Ashen Wolfs
It took at least four days for Edelgard to wield her axe again.
Though she was released the morning after, she was instructed not to swing a weapon until her body was fully healed.
Her room had been filled with get well gifts. Not just from her class, but there was one from Annette, and surprising Claude as well (she checked that one, and there was no poison on it.)
The class received her with a warm welcome when she finally got back.
Lysithea could not hide her guilt when they sat together as they now tend to do.
"Thank you...for saving me."
"It was nothing. Its my duty as house leader."
She noticed the mage started studing white magic after the incident. Even asking Linhardt for pointers.
Though not everything was perfect.
"They know she can wield the sword." Hubert said seriously. "They already had interest in her, but now knowing she could be a decendent of the Fell King, they are even more intrigued."
"Ugh, as if I needed more of their attention here."
"There is more. I am afraid I had no option but to the Death Knight to him."
"You did what !"
"I am sorry My Lady, but my hands were tied."
"Ugh, just....great. Who knows what are they gonna do with him. We don't know how well Jeritza's control is on the Death Knight."
"It still uncertain, but I have found an interesting connection. It regards one of the Blue Lions, Mercedes von Matriz."
"Mercedes ? What does she have to do with this ?"
"When she is present, it seems like Jeritza has much better control on the Knight than any other. That his human side is notably open with her. And I now know, both of them have the Lamine Crest."
"That......look more into it. See if there is something we can use so that the man is not lost."
"Understood. You spoke recently with Ms. Matriz´s best friend, Ms. Dominic. Perhaps on your next encounter you can ask her about it. It did not escape that she sent you get together gifts."
Edelgard needed to get back in shape. She had to get her head ahead of the game, with all things happening. Which is why she did some extra sparing with Byleth today.
"Thank you for the help Professor. I can't be allowed for this to happen again." Edelgard said.
"Its no problem Edelgard. An extra spar at night is just what I need to sleep."
"Yeah well.....wait, did you hear that ?"
"Yeah."
Both woman turned and saw a suspicious man, entering a corner in the monastery, and....vanishing.
"What the...."
"It looks like there is a secret passage here, and....some stairs."
"Some stairs....could it be."
"What is it ?"
"There are stories about an underground place bellow the Monastery. Were fugitives and outlaws go to rest. Abbys is called. I heard it from Anna. But she also said is very dangerous."
"Hm..."
"Professor....you want to go in there ?"
"I think I do....who knows what could be hiding this days."
Well Edelgard can't lie, she is curious about this place, and the secrets it holds.
"It might be too dangerous to head the both of us, we should find someone else too..."
BAM !
At the sound of an alarm, both woman raised their weapons to whoever was behind them.
"AAAAAH !" Bernadetta screamed The book she was holding, now on the ground. "I CONFESS, I SNEAKED AT THE LIBARY, I'M SORRY !"
"Gr, I told you to be more careful." Lysithea whispered harshly. The fact that she was holding books told she too had sneaked away.
"Bernadetta, Lysithea. What are you doing here ? Did you really sneak in the library, again." Byleth said.
"I...I'm so sorry Professor. I wanted to pick a book but there was too many people today !" Bernadetta said. "Oh now you are in such a deep trouble Bernie."
"Lysithea." Edelgard said shaking her head. "We have talked about this, do not over force your body."
"Hey, I am in perfect condition. I was just too engrossed in a book and did not notice the time."
"Book, or books ?"
"...."
"Thought so."
"So....are we in trouble. We are in trouble right, oh no..."
Byleth looked at them.
"Protocol does say I should punish you, but.....not only will it trash the reputation of my top students outside the house leader. I think I know what you can do, so we keep this a secret."
"Hm ?"
"What ?"
"Lysithea, how are you in energy, are you able to make spells ?"
"Yeah...."
"Good. Edelgard please get Bernadetta a bow. We are taking them with us to Abbys."
"I'm sorry.....where are we going again ?"
The man that Byleth and Edelgard spotted rushed too a room, where four individuals were.
Two men and two women. The first man had purple hair and wore a white cloak, like the ones the house leaders use. The second was a big muscled black haired man. The first woman is a blond with blue eyes, while the other is a red haired with red eyes.
It was the Ashen Wolfs. Yuri, Balthus, Constance, and Hapi.
"Boss, I brought it." The man said, giving Yuri a map. "The map to the item you have been looking for."
"Ah, this will come quite in handy. Thanks friend."
"Yeah but....I got some bad news boss. I think I was followed."
"Ah great, was it the knights." Hapi made a face with that. Everyone knows how much she HATES the Knights of Serios.
"No. It was just two. Both women."
"Women ?" Balthus laughed. "Hah, no worries, I will deal with them now."
"Relax Balthus. Describe this women to me."
"One had blue hair and blue eyes. She wore a cloak and....a rather exposing armor." The man blushed at that. "The other had the academy's uniform and a cloak like yours My Lord. Her's was red though."
"A red cloak like mine. That must be the Black Eagle House Leader then. And the other matches the description of the new teacher the Church hired. Interesting."
"The head of the Black Eagles is here ?" Constance said. "Hohoho. What a brilliant opportunity."
"Relax Coco." Hapi said. "For all we know, they might be too buddies with the church, or one of the nobles you hate so much."
"Relationships between the Empire and Church have greatly soured recently, so I doubt the first one. But we need to be prepared, lets go wolfs. We are gonna investigate."
"Incredible. To think a space like this existed beneath the Monastery." Lysithea said.
"Close room. No contact with the outside.....how can I move in here ?" Bernadetta said.
"I would not suggest that little lady. Living here is tough, and you don't seem like the type."
"GAH !" Bernadetta screamed, hiding behind Byleth's back.
The four were approached by another four.
"Great job B, you scared the poor thing." Hapi said.
"Gah, I am sorry about that. Didn't mean too."
"Who are you ?" Byleth asked.
"I am afraid I ask the questions here friend." Yuri said. "Hm, you are all from the Black Eagles, so I can ease a bit but still.....wait..."
Yuri's eyes went straight to the hiding girl.
"Hold on a second. Bernadetta ?"
All eyes went to the purple haired girl.
"Huh...how do you know my name.....wait a moment.....YURI !"
The Ashen Wolfs turned to their leader who chuckled.
"Hahaha, so its really you. Man, of all the people I expected to find, you weren't certainly not on the list."
"Wha....but how....I thought you died, I thought father..."
"He did, and I died, but I survived, and now I am here. How's your mother by the way ?"
"Uh...she is fine."
"Good good. Stephanie is one of the few people I respect on this land. Oh guys stand down, this gals are no threat."
Noticing there was not gonna be a fight, both groups stood down.
"Sorry for the tense introduction. We are always on the edge here. My name is Yuri, and my companions are the big guy Balthus, the blond is Constance, and last is our dear Hapi."
"Byleth Eisner." Byleth introduced herself. "I'm the teacher of the Black Eagles this year. This are my students, Edelgard, Lysithea, and well, you know Bernadetta."
"Wait, Lysithea." Balthus said. "I heard that name before, you are Count Ordelia's daughter ?"
"That's right. How do you know my parents ?"
"Ah they saved my life back on the day. Nothing special. By the way, shouldn't you be on the Golden Deer ?"
"I transfered. And what do you mean my parents saved you."
"Ah, thats a long tale little lady."
"Hahahaha, Your name is Edelgard ? Isn't that the name of the Imperial Princess ? What a sad coincidence." Constance laughed.
Edelgard just glared.
"Coco.....I think that is the Imperial Princess." Hapi whispered.
"Oh..."
Suddenly Constance fell on her knees and bowed to Edelgard.
"YOUR HIGHNESS, PLEASE TAKE MY APOLOGIES FOR MY COMMENTS. I AM SO SORRY. THE HEIR OF HOUSE NUVELLE BOWS TO YOU."
"What the..."
"I AM WILLING TO LICK YOUR BOOTS FOR FOGIVNESS."
"Lick my what now ?"
"Yuri Bird, please tell her the truth about your joke." Hapi grumbled. Yuri laughed about that. "Anyway, hey I guess. Name is Hapi. Unlike everyone else, I really have no idea who you guys are."
"Pleasure to meet you Hapi." Byleth said.
"Anyway, with that cleared out. Why are you people here ?"
"We followed a man that came here."
"Ah, he was recovering.....something for me."
"What was that..." Edelgard asked.
"Well...."
"No." Byleth said. "Don't tell us. That way we will have deniability in case we are asked."
Edelgard found herself nodding at that. It seems the Church hasn't been able to fully get to Byleth. She has a chance still...
"Well would you look at that. I like you friend." Yuri said.
"Seriosly, you gals are making us a solid with this."
Balthus said. "No questions for the Church would be nice."
"Yeah, I dread to think what would happen if we get in trouble with the knights again." Hapi grumbled. "Tipical."
"You seem to not like the Church," Edelgard commented.
"Oh no, Hapi HATES the Church," Balthus laughed. "She is usually emotionless, but trust me, she would do anything to cause trouble for them."
"Causing trouble is your thing B, but yeah, I got no love for them."
"Interesting." Edelgard mumbled.
There is something about Hapi that.....that she needs to look farther.
"Of course, none of us blame Hapi for her feelings." Constance said. "Unlike us, she literally can't get out of here, even if she wishes to."
"What do you mean ?" Lysithea asks. "Why is the Church keeping her here ?"
"Hapi has a....condition, lets say it like that..."
"No need to hide it Coco. Basically, I was captured and experimented at by a lady. She essentially cursed me. Every time I sigh, monsters come."
Edelgard winced when she mentioned she was experimented at, and she noticed Lysithea did the same. Edelgard had not expected to find another of their victims here.
"That does not seem fair." Byleth said. "No one should be kept inside here against their will."
"Heh, what to do, its not like I have a choice."
"What if you were a student at the Academy ?"
"I'm sorry if I was what now ?"
"If you were my student, I could escort you out." Byleth said.
"Huh...you want to take me as your student."
"Yes, though my house leader has to also approve.
All eyes went to Edelgard as she considered the decision.
She can't deny the dangers. If Hapi were to sigh, who knows what could happen.
That said....Edelgard knows what it is to be locked underground. And even if this place is much nicer than the dungeons, its still essentially a prison.
"I agree with your desicion, My Teacher."
"Maybe all of you could join us." Byleth said to the other wolfs.
"Hah, I appreciate the offer friend, I truly do." Yuri said. "But our situation is more complicated. Balthus, Constance, and I already attended the Academy. And the Church only allow reintegration under specific circumstances. It will be easier to make a case for Hapi alone."
"Yeah, but hey, if you need some extra muscle, don't hesitate to call me." Balthus said.
"Oh yes, and you must allow me to show you my magical mastermind, specially you your Highness !" Constance said.
"So I am becoming a student huh.....meh, if it gets me out of here sure." Hapi said. "You do seem like an interesting person Chatterbox."
"Chatterbox ?"
"Oh Hapi calls everyone by nicknames. Yuri Bird, B, Coco, you'll get use to it." Yuri said. "Anyway, I think you should all go back soon, the sun is about to come out, and a knight always checks the entrance at that time. Oh and say hi to Stephanie for me, will you Bernadetta ?"
"Uh....sure sure....yeah."
"So how did it go, did the Church accept your proposal ?"
"Seteth wasn't happy, but Rhea and Flayn managed to convince him. Hapi is in our class now."
"That's good, its nice to have another mage with us."
"I agree. I'll have to improve our class plans to fit her in."
"If you need any help, you can ask me Professor."
Byleth nodded. "Say Edelgard.....I was speaking with Hilda earlier today. She is your room neighbor, isn't she ?"
"Yeah....she is."
"She said she heard screaming from your room."
"Oh...."
"Is everything alright ?"
"Its...its nothing. Its just nightmares. Something silly."
"Its nothing silly. A lot of the students have talked to me about their nightmares."
"They...they have ?"
"Bernadetta, Lysithea, and Dorothea have all said the same. They are haunted by nightmares a lot."
Oh....Bernadetta and Lysithea were no surprise, considering what she knows of them. But why does Dorothea have them constantly a lot....
"They all say that is about their past. I assume yours are as well."
"They....they are. Its a long story and....I will tell you, but swear to me you will tell no one about this." Edelgard did not know why she was gonna open up....she just wanted to.
"I swear."
She nodded at her. "I appreciate it. I dream of...my older brother, paralyzed, helpless... my older sister crying for help that never came... the youngest babbling words beyond meaning. I see my family dying slowly, waiting in the darkest depths for a glimmer of light. I once had ten siblings, eight older and two younger. Such a large family, and yet I became the heir to the throne. Do you know why? Every last one of them was crippled by disease or lost their mind or died. I was the only one left who could inherit the throne." She shouldn't have. She was not even in consideration for the throne.
"That's....that's horrible."
"Things kept getting worse. The darkness kept getting darker. In the end, I was the only one who survived. The nightmares are a reminder...to never forget. To never allow such terrible things to happen again."
"I see....still, I don't think your siblings would like you not to sleep."
"Heh, I suppose they wouldn't. My eldest sister always scolded me for that.....what about you Professor, any nightmares you might want to tell me about."
"I....wouldn't say its a nightmare. But....its a regret."
"A regret ?"
"Months before I met you, Jeralt and I took a job on the Alliance. We were to make sure some supplies arrived. Another group of mercs were hired to stop us, and we fought. On the battle, I faced this girl. She was the strongest of her group, so when she started killing our men, I stepped in."
"Did she....hurt you on any way ?"
"No. I was sad she killed some of our mercs, but....our battle was short. I won pretty easily, and....I killed her."
"She was your enemy Professor. And she killed people of your group, if you had to kill her, so be it."
"That's how it felt before. But lately I've been wondering. She was down before I struck her, maybe I could have let her go."
"There is no point on asking that My Teacher. Yes she might have surrendered, but she might have attacked again, or she could have sworn revenge against you and your father. I am in on sparing foes, but only when I'm sure its not gonna haunt me."
"I suppose you are right. Well I need to prepare for class now. See you later Edelgard."
"Goodbye Professor."
Edelgard watched her go, not knowing what to feel. She had never opened herself to anyone like that.
Edelgard had expected a lot of things when she came in, but Byleth Eisner is not one of those.
She can only hope she doesn't get burn by the mighty fire she is playing with.