside. The mess hall was closing soon… Mentally crossing off place after place, landed her in the classroom. That had to be it. Thinking about it now, it was rare to see her anywhere else.
Passing the Golden Deer and Blue lion house classrooms, she'd arrive at her given station. The doors to it remained shut. Grabbing the handle to the door and turning the handle.
Rattle, Rattle.
It's locked.
Oh, right. Of course, the door to the room was to remain shut on Sunday until a teacher opened it as per regulation. She hadn't seen Byleth, Manuella, Hanneman, or anyone else that would be able to open the door around… Yet. Bells had a hunch… Digging into a pocket, she pulled out her classroom key. Swiftly putting the key and turning it, the door unlocked with a satisfying click. Grabbing the handle firmly. The knob turned and gave way.
The door swung open.
Nothing.
Bells were met with the classroom, empty and darkened. The natural light coming from the windows helped some, casting shadows around the room. Ultimately, nothing and nobody was here. She tilted her head slightly. "Where could she be?" Bells thought, closing the door. Not bothering to lock it again. The final and last place that came to her mind was her room. Had she not gotten out of bed yet?
Concern filled her thoughts as Bells began pacing towards the student dorms. Thoughts swirled, her mind consumed by the possibilities of what could be keeping her there. Walking past dorm after dorm.
On the far end, past the fishing pond lay the steps to the second floor of dorms. A small angler staircase. A quick jaunt up it led to a long hallway of doors and windows. To the left, on the wall came large windows. Almost as tall as Bells was. A nondescript shape letting the natural rays of the sun flow in. To the right lay wooden doors, identical to the ones downstairs. To the right of the doors say placards with the names of the students that the rooms belonged to. Some are fancier than others. (Lorenz's was near the end and it was gaudy as all hell. He decided to adorn his with his full name and various titles he had received or given to himself. Making the words so small that it was nigh impossible to read.)
Going up the small set of stairs that lay down the hall, Bells found herself at the door to Edelgard's room. It seems she was wrong, as she could make out hushed whispers from the other side of the door. Hubert's room was adjacent to hers, it wouldn't be far off that Hubert came over to discuss things.
Manors drilled into her by her father dictated that she wouldn't eavesdrop. It was rude and more often than not, led to trouble. Though, there was always the thought in the back of her mind, urging her to do so.
Bells promptly tapped on the door firmly.
A pause.
"Who is it?" Edelgard's voice rang out, seemingly startled by the sudden noise. A harsher, deeper voice burst out after that, rather irate at her. "What is it? Lady Edelgard and I are busy. Whatever it is, make it quick." Hubert's hostile tone came as no surprise. It was a wonder that he had not faced disciplinary action. Not that she knew of anyway.
"Edelgard, Hubert. It's me, Bells. I haven't seen you all day and was worried about you."
Hubert quickly interjected, his annoyance evident.
"Lady Edelgard is fine. We just have things to discuss. If you would kindly-" Hubert's voice was promptly cut off by Edelgard. Suddenly going quiet before she spoke back up.
"Sorry, my teacher. I'm doing fine. Just busy with other projects of mine." Edelgard's calm, almost monotone voice came. Edelgard glanced over to Hubert, motioning with her eyes to stop talking. Hubert complied immediately, as much as he wanted to tell his teacher off for what he saw as "invading" personal space, he served under Edelgard and he was to respect her wishes.
Tilting her head slightly, "Do you need anything? Have you eaten?" she asks concern in her voice. Hubert remained silent, letting Edelgard answer.
"No. We're okay. I do appreciate your concern though."
Bells took a step back, a sigh escaped her lips. Looking both ways in the hall and seeing no one around, she turned back to the stairs and walked away.
"SNAP!" The sound of wood cracking in half. There went another training lance… leaving nothing more than a sharpened stick. On second thought, the training lance was probably more dangerous in this state. Looking down at the broken weapon, Dimitri sighed. That was the second one this month. The few people that were there jumped, quickly glancing over to see what the noise was, but went back to what they were doing before. It seems this would be a common occurrence.
"Are you alright Dimitri?" Byleth's sudden voice rang from behind, causing the prince to whip around in surprise.
Dimitri just nodded solemnly. As if something more serious had happened. Professor Byleth just tilted his head. He had heard the loud snapping noise of the lance, that's what had made him so concerned, but why was he so upset over it? After all, there were more than plenty.
"You seem… distraught over this. Why?"
Dimitri walked over to the disposal bin where other miscellaneous bits had been tossed from today and days prior. "It's not good for a knight, much less a prince to be breaking his weapons. Not only is it bad during combat, potentially risking someone's life. Quality weapons are expensive Professor."
Oh.
It was true that buying brand new weapons was expensive on the budget. But the church gave him money every month to fund such things. Broken weapons are to be expected. From actual combat and wear and tear of training. The broken lance would have been taken to the blacksmith, but the church covered for them, leaving no reason to really worry about it.
The Professor walks over to the rack of lances and picks up a training lance, walking over to a training dummy and motioning Dimitri over.
"All you need is to refocus the grip, and redirect the force of the swing," Byleth states, grabbing the lance at the correct positions that he, himself had been taught.
"From what I've seen, you're putting everything into the swing, and then your hand slips, making it so that you lose control of your weapon." Byleth continues, having Dimitri stand back before doing some swings to demonstrate. Keeping the grip tight and focusing his strikes, Byleth hits the dummy on the left, right, and finally a chest stab, knocking the dummy over in the process.
"Did you see that?" Byleth asks as he hands Dimitri the training lance and picks the dummy back up. Dimitri just nods at his instruction.
"Now you try it. I want that perfected."
Dimitri then turns to the dummy, a grin plastered over his face. Grateful for his teacher's guidance, He was going to do it right this time.
The large, oppressing canyon echoed at every small step. The ruins of what was once a grand city are all that remain, proof of their predecessors. Buildings and other structures lay decimated in some calamity long ago. Loose dirt and rock flying to and forth as the wind dictated.
"Why did they drag me out here? Zanado of all places. Nothing here but rocks and trash-"
"You failed your objective, Kostas." An ambiguous, metallic voice interrupted the brute. A person dressed in red, white, and black armor stepped out from the shadows. Small rocks being kicked to the side as they went.
Kostas whirled around, axe drawn to the voice. "Who the hell?!-" He put his weapon down at the sight. It was his employer. The one who'd contracted him for the attack on those brats, or… Was supposed to.
"Wh-What do you mean?! All I was told was to kill as many noble brats as I could!" He yells, not caring who or what might be around. "Nobody told me that the knights of damned Serios were following!"
Cold, emotionless eyes bore into him. Just the same as Kostas's ax had done to other bandits and other innocents. The pressure was suffocating him.
"You've proven yourself to be a waste of my time. Only making the situation more complicated." The voice under the mask continued, disregarding the brigand's excuses. Shaking off his nerves, Kostas glared at him as he responded.
"T-this isn't what we agreed to!" His voice started to echo in the canyon walls as the person in the costume brought a hand to their chin, musing to themselves.
"What is that woman thinking…" They mumble, only half paying attention to the crass, loud man before them. There was no reason to bicker with a fool. Eyes gazing at the rocks below.
"Are you even paying attention?! What about my pay?! What now?" His voice half shrill, half confused. The figure looked at him with the same, unfeeling expression and simply said two words.
"You die."
Kostas took a step back out of shock sank in. Not sure what to say.
"Attracting the attention of the knights was an amateur mistake, one that will cost you dearly." The form turned around coldly. "I have no time for failures, the knights will dispose of you. Goodbye, Kostas."
The form then vanished in a violent fluorescence, leaving no trace of their being. Teleport magic. Leaving Kostas alone with himself and his thoughts.
And his fear.
-End of Chapter 5-