Byleth looked over the classroom, eyeing each student to make sure everyone was present. In the right corner sat Edelgard, fidgeting with her hands while wearing a twitchy smile. On the left stood Dimitri with a frown on his face that only enhanced the stare that could have bored a hole through Edelgard. They both had a bandaged forehead and an attendant firmly gripping a shoulder. In the back sat the rest of their two houses as well as the Golden Deers, Rhea, Seteth and the members of the church that Byleth had so far asked to help in her teaching job.

"We have gathered here today to sort out the built up unrest between the houses; I would ask that we keep this civilized and not get at each other's throats," Byleth said, landing glances at Hubert and Dedue who both nodded and tightened their shoulder grips ever so slightly.

"Edelgard just two days ago tried to stage a rebellion against the church, Professor! How can you be so calm?!" Dimitri raised his voice. "I know you seem to have this under control, but Edelgard has betrayed the hopes of everyone!"

"That is not a good enough reason to try to kill your step-sister, Dimitri. Try to behave instead of injuring each other in an attempted to-the-death duel."

"With all respect, professor, the reason they are both injured is because you smacked them over the head; they had not landed a single hit against each other yet," Lysithea called while raising her hand.

"S-step-sister?..." Edelgard mumbled, freezing in shock with wide eyes.

Letting out a big sigh, Byleth sat down on the teacher desk and responded, "How else would I get the two to stop? They were swinging their weapons around wildly," she looked up and smiled, "I'm not that strong you know?"

The class looked at Byleth with eyebrows raised, many reciting the fact that she had previously taken down a dozen trained imperial soldiers without breaking a sweat; to which she laughed calmly while motioning for everyone to quiet down.

"Now then, Edelgard would you please tell us the story passed onto you by your ancestors? Make it as quick and detailed as possible."

Edelgard stood silent for a few seconds and then began; "The truth is that Nemesis never went mad; the saints persecuted him, hunted down the ten elites and stole the weapons mankind had crafted, pretending they were gifts from the goddess. Rhea is one of the last remaining of the saints and has since then controlled the lands from the shadows! All these problems and unfairness in the world are her fault!"

"Lies!" Rhea slammed her fist onto the table in front of her. "How dare you!" Standing up from her chair she glared at Edelgard and continued; "After all the agony that-"

"Enough!" Byleth glared at the two and paused for a moment. "Rhea, you will get your time to speak, now could you please sit down again?"

The archbishop opened her mouth, then closed it again and finally sat down. Flayn and Seteth put their hands on her shoulders, whispering something to her as she took deep breaths and closed her eyes.

"Well done, Edelgard; short and to the point. While it certainly does not make you innocent it helps explain part of why you acted as you did." Byleth smiled and then let out a sigh. "Now if only I could get you to shake hands with Rhea without attempting to stab her with a hidden blade, that would be great." She motioned for Rhea to stand up. "It's your turn now. I expect your story to be a bit longer but do try to keep it short as well, okay?"

Rhea remained in her chair, mumbling something about misguided, traitorous children.

"Now, now, no need to be grumpy; it's your own fault that Edelgard's ancestors thought that way. Your mother has been slapping her hand against her face over your actions so try to behave a bit more like your age?"

"...how long has she been conscious?" Rhea said while looking down and slumping her shoulders.

"How to say this-," Byleth paused, "a few months? Minus about a month? Plus how many years could it be, some two-three hundred? It's complicated. More importantly: your story."

"Of course," Rhea sighed. "To begin with, Edelgard is not entirely incorrect. A long time ago the goddess created a people called the Nabateans, who bore crests and-"

"That part can wait for now. From Nemesis, please."

Rhea raised her eyebrow at Byleth, then continued. "The saints had entombed Sothis within the Holy Tomb and Nemesis, a bandit, raided the tomb and stole her sleeping body. He used it to create the Sword of the Creator, drank her blood to gain the power to use it, then hunted down other crest-bearers used their bodies and blood to empower his 'ten elites.' The saints banded together to create the Adrestian Empire and took down Nemesis. After this, I-... Seiros rewrote the history to claim the weapons were gifts from the goddess and gave the power to the first emperor and the heirs of the ten heroes."

"This has to be a lie! Professor how is this even-" Edelgard started, yet went silent as Byleth crossed her own arms and crooked her head; eyes remaining fixed at Edelgard. "I… It is a lot to take in."

"Good, I was worried your stubbornness would land you another detention," Byleth said, smiling. She looked at the rest of the class. "I am sure this is a lot to take in for everyone but that is the gist of it. I ask that you do not share this with your other classmates or even talk about it with each other for now, let this remain a secret between the more outstanding houses."

"I have ques- have a question, professor." Petra began while raising her hand; continuing after a nod of approval. "Does this include Caspar? He is not here."

The classroom fell silent.

"...yes, that includes Caspar," Byleth responded, while keeping her mouth straight and turning her head away with a blank stare.

The people in the room nodded, taking on similar faces as their teacher.

"R-regardless, I hope this clears up some of the issues that have been lingering in everyone's minds since the recent incident. Please behave and do not unnecessarily pester Edelgard or Rhea; I will summon the house representatives to a meeting later in the week to sort out some vital details." Byleth leaned towards Edelgard and spoke in a lower voice: "could I leave Caspar to you?"

Edelgard nodded.

"Very well. You are all dismissed."

As the students picked up their belongings and left the room, Byleth glanced towards the exit; sorting through the various mumblings of students.

"That still does not clear you from the horrible actions you have taken! You still also have the past to answer to!" Dimitri shouted; his classmates holding him off from getting too close to his adversary.

"I have no idea what you are talking about, if anything, the past should answer to ME!" came the response from Edelgard, her wrist held tightly by Petra.

"Your highness, please leave it be today," Dedue spoke in a low tone to Dimitri; or at least tried to, considering his already low pitched voice still carried well. "I recommend rest."

"D-Dedue is right. A l-lack of sleep affects your ability to think clearly. I s-should know about that." Annette added while gripping the bottom of her vest tightly.

"I have slept well enough, thank you," Dimitri said with a smile towards Annette, quickly turning back to Edelgard. "And the judgement is still clear! Edelgard, you-" but his next words stopped mid sentence as an arm wrapped around his shoulder. His face paled as he looked to his left and found Byleth, with another arm over Edelgard.

Byleth dipped her head forward, causing her eyes to be hidden by the shadow as the sun shone down on them. With a wide grin splitting her face she spoke with a gentle, yet eerie tone that sent shivers down the spines of the students: "It seems as if the two of you could use an extra detention together, let us head back into the classroom shall we?"

The other students watched as the silent duo turned around with Byleth clinging to them and disappeared behind the closing door.

o.O.o.O.o

The flow of magic, mathematical equations for how a bolt of lightning could be generated at the tip of one's hand. Dimitri sat confused at his desk trying to get a grip on the fundamentals of reason based magic. He had never been good at nor tried to excel at it; yet now he was forced to cram the basics into his head once and for all.

A short distance in front of him stood Byleth, a teacher who somehow had a hint of a demonic appearance today, despite the kind front she always showed. To his left sat Edelgard, his long time adversary, and a person he constantly compared himself against. It was no strange thing considering they were both destined to lead their people and he had hoped things would remain peaceful.

Yet Edelgard had attempted to oust the church. She had admittedly been thwarted by Byleth but it did not help against the disdain Dimitri felt deep down. It was difficult to process the new information he had been presented at the start of the detention. He had always known that Edelgard was his step-sister, yet after she revealed herself as the Flame Emperor, a hate for her had been ignited. But now Byleth had told him that Edelgard had nothing to do with his father's death. Should he believe it? Byleth had seemed almost all-knowing since the incident at the holy tomb and seemingly knew the story that Edelgard and Rhea told before they even spoke a word.

He glanced at Edelgard again. She had seemed surprised to learn about the reality of the tragedy of Duscur as well as the truth about her mother. Dimitri sighed and relaxed. Maybe it was a good idea to let all of these feelings go. The professor seemed to know a lot, perhaps he should just accept it. Yes, that must be it; perhaps Byleth would tell him how she knows everything later.

With renewed vigor he focused on the magic formulas once more. Tiny sparks started forming between his outstretched hands. It was not a lot, but he seemed to finally get a grasp on it. Slowly but surely the sparks grew larger and more powerful. This was it, his first lightning based spell was within reach. As his hopes grew, so did his competitiveness.

How far had Edelgard gotten? Would he perhaps be the first to clear the detention time and score another win? Dimitri shot another glance at her and then his lightning fizzled as he barely held back a muffled snort. Edelgard had some progress as well, but more importantly she was staring at Byleth with the greatest puppy eyes he had ever seen. He could almost feel a laugh trying to escape.

'No, enough; I cannot start laughing here. I must make sure to win this round,' Dimitri thought to himself and began his practice anew.

It would take another hour before the detention was finally over. Defeat covered Dimitri's face; despite the sparks he could not manage to fire off the lightning bolts. 'Although it was not as bad as it could have been!'

Looking at Edelgard who had just left the classroom alongside him, he proclaimed: "well, I guess this round ends in a draw; it seems neither of us hit our detention goals."

Edelgard turned her head towards him, then grinned as she held her hands forward, projecting a healing light.

"Th-that does not count! You learned that during your last detention! Why are you looking at me like that? Don't be proud of having detention, you professor obsessed emperor!"

The two parted ways shortly thereafter. As he walked towards his dorm room, Dimitri thought back upon what he had been told. Edelgard's past had come as a shock to him; not only because of her lack of involvement in his father's death, but also due to learning why her hair changed colour.

He did not get much time to mull over it, however, as familiar faces awaited him around the corner.

"The step-brother finally makes his appearance. Hoo boy, and here I thought you might one day marry Edelgard. Then again, I guess that hasn't stopped some noble families, haha"

Dimitri glared at the speaker. "Sylvain… I would watch my mouth if I were you."

"Oh, take it easy there, your highness; you're almost scaring me." came a response and a wink.

"Your highness, I am sorry. They have all been pestering me for details since you got put into detention. But worry not; I have told them nothing," Dedue said, his voice clear and strict.

"That is right, he told us nothing! So now I hope you will tell us, your highness. Come on, spill it all. Is Edelgard really your step-sister? How long have you known? Did she know? Why did you become so angry at her?" Annette was already at his throat. If it wasn't for his status he was sure she would have been shaking him for answers by now.

"Hmph, I don't see why this is important, let the boar be. Why did you even drag me here?" Felix asked.

"Because the more we are the higher chance he will actually tell us!" Annette responded. "Well? We are waiting."

"Yes, I do feel this could sound quite interesting too. Would you not please tell us?" Mercedes added

"Indeed, and while at it: can you tell why I have not been told? Are we not childhood friends?! Answer me!"

Dimitri stared at the upset Ingrid, then vaguely recalled seeing Edelgard fleeing from her retainers earlier in the week. 'A good plan, that,' he thought and quickly turned heel.

As he got onto the main street he spotted the very person he had decided to imitate and could feel a candle light in his head. "Edelgard! Raise your hand!"

Confused, she turned around and put her hand up into the sky. Soon after, Dimitri ran past and clapped it, then shouted "Change!"

Soon the horde approached and naturally started questioning Edelgard too. Just as Dimitri was about to round another corner he looked back only to see the now half-crying girl chasing after him as well.

"AAAAAAAGH!"

o.O.o.O.o

Slowly opening the door, Byleth looked outside the classroom. The coast was clear; the student rush had passed. She felt a bit sorry for Dimitri, but figured he should man up and fix his own problems.

The last few days had been rather wild and a good night's rest would do her well. Sneaking out she carefully slithered along the darker alleys, hoping to avoid any student. As she got close to the main road she glanced in both directions. The students were in the distance; chasing Dimitri. Why was Edelgard among them and why was she crying? Well, one rescue was enough for the week, she'd have to sort this out on her own. There was something not quite right though; a feeling that just wouldn't go away.

"We meet again, you who are destined to battle me until death," came a hoarse shriek

Byleth turned around, sighing at the armoured caller. "You know, Emile, it gets really tiring when you only ever creep up on me from the shadows. Also, could you keep your split persona in check?"

The death knight stood silently, repeating a motion of raising his arm as if to say something, then letting it down again. Finally, a question managed to sneak out of the horned helmet: "How?..."

But Byleth was already ignoring him and grinding her gears. "This will prove difficult. How do I give detention when one of the personalities could just go off to sleep, much less come up with a task that both will consider punishment? ...no, a tea party is probably not allowed by the teacher's codex. Maybe if I-" A sudden creak brought her attention back to the death knight. "I would not recommend attempting to sneak away; your armour is not exactly stealthy and an extended detention is not exactly what you are looking for, right?"

"...how did you know?"

"Like I said, your armour makes any movement rather apparent and-"

"No, my identity."

"It is… complicated. Now how do I introduce you without them blaming you for everything. I also need to explain to Leone and Merc- hey, you do not point your scythe at me!"

"We shall fight to the death; only one will come out alive… as it was fated. You must be removed before you endanger the mission," the death knight said as he raised his scythe, moving his feet and lowering his knees.

Byleth crossed her arms and cocked her head. "Assaulting a teacher could lead to expulsion; please resign your weapon and follow me to the detention room. Your caretaker can pick up the scythe later."

"Enough of this nonsense! Prepare yourself, or die in your foolishness! My urge for blood shall be sated this night!"

In a flash, Byleth lunged forward, planting her fist straight into the black armour, grinding her hand into the huge crack spreading over the metal.

"Ugah!" The scythe slowly slid out of the death knight's hand as he bent forward sputtering and gasping for air. "M-my… thro… ugh," he coughed. "Through my… h-how?" His knees hit the ground as his body caved face-first against the ground.

Byleth flipped the armoured fellow over with her foot and proceeded to grab the armour at the back of the neck, then picked up the scythe and dragged the death knight towards where she had last seen Edelgard. "One thing after another, can a teacher never get any rest in this place?"

'Were you expecting anything less now, really?' Sothis voice appeared in Byleth's head. 'If anything you should be grateful those slithering fools have not acted yet after you grounded their puppet.'

"They should not act unless Edelgard does anything to affront them. After all; if they did anything it could screw up their plans further. I think we can afford some leisure for now," Byleth responded.

'I suppose. Although we already know where they are, why do we simply not take care of the problem before it becomes one?'

"In due time, Sothis; in due time."

The discussion turned into a talk of possible forms of detention as Byleth made her way to the running students.