ShadowedTactician: And on we go on to Eliwood's story!
Imppala: Finally! My debut inches closer and closer than ever with each passing chapter. Hahahahaha!
Grim: I'll be in the meditation room if anyone needs me.

Gijinka Renamon
ShadowedTactician: Well, in case you were wondering, look at what I called this chapter. Hector's story is rather vital, since it features Farina, Kishuna's background, and... a few more bits and pieces usually no one cares about, I think. So it's all in.

ShadowAngelUmbreon
ShadowedTactician: Gee, thanks for the review. I'll be taking my cookie when you're ready.
Grim: Hey! What about me?
Imppala: Grim, you're a ghost. You don't eat, don't need to eat, can't eat.
Grim: ...

Generic Reviewer
ShadowedTactician: Precisely why you're reading this now. Thanks for reviewing.

FadE
ShadowedTactician: I agree with you. I usually have to have Wallace whittle at Lundgren first before having Lyn finish 'im off.
Imppala: I don't see what's so difficult. My Lyn never even gets a single skin cell damaged when she goes against the old geezer.
ShadowedTactician: That's because you train your Lyn to LEVEL 14.
Imppala: Hey, besides her, Florina and Kent, no one else really matters.
ShadowedTactician: (mutters) Including you?...

Psycho Sword Lady
ShadowedTactician: Why would Karel have fangirls? He'd probably slice his Wo Dao through them given half the chance.
Imppala: Another oddity of the world of fandom today.
Grim: So, so, true...


Chapter 11a: Taking Leave/VS Primeape

Once, dragon fought man in a war called the Scouring. Combined with the forces of Pokémon, who remained loyal to them, mankind vanquished the dragons thanks to the efforts of eight heroes, and the legendary Rayquaza. The eight mighty generals brought peace to Elibe, and later divided the continent into nations, while Rayquaza vanished along with the dragons, and eventually became a myth. The people then enjoyed an easy prosperity on Elibe.

The hero Hartmut settled in the east and founded the Bern, famed for its military might. Saint Elimine moved west, and her sacred name flourished among the artisans of Etruria. The horseman Hanon's legacy lived on with the nomads of his beloved plains of Sacae. The birthplace of the knight Barigan is now home to the renowned Knights of Ilia. The berserker Durban's final glory was to create a warrior's clan in the Western Isles. The archsage Athos is said to have retired to the barren wasteland of Nabata. The heirs of the champion Roland themselves became the lords of the Lycian League, while the fate of the last hero, Bramimond, still remains a mystery.

Elibe has enjoyed a peace that spans 980 years... How much longer can this peace stand before its foundations begin to crumble?

Deep within the Lycian League lies Pherae, a land that has known no conflict for many generations, but which now finds itself touched by a shadow of unease. Its beloved and benevolent ruler, Lord Elbert, has mysteriously vanished, as have a number of his sworn men, loyal knights who serve at his side. A month has passed without word from the marquess. Rumours of his death abound. However, the marquess' son believes his father lives, and he has vowed to find him.

Marquess Pherae's son, Eliwood: A red-haired youth who will one day become the finest knight in all of Lycia. His long journey begins here...


A year later after Lyn returned to Castle Caelin, the home of her mother Madelyn, her friend Eliwood prepares to leave Pherae in search of his father, Lord Elbert. On the outskirts of Pherae...

"Lord Eliwood, we leave on your word," bowed a paladin besides Eliwood.

"I see," nodded Eliwood. "Thank you, Marcus." Turning to a purple-haired woman behind them, he said, "Mother, it's time for us to go."

"Eliwood..." said his mother as she held his hands tightly in her own, "Promise me that you will return to me safely. I'm worried about your father, but... If anything were to happen to you... my heart could not bear that sorrow."

"I know, Mother." Eliwood smiled reassuringly, "Please do not worry. Father is alive. I know it. I vow that I will find him and return him to your side."

"I have your word then." Eliwood's mother smiled back.

"Yes, of course." Eliwood then turned to face a blue-haired woman on a horse, right next to his mother. "Isadora, I entrust my mother to you in my absence."

"Yes, milord. I will guard her well," vowed Isadora.

"Mother..." Eliwood addressed his mother for one last time. "I will return. Rest easy." So saying, Isadora began to escort Eliwood's mother back to Castle Pherae. "Well, Marcus, it looks like it's just the two of us."

"Not so, milord. My man Lowen will be travelling with us," informed the paladin.

"Lowen?" Eliwood stroked his chin. "That's reassuring."

"I've sent him ahead to the village," continued Marcus. "He hopes to seek out a few able men who are skilled at arms. Normally, I wouldn't venture forth without a larger company, but... I bow to your will on this matter, Lord Eliwood."

"I'm sorry, Marcus..." Eliwood apologised. "...but I would rather not deprive my mother of even a single guard. The best knights in the realm disappeared with my father. If anything were to happen to my mother while I am gone, I..."

"I understand, milord," Marcus nodded. "Hmph!" he suddenly grumbled, and looked westwards. "What's keeping Lowen!"


Meanwhile, at the village Lowen was visiting, a brigand with green hair all over his face led his gang through the gates.

"We've all heard that the knights of Pherae have vanished, right?" he called. "Well, your misfortune is my good luck! I have an announcement to make! As of now, this village is mine! Groznyi is your new liege! Now, bring every piece of gold, down to the smallest fleck!"

Screams were heard across the village as the people realised what had just happened. Some fainted on the spot, some remained rooted to the ground out of fear, and some ran to get their valuables. In the commotion, a cavalier in golden armour, with hair growing past his eyes, quickly escaped from the village before any of the bandits saw him. He was not alone, however; a girl wearing a bandanna and brown leather clothes, as well as a young man in a green cloak, shared his horse. A small floating ball of gas seemed to follow the galloping steed.

"Lord Eliwood! Commander Marcus!" shouted the knight as he brought his horse to a screeching halt in front of Eliwood and Marcus. "I..."

"Lowen! Calm yourself!" rebuked Marcus. "A knight must be in control at all times."

"The village is under attack! It's bandits!" Lowen continued to shout.

"What? Bandits? Here!" Even Marcus seemed taken by surprise.

"Are you sure, Lowen?" questioned Eliwood.

"This girl has more details..." Lowen continued as the young female slid off his horse. "My lord Eliwood?" she began. "I'm the daughter of the village magistrate. My name's Rebecca. The bandits came without warning. They're stealing everything! I beg you! Please help us!"

"I see... Marcus! Lowen! We must aid the village!" called Eliwood to the two knights. "Yes, milord!" nodded Lowen.

"Rebecca, stay here, and keep out of sight," Eliwood turned to the small girl.

"If it would please you, milord, I would rather fight," bowed Rebecca. "I hunt almost every day, and I have some skill with a bow, as with Pokémon."

"Is that so?" Eliwood smiled kindly, "Very well, but be careful."

"Yes, milord," Rebecca nodded.

"Lord Eliwood, one more thing..." Lowen interrupted. "There is another in the village who has offered to help. He's a travelling tactician who was staying at the inn."

"A tactician?" Eliwood seemed startled.

"Yes..." Lowen said as he brought the tactician down from his horse. "This is Shadow."

"Shadow!" Eliwood exclaimed.

"It's nice to see you again, Lord Eliwood," smiled Shadow.

"Do you know this person, milord?" asked Lowen.

"Yes. I met Shadow during the trouble in Caelin last year," explained Eliwood. "A fantastic military advisor, if memory serves. If not for Shadow, the marquess of Caelin and his granddaughter, Lyn, might not have survived Lundgren's uprising. What brings you to Pherae, my friend?"

"You flatter me, Lord Eliwood," Shadow smiled as he shook the noble's hand. "I've been throughout Lycia, training myself in the arts of war."

"Of course... a worthy pursuit," agreed Eliwood. "Let's give thanks to providence for our chance reunion. Right now, we have need of your aid..."

"I shall lend you my skill, Lord Eliwood." Shadow bowed, as well as Grim who was hovering beside him.


As the bandits took their positions on the field, Shadow began to make a rough drawing of the area. At the same time, two fighters emerged from a village up north.

"Look, Dorcas! Can you believe it?" The axeman in blue beckoned to the other fighter. "It's just like that knight said! That's Lord Eliwood!"

"So it seems," mused Dorcas.

"What's he doing?" As the blue-clothed fighter watched on, he exclaimed, "Hey, he's taking on those bandits. Protecting innocents? That's a right lordly thing to do, isn't it? Right, Dorcas?"

"You talk too much. The lordling needs our help," said Dorcas as he brought out his axe.

"Right!" grinned the other axeman as he did likewise. "Leave these mountain weaklings to me! I'm Bartre the Brave!"


"Before we continue, I need to see what Pokémon the rest of you have," said Shadow.

"Yes, Shadow," nodded Marcus as he threw out a Pokéball. From his Pokéball came forth a flower-like creature with leaves in place of its arms as well as small spindly legs. Yellow petals decorated the circumference of its broadly smiling face. "Sunflora!" it said happily.

"Swinub!" shouted Lowen, sending out a pig-like animal. Its body was covered in long, straight fur which was accentuated by dark brown stripes and trailed slightly on the ground.

"Come out, Roselia!" Rebecca produced another floral Pokémon, only this one was much shorter than Marcus' Sunflora. Three sharp thorns pointed outwards from its round head. Four leaves extended from its neck, obscuring most of its legs. A pair of spindly stems ending in a flower each (one red and one blue) were its arms.

"Charman!" Eliwood's little crimson dragon was released from its Pokéball.

"Okay." Pointing into the distance, Shadow said, "Now try your hand on those bandits over there."

"Sunflora! Use Bullet Seed!" commanded Marcus, taking the lead. "You too, Roselia!" yelled Rebecca.

"Flora!" "Rose!" The two Grass-type Pokémon immediately spat out a barrage of seeds at the bandits. Instinctively the brigands blocked the attack with their axes, but continuous battering soon wore them out.

"Swinub! Powder Snow!" ordered Lowen. His Swinub breathed in, then released a shower of ice crystals that soon froze the brigands.

"Charmander!" Eliwood called. "Use your..."

"Crush Claw!" someone else shouted. Without warning, a white feline with purple claws and red body markings leapt from behind the frozen bandits and butchered them with a few strokes of its powerful claws. "Got 'em!" cheered a man in blue. "Zangoose!" nodded the new creature.

"You really shouldn't rush yourself into battle, Bartre," sighed his companion.

"Dorcas!" exclaimed Shadow. "Is that you?"

"Well met, Shadow." Dorcas smiled, "My friend Bartre and I were in the area when we spotted this scuffle. We wish to lend our forces."

"Thanks, Dorcas." Noting the Cat Ferret Pokémon, Shadow marvelled, "I must comment, that's an extremely exemplary specimen of a Zangoose you have there!"

"Nguuoooohhhh!" Bartre suddenly knelt down on the ground, clutching his head. "What?" Shadow became alarmed, "Was it something I said?"

"Nnng..." groaned Bartre. "Hard words make my head hurt!"


Meanwhile, Eliwood had taken the initiative to visit the northern village and ask the villagers to close their gates.

"Lord Eliwood, it is you!" gushed a lady who was near the gates at the time. "I can't thank you enough for helping our small village."

"It is my duty as son of the marquess," Eliwood replied kindly.

"The people are saying that..." continued the woman, "Well, we've heard you're going out in search of your father, the marquess. If it pleases milord, please take this with you..." Handing over a blue plate of metal with a yellow and red border and green designs, she explained, "It's a dragonshield, our village treasure. It offers protection to the one who uses it. We pray that you will return safely with the marquess. It is the hope of all citizens of Pherae."

"I will," nodded Eliwood as he took the shield and gave his thanks.


"That's him!" shouted Rebecca as she led the group to her village. "That's the bandit leader!"

"What is this?" mused Groznyi as Rebecca, Dorcas and Bartre came into view. "A pack of children coming to play? You think you can challenge me?" Suddenly, he noticed a couple of armoured men riding horses, followed by a man in a green cloak and a noble with distinct red hair. "What? Pheraen knights! But that's impossible!"

"Lord Eliwood! Rebecca!" Shadow ordered. "Get him!"

"Hyaaa!" Eliwood unsheathed his rapier, while Rebecca readied several arrows. The blade and missiles flew through the air, and Groznyi only managed to block the assaults in time.

"Grrrr... Primeape!" Groznyi growled as he summoned his Pokémon. A fierce-looking primate with a pig's nose came forth. It had huge muscular arms, legs and fists. Clamped around each of its wrists and ankles was a black metal ring.

"Strength attack!" The Primeape scooped up Eliwood in its arms and forcefully threw him into Rebecca. "Oof!" The lord and archer collapsed in a heap. "Are you okay, Rebecca?"

"I'm fine, milord." Rebecca said as she stood up and dusted herself. "Roselia, Magical Leaf!"

"Razor Leaf, Sunflora!" commanded Marcus.

"Focus Punch now, Primeape!" As the crescent leaves shot towards it, Primeape aimed carefully, knocking the leaves out of the air.

"Swinub!" shouted Lowen. "Ice Beam!"

"Poliwhirl, you too!" Dorcas ordered.

"Fire Punch!" By concentrating its energy, Primeape's fists began to burn with powerful red flames. Lifting up its gloved hands, Primeape met the frozen attacks with its fiery fists and negated them completely. "Now, Primeape, use Fury Swipes!"

"Zangoose, quick!" Bartre yelled. "Fury Cutter!" The two respective Pokémon jumped, meeting in mid-air, and began to slash at each other relentlessly, even as they fell to the ground. Initially it seemed that both Primeape and Zangoose were equally matched in terms of strength, when Zangoose suddenly delivered a critical blow to Primeape that made it fall backwards. "Primeape!" shouted Groznyi. "What happened!"

"Fury Cutter is an attack that gradually increases in power during consecutive use," Shadow said, making sure Bartre didn't hear what he said. "Now the damage dealt by Zangoose's Fury Cutter is higher than ever!"

"Primeape!" roared the bandit. "Double Team!" At its new order, Primeape used its speed to generate multiple images of itself, throwing both Zangoose and Bartre into confusion. "Thrash attack!" At once the multiple "Primeape" lunged at Bartre and Zangoose, landing barrage after barrage of punches and kicks that battered the fighter and his Pokémon into submission.

"Oh no!" Shadow gasped. "Lowen! Use Swinub to find the real Primeape! Everyone else, sweep through the images!"

"Right! Swinub, Odour Sleuth!" As the Pig Pokémon relied on its sense of smell and tried to locate the original Primeape, the others tried to use their strongest attacks to eliminate the fakes. It was a job easier said than done; by the time all the images had vanished and the real Primeape isolated, all the Pokémon from Eliwood's team were panting heavily.

"We can't continue like this." Eliwood frowned, "That Primeape's been dodging our attacks continuously with its evasion techniques. If this keeps up, our Pokémon will be worn out completely!"

"I have a plan..." Quickly, Shadow whispered a few words inside Rebecca and Lowen's ears. "Primeape..." Groznyi grinned evilly. "Double Team again!"

"Rebecca, now!" cried Shadow.

"Sweet Scent!" Just as Primeape began to generate images of itself again, Roselia shot it with a cloud of pleasant-smelling fragrances. "That won't stop Primeape!" laughed Groznyi, while Primeape continued to create its fakes.

"Odour Sleuth!" Under Lowen's order, Swinub began to search for Primeape again, but this time it was off like a missile shot from a ballista. "WHAT!" Groznyi exclaimed.

"Take Down, Swinub!" Having found the real Primeape, Swinub gave it a forceful nudge, knocking Primeape from its position and causing the images to disappear.

"Charmander, Flamethrower!" Eliwood commanded. "Chaaaaaar!" The Lizard Pokémon breathed a stream of fire that consumed the Primeape and poached it properly. Groznyi was jumping up and down in fury, "How... how could you have possibly gone around Primeape's Double Team!"

"Swinub is known for its keen sense of smell," Shadow began to explain. "When Primeape was hit by Roselia's Sweet Scent, it was covered in floral fragrances that made it stand out from its own images. As Swinub is highly attracted to strong smells, this made it even easier for Swinub to find Primeape!"

"Grrrr... still, you're too late!" Groznyi sniggered as several bandits came out from the village, each carrying a heavy-looking sack. "While you were taking on Primeape, my men have already gathered all the gold from the village! If I can't be the village head, I'll just make off with all their valuables!" So saying, Groznyi whistled to his brethren and signalled to them to move off.

"Oh no you don't!" Valiantly Rebecca pulled out several arrows from her quiver. "Roselia..." The young archer muttered through gritted teeth as she skilfully spun the arrows around before yanking on her bowstring. "Pin Missile!"

"Roooooo!" Jumping into the air, Roselia sent a storm of sharp needles raining downwards, just as Rebecca released her arrows. Groznyi had no chance to escape as the sharp-pointed objects riddle his body.

"ARG!" Groznyi collapsed in front of his men, "Ugh... I thought my luck was finally turning around..." Upon seeing their leader down, the cowardly bandits promptly dropped their bags of loot, and made a run for it before Rebecca decided to puncture them as well.


"Ah, you would be Lord Eliwood, yes? Our deepest thanks for coming to the aid of our fair village," smiled the village magistrate.

"Think nothing of it," Eliwood said reassuringly. "It's a lord's duty to protect the citizenry."

"Char!" Eliwood's Charmander nodded in agreement.

"Would that were true, milord," the magistrate sighed. "The good folk of Laus know no such protection. Their marquess, Lord Darin, is too busy preparing for war. He ignores all complaints of bandits and thieves."

"Preparing for war? Are you sure?" frowned Eliwood.

"I would not lie, milord." The village leader continued, "My brother lived in Laus until a few days ago. His home was torched, and he had no choice but to flee here. According to him, Laus could go to war any day now. It's all the people of Laus are talking about."

"Lord Eliwood..." Marcus rode up to the noble. "If this is true, the situation is a grave one. If Marquess Laus is readying for war... his target is most likely another Lycian territory. Perhaps this is connected to Lord Elbert's disappearance."

"My father and Marquess Laus?" Eliwood pondered. "It seems a tenuous connection, but it's as good a start as any." Beckoning to the others, he said, "Let us travel to Laus. We must learn more." After saying goodbye to the village magistrate, Eliwood and company exited the village, leaving the magistrate and his daughter, Rebecca, behind.


"Thank you for your guidance, Shadow," said Eliwood outside. "Where are you bound for next?"

"Truthfully, Lord Eliwood... I was randomly journeying through Lycia and just reached Pherae the day before when the bandits struck," answered Shadow.

"If you have no destination in mind, perhaps you could travel with us." Eliwood suggested, "Ours is a small group, with a single purpose... to find my father. I do not know where our road will lead, but... we would be stronger with your company."

"Sure, why not?" shrugged Shadow as he smiled. "I could use the experience."

"Splendid! Thank you!" Gratefully, Eliwood shook the tactician by the hand. "I pray we give you no cause to regret your decision." With that, the group started to move off.


"Rebecca!" The magistrate barked at the young archer, who was trying to give him the slip. "Where do you think you're going, young lady?"

"Father, I..." Rebecca's lips pursed together. "I intend to accompany Lord Eliwood."

"Don't be ridiculous, girl!" rebuked her father. "Lord Eliwood is not going on a picnic. He's riding into danger."

"I know that, Father. That's why I want to go," Rebecca answered to his face. "We owe him our lives, and I want to repay him. My bow and Roselia not be all that much, but I know I can be of service!"

"But..." The magistrate began to protest, but Rebecca continued in a smaller voice, "And, Father... I may meet up with my brother somewhere. You're the magistrate... you have responsibilities. I... this is all I can offer." Suddenly, the young archer grabbed her father by his hands. "I need to do this!" she pleaded. "Please, Father! Let me go!"

"Dear me... you're just as stubborn as your mother was," commented the magistrate with a sigh.

"I'm sorry, Father..." mumbled Rebecca.

"You must bow to Lord Eliwood's wishes on this matter," said her father firmly as he placed one hand on her shoulder. "If he consents, you may go."

"Thank you, Father!" Rebecca smiled brightly.

"Lord Elbert has always been kind to us," her father smiled back. "Follow his son with a true heart, Rebecca. Serve Lord Eliwood well... as I have served his father."

"I will, Father!" Waving goodbye to her father and her hometown, Rebecca sped across the dirt road, hoping to catch up with Eliwood's new team... and be a part of it.

To be continued...


ShadowedTactician: And that was Eliwood's side of the story's starting! Now on to Sa-Fire Emblem!
Imppala: What?
ShadowedTactician: See, Eliwood's story is like Pokémon Ruby as Hector's story is like Pokémon Sapphire... so mix it all together and you Sa-Fire Emblem!
Imppala: ...Bad.
Grim: Review.