In the desolate landscape outside the confines of time; the camp of humans and mystics was abundant in warriors going about their daily routines. Nu Wa stood holding a feather that shone with a magical aura. "It's not as potent as the one Magoichi used, but it will send someone over there for an hour in our time I guarantee it." Sanzang explained. "The question is, who do we send?" The usually condescending Taigong Wang asked, earning a prolonged silence.

"A ninja would be best, do you think Hanzo would be willing?" Fu Xi offered his opinion. "If we can convince him of its importance maybe." Wang agreed. Even Nu Wa nodded her head in approval. "What are you four babbling about?" The intimidating voice of Lu Bu interrupted, towering over the gathered mystics.

"It will be of no interest to you Fengxian." Wang cautioned. "I will judge that myself." Lu Bu barked in response. An unnatural wind began to blow, and the feather Nu Wa held vanished seemingly into thin air. The purple skinned Fuma Kotaro appeared from nowhere by Lu Bu's side. "Lying to the great Lu Bu, how bold. This will take you to far away lands with foes untold." The Ninja explained, warping the reality of the situation with his words. "Is that so, then I may finally find a decent challenge." The mighty warrior declared, and the gathered mystics did not doubt his intent.

Kotaro began to chant a few key phrases rapidly, and the feather's glowing intensified. He passed the feather to Lu Bu. "It can now take you those new lands, approach the gate with this in hand." He explained and Lu Bu snatched the feather from him. The sound of a sword being unsheathed radiated throughout the camp, and Fu Xi aimed his great-sword at the mighty Lu Bu. "We need to get a message to Guo Jia and Saika Magoichi, I can't let you take our only way of doing so." The mystic warned. Lu Bu scoffed. "You're not even worth my time." He dismissed the mystic, and began to walk away towards the gate.

Without turning to face his foe; Lu Bu blocked the Mystic's strike with his halberd single-handed, locking the two in place. The camp erupted with movement as various warriors made their way to the commotion. With a single mighty thrust, Lu Bu pushed Fu Xi back several paces and continued on his way.

Suddenly Lu Bu was assaulted from the front, locking himself in a stalemate once more. "You won't push me around quite so easy." The flamboyant Maeda Keiji taunted as the ground around the pair of warriors began to crack apart.

If one was watching closely, they would have seen a shadow descend on the pair before promptly disappearing. "This is the cause?" The ninja Hanzo asked Nu Wa, showing her the feather. "Yes... Let us head to the gate." She said, avoiding the assembled crowd and leading the ninja away. "You will be transported to a foreign land, we do not know much about it, but you must track down Guo Jia and Saika Magoichi. Let them know they must find a feather identical to the one used to get them there, that is the first step to get them back home." She relayed her message to the ninja, who nodded in understanding.

Hanzo back-flipped away from the Mystic's side, dodging a blow from the demon Fuma. "How typical of you to get involved." Kotaro taunted, splitting himself in three. Hanzo made an admirable showing of holding off the demon ninja's assault. A gauntleted fist connected with Hanzo's face, stunning him momentarily. His grip of the feather loosened, and it dropped to the ground. The pair of dueling ninjas were too focused on their battle to notice. As such, a dainty hand grabbed the errant object unbeknownst to anyone.

Hanzo had enough with his rival's numerical advantage and threw a smoke bomb to the ground, obscuring him from view. Once the smoke died down, copies of Hanzo appeared and rushed the demon ninja. The ensuing brawl was difficult to keep track of, copies being vanquished only to reappear making it impossible to tell who had the upper hand. Nu Wa dared not interfere, lest she make fighting more difficult for the Tokugawa ninja.

"Silly boys." The ever cheerful Nene stated from Nu Wa's side, causing the mystic to flinch. It was easy to forget that Nene herself was trained in ninjutsu, what with her motherly nature. "Why are they fighting over this little thing?" She asked, and Nu Wa explained the situation to the bubbly ninja. "I could go, what with the others busy." Nene suggested. Nu Wa was hesitant, but ultimately relented. "I must caution you, when over there you will have a day, or little more to fulfil your objective." The mystic stressed. Nene reiterated her words before offering a wave, and jumping through the gate.

Nu Wa returned her attention to the duelling ninjas and heaved a hefty sigh. They were unlikely to finish anytime soon, and now their message lay in the hands of Nene.

Back in Fódlan...

To everyone's surprise, Flayn managed a speedy recovery once she was out of the underground. Jia was on his way to check up on her, both out of concern, and with the hopes of a few blanks being filled in. Upon arriving at the infirmary he was promptly shown to Flayn's bed. Her face beamed at the sudden visit from Jia, and she sat up, the sheet wrapped around her loosening as she did. Jia raised a hand in caution, earning a shake of the head from the girl. "I really am quite fine." She assured him. "Forgive me, a few hours ago it was a different story." Jia explained in return, earning a huff from the girl.

"It is good to see you awake Flayn." He finally admitted with a smile. "Was it truly that dire?" She asked. "A teacher wounded. You kidnapped and rendered unconscious in a passageway no one knew existed. An unknown girl, likewise unconscious wearing a student's uniform." He listed off the events that occurred in such a short amount of time. "I've not encountered such a string of disasters in my time here." Jia finished with a sigh. "I am truly sorry to have worried everyone." She lamented, looking like a kicked puppy.

The strategist put a comforting hand on the girl's shoulder. "It is not something to apologise for, neither was it my intent to garner one." He reassured her. Flayn forced a smile. "What we can do now is attempt to piece together why this happened." Jia moved on, taking a seat on a part of Flayn's bed that was unoccupied by her small frame. "Can you think of a reason you were targeted so?" He asked. Flayn stiffened, a damning reaction if ever there was one. "I am... Special." She revealed. "But that is honestly all I can tell you, please do not pry deeper." She begged, her puppy-like appearance being played up once more.

"So the enemy knew of this, that can narrow it down then, at least." Jia mused aloud, gently rubbing his chin. "If you could, you should discuss people who know of the specifics with someone you trust. Your brother I imagine is one such person." He suggested, earning a nod from the girl. "The underground passageway we found you in, do you know how you got there?" Jia asked the next question easily. "I... Do not recall such place." She answered with a shake of her head. "So; we have to assume you were unconscious before you got there, you're certain you're okay?" He asked with some concern, earning a nod from the girl. "Alright, try not to aggravate an unseen injury." Jia cautioned.

"I must ask also, do you know the girl you were found with?" He asked. "I do not, though I overheard someone mention she is a student from last year." She shared what she could. That made Jia feel uneasy for a number of reasons, but he did not wish to burden Flayn with such things. "I see, thank you Flayn. Now get some rest." He encouraged and got off of her bed. "Please wait." She pleaded. Jia looked her in the eye and waited for her to continue. "I suspect my brother will use this to justify us leaving the monastery, would you be willing to speak to him on that account?" She asked. Jia shook his head. "I am certain you would fair better in that regard." He explained his reasoning.

Flayn played with the edges of the surrounding sheet. "Then, could you be by my side when I speak to him?" She asked, redness tinting her cheeks. "You don't strike me as the sort who needs help to speak to her brother, Flayn." He pointed out. Flayn mumbled something in response. "What was that?" He asked for clarification. "I do not wish to be alone walking the halls." She hurriedly spoke the fact and Jia could understand perfectly why. "I am willing to escort you in that case." Jia offered. "Thank you, I intend to speak to him tomorrow around midday." She revealed. Jia committed the time to memory before leaving the girl to get some rest.

The appointed time rolled around quickly, and Jia walked by Flayn's side as they made their way to Seteth's chambers, coming to a stop in front of them. Speech could be heard from within, it seemed that Seteth already had a visitor. Jia was content to wait out the conversation, but once Flayn's features scrunched up in concern he began to pay attention to what was being said.

"If enemies who know the secret of Flayn's blood have appeared, our only option is to leave the monastery and go into hiding." Seteth spoke and Flayn had enough, barging through the doors. "Brother, Wait." Flayn started. "Flayn?! What are you doing here? You should be resting!" Seteth objected, but Flayn ploughed onwards. "I do not like the path of your thoughts." She continued and a hint of worry began to lace her words. "I do not wish to live in some lonely, remote location where I never get to see anyone. Not ever again." She finished, giving Jia something to ponder on.

Jia's mind stayed on Flayn's words. They offered a reasoning for her sheltered world view, if she had indeed been kept away from the world for most of her childhood. Although if she was related to Rhea as well as Seteth as he suspected, would that not mean there were ample resources to keep her both safe and around others.

The more he thought on it the more questions came to the forefront of his mind. The easiest way to answer most of them would be to confirm Rhea's relationship with either Seteth or Flayn. Easier said than done he was certain. "So, what say you? Can I entrust you with Flayn's safety?" Seteth requested as Jia's thoughts scattered to the winds. "It would be my pleasure." The monotone voice of Byleth answered. "Then it is decided." Seteth announced. Jia was not entirely sure what he meant as he had not been following the conversation. At least it seemed to allow Flayn to stay in the monastery, that should ease her worries.

Both Byleth and Flayn exited Seteth's chambers together, the smaller girl positively beaming. "A most pleasing result." She announced looking towards Jia who simply nodded, having the girl remain was certainly good in his opinion. "May I have a moment with Jia alone?" Byleth asked suddenly and Flayn looked at her nervously. "Why not wait with your brother for a moment?" Jia suggested and Flayn nodded, retreating back to her brother's quarters.

Jia looked at Byleth expectantly. "The other victim, Monica. She is a student from last year." She revealed, looking as passive as ever. Jia waited for her to continue. "They thought she ran away..." Byleth trailed off. "That begs more questions than answers." He admitted with a sigh. Byleth agreed with a nod. "She will rejoin the Black Eagles, so that she can graduate." She revealed further. "Perhaps Edelgard can shed light on her situation then." Jia hoped. Those hopes were promptly dashed when Byleth shook her head. "Not now, an important battle is coming up." She informed him.

The strategist racked his brain for a moment. "The battle of the Eagle and Lion, a contest between houses to prove combat and strategical supremacy." Byleth explained, earning a chuckle from Jia. "I was unaware, It will be a busy month for you and the students then." Jia admitted. "Us, you're the Black Eagle's professor too." Byleth reminded him. "I'm afraid I must bow out of this contest, it would not benefit the students for me to help out in their little game." He smiled softly. "But it would for me?" She asked. "You will be with them for longer than I." Jia confessed, his smile faltering for a moment. "He speaks vaguely again." The voice from before chimed in and Jia chose to ignore her.

"I will inform Edelgard of your decision, until later." Byleth said in farewell, walking past the strategist. Jia got the sense that he offended the woman, even if she did not show it. Still, it was something he could rectify later if need be. He fetched Flayn from Seteth's quarters and escorted her back to the infirmary, transferring her to the care of the healers.

Before the day was through, Jia made a trip to the Dining hall with the intent of obtaining something to pass on to Manuela. He had grabbed a plate of Sautéed Jerky, a dish that could be consumed several days later. The chef for the day had also promised him it was a favourite of the songstress. Next he made the short journey to her quarters.

A quick knock, and Magoichi's voice answered. "Yeah?" He questioned. "It's me Mago'." The strategist answered, and he could hear the marksman move from his place. A moment later, and the door opened. Magoichi stood there, looking worn out. Whether it was from recovering from the fighting or worry, Jia could not say. "You look awful." Jia teased and Magoichi managed to crack a smile. "At least I have an excuse." He fired back, and the pair shared a light chuckle.

Jia's face hardened. "How is she?" He asked. "They got her good, she'll probably have a scar and a lot of discomfort for some time." Magoichi explained, taking a deep breath. "Jeritza, or the death knight. Next time I see him I'll kill him." The marksman vowed coldly and Jia did not doubt he meant it. "Mago', who is it?" A voice asked weakly from within. "Jia." Magoichi answered simply. "I could do with more company..." Manuela trailed off and Magoichi rolled his eyes, retreating from the doorway.

Jia followed closely and was taken aback by the amount of chocolates and gifts surrounding the Songstress' bed. Said Songstress let out a grunt of pain as she shifted to a sitting position on her bed. A look of concern graced Magoichi's features. "You needn't put your body under strain for my sake." Jia assured, earning a shake of the head from her. "I should be able to do at least this dear." She responded and Jia could not help but be amused by her stubbornness. "I brought you some jerky from the kitchens." He revealed, placing the plate by her bedside. "Thank you." She offered, making no attempt to hide her hungry gaze.

"You didn't come here just to see me now did you?" The songstress asked. "You have had me quite concerned." Jia admitted and Manuela rolled her eyes. "Only because of Mago' I bet." She accused with a wink. "I care for all my comrades Manuela." Jia stated in a surprisingly serious tone. Manuela's eyes began to well up, and for a moment Jia feared he miss-stepped. "I'm glad you see me in such a way Jia." She revealed and Jia was confused as to why that would ever be in doubt. He saw no need to press the issue right now.

Magoichi cleared his throat, earning the attention of the others. "It's been almost non-stop well-wishers Jia, want to come back another time?" He requested, and Jia took the hint. "Get back on your feet soon Manuela, else I'll teach your Deer some tricks to pull on you." Jia threatened jokingly in farewell, bowing to the woman. Magoichi escorted Jia out of the room, the sound of Manuela grunting as she lay back down filling the silence.

"She's been treated with a mixture of herbs and healing magic." Magoichi began. "I was warned she might act a little strange." He relayed the information and Jia nodded. "I see, still she seems physically well." Jia admitted and Magoichi agreed. "I will leave the two of you alone then, don't forget to eat." Jia reminded with his farewell, parting ways with the marksman.

A few days had past and life around the monastery had begun to normalize. Both Manuela and Flayn were walking around again, heartening many. In fact had Flayn not begun attending the Black Eagle class one might be forgiven for thinking nothing had even occurred.

Both Edelgard and Jia were having a discussion in the common area connecting the three classrooms. "Are you sure I can not convince you to at least offer advice for our coming battle?" Edelgard pleaded with Jia. "You have that little faith in Byleth?" Jia could not help but tease the future Empress. "That is not the case, I simply do not understand your refusal to help." She countered, other students beginning to look at the pair with interest. "Simply put; I was the lead strategist for Wei long before my lord ascended in rank, it would be most unfair to help students win a game." He explained. "Sorry professor, what do you meant by 'Wei'?" Flayn asked, prompting both Jia and Edelgard to look at the girl.

"Wei I'm told is the name my lord's realm became known as." He explained, earning a confused look from the pair. "An odd choice of wording professor." Edelgard accused. Jia thought for a moment. "How so?" He asked. Edelgard repeated his sentences, and Jia merely laughed. "That does have an odd ring to it. You'll have to forgive me, I've not been feeling too well as of late." He lied easily. "Do you need some water?" Flayn asked, concern for the strategist apparent in her tone. Edelgard however seemed unconvinced, that or cared not. "Get some rest, we'll discuss this another time." She stated, leaving the pair alone.

"You'd best follow her." Jia recommended. Flayn obliged and ran to catch up with her house leader. For his part, Jia decided to walk the grounds to try to straighten his head. After such a simple mistake he began to contemplate if he should forgo interacting further with the students. He quickly threw such thoughts away, it would only be more suspicious to act anti-social all of a sudden.

His wanderings found him inside the entrance hall, where he spotted Dorothea speaking with the Blue Lion: Ingrid. He had not seen the two interact before, so was naturally curious what the two had to talk about. It was easy to assume it was not an overly private conversation due to the location, so he approached with no hesitation.

"Truth be told, there's rather a lot going on. It seems that there's always something to worry about..." Ingrid confessed, looking up at Jia as he reached the pair. "Do continue, I was merely wondering what you were speaking of." Jia spoke easily. "You see, I received a letter from my father recently." Ingrid began. "From Count Galatea? What a kind gentleman to have for a father." Dorothea gushed and Jia assumed the man must have had a reputation for gallantry. "I thank you. But the content within the letter is what I find troubling." Ingrid admitted, handing an opened envelope to Dorothea.

The songstress read the contents of the letter, a scowl gracing her usually angelic features. "I've not met the man, though I've heard his name here and there." She began once more, Jia listening with interest. "He began life as a merchant but has somehow achieved rank in court. An enterprising noble from an allied territory. It's most likely that he wants the Crest of Daphnel that I bear to adorn his family name." She finished her explanation and Jia shook his head. This world certainly put a lot of importance into these crests of theirs.

"Hmm, yes, that sounds about right. The jerk." Dorothea all but spat, and before now Jia would have sworn the woman would never offer such a reaction. "You sound as though you know him. Do you?" Ingrid asked, and the Songstress' features softened. "Yes, I must admit that I know him. He tried to court me when I was a singer. Best advice I can give you, Ingrid? Stay far, far away from this guy." Dorothea warned. "He's offered a sizeable dowry, so I must at least consider it–for the sake of my family." Ingrid countered.

"Dowry? Ha! Blood money. That's all it is." Dorothea nearly shouted, earning a few stares from the nearby guards. "Dorothea, I–" Ingrid began, being cut off. "This jerk's entire fortune is soaked in blood. Do you want to rebuild your own house using that kind of money? I mean, it's all just rumours, but I think it still might be worth investigating." Dorothea suggested, clearly not wanting her friend to marry such a character. "What do you think, Professor? Should we go check this guy out?" The songstress asked Jia who masked his surprise, he was not expecting his input to be needed.

"If you feel so strongly about his lack of morals, I lean towards doing what we can to prevent anyone from marrying such a man." Jia answered with a nod. Ingrid looked away in embarrassment. "Great, let's go fetch Ingrid's classmates." Dorothea decreed. "Uh, really? Okay..." Ingrid relented and joined in the rounding up of the Lions.

Jia was the last to arrive at the gates, Ashe and Annette in tow. "So, it's true you'll be joining us for this trip." Dimitri observed, smiling at the strategist's appearance. "If what Dorothea suspects is true, it would be irresponsible to leave students alone to deal with such a threat." Jia confessed. "I believe a mere merchant would be easy for us to handle, none of us are novices after all." The prince noted, a frown tugging at the edge of his lips. "An unknown enemy is never easy to deal with Dimitri, if you're going to lead your kingdom someday you should keep that in mind." Jia cautioned, causing the boy to stiffen. "As you say." Dimitri agreed before leaving to saddle his horse.

Jia watched him retreat, and shook his head lightly. As well-meaning as his advice was, he feared he may have taken the wrong approach in his instruction. "He'll get over it, and likely forget about it." The swordsman Felix assured quietly. "Would you be kind enough to remind him of such things if he does? Emperors, or kings, both need reminding of the simple things at times." He explained, earning a shake of the head from Felix. "He's too pig-headed to listen to me, better you drill the lesson in." The swordsman confessed, and Jia merely sighed. He suspected he would not be around long enough to do so, but could hardly tell the boy that. The conversation was promptly dropped, and Dimitri led the Lions out of the main gate.

As was the norm at this point Jia rode a short distance behind the main group, allowing the students to bond with each-other during the ride. It remained that way until around the halfway point, when the woman of the hour slowed her mare's pace to ride beside Jia. "All of this fuss over me, I'm not used to it." Ingrid admitted. "No? I was under the impression most nobles of Fódlan were doted upon." Jia asked, most information he received indicating as such. "Not always, my family has been in decline for the greater part of a generation. Hence the hope for me to marry a wealthy suitor and aid in raising our status." She explains, and Jia felt a twinge of sympathy for the girl.

An idea struck Jia then, one he decided to voice immediately. "If finance is the main factor for a suitor and not birth, may I suggest Dorothea?" He suggested, and Ingrid's face paled at the suggestion. "P-professor, that is inappropriate." She chastised, which caused Jia to be genuinely confused by the reaction. "I suppose Dorothea is more interested in having someone care for her, instead of winning the household's bread." He noted, rubbing his chin. Ingrid declined to comment further, and hurried to join back up with the others. 'Odd girl' Jia thought as they continued their journey.

The heat began to rise as the Blue Lions neared their destination, and it soon became apparent why. After ascending a ridge, the landscape changed drastically to one which was ravaged with flowing lava. Jia began to sweat profusely, never being a fan of extreme temperatures. "A little further." Ingrid announced as they descended into the hellish landscape. "Hold a moment." Jia requested through his laboured breaths, and the students stopped. "Dorothea, how bad is this merchant?" The strategist asked, doing his utmost to show no signs of his poor constitution. "There's a reason I did not want Ingrid and I to do this alone." She revealed, doing a stellar job of not showing worry for the strategist.

"In that case; if I may borrow Annette and Felix, I believe I can save us all some trouble" He stated, earning confused looks. "Very well." Felix agreed easily. Seeing this, Annette quickly agreed too. "We'll not keep you waiting in this heat for too long." Ingrid promised, leading her entourage onwards.

Both Felix and Annette looked to Jia expectantly. "Follow me and keep silent." He commanded, dismounting his horse and allowing it to flee to less hazardous ground. Felix and Annette likewise dismounted, though their horses were purely for transport in the first place. Jia led the two to a secluded spot, and there they would wait until the time was right.

Much time past, and Ingrid had finally found the evidence to support Dorothea's claims. The company of students returned to the inhospitable lands where they had left their professor behind. "I knew the guy was shady, but he truly is monstrous. Definitely no good for my Ingrid!" Dorothea declared, bringing a smile to Ingrid's lips. "No kidding, it will be difficult to deny this." Ingrid agreed.

A malicious laugh rang out. "Hold on a minute brats." A sinister voice bellowed, the students immediately grabbing for their weapons. A handful of cloaked figures appear throughout the valley. "Now, hand over the girl before things get violent." The apparent leader warned, twirling a dagger in an attempt at intimidation. "Surely you don't mean me..." Ingrid trailed off, looking at the assembled rogues.

"I don't think we have to worry Ingrid." Dorothea said cheerfully, and Ingrid looked at where Dorothea did. Standing upon raised terrain, were Jia, Felix and Annette. With them was a fourth figure, being held up on his knees by Felix. "Truly it is in your best interest to let the kids go, unless you want your financier to vanish." Jia threatened, the time to be subtle long gone.

The lead rogue gritted his teeth in frustration, thankfully it seemed he was not as foolish as to fight with no incentive. "Name your terms." He requested reluctantly. "Allow my students to withdraw, and then I may release your master." Jia offered, a generous deal by anyone's standards. A tense moment flew by. "Men, let 'em go." He ordered, and one by one the assembled rogues lowered their weapons.

"Professor-" Dorothea began, before being cut off. "We will meet you back at Garreg Mach, have some faith." Jia assured her, and she joined the others in marching past the enemy. Jia waited several minutes after the Blue Lion had left his sight before gesturing for Felix to drop their captive, which he did with some force. "That's it, we're all going to leave without even a scrap?" The lead rogue asked in surprise. "For today, there is little point in killing each-other for nothing wouldn't you agree?" Jia asked in return, hoping the rogue would not spot his efforts to hide his fatigue. "Guess not." The rogue grumbled in return, and the strategist and his remaining students were allowed to leave unmolested.

The trio left the wasteland, and not a few steps into the lush grassland of before they were reunited with their waiting mounts. "What good horses." Annette cooed as she stroked her horse's muzzle. Jia wasted little time in mounting his own, and giving it an affectionate pat on the neck. His clothes were evidently soaked with sweat. "Professor, are you going to be able to make the trip?" Felix asked suddenly, and Jia simply smiled. "Of course." He replied, though truthfully the need for rest practically screamed inside his head. "We can take it slow if you like?" Annette offered, and Jia shook his head. "The sooner we return to Garreg Mach, the better." Jia explained simply, and reluctantly the two students agreed.

The ride back to the monastery was uneventful, and the three rode through the gate uncontested. Felix offered to stable Jia's horse, which the strategist gratefully accepted. He opted to make his way back to his quarters and recover his strength before anything else could happen. Alas, on the way through the main hall he spied Dorothea and Ingrid once again. The latter of which flagged him over.

"Professor, you have my thanks for your help today." Ingrid stated, smiling at the strategist. "Anytime." Jia accepted, returning the smile. "I dread to think the conflict we might have endured had you not been there." She confessed, rubbing the back of her head. "No point in worrying now Ingrid." Dorothea added in good spirits. "You should write you your father immediately though, I don't want to have to fend off another attempt on my Ingrid." She suggested defensively, earning a good-natured chuckle from the knight. "Of course." She agreed, and left the two of them to fulfil said obligation.

Jia began his farewells as well, but Dorothea stopped him. "Ingrid tells me you suggested I might be a viable suitor for her?" She asked carefully, not quite looking him in the eye. "Apologies, with the prior connection, I thought an underlying spark may have existed." Jia hastily explained. Dorothea merely sighed. "If she did not have that crest of hers it might have been possible, but." She stopped suddenly, as if looking for the right words. "She needs to try to pass that crest to the next generation." Jia finished her thoughts, the reasoning becoming apparent. "Yeah." Dorothea confirmed sadly.

An uncomfortable silence settled between them. "Perhaps I should stop interfering in your search." Jia tried to joke and break the tension, but it did not work. "You can always offer to whisk me away professor." She suggested weakly, the previous topic taking away her usual vigour that accompanies such an offer. "I've been over that..." He responded lamely. "Vaguely at best professor." She corrected. "The fact remains that I must return home someday, I can not take you with me." Jia explained further.

Dorothea rolled her eyes. "And yet Magoichi has no such issue when it comes to Manuela." She countered. "Tha-" Jia stopped himself, there was no need to reveal Magoichi's short-sightedness, or his womanising tendencies for that matter. "Sorry, I don't mean to interfere as much as I have." He settled for apologizing to the young woman. "I'm sorry too, it's been rough lately." She admitted, relaxing her stance. "Until later professor." She said in farewell, and departed in the direction of her room. 'That could have gone better.' Jia silently admitted to himself, before returning to his own quarters.

The following morning arrived, and Jia still felt the effects of the previous day's excursion. None-the-less, Jia made his way to the Black Eagles classroom on the off chance his guidance could prove useful. "Ah, there you are professor." Edelgard noted, approaching him immediately. "It seems word of your refusal to assist in the coming battle has reached Lady Rhea's ears, she has asked for you to meet with her as soon as you are able. She is in the cathedral, I believe." She relayed the information, earning a sigh from the strategist. Edelgard chuckled. "I'm sure you can survive a little chastisement professor." She promised. Jia chuckled easily enough, though it sounded off to the future Empress.

Jia left her no time to question him, as he left in the direction of the cathedral. He arrived promptly, and Rhea was stood in conversation with both Seteth and Jeralt. Jia approached, announcing his arrival as he did. "Ah, the man in question." Seteth noted. "I am glad you could make time to speak with me." Rhea greeted with a bow, which Jia returned. "And what is it you needed?" He asked. "Jeralt has done well in fulfilling his latest mission, as such he will be able to attend this year's battle of the Lion and Eagle." She began. "You'll be able to watch your daughter then, you must be happy." Jia said, cracking a smile. "That I am, but that's not the important part." He replied with a smile of his own.

Rhea cleared her throat to snatch Jia's attention back to her. "Due to your desire to keep the contest so pure, I thought you might be willing to take part in a different competition." She explained, and Jia gestured for her to continue. "With both yourself and Jeralt as commanders, you shall choose officers to join you and compete in a mock-battle of your own. After the students of course." She finished, awaiting an answer. "An interesting proposal, but the obvious question is for what purpose?" The strategist enquired.

Rhea smirked, an unusual expression for the holy woman. "There are several, But I shall give you the two most pressing." She began, and Jia waited patiently. "The first, is it shall serve as a valuable lesson to the students. Jeralt will prove an ideal demonstration of leadership, and you, I expect to expertly demonstrate the advantages of utilizing tactics on the field of battle." She finished her first point, and Jia nodded. It certainly made sense.

"The second is one I would have you keep quiet until the day of the battle." She cautioned. "Understood." Jia consented, prompting Rhea to continue. "There are lower levels of Garreg Mach, which you may recall from Flayn's incident. The greater area is known as the Abyss, and is home to a fourth smaller class of students. The Ashen Wolves." She explained, and Jia had several questions already. He held them in, as Rhea began to continue. "It is my intention to integrate this class with the other three, and what better way to demonstrate their capabilities than showing them off for all to see." She finished.

"That certainly has merits... Very well, how will the sides be chosen?" Jia asked, and Rhea positively beamed in response. It reminded the strategist of Flayn, if only for a moment. "I shall assemble eligible combatants, and have Jeralt and yourself choose from them in three days time." She answered easily, evidently having planned this for longer than initially thought. "If that is all then?" Jia asked cautiously, and after receiving a nod dismissed himself from the group.

While Jia certainly did not expect such a task, he would certainly rise to the occasion. First things first, he headed off to seek out the Abyss, and have a conversation with these 'Ashen Wolves'. It always paid to know your potential allies, or enemies in advance after all...