Review Last Chapter: Rebecca, Raven, and Sain are getting along now. Erk and Matthew rescued Serra from jack. Serra is delighted until she heard about the death of Lucius and Dorcus and everyone claimed she did it. That night, Priscilla reminded Erk of revenge as he headed to look for Serra. When he came back to Priscilla, his arm is filled with fresh blood.
I do not own Fire Emblem or any of its characters! I hate saying this, but it's been two chapters I haven't mention that.
A fan: I didn't say this specifically but Sain is NOT the bad guy in the triangle. He is just the one that loves to annoy Rebecca. He is like the playful one in the triangle. I don't know…
R Amythest: I'm not good at fairy tales anyways… Also, reading your last story, the one with Lucius and Raven got me thinking. You'll see what I mean in this chapter. WARNING: If you are a very emotional person, and don't like angst, don't read this!
Everyone: Nobody wants Serra to die yet. I wonder if she is or not…But I should know because I'm the author! I'm sorry if the characters get a bit OOC in this chapter since everyone is in a bad mood especially Erk.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction....The chain reaction of evil -- hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars -- must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.
-Dr. Matin Luther King Jr (I do quotes to all my other stories and I totally forgotten about this story, I will do two or three each chapter to make up for it. Hehe)
In jealousy there is more self-love than love.
-Francois De La Rochefoucauld (Tell that to Priscilla, lol)
Chapter XVIII: Mixture of Deep Feelings
"Erk, your arm…you killed Serra?" Priscilla asked out loud as she ran over and helped him over to her bed. Erk didn't say anything, still with a blank face on. He felt nothing, nothing at all. Priscilla looked at her mirror at herself. Did Serra die? If she did, what will everyone say? Priscilla felt awful at this moment. How could she have done this to Serra? Her jealousy of Serra had gone overboard. But I had gone too far to stop… Priscilla reminded herself.
Priscilla can picture the kiss she had with Erk earlier. What did he really mean when he said, "Priscilla, I'm sorry. I'm not ready yet. It doesn't feel right to me." Priscilla pulled him to look at her directly. Both their eyes were in tears now. They move closer and closer together into another kiss.
Priscilla can felt the urge to pull him closer to her, but she tried not to. If someone has to do it, it has to be him. Erk felt relaxed now by Priscilla's side. But he cannot feel anything at all from this little kiss. It had no meaning. Again, he wasn't ready to move on. He cannot forget Serra. He knew if he continued doing this to Priscilla, it would just hurt her more. He must tell her the truth when he was ready.
Erk pulled away from Priscilla, taking the chance that it was getting late. "Priscilla, it's getting late. I must go back to my tent now." Priscilla looked at him miserably.
"Erk, you can stay here for the night." Priscilla suggested since Guy is never around in her tent anymore. Guy and her had a fight that lunch. Guy said that he had to get his mind off of her by moving to Matthew's tent for the night. She really didn't care if Guy move or not, but she didn't trust him.
Erk shook his head as Priscilla handed him her handkerchief so he can wipe away the blood. He walked silently outside, never taking his fingers off his tome. Priscilla watched him go as she sighed. With that look on Erk's face, Serra must be as good as dead now. It doesn't matter to her if Erk loves her right now, he will eventually changed and love her as much as she loved him. Serra is out of the way for good. That is all that matter.
But Priscilla can't help, but felt awful that Erk cannot give her a decent kiss without making some kind of excuse. This was all Serra's fault. Priscilla just calmed herself down with some helping words from her parents long time ago and fall asleep.
Over in Raven's tent, Raven had invited Rebecca over after dinner. Sain didn't seem to mind anymore as he ran off to look for Isadora. Rebecca heard that he is now sparring with Isadora at night or something. Rebecca was getting sleepy after walking all the way over to Raven's tent. Raven noticed this and invited her to sleep in his tent tonight. Rebecca merely nodded as she put down her bow and arrows by the chair. Next she put her hair down and pulled her boots off. She laid her head on a pillow provided.
Raven put his sword away and his heavy stuff he carries around. He laid carefully down at his own bed. He looked over at her side. She was sleeping on Lucius's bed. Lucius… Raven kept on thinking of revenge on Serra, but how should he do it? Raven knew he cannot think clearly at night so he decided to think about it tomorrow morning.
"Raven…" Rebecca murmured as Raven jumped out of his thoughts.
"Yes?" He asked grumpily. He was not a very patient person and he wanted to go to sleep soon.
"Raven, I have no blanket. I'm really cold." Rebecca said in a bit of whine in her voice. Raven then remembered that he and Lucius usually put the two beds together and shared one blanket. He looked down at the blanket he was using. He knew it was wrong for him to hold the blanket to himself and leaving Rebecca with none. He pushed his bed together with her to share his blanket.
Rebecca turned over to look at him since she had her back to him all this time. Rebecca smiled as she pulled some blanket for herself. Now, Raven didn't feel right. Lucius was a guy, but Rebecca was a girl. Raven tried to keep his distant from her but found he pulling more blanket than needed from her. He had nowhere to move from.
Raven felt really nervous now until a reassuring hand touch his cheeks. It was Rebecca. Rebecca was really close to him now. Raven can feel his cheeks grew hotter by the minute. Rebecca just stared into his eyes. Her eyes were still sparkling in the dark even though the lights were off. Raven cannot understand her. How can she be so cheerful all the time?
Raven was about to say that he didn't need a blanket and that she can have all of it until he found her lips on his. He felt his body tensing by the minute until he loosened up. It felt different. He never kissed anyone before so he wasn't prepared. She kept moving closer to him, and he kept edging away until he was near the edge of the bed. He gave in. He pulled her waist towards him. They shared a long kiss until they both stop and look at each other.
"Raven, do you know how I feel about you now?" Rebecca asked, as Raven didn't answer. It's not that he didn't love her too, but he never had this experience before and he had to be careful not to upset her. Raven cannot think as he merely nodded in reply. Rebecca didn't seem to mind as she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tight. Raven felt really relaxed now as he started closing his eyes to rest. Soon, his shirt was off.
Suddenly, Rebecca asked a question. A question Raven wished never left her lips. This question was one that ruined his calm self and entered his dark side. It had to come now when they were enjoying each other company so much. "Raven, if you love me, you forgive Serra right?" Of course, she just had to ask that. Serra is and always will be Rebecca's best friend.
Raven knew she wasn't expecting this answer but he cannot lie to her any longer. "Serra killed Lucius. Lucius is one of the most important people in my life. He was everything to me. He was my companion, my friend, and one worth calling my brother if to be. Actually, we were even closer than brothers. I'm sorry, Rebecca, but I cannot choose love over friendship." Raven knew this will tear her heart but he chose those words carefully and he must say it now or never.
Rebecca got up and climbed off the bed shakily. She put on her boots without a word and did not bother tying her hair. She looked over at him with a mixture of sadness and disappointment in her eyes. "Raven…I love you, but like you said, I will never choose love over friendship either. Like some people always say, lovers come and go but friendship is forever." Rebecca straightened her shirt and skirt while Raven wore his shirt back on. Rebecca picked up her arrows and bow before she left.
Raven sighed. Rebecca might never speak to him again, but he knew this must be done. Lucius meant a lot to him. He cannot let Rebecca stand in his way from revenge for his friend. He looked at the bed in which Lucius used to lay on. He was his greatest companion and always will be. He cannot let Serra get away with this. Raven knew his heart had softened because of Rebecca. If he is going to get his revenge, he must return to the old Raven. With this thought, he drifted off to sleep.
In the morning, everyone woke up and went to eat breakfast. Rebecca with her lack of sleep woke up extra early and started cooking like crazy. She wouldn't even let Lowen cook with her that morning. Some people are even spreading rumors that she is not in a good mood. Everyone thinks it's Sain's fault though because it is usually his fault. Raven woke up, and started sharpening his sword already. He didn't know anything about Serra and Erk last night.
Priscilla woke up early and cheery that morning. She wiped her eyes of whatever was still in it. Priscilla looked over at the spot where Guy used to sleep in. He was not there this morning. Priscilla felt awful for fighting with him yesterday. He was always there for her and he always talk to her about her feelings. She never told anyone this, of course. Priscilla knew Guy would forgive her now and later. Priscilla stretched out and remembered that they are moving through the desert this morning. Priscilla knew her horse dislike the desert and she must visit her.
Priscilla walked in the tent to find her horse, Princess, there. Kent and Fiora were discussing some issues Priscilla didn't think about about as she walked over to her horse and brushed it with care. Princess liked it when Priscilla brushed her like this. Priscilla knew it's been awhile since she spends any time with her horse. Kent and Fiora finally left with their horse and pegasi. Priscilla was now alone, but soon, the flaps open again to reveal Sain and Isadora. They must be getting ready for their horses too.
Isadora and Sain quickly grabbed their horses and left as well. Priscilla finished the last touches with her horse and walked out with it. She held tight to its rein. She felt lonely. Guy was not here and so was Raven. Erk wasn't ready for a serious relationship yet. All she had now was Princess. Priscilla decided to head to the dining tent for breakfast and maybe Guy would be there to talk to her.
On her way there, she had to pass Serra's tent. No one had said anything about Serra all day. It seemed like nothing had happened at all. Priscilla can't help but stare at Serra's tent. Priscilla sighed to herself. If Serra and her didn't love the same man, then maybe they would have been close friends. Who knows? Serra might still live to see tomorrow. Priscilla was about to continue on her way when the flaps suddenly flung open.
Serra was standing right at the flaps. Her face seemed tired with circles around her eyes, but there was a bit of playfulness in her eyes as well. Her clothes were still the old ones she wore yesterday and this surprised Priscilla because Serra always changed her outfit every day to be extra clean. But the most different about Serra was that she was holding close to her left shoulder. Her shoulder seemed to be terribly injured.
Serra noticed Priscilla staring at her shoulder as she raised an eyebrow. "Priscilla, are you ok?" Serra asked in a playful tone. Priscilla snapped out of her trance and gave Serra an odd look.
"Serra, you're not dead?" Priscilla asked as she placed her hands over her mouth immediately. She didn't want her words to come out that way. She made a real bad mistake that she hoped Serra didn't noticed. But knowing Serra, she always noticed everything.
"Priscilla, why should I be dead?" Serra asked suspiciously, eying Priscilla carefully to show any sign of weakness. "Is it because everyone in this camp are seeking out for my blood including Erk?" Serra said in such a tone that Priscilla knew she must be accusing her, but at the same time, gave her a reason to answer.
"I don't know. I didn't mean to say what I have said." Priscilla said carefully as Serra nodded. Serra carefully closed her flaps and walked over by Priscilla and Princess. Serra vigilantly removed her hand from her left shoulder to show a terrible injury that can easily be seen caused by magic. Of course, the injury has healed but the mark was still there.
Priscilla tried to look innocent as Serra just shrugged. "Priscilla, we known each other for such a long time. So I guess I can be honest with you. Besides Rebecca, you are the first girls I known. I don't know what came between us, but if we met in different circumstances, we could have become best friends." Priscilla didn't know what to say, but she knew Serra was tricky and was just saying this for now. Later on, she would just steal Erk back from her again. Priscilla tried not to show these inner thoughts though.
Serra found Priscilla's silence no surprise as she continued, "Let me tell you what really happened to me last night…"
(Flashback)
"Erk…"
"Serra…"
Serra took a step closer to Erk. "Erk, why don't you believe me? I didn't kill Lucius or Dorcus. I didn't send Bartre away either" Erk took a step backward, shaking his head.
"Serra, I don't believe you. Everything makes sense. You killed my best friend for that book. I cannot deal with you any longer. I made a promise to him that I will kill whoever killed him and I tend to keep that promise." Erk said, his voice breaking and his hands shaking.
Serra's eyes gone watery as she took another step closer to him. "Erk, you're the one I love and trust the most and you don't believe me? If you kill me, you will regret for the rest of your life." Serra said, her voice breaking as well and tears started rolling out of her eyes.
Erk knew his heart was breaking. He cannot bear it any longer. "Serra, I will regret my whole life if I don't kill you. I kissed Priscilla today and that is when I realized how much you meant to me, and how much Lucius meant to me as well. I got away from Priscilla today. I regretted so much how much I love you and not her. She is sweet and kind, unlike you." He took another step backwards again.
Serra took another step closer. "Erk, kill me then. If you think I am the one who murdered your best friend, then kill me." Erk took another step backward and hit the tent behind him as Serra stood in front of him now and placed her hand over her heart. "But before you do, I must tell you one thing. You did not take all the clues into consideration and acted before thinking. I was like that, I should know. I did lots of awful things in my life, but I can tell you one thing. I did not kill Lucius. So kill me and get it over with. But I'm warning you, when you find out who really killed him; you will regret this action for the rest of your life and you will start weeping over my grave. So kill me already."
Serra closed her eyes as Erk looked at his thunder tome and then at her. He gripped hard to his fire tome, his heart breaking apart. "I'm sorry Serra…but I must."
Erk looked down at his tome and was about chanting his spell as Serra stood very still. Erk remembered their first kiss together and later, the day they made promises to each other. Erk then remembered the hours he spend reading with Lucius and Canas when he should have paid more attention to Serra. His mind gone foggy every minute he chanted the spell.
When he finally completed the spell, he gave Serra one last look. Tears were already falling from both their eyes. Serra said softly to herself, "Kill me already. You don't believe me, so just kill me already." Erk send the spell at Serra. Serra was expecting to fall into complete darkness when it hit her heart, but found no such thing.
She opened her eyes slowly and found her left shoulder bleeding like crazy. Erk ran over to look at her injury, touching her blood with his hand. Soon, the blood covered his arm so much that he smelled of blood. Erk ran out the door without giving Serra another glance. But before he left, she can hear him said, "I couldn't do it" to himself. Serra smiled to herself, as she held tight to her injury to hold the blood. He still had feelings for her…he couldn't kill her…
(Flashback ended)
Priscilla listened to every word Serra told her. Erk couldn't kill her. Priscilla didn't know if this was a relief or disappointment. Priscilla looked at Serra's shoulder once more as she pulled her own staff out. Priscilla handed it to Serra. "Serra, here use my staff. You only have heal with you. I have mend. It should help."
Serra accepted it and started using it on herself and handed it back to Priscilla. "Priscilla, I know what you did." Serra said in a threaten tone. Priscilla jumped a bit but settle down. She knew Serra had nothing against her. "But I have no proof so I can't do anything about it. Priscilla, Erk did told me he kissed you and what happened. I feel sorry for you."
Priscilla grabbed her own staff and jumped on Princess's back. Priscilla looked at Serra with a smirk. "Serra, we might be rivals for the same man. But at the end, one of us will win this battle and that person is going to be me." Priscilla rode off, not giving Serra another look. Serra giggled to herself.
"Priscilla…you are smart. I give you that." Serra said as she went inside to get dressed in another set of clothes. Serra looked at her trunk, which is empty now. Serra looked at her stuff carefully as she started packing them up. Priscilla left no clue whatsoever of what she did to Lucius and Dorcus. She left lots of clues and those clues all pointed at Serra. Serra knew if she wanted to outsmart Priscilla, she has to think more towards her point of view.
Florina woke up and found Heath's bed empty. She felt weird. Now that Wil has moved, she thought she would have a tent for herself or with her sister, Fiora. But instead, Fiora is sharing with Kent and she is stuck with Heath. Florina knew Heath was a nice guy and all, but that doesn't mean she's not afraid of him. Florina knew today, they were going to enter the desert and she should visit her pegasi.
Florina entered the tent late that morning and expected for everyone to get their animals already. But she found her theory wrong as she spotted the green hair mercenary still in the tent, caring for his own wyvern. Florina walked silently towards her pegasi so that Heath wouldn't noticed she even entered the tent.
Heath seemed to be so into caring for his wyvern that he showed no sign that he heard Florina came in. Florina didn't want to disturb him as she started feeding her pegasi. Her pegasi jumped to see her and started cuddling her. With all this noise, Heath turned around to see his timid tent partner with her pegasi on top of her. Heath walked over and gave her a hand. Florina searched his eyes before she accepted it. Heath helped her up.
"Florina, ready for another day?" Heath asked as Florina jumped. Heath turned red. "Sorry, did I frighten you?"
Florina turned red as well as she said carefully, "No…sir…you didn't…f-frighten me…" Florina started feeding her excited pegasi. Heath smiled and continued brushing his wyvern without a care. Heath really wanted to talk to Florina but if she doesn't want to talk, he won't force her.
Florina finished up quickly and got up and walked off. But midway there, she stopped. She was so impolite to the man who barely helped her got up. Florina decided to wait for him and at least say "thank you". Heath finished up shortly and turned around to see Florina still there waiting for him. He was surprised but hopefully they might talk some things over.
Florina looked nervous and tried to hide the redness in her face. "About…earlier… thanks…for…helping me." Florina thanked as Heath bowed to her to show his politeness. Florina's face turned a brighter red.
"You're welcome, milady." Heath said politely as Florina shook her head.
"Milady is such a high ranking… it's not suitable for me at all." Florina said anxiously as Heath's eyes widened.
"Florina, you didn't stammer." He said straightforward as Florina's face turned bright red as Eliwood's hair. Florina realized that for one sentence, she wasn't nervous to talk to Heath and this scared her.
"Urm…yeah…hehe…well see…ya…" Florina said timidly again. Heath laughed as they both left the tent with their animals. Heath knew Florina was a shy person and he didn't mind this at all. He found himself liking this personality actually. Florina found Heath still by her side, but she didn't have the courage to ask him to leave. She truly did like to be by his side. That doesn't mean she can be any braver around him either.
Even though everyone besides Serra, Florina, and Heath got their breakfast, Rebecca was still cooking. Lowen was so worried about her. First, she didn't allow him to cook and now she was cooking even though she didn't need to. Lowen decide to have a little talk with her.
"Rebecca, something wrong?" Lowen asked as Rebecca shook her head and continued cooking. "You're lying. You must have cook enough for a week by now. Now are you going to tell me what's wrong before I report this to Lord Hector and Lady Ada?" Rebecca knew Lowen got her as she sighed.
"Lowen…if you love someone a lot and that person wants to kill your best friend, what do you suggest that person should do?" Rebecca asked, giving out another sighed. Lowen raised his eyebrows and then think for a second.
"I don't know…you have a big problem on your hands Rebecca. Even though, I am not an expert on those subjects, I do know you need food and rest to get lots of strength for battle." Lowen said as picked up some pancakes and handed it to Rebecca. Rebecca laughed and gave Lowen a hug before sitting down to eat.
Rebecca sat down next to Sain and Isadora. It wasn't her idea to be sitting next to Sain again, but that was the only sit left. Sain finally stopped talking to Isadora and turned over to Rebecca. "Good breakfast, Rebecca. How's you and Raven?" Rebecca didn't answer as she continued eating her food. Sain knew when Rebecca was bothered and turn around to talk to Isadora, who disappeared. Sain shrugged and caught sight of Serra, picking her breakfast.
"Serra, how's your lovely day going?" He asked as Serra ignored him and sat down at his seat and started eating. Sain looked around for someone else to talk with. Priscilla was busy looking around for Guy, ignoring him as well as she walked pass him. Sain saw Fiora and Kent eating and talking together. Then, Florina walked in. Sain ran over to Florina.
"Hi Florina!" But the smile on Sain's face didn't last too long as Heath walked in after Florina. Sain took this chance and left the tent just in case Heath would beat him up or something. Of course, Sain didn't know Heath very well. Heath would never beat him up even if he talked to Florina. Heath pulled an empty chair for Florina to sit as she sat down and he sat down next to her.
Breakfast didn't last long as Wil ran in the tent, sending his usual message to regroup and move on already. Everyone groaned as they ran back to pack up their belongings and grabbed their weapons. Serra smiled to herself for she already packed her stuff up. Usually, she would let Erk do it but he was not her tent partner anymore. She sneaks a glance at Erk, who is talking to Canas.
"Serra." Rebecca said as Serra jumped.
"Oh my gosh, Rebecca, you scare me right there!! You know how sensitive I am!" Serra cried out as Rebecca sighed to herself. Rebecca drank her coffee and then turned her attention back to Serra.
"Serra, Erk still loves you. I can tell." Rebecca said as Serra nodded sadly. Matthew sat on the other side of Serra and started smiling.
"Serra, cheer up! Be the loud cleric I known so long." Matthew said as Serra looked at him. She knew he was playing with her. But he was right, what happen to that loud cleric and cheerful cleric she used to be? Serra smiled and gave the two a happy glance. Serra finished up her food and left the two alone.
Matthew made sure Serra left the tent before giving Rebecca a suspicious glance. Rebecca knew what that meant as the two walked to the corner of the tent. Matthew took a deep breath and said, "I have a plan to get Erk and Serra back together, but it won't be easy." Rebecca nodded as she stared at Raven from across the room.
"Matthew, we have to get them back together. This is the only way this group can be back to normal." Rebecca said as Matthew nodded. The two walked out of the tent. Priscilla watched them suspiciously. Wonder what those are up to? Oh well…
Soon, everyone continued on their way and before they knew it, there was the desert. Ninian and Nils didn't look so cool. Hector offered to pick Nils up on his back as Lyndis and Ada started laughing at Nils's reaction. Eliwood held tight to Ninian's arm as they walked on. They spotted a big group of bandits attacking one man as they assemble their group to attack.
Serra wanted to join the battle, but Ada gave her an unfriendly glance and didn't answer. Serra knew Ada didn't trust her anymore. Serra felt down. Real down. Even Lord Hector didn't make fun of her anymore, and Lyndis doesn't ask her how she's doing. Serra sighed as she sat down and watched the battle going on. Eliwood, Lyndis, Hector, Heath, Fiora, Florina, Legault, Kent, Dart, and Canas were fighting this battle. The orchestra were playing and sweating at the same time.
Serra looked around for any sign of Erk, Rebecca, Matthew, or Priscilla. Priscilla was talking to Guy again. Serra didn't understand what they keep on talking about. It must be some secret of some sort. Erk was nowhere to be seen, which Serra was quite surprised. Matthew and Rebecca were gone as well. Serra felt so isolated until Priscilla walked over to Serra's side.
"Serra, where are your little friends? I saw them walking off together talking about Erk or something." Priscilla commented as Serra saw Guy staying away from them. Serra thought for a second as she finally figured out what Rebecca and Matthew are doing as she shot straight up and left Priscilla alone. Priscilla was still confused though.
Serra knew Matthew and Rebecca would do anything to Erk so they can get back together. Serra appreciated their help and everything, but she knew Matthew too well. Erk might not be together in pieces after what Matthew might have done to him. Serra ran all over the place to find the three.
Erk was tied to a chair in Matthew's tent, while the other two were watching him closely. Matthew was wearing an evil smirk on his face while Rebecca stared at Erk happily. Matthew smiled and said, "Erk, just admit it. You still love Serra, you can't hide it from us." Rebecca nodded in agreement.
Erk looked away from the two. "No, I don't love Serra anymore after what she had done to Lucius."
Matthew looked at Rebecca. "This is not going to be easy. So we have to use more persuading methods…" Rebecca handed Matthew some poison as Matthew grinned at the thought. He put some on his sword and walked over by Erk's side.
"Erk, this poison won't be pretty." Matthew warned as Erk still stubbornly looked away. At that minute, Serra busted in and saw the scene in front of her.
"Matthew, what are you doing?" Serra demanded.
"Serra, don't worry. After what we done to him, he will admit that he still has feelings for you." Serra looked at Erk. He had lost of bruises everywhere as if Matthew was beating him up all this time. Serra looked at the sword on Matthew's sword.
"Matthew, don't touch Erk or I kill myself." Serra threatened. Matthew smirked. He knew Serra would do something like this, so he put all the weapons away and any thing that she could use to kill herself with.
"That's no threat to me, Serra. You can't do that without any sharp object or weapons." Matthew commented as Serra looked around her. Serra knew she must use something. Then it hit Serra.
"Let him go or else, I bite my tongue!" Serra threatened again as Matthew gave a worried glance to Rebecca. Rebecca shrugged as she started untying Erk. Rebecca and Matthew knew Serra well enough to know she can do that if she wanted to. Serra gave a satisfying look at the two while placing her hands on her hips. Erk fell down to his knees as soon as he left the chair. Serra ran over and picked him up and took him outside.
"Serra…" Erk was gasping for breath, as Serra didn't answer. She just kept on walking with him on her shoulders until they reach his tent. Serra dropped him off on the bed. "Serra…this doesn't mean I owe you anything right?"
Serra shrugged as she left the room. "You don't owe me anything, all you owe me is your trust. If one day you learn to trust me again, I won't regret anything." Serra closed the flaps behind her as Erk sighed to himself. He started looking at his scars and bruises. This won't be easy… He needs a healer and Ada haven't given him a guiding ring yet either.
Serra walked out and passed Priscilla on the way out. They both stop where they were going as Serra turned to face Priscilla. The red hair Valkyrie gave a suspicious look at Serra. Serra knew Erk needed a healer and she didn't want to be that healer. She had no choice. If she could resolve her differences with Priscilla, she must start with this. "Erk is injured, you should go heal him."
Priscilla gave Serra one last look before she went off to Erk's tent. Priscilla knew Serra must be up to something. Serra took one look at her staff before she went off to see if the battle was done yet. The battle was going quite different than what they usually expected. It was the desert and no one had much experience at this. But the mages and the flyers didn't seem to mind. Canas was moving through with ease while Heath, Florina, and Fiora were taking the skies.
Florina was really tired and was sweating really hard as Heath gave her a cloth. Heath and Florina were flying the same way, as they flew together. Florina thank Heath as she wiped her sweat away. She seemed more relaxed around Heath now for some reason. Heath gave Florina one last bow before he flew off in another direction. Florina blushed.
Lyndis was really hot from the desert as well. Sacae was different than Nabata, she realized. Her skirt was perfect for the weather, but herself wasn't. Thank goodness before she collapsed of dehydration, Eliwood caught her. Lyndis thanked Eliwood as he handed her some water. Lyndis smiled, she was thankful he was by her side all this time. Ada giggled as she watched Hector trying to hit enemies with Nils on his back. It was one funny sight.
The orchestra was playing while the conductor cheered for Canas as he beat a random mage up. Canas nodded to them before walking off to fight more enemies. They, of course, under command, follow Canas. Hawkeye finally appeared and scared Hector so much that he almost dropped Nils. Thankfully, he was joining with us. After a lot of battling, Legault found a bunch of neat items and we met new two people.
One was Hawkeye and the other was Lord Pent, the Magic General. Everyone bowed to show their respect to Lord Pent and everything. He was very high class. Priscilla finished healing Erk and bowed to Lord Pent before going back to her tent. Lord Pent went in to visit Erk. It seemed he already knew Erk from some time ago.
"Lord Pent!" Erk nearly choked when he saw Lord Pent came in. Lord Pent sat next to Erk's bed and examined him closely with his eyes. Erk felt embarrassed. The first time he met his master in years and he is in bed, resting.
"Erk, you seem to have your own problems. Tell me, we are family." Lord Pent urged but Erk knew he cannot tell him. He felt awful about the whole situation and nothing he can say can make it better to Lord Pent. He knew he must be more open about himself, but he just can't. He can't tell this whole problem in one day.
"Lord Pent…I don't know what to say…I just need rest that's all." Erk said in an annoyed voice, but persuading as well. Lord Pent nodded to show his understanding and left the tent. Erk let out a sigh. He could tell his master that he stuck between two ladies. One in which he still loved but is his greatest enemy as well, while the other one had affection for him dearly but he does have the same feelings back. Erk knew this was harder than he ever believed it to be.
Erk knew Lord Pent might not have understood these feelings, but there is one person in the world who does. Hopefully, Erk can meet her soon to share his feelings for. Erk wondered if he will ever kill Serra for Lucius. He must do it since he vowed to do so. But his heart won't let him so now he was in big trouble. This was one big problem indeed.
That day was one hot day, the desert was burning but Lord Hawkeye insisted that we keep on moving before the sun sets because the desert are harsh at night. On his or her little walk however, everyone fell down some sinking sand in the desert. Serra woke up, shaking her head to recover her position. She saw Erk nearby, helping Priscilla up from her fall. Serra would have ran up and gave Priscilla a furious smack on the upside of her head, but this is what got her into this problem in the first place. She just gritted her teeth while Matthew helped her up.
The place was weird, as every guy started helping another girl up. Florina was not even noticing how hard she held Heath's arm until she spotted her sister, Fiora, raised an eyebrow. Florina almost passed out to find out that she was holding onto Heath the whole time as Heath hastily let go of her arm first, hoping this will not make her any nervous. The battle was weird. The magic user cannot use their magic most of the time like the time on the Dread Isle.
As the battle came to an end, they came back to the surface and hastily continue on their way to make up for lost time. It was not long until they came to a place where they found the great Athos and Lady Louise. The lords and ladies were talking to the two as the rest of the group waited patiently. Raven felt sick to his stomach. Last night was one horrible experience after another, as he walked around the group thinking of a way for revenge.
Matthew talked something to Rebecca as he left the sword with Merlinus. Raven and Rebecca looked at each other for a second as they walked past each other. Raven walked up to Merlinus. "You…what sword did that thief barely gave you." Raven demanded to know. Merlinus almost jumped until he slowly recovered.
"Poison sword, actually. He was asked me for it earlier for some odd reason, and now he returned it." Merlinus answered with some shakiness in his voice. Raven picked up the sword from Merlinus' feet and looked at it with interest. Without another word, he walked off with the sword in his hands. Merlinus was in confusion.
After much talk, everyone gathered around the lords and ladies preparing to be transported by Athos. Everyone closed their eyes and thought of the home they used to grew up in. The next moment, they opened their eyes to find themselves in a garden. Eliwood led the way as everyone followed. He opened the door to his mother's room quietly as he caught her praying out loud.
Eliwood approached her with caution, as she turned around to see him alive and well. The two embraced in a long hug until the mother finally could let go of Eliwood. The two were in tears and happy to see each other for so long. Soon, everyone let out a sign of relief for it is time to rest after that long walk in the desert. Wil showed everyone his or her rooms as Ada handed him more gold for his work.
Serra decided to hit the restroom as soon as she unpacked all her belongings. Serra knew that she needed a long bath after last night and that long walk in the desert. Little did she know, someone was following her close behind. Serra went inside the bathroom where a round tub laid there for her. Serra called out Rebecca to watch the door while she's in the bathroom. Rebecca ran over and waited in front of the door.
Serra slowly undressed and jumped in the hot tub. She washed her arms slowly with the elegant soap of Pherae, and started humming a song to herself. Serra knew this soap wasn't as fine as those of Ostia, but it was the best she can do. Serra can hear some noise in the room. Serra was freaked out but could do nothing since she is naked.
"Whoever you are, I am naked and you cannot harm a naked girl like me." Serra warned out loud, looking around trying to find the person who is sharing this room with her. For a bathroom, this is really big and one with lots of curtains. He or she could be hiding anywhere. Serra was worried, but she could do nothing. She did not have her tomes with her and she was bare naked. She cannot get out of the tub if her life depended on it.
The person took the chance and pulled out his sword. Serra was horrified. She knew this was her doom. She had nothing to save herself with, and she cannot use magic to defend herself as well. The person came closer and closer to her. Serra felt nervous every second, she screamed for Rebecca, who apparently did not hear. Serra knew this was the end for her. Everyone in this camp wanted her blood so badly.
"Serra, you will die today." The person threatened. He was wearing black from head to toe so Serra can't make out his face or anything of his. But even at the condition before her, Serra smiled. A small smile in her heart, to know at least, this time it wasn't Erk. For Erk does not use swords.
The sword was deadly in Serra's eyes as the person prepared to kill her in one slash. Serra prayed with all her might that someone would help her. The sword was getting closer…closer…
Sorry for the little cliffhanger, but it was just getting too long and I decided to end it here. Out of one situation and into another, Serra's life had turned for the worst. Last time, she didn't die in Erk's hands but will her life end to this mysterious person? Let's see what happens next in the chapter 19! Also, R & R and check out my Nino's Life story if you like Nino and everything.
Note to R Amythest: I'm sorry if the Rebecca/Raven scene was too intense for you since I know how much you dislike that pairing. But because of your story, I remember how much Lucius meant to him and how close they were. That's why he chose friendship over love. But unlike your story, they are just really really close friends.