Author's Note:
Due to the already numerous chapters of this story, I will have to speed this part up... ALOT. I mean alot. So if it seems like I hit a total fast-forward button on this story, don't be disappointed. I just wanted to make the number of chapters easier on the reader. Because who likes to read a 50-chapter story?
Thank you for all my readers. Peace and joy to all of you. Below is a short prolouge explaining what had taken place in the obviously FF-ed part.
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Within the next week, the two were very goal-oriented. Ike had traveled up to Crimea, rekindled the friendship between Princess Elincia, spread his knowledge, and met a special friend named Soren, a new mercenary. He found many more things about his long-lost past, as a cold war had broke out in Tellius, leaded by King Ashnard of the Daein force.
Marth had a seemingly good experience as well. New team-mates as Navarre, two skilled swordsmen, Cain and Abel, and Lena's brother, Julian. Many others joined, however they were defeated.
At the very end of the week of straight fighting, the two found themselves at the ends of their journeys; Ike was very successful. He sought the Black Knight, the murderer of his father. A sword by the name of Ragnell was given to him. Marth had traveled with his new team, now consisting of 8 warriors. Finally, they found themselves at the castle of Garnef.
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The Black Knight was a difficult enemy for Ike and Soren to fight. They had insisted to fight on their own. The first half of the battle was successful, however, Soren had become fatigued.
"Ike," Soren said between gasps. Though he said no more, Ike picked up what he meant to say. Within the other half, Ike finally stabbed his sword into the heart of the Black Knight. With that, he fell dead.
"That was...." started Soren. Soren was slightly hotheaded, and he had a hard time giving a compliment. "Amazing..."
"Thank you, Soren. I could have done nothing without you."
"Th-thank you, Ike..."
Meanwhile, Marth and his army had opened the heavy, metal doors of Garnef's castle. The horrible smell of rotting flesh was very, very strong.
"That..." said Merric, hand over his mouth. "Is absolutely disgusting..."
The group walked toward the source. Hiding behind a wall, they saw a large, dead dragon lie in a vacant ballroom. Garnef, along with Elice, Lena, and a princess named Nyna stood on the balcony.
"Elice! Now!" he shouted, forcefully.
"I can't!" she sobbed, hiding a glowing staff behind her back.
To Marth's surprise, Garnef placed his hand lightly upon her neck.
"Ressurect Medeus, or you will die."
Elice reached out the staff, reluctantly. The dragon was revived. The group jumped out from behind the wall, drawing their axes and swords.
"Marth!" shouted Elice, as he ran for the demon. Her eyes become less teary. "Please don't be upset at me..."
"I'm not, sister." Marth smiled. "I love you."
Together, Marth and his army fought Garnef and the dragon. Before he understood what was happening, a sharp scream was heard. Marth turned about. Caeda lie on the floor, bleeding from her stomach. Before Marth could do anything at all, Caeda was dead. Tears welled in the eyes of the fighters, yet strengthening them to fight against Medeus and Garnef. With minutes, the demon was dead as well. Marth toppled Garnef onto the ground, holding his sword to his neck.
"Now," said Marth, quite forceful. "Surrender my sister, free Altea..."
"The Dolhr Empire will never survive without me, let me free."
"I am not freeing you until you surrender."
"I will never-" was all Garnef could say before he was brutally decapitated.
Meanwhile, Ike and Soren continued to travel and battle, defeating King Ashnard, and ending the rebellious war in all of Tellius. Marth had ended the war in Altea. Suddenly, the two crossed each other's mind.
"Marth..." said Ike, stopping in his path.
"Who?" asked Soren.
"My..." the strong mercenary's cerulean eyes filled with tears. "true friend..."
"I-I'm sorry..." stuttered Soren.
"You must come with me to Altea."
"What?!?"
"Altea. You must come. I cannot leave you. I cannot leave Marth."
"What about the peace you just restored to Tellius!?!?"
"I fight for my friends. Don't you want to come to Altea with me?"
"Y-yes..." admitted Soren.
That afternoon, Marth was bidding farewell to his team, taking only Merric and Elice back with him. Ike and Soren were stepping onto the boat.
After the long ride across the sea, the two finally stepped off the dock. At the mere sight of one another, the two ran ambitiously to embrace. Merric and Elice embraced as well.
"Marth," said Ike, overjoyed. "I missed you more than anything..."
"I love you!" Marth said, this time happily.
"This is my wonderful friend and counterpart, Soren." said Ike, escaping Marth's arms.
"Soren," said Marth. "You have helped Ike. I thank you very much for that."
"I....fight for my friends." repeated Soren, smiling at Ike.
The three carried on a wonderful conversation, which was sadly interrupted. When Garnef was defeated, the Dolhr Empire fled to his castle as a memorial. However, one stayed behind. The powerful axe carrier charged at Ike. Elice and Merric had already left to the castle, and Marth and Soren were the only ones present. They watched in horror as Ike's chest was slit open.
"Ike...." said Marth in bitter tears. Soren just cried.
"Marth..." Ike said, bleeding. "I love you, Marth."
"I love you too, Ike."
In a pool of blood, Ike's life was ended. Marth and Soren wept bitterly at Ike's last words.
In the end, Merric and Elice moved to Pales, where they were eventually married. Marth and Soren lived together in Marth's castle, where Marth eventually became King. He had finally proven his royalty. However, he still very much longed for Ike...
