I Do Not Own Fire Emblem
Rekka no Ken
Chapter 21: Rebirth
"unnggh" Everything was dark...I heard voices, but they were barely audible.
"..rk!"
"Please! ...Leave... let …h.. rest!"
"Nev...He ne...me!"
"His...Poision...ver...erous...he...rest."
"I won't leave!"
"...L-ly..." I lost consciousness again.
….
Speak! You will beg for me to stop! Erwin, He still has not learned his place. Break his Knee.
I fear no one you bastard! GRAH!
Now do we have to break the other one too?
I will not talk.
You will collapse. They all do, and It makes no difference if it is today, tomorrow, or a year from now.
Do you think I would betray my men or my country!?
What country? You are dead, you are breathing because we say so.
I am not dead! I will fight until every last man is avenged from your heinous acts.
How do you still have such spirits after two months? Erwin! I hold you personally responsible!
Something wrong? Is the almighty Boar cracking under the pressure?
Erwin, get the surgical knife and the salt, It appears we need to start taking real measures.
I am shaking in immense fear. Do your worst you filth.
I assure you this will be very painful, you have made me angry, and I will not tolerate it.
Bring it on! Nothing you can do will break me! For Etruria! For King and Country! For My Father!
…
AAAUUUGGGHH!
"Mark!"
UUURRGHH!
"Mark I am here!"I woke up to pain, but her voice calmed me... I was lying on a bedroll, and I was in a tent. I must have been asleep for at least the day because it was six again. There was a bandage on my left wrist, but the blood on it had turned a dark reddish green.
"...Lyn..."
"Hold on, I will get Priscilla!"
"Don't...don't leave."
"Y-you...you want me to stay?
"I...I..do...please just for a moment."
"Of course Mark, I will stay forever! Do you need some water, or perhaps-"
"I...I will be okay. Most of the poison is out of my system."
"Mark...what happened...when I came back with Serra...there was blood everywhere."
"I had been stabbed by a dagger with the boars special made concoction. I had to get it out before it reached my heart. There was only one way to remove it..."
"I should have helped you!"
"There was nothing you could have done, and you did not need to see what I had to do. It would be...unpleasant to watch.
"You...were more concerned about me than the poison inside yo-...How could you do that! How could you trip me!"
"There was a ninja star heading your way...it had the same poison...I could not risk you getting hurt..."
"...You...you are wounded because of me."
"No! It is my fault...I underestimated them..."
"You...were too worried about me."
"No that's not it!"
"Why Mark...I see you hurt yourself for me, this was not the first time." Why does she have to cry...I had to ask her to stay...Stupid!
"Am I suppose to let you get hurt for me then? Will that solve anything?"
"B-but...You have endured enough!"
"Which is why I can handle it. I can deal with the pain, and I will not let anyone ruin your magnificent figure!"
"...My...my..."
"I...I beg your forgiveness...I..never should have-"
"...Mark...say it again..."
"I...I meant nothing by it...I"
"I see...so I am ugly."
"Of course not! I never seen anyone that comes close to your beauty! Um, I mean...you...Er...I ...that came out wrong..." She dropped to her knees right beside me while I tried to look away. My head was throbbing in pain. A mix of deja vu and a hundred other feelings were bombarding my head...I couldn't think straight. The poison?
" Mark please look at me."
"I can't...I have a bad rash...I can feel it all over my face..."
"OW!"
"Huh? Lyn are you okay?!"I immediately turned around to see her grinning from ear to ear.
"Hehe..."
"I..."
"Mark when you look at me...what do you see?" I was speechless and lost in her eyes...She wasn't playing fair!
"...I see...I see...the most breath-taking smile in the world..."
"Is that all you see?"
"Lyn...you are gorgeous from head to toe...there is no way to describe such flawless beauty."
"Oh Mark! Do you truly mean that!
"I would never lie to those eyes...those sparkling pools of perfection... "She was crying again, but she was twinkling with joy. She was hugging me and her head was resting on my chest with tears raining down as she looked at me. I tried to brace my self, but this attack came so quickly...I surrendered.
"Lyn."
"Y-yes Mark?"
"I...I love you. I love you and I never want to let go."
"MARK! I Love you too! I love you with my whole heart and soul! I have mmpphm"
I kissed her. It was a pathetic attempt at first as I had no idea what I was doing...but when we both found each other...we were perfectly in sync. It was the most blissful experience I had ever felt in my life. We had to come up for air more than a few times, but we were more than willing to rejoin each other. I don't know when we finally stopped, but I felt lighter than a feather. She had wrapped her arms around my neck and I held her around the waist. We fell asleep in each others arms
"Lyn...I don't like it either...but we have to get up, It must be past nine."
"Just a few more minutes please."
"...Okay a few more minutes..."
"Mark..."
"Yes?"
"Can I get a good morning kiss?"
"Heh, Lyn we will never get up if we do that."
"...just a little one?"
"...Sure...but how much is a little?"
"Just a few minutes." We both broke out into laughter and about ten minutes later we finally got up.
Luckily, Eliwood remembered that Winston was in the stables at Badon, and stopped by before we headed for Ostia. I was feeding him alone as Florina and Fiora wanted to show Lyn something important they found.
"So did you sleep well?"
"Hmm? Ah Matthew! ...Is that a question you ask to a man that has been poisoned?"
"Ha Ha you have been tainted alright, I never seen you so cheerful before, and did I hear you humming to yourself?"
"What? It is a nice day."
"Riggght, I am sure sleeping in her embrace had nothing to do with it."
"Er...I was just. What were you doing!"
"Ha Ha, I came in to examine your hand and the poison, only to find you sick with a much more deadly disease."
"She was just...helping me recover."
"Then why are you so red Knight Commander?"
"I must have a fever."
"HA, no sense in hiding it Mark. How was it, come on tell me!...It is for the good Etruria to know they might have a new baby waiting to take command!"
"We didn't do that!"
"Ha, you are too easy to tease. I know I know, knights honor... must marry first blah blah. Surely you must have had some other interaction though?"
"That's none of your business!"
"OOO so you did kiss her! Aw little Marky is growing up."
"That's it! Draw your sword we fight to the death!"
"Heh good one...Wait..calm down for a second...I was teasing. Wah!"
"Come back here!"
About a minute later he managed to hide in the forest and I lost sight of him. I returned to camp to see a Paladin approach Eliwood. I still had my sword out from trying to kill Matthew and started to rush over, but neither side drew a weapon so I stopped running and sheathed my blade. Upon closer inspection, it was a Lady with cobalt eyes, and hair reaching down to her shoulders with silver armor protecting everything but her face.
"Isadora! What brings you here? Is something wrong with mother!?"
"No, Lady Eleanora is well."
"Then why are you here?
"Lady Eleanora received the message about how Lord Elbert's is not coming home. She ordered me to find you and protect you."
"But the castle will be shorthanded without it's best Paladin!"
"You flatter me Milord. But she is still safe with the rest of our guards."
"Mother..."
"Milord, she would not want you to worry about her. In fact, she is more worried about you!"
"But.."
"Look at it from her perspective...her only son is charging through all of Lycia without her able to help in anyway!"
"...I...I see, okay Isadora... but I fear we will fight many battles in the future, and this is different from what you are accustomed to."
"I'll be fine! I must fulfill Milady's wishes, and I will be proud to protect you!"
"Thank you Isodora, I shall feel safer with you around."
"I will defend you with my life if need be."
"That wont be necessary, this is my friend. He is our tactician and we are yet to lose anyone because of his skills."
"Hello, I am Mark, it is a pleasure to meet you Milady."
"The pleasure is mine to meet someone who helps Lord Eliwood."
"I merely rely upon the skills of everyone here to keep the plan together. Speaking of which, may I ask your fighting style?"
"I have practiced many days with the sword and lance, but if need be I can fight with an axe too."
"Interesting, it is nice to have such a versatile ally."
"I am just a humble Lady of Pherae."
"Well I am sure Eliwood is in good hands, but if you will excuse me I need to find a friend of mine and spar with him."
Eliwood chuckled "You mean Matthew? Is he messing with you again? I thought you could handle him by now."
"He found some new tactics, and now I must remove his tongue."
"Ha Ha, very well, happy hunting my friend."
…
"Is he okay Milord?"
"Hmm?"
"His hand is bandaged."
"Oh right...Unfortunately that is not the worst I have seen him hurt."
"What? How does he get wounded?"
"He is a tactician, but he is also a knight of Etruria, and he fights with us. He has received many blows fighting to defend us."
"Really? I never would have guessed."
"He has his secrets, but don't we all?"
"R-right..."
"Are you okay?"
"I am fine Milord...just a chill from the wind."
"It is rather icy today."
"Never mind me Milord."
"Nonsense, I cant have my bodyguard catch a cold, and please call me Eliwood...I am not very fond of titles."
"Okay Milor...Eliwood."
We finally set out for a small outpost near Ostia where we would meet Lord Uther. When I was unconscious I had been in Merlinus' wagon with Priscilla checking my vitals. We had covered about half the distance to the Outpost before setting up camp, and Lyn remained by my side the entire time I was unconscious. However, Lyn seemed to always been in a conversation with the pegasus knights. Sain and Kent also seemed to be in a lengthy discussion with her. I did not mind too much, after all I could always talk to her at night. But no matter how much I searched, I could not find Matthew. I finally gave up and just chatted with Wil. It varied from food, jokes, and archery. When we set up camp, we were no more than two miles from the outpost, and would reach it before the afternoon tomorrow. Nils played songs for everyone around the camp fire, and we even heard Lucius and Canas sing a couple songs.
"Psst Mark... Psst ...PSSST..."
Sigh, "What do you want Matthew?"
"Follow me for a moment."
"Why?"
"I found another observer."
"What!?"
"Follow me and I'll explain"
We left the camp and once no one was near us; he showed me a yellow piece of parchment and waited for me to read it.
Situation changed, Mark has acted out of the ordinary lately. Happiness, hope, and other similar qualities have been seen. Recommend immediate action or situation will be unstable. Probable location is an Outpost in Ostia or a Fortress near Worde. Poison did not slow down Mark. He recovered at full strength. Pending Investigation.
Phi Epsilon Iota Mu Omega Password: Magvel095
"How did you find this one?"
"When you chased me into the forest I saw a deer die for no reason!"
"His dinner most likely."
"Mark do you know what the key means this time?"
"Just that Iota is unexpected movement if they haven't changed the code yet."
"So if I was to copy the Key and Password with a similar but different message it would be considered true?"
"Yes but you would need the paper."
"You mean this?"
"How..How did you get that!"
"I followed him on our travels...he almost caught me twice, but I did not kill a deer to show my location."
"You were able to spy on an observer?"
"Yep, and once he finished writing his report I gutted him like a fish, but I managed to salvage what I could from him. Which happen to be this piece of paper, and his friend the pigeon."
"How is your penmanship?"
"I can copy anyone's writing."
"Are you sure? It has to be perfect!"
"Yes, I am sure."
"Okay, Here is what I want you to send."
Poison delivered to the left wrist. Probable Location is Santaruz. Poison successful. Recommend action to intercept Mark on route. Situation Unchanged
Phi Epsilon Mu Omega Password: Magvel095
"Are you positive Iota is change in movement, and that we should leave it out?"
"Do you think you are the only one that has ever caught an observer? "
"I know better than to question your judgment, so how long will this set them back?"
"If they know it is a forgery than one day, but if we fool them than at least one week."
"Splendid."
"We are safe...at least for tomorrow."
"Yep! So how will you reward your crafty operative?"
"I will spare your life tonight, good night Matthew."
"What!? Not even 500 gold?...okay 300...Wait up! Awww, I guess I will only claim the gold ingot I found on the body."
…
I returned to camp and headed for my tent to find that my bedroll was now twice its width. Lyn had moved hers closer to mine so it would function as one. I dropped down onto my side of the two joined bedrolls and just stayed there lost in thought. Sometime later Lyn entered the tent wearing that same smile she woke up with once she saw me.
"There you are! I couldn't find you at the campfire." Lyn took her side of the bed and just looked at me with glee.
"...Sorry I was with Matthew...we managed to intercept a message from the Boars and sent a fake one in return. We probably caused quite a stir in the records department."
"Really? Great! One day we will topple everything!"
"... … Lyn I have been thinking."
"Yes?"
"I love you...b-"
"Oh Mark, you make my heart skip a beat when you say that!" She moved closer to my side.
"...But I need to protect you."
"I know you will Mark, just as I will protect you."
"I know...but the Boars don't fight like normal soldiers...and once they find out about us...Then they will target you specifically...I am only human and I can't guard you every single second no matter how much I will try."
"So what do you suggest?
"Before we go any farther...I need to think of a way to guard you...I cannot risk you getting hurt. Badon is only a sample of what might happen in the future. I...I have to hold in my emotions until I can find a solution."
"But...But I don't want to! I Love you Mark... I can't hide it! I have dreamed you would love me for so long!
"...how long?"
"...I...I...you were always so sweet and caring...I started to dream about being with you at the castle...when we were still fighting Lundgren."
"..."
"What about you?"
"...I don't know...I never knew the feeling before...I thought love was crazy and stupid...but whenever I was around you I always felt...better. Even back in Sacae...I couldn't help but... stare..."
"It seems so long ago that you were helping me learn the sword...! That's it!" She tried to take all the air out my lungs she was holding on so tight.
"...W-wwhat is ...it."
"The solution! We can both be safe, and I still get to be with my champion!
"..bby sssuffocating me?"
"...Hehe sorry..." she loosened her grip a little, but I was glad she still held on.
"What does my peerless warrior have in mind?"
"That is exactly it!"
"Huh?"
"You train me! You train me how to avoid and see them!"
"You mean how to avoid their attacks?"
"Yes! You evaded them for nine months! You can teach me!"
"But Lyn...there would be so much to cover."
"I can handle it! I will listen to every word."
"It wont be pleasant...I have had to experienced many harsh circumstances that you shouldn't have to worry about. You don't need to be concerned about such things..."
"I must! If it is the only way then we have no other choice! You tripped me so I would avoid that weapon...But if I had seen it coming we could have defeated them without breaking a sweat!"
"... but..."
"It will work right?!"
"...It could work..."
"Yay! I can defend my hero and love him at the same time!"
"We can start tomorrow, but for now I just want to enjoy your company."
There was not even a hint of a nightmare that night. No torture, no memories, just peace. I could not remember the last time I had slept like that. I was fully alert and completely refreshed. New ideas were spinning through my mind and problems I had on machinery designs were finally starting to show their secrets. I could have gone off on a tangent of new ideas, but I was still lost by the face peacefully sleeping in front of me. I no longer feared the night, but I looked forward to waking up.
On our way to the outpost, Matthew continued to pester me, but it was somewhat tolerable. We reached the outpost at eleven with the sun scorching the battlements. The outpost had a wide open lobby with four connecting door ways at its corners, and three entrances to the left right and south. The war room was directly above the main lobby. We would expect Lord Uther to arrive within a few hours and everyone started to relax for once. I suited up in my Caelin Armor since it was my most formal attire. I had to take off the bandage on my wrist for the vambraces and other armor pieces for my limbs, but it was almost healed despite the poison. I had never made a recovery that fast before...fascinating.
Out of my natural curiosity I visited a small room that could technically be called a library. There was a small collection of military protocols and procedures, but it was all uninteresting except for the person who walked in while I was examining the shelves. It was a purple haired man in magic robes, and a monocle.
"Canas right? I don't believe we ever had a formal introduction. "
"Right...Thank you for the passage to Valor, it was a very informative experience.."
"Glad we could help you...Forgive me, but why do you follow dark magic if you are scholar?"
"I suppose the lines are blurred, but my quest for knowledge has primarily concerned ancient magic just like the rest of my family."
"You can be consumed by it...If Teodor was correct then Nergal no longer has a mind or a soul."
"I do fear the inevitable outcome, it has consumed my brothers too, but my search for knowledge must continue."
"...Could you choose a more practical method? There is some great literature...just not on these dusty book cases."
"Indeed, but no one has conquered ancient magic and revealed its wisdom. I shall find out the method behind the madness."
"No one has conquered anima or light either."
"Very true, and that is why I study them all. There are similarities between the three despite common misconception."
"I would not know, I have read magic tomes before, but never casted a spell."
"You have read a tome, but you could not use it?"
"Heh, I was curious and it was an important resource for battles. I needed to learn about them, but I never thought about practicing it. I know the basic principles, but that is all."
"I see, I suppose magic is not for everyone."
"By the way, what book do you have in your hand?"
"Oh this? It's the history of Archanea."
"Ha Ha...ahem sorry."
"Is their something funny about history Mark?"
"Of course not, it is perhaps the most important knowledge to man kind. The ability to observe our mistakes and learn from them. To change the inevitable future with the knowledge of the past."
"Their is some scholarly words behind that, but why the laugh?"
"Follow me, Merlinus is storing one of my books. It has the real history without the romanticism hiding the facts of Archanea."
"What? How did you obtain a volume of that caliber?"
"It has been passed down in my family for generations. It was written by my very great grand father named Chris who saw the events firsthand in one of Marth's adventure. It is rare these days to track history over 700 years, but I am one of his descendants."
"Incredible! But I could not ask to borrow such a rare book."
"Nonsense, any scholar is welcomed to my possessions."
"I shall bring it back to you the instant I finish."
"Good, I hope you find the knowledge hidden within.
…
"Mark? This book is brand new."
"...Right, the original was destroyed in a fire about a years ago, but I memorized most of it and rewrote it during my down time over these past ten months."
"What?"
"Oh don't worry, all the major events are in there, and I did not put opinions or anything like that."
"You memorized the book?"
"Of course! I have read it over 25 times."
"What? Why?"
"Marth and Chris were my inspiration for being a knight. I made sure to learn every detail on chivalry from them. I wanted to bring peace to Elibe just like the great heroes of ages did to Archanea."
"Fascinating, I shall read this book as soon as I have time. Thank you Mark."
"Don't mention it. It is an honor to discuss history and wisdom with anyone."
It was not long afterwords that the Black Fang found us. They surrounded the small fortress and tried to enter from all three entrances. The small garrison attached to the outpost was slaughtered mercilessly, and it only gave us enough time to stick together for the attack. We all scrambled to the lobby as it was the gate way to every room in the entire building. We managed to hide Nils and Ninian in the war room, and locked it shut with its impressive two-story iron doors. We would find out how the Fangs followed us later, but we had too many men trying to kill us at the moment."
"We need to hold this lobby! Diamond Formation! Hector, Oswin, Dart, Matthew, Bartre defend towards left gate Eliwood, Isodora, Guy, Marcus, Raven the right entrance, Lyn, Me, Kent, Sain, Dorcas the south, and Florina, Fiora, Lowen, Legualt and Dart take the north to cover any Flanking attempts. Magic, Archers and Healers Inside The diamond! No one break formation!
A five be five square only with the edges pointing towards the entrances. Everyone working together in a tightly woven defensive perimeter with no weaknesses or flaws in the line. The center was just as strong with magic and arrows breaking any men that try to break the crust. The perfect diamond.
Men were pouring from all sides and the lobby was filling with weapons. Everything from militia to trained knights were trying to enter the fray.
Arrows and magic were being evenly distributed to the areas that were most under pressure. The place was so packed with the enemy that Hectors swings would take down two to three at a time. These attacks left him open to counters, but his armor stood up to the punishment. Oswin was also right there so he didn't do anything stupid... Eliwood and his group required a more finesse approach, but Isadora was right there to handle the threats that came their way. She must have changed her weapon at least eight times during the battle, but it seemed to be working. Lyn and I played to each others strengths and we constantly were switching places in the formation. A strong armored knight that tried to attack Lyn was soon met with my sword, and the agile myrmidons were stuck in slow motion against her skill. It also helped dodge attacks by our constant movement. The cornerstone of our diamond at the top was faring better than everyone else. Only a handful of men manged to circle around and attack the Pegasi, knights, and pirate.
The enemy was desperate and started sending their wyvern riders inside the lobby and tried to break our formation from above ground. Wil and Rebecca handled the situation and picked them off with little to no trouble. It is always easier to defend than attack on most occasions. Nevertheless it was not a perfect battle. Raven had been hit by a fire-ball from an opposing anima user near his left shoulder and Priscilla immediately rushed to try and heal him. This break in formation had Eliwood and Isodora scrambling to hold the new hole in the line as Priscilla was completely vulnerable to attacks and had a sword cut her leg on the back of her right calf. Canas and Lucius managed to buy enough time to have Marcus bring them both inside the defenses again, but Priscilla was not used to being hurt. She protested in a violent fury that Raven be healed first, and Serra hesitantly obliged, but Priscilla lost a lot of color from such a loss of blood.
Once the battle was finally over, we examined the brutal sight in front of us. There were bodies and blood everywhere. No matter which way you looked their was a stab wound, an arrow, or a some dis formed carcass burnt by magic.
Sain was inspecting the bodies with his toy sword that he still kept on his person. He liked to refer to it as his valiant wooden sword of judicature, but I still laughed every time he pulled it out. He would never go near a mage without it. We did find one man alive among the bodies. It was a former wyvern rider who had an arrow stuck near his heart. The arrow was embedded in his navy blue armor. The green haired Fang was giving up on life. I tried to get his attention before he passed out.
"You there! Explain yourself and we will help you."
"...ung...I...will...die..either...way.
"Why?"
"Black Fang...kills...failures..."
"Do you pledge your life to their service?"
"...no..."
"Serra! This man needs immediate attention! He is first priority to be healed unless our members are near death." There was always the chance that Priscilla's wound was worse than I estimated.
"...wh...why?"
"You are unarmed and severely hurt. There is no honor watching a man die."
"...Honor..."
"Relax, you are going to be okay. I have seen men hit closer to the heart than this. What is your name?"
"...Heath..."
"I am sorry we have to meet like this Heath, but you will be safe now."
"...B"
"Don't use anymore of your energy Heath, just relax...you will be okay."
Lord Uther had arrived to the scene about 30 minutes later and noticed the recent events, but ignored it like it was nothing. He was simply laughing at his younger brother for his recklessness as he received a couple of visible dents in his armor.
"So, brother, you're alive after all. You were so long gone that I feared you dead. Another day, and I might have arranged you a funeral rite."
"…My apologies. Been a little busy with everyone trying to kill me." Take a number and wait in line.
"Yes, Leila's report covered much about the Black Fang trying to start a war before handing me her resignation. Eliwood, I am sorry about Lord Elbert. I was powerless to help. "
"...There was nothing we could have done...we will pay Nergal back for his crimes."
"Ah yes, Leila mentioned that name in the debriefing."
"What do you know about him?"
"Only what was reported to me. He appeared a year ago and seized control of Black Fang. Then he ensnared Laus in a plot of rebellion against Ostia. I can't see what he's after…"
"It sounds crazy...but he is trying to bring the dragons back...the same dragons from the scouring."
"What!? Is this possible?"
"Yes. Let me explain."
…
"I see. This is very troubling indeed."
"We were hoping for your advice on this issue."
"I would sooner not place this burden on your shoulders alone. And yet, I can see no other choice before me. Listen, my brother… Eliwood, Lyndis, are you determined to act on your resolve?"
Lyn agreed, "We can't just watch this happen! We must stop this immediately!"
"And you, Mark. My brother and his friends are in your debt. Will you help them? See them through their coming trials?"
"I will gladly assists them as long as possible Milord."
"I see, but please make sure my brother doesn't kill himself in the process."
"You have my word."
"And what of the girl? The one we spoke of earlier? Ninian correct?"
Eliwood reentered the discussion, "She senses Nergal to the east of us...so he must be in Bern. She can feel that he is still very weak."
"Hmm, if Nergal converts Bern then nothing will stop war throughout the entire continent. That will surely be enough of that qint esene thing you spoke of earlier."
Hector grew impatient as always, "Well brother? we are waiting for your suggestions?
"If there is still time, and Nergal is still weak then head for Missur first.
"Missur!? That's the wrong direction!"
"Go to the Nabata desert… You may find aid there... The living legend."
"Brother are you mad? A living what?"
We set course for the fierce desert to our west. It would be a fair distance and we would need to ration our supplies. I truly hope this Marquess knows what he is doing.
Review,..f...Bah, you should know the drill by now. Have a wonderful day!
Do you remember Rath the nomad that we met all the way back in chapter four?...Neither do I. Why? Because he barely says two full sentences, only three supports the whole game and has an unrealistic background... Banished from his tribe at the age of FOUR! Even his entrance in this chapter in-game did not make logical sense. I am sorry for everyone that likes him, but he will not be in this story. This one paragraph is his moment of spotlight...
PS: There is 30 people already in the group, and still more to come. Oops, I guess that can be considered a spoiler...Don't read that last sentence!