Magoichi's laughter slowly stopped. "Perhaps Flayn has a sensitive nose? You smell fine Jia." Magoichi said, still holding back some laughter. "Truthfully?" Jia asked, looking unconvinced. "Of course." Magoichi reassured. "Though if you're worried, it might be a good chance for us to try out the hot springs." Magoichi offered, earning a questioning gaze from Jia. "Manuela told me about it before the incident." Magoichi explained. "As tempting as it is, I'm sure Byleth would appreciate some assistance in delivering her report, perhaps tomorrow?" Jia suggested and was about to leave and report to Rhea. "I'm holding you to that." Magoichi taunted as his friend left.
Jia had a good lay of the Garreg Mach by now and found himself outside of Rhea's audience chamber quickly. The entrance was shut and a guard was posted outside. It seemed Byleth was already delivering her report and the guard was instructed to let no one else in. Jia decided to wait for Byleth to finish and find out how the report was receive seeing as he was already there.
It turned out he did not have to wait long, as not a moment later both Seteth and Rhea exited the chamber. "Ah yes, we were wondering where you were." Seteth stated with an odd look on his face. "Apologies, was Byleth able to complete her report without me?" Jia asked, earning a nod in response. The pair seemed to wish to get away for some reason unknown to Jia and they left his company. Byleth was still inside the audience chamber and Jia felt it best to check what feedback if any, the pair had given her.
When Jia entered the chamber he heard a loud yawn coming from Byleth. "Tired after such a long day?" Jia asked and he noticed Byleth's shoulders stiffen. She turned to face him and her expression was as unreadable as ever. "I am good." She said bluntly. "Then a yawn from boredom? How unbecoming of a leader." He teased, though gained no laughter.
The two stood in uneasy silence for a moment. "Well, I only wished to know how the report went?" Jia asked. "Acceptable. Will you join our celebration?" Byleth invited. "There's to be a celebration? I was beginning to think you not the type." Jia teased. "Edelgard's idea." She clarified. Jia's expression went neutral. "I see, well I never turn down an opportunity to bask in merriment so consider me there." Jia accepted. "This evening, in the dining hall." Byleth instructed and began to leave the strategist. 'Wish I could mask my feelings that well' Jia thought to himself with a sigh and left the room.
Later deep in the evening, Jia found himself outside the dining hall flanked by both Magoichi and Manuela. "Seteth really made an error appointing you both as guardians" Jia said with a laugh, Manuela joining him. "Maybe he wants it to be a proper celebration?" Magoichi suggested also in high spirits. Jia opened the door and held it for his companions to enter.
The Dining hall's air was warm and filled with the sound of conversation. One nobles boasting was particularly audible. "I'm gonna go help the cooks guard the alcohol." Magoichi stated. Unsurprisingly, Manuela stayed by his side leaving Jia to his own devices.
"Oh, professor you made it." The familiar voice of Dorothea said. "I'm not one to miss out on celebrations." Jia said with a bow in greeting. "What have I missed?" He asked. Dorothea put a finger to her chin, pausing in though. "Hmm, Ferdinand's been boasting to anyone who'll listen. Caspar has challenged three different knights to fist-fight him. Linhardt wandered off somewhere with that Annette from the Blue Lions. And Edie's trying to get to know our professor better but that stays between us" She explained, adding a wink with her last statement. "Anyone who looks would be able to see it, but I shall keep it to myself." Jia said with a nod of his head. "I hope it goes well." Jia encouraged and Dorothea found herself in agreement.
The pair found themselves wandering toward the back of the hall, not far from where Magoichi and Manuela "Guarded" the alcohol. "I have been wondering, is there anyone special in our professor from a distant land's life?" Dorothea broached the subject suddenly. "Many" Jia answered, surprising her. "I don't mean like yourself and professor Saika you know." She clarified. "I see, well if you wish for me to be honest no-one serious as of late." Jia elaborated. Dorothea looked a tad surprised at the revelation. "You're not some scoundrel stringing along young maidens are you?" She asked, her usually kind tone wavering. "Not quite how you're imagining it." Jia replied. "Maidens certainly, but Cai and Ina were not people to toy with." Jia clarified, a smile gracing his face as he reminisced. "Lovely names." Dorothea observed. Jia nodded. "Fun to drink with, fun to feast with and reliable on the field of battle. Little more could be asked for." Jia stated.
The pair were silent for a moment, Jia losing himself in memory and Dorothea wondering how to press on as Jia seemed in a sharing mood. "Nothing more intimate than that?" Dorothea finally asked. "No, that would not have been entirely fair." Jia responded, a hint of sadness creeping into his tone. "Professor?" She asked in concern. "Its nothing." Jia said with a shake of his head, his tone returning to one of cheer.
"Seeing as we're sharing intimate details, how goes your search?" Jia asked, steering the subject away from himself. She merely sighed in response. "That bad?" Jia questioned further. "I've had no luck despite my time spent with suitors." She lamented. "No one here would want you to settle for less than you desired." Jia consoled. "I notice you've not given any time to your classmates, perhaps a dip into that pool could provide a solution to your quest?" Jia suggested getting a dismissive giggle from Dorothea. "Who would you suggest professor? Hubert? He loves Edie too much even if he will not freely admit it." She was quick to dismiss the boy. "Ferdie cares just a little too much about having a noble title to settle for a commoner." She likewise dismissed Ferdinand. Jia thought perhaps a little quickly but kept silent. "Caspar's more like a brother to me and Linhardt is too focused on his own desires, which is great but unless his focus shifts to maintaining a family household I feel sorry for his future partner." Dorothea finished explaining why she had not tried to pursue her classmates.
Jia let the sounds of celebration ring for a moment as he processed what Dorothea had said. "Hmm, What about Bernadetta or Petra? Bernadetta is the heir to a noble house and if I recall Petra is next in line to the throne of a kingdom?" Jia suggested, earning a curious look from Dorothea. "I left them out because they are not interested in women." Dorothea said, shooting down Jia's suggestion. "Is that right? I was certain..." Jia stopped, realising he was voicing his thoughts aloud. "Never-mind, there are still other houses with candidates to investigate." He encouraged. "I'll keep it in mind" Was her response.
Dorothea had finished her drink and had left Jia's company to go refill her cup. 'The grand strategist Guo Jia, turned matchmaker.' He thought as he observed the hall. Everyone continued to be in fine spirits, even Caspar had stopped his attempts to brawl and had instead joined a group of older students in some form of drinking game. He was starting to ascertain the rules, when a cup of wine was suddenly in front of him. "Our alcohol guardians are certainly lax this evening" Dorothea joked and Jia took the offered beverage. "Magoichi is not one to refuse a drink to someone who risked their life in battle." Jia confessed, taking a sip from his drink. He found it tasted much sweeter than the one he shared with Jeralt.
"Speaking of Magoichi, he gave me another suitor to consider." Dorothea said letting her sentence linger in the air. "Is that right?" Jia questioned, already sensing where this conversation was going to lead. "According to Magoichi, in your homeland you're both wealthy and influential." She began. "We already get on well, and you're not in any intimate relationships." She continued, getting close enough for her arm to touch his. "What do you say to a date?" She asked, fluttering her eyelids. "I am flattered." Jia responded truthfully before shaking his head. "But I must decline." He refused. "May I ask why?" She seemed hurt. "It is not a simple answer, take comfort in knowing the fault lies with me and not you." He explained, no longer willing to look the girl in the eyes. A sigh escaped her lips. "I'll forgive you for now professor." Her tone was teasing. "But if that's all I can expect for now then I must mingle more." She explained and gave him a light wave before leaving his company.
Being left alone Jia decided to check in with more of the Black Eagles, his first port of call being Ferdinand who had by now gathered quite the crowd. "And so I valiantly slew a seventh bandit in single combat for the Von Aegir name!" He boasted and Jia had to stifle a chuckle. The boy certainly could embellish. "Ah, is that our professor I spy." A familiar voice spoke from amongst the crowd. It was Hubert. "While Ferdinand's tales are interesting perhaps you'd deign to share a story of your own victories?" He prompted, and a quick glance at his hand revealed that he too had been drinking this evening.
It was refreshing to see Hubert drop his usual guise of seriousness, assuming it was not an act. "I suppose I could, what sort of tale were you hoping for?" Jia inquired. "One of your own valiant triumphs over a superior enemy!" Ferdinand declared before Hubert could speak, prompting an annoyed glare from him. "I suppose I can do that. I shall tell you of the fall of Fengxian." Jia started, excited at the prospect of telling of Cao Cao's victory over Lu Bu to those who had never heard it before.
Jia stood in the command tent by a map of the local area. He was surrounded by familiar faces, his lord Cao Cao standing at the head of the map. "Lu Bu has holed himself inside of Xia Pi castle and seems determined to hold out there." Cao Cao explained the situation once more to those gathered. Jia had a few tactics ready to suggest to his lord but instead held his tongue, wanting to allow the newcomer Jia Xu to offer advice. "If he is so determined to stay locked inside the castle then we would be best served to target the flood gates, they will either be flushed out or drown." Jia Xu explained, pointing to floodgates around the back of the castle.
There were murmurs of discontent from the other officers, no one seeming to want to agree with the newcomer's plan. "Its a sound strategy, who would you send to assault the gate?" Jia questioned. "Master Xiahou Dun or Yu Jin would be most suited for the task." Xu responded without missing a beat. Jia smiled and looked toward Yu Jin. "Master Yu Jin, would you do the honours?" He requested and received a stern bow from the man in question. "I will do as commanded." Yu Jin swore. Everyone turned to Cao Cao for confirmation and he nodded. "Very well, we shall flood them. Dun, Yuan attack the area around the main gate, draw their attention." Cao Cao commanded and that was that. The officers left the tent until only Cao Cao and Guo Jia remained.
"It heartens me to know there our other capable strategists flocking to you my lord." Jia spoke plainly and his lord smiled. "But none can replace you Jia, do not doubt that." Cao Cao reassured him and Jia chuckled. "No early retirement filled with wine and fair maidens for me then, such a demanding lord." He joked and the pair shared a laugh. "Well if there is nothing else, I'll make sure the troops are prepared." Jia said in farewell before bowing to his lord and leaving the tent.
To Jia's surprise Jia Xu was stood off to the side, seemingly waiting for him as he approached once he spotted him. "Thank you for giving me that opportunity master Guo Jia." Xu said with a nod of acknowledgement. Jia rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "Was it that obvious?" Jia said jovially before waving away the thanks. "You are a fine addition to Lord Cao Cao's forces, continue to provide him with sound strategies as your thanks." Jia suggested. "I will endeavour to do so. Until next time master Guo Jia." Xu said with a light bow and left to prepare his unit for the coming battle.
Jia was alone standing outside of Cao Cao's tent and gazed upon the army assembled before him. 'If warriors and strategists alike continue to flock to you my lord, it does not matter how little time I have.' Jia thought, allowing himself a smile. The future looked bright from where he stood.
The following day, early in the morning the assault on Xia Pi began in earnest. Both Xiahou Dun and Yuan had begun their attack on the main gates and were holding the Lu Bu force;s attention. Cao Cao, Guo Jia and Jia Xu were assembled at the main camp watching the battle unfold, ready to provide reinforcements the moment things looked shaky. There was no need to fear however as within the hour a victory cry could be heard from beyond the castle and the sound of wood being raised could be heard followed by the crash of water against land.
Not even a moment later a scream of fear could be heard from within the castle. The strategy was a success and the castle was submerged in water. The gates were soon thrown open, men who still lived throwing themselves at the feet of the assaulting units begging for mercy. Their lives were spared as they were not the true problem. After minimal resistance Lu Bu found himself bound and brought before Cao Cao himself.
"Was he being the punished?" Petra asked and it was only then Jia realised the crowd had swelled since he began telling his story. "Fengxian was executed that day yes. A man that strong and unpredictable could not be allowed free." Jia explained and while some looked at him with understanding there were a few who looked sickened. "He should have been allowed a chance to atone." A student he was unfamiliar with spoke out. "Forgive me, it seems I did not properly inform you as to the nature of the man." Jia apologised. "It was most unlikely that Fengxian would be anything but a thorn in the side of a realm at peace." Jia elaborated and the student scoffed. "If you know of anyone else who had three fathers and murdered each of them to be beneficial to the world I am open to hearing about them." Jia explained even further, the students looked at him in both shock and confusion. "The topic of Fengxian aside, what happened to the others who opposed your lord?" Hubert asked. "Many of them joined my lord's army, their strategist Chen Gong was the only other officer executed that day." Jia answered honestly.
Hubert raised a brow, and once he realised that was not enough asked for Jia to explain why. "Chen Gong once betrayed my lord before I'd ever even met him. It was one of the few crimes my lord was unwilling to forgive." Jia explained simply before yawning. "Ah, forgive me reminiscing has made me tired." Jia chuckled before bowing to his students. "Ask me for more stories next time we celebrate." Jia offered in way of farewell and left the celebration for the night, heading to his quarters.
The next morning Jia was awoken by the now expected knock on his door. "I swear if Mago's abandoned his class again..." Jia began muttering to himself as he opened his room's door. Standing there was a cheerful looking Magoichi. "Rise and shine Jia, time for the Hot Springs." Magoichi announced earning a tired groan from his friend. "Hey now, I warned you." He explained. "Surely it could have waited?" Jia challenged, though was already dressing in to his day clothes. "Manuela said something about access being only semi-restricted so if you want to relax its best to hit it this early." Magoichi passed on the explanation. Jia was now outside the room with Magoichi. "Alright, lead on then." He said, gesturing for the sharpshooter to lead the way.
The hot springs in question were not officially within Garreg Mach's grounds, as Magoichi led the pair outside the main gate and down the main path for a few minutes. A trail that Jia had failed to notice previously was connected to their path. The trail was noticeably sloping downwards at a shallow pace. Jia wanted to ask questions but suspected that Magoichi would be unable to answer them and thus resigned to following Magoichi in silence.
At the end of the trail was the mouth of a cave, large enough for a unit of soldiers to comfortably fit in without compromising their formation. "I hope this is not underneath any structures." Jia wondered aloud. "Turn off that tactical part of your brain for the day dear." The voice of Manuela spoke as she stepped into view. "Its not a simple thing to do" He responded with a chuckle, earning a scoff from the woman.
The three walked further into the cave, torches lining the walls indicating that it was used frequently used by people. The cave gradually got narrower, until the point converged and a wooden wall had been built. The wall had two doors, one marked Men and the other Women. "Well, we part here. The rest should be simple." Manuela said, before leaning in and giving Magoichi a kiss on the cheek. She gave a light wave to Jia and entered her door. "Shame, I thought they'd be mixed." Magoichi lamented. Jia pat his friend on the back in mock sympathy, before opening their door for him.
Behind the door was another narrow hall which turned sharply to the left. The pair followed it, the temperature creeping up until it opened up into a room. The room was not overly large but it did contain a dozen wooden boxes on the floor, spaced evenly. Most of the boxes contained nothing but a dry towel though a few contained clothing. Mostly student uniforms but one set of clothing stood out to Jia. "Jeralt and some students seem to have beaten us here." He noted.
The pair then promptly claimed their own box, removing the towel and disrobing. "You knew what we were doing and you still wore so many layers Mago?" Jia asked dumbly as he stood in nothing but the small towel provided waiting for his friend to catch up. He got no response.
Once Magoichi had finished disrobing himself and likewise only wore the towel, the pair exited via the only other door. The man-made wooden interior gave way once back to natural rock. Natural pools of steaming water littered the area though they were nothing compared to the large body of water in the centre of the cave. The only signs of human intervention being the wooden screen that seemed to cut off some of the spring. 'Probably the women's side' Jia thought and began to walk towards the spring.
Once they were by the side of the largest pool, it was easier to spot the occupants. It seemed that apart from Jeralt it was the Blue Lion students making use of it. Jeralt sat by himself, eyes closed and seemingly isolated from the goings on in the spring. Jia was similarly interested in keeping to himself as he relaxed in waters and entered, letting out a light sigh in pleasure as the steaming water made contact with his skin. A moment later and Magoichi entered as well. "Its been a while, I missed the feeling of hot water." Magoichi joked, before extending a closed fist in front of Jia. "By the way, this is from Manuela." He said, loosening his fist and allowing some dust to enter the water around Jia. "It'll make you smell of lavender." He explained before taking a more relaxed position. Jia merely rolled his eyes as he like-wise loosened up. "I'll be sure to offer my thanks." He responded flatly before closing his eyes.
The peace that the pair had expected did not last long as soon they were interrupted. "Professor?" A boy's voice asked and Jia opened his eyes to see Dmitri standing a few paces away. "Yes Dmitri?" Jia responded as Magoichi did not seem interested in taking time away from his relaxation. "I will be quick, I wish for you to teach the Blue Lions one of your strategy lessons." The boy requested. Jia looked at him with a look of slight confusion. "You could not have asked that at another time?" Jia asked. Dmitri hung his head, looking intently at the water. "My apologies, you always looked busy while wandering the Monastery grounds." He explained, prompting Jia to sigh. "Alright, I'll not deny you the opportunity to learn." Jia agreed. "Though next time approach me when I'm clothed." He added, wanting to avoid such encounters in the future. The prince accepted this and bowed as best he could while in the water before leaving.
"I'm kinda surprised you agreed so easily." Magoichi finally chimed in once Dmitri had left. "And why not? I taught the Deer and Eagles and they did not even request it of me." Jia explained. "You agreed to teach the Eagles for our place here remember." Magoichi countered. "And I guess Manuela and I forced your hand with the Deer" Magoichi admitted with a chuckle. "Yes well, let us avoid that in future Mago." Jia said simply, letting the conversation lull into a comfortable silence between the two.
Jia had closed his eyes for another few minutes and the faint smell of lavender had began to emit from the waters. He would be forgiven for thinking he was in a luxurious private bath rather than a spring. The feeling was fleeting as a voice from near the dividing wall penetrated the silence. "Hey guys!" It called. A quick glance confirmed it was the redhead of the Blue Lions. Said Blue Lions began to gather around him, the blue-haired swordsman seemed unimpressed by whatever it was the redhead suggested as he quickly left the group of students.
"Oh-boy, that's gonna end poorly." Magoichi said with his lips spreading into a grin. "It will be a valuable learning experience." Jia stated, unable to stop his own grin from appearing. "You're the responsible one Jia." Magoichi taunted. "I am a teacher here, this is nothing if not a teachable moment." Jia fired back quickly. The pair stopped their conversation as the redhead of the group had begun to move.
"10 gold pieces says he gets poked in the eye" Magoichi offered. "A foolish bet, you know Manuela's on the other side" Jia declined. The two watched the redhead in anticipation. Whatever method of peeping the boy had he seemed to reach his destination and his face was square against the dividing wall. There he stayed for a few beats of the heart. A scream of pure pain escaped the boy as he backed up several paces in quick succession, covering his eye with his palm. The two men showed little sympathy. "And lesson taught." Jia stated mockingly. Magoichi simply chuckled.
The rest of the Blue Lions gathered around the redhead, though anything that was said was lost on the pair as they chose not to investigate the antics further than they already had.
Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the atmosphere was soaked in by the pair. The only thing that was known for certain was that the Blue Lions has left at some point. It was only when Magoichi had started to move did Jia really notice the near-emptiness of the spring. "I think its about time we called it." The sharpshooter said with little enthusiasm. "I suppose we should save some enjoyment for the next time we relax" Jia joked before releasing a sigh. Both men seemed reluctant to leave but knew ultimately they should not stay the entire day.
The pair found themselves back inside the room where they had left their clothes. Jia looked at his box and discovered a very different set of clothes inside accompanied by a scrap of paper. "Special request, clean these clothes. See Anna." Jia read the note aloud, a look of confusion gracing his features. "Mago, do you know an Anna?" He asked his friend. Magoichi was at this point already dressing himself. "There's a merchant hanging by the gates called that. Nice girl, bit pushy." He summed up quickly. Jia decided to not dwell on it overly long and simply meet with the woman once they returned to the Monastery. A quick examination of the clothes in his box revealed they were near-identical to those that Seteth wore. Jia sighed before donning the outfit.
"What do you think?" Jia asked a flourish, extending his arms to let Magoichi see the outfit in full. The outfit was indeed the spit of Seteth's, mimicking its navy colour and intricate golden patterns. It even had the half-cape flowing from it shoulders. "I think it will suit you more if you grow a goatee." Magoichi mocked, earning a frown from Jia. "I should speak to Anna immediately." Jia said, resigned to his temporary attire.
The pair split once at the cave's mouth, Magoichi revealing that he would wait for Manuela there. Jia spent the trip back to the main road Jia fussed with the collar of his shirt, not liking the restricting grasp it had on him.
Jia soon found himself back on Garreg Mach and could feel more than a dozen eyes fixed on him. He shook his head. 'Do not be foolish Jia' He told himself silently as he approached the nearest female merchant. She looked him up and down and it was only then he realised he did not actually know what Anna looked like. He silently chastised himself once more. "Pardon me, do you know a merchant named Anna?" He asked the woman, offering a slight bow in way of greeting. The woman gave a dismissive huff but did point a few stalls down with her thumb. Jia muttered a quick word in thanks before heading in the direction indicated.
Jia was about to start asking the merchants where he was shown but was stopped by a pink haired woman who walked with a spring in her step. "You must be Guo Jia yes?" She asked in a sing-song voice. "I am, Anna?" He asked hopefully and to his relief she nodded. "Do you have my clothes?" He pushed further, hoping to resolve the issue. "Nope, they're being cleaned right now." She answered, putting a finger to her chin. "I do have something for you though, little Flayn wanted me do destroy it." She explained, rummaging in her satchel for a moment. She soon produced a familiar looking bag. "She seemed quite offended by the contents but she only paid me to clean your clothes." She explained, handing the bag to Jia. He opened it for a brief moment to confirm its contents before tucking it away for safe keeping. "My thanks, when can I expect my clothes back?" Jia asked moving on. "A day or two." She answered him and Jia's expressionless mask began to falter. "I'm stuck wearing this for a couple of days then." He stated glumly.
Anna seemed to have planned this as in one practices twirl she widened her arms to point out her stall, currently featuring a mannequin wearing an identical set of clothes to the ones Jia usually wore but with one key difference. These were a crimson red. "I'll let you have it for a price only fair for a Professor here." She declared as if it was a done deal. "Red is really not my colour." Jia responded, dismissing the clothes. "Aww, why? You'd fit in more with your students." Anna encouraged prompting Jia to chuckle. "I suppose so." He conceded, though still struggled with the concept of wearing Wu's colours. Still if it was only temporary he could manage. He went to grab his coin purse before remembering he did not have it in the realm, nor would it have mattered if he did. "Right, I don't have any funds." Jia admitted. "I'll just charge the academy, they'll not mind." Anna waved away his concerns and was already disrobing the mannequin. Jia was about to object before realising his services were probably worth the cost of one set of clothes and decided to chance it. At worst he could always apologise.
Anna had carefully folded the clothes and handed them to Jia, who gave a bow in thanks before offering a good-bye. He retreated to his quarters and changed into the new outfit.
The next day Jia found himself in Rhea's audience chamber alongside Byleth, his outfit being a surprising topic of discussion during the trio's small-talk as they awaited Seteth.
Seteth joined them and muttered nothing but apologies as he seemed to be the last to arrive, Rhea hushed him with a raise of her hand and a forgiving smile. The pair began to brief them on what they wished for the students to do. "The Rear guard? Is it not a little soon for the kind of responsibility?" Jia asked, not wishing for such a duty to fall on inexperienced soldiers. "We do not expect you will have cause to do battle, it would be good experience for the students." Seteth explained, attempting to ease the strategist's worries.
Before Jia could object further another person entered the chamber. It was the woman who bared an eery resemblance to Tachibana Ginchiyo and who happened to retrieve Magoichi and himself when they were transported to this realm. "Excuse me. You sent for me Lady Rhea?" She asked, only speaking to the woman in question. "This is Catherine. She will be leading the knight accompanying you." Rhea explained, and Catherine began explaining pleasantries with Byleth. "This mission should prove useful in demonstrating to the students how foolish it would be to ever turn their blades on the church..." Rhea finished and began to leave the chamber. Jia would ponder these words while he left the chamber himself.
Jia had barely set foot out of the door when Catherine's voice called out behind him, prompting him to stop and turn. "Hey, looks like we're gonna work together." She said with a toothy grin. She may have reminded him of Ginchiyo physically but she behaved very differently. "It does appear that way, I hope my strategies and your sword will keep the students safe." He said diplomatically. "About that, I wanna make sure you can handle yourself on a battlefield. Meet me at the training grounds in an hour." She instructed and before Jia could offer a response she had already began to walk away. Jia sighed before heading towards the training grounds, it would be better to be early than late he suspected.
When Jia arrived at the training grounds they were near-empty except for Felix, Caspar and Catherine herself. "Not risking being late huh?" She asked him, before throwing a wooden sword at him. Jia caught it with a fumble, not expecting the act. "And how is it you wish to test me exactly?" Jia asked. "Spar with me for a bit, I wanna make sure you won't be cut down by a random rebel with a sword." She stated, squaring her stance as she pointed a wooden sword of her own at him. "Rhea describes you as far superior to that." Jia pointed out, hesitation clear in the way he held himself. "I'll go easy on you." She encouraged.
Jia looked to the only one their he was remotely familiar with. "Caspar, fetch a healer so we can do this." Jia commanded, if he had to do this he was determined to be prepared. "No need to risk an injury." Jia explained. "Confident aren't we." Catherine challenged, not sensing Jia's concern was for himself more than anything.
A few minutes passed, Catherine's stance not relaxing. Caspar had returned with Manuela in tow. Unsurprisingly Magoichi followed too. What did surprise Jia was the appearance of several students, some unknown to him but he could make out both Petra and Ferdinand. "Is there a reason we have an audience now?" Jia asked Caspar. "When I told everyone Catherine was set to spar they couldn't let the chance slip!" He explained with his usual vigour.
Catherine cleared her throat and Jia's attention slapped back to her. "Healer's hear, you ready?" She asked. Jia took a deep calming breath before doing his utmost to mimic the stance his lord usually took. He held the sword one-handed in front of him while letting his left hand relax to his side. "Alright, on your count." Jia accepted. "Oh, oh let me!" Caspar shouted with excitement as he stood in front of the gathered crowd. Catherine nodded and thus Caspar began a count. "Three." He started and Jia gripped his sword tighter. "Two." Jia noticed Catherine's legs tighten, she was going to pounce on him. "One!" Caspar finished the count and Catherine sprung towards Jia.
The sound of wood on wood resounded within the grounds as Jia sidestepped the initial attack and moved his sword to block the follow-up. 'She attacks like Dun.' Jia observed as her first attack was identical to the one eyed general. "Hey, that's pretty good." She complimented before preparing a follow up. 'Down, then diagonal back up' Jia theorised and jumped backwards to avoid the opening blow, he was too far away for the follow up to have any hope of hitting him. Catherine looked at him with a grin. "Guess you'll be alright out there." She announced. Jia bowed gratefully. He was also relieved that he remained unscathed.
The two were content to leave their contest there however, the assembled crowd were chanting for more. "Well, wanna keep going?" Catherine offered. "I see no reason to." Jia declined, knowing full well the risks of sparing with an amped up warrior. "Ah come on, I'll make it worth your while." She sang and Jia raised a brow in curiosity. "Last a minute and I'll owe you one, anything you want." She offered and Jia was tempted. Having a skilled warrior in your pocket could get one out of many situations. "And aside from pain, I've nothing to lose?" Jia enquired and Catherine nodded.
A sigh escaped for Jia. "Alright, I accept." He said, preparing himself for more fighting. "Great!" Catherine exclaimed, getting back into a fighting position. Felix had at this point produced a timer and prepared to flip it. "I won't be going easy on you any more." Catherine threatened and Jia could not help but tense up. "Begin." The cold voice of Felix declared and the timer was flipped, grains of sand already starting to fall.
Before Jia could readjust his focus to Catherine she was in front of him, bringing down her wooden sword. With no time to parry Jia made a last ditch effort to sidestep her blow, which despite missing was still enough to throw off his balance. Jia pre-emptively raised his sword to block a blow he was not sure would come. A sharp cracking sound of wood beating into wood was the first clue he guessed right, followed by the vibration travelling up his arm. It was only through determination that he kept his grip at all.
A few rapid back-steps was all Jia could think to do in order to gain some respite from the relentless assault. This bought him a few seconds at most, which he used to quickly plan a counter attempt. Catherine was on him once more and Jia feinted right. It worked and he was rewarded with his opponent launching a side-slash to catch him. He dived to the ground to avoid it and gave Catherine's ankle a whack with his sword. She let out a growl in pain in response, but unfortunately did not waver like he had hoped.
Catherine took advantage of Jia's prone form and stabbed at him with her wooden sword. Jia rolled away as best he could, looking foolish as he did but staying safe. Catherine's stab had more force than any thought considering the friendly nature of the spar as her wooden sword became embedded in the ground.
Jia got back to his feet and assumed he'd have a moment to catch his breath with Catherine's weapon stuck. He chanced a glance at the timer and was heartened by how little time seemed to remain. Catherine's sword was back in her hand and Jia prepared to defend himself once more. To Jia's dismay Catherine did not charge him instantly and instead changed her stance quite significantly. The most noticeable change being she now held her sword in both hands. Jia gulped nervously, that was identical to what Dun would do when he wished to end their contests.
Catherine closed the short distance between them and raised her sword high. Jia did the only thing he could think to do in that instance and prepared to block the strike. Catherine's sword came down and met with Jia's own. A thunderous crack sounded in the grounds. Jia's sword was splintered to pieces, the force of the strike forcing his hand to lower leaving him wide open. He was prepared to admit his defeat, but his opponent did not see this as the end of their match and a follow-up blow struck its target. The tip of Catherine's sword hit Jia's chest with a heavy impact, knocking Jia back several paces.
All of the air left his lungs and he was unable to draw in another breath for what felt like an eternity. When he finally was able to fills his lungs things seemed to get worse as it caused a fit of coughing. A quick look at his hand revealed traces of blood. 'Well, that's not good' Jia thought he said before slumping to the ground. His eyes closed and he could hear a multitude of voices but failed to distinguish what any of them said.
The world slowly blurred around Jia before turning to grey, then finally black.
