A/N: So, has anybody else besides me noticed that in almost every Fire Emblem game that Anna's been in starting with Awakening, her companion/love interest/boyfriend Jake hasn't been mentioned or heard from? Seriously, Jake hasn't been seen in a while. I know it allows the player's Avatar to be with Anna safely, but it's still something that I feel is noticeable by players of the older Fire Emblem games.

Why am I mentioning this when you know this is a support chapter? Well, I wanted to also address that with a couple of Anna's supports, especially with Howe.

Howe and Company Supports, Round 1

Howe placed the last crate down for the redheaded merchant. "That's everything."

"Thanks, Captain," Anna smiled. "I can handle getting the rest of my stand set up."

"You have a lot of goods, here, Anna," Howe observed. "Where do you keep getting all of these?"

"Oh, being a secret-seller has its advantages," Anna explained. "That and my huge family. Anna had some great deals the last time I talked to her. Oh, and Anna fixed my bow, so it will be a lot better the next time we get into a battle thanks to you."

"Right," Howe said. "...Hey, Anna, are you going to tell me about the other Annas?"

"Are you going to tell me why you passed me over as your Vice Captain?" Anna questioned back.

"What?" Howe asked.

"I'm sorry, but I'm curious," Anna said. "You see that I have a great deal of supplies, weapons, armors, potions, all of those things that neither of your other two picks could provide you as quickly or with such good quality. I've listened to your problems. I even let you sleep with one of my sisters with no complaints when you needed a nightcap. I'd be a DAMN good number two. So why didn't you?"

"Oh, that," Howe said. "To put it frankly, Anna, while you are very qualified, I just don't really know you as well as I should, especially considering the fact that you DID do the whole twin switch with said sister. I honestly thought you and I had a thing, but it was someone else. Add in the fact that you also prioritize money, and well, I don't know what the minimum amount of zeros you'd require to betray me. I needed someone who runs a tighter, more loyal ship."

"...Fair enough," Anna frowned. "But Captain, if you want my loyalty in writing, I'll gladly give it to you."

"For how much is this written promise?" Howe joked. Both he and Anna laughed at that remark.

"Okay, okay," Anna said. "Well, I guess a deal's a deal. You gave a fair reason, so I'll tell you about my family." She inhaled, and then explained, "Well, as you know, my sisters and I are remarkably similar-looking girls who are all merchants. And also, we're all Outrealmers."

"Explains the lackluster Giussean accent and the small, exotic wares you had when you first joined Dilazak's crew."

"We spread throughout the Outrealms, determined to get a profit," Anna explained. "But some Annas have gone native like my oldest sister who is in Orobia leading her own clan of Romani. And then there's Anna from the Order of Heroes in Askr, being their Commander. I think there were Annas in Ylisse, Aytolis, and the kingdoms of Hoshido, Nohr, and Valla taking an active role in the war like I am. I'm pretty sure, with the exception of Valentia, there's been an Anna everywhere throughout time and space."

"Those are places I've hardly heard of," Howe said. "Perhaps one day, I'll sail their seas."

"Yeah, don't tell my sisters I told you this," Anna said. "We Annas have a code about stepping on each other's toes when it comes to profits. Do NOT do business in another Anna's territory… at least, not without her permission. I had to clear it with Anna in Orobia that I could occasionally sell my wares, here. And she tends to stick to Rusnad and Upril, so I usually have Ustros and Cruibia."

"That makes sense," Howe said. "What about Annas in other parts of this world, like Xuhua and Argelia?"

"There are Annas there, too," Anna shrugged. "But they tend to go to other worlds, as well."

"Okay," Howe said. "And your sister that comforted me during that one-night stand…?"

"She's currently in another Outworld," Anna answered. "Alright, I believe we've done enough of an exchange. Now, I'll see you at the end of the day, Captain. Mama's got some customers to attend to."

"Right, right," Howe said. He then walked past Anna, accidentally knocking something out of her pocket. "Huh?" He bent down, and spotted a ring. "Hey, Anna…."

"Huh?" Anna questioned. She then gasped. "Jake!"

"Jake?" Howe asked. The ring was quickly swiped out of his hands by her.

"Oh, thank the gods!" Anna sighed. "I was so afraid this would be lost…."

"Anna… who is Jake?" Howe questioned. Anna looked back at him, surprisingly serious.

"Sorry, Captain, but that's a door that's closed up for right now." She then turned away, and said, "Now please… I think you ought to clear out. You may scare the customers, and Mama needs to get her game face on."

"Alright, fine," Howe said. "But you know where to find me if you want to talk, Anna." Howe then left her be, while Anna clutched the ring. A tear slipped down her face.

"...Jake, I still love you…."

Howe and Anna have reached Support Level C.

The two Xuhuans looked out at the sea from the deck of the Sabine. Kairi turned to Torio, and said, "Anata wa watashitachi ga kisaki-ko-hi-ko to issho ni ita hazudatta to omoimasu ka {Do you think we should have stayed with Princess Fumiko}?"

Torio, not looking at Kairi, answered, "Watashitachiha kyaputenhau-san ni fusō-hi ko Kumiko no tasuke o karite hensai suru koto ni shimashita. Tashika ni, Argelia no tame ni hataraku koto wa kitai sa rete imasendeshitaga, soreha riten ga arimasu {We decided to repay Captain Howe for his help saving Princess Fumiko, Kairi. Sure, working for Argelia wasn't expected, but it does have its advantages}."

"Shiriasuhau ga watashitachi o heikin shite 1-nichi 2-kai ijō no shi no kiken ni sara shite iru to iu jijitsu no ta ni, anata wa imi shimasu ka {You mean besides the fact that Sirius Howe has put us in mortal danger no less than twice a day on average}?"

"Captain Hau no sābisu de Xuhua o daihyō suru watashitachi to issho ni, Xuhua to Argelia ga sensōniiku kanōsei wa hikuku narimasu {With us representing Xuhua in Captain Howe's service, the likelihood that Xuhua and Argelia will go to war decreases}," Tori explained. "Watashitachiha, kono yō ni furusato o yori yoku hogo suru koto ga dekimasu {We're better able to protect our homeland this way}."

" San Dragon enperā to watashi no senzo-tachi o fumeiyo ni shi, koroshita otoko no mago no tame ni hataraku koto ni yotte {By working for the grandson of the man who dishonored and killed the Sun Dragon Emperor and my ancestors}," Kairi finished.

"Sore wa hijō ni shinjitsudesu, Kairi {That is very true, Kairi}," Torio admitted with a frown. He placed a hand on the myrmidon's shoulder. "Watashi wa anata ga novu~anhau no shita koto ni taisuru fukushū o nozonde iru koto o rikai shite ori, Shiriusu wa sore no tame no saizen no sakudesu. Shikashi, kore made ijō ni nintai-ryoku o hyōgen shinakereba narimasen {I understand that you want revenge for what Novan Howe did, and Sirius is the best bet for it. But you must express patience now, more than ever}."

"Anata wa dokusho o shimashita ka {You did a reading, didn't you}?" Kairi realized.

"Hai, watashi wa shimashita {Yes, I did}," Torio admitted. "Soshite, koreha, āseria no sensō doryoku kara no kainin ga anata no shi ni kaeru made, Hau no kazoku ni anata no kazoku no fukushū o seiritsu sa seru no o matte inai genjitsu no ikanaru bājon demo iimashita. Anata ga kanzen ni shippai shi, kyaputen Hau ga jieitai de korosa reta baai, kyaputen Hau no koto o kinisuru shōsū no hitobito ni yotte hotondo sokuji ni shokei sa remasuga, tsuikyū shita baai, kutsujoku-tekide fumeiyona shi o okashita to iu jijitsu wa kawarimasen kono toki no anata no fukushū {And it said this: any version of reality that you do not wait to enact your family's revenge upon the Howe family until after his dismissal from Argelia's war effort will result in your death. Whether you fail completely and are killed by Captain Howe in self-defense or you are almost immediately executed by the few people who CARE about Captain Howe varies, but it doesn't change the fact that you have a humiliating and dishonorable death if you pursue your revenge at this time}."

"Dakara watashi wa kare o ikasenakereba naranai nodesu ka? Kare no sofu ga shita koto to kare ni mukatte iru fumeiyo no nochi de {So I have to let him live? After what his grandfather did and the dishonor going to him}?" Kairi complained.

"Chōdo ima wa, sukunakutomo {Just for now, at least}," Torio assured her. "Puraiyā wa, Arujeria teikoku ni yotte nomi hogo sa rete imasu. Sore made ni Captain Hau ni taisuru fukushū o nozomunara, Argelians ga mohaya kare to kare no sutairu no tatakai o ki ni shinaku natta toki ni jiyū ni toru koto ga dekimasu {Keep in mind, a privateer is only protected by the Argelian Empire for so long. If you still wish for revenge against Captain Howe by then, you'll be free to take it when the Argelians no longer care for using him and his style of warfare}." He then shrugged. "Shikashi, dare ga shitte iru? Osoraku kyaputenhau wa, Arujeria hito ga kare to issho ni yatta toki made ni anata no kawaki o iyashite kurerudeshou {But who knows? Maybe Captain Howe will wear down your thirst for revenge by the time the Argelians are done with him}."

Kairi gasped. "Watashi wa sugu ni kare no tame ni jibun no jinsei o oku junbi ga dekite iru to itte imasu ka? Aruiwa warui, kare no tame ni ochiru {Are you saying that I may soon be prepared to lay down my life for him? Or worse, fall for him}?"

Torio shook his head. "Īe, watashi no yūjin. Shiriasu Hau ga nōban Hau to onaji kurai waruku wanai koto ga sugu wakaru kamo shirenai to itte iru dakedesu {No, my friend. I'm just saying that we may soon come to see that Sirius Howe is not as bad as Novan Howe}." He and Kairi then noticed the rest of the crew coming back aboard. "Watashitachiha kono kaiwa o atode tsudzukenakereba naranai yōdesu {It seems we'll have to continue this conversation later}."

"Watashi wa, watashitachiha, Torio to omou {I guess we will, Torio}," Kairi concluded.

Kairi and Torio have reached Support Level C.

"Step right up, ladies and gentlemen!" Anna called to the crowd at her stand, the apothecary grinning with her family's signature smile. "See the wares of the legendary healer, Anna!"

"Anna," Piper questioned, walking forward, "what are you doing?"

"Hey, no cutting in line!" one of the people of the crowd complained.

"It's okay, she's with me," Anna assured the patron. Turning to Piper, she said, "Well, we may technically work for Howe, these days, but I'd be a TERRIBLE Anna if I didn't practice our family's craft!"

Piper waited for the crowd to disperse, and Anna began counting her money, before approaching her again. "Yeah, I've been meaning to ask, Anna: is it really true that you have MULTIPLE sisters, also named Anna?"

"Yep!" Anna smiled.

"How many of them are there?"

"How many Fire Emblem games are there, including spin-offs?"

"What?"

"Look," Anna said, "if this is about your crush on Howe, don't worry. I told all of you, I'm NOT the one who slept with him. But after my fiancée, died, I HAVE been with a gypsy who has been with Howe, which is kind of how I met Howe, and is more or less friends with benefits."

"This has nothing to do with that!" Piper said, although she was blushing "And wait, you were going to be married!?"

"Yeah," Anna said with a frown, "I probably should not have mentioned that." Very quickly changing the subject, she said, "So, what can I do for you to avoid discussing that topic? Because fair warning: shop will close if you TRY to press that right now, Piper."

"Okay, I get it, you don't wanna talk about our love lives," Piper said. "No need to beat that horse." She then said, "Well I'll put it nice and simple: you're late."

"...What?" Anna questioned.

"You and I were supposed to be doing some combat training about half an hour ago!" Piper explained. "I get that we were merchants, but we're not just merchants, anymore. We're privateers!"

"Oh, right, the war," Anna sighed. "And I did get you to pay for a sparring partner, didn't I? Sorry, Piper, I forgot about that."

"Well, no harm done, I worked on my practice swings the first twenty minutes," Piper said. "Then my stances. Then I gave up waiting for you."

"Okay," Anna said. "Let me tear down, and I'll give you a FREE sparring session next time!"

"Deal," Piper smiled. "Let me help."

Anna and Piper have reached Support Level C.

Vladmir looked out at the Orobian deserts in his bat form. He sighed before flying down to the ground, and turning back to his more humanoid form. He then spotted Adem approaching. "İyi günler, papaz. Seninle bir dakika konuşabilir miyim {Good day, Pastor. Can I talk to you for a moment}?"

Adem asked, "Ah, Vladmir. Son savaşımızı tartışmak ister misin? Eminim Cydris günahlarınızı bağışlamaya istekli olmayacaktı {Ah, Vladmir. You wish to discuss our last battle? I'm sure Cydris would be more than willing to forgive your sins}."

"Hayır bu değil. Şu anda üzerinde tartıştığımız şey hakkında konuşmak istiyorum: Orobia {No, not that. I want to talk about what we're currently fighting over: Orobia}," Vladmir explained. "İmparatorluğun böyle parlak, kumlu bir yeri fethetmesi gerekiyor mu? Orobian uluslarında alabileceğimiz herhangi bir şey, neredeyse her yerde olabiliriz. Ve buradaki toprak, halkım için yeterince iyi bir çevreye yakın değil {Does the Empire really need to conquer such a bright, sandy place such as this? Anything we can get in the Orobian nations, we can get almost anywhere else. And the land here is nowhere near good enough of an environment for my people}."

"Evet, Argelia'nın yarasa klanları daha çok ... çevreleriyle seçicidir, değil mi {Oh, right, the bat clans of Argelia are rather... picky with their environments, aren't you}?" Adem smiled.

"Hepimizin nereye gittiğiyle ilgili çok yüksek standartlara sahibiz {We just have high standards about where we roost, is all}," Vladmir insisted. "Ayrıca, daha çok gece, karanlık seven yaratıklar. Bütün bu güneş gözlerimde öldürülüyor {Also, we are more nocturnal, darkness-loving creatures. All of this sun is murder on my eyes}." He then turned to the healer, and questioned, "İyi, peki ya sen? Cydris'in bezi olan bir adam olarak, muhtemelen bu şiddetin sadece kendisiyle değil, bu Rerci, bu Gargec'le ilgili dinsel argümanları ve duyduğum bu Awdue ile ilgili bir probleminiz vardır {Well, how about you? As a man of the cloth of Cydris, you probably have a problem with not only all of this violence, including my own, but religious arguments about this Rerci, this Gargec, and this Awdue I keep hearing about}."

Adem admitted, "Doğru, savaşın getirdiği şiddeti reddediyorum {True, I detest the violence that war brings}." He then said, "Ama şey şu ki, Rerci, Awdue ve Gargec ARE, tüm niyet ve amaçlar için, tanrılar. Bir şekilde Giver tanrıları. Rerci, Orobians tarafından hapsedilmeden önce kısa kariyeri için, insanları seven ve onlara bol bol şey veren bir mucize işçisiydi. Ailesi, Argelia'yı ziyaret eden ve kraliyet ailesini en büyük kılıçlarından birine veren Smith Dragon Gargec ve öldürülmeden önce her yerde bitki yetiştirebilecek güçlü bir genci olan Awdue idi {But the thing is that Rerci, Awdue, and Gargec ARE, for all intents and purposes, gods. Giver gods, in a way. Rerci, for Her short career before she was imprisoned by the Orobians, was a miracle worker who loved humans and gave them plenty of things. Her parents were the Smith Dragon Gargec, who has visited Argelia and even gave the royal family one of His greatest swords, and Awdue, a powerful genie who could grow plants about anywhere before She was slain}."

"O üç hakkında bilmiyordum {I didn't know that about those three}," Vladmir admitted. "Yine de, Orobia'nın her bölümünü Cydris'i takip etmek oldukça zor olacaktır {Still, it will be rather difficult to convert every part of Orobia to following Cydris}."

"Dönüştürmek? Yok hayır {Convert? No}," Adem corrected. "Ben sadece Cydris'in sözünü yaymak istiyorum {I merely wish to spread the word of Cydris.}"

"Ve duyduğum Rerci Tapınağı'ndakilerin, çabalarınıza karşı çok nazik olmayacağından endişe duymuyor musunuz {And you're not worried that those at this Temple of Rerci I hear about won't take too kindly to your efforts}?"

"Bu felsefenin ve tartışmanın güzelliği {That's the beauty of philosophy and debate}," Adem reasoned. "Biraz direniş bekliyorum. Ama bu Orobian tanrılarının tamamen silinmesini isteyenlerin aksine, sadece Orobia halkının Cydris'in bir tanrı olarak kabul edilme hakkına sahip olduğu gerçeğini kabul etmesini istiyorum {I expect some resistance. But unlike some who would want these Orobian gods to be completely erased, I just want the people of Orobia to accept the fact that Cydris has just as much right to be considered a god}."

Vladimir smirked, "İyi şanslar, Pastor {Good luck with that, Pastor}." He then walked away. "Bu güneşten kurtulmak için gemiye döneceğim {I'll head back to the ship to get out of this sun}."

Adem and Vladimir have reached Support Level C.

Piper walked in the captain's quarters Howe was repaired a loose board. "Hey, Captain," Piper said. "I heard you wanted to see me?"

"Hey Piper," Howe said, not looking at her. He tested the floor board. After a squeak, he frowned, and said, "Could you hand me those nails?"

"Aye-aye," Piper said. After she did so, she then said, "Um, Captain… can I ask you why you passed me over for the position of Vice Captain?"

"Oh, that," Howe said, looking at her. "Piper, no offense, but you're rather inexperienced compared to my other options when it comes to the sailing. You were the last to join us, and by the way you acted, it was clear you probably would not have come aboard Dilazak's ship to even start with if you didn't have a choice."

"...True," Piper admitted. She then said, "I guess for all my admiring of your gumption, I never really told you WHY I joined up with Captain Dilazak's crew, did I?"

"Nope," Howe said. He then looked at the floorboard, and said, "Well, this can wait for a little bit. Why don't you tell me about yourself, Piper?"

"Okay," Piper nodded. "Well, you probably guessed, considering how skilled I am with a blade, but I grew up in a band of mercenaries on Giuss. Think like the Golden Valkyries of Orobia, but not as legendary. Me and my 'sisters' were all skilled sellswords."

"What about your parents?" Howe questioned.

"Don't know," Piper admitted. "But I bet they were real pieces of work, considering that they abandoned me when I was a baby, according to the orphanage director. He said that two shifty-looking folks, in order to get some extra money, tried to sell me to spice dealers to have me grow up as a drug mule, and the director interrupted the exchange. He then took me in before my 'sisters' did."

"And those sisters taught you to fight," Howe concluded.

"At least until our group got involved in a bad job," Piper said. "I still have no idea who set us up, but I was the only one who didn't bite it or worse. I then, out of desperation, signed up with Captain Dilazak… and met you and the others."

"And the rest is history," Howe said. "So, you think that your parents are still out there?"

"They're not," Piper coldly said. "And if they are, Captain, you'll have to forgive my insistence that they're NOT."

"Whoa, Piper," Howe said, surprised. "I'm sorry about that."

"Oh, Captain, sorry," Piper said. "That wasn't really meant for you…."

"It was meant for your folks," Howe concluded. "Look, as someone who barely know their own parents because they did when I was really young in a boating accident, I don't one-hundred percent relate to the bitter hatred of your parents, especially considering the fact that I named my ship after my mother. However, I can understand that you seem to have some… unfinished business with your parents."

"Unfinished business?" Piper said.

"Piper," Howe bluntly said, "don't pretend that you don't want to go and make sure your parents are indeed dead."

"Wow," Piper said. "And you said I'm rather dark, Captain."

"Piper, I like to think I can read between some lines," Howe replied. "You just moments ago implied that you would make sure the people who willingly gave you up to get money for some illegal operation with no regards for your well-being and most likely went on to do other things are deceased. I think I can help with that."

"How, Captain?" Piper questioned.

"I mean, Piper, since we now have our own ship, I think we can explore around a bit more freely, and hear if anyone has seen people resembling your parents," Howe answered.

"Oh," Piper said. "Well, I think I can get in touch with the orphanage director, see if he knows anything. With your permission, of course."

"Permission granted, Piper," Howe smiled. "Go write a letter, and I'll have it sent via carrier pigeon to Giuss."

"Thanks, Captain!" Piper said. "This will be some serious closure!"

Howe and Piper have reached Support Level C.

Adem watched Anna carrying a chest full of coins, and frowned. "Hello, Anna," he said in Orobian. "You seem rather… content with yourself."

"Absolutely," Anna answered with her signature smile. "What can I say? I love making a great profit."

"Just as I thought," Adem said. "The sin of greed has truly engulfed you. Or is it gluttony?"

"What are you talking about?" Anna asked.

"With the exception of but a few," Adem observed, "you have offered your healing services for a rather hefty cost."

"You're still mad that I made you pay for medicine to help you with your seasickness, aren't you?" Anna questioned.

"This has VERY little to do with that."

"How about the time I had you, Captain Howe, and the others pay for my antidotes due to the fugu fish incident?" Anna asked. "I told you all that the fish had to be prepared properly, but you tried to cook it, Adem."

"My inexperience with Xuhuan seafood should not be grounds for you charging us to save our lives," Adem replied.

"Okay, what about the time where I tried to have you pay for my remedy for your blistered hands when you had to heal all of those people?" Anna listed.

"My point is that you rarely ever shy away from trying to turn a profit for what is supposed to be treating the ill or dying," Adem said, "and worse, you have NO shame about it. If you keep walking this path, Anna, when the afterlife judges your soul, it will NOT be a pleasant judging."

"Firstly, Adem," Anna said, "I'm a merchant. And not just ANY merchant. I'm from an entire clan of similar-looking, similar personality merchants. It's in the blood. Of COURSE I'm going to charge for my potions! Second, the art of being an apothecary isn't cheap. The bottles, the herbs, the mortars and pestles, and all of the other ingredients I use in my craft cost MORE than I actually charge for the completed project. I'm CHEAP by my family's standards! And third, and the biggest one, of course I don't have any shame about it. It's not like I just horde the money away. I actually use it for the crew, since Howe is often getting us into dangerous situations! As idealistic as your preaching is to give people my stuff for free out of the kindness of my heart, we kind of need the money. My turning a profit has probably saved more lives than your selfless freebie heals!" Anna then walked past him.

"This conversation isn't over, Anna!" Adem called after her.

"That is apoint we'll have to disagree on!" Anna called back. "I have to go stash this money!" Adem sighed, but let her leave.

"Onun açgözlülüğü, onu başka bir şekilde ikna etmesin diye, onu çözecek {Her greed will be her undoing, lest someone convince her otherwise}," he said.

Adem and Anna have reached Support Level C.

The young female Giussean mercenary watched as the female Xuhuan myrmidon practice with her sword. It was a swift, beautiful display, all of her moves precise with their swings. Eventually, Kairi stopped, and said in Orobian, "What?"

"Oh, sorry, Kairi," Piper said. "I didn't want to interrupt your swordsmanship. It's beautiful… almost like a dance." Kairi blushed.

"Thank you… I wasn't expecting that," Kairi confessed. "I guess all of that geisha training Mother had me involved in wasn't wasted, after all."

"Geisha?" Piper repeated.

"Xuhuan term for 'a female entertainer who practices traditional Hoshidan or Chon'sinan art, dance, or song'," Kairi explained. "My mother was a geisha before she married and had me and my sisters. As the oldest of the girls, she expected me to take up the art in her footsteps. I did, for a time… but I always found myself drawn to the art of being a samurai."

"Which is what you are, but most Orobians, Argelians, and some Giusseans refer to you as a myrmidon in plainspeak," Piper concluded.

"...That about sums it up, yes," Kairi said.

"Guess we both kind of disappointed our parents," Piper said. "Mine kind of wanted me dead or made a slave."

"Wow, that's kind of dark," Kairi pointed out. She then said, "But in a way, I didn't truly disappoint my mother. I still do some dancing, just with different robes and a different tool than a bladed fan."

"Wait, your mom had you dancing with… bladed fans?" Piper asked.

"Well, yes, to defend myself with," Kairi said. "And also for short-range kills. You mean those female Romani I've heard about being spread out through Orobia, Argelia, and Giuss don't occasionally become assassins atop of performers?" Piper raised a finger to argue, but stopped herself.

"...Okay, some do," the mercenary said. "Anyway, Kairi, if you don't mind… could you teach me how to dance like you?"

"That I can," Kairi smiled. "But after next battle when we make port. I'll have to get the proper equipment for it."

"Proper… equipment?" Piper said.

"Yes," Kairi said. "Now, first thing: what are your measurements?"

"Isn't that a bit personal?" Piper asked, her face deciding it was her turn to be red.

"Well, if we're going to teach you proper Xuhuan dance," Kairi reasoned, "I need to know what size kimono to get you."

"Oh," Piper realized. "Wait, kimono?"

"A Xuhuan type of formal robe," Kairi explained. "Normally, you don't HAVE to wear one in Xuhua, and for the summer months, the yukata is better suited. However, geisha customs demand the wearing of a kimono."

"This sounds like it's going to be a lot confusing," Piper said.

"Oh, I've seen you fight, you'll be a natural," Kairi said. "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like those measurements before the captain drags us to the next war council meeting."

"...89 centimeters bust, 71 centimeters waist, 102 centimeters hips."

"I thought those hips were rather wide," Kairi said. Piper's blush only grew brighter.

Kairi and Piper have reached Support Level C.

Howe and Adem looked over the astral plate, which had a news feed. "I can't believe that I'm just NOW aware you can get the latest bits of news on this thing," Howe said, looking at the plate. "On Giuss, we just had the town criers tell us everything that was happening. Of course, there are still town criers."

"Well, magic is a serious study in Argelia, given the vast number of djinn, healers, and magi in the Empire," Adem said. "But Orobians, I've heard, occasionally use this as well."

"Well, that's kind of interesting," Howe said. "So, Adem… you're one of the few Argelians I know, and you've forgiven my lackluster Argelian. Can you tell me some things about the Empire?"

"I suppose I can," Adem said. "Well, as you know, prior to what you'd consider Orobia's 'Silver Age', the Empire was founded when Argelia, a small country on the continent of Idrea, had defended itself from, defeated, and then conquered the djinn nation of Escen. I was actually born and raised in what used to be Escen. Cyrdis Himself took part in the final battle."

"Cydris being…?" Howe questioned.

"The Argelian dragon god of winds," Adem reminded him. "He's on the same level of power as not only Malsum, the Earth Dragon of Argelia, but Gargec of Orobia, the Smith Dragon father of Rerci, the Djinn Dragon."

"Right, Rerci, the hybrid that Orobians worship," Howe recalled. "Thanks for that."

"You're welcome," Adem said. "Cydris and Malsum both don't go to the front lines as often, these days, but they will help Argelia in its time of need. Cydris is also a bit of a poet, and very social. And then there's Musa… a genie of festivities, and a god or goddess."

"God OR goddess?" Howe questioned.

"Not too many people know Musa's true identity," Adem admitted. "They just know he or she will never say 'no' to a celebration. He or she is also a bit of a prankster."

"Sounds like Anna would make a killing with them around," Howe chuckled. Before the two could continue talking about it, the astral plate started to shake, causing the news feed to disappear. "...Do they normally do that?"

"It must be someone with my magical frequency," Adem assured him, walking over to check it. He channeled his magic, and the image turned to a feminine-looking genie wearing white and red robes. "Oh, Baide!"

"Hi, Adem," the genie greeted in a high voice. "Oh, this must be the Giussen I heard you joined. I'm Father Baide, Adem's fellow pastor."

"Wait, what?" Howe asked.

"Yes, I'm a male genie," Baide answered. "My looks and voice often throw people off."

"No, I'm just confused that Adem here has other pastors traveling to Orobia to talk about religion," Howe said. "But yeah, I'll admit, I was kind of thrown off." Baide giggled.

"Yeah, I've done to a LOT of people these past hundred years," Baide admitted. "Even Adem, here."

"Don't remind me," Adem muttered. "Anyway, Baide, what's wrong?"

"Oh, I wanted your help with something, but if you're in a meeting with your new Captain, I'll call back, later."

"No need," Howe said. "Adem, go ahead and talk. I'll excuse myself."

"Actually, thinking about it," Baide said, "I think I could ask you to help as well, Captain… Howe? Is that really your name?"

"Yes," Howe said. "I'm the late Novan Howe's grandson."

"Then you can help, after all," Baide answered. "I knew Novan Howe, and I did him a favor, once. Anyway, a few of our young faithfuls have vanished en route to Poswa. I hate to say it, but I fear that they were most likely abducted by Poswali pirates. I'd like help finding them."

"Alright," Adem said.

"But new question," Howe interjected. "Why talk to us? I'm a privateer, and Adem's a priest. If they were abducted, wouldn't it be a better idea to ask the REAL navy to find them?"

"About that," Baide said. "This is personal to Adem, here." Turning to Adem, he confessed. "Adem, your little sister was among them."

Adem gasped. "Altoa?"

"You have a sister?" Howe asked.

"Half-sister," Adem answered. "Father remarried after my mother died. She idolized me to the point that she followed in my footsteps and joined the faith. Altoa's no older than 12, though… why was she on a ship to Poswa?"

"She snuck aboard, eager to see the world, and meet quarter-genies," Baide confessed. "Your sister was curious about others like her."

"Others like her?" Howe asked.

"My stepmother is a genie," Adem confessed. "Add in my human father, and Altoa is a half-genie. We've heard stories that the princes of Poswa are quarter-genies."

"Oh," Howe said. "Well, enough sitting here. I have a few sea contacts. We'll see if we can find her and the rest of those young souls."

"Gods bless you, Captain Howe," Baide breathed. "Adem, I know you're mad that Altoa's put herself in danger, but…."

"But nothing," Adem said. "As soon as I find her, she's going to be very chewed out for getting involved in this bloody business. And THEN, I'll send her home to Father." Turning back to Baide, he said, "I'm sorry, Father Baide, but I will begin my own search."

"I understand, and I apologize for letting this happen, Adem," Baide bowed. "Take care of yourself." He then disconnected, leaving Howe and Adem to look at each other.

"Captain, I'm sorry to bother you with all of this," Adem said. "My little sister is a far stronger magi than I will ever be because of her blood, but Altoa is surprisingly mischievious for a kid."

"I'm a little envious," Howe said. "My parents died when I was young, and I was raised by my grandfather. I don't actually have a sibling to talk about… let alone save from her own curiosity. Anyway, I'll contact anyone and everyone who still is willing to talk to me on the seas if they know anything about these pirates."

"Thank you, Captain, you're too kind," Adem said. "I'll do a search of my own in the meantime, and I'll let you know if I find anything."

Howe and Adem have reached Support Level C.

Piper walked with Yildiz, both of them holding a crate of supplies. "Thanks again for doing this supply run with me, Yildiz!" Piper smiled. "I needed the company."

"Not a problem," Yildiz replied, adjusting his crate. "I live for this kind of thing."

"You live to carry boxes of supplies we need for the war?" Piper questioned.

"No," Yildiz corrected. "I live to defend and assist. My parents taught me to be chivalrous to ladies as a knight of Argelia."

"Aw," Piper smiled with a blush. "That's kind of sweet. However I'm no lady. I'm just a Giussean mercenary turned pirate turned privateer under Captain Howe."

"Oh, yes, your crew's history," the knight remembered. "I read the report, out of curiosity. But I have a question. What exactly made you follow Captain Howe in his decision to mutiny against your old captain?"

"It was an easy decision," Piper confessed. "Captain Dilazak was a coward and a fool. He honestly thought there was a version of not fighting back against a ship firing cannons at us despite the fact that we had no cannons to defend ourselves with was a GOOD idea. If they were willing to kill us BEFORE they boarded the ship to raid it, then what were our odds of survival once they had what they wanted?"

"That's a good point," Yildiz reasoned. "But I sense there was another reason…."

"What are you talking about?" Piper asked, although her cheeks were pink.

"Forgive me for being so bold, but I think that while you're right to rebel against incompetent leadership, but part of you has a savior complex."

"Savior complex?" Piper questioned, her cheeks now losing the color.

"It's no secret that Captain Howe has a savior complex, as well… he's rather merciful, despite frequently being eager to flex his muscles," Yildiz explained. "He stops to help every problem he sees, even though it drains on him and he's easily used. However, you follow him because you like helping people as well."

"What can I say?" Piper shrugged. "I like the feeling of helping out the helpless. It reminds me of my time at the orphanage."

"And being chivalrous reminds me of how I spent my time as a knight of Aksoy back in Argelia," Yildiz replied.

"Knight of Aksoy, huh?" Piper questioned. "Aksoy is Captain Aksoy's last name, right? She's the gal who's in charge of Captain Howe's missions."

"Yes, she is," Yildiz nodded. "The Aksoy territory was one of the only nations who joined the Empire WILLINGLY. I can tell you more about my home after we're done, here."

"That I'd like," Piper smiled. As Yildiz walked ahead, she sighed. "That was close… I can't believe he didn't realize I had a crush on Captain Howe…."

Piper and Yildiz have reached Support Level C.

Howe and Keyon finished putting supplies aboard the ship. Howe noticed Keyon's glare. "Is there something wrong?"

"Permission to speak and ACT freely, Captain," Keyon said.

"Granted," Howe said.

WHAM!

Howe held his now bloody nose. "I've been holding that in for some time, now," Keyon confessed. "I'm going to level with you, Howe: you have ruined all of our lives, and I'm pretty certain that I believe I speak for a majority of the crew when I tell you that the only reason we're still tolerating you in charge is because, well, we have no other place to go but continue supporting you."

"I'm painfully aware," Howe said, fixing his nose, "that you're not the biggest fan of my style of leadership, save for the fact that my strategies have still SAVED your life."

"Which probably wouldn't keep being put in danger in the first place if you DIDN'T take the hard way at every turn," Keyon argued. "Look, I'm not going to argue that you were wrong the day this all started with the mutiny we had against Dilazak. But Dilazak is right that you're frustrating to work with because you can't bring yourself to actively IGNORE human suffering in any form. Yes, he's an apathetic arsehole whose primary concern is his wallet and his life, but he's right to look the other way at times of petty problems, and you do NOT consider the risks placed on the rest of us."

"Is there a point to all of this," Howe asked, "or are you finally going to start with the mutiny?" Keyon blinked. "Look, Keyon, I get it. You and I have hardly ever seen eye to eye. You're a survivor, just as in it for the money as Anna and as Captain Dilazak. But for all of the selfishness, you have YET to ever do what Dilazak tried to do and try to kill me. At worst, you're just going to punch me. Have you ever considered that I LET you do it?" Keyon blinked once again. "I let you get away with hitting me because, deep down, I know I need you as a voice of reason for some of my choices, and I may deserve it. However, Keyon, I know you stay not because you have nowhere else to go, but deep down, YOU know that what I do is right in the long way. But if you ever actually TRIED to mutiny against me out of some moral disagreement where I have the moral high ground… we both know who'd win."

"...Did you just threaten me?" Keyon questioned.

"It's not a threat if it's not the truth," Howe replied. Changing the subject, Howe said, "But as my Vice Captain, I trust you to be that negative opinion, Keyon, to keep me down to earth. I like that about you, and you and I haven't tried to kill each other, yet." Howe then walked away. Keyon, however, fumed.

"That… complete arse!" Keyon growled. "He ACTUALLY threatened me! Although he didn't actually say he'd actually kill me, it's still there!"

"Oh, and Keyon," Howe said, turning around. "Look, about not having anywhere to go: we both know that's a lie. But I still thank you. I look forward to working with you." He then left, leaving Keyon confused.

Howe and Keyon have reached Support Level C.

Kingdom Rider92's Notes: So yeah... the playable Anna in Night of Tales actually DID have a Jake. Poor Jake is dead. But the thing is, if one wants Anna to be romanced by ANYONE in the crew, you have no choice BUT to do her Loyalty Mission.

Also, you may have noticed Kairi didn't have a Support Conversation with Howe, yet. She's HARDER to support with Howe than anyone else. She likes Piper because they're both swordswomen and Torio because they have history. The other crew members she tolerates at best. But depending on how much you try to get Howe and Kairi to support before a certain point will change things.

Now, Anna, Piper, and Keyon will all have differing dialogue depending on who you picked as Vice Captain.

Alright, enough of that, time for supports.

ZenoZen: Yeah, I can imagine them in their chibi selves for the end chapter. As for Tawni's caravan gathering beauties, well, no and yes. No because Lamia, Yasmin, Janiya, Elahe, Ria, Thesin, Rawiya, Piper, and Kairi all exist. But yes, because besides Tawni, she has Nasira and Node as companions so far.

As for the implication of a very open Outrealm Gate: yeah, Orobia has one. The world Orobia is in originally was considered a land of exotic trade and attracts treasure hunters and scholars from throughout the Fire Emblem multiverse... hence why there are characters from various parts more openly than Owain, Severa, and Inigo/Odin, Selena, and Laslow from Awakening into Fates. However, due to the war, not too many have stayed. But the Outrealm Gate is still open and in use.

Consort: Guaril is living proof that there are perks to writing an experienced protagonist who happens to be somewhat of a magnificent bastard/guile hero. Guaril IS a trickster, and often proves it with his skill. Once he figured out how Tawni's power worked, he deliberately planned to lure the boss to a part of the battlefield where her power would be the weakest, and take her wings off before Tawni took her magic, sending her into a painful fall where he hoped she'd drown or be knocked out. Unfortuantely, Guaril lacked the strength required to make a killing blow. Luckily, he had some help from Akiba, who reminds people that there are other weapons besides Falchion and wyrmslayers that can kill dragons.

I liked Tawni's new power. Once I developed the Astral Projection ability for her, I thought to myself, "How am I going to take advantage of it?" And thus, this was born. Add in Tawni's already impressive resistance since she's a gypsy, and she's the BEST unit to shut down mages, genies, and manaketes in the game. However, when it comes to the physical stuff? She needs help, which is where the rest of the lords and her party come in.

Well, Arya DOES explain point blank, but I'll explain it, again. Arya is not just a random traveler, but actually a princess of Upril, and her grandfather gave HER the fragment to protect. She held onto it at the cost of her escort, who all died protecting her. Now, she's joined Tawni's party to keep herself safe, and once the royal wedding happens, request both Poswali and Cruibian aid to free Upril from the Argelians.

Nasira is one of my favorite party members. Fun fact, I originally created her with the intent to make her be actually Ophelia from Fates, but I decided against that, and ultimately made her be her own character. And I love it.

Now, unfortunately, I'm just pretty much spitballing the idea that pureblood manaketes reproduce by laying eggs when in dragon form. But seeing as manaketes were originally in Fire Emblem's full dragons before degeneration set in and they had to bond with stones to maintain their power, it just seemed more "natural" that manakete can reproduce via eggs when pureblood, and live birth when mixed (since the child may lack the ability to transform very well). As for eating humans, well... some manaketes are cannibals like the boss of this past chapter.

KazeNoKishiX: *Looks at Himli, Jamal, and Dobi having to drag Kareem from an angry mob* He'll be fine.

Fun fact, of all of the people in Tawni's caravan to romantically support with her (so far, said list includes Jamal, Himli, Kareem, Dobi, and now Sento), Jamal has the FASTEST support for her. Jamal is usually the only sane person of the younger members of the caravan (Tawni's often busy dealing with her hidden origins, the fact that she's going to be rom baro one day, and training her powers; Nasira is a naive newcomer to Orobia, but she's also a dark mage; Node is a genie who is WAY too comfortable with flaunting herself and gets herself in trouble often; Dobi barely opens up to people; Himli's along for the ride because he's trying to save his sister, but tends to freak out worrying he's about to step on toes; you know Sento; Arya's rather embarrassed by her father; and Kareem's very little help outside of flirting with girls and being actually very good with a sword), so Tawni relies on him as her rock and best male friend, even though Nasira is her best female friend. The two can easily fall for each other, and dialogue hints Jamal has been in love with Tawni since they were kids when Tawni tried to cheer him up after his father died and Kareem wasn't very good with talking about his feelings.

Yeah, Node wants Dobi BADLY. Dobi, however, is reluctant, due to something he doesn't like talking about.

Well, Mawdood is at least harassing the protagonists openly... it's better than nothing. And it was five queens five years ago, but he stole a Fire Emblem fragment, so he has SOME power. And considering the fact that three of the queens who died were not just damsels in distress, but genuine fighters (two of which fought and defeated a demi-goddess level foe), it was still an impressive feat.

Yeah, I've repeatedly said the Fire Emblem in Night of Tales is a lamp, much different than the usual shield (arguably the best variation of it, hands down). I won't lie, though, Fates does have too many representatives/variations in Heroes, but that's what happens when a game tries to keep to those that players of today recognize.

I love designing Tawni's alternative outfits. As easy as it is for game designers and animators to have your characters parade around in one or a handful of outfits for the duration of the story, I realize with Tawni it's IMPOSSIBLE for her to be a great performer with just a few outfits. So yeah, not going to do that. Also, Tawni's supposed to be the Scheherazade of this, she needs to draw attention to herself. It helps that the boys all have crushes on her.

Ike in a belly dancer outfit? Someone's going to draw that, now.

While we wait, yep, Sento's here. He's not hogging the spotlight, though, Arya's here, too. Arya was a character I planned for from the beginning to be Tawni's reason for going north. But now, she has other reasons. Good luck with that support section, let me know if you need help.

The reason Tactician was NOT on there for an option was, putting it simply, because I know too many people would almost immediately pick it because it's the go-to idea for an Avatar character since you're planning out the battles.

Yep, that's how the Astral Theft power works. Tawni has to be away from enemy units to use it properly without being easily picked off, but her spirit self is virtually untargetable. Sadly, there's no PvP mode planned, because it would be broken if it was allowed.

Oh, well, I'm pretty sure Guaril will buy him a new wyrmslayer. But yeah, another small problem for me with Fates was the ridiculousness of the amount of fanservice designs went into the armor worn by plenty of the characters, especially the female characters (I'm looking at you, Rinkah, wearing only a sarashi and pants in the snow, and Charlotte, for basically wearing underwear while being a border guard, and Effie, for not wearing pants/leggings while being a knight, as examples I can list off the top of my head). I know I'm not much better considering Night of Tales has plenty of it, but here's the thing: Night of Tales takes place in an Arabian Nights inspired setting, so there's a need for more breathable clothing and light armor more here than in Fates. Don't get me wrong, fanservice is fine, but in terms of practicality, Fire Emblem is not really the BEST series you want to have people flaunting their assests in, as I have Akiba demonstrate why it's a bad idea.

I don't think people have asked for Sento and Nasira to start being a ship. But yeah, Tawni's a bit more peaceful, teasing version of Ike.

I'm sure Sulaiman will forgive you for not reviewing last time. But oh, thanks for reminding me.

Alright, before I take a break, I promised I'd have summaries up for what you guys would be voting for, next. So, without further ado, here are the summaries for the next chapters. Farewell, subjects!

Tawni's Tale, Chapter 5: Escape from Kashib. Tawni and her people have headed north towards the border of Poswa and Rusnad. However, Tawni is captured by the sons of Duke Zahar Botros, Zaid and Khalid. While the former prevents the latter from taking advantage of Tawni's vulnerability out of genuine interest in her, Tawni has to escape the Duke's Castle with the help of her caravan….

Sulaiman's Tale, Chapter 5: Releasing the Darkness. Sulaiman is sidetracked by his father asking for his help repelling with an Argelian scouting party. Eager to prove himself, Sulaiman and his group join the fight, but things get complicated when Sulaiman's inner darkness is called forth...

Janiya's Tale, Chapter 5: Complicated Visions. Janiya and Yasmin return to Bagedzi with their Aunt Adre, manakete matriarch, in tow. However, they discover two things: Milad has run off with Hova to face Sizah, and Yasmin can see a rather unexpected person with her visions. Through this, they discover an Argelian camp between them and Sizah.

Howe's Tale, Chapter 5: State of Emergency. Several months have passed since Howe and Sema took Nourdari. Their hunt for the Fire Emblem fragments and coordinates for the Eternal Forge is put on hold when Sema gets a critical message from Princess Kadri. Howe volunteers his group to go on foot into Ustrosi territory to deal with this.