Chapter #20Traveling by teacher by: Arnsley   (Spoilers for Black Eagles Chapter 11)
“We should get to the Holy Tomb as soon as possible.” Edelgard decided.
Her teacher nodded. He stood up and moved closer to the desk. Edelgard felt the briefest flicker of fear as the huge man got closer but was able to prevent herself from retreating.
Byleth wordlessly put his hand down on the desk. Edelgard stared at it for a moment, thinking.
He could carry me in his hand. But I might be seen. Is there another way I can be transported?
“Edelgard?” He asked, noticing her hesitation.
His pocket? Though I wouldn’t be able to see anything from in there. She craned her neck up, looking higher on her teacher’s body. Could I hide in his collar? No, I would be too easily seen…
“Professor, could you… Put me in your pocket?” She asked. “It would be much easier for me to remain undetected.”
“All right, if you’re sure.” Edelgard nodded before climbing aboard his hand. He moved her into his pocket, tilting his hand and allowing her to slide down. His student safely stowed away, he set out for the Holy Tomb.
For the first time since being shrunk, Edelgard felt happy. In fact, she was giddy with glee.
The professor trusted me! I can hardly believe it! Her mind raced. My teacher, and the one who wields the sword of the creator… He’s on my side…
She took a deep breath, calming herself.
No, not yet. He may be helping me now, but that doesn’t mean he always will. Still, I can’t help but hope that, when the time comes….
She squirmed around in his pocket, feeling restless and a bit too warm for her liking.
What’s gotten into me? My heart is beating so fast… Is this some side-effect of my shrinking?
A while later, Edelgard calmed down. She was safe in his pocket, but there was nothing for her to do in the dark depths of the fabric.
He’s taking quite some time to get there. She observed. I should have made sure he knew the way to the Holy Tomb before we left.
She heard a voice outside.
It sounds like he’s made it to the entrance. I wonder how he will deal with the guard…
Byleth was not far from the entrance to the Holy Tomb. He had never been inside, only seeing the huge doors that led to the sacred place. It was constantly guarded, often by the strongest members of the knights of Seiros. As he got closer, he spied the unmistakable white-clad figure of Catherine.
“Professor. Are you lost?” She greeted him, noticing how he was glancing around.
“Hello, Catherine. I’m just having a look around.” He replied.
“You’re always wandering around the monastery. But you’ll have to turn back. No-one is allowed past this point.” She warned him.
“…” He frowned, scratching his head.
“Oh relax, will you?” She said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I’m actually glad to see you. Standing around here is pretty boring.”
“How about we spar then?” Byleth offered.
“Here?” She glanced around. The space they occupied was fairly open, with little in the way of priceless artefacts nearby that could be broken by a small scuffle. “Yeah, why not?”
“Thanks. I’ll go and get the practice swords.” He volunteered.
“What, we’re not going to use our weapons?” She laughed. “Sure, go and get them. I’ll still be here when you get back.”
Once he was a safe distance from the Holy Tomb, Byleth scooped his miniature student out of his pocket.
“So, you’ll distract Catherine with a training session. Good thinking professor.” Edelgard said, sitting on his palm.
“While I do that, you should be able to get inside.” He told her.
“Yes. I should be able to find a way past the doors. You just need to get me on the ground somehow, and I’ll do the rest.” She wondered if she would be small enough to fit underneath the massive doors.
“Are you sure about this? Catherine and I will be sparring. You will have to be careful not to be stepped on by either of us.” Her teacher warned her.
“Don’t worry about me. Just keep her occupied.” She told him.
It is a shame the professor cannot accompany me into the Holy Tomb, but there is no other way…
“All right. I’ll drop one of the swords. When I crouch down to retrieve it, I’ll secretly place you on the ground.” He said.
“That should work.” Edelgard agreed. “It will be difficult for Catherine to see me since I am so small. But you will need to keep her distracted. I’m counting on you, my teacher.”
“I’ll wait nearby while you’re inside. I don’t know how long I can linger, but…”
“Hm. I must confess, I hadn’t thought about how to escape the Holy Tomb.” She said. “Do not worry. I’ll find some way to escape on my own.”
I wonder if it really will be so easy. Edelgard thought. Hopefully the professor will still be nearby after I’ve finished in the Holy Tomb…
Byleth walked back to the training grounds. It was fairly busy there, as it often was on Sunday, but he found a quiet corner. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the centimeters-tall Edelgard. He gently pushed her into his palm with his finger, moving her closer to his thumb. She was confused, but she lay there quietly as he picked up a wooden sword. He placed the handle down next to her, gripping it loosely to avoid crushing her. Picking up a second sword with his free hand, he headed back towards the Holy Tomb.
I see. So, the professor will drop this sword. Edelgard realized as she stared at the wooden blade. Then when he retrieves it, I will be able to get to the ground unnoticed. Quite the crafty scheme, my teacher.
Through his glove, she could feel the warmth of his hand. She was sure there was something different about her teacher. Ferdinand, Linhardt, even Hubert… She had never been comfortable being held by them. While she still wasn’t exactly relaxed, her body pressed against the hilt of a wooden sword, it somehow wasn’t entirely unpleasant.
There is no use dwelling on these feelings. Edelgard told herself. I must focus! I cannot miss my opportunity.
“Ah, there you are.” Catherine said when she saw Byleth approach. “You kept me waiting. Are you ready to start?”
“Yes, I- Oh!”
His grip loosened, dropping the wooden sword to the floor, but keeping hold of Edelgard. She got ready, pulling herself closer to the edge of his palm.
“Heh. A bit clumsy today, are we?” Catherine asked after the sword clattered against the floor. “Are you sure you’re up for this?”
“Of course.” He crouched down, moving his hand towards the hilt of the blade.
Once his hand touched the ground, Edelgard slipped off the side, over his index finger. She waited in his shadow, watching as he stood back up. He wordlessly offered the sword to Catherine. She reached out, her arm forming a bridge of shade between the two giants. Edelgard took this opportunity to run towards the blond knight. Catherine’s eyes were on Byleth. Running as fast as her tiny legs could carry her, Edelgard hoped she wouldn’t be seen…   indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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