Author's Note: Bad time to mention this. But, I absolutely loathe retyping dialogue from canon material. You'd probably know that if you read my other works. Anyways, this doesn't really feel like a proper Epilogue and more of a ''final chapter." However, the actual epilogue bit is too short for my liking… Maybe I should just stop doing Prologue/Epilogue style chapters in general? Would save me so much formatting worries… Overall, enjoy the chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Ni no Kuni! That honour solely belongs to Level-5 Studios! If I did, I wouldn't change anything except add a more dramatic conversation between grown Marcassin and Swaine!
—
The One Where Marcassin Runs Instead
Epilogue
"… Did we make it?" Oliver questioned, lowering his arms as the blue light subsided. The group found themselves in the atrium once more and proceeded to scan the area for danger. Though, Gascon and the guards of both past and present were absent.
"Huh? Aren't we still in the same place…?" Esther asked with a confused expression.
"We were in the same place last time as well." Lars noted with a twinge of uncertainty. "It felt like it worked. The palace feels… different." He offered, uncomfortably twirling his wand. It was like the air felt as heavy as he felt at that moment.
"I know when a spell works, and that spell worked right and proper. We're back in our own time, no doubt about it." Drippy reassured to their shared relief.
"Good… that's good…" Lars muttered, mainly to himself than the others. Though they looked anyways. "Come on, we have an Emperor to save." The bounty hunter reminded, nudging his head down one of the halls. It was time to end Gascon's five-year torment. It was time to end Hamelin's five-year corruption seeded by the Dark Djinn.
It only vaguely registered in his mind that his brother might recognize him even if he was mute. However, such paranoias were roughly thrown away upon hearing footsteps thundering through the halls. "Veil!" Lars cast on instinct.
"Should we look in that workshop area again? The one with all the tanks." Oliver suggested as they swerved away from patrol after patrol. It turned out Gascon was very much intent on hunting them down.
"It's our best shot at finding him again!" Esther easily agreed. Thus, the group stealthily travelled to the open room once more. Though, what they found was somehow even more smoke, tanks, guards… and no Gascon. Lars struggled to contain his frustration. He was so close to stopping this madness. They just needed to find Gascon!
"Do you have any ideas, Lars?" Oliver asked as they slowly retreated from the bustling room.
"I don't. To be honest… I'm starting to feel like a stranger in my old home…" The former prince admitted with a scowl, watching beaded necklaces of guards pass them and smoke that rivalled storm clouds follow.
"Should we check the chambers?" Esther offered, tilting her head.
"No, it's too obvious. Gascon's crafty. If he even suspects we're after him, he can and will make himself impossible to find no matter where we search." Lars contemplated, twirling his wand. Truthfully, he wasn't fond of the idea of spending hours upon hours searching the palace for his ridiculously-clever brother. "The only way to get Gascon out of hiding… is to make him believe he has no reason to hide." Lars realized with frightening clarity.
"Oi, Ollie-boy…" Drippy tried to suggest before Lars swivelled, bereft of patience.
"This is going to look stupid." Is the only warning the group received before their resident bounty hunter dropped his spell, revealing them to the hoard of soldiers.
"LARS?!" His companions shouted with varying degrees of surprise and horror - mostly the latter - as the guards instantly pinpointed where and who they were. Afterwards, their group was swiftly dragged into the fray, forced into a neat line and to their knees, and robbed of their various weapons.
"Alert His Majesty that we've caught the intruders." A wayward advisor ordered to a mouse-like messenger who promptly scurried off.
"Ha, Jackpot!" Lars' triumphantly thought even while his companions were shooting him incredulous looks. In turn, the bounty hunter tried to communicate his plan with his eyes… when he belatedly realized his mask was still on. Well, there went that plan. He just had to hope that his companions wouldn't hold a grudge when all was said or done. Worst case scenario was the four of them being gutted like some fish.
"We're not allowed to execute the prisoners until His Majesty gives the order." One of the standing guards reminded their comrades, sending a relieved sigh through the group. The messenger returned in record time with a common soldier wearing an odd helmet trailing behind. However, the soldier was led in front of their group and to their surprise, removed his helmet to reveal Gascon.
"Your High-Majesty-" Oliver shouted in surprise before being cut off.
"You will tell of how you know me and why you lot are here? Am I understood, brat?" His brother rudely ordered, leaning into the boy's face. While Oliver tried to form a response that would satisfy the Emperor, Lars observed his surroundings. The soldier who'd confiscated their weapons stood behind himself. He'd have thought his brother would recognize the danger in positioning. However, it appeared that Gascon was preoccupied with interrogating the younger wizard to notice the hazard.
"Okay… don't die…" Lars repeated to himself as he formulated a raw plan.
"Tin-Man got your tongue, boy? Answer me!" Gascon was threatening Oliver before Lars growled and arched his back up, surprising his captor with the element of surprise. Lars was often lucky with getting the upper hand in such a way. After all, he was much stronger than he looked. Immediately after freeing himself, Lars threw his body onto the guard holding their weapons.
"Pulse!" Lars shouted the moment his hand grasped his wand, using the guard's momentum to direct the spell at those closest. The guards encroaching them were violently blown away with a flash of light. Subsequently, the young man scrambled for Oliver's wand amongst the newly sown chaos and hurled it towards its owner. "Oliver! Do it!" The bounty hunter alerted as he turned his focus on defending the group. Comprehension dawned on the boy's face.
"Got it!" Oliver shouted back, grabbing his wand from the air before turning towards the Emperor.
"What do you think you're doing-" Gascon hissed, loading his gun. However, his brother never got the chance to finish his question.
"Give Heart!" Oliver chanted, allowing a blue and orange light to burst from his locket and fly into Gascon's heart. The guards tried to rush the group upon seeing the Emperor gasp and clutch at his chest. However, Lars temporarily stopped many of them with some quick spellwork. The rest were too cautious to approach. Though, one lucky fighter managed to snatch his mask off his face.
If Gascon didn't recognize him before, he definitely would then.
"What… What's happening…?" Gascon whispered, stilling as his eyes cleared of temptation. He readily spun around, surveying the chaos of magic and machine with a stunned face.
"Your Majesty!" A brave advisor called out, hurrying to the monarch's side. "Your orders, Your Majesty?" They asked, motioning to the remaining guards who were ready to fire at the group. Lars gulped, such an attack would be extraordinarily difficult to avoid.
"Orders…?" The Emperor repeated in a ghastly voice, meeting their group's faces one by one. "I…" He drawled, connecting with Lars' blue irises. "Marcassin…" The former prince saw his brother mouth in shock. "Stand down." Gascon finally decided, straightening his posture as a fierce fire sparked in his eyes.
"Your Majesty…?" The advisor went, bafflement clear on their face.
"I said to stand down!" Gascon repeated with authority, which was enough to make the advisor relent. The rest of the guards and soldiers followed with different amounts of reluctance. Lars sighed, allowing the world to catch up to his mind. It was over! Gascon, his brother, was back! Free of the Dark Djinn's influence! He almost wanted to cry in relief! The former prince was so caught up in his revelry, he didn't notice the Emperor slowly approach him. "You're back…" Gascon shakily stated, looking him up and down as if he'd disappear by looking away.
"I-uh-" Lars stuttered, nervously smiling at his brother. Suddenly, all his panic from before their time travelling escapade rushed back into his mind. His heartbeat began to pick up once more.
"You're back. You're actually back!" Gascon repeated with more gusto and vigour. Lars then finally seemed to register the substantially large crowd around them… watching. He loved his brother. He dearly missed his brother. Yet he was also not particularly fond of how this conversation was going.
"Wait a second, Gascon!" Lars protested as the Emperor of Hamelin wrestled him into an unyielding hug in front of his army.
"Marcassin!" Gascon exclaimed to the world.
"…Dammit, Gascon." Lars deadpanned.
—
"Oh, no…" Gascon muttered for the hundredth time since he somehow convinced his staff and soldiers to give them privacy in his chambers. "Oh, no…" The Emperor went for the hundredth and one time. "Oh, no…" His brother repeated on loop for the hundredth and second time, holding his head in his hands. Lars and the others had finished filling Gascon in on what had happened to him for the past five years. In retrospect… he could've taken it worst?
"Are you alright, Your Majesty?" Oliver awkwardly asked, scratching the back of his head.
"My Empire has been over taxed, the treasury is being wasted on nonsensical projects, my citizens have been forced into its army without a choice, the people are beyond unhappy, I have ruined Hamelin's diplomatic connections to near-disrepair… Oh, but my younger brother is back… I'm just peachy, Oliver." Gascon sarcastically bemoaned, lifting his head for a mere moment. "If I'm lucky, it'll only take me months to get everything back to the way they were before that bastard showed up!" The Emperor ranted, suddenly flinging himself from his sitting position. "The decrees should be easy enough to lift… but the declaration of war… just… just no…" Gascon slowly shook his head.
"Her Moojesty was brokenhearted too, Your Majesty! I'm sure she'll understand!" Esther tried to cheer the Emperor up.
"Maybe… maybe…" Gascon sighed, dragging his hands through his hair. "While we're at it, just call me Gascon. Your Majesty or Emperor doesn't exactly inspire the same pride it should anymore…" He insisted in a resigned tone.
"Your-Gascon! We need your help! We want you to help us… To defeat Shadar!" Oliver suddenly implored, causing Gascon to stare at him.
"Yes… I remember that from fifteen years ago…" The Emperor nodded. "You had my support then and you shall have it now." He said without a hint of hesitation. "That bastard won't know what hit him!" Gascon exclaimed with a determined intensity in his words.
"Thank you so much, Gascon! I knew you wouldn't let us down!" Oliver happily cheered, bringing his balled fists to his chest in celebration. Lars smiled.
"Okay, listen up everyone." Gascon grabbed their attention as the atmosphere grew serious. "Ever since you lot travelled back to this time, I began compiling any and all research on Shadar as I could." The Emperor explained.
"You flipping what?" Drippy shouted.
"All this time?!" Lars gaped.
"Yes, clap all you want!" His brother snidely remarked. "Anyhow, my mind is just a little… muddled after these last five years. But, my research is stored in Hamelin's Archives in the palace. One cannot defeat the enemy without knowing it! So, our first step is to review my research and formulate a plan of attack!" Gascon candidly explained.
"That sounds good!" Oliver grinned, practically bouncing from foot to foot. "Can we start now?" He eagerly asked.
"Why of course." His brother returned the grin with his own. "Furthermore, our archives are filled with my Father's studies, and his Father's studies and so on. I must admit, though I tried to tutor myself, I don't have the knack for the magical arts as… others do. I focused my time on mechanics instead. However, I'm sure they will prove most useful to you." Gascon encouraged to greater excitement. Lars didn't miss the glance he sent him, or the pain in his chest at hearing it.
—
They and the official archivists spent a few nights simply perusing the Hamelin Archives for any useful information. Said information was stored in a messy pile in the centre of a large space. Though, Lars thought it felt more compact than anywhere else he'd ever been before with the towers of books and shelves and little light from the small, dusty windows. Or, the bounty hunter had become accustomed to the boundless freedom of the outdoors.
Lars was the only one awake in the dead of night, flipping through pages and pages of some history book.
"This reminds me a little too much of lessons with Father…" The young man thought as a both sweet and sour sensation coursed through him. He sighed, pinching his nose. Despite the memories, Lars was glad to be cooped up in the archives. He didn't want to know or even ponder what sort of rumours were spreading among the general populace about his return.
Lars looked to his companions near him, peacefully sleeping away. A gentle smile grew on his face as he piled blankets atop of them to halt the night's chilly advance. Yet, his smile soon faded into a grimace.
"If I had stayed in the palace… Would I already know what needed to be done? Would we have been able to avoid all this laborious work?" The former prince wondered, idly pacing the archives. Lars disliked the growing feelings of guilt that bloomed the longer he spent in his home city. However, he also couldn't bring himself to leave despite his initial plans. "Gascon knows who I am for once. It'll be much harder to just vanish this time since he knows what I do for a living." Lars relented.
He was startled by the sound of the archives' door creaking open. On reflex, his hand flew to his wand before he saw the newcomer's identity.
"Gascon?" He whispered, raising his pointer finger to his lips while motioning to the sleeping forms of his companions.
"Hey, Marcassin." His brother smirked, crossing his arms over each other. Gascon hadn't been able to join their venture in the archives, too busy fixing half-a-decade's worth of errors in Hamelin. "I was wondering if you wanted to talk? Just us." Gascon offered so sincerely. Because for him it's been fifteen long years since he's spoken or even seen Marcassin.
"Sure." Lars grinned, how could he refuse? The former prince and current Emperor exited the archives without a single sound.
"How is your research coming along?" His brother diplomatically pried as they strolled through the corridors. Guards saluted them as they passed, though there weren't nearly as many when compared to their initial arrival.
"Oh, good…" Lars neutrally admitted. "So, to defeat Shadar we need to overcome his 'Black Briar' defensive barrier. Mornstar should've been able to break through. But, apparently the Mornstar we have isn't complete… The Wizard King who originally owned it divided its power into three magical stones, which are now sealed away. Their location is far from here. But, we found notes stating you had a map with the stones' locations. Now, we're just trying to find it!" The bounty hunter factually summarized.
"Oh, no…" Gascon groaned upon hearing his recap.
"What is it?" Lars asked with dread crawling up his spine.
"That map was actually… stolen from the archives quite recently." The Emperor sheepishly explained, running his hands through his hair.
"Stolen? Are you kidding me? By who?" The bounty hunter questioned.
"Kublai…" Gascon winced.
"Kublai?! Dammit…" Lars grumbled. The self-proclaimed, King of the Sky Pirates had carved out a name for himself even back in Marcassin's youth.
"Before you arrived, I was actually planning an attack on Kublai's hideout to retrieve our stolen treasures." Gascon regaled while motioning with his hands.
"Oh, that's good-" The bounty hunter started.
"No, not good. I was going to go overboard on our counter-offensive… I think I wanted to bomb the entire place? That would've been a mistake. So, I'm glad you arrived when you did. I mean, earlier would've been much preferred. But, better now than never, right?!" His brother rambled on and on. Lars hummed in response as an awkward silence enveloped them.
They walked for a few more minutes in utter silence.
"This is awkward." Lars sighed, twirling his wand.
"Yeah…" Gascon nodded, the weight of fifteen years feeling like an insurmountable barrier. "Why don't we try to talk like we used to? It was easy back then, wasn't it?" He offered with pleading eyes.
"Things aren't like how they were back then, Gascon." The former prince retorted. "And I haven't even been calling myself Marcassin for fifteen years now… It's been Lars…" He reminded.
"… Nice name, Lars." Gascon swallowed. "How'd you come up with it?" His brother slowly asked.
"I… uh… I didn't really realize that our group were time travellers back then. So, I just named myself… after myself from the future, or now actually." Lars replied while covering his embarrassment with a hand. Though, it didn't stop Gascon from bursting into laughter. He smiled at the sound, so familiar to his own ears.
"That's so noble of you, I can't-" His brother wheezed, breaking out into another round of chuckles.
"It's not that funny!" Lars protested.
"No, it is that funny." His brother insisted in between giggles. The tension between them seemed to lessen with every light-hearted quip. "So, what's bounty hunting like? I can't say I've had the chance to sneak away like we used to." Gascon curiously prompted, launching Lars into a lengthy description of his escapades during the past fifteen years. Mainly the ten before his belief was stolen.
Conversation came naturally after that as they traded memories of the other's life. For a few seconds, Lars even forgot they'd even been apart. However, the mood soon turned sombre again once Gascon asked a certain question.
"How… how did you become brokenhearted?" His brother unsurely pressed, avoiding his gaze.
"That's kind of heavy. Don't you think?" Lars retorted after a short pause.
"I know. But, I want to know if it was any different… from me." Gascon admitted with a dark look in his eyes.
"Okay, fine." The bounty hunter relented after some momentary reflection. "I… Well, it was five years ago. I was in Castaway Cove and… I was actually just about to come visit you here… in Hamelin." Lars confessed, watching his brother's face morph into surprise. "I heard about… what you were doing. The papers called you mad and that just didn't fit what I remembered of you…" He curtly explained.
"After ten years you still believed in me?" Gascon gasped.
"I don't think there's anything in this world that could make me stop believing in you besides Shadar, Gascon." Lars grinned. "But, I wanted to come check up on you… To dispel the rumours myself. However, before I could cast Travel… Shadar appeared and revealed that he'd done something to you. Without thinking I attacked and foolishly revealed what piece of my heart would best cripple me… Next thing I knew, I was unconscious and hating everything. I started believing that even you hated me even though now I can't believe it." Lars sombrely remarked, studying the gleam of his wand.
"Oh…" His brother mumbled, clearly guilt-ridden. "I-I suppose it's only fair that I reveal my own circumstances that led to my previous state." He sadly noted.
"Only if you want." The former prince clarified.
"I want to." Gascon nodded, resolve forming. "I still liked sneaking out even as I matured into my own Emperor. Though, it was mainly to greet the people than practice my sharp-shooting skills." A small smirk flickered onto his face as he spoke. "One day… while I was talking with our people, I saw someone holding your wand! The one you used when we were young. I thought it was you. I wanted it to be you so badly that I abandoned my guards to chase the figure into a less crowded street. Except it wasn't you… they apparently had bought your wand off the market or something…" Gascon explained with regretful eyes.
"I sold my original wand years ago… Thought it would help hide my identity just in case." Lars supplied with a wince.
"That would explain it then… Anyways, as I was walking back towards my guards… something dark clouded my vision. It must've been Shadar's doing. Because the next thing I knew my guards were shaking me awake. And.. my mind was consumed by an endless greed that demanded more and more and more…" The Emperor retold with gritted teeth.
"So… we were the causes of each other's brokenheartedness…" Lars exhaled.
"Seems that way." Gascon quietly agreed. "I… I really missed you, Marcassin… Things weren't the same without you there…" His brother professed, meeting blue eyes. "Will you stay? Or will you leave again?" He asked without speaking. Lars felt his breath hitch as shadows fell over their faces. His mind brought memories of all-encompassing stress and choking pressure to the forefront of his thoughts. He did his best to hide such fears outwardly.
"I missed you too, Gascon." Lars slowly nodded, wiping at his eyes. "I hope we can talk more in the future. After we defeat Shadar…" He added with a small grin. His brother sighed but returned the gesture nonetheless.
It was enough.
—
The next morning, Lars found his companions in the atrium as they discussed their newest findings. Earlier, the group had made plans to track down Kublai and steal Gascon's map back. Thus, allowing the group to locate the three magical stones they required to complete Mornstar and defeat Shadar. Ever since Gascon revealed that the map was in the Sky Pirate's possession, their research had switched towards locating the man's hideout.
"Any luck?" The bounty hunter asked as they noticed his presence.
"We have an idea of where the hideout might be based on Emperor Gascon's previous plans." Esther cheerfully announced.
"Still a lot of flipping ground to cover, there is!" Drippy supplied.
"But, it shouldn't take too long to search! We'll find Kublai and get the map in no time!" Oliver confidently exclaimed, throwing his arms into the air. "Anyways, Lars. What are your plans?" The boy then asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
"Huh? What do you mean?" The former prince blinked.
"Well, you said you joined our group in order to help Gascon. Gascon's better now. So, we…" Esther trailed off, staring at the metallic ground.
"We thought you'd blinking dip on us, mun!" Drippy finished for her, causing Lars to open his mouth in realization.
"Ah… I see. I did say that, didn't I?" The bounty hunter nodded. "My original plan depended on Gascon not recognizing me… which did not happen. So, I don't really know what I'm doing!" Lars confessed with a casual shrug and relaxed grin. "I was hoping I could continue journeying with you three. I still want to see Shadar go down for what he's done. If you'll have me?" He explained.
"We'd be happy to, Lars!" Oliver smiled.
"Thanks, guys…" Lars returned the sentiment. "Now, with that out of the way… I realize I'm not exactly the typical Great Sage… But, I have the power and I'd like to say the experience of one, if without some knowledge." He started to his companions' confusion. "So, I believe I offered you some magic lessons when we first met?" The bounty hunter reminded.
"Oh… Oh, that's right! You did!" Oliver recalled. "You said you'd show me how to cast Travel!" He laughed.
"I know a lot more spells than Travel, Oliver." Lars smirked, raising his wand as he began demonstrating various spells for his companions… for his friends.
—
Before the group was set to leave Hamelin to find Kublai, Lars was summoned to the Emperor's chambers.
"You wanted to see me, Gascon?" The bounty hunter asked, raising a brow while entering.
"Yes. I did." His brother quickly nodded, clearly in deep thought. However, he seemed to snap out of a daze by shaking his head. "Marcassin… I, uh…" Gascon awkwardly began, running his fingers through his hair. In turn, the bounty hunter smiled encouragingly. "I have something to give you before you and your companions set off." The elder prince explained.
"Oh, you do?" Lars went as a fuzzy feeling spread inside him. His smile grew wider while Gascon quickly fetched a small wooden box. After he jogged to stand next to his brother's side, Gascon carefully unfolded the object inside. Lars' eyes widened and his breath stilled.
It was a wand, no, a sceptre.
"This was Father's sceptre." Gascon softly explained as Lars unsurely took the sceptre in his hands. It was longer than his old wand, with a shimmering blue crystal adorning the top between golden rings. A metallic red wrapping covered part of the otherwise blue rod. The instant he touched the weapon, his body jolted as a familiar rush of mana flowed through him. Warm memories flew through his mind of his Father wielding that exact sceptre in battle, holding it with him throughout the palace halls and when he accompanied Marcassin to the Temple of Trials to be trained.
"I…" The bounty hunter mumbled in shock, continuing to examine the family wand.
"He would've wanted you to have it, Marcassin. It's the weapon of a Great Sage." Gascon fondly explained, holding his shoulder. There was a swirling intensity in his brother's eyes as if he'd briefly revisited a few memories of times long past. Suddenly, Lars felt his face grow warm and his cheeks turn wet. He brought a shaking hand to his skin and realized he'd been crying.
"I'm… I'm sorry…" The younger male choked out, avoiding his brother's gaze. However, Gascon merely sighed and shook his head with a hint of nostalgia.
"Hey, it's alright. I get it, Marcassin. No need to feel ashamed." His elder brother softly encouraged until he stopped trembling. After a moment, Gascon chuckled.
"What's so funny?" Lars questioned with a huff, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Oh, nothing much. I was just here thinking that you'd matured over the last fifteen years but you're still a softie inside, aren't you?" His brother lightly teased, giving him a small shove.
"I-I am not a child anymore!" The former prince protested even though a tiny grin fluttered onto his face.
"I can see that!" Gascon rebutted good heartedly. Afterwards, the two brothers dissolved into giggles. However, the smile ran from Gascon's face soon afterwards. "Father… he believed in both of us, eh?" The Emperor remarked with a distant expression.
"He did…" Lars confirmed. "You know, I spoke with Father when we went to the past." The bounty hunter revealed as his brother stiffened.
"You did?" Gascon gasped.
"I did… Father recognized my nervous wand twirling habit." Lars half-heartedly chuckled, looking away. "Father explained that he wanted us to rule together. You, as Emperor and I as the Great Sage. It's funny now that I think about it… We were both so confused and pressured for no reason…" The former prince mirthfully smiled. "I ran away for no reason… Pressure for something that wasn't even real." He bitterly thought in his mind.
They were silent for a long time, pondering the new information he'd revealed.
"I should get going-" Lars started before being interrupted.
"Do you think it's too late?" Gascon asked, leaning back against his chair.
"Too late for what?" The bounty hunter questioned, tilting his head.
"Is it too late to rule together? You and I, Emperor and Great Sage, like Father wanted? As brothers?" His brother elaborated, tugging at a loose strand of brown hair. Lars' eyes widened, realizing what the man was asking of him.
"I…" The younger of the two trailed off. Again, memories of stress and pressure flashed through his mind. However, Lars looked towards his brother. His brother and his hopeful eyes, hiding his hands behind his back. "Rule together, huh? Not against, not a single heir this time…" Lars contemplated, twirling his wand. "I'd like that, Gascon. To give it a try at least…" Lars smiled.
"It's about time Hamelin had its intended leadership." Gascon faintly smirked in turn before his face turned downtrodden once more. "I will see you again after you defeat Shadar, right?" His brother asked, and the uncertainty was found in whether they would meet, not if they would defeat Shadar or not. Uncertainty if Lars would lie to him as he did fifteen years past onto to disappear.
"Of course we will, Gascon! You need never worry about me vanishing in the night again." Lars nodded, and with a final hug between them he was off to the distant lands with Oliver, Esther, and Drippy.
—
Author's Notes: And that's the end! Woo! My original plan was to end after Cassiopeia's defeat and do a nice epilogue there. But, I kind of realized that I wouldn't be changing much from canon besides maybe making Gascon the Hamelin boss? Honestly, it didn't sound that appealing and I've written all I've wanted for this story. Besides, I thought this would be a nice place to end things. Though, let me know in the comments if you want a one-shot or two-shot something to extend the story!
Just a few other notes: I initially wanted to include a bit where Gascon would talk about how it'd be better for Marcassin to rule with him to give the citizens some hope. Like, "They'll see one of the original princes, a Great Sage return to cure the ailing Hamelin from the mistakes of his mad brother." sort of conversation. But, I couldn't fit it in anywhere!
Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this story! Please tell me your thoughts below as always and have a fantastic day and/or night!