Testament of Dawn

by Naryfiel Lilith

It should have been a simple year, a year like any other, but a chance encounter leads Byleth and her twin, Azrael, on a path neither ever expected to be on. A path that led to bonds stronger than fate itself. A path that would lead to a war of ideals. Fodlan's night of chaos and war ends with the dawning light, but will fate or bonds decide who bears witness? (3H Novelization)

15. Chapter 13) Rite of Rebirth

Chapter 13) Rite of Rebirth

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Despite my faint hopes, this month barely seems better than the last. My students are still recovering, emotionally, from the battle in Gaspard and the supposed assassination attempt on Rhea only makes the air heavy in the monastery. Is it truly so much to ask for my students to have a peaceful month? Ah, maybe I really should think of prayer. The Goddess supposedly 'returns' during this month anyway. Maybe she'll hear and take pity. More ridiculous things have happened, after all.

…Oh, goodness, I sound like Azrael. I'd have to work to keep what tact I had.

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As the Rite of Rebirth grew closer, tensions in the monastery spiked. Every day, there were arguments and even mild fistfights. People jumped at shadows, flinched at the tiniest of noises. Reassurances would placate them for only a moment, before the cycle began again. The medical students were becoming quite experienced with basic first aid, to the point I'd seen more than one do so while half-asleep. Because, of course, many found sleep escaping them as their anxiety grew with the tension. I feared the monastery would snap into pieces before the Rite ever came, and half-wondered if this was the purpose of the supposed assassination attempt.

"Ah, so there are knights down here," I murmured, hopping lightly from the staircase and into Abyss proper. I absently waved to the 'Abysskeeper', who protected Abyss's main entrance, but didn't receive the usual nod in return. He was too busy grumbling at the Knight of Seiros standing next to him, after all. I could only hope the lack of outright arguing and fighting was a good sign. I'd been worried ever since Dad told me knights were stationed down here. "Let's see… I should look for Yuri first."

So I said/thought. However, I'd barely taken two steps into Abyss's main street before being bombarded with greetings left and right. People simply chatting, others bragging about how well their lessons were going, still others sharing stories... I liked hearing them. I couldn't deny that. I liked them for the smiles they brought, and because it was a sign things were 'normal' down here. Yes, there were knights, and yes, things were stressful, but they still continued living just as they always did. With all that said, having a lot of people talk to me at once was enough to make my heart leap to my throat, and by the time I was able to find some reprieve, I felt like I'd gone through seven battles, at least. Too many bad memories of being alone in crowds... my hands shook at the reminder, but I balled them into fists to hide it. I had to hide it.

"Oh, Byleth?" Because it didn't take long for another person to find me. "So, that's why everyone got excited suddenly." At least it was Ely, and only Ely. "I hope they didn't jump on you again," she sighed, slipping to my side to peer at my face. I smiled faintly in return. "Anyways, what brings you down here? Based on what we've heard above, you've got quite a bit on your plate."

"I'm simply checking in," I explained, shrugging slightly. Even if there was a lot going on above, there actually wasn't much I could do until the day of the Rite. Almost made everything worse. "I thought to speak to Yuri. Do you know where he is?"

"Yuri and Balthus are at the arena we have here, making bets." A split-second's pause. "Which means Balthus has probably lost ten times by now. At least."

"Does Balthus have the money to bet?

"Oh, they don't bet money. They bet stories. Which means Yuri learns everything about Balthus, and Balthus learns nothing about Yuri." She shrugged. "It's happened numerous times. Careful he doesn't rope you into such messes."

"...?" I tilted my head slightly. "I have little to hide? If Yuri wants to know more, he simply can ask. Though, if he asks Azrael, he'll probably get a much longer and detailed answer than he'd want."

"Hmm... actually, no, that makes sense." She tapped a finger against her cheek, scrutinizing me. "You ask no questions about anyone; you simply accept them. By that same token, though, you accept whatever assumptions people make about you. You don't challenge their perceptions, correct or incorrect. That's probably why so many have such... one-sided impressions about you." One-sided? What did she mean by that? Actually, wait, how did we get from point 'A' to point 'B' in this conversation? "Anyway, I'll let him know when Balthus gives up for the day."

"Ah, thank you." Though now I faced a conundrum. Did I return to the surface now or linger here below?

After debating it for a moment, I decided to remain in Abyss and simply wander. It would make it easier for Yuri to find me, and it was much more peaceful down here than above. So, I skirted the edges of the crowds, watching everyone chat and laugh with a little smile on my face. As I passed by Abyss's equivalent of a 'town square', two people chatting caught my eye. Well, actually, one of the two people caught my eye for a singular reason: just how damn pale they were. I'd seen corpses with more color, and the paleness stood out all the more thanks to the dark cloak they wore. Still, their smile was kind, and even warm, as they chatted with... actually, as they chatted with Shamir. I didn't recognize her at first, distracted as I was.

"Hmm? Ah, Byleth, hey," Shamir greeted, catching sight of me almost immediately. She broke off her conversation with a nod and a smile before heading over to me. "Something happen?"

"Not that I'm aware of," I answered, shaking my head. I glanced over at the person she'd been talking with, feeling a little guilty, but they were already walking away themselves. They blended in with the shadows ridiculously well. "You know them?"

"I lived down here long ago. Not surprising for a mercenary from Dagda." That was a fair point. Aelfric had mentioned refugees had made their way down here. "I was just checking in, making sure the knights stationed down here aren't causing trouble. Drake's a good source of information down here."

"I'll keep that in mind." Drake was his name, then. I wondered if I should ask Yuri about him. "But yes, I've noticed things seem to be relatively calm down her."

"Surprisingly so. But, then again, the knights are quick to say it's by Seteth and Jeralt's orders, and the people down here seem to trust them." Which reminded me of how none of them knew the truth of what happened with Aelfric. I still didn't know what they'd been told. "Are you down here to check on things yourself?"

"I worried, yes." After all, I knew how easily 'outsiders' could be made scapegoats. I also worried these attackers would use the tunnels down here to strike. "Thankfully, they don't mind my fretting."

"No, they don't. In fact, they seem to like you almost as much as your students." Surprisingly, Shamir smiled. "It doesn't make sense, really. You don't come off as particularly friendly." That was an understatement and a half. "Yet those kids adore you enough they're already making plans for how to celebrate your birthday." ...They were what? "Bit strange to be honest, but I can't deny the results. They were right to make you a professor."

"You think so?" I had no idea how else to respond. I wondered if she tailored her words specifically to knock me for a loop. "I'm still not so sure." After all, I was a professor to be a hostage and ensure Dad didn't run away again.

"Well, I'd still be suspicious of their intentions, if I were you. Even if it turned out fine." She shrugged, still smiling. I was momentarily distracted because she had to be the first 'church-affiliated' person I'd met to tell me to be cautious. "Though truth be told, seeing you interact with everyone here, it can be hard to believe you were a mercenary, much less the Ashen Demon herself."

"I take it you heard the rumors as well."

"A mercenary always pays attention to rumors. You know that well." I did indeed. "Though I really couldn't pull off the fancy tactician act you can." ...What tactician act? "Or being around so many nobles. I always freeze up, and I still have an instinct to be on my guard around them. You know how most treat mercenaries."

"Yeah, I remember." Though I wasn't sure I wanted to continue this line of conversation. "Did you become a knight to escape the mercenary life?"

"Not really. Aside from the bowing and scraping to nobles, the life suits me." Shamir's smile dimmed slightly, though it was still there. A faint echo which still conveyed good humor. "No, I don't believe in the Church of Seiros. I'm just repaying a debt to Rhea and being a knight does just that. Though I agree with Azrael; I'm still doing most of the same things I did as a merc. I'm just paid better."

"I hope he's not causing you too much trouble?"

"Me? I find him refreshing, truthfully. A gust of wind to knock everyone silly doesn't hurt anyone, and I can appreciate honesty." Sounded like Azrael behaved around her then. "We haven't worked together for a job yet, though, so my opinion could change whenever that happens. I'm curious about where both of your paths will lead."

"For now, they're leading to whatever will happen at the Rite of Rebirth."

"Ha! Fair enough." A flash of a grin, just a flash, before she nodded at something behind me. "Anyway, could be wrong, but isn't that one of your students?"

"Hmm?" Curious, I turned and saw she was right. Mercedes was helping an elderly man walk… somewhere. "Now, what is she doing down here? Last I heard, she was baking with Annette and Constance."

"Maybe sharing her sweets? I've heard it's a thing."

"That's true." Still, she looked to be struggling. The man must be heavier than he looked. "I'll see you later, Shamir."

"Later, mother-hen of the menagerie." ...I had no idea how to react to that. So, I didn't.

Instead, I jogged over to Mercedes, ready to call and catch her attention. But she happened to look up right then, and see me first. "Oh, hello there, Professor!" she greeted me with a kind and gentle smile. "Actually, this is perfect. Do you mind helping us? He wants to pray at the altar here, and… well, you know I'm not-"

"You need help carrying him?" I asked, cutting to the point. Mercedes's smile warmed and became sheepish. "Yeah, I can do that." I moved so the elderly man could see me before I hefted him onto my back. Immediately, I realized just why he'd needed the help; he'd lost the lower half of his right leg at some point. No wonder Mercedes had been struggling. Did he not have a cane, as Shawn did? "The altar is… down this way, isn't it?"

"It is!" Mercedes giggled and turned her smile to the man. "With my professor here, we'll be there in a jiffy, just you wait!"

I wasn't certain if we were there in a 'jiffy', but it didn't take long for us to arrive at the altar. Even better, those already praying there knew him and reassured us they'd carry him back to his abode when he finished, leaving us free to leave. Which we did, though I'd admit to being curious about the statue there. There were none like that in the Cathedral, making me think it belonged to a different religion all together, and wouldn't that be fascinating to study?

"Oh, I'm so glad we ran into you," Mercedes cheered, even clapping her hands from delight. So, I abandoned those half-thought ideas of asking about the statue and focused instead on her and steering us back towards the main part of Abyss. "I couldn't refuse to help, but he was even heavier than I thought. Even though I was just helping him limp, I worried so much about slipping."

"Others had an eye on you. Shamir is actually the one who pointed you out to me."

"Really? Oh, that makes me feel better." She beamed. "I do enjoy helping. There's something about bringing a smile to someone's face that makes the day so much brighter. I experienced it in the church many times."

"Church?"

"Hmm? You don't know?" Mercedes seemed surprised for all of a second. "Ah, wait, of course. You don't ask around about our pasts, so it makes sense. I wasn't trying to hide it, but it never came up."

"Mmm… Dimitri mentioned you lived in the Empire before moving to the Kingdom, and there was an implication it wasn't exactly the most peaceful of moves." Given how crests were an even larger headache and pain than I'd thought, and how Mercedes had a crest, I could take some guesses from there. "He didn't elaborate, nor would I have wished for him to."

"Yes, because you prefer waiting for us." She giggled, as if there was something amusing about it. "It isn't much of a story, truthfully, and honestly, there's many here in Abyss with tales not dissimilar from mine. Poor Melissa's story reminded me of my stepfather… and my adoptive father. I have no doubts either would have resorted to similar means, to obtain a crest." Stepfather? Adoptive father? What…? Ah, no, it was better to not press. Though she maintained her usual calm, I could see the pain and sorrow in her eyes and smile. Besides, the reminder of Melissa's tale… "Professor?"

"Yes?" Focus on Mercedes. I could follow the other thought-path later. "Ah, please, don't force yourself to tell more than you're ready."

"Oh, I know." Her smile became sadder. "I just… my dream is to work in a church, you see. Like the one I spent ten years of my life in. The one I had to leave when my adoptive father forcibly adopted me, so he could use my crest to gain more power for himself." That… "Living in the church back then, I wanted to be like the priest there. The one who saved my mother, me, and so many others. But I know it's a dream I can't have."

"...Is it?"

"Of course. I have a crest. So, I'd never be allowed to be a simple cleric." Her smile… definitely was pained. "It's just how things are. Only the goddess can decide our fates."

"Rhea has a crest, though." I… wasn't sure if I should blurt that out, but I did vaguely remember Seteth saying it to Hanneman, so I could only hope it's not a secret. "Yes, she's the Archbishop and all, but she still devotes herself to the church." That was kind of the point of the Archbishop, right? "Seteth has one as well, and the worst he deals with is Hanneman's nagging. So…" So, I didn't think she should give up. Not if it was what she wanted. Not if it was still something she wished for with all her heart.

Her only response was that same sad, pained smile, though. And I had no idea how I could lighten her burden.

Thankfully for any potential awkwardness, another called for Mercedes and she left to talk to them with a smile. I watched her leave, and then leaned against a nearby wall to think. Not on Mercedes, since I knew I could do nothing, but of Melissa. Of Melissa and her story, of how she came to Abyss. If I recalled correctly, Yuri had said she was from-

"Well, well, there you are, milady." Ah, speak of the devil. Yuri slinked up with a grin and a wink, the picture of a cat who caught the canary, and got some fish with it. "Has something caught your eye?" he asked, peering at my face. "Ely mentioned you were looking for me, and now you're staring into space."

"I'm thinking," I answered, still half in my thoughts. Still, the more I mulled on the idea, the more it sank its fangs into my heart. Sothis complained of the sharpness. "Yuri?"

"Yeees?"

"Where was Melissa from again? You said Gloucester?"

"Yeah, Gloucester territory. Their village was supposed to be under the protection of a minor lord who swears fealty to the Count." Yuri's grin dropped like a stone. "Why?"

"..." I mentally debated for a moment longer, wondering if I was overstepping any boundaries. Breaking any unspoken rules. But Sothis's wordless encouragement gave me the courage I needed. "Lorenz is here."

"..." Yuri's eyes hardened immediately, and I couldn't blame him in the slightest. I simply held his gaze, waiting as he processed my words, caught my implication, and weighed it with whatever knowledge he had and what he had to do to keep Abyss safe. "I know what the pompous ass says, but you think it's genuine?"

"I do."

"...Then..." He grimaced before sighing and rocking back on his heels. "Don't... say names. Well, Balthus's you can." Right, Balthus was the one who brought Melissa here. "Otherwise..."

"Of course." I smiled faintly. "I'll be on my way then."

"And I'm going to give Balthus a heads up so he's not too surprised if your gamble pays out." He sighed once more. "Was this why you wanted to see me?"

"Oh, no, I was worried about how Abyss was faring, given everything."

"Of course you were. You worry about everyone." Hard to say if he meant that as an insult or a compliment. "In that case, I'll see you to the entrance. There's been only minor griping, thankfully, and most led to some amusing anecdotes. Let's see if one can tease a laugh out of you."

The tales were terribly amusing, with a surprising number leading to drinking contests in the tavern down here between Abyssians and Knights. A couple of them brought that strange ticklish feeling to my throat, but to Yuri's frustration, not a one sparked a laugh. I thought about telling him how I'd never laughed, just as I'd never cried, but someone called for him shortly after we arrived at the entrance, so he left to tend to that, and I waved goodbye to the Abysskeeper, and his knightly helper. Then, as soon as I made it to the surface, I went hunting for Lorenz. By which I meant I 'asked' Azrael through our bond, and he used the wind to find Lorenz for me: in the library.

"Hmm? Ah, Professor!" Thankfully for me, Lorenz happened to be near the entrance of the library, so he noticed me more or less as soon as I stepped inside. Good, I wouldn't have to ask Tomas. "Good day to you," he greeted me, with a kind, if somewhat haughty, smile. I simply waved in return, mentally going through what I'd need to say. "What brings you to the library? I'd be happy to assist."

"I... wished to discuss something with you, actually," I explained, pointing to a more secluded alcove not far. Thankfully, he got the hint immediately and led the way. "Apologies, this is serious."

"I do hope you are not speaking of those baseless accusations again." ...It took me a looooong second to remember what he was speaking of; I'd gotten complaints about Lorenz's overt, blunt, and tactless flirtations and attempted to discuss it with him. It... didn't go over well, and from what I'd heard, it was going to become worse. He and Sylvain were competing or... something. As if I didn't have enough headaches. Why couldn't they discuss nobility or something?

Regardless. "No, it's not." Though, how to begin...? Bluntness was the only thing I could think of; there was no sugarcoating this. "It's a story from Abyss. Of how they ended up there. Not an uncommon one, mind, but I thought you might want to know about this one in particular."

"Truly?" Lorenz frowned, confused. I... wasn't certain how I felt about the confusion, truthfully. "Very well. What is it?"

"It's of a little girl, whose mother unfortunately caught the eye of a lord. The lord wanted her mother as his mistress, and when she refused..." I made sure to hold his gaze. "When she refused, he abducted her, and slaughtered her family."

"He what?!" Even Lorenz's eyes went any wider, they'd pop right out of his skull. To say nothing of how squeaky his voice went from the shock. "That is... reprehensible is putting it mildly, yet I lack the vocabulary current to fully...!" He closed his eyes suddenly, and took a deep breath. "No, I must be calm. Anger will not serve anyone, especially right now." He was right about that. "May I ask why you brought this one to my attention? You said the tale was not... uncommon."

"No, it's sadly not." My confirmation only made him grimace. "The lord in question swears fealty to a certain count in the Alliance, Lorenz. Count Gloucester, to be specific."

"...I see." Lorenz's jaw clenched, as if he was biting back more vitriolic words. "One of our own hurting our people... it is utterly disgraceful we missed this. No, it is worse than that." He was silent for a long, long moment. "I noticed no names, Professor."

"The tale is secondhand." Third, really. "Balthus is the one who saved the girl in question."

"Is he in Abyss right now?"

"Last I heard, yes."

"Good. Forgive me, Professor, but I must investigate immediately." That was all he said, before striding out of the library as fast as he could, with an expression like a thundercloud.

I watched him leave with a slight smile, gladdened he took it so seriously. Now I had to simply hope... this will of his would not falter. After all, perhaps I was being cynical, but I somehow doubted such a thing would have escaped notice. And I knew Leicester nobles were inclined to ignore what other nobles did if they thought it would cause 'too much trouble'. That was why this was a gamble, as Yuri had said. A gamble not only on Lorenz's principles, but also his will to stand by them.

["Yet, you think he'll keep at it."] Sothis 'appeared' next to me, floating and absently kicking her feet. ["You think he'll hold firm."] I did. For all his faults, and he had more than he'd ever admit, I thought his desire to protect others genuine. So, I hoped. ["For what it's worth, I think you're right. Though honestly, could he be any haughtier?"] Now, now...

I didn't linger long. I had no reason to. I did glance around to see if any of my students were here, but none were in sight, so I left, heading for the staircase. Unfortunately, this brought me down the hall where everyone's offices were and... well...

"Why did you abandon your noble standing in the Empire?" Edelgard's sudden voice was crisp and no-nonsense, and though I had no intention of listening to the conversation, it was near impossible with how her voice carried through the hallway. "And don't say it was for Crest research. There are institutes for that in the Empire." Was this really anyone's business but Hanneman's? "You could have easily remained a noble and still been able to visit Garreg Mach or request the cooperation of the Church."

"Well, yes, that certainly was an option." Hanneman, at least, took the question with dignity and manners, or so I gathered by his tone. I didn't look inside his office; I was busy trying to find a good way to escape without alerting the two inside. More difficult than it sounded, since the door was open. "But I desired a better research environment. Treasures and holy artifacts reside here which cannot be examined by those outside the church. I required access to such, no matter the cost."

"But surely your noble status would have allowed you greater funding and resources." Edelgard, your inner Claude was showing. "Even secrets of the Kingdom and Alliance would have been easier to obtain as a noble of the Empire." Also, your pride for Adrestia was showing.

"What you say is true; I cannot deny. Both paths had their advantages and disadvantages."

"Hmm..." I could practically hear Edelgard's scowl. Also, the area around the offices didn't have much in the ways of escape routes. "I see you will not be forthcoming on the topic." That was his right. "I had heard you once enthusiastically researched Crests for the Empire, only to abandon your title. I just... wanted to know why."

"I know not what you expect, but if you're suspicious, I reassure you they are unwarranted. I simply do not have the time to discuss it."

"Right..." There was a step, just one. "...Is that... my professor's hair on your device?" ...I'm sorry, but what?

"I know not what you mean."

"I suppose it could also be Azrael's, but they're the only two with that hair-ack!" All at once, Edelgard stumbled into the hallway, with Professor Hanneman right behind her. "Excuse me?!"

"Sorry, quite too busy!" Professor Hanneman smiled brightly. "Let's continue this discussion another day." And he promptly shut the door to his office in Edelgard's face.

"...Well, if I wasn't suspicious before..." Edelgard scowled at the closed door. "Where would he have even gotten their hair in the first...?" Growling something under her breath, she turned to storm off. And promptly came face to face with me. "Professor?!"

"Hello, Edelgard," I answered, pretending I only just appeared. I'd... ignore the whole... yeah. I was just going to ignore it, no matter how much Sothis quietly fumed. "Is everything well?"

"Yes, completely!" Edelgard really needed to learn how to lie better. It was all too easy to see how flustered she was. "Um... what brings you here, though? If I may ask."

"I wanted to discuss something with Lorenz, and he was in the library." I shrugged and nodded down the hall in a silent hint to keep moving. "What brings you here, if you do not mind me asking?"

"Truthfully, I was trying to escape Constance." Oh? That was surprising. "I understand her magical abilities are the best of the best, but the focus of her research baffles me." Edelgard grimaced as we walked down the hall and down the stairs together. "Flowers that release pollen as some sort of alarm? Tea which changes color as you pour it? What practical use is either?"

"If she can change the pollen's color and make it stick, it would provide a means of visually identifying intruders." Though, of course, it couldn't be a primary alert system. "The tea is a little harder, but I imagine one can use it as a distraction in some way. Otherwise, showing a preference for something so impractical can be its own mask." Was there a way she could use it to change only to certain colors if the tea was poisoned?

"...Professor, I am in awe of your ability to make some sort of sense to her nonsense." Edelgard sighed. "She also mentioned something about turning boots into licorice for whatever reason, though she claimed it was at Yuri's suggestion." Why did I have a feeling she misinterpreted something somewhere?

"Ignoring the licorice into boots, transfiguring objects is terribly complicated and has a wide range of uses." Truthfully, from what Dad said, it was near impossible without blood magic. Would Constance utilize that or the more modern methods? "But in this case, licorice is sticky and I imagine it would cause no small amount of agony to the feet to try and walk on it."

"That's a little... hmm?" Edelgard paused suddenly once we hit the bottom of the stairs, tilting her head in response to something. "Is that... a song?" Now that we were both quiet, I could hear it as well, small snippets of a song I knew well. "It's from... that direction." Almost immediately, Edelgard went after it, and I followed. How could I not? After all, the song... it was from the very first opera I'd guarded, the only one I'd actually seen performed instead of only heard. That beautiful, beautiful song I held so dear in my heart...

So, we both followed the sound, like that story of the children and the piper. Eventually, we ended up outside the main building and in one of the gardens. And, sitting there in a gazebo, grading papers, was the source of the song: Manuela.

"Oh, Edelgard, Byleth!" Manuela called as soon as she saw us. Tragically, it meant she stopped singing. "A lovely duo if I've ever seen one. What brings you out here?"

"I... well, the song just now..." Edelgard began, stumbling a little over her words. Only a little, though, and she was back to her normal proper self in seconds. "I felt as if I had heard it before, at the opera house in Enbarr."

"Oh, did you see me perform, Edelgard?" Manuela smiled, brimming with pride, and set her pen down on the table. "I'm flattered you remember it!"

"Of course, I could never forget. I..." She hesitated. "I wanted desperately to see you perform again, but after that show, my uncle took me to the Kingdom for asylum. By the time I returned several years later, you had retired."

"Then you only got to see me perform once? That's a shame." Yet Manuela still smiled. "You still remember, though. As a singer, I could ask for little more."

"Yes, your performance made that much of an impression. Though, it does also make me wonder..." Edelgard frowned just a little. I mentally braced myself as I had a feeling... "Why did you retire so soon? You could have easily continued for ten or twenty years." Yes, apparently, today Edelgard decided to emulate Claude.

"Indeed, many singers perform for decades." Thankfully, Manuela handled it with grace. "But that wasn't for me. I wanted to go out on top. My voice is a gift from the goddess, however all things decline with age. One day, I will lose that gift." She shrugged, rather unbothered by the thought. "So, I decided I needed to learn how to survive without it long before I lost it. I needed to prove to myself I could survive, even after my songs return to the goddess." So, in that sense, she was like Dorothea.

"...So..." Edelgard looked a little stunned by the answer. I wasn't certain what was so shocking about it. "Despite your belief in the goddess, you wished to live by your own strength?"

"What an odd question. But, then again, I suppose my answer isn't easy to explain." Manuela become thoughtful. "The goddess supports me, emotionally and spiritually. I find comfort in that belief. But surviving? Everything else? That's me, and me alone." And Edelgard was so stunned one might think Azrael blasted her with wind. "Ah, but that's far too serious talk for a lovely day. Byleth, did you accompany Edelgard out of curiosity?"

"Ah, partly yes," I answered, startled that the conversation switched to me. Manuela's slightly apologetic smile, and her nod to Edelgard, told me she changed the topic to give her time to recover. "I also recognized the song, though."

"You did?" Manuela asked, visibly startled. But then she gasped. "Ah, but of course! The twin mercenaries! Dorothea was telling me the other day those were you and Azrael. I had no idea at all." Yes... well...

"Since we were working, most of the time we only heard the performances. But the first one we guarded, there were many high ranked nobles in the audience, so the company hired extra and some were stationed even in the audience hall. Azrael and I were chosen to be among those, likely because we wouldn't stand out as much." Still, I remembered it so clearly. The entire performance had been breathtakingly beautiful. "Were you the main performer, Manuela? The one who sang and danced with a blade? Azrael and I stayed up late into the night singing and trying to copy the dance."

"Did you?" Manuela's eyes sparkled with delight. "That must have been absolutely adorable to see. I simply must ask Sir Jeralt about it. Not that I don't try to talk to him often, of course. He's a handsome man." What did she...? No, never mind. Not thinking about it. "Maybe you can sing it for me? Dorothea said you have a lovely voice."

"She flatters me too much."

"Nonsense! In fact, I insist!" Manuela waved to the other benches of the gazebo and, terribly, Edelgard recovered enough from her surprise to look at me beseechingly. "Pretty please?"

"I..." Ugh... I couldn't refuse... "Please do not say I didn't warn you."

I sang the one song, just the one, for Manuela and Edelgard. To my embarrassment, a few passing students also stopped to listen, and I really wanted to just hide when I noticed them. I only didn't because Sothis stopped me, intent on listening to the song as well. However, as soon as I was done, I made up an excuse to leave and scurried away as fast as I politely could. I was never going to sing for anyone outside of family again. Ever.

["Aw... but I do love hearing you sing!"] Sothis immediately protested. As if she didn't count as 'family' to me. ["That is true, and I am always with you, so I get to hear you even more than Azrael and Jeralt. How lucky am I."] Sothis, I was going to demand songs in return if that was the case. ["That actually sounds like fun. Perhaps we can make a game out of it? I feel as if I played such a game before..."] Uh oh. What did I unleash?

Biting back a sigh, I slipped back into the main building, this time taking a lesser used hallway that skirting close to the bridge to the cathedral. I'd hoped to not pass by anyway, so of course, someone was there. With that said, it was not someone I usually saw just standing around in the hallway. Petra didn't seem to like being indoors if she could help it.

"Petra?" I called softly, as soon as I noticed her. She glanced back at me curiously. "Hey?"

"Greetings, Professor!" she chirped, as chipper as one could be. Even her smile was bright when she turned to face me. "Is there something you need me to be doing?"

"No, not that I know of." All of my students should be resting today anyway. I wondered how many actually were. "I simply saw you and was curious. It's not like you to loiter."

"Loiter? That is..." She frowned, thinking. "That is a word meaning without purpose, yes?"

"Yes, to stand around without apparent purpose."

"Ah, I am seeing." She flashed a grin. "But I am having purpose. I am studying the Tower."

"The... oh, the Goddess Tower." I stepped up next to her and saw she had a decent view of it from here through the doorway. "Are you curious about the architecture?"

"In a manner of speaking. In Brigid..." She paused, thinking of what words she wanted. "In Brigid, assassinations are many. I have also been targeted, back in the past." She had? Was it from internal affairs or the Empire? "As such, I have some knowledge of protective areas." She pointed to the Tower for emphasis. "It has an entrance of narrowness. That is most good. Few can slip through. However..." She raised her hand to point at something else. "The windows are... not most good. They are a target of ease for snipers." She faced me with a slight, proud smile. "I am knowing our prediction for the true target of our enemy's hunt, but it is good to see all possibilities, yes?"

"It is." I reached over and ruffled her hair, taking care to not pull strands from her braid. "Besides, it could be like what Caspar suggested and be a double..." She stiffened under my hand suddenly. As soon as I said Caspar's name, she... "Petra?"

"Yes, Professor?" She still had a smile on her face. But it was strained.

"Did something happen between you and Caspar?"

"That is..." Her eyes widened. "Professor, are you being a reader of minds? Of the heart?"

"No, and I really wouldn't want to if I could." That was the second time one of my student said something like that, wasn't it? "I took a guess. That's all. But is there?"

"It is... it..." Petra frowned, mentally scrambling for the words she wished. "It is something I am wishing to be nothing?" Her frown deepened. "No, those words are not being right. They are, but they are not."

"Would you like to explain the situation further or would you like a distraction instead?"

"...I am thinking..." She paused again, weighing her thoughts. "I am thinking you would be most understanding. May we be sitting somewhere?"

"Of course."

I took her hand and led her towards the graveyard. It wasn't necessarily the most comforting of places, but there were benches nearby and, more importantly, not many hung about here at this hour. Not many hung about at all, truthfully. As such, it was the perfect place for a private conversation and no one would think anything of me being near. I visited every day to leave flowers for Mom, same as Azrael. If anyone passed by, they'd assume Petra was keeping me company.

"...Caspar and I had been speaking a few days ago," Petra began slowly. She sat ramrod straight on the bench, with her fists clenched in her lap. "He had been receiving a letter from his father."

"That would be Count Leopold von Bergliez, yes?" I remembered him, somewhat. He hired us for a few jobs in the past.

"Indeed." Petra fell silent again. "He is... that man is..." Her voice shook slightly. "He is the one who murdered my father." ...Ah. Yes, during the Dagda and Brigid War. "Caspar learned of this in the letter." I highly doubted Caspar didn't know. It was one of the key points of most summaries. More likely, he just hadn't fully made the connection. For most, it was a distant figure, killed by another distant figure. "He was... he was awkward about it. I am... awkward about it."

"...It hurts, doesn't it?"

"It does. I hate the man who took my father from me. I hate him. No, that is not the right word. I am loathing. I am full of loathing for him. I want..." Petra ducked her head to try and hide her expression. I still caught the terrifyingly murderous glint. "I want... many bad things for him. Sometimes, I want to be doing them myself."

"Revenge. You want revenge."

"Yes. I am wanting that. But..." She clenched her fists even harder; I saw blood trickle through her fingers. "But Caspar... Caspar is not his father. I... I am liking him. I am liking training with him. I am want... I am wanting to be friends. He is not responsible. Yet..." She fell silent, and I waited. "If children are not forgiving, there can be no future. This I am knowing. I..." When she looked up, she looked... lost. Like a lost child. Like a child who lost her father and was dragged to another country entirely to be a hostage, all because of decisions the adults around her made, for their own reasons. "Is... is it a betrayal, Professor? Is it a betrayal to choose friendship? To choose the future?"

"I don't think so." I reached over and took her hands, healing them up before wiping the blood away with my sleeve. "I will be the first to admit I do not fully know the pain you hold. I have not lost as you have. But I can understand why you worry. I can understand why your heart is in conflict." She was a sweet girl who thought so much of her people and their future, but she was also a young girl who lost so much in so short a time. Why wouldn't she be conflicted? Why wouldn't she have doubts? "I do not think it is a betrayal, though. I do not think you're wrong to make this choice." I found it brave as well, though I kept the thought to myself. I wasn't sure I could hold fast to such convictions if Dad was taken from me. No, I knew I wouldn't. Which made it all the more important that I supported her in this.

Petra said nothing more, only rested her head on my shoulder. I held her hands in mine and let her, so she could rest for once. And we spent the rest of the afternoon on that bench, just like that. It was clear she needed it.

---

It was almost amusing how by now, everyone simply expected my students and I would visit Remire once a month. Even Seteth had taken it as a given, though he'd requested Flayn stay at the monastery this time to help with preparations for the Rite of Rebirth. I'd been disappointed, but Flayn thankfully didn't mind one bit. Though, that could've been because she specifically helped Rhea plot how to sneak various sweets into the holy chambers without Seteth knowing. Which I knew because I'd overheard said plotting when I asked Rhea about visiting Remire.

"Hmm? Professor, what are you doing here?" Mercedes's playful voice jolted me out of my musings and I turned to smile slightly at her. Elijah gurgled against my shoulder, content as could be. "You're supposed to be watching the children with Madeline again," she chided, grin making it near impossible to take as an actual scolding. Unlike usual, she wore an apron over her uniform, and her hair was tied back into a high-ponytail, instead of over-her-shoulder. For some reason, she also carried a covered basket. "Miss Annabelle was very insistent!"

"Yes, but everyone but Louisa and Elijah needed to rush to chores, so I'm walking around to see how everyone is while Madeline changes Louisa's diaper," I explained, tucking Elijah under my chin. I may or may not have been antsy myself. Annabelle and Chloe had ambushed me as soon as I arrived and threw me to Madeline before I even got to greet everyone! "Seeing where everyone ended up and the like. Surprised you're not with Annabelle right now."

"I was fetching some extra flour from the stores." Mercedes held up the basket for emphasis. "There's this recipe she wanted to show Edelgard and me, but she didn't have enough flour for it."

"Surprised she didn't have everything already." Annabelle was usually meticulous about getting everything she needed before baking. It must've been prompted by something one of them said. "Is all well there?"

"Oh, it's so much fun! Like baking with my mother again." Mercedes's smile was a little sad, and I wondered what happened to her. I hoped she was well, but given the pasts of most of my students… "I haven't seen her much since my adoptive father took me. But we write letters!" Oh, good, she was alive then. "It's also so amusing watching Edelgard flounder. She's simply adorable!"

"Glad you're enjoying yourself."

"Ah, that reminds me. Well, remembering adorableness reminded me. Cyril is going to help us out starting next month, right?" How did…? No, I was just going to go along with it.

"He is, yes." Cyril had requested it, since there were so many things to be done for the Rite. I didn't mind, since it gave me more time to plan out his lessons. "I hope no one minds."

"As far as I know, no one does." Good… "We'll have to be careful the warmth of the classroom doesn't knock him right out, though. "I think that's why he fell asleep while cleaning the library the other day."

"He fell asleep?" Well, I could understand. The library was quite the cozy place, my unease around Tomas aside.

"He did! It was so adorable. Well, he always is." Ah, so that was what she meant. "He has difficulties saying my name, though." Did he? Interesting. I wouldn't have thought her name hard to say. Was it something about the sounds when compared to Almyran? "I don't think he has many friends here. It's a bit troubling."

"Better to not pry." Somehow, I had a feeling Cyril would run if we tried.

"No, I don't think so either." She sighed, resting a hand on her cheek. "I suppose it's better to support him for now, yes?"

"Support and help him learn what he wants to learn. For now, that's letters, math, and archery."

"Oh, you're switching me to archery soon, aren't you?" Her eyes lit up with her smile. "Maybe we can learn together."

"Perhaps, I'm still working on weaving his lessons into everything."

"Of course. But don't work so hard." She frowned at me, surprisingly stern. "You already work much too much, after all."

"I'll... keep that in mind?" Somehow, that felt like a safer answer than my usual reply.

"Good." Especially since she went right back to smiles. "Ah, but I need to rush to Annabelle's. I've been out much too long."

"I look forward to the new treats."

"I'll make them our best yet!"

Mercedes left with a little laugh and a skip in her step. Would that all of my students were in such good cheer. Unfortunately, though, that wasn't the case. I simply had to walk down the main path of Remire, past Zain's smithy where Dimitri tended to some task with Malcolm while Zain himself went hunting with Azrael, to find one in a sour mood. Not someone you'd expect either, such as Hubert. No, it was Annette, and I wondered why since she'd been especially eager to visit today. When I stepped to her side, though, I saw what had dampened her mood: Lorenz. He was the only one in her line of sight, at least.

"Annete?" I called softly, lightly tapping her on the shoulder. She immediately jumped, squeaked, and whirled to face me. "My apologies for startling you."

"Oh, no, it's fine," Annette reassured immediately. She tried to take a step back, but was too hasty and nearly tangled her feet. "Whoa...!" But somehow, her wild flailing led her to right herself and keep her balance. "Okay... okay, I'm good."

"Good." Let's see... where was she learning today...? Ah, I think it was Eliza. "Did Eliza send you off for an errand?"

"Yeah, she asked if I'd grab some ribbons from Sofia for Nicole, since she was in the middle of something." Ribbons, huh? Nicole must be making more charms, then. She hinted to such, before she and Sera ran off to check the laundry. "She's amazing. I don't know how she keeps everything organized."

"Remember that next time she's snapping at everyone for not doing things properly." Still, there was a reason why Eliza was the main organizer of every major event. Remire didn't necessarily have a 'leader', it was too small for that, but Eliza was the closest everyone had. "So, Annette."

"Hmm?"

"I take it you're still angry at Lorenz."

"Ack!" She looked gobsmacked for a split-second before just groaning and slumping. Meanwhile, I glanced at Lorenz to see him helping Constance do something, likely for Chloe. I couldn't quite see what, but I did see he was careful to help Constance keep in the shade. I wondered how his talk with Balthus went...? "Er... yes and no?" Ah, but that was for another time. I was talking to Annette right now. "It's... okay, this will be a little rambling, sorry, but I already didn't like him."

"Oh?" That was a surprise. She never seemed annoyed at anyone. Save Linhardt and Sylvain.

"He goes on and on about noble obligation and whatnot, but won't even look Mercie in the face when he's talking to her! And not just her, but all the commoner students! Freaking aggravating hypocritical nonsense!" That had to be the closest to cursing I'd ever heard Annette get. "Of course, I had a bad impression anyway, thanks to the School of Sorcery."

"You met there?" Strange, from my understanding, Lorenz had enrolled, but left shortly afterwards due to the harsh political climate in the Kingdom following Duscur.

"Briefly." She scowled, reminding me far too much of a hissing kitten. Not fair, of course, but she did. "And in that one conversation, he managed to call me both a child and a scullery maid." ...Well, that was... oh, Lorenz. "I know it's not fair to hold a grudge over that, mind. It was a while ago, and I doubt he remembers. But then..." Everything here happened. "I'm sorry, Professor."

"For... what?" I tilted my head slightly. Amusingly, Elijah mimicked me. "Annette, it's been said before, but all I ask is for everyone to respect each other. So long as you do that, and work well enough during missions, then it's fine. Forgiveness is a choice. You do not owe it to anyone, for anything."

"I'm not sure my snapping at him is 'respectful', though." Well, she had a point there. "Still, I think I understand what you're saying." Finally, she smiled. "Thanks, Professor!" ...But I didn't do anything?

Still, she was smiling and that was all that mattered. She ran off, nearly running into a box in the process, and I continued down the way with Elijah to see who else I might find. And, surprisingly, it wasn't long before I did. Caspar was perched on a box, different from the one Annette almost tripped into, while Hilda tended to his injuries with both medicine and magic. More the former than the latter. It was a little... confusing. None of the chores my students usually helped with had a high chance of injury. Or, truthfully, any chance of injury. And some of Caspar's bruises and scrapes looked more from punches than, say, falling in the field.

"Honestly, just look at you," Hilda sighed, meticulously cleaning a scrape on Caspar's cheek. She was really quite good at it, efficient and thorough. "This is why I said to not get involved."

"But they weren't stopping no matter what anyone said," Caspar protested, scowling. Surprisingly, he held still for Hilda, the longest I'd ever seen him not fidget. "So, I had to do something!"

"Weren't you injured breaking up a different fight not that long ago too?" Fight? What fight? "Before you kidnapped Bernadetta for whatever reason." Caspar did what now?

"I didn't kidnap her! I just carried her to where a great view was!" That... for Bernadetta, that would definitely...

"Yeah, I don't think she much appreciated the journey, Caspar." Hilda dabbed on the antiseptic with a little more force than necessary. Caspar flinched. "Back to what I was saying. Didn't we have a talk about you having 'restraint' afterwards?" I wasn't sure that was a word one could use for Caspar.

"I didn't... er..." Caspar looked away, embarrassed. "Okay, okay, maybe I shouldn't have jumped in like I did." Still wondering what fight this was. "But it's only because I didn't want our professor to get involved. She needs rest."

"Wow, even you can see she works too much, huh?"

"Yeah, I... hey, what do you mean by 'even me'!?"

"Hold still, and… oh, Professor!" Hilda looked up then and spotted me. "Hiya! Caspar was just being him, so I'm cleaning up."

"Huh? When did you get here, Professor?" Caspar twisted slightly, just enough for him to look at me while letting Hilda continue her cleaning. "Er… nothing bad happened." I supposed he just assumed I'd been here the whole time. Or maybe he noticed how I stared at the bruises. "Just Richard and some other kid I don't know got into a tussle."

"Richard did?" I asked, surprised. Richard was usually pretty good at not getting into fist-fights. "I wonder if they insulted Adam?" That said, Richard was terribly protective of his little brother. All bets were off if someone picked on him.

"Er… I forgot to ask…" Caspar mumbled, looking away sheepishly. Hilda simply sighed again. "I'll investigate when we're done here. You don't need to worry."

"But…"

"Ah, no 'buts'!" Hilda interrupted, pointing dramatically at me. She winked and grinned. "We can handle a couple of kids, you know. Besides, it'll get me out of other chores."

"Wait, you're helping?" Caspar asked, startled. "Seriously?"

"Yes, seriously, so hold still and let me finish."

I tried to protest further, but neither would hear it, and in the end, I decided to leave it to them and meander back towards Chloe's house to see how Madeline and Louisa were doing. I was almost there when a blur of purple whipped past me, and it took me a couple of blinks to realize it was Bernadetta, moving faster than I'd ever seen. While I tried to figure out just why she'd be running so quickly, another blur of purple almost slipped past me. And only didn't because curious Elijah reached out and grabbed a tiny fistful of a white cape, stopping Yuri in his tracks due to abrupt change of momentum.

"What the he…eck?" Yuri yelped, swallowing his curse mid-syllable once he realized a little was around. A little who could not talk and likely would never remember this, mind, but I could guess why he did so anyway. "Right, wasn't expecting that."

"I gathered," I replied, reaching over to carefully extract Yuri's cape from Elijah's fist. I then bounced him a little to distract him from the loss of the potential 'toy'. "So, why were you chasing Bernadetta?"

"I… that…" Surprisingly, he seemed at a loss for words. That told me this was more complicated than usual. Something that involved personal business, not someone running from a chore. "It's… well, it's partially my fault. Mostly, truth be told. But not in the usual-" And that meant…

"Yuri." I held up my hand to stop him. "Never mind. Please, forget I asked." And that meant it was something that wasn't my business unless they wished for someone to listen. "Instead, may I ask you to let up for the day?"

"Mm... yeah, you're probably right." Yuri sighed. "I want to clear up what happened, but she's even worse than she used to be." Worse than she...? No, I wouldn't ask. I was curious, but I wouldn't ask. I was, however, reminded of how Bernadetta said Yuri reminded her of someone. That likely had something to do with it. "And still not a question from you, milady."

"It's not my business. Your pasts are your own. What is my business is the distress Bernadetta is currently in." I peered at his face, noticing the worry in them. No, it was more than worry. It was faint, but I was certain I saw 'guilt' twisting within. "I am also concerned for you. Whatever it is you wish to explain to her, it doesn't sit fully well with you, does it?"

"I will neither confirm nor deny that." He did scowl, though. "Maybe you should be around for the talk the two of us need to have. And don't say it's not needed. She can't be running like this when we're on missions together."

"No, but I can arrange for you two to be in separate units until things are steadier for you and her."

"Fair point." Yet his scowl deepened. "I'm fine, though."

"Of course."

"I mean it."

"I know."

"Milady, you are a mean, mean person sometimes."

"Hmm? What do you-?"

"Byyyyyleeeeth~!" Madeline called, popping out of nowhere. I blinked slowly, trying to figure out just how she snuck up on us and noting her ponytail was a mess, with some strands stuck to her cheeks. In fact, she looked harried. What in creation happened? I hadn't been gone that long, had I? She'd just been changing Louisa's diaper when I left. "So, Louisa is a brat."

"Did she trick you again?" I asked, smiling faintly. Her immediate whimper led to that strange bubbly feeling in my throat again. Meanwhile, Yuri snickered. "All right, what did she get into this time?"

"I'll have you know both she and Elijah are perfect little dears when you're not here. I can watch them both with no problems."

"Of course?" I tilted my head slightly. Again, Elijah mimicked me. "They're always little dears?"

"That is… not what I meant." Madeline whimpered. "Oh, just come help me. I don't even know how she managed to crawl under the house."

"...She crawled where now?" How did she even fit? "Rebecca is going to scream."

"She won't know if we're quick enough!"

I gave Yuri a token goodbye before rushing over with Madeline to get a handle of the situation. It took quite a while to free Louisa from the crawl-space under the house, and even longer to bathe her. Not the least because Elijah decided this all had to be a new game and he just had to play too. I still had no idea just how we managed to hide it all from Rebecca. But I suppose it was a sign of just how busy she was, preparing food for everyone. Yes, she had Dedue helping her, but knowing her, it was still going to be quite the feast.

"Byleth?" Shawn's voice caught my ear as I stepped out of Chloe's house. Madeline and I had finally finished giving both Louisa and Elijah baths and she was putting them to bed for a nap, leaving me free to finally check on everyone once more. "Are you busy?" Shawn asked, waving a hand to make sure he had my attention. He knew how easily I could get distracted by my thoughts. "Madeline looked frantic earlier."

"We just finished with the latest bit of cleverness," I explained, smiling slightly. So long as no one asked, I wouldn't elaborate. At least, not until I figured out just how she got under the house. I'd ask Azrael later. The way we'd gotten her out was on the opposite side of the house where Madeline had been when she first discovered what Louisa had done this time. "Do you need something? Sofia said you weren't in pain lately…"

"And that continues to hold true." He smiled to reassure me, leaning a little more weight on his cane. I'd seen other amputees in the cities who moved about on wheeled chairs, but Shawn preferred his cane for the most part. Probably because Zain managed to actually hide a sword in the thing. He may be missing a leg, but Shawn still had once been a knight of the Adrestian Empire. "No, I was wondering if you knew where your students went."

"My students?" Frowning, I looked around, noticing how Remire felt… quieter. More like how things were in the past, not how things were during these visits. "I… they should still be here? It's not yet time to leave." And if something had happened at the Monastery, someone would have gotten me.

"Strange…" He brought his free hand up to rest it near his mouth, thinking. His other hand tightened its grip on his cane. "Young Ferdinand was helping me earlier, since I was making some fur-lined blankets for the babes. But then Sylvain came up to whisper in his ear. They both begged their leave and disappeared. While I thought little of it at the time, Sofia said something similar happened with Claude. He was helping her with her spinning, until Dorothea came to get him."

"So you decided to check with me? Not Azrael?"

"Azrael and Zain are still out hunting." Ah, that was right. And Azrael would be fully focused on his surroundings, so Charles's fate didn't befall Zain. "I've no doubts they'll be back soon, but I had hoped… ah, Annabelle?"

"Hmm? Oh, goodness me, I hope I'm not interrupting!" Annabelle greeted, joining us. She'd made some effort to clean up before leaving her kitchen, but flour still stuck to her apron. "Though maybe you're discussing the same thing I'm wondering."

"Did some eaglets, fawns, cubs, and pups go missing on you as well, Annabelle?" Shawn asked, quirking a smile. It didn't reach his eyes, though. "That was what I was asking Byleth about."

"Indeed. Mercedes had just pulled some cookies out of the oven when Hapi came to get her for something. Both apologized, said they'd be back, and ran off. They looked worried." Annabelle crossed her arms, frowning heavily. I, however, found myself going cold. What was going on? Where were my students? "And Hapi didn't even try to sneak a bite before she left. She usually does, all in good fun, but not this time." That… wasn't like her. "Chloe had Constance helping her, but then the same thing happened. In this case, it was Ignatz who got her."

"So, something clearly has happened." But what? What could have happened? Were they hurt? Why didn't they get me? Did they… I knew I was a poor professor, but they still should have told me. I couldn't protect them if I didn't know there was danger. Where…?! "Nothing unusual in the village, but could those bandits have-"

"Byleth!" And now another person joined us: Zain. He was still carrying his arrows, and had some blood on his gloves from whatever he'd been field-dressing. "Head southeast, in the woods," he told me, sliding to a stop. He nearly fell, but Shawn steadied him. "Azrael said to run there. Something about your menagerie. Not sure why he didn't just do whatever you two usually do to communicate without words."

"He's too focused on the surroundings," I murmured, even as my mind whirled. For him to take the time for a messenger instead of utilizing our bond… "Partly out of worry. Charles's death haunts him." All three's eyes darkened at the reminder. Charles's death hit everyone hard. "He's probably keeping track of each of my students individually, while also checking for anything that suggests some giant animal or bandit is near." All of this would mean… "Did they run into one? Azrael has told a few of what happened." But it wasn't really the right 'time' of year for them. It was usually later, during the Red Wolf moon.

"Not sure, but he stiffened and ran off, asking me to let you know." Zain's eyes narrowed. "What do you want us to do?"

"For now, make sure everyone is where they're expected, my students aside." We had too little information. "If there's a way to group everyone up, all the better. In fact, getting all the kids together would be perfect, and if we tell Richard, Sera, and Malcolm that they need to protect them, that'll minimize any chances of someone slipping away." Besides, those three had been doing wonderfully with their weaponry lessons. "Aside from that, though… well, without knowing what's going on…"

"All well and good for the kids to take initiative, but doing things on your own really makes a mess for the rest of us." He sighed, and I could only grimace. "Not your fault, Byleth. They're still at that age and, to be fair, most of them didn't have support networks growing up. It's as obvious as the sky. Probably didn't even occur to them they could get help." I had… no idea how to reply to that. "We'll handle things here. Southeast is what Azrael said. Woods."

"Thank you." And I bolted.

It didn't take long at all for me to notice what was wrong. A few steps into the woods, the distinct 'clang' of battle hit my ears. My heart leapt to my throat, and my thoughts scattered in a thousand different directions. Why was there fighting? Had the bandits returned? Was there a Giant Wolf? Was there some other beast? Why had they not gotten me? Did they think me so unreliable? The thoughts gnawed on my heart, enough that Sothis complained about it even as she did her best to reassure and ground me. After all, no matter the reasons, my students were in danger and I had to do something. I couldn't do so if I was too stuck in my own head.

A bit of wind gusted suddenly, 'nudging' me to the right. I knew it was Azrael guiding me, even before I 'heard' his reassurance that all my students were alive, well, and accounted for. Scattered, for whatever reason, but in an organized fashion to suggest it was on purpose. He'd handle gathering the edges; I'd deal with the center. Though, I had to say, when I made it to the clearing, I didn't expect to see Balthus, Edelgard, and Dimitri all fighting against a lone girl. Something about her was familiar, mostly the shock of purple hair, but what truly caught my attention was her weapons: dual blades, but one looked... strange, for lack of a better word. Like it was made of bone, not metal, with wings as a handguard.

I didn't have time to study it, though. Not just because of the battle... no, that wasn't right. It was because of the battle. But it wasn't just the battle. It was what happened shortly after I stepped into the clearing. Balthus, Edelgard, and Dimitri were fighting the girl. Yuri, then, appeared from the shadows and used Dimitri as a 'shield' to dart in close and score a brutal gash on her arm. Then an arrow flew by Balthus's ear, gouging her cheek. A quick glance proved the arrow's source was Claude, hiding in the branches of a nearby tree. And that was as far as my thoughts got before it happened.

A spark of energy. A coldness to the air. And then purple flames shrouded the girl, slinking and slithering. Her hair became gradient, pinkish orange at the roots to purple at the bottom, like the sky at sunset. Her eyes glowed a menacing orange, like fire ready to devour. Solid orange bracelets shackled her wrists, and a matching 'crown' framed her face like horns. White markings, reminiscent of a skeleton, marred her cheeks and the bridge of her nose. And in one quick stroke, she shattered Yuri's sword. The second broke Edelgard's ax. The third, Dimitri's lance. A fourth cut Claude's second arrow in the air. Everything about her was... different. She fought like a completely different person. Confusing enough, but then there was Sothis's sudden, wordless scream in my heart. A wail of pain, grief, betrayal, loss, rage... anything and everything in between, and no reason why. It was like when we walked into that tomb with Luca. She could no longer consciously remember, but her soul would never forget. And I wanted to soothe her, as she always did me, but I...

"Get away from them." I had to protect my students first. So, I lunged forward and caught one of the girl's strikes on my gauntlet. Quite a bit of force, and I'd bruise for a bit, but it wasn't enough to stop me. Instead, it let me step into her guard and knee her in the stomach. Then I switched it up to slam my foot on hers and whirl to elbow her in the face. The horned crown scratched my arm, but it healed before blood beaded on my skin. While she staggered, I slip into her guard once more to seize her arm, the one wielding the odd bone-like blade, and twisted to snap it at the elbow. Then I slammed a punch at her collarbone to break it on the other side of her torso to force her to drop the other sword. Only then did I let her fall to the ground, and I crouched to scoop up the swords. Only to discover the strange bone-like blade had disappeared entirely. What in the...?

"Byleth, all of the menagerie is accounted for," Azrael called, joining us at last. I glanced up to see a group of very contrite students clustered behind him, half-hidden in the trees. "Who's the glowing one? Or, well, she's not glowing anymore." A quick look proved him right; she wasn't. Instead, she was on her knees, struggling to stand despite the pain she was in. It was admirable, but a simple hand on her head stopped her cold. "Why did you attack them?"

"I didn't attack them!" the girl protested immediately. Her voice was breathy, thin from pain, but she had enough spirit to glare up at me. The hatred there was startling, but unsurprising. It wasn't the first time I'd seen such. It had just... been a while. "I was chatting with the shirtless idiot over there, telling him how I ended up lost, and then he punched me!"

"Shirtless... oh, right. Balthus is apparently allergic to shirts." Azrael sighed; I just looked over at Balthus, who was completely unrepentant. Actually, all of the core group were. Hell, Yuri and Edelgard were still glaring at the girl. "Okay, so, I suppose the next question is Balthus, what the hell?"

"She said she wants to kill the 'Ashen Demon'," Balthus growled, snarling at the girl. The words made me pause. "Like hell I was just going to stand around and let someone go after they said that."

"It's not the first time," I replied, more confused than anything. Why... would it bother him enough to strike first? "I'm a mercenary. There's a lot of people who wish to kill me." Curious, I looked down at the girl, tilting my head slightly. She did look... somewhat familiar, but I couldn't place...

"That may be so, but still better to take her out now before she causes you trouble." Balthus kept talking, explaining himself. "We didn't know if she'd attack Remire or not to get to you either. So, figured we'd scatter around to ensure there's no one else, and take care of the problem before you noticed." Well, that explained where everyone went and I suppose it also explained why they didn't actually get me. Still...

"That's a lot of assumptions to make." And now I felt terrible. So, I crouched down once more and started healing the girl up. She stared at me with wide eyes. "Then again, I made some assumptions myself. I apologize, miss." Now, if only I could remember just where I'd seen her before? It was on the edge of my consciousness, mostly the striking purple hair, but...

"Oh, wait, I know her," Azrael commented, coming to stand by me. I sent him wordless 'thanks', since I was more focused on ensuring the girl's bones healed properly. "Berling's mercenaries, right?" The girl nodded curtly, her eyes shifting between the two of us. I wondered just how well she saw, given how her bangs fully covered one eye, but I wouldn't pry into that. "I remember her. She stupidly charged right for you, Byleth, screaming something about making a name for herself. Then you killed her." Gratitude rescinded. That wasn't something to say. "What? It's true. More than that, this is the weird one that attacked you afterwards for vengeance, even though Berling was the one who came after you." Azrael... please... though, all of this still vague. "You spent most of that battle dissociated, Byleth, due to a lack of sleep." And the 'impression' with those words threaded everything together.

I'd had a particularly bad nightmare the night before, one of those that lingered even long after I'd woken up, but had gone to battle anyway because it was supposed to be 'easy'. If things worked out as Dad planned, I wouldn't have fought at all. But Berling had caught sight of me, and Berling had charged for the glory of felling the 'Ashen Demon'. And I'd killed her. More than likely, the entire mercenary band fell, attacking us as they did. This girl, then, was the only survivor. Small wonder she wanted to kill me. I was the only one she had to blame.

"...I'd heard from some mercenaries your band rests in a village in these woods..." the girl muttered. She settled for glaring at me, but I noticed her eyes looked a little out of focus. Pain still? I was still healing her up. Looked like my students got some other good blows in before I got here. "So, I wanted to look for clues as to where you were."

"Band? What band?" Azrael repeated, frowning. I 'sent' him a reminder, since it wasn't the first time this sort of thing came up. "Oh, right, there are those mercenaries who only go on jobs with us. I keep forgetting people think of us as a band." But we weren't. Not a true one. No one wanted to stay any longer than necessary with a demon and an angel. "Anyway, you must've been in the woods for a while if you haven't heard we were at the monastery. Unfortunately, Byleth and I apparently make for quite the topic, for some dumb reason."

"Monastery? Why are you there?"

"That's a tale and a half and it's entirely not-"

"Azrael," I cut off. Now was not the time to bring that up. For a number of reasons. "We're being rude. What's your name?"

"My... name?" the girl repeated, back to the wide eyed stare. Her eyes were still a touch out of focus, but I was done healing. Residual pain, or... "...Shez. Just Shez."

"Well met. I'm Byleth Mikayla Eisner." On a hunch, I reached out and felt her forehead. "And you... are running quite the fever." She was burning up, actually. My fires might've been cooler. "Mmm... I can't treat illnesses with my magic. We should take you to Remire and see if they have medicines for you."

I fussed over Shez, getting Azrael to carry her back while I took stock of her symptoms. Vaguely, I was aware of my students simply staring in shock and confusion, but I wasn't certain... how to explain. She wanted to kill me, but that didn't mean I shouldn't help her. Right?

---

Though Chloe tended to her as best as she could, it quickly became apparent Shez's illness was too much for Remire to handle. So, I had Azrael bundle her up and take her to the monastery, while I saw to everyone else in Remire. By the time we returned, Manuela already had her set up in the infirmary, so I thought nothing more of it until a few days later. That was when Manuela said Shez could have visitors at last. Though I didn't see her immediately.

"Professor?" Mostly because Dimitri came to see me the same day. "May I have a word?" he asked quietly, lingering in the doorway even as I invited him in. It was only when I started preparing tea that he closed the door and sat down. "Thank you."

"I see no reason for thanks. I'll gladly hear all your words," I replied absently, more focused on what sort of tea to make. Though, Sothis snickered at my wording, for some reason. "Is something bothering you?"

"Ah, yes and no?" Dimitri frowned, thinking over his words, though he smiled again when I handed him a mug. "Chamomile today?"

"I thought it sounded the best out of the ones I was considering." Mostly because I knew he liked it. "Is all well with the cubs?"

"As far as I'm aware, the only worry is Sylvain, as usual." He waited for me to sit down as well, before bowing his head. "I... firstly, Professor, I wished to apologize. For what we did in Remire." For... huh? That was a surprise. None of the others had apologized. Hell, Balthus still proudly stood by the decision! "Our hearts may have been in the right place, but our efforts to cause you less stress only gave you greater distress. Zain told me how worried you were." Of course he did. And here I'd been trying to hide it from- "I asked him about it, mind. Your hands were shaking when you first stepped into the clearing. I saw you, though I was too occupied at the time to call out." ...Oh. I hadn't even noticed, so focused was I on them. "So, again, I wished to apologize."

"That..." How was I supposed to respond? "Everyone was safe and well, in the end. As far as I'm concerned, that is what matters."

"And... is everyone well?" He looked up then, eyes searching mine. "Do you include yourself in that 'everyone', Professor?" Huh? "You have a tendency to ignore your own stresses, so I worried. It seemed to me like you were hiding how you felt about it all, even more than usual." His mouth quirked into a slight, wry smile. "Of course, I could be wrong. I'm still learning your tells."

"..." Sometimes, I truly didn't know what to make of him. But it didn't... it wasn't exactly a bad feeling. Just... confusing. "I could reassure you on my health, but I doubt that is what you're truly asking. You already know I tend to my injuries quickly, if Azrael doesn't do it first." More like my healing rate often healed things before most even knew I was hurt, but I wasn't explaining that now. "...I won't deny there is some pain in being hated." Maybe it was because of our previous conversations, but the words were so easy to say to him. Words I usually kept back. "But no matter the reasons, I did kill her group. I would've killed her too. That's just how battles work, terrible as they are." Yes, Berling had struck me first. Yes, so did Shez. But I'd decided, even in that dissociated state, to survive and so, I killed Berling first. I wondered why I hadn't killed Shez. Had Dad called us back before then? That order would've taken priority. "As I said, it's not the first time I've been hated. It's not the first time someone wanted to kill me for vengeance's sake."

"Those who take up arms must always be prepared for revenge's cold gaze." There was something heavy about the words, but it was difficult to say just what it was. "Yet despite that, you chose to bring her to the monastery?"

"I do not see how the two are mutually exclusive, truthfully." Was that even the right phrase? "If I can help someone, I would like to do so, even if they hate me."

"Because that is what you feel is right." Dimitri's smile was soft and kind. "I see. If those are your thoughts, then I won't badger you more on them. I should apologize for my nosy fretting."

"I don't think you have anything to apologize for." I smiled back a little, strangely relaxed. "After all, when it comes to nosy fretting, I do believe I have you beat."

"Well, perhaps in 'fretting', Professor. I'll yield on that point."

Talk soon turned to lighter things, and Dimitri left to go about the rest of his day once the pot was empty. Once I cleaned up, I decided to head straight to the infirmary to visit Shez. After all, I was the reason why she was here. It would've been irresponsible to simply leave her to Manuela and wash my hands of everything. Easier, perhaps, but irresponsible. Even if I hit another distraction.

"Hmm? Ah, Byleth, hello," Seteth called as I passed by him in the hall. I was impressed he even noticed me, considering how focused he was on the papers in his hand. "Are you visiting the sick one you brought in? Shez, was it?"

"I believe that was her name," I answered, stopping to talk. I wasn't in a hurry, after all. "Should I not? Manuela said she was allowed visitors now."

"No, if anything, it'll be a good thing." Really? Now why would that- "Since she'll be your student."

"Pardon?" I had to have misheard. I had to have. Both Sothis and I had to have.

"Rhea and I spoke with her earlier, and given how she has nowhere to go, Rhea offered." Why?! And why give her to me?! She hated me, and for good reason! "She accepted." Did she accept with the knowledge that I would be her teacher? "I figured her mercenary background would be best suited to you."

"Azrael did mention she wants to kill me, right?"

"...Was that serious?" Seteth finally looked up, frowned faintly. "He said it very... nonchalantly during his report of everything. Given how he usually is when it comes to threats towards you and yours, I thought it merely his penchant for sarcasm. Again."

"No, he's just already written her off as an 'annoyance', rather than a viable threat?" That... sounded weird. "Neither of us are invincible, but based on what he saw of the fight, he thinks Shez would have to get very lucky to even wound me, much less kill me." Even with her unusual abilities. "So, he doesn't think much of it. Unless she acts on it, that is." ...Wait, that sounded worse.

"Well, I do wish I'd known that prior to agreeing with Rhea. Then again, Rhea likely wouldn't have offered if she'd thought him serious." Seteth sighed; I could only smile a little. The other option was grimacing. "It would be awkward to rescind the offer now, so I must apologize. If she does attack you, feel free to strike back. Just try to make it easy to clean later."

"All right?" I was just... going to go visit Shez now. Though I did have one thing nagging me. More than 'nag', truthfully.

Why was she a student? Why was she not offered a place as a knight? It couldn't be age; she was easily the same age as Azrael and me. Hell, she might even be a little older, depending. So, it couldn't be a 'too young to be a knight' excuse. And it couldn't be her background. Azrael, Shamir, and me were all mercenaries, just like her. Yet Azrael and Shamir were knights, and I was a professor. So, it couldn't have been a 'mercenaries can't be knights' excuse. In fact, it made even less sense the more I tried to think about it. After all, the knights were low on manpower, and Shez was more than skilled enough to help. So, why did Rhea offer her a place only as a student? It just felt... suspicious. Yet was it my own paranoia talking? Honestly, probably.

["Why is she your student?!"] Sothis, meanwhile, was fuming in my heart, and I was glad for my natural stoicism, since it let me leave Seteth without him being suspicious or concerned. ["Why is she anywhere near you?! You should've just left her!"] But she had a fever? And needed treatment? ["Fine, fine, but she could just leave afterwards!"] This was strangely vitriolic given she'd only had one encounter. ["I think I'm being perfectly reasonable considering she admitted to wanting to kill you! Have you forgotten you and I are linked? If you perish, so do I!"] Well, yes, but many wanted to kill me, so... ["Oh, what am I to do with you?"] Complain at me as always, miss gremlin. ["Must you continue to call me that?!"]

Sothis continued to grumble the rest of the way to the infirmary. When I poked my head in, I saw Manuela measuring something out in the back corner. She still noticed me as soon as I entered, and pointed to the small doorway next to her, which led to the infirmary's beds. They were designed to be sectioned off via thick curtains, but most were drawn back. Only the very furthest one was drawn, and when I pushed it open, I saw Shez sitting there on the bed, awake and coherent, but in terribly deep thought. It was almost like she was having a conversation with herself, silly as it sounded.

"I see you're awake," I whispered, stepping past the curtain. Shez immediately yelped and flailed, nearly falling out of the bed, but I caught her. "Ah, my apologies. I didn't mean to scare you." She'd been even deeper in thought than I'd... well, thought. "How are you feeling?"

"..." Shez studied me for a long moment before sighing. "Like I trained like mad for a year, still got my ass kicked, and then somehow got saved by the person I swore vengeance on?" she drawled, sarcasm dripping from each word. I could only smile bitterly. "I also feel like I got hit by a rockslide multiple times, but I think that's the fever and chills."

"Manuela said you were terribly ill."

"Weird, really. I'm not one to get sick, and Ar... well, I know to keep myself healthy. Sick mercs don't work." Ar? What was... no, not my business.

"That's true." Without thinking, I reached over and felt her forehead. "Still warm... but it does feel like it's come down."

"Er... right..." Shez blinked up at me, and only then did I realize how uncomfortable she had to be. So, I jerked my hand back. "So..."

"So, you're going to be my student." Best to move the conversation along. Particularly when her eyes widened. "I somehow had the feeling you didn't agree knowing that."

"They said they'd let me choose my house, though they had a cohort they wanted to put me in." Yeah, mine. This was...

"I can speak with Rhea about switching you, if you'd rather not." What all did Azrael say in his report anyway? Even if Seteth thought Azrael was exaggerating about the whole 'she wants to kill me' thing, she did still have a brutal fight with my students. Did Rhea and Seteth think he'd been sarcastic about that as well? Just what sort of reports had he been giving for them to automatically assume such anyway?

"Well, what about you?" Her eyes narrowed. Absently, I noted how her bangs had been brushed aside, probably to make it easier to wipe the sweat from her face. "Do you want to be a teacher for someone who wants to kill you?"

"I'm a mercenary. I think there's still bounties for the 'Ashen Demon' floating about, from nobles who decided I was too much of a threat to be kept alive. Or from nobles whose families I've killed." I shrugged, not sure how else to react. "You're one yourself. You know how often tomorrow's enemies are today's allies in our line of work." Grudges weren't uncommon, but a mercenary who held onto such found themselves floundering for jobs before long. "I'm not idealistic enough to believe everyone has to like each other amongst my students. So long as there is respect, and it doesn't cause problems, then it's not my business."

"I can't tell if you're just being practical or if you're taking the whole 'accepting' thing a little far." And Shez looked almost irritated by it. But I still didn't know... it made sense. It made sense she hated me. It made sense she wanted to kill me. Why should I be upset by it, when it was my own choices which caused it? Yes, it might've been battle, but that didn't change I'd killed her loved ones. So, what other option did I have but to accept it? "Ugh, whatever. We'll... deal with it, I suppose. Can you keep your students from trying to kill me?"

"They haven't killed each other yet, and I promise they had worse first meetings."

"How in the world could that... no, never mind." She sighed. "Then we'll... we'll be fine. You're right. It's not unusual for mercenaries, and I'm not fool enough to throw away an opportunity like this. Just know my plans haven't changed."

"Wait until after graduation, at least." Ah, I should also... "Also, careful to not let Azrael think you're..." Okay, how do I word this?

"All the rumors say the Bloodstained Angel cares for nothing and no one, save for his twin sister, the Ashen Demon, and his father, the God of War. Everyone else might as well be dust in the wind." She looked right at me, completely unafraid. It was surprising since, unlike most of those in the monastery, she'd faced me in battle. Not fought alongside, but against. She knew, more than anyone here, why others dubbed me demon on the battlefield. "So, I suppose that leads into the other thing I was trying to figure out. Why didn't he kill me as soon as 'allergic to shirts' guy said my goal?"

"..." Well, given what she knew, it was a valid question. So, I crossed my arms and tried to pick my words with care. "Azrael does not kill anyone he doesn't perceive as a threat to me." Still, I honestly... couldn't think of how else to word it. The reason why he did not rip the air from her lungs, the reason why she lived... was simply because he did not think she could, and would, kill me. She was... just another person who hated me. Just another annoyance to listen to on the wind. "He knows I would be upset if he did." Because I hated fighting, hated killing, hated bloodshed. And though he was apathetic to almost everything, he loved me more. "That is why."

"..." She glared. I couldn't blame her. I knew how terribly arrogant and dismissive it sounded. "I... need to rest."

"Of course." Honestly, in retrospect, this whole visit was probably a bad idea, but given what was to come... "I obviously can't teach you my weaknesses, but I can help you reach whatever other goals you have. It'll be my job, as your teacher. Ah, but you will learn the basics of both Reason and Faith magic. Everyone in the menagerie does."

"The what?" Well, that dropped her glare. "Menagerie?"

"You know the names of the houses, right?" I waited for her to nod. "Long story as to how, but the joke is my students are my eaglets, cubs, fawns, and pups. Ah, right, there are the Ashen Wolves as well, but that'll... get explained another time." She just said she wanted to rest, after all. "So, 'menagerie'." Shez stared for a long second before groaning and flopping down on the pillow. "Also, when you can, tell me your birthday."

"Don't have one. Don't remember it."

"Then pick a day you'd like to celebrate." I shrugged off her weird look. "Birthdays are important, and I celebrate all of my students'. No exceptions." She stared for a moment longer before just sighing and closing her eyes to end the conversation. I made sure to draw the curtain close behind me before I left. I did inform Manuela of Shez's desire to rest before leaving entirely. Felt appropriate, especially if Manuela needed to give her medicines.

Though, when I stepped out, I had to debate what to do next. I knew I should probably work, especially since I had a new student, but my head was still whirling from the information and questions, so it was better to wait until my nerves had settled some. So, after a moment of thought, I decided to swing by the library. No real reason for why, except that it was near and... well, I'd avoided it due to wanting to avoid Tomas, but that wasn't fair to the books. And, well, my students did study here, same as everyone else. Or cleaned. Because when I walked in and turned a corner, I found Ashe cleaning the shelves with Cyril. For some reason. I didn't think the students' chores included shelf and book cleaning.

"Oh, Professor!" Ashe called as soon as he saw me, smiling. It was strained, but I was glad to see it had regained some of its former brightness. "Don't mind us. We're just cleaning! Or, well, Cyril was cleaning, and I'm helping out a little." And based on Cyril's scowl, I had a feeling he wasn't happy about the help.

"I'm glad to see you out and about, Ashe," I replied, studying him. He had a little more color to his face, though his exhaustion was still plain to see. "You've been more attentive in class, I've noticed, and Dedue has said you've slept through the night at last."

"Ah, yes..." Ashe looked down, smile crashing to the ground. "It's... hard. But I know I need to get it together. We've a job."

"I can assign you elsewhere, if you want."

"I know, Professor, but I want to help. I think... I think it'll help me too." He glanced up shyly, a whisper of a smile back on his face. "That's... all right, right?"

"Of course. I only ask you do not push yourself too hard, too fast. Grief is its own monster."

"Well, thankfully, I've a nice blanket to keep me warm while fighting it." He flashed a grin, and that strange bubbly feeling tickled my throat at the sight. I really needed to see Manuela about that. "Ah, but I'm falling behind on cleaning!"

"Don't go so fast you forget to be careful with the books!" Cyril snapped, scowl deepening. Yes, he was very not happy with the help. Now, was it a lack of trust or due to a belief he had to pull 'his weight' to stay? Perhaps it was a combination. "I told you some of them are delicate."

"Ashe is very careful, Cyril, I promise," I reassured, focusing more on him. He looked only a little placated by the words. "Ah, but while you're cleaning, Cyril, if there's a book which catches your eye, go ahead and borrow it. It'll be easier to learn your letters if you're interested in the material." At least, that was how Dad went about teaching us.

"Huh? Uh... if you're sure..." Cyril looked away, almost embarrassed. But, surprisingly, he picked one immediately. "Lady Rhea likes this one." Of course he would choose one she liked. I could see why Rhea worried. "She's never said 'why' though." He handed it to me, and I stilled when I saw the title: 'Loog and the Maiden of Wind'. Beside me, Ashe stiffened. "Is this too difficult?"

"...No, I think it's perfect." Who would've thought... of all the books he'd pick, who would've thought it would be this one? "It holds a special place in my heart as well. And..." Ah, but I was about to say too much.

"And I learned to read with this same story, Cyril," Ashe murmured, voluntarily finishing the sentence. His expression was most peculiar. It was simultaneously happy, nostalgic, and grief-stricken. "It's one of my favorites too. I'll help you with it."

Cyril protested the help, because of course he did, but Ashe remained brightly and stubbornly insistent and I left the two to their 'argument', simply reminding Cyril to borrow the book 'properly'. It felt awkward to linger, so instead, I wandered through the shelves, making note of their order. Now that I thought about it, I still had those books on magical items Tomas had given to me. Given everything, I hadn't had a chance to truly research, but maybe I should make that a priority? Secondary priority. After my students.

"Your kingliness! I found you!" Claude's voice suddenly echoed across the bookshelves, and when I followed the sound, I saw him flop into a chair across from Dimitri. "I've a question," he explained, grinning. Dimitri smiled slightly, and looked up from the book he'd been reading before being interrupted. So, this was where he'd ended up after our talk, then. "It deals with your King of Lions."

"And this is something that cannot wait until our next discussion in class?" Dimitri asked, dryly. Claude's response was to widen his grin. "Very well. What was it?"

"See, in the book I was reading, I noticed his name was different: Leonidas."

"Were you reading his biography? That's the only place his birth name is used, usually." Dimitri smiled. "But I suppose that is the answer to your implied question, Claude. 'Loog' was not the name he was given at birth. As the area was Imperial territory still, he was named in Imperial fashion: Leonidas von Blaiddyd."

"Then... what?" Claude leaned his elbows on the table, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "He changed his name after declaring war?"

"No, it was for his coronation, as a means of differentiating the newly born kingdom from the Empire. Thus, he became 'Loog Leonidas Blaiddyd'."

"Ah." Claude blinked, silent for all of a second. "Where did 'Loog' come from, then?"

"Traditional name in the northeastern part of Faerghus. And, since I'm sure it's the next question, the practice of having a 'middle name' was also an older tradition. It plays into our belief in the fey, actually."

"Well, now I'm bursting with questions." Claude grinned once again, and Dimitri sighed. But I saw he was smiling too, and I was glad to see it. "Sooo...~?"

"Yes, yes." Dimitri bookmarked his page in his book and shut it to fully focus on the conversation. "I cannot remember if it's been brought up in the Friday discussions yet, but there is a very old belief in the power of a name..."

I watched the two of them for a moment with a smile, gladdened to see them have a not-serious conversation for once, but I left before they noticed me. After all, it was time to return to work. I'd taken enough of a break, and even Sothis begrudgingly agreed with the thought. However, I'd barely taken two steps into my room when I sensed Azrael 'nudge' me through our bond, along with the feeling of 'haste'. So, I opened my door once more, and saw him striding across the lawn towards me. While carrying Lysithea. While carrying a visibly upset, but trying to hide it Lysithea. And I did not know why. He didn't either. Something with Hanneman, perhaps, since he found her near him, but...

"Would you like some tea, Lysithea?" I asked, using that as my greeting as soon as they were at my door. After all, the reasons for 'why' did not matter. What mattered was how upset, and hurt, she was. "I have a new mix I'd been meaning to try." I held out my hand to her and, after a moment, she took it with both of hers. It didn't hide their shaking, nor did it hide how unsteady she was when Azrael set her down. "Ah, I also have some sweets Mercedes baked for me earlier." I wrapped an arm around her shoulder to lead her into my room. Azrael left, his business done. He still had some job or three to do for Seteth, after all. "Let's have those as well."

Lysithea remained silent while I fussed about my room getting thing ready. She simply sat in the chair, curled in slightly to appear even smaller, and said not a word. She didn't even twitch when I set out the cookies. In fact, she didn't seem to even notice them until I set the tea in front of her, a particularly sweet tea of honeyed fruits. It still took her a couple of blinks, and me sitting down in front of her, for her to reach out and take a sip.

"...Stupid Linhardt..." Lysithea finally muttered around her teacup. It seemed even they couldn't sweeten her mood. "Tricking me like that, asking those questions... completely lacking in empathy. He and Professor Hanneman are two peas in a pod. No wonder he keeps asking Linhardt to be his successor, in between his bothering me." There were quite a few questions. Quite a few. All the more because I'd noticed Marianne had been noticeably uncomfortable around Linhardt recently in lessons. At the time, I'd wondered if it was her own shyness, but in light of this, I'd need to investigate. Linhardt's tact could be even worse than Azrael's, sometimes, and I drew the line at disrespect for fellow classmates. For now, though... "Then Azrael just scoops me up like a child!" For now, Lysithea's well-being took priority.

"I apologize for him, but I assure you he would have picked up anyone in that situation," I reassured, pouring the tea. She focused on me with all the stubborn determination of someone refusing to burst into tears. "He noticed you were upset and wished to get you away from whatever had upset you as soon as possible."

"...He could have said something."

"I'll remind him." Though, I already knew why he hadn't. He'd focused completely on getting Lysithea away, and to me. He knew he couldn't calm her heart, but thought I'd be able to do so. And he didn't want her upset, because she was one of my students. "Do you wish to speak of it?"

"I..." Lysithea hesitated before slowly shaking her head. "Not... not yet. I..."

"That's fine. I'm here to listen, but only when you're ready." I handed her a sweet, smiling faintly. Lysithea's own smile was filled with relief. "I insist you have more of these cookies, though. As I said, Mercedes baked them and I think they're some of her best yet."

"They're so colorful... how did she get them like this?" She bit one in half, and hummed in delight. "Oh, they're like... like snow! They melt in your mouth and leave the best aftertaste!"

"You should let her know how much you like them. I'm sure she'll be happy to make you some."

"It would be even better if she taught me." All at once, her eyes lit up. "Oh! Could we make a class out of it? Cooking is very important for survival, after all."

"I'll discuss it with the more cooking inclined, as I'd certainly need their help." Not to mention the kitchen staff here. "However, if you want lessons, you can speak about it with Annabelle when we're next in Remire. She taught me, after all."

"Really? She wouldn't mind?"

"Not at all."

The conversation twisted and turned from there, always keeping to safe waters. Eventually, Lysithea's smiles contained neither relief nor tears, only excitement and happiness. I was glad for it.

---

"Gooood morning, Teach~! Wakey-wak... wait, you're already awake?" The morning of the twenty-fourth, Claude burst into my room, clearly intent on surprising me. But since I was already at work at my desk, I simply glanced up briefly and kept on writing. I needed to finish Shez's initial lesson plans as soon as I could. "Seriously?" he asked, incredulous. "The sun isn't even up yet! I skipped my daily meditation to try and beat you!"

"Dad had an early patrol with Alois, while Azrael has one just after dawn, so the four of us had an early breakfast," I explained, setting down my quill. I then went to the bundle of flowers in a nearby vase and pulled them out. "This is good timing, though. I just got back from the market for your flowers." I handed him the daffodils and lilies of the valley I'd picked out, tied with gold and green ribbons. "Here you are."

"Wait, just how long have you been up to... never mind." Still, he took them with a smile. "Anyway, my attempt to get the better of you might've been a failure." Better of me? "But that's only a preface to the true reason."

"Was there something you'd like to do?"

"Yep, I'm stealing you for the day." He was what? "Off we go!" With that, he snatched my wrist and yanked me out of the room. "Got to run quick before someone else snags you!"

I didn't even have a chance to protest as he led me on the most convoluted path ever to reach one of the roofs of the monastery. It actually took a second to realize that was even his destination, given how many twists and turns we did. From there, we hopped the rooftops until we reached the dormitories once again, this time hidden from sight as others slowly stirred awake with the sunshine.

"Good, that would've thrown off any tailers," Claude declared with a grin. I wondered why he thought anyone would try to follow us. Was Lorenz that paranoid with him? Things had seemed better in class, but perhaps I should pay more attention there. "Now, then... what to do?"

"Well, it's your birthday," I replied, moving to sit in a different spot. I knew from experience no one could see me from below if I sat here. "You're also typically one with a plan."

"Too true." He snickered, pleased as a cat. Despite the smugness, though, he held his flowers with care, and I was glad for it. "Let's see... so, there's a few folks we can eavesdrop on." Eavesdrop? Why would we go out of our way to do that? "Edelgard and Hubert would be quite the challenge. They always talk privately in their room and in quiet tones. Last time, I only caught something about Edelgard worrying about whether or not Hubert regrets serving her, and him scoffing at the idea he'd like any other life." That… "Dimitri's a strange one to shadow. You'd think he wouldn't have secrets, but then he goes sneaking off late in the night to do whatever. Dedue tries to follow, but last time, Dimitri sent him back to rest. Mention something about being worried about Dedue's 'I am a vassal' mindset."

"Claude…"

"Oh, wait, that was two nights ago. Last night it was Felix who caught thim, and they had one strange argument. Boar this, boar that, but then Felix all but demands Dimitri take the throne immediately, propriety be damned." Claude became thoughtful. I had no idea who was more exasperated: me or Sothis. "You know; I wonder why Dimitri isn't on the throne yet. He said it was because he wasn't 'of age' yet, but I'm sure his people wouldn't mind."

"His people might not, but his nobles will." I thought back on the rumors I'd heard as a mercenary. Yes, most of what you heard of the current regent was negative, but he did still have some supporters. And given how the kingdom was, they'd go to war if Dimitri 'forced' himself onto the throne early. "Dimitri would wish to avoid any chance of a rebellion."

"Would they really fight over that?" Claude, I'd think everything with Lonato would've made it clear. If not that, then the Tragedy of Duscur certainly showed it. "But yeah, I suppose that does make sense. Dimitri's the type to try and save everyone, isn't he?" Claude smiled almost wistfully. "Truthfully, I admire that, even if I wonder if his head is on straight. And wonder if he ever thinks about his own wants, navigating that sort of quagmire as he is." There was a single beat of silence, before he grinned at me. "He's much too good for a schemer like me."

"Are you trying to court him?" Why would he say that?

"Well, he is quite handsome. Though, sometimes I wonder if he just rolls out of bed and goes about his day. His hair is always such a mess!" Claude sighed gustily, shaking his head. "Hilda's going to ambush him one of these days. Mark my words." Suddenly he looked over the edge, studying something below. "Ah, looks like everyone's cleared out. Perfect."

"Pardon?" No answer, but another yank on my arm to drag me off. Again. Sothis grumbled about how this was not a 'proper break' for me in the slightest.

Even more confusing, though, was where we went. The second floor of the recently vacated dormitories, specifically Claude's room. What a roundabout way to go about things. Given how early we'd been up, we could've gone directly here with none the wiser.

"I love it when a plan comes together," Claude declared loftily, all but radiating smugness. He immediately went to a vase on his shelf to set his bouquet, and I noticed it was no random jar, but a rather nice one. He'd prepared it in anticipation. I was glad I'd gotten his so early then. "Now then... uh..." With that said, most of Claude's room was a mess. Not nearly as bad as Manuela's, of course, but there were books everywhere. Glasses everyone. Papers everywhere. Blankets everywhere. I didn't remember his room being quite so messy during the assassins. Then again, I hadn't been paying much attention to such things at the time. "Let me clean this up, first?" He tried to quickly gather up the scattered books and various alchemical glasses, easily the worst bits of the mess." Ouch!" And, in his haste, promptly dropped one book on his foot."

"There's no need to rush. You've seen my own room," I reassured. Curious, I picked up the fallen book and discovered it was an encyclopedia of poisons and their antidotes. "This is from the library, isn't it?"

"Yeah, Tomas recommended it for me." Claude dropped everything on his bed, making no move to sort through it. Azrael would've been so twitchy if he saw. "Sorry, I forgot I was in the middle of making one of the poisons. It looked so fascinating that I had to try."

"Oh?" I flipped the book open to glance through the pages. "Which one?"

"It's a tasteless, odorless, and colorless poison!" Claude grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "It's got a delayed effect, so in about two days' time, you'd have... well, let's call it 'stomach trouble' and-"

"Ah. Igilec." I knew it. Some tried to use it on Azrael and me a while ago. Dad told us about it afterwards, since it wasn't an uncommon poison people used against mercenaries. Especially fellow mercenaries looking to make a name for themselves. "Made from a distillation of aewelia leaves combined with the crushed blossoms of the bima flower. Usually, it's then mixed with distilled water so it can more easily be mixed into someone's food, and the dilution is what leads to the delayed effect. It's much more potent, and rapid, if you do not mix it with water first." Projectile vomiting within an hour of consumption, to say nothing of the diarrhea. "I'm certain I do not have to say this, but if you plan on having one of the others test this..."

"No, no, definitely not!" The rapid way he said it made me think he did at least think of it, but I had faith he'd already ruled it out. "Just broadening the ol' horizons. Unless you want to try it for yourself, I plan on just storing it."

"You'll want to keep it out of light, in that case. It'll keep longer that way." I closed the book and handed it to him. "Alas, I cannot try the poison for myself. I fear poisons do not have an effect on Azrael or me. The worst we've ever gotten was a stomachache." Couldn't remember which one did that. It did mark one of the few times Dad had been scared, though.

"Really? Huh. Is that a Major Crest thing or something?" Claude looked intrigued. "Felix has one too, right? Maybe..."

"Claude."

"Right, right, sorry, curiosity got the better of me there." He smiled sheepishly and tossed the book onto his bed with the rest of the pile. A small part of me flinched at a book being treated so haphazardly. "Still, it's good to have as many options available as possible when devising schemes. Expanding those options is one of my many hobbies."

"Quite the dangerous one as well." Making igilec, for instance, could end explosively if you mixed the ingredients improperly. It had to be the exact ratio.

"Well, I grew up in an environment which required it." Claude shrugged and plopped down on the floor. After a moment, I sat down as well. "Ever since I was a child, I've been seen as... different. An outsider. Resentment, hatred, even attempts on my life... I'd like to think I didn't do anything to deserve it, but that's how life is for someone without a place." And, no doubt, the reason why he had no trust in anyone. "My parents always told me I wouldn't grow stronger if I didn't fight my own battles. So, I licked my wounds, came up with schemes, and eventually become the independent and self-reliant person my parents wanted me to be. Lucky, right?"

"..." I wasn't sure what to say. I had no wish to judge, but I did feel... a child should be protected. That's what Dad tried to do, even as a mercenary on the road, and it broke his heart that he failed. "You grew up well." However, that was my own opinion, and bringing it up now would do nothing for Claude. So, instead, I reached over to ruffle his hair, just as Dad would when he praised Azrael or me. "And I'm glad you're here."

"...Thanks." For a split second, I thought Claude's cheerful mask cracked. But I blinked and the grin was right back on his face, as if it had never left at all. "So, in the interests of broadening my horizons further, my birthday present! Tactics lesson, please~! With a focus on the less honorable methods!"

It had to be one of the strangest of birthday presents, but it was what he wanted, so I obliged. Traps, poisons, guerilla warfare, ambush tactics… we talked of all of this and more. It was almost worrisome, how interested he was in it. Not that pragmatism was a bad thing. And, indeed, ensuring one's allies survived no matter what was something all strove for. But there was a limit, and I worried…

"Wait, so you wouldn't recommend that?" Claude asked after one specific tactic, genuinely curious. It was for a specific scenario: a trapped ally fighting against a strong enemy. Claude's immediate idea was to not rush to the trapped ally's aid, but instead secure the surrounding area. "Isn't it better for you to take advantage of the ally fighting your enemy to trap the enemy?"

"If we think in pure logic, where people are numbers and emotions have no base, then… yes, you could say it was better," I answered slowly. I had to word this carefully. It wasn't necessarily wrong. It just... it was a balancing act. Much like the balancing act Claude would have to do when leading the Alliance. "However, in the time you do this, there is a chance of the trapped ally dying."

"Which would then make it easier for me and mine to kill the enemy without suffering losses." Claude frowned. "It would be tragic, don't get me wrong, but-"

"But you did suffer a loss. The trapped ally." I made sure to hold his gaze; he looked away first. "I wouldn't consider it a wrong choice, mind. As a leader, it is true you need to prioritize those directly under you. But I still wouldn't recommend it, because of the morale loss. There's something terribly traumatizing on fighting so hard to reach someone in time, only to fail. And that can make the next battles harder."

"That…" Claude made to protest, but he fell silent, scowling in frustration. Like he couldn't find the words he wanted. And normally I would wait, but given the whole lesson, I felt… I felt there was more that needed to be said, as soon as possible.

"That's actually a good lead in. There's something you must always keep in mind, Claude. These tactics are very useful, yes, but if you become known for such tactics, if you gain a reputation for using them, then you will find them detrimental. Your allies, for instance, will become fewer." What was that metaphor I'd heard? It was a jovial mercenary, one who took jobs with us fairly frequently, and his anger on the subject made the memory stick. "They will wonder if they will be the dog you abandon to survive escape the bear. If you will leave them to die, so you survive. And they will turn away, to protect their own." I thought of my very first lesson, to the battle at the river I'd used for a tactics simulation. The one where Ingrid and Hubert had argued in circles. "Your enemies will use similar tactics to match you, ruthlessness for ruthlessness, and the body count will be far higher because of it." The general of that battle had been a known schemer, so his enemies had turned it against him to kill his son. The general had been known for his ruthless pragmatism, and so, his enemies refused to surrender until the bodies dammed the river. And I remembered what I did not tell my students that day: how the enemy had reacted in the later battles. "You also cannot underestimate how… myopic one's morals can become. You need only look at the Kingdom, and the Tragedy of Duscur, for an example." I hesitated before adding, "Ingrid, truthfully, is a terribly good example of what I speak."

"Does this have something to do with why Ingrid always glares at-"

"It is not my place to say." I really needed to be fair here. It was a delicate subject. "Lonato as well was a good example of what I mean. It's more common to see this attitude with those of the Kingdom, but it is certainly not limited to them. Adrestia disguises it with pride, while Leicester crouches behind the 'interest of their people'. But all are capable of it."

"..."

"And, Claude? You, of all people, need to keep that in mind for a simple yet complex reason. You're a leader." I really didn't have a right to say this. My own experience was limited, and it would be better to hear it from someone else. But this was something I'd seen in the various battles I'd fought, and something I'd learned from Seteth. So, I could only hope it would be enough for a grounding, and for him to ask someone with more experience. "I know what you said about your past, but right now, you must be someone who inspires others to follow you. You also must be able to place your faith in those who follow you. You cannot simply assume they will lose if you do not 'even the odds'. Just as you cannot underestimate how low others will fall, you cannot underestimate the strength their own feelings will give them. You cannot underestimate just how far they are willing to go for the sake of honor, dignity, or to protect someone dear."

"...Teach, to be a little blunt, it's weird to hear you speak of emotions when you're near impossible to read." He had a point there. I wouldn't deny that. "And you sound a little like Ingrid there." Did I? Well, I didn't know how to take that, so... "So, what sort of leader are you trying to be?"

"Pardon?" I could only blink slowly at him, not quite able to process what he said.

"You spoke of leadership and all." He leaned forward, deceptively playful. But somehow, I thought… he was angry. Perhaps I shouldn't have said any of this, but… "Plus, there was what Azrael said when we first met." There was no mischief in his eyes. They might as well have been stones with how emotionless they were. "Makes me curious."

"I..." I didn't know what to say. Honesty was likely the best, but it was... "I do not wish to be a leader, Claude." I was in such a position because I was their professor, but that was the extent. That was more than the extent. I did not want to be a leader. "So, I cannot answer your question. There is no 'type' I am trying to be." All I wanted was... "I simply wish to guide you all, to the best of my abilities, to your goals and ensure you survive to grasp them."

"Hmm..." The look in his eyes hardened. I didn't think he believed me. But since it was the truth, I didn't know what else to say. "Teach, you're aware you're part of the world, right? And that your actions have an effect?"

"...Yes?" I'd missed something. I'd completely missed something. "That is part of living. Even the tiniest of actions have ripples we can never even hope to guess."

"In that case, why do you watch everything pass you by like a rock in a river?" His eyes were no longer simply 'hard'. They were sharp as well, sharper than any blade. "With your abilities, with your Crest, you know no one will let you get away with that."

"...I think you're overestimating me, Claude." I could admit he had a point with the Crest, but I truly didn't understand why he was even bringing this up. So now, I had no idea how to-

"Claude, you sneak!" Right at that moment, Claude's door burst open, to reveal a cheerfully annoyed Hilda, along with some of the other students. …Actually, a closer look showed it was all of the menagerie. "I can't believe you tried to steal our professor!" she protested, immediately snagging me in a hug. My head spun trying to adjust to the mood whiplash, to the point I had Azrael 'complain' through our bond about his own dizziness. "I know it's your birthday, but come on! We had plans to celebrate too!"

"Huh? You did?" Claude asked, noticeably surprised. While it could be a mask, to hide his earlier feelings, I thought there was something genuine to it. "Seriously?"

"Yes, you dummy. It's the most perfect excuse for a party, and you deserve some spoiling." Hilda lifted me up from the ground, and I barely got my feet under me. "Come on! Ashe and Mercedes should've finished that cake by now."

"Er… wait, hold up."

"Nope, too mad. Raphael, carry him for me, will you?"

By the time I fully wrapped my head around what happened, I was firmly stuck in the middle of the impromptu party my students planned using Claude's birthday as an excuse. Almost literally, since I had Hilda resting on my shoulder in the corner of the classroom and Annette constantly swung by to keep my plate full of sweets and my mug full of tea. Not that I entirely minded, since it was the most fun I'd seen my students have in a terribly long while. But, I did wish I could finish the conversation with Claude, and figure out just what I'd missed.

But knowing Claude, we'd likely never speak of it again. So, instead, I simply watched as he incredulously enjoyed the party, glad to see him laughing with his classmates. I hoped it would be a good memory for him too.

---

There was exactly one day between Claude's birthday and the Rite of Rebirth. I'd originally planned on it being an 'easy' class day, so everyone could rest and prepare for the day after. But, as luck would have it, the twenty-fifth day of the Blue Star Moon was also the day Shez was officially given a clean bill of health from Manuela and, thus, was the first day Shez joined us for lessons. I had no idea what house she chose, since the end result was more or less the same. She was still in my class. Which, of course, meant she'd been stuck all morning with a large number of people who did not like her and showed it through crisp, cold politeness. While being taught by someone she hated and wanted to kill. Suffice to say, the morning lessons were not restful nor relaxing and I half-thought I should just dismiss everyone for the day. But I did want everyone to get one last set of drills in before tomorrow, and more importantly, I needed to know firsthand just how Shez fought. It would be near impossible to determine proper tactics tomorrow without that knowledge.

"Shez, stay near me, if you would?" I requested while everyone else set themselves up for the afternoon's practice. Today was just a reinforcement of the basics, so none should need my direct observation. "Grab what practice weapons you want."

"The swords are fine," Shez replied, words clipped but otherwise polite. She regarded me with what I could only call 'grumpy stoicism'. "So, afternoons are for weapons, huh?"

"That's right." I snagged a practice sword of my own and waved her over to the far side of the practice yard. "Today, however, you and I are sparring."

"Hands on demonstration of my strengths and weaknesses?" She sighed and rolled her shoulders to loosen them up. "Fair enough. Seen it with a lot of mercenary groups."

"It feels like a better use of time than me just watching you whack a practice dummy." Besides, maybe she could bleed out some of her frustration on me. "So, shall we?"

"Yeah." And then, without another word, Shez surged forward to strike.

I did wish she wouldn't use twin blades. In my experience, it was... impractical. There was more to keep track of, from possible angles of attack to weapon range to guard... far too many variables. It also relied on the capability to simultaneously use both hands independently, a feat many simply could not do. If the weapons were of similar length, then you had to worry about the blades tangling together, forcing you to keep them apart. Thus, you swung one at a time and, to me, it was not any faster than simply attacking twice with the same blade. And attacking simultaneously with them led to another issue: no way to protect yourself if the attack was blocked or dodged.

I never saw it useful in anything but personal duels. On the battlefield, the style took too much space, did not have the power or range of two-handed weapons, did not have the defensive abilities of a shield, and provided little to no protection from arrows or magic. It always worked best when it was a sword and dagger, the dagger to parry and block and the sword to strike. I would never claim to be an expert, for all my talent for war, but everything I had seen and experienced pointed to the same: impractical. Other things performed the same supposed job with much more efficiency.

But it was showy. No one could deny the flair dual-wielding blades gave to one's fighting, no matter how impractical it was. It stood out, and that was important for a mercenary. Mercenaries were only hired if they were noticed. You could be the strongest mercenary of them all and still never earn a contract because no one knew who you were. A mercenary's name and reputation was currency, just as their blood and life was. So, if this was what Shez chose to stand out amidst the crowd... well, so long as she wished to continue being a mercenary, it was my job to help her maximize the benefits and minimize the weaknesses.

At the moment, some of those weaknesses were abundantly clear. She kept overextending, her stance unstable, and she relied too much on her unusual abilities to 'correct' for it. All of this would have to be corrected, as soon as possible.

So, I did. Again and again and again. I would dodge and knock her off-balance while she tried to correct. I'd strike with heavy blows and make her buckle. I'd purposely keep within the 'guard' of one blade, forcing her to rely solely on the other lest she tangle herself up. That wasn't to say she didn't land some good hits. I'd be feeling the bruises for at least an hour after this, and if we'd been using blades, I'd be down an arm for a good while. She certainly was skilled; there was no doubt about that.

"Grr…!" At one point during the spar, though, Shez became noticeably frustrated. I supposed it made sense, given everything, but it made her strikes wilder and made the weaknesses even more apparent. However, in between one blink and the next, she… disappeared. There was no other way to describe it. She flat-out vanished from my sight, and I could not see where she went. So, instinctively, I purposely opened up my guard in a specific spot. Sure enough, she 'reappeared' there, a blur of purple light before solidifying. Her unusual abilities once more, and one that certainly gave her an edge. But… well, as I proved by blocking, it wasn't invincible. "How…?"

"You're far too reliant on those tricks," I noted blandly, shoving her back. She flailed and only barely kept to her feet. "Still, that is an interesting one. I think it would be more useful for traversing the battlefield and for setting up assassinations." Wait, but if it was her simply moving very quickly and not warping… "No, forget that first bit. If you ran into something at such high speeds, I think you'd kill yourself on accident."

"...Okay, I know you're my teacher and all right now, but there's something weird hearing that from you." I suppose that was so. "I'll keep it in mind. I only learned how to do that particular trick recently."

"We should do some tests later to get a feel for what all you can do." I let myself relax, at least until her eyes flashed. "If you want to continue the spar, by all means, strike. But given how wild your strikes were becoming…"

"Er…" She flushed briefly, looking away. "Fine, fine… I lost."

"Hmm? Ah, well, yes, I suppose." You'd think I'd be used to outright spars nowadays, but I still wasn't. Not fully. "Let me check you for…" Absently, I glanced over at the rest of my students, and noticed they weren't doing their drills as they should've. Instead, every single one of them was blatantly watching, and clearly had for some time. "Have none of you practiced?" Oh, what was I to do with them…

The answer was, of course, to dismiss Shez early and oversee their drills directly. And repeatedly. Until even Caspar declared himself too tired to move. Perhaps it was a little, or even a lot, mean, but I did not want them to be careless. I had them walk around the practice yard to cool down, and sent them on their way with reminders to drink water and rest. Then I cleaned up after them, picking up what practice weapons they'd forgotten, before heading to my room for a quick wash. I'd planned to simply work from there, but my stomach's grumbling reminded me I needed to eat. So, instead, I snuck into the kitchens and begged a small snack from them. ...Which the kitchen workers took as 'full plate ladened with food' because they knew my appetite. I couldn't even complain; it was good! And it was in that good mood only brought about by delicious food that I left the dining hall, and came across Flayn and Shez chatting at the gazebo nearby. And, of course, Flayn noticed me near immediately.

"Hmm? Ah, Byleth!" she greeted me with a smile as cheerful as her voice. Shez, meanwhile, stiffened. Awkward… "I am so very glad to see you! It feels ever so long since I have!"

"Flayn, you saw me at our midnight tea last night," I gently teased, joining them cautiously. Shez watched me warily, silent, but made no move to leave. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

"Oh, no, I was just meeting Shez! She is your newest student, yes?" Flayn beamed, completely unaware of the awkwardness between Shez and me. "Since she is new, she will start with both Reason and Faith, correct? As your other students did?"

"At least until she has the basic spell theory mastered, and a healing spell. Past that, it'll be her own choice. Same as them." And I highly doubt Shez wanted to learn either from me. "I'll be counting on you for the Faith lessons. I believe you wanted to learn Reason yourself, so perhaps you can help each other?"

"I'd find that delightful!" Flayn turned to Shez, still beaming. "Ah, but I would be remiss to become so excited without asking your opinion first."

"I don't mind," Shez answered, glancing between the two of us. Then she raised a brow at me. "Is Flayn also your student? She wasn't in the morning lesson. Or afternoon, for that matter."

"Flayn's knowledge of Faith magic surpasses mine, so she has offered to help me with those lessons," I explained, picking my words with care. As far as I knew, Seteth still didn't know of the arrangement Flayn and I had come up with, and I was keeping that way until it was far too established for him to stop. "She also helps me with my lesson plans, and lets me practice some of the lectures."

"So, she is, but she isn't?" Shez's voice went dry. I could only smile faintly in return. Flayn, meanwhile, had to muffle her giggles. "Right, okay, just going with that for now. Any other student-not-students?"

"Cyril, who you'll meet later. No doubt he's neck deep in chores, again."

"Does he get in trouble a lot or something?"

"Cyril is simply a workaholic, like many others here in the monastery," Flayn explained for me, still giggling. I definitely preferred that explanation compared to what I'd likely say. "Ah, I just had a thought. Shez, have you had a tour of the monastery yet?" Shez shook her head. "Then may I show you around? You have been stuck in bed for so long, after all." She looked up at me. "Would you like to join?" Ah…

"I appreciate the offer, Flayn, but I fear I've work to do," I refused, hoping I appeared apologetic. Truthfully, I wouldn't have minded, but Shez's nerves had to be raw after today. Best to not strain them further if I could avoid it. "I'll see you later?"

"Of course! I would not miss our tea for anything!"

I watched them leave, mostly to ensure they didn't go near my room, and once they turned the corner to reach the pond, I headed back to the dormitories. And found something atypical. Dimitri lingered by my room, frowning about something. Now why was he…?

"Dimitri?" I called, wondering what was going on. He noticeably jumped at my voice, and quickly turned to smile sheepishly at me. "Is something wrong?"

"Ah, no, not that I am aware of," Dimitri answered, the words strangely quick. Even more strangely, though, was how he hid something behind his back. He was even careful to keep his back to the wall when I met him by my door. "I was simply surprised. I would have thought you returned to your room already."

"I came back briefly for a bath, and then went to grab a quick snack before work." My curiosity piqued, I pointed to his arms. "So, what are you trying to hide?"

"Huh? Oh." He looked away, face turning red in embarrassment. "I... actually, this is rather silly, but..."

"Hmm?"

"Ah, here." He brought one hand out from behind his back, and I saw it was a bag tied with a neat little ribbon. When I took it from him and opened it, I discovered it was full to the brim with cookies. "One of the children we teach, Belle, gave this to me a little while ago. She helped in the kitchens today, and baked them as thanks for us. She heard you liked sweets."

"Goodness, is my sweet tooth that much of a gossip topic?" Unable to help myself, I immediately took one to nibble. "Ah, the right amount of sweetness too. I know just the tea to pair these with." I nodded to him or, rather, to the arm he still hid behind his back. "So, what is the other thing you're hiding?"

"This... well..." He was quiet for a moment, wrestling with his thoughts, and I waited for him to find his words. And continued nibbling on the cookie. I always had room for sweets. "I... have a gift? For you?" To my surprise, he pulled out a book from behind his back. "I was visiting Miriam's shop the other day and this caught my eye. I... thought you might like it."

"You did?" That was surprising. No, it was more than surprising. And it was even more than that when I took the book and saw it was a collection of folk tales. A quick peek inside showed they were organized by country. "This..."

"You may already have a copy, and if so I do apologize. But I know you enjoy reading, and... well, this seemed like something you'd like?" He shrugged a little helplessly, back to the sheepish smile. "You work terribly hard most days, so I hoped it might help you relax."

"I..." When was the last time I received a gift like this from... from someone who wasn't family? Who wasn't from Remire? Yes, Mercedes and Dorothea had bought me hair accessories. Yes, I had gotten a matching pendant with Edelgard. Yes, Manuela had given me lotions. But this felt different. This wasn't something bought because it would 'look nice' or 'mark the day'. It was simply... a gift. A gift for no reason at all, and just because he thought I'd like it. Not only that, but it was a book. Not an accessory or makeup or things others liked and wanted to share with me. It was... just a book. A book I could read and enjoy in the little free time I had. "Thank you, Dimitri." It felt like a long time since I'd received a gift like this. The only memory I had, truthfully, was of the little knight boy so long ago, who gave Azrael and me our first gift, our first book, and sparked this love of reading we both had and shared with Mom. "I don't actually own it already, so I look forward to reading it."

"I'm glad, then." He beamed, pleased. I could only hope he somehow knew just how happy I was. I didn't know how to show it, or how to say it. But after the hell last month had been, after the uneasy cloud looming over this month, this book was a treasure. "Ah, but I've taken quite a bit of your time."

"You have not, and I insist you split the cookies with me. They were a gift for us both." I couldn't help but smile, just a little, and he sighed and brought his hands up in quick surrender. "Might you have tea with me?"

"I'd... be delighted." He blushed a little, his smile now a little awkward. But it was genuine and warm. "Ah, your hands are full. Let me open the door for you."

"Thank you."

It was a shame when we finished the cookies and the pot of tea I'd made. I'd enjoyed the conversation we'd had, jumping from one topic to the next. Some topics were serious, such as monastery security and strategies. Others were simple stories, like the children Dimitri had seen in the market or the view from the bridge. It felt like it had been a long time since I relaxed so much, and I knew I'd need to work twice as hard, thrice as hard even, to make up for the time lost. But I couldn't bring myself to regret it. Not one bit.

---

The day of the Rite was bright. Not a cloud in the sky, with the most refreshing breeze blowing through. One might think it a good omen for the day, but given everything, it honestly only made me nervous. It didn't help I didn't see much of the sun. From the crack of dawn, I'd been in meetings and whatnot to cover everything for the day, and by the time I was able to escape, I had to rush to meet my students in the Cathedral.

"The Goddesses Rite of Rebirth is about to begin," Hubert noted, glancing around. He, Dedue, HIlda, and I were standing by the alcove leading to the Mausoleum. Nearby, the lords were talking with Seteth and Flayn, for whatever reason. "Are we moving forward with the plan, Professor?"

"Yes," I answered, since what else could I say? Everyone was finishing their preparations, and I'd already secured Dad's permission for this. "Our information paints this place as the most suspicious."

"Then we shall see if our hunch is correct."

"Ugh... I hope not," Hilda immediately complained, sulking even. She kept a firm grip on her ax, though, and a wary eye on our surroundings. "If we're wrong, then we won't have to fight and get sweaty. Won't that be nice?"

"There remains the possibility of escape routes and reinforcements," Dedue pointed out. Absently, I marveled at how this was the first time I'd seen the 'lord's seconds' gather. Even if Hilda wasn't officially Claude's 'second'. "If they do not strike here, we will no doubt be called elsewhere."

"Surely they won't have that many people, right?"

"I wouldn't be so certain. My understanding is you fought a surprising number of people here before. While the incidents are likely not connected, it does prove we should never underestimate how many enemies we may face."

"Ah, so the shining prince did tell his loyal vassal the whole truth," Hubert commented. Normally, I'd say he was being sarcastic, but somehow, I thought he was actually being genuine. "And here I thought he'd listen to the Archbishop's order for silence."

"His Highness wishes to be as truthful as possible, as he believes it will lead to less conflict," Dedue answered carefully. It was like he was trying to decide if Hubert had insulted Dimitri or not. "Though not all the cubs were told, I shall admit. It is unwise to blatantly challenge the Archbishop while we are in the seat of her power."

"Huh. And that was more political than I expected from you."

"Hubert, you're aware that backhanded compliments aren't really compliments, right?" Hilda drawled, scowling at him. Hubert's slow blink hinted I was right; for once, he was trying to be sincere and not sarcastic. "Then again, I think if you actually complimented anyone, we'd need to look for snakes singing arias."

"Ignoring terrible mental images, it looks as if its time," Dedue noted, sharply turning the conversation away from those waters. A good thing, as Hubert looked ready to retort. "Our lords have finished their conversation." A quick look showed he was correct, and that Azrael had joined them at some point. I wondered when, and 'nudged' him to 'ask'. All I got was curiosity and confusion about a coffin, for some reason. I'd... ask him later. "Azrael has joined us as well."

"How did he secure fighting with us this time anyway?"

"We arranged it with Dad," I answered, surprised they didn't know. I'd made no secret of coordinating with Dad about our placement, after all. "Since he was in charge of monastery security for the day." I nodded to group, alone now that Seteth and Flayn had left. "Come. As Dedue said, It's time."

Of course, there was still actually coordinating everyone. The Mausoleum itself was large, but it still only had one entrance. Thankfully, the doors opened as quietly as they did the night we confronted Aelfric, and we were able to slip inside without too much issue. Surprising, given our numbers. How many students did I even have at this point?

"Well, well..." Claude murmured, peering around a pillar. Everyone kept close to the ground, and did their best to stay in the shadows. While this place was open to the public, the lighting wasn't necessarily the best. "Looks like our guess was spot on." At the head of the group, closest to the enemy, was two trios. Behind one pillar, we had Claude, Edelgard, and Dimitri. The other? Azrael, Shez, and me. I'd pulled Shez ahead for this; she had more experience fighting than my students. "More than I'd expect, truthfully, and they're clustered near the back there. Isn't that the coffin Teach's mother was laid out on last time?"

"It's also the casket of Saint Seiros," Dimitri commented. Somehow, it didn't surprise me. Wasn't sure why it didn't, but it didn't. "Are they after her bones?"

"Why would they be after her bones? That's weird as hell." Claude waved it off. "More importantly, though, is the floor looks different than before. Traps would be my guess. And that's not all..." He pointed to a specific knight in the center of the room, one wearing some of the gaudiest armor I'd ever seen. "I'm getting a disturbing vibe from that guy, so maybe we should try to avoid the evil-looking knight, yeah?"

"Yes, it would be in our best interests to avoid him, if we can," Edelgard agreed, frowning. Her hand tightened on her ax. "We should probably pick some name for them for convenience."

"A name? Really?" Claude asked, voice a little dry. Edelgard, of course, scowled at the perceived mockery. "Is it really that important?"

"I was just thinking it would be easier for warning others."

"She has a point there," Shez whispered, just loud enough for the others to hear. She glanced pointedly at Azrael and me. "Mercs knew that if 'Ashen Demon' or 'Bloodstained Angel' were called, then blood was going to fly."

"Yet that didn't stop Berling," Azrael replied without a thought. I could only sigh. Now wasn't the time for this… "Or the rest of your-"

"Blood still flew." Yeah, Berling's apparently. I still had next to no memory of this. Even Sothis poking about my memories turned up nothing. "So, a name for the spiky knight person makes sense."

"Thank you," Edelgard replied with far too much dignity given everything. And a touch of smugness as well. "Anyway, perhaps Death Knight?"

"Sure, why not, it'll go great with the spikes of doom on their armor," Claude retorted, words still dry. Edelgard looked ready to hit him, and Dimitri pointedly moved to be between them, just in case. "So, back to the topic on hand, they're still in the back, so I'm guessing magical seals like the rest of the place. Meaning we need to stop them before they break through, and, to repeat myself, also avoid those traps I definitely do not remember from last time." He pointed to one not far away for emphasis. Hard to say what sort it was from here, but I'd bet magical. "Seriously, is my memory bad or did these just appear for the special occasion?"

"Given Aelfric could dispel the seal on the door, I'd take a guess he disabled these traps." Though given the general populace was supposed to have access, I wondered why they were not disabled now. Was it because of our suspicions?

"Convenient."

"Very."

"So, is chatting right by the enemy a thing for you all?" Shez asked softly, words edged in sarcasm. She didn't sound annoyed, exactly. More exasperated. "I'd hoped ending the argument earlier would help us move faster, not slower. If we're on a time limit like you think, then we're wasting it."

"Too true," I agreed, eyes narrowed. I glanced at Azrael, who nodded at my unspoken thought, and then looked to my students. "All right. We're hitting them in waves. Everyone, listen closely to your grouping and try to stay together. This will be the first 'enclosed' battle for most of you, and they flow very differently."

"Wait, they seriously-"

"Shez, you'll lead the first group."

"Wait, I'm doing what now? Stop changing the-"

"Azrael has the second. Edelgard, Dimitri, Claude, and Yuri will be the remaining four, for a total of six." And I would have none so I could more easily keep an eye on everyone.

Now, the actual groupings were... well, random. I could probably give some sort of tactical explanation later, if I had to, but in the moment, I just put those who I thought would work best together in the groups of five. The pups were all separated. Constance was in Edelgard's group, Balthus in Claude's, and Hapi in Dimitri's, with Yuri leading his own. Hubert went to Shez's group, and if I didn't move things along, I was certain he would've protested. Dedue and Petra both ended up in Claude's group, and I 'shoved' Linhardt in with that group as well so they had a healer. As for the other healers, Mercedes went with Dimitri and Marianne went with Edelgard. Rounding out Edelgard's group were Sylvain and Bernadetta. Ferdinand and Lysithea filled out Dimitri's group. Dorothea joined Hubert in Shez's group, along with Raphael and Ignatz. Caspar went with Yuri, since Yuri would best be able to take advantage of Caspar's reckless charging, and I paired him with Hilda as she could keep up no matter how much she complained, especially with Annette and Ashe covering for them. That... left Azrael with the remainder (Felix, Ingrid, Lorenz, and Leonie) and it was not necessarily a 'balanced' group, but Azrael was adaptable enough so it wouldn't look too weird. I just really hoped no one in that group in particular asked me about the groupings later.

At the present, though, we had to battle. Shez's group and Edelgard's hit them hard first, with Azrael and Dimitri hitting them second while they reeled from the initial blows. Claude's group flanked from the left, and Yuri's flanked from the right. It was chaos, of course. The pillars and traps and low lighting did not make for an 'orderly battle', if such a term could ever truthfully be applied to battle at all. But everyone kept to their groupings, just as I hoped, and while it was not a battle overwhelmingly in our favor, neither were we at a complete disadvantage. One of those battles where nothing was going so well you just knew everything would fall apart in a second and yet nothing so catastrophic occurred to make everything hopeless.

That was when I made my first mistake. I relaxed and conveniently and stupidly forgot that there was no such thing as a battle where the unexpected did not occur.

"Mercedes!" I didn't know who shouted. I didn't even know how long the battle had been going on. I only knew when I whirled to find Mercedes in the mess, I saw a scene straight from a nightmare. The 'Death Knight', who had remained content to remain in one place until this point, loomed over Mercedes and Lysithea, and Mercedes stared defiantly up at them as she shielded Lysithea. With a scythe of all things, flashing as it came down, I was certain I would see them die. Certain I would have to turn back time to find another way forward, a way where they lived.

But, to my surprise, that... didn't happen. The scythe didn't hit its mark. Instead, the Death Knight... they checked the blow, right before it could even touch Mercedes's hair. A terrible moment of stillness, right before death should have struck.

"You..." the Death Knight breathed, their voice strange. It sounded like they were speaking from the bottom of a deep well, impossible to tell anything but how deep it was. "Why are you...?" Now why were they...? No, that didn't matter. This was a battle, and I had my priorities.

So, I gestured and conjured a wall of flame between the Death Knight and Mercedes, aiming it closer to them than her. ...I knew I should have just set him on fire, but somehow, I had a feeling that wouldn't have done much to him. Far better to separate him from the rest and buy time for an escape. At least, that was what I told myself.

"Mercedes, Lysithea, fall back," I ordered, rushing over. I helped the two of them up, steadying Lysithea when she stumbled. A quick pulse of magic told me she'd twisted her ankle, probably due to one of the traps. "Quickly."

"Of course, Professor," Mercedes agreed, though a little absent. She glanced at the Death Knight, who simply... let us talk. They didn't do anything but stare past the flames. "They... oh, no, never mind." She shook her head and wrapped her arm around Lysithea. "Professor, do be careful."

"I'll try." And I stood to physically shield them as Mercedes lead Lysithea away, back to Dimitri and the rest of their group. I kept one eye on them, making sure they made it.

"Like moths to a flame…" The other half of my attention was on the Death Knight, who remained still even as my fire wall faded. "You appear whenever there is chaos," they commented, almost absent. I think. How did they distort their voice so much? Surely their helmet alone couldn't have… wait…

"I've seen you before..." I whispered, startled. Looking for any sign I was mistaken. But the more I looked, from the horned helmet to the dark armor to the scythe... the more I was certain. "Below, in Abyss, after we fought the mercenaries..."

"Indeed. I saw you there." They brought their scythe out to the side, the metal glinting eerily in the low light. Seriously, a scythe? Points for flashiness, and I'd never deny their effectiveness, but few had the skill to effectively use it in battle. "I wished to battle you then." I… could be mistaken, but something about their voice seemed far too excited. "Now…!"

They lunged and I blocked the initial blow, pushing it to the side to break into their guard. They recovered near instantly, blocking my blade with their gauntlet before trying to strike again. Again and again. Strike, parry, strike, dodge. Getting a feel for each other's fighting style, watching for weaknesses to exploit. For instance, I noticed how wide their stances were, as if they were used to fighting mounted, and such a thing could be used to knock them off-balance. Not a primary weakness, but a secondary, one to utilize once I identified a primary and slip in close. All the while, I kept one eye on the battle around me, one eye on my students.

A magic user tried to ambush Shez's group not far from me. I opened my mouth to call out a warning, noticing how Shez's attention was forward. But that… that was a mistake, my second… no, my third mistake. Because the Death Knight took advantaged of my divided attention, and revealed what I had stupidly not considered. They had held back on both strength and speed. I misjudged, too used to enemies giving their all from the start, and they exploited that arrogance.

I couldn't bring my sword up in time to properly guard against their vicious strike. The haphazard defense I managed only served to shatter my blade. Nowhere to go, no time to react. I made my mistakes and paid for it. All I could do was close my eyes and distantly note the sound of something shattering as the scythe's blade thudded in, and through, my neck.

And everything went black.

---

The black was strange. You'd think I'd be afraid, given how little I liked the dark. But there was something strangely peaceful about it. Drifting under the surface, going nowhere… it was like I was stuck underwater. Not drowning, not swimming. Just there, in the dark.

"Byleth? Byleth?!" However, at some point, I heard Sothis's desperate, frantic voice from both everywhere and nowhere in the black. "Oh, precious dearheart, please, wake up!" The pitch was different, though. It was softer and lower, older. "Not again! Please, not again!" Like when she first turned back time... "I can't lose more! I can't!" I wanted to call out to her. Wanted to reassure her. But I couldn't. "There you are!" The peaceful drifting kept me bound and silent. "Byleth!"

A rush of heat, the crackling of flames. The feeling of water weighing me down vanished in an instance, leaving nothing but warmth. Warmth, and desperate, potent relief from nowhere and everywhere. From Sothis...

"Byleth!"

My eyes fluttered open. At first, there were only blurs and blobs of color, but everything focused in a couple of blinks. I was... in that strange place again. The darkened throne room where Sothis once slept. The one that so matched the throne in the tomb where we met Luca. The place Sothis sometimes pulled me when time had stopped. Now, I was here again, but I was not on my own two feet. Instead, I was laying down across one of the stairs to the throne, my head cushioned in Sothis's lap as she leaned over me with wide and worried eyes.

"You wake..." she breathed, smiling in relief. For a split second. Then she scowled. "You fool! Of all the times to underestimate an enemy!" Nice to see she was back to her usual self.

"That's just how it goes sometimes," I mumbled, still a little disoriented. Her voice was as it should be. As it always was. What had I heard, then? "So, decapitation does kill me. Good to know."

"Honestly, what am I to do with you?" She sighed gustily, but the hand running through my hair was achingly gentle. "Well, you're not dead. I stopped the flow of time." Did she? Was that the shattering I had heard just before the end?

"This has to be unfair."

"How is it less 'unfair' than you reversing your students' deaths?" She scowled once more. "Besides, life is already unfair, so why not force it to heel and give you the outcome you wish?"

"You said that before."

"And I stand by it. You deserve the happiest of endings, after a long and equally happy life." Her expression softened to a smile. "How are you feeling? I could not stop time before it thudded into your neck. I tried, but was too slow."

"Mm..." I half-closed my eyes, lulled into a not-quite-doze. "A little disoriented, but otherwise, I think I'm fine." Still, that Death Knight was terribly skilled. Far more skilled than most I'd faced in recent years. Comparable to Dad, easily. "I'll have to focus completely on him. I can't let him near my students."

"That's right. Though, I wish..." She fell silent, still running her hands through my hair. "No, never mind. This is the choice you've made, and I will do what I can to support you."

"Hmm?"

"Rest a little longer, Byleth." Her smile softened, warm and gentle. Vaguely, I thought it looked familiar, and decided it reminded me of Mom's smiles. The ones I'd seen in those portraits Alois had so painstakingly protected the past twenty years. "Then, once you're back in time, formulate a plan that lets you survive. You cannot protect them if you're dead."

"Right." So, the first thing I'd need to do was turn back time enough...

---

It certainly was interesting coming 'back into time' this time. For one thing, I still had the scythe blade in my neck. It was cold, sharp. Things I shouldn't be able to feel with it halfway through my neck as it was. But I did. I felt it. And I felt as time reversed and it slowly pulled out of my neck. Still cold, still sharp. Then the pressure was gone, and I paused my reversing to analyze the situation. I couldn't wind time back too far, and I did not know how many times I'd need to use it. Ideally, none, but one shouldn't plan tactics around ideal scenarios. So, I had to reverse time as minimally as possible. Had to conserve my strength, just in case.

So, I wound back time a little farther, just a little, and when I let time flow again, I dodged instead of trying to haphazardly block. So, instead of my sword breaking and the scythe cutting off my head, it merely gouged the front of my throat out. Nothing to worry about. The blood spray was dramatic, certainly, but the worse had healed by the time I readjusted my weight.

"Shez?" I called softly, even as the blood continued to gush down my front. It would be fine. It would fully close up within a couple more blinks. Particularly bad injuries healed quicker. "You near?" She should be, if I remembered correctly, but best to be sure.

"Er… yeah?" Shez replied, somewhere behind and to the side. I didn't look. My focus was solely on the Death Knight. "Need me to fetch a healer?"

"No. I need you to keep an eye on everyone. I can't split my focus for this opponent." I did that, and was killed. Erasing the death didn't mean it didn't happen. I couldn't make the same mistake. Sothis was right; I had to live to protect my students.

"I'm not leader material."

"You can still keep track of everyone. You're more used to that than them. Please." Who was in her group again…? Ah, yes. "Have Ignatz take over for your group."

I didn't wait for a reply. I couldn't. I had to bring all I had to bear and more on the Death Knight to protect my students, and I had to do it quick.

They blocked my initial strike, sparks flying from the force. One blow, two blows, three… then I twisted and wrapped fire around my blade to stab at their feet. I didn't hit, of course, but that wasn't the point. The point was simply to get my blade there, my fire there, so I could shoot it up in a quick burst of flame. It had the intended effect: instant reeling. That let me get a good whack in, though not as good as I'd hoped. Their armor was deceptively strong, even at the joints. I'd have to rely more on magic for this one.

"You…" the Death Knight breathed as they regained their footing. Somehow, I got the impression they were staring, though it was hard to tell. The red glow in the eye sockets of their helmet blocked any and all attempts to peer within. "The wound on your throat…" Worried something had gotten caught, I reached up to feel for anything abnormal. But there was nothing but scabs. In a few minutes, even those would disappear. "The blow should have gouged out the front. You should not be able to speak, even if you somehow held onto consciousness. And yet…" I couldn't tell what their tone was. Maybe it was the distortion twisting it, but it sounded somewhere between shock and maddening glee. "Yet, it is already almost healed."

"I heal fast," I dismissed. What else could I say? It was the truth. I healed fast. I always healed fast. I'd been run through so many times and barely had a scar from any of them. A slashed throat was nothing. I'd probably forget in a day or two.

So, it was back to the battle. Blow after blow after blow. Looking for the slightest bit of hesitation, the slightest bit of weakness. None, of course. They were too skilled. Even when I whipped around and flung fire like a spear to try and break through, they simply dodged and let it blast against the far wall before trying to skirt close for another blow. I blocked and kicked, but soon realized something terrible. There was additional noise to the battle now. More people reacting to the fire-spear than anticipated. That likely meant one thing: reinforcements. The sudden cheers amidst the slaughter confirmed it, and worse, the cheers did not sound like my students. Which meant the enemy. Jut how many people did they bring for this? And I knew if I looked away for a moment, for a half-second, the Death Knight would take advantage once more. Yet for the sake of my students, I needed to know just how many more…

A wave of reassurance flooded me from my twin, just enough to let me know what he planned. The subsequent loud 'slam' of the doors closing only emphasized it; he'd locked us in. He'd locked us in, and the reinforcements out, and he would defend the doors with all he had until the very last one fell. The last thought I got from him was a second bit of reassurance; he'd left Ingrid in charge of his group, so I wouldn't have to worry. I could focus fully on the duel once more. And I did. Good thing, as the Death Knight seemed eager to keep on battling and though I wished I could wash my hands of this, I knew I had to keep matching them until one of us fell.

Someone came near. Some sort of enemy trying to take advantage of my apparent distraction. I called my flames and spun, conjuring a circle of flame around me to burst and burn those who came near. The Death Knight dodged; the would-be ambusher didn't. The Death Knight waited for the flames to abate; the would-be ambusher burned to ash. And when both flames and the would-be-ambusher died, they continued battling as if nothing had ever happened. That was just how battles went, and it never failed to make me ill. Even when I knew I didn't have the time to be ill.

During the next exchange, they pulled a new trick. They twisted their scythe at the last second, and instead of 'slashing' me like a lance, it thudded into, and through, my right arm like an ax. They then yanked, driving the edge down my arm in an attempt to bisect it. It hurt. It hurt a lot. I dropped my sword as the blood sprayed. I wondered just how in creation that scythe cut so easily through bone. But I… still had to fight. I had to keep them from my students. I had to keep fighting. So, I threw fire at them with my other hand, and darted in close to slam a kick into their abdomen. And when my right arm knit itself back together, I wrapped fire around my hands to slam a punch into their face. Then I blasted them with even more fire and kicked off their chest to force them back and get some distance between us. A quick glance to my arm showed bruising and scabbing, but my bones had already pieced themselves together. My hand reacted as it should. It would fully heal before long. But now I had a different problem; I didn't know where my sword had gone. Looking away to hunt for it would only give the Death Knight an opening. Yet while my fires were certainly more effective than my blade, I couldn't say I liked my chances of fighting him solely with magic.

"Byleth!" Shez's voice was like a knife through the cacophony of battle. I spared a glance, just a glance, and I barely caught sight of her bright purple hair by the open casket in the back before she threw me something. A dull-yellow-white something. A dull-yellow-white heavy something. I barely had the time to process it was a strange looking sword before it suddenly warmed to the touch. It began to glow a pulsing gold-red, as if it was suddenly heated in a forge. Red light trailed from it, like flickering flames.

It looked familiar. I knew that much. But right now, I...

"That sword is..." the Death Knight breathed, drawing my attention once more. They sounded almost gleeful again. No, they did. The distortion twisted it, but I was certain of it this time. They were gleeful. They were ecstatic. Hell, they might even be having fun. "What a pleasant surprise."

"There's nothing pleasant about any of this," I whispered in return. And that was the truth. But I had a weapon. That was what mattered. So, I surged forward to continue the battle.

Maddeningly, though, they decided to switch up their fighting style yet again. This time, they took advantage of the range of their polearm to extend their guard. No more charging and matching blow for blow. Instead, they kept their distance, quick to react to each attempt to break through. Aiming to wear at me little by little until they could find a weakness again. Meanwhile, I was back at the beginning of this mess looking for their weaknesses. I couldn't remember the last time an opponent had given me so much trouble. That damned scythe of theirs… if I could somehow just reach them…!

As if reacting to my thought, the sword flashed and the blade... broke into pieces. Pieces strung together with some sort of rope, each crackling with red lightning. And suddenly I had a whip instead of a sword, one that still somehow moved exactly where I wanted despite me having little to no experience with wielding a whip in battle.

Not that it necessarily hit them. Sure, the first one did. A nice clean hit to the side, gouging out a gash despite how resilient the armor had seemed before. After all, who expected a sword to extend? But they dodged the second, and the third. On the fourth, they even managed to 'catch' it with the shaft of their scythe, the extended blade hooking around and around. But that was fine. As soon as I saw the first 'loop', I dropped the hilt to rush them. So, by the time the extended blade had fully wrapped around, I was close enough to punch them again. One good whack to the face to knock them off balance, and then I jumped up to kick them down with both feet. I used that force to also propel me backwards, flipping to land on my feet. Perhaps I should've stayed closer and pinned them, but they still had their scythe and they regained their balance quickly. Quickly enough that they tried to strike, though their swing was off, thanks to the weird sword still wrapped around. In fact, when I dodged, I reclaimed the hilt and jerked it back towards me, somehow just knowing that would pull all the pieces back together. When it did, it flashed and then appeared as a single blade once more, like the light had locked everything in place.

With my weapon in hand once more, the Death Knight took a step back to evaluate the situation. Evaluating how to strike. I did the same. I didn't know their stamina, but I knew mine. I knew I'd hit my limit soon, if I hadn't already pushed it. This wasn't like when I overdid it with my invocation, where I burned myself for a fast burst of strength. This was hard, tedious exhaustion, the type that lingered in your bones for days even when you healed stupidly quick. I was approaching it; it crept near like a cat. I had to end this quickly. Otherwise, they would end me once more.

So, I watched. I studied. And so did they.

I brought my sword up, wrapped flames around the blade. They brought their scythe to the side, blade glinting in the light. I shifted my right foot back, adjusting my stance. They shifted their weight to crouch slightly, ready to pounce. One blink. Two blinks. We both charged at the same time, swung at the same time.

When the doors of the Mausoleum burst opened, my sword was at their neck, close enough for the flames to lick their armor. Their scythe was at my side, a whisper away from slicing me in two. But we both froze, not quite willing to finish the other off when something unknown intervened. Though the bloodlust radiating off them hinted they were tempted to try anyway. But I twisted away, using my flames as a shield to ward them off, and I glanced at the door, noticing Knights of Seiros scampering in. With this many here...

"It seems we must continue the game another day," the Death Knight whispered, realizing the same thing I did. Well, except for the 'game' part. "How interesting..."

Something glowed under their gauntlet, and in a flash of black light, they vanished. I frowned at the empty space, because that was... warp was a Faith spell. Even with warp talismans, it flashed with white light. Not black. Why...?

There were no answers, of course. But everything about it left me unsettled. Worse, it left Sothis unsettled too.

"The jerk got away..." Claude groaned suddenly. The harsh way his voice echoed told me the battle was over. How were my students? I should look. I should make sure they were all well. But everything felt too heavy. "Was that magic? We can't even chase him. And also..." Vaguely, I was aware of Claude turning his attention to me. I should say something, huh? But I couldn't. Everything was too heavy. "That sword...?"

"That sword was in the casket," Hubert noted, staring wide-eyed at the sword. The far too familiar looking sword. I should know it. I should. "It's shimmering... almost as though..." But I was too tired for this and... oh, the world was tilting... and the sword slipped from my hand...

"Professor?!" My knees finally gave out, that bone-deep exhaustion sinking its fangs deep. I would've fallen entirely if not for Dimitri. When did he get near? I didn't know. But I was appreciative, since he kept me upright. Even if I was leaning heavily on him. "Your throat... no, it looks healed...?" he murmured, barely loud enough for me to hear. And my head was on his shoulder. "If that is the case, I'm relieved. Confused, but relieved." Right, they'd never truly seen how fast I healed before. Would they be afraid, later? "Professor? Do you need to sit down?" I shook my head, not wanting to speak. Not wanting to do anything, but rest a little. "If you are certain..."

"Is the intruder here?!" Ah, and Catherine was here now. It was nice to receive reinforcements, even if it was a little late. A lot late. "Oh, you... okay, Azrael, you were right. Everything is well under control here. Yes, I was stupid to doubt when you yourself killed enough people to paint the entire cathedral red." Oh, Azrael went with messier kills this time. "Ah, never mind that. Check for survivors and stragglers! Help the students with medical treatment! And where's... ah, there you are, Byleth." It felt like I blinked and suddenly, Catherine was in front of me. To my surprise, she looked genuinely concerned. "No, don't worry about moving or talking. You look like you're barely standing even with Lord Dimitri supporting you. I'm just doing a count, truthfully. Though..." Her gaze fell to the sword at my feet, no longer glowing. But the power somehow lingered anyway. "The hell is that?"

"The bones of Saint Seiros," I deadpanned, far too tired to even pretend to filter my thoughts. Though, now that I looked, I supposed it did resemble a... no, too morbid and weird. I wasn't even going to complete the thought. "It can go back in the casket." Besides, I had another worry, one far more relevant to my present and something I liked far less than morbid thoughts that had not a chance of being accurate.

Oh, I definitely knew this sword now that my thoughts could catch up. I knew it terribly well. It was the same one Nemesis wielded in that dream I'd had since before I could remember. The one where he slaughtered soldiers as easily as a farmer reaped wheat. The one where Seiros stabbed him to death. And there was nothing more horrible, more chilling, than seeing something from that nightmare while awake.

---

So, the Western Church turned out to be the instigator of everything. They'd bolstered their ranks with the faithful to secure a loyal core, and then lied to mercenaries to secure their contracts. Most of the mercenaries surrendered once they realized what was happening, but by that point, that loyal core had managed to make it inside to wreak havoc. Rhea's judgment was swift and brutal: execution. Dad supposedly managed to temper said judgment by requesting some be kept alive for interrogation, but I wasn't certain if that had actually happened or if it was something simply discussed and gossiped. After all, I wasn't present for any of it. In fact, I didn't even know my students' reactions to learning. The second the fighting ended, Manuela had recruited both Azrael and me to assist her in the infirmary, until the Knights called Azrael away for patrols and shoring up the defenses. Because the Western Church had struck... everywhere.

There was blood everywhere, bodies everywhere. While deaths had thankfully been averted among ourselves and those visiting the monastery, some of the wounded had required every scrap of power and knowledge we had to make it so. It was all the worse because so many of the badly injured were students. So many who brushed against death for the first time. Even though we patched their bodies up as best as we could, their hearts, their spirits, were still bleeding. And there was nothing I could do.

"What a mess..." Manuela breathed, once the very last patient had been treated and moved to a quieter location. The infirmary looked like a battlefield. "Thank you for holding onto that last one, Byleth. I wasn't sure if they'd make it."

"It's just because my magic works differently," I dismissed, sitting hard at the table. Blood was splattered across it, leftover from a passing patient whose stitches had ripped. "I couldn't do more than 'hold' them."

"That was enough, though. It gave me the time I needed." She smiled tiredly, and I tried to smile back. I was exhausted, though. "I feel awful forcing you to help me when you had to fight off that powerful Death Knight. I wish I'd known about that sooner." Because she hadn't. Manuela had been up to her ears in wounded from the very start. It was only after everything had calmed she'd learned anything about the battles themselves.

"It was needed." Besides, I was just tired. My wounds had already healed. Faster than expected, truthfully. It felt like its speed had increased ever since Sothis woke up. Probably a coincidence... or not. Too tired to think on it for now, though.

"Maybe for them, but what you needed was rest." She came over and, surprisingly, began checking me over. "Hmm... I heard your injuries had already healed, but..."

"I heal fast."

"So Azrael said. And I can believe it. I can't even see where that one patient scratched you." I'd forgotten all about it. They hadn't meant it; they'd just been flailing from the pain. "Oh, that just makes me worry more. How many injuries do you just suffer in silence?"

"...I heal fast?" What else could I say? When had a stranger... an acquaintance... worried so much about me?

"That doesn't mean you don't feel pain. Or... wait, do you feel pain?" She frowned worriedly. "Not feeling pain can lead to-"

"I feel pain." I had no idea how to react to anything about this conversation. "I simply heal fast."

"Mmm... something tells me I'd better discuss this with Sir Jeralt. I doubt I'll get much more out of you." She sighed and continued giving me a check-up. She even brought out the stethoscope. "Heartbeat is... no, this is your normal, isn't it? I must remember that." I... she really didn't need to... "Ah, while I'm thinking about it. Byleth, how about you go to Enbarr with me in the next few days?"

"I... sure?" Now why would she...?

"Marvelous!" She beamed, and I decided to just... not worry about whatever I actually agreed to. She was smiling, and that was so much better than her fretting.

Manuela finished her checkup before long, though she then insisted on combing my hair. I held still and let her, not wanting to disturb her good mood. Once she finished, she sent me on my way with a smile, and I... well, I took a step down the hall, but stopped before I really reached anywhere. I didn't know where I wanted to go. To my room? Probably the smartest thing, but did I really want to bother with the stairs right now? Maybe I should find a window to hop out of. Surely there was a tree or something nearby. Now, granted, most people would think stairs were less tedious than hopping out a window and down a tree, but-

"Professor?" A voice jolted me from my tired thoughts, and I turned to see Edelgard standing at the intersection between the offices and the hall which led to the library. There was something... lonely about her, standing in the crossroads. "There you are," she said, striding over to me quickly. "I've been looking for you."

"I was helping in the infirmary," I explained, gesturing vaguely to it for emphasis. To my relief, the door was shut now. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"I... no, not that I know of. I simply had a question, my teacher." Something about her gaze told me this wouldn't be a simple tactics or weaponry question. Or even a simple 'how are you doing?'. "What do you believe in?"

"...Pardon?" Right, that... that was certainly an Edelgard question. Even if I was far too tired for this and wondered desperately why she was asking this now of all times.

"What do you believe in? What do you fight for? What makes you stand with conviction?" The look in her eyes was completely unreadable. "You... accept everything. Accept everyone. No matter the anger we might have, or how unreasonable we are, you accept it. Like you're observing all of us, or reading a book. Yet I know there are some things you find unacceptable; your anger at Aelfric made that clear. At the same time..." She sighed, looking away and roughly running a hand through her hair. "Ugh... I'm not making sense. But the battle today showed you've never fought with your all before. Even the bombastic distraction with Aelfric... neither you nor Azrael gave it everything. I mean; you collapsed, of course, but you didn't throw your being into the fight. You didn't shine as you did here." Shine? Battle? Those were not words I usually heard together. Especially in regards to me. "Now, he doesn't care about anything, so I can understand why he didn't, but... damn it all, I'm getting it more twisted as I talk."

"May I ask why you're asking?" Better to focus on that.

"Just... what are your convictions, Professor? What are your ambitions? What do you fight for? What will you fight for?" Edelgard looked back to me, but her expression remained unreadable. "It occurred to me, as you fought today, that I... have no idea what motivates you. When I mentioned it to some of the others, I realized... none of us know. None of us have asked. None of us have even thought to ask. So..."

"Miss Byleth!" Cyril's voice echoed down the hall, and I turned to see him rushing over. "Found you..." he panted, hands on his knees as he struggled to catch his breath. "Lady Rhea wants to speak with you." Now? Didn't she have more judgements to deal with? "Now, if possible."

"I see," I murmured, glancing over at Edelgard. Edelgard smiled bitterly, and turned away. Ending the conversation. "Then, I'd best see what she wants." Perhaps it was better this way. After all, how was I supposed to answer?

Ambitions? Beliefs? I couldn't say I really had much in the way of those. At least, none I was willing to fight for, as so many were. I'd rather not fight at all. I'd rather there be no wars, no fighting. But the world wasn't like that, so I fought to survive. That was how mercenaries worked. More idealistically, I fought so another didn't have to know the heavy weight of a life. I fought so others didn't know the feeling of blood wriggling under their skin like maggots, the smell of death clinging like a shroud. There was nothing more to it than that. I had no great ambitions. I wanted to protect my students, see them accomplish their goals, and maybe curl up with a good book or three if I had time.

Somehow, though, I wasn't sure Edelgard would accept an answer like that, any more than she could comprehend Azrael's own apathy. And it reminded me terribly of that unfinished conversation I'd had with Claude, and my heart and head hurt from both.

But I had no time to think on it. Rhea wanted to see me, and Cyril was determined to see me there. Thankfully for my exhaustion, Rhea was in her usual place: the alcove by the receiving room by the offices. I.e. a short walk away. And, as could be expected, Seteth was with her. Cyril didn't linger, though. He mentioned something about cleaning and bolted as soon as he could. Leaving me alone with Seteth and Rhea, and far too much exhaustion.

"I cannot thank you enough for defeating those invaders in the Holy Mausoleum." Did Rhea really need to thank me personally for this? "And especially for protecting the Sword of the Creator," she continued, apparently oblivious to how tired I was. At the least, though, someone wasn't surprised about there being a sword in a casket. "That sword is one of the Hero's Relics, and the most precious artifact in the Church's possession." And my dislike for these relics continued then. "It is also a weapon of terrifying power." It didn't seem that way in my hands. I could admit she had a point thanks to the dreams I'd had, though. In Nemesis's hands... "For now, I will entrust it to you. Please, use it wisely." ...I had to have misheard. Did she just say...?

"Lady Rhea, wait!" Seteth snapped, somehow both gaping and bristling. I was appreciative of someone having a proper reaction because I was too tired to try. "Do you truly mean to give the Sword of the Creator to her?!" Though, there seemed to be something else to his reaction. I couldn't tell, but Sothis thought much the same. I'd... think on it later. If at all. "Surely that is not something to hand over so readily, even to one who can wield it! If someone like Nemesis appears again, all of Fodlan could be consumed by war!"

"Seteth, please, I have faith." Rhea smiled serenely. Somehow, it felt plastered on. I was definitely in the 'uncharitable' part of exhaustion. "Faith that Byleth will not succumb to wickedness."

"Faith can only go so far. Do not forget how Nemesis protected Fodlan from wicked gods until the power of the sword corrupted him and he fell to darkness." If they were going to argue, could I leave? "That is why Saint Seiros was forced to destroy him." Hmm? Ah, but that was... what she said in the dreams was always...

"I thought Seiros killed Nemesis because of the Red Canyon." It wasn't until both Rhea and Seteth froze that I realized I'd said the words aloud. "Ah, my apologies, I'm still tired from the battle, and helping in the infirmary," I murmured, pretending I hadn't said anything at all. Sothis, meanwhile, was all but fuming in my heart due to my lack of a filter. And she wanted to turn back time to 'redo' the conversation, but I refused. It wasn't right, and honestly, I wasn't sure I'd stay awake for an attempt. My healing rate healed my body quickly, but not necessarily my stamina. "Regardless, the argument is moot. Honor it may be, I neither need nor want the sword. Please, keep it in its casket." They were both staring at me like I'd grown a tail and wings. Was what I said truly that shocking? "So, if there is nothing else to be said, I shall be on my way."

I didn't wait for a response. Instead, I left without another word and headed for the stairs. Along the way, I thought I caught sight of the three heirs hiding in the shadows of the pillars, but I didn't confirm it. I was too tired for it. I could deal with it later. Besides, it might've been nothing. The only one I could say with reasonable certainty was Claude, and that there had been two others with him. And I knew Edelgard had been near at some point, so she made sense, but Dimitri being there would be… ah, never mind. Honestly, tired as I was, even the damn trees looked like my students, so maybe there had been no one there at all.

["Ugh... each day is more confusing than the last."] Sothis groaned, and briefly appeared to float beside me. ["And I can't read Rhea at all. That sword is clearly precious, for whatever reason. Why was she so keen to give it to you?"] Sothis, you knew as much as I did. Which was nothing. ["We have become tangled in quite the mystery, haven't we? And then there is the blade itself... it bears a hole where something should be, yet is missing. You know what I speak of, yes?"] Now that she mentioned it, she was right. In my dreams, Nemesis's sword had a pulsing gem like Catherine's Thunderbrand. Yet the blade I'd wielded had nothing. ["Ugh... I despise not knowing what is going it. It... it frightens me even. And yet, I place my trust in you. I must!"]

"...Sothis?" I called aloud. I was already out of the building by this point, halfway to my room. No one was around. And honestly, I didn't care if someone thought I was talking to myself right now. The myriad mess of emotions I sensed from her... "Hey... I..."

["Byleth."] All at once, Sothis appeared in front of me, floating so she was eye-level, as serious as I'd ever seen her. ["Promise me this. Whatever comes to pass, no matter what hardships you face, swear to cut a path that is your own."]

I stared at her for a long moment, wondering where this came from. She stared back, unflinching and unwavering, and the emotions I sensed from her crystallized into a single-minded resolve. This... "I promise, Sothis." I wasn't sure how I'd do so, but I'd... I'd do it. For her, if no one else.

["Then let that be your guide, until you find your own reasons."] She smiled, warm with relief, and she floated over to pat my head. ["Now let's get back to your quarters. You had a quick wash before, yes, but I'd dare say you deserve a nice long soak in the tub. After that, we can read through that book Dimitri bought you. No more work today."]

"That does sound nice." It sounded more than nice, actually. "Thank you."

["Always."]

---

I did wish tonight of all nights my nightmares would take a break. But they didn't. In fact, they seemed to revel in my misery, providing me with some of the worst of my recurring ones. Sudden ambushes in peaceful areas, where beautiful gardens were flattened with blood and ornamental fountains were clogged with bodies. Where screams filled the air, as constant as the wind itself, spiraling into the far too clear skies above. Bright sunlight shining down on armor and weapons until the blood and muck caked them too much.

["Stop thinking on it."] If only it were that easy. But this nightmare insisted on lingering, like a particularly friendly dog which jumped on you, demanding attention. ["Head outside. Clear your head with some fresh air."] I suppose, Sothis...

So, with a sigh, I pushed myself out of bed and pulled on a pair of sleeping pants before stepping outside. The wind blasted me, as if to push me back inside, and I half-wondered if Azrael was trying to make a point. But a quick sense proved it was nothing of the sort; he was sound asleep in dreamland. I was glad one of us could sleep after everything today.

"Hmm? Milady?" Yuri's voice caught my ear as soon as I stepped onto the lawn. It didn't take long at all to find him; he was up on the railing near the still-broken sauna. "What has you awake?" he asked, visibly surprised. He hopped down before I could even think to climb the stairs and join him, and jogged over. "Given today, I'd think you'd pass right out."

"Just a little nightmare," I replied, shrugging. After all, I still was exhausted and would fall back asleep if I could. But the nightmare sat too heavy on my heart. "I thought a bit of fresh air would do me good." More like Sothis, but now was definitely not the time to mention little miss gremlin. "What has you awake? Is all well in Abyss?"

"Now, yeah. A couple of idiots thought to escape in the tunnels below, and got themselves lost." Yuri scoffed, and I frowned worriedly. "Everyone is fine, even those fools. Sir Jeralt took them into custody." Ah, then maybe there was something about Dad wanting to interrogate a few after all. "Giving the full report took longer than it should've, so I thought I'd stargaze a little to relax. Look for one in particular."

"Oh? Which one?"

"Hmm? Ah, well..." For some reason, he looked conflicted about it. But then he pointed up. "That bright one over there. Towards the left."

"Bright one on the left..." My eyes fell on one in particular, the brightest of them. "Ah, the star Regulus? It's part of the lion constellation. The story associated with it is rather fascinating."

"Once again, milady, you know strange things." Yuri seemed almost amused. "Per the Church of Seiros, the white star there is someone the goddess herself made a disciple."

"She made a star into a disciple?"

"Well, supposedly, she's holed up in the Blue Sea Star, so..." Perhaps some of my confusion actually showed, as now he was definitely amused. "I take it you didn't learn why the Rite of Rebirth is held at this time. We're celebrating the return of the star, and the goddess's return from her prayers of peace to watch over the world."

"Is that so?" The blue sea star... that was the brightest star in the sky, if I remembered correctly. Part of the wolf constellation. Or was it dog? I'd have to check with Dad again. "That's certainly one way to explain why it disappears after the Ethereal Moon."

"Yeah, Hapi said a weird thing about how the stars don't actually move, but the ground we're standing on right now. So, it only looks like they're moving and disappearing, but really, it's us." Did she? That was interesting, if... confusing. I couldn't feel the ground move, after all. "I'm still convinced she's pulling my tail."

"The world is filled with mysteries."

"And some of them are just conmen looking for an audience." He chuckled, still amused, and I tilted my head slightly. "Anyway, nightmare, you said?"

"Yes, it's not unusual." I shrugged and walked down the way a little, noticing two soldiers chatting not far away. Reporting during patrol, perhaps? "I always have them."

"Always, huh?" Yuri fell in step with me, his eyes darting to the soldier pair. They were talking for a long while. "Don't remember you being up so late in Abyss before."

"I hid in the library. There's many books to read." Those soldiers were chatting far too long. Was the report really so detailed? I took a step towards them to call out in concern, but then...

"How did some street orphan end up here anyway?" But then the wind caught their words just right and brought them to my ear. Though the words confused me. Street orphan? What were they talking about? "And in the leader cohort? Suspicious as hell."

"I heard she buttered up a noble and he enrolled her in the academy," the other scoffed, radiating displeasure. All right, this was more than a little strange. Particularly since Yuri looked exasperated and disgusted. "I heard the divas of the Mittelfrank were shameless, but that's a whole different level." ...Diva? Mittelfrank? Were they...?

A flash of movement caught my eye, and when I glanced over I saw both Dorothea and Linhardt nearby. I was surprised to see them awake, and studied them closely. Linhardt was blasé as always, whispering to Dorothea, but Dorothea's expression crumpled, near tears. At that point, the pieces snapped together far too quickly. So quickly they even 'snapped' in my head and I... I...

"Well, this looks like a fascinating conversation." The words were out before I could stop them, and both soldiers stiffened and whirled at my voice. Nearby, Linhardt blinked once or twice in confusion, and Dorothea's tearful gaze snapped to me in shock. Yuri, however, suddenly grinned in utter glee. "I'm quite curious about your other 'insights'," I continued, unable to bite my tongue. I was exhausted, I was heartsick, and now my blood was frozen. How dare they talk about Dorothea this way? "What more do you have to say about one of my best students?" I stepped closer to them, just one leisurely step. "Please, do go on."

"M-Miss Byleth..." one stammered, stepping back. Their fellow wisely kept silent. "We were just... um..."

"I must say I'm surprised you have the time for such slander, given the recent attack." I regarded them blankly, everything about me stiff as a statue. "I should mention it to Dad, and perhaps Rhea."

"N-No need for that!" They blanched under their helmet. I simply kept on staring. "We..."

"Will return to your patrols, yes? And perhaps think before spreading rumors?"

"Y-Yes, ma'am!" With those squeaky words, the two fled, slipping and sliding across the grass in their haste.

In the silence that followed, I was painfully aware of how awkward I made things. Linhardt continued blinking, slowly processing everything. Dorothea was stunned into silence. Yuri, meanwhile, was muffling snickers as if this was the most hilarious thing to ever happen. And I... I was so angry I wanted to chase after them. I wanted to 'tell' Azrael and have him mess with them. I wanted... so many selfish things that were not right, were not fair, and would not make anything better.

So, instead, I took a breath to settle my rattled nerves and turned to Linhardt and Dorothea. "My apologies," I murmured. I really shouldn't have intervened. I'm sure I made it worse. "I fear I lost my temper."

"Ah, so that's what the others meant when they said you 'turn to ice when angered'," Linhardt observed blandly. I had no idea if the tone made everything better or worse. Dorothea still stared, but at least she no longer looked like she was about to cry. I'd... take that. "I'd heard it from the rest of the menagerie after we received our marching orders last month, but I was too busy with my research to care. Oh, and my naps. My naps were very important. I found a few very interesting books and forgot to fall asleep."

"Ah, yes, I've done that myself." Though I had a feeling I could go without sleep longer than Linhardt could. "Regardless, I'm surprised to see you two out and about after today. You should rest. It was a long battle."

"Not sure you're the one to say that since you fought more than us, but I suppose wisdom is wisdom." He looked at Dorothea and, surprisingly, held out his hand. Dorothea stared at it like it was a fish. "I know you said something about being alone, but I'll walk you to your room first." After a long moment, Dorothea nodded and took it. "There we go, this way. Pleasant dreams, Professor."

"Pleasant dreams, Linhardt, Dorothea." I waved as they walked away to the second level of the lower dormitories, but didn't follow. Dorothea, still painfully silent, glanced at me over her shoulder until they disappeared into her room. Linhardt left after only a moment, and headed to his just on the other side of Petra's. And it was only when his door shut that I finally sighed. What a mess.

Yuri, meanwhile, gave up muffling his snickering. "I must say, that was glorious to watch," he managed breathlessly. I could only give him a look. "What? It was. I know exactly how two-faced people can be about such beautiful divas. I heard a lot on the streets. I'm sure they were singing her praises not two days ago."

"Is that so?" I asked, though not because I didn't believe him. Indeed, I could imagine it all too well. "That doesn't excuse my escalating matters without her permission. I'll need to apologize later."

"Apologize for protecting her honor, milady? Really?"

"Is it not wrong to involve myself if she didn't want me to?"

"I think such a thing depends on the situation, but you are much more passive than I am, milady." He studied me for half a second more before suddenly snapping my fingers. "Ah, before I forget, Shez was also having a little meeting with Sir Jeralt when I delivered my report." Oh? Perhaps I should... no, I could thank her in the morning. I was tired. "He was asking if she'd been approached for a contract. She hadn't, and then brought up this strange hidden fortress not far from here. The knights seemed very interested in that, so they'll probably act on in within the next few days."

"That so?" I frowned slightly. "Why tell me this?"

"Well, you don't seem particularly... hmm, what's the word I want?" Yuri made a show of thinking; his shrewd gaze remained fixed on me. "Trusting, perhaps? Of the Church?"

"What the Church does isn't my business until and unless it involves my students." How best to reply to this?. "I cannot say I like how Rhea handled the incident with Lonato, but I try not to place judgment." Now, at least, since my head and heart were calmer. "I can, and do, judge the reasons why she decided to give us that mission. I can, and do, judge how she did not even feign discomfort when I reminded her Ashe was among us, and how she sent him to kill his father."

"That so?"

"Lonato made his choices. Even if I feel he was led to them, even if I feel the Church failed him and his family with Christophe's death, ultimately, he still made those choices." All I wanted, now that my thoughts did not spiral quite so much, was to make some sense to it all for Ashe's sake. Some answers for both that and his brother's death, so he could find a way forward. "None of that, of course, truly answers your implied question." Did I trust the Church? Did I find them trustworthy? Such a question... was hard to answer, in many ways. "Then again, to speak of the Church as a whole is a rather silly thing, isn't it? Divided as it is even among its own faithful?"

"Perhaps. Yet, that's what Lady Rhea's job is."

"So it is. It is a difficult one. I wouldn't want it." I had enough trouble just with my students. "So, my answer is both simple and not. It does not matter to me if they are trustworthy. There are too many parts."

"Fair." Still, his sharp eyes didn't falter. "Then what about those here?"

"..." Somehow, that was both easier and harder to answer. "I... do not trust Rhea to give me all the information I need to protect my students. I also do not trust she will factor their well-being into her decisions." I thought of everything I hadn't been told, but had learned anyway. Time, and settled nerves, did let me come up with an alternate explanation to why no one told me of the missing student from last year's class (it was so known they did not realize they needed to warn me). There was no such explanation for hiding what happened to the teacher I replaced. "I think those are easier answers. After all..." I met his gaze at last. "That's what you were truly asking, yes? Did Rhea ask you?"

"No, just wondering if I read you right." Yuri bowed slightly. "I told you; this fine bird works for you. It's good for a working relationship to know I've at least caught some things."

"Is that so?" I had to admit; part of me thought he was deflecting. But though there was still the ever present calculation in his gaze, I thought there was sincerity as well. And given the rest, and given how much trouble I'd brought him and his mother... "Then, let me tell you a little more on why my answer is complicated." Was this stupid? More than likely. Yet, I did owe him, no matter what he thought. If I hadn't killed Mom, if Azrael and I hadn't killed her... "Aelfric was mad, but there was some truth to what he said."

"...Really now?" Yuri raised a brow, skepticism radiating from him now. "How?"

"Truthfully, I think it was by accident." The words slipped out and Yuri snorted. "But the first is that there is more to my mother's death. Surprising, I know."

"Strange, and here I thought that was the shakiest part of his arguments." Yuri sighed, shaking his head. "And I'm guessing you know this because you've a habit of eavesdropping." I did not! ...Did I? "What's the second?"

"Dad left because of Rhea." I held his gaze and his eyes widened. Yet, tellingly, he didn't seem surprised. "I don't know why, but I don't need to. I know him and how he acts. Now, granted, I know his feelings about her are complicated and so is their bond. But that doesn't change how I know he doesn't want Azrael nor me in the monastery. That doesn't change that we know it's because of her."

"Huh. Truth in madness. What a concept." After a moment, Yuri nodded. "This, of course, adds to the... inclination you have to not believe in her."

"Mmm... no, I think it's more of what I said. It's not a question of belief." Or maybe it was. It didn't feel as such in my head, but… "I... am not one who likes the idea of 'the greater good', Yuri. I always see the ones sacrificed for those 'glorious' causes." It was surprising, how easy it was to say these words. Perhaps it was because of Dimitri, and the knowledge he felt as I did. He made me feel like I was not alone, and it was not completely foolish to have these thoughts. "I can't say whether such things are wrong or not, of course. The world is a mess."

"...So, what it sounds like..." Yuri frowned, but not in a negative way. Just more because he was thinking, parsing through my words and his thoughts. "It's more you do not trust... no, that's not quite the right word and I can see why you avoided it. You see the big picture and all the little pieces that make it up. But a leader can't do that. They can't look at the big picture and the little pieces. They'd go mad if they tried. So, it's not a question of 'trust' in a person, so much as you cannot believe a person in authority will necessarily protect the same things you want to protect. Because they must focus on the whole, and you want to protect the little pieces within. No right or wrong or trust, just different priorities." He paused and groaned. "Wow, that's a tangle of words. You think like that all the damn time?"

"Yes?"

"I'm surprised you're as sane as you are. That makes my head hurt." He sighed gustily, throwing up his hands in what appeared to be surrender. "I even forgot where I was trying to lead the conversation. Damn."

"I'd apologize, but you did ask."

"I did; I did." He smiled, though. He smiled, and it was genuine. "Ah, I at least remember the start of this. I told you directly because of that disinclination to trust I thought I noticed. So, now I wonder... is there anything you want to do, in particular, with the information?"

"And you ask me directly?" I was inclined to ignore it, truthfully. There were many abandoned fortresses across Fodlan, after all. But if the Knights of Seiros were getting involved, then perhaps there was something odd about it. Then there was Shez herself, and how it had caught her attention. "...If there is any information you can find, on the fortress or its most recent residents, tell Azrael." And my twin could take it from there. After all, if he wasn't assigned already, he could get himself assigned. I felt bad about it, but at the same time, I knew he wouldn't care. Who knows? It might serve as a good place to hide if we ever needed to leave the monastery.

"Then I'll do just that." He bowed formally, but winked when he straightened. "Have a pleasant night, milady."

"You too, Yuri."

I waved him farewell and watched him disappear down the alley where a door to Abyss hid. Once he was out of sight, my focus went back to the stars above, particularly the Blue Sea Star. The brightest in the sky, a shining light in the darkness... I never found that star in particular comforting in the past, finding beauty in all of them, but I did like the poeticness of it all. But even it couldn't fully push off the uneasiness left behind by my earlier nightmare.

No, worse, the more I looked, the more I became aware of another feeling. Another strange feeling, one that couldn't be summarized so easily. The closest I could think of was 'too late'. Too late for what, I had no idea. There was no reason to feel this way. But, then again, that made sense. The feeling did not come from me and my heart.

It came from Sothis. It came from her heart, deep within like it had been etched on her soul. She didn't know why either. And it chilled us both far more than the blustering wind ever could.

---

Petra Macneary

Crest: None

The princess and heir apparent of Brigid, she is a kind and thoughtful teenager whose quiet personality makes many think she is much older than she actually is. Though she struggles with Fodlan's language, on account of being self-taught, she is a very witty and clever person who has little qualms with joking about her own tendency to misinterpret idioms.

A hunter by nature, she is fast and dextrous, always looking for a weakness to exploit. Due to her upbringing, she has a pragmatism not often seen in those of Fodlan and thinks nothing of ambushing a weakened foe and slipping back into the shadows. In fact, one could say she's at her best darting through the battle like the wind, striking and retreating until the enemy lays dead in the dirt.

Though most assume she is an only child, the truth is she has a younger brother and sister, twins born shortly before her father's death. They are her joy and solace, especially as she grapples with her sorrow over her father's death, her bitterness at being shackled, and her desire to live in the present and future. She never talks about them, however, as she's noticed the Empire has forgotten their existence and she has no desire to remind them, lest they are taken hostage or killed.

Ingrid Brandl Galatea

Crest: Daphnel (minor)

The only daughter, and youngest child, of House Galatea, she is the only crest-bearer in her generation and the first her family has had in many decades. Thus she was engaged to Glenn Govan Fraldarius when she was still a baby, an arrangement she never minded as she greatly admired him. His death tore a hole in her heart, one that refuses to heal and unfortunately shapes many of her actions whether she acknowledges it or not.

Quick and bearing a surprisingly high resistance to magic, she's near-perfectly suited to taking to the skies astride a pegasus. This makes some sense, given how Galatea's pegasus knights are famous throughout Fodlan for their teamwork and speed, and how she's always trained to be a 'perfect knight'. Her focus on speed can lead to her actually attacks being weaker than she wants, but none can deny the effectiveness of diving from the skies to take out key figures in the enemy army, especially enemy mages.

She's fussy, perfectionistic, hardworking, and stubborn, but nonetheless, she is a kind girl at heart who is terribly loyal and understanding. Unfortunately, she has a tendency to nag whenever she feels like those around her are not living up to the potential she sees in them, which leads her to coming off as much harsher than she intends. This holds especially true with her childhood friends, as she holds them in the highest of esteem and wants nothing but the best for them.

Leonie Pinelli

Crest: None

The child of a hunter from the small village of Sauin, her life was changed forever when she met Jeralt when he was hired to deal with some poachers. Though in her heart of hearts she knows he was simply indulging a curious young girl, she was utterly enraptured by his lessons and stories, and she decided to become a mercenary to follow in his footsteps. To her relief, and surprise, her fellow villagers were more than encouraging of her dream, which makes her extra determined to succeed.

A jack of all trades with a preference for lances and bows, her only true weaknesses lie in her terrible ability with magic and her arguably worse ability to resist it. Otherwise, she can fill any role for her allies, an ability she is still learning to appreciate, and she works hard to keep all her skills in tip-top shape so she never becomes a 'master of none'.

Though she refuses to speak of it to anyone, she harbors a terrible inferiority complex towards Byleth. In Byleth, she sees what she wishes she could be: skilled in both battle and tactics, a reputation as one of the greatest of mercenaries, and trusted by her idol. This leads her to being incredibly snippy and abrasive towards Byleth, in sharp contrast to how she's typically laid-back and even kind to others (though her lack of tact can land her into trouble). It's only exacerbated by how Byleth simply accepts the one-sided rivalry and does not pay it any mind, making her feel both like a child and that she's being underestimated.

---

Author's Notes: Right, so, what's this? Well, what's the fun of a novelization without pulling in things that can't happen normally? So, have a Shez! (Ftr, when it comes to Three Hopes, I will utilize what bits of information I can, but I... uh... don't agree with some of the lore decisions made, and for others, they contradict what I'd already set up, so I'm sticking with my own lore here for consistency. Otherwise, it's cherry-picking? Aha?) this does also mean I'll borrow details from the supports, such as why Annette is annoyed with Lorenz here, and Lysithea's adoration of Mercedes's sweets. Oh, and Petra's siblings. They're in her A support with Constance and I swear that's the only mention they get across BOTH GAMES. Also, this is why Manuela makes that comment about Jeralt, given she supports him in Three Hopes

Supports shown or mentioned in the chapter include… uh… Yuri's C supports with Balthus and Constance and his B support with Hapi, Byleth's C support with Shamir and her B support with Mercedes (with a nod to the 'original' supports with Lorenz and also Lorenz's supports with Sylvain) and her B support with Claude, Edelgard's C supports with both Hanneman and Manuela plus her C support with Constance (and a mention of Constance's exploration dialogue) and a mention of her private supports with Hubert, Dimitri's supports with Dedue, Petra's supports with Caspar (tied in with her exploration dialogue for the chapter), Caspar's C/B supports with Hilda and his C support with Bernadetta, Bernie's supports with Yuri, Lysithea's supports with both Hanneman and Linhardt, Linhardt's supports with Hanneman and Marianne, Dorothea's B support with Linhardt, and Cyril's C supports with Mercedes and Ashe.

Also, here we are with the first 'Byleth turns back time to avoid her own death' instance! I've been saving it for the Death Knight to highlight the threat. Her fighting during the second part of their duel is based off her three hopes gameplay, and some of the Death Knight's battle dialogue is incorporated in as well. (Though, in game, I believe the Death Knight actually leaves when he notices the sword, thanks to the battle ending at that point.)

The conversation with Claude post B support is based on a particular scene in Golden Wildfire (and yes, I plan on Judith giving him a similar lecture too, don't fret) and takes the place of the Verdant Wind scene where Claude confronts Byleth about the secrets they appear to have (and more or less throws a tantrum when they say they don't have any more of an idea than he does). Speaking of Verdant Wind only scenes, it's shown in that path only that Claude eavesdrops on your conversations with Rhea, or at least this one in particular.

Other than that, reference to the exploration tidbit where Hanneman apparently gathers samples of Byleth's hair for his research. The convo between Felix and Dimitri that Claude mentions is based on Felix's non-recruited exploration dialogue, though the speculation for why Dimitri doesn't just take the throne is based on information from Three Hopes. Oh, and the weaknesses for dual-wielding comes from some semi-quick research.