It was odd how people were able to cope with the most unearthly of places. Camped in one such place were the heroes united across time via Orochi's sorcery. How long it had been, no one could really be certain due to the collective amount of time travel that had occurred. Still, the humans and a handful of demons were dealing with the environment as best they can.

It was on an unusually quiet day that a pair of the more laid-back humans were enjoying each others company. Guo Jia was on the pale side of things and sported sandy almost shoulder length hair. He had fair features and would most often be seen sporting a care-free smile. He wore his signature outfit of a predominantly blue robe, sporting black and white sleeves trimmed with gold. Not too far from him embedded slightly in the ground was a long azure pole made of wood, and capped either end in gold.

His companion, Saika Magoichi on the surface looked a very different man. He was slightly taller than Guo Jia and had a much healthier complexion. His hair is spiked and dark chestnut in hue. Magoichi's face was also more mature, assisted by the stubbled beard he was sporting. His clothing was approaching that of a cowboy, shining green predominantly, though it is dulled by the sand coloured poncho draping over his shoulders. Unlike Guo Jia, Magoichi was a little more battle ready, sporting bandoliers around his torso, his gun shouldered instead of put to one side.

These two men were gently sipping on rice wine in Jia's case and sake in Magoichi's as they admired the various women in camp. To be more specific they were admiring the Mystical women in camp. Currently that encompassed Nu Wa, Kaguya and Sanzang. The pair refused to acknowledge Da Ji as a mystic for the sake of this, as that would have been far too dangerous ground to tread.

While Sanzang was a lithe beauty and Kaguya was the spitting image of a princess, both men had agreed that Nu Wa was the most appealing of the three. "Would it not brighten our day if she were to join us?" Jia suggested with a smile. Magoichi took a final sip of his current sake, draining it. "Leave it to me then" Magoichi responded with confidence as he made his way to Nu Wa. Jia chuckled softly to himself before following shortly after, ready to provide an exit should he offend the mystic.

"All by your lonesome again? What a sin that is" Magoichi lamented light-heartedly as he approached Nu Wa. "I am awaiting lord Cao Cao's return, I would ask you leave me do so in peace" She returned in a non-too receptive manner. Many people would take such a request seriously however, Magoicihi was not one to be deterred. "Then join us for a moment, we won't be too disruptive." Magoichi gestured to Jia as he spoke. "Master Guo Jia" She nodded in acknowledgement. "Please take your associate and leave me be for now" Her tone was much more relaxed when speaking to Jia, though the message was still clear.

Guo Jia put a hand on Magoichi's shoulder "While I too would like nothing more than to have Nu Wa grace us with her company, if she is waiting on our lord there is little that will dissuade her from that task" Magoichi's shoulder dropped in response. "Alright, another time beautiful" He admitted his defeat and began to walk away. Nu Wa gave Guo Jia a look to say 'If he tries that again, it will not end as cordially.' Jia offers a light bow and leaves to catch up with Magoichi, who had made his way over to Sanzang. 'Well, he gets past such set back rather easily' he thought merrily.

Magoichi approached Sanzang with more hope than with Nu Wa, Sanzang was usually more receptive to people in general. "Magoichi!" She greeted him with enthusiasm. "Sanzang, a ray of sunshine as ever" He responded with a grin. It was then he noticed a mischievous glint in Sanzang's eye. "This may be sudden but may I ask for some help?" She asked him hopefully. Magoichi was never one to deny aid to a pretty girl, but even he was hesitant at that moment.

It was then that Jia had caught up to his companion and Sanzang's attention snapped to him. "Actually if someone goes with you it might be safer" She said, her tone turning a little timid. Guo Jia placed his palm to his forehead. "What has Magoichi agreed to do?" He asked with a sigh. "I didn't agree to anything yet" Magoichi was quick to respond. As the two men spoke to each other Sanzang produced a large grey feather surrounded by a mint green aura. "This" She said loudly to get the men's attention. "Will almost definitely send you somewhere. I don't know where though." She frowned slightly before continuing. "So I need someone to find out where it goes, so I decided to ask Magoichi." She fluttered her eyes at Magoichi. "He's usually so helpful." Guo Jia tried to hide a grimace unsuccessfully. He knew that was the kind of talk that could get Magoichi to accept almost any task.

Not wanting to let Sanzang down Magoichi gently took the feather from her and examined it briefly. "So, how do I get it to work?" He asked. "Oh, make sure Master Guo is also holding it first." She clapped her hands faintly. To his credit Guo Jia put a hand to the feather, opting to not let his friend brave the "Test" alone. As soon as he touched the feather an azure blue spark left Sanzang's hands and hit the feather.

The desolate landscape that was their campsite very quickly crumbled away and they found themselves in the familiar portal like stasis they were sent to whenever they fixed timelines. The pair could do little more than stay in place and wait to be spat out where it was they were being sent.

Back at camp Sanzang looked at where the two previously stood, seeing the feather lie on the ground. She began to worry. "I forgot to tell them how to get back" She muttered worriedly under her breath, before running over to Nu Wa.

After roughly five minutes the pair of Guo Jia and Magoichi Saika found a landscape slowly materialising around them. The land was very easily identifiably as a desert and they appeared to be near the base of a handful of mountains. While they could identify the sort of terrain they found themselves in, neither could name where they were. At the very least they knew that this was a possibility.

Magoichi began to pat himself down, seemingly everything was still in tact. Guo Jia felt no need, as all he had were his clothes and pole. "So what now?" Magoichi asked in a casual manner, taking a moment to have another look around his surroundings. "Well, first things first let's establish a camp before scouting around shall we?" Guo Jia offered quickly. Magoichi nodded in acknowledgement. "Base of the mountain's will be better than open desert I should think" Magoichi chimed in response before heading towards the nearest mountain. No knowing if there were enemies around made Guo Jia a little uneasy, though he shook it off when he realistically concluded the two of them could not fight off even a scouting force alone.

As they approached the base of the mountain, Magoichi was picking up all the stray twigs and sticks he passed. Meanwhile Guo Jia was lost in thought, debating what the best course of action would be now. He was inwardly debating about whether to draw as much attention as possible and hope the locals were friendly. Or if it would be better to stay hidden and hug the mountains until they could ascertain whether they'd be safe or not.

Guo Jia did not get as much time to be trapped in his thought as he'd like, as they were at the mountain base in no time. Magoichi began piling his accumulated twigs into a crude but functional campfire shape. Once Jia had seen how much "Firewood" had been gathered his mind was made up. Time to run his risky idea by Magoichi. "Mago, How much attention do you think this will gather" He asked gesturing to the man's campfire. Magoichi's face lit in recognition as he caught on to what Jia was thinking. "A good few Ri if people are looking out for it." He stroked his chin before smiling. "I hope the locals are beautiful." A soft chuckled escaped from his lips. Guo Jia shook his head but smiled none the less. "I'll settle for them not wanting to kill us".

Meanwhile in Garreg Mach Monastery, Lady Rhea and Seteth were in the cathedral discussing the new year's students who were already beginning to arrive. Of note the three future leaders of the main territories of Fodlan were due to attend and as such a certain level of care needed to be taken. "I have no real concerns, but it is important to discuss them none the less." Seteth said matter of factly to Rhea. Unfortunately at the moment a look of pain flashed across her features. "Rhea, is everything alright?" He asked with concern.

It took a moment for Rhea to even contemplate responding, as the foreign sensation left her being. "It has passed Seteth." She offered in reassurance, smiling serenely at her companion. "Although I will need to speak to one of the senior knights immediately." Seteth looked at her quizzically, but raised no complaint. "I believe Shamir is still away and Alois is currently in charge of our future leader; however I shall summon Catherine Immediately." He offered a polite bow before leaving her company.

Rhea stood alone, in the light piercing through the predominant window in the Cathedral. Her thoughts dwelt on the foreign sensation she felt mere moments ago. It was as if a blinding light manifested inside of her head and given a physical weight. She could gain little insight as to what that meant, the only information it imprinted was the cause. Something was in the Varley territory and she would need to rely on her knights to deal with it.

True to his word, it did not take long for Catherine to appear before her. Catherine took a knee before Rhea before speaking. "Lady Rhea, you have need of me?" She asked, direct and to the point. Rhea nodded "I do, please listen carefully." She paused for a moment to prepare her words. "There are details that are unknown to me still, for now I ask you head to Varley territory and search for anything out of the ordinary." She offered her usual reassuring smile.

Catherine returned to her feet and softly rubbed the back of her head. "I don't mind but, is there nothing more to go on?" She did not like to question Rhea on such things, but she did feel as if the task was too vague. Rhea shook he head dismissively "I am sorry, I can only hope whatever you find is apparent in its form." It was not an everyday occurrence that Rhea would be unclear on something.

A second of silence passed before Catherine nodded "Alright then, I'll round-up a few knights and head out." A smile graced her features. "I'll be back shortly and with good news" She announced, before waving a farewell.

Rhea was once again left alone to ponder as she watched her friend leave. On paper Varley was less than a days travel away; however to conduct a thorough search of the territory could take weeks. Hopefully the search would not take long, but there were no guarantees in the mysterious endeavour.

Dusk arrived swiftly for the duo of Guo Jia and Saika Magoichi. Their fire was lit and producing an adequate amount of smoke, harder to see with the fading light. Magoichi huffed as he stared into the flames. "It'll be cold shortly Jia." He stated. "Likely, but there are solutions if need be." Jia to his credit, responded jovially.

A few moments passed, light still barely illuminating the sky. Magoichi tensed and his attention was taken from the fire. Jia noticed the shift immediately. "Hmm, have we managed to draw attention already?" He asked softly. Not softly enough as Magoichi shushed him. Jia's senses could not pick out anything particularly out of the ordinary. Magoichi on the other hand could hear the distinct sound of boots hitting sand.

The original plan was to draw attention to themselves and Magoichi confirmed they had done just that. There was no merit to hiding now and as such Jia rised to his feet, preparing to greet whoever was out there. "Should we make some noise Mago?" He queried seemingly out of whimsy. Magoichi shook his head in response, and took the opportunity to stand next to his friend. "Nah, it'll only be a matter of time." He still took the opportunity to caress his finger over the trigger of his one of a kind musket, affectionately called "Marksman's pride".

A heartbeat later and a figure appeared popped into their line of sight. The figure dressed head to toe in iron plate armour, the most distinguishing part being the distinctly mitre like shape of the armour's helmet. Despite the fully armed figure approaching them, the pair did not feel under immediate threat.

Worry did not set in even when two more figures appeared, garbed in a similar fashion. Finally a fourth figure revealed themselves. This woman had her face showing for all to see. Her hair was fair, and although on the short side was tied back and away from her face. Her cobalt eyes had the interesting effect of drawing ones attention away from the metallic glare of her armour. At her hip she as usual carried the jagged blade Thunderbrand. "G-Ginchiyo?" Magoichi broke the silence as he asked in shock. "Oh my, it is a strong resemblance" Jia mused with a chuckle. "But I believe you are mistaken Mago" He shook his head.

None of the knights of Seiros moved too close to the pair as it was Catherine's duty to do so. She approached the duo with confidence that befitted a master swordsman and stopped only a few steps away, ignoring the taller man's odd question. "I am Catherine, knight of Seiros. We were here investigating when we saw the smoke, what was the purpose?" She queried, straight to the point. Jia took the responsibility of explaining themselves. "Well my lady, I'll be brief. We are unfamiliar with this area and thought it unwise to wander around a desert. We put together a fire here in hopes of not having to brave the elements." Jia was rather appreciative of Magoichi's ability to not point out his commissions.

Catherine nodded in understanding. While it was not the main objective, it would do no good to leave the two men stranded there. "Alright, we always have a spare tent and you can double up." She eyed the fire followed by looking to the sky. She sighed slightly. "May as well set up camp here" She ordered, and the handful of knights that accompanied her began to collect provisions from their mounts. "We are most grateful" Jia added with a polite bow. When Catherine waved the gesture off his body language in general loosened.

Magoichi watched the entire exchange in silence and it wasn't until he believed the "Business" end of the discussion were over did he decide to chime in. "So beautiful, what brings you all out here any way?" He flashed a toothy smile at their saviour. She turned her gaze upon Magoichi and tutted. "I'd have your names first." It would appear Magoichi jumped the gun a little. "Saika Magoichi, you may call me Magoichi" He offered up a stage bow. "And I am Guo Jia," He was also interested in why the knights were here, but would not press the matter yet.

Catherine took a mental note of their names before speaking once more. "As for why we're here, Lady Rhea ordered a search of the area, she believes something strange occurred here." She grinned easily "Come to think of it, if you've been lost around here, notice anything out of place?" She did her utmost to conceal her hope.

The two men exchanged a brief look that she could not decipher, fortunately Guo Jia opted to clarify. "While I do not wish to cause you concern, I believe we may have had something to do with that." It was at this point Magoichi opted to return to the campfire, he knew his particular brand of conversation would muddy things here.

A tense pause and Jia began to fear this approach was incorrect. "If that is true" She thankfully did make Jia wait overly long. "Then you will need to accompany us back to Garreg Mach and explain yourselves to Lady Rhea." While this was not an overt threat, Jia did not feel their was an alternative here. "As you wish then" He nodded his response. The unease between the two dissipated And Catherine's attention was diverted to organizing the setting up of tents.

Jia rejoined Magoichi by the fire. "It would seem we're off to see someone of import" Jia announced. Magoichi flashed a smile in response, it would seem they were getting somewhere. "My current guess is this realm's equivalent of a mystic, I anticipate so at least." Jia finished voicing his thoughts.

It was only a few minutes later one of the knights clad in plate approached them and showed them to their tent. It was larger than they expected and would easily accommodate a third man easily. The pair thanked the knight and began making themselves comfortable. Each man lay down on an opposite side of the tent, leaving a sizeable gap between them. "I hope they don't intend to break camp on military hours" Jia yawned out as he began to stretch. "Best rest well now you've doomed us to it" Magoichi responded with a chuckle. He placed his head down and closed his eyes. It took only seconds for the tent to be filled with the light snores of Saika Magoichi. Not long after Jia joined him in peaceful slumber.

The distinct sound of a horn being blown pierced the duos slumber and both groggily made their way into consciousness. Jia rubbed an ache that formed at the base of his neck. "Yeah, that's what I expected" He croaked out with a dry chuckle. He sat up and looked over at Magoichi, taking a little comfort in his friend seeming to have weathered the night in a similar manner.

Before the pair could offer each other morning greeting, a familiar blond stuck her head through the entry of the tent. "Up you two get, we move in 10." Once more she was straight to the point. Once she left the duo took little time in collecting themselves and left the tent shortly after. The instant they exited their tent, a pair of the knights already began to dismantle it. "I will admit, that's impressive" Jia offered through a yawn.

Shortly after Catherine approached the pair again. "We'll be riding to Garreg Mach soon, are you able to ride a horse?" She questioned. The pair both nod to confirm. "Excellent, you'll have to ride the spares but they're safe enough." Her tone sounded cheerful.

As if on cue, the pair of knights they saw earlier approached with standard appearing horses in tow. They handed them over and both men took a minute to acquaint their mounts to their presence. Traces of night-time could no longer be seen and Catherine took this as a good enough reason to set off. She mounted her own horse swiftly and with practised ease. The pair of Jia and Magoichi took the hint and likewise mounted their horses, both with grace.

It appeared as if the few men who accompanied Catherine also took to her lead and had also mounted. The flanked Jia and Magoicihi and waited in place until Catherine gave the order. "To garreg Mach" She announced.

There was a distance covered where the landscape changed little and all that could be seen was the barren sites a desert usually offered up. Jia found the place rather grim and lamented for a moment how much trouble Magoichi and himself would have been in had they chosen to search people out. He quickly shook such thought away, little point in thinking about such horrid what-ifs. He gave his horse a light kick to speed it up, leaving the side of their "Escort" To join Catherine's side.

Jia cleared his throat before speaking. "So, Catherine" He said as clearly as he could, considering the pair were on horseback. She grunted an acknowledgement, this gave Jia the notion she may not have been the most skilled at horse-riding. "I may not have mentioned but myself and Magoichi are both new to the land, it would be rather kind if you told me a little about where it is we're actually going. Garreg Mach?" A moment of silence followed, causing him to fear the sound of hoof-beats drowned him out. He was about to repeat himself before Catherine broke her silence. "You're pulling my leg" She stated. This cause Jia to frown. "I can assure you I am not." Catherine sighed in response. "I'll give you the quick version then." She took a deep breath before continuing. "Garreg Mach is headquarters to the Church of Serios and houses many of its worshippers, alongside priests and warriors in its service." She thought for a moment. "If you're wondering geographically, its smack in the middle of the three major territories. Rather useful for the home of the lands religion" She smiled smugly. "Three major territories?" Jia asked prompting a sigh from Catherine. "Seriously? Alright, well short version again. We have the Leicester Alliance, The Holy Kingdom of Faergus and Adrestrian Empire." She explained.

Jia nodded his head and committed these facts to memory. "My thanks for that" He saluted her in merry fashion before slowing his pace to match back with Magoichi. Jia conveyed the information he just learned to him. "Huh, that's a whole lot of land for Orochi to absorb at once" He scratched his head. "Unless we left Orochi's world behind." Jia mused. Magoichi did not look to keen on the idea. The rest of the journey was uneventful and the group journeyed in peace.

When they began the approach to Garreg Mach, Jia could not help but admire the scale of the outer walls. 'Useless if not manned properly' He mused, resisting the urge to chuckle. "What's tickling you?" Magoichi asked. Apparently Jia's efforts to hide he amusement were not thorough enough to escape Magoicih's attention. "Nothing, too many battles effecting my thoughts is all" He responded softly while shaking his head.

It came as a surprise to Jia when it was revealed they still had a bit of a trek to anywhere of importance. The pair obediently followed Catherine and her companions to their destination.

Admittedly neither of the duo were sure what to expect, but being place in a room by themselves and told to "Wait patiently" Was not the exciting answer they had hoped for. "Got to imagine we're not related to what they needed to retrieve if they just stick us here." Magoichi complained in a light-hearted fashion. "Or there are more pressing concerns" Jia countered. "I'm not sure which case I'd prefer" He stroked his chin in thought. He did not have long to ponder as the door to their temporary haven opened.

Through the door steeped a man with dim mint hair and eyes to match. His face framed with facial hair, matching the top of his head in shade. He was garbed in a clearly militaristic, navy coloured outfit trimmed with a golden pattern. The man offered a courteous bow. "Apologies for the wait, Lady Rhea had some matters to attend" He stood back upright. "If you'd care to follow me, she is keen to verify who you are." The formal tone never left his words.

The duo followed the man and were taken to yet another part of the monastery. Jia noted that while they were not taking anything akin to secret pathways, their route did not take them past any other people. They soon found themselves in front of an sturdy looking door.

The Green haired man knocked on the door firmly twice. "Come in Seteth." A feminine voice responded. The green haired man known as Seteth opened the door in obligation and held it invitingly for the duo to enter. Jia and Magoichi both entered and were greeted by a room that looked designed for worship but the existence of a wide bed betrayed its use as someone's quarters. The pair would have taken more of the room in but a divine beauty stood in the room, drawing their attention.

Lady Rhea had a fair complexion and her cheeks would often hold a rosy tint. Her hair braided thick and long, its colour a few shades lighter than Seteth's. Her eyes in a similar fashion to Seteth matched her hair colour. Her attire was that of a priestess only much more grandiose, assumedly to signify how important she was in the organisation.

Rhea held a calming smile the entire time the duo stared at her. "I welcome you her to Garreg Mach strangers. I am Lady Rhea." She introduced herself, her voice sounding as tender as her visage gave off. Magoichi was the first to get his bearing back. "A pleasure to meet you Lady Rhea, I am Saika Magoichi" A cocksure smile grace his lips. "And may I say, seeing you in person made the trip worth while" He complimented. Rhea placed her fingertips over her mouth to suppress a chuckle. Jia, not wanting to appear rude spoke up next. "I am Guo Jia, I believe we may have accidentally caused a problem. The Lady Catherine was a little vague" He offered almost apologetically.

Rhea focused her attention on Jia, as entertaining a pleasant chat with the pair could be, answers were now a top priority. "Yesterday, I felt something strange, I did not know what cause it so I sent Catherine to investigate." She took a breath. "How are you related?" She asked, eager to get answers. "Please keep an open mind here" Jia answered nervously and began to explain what had happened with Sanzang and the feather that got them there in the first place.

After Jia finished his explanation, he fully expected to be met with scepticism, he was surprised when Rhea responded rather unfazed. "It is not unknown to us that other worlds exists. Though the Dragongate in our world has not been active in centuries." She spoked through her thoughts. "Although, you mentioned using a feather and not one of the gates." She sighed softly. "I am afraid this situation is new to me" Was her final thought on the matter. "So, this is not the norm here and we do not know how to get home" Jia simply stated. "Well, we can at least stay here right?" Magoichi chimed in with optimism. "I'm already a fan of the locals" He offered Rhea a wink.

"Awfully bold of you, inviting yourself to stay" Seteth spoke up for the first time, drawing Magoichi's attention away from Rhea. "It would be rather kind of you to allow us to stay, at least until we can find a way back" Jia quickly butted in before Magoichi could retort. "It is not that simple, this is a place of worship, military installation and a school. There would be more than a few questions if two oddly dressed men started to be seen around the monastery." Seteth explained matter of factly.

A lightbulb turned on inside Jia's head. "A proposition then." Jia said. Seteth arched a brow in response. "If this is a military installation and a school, it is easy to deduce that which is taught here is of a militaristic nature no?" He asked. Seteth nodded to affirm Jia's deduction. "Well, Magoichi and I are adept when it comes to the art of war, in different ways granted." Seteth's eye lit with a spark of realization as to what Jia was going to suggest. "I propose, you simply present us as teachers. This way we can impart knowledge to your students and we can stay here while we search for a way home." Jia smiled in victory. "Was I see it, that's a win win" Magoichi chimed in.

Seteth was hesitant to agree, not because he did not want them to stay he was not heartless after all. No it was because he did not know the men well enough to let them interact with the students that called the monastery home. Unfortunately for him Rhea spoke up. "That is a wonderful proposition, and I am willing to give you both a chance" She said softly. "If Lady Rhea had no issues then I will allow it" Seteth sighed in defeat. Jia clapped his hand together in victory "Then I suppose we should meet our fellow teacher no?" He asked jovially.

The school year would certainly prove to be an interesting one.