Chapter 9: Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

Cake: 1 cup butter, 3 cups brown sugar, 4 eggs, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 2 2/3 cups flour, 3/4 cup baking cocoa, 3 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 1/3 cups sour cream. 1 1/3 cups boiling water

Frosting: 1/2 cup butter, 3 oz unsweetened chocolate (chopped), 3 oz semisweet chocolate (chopped), 5 cups confectioner's sugar, 1 cup sour cream, 2 tsp vanilla extract

Recipe:

Preheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then add eggs 1 at a time and beat well before adding next egg. Next beat in vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt then add to creamed mixture alternating with sour cream, mixing well between each addition. Lastly, stir in water until blended.

Transfer mixture to prepared pan (greased, parchment paper). Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes or until no longer hot to touch.

Frosting: Melt butter and chocolates then stir until smooth and cool slightly. In another bowl, combine sugar, sour cream and vanilla extract. Then mix in chocolate/butter mixture and beat until smooth. Spread frosting on cake as desired; make sure cake is sufficiently cooled down, or frosting will melt and become too watery.

The midday sun shone brightly, golden rays of light illuminating the ornate stained-glass windows of the cathedral. The colored glass converted the rays to a myriad of hues which bounced around the hall, illuminating the gray brick floor and walls in all colors of the spectrum. Inside the expansive halls, residents of the monastery, dressed head to toe in black, lined every pew, heads bowed and hands clasped. At the front, a tall man, with chartreuse hair, stood and finished his eulogy. Soft clapping reverberated around as he closed his speech, wiping his eyes on his sleeve and stepping off the stage.

Lysithea clapped along, tears dripping down her own cheeks. The rest of the funeral went by in a blur; hymns were sung, led by the church choir, as countless others memorialized the Captain, before people began to file out of the cathedral. Lysithea gingerly stood up and got on her crutches, grimacing as she exited her pew.

She wanted nothing more than to run (well, limp), to Byleth's side and comfort him, but she knew that would reveal their secret. The past week since Jeralt's death had been painful enough for everyone, but all she could do was try to catch the occasional glimpse of him and try to send her presence through those brief moments when their eyes would meet.

"Lysithea, come. Let's...return for now." Edelgard patted her on the shoulder, and Lysithea nodded, turning her crutches and following the other students back towards the dorm. Though the shrubbery around them had begun to rise from the dead of winter, with flowers beginning to bud and the grass beginning to recover its lively green, it was in complete contrast to the emotions of the students. Nary a word was spoken; everyone was still in shock. The sun blazed on their backs as they trudged through the cement roads. Jeralt had always seemed so indomitable to them, that to see him lying dead in the casket had shaken them to their very core.

If Professor Jeralt can die...Lysithea shuddered as she put her crutches ahead, swinging her body forward. No one is invincible.

"Edelgard, can you help me out?" Lysithea gestured towards the wooden door to her room. The older girl nodded and propped the door open, letting her in. "Thanks."

"Of course. If you need anything, just let me know, okay?" Edelgard smiled weakly at her and Lysithea nodded. The door swung closed and Lysithea collapsed onto her bed, splaying out her limbs towards each corner over her amethyst blankets. She rolled to one side and reached for the dusty book that had been on her end table, taking it off of the dark brown oak surface.

Professor Jeralt's diary…

She placed it back down.

Perhaps it's better if I let him read it first.

She gingerly stepped off her bed and limped to her dusty bookcase, reaching for An Encyclopedia of Sweets and flipping for a recipe before her face lit up. She quickly marked the page, threw the book into her bag, and slung it over her shoulder, grabbing her crutches and heading back out into the monastery.

Luckily Edelgard's right next door. She knocked gently on the door, which was emblazoned with the Hresvelg crest as well as one of the Black Eagles.

"Yes?"

"Edelgard, it's me. I had an idea for something we can do for the Professor."

"Oh?" She heard footsteps and the door swung open. "Why don't you come in and tell me about it? I have some extra sweets from Enbarr," Edelgard said with a wink. Lysithea lumbered in and sat down with a sigh of relief on the wooden chair proffered to her.

Edelgard's room was similar in layout to her own; a small, square room with a wooden desk in one corner and a large four-poster in the other. Her bed was decorated in the red and black of the Black Eagles, and her axe was stood up on a stand across from it. The room itself was lit by the natural light of the sun, with windows on each side of the doorway. Lysithea couldn't help her eyes moving to the sweets that were on the desk.

"So, what was this idea you had? And you can help yourself to the sweets; they're a bit too much for my liking."

"Really? Isn't that the whole point of sweets?" Lysithea shrugged and opened the box to reveal a large fruit tart, with glazed blueberries, peaches, and strawberries carefully arranged on top. The crust was baked to perfection, a light golden brown. She could feel her mouth watering already before she cut a slice and began to eat it.

"So, my idea was just that we could bake him something. I know that we can use the ovens in the afternoon on Sundays, and today's a Sunday. Maybe we could bring it to him and just spend some time with him. I don't want him to have to keep grieving alone; I know we've been giving him space, but I think he really needs someone to be there with him."

Edelgard mulled it over and nodded.

"Yes, I think that would be good. A house meeting, in a way. Let me round up everyone and we can get to work." Edelgard clapped her hands. "Though I'm not sure anyone's had much experience in the kitchens...just a heads up."

Lysithea stopped eating abruptly and stared at Edelgard.

Oh, no.

"Linhardt, please, don't sleep on the counter; I need that space!" Lysithea groaned as the young man rolled off the shelf and onto the ground, where he promptly continued sleeping.

"Lysithea, does this-"

"NO! Don't mix those together, please! One's the crust, and one's for the filling, keep them apart!" Lysithea sighed. It was utter chaos. Edelgard had been right; none of the Black Eagles had baked before. Hubert had accidentally added tablespoons instead of teaspoons, then Edelgard had mixed the wrong things together. Then Petra had read the recipe wrong and overheated the oven, and everything came out burnt, and then Bernadetta had lit her tunic on fire and retreated to her room, from which she refused to leave. Linhardt had somehow slept through everything going on, only moving when asked to clear up space, and Caspar was left to cut; unfortunately, without a cake that was finished, he had nothing to do and sat in a corner juggling knives, which was making Lysithea very nervous. Flour, milk and eggs flew around the room, and soon everyone was covered head to toe with some mixture of baking ingredients. Lysithea did what she could, but with her crutches, was stuck mostly guiding with her voice. Baking pans and parchment paper were hastily thrown together, the oven was corrected, and Lysithea carefully marked each bowl of ingredients for its purpose. Somehow, on the third attempt, and with cake batter dripping from their clothes and faces, they had some semblance of a chocolate cake ready.

"Hang on, Dorothea, don't put on the frost-" Lysithea slapped her hand to her face, splattering dough around her as Dorothea squeezed frosting onto the cake, which was fresh out of the oven.

"Oops. But why can't we put the frosting on now?"

"It's going to melt", Lysithea pointed at the cake, which now had a very wet layer of icing on it. "So we're supposed to wait until it's cooled a bit...but never mind. It'll have to do." There was a cheer and everyone tossed their cooking utensils in the air. "We have to clean up first."

A chorus of groans struck up as everyone bent to pick up the tools they'd just tossed, reluctantly moving them into the sink. With everyone's help (except Lindhardt, who was sleeping; Bernadetta had returned just in time for dishes), they were able to leave the kitchen spotless. Edelgard nodded at Lysithea with a wry smile as they wrapped the cake, and Lysithea could only shake her head and heave a sigh of relief.

It was dusk by the time they reached Byleth's quarters, the moon just preparing to relieve the sun of its post as the last few amber rays dimly lit the sky. Edelgard knocked gently on the door.

"Come in," Byleth's voice said. It sounded flat and weary. Edelgard winked at everyone and pushed the door open. "Edelgard, what brings-" He stopped short, a small smile forming on his face as the Black Eagle students poured into the quarters.

"We made this for you," Edelgard said, holding up the cake. "We thought...well, you've been having a rough time. So we wanted to let you know that we're all here for you."

Byleth chuckled lightly.

"Thank you all. This reminds me of my seventh birthday...my father baked-" Byleth stopped and wiped a tear from his eye. "Well, it would be more accurate to say he tried to bake a cake. He got some of his mercenary friends to help, and they ended up lighting the kitchens on fire. Needless to say, after that birthday, he told me, 'Kid, thats the last time I try to do something your mom would do. So next year, I'll tell you happy birthday, and that's it.'"

Everyone laughed, and Byleth's smile widened just the slightest bit. Lysithea watched the scene from the back of the room and allowed herself a small fist pump of celebration before taking out the utensils and plates and cutting the cake to serve.

The gathering soon became a memorial of Jeralt of sorts; everyone talked about their favorite memories of the Captain, and Byleth told some more of his own memories from before the monastery. Linhardt recalled being shoved off the desk he was sleeping on, while Bernadetta remembered when Jeralt had broken into her room to carry her to a training session. The stories went on and throughout the evening, and both laughs and tears were shared aplenty.

This seems to be helping, Lysithea thought, as Byleth's face began to regain some of the color and energy it had before.

Before they knew it, the cake had been finished. Silver moonlight streamed in, tinged with a warm yellow from the candles that were lit in the room. Caspar was just finishing up his story about Jeralt destroying him in a duel while fighting with his off hand, demonstrating to the crowd's delight.

"I don't even think I landed a blow on him," the young student groaned. "But he kept telling me I was making progress…" Caspar's eyes fell, but instantly shot back up. "I can't dwell on the past," he said. "None of us can. We have to move forward."

Edelgard nodded in agreement.

"We must. We must move forward so that when our teacher is ready to move on from this...we are ready to reach out our hands and pull him back to our side." A murmur of assent ran through the students as Edelgard's eyes focused on Byleth's.

"Thank you," he said, his eyes sweeping the group before him. "Then I hope to see you all tomorrow morning for classes."

The murmur quickly became a crescendo of groans, but it was tinged with smiles as the students began to see what Lysithea was seeing: their Professor was slowly but surely coming back.

Soon, fatigue had set in, and the students began filing back to their dorms.

"What will we do with all the kitchenware," Lysithea asked?

"Oh, we'll come grab it after class tomorrow or something," Dorothea yawned, waving as she walked out the door. "Have a good night!"

"Hey! But-" Lysithea glanced around. Dorothea was the last to leave, and now it was just her and Byleth. "Ugh, I guess I'll bring it back myself." She limped to fetch her bag, but was quickly stopped by Byleth.

"Don't worry, I'll go with you," he said. "You shouldn't have to carry all this on your own, much less when you're on crutches. Plus, someone needs to keep an eye out for ghosts."

"H-hey! I'm not scared of ghosts!" She threw the bag at him indignantly. "For that, you can carry all the plates." He dutifully packed all the plates into the bag.

"Shall we?" He pushed open the door, and she gingerly stepped out. She paused for a moment to take in the night sky; it was a beautiful, cloudless black canvas. A brilliant crescent moon served as the main lighting, supplemented by countless flickering stars dotting the horizon.

"Hey...how have you been holding up?" Lysithea turned back to Byleth as they began to slowly trek through the monastery towards the kitchens.

"I've…," Byleth caught himself. "I've been alright. I just miss him. I wish I could hear him say something one more time."

"I'm sorry. I wish I could have done more to be there for you, but I didn't want to risk them finding anything out. Hang on," Lysithea said. "I have something for you, actually. After we drop these off at the kitchens." Lysithea picked up her pace as much as she could, leading Byleth to the kitchens and then back to her dorm. "Hm...perhaps you shouldn't come in. Just in case. I'll grab it and bring it back out." She picked up the journal left on her nightstand and brought it back out. "It's...It's his journal. He said that if anything were to happen to him, to tell you what was in it. But I never-" Lysithea sniffed. "I didn't read it yet; I never thought anything could…" She trailed off. "But I think you should read it first."

"Why don't we read it together? We can read it in my father's old room. It won't be weird that way."

"Really?" Lysithea couldn't help her curiosity. "Let's go!"

Jeralt, being a captain of the Knights of Seiros, had a sizable room of his own in the Cathedral. Much like Byleth, the room was kept clean and tidy, with few decorations. Only a weapons rack and small bookshelf distinguished it from any other room with a bed and desk. Lysithea and Byleth settled on the desk and flipped open his journal. Certain pages had been marked; Byleth flipped to those pages first.

Day 6 of the Guardian Moon, Imperial Year 1159.

"Jeralt...I'm pregnant."

I had never felt happiness like I did when I heard those words. They outstripped even my feelings when she told me her feelings for me. I will work only the most highly compensated jobs; we need to prepare for the child financially, but I also must be by her side as much as possible. She needs me to be there during the rigors of pregnancy.

Day 17 of the Garland Moon, Imperail Year 1159.

It hasn't been easy. She wakes up often at night, screaming with pain. She is in the infirmary more often than not. I have had to quit a couple jobs after receiving a letter that she was under intensive care again. But I have made enough to pay for her health so far, and even to set up a little baby's corner in our small room. A crib, with two blankets just in case there were any accidents, and some toys for him to play with. Soon...the child will be born. The doctors say in the Horsebow moon. I can hardly contain myself.

Day 20 of the Horsebow Moon, Imperial Year 1159.

All is cloudy. I can't believe she's dead. Lady Rhea said she died during childbirth. But is that the truth? And still, the child she traded her life for does not make a sound. Didn't even cry at birth.

Day 25 of the Horsebow Moon, Imperial Year 1159.

It's raining, like it has been every day since she died. I don't know if it's raining or if it's my tears anymore at this point. I miss her. The baby doesn't laugh or cry. Doesn't play with toys. Not ever. Lady Rhea says not to worry, but a baby that doesn't laugh or cry isn't natural. Had a doctor examine the child in secret. He said there was a pulse, but no heartbeat. How is that even possible? The doctor couldn't explain. Something isn't right here.

Day 2 of the Wyvern Moon, Imperial Year 1159.

I fear I need to take the child and leave. Rhea and the church have been watching us ever since the child was born. I used to think the world of Rhea; she saved my life and took me in when I needed it. But now I'm terrified of her. And how can I leave? The monastery is always being watched…

Day 8 of the Wyvern Moon, Imperial Year 1159.

There was a fire. I was able to use it to fake the child's death; Lady Rhea is in...some state. But I can't take back what I've done. I must leave. Whatever Lady Rhea was planning with the child...I must protect him from it.

Day 10 of the Wyvern Moon, Imperial Year 1159

Remire has agreed to take us in. Rhea has sent search parties...just what was she planning with my child?

Byleth closed the journal.

"Sothis…", he mumbled.

"Sothis?"

Byleth nodded.

"The goddess's name...is Sothis. For the longest time, I've had a voice in my head; she said her name was Sothis. And when I was thrown into that void by Solon, she fused with me, giving me her powers. That's how I was able to get back from the void; that's also why my hair changed color. Something must have happened when I was born. Something...that connected me to the goddess somehow. But what?"

"Mm…" Lysithea yawned and her head dropped onto Byleth's shoulder. "We can...talk about it...tomorrow…"

He gingerly slid out from under her, sliding a pillow under her head before turning his attention back towards the journal.

So this turned into another more slow-paced chapter; I thought it would be good to have the students try to do something to help cheer up Byleth. I thought it was necessary because first, it allows me another chance to show the dynamics between the students of the Black Eagles (something that can get lost when all the fighting begins), while also ensuring that I don't just blow off Jeralt's death (which I felt the game does); I can only imagine how hard it would be to get over losing a parent, and the game seems to gloss over it for the sake of advancing the plot. So while I wanted to move forward, I thought I needed a chapter to focus on Byleth's grief and how the students help him get past it.

BrandedKing: I'm glad you're enjoying it so far! I was a little worried that the characterization would turn some people off, so I'm happy to hear that you're liking it so far. Reading through Edelgard and Lysithea's supports, I thought there was a lot of potential for Edelgard to turn into an older sister figure of sorts; obviously, being in different houses, that wasn't incorporated in the game, but it's aspects like that that I feel like I can expand on more here. I'm also happy you read my other fics and enjoyed them! Hopefully this one delivers as well :)

Gazzyboe: It might slow down, I'm doing my psychiatry inpatient rotation next and who knows how busy that's gonna be :( Hope you enjoyed this update too!

MathAtMidnight: First of all, I hope you're getting enough sleep! Coming from a medical student, sleep is essential to good health :) Thanks for the feedback! In terms of the imagery, I tried to put in a bit more in this chapter and I'll keep that in mind moving forward; I've kind of gotten stuck since so much of the first half of the story is in the monastery and there's only so many places to go in there. I'm glad you're enjoying the story otherwise so far, though! As I mentioned above, I think Edelgard especially has so much more potential for development, especially in regards to Lysithea; they've known each other remotely for quite a while now, and I definitely think theres more to Edelgard than just ambition, so I really wanted to expand on that in this story as well. If you have any questions about any of the recipes please don't hesitate to ask!

As always, please R&R, and enjoy!

-elementaryprincess