Underneath the Mask Chapter 7: Potion of Truth, a fire emblem fanfic

Chapter 7: Potion of Truth

Felix was training with his sword alone in the training grounds. I nLeed to get stronger. His mind kept repeating the battle in the forest. I need to be stronger like them. He then noticed Professor Byleth entering the training grounds while reading a bunch of papers. What is he doing here? "Hello Professor, are you here to train?"

"Oh Felix, I was just finding a quiet place to read the reports I received from Lady Rhea," He replied. His eyes were still on the reports.

This is my chance. "Professor, do you care to train with me? Waving my sword around alone is boring," Felix asked, letting out a sigh. "Also, I am tired of crossing swords with worthless opponents," His professor finally turned to him. "But you seem like a worthy adversary,"

"Sure, why not." Byleth said, folding the reports and putting it in his pocket.

"I've always been interested in your technique. You learned from the captain of the Knights of Seiros, and traveled Fodlan fighting as a mercenary." Felix said. "Good sparring partners don't grow on trees." He then gripped on his blade. "But just know that I will beat you and I will surpass your strength."

"Very diligent of you. Why are you so focused on being stronger?" Byleth asked.

"Hmmm…" Felix said, scratching his head. He was stunned with the question. " Why? I never really thought of that. I learned to thrust a sword before I learned to write my own name. Of course, my upbringing wasn't unique. That's how it is for all the children in my country. You are no use if you cannot swing a sword, however, mighty your crest maybe. It was the perfect environment for me. I could live free of stodgy values and virtues. Grow strong so you may live, and live to grow stronger. That is what I was taught."

"You remind me of myself," Byleth said.

"Enough talk," Felix said, pointing his blade to him. "Show me your strength, Professor,"

"Gladly," His Professor said. After an hour of sparring, Felix was on the ground as his Professor pointed his blade at his neck. "I believe that I win,"

"I couldn't even touch you," Felix said, letting out a sigh. The professor offered his hand to him. He grabbed it and was pulled back on his feet. "Thank you for the training Professor. I hope we can spar like this again,"

"I am happy to clash blades again," He replied. Then a maid walked towards him.

"Professor Byleth, you have been summoned by Lady Rhea. She has important matters to speak with you," the maid said. "She also requests an audience with Byra Eisner,"

"Thank you, we will be there shortly," Byleth said.

Byra….

Yes brother….

I need you.

Byra appeared in front of him. Felix jumped as she appeared in thin air. "Byra, where did you come from?" Felix asked.

"I sensed that I was needed so I appeared," She said. "I see you had quite a workout with the Professor."

"He is a worthy opponent. I am up for a round with you." Felix said.

"Byra, Lady Rhea requested an audience with us. We must make our way to her now," Byleth said.

"I see, Felix, your offer is very tempting but I cannot make that woman wait," She said.

"Another time then," Felix said, watching them leave. They are always full of surprises.

Byleth and Byra walked side by side. Byleth turned to his sister and noticed that she was lost in thought. "Byra, is there something wrong?" Byleth asked.

"Oh, it is nothing," Byra said. "I am just a little tired that's all,"

"Hmmm, did you get any sleep last night?" He asked.

"Yes, however, I used so much magic yesterday," Byra said.

"Of course, you used a lot of forbidden S rank magic," Byleth said. "It is not like you to be so reckless,"

"Coming from a Professor that also used a S rank magic and forbidden sword art that father taught you. Also, you retired early after the meeting yesterday. I found you sleeping in your bed chamber," Byra said. They turned to each other for a moment. "So Professor, who is reckless now?" Then they let out a chuckle.

"I guess we both are," Byleth said.

"I agree," Byra said. "Well, let's get this over with," They entered the room and found Lady Rhea and Seteth, waiting for them.

"Professor and Byra, I am glad you made it." Lady Rhea said, smiling. "Forgive me, I did not congratulate you properly on the mock battle yesterday. Your work with your students was remarkable . I can see that Jeralt trained you well. I hope you used this occasion to bond with your students,"

"I did," Byleth replied.

"I am happy to hear it. Nothing will please me more than if you used this coming year to grow closer still," Lady Rhea said happily.

"Of course, the mock battle was mere practice. The real fight is the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, which takes place during the Wyvern Moon," Seteth added. I know that the Blue Lions improved tremendously in a short amount of time and I was not there at the forest incident so I am not sure how strong these two are. He stared at them as Lady Rhea continued talking to them. What does she see in them? "Furthermore, at the end of the month, the Blue Lions will go on a mission,"

"A mission?" Byleth said.

"Yes, a mission. Each house will be assigned a mission every month," Lady Rhea said. "I have no doubt that you and your students will be ready by then."

It is wise to send nobles on missions.

Brother, I do not like this woman.

She feels familiar yet a stranger.

Familiar you say, I just don't like her. There is something about her that is troubling me. Byra thought, turning to Seteth. Also, Seteth and Flayn share that same mysterious aura. Also, their act needs work.

Work? What do you mean by that?

Nothing.

BYRA! I WANT TO KNOW!

In due time Sothis, right now we are still in front of her,

"Byra, as promised, I looked into your situation." Lady Rhea said. The doors opened and three guards brought in three students in chains. "I believe these are the students that bullied you and attacked you without any reason whatsoever? Victoria Clayman, Karen Smith, and Sandra Augustine"

"PLEASE LET US GO! WE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!" Victoria screamed. She turned to Byra. "SHE STARTED IT! WE WERE MINDING OUR OWN BUSINESS AND SHE ATTACKED US OUT OF NOWHERE!"

"Yes, Lady Rhea, we are innocent," Karen cried.

"She is the monster here," Sandra said.

"We have multiple witnesses that saw you three attack Byra. They also reported that she did not harm you three and placed you all in an open dorm," Lady Rhea said.

"Those are lies," Victoria snapped. "She threatened the witnesses to testify,"

"We are innocent," The other girls said.

The door opened once more and the leaders of all three houses entered the room. "Ah, thank you three for coming," Lady Rhea said.

"We had no choice," Claude said.

"Pardon his rudeness, but we felt obligated to come," Edelgard added.

"Especially me since Byra is part of the house of Lions," Dimitri said. "And also, a friend,"

"These three witness your behavior towards Byra," Lady Rhea said. "We will all hear what they have to say and I will decide and place judgment,"

"What?" Victoria said. "We didn't do…"

"Hold your tongue," Lady Rhea snapped. "You three will remain silent as we hear what they have to say,"

"I, leader of the Black Eagles, Edelgard Von Hresvelg, witnessed a deplorable sight. Byra will often be ridiculed by these three in the cafeteria. Two days ago, Byra was reading a book and they spilled their food on her," Edelgard said. "I helped her get washed up and also offered her some clothes while her uniform was being washed. I have seen this girl's skills, she could have easily ended their lives. But she didn't. She didn't want to get involved with any sort of violence while she was in the academy," She then let out a sigh. "I am ashamed that they are from my house,"

Byra, why didn't you tell me?

Brother, I will explain after this. I promise. As for now, please just stay silent.

NO WONDER WHY YOU WERE IGNORING ME! I AM VERY MAD AT YOU BYRA BUT I AM MORE MAD AT THEM. LET ME AT THEM.

Again you two, I will explain everything.

"THAT IS NOT TRUE, SHE PROVOKED US!" Victoria said. "Edelgard, you must have misread the situation."

"I said hold your tongue," Lady Rhea said, glaring at them.

"Misread? I am more than capable to see what was going on," Edelgard said. "I am not a fool. You three are very lucky that Byra did not fight back, she would have killed you all,"

"Let's hear from our next witness." Seteth said.

"I am Claude Von Riegan, the leader of the Golden Eagles, and these three along with Byra are in the same chemistry class as me. There was an incident during our class. I witnessed them pour something in Byra's drinking cup. I was too late to stop her from drinking it," Claude said, "She was feeling unwell so I took her to the infirmary,"

"So she drank something but you don't know what it is," Lady Rhea said, walking closer to Byra. She examined her closely and let out a sigh. "Fortunately it is not deadly. She drank a truth serum. So she is unable to lie,"

"Then we can test it," Seteth said, giving her an orb. "This orb will tell me if the potion is working. Is your name Byleth?"

"No, my name is Byra Eisner, daughter of Jeralt EIsner and twin sister to Byleth Eisner," Byra said. The orb turned to blue.

"Byra, did you attack these girls?"

"No, I have no reason to," Byra said. The orb was still blue.

"But you do acknowledge that you fought with them," Seteth said.

"Yes, I was protecting myself. They attacked me first," Byra said. The orb was still blue.

"Did you hurt them?"

"No, just put them to sleep,"

"Did they hurt you?"

"No, they were too slow," Byra said. The orb remained blue.

"The potion is working. She has been telling the truth this whole time," Seteth said. "The orb turned blue and didn't change. Blue indicate she has been honest the whole time,"

"So the reports were true," Lady Rhea said.

"SHE IS LYING!" Victoria snapped. "SHE IS NOTHING BUT A LIAR!"

"Now she is a liar. Come on, she literally has proof and what do you guys have? Nothing." Claude said. "You also cursed her for telling the truth. She cannot lie,"

"If you don't mind Byra, I will provide a potion for you after we are done here," Lady Rhea said. She then casted magic onto the three girls. They screamed as they felt it.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO US?!" Karen cried.

"It is a spell, similar to the potion that you three created." Lady Rhea said.

"But we didn't make a potion," Sandra said. Then she got zapped on the chest. She screamed in pain. As it was done, she kneeled, panting. "What is this?"

"If you lie, you will be zapped. Simple really." Lady Rhea said. "Our last witness please plead your case,"

"I am the leader of the Blue Lions and I fear that I am the reason why Byra is being bullied," Dimitri said.

"How so?" Lady Rhea said.

"Byra will always distance herself from the other students. I did not want her to be alone in this academy so I made many attempts to be close to her. I wanted to be her friend," Dimitri said. "However, as our friendship grew, the bullying got worse. Byra will always get up on her feet after their abuse but she does not deserve this torment,"

"I see, so they fancied you," Lady Rhea said. Then she moved to the girls. "Victoria, do you have romantic feelings towards the Prince?"

"No, I am just worried for his well being," VIctoria said. She got zapped. She screamed in agony as an electric shock raced through her body.

"Karen, do you have any romantic feelings towards the Prince?"

"I certainly do not…" Karen replied. She got zapped.

"Sandra, same question. Do you have any romantic feelings towards the Prince?"

"No, I don't," Sandra said. She didn't get zapped.

"I see, so you are just following the other two," Lady Rhea said. "Jealousy and young love. You all became jealous when the Prince took interest on Byra,"

"No, I am not jealous. I am not jealous of her," Victoria snapped. She got zapped again. How embarrassing. To be treated like this, right in front of him. She stared at Dimitri and he had a disappointed look on his face. She then turned to Byra, who did show any emotions. Even in front of her. "HOW ABOUT HER?!" ASK HER?!" She pointed at her. "I am only doing those things because I feel that the Prince was in danger. She kills people for a living. She is one of the Ashen Demons after all,"

"That is enough. I trust Byra with my life. She will never hurt me or anyone in the Blue Lions House," Dimitri said.

"Well, to be fair. Byra, I have to ask you a question. Do you have any plans on hurting Prince Dimitri? What are your feelings towards him?" Lady Rhea asked. Everyone turned to Byra. "You cannot lie just like these girls. So please explain your intentions."

"I have romantic feelings for Prince Dimitri, nothing more," Byra said. The orb remained blue. Interesting, I have these feelings . Dimitri froze and turned every shade of red. She stared at him. Maybe… there is something there.

I knew it! I know you have some feelings towards the Prince.

It was obvious.

I KNOW IT WAS! SHE JUST KEPT DENYING IT!

"What a lucky guy," Claude teased, poking Dimitri's face.

"What? You mean it…" Dimitri stuttered. How is she able to say it so easily? She just admitted that she had some feelings towards me. He blushed once again. How can I respond to this?

"Of course, I cannot lie," Byra said. "You have been very good to me so there is no reason to kill you. You are not only my leader but also my friend. I trust you with my life," Dimitri blushed even more as he glanced at the orb. It was still blue.

She is telling the truth. Dimitri thought.

"I have a question," Byleth said, turning to his student, his sister. "Please explain why you kept this all to yourself,"

"Let me start at the beginning. Our first day here at the academy, I noticed them. They were glaring at me when I was with DImitri. At the time, he was just a person I saved. He was nothing more than that. I didn't want to be a professor like my brother. It was too much of a responsibility for me so I became a student. I have learned a lot from being in the Blue Lions House, I never had actual friends so I am very grateful for the kindness I received from them, especially Dimitri. My Professor is a good man and a wonderful teacher. I do not wish to tarnish his reputation so I kept everything a secret. I even omitted myself to the mock trial to prove to the academy that he is worthy of being here," Byra explained. "For the forest incident, I wanted to handle it because I knew he was with his students. However, he rushed to me because he knew I might be in trouble."

"Because you are his sister," Seteth said.

"No, because I am his student," Byra said. "If it was any other student, he would be there to protect them. He protected everyone from the forest incident. He is a great professor and I do not want his efforts to be in vain just because of me. I engaged in a fight with these three because I had no choice. They were armed and I didn't want to damage anything in the academy."

"So you put them to sleep," Byleth said.

"Yes, Lady Edelgard said it was true. If I wanted to cause trouble, I would have killed them all and hide the bodies. No one will find them no matter how hard you try," Byra said. The girls shivered with fear. "However, I am a student now, not a mercenary. So killing is out of the question. In conclusion, I am a student of Garreg Mach Academy and a proud member of the Blue Lion House and I will protect them with my life,,"

"I think we have heard enough. I will bestow punishment to these three. Byra, please forgive our academy and also myself for our negligence. It won't happen again," Lady Rhea said. "You are dismissed along with the house leaders." She then turned to Byleth. "Professor, please stay as we still have things to discuss," He nodded. They left the room.

As they approached the dorms, the three leaders turned to Byra. "I am happy that you are still here in the academy," Edelgard said.

"They won't hurt you no more," Claude said.

"Thank you for assisting me even though I am from another house." Byra said.

"It is not a problem. As you recall, you and the Professor helped us earlier," Edelgard said.

"Yup, it just made sense to help you out," Claude said. Then Hilda and Hubert walked towards them.

"Claude, we got called in for a house meeting with our Professor," Hilda said.

"We also have a meeting, Lady Edelgard," Hubert said.

"I will take my leave then. Byra, see you in Physical Education," Edelgard said, leaving with Hubert.

"Seeyah By, don't forget to share your answers with me during our Potions test tomorrow," Claude teased, leaving with Hilda. Byra was left with Dimitri; however, he was silent.

"Dimitri, if I have given you discomfort please forgive me. I can leave you alone," Byra said, walking away until he grabbed her hand and pulled her to the wall. "Dimitri?"

"I should be the one apologizing,," Dimitri said, frowning in front of her. "It is my fault you got hurt,"

"Dimitri, you do not fret. I am still alive in front of you," Byra said. "Also, of what I said earlier of having romantic feelings for you. It is not a lie." She patted his head. "However, I do not understand it,"

"Understand what?" Dimitri asked.

"Love I guess. It is a natural emotion and I was trained to limit my affections. So for that to come out, it is new to me," Byra said. "Please, do not be obligated to return my feelings. I am not worthy of your love,"

"Byra?" Dimitri said. They stared at each other for a brief moment, realizing they were very close.

"KISS HER ALREADY, PRINCEY!" Sothis screamed, hovering in front of them.

How supportive of you

"There is nothing wrong with a little romance," Sothis pouted. "Don't worry, I will help you understand these human emotions,"

Again, how supportive of you

"Dimitri, thank you for being there for me. I also want to thank you for making me feel these new emotions. I may not understand it but I am happy that I have these feelings for you," She said. "Now, let's get to class. I was informed that we have a class mission," She patted his head once more. "Let's go, your Highness," He smiled and let her walk away from him.

Byra Eisner, you are a strange girl. Dimitri thought, following behind her. As they approached the room. Mercedes and Annette rushed to her embrace. Everyone had worried looks on their faces.

"Oh Byra, we heard that you were called in and well, we were worried," Annette said.

"We knew that was going to be about the bullying incidents. I just wished you told us," Mercedes said.

"Forgive me, it is just I am used to doing things on my own," Byra said.

"We understand that but you have us to depend on if you can't," Ashe said.

"Yeah Byra, we are here for you just like the Professor," Ingrid said.

"I wish we were there to defend you," Sylvain said. "Dimitri you lucky dog, you were there to defend her honor. I want to know what you said,"

"There is nothing to say, she is worthy of our trust," Dimitri said. Maybe worthy for something else but for now, I have a goal and I can't drift away from it.

"Byra," The Professor said, entering the room. She turned to him. He gave her a potion. "This is to eliminate the truth serum." He then flicked her forehead. "Byra Eisner, I advise you to not keep anything to yourself. I know everyone in the class feels the same way," He then for the first time in ages, he let out a small grin. His students were shocked.

PROFESSOR IS SMILING! They all thought.

"He is so cute when he smiles," Mercedes said, blushing.

"It suits him," Annette said, blushing.

"He should smile more often," Ingrid said, hiding her blush.

"Just know that you can ask for help and we can help you especially your brother," Byleth said, patting her head.

"Thank you," She said.

"I don't want to ruin this touching moment but I do not want to waste this chance," Sylvain said. "Byra, do you want to start a romantic relationship with me? We can have a date after class, just you are me," Dimitri was stunned by this. "You cannot lie so I want to know,"

Why does this make me angry? Byra is free to do whatever she likes, however, it is very unsettling. Dimitri thought.

"Sorry, but I like someone else," Byra replied. "But thanks for the offer,"

"WHAT?!" They all screamed.

Oh no, they are going to find out. Dimitri thought. "Well, we should not push Byra any further. We have class,"

"Oh Byra, who do you like?" Annette asked, ignoring Dimitri's statement.

"I am curious as well," Mercedes added.

"Is it Felix?" Ashe asked.

"Why am I part of this?" Felix said, grunting. "Hey Byra, how about Ashe?"

"Hey…" Ashe said. "I am just saying since you are a catch."

"You want to eat steel," Felix said, annoyed.

"No," She replied. "Forgive me but I see you two as my trusted friends,"

"How about Dedue?" Ingrid said.

"Ingrid, I don't believe anyone should like me," Dedue said.

"Oh Dedue, you are likable," Ingrid said. "You shouldn't put yourself down,"

"No, I agree though, he is likable and very kind if you get to know him but I do not see him that way,," Byra said.

"Then who is it?" Annette said. "Please tell us, oh is it Claude from the Golden Deer House. You two are always together during Potion class,"

"Well…" She said, stealing a glance at Dimitri. He was flustered with the situation. Don't worry dear Prince, I won't tell. She quickly drank the potion and let out a sigh. "It is a secret,"

"NO FAIR!"

"Well, let's get back to our lesson and also we will be going on a class mission. I will be very tough on you guys," Byleth said, walking to his desk. "We are going to enter a real battle, not a training session. Your life will be on the line," He then turned to his students. "So let's make sure you all don't die out there,"

"YES SIR!" They replied.

They were walking to their desk and Dimitri walked to her. "Can I sit next to you?" He asked.

"Of course," She said.

KISS ALREADY!