I know what you're probably thinking. "ANOTHER CHAPTER? what."
but i PROMISE i'll stop spamming with updates. I'm just super happy to write this fic again now that i have the time and i want to take FULL ADVANTAGE OF THIS FREE TIME THAT I HAVE
and I still feel bad for not updating for three months before, so hey, this chapter plus the past two make up for those months!

Anyway. FE6/7/1/11 spoilers ahead, blehbleh, no I don't own Fire Emblem, no I don't make money on this, whatever.
randomadorablepikachu is best girl for proofreading ;v; and thank you to everyone for your reviews! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter IX: Past Demons

Port Warren had gone from peaceful to hectic as soon as Grust's soldiers appeared. The Akaneian League had fought them off the best they could before fleeing towards Pyrathi, seeking refuge.

As they walked toward the island, Roy managed to keep his gaze downcast, opting to stare at the grass a few feet in front of him rather than the scenery around him. A lot was on his mind at that moment—most of it relating to the question and answer session he had with Marth in the library at Port Warren. The idea that, even without actively using a dragonstone, a manakete could still benefit from having it on their person worried him.

He had noticed that, back when he was fighting against Minerva and Harmein's forces, his energy levels were much higher than in previous battles—he was able to body countless enemies without even breaking a sweat. However, as soon as he had passed off the firestone to Bantu, exhaustion took over him and his body was sore.

The idea that he may be a manakete was absolutely ludicrous to Roy. He had made sure to look himself over before the attack on Port Warren took place, and he was sure he looked nothing like Bantu, who was a true manakete. They looked different, spoke differently, and overall, Roy acted more like Marth or Jagen or Abel than he did Bantu.

There was no way he was a dragon.

Roy's brow furrowed and he shook his head a little as he stared harder at the ground. Jagen noticed Roy's movement and, curious about Roy's current state, sped up his horse slightly to catch up with him.

"Roy," Jagen said quietly once he was close enough.

Roy quickly looked over. "Oh, Jagen? What is it?"

"Are you alright?" Jagen asked. "You seem troubled."

"Oh. No, it's nothing. I'm fine," Roy responded. "Thank you for asking, though."

Jagen was silent for a moment before nodding, hesitantly trusting Roy's word.

Marth, who was walking not far from the two of them, had overheard the conversation. It was overtly obvious to him that something was bothering Roy and had been since the day at the library, but he did not want to pry.

Finally, after almost half a day of walking, they had made it to Pyrathi. There were small groups of houses here and there scattered across the isle, but there was plenty of empty space for the group to set up camp for a night, as long as they were allowed.

Unfortunately for them, however, those inhabiting the small island kingdom were not friendly in the slightest. Upon seeing the group of travelers approaching their shores, many a pirate appeared to deny them entry. Their weapons were already drawn and they were ready to fight.

"It seems like resting here or leaving peacefully is not an option," muttered Marth. "This is… unfortunate, at best."

"Sire," Jagen said as he came to his side. "We are surrounded on three sides by pirates, and returning from where we came is not an option."

"Yes, it seems we'll just have to ready our arms and fight," Marth said. The young prince turned to the rest of his comrades. "Everyone, though I know you are tired, you must prepare yourselves! We've a battle on our hands!"

As the others ran ahead to begin the invasion of Pyrathi's shores, Bantu came to Roy. "Roy," he said. "I've something to tell you before you head out to battle."

Roy, who was about to run after the others, stopped. "What is it?"

"Do not push yourself like you did back when you were fighting Harmein's troops," he advised. "Keep yourself reigned in this time."

It took Roy a couple seconds to process Bantu's request. ". . . Alright, I will do my best," he said.

Bantu seemed pleased with his response. "Good."

"Roy!" Marth called out from up ahead. "Come with us!"

Roy looked Marth's way to see Marth waiting with Cain, Abel, Merric and Ogma. He glanced to Bantu one more time before running over to meet up with them.

"I've sent Jagen, Hardin, and Caeda off with their own groups to fight off the incoming pirates," Marth explained. "That will give us the opportunity to go straight to the shrine to the east."

"If you didn't know," started Cain, "The guy in charge here is an intimidating one that goes by the name of Mannu. Legend has it he's actually a dragon."

Roy blinked. "A… dragon? In charge of a band of pirates?"

Cain nodded. "Sounds odd, I know. But that's how the story goes."

"In any case," Marth interjected, "I'm going to need some of my strongest allies with me if we want to stand any chance against him."

Roy understood this and nodded. "Right," he said. "I'll go with you."

Bantu approached them. "Prince Marth, where would you like me to go?" he asked.

"If you could assist Caeda's group along the southern shore, I would appreciate it," Marth responded. "I would feel better knowing a powerful dragon was assisting the princess of Talys."

"Then that is where I shall go," Bantu said before leaving to meet with Caeda.

Without further hesitation, Marth's group crossed the bridge leading to the island of the wyrm-king. Almost instantly they saw a small village off to the east with a band of thieves and ruffians making their way towards it—a sight that always ended in tragedy if they were not stopped quickly enough. Cain and Abel decided to ride ahead to intercept them and made it just in time, halting their advance right in front of the town's gates.

A skirmish broke out from there; the fight started and ended so quickly that it really could not be considered more than a mild disturbance compared to what Marth's company was used to. Small-time thieves and thugs stood no chance against the skill of a cavalier or lord.

Marth decided to check in on the villagers anyway, just to be safe—and his kindhearted concern ended up paying off more than he could have expected, by means of Jeorge. The talented Akaneian sniper had seen how quickly Marth and his group had taken care of the thieves, and, thoroughly impressed, decided to lend a hand.

"You were chased off by Doluna?" Abel asked him as they made their way southwest, towards the shrine.

"Yes, I tried to defend the palace, but it was for naught—Doluna was too powerful," Jeorge explained. "Thankfully, their power lies in their muscles rather than their minds. I was able to escape and made my way here, hoping that at some point, I could meet with Princess Nyna once more."

"I will be sure you are able to see her once the matter at hand is settled," Marth assured him.

"That is all I could ever ask for, Prince Marth. Thank you," Jeorge said.

Roy had only been paying half attention to his comrades' conversation—he was too busy looking around him. The landscape had slowly been turning from open fields to ruins as they approached what was more than likely Mannu's keep.

"Say, Jeorge—you've been here a while, have you heard whether or not the stories involving Mannu are true? Is he really a dragon?" Merric asked. This question grabbed Roy's attention and he turned his head to look to Jeorge.

"Unfortunately, yes," Jeorge responded. "The stories are definitely true. To take him on without being prepared would prove… well, fatal."

Cain frowned. "Sounds great."

Jeorge shook his head. "I've been told there's a powerful weapon, one called a Wyrmslayer, enshrined in the palace off to the east. If anything, that would be our best bet to take him down."

Marth did not need to hear any more. "To the east? Then we need to go there, and right away—the path has already been cleared by Hardin, so it shouldn't take us long."

Marth had been right when he said it would not take them long to get to the eastern palace. He had been able to find it quickly, go in, take the legendary Wyrmslayer, and escape.

Because their forces had been split into multiple groups, most enemies had been eradicated, or had at least been held back. This provided Marth's company with a fairly easy travel back across the small isle toward the main shrine.

The closer they got to the crumbling ancient structure, the more nervous Roy became. His stomach twisted and his heart began to pound in his chest. He knew this was not normal for him, which worried him more—why was he having such a strong reaction to his surroundings right now? Were the others feeling it too?

"Foolish humans!" boomed a voice not far ahead. All eyes turned to the source—atop the shrine stairs stood a menacing cloaked figure with greyed skin and a beard. His eyes were black and gold, and his expression was fierce. "You unclean, puny creatures; you are defiling this sacred ground with your presence! I will dye the lands crimson with your blood as I kill you all, one by one!"

The ground began to shake as the orb in Mannu's hand began to glow. Marth realized what was about to happen and instantly stepped back.

"Get back! He's about to transform!" he shouted.

Roy and the others didn't need to be told twice; they bolted back to the shrine ground entrance as fast as their feet could take them.

A terrifying and deep roar came from behind them as Mannu transformed.

The others turned to face him, but Roy found himself unable. He was frozen—the roar had not only permeated the air, but it also shook him to the core. Slowly swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat, he was able to muster the strength to turn and look back to Mannu.

What he saw before him was, without a doubt, one of the most horrifying things he had ever seen. Huge claws, sharp scales, and a form whose intimidating appearance was unmatched.

It was a fire dragon.

His eyes clenched as a sudden flood of emotions washed over him, causing him to quiver. His heart and mind raced as fuzzed memories flashed through his mind, overtaking him.

The roar of a fire dragon echoed in his ears and the talons of War Dragons ripped through his chest. Pain shot through his body and he thought he was dying—but there was no such luck. Upon opening his eyes he was met with a realm of blackness, though he could tell he was not alone. Red lines began to pulse around him and there was the faintest sound of something breathing out with a growl.

Almost instantly there was a dark, scaled face—one that was even darker than the abyss that surrounded him—directly in front of him, its mismatched teal and red eyes glaring into his. Roy was unable to breathe as the creature lifted its head and opened its maw. Then it struck, swallowing him whole.

The muddled sound of yelling and clanging weapons slowly became more apparent as Roy started to come to.

"… oy! Roy!" came Abel's voice.

"Damnit, Roy! Come on, get up!" Cain shouted before grunting and blocking an axe.

Roy was barely able to open his eyes—his eyelids were heavy and his spirit was weak. His head thumped, his ears rung, and he was covered in a cold sweat. Slowly, his surroundings became more apparent to him.

He cringed at the sound of one of the pirates made as they met their demise by Cain's lance.

"Are you up?!" Cain shouted. "We need you right now!"

Mannu laughed darkly. "Even you're weak," he taunted.

"Pay attention!" Marth shouted as he attacked Mannu with the Wyrmslayer. He was able to cut deeply into Mannu's scales and skin, which made the dragon roar once again.

"Brat!" hissed Mannu as he slammed his claw into Marth, knocking him far to the side.

Marth let out a pained sound as he tumbled across the ground. Mannu bore his fangs and, though he was angry, couldn't help but be amused. "You'll pay for what you've just done," he said.

The air became hot as Mannu inhaled, readying his flame breath. The warm charge in the air slowly brought Roy out of his haze and he mustered the strength to look ahead of him.

Marth was on the ground of the shrine, the Wyrmslayer and Fire Emblem both knocked from his hands, and Mannu was standing before him, preparing what would be a fatal attack.

Roy's breath caught in his throat and his eyes widened. The sword on his hip burned hot beside him and the gem in the centre shined brightly, as if begging him to draw it. With a sudden burst of willpower, he drew his blade and rose to his feet, faltering slightly.

"Die, you foul animal!" roared Mannu as he rose his head. Flames billowed in his mouth and he lowered his head to let loose the stream of fire that had been building up in his throat.

Marth clenched his eyes, preparing himself for the inevitable, and he could hear Cain, Abel, and Merric cry out for him.

"Rrraaagh!" Roy yelled as he dashed toward Mannu, his blade graced by fire. He leapt into the air and held the sword above his head with both hands before plummeting it down into Mannu's skull.

Time seemed to stand still as the burning blade sunk through flesh and bone. Mannu's body stilled, his eyes wide open in shock. There was a crackling sound as his body began to change—starting from Roy's blade, crystals began to grow and cover Mannu's corpse.

Marth slowly opened his eyes and looked above him. The sight stunned him; Mannu's crystallized head was looming just over him, and Roy was crouched atop it, his sword pierced in all the way to the hilt.

Abel had gotten off his horse to run over to Marth. "Sire!" he yelled and came to his side. "Come on, get up!"

Abel quickly helped pull Marth up from the ground and brought him back to where he and Cain were. Marth was unable to look away from the now-petrified fire dragon.

Roy slowly withdrew his blade from its head and stood. Moments after, Mannu's body began to crumble, forcing Roy to jump off.

The crystals fell apart, leaving nothing of the fire dragon behind but a pile of clear blue dust and shards.

Slowly Roy turned to the others and he made eye contact with Marth, which caught his attention. A slew of questions started to run through the prince's head as he tried to process what had just happened to Mannu, but the sound of Caeda's shouting and hooves clomping reminded Marth that there were other things he needed to attend to first.

He pulled away from Abel and looked back just as the rest of his comrades were beginning to make their way to the shrine. It seemed as though the enemies had all been routed and the area had been secured, but not without cost—there were a number of injured scattered throughout the growing crowd, and they needed to be taken care of as quickly as possible.

After the injured had been tended to, Roy slipped away from the others unnoticed. He scoured the broken down shrine and, upon finding a dark space that he could be alone in, tucked himself away in that small hollow. He squatted down and placed his hands in his hair before gripping at the carmine mess with trembling fingertips.

By that time, Marth had just finished checking in on everyone, but no matter how hard he tried, he was unable to find Roy amongst the others. He furrowed his brow.

"Where could he have…?" Marth mumbled to himself before glancing around once more.

He decided to hike around the area and search through the ruins himself in an attempt to locate the roving mercenary. It only took a matter of minutes before he stumbled across that small cavity in which Roy had decided to stow himself away. By that point, Roy had managed to stand up once again, but his eyes were closed and his head was bowed.

"Roy," Marth said—to no response.

This made Marth come to Roy and take him by the shoulders. He shook Roy slightly. "Roy! Answer me, why did you falter back there? We all could have been—"

His words stopped in his throat as soon as Roy made eye contact with him, however. His eyes were dark, glassy—they were saturated with fear, like the eyes of a man who had borne witness to nothing but horror in his life.

". . . Roy…" Marth mumbled, his grip on the other's shoulders loosening. "What happened to you?"

The question caused Roy to seize up as he forced himself to hold back a sob. His eyes clenched again and he lowered his head, his fists shaking and clenching tighter.

"I… I remembered… something," he barely spoke. "I… it… it was frightening…"

Roy's voice faltering like it had made Marth's frustration ebb away into concern. ". . . Can you tell me what it was? What did you remember?" he asked as he removed his hands from Roy's shoulders.

There was a pained silence as Roy struggled to decide whether or not he could say anything. Slowly and shakily he inhaled through his nose and held his breath before exhaling.

"I… what I remembered," he started, "what I remembered… there were shadows everywhere. Roars and screams, claws… ripping through my chest. Dragons everywhere…"

Marth tensed in surprise. "Dragons…?"

Roy nodded. ". . . There was fire and everything around me was shaking… I thought I was going to die," he said. "But…but then… it all went black. And it was warm… like there was something around me. Then there was a dragon's face, a-and it…"

His teeth grit and he clenched his eyes, as if remembering it hurt him. Marth quickly shook his head.

"It's okay, if you can't say anymore, don't," Marth reassured. "I've heard enough, I think, to understand."

Roy looked up to Marth a little, and Marth smiled at him. "Maybe now, your memories will start to come back… and maybe that will all start to make sense," his smile loosened a little and he shifted his weight. "… And maybe that's why you're so interested in the history of Akaneia, because it is full of dragons, and dragons were part of your past."

The idea surprised Roy. "Part of my past…?"

"Yes," Marth said. "You are a mercenary… perhaps you've fought dragons before this, and those are the memories that came back first when you saw Mannu."

Even though his memories were troubling, Roy couldn't help but calm slightly at Marth's theory.

"You think that's what it was…?" Roy asked.

Marth nodded. "I do… and right now, it doesn't make sense because you've got no context behind it."

Roy was quiet for a moment before calming. ". . . That… sounds plausible," he mumbled.

A weight was lifted as Roy took another deep breath and exhaled. "Thank you, Marth."

Marth shook his head. "There's no need to thank me."

Roy glanced to Marth again before looking behind him at the island shores in the distance. ". . . I'm sorry I froze up back there. Because of that, you ended up getting hurt, and the others were put in danger trying to keep me shielded…"

"Don't worry about it," Marth said quickly. "It's what we're here for. Besides, you killed Mannu— I doubt anyone will be upset with you after that."

"Right…" Roy muttered.

"Come on, let's go back to the others," Marth said. "We're going to camp here for the night and then leave early in the morning."

Roy nodded and had no qualms with that plan—his body could use a rest, as did everyone else's, he was sure. They both returned to their comrades, with Roy still a little unsteady on his feet, and helped erect their camp.

As the sun set, its light reflected off of the pile of crystal shards that were left over from Mannu's demise. Roy sat by the entrance of the shrine's courtyard, looking out at it, thinking back on what had happened just hours before.

Quietly, Bantu came to him. "Roy," he said, drawing Roy's attention away from the crystals to him. "Are you well?"

"Oh, Bantu," Roy nodded. "Yes, I'm fine… what is it?"

Bantu shifted as he put his hand in the front of his robe, searching for something. "I've got something that I think you should have," he said and pulled out what he had been searching for.

A round stone, freckled with red, brown and gold, glinted in his wrinkled hand.

Roy, instantly recognizing what it was, shot Bantu a confused expression. "A firestone?" he asked. "Where did you…"

"Yes, a firestone—retrieved from Mannu's crystallized remains," Bantu said. "You took good care of mine when you had it. I would like you to do the same with this."

This confused Roy further. "But wouldn't that help you more, since you are a dragon?"

A small smile crossed Bantu's lips. "Perhaps, but I already have a firestone of my own, and you have earned my trust. So this one is for you, boy—keep it safe."