A/N: Well final chapter guys to the rewrite of this fanfic. I had a lot of fun with this and some late nights but I think it's an improvement from how it used to be and doesn't feel as rushed either. 3

Chapter 5
Relief
~.~.~

By dawn's light Byleth awoke, beckoned to the world by songbird serenades and the soft morning light. She was feeling a lot better then she had in days, her strength having had relatively returned to her. The buzzing numbness and nothing more then a dull throb which would fade given another day's rest. But at least she didn't feel like death as she sat up, stretching her stiff limbs. She didn't want to just stay here though, lying around doing nothing was not her style. She'd done enough of that these last couple days.

Still not completely trusting her body yet she got up and saw Dimitri still sleeping on the couch. That was fine; let the head of her class sleep. Sothis knew he needed it after all he did for her these days. Though those past few days were an uncomfortable blur in her head. She still half expected Sothis to speak up, but no...not a sound. "So what she said is true."she thought as she looked into a near by mirror. They had merged, the goddess was now Byleth and Byleth was the deity made flesh.

It left a sort of melancholy in her heart.

The one that could easily be called her sister was no more in a sense but also still existed. Such a odd feeling it was as she looked over her new appearance. Her long hair was a mess, actually the last few days it seemed to have gotten longer. "Hm, going to have to see if can fix that."she muttered. It was subtle and not noticeable unless you got a good look but her pupils matched Sothis's looking very slightly more on the feral side. But now...she was noticing things there had been only faint glimpses before. Enough, she needed to get out for much needed air. So she grabbed her high heels and put them on and grabbed her coat, holding it close over her shoulders as she felt cold as she closed the door behind her quietly. As she slowly walked down the dimly lit hall she was soon greeted by a familiar, friendly face of Lady Rhea, yawning slightly as she stepped out from her personal chambers.

"Lady Rhea, good morning."greeted Byleth.

Rhea was startled looking to see Byleth stand in the hall not far from her door. The young professor had much of complexion back and from what her eyes showed the glow in the young teen's veins had all but receded. However there was still a bit of flush to her face from a fading fever. "Oh my dear professor you're awake my child."Rhea then walked over to the young teacher putting a gentle hand on her forehead to check. "Hm, still a bit warm, but the fever's breaking"she thought aloud.

"Fever? What fever?"Byleth looked rather confused. "Other then feeling slightly sore and tired I'm fine."

"My dear Professor Eisner, you brought back to us in quite the state. Do you not remember what happened?"asked Rhea in clear concern.

Byleth thought for a moment, scrambling to gather her memories she did recall. "I remember speaking to Sothis, she gave me her power so I could escape the void, then taking out the rest of the enemies with my class's help..."

"Go on, I'm listening."encouraged Rhea.

Byleth paused as she gripped her coat as she walked down the hall with Rhea to her office. "I remember suddenly feeling like...like well, it's hard to describe but it felt like I was being burned alive from the inside out. Talking to Dimitri, then everything beyond that has been very hazy."

"Hm,"Rhea hummed in thought as she encouraged Byleth to sit down once in her office. Byleth was not going to kick a gift horse in the mouth so with a thankful sigh she sat down, resting her head against the top of the chair. "That would probably be because of the condition you were in. Sothis has bestowed this blessing a couple times in history my dear professor. Your fever was quite high, a side effect of your body adjusting slowly to your new powers."

"And the pain?"

"Another side effect of it and it's what triggered the fever. Sothis had to rip away what you were child in order to mold it, strength it for the better."Rhea explained.

Ugh all this religious nonsense was threatening to have that headache get worse. No wonder her father kept her so sheltered away from the Church of Seiros all her life. It was a headache just learning it. But, she worked here so learn it she would. Byleth knew knowledge meant the difference between life and death on the battle field...and off it. Her late father made sure of that!

"And the headache?"she inquired.

"That would have been from quite the fall you had in Sealed Forest. Dimitri said you collapsed and hit your head rather hard. So you were slightly concussed, dear professor. Took me a little while to heal that injury."the archbishop explained.

"Well that explains my head still hurts."groaned Byleth in frustration. She'd had concussions in the past as mercenary—occupational hazards and all that—they weren't a fun time. If she was still suffering symptoms then no way in hell was she going to be able to teach let alone do training. She felt gold glow on her head, forcing her to open her eyes with a quizzical glance up to see Rhea using her healing mana. Already it was easing the aches and pains in her body as well as her throbbing head. Rhea soon finished before going back to chest by her desk. "There, that should help speed things up for you, dear. Now,"Byleth watched as she came over with a brand new neatly folded clothes.

Byleth raised a brow at Rhea, unsure what to think as she took it. and unwrapped them with care. Revealing a snow white cloak with a single sleeve as well as a new black top and shorts. The only thing familiar to her were those lace tights she liked to wear. "What's this for?"

"Consider it a gift from me, Flayn, and Seteth my dear professor. Unfortunately everything but your coat weren't able to be salvaged. The night gown is also from me."said Rhea.

"Rhea...WHERE ARE MY CLOTHES!?"snapped Byleth and swiftly regretted it thanks to her protesting body. Ok screaming bad idea right now, dually noted. Guess that meant keeping her far, far away from Sylvain then. Damn tramp.

"Some monsters broke in last night and may have trashed room in the dorms along with five other students before being caught and put down."came Seteth's voice as he entered.

Byleth groaned at this, rubbing her temples, the stress of it all clearly aggravating her. Not something Seteth and Rhea wanted with her just starting to recover.

"Professor!"came an over zealous squeak as Byleth looked up to see Flyan running over.

"Flayn!?"Byleth yelped at getting tackled by the curly green haired girl that was Seteth's only family. Resulting in her grunting from the impact, almost falling out of the chair. Way too much excitement and it wasn't even close to breakfast yet.

"Flayn, what did I say before?"scolded Seteth, earning an embarrassed yelp as Flayn was fast to get off bowing in apology.

"I-I'm sorry."Flayn quickly apologized.

"It's quite alright Seteth, she was just excited...maybe relieved to see me?"dismissed Byleth, earning that sweet smile from her student.

"Everyone had been so worried and rumored were spreading through the academy and monastery. None of them good mind you."pouted Flayn before Byleth patted her shoulder and held her new clothed close as she got to her feet. The three watched like hawks as it seemed to be a tad unsteady. "Give me a bit longer, I should be back teaching by the end of the week."Byleth stole a glance at Rhea for confirmation, earning a nod of a agreement from archbishop.

"You should return to the gust room for now, professor. It is wonderful to see you are on the mends but do not take on more then you can handle or you will be causing more trouble for us."Seteth was swift to quip at the young swordwoman.

Byleth just nodded, gripping her coat close around her shoulder as she shivered. "Thank you for your concern, but I think I can manage a walk back." With the resound clap clap of her low high heels Byleth left the office and was almost out the doors of the audiance chamber when she ran into a familiar silver hair maiden with lilac eyes. "P-Professor?"

"Hello Edelgard, I trust you're well?"greeted Byleth.

"Quite, thank you. But are you alright? Should you really be up and about?"Edelgard was quick to question her concern clear to see.

"I'll be fine, just tired. I should be back to teaching by the end of the week."she reassured calmly.

"Then you're finally on the mends?"Byleth softly nodded before yawning a little. "That is wonderful news, everyone in my house will be thrilled. Please do take care of yourself Professor Eisner."

"I will."Byleth then continued on her way. To her surprise to run into Dimitri who seemed to be in a worried tizzy. "D-Dimitri?"Byleth blinked in surprise.

"Professor you had me worried, I have been looking everywhere for you after not seeing you resting in your bed."Oh dear, that's what she forgot to do. Byleth hadn't left a note saying she'd be back in a little bit.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause you to worry. I was just with Lady Rhea."she stated with an apologetic look. She hadn't meant to cause trouble for her class's leader.

"You went to speak with the archbishop?"asked Dimitri, truly curious. "What did she say?"

"Just wanted to check me over and give me these new clothes. Apparently some giant wolves sneaked in and trashed some of the commoners dorms, including some of the faculty's."Byleth let out a frustrated growl. Damn, she loved those clothes and she owned very little belongings to begin with! She just prayed her father's journal was still in his former office along with her late parents' wedding rings.

"Did she say anything else?"Dimitri was quick to inquire.

"As long as I take it easy I'll be back teaching by this weekend. Which means, I want you going back to classes today."Byleth said, a sternness in her frosty green eyes. Said remark made Dimitri clearly hesitate, she could see it. But she was well enough to take care of herself now and right now...she wanted to go back and lie down. It showed in her posture and body language that she was still a little bit unwell and exhausted.

An exhausted Ashen Demon was a cranky one Dimitri and the students had learned fast. So, Dimitri sighed, giving in. "Alright, but at least allow me to escort you back to the room?"he offered in compromise.

"That I can permit."she said with a tired grin. Byleth knew her limits but learning what they were when her body was not healthy was something she even now had to learn. Though she loathed to admit this was the case as Dimitri guided her back to the room she had been staying in these past few days and probably would until her dorm room was fixed. A tired hum escaped her as she leaned a little against him, surprising him but he simply smiled as they arrived at the open guest room. "I am glad you're starting to feel better. I guess I will see you later professor?" Wait was Dimitri blushing as he avoided her gaze while saying this? Ok that was rather cute.

"Just one second Dimitri."Byleth went inside and set the new clothes down on the couch before grabbing some paper and swiftly written up a late note, sealing it with a wax seal before walking back to him at the door way, handing him the letter. "Give to which ever professor is substituting for me today. And the second one is a letter for everyone in the class, feel free to read it to them."

Dimitri gladly took them in his hand but noticed there was a third in the bundle. "What about this last one professor?"

"That's for Claude and his house. Be sure he gets it please."Byleth explained smoothly. She had a hunch after her run in with Edelgard that if the Black Eagles had been worried, so had been the Golden Deer. And Sothis knew her house students, the Blue Lions were anxious with worry as well. These letter were meant to inform them and still reassure them and ruthlessly destroy any rumors floating about.

"Of course, I'll see to it personally he gets it."promised Dimitri as he began to leave but stopped to offer a smile. "Rest well Leth."

"Thank you, now go work your ass off Didi."she smirked. Quietly she watched him vanish down the hall, probably to hurry to get ready for classes today. Part of her didn't want to shoo him off, but that boy had missed too many days for her liking taking care of her, watching over her. Lessons were important too ad besides she'd get to see her sweet prince before long. She let out another yawn as she closed the door and set her coat aside as she made way for the bed and got back under the welcomed warmth, snuggling under the sheets. She looed at the two stuffed animals and grabbed the lion, fiddling with the ears causing a smile as she pictured Dimitri with the fuzzy ears. She held the lion close in her arms before falling fast asleep.

Dimitri couldn't believe he had made it to class but he had arrived late as he walked in and set a letter on the desk. From the looks of things it was the Golden Deer's professor, Hanneman that was substituting for their beloved professor today. Meaning Claude's house was probably having a free study day today, spending their time at the training arena.

"Ah, Lord Dimitri so glad you can finally join us."greeted the older gentleman as he took the letter from the head of the Blue Lions.

"Forgive me, Professor Hanneman the last few days have been hectic."apologized Dimitri as he took his seat.

Hanneman grabbed a knife from the desk drawer and opened it. He knew this sleek but slightly aggressive penmanship anywhere. This was Miss Byleth Eisner's handwriting. After skimming it for awhile his eyes went wide.

"What's it say Prof. Hanneman?"asked Sylvain curiously.

"Yeah tell us already!"asked Felix anxiously.

"It's a letter from your professor. Mostly it's a letter excusing Dimitri's lateness today but there stuff here directed towards each of you."Oh that got the class practically jumping to their feet and Hanneman had to swiftly force to sit back down in their seats.

"Can you read it out loud? We want to hear."asked Ingrid in earnest, her classmates voicing their agreements.

"Very well,"The professor that specialized in the science of crests cleared his throat as he adjust his monocle. He then began to read aloud for them to hear,

"To the professor substituting for me during my leave of absence please be sure that those working on their requirements for their desired class if they wish to take the class upgrade exam by the end of this moon. A couple of my students have already reached the requirements and I expect them to train full heartedly for the exam this moon. If anyone so much as slacks off you have my permission to put them through hell."

Groans and protests could be heard from some of the male students but there was an excited squeak from Annette and Mercedes. Both were close to to their next class upgrades. Word for word that was defiantly their professor. With that the class continued on until the chime of the church bells, signaling morning classes were done. In the mess hall the Blue Lions all crowded around Dimitri at the table.

"What's that you have there, M'Lord?"asked Dedue, voicing what everyone was curious about.

"This? Professor wrote a personal letter to us."said Dimitri as he head it up.

"Ooo! Read it, read it!"Urged Annette excitedly.

"Yes get on with it already!"urged Sylvain.

"Alright, alright!"laughed Dimitri as he opened up the letter. Dimitri wasted not a second as he began to read aloud...

"To my beloved students and friends,
I am sure you have heard the rumors going around the monastery since the events of the Sealed Forest. Let me be the first to clear some things up, I am still alive and am now on the mends to a full recovery. Dimitri can fill you in on some details of what happened the last few days if you have any questions. I wish I could explain to you all better then this but everything after the battle is a blurry, fuzzy mess. Just as disastrous as Flayn's cooking."

"Hey!"pouted Flayn as everyone broke into laughter.

"To be fair your cooking is scary and should be outlawed."snickered Syvlain only to earn a zap of magic from said greenette, making the redhead yelp.

"You have been working so hard and I am proud of each of you. Felix keep working at your swordsmanship and reason you'll make it to greater heights. Sylvain less chasing after girls and more focusing on your studies, your grades are horrendous so expect hell when I get back! Ingrid I'm counting you to keep Sylvain in line as usual and keep up your riding lessons with your pegasus."

Felix smirked, his ego clearly having been boosted by their teacher's words. Syvlain though looked like he had been hit in face with a shield and was crumbled heap of defeat.

"Professor...that's so not fair..."whined Sylvain in protest.

Ingrid was fast to snatch him by the ear, looking very annoyed at her childhood friend you sware you could see multiple tick marks. "Sylvain Gautier! I told you multiple times not to go skipping out on classes and assignments!"

"Owowowowowow! Ingrid!"protested Sylvain.

"Sylvain you should know by now nothing escapes our professor's notice."scolded Ashe.

"Wait until your old man hears about this."now Sylvain paled even further at Felix's words.

"Ashe you're archery is doing great so please focus more on the lance and your horseback riding. If you're struggling with the horses still, Ingrid can help you. Mercedes and Annette,your talent as a white mage is coming along beautifully so keep it up and you should be ready for your exam by the time the moon is over...and uh c-could bring some sweet buns later Annette?"

Everyone smiled at hearing that last sentence addressed to Annette. They all know what a monster of a sweet tooth their teacher had. Heck it was worse then Dimitri's own sweet tooth and they knew the best way to soothe the Ashen Demon was give her sweets. Sothis knew just how many she mowed through after Jeralt's funeral. His death had hit Byleth the hardest that day.

"Sure, I can. I was going to make some more tonight to give to the professor."grinned Annette.

"She actually ate all the of the desert I had brought up from the mess hall the other night."chuckled Dimitri.

"No!"gaped the others.

"Yes."earning giggles at the prince's confirmation.

"Dedue, I know the last few days must have been hard on you too. I know close you and Dimitri are, but you better get used to me having to hog him to myself here and there while I work with him on some lesson material he's been struggling with lately. Lastly, Dimitri keep working on what I assigned you and thank you for everything these last few days. I caused each of you worry, for that I am truly sorry. But rest assured I doing better and getting the rest I need right now. If all goes well Lady Rhea says I can return to work by this weekend. Until keep at your lessons and working hard...yes, I'm looking at you Sylvain! Dimitri you have permission to put him through tortureous hell of hard labor until I return if he hasn't been keeping up with his studies.
Sincerely, Professor Byleth Eisner."

All the classes eyes were like daggers as they locked onto the redhead at that last statement. Enough so that poor Sylvain felt like a tiny bug being stared down by a pissed off pride of lions. He was so dead as Byleth's ire was something to be feared. All the students at the academy knew of her "Seminars of Doom" as the redhead often called them. Sylvain felt like he might faint at realizing once their professor DID return...how he shivered at this.

"You heard the professor, Sylvain time to put you to work."grinned Dimitri in a sickeningly sweet way. Making even Felix shiver as they got a glimpse why Felix called him the Boar Prince. Dimitri had a ruhtless, harsh side he rarely showed. But even Dimitri knew better then to upset Byleth.

Angry Byleth was scary.

Angry Byleth was the Ashen Demon baring it's fangs.

Yeah better to stay on her good side and be good little students and do as they were told. But that letter had done the intended job for the Blue Lions: lift their spirits. On the other side of the mess hall just outside Claude had also finished reading the letter, their own laughter ringing loud and clear of worry. Over in the lesson hall of the Black Eagles Edelgard had just informed her classmates of her encounter earlier with the Blue Lions' professor, all of them looking relieved to hear Byleth was in fact recovering. What the three houses didn't know Byleth woken up at about mid morning after one of the Ashen Wolves' little black messenger owls had appeared at her window. By now Yuri had also read the letter, their bringing them up to date of recent happenings and smashing any rumors in the process that her students from Abyss may have learned. In their own ways, all four house leaders and their classmates were for the first time in days feeling a sense of relief and joy.

Few Days Later...

Byleth walked through the halls, softly humming a tune to herself. Her lesson plans from that day in hand as she headed for her dorm after locking up the classroom for the night. Minus her change in clothes and appearance she looked and felt healthier then ever before. Frosty green eyes looked over at a pillar in the shadows of dusk to see a familiar smiling face of a blonde haired, icy blue eyed teenage boy.

"Dimitri it's getting late, have you been waiting here all this time?"she asked as she walked over to him.

"I was hoping to catch you. I was uh hoping I could walk you to your dorm?"Dimitri asked, blushing as he rubbed the back of his head. He then offered his hand like the gentleman he was. He had noticed in her hair was a rare blue dragon rose today.

Byleth did not hesitate in the slightest, taking her free hand and twined her fingers with his in a firm grip. Dimitri's eyes lit up with delight as he walked side by side with Byleth, enjoying each other's company. What a pair they were; the Prince of Delusion and the Entlightened One. A Prince that had lost everything and former mercenary feared as the Ashen Demon. Yet it was something in deep their souls that just felt right. Little did they know just how much so in the the times to come.

~The End~