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Imperial Year 1180

Pegasus Moon

Sunday 8th


It had been just over a week since the latest loss in Byleths life. Only a month prior, her father had been assassinated by a shapeshifter, who was herself killed a week ago, right before Sothis sacrificed her existence to save Byleth from Solons dark dimension.



The difference between the two was that when Jeralt passed, the entire monastery was there with words of condolence or encouragement. Byleth didnt want to think about what might have happened had her precious students not been there to pull her out of her depression. Even the hermit Bernadetta had made the rare excursion from her dorm room to leave flowers on her fathers grave and try to make her professor feel better.



There had been a few changes about Byleth since Sothis essence had become one with her form. The first and most obvious was the change in her hair and eye colours respectively dark teal and sea-blue, inherited from her late mother now both a cool, minty green. The other was this feeling of high energy flowing through her body. She was more energetic, tired much slower and always awoke fully refreshed when she slept. She was also fairly sure her magic was more powerful now but she had yet to put aside time to test this theory.



Instead, she chose to spend her day off for this week down in Abyss, perusing the secret library. Yuri and Constance had both mentioned the hidden knowledge kept down here, away from the eyes of the Church above. She wondered if there might be a tome down here that concerned whatever it was Sothis had done to save her.



When nothing turned up in her searches for possession and fusion, Byleth moved on to ego death, personality integration and then consciousness suppression. That last one, a term that Byleth just intrinsically knew without ever having heard it, yielded results.



It turned out (according to these lost scholars) that there was some sort of technique that allowed one to access the unconscious mind and implant suggestions for a subject to follow. It was a far cry from what Byleth had been researching, but instead of moving on, she found her newly-recoloured eyes glued to the pages, reading and rereading every word recorded on this exciting new subject.



Supposedly, this hypnotism technique was quite powerful when performed upon a willing subject, and was unrelated to any form of magic, meaning that even those with no such aptitude could potentially learn to master it.



As was to be expected, the author asserted that Saint Seiros herself had marked this as knowledge to be suppressed in her rewriting of history and destruction of anything that threatened her new world order. Byleth had never been sure how to feel about these claims in other tomes of the Shadow Library, but she knew this technique if it truly was as potent as the book claimed would be well worth researching.



What filled Byleths heart with excitement was the prospect of how she might be able to use this technique to help her students. Some were the kind to overwork themselves and reject suggestions to slow down. Others had certain character flaws that might be able to be corrected, from clumsiness to lack of tact to low self-esteem.



Two students in particular came to mind when she considered the latter of those quirks: Bernadetta von Varley and Constance von Nuvelle. Constances situation was manageable thanks to her sudden mood swings. If she was inside, she was much cheerier.



But Bernadetta lived in a near-constant state of skittishness, rather like a lost kitten. She rarely left her room when not necessary to attend classes or embark on missions with her rest of the Black Eagles. And when she did, she tended to seek a spot that would help her blend into the background. And failing that, she would scream and flee the scene. And it had only gotten worse over the last month or so, since Jeralts death and Byleths own near-death. If either of the two was in need of a boost to her confidence, it was certainly the carnivorous plant enjoyer.



Byleth made several notes about the induction technique before smuggling the book out of Abyss. Luckily, Byleths room was right next to the secret entrance to Abyss, so evading detection was beyond simple. Before she could visit Bernadetta, Byleth needed some sort of pendulum. They were apparently very effective tools for the induction. So, off she went to the market.



* * *



Anna was there, as per usual. If one desired an unusual item not intended for school or combat, the redheads stall was the one to visit.



How about this one? Anna asked, holding up a clear diamond at the end of a chain of golden spheres.



Expensive Byleth uttered before she could stop herself.



Anna chuckled good-heartedly. You bet. But look how pretty it is. Byleth almost respected how brazenly honest the merchant was. She worried about the exorbitant cost, but for her precious students, Byleth would find a way.



May I see it? Byleth asked.



Sure. For most, Annas response would have been a flat no. But Byleth stopped by so often and had helped her with some bandits a while back, so Anna was more than amenable with her.



Byleth took the pretty chain and looked deep into the crystal. She could just about make out her own reflection staring back at her. Based on how the induction process was described and the kinds of pendulums suggested by the tome, Byleth was certain this was a winner.



How much then?



Anna leaned in conspiratorially. You know, this thing would go for hundreds of thousands in certain parts of Fdlan. But for you, Professor, Id be willing to bring it down to lets say fifty thousand?



Steep, Byleth sighed.



I know, Anna chuckled. But no business can survive without remaining competitive. And it takes a special kind of customer to earn this kind of discount.



Byleth knew Anna was just buttering her up to convince her to buy it at that high price, and she was annoyed that it was working. Byleth stared into the crystal, which looked almost like it was made of glass with how clear it was. She could even see Annas face through its many facets. Her smile bordered on predatory, barely even hiding it when she could smell how badly Byleth wanted it.



As she stared into the crystal, weighing up her options and planning her budget for the next month if she did go for it, her own reflection in the jewel blurred and melted, mint green filling the entire thing, dying it the pale green of the goddess. Byleth was amazed as she watched it slip through her fingers and fall, the chain catching in her grasp and giving the jewel some motion.



She watched it sway back and forth slightly, smiling slightly as she realised she had dropped it into the perfect position for an induction, based on the diagram in that dusty old tome. Byleth watched a little longer before she refocused her vision onto Anna, who appeared as fascinated by the jewels colour change as she was.



Okay, Anna. Ill take it, Byleth finally agreed. She wondered briefly if Anna might be sad to see it go, based on how she stared at it.



okay... youll take it Anna responded with a dazed airiness to her tone. Only after she spoke did Byleth really take in Annas features. There was something off about the way she stared at the crystal, her eyes following the smooth arc as it swayed. Byleth eventually noticed Anna was no longer blinking. And on top of that, her eyes, despite remaining glued to the crystal, had a certain faraway look to them, as if they were not actually seeing the thing they were following.



It was a glaze that Byleth, as a teacher for the last year, recognised quite well. Many students bore this glaze while not paying attention to their instructor (although, it had become a much less common occurrence since shed started). But surely such a glaze was impossible, given how active those very same eyes were in following the crystal



It took Byleth an embarrassingly long time to realise what had just happened: without even trying to, Byleth had hypnotized Anna. It surely wasnt some innate prodigious skill at this lost technique she very much doubted she was to hypnotism what Lysithea was to magic.



The green hue of the crystal was now beginning to fade and Byleth began to wonder if that dyeing was the cause of her supposed skill. A few seconds after the crystal became clear again, Annas eyes also cleared. She blinked and shook her head, as if to clear it of whatever was gunking up her thoughts. It brought to mind the several nights Byleth had spent with Edelgard when the house leader was struck with a bout of insomnia, her professor remaining by her side until she found herself struggling to stay awake.



Oh, sorry about that, Professor, Anna apologised weakly. I mustve stayed up too late counting my inventory. What were we saying? Oh, right. You go ahead and take that. I hope youll come back soon! Annas ability to rebound into the perfect, chipper saleswoman never failed to impress Byleth. And now especially, she felt like she had been struck by the same affliction as Constance, snapping between dour and lifeless, and cheery and energetic.



Are you sure? Why? Despite feeling like this was a bad idea, Byleth asked anyway, her intellectual curiosity getting the better of her, wanting to see what Anna would say.



Of course Im sure. Why wouldnt I be?



Youre just giving this to me?



Uh-huh.



For free?



Yep.



Why?



Huh?



Why are you giving me this expensive item for free?



I Well Anna grasped for an answer that refused to come. Byleth had briefly wondered if her mind might have made up an answer to protect her from the profound confusion that now overtook her, but it seemed the logical hole would simply remain there until she fell into it. Why did



Byleth felt bad for doing this to her. She knew how sudden strong emotions could confuse herself, especially back when shed first started at the academy. She imagined Anna was experiencing something similar. She held up the crystal again, letting it sway slightly and tried to recall exactly what she had done to infuse some sort of power into the jewel. And before she knew it, shed done it again.



Anna, look at the crystal, Byleth commanded, trying to keep Anna from making a scene. Whether due to this unknown power or trust or Annas mind simply needing a distraction from the confusion, Anna obeyed. Her red eyes fell upon the green crystal, following it to and fro, losing that shine they were known for. After only a few seconds, she appeared to have been hypnotized once again.



Anna, listen to me.



okay



Creepy. Anyway, youre giving this to me because its a loan. To help my students.



loan help students



Thats right, Anna. This crystal is going to help my students. Youre going to help my students.



help your students i will



Doesnt it feel good to help the students?



yes... feels good



Helping the students makes you feel good. You want to help them succeed.



help them... succeed feels good



Byleth let out a deep sigh. She had been tempted to concoct an excuse for Anna to give her the jewel for free, but she simply could not look her in the eye and take advantage of her like that. If her plan worked, Byleth decided she would buy it fully instead of returning it. But for now, she had what she came for.



She focused on letting her energy leave the diamond, clearing it of colour once again, and watched Anna return to life.



Again I must be really tired. Maybe I should close up early today Her eyes fell upon Byleth and she smiled what appeared to be a genuine smile. I hope that helps you help your students, Professor.



I-Im sure it will. Thank you, Anna.



Oh, you dont need to thank me. If it helps your students, Im more than happy to chip in.



Byleth smiled back, satisfied with the results. Im glad to hear it. Goodbye.



See you later, Professor! Anna cheered as Byleth walked away. She let out a deep, satisfied sigh. It felt good to help the students. In fact, a couple of them were on their way over right now. Hey there, you two. What can I do for you on this lovely, sunny day?



* * *



Returning to her room, Byleth collected her secret tome, stuffed it into a satchel with her new hypnotic device, and departed for Bernadettas room. In a way, it was lucky that the young hermit was her subject of choice, offering Byleth a private location away from prying eyes and making the act of finding her a breeze.



Byleth knocked to a very particular rhythm she had adopted to immediately inform the occupant that it was her professor coming to visit. Bernadettas (relatively) calm tone as she called out Y-Yes!? was a testament to its effectiveness.



Bernadetta? Its me.



The sound of quiet shuffling and then several heavy metallic locks clicking open came before the occupant said another word. Evidently, she had become even more paranoid since Ingrid kicked her last door in a while back. Byleth was wondering where Bernadetta had gotten the money and knowhow to install those locks when the girl in question opened her door a crack to peer out at her teacher. This alone was great progress from those early months where even this much was out of the question for her.



Hi, Byleth said with a warm smile. I have something Id like to talk with you about. Is it okay if I come in?



Bernadetta hesitated. She had allowed Byleth access a few times before, but never by her own initiative. She stepped back, allowing Byleth to enter. As usual, Byleth took a seat at her students desk, leaving her bed completely untouched as a show of good faith.



Bernedetta avoided eye contact, leaving Byleth to take the lead. Thank you for letting me in.



I-Its nothing, Professor



Maybe. But thats kind of what I wanted to talk to you about. Bernadetta watched curiously as Byleth emptied her satchel onto her lap. This tome has some interesting ideas. Youve not been there, but theres a library down in Abyss with a whole bunch of books no one up here has ever heard of.



She perked up at that. A large pile of books sat in one corner, some provided by Byleth herself. It was one of her main hobbies whilst holed up in her room all day. Byleth smiled. Ill bring you some sometime. But this one has some interesting ideas written in it. Have you ever heard of something called Hypnotism?



No. What is it? Not overcome with fear by assuming the worst off the bat. Good.



Its a state of mind. Like deep meditation. It allows the subject to enter a state that I think could be helpful for bringing you out of your shell a bit. Byleth intentionally left out the open to suggestion part, lest the poor girl think this was all some ploy to control her mind and humiliate her.



How so? There was slight intrigue in the girls tone.



Essentially, it would make it easier to motivate you towards certain ideas, like being okay going outside and such.



Bernadettas face paled slightly, eyes widening just the tiniest bit. Byleth could recognise the change, marvelling at how well she was maintaining her composure despite her clear concern.



Im not going to force you to do this. I just want to offer you the chance to try, to see if we can bolster your courage a bit. What do you say?



Bernadetta sat in contemplation for a few seconds before asking, Have you done this before? Byleth couldnt tell if she was asking out of genuine interest or trying to find an excuse to say no. Fortunately, Byleth wouldnt have to lie.



I have. It worked.



W-What did you do?



Okay, now she was going to have to lie. There wasnt a way Byleth could see to frame what she did to Anna in a way that wouldnt frighten the eighteen-year-old. Her mind raced to find the person most likely to go along with her lie without asking questions up front, and one student in particular came to mind.



I hypnotized Edelgard earlier today.



Hypnotized? Is that what its called when you use this hypnotism thing?



Yes. Edelgard agreed to give it a try to help her get some rest. When she realised how close she was coming to letting Edelgards personal problems slip, Byleth added, You know how she overworks herself.



Bernadetta nodded slightly, accepting the lie wholesale. And Byleth was confident the house leader would agree to pretend this was all true for the sake of helping her classmate.



So, Byleth continued, leaving no time for Bernadetta to doubt her, are you interested in giving this a try, Bernadetta? Would you like to see if we can make you a little more confident with this?



Bernadetta sat in silence, weighing up her options. It was clear that the idea did appeal to her, but that the numerous unknowns were holding her back. She obviously needed one last push. Byleth held out her hand and smiled.



You follow me into battle every month, Bernadetta. Be it against bandits or the people who killed my father, or even demonic beasts. Have I ever steered you wrong before?



N-No. You always look out for me and keep me safe when when I lose my composure. I trust you, Professor, I just



I understand. We can stop at any time if youre uncomfortable. Just say Byleth looked around her students room and her eyes landed on a hedgehog plushie she knew the purple-haired girl was rather fond of. Just say hedgehog and well stop and reassess, no questions asked. Okay?



Bernadettas eyes fell upon the plushie and she seemed to recognise that Byleth was trying to make her feel as comfortable and at-ease as possible. She nodded. O-Okay. Ill give it a try.



Thank you, Bernadetta. Byleth moved her chair closer to the bed, sitting eye-to-eye with her student. She opened the tome in her lap and looked over the instructions for the umpteenth time. If this was to become a regular thing, she had to get it right the first time. She lifted the crystal to rest between the two womens eyes. Bernadettas rested upon it instantly.



A-Am I supposed to look at this thing? she asked nervously.



Thats right. I want you to focus your eyes on the pretty crystal and listen to my words. Can you do that for me?



Y-Yes. I can do that.



Very good. Now, take a nice, deep breath and relax. Bernadetta obeyed. It seemed the soft tone Byleth had adopted was going to be effective for this induction. Keep your eyes focused on the crystal as it sways back and forth. Baaack and fooorth. Bernadettas greyish violet eyes did as requested, perfectly following along with that smooth, hypnotic sway.



As with Anna earlier, Byleth focused her own attention on the crystal, filling its facets with that cool green that had entranced the merchant. She watched through the jewel as Bernadettas eyes continued to follow along with the sway, seemingly unperturbed by the sudden change in colour of the sole thing she was focused on. That was probably a good sign.



Just like that, Bernie. You dont mind me calling you Bernie do you? If she agreed, it meant she saw her as a friend.



no Bernie intoned softly. Definitely a good sign.



Thank you. Keep your focus on the jewel and my voice. The jewel and my voice.



jewel and your voice



Back and forth.



back and forth



To and fro.



to and fro



Becoming deeply relaxed.



deeply relaxed



Feeling so very good right now.



feeling good A sleepy, dazed smile spread across Bernadettas lips as she repeated these words, as they took root in her mind.



Okay, Bernie, almost there. Unlike with Anna, Byleth was going to take Bernadetta all the way down into the full trance state discussed in the book. Take in every detail of the green crystal before you. Commit it all to memory, so deeply that you can recall it with your eyes closed. Can you do that for me?



commit to memory very deep yes, professor I can do that for you



Very good, Bernie. Commit it to memory, see it in your minds eye, even as your own pretty eyes close shut. Nice and tight.



Bernadettas eyes slowly closed, and every muscle in her body appeared to relax. Once again, the image of a sleep-deprived Edelgaard came to Byleths mind, recalling how her other student looked as sleep took her, overseen by her teacher before she dared leave her side. Byleth slowly, gently, moved closer and lowered Bernadettas unresisting body onto the bed.



Do you still see the crystal, Bernadetta?



yes professor i see it



Byleth sighed and allowed her magical grip on the crystal to loosen. After quickly testing her theory that even this trance might end if she let the crystal revert (it didnt), she set it aside, keeping only the book to cross reference her rehearsed instructions as she gave them.



Very good, Bernie. Youre doing so well for me.



for you



Emphasising that Bernadetta was helping Byleth was a manipulation tactic to keep her self-confidence issues from surfacing until she was done. If this were purely for her own benefit, she might second guess herself, even now. But if she was acting in the interest of her teacher, she would try to stick it out. Byleth felt bad for manipulating her this way, but this was ultimately for Bernadettas benefit, so she pushed those feelings down deep and continued.



Youre even repeating what I say to show me how well youre listening, arent you?



i am listening



You want to show me what a good girl you are, dont you?



good girl The corners of Bernedettas soft lips curved upwards.



Thats right. Youre a very good girl. And good girls do as their professor asks, dont they?



yes good girls do as Professor says



Good girls follow instructions.



good girls follow instructions



Good girls obey.



obey



That should drive the point home. The book insisted upon the importance of incentivising obedience, disincentivising disobedience, and repetition of terms to effectively enforce ideas. While she felt weird and controlling, Byleth felt this approach, these words, would prove the best way to make Bernadetta feel good about following her instructions.



Will you obey me, Bernadetta?



yes, Professor i will obey



Very good, Bernie. Now, Id like to discuss your fear of the outside. Weve talked about the cause in the past. But Id like to discuss ways to help you feel more comfortable out there. What is it about being in here, alone, that makes you feel so comfortable compared to outside?



Bernadettas small body shuffled slightly on the bed, as if the question made her uncomfortable. But she didnt utter her safeword. Instead, she began to explain. feel safe no danger no judgement can be myself



Judgement? What makes you think you cant be yourself out there?



dont know cant describe it The student seemed upset by this.



Its okay, Bernie. Im not upset. Well figure this out, okay?



okay The creases in her expression smoothed out at that.



You know your classmates consider you their friend, right? Edelgard, Dorothea, Petra and the rest. Even the students in other houses do.



not felix



Yes, but Felix is well, Felix. Hed still put his life on the line to keep you safe on the battlefield. Everyone wants to see you safe and happy. We want to see you flourish, Bernie. Your classmates, your fellow students, even the faculty.



Bernadetta said nothing to question this, even when given a brief pause to do so. She knew it was true.



They wont judge you if we try a little exercise. Just something to try and help you out. Id like you to listen to me and accept what Im about to tell you as the truth. Even if you know it isnt true, can you humour me a while?



okay The slight pause before she answered showed how much faith she was putting in Byleth, in spite of her reservations. It seemed that, however deep her trance was, Bernie was still Bernie.



Thank you. Youre such a good girl. Now, you feel the most comfortable here in your room, yes?



yes



This room is your home.



my home



Its where you live.



where I live



You live here, at the monastery.



at the monastery



This is your home.



my home



Its where you sleep, where you read where you talk to your professor.



sleep read talk



Thats right. Every student here has their own room. Their own home.



own home



And Linhardt sleeps anywhere he pleases.



sleeps anywhere



Lysithea reads books anywhere she pleases.



reads anywhere



I talk to you anywhere I please.



talk anywhere



Its all part of our home. The dorms, the grounds, the classrooms. Its all part of our home.



our home



Thats right. The whole monastery is your home.



all of it



Not just this one small room.



not just this room Again, some hesitation. Byleth slowed down a little.



Thats right. Youre doing a very good job so far, Bernie. Youre a very good girl.



Byleth gently reached out and moved a tuft of hair out of Bernadettas face. In some ways, it felt like training a kitten through positive reinforcement. The only difference was, this kitty could understand and obey.



Okay, now if the whole monastery is your home, you can relax and do the things you enjoy doing in here, anywhere. Right?



right?



Linhardt isnt judged for where he sleeps. Lysithea isnt judged for where she reads. Im not judged for where I talk to you. You wont be judged for where you relax or enjoy yourself. Doesnt that make sense?



Inviting her to participate a little more actively in the conversation evoked the classroom dynamic where Byleth always sought to make her students feel at ease, and forced the subjects mind to more actively engage with the instructions.



not judged



Thats right. So, Bernie, Id like you to stand for me.



stand for you



Bernadetta slowly, languidly pulled herself off the edge of the bed and stood, her loose neck hanging limply over her chest.



Doing good so far, but lets see you do very good. Stand up straight, like a soldier.



yes, Maam It seemed evoking the battlefield could help contextualise Bernadettas obedient mental state. Good to know



Alright. One last thing to reach very good. Id like you to open those pretty eyes of yours and let me see them, but youre not to wake up. I want you to stay in this nice, relaxing trance. Can you do that for me?



Bernadettas answer came as she did exactly that, opening her glassy, lifeless eyes to half capacity, paying no mind to the finger Byleth waved back and forth before them. Even so, she still verbalised her obedience: yes, Professor



Very good, Bernie. Youre a very good girl. And what do good girls do?



good girls obey No hesitation. It seemed the idea had fully taken root.



And Id like this good girl to come outside with me. Byleth held out a hand for her to take. With only the slightest hesitation, Bernadetta took her hand. Byleth led her to the door and opened it just a crack to make sure the coast was clear. For all her talk of no judgment, half of that had been baloney. But she was sure she could cover for her if anyone did come along.



The air was slightly chilly, but not enough that she needed to worry for Bernadettas health. Byleth led her sleepwalking student down the steps and onto the lawn in front of the dormitory.



Okay, Bernie. Where are you?



It seemed there were a few ways Bernadetta thought to answer the question, but she did ultimately give the answer Byleth sought: home



Thats right, Bernie. Youre home. In your home. Your home where no one will judge you. What do you do when youre home?



To her surprise, Bernadettas hand slipped out of hers, moving in tandem with its twin and began tugging at one of her thigh-high boots. She slipped it off, leaving her leg and foot bare. She then did the same with the other boot. Bernadetta stood barefoot on the lawn, wiggling her small toes freely in the grass. It was a far cry from what she expected of the wallflower, but once she imagined her student doing this in the plush carpet of her room, it made perfect sense.



How do you feel so far, Bernie?



mmm relaxed calm



Do you normally go bootless in your room?



yes, Professor



Why were you wearing them today then?



embarrassed



Embarrassed? Why? You dislike people seeing your feet?



yes, Professor dont like it



Is there a particular reason?



no



Okay, lets see Youre nice and calm right now. Relaxed. At home.



calm relaxed at home



Thats right. Youre in a place where you dont need to feel embarrassed about them anymore. Home. You are home.



home



Very good. Focus on how pleasant it feels to have the soft grass under your feet. Bernadetta scrunched her toes in the grass, a small shiver running up her body. Is that good, Bernie?



yes, Professor very good



Being embarrassed about your feet will keep you from enjoying this feeling, wont it?



yes



Its better to enjoy this than to worry about what others think, isnt it?



yes



Very good. If you enjoy it, you should do it. Never mind what others think.



enjoy it do it



Thats right, Bernie. Now, Im going to count to five. Each number will bring you a little closer to awakening from this trance. When you awaken, you will be calm and happy, and we will discuss this little exercise. Sound good?



yes very good bernie is good girl



Byleth smiled. Yes, you are, Bernie. Youre such a good girl. Youve done incredibly well for me all throughout. Im very proud of you.



Bernies face lit up at that, in spite of the sleepy slackness of this state.



Okay, Bernie. One, starting to come up for me, satisfied with what weve achieved. Two, understanding what weve done and what this means for you. Three, the world coming back into focus around us. Four, feeling calm and relaxed as you come back to wakefulness. And five, Bernie, wake up for me. Byleth snapped her fingers to drive the point home.



Bernadettas eyes were back to normal in a flash, the glaze of obedience replaced by a clarity that Byleth loved to see in her students eyes. While she half expected Bernadetta to immediately panic about her change in location and dress, she instead obeyed her instructions and remained calm. She did ask What happened? though.



Give it a moment to let your waking mind catch up. You should recall everything in a moment.



Bernadettas body language confirmed this to be the case. Her eyes widened, but in wonder, not fear. Her mouth went slack once more, but now in amazement. Wow That That really happened.



Byleth grinned. It did. Do you see where we are, Bernadetta?



For the first time since awakening, Bernadettas eyes left Byleths, looking around the outdoor area she had not realised she had walked into. Were outside.



Mmhm. How do you feel about that?



I feel calm? I feel calm. Im outside and I feel calm. Each repetition only further cemented the idea for the both of them that this odd experiment had borne fruit.



And what are you wearing?



Bernadetta appeared slightly confused. She looked down and noticed her lack of footwear, bare toes scrunching in the grass once more, as if trying to hide from her teachers view. She looked up again, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. I-I Why?



Seeing that this would be slightly tougher for Bernadetta to accept, Byleth reached down and slipped off her own boots. Not only did this bring Byleth a little closer to Bernadettas height, but it also just felt good to feel the grass under her stockinged feet. It must have shown on her face because Bernadetta seemed to calm down a little, letting her own feet relax in the grass.



Wow, you werent kidding. This feels wonderful, Byleth winked at her student. Bernadetta smiled slightly, still blushing. See? Nothing to feel embarrassed about, Bernie.



Bernadetta seemed slightly taken aback by the nickname but gave it a moment and seemed to relax.



Its still okay if I call you that, right?



Y-Yes, Professor. Its okay. A-Actually, I sort of like it



Bernie it is, then. But not in class. Only when its just the two of us.



Bernie nodded. Just the two of us.



Byleth couldnt help but smirk a bit at the trancelike repetition. So, feeling more confident now, Bernie?



Bernadetta contemplated the question for a moment. As she did, Byleth noticed Edelgard and Dorothea in the distance behind their classmate. Fortunately, while the other girls noticed the two and clearly noticed their lack of shoes, they chose to leave the two alone for the time being. Byleth mentally cleared her schedule for the discussion she knew shed soon be having with the house leader.



I I think I am. This feels natural?



You dont mind being outside?



No, Professor.



You dont mind being barefoot.



N- well



Only a little?



Only a little, Bernie nodded.



Im proud of you Bernadetta. You gave this thing a try, even without knowing all that much about it. You followed my instructions perfectly. You let me guide you on this path of self-improvement and helped me gain experience to help other students. Thank you, Bernie.



Byleth hugged Bernadetta, pressing the younger womans squishy face into her squishy chest. She could feel the heat radiating off of Bernies reddened cheeks. By the time the hug ended, Bernie was back to her usual, flustered self. Byleth smiled and gently booped her on the nose to calm her down.



Shall we head back inside? Id like to talk to you some more about your favourite books.



Bernadetta hesitated a moment before asking, Actually, could we maybe N-No, I shouldnt-



Say what you want, Bernie. Byleths tone was stern but gentle. She hoped being commanding would keep Bernie in the right headspace instead of relapsing.



O-Okay Um, can we stay outside a little longer? I kinda like it here.



The sun is nice and warm, isnt it? The breeze nice and cool?



Yes, Professor.



Perfect weather for chatting with a friend?



Bernadetta beamed at the idea. Yes! Friends!



Alright. Lets take a seat on the steps and enjoy the grass as we chat.



Bernadetta practically bounced as she obeyed Byleths suggestion, readying herself for what would surely be an hours-long chat with her favourite teacher.



In the weeks that followed, three things stood out to Byleth:



First, Bernadetta seemed generally happier than before. She was more willing to go outside, less prone to panic, even during training missions.



Second, she had a habit of slipping her boots off during class, visible relaxing whenever she did so. Byleth noticed the odd glance from her classmates, but none seemed to take issue with it. And if Bernie herself noticed their stares, she showed no signs of caring.



And third, Anna had suddenly joined Byleths class, volunteering to answer questions and assist whenever a volunteer was needed. It took Byleth longer than it should have to realise why this had happened, and just before she could do anything about it, a war broke out



* * *



Imperial Year 1185

Ethereal Moon

Thursday 25th


Five years after the onset of the war, Byleth returned from her half-decade of sleep. It seemed Sothis power had saved her once again. She made her way back to the monastery, reuniting with Edelgard and the rest of the Black Eagles on the very day they had promised to reunite five years prior.



All of her students were quick to express how deeply thankful they were for her survival. Edelgard was one of the two that stood out the most, seeming to have lost some of her fire without her teacher by her side. This was regretful but expected. But the other standout was Bernadetta, who asked to see Byleth later that evening.



Since the war began, the Empire had taken the monastery as their base of operations. It was a strategically sound plan, given its position at the centre of Fdlan, making it the perfect site from which to strike at the Kingdom and Alliance. Not to mention the hit to the morale of the Church forces at the loss of their home. But it also had the benefit of giving Byleths former students a place to feel comfortable.



Case in point: Bernadetta was still living out of that same small room that she had been five years ago. From what she heard from Edelgard, Dorothea and Caspar, Bernadetta had been more outgoing in the years since Byleth was lost, but she still struggled some with social situations.



But she wouldnt have guessed that when she knocked on Bernadettas door and found it opening in record time. No lengthy unlocking of bolts, no moment to put her boots on, just opening the door right away without even hearing the visitors voice to confirm it was her. Once it opened, Bernie pulled her inside and hugged her. The tears flowed freely, making Byleths chest feel decidedly colder than it had the last time theyd hugged.



Once she got it all out of her system, Bernie moved back to her bed, sitting down and patting the space beside her. Clearly, she had developed much further these past five years than what had been suggested via hypnosis. Byleth accepted her offer, taking a seat beside her on the soft bed.



How have you been, Bernie?



Bernadetta smiled widely at hearing her teacher use her nickname again. Ive been well, Professor.



I can tell. Youve come a long way from being that skittish cat-like ball of anxiety.



I-I still am some of that, Bernie insisted defensively. B-But, Im



Bolder. Braver. Stronger.



Y-Yes. I-I think so, anyway.



You are, Bernie. And you know what else you are?



Bernie seemed to know what was coming but didnt dare say it aloud.



Youre a good girl, Byleth whispered.



Bernadetta shivered, lowering her head slowly onto Byelths lap. Byleth was more than happy to indulge her after all this time away. She gently stroked Bernies now straighter hair as if she really were a cat.



She looked around the room as she did, taking note of everything that had changed since she was last here, contemplating the implications of each detail, changed or unchanged. Then, her eyes fell upon the bedside table.



There, glinting slightly in the light shining in through the gap in Bernies curtains, was a crystal on a chain. It wasnt quite the same as her own the chain for this one intended to be worn around the neck but the crystal itself appeared to be identical.



Nice crystal, she observed.



Bernadettas body stiffened at the mention, her head moving to look at it herself. O-Oh, yes. I-I bought that at Annas stall. I saw it and it reminded me of you



Byleth smiled. So, youve ventured out that far on your own, hm? Very good, Bernie.



Bernadetta settled back in on Byleths lap. Yes, Professor. I did. Whenever I start of feel worried or scared, I I hold it up and watch it swing. I imagine you telling me to be brave and I find the courage to keep going. For you.



By the time she was finished, Byleth already had the chain held between her fingers, lowering the crystal to Bernadettas eyeline and finding it just as capable of turning that cool shade of green as its sister piece.



And what else do I tell you, Bernie? Byleth asked, already knowing the answer.



that im a good girl, Professor