Hey there everyone. I want to apologize for not updating in such a long time. Things have been pretty crazy at school and at home, not to mention sickness here and there, so I've been unable to update. Fortunately, with the end of the year approaching, I might have more time to work on my story, so I'll try not to fall behind like that again. Thanks for waiting and once again, forgive me for not updating in such a long time. Well then, let's get started. I don't own Fire Emblem.

Chapter 8: Distant Blade

Eirika chooses to travel by sea to the theocracy of Rausten. Her search for a ship leads her to Port Kiris in Carcino. Carcino is a young nation ruled by a council of merchants, and it is an ally of Frelia. Carcino council leader Klimt, a staunch opponent of Grado's imperialistic actions, has pledged Carcino's support to Frelia in this conflict. Prince Innes also intends to pass through Carcino on his way to Jehanna. Eirika believes there is nothing to fear in Carcino, but she is wrong.

Grado Keep

King Fado sits on his throne, looking down at his six generals, and says, "Frelia's Sacred Stone has been destroyed. And yet you still cannot locae the Stone of Renais."

The king pauses for a moment before he looks at Glen and Valter and says, "Glen. Valter. Find the children of Renais. Find them and take from them the bracelets that they wear. Glen, take Eirika. Valter, take Ephraim. Find them. Conquer them."

Glen looks down at the ground for a moment before looking at King Fado and says, "Yes, Your Majesty…"

Valter simply licks his lips and says, "Ha ha…Eirika, eh? She's a riple little peach. And her brother, Ephraim… He's better prey than I'd imagined. Not to mention the Prince of Tactics Kouga… I can feel my blood rushing at the thought. This might be fun after all."

Immediately, the two exited the throne room, and Fado turned to Caellach and Riev and said, "Caellach. Riev. Shatter the remaining Sacred Stones. Caellach, take Jehanna. Riev, take Rausten. Go. Crush the Sacred Stones they house."

Riev let out a sickening laugh before saying, "Heh heh heh… As you will. I'll begin making arrangements for Rausten's downfall immediately…"

Caellach scoffed and said, "Bah! Why am I stuck with Jehanna? Accursed ill luck. I became a mercenary to escape that wretched place, and now I must go back?"

Reluctantly, Caellach followed Riev out of the throne room, leaving Duessel and Selena with King Fado. "Duessel. Go to Frelia. Take the Frelian army and punish Ephraim. Selena. Remain in the capital. Soon, I will have new orders for you."

Selena bowed and said, "Yes, sire."

Back with Eirika group, they were walking along the path when Eirika heard a shout from behind them. "Eirika! Wait!"

Eirika and Kouga turned to see Tana running up to them. Eirika, surprised to see Tana here, said, "Tana? What are you doing? You were supposed to remain in the palace."

Tana crossed her arms at Eirika and said, "You left so abruptly, without any warning or farewell. You and Ephraim have only just arrived, and already you leave on another quest? Well, I'm your friend, Eirika, and I won't let you go into danger without me."

Before Eirika could say anything else, Kouga interrupted and said, "Does King Hayden know of this?"

Tana shook her head and said, "No. He'd just say, 'I forbid you to go on this foolish errand,' like always. But I'm so worried about you."

Eirika smiled at her friend and said, "Thank you, Tana. I appreciate your concern, but King Hayden would—"

Before she could finish, Tana brought Eirika into a hug and with a slightly shacky voice, said, "You, Kouga and Ephraim, my father and my brother… You're all fighting together, fighting for a noble cause. I cannot be left out. I will not be left out. Please, Eirika. Kouga."

Eirika, shocked, took a few seconds before she said, "…Oh… All right. I never could refuse you anything. Come on. Let's go, Tana."

Before the two could rejoice this decision, Kouga broke the moment by saying, "Tana. If you will be joining us, I will need you to train in combat, since we could come into battle at any moment."

As he was going to continue, Nino, Jaffar, Heath, and Priscilla walked up to them. When Kouga saw Heath, he got an idea. "Tana, as part of your training, I will have Heath here help you with your lance work."

Heath nodded at the order, but before Kouga could continue, Nino walked up to him and gave him a slight push. "Oh stop being so serious Kouga. Relax a little, or did you forget what happened the last time you overworked youself?"

Kouga flinched at the memory, with Tana and Eirika looking confused. Eirika walked up to Kouga and said, "What happened?"

Kouga scratched the back of his head and said "We were traveling and because of lack of horses, I had to ride with Eliwood. Basically, I got so tired from overworking myself that I fainted all of a sudden and fell off the horse. Afterwards, Lyn, Eliwood, and Hector refused to turn in for the night unless I was already in bed and resting, since they didn't want me to end up fainting from exaustion during an actual fight."

Tana tried to stiffle a laugh, but failed and shortly after, Eirika began to giggle as well, "Well then, I guess it's my turn to make sure you don't overwork yourself." With that, she gave him a small kiss on the cheek, forgetting for a moment that Tana was standing there. When she turned to finish their conversation, she was met with a shocked look on Tana's face before it changed into a grin. The next thing she knew, Tana had a hand around Eirika's shoulder and said, "Eirika, is there something you're forgetting to tell me…?"

Eirika let out a nervous laugh and said, "I was going to tell you soon, but I forgot. Anyway, Kouga and I are in a relationship…" As she finished her sentence, she looked down, a large blush covering her face.

Tana began to laugh and said, "I'm happy for you Eirika. When did this happen though?"

After Kouga gave an embarrased cough informing them that they had to keep moving, Eirika told Tana, "I'll tell you later. For now, let's get moving.

"Alright, let's go." With that, the group resumed the trek towards Port Kiris.

An hour and a half later, the group finally reached the port and Seth, who was leading the group, turned to Eirika and said, "Your Highness, we've reached Port Kiris. If we can find passage across the North Sea, we will reach Rausten in ten days."

Eirika looked around before moving closer to Kouga and turned to Seth and said, "It smells of the tides… This is a busy place, isn't it?"

Seth looked at Eirika and Kouga with a questioning look before answering Eirika's question, "It's a trade center. Peoples of all nations pass through here. Do not become so enthralled with the sights and sounds that you forget your mission."

Eirika shook her head and said, "I won't. I'm a mercenary by the name of Erina. I'm traveling to Rausten to receive a commission."

Eirika smiled at Kouga, who smiled back and said, "And I am your fellow mercenary, Karl."

Seth once again gave Kouga and Eirika a wary look before saying, "Let us look for a ship then, Erina. The docks are this way."

Eirika looked past Seth's shoulders and noticed something that made her let out a "Hm?"

Seth looked at Eirika curiously and said, "Is something amiss?"

Eirika turned to Seth and said, "Seth, that woman over there? Is that…"

Seth and Kouga turned to see the same woman with green hair that they had encountered when they first ran into the monsters. She was walking around the Port and as she got closer, they could hear her say, "Oh, these dainty sugar pastries! They're delightfully scrumptious! Flavorful without being overwhelming, refined without being banal…"

The man with the large beard let out a large laugh before saying, "Right you are, Lady L'Arachel!"

Eirika walked up to the woman and said, "You look familiar…"

L'Arachel turned and saw Eirika, which caused her to say, "Oh! Aren't you—"

Eirika interrupted her by saying, "We've met before, haven't we? You arrived with your companions when we encountered those creatures… Your name is L'Arachel, is it not?"

L'Arachel let out a pleasant laugh before saying, "A wonder and pleasure that we should meet again so soon! It is providence!"

The third member of L'Arachel group scoffed before saying, "Bad luck is the only thing the divine has ever provided you!"

L'Arachel ignored Rennac and said, "Oh, and if you have not yet tried one, these pastries are also divine. Would you care for one?"

Eirika took one from L'Arachel and said, "Uh, thank you…No, wait…That's not why—We're actually on our way to the Theocracy of Rausten. We're rather in a rush and need to find passage on a ship…"

L'Arachel looked away for a bit before saying, "Oh, dear. I'm afraid you'll find none to assist you. No ships are leaving port."

"Pardon?"

"You see, I find myself heading home once more to my beloved Rausten as well! And actually, I'm quite well known with the powers-that-be here in Port Kiris. So I ordered them to ready the finest passenger vessel for me. But both merchants and passenger ships alike are too frightened to set sail. It seems a giant ghost ship has been sinking every ship it finds…Would that I could confront it, I could stop its foul villainy in a moment. Alas. It's such a shame."

Eirika sweatdropped at L'Arachel's attitude before saying, "Yes, yes…Uh…That is troublesome. Still, I must get to Rausten somehow."

"You needn't worry too much. After all, if the sea is closed to you, simply follow the overland route!"

"The overland route? I've heard that's a terribly roundabout path to travel."

"Oh, it is, but don't you see? The harpships of the road, they are truly blessings! They will toughen you and strenghten your resolve when you need to face great evil. For example, I have been tasked with a great trial in order to better me. I understand my path, O unknowable forces of providence! I, your faithful servant L'Arachel, shall overcome! With faith and divine strength!"

Rennac, who started to panic a little from L'Arachel's suggestion, said, "Now, listen, L'Arachel! You might be thrilled about going the long way, but—"

L'Arachel interrupted him by saying, "Come now, we're leaving. Dozla? Rennac? Don't fall behind!"

Dozla let out a loud laugh and said, "Wait for us, Lady L'Arachel! Come on, Rennac! We run 'til we drop! The first one to collapse from exhaustion is the winner!"

Rennac let out a sad laugh before saying, "Help… Why is this happening to me?"

Confused, Eirika turned to Seth and Kouga and said, "…Uh, Seth? Isn't Rausten in the other direction? Aren't they heading toward Frelia?"

Seth shook his head before saying, "…It's nothing you need concern yourself with, milady. Our only concern now is to decide our next course of action."

Seth and Eirika turned to Kouga, who said, "An overland journey would be very long. However, it seem that may be our only choice at the moment…"

Eirika nodded and said, "I agree. Whatever shall we do…"

Before the three could continue, a rough looking man walked up and said, "…You're Eirika, the princess of Renais, ain't ya?"

Eirika let out a surprised gasp before saying, "What?"

Seth unsheated his sword and said, "Dastard! Away with you!"

The man stepped back and said, "No need to get personal! You know, there's a pretty price on your pretty head. Sorry, but I need that gold."

Before the man could move, Kouga swipped at him with his sword, leaving a large cut on the man's arm. "You try and lay a single finger on her and you'll be wishing you were never born!"

The man scoffed before moving back and calling for his other crooks. "Have at 'em boys!"

Kouga turned to everyone and said, "All right. I want everyone to stick close by to each other. We don't know how many of them are hidding around the town, so keep your guard up. Heath, I want you and Tana to scout around for archers. If you find any, have Tana notify me. Heath, take Karel with you on your wyvern and deal with any enemies you find. Tana, take Jaffar with you. He'll protect you from any enemies. Don't hesitate to return if you're outnumbered. Everyone else, protect each other. Seth, Karla, Eirika, and I will lead. Everyone else behind us. Move out!"

With nods, everyone began to fight the enemy. Throught the battle, Kouga and Eirika would protect each other's back, more than often. Seth took notice of this and made sure that he would ask about it after the battle.

Half an hour into the battle, in a group of reinforcements, a young blonde girl was listening to the orders of her commander. "Attention! Carcino's mercenaries will arrest the princess of Renais shortly. Our duty here is nearly ended, and I expect no further hostilities. If you must fight, however, remember that the whole empire fights with you!"

Sheepishly, the blonde raised her lance and said, "Um, Commander? What should I do?"

The commander turned to the blonde and said, "Who are you?"

The blonde immediately stood up straight and saluted before saying, "Sir! I'm Amelia of Silva, sir! I'm new. I was only assigned to your command today. I wanted to fight for the empire!"

The commander scoffed at her and said, "I don't need your life story, fool! Recruits are in front! Grab a lance and move!"

Amelia saluted and said, "Sir, yes sir!" She then looked down at the lance and murmured to herself, "This lance… Stab the enemy. I'm not afraid… I'm a citizen of Grado. It's my duty to fight. And I'll fight my best!"

Back with Eirika's group they continued to move in a group, easily taking down the enemies that got in their way. Towards the end of the battle, Amelia finally encountered Eirika. Eirika, confused by the presence of such a young girl in a battlefield, said, "Who are you?"

Amelia, startled by the voice, stumbled with her words before saying, "What? What?"

Eirika gave Amelia a smile before saying, "Are you from around here? You should find someplace to hide. These men are after me. It's not safe."

Amelia blushed at Eirika's kindness before saying, "But…But I'm..."

"Yes?"

"I'm a Grado soldier. I'm here to stop the princess of Renais…"

Eirika looked confused for a moment before saying, "Huh? You're with Grado?"

Amelia nodded before saying, "And you're Princess Eirika? But the commander said Eirika's a cruel and merciless fiend…"

Eirika looked startled by such a statement and said, "What? No, I'm… I don't know what Grado's officers have been telling you, but…Our two countries are at war, so I suppose they can say what they want."

Amelia looked down and said, "…Mistress Eirika…" Suddenly looking up, she continued, "I, Uh, I surrender. I won't fight you."

"huh?"

"I became a soldier because I admired General Duessel's sense of honor. But the general has been very opposed to this war from the beginning… And now I see you, and you look so sad about all of this. I don't know what's right anymore. I'm just a soldier, but I want to decide for myself. I want to understand the truth myself, to see it with my own eyes."

"…I see. So…does this mean you're coming with us? I suppose I should ask your name then."

"Amelia. Amelia of Silva."

Eirika nodded and said, "Very well then. Amelia of Silva, come with us. I'll introduce you to our tactician, Kouga, after this."

At the mention of Kouga, Amelia's eyes lit up, "Kouga?! Would this be the same Kouga that fought against Nergal and a Dragon?"

Sighing, Eirika nodded and said, "Yes, but you will have to wait until after the battle to meet him, since he's busy fighting right now."

Amelia nodded repeditely before saying, "Let's finish this so I can meet Kouga!"

Once Amelia ran off to join the other in fighting, Eirika sighed before murmuring to herself, "At least she has determination…"

After an hour and a half of fighting, the only enemy left was the leader, Binks. Having both Eirika and Kouga standing in front of him with their swords drawn, Binks curses and says, "Blast! This ain't right! These guys are too tough… 5,000 gold ain't nearly enough for this!"

In a desperate attempt to survive, Binks charges ahead to strike Eirika but finds his axe parried by Kouga's sword. Eirika delivers a cut across Binks chest, who follows by pushing Kouga back and jumping back. Looking down at his cut, he gets mad and charges at Kouga. Kouga, once again on his feet after Binks's push, sidesteps his charge and then delivers a large cut across Binks's back, causing him to fall to the ground. In his last breath's Binks curses out, "Th-that stinkin' Pablo… He… lied to me…"

After the battle, Seth approaches Eirika, only to see Kouga already attending to her. Regardless of his presence, Seth approaches Eirika and says, "Your Highness, are you well?"

Eirika turns to Seth and says, "Yes, I believe so… Kouga was protecting me throughout the battle. Anyway, who are these men? They don't appear to be Grado Imperial troops."

"Judging by their crude swordplay, I'd say they're mercenaries. We can expect more of them in the area, too, I think. Wait here."

Seth approaches one of the surviving mercenaries, who upon seeing him approach, says, "W-wait! I give up! I don't want to fight anymore! We were just doing a job."

Seth pulled the man by his collar and said, "Who hired you?"

The man scoffed and said, "I may be nothing but a hired blade, but I have my honor. I won't say a word."

Seth simply responded by drawing his sword and saying, "I admire your professionalism. I guess we have no use for you."

Upon seeing the blade, all honor left the mercenary, resulting in him saying, "No, wait! I'll talk! Carcino! It was Pablo of the Carcino Council of Elders!"

"Councilman Pablo?"

Eirika looked shocked and then said, "That doesn't make sense! Carcino and Frelia are allies. Why would they target me?"

The mercenary shook his head and said, "I don't know… Could be they've decided Grado's going to win. They want to be on the winning side. Some of the others opposed Pablo, but I heard he had 'em all silenced but quick. That's all I know, I swear it."

Seth threw the man to the ground and said, "I believe you. Go."

Once the man left, Seth turned to Kouga and Eirika and said, "We were careless. We should have seen this coming. Carcino's a young and ambitious nation ruled by power-hungry merchants. And Grado grows more powerful with every passing day. So it's no surpise Carcino's merchant lords would throw in with Grado now."

Kouga, who suddenly remebered something, then said, "Wait! Prince Innes…Prince Innes was to pass through Carcino on his way to Jehanna… If Carcino has betrayed us, then he ran headlong into enemy territory…"

The moment Kouga finished saying that, a Frelian pegasus knight rushed down to Eirika's side. "Princess Eirika! I bring dire tidings!"

Eirika turned to the pegasus knight and said, "I know you… You were a messenger riding with Prince Innes."

"Yes, and I have news of him. Prince Innes is in danger! Carcino's merchant army struck and cut through half our men. The prince is trapped in a siege. He has no means of escape, and-"

"No more! I understand. Return to Frelia and deliver your message!"

"What of Prince Innes?"

"Leave him to us. The prince's troubles should burden you no more. We will see him to safety."

Moments after the pegasus knight departed, Rennac, one of the L'Arachel's lackies walked out. "…Hey, you. Have Lady L'Arachel and her man, Sir Stubble-chin, gone yet?"

Eirika looked at the man shocked and said, "Aren't you—Yes, they no longer appear to be in the city."

Rennac immediately began to jump up and down before saying, "Whew… I'm finally free! No more getting bossed around by that witless ninny! Thanks. I owe you one. Take this. Now that I'm free again. I think I'm just gonna wander about for a while."

Eirika shook her head before saying, "…What a strange relationship they have."

Seth turned to Eirika and said, "Lady Eirika, I think we ought to be leaving soon."

"Yes. We must hurry to Prince Innes's side!"

A while after the battle, Eirika was leading an excited Amelia towards Kouga's tend, since she had promised to let her meet him. "Kouga, can I come in?"

After the sound of some paper turning, Kouga's voice could be heard, "Yeah, come on in."

Opening the tent, Eirika was about to enter the tent, but stopped when Amelia dashed in and tackled a surprised Kouga down into a hug. "I can't believe I get to meet you in person! I'm a huge fan of yours! I love all of the stories of your adventures and how you led your friends to victory! Can I have your autograph?!"

Unable to respond, Kouga simply shot Eirika a questioning look. Eirika giggled to herself and said, "This is Amelia. She is a new recruit and as you can tell, also your biggest fan."

After composing himself, Kouga pat Amelia on the head and said, "Well then… It's a pleasure to meet you Amelia. I look forward to working with you. And as for that autograph, here."

Without anything to actually sign, Kouga gave Amelia a signed sheet of paper. A giddy Amelia took it and then said, "Thank you so much! I'll work real hard to make you proud sir!"

With a small bow, Amelia rushed out towards the tent that was assigned to her. Once Amelia left, Eirika immediately walked towards Kouga and sat herself down on his lap before beginning to kiss him. After a quick make out session, the two separated and smiled at each other. Breaking the silence, Kouga said, "So, when are you going to want to make our relationship public? We can't exactly continue to sneak around behind everyone's back."

Eirika nodded and said, "Most likely tomorrow. For now though, I just want to enjoy this moment with you."

Just as the two were about to go into another make out session, a voice outside said, "I knew something was up with you two."

Jumping away from each other, Kouga and Eirika were met with the face of Seth walking in, with a stoic expression on his face. "While I do not know how this happened, I am not the person to decide who her highness chooses to spend her time with. I will however say this…" With a sudden glare at Kouga, Seth said, "You will take care of milady, otherwise you will have to answer to this knight. Understood?"

Kouga immediately nodded and said, "Don't worry. I'll take care of her with everything that I have."

Nodding, Seth turned to walk away but then grinned at the two and said, "Very well then. But do try to keep it down. There are those in camp that wish to turn in for the night early."

Walking out, Seth left a blushing Eirika and a studdering Kouga in Kouga's tent. Once Seth left, Kouga turned to Eirika and said, "Well…that went so much better than I thought it would have gone…"

Eirika nodded and said, "Yeah…I though he was going to be more negative towards us, but I guess I was wrong."

For the next half hour, the two continued to talk, until they decided that it was time to head to bed. After a quick kiss, the two said goodbye to each other and retired to their own tents.

There we go. Once again, I'm so sorry for not updating in such a long time. There was so much going on that I didn't have time to finish writing this. We're almost at summer break though, so I'll have more time to work on chapters, so stay tuned. Till next time.