Authors Note: I'm back on the fire emblem fic again. Sorry for the delay, I've started a fic on another section and got carried away. Plus I've had a lack of time recently. Firstly, I must thank Meowzap, Queen Ismaire and Caellach Tiger Eye, who, not only reviewed my last chapter, but also reviewed 'Fall of the Tiger Eye' so thank you all! There was a third version of the chapter as well which I won't write, where Caellach staged his death to fight against the Demon King (Which carried on with a CaellachOc pairing) but I didn't stick to it because I preferred this idea (And a non-oc pairing). The reason I didn't use the 'Fall of the Tiger Eye' version was simply due to it being the wrong Genre (My only Tragedy fic due to the fact that I much prefer a cheerful fic, though I may make another in the future, who knows?) I'm not sure how many more chapter this will have (Probably 5-8) so I'm currently thinking of what my next fic will be (As I enjoy writing and you reviewers have been fair with me by giving advice along the way). I want to do something new again. I originally thought of a Selena fic, but one is currently being written (A good fic, I must add) so I'm still deciding. I might look towards Blazing Sword and do a long Wallace fic as he only seems to get the occasional oneshot. Anyway, enough of the long note and on with the chapter.
Oh and Caellach Tiger Eye, I thought I already mentioned this, but in case I didn't, don't worry, I'm not making Caellach gay.
Chapter 10: Everyone can change.
Caellach didn't know what had caused him to act against his better judgement. He cared a lot for his life, but nearly threw it away, and, as a result, was lying in a bed in Jehanna, unable to move a muscle. The cause of this was one person, Riev. Well, Caellach wasn't sure if he was a person anymore. Somehow, he lacked human emotions. Caellach hadn't told anyone about the encounter. Not that he had much of a chance. After joining Joshua and the rest of the army, he feared for the safety of Jehanna's sacred stone and headed to find Ismaire. Unfortunately, he wasn't the first to find her.
'I'm not like that fool Caellach, I will kill if you defy me. Hand over the sacred stone of Jehanna." Riev's eerie voice was heard as it became clear that he had come to finish the job. Caellach wasn't going to stand for it. Ignoring the last encounter he confronted Riev.
"STOP. THIS. MADNESS. NOW." He said, slowly, with a hint of anger. Riev merely chuckled.
"Well, well," he snickered, "It seems you do not value you're life, for you have now joined the enemy. Do you think that this time would be different? Do you think you can save the sacred stone? Do you think you could fight for forgiveness and everyone would live happily? You dream impossibilities Caellach. I will finish you now!"
Caellach aimed his Tomohawk at Riev and threw it. This time, he was better prepared as when Riev dodged it, Caellach drew his Silver axe, caught the tomahawk, and charged straight into Riev, ready to strike. Riev was struck hard in the chest, but there was no blood. Confused, Caellach continued the fight by rapidly throwing his tomahawk, with great care not to hit Ismaire, who was lying down in a corner gasping for breath. She had obviously been hit by light magic, but was, at least, still alive. Caellach lunged towards Riev a second time, but this time Riev dodged and yelled "AURA!" sending a surge of light magic towards him, sending him flying into a wall. With a pounding headache, he attempted to get up, but failed. He could barely breathe. Riev laughed.
"As pathetic as ever Caellach. Never mind though, you're dead anyway. Au…"
As Riev raised his staff, a lightning-fast movement, the like of which Caellach had never seen before, struck into Riev. It was Joshua. What's more Riev was weakening. Despite not being entirely human, he still had a limit. Joshua approached Riev, the anger showing in his eyes. Riev merely cacked, clicked his fingers and disappeared, much to Joshua's disappointment and annoyance. As this was happening Caellach felt his consciousness slipping as he felt what he thought to be the end of him.
Caellach had woken up in bed some time later, but wasn't sure how long later or even where he was. Unable to move, the only thing for him to do was sleep.
When he woke up, he was still weakened, but was at least able to move. He was greeted by a beautiful blond cleric dressed in white, carrying a staff.
"Morning Caellach," she said gently, "It's good to see you can finally move again. You really scared Joshua."
After hearing Joshua's name he had to try to speak. He succeeded, with difficulty.
"J-Joshua. Is he alright? Where is he?"
"He wanted to be alone to talk to his mother for a bit. It's been a while since y seen each other and Queen Ismaire barely survived."
Caellach understood completely and the cleric raised her staff, muttering some words Caellach couldn't make out. The staff began to glow, as did Caellach and he felt a bit stronger. The cleric then left and Caellach was left to think to himself. He asked himself many questions silently, wondering what had changed him. He was aware that everyone can change, but it seemed rather sudden. He thought to himself about how they could defeat Riev, when he was a force like never seen before. Could anyone defeat him. Not even Duessel would match up to his force. Before he had anymore chance to think, he saw a shadow from outside and turned to see a tall figure with long red hair approach him. Joshua.
"Good to see you again Caellach," he said with a smile, "Natasha told me you were making a good recovery. It's good to have you back though."
Caellach smiled as he got up so that he was sitting on the bed instead of lying down. He could guess that Natasha was the cleric.
"It's good to be back Joshua," he said with a smile, which was genuine this time, "By the way, have you decided what you're going to do after this war yet because I'm not so sure yet. I can't remain as the Tiger Eye, that's for sure. I might return to Jehanna."
Joshua smiled, "I going to take the throne of Jehanna, of course. Oh and introduce the new Queen of Jehanna."
Caellach stayed silent for a few seconds, then it hit him. New Queen of Jehanna? That could only mean one thing.
"Well that's new information Joshua," Caellach laughed as he joked, "You're getting married! What happened to the old Joshua, the travelling mercenary and gambling extraordinaire I used to know? You really are a sneaky dog, Joshua! Ah well, I suppose you had to settle down eventually, claiming a throne as you do it. So, who's the lucky girl then?"
"Natasha," Joshua said with a smile, "the same person who got me into this army, saving my life on numerous occasions. Of course, I've done the same for her."
Caellach could do nothing but keep his smile. It was good to see Joshua happy. He couldn't help thinking, however, would he ever find someone?
"By the way Caellach," Joshua added, "When you've fully recovered, you need to come to Jehanna armoury. We'll check you're weapons and supply you with any if necessary."
With that Joshua left, leaving Caellach to recover.
When he recovered, he went to Jehanna armoury as Joshua had said. The assistant noticed his weapons were worn with use, and gave him a new tomahawk and silver axe, as well as a silver blade, a very powerful and shiny sword, but also very heavy. Either way, it would serve him well. He found out the only weapons stronger were the sacred relics of Frelia, Jehanna, Rausten, Grado and Renais. The army had already got the sacred relics of Jehanna and Grado. Grado had the sacred axe, Garm, which Caellach wanted but was given to Duessel and the sacred dark tome, Gleipnir, which was given to Knoll, a hooded druid with purple hair. He also found out that Jehanna's sacred tomes were Audhulma, a powerful looking sword used by Joshua and Excalibur, an anima tome used by a young, purple haired sage by the name of Lute. With all his weapons ready, they were to set off in two days. Meanwhile, they could only practise.
The arena in Jehanna was second to none as far as size was concerned. There were many seats and plenty of room to display all kinds of skills. It was currently closed as the army was using it to practise. Caellach looked around for someone to practise with. Joshua was currently trying his best to get Duessel off his horse while Duessel was frantically trying to block all the attacks with his lance. It was not a match which would be easy for anyone. He noticed the younger members practising against each other and was surprised at how young they were, yet they were fighting in the war. He failed to notice, however, a woman with bright pink hair, carrying a sword, approach him. He turned around to face her.
"I see you're looking for a challenger," she said, "Care to test you're skills against me."
Caellach just laughed, "A female sword user? Not a challenge at all."
Caellach didn't know how big a mistake those words were. Joshua heard them but couldn't stop to warn Caellach due to the fact he was still sparring with Duessel. Marisa glared at him and drew her sword.
"Fine then. I'll show you a challenge."
Caellach barely dodged the blow in time as he drew his blade. He attempted a strike but missed. He was placed on the defensive as he could only block her attacks, now launching any of his own. He already regretted his comment as he tried his best to gain the offensive, but failed. He had to settle for the both wearing out as they eventually were too tired to move, long after Joshua and Duessel were finished.
"Draw then," Caellach moaned, "look, sorry about what I said earlier, you were too much of a challenge for my liking. I'm Caellach by the way."
"I'm Marisa," she said as she left. Caellach just stood there thinking to himself, 'She's quite a beauty. I best get to know her first. She's slightly more lethal than Joshua's choice of brides. I never would have done something like this before but then again, everyone can change.'
End of chapter.
As usual review please, I'll update when I can.