Here's the next chapter of Pokemon: The Sacred Stones. Let's get going, shall we?
Chapter 1 - Escape!
Some Grado troops have succeeded in their mission to surround a fort in Border Mulan. In the fort was a soldier and a girl with dark-blue hair.
"Princess Tana! Grado soldiers are approaching!", said the soldier.
"What? So soon? Ah, we've had no time!", said Tana.
"Milady, we lack the arms to defend this place. You must return to Castle Frelia.", the soldier said calmly.
"I can't! Not yet. We haven't found Eirika and her companions yet. Eirika is my friend, and she needs my help. I won't abandon her.", Tana said. Suddenly, she had an idea.
"Oh, I know! Go and ask Father-I mean King Hayden for more troops.", she ordered.
"Yes, your Highness!", the soldier said before leaving the fort.
"Eirika, please be safe.", prayed Tana. The soldier then left for Frelia and left another behind.
"Commander Bruguet, the enemy appears to be fortifying it's position in the castle.", said a Grado soldier.
"Hmph. They're tenacious, but they have no hope of stopping our advance.", said Bruguet.
"What are your orders, sir?", the soldier asked.
"Ha! Orders? You just stand here and watch. I'll crush them myself!", said Bruguet cruelly.
"As you command, sir.", said the soldier. Bruguet then killed the Frelian on the spot.
"Ha! That's what happens when you face my lance!", gloated Bruguet. He then seized the fort and the soldiers took their positions.
"St-stop right there! Call off your forces and turn back, or you'll have me to deal with!", Tana yelled.
"Is that so? And who might you be?", Bruguet asked.
"Who-? I am Tana, Princess of Frelia. I will not permit you to abuse my country any longer.", Tana said defiantly.
"Frelia's royal brat, huh? How convenient…", Bruguet said cruelly.
"Leave this castle immediately. If you harm me, my father and brother will chase you to the world's end.", Tana ordered. However, Bruguet put on a cruel smile.
"Yes, I've heard how King Hayden dotes on his precious little daughter. Let's see how true that is. You'll make us a fine hostage, my dear.", Bruguet said sadistically.
"Seize the girl and lock her up!", he ordered.
"Right away, sir!", said the soldier.
"No! Let me go!", Tana screamed. Just then, Eirika, Seth, Ash, Pikachu and Maylene appeared near the border.
"Seth, look…", said Eirika.
"I see it. It seems like Grado's army has already reached Frelia. Princess, this place is perilous. We should bypass Mulan altogether and head straight to the castle.", said Seth.
"But we can't just ignore this… You were there when Renais was invaded… You saw what I saw. You saw how the people suffered at the hands of Grado's soldiers. Homes were destroyed, possessions stolen, women kidnapped…", said Eirika sadly.
"Anyone who resisted was executed without question, without hesitation.", said Maylene. Seth said nothing after hearing that.
"Please, Seth. I won't allow that to happen here. I don't want to see any more people harmed by Grado's atrocities.", said Eirika.
"All right, Princess. I understand. Perhaps we can retake Mulan.", said Seth.
"But, Princess, you must act with caution. Your people need you, too.", Ash said.
"Of course, Ash. Come on! Let's go!", Eirika said.
"Lady Eirika, what are your orders?", Ash asked. After the orders were given, Ash charged forward and killed a fighter with his sword.
"Ash. I need to know what's happening here. I'm going to visit that home.", Eirika stated before going into a home.
"The rumours are true, aren't they? The Grado's army's taken over the castle. It looks like they've seized the castle gate, too. Smart work-the gate provides defense and heals wounds to boot. They must be fierce warriors to have taken the gate. Watch yourself.", said a villager. After Eirika exited the home, Bruguet saw her.
"Hm? Is that the princess of Renais? Ha ha! Fame and fortune ride to meet me!", he gloated.
"Move on, you slugs! Bring that girl to me!", he ordered. After a fighter moved close to Ash and Maylene, Franz intervened with a knight.
"Sir Gilliam, is that Mulan? Have we reached Frelia's border already?", Franz asked.
"Aye, we have. Her Highness Princess Tana should be inside the castle.", answered Gilliam.
"But look-the countryside is crawling with Grado soldiers! Where's the castle guard? Has Mulan fallen? Are we too late? ", Franz asked.
"Too tough to say from here. Princess Tana's in no danger if they want her as a bargaining tool. We men of the Eastern Watch will see her to safety.", Gilliam told him.
"Yes… Yes, of course. We mustn't give up. We must move. We must retake the castle. Then, we ride forth to Princess Eirika's aid. ", Franz said.
"I've got stronger armor than you do. I'll take the lead. Watch my back.", Gilliam ordered. He then struck a soldier with his lance but took some damage.
"Sir Gilliam! Are you all right?", Franz asked.
"It's just a scratch.", Gilliam told him.
"Wait! I…I have a vulnerary with me. Let me give it to you.", Franz suggested. Gilliam then took the vulnerary and he became fully healed.
"Thanks, lad.", Gilliam said thankfully.
"Please, sir… When I was a raw recruit, General Seth taught me something. He said that every soldier can serve a role, even the most inexperienced.", Franz said modestly.
"Wait…", he said suddenly.
"What is it?", Gilliam asked.
"Those knights… Is that General Seth, General Ash and General Maylene? And their companion…must be Lady Eirika!", he said. He then charged at a fighter and struck him with his sword, with Ash landing the final blow. This went on until only Bruguet was left. Ash then charged at him.
"Bah, what a worthless lot of curs I've been assigned!", he said furiously. Ash then struck him with his lance, then got struck by Bruguet's lance. He then landed the final blow.
"This…this can't be…I…", was all Bruguet could say before he fell to the floor, dead. Eirika then went to seize the gate.
"Princess Tana.", Gilliam said.
"Sir Gilliam… I'm sorry. I never meant to cause you such trouble.", Tana apologised.
"It was no trouble. I live to serve, Princess.", said Gilliam.
"Tana!", said Eirika.
"…Eirika? Is that really you?", asked Tana.
"Tana, what are you doing, so far from Castle Frelia?", Eirika asked.
"I heard that Renais had fallen, and I was so worried… But I'm glad to see that you're safe…", Tana answered.
"Wait! Where is Ephraim? Is he well?", Tana asked.
"I wish I knew…", Eirika answered sadly.
"You haven't heard from him? Oh, I hope he's not been harmed…", Tana wondered.
"Come, we must go to Castle Frelia. My lord father may know something.", Tana said.
"Thank you, Tana.", Eirika said. They then left to go to Castle Frelia, where King Hayden was waiting.
Eirika and her companions have liberated the border castle. Alongside Princess Tana of Frelia, they ride to the Frelian capital.
"Oh, Tana… I'm grateful to see that you're safe and sound again! You've no idea how worried I was when I heard you were under attack at Border Mulan. You are not to leave again without my permission. Do you understand?", King Hayden said sternly.
"Don't be mad, Father. Look, I come bearing good news. Eirika! Come out now!", Tana called. Eirika and her generals then came to the presence of King Hayden.
"King Hayden, I am pleased to see you again, even in these sad times.", Eirika said.
"Ah, Eirika! It does my heart good to see you safe.", King Hayden said gladly.
"Thank you. I was able to escape the castle before Renais fell. But I'm not sure if my father…", Eirika said sadly.
"Yes. I…have received word of your father through General May.", said King Hayden. Just then, said general entered the room.
"Ash, so good to see you!", May said happily.
"Good to see you, May. What is the word on King Fado?", Ash asked.
"…King Hayden's friend, King Fado…did not survive the fall of Renais Castle.", May said grimly. Ash became angry while Eirika was on the verge of crying.
"Rest assured, Grado will be punished for it's cowardly act. This is Frelia's promise.", King Hayden promised.
"Eirika, please stay here and rest. I cannot imagine how exhausted you must be.", he offered.
"King Hayden. You know of Prince Ephraim's disappearance, do you not?", Maylene asked.
"Yes, we hear the prince and his men hound Grado at every turn. It's said that he's led his forces into the empire itself. Reports suggest he's crossed the border and now fights in Renvall.", Hayden said.
"My brother… He fights on? Even now?", Eirika asked.
"Yes. My Pegasus knights bought this information at a great price. Even though Renais has fallen, he charges into the enemy's heart. He is truly Fado's son… What a valiant youth. I wish that I knew whether he remains unharmed, but I do not.", said Hayden.
"King Hayden, I thank you for your offer, but I cannot stay. I intend to ride to my brother's side with reinforcements.", Eirika said.
"I cannot allow it. I know how you feel, but this plan is suicide. I would be betraying Fado's memory if I allowed any harm to befall you. Stay here. Rest and mourn. Leave this war to the warriors.", King Hayden said solemnly.
"King Hayden, even though I agree with your decision, Eirika has four generals and a knight, all of Renais, with her. And I know that Ash would want to save the world.", May argued.
"That's true. I know you mean well, Your Majesty. However, I have lost my father, and my twin brother is in peril. My brother, he is a part of me… I cannot rest here in peace while he risks his life.", Eirika agreed.
"No. Renais has no more army. Grado's forces decimated it. I wish that Frelia could provide you with support, with soldiers, but… My son, Innes, is on his way to meet the empire's forces. We cannot spare a single brigade. Your own retinue of knights cannot possibly face Grado alone. Are you so determined to go?", asked King Hayden.
"Yes. …With apologies.", answered Eirika.
"As resolute as your father, eh? What am I to do in the face of such foolhardy determination?", asked King Hayden. He then opened a door.
"Vanessa.", he called. A green haired woman then walked in.
"Here, Your Highness!", said Vanessa.
"Moulder.", Hayden called. An old man with brown hair then walked in.
"You called, my king?", said Moulder.
"Gilliam.", Hayden called. Gilliam then walked in.
"Yes, sire?", said Gilliam.
"May. Drew.", Hayden called. May saluted as a green boy walked in.
"Present, sir.", said Drew.
"You are to accompany Princess Eirika of Renais into Grado territory. I expect each of you to provide aid and support for her brother.", Hayden ordered.
"Hmm. Quite a grave responsibility you've given us.", Moulder said solemnly.
"No matter what the obstacles, we will perform our duty.", Vanessa said.
"Our lives are yours.", Gilliam said.
"Ash, even though I get to work with you, don't treat this as any of our journeys. You already know that, though.", May said.
"Grado will fall at our hands.", Drew said.
"These are some of my most trusted and stalwart vassals. They will, no doubt, prove themselves quite valuable on your journey. Remember, you are venturing behind enemy lines. You will need supplies. I will have a supply convoy readied to carry your weapons and provisions. It will remain at your side, no matter how far afield you venture.", Hayden explained.
"King Hayden, I…Thank you.", Eirika said gratefully.
"No, save your thanks for your return…with your brother, Prince Ephraim.", Hayden said sternly.
"Yes, Your Highness!", Eirika said happily. The group then received 5000 gold and left the throne room. Tana went to talk to them before they left.
"Eirika, you don't really intend to go through with this, do you? I can't guess how you must feel, but it's just too dangerous. What would happen if you were kidnapped by Grado's men?", Tana asked.
Thank you for your concern, Tana. But I have no choice. Don't you see, Tana? I have to go.", Eirika protested.
"Eirika… Oh, why is this happening? What's gone wrong with the world?", Tana asked again.
"Tana…", Eirika said sadly.
"Why would Grado invade? Emperor Vigarde is a man of peace. His people adore him. And you and Ephraim are friends with Prince Lyon, are you not? What could be behind this madness? Why is this happening…", Tana wondered.
"I have no answers for you, Tana. I don't want to believe it, but the reality is that we are at war. If I do nothing, I may lose my brother as well as my father. This is why I have to fight. It's the only answer I have.", Eirika told Tana before leaving the castle, and eventually Frelia itself.
Another chapter done! The next chapter features the debut of two more protagonists as well as two antagonists. For now though, here's the list of the new protagonists to be added to the list.
Gilliam: Knight
Vanessa: Pegasus Knight
Moulder: Priest
May: Cavalier
Drew: Cavalier
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