Chapter 12 Classes Begin

"What is this nonsense?! All I was told was that I had to kill as many noble pipsqueaks as possible. No one said anything about the knights of damn Seiros on our trail!" The bandit Kostas cried out.

"You have proven yourself worthless. Distracted by something so trivial." A figure in black and red robes with red feathers on their shoulders said in a bit of a distorted voice. Their face was covered by a red and white mask. "I had hoped you would complete the mission regardless of the setbacks, but now a child of the former captain is at play. How interesting."

"HEY! This isn't what I agreed to!" Kostas cried out but what ignored.

"Hiring two mercenaries as professors. What was that woman thinking? I can get one of them teaching Psynergy, but also a professor to a house? And what does Rhea know about Psynergy?" The masked figure asked themselves.

"Are you even listening to me? How do we finish this?" Kostas asked.

"You die." The figure said simply with no emotion.

"What?!" Kostas asked shocked and outraged.

"Underestimating the knights is a costly mistake. One that you will pay dearly for. The road of eternal torment awaits you all. Now I must look for your replacements." The figure said as they vanished.

"WAIT!" Kostas cried out. "YOU CAN'T JUST LEAVE US HERE?! DAMN YOU!"

Isaac, Byleth, and Hanneman met in the Audience Chamber with Rhea and Seteth like they were instructed to yesterday.

"So, the others weren't able to make it, it seems." Hanneman said noticing the rest of the staff wasn't in the room with them.

"Unfortunately, we needed them elsewhere." Rhea sighed. "But it matters not. We have other things to discuss."

Seteth then handed Isaac and Byleth a sheet of paper.

"This is a list of each of the faculty members and what they can teach." Seteth said.

Isaac and Byleth both looked at the paper.

Rhea: Swords, Brawling, and Reason and Faith magic.

Seteth: Lances, Axes, Arial Riding.

Alois: Axes, Brawling, Heavy Armor.

Catharine: Swords, Brawling.

Shamir: Archery, Lances.

Gilbert: Lances, Axes, Heavy Armor Training.

Jeritza: Any Armed Weapons.

Hanneman: Bows, Reason Magic, Horseback Riding.

Manuela: Sword, Faith Magic, Aerial Riding.

Jeralt: Sword, Lances, Horseback Riding.

"Even father has written down something." Byleth commented.

"I assume this has to do with those Seminar classes you mentioned before." Isaac guessed and Rhea nodded.

"You see Isaac, one person can not teach everything. We all have things we are good at and things we are not. And as I am sure you both noticed, your students have a variety of skills that they wish to improve on." Hanneman explained and both nodded. "Well, that is what these Seminar classes are for. It is also helpful when a student needs extra help in an area that you can't help much with."

"Whenever classes aren't in session, you are free to hold a Seminar to further teach students within a certain field. Therefore, we wish for you two to write down what it is you wish to teach to the students." Seteth said.

Isaac and Byleth nodded and started to write down their choices.

Byleth: Swords, Lances, Horseback Riding

Isaac: Swords, Axes, Psynergy.

"Looks like Isaac is the only one with Psynergy written." Byleth commented. She was still learning herself so she didn't put it down.

"The only one on this list aside from you two that can use Psynergy is Shamir, but she hasn't learned enough to teach it." Rhea said.

"This Shamir person is also an Adept?" Isaac asked and Rhea nodded.

"She is, and she will be attending your lessons as well." Rhea said. "Though speaking of Psynergy, you will unfortunately be the only one available for teaching others, so you may get swarmed by the other students with Psynergy should they require more lessons."

"I understand. I kind of had a feeling I'd be alone on this when I agreed to take this job. If only I could find my friends, they could help greatly. Especially with the other elements." Isaac said. "Aside from Venus, I only know the basics of the other elements. I can help them learn, but only so much."

"Father did say he would keep an eye out for them." Byleth assured and Isaac smiled.

"As for your Psynergy classes, we will have you hold them on Fridays since it's the only time we can squeeze in for a new class." Seteth said.

"Friday? That's fine then." Isaac said.

"We have a spot set up for your class. Shamir will show you it when she returns from her mission." Rhea said and Isaac nodded. "Good. Now the next order of business is each of your missions for this month."

"Our missions?" Isaac and Byleth asked confused.

"Those affiliated with Garreg Mach Monastery have an obligation to help those in need, regardless of social standing. Students are no exception. Each month before the newly birthed moon departs, each house of students must complete their assigned mission. You both will work alongside your students to complete the mission and report back to the archbishop before the deadline. Understood?" Seteth explained.

"Regardless, I want you both to take out some groups of bandits that have been causing trouble lately." Rhea said.

"Uh Lady Rhea, I don't mean to sound rude, but is it a good idea for Isaac's class to fight bandits after that Mock Battle? No offense Isaac." Byleth asked as Isaac sighed.

"While I share that concern, unfortunately, we need Isaac for this mission." Seteth sighed.

"The bandits that Isaac will be dealing with have been causing trouble in the northern Alliance territories for quite some time. Both us and nobles of the Alliance and us have sent soldiers to deal with them, but their searches always come up empty like they vanished into thin air. I need Isaac's Venus Psynergy to locate where they are hiding." Rhea explained.

Isaac blinked. How did the Archbishop know that he had that power? Isaac didn't even know he could do that until sometime after he arrived in Fodlan? This just adds more to the questions Isaac had for the Archbishop.

"I don't think I need to remind you of the consequences of failure to a real-life battle as opposed to a Mock Battle." Seteth warned.

"Believe me. I am well aware of what could happen if my students pull something like they did in the Mock Battle. I will make sure they don't do that again." Isaac assured. 'I hope.'

Rhea smiled. "I am glad to hear that." She then turned to Byleth. "Your group of bandits are the ones that attacked you back in Remire Village. Our knights are on their trail of them as we speak."

"Those bandits again…" Byleth muttered remembering the bandits she, Isaac and her father dealt with when she met Dimitri and the others.

"As for you Hanneman, there is a need for extra hands guarding a boarder in Imperial territory with some attacks recently from brigands. Can I trust that you and your students can lend them a hand?" Rhea asked.

"Of course." Hanneman said.

"Excellent. I will give you three the details at a later date. If I do now, you would likely forget, and I hate repeating myself." Seteth said.

"That is all. Now go prepare for your classes." Rhea said. "I will get this seminar list up on the bulletin boards by lunch."

The three nodded and headed out.

"I'm worried Lady Rhea. I'll take your word on Isaac's strength, but he can't control his students. They are going to get themselves killed out there." Seteth said.

"I understand your concern Seteth, but have some faith. Isaac has time to get his students to cooperate. I believe he can do it." Rhea assured.

"Just because he could do it, doesn't mean Isaac can." Seteth stated. Rhea frowned but said nothing.

Byleth had parted ways with Isaac and was heading to her classroom.

"Bandits they say?" Sothis's voice immediately popped up causing Byleth to jump. "I do hope that you won't make the same mistake you made back in Remire."

Byleth said nothing. Still in shock.

"Has my voice shocked you?" Sothis laughed. "Don't forget that you and I are one now. You should learn to not be so shocked from my voice."

"Uh...right." Byleth muttered.

"One more thing. You don't need to speak out-loud when you speak to me. Thinking the words will work as well. It would not bode well for others to see you talking to yourself." Sothis advised.

'Right.' Byleth said in her mind this time.

"Good. Now you should hurry. It would not look well for a professor to be late on the first day." Sothis said.

"Yeah Byleth! You should get going!" Claw suddenly chirped in.

"GET OUT OF HERE!" Sothis shouted.

Isaac parted ways from Byleth and Hanneman as he headed for the Golden Deer classroom. On his way, he pasted by a group of knights that were whispering.

"That Isaac kid is supposed to be a master of that new magic." One said.

"Yeah but, why make him a professor? Is he even from Fodlan?" Another asked.

"What is he planning?" Another asked suspiciously as he glanced at Isaac.

Isaac ignored them for now. He was aware that this would happen at some point. People fear what they don't understand.

Golden Deer Classroom:

"Okay everyone, class is about to begin!" Isaac called out getting his class's attention. "Before we begin, I have an announcement to make. Lady Rhea has informed me that this month, we will be dealing with Bandits causing trouble in the northern area of the Alliance." Isaac said.

"I think I know what bandits you're talking about. My father has sent soldiers to deal with them, but they always came back empty handed." Lorenz frowned.

Isaac nodded. "The knights are trying to find a general area that they may be in. Once that happens, we will be sent out to deal with them. And as I am sure you are all aware of, this isn't going to be a mock battle." Isaac said as some started to flinch.

"Um P-Professor, are you sure we are ready to deal with this?" Marianne asked nervously.

"You each have the skills to succeed, but if the Mock Battle taught us anything, it's that you guys lack teamwork. As a result, I will be creating some team building exercises for all of you." Isaac said and some of the class groaned. "On another note, Seminar classes will become available later on today. So, check the bulletin boards to see who is teaching skills that you wish to improve on. As for the three of you with Psynergy, class will be held on Fridays, though I don't have a location yet." Isaac said.

Lysithea perked up. "Professor, will you be holding Seminars on Psynergy as well?"

"Yes, I will." Isaac nodded.

"Great! I want to ask you more on Djinn." Lysithea said.

"Talk to me after class. For now, we need to start lessons." Isaac said and Lysithea nodded. "All right then. Let's get started."

With the Blue Lions:

"Before we get started, I feel like I have some things to say about the Mock Battle. Many of you did pretty well, though there are some that can use some improvement." Byleth said turning to Annette.

"I am aware that you were caught off guard by some of the Deer's reckless action, but when on a battlefield, you must always be aware of your surroundings. Anything can happen on the battlefield. Understood?" Byleth asked.

Annette nodded.

"Felix. You're charge at Isaac resulted in a rather quick defeat. That was reckless of you." Byleth scolded to Felix.

"Humph. Next time, I'll win." Felix said.

"You know, I have to say that Professor Isaac's class was pretty underwhelming." Sylvain commented.

"Unfortunately, I have to agree." Ingrid said.

"Never underestimate your opponents. It can and will spell your demise in battle. There is plenty of time before the Battle of the Eagle and Lions, and while Psynergy wasn't allowed in the Mock Battle, the Battle of the Eagle and Lions might very well allow it. And Isaac aside, I have yet to see what our three Adepts here are capable of compared to the other two houses." Byleth said sternly.

"You make a valid point professor. I suppose I will have to take a good examine of the competition during Isaac's Psynergy classes." Dimitri said.

Byleth nodded. "And as for the rest of you, Psynergy alone won't give us victory. Every part of the team must play their part if we are to obtain victory again, and there is also the Black Eagles to remember. It would be unwise to forget them."

Everyone nodded.

"Good. Now onto the next order of business. We have been given a mission this month to deal with some bandits. As a result, we will be doing combat drills throughout the weeks." Byleth said.

"Bandits huh? I guess that means that we will be taking lives." Ashe muttered.

"I know it isn't easy Ashe, but it is ether them or you." Dimitri said. Felix just grunted.

"I-I know." Ashe said quietly. Though he was still feeling uneasy that he was going out to end a life.

"Well, with all that said, it is time to get started on today's lesion." Byleth said as she began teaching.

Class for the day went on rather smoothly for both Isaac and Byleth. Isaac took a good look at his students during the lecture, but he didn't find enough activity to spot where the biggest weakness in cooperation was for the class. As he dismissed class, he looked over his notes on each of the students to try and find something with Flint sitting on his desk.

"Let's see here. The only thing I've got at the most is that Lorenz doesn't trust Claude. But I have no idea how the rest of them work with each other." Isaac muttered.

"Says here that you're supposed to assign students to do chores around the monastery in pairs of two. Something about learning discipline, I think? Maybe that will help." Flint said looking at some of the papers on Isaac's desk.

"Really? Can't believe I missed this." Isaac said looking at it. "This would definitely help."

"So, going to pair Claude with Lorenz?" Flint asked.

"Yes, but not yet. If I automatically force it, it could cause problems. I think I'll partner Claude with Hilda. He seems to be most familiar with her out of the others, and seems to know how to get her to work. I need to see how all of them work with each other after all. Not just the problem ones." Isaac said as he wrote down the groups.

Claude and Hilda

Lorenz and Leonie

Lysithea and Marianne

Ignatz and Raphael

"That should do it." Isaac said smiling.

"You seem quite happy." A voice called out.

Isaac looked up to see Rhea standing at the door.

"Lady Rhea? What can I do for you?" Isaac asked.

"I just wanted to check how your first day of class went?" Rhea said.

"No problems." Isaac said.

"That's good. If you do need something, please don't hesitate to ask." Rhea smiled.

"Actually, I was wondering if you could tell me what you know about Psynergy." Isaac said.

"Psynergy? I'm afraid my knowledge of it isn't much." Rhea said.

Isaac frowned.

'She knows something. I know it. Still, if I try and call her out on it now, it could just lead to trouble. I'll need some time to figure out a better method to get the information I need out of her.' Isaac thought.

I see. Thank you." Isaac bowed.

Rhea then noticed Flint. "And who is this?" Rhea asked.

"My name is Flint. I'm Isaac's partner." Flint said.

"He's a Djinn." Isaac clarified.

"I see." Rhea said with a smile. "It is nice to meet you Flint."

"Likewise." Flint chirped.

"At any rate, I believe you can get your students under control before then, but do rest assured that you will have some knights to back you up out there." Rhea said.

"Really?" Isaac asked surprised.

"Of course. A group of knights will trail behind the students and step in if needed. Though you shouldn't become too reliant on them. This is also to judge how effective you are as their leader." Rhea said firmly.

"I understand. Thank you, Lady Rhea." Isaac bowed.

"One last thing. Shamir has just returned from her mission. You should find her when you get the chance. She will show you the spot where your Psynergy class will take part." Rhea said.

Isaac nodded and Rhea left the room.

"So, what do we do about her?" Flint asked.

"We need to find a way for her to open up and tell us what she knows of Psynergy without sounding too pushy." Isaac said.

"Yeah. Forcing information out of the Archbishop doesn't sound like a smart idea." Flint said.

"Well, for now, I think it's time for lunch." Isaac said getting up.

"Sounds like a good idea." Flint said as he vanished inside of Isaac and Isaac left the room.

Mess Hall:

The Golden Deer students were all seated at a table eating their meal with Swift sitting in the center of the table munching on a mango. The girls all found it cute, though Claude just chuckled.

"I remember last night you told me how you don't require food, yet you sure know how to chow down." Claude said.

"We may not require food, but that doesn't mean we enjoy it, and I love mango's." Swift said eating.

"You shouldn't talk with your mouth full. Honestly, you have worse table manners than Claude." Lorenz scolded.

"Ouch. You wound me Lorenz." Claude mocked with a fake hurt.

"Still, while I'm not glad to have him out here, don't you think Swift is drawing in unnecessary attention?" Ignatz asked looking around.

The rest of the Golden Deer looked around and just as Ignatz had said, everyone was staring at them. Or actually the small little creature on the table.

Some of the knights that were eating approached the table.

"Look, I know we have cats and dogs all over the place here, but we don't allow them on the table." One said.

"HEY! I'm not a pet, I'm a Djinn!" Swift argued.

"A what?" One of the knights asked confused.

"A Djinn! We are partners to Adepts." Swift said.

"Adept? Great. More of that Psynergy crap." One of the knights spat.

"Hey now. Let's be nice here." Claude said.

"Oh my. What a little cutie." A voice said. Everyone saw Flayn approach the table.

"Oh, hello Flayn. What are you doing here?" Hilda asked.

"I was curious to the creature you have here." Flayn answered.

"It's a Djinn. Professor Isaac said they were allies to Adepts. He even has one himself." Claude said.

"Really? I wouldn't mind finding one myself." Flayn said with a smile.

The knights looked on silently. They knew who Flayn was and would rather not get into an argument with her, less they deal with her brother.

"Whatever. I've got my eye on you creature." The knight warned as they walked away.

"That was rude." Leonie commented annoyed.

"Agreed, but not surprising. The introduction of Psynergy has brought about a more dangerous time as of late with all the monsters running around. Opinions of it are rather mixed." Lorenz said.

"Hey, it's not all that bad. Don't forget that my brother…" Hilda began

"Hi everyone." Isaac greeted approaching the table.

"Hey Teach. Glad you could join us." Claude said as Isaac took a seat next to him.

"Uh Professor, can I see your Djinn?" Flayn asked.

"Sure." Isaac said as Flint appeared on the table next to Swift.

"Aw. He's adorable." Flayn smiled.

"Thanks!" Flint said.

"By the way professor, I was actually successful in convincing my brother to join your Psynergy class." Flayn said.

"Really? How did you do that? Your brother looks like the overprotective type. Trust me, I know." Hilda said.

"Well, I have been trying to learn it myself, despite my brother's protest. I guess he just gave up and figured I should at least learn properly. Though a fair warning, he will be watching the class himself. I apologies." Flayn said with a bow.

"Oh, it's fine." Isaac said. 'I should have seen that coming. It's clear he doesn't trust me after all.'

"Well, I should let you all enjoy your meal. Sorry to intrude." Flayn said.

"No trouble at all. I'll see you in class on Friday." Isaac said. Flayn smiled and left.

"Speaking of class, where is it going to be located?" Claude asked.

"I'm going to meet with a knight named Shamir later and get the location." Isaac said.

"Hey professor? Will we be able to use Psynergy during training this week?" Lysithea asked hopeful.

"No. I want to see the power in class before I allow it outside of it." Isaac said and Lysithea looked disappointed.

As the Golden Deer ate, the Blue Lions looked on.

"So, this Djinn is supposed to be our ally? Doesn't look like much to me." Felix said uninterested in the Djinn.

"Looks can be deserving Felix." Ashe said.

"Plus it looks so cute." Annette gushed.

"I Know I'm not an Adept, but I do hope to meet one someday." Mercedes admitted.

"How about now?" Byleth asked as Claw appeared on the table.

As Mercedes, Annette, and Ashe looked delighted, everyone else looked at their professor in surprise.

"Professor, since when did you get one?" Dimitri asked.

"A few days ago. I fished it out of the water." Byleth said. "Though I have no idea where Claude got his."

"Perhaps I should find one myself then." Dimitri said.

The Black Eagles looked on rather surprised.

"Hey Eddie. If you find one, you'll show it to us right?" Dorothea asked.

"Uh, yes of course." Edelgard said only half paying attention.

"So, the Golden Deer have two of those Djinn, and the Blue Lions have one? We need to catch up." Caspar declared.

"Hang on. We don't even know how much they help an Adept.' Ferdinand pointed out.

"For once, I have to agree with Ferdinand." Hubert said.

"But they still do, and if they're allowed in the Battle of the Eagles and Lions, we could already be at a disadvantage." Caspar argued.

"Calm down Caspar. We can ask more about them in Psynergy class this Saturday. Then we can hopefully start looking for them." Edelgard said.

"Too bad Bernadetta isn't here to talk about this. Doesn't this affect her as well?" Dorothea asked.

"Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get her out of her room." Edelgard sighed.

"Well, then you and I will have to work extra hard for her sake." Caspar declared.

"I admire your enthusiasm Caspar, be all of us will need to pitch in if we are to emerge victorious." Edelgard said.

"Hey Caspar. If you find a Djinn, you mind if I study it?" Linhardt asked.

"Sure buddy. Surprise to see you interested though." Caspar said.

"I do admit, watching you practice Psynergy has gotten me interested." Linhardt admitted.

After their meal, Isaac went looking around for Shamir. He soon spotted Cyril talking with that black-haired woman Isaac spotted at watching the Mock Battle with the Archbishop.

"Hey Cyril. Do you know where I can find Shamir?" Isaac asked getting their attention.

"You're looking at her." The black-haired woman said.

"You're Shamir?" Isaac asked and the woman nodded. "My name is Isaac. I-"

"I know who you are. You want me to show you where Lady Rhea is having our little Psynergy class right?" Shamir asked and Isaac nodded.

"It's actually one of the training areas where Shamir teaches me archery." Cyril said.

"You're learning from Shamir?" Isaac asked and Cyril nodded.

"I have to get stronger if I am to protect Lady Rhea." Cyril declared.

"Anyway, I'll show you the spot." Shamir said as she led Isaac outside the Monastery.

And that's a wrap!

Well, classes have finally began. Isaac's time as a professor is now officially beginning.

Okay. So, back at the beginning, I said I didn't want any paring suggestions. Well, I changed my mind...mostly. I could use some suggestions. Granted romance won't really start for quite a while, but it's good to get an early start. My problem is that when it comes to things like this, I can be pretty indecisive, and it makes it hard for me to settle on one thing. The only ones I won't be excepting parings for are, Isaac, Byleth, and Weyard Felix as I already settled on those ones. Just give suggestions. Or not. It's all up to you.

Anyway, next chapter, Isaac will finally start his Psynergy class. Be sure to follow and review and I will see you all next time.