Chapter 9

Brewing Resentment

In the few weeks since the defeat of the bandits, a new month had arrived and N had expected things to become a bit more easy going. However, just as one problem was solved another was ready to take its place. He had noticed that during one of his lessons with the Blue Pyroars that something was amiss. Everyone looked particularly depressed. Ashe in particular seemed the most distraught of all of them. Normally the grey-haired teen was full of curiosity, but it had been different since then. He wanted to ask what was wrong, but felt that it was not the right time to ask that.

During his free days when he would walk about the monastery, he noticed the heightened security. The amount of guards on duty, the patrols, even the number of knights was increased. All of the knights he would walk past would always give him a sideways glance. N felt like he was back from the place he escaped so many years ago.

When he finally had learned about what was going on, he began to understand why the situation called for such measures. A minor lord from the Kingdom was amassing soldiers to fight against the Church. He went by the name of Lonato. N now understood why the knights were on high alert, and why the Blue Pyroar students were in such a state; in particular, Ashe.

When he was going over all the information on the students when he was first assigned as a professor, he learned about Ashe's lineage. He had been taken in by Lonato at an early age, making him a father figure for the teen.

On one of his walks, he found the grey-haired teen in the Cathedral. When he entered, the grandness of it made him pause. It always did. Seeing the statues of the legendary dragons and the woman always felt like it meant something to him. His eyes would always land white sphere the woman looked to be holding.

He pushed those thoughts aside and walked towards Ashe. His head was bowed and his hands held together in prayer. He could only guess how often he would come to pray. Finding out that someone close to you was planning something evil was something N could deeply empathize with. He took in a deep breath and released it before approaching him. Ashe's Treecko was stuck to his back. N was not sure if it was asleep or praying as well.

As he got closer, N could hear the mumbled prayed. The words left his mouth and an unbelievable speed. He did not even register N's attempt to break him free. Even Zorua playing with his hair would not stir him. It was as if he was in a trance. He let out a sigh as he brought his hand close to his shoulder.

"Sorry about this," N muttered before flicking the teen's shoulder.

Ashe let out a surprised yelp as he was taken out from his prayer. He turned to see N standing next him, a sympathetic smile on his face.

When the two locked gazes, N could see just how unsettled Ashe was. His eyes looked dry and his face was unnaturally pale. It was obvious that the whole situation had him on edge.

"Professor?! How long have you been standing there?" Ashe asked, composing himself.

"Not long. Wanted to talk to you, but you were so focused on your prayer that you did even notice me. It's the reason I had to flick you," N said.

Ashe put a hand on his shoulder, remembering where N had flicked him. "I guess that makes sense, sorry."

He then looked away and to the floor. His moment of surprise was overtaken by sadness again. His once bright green eyes had become dull.

"Why don't we sit down on one of the pews?"

Ashe nodded and followed his teacher to one of the pews. When Ashe sat down, he did not bother to sit straight. His back bent forwards and his head faced the ground. His arms resting on his thighs. Making eye contact with N proved to be a challenge. His Treecko nestled himself next to him. N took a similar position, but chose to remain looking up. Zorua returned to its usual perch on N's shoulder.

N decided to let the silence settle in. He wanted to collect his thoughts before saying anything. He could see just how defeated his student looked out of the corner of his eye. He silently wondered if he returned to his mumbled prayers. N sighed and sat up, he had to at least say something. It was going to be hard however, as what he wanted to say was about his past.

"I know how you feel. The pain you're going through, I've felt it before."

Even with his head still facing the floor, Ashe spared a look out of the corner of his eye. For N, that was enough to make him keep talking.

"I'm similar to you. I too was adopted by someone."

"But I thought you and Professor Byleth were siblings?" Ashe asked, turning to N.

N chuckled. "Nope. Jeralt took me in, but that's a different story."

"I see." Ashe's gaze returned to the floor.

"I never knew my real parents, so when that man took me in I was the happiest I had even been. For those three years, I knew what love felt like."

N smiled as he thought of those memories. The ones he did not repress. Anthea, Concordia, all the creatures that lived in that manor were his friends. He could also see the smile of the man he called father. He remembered meeting Zorua for the first time. But his happiness turned to sadness as he remembered what came next; the memories he kept repressed.

Out of the corner of his eyes, Ashe could see the change in his professor. He slowly began to understand what he was trying to say.

"But that all changed. The man who I thought was someone I could call father, ceased to be so. There were times where I thought it was just a nightmare and I would wake up soon. Wake up to the happy smiles, but that never came. The hope I held out vanished."

N paused. He could feel those repressed memories come breaking through. The dark room he would be sealed in, the growling of an angry dragon, the word failure repeating over and over. It was all coming back to him. Then it stopped.

N looked to his side to see Ashe put a hand on his shoulder. A faint smile formed. It was the same sympathetic smile he had given him. Zorua rubbed itself on N's neck, trying to soothe him.

"I understand. You don't need to continue if you're not going to smile," Ashe said.

"Thanks. My past is hard to talk about, but I want you to know that you can confide in me."

"I will, Professor. Thanks for trying to cheer me up," Ashe said.

"Hold out hope. That's all I ask."

Ashe nodded in response.

"Also, keep between us what I said about my past. It's hard to talk about and don't want others knowing yet," N said.

"Of course. I'm just glad you were willing to tell me, despite the amount of discomfort you went through to tell it."

"Thanks."

Ashe chuckled, causing for N to raise an eyebrow. Despite being somber for most of their conversation, N was surprised to see him managed to laugh.

"What's so funny?" N asked.

"It's just that, I forget we are so close in age. Talking to you it's as if I'm speaking to someone with decades of experience," Ashe answered.

"Yeah, I get that a lot," N said.

"Ah, there you are, Ashe!" a voice said.

The two turned to see a female knight walk towards the two. Next to her walked an odd looking creature. It was humanoid and covered in yellow fur. It had stripes of black around its eyes, arms, legs, and stomach. It had two tails which ended in red tips. On its head were two bulbous antenna. Behind her stood two more knights, hands on the grips of their swords. N rose an eyebrow towards the new arrivals. It was obvious that she was familiar with Ashe, and he with her, but N was not.

"Lady Rhea wants to see you," the woman said.

His somber gaze returned, as his eyes shifted to the floor. N caught it, and stood in between the teen and the woman. Ashe gasped in surprise, while the woman scowled. The creature at her side growled. Zorua growled in response, with Treecko narrowing his gaze.

"I'm sorry, but I'm having a conversation with my student."

The woman narrowed her gaze as she sized up who was in front of him. However, it softened as she slowly realized who she was talking to. Her scowl then changed to a friendly smile.

"Ah, so you're the other new professor I've heard about. The one who teaches about the creatures, right?"

N nodded hesitantly. Her sudden change in demeanor caught him off guard. However, he did lower his guard a bit. He knew this was a Knight of Seiros and they could be trusted, but this was a someone he had not met, so he was still on guard.

"Sorry for the scare. For a second I didn't recognize you. Name's Catherine. I'm a member of the Knights of Seiros. This is my partner, Electivire," Catherine said. She used her thumb to point at Electivire.

Electivire let out another growl at mention of his name. Zorua responded with another growl.

"I'm N, and it's as you said, I'm one of the new professor's here," N said.

"Great. Now that we're all acquainted, I really need to take Ashe to see Lady Rhea. It's important."

N looked back to see Ashe with the same somber expression as before. He did not want him to go, but he knew he had to let him go. Before he moved out of the way, an idea came to him.

"Let me join you. Like I said, Ashe is my student. I'm worried about his well-being, so I think I should be there," N said.

"You don't have to, Professor," Ashe said meekly.

N turned to him and out a hand on his shoulder. His pale gaze shifted towards him and bright green of his eyes slightly returned.

"Yes, I do. I'm worried about you, both as your teacher and as a friend," N said.

Ashe nodded and the two turned to Catherine. She had her arms crossed across her chest. She did not like her patience was running out, but the rapid tapping of her foot gave it away. When she saw that there was not other option, she relented with a sigh.

"If it makes it easier or him to come, then works for me. But Electivire will keep an eye on you," Catherine said.

Electivire seemed to chuckled at the mention of his name.

The two nodded and began the walk out of the cathedral.

—-

The meeting with Rhea went about how N had expected. Seteth making the whole affair seem like an interrogation, with Rhea giving her own input here and there. N was allowed to stay, on the condition he do not speak. Seteth did not want his words to infringe on Ashe's answers. While he understood the attendants logic, it still bothered him he could not speak up.

The questions he was asked were also something he had anticipated. Seteth bombarded the teen with questions about Lonato and his relationship with the man. They asked if he was aware of Lonato's plans and if he would be a part of them.

N wanted to say something right there. He could see how uncomfortable Ashe was getting under the increasing amount of questions that he did not know the answer to. He understood why such a precaution was necessary, but grilling the boy for answers did not seem like the right way to do it. No matter how much he wanted to intervene, the ever vigilant Electivire would growl in his direction. Thought it got to a point where he was not sure if he was growling at him or Zorua, who would not take his eyes off the creature.

When the questioning came to an end, Ashe seemed to visibly relax a bit. Though his shoulders remained slumped and his gaze to the floor. Seteth then turned to N with his usual scowl and disapproval.

"I fail to understand how this situation is of concern to you?" Seteth asked.

N scoffed and crossed his arms across his chest. "He's my student. Of course I am concerned for his well being." He placed a hand on the teen's shoulder, causing for him to jump a bit. "Plus, he's my friend. I don't turn my back on my friends."

Seteth was about to respond, when Rhea raising her hand cut him off. While looking slightly disappointed, he straightened himself in attention.

"I understand your concern for him, and I admire you for that. However, this is an important matter. We can't let personal feelings cloud our judgments during this time. We wanted to make certain of particular questions," Rhea explained.

"Yeah, I got that. But treating him like a liability does not help," N replied.

Rhea nodded. "Perhaps we were being too abrasive." The archbishop turned to the grey-haired teen. "I apologize, Ashe. It was not our intention to cause an unto stress."

"It's fine. I understand," Ashe replied with a hushed tone.

"You're free to leave. We've asked all the questions we needed to," Seteth said.

N bowed his head slightly as turned to exit. Ashe followed close behind him. As they walked out, Zorua and Electivire continued their growling contest. It was as if they were trying to out intimidate the other. N wondered if he wanted to battle the yellow-furred creature.

"Hey, why don't we grab some food? You can tell me stories from your home life," N said.

Ashe nodded. A happy smile coming to his face. "Yeah, I'd like that."

The three who remained in the audience chamber. Once the door closed, Rhea's friendly smile fell, replaced by a more tired expression. Seteth was still scowling, frustrated that N had talked back to him in such a way. Finally, Catherine was trying to calm down Electivire, as the creature was seemingly in a foul mood.

"Lady Rhea, you know how dangerous the situation is right now. He should be watched at all times," Seteth argued.

"What good will that do? You saw him as the questions were asked. It was fairly obvious he knew nothing about this," Rhea replied.

"Probably wanted to keep the kid out of it," Cathrine added before turning back to her partner.

Seteth turned to the knight and watched as she attempted to keep the creature under control. His growling and screeching was not allowing him to think.

"Catherine, what is wrong with it?" Seteth asked, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"He's just excited. Not sure why, though."

Rhea walked over to the creature and put a hand on its head. The creature seemed to calmed down, but it continued to growl. Rhea chuckled, understanding what the creature wanted.

"It seems Electivire wants to battle N and Zorua. He thinks they're strong," Rhea said.

"A battle?" Catherine asked.

"Indeed. I would satisfy his request," Rhea replied.

Electivire growled in agreement. Seteth took a step forward. Seeing the creature act in such way made him concerned for Rhea's well being. Catherine, meanwhile, laughed a put a hand on Electivire's shoulder.

"Well, if it's a battle you want, then we should get it done. Plus, if he's the professor for battling, he's gotta be good," Catnerine laughed.

Electivire pumped his fist in triumph that his expressions had been understood.

"Let's go find him." Catherine turned to Rhea and bowed. "Until next time, Lady Rhea."

—

"How did I get roped into this?"

N was standing on the opposite end of the battlefield, across Catherine. Her Electivire was raring to go. Electricity circulated around it showing just how ready it was. The stands were filled with students and a few knights as well.

"Well, Catherine barged into the dinning hall and challenged you to a battle. You got peer pressured into battling by everyone in the dining hall. Now we're here," Ashe said.

"It was a rhetorical question, but thanks," N replied.

It all happened so fast that N did not have time to process it. However, based on Zorua's expression, he wanted to battle. N let out a breath and relented. There was no way he was going to get out of the battle, especially with so many people watching.

"Fine. Let's battle!"

"Finally. It'll be simple, when our partner falls the battle is over," Cathrine said.

N nodded in response. He turned to Zorua who jumped off his shoulder and onto the battlefield. He appeared to have a smile on his face. N chuckled and finally understood all the growling he had done.

N looked towards Cathrine, a playful smile was on her face. It was obvious she was ready to fight. N took in a deep breath and focused. He had to focus on winning.

"Show me what you got, Professor!" Catherine exclaimed. "Electivire, Thunder Wave!"

"He's faster?!"

Electivire was engulfed in an electric aura and held his arms out. From them, rings of electricity launched towards the black fox.

"Zorua, dodge it!"

Zorua jumped up and managed to narrowly avoid being struck. N let out a relieved sigh. If Zorua had been hit bit that move, he would have slower than he already was and there was the chance he would not attack. Right now, he needed every advantage. Electivire was the final form of Elekid, which meant his abilities were at their best. N had to deal a lot of damage, while avoiding most of it.

"Zorua, Double Team!"

Zorua's body glowed for a moment as multiple Zorua's sprung froth. Electivire and Catherine tried to keep track of where the real one was, but were unable to. Cathrine decided to not bother and just start attacking.

"Electivire, Thunder Punch!"

Electivire's fists were cloaked with electricity and lunged forwards. He then jumped into the air and when he landed, punched the ground. The stone around him cracked and waves of electricity were launched around him. Several of the Zorua clones disappeared, but the real Zorua remained unaffected.

"Zorua, Snarl!"

Several of the clones let out a screech cloaked in dark energy. The waves hit Electivire and he covered his ears; or where his ears would be. Electivire fell to his knees as the wave of energy continued to hit him. When the screeching stopped, Electivire slowly stood up. While he had taken damage, it looked unhindered.

"I like your style. Trying to give yourself the edge by increasing you ability to dodge and lowering the effectiveness of my ranged attacks is always a viable strategy," Catherine complimented. She put a hand on her hip and sent N a cocky smile. "But ranged attacks, aren't my style."

"What?"

"I like to fight up close and personal. Electivire, Brick Break!"

"Oh shit!"

Electivire's fists were engulfed by energy as it prepared for his attack. His red-eyes darted around trying to find the real Zorua amongst the pack of clones. His eyes then locked onto one and he launched itself toward it. Electivire clasped his arms together and slammed them into the fox. A pleased smile formed on the yellow-furred creature as he made contact.

"Zorua!"

Electivire jumped back and waited for the fox to stand. Electricity coursed around he, showing he was still ready to go.

N wanted to rush to Zorua's side. He wanted to make sure his partner was okay. But they were still in the middle of a battle. Until Zorua was completely out of the fight, he could not jump in. However, he could hear Zorua's voice. Despite the pain, he wanted to continue. He would say that he has never fought such a strong opponent before. While it made N happy he was enjoying himself, his worry continued to grow.

As Zorua slowly began to stand again, N could feel the determination growing within the fox. He chuckled as he felt that determination rub off on him.

"I understand, Zorua."

Zorua managed to stand and let out a proud growl. Electivire responded with a cocky smile, similar to that of Catherine's.

"Let's not hold anything back! Zorua, Dark Pulse!"

Dark energy collected around Zorua's mouth, that was then released in a straight beam. Electivire brought up its arms to defend himself as the attack collided with him. When the attack concluded, Electivire took a step back to steady himself, but he still looked unhurt.

"Not bad. That's quite the attack you got there. But it isn't enough to take down Electivire. Use Thunder Punch!"

"Zorua, dodge it!"

Zorua tried to jump out of the way, but Electivire's fist collided with the fox. The force of the attack caused him to be launched into a pillar. Electivire let out a proud growl as he saw Zorua slump to the floor.

"Look's like this battle is over," Catherine said. A hint of disappointment was laced in her voice.

"It's not over yet!" N called out.

Catherine raised an eyebrow. She was sure that last attack finished it. She was surprised to see Zorua attempting to stand. When the fox managed to get back up, she smiled in delight.

"Color me impressed. That little fox has got some guts. He really is strong."

N smiled. "Yeah, he is."

"Now, hit me with your best shot!"

"Zorua, Dark Pulse!"

The dark energy gathered and was released in a beam. Electivire made not effort to defend himself and took the attack head on. When the smoke cleared, it had taken damage, but it showed no signs of being deterred.

"If you're gonna hit me with your strongest attack, then I should do the same."

N could feel the sweat dropping from his forehead. Whatever he was about to get hit with was bound to be strong. He could only worry if Zorua could take the attack.

"Electivire, use Giga Impact!"

"Giga Impact?!"

Electivire slammed its fists together before being engulfed in a spiraling energy of purple and gold. He then charged towards Zorua at an incredible speed. N paniced and called for Zorua to dodge, but the fox was too weak and could barely move. The attack collided with the fox. The force rocketed Zorua into a pillar, which he slowly slid down.

"Zorua!"

N rushed to Zorua's side. He could hear his voice saying to wanted to continue, but N knew he ran out of strength. He let out a defeated sigh and picked up his partner.

"This battle is over. Zorua can't continue. Electivire wins," N announced.

Electivire let out a victory growl as Catherine let out a pleased chuckle. There was a lot of commotion in the stands. Some were in disbelief that N had lost, while others were amazed at the power Catherine and Electivire had showcased.

N could not help but feel disappointed. While he knew it was a long shot that he could beat her, losing still stung. He looked down towards his Zorua. His breathing had returned to normal, which meant he would continue to slowly recover.

"Not a bad battle, Professor."

N looked up to see Catherine walking towards him, Electivire stomping behind her.

"You gave Electivire quite the beating."

N let out a humorless chuckle. "Thanks, but my attacks barely scratched him."

"Nah, he just shows off like that. Isn't that right?" Catherine asked her partner.

Electivire let out a low growl, which Catherine took as an agreement. The yellow-furred creature lumbered towards N and had his gaze firmly on Zorua.

"You want to battle again, I take it?" N asked.

Electivire nodded.

"We'll just have to get stronger so we can defeat you next time," N said.

Electivire snickered and returned to Catherine's side.

"He and I have been through a lot of tough battles. Don't take it personally that we beat you. Whenever we do battle again, I hope you're a lot stronger than today," Catherine said.

N nodded. "Yeah. We'll be a helluva lot stronger."

Zorua added in a growl that surprised N. He had assumed the fox was still knocked out. Electivire responded with his own growl. N and Catherine laughed, as their partners began to consider each other as a rival.

"Until next time, Professor. I look forward to our next battle," Catherine said before turning to exit.

N let out a breath. With the battle over, he now had to deal with students that likely wanted to talk to him about it. He noticed that Ashe was still by his side. He chuckled at the sigh of it. During the battle he had forgotten he was there.

—-

Lonato walked through his encampment, two knights a his side. His Gigalith walked behind him. He did not have to look far or hear to see just how tired his men were. He had expected the battle against the Church knights to be difficult, but the amount of loyal knights that were lost was not a sight his old eyes were keen on seeing. While the battle had ended in victory, the price for it was steeper than he has anticipated.

Out of the corner of his eye he could see knights being tended to for injuries or repairs to their armors. Those with creatures made sure that the armor on them was still usable and if the creatures remained fit to fight. Part of him wondered if all of this was worth the amount of lives that had been lost, but it was too late to turn back now.

When he reached his tent, he stopped before entering. A cold chill could be felt just behind the curtain. That could only mean one thing: he had a guest. He took in a deep breath and released it before finally entering, with one of the knights entering with him.

At the far end of the tent stood a man. He was bit shorter than average, but what stood out was what he was wearing. He wore a think, dark purple and black winter coat. His hands were adorned with gloves. He was older in age as his hair was white and he had wrinkles under his eyes. On the coat's chest was a symbol. It looked to be a blue lightening bolt running through a letter. Circling around him was a Cryogonal. The sentient snowflake kept a close watch on Lonato and generated the frigid temperature in the tent. At his feet was Weavile. Despite looking relaxed, Lonato knew it was always ready to strike.

The knight at his side reach for his sword, but Lonato stopped him from taking any action. The knight wanted to say something, but the look on his lord's face stopped him.

"Leave us," Lonato said.

The knight hesitated for a moment, but bowed before exiting the tent. Lonato let out a breath and took several steps into the tent to meet his guest.

"It appears you were victorious," the man said. A smile forming on his face.

"Yes. The information you provided proved to be most useful," Lonato replied.

"Well, that just the primary force. There is still the rear guard to content with," the man said.

"I'm aware."

Lonato did not entirely trust the man. He had met him on several occasions as he was usually with the benefactor, but unlike the benefactor, he always looked like he had an ulterior motive. He had to make sure to keep his guard up.

"Though your forces seem to be a lot lower all things considered," the man said.

Lonato tightened the grip of his fist. The man was speaking ill of the dead. That was something he would not stand for. However, he had to stay his tongue. The man was his direct link to the benefactor, thus he had to keep their relationship on good terms.

"While the information you gave us accurately showed the size of their forces, fighting them is another matter entirely," Lonato replied.

"Of course. I understand."

"Why are you here?" Lonato's frustration grew and his tone showed it.

The man rose an eyebrow, but he made no comment on his tone. "Lord Ghetsis requires an update. After all, he is giving you a portion of his personal garrison."

Lonato released a sigh. The need to keep Ghetsis updated on everything was starting to become a nuisance. However, he had to keep him on good terms as well. Without his support, his resistance against the Church would have been defeated already.

"We continue our march towards the Monastery. We should be near it by the end of the month. This is if we do not encounter the rear guard by then," Lonato said.

"I see. Slower than Lord Ghetsis wants, but it'll do," the man mused. "Is there anything else you would like to say?"

"Tell Ghetsis I appreciate his support in this endeavor."

The man chuckled. "I will."

"One more thing, do you have any information regarding the rear guard?" Lonato asked.

A sly smile formed on the man's face. "As a matter of fact, I do. The rear guard of Church knights will be led by Cathrine. It will also be comprised of a group of students…"

The man trailed off. The reaction to students made his smile widen. It seems he already had an idea of what was to come. Everything was going according to plan.

"The students are from the Blue Pyroar house. Feel free to do with that information what you will. I am needed elsewhere. I hope your plight ends in victory," the man said.

In a flash of cold the man disappeared, leaving Lonato by himself with only his thoughts.

—-

The man reappeared in an empty room. The only source of light in it was candles that adorned the room. His Cryogonal and Weavile were sent elsewhere. They were not needed for the time being. He could not help but laugh remembering the face of the old man. He knew Lonato would ask about the rear guard and to see his expression fall was priceless.

"You old fool. You still do not realize you're being used," the man mused.

He then began to take off his clothes. While what he wore was what he was usually seen in, where he had arrived to, he could not wear them. He had a part to play and if he did so correctly, then Ghetsis would reward him handsomely. He chuckled at the thought.

Somehow, in the windowless room, a cold gust of air made him shiver. It was a feeling he had grown used to, but it remained nuisance. He turned to see a young man with long, white hair standing by the door. How he could enter and exit like that, the man would never know.

"Which one are you? Kage?"

"I am Sombra." His voice remained unchanged, which frustrated the man.

The man before him was a member for the Show Triad. Ghetsis' personal and elite guard. From time to time his messengers as well.

"Lord Ghetsis wants a report, Zinzolin," Sombra said.

"I told you to address me as Lord Zinzolin!" Zinzolin exclaimed.

"My master has not said to call you that, so I won't."

Zinzolin seethed at that comment. He was ranked above him within Ghetsis's ranks, but the underling refused to acknowledge that.

"Your report?"

Zinzolin scowled, but relented. "Lonato will be on the move soon. I expected his forces to be defeated by the end of the month."

Sombra nodded. "What of the artifact?"

"The stone is here. It's on display at the cathedral. I'm surprised Lord Ghetsis has not ordered you to steal it yet," Zinzolin said.

"What of the second artifact?"

"I have yet to find it. However, I have a plan in motion to uncover its location."

Sombra nodded again. "My master will not tolerate any further delays."

"He'll have it by the time he's acquired Kyurem. What is the status on that?"

"I am not at liberty to discuss that with you," Sombra answered.

Zinzolin tightened his grip in frustration. The fact that he was not being told how Ghetsis's end to the plan was going was becoming infuriating. How could he tell him to go faster, when the key to plan was not yet in their possession.

"What of N?"

Zinzolin rolled his eyes. "He's still oblivious he is playing his role in Lord Ghetsis's plan. He is weary, however. He does not trust too many people in the monastery. Partly because of that damned Jeralt. He managed to instill something in N."

Sombra nodded again. "I will return soon with your next set of orders."

In a cold gust of wind, Sombra disappeared. Zinzolin quietly cussed him out. He quickly put on a set of white ropes and grabbed a wooden cane. He still had a part to play. His scowl quickly morphed into a friendly smile before exiting the room. When he closed the door, he released a deep breath and the smile looked all the more natural.

"Oh, good evening, Thomas," a student said as they walked past him.

"Good evening, young one," Thomas replied kindly.

As the student passed by his friendly smile fell.

Soon this place will be reduced to rubble, Thomas mused.

The thought caused for him to cackle quietly. He had to play his part, for the glory of Ghetsis's plan.

AN: Finally, a new chapter! Sorry for taking so long with anew update, but life really got in the way. Way too much uni work at times. I wanted to get this chapter out a lot sooner, but hit a small creative road block for a few reasons. The main one was that I forgot that Three Houses followed a calendar system. I did not forget per se, but I had to remind myself about how certain events go. It's been some time since I played the game, so I needed the refresher. The second thing was that I hit a bit of a creative slump. Despite wanting to write, putting word down was hard. Thankfully, I was reminded why I love Pokemon so much with that sick music video the Pokemon Company released at the beginning of October. That video really got me back into writing this story. With all that out of the way, I hope you understand why I've been held back a bit.

As for this chapter, I hope that twist at the end was something you guys weren't expecting. Zinzolin and Thomas being the same is one of the big changes from Three Houses. Basically, Those Who Slither in the Dark are now part of Team Plasma. Look forward to more Plasma centric chapters in the future. Finally, there's the N part of the chapter. I mentioned that N will slowly reveal his past to everyone, right now only Ashe knows more specifics than anyone else. I chose Ashe because 1) He's one of my fav characters and 2) I thought that N and Ashe were similar in certain aspects when in came to this point in the story. As for the battle with Catherine, I wanted to show that despite being the battling teacher, N isn't invincible. He will lose to more experienced opponents.

With all that out of the way, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I got a lot of cool plans moving forwards, so I hope to get chapters out father than before. Stay tuned for the next one! If you're enjoying then feel free to follow, favorite, and/or review. Also, feel free to follow me on Twitter. I post story updates and other stuff there.

Now, for something fun! I mentioned in my last AN that I would list out N's support levels with all the characters, so that's what I'm going to do. Like Byleth, he can have supports with every character from Three Houses. Will I get to all of them, probably not. If I don't get to do a certain character, feel free to tell me how you think that conversation with go.

Church:

Rhea: C B A

Seteth: C B A

Flayn: C B A

Catherine: C B

Shamir: C B A S

Alois: C B

Manuela: C B

Hanneman: C B A

Cyril: C B

Blue Pyroars:

Dimitri: C B A

Dedue: C B A

Felix: C B

Ashe: C B A

Ingrid: C B A S

Sylvain: C B A

Mercedes: C B A

Annette: C B A S

Golden Stantlers:

Claude: C B A S

Hilda: C B A

Marianne: C B A S

Lorenz: C B

Raphael: C B

Ignatz: C B A

Leonie: C B

Lysithea: C B A

Black Staraptors:

Edelgard: C B A S

Hubert: C B A

Bernadetta: C B A

Dorothea: C B A

Ferdinand: C B A

Petra: C B A S

Caspar: C B A

Linhardt: C B A S

Ashen Wolves (Not gonna spoil what they're called yet):

Yuri: C B A S

Hapi: C B A

Balthus: C B

Constance: C B A S

So that's basically how I think N's support conversation would go. If I'm missing anyone feel free to tell me. Again, I probably won't be able to get to every character, but I'll try my best. With how I'm planning this story to go, I just won't be able to. Also, this is just for fun and how I think it would go if N was in the game. Maybe you think differently from me, and I'd love to hear how you think N's support chains would reach. Until next time!