AN: Neither this fic not I a dead... I just work slow.
Haunting Daybreak - Class
'Okay, I'm going to try it.'
The ginger haired child skipped into the living room, stepping into the most open space and stopping in a stance that just shouted 'I am here, and about to do something, look!'
The orange haired woman cutting vegetables on the kitchen counter, stopped and turned an amused look to her daughter's determination.
"Mother, as I have finished my chores for the day, may I please be excused to go play?" the girl requested, emphasising the point with a well executed curtsy.
"Aww! When you ask like that, how can I say no to our little princess?" the woman cooed, quickly walking over and kneeling in front of her daughter. "Did you practise that all by yourself? You even cleaned your dress and did your hair."
Reidun dropped her formally straight face and beamed.
"Joseph taught me, and did the hair!" Reidun answered enthusiastically, doing a little twirl so that her mother could get a better look at her very intricate braid.
"I'm sure he did, sweetie," the woman answered, before bringing the little girl into a hug, "go play, but remember to be safe."
Reidun nodded, then ran right out the door, forgetting to close it behind her.
The woman watched the girl go, shaking her head with exasperation.
"I don't understand where she gets these ideas from…" she murmured, before turning back to the kitchen.
Outside, Joseph floated along as Reidun ran.
"I hope you know that your mother thinks you made me up as an excuse for some inherent genius." he commented, needing an extra moment to explain the definition of 'inherent' to the child when she gave him a confused look.
"Ooh, ok." Reidun answered once she understood, "anyway, do you think she liked it, I practised really hard like you said I should!"
Reidun felt Joseph's mirth across their connection, accompanied by a laugh, though there was a hint of suspicion as well.
"No need to worry, she loved it." Joseph reassured, "so now that you've earned yourself some free time, what do you plan to do? I think I see some other kids playing over there, you could probably join them."
Reidun quickly shook her head. Very quickly.
"Nope, nope, I um…" she denied, failing at finding an excuse, or anything that resembles an alternative on the spot. This was not going into that Joseph could hear her thoughts, and feel her very distinct desire to not deal with the other children.
He just had to figure out why, and he had a suspicion.
"Reidun… why do you never want to play with anyone else?" Joseph asked softly, finally deciding that it was time to confront the issue.
The girl's posture closed up, and their connection made it clear to him that she was uncomfortable with the issue. What was most clear though, was her immediate thought: 'I can't understand them.'
"Is it their words? I know I taught you English first, but you're still far ahead of them in the local language as well… or is that the problem?" Joseph asked, trying to guide the girl to an answer.
She shook her head, and her thoughts aligned with the action.
"Is it the boys? I'm not hard to understand, am I? I'm sure you can understand them if you get to know them, or we could go find some other girls for you to play with." Joseph continued.
Reidun twirled a strand of hair in her fingers and shook her head in denial again, her chaotic thoughts once again confirming the truth of the answer. Though again, the most notable response was a stray thought.
'I can't understand anyone else like you.'
It confirmed the suspicions he'd really been hoping to discard.
"Oh Reidun, I'm so sorry…" Joseph floated down and did the closest he could to a hug, swiftly clamping down on the guilty melancholy feelings within him before Reidun noticed. Then he floated back out of arm's reach, "how about this, you try to play with the other children, and I'll tell you what they're feeling? Then you don't have to try and figure it out yourself."
Reluctantly, the girl assented and approached the group.
"The boy at the front, he's curious, while his brother right behind him is a bit irritated…"
3rd of the Great Tree Moon, 1180
Reidun smoothed out the final crease out of her uniform and then checked herself in the mirror.
'Everything seems to be in order'
She thought to herself, then made her way to her first class and to meet up with the rest of the Blue Lions.
"It just occurred to me, did Ingrid give us any descriptions for the rest of the cohort? Or even names?" Joseph asked.
'Nope.'
"Well, that's fine, we're supposed to meet up afterward anyway, so you can meet them then." Joseph figured.
Reidun mentally nodded back, while she opened the door to the class and found herself an unoccupied seat.
Around her the class boiled with conversation while they waited for the professor to start the lesson. The students sitting either side of her thankfully hadn't deigned to give her any attention yet, too engrossed in their own conversations.
Instead, Reidun started writing on the paper on the desk, a title for the lesson, the date, that kind of thing.
"Quiet everyone, the lesson is about to begin." Professor Hanneman announced, causing the conversation to calm itself down to a simmer. "For this lesson, we'll be going over the basics of Classes. This is a core concept that will be relevant for the rest of the year, and likely the rest of your lives, so even if you've already been educated on the matter, it is important that you pay attention."
There was little dawdling or nonsense, no greetings nor introductions. He simply started the lesson, and both Joseph and Reidun paid close attention.
…
'So to summarise: A Class is a sort of state of mind that helps organise a combination of talents and skills into a coherent fashion. Outside of an immediate situation, switching between Classes is a trivial matter, but you can't have two active at once.' Reidun thought as the other students started packing up their things and leaving. As she did so, her hand moved across the bottom of the very full page. 'Although, anything learned as a result of being in a Class doesn't follow the same restriction, meaning it can often be applied outside of the Class itself.'
She concluded the paragraph and started a new one.
'There are a number of standardised Classes that can be easily accessed through the use of Seals, though certain foundational skills are required to make the process possible.' Reidun continued, adding a note about Seals in the margin of the page. 'Seals are magical devices that have been programmed to help create the circumstances needed to earn a standardised Class, though in theory any Class could have a seal. This is unlikely given that that would require the holder of the Class to be proficient in the creation of Seals.'
She dipped her quill back in the pot to keep writing.
'The creation of a Class is an arduous process, but it can happen spontaneously under unique circumstances.'
Then she put the writing implement aside and, as she continued to pack, turned her attention to Joseph, who seemed to be deep in thought.
'I find it rather unfair that you can read my thoughts, but I can't read yours.' Reidun joked, 'I have to ask like a normal person.'
Joseph broke off his rumination.
"It's just like the game, even to the extent that it influences one's personal growth," he answered, bringing a finger to his chin. "The lesson plan earlier? same thing. Even though I have a class myself, I didn't think the whole system went to this extent. It's… disconcerting."
He sighed.
"I guess one could call it simple culture shock. Several things which are considered common here would be impossible back on earth. I should simply take it as another reminder that things work differently here." He confessed, then changed the subject. "Do you remember my most important lesson concerning the sciences?"
Reidun gave a mental nod.
'The rules and laws of Earth may not apply to Fodlan. Just because things are called the same, doesn't mean they are.'
Case in point, humans. Even someone as amateur in human anatomy as Joseph noticed that there were differences in their biology to what they were used to. She hadn't encountered it much herself, but she could understand the frustration from the little 'misinformation' she'd picked up from her mentor.
Reidun emphasised her sympathy, and she felt Joseph's appreciation in return quickly followed by a smirk.
"Though, if this world does follow the logic of the games, then we might be able to make you into a little bit of a munchkin."
Reidun found herself echoing the ghost's expression, even letting it show on her actual face. An expression she dropped as someone seemed to be waiting in the doorway for her.
The boy was slightly tall, with medium-short orange hair that appeared unkempt, but not uncared for in a ruggish style. His jacket was open, the top button of his shirt undone, shoulders slumped, and his smile casual; all factors that oozed an easygoing manner.
Joseph recognized him as Sylvain Jose Gautier, and based on what he knew of the character, was quite sure of what was going to come next.
The young adult bounced off the doorframe he was leaning against and took a step forward.
"Excuse me. I was just leaving when I saw you practically glowing as you worked." the boy started, emphasising his words with a gesture, "I just had to stop and say hello."
"He's flirting with you." Joseph stated flatly, much in contrast to the flowery tone from the boy.
'Thank you, how am I supposed to answer that?!' Reidun thought, before speaking out loud with a polite smile that showed none of her internal panic, "thank you, I'm Reidun, and if you're going to make a first impression like that, I just have to know your name as well."
"...well if you're trying to flirt back, that's a decent start." Joseph commented, clearly amused.
'That was not the intent!'
"Sylvain, of house Gautier." the boy said, sparking recognition in Reidun's eyes. The boy pretended not to notice. "We have a connection, I can feel it. How about we spend some quality time together? Maybe I can show you a thing or two that isn't covered in the classroom."
"He's-" Joseph began to say, but-
"Sure, sounds like a good idea, but I am due to meet the rest of my cohort now, tonight?" Reidun answered before Joseph could finish saying-
"-asking you out on a date," his tone shifting from informative to exasperated.
Reidun froze, quickly processing what she'd suddenly agreed to.
"An hour before sundown, by the pond?" he suggested, and Reidun -currently incapable of proper thought- nodded, "Great, I'll be looking forward to it."
Then he left, and Reidun was still stuck.
"Sorry, I should have been faster," Joseph apologised. "...if you really don't want to, you could just not show up."
The direct speech shook her out of her haze.
'No, I'm a person of my word. I'll follow through.' Reidun answered. 'If I don't respect myself, then I shouldn't expect anyone else to. You taught me that.'
She stepped out of the class and spotted Ingrid with a group that she assumed was her cohort.
'Anywho… You like him, so how bad can it be?'
"Ah, Reidun, over here," Ingrid called out, beckoning the ginger haired girl closer. "Let's get you introduced so we can begin. The sooner we get to work, the quicker we'll finish."
Reidun nodded along with the rest of the assembled group, before addressing them more directly. "I'm Reidun. A pleasure to meet you all…"
Including Reidun, Ingrid's cohort totalled 7 students. 5 nobles and 1 sorcerer's academy graduate. They seemed nice enough, but under Ingrid's hand the conversation didn't steer any further off topic than surface level polite conversation, so it wasn't really much of a measure.
They were all girls though, which had Joseph feeling mildly out of place.
In terms of the class about Classes, they didn't have anything particularly new to add. Reidun got a few more details down in her notes and shared a few back in return for an all around fruitful exchange. Unlike Reidun, most of them seemed to have learned a lot more about classes earlier, but not necessarily to the extent that the professor discussed them today.
"That should be everything, " Ingrid concluded positively. "Before you all go, I would like to mention that I aim to qualify as a Pegasus Knight. As such, our main focus will be on Flying and Lancework, and eventually Swordsmanship. If that doesn't fit your own plans, there is no issue with organising a reassignment."
"Hm, that explains the cohort composition," Joseph mused. "Pegasi don't allow male riders."
'Is that going to be a problem?' Reidun thought at him, 'with you here, I mean.'
"I don't know, we should check. You'll have some time after lunch." Joseph answered. He placed a hand on Reidun's shoulder. "Don't worry though, Ingrid seems like a good cohort leader, but I'm sure the other Blue Lions are doing good work as well."
Reidun mentally nodded, half her attention on following the cohort to the next class.
As before, Reidun found herself an unoccupied area in the dining hall and sat down to eat alone.
She hadn't intentionally split off from the cohort, it just happened that she'd needed to stop by her room after the last class. At least that is what she claimed in her defence against Joseph's judging stare.
It was as she picked up her utensils to eat that she noticed that Joseph had backed off easily… far too easily.
'What are you-?' she thought, as a tray placed itself down beside her own.
"Reidun, mind if we sit here with you?" spoke the tray's owner, one of her fellow cohort members.
Reidun smiled at the new arrival, along with the other five. Keeping in mind the emotive descriptions Joseph was giving.
"Not at all," she answered, burrowing her irritation. She did tell Joseph she'd talk if anyone approached her, and she could tell the smug bastard remembered as well. "The space should be available."
The spaces filled up quickly and the previously quiet table section was alight with conversation. To begin with, they mostly reflected on the classes up to now, as well as talking about Ingrid as a cohort leader. Which made sense given that it was all still very new to all of them, and this was the first time they were together without Ingrid, who was sat with Sylvain and Felix.
Despite herself, Reidun enjoyed the conversation…
"Oh, we should hurry up to the next class," Isabella, the one who approached her first, said.
…enough that she didn't notice that her time window to check with the pegasi had passed.
'Joseph! Why didn't you stop me?!' she thought, keeping her thoughts off her face as usual.
"We'll have time later, but it's not often you actually talk to people properly without a goal in mind." he answered, seemingly very happy with the situation.
She visualised a huff at him as she got ready for her next class.
Line Break
"...and I was thinking about hosting a tea party tonight. Would you all be interested?" Isabella proposed. She received nods from the rest of the group who's names Reidun hadn't memorised yet.
Reidun herself, though, shook her head.
"Unfortunately, I have a previous arrangement," Reidun explained.
"They're curious." Joseph quickly explained, interpreting the expressions that escaped his charge's understanding.
"I will be meeting with Sylvain," Reidun continued, and though she couldn't tell what it meant, she did notice the mood in the group shift until Joseph explained it as 'confoundment'. "Is that a problem?"
"No, no. It's just…" one of the girls, Seraphina, replied answered, "...we heard about him. From Ingrid. It's not that he's a bad person, but…"
Isabella scoffed in a very un-lady-like manner, cutting Seraphina off.
"I bet he only approached you because he noticed that our cohort leader hadn't gotten to warn you yet." she judged.
Reidun nodded in understanding,her expression mirroring what she had learned was to be appropriate.
"I have heard rumours myself," she explained, "but I would rather make my own judgement, or mistake if it comes to that."
Joseph refrained from pointing out the strange looks the attitude prompted.
Reidun didn't have much she needed to prepare beyond the usual. She already put in a notable effort in maintaining her appearance and given the academy policy it wouldn't be unusual for her to be in her uniform.
This meant that she had plenty of leeway to arrive early. Specifically, she arrived early enough to spot Sylvain saying his farewells to another girl.
'Black eagles, hm?' she thought neutrally. 'He is certainly quick.'
Rather than intrude, Reidun continued as planned and sat herself on a bench and started reading. She also distinctly ignored the way Joseph cringed at the situation playing out, or at least hid her own amusement at her companion's discomfort.
She was also aware that Sylvain had noticed her.
"...and you're planning to do nothing about it?" Joseph questioned.
'Nope,' she thought back immediately, taking the chance to approach the subject of conversation now that he was alone.
"Reidun," Sylvain greeted with his charming smirk intact. "You're early."
"I was taught that it was important to be punctual, Sylvan." she greeted back with an unflinching smile of her own. An expression that was just as fake as his.
Joseph could only let out an unheard exasperated sigh.
3rd of the Great Tree Moon, 1180
Flayn was enamoured.
She couldn't in good consciousness attribute that to the quality of the literature itself. Rather it was to do with the books cast. She could eat dinner, and spot Edelgard with the rest of the Black Eagles, and picture the prim and proper lady as the nefarious Flame Emperor. She would head up to speak with her father and see Dedue following Dmitri as a stoic guardian and could picture their devotion to doing right by Duscur. She would return to her room and could picture Claude as more than just the heir to house Riegan, a foreign prince.
Even when she reached the part where she was supposedly kidnapped by professor Jeritza disguised as the infamous 'Death Knight'. It was just so fantastical, but Seteth and the church were absolutely in character!
There were a few oddly accurate tidbits. If she hadn't been thoroughly enjoying herself, she might not have dismissed them as nothing more than a lucky guess.
Then she reached the end and it was suddenly not so fun.
The curtain dropped and everything was laid clear. The writer of this book knew everything. Rhea being Seiros; Seteth, her father, being Cichol; her being Cethleann; the Agarthians; the relics made from the corpses of her people; Sothis; all of it.
That was almost an hour ago.
Now she sat in her shadowed bed, the rest of the room alight with the flaming orange light of the sunset shining through her window. The book was still open on her desk, a few pages away from being closed.
It scared her.
'No one was supposed to know. We are supposed to be safe,' she thought.
She turned the card that came with the book over in her hands.
'And if…'
She didn't want to finish that thought.
If Seteth found out, they would have to run again. It didn't matter what the card said. The writer had underestimated how much her father cared for her. She was sure of it.
'Perhaps then, he should not know…'
It was a treacherous thought.
She could finally be around people, the possibility of losing that freedom saddened her greatly.
She considered the card again.
'...and if this really is the future, then it is horrible.'
Unless she did something about it. She could find out for herself if it was genuine. Perhaps she could do as in the story? Prove to her father that running would not protect her, that the danger to their lives was real and would not cease just because they knew not where they were.
As the end of the thought passed her by, it was no longer speculation. She would save the Fodlan's future, or she wasn't Saint Cethleann!
…but first she had to make sure to get the rest of the series away from Seteth.