Imppala: Two more chapters to go... and then, I will no longer be nothing but a lowly muse! Wahahahaha!
ShadowedTactician: Actually, you're not appearing in Chapter 11. I need a somewhat full explanation before I can properly chuck you in.
Imppala: Darn.
Grim: I should be the one saying that...

Psycho Sword Lady
ShadowedTactician: You're going to have a self-published manga? Cool!
Imppala: Which is more than ShadowedTactician'll ever achieve.
Grim: Like you can hold a 2B pencil straight.
Imppala: ...Anyway, where's the Lucius joke?
ShadowedTactician: Beats me. I haven't seen it... must be my selective memory.

Imppala
ShadowedTactician: Thanks for the review, bro. And now, I shall give you what you have requested.
Imppala: Go on.
ShadowedTactician: 200 words, no less. Thank you, Imppala, for all you've done.
Imppala: What was that?
ShadowedTactician: I acknowledged you for your part in this fanfiction, and included the phrase '200 words, no less'. It's what you asked for.
Imppala: ...

Generic Writer
ShadowedTactician: Actually, I'd advise against embracing a Cacnea... James from Team Rocket would tell you so. Actually, refer to one of PSL's reviews to have a guess at what Lundgren's getting.

ShadowAngelUmbreon
ShadowedTactician: You're homeschooled? Interesting that... maybe it could've worked for me. Not much stress for starters.
Grim: However, there would be increased expectations of your performance.
Imppala: And if you were homeschooled, we couldn't have met and discussed matters of great importance... like this one.
ShadowedTactician: ...Point taken.


Chapter 9: A Grim Reunion/VS Rapidash

Lyn and her friends have been branded as traitors, pretenders to the throne. Lundgren has sent word to Caelin's neighbours, warning of Lyn's approach. He calls for reinforcements to put an end to the "impostors". If the other realms of Lycia choose to act, Lyn will never reach Caelin alive. Lyn places her faith in Eliwood and waits.
As Lyn and Shadow paced the gates of a village between Khathelet and Caelin, the others took the time to take a breather. Just then, Florina flew down from above, shouting excitedly, "He's here! Lord Eliwood!" Immediately, Lyn and Shadow ran to meet up with the Pheraen noble, with the others following suit.

"I've received word from Caelin's neighbours, Laus, Tuscana, Khathelet, Tania and Santaruz," reported Eliwood. "They will not interfere in Caelin's affairs. This they have promised."

"Eliwood, I... don't know how to thank you..." Lyn gushed.

"All I've done is convince them to remain neutral in this dispute," Eliwood smiled. "However, this means I cannot aid you in any way either. Will you be alright?"

"I will win. I have to," said Lyn determinedly. "It's the only way that I can help my grandfather."

"I understand," nodded Eliwood. "Although I cannot help you directly, as a friend, I pray for your success."

"Thank you," Lyn bowed. "I won't waste the opportunity you've given me." Waving to the others, she called, "All right, everyone! Let's get going!"

"This weather is turning foul," noted Sain. "It looks like a fog is rolling in."

"This is no good. If the fog thickens, we'll be blind in battle," Kent frowned. "It will be difficult to fight what we cannot see."

"We can't let it delay us, though. Let us press on," Lyn urged. "We must get closer to the castle. What's the best route?"

"Let me think..." Kent paused for a moment. "Our best path is to the south... However, that runs through General Eagler's estate..." The cavalier looked a bit troubled as he continued, "...It looks like we still have one final obstacle to pass."


"Our main problem now is this fog," Shadow pursed his lips. "We need to find a way in order to safely engage the enemy and see where we are going."

"Couldn't Grim give us a clear diagram of the terrain ahead with his Will-o-wisp, like in the dark fortress?" asked Lyn.

"It wouldn't help," the tactician shook his head. "Grim can't pinpoint distance clearly in fog, only direction and landmarks. Even if Grim was able to create another map, it would be pointless for us if we can't find our direction in the mist."

"Maybe Mitch could help us by using Whirlwind to blow away the fog?" Florina suggested.

"Redundant," answered Shadow. "That won't stop the fog from rolling in."

"Shadow..." Matthew stepped forward. "Please, put me in the lead. We... er... thieves have the ability to see through fog. I might be able to be of some assistance."

"Hmm... I suppose we've got no other alternative at the moment." After looking around for a while, Shadow began to plan their movements. "Alright. I need to divide everyone into two separate groups to ensure we are not ambushed from either side. Dorcas and Erk shall cover our rear. Matthew will lead our forward movements, covered by Kent and Sain upon sighting the enemy. The ranged units shall be in the middle for backup, along with Serra and Nils for support. Any questions?" When met with silence, the tactician nodded, "Let's go! The sooner we advance, the less hassle we'll have on our hands when the fog comes!"

"Right! Follow me, everyone!" waved Matthew. Just then, a large figure approached them from the northeastern hills. The figure appeared to be a knight shielded in silver armour, and his head was bald as an egg. He was accompanied by a creature of rock that had two muscular arms sticking out from the sides.

"So... you've come..." The knight rumbled in a deep, booming voice. "Aah!" Sain gasped.

"You! You're... Lord Wallace!" exclaimed Kent.

"Kent, who is this?" asked Lyn.

"He used to be the commander of the knights of Caelin," explained Kent.

"Aren't you supposed to be retired? I heard you were sowing fields now!" said Sain in surprise.

"I am, and I was," answered Wallace. "Then I received orders from Lord Lundgren. I was told to capture an impostor and a pair of rogue knights."

"Lord Wallace!" Kent cried as if in despair. "Surely, you don't believe us to be oathbreakers, do you?"

"Bring me the girl that claims to be Madelyn's child," Wallace said gruffly.

"And what are your intentions?" asked Sain.

"If I don't like what I see, I'll take her," the knight simply answered.

"We will prevent you!" Kent said with conviction, riding in front of Lyn alongside Sain, with their weapons taken out.

"You? Prevent me?" Wallace stifled a laugh. "You must be..."

"Enough!" Lyn stepped forward to face Wallace, visibly angered. "I'm right here! I am Lyndis."

"Ah..." As he laid her eyes on her features, Wallace stroked his chin as he studied the girl in front of him.

"I'll understand if you don't believe me," Lyn said through gritted teeth. "But I've had enough of you and your foolish posturing!"

"Hmmm... Such beautiful eyes..." Wallace murmured to himself.

"Pardon?" Lyn was not expecting such a reaction.

"I've been a knight for thirty years, and there is one thing I've learned, girl. A person with eyes as bright and true as yours is no deceiver," smiled Wallace. "Ha ha ha ha ha! Ah, yes! I like you, girl!" He started to break into a series of loud chuckling, "Why, I believe I'll even join your little band of mercenaries!"

"Are you... are you serious, Lord Wallace?" Sain asked hopefully.

"This old bull's pledged his loyalty to Caelin," Wallace said with his right hand placed on his armour where his heart was. "I would never allow an usurper on the throne. Let's march!" He announced, walking to inspect the rest of the troops. "Lord Wallace!" Kent called after the knight, but to no avail. "He... he hasn't changed at all."

"I like him," Lyn smiled. "He's... honest."

"That he is," agreed Kent. "He deserves our respect."


"Ah! You would be the tactician of this group, yes?"

"Yes, Sir Wallace," bowed Shadow. "It is my honour to meet such a highly ranked member of the Caelin forces."

"Ah, the same to you, my friend!" Wallace smiled as he looked back at the hills where he came from. "I'd planned on living out my days in peace on my farm..." he commented. "Ah, well. It looks as though it's time to take up arms once more." Shadow, however, wasn't paying too much attention on Wallace's rambling. He was more interested in the bronze medal attached to Wallace's breastplate. "Er... pardon me, Sir Wallace, but could you tell me what that medal is?"

"Hm?" Wallace looked down to see what Shadow was pointing to, and started to laugh again. "Ha ha haaa! So you've noticed my knight crest, have you?" He said as he gave Shadow a friendly thump on the back that knocked the tactician to the ground. "You've eyes like an eagle, my friend!"

"Pity I haven't the fortitude of a mountain," Shadow muttered as he picked himself up. "So what does it do?"

"Well, you know everyone is divided into different classes of units. Cavaliers, mercenaries, knights, fighters, and so on," Wallace began. "Units who have reached a certain amount of experience level can use specific items to upgrade themselves. Like me, for instance." So saying, he took the small metallic item in his hand. "And once I've used this knight crest, I'll be even stronger! A terrifying thought, isn't it?"

"Hmm... It is rather intriguing," Shadow mused. "Could you demonstrate for me, by any chance?"

"Ha ha ha haaaa! I thought you'd never ask!" In his laughter, Wallace's hand (the one holding the knight crest, obviously) shot upwards, glinting in the sunlight. "Knight crest!" he roared.

At that moment, lightning bolts appeared to descend from the skies above, landing around the silver knight and his Pokémon, making Shadow instinctively jump backwards. As he and Grim watched in awe, Wallace was surrounded by a shimmering light that consumed his entire body. When the light had finally faded, Wallace looked like a completely different person. Instead of simple armour guarding his head, body and limbs as well as a breastplate shield, Wallace was clothed in heavy-looking gear. A large metal bucket, instead of a bowl-like piece of metal, formed his protective helment. The armour surrounding Wallace's body, arms and legs was visibly thicker and stronger. The most striking of his new features were the humongous shoulder guards he had, as well as the brown metal strips hanging from his waist.

"Ha ha ha haaaa! Look! A giant walks among you!" Wallace began to laugh. "My defence is impenetrable! Come! Break your weapons against me! Ha ha ha haaaa!"

"Sir Wallace..." Shadow pointed. "Your Geodude... it's evolved!" Certainly the knight's rock creature had undergone visible changes as well. It had grown to about a metre in height, and its round body appeared to be more rugged, while being supported on two feet. A pair of short arms was situated under its face, while another much longer pair extended from behind its back.

"Ha ha ha haaa!" Wallace chuckled at Shadow's observation. "It's a common occurrence for Pokémon to evolve when its trainer is upgraded, my friend! My tough Geodude has become an ever tougher Graveler! Ha ha ha haaa!"

"Interesting," smiled Shadow. "Will you do us the honour of covering our rear, Sir Wallace?"

"I was thinking of leading the attack up front..." Wallace said as he brought out his lance, "But I'll trust your wise judgement, Shadow."

"Thank you, Sir Wallace."


As the group started to advance forward, Lyn paid a visit to the nearby village to warn them of danger. "Excuse me! There's a battle going on," she called. "Could you please close your gates?"

"Ah, many thanks, miss," said the village head as he walked to meet Lyn. "We were just going to do that before anyone wandered out in the fog. Speaking of fog, do you have any torches on you?"

"Hmm..." Lyn thought about it for a moment. "I don't believe we do..."

"What? You don't? There's a thick fog rolling in, and you have no torches?" The village head exclaimed in shock. "Wandering about with a torch is.. well, it's ridiculous!" As he muttered, the village head produced five sticks from his pocket. "Here, take some of mine. Use this when it's foggy, and you can see a bit better."

"Thank you, village head," Lyn bowed.

"No need for thanks," smiled the man. "I know all about you and your comrades. We all, well... not one of us believes what Lord Lundgren is saying about you. We all want to help the marquess... and his rightful heir. Good luck!"

"Thanks again!" waved Lyn as the village gates slowly shut.


"Shadow... the fog's rolling in," noted Lyn with worry. "We can't hit an enemy we can't see."

"Mm." nodded the tactician, "Keep your eyes open, everyone! Remain as a group and advance slowly!"

As the mist slowly enveloped the surroundings, Matthew moved in front of the group, giving them directions. Lyn transferred the torches to Sain, who lit them up with his Ponyta's flame and passed them around. Brigands, soldiers, cavaliers and archers ambushed the team, but all were quickly dealt with. Serra and Nils had quite a hard time moving around the group, healing various team members, but everyone managed to pull through. Soon enough, they had reached General Eagler's castle.

"Traitors of Caelin, die!" shouted two soldiers guarding the entrance. "For Lord Lundgren! Yaaaaaa!"

"Aipom! Double Team!" ordered Matthew as the soldiers charged. The Long Tail Pokémon dashed between the two soldiers, but vanished just as their lances crossed. "AGH!" they screamed as they speared each other by accident and fell to the ground.

"Bring forth the impostor who calls herself Lyndis! She shall not pass beyond this place!" barked a voice. A green-haired paladin riding a horse-like animal resembling Ponyta appeared. Lyn, Shadow and the cavaliers recognised the creature to be Rapidash, Ponyta's evolved form, and the person riding it to be none other than General Eagler himself.

"General Eagler!" cried Kent. "We found Lady Lyndis on the orders of the marquess. We've worked so very hard to return her safely to Caelin. Please, let us pass!"

"Kent! Sain! Is that you?" The paladin shook his head. "I never imagined you could turn traitor..."

"Who's the traitor here?" challenged Sain. "We are following the orders of our sworn liege lord! Not Lundgren, but our true liege, Marquess Caelin, Lord Hausen himself!"

"And yet... you have no proof of the girl's identity." Eagler crossed his arms. "Is that not true?"

"I am Lyndis. I'm no pretender," said Lyn as she stepped forth to show herself. "I'd ask you to believe me, but your heart and mind seem set."

"Enough talk!" growled the paladin. "Draw your sword!"

"Eagler!" shouted Wallace. "Stop this nonsense now!"

"General Wallace... so you've sided with the girl too, have you?" sighed Eagler.

"I fight for Caelin's honour, not for Lundgren's lies!" retorted the knight.

"Is that so? Then there's nothing more to be said." The paladin pulled the reins on his Rapidash just as he brandished his javelin. "I name you traitors all! Come! Do your worst!"

"Fool..." Wallace growled. "At the very least, let mine be the blow that finishes you! Graveler!" he called. "Rock Blast!"

"Grav!" The Rock Pokémon leapt forward, and flung a series of rocks at Eagler.

"Double Kick, Rapidash!" Eagler ordered, switching to his hand axe for combat. The Fire Horse stood on its hind legs, kicking some of the rocks away, while Eagler deflected the stones by swinging his axe. "Take Down!" The Rapidash charged forward at breakneck speed, managing to knock Graveler into Wallace.

"Oof!" Luckily for Wallace, his armour protected him from taking too much damage, and he only fell to the ground with a bump.

"I never thought we'd have to do this..." Sain gritted his teeth as he readied his javelin. "But it seems like we have no choice! Ponyta, Swift!"

"Stantler, Solarbeam!" shouted Kent. A combination of stars and sunlight flew towards Eagler.

"Protect!" The paladin roared. His Rapidash immediately created a forcefield that negated the attacks completely. "Swift and Solarbeam... I was the one who taught you those attacks. There's nothing about your attacks and strategies that I don't know." Gripping his hand axe, Eagler shouted, "It's time to test the bounds of your loyalty! Flamethrower!" Rapidash shot out a stream of fire that swished across the grass, creating a blaze.

"Have you not realised yet that you have met your match?" Eagler huffed. "Give it up!"

"Never!" shouted Lyn. "I must see my grandfather!"

"Stupid girl... Fire Blast!" The large Fire Horse Pokémon reared on its hind legs, and breathed out a gigantic flame in the shape of a man standing with his arms outstretched and his feet apart. The attack seared towards Lyn's group at a dangerously fast pace...

"Ponyta! Jump!" Sain cried desperately. His Pokémon nodded, and leapt upwards to meet the Fire Blast. "Aaaaaaaaah!" screamed Sain as he took the attack.

"Sain!" Lyn ran over to the fallen cavalier. Quickly, she took out a green strawberry from her satchel and squirted its juices over the burned parts of Sain's skin. "Why did you do that?" she screamed. "You could have been killed!"

"Ah heh heh heh... It was a gamble I had to take." Sain murmured through half-closed eyes. "Ponyta's Flash Fire absorbs Fire-type attacks and turns them into physical strength. It was the only way we could possibly stop that Fire Blast..."

"But that's no reason to put your life on the edge!" Lyn continued to scream, feeling more upset than angry. "You shouldn't have risked yourself like that! Even your Ponyta's been badly injured!"

"Lyn... milady Lyndis..." By now Sain was having difficulty talking as he gripped onto Lyn's hands. "Protecting you on your journey has been been my only concern... and it has been the happiest experience of my life doing so..."

"Sain..." Lyn could not stop the tears from forming in her eyes.

"Lady Lyndis... I... was... so happy..." the knight muttered before finally slipping into unconsciousness.

"SAIN!" Lyn desperately shook Sain, but he was already out cold. Wallace had seen the entire series of events, and he gritted his teeth in determination. "You will pay for what you did, Eagler! Killing one of your own students? That's unforgivable!"

"You will pay for your treachery towards Caelin!" The paladin growled back. "Rapidash! Fire Blast again!"

"Graveler, Rollout now!" Under Wallace's command, the Rock Pokémon rolled directly in front of Rapidash, and used its hind arms to grab Rapidash by its front legs. Not expecting such a manouver, the Fire Horse continued to launch its Fire Blast, but because its body was facing upwards, the flames shot into the sky, completely missing its target!

"Rapidash!" Wallace ordered. "Use Mega Kick to knock Graveler away!"

"Graveler, counter with Seismic Toss!" Holding the horned horse by its legs, Graveler jumped high into the air, dragging Eagler along with Rapidash. When it had reached about fifty metres in height, Graveler held Rapidash by its stomach and flung it forcefully downwards, sending it and Eagler flying towards the ground!

"What!" as Eagler stared at the grassy ground below, he managed to see Lyn standing on the ground with Bulbasaur's vines around her feet.

"Send me up, Bulbasaur!" shouted the plainsgirl as she brought out her Mani Katti. "Vine Whip, now!" As the Seed Pokémon lifted its vines, it brought them down again, sending a shockwave of force through its long vines that propelled Lyn into the air.

"Hyaaaaaaa!" Lyn yelled as she met the falling Eagler and Rapidash in mid-air, delivering a storm of downward slashes that damaged Eagler quite badly, as well as doubling his descending speed!

"ANNNNNNNNGH!" Eagler grunted as he fell to the floor with a resounding crash. He felt the bones in his legs and in his Rapidash break with sickly snapping noises, and his armour had at least a thousand cracks in it. Large bits of the metal were already chipping off. "Ha!" At this point, both Lyn and Graveler landed onto the ground.

"Nnng... Go... Go quickly..." The paladin muttered.

"What?" Quickly, Lyn rushed over and lifted up his face to hers. "What did you say?"

"The marquess... he knows nothing of this," continued Eagler with much difficulty. "His life is... there's no illness. Only poison... Please, for the marquess... for all of Caelin..." Coughing up blood, Eagler gave up his life.

"General Eagler!" cried Sain and Kent simultaneously as they dashed over to the paladin's body. Wordlessly they knelt down beside him.

"What... kind of man was General Eagler?" asked Lyn softly.

"When Sain and I first became knights, he was our captain." Kent answered in a very quiet voice. "Our teacher..."

"I think he must have known we were telling the truth..." Lyn looked sadly at Eagler's corpse. "Why did he force the fight?"

"Something must have... Lord Lundgren must have been exerting some hold on him," assumed Shadow as he walked over. "Eagler was probably trying to protect someone... a friend perhaps, or family."

"..." Lyn looked at Sain and Kent, then at the dead paladin, then back at the two cavaliers who had buried their faces in their hands. Even Wallace had closed his eyes in silent prayer.

"May Lundgren never know the peaceful embrace of Mother Earth!" Lyn shouted, wielding her Mani Katti so that her blade reflected the light from the setting sun. "I care not what others do. I WILL stop that man!" Grasping her tactician hands, she said determinedly, "Shadow... the final battle is approaching! Let's do this together!"

"I have already given you my word, Lyn." In spite of the melancholy setting, Shadow managed to give the plainsgirl a reassuring smile. "I will see you through this fight, and guide you all the way. You have my support." Turning around to see the others giving Lyn nods of agreements, he decided to change his words a little.

"Our support."


Meanwhile, at Castle Caelin...

"How are you feeling today, my dear brother?" Lundgren asked in a voice that was filled with anything but kindness.

"Lundgren... You... you fiend..." Hausen managed to say in spite of the pain wracking his body.

"Your granddaughter should be dead by now," continued Lundgren. "And soon, you will join her!"

"Lyndis..." Hausen's eyes had started tearing. "Why did this happen? I... I only wanted to see her once..."

"Have you lost all hope? Has your life lost all meaning!" cackled Lundgren. "Then hurry up and die, you miserable old dotard! You and your precious granddaughter are in my way!" Turning to walk out of the door, he laughed in malice, "I curse your name! I despise you! My worthless wretch of a brother!"

The rightful marquess could only watch weakly as Lundgren threw back his head and continued to laugh his evil laugh, slamming the bedroom door in his departure, leaving the poison to further destroy his body and the tears to run down his wrinkled features...

To be continued...


ShadowedTactician: And here comes Lundgren! Time to guess what he's getting...
Grim: Review... and put your guesses, if any, in 'em.