Chapter 28 The Next Mission

Ashe was worried. Ever since he started attending at Garreg Mach Monastery, he would receive letters every now and then from his adopted father and his siblings. But after his mission in Zanado, he hasn't received word. According to Dimitri, he hasn't heard of anything bad happening from back home, and while no news is good news, there was this itching feeling that something bad was going to happen. Ashe was heading to the chapel to pray that nothing bad would happen.

"Are you alright?" A voice asked out

Ashe looked up to see the new Adept Ivan walk up to him.

"Oh yes I'm fine, just a lot on my mind." Ashe said

"You want to talk about it?" Ivan asked

Ashe sighed. "My adopted father Lord Lonato. I haven't heard from him in a while, and there is this bad feeling that keeps bubbling up." Ashe said

"You were also adopted?" Ivan asked surprised

"Yes. My parents died from a disease when I was young, leaving me to take care of my two younger siblings. I tried to provide for them, but honest work wasn't enough so I resorted to thievery. One day, I broke into a noble's manor to rob him, but I was caught. That noble was Lord Lonato. He didn't arrest me like I thought, but instead, he took me and my siblings in. I am here today because of him." Ashe explained

"He sounds like a great man." Ivan said

"He is. You said that you were adopted as well?" Ashe asked

"Yes, but it is more complicated than that. Apparently when I was still a baby, my mother, had to give me up to a merchant named Hammet. I was from a tribe of Anemos, ancient Jupiter Adepts that had the powers of cognition and prediction. This I guess lead to life of suffering of a terrible misfortune. What that is, I don't know but my mother and the rest of the tribe agreed to give me up to Master Hammet along with an item named called the Shaman Rod. They also gave him some business tips that helped make him the greatest merchant in Wayward. He also agreed to search for an item that would help me with the Elemental Stars quest that they foresaw." Ivan said

"So, you were part of a legend?" Ashe asked

"I guess so. But I was raised by Hammet and his wife Layana, and they were like parents to me." Ivan said

"That's pretty neat. Did Hammet ever find that item?" Ashe asked

"He found a hint, but Felix's party actually found it since Saturos stole the Shaman Rod from me as you will learn later in Isaac's story. Though Felix did give me the item when we joined forces." Ivan said showing the Hover Jade to Ashe.

"What happened to your mother?" Ashe asked

"From what I was told, she died from grief after she had to give me up. My older sister Hama still lives, and as much as I do want to see her again, I honestly want to go back to Master Hammet even more." Ivan said

"Wow. Thanks for telling me this Ivan." Ashe smiled.

"Not at all. If you need to talk, I would be happy to." Ivan said


Isaac and Byleth both headed for the audience chambers with both Claude and Dimitri in tow.

"So, do you think that Rhea has our next assignment for us?" Isaac asked

"It is kind of strange that she waited so long to give this to us. Usually we receive it at the beginning of the month, not part way through it." Dimitri said

"I heard a rumor that the Church was looking into something as of late. My guess is that it will relate to our assignment." Claude said

Byleth knocked on the door, and got the okay to come in. The four walked up to Lady Rea and Seteth.

"Thank you for coming. We have a new assignment for both your class." Rhea said

"If I may ask, why isn't Hanneman and Edelgard here to receive theirs as well?" Dimitri asked

"That is because this assignment will be a joint operation with both the Blue Lions and the Golden Deer." Seteth explained

"Both classes huh? That's rather strange." Claude commented

"Unfortunately, the assignment this month is rather large for just one class. The Black Eagles mission this month dose relate, but it will be separate from you two." Seteth said

"I see. Please proceed." Dimitri said

"We have received word that Lord Lonato has rallied his troops against the Church." Seteth said much to Dimitri's shock.

"Who is Lord Lonato?" Isaac asked

"He is a minor lord in the Kingdom. He has shown hostilities towards the Church for some time now." Rhea explained

"A vanguard is already on its way to his stronghold Castle Gaspard. His army is nothing compared to the Church, so it is possible that the rebellion is already surpassed." Seteth said

"Even still, we would like both of your classes to assist the rear guard and deal with the aftermath." Rhea said

"War-zones are unpredictable. And with the report we received from Isaac about that monster the bandits had, we would like you to proceed with caution. Which is why both of your classes are being sent instead of just one. The Black Eagles will be on standby to a nearby village that civilians will be evacuated to for safety." Seteth explained

"Excuse me. You called for me Lady Rhea?" A female voice asked

The four turned to see a blond woman with slightly darken skin dressed in white armor approach the six.

"This is Catherine. She will be leading the knights that you will be accompanying." Rhea said

"Nice to meet you. We've heard a lot about you. If you need anything, just ask." Catherine said before turning to Isaac. "And I take it you're the Adept that Shamir and the new kid Felix told me about."

"I guess so." Isaac said

"She is one of our bravest knights, and that is no small feat. Only an exceptional few have what it takes to join the Knights of Seiros. This mission should teach the students how foolish it would be to ever turn their blades on the Church." Rhea said

Isaac said nothing. On one hand, he didn't like the idea that he would be fighting what seemed like a one-sided battle, but on the other hand, they did attack and the Church dose have the right to defend itself. Still, he was curious as to why this Lord Lonato was doing this when it seems like he had no chance of winning. Something he should probably ask when he gets the chance.

"I'll be heading out. If you are ever in the sparring arena, we should spar. I fought with that Felix kid Jeralt took in and he was pretty strong. I'm curious to your strength." Catherine said

"Oh, you too." Isaac bowed as Catherine left.

"So that was Thunder brand Catherine. I'm curious to see that Hero's Relic of hers." Claude muttered.

"I apologies for this. Ever since my father died, Faergus has been without a king since I am too young to take the throne. There have been many rebellions since then and Lord Lonato's provocations may be related." Dimitri said

"I feel like I have heard that name Lonato before." Isaac said

"Likely during our tour when you and Professor Byleth first arrived here. Lord Lonato is Ashe's adopted son." Dimitri said

"Oh…crap." Isaac said

"You said it. Don't know how we are going to break the news to him." Claude sighed

"It will do no good to wait. Let us gather the rest of the students and tell them of our mission." Byleth said as the other three nodded.


A few moments later:

The Blue Lions and Golden Deer met outside the classrooms as per their professor's request, since the classrooms themselves were a bit too small.

"Wait, so we have a joint mission this month with the Golden Deer?" Sylvain asked

"Yes. That is correct Sylvain." Isaac said

"Anyways, both mine and Isaac's class has been called forth to help surpass a rebellion in the western Kingdom." Byleth said

"Another rebellion huh? Try to control yourself out there, Boar." Felix said though Dimitri ignored him.

"Western Kingdom?" Ashe said with fear.

"I am truly sorry to say this Ashe, but the man leading the rebellion is Lord Lonato." Dimitri said with regret as Ashe's face looked devastated.

"Lord Lonato? Why would such a such a nice man try something like this?" Mercedes asked

"I don't know. But with what my class had to face last month, Lady Rhea thought it would be best to send both classes instead of one." Isaac said

"What about the Black Eagles?" Annette asked

"They will be placed on guard to a nearby village where nearby civilians will be evacuated to, so it doesn't get caught in the possible crossfire." Isaac explained

"This is utterly irresponsible. A noble's duty is to protect the commoners, not endanger them." Lorenz spat. "Ashe. What do you know about this rebellion?"

"Uh...I" Ashe stuttered

"Chill Lorenz. Can't you see he's broken up about this?" Hilda scolded

Ashe just ran off.

"Ashe!" Dimitri called out

"Best to leave him alone for now. I can't imagine how he feels." Isaac advised

"I will try and speak with him later." Byleth said

"For the time being, try to get associated with each other. Since this mission is a joint mission of our two houses, our combat training will be with together for the rest of this month." Isaac informed

"With that being said, you are all dismissed." Byleth finished


After classes were dismissed, Lysithea wanted to go straight for the cafeteria for some new desserts that Felix's parents decided to make. On the way, they ran into Ivan who decided to join them.

"I heard the new cake they got in is really delicious." Lysithea commented

"If so, we should save a piece for Ashe. He could use it." Annette said

"Agreed. I can't imagine what he's going through." Mercedes said sadly

"For now, it is best we give him some space. I can try and talk to him as well later if need be." Ivan said before turning to Lysithea "So Lysithea, how is your Psynergy going?"

"It's going good. But I really want to try moving it to the next level, and to do that, I need a Djinn" Lysithea said

"I'm sure you will." Ivan said

"Doesn't Claude have a Jupiter Djinn?" Annette asked remembering how Dimitri was desperately looking for one after Claude had supposedly obtained one last month.

"He dose, but I don't want to go to him for favors." Lysithea grumbled

"On another topic, do you know if these new cooks are good or not Ivan?" Mercedes asked

"No sadly. I heard from Isaac and Garet…mostly Garet that they are pretty good, but I never tried it myself." Ivan said

"Well, let's hurry up!" Lysithea ordered entering the dining halls.

What they saw was a surprise. Felix's mother was giving a Jupiter Djinn a slice of chocolate cake. It had the standard long tail head of a Jupiter Djinn, but had two purple rings on its neck.

"A Djinn!" Lysithea said excited

"The thing wondered in here so I figured I'd give it a bite to eat." Noel said with a smile

"I thought Flint said Djinn didn't need food." Lysithea asked

"They don't, but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy it." Ivan said

"What a cutie! Annette squealed

"Hello there. What is your name?" Ivan asked

"I'm Doldrum." The Jupiter Djinn chirped

"My name is Ivan. It's nice to meet you." Ivan greeted

"I am Lysithea." Lysithea said

"My name is Mercedes and this is Annette." Mercedes said

"Where did you come from?" Ivan asked

"I was just flying around, when I smelled something delouses and here I am." Doldrum said

"Hey listen…I know this is sudden, but would you like to partner with me?" Lysithea asked

"Partner with you?" The Djinn asked

"I'm a Jupiter Adept and I really wanted to explore every area with Psynergy I can, and I need your help to do so." Lysithea said

"If I go with you, can I have more cake?" Doldrum asked

"Absolutely." Lysithea said

"Okay then! You have a deal!" Doldrum said. "Right after I finish eating."

"Fair enough." Lysithea said as she grabbed a piece of cake for herself.

"So, you're Jenna and Felix's parents?" Ivan asked

"Yes. You were with our kids, weren't you?" Mathis asked

"Well, yes and no. I was with Isaac, Garet, and Mia. I joined them near the end." Ivan said

"Oh. I see." Mathis said

"I have to wonder, what are the rest of your friends like?" Mercedes asked

"Well, Garet is a great guy. He is increasingly hard headed and a bit short tempered, but he is very loyal and always there to lend a hand." Ivan said

"Sounds like Caspar." Mercedes giggled. While he may be in the Black Eagles, he and Annette have met the young new Mars Adept.

"He definitely is." Noel laughed

"As for Mia, she is like an angel." Ivan said

"An angel?" Annette asked

"She's a healer from a village called Imil. Everyone there would compare her to one thanks to her Psynergy. But she was always so sweet and caring." Ivan said

"They sound nice." Annette said

"As for Jenna, Sheba, and Piers, I really can't tell much. I barely got to know them myself." Ivan admitted

"My daughter is really sweet, but very stubborn. Just like her mother." Mathis laughed

"What was that?" Noel asked

"Nothing." Mathis said quickly causing Ivan and the students to laugh. "I hope she's safe."

"I'm sure she is. I did hear rumors going around the Kingdom territory of a woman with red hair kicking butt with strange fire powers." Ivan said

"Really?" Mathis and Noel gasped

"Really. I traveled around quite a bit with Anna. Sadly, I always seemed to miss her whenever I got close. I told Felix about it and I think he and Captain Jeralt are looking into it." Ivan said causing some relief that their daughter was okay.

"Okay. I'm one eating. Put your hands in the air Lysithea." Doldrum said

Lysithea looked confused but did as she was told. Doldrum jumped into the air and turned into purple orbs that swirled around the air as they entered Lysithea's body.

"Wow…that was wow!" Lysithea said surprised

"Congratulations. You now have your first Djinn." Ivan said as Lysithea smiled.

Djinni Fact of the Day:

Flint: Hello one and all! Today we bring you yet another Jupiter Djinn.

Doldrum: Hello!

Name: Doldrum

Attribute: Wind

Stats: HP +10 / PP +3 / DEF +3

Origin: Golden Sun Dark Dawn

Original Location: Craggy Peak

Flint: So, tell us a little about yourself

Doldrum: I use the power of winds to stop an opponent from moving for a few seconds. I can also boast the speed of the attack.

Leonie and Lysithea ready their training swords for a match.

Isaac: First one to hit is the winner. Begin!

Lysithea: Doldrum!

Purple rings surround Leonie preventing her from moving

Lysithea wacks her on the head

Isaac: Winner Lysithea

Leonie: No fair!

And that's a wrap!


Poor Ashe. I really hate seeing him sad.

But how did you like the interaction between Ivan and Ashe? As for ModernHog, I will do an interaction between Lysithea and Ivan soon. I promise.

And now Lysithea got her first Djinn! She seems to be a fan favorite as quite a bit of the requests for interactions were for her, so I gave her the next Djinn. And for once, it's not an attacking Djinn!

Anyway, next chapter Isaac prepares something for Lorenz's birthday and the Golden Deer and Blue Lions do their first team training with each other. See you soon and stay healthy.