Chapter 8

The First Mission

"Shinx, Spark!"

"Growlithe, Flame Wheel!"

N watched as the two attacks collided, causing for a shower of sparks and embers. He watched as Dimitri and Slyvain commanded their creatures and their response to them. It became clear that both creatures trusted their partners and that pleased him. He knew there was always ways to further strengthen those bonds, but what he was seeing right now made him feel comfortable.

As for his lesson, he had begun to go into greater detail about attacks. Using the lessons on types he branched out into the lessons on attacks. He wanted the students to understand both how the type of attack is related to the type of the creature and their effects. He had also gone into a bit of detail about the classification of attacks, but he wanted to save that part of the lesson for when he discussed something else.

When he was satisfied with how the battle was turning out, he called for all the Blue Pyroar students to gather in the center of the arena.

"Now then, does everyone understand about how the type of the attack affects how much damage you're dealing?"

He looked at each of the students, while their expressions told him they understood, he still wanted someone to speak. A small smile came to his face when Ashe raised his hand.

"It's if the attack matches the type, then the damage dealt will be higher, correct?"

N nodded. "Exactly. The increased damage is not much, but it can be a great asset when fighting against an opponent in which you do not have the advantage. It's the reason I chose the partners this time."

"Does that mean weaker attacks will still deal more damage than usual?" Annette asked.

"That's where secondary effects come in. For example, my Zorua's attacks, all have a secondary effect. Who can remember them?" N asked.

Ingrind's hand went up. "Dark Pulse can cause flinching, Snarl makes certain types of attacks weaker, and Fury Swipes deals multiple hits."

"Correct. Most attacks have a secondary effect. Be it something noticeable during battle or something else."

"I have a question, Professor. What exactly is Snarl's secondary effect? You've always been vague about it," Dimitri asked.

"I'll cover that in the next lesson. Mainly because I'll be going over the specifics about moves. However, it does help to get the ball rolling. Listen carefully. This is the basis for our next lesson."

N took a moment to make sure everyone was paying attention. Some were eager to learn, like Annette and Ashe. Others did not make it obvious, like Dedue and Slyvain. And despite being so aloof, he knew Felix was still listenting.

"Moves are divided into three categories." N held up three fingers. "Physical attacks, ranged attacks, and status moves."

"Status moves?" Everyone asked in unison.

N nodded. "A quick example of a status move is Zorua's Double Team."

"I take it it's an attack that doesn't deal damage?" Mercedes asked.

"Exactly. For some, those moves may seem useless, but they can make a battle a lot easier to manage. Especially if your opponent might be stronger than you," N explained.

Before he could continue, the church bells began to ring, signaling the end of his class. He could hear a disappointed sigh escape some of the students. He chuckled at hearing that. It made him happy that his students were invested in what he was teaching.

"Looks like our time is up. You're free to leave. I'll still be here if you want to ask questions later," N said.

"Thanks, Professor," they all said in unison.

"Take care everyone."

As the students began to leave, N turned to begin cleaning up the arena. That battles caused for quite a bit of damage to it. He laughed to himself as he grabbed the broom, but before he could begin the sound of someone clearing their throat caught his attention. He looked up to see that Dimitri was still in the arena.

"Oh, I'm sorry. What's up, Dimitri?" N asked asked as he set down the broom.

"I just wanted to thank you personally for everything you've taught us so far. It always surprises me as to how much you know," Dimitri replied.

"No need for that. I'm just happy you're all enjoying learning from me."

"Of course. I know you've told me that before," Dimtiri said as he put a hand behind his neck. "I'm sure I'll be able to put everyone you've taught me to use during our mission."

N rose an eyebrow. He had heard that the students would undertake a mission of some sort at the end of each month. But since that fell under the responsibilities of the professor's of the houses he had never gotten the details.

"So you've got a mission coming up? Must be nerve wracking to have such a big assignment always looming," N said as he crossed his arms across his chest.

"It can be, but it should be too hard. I believe our mission is to defeat a group of bandits."

N placed a hand on his chin. "Bandits, huh?"

N wondered if it was the same bandit group that had attacked them. He had overheard from a group of Church knights that they had been spotted recently. He could only guess if that was their assignment. Which meant they were being sent to kill them most likely.

"Is everything alright, Professor?"

N looked up as he was broken from his thoughts. "Would you mind if I joined you on the mission? Can't hurt having a bit more help."

"I don't see why not. Though I think you'd better ask Professor Byleth. Possibly Lady Rhea as well."

"That's true," N said. "You're heading back to you classroom, right?"

Dimitri nodded as a response.

"Mind if I tag along? I should ask if Byleth is okay with it."

Dimitri nodded again. "I'm sure she wouldn't have a problem with it."

"Great. Let's get going then."

N called to Zorua, who jumped and perched himself on his shoulder. The two then followed Dimitri out of the arena and towards the Blue Pyroars classroom. On their walk, N mused about what Dimitri had told him about the mission. He still did not know everything about the missions, but he had a feeling that his bandit theory was correct.

—

"You want to join the students on their mission?"

N was expecting Seteth to question his request, but to have a disgusted look on his face was not. It was as if he was directly dishonoring him by asking it. N fought the urge to roll his eyes; being elbowed by Byleth also helped.

When N had asked Byleth about joining her and her class on their mission, she was pretty quick to say yes. It was likely that having him a long would make things a bit easier in terms of executing the mission. There was also the possibility that it would bring back memories of their time working together in the band.

N pushed those thoughts aside and focused on what was in front of him. Seteth still had his displeased look, while Rhea had been quiet since he arrived to the audience chamber. She simply smiled and kept her gazed focused on the two young professors.

"Yes. It would just be this one time. If the bandits they're going to fight are the same ones we encountered, then I have a reason to go," N explained again.

Seteth crossed his arms and let out a frustrated breath. "It's a personal reason as to why you want to be involved."

N nodded. "It is. But there is nothing that prohibits me from actually taking part. I thought it was the right thing to do to ask for permission."

Before Seteth could respond, Rhea raised he hand silencing him. With a simple gesture Seteth had straitened his posture and all his attention was on the Archbishop. She lowered her hand, but her gaze was still fixed on N and Byleth

"I understand what you say, N. However, I do agree with Seteth. This is not something that is done often," Rhea said.

A pleased smile crept onto Seteth's face. He was about to say something, when Rhea raised her hand again to silence him.

"Despite that, I am aware that what you're proposing isn't something that can't be done."

Seteth's mouth dropped open in surprise as he turned to Rhea. "You're not thinking of actually granting his request?"

"I am, and I will grant it. Having another professor there should guarantee that the students remain safe. In addition, they were both trained by Jeralt. I'm sure they are more than capable," Rhea answered.

Seteth let out a frustrated sigh, but relented. His shoulders sagged a bit as he released his breath.

"I trust that with the both of you there the students won't return beaten and battered?" Rhea asked.

The two professors nodded.

"They won't. Though there will likely be a scuffle," N said.

Rhea let out a small chuckle. "I would be surprised if there wasn't one."

"Very well. You best prepare yourself for the mission," Seteth said.

N nodded and turned on his heel. Byleth followed close behind. She elbowed him to get his attention. When he turned she gave a small smile. N chuckled and lightly punched Byleth's arm.

"I knew they'd come around," N said.

"I thought Seteth would outright deny you and it would've ended there," Byleth replied.

"For a second there, I thought that would happen."

The two friends laughed. N louder than Byleth, but N was just happy that Byleth was laughing a bit more often.

"Come on, we should prepare," Byleth said.

"Lead the way."

—

The next morning, N was up early. He had not anticipated that the mission was the day after he found out about it. It was only when Byleth had told him that the house had a mission at the end of every month. It had also never occurred to him that the month was ending. He made a mental note to keep better track of time.

Before he exited his room, he made sure that he had everything he needed. He was wearing his usual armor, a simple metal chest plate, armored boots, and armor on his upper arm. He tugged on his gloves just to make sure they were still on; it also helped calm his nerves. He strapped his sword to his belt and swung his bag of medicinal herbs and other items he would need to treat wounds. Mentally he hoped to never have to use them.

"I think that's everything," N said to himself.

Zorua let out a satisfied yip.

Before he could exit, there was a knock on the door. N opened the door and Byleth was standing there, Eevee perched on her shoulder. She took a step back and let him and Zorua exit.

"I'm surprised you're up early. Normally I'm awake up before you," N teased as he closed the door.

Byleth rolled her eyes. "Well, we have to be out of here by midmorning."

"I'm assuming you're all waiting for me?" N asked.

Byleth nodded. "Yup. Let's get going, we have to meet up with the students. We'll have breakfast as we walk. Where the bandits are hiding isn't far. Hopefully we'll have this done before sunset."

N nodded in response. "Hopefully."

Their walk led them to where the students were waiting, which was the main entrance to the monastery. It was also where the market was located. Several different vendors were beginning to open up for business. Most of the students were either perusing the weapons or stocking up on necessary items for battle.

N glanced towards the weapons shop and absentmindedly placed his hand on his sword's grip. It had been some time since he had gotten a new sword.

Maybe I should buy a new one soon, N mused.

He was broken from his thoughts when he heard Byleth call out to her students. Everyone was quick to gather, which surprised N. Even during the days of traveling as a band, they were never very quick to assemble.

"Is everyone ready?"

"Yes!" Everyone replied in unison.

"Great. As I'm sure you've guessed, N will be joining us," Byleth said.

N nodded and took a step forward. "Let's all work together to get this done quickly."

Another chorus of 'yes' followed his words. This was the first time he had experienced the students act like a group of soldiers. The thought did not sit right with him, but he could not say anything about it since he had been fighting for his whole life.

He pushed the thought aside as the group exited from the market and onto the open road. He made sure he was entirely focused on the mission ahead. He had expected to walk the whole way towards the location of the bandits, but the Church knights provided them rideable creatures for the trek. While he was not opposed to walking the whole way, he appreciated the use of a faster transportation method.

As they rode toward their destination, N observed their surroundings. Though, there was not much to look at. However, the sighting of wild Geodude, Ryhorn, Nidoran, and other creatures helped liven things up.

"Are the rocks really all that interesting?" a soft voice asked.

N turned to where the voice came from and saw Mercedes riding next to him. Her Happiny sitting in front of her smiled towards N.

N chuckled and turned his attention forwards. "Not really. Though I met someone on my travels who was really into them."

"They must've been strange."

N laughed again. "He sure was. Anyways, you doing alright? Being your first mission and all that."

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. The thought of going out and inflicting harm on other people doesn't sit right with me," Mercedes answered, her tone going a bit somber.

"I get what you mean. I'm not that big a fan of fighting either, but sometimes we're given no other choice," N replied.

Mercendes nodded in understanding. "It's just the world we live in, isn't it?"

"Unfortunately. But enough about this sad topic, there's something I wanted to ask you. I take it you've had Happiny for awhile now. Why hasn't changed into a Chansey yet?"

"Not too sure. Though, I wouldn't mind if she stayed as a Happiny," Mercendes said with a smile coming to her face.

Happiny replied with a happy chirp, which caused both N and Mercedes to laugh.

"I understand. Though her potential would improve, especially her healing capabilities. As would yours I'd say."

"That's true." Mercedes looked towards Happiny, who looked up at her with a curious gaze. "Might I ask you something, Professor?"

N nodded. "Ask away."

"You're a healer too, right?"

N nodded again. "Became one when I realized I wouldn't be as good as Byleth with a sword."

"But you also know about treating the injuries of the creatures. How did you learn that?"

N shrugged and looked towards the sky. He wanted to collect his thoughts before answering, but he knew the answer right away.

"Mostly self taught. Whenever Zorua, Eevee, or Jerlat's Mudsdale would get sick or injured I would treat them. That's how I learned what works on them."

Zorua yipped in response.

"Yes, you helped too, Zorua," N said with a chuckle. Mercedes giggled as well.

"I see."

"If you want to learn how to do it, I can teach you. I was planning on making that a lesson anyway," N said.

"I would like that."

N nodded in response and smiled. The two continued to chat as they trekked. Solidifying their bond as teach and student and friends.

—-

By midmorning they had reach their destination: the Red Canyon. The group got off their mounts and continued on foot. The morning fog was slowly stating to dissipate around them, allowing to see more clearly.

Then they came upon a set of ruins. Stone steps led to an elevated portion of the canyon. Not too far, the group could hear the commotion between people. Ashe volunteered to scout ahead and before anyone could join him he was already out of earshot. When he returned, the grey haired student confirmed that a group of bandits had set up camp in a deeper part of the ruins.

The plan was simple, take them by surprise in order to defeat them quickly. Once everyone steeled themselves, the group moved into the ruins. They used fallen pillars and boulders in order to keep themselves hidden.

N peeked from his spot and counted about twenty bandits in total. He could not see the leader, but he could hear him. It definitely was the same bandit group as the one from last time.

As they inched closer, loose piece of rock caught the attention of several of the bandits. N hoped they would not be noticed, as the bandits were already on edge, but his hopes were quickly squashed.

"It's those knights!"

Soon after every bandit had a weapon in hand and N was surprised to see several of them had creatures. Several of them had either Houndour or a Poocheyna.

"Well, they know we're here," N said.

Blyeth nodded and drew her sword as Eevee jumped off her shoulder. All the students followed suit and drew their own weapons, all of them were ready for a fight.

"Get those brats!"

The canyon was soon engulfed with the sound of steel clashing. In between that were explosions of magical origin or from a creature. Due to the fighting, the group separated, but most operated in teams of two. However, N was left by his lonesome. Because of that, three bandits surrounded him. Each had their weapon drawn, and one commanded a Houndour. N clicked his tongue in frustration. His Zorua did not have the advantage against Houndour.

One of the bandits charged and swung his ax wildly making it easy for him to dodge the strike. He used his sword's pommel to strike his attacker's back causing him to stumble. Before he could deal killing blow, the second bandit attacked. He too swung his sword wildly making it easy for him to dodge again. As he turned to strike, his blade was stopped by the other bandit's axe.

He could only wonder why the third bandit had yet to attack, but he could not focus on that, as he had to defeat the first two. Managing to break away from the axe wielding bandit, N took a defensive stance which caused for the sword wielding bandit to move in to attack. The bandit brought down his sword and it collided with N's. However, the bandit put too much force in his strike and as soon as their blades separated, the bandit stumbled. N used the moment to slash across the bandit's stomach, killing him.

His time to breath was minimal, as the ax bearing bandit attacked quickly after. However, N dodged his wild blow again and slashed the bandit on his weapon hand. The bandit dropped his weapon, but drew a dagger from his belt and quickly turned to stab N in the stomach. N tried to bring his sword to block it, but he would be too late.

However, the blow never came. The sound of an arrow flying caught his attention. The bandit dropped to the floor, with and arrow in his back. N looked up and saw Ashe let out a relieved breath.

"Thanks for the save," N called out.

"No problem," Ashe replied as he jogged towards N.

"We still got one left," N said turning to the third bandit.

"Let Treecko and I handle this one," Ashe replied.

N nodded and took a step back.

"The brat's gonna take me on? I'll crush him quickly. Poocheyna use Bite!"

The black furred dog charged towards the green reptile, fangs barred.

"Treecko, dodge it!"

Treeko managed to react fast enough to dodge the attack my jumping into the air.

"Now hit it with Bullet Seed!"

Treecko opened its mouth and green glowing seeds were fired from it. The seeds pelted Poocheyna, causing it to be pushed back. However, the attack was not enough to take it down.

"Not strong enough. Poocheyna, Tackle!"

This time the attack made contact. Despite that, Treecko looked barely phased by the damage it had taken.

"Finish this with another Bullet Seed!"

Treecko once again fired the glowing seeds, pelting the Poocheyna. The black furred dog then collapsed to the ground, unable to continue. The bandit scurried towards it and picked it up.

"I won't forget this!"

The bandit then turned and ran. Ashe was about to give chase, until N placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him.

"You won the battle. Let him go."

"But he was still part of the bandit group," Ashe argued.

"That's true, but you beat his Poocheyna and that was enough to claim victory. You don't need to kill those who do not continue to fight."

Ashe was silent, but he seemed to understand what N was saying.

"Let's go. I'm sure the others should be closing in the on bandit leader by now."

Ashe nodded. "Let's go."

—

Kostas was quick to realize that he was going to be defeated. He had to figure out a way to get out of the situation with his life. He scanned his surroundings before his gaze landed on the girl that had beaten him last time. He gritted his teeth and the his grip on his ax tightened.

"C'mon Machoke, we gotta get our revenge," Kostas growled.

His reptilian partner growled in response as he followed his master.

Byleth pushed away her attacker and with a swift motion was able to deal the killing blow. She took a second to catch her breath and call out to Eevee. The furry creature scurried towards her quickly. Byleth looked to where she had come from and saw a defeated Houndour which was picked up by its partner.

Byelth was surprised Eevee was able to win without Byleth giving it too many commands. Before she could bend down to pick up the creature, Eevee got into a defensive stance and began to growl. Byleth looked up and saw a Machoke walking towards her. At the Machok's side was the bandit leader, Kosatas. Byleth readied her blade as Kostas lifted his ax.

"I'll enjoy breaking you and your pet," Kostas said with a chuckle. "Brick Break!"

Machoke charged towards Eevee as Kostas charged towards Byelth. Byleth grit her teeth in frustration. It was going to be difficult to give Eevee commands as she fought. On top of that, Eevee was at a disadvantage.

"Eevee, Dig!"

Eevee dug into the ground and narrowly avoided Machoke's attack. At the same time, Byleth blocked on of Kostas' swings. He had her on the defensive in both situations.

"Professor!"

Byleth managed to spare a glance and saw Dimitri running towards her to assist her. She used their separation to jump back in order to close the distance between them.

"How can I help?" Dimitri asked.

"I can handle him. Help Eevee take on Machoke. She's at a disadvantage."

Dimitri nodded. "Let's go, Shinx!"

The electric feline growled in response and followed his partner. Before Byelth could say something else, Kostas charged towards her again. She brought her blade up to defend and the two locked blades.

"When I'm finished with you, I'll crush him next."

Byleth did not respond and continued to fight.

"Shinx, Spark!"

The electric feline's body was engulfed in electricity as it tackled Machoke. When Shinx separated form Machoke, Eevee popped up from the ground and attacked Machoke. She quickly returned to the ground before Machoke could retaliate. Machoke's attention turned to Shinx and growled at the feline, which he returned.

"Surely with the next attack will being it down. Shinx, Volt Switch!"

Shinx charged electricity around itself and launched it as disks towards Machoke. The muscular reptile was hit by the attack and engulfed in electricity. Eevee appeared from the ground again and attacked. Machoke stumbled, but remained standing. Dimitri grit his teeth in frustration and prepared himself for Machoke's attack.

Machoke charged towards the two creatures and with a glowing first struck both creatures. Shinx managed to recovered quickly, but Eevee struggled to get up.

Damn. This creature is a lot tougher than I expected. It'll take a bit more to-

"Honedge, Aerial Ace!"

A glowing, floating sword appeared and slashed Machoke dealing more damage than either of Dimitri's.

Dimitri looked back and saw Felix walking towards him, a scowl on his face.

"Does it really take you so long to take down a weakling, Boar?"

"Felix, I-"

"Shut it. I managed to defeat all my enemies in the time it took you to deal three attacks. Let me handle this," Felic said.

"We can take it one together," Dimitri said.

Felix rolled his eyes. "Just don't get in my way."

Dimitri moved next to Felix and picked up Eevee. It was weak, but not defeated. He had to get her to N, but that had to wait. Shinx moved next to Honedge and prepared for battle.

"Shinx, Spark!"

"Aerial Ace!"

Shinx's attack landed first causing for Machoke to stumble back, but it recovered quickly. It tired to land an attack on the incoming Honedge, but the floating sword was unaffected. Honedge's attack landed dealing substantial damage.

Before the two could attack again, Eevee jumped from Dimitri's arms and ran towards the still recovering Machoke. Dimitri shouted for the creature come back, but he was ignored. Energy around Eevee's body began to glow as she picked up speed. Eevee then collided with Machoke, the impact caused for it to fly back and into a rock. As Eevee landed she struggled to stand, but she gave into exhaustion and collapsed.

"What was that?" Felix asked.

"Take Down."

The two students turned back to see N and Ashe standing behind them.

"Take Down is an attack that deals a lot of damage, but the down side it that the user takes damage as well. It seems Eevee learned a new attack," N explained as he walked towards Eevee.

The students watched as he carefully picked her up and cradled her in his arms. He let a relieved sigh after giver her a quick look over.

"She'll be fine. We should get to Byleth. I'm sure her fight is finished by now," N said.

The three students nodded and followed the green haired professor.

"What about Machoke?" Dimitri asked.

"Unfortunately, his partner may not have survived the fight against Byelth. I pity him. Having a bond severed like that will be painful," N said, his gaze downcast.

The three said nothing in response.

—

By the time N and the three students had made it to Byleth, her fight was over. The group gathered by the center of the ruins and with a quick head count, they were all still alive. N let out a relieved sigh, while Byleth did not show it.

N and Mercedes applied healing magic to those who needed it. At the same time, N kept everyone's partner healthy. Luckily, no one was injured too badly. Mainly cuts and bruises. The only one that had bled a bit too much was Sylvain, who took a blow for Ingrid from what N heard. Though nothing healing magic and some of what N packed could fix.

N was greatful that the bandits they faced were not very skilled. Everyone's wounds likely came from inexperience on the battlefield. That was something that would only improve with time.

Once everyone got their bearings, the group returned to their mounts. The walk back was mostly silent and even when the group reached their mounts there was not much talking.

Once everything was set on N's mount, he jumped onto the saddle. Zorua moved from his shoulder to sitting in front of him. He looked up to make sure that everyone was still together and he was surprised to see the Byelth was still not on her mount. He scanned around the area until he found her staring at the ruins. He rose an eyebrow and rode towards her.

"Hey, we're about to head out."

Byleth blinked rapidly as she was broken from her thoughts. She turned to N and nodded. She turned and began to walk towards her mount.

N rose an eyebrow again. The look she had when she was staring was as if she was talking to someone.

As they began to ride, N sped up to keep pace with Byleth. He was a bit worried about whatever she was thinking about.

"Hey, you okay?"

Byleth turned to him and nodded.

"You seemed pretty interested in those ruins," N said.

"They felt familiar for some reason. I can't really place it," Byelth replied.

N rose an eyebrow. "Have you been there before? Before I joined the band I mean."

Byleth shook her head. "Nope. It was an odd case of déjà vu."

"It also looked like you were talking to someone, but you were silent."

"Was I?" Byleth asked.

N sighed in defeat. He was not going to get anything out her. He could not tell if she was telling the truth or not either. He let out a breath and relented.

"It doesn't really matter, I guess."

N slowed down a bit as Byleth rode ahead. He took a look back from where they just were. For him, he felt a cold sense of dread since they had arrived. He wondered why a headache had not happened to him while he was there.

He turned back to face forwards, but the sound of a roar caught his attention. His head shot backwards, but there was nothing there. He rose an eyebrow. The roar did not sound like a creature that was familiar to him. He did notice it was a roar of rage.

"Is everything alright, Professor?"

N turned his head forwards to see that Annette had stopped with him. The others had moved a bit farther ahead.

"I'm fine. Thought I heard something."

"I caught something too. It was like thunder," Annette replied.

N chuckled at her response. He looked back towards the ruins one more time and saw storm clouds rolling in.

"Maybe I just confused the sound of thunder," N said with a sheepish laugh.

Annette giggled. "Didn't know that was possible."

"The same goes for me. We should get moving. Don't want to get left behind," N said.

Annette nodded and the two sped up on their mounts to catch up.

—-

When the group arrived back at the monastery, it was late afternoon. While Byleth tended to her students, N decided to head to meet with Rhea. The two of them were supposed to meet with her after the mission, but N thought it was best for her to remain with students for a bit. His assumption that it was the first time the students were ever involved in real combat was true. Many were a bit shaken by the event. Despite his own aversion to taking life, he had grown used to doing so.

He gave one last glance towards where Byleth and her students had walked towards before moving towards the stair that led to the audience chamber. He took in a breath and opened the door. Waiting at the end of the chamber were Rhea and Seteth. Seteth had his arms crossed and had his usual scowl, while Rhea had a regal and poised smile.

"I'm pleased to see you returned unharmed. I take it the students returned unharmed as well," Rhea said.

"Mostly some bruises and scratches. Nothing a few days won't heal," N replied.

"That's good. I'm glad you all were able to complete the mission without any hardships."

"Speaking of which, where is the Professor? She should be here too," Seteth asked. His tone laced with impatience.

"She's with her students. Most of them aren't used to a live battle where their lives are on the line. Some came back a bit shaken. I'm sure she'll be here soon," N answered.

"Very well then," Seteth said.

N was surprised he relented so quickly. He expected another question or something close to an insult. He assumed Rhea likely said something before meeting that kept him from saying too much.

"You seem distracted, N. Is something the matter?" Rhea asked.

N turned to her, surprised to see a hint of concern on her face. He had only ever seen the usual regal smile. It made him cautious.

"It's nothing to worry about. Just tired is all," N replied.

"I see. Then don't let me keep you. Get some rest. You've earned it," Rhea said, her regal smile returning.

N bowed slightly and excused himself. He took a few steps away from the two before stopping and turning back to them. Rhea's smile remained, while Seteth rose an eyebrow.

"If it's fine with you, I'd like to come by to talk some time. There's something I need to ask you," N said.

Seteth's eyes darted towards Rhea, while he smile widened slightly.

"Of course. You can come by any time," Rhea replied.

N slightly bowed again and, this time exited the chamber. When he reached the steps, he saw Byleth walking up them. The two stopped and stared at each other for a moment without even blinking. Neither of them backed down as they stared at each other. N was the first to give in and blink, leading to a defeated groan. Byleth giggled at N's sounds.

"I can never seem to win those," N said.

"Maybe next time," Byleth replied. "You finished?"

N nodded. "Yup. I think they want to talk to you more than me. How're the students?"

"They've recovered. But it'll take time for them to get used to fighting like that," Byleth answered.

"That's what I thought. How's Eevee?"

"Resting in the room. That fight took a lot out of her. Thanks for looking out for her," Byleth replied.

"I'm glad. I'll give her another look over when I get to the room."

Byleth nodded. "I'd appreciate that. Also, I think some of the students want to talk to you."

N's eyebrows rose in surprise and he point to himself. Byleth chuckled and nodded.

"Huh, guess I'd better not keep them waiting," N said. "Good luck in there."

"Thanks."

When Byleth passed him, he continued his descent towards the main hall. He could feel his stomach growling as he passed the by the dinning hall, but he had other things to do first. He wondered which of the students wanted to talk to him.

When he reached his room, he was surprised to see Dedue standing by the door. He looked like he was guarding it by the way he was standing. His Larvitar looked to be asleep as he held onto Dedue's pants. He could not help but chuckle at the sight.

"Hey, Dedue. What's bring you by?"

"I am here to thank you for protecting His Highness when I was unable to," Dedue said, adding a short bow with his head.

"Well, it is my job," N replied adding a shrug.

"This is two times now you have come to his aid. I am thankful for that."

N placed a hand behind his neck nervously. "Well, the first time was a coincidence." N placed a hand on the student's shoulder. "You don't have to thank me for that. Like I said, it's my job to keep all of you unharmed."

"Of course," Dedue said with a nod.

N smiled and removed his hand from the teen's shoulder. He then looked towards Lavitar, who stared up at the teenaged professor. N chuckled and knelt down. Lavitar hid behind Dedue's leg as N extended a hand.

"He's a shy one, isn't he?" N asked, still trying to interact with Lavitar.

"Yes. It rarely shows interest in anyone," Dedue answered.

"Not 'it', Dedue, he." N corrected.

"'He'?" Dedue asked raising an eyebrow.

N nodded. "Lavitar is male. All the creatures have a gender. Zorua is male, for example." Zorua yipped in agreement. "As is your Larvitar."

Lavitar peeked from behind Dedue's leg and sniffed N's outstretched hand. N whispered something only Lavitar could hear and he inched closer to N. N remained calm and did not move much as Lavitar inched ever closer. When he reached N's hand, N turned it over and placed it on Lavitar's head. It cooed as N slowly pet him. N chuckled, happy he was able to connect with Larvitar.

"You have a wonderful partner Dedue. I can tell you two have been through a lot together. The both of you will only keep getting stronger," N said.

"I am surprised it-I mean, he opened up to you so quickly. It a long time before His Highness was able to get close," Dedue said. His usual monotone was laced with a hint of surprise.

"I was able to speak to him and understand why he's so distrustful of strangers. It's how I know you two have been through a lot," N replied.

N removed his hand from Larvitar's head and slowly began to stand. He chuckled again when Larvitar looked a bit sad that N stopped petting him.

"If you ever wish to speak again, about anything, I'll welcome both you and Larvitar."

Dedue bowed. "Thank you, Professor."

N watched as the two walked away. A pleased smile came to his face as he knew the two had grown closer. Part of him still held a hint of worry about what Larvitar had told him. It was the beginning of a sad tale. It was the reason why he invited Dedue to come talk to him if he ever wanted to.

N took in a breath and put his hand o the handle to open his room. However, his rumbling stomach was a lot louder than before. Part of him wanted to hold out a bit so he could check on Eevee, but he could feel his stomach eating away at itself.

I've never felt this hungry before, N thought.

"Guess I should eat first," N said to himself.

"Off to the dining hall?" a voice asked.

N turned to see Edelgard, her Rufflet . It looked like she had just finished extra training.

"Guess you hear me, huh?" N asked nervously.

Edelgard rolled her eyes, but still let out a giggle. She quickly composed herself and put a hand on her hip. "I did. I was just about to go there too. Care to join me?"

N nodded. "Sure, sounds fun."

"Plus, we could talk about how your mission went," Edelgard said.

This time N was the one laugh. He turned to Zorua and asked if he would rather remain in the room. The fox responded by jumping off his shoulder and trying to push the door open. N chuckled and opened the door. He gave a berry from his bag to the fox and instructed him to give it to Eevee. The fox protested, but relented quickly.

N closed the door to the room and walked towards Edelgard. He was quick to noticed the amused smile on her face.

"What?" N asked raising an eyebrow.

"You and Zorua have an interesting relationship," Edelgard replied.

"He's my partner, but more than that my friend," N said.

"Interesting. Shall we?" Edelgard said.

N nodded and two began the walk towards the dining hall. Along the way, N began to tell her about the mission they had just undergone.

AN: With that, this chapter ends. Sorry for taking so long. Life kinda got in the way. I hoped to have this chapter out a lot earlier, but I went back and changed a lot of it. This chapter is meant to showcase how N acts around the students of the Blue Lions, or in this story's case, the Blue Pyroars. Several of chapter will be like this, focusing on N's growing relationship with all the students. That way, everyone gets screen time. You could also think of them as his supports with the students (maybe I'll map out N's support levels with the characters, that sounds like fun).

With all the out of the way, this chapter was uploaded the day after my birthday, so I'm officially 21 years old. I've been on here for awhile now and it makes me feel old in real life. Speaking of birthdays, since N doesn't have a canonical one, I'll make my bday his for this story purposes.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and stay tuned for the next one. If you're enjoying this story, feel free to follow, favorite, and/or review. Also, check me out on Twitter. I post story updates and other stuff there that helps you get to know me a bit better.