Hello, all! I hope you enjoy this story…just a little fic on what happens before, during and after the last battle. This is my first time writing a Fire Emblem fic, so I'd really appreciate it if you all gave me some comments. Constructive criticism is also welcome.

One Last Hope

"This is it," Eliwood said quietly. " The last battle that will decide the fate of all of Elibe."

The group stood outside Dragon's Gate in clusters, most of them looking either worried, scared or dejected. Some, like Rath and Raven to name a few, simply looked indifferent.

"Nergal awaits his death here," Hector said, trying his best to shield his anxiety and not look weak. His voice, however, lacked the usual confidence and brashness.

Lyn could only nod mutely as she gazed upon the Dragon's Gate, which loomed threateningly over their heads. The dark-colored walls matched the gloomy sky above. At the dread isle, where Nergal's power was at its fullest, there was no sunshine, no laughter.

Finally, Eliwood turned to the legion of fighters that had followed him, Hector and Lyn everywhere they went, and said in a voice laced with apprehension,

"Not all of us can fight…only a chosen few will be selected to take part in the last battle." All the fighters nodded. Even though it would be considered a great honour to be selected for the battle, many were secretly hoping that they would not be picked to fight for fear of perishing in the battle.

"Choose wisely, my lords. Choose carefully," Athos rumbled in his deep voice. "Those that are picked must have skills of the very highest. Take only the most powerful. There will be no turning back for the Chosen Few."

All the company stood in silence, fidgeting around and getting more and more nervous. Most feared Nergal's great power – it was a lie to say all were confident in winning – and yet none wanted to back out voluntarily for fear of being cowardly.

Finally, Karel broke the silence.

"Long and far I have traveled in search of worthy opponents. One by one I cut them down with my blade. Now I will not turn away from one whom I deem is worthy of my skills and attention. I do not fear death. As such I will come with you." His cold voice uttered these words as he walked over to stand by the four that were destined to fight in the last battle – Lord Athos, Lord Eliwood, Lord Hector, and Lady Lyndis. Guy shivered a little – he could already see the bloodlust in the one eye that was not covered by his master's fringe.

"Take care, brother…I will not be fighting by your side," Karla called out gently. Karel nodded. Once he would have scoffed at her words and called her weak, submissive…but now all he said was: "you too, sister."

"Guy. You have been a good student for one that's so young. I have no regrets passing on my skill to you. But your fate lies not in this battle. You are young and have many years ahead of you. Perfect these skills I have imparted. And…protect Priscilla. Should we fail in this attempt, you know the two of you must help each other." Karel spoke. Guy nodded quietly, his gaze wandering form Karel over to Priscilla.

Just a few weeks ago when he had narrowly escaped death, the troubadour had cried with relief to know that he was still alive, and later the both of them had expressed their feelings for each other.

And anyway, Guy did not really want to die. The young but talented swordmaster was determined to hone his skills and one day best even the great Sword Demon himself.

"I will go too! For Ninian…no, for the both of us! This is what Ninian would have wanted, I'm sure, Lord Eliwood." Nils' high voice piped up as he darted away from his friends and ran to stand by Eliwood. The three lords nodded. Nils could not fight, but he did have his own uses.

At that moment, Rath too, made up his mind. He urged his horse forward.

"I will fight for the honour of the Sacaens – and also for the love of the daughter of the Lorca," the Nomad Trooper said quietly.

"No!" Lyn cried. "No…please, Rath…I…please…" the Lady of Caelin trailed off.

"Lyn…Lady of Caelin…Daughter of the Lorca…" Rath dismounted and held Lyn's hands tightly. "Whether by your will or mine, both of us were fated to be in this battle. I was exiled from my tribe for a reason – and if Father Sky and Mother Earth judge me unworthy if leaving Dragon's Gate alive, then so be it, I will not flee." Lyn's eyes were filled with tears. But she nodded and hugged Rath tightly, burying her face into his chest so that none would see her tear stained face.

By now, the large majority who had not volunteered were feeling rather awkward and uncomfortable.

"Jaffar… are you going to fight?" Nino asked Jaffar, away from the rest of the company in the shadows. The assassin remained silent as usual, but Nino, who had learned to read Jaffar's feelings from the slightest movements of his features, saw the determination in his red eyes.

"Please don't, Jaffar…please…I know you're angry at Nergal for taking away most of your life, but…I can't live without you…Lloyd and Linus have already…" Nino broke off, seeing that her words had no effect whatsoever on Jaffar. Sure, his expression softened a little, but not the glower of vengeance in his eyes. Nino finally gave in.

"Very well, Jaffar. But please, take care of yourself. Remember what fate befell the rest of the Four Fangs! I will wait for you in Fargus' ship…and if this helps at all, Lloyd, Linus and I…we all thought that you were a formidable opponent, and…well…I love you."

"Me too." Jaffar's voice, so coarse due to lack of use, sounded like sweet music to Nino when she heard those words. "Nino, if I die…if anything happens…promise me, that you will flee. And that you will not stay on Dread Isle. Fine someone else who will take care of you."

Nino nodded, and said no more. But she remained in the shadows with Jaffar, waiting for the rest of the fighters to be chosen.

Outside Dragon's Gate, Marcus crossed over to Eliwood and said ,

"My Lord Eliwood, my mission on this quest was to protect you. I will stand by you until the breath leaves my body. If you go to fight, I will go with you." The elderly Paladin said sternly.

"General Marcus" Eliwood began. "I know that you want to fulfill your duty in protecting me. However, I need you to go back to Pherae and protect my mother. Should I die in this attempt, the Lady Eleanora will be the last of the rulers of Pherae, and Nerga's armies will focus their attacks on her. This is the last battle now, and this order will probably be your last. Don't worry, Marcus. I have grown and matured over these past few months, and my mother needs your help and safeguarding more than I do. Please, Marcus…nothing you say will change my mind…for once, I will have to go against your wishes."

Marcus hesitated, then bowed to his liege. "Yes, milord. I …I will protect your mother with my life."

"Marcus…thank you for your understanding…believe me, there is no other knight I would rather have by my side. But sometimes, we have to give in." Eliwood whispered, touched by Marcus' loyalty. Then, he turned to Harken, Isadora and Lowen.

"Knights of Pherae…return to your country and protect your Lady. For if I were to perish in this attempt, then, Harken, I charge you with protecting my Mother. Protect her as you have protected my Father and I. You must also lead the other knights to battle. Isadora, you have been a good fighter and a steady warrior, and few men can match up to your courage. However, I would not like to see you parted from Harken again. If I were to return, I will arrange your marriage," Eliwood continued.

At this Isadora smiled sadly and squeezed Harken's hand. After the two had been reunited, and before Eliwood and Hector had led their group to Dread Isle, the Hero had proposed to Isadora, and both had promised each other that they would always remain side by side.

"Lowen, your skills have improved greatly. However, you are much too young - "

"But, milord!" Lowen sputtered.

"Enough. Follow Marcus back to Pherae and continue your training. One day, you may well become one of the greatest knights." Lord Eliwood's stern voice brooked on argument. Lowen bowed his head as he did not dare argue with his Lord.

Before the Pherae knights turned to leave, Isadora said tearfully to Marcus and Eliwood,

"No knight ever had a better Lord."

"And no country ever had more loyal soldiers," Eliwood gently replied.

"Don't forget your meals, now, milord," Lowen said quietly before running towards Fargus' ship.

So, did you like it? the selection of the people for the battle continues in the next chapter, if not it will be rather long-winded. And yes, I know many of you think that Guy would be better than Karel, but Guy's strength really sucks and at least karel has more strength.. Anyway, please review!!