Part 1: White Clouds

A Moment to Rest

"Mmmmm… this tea is lovely. You say that the humans that live on that world have different kinds of this stuff? You must try and send some here."

In an unknown part of the universe, two figures were sat at a table. Or rather, one of them was as the other was simply too big to sit on a chair and was laying in the grass. The smaller figure sipped at her cup and sighed happily at the warmth going through her. They were in a place that had green skies in contrast to the familiar blue most worlds like Fódlan were used to, and a multitude of different planets in sight. Their tea seat and table sat on a large patch of grass underneath them, and there was a marble path behind them that lead to a building that was a very important place for the smaller figure.

Just next to them was a little pond that hosted a series of fish which were slowly swimming around and a set of bushes were scattered around the place to spruce up the scenery.

"They are certainly a unique bunch of creatures. I even adopted a form to better live among them." The large creature said, lapping away at the liquid in her cup with difficulty. The other figure tilted her head and brought her cup to her lips again.

"Oh? Care to show me? Perhaps you can enjoy the tea better if you're not all big and scaly, don't you think Sothis?"

The figure now revealed to be Sothis nodded and closed her eyes before being enveloped in a green light and slowly started shrinking down to her human form. She opened her eyes and placed her hands on her hips smiling at her friend who clapped in glee.

"Oh, you look so adorable! Do a spin for us please?"

Sothis blushed slightly but nodded and slowly did a twirl to show off her human form before sitting down on the chair and picked up the cup and sipped on the tea. Her friend then spoke up again.

"Now Sothis, how are you getting on with your time manipulation? Last time we spoke, I believe you were just starting out on rewinding time."

Sothis set down her cup and huffed, placing her elbows on the table and pressing her hands against her face. "I can only do a couple of charges. And even then, it is only a couple of seconds at a time. I don't think I can get far on my own. Perhaps you can teach me more on time manipulation?"

For some reason, the figure took offence to that and gasped in shock, placing a hand on her chest.

"Do you think that just because my job involves time, that I just teach anyone how to use it all willy nilly?" The figure yelled, crossing her arms and turning her nose up into the air. "I'll have you know, that I'm a very busy lady and I don't have time to just teach! You should count your lucky stars that I even taught you the basics! It is very difficult maintaining time throughout the universe you know!"

Sothis was sinking lower and lower into her chair as the figure was standing on the table, bowing down so their noses touched. "I was only asking…"

"Oh, but you're right." The figure then sighed slumping back in her chair. "It took me a million years to master time, and yet I can barely make time for myself! I had to clear so many years of work off just to share tea with you. It's not fair on you, especially when you're so weak…"

"What does my strength have to do with anything?!" Sothis yelled, standing up. "I can pick up buildings in my draco form with no issue!"

"I'm not talking about your physical strength. Though, if you want my opinion-"

Sothis glared at her bringing the cup up to her lips. "-Which I don't."

"…All I'm saying is maybe ease off on the cakes."

The figure then sat back up and clapped her hands together. "But regardless, I'm talking about your mental strength. Managing time itself can be strenuous on the mind, so you need to work on training your mind. But doing it by yourself will be such a drag… hmmm… who can help you…"

She clicked her fingers together and smiled. "I got it! Someone that can train you both physically and mentally! I just need to contact some people, just give me some time okay?"

Sothis just watched her run off and looked at her now empty cup. Her friend scared her sometimes. She looked at her surroundings and wonder how she can stay sane during her tasks. Though the various planets in the sky had a sense of beauty to them. So many worlds, yet her friends job was here.

"Kiiiiiiiiiiiiii!"

She then looked up to see a bird perched on top of a tree and she froze before bowing down to it. "I just wanted to know how to train with time! I'm awfully sorry!"

"Tooooooo!"

"I know, I shouldn't disturb her with her tasks, but she needs a break every so often! Surely you understand?"

That's when the figure stomped over and flailed her arms. "Hey you big lug! Leave her alone, she's not hurting anyone! It's nice to have company you know! It's already a pain that you're the only thing that I can talk to!"

She then turned to Sothis and smiled, placing her hand on her hips. "Okay, just follow me. I managed to pull some strings and got you someone who will be willing to train you. Provided you pass a test of course."

The figure then placed her hand on Sothis's shoulder and the scenery completely changed around her. They were now in a strange world. The skies were purple now, and beneath them was a layer of yellow clouds. But her friend happily walked forward dragging Sothis to a building.

…

"Okay, we should be almost there." The figure exclaimed dragging Sothis over to a room where a giant desk lay, and a giant creature in a suit sat behind it skimming through documents. "Excuse me! I have-"

"Kindly wait your turn!" The creature boomed out as he flipped through pages. "I have a lot of dead people to sort through and I'm already behind."

The figure narrowed her eyes as Sothis watched her jump up onto the desk and glared at the beast. "Do you have any idea who I am?"

"I don't care who-" the big red creatures face turned into one of horror as he fell out of his chair. "S-Supreme Kai of Time! F-Forgive my disrespect!"

"Chronoa is everything okay?" Sothis asked which shocked the creature even more.

"C-Chronoa?"

The figure now revealed to be Chronoa, the Supreme Kai of Time, folded her arms and huffed. "You will address me by my title. Now, I informed you of Sothis taking the challenge did I not? Then get to it, and I'll forget about this moment of disrespect."

"O-O-Of course! R-Right away! I'll get to it immediately!" The creature stammered before calling over a blue goblin like creature who rushed over and saluted.

Chronoa smiled to herself and hopped back down to address Sothis. "Just follow the attendant over there, and he will lead you to where you need to go."

Sothis however, was a little sad. "I'm not… going to see you for a while am I?"

Chronoa shared her sad look and bowed her head. "I'm afraid that I have my responsibilities. And ironically, managing the flow of time takes away all my free time. But I will always be watching over you, my friend. And I know you will learn how to excel at perfecting your time powers."

Sothis nodded slowly and the two shared a long hug as both of them didn't want Chronoa to go. But eventually, they separated as Chronoa stepped back. "You will return to Fódlan as a much better Nabatean. Trust me. Goodbye."

With that, Chronoa disappeared from sight and now Sothis was left alone. She sighed wearily and slowly walked towards the attendant who lead her to a doorway with the massive creature cowering still at her. But once he realised that he was safe, he went back to his documents and sighed. "Purgatory… heaven…"

"Okay madam." The attendant explained while the two walked away to a long winding pathway in front of them as he pointed forward. "You just keep walking along this path until you reach the end. Though I'd advise you to be careful, especially since you're not dead. If you fall down to HFIL, you won't be able to leave."

Sothis nodded as the attendant allowed her to pass as she took in a deep breath. Chronoa did so much for her, so in return. She will honour her by learning how to get stronger. With one last look behind her, Sothis ran forward towards the long winding path.

…

"Is everything okay Sothis?"

Sothis blinked as she realised that Byleth had been trying to talk to her for a couple of minutes but she had been non responsive. 'I'm sorry… I think I was recalling a distant memory.'

"Really? What was it about?"

'I'm not sure… I remember a person. I believe that she and I were very good friends. She even helped me with my time powers. But now her name is slipping but I remember she's a very important person.'

"I see…" Byleth said while walking behind the group. They were almost back at the Monastery which she was honestly grateful for. It was high time everybody had a good rest to recover and gather their bearings. Especially Edelgard and Dimitri, with the latter being forced to lie on the stretcher despite his protests.

"I am telling you, my legs still work! I can walk fine!"

"Please your Highness, you must rest." Ashe insisted with Annette keeping him in place using a binding spell.

"Professor Manuela did order you to stay on the stretcher I'm afraid."

Dimitri sighed heavily but soon relented as he looked over at Edelgard who was busy talking to Dorothea. It seemed that both girls were talking to get their minds off of the recent events that hat happened. He could relate to them, but he fears that this is something that will stay with them forever. He then turned over to see Claude walking next to him.

"Claude, perhaps you can see reason? I should be allowed to walk!"

"Sorry your Majesty." Claude grinned with his hands behind his head. "Doctors orders."

Shamir then noticed Byleth was by herself and slowed down a little just so she can talk. "You feeling okay?"

"I'm in much better shape than last time, that's for sure." Byleth replied making Shamir smirk a little.

"Good. I like to see it that way. By the way, I've been meaning to ask you something about our weighted clothing."

Byleth blinked, not expecting Shamir to have a question, but wouldn't want to disappoint. "What is it?"

"Isn't it a little impractical to strip down to your bare essentials? I mean, can't you turn them off?"

"That's a good question." Byleth said, placing a hand on her cheek. "Unfortunately, the spell only works one way. It's for prisoners so the only way to get rid of them is to put different clothing on. Though I have been thinking of updating my wardrobe lately?"

"Oh? How so?"

"Just something more loose fitting to fight in. I like my current outfit, don't get me wrong. But I think in the future, I need something more practical to get off when I need to. Maybe just swap out my stockings and shorts."

"Is that so?" Shamir asked. "In that case, I'll come with you to the market tomorrow, and we will see what we can get you."

Byleth smirked and nodded in return. But now Shamir was thinking of something else. That final attack that Byleth pulled off. That was the first time she saw pure anger come from her friend. The girl showed the bare minimum of emotion unless food or fighting was involved. Not only that, she felt her head hurting at the amount of power she displayed. Perhaps it's something she should ask her another time.

"Garreg Mach Monastery ahead!" A knight yelled as the party felt a little relived to see it. But Shamir then noticed that same crater as before and frowned slightly. She remembered the story that Alois told her back when she joined the Knights of Seiros.

"Ah yes! Some dastardly fiends attempted to end the Archbishops life by using bombs! But in the end, they only detonated themselves in the end! How foolish!"

Shamir believed that story back then. But after meeting her friend and being trained in Ki, as well as seeing the power that Byleth showed, she only grew suspicious at that story. She made a mental note to ask Alois about that later on. She had so many questions lately, and not enough answers.

"I feel like I'm getting used to the weight of these clothes!" Lysithea said, rotating her arms as there was no longer any struggles.

"Good." Byleth said walking up to her. "Because we're going to be making heavier clothes for you."

Lysithea froze at that as well as everybody else. Heavier clothing? Surely she was joking? But Byleth just gave a small smile and walked ahead to join her father as Shamir ruffled the girls head.

"Tough break."

Lysithea then pushed Shamir's hand away and stomped towards Leonie, whining loudly. "I am going to die if this gets heavier."

"Really? Have you seen yourself lately?" Leonie asked, pulling up Lysithea's sleeve revealing her muscular arms. "You've got stronger arms than Hilda at this point. And you just said that you've gotten used to the weight. That means it's working."

"I guess…" Lysithea mumbled pulling her sleeve back down and looking ahead at Byleth. "It's scary though. Every time I feel like I'm getting stronger, Professor Byleth always shows just how much I've yet to improve upon."

Leonie smiled slightly and agreed. Lysithea turned towards Leonie. "You said you met her and Professor Jeralt before right? What were they like?"

"Hmmm… Captain Jeralt was very heroic." Leonie replied smiling widely. "He saved my village from a group of bandits. He taught me how to fight as well. Though Byleth… she was quiet. Spent most of her time hunting, fishing and eating. Not that she was reclusive, she talked to me if I approached her. But she never went out of her way to meet people."

"Well it can't be easy being her." Claude said, as both girls turned to him. "A complete mystery. She has a tail, she has an ungodly amount of power. Maybe everything around her is fragile, like she's afraid she will break something, or someone."

"I don't want to think about being on the receiving end of a full on attack from her." Lysithea muttered taking a piece of cake out of her pocket and munching on it. She then noticed the weird looks her classmates gave her and blinked. "Oh, I'm sorry. Would you care for some pocket cake?"

"…No thanks. You can keep it." Leonie said, finding her classmate a little strange when it came to sweets.

Finally, the group all found their way into the Monastery, with Manuela escorting the guards carrying Dimitri, Edelgard and Catherine to the infirmary. Byleth sighed slightly, thankful that they weren't too injured. She wouldn't be able to live with herself if they died on her watch.

"Right brats." Jeralt's gruff voice sounded as he addressed the Black Eagles. "I'm giving you the week off. I know it was a lot to take in this time around, so I won't burden you with schoolwork. Take this time to pull yourselves together and as for Caspar and Petra, Byleth will be resuming your training tomorrow. Unfortunately Edelgard has to miss out, but we will find an alternative for her."

The class all nodded before Jeralt turned to Byleth. "We best report to Lady Rhea. Seteth has already informed her of the letter. Likely scenario, we will have you and the brats you're teaching to do guard duty."

Byleth nodded while following her father to the audience chamber. But she felt the need to ask him questions. "Dad… about what happened before-"

"I'm afraid you won't get much answers from me kid." Jeralt said, staring ahead as they walked up the steps. "Your mother was powerful sure, but I never saw her do something like that. This might be a thing only unique to you."

That didn't make Byleth any better. She felt like she was slipping further and further away from normality and worse of all, leaving everyone behind. As if sensing her thoughts, Jeralt sighed and stopped. "I know it's hard kid. You don't know how badly I want to tell you everything. But your mother asked me to only give you a little information at a time so that it doesn't overwhelm you. I promise, you will know everything soon. But unfortunately, there will still be a big mystery surrounding you as there will still be questions only your mother would know."

"I know dad." Byleth replied as her tail coiled around her waist again. A nervous habit that developed. "It's just frustrating. I know that everyone is afraid of me after seeing that…"

"It was just a shock Byleth." Jeralt said, looking at her. "We all know you wouldn't hurt anyone unless they were threatening your loved ones. You've got a good heart kid."

"Even if it doesn't beat." Byleth mumbled which caused Jeralt's face to harden.

"That, I would love to know the answer to as much as you do."

He then smiled and ruffled her hair causing her to smile lightly which honestly gave him great joy. It was such a wonderful sight to actually see her smile outside of battle. A smile when he didn't have a plate of food on hand for her. This was directed towards him.

"Cheer up kid. I don't think Lady Rhea will like it if you came in looking all sad."

"I've been keeping my guard up around her dad." Byleth said looking towards the doors and keeping her voice low so the guards couldn't hear.

"…Good. Keep it that way. She's up to something and I don't know what."

With that, he opened the doors to the Audience Chamber to the sight of Rhea and Seteth whispering to one another. But once they caught sight of the father daughter duo, they quickly quieted down as Byleth and Jeralt stopped in front of her.

"I am glad to see you all have returned safely. The Goddess is gracious with her divine protection." Rhea said, smiling as she clasped her hands together. "But it was not only her divine protection that shielded you, was it? You are just as skilled as I had hoped. The way that you protected everyone and vanquished your foes is inspiring."

"Thank you Lady Rhea." Jeralt said, speaking for Byleth by which she was grateful. She didn't do too well on speaking formally and she didn't want to show disrespect. "Unfortunately, we suffered massive casualties among our ranks with my and Manuela's House Leaders in the infirmary."

"Yes." Rhea frowned, looking down. "It is unfortunate that our own students were injured like this. Though I do believe that if it was the students that didn't know Ki were hit by those attacks, then they would have been dead."

"Which is what I'm wanting to discuss with you." Jeralt said. "I fear that our enemies are getting stronger by the day, and I don't think it's safe to put my students in harms way when there are other qualified people to do it. I discussed this with Manuela and Hanneman on our journey back and they agree."

"Are you wishing for the Knights of Seiros to be involved?" Seteth asked, stepping forward. "Because I'm afraid that doing that will thin our ranks-"

"You're mistaking." Jeralt grunted cutting Seteth off and turning to Byleth. "I'm talking about a task force involving Byleth, myself, Shamir and the students currently learning Ki. They have the potential to go against these foes when their training is complete. With your permission, I'd like to form this group with the sole intention of combating this threat."

Byleth raised her eyebrows in surprise at this. He didn't mention anything about this task force to her. And Seteth just narrowed his eyes. "That is quite simply an absurd idea. If it was just you two and Shamir then that would be understandable, but you mean to tell me you want to endanger students?"

That's when Byleth stepped forward, as if insulted by the notion that her students weren't ready. "They are still learning. And they managed to hold their own when I was separated from them at Castle Gaspard. But they are already more powerful than even your best knights minus Shamir."

Rhea pursed her lips in thought and turned to Jeralt. "Explain more about this task force."

"As I said, the task force involves combating this enemy. Whenever we hear a report on those evildoers we will go over and subdue them. I already talked about this to the other Professors and they are okay with that."

"…What will be the name of this task force?" Rhea asked as Jeralt looked over at her and smirked slightly.

"141."

Rhea nodded to herself and looked down, pondering her options. She doesn't wish to endanger the students by doing this. On the other hand, from what she heard at Castle Gaspard, they can't keep on relying on Byleth, Jeralt and Shamir. And as much as she wanted Byleth to stay here, out of harms way and not endanger her mother. That just wasn't an option. Finally, she nodded to the two.

"Very well. I shall grant this request for Task Force 141."

Seteth turned towards her in shock. "Rhea, you cannot be-"

"They are right Seteth. We need to combat this threat and those students are the only ones aside from those two and Shamir that are capable of doing so."

She then sighed and looked to Jeralt, a new thought entering her mind after being briefed by Catherine. "I understand that some of your students were… hesitant to be fighting militia. However, we must punish any sinner who may inflict harm upon believers, even if those sinners are civilians."

Both Byleth and Jeralt bit the inside of their cheek to avoid saying anything. That was something they both didn't agree with. Jeralt always hated the way that the church operated on things, whilst Byleth couldn't believe Rhea would try to rationalise killing people who were just protecting their Lord.

Rhea just continued on, not noticing their tensed postures. "I pray that the students learned a valuable lesson about the fate that awaits all who are foolish enough to point their blade towards the heavens."

Byleth's hands were behind her back, so Rhea and Seteth didn't notice her fists clenched tightly at what Rhea said. She was trying to use fear to keep people in check? That was not right at all. Even if Lonato tried to destroy the Central Church, you shouldn't use that to scare the others. She didn't notice her coat was billowing slightly as her power started increasing.

'Keep your head on kid. Don't do something stupid.'

Byleth turned to Jeralt, who was using telepathy to talk to her. She just nodded in return and blew out deep breathes to calm herself down. She wasn't used to anger, in fact most emotions were foreign to her. But he was right. She needed to control herself.

Seteth did sense the tension in the air, and decided to talk more about the report Byleth and Ashe found. "As you both know, found on Lonato's possession was a deplorable plot to target the Archbishop on the day of the Goddesses Rite of Rebirth. I looked over it and the plan seems unrealistic at best. But a threat is a threat. We must maintain constant vigilance."

He then turned to Byleth and nodded. "Originally, I was going to ask one of the houses to help with the security of the ritual. But if this unknown foe is connected to that plot, then we need to be ready for anything. I would instead like to request that Task Force 141 help instead."

"You can count on us." Byleth replied and Rhea smiled.

"That is most reassuring. You have my gratitude."

"The Rite of Rebirth is of paramount importance." Seteth explained. "It is when the Church of Seiros and its believers unite to pray for the return of the Goddess. The Archbishop and I will be confined to the Goddess Tower once the ritual begins."

"Of course, the knights will be on high alert as well, but there will not be enough of them to keep watch on every corner of the Monastery." He continued still keeping eye contact with Byleth.

But Seteth then sighed and shook his head. "I suppose it is a good thing that the Task Force has been assembled. The gravity of this situation requires that we be ready."

That's when Rhea spoke up to address the father daughter pair. "While there is no need to fear for my safety, we cannot turn a blind eye to those who would blaspheme so heinously."

"With any luck, this will all be for nought." Seteth said, before looking at the two directly. "Still, be on your guard."

Both Jeralt and Byleth bowed before turning to leave. But not before Seteth spoke again. "Oh and Byleth. Please try and come to my office today, I wish to speak with you."

Byleth slowly nodded and the doors slowly closed behind them as both let out a long breath and hunched over, exhausted from standing straight for so long. Jeralt scratched his head and made sure nobody was around. "Rhea… I don't know why you think that's the right way…"

"You don't agree dad?" Byleth asked, still a little angry at the suggestion that the students should be intimidated into submission.

"No way. But she's the Archbishop. So like it or not, we have to do what she says. Come to my quarters, I'm needing a drink."

"I might just do that too." Byleth mumbled following her dad. But then something else from the meeting came to mind. "Why didn't I know about this task force?"

Jeralt opened the door to his quarters and let his daughter inside before closing it behind him. "Well, it wasn't something I had planned from the start. It was while you were asleep that I thought that we need to keep on top of this threat. The whole case with the town you went to and the fight with Lonato caused me to think things differently. Do…. you like the name?"

Byleth then saw how nervous her dad looked and she nodded. "I like the name. Makes it seem… official, you know? I suppose we should let the students know about this."

"Yeah, we should. But first." Jeralt said, opening a bottle of spirits and pouring in two glasses and offered one to Byleth who gladly took it. He raised his glass and she mimicked his action.

"To 141."

Byleth gave one of her rare smiles and nodded. "To 141."

"Dimitri, if you don't stop trying to get out of bed I will bind you to it!"

Manuela sighed as she had to once again keep Dimitri in bed. For someone who was supposed to be the Prince of Faerghus he acted like such a child right now!

"But I must train!" Dimitri yelled, unintentionally coming off as whining. But Manuela would not budge.

"The more you resist, the longer you'll stay here."

He flopped onto his pillow with a loud groan, as he looked at his wrist which was in a cast. He felt like a complete fool, being overpowered like that. He should've thought more rationally and not just charge in. He needs to be better! He needs to be-

"Dimitri, you're giving me a headache."

He slowly turned to his left to see Edelgard in the bed next to him, but she had her leg in a cast that was currently suspended in the air. Dimitri suddenly felt really bad in that moment, he was complaining about not being able to train, but Edelgard didn't even have the ability to leave her bed. So he sheepishly relaxed and looked at his feet on the bed.

"I… I apologise. To both of you. I understand that I am not being fair."

"Good." Manuela said, carrying a tray with two glasses. "This is a medicine that will help boost your recovery period. From what I understood from Byleth, your Ki will help you heal as well. But this medicine will add on top of that."

Both the Nobles looked at the glasses being handed to them and Manuela continued. "Though it does have some side effects. It has Dagda berries inside of that which, while has healing properties, has some side effects that will make you feel strange."

Edelgard brought the glass over to her nose and sniffed it, before smiling lightly at it. "It has a wonderful smell."

Dimitri copied her actions and shared that smile. "Yes, it smells like blueberry pie."

Both then brought it to their lips and drank it all. But Edelgard recoiled at the taste and coughed in disgust. "Not blueberry pie…"

Manuela smirked to herself and left the room while Edelgard drank water to rid herself of the vile taste. But she then noticed how Dimitri hadn't reacted to the taste at all. "Is it good for you?"

"Hm? Oh no, I just cannot taste it."

Edelgard tilted her head as she stared at him. "You… cannot taste it?"

Dimitri sighed and looked back at her. "I'm afraid I cannot taste anything. Not for nine whole years. I can smell fine but taste has always eluded me."

"…Is it because of-"

"Yes. The Tragedy of Duscur."

Edelgard looked towards the ceiling and frowned to herself. That was something that always puzzled her. Why would the people of Duscur kill the king and queen? Her own mother. It didn't make sense. As far as she was aware from the books that she read as well as the word from other Nobles, the people of Duscur didn't hold anything against the Royal Family of Faerghus.

Wait a minute.

They couldn't.

'Could they really stoop to that level?'

Suddenly, she heard Dimitri yawn and turned towards him as he looked at her. "Can I… tell you a secret Edelgard? About why I chose to come here? To this Academy?"

"Of course. You can tell me anything." Edelgard said, also letting out a yawn as Dimitri looked at his broken wrist.

"I do not believe that the people of Duscur caused that tragedy. The ones who killed my father and my- OUR, mother. It was an outside force. I came to Garreg Mach to better myself so that I can kill them myself."

Edelgard's eyebrows shot up in surprise at this. Though she can't say that she wouldn't think the same way, if that happened to her. It's strange, lately she feels that she can talk to Dimitri about things. But also to Claude too and the rest of her classmates. And if her suspicions on who was truly involved was correct.

"Than allow me to help you kill them." Edelgard declared. "Together, myself, you and Claude. We will defeat them together."

Dimitri let out a few shaky breathes and smiled. "I thank you for that Edelgard. It's comforting to know I do not have to do this alone."

Edelgard smiled back. But then Dimitri noticed how she was silently giggling to herself and frowned in confusion. "Is there some kind of joke that I am not aware of?"

She nodded and looked over again. "The number twenty four."

Dimitri frowned at that. But the more he thought about it, the more he started to laugh. Both of them didn't understand what was so funny but then Dimitri spoke up.

"Hey Edelgard. What's funnier than twenty four?"

"What is it?" Edelgard giggled keeping her hands over her mouth.

"Twenty five."

Both of them burst out laughing at this as Manuela peered in through the door, smiling to herself. "It's always funny to see them under the effects."

"Wait Dimitri!" Edelgard yelled as the giggling slowed to a halt, and both of them felt very sluggish at this point. "We should… we should relinquish our titles! And… and start a tavern together! You and me!"

"That… sounds like an amazing idea!" Dimitri said as Edelgard lazily lifted a hand.

"And do you know what we will call it? Get ready. The Eagle and the Lion!"

Dimitri blinked at that name and nodded to himself. "That is… a great idea for a tavern!"

That's when Byleth saw Manuela peering in the medical wing after she heard the noises and went to investigate. "Are they okay Manuela?"

"Oh yes, it's just a side effect of the medicine that they're on." Manuela said, giggling. "A combination of being drunk and smoking Brigid herbs. They will be fine in a few hours."

"That's okay then." Byleth said, looking to Hanneman's office. "I should go and check on him with the progress of my Crest. I'll talk to them later."

"Yeah, yeah. I'll just stay here and watch the show."

She quickly walked over to Hanneman's office and peered inside to see him hastily scribbling notes while looking over a machine which… looked like it had a strand of her hair.

'…I'll just pretend I didn't see that.'

"Ah, Miss Byleth, welcome!" Hanneman exclaimed. "A very fascinating case you are! I've done a lot of research and I see that you have a very rare Crest!"

"I see."

"Indeed! I know I've seen it somewhere before but I'm scouting through all my research books to try and find it! Not to worry, all will be revealed by the end of it!"

Byleth raised an eyebrow while looking at the machine… and slowly took out a strand of her own hair out and placed it in the device. "I suppose if it will help you out."

"Oh thank you! I'm so happy that you're understanding for this research endeavour! If only Seteth was like this… but perhaps I could get some hair from your tail-"

"Don't push it." Byleth glowered dangerously as her tail coiled tightly around her waist.

Hanneman gulped in fear and raised his hand laughing nervously. "Have a good day Miss Byleth."

She nodded and walked off to her quarters, still hearing Edelgard and Dimitri talking and laughing loudly. "A tavern? Well I wouldn't be opposed to that."

But then Byleth yawned and looked out a window to see the sun setting. "I can always tell them tomorrow once they are in better shape. It's not like they're going anywhere anyway. And I need to get Ashe ready to catch up."

But then she remembered Seteth asking to speak with her and groaned loudly, wanting to do her night training and sleep. As well as try to remember that dream she had.

"I best not keep him waiting."

She turned back around and walked to his office and saw him staring out the window. He heard her come in and turned to greet her. "Ah, there you are. I apologise for requesting this meeting so suddenly. Please sit."

Byleth slowly nodded as both of them sat down with Seteth gesturing to a pot of tea. "Would you care for a cup?"

"I'm okay, thank you."

"Very well. Then I would like to get down to business."

Seteth poured himself a cup and wrote on a sheet of paper. "You are certainly an extraordinary woman. One who we are in once again in debt of, regarding your actions in protecting our dear students. And yet… I cannot help but feel afraid."

"Afraid?" Byleth asked, tilting her head as Seteth nodded.

"Indeed. I have met many people and looked at many books on strong individuals. And yet, I have never met someone like you. The tail for example, is a trait that appears to only be unique to you. You are the daughter of Jeralt Eisner, correct?"

"That is correct." Byleth said, watching her tail freely move about. "Though I got my tail from my mother."

"Ah yes, my condolences." Seteth muttered, placing his cup down again. "I understand that you never knew her. From what little I can gather from Professor Jeralt, you seem to have gotten your strength from her."

"Father said that mother told him to give me information little by little so as not to overwhelm me with my origins. All I know is that I'm… different."

Seteth frowned, looking at the downcast look Byleth had. He could certainly relate to what it's like to be different in this world. "Yes. There are certainly few people who can eat an entire dining hall and destroy mountains. Which is why I am hesitant to place my trust in you."

"I figured that." Byleth said, looking up at him. "It's only logical. You don't know me, and I could destroy this entire Monastery should I feel like it."

"I'm afraid it cannot be helped." Seteth replied. "Know that I hope the day comes when I can trust you, but you are right. You are a stranger. It is as simple as that. I only ask that you continue to protect our students as well as manage this Task Force. Only then, can our circumstances change."

"Will that be all?" Byleth asked.

Seteth wanted so badly to ask her about her tail, and her need to sleep from a full moon… but he held his tongue instead and nodded. "Yes. You should get some rest. I understand that we are asking a lot of you, but I would like to make sure you are ready at the end of the month."

Byleth nodded and stood up, turning away and leaving the room. Seteth just stared at his cup and stroked his beard. "A full moon…"

'Finally!' Sothis yelled. 'I felt like we were never going to get to bed!'

Byleth smiled slightly as she got downstairs and stretched her arms. "We need to get Ashe up to speed tomorrow so we best get some rest."

'There is something that we can agree on!'

She was now passing the students dorms and stopped in front of a certain one and purses her lips. '…I best check to see how she is getting on with her own training.'

'…That is probably the best course of action. Just make it quick!'

Byleth nodded and slowly knocked on the door. "Are you there?"

Hi guys. Yeah, it's kind of a shorter chapter this time around. It's more to just settle everything down and to get ready for the next day where Ashe will begin his training. I did struggle for a bit on this chapter but hey, gotta get through it to get to the good stuff, am I right?

So Sothis had a friend back when she was alive. Yeah, I know it's a stretch but both of them manage time in a way and I'm sure Sothis would've gotten her powers from somewhere. I hope that's okay.

I know it's wishful thinking, but I do have an idea on a sequel to this story (if I ever get to the end that is) so I hope you will stick around more.

But yeah, I apologise for the shorter chapter but I couldn't really think of more stuff that I wasn't going to put in on the next chapter. So I'll try to get out the next chapter as soon as possible. I try to do it within 10-14 days but I hope you'll bear with me.

So yeah, stick around for next time where Byleth gets a modified outfit, Ashe begins his training and Byleth appears to be training someone else too. Also Edelgard and Dimitri won't be out of the action for long, so no need to worry about that.

But yeah, apologies again.