I do not have any investments in Intelligent systems...I own 0.0% stock
What are you doing here? the story is over. Mark lost consciousness after the battle and Eliwood continued on his quest. But it says Chapter 17...Hmm..Could this be related to FE 7?
Chapter 17: Souless
"Sleep, those little slices of death — how I loathe them" ~Edgar Allen Poe
How often must you resist Mark, you only make it harder for yourself.
And give you the satisfaction? Never...AUGGHHHH
Is it worth it? After all it wont change anything.
My men gave theirs lives to defeat you. I owe them the right to at least resist your pathetic torture AAAAAUGGHHHH!
HAHA, Boy you are too funny, they did not die because we wanted to start a war, and if that was so then we wouldn't have given a damn when you ran like a coward. They died because it would Hurt you. YOU are the reason they are dead. Here we are ten months later boy, it is time we punish you for your butcher of thousands.
You Lie! You will not break me! You just want to torture me... GAHHHHH!
Keep telling yourself that Boy. Perhaps one day you will believe it.
"ungh" Why must I keep waking up...wait a second...I am in a tent...
"Mark."
"Lyn?...This isn't the castle..." My arms and legs...they are bound..I Can't Move!...
"No, we set up camp at night, we are on our way to Port Badon."
"What!?"
"Oh and don't worry about your armor, we had to take it off because Eliwood says sleeping in one is like a coffin, and he helped you back into your cloak. Sain is fixing the sword design and re-detailing it since it was so scratched up, and it no longer has its shine, but I am sure you will still like it."
"Lyn! I-"
"Oh yeah, Priscilla had to mend your knee again, as it was broke...again, but she and Erk took good care of you. Don't worry Serra was too busying healing Raven.
"Lyn!-"
"You remember him back at the castle right? He fought on the wall with Wil and Rebecca, it seems Lucius was traveling with him trying to help get over his hate of Ostia, but he elected to join us. Lucius is fine and was glad he could help protect the castle, and did you know Wil and Rebecca knew each other too? It is funny how small this world is."
"LYN!-"
"Florina loved your plan at the castle, she saw the whole thing from above, and could not believe the tactics you pulled off on horseback. If it wasn't for you who knows what would have happened."
"L-"
"Oh and you missed the funniest thing with Matthew and Leila, I have never seen Matthew that embarrassed before. He did convince her to stop spying though, after all it is a dangerous business. But that would have never happened had you not brought up how much he loved her. I hear is looking for a ring.
"..." She has to run out of things to say eventually
"Caelin should be back to full strength soon. Eagler has sent some of his men to hold the fort until we can hire new recruits, and after such a victory I am sure it won't take too long. He was marching there the second you sent word to the vassals in the nearby area. He gives you his thanks for saving his wife and his son."
"..." Eventually...
"Who knows what would of happened if you didn't help all of us. My grandfather was so grateful for saving his life twice now, and he understands the importance of seeing Eliwood reunite with his farther. And I...I ...Thank you Mark! Thank you so much! I can always count on you to be next to me when trouble occurs. You have done so much for me, and risked your life far too many times, I must find a way to repay you!"
"...You can start by taking these ropes off my arms and feet."
"Hmm those? Oh they are so you don't move."
"I figured as much, y-"
"I mean your leg was so bad, and you never let your wounds heal and just shrug it off, so I had to take drastic measures. I can't have you getting hurt again! I fear we may need your skills once more when we reach Valor. I ask too much Mark, but I hope to make it up to you!"
"Can I speak for a moment?"
"Of course Mark! Would you like to discuss the weather? Oh that reminds me of all the pretty flowers back at the castle-"
"Lyn, Please stop!"
"..."
"I want to stay I truly do, but you know I can't!"
"Oh don't be silly your always welcome here! Eliwo-"
"My presence here puts everyone in danger, and I will not risk-"
"DON'T SAY THAT!"
"Lyn I have too!"
"Then I will follow you everywhere, I will not leave your sight!"
"I will not allow you to get hurt!"
"Neither will I!" Why does she have to be so stubborn does she think this is easy for me!?
"Then I shall proceed alone and travel while you are sleeping."
"NO! Traveling alone would mean you would die!"
"So be it, if it means you are safe." Gods she is starting to cry...I can't deal with this sort of thing...
"...You...You can't leave until someone unties you, and I will guard the tent!" Someone just kill me now, I can't leave without hurting Lyn, or stay without Killing her!. Have I not suffered enough damn it!
"I didn't want to do this..but you leave me no choice. HELP! HELP! Somebody HELP!"
Eliwood came rushing into the tent.
"Lyn, what's going on?"
"He doesn't want to stay he is too worried about us!"
"...So you tied him down with tent stakes and rope?
"...Maybe." I know you are laughing up there Farther! I assure you it is not funny.
"Can I talk to Mark for a minute alone...I promise not to untie him." So much for my rescue.
"...okay... one minute!"
"...Mark?"
"Look, you can not change my mind and I will not stay I am sorry."
"I know you are worried, and we are not 400 strong, but you know their game, and how it works. Surely if we got in trouble you could plan a different strategy."
"And if I fail?"
"You won't."
"These last nine months have not been much of a success."
"True, but you were alone, and now we can help you."
"So everyone must die with me instead?"
"No, Mark why are you fighting the Boars? They are hunting you yes, but you are fighting back."
"I seek to end or at least hinder their disgusting monstrosities. No one should have to suffer from them ever again."
"It is a noble goal correct?"
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"Everything, I will be the ruler of Pherae one day, and how can I live knowing these people exist?"
"..I...shouldn't have told you."
"You are a master tactician, and we are not mere recruits. We know a great evil is being committed, and the worst thing we could do is just watch it take place. Either we die fighting to protect our freedoms, or we die watching it be taken away.
"..."
"You are a knight of Etruria your duty is to your people and anyone in need. Therefore you must travel with us or you fail to uphold your very code."
"My duty is to see people live, you don't know them... They wont stop and your deaths wont change anything."
"Are you a fortune teller?"
"No, b-"
"Then we forge our own future and no one will stop us."
"I..I can't."
"Mark, I can not force you to stay even though I am sure Lyn will try, but I need you. You know about people like this, and the Black Fang wants to start a war. If we must die, I prefer to die saving people from more destruction. If we don't stop the Boars at least we stop whatever the Black Fang is planing" Gah I want to stay, but...he has a point..No its not safe!...but...A war...a war that can be stopped. My friends...I have to choose between my friends and a war...a war that will kill thousands.
"...Alright...I'll stay..."
Lyn had eavesdropped on the entire conversation. The second Eliwood left she sprinted back to me with tears down her face.
"Oh thank you Mark thank you thank you thank you!"
"Y-your welcome...Now would you mind untying me?"
"You promise you will stay right!" I looked into her eyes, such beautiful eyes..sigh
"I promise."
The next two days of travel were very quiet. I did not want to talk to anyone. Even when we were stopped at camp I made a point to keep myself busy. Whoever tried to talk to me would have to settle for I am busy, or Maybe later. I would not even talk to Lyn, she had chose to sleep in my tent to make sure I kept my promise or to protect me if an assassin came. However no matter how much she tried, I just could not talk to her. It was too painful just to look at her knowing the fate that loomed over us all...
We reached the port and Eliwood was seeking a ship. We had already tried two captains, but they lost their sea legs hearing the destination.
"Excuse me sir? I would like to seek passage to Valor,
"HA HA HA. are you mad? No one will step foot on that island."
"Please, I need to get their immediately!"
"Hmm...You must be on urgent business, that's certain. …..There maybe one way…"
"What is it! How can I-"
"Pirates."
Lyn was stunned, "P-pirates! Surely you must be joking?"
"No I am serious, they're fearless, or as close as makes no difference, and they'll go anywhere for a fee. Who knows? They might decide to accept your mad offer." We left the shipyard while Eliwood was thinking it over and Hector talked to his friend.
"Pirates… Looks like we've no choice."
Lyn was appalled, "Are you serious, Hector? Working with pirates? That's unbelievable!" Bandits, Taliver, pirates, they are all the same...You can't trust any of them, and after what happened to Lyn's parents, I can understand how hard this would be.
Hector saw Eliwood lost in thought, "You're considering it, aren't you, Eliwood?"
"If there's no other way, what else can we do?"
"...We find another way! I wont sail with pirates!" Lyn was running to the dock, our chances are slim, but I might as well look with her.
"Lyn! Wait up, I'll help!"
"Mark? Thank you... lets see who we can find."
...
"I am prepared to pay extravagantly for our transport to valor." I hope he takes a check.
"Ahaha, you don't have that kind of money."
"What's your asking price?"
"You are expecting me to believe you have any money at all?" I took some papers from my cloak.
"These are bank notes, any bank will redeem these."
"Do you think that forgeries will fool me? you can't trick me just because we don't have a bank at this port."
"They are not forged."
"You just Happen to carry that much money on your person and will spend it for a passage to dread island, forget it boy, I am not that stupid. It's either gold or no deal."
"We need to leave immediately and the next bank is four hours away.
"Not my concern, that's what a horse is for. Now if you will be so kind to leave my presence, I have some cargo I need to take care of. "
"...I'm sorry Lyn. I have tried everyone here."
"It...It's okay...Looks like we'll have to endure pirates"
"I shall protect you every second if need be. I wont let any of the brutes get near you."
"...I'll be fine...I can take care of myself"
"Hey you two wait up!"
"who are you?"
"I am Canas, I heard you are seeking passage to Valor." A shaman? A talking shaman that has yet to threaten my life?
"I am Lyn, can you hep us reach there?"
"...Well no...I was hoping you could take me with you...You see I practice Magic. A scholar you could say, and I can not reach the island by myself, but I heard you are conscripting pirates. If you take me along I will help." I don't like it why would a Shaman be a scholar? They are complete opposites.
"Well, I suppose you can come."
"Splendid! I shall rejoin you before we set sail, I need to get my books and research. Well if he isn't going to kill me than I have officially seen everything that could ever happen in this world, but I best keep my eye on him.
Eliwood and Hector were coming our way, but they did not look happy...perhaps even the pirates turned them down
...
"Eliwood! Hold on! Where do you think you're going to get 100,000 gold?"
"I don't know, but we have to find something...perhaps I could sell something" Just before we could reach them, a man wedged in between us and talked to Eliwood.
"You there! my mates and I want to fight you each one on one in the arena. If you can beat us all and get to the ship unharmed, Fargus will give you passage.
"For free? No gold?"
"The captain's a tad off-kilter. He'd rather have a bit o' fun with you than take your gold. Smooth sailing to you." I will never understand pirates.
...
"Mark, Lyn! Your here, good...it appears we will be fighting the pirates in the arena...if we win they will give us transport."
"What?"
"Just follow me to the arena and I will explain."
We were listening to the rules of the tournament. One of us would duel against the pirates 1 vs 1 until someone was too hurt to continue. Any killing of the other opponent was frowned upon...but acceptable. There was to be no disembowelment, killing an unarmed man, or magic. Everything else was legal. Eliwood took on the role and prepared for the combat, while I gave him advice.
"Eliwood listen for a second, these are pirates they focus on strength and heavy attacks, your best bet and to constantly move, don't ever stop moving."
"Okay...I'll keep that in mind."
Eliwood's first opponent was a tall body of muscle who wielded duel axes. The minute the match started he was charging like a berserker and chopping the air. Eliwood would try to run behind him, but the man was fast enough to stop him. The slashing of air continued for another two minutes until Eliwood managed to roll forwards and get behind him just avoiding the sweeping axes. He thrust his sword into the man's arm, and he soon dropped one of his axes will blood dropping all over the place. The match was then called since a fatal blow could have been given since Eliwood deliberately missed attacking the spine or heart.
The next two opponents were easier and Eliwood continued to fight through the pirates. He was given a five-minute break before he faced his last opponent. Hector gave him some water.
"Your doing good my friend, we will have passage to Valor after this fight, no one can defeat you Eliwood we will reach your farther!"
"Thanks Hector, Mark is something wrong you? I was contemplating something, and in the last fight I had seen the pirate cheat by using a magic spell. The next could try anything.
Eliwood, take this small bag, if you need to use it than don't hesitate."
"...Mark what is this inside?" He looked inside only to be even more confused
"Exactly what you think it is, it's a dirty trick but something tells me they wont play by the rules."
...
"En Garde!"
Eliwood's last opponent was a mercenary that had a steel sword and a glass shield. The sun was at its highest point and the glare off the shield was blinding Eliwood. Every attacks was closer and closer to hitting Eliwood, and the glare only got worse the closer the Mercenary approached. Eliwood tried a new approach, and started hammering away at the shield. Within a few strikes the shield was destroyed and the glare stopped. He continued his assault as the two dueled for ten minutes. Eventually Eliwood managed to nick him in the chest, and The pirate captain called the match seeing enough. His first mate was not satisfied and continued the attack, he would either kill Eliwood or die trying. Caught off guard, Eliwood scrambled to defend the lunges and attacks. Despite his captain ordering him to stop there was no hesitation. Eliwood managed to disarm him and his sword went flying behind the pirate. It was not enough to detour him as he raced back to his sword. With the few seconds he had Eliwood took out the pouch I had given him. Once the man recovered, he tried to attack Eliwood once again. He was welcomed with a bag of sand straight to his eyes. The mercenary was instantly blinded, and completely immobilized. He could not see anything in front of him, and dropped his weapon to rub his eyes, but it only made the sand sting more. Eliwood was done fighting and turned to the Captain.
"Haa… haa…hoo.. You'll give us passage now, won't you?"
"I'm a man of the sea. I always keep my word... Are my old eyes lyin' to me? Is this beauty really with you? Gwaa ha ha ha! My lucky day!" He was looking at Lyn, and she was extremely uncomfortable. I immediately put myself in front of Lyn, and had a hand on my sheathed sword.
"You will not touch her!"
"Ho Ho, I see the lass has a bodyguard or perhaps a love? Which is it boy?"
"I..I...Bodyguard." I..don't want to turn around.
"Heh sure, very well shall we set sail?"
We had boarded the ship and set sail about ten minutes later, Lyn and I were below deck.
"Mark."
"Yes?"
"I will be fine...you don't have to guard me."
"I don't want you to feel nervous."
"I am fine, and beside I need to talk to Florina, and you know how petrified she is of men."
"Right...okay, but if you need anything just let me know."
"...Mark...never mind, I'll see you later."
I strolled about the ship, Erk and Serra were arguing and it was odd for Erk to say anything to Serra at all, but even stranger was Priscilla was defending him. Marcus and Hector were still trying to cheer up Eliwood since his father was so close, but still out of reach. Rebecca and Wil were arguing about something too. Oswin and Matthew were talking about something concerning Ostia. Bartre and Guy were fist fighting. Canas was studying a book, perhaps I am too quick to judge. Kent was helping Merlinus unpack the equipment, and he just finished when I passed by.
"Mark!"
"Ah Kent, I am sorry we haven't had a chance to talk back at Caelin-"
"Will you step into my quarters for a minute, we need to talk about a few things."
"Hmm? I guess I have time."
...
"It's good to see you're still in one piece."
"Sometimes I wonder if I really am, but never mind that how have you been?"
"We can talk pleasantries later but...Did you take care of the people hunting you?"
"...No"
"I see, that explains a lot."
"Pardon?"
"Nothing, but if you don't take better care of yourself you will do more damage than you realize."
"So I've been told a hundred times."
"I can only hope one day you will listen to us, but at least you stayed.."
"Kent, you are well aware I put Lyn's life in danger by being here and yet you are happy I am here?"
"I suppose you wouldn't understand."
"What?"
"You are trying to hold it in, and you are almost succeeding, but it is a force that no one can stop Mark. Lyn will be safe I am certain about that."
"Care to explain this force?"
"Ha it's not something you can explain Mark.
"...I better go inspect the ship... To many men I don't trust.."
...
On my way out, I happen to be walking past Lyn and Florina who were engaged in a serious conversation.
"Lyn, have you said what you feel?"
"No but...!"
As I walked by the conversation stopped...I always hated when that happened. It happened far too many times back at the academy. No one could ever say anything to my face without a knife behind my back...Some of my best colleagues would be the ones trying to overshadow me or get me in trouble. Rivalries that I never wanted or duels to prove their worth. Meh, she would never do that...but it still bothers me. Ugh...remember Mark you are a knight! It is not my place to involve myself in such affairs, they don't want to talk about it near me so it is none of my concern.
"Mark!"
"Huh! oh Matthew..."
"I don't think I have ever seen you daydream before."
"It's nothing."
"Enough to stump the master planner? Ah I know! You tried to play chess against yourself again."
"Laugh all you want Matthew, but when you lose to yourself you wonder what the Hell just happened."
"How often did you lose to yourself?"
"More times than I care to remember."
"HaHa, You're the only person I know who tries to outsmart yourself, have you thought about seeking mental help?"
"Every time I talk to you Matthew...every time."
...
I walked up to the deck and watched the sun set...we would reach Valor tomorrow.
"I don't see how we can torture him any more boss."
"Indeed, we covered both physical and emotional pain."
"Shall I prepare the arrow?"
"Go ahead Erwin, I shall move him outside for his final torture."
...
"Well Mark it has been a pleasure, Have fun watching in Hell, because our empire will last for an eternity. Your father's head was a great addition to my mantle piece. Erwin! Ready, Aim, FIRE!
"Don't worry there Mark, you have a few more hours to live, perhaps your horse will find you a nice soft patch of dirt while you contemplate your last moments."
...
"I wont die with Their taint in my body ...AAAAUUUGHH! I kept my humanity, that's the one thing they didn't take from me...
"Argh...never thought... I would die ….here...I..was..so..close...bas...t..."
...
Huff...wheez... unnng "One day...One day...You will fall...You Bastards...Nothing lasts forever."
...
I was alone, Lyn had stayed with Florina through the night. There was no point in leaving the room. No one would be up for at least another hour or so. The pirates checked out and were not Boars, and I had nothing to do. There was nowhere to run or anything to do, I am just alone on this mattress.
...I understand now...I did lose my humanity...I am merely a walking husk.
My passions, my goals, my drive to live..they are gone. How can a man be human if he wants to die?
I was...happy...I was proud...I had a future...I was human, They took everything from me...all i have left is fear and hate. A fear that others will suffer my fate. A fear that they will win...I fear just sleeping...
"I...I...I am not human."
"Captain! There's a dory adrift to port! It looks like there's someone aboard. What're your orders?"
"Bring 'em aboard. Looks like we've got a visitor. Odd though, finding a boat adrift near here..."
Eliwood was on deck next to Captain Fargus. Everyone else soon appeared after they heard the commotion.
"A dory here, how is that possible Fargus?"
"The sea currents in this area... Anything drifting around here must've come from the Dread Isle."
"...oh..."
"Shall we greet our guest?"
...
"Captain! It is a girl!"
"Well don't just stand there Dart, bring her aboard!"
"Er..you there Lyn! could you get her...I don't know where to ...grab her"
"...okay...Hm? Ninian!? Ninian! Wake up!"
Eliwood was stunned, "Unbelievable..What is she doing here?"
Hector was trying to put the pieces together, "Do you know her?"
"She is the girl I rescued about nine months ago. It's how I met Lyn and Mark." Nine months ago...
Lyn was trying everything to wake her up, "Please, Ninian! Open your eyes!"
"un...ah"
"Are you well? Why were you on that boat? Where is Nils? Why wasn't he with you?"
Eliwood was worried, "Lyn! something is wrong!
"Who… Who…" Shit. As if we didn't have enough to worry about...Those Flags are the Black Fangs!... I better warn them!
"ENEMY SHIPS! PORT AND STARBOARD!"
""What!?""
BAM!
"CAPTAIN! The hull's been breached! We're taking on water!"
"All hands below deck!"
It was up to us to defend this ship while the crew stopped it from sinking. They are about to board. But there was still one problem...
"Lyn! Guard Ninian at the center of the ship! We will take care of the rest!
"Right!"
The grappling ropes soon stretched across both ships and they were ready to board us. They would come from the left and right.
"Wil, Rebecca! take the middle with Lyn and switch off on both sides! Kent, Sain, Dorcas, Erk, Lucius, Guy, Oswin, and Myself Take the left and hold the position! Everyone else to the right!"
The enemy was swinging across the gap and landing on our deck. Will and Rebecca were sniping out a couple, but there was too many. The enemy mages were attacking from their ships and we could not move to attack.
"Erk! Set the two ships on fire!" The fire balls soon met one of the ships broadsides and it did not take too long for the wet wood to finally dry enough to ignite. The crew of the ship was attacking us and would have no one to put out the fires. I doubt a dark mage even has the strength to pick up a bucket. The smoke was enough to break the concentration of the mages, and slowly it would destroy the ships. Erk repeated the process and the other ship soon lost its magic users. During the arson the enemy pirates managed to stab Guy in the stomach, and nearly cut off his chin. His jaw was broken, and He may have lost a few teeth. Within a few minutes he would bleed to death. I grabbed my last vulnerary and immediately applied it on his stomach but his jaw needed immediate attention
"SERRA!"
The battle was over, and the carnage was everywhere. Guy was holding on for dear life, and Serra was finding it hard just to look at him. Priscilla had to jump in and help, and they both focused of his major injuries. Guy had just barely dodged a pinewood box with a stone six feet above it.
"Ahoy! I'm back! Now, who wants to die first? What's this? You've routed 'em already? Nicely done, whelps!"
Seeing that Guy would live, I headed for the next concern. Lyn! is Ninian okay?"
"She is fine. I think she is waking up."
"Ninian? Is that…me? Is that…my name?"
"Ninian, what happened how did you end up here?
"Augh my head...am..am I at sea?"
"Yes. We found you adrift in a small boat."
"ungh." Those men..Ninian..No...oh God! I recognize them
"The Black Fang! That is who attacked her last year it was them! These men are the same!"
Eliwood took a second look at the corpses, "Your right I fought these men back at Khathelet!" This complicates thing..what to do with her...hmm... Oh, Lyn is saying something.
"These people will try to attack her again...We must protect her! ...But how?
Eliwood agreed, "I understand. We should be by her side to protect her. It's too dangerous to leave her on the ship.
"Yes! We can protect her by our side." We are bringing her back to the island...but what other options do we have?
Eliwood turned to Ninian, "Will you travel with us?'
"Y-yes, please take me with you...AHHH!"
"Ninian what's wrong!?"
"That man! He is Hurt!"What? Guy is over there...Oh, she is pointing at me
"What? I am not hurt, I did not get wounded in battle for once."
"Lyn! This man need help immediately! His soul, its fading!" As if she wasn't worried enough about me.
"Huh? What is wrong with Mark?"
"...Mark..that name sounds familiar...Mark..he is not well...he is barely alive...His soul!" Great, now EVERYONE is staring.
"What is wrong with him, how do you know?"
"He...Mark...Tormented...tortured...Alone...AH!" ...
Hector was the only one not too dumbfounded to speak, "Mark get below deck, Ninian needs rest!"
"...R-riight." ...I...my...my room, I can...do it...in my room
Lyn came sprinting down below decks and opened the door to my quarters...I was not expecting such a swift response... I didn't have enough time to hide my face...I... was crying.