Tatsu: I got a new reader! Awesome! And it's nice to still have people reading through it. Although, I've reached a crisis. I got Harken this time, playing through Hector's story. He's cool though. Damn it all. I guess I should bring him in… maybe I should leave out Geitz? NO, I'll just do two chapters for Pale Flower of Darkness, I suppose. This'll be interesting, as now I have another guy with pairings. Curse it all… oh well. I'll probably change it so He and Isadora aren't engaged, though. Well, I'll get to it when I get to it. Now, onto the chapter!

Tatsu: Alrighty! I know that the last chapter was a little… off story, but still, it worked.

Serra: But you made me seem like some kind of Demon!

Tatsu: You mean you aren't?

Serra: (Hits) I'm a Cleric! I'm sweet! I'm defenseless!

Tatsu: Ow… that's not defenseless.

Serra: (Hits again) Just tell them the pairings!

Tatsu: (rubbing head) Right… for Bartre we got Karla.

Serra: Now tell them this week's!

Tatsu: I'm the author here! (Gets hit again) FINE! God, I'm going to get Erk to fry you…

Serra: But Erky-poo loves me! He'd never—

Erk: I wouldn't, would I?

Serra: ERKY! (Grabs)

Erk: You owe me.

Tatsu: Yes… I suppose I do.

Serra: PAIRINGS!

Tatsu: ALRIGHT! This week is Lowen!

Serra: And I get to start the chapter! Aren't you all lucky that I do this for you?

Erk: You are the most deranged…

Serra: I know you love me!

Tatsu: She sounds too much like a friend of mine… Start the chapter already!

Serra: Here comes Chapter 13: Poisons and Antidotes!

Chapter 13: Poisons and Antidotes

"Alright then, I'll tell you."

Once again, I found myself in her company. We had even met with Nino together. She never seemed to be far. A strange girl, that Maria, spy of Ostia.

I told her my plans. Nils and Ninian were to be freed. I knew how to do it, too. I knew the whole layout of Valor. Wasn't that hard, as I was shown the maps of it. I was the strategist. No one expected the strategist to turn tail, much less betray them.

"…You've gotten better."

"Think so?"

"…yes. You are trying harder. That's good."

"Thanks Jaffar."

I was trying my best to become good with the sword. At least I didn't drop them anymore. My plans moved forward, with adjustments here and there thanks to Maria.

Of course, at this time Mark began acting more oddly. He always tried to drag me away when I was near Maria, which meant it happened most of the time. I don't know why. I suspected he knew she was a spy. But then… he never attacked her.

Of course, our team had now become feared across Elibe. There were warning posters out on it, even. A reward was offered for information leading to us, or for any one of us, dead or alive.

Will was still asleep. He had been for quite some time now. His sleep was only punctuated by groans or tossing and turning. He was obviously still in pain. Erk had said the magic had been tainted. But really… that Mark WAS tainted. But they were still worried.

At this moment, Kent, Sain, and Wil were preparing food. They seemed to be doing this a lot. Erk was outside the Tent, reading his books so fast, that he was bound to run out by the end of the night.

Serra was inside, though she merely talked most of the time. Will's hand had healed. The poison was still in it, though. Erk had told them he'd be fine, but…

"Why hasn't he woken up?" Lyn asked angrily, cutting off Serra's tirade about how bandits had no consideration for who they were attacking. Of course, Erk had only come in to tell her to shut up five other times. This worked much better.

"Well… he just got beaten up by that M-Mark… and he came tumbling down the hill. He was bleeding a lot t-too. I don't know how he was still w-willing to fight that man…" Florina said quietly, shuddering.

"Easy." Dorcas said, and everyone looked at him. "You heard him. That man killed someone he cared for. Revenge is something that drives people more than anything else. But it is also the worst for them."

"But how does he know that man? Who is Maria?" Lyn asked, frustrated at the lack of knowledge of her friend.

"It probably has to do with that." Dorcas said, nodding to Will's left sleeve.

Without thinking, Serra pulled it up. "Ugh… What an ugly burn…" She said, but Dorcas's face darkened. Florina looked surprised, Lyn looked slightly confused, and Erk, who had entered, looked as he usually did. Impassible.

"He's Black Fang." Dorcas said, itching to reach for his axe.

"No way… he's never acted like one. I can't believe it…" Florina said.

"Who are these Black Fang?" Lyn asked. The tent was suddenly very crowded, as Kent, Sain, and Wil entered. For a moment they all were cramped, until they moved outside, leaving Serra and Erk to tend to Will.

"The Black Fang… you found out, did you?" Sain asked, and everyone nodded.

"Sain, what are you talking about?" Lyn asked.

"Will already told us, first night we met him." Kent said, which was received with some gasps, and a couple of raised eyebrows.

"You may have already noticed the small AD under the BF burned into his arm." Sain said, looking around the circle.

"An Angel." Dorcas said, horrified. "He's the Angel of Despair. Mark said it when they fought."

Florina couldn't help but pipe up. "But that makes no sense! If Will is the Angel of Despair, why fight his Comrade? Mark is the Angel of Deceit, after all… if what I heard is true, I mean..."

Lyn spoke up. "It must have something to do with that Maria person… he was yelling something about Mark killing her."

Wil nodded. "The official announcement was she was killed by Ostia on a mission for the Black Fang. Will, better known as the Angel of Despair, vanished from the Fang after that. The Angel Squad ceased to exist… and our Will appeared."

Dorcas growled. "He's still part of them. We should drive him off before he has us killed!"

Kent shook his head. "Do not forget. We have asked him to lead us to Caelin. He has not given us bad advice so far."

Sain was also on his side. "He told us Mark was involved, too. He thought Mark was the reason Lundgren found out about you so quickly."

Lyn nodded. "I…"

Dorcas cut her off. "I don't know if I trust a member of the Fang, but he was the one that asked me to help out while he was injured. I suppose I should trust him. I'll keep an eye on him, though."

Sain and Kent nodded. It was the response they had given to him, and he had accepted it without a complaint. He expected it. But it must feel bad to be watched like that.

"He's never done anything but help me. He's never tried to hurt me. I'd like to trust him as well." Florina said, blushing slightly.

"We share the same tent. I reckon if he wanted me dead, I'd already be lying on the ground. Not breathing, either." Wil said, cheerfully. Everyone shook their heads.

"He doesn't seem like a bad guy. He only wants to see you through safely." Erk said, suddenly appearing. He looked at Lyn. "He's awake now."

Lyn nodded, and got up. She wanted to talk to him. Florina also went with her. Serra exited as they were about to enter.

"I tried to heal that burn of his, but he laughed me off. He said that MY magic was in itself tainted. How rude!"

They couldn't help but chuckle, as Serra went to vent at Erk, who was reading his book again, oblivious to all she said. Sain and Kent were once again cooking dinner. Wil and Dorcas were gathering more firewood, their weapons ready to try and find some more food if they could get it.

Florina and Lyn entered the tent, and Will looked up.

Before I knew it, my plan had morphed to include her too. It was obvious she'd be punished if they found her out. I couldn't have that at all.

"I want no one to suffer for my sake."

She laughed, and said that to include her in my plans; she got to include me in her plans.

"And… what plans are those?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

"You and the kids come with me to Ostia!" She said, cheerily.

"Why would I do that?"

"Because, you should meet Lord Uther, and Lord Hector. Oh, and you definitely must meet my sister!"

"Why?"

"Duh! That way you'll be safe! And you can help Ostia beat these guys up!"

I thought her view was a little bit overly optimistic, but I laughed anyway.

"Fine. I'll do as you ask."

"Okay, now let's get something to drink!"

"What?"

"Oh come on, you can't think if you're thirsty! Let's get something to drink!"

She dragged me out of the room, her hand firmly grasping mine. I simply followed, not knowing that I was actually smiling, for the first time in a long while.

I didn't know then, that Mark had seen my smile. Or us holding hands like we were the best of friends. I didn't know then that his thoughts turned evil, as they must've always been.

"That witch! Tainting Will with her words… she'll probably go for others next… I must stop this… and Bring Will back to me! Without her… he will be perfect again. There is no need for such petty emotions! No need for a thing like happiness in our world of blood!"

The wall next to him shattered from a flux spell. I never guessed he had done that. I was stupid not to know things were going to well. I was stupid to think… stupid to hope… stupid to dream.

"Hi." Will said, smiling slightly. Florina and Lyn couldn't help but smile back.

"You doing better?" Florina asked, as they sat themselves near him.

"You kidding? I just found out I've been poisoned. I know that Mark has the antidote. To tell the truth, I've been better." He said, waving his hand, now with a clear, thin scar on it, at the two of them.

"Well…" She said, blushing. Will cut her off.

"I know. Other than that, I am better. Guess I owe Serra." He said, smiling.

"They're going to travel with us to Caelin." Lyn said.

"I had a feeling, since they were here when I woke up. Tell them double thanks for that." Both of them nodded. "Erk's magic has proven most useful. Serra's healing, while it costs sanity points, is also good to have." They laughed in spite of themselves.

Dorcas smiled in spite of himself as well. "Seems they're going to be okay. Dunno why, but I'd hate to lose Will. He's useful."

Everyone nodded. "By the way…" Wil said. "What was the final score?"

Serra spoke up for Erk before he could quiet her. "Erky got one hundred!"

Sain sighed. "I failed then. I only got ninety-eight."

Kent shook his head as well. "I come in with ninety-three."

Wil smiled. "Well, at least I didn't get last! I got ninety-five!"

Dorcas shook his head. "You know that next time everyone will be counting?"

Erk sighed. He knew this all too well. Serra would count for him whether he wanted her to or not.

"The Lady Lyndis will beat us all easily." Sain said, and both Kent and Wil nodded. Dorcas shrugged.

"She'll never beat Erky!" Serra chimed in with a sing-song voice, clinging to his neck, as he continued to ignore her and read his book. He had become very good at this within one week of being her escort.

"You know now, huh?" Will asked, lifting his left arm in disgust. Both Lyn and Florina nodded, not sure what else to do. He shrugged it off.

"I knew it would come out in the end. I just planned to tell you myself when the time came." He said.

"What time was that?" Lyn asked.

"When you were reunited with your grandfather. It would be easier to hear, 'get out of my face,' then, rather than now." They continued to look confused. "What, you aren't mad?"

Lyn shook her head. "Why should I be? You've helped us out so much."

Will sighed. "Thank god. I thought you'd want to kill me after what happened. I mean, I left the Fang right after it, but…" He looked up, saddened. "Those bastards killed your whole tribe. The Black Fang pulls their strings. I'm just…" Lyn had gotten up.

"What?" She said, her voice full of fury.

"Did Kent and Sain not tell you?" Will asked, taken aback.

"The Taliver…" She said, her voice ringing with anger. "Are part of your group?"

"No." He said. "They are Mark's puppets. But I was part of his team for a while. I had to deceive him for a little longer. The plan had to work."

"What plan?" Lyn asked, her eyes on fire now. Will just answered her, eyes closed. He didn't realize how close he was to death at that moment.

"My plan to save the kids. I used the aftermath of the fight Mark had against the Lorca to put it into action. We succeeded, but somehow Mark found us. He killed Maria…" He trailed off, opening his eyes as he felt Lyn's blade on his chest.

"You used my family and my tribe's deaths to save two measly people?!?!" She said, angrily.

"Lyn, stop!" Florina said, pulling Lyn back, which was surprising considering Lyn was so much stronger.

"I already told you. I was a selfish bastard like everyone else. I only cared for those near me. I didn't care about those that I didn't think I'd ever meet. I now know that I was very wrong to think such a thing."

Lyn was sitting next to him still, her sword placed on her knees. Florina was giving her frightened glances now and then.

"Why do you say that?" She said, and her voice was level. Florina still was keeping a close eye on her sword, though.

"I met you, didn't I?" He said, and smiled. "Someone that was thought to be dead. I met Kent and Sain, who said they would trust me in spite of my past. I met Florina, who is fun to train. I found Wil, who's the best shot I've ever seen, and a good friend to me already. I found Dorcas, who's an amazing person as well."

Florina blushed slightly when he mentioned her. "And now I've met Serra, the haughty Cleric, and Erk, the Mage prodigy. If I didn't care for those nameless people now… how will I ever meet them in the future?"

Lyn put her sword down. "I believe you. You aren't a bad person. Not anymore." Will smiled.

"But you might not have much longer." She added, frowning

"I do. As long as I don't fight, and we get to Caelin in time, we'll get the cure." Will said simply. They both looked at each other briefly, and then back at him.

"But how can you be so sure?" Florina asked, worried.

"Mark is pulling Lundgren's strings. He'll be there. He has the cure. I know it." Will said, clenching his fist.

They didn't question him any more. He closed his eyes shortly after, and went back to sleep.

"He's okay." Lyn announced to the silent campfire, and it broke out almost at once into relieved laughter, and jokes about how tense they had been. They had been slightly worried that Lyn would send him away, but she hadn't. They'd continue on schedule. Caelin was getting closer by the day.

"Will said to be ready to move out in the morning, because we've still got a long way to go." Florina said, and everyone nodded. They decided to eat, then get some sleep themselves before they marched again.

Will smiled, hearing the activity of the camp in the background. "You were right Maria… Being free is a lot better than that stuffy place. If only Jaffar and Nino knew…" He said, and then dropped off to sleep.

In the morning Will seemed a bit too cheerful to them, considering his condition. But with that huge weight off his chest, he must've felt better. They decided not to question it, and just moved on their way.

The bald man sighed, looking at the official looking letter in his hand. He had several questions to ask the sender, but he had a feeling his questions would be answered in the next letter. Yes… He'd wait for that one.

Of course, it could be a long time for the next one to arrive. He shook his head, sparing another glance to the official looking armor on the wall. He walked outside, to tend to his fields.

Matthew had finally reached the heart of Araphen. Once again, he had proved himself. "How's that, Leila? Think you can top my time?" He said, glancing at the position of the sun.

"Only five days and a half, by my reckoning. Wonder if she's ever done better. Bet she has…" He said, wrinkling his nose. He looked around the square. "Maybe I can fill my pockets with things these people don't need… just to pass the time."

Of course, he only said that. He really just walked into the inn, paid for a room, and then went to sleep. He still had a bit of time, and he wanted to be in top form.

Rath rode thorough the town, giving small nods to the people all around. They all looked cheerful enough, but he heard them muttering whenever he turned around.

He doubted it was about him. He thought it had something to do with the Marquess, who often treated him as though he were a glass ball, and the smallest crack could break him. This was ridiculous, of course.

He was Sacaen.

"The wind blows my way… fate seems to be upon its wings… A strange manner of fate." He uttered so quietly, that not even his horse could hear him. Not that anyone but him could have understand what it meant. He just smiled, and continued on his way.

"WHAT?!?!" Lord Lundgren yelled. Mark rubbed his ears. The man was rather loud when he wanted to be. "She crossed the border?!?!" He said, through teeth so tight, it was a wonder they didn't shatter under the strain.

"Yes…" He said, handing another Rose, this one white, to the Lord, who immediately was sent into a glassy eyed state.

"They are headed to Araphen, my lord." He said, smiling. "But the tactician is poisoned. And without this Antidote…" He said, putting the purple vial in his lap. "The tactician will die. I leave it to you."

Lundgren nodded. "Shall I send soldiers to meet them, Lord Mark?"

"That would be wise." He said, and turned, walking from the hall. All the soldiers gave him a wide berth. They didn't like this man.

"Well? Hurry it up! Kill that Sacaen Mongrel! Attack her with everything we've got!" He held the rose, muttering something to himself.

"Lord Mark was right… The Old Man and the Girl cling to life like a drowning man to a rock." He turned to his attendant. "Double the strength of the poison."

"But My lord!" The servant said.

"DO IT." Lundgren growled. "If he struggles, hold him down and pour it down his throat! You get it?"

The servant bowed, and left. Lundgren was left on the throne, twirling the rose idly in his hand. "Once the Girl is gone, no one will stand in my way… NO ONE!" And he laughed. One that by no means matched Mark's, but one that caused the soldiers slight fear for their lord's sanity none the less.

Tatsu: Well, that's it.

Serra: How dare you give me a shorter chapter!

Tatsu: You deserve it.

Serra: Oh, do I? (Eyes flash)

Tatsu: Maybe… (Whacked)

Serra: I'll give them the pairings, if you don't mind.

Tatsu: whatever,

Serra: This week, it's 1) Fellow knight, Isadora. 2) Friend n Danger, Rebecca. 3) Shy Pegasus rider, Florina.

Tatsu: For Lowen, in case you forgot. Or are too lazy to scroll up.

Serra: Lowen is Boring.

Tatsu: you're annoying. (Whacked again)

Serra: Now what was that, Tatsu dear?

Tatsu: You sound way too much like Aya-chan… just give them the preview!

Serra: Okay! Next time I won't be on, so you shouldn't care!

Tatsu: SERRA!

Serra: (Huffs) Fine. Next Time: Chapter 14: Blood of Pride!

Tatsu: RRRV for me! Don't let me have suffered for nothing!

Serra: Did you say something?

Tatsu: maybe…

Serra: TATSU!

Tatsu: (runs)

P.S.: Don't worry, Serra didn't kill me. I know this chapter wasn't as long as the last one, but what do you expect? No one is perfect. I hope you all keep reading! And I hope you write or update your own stories soon! I enjoy reading and reviewing as much as you do! I'll go play FE and kill Serra for revenge now…