Review Last Chapter: Priscilla and Serra are trying to resolve differences. Rebecca and Raven found out that friendship is more important than love. Raven wants revenge. Florina and Heath were talking for once. Rebecca and Matthew tried to get Erk and Serra together and failed. Athos transport the group back to Pherae where Serra enjoyed a fun bath until someone else in the same room wants to kill her with his sword.
I'm going to write down how the characters are doing so I don't get confused and you don't get confused. I don't know why, but I always make confusing love relationships and all that. Maybe it's all those Chinese movies I've been watching since I am Asian. So I better make everything more organize before you all get confused.
Serra: The main character in this whole fanfic, even if there were about six chapters on Rebecca and Sain. Serra misses Erk from the beginning of the entire story, and they were together for a while until the death of Erk's best friend under the name of Lucius. Serra is the main suspect and the most likely one too. Serra now has no friends except for Matthew and Rebecca and everyone wants to kill her.
Erk: Also a main character in this fanfic as well, but the "innocent" one that doesn't know anything going on between the females. He is kind of stuck in between Serra and Priscilla. One is cute, nice, and adorable and loves him very much, but he doesn't have the same feelings for her back. Serra, on the other hand, he believes kill his best friend and hates her. But he still had feelings for her. What should he do?
Priscilla: Another important character in this fanfic. She is the cute one with a brilliant mind. But she tends to take things too far and gets jealous of Serra. Her plans first include splitting Sain and Rebecca up so she can make Erk jealous, but it didn't work so well. So now she thought of other plans to split Erk and Serra. Priscilla likes Erk as well as Serra as the two are in competition now.
Honesty pays, but it doesn't seem to pay enough to suit some people.
-F.M. Hubbard
Guy: Not a very important character before, but he had always been Priscilla's tent partner and been sort of quiet in a way. He absolutely adores Priscilla to the point that he would do anything for her. Guy listens to Priscilla's orders but now he is recognizing some of things she'd been doing. He had been Matthew's friend from the start but starting to stay away from Matthew and Serra.
Matthew: Still a bit sad about his girlfriend, Leila's death, but now is moving on and helping Serra solved her problems. Serra's personal "guy" friend and tried to get Erk and Serra back together. He has to put up with Serra's annoying personality and tried to help her solve the case of who murder Lucius and Dorcus and what happened to Bartre. So far, good friends with Guy and Rebecca.
Rebecca: Serra's best friend and working with Matthew to get the two back together. She still loves Raven but she is putting that behind so she can help Serra. Rebecca is still Sain's tent partner by far unless she moves with someone else.
Raven: Very angry and moody at the death of his best friend, Lucius. He wants to get revenge on Serra so bad that he doesn't think straight and broke up with Rebecca over a little talk. Because of this as well, he doesn't pay much attention to his own sister, Priscilla.
Heath: A mercenary that has a high sense of justice and very calm as well. He helped Florina when he first meet and now he became her tent partner. He is trying to get her to open up while staying on her not-so-timid side.
Fiora: A very serious peg knight and sister of Florina. She is very serious and gets along very well with Kent since they both think that the need to discipline the group is very high.
Florina: Not a very important character, but she does listen to Lyndis a lot and now sharing a tent with Heath. Heath is trying to get her to open more and so far so good. She can't speak to men so well.
Lyndis: The princess of Caelin and now traveling with the lords. After leaving Caelin, she had been with Eliwood ever since and the two are getting along fine except when Ninian is always around. Lyndis, like everyone else, is upset over Dorcus and Lucius's death and thought Serra as the person who did it.
Kent: Lyndis's loyal man that is very serious and tries to pull Sain away from the ladies. He is also very warm towards Fiora because of their same point of view on the group's need to discipline.
Eliwood: The lord of Pherae, and recently found his father. He is now back home to his mother and is now resting happily. He is very fond of Lyndis and Ninian. He is also Hector's best friend and trying to keep the group from tearing apart. He thought Serra did as well.
Hector: The brother of Lord Ostia and Eliwood's best friend. He is not a calm person and he tends to get out of hand sometimes. He is really angry at Serra for ruining the whole group. He is in love with the tactician, but she hasn't accept him yet. He is the leader of the group as well.
Ada: The lady tactician of the group. Had some problems with the lords in the beginning, but now is beginning to die down. Training Serra to be a good tactician until her suspicion of Serra killing the other two members and harming Bartre.
Sain: Now Isadora's sparring partner as Rebecca is out of his mind. She reminded him of his taste for women as he return to his old self and flirt with every girl he sees.
Lowen: A friend of Rebecca's and an awesome cook. Cares about everyone and kind.
Wil: The messenger boy in which gets paid by gold and then send messages around for everyone. Not really important.
Now to the answering review part:
R Amythest: You have been very supportive and helping me with this fanfic. I highly appreciated it and thanks for your time in reviewing every single chapter. About the Priscilla thing, you're right. She's doing this for another reason as well. I know this is not like Priscilla at all (the sweet loveable troubadour), but in every story, there is one main antagonist right? It just ended up as Priscilla. About the Matthew thing, he probably won't do that either, but he's just playing around with Erky. In other words, if Serra didn't come in, he probably won't poison poor Erky. I love Serra/Erk pairing as much as you like Lucius/Raven pairing, so I respect your opinion. Thanks!
Devy: Hm, you're quite right about the dense thing except Sain is not heart-broken. He is actually pretty happy to be back to his real self again. I hope you're not offended or anything. Thanks for the criticism; at least I am improving bit by bit.
Let me get everything straight, I do NOT dislike Priscilla and I proved that by writing a story about Erk/Priscilla in my shared account with Michelle. I suggest you read that story if you like Erk/Priscilla pairing. Also, I do NOT dislike Guy or Sain either. I like them both actually. I even like Sain more than Kent. The more I like the character, the more part that character has in the story. There are only two characters I hate and a couple others I dislike but if I dislike or hate them, I would not give them a big part in my story like Ninian. I'm sorry Ninian fans, but I absolutely do not like her.
Goddess of the Northern Breeze: Welcome back, I think…Anyways, thanks for the review and let's see what happens next!
Chaos0619: Thank you for your compliment.
A fan: Wonder if your guess is correct. Let me verify one thing. I am never good at mystery or suspense; so don't criticize me on that.
Davis3: Poor Serra, I hope her life improves but knowing me, that would just ruin the whole story.
Everyone else: Thanks!
Chapter XIX: A "Close-to-Close" Talk
Meanwhile, Rebecca was looking around the camp. She knew she wasn't supposed to leave her spot in front of the door and watched for Serra, but she also wanted to find Raven to talk to. Rebecca knew everything wouldn't return back to normal if she doesn't even try to talk to him once. Rebecca found someone rushing past by her and toward the restroom. The person moved so fast that she couldn't tell whom it was. Rebecca then spotted Lady Louise walking through the halls by herself.
"Lady Louise, have you seen Lord Raven?" Rebecca asked sweetly as Lady Louise smiled.
"Haven't seen Serra or him. But there is some great news Lady Eleanora told us about. I'll tell you later during dinner or something." Lady Louise finished up and walked away. Rebecca shook herself and remembered that she should be guarding the door to the bathroom as she ran back.
Serra couldn't believe her eyes. Just when she thought that she was going to be killed by this mysterious person before her, another person jumped in the way in front of her and got hit instead. Serra heard footsteps coming and knew it must be Rebecca coming back. The person who tried to kill her in the first place left the bathroom in a hurry, but the person who saved her had nowhere to hide from Rebecca.
Serra knew this is one of those situations that would cause her to leave the group and head back to Ostia and back to the life with the bossy Head Bishop. If Hector knew what barely happened in the bathroom, maybe Rebecca and the person who saved her had to leave as well. Serra quickly thought of a way to hide the person but it might be a little risky.
Soon enough, Serra can hear Rebecca walking in and looked around for a bit before she finally spoken. "Serra, I heard noises in here. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, but I need to finish up. Rebecca, can you please go outside while I get dressed?" Serra pleaded, trying to hide the person behind her in the bathtub. She was lucky this bathtub was big enough to fit both of them in. Rebecca nodded and ran outside, closing the door behind her.
When both of them knew Rebecca shut the door firmly, the person jumped out of the bathtub and tried to look away. Serra just stared up at the person, eyes in tears. "Erk, no need to hide from me. Even if you dressed in pink, I could recognize you. Erk, you're hurt." Serra quickly grabbed a soft long towel nearby and wrapped it around herself before getting out of the bathtub.
Erk tried not to look at her, ashamed of hiding behind her when she was in a bathtub. Erk looked down at his chest and it was indeed, bleeding. Erk held to his chest tightly as Serra grabbed her staff and walked over by his side. "Erk, stop acting like that. Let me heal your wound. You definitely need it."
Erk knew Serra was right as they sat down by the benches provided. Serra started healing him with her staff as Erk tried not to look at her body or legs since all she had on was a towel. Serra finished healing him as she looked up at him. She knew she couldn't hide her doubt any longer. "Erk, why did you save me? You should have left me to die."
Erk looked at Serra with serious eyes as the two started staring at each other. Erk took a deep breath before speaking in a severe tone. "I came because I owe you an apology. Lady Eleanora heard rumors of someone who looks a lot like Bartre around Bern. So I came to apologize since you did not hurt him in any way and he is well."
Serra didn't say anything for the next few seconds until she finally took a deep breathe as well as she moved closer to him. "I see. You, at least, found one thing I am not guilty of. If whenever you want to apologize to me again by jumping in front of a killer with a poison sword, I would have to heal you every day and probably lose every dignity I have left is gone." Erk's eyebrow raised a bit as Serra giggle. She was teasing him.
Erk finally recover from this little distraction, and still trying not to look at anywhere open. "Serra, if there's anything I can do for you…" Erk started saying as Serra's face brightened up.
"Promise me something."
"What?"
"You have to promise first!" Serra urged as Erk rolled his eyes to show his annoyance. Serra sighed before continuing in a bored voice. "I won't tell you to be my servant or do anything you don't want to do. Most importantly, this promise wouldn't hurt your pride or dignity in any way."
Erk's face lightened up a bit as he mumbled, "Ok, I promise. What is it?"
Serra stared into his emerald eyes, as they were really close to each other now. She had been moving closer and closer to him by the second. Serra relaxed a bit before speaking. Erk knew this must be really important. "Erk, you promised that you wouldn't try to kill me again unless you have enough evidence against me."
Erk and Serra just look intently at each other before they shared a little kiss. It felt awkward after such a long time. Erk would have pull Serra closer to him, but he reminded himself that she wore nothing on except for a towel. He shouldn't take advantage of her since it's not right of him. Erk quickly grabbed all his nerve to pull away and jumped out the window. Serra jumped a bit, surprised how careless she'd been to leave the window open in the first place.
Erk knew that he was badly poisoned, but he could not show it to everyone else in the group or they might suspect him for using poison for no reason. Erk sighed to himself as he walked normally, trying not to show any sign of injury or pain. Erk walked by Lord Raven, who was crossing his arms over his shoulders and stared out into the sky. Erk knew it was not the right time to bother Raven, as he tried not to meet eye contact.
Raven took a step forward towards Erk and took out an antitoxin from his pocket. Raven walked around Erk and placed the antitoxin in Erk's hand carefully. He just gave Erk a silent look and said in a grumpy voice. "I know it was you. You're the one who saved her." Erk was not mad at Raven at all when he heard this. He knew how Raven felt about his closest companion, and what he was capable of doing.
"Lord Raven, thank you. But the one who really needs help is Rebecca. Anyone could tell she is deeply depressed and you are the only one who can help her." Erk reminded Raven as he walked off with the antitoxin. Raven looked down at his poison sword and sighed.
Rebecca ran inside the bathroom again, she knew she heard something this time. Rebecca only found Serra, sparkling clean and wearing bright spotless clothes. The two gave each other a soft smile while they walked out of the restroom together. Rebecca found it better not to ask. Matthew soon joined Rebecca and Serra, as they walked by nasty glances from Hector, Ada, and Oswin. Serra knew if she wanted to regain everyone's trust again, she must start looking for evidence. Having enough evidence to show her innocence and to show everyone who the real culprit is.
Erk used the antitoxin quickly before anyone notices. He walked and thought at the same time. He was still very confused between Serra and Priscilla. The only thing left was to lay out his problems to someone he can truly trust. There is only one person in this whole army that he can really trust. That person is Lady Louise.
Erk headed to her room and knocked on her door politely. She barely joined the group and she hasn't seen him yet so it was one good opportunity to talk and surprise her. The door swung open, revealing Lady Louise giving a friendly smile at Erk. She immediately pulled him inside her room, inviting him inside. They sat down in silence.
Erk decided to break this unwanted silence by looking down at his hands and speaking first. It had been awhile since he talked to Lady Louise and he felt nervous. They barely joined the group, but he already wanted to ask for an opinion. "Lady Louise, I have a certain problem I need help on." Lady Louise nodded as Erk started to explain the situation between his relationships with Serra and then the ones with Priscilla without mentioning either of their names.
Lady Louise listened with interest until she took a full of meaning gasp before answering. "Love is a beautiful thing Erk. It's not only something to make yourself happy but something to make the other person happy as well. Even if you can't be with the person you love, you can always provide happiness to those who love you. In my suggestion, it doesn't matter who you choose, you must try to bring happiness to both of them."
Erk understood every single word, but there was still one more thing he needed to ask. "Lady Louise, if you were in my situation, who would you chooses?" Lady Louise stared at Erk in shock, but nevertheless, she thought for a moment before answering.
"I don't know exactly. But if it seems there is no way you can be with the one you love, you can instead be with the one who loves you. Even if you don't love her now, you can learn to love her. That's my opinion." Lady Louise answered as she closed her eyes in rest. Erk knew she was tired as he silently left the room.
Maybe Lady Louise was right. Even if he couldn't be with Serra, he could at least do Priscilla a big favor. Erk knew this situation was the least of his problems. He just made a promise to Serra today and he really need to solve this case. But the problem is, all the evidence was pointing to Serra and this made everything more complicated. Erk couldn't help but think that Serra wasn't the one who did it. Erk decided to just go and talk to Priscilla.
Meanwhile, Priscilla knew the whole incident in the bathroom. She begged Raven to tell her what happen, and of course, Raven couldn't resist his sister's begging and give in. Priscilla is now in her room, reading a certain book. She did not mind that Guy was also in the same room, giving her little glances. Guy knew that book wasn't supposed to be in Priscilla's hands, and it certainly wasn't supposed to be in this room either.
"Priscilla…pleases turn back." Guy pleaded as Priscilla ignored him and continued reading the book. Priscilla didn't like it when Guy wanted her to do something she did not want to do. He reminded her of her father. Besides, she was in no mood to fight with Guy today. After what happened in the bathroom, her hate for Serra was coming back. Maybe she had to do more than she had done already. Guy couldn't take it anymore and left the tent immediately.
Guy knew Priscilla needs help and must find someone to talk about the problems with. Guy knew there were lots of good people to talk to, and he could just talk to anyone. But he decided to talk to someone older and wiser than him, and someone who is not too close to Serra either. After much search, Guy found Lord Pent. He was the perfect person to talk to.
Guy knew that whatever he talked about with Lord Pent, he must never mention Priscilla's name. As much as he wanted to help her, he did not want to cause any trouble for her. And besides, if he mentioned her name in their conversation, it might sound too obvious. Guy and Pent greeted each other and walked off to have a little talk.
Priscilla finished reading another page when Erk walked in. Guy was so angry that he left the flaps open. Priscilla was ready to kill Guy when she quickly hid the book she was reading and looked at Erk innocently. Erk had a quick eye and caught sight of the book. It looks like a thick and interesting book to him, but why did she hide it? Erk didn't want to cause any problems as he smiled faintly at Priscilla. Priscilla did not return the smile though since she was really in a bad mood.
"Erk…how could you…" She started mumbling, her voice choking in tears. Erk can feel himself feeling guilty for making Priscilla cry, but what did he do?
"Priscilla, what did I do?" Erk asked naively with more sorrow in his voice than questioning as Priscilla started crying harder. Priscilla was now looking at Erk with pain and sadness in her eyes.
"Erk, you didn't keep your promise to your best friend, how could you?" Priscilla asked deeply as she pushed him out of the way and left the door. Erk looked down at his feet. What had he done? He wanted to talk some things out with Priscilla but everything gets worst by the minute.
That night, Erk could not sleep and stayed outside his door. There was a table in the middle of the garden where he sat and drank some water. He felt sick and wished everything would just go away. As if fate decides, Serra was walking by and spotted him drinking by himself. Serra decided to join him as she sat down across from him. Erk gave Serra a small look before he continued drinking.
"Erky, may I join you?" Serra asked politely. Maybe too politely for Erk's taste, but he didn't say anything. He was not in a happy mood and would just shout at her any minute, but seeing her lovely face couldn't force him to do it.
"I don't own the place, you may do whatever you wish." Erk answered in such a disgusted voice that Serra wondered if he actually meant it. Nevertheless, she grabbed the teapot and poured water for herself. She drank it quickly and placed the cup down.
"Erky, remember the first day we had our first kiss?" No reply was heard from Erk as Serra continued. "That night was a lot like tonight…the sky…everything…except the fact we're not arguing today." Erk managed to chuckle at this moment. He was feeling really drowsy now, but found this conversation more towards his liking right now.
"You were awfully loud and jealous back then." Erk teased as Serra gave him a mad face.
"Who says I'm not LOUD and JEALOUS now huh?" Serra's question almost sounded demanding but she didn't care.
"Serra, I don't care how much you don't admit it, but you changed. You changed a lot." Serra smiled at this comment though. It sounded like an insult and a compliment at the same time so she just take it as a compliment for now. Serra took another sip of her water until Erk started talking first this time.
"Serra, remember that day, our second kiss?" Serra almost choked on her drink this time at this question. Serra was now laughing really hard, trying not to drop her cup of water.
"How can I forget? I mean I bit your lip pretty hard and it was bleeding like crazy! One of those moments hard to forget." Erk nodded in agreement. He could never forget that kiss. His lips were bleeding for Elimine's sake! Serra watched Erk curiously as he started biting his lips thinking.
"Serra, what happen?" The question was out of the blue but Serra understood every word of it. Her face darkened.
"You don't trust me…" Serra started to say as she left the table without another word.
Serra was heading back to her room when she heard a conversation between Guy and Pent. Serra was curious as she lean to the window and heard the conversation more closely. She could catch the words "murder", "Lucius", and "book". Serra's eyes popped open. Then, either Guy or Pent knew what happened. But it couldn't be Pent since he barely joined, that means…
Serra rushed to her room before Guy left Lord Pent's room and head for his own room. Serra sat on the floor of her bedroom thinking. If Guy knew about all this, he might have been the one who did it. But Lucius and Dorcus were killed by magic, and Guy uses a sword. Also, if he really did it, then why would he tell Lord Pent and more of all, why would he frame her? Serra could only think of one other person who did this. She must get Lord Pent to tell her the truth and most of all, the whole camp.
"Serra, what happen?"
"You don't trust me…"The words kept on repeating in her head and it giving her a headache. Serra sobbed in her arms in the corner of her room. It wasn't the conversation that hurt her so much, it was the fact that he didn't trust her ever since the death of Lucius.
Over in Lord Hector's room, Ada and him were discussing some things at night. It was not safe enough in the day. Ada was sitting on a chair across from Hector, with a map on the table in between them. Ada was pointing out some stuff on the map to Hector, who nodded in reply for everything. Ada knew he must be exhausted since she was too, after the desert and everything. Ada laid her head back a bit to loosen up before she got up and sat on the chair next to Hector.
"Hector, about the death of Lucius and Dorcus and the missing Bartre, I figured out something…" Ada started to explain what she thought of the case as Hector's eyes grew wider and wider. Hector listened carefully to every word and then finally he just merely shook his head.
"Ada, how do you think of all that?"
Ada gave Hector a question look. Hector doubted her theory. "I am a tactician and noticed every little thing everyone do around here. I mean, the plan was well done, but there was one major flaw and this I observed very carefully. That is how I thought of everything."
Hector started drumming his fingers on the table and thought for a while before speaking. "Ada, you noticed every little thing? Wow…from what you told me, everything fits perfectly. But still, I don't believe you noticed every little thing."
Ada gave Hector a look that says "Fine, I'll prove it to you." Ada took a deep breath and then she said, "Serra was attacked today, and Erk saved her. Guy went to talk to Lord Pent. Rebecca barely broke away from Raven recently. Sain is now following Fiora in the kitchen, and everyone else is really on with their business."
Hector raised an eyebrow. "Ok, I get the idea. But shouldn't we tell them? I mean you did figure the plan all out, then why keep it a secret?"
"They have to figure out by themselves besides that's the only way they can fix their relationship with each other. All four of them. Also, I have no proof either." Ada and Hector stopped speaking the next few seconds, feeling really awkward towards each other. It was getting really late. "I better go." Ada replied quickly as she rushed out the door without hearing another word from Hector. Hector wondered what's the deal with her?
Next morning, Ada decided that everyone should skip breakfast and head over to Bern as quickly as possible. Hannah said the sooner we arrive in Bern the better as the group moved quickly despite the heavy fog around them. When they finally arrived there, Lord Pent and Lady Louise already set off to talk to the Queen of Bern in hopes of finding the location of the Shrine of Seals. Before everyone knew it, they were set for battle again.
Serra was once again, left out. She knew the reason why so she better shut her mouth before she caused more problems than needed. Priscilla didn't want to go out into battle, but Ada made her anyways. Priscilla wondered why, but of course, she was the only healer available besides Serra. Erk was assigned to go to the west side with Canas as they left ahead.
The battle was one they could never forget. One person was badly wounded and poisoned. That person was Ada. Ada and Hector were walking in the middle of the group in which Ada was shouting orders and Hector was killing some random soldiers. Hector saw Priscilla in trouble as he ran over to help, leaving Ada open.
"You're going to be alright?" Hector asked quickly.
"I'll be fine. I am a tactician. I can use all weapons. I should be ok. Hurry up and help Priscilla." Hector nodded as he left. Ada watched Lyndis and Eliwood fighting some monks without paying attention to her own back. Ada was shouting orders to Lyndis when a shadow was covering her back.
Ada turned around just in time to clash her lance against the wyvern rider. Wyvern riders were coming out from the mountains. Ada quickly grabbed her axe and quickly damaged the wyvern rider against her. Ada had not been training with the axe for so long, it felt so heavy for her. Ada quickly finished that wyvern rider off when she saw some mercenaries heading for her. She quickly pulled out her spear and threw it at them. After much struggling, she managed to beat the three mercenaries but she was surrounded badly by the wyvern riders.
Hector helped Priscilla a little bit when he heard a scream. The scream was awfully familiar as he ran for his life back to Ada. Ada was now bleeding on the ground now, holding onto her legs. Hector quickly swung his axe and killed the closest wyvern rider. Eliwood and Lyndis heard the scream as well as they ran over and help Hector with the wyvern riders.
After much killing, Ada was firmly on Hector's back now. Ada was breathing heavily and this scared Hector. Hector told Lyndis and Hector to continue battling while he headed back with Ada to Merlinus's tent. Merlinus shook his head when he saw Ada unconscious now. Serra ran over to have a look.
"Please, Lord Hector, it's an emergency." Serra pleaded when Hector won't allow her to heal Ada. Serra knew he did not trust her, but she must do it in any case.
"No, Serra. We're waiting for Priscilla to finish the battle." Hector answered angrily as he placed a wet cloth over the tactician's forehead. The tactician was not only bleeding but was catching a bad fever as well. Poison was the last reason.
Serra angrily left Hector. He should had put Ada's life ahead of whatever he thought she did. But Serra knew that Ada should be strong enough to last awhile for Priscilla to return. The thing that upset her that even in a death situation as this, Hector still didn't trust her. Not only Erk didn't trust her, Hector didn't as well.
Meanwhile, everyone was fighting the soldiers around Linus except Priscilla. Eliwood, who is in command for now, told Priscilla that everyone will try to damage soldiers and hold them off for her to damage Linus a little. Priscilla agreed and told Eliwood that if she needed any help, he would send the closest soldier to help her. Eliwood also agreed and this is the plan for now.
Linus watched the battle with his eyes carefully until he saw the valkyrie in front of him. Priscilla was staring at him with darkened eyes. Linus knew she must be a magic user as he pulled out his axe. Priscilla looked around her and then she used magic on him without a tome. This action shocked Linus so much that he got hit heavily on the chest without even trying to dodge. Linus was on the ground, holding tight to his chest as he threw his axe at Priscilla. Priscilla quickly dodged it and used another spell. It hit him again.
Linus struggled to get up as he threw the axe at her once more, but missed again. He did not get this girl. She wasn't really high level yet but her magic was extremely powerful. One that he hadn't seen in years as she came in range of his sword attack, but he was so weak that he couldn't get up to use it. Priscilla looked at him with pitied eyes as she raise her hand to send another one of those incredible magic spells. Eliwood stood in front of Linus just in time before she cast it as Priscilla stopped her attack.
Eliwood didn't want Linus to die, but merely wanted to talk to him. Priscilla walked back to the camp, hoping she won't bump into anyone. She was wrong, she met quite a few people on the way.
"I'm impressed, Priscilla." Canas was the first to comment.
"Wow, Priscilla, not even a scratch!" cried out Wil as he was sending some kind of message to Canas.
"Priscilla, nice going out there." Isadora said with a smile while walking with Sain.
Priscilla planned to go back to camp and head for her tent as soon as possible when Hector also interrupted her way. Hector did not say a single word as he gently pulled her in the opposite direction of her tent. Priscilla obediently followed the lord to Ada's tent. When the flaps open, Priscilla gasped to see the tactician awfully pale and losing lots of blood.
Priscilla ran over by her side and pulled out a mend staff. She healed Ada even though it took an awfully long time. After awhile, Priscilla was exhausted. She walked out the tent wearily and sweaty. Ada opened her eyes and gave Hector a small smile. Hector wiped his forehead with the back of his hand and gave a little smile back.
"Ada, you're having a real bad fever but your injuries are ok now. The poison was cured as well so I think everything will be all right. But the bad news is, you're in no condition to run around on the battle field ordering people around anymore." Hector reassured her as she gave a little chuckle.
"And I just love that part!" She exclaimed in her sarcastic way.
Hector just shook his head as Ada returned to her serious expression. "Hector, since I could not be your tactician until my fever is over. We need a replacement."
Hector's eyes widened. "You mean…"
Ada nodded as if reading his mind. "Yes, Serra is your new tactician until I recover. I know it's going to be hard to trust her, but I told her everything in being a good tactician and I know she is going to be more helpful on the battlefield than Eliwood will ever be."
Hector laughed. "You're evil you know that."
"Yeah I am, I am so cruel to Eliwood." The two laughed together. Ada slowly dozed off again. Hector went outside to join Eliwood and Linus. Lyndis was there as well.
After the discussion with Linus, the group confirmed that the Black Fang was not born evil at all. With this thought, Lord Hector left to get some more information about the location of the Bern's palace and all that. Lyndis and Eliwood just shrugged and waited for Hector's return before moving on. Serra was sitting quietly with Matthew when Lyndis walked up to her.
Serra stared up at Lyndis, "Are you going to tell me that I am a messenger of the evil lord himself or something?" Serra felt miserable.
Lyndis shook her head. "Actually, Serra, you're our tactician now since Ada is having a really bad fever. She trusted you with this and I guess I should to."
Serra's eyes widened. "You mean that Ada actually let me command you guys???" Lyndis nodded slowly as she left the room. Matthew was now staring at Serra with admiring eyes.
"Serra, that's good news right?"
Serra busted into tears. She lost her voice, as she speak carefully, "No what if I mess up? What if I get someone killed in battle? Then everyone would just hate me more…" Serra was feeling really low as Matthew wrapped his arm around her shaking shoulders.
"Serra, do not worry. If you do mess up in battle, then Rebecca and I will plan a very satisfying funeral for you and we will tie Erk in front of your grave for you." Serra laughed as she gave Matthew a teasing push as the two started to push each other.
Erk made up his mind. Lady Louise was right, even if he didn't get the happiness he deserve, he could at least provided it for someone else. Priscilla had been through so much and he didn't treat her fairly at all. It was time to make up for what he has done. Erk decided to head for the little village nearby their camp to buy a ring for Priscilla. Marriage was the only thing that could provide her happiness now. Erk borrowed some money from Lord Pent before he left as he head for the village and come back before the sunset.
While Erk was gone, Hector came back with some information he got off some guy he met by feeding him food. Lord Pent and Lady Louise came back to our camp to deliver some information as well. It turned out that we must go to the Bern's palace to seek some information on their precious treasure called the "Fire Emblem". Hector was delighted that he got some information where the palace really is.
Erk came back just in time for the group to set out to Hector's location. Everyone was really exhausted now as they quickly eat their lunch/dinner. It was not pleasant either since everyone had to dress up as travelers. Rebecca was in no mood to fight so she told Lyndis that she will be out for the next fight or so. Raven heard this and was terribly worried for Rebecca even though he didn't say anything.
The last battle for that day was awfully long because no one wanted to listen to Serra's command. They would not put up with this. Ada was losing her voice and Wil was now the one talking instead of her.
Wil took a deep breath and stood in front of the group. "Please listen to Serra. She is the only one that knows anything about battle strategies. Please, this is under Lady Ada, Lord Hector, and Lord Eliwood's orders." Everyone was now staring at Lord Hector and Lord Eliwood. Lord Hector nodded while Lord Eliwood shrugged.
The battle was of no importance since Lord Hector seek out the wrong information and the group were surrounded. They had to seize three forts and the job was going to be difficult. Serra commanded Fiora and Florina to fly over to the east side to take out the magic users over there and avoid the arrows at the same time. Lyndis, Eliwood, and Guy were to attack to the southwest because of the axe-wielders. Everyone else besides Wil and Louise and Canas, were to attack to the north since the cavaliers were rushing down towards them. Hector and Dart took the lead while the magic-users and paladins followed behind them. Serra warned that the ones going up north are to move along the grass since Heath spotted three ballistas being used by the enemy. Wil and Louise were to use the ballista to fire at the enemies while Canas were to protect them from any close range attack.
The battle was a big success without much injuries. Fiora and Florina were heavily damaged but Serra provided each of them with lots of elixirs so they came out with no injuries whatsoever. Eliwood took one of the fort while Fiora took another. The last one was conquer by Hector himself. The only real thing that happened was Hector and Farina, a Pegasus Knight wanting 20,000 gold to join.
"I don't know. I have to ask my tactician, Serra. Serra?" Hector asked, looking at Farina with blankness in his eyes.
"No way!" shouted Serra. Serra didn't want to waste 20,000 gold on a mercenary. She looked over at Fiora and Florina, who were giving her nasty looks as she changed her mind. "Fine, whatever. We have way more than 20,000 gold anyways."
Farina's jaw fell as she complained, "You do? I should raise my price to 40,000 gold!!!" When Hector heard this, he just pushed Farina away from Serra with a dumb smile on his face.
"Farina, you're hired for 20,000 gold! Welcome aboard, let me show you around!!" Hector quickly left with Farina before she could say anything more to Serra about raising her payment. Serra was confused as she left to command Wil.
That night after the continuing in the right direction, Serra read over a letter she received as she ran off, leaving her flaps open. Erk was looking over the ring he bought for Priscilla when he received a note from Serra, asking to meet him near the edge of the abandon building. There was an abandon building nearby their campsite. Erk decided to grab his tome before he ran off to meet Serra.
Serra was face to face with Priscilla in the building. Priscilla bowed politely at Serra. "Serra, it's nice to know you're our tactician until Ada gets better. How nice."
Serra did not like the sound of her voice especially the "how nice" part. Serra could feel anger reaching her very cheeks but tried to act calm. "Priscilla, it's nice to know that you persuaded Guy to help you with your evil plans." Priscilla's eyes widened slightly.
"What are you talking about Serra?" Priscilla asked dumbly.
"Priscilla, your attempt to frame me was one clever plan indeed. I'm impressed. But there is one major flaw and that's Guy. Guy already told Lord Pent, and soon Pent will tell Louise and then Louise will tell Erk and then soon everyone will know." Priscilla hated when someone tried to threaten her. She could still remember how her parents always thought of ways best for her and never let her do anything at all. Those feelings would never leave her.
Priscilla didn't want to hear Serra say anymore as she send an anime spell at Serra. Serra's hair caught it and burned slightly. Serra was now really angry as well as she took out her tomes. Serra chanted quickly as she send her light magic at Priscilla. Priscilla dodged it and send another spell at Serra. Serra saw that Priscilla had no tome as she got hit in the chest by the spell. This knocked her backwards and landed on her back painfully.
Serra, with all her strength, send another of her own spells at Priscilla. Priscilla got hit this time, but it didn't hurt her much. Serra's magic was way too weak for her. Priscilla was about to send another spell at Serra to finish her off when Erk suddenly walked in. Priscilla immediately ran over by his side, leaving Serra on the floor.
"Erk, Serra tried to kill me now. She killed Lucius, and then she killed Dorcus, and now she is trying to kill me!" Priscilla pleaded, holding tight to Erk's arm and showing him her injury from Serra's attack. Erk recently became a sage now as he pulled his own staff out and healed Priscilla.
Serra jump up to her feet and ran over to Erk's other side. "Erky! That's a lie! You know it! She was trying to kill me! Look at my hair!!!" Serra cried out loud as Erk examined her hair carefully. It was burned quite badly.
Priscilla shook her head innocently. "Erk, she did that to her own hair and she's blaming it on me!" Erk listened and when he was about to say something, Serra was the next one to interrupt him.
"Why would I do that to my own hair???" Serra asked angrily as she jumped on Priscilla. Priscilla was trying to knock Serra off her when Erk pulled Serra off of Priscilla. Priscilla's hair was messed up now as she pointed to Serra.
"Erk, remember the promise you made to Lucius and I?"
Erk was about to say something when Serra interrupted again.
"Remember the promise you made to me?" Serra retarded as Erk struggled to decide. Priscilla was in tears now and ran out the building without another word. Erk was about to chase after her when Serra touched the material on the floor due to Priscilla's spells. "I wish you were here any sooner to see the spell she cast on me…one powerful one indeed…if only you were here a few seconds earlier…" Serra mumbled to herself. Erk heard every word. What was that supposed to mean? Erk decide to figure that out later as he left to chase after Priscilla.
It didn't take very long to find Priscilla. Priscilla was sitting in front of her tent, crying and not showing her face to public. Erk sat by her side, trying to comfort her by putting his hand on her shoulder. Priscilla looked at Erk with teary eyes as she hugged him. "Erk…"
"Priscilla, I already made up my mind. After much thinking, I wanted to ask you to marry me. Tomorrow I'll ask for Lord Pent and Lady Louise's blessings and then we could find a good date to get married after this journey is over." These words restored Priscilla's contentment as she nodded in happiness.
The next morning, everyone went off to eat breakfast like always. They had nine days left before they had to get the fire emblem back. So this meant that they had to hurry and head for Bern's palace already since of Lord Hector's little delay. Throughout breakfast, the word between Erk and Priscilla spread like a wild fire. Matthew heard all about it as he told Serra. Serra had mixed feelings about this.
Farina somehow share tents with Lord Hector, as she grabbed her Pegasus that morning. Kent was there with his horse when Farina's Pegasus jump on Kent. Kent was knocked down quite harshly as Farina ordered her Pegasus to get off of him.
"Sorry! Wait, I saw you before. You were the guy with my sister, Fiora, yesterday!" Farina cried out as Kent got up to his feet.
"Yes, may I ask for your name?" Kent asked politely as Farina backed away from him a little bit.
"My name is Farina…" Farina answered with some doubt in her voice.
"My name is Kent and may we ride out to victory!" Kent cried out loud as Farina's eyes popped open as she backed farther away from him.
"Urm…let us pretend we never met." Farina finished up her conversation with Kent quickly as she ran off with her Pegasus quickly. Kent was left confused with his horse. He never met anyone like her before, but she must be pretty reliable like her sister. With that thought, Kent walked off by himself.
The group finally arrived at the Bern's palace. Everyone gasped what a great location Bern put its royal palace. Everyone waited outside while Hector, Lyndis, and Eliwood sneaked inside to listen to the conversation inside. Nils and Ninian were looking worried for some reason as they stared around at the mountains around them. Serra found Lord Pent and Priscilla talking as she watched from the back of them. What she didn't know was Jack and his men were watching Serra from behind as well as Vaida's army as well.
"Lord Pent…how are you?" Priscilla asked nicely.
"I'm fine. Priscilla, I heard much about you…" Lord Pent started off as Priscilla gave one last look at Guy. If it was true that Guy told Lord Pent about her, then he knew everything about her plans. Priscilla knew she must take a step further and help Lord Pent meet Lucius and Dorcus soon. Priscilla took some of that poison stuff from Raven and had add it to a drink. The same drink that Erk will give to Lord Pent in a minute or so. Priscilla already gave it to Erk, as she watched him walking over to offer his master a drink.
Serra knew that Priscilla is not going to leave Lord Pent alone for knowing her secret and Lord Pent was the only one that could prove Serra innocent. Serra gasped when she saw the drink in Erk's hand, thinking that she should at least save Lord Pent in some way. She thought quickly as Erk approached his master with the deadly drink as Serra screamed out, "They spotted Nils! The spotted NINIAN!!!" She shouted it only loud enough so the group in her army could hear, not the ones inside the palace.
Everyone scattered while Erk dropped the drink. Vaida was shaken a little. How did that little pink-hair priestess knew she was there? Vaida came out and stood in front of Nils and Ninian. Serra didn't actually think that there were actually enemies hiding around here looking for Nils and Ninian, but as long as Lord Pent is safe, she is happy. Serra watched Vaida as she said to Nils, "Scream! Call your friends to you! I grow weary of waiting. I am not known for my patience!!!"
That's when Lyndis, Eliwood, and Hector ran over and join the siblings immediately. Vaida talked to them when her army surrounded our group badly. Serra sighed and knew she must be tactician for another day. She didn't want to, but she must. She spotted Lord Pent and ran over towards him to check if he's ok. "Lord Pent, you must tell me what Guy told you the other night." Serra pleaded when suddenly Lord Pent was grabbed by a bunch of hands.
It was Jack and his own army. It seemed he is working with Vaida, but why is he only capturing Lord Pent? "Jack! Why do you follow me so?" Serra asked as Rebecca and Lady Louise ran over to meet them.
Jack saw the two snipers coming as he tied Lord Pent quickly and jumped onto his wyvern with his army as they took to the sky. Serra stared in disbelieve. She was so close to uncovering the truth about Priscilla and the case with Lucius. Now her only hope left had gone with Jack. Priscilla wouldn't admit that she did it herself and Guy always listened to Priscilla.
Lady Louise ran over by Serra's side. "Serra, you're our tactician, you need to instruct the army! Also, where is Pent?" Serra's face changed a different color.
"I'm going to instruct the army right now. About Lord Pent, I haven't seen him." Serra lied. What should she say? She couldn't say, "I'm sorry Lady Louise. Your husband was kidnapped by the man, who was a few seconds close to being my future husband." Serra knew that Louise couldn't concentrate in battle if she knew what happen to her husband, so it's better unsaid before the battle is over.
Serra commanded the group into another victory. No one doubted her abilities as a tactician anymore. Some people even forgotten about the Lucius incident when they had seen how well Serra is leading the group into victories. Serra watched Erk, hand in hand with Priscilla. Everyone was following Lyndis and her tracking skills.
When they arrive there already, during the discussion about the prince being assassinated, Erk and Priscilla decided to ask for her blessings and her agreement on the marriage. Serra bit her lip, thinking. She knew where Jack lived in Bern since his family was one of the major ones in Bern and he took her there once. But she couldn't go alone to save Lord Pent, she needed assistance. This meant Erk since Lord Pent was like a father to him.
In the dining tent, Erk and Priscilla told Lady Louise everything as she smiled. Erk was getting married soon, of course, she had to give her blessings. Louise was about to open her mouth when Serra stormed in with a concern and hurt look on her face. Erk and Serra stared at each other.
That was an odd ending for a really long chapter 19. Is it just me or my chapters are getting longer and longer? I am trying to finish up this story since it is pretty long and that's why I'm rushing as well. There should be only a few more problems left between Serra and Erk left so I am estimating about 6 more chapters. That means 25 chapters in all. But I'm not sure yet, but it's an estimate. There should be one major problem left though. Next chapter, another person dies. One of the people mentioned above in the beginning of the story is going to die, but I do not think it is anyone's favorite character or anything. The major decision next chapter- would Erk choose to marry Priscilla or would he run off with Serra? R & R, I want to see what you guys think.