Chapter 49: Shocking Revelation
By SodiumChlouride12, derived from Fire Emblem, owned by Nintendo
A/N: Y'all ready for a bombshell? No? Too bad, you're getting one!
On an unrelated note, I've changed the cover for the last time. It'll make sense in a couple of chapters.
N: Samuel hasn't had a decent night of sleep in very long time. The visions keep him up at night, with each new iteration increasing in strength. What do these visions mean? Do they serve a larger purpose?
?...
Here I am again...
Why do they keep bringing me back here?
I've returned to the mystical sanitarium occupying this subspace within the confines of the void. I may be in the same building, but looking at my environment it's clear I'm at a different part of it. Gone were the sofas, cots, and televisions inhabiting a habitable living space. In its place where a series of winding hallways flanked by an endless line of paintings hanging on opposing white cobblestone walls.
Keeping my guard up, I observe the paintings with my keen eyes. They appear to display the likenesses of a plethora of different human beings, but I could not make out any of their identities. Their faces were all clouded with a fog of blur, an annoying sight my eyes were needy of ocular assistance.
Already weirded out, I slowly and hesitantly walk down the hall. The air is still like an unbothered body of water, but the lack of ventilation didn't feel suffocating. Instead, my chest calmly rises and exhales healthily… however I still can't rest easy. As minutes turned into hours, the hallway didn't appear to be any closer to ending, and the surrounding paintings stay on their elevated position...as if mocking me for my attempts at escape.
What is going here?!
Frustrated, I slam my hand onto the wall. Then, I do it again. I repeat this over and over until my right pinky gets bent from all the excess force. Wiping laborious sweat from my eyes, I silently curse myself for having let my emotions get out of hand, but this also had the unintended effect of tearing a hole through the wall...
Curious, I peek through the opening. Unexpectedly, I notice yet another hallway hidden behind this facade of stone, though this time a steel door is visible at its end. Figuring that at this point I had nothing to lose, I again clench my fist and bludgeon my way through the wall. It comes at the cost of my ring finger, but at least now I had a sliver of hope for escape.
Okay, let's see where this door goes to.
Holding my breath, I open the door...
"What the hell..."
I'd opened the door of a grand throne room, which made little sense since the steel door I'd just opened was nowhere near in size as the towering behemoths residing over this place. I'm struck with a sensation of bewilderment, and I walk through to the end of the room observing the simple yet beautiful extravagance befitting of a royal family. A lime green carpet comfortable hugged the soles of my boots, colorful banners adorned the high walls, and stained glass windows let in colorful light. The beautiful sight is enough to put me at ease, though it soon became clear this place was anything but safe.
Overlooking the entire area is a trio of stone thrones similar in style to the one I saw at Mt. Merki. I infer that these things were in place to respect the authority of a King, Queen, and a Prince/Princess, though neither of those individuals were present. What was present is a single skeleton in the garbs of a royal sitting on the center throne, and its mouth gapes open like some vain cry for help.
These dreams keep get weirder and weirder.
Disregarding the old proverb that "curiosity killed the cat", I approach the skeleton to get a better look. The regalia it's wearing was fairly impressive, with the lush green robes reminding me of the beautiful prairie grasses of Sacae. Its boots were constructed from the finest leather, and its gold crown-
!
Oh my God, is that...
The royal insignia of House Caelin?!
Taking a step back, I'm overwhelmed with a crushing feeling of familiarity. The whole place swirls around like some mystical tornado of truth...and then it clicks. The lime green carpet, the colorful banners, the green robes worn by the skeletal royal. How hadn't I seen this sooner?!
I'm in the royal throne room of Castle Caelin. The skeleton presiding over this empty coffin of a place is Lord Hausen...Lyn's grandfather.
"..."
I keel over onto the ground and nearly lose my lunch. This sensation of disgust is unlike anything I'd ever felt before, though unsurprising given my path of misery. In all my years I'd never touched someone's skeletal remains; it was considered taboo amongst my superstitious family.
Who...whose responsible for this?!
"Ah...you've returned. I see you've discovered my former patient. He...was a failure unfortunately."
That raspy, slightly French sounding voice is one I could identify from a mile away. It belonged to that blasted plague doctor, the same that kept on preaching about an apparent infestation of "Pestilence".
I push down the bile creeping up my throat. Consumed with anger, I vigorously clench my fist and turn to face this crazed maniac.
I said, "You...you killed him? What the hell is wrong with you?! He's just an old man...a perfectly healthy old man with his granddaughter looking over him!"
Speaking my peace, the plague doctor doesn't react. He continues to glare at me through his dissociating mask, oblivious or even uncaring of my emotional outburst.
He said, "He rejected my cure, so the Pestilence killed him. It affects you too young man...please allow me to rid you of your ailment."
He steps forward and reaches out with his gloved hand to grab me, but I reject him. I quickly evade his grasp and retreat towards a nearby ceremonial piece of armor, grabbing the small rapier resting in between its thumbs.
I exclaimed, "No! Back off...I'm warning you! I don't want your stupid cure you damn lunatic!"
The plague doctor looks at my weapon and then shakes his head disapprovingly. Even with his best efforts, even he knew he couldn't do anything now. At least...not alone...
Snap!
The doctor snaps his fingers...
I said, "Hey! What do you think you're doing?!"
Stone-faced, he replies, "You're being a rather uncooperative patient. I have to admit, I can't work with that sword in the way. Luckily for me, my attendant should be able to take care of that for me."
"Your attendant?"
"..."
I hear the pitter-patter of approaching footsteps come through the hallway. They sounded lady-like, yet robotic. I pause in a combination of both fear and intrigue, unsure of what was about to come through that door...
Creeeek!
Oh, you've got to be sh*ing me.
A women peers at me, and my eyes wander around her familiar figure...
Lyn?!
Her green hair...that unique nomadic dress. There's no doubt in my mind that this was her...but something was off. Very off.
!
"..."
I'm...paralyzed. There was no way this could be true. Have...my worst fears been realized?
"..."
The plague doctor said, "What's wrong? Something about my attendant catch your eye?"
"..."
"What...what have you done to her?"
The doctor taps his cane menacingly on the stone floor. His shoulders tense up in a light bout of anxiety, and observing his nurse patiently, he sighs with relief. No signs of the Pestilence...thankfully...
He said, "I...she's cured of the Pestilence. She no longer has to worry about the pain of dying..."
Lyn continues to glare at me...but now those green orbs had since changed into a shade of sinking gold. The warmth and life that used to vibrate within them disappeared with her life, and her clammy skin simmers gray with death. She...she's dead. Turned into a morph by this fraud doctor.
You...you bastard!
The anger writhing within me boils my blood red hot. How...how could he do this to a sweet girl like Lyn? She was so graceful and caring for her friends, and her heart of gold brought joy upon everyone that knew her. I will admit, she did have her faults along with the problems we shared in the past, but that didn't lessen the train wreck brought upon my soul. I used to call this woman my beloved...my beating heart.
Now, it was like that very organ was being torn from my body.
I snapped at him, "You've turned her into one of your cured husks of magic?! What the hell is wrong with you! One's humanity is sacred...and should not be tampered with. I...I..."
The doctor cuts me off, then snickers like a villain.
He said, "You loved her...didn't you?"
"..."
Those words cut through my skin like it's made of paper. That question is one I easily knew the answer for...but I did not have the strength to answer it. My reluctance to admit my past failures is something I struggle to deal with, especially when involving a person I feel so conflicted about.
I said, "It's...none of your business."
The doctor replies, "You may be right about that, but I could careless about your heart. Lyn no longer has the burdens of past relationships holding her down, and now she will allow me cure the last carrier of the Pestilence."
"..."
Holding back tears, I silently raise my weapon. I will not let this doctor do to me what he did to Lyndis. I have too much to live for. I need to continue on...for my little girl.
I said, "I don't know nor do I care for the Pestilence. All I want is my freedom from your influence. Get the hell out of my head you damn necrophile!"
Ignoring me like I was some inconsiderate child, he spat at me, "It matters not that you are armed. Nurse...take care of him for me."
Lyn...or what's left of her silently nods and draws her weapon. I look on with dismay as she takes on the same stance she always took when we sparred, the same one she defeated me with countless times. A ripple of fear again ruptures through my consciousness as we prepare to engage in brutal combat.
I said, "Lyn...I'm so sorry. I really...I really wish things could've turned out better!"
"..."
!
She disappears into thin air, and I'm left scanning the area for any sign of her. Even in death her speed was still something to be mindful of, but if I could j-
!
I couldn't even finish my thought...
A swift pain penetrates my neck. I'm terrified to look down, but my peripheral vision catches the silhouette of a matte steel sword protruding from a mess of human tissue. My human tissue...
I lost...again...
I fall onto my knees as the doctor erupts into maniacal laughter. My knees were quickly growing wet with my crimson, and the strength in each were diminishing by the second. Nearing death, I fall onto the ground with an anticlimactic thud, and my face rests flat against the stone floor.
I'm too weak. It's as simple as that...I'm too weak...
The doctor said, "Ga hahahha! Good work my pet, we now have another subject to make our tests on. Come, let us make the preparations while expires..."
"Lyn..."
With my last strength, I look out towards the girl that had at one point been the subject of so many of my dreams. I reach out hoping she'd grab on so that we could share one final moment together between the realms of life and death. However, such a beautiful scene never came. Lyn turns her back on me and obediently walks away with her master, her step unfeeling like the blade that had just killed me.
Feeling numb, I close my eyes and wait to bleed out. In this crucial moment, I'm left with an absence of everything but my thoughts. Thoughts that I'd inevitably forget...
Is this death?
...
I don't want to die. Please, I want to save Lani...
If this is a vision warning me of the future, then I know Lyn's in danger. I...I w-want to save her too...
But...can I? I'm not...strong...enough...
...
Not strong enough...
I wake up that night feeling sicker than a dog. The migraine destroying my forehead is borderline unbearable, but I disregard that as a consequence of my mere existence. Instead, I focus on the unexplainable nausea centered around my stomach, though I can't do much about that because I already feel compelled to vomit.
!
I rush out my tent into the nearby forest. Even with my low energy, I still create some distance between myself and the camp. After a brief sprint, I finally reach a point I'm content with, and I keel over by a bush and do the deed...
!
Is this...blood?
No bile leaves my throat. In its place is a slow stream of blood...my blood. I keep hacking and gagging for several minutes, and by the time I finish a pint of my murky blood laid soaking into the warm earth.
The sight shocks me to the point of disorientation. This is a disease...far beyond the severity of anything else I'd ever seen. But was it fair to call it that? Spontaneous blood loss isn't a symptom that comes alone, at least not with the diseases of my world or this one. It's more something you'd see with an injury or a complication following the loss of some internal organ. I didn't know the answer...nor is it likely I ever could. My expertise is in the manner of engineering and warfare, not of disease control.
Huh?
I stand up and wipe some excess liquid from my lip. Other than the migraine, I now feel healthy. This "condition" went away as soon as it came, though I'm filled with unexplainable questions…
Walking back towards the camp, I try to recall the dream proceeding this painful episode. I remember some vague haze of conflict among a scene of familiarity, and the meeting with someone I held deep within my heart. I remember the sight of the same plague doctor I had seen in several of my dreams, along with a blow that graced my neck...
This dream took place in the void. I think...in this case some damage I took in that realm carried over into this one. Maybe that's why I started coughing up blood without cause...
That was a good theory, but I couldn't prove it. The void is an unpredictable realm of chaos whose rules changed on a whim. There's only three rules that stayed consistent in the void, one of which was the law of transistence...
The law of transistence was something I read about in the library of Castle Ostia. It states that although the void treats everyone differently and with changing intensity, all "voidwalkers" can leave and enter the realm as long as they are conscious. This can allow someone like me to avoid danger in the void as long as I am conscious...if it weren't for one thing. I...do not know how to control my power.
As of right now, I can only access the void by chance in my dreams. I'm sure there's a way for me to enter that realm in a controllable manner, but the only being capable of teaching me died at Azazel's hands. Not that she was in the state of mind of helping me out, but the loss of information still stings.
!
Peering through the forest, I spot the small flame of our campfire. Two silhouettes stand huddled by it, which was surprising given the time. Perhaps they had trouble sleeping like myself, or maybe they found the Caelic wilderness unappealing to sleep in.
I think it's clear that I'm not going to be able to go back to sleep. It doesn't hurt to talk to these guys though, as long as one of them isn't Matthew.
I make my way towards them, but stop short when I realize their identities. Eliwood and Hector were speaking alone about some unknown subject; I wondered if interrupting would be considered rude. I stay out of sight and eavesdrop on their conversation, concluding that I'd only enter if the opportunity presented itself.
Hector said, "So this is what Caelin looks like, you think we ought to present ourselves to Lord Hausen?"
Eliwood shakes his head, "I don't think that's necessary. We're just passing through, and I don't see the need. I am curious about how Lyndis is doing, though..."
I'm about to let myself out when I hear Lord Eliwood mention Lyn's name. Whether it be from sheer curiosity or the desire to see how's she acclimating to her new life, I stay put.
Hector said, "Oh, her. I remember hearing about how she dealt with Lundgren last year. I do believe several of our nationals were involved as well. Didn't you have a hand in that too?"
Eliwood nodded, "Mhm."
Hector smiles, and then playfully wraps his arm around Eliwood like an older cousin would to their younger counterpart. From the looks of it, Hector wasn't lying when he claimed at he and Eliwood were good friends.
But...it was these next few words that really swept me from my feet.
He said, "And? The granddaughter? Is she a beauty?"
Eliwood's face turns red with embarrassment. He replied, "A beauty? Well...she's...I don't. I'll have to admit..."
Hearing Eliwood stammer over his words sends a teaspoon of...jealousy through me. Biting my lip, I stomach these feelings and continue to listen silently.
Hector laughs, "Hahaha! A powerful warrior and a beauty? You've really outdone yourself, Eliwood"
Outdone yourself?
Eliwood squeaked, "I...don't know what you're talking about."
Hector says, "Don't try hiding it from me, boy. Come on, you and I both know that you're courting her. I've heard as much from city gossip!"
!
Scrambling for words, he replied, "I...we...you have a mis-"
"Hold your tongue, do you hear that?"
Confused, Eliwood said, "Hear what?"
"The sound in those trees, I could've sworn I heard something..."
Hector takes his axe and walks over to the source of the sound. He pushes aside a small bush and sighs.
He said, "Huh. I guess my ears are playing games with me..."
"..."
"Arrrrrgh!"
I clench my fist and send it head on with a nearby tree. The metallic bludgeon ricochets off the timber seamlessly, doing little but chipping off some bark along with scratching the paint.
I'm somewhere in the forest surrounding our camp, about two miles away. Unable to deal with the despair, jealousy, and anger swirling through my system, I took my cocktail of emotions and reasoned give this tree a piece of my mind. In hindsight, it sounds fairly stupid when thinking about it out loud, but right now it was the only outlet I could muster at this time of gloom and doom.
Swearing underneath my breath, I take my bent up hand and lean against the tree I'd just punched. That whole fit did its job in making me feel better, though not by much. Those words Hector said continued to echo in my mind, with the oscillating pain never lowering with every repetition.
"Come on, you and I both know that you and Lyn share a courting relationship."
"Arrrrrgh!"
I go at it with the tree again, this time using both of my hands. I keep punching the timber until both my right hand and the log were bare, and then with one final blow...
Wwwwwsh! Crash!
I chop the small tree in two, and the tall structure falls onto the ground with a mighty crash. I look over the thing like it's my fallen prey, and I'm too all in over my head to see the blood pouring from my left hand...
"You know, there are easier ways to chop down trees."
!
The voice came from the veil of darkness. Taking on a defensive stance, I draw my red dagger and ready myself for battle.
I exclaimed, "Who goes there! I'll have you know I'm a very dangerous man!"
"Aye! You call yourself a man, yet you're over there acting like a child. Stand down, it's us Lieutenant!"
Us?
Wincing my eyes, I spy Dorcas and Bartre clearing their way into my line of sight. Both men had bags under eyes, along with their respective weapons slung over their shoulders.
I said, "Dorcas and Bartre! What are you two here?!"
Dorcas replied, "You assigned us for midnight duty. Don't you remember?"
!
I...didn't. Yet another lapse of judgement in an ever increasing tally.
I said, "W-well what do you want? Do you need something from me?"
Bartre said, "Why be so hostile, Kenan? We were walking by when we heard your screaming. You sounded really upset...we just want to talk if you'll have us."
Admittingly, my tone of voice is unacceptably agitated. It was wrong for me to raise my voice against my own allies, and realizing such, I calm myself down.
I said, "Y-Yeah, my apologies. If you two can do me the honor, I'd like to impart on your wisdom. As a younger fellow to two from an older generation."
Fortunately for me, if I were to talk to anyone about my problems, these two would be the most ideal people for the job. Being 30 and 24 years of age respectively, these two guys had plenty of wisdom regarding women problems. In addition, my relationship with Dorcas was never particularly tight, and add to this my nonexistent one with Bartre...then this resulted in two people that had minimal knowledge of Mark/Samuel. I could spew information knowing I was at little risk of being found out...within reason.
Dorcas said, "Very well, what's on your mind my man?"
I clear my throat and take out a flask full of whiskey. I drink a small shot, which was just enough to numb the pain my hand just a little bit, but not enough to compromise my reasoning.
I said, "What...what do you do when a girl you love doesn't love you anymore?"
Dorcas raised his brow, "Someone break your heart? You have my condolences."
Bartre added, "Mine too."
I replied, "Er...thank you. But, yeah I guess you could say someone broke my heart. It's...complicated though. We never really formally broke up, but months of separation kinda cemented it. I got a new girlfriend and took on the care of a little girl...I thought I moved on..."
Dorcas said, "Yet you're here."
I nodded, "Yeah. I...I put my memories with her in the back of my mind. You could say I was too occupied with other worries to bother, but I recently found out I wasn't the only one that attempted to find a new love. She...she's being courted by a fine gentleman of high regard. He's everything that I'm not. Rich, handsome, humble, and reputable..."
Feeling defeated, I lift my hood to ruffle my curly white hair. Some strands turn black from the metallic residue rubbing against them.
I said, "It's no wonder she took a liking to him. He's...he's perfect..."
I lower my head in silence. I couldn't be angry at Eliwood for this. In these past few weeks we've known each other, he'd treated me and the others with nothing but respect and kindness. Hell, I'm sure I'd want him for boyfriend if I took a liking to guys; it's a shame I'm neither gay nor female.
That's a weird thought. I'm just going to...pretend this never happened.
Dorcas said, "This man, you seem to hold him in high regard. Is he your friend?"
"..."
Did...did I consider Eliwood my friend? He's a member of the royal class, an exclusive club that, in my opinion, exploited the commoners for their worth. However, the more and more I interact with this red-haired noble, the more I realize that he does not have ill intentions at heart. Witnessing him offer his resources to save Rebecca's life [a citizen of Pharae] showed me he truly kept his people in high respect, which is a quality lacking even amongst the democracy of my old homeland.
One could even argue I had no right to think ill of him. He saved my life a few days ago...
I suppose that complicates things...
I sighed, "Yeah, you could say he's my friend."
Dorcas rubs his chin in thought. After a few seconds, he replied, "I see. Would you say that your ex is fortunate to be in a relationship with your friend?"
"Y-Yeah...I would."
Dorcas shakes his head, "Then I don't see what the problem is. Two people that you care about are happy with one another. You should feel grateful that your ex could move on from you after such a tumultuous time. Focus on your relationship with your niece and new SO...and I can guarantee you will move on."
"..."
Bartre frowns when he sees my posture slump. He can't see my eyes, but if he could he would have seen the life drain from them within an instant.
He said somberly, "Did something happen?"
"I...used to live in Illia, and we had a nice little cabin out by the mountains. One day, some men came over set my home ablaze. On their way out they took my niece...and killed my girlfriend too."
"..."
Damning silence fills the air. Bright, vivid memories of the flames engulfing my home burns through my mind like some persistent plague that refused to rid itself. It's like my heart is being ripped out of my chest. Episodes like these usually came when I was idle or trying to go to sleep, but they were strongest at times like now.
Dorcas said, "I...I had no idea. I'm so terr-"
"It's okay, I'm fine. I've already spent a month in mourning, I don't need to spend another. Please...I...don't require pity."
"…"
Bartre said, "Kenan, that water coming out of your mask. Are...you crying?"
Feeling shameful, I turn around to let the liquid drip in peace. I'm unable to wipe it off naturally with my hand.
I said, "I don't know what you're talking about. Men don't cry..."
Dorcas said, "Whoever told you that is either lying or not human."
"Eh?"
He nodded, "Traditionally, they expect us men to be stronger of the two sexes. We're supposed to hold any and all pain well within our hearts, as if doing so will eliminate it. However, off our personal experiences, we can see this is not the case. Our pent up misery will eventually morph into aggression, which will come out in the form of abuse towards our loved ones or ourselves. That's why it's important to have an outlet for that, whether it be in private or with other respectful souls."
"I...see..."
I take a deep breath and sigh. The memories were now fading away to my periphery, and I feel a lot better.
I said, "Thank you, really. I think...I know what I need to do now."
Dorcas smiles. Evidently, he never expected to provide me with the solution to my problems himself. It was my duty and my duty alone to discover that for myself, and I think I've just arrived to my final conclusion.
He said, "Care to flatter me with the details? I'll let you know if it sounds within the realm of possibility."
I nodded, "Yeah. I...realize now that I'm straying too much from my goal. To recover my niece and return her to safety. Anything else is secondary to this...and you're right. I should be happy for L-"
Calm down there cowboy...
I pretend to cough and continue...
"I...should be happy she found someone nice. I'm sure they'll be perfect for each other. I'll move on...and maybe get back to looking for women after I get my little girl back. I'll...yeah...that's my goal!"
Overtaken with new resolve, I raise my bloodied hand in the air. My two audience members clap in congratulatory fashion, and I feel a sense of appreciation for my newfound friends.
Heh...pity. I should've spoken to Dorcas more in the past. Him and Bartre are both pals...
Bartre said, "I'm glad for you, Lieutenant! May your burgeoning strength take you past never before seen bounds!"
Dorcas nodded, "Indeed. Let's go back to camp and get that hand wrapped up."
Feeling a sting of pain, I happily agree, "Yeah! Let's go!"
We start walking our way back. While we do so, Dorcas reminisces over previous adventures over his life. Eventually, the topic comes over to our time fighting under Lyn's Legion...and he brings forward a question that nearly gives me a heart attack.
He asked, "Say, Lieutenant. Do you know a man named Samuel?"
Samuel? Sh* does he know?!
I nearly trip on a branch. Balancing between life and death, I somehow keep my composure.
I said, "Samuel? I do not know what you mean. Is he a friend of yours?"
He shakes his head, "No, just an acquaintance. It's just that your accent sounds a bit similar to his. I was thinking you two grew up in the same village."
This took me by surprise. Ever since my meeting with Uther, I'd switched my natural southern accent to a midwestern one I used to flaunt in my younger years. The change in voice was enough to fool everyone but my closest friends, though apparently a little bit of that twang stuck around to make Dorcas suspicious.
Stay cool, Sam. Don't lose...your...bearings...
I cooly replied, "No, but he may have grew in a neighborhood near to me. My accent is specific to a single borough in Carazan, so it's unsurprising that we never knew each other."
This is a half-truth. In Carazan, the place was so urbanized that whole communities formed within the packed neighborhoods, and often people would live their entire lives without speaking to a fellow from the street over. That was the truth, what wasn't is the identity of Kenan Vacia, which cradled within the realm of fiction.
Luckily, it was enough to fool Dorcas.
He said, "I see, small world it is then. Let's get on our way th-"
Suddenly, a scream rips through the calm forest.
"Aaaaaah! Noooooo!"
I wasn't sure if the voice was male or female, but regardless it didn't matter. A person nearby is under attack, and what other group can help but us?
Dorcas said, "Ah great. These guys just won't leave us alone, do they?"
Bartre laughed, "Hahaha! Why the sorry face, Dorcas? Now's the time to crack some skulls...!"
Later...
The peddler Merlinus. He's a merchant with...a peculiar cyan-blue haircut. Not the most aggressive of souls, he found himself chased by a convoy of bandits for several hours, ultimately finding himself for cornered with fleeting hopes of survival...
"Ohhhhh nooooo! Someone help!"
Enter us. Quickly mobilizing our forces, we hurry over and confront the bandits led by the bruiser Puzon.
Lifting my hand through the darkness, my magical purple flame illuminates a small radius around myself, Eliwood, Merlinus, and Puzon. The latter has the merchant interlocked in a vicious chokehold, and our red-haired lord beckons him to release his hostage.
He exclaimed, "Let that man go!"
His swiftly draws his weapon, clearly ready for a fight. But I don't give him a chance to prove himself. I'm too fearful of what this strong-looking fellow could do to my friend, so in a bout of anxiety I elect to use my final spell slot for the day...
"Pulvis ex igni summam potestatem ades!"
A hurried (and admittingly under-prepared) fireball screeches through the air. It narrowly breezes over Puzon's head, and upon hitting the ground explodes into a mighty display of strength. The crater is bigger than anything else I'd ever concocted before, though this was more likely a result of adrenaline than pure growth.
I silently swear under my breath after wasting the last vestige of my mana. However, not all was lost. The spell spooks Puzon well enough that he lets go of Merlinus, and we grab the vulnerable merchant to put him under our protection...
!
I fall onto the ground feeling a tingling sensation in my fingers. Between the spell and my earlier blood loss, I'd lost so much mana that the initial symptoms of Mana Deprivation took its toll. What followed next was nausea, a headache, and a copious amount of pain.
Eliwood exclaimed, "Lieutenant! Are you okay?"
I shake my head, "N-No. Zero chance I'll be able to do something like that again."
Emboldened, Puzon exclaimed, "Aye! Quite the klutz aren't you? We won't let you all get in the way of our riches! Everyone, kill them all!"
Snickering as he disappears into the darkness, he retreats to the back line of his band of bandits.
Meanwhile, I'm still on the ground an inch from writhing in pain. Standing nearby, Eliwood and the others are unsure on how they could help...if they could.
Eliwood said, "Lieutenant, why did you do that? I was perfectly capable of handling him on my own."
He...had a fair point. I've seen him do nothing but hold his own for the duration of this journey. He'd even saved my life recently. Yet, seeing him face off against a much larger foe brought an impulsive burst of fear that I felt compelled to act on. In that moment of uncertainty, I disregarded the years of professional training Eliwood underwent and focused on visual intangibles. I...acted on my emotions. In doing so, I inadvertently put myself under avoidable pain and misery.
I said, "I...I got nervous, milord. Mmmph...I feel bad. Really bad."
I hear the sounds of approaching hooves hitting the dry dirt. They came from Lowen and Marcus, with the latter shaking his head and the former frowning.
Marcus said, "Milord! I heard noise, and I was fearing you were hurt. Now I see that is not the case...but..."
Concealing his slight annoyance from the blatant protectionism expressed towards him, he simply nods.
He said, "I'm fine. Unfortunately, I think the Lieutenant may have knocked himself out of commission here."
Lowen sighed, "Very well. I will take him to the rear where he will be protected by myself and Rebecca."
"..."
"No."
Gritting my teeth, I stand up under my own power. I...could not stand with the decision.
Lowen said, "Lieutenant, you mustn't force yourself. Serra has informed us of the dangers of MD. You could kill yourself."
I shake my head, "N-No. I've fought injured before, and I won't shy away from it again. You guys need your tactician, especially now since visibility is poor. Just...let me serve in a supporting role. I'll be the brain for today, and you guys will be my sword and shield."
Eliwood protested, "But if you die then how will we be able to fight going forward? Surely you've thought of that?"
I replied, "But what if you die, Lord Eliwood? Hell, what if anyone dies? I won't be able to sleep at night knowing that a single life could've been saved by me being here. I won't risk that, not on my soul."
Eliwood pauses and closed his eyes. This was a little quirk I picked up from him, and he usually did it when trying to think about a difficult decision. The rest of us waited patiently, dying in anticipation for his response.
[Speech check: Passed]
He said, "Well, I suppose you argue a good case. You can stay, but do not engage unless it's in self defense. Also, I will assign Lowen as your bodyguard. Do not make me regret my decision."
I smiled and gave myself a mental high five. My speech prevented me from missing out on yet another battle...and now it'll be used so we can win it...
I musn't disappoint.
Later...
Overwhelmed with exhaustion, Lowen and I make our way through the forest back to the main camp. Our clothes and armor were torn, and the horse had his tongue sticking out like a dog. The three of us were on the end of a rather long day, and our beds in the camp ahead were awfully inviting.
The battle went well. With Lowen riding me around like my own personal Uber, we spun around between each individual flank so I could bark out orders. These undisciplined troops were worthless against our coordinated men and women, and they caved in immediately after we pulled off a textbook pincer maneuver. Their leader Puzon turned out to be quite the warrior, but even he couldn't stand to survive against two armored knights.
I look out towards the small flame visible through the darkness and smile. That whole excursion was just...so easy. Our foes thus far consisting of only the most incompetent bandits, and usually I can just rely on our talent alone to win us these battles. I wonder if all our fights would be like this...or if this was just the outer rain band to a much stronger hurricane.
I won't know till later. For now, I should just focus on my body...
My body still feels painful to move around, so I asked my honorable friend to drop me off by the medical tent. Serra is there alone trying to get some shut-eye as nobody in our army was seriously injured.
I said, "Erm...Serra?"
"Zzzzz..."
Lowen rolled his eyes, "Serra! Breakfast is ready!"
"Snork?!"
Serra drowsily opens her eyes, and looks at both me and my companion. Her strewn out pink hair resembles a fuzzy ball of cotton, and she frowns when her eyes meet mine.
She said, "Oh, it's you."
Our relationship was strained ever since our incursion several days ago. We'd shoot each other weird glances and half-hearted greetings...though it was more out of awkward habit than animosity. I don't think she actually hates me, and I don't either.
I said, "I hope I'm not disturbing you, but I'm suffering through some MD right now."
"Ugh…"
Realizing she has to work, she gets up and motions me over to a chair. She beckons Lowen to leave and get some rest, and soon enough it's just us.
She said, "Okay, I still have some leftover mana from the battle earlier. I'm going to give you some and you should feel better."
Huh, that's strange. She's nowhere near as conceited and annoying like before. She's almost...approachable.
I replied, "That'd be amazing. I don't know why I hadn't thought of that before. Say...Serra isn't your birthday a week from today?"
I take out my watch to show her it was about 1 am. The day is July 4th; Independence Day in my old world but any regular day in this reality.
Serra's face goes bright red, and she said, "Y-Yeah! How did you know? I don't recall telling you about it."
I chucked, "You were hootin' and hollering about it all day on the trail. It's hard to miss with that voice of yours."
She said, "What are you insinuating, Lieutenant?"
I replied, "I'm just saying that sometimes you might be a little too loud for others to handle. I think if you spoke like this all the time, you'd find yourself much more likeable. Besides, I think with a little training you could really turn out to be a decent soprano."
"Soprano?"
I nodded, "Yeah, they're singers with really high voice. Your relaxed voice is already fairly pleasant to the ear, and I think you could do it."
"..."
Serra goes dead silent. Her eyes water, and I wonder if I had said something wrong.
I said, "Serra...did I offend you? I'm sorry if I d-"
She shakes her head, "No. You...did quite the opposite actually. That...was a compliment wasn't it? I'm not used to those."
Hearing those words hurt me on a personal level. In speaking to her, I realize that deep down that maybe there was more to Serra than the annoying persona she exhibited towards the public. Maybe, deep down our bouncy pink-haired cleric had a pained heart...something that would need to be healed in order to give dawn to a much more beautiful human being.
But, before I could dig deeper, Serra interjects.
She said, "No...forget about it. Just...give me your hand. I want to get this over with so I can take a bath in peace."
I said, "Oh? So I see you like to stay clean?"
Serra smiled, "Yeah, how else do you think I stay looking this beautiful?"
I chuckled, "Fair point."
"Come here…"
She grabs my left hand and began reciting a chant for whose words I could not comprehend. Her face contorts slightly from the discomfort, and I feel an increase in warmth between our grasp...
But...I feel nothing else.
She lets go of my hand and looks down on hers. It was cherry red from heat, as with mine. She looks confused, and my heart drops.
She said, "That's odd, its never been that hot before. Lieutenant, do you feel any different?"
I shake my head, "No, it's like my body rejected the mana back to your palm. I...think the magical energy converted to thermal energy. Had we kept holding hands any further and I think I could have seriously burnt you."
Serra agreed, "Yeah, that's so unusual. I've never seen anything like it. When I went to school, my teacher told me mana transfer worked between all humans."
"..."
My goose is cooked. Can homunculi and humans not share mana? I could've sworn that I would've read that on the encyclopedi-
Suddenly, a memory comes to mind.
Chapter 6, Paragraph 13:
Due to differing mana circuits, humans and homunculi cannot take part in mana transfers. Doing so will only cause rejection by the recipient, resulting in a burn if they transferred a copious amount of mana.
Oh sh*!
A wave of uncertainty washes over Serra's face. She speaks to me in a tone that is borderline fearful.
She said, "Lieutenant, just what are you?"
A bead of anxious sweat drips down the side of my face. There was no way I could lie out of this one. Serra is just one moment away from realizing that I'm not human, and once she does she'll inform the rest of the army. Once she does that...it's over.
By Elimine, what do I do?!
I grip the dagger hidden within my cloak. I could kill her...and then claim ignorance when they find her body in a ditch. No...I can't do that! Serra's my ally...I mean she's not my friend but we're close to it! But what about Lani?! If they kill me then no one will rescue her! There's no r-
Serra said, "Oh, Lieutenant do you happen to be colorblind?"
Through the ocean of darkness, I spy a single lifeline. Grateful for the help, I take it.
I replied, "Y-Yeah! So what?"
Serra breathes in a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness, you had me scared there. Two colorblind mages cannot transfer mana. I don't know why, but I do remember my teacher mentioning this."
If this isn't divine intervention. Then I don't know what is.
I said, "That explains it then. In that case, I'll just sleep this off. To my tent I go then, good night and thanks!"
I make my leave before Serra can get anymore suspicious of me. She's left there with an open mind and sinking gut...unsure of what to do.
She muttered, "Odd guy. I wonder what's underneath that mask though. He's...a little charming I have to admit."
Meanwhile, I wander through the darkness with worry occupying my conscious. The surrounding air is silent, save for the occasional chirping from grasshoppers...
That was a close call. My second one today, my third all time...
How long am I going to dance with death until I'm finally had? I need to be more careful from now on. I need to be prepared. Besides, I have a feeling today's my last time on the training wheels. If I'm going to survive, I'll have to be a much better dancer...
No more surprise close calls. Next time, I'll be ready...