Yuri was talking to a few people. One was part of our crew, and two others I hadn't seen before. He looked at us and raised his eyebrows.

"That's all," Yuri was saying and dismissed the group with a wave of his hand. The group nodded and moved to leave the classroom. "What happened?" Yuri reached a hand out for me. I took his hand. "Are you all right?"

I nodded. "Balthus healed me up." The wound would probably smart for a few days. I rolled my neck around, while Balthus told Yuri about our run-in with bounty hunters.

"I could have taken them all on by myself," Balthus said, "but man, sparring with Byleth is tiring."

I laughed. "I was going to say the same thing. We were both too tired by the time they showed up."

Yuri squeezed my hand. "You sure you two are all right? I can heal you, Balthus." He looked at my leg and then back at me.

"I'm fine, pal." Balthus said. "Most of this blood's not mine."

"Same, I just want to go get food," I said.

"Yeah, all that fighting's made me hungry!" Balthus flexed his bicep again. "Let's go eat, Yuri!"

Yuri smiled and nodded. "All right."

I told them I'd just go eat at the cafeteria, like a regular student would, and left them in Abyss.

Back in my room, I washed the blood off my leg and stomach with a wet washcloth. Then I bandaged up the cuts. The one on my stomach was mostly healed. My leg actually hurt more.

I'd have to postpone sparring with Byleth tomorrow.

Byleth and I agreed to spar together before getting dinner with Jeralt on the weekend. When Saturday arrived, my leg had healed, and I was ready. In the afternoon, I met up with Byleth at the training grounds. He nodded at me as a greeting. I stretched my arms.

"Let's do this," I said and picked a training sword up.

Byleth nodded and took a training sword too.

Our swords clashed and clanked, blocking and dodging. Byleth was fast, maybe even faster than Balthus. Byleth's strikes were strong and forceful, sometimes knocking me back a few steps.

A few minutes later, and I was breathless, standing out of Byleth's sword reach. Byleth lowered his sword.

"Why aren't you attacking?" I said.

"You need a break," Byleth said.

You… He didn't need a break himself. My breaths were slowing down. I wiped at the sweat on my forehead.

"I guess I underestimated you," I said. "You're a lot stronger than you look."

Byleth shook his head. "You're strong too."

Hah. He was trying to be nice. I gave him a wry smile. Then I lifted my training sword back up. "Let's spar again."

"Are you sure?" Byleth raised his sword back up too.

I nodded and lunged forward to attack.

We met up with Jeralt at the gates of Garreg Mach. We were going to eat at a restaurant in the town. Jeralt said he would treat us.

"Do you drink, Byleth?" Jeralt asked me when we sat down. I shook my head.

"Alcohol makes it harder to fight," I said.

Jeralt laughed. "Well, Byleth doesn't either." It had to be confusing that we were both going by the same name.

Byleth and I sat on the same side of the table and looked at the menu. When the waiter came, Jeralt ordered beer for himself. I chose an interesting dish that had noodles in soup.

"This kiddo doesn't talk much," Jeralt said, in regards to Byleth. "But you're like the opposite."

"I talk too much?" I didn't smile back when Jeralt did.

"Yeah, it's nice," Jeralt said. His smile faded. "Makes me wonder what it would have been like, seeing you grow up."

I stared at my hands on the table. "Apparently, some villagers found me in a bush, severely injured. The village doctor healed me up. They thought someone had thrown me off the cliff and that I'd landed in the bushes."

Jeralt's eyes widened. Then he looked at the wooden table. "I thought someone kidnapped you, for ransom money. Back then, man, it was rough keeping tabs on you two and trying to work as a merc. But I would never-" Jeralt shook his head.

"I know," I said. I believed him. I wanted to, anyway.

I picked up my cup of warm barley tea and took a sip. Byleth was watching me but didn't say anything. I wondered what went on in his head. I smirked at him and said, "You must have had a boring childhood without me."

Byleth smiled and nodded. I almost spat out my tea. I thought he'd keep his deadpan expression and shrug.

Jeralt smiled too. "Yeah, you two were close," he said.

"So, why'd Rhea appoint you as a professor?" I asked.

While Byleth was explaining, the waiter returned with our food. It was warm and delicious, and the restaurant was just noisy enough that silence wasn't awkward.

Jeralt shared some stories about being a mercenary. He told me about how he enjoyed fishing and drinking. Byleth was quiet, nodding now and then. Jeralt then asked me how I ended up at the monastery, as a student at the Academy.

"I have a friend, who got adopted by a Count, whose helping pay for the tuition," I said. Jeralt nodded. He probably thought my friend was an orphan like me.

"Rhea told me she recognized you when she saw you," Jeralt said. "You really look a lot like your mother."

I touched my hair, at shoulder-length and blue. It was true I'd never met anyone else with hair this color, except for Byleth. Most people had plain brown hair color.

We finished eating, and Jeralt paid. Then we walked back to Garreg Mach.

"Hey," Jeralt said to me. "If you need anything, just let me know, got it? You can usually find me in the Captain's Quarters."

I nodded.

Jeralt smiled. "You've got twenty some years of favors to catch up on, so don't hesitate."

I smiled back. "Thanks."

We were probably going to lose the mock battle. After sparring with Byleth, it was clear he was a lot stronger than… well most people.

Today was the mock battle. The three classes filed to a nearby open plain for the battle. Dimitri had gone over a few battle tactics with us the day before. He'd be leading our class. We got into position, and then Jeralt - who was overseeing the mock battle - started the battle.

Dimitri, Dedue, Mercedes, Ashe, and I were on the field. Professor Manuela opted to sit out of the battle and heal students who were defeated. The Black Eagles house had Byleth, Edelgard, Hubert, Ferdinand, and Lindhardt.

We waited for the Black Eagles house to advance closer before engaging. Dedue, Dimitri, and I took the front lines. Dimitri and Edelgard clashed, while Dedue fought with Ferdinand. Except Hubert was blasting Dedue with dark magic, and Dedue was taking lots of damage.

I tried to pursue Hubert, but Byleth was in the way. I'd known this would happen. Our swords met with a clatter.

"Ashe! Try to take out Hubert," Dimitri shouted. Ashe nodded and moved. Mercedes was busy healing Dedue up.

Byleth's expression was calm. Almost cold. I tried to land a hit but Byleth dodged. He swung back but I blocked.

Byleth was hitting harder and swinging faster than when we'd sparred. Is this what truly fighting the Ashen Demon looked like? I tried to dodge but wasn't fast enough and Byleth's sword scraped across my chest. Ouch.

"Dedue!" Dimitri called. I had no idea how he was keeping track of the battle considering he and Edelgard were at each other's throats.

Ashe had taken Hubert out. But not before Hubert took Dedue out. And now, Ferdinand was moving past Dimitri and me to attack Ashe. Mercedes was healing Dimitri.

I gritted my teeth and aimed for Byleth again. He blocked. I'd rather be helping someone else. It'd be faster if we all ganged up on one person. A bit rough, I suppose, but it'd get the job done.

"Hang on, Ashe, I'll try to heal you," Mercedes was saying. I couldn't see what was going on behind me, but I could hear Ashe grunting, and Ferdinand introducing himself.

Then, Byleth stepped back and turned towards Dimitri. Dimitri's lance was up against Edelgard's axe.

Oh no.

Byleth swung his sword at Dimitri. I leaped forward, trying to block with my own sword. Byleth's sword dug into my shoulder instead, and I crashed into Dimitri. At least this knocked Edelgard off balance too, surprised by our sudden appearance. Dimitri and Edelgard both disengaged.

"Fall back," Dimitri said to me. "Help Ashe. Mercedes can heal you!"

There was no way Dimitri could handle both Byleth and Edelgard. But maybe if I helped Ashe with Ferdinand, then we could regroup.

I nodded and dashed away. Ashe was looking pretty rough. Mercedes was attacking Ferdinand with light magic too. But Ferdinand swung his lance, jabbing Ashe in the stomach, and Ashe fell to the ground.

"Out!" someone yelled. A knight rushed over to help Ashe off the battlefield.

Ferdinand was turning to face Mercedes. Oh no, if Mercedes got knocked out, we'd really be in trouble.

My own injuries were burning. Mercedes saw me running over. Then I felt warm and saw light fluttering around me. She was healing me.

"I'll take care of Ferdinand," I said. Mercedes nodded and moved towards Dimitri.

"I'm Ferdinand von Aegir," Ferdinand said and brandished his lance towards me with a smile.

"Pleasure to meet you," I said.

Ferdinand wasn't as fast as Byleth. I landed a hit first. Ferdinand's lance poked my side once, then my sword hit his chest. Ferdinand doubled backwards. Ouch, this mock battle was definitely hurting.

Ferdinand's next swing was sloppy and easy to dodge. I hit his back with my sword and Ferdinand fell to his knees. He wasn't one to give up easily though, and rammed his lance against my shin.

I winced, stumbling back. Ow. Biting my bottom lip, I dashed towards Ferdinand and struck him with my sword in the stomach.

"Oof," he said.

"Out!" someone yelled and a knight appeared to escort Ferdinand off.

Dimitri was still fighting with Edelgard. Byleth was attacking Mercedes. This wasn't looking great. I could feel blood on my leg, as I limped towards Mercedes. She was fighting Byleth off with Nosferateu, which was healing her too.

But it wasn't enough, and Mercedes fell.

Byleth turned to me.

"Well, I had a feeling your house would win," I said, gritting my teeth from the aching pain everywhere. My chest, my shoulder, my leg. Ow ow ow ow.

Byleth nodded. "Not an easy win though."

Then I swung at him.

It was like Byleth could see the future. He avoided my attack and knocked my sword out of my hands. Then he pointed his sword at my neck.

"Out!" someone said.

I see. In a way, he was being merciful. Sparing me from one more hit. I picked up my sword and limped off towards the tent, where Professor Manuela was healing everyone up. I didn't have to look behind me to know that Dimitri would be following soon.

I joined the other students at the tent. Professor Manuela was healing Ferdinand. There was one other nurse who was healing Mercedes.

"Good job out there," Mercedes said to me with a smile.

"Same to you," I said, nodding.

Dimitri hobbled into the tent and sat down with us. He smiled at us.

I was mostly healed up when Jeralt declared that the mock battle winner was the Black Eagles house. No one was surprised.

After everyone was healed enough, our classes regrouped to have a joint meal in the cafeteria. The professors tried to break up the classes. I ended up sitting near Claude, Bernadetta, and Dedue. Bernadetta and Dedue were both quiet as they ate. Claude, on the other hand, rested an elbow on the table and looked me in the eye with a smile.

"So, you're the professor's twin sister," he said.

I nodded. I'd rather join Dedue and Bernadetta in the quiet club. I was eating grilled pheasant and roasted vegetables.

"What are your plans after graduating?" Claude asked. "You should come join me in the Alliance."

"Doing what?" I said. There were grapes in the middle of the table, and Bernadetta was plucking a grape off one after another.

Claude shrugged. "I think you'd make a good advisor." He winked. "Certainly, a beautiful one." I didn't smile, just stared at him. He laughed and said, "I'm joking! Chill, Byleth."

"I didn't think you were the sleazy type," I said.

"I'm not," Claude said, leaning forward. He had an earnest smile on his face, but it didn't seem genuine. Yuri used that kind of smile all of the time. "I'm just trying to figure out how to win you over. You're clearly strong."

"Not as strong as Byleth," I said, nodding towards the Professor, who was eating at another table. "Why don't you go and win him over?"

"Ah, the Princess already took him. Besides, I think you're more interesting."

I didn't want to be interesting. I didn't like the way Claude was staring at me, like he wanted to study me. I shifted in my seat and glanced towards Dedue. Dedue looked back, then at Claude, then said, "His Highness wants Byleth's assistance too."

Oh, Dedue was going to save me!

I turned back to Claude and nodded, perhaps too vigorously. "Yes, yup, exactly what he said. I'm already going to help Prince Dimitri."

Claude frowned, sitting back. "Too bad. Well, if you ever change your mind, my offer still stands. I could use someone like you."

I didn't want to be used. I didn't say anything and just chewed on a carrot. I could feel Bernadetta's eyes on me. When I looked at her, though, she jumped in her seat and lowered her head to keep munching on the grapes.

What a strange group…

The day after the mock battle, I went down to Abyss. I'd finished my greenhouse duties and had my books and assignments in my arms. Constance was the only one in the classroom, though.

"Looking for Yuri?" Constance asked with a smile.

I nodded. Then paused. Maybe I shouldn't have let Constance know that. Usually, I wouldn't give myself away like that.

"Sorry, I can't help. I haven't seen him all day," Constance said.

"That's okay. Thanks," I said and left the room. I tried the boy's dorm room next. No one there. Then, Rose's house. Rose was out too, probably shopping in town. I sat down at the dining table and got to working on my assignments.

My body was still aching from yesterday's injuries, especially my leg. I'd taken a look yesterday. There were more and more scars criss-crossing my skin.

It was mid-afternoon when Rose returned, carrying a crate full of vegetables.

"Oh, Byleth!" Rose smiled at me. I shoved my books to the side so she could set the box down. "Phew!"

"You could have asked me for help, you know," I said, standing up.

"I'm not too weak to carry some ingredients," Rose said. She took the meat and the vegetables and placed them in the icebox in the corner. "Are you working on homework?"

"Yeah." I tried not to sigh. It wasn't fun. I put the tea leaves away. "Have you seen Yuri?"

Rose dusted her hands on her skirt. "Not today. He came by yesterday for dinner."

Hm… where had he gone? We finished putting the rest of the groceries away: some pickled vegetables, jerky, and a bottle of milk. I'd made enough progress on my assignments that I thought I could lounge around.

"I guess I'll come back later then," I said.

"Of course, come back whenever you want," Rose said. She reached a hand out and squeezed my shoulder.

I returned my books and papers to my room. Then I wandered around the monastery grounds. Byleth was fishing, reeling in fish after fish.

"Lots of fish today," the pond caretaker told me when I walked by.

I walked through the main hall towards the cathedral. There were even more worshippers on the weekends.

I was nearing the bridge to the cathedral when a voice called for me from the right, "Oh, Byleth!"

Aelfric was waving at me. I walked towards him. "Hello," I said.

"Good afternoon," Aelfric said with a smile. "Would you care to visit your mother's grave with me?"

My mother?

I must have looked confused because Aelfric said, "Sitri, that's your mother, isn't it? She and Jeralt met and married here at the monastery."

"You knew her? And she's buried here?" I asked.

Aelfric nodded and motioned for me to follow him. I did. We went down a set of stairs to a small cemetery. Aelfric stopped in front of one tombstone. Sitri Eisner. So Eisner was my last name too?

"I'm glad I got the chance to show you," Aelfric said. "Maybe you could leave flowers for her now and then."

I nodded. I suppose, even though I didn't ever get the chance to meet her.

"How is being a student going so far?" Aelfric smiled at me. The sun was warm against our faces. I raised my eyebrows at him. "Ah, well, Yuri asked me to help fund your tuition."

Yuri asked Aelfric?! I thought he said he'd struck a deal with Rhea. My eyes only widened further. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Did he not tell you?" Aelfric seemed just as surprised as me. "He said he needed someone to help pay for half of the tuition." So Rhea was paying for half and Aelfric was paying for the other half?

"What did you get in return?" I said.

Aelfric laughed, as if that was a joke. "Yuri's leading the Ashen Wolves class, of course. I asked him to help the other students out, give them study materials and tasks to help them learn. I think it benefits everyone."

"That's… very gracious of you," I said.

"I want to help the kids too," Aelfric said and smiled at the grave in front of us. "We should always help people less fortunate than us. Sitri would have done the same, I'm sure."

I see… First my brother and father appear out of nowhere and now my deceased mother too. The words on the tombstone were fading.

"If there's anything I can do to help you, Byleth, let me know," Aelfric said.

"Thank you," I said. It was odd hearing such offers so much recently. First, Jeralt, now Aelfric. Who was next? Rhea? Professor Manuela?

"I owe your mother a great deal," Aelfric said.

Great. Cool. I forced a smile. "Thanks for helping fund my tuition, Aelfric. Sir." I wasn't sure what title he had.

Aelfric chuckled. "Just Aelfric is fine, Byleth."

"I should get going," I said.

"Of course, good bye," he said.

I went back up the steps and continued on my way to the training grounds.

For several days now, when I'd gone to Abyss, I couldn't find Yuri. Rose didn't have a much better idea either. I asked some of our crew members.

"Yuri boss? I haven't seen him around too much," Barold said, scratching the back of his head. "He's talking to a lot of people, ya know?"

I didn't know. Who was Yuri talking to and why?

It was probably the fifth day in the row that I couldn't find Yuri, and it was getting late. I just wanted to see him. If only there was some kind of magic to find someone. What if he wasn't even alive anymore?

No, no, Rose had seen him just two days ago.

I checked the boy's dorm room one last time. Empty. Well, since no one was here, I may as well wait here. I had one book with me that I had to read for tomorrow. Maybe Yuri would show up before I was done. I crawled into Yuri's bed. It smelled like Yuri, like lilies and earth.

Lying on my stomach, I opened the textbook and started reading. It was a very boring book about weaponry. The chapter I was reading was about bows, about string tension, arrow weight, and different arrow heads. To be fair, it wasn't that boring. The reading was just very dry and technical. There were lots of big words everywhere and jargon that I couldn't keep up with.

My eyelids were getting heavy. It was warm under the blanket. The pillow was soft and cushiony too.

It'd be okay if I closed my eyes for a bit, right?

Thanks for reading! :)