Emma: Well we have our only question from Flareongirl360 on Wattpad! "What's a mistake that I, or anyone who is doing multi-fandom Fanganronpas, should avoid doing?"

That's a good one, I would say to not give any character too much time and leave others out to dry. Try to have good characterization for everyone, study up on what they would likely say in a certain situation or how they would interact with a person from another series. You can spend a lot of time with the protagonist and antagonist/rival, but give the others chances to shine. Avoid what I've been doing to the victims and killers of the first chapters of Nexus and Epicenter, spend time developing them more before you kill them off. You can't rush it. Thanks for the question Flareongirl360!

Chapter 3: The Trinity Trials Part 4

Guardians:

Ruby (Pokémon Adventures): The Charmer

Junko Konno (Zombie Land Saga): The Showa (Zombie) Idol

Linhardt von Hevring (Fire Emblem: Three Houses): The Healer

Bucky Barnes (Marvel Cinematic Universe): The Veteran

Blaze The Cat (Sonic The Hedgehog): The Fire

Yamcha (Dragon Ball): The Wolf

Komaru Naegi (Danganronpa): The Heart

Sapphire Birch (Pokémon Adventures): The Conqueror

Michiru Kagemori (BNA: Brand New Animal): The Beast

Masaomi Kida (Durarara!): The Casanova

Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Marvel Cinematic Universe): The Ex-Thief

Ponzu (Hunter X Hunter): The Queen Bee

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Zetsubou Members:

Monaca Towa (Danganronpa): The Brains

Ultron (Marvel Cinematic Universe): The Machine

General Tao (Dragon Ball): The Mercenary

Agatha (Pokémon Adventures): The Elder

Dr. Eggman Nega (Sonic The Hedgehog): The Scientist

Big Bad Pete, Petetronic, Small Pete, & Pete Pan (Disney's Epic Mickey): The Brutes

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Third-Person POV

The morning before class starts…

Insert Song: A Guide for the Future (Fire Emblem: Three Houses)

"Here you go, you seem quite hungry."

Junko hands a sweet bun to her newly caught Espurr, which she reluctantly grabs before it begins to chow down on it.

Ruby looks on with a smile as he is getting ready for class, "So this is what you were up to after running off. I figured you were off with…"

Junko immediately stops him, "No! It was just me catching this one. All by myself, no one else! Ha ha ha ha ha…"

Ruby smirks in a way that signifies that he doesn't believe that for a second, right before he changes the subject.

"Well, it looks like you've built quite a team already. Four Pokémon in your team, with enough preparation they can be contest-ready like mine! Well, not nearly on the same level, but I'm sure your idol qualities can help them shine nearly as bright!"

"I… see, so how can I succeed in Pokémon Contests?" Junko asked curiously.

"Ah, there is so much that I can tell you, I could even go all day if I wanted! I'll keep it short for now, focus on emphasizing how your Pokémon are cool, smart, cute, tough, and beautiful. Seeing what makes them unique enough to display these traits, and looking deeper to find their true beauty. It's a lesson that I needed to learn before, that beauty comes from a heart that cares for others." Ruby stated, closing his eyes to remember when he learned that lesson.

"Hm… 'a heart that cares for others'…" Junko repeated as she saw the Espurr finish the sweet bun.

"Oh! I nearly forgot, how have you been feeling since… what happened with Linhardt yesterday?" Ruby asked.

Junko struggled to answer the question, "I'm just…he's…."

And speak of the devil, in walks Linhardt.

"Uh, ahem, still preparing for class? I am only here to grab a book I need for a lecture, nothing more."

Junko simply put on her hair band and turned her nose up at him, "Hmph!"

"Good talk." Linhardt says as she walks out the door, returning Espurr to its ball.

"You really managed to upset her, and you didn't even do it by being your usually snarky self. Phenomenal…" Ruby crossed his arms and lowered his eyebrows at him.

Linhardt rolls his eyes, "I didn't mean for this to happen, it was only because I lacked a response to such a heavy question. The fact that she immediately ran out before I could think of one too was also—"

"Yes it was a surprising question, but could you stand to be empathetic towards her? Junko's very emotional, something that you should know by now." Ruby fires back at the green-haired young man quickly.

"..." Linhardt doesn't say a word to that retort.

Ruby begins to leave, though he stops before he's just out the door, "You know, you were the first one to notice she was missing back during the tournament. The fact that you were the one who came to her rescue must have boosted her opinion of you. Think about why you chose to do that and why she's frustrated at you, instead of napping away as usual."

The door closed and Linhardt sat on his bed as if to sleep, yet instead he was contemplating what he had been told. His mind slowly managed to put together the pieces quickly and upon realization of everything he sighed heavily at the thought. He needed to figure out how to put it into words.

Grabbing a quill pen and some paper, he decided to dedicate some class time to this task.

"Please Goddess of Fódlan, may this be worth it in the end, or else I'll sleep through choir practice again."

Insert Song: People of the Marketplace (Fire Emblem: Three Houses)

"WHADDYA MEAN YOU CAN'T LET US IN?!" Sapphire asked angrily to the Gatekeeper in front of the Monastery.

"S-Sorry ma-am! As a result of the recent disappearance of students at the academy, we're not letting in that many outsiders! Nothing else to report on that end!" He told her, despite being tense at the wild girl's frustration.

Ponzu sighed, "Look, we're just here to warn you of an incoming invasion by an army of monsters. If you don't act now, innocent people could be hurt, so could you at least inform your higher-ups on the matter?"

The Gatekeeper clutched his spear as he looked at the scowling Sapphire inching closer towards him.

"I… guess I can let you in? But can you please tell this girl to stop looking at me like that?" He caved in.

"Grrrr…" Sapphire's fangs were bared towards the poor guy.

"Down Sapphire, down girl. Thank you for listening, now please lead the way." Ponzu told him.

"Alright…" The Gatekeeper walked into the entrance of the Monastery as Sapphire and Ponzu walked close behind him.

"Uh… sorry 'bout that, Knight Guy. I'm a little on edge right now. It was rough gettin' here, ya know?" Sapphire apologizes.

Gatekeeper acknowledges this as he keeps walking "Oh, nothing to worry about! I'm feeling the same way with so much happening around the Monastery. First our students disappear, then one of them comes back and two new students join the Blue Lions, and now two strangers tell me about a potential infiltration…"

Ponzu picks up on something he mentioned, "New students?".

"Oh yes, a boy and a girl. The latter had white hair as fluffy as a cloud, while the former seemed to have a charming aura around him." He informs her.

Sapphire's eyes lit up when she heard that last description, "Ch-Charming? Did… did that boy have black hair and red eyes?"

The Gatekeeper answered back while also tilting his head, "I believe so…? I didn't get the chance to see him up close that often since he showed up…"

Sapphire gasped as she discovered a lead to where her "friend" is.

"So, uh, where would you find these students around here?"

"That question would probably be a lot worse if you weren't as young as a student yourself." Ponzu said quietly after that question was asked.

The Gatekeeper stops and ponders for a bit before he realizes where they are, "Oh wait! I overheard that there was going to be a mock battle between the three houses! Not as grand as the Battle of The Eagle and Lion, but it's still going to be exciting!"

"Mock battle? Is this an academy for training child soldiers?" Ponzu was both confused and concerned.

Sapphire was more impressed instead, "Sounds like a place I'd enroll in for a few semesters!"

"It's gonna be taking place in the outskirts of Garreg Mach and… oh you mentioned an army coming, didn't you? That's uh… a big problem. Good thing some of the Knights of Seiros came along with them and—hey where are you two going?!"

The Gatekeeper was left to his lonesome as the two ladies rushed off to where the battle was commencing. Ponzu used her robotic bee wings to get a better view of the area, while Sapphire was on Troppy.

"Do ya see 'em?" Sapphire asked as Ponzu scanned around with her goggles.

"Not yet, but you really think the boy you're looking for is here? That description would match a lot of other people, it's unlikely that we'll just bump into him in the first world we end up in."

"It's him, I just got this feeling in my gut that it is. And I've gotta help him out or he's done for!" Sapphire replied to her.

Ponzu sighed, "I expected that response, yet I am still baffled. It's crazy to rely on a gut feeling and recklessly throw yourself into a fight!"

"Yeah yeah… Who are you to tell me how to handle this? You probably never had someone you cared this much about that you'd throw yourself into danger." Sapphire shot back.

"….." Ponzu just stayed silent as she continued looking for the students.

The fanged teenager suddenly felt guilty, "Did… I say something bad?".

Ponzu didn't answer the question, "There are the students. They're armed, but that won't help much against those monsters. Go on, I'll catch up."

"O-Okay. Jeez, wonder what's goin' on with her?"

Sapphire just commanded Troppy to move in the direction she pointed in, as Ponzu just floated silently for a while.

Ponzu then whispered to herself, thinking about what Sapphire said a minute ago. It echoed through her mind, as she clutched her fists.

"... No one I cared a lot for, huh? I wish I could have said she was wrong, but that's not the case…. Not anymore."

Insert Song: As Swift As Wind (Fire Emblem: Three Houses)

"Junko, this is your first opportunity to use the spells you have been practicing. Have you managed to study the information on Sagittae last night?"

Byleth asks his floofy-haired pupil as the class walks to the battlefield, but she's busy staring straight ahead with a serious expression on her face.

"Ahem." He clears his throat and that manages to catch her attention.

"Ack, my apologies Professor. Someone, er, I mean something has been bothering me since yesterday. Though I did manage to complete my studying as you wished, so nothing to really worry about." Junko lowers her head a bit, not fooling the teal-haired instructor for a second.

"I highly doubt that is the case, but it is your decision to tell me. Just stay focused on the battle ahead for now, concentrate and keep your eye out on multiple foes coming at you at once. Don't let your guard down by choosing to stay in your thoughts." Byleth informed her.

Junko nods along after he finishes, "Of course. I'll try not to let any distractions affect my performance in the mock battle."

She then turns to her right and sees Ashe testing the string on his bow. Noticing her, he gives a small wave that she reciprocates.

"These cookies are wonderful Mercedes! If this is just a small taste of what you've prepared, then I wholeheartedly look forward to our tea party later." Ruby sincerely compliments the main healer of the Blue Lions.

"Why thank you, Ruby. I look forward to it as well! Plenty more treats where that came from." Mercedes gives a smile as warm as a cookie minutes after being removed from the oven.

The Blue Lions, as well as the Black Eagles (sans Linhardt) and Golden Deer, were all conversing with one another right before the mock battle. Felix was still staring daggers at Ruby and Junko, while Leonie was keeping an eye on them in a much less intimidating way.

They finally end up at a large open field, lush greenery and a few pieces of stone architecture are spread out across its entirety. Ruby reluctantly takes up a lance as his main weapon, barbaric as this may get he still needs to blend in.

"It's one thing to fight robots and other Pokémon, but this is something I never hope to do again…" He shakes his head with disgust.

Junko is in the corner reading the tomes of both Blizzard and Sagittae, refreshing herself on the details of how to use both. Although she tries her best to conserve the amount of uses she has for the actual fight, only creating small ice crystals and balls of light in the palms of her hands.

"Let us gain this victory for His Highness, Sylvain as well." Dedue tells his fellow Blue Lions.

"Mhm…" Ingrid grunted sadly as she thought of her missing two of her childhood friends.

Annette also wanted to express her worries,"They've got to be okay, right? Right? Someone, please say yes so that I can keep my head on straight!"

"They are. I don't expect any dastard to keep the Boar in a cage for too long, and Sylvain is no slouch either. Besides, we're doing this so no one else can get taken as well, so don't hold back." Felix told her with a surprisingly gentle tone.

"Felix…" Annette looked at him with her eyes beginning to water.

Ruby grinned to himself as he thought to himself, "Heh, so he's a tsundere around her, eh?".

"Hmph, so Lin isn't going to be joining us today? That is just like him, it's like he never left." Dorothea sighed.

Caspar shrugged, "Well it didn't sound like he was sleeping when I knocked on his door. Probably just doing some weird research on who-knows-what in there."

"Hm…"

Junko overheard the conversation, and despite her being bitter towards the crest scholar, she did wonder what had him so occupied. That time to think was cut short, as soon enough the time had finally come and Alois of the Knights of Seiros overlooked the three groups of students.

"Good day to you all! In case of future abductions of our beloved students of the Officers Academy, we shall now commence a mock battle for further training. The winning house will be the one that is able to defeat the other two! Now cease polishing your weapons, and proceed to polish your skills instead, ha ha! Begin!"

A few groans could be heard at the joke he just made, though most of the students just turned to face their opponents. Ruby and Junko both take some deep breaths in as they readied themselves as well.

Insert Song: Blue Skies and a Battle (Rain) (Fire Emblem: Three Houses)

It was absolutely chaotic out there; arrows flying overhead, the sounds of swords clashing against each other, the loud casting of spells, the yelling of the students that get hit by others' attacks…

"I'm sorry for this!" Junko tried out Sagittae and managed to knock out Ignatz by firing multiple light balls straight at him. A critical hit that left him on the ground, his eyes almost turning into spirals.

"A bit impressive, yet I can easily match that and then some! Shah!"

Lysithea of the Golden Deer shows up to retaliate against the Showa Idol, as an act of revenge for her teammate. She casts Swarm Z to summon insects to fly around poor Junko.

"Ack!" The zombie girl cried out during the attack.

Ruby wasn't doing too well either. Surprisingly, when you put someone who hates fighting (much less with actual weaponry, rather than using superpowered pocket monsters) into a melee with nobles/commoners who have been training most of their lives, they're not going to do well. He takes a breather over by some bushes, trying to get in a good position to avoid conflict.

Unfortunately for him, the leader of the Black Eagles found him.

"I don't recall having heard that there were new students joining the academy prior to your arrival. So from my perspective it seems plausible that you're a part of the same forces that kidnapped several students. Tell me, who are you?" Edelgard had an axe aimed right towards his chest.

Ruby clutched his lance and looked at her seriously, "We just met and you're already assuming I'm a bad guy? I'm not looking for a fight here so please…"

She simply got closer and glared at Ruby, "You're not doing a very good job of convincing me that you're not an enemy. Very well, I'll just get the answers out of you through force."

Ruby held his hands up in defense, "Sheesh, what about me is coming across as sinister? Perhaps I should have put on my glasses, no good person would hit a guy wearing those, right?" He then sees the roughed up Ignatz leaving to head to the sidelines and adjusting his glasses, "Well I stand corrected."

Edelgard then went for a large blow with her axe, Ruby barely managing to block it with the hilt of his lance. Sweat falls down his face as he is continuing to be pushed back by the Adrestian Princess's assault.

"Gah!" Ruby's weapon was knocked out of his hand, and he waa at the mercy of the future emperor.

"Ruby! Agh!" Junko tried to run to help him out, but Lysithea just used Hades Ω. A column of purple darkness came down from above and nearly hit her.

It seemed hopeless… Well up until a roaring flame was fired from up above, prompting Edelgard to dodge out of the way. The source of that Flamethrower attack landed right in front of the Hoenn trainer: a Blaziken.

"Chic?! Then that means…"

Ruby's eyes widened as he saw from up in the sky Troppy, and the familiar face riding on top of him. She hops off the flying Pokémon and lands right in front of front of him with just the biggest smile on her face.

"Saph—OOF!" Ruby gets tackle hugged to the ground before he could finish saying her name.

Sapphire's eyes were watering as he kept on squeezing the guy, "RUBY, YOU IDIOT, I WAS SO WORRIED WHEN YA DISAPPEARED LIKE THAT! DON'T EVER LEAVE WITHOUT TELLIN' ME AGAIN!""

He could barely understand the loud blubbering coming from her, and Edelgard was just witnessing this with heavy confusion.

The breathless Charmer was still struggling to let out a word out, "What… how… did you… get here?"

Sapphire then immediately let go to give him some air, "S-Sorry! I just jumped through some weird hole-thing on some kinda old screen. Got accidentally sent here, and I heard you were attending this place as a student, so I had to find you!"

Ruby raised an eyebrow at that, "You do realize that there might be a lot of other people who match my description in other worlds, right? But in any case, I'm glad to see you too."

Sapphire's cheeks flushed red as the two etched closer together. Before anything else could happen though, rumbling could be heard from a distance. Junko and Lysithea ceased their fight, as did the other students as something big was heading their way.

And it was not pretty.

"Well well well, what do we have here?!"

Small Pete entered the field, with Petetronic and the Blot-O-Kumas in tow.

"What… in the world?" Edelgard uttered as she saw the bubbling masses of ink and metal spreading before her.

"Right… I also came to warn y'all about this." Sapphire took out her Donphan, Phado, and prepared for a war.

Ponzu decided to join the fray, touching down near Sapphire. Junko walked up from behind to stand by Ruby, while the other students of the Lions, Deer, and Eagles formed up.

"Are those giant cat people?' Ashe asks, with a mix of confusion and fear.

"What… are those disgusting creatures? They're hideous!" Lorenz of the Golden Deer gagged when he saw the Blot-O-Kumas.

"Whatever they are, they're in the way of my training. And I'm cutting them down for that." Felix clutches his sword tightly.

"This is the last thing I ever expected to happen… scratch that, I don't think I would have thought this would ever happen period." Claude spun his bow around as he was taking in what he was seeing.

"Then believe it, pally! We're here to take over this here dimension, and live as kings!" Small Pete guffawed loudly, unintimidated by the younger army compared to the monstrous crew he's got.

It was then that the few Knights of Seiros stepped in, with Byleth standing before them.

"Whoever you are, you don't want this fight. If you go through with harming my students, you won't see tomorrow." He coldly states.

Petetronic answers back, "Say that again about my twin there, and I'm gonna knock you into next week."

Byleth's expression did not change. He only whipped out the Sword of The Creator and swung it downward, only to display his own power to them.

"It looks like there's no turning back for you now. Very well, let this be a lesson."

Meanwhile, Linhardt was walking towards their location at a relative pace.

"At this rate, I'll arrive by the time the fighting has stopped. A perfect opportunity to…"

He then hears the roars of the Blot-O-Kumas and the panicked screams of those who originally came to watch the students duke it out.

"(sighs) Let's get this over with…"

HEYO! I'm back from my LONG break! Been a few months, huh? A lot has happened since I last posted a chapter. Graduated college, watched some good movies (GOTG3 & Mario), went on vacation to Florida… plenty of time for me to come up with new ideas for this story and the other ones! I am ready to keep on writing, though I am a bit rusty so apologies if the chapter isn't up to par. But I also came up with an idea. I'm considering making a Discord server for updates, chapter/full story discussions, or just chatting for a bit. Might be fun as long as things don't go south. Let me know if you think it's a good idea or not and I'll see what I can do. Until then, the final part of The Trinity Trials will be worked on as we prepare for Chapter 4! And let me tell you, you will be surprised about where we go for that one. Thanks for reading like always, peeps!