Grim: Imppala? He's studying his head off as we speak, poor guy.
ShadowedTactician: Electrike?
Grim: Powering his study lamp.
ShadowedTactician: Oh. Guess it's just you and me then. Just as well, we needed the alone time.
Grim: Indeed.
Elven-girl10
Grim: Well, the laws of probability do need someone to balance the fanbase...
ShadowedTactician: I can see her having much animated conversations with RubyVulpix... thanks for the comment, by the way. As a matter of fact, I've already got another one planned in the works...
Gijinka Renamon
Grim: So, if that was nearly forever, then this was...?
ShadowedTactician: At least to the power of three, I think.
RubyVulpix
Grim: You know, you'd think that after being blasted so many times, he'd at least try his zero energy before the evil taunting.
ShadowedTactician: He must listen to Jack Spicer. A lot.
Jeanie
Grim: Hm... lots of stuff to say here.
ShadowedTactician: Quite right. For starters, this crossover was designed to have all the canon pairings (so that means no Hector/Farina, no Eliwood/Lyn, no Erk/Nino, no... you get the idea). This should give you an idea over what's to come... as for the Rebecca pairing, Wil's the most likely choice since Wolt looks so much like Wil, and the two have a history together. (Of course Rebecca/Raven fans will point out that Rebecca has a most obvious crush on the mercenary... but they don't even get a double ending. Shame.) Yes, Isadora has Illumise (which 4Kids stupidly pronounces Il-loo-mee-sé), and I know Plusle and Minun are disgustly bad spoofs of Pikachu designed for the sake of 2-on-2 battle mode demonstration. But it was Ninian's debut, and I'd already thought of the Rain Dance thing beforehand, so... yeah.
Frodo007
ShadowedTactician: Same here. I find a severe abuse of the respective arenas especially helps.
Eliwood travels westward to meet with Uther, the marquess of Ostia. Lord Uther is an intelligent leader and power in the Lycian League. He has also been a father to Hector, Eliwood's long-time friend, ever since their parents died many years ago. Hector's reunion with his brother is a happy one, if somewhat embarrassing. Filled with complex emotions, Hector passes through Laus with the group and continues through two more territories: Ryerde and Worde. After a time, they arrive at a fortress separating Thria and Ostia.
At a mountain fortress in Bern, Jaffar and his Sneasel patiently waited inside a huge hall, having received orders to be there. He was not going to be alone for long; the purple-haired woman who had issued commands to Beyard a year ago came riding in on her Rapidash. A few moments later, a swordsmaster and a hero came in from the southern entrance, just as Sonia and a battle-worn warrior entered from a northern staircase.
"Jaffar. Ursula. Lloyd. Linus." Sonia pointed to the other four people standing away from her. "That's everyone, is it not? If I have you, the Four Fangs, together, I need no one else. I have need of you to eliminate a man whose living plagues me," she continued. "His name is Eliwood, a noble of Pherae." Jaffar said nothing. He had already met with Eliwood before.
"Pherae's located in Lycia, is it not?" asked Ursula.
"That's right. But he is no simple country lord," cautioned Sonia. "He has friends... Other Lycian lords. Individually, they are no match for you, and yet... Carelessness invites death."
"Do not make that mistake," Ursula put her superior's words in her own mouth.
"Lloyd, Linus... I have work for you, the Reed brothers, as well," Sonia instructed the swordsmaster and hero. "Alright?"
"One question. Are these our father's ord... I mean, the orders of the head of the Black Fang?" asked the swordsman.
"Hee hee... Why, naturally," smiled Sonia. "Isn't that right, my beloved?"
"Mmm... Ah... yes," grunted the warrior.
"There! Are you satisfied?" Sonia asked. "Remove Eliwood. Your orders come from the head of the Black Fang, Brendan Reed. As members of that group, you will follow that order, yes? Or... does your opponent frighten you into immobility, Lloyd?" she grinned.
"Sonia!" barked the hero. "How dare you speak to my brother in such a..."
"Linus!" chastised Lloyd.
"...I know," muttered Linus. He knew to step down when his brother told him to.
"Sonia, we do not need to be chastised by you," Lloyd stated. "Under our father, we are the ones who've carried out the law of the Fang. If Eliwood is an evil person, there is no reason for us to hesitate."
"The Fang lets none escape," Linus nodded.
"We, the brothers Reed, dispense the Fang's justice," finished Lloyd.
"...Ursula, Jaffar, you understand your orders, yes?" asked Sonia with a hint of irritation in her voice. At least the other two Fangs rarely spouted such long, pointless dialogue. "Once you find the target, you eliminate him at once!"
"It will be as you say, Lady Sonia," bowed Ursula. "Anything for you."
"...I've received my orders. I will do my duty," replied Jaffar in his cold monotone.
"Your target's name is Eliwood, noble of Pherae!" Sonia reminded. "Bring him down. On the Black Fang's honour!"
Meanwhile, in another fortress...
"...I've had word from my brother," Hector reported, after discussing with some Ostian soldiers who had stationed themselves at the castle to wait for the three lords. "He's already on his way here. We're to wait for him."
"Lord Uther is coming here himself?" asked Eliwood.
"So it appears," shrugged Hector. "I told you of this before, but Castle Ostia, not to mention the city itself, is filled with countless foreign spies. I assume he thinks it will be easier to speak freely here."
"But... wouldn't leaving Ostia generate even more attention?" Eliwood frowned.
"He's travelling in secret with very few attendants," Hector assured. "He's skilled at this sort of thing. There's no need to worry."
"How unconventional," smirked Lyn. "It must run in the family..."
"...And what exactly is that supposed to mean?" muttered Hector.
"Nothing," smiled the plainsgirl. "I'm very much looking forward to meeting him."
As the three lords chatted, Nils and Ninian stood in the back room, awaiting Lord Uther's presence...
"Nils, are you well?" asked Ninian. "You seem... distant."
"I'm fine. Just a little tired after that battle we had," breathed Nils. "If we can sit still for one night, I'll be bet... ter..." Without warning, the flute-player boy slumped to the floor, out cold.
"No! Nils? Nils!" Frantically, Ninian tried to rouse her brother awake. This only had the effect of attracting the three lords' attention.
"Nils?" Lyn exclaimed.
"Nils! You alright?" asked Hector.
"Nils! Open your eyes!" Ninian begged.
"Ninian! Calm down!" urged Eliwood as he held her back.
"Ah... I..." Slowly, Ninian began to relax in Eliwood's gentle but firm grip.
"Let's move him into the back room and call a healer," Hector suggested.
"You mustn't move him!" shouted Ninian.
"Huh?" Hector stared at the young dancer, bewildered by her sudden reaction. "Ninian?" asked Lyn.
"I'm sorry, I... um..." Ninian blushed, not knowing how to explain the situation. "Please, just for now... don't move him."
"But..." protested Hector.
"...Let's do as Ninian says," Eliwood decided. "She must have her reasons."
"...Please, just one night's rest... That should make things right," Ninian pleaded.
"If it's going to make him feel better, fine," Hector nodded. "Whatever you do, don't move him. I'll let the others know."
"Lord Hector... my apologies," bowed Ninian.
"No worries," smiled the Ostian lordling. Little did they know, their peaceful wait was about to be very rudely disturbed...
Outside, a paladin and wyvern knight were having a peculiar discussion...
"...So this is where the Pheraen noble and his friends are, eh?" smirked the paladin.
"Yes, Commander Eubans," replied the wyvern knight.
"Very well, Heath, your unit will attack from west of the fortress," ordered Eubans. "Your mission is to put an end to the entire group. Make no mistakes."
"...Are you serious?" asked Heath. "Marquess Laus abandoned us and just vanished. We've no reason to engage this group."
"We answered Marquess Laus' call, and we will honour our duty," Eubans stated. "Regardless, we cannot remain in Lycia any longer. We rebelled against Ostia, and our entire mercenary force is hunted. If we take their heads, we can join the Black Fang in Bern."
"I'm opposed to this plan," Heath said firmly. "There are women and children in their group. What you would ask of us... It's something no knight... no man could do without shame."
"Listen well, Heath," growled Eubans. "You're a wanted man, a fugitive from Bern. How about we take you and hand you over to Bern's wyvern riders? We might even be knighted as a reward, given honest work." Heath could not say anything in reply to this comment.
"Hah! Thought as much. Everyone wants to protect his own skin," Eubans smirked triumphantly. "Now, get your unit together. We attack!"
"Yes, Commander Eubans," came the reluctant answer. As Heath went to lead his own unit, Eubans signalled to the rest of his force to move in...
"Sir! We're under attack!" screamed a soldier as he came rushing into the room. "It's the east gate! The foe is already inside!"
"Blast!" swore Hector. "They would show up now..."
"We can't move Nils. Let's try and hold them off!" shouted Eliwood. "Protect Nils! Don't let them near him!"
"This is such cruelty to force on an old woman!" moaned Hannah. "Finally, we get to a city, and I cannot get a bed? Oh, my poor back..."
"Actually, to be precise, we're not really in a city," Shadow replied after some thought. "Specifically, we're somewhere between Thria and Ostia. And believe me... I scoured the entire castle, and couldn't even find a mattress substitute... so..."
"Hm? Oh yes. You want an augury. Work, work, work," Hannah muttered hastily. "You will pay the 60 gold?"
"Here!" Imppala displayed equal irritation as he tossed the money at Hannah's feet.
"Hmmm... Someone is ill... collpased. This person cannot be moved," began the fortune-teller, once she and her Xatu had gotten ready (and she had pocketed her pay). "Illness will not stay your foe's hand, however... You must protect the fallen. Do not let your foes in. Mines and light runes can be used to block their path... Ah, I see a meeting. A sky rider... he carries justice in his heart. He might listen to one of your leaders... I have nothing more to add."
"Someone is ill! Collapsed! This person cannot be moved!" mimicked Imppala. "Geez, we give her 60 gold, and that's all she tells us?"
"Not that she was wrong though," noted Shadow. "From what I heard from Lord Eliwood, Ninian isn't letting anyone even touch him. This means we can't even assign someone to carry him out of danger if the need arrives."
"Pfeh! I'm not worried about that!" Imppala spat. "All we need to do is chuck a coupla light runes in front of Nils, end of story!"
"Sigh... if you're that confident," Shadow groaned. "And as for that sky rider... there's gotta be a swarm of winged units out there! How are we meant to know who that guy is?"
"Well... the best thing we can do is wait for one of them to approach one of the lords," grimaced Imppala as he scratched his head. "You can't expect our leaders to look for a sky rider carrying justice in his heart when all but one of those enemies is waiting to skewer 'em with a lance!"
"I guess you're right," agreed Shadow. "So... we simply divide ourselves into three groups, and plow into them?"
"My sentiments, brother!" smirked Imppala as the two tacticians exchanged knowing glances and grins. "Let's go for it!"
"Lord Hector! We'll serve as your reinforcements!" announced one of the Ostian knights. "We're a small group, but we've got some mercenaries among us."
"Alright then! But don't overstrain yourself!" called Hector. "Leave the fighting to us!"
"Rath of Sacae!" ordered another soldier in a nearby corridor. "Take charge of the mercenaries!"
"...Understood," nodded the nomad. A Taillow perched gently on his shoulder while a Mightyena sat down next to his horse.
"Hear me!" the soldier yelled. "We're here to protect Lord Hector, Lord Eliwood, and Lady Lyndis!"
"...Lyn..." murmured Rath, before leading the others out...
"They're coming!" shouted Imppala as the sound of walls breaking echoed throughout the fortress.
"Central group, advance to the courtyard! Side groups, enter the respective halls!" Shadow ordered. "We'll all meet in the middle and drive the enemy out!"
"Alright! Follow me, everyone!" nodded Hector, leading the main force of Eliwood's army to greet the incoming enemies.
"Go... Ivysaur! Swellow!" yelled Lyn. "Leaf Tornado!"
"Saur!" "Swellow!" While Ivysaur generated its Razor Leaf, Swellow created a cyclone that brought the leaves together, slicing through a mage and a fighter.
"...So you're being hunted again, are you, Lyn of the Lorca?" asked a familiar voice.
"Rath! Rath of the Kutolah!" Lyn exclaimed, turning back to see the nomad on his horse, flanked by his Pokémon. "Well met! What are you doing here?"
"...After we parted company, I've made my way as a mercenary here," explained Rath.
"I see... you haven't changed at all," nodded Lyn. "It's... good to see you again."
"...Do you need my help?" Rath asked.
"Are you offering?" Lyn replied, gazing into his emerald eyes.
"...You... if you desire it," answered Rath, unable to look away from Lyn's jade irises.
"Yes, please! Lend us your strength! We're... involved in something terribly dangerous!" babbleed Lyn.
"I see," Rath nodded. "When this is finished, I will end my service to this place. But for now... Taillow!"
"Swellow!" announced Lyn.
"Wing Attack!" declared the two Sacaens, as their Flying Pokémon dove straight at the enemy. Meanwhile...
"Done!" exclaimed Matthew, as the unlocked door swung open... revealing a group of mages and fighters. "Whoa!" he yelled.
"Matthew! Stay back!" shouted Eliwood. "Charmeleon, Fire Spin!"
"Chaaaaar!" roared Charmeleon, breathing out a scorching tornado of flame.
"Uwaaaaah!" screamed the enemies. Some were fried to a crisp, while the others quickly retreated, leaving a lone green-haired wyvern rider behind to face Eliwood. Another Charmeleon stood next to him, slightly bigger than Eliwood's own, and a scar above its left eye.
"...Do you command this group?" asked the wyvern rider.
"Who are you?" Eliwood questioned.
"I'm Heath, a wyvern rider serving Eubans' mercenaries," the stranger introduced. "...I wish to surrender."
"...? So that's the sky rider with justice in his heart!" thought Shadow.
"Surrender? Why?" asked Eliwood.
"I've no wish to harm women and children," answered Heath. "I'm a soldier, but... I'm trying to be human, too."
"...I understand," Eliwood nodded. "However, as you know, we're under attack. It will be hard to guarantee your safety..."
"No, that's fine," Heath assured. "I will fight alongside you."
"Yet..." protested the Pheraen noble.
"I will stop Commander Eubans when the moment comes..." nodded the wyvern rider grimly, "With this, my lance... and Leon."
"Char?" Eliwood's Charmeleon gazed at Heath's, a puzzled look on its face.
"Me..." Leon glared back as it followed Heath out. "Meleon..."
"Everyone, follow him!" Shadow ordered. "Lord Eliwood... Stay back for awhile."
"Shadow?" Eliwood looked at Shadow in surprise. "But..."
"You've worn yourself out from clearing the way for us and talking to Heath," explained the tactician. "I'll get Ninian to re-energise you a bit. You can catch up with us later."
"But..." Before Eliwood could say anything else, Shadow had already directed the others forward, leaving him and Ninian behind. Obediently, the dancer girl performed her artistic ritual around the Pheraen lord, restoring his energy.
"Ah... that feels much better," breathed Eliwood. "Thank you, Ninian."
"The pleasure is mine, Lord Eliwood," smiled Ninian. "Actually... I... I'd like to thank you."
"Huh? What is it?" Eliwood asked. "Why the formality?"
"Lady Lyn told me... She told me it was you. You were the one who helped me one year ago," Ninian explained.
"Oh, that..." murmured Eliwood.
"I apologise," Ninian continued meekly. "I... I had lost consciousness, and I fear I never properly thanked you, Lord Eliwood..."
"Don't let it concern you. I wanted to help," Eliwood assured.
"But still..." Pleadingly, the dancer gazed into her saviour's eyes, desperately thinking of some way she could repay him.
"Hrm... Ah, I know! Next time you are free, show me your dancing!" suggested Eliwood. "Not one of those little dances... something special..."
"A special dance, my lord?" asked Ninian, blushing slightly.
"Er... sorry, didn't mean to sound too forward!" Eliwood said hurriedly, noting Ninian's discomfort.
"No, not at all! I mean, I'd be glad to..." Ninian replied, the blush on her face deepening to resemble the shade of her own eyes.
"Great, then it's a deal! I'm looking forward to it," smiled Eliwood.
"Y-Yes. I am, too," nodded Ninian.
"Sain!" called the red cavalier as he swished the head off another enemy fighter. "Take it easy out there, alright? We're not the only ones fighting here, you know? Feel free to let the others face the enemy now and again."
"But then... How can I show off my grace in battle?" asked his green counterpart, driving his lance through a mage foe.
"...For whom do you intend to 'show off'?" Kent questioned warily.
"Why, all of the lovely ladies in our camp, of course!" grinned Sain. "This is the best time to catch their eye, you know! I've got to look good for my admirers!"
"You will never change, will you?" sighed Kent. "You should think more of the needs of our whole group, instead of rushing into the fray like a berserker!"
"Oh, really?" Sain smirked. "Then how do you explain yourself staring into the distance earlier on... Hey?" Turning around, Sain noticed a certain green-haired plainswoman fighting alongside a nomad twenty metres away. "Is that... Lady Lyndis? Ohhh, I get it now!" he sniggered.
"...I merely hoped to see if she were alright," Kent explained hurriedly. "It is our duty to protect our liege, is it not?"
"Yeah... Sure it is," grinned Sain. "Say, Kent?"
"Hm?" Kent looked back at Sain, still unable to contain his slight blush.
"As your older, wiser companion, let me give you a word of advice: It would never work," stated the green knight.
"What? What are you talking about?" asked Kent.
"You can't hide it from me, partner!" Sain said as he playfully punched Kent on the shoulder. "I can tell just by that dumb look on your face!"
"Sain, do not presume to know what I am thinking!" Kent retorted, causing his blush to deepen. "I just... As her knight..."
"Oh, get over it! You can admit it, can't you?" smirked Sain. "I mean, she is beautiful and kind. How could anyone not have feelings for her?"
"...So, Sain... You, too?" asked Kent after a long period of silence.
"Of course! Falling for beautiful women is what we cavaliers do!" Sain boasted. "But I guess I will have to let you take the lead here, since that is truly the knightly thing to do for one's partner..."
"H-Hold on!" Kent protested. "Who said I intended to..."
"Because, you know, I really owe you one, after you helped me out in front of Lady Lyndis a year back..." explained Sain. "Right, Kent! I'm going to leave the way open for you, now! And... feel free to rely on my vast library of experience with women. Because... you will certainly need it, won't you?"
"...I'll grant you, talking to women has never been my strong suit..." began Kent.
"Right, then! Shut your mouth and open your ears!" Sain interrupted, throwing all regrets of giving up on Lyn behind him. "Your lessons will begin with basic flattery!"
Meanwhile, as Sain began to tutor Kent on how to court his liege, the very woman of their attention was fighting alongside her fellow Sacaen...
"Ivysaur! Use Razor Leaf!" Lyn commanded.
"Ha! Elfire!" chanted the enemy mage. A barrage of fireballs poured from each of his palms, scorching the leaves into ashes. "Elfire!"
"Mightyena, Roar!" yelled Rath. As the mage generated his fiery spell, the Bite Pokémon leapt protectively in front of Ivysaur, and howled at the enemy.
"U... u... uwaaaaaah!" screamed the anima user as he ran away in fright.
"Rath!" exclaimed Lyn.
"Ah... Lyn," nodded Rath.
"Thank you, Rath. You've saved me again," Lyn thanked.
"...I need no thanks from a fellow plainsdweller," Rath stated.
"Actually... there's something I've always wanted to ask you," began Lyn.
"What's that?" asked Rath.
"Are all Kutolah men so... so quiet?" inquired the Sacaen princess. "My father and the other Lorca men didn't talk much, but they were gossiping magpies compared to you... And you never smile, either. Why? Are..." Lyn began to ask uneasily, "Are you mad because I dragged you here... into this?... Are you angry with me? Because if you are..."
"...I'm not angry," came Rath's calm reply.
"But... you don't talk?" Lyn wondered.
"There's no need," Rath answered.
"...Oh," murmured Lyn as Rath rode ahead.
"Commander Eubans!" called Heath as he rode towards his superior.
"I already know what you intend to ask of me," said Eubans as he shook his head. "You are a traitor, Heath. You know nothing of honour!"
"I... No. I simply must live a life of which I am not ashamed," Heath stated determinedly. "Commander Eubans... it is not too late. Give the order to stop. If you do..."
"Ha ha... You're so naive!" Eubans laughed. "You're no knight. And you're no mercenary either, you dolt! You know nothing! You can carry your precious morals to the grave!"
"Char... meleon!" Agitated, Leon dashed forward, its eyes glinting with anger. "No! Leon, stop!" shouted Heath.
"So the hard way it is! Typhlosion!" Before Leon could sink its claws into Eubans, the experienced paladin had released a Pokémon of his own, which resembled a five-feet, seven-inches tall Quilava with a huge crest of flame across the back of its neck. "Use your Firestorm technique!"
"Ty..." At Eubans' order, the Volcano Pokémon began to rub its heated palms together, before thrusting them forward, "PHLOSION!"
"Chaaaaar!" Not expecting the huge explosion that followed, Leon was thrown backwards, before landing in Heath's arms. "Leon!"
"Heath!" shouted Eliwood as he, Shadow and Hector's group came running. "What's going..."
"Firestorm!" commanded Eubans.
"Typhlo!" Complying, Typhlosion released an explosion, one much more powerful than its last, sending everyone flying.
"Oof!" Eliwood grunted. "Wha... what was that?"
"It's Typhlosion's secret technique!" Shadow realised. "By rubbing its heated palms together, Typhlosion generates energy via friction which it can use to create an instant explosion!"
"That's right... and Typhlosion's Firestorm is partly why Eubans is known as the Hurricane!" nodded Heath.
"Hmmm... In that case, maybe we can try taking it on from a distance!" suggested Imppala. "The further we stand away from Typhlosion, the less damage we'll take from its Firestorm!"
"I object. What's to stop Typhlosion from moving forward and cornering us?" countered Shadow. "I say we strike swift and hard when it's still gathering energy!"
"What! Are you insane?" "I'm no madder than you are, dimwit!" "What do you call me?" "How about, by your own name?"
"Argh! It doesn't matter!" yelled Hector, finally cracking under the tacticians' bickering. "Near or far, we can always take the enemy down with a quantity-over-quality attack! And we've got the right Pokémon to do it! Wartortle!"
"Tortle!" smirked the Ostian lord's Turtle Pokémon, ready for battle.
"Hm... Lord Hector does have a point!" Imppala noted. "Alright! Everyone with Water, Rock or Ground-type Pokémon, attack with all you've got!" At Imppala's command, the sound of opening Pokéballs filled the air as Aggron, Corsola, Poliwhirl, Baltoy, Corphish and Swinub joined Wartortle.
"TORRRR!" Leading the Pokémon, Wartortle released a blast of water, which was shortly followed by a barrage of mud and rocks, as well as a couple more water jets. "Typhlosion! Smokescreen!" Eubans yelled.
"Phloooo!" As it tensed itself up, Typhlosion caused the flames on its back to intensify, creating a heat wave that emanated from its fur and warmed up the air around itself. While Wartortle and the other Pokémon tried to aim, they found that they couldn't aim properly and their attacks kept missing.
"It's not working! Typhlosion's managed to heat up the air around and cause it to move, blurring itself and in turn leading our assaults to miss!" cried Imppala.
"Exactly why your idea wouldn't work!" Shadow snapped.
"Typhlosion, Flame Wheel!" Without warning, Typhlosion suddenly charged from behind its heat haze, burning like a blazing ballista bolt.
"Incoming!" hollered Shadow. "Sain, Priscilla! Use your Rapidash to soak up the fire! Everybody else, attack!"
"Alright!" As Typhlosion came nearer and nearer, the green cavalier and valkryie rode forwards on their Rapidash while the others attacked Typhlosion with whatever they could, be it weapons or Pokémon.
"TYPHLO!" Just a few centimetres in front of the two Rapidash, Typhlosion let fly yet another blast of energy, blinding everyone before they were ruthlessly thrown about in various directions.
"Urgh... Why didn't Rapidash's Flash Fire work?" Shadow groaned as he sat up weakly.
"That's because Typhlosion attacked us with heat energy, dimwit! Flash Fire is limited to absorbing flames!" Imppala scolded. "Ow..."
"No matter what the distance is, that Typhlosion's got something up its sleeve! We need to think of a new strategy to defeat it!" Eliwood nodded grimly. "And I think I know the only way how!"
"...Huh?" Heath looked up to see Eliwood smiling at him. "...Lord Eliwood?"
"You've been under Eubans before, right?" asked Eliwood. "Then you must know something about Typhlosion's weaknesses!"
"But, milord..." protested Heath.
"It doesn't matter who you are or what your past is," Eliwood said kindly. "You're fighting under me, and everyone is treated equally here. There's no need to feel pressurised just because you're a mercenary."
"Meleon?" Leon looked cautiously at Eliwood's Charmeleon. "Charmeleon! Char!" smiled its smaller counterpart.
"...Okay!" shouted Eliwood, after some discussion with Heath. "Let's go! Charmeleon!"
"Leon!" Heath hollered.
"Char!" Together, the two Charmeleon ran side by side, valiantly charging towards the Volcano Pokémon.
"Fools! I shall send you all to your graves!" laughed Eubans. "Typhlosion! Flamethrower!"
"Charmeleon, Flamethrower back!" Eliwood yelled.
"Leon, use Swords Dance!" ordered Heath. Before the powerful flames could hit them, Charmeleon released a powerful flame of its own, pushing against Typhlosion's attack. Meanwhile, Leon began to leap about with graceful movements.
"Typhlosion, Smokescreen!" Eubans demanded.
"Aerial Ace, Leon!" At Heath's command, Leon climbed onto Charmeleon's waiting palms, allowing the smaller Fire-type dragon to launch it into the air. As it came down, Leon's claw glinted in the sunlight, before it delivered a hefty slash on Typhlosion's back.
"Good thinking!" nodded Shadow. "Aerial Ace is an attack impossible to miss with! Typhlosion's Smokescreen has been rendered useless!"
"And with Swords Dance, which Leon managed to pull off thanks to Charmeleon's Flamethrower, Leon's doing even more damage!" added Imppala.
"Typhlosion! Unleash Firestorm now!" yelled the paladin.
"Flamethrower!" Eliwood and Heath both shouted. While Typhlosion feverishly charged up for another explosion, both Charmeleon inhaled deeply, before blasting the floor with a continuous stream of fire, allowing themselves to be propelled upwards by their own attacks, safe from the explosion that occurred a few seconds later.
"Grrr... Typhlosion! Prepare for another Firestorm!" growled Eubans.
"Leon! Use Dragon Rage!" yelled Heath. Gathering all the energy it could, Leon released a furious tornado, fuelled by every drop of anger it felt. As Typhlosion focused its pyrokinetic powers, its own fireball collided with Leon's twister, causing a massive explosion that knocked Typhlosion off its feet.
"Alright!" Imppala cheered. "With the clashing of energies from both Fire-type Pokémon, an instant explosion was created right in front of Typhlosion that did a lot of damage to itself!"
"UNGH!" Eubans grunted as his own Pokémon tumbled into him, knocking him off his horse.
"Finish with Rock Slide!" Heath ordered. Leon worked swiftly, effectively crushing Eubans and Typhlosion under a weighty pile of stones.
"Commander! Commander Eubans!" Having heard the noise, a few soldiers rushed to Eubans' aid, to find him on the verge of dying.
"No regrets..." smiled the dying paladin weakly. "My life... and death... are my own!"
"Commander Eubans has gone down..." stuttered a soldier. "Uh... Sound the retreat! We've no more reason to fight!"
Immediately, the soldiers went round to spread the word, evacuating every single member of Eubans' mercernaries, leaving only Heath behind to think over what had just happened...
Later, in the fortress' biggest room...
"So, brother, you're alive after all," smiled Uther. He wore his general's outfit, while being flanked by two paladins. "You were so long gone that I feared you dead. Another day, and I might have arranged a funeral rite."
"...My apologies. Been a little busy," bowed Hector.
"Yes... Leila's final report covered much," sighed the Lycian leader. "...Eliwood. I am sorry about Lord Elbert. I was powerless to help," Uther apologised.
"No... nothing could have been done," Eliwood shook his head sadly. "...More importantly, do you know of Nergal?"
"Only what was reported to me," answered Uther. "He appeared a year ago and seized control of Black Fang. Then he ensnared Laus in a plot of rebellion against Ostia. I can't see what he's after..."
"The dragons that vanished after the Scouring..." said Eliwood worriedly, "He wants to... bring them back again."
"What!" Uther exclaimed. "Can that be done?"
"Yes," Eliwood nodded. "Let me explain..."
Later, the three lords exited the room, to find Shadow, Imppala and Ninian waiting next to Nils.
"This has even got my brother brooding," Hector mused. "He's always been a firm believer in quick decisions. Yet he wishes for more time... that's never happened before."
"It's gone from a simple rebellion to a threat to the human race," sighed Lyn. "We saw it with our own eyes, and yet... it's all so unbelievable."
"Yet... it's all true," added Eliwood.
"Yes... I wonder what will happen next," frowned Hector.
"Maybe, we could rally all of Elibe together to fight as one," suggested Imppala excitedly. "It would be a return to the time of the Scouring!"
"That's not a bad idea," nodded Shadow. "However... this all hinges on the existence of dragons themselves. Unless dragons are seen in the skies, I doubt anyone will believe us, and once the dragons are here it'll be too late."
"We must stop all of this now," Eliwood stated determinedly. "And we're the only ones who know enough to do it!"
"Right!" Hector nodded. "I agree," Lyn conceded.
"There we have it! Come on, let's speak to my brother!" Beckoning to the others, Hector returned to the main room, and was soon followed by Lyn.
"Shadow, Imppala, Ninian... Will you go with us?" asked Eliwood.
"Ye-Yes..." nodded the dancer girl, along with the two tacticians. Wordlessly, the four entered the room where Uther was in.
"...I would sooner not place this burden on your shoulders alone... And yet, I can see no other choice before me," Uther sighed. "Listen, my brother... Eliwood, Lyndis. Are you determined to act on your own resolve?"
"Yes, we're prepared," Eliwood nodded.
"Me, too... I don't care for sitting back, waiting for others to act," remarked Lyn.
"And you... Imppala, Shadow," motioned Uther. "My brother and his friends owe a lot to you two. What role will you play? Will you help them? See them through their coming trials?"
"Yes, milord!" chimed the tacticians together. "We've agreed to see Lord Eliwood, Lord Hector and Lady Lyndis to the end."
"...I see. Then I have no more to say," Uther nodded. "I will aid you as much as I can... Good luck to you all." Turning to Ninian, he asked, "And what of the girl? The one we spoke of earlier?"
"Oh, Ninian," turned Hector.
"It... It's an honour to meet you, Marquess Ostia..." trembled Ninian.
"Both Ninian and her brother, Nils, possess a special power," Hector explained to his brother.
"Is that so?" mused Uther. "Then I would ask you... Do you know where Nergal is at this moment?"
"Yes, I can sense him... To the east," Ninian answered after awhile. "He is... very far."
"East... Is he targeting Bern next?" Lyn asked anxiously.
"That bodes ill..." Uther muttered. "Bern is a powerful and militant country. If Nergal ensnares it, we're done for."
"...There's still time," continued Ninian. "He is still... very weak... Now... we must act."
"So, Nergal can't act right away, is it?" wondered Lyn. "Yet, what can we..."
"We've no choice but to depart for Bern," decided Hector.
"...If there's time, make your destination Missur," suggested Uther.
"Missur!" Hector looked back at his brother as if he'd just said the daftest thing ever. "That's the wrong direction!"
"Go to the Nabata desert... you may find aid there," Uther explained.
"...Go and meet the living legend," said the Lycian lord mysteriously.
"Living... legend?" repeated Eliwood.
Later, outside the fortress...
"Well, we're going, Brother," said Hector.
"...Hm, take care of yourself," nodded Uther. "And Marquess Pherae, too. You must be Eliwood's support and strength."
"I know... this has gotten so out of hand," Hector remarked. "Still, it's not entirely hopeless. Lord Elbert's death need not be in vain. We won't lose."
"You're beginning to sound reasonable..." Uther smiled.
"Ha ha ha..." laughed Hector at his brother's joke. "...Hey!"
"What is it?" asked Uther.
"Your colouring. You don't look so good," Hector frowned. "Is something wrong?"
"...I just heard a tale that would frighten anyone," Uther explained quickly. "When I think that the future rests on the shoulders of a man like you, who lives so haphazardly... I realise that my life's been too short."
"Bah! Is that any way to be?" scowled Hector. "And I was worried about you, too!"
"You should get going... Your friends are waiting," reminded Uther kindly.
"Ha ha... Pardon my overlong visit," Hector smirked. "I will take my leave of you then! Most honoured elder brother!"
"Hector!" Uther called.
"What is it?" asked Hector impatiently.
"Remember, Hector... I have not given you permission to die..." said Uther seriously. "Heed the orders of your marquess and return to me alive."
"Mm," Hector nodded. He understood his brother's sentiments after being orphaned together for so long. "I'll bring you a tale you won't believe," he promised. "Mark my words, Brother... I shall return!"
That night, the group decided to set up camp before making their way to the Nabata desert in the west. Meanwhile, Ninian had prepared a surprise for everyone...
"In gratitude towards Lord Eliwood for saving me and my brother's lives, I now humbly present to you a special dance for your entertainment," said the young performer. This raised eyebrows amongst the rest of Eliwood's army, particularly within the men... even more so for a certain cavalier wearing green armour. "Please, sit back and relax."
As Ninian and her Minun began to dance, the others began to gather round in a circle, with Eliwood, Hector and Lyn sitting together. With each elegant, painstakingly practised movement, the crowd started to marvel at the young vision of beauty and her dazzling performance. It almost felt as if Ninian's dancing had an uplifting effect on everyone, giving them new strength and vitality.
Finally, as a finishing touch, Minun leaped gracefully onto Ninian's head as she bowed, creating a shower of sparks that rained around the dancer. This gave her a standing ovation as shouts of support were heard and flowers were thrown at the blushing Ninian's feet.
"Wow! She really is special!" exclaimed Shadow. "Imppala, wouldn't you agr... Imppala?" The green tactician stared at his friend, who unlike everyone else, was not cheering. Instead, he had his finger to his chin, frowning as if in deep thought. "Hmmm... that dance..."
"Imppala!" Shadow nudged the red tactician. "What's with you?"
"Wha?" Startled, Imppala looked back at Shadow, realising that he demanded an explanation. "Oh, nothing... Just a silly idea..."
Grim: ...You know, that was a really, really lame self-insertion you threw there.
ShadowedTactician: Meh, I'd be surprised if anyone knows what it was. But for those who do, please don't spoil the surprise.
Grim: sighs If you're really sure... Review.
