ShadowedTactician: And here's the next chapter, after three weeks of projects and presentations!
Imppala: Not to mention a couple more weeks where the bugger spent his time destressing by making more cards and playing online multiplayer games...
Electrike: (raises three cards: Sain's Ponyta, Florina's Doduo and Lowen's Lotad) How come most of these basic cards all have a chance of doing no damage, anyway?
Grim: Moving on...
Gijinka Renamon
ShadowedTactician: Well, sorry that you had to wait longer than forever for this one.
Electrike: What do you think is her favourite scene, anyway?
Imppala: I think we'll know it when we see it.
Elven-girl10
ShadowedTactician: Nope, we're not getting rid of Vaida. I'm aiming for perfect army survival, remember?
Imppala: You're just saying that because you couldn't beat her.
ShadowedTactician: ...They don't need to know that.
Hurricane's Quill
ShadowedTactician: Well... I wouldn't mind giving you deck ideas, if only I knew what cards existed. Nice try though; the crossover's working rather well so far.
RubyVulpix
ShadowedTactician: Er... Actually, Guinivere doesn't have a Vulpix anymore. Desmond had it bumped off, remember?
Frodo007
ShadowedTactician: Hyperion isn't a Pokémon, he's a wyvern. He wouldn't be called a wyvern rider otherwise, would he?
Brendan Aurabolt
ShadowedTactician: Yep, I've noticed. Not bad at all. Now that I'm freer, I'll be working on Pokémon Emblem more...
Imppala: (muttering) Instead of his cards, hopefully.
Grim: We now present to you the chapter you've been waiting so long for...
Chapter 27: Pale Flower of Darkness/VS Medicham & Zangoose
Eliwood and his allies follow the Black Fang due south. Although the trail vanishes, Lyn uses her tracking skills, and the pursuit continues. The path leads up into Bern's impassable mountains. The peaks know no seasons, and the snow covers all in a bright blanket. In this land of blinding reflections, an ancient castle appears.
In the main hall of the Black Fang fortress...
"So in the end, you failed to defeat them, didn't you?" asked Sonia, her voice dripping with displeasure. Vaida was kneeling before her with her spear in her hand. "I only introduced you to Lord Nergal out of respect for your rank. I was mistaken, though, to think that a former royal soldier would be..."
"Next time will be different," promised Vaida. "I swear it. I beg of you, give me one more chance!"
"Ha ha ha. 'One more chance'?" Sonia laughed. "Surely you jest."
"Without Lord Nergal's good word, I'll never fly again! Not as a royal Salamence knight, at least! Please! Another chance!" Vaida pleaded.
"Ah, but you're quite skilled at begging, at least," remarked Sonia coldly. "Desist. You have fallen from our graces, and nothing will change that. Just be grateful... You are an outsider, so you are spared the Fang's judgement."
"..." The Salamence rider kept quiet. She knew then she was lucky to be alive.
"You stink of failure," Sonia huffed, turning up her nose. "Leave me to breathe in peace."
"Hm." Sourly, Vaida left the room. "Ursula, are you there?" called Sonia.
"Yes, Lady Sonia," bowed the valkryie as she emerged from the shadows.
"There are two types of people in this world, Ursula," Sonia stated. "Those chosen to lead and those fit only to serve: human refuse. That's all. Only two types. I am the former, a perfect specimen chosen by Lord Nergal. You want to be like me, don't you, Ursula?"
"Yes, of course," Ursula nodded.
"Then you must use the refuse to your advantage. Treat them as equals, and they will only drag you down," continued Sonia. "That woman Vaida is a good example. She treats the trash as though they were people. That dooms her to failure... She truly is a fool. You, however... You, I like. You must take care," Sonia warned. "It would be a shame to see you fail as Vaida did."
"I understand. Thank you, most gracious Lady Sonia," bowed Ursula.
As Vaida stormed out of the fortress gates, her face black as a thundercloud, Eliwood and the others slowly crept out of their hiding places.
"That Salamence rider... that was the same woman we fought earlier," remarked Eliwood. "That proves they took this mountain path."
"Now that they've come this far, they've let down their guard," observed Lyn. "You can see their tracks in the snow as plain as day."
"And yet you tracked them without fail. Amazing," Eliwood smiled.
"Hee hee... Anything to say, Hector?" Lyn grinned.
"Ah... uh... I was wrong to doubt you," muttered Hector, after a few moments.
"At least you admit it," smirked the plainsgirl.
"The fortress there must be their headquarters," nodded Eliwood.
"Let's sneak in and see what we can find!" suggested Lyn.
"Right!" Hector agreed. "Follow my lead!"
"...Why do those two seem to be having so much fun?" Eliwood sighed.
"Now, what have we here... What a complicated place." The Ostian lordling turned all around, getting a good view of the inside of the Black Fang fortress, with its many halls and rooms.
"It's little more than whispers, but I can hear human voices," noted Eliwood, straining his ears over the billowing winds and falling snow.
"Over there!" Lyn pointed towards the main hall. "Let's go take a look."
"Marcus! Wait here with Ninian and everyone else," Eliwood instructed. "Be ready to escape at any time. I'm counting on you!"
"Yes, sir. I will not fail," promised the paladin. The three lords and two tacticians left the group, moving amongst the trees until they were close enough to hear everything in the main hall.
"Really? You're giving me a mission?" Inside, Nino's voice burst with excitement. "Really and truly? Mother?"
"I am. And it's a very big job at that," smiled Sonia. "...It's for the king of Bern."
"The king!" exclaimed Nino. "Such an important job... for me?"
"Sonia, I'm against this," spoke Brendan. "Giving such a dangerous job to this child?"
"...You're right, this really is a job for your sons. However," Sonia pointed out, "we've seen nothing of them since their last report. So, my daughter will do this. And I will have no complaints from you about it."
"..." Wordlessly, Brendan left the room.
"You may do as you please!" called Sonia. "First, business. Jaffar! Come!" Out of nowhere, the Angel of Death emerged from the shadows. "Jaffar!" Nino exclaimed.
"Look! That man! He was at the Dragon's Gate," Lyn whispered.
"Nergal's henchman," muttered Hector. "No doubt about it."
"Jaffar... should you be up?" asked Nino. "Don't your wounds hurt?" Jaffar merely stared back at Nino, not saying a single word.
"Must you be so discourteous? It really is quite irritating," Sonia snapped. "Jaffar, you heard the king's request, did you not?"
"Prince Zephiel... he wants him assassinated," replied Jaffar.
"What? The prince? The king wants to kill the prince?" Nino could not believe what she had heard. "Why? He's his son, isn't he?"
"Nino! Be quiet!" barked Sonia.
"Ah... I'm sorry," Nino apologised.
"Jaffar, this mission is yours... and you're to take Nino," Sonia ordered.
"...You're not serious?" Jaffar questioned.
"Yes, I'm serious," answered Sonia firmly. "This girl is my daughter. She must prove herself as soon as possible."
"...Don't do this," pleaded Jaffar. "This is too much for her."
"As long as you're with her, there should be no problem," Sonia replied. "I'll brook no disagreement. We must have the king in our debt. Those are Lord Nergal's explicit orders."
"..." Relunctantly, Jaffar reverted to his usual silent self.
"Nino!" Sonia turned to the green-haired mage, "You understand the consequences if you fail, don't you?"
"Um... yes," nodded Nino nervously.
"Then we're off to investigate the prince's manse. I'll provide more details on the way there." Leading the other two, Sonia walked out of the hall through the main door, where a bishop and another assassin were waiting for her. "Kenneth! Jerme!"
"Yes, Lady Sonia," bowed the two men.
"Where is Brendan?" asked Sonia. "He just left the room."
"He went outside with Jan," answered the bishop.
"...I wonder what's he's about..." Sonia muttered. "...I deal with it later. Listen, you two... You're in charge of the guard while I'm gone. Do not let anything happen to the item."
"In charge of the guard... Bah!" spat the assassin. "I was top dog until that cretin Jaffar showed up..."
"Jerme!" snapped Kenneth.
"I know, I know..." Jerme muttered.
"We understand, Lady Sonia," Kenneth bowed. "We will guard it with our lives." So saying, the two groups of people walked away in their separate directions, allowing Eliwood and company to come out into the open.
"Do they seriously mean to assassinate the prince?" whispered Eliwood.
"Aye. On the orders of the king, it would seem," nodded Hector gravely. "Unbelievable..."
"The Emblem is essential to the prince's ceremony, right?" recalled Lyn. "Having the Emblem becomes useless if the prince is dead!"
"We must stop the assassination!" Eliwood stated firmly. "The girl, Nino... if we speak to her, she may understand."
"Jaffar looks like a dangerous man... but we have no other course of action," Lyn frowned. Quickly, the five people rejoined their group, only to be stopped as Kenneth teleported in.
"Hello, trespassers. I bid you welcome," smiled Kenneth nastily. "Imagine, the stronghold of a guild of assassins, inflitrated. Quite amusing, isn't it? Heh heh heh heh. However, you shall not leave. Sonia has given us authority while she is away."
"You... You're a holy man," gasped Eliwood. "What are you doing in this place?"
"Are you referring to my relationship with the 'gods'? Are you still held in thrall of such a concept?" Kenneth inquired. "You've met Lord Nergal, haven't you? Then there is something you must know. Gods are lies created by the weakness in all mankind. If a god truly exists, then it is my Lord Nergal. Only him."
"Insane..." Backing away, Eliwood turned to run, only to face the other of Sonia's guards.
"Oh, here you are!" grinned Jerme. "How delicious! My blade shall feast well tonight, won't it? Now, which... one... first?" The assassin scanned Eliwood's company like a customer inspecting wares in a market. "...Wait! Hold it! There are some nasty ones mixed in with the rest. Mustn't get one of them. Might ruin my sword's appetite. You don't mind, do you?" he smirked, "If I do it this way?"
"Eliwood! There's no reason to treat with these madmen!" yelled Lyn. "Let's get out of here!"
"You! Woman!" Jerme pointed. "You have beautiful skin. If I sliced you into lovely red ribbons with my sword, would the pieces be soft and delicate as silk?"
"You..." Lyn growled.
"It's no good! Something's blocking our way! We can't get out!" shouted Nils, pushing his hands against an invisible force field that prevented any form of escape.
"Those two men... those in front of you. A surge of evil..." warned Ninian. "If we do not defeat them, the barrier will hold strong."
"Hyaa ha ha ha haaa! That's Lord Nergal's doing!" laughed Jerme. "He knows how I love to slice through people, so he lets me do it as often as I want... which is really all the time. He's after something he calls 'quintessence'... I care nothing for it, but as long as he keeps bringing me people to slash and cut!"
"Nothing is more beautiful than the suffering of men," smirked Kenneth. "When I'm watching, I'm afloat in an ocean of pure bliss... and we'll be watching you for a long, long time." With that final remark, the two men disappeared into thin air.
"...Gone," Eliwood whispered.
"...It's alright. They're still close..." Ninian noted. "Within this fortress... somewhere."
"We've got to defeat them and destroy this barrier!" Nils yelled. "Otherwise, we'll never leave!"
Minutes later, the group had gathered around Shadow and Imppala, the former holding up a map scorched out by Grim while the latter was doing the briefing.
"Combining what information Florina, Fiora, Farina and Heath have from their scouting, plus a general map of the area, I deduce that the barrier has enveloped the entire fortress with a radius of nearly five hundred metres," pointed Imppala. "From what we can see, the force field seems to originate from the building in the centre. If we can get there, we should be able to find those two madmen and take them out. However, as you all know," continued the red tactician, "this place is infested with Black Fang members, and there could be even more reinforcements in the rooms that we pass. As a result, we need everyone to move in groups to be allocated... once Nils finishes with his augury." Everyone turned to see Nils and Xatu performing their ritual.
"It's snowing. You can move without hindrance indoors, but outside, your progress will be impeded," began the bard. "The ability to fly would seem advantageous now. This battle calls for strong magical attacks. I see many doors, so thieves and keys are needed. One more thing: the enemy will attack from afar with magic. Move with caution."
"Mmhmm," nodded Shadow. "We'll take a few minutes to decide who goes with who, then we'll set off."
Later, the teams had been arranged, and were about to set off.
"Keep together, people!" Shadow shouted, as he left with Hector's group.
"Don't forget, we meet in the centre!" Imppala added, departing with Eliwood's team.
"Are you sure you can handle this, Kent?" asked Lyn, her group standing behind her.
"We'll be fine, milady," assured the cavalier. "I've got Fiora by my side to help me."
"Well, if you say so," Lyn smiled, as the last two groups began to leave.
"...Hey, what's wrong, Guy?" asked Dart, nudging the seemingly indifferent swordmaster.
"It's Ninjask," sighed Guy. "Ever since it evolved, I can't seem to control it when it's out of its Pokéball!"
"Hmmm... What you need is some advice on training your Pokémon," Dart remarked thoughtfully. "And I think I know who to consult..."
"Really?" Guy's eyes lit up at once. "You know someone?"
"Not personally... and for good reason," frowned Dart. "I hear about this guy wherever I go... It's said that he uses a fairy sword and cuts people in half, leaving behind mountains of bodies and seas of blood. He wears blue clothes and has long black hair, going by the name of Karel, also known as the Sword Demon. You only hear the absolute worst things about him... like how he single-handedly wiped out an entire army of knights! He's rumoured to have a thousand swords, collected from the men he's slain, while laughing like a maniac..."
"Hm," mused the swordmaster. "I'll have to look out for him..."
Meanwhile, at Eliwood's team...
"Be careful, everyone. We don't know where the enemy might be coming from," Marcus cautioned. "...Isadora!"
"...!" At her superior's barking, Isadora awoke from her trance. "General Marcus!"
"You've not been paying enough attention to the battle lately... Are you alright?" asked the paladin.
"I'm fine, General Marcus," mumbled Isadora. "It's just..."
"...It's alright, Isadora... I understand," consoled Marcus, placing a hand gently on Isadora's shoulder. "But I'm afraid Harken's never coming back. We've all had to come to terms with that..."
"My most sincerest apologies, General Marcus," Isadora sighed. "I'll be more focused on the battle at hand from now on, I promise."
"...It pains just to look at her," Marcus remarked sadly, as Isadora went forward. "Do you think we can help her somehow?"
"I don't know, General," shrugged Imppala. "But with what's been happening lately, I can quite safely say there's still room for miracles..."
The four teams began to advance, slowly but surely, through the howling blizzard winds and thick blankets of snow. Although their movements were severely impeded, the awful weather had no effect on their battle capabilities.
"Golem! Use Block!" At Wallace's order, the Megaton Pokémon jumped into the air, landing in front of a room of enemy mages, resisting their magical attacks. "Lady Lyndis! Now's your chance!"
"Venusaur, Magical Leaf!" commanded Lyn. The enormous Seed Pokémon let fly a storm of shining, rainbow-coloured leaves that veered into the room, eliciting screams from the foes inside. "Thank you for fighting with us, Wallace," Lyn smiled.
"It is nothing! I have sworn my body and blade to Caelin!" the knight declared. "It is my duty to aid the lady Lyndis! Ah, I was going to ask you how the knights of Caelin have been doing... Have they been following the training courses in my 'Manual of Knightly Prowess'?"
"Yes... They're all giving it their best," answered Lyn. "All except that one crazy course in which they're supposed to circle the domain at top speed..."
"What! Those weak-bellied wimps!" huffed Wallace. "How many times did I explain: Leave out one of the drills in the manual, and the good it has done will be for naught!"
"But they're only human! Running full speed around the domain is impossible!" Lyn disagreed.
"With an iron will, nothing is impossible, my Lady," Wallace smirked. "At my best, I circled the domain thrice, in armour!"
"You can't set one person as a standard for all..." pointed out the plainsgirl. "Especially one as exceptional as yourself!"
"Nonsense!" scoffed Wallace. "Lord Hassar dismounted and ran the three laps with me, he did!"
"Wallace!" exclaimed Lyn. "You... You knew my father?"
"I knew him well. I knew Lord Hassar well, for he was my rival in all things," Wallace grinned.
"Tell me, Wallace!" Lyn pleaded. "Tell me about my father!"
"My pleasure, Lady Lyndis. But let's do it after the battle," nodded Wallace.
"Ah... yes, of course."
"Aggron! Earthquake!" yelled Oswin.
"AGGROOOOON!" Letting out a howl, Aggron stomped on the ground, unleashing a powerful shockwave that caused the nearby building to collapse, crushing all the Fang members inside.
"Grrrr... Blast this snow!" cursed Hector. "We're lucky enough to not get buried alive, let alone move half an inch!"
"Ah... wait!" exclaimed Nils. "The snow will stop soon... That's our chance to move ahead."
"That's good news," remarked Shadow. "We'll just wait for this snow to blow over first, catch a break, and move again when it's clear." Everyone agreed that it was a good idea to stay put for the moment, as they were all feeling rather exhausted. At the same time, Erk and Priscilla decided to make their move..."
"Sir Oswin? We need to talk," hissed Erk, pulling the general aside.
"Hm? What is it, Erk?" Oswin asked, once the sage had led him some distance away from the main group.
"It's about Lord Hector," Erk whispered. "Lucius and Lady Priscilla here have more details..."
"Lady Priscilla?" repeated Oswin, gazing down at the red-haired maiden. "Pardon my manner, but are you Lady Priscilla of House Cornwell?"
"Hm?" Priscilla looked startled. "Pray, how do you know of me?"
"For a time, I was posted with the knights at Cornwell," explained the general. "I saw you many times during my stay. This was some time ago, however... You were probably too young to remember. You stood at the marquess' side, always holding your brother's sleeve. You were the closest of siblings..."
"Yes... about her brother." The sage nudged Oswin urgently. "There's something we need to tell you..."
"Mmhmm." Oswin nodded, "So what seems to be the trouble?"
As the battle continued, two more figures emerged from the shadows, one on the west and one the east. The first one was a blue-robed swordmaster, accompanied by a crimson insectoid with huge pincers and a metallic exoskeleton. The other one was a blonde hero in dark green armour, flanked by a hovering firefly and a brown canine with a skull helmet and a thick bone in its hand.
"Here we are. Mm... a good wind," remarked the swordmaster. "Appropriate to the feast about to begin."
"Intruders? Let them go. We've nothing against you," whispered the hero, clutching his brave sword. "We must gain the trust of the Black Fang and move close to that man. We must avenge the death of our liege, Lord Elbert..."
So saying, the two men moved on with their Pokémon, not knowing that the both of them would soon be fighting on the same side...
"Hyaaaa!" Lyn yelled, assuming critical hit position. The blade lord suddenly seemed to separate into five as she slashed at the cavaliers and paladin in front of her, effectively dismounting and disembowelling them.
"Raaagh! Metal Claw!" shouted another voice, instantly followed by the sounds of swords clashing and frantic screaming. Lyn's team sweatdropped as the bloodied bodies of three mages fell right in front of them, revealing a black-haired swordmaster in front of them, standing within the icy mist.
"Oh!" exclaimed Lyn. "...Who are you?"
"Karel," answered the swordmaster.
"You're... a swordfighter from Sacae. Are you fighting the Black Fang as well?" Lyn asked.
"The Black Fang is gathering recruits. I want to hone my blade on them," Karel replied.
"Why would you... do you have a reason to?" inquired the princess of Caelin.
"My sword is my life. My sword is my reason." As the swordmaster looked up, everyone could see how pale his faced looked. "You are... so beautiful..."
"Pardon?" asked Lyn.
"Your blade and mine are different, yet... your swordplay is truly beautiful... Very well," nodded Karel. "I will join you."
"You're going to help us? But why?" Lyn scratched her head, confusedly.
"Someday you will be a renowned swordfighter. Losing you here would be a waste. I must see you... stronger," Karel explained, without a hint of emotion in his voice. "I will wait for that time with much anticipation."
"..." The plainsgirl said nothing. This man seemed no different from that Jerme guy...
"Shall we continue? The feast awaits..." With that, Karel proceeded to lead the way, when...
"Hey! Hold on!" Karel turned around to see Guy run towards him. "You're Karel, aren't you? You're the Sword Demon!"
"..." Coldly, Karel stared back at Guy, while the others gasped in shock at Guy's sudden outburst and Dart smacked his forehead with his hand.
"Oh, forgive me! I am Guy, a warrior from Sacae..." introduced Guy hurriedly. "I would like you to teach me the art of Pokémon swordplay!"
"..." Still Karel gave no response as he stared Guy down.
"Hm... What's with you?" Sensing something may be wrong, Guy started to back off a little. "Why don't you..."
"Be grateful for your inexperience," the Sword Demon remarked coldly. "If you were stronger... I would cut you down from where you stand."
"I... I don't..." Before Guy realised what had happened, Karel had already left. "What's his problem?"
"...There's someone up ahead, Commander Marcus!" pointed Lowen.
"Hmm... It would appear so," Marcus noted.
"It looks like he's spotted us," Eliwood frowned. "Magmar! Use Fire Punch!"
"Swinub, use Take Down!" Lowen ordered.
"Protect! And Bone Club!" shouted the stranger. A streak of light flashed across the area as Magmar's burning knuckle clashed against the Volbeat's forcefield, and Swinub crashed into the Marowak's bone. Eliwood himself had his rapier deflected by the hero's brave sword.
"You... Can it really be?" The Pheraen lord exclaimed as he sheathed his rapier. "Is it you, Harken?"
"...Ah!" Upon hearing his name, the hero quickly began to retreat.
"Wait, please!" shouted Eliwood. "You're Harken, a knight of Pherae, aren't you?"
"Lord Eliwood?" Harken and his Pokémon stopped abruptly, realising who was addressing them.
"I heard that all of my father's men had fallen defending him. It's good to see you well," Eliwood breathed. "Why didn't you return to Pherae?"
"I failed in my duty to protect my sworn lord..." sighed Harken as he shook his head. "I am not worthy of the honour of being a knight of Pherae. Before Nergal's magic, we were annihilated. When Lord Elbert was taken away, I was... powerless... Then I heard he had some connection with the Black Fang. I searched the continent for signs of them... I intended to strike against them with my final breath."
"And that's what brought you here," nodded Eliwood. "In that case, Harken, you should come with us."
"Forgive me, Lord Eliwood... I would rather die a knight than live in shame," Harken bowed, bringing his sword to his neck. "I will trade my life for many of theirs."
"Hold! Harken!" Quickly, Eliwood grabbed the blade from Harken before any damage could be done. "Do you think my father would want that? Join us, Harken. Neither my father nor I would condone such a senseless death. Help me fulfuill my father's one ambition and restore peace."
"...I understand. My life... it is yours," nodded Harken. "May it serve you better than it served your father."
"What's going on?" Isadora's voice rang out as she moved in front of the group. "Why have we stopped...!" The female paladin stood petrified when she saw the long-lost hero.
"...Isadora!" Harken exclaimed. "I..."
"..." Wordlessly, Isadora started to walk away briskly, much to everyone's surprise.
"Isadora?" Alarmed, Harken chased after Isadora. "What is wrong?..."
"...Hmph!" Angrily, the silver paladin slapped Harken's hand away.
"Isadora!" Firmly, Harken reached out for Isadora's shoulders and turned her around. "Please, tell me! What is wrong?"
"...What have you been up to, Harken, tell me!" screamed Isadora, smacking Harken's arms off herself. "For a month, you did not return to Pherae, you sent no word... and now I find you here, of all places! Have you forgotten your duty as a knight of Pherae?"
"I... I am sorry," apologised Harken. "It was all... the fault of my recklessness. I... How will I be punished?"
"Punished?" Isadora repeated. "Harken, do you understand at all what you have done? Do you know what trouble your absence has caused Pherae? Have you any idea? I... I was so worried..."
"Isadora... Please, do not cry." Harken gently brushed away at the small tear already falling down Isadora's cheek. "I cannot stand to see your beautiful face weep so. I... I have given you much reason to worry. Please... Please forgive me..."
"...No." Firmly, Isadora pushed Harken away from her. "I cannot forgive you... not after worrying so much."
"Isadora!" Harken cried as Isadora began to run. "Please..."
"Let her go, Harken." Marcus placed a hand on the hero's shoulder. "She needs some time on her own..."
"I..." Despairingly, Harken gazed after his love, but realised that Marcus was right. "...I understand, Commander Marcus."
"...Finally, we're here!" declared Hector, as his group and Kent's met at the central building. "Where's the other two groups? They should be here by now!"
"Regardless, we can't wait for them," Imppala frowned. "Matthew!"
"I'm on it!" Deftly, the Ostian spy unlocked the huge door, allowing Hector to kick it open. In the centre of the throne room, a Medicham stood with its palms outstretched upwards, its eyes closed in deep meditation.
"You're doing much better than I anticipated," smirked Kenneth as he walked down from the throne. "But it's about time to put an end to this..."
"...That's Reflect and Light Screen!" exclaimed Imppala. "Medicham's been generating the barrier around the whole fortress all this time!"
"So that's it? We were stopped by a cheap combination attack?" Hector sneered. "We'll break out of here before you even know it! Oswin, take our group to the barrier! The rest of us will handle this knave!"
"I won't let you do that!" announced Jerme, emerging out of nowhere. "I'll chop you all up into tiny, little pieces!"
"Zan!" growled Jerme's Zangoose. Unlike Bartre's, this Cat Ferret had blue markings instead of red, and crimson claws the shade of fresh blood. "Zannn... GOOSE!"
"Argh!" As Jerme lunged, his blade began to emit a powerful wave of energy, as did his Zangoose's claw. The two energy sources suddenly erupted from their points of origin, combining to make a huge explosion that threw everyone into the centre of the room.
"That's a Light Brand!" Imppala realised. "It's a sword suffused with light magic, allowing its user to unleash light magic from a distance! And that Zangoose's been trained to use Thunderbolt and Slash to mimic its function!"
"Grrrr... that's it!" snapped Hector. "I'm sick of these blasted moves! I'm taking them down, starting with him!"
"Hold, milord!" urged Oswin. "You're highly disadvantaged against the likes of an assassin, especially one with a Pokémon that knows such powerful electric attacks!"
"He's right! We've got to handle him carefully... and take out that Medicham!" pointed Imppala. "We won't be able to escape otherwise!"
"Understood!" nodded Kent. "Legault!"
"Alright! Canas, Bartre, heads up!" Quickly, the ex-Hurricane leaped into the air, flinging two items at the said men, who caught them with ease and raised them up. "Guiding ring! Hero crest!" they shouted.
The transformation process quickly ensued, as Bartre and Canas immediately assumed combat mode. In his new robes, Canas the druid and his multi-eyed Pokémon stood against Kenneth and Aura spells, while Bartre the warrior parried Jerme's assaults with his own Zangoose.
"Everybody, aim your ranged attacks at that Medicham!" Imppala commanded.
"Zangoose! You know what to do!" Jerme yelled. Knocking Bartre's Zangoose aside, the shiny Zangoose performed a skilful leap, arcing across the room and landing on top of Medicham, balancing on one of the Meditate Pokémon's open palms. As the combined attack drew near, Zangoose suddenly threw Medicham up into the air, out of the squall of ranged attacks, while Zangoose itself leapt away as well.
"It's using Detect!" cursed Imppala. "They can't allow Medicham to be distracted, so Zangoose has to make its way back to protect it!"
"That won't work twice!" declared Canas. "Claydol, use Earthquake!"
"Stop it with Shadow Ball!" Immediately, Jerme's Zangoose let fly an orb of dark energy at Claydol, striking it down. "Light Brand!"
"Zan-GOOSE!" Smirking, the shiny Cat Ferret flung a missile of electricity at the centre of the group, resulting in another explosion that flung Hector's allies to all sides of the throne room.
"Urgh... Is it me, or did that attack strike you as stronger than the last one?" grunted Hector.
"I don't know, but one thing's for sure... stop that Zangoose!" ordered Imppala.
"Ha!" Bartre shouted as he continued to deflect Jerme's slashes. "Zangoose, use your Pursuit!"
"Zan!" The Zangoose with red body markings chased its counterpart around, as it jumped deftly from here to there.
"Mega Kick!" Without warning, Jerme's Zangoose aimed its leg at Bartre's Zangoose, delivering a fatal blow that smacked it right into Bartre, who nearly fell foul of Jerme's blade.
"Kirlia! Teleport!" cried Lucius. The Emotion Pokémon vanished into thin air, reappeared between the warrior and his Zangoose, then teleported the both of them back to safety.
"Zan!" Neatly, Jerme's Zangoose jumped onto Medicham once more, and continued its assault.
"Everyone, look out!" Imppala shouted. "Bring down that Zangoose!"
"Powder Storm!" Surrounding Zangoose, Venusaur and Beautifly unleashed a combined blast of their various spores, while Mitch, Mechaquila, Nero and Dustox generated a powerful whirlwind that caught the fatal particles and closed in on Zangoose.
"Flamethrower! And Razor Wind!" While creating a whirlwind of its own, the Cat Ferret breathed out billowing flames that combined to form a firestorm that blasted its targets into submission.
"Magcargo! Raichu! Slowking! Attack!" Erk shouted, calling forth all three of his Pokémon, who immediately began to fire their strongest elemental attacks, backed up by Priscilla's Rapidash and Lucius' Kirlia.
"ZAN!" Grunting, Jerme's Zangoose took the full blast of the attack, but managed to hold on.
"It's... it's like it's not damaged at all!" exclaimed Imppala, as the feline Pokémon sported an arrogant smirk.
"Mega Punch!" Charging, the shiny Zangoose launched its fist through the elemental attack stream, fatally striking down the Pokémon that had generated it.
"Aggron!" Oswin commanded. "Use..."
"Seismic Toss!" Deftly leaping forward, Jerme's Pokémon picked up Aggron like it weighed nothing, then flung it into Aipom, Corsola and Sneasel.
"This is ridiculous!" snarled Hector. "No way that Zangoose could be that invincible!"
"I'm beginning to suspect something, too," agreed Kent, as Jerme's Zangoose released an Ice Beam that struck down Rath's Swellow and Florina's Pidgeot. "The two main bosses aren't particularly strong, but that Zangoose is too strong... too strong to be possible!"
"I agree... and I think I know why!" pointed Imppala. "Zangoose always jumps back to Medicham every now and then!"
"...You're right!" Hector exclaimed, as Zangoose once again leaped onto Medicham's palm and off again. "But why?"
"My guess is that while sustaining the barrier, Medicham is also using Bulk Up and Calm Mind," Imppala frowned. "When Zangoose passes by, Medicham then uses Baton Pass to pass on the augmented powers to Zangoose, basically making Zangoose undefeatable!"
"Then what are we going to do?" Hector's exasperated question was answered as something crashed through the wall, knocking Jerme and his Zangoose off their feet. Everyone turned to see Harken standing with Marowak and Volbeat in the doorway. The Bonekeeper Pokémon raised its hand, catching the spinning bone that was responsible for striking the enemy assassin. "Harken!" exclaimed Hector. "How..."
"Marowak! Bone Rush!" ordered Harken, while he brandished his brave sword and began to slash at Jerme.
"Zangoose! Fury Cutter!" Jerme commanded. Everyone else merely gaped and watched the two men and their Pokémon match each other, blow for blow.
"I'm going to kill the lot of you for the death of Lord Elbert!" Harken growled.
"Not after I cut you into tiny little pieces!" smirked Jerme.
"How... how?" Hector shook his head disbelievingly. "Nils said... all of Elbert's men were..."
"Hector!" Eliwood's voice rang out as the Pheraen lordling himself stepped into the room. "What's going on?"
"We can talk later! Now we've got a situation on our hands!" pointed Hector. Harken and his Marowak were attacking relentlessly, and even Jerme and his Zangoose were having a hard time blocking their assaults.
"Harken! That Medicham is our target!" called the Ostian lord. "Focus on the Medicham!"
"Got it! Volbeat, Tail Glow!" shouted the hero. "Followed by Thunderbolt!"
"Aura!" From Kenneth's fingertips erupted a blast of light magic, clashing against Volbeat's electric attack. The match had become a deadlock and would have remained that way, if not for...
"Thunderbolt!" shouted a female voice. A second wave of electricity joined the first, surprising everybody. The combined assault pushed back the Aura spell, throwing the bishop back.
"Huh?" Switching to his shield, Harken turned around to see Isadora and her Illumise standing next to him. "Isadora?..."
"Harken... Please, let me fight this battle with you," Isadora spoke softly. "...We can talk after this."
"...Alright!" In a burst of strength, Harken thrust his shield forward, knocking a surprised Jerme to the ground. "Marowak, Bonemerang!"
"Marowak!" Nodding, the Ground-type Pokémon flung its bone, but instead of hitting Zangoose, the projectile lodged itself into the throne where Medicham was.
"...!" Both Jerme and Kenneth sweatdropped as they figured what was going to happen. "Oh, no!"
"Thunder!" yelled the Pheraen knights. Both their Bug-type Pokémon began to build up energy, before unleashing it all in a huge wave of lightning. The attack spiralled through the air, passing Zangoose and striking at the tip of Marowak's bone, resulting in an explosion that sent Medicham flying.
"...I get it! Marowak's bone functions like a Lightningrod!" exclaimed Imppala. "It's drawing all of Volbeat and Illumise's electric shocks!"
"CHAM!" cried the humanshape creature as it fell, wiped out by the electric assault.
"Psych Up!" The two Fireflies glimmered with energy, gaining all of Jerme's Zangoose's stat boosts. "Baton Pass!"
"Illumi! Vol!" Gently tapping Marowak on its skull helmet, Volbeat and Illumise passed all of their increased powers to Marowak, making it even stronger.
"Marowak! Finish with Return!" commanded Harken.
"MAROWAK!" Supercharged with newly boosted attack power, Marowak unleashed a burst of energy built up by the unshakable faith between it and Harken. The resulting blast flung Jerme, Kenneth and their Pokémon to the other end of the room where they slammed against the wall.
"Eliwood! Hector! We're here!" Lyn declared as her group finally reached the room.
"Ah, what a pity," remarked Karel. "The feast has nearly ended... guess I'll have to settle for the leftovers. Scizor!"
"...Eh?" The two Fangs looked up to see two separate flashes of blue and red fly towards them, just as the incredible pain began to set in...
"Raaaaaaaaah!" Bruises erupted into bloody gashes as Karel and Scizor administered the finishing moves on Jerme and Kenneth, leaving everyone else speechless at both the swordmaster's skill and brutality.
"G-Gwaah..." winced Jerme. "It hurts... These... cuts... ugh..."
"Does... this..." muttered Kenneth, "Does this... mean... that we lose... urk!"
"Everyone is being driven mad by Nergal..." sighed Eliwood.
"It must be terrifying, to lose yourself entirely... to fall under the sway of Nergal's power," agreed Lyn. "...Hey! What could this be?" Suddenly, noticing a crimson gleam under the throne, Lyn bent down to pick up a shiny, vermillion jewel.
"It can't be... the Fire Emblem?" Eliwood gaped, staring at the magnificent gem.
"So these two knaves had it all along?" Hector asked. "Let's take it and go!"
"We've finally got it back... let's not waste our good fortune," Lyn nodded.
"Eliwood! There's no reason for us to stay any longer!" urged Hector.
"I know! Let's make haste for the manse!" ordered Eliwood. "We must stop the assassination! We cannot let the prince's life be put in jeopardy!"
Meanwhile, in the mountains near Bern Manse...
"You know your role, yes?" questioned Sonia. "The plan must be carried out tonight."
"Mother... just once... if only for a little while..." mumbled Nino, inching towards Sonia. "May I... hold your hand?"
"Nino, you know how I abhor such displays," Sonia frowned disapprovingly.
"I... I know. But... I may not get another chance..." Nino bowed her head. "And I thought..."
"...Very well," smiled Sonia. "If you complete this mission, I'll hold your hand as often as you like. I will even hug you and stroke your face."
"Oh, really?" The young mage's face brightened up. "Then I must do my best! I will, I will! I will succeed! Wait for me, Mother!"
"I will. Be careful!" Sonia gently nudged Nino away.
"Alright! I'll be back!" Happily, Nino ran off, with Jaffar following behind.
"Ah, Jaffar, wait here a moment," beckoned Sonia, once Nino was out of earshot. "It's about tonight's mission..."
"What is it?" asked Jaffar.
"Once you've killed the prince, kill Nino, too," Sonia instructed.
"What!" Jaffar could not believe his ears.
"The assassinations... Both come directly by the king's request. The prince is well-loved, and his death will trigger much chaos," explained Sonia. "If the assassin is not caught and hanged immediately, the chaos will engulf Bern. A scapegoat is needed. Do you understand?"
"Nino is your daughter!" emphasised Jaffar.
"She is trash," Sonia corrected with a smirk on her face. "Garbage. Human refuse. I'm just happy to have at least found a use for her. She did say she would do anything to please her loving mother, did she not? Her death will please me more than her living ever did."
"..." All of a sudden, Jaffar felt as if there were a thousand voices chattering inside his mind, as he took in what Sonia had just said.
"What is it?" snapped Sonia, as Jaffar stood there. "Do you have something to say?"
"...This... has nothing to do with me," Jaffar muttered.
"When Lord Nergal found you as an orphan, he chose you because of your callous heart and skill with a blade," Sonia reminded him coldly. "Lord Nergal does not give second chances. Do not forget."
"..." The Angel of Death said nothing as Sonia teleported away. What was he going to do?
As the army moved out, the various members took the time to have some conversation...
"Oswin... have you heard anything from my brother?" asked Hector.
"When you say 'anything'..." began the general.
"...Oh, come on, you know... about his condition," Hector rephrased his query.
"No, nothing new," answered Oswin.
"I see," nodded Hector. "That's good."
"Why do you ask?" Oswin inquired.
"No reason really... I'm simply concerned for my brother," Hector sighed. "Earlier... When I saw him in Ostia, he didn't look too well. When Father took ill and died... I wonder if he looked at all like that." Sensing Oswin's discomfort, the Ostian lordling added, "Forget it, I'm worrying about nothing. If something were wrong, I'm sure we would've heard."
"Yes, indeed," agreed Oswin. "...Now that you mention it, I did forget something. Lord Uther sent word to you through a messenger."
"Oh!" Hector's eyes immediately lit up. "What did he have to say?"
"'Don't trouble Lord Eliwood by being overly obstinate'," Oswin relayed.
"Just like my brother! Always the same thing!" grumbled Hector as he began to walk briskly. "How many times have I told him to stop treating me like a child!" Oswin could do nothing at Hector's outburst but gaze up at the clouds and sigh.
"Master! Wait for me! Master Karel!" cried Guy, as he ran after the Sword Demon. "Please, I implore you! Teach me how to become one with my Pokémon! I want my name to be known far and wide in Sacae!" He stopped just as Karel halted abruptly, not knowing what would happen next.
"When my fame first spread in this land, many worthless dogs aspired to swordsmanship," Karel spoke icily. "Then they all fell, one by one... Forget it, pup. Leave my sight," he ordered.
"D-Don't go!" Guy begged. "You want someone to fight, don't you? Then make me your opponent!"
"..." The Sword Demon said nothing. What was this idiot thinking? he thought.
"I know I'm not good enough to fight you now... So, just train me in swordplay and Pokémon. In one year, I swear I will master the art," promised Guy. "Enough to match you... enough to best you!"
"...You seem to mean it, don't you?" remarked Karel, turning around to face Guy.
"Y-Yes!" Guy nodded.
"...Very well." A small smile crept to the sides of Karel's lips. "From this day onwards, your training shall begin. You will learn the sword, Pokémon battle, and a combination of the two."
"...Isadora?" Harken called.
"Harken..." The silver paladin gazed at the hero who had now approached her side.
"You still cry," sighed Harken. "I am sorry... it is all my fault. Isadora, if you wish it... I will leave this army. It seems my very existence is a dark weight upon your heart..."
"No... No!" Isadora cried, quickly dismounting her horse and holding Harken's hands tightly. "You are not a weight... you are dear to me. Since you left, all I have thought of is you..."
"Isadora..." Harken winced to see tears forming in his lover's eyes yet again.
"When you and Lord Elbert had left, it was as though Pherae had died," continued Isadora. "I should have gone... I should have gone with you and Lord Elbert. How many times I thought that as I cried! Dying would be better than living without you... So much better... I thought."
"Then, why..." began Harken.
"I was afraid," Isadora whispered. "I was afraid that you would leave me again, that you would disappear once more... Like that day, when you left with Lord Elbert... when you said those words to me before you had departed..."
"Yes, I promised you that I would return unharmed," Harken nodded. "And when I came back to Pherae, we would be wed..."
"I was scared. Scared that you would never be able to return to my side and fulfill your promise to me," trembled Isadora. "I was so petrified... I forgot how hard it must have been for you... Please, forgi..."
"Isadora... if this is all that you're requesting forgiveness for," spoke Harken gently, "Then it should be me asking for forgiveness."
"Harken..." Isadora gazed at her beloved hero, lips shaking with emotion.
"Isadora, I was the one who forgot how hard it was for you. When Lord Elbert was killed by that monster, I was completely lost in my desire to avenge my liege," Harken consoled. "Even though I knew I was no match for Nergal, I still wanted to strike him down... or die trying. I had completely forgotten the place... and the people... who matter the most to me. Isadora..." At this, Harken pulled Isadora's hands up, so that their faces were only inches apart.
"Isadora, if you truly want my forgiveness... then please, give me one more chance. Give me one more chance to fulfill the promise I could not keep before," pleaded the hero softly. "When this expedition is over, and we both return to Pherae... let us have a grand marriage. And then... I will protect you and follow you for the rest of my life."
"Harken... do you really mean it?" The paladin's tears glistened with rekindled hope as she felt her heart leap.
"Yes," smiled Harken. "I shall never leave you behind again. We will always be together."
"Oh... Harken!" Overcome with emotion, Isadora wept into Harken's shoulder, from relief, happiness and sorrow all in one go. Harken gently returned the embrace he was receiving, eliciting smiles from his colleagues all around.
In the dark times of battle, people can still manage to found some brief moments of brightness.
ShadowedTactician: Hopefully, I didn't butcher up that last scene.
Imppala: Hopefully, you'll continue immediately after writing this.
Grim: ...Review.
