AN: Genedered Pokemon return in this chapter as a heads up. Enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 7

Confrontation

N did not manage fall asleep again after his nightmare, something Byleth was awake for. She knew N was plagued by nightmares, but this was the first time she actually experienced him being awoken by one. At first, she did not think much of it, as may people had nightmares, but when N began to speak to Zorua about it, she began to worry. N never spoke to her about his nightmares. This was the first time she had heard anything about them. The mention of the creature known as Hydreigon sent a shiver down her spine for some reason. The way N had said it caused for a chill to settle in the room.

When N tried to go back to sleep, she could hear him tossing and turning. It got to a point where he gave up and quietly exited the room, likely trying to not disturb her. She could not help but smile thinking that he was looking out for her.

Something must be disturbing him, a voice said.

Whatever sleepiness that remained in her left as soon as she heard that voice. Byleth looked around the room, trying to figure out where that voice came from.

Have you really forgotten about me already?

If someone was talking to her, she was positive that it would be crossing her arms. However, the voice did sound familiar. It sounded like the green-haired girl that sat on a throne, Sothis.

You're right. I'm pleased you didn't entirely forget.

"This is going to take some getting used to," Byleth muttered to herself.

Next time don't forget we share a body and thoughts.

Byleth rolled her eyes and sighed. "Were you talking about N before?"

Indeed I was. He's an interesting human. He has the heart of a creature and the mind of a human.

"He says he can talk to the creatures. Hear their thoughts," Byleth said.

And you believe him?

Byelth shrugged. "He hasn't given me a reason not to."

Interesting. Most would dismiss that and call him crazy.

"Most do. He's used to it," Byleth replied, releasing another sigh.

Are you worried for him?

Byleth nodded. "Of course. This is the first time I've ever heard him talk about his past. I wonder why Hydreigon is the source of his nightmares."

Perhaps you should ask him. Sothis yawned as she finished her words. I'm going to return to sleeping. You should do that same.

Just like that the voice in her head was gone. It took a moment for it to dawn on her that she had spoken to herself. She looked down to her Eevee. The fluffy creature continued to sleep peacefully. She then thought on what Sothis had said about asking him. Whenever he thought about his past, N would space out and not end up talking about it.

Byleth relented and tried to go back to sleep. However, the worry within her began to grow. Despite not showing it often, she cared a lot about N. They grew up together. Seeing him suffering from something he would not talk about concerned her.

It took some time, but Byleth had managed to fall asleep again. However, she tried to stay awake for when N came back.

When Byelth woke up that morning, she saw already ready for the day. He smiled warmly to her as she slowly sat up on the bed.

"I can wait a bit if you want to get breakfast together," N said as he strapped his sword to his belt.

Despite his lack of sleep, Byleth was surprised to him so full of energy. At first she thought that maybe she was worrying too much. But when she saw the bags under his eyes her concern returned. She could also make out the distant look in his eyes, despite her sitting right in front of him.

Her thoughts then returned to what he had said. "Sure. Just give me a minute to get ready."

N's smile widened. "Great. I'll wait outside."

N then called for Zorua, who perched himself on N's shoulder, and exited the room.

Byleth let out a breath. Despite acting like his usual self, she knew that something was bothering N. He was the last person to fake a smile, and the first he had given her was just that.

Byleth quickly put on her usual attire and briefly attempted to control her bedhead. She took a look in the mirror and wondered if she should ask N how he manages to control his long hair. When her hair was a neat as possible, she called to her Eevee, who walked beside her, and exited the room.

When she exited the room, N rested on the wall next to the door. His eyes were closed and his breathing was steady. Byelth wondered if he had fallen asleep, but when she closed the door his eyes shot open. He turned her way and smiled.

"Let's get some breakfast."

The two began to walk towards the dinning hall. They said good morning to passerby's and quietly laughed at the wild Yamper, Lillipup, Meowth, and Purrloin that wandered about. Just like their usual walks, they did not talk much. N respected that Byelth was not one to begin conversations and Byleth knew N did not like talking about his past. However, Byleth had to ask about what happened during the night.

"Hey, N, did you sleep well last night?"

Byleth breaking the silence had taken N by surprise. He looked towards her first, but found her gaze firmly fixed forwards. He looked towards Zorua who was just as surprised as him.

Byelth, however, spared a glance towards the green-haired teen when he was looking at Zorua. She saw him put a hand behind his neck before letting out a sigh.

"I've slept better. It's nothing you need to worry about though. If I woke you up, I'm sorry," N said.

"Are you sure?"

N laughed nervously. "Yes, yes, I'm fine. It's nothing I'm not used to."

"I may not be the best talker, but you can always talk to me," Byelth said. "It's like you always say to me."

"I appreciate that," N replied adding a strained smile.

When the two arrived to the dinning hall, they were greeted by the sounds of students mingling and the shifting of plates. It was a familiar sound in the dinning hall, but it never seemed to escape the room. The two new professors grabbed their breakfast and found seats across from each other.

The two continued to talk. They each spoke about what lessons they had planned for the students. While Byelth added that she was summoned by Rhea before her class was to begin. She could see as N began to wonder what it could entail. She could always tell when was thinking. His brows would come closer and his gaze would harden a bit. There were times when he could have that very expression for a whole day.

"Can I ask you a question?" Byleth asked.

"Sure. You can always ask me anything," N said.

She could see his expression soften a bit, but he straightened his posture. It was a reflex he did whenever he did not want to answer a certain question. It was his was of telling her he did not want to talk about his nightmare.

"You said a name last night, Hydreigon. I'm assuming it's a creature. Is it strong?"

N's posture straightened even more. Despite her trying to avoid directly asking about his nightmare, she still asked something that made him uncomfortable. Byleth also caught Zorua's growling. She looked towards the fox and saw it growling towards one of the doors. She then noticed how N's breathing had quickened. She was about to change the subject, when she heard the sound of a throat clearing.

"I would think so."

The two professors turned to where the voice came from and saw Linhardt trying to stay awake. Across from him was Caspar, eating away at his breakfast.

"I haven't seen too many, but in Adrestia, there's someone whose partner is a Hydreigon. Most in the capital say he's incredibly strong and expertly commands a Hydreigon," Linhardt said.

"Yeah. My father tried to take him on with his Conkeldurr, but he was beaten. My father even had the advantage. I want to take him on one day," Caspar added.

Byleth turned to N, who relaxed a bit, but was still tense.

"That's impressive. Not many can do that. This man and his Hydreigon must have a strong bond," N said.

"I saw the battle. It was pretty awesome," Caspar said. "I doubt even you could beat him, Professor."

Byleth knew that Caspar meant what he said with a good nature, but it caused for N to look even more distant. He stared at his food as if he had lost his appetite.

"It's been fun talking, but I should get to the training ground and prepare," N said as he began to stand. "Don't be late for class, Capar, Linhardt."

"I won't!"

"I'll get back to you on that," Linhardt said as he fell asleep.

N then quickly stood up and exited the dinning hall. Byleth's worry only grew. It was obvious that what the two students had said caused for N to remember some painful memories.

—

The meeting with Rhea was nothing special. It was an explanation of missions Byleth's class would have to accomplish at the end of the month. Seteth was the one to give the explanation with his usual prickly tone. The mission they had been assigned was to defeat some bandits that had been causing mischief near the monastery. Byleth assumed it was the same bandit group she had encountered when the mercenary band met the three lords. She had heard from some of the knights they had been found.

When Rhea and Seteth left, Byleth was going to leave too before she was stopped by Sothis talking to her again. She was caught off guard again when the voice of the girl was suddenly all she could hear. Sothis added her own input to what Rhea and Seteth had said, while chastising her for still being surprised by her voice.

Byleth then exited the audience chamber and walked towards her classroom. As she walked past the battle ground, she stopped and looked towards it. She wondered if N still had the distant expression on his face. She let out a sigh and continued walking towards the classroom. Before entering, she took a moment to collect her thoughts. She still had a class to teach even if she was worried about N.

"Let's get started everyone."

—

"Is everything alright, Professor?"

Byleth looked up to see Dimitri standing in front of her desk, his Shinx trotted at his side. She had forgotten that she was still in the classroom even though class had concluded for that let out a sigh and slowly began to stand up.

"I'm fine. Nothing you need to worry about," Byleth replied.

"Are you sure? You looked a bit distracted."

Byleth stopped moving and looked towards the blonde. He had a concerned look on his face. It was similar to the one N would put on when they were kids.

"It's nothing, I promise."

She then felt something bumping her leg. Byleth looked down to see Eevee lightly headbutting her leg. When Dimitri saw it, he chuckled lightly.

"It seems Eevee doesn't agree with you."

Byleth let out a defeated sigh. She was surprised to see Eevee acting in such a way. N had always told her that the creatures could sense when their partner was in some kind of emotional turmoil.

Byleth knelt down and pet the furry creature. Eevee's head moved into Byleth's hand, excited for the show of affection.

"It's N. He's been gloomy all day," Byleth said.

Dimitri placed a hand on his chin in a pensive state. "He did seem a bit distant when I talked to him earlier."

"He had a nightmare about his past, but refuses to talk about it. He's never been one to openly talk about it, but this time I'm worried," Byleth said.

Dimitri nodded. "I understand. We can both go talk to him."

"Both?" Byleth asked raising an eyebrow.

Dimitri's face warped to one of embarrassment. "I'm sorry. Was that presumptuous of me?"

Byleth tried to hold it in, but she began to laugh. Her laughing caught Dimitri by surprise. However, seeing her laugh made his face go beet red, but he managed to control his emotions when Byleth had settled down.

"It's fine. I was just surprised. Seeing your reaction was funny though."

Dimitri placed a hand behind his neck nervously. "It was nice to see you laugh. It's the first time I've seen you even come close to a smile."

Byleth stood up and placed a hand on his shoulder. The blonde's posture straightened and the red was returning to his cheeks.

"Let's go talk to him together. I'm sure it'll help," Byleth said as she removed her hand form his shoulder. "Let's go, Eevee."

The furry creature yipped in excitement as it hopped onto Byelth shoulder. The two exited the classroom and began to walk towards the battle ground.

The two walked in relative silence. Dimitri was still too embarrassed from their previous exchange to say anything. While not talking was normal for Byleth.

"Can I ask you something?" Byleth asked, breaking the silence.

"Oh, um, sure," Dimitri replied.

"Was it weird seeing me laugh?"

Dimitri had to turn away as his face began to heat up again. The question was not helping him quell his embarrassment. To took in a deep breath and released it in order to calm himself down.

"It wasn't. It was refreshing to see you laugh. For the little I've known you, you rarely smile," Dimitri said.

"Thanks. N is the one who usually gets me to laugh or smile. He's even taught me how to tell jokes," Byleth replied.

Dimitri put a hand behind his neck nervously. "I'm not the best when it comes to jokes."

"That's fine. N's aren't that great either. Just don't tell him I said that."

"Professor N means a lot to you I take it," Dimitri said.

Byleth nodded. "He's helped me in many ways. I just wish I could return the favor."

Dimitri noticed how sullen her voice got. He was about to apologize for making her sad, but then a thought crossed his mind. He had not thought of it at first, but seeing as how close the two former mercenaries were it was possible.

Does she love him?

The thought caused for him to jerk his head. He wanted to banish the thought. But there still was the possibility. However, he did not want to assume their relationship.

When the two reached the battle ground, they were surprised to see that N was not there. The battle ground was still adorned with targets and other things. The two walked around the battle ground trying to fine the teenaged professor, but there was no trace of him.

"I could've sworn he would be here," Dimitri said.

"We can check our room. Though he's usually here until late," Byleth replied.

"If you're looking for Professor N, he's at the training hall," a voice said.

The two turned to see Edelgard standing at the entrance of the battle ground.

"Are you sure?" Dimitri asked.

Edelgard nodded. "I was just there with him. He said he wanted to train against Professor Jeritza."

"Sword training?" Byleth said putting a hand on her chin.

The two students looked towards the new professor. Dimitri was quick to notice the concern on her face. Edelgard noticed too, but had a more subdued reaction.

"Is everything alright?" Dimitri asked.

"He's trying really hard to distract himself," Byleth replied.

When Byleth finished her sentence, she began to walk towards the exit. Dimitri was quick to follow her, but Edelgard hesitated. She had noticed how distant N had been and part of her was worried. She took a step to follow them, but quickly retracted it. There was something she needed to do. She turned on her heel to leave, but hesitated again. She took in a breath to collect herself and focus on what she needed to do.

When the two arrived to the training ground, they found N and Jeritza in the middle of the sparring match. The initial surprise faded within Byleth as soon as she saw N's face. He was focused in his spar. Even their spars when they were mercenaries he never looked so determined. At first she thought he had grown past his nightmare, but she knew he was sparring to keep himself distracted.

However, she had to give N credit. He was putting up a good fight against the monastery's sword master. She did not know if Jeritza was holding back or if N had gotten that much better, but she was impressed by his swordplay.

"I knew he was good at the sword, but I never imagined he was this good," Dimitri said.

The only response she could give was a nod. The spar ended when Jeritza disarmed N. The wooden sword flew in the air when Jeritza landed his final hit. When the sword landed on the ground, N sat on the ground and began to pant. Byleth wondered how many times the two had fought.

"I think that was your best showing," Jeritza said as he held out a hand.

N chuckled as he grabbed it. The sword master pulled him up with ease. "Thanks."

"Looks like we have guests," Jeritza said gesturing to his side.

N looked to where Jeritza gestured and saw Dimitri and Byleth. The teenaged professor was surprised to see them, but quickly put on a smile and waved to them. He gestured for them to come over.

As the two walked over to him, his Zorua trotted towards Byleth. She cracked a smile and knelt down to pet the black fox.

"I'm impressed you managed hold off Professor Jeritza for so long. Even Felix has trouble sparring against him," Dimitri complimented.

"Thanks, but he was going easy on me," N said with an embarrassed chuckle. "Isn't that right?"

Jeritza looked over his shoulder when he was addressed by him. "In that last one I almost took it seriously."

N groaned as Dimitri could barely stifle his laugh. Though, Byleth could swear she heard Jeritza chuckle before turning back to his Scizor.

"What brings you two here?" N asked.

"We were looking for you actually," Dimitri said.

N pointed at himself. "Me? What's up?"

"Actually, it was Professor Byleth who wanted to find you," Dimitri clarified.

"Oh," N said turning to Byleth, "what's up?"

However, Byleth was silent. For N that was normal, but the look on her face told him she wanted to say something. She then turned and grabbed the wooden sword N was using and tossed it to him. N fumbled as he tried to grabbed it. Byleth moved towards the rack of other practice blades and grabbed one.

"Let's do spar like we used to," Byleth said, her voice monotone.

It was something that N was used to, but it caught Dimitri by surprise. N nodded in response and got into his stance, while Byleth moved to stand across from him.

"You do know I've beaten you a few times," N said.

"I know," Byleth replied.

Shen then charged towards N, which caught him by surprise. He was quick to recover and managed to parry her strike. Byleth continued on the offensive as N blocked or dodged her strikes. It was obvious to him that she was intent on winning. However, her strikes were not as precise as they used to be.

N then found his opening and attacked. This time he was on the offensive and managed to get Byleth to take a few steps back. His advantage did not last long, as Byleth quickly overpowered him.

"Your distracted. More so than usual," Byleth said as their blades locked.

"What makes you say that?"

"Normally your offense lasts longer."

The two broke their blade lock and jumped backwards. When they landed, they began to circle each other.

"You're never this chatty when we spar. What's got you so worked up?" N asked as he spun his blade.

"Maybe you should start by telling me what's go you so worked up you can't sleep."

Byleth saw the flash of frustration that crossed N's face. Then he charged towards her, raising his sword up. He brought it down for a strike, but Byleth easily parried it.

"What's so significant about Hydreigon?" Byleth asked.

N responded by launching another flurry of strikes, all of which Byleth easily blocked. She could tell he was getting worked up. N was not one to attack without a plan.

"Tell me. I want to know."

"No, you don't," N replied.

He moved for another strike, but with one quick movement Byleth parried the strike and knocked the blade out of his hands. N moved to pick it up, but Byleth put her sword to his neck, signaling his defeat.

"Please, N. I want yo help you," Byleth said.

N grunted and pushed the wooden blade away from his neck. He stood up and began to walk away, not wanting to respond to Byleth. He called for Zorua, but the fox was hesitant to follow.

"Even Zorua is worried about you. A lot of people are worried," Byleth said.

N's hands formed into fists. She knew N did not want to talk about it, but she had to try something. She had never seen him so pained before. In all their time together as mercenaries, he always looked cheerful.

"Professor, I know talking about the past can be harmful. But sometimes it is better to speak about it," Dimitri said.

N took in a breath and released it. The tension in his body seemed to slowly leave him as his hands straightened out.

"I don't talk about it because I'm afraid. Afraid that if I do, I'll just end up in their hands again," N said.

Byleth was not beginning to understand. Even with the little she was just told, she felt that she could now better understand N's trauma. When they first met, it was difficult for him to talk to anyone in the band out of fear. Her father could barely get a conversation going with him. It took time for him to open up to everyone in the band, just like how it will take time for him talk about his past.

"Since arriving here, I feel like they're always hiding close by. That he knows where I am."

"Who's 'he'?" Byleth asked.

N turned his head, but quickly turned back. "Sorry. That's not something I'm ready to talk about yet."

N then exited the training ground. Leaving Byleth with her thoughts. She barely registered when Dimitri spoke to her, but she did mentally agree that some weight was lifted. Despite forcing something out of him, Byleth was confident that he would open up a bit more about what bothered him. The one question that remained was the 'he' N mentioned. It was likely that whoever that person was, was who caused for N to be so closed off.

—-

"What is this nonesense?! All I was told was to kill as many noble pipsqueaks as possible! No one said anything about the Knights of damned Seiros being on our trail!"

The Flame Emperor was not on a mood to listen to Kostas's blabbering. They had assigned a simple task to him and he failed spectacularly. However, there was still a lot to be learned from that encounter. Some both they and their benefactor would be pleased with.

"You have proven yourself worthless. Distracted by something so trivial. I had hoped you would not fail even with the distraction. But now the daughter of the knights' former captain is in play. How interesting. There's also that other person."

The Flame Emperor mused about both of the new players. The former captain was not their concern, but who he had with him piqued their curiosity.

"Hey! This isn't what I agreed to!" Kostas argued.

However, the Flame Emperor ignored his words, and mused more about the two mercenaries. "Hiring two mercenaries as professors. What was the woman thinking…"

"Are you even listening?!" Kostas stomped his foot in annoyance. "How do we finish this?!"

The Flamer Emperor looked up, annoyed to be broken from their thoughts. If Kostas could see through their mask, he would see their displeased look.

"You die."

"Y-You think you can just threaten me like that?!"

"Underestimating the knights was an amateur mistake. One that you will pay dearly for. The road to eternal torment awaits you all. Now I must locate your replacements…"

Kostas was not even more frustrated. He was being tossed aside and he hated that. However, he did notice that the Flame Emperor did not have their partner at their side. A cocky grin formed on his face.

"Not so tough without your partner. Machoke, get 'im!"

The humanoid reptile charged towards the armor clad person. However, they made no attempt to dodge. Kostas grin widened. He was going get his way in one form or another.

Then a shadow enveloped everyone present. Kostas looked up and his face pale. Machoke stopped his advance and also looked up. A dark mass lowered down towards them. It appeared to be avian as its feathered wings were obvious. The Flame Emperor did not react, but beneath the mask, they were smiling.

The giant bird then landed and let out a loud roar. Its dark, armor-like feathers flowing with the wind. Its red eyes seemed to pierce through both Machoke and Kostas.

"What was that about not being tough? I'll blow you away," The Flame Emperor said confidently.

Machoke took a step back while Kostas tried to regain his composure.

"Damn you!" He growled. "Machoke, Brick Break!"

Machoke followed his masters orders and charged at the bird. The Flame Emepror merely scoffed.

"It appears the fool needs a lesson. Corviknight, Drill Peck."

Corviknight roared and few into battle. Machoke's attack was unable to connect, as Corviknight's beak slammed into the muscled creature. The creature flew back and crashed into Kostas, causing the man to fall to the ground.

"Now you understand the difference in our power," The Flame Emperor said as Corviknight landed next to them.

They then turned away from the bandit leader and did not give him a second thought. They climbed onto the bird's back and took flight. Without the distraction of Kostas, they returned to their musing. While the daughter was an outlier in their plans, the one that really made things difficult was the other one. He was the person that their benefactor was looking for.

Their thoughts then shifted to the letter they had received. Their benefactor had finally located the asset was on his way to obtain it. It meant that their plans were now in motion. After years of waiting it could begin.

However, they had to inform the benefactor of the complication that was the two mercenary professors. He would also need to be informed of the identity of one of them.

"Corviknight."

Corviknight's eyes moved to gaze at his partner.

"When you depart, I need you deliver this message to Lord Ghetsis: N has been found."

Corviknight grunted in response. Despite not being able to fully understand the armored bird, the Flame Emperor knew what he had said.

"I'm sure I can trust you to do this. Very soon will your strength be unleashed in a true battle," The Flame Emperor said.

—-

Byleth paced in her room. N had had yet to return to their room and it was getting very late. While he was one to return late, after everything that had happened between them she wondered if he was trying to avoid her. She had admitted to him that she was not the best at talking, but she always wanted for him to know that she would listen to him.

Eevee meanwhile, watched as she paced. The furry creature was more curious than concerned. Whenever Byleth glanced towards her, she would tilt her head to the side. Seeing her partner act cute helped calm her down, but her worry would still remain.

Just pacing like that isn't going to help you know.

Byleth stopped her pacing a looked up. A light groan escaped her as she recognized who was speaking.

"I'm worried, okay," Byleth replied.

You're pacing so much that you woke me up. I can sense your unease clearly, Sothis said. Adding a yawn at the end of her words.

Byleth rolled her eyes. She glanced towards Eevee, who tilted her head in confusion. She then began to scan around the room to see who her partner was talking to. Byleth groaned again.

"Now Eevee thinks I'm crazy."

Maybe if you didn't voice your responses out loud, then you would not think that. We share a mind after all, Sothis argued.

"I guess that's true," Byleth said with a shrug.

Before Sothis could respond, the door to the room opened. N walked in with Zorua trotting at his side. The black fox yipped in excitement at seeing Byleth and quickly jumped onto N's bed.

Now you decide to be silent, Byleth jabbed.

However, there was no response from the voice in her head. She then turned to N, who was taking off his teaching attire for more casual clothes. She did not register if he had greeted him or not. She glanced towards his face and noticed how the distant expression he had was no longer there. A wave of relief washed over her and she found herself sighing. The sound had caught N's attention and he looked up. He half smiled as Byleth realized he had heard her.

"What's with the sigh?" N asked with a chuckle.

"It's nothing. You just seem a bit more relaxed compared to this morning."

N turned to the floor, but his smile remained. This time Byleth knew it was not a forced one. That made her happy. Seeing her friend actually smiling meant he was in a better mood.

"You could say that. I thought about what you said," N looked up to face her, "slowly but surely I'll try to talk more about my past. I can't let fear control me."

He then stood up and wrapped his arms around her. Byleth was momentarily confused by the gesture, but found herself wrapping her arms around him. There was a warmth to it, one that was different from what she was used to. They would always just high five or something similar to express gratitude towards each other. A hug was uncommon. The only time they had done it was when Byleth had first spoken to N. He wrapped her arms around her tightly and her cried a bit.

When the two separated, she could see the happy expression on his face. Byleth wondered what made him so happy.

"I told Edelgard that you help me keep me grounded at times. Right now is one of those times. You help me forget the bad memories," N said.

Byleth smiled and nodded. "I'm only trying to repay the kindness you've shown me."

N chuckled. "You never had to."

Meanwhile, their partners looked at each other and yipped happily. The two had felt how much their partners were hurting and tried, in their own way, to help. Zorua yipped and jumped on N's bed. While Eevee let out a pleased yawn and prepared to go to sleep.

When the two creatures had fallen asleep, their partners laughed at their exchange.

"Even Eevee and Zorua were worried about us," N said.

"I think sometimes they know more than we do," Byleth added.

Zorua snickered again before spinning around on N's bed to get comfortable. Soon, he too was fast asleep.

"We should get some sleep too. It's going to be another long day tomorrow."

AN: With that this chapter ends. First I want to apologize for the briefness of this chapter. However, I hope to enlarge these chapters going forwards. The idea for this chapter was to have a direct continuation from the last one. I wanted to showcase the relationship between N and Byleth a bit more and how they rely on each other (plus having a bit of romantic hijinks). I know Pokemon hasn't been a big focus, but I got some plans to incorporate them more. With all that out of the way, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and stay tuned for the next one! If you're enjoying feel free to follow, favorite, and/or review. Follow me on Twitter to get updates on stories and other stuff.