nightelf37: Rebecca's last name "Kariudo" means "hunter" in Japanese, which she is. Bartre's is an anagram for "courage". Lowen's is woefully obvious. Eliwood's, not so much. and Marcus's is a reference to the character archetype he is: the Oifey.

Random Fact: In The Jungle Book 2, Mowgli is voiced by Sora's VA; Haley Joel Osment.

I own only the following; the made-up last names of the characters, my rendition of the Tactician (Mark and Kat), as well as anything that doesn't actually happen in the game.

A month has passed since word came of Marquess Pherae's disappearance. Rumors and speculation run rampant throughout Lycia. The head of House Ostia, Lord Uther, takes no apparent interest. The marquess's younger brother is considered odd by the populace.

He and Marquess Pherae's son, Eliwood, are fast friends. A hot-blooded youth, he cannot ignore his friend's plight. Marquess Ostia's younger brother, Hector. He would one day be a courageous general, a steel warrior to be feared. The path he chooses will test him to the limits of his strength. And bring a certain tactician to him…

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Chapter 11: Another Journey (Hector)

Somewhere in Castle Ostia…

A young man in heavy blue armor was walking down the hallways, searching for someone. "Brother! Brother! Where is he!?" He soon reached the throne room, where a middle-aged man was blocking the door to. This man wore orange Knight armor, and took his job seriously. "He's here, isn't he?"

"Lord Hector!" greeted the Knight. "Calm yourself!"

"No words, Oswin! Just move!"

Just then, the door opened as an older man appeared. Just like Hector, his hair was blue, but he was dressed in garbs fitting for a Marquess. This was his brother, Lord Uther. "That's enough, Hector! What is the meaning of this?" he asked.

"You know full well! The disappearance of Marquess Pherae!"

Uther shook his head. "We've discussed this time and time again. This matter is none of Ostia's affair. We have no reason to involve ourselves. It would be folly to do so."

"Eliwood's father is missing, for goodness' sake!" Hector continued to argue. "We know that Marquess Laus is connected in some way. I say we use Ostia's might to end this mystery and find the truth!"

"Calm yourself, you fool! An invasion would be madness! Lycia can ill afford the chaos such an action would bring. Surely even you must understand that!"

"Bah…I understand all too well, Brother! Stay there on your throne. Sit there until it rots beneath you! I will do this alone!" And with that, Hector turned away and was running off.

"Lord Hector!" Oswin called after him. "You should watch your tone…"

"Peace, Oswin. Let him go," Uther told his Knight. "There's no reasoning with him when he gets like this."

"…"

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At another part of the castle…

"Matthew! Matthew!" Hector called out. "Blast it! Where could he be?"

"I'm right here," a voice came from the shadows of the pillars as he revealed himself. With him were a couple of rucksacks and a battle axe, Hector's Wolf Beil, which he moderately struggled to carry.

"You…You're not a wraith. Stop skulking in the shadows like one."

"Hm? A wraith? And here I thought I was a spy. Be that as it may. As milord ordered, here are your travel rations and your beloved axe." Matthew handed over the items to Hector. "And I've purchased the silence of some royal guardsmen. You're free to slip out the rear entrance and vanish."

"Well done, Matthew. Try not to let my brother discover my absence too quickly."

The Ostian spy was confused. "What? I thought I was going with you."

"You're a bigger fool than I imagined!" replied Hector. "Did you think I would trust my brother's spy? Who knows when you would turn me in for some favor! Where I go, I go alone!"

"Shh! You keep on shouting, and you'll go nowhere! Every guard in the palace must have heard that!"

"Enough…Do not try and follow me!"

"I did not imagine you would find me so untrustworthy. Professional hazard, it seems. Watch yourself, young master." And with that, Matthew slinked away and was gone.

"Huh? He…He gave up too easily." Hector was suspicious. "I don't trust him…The time has come…I've got to get out of here and rendezvous with Eliwood." He then examined the contents of the rucksacks, which baffled him. "These bags! What did Matthew put in these things? This is ridiculous even if he was packing for two!" Suddenly, he was alerted to someone's presence. "Huh? …Come out. I know you're there."

A cloaked figure that would be familiar to someone else appeared. He wielded a lance, and looked ready to skewer Hector with it.

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Kat just couldn't understand it how it happened.

Over the past year, Mark and Kat have traveled across the Lycia League (planning to go to Etruria next), lending their skills in quelling bandit raids, stopping usurpers, defending from other invaders, even thwarting a deadly necromancer before he (the necromancer) was killed by a wandering warrior named the "Sword Demon". Once in a while, they also sent letters to Lyn, and got letters in return. Somewhere along the way however, Kat got separated from Mark, but she was lucky enough to be with a soldier they 'commanded' before. The soldier was en route to Ostia, and Kat had to come along; she was still too young to travel on her own.

And fate decided to throw her a curveball. All of a sudden, on the way to Castle Ostia, Black Fang assassins appeared, and were apparently out to get her. She guessed that word of their involvement against them a year ago spread, and now they were after her and Mark for revenge. She and her companion were forced to split up, but for some reason, she got most of her pursuers.

Before long, Kat found herself inside the castle, though it obviously must've been a secret exit. There were a couple of rooms, and she could already hear the Black Fang closing in on her, and she would later discover that they were already here. Just as she opened a door, she was met with a familiar face; Matthew. But before she could say a word, he whisked her off.

"Shh!"

Quickly, evading the Black Fang, they made their way further inside.

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"Too dumb to speak?" Hector said to the mystery man in front of him, having gripped his Wolf Beil with one hand. "Makes no difference to me. Move out of my way, or I'll run you through!" When the stranger decided to charge him, Hector wasted no time in cutting him down. He then sensed another coming his way, and attacked. "Hah!"

But the blow was (thankfully) evaded. "Whoa! M-Milord! Stay your arm! It's me!"

"Who?" Upon stopping, he realized it was just— "Matthew? I was sure you were one of them."

"Well, I'm not! I'm one of me. And I would prefer to remain in one piece."

"Your fault for jumping out of nowhere," replied Hector. "Now tell me, what are you doing here?"

"Hm? I…I sensed that something was wrong and…came to your aid."

"My aid… I'll accept that answer for the time being." Hector then noticed somebody else who then came over.

"So, what should we do?"

The young Lord was confused with that question. "About what?"

"About the fellows between us and the way out. I'd say there are 7 or 8 of them. To make matters worse, they seem highly competent. I know you're quite confident in your martial abilities, but…I'm not the strongest sword arm around, and, well…"

"If you've something to say, Matthew, then say it!"

"We could abandon the rear entrance. I'm sure the royal guardsmen would be happy to aid us, and—"

Hector immediately cut him off. "Never!"

"That's what I thought you would say. All that's left is to avoid getting killed, right?"

"You can go back if you want."

Matthew gave a smile. "In your own words, milord, never. I'm with you, wherever that may lead."

"Right. Then let's give them a good thrashing and get out of here!"

"One more thing, milord. I almost forgot. There is somebody I want you to meet." On cue, after watching the path ahead for any Black Fang members, Matthew pulled her in and she was shortly face-to-face with who must be Lord Hector.

"Matthew, why did you bring this kid?"

"I'm older than I look, thank you," Kat automatically replied. She was getting tired of using that excuse, but she knew people won't take a 12-year-old girl seriously. "My name's Kat, I'm a tactician in training." She decided not to tell that the Black Fang were after her. Not yet.

"I saw her running away from the enemy. I happen to know her from the affair in Caelin last year, and she happened to run into me, so I decided to take her along."

"I'd like to offer my services to you, Lord Hector. No offense, but you don't look the kind who thinks things through enough." Hector just growled in response. "I'd just rather none of us die, that's all." And then with a flick of her arms, her dark judge brushes were brandished. She was starting to consider looking for another weapon to use; "Now let's get started."

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Hector proved to be an absolute beast in battle. The contingent of Soldiers, Archers, and Knights the Black Fang has dispatched proved to be no match for his axe skills. His armor was pretty durable, too, and in addition to his Wolf Beil, he had a couple of throwing axes, which he put to good use. Matthew was quick as always, cleaning up after Hector and Kat sometimes dispatched him to deal with weaker foes like Archers when Hector's busy with tougher ones. The Black Fang wasn't stupid though, and a few even attempted to attack her personally, but she was skilled enough to divert their attacks until either one of 'her' troops could get them off of her.

Hector was mildly impressed with her skill, and a little concerned that she seems to be desensitized to the dead enemies around them.

Kat also took the time to check Hector with the Alignment Compass (and explaining it to him; Matthew needed no explanation, as he already knew of it back when he was part of Lyndis's Legion). It read him as "Neutral Good", though the pointer leaned a bit on the Chaotic Good segment.

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As Matthew approached the way out, he found himself facing what was apparently the ringleader of this contingent. A red armored Knight whom Kat would later identify via Scan by the name Wire, and he was ready for combat.

"The Ostian spy," said Wire. "Why did you return?"

"I've known you were here for some time," Matthew replied as he twirled his knife, ready to attack a weak spot as soon as the Knight made a move. "I also knew you were after Lord Hector, not me. You're all professional assassins. You wait for your chance, and you don't miss it. You were waiting for me to leave Lord Hector alone. That's when you were planning to attack, right?

"Ah… So that's why you came back, is it? I was sure you'd gone back to play with the guards."

"If I had, I would've taken Lord Hector with me. No matter what it took."

"Cheeky fellow, aren't you? But you're out of your league."

Matthew grew wary. "How so?"

"You think to challenge me? Prepare to die, you witless fool!" And with that, Wire has already thrust his lance forward.

"Ghaa…" The Thief was quick to dodge, but his foe was surprisingly fast for a Knight and already he was about to get hit again. (1)

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"Ooh, I should seriously get a different weapon," Kat commented while Matthew scouted ahead. "These brushes have so little range, and are no good against multiple foes. But I don't want a staff like Mark, and I don't want to kill either. Not personally, at least."

"Why would you want to be out in the field, anyway?" asked Hector. "Shouldn't tacticians be—"

"While those types of tacticians still exist where I come from, a new practice is on the rise for on-the-field types like myself and my brother Mark. This way, we can relay commands much quicker. Of course, this runs the risk of putting ourselves in danger, so we're also taught weapon use."

"Okay. But what's with your…um, 'weapons'?"

Before she could answer that, they noticed Matthew slowly trudge over…and slump over in pain.

"Matthew!" both of them cried out as they ran over to him. Upon closer inspection, after parting his cloak, they could see that the Thief has suffered a deep wound on the side of his stomach, and it was already deep red with spilt blood.

"Armored…Knight…ahead…" Those were Matthew's words before he slipped into unconsciousness.

"Hector! Go deal with whoever did this!" Kat ordered. "I'll tend to Matthew."

The axe-wielder made to argue, but something in her voice warded off any such ideas. Nodding, he took off, while the young tactician bent down to inspect the wound, after setting down Matthew to a safe position.

Okay. He's still breathing, but I have to fix this wound now. Dammit, too severe for a vulnerary. No choice. Sorry, Mark. With that, Kat lay her hands over Matthew's wound and invoked a spell. A green glow began to emanate from her hands.

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While Kat was tending to Matthew, Hector was on his way to meet (in combat with) Wire.

"You're not Marquess Laus's assassins, are you?" deduced the axe-wielding Lord. "You're too good, too professional. Nothing like those idiots over there." He nudged his head to behind him.

"You've no need to know, little Lord Hector," Wire replied. "A fool like you, sneaking out of the country alone… You'll go missing, never to return." He chuckled at that. "Your body will never be found. Tidy story, eh? Ha ha…"

Hector just shook his head at that. "Tsk tsk… Looks like your luck's run out."

"Our luck?" Wire was confused. "What are you…"

"You see, I'm about as angry as I've ever been. I doubt that even a dozen of you could slow me down. Prepare to die!" And Hector charged, bringing his axe down on Wire…who diverted the blow by swinging the head of his lance at the weapon, diverting the blow. The Knight followed through on his momentum by attempting to use the other end to trip up Hector, but the axe-wielder saw it coming and jumped away.

Wire thrust his lance forward again, which Hector deftly evaded as he brought down the Wolf Beil on it, not quite breaking the lance, then slid it across its length before jamming it into Wire's armor, the momentum piercing through it. Not stopping there, Hector used his free hand to grab a throwing axe, and brought it down on Wire's helmet, getting through it and creating a fatal gash in the Knight's head.

"Fuh…Fuh…Forgive me…Lord… Nergal…" Those were Wire's last words before he died. Hector was a little confused, but he took note of that as he removed his weapons from the foe's body and made his way back to Kat and Matthew. And what he saw made him gape in awe.

From the looks of it, Kat's hands were glowing green for a moment before it faded, Matthew's wound was already closed up, and Matthew himself was waking up. Whatever she did, it seems that somehow she did the healing without using a vulnerary or a Heal staff wielded by Clerics, Priests, and Bishops under St. Elimine. And judging by her reaction upon seeing Hector, it looked like she didn't want to be seen doing it.

"What kind of healing was that, Kat?" Hector asked.

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Kat explained to Hector (and Matthew) that her healing spell wasn't derived from St. Elimine's blessings, but from the gift of nature back where she came from. She claims she's shy in showing it to others, and that it's always best to withhold as many advantages as possible until it's absolutely needed. Matthew's critical situation (Wire had been pretty damn lucky to even hit him at all, let alone at the stomach) was one of those "absolutely needed" times. And she's not eager to share her secret until a time comes when she absolutely has to, or when her brother Mark permits it. Soon, the trio prepared to leave the castle, organizing their supplies.

"Whew…That was close," Matthew gave a sigh of relief. "Glad we're both all right."

"Thanks to me," added Kat. "I couldn't let you…" She shook her head, not wanting to finish her words. While she can say them, she thought them unnecessary to say.

"Come, milord, we must fly! The castle guard must have heard all the noise."

"Matthew, you rogue," said Hector. "You knew this was all going to happen, didn't you?"

"What else could I do? Those assassins wouldn't show themselves until you were alone."

"I suppose…" Hector then turned to Kat. "You staying with us?"

"I believe it's for the best," agreed the tactician. "At least until I find my brother Mark. After that, we'll see."

Hector nodded, then turned to the Thief/Ostian spy. "Mark my words, Matthew! You're coming with me. But from this point forward, you are no longer my brother's spy. You are my man now, to the bitter end."

Matthew seemed eager at that. "Yes, milord! Shall I swear a knightly vow?"

"To what purpose? Your own words will hold you well enough."

"True enough!"

"Let us go then! To Eliwood!"

"Right!" agreed Kat.

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At the throne room of Castle Ostia, a soldier ran inside to address Lord Uther. Oswin stood nearby. "My lord! Marquess! It's Lord Hector! He's—"

But the marquess already knew the answer. "He's gone, isn't he?"

"Ye…Yes, milord! We are gathering men now to give chase."

"Attend me. We will let him go."

This confused the soldier. "Milord?" But the marquess's words were order and he decided to salute before leaving.

"A…Headstrong fool…Oooh…" He was overtaken by a fit of coughing.

"Lord Uther! Are you well?" Oswin asked.

"…I'm fine. It has passed. There is no need for concern."

"You must not rely so much on physical strength alone," the Knight advised. "It has been most trying these past few weeks. The affairs of the court have not let you sleep. You might endanger your health if you keep on…"

"Yes, Oswin. I understand. I will speak with a physician on the morrow. Will that allay your fears?"

Oswin nodded. "Yes, my lord. I shall make the arrangements."

"Oswin…About Hector…I can entrust him to you, yes?"

"Of course, my lord. I will guard him with my very life's blood."

As soon as he was ready, he took off, but not before bringing along a Cleric; where Lord Hector was headed was danger, and a healer was important to have for these situations.

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(O) Hector Braveheart

Marquess Ostia's younger brother. He's rather reckless, but he's loyal. He's the friend of Lord Eliwood, whom we ran into last year.

X Wire

An hitman sent to assassinate Lord Hector, and likely the Marquess of Ostia as well. He apparently serves a guy named "Lord Nergal". Who could that be?

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(1) I had to take a few liberties here. After all, Knights are rarely fast. But I wanted to have that conversation Matthew had with Wire. In game, that could spell death for Matthew, and most players would just sic Hector on Wire as soon as possible.

(2) I know Wire's supposed to be a wimp by virtue of being a first chapter boss, but I felt that wouldn't be quite as entertaining. I did sort of did the same with Batta, though not with Groznyi.

nightelf37: See ya on Third!