Disclaimer: Fire Emblem - The Sacred Stones is a belonging to his respective corporation and creator: Nintendo and Intelligent Systems. The following characters belong to the author.

Adrion: A recruit from Renais in training to become just like Seth.

Adam: A journeyman from Frelia in training to become Frelia's first hero.

Nicole: A young maiden from Rausten. The uptight best friend of L'Arachel.

Author's Note:

To Frozen Lotus, EmblemMay, and Northernsword: It seems you all enjoyed the chapter of the weird cat. Apparently, this chapter came to mind when I saw a real life hairless cat, wandering in the backyard of my house. My neighbor recently shaved it and it was a hoot seeing it. I give credit to this cat and my neighbor.

To Legendary Double-edged sword: Here's a secret. The cat's gender is unknown.

To MisSLutzZz: Imagine seeing a real snake with four legs… I guarantee it'll be on the media for countless ages. Cormag does like cats, but seeing this one instantly changed his mind.

Now back to the story:


Ephraim and Eirika – The Sacred Twin Life

The One Where Ephraim Cooks—

The main town of Castle Renais. Eirika, accompanied by Seth, headed down a local store to check out few goods. Eirika was dressed in brown as a commoner of Renais, trying her best not to have the people recognizing her. We are already aware that the monarchy of Renais, to prevent paparazzi and petrifiers, only takes its appearance during public speeches, national holidays, and other monarchy visitations to the kingdom. Seth did not need to hide for he was known as a knight of Renais who enforces the laws in its towns and cities.

Eirika noticed Seth getting very close to her and let out a frustrating sigh, "Seth, I think it's a best idea not to follow me too close." She whispered.

Seth restrained a few inches, understanding Eirika, "my apologies."

Eirika and Seth entered a local store. The entrance was fashioned with a multiple strings of beads instead of a wooden door. There was an aromatic smell inside, perhaps herbal tea or menthol. The smell was soothing and relaxing as well. There were many shelves and tables full of authentic clothing, jewelries, magic tomes and other bona fide accessories. The storeowner, a woman wearing a blue scarf over her head, a pink dress and a transparent cape over it, entered the room. She wore large gold earrings in both ears, dark mascaras that shows her eyes being slanted even though they were not, and red rose lipstick gleaming on her lips. Her lip was the first thing Eirika and Seth noticed in the woman.

"Ah, welcome, welcome to Chela's boutique, our newest ever Renais boutique you'll surely fall in love with," the storeowner greeted warmly. She only saw Eirika entering since Seth was leaning behind the beads watching the princess, "If you want a goody, grab a pen first because you're going to be a member."

"A member? For real?" Eirika exclaimed.

"For real," the storeowner confirmed, "Registration's free…" she then took a glance at Eirika as the princess mulled over the registration form, "…by the way you look familiar. What is your name, young lady?"

Eirika glanced at the storeowner, then at Seth. Seth grimaced and shrugged, unable to do anything at this moment. The princess turned to the storeowner again, "Well, glad you asked. You are speaking to your new favorite customer Erin… of Ide."

"Erin huh?" the storeowner smiled then looked away.

"Is there a problem?"

"No problem Erin. It's just that I compliment your radiant beauty," she told her, "It matches our own princess Eirika of Renais."

"Why thank you," Eirika said, "I've never met the princess before, but I think I'm even more beautiful like her."

Eirika grimaced at Seth. The paladin simply rolled his eyes.

"Since you're from far away have you tried this?" the storeowner pulled out a red packet of bubble gum. Written in Rome font was the product's name: Elfire X-plosive Bubble Gum. Eirika's eyes boggled at the sight of the pack, as if possessed, "it's our own original 'Elfire X-plosive Bubble Gum'. I would like you… my first customer… to try it, risk-free."

"Oh believe me honey, I will," Eirika reached for the pack when it was quickly snatched from her.

Eirika surprisingly watched Seth examining the pack, "are you sure that ain't poison gum?"

"Seth!" Eirika snapped.

"Sir Seth! The Silver Lance," the storeowner greeted the paladin, "It is good to see you in town. But I thought Tuesday was your day off!"

"Well, you know! I'm simply strolling around and protecting the homeless, the outcast, the curious…" Seth glared at Eirika. She glared him back coldly. The paladin stopped glaring and smiled nervously whilst handing the red bubble gum packet back to her.

Eirika pulled out a stick and chewed. Her eyebrow rose with marvel in response to the flavor: "this is… this gum is deli-chious!" she chewed.

"You like it?" The storeowner smiled at her.

"Of crouch I like it," Eirika said her mouth full "Wha-che not to like?"

"Your chewing face," Seth joked. Eirika shot another stare at him. He immediately stopped.


-Lyon's Imperial Suite-

The elegant style of Lyon's personal suite was of classic Rome architecture and imported hardwood floor. The study area had a small elm table and a comfortable chair. There were many books by the walls where the living room, of red cushions with sun color shear on all furniture was facing a gracious burning fireplace. Lyon settled there with his childhood best friend Ephraim. Both princes were laughing at a discussion for a moment.

"I'm telling you Lyon," Ephraim said, "Innes was totally hilarious at that time. I wasn't laughing though, but you could tell I was guffawing on my stomach."

"Showing off in front of the heir of Rausten huh?" Lyon said wiping his tears, "now that's a classic."

"I know."

"So what's going on with you Lyon?"

"Ah, nothing really new. I met a girl." Lyon blushed.

Ephraim was at the edge of his seat, "Really?"

"Don't get too excited," Lyon told him, "she wasn't my type."

"How come?"

"She's got a case of mood swing. Yet, she's very beautiful."

"That's too bad Lyon; anyway you'll find a great girl someday."

Lyon leaned towards Ephraim as if attempting to whisper, "Can I tell you a secret?"

Ephraim approached Lyon as well, "What is it?"

"I have a crush on Eirika."

"I know."

Lyon pulled back, "You do?"

"Duh! Everyone has a crush on her, even Seth." Ephraim explained, not cluing Lyon's true feeling, "She's breathtakingly beautiful."

Lyon simply nodded.

"Speaking of Eirika," Ephraim said, "wonder what's she up to. Last time I saw her was two days ago before coming here."

"She's actually in town. Well, not here in Grado but in Renais."

"Now how do you know?" Ephraim asked, again at the edge of his seat.

"Orson called," Lyon grinned, seeing Ephraim plummeting back on his seat.

Just then, a soldier of Grado stood by the suite's door: "Prince Lyon. Emperor Vigarde is requesting your presence in the throne room."

"Can Ephraim come?" Lyon asked, "Because I want him to be there."

"Yes he may. However the matter is urgent."

Both Ephraim and Lyon looked at each other.

"Glen is sick?" Lyon gasped.

The throne room was designed with the similarity of a Roman empire. The throne where Vigarde sat was a Louis XVI style. A large satin carpet extended from the throne toward the exit. There were many pillars made of marble and the walls were made of rare rocks. Duessel and Selena stood at the left side near the throne while Ephraim and Cormag were at the right side near the throne. Lyon was next to his father.

"It seems like it," Duessel said.

"Seems like it?" Selena argued, "He was coughing and sneezing! He can't cook in this condition."

"Cook?" Ephraim exclaimed.

"Glen is not only a member of the Imperial Three," Vigarde told Ephraim, "but he happens to be the best cook in the empire."

Ephraim smiled, "really?"

"During ceremonial events and public visitations, the people always want lunch." Cormag told him.

"Well with his absence, I don't think they will ever want lunch." Duessel said.

"Duessel!" Selena gasped, "Stop being a laughing butt!"

"I'm not being a laughing butt Selena," Duessel replied, "I'm being sincere."

"You call yourself sincere," Cormag attacked.

Soon, Cormag and the generals began arguing. Vigarde tried to whistle but no success. Lyon volunteered the whistle. The arguing generals stopped.

"Thank you Lyon." Vigarde said.

"It's my turn to speak," Lyon said, "I don't think the three of you are being a laughing butt or being a sincere butt... but a naive pain-in-the-butt is what I think you are!"

The generals looked at each other. Lyon continued, "If Glen is sick, why can't one of you take over Grado's Kitchen in the meantime?"

"That's a great idea Your Highness," Duessel said, "but I burn foods rather than cook them. And Selena's a lousy one."

"Who're you calling lousy?" Selena turned forward Duessel, offended, "I happen to be the second best cook ever."

"What about the time you made that dirty rice?" Cormag snorted, "They were actually dirty."

"Before another fight occurs," Ephraim stepped towards, "may I speak?"

"You may Ephraim." Vigarde said.

"Let me take over Grado's Kitchen."

The generals, Lyon, and Vigarde stared astonishingly at Ephraim. How crazy will that be if an actual prince from another kingdom decides to cook for an empire?

"Prince Ephraim, are you sure?" Duessel approached him.

"Sure I'm sure," Ephraim said, "I may be a royal but I know how to cook."

Lyon suddenly reminisced a time he had one of Ephraim's dishes, "yeah! Yeah!" he turned to his father, "we should allow him in Grado's Kitchen father."

Vigarde looked at Lyon then at Ephraim interestingly, "really?"

"You should have tried Ephraim's signature shortcakes. They're to die for."

Vigarde strangely looked at his son. Lyon changed tune, "Not actually to die, just d—i... Nevermind."

Vigarde smiled.


Inside her royal suite, Eirika chilled on her favorite recliner of shimmering red velvet tapestry highlighted in gold fringes. She was reading a book while chewing on another bubble gum stick when...

"Eirika!" a youthful voice caught her attention. Eirika hastily closed her book and sat properly as she saw entering in her room Adrion, carrying a heavy shining well-polished sword with a lime-green handle.

"Guess what I got at Renais' newest boutique? A silver blade!" Adrion smiled to the highest degree. He was sweating intensely and his chest moved up and down due to the running. "Get it! SILVER—"

Eirika made a halt gesture towards Adrion's face, "Don't share me like that," she spoke her chewing voice, "I thought bandits invaded the panache."

"...Scare, Palace," Adrion corrected then rolled his eyes, knowing she was exaggerating, "Eirika. We've been at peace for 800 years, what do you expect, burglary on broad daylight?"

"It could be poachable." Eirika flipped her book again and went back to relaxing mode.

"Possible." Adrion corrected again, sitting down on a chesterfield the exact fabric of Eirika's chair, "what are you chewing?"

Eirika laid her book by her lap and opened her right hand, the bubble gum pack resting on her palm, "Elfire X-Plosive Bubble Gum."

Adrion glared at it. Eirika continued, "and it comes with different flavors: Cherry, Strawberry, even cotton candy."

"Which flavor is that?"

"Old Mama's Cinnamon," Eirika sang.

"May I try it?"

"No."

Eirika closed her palm, sternly glaring at Adrion.

Seth entered the room and saw Adrion; "There you are!" he told him then faced Eirika, "Your Highness. May I steal Adrion from you for a while? He has some serious training to do."

"Oh chure," she said, "go ahead."

Seth noticed Eirika chewing her gum and grunted, "Princess Eirika! Are my eyes deceiving me or are you chewing another of those gums?"

Eirika froze for a moment then swallowed the gum, "no."

"I saw you chewing."

"Oh, so what?"

"How many packs have you chewed today?"

"None of your business."

Adrion rose from the chesterfield, "You know Silver Lance; I think we should leave Her Highness alone in her own world."

"Exactly," Eirika said, "and stop worrying Seth. You're making me look like a baby."

"But Your Highness," Seth said, "you do know of addiction, right?"

"What's that?" Adrion asked.

"It is when someone keeps performing a certain task in an endlessly, yet annoyingly way." Seth said, "And it is difficult to fight this."

"Please Seth, I can fight anything. I'm the daughter of a peerless warrior." Eirika chomped, "Besides, the only time I will get addicted to Elfire X-Plosive Bubble Gum is if my brother gets addicted to cooking."


Grado's Kitchen

Lying on fine metal-cutting board was a variety of exquisite foods. A crispy lobster dressed in veggies, fruits, and honeysuckle sauce on one plate, succulent spaghetti looking independent covered in meatball sauce with the meatball itself forming a circle on another plate, even chocolate mousse with enough vanilla whips at its summit, looking like a volcano on the brink of eruption on another plate. The one plate that caught the most attention was the one with the pile of golden-fried and crispy chickens on top of a river of mashed potatoes and fresh jalapeños on all sides.

The Imperial Three drooled at the sight of the dishes. Ephraim wearing a "Kiss the Cook" apron and a cooking hat removed his oven mitt and approached the generals: "The Jehanna Oatmeal cookies should be ready in a minute." He brought a smile on his face, "Shall I cook anything else for y'all?"

"Please!" the generals spoke in unison.

Ephraim went back to work. He pulled out a knife on one hand and raw beef on the other. By his side were multitude of vegetables and condiments. He began cutting the beef.

"Ooh!" Duessel moaned, "His food looks tasty."

"I'm gonna be a happy woman." Selena smiled largely.

Coming inside the kitchen were Cormag and Lyon. Duessel and Selena rose from their seat at their arrival: "How's Glen?" Duessel asked.

"He's still feeling woozy." Cormag answered.

"But thanks to my special natural herb balm, he'll feel brand new in three days." Lyon said.

"Herb balm? Does it always work?" Duessel asked the prince.

"Of course it does."

"Then why didn't we do that in the first place?" Selena argued, "we would have let Prince Ephraim at peace."

Lyon laid his hand on Selena's shoulder, "Selena," he said, "if we had done that in the first place, we still would not have a chef on duty." Lyon began sniffing Ephraim's cooking and approached the dishes, "Oh my, Ephraim! I could kiss you right now." he said, noticing Renais' prince's apron.

"I may say Prince Ephraim," Cormag smiled, "your dishes looks like they could feed a pack of hungry mauthedoogs."

"Shall we eat?" Duessel reached towards a piece of lobster and a smudge of chocolate mousse when he felt a slap. Duessel yelped in pain and blew on his injured hands.

Ephraim looked at him sternly, "Hey! We are not going to eat any of those dishes until dinner."

"When is dinner?" Selena desperately asked.

Ding! The sound of the oven chimed. Ephraim pulled out from the oven a tray of goldenrod chewy cookies. "now." he answered.

The Dining Room. Vigarde, Lyon, Cormag, Duessel, and Selena, like complete savages, were munching down on every single dish. Vigarde's stomach formed a beach ball, while Lyon's cheeks formed baseballs. Duessel was busy on the chicken, Selena's face was splattered in mashed potatoes, and a full yet happy-and-ready-to-take-a-nap Cormag laid his head on his empty dish, his tongue sticking out.

"Dessert's coming," Ephraim came in the dining room carrying a tray of his signature dish Lyon talked about earlier, the Jehanna oatmeal cookies, and the chocolate mousse. "How dinner's coming?"

Vigarde burped in response.

"Oh that good."

"Ephraim," Lyon said, "you... are... the... best."

"Yeah! What a shame Glen is missing out." Selena sighed, her tired eyes fighting to stay open.

"Well, finish up dessert, cause there's more."

Everyone rose their heard towards Ephraim, baffled. "More?" Vigarde muttered, "what do you mean there's more?"

"More foods!" Ephraim announced. "I made over a hundred varieties of my original recipes to try out. Actually, you are not trying it out, you are eating it. Good for stomach. Good for health."

Ephraim put the desserts on the table and headed for the kitchen.

"Wait Ephraim?" Lyon stopped him at his tracks, "Are you sure?"

"Sure? I'm a hundred percent accurate! Well, save some more room in your stomach cause you won't know what will hit ya." Ephraim pranced back to the kitchen. Everyone looked at each other, a harassed look on their face.

"I don't like what I see." Lyon muttered.

--- --- ---

"What are we suppose to do?" Duessel asked worryingly.

"We'll just tell him straight that we appreciate his cooking but we're already full for the day, simple as that." Vigarde spoke wisely.

Lyon slightly lowered his head towards his father, his eyes directly at him, "Simple?" he panicked, "Father! When Ephraim starts cooking, he's like this force that drives you to the door and cannot stop! HE'S A MENACE!"

"What I've heard when I was trolling in Renais," Selena said, "is that Prince Ephraim has this…wild lust for cooking. Whenever he cooks, the entire court turns into a buffet house!"

Vigarde was now worried. The silent emperor—not so silent anymore—howled at his son, "Why didn't you warn me about that?"

"Father, I didn't know he would go back to being a cooking fanatic again!"

"YOU DIDN'T KNOW?"

"What's going on?'

The voice of Ephraim gave chill to everyone's spine. They slowly turned and when they faced him, they held their breath. The prince of Renais still in his cooking uniform was carrying a casserole of chicken brocciole, about five oven plates of buttermilk lamb lasagna, and seven toppings of homemade barbeque ribs pizza.

They began drooling. Their fear for Ephraim was replaced in an instant by the craving for more of his dishes, "Prince Ephraim! Did you make all of that?" Cormag asked, his tongue still dangling.

"Of course," he responded, "All homemade. Bon Appétit!"


"Thank you for shopping Erin," the storeowner addressed Eirika in a commoner costume, "Come again."

Eirika exited the store, carrying two bags of about four boxes of twenty Elfire X-Plosive Bubble Gum packs. Seth caught her in the act, "Oh no."

Eirika rolled her eyes, "what now Seth?"

"Your Highness! Why are you doing this to yourself?"

Eirika blew a bubble and exploded it. She then was covered in sticky pink the scent of strawberry. Her appearance and smell attracted many kids in the street yet Seth kept them from coming any closer, "nothing to see her kids. It's just a citizen having bubble trouble."

"It doesn't mean I'm addicted to bubble gum Seth." Eirika perjured as she struggled to the bubble gum paste.

"Really?" Seth smiled, but behind it was a frown.

"Take me home, I gotta clean up. Anyhow, don't tell Father about this."

Seth muttered through his lips, "We'll see."

"What was that?"

"Nothing."


Days flew by and Eirika was still chewing and blowing bubble gum whilst doing other task in the palace. Everyone in the palace court became suspicious. Soldiers looked strangely at Eirika whenever she pulled off a bubble explosion or a new bubble gum stick. Fado became suspicious to Eirika's bubble gum obsession as well, and like Seth, he became worried.

Ephraim's cooking habit took a drastic turn. Tables, not just in the dining room, but all around the palace, were filled of Ephraim's creative and exquisite recipes, from tasty Carcino paella to escargots. He even forced Duessel, Cormag, and Selena to chomp on his authentic potato chips, fries, and a succulent batch of cheeseburger. Combos were added, and he even made original wedding cakes to let them try. Days and nights were rough to Vigarde. He could hear, late at night, the oil sizzling and the knives doing all the work on more meats and veggies. It was driving him crazy. Whenever Ephraim turned his back, Lyon would simply hide in his bathroom and sob, "Why?"

Ephraim's passion to cooking for the empire has turned into a survival of the fittest.


Fado, Eirika, Seth, Adrion, Orson, and his wife Monica were inside the family room watching a movie whilst enjoying popcorns, cookies, and ciders. The movie seemed to be so interesting; they were all glued to the tube, having no conversation whatsoever. The movie finally ended and they all sighed in relief.

Adrion switched the screen off and faced the crew: "What other movie selections shall we watch?"

There were many simultaneous responses. Fado clapped his hands twice silencing everyone, "People! We ought to behave yourselves. I know it is Family Fun Night and you are considered family, but you know who you are still dealing with."

"Our apologies Your Majesty," Monica said, "We were simply harsh and greedy for ourselves then for others. But I do believe the story of 'Belle in Drape' will bring interest through the entire court of Renais."

"Come on Monica!" Eirika groaned, "What about 'Duke and Julie's Undying Love'? It's a classic!"

"How about we all play a multi-playing game of chess world?" Fado proposed.

Everyone took agreement without further dispute. Chess world was much like chess, except for the game setup and goal.

Fado noticed Eirika pulling out another stick of Elfire bubble gum and stuffing it in her mouth, "Eirika? Are you chewing gum again?"

Eirika paused, used her tongue to push the gum by her cheek, and smiled, "what makes you think I'm chewing gum?"

"It's in your cheek." Fado sighed, "Jeez Eirika! How many gum have you been chewing today?"

"May I say something Your Majesty?" Seth stepped in the conversation.

Eirika shot a glare at the paladin, "don't do it Seth."

He continued, "Her royal Highness, due to her endlessly, yet annoyingly way of chewing a stick of Elfire X-Plosive Bubble Gum at every hour, is now facing the craving and the must to have such… slimy yet sticky substance to melt in her mouth."

Fado raised an eyebrow, "Your point is Seth?"

"He means Princess Eirika is addicted to bubble gum." Orson pointed.

"Hey!" Eirika hissed, "I'm not addicted to bubble gum! This happens to be the fifth stick from my tenth pack this week."

Everyone gasped, "Ten!"

"Relax people," Fado settled, "Addiction has been a family issue since our ancestor, Renais, took the throne. I faced my addiction as well and I had to learn my lesson the hard way."

"Forgive me of my prying, but what was your addiction Your Majesty?" Monica asked.

Feeling reluctant, Fado squeezed the pillow hard, "I shall not tell you and I shall never." He turned towards his daughter, "but Eirika, you must stop that habit of yours before the end of the week, got that?"

Eirika blew a bubble, detonating a heavy explosion. The entire room was covered in sticky pink, and the remaining gum dangled on the princess's red lips like saliva, "yes father," she answered.

Fado looked around the sticky room and noticed something was missing among the small crowd. He faced Eirika again, "Where's your brother?"

Everyone looked around as well, noticing the prince's absence and wondering where he was.

"He must still be in Grado." Eirika answered, a little worried as well.

"Well, it has been three days since he left Renais," Orson said, "he should have send a messenger informing us of his extended stay there."

"Do you think His Highness is all right?" Monica asked.

"Course I know he's alright." Eirika spoke in confidence, then thought, "I think."

"Well I did have some news from Grado, but it regards Glen of the Imperial Three being ill and being unable to cook for the empire." Orson said.

"Cooking?" Adrion said, "And if Princess Eirika's words are true, Prince Ephraim's love of cooking and making recipes happens to be his obsession."

Eirika's eyes widen as she remembered her words to Seth. Her worries for her twin brother staying at the empire became more intense. What if he volunteered to cook for the empire? What if he is making recipes? What ifblack puffy bags that shows lack of sleep below his gentle eyes took appearance? She knew Ephraim's biggest addiction was cooking and making recipes and it happen once Eirika faces her addiction as well: chewing gum.

She looked at her unfinished pack of Elfire X-Plosive Bubble Gum resting in her hand and clenched it, "Well Family Fun Night ain't that fun without him," she said.

"What is your call Your Majesty?" Orson asked Fado, "Should we send in a night owl to the empire asking for Ephraim?"

"I think it's best not to intrude." Fado answered, "As long as Ephraim's staying out of the kitchen, Grado will be fine."


It was a weekend morning and light shone brightly through a chamber's stain glass window. Lying on a large bed draped in satin and velvet sheets and quilts was a sleepy Glen. The wyvern lord slowly woke up to the light's rays, stretched his arms, and yawned. He felt his throat all cleared and his nose running no more. He was rejuvenated. He was healed. He jumped out of bed, cleaned up nice, took his trusty shiny Spear, put on his general uniform, and ready to face a new day, left his chamber whistling.

Glen was walking down the empire's hallway when he heard a loud bang inside a closed door. He turned towards the sanitary closet and opened it. At his biggest surprise, he saw a pale Vigarde, sitting on his bottom, head behind his knees, trembling in cold sweat. His eyes stared blankly into space, as if he needed medical attention. The alarmed Glen quickly booked in and kneed by him.

"Your Majesty? What's the matter?" he asked, "why are you hiding in the…"

Vigarde shushed him. Glen, getting the message foggily, whispered; "Okay, why are you hiding in the sanitary closet, and why are we whispering?"

"It's Ephraim," Vigarde rattled, "he is hunting down the empire…" he then squealed, "…with foods."

Glen pulled out his large Spear and pointed around, "Who? Who's hunting down the empire?"

Vigarde's eyes narrowed with embarrassment. He suddenly grabbed Glen by the colon with one hand and slapped away the Spear with the other, "Pay attention! This is a matter of life and death here."

"But what's going on?" Glen whispered.

"A week ago, Ephraim has volunteered to take over Grado's kitchen because of your sudden sickness. His foods are excellent by the way and when he cooks and creates recipes…" Vigarde moaned and drooled happily.

Glen cocked his head on one side, "So, what's the problem?"

Vigarde snapped to reality, "The problem is that he now spends every second of every day and night… cooking! Not only he's addicted to cook," he suddenly squealed, "he beefing us up!"

"Even when His Majesty does not want to eat?"

"Yes!"

"And this is a matter of life and death?"

"FATHE-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-ER!"

"Is that my son?" Vigarde brayed worryingly.

Glen peeked through the keyhole and watched Lyon running down the hallway like a helpless citizen."Stay away Ephraim! STAY AWAY!"

"Come on Lyon! Just have a taste," the stalker, Ephraim, still wearing his cooking uniform, yelled. He held a frying pan on one hand and holding a casserole full of spicy delicious fried rice on the other "It's too die for!"

"I'd rather die in the hand of an enemy than to eat another dish from you!" Lyon screamed off.

Glen stopped peeking and turned to Vigarde, "Yes. That was him."

"Oh Glorious Light!" Vigarde struggled for breath.

Glen got up and thumped his chest, "You do not need to fret, Your Majesty. I know exactly what will stop this madness."

"Name it!" Vigarde bellowed desperately, "Whatever's on your mind! NAME IT!"

Glen pulled Vigarde out of the closet at a perfect timing. He looked around, dragged the emperor back to the Imperial suite, and locked the door.

"What the—" Vigarde argued, "I thought you were to kick him out and take the kitchen back."

Glen lowered his head a little then took a good look at the emperor. Vigarde countered himself, "by kicking him out, I mean in a generous nicest way ever," he went to seat on a soft chair as he kept talking, "cause you know Ephraim is Fado's loyal son. I don't want to disrespect him even though he has been driving the imperial palace craz--"

Glen pressed his palms hard on Vigarde's shoulders, offering him a pressure point massage – a peaceful way to shut a monarch up. "Your Majesty." he whispered, "think happy thoughts. Peaceful meadows."

Vigarde sighed, relaxing his eyes.

"I recommend His Majesty to contact Princess Eirika of Renais to speak to her brother. It's the sole solution."

The emperor opened his eyes and smiled peacefully at the thought.


The drawbridge lowered, allowing a carriage to access inside Grado Keep. The carriage stopped at the castle's inner garden. Seth opened the door and offered Eirika the exit. The princess was still chewing her explosive bubble gum.

The paladin sighed, witnessingher habits and leaned towards her, "Your Highness, I thought you vowed to stop chewing on another Elfire X-plosive Bubble Gum stick until after a semester."

"Don't worry Chet. This is my last chick," she chewed, "I'll shwear them off by curfoo."

"If Her Highness said so," he sighed once more.

"Princess Eirika! You are finally here," A soldier said.

"Shake me to my brothel." Eirika munched.

The soldier stood immobile for a second then snapped to reality, "Oh yes. Right this way, Your Highness."

Eirika followed the soldier who took her directly to Grado's Great Hallway. The walls were carved in the many sculptures of Grado and the legend. Crimson drapes engraved in Grado's insignia rested on these walls at every yard across each other. The scenery resembled a palaestra or an inner park.

Eirika met Ephraim about a halfwaydown the throne room. Ephraim was ecstatic to see his twin sister, but Eirika showed no emotion.

"Ah dear sister, you're here in Grado!" he said, "Guess what? You know Glen? General of the Imperial Three? Well he happens to be a cook in the empire and he's sick, so I volunteered to cook for the empire at his absence and I'm making headlines! Huh? Huh? Uh-Huh!"

Eirika did not smile back.

Ephraim pulled a plate and a casserole, and stuck it towards Eirika: "Fried rice? They're spicy."

"Oh you little..." Eirika knocked down the casserole and the plate from Ephraim and pulled him by the laces of his apron towards a nearby large bunk.

"Why did you do that for?" Ephraim hoarsely hissed.

"Where were you last night?" Eirika asked.

"Last night? I was cooking. What did you think I was do—" Ephraim stopped abruptly, remaining still, "Oh, was yesterday F-Friday?"

Eirika nodded.

Ephraim still stared in regret, "I've missed Family Fun night didn't I?"

"Of course you did Ephraim." Eirika said, "I thought you would be returning to Renais before Thursday night."

"Well sorry sis, I just had some cooking to do."

"Cooking?"

"Didn't I tell you? Glen..."

"Yeah-yeah! I know!" Eirika interrupted, "Glen was sick and you had to take over Grado's Kitchen for a while. But the least you would've done was to send a messenger to us and tell u—" Eirika noticed something on Ephraim and came closer to him, "Oh no!" she said, "By cooking, you didn't actually make recipes, did you?"

"Recipes?" Ephraim scoffed, "no."

Eirika looked closely to his emerald-green eyes, knowing he was lying. Ephraim sighed and confessed, "all right. I made some few recipes."

"Did you even get some sleep?"

Ephraim hesitated to his twin sister's question, "Yea... Yeah! I... slept for about... two hours."

Eirika gasped, "a day?"

"A week."

Eirika gasped even more. She then untied the apron from Ephraim and removed his hat, "Ephraim, brother! You do know of addiction right?"

"What's that?" he rose an eyebrow.

"It is when someone keeps performing a certain task in an endlessly, yet annoyingly way." Eirika said, "It's impossible to fight this."

Ephraim scoffed, "Please. I can fight anything, I'm..."

"Save it Ephraim," she interrupted him, "I know what you are about to say. But hey, I was worried about you when you didn't join us on Family fun night. Father did not seem to care about your sudden stay in Grado, but I know he was worried about you."

"Were you?"

Eirika smiled at her twin brother, "Of course I was."

Ephraim sighed, his eyes facing the cooking uniforms his hands gripped tightly onto, "well," he said, "I was getting sick of staying another day at Grado Keep since everyone kept avoiding me and my dishes but..." he then smiled back at his twin sister, "... I do miss you too sis."

"You're coming back home?"

Ephraim threw the uniforms on the floor, "Of course. And I promised I will not miss anything important unless I send a messenger."

"And?"

"And I'm swearing off cooking until the next season."

"Great!" both siblings hugged tightly, unaware they were being watched by Vigarde, Lyon, Cormag and the Imperial Three.

"Welcome back Ephraim."

"Thanks Eirik—" Ephraim noticed Eirika pulling out another stick of Elfire X-plosive bubble gum and flinging it into her mouth, "are you chewing gum?"

Eirika's eyes widen, "No."

"Yes you are."

Eirika sighed, "all right."

"How many gum have you been chewing this week?"

It was Eirika's turn to be hesitated, "about... five packs."

"A week?"

"A day."

Ephraim cocked his body away from Eirika, "all right. Give it up." he reached his openedhand towards Eirika's mouth.

"Are you chore? Cause these flavosh cho good, they're to—"

"I know what youare suppose to say. Just give it up. I gave up cooking and now it's time for you to give up chewing."

Eirika sighed again, "Alright, but let me have one more chew and dashin't."

Eirika crossed her arms and faced away from a baffled Ephraim, who rose an eyebrow to her last remark. Understanding Eirika while she chews bubble gum is complicated. It took about a minute and a half and Eirika was still chewing. Ephraim sighed, smacked his opened palm numerous times and continuously tapped his foot, "Erika."

"Huh?" she turned towards Ephraim again, still chewing with a bumbling lookon her face.

Ephraim nodded and kept smacking his palms. Eirika sighed once more, "all right." finally spat the gum and handed her pack. Ephraim stuffed them into a nearby trash and swept his hands together, "there now we have fought our addiction cold turkey."

"Yeah. I do like this new feeling."

"Like a new day." Ephraim rose from the bunk, "well I'm gonna go apologize the royal crew, Emperor Vigarde, and give some potato chips to Lyon."

Eirika blanched at his remark. Ephraim shrugged, "What? I got them at a store."


Things have turned back to normal in both the kingdom of Renais and the Grado Empire. Eirika had stopped chewing and blowing bubble gum altogether and Ephraim never laid hand on a spatula. By the aid of Seth and Orson, Fado hired a dozen of professional chefs to work in Renais's Kitchen. He also sent half of these chefs to work in Grado's Kitchen in case Glen ever catches the flu again. The boutique that stored the Elfire X-Plosive Bubble Gum was still in the running, but the product itself discontinued due to complains concerning the explosion the bubble gum made whenever it formed a bubble.

Back in Grado's Kitchen, Glen was in his cooking uniform as he was cutting some tomatoes and jalapeños on the metal cutting board. Duessel, Selena, and Cormag were watching him at his best.

"It is good to have you back Glen." Selena complimented the wyvern lord.

"It is good to be back yes." Glen responded.

"You've miss such excitement this week bro, you have no idea." Cormag said.

Duessel cocked his head on one side," Has it been a week already?"

"It seems like it."

"Well, it was halfway until the weekend before I was healed again," Glen said, "thanks to His Highness's herb balm."

"I wonder how HisHighness managed to find such ingredients?" Selena rubbed her chin in thought. The other threesome joined her in deep thought.

Lyon's study area was filled of beakers and tubes, bubbling in many colored substances. Lyon was flipping through a series of pages from his Luna book as he was draped in a dark garb.

"Just one... more... step..." he gently picked a tube of red liquid and poured it down on a beaker of white substance resembling alcohol. A minor explosion occuredas smoke shot out of the beaker. The mixture became an oily balm.

Lyon removed his garb and jumped of joy, "With these special natural herb balms, I can bring down countless viruses," he pranced around, his eyes up the ceiling, "I can heal the sick, I can heal the wounded, I can save the world!"

The prince grind through his teeth, "Should I give it a rest or should I continue?" he looked over his progress and saw about ten herb balms produced. He snorted, "Like I don't have all day, I should continue! Yeah, Baby! SHOW ME THE MAGIC! WHOO!"


END OF CHAPTER