Part 1: White Clouds

Battle of the Drinkers

"Thank you so much for defending the village Jeralt! You and your Blade Breakers are once again in our debt! Though if only the houses and farms were able to survive…"

Jeralt and his crew were outside the mayor's house as he shook each of their hands. It took them all throughout the night to take care of the giant beast and to get it away from the town, but they managed to do it, and that's all that matters. Though not without some damage to the town. But Jeralt had other things on his mind as he quickly shook his hand.

"Don't mention it Mr Smith. You've been kind to us for the many times we stop by, we're just returning the favour is all. And towns can be rebuilt but you can't bring back dead people."

Mayor Smith nodded with a smile. "Yes, that is a good way to look at it! We will rebuild better and stronger than before! Oh but we must reward you with something!"

But Jeralt just held a hand up and shook his head. "We insist. We were just helping out. In fact, let's try and hunt some meat for you and the townsfolk since the farms were destroyed."

"Oh! Thank you so much! We will give you a discount on our beer next time you visit!"

Jeralt grunted and waved his fellow Blade Breakers over to him as they walked over to the woods. It was like a wasteland with mostly destroyed tree trunks crushed from the weight of the monster that they had to stay up all night to fight. Hellen covered her mouth as she yawned loudly, using her staff as a crutch to prop up her exhausted body.

"I'm beat… where did that beast even go? Honestly, the nerve of it. Keeps us up all night and then 'POOF', it vanishes!"

"Quit your bitching Hellen." Floyd piped up, as he scanned the clearing around him. "Be thankful it didn't trample you. Besides, we have a bigger issue at hand now. The kid."

Everyone in ear shot tensed up. It was true, they hadn't seen Byleth all night, and their leader was acting very strange about her absence. Especially when he was usually very protective of her, it was strange to see him not panicking at the thought of his daughter missing, or worse.

"You know Boss." John started to say. "Kinda out of character for you to not be worrying about your kid."

"John!" Hellen scolded, jabbing him in the side with the end of her staff.

"I'm just saying-"

"Quiet, both of you." Jeralt grunted, holding up a hand. He saw something behind some bushes. A brown tail. She was here. And so he walked over to the bushes and saw Byleth, who was unconscious.

She was luckily not injured at all, which was a given considering weaponry couldn't hurt her at all. She was simply asleep. No surprise there, considering what she went through. But then Jeralt realised a key problem. She was naked.

Jeralt cursed himself for not thinking of getting a change of clothes. Of course her clothes didn't survive when she turned into a beast. So he quickly got his jacket off and wrapped it around her form, which considering her small size, was like a big blanket.

"You found her? What in the world was she doing out here?"

Jeralt turned to see the Blade Breakers walk up to him and looked very confused on seeing Byleth. Hellen felt her forehead and saw that she didn't have a temperature. "The poor thing. What could've prompted her to wander out here when there was a monster afoot?"

"It's kind of obvious guys."

A new voice popped up from behind as a man walked to the front, adjusting his glasses. His name was Jacob. The groups resident Sniper. And he stared at the child. "Think about it. We find Byleth out here in the same place that monster went, with it nowhere in sight, she's without clothes, and she's asleep. It's obvious, right boss?"

"…Nothing gets past you, does it Jacob?" Jeralt grunted as Hellen shook her head.

"Hold on! Are you telling me that the giant monster we fought…"

A horrified look dawned on the healers face as she started hyperventilating. "Oh gods, we hurt her! Oh, we are horrible people what were we thinking?! Captain, I'm so sorry-"

"Breathe, Hellen." John said as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "We all know we can't hurt her when she's a little brat, I doubt being a giant monster would change that."

John then turned to Jeralt and frowned. "But Boss… what the hell is your kid?"

"…Sometimes I wonder that same thing myself." Jeralt responded. "I wish her mother was here, then I could have all the answers."

That's when he addressed everyone present with a stern look. "Nobody can mention how she was the one who did this to anyone else. Not even to Byleth. If she found out that she destroyed the village, it would crush her. She loves Remire Village and so do not say anything about her turning into this. Got it?"

Everyone nodded as they all heard a yawn as Byleth woke up. "Father? What happened… why am I here?"

Nobody knew what to say until Jacob piped up. "You got a hold of my booze kid. You ended up wandering in the woods by yourself. Maybe try not to drink until you're older."

"Y-Yeah!" Hellen said. "We were very worried about you. Especially when that monster showed up."

"Monster?" Byleth muttered as she looked around to see the destruction of the forestry around her. "What happened?"

"A monster showed up last night." Jeralt explained, making sure the jacket was covering her still. "You were lucky to avoid it, but the village wasn't as fortunate. Not to worry though, we're going to help rebuild it."

"Good…" Byleth yawned, rubbing her eye. "The people there are nice… but how do we stop this monster from coming again?"

Jeralt turned to his crew for answers who all looked at each other and shrugged, unsure of what to say. But then he thought of what he could say. "You must always be asleep on the full moon. That's how it's summoned. There must've been some brats who weren't asleep and that's how it showed up. But Byleth, you must do that, you understand? Never be awake during a full moon."

Byleth stared at him silently and Jeralt was wondering if she caught on to this absurd lie. But she didn't.

"Okay dad. I'll do that. I'll never look at the full moon."

She then whined and clutched the jacket. "Was it the special imported wine that I drank?"

Everyone around froze and slowly turned to Jacob who was starting to sweat profusely. Hellen was eyeing him up and asked Byleth what she meant. Not understanding the tense situation, Byleth answered.

"Jacob gets wine imported and sent to special boxes near us. I saw him once and he made me promise not to tell."

Hellen just drew her dagger and glared at the very nervous archer. "Oh, does he now?"

"L-Listen Hellen! I know what you're thinking-"

"Oh I don't think you do." Hellen replied. "What I'm thinking about isn't gonna end well for you."

Jacob laughed nervously and ran away with Hellen chasing him, exhaustion completely gone. "We had to share stale beer on travels and you get wine?! Get back here!"

John got on his Wyvern and joined her. "Bessie is gonna feast on your remains today, you bastard!"

Byleth looked up at Jeralt. "Are they okay?"

"Yeah kid. Jacob was just lying and so he is gonna get punished."

Byleth nodded as she snuggled into her fathers chest. Before noticing something about her.

"Where are my clothes?"

"You all good kid?"

Byleth blinked as she realised Jeralt was trying to talk to her. "Oh sorry dad. Just remembering that time I drank Jacob's wine. Hellen and John weren't too happy with him, were they?"

Jeralt just chuckled and shook his head. "Nah, they weren't. But he shouldn't have been hoarding goods from us. I'm sure Hellen never let him forget that lesson. But hey, it's your night out tonight, isn't it kid?"

"Are you coming with us dad?" Byleth asked, to which Jeralt nodded and slapped her back, grinning.

"You think your old man is gonna miss out on you drinking again? The last time you were blasted was when you asked that waitress to-"

"We agreed to not talk about that." Byleth snapped, folding her arms and giving a very rare pout to which Jeralt just ruffled her hair in response.

"Ah, don't worry about it, kid. You'll be fine. Just make sure to pace yourself. But you better get ready anyway. If I know anything about Manuela and Shamir in the time I've been here, it's that they don't like to be kept waiting."

"Right. I'll see you at the tavern then dad." Byleth waved at him and ran off to her room at the academy as Sothis appeared before her, in deep thought.

'I wonder if I was a drinker back when I had a physical form. Though the only thing I remember is just tea. I don't think I indulged in wine or ale or anything like that. What about you? What do you drink?'

"Mostly beer." Byleth said, looking in the mirror and adjusting her hair, remembering Dorothea and Mercedes commenting on how scruffy it looks. So she decided that just for tonight, she will look presentable and started brushing it. "Though it has been years since I last had more than a few."

'Yes, I remember you acting all hush hush when your father tries to bring up something. What are you trying so badly to hide? This is very unlike you.'

Byleth flushed red as she focused on brushing the knots out of her hair. "It's nothing! Just a little mistake I made…"

'We all make mistakes in life. Nobody is perfect. Why not tell me? I cannot drink alcohol… or drink at all really. So I need something to make my night worthwhile.'

"Okay fine." Byleth said, placing the hair brush down and sighed, collecting her thoughts.

"I was… well, I don't remember how old I was. But it was around the time I was of the legal age. Dad decided that we had to celebrate, so he and the Blade Breakers took me to this tavern to have my first blackout drunk moment."

'Such a responsible father.' Sothis grumbled, rolling her eyes as Byleth continued.

"I didn't mind it as much. I was actually curious. I saw them all get blackout drunk before, and I wanted to see what it was like. But Aunt Hellen wouldn't let me until I was of age. So there I was, just drinking and there I saw…"

She suddenly realised the time and gulped. Shamir hates when she was late, so she quickly ran out the door with her money pouch in hand.

'Hey, hold on a minute! You were just getting to the good part! Come on Byleth, don't leave me like that!' Sothis screamed, flying after her.

"78… 79… 80!"

Edelgard gasped in exhaustion as she collapsed to the ground, panting heavily from the amount of pushups she had to do. Claude was sitting next to her with a feather in hand as he grinned.

"Not bad Princess. Even with me trying to break you, you held on and beat your record."

"…Fuck… you… Claude." Edelgard growled as she rolled onto her back with Claude gasping loudly.

"Why, I don't think that's appropriate language for future royalty."

That's when Dimitri piped up and stared at Claude. "I believe it is your turn, Claude."

Now the future Duke was sporting a nervous grin. "I-Is it?"

Edelgard sat up and had a devilish smirk on her face. "A wonderful idea, Dimitri. Perhaps you could lay on his back while he does it just to see if he will break!"

Suddenly, a massive gust of wind blew past the trio which knocked them to the ground. It was Byleth who had ran so fast, it created a gust of wind.

"Where is the Professor off to in such a hurry?" Edelgard mused as Dimitri helped her up.

"I believe she is away to a night out with the other faculty members. You know how Miss Shamir and Professor Manuela is with punctuality."

"You're right. But back to Claude…"

She turned around, only to see an empty spot on where Claude used to be as she growled loudly. "Coward! Where are you?!"

But Dimitri chuckled silently, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Allow me. I learned a special trick."

He slowly closed his eyes and then opened them, pointing in a direction. "He's behind that tree."

Claude quickly ran from his hiding spot and looked behind him. "Hey, how did you do that?!"

"I can sense your Ki!" Dimitri yelled back as he and Edelgard chased after him.

"Yeah, he'll teach you if you do 100 push ups with weights on top of you!"

"Make it 200!"

"Hey come on guys, what happened to Team Three Star?!"

"WE ARE NOT CALLED THAT!"

"You're late." Shamir grumbled leaning outside the doors of the tavern as Byleth stopped in front of her. Shamir just rolled her eyes and smirked.

"Ah well, because it's a night out, I'll let it slide. Come on in, the rest are waiting. I'm surprised you agreed to come out. Never took you for a drinker."

Byleth shrugged, walking in beside her fellow Mercenary. "Only for social occasions… which has been a while since I last had one."

"Well, let's hope the others don't scare you off. Though I'd watch out for Catherine and Manuela… they try to make you drink a lot."

Before Byleth could respond, they heard a loud voice as Catherine has one arm around each of the two. "Welcome to the party guys!"

"…Has she been drinking?" Byleth asked, to which Shamir shook her head.

"No. She just gets more energetic on nights out."

Both then felt their arms being pulled as Catherine lead them to a table where Byleth saw the other faculty members. Manuela, Hanneman, Alois, and even her own father. Of course he would be here, he wouldn't pass up the chance for a drink.

"Hey, the lady of the hour has arrived!" Jeralt yelled as he slung an arm around his daughter. "This one, she is worthy of my title as the best drinker! Mark my words, she has Eisner blood in her!"

Byleth didn't know how to respond as she waved her hands in front of her. "O-Oh no, I'm not looking for a blackout experience again, I just want to drink!"

"Well then, let's get started!" Manuela yelled, sliding a pint of beer to Byleth who caught it and started drinking at it, with Sothis just watching and shaking her head.

'Oh dear, I fear that this will end badly tonight.'

"Byleeeeeeeeth! I challenge you!"

Catherine slung her arm around Byleth who blinked at the knight, who was looking tipsy. "Drinking contest. Me and you. Right now!"

Shamir sighed as she sipped at her drink. "Catherine, I'm sure that she is not interested in playing games."

"Oh, I'm all for this idea!" Manuela slurred, slamming a bag of money into the table. "Place your bets, I'm thinking our dear Mercenary has this in the bag!"

"I'm afraid I have to disagree!" Alois chortled, placing his own pouch on the table. "As a Knight of Seiros, I must root for my comrade in arms!"

"Come on Shammy, who's gonna win?!" Catherine slurred to which Shamir rolled her eyes and tossed her pouch.

"Byleth."

Catherine gasped loudly and puffed her cheeks. "Hurtful… I'll just use this to fuel my victory!"

"I believe that Ms Catherine will win." Hanneman spoke up, clearing his throat. "I have seen her drink Manuela of all people under the table. I'm afraid Miss Byleth does not have a chance!"

"What about you, Captain?" Alois asked as Jeralt chuckled.

"You think I'm gonna bet against my own daughter? You're crazy if you think that."

Byleth was nervously looking around, trying to find a way out of his impromptu competition as Catherine grinned at her. "What's wrong? You scared?"

…That's when Byleth's eyes narrowed and Sothis groaned.

'Oh, here we go.'

As if on cue, the bartender walked up to the table and smiled. "Are we after more drinks then?"

Byleth just stood up and looked him right in the eye. "Bring me a whole barrel."

The whole place went silent as the bartender had a bewildered look. "I-I'm sorry?"

"A whole barrel. Make it happen."

She then turned to Catherine who shared that same bewildered look and Byleth just had a small smirk on her face. "Unless you're scared?"

The wielder of Thunderbrand quickly shook herself out of her stupor and tried to put on a brave face. "Y-Yeah! Two whole barrels."

"R-Right away! Two barrels coming up!"

"Is there a drinking contest in the works?!"

Manuela was just sipping at her drink with a smirk. "This just got a whole lot interesting~"

Both Catherine and Byleth were sitting at a small table as two large barrels were placed next to them, filled with beer. Alois was rubbing Catherine's shoulders as Byleth looked at Jeralt who just smirked.

"Don't hold back kid."

A crowd had gathered around them as Anna approached the pair, holding a piece of cloth and Shamir raised an eyebrow. "Do you just work everywhere? I swear I see you all over Fódlan."

Anna just winked and waggled her finger. "You gotta work hard to make profits! But I'm just here to officiate the match. I love a good betting contest, and when my favourite customer is involved, more fun for me."

She then looked to Byleth and over to the audience. "Seems the crowd isn't with you, monkey girl. They all think that Catherine will win."

"Hell yeah!" A woman shouted. "Thunderbrand Catherine doesn't lose!"

Anna just shrugged and winked at Byleth. "I like a good underdog story, so I got a lot of money riding on you. Don't screw this up."

Finally, Anna turned to the crowd and cleared her throat. "Ladies and Gentlemen! Before you are two challengers! They are about to undertake a drinking contest that is sure to go down in legends! Two, very large barrels that come up to my neck! Two very eager ladies to down every single drop from those barrels! But only one can win! So please, place your bets right now at the gentleman behind the bar!"

A mad scramble to the bar took place as the patrons started putting down bets as Anna continued, walking towards Catherine. "Here we have a very popular figure in the Knights of Seiros! The wielder of one of the Heroes Relics, Thunderbrand! One of the strongest knights! Give it up for Catherine!"

Cheers erupted in the bar as Catherine waved to everybody before Anna continued, walking over to Byleth who just blinked. "And over here, we have a newcomer! She has only been at Garreg Mach for a few months and yet has climbed her way to the top, even going as far as wielding the Sword of the Creator! But can she beat her opponent tonight who managed to conquer Professor Manuela in a battle such as this? I give you, Byleth!"

A noticeable dip in volume was there when people cheered as Byleth shyly waved and her dad rubbed her head. It's clear that the favourite was Catherine as Anna tapped the two wooden barrels. "Alright ladies, the rules are simple. You have to finish everything in this barrel. However you do it, I don't care, but it's gotta go inside your body and not on the floor. Speaking of which, if you throw up, you lose. Other forms of defeat include giving in, passing out, or getting others to help you. Any questions?"

Both women shook their heads as Anna raised her cloth in the air before turning to the crowd and paused for dramatic effect. "Then let us begin… NOW!"

The cloth fell from the merchant's hand signalling the start of the match as Catherine quickly poured herself a drink and started chugging it. Six seconds in, and she had already finished one pint.

"Excellent work Catherine!" Alois boomed. "You're already making such a tremendous start!"

Catherine sighed as she finished her first glass, and gave Alois a thumbs up and a grin. "Yeah, she's toast!"

But then they heard the crowd gasping and exclaiming in shock and Catherine turned around, wondering why they were amazed-

"EEEEEEEEEHHHHH?!"

She thought her eyeballs would pop out of her skull from what she was seeing!

Byleth had ditched the mug altogether and was drinking straight from the barrel as Shamir was blinking in shock.

"Woah."

"That's my girl!" Jeralt roared and turned to the crowd. "Bet you all regret betting against her now, huh?!"

"Can I change to Byleth now?!"

"Sorry, all bets are final!" Anna yelled as Alois snapped his comrade out of her stupor.

"You must implement the same tactics if you dare to stand a chance! Here, let me help you get the tap out! Will the referee allow me to do so?"

Anna shrugged and gave him a thumbs up. "I'll allow it."

"R-Right…" Catherine replied as she was honestly dumbfounded by Byleth and her ability to consume anything in large quantities. She knew that if she didn't do the same thing, she was a goner. She just hoped she could chug faster.

Manuela just chuckled as she grabbed a bottle of wine. "And suddenly I feel like I'm making a connection right here…"

"Come on Catherine! For the Knight's of Seiros!"

"You've got this kid!"

"I can't believe this is still going on… they should both be passed out by now." Shamir mumbled as both women had been drinking from their respective barrels for the past five minutes. The only difference being that Catherine had to take breaks to catch her breath before going back in.

Worst of all, she was starting to lose it as her movements and speech became more and more sluggish as she let out a hiccup. Anna giggled to herself and looked to Byleth who was holding the barrel vertical now.

"This match may just be decided folks! It seems the underdog has got this victory in the bag!"

As if on cue, Byleth withdrew her mouth from the hole and slowly got up on the table, held her barrel aloft… and slammed it on her head, shattering it and showing not a drop of alcohol remained.

"WE HAVE A WINNER! BYLETH EISNER HAS TAKEN VICTORY!"

Everyone around the group had mixed reactions. Some cheered loudly whilst others groaned in defeat and had to fork over the money that they bet with. But that was all interrupted when Catherine stood up.

"WAIT! I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY!"

The room went quiet as Shamir pinched the bridge of her nose. "She's completely plastered…"

"Now. I lost. There no denying that." Catherine slurred loudly as she almost fell back but was propped back up by Hanneman as she held a finger up. "BUT! I am anything but sloppy… I do not leave things half assed…. That is why… I will finish my drink! But I need your help. Will you help me?!"

Byleth understood in that moment what Catherine was talking about. She witnessed it many times growing up with the Blade Breakers. She looked at her father and nodded to him whilst Catherine picked up the barrel with Byleth starting the chant.

"We… like to drink with Catherine!"

"Because Catherine is our mate!" Jeralt continued, as the crowd started to understand and joined in, watching the Knight get the barrel to her lips.

"And when we drink with Catherine, she downs it all in eight!"

Catherine quickly started chugging down the barrel as the countdown passed by.

"Seven!"

Almost there. Just a quarter to go.

"Six!"

The cold temperature of the alcohol was starting to hurt her throat.

"Five!"

She had to press on. Her pride demanded it.

"Four!"

Two cups worth left! Come on! Push harder!

"Three!"

One cup!

"Two!"

Catherine slammed her now empty barrel down and let out a loud groan as her throat finally got some relief. But the loud cheers around her managed to help make her feel better.

"I may have *hic* lost! But I finished with *hic* dignity!" Catherine slurred heavily, collapsing on her chair as Anna giggled to herself.

"And there we have the conclusion of a quality drinking contest! But for all you unlucky losers, pay up, or suffer the consequences!"

A series of groans and grumbles echoed as people started handing money to Anna who gave a hefty share to the very few who bet on Byleth. Shamir being one of them.

"Heh. This'll go right into my tea budget." She smirked, feeling how heavy the pouch was and turned to the others. "Should learn not to underestimate her."

"I knew I should've bet on Byleth!" Hanneman groaned, slamming his head on the table. "That was my Crest research money…"

"Should learn when to follow my intuition dear!" Manuela sang as she grabbed her own hefty pouch and giggled. "Oh, it feels good to win!"

"Heh, and with that, I'm calling it a night." Jeralt said putting away his own pouch but Byleth whirled around.

"You're not staying dad?"

"Afraid not. Gotta get papers done and I don't think the headache from Seteth tomorrow will be worth staying out. But you have a good time ahead of you kid. Just don't do something stupid."

"Aye, aye, sir!" Byleth giggled, giving a salute as everybody noticed her acting different. But Jeralt had a theory. Whenever she got drunk, it seemed that her Saiyan side was brought out more. Which meant she showed emotions more, which was always good in his eyes.

But he knew he couldn't stay, so he stood up and stretched. "Well kids, it's been fun, but I better call it a night."

"Me too." Hanneman groaned, standing up. "Before I lose even more of my money."

"I must say that I agree!" Alois said. "I have to keep my wits about me if I am to uphold my reputation. I bid you ladies farewell!"

"Stay safe guys." Jeralt nodded as he also left.

Manuela just stayed in her seat, swirling her glass of wine. "So now that the boys are gone… how about we tell stories?"

Byleth blinked, trying to understand what she meant and Manuela smirked.

"I mean sex~"

….Oh.

"Specifically, what your first time was like."

Oh dear.

"I elect Shamir go first!" Catherine yelled, flopping on the table as Shamir rolled her eyes.

"It was a guy. We had sex. We moved on."

"Oh come on!" Manuela whined. "Give us details! Like what it was like, was it romantic? Give a girl something!"

Shamir already felt a headache coming on, and it wasn't from the beer. "Fine. I'll try to remember as best as I can."

Byleth and Catherine managed to focus despite the copious amounts of alcohol they drank as Shamir started.

"He was my old partner. An old Mercenary I used to fight alongside. It was… right before Dagda had conflict with the Empire. We knew it could be our end, so we decided in that moment to find out what sex was like. I mean, sure, he was a looker, but I never really saw much more than a friend and a partner. He felt pretty much the same. But I suppose in that moment, I couldn't think of a better person to give my first time to."

She then shook her head and downed her drink. "He's long passed. It was the end for one of us when the Empire came."

But Shamir looked around and saw the sad looks on her fellow staff members and sighed. "Sorry, I killed the mood. Don't be sad for me, I made my peace with it years ago. As long as I carry his memory. So anyway Manuela, since these stories were your idea, why don't you tell us?"

"Hold on!" Catherine slurred. "You were fifteen when you did that?!"

"…What's your point?"

"The age of consent is sixteen!"

"Dagda rules are different. Even so, it didn't really bother me that much. We were the same age. Besides, I've seen kids younger than fifteen doing it all the time. And what's done is done. We were two consenting teenagers." Shamir replied.

"Can't argue with that, I guess." Manuela said, downing her glass of wine. "Very well, I shall go next. It was during the times of my career as an Opera singer!"

Shamir groaned inwardly, as she stood up to get another drink. If she had to endure this, she may as well get more booze. Maybe getting drunk wasn't a bad idea.

"Yes well, I was a young maiden having just passed twenty years old. And I was part of a duet with this dashing young gentleman. I say that he was a few years older than me, but we killed it that night! And afterwards, I invited him for a drink in my quarters. And it went further from there."

"It sounds like a magical night." Byleth commented, trying to focus her vision.

"It was… until the dastard stole my belongings the next day. Turns out he was a thief that knocked out the real man I was supposed to be in a duet with!"

Catherine burst out laughing as she hit the table. "Oh gods, I'm so sorry Catherine! Bwahahahaha! But that's so funny!"

Manuela chose to ignore her laughing as she mysteriously pulled out another bottle of wine. "And you know what I've learned about the differences of men and booze? Booze hits the spot every time!"

"Amen to that!" Catherine yelled, giving Manuela a high five whilst the Songstress downed the bottle.

"I suppose it's me next?" Catherine asked as she had to support herself on the table. "I got to be honest, my first time was on a night like this. Blackout drunk and no memory of it. Sorry girls."

"Oh it's okay dear." Manuela slurred, patting Catherine on the back, before they all turned to Byleth who suddenly realised the attention was on her.

"M-Me?"

"To be honest, it's bizarre to think about her having sex." Catherine said.

"H-Hey!"

"You're right." Manuela nodded to herself. "She has this air of innocence about her. Like a lost lamb."

"N-Now wait just a minute!"

"To be fair, I've never seen her interested in anything other than training and eating." Shamir commented, finishing another drink and feeling the buzz.

"Okay, that's enough!" Byleth yelled standing up. "I'll have you know that I HAVE had sex!"

"Then tell us." Manuela smirked, motioning for her to continue as Byleth sat back down. That's when Sothis appeared next to her as Byleth continued.

"Okay… I was at this tavern. And there was this waitress. She had beautiful brown hair and these big blue eyes. I had a few to drink and was pretty intoxicated."

Everyone leaned in more to listen. Even Sothis was doing it as she got to hear the rest of this story. "I was dancing with her. I guess I had a whole level of confidence that night. But then we were in her room, making out."

"I'm liking this so far." Manuela purred.

"But then her husband walked in on us. The owner of the tavern."

"Uh oh." Shamir groaned.

"So then I said… why don't you join us?" Byleth said, covering her face.

Everyone was silent as Catherine slowly picked her head up. "No. Way."

"Then the next day I woke up naked in the arms of the owner and holding his wife's hand."

'…Oh my.' Sothis said to herself, covering her mouth.

"Byleth, that is fucking awesome!" Catherine yelled, trying to stand up but failing. "You had a threesome for your first time?!"

"Okay, you win." Manuela exclaimed. "I could never top that."

"Well, you certainly surprised me." Shamir chuckled.

But then Byleth stood up. "Oh gods!"

"What?"

"…I could eat!"

"Yeah, now that you mentioned it, I'm hungry too." Shamir said, smiling as the alcohol was starting to take its effect on her in more ways than one.

"I'm sure we can find something! Let's see what's open!"

"Somebody help up Catherine."

"Just got to finish my drink." Shamir laughed, holding her mug.

"Fifty more!"

"Come on guys!" Claude groaned, collapsing to the ground. "I did the push ups! Give me a break! We have class tomorrow!"

"No." Both Edelgard and Dimitri said, glaring at the little schemer who made them run circles trying to find him today. "Fifty more."

Claude just sighed and rolled his eyes. "Fine."

But then they heard laughing and singing as they all turned to see a sight that they would never have seen coming.

Their stoic Professor, laughing and carrying around a completely plastered Catherine while Shamir and Manuela sang songs.

"…Alcohol is a strange substance." Edelgard said, trying to make sense in what she saw.

"Even Miss Shamir is singing. How much did she have?"

"Apparently not as much as Catherine from the looks of it." Claude grunted, picking himself up.

Unfortunately for them, they were spotted as they all groaned loudly feeling Byleth hug them tightly.

"There's my favourite students!" Byleth slurred. "You shouldn't be out! You should be in bed!"

"P-Professor are you okay?" Edelgard wheezed out, trying to breathe.

"I feel great!" She giggled as all three smelt the alcohol on her breath and were honestly freaked out because this was so unlike her. "Do you guys know where we can find food? I'm starving!"

Dimitri managed to get his head free from Byleth's clutches and choked out a response. "I believe… the cafeteria… is open…"

Byleth gasped loudly and dropped the students, holding her face in shock. "Oh my gosh! Why didn't I think of that?! Guys! I found a way to get food! And more booze!"

They all watched the group walk away and dumbfounded wasn't close to describing how they felt.

"…I think I'm ready for bed." Dimitri said, slowly turning away and heading to the dorms. Edelgard nodded and ejected to join him in his decision while Claude stared in the distance.

"If she's not there… perhaps I can take a look at that sword-"

He yelled in pain as Edelgard came back grabbing his ear. "Bed. Now."

"Ow! Ow! Come on Edelgard, give me a break! Ow! Stop!"

Dimitri yawned, ignoring Claude's protests at Edelgard. "I hope Professor Byleth will be fine tomorrow."

A loud groan sounded in Byleth's room as she slowly woke up, clutching her throbbing head. She quickly closed her eyes and felt a presence on her side.

"Do we need to get up?" Catherine moaned, nuzzling Byleth's neck. "I'm sure the knights can do without me for a day."

Shamir was on the other side and sighed. "I don't need to go out again until next week."

"I can always get someone to cover me." Manuela muttered laying on top of Byleth.

"Let's just sleep." Byleth mumbled earning a series of mumbled agreements as the three snuggled up to Byleth.

…

…

…

Wait.

All four women's eyes snapped open as they realised they were all in the same bed together. They quickly sat up and backed away from each other.

Then they saw the clothes on the floor.

And their lack of clothes.

They were naked.

And in the same bed.

Horror dawned on everyone's faces.

"Look, all I'm saying is that if you two distract Teach, then I can swipe the sword for a couple of minutes!"

"I refuse to be involved with your schemes, Claude." Edelgard growled, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"I agree. I do not wish to be on Professor Byleth's bad side." Dimitri nodded as the trio walked down the halls. "Why don't you just ask her? I'm sure she would let you look at it."

Before Claude could respond, a series of screams echoed throughout the Monastery causing all three to freeze.

"That came from Professor Byleth's room!" Edelgard yelled. Instincts took over as they all ran to the source of the sound where Seteth and Flayn were currently standing right behind Byleth's door.

He noticed the three approaching and had a hand on the door knob. "Be ready. We do not know what we are dealing with."

Everyone nodded as they either summoned Ki balls, Ki weapons or charged up magic. Seteth then barged the door open as everyone ran in.

"In the name of the Goddess, what is going on-"

Seteth froze mid sentence at the sight before him. Four naked ladies all looking at him in surprise as he very quickly covered a confused Flayn's eyes and trying to avert his gaze.

Dimitri had a bright red face and suddenly found the ceiling to be interesting. Anything other than what was in front of him.

Edelgard's brain shut down at the sight of Byleth's body and her face flushed a deep red with her eyes dulling and mouth slightly agape.

And then Claude just made the whole situation worse with a grin. "Nice."

He very much regretted saying that as four pairs of eyes glared at him and he wondered if it was possible to die from looks alone.

Shamir then spoke and pointed outside the door and growled. "Out. Now."

Nobody argued about that as Dimitri had to drag out a dumbfounded Edelgard. Claude didn't want to experience the wrath of those four, especially when one could vaporise mountains and another was an expert in using Ki.

So they waited outside as Flayn tried to snap Edelgard out of her stupor, as she was also drooling at this point. When the doors slamming open finally managed to get her back to reality as Manuela, Catherine and Shamir all walked out.

"We will talk about this later." Shamir growled, adjusting her jacket and flying off while Byleth slowly peeked her head out.

"Ummm… I'll catch up later okay? Just… you know how to train, students."

So she hastily closed the door as Seteth sighed loudly.

"I was expecting a lot of things today. But not that. But let's give Miss Byleth her privacy. I just hope she is okay."

"Sothis? Are you there?"

Byleth had appeared in the vast depths of her mind and saw Sothis not on her throne for once. But rather just standing there, with her back turned to her, and her arms crossed. Byleth knew immediately in that moment that she wasn't happy.

"Sothis?"

"…I saw things last night…"

She finally turned around to look at Byleth but immediately averted her gaze, as Byleth saw she was blushing madly. "Things… that I think I can never unsee."

Oh. Byleth forgot that she was there in a way.

"Sothis I'm sorry-"

"No! Sorry isn't going to cut it!" Sothis yelled, covering her face. "The things I saw… what you did with your tail…"

Byleth really wanted to vanish and die in this moment. The last thing she wanted was for Sothis to give a recap on the events of last night. "Shall I… give you space?"

"Yes, I believe that would be best."

Opening her eyes, Byleth knew that the one person she could talk to was here. Her father. So she quickly ran off to Jeralt's room to see him carving a piece of wood with a knife.

"Good morning kid. How was your night?"

"Terrible. I'm sure you don't want to hear the details."

"…You know the walls are thin, right?"

Oh, Byleth really wanted to drop dead in this moment now. She didn't want to discuss this with her dad. Thankfully, he seemed to think the same. "I'm sure the ladies will talk to you about it later. Don't beat yourself up over it."

"…Thanks dad. And I am sorry."

Jeralt just waved it off. "While I don't need to hear that, you're a grown woman. If that's what you want to do, don't apologise for it. Just… make sure you're somewhere else next time. I don't want to die of a heart attack."

Byleth tried her best to stay in place and not just run off, but nodded. "I'll give them space."

"That's probably best."

"Hey Byleth, can we talk?"

She looked up from meditating with her students to see Shamir standing there and helped her up. "I'll be right back guys. Just focus on image training."

Though on the inside, Byleth was freaking out. Anxiety was a completely new feeling to her, and she had been pretty much avoiding Catherine, Shamir and Manuela lately. In her mind, it was to give them space when in reality she was terrified of facing them.

"I know you've been avoiding us. I thought it best to have a chat while I'm still around."

Byleth slowly nodded and Shamir sighed. "We don't hate you Byleth. What happened that night, happened. But I also want to say that I don't have an interest in taking this further. Not to say I don't like you, but I think we fit better as friends."

"Me too!" Shamir was surprised at her partners blunt answer. "I just don't want to ruin our friendship! I like you and Catherine a lot, we fit well together! I mean Manuela scares me sometimes, but I like her too-"

Shamir clamped a hand on her mouth to shut her up and laughed a little. "It's strange seeing you go off like that. But let me put your fears to rest. We're still friends. Catherine would feel the same, but you would have to talk to her. And I'm pretty sure in Manuela's case, you aren't her type. But us? We're cool. So stop worrying about it."

Byleth nodded to show she understood as Shamir took her hand off and sighed. "I don't normally offer this but… do you want a hug?"

"…Yes please."

"Alright, bring it in."

The pair shared a hug as Byleth was just happy she still had her friend here. And Shamir patted her back before stepping away. "By the way, I envy your future lover if you're that skilled with your tail."

Shamir chuckled to herself watching Byleth freeze in place with her tail straightened out and her face was completely red with steam shooting out her ears. "Sorry Byleth. Couldn't resist. Now come on, your students won't train themselves."

"Right!"

Right, that's another chapter done. I really wanted to do a filler episode since I started but I couldn't find the right time for it. It was definitely a struggle on trying to end it but I hope it's decent.

To anyone thinking that Byleth will get together right now, she won't. That night was simply a mistake. But if I get around to writing smut I might tackle how that night went down.

Also fantastic news, we are at 60 favourites and 75 followers. It blows my mind that you guys love this, thank you so much.

I also lied. When I said the movie villian will show up soon, I meant it'll be after Flayn is kidnapped. I have something special planned for that arc.

But yeah, join us next time where Byleth will be helping the Golden Deer with Almyrans. See you then.