Imppala: Bwahahahahahahaha!
Grim: Don't you think it's getting a bit old by now?
ShadowedTactician: Alright, for that you're replying this round's reviews!
Imppala: Darn you...

ShadowAngelUmbreon
Imppala: Marry the fiction? Can she do that?
ShadowedTactician: Frankly, modern society is getting too open-minded for my liking.

Elven-girl10
Imppala: Naturally, as you will come to see, Shadow's had to edit the conversations a little.
ShadowedTactician: Can you imagine me doing Florina/Hector Support Level C conversation?
Grim: As in-character as it was, it's still a waste of cartridge space.

Gijinka Renamon
ShadowedTactician: Actually, yes, that was one-time. If we kept adding tacticians, statistically speaking we'd need an army the size of Lycia to match. Besides, I only added him in reluctantly after realising there was a scenario where two tacticians were needed.
Imppala: Oi!

Generic Reviewer
Imppala: Technically, you would be correct. But since Bullet Seed is classified as a Special-type attack, neither of us supposed it mattered.

Imppala
Imppala: ...Okay, this is just plain stupid. How do you expect me to reply to myself?
ShadowedTactician: Don't look at me! You were the one who had to do the evil laugh!
Grim: Sigh...


Chapter 17: Whereabouts Unknown/VS Granbull

Eliwood and colleagues defeat Bauker, one of Marquess Laus' lackeys. They then press on toward Castle Caelin. Yet inside the castle many Laus soldiers remain. Eliwood and friends begin the assault on the castle to save Marquess Caelin.
In a large group, the three lords led everyone else into the castle. The bloodstains of battle could be seen everywhere on the walls and floor.

"There are still quite a few Laus soldiers in the castle," noted Eliwood.

"Where are the Caelin guards?" asked Hector.

"I think about half of them were killed in the surprise attack," Lyn frowned in thought. "The survivors must be here somewhere..."

"They might be locked away as prisoners," Imppala suggested.

"Then we'd better rescue them quickly," Eliwood said grimly. "If Marquess Laus decides to hold them hostage, it will make seizing the throne much more difficult."

"It's settled then!" Hector clapped his hands. "Let's find the guards and retake the castle!"

"Hold on, Grandfather..." prayed Lyn. "We'll be there shortly."

"Seize the throne!" shouted Eliwood. "It's time to reclaim the castle!"


"Well, I say we just rush 'em and rescue the marquess!" suggested Imppala.

"Hold on a minute, Imppala," Shadow interjected. "Let's consulted Hannah for advice... will you help us, Hannah?" He asked the old woman.

"50 gold, please!" smiled Hannah as she requested her payment. Once Shadow had given it to her, she joined limbs with her Xatu and closed her eyes. "Sky riders beware... this battle is not for you. You will need a thief," Hannah began. Florina looked a little worried upon hearing the first comment, while Matthew rubbed his hands in glee.

"There will be a meeting..." continued the fortune-teller. "Take the polite girl... the flame-haired beauty." Priscilla's heart leaped a little, and only Erk knew why. "And again, take your rapier and hammer," finished Hannah.

"She can see all that?" Imppala was visibly impressed.

"Apparently," replied Shadow. "Could you lead this attack, Imppala? I'm pretty sure you've got a better idea of the castle's insides, since you've been around longer than I have. I'll wait out here with Oswin, Florina and Serra to protect Merlinus."

"Gladly!" grinned Imppala, at the prospects of fighting and action. "You can count on me!"

"Imppala..." Eliwood approached the two tacticians. "The captured Caelin soldiers are most likely exhausted. I'd like to protect them and keep them from having to fight. I realise that makes it difficult for you to plan a strategy, but... I will do my best to take up their share of the fighting."

"Don't worry," Imppala assured. "I'll try my best to ensure their safety."

"Thank you, Imppala." The Pheraen lordling smiled, "Now, please tell us what we should do."


As Shadow and Imppala discussed how to recapture the throne and save the soldiers, one of them was having a shady conversation with his jailer...

"Hey, you," hissed a red-haired swordsman to the Laus soldier standing guard. He was clothed in a dark blue mercenary's suit and had a blackbird creature perched on his shoulder. "Let me out of here."

"What?" The jailer turned to look disdainfully at the prisoner talking to him.

"Marquess Ostia's brother is among your enemy, right? Let me out, and I'll help you," the mercenary continued. "But I must have the brother. I've a score to settle with House Ostia."

"Do you think me a fool?" scoffed the jailer. "You work for House Caelin! I cannot trust your word!"

"Then I'll have to break down this door and go through you," sneered the mercenary as he brandished his sword. "You were using Lucius as a hostage, but now he's here with me..."

"Uh..." The Laus soldier sweated nervously. The mercenary was right; he was at a disadvantage now that he had lost his bartering counter.

"No, Lord Raven! You mustn't!" shouted the Elimine acolyte from aside. "You cannot betray your debt to Marquess Caelin!"

"Shut up, Lucius!" snapped the man called Raven. "You think me foolish, but you don't understand..." Turning back to the jailer, he asked coldly, "How about it?"

"Very well." Reluctantly, the jailer opened the door. "You! Get out!" he barked at Raven. "Remember, if you betray us, your companion dies."

"I see," Raven nodded. "Just remember, if that happens... you die next." Glaring menacingly, he shoved the soldier aside. "Urr..." groaned the jailer.

"Wait! You can't go alone! It's too dangerous!" Lucius grabbed Raven by the arm, unwilling to let go.

"Lucius, stay here and be quiet. I'll be back for you," ordered Raven. "Let's go, Murkrow."

"Krow! Murkrow!" The blackbird Pokémon cawed as it flew after its master.

"Lord Raven!" cried Lucius, but it was too late.


"Matthew!" called Imppala. "Yes?" The thief asked as he scurried over.

"If memory serves me, there are several valuable items in the castle vaults over there," Imppala explained. "I think you ought to go and grab some of them; they could prove useful in our battle."

"Say no more!" Matthew said brightly as he dashed over to the coffers. Suddenly, from behind a corner dashed out several soldiers wielding bows.

"Archers!" exclaimed Imppala. "Everybody, rush them! Don't give them a chance to attack!"

"Heh!" Bartre grinned as he sent out his Zangoose. "Crush Claw, now!"

"Squirtle, use Iron Tail!" commanded Hector. The two Pokémon charged forward, cleanly knocking out the Laus fighters. Meanwhile...

"Whew! Didn't think they'd be smart enough to guard the vaults, too," Matthew breathed as he wiped sweat from his brow. "Thanks for coming along with me, Erk."

"No problem," replied the mage. "I shall go back to join the others."

"Well, now, what do we have here?" The thief said to himself as he and Aipom fiddled with the locks. "A hero crest, and an Unlock staff... eh?" Instinctively, Matthew put his ear to the ground. "It sounds like reinforcements. I'd best return to the main group!"


Meanwhile, outside the castle...

"This is so boring!" Serra was whining away, as she usually did. "Why won't something happen?"

"At least you're not inside fighting with the others," Shadow chided, knowing how Serra hated violence.

"Well I wish something would happen!" As Serra snapped, a group of horsemen appeared in the distance...

"Cavaliers! And nomads!" Oswin shouted. "They must be working for Marquess Laus too!"

"Aiiiieee!" Upon hearing the word 'nomad', Florina dashed into Merlinus' tent, screaming. "I guess she's still afraid of bowmen..." Shadow commented as he sweated. "Now we're one fighter short! Serra, what are you doing?" The cleric in question was fumbling about with a Pokéball attached to her belt.

"Usually I wouldn't lower myself to such a level, but I guess I don't have much choice..." mumbled Serra. "Go, Corsola!" Out from her Pokéball emerged what looked like a pink-and-white stone animal. It had a pair of eyes and mouth for a face, while its body had several spikes jutting outwards. Six rocky stubs made its limbs.

"You have a Corsola?" Shadow was surprised.

"I found it along with Erk's Pikachu when he escorted me back to Ostia last year," Serra explained. "Corsola, Rock Blast!"

"Lairon! Help us out with Rock Slide!" Oswin ordered as he sent out the Iron Armour Pokémon. The two Rock-types immediately generated a storm of stones and flung them at the incoming equestrians.

"Grim!" commanded Shadow. "Use Night Shade!" Through his two eyeholes, Grim shot out a pair of dark energy blasts. Met with such a powerful combined assault, the horsemen were quickly eliminated as they cantered up in pairs. At the same time, Imppala had led the main group further inside the castle...

"What in blazes?" exclaimed one of the imprisoned Caelin soldiers. "It's getting even noisier than before."

"Isn't that the sound of combat?" suggested Lucius.

"It must be Lady Lyndis! She's found reinforcements!" The soldier said excitedly. "It's time..."

"Hm? What... What are you doing?" Lucius stood confusedly as the soldier lifted up a stone from the ground, revealing several keys and lances hidden underneath the floor.

"I thought aid might come, so I hid keys and weapons here," explained the soldier. "Oh, I see," nodded Lucius.

"So... what are you going to do?" The soldier asked as he distributed the weapons.

"Uh..." The Elimine monk was at a loss for words.

"Your master... he's betrayed us," said the soldier seriously. "Lucius, I must ask. What will you do?"

"I... I want to stop Lord Raven," Lucius frowned. "However... in his current state, I... doubt he will lend me his ear. And so... I will... wait. I will wait for Lord Raven here," decided the monk. "I'm sorry... I cannot fight... Please understand."

"I do," the soldier nodded. "Here, these are for you."

"For me?" Lucius stared at the items the soldier passed to him. "Vulneraries and a book of light magic?"

"You don't have to fight, just protect yourself," the soldier explained. "I've known you only for a short time, but you're a friend. I don't want to see you die."

"Thank you... thank you." Lucius bowed.

"Alright, lads! Open that door!" shouted the soldier. "On our honour as Caelin knights, we will save the marquess!"


"Priscilla! Follow Lady Lyndis and Lord Eliwood and rescue those soldiers!" commanded Imppala. "The others will head on to the throne room!" The respective units complied and separated at a corner.

"So... they've come..." muttered Raven as he saw two figures coming down the hall. His hands gripped the steel sword tightly, ready to strike. Suddenly, as the green-haired plainsgirl dashed past, he noticed the Ponyta-riding maiden behind her. The mercenary nearly dropped his blade in shock. "You..."

"Hm?" Priscilla turned around. "Can it be?" Raven whispered.

"I..." The troubadour did not know what to say.

"You don't... recognise me. That's not surprising," commented Raven softly. "You were so young when we were separated..."

"What?" Now it was Priscilla's turn to be astonished. "Are you... Raymond? My brother, Raymond?"

"You've grown, Priscilla..." smiled the mercenary.

"Brother! My brother!" Unable to restrain herself, Priscilla leapt off her Ponyta and caught her brother in a tight embrace. Raven's Murkrow flew up from his shoulder and made joyful circles around Ponyta.

"What are you doing here?" Raven asked. "It's been ten years since Count Caerleon of Etruria took you in as his foster daughter..."

"That's right," nodded Priscilla. "My adopted father has treated me with much kindness. But I am of Caelin's House Cornwell by birth. I still remember Father and Mother." Turning to wipe a few tears from her eye, she continued, "I've never forgotten them. Or you, Raymond."

"...Priscilla." Raven looked at his younger sister adoringly.

"...When I heard that House Cornwell was lost... I... I was so worried about you," the troubadour whispered.

"So that's why you left Etruria? You've come quite a way," remarked Raven.

"Dear friends of mine in Etruria helped me," Priscilla explained. "They provided a young mage to be my escort. Then we passed through Laus... the marquess learned of my lineage and refused to let me leave. I would be there still if not for Lord Eliwood and his companions."

"His... companions?" Raven repeated.

"Lord Hector, Lady Lyndis... they're all such kind people," smiled Priscilla. "I'm so glad I came to Lycia. And now I've found you..."

"You've become friends with... him?" By now Raven's voice had lost all its affection.

"Raymond?" Priscilla looked at her brother. Something was clearly not right...

"...I see," Raven nodded, after apparent consideration. "Then I will join you."

"Dear Brother!" gushed Priscilla. "Will you truly come with us?"

"I could not refuse my little sister," replied Raven. "And besides..."

"What is it?" Priscilla asked.

"It's nothing," Raven said darkly. "You're better off not knowing. Tell me, your lineage..." The mercenary brought his mouth close to his sister's ear. "Do Eliwood and his friends know of your heredity?"

"No, we've never spoken of it," answered Priscilla.

"I see... that is best," nodded Raven.

"Brother?" Priscilla frowned. Her brother was becoming more and more secretive with each passing moment...

"Priscilla, we must keep our relationship secret," Raven said solemnly. "Okay?"

"All... alright..." conceded the fair maiden. "If you say we must..."

"Another thing, my name is Raven now," continued the mercenary. "Raymond is... a name I discarded."

"Brother... you have your reasons, don't you?" Priscilla asked gently. "I understand. As long as we can travel together, I'm happy," she smiled. Raven could say nothing in reply to his sister's joy.

"If we continue on, we'll be able to see Father and Mother, too!" added Priscilla brightly.

"Priscilla, that's..." Before Raven could say anything else, his sister had already got back on Ponyta and ridden off. Sighing, the mercenary put his sword back into its sheath. "Maybe she's better off not knowing," he thought to himself.

"Krow?" Murkrow hovered in front of Raven, with a concerned look in its eye.

"Come on, Murkrow," Raven said, seemingly unperturbed. "We've got to rescue Lucius."

"Are you all well?" Lyn asked the soldiers as she met them further down the hallway.

"Lady Lyndis! You're unharmed!" cheered a soldier.

"Please, I need all of you to help!" pleaded Lyn.

"Yes, my liege! We are yours to command!" The soldiers gave a combined salute, before following Lyn in a charge. Meanwhile, Raven had ran forward into the cell. "Lucius!" he called.

"Lord Raven! I'm so pleased to see you well!" Lucius cried out in relief.

"Things have changed," Raven whispered. "For the time being, we side with Caelin."

"That is good... so you've had a change of heart?" asked Lucius hopefully.

"No, I will still have my revenge against House Ostia. The closer you are to your enemy, the easier it is to strike, right?" said Raven with a slight smirk. "Krow! Krow!" cawed Murkrow.

"Lo-Lord Raven..." Lucius wanted to protest, but was quickly interrupted.

"Let's go, Lucius," beckoned Raven as he headed outside.

"Yes..." sighed the monk as he followed suit, not wanting to be left behind.


"I am Bernard, Knight Commander of Laus!" announced the general guarding the throne as Eliwood and Hector burst in. "I would test the might of those who defeated Bauker!"

"Raaaaah!" Three other knights who happened to be in the same room threw themselves at the advancing lords, as best as their armour allowed them to.

"Ha!" Hector swung his Wolf Beil around wildly, cutting through the protective metal coverings of two knights, as well as the soft skin within. Eliwood on the other hand struck his rapier through the last knight's chest. "Knaves," smirked Hector as he kicked the bodies aside.

"What!" Bernard was astonished at the quick defeat of his knights, but pulled out a Pokéball nonetheless. "There's no way you can defeat me! Go, Granbull!" he shouted, sending out a lilac canine Pokémon with big floppy archlike ears, and a grey around each of its wrists, ankles, and neck. Its scariest features were the two huge teeth extending from its protruding lower jaw.

"That thing doesn't scare us!" Hector declared as Squirtle and Charmander stood, ready to fight. "Skull Bash!" shouted the two lords.

"Squir!" "Char!" The two smaller Pokémon broke into a run, heads lowered...

"Granbull, Earthquake!" Bernard ordered. At once, Granbull raised its left foot and brought it down, not only causing the ground to shake, but also Squirtle and Charmander to lose their balance and crash into the wall. "Shadow Ball!" Bringing its hands together, Granbull generated a ball of dark energy and flung it at the two lords, throwing them backwards. Meanwhile, Lyn had just rounded the corner to the pathway leading into the throne room, and her soldiers were not far behind.

"Dorcas!" shouted Imppala as Lyn raced past and the soldiers rushed to catch up. "Immobilise those soldiers! Lord Eliwood wants them out of the battle!"

"Alright! Poliwhirl!" The red-haired fighter nodded and sent out his Tadpole Pokémon. "Use Hypnosis!"

"Poliwhirl!" The Water-type Pokémon stretched its palms outward, firing a wave of sleep-inducing rays that immediately put the soldiers into a deep slumber. "Thanks!" yelled Imppala as he followed the plainsgirl.

"We're here!" announced Lyn as she charged into the throne room. She then noticed with surprise that her soldiers were not around, except for her tactician who was just rushing in. "Where're my soldiers?" she exclaimed.

"Let's not worry about them, worry about him!" Hector pointed. Granbull looked as if it was still going strong, while Charmander and Squirtle were panting heavily. "Squirtle, Ice Beam!" commanded Hector.

"Charmander, Flamethrower!" yelled Eliwood.

"Water Pulse, Granbull!" As the ice and fire flew towards the Fairy Pokémon, it thrust its hands forth, producing a wave of water that overpowered Squirtle and Charmander's combined attacks. "Ah!" Quickly, the three lords and one tactician dodged the incoming assault.

"He's too powerful!" Eliwood exclaimed. "None of our attacks are working!"

"Wouldn't it be easier to just hit Granbull straight on?" suggested Imppala.

"That's what we tried to do!" said Hector impatiently. "But every time we try to get close, that Granbull unleashes a full-fledged Earthquake at us! We can't get near him at all!"

"But why would Granbull want to distance us from him?" pondered Lyn.

"Maybe that's part of their strategy!" Imppala realised. "Lord Eliwood, has Granbull moved from its position at all, or its mouth?"

"No, it hasn't!" replied Eliwood after some thought.

"Ah! In that case, the strategy is clear!" grinned the red tactician. "Lord Eliwood, Lord Hector, I need you to distract Granbull one more time!"

"Alright!" The two lords gritted their teeth as they turned to face the huge canine. "Double Skull Bash!" they commanded.

"Earthquake, Granbull!" Bernard shouted. The Fairy Pokémon grunted in obedience, and raised its left foot once more... "Now, Lady Lyndis!" signalled Imppala.

"Go, Ivysaur! Vine Whip!" Lyn yelled, throwing out one of her Pokéballs. "Saur!" Quickly, the evolved Seed Pokémon extended two vines from its back and wrapped them around Granbull's legs.

"What? No!" Bernard started to panic, but it was too late. A little nudge in the right direction from Ivysaur sent Granbull falling to the floor with a resounding crash!

"Granbull's strength lies in its great physical power and massive jaw, but because of its huge size, its biting attacks become very difficult to use properly," explained Imppala. "As a result, it also finds difficulty in just moving around; that's why Granbull didn't move around or use attacks that require it to open its mouth!"

"Enough of that!" Hector smirked as he swung his Wolf Beil above his shoulder. "It's time to put an end to the last of these mice of Laus! Yaaaaah!"

"Haaaa!" Eliwood charged, holding his trusty rapier in front.

"Hyaaaaa!" Unsheathing her Mani Katti, Lyn dashed into the lead, her incredible speed giving the illusion that her feet were not touching the ground.

"URGH!" In spite of his thick armour, Bernard could not shield himself from the powerful concerted attack. Collapsing, he gave a weak smile as he slowly closed his eyes, "I suppose... this is a just reward... for Laus' brutality..."


"Grandfather! Grandfather!" Lyn cried frantically as the rest of the group searched the room. "Where..."

"Lord Hausen?" called Eliwood. "Where are you?"

"Eliwood!" At Hector's shout, Lyn and Eliwood immediately rushed over. "Here, on the throne... it's blood," informed the Ostian lord, pointing to several red blotches on the seat.

"Blood? No!" gasped Lyn in horror. "It can't be!"

"Lyndis! Calm down," said Eliwood quickly. "He might only be injured. Come, let us find him."

"Yes, you're right. I must be calm," Lyn breathed deeply. Suddenly, she caught sight of a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows. "There! Over there!" exclaimed Lyn. "There's someone..."

"Who's there? Show yourself!" Eliwood barked. Complying, the figure walked out into the light, revealing herself to be the woman Ephidel talked to hours ago.

"You... Leila!" Hector recognised.

"Yes, it's me, Lord Hector," smiled Leila. "It's been a long time."

"You know her?" asked Eliwood.

"Yes, her name's Leila," explained Hector. "She... works for Ostia... alright, she's a spy," he finished exasperatedly. Somehow he was having a hard time keeping his brother's spies a secret...

"Lord Eliwood of Pherae and Lady Lyndis of Pherae, correct? I am Leila. Pleased to make your acquaintance," introduced the female spy. "Lady Lyndis, Marquess Caelin is back there receiving treatment."

"My grandfather is safe?" Lyn could not believe what she had just heard.

"...His life is yet his own," answered Leila.

"Ah! Father Sky and Mother Earth!" praised Lyn. "I thank you for your mercy!"

"Leila, what are you doing here?" Hector asked.

"I... I'm following Lord Uther's orders," Leila explained. "I'm investigating Marquess Pherae's disappearance."

"My father? What have you learned?" Eliwood's face brightened at the mention of his father.

"Come with me," whispered Leila, beckoning to the three lords. "We should talk in private." In silent agreement, Hector and Lyn followed, as well as Imppala and Shadow. Only Eliwood remained, his heart filled with dread and apprehension about what news Leila might have had. "Huh? Come on, Eliwood."

"Ah..." Upon hearing Hector's voice, Eliwood shook himself from his thoughts.

"Worrying about things won't change them," said Hector.

"I know. I'm fine," replied Eliwood. "Let's go!"


"Let me start with my conclusion," began Leila once she made sure no one outside the room could overhear their conversation. "Marquess Pherae... is alive."

"Whooooo! Eliwood!" Hector cheered.

"That's wonderful!" Lyn said enthusiastically.

"Are you sure?" asked Eliwood anxiously.

"I've been posing as a member of the Black Fang for several months," Leila continued. "That's where I got this information. I believe it is true."

"Black Fang... they're the guild of assassins that spoke of," Eliwood recalled.

"Yes, we've known of their existence for quite some time," nodded the spy. "Explain," ordered Hector.

"The Black Fang is a guild of assassins founded about ten years ago by Brendan Reed. They're based in Bern," related Leila. "Their arms reached quickly in several other countries. Originally, they targeted only nobles who abused their positions. The masses saw them as chivalrous, defenders of the common man. Their activities found wide support."

"Chivalrous..." Hector repeated.

"Then about a year ago, Brendan got married again. Black Fang's operations have slowly changed since then," Leila went on. "Now, they'll take on any target, no matter how difficult, as long as they're paid. And they're no longer killing criminals; anyone is a fair target."

"Is this Black Fang responsible for what's happened to my grandfather?" questioned Lyn.

"Yes," nodded the Ostian spy. "We've learned of a mystery man named Nergal, behind Reed's wife. It seems that the Black Fang is performing secret tasks across Lycia for Nergal. Nergal's trusted retainer Ephidel is with Marquess Laus. He manipulated Laus into hatching the rebellion plot against Ostia," she added. "The first to answer Laus' call for rebellion was Marquess Santaruz."

"Lord Helman..." Eliwood whispered. "Why would you..." Hector could say nothing to comfort his friend.

"Next was Lord Elbert, Marquess Pherae," continued Leila.

"You're telling me that my father endorsed this plan?" Eliwood's eyes widened in shock.

"I cannot say," Leila replied. "I do know he is with Marquess Laus currently. In a place called... the Dragon's Gate."

"Dragon's Gate? Where's that?" asked Eliwood.

"On an isle called Valour, off the southern coast of Lycia," answered the spy. "I apologise, but that is all the information I have."

"Of all the places to be, Valour... blast!" cursed Hector.

"What kind of place is it?" Lyn asked.

"It's said that those who step onto the island never return. The common folk call it the Dread Isle," Eliwood replied. "If that's where my father is, however, I will go and find him. And this 'Dragon's Gate', too!"

"I'm going with you," declared Hector. "I'll tell you right now, you can't stop me."

"I'm also going," nodded Lyn.

"Lyndis, I appreciate your kindness, but... shouldn't you stay with Marquess Caelin?" asked Eliwood.

"Laus must be stopped. Otherwise, they might target my grandfather again," Lyn said firmly. "I also wish to help Eliwood's father. Losing a parent... it's an unbearable pain. It's something I'd rather you didn't have to feel yet," she whispered softly.

"If all of you are going, then we're going too!" added the two tacticians.

"Lyndis... Hector... Shadow... Imppala... Thank you. All of you," smiled Eliwood. "You give me strength."

"Don't mention it," grinned Hector.

"We're friends. It's what friends do, Eliwood," agreed Lyn.

"And we'll only be glad to offer our advice!" Shadow chipped in.

"I'm also going to continue searching," added Leila. "Lady Lyndis, I think it would be prudent to let the world think Marquess Caelin is dead."

"I understand," Lyn nodded. "I'll do that. Thank you."

"No thanks necessary. If you'll excuse me," Leila said as she prepared to leave. "Leila!" called Hector. "Yes?" The Ostian spy returned beside him.

"Nergal and this... Ephidel? What are they like?" Hector questioned.

"I've yet to lay eyes on Nergal. I've spoken to Ephidel on several occasions, however," answered Leila darkly. "He's... eerie. He always wears a cloak that covers his face. And yet..."

"What is it?" asked Hector.

"His eyes... glow golden. You can't miss them," Leila said as she made her way out of the room. "They seem... inhuman..." With her final message, Leila left her listeners pondering over what was to come.


"It's time we got back to Valour in case Ephidel suspects something, Pamela," said Leila to her Aipom. "Ai!" it nodded.

"Is that you, Leila?" The other Ostian spy appeared from behind a pillar.

"Matthew. It's been a long time," Leila smiled.

"What have you been doing? More dangerous work?" Matthew asked casually.

"We're spies, Matthew. Everything we do is dangerous," reminded his counterpart.

"That's true," agreed the male spy. "So how long do you think this mission's going to last?"

"My objective is the same as yours: to rescue Marquess Pherae. If things go well, I'll be in Ostia at the same time as you are." Just then, Leila noticed that Matthew was carrying several assorted items, including a silver sword and a knight crest. "You've been stealing from marquesses again, haven't you," she sighed.

"Can't help it, that's what I do!" shrugged Matthew. "By the way, if you're returning to Ostia when I am, you'll need to visit my hometown."

"Is that where you were born? Why?" asked Leila.

"...To meet my parents," Matthew answered mysteriously.

"Hm?" Leila felt a rush of warmth to her face. "Matthew..."

"Ha, ha. Well, that's that! See you!" Waving cheekily, Matthew disappeared, but not before his Aipom gave Pamela a knowing wink.

"As slippery as ever... didn't even wait for my reply," chuckled Leila.


"Lady Lyndis!" shouted the soldiers. They had just woken up from their Hypnosis spell and gone looking for their mistress.

"Everyone... I'm happy to see you all well," Lyn said with relief. "I'm going after Marquess Laus. Protect my grandfather," she ordered.

"One moment, Lady Lyndis..." One of the soldiers stepped up and pressed a red gem into her left hand. "Please take this jewel before you leave."

"Jewel?" asked Lyn as she looked at the glittering stone.

"We were able to move it before Laus' men ransacked our vaults," explained another soldier.

"We will take care of Lord Hausen," promised the third. "Please, Lady Lyndis, return to us safely."

"I will," nodded Lyn as she kept the jewel. "Thank you."


"If I rightly recall, the closest port to Valour is Badon," frowned Hector. "That's about half a day's journey away."

"Alright!" Imppala raised his hand. "In that case, I vote we make tracks for the port of Badon! Everybody agree?"

"Aye!" shouted some of the men in concordance. At once, the group began to set off for the southern coast of Lycia.

"Hey... Serra?" called Shadow. "If you've only got your Corsola with you... what happened to Loudred?"

"Hm?" The cleric turned to look at the green tactician. "Oh, I left him in Ostia Castle! I figured he would make a great addition to the palace guard!" she smiled brightly. Meanwhile...

"LOUDRED! LOUDRED!" The Big Voice Pokémon in question was throwing its fifth temper tantrum for the entire day. "WAUGH!" screamed the soldiers as they clamped their hands around their ears. "Grrr..." Lord Uther himself was losing more and more of his cool.

"Serraaaaaaaaaaaa!"


Imppala: Finally, on to Badon! Full of battles and non-stop action!
ShadowedTactician: Not to mention a Pokémon evolution and good ol' plot self-insertion! Stuff I'm actually confident writing about!
ShadowedTactician/Imppala: Whoopee!
Grim: You rarely see them agree with each other like this, so savour the moment... Review.