Eternal Radiance
A story of Ike's last days.
Brief
The following story provides closure to Ike's tail after "Radiant Dawn", the sequel to "Path of Radiance". Ike, in his one sentence of closure in "Radiant Dawn", was said to have left the continent Tellius - where the games took place - to explore other lands and was never heard from again. I intend to stay true to this, therefor very few characters will be making re-entries into this 'Ike-centered plot' (though, you can expect a few). Lastly, those who have unlocked the alternative endings of the various characters on Radiant Dawn will likely appreciate this story slightly more. I hope my readers enjoy.
Prologue – One upon the end
The sky was dark with rain that worsened the gloom that had befallen the Capital City of the Empire Promell, Athius. its grand architecture still stood beautiful despite its now crooked and crumbling nature – most structures had managed to stay somewhat intact despite all that had happened. The clicking of dead machines still could be heard from within the numerous apartments that stacked up high upon the hill on which Athius stood, worsening the eerie feeling that prevailed in ghost like silence on the streets. Its bright colors of white, blue, red, and green that could be seen on national flags hanging in shreds on flag polls and buildings ledges; window panes, and the mosaics that formed whole plazas were all absorbed in shadow, and its life - its people – gone, having fled for their lives leaving their technological wonder – their city, their home, their lives – to what awaited the rest of the world – destruction; to this end was there no alternative.
For time and destiny had marked the moments to come as this world's last, from the city of Athius, through the kingdom of Daien and Begnion empire, and past the grand peaks of Goldoa.
At the end he stood of the line he stood, Antodine – his sword – resting up on his shoulder, just the way his father use to hold his ax. His metallic-blue armor shined, even in the dark, and his cape swayed in the weak wind as if to say, 'here he stands, our hero'. But hero was he no longer. He began to walk casually up the marble stair case, damp with acidosis rain that had passed, but the stab wound in his side caused him to stumble. His free hand braced him – breathe he told himself as his hand seared. His blue hair draped in sweat and blood as he considered dying now. No. He had never lost a fight when everyone that mattered was at stake, that was what he had told a goddess before defeating her with his comrades, his family. This time would be no different, but he was sure it would be the last time he would ever have this opportunity to tell himself so. His enemy was not a goddess of order, nor was it a mad king driven mad by the power of an enchanted talisman, rather a woman who had at her whim the very magic that spun the earth, who knew and saw all that was and would be. She was the mother of gods having existed before and after them, yet nothing more than mortal. She was time, the ruler of existence – in all regards. But now, he stood alone, with not a soul to aid him.
This was the end and beginning of all things, and not even he, Ike, the last of the Vanguard, could stop it.
Chapter 1 - Sand does not allow a trail
"What are your thoughts?" Ike inquired from the mercenaries who sat on either side of the dinning hall table. His hands were interlocked at the fingers and resting on Antodine's hilt awaiting the response of his comrades. The room was cozy, the warmth of the many bodies in the room creating the ideal warmness for Crimea's cool spring. The Greil commander took note of each of his comrades reactions with a warm and cool stone face.
Shinon was the first to spit out his remarks, "this is ridiculous" he grumbled mostly to himself - he knew he was the only one against it, therefore no reason to voice anything else.
Mist rebutted, raising a finger to her chin, "I think this would be great. We could set an excellent example for everyone on how the beorc and the laguz can work together. After all, I hear Daien and especially Begnion are still getting use to the idea."
Rolf added - while ignoring the gasp of a glare that Shinon shot at him - "Plus, we've had the opportunity of working with the beast, dragon, and bird laguz, but never with the wolf laguz. It would be interesting, I think we should do it."
The one with dark green hair, Soren hid a wince that only Ike was able to catch - but ignored. "Although making friends with all manner of Laguz is grand, looking at this from a political aspect, we should take advantage of this opportunity. Since this is a joint venture of the Begnion Empire, the Kingdom of Daien, and the Bird tribe of the Serenes forest our popularity as a mercenary group - not as the two time saviors of Tellius - among their circles will strengthen, likely leading to more high paying tasks in the future. Additionally a million gold pieces would last us 20 years quite easily if we were to live with our current 'spending habits'.
"The Laguz do not have much use for money though," Lyre sighed tiredly, her curly locks creating a cushion for her head as she rested it on the table. She began to per ever so slightly. Gatrie was starring at her, day-dreaming who knew what. His feelings for her was what caused Ike to send the invitation to Ranulf for Lyre's enrollment in their mercenary company - though she was not the best of fighters, a laguz addition was something that would help their group politically. Plus, she 'replaced' Oscar - to some extent – as he had rejoined the Crimea royal knights.
"I could buy so many gifts for you with that money Lyre!" Gatrie silently exclaimed, half jokingly, but full heartily - as was evident by the large chest he stuck out as if to show off his beating heart.
Resting her other ear on the table Lyre look at Gatrie, the skin above her eyes in wrinkles as if she had just been slapped by a horse (animals which, mind you, have the inability to slap).
"Boyd, Titania, I would like to hear your thoughts on this as well." Ike continued, avoiding the awkward silence in the wake of Gatrie's comment - at least he was for the venture.
"I have to agree with Soren and Mist on this. I'm liking the money, but more importantly I think we need to set an example for other people, Beorc especially." Boyd looked next to him to see if Mist had acknowledged his mentioning of her. He frowned when she did not even look at him, and embarrassed turned back at Ike who was listening to Titania.
"Actually, Ike... The protection of the Wolf Queen as she crosses the Dessert of Death is more dangerous than it sounds." Titania said, looking at her clasped hands which had been sweating for a while. Her red hair tangled about her white shirt like the swirling of water - certainly out of all the mercenaries she was the most beautiful, unfortunately for most, however, she was also the oldest. Ike remained silent allowing her to carry on. "The desert of death is nothing like the Deserts in Begnion, it's like a whole country by itself. The Laguz crossing it is one thing, Ike, but for us Beorc, we might not be in the shape for much protection given that we could very well be dead."
"Thank you Titania, the voice of reason", Shinon said with relief. "Why did you think they call it the desert of death anyways?"
Ike nodded at Soren signaling his talk of tactics. "The solution is actually quite simple, Titania. We will hire a caravan of horses and camels to carry supplies across the Desert of Death. According to the wolf Queen the trip should be about 30 days each way, therefore we'll probably need a caravan of roughly 30 camels and 15 horses, excluding yours Titania."
And the something happened. Titania seemed hesitant, as if something was chipping at her beneath the surface – only Mist saw it. "Soren, they do not call it the Desert of Death just because it is a large desert." Titania said cryptically. Her voice was chilling as if to hide menace.
Ike's unchangeable expression morphed, cringing at the brow. "Is there something you wish to share with us Titania?"
Silence was her response - Everyone felt a chill creep up their backs slowly as they looked at their second in command; Titania was - was she angry? Her eyes were glazed over in sorrow, narrow in anger creating a face that hurt to look at because it tried so hard to hide what was pouring out. "No..." She finally said, looking at Ike square in the eye. Everyone tried not breathing, to pass off the moment as nothing awkward, but their attempts worsened the atmosphere. Even Shinon wore a blank face at a loss.
"Alright, I will report our response and concerns to Ranulf tomorrow when he arrives." Ike quickly said. Lyre's ears perked up at the sound of Ranulf's name instinctively, but she kept her head rested on the table. Gatrie frowned in despair at this - luckily Lyre was saved his face by looking the other way. "You are dismissed." Ike concluded. "Titania, you stay."