Hello, everyone! Sorry for the wait (even though it is Saturday...)! Anyway! This was a very long, sort of painful chapter. ;_; This was pretty long, too. So, please read and enjoy it! ^_^

Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem or the characters. I just own my OC Luna.

Chapter 11:

I woke up again early in the morning due to my nightmare. Are they ever going to end? I wonder if it is this place's fault. Or maybe it's something else… Oh, well. I guess I need to find a way to spend time before we have to pack up and leave for the Dragon's Gate. I shiver at the thought.

(Later)

"Hey, Luna." Mark says looking at me.

I look up from where I am sitting reading a book. "What's up?"

I place the book and stand up. He is carrying some armor and a large bow. He hands them to me and I look at him in confusion. I see the Orion's Bolt and my eyes grow wide.

"I think you deserve to be promoted to the sniper class." He tells me in a serious tone.

"I-I…" I stutter out, "Do I r-really deserve this?" I ask.

He nods. "You've proven yourself in battle. I also heard that your old bow broke. I thought this would be the perfect time to promote you."

I stare at the armor for a few seconds. I take a deep breath. I then look up at him smiling. "Thank you, Mark. This is an honor."

He smiles lightly. "Now, if you will excuse me."

He places the Orion's Bolt on top of the stuff before turning and leaving. I stare after him blushing. He really believes in me that much to promote me! This is great! I just really hope that I can prove him right. That I really do deserve this. I won't let him down!

I place the stuff down. Carefully I start putting on the chest and shoulder armor on. They feel kind of heavy. I notice that on the armor there is an indent. I look at the Orion's Bolt that is now in my hands. Carefully, I place it in.

I gasp as I feel energy flow through my body. The armor seems to grow lighter on my body making it more comfortable to wear. This must be what if feels like to get promoted. It feels great!

I glance at the large bow on the ground. I pick it up and look it over. It's colored a dark navy blue and is almost as tall as me. As I hold it in my hands I notice how… right… it feels in my hands.

"Luna!" a girl exclaims excitedly.

I turn towards the voice to see Serra running over. She is holding her healer staff and… a light tomb? She beams looking at me.

"Hi, Serra." I say.

"Guess what? Mark promoted me to bishop!" she exclaims. She then shows me the Guilding Ring on her finger.

I smile. "It's really pretty."

"I know, right?" She glances me over. "Looks like I wasn't the only one who got promoted." Serra says smiling.

I nod. "It's great since my old bow broke."

"I heard about that!" she exclaims. "A close call you had there, huh?"

"Yeah."

Serra gives me a mischievous smile. "Lucky you. A handsome man like Raven comes and saves you." She clasps her hands together. "Sounds like a fairytale to me."

I blush. "Serra, it isn't like that."

"Whatever you say…" she says winking. I open my mouth to protest but she continues talking. "Anyway, Lucius is going to help me use light magic. I don't have time to stand here and chat. Later!"

Serra walks away. I look at her confused. Wasn't she the one that wanted to talk to me? Not the other way around? I shake my head smiling. She is always upbeat and hyper. I wish I could smile all the time like she does. Well, I think she would be more likable if she would talk so much. I giggle.

(Much Later)

I gasp glancing at the large ruins. It's so tall and beautiful! The marble looks like it doesn't have a single scratch on it!

"…We're here." Lord Eliwood announces. "The Dragon's Gate…"

I touch the cool surface of it. Shivers run up my spine.

"What's wrong, Ninian? You're trembling."

I turn around to see Lord Eliwood looking at Ninian with concern. I don't blame him. She looks extra pale today.

"…This place… so frightening." Ninian says. "Something… powerful…"

"It's her power, isn't it?" Lady Lyn asks.

"Her power? What's that?" Lord Hector asks.

I walk over to the group. I place a hand on Ninian's shoulder and she looks at me. I smile at her and she weakly returns it with her own.

I look at Lady Lyn as she explains, "Ninian has the ability to sense impending danger." Under my hands I feel her become cold. I look back at Ninian worriedly. "Her memory may be gone, but her power remains."

"What is it you sense, Ninian?" Lord Eliwood asks.

"I…" Ninian says as I move my hand, "should not have… come here." She begins sweating. "Something awful will happen if I'm here." Her eyes grow wide. "Ah!"

Everyone panics including me. "Ninian?" I exclaim.

Lord Eliwood grabs her shoulders. "Snap out of it!"

"This place..." Ninian says. "No… I… I…"

"She's getting worse!" Lord Eliwood exclaims looking at us. "Let's get her away from here!"

"You'll not be going anywhere." A voice I don't recognize says.

Shivers run up my spine. Suddenly a man appears in front of us. Mark defensively steps in front of me. I glance at the stranger to see he is wearing dark robes, has pale skin, long dark hair, and golden eyes. My eyes are wide.

"That little bird has escaped this island cage twice." The man says. "Now that she's back, she'll not be allowed to fly away again."

Lord Eliwood blocks Ninian from the man. "Who are you?" he yells.

The stranger creepily smiles. "We meet at last. I am Ephidel. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"You're Ephidel?" Lord Hector asks. "I've been looking forward to this."

Ephidel looks at him. "Gallantly spoken. Of course, I know who you are. Marquess Ostia's younger brother, Lord Hector." He then looks at Lady Lyn. "And here we have Caelin's beloved princess, Lady Lyndis."

Someone touches my shoulder making me turn. It's Guy and Matthew near me.

"You alright?" Guy asks.

"Yes." I reply.

Matthew stands by me his knife in his hand. Guy stands on the other side of me with his sword. Since when did I become someone needing to be protected? This is strange indeed.

"By the way, the gift I left for you in the forest…" Ephidel continues. My eyes grow wide realizing what he is talking about. "Was it to your liking? The corpse of that filthy red-haired traitor?"

I glare at him. Then I quickly glance at Matthew. His eyes are boiling with hatred. I pull on his arm making sure he won't move. He looks at me. Matthew calms down slightly but I can still see the pain he has.

"Monster!" Lord Hector yells stepping closer to Ephidel. "Stay right there! I'm going to crush the life from you with my bare hands."

Ephidel's eyes grow larger with… amusement? "Now I see! She was an Ostain spy, wasn't she?" He continues smiling that creepy smile as his eyes look calm. "Don't worry, she did not suffer. It only took one blow."

My eyes grow wide as I cover my mouth. How awful! How can he say that so calmly?

"Die!" Lord Hector exclaims.

He runs up at him to attack with his axe. Ephidel disappears in a blink of an eye.

"He vanished!" Lord Eliwood exclaimed.

I look around. I see him appear behind Ninian and grabbing her. He is only a couple of feet away from me.

"Eep!" I exclaim.

Mark quickly grabs me as if to protect me from the dangerous person.

"Wha-?" Ninian exclaims.

"This girl is needed for my master's ceremony." Ephidel says.

"Ninian!" Lord Eliwood exclaims.

"Lord Eliwood!" Ninian calls reaching out towards him. Ephidel has a tight grip on her, however. She turns to him with scared eyes. "Let me go!"

Lady Lyn runs up to grab her but Ephidel quickly disappears taking Ninian with him. The three lords surround the area where Ninian was just standing.

"Vanished…" Lady Lyn says.

Lord Hector yells, "Blast!"

Tears prick at my eyes. "It's my fault." I say.

Guy looks at me curiously. "What are you talking about? It wasn't your fault."

I shake my head. "I was right there. I… I could have done something."

My brother hugs me tightly. "It's alright." He says soothingly. "No one could have done anything."

I close my eyes tightly.

"Mark is right." Matthew says. "Even I wouldn't have been fast enough to grab Ninian."

I look at him sadly.

"I've been waiting for you, son of Pherae." A man says.

My brother lets go of me. I look at where the voice came from to see it is a paladin in red armor. He has a scary smile on his face.

"Where is my father?" Lord Eliwood asks.

"Inside… He's farther inside." The paladin answers. "You will never see him, though. Even if you break through here, the path you seek is guarded by Marquess Laus." My eyes widen. "Will you not withdraw? It's too late for that, isn't it? You'll never leave here alive."

Another shiver runs up my spine as the paladin laughs in a way like this was all a huge game to him. The paladin rides away on his horse. Matthew stands close to me along with Guy. I look at the both drawing strength from the both of them. If they can stay in control, so can I. I close my eyes taking deep breaths.

Mark has gone to make plans with the three lords. I clutch my new bow tightly. Time to fight and be strong. Guy walks over to where Priscilla is on her horse and starts talking to her. Oh, that's right! I forgot to talk to him about something! I guess I will have to ask later. I sigh. If I remember, that is.

"Luna." Mark says to me. I look at him. "You and Guy are to protect Matthew as he picks at doors and such."

I nod. Mark gives orders to the other members of the group. Once we were settled, it was time to move out. Matthew moves to a door to the left.

He was about to pick at it when it opens on its own. A sniper steps out. Matthew jumps back as the enemy aims at him. Guy runs up and slashes him with his sword. The sniper falls to the ground silently. Matthew takes the bow from the enemy and examines it.

"Oh, cool!" he exclaims. "A silver bow!" He turns to me and shows it to me. "You want it?"

I look at it unsure. "Um… Is it ok to take it from him? It's not very nice."

"He's dead." Matthew says plainly. "He's not going to need it anymore." I glare slightly at him. "Oh, come on. It's going to go to waste." He complains.

I sigh. "Fine."

I take it from Matthew hands and he smiles. I look it over. I do have to admit, it looks very nice. Matthew runs into the building with Guy behind. I run to Merlinus' tent.

He looks at me smiling. "Hello. Is there something you need or want me to hold?"

I hand him the silver bow. "If you could hold on to this that would be great."

Merlinus nods. "Of course! It will be safe in my hands!"

I smile. "Thank you."

I run back to see Guy and Matthew standing outside. They walk up to me.

"Ready to move on?" Matthew asks.

I nod.

We run up where the others had went. I see a bunch of them fighting knights. Lord Hector is currently fighting the paladin that had talked to Lord Eliwood earlier. Then Matthew runs up to a door and picks at it. Guy and I wait on the side prepared to attack.

"Hey!" Serra calls out running to us.

Matthew opens the door and glances at Serra looking annoyed. "What do you want?"

"I want to help!" she exclaims beaming.

Matthew scoffs. "How can you help?"

Serra glares at him placing her hands on her sides. "I can use my light magic to help!"

He rolls his eyes. "Alright, fine. Just watch yourself."

Guy walks in followed by Serra. I walk in and Matthew follows behind. There a knight starts walking over towards us to attack with his spear. Guy attacks scratching his armor. Serra opens her light tomb and reads a spell from it. My eyes grow wide as a bright light hits the armor and it shatters. I take an arrow and aim. I fire it and it goes deep into his chest. The knight calls out in pain falling back.

"See?" Serra yells at Matthew. "I told you I could help!"

Matthew smirks. "Alright, alright. No need to get mad. Thanks for the help."

She smiles. "Of course!"

Matthew jogs over to the two chests and starts picking at one of them. Serra turns to me.

"I'm going to find Erk." She says. "Bye."

My eyes widen slightly. "Oh, ok. Bye."

She smiles jogging out of the place. Matthew is now picking the second chest. Once he is finished the three of us leave that area. This leaves the main part of the building. Matthew, to my surprise, runs to the side and not through the main entrance. Confused, Guy and I follow him.

We come to where Lord Eliwood and a few others are fighting. Bartre is breaking down the wall. Just as we arrive the wall breaks. Matthew rushes in along with Guy, Bartre, Lord Eliwood, and I.

A thief with long purple hair glances at us. He is standing next to an open chest. He must have already taken the stuff out of the chests in here. Oh, man.

The man smiles. "Well, this is a surprise." He says.

"Who are you?" Lord Eliwood asks pointing his blade at him.

The man's smile doesn't faulter. "I am a former Black Fang member but am now a common theif."

"So… you're not our enemy?" I ask timidly.

He glances at me smirking. "That's correct, young lady." He then looks back at Lord Eliwood. "Now, if you will excuse me, I am leaving now. Let's pretend we never saw each other." He turns around.

"Hey, wait!" I call out walking past Guy and Mathew.

I didn't mean to say anything but it just kind of… came out. The thief turns around glancing at me with humor in his eyes. Everyone else looks at me with surprise on their face. I ignore them, however.

"Yes, miss?" the man asks.

I stand my ground. "Could you assist us?" I ask.

"Luna?" Matthew exclaims. "What are you thinking?"

I continue looking at the man. His eyes have slightly grown wide. "Help you?"

I nod. "Any info you have on the Black Fang could be useful to us."

"She's right." Lord Eliwood says standing next to me. "We need all the help we can get."

The thief looks at him evenly. "I guess I could help. The thing is I don't know anything about the new Black Fang. The only thing is that Brendan Reed is not your enemy but a bad man named Nergal."

"We already know that." Lord Eliwood says.

"Well… if you still want my help-"

Lord Eliwood cuts the thief off with, "Yes, I do! Thank you. My name is Eliwood."

Legault smirks. "I'm Legault. I'll help as long as I feel safe."

Lord Eliwood nods moving ahead. Legault looks at me and steps closer to me. I look up a little surprised. I see his eyes have a little bit of pain hidden within them. His smirk becomes a gentle smile. He places a hand on my head.

"You remind me of someone I knew once." He says quietly.

I look at him confused unsure of what to say. He removes his hand and walks in the same direction as Lord Eliwood. Bartre runs ahead a smile on his face.

"Don't' just stand around!" Bartre exclaims smiling widely. "Let's fight!" With that he runs ahead holding his axe.

"Did that Legault guy say anything weird to you?" Matthew asks standing near me.

I look at him. "No, he didn't." I reply. I smile. "We better go join the others."

Matthew looks at me with doubt but nods anyway. He jogs ahead. I follow behind him with Guy by my side. We pass by a dead knight so the group is definitely ahead. We keep going until we see the others.

Lord Eliwood and Lord Hector are fighting Lord Darin. Also helping them is Lucius with his light magic. Like I've seen Serra done earlier, Lucius shatters the armor with his light magic. His looks more powerful that Serra's, though. That's to be expected. Serra did just get promoted and all.

Lord Eliwood runs up and pierces Lord Darin right through the chest. His eyes grow wide as the lord pulls his sword out. Lord Darin falls to his knees. He says some inaudible things.

The only thing I can hear is, "Ephidel! Come to me! Your master… calls you!"

A few more things I can't hear is spoken before he finally falls and he no longer moves. Everyone regroups near the throne.

Lady Lyn says, "He was mad."

"Consumed by his own lust… Pitiful fool." Lord Hector comments.

Lord Eliwood pauses looking at the dead man. "Lord Darin."

"C'mon, Eliwood!" Lord Hector says quickly. "This is no time for sentiment."

"Your father needs you!" Lady Lyn adds in.

"…Let's go!" Lord Eliwood exclaims.

Mark walks over to Lord Eliwood. They have a quick discussion which I can't here. I see Lord Eliwood nod and turn to the group.

"Lyn, Hector, Mark, and I are going to move ahead! You guys wait here! We will be back as soon as possible!"

My eyes grow wide. This feeling of dread overcomes my body. I have a bad feeling about this… I run up to my brother and grab his arm. He looks at me.

"Let me come with you!" I exclaim quickly.

"No." he replies.

I don't move. I look at him glaring slightly. "Let me come! I have a really bad feeling about this!"

He pauses for a few moments. He then sighs heavily. "You are not going to let up, are you?" I shake my head. He sighs again. "Alright, fine. Let's hurry."

I let go of him nodding. The three lords, Mark, and I run up a pair of stairs as the others wait behind. I'm glad Mark let me go. I really do have a bad feeling. I can't explain it. I feel like something awful is going to happen and I need to be there with Mark.

We enter this large area with a huge pair of stairs in front of us. It's really dark making it hard to see. Mark takes my hand and pulls me close to him.

"Father!" Lord Eliwood calls out. "Father?" He looks around. "It's me! Eliwood! I've come to save you!" He pauses. "Father?"

"It's dark in here." Lord Hector says. "Can't see a thing…"

"Eli… Eliwood…" a faint voice says.

"Ah!" Lord Eliwood exclaims. He runs up the stairs a bit farther up. "Father! Where are you?"

We all scan the area. Lady Lyn suddenly gasps.

"Back there!" Lady Lyn exclaims. "Eliwood! His voice is coming from back there!"

We all run up the stairs to the top. I gasp as I see the entire area. I could see statues of dragons here and there making my heart race. I see a man with red hair lying on the floor.

"Ah! Father!" Lord Eliwood exclaims rushing to his side. "You… You're all right…"

The rest of us also step near Lord Eliwood's father. I look the man over. He looks like he is in a lot of pain. I feel so bad for him. I'm just glad we found him alive. Lord Eliwood must be feeling really relieved right now.

"Eliwood…" the man says quietly look at his son. Suddenly, his eyes grow wide. "Wait! For-Forget me! Take that girl and flee!"

I look to see Ninian standing in front of a very large gate. My eyes grow wide as I look it over. It's a very intimidating thing. Plus the fact that the dark adds more creepiness to it. I focus my attention back at Ninian. She is plainly standing there not moving or speaking. Lord Eliwood runs up to her.

"Ninian?" he exclaims.

Ninian stays silent making me worry. Something has to be wrong.

"That girl…" Lord Eliwood's dad says. I glance back at him. "She's the key to the Dragon's Gate. Hurry! Go, before Nergal notices you!"

The panic in his voice makes my feelings of unease skyrocket like crazy.

"Ninian!" Lord Eliwood exclaims. "This way! We must flee!"

Again, Ninian doesn't say anything. Ah oh…

Lady Lyn stands next to Lord Eliwood concern on her face. "Something's wrong with her… Yet we've no time to hesitate."

"Eliwood!" Lord Hector calls out. "I've got your father! You take Ninian!"

"I understand!" Lord Eliwood calls back.

I turn to Lord Hector to see him kneeling by the man.

"Lord Elbert! I'm going to move you a little. Be strong." He says.

"Hector… you came, too? …Thank you." Lord Elbert says weakly.

"Don't worry about that." Lord Hector says coolly. "Come, let's leave this place."

Lord Hector lifts Lord Elbert up gently. Mark runs over to help. I glance back at Lord Eliwood taking Ninian's arm to guide her. The uneasiness I feel keeps building up more and more without mercy. Why do I feel like this?

"Eliwood! Hector! Hurry! This way!" Lady Lyn calls. I run up to her. Suddenly, a man appears out of nowhere on the stairs. "Ah!" she exclaims.

I freeze in place I look over the man. He is a tall, tanned person. He is wearing a lot of brown. Brown cloak, brown shirt, and brown pants. His hair, however, is a very dark red. No emotion on his face what-so-ever.

"You will not pass here." He plainly states. He draws up a knife.

Lady Lyn asks, "When did you-?"

"You must not fight that man!" Lord Elbert interrupts loudly.

"What?" she exclaims.

"That man… is dangerous. You cannot defeat him on your own." He explains.

"Father, there's no time." Lord Eliwood says. "This danger must be faced."

"Be a good boy, and listen to your father, young master Eliwood." Someone suddenly says.

I quickly turn around to see Ephidel standing in front of Lord Eliwood making me gasp. I don't like it how people are appearing out of nowhere and without warning. It scares me every time. I'm tired of feeling scared, too.

"Ephidel!" Lord Eliwood exclaims.

Ephidel explains, "Even among the Black Fang, this man is feared for his skill… You are no match for him, not even as a group." That's when I see the man that stopped Lady Lyn quickly appear next to Ephidel. "You've done well, Jaffar. That is all. Return to Bern and begin your next assignment."

The man doesn't say anything. He just quickly nods before dashing away and down the stairs. I run to the top of the stairs to see where he went but he is nowhere to be found.

"Hear my word!" Ephidel says. I turn to look at him. "I have an invitation from my master. In honor of your hard-fought arrival, he's prepared a special show for you."

Lord Elbert yells, "Stop it! You cannot release the dragons!"

I can feel myself grow pale and my eyes widen. My body trembles slightly. Did he just say what I think he said? Dragons? Why would he say that? There is no way they could release dragons! …Right?

"Father?" Lord Eliwood asks. "What's all this about?"

"You will know shortly." Ephidel answers. "At the expense of your father's life!"

I could feel a change in the air. What's going on? I'm not understanding-

"Guwaah!" Lord Elbert calls out. "…Gaa… ghaa…"

My eyes widen glancing at him. He is in so much pain but I don't know why! That's when I see Ninian closer to Lord Elbert. She is blankly staring at him but with a certain purpose.

"Father!" Lord Eliwood exclaims. "What's wrong? Father!"

"Lord Elbert! Hold on!" Lord Hector exclaims.

"Huh? …Ninian?" Lord Eliwood asks.

"Pow… pow…er… …power…" Ninian says weakly.

"Gahaaa!" I can see Lord Elbert growing weaker. This can't be good!

"Father!" Lord Eliwood calls out.

Lord Elbert falls to his knees and Lord Hector holds him with one arm. Panic and confussion is very clear on his face like everyone else's. That includes me, too.

"Now, Ninian… at last." Someone suddenly says. I look to see a man with dark robes on. He is standing next to Ninian. "Open the Dragon's Gate."

"…Gate… Open… gate…" Ninian says weakly.

That's when I could feel the ground shaking and the large gate started to light up. I shield my eyes from the bright light as I watched with fear and awe. I found it difficult to stand on my feet. Mark is suddenly next to me holding me up.

"Yes… that's it…" the robed man says. "This way, dragon…"

"Whoa! What's… What's this rumbling?" Lord Hector yells.

"Unh! I can barely keep my feet!" Lady Lyn calls out.

"Nergal…" Lord Eliwood says. "What… What's happening?"

Ninian starts talking, "Here… Come, children of… flame. Come… to me…"

The gate flashed brightly making me see nothing but white for a few seconds. When I was able to see again there was a dragon right there, inside the gate. I fall to my knees with Mark hugging me tightly. My past flashes in my mind.

"I'm scared of dragons, mommy." I whisper shaking uncontrollably.

Tears prick at my eyes.

She rubs my back. "I know, sweetie. They are scary."

"…It can't be." Lord Hector says.

"Ah… No… It isn't…" Lady Lyn says.

"Is that… truly… a dragon?" Lord Hector asks.

Everyone was so awe stricken by the presence of the dragon. It's just something so unimaginable. This can't be happening. It just can't be.

Nergal starts laughing like crazy. He spreads his hands up in the air yelling, "Yes! Use all your strength! Squeeze every drop from your body! You will call dragons!"

The dragon starts stepping out of the gate slowly.

"I will not allow this!" a familiar voice calls out.

I look to see a young boy running towards Ninian. Ah, it can't be! Is it really…?

"Who's there?" Ephidel shouts. He then spots the boy. "You!"

"Nils!" Lady Lyn exclaims.

Nils stops and starts yelling, "Ninian! Come to your senses! You must not do what they want!"

"…Ni… …Nils…" Her concentration starts breaking.

"Nils? Not now!" Nergal yells. "Grrr…" He turns to Ephidel. "Ephidel!" He points at the boy. "Stop him!"

"Desist, Nils!" Ephidel yells. "The power… It runs wild!"

"Ninian!" Nils continues shouting.

I can see Ninian's eyes return to normal as she glances at her brother. "Nils?" she asks.

"Here! Hurry!" Nils calls out. "The dragon is crumbling. Everyone flee!"

My brother abruptly pulls me up and everyone starts sprinting so they are closer to the stairs. I look back quickly to see that the dragon is in fact crumbling. Nergal and Ephidel are just standing there silently.

Then Nergal vanishes. My brother pulls me in a tight hug so my face is in his chest. I close my eyes tightly.

Ephidel's screams are clear in my ears. "Hyaaaa! Stop… You mustn't come here! Lord Nergal! Lord Nergal! Please…! Guwaaaaaaaaahhh!"

The ground stops trembling and everything becomes dead silent. I pull away from my brother and look around.

"Something… happened." Lord Hector states.

"Is it… gone?" Lord Eliwood asks.

Nergal reappears. "No! I've failed! Nils, you whelp! If not for your interference…" He steps closer to the two siblings. "Come! Both of you!"

"What? No!" Ninian exclaims.

"Never! We will not follow you!" Nils exclaims.

Nergal is now dangerously close to the two of them.

"Ninian! Nils!" Lord Eliwood exclaims.

I see Lord Elbert dash at Nergal and attack him with a knife.

"Eh!" Nergal calls out.

"You will… not!" Lord Elbert yells.

"What?" Nergal exclaims. He steps away from Lord Elbert and starts becoming weak. "Impossible…" he says glaring at the lord. "Not… by your hand…"

Lord Elbert is also becoming weak. "I told you. I will… oppose… you always…"

"…Why… won't… you… die?" Nergal asks angrily. He winces in pain from the wound. "Nnn…"

Nergal vanishes once more.

"Father!" Lord Eliwood calls running to his side.

"…Eliwood. Be prepared." His father warns. "He will return…"

"All right, but for now… Let's leave this island…" Lord Eliwood smiles sadly. "Let's go home."

Lord Elbert shakes his head. "No, my son… I'm done here. You, Eliwood… You must finish this."

Lord Eliwood's eyes grow wide. "Don't say that! Mother is waiting in Pherae… She's waiting for you, Father!" he yells.

Lord Elbert smiles weakly. "Ah… Eleanora… She will be cross with me." He closes his eyes. "Eliwood… Your mother… I'm sorry… Tell her… I'm… sorry…"

Lord Elbert falls back. Lord Eliwood catches his father falling on his knees. He holds him tightly looking at his face. Lord Elbert isn't breathing or moving. My eyes start to sting.

"Father?" Lord Eliwood asks shakily. "No… Please, not now…" I can see tears falling down his cheek. "Not after all we've done to find you again…" He clutches his father's pale hand in his own. "Father… Please… Open your eyes…" He then screams, "Faaaatherrrrrrrr!"

Please leave a review and tell me what you thought about this chapter! I really would appreciate it! ^_^ Let me now take the time to thank the following reviewers:

Meru-64 (Without fail you always make me laugh. XD)

patattack (I wonder how everyone will react to who Luna ends up getting paired with... I'm still not telling, though! ;) )

Hyralc (Your reviews always help me focus on my story better. They help me look out for certain things. ^^ Thanks for that.)

Popcorn noms Lili (New reviewer! *gasps* XD Anway, thanks again for your concern. BTW, I love your username! XD)

Well, that's it. Hope to see you all next Saturday! ^_^ If for some reason if you haven't checked out RDHS yet you definitely should. It reached 400 hits the other day making me SUPER happy! X) Anyway... sayonara! ^^