Chapter 5: It'll Take Some Getting Used To.

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"Fight me Professor Byleth."

Byleth finished grading the paper in front of him and moved on to the next. "Felix, as you can see. I'm a little occupied right now. A much as I'd like to, I can't just ignore these papers. They need to get done."

"Well, when is the soonest you can? I want to test my ability against a worthy opponent."

"How about Caspar? He sure likes to fight too."

"Professor, Please. I don't want to waste my talent with that…imbecile."

"Why not? Your different fighting styles will help you grow as a swordsman."

Felix frowned.

"I'll spar with you later." He closed his eyes and sighed. He could feel a headache forming. "I need to get this work done. Why don't you practice the drills my sister showed you last class?" He started another paper. "You could benefit from them you know."

"Hmph. Fine. Don't forget Professor."

He nodded once, "As soon as I get the chance I can at least review your progress."

"In a sparring match I hope." He left the class swiftly, nearly plowing down a student in his path.

Byleth glanced up to find Annette steadying herself on one of the desks.

"Hello Professor! What's wrong with him?" She moved over to his desk and placed a few books down.

"He's fine. Just impatient."

The redhead giggled and shook her head. "Seems most boys are that way. Oh! I'm not referring to you Professor! It's just that whenever I have an encounter with many-"

Byleth leaned back in his chair and sighed. 'Here she goes again...if I don't stop her now she'll only continue for...ever. I don't want her to think I don't care, but...'

"Um, Annette-"

"That reminds me of this one time! Me and Mercie were taking a walk around the monastery. She had the amazing idea to g-"

Byleth cleared his throat and rose his voice a little. "Annette?"

She yelped and covered her mouth with both hands. "Oh! I'm sorry Professor! I did it again didn't I? I'm so sorry! I only wanted to review the material you went over today! I've taken so much of your time, I'll just go now!" She ran out of the class, nearly tripping on herself as she left the room.

"..." He facepalmed, exasperated. 'She left her books…Great.' He finished the paper work and grabbed her books. 'I might as well return them to her…' He glanced down at the pages. 'Of course her homework is here.' He checked the classroom to make sure he didn't leave anything himself and left the room.

'Where did she get to so fast? ' He walked over to some students hanging around by the doorway.

"Did any of you notice where Annette went?"

The group looked at each other and shook their heads. "No, sorry Professor. Maybe you can check the dining hall?"

One of the students shoved their arm "Why would she be there? It's already after lunch!"

"Why not? Sometimes people like a snack or two!"

Byleth winced, the louder the group got the harder his head began to pound. He muttered a curse to himself and made a swift exit toward the dining hall. Though it was indeed after the lunch hour, there was always a few students in there doing something. He walked in the building and surveyed the room, spotting Raphael with a plate of food. He walked over to him.

"Hello Raphael."

The larger man looked up and his face

brightened. "Professor!" His voice boomed throughout the hall.

Byleth frowned, his eyes squinting as if the force of his voice had blown him back. "Have you seen Annette?" He hoped to get a straight answer from the large fellow. He really didn't want to add more weight to the headache already trying to drive him into the ground.

"Um, sorry no. She does like to read so...maybe she's in the library!?"

"Okay… Thank you."

"No problem Professor! I just wish I could have helped more." His face fell and he grabbed a handful of food.

"You could actually do me a favor."

"Really!? What can I do?!"

Byleth closed his eyes and took a deep breath, just how on Earth did his sister deal with this much... energy? "Um, remember to use your indoor voice when you're you know. Indoors."

His eyes widened and he slouched into himself slightly. His voice now a loud whisper of sorts. "Oops, I'm sorry Professor." He grinned sheepishly and gave him a thumbs up.

"..." Byleth sighed and turned away slowly. He didn't want to stretch that exchange out anymore than necessary. The day had been a long one, and it wasn't even over yet. He briefly considered just cancelling his next lesson for today. If this headache continued he doubted he'd be able to even hear his own thoughts, let alone questions from the students. There was also the fact that his class cannot go even one day without some sort of argument breaking out. Though that was usually between Sylvain and Felix. Even Ingrid got caught up in the mess at times. Again mostly cause of Sylvain.

Byleth made his way toward the library, making sure to keep an eye out in case he saw Annette along the way.

When he got to the library there was a few students occupying the space so he made sure not to disturb them when he moved passed them. 'This might take awhile' He sighed and started walking down the main isles of books to see if he found anyone with orange looped pigtails. 'She's the only one with that hairstyle right?' He finished searching the whole first floor but still had no luck. 'I should just leave her stuff in the classroom. This is getting ridiculous.' He heaved another sigh and started up the steps. Might as well check the other floors. He'd be annoyed if he gave up only for her to be sitting right above him.

The second floor was definitely less populated but he felt a presence in the back corner so he decided to check it out.

His sister's familiar voice grabbed his attention and he peeked around the corner."Ooh, I actually kinda like that idea, but I feel like I should try it first. Just in case." She was holding a black cat and leaning over the shoulder of one of her students whilst he pointed to some notes in a book. Judging by his attire that was definitely the House Leader- Claude.

"I knew you would Teach, great minds think alike! But, you don't have to do that ya know? I promise it'll only be an annoyance maybe a major one. No actual damage."

"Keep your voice down!"

"...Ditto?"

"Claude."

"Alright, sheeesh."

Byleth walked over to them. "Afternoon."

Claude casually placed a large book over the notes they were looking at with a fairly loud thud. "Oh! Hello Professor. How are you this afternoon?"

He stared at them for a moment, suspicious. "What are you two doing?" He turned his gaze to his sister. It was always easier to tell when she lied. Besides he didn't know this other one.

"We were just…" She ran a hand through her hair and shrugged. "Doing research."

"About what?" He walked closer to their table and examined the piles of books caging them in. There was a range of random topics that didn't seem to correlate with each other.

Claude yawned dramatically and lifted his legs on the table, effectively pinning the book covering the notes beneath his feet."Oh you know~ this and that. The best way to do one thing or another." He lazily plucked a book off of one of the piles and flicked it open. "What brings you here Professor?"

Byleth sighed, irritation building along with his steadily growing headache. He glanced down at Claude's boots, 'I wonder why they look so worn. Isn't he a noble? I've never seen a noble wear anything with damage.'

"Leth? Are you alright?" Balaiya took a step towards him, her brows knitted together. "You feeling okay?" She reached for his forehead and pursed her lips. "Headache?"

He nodded tersely. "Yeah."

She took a step back, her hum a gentle cadence. "All day?"

"On and off"

Claude spoke back up, his voice considerately quieter. "Headaches suck. I'm sorry you had to deal with that all day. Here." He tossed a small vial over the table.

Byleth caught it easily and inspected it. The vial held a strange dull green mixture. He didn't miss the way his sister's head whipped around to stare at the house leader.

He winked, "It's just a little tincture. Promise it'll take that headache of yours away in a jiffy."

Byleth frowned, this one was another one he had no idea how his sister handled. In any case, she seemed to be a bit more adjusted to this strange new life they were in. Then again, people were more apt to approach her first in any situation. He popped the cork from the vial and eyed his sister warily.

She smiled slightly and nodded. "It's fine. He actually gave me something similar when we first met."

Byelth stared at her in surprise. "Before you even knew him?"

"Um, yes?"

He sighed, what's the worst that could happen anyway? If she was confident it would help, who was he to argue? He didn't want his head to bust. Without any more thought he downed the contents. Sure enough his headache eased away almost instantly. Warmth flooded his veins.

"Thanks." He paused a moment, as if to give it time to settle. "Where'd you get that?"

Claude grinned. "You're welcome Professor. It was actually made by yours truly."

"You made it? It's not something you got from Manuela?"

He gasped and held his hand over his heart in what was surely mock offense. "Professor, you doubt my ability?"

"Yes."

"Whoah, quick to the punch." He dropped his hand, a cheeky smile on his face. "I did in fact make it. Manuela's tinctures are…" He waved his hand in the air in front of him "..Iffy...They don't work like how I want them too."

Byleth rose a brow, "High standards?"

"Only path to victory."

"Maybe you could help her in the infirmary?" He placed the empty vial on the table.

"Eh, I'd rather not. That wo- uh Professor Manuela is a bit too… much for me."

"Really?" Byleth couldn't help but be a little surprised. "I would have thought you'd enjoy her company." Wasn't he much like Slyvain in that case?

"Professor!"

Balaiya turned to the student with a frown and clunked him on the head with a book. "Hush. Claude. Library."

He winced but his grin only widened. "Ow-hey, Teach! I need that for schemin'."

Byleth stared at them attentively, 'Bala sure doesn't seem to be concerned about offending any powerful families…'

"Anyway, have you two seen Annette anywhere? I've been looking for her." Byleth said with a sigh.

"Oh, actually I have." Balaiya held the side of her face, her fingers tapping randomly against her cheek. "She said something about wanting to do homework. I believe she went to the third floor."

Byleth nodded, "Thanks, Bala." He gave a short nod to the Reigan heir and turned for the steps.

Behind him he heard Claude's voice-now an appropriate whisper. "Bala? What's the story behind that one anyway? There is also...It's… too?"

His sister's voice sounded like it was pushed between her teeth. "No, you may not use it."

From what he could hear she was just answered with a light-hearted laugh.

Byleth shook his head and hurried up the steps, least his headache return. The Golden Deer House leader was certainly, something. Though he'd already had a few of the Golden Deer students in his classes their house leader wasn't in any of the classes he taught. He was more than proficient on the battlefield and moved quicker than most of the other students. More like a fox than a deer. He was sly and cunning. That much was evident in the way he resorted to nontraditional tactics to distract and take out his opponents. He had taken out Edelgard and Dimitri by himself during the mock battle after all.

When he got to the third floor he didn't have to look long before he spotted Annette in the corner behind a mountain of books. He approached her cautiously, he didn't want to startle her. "Annette?"

She yelped and knocked down a tower of books.

Mission failed.

Byleth just watched as the books tumbled off the table, many landing on his feet as if they had something against him.

"Oh! Professor, hello. Um, I'm so sorry!"

" Annette, just. Here." He sighed and set her books down in front of her. "You forgot your homework."

"Oh, thank you so much Professor. I was looking all over for that!"

"Yeah. Just remember it next time. I won't hunt you down again."

"Oh. Right. I'm sorry again. Um I was actually hoping you could help me with something." She fumbled through her notes. "Right here, these formations are a bit too confusing for me."

Byleth sighed inwardly and stepped closer to the table to help her with as many questions as he could.

By the time he finished his eyes felt sore from looking at her tiny handwriting for so long in such dim light.

"Thank you so much Professor! You were really a lot of help."

He shook his head. "I'm just glad I was able to help." He stepped away from the table. "I have to get ready for class now. You should probably do the same."

"Oh right! The last class of the day. What's your last class today Professor?"

"It's Lance training."

"Oo, sounds fun. I have magic studies with Professor Hanneman. I'll see you later then." She waved happily.

"Erm, right." Byleth left then, stopping on the second floor to see if Balaiya and Claude were still at the table.

The space they were in was cleaned perfectly, leaving no trace that they had been there. Byleth left quickly, towards the training field.

He got there to find Dimitri already there standing beside Dedu. They were speaking quietly amongst themselves.

Byleth walked over to them. "Afternoon."

Dimitri turned with a smile. "Professor! Hello. I hope your day went well?"

"It was alright." He stretched and grabbed one of the wooden lances from the rack. He bent it in his hands a few times. It didn't give. He glanced at Dimitri curiously. "Heads up."

He caught it smoothly and spun it before standing it on it's end beside him.

"Have you ever tried a bow Dimitri?"

"Um, I haven't actually." He tossed the lance between his hands. "Well actually I did once. When I was younger. It didn't end well."

"You broke it?"

Dimitri nodded solemnly. "It is quite infuriating. I always seem to break things. That's why I don't like fragile things…."

"Don't worry, you just need to practice. Perhaps your martial training with my sister can help with that. How'd the first lesson go anyway?"

He leaned on one foot then the other. "It went...alright. I don't think I did well." He hung his head.

"I wouldn't worry about it. You'll get better. You have a good work ethic."

That seemed to cheer him up. "Thank you Professor. She said she's going to pair us up for the next class, much like we are going to do today. I must admit I'm nervous. Physically hitting someone should be no different than striking them with a weapon. Yet I'm still concerned for some reason."

"Just think, weapons exist because generally. You do more damage to people with them."

"Right, of course. I should have thought of that sooner." He sighed and shook his head.

The rest of the class arrived then and Byleth turned to them. "Okay, Everyone partner up with the partners I assigned you earlier."

The class moved about the field and each student grabbed a training lance off the wall. Byleth grabbed his clipboard and started taking attendance. Dimitri, Dedu, Leonie, Ashe, Lorenz, Sylvain, Ferdinand, Ingrid… that only left two absent: Hilda and Bernadetta.

Byleth frowned, this wasn't the first time they missed class. "Ferdinand, do you know where Bernadetta is?"

"No Professor. I'm afraid I do not."

"Lorenz? Any information on Hilda's whereabouts?"

"No, I regret to inform you that I have not seen her once today."

Byleth sighed. He'd probably have to talk to Hanneman and Balaiya.

"We're going to continue without them. Lucky for us the two absent were partnered together so we don't have to switch things around."

He observed the class go over forms then switch over to actual maneuvers.

"Professor!" The redhead known as Leonie interjected angrily. "Is there a specific reason why you paired the females in the class together? Do you not think us capable of fighting the men in the group?"

Ingrid sighed and crossed her arms. "Leonie, now is not the proper time for this."

Byleth glanced down at his clipboard and back at the girls. "You know what? I actually picked the pairs randomly."

She puffed out her cheeks. "I don't think that's possible Professor."

Byleth sighed and pressed his hand against his forehead, lifting his bangs up. Not knowing what else to say to the girl he turned away and went over to see how Dedue was doing, who was apparently paired with Lorenz. 'The matches aren't that bad. I would say it's fine. It's good for them to work with people who are not from their house.' He stood off to the side and watched Dedue and Lorenz basically have a staring contest.

"What are you guys doing?"

Lorenz lowered his Lance and brushed himself off of nothing. "Professor, I must agree with Leo-"

Byleth sighed and walked away from him as well. He walked over to the next pair.

"Dimitri, why are y-" He stopped himself when he saw his partner. Ashe. Byleth frowned and checked his chart again. Sure enough Dimitri was paired with Ashe.

"Your Highness! Don't hesitate! I can handle it I promise!" Ashe held the lance in his hand firmly but made no move to strike.

Dimitri frowned "Ashe, you haven't even swung yet."

"I know, I will I promise! Just after you!"

"That's not how this works Ashe, and please we've been through this. Call me by my name."

"Umm." Ashe chewed his bottom lip and nodded noncommittally.

Byleth frowned and held his forehead. "Guys, what are you even doing? We can't go back to dummies because it's easier for you to improve on an actual opponent. At this rate Sylvain and Ferdinand are going to beat you all if you keep this up."

"Professor, we should change partners." Leonie said while crossing her arms.

Ingrid huffed loudly and crossed her arms but made no comment.

Byleth glanced at her and then turned to her partner. "Leonie, you should be honored to partner with Ingrid. She's a very dedicated student."

This seemed to be enough to placate the aspiring knight. Good. He didn't need anymore students with attitudes. Weren't they in his age group anyway? It sure didn't feel like it.

'I should let Leonie have a rematch with Dimitri. At least Lorenz is smart enough to stay quiet.' He sighed and closed his eyes. 'No, that's not a good idea. It's not sensible.'

He cleared his throat, "Okay, Leonie. You're staying partnered with Ingrid. I want Ashe with Lorenz. Ferdinand come spar with Dimitri, and Dedue you got Sylvain. No more changes."

He motioned for them to get started and was relieved that this time there was no audible complaints.

The lesson ended with little other hiccups and Byleth stood off to the side as the students filed out of the class.

Dimitri stopped before him, his eyes focused over Byleth's shoulder. "Professor Byleth, may I ask a favor?"

"Yes?"

"Could we spar together for awhile? I still feel I am not where I need to be skillswise."

Byleth stared at him carefully, "You've only been taking classes for a few weeks Dimitri. As far as I know, the way progress works you shouldn't be a master now."

Dimitri shook his head. "No, that's not what I meant. I just...I need to improve quickly. It is important to me."

Byleth glanced up at the bruise like rings beneath his eyes. "You haven't been sleeping have you?" He said matter of factly.

"I have! I just make it to bed late."

Dedue walked over to them. " Your Highness, you are overworking yourself?"

Dimitri's shoulders sagged. "Dedue, please. I'm fine. I also don't wish for you to speak so formerly."

Byleth pressed a hand to his forehead and sighed. "Dimitri, I'll spar with you but you must promise me to eat and get to bed as soon as we're done." He turned to Dedue. "If he doesn't listen, then drag him to his room." He tapped his chin in thought. "It's for the sake of his health Dedue. I'm sure you understand that."

The stoic expression he always wore cracked slightly and he nodded with a smile. "I understand."

"Dedue!" Dimitri frowned then shook his head. "That won't be necessary, I'll do as the Professor requests."

"Good, let's begin." Byleth went to grab a training lance but went for an iron lance instead. He tossed one to Dimitri as well.

"Professor, are you sure…"

Byleth pointed the dull tip of the lance at him. "Progress can only be obtained when one steps away from what is familiar."

Dimitri blinked once then nodded, his grip tightening on the metal pole. "Right."

If Byleth didn't know better he could have sworn he heard the metal protest against his grip. "Okay. Don't hold back."

For just a moment he almost regret saying that but he shook the feeling away. Dimitri was so earnest it was hard not to want to help him out. Besides, it's not like he'd never broken a bone before.

Byleth winced internally as the memory of his first broken bone resurfaced. He'd climbed a tree to get a ball down that Balaiya had made from some scrapes the other mercenaries tossed aside. The two of them had been playing catch and increased their distance with every pass of the ball. Balaiya had overestimated the distance and gotten the ball stuck in a tree. They shared a brief look of shock before he was quickly scrabbling up the tree. He remembers the excitement that filled his sister's eyes when he reached the ball clearer than anything that day. His following plummet to the ground had passed by in an instant. Before he knew it he was sitting in the grass watching his father run toward him with a pale face to check on him, only for him to go paler still when Balaiya walked over and poked the bone peeking out of his knee. 'My kids are fearless' his father bragged that night to the other mercenaries over many pints of beer.

The gleam of Dimitri's lance caught his eye and he could have sworn he heard a quiet whisper of 'move' in his ear. This was more than enough to pull him out of his reverie and he dodged the blow smoothly.

"I thought I was going to catch you off guard Professor." Dimitri said with a laugh. "You looked so spaced out."

Byleth delivered a counter blow that was blocked by the Prince. "It was a decent enough attempt."

He remained focused for the rest of their session and managed to walk away with just one bruise on his shoulder, though it stung pretty intensely.

"You did well Dimitri. Just make sure you sleep and eat enough and you'll improve quickly."

Dimitri nodded, "Thank you so much Professor Byleth. I'll make sure I try my best." He placed his Lance on the rack and left the field with a wave, Dedue right on his heels.

Byleth tidied the field quickly but stopped in front of the weapon rack before he left. 'Is that… bent?' He reached for the iron lance and laid it on the ground, sure enough it wobbled back and forth. 'Wow…'

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The following morning he was up before sunrise and decided to use the extra time to take a walk around the monastery.

There was already a small handful of students walking about the campus and many greeted him with courteous Good mornings and Hello Professors. He did his best to at least nod in acknowledgement and made his way to the fishing pond. He saw someone sitting on the pier and was about to leave so as not to disturb him when he noticed a familiar orange. 'Father?'

Byleth approached him slowly and sat down heavily beside him.

Jeralt stared at him with a look of surprise. "Ha, hello there. I nearly threw you in with the fish."

Byleth felt a small smirk tugging at his lips. "I'd have taken you in with me."

Jeralt smiled and clasped his shoulder, giving him a few hearty slaps. "I dare you to try." He chuckled to himself and hooked more bait to his line and cast it out again. "How are you adjusting?"

Byleth shrugged a shoulder. He was doing alright, he's certainly still felt out of his element. Maybe he'd feel better once they were on a real battlefield again. Is that even something normal people would say? He hated that, now he was worried about what others would think of him.

"I'm... Not quite sure." He flicked a small pebble off the pier and into the water below.

Jeralt rubbed his beard in thought. "I have been worried about the two of you. I'm sure being around so many noble brats is tiring. Actually, I know so. Since I used to work here anyway. They're seemingly all the same, entitled brats that never change. Bold little bastards too."

Byleth turned a confused eye to his father and waited for him to elaborate.

"I've heard the little whispers they make around you two." He laughed. "If I wouldn't face Rhea's wrath I'd surely punish them."

"Rhea's wrath?"

"Yeah...I don't really trust her. Be careful with her."

"I will." He watched him for a moment before asking. "What kind of whispers?"

Jetaly shook his head. "Mostly nonsense…" he glanced to the side then turned back to him. "Just keep an eye on your sis."

"She seems to be handling herself well."

"Yes, I know. But I worry of course. This whole thing." He gestured all around them. "It'll take some getting used to."

Byleth nodded in agreement. "She's always been more adaptable...I'm a little envious. I'm still struggling with how I should approach these people. I'm pretty sure a few of my students are older than me. I know that doesn't actually mean anything." He sighed. "But that doesn't stop the thoughts. I mean. It's strange. This is the first time Bala and I have been apart for so long. Yes our rooms are besides each other but we barely have time to be in each other's company."

Jeralt reeled in a rather small fish, sighed and tossed it back in. "Well, you could set up some time for the two of you to spar. Keep your skills up without worrying over hurting a student, and spend time with one another. Hell, I'll join in with you when I can."

Byleth nodded. "That's actually a good idea." He stood and turned his gaze to the rising sun. "I should get going."

Jeralt sighed. "I should too. Before these brats catch me here." He got up and started cleaning up his space. Byleth helped him put everything away.

"I'll see you later father. Maybe we could meet up sometime this weekend?."

"Sounds good. Have a good day Leth." He pulled his arm around his shoulder and yanked him down suddenly for a noogie.

"Dad!" Byleth twisted out of his father's grip with a frown. His eyes flicking around to see if anyone noticed. He shook his head and hurried off for his quarters, Jeralt's booming laughter on his heels.

He knocked once on his sister's door when he got back. "Bala, time to get up."

Her sleepy reply came muffled through the door. "Alright...alright." A yawn.

He knocked once more and stepped back when she opened the door. Surprisingly already dressed.

"Morning Leth." She looked up at him, her eyes shined and she smiled softly. "What happened to your hair?" She reached up and pressed some strands down.

Byleth sighed inwardly. Father. He shook his head but allowed her to fuss with his hair. "Windy I guess…"

She nodded, a sarcastic "Mhmm." Her only response.

Byleth glanced over her shoulder, there was a strange girl in her room. He frowned and stepped around her until he could see the girl properly. "Who is th-"

Balaiya gasped and shoved him in the room, closing the door behind her. "You can see her?"

Byleth caught his balance and straightened. "Is that…" He stepped closer to the floating girl. She seemed like she was sitting in the air, her brows furrowed as she looked at him. She mouthed something at him but there was no sound.

"That's Sothis." Balaiya said in a whisper. "She's also calling you rude for staring...can you not hear her?"

Byleth frowned. "No I can't hear her. How strange…"

The girl-Sothis crossed her arms and seemed to huff. She motioned to Balaiya, her arms waving in the air.

Balaiya stepped forward, placing her hand on his forearm. "She said she-"

"Just can not understand if he can see me why he can't hear me!"

Byleth's eyes widened and he jumped back. "What the…" He turned to look at Balaiya but she just stood there with a shocked expression, chancing a glance at Sothis proved she held the same expression. Simultaneously the two women spoke but once again he only heard his sister.

"You heard her?"

He shook his head, confused. "This time just you."

Balaiya held the side of her face, "How strange…"

Byleth stared at them for a moment then held his hand out to his sister. "Give me your hand."

She complied wordlessly.

"What are you doing? Is it working?"

Byleth's eyes widened. "It is...you...I can hear you now."

Again both women spoke in unison.

"How strange."

"How very peculiar."

Balaiya spoke again, "What do you think this means Leth?"

He shook his head. "I don't know. Who are you?"

The green haired girl crossed her arms, anger filling her face. "I am Sothis!"

"Is that all you know?"

She scoffed. "How rude!"

"..."

A knock on the door caused all three in the room to turn to the door.

"Mornin' Teach! You still in there?"

Balaiya released his hand and hurried to the door, opening it a crack. "Good morning Claude. What are you doing here?"

"Umm, making sure you're up and ready for the day. I know you like your beauty sleep.~"

Byleth frowned, why was he always knocking on his sister's door anyway? 'I should tell him to back off. She's perfectly capable of taking care of herself.'

"Very funny Claude."

"Why are ya peeking through the doorway anyway? Hiding something?" He forced a gasp. "Or someone?"

Byleth felt sudden weight on the door and he lost his footing, stumbling away from it as Claude opened the door.

Byleth frowned at him when they made eye contact.

Claude let out a puff of air. "Aw, just a boring old meeting is it?

He was staring directly at Sothis but didn't even react to her presence, he was probably just seeing the two of them then.

Balaiya shook her head. "Yes, now let's go get some breakfast." She left the room quickly.

Byleth sighed and stepped outside, left standing awkwardly beside the Golden Deer House Leader.

Claude put his hands behind his head and started walking towards the dining hall. "So, how do you like it here Professor?"

"It's alright." Byleth said, not taking much time to think about what else to say.

The Reigan heir eyed him briefly. "Hmm, so~ who gives you the most trouble?"

Byleth shook his head. "Why would I answer that?"

Claude laughed. "Everyone huh?"

Balaiya turned around with an unamused expression on her face. "Claude, stop harassing my brother."

"Don't worry Teach, I would never do such a thing."

The three of them walked in the hall and Byleth took a seat in the back of the room. Balaiya stood beside him and motioned toward the line.

"I'll get you something to eat, anything specific?"

"No, just get whatever."

She nodded and walked over to the slowly growing line. Claude followed close behind her.

Byleth watched them quietly though his mind was focused on the strange girl he'd seen in his sister's room.

'Sothis huh? Just who is she anyway? I wonder how long Bala has been able to see her outside of her dreams. Why can I see her now too?'

"Good Morning Professor."

Byleth blinked and looked across from him, Edelgard was standing there with a small plate of food and a cup of tea.

"May I join you?"

He nodded once and she took a seat.

"How are you this morning?"

He regarded her for a moment. "I'm alright."

"That's good to hear. I must say, it's unfortunate the Black Eagle house seems to have gotten the short end of the stick. However I am very pleased you're offering classes with my weapon of choice." When sipped her tea. "Your strategic classes are very enlightening as well."

"That's good to hear. It wouldn't be very good if you didn't find my classes valuable huh?"

Edelgard laughed slightly. "I suppose it wouldn't."

"Oh, Edelgard? Do you know where Bernadetta has been? She's been missing my lance instruction classes."

She frowned. "Oh, she has? I'm sorry I was unaware she was assigned to that class. Don't worry Professor, I'll make sure she doesn't miss again."

He nodded. "Thank you Edelgard."

A loud gasp sounded suddenly. "Oh what the- what's that on the floor?"

Edelgard gasped quietly and lifted her knees to her chest, her eyes darting across the floor. "What?"

Claude walked over with a smirk. "Oh it must of left." He sat down beside Edelgard with a plate of food. "Hello there Princess."

Edelgard frowned and turned away from him. "How childish."

Byleth thanked his sister quietly as she set food down in front of him and sat down beside him.

"Good Morning Edelgard."

"Good Morning Professor, I'm sorry you have to deal with such children in your classes."

Balaiya shrugged. "It's fine."

Claude poked Edelgard with his fork. "How are you doing in Teach's combat class? Your delicate hands aren't in any pain are are they?"

Edelgard scoffed and scooted away from him a few inches. "And how about that head of yours? Are you sure you can handle the complex subjects we learn on a daily?"

Byleth sighed, resigning himself to finishing his food quickly before anything got out of hand. 'If the Reigan kid would shut it for awhile, maybe we could have a peaceful meal for once.'

Edelgard stood with a huff. "I'll see you in class Professor." She said to him then turned to Claude. "It's a pity you're not in any combat classes with me. I would thoroughly enjoy beating you into place."

"Oooh, you can try all you want in our next mock battle, or maybe during the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. I promise I'll let you play with me for just a little before I claim my victory." He winked.

Edelgard scoffed. "Hmph." She shook her head and left the table.

Byleth stood up a few moments after. "Time for me to go too. I got axe instructions to give."

Balaiya waved at him briefly. "See you later Leth. Maybe we could talk later?"

He nodded. "We can meet up after our schedules are done."

.

.

The rest of the day passed relatively smoothly, but when his final class of the day started Everything started to take a downward turn.

His skin felt like it was crawling. That was the best way he could describe it. At first it was just a random itch on his arm, but before he knew it had spread like wildfire and engulfed the whole right side of his chest. It didn't hurt but it sure did make him feel uncomfortable. He would scratch his shoulder and the sensation would vanish for a moment before appearing again but covering a larger area this time.

"Professor? You are not well? You are making the faces of a constipation."

Byleth frowned and turned to Petra, the young heir to Bridgid. "What?"

"Um, you are not comfortable?"

He crossed his arms, trying his best to ignore the urge to scratch his knee. "I'm fine."

"The professor is constipated!?" Caspar shouted. "You're not going to cancel class are you?"

Byleth frowned. "No, I'm not." He pressed his hand to his forehead. "Focus guys.

Edelgard stepped forward, sending a disapproving look at her housemates. "Please don't make the Professor have to tell you more than once what to do today." She grabbed a training axe and motioned for everyone's attention. "Let us begin the warm ups."

Ferdinand scoffed in the corner but followed her lead.

Byleth watched them cycle through the warm ups, making sure to correct anyone who had a problem. Raphael in particular seemed to struggle, he was swinging his weapon in dramatic, wide arcs.

"Raphael, there is no need to be so... Excessive." Byleth stepped toward him, and motioned for him to repeat his movements. "If you keep at this-" he easily ducked Raphael's strike And held the training axe at his neck. "-someone can easily duck and take you out."

"Oh wow Professor that was awesome!"

Byleth stepped back, absently scratching his left arm. "Didn't you-" he frowned. The sensation had started in his arm now too, like a thousand ants crawling under his skin.

Raphael leaned down to look at him. "Are you alright Professor? If you're not feeling well we can practice on our own."

"No it's fine. I'm fine." He took a slow breath, he momentarily considered cutting his arm off but immediately disregarded it. The feeling was now nearly his entire body so that would help nothing. Byleth looked back over at Raphael. "Remember in your martial class? You were taught to keep your arms close to your body, correct?"

The larger student nodded eagerly. "Yes! She said it's easiest to strike your opponent when your fists are in front of you."

Byleth swept his hand out in front of him in a small arc. "That applies to nearly everything when you hold a weapon. The weapon, whatever it may be must always remain close to you. So you can defend and attack with precision and ease."

"Oooh! I see! Thank you Professor!"

"Sorry I'm late!" A flurry of pink twintails whirled into the field. "I had to um…"

Byleth frowned at her. "How nice of you to join us Hilda. Why did you miss my other class?"

The girl fiddled with a lock of her hair. "Um, I um. Forgot Professor."

"Right." He didn't believe a word of it. "Hurry up and join the rest of the class. Go join Edelgard and Sylvain."

She nodded and hurriedly grabbed a training axe before joining the duo.

"Hey pretty lady! Did you get lost along the way?"

"I did actually. It also took me a while to carry my things. I would love it if you helped me carry my supplies to my next class."

"Guys, please. We can chatter after class." Edelgard said with a sigh.

Byleth surveyed the class, quickly checking his roster again to make sure no one else was missing. Edelgard, Petra, Caspar, Ferdinand, Dedue, Ashe, Sylvain, Raphael…' He took a pen from his pocket and checked off Hilda's name. 'Everyone's here now.'

The rest of the class passed by at a snail's pace and Byleth ended up watching them from the side lines. He wanted to cancel class early so he could go see Manuela but stubbornly braved the rest of the period anyway.

When class had finally ended he felt like he had a colony marching beneath his skin. "Hilda, stay back and clean up or I'm taking away half on your next test. Don't be late again." Without even letting her protest he left the field.

.

Going to Manuela's office proved more of a hassle than he thought. She was hardly prepared and seemed less than put together when he walked in the room. Thankfully she began her scans quickly, however the best she could muster after nearly an hour of her poking and prodding was a potion that only only lessoned the effects.

"After some good rest and plenty of water you'll be fine. It'll probably take a few hours for it to wear our completely."

Byleth frowned. A few hours? Granted it wasn't as unbearable now but he'd been dealing with this almost all day at this point. It was already well passed sunset too. He sighed, thanked her briefly and left as quickly as he could. He'd already missed meeting up with his sister. He'd have to explain himself to her tomorrow, right now all he wanted to do was lay down and wait for whatever this was to wear out. Manuela assumed an allergic reaction? That hardly seemed likely.

"Professor? Are you alright?"

Byleth sighed heavily and stopped, just a few meters from his dorm. Turning he tilted his head when he saw Edelgard standing there.

"Edelgard? What are you doing up?"

She shrugged, "I couldn't sleep so I decided to take a quick walk. Are you well? You seemed...off today."

He nodded. "I'm fine. Just... allergies?" He absently scratched his neck. "I've been to see Manuela. She gave me some medicine and recommend sleep."

"I see. I do hope you recover quickly."

"Thank you. I'm sure I will. It's already clearing up. You should try and get back to sleep too. Everyone's going out on their missions in a few days. I look forward to hearing how well you and your classmates applied my lessons during your mission."

She nodded once. "Good to know. And don't worry about us. The Black Eagles are going to win the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. This mission?" She waved her hand dismissively. "It is just a warm up."

"It is good to have confidence. I wish you luck. Good night Edelgard."

"Good night Professor." She turned to leave, a shadow coming out from behind the columns and following her silently.

Byleth's eyes widened slightly. 'Hubert? Was he there the whole time?'

He shook his head and hurried to his room, letting out a sigh of relief when he finally made it to bed.