Chapter 16: The Dance of Daggers
RAX: I'm glad you agree about limitations and that it makes the story more believable. Yeah, some chapters run short especially after a really busy work week. Yep, I'm cherishing innocent Dimitri at the moment because soon the darkness in his eyes will grow. I want to do Dimitri's PTSD and mental health justice, as well as have everyone involved in helping him. It will definitely be something I will develop more in this story and will look forward to hearing your input.
Rahzel and Ryu: Indeed Byleth's taken a hit in the last chapter, but I hope you will enjoy how her injury has helped a couple of the students develop more, in addition to aid from another faculty member! Also the hidden plot with the missing knight will definitely be something Dimitri will be investigating.
NyanCat: Yeah, when I have a really busy week the chapters tend to be shorter. But I am glad that your enjoyed the details. It's definitely one of the things I take pride in my writing. And now to reveal with next support conversation in this chapter! I hope you will enjoy!
Krystal501: You are correct that it's too soon for Dimitri's support conversation. I haven't even gotten to it yet in my playthrough! And yes, I do plan on including the support conversations between the other students.
Rean-Belle: I changed up the dialogue between Byleth-Dimitri-Edelgard-and Manuela in favor of my idea. I hope you will like it and catch a hidden meaning. And I think you will pleased who will be showcased in this chapter...also are you psychic?! xD
Osheana259: Yeah, Divine Pulse is both a blessing and a curse. It's such a cool narrative plot, but it quickly negates quite a few of my great plot twists as it leads to a 'well, Byleth would just go back in time and fix it.' But I do hope you still enjoy how things turn out!
CielCial: Indeed Byleth is! I am glad you think so as that is exactly what I wanted to showcase. I will be further exploring Byleth's Ashen Demon side and some of the students thoughts.
"I'm okay, really," Ashe continued to assure his team as they returned to Garreg Mach. "I would much prefer to return to my dorm and rest there." Acquiescing, Byleth and Dimitri continued to the infirmary while the rest of the Blue Lions dispersed.
Once Manuela was updated on Byleth's condition, she began to fuss through her supplies as she tried to find the correct salve container amid a mess of other tonic solutions and the occasional large liquor bottle. "It's medicinal," the healer remarked as a pair of eyes looked at her questioningly.
"Here!" Manuela exclaimed triumphantly as she finally held up a small container of a cream that looked like shimmering shea butter and smelled of peppermint. "You'll need to reapply it for a couple of days to allow the nerves to fully heal."
Byleth began to unfasten her leathered straps and Dimitri gave a gulp. Was she actually about to? Dimitri was like a deer caught staring into headlights as Byleth unceremoniously dropped her breastplate and was about to lift up her tunic when Manuela swooped in.
"Oh mustn't be too hasty my dear!" Manuela chirped as she ushered the professor over to a medical bed and quickly drew the curtain to block Dimitri's scandalous view. "Well, that's just something you'll have to wait later for...much later." Manuela winked as she wagged a finger.
"I...I beg your pardon!" Dimitri stammered as he felt his face redden. They both paused upon hearing the sound of linen tearing and raised their brows, wondering what the professor was up to. Byleth pushed aside the curtain to reveal that she had just torn off the sleeve right off on the right arm as the tunic had already been damaged and bloodied by the arrow. Now she sat at the edge of the bed and peered down blankly at her lame, unmoving arm.
Dimitri watched with interest as Manuela applied the salve to the young woman's right shoulder, noting that he didn't even see any wound. "Professor Manuela, how do you know where the wound was as the skin looks completely normal?"
Manuela paused at the prince's inquiry. "Ah, good question. A well trained healer can sense a wound upon their patient's body even when there aren't external indicators." Manuela waved her hand over Byleth's shoulder then pointed to the exact location of the arrow's entry. "There, I can feel that the arrowhead had embedded itself into the teres minor muscle, damaging the axillary nerve. The resulting inflammation then compressed the rest of the brachial plexus, paralyzing your arm."
As Manuela explained Byleth mused that she was starting to feel something, like pins and needles prickling her shoulder all the way down to the tips of her fingers.
"That is amazing," Dimitri exclaimed as he watched Byleth tentatively flex the muscles in her right arm. "Professor Manuela, I would like to learn healing," the prince stated earnestly.
"You want to learn healing magic?" Manuela questioned with some confusion though she handed over the rolled up bandage to Dimitri. The prince was more of a bone breaker than a careful put back together-er. Indeed his penchant for breaking things was becoming somewhat infamous on the academy's coffer. So why in Fódlan would he even been the least bit interested? The healer then watched as Dimitri knelt besides Byleth's bed, carefully wrapping the bandage around Byleth's upper arm. A light dusting of pink glowed upon his cheeks.
'Ahhh, I see,' Manuela thought. "Well then, I will check my schedule and hold a seminar for Faith magic and beginners medicinal aid."
Dimitri nodded, though he maintained focus on carefully wrapping the long fabric around Byleth's arm. He noted how well defined her muscles were, as well as faint glossy scars here and there. Byleth must have been fighting at a young age. How young? The prince wondered as he realized the stark contrast to his comfortable upbringing versus the life of Byleth as a wandering mercenary.
"It...it's not too tight Professor?" Dimitri asked as he surveyed his work. The wrap wasn't pretty but it would hold the paste well. "I will go report to Archbishop Rhea so that you can rest."
Before the prince rose to his feet, Byleth raised her uninjured hand, and patted the prince gently on the head. "Dimitri, you led your team well today," she remarked gently with a nod.
Dimitri nearly toppled over at the sudden contact and his heart did a somersault at the young woman's praise. "Professor," Dimitri began, but additional words died in his throat as he was now close to her, studying her soulful steel blue eyes and beckoningly luscious lips.
"Alright Prince Dimitri!" Maneula clapped loudly to shake the young man out of his daze. "The Professor needs her rest now! She can't do that if you keep staring at her!" The healer teased.
Dimitri's face skipped the various shades of pink and became beetroot red. "YesofcourseIwilltakemyleavenow," the young man let loose a nearly incoherent string of words as he practically sprinted out of the infirmary.
Maneula just shook her head with her hands on her hips. 'Ah, young love.' "I will go fetch you some new clothes. Just relax and allow the salve do the work."
As Maneula left the infirmary, Dimitri was walking down the hallway and nearly ran into someone rounded the corner. "I'm sorr- oh Edelgard," Dimitri remarked as the Black Eagles leader took a step back.
"Oh, hello Dimitri," Edelgard greeted. "I'm glad everyone is okay from the mission."
"Uh, yes, thank you," Dimitri remarked. He then noticed that Edelgard was holding a single thorny red rose in her white gloved hand.
When Edelgard realized what the prince was staring at she quickly cleared her throat.
"I'm just checking on the professor...excuse me," the princess stated before she hurried towards the infirmary.
Dimitri was not only at a loss for words, he just simply felt at a loss for everything…
"Hello?" Edelgard inquired with a knock on the wooden door before she pushed it ajar. As the Black Eagles leader strode in, she found Byleth sitting at the edge of the bed staring out of the window. The sun was still up, but it wouldn't be long for the fiery orb to tuck itself behind the horizon. Byleth looked a little bored with her weakened arm tucked upon her lap. The young woman paused as she took in Byleth's wrapped shoulder, and a twinge of guilt gripped at her heart.
"My teacher?" Edelgard inquired as she drew closer. The young woman gently peered over her shoulder to watch the princess.
"I hope you recover swiftly," Edelgard stated as she held out her present to the young woman. She watched with wide violet eyes as Byleth slowly raised her right hand and tried to take the flower. Though the movements were a bit awkward, especially as Byleth was being mindful of the thorns. The young woman succeeded in taking the flower from the princess.
"Oh, I should have taken off the thorns," Edelgard chided herself with a slight frown.
But Byleth just shook her head as she examined the lovely crimson bloom. Roses were a rare sight during her travels through Fódlan. Not many grew wildly and they were practically exclusive to grand gardens of the nobility.
"This rose reminds me of you," Byleth gently commented, not noticing the blush that spread across the princess's cheeks. The thorns of a rose, a defense mechanism to keep those who mean harm, away. But then it also causes those who mean well, to stay just as far away.
"My teacher…" Edelgard began, but she paused as Byleth meet her gaze. 'I may have information on what had happened.' Was what she wanted to say...
Manuela entered the infirmary sparing Edelgard the opportunity to say something she may have regretted. "Oh Edelgard here you are. Please go get ready for our mission," the healer instructed.
"Yes, of course," Edelgard responded, then with a nod to Byleth, the princess took her leave.
"Alright," Manuela hummed as she set down folded laundry for Byleth and inspected the wraps. "The scent of the salve has weakened, how do you feel?"
Byleth gingerly tested out her arm. Gross motor movement was in tact, but the finer movement of her fingers were still lagging. "Well, be careful with that thorny rose or it will prick you!" Manuela stated as she retrieved the flower from Byleth's weak grip and plopped it into the vase of the still lingering crimson carnations. "As for your arm, we will just give it more time. Be sure to re-apply the salve at night before bed."
Manuela's eyes appreciated Byleth's old dinged up and worn armor as she retrieved the breastplate from the floor. "You know dear," the healer began as she tapped her cheek, "I'm not sure you are aware of this, but you can get upgraded armor."
Byleth looked questioningly up at her. "Oh yes," Manuela continued. "Even as Professors we are expected to continue advancing in our chosen classes. You should look into the next advanced classes. If you need extra experience, just reach out to me or your other colleagues for training. Then instead of a written exam like the students, a Professor undergoes a demonstration which Lady Rhea evaluates. If you pass then the Academy will fund all faculty expenditures like a new and complete armor set." Manuela chuckled as she observed Byleth's eyes sparkle at the idea.
"Oh, look at the time, well my class has their mission, too-da-loo!" The healer cheered as she swept out of the infirmary.
'Hmmm,' Byleth hummed. She should advance, but into what class? She had a seminar scheduled to learn magic with Hanneman and now healing with Maneula. Who should she go to in order to advance her swordsmanship? Her father was now too busy with missions.
Byleth unfolded the clothes Manuela retrieved for her and fumbled a bit as she hopped and tugged up a pair of slim brown leather pants. Clumsily fastened the sheaths of sword and dagger to the belt loops. Then changed out of her ruined top for a soft cotton long sleeve tunic in navy blue. It had a moderate dip at the front collar which was laced with two criss crossing golden cords that ended with small tassels. Byleth was forced to let it stay loose as she kept botching up the knot and bow.
The young woman was completely unaware that the infirmary's door was slightly ajar until she heard the conversations of those walking through the hallway.
"That new professor...she's the Ashen Demon," a whispered voice quickly shared, causing Byleth to stiffen before she crept quietly to the door to listen.
"What? You jest!" Remarked a second voice in shock.
"Its true, apparently it was revealed during the last battle with the bandits! She killed a bunch of them, practically drenched in their blood, without a care in the world."
"Oh now you're over exaggerating!"
"Look at the facts then, have you ever seen her laugh, frown, smile? Goddess, she doesn't have any emotions! She's a stone cold killer!"
"Archbishop Rhea would never allow the Ashen Demon become a professor, let alone set foot upon the Monestary's grounds."
"Stranger things have happened."
"Like what?"
"Apparently a couple of people have disappeared from the town, in the middle of the night."
"Okay, now I'm getting goosebumps, I'm not listening anymore!"
Byleth waited for the students to pass. It never bothered her before. That she was called the Ashen Demon...a demon. Especially when her father was widely known as the Blade Breaker. She never gave it another thought…until now
'Byleth,' Sothis voice called out, but even the young woman could feel that Sothis was at a loss of what to say. And who could...the whispers were true...accurate in their stinging words.
She wasn't even paying attention to where her feet guided her, Byleth just wanted to get as far away from the whispers as she could. But where...where could she go? The young woman looked up and found herself staring at the wooden door of her father's office. Was this silly of her? A grown woman to go running to her father at the slightest whisper? Was she so thinned skin? Byleth opened the door to find that the office was empty. Of course he wasn't here, Jeralt had gone on the mission. And so, Byleth's feet silently guided her to another section of the monastery where the young woman knew she could find reprieve.
The training ground was soon littered with splintered wood and straw as Byleth hacked away at another training dummy. She was not utilizing any skill or tactic, just trying to wake up her right arm, get the blood flow. Byleth tested her right arm. It felt stiff and tingled a little, but Byleth could focus through the distracting sensations. Right now, the young woman needed to go blow off some steam.
"Byleth," a deep yet nonchalant voice called out to her. The young woman peered over her shoulder, curious as to who beckoned to her by her first name. Upon seeing Jeritza, the professor turned completely around to face him, wondering how long the swordsman had been watching her unleash pent up frustration on the innocent dummies.
There was a pause as they surveyed each other in silence. Until Jeritza finally broke it. "Spar with me," he prompted.
"Because I'm the Ashen Demon?" Byleth remarked plainly, though her knuckles turned white as she gripped her sword, until the tingling forced her to relax.
"No, because you're in need of a worthier opponent," Jertiza replied as he gracefully kicked aside a splintered plank in order to close the gap between them.
"Hand to hand, one dagger each." The swordsman stated as he showed off his simple blade.
Byleth paused, then nodded as she sheathed her silver sword and set it aside on a nearby bench. The young woman then withdrew her dagger, feeling slightly clumsy as the dagger's hilt was smaller than her swords, making it uncomfortable to hold in her right hand in its current state. Byleth traded it with her left hand, a move that did not go unnoticed.
Jertiza took a moment to assess the young woman, and as her loose collar shifted, he saw just a hint of a linen bandage had been wrapped around her shoulder. So, the rumor that she had been wounded was true, yet here she was making a mess at the training ground.
"Alright," Byleth announced as she prepared herself by sliding into her usual fighting stance.
"Well then," The young man replied as he effortlessly slid into a perfect mirrored stance. "Don't keep me waiting," Jeritza smirked as he lifted up his free hand and beckoned for Byleth to come at him.
Byleth went low, using her dagger to capture Jeritza's attention into shifting his weight back, just as she whipped around her leg to sweep his legs from underneath him. But, Jeritza either realized what she was trying to do...or had premeditated her next move for managed a one handed backflip over her leg. "You fight dirty," the young man smirked as he regained his stance once more.
"You didn't state the rules," Byleth replied as she cautiously stalked the perimeter around his striking distance.
"If I did, would you break them to win?"
Byleth mulled his words over. "To survive...yes," she finally replied as she feigned a right sided pounce. But Jeritza didn't fall for it, her right arm was still out of commission to pull off that stunt.
Again she resumed her wary stalk around Jeritza like a lioness trying to find an in to attack a stalwart bison. The young woman also took the time to assess Jeritza, noting that the young man made sure to never have his back exposed to her, and the tip of his blade always pointed at her, no matter the angle. He was good...too good for just a school bound swords instructor. His actions, down to the minute detail of how he held his dagger screamed of countless and very real experiences. 'What were you before the academy…' Byleth wondered.
Sensing her mind had fleetingly wandered, Jeritza leapt at her and the young woman found herself on the defensive as she ducked his incoming swipe, only to feel a sting along her face when Jeritza spun around and swipe out again. Byleth stumbled back as she felt a superficial cut on her cheek. Byleth's eyes flashed at the sensation. "My my, is that what it takes to disinhibit you?" Jeritza smirked as he blocked an incoming kick of Byleth's right leg, only to find her dagger lunge by where his right shoulder had been, had the young man not bent backwards. Jeritza watched the blade briefly hover above him as he realized that she had used his block as a means to get closer.
But, now he was close as well. Jeritza lunged himself at her as she withdrew her left arm. Byleth felt herself be pushed against the stone column, the very same cracked column that had suffered from Jeralt's sword earlier. In a blink of an eye, Byleth dropped the dagger just in time to catch hold of Jeritza's wrist. The young man's left hand leaned against the column, as he brought his right hand up to Byleth's neck.
"A clean strike," Byleth noted appreciatively as the blade prickled against the taut skin of her throat. There was no fear, hesitation, or worry in her tone as her steel blue eyes gazed back up at Jeritza. Even as the cut prickled and bled little tears of crimson down her cheek.
"Just as I thought," the young man murmured in his deep mellow voice. "We are two of a kind." His cornflower blue eyes, partially hidden behind the mask, seemed to soften as Jeritza added, "Our humanity was stolen from us…" He was about to move in just a bit closer to her when he felt the sharp point of the dagger press gently into his thigh. Jeritza then realized that Byleth had been able to catch her dagger in her right hand and it was now pressing inches away from his left femoral artery.
"Look's like your right hand is back to normal," Jeritza commented appreciatively.
He was correct, her right hand was feeling perfectly fine now….wait...Byleth's eyes widened as she searched Jeritza's knowing gaze. Had that been his plan all along? As if he was reading his mind, one side of the young man's lips curled into a smile. But now Byleth was feeling something else inside her...and she had no idea why, but it reminded her of the fluttering beats of delicate butterfly wings. For once, she met someone as unreadable as she...a kindred spirit...a deadly stoic one…
"Professor?" Mercedes's cheery voice called out, utterly baffled as to where her teacher could have gone. She was no longer in the infirmary, nor bedroom, and not even in the classroom. On a whim the healer decided to check the training grounds but surely Byleth wasn't practicing as she should be resting.
"Professor?" The young woman called out again as she stuck cream colored head to peek inside the training ground. "Oh goodness!" She gasped at the messy sight of scattered wood and straw, then at Byleth leaning against the farthest column, completely alone and slightly dazed.
"Professor are you alright?" Mercedes exclaimed as she quickened her pace to Byleth's side. "Oh! Your bleeding!" The healer gasped as she spotted a cut on the young woman's cheek, with little droplets of blood beading at the edge.
"Oh, yes, I forgot about that…" Byleth remarked more dreamily than ever.
Mercedes unraveled the white scarf around her neck and pressed it against Byleth's cheek to place pressure against the ongoing bleeding. "Professor...you forgot that you had a cut on your cheek?" Mercedes repeated, checking that she had heard correctly. The young woman just blinked in reply, causing the healer to sigh. "I commend you for working so hard. My days at the academy have been enriched thanks to your dedication."
Mercedes lifted her scarf away to check that the cut had stopped healing "But the goddess won't smite you if you take some time to relax," the healer smiled gently as her hand began to glow with the iridescent Faith magic.
Mercedes hovered her warm hand over Byleth's wound, coaxing the skin to weave smoothly together. "There," the healer sighed with a small smile as the light began to fade from her hand.
Byleth tentatively raised her hand to her cheek and only felt soft smooth skin. "Thank you Mercedes," the young woman said appreciatively.
Mercedes smiled, then her eyes widened as she realized Byleth was touching her cheek with her right hand. "Professor, I must admit something that has weighed heavily in my heart." Mercedes began as she clasped her hands together and looked slightly abashed at what she was going to confess. "To be perfectly honest, I had my doubts when I first met you."
"I'm not surprised," Byleth commented with a tilt of her head.
"I feel that you realize where I am going with this. That I had thought you seemed to be too young to be a Professor. Wouldn't you agree?" Mercedes gestured as she unclasped her hands. Byleth only silently nodded in agreement.
"But then I realize that not only are you very composed and mature, you lead our class with such an encouraging willpower and have gone to great lengths to ensure that we are all cared for. Even putting others before yourself." The healer paused as she recalled how Byleth commanded her to tend to Ashe even as she suffered through her wounds. Had Byleth allowed Mercedes to heal her first...would she have been able to prevent the nerve damage? The healer's voice softened slightly as she continued. "But... I worry that you are too hard on yourself. So, will you promise me that you will make an effort to take a break every now and again to rest, maybe even just to relax?"
Byleth blinked blankly back at Mercedes, and the healer was momentarily worried that she may have said too much. Until the young woman swept into a low bow to her student. "Mercedes, I have caused you mental anguish, and for that I am sorry.
"Oh please Professor, you are now just humoring me," Mercedes remarked feeling quite embarrassed at Byleth's grand gesture.
"No, I am earnest Mercedes," Byleth remarked before she lifted her head and straightened her posture. "As you learn from me, know that I am learning from you as well; from each of my students."
"Professor," Mercedes whispered as she was caught within the gaze of earnest steel blue eyes. The healer could see that now and was more resolved than ever that they had been blessed with Byleth from the goddess herself. Mercedes cleared her throat, "Yes, then please don't wear yourself out. You know what they say a worn out mind is a mind primed for mistakes. Though, in my case I still seem to make mistakes even when I'm wide awake."
"Mistakes?" Byleth questioned. She hadn't noticed any mistakes made by the healer. So far she had been very diligent in her training and proved to be quite competent on the battlefield.
"Oh, you know, small things like mixing up the dates for activities or misplacing things. Actually, earlier today when I received the notice from Ingrid that we were heading out to fight the bandits, I forgot to put on my new outfit and I nearly rushed out of my dorm wearing only my…" Mercedes paused as her eyes widened in surprise at what she had let slip.
"I see, is that why you were running late to our meeting at the gate?" Byleth questioned.
"Yes," Mercedes confessed as she blushed with embarrassment. She had not meant to share that flub to anyone, especially the professor. 'Oh what must she think of me now!' The healer worried as she lowered her gaze to the ground.
"That is understandable," Byleth stated making Mercedes snapback her gaze at the young woman. "Try making a systematic mental checklist, that was you begin to consistently check before heading out for the door." The professor instructed. "I include things like ensuring my sword is sharpened, trustworthy, and tucked into its sheath at my side. That way I don't run into battle with a faulty weapon, or no weapon at that."
Mercedes nodded dutifully as she took in the professor's words.
"Then it's a deal," Byleth added.
"What?"
"I will practice not overdoing myself and you will practice the mental checklist trick." Byleth clarified. She had observed her father make similar agreements with his mercenaries and it seemed to greatly improve each individuals' dilemma. Now Byleth tested out Jeralt's tactic as she extended her hand to the healer.
"Oh, yes, we will help each other out!" Mercedes cheered as she gave Byleth a warm yet firm handshake that sealed her promise.
From the shadows, masked eyes had watched the entire interaction play out until the two young woman strode away in high spirits. Jeritza placed a hand over his heart. While emotions he had once been able to feel greatly, had all been beaten out of him, there was a small fleeting feeling of comfort that his big sister was in good hands.
Meanwhile in the second story above them all, Dimitri was meeting with Archbishop Rhea and Seteth.
"Ah, Prince Dimitri," Rhea gentle greeted the bowing student. "I have heard that the Blue Lions worked exceptionally well together to safely dispose of those bandits. I pray that their souls find salvation." Rhea clasped her hand together in prayer.
"Indeed Lady Rhea," Dimitri nodded solemnly. "However, I do have another thing to report. During our descent into the Red Canyon, a boulder came crashing down on us. I have a suspicion that the boulder did not naturally fall, but was pushed in an attempt to harm us."
"And what evidence do you have to support your impression of attempted murder?" Seteth asked with grave concern.
Dimitri nodded in understanding for the advisor's desire for supportive evidence to the prince's claim. "I had conducted a head count of the knights who accompanied us to the Zanado. Later I recounted and realized we were one knight short."
Rhea and Seteth exchanged a meaningful glance before the Archbishop returned her serene gaze upon the young man. "Prince Dimitri, you have my gratitude for alerting us to this matter. We will act accordingly." Her voice then became a little sterner as she added, "Please do not divulge this information to anyone."
"Ofcourse," Dimitri replied and with another solemn bow, he excused himself and made his way out of the audience chamber. The prince was not going to go around and spread this fact, however he would go tell the professor. There was something within the glances shared between Lady Rhea and Seteth that hinted that his observation was more significant than they let on.
Once Dimitri had left, Rhea quickly turned to Seteth. "Bring me the names of the knights who partook in the battle and have the Alois conduct a quiet head count. I want the name of the missing knight." As Seteth left her side, Rhea turned to gaze up at the light filtering in through the colorful stained glass window. There was a fiery glint in her eyes as she realized it was time for another extermination, as the rats have returned to the monastery.
Unbeknownst to the Archbishop...the rats had been infesting Garreg Mach for some time now.
More rambling notes from the Author:
Alright! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I feel that the next chapter will focus on exploration, activities, lessons, and of course more support conversations! Thank you for your continued support dear readers!
(DISCLAIMER) I do not own nor claim to own any of the Fire Emblem Franchise, Intelligent Systems Co., and Nintendo's exceptional work. It is from the team's own brilliance…my additions are from my own madness.