Chapter 22: Destination

By SodiumChloride12, derived from Fire Emblem, owned by Nintendo.

A/N: Some of y'all may already know, but every OC character you see in this story is at least loosely based on another.

Fun fact: Barthillas and Yanden are based on characters my best friends made for World of Warcraft.

Of course, some are like Taliyah who aren't based on anyone in particular and carry their own unique flavor. Leaving little Easter eggs like this makes writing this story a bit more fun.

P.S: Y'all some of these reviews are hilarious XD. Others are very constructive. All are welcome...and I truly appreciate them.

N: Finding himself in a dreamy haze, Mark is called upon by an unfamiliar voice.

"Samuel..."

"Wake up..."

"Your friends need you..."

That voice...I recognized its source. It was from the fair maiden of Proxima Centauri.

Everything around me was black. I couldn't see anything, not even my own body. It was like my sense of sight was completely shut off.

I called out to the voice.

"Ma'am! Where are you?!"

My plea was replied with silence. I felt like the aura of her presence was fading by the minute.

I heard one last whimper before she faded away.

"Danger...! Danger lurking around you! Hiding with the common folk they are! City in turmoil! Watch your words you must!"

Then like a flame without oxygen, she was snuffed out. All that I was left with was her cryptic message...

I woke up with a fading pain in my stomach. My arms and legs still felt weak, but I was still able to move them. Mild remnants of second-degree burns covered my left hand, along with plenty of white bandages. It still felt uncomfortable to touch, so I surmised that it would be wise to delegate everything to my right while it healed.

I took a moment to observe my surroundings.

I was in a baby blue room that had stone floors and a large, floral blue carpet. My bedside table had a globe of the continent of Elibe, with its bright colors emphasizing the theoretical borders of each country. A marble statue of an armored woman with a spear (it had an uncanny resemblance to lady liberty in the states) stood confidently at a corner. A bust of a bearded, robed man was glaring at me intently. A window was being covered by some drapes, robbing me of much-needed sunlight.

Despite the stuffy environment, it was clear that this was no simple hotel room. This was the abode of someone high standing. Someone who had a clear interest in my well-being.

At first, my intuition suggested that this was the work of Matthew's employer. But I quickly dismissed it. His employer would not have been comfortable leaving me in here alone while I was so vulnerable. He/she would have left a guard, or maybe one of my trustworthy friends to secure their investment.

My thought process was interrupted by some snoring. Shifting my gaze to an unseen corner, I realized that I wasn't alone at all.

Lumina was slumped against her chair. Her white hair was still against the lack of airflow, and it was lazily moving with her snores. Amusingly, drool was flowing from her mouth onto her chair, creating a bit of a mess.

I held the temptation to giggle. Lumina was most definintly exhausted from the long journey. It was likely she and the others had to carry my body to town while I was unconscious. It was likely an unfortunate task, but one she took on nevertheless.

As if on cue, Lumina stopped snoring and raised her head towards me. Manaketes must have some innate ability that allows them to notice when a person is looking at them. She had some morning dizziness but soon came to her senses.

She said, "To think it was you who would find me waking up."

I smiled. Not because I had found some humor in her remark, but simply because I was fortunate enough to hear her voice. If I was being honest with myself, I was unsure if I would have ever regained my body after the battle with Karel. I was just glad I did.

I replied, "I'm about surprised as you. This is the first time it's happened to me."

This would have been time to partake in a little bit of laughter. But Lumina face held firm. It was clear that she was upset.

It was at that point where I realized the full brunt of my actions. Allowing a monster like Azazel free reign in a fight wouldn't be glossed over or even forgotten. The resulting consequences would arguably be as severe as Karel's blade.

She said, "Mark...to think after all this time you were keeping things from me. After all we've been through...after all the things I've told you about myself."

I was not prepared to take heat once I woke up. Usually calm and composed during situations like these, all I could do was fold under the pressure.

"..."

My lack of response was all it took for her to go off on me. Her face went red with anger as I was hit with a million daggers.

"I-I've never felt so betrayed! Do you understand how I felt when you fought that man by yourself? How some evil force took hold of your body...how surprised I was?! How I thought I knew everything about you?! How even after I told you I was defiled by those men you didn't even mention you could fling a little fire with your wrist?!"

I replied, "Lumina...I..."

She continued with the same ferocity.

"Is Mark even your real name?! Is the person I've toiled with, fought with, and lived with been a manufactured persona this whole time?! Have I just been a pawn in your games tactician?!"

After her outburst, she calmed down. Resigning herself to her seat, she silently sobbed onto her arm.

I had been putting up a persona, but I had always done it to protect myself and the people around me. Had they known that I inhabited the same body as that monster Azazel, they likely would have killed me on the spot. Mark was always a moniker I used, as it was a name given by my beloved after all.

In my entire journey with Lumina, I had never considered Lumina's feelings in all of this. She had formed a relationship with someone that isn't 100% the real me.

Maybe it was time she did.

I put the mask I was wearing and put it on my bedside table. My unique eyes were now completely in view.

I said, "Lumina...you are the only person I am comfortable seeing me without my mask on. Do you know why I wear it so religiously?"

Lumina shook her head. She remembered how she first saw him without his prized possession. The slavers had stolen his initial mask prior to when they first met. As they were sailing across the sea, she managed to catch a glimpse of his face through the use of some stray light. She was amazed at his unique set of eyes, but she didn't suspect anything sinister. After that, Mark was comfortable being without his mask around her.

I said, "I'm going to tell you everything about me, but you're going to have to swear on your life that you don't tell anyone. I have a dark past, and if you won't guarantee that then I'm afraid you'll have to continue not knowing who I really am. Can you promise me that this conversation won't leave the room?"

Lumina had been waiting for this moment ever since she first picked up his body from the prickly, jungle floor. She nodded in agreement.

I said, "Okay, it all started when I woke up in a hut in Sacae..."

Jaffar silently made his way through the crowd, trying his best to blend in. This task was especially easy for him, as his stealth along with his tanned skin made it easy to do so. It was as if he was among his countrymen.

To be fair, technically he was. He was born in this city, although his parents were long dead by the time he reached the age of three. They were killed in one of the many political squabbles that this town engulfed itself in every other decade; adding their names to the ranks of revolutionaries, anarchists, and other visionaries. He was damned to a fate of poverty and squalor at the local orphanage had it not been for the hand of Nergal.

He still remembers the moment when his entire world changed. Nameless hostile men invaded his little orphanage and struck down everyone that called it home. His caretaker, an older cleric woman, was killed without hesitation. They pillaged everything in sight and burnt the building down to the ground. He was caught in the inferno, and the last thing he remembered was the smoke depriving him of clean air. He was later told that Nergal found him asleep under the rubble on top of a pile of bodies, and he was brought under his wing soon after.

Jaffar often questioned why Nergal was there that day, or why he felt it necessary to take care of him. Maybe Nergal someone wanted to care for...but he doubted it. Nergal was never a proper father figure to him, and he seemed to only value him for his use with a blade. The lack of love and affection had a huge effect in his life, causing him to become emotionless, much like the morphs Nergal commanded. Sometimes he wondered if he was human at all and if Nergal had manufactured him like the other morphs. Maybe his origin story was fabricated as well, but he could never know for certain. That man always seemed to have some type of forbidden magic up his sleeve, and he didn't doubt the possibility that he had a spell that could implant memories.

But such questions could be answered at a later date. For now, it was important he focused on his mission.

Or rather, we.

A man was following him close by. He was wearing a long, purple robe that concealed most of his features. Despite that, one could still observe his black hair, golden eyes, and blood red lips.

Jaffar said, "It's a pleasure to see that you're holding up well Ephidel."

Ephidel's face didn't react to that gesture. He was one of the more emotionless morphs, a being that was less responsive towards emotional stimuli. Although it made it a bit awkward when trying to make small-talk, Jaffar was never the one that enjoyed such pleasantries. Nergal seemed to think the same way, as many of his creations share that trait.

Ephidel replied using a voice as monotone as they come.

He said, "Focus on the mission. It's our job to find the source of that mysterious forest fire. We can start by questioning the local populace."

Jaffar mentally groaned. He didn't like talking to people, especially since he could much more effectively gather information with the threat of force. Unfortunately, in hotbeds like Carazan, public opinion was everything to the Black Fang.

Carazan was always a hot, bloody mess. It was a melting pot of incompatible ideals, with democracists, anarchists, socialists, and other revolutionaries lurking in its alleyways, bars, and other public places. Although the monarchist faction was able to hold on the reins of power for centuries, it was unknown for how long. That sneaky emperor had been playing the other smaller factions against one another, but eventually, even the dimmest of common folk would catch onto his games.

Enter the Black Fang. At first, they infiltrated the city with small numbers. Then, after bloating their numbers with disenfranchised locals, they started infiltrating the different political factions. This caused a situation where some of the factions; like the anarchists, were effectively dominated by fangsmen. Others, like the democracists and the monarchists, only had a few members. This was a short-handed development, but Nergal was pleased nonetheless.

Nergal was clearly planning to do something villainous; judging from his past affairs. Regardless, Jaffar didn't hold any sort of attachment to these people. How could he...it's not like they've done anything to help him (or even themselves). That's why he felt comfortable with the Fang doing as they pleased. He didn't completely understand Nergal's plan, nor did he desire to. All he did was follow orders, not question them.

They continued their way down the street, taking note of the highly urbanized nature of Carazan. Carazan was situated in some of the only cleared, flat land in the whole country. Surrounded by isolating jungle, perhaps it was only natural that tempers would flare among these cramped people. Carazan wasn't exactly hospitable, but the jungle did flood the city with a plethora of raw materials. Although Missur was notorious for having poor metals, it did have high-quality timber, medicine, and Tin.

As they say, every blessing comes with a curse and vice versa. Ultimately, everything is balanced in the end.

But the Fang and especially Nergal didn't favor the current balance of power. Some long overdue changes were in order.

Ephidel separated himself from the crowd with Jaffar close behind. He entered a dark alleyway, which was filled to the brim with poor residences. Orphaned children and drunks littered the corridor.

Jaffar asked, "Which door is the right one?"

Ephidel paused as he recounted information from his master.

He took a step forward, "Four houses down."

Jaffar and Ephidel walked four houses down. Two doors were on opposite sides of the walls, and both had potted plants sitting outside. One was brown, the other was green.

He turned towards the apartment on the right, "Knock on the door with the brown potted plant."

Jaffar knocked on the door. A slit that was eye level opened to reveal a guard.

He said, "Password?"

Ephidel replied, "Glory to the divine Emperor. Hail to the empowered power of Carazan."

The slit closed shut. A moment passed while the guard unlocked the countless locks that barred the door. Once his labor was done, the duo entered the building.

The first thing that captured Jaffar's vision was the large flag fixed to the wall.

It was a truly unsettling banner. It had a black background, representing the death of their enemies. The crest of Carazan was located centrally, with a bundle of fasces underneath it. A phrase was also visible, and it was written in Marpol, a language predating the Scouring.

It read: Revolution with the Creator, the Emperor, and the people. All will fall under our boots.

Everyone around him was wearing brown shirts. Men and women were chatting about subjects ranging from hairstyles to political ideals. A portrait of the emperor was hanging on the wall. Despite his regal presence, beer was effortlessly flowing through the crowd.

Jaffar couldn't understand why Nergal would want to associate with such people. They went on and on about some stupid political utopia, one that would impossible to achieve. On top of that, their lack of discipline was appalling. He couldn't believe that some of the black fang could associate with these people.

A man with a long sword approached the duos. Judging from his military attire, along with his important looking appearance, Jaffar surmised that he was the leader of this band of wanna-be military men.

He said, "Greetings! Hail to Carazan! I take that you two are representatives from the Black Fang...?"

I took a deep breath. Then exhaled. It had taken me several hours to recount my entire story to Lumina, along with answering obvious questions.

She asked, "So you came here...from another world? One that is much more technologically advanced than ours? How can that be?"

I replied, "I'm not sure...from what Azazel's been telling me my origin comes from a speck of stardust. On a side note, due to my studies, I have plenty of future knowledge that may be of use to us. Might be difficult though, we don't have many of the materials that my old world took for granted."

She then questioned me about the elephant in the room. The infamous Azazel.

She asked, "Azazel is...really inhabiting your conscious right now? Is he talking to you right now?"

A: You sure bet I am you dumb b-

I said, "Er...I wish he wasn't."

She also asked a bunch of other questions. These included my profession as a tactician, my magical abilities, my journeys in Swampmarsh, Badon, and Porrety, etc. I gave enough information to write a memoir, but I was confident that Lumina was satisfied with my account.

At the end of it all, one thing still bugged her.

She asked, "Is there anything about the future I should know about?"

My forehead wrinkled as I thought of the many things that they did in the medieval age that would be considered unthinkable or unsanitary in my age. I chose to start her off light.

I said, "First off, wash your hands before every meal. Also, when you can take a bath every day. There's loads of other stuff but I don't want to break your mi-"

Knock Knock!

There was a knock on the door. Lumina stood up and went to answer it. Opening the door, we saw a young man with a suit.

He had olive skin and dark blue hair. He was about my size and build while displaying more elegance. He had a scar just above his left eye. In addition, he also had a noticeable vanilla scent to him. Judging from his attire, I concluded that he was the resident butler.

He said, "Greetings...my name is Brutus. Pleased to make your acquaintance. My lord Emperor Elred is waiting for you."

I was taken aback by his accent. It resembled the posh British ones you see in the movies. Does everyone speak this way here?

Brutus tilted his head.

He inquired, "Does my accent bother you? I can change it to this land's manner of tongue if it pleases you."

A: I'd be careful. This man can either read your mind or your non-verbals. Either way, he's dangerous.

M: I know that!

He added, "Are you unwell? You appear to be talking to yourself."

M: Kill me.

I replied, "N-No. I'm fine. I just got done talking to my sister here you see. A-And don't you think it's a little invasive to be reading people's minds?"

"La La La La!"

Lumina was covering her ears and yelling out loud like that could prevent Brutus from reading her mind. My face went red with embarrassment.

I pointed my finger towards Lumina, "That isn't going to work you brat!"

Like a child, she replied, "La La I can't hear you!"

I shot back, "For someone who's centuries-old you sure act like a toddler!"

She replied, "I can act how I want you baby boy!"

We glared at each other with killing intent. Brutus couldn't help but laugh.

"Hahaha! It's moments like these that make the job worthwhile. Seeing two siblings fight makes me reminisce of my own younger brother. Ah well...I'll refrain from reading your minds again. If nothing else than to keep my insides from hurting from the humor."

Then, he changed his tone. It was much more formal and serious than before.

"But back to business. Your accent is unlike anything I've ever heard. Mind explaining yourself?"

I held my tongue. There was no way I was going to give important information like that when withholding it would give me a better hand. I crowded out my mind with redundant information so Brutus couldn't read it. He winced his eyes as he struggled to comprehend my jargon. Looking away, he realized he had lost.

He said, "Bah! These complicated numbers are making my brain boil!"

I couldn't conceal the mischievous smirk on my face.

I replied, "Better brush up on your Trigonometry Brutus. Next time you look in there, I'll introduce you to my friend Calculus."

He backed away from the door. His legs began to shake. Memories of him struggling with basic arithmetic flooded his conscience.

He replied, "C-Calculus?!"

Ah, Calculus. My greatest bane in college...

A man approached Brutus from behind. He had a similar build, dress, and hair color. Upon closer inspection, I recognized him as Brutus' twin. The only difference was that he was wearing glasses.

He said, "Stop tampering with the guest brother. Emperor Elred is losing his patience."

Twin telepathy must be a farce because his voice took Brutus off-guard.

He exclaimed, "Robert! Don't sneak on me like that! Abusing your shadow ability is strictly forbidden!"

Robert rolled his eyes.

"Yet here you are abusing yours. I wouldn't go babbling around if I were you."

After a moment of bickering between the two brothers, Brutus finally composed himself. Bowing to show us respect, he beckoned for us to follow him.

He said, "Come and follow us. His Highness the King will be waiting for in the throne room."

I looked at Lumina, with eyes that questioned whether or not we should. She gave me a slight nod, and that's all I needed to oblige.

We began making our way down the winding corridors. Our steps echoed against the empty stone like miniature claps of thunder. My white-haired friend took the initiative behind the butlers, and I walked behind her.

I asked her, "Do you know these people Lumina?"

She looked back and replied, "No...but they were the only people willing to treat your injuries after your battle with Karel. With us having no funds, I had to take any help we could get for you. Besides, they said it was their duty to help a distinguished individual such as yourself."

I questioned, "Distinguished?"

We stopped in front of a large door. It was adorned with gold, murals, and other luxuries. Robert turned towards us as he began to open it.

He said, "Your heroics have traveled across the land! Your fight against countless undead, your scuffle with the great pirate captain Whitney, your enslavement and freedom from the notorious slavers, and now your victory against the Sword Demon. My lord is honored to host the great Masked Mercenary!"

A bright light seemed to encase us in the sun's energy. Large windows similar to ones found on a cathedral were fixated on a wall opposite of us. Regal banners and emblems were visible everywhere. A red carpet on our feet led up to a throne currently being occupied by a man wearing a crown. Surrounding the carpet were two orderly lines of heavily armored knights. A trumpeter played a chorus to announce our arrival.

The trumpeter finished his tune. The butlers stepped aside to allow their lord a better view of their guests.

The emperor stood up from his throne and smiled. His appearance was very similar to ancient Byzantine emperors. He had a golden crown, which was engraved with all sorts of runes that I couldn't understand. His brown hair extended to his shoulders, and his upper body was completely draped with a purple robe. He also wore purple pants, along with sandals that seemed expertly crafted. He appeared to be in his mid-twenties.

He raised palm up into the air. His subordinates around him immediately took a knee to respect his authority.

Lumina took a knee as well. She looked at me with confused eyes as I had not done the same.

She whispered, "Mark...you must kneel. You need to show respect to your host."

I shifted my unwavering gaze to the pompous man standing over us. I've always hated royalty like this. They're more concerned for themselves and their self-image rather than the people they rule over. It despises me. Such people shouldn't be pampered on, and should rather be responded to with strong, independent resolve.

He raised his brow. Although I hadn't realized it then, this was the first time a simple commoner had refused to kneel in his presence.

He spoke to me as if I was a child. His brazen audacity from his perceived position of power gifted him much strength to his voice.

"Who are you Masked Mercenary? Who are you to refuse to kneel like many of your peers around you? In defiance to me and my royal knights? Are you aware that in this city my divinity is second only to the Creator himself? Your arrogance amongst a higher being such as myself is questionable. Especially so since I am your host. I ask again...who are you to feel so inclined to stand? Your mask disguises your true identity, but cannot hide your character."

In an instant, every eyeball in the room was fixated on me. I could feel a mixture of emotions, some of which were malicious in nature. Others were simply ones that carried concern over my safety.

I had suspected this would happen. I knew I wouldn't get along with these conceited people in power. Although I didn't realize it then, my dress was a complete insult to this culture. I wore a garment in all purple, a color only reserved for the emperor himself. In addition, I employed a mask to conceal my identity, an object made of Obsidian. Obsidian is a material that can only be obtained in Luxcuco, the city of their enemies. I might as well have had a giant target on my back.

I knew of the consequences of what would happen if I prodded this bee's nest any further. With potential enemies all around, I had a gap in my rationale. The deadly sin of Pride seeped into my mind, and for a second; I didn't care for my life or even Lumina. All I wanted to do was say these damning words.

Defiantly, I said, "I kneel before no man."

A wave a silence overtook the crowd. I instantly regretted what I had said, but at that point, I knew I had passed the point of no return. Sensing the aura of anger around me, I felt like an insect trapped in a spider's web.

SMASH!

A maid dropped a freshly brewed cup of tea onto the red carpet. She gasped as her light blue hair hid the look of shock on her face...

Suddenly, seven of the knights in front of me drew their swords. The blue maid and her coworkers exited the room, leaving me and Lumina surrounded by a crowd of angry men.

A: You may have overplayed your hand tactician.

M: You think I don't know that? Why the heck did I say that?

A: Every action has its consequences. Although this may get us killed, I don't regret putting that curse on you. If nothing else I'll die seeing you lose your cool.

M: Shut up!

One of the men, who I assumed to be a junior officer said, "At your word, I will cut out his tongue milord."

I eased myself over to Lumina and placed my body over her. If someone was to die here, Elimine be damned if I were to let anyone harm her for my mistake.

The Emperor glared at me with imposing eyes, as if he were trying to read my mind. Realizing that it'd be much easier to get his butler to do it, he asked him to read my mind.

As expected, Brutus was unable to comprehend my encrypted mind. He passed out onto the ground as he was overwhelmed with integrals, derivatives, and complicated angular momentum problems. His uneducated 8th-century mind was no match for me.

The Emperor sighed and ordered his soldiers to stand down.

He said, "I'm afraid we may need him more alive than dead. Everyone clear the room. I require a private audience with the tactician and his companions."

Companions? Where are Simon and Raven?

I stood still as the knight left through the door. One of the lieutenants purposely bumped me on the shoulder, and it was evident that I was likely the most disliked person in the castle.

The door closed with a loud slam. I helped Lumina up from the floor and faced the Emperor.

He sat back down on his throne and folded his legs. Putting his hands together, he laid back.

He said, "Now...I see that you're a man with plenty of pride. Do not worry, your friends are safe and are on their way. As a prideful man myself, let us speak as equals..."

"Lieutenant Colonel Carval, our countrymen desire your guidance."

Carvel looked at the ragtag group of revolutionaries that made up his trusted friends. He would be more than willing to die for them, but he was aware that would do more harm than good for their cause. His apartment could do little to hide the sheer amount of pride and honor he has for these men and women.

Carvel is a man from a family of service. His father was in the army, his grandmother was a diplomat, and his mother is a teacher. He was brought up with the ideals that the weak should be protected, and thus he joined the army to accomplish just that. Living his entire life under the sheltered, comfortable lifestyle of his well-to-do parents, it was as a dog of the military where he discovered the animalistic hellhole outside his family home.

Such a sight would have alienated any normal man from the general population. But instead, his heart churned as he empathized with these people. Day by day, month by month, the little seedling of doubt in his society's current system bloomed into a forest of insurgency. Fed up in the futilities of his fellow nobles, he opened his mind to the possibility that the people instead of useless blue bloods should rule the country. In order to see true, fulfilling change in this country; the people must take the reins of power. Let the people choose their own leaders. Democracy will bring prosperity to Carazan.

Thus Carvel separated himself from the monarchist faction and founded the democracist faction. Opening his home to like-minded peers, his faction represented the newest political group in the city. Although late to the game, their numbers quickly grew to become the third largest faction; behind the fascists and the monarchists. The democracists represented only about a fifth of the total political pie, yet they were still confident in their abilities to establish a liberal democracy.

Carvel thanked his secretary, a black-haired woman named Maria. Maria also happened to be his childhood best friend, the daughter of a household maid. Their relationship should have been forbidden, but a child's brain does not understand abstract barriers in class. They joined the army together, and Maria was the first person to join Carvel's movement. Carvel could trust this woman with his life.

In public, they were nothing more than friends. In private, it was much more. They were secretly wed by a friar who was a comrade of their culture, and the audience was empty save for some close confidants. They wouldn't keep their relationship secret if they could, but otherwise, Carvel would lose his ties to the Emperor.

A spy among the personal entourage of the Emperor. It was certain that the fascists and socialists had some as well, perhaps some as high a colonel or brigadier general. But a man as powerful as Carvel was useful in any organization, especially one as mid-tier as the democracists.

Carvel addressed his countrymen, some of whom were still shaken up by the recent purge. About a dozen men were found to have ties to the infamous Black Fang and Fascist organization and were dealt with accordingly.

He went into a vigorous and heartfelt speech. He described how despite the loss in membership, he was certain the current party will grow from this ordeal. He went into a parable comparing the democracist's struggle to Hercules' 12 labors, and how each labor will bring their movement closer to victory. He then finished off by praising some individuals by name and then concluded the speech.

The audience erupted in sound applause. Afterward, the meeting was adjourned and everyone was returned home. Maria was the last one to leave.

"Goodbye Carvel, will you be going to the Emperor's event tomorrow?"

Carvel took in a deep breath. Although he had separated himself from the monarchist faction, he still had to look like one if he were to keep his position close to the emperor. Tomorrow is the Emperor's birthday, and if he didn't attend then that would surely arise some suspicion.

He replied, "Unfortunately so. Everybody with the rank of a field grade officer and above is expected to be there. I'll leave at the first available opportunity."

Carvel didn't exactly like the thought of being stuck in a room full of enemies. He'd much rather lead the democracist weekly meetings, which he took great pride in. Anybody would prefer being in a room full of friends rather than the former.

Maria nodded her head and turned away from the door. The sun was beginning to set on Carazan, and she'd much rather be at home than risk it with the city bandits.

She said, "Very well, please be safe. If you suspect trouble, inform our agent there and I will arrive with the full might of our organization."

Their agent...one of the sympathetic castle staff. Always silent during meetings, but her resolve was true. She could easily blend into any environment and was a valuable agent to have on the inside.

Knowing that was comforting. Amongst all those enemies he'll have at least one friend.

Maria descended down the hill of his manor and left through the front gate. Confident that he was now alone, he closed the door.

He thought of the mask he'd have to put on tomorrow. A noble lieutenant colonel from a prestigious family. Amongst his peers, he'd have to pretend he liked them well enough to partake in small talk. In addition, he'd also try to obtain intrigue on the other factions. Monarchists were obviously going to be in attendance, but fascists, socialists, and even an anarchist will be present. A potential powder keg of differing ideas. He knew that he wasn't going to be the only one using a persona tomorrow.

He sat on his sofa and extended his legs. The family heirloom, a mystical sword named Melfrost hung over a fireplace.

He hoped he'd never have to use it. But if push comes to shove, he may have to.

His father raised him under the belief that political power grew out the tip of a blade. He has since thrown away such garbage rhetoric, but he knows there was a hint of truth in that sentence.

Revolution may be the only way. With the path this country is headed, Carazan is due for a brutal surprise.

Simon and Raven entered the throne room. Leading the way was Brutus, whose ears were covered with bandages. Faint spots of blood were on them, and he glared at me with an expression of distaste.

The Emperor said, "Leave us, Brutus."

Brutus bowed and did as he was told. He left the four of us alone with his lord. Reunited once more, I was just glad to be with some more familiar faces.

I shook Simon's hand. He had a bandage wrapped around his head. Most likely from a new wound received from the latter end of the trip.

He said, "Good to see you again Mark. I don't know how you were able to beat Karel back there, but it's not my business. It's good to see you fit and well."

I replied, "Same here friend."

A: Your left hand disagrees with you.

M: Let's keep that between me and you shall we?

I moved over to Raven to greet him, but all I was given was a silent stare. His red eyes made me feel like my life was in danger.

I turned around and ignored him. Simon and Lumina gave me a confused expression, but I paid them no mind. The most pressing matter was the monarch who had to speak with us.

I asked, "What would you like to talk about?"

Emperor Elred replied with a calm tone.

"You four. Do you know why I brought you before me today? Why I felt obligated to accept that girl's plea to help your friend?"

I replied, "Not really. But looking at the large military force you showed me I'm assuming you're preparing some sort of war."

He said, "You'd be right with that assumption Masked Mercenary."

He took a sip of tea on his throne. After taking a decent drink, he placed the cup back onto his armrest...

He erupted from his chair and balled up his fist in the air. His energy changed, and it took us off guard.

"My country requires your assistance. We are in the brink of civil war! I request your help in putting down the revolutionaries that have infested my homeland!"

The same sting of anger began to fill my conscious mind. How dare he ask me for help!? What good is a tyrant in this world anyways?!

Lumina noticed my fury and decided to put a stop to it. She looked at me square in the eyes as if to tell me that any further provocation would result in some discomfort from her.

I mellowed out and held my tongue. Luckily someone else was willing to carry my mantle.

Raven stepped forward. On his back was a recently acquired sword.

He said, "What good is a king if he cannot control his own citizens?"

The comment was enough to slight the monarch.

The Emperor shot back, "If you had to rule over a powder keg like Carazan you'd understand. Those lords in Etruria and Lycia have it half as hard as I do. All of their people are spread out in rural areas, while all of my people live in the city. These streets have become breeding grounds for people wanting to take power away from me. Some even want to do away with the monarchy altogether."

I said, "None of our business. It doesn't hurt or benefit us if you're on the throne."

He said, "Why you arrogant little..."

CREAK!

The door behind us opened. I was overtaken with an aura of confusion as I saw three men. One had a brown jacket, one looked like an assassin and the other...

Oh no...

Black hair...golden eyes...red lips...how did they find me?!

A monotone voice echoed through the throne room.

"Hello...I hope we're not late for your meeting your Highness..."