Magoichi was pacing back and forth by the main gate to Garreg Mach. Assembled around him were a handful of the Golden Deer, namely Claude, Raphael, Leonie and Ignatz. They were currently gathered waiting for the rest of their party so they could set out and form the rearguard for the Knights of Seiros. "Hey Teach, I know you're worried about your friend but you're starting to freak people out." Claude pointed out innocently. A quick glance revealed some of the nearby merchants glancing in their direction with looks of concern. "Right, sorry." Magoichi said, stopping his pacing.

It had been a week since the incident in the training grounds and although Manuela had assured him that Jia would be fine, Magoichi could not help but harbour some frustrations. Jia was currently laid down in the infirmary, yet to awaken in a lucid manner. Manuela had given him a brief rundown that essentially their healing magic did not work on him as it did on others. He was given an explanation for this but honestly could not grasp the finer details.

It was due to Jia's incapacitation that Lady Rhea changed the class being sent on the mission to subdue Lord Lonato. Instead of the Black Eagles she elected to send all houses, though made it clear if anyone wished to not join the attack they would not be forced.

"It would seem you've beaten us here." The mature voice of Hanneman spoke, as he approached with the Blue Lion house. The only students missing from the group being the healer Mercedes and Ashe, for obvious reasons. "Almost a full house." Claude said in observation and Dimitri approached him. "Yes, for the most part all of us wish to observe the Knights of Seiros in a true battle." Dimitri explained.

The last group to arrive were Byleth and the Black Eagles. Once again very few members were not present, missing only Bernadetta and Dorothea. Byleth glanced around, looking for someone or something. "Manuela?" She asked Magoichi. "She's staying behind, I'll be keeping the kids in line." He stated matter of factly. Byleth seemed to accept that.

A few moments passed and the students devolved into idle chatter. That was until Catherine finally appeared. "This everyone?" She asked Hanneman as he was the first adult she came across. He nodded in response. "All right then, everyone saddle up, it'll be a couple days ride to Castle Gaspard." She announced, mounting her own horse. Many students took her lead and began mounting up. Magoichi noticeably stood still, his face emotionless as he stared at the knight. "Teach, lighten up." Claude said and for a moment he worried his words fell on deaf ears. Magoichi merely sighed before shaking his head. "That's right, I'm meant to be an example." He said with a grin, before mounting his horse. "Keep me grounded kids." Magoichi added before spurring his horse into a trot, joining Hanneman and Byleth near the front of the assembled group.

The Golden Deer did not set out on their march with their usual good cheer as a result of the command.

The march towards Castle Gaspard was a long one and as such the students got to learn the joy that was setting up camp with an army. The Three houses each had one large tent dedicated to them each, while the battalions they had brought along sorted their own tents. Magoichi arranged it so the battalions brought along by the Deer would be relatively close by would the need to spring into action arise.

Night crept up faster than was expected and the students found themselves around a single large fire, swapping tales and generally having fun. Magoichi would have liked to watch them for a bit longer but was pulled away by Byleth with no explanation. It wasn't until they were away from the students that she informed him of the reason. "The enemy has moved." She said simply.

Byleth and Magoichi found themselves outside of Catherine's tent, where Hanneman and Catherine herself were stood waiting. "Lonato's forces are on the move, or so our main force say." Catherine said, looking at Byleth as she spoke. "The question now is whether it's in the students best interests to from the rearguard now the knights are not certain of Lonato's movements?" Hanneman offered the question to his fellow teachers. "My students will be fine, we should power on." Byleth answered without hesitation. "I'm in agreement." Hanneman stated with a nod and the pair looked to Magoichi.

"A siege would have been safer." He thought aloud before sighing. "As long as we're careful I'm not going to tell us to turn back." He agreed, looking to Catherine. "Alright, we'll continue our march with caution." She said before waving an arm to dismiss the teachers. Hanneman returned to the Blue Lion's tent, leaving Byleth and Magoichi to return to the students.

When the pair returned, an argument of sorts had broken out between Claude and Ferdinand. "No one could do what you claim Claude." Ferdinand said dismissively to the Deer's leader. "500 says he could." Claude shot back in challenge earning a laugh from the nobleman. "Very well, Dimitri!" He called looking to the prince. "I am not going to attempt to pierce a boulder with my spear." The prince shot down the challenge.

Byleth shook her head in disapproval of the scene, though Magoichi could have sworn he saw a smile forming at the corners of her mouth. Deciding it was best to let the students revel in their camaraderie for a while longer, Magoichi decided to retire for the night.

Morning came and Magoichi found himself to be the only one to wake with the sun in the Deer tent. He got up from his sleeping roll and made his way out of the tent. A quick glance around told him all he needed to know, as the battalions were midway through disassembling their own tents. Magoichi went back inside, Claude and Leonie already stirring. "Morning's here, up we get." He said slightly under a shout. The students scrambled to get up amusing the Sharpshooter to no end. The taking down of the tent began in earnest and soon they would be on the march once more.

Back at Garreg Mach, the strategist awoke. He took a deep breath which soon turned to a nasty cough. 'Right, ribs.' He thought dryly. "Glad to see you're back with us dear." The familiar voice of Manuela rang. A brief look around revealed he was currently in his quarters, the only other occupant being the experienced healer.

"So I am." Jia replied back, in case it wasn't immediately apparent he was conscious. "You had us quite concerned, you may not have noticed in your state but our healing magic doesn't entirely work on you." Manuela explained, taking a seat on the bed, near Jia's feet. He paused for a moment to think. "You know our secret, could it simply be us being from another realm?" He asked, thinking it was the most logical reason. Manuela shook her head. "It works fine on Magoichi." She explained.

Jia hummed, racking his brain. "I do not recall Mago getting injured..." He trailed off, hoping for Manuela to fill in the blanks. "Not seriously." She stated frankly, though the slight pinkness of her cheeks revealed more than she would say. Jia could not hold back a laugh at the woman's embarrassment. It did not last long as pain prevented him from continuing with the act. "Serves you right." Manuela admonished lightly before producing a small vial of grassy looking powder. "Put a pinch of this in your drink, it should ease any pain." She explained, handing the vial to Jia who placed it on the nearest surface to him. "And no wine for now." She warned, giving him a look that meant there would be no negotiations.

Jia nodded, deciding not to push his luck or Manuela any further.

It was early afternoon and the rearguard's marching route took them through a lightly forested area. Magoichi spurred his horse to ride by the side of Catherine. Some looked at the motion and readied to pull the two apart but they did not need to fear. "Hey." Magoichi said, getting the knight's attention. She seemed hesitant to look him in the eye but responded with a nod, indicating she had heard him. "This route seems good for an ambush" He warned, with an army on the loose even a little cover was cause to be worried as far as Magoichi was concerned.

This made Catherine look him in the eye. "Lonato is well-known for his dislike of cheap tactics." Catherine explained, causing Magoichi to sigh. He would be the first to admit that he was not a great tactician, but he knew how to launch surprise attacks better than most. "If he's not working alone..." He let his words hang in the air.

Almost as if on cue, the trees began to vanish around them. A dense fog was flooding the area. Catherine jumped from her horse, grabbing her weapon. Magoichi did so a moment later, his unasked question of if such weather changes were normal here no longer needing an answer. Unlike Catherine however he did not advance, he backed away until he was united with Hanneman and Byleth. The three teachers needed no words and each set off to round-up their respective houses.

Magoichi found his students, who were all still mounted though wore concerned expressions at the appearance of the fog. "What's the plan teach?" Claude asked on seeing Magoichi appear. "As fast as you can, ready for battle." The sharpshooter ordered, and all but Leonie dismounted. He had to give the kids some credit, they might have been new to war but they organised their units faster than he would have expected.

The four Golden Deer members waited for further instructions. "We're almost definitely being attacked by an enemy force." Magoichi explained aloud. "We can guess who, we don't know how many and because of this fog we don't know where." Though the situation was unfavourable, Magoichi's voice oozed with confidence. "I'll be leading the Golden Deer and I need you to follow this one basic order for the coming engagement." He paused for a moment as the Blue Lions began to march past them in what appeared to be a loose crescent formation. He returned his attention to the Deer. "Make sure you can see me at all times, in this fog that means a lot more than usual." He finished his command and shouldered his rifle.

He pointed at the now vanishing form of the Blue Lions. "We're gonna provide them support for this battle, seeing as we're the smallest of battalions." He explained and began to walk towards where the Lions had gone. The Deer marched their units behind him like a real army. He briefly thought he should begin treating them as such, the coming battle would ultimately decide that in his eyes.

Magoichi took up a position just East of the Blue Lions. Felix the aspiring swordsman and Annette a sorcerer as far as Magoichi was aware were the closest Lions to them. The Golden Deer positioned themselves naturally with Raphael and Leonie at the front ready to advance, Ignatz and Claude behind them to provide long-range support.

A tense minute past, which for those who had not seen real combat felt like an age. A clash of steel could be heard to the West, Magoichi had to assume it was Catherine and her knights. He wanted to lead a cautionary advance, but the risk of the students being ambushed were too great.

A solution arrived from the up and coming swordsman, who tossed an unlit torch to Magoichi. "Hanneman sent this down." He stated simply. It was a good thing Magoichi only needed one hand to use his weapon. He held the torch out and Annette helpfully set the top aflame. "Remember what I said kids." Magoichi said loudly and began to advance. The deer let him get a few paces away before following him, keeping an eye on the sharpshooter. Felix and Annette followed too, Magoichi didn't want to prevent it but he had to wonder if they were following a command from Hanneman or not.

"Lord Lonato doesn't deserve such sadness and anger... Now it's your turn to suffer!" A voice called from the fog, giving away a man's position. Magoichi brought his rifle up across his chest in preparation for a blow. A sword bounced off his weapon and Magoichi slashed up and to the left, ending the man's life in one blow. Magoichi looked at the fallen foe and sighed. "These aren't soldiers." He lamented. This was going to be a long fight.

The day had progressed painfully slow for Jia as he spent it confined to his bed. The one time he chanced to get up he was immediately intruded upon by Manuela and scolded thoroughly. He had yet to attempt again. There was a knock on his door and Jia sat up in place. "Come in." He said, waiting patiently.

The door opened and in stepped Dorothea. Jia couldn't help but let a smile appear. Her arrival was unexpected but welcome. "It's good to see you." He said in earnest. She said nothing in return, only approaching him. She crouched slightly before wrapping her arms around him and giving an affectionate squeeze. Manuela's concoction must have done wonders as he suffered little from the action. After a moment she released him and Jia let out a breath he did not realise he was holding.

"Don't do that again." She chastised him. Her eyes slightly damp with the threat of tears. "It is a mistake I intend to never repeat." He offered. Dorothea quickly dried her eyes and seemed to perk up at his response. "I'm going to hold you to that Jia." She said, the sound of his name coming from her feeling odd. "I can get some tea, if you want some company?" She asked, lightening the mood. "Sounds wonderful." He answered. A smile appeared on her face, the sorrowful subject now a memory and little more.

She walked to the back of the room and rummaged under the desk for a moment. She found what she was looking for in the form of a small table, though it looks more like a stool. After a gesture indicating she would be gone for only a moment, she left the room.

She quickly re-appeared this time with a tray. On the tray were two cups, pure white in colour and decorated with images of flowers of varying colours. A teapot that shared its décor with the cups and seemed recently brewed as steam was escaping its spout. Lastly a plate containing a few small cakes, all looking sickly sweet.

She walked over to the small table in the centre of the room and placed the tray atop it. She waved Jia over to which his response was a cautious look at the door. With no indication of Manuela being near, he got out of the bed. Before walking over to Dorothea and the tea, he took a moment to stretch his arms and back. After a few clicks from joints he had not used for days he was satisfied. His gaze locked onto Dorothea and the treats, he noticed that she had kept her eyes on him the entire time. It took all of his effort to not tease the girl.

He took the few steps over to the table, and sat cross-legged opposite the girl. Dorothea gently picked up the teapot and began to carefully pour the two cups with the freshly brewed tea. It took a moment but not long after his cup was filled, the smell wafted up into his nostrils. The scent reminded him of walking through orchards just before picking was due to begin. "It tastes even better." His companion recommended, as she picked up her cup. She delicately brought it to her lips and took a small sip. Jia almost forgot that was the point of tea and soon mimicked the action. The tea had more than a hint of apple in its flavour and Jia would happily admit that it was just the right amount of sweetness.

After his first sip, his companion began to talk. "So, your new choice in colour was the talk of Garreg Mach after the buzz around your duel died down." She said making conversation. "Was it? I did think it looked off on me." He revealed with a self-deprecating chuckle. She did not need to know it was because of how much it seemed like a slap in the face to his lord. "Oh quite the opposite, Edie couldn't stop singing your praises for trying to fit in." She clarified. Jia couldn't help but feel she was exaggerating, at least to a degree. "Things really must have been dull for that to dominate discussions." Jia said and Dorothea nodded in agreement. "Honestly it was otherwise just getting ready for the order to march." She admitted, prompting Jia to ask a question that had been bugging him. "On that matter, why did you stay behind?" He raised a brow. "I would have been too distracted, Manuela told me there's nothing worse than that in battle." She confessed. Jia could think of half a dozen worse things but decided to keep silent on the matter.

"I hope Edie and the others are alright." She said softly, looking to Jia for reassurance. "They're with competent leaders and warriors, they'll be more than alright." Jia reassured, not even having to contemplate the outcome.

The fog began to lift, and Magoichi quickly scanned for the rest of the enemy. His eyes focused on several banner-men who stood near an elderly warrior. The warrior was garbed in full plate and was mounted on an intimidating warhorse. "The fog has cleared. There's nothing left to hide you or the filthy Central Church from the judgement of the goddess!" The man decreed and Magoichi assumed this was Lord Lonato.

Magoichi desperately wanted to make a beeline to the old man but knew better. If he did so he had no doubts the students he was in command of would follow and he did not want any major injuries due to his desire of a swift end to the conflict.

It appeared that Byleth had no such qualms as she made straight for the old warrior, Catherine doing the same. Each were followed by those they led, the knights with Catherine and Black Eagles with Byleth.

"Teach!" Claude's voice called, snapping Magoichi's attention away from the charge taking place. Claude had good reason to call him, as seemingly out of nowhere a handful of enemies were approaching. Magoichi could not help but let out a tut is disapproval. He disliked having to fight peasants however, his hands were tied in this instance. "Mop up any that make it past me, spare anyone who surrenders." Magoichi ordered with a sigh.

Magoichi dashed in order to put himself between the newly arrived peasants and his students. He could have allowed the Deer to deal with them with minimal risk but he had decided early on to avoid having innocent deaths on the hands of the students if he could help it. "This is your one chance to back down." He demanded and unsurprisingly he got no response.

Half a dozen peasants swung their blades at Magoichi, who in one fluid motion back-stepped and levelled his rifle. 'Poor bastards' He couldn't help but think as he squeezed the trigger again and again, each shot finding its mark. The peasants fell and showed no signs of getting back up. Still the remaining enemies showed no signs of backing down.

"You! I will be the one to kill you, no other!" He heard the old warrior bellow. Mercifully it had the effect of causing the peasants to stop their assault at least for a moment. Looks of worry graced many a face as they seemed concerned for their lord. A slight rumbling and soon the sight of horsemen with Leonie at the front came into view, the remaining peasants retreating from the force the unit charged with. She stopped a few feet from where the peasants once stood fast.

Magoichi couldn't help but allow himself to smile. "Smart." He acknowledged, he would not have thought to do such a thing at least not on the fly. Leonie just gave a salute while grinning ear to ear at the praise.

The Deer held their position and watched the commanders fighting from some distance. Officially Magoichi had told them they were watching for any reinforcements, though no one believed the tale.

Catherine was demonstrating that she was the much faster fighter, dodging attacks left and right. The old man was putting up quite a fight too considering, though one had to wonder if he would have faired so well if he was not atop his warhorse.

Suddenly a pitch black sphere of magic hit Lonato in the side, knocking him from atop his steed. Hubert, the dark haired boy was the culprit. He received a few looks in disapproval. "So much for an honourable duel." Felix muttered, loud enough for Magoichi and the Deer to hear him. Magoichi simply rolled his eyes in response.

Earlier suspicions seemed to be correct, as with her foe dismounted it took only a few clashes before Lonato fell to Catherine's sword. Those with any fight left in them lost the will to continue at the sight, causing many to flee or simply drop their weapons. Everyone was in silent agreement to not pursue.

With the battle somewhat behind them, the four leaders gathered together. Most notably away from the remnants of the battlefield. "Well done everyone, no one got hurt." Catherine congratulated. "Right, we are most fortunate in that sense." Hanneman agreed. Magoichi decided to hold his tongue. Byleth also did not comment but he could not be certain if it was for similar reasons. "Gather up the troops and let's head home." She declared with a grin and Magoichi prepared for a glum march back to Garreg Mach.

Leonie was in the middle of conversing with Caspar when he returned to the students. "It still seems so pointless." Caspar lamented. Leonie simply rested her hand on his shoulder in sympathy. "Well we're getting a move on, the more distance we put between us and the battlefield the better." Magoichi announced, causing the pair to flinch slightly. He raised his hand in an apologetic gesture and went to gather the rest of the Deer.

Soon the students and troops were gathered and the long march was about to begin in earnest. "Magoichi." Byleth's voice called and he got the sudden sense of déjà vu . He looked at her and she waved him over. He followed her and was led to Catherine and Hanneman. "What is it this time." He said with a sigh. Catherine produced a sealed scroll. "I found this on Lord Lonato. It's a note that mentions a plan to assassinate Lady Rhea." She surmised, a serious look on her face. "We can't tell who sent it, so the source is suspect, but the content is too disturbing to ignore. We must report this to Lady Rhea right away. I hope that it's nothing..." She trailed off.

Magoichi stared at her for a moment before shaking his head. "That's a little too convenient." He said, earning a nod from Byleth. Catherine tucked the scroll away. "It doesn't change the current situation, it's just best we all know of the threat." She explained and everyone silently agreed before returning to their students. The march began in earnest and the mood took a while to lighten up.

Two days later and they found themselves at the gates of Garreg Mach. The students split off in different directions, wishing to visit friends or even simply sleep in a bed once again. Magoichi was fortunate enough to have someone waiting for him at the gates. The moment he dismounted he was approached by none other than Manuela, who game him a light but affectionate hug. "Welcome back dear, is everyone alright?" She asked. "Of course they are, I was with them." He said, not allowing the toll of fighting peasants to take away his usual confidence. "Jia woken up yet?" He asked moving on and Manuela nodded. A grin spread across his face. "I'll have to see him after the report to Rhea then." He announced. Manuela pouted. "Alright, but after I expect to hear everything that happened." She demanded playfully earning a chuckle from the sharpshooter. "Sure." He agreed before heading off the Rhea's audience chamber.

Magoichi joined Byleth and Hanneman in Rhea's chamber. As usual Seteth stood by Rhea's side. It felt like his presence was entirely unwanted however, as Rhea addressed Byleth alone. "I am glad to see that you have returned safely. The goddess is gracious with her divine protection. But it was not only her divine protection that shielded you, was it? You are just as skilled as I had hoped." She praised the former mercenary, positively glowing as she spoke. "My students deserve the praise." Byleth deflected in that usual monotone of hers. "I am not so sure." Rhea countered, she seemed adamant that Byleth was the main reason for their victory.

"I heard some of the students were... Hesitant about fighting militia. However, we must punish any sinner who may inflict harm upon believers, even if those sinners are civilians." Rhea explained, causing Magoichi to grit his teeth. "I pray the students learned a valuable lesson about the fate that awaits all who are foolish enough to point their blades towards the heavens." Rhea warned, causing Magoichi to struggle suppressing a feeling of rage bubbling inside of him. "Our real concern is what Catherine reported. The secret message that was in Lord Lonato's possession. It contained a deplorable plot to target the archbishop on the day of the Goddess's Rite of Rebirth. The plan seems unrealistic at best... But a threat is a threat. We must maintain constant vigilance. To that end, I would like for you and your students to help with security on the day of the ritual." Seteth explained. Magoichi was about to speak up when Byleth beat him to the punch. "Won't that endanger the students?" She asked in his stead. "Even if they encounter an enemy whom they cannot best, they should be fine so long as they have you on their side." She reassured them.

Magoichi turned and left the chamber while Seteth explained the ritual that was to take place. He was done with the pair for now, having seen Rhea in a new beam of light. He went to find Jia and share what the strategist had missed for the last weeks, with luck Manuela would be there too.

Magoichi arrived at Jia's quarters and stood their in silence for a moment. He could hear a girlish voice on the other side. He was fairly sure if Jia did not want to be disturbed he'd be simply turned away and so knocked regardless of the apparent company. The girl stopped talking. "Come in." Jia's voice answered and Magoichi entered.

Inside both Jia and Lysithea stood in front of the desk, a large piece of paper covering it. "Ah Mago, glad you're safe." Jia said with glee. "That's what I'm supposed to say..." Magoichi trailed off with a sigh. "Would you like to start again?" Jia asked with a chuckle, Magoichi waving off the comment. His focus then turned to Lysithea, the youngest student in the Golden Deer house. "And what are you doing here?" He asked. "I wanted feedback from our assignments, it was taking a while." The girl explained. "I had good cause too, Professor Jia admitted he forgot about them." She said, shooting Jia a glare.

"Hence the impromptu lesson." Jia defended himself, gesturing to the paper spread across the desk. It showed a map, dominated by forest. Atop it were a few small blocks of wood. "I don't have access to my usual pieces but they do just as well." Jia explained holding one of the blocks up. "Cavalry." Was written underneath the held piece. Magoichi nodded in understanding. "Lysithea here shows an aptitude for strategy, be careful before I ask Byleth to poach her." Jia warned Magoichi playfully. "You can try, Manuela's the one who'll you'll be up against. She adores all of her students too much to let them go." Magoichi challenged back. The pair shared a laugh. Lysithea lowered her head in an attempt to hide the embarrassment tinting her cheeks.

The laughter subsided and Magoichi once more focused on the student. "Sorry for cutting your lesson short, but I need to catch up with Jia." He explained and with surprising maturity Lysithea nodded. "Okay, I will come by another time Professor." She said before waving a goodbye, leaving the two friends alone. Magoichi then proceeded to explain to Jia what had happened during the battle and the following meeting in Rhea's audience chamber.

Jia placed a hand on his chin in thought, dwelling on what Magoichi had said. "A secret message that was easily found detailing a plot to murder such an important figure." He voiced his train of thought before shaking his head. "It is not a very sophisticated plot, if anything it means we know the time they will attempt to achieve their real goal." Jia explained and Magoichi nodded, that was essentially what the teachers had already surmised.

"So that leaves it to us to find the true target." Jia said with a sigh. "If I knew more of this place I'm sure it could be deduced, I'm afraid we will need assistance from the students this time." Jia explained, though Magoichi seemed unwilling to agree. Jia raised a brow in question. "Can't we give them a bit of a break?" Magoichi asked, earning a grin from Jia. "This ritual is a month away, no need to focus on it immediately." Jia assured him, making Magoichi more willing to agree.

A woman cleared her throat, making the two look to the doorway. Lysithea had apparently left it open.

In the doorway stood none other than Catherine, still wearing her armour and Thunderbrand hanging from her hip. Magoichi's hand fingered the butt of his rifle on instinct, ready to draw it. "Hey..." She said, lacking her usual good cheer.

"Good to see you also made it back in once piece, Lady Catherine." Jia greeted with a bow. This earned a questioning look from Magoichi. Even Catherine seemed a little confused from the response. "Did you need something?" Jia asked and Catherine sighed in response. "Listen I'm not very good at this." She started, taking a deep breath as if to calm herself. "I need to apologise to you, I know that so here I am." She said, trying to look anywhere but at Jia himself.

Jia looked at her with an unreadable expression for a moment, before he let out a laugh in amusement.