Author's note: I had a short mini-debate with myself over whether to finish the Pegasus story first or move the story forward into the next main chapter. However, to go on to the next part my friend agreed it was best to finish Fiora's flashback first, as much as we may kind of want to put it off for… ever.

Guest: In the sense of Will's story, you could say that he's very unsure about love at all. The only person he was ever super close to was Maria, she died, then he was thrown into Lyn's story. Even with time, He's not improved that much on understanding his own feelings. He'll get there though.

Nintend101: An interesting question. Unfortunately, I feel like it might spoil too much if I gave that away. There are eight legendary weapons and Eliwood's group gets I believe most if not all of them by the end of the game. Until then, please speculate away. I suspect by the end people will know too well what I plan and the hints dropped will have become too obvious, but until then I'll keep it under my hat.

Next time is Imprisoner of Magic. So again, don't worry too much about missing a ton if you don't want to see characters that were introduced last time killed off this time. I fully understand. Though you may want to read the last portion since that's when our friends arrive at the rotted tree Uhai told them of.

Chapter 58: Apples

To be read only by the Queen of Ilia,

I offer my deepest apologies for the loss of your Pegasus Knights. I also apologize that it was my advice and request that led to this conclusion. If you would be willing to send me their names and the names of their families, I would like to provide recompense. I realize that it is a small consolation for the loss of a loved one, but it is all I, as the one who insisted upon their task, can offer. I only hope it will ease their burdens.

I will be traveling shortly to Nabata. There is much I must research and not much time to complete it in. Valor is dangerous. Now that we know this, I must find every scrap of usable data on just what it is we are dealing with. I will write you again when I find more information.

Once more, my deepest sympathies,

Count Reglay of Etruria

The company moved at a decent pace. By Will's estimation, they would reach the tree by mid-afternoon. Until then, they had to keep the course. While Eliwood, Lyn, Hector and Marcus led the group, Merlinus had chosen to bring up the rear. His cart had room made in it for the Pegasi, which Will had decided to keep out of the sky for the time being. That way, they could avoid being targeted by unseen enemies. To compensate, they were moving in a slightly wider formation with Matthew and Guy on each side to scan the treelines.

Merlinus was strangely happy to have Will next to him. It was the first time since they had spoken about his mother that the two had truly had a chance to spend time together. Not that Merlinus couldn't understand, he knew Will was busy keeping the company safe. The last thing he wanted was to be a bother during those times.

Florina and Fiora were currently in the wagon. Will's purpose for being there was probably to keep an eye on the two. He had only heard a small amount, but it seems Miss Fiora had been through quite the ordeal.

This was heightened by Florina's gasp. "Fiora, you're Pegasus, it's…"

"I know." Fiora responded. "This is Apples."

"What… what happened to Reza?" Florina asked hesitantly. "You two loved each other so much!"

Even from the front, Merlinus felt like he could see the downtrodden expression on the young woman's face. "He died… saving me."

"Fiora." Will said. "We promised to wait. You don't need to-"

"No, it's best to finish." Fiora said firmly. "If I continue to put it off, I'll never want to say. And you'll need us all at full alert. I don't want Florina compromised because she's worried about me."

"Sister…" Florina said kindly.

"It's okay. It's who you are, Florina." Fiora said softly. "It took us about a month to travel fully from Ilia to the Dread Isle, even by air. The hardest part of the journey was after we took off from Badon. We had to fly straight for days without rest. The Pegasi were pushed to the limits of their endurance. When we finally got within distance of Valor, we knew we would need a few days to recover. However, we never even got the chance to land safely."

"Valor!" Marcia cried happily. "We've made it!"

"It's about time." Matoi grumbled. "We've nearly been at this five days. Any more and our poor Pegasi are going to collapse!"

"We did what we had to." Palla said simply.

"Sisters." Syrene warned, the other three falling silent.

Fiora watched the approaching island a strange sense of fear in her heart. "Let's go."

As they reached the airapce above the dense forest that covered Valor, a sudden barrage of arrows shot up from under the canopy to meet them. "How in the?" Palla began.

"Dodge!" Fiora shouted, yanking the reigns of her steed. The others did the same, and the Pegasi all reared and turned, avoiding the arrows by mere fractions just in the nick of time. "Pull back! Before they-"

Another barrage of arrows came up to meet them. Fiora gasped in horror as an arrow nearly pierced her chest, before Reza dived towards the ground. The Pegasus neighed angrily, the others taking cue and following suit. They dove for the ground, ignoring the arrows that continued to fly their way. The crash wasn't pretty. At the very least, they had managed to avoid an area ripe with enemies. As the five tumbled to the ground, the Pegasi whinnied nervously at their leader. Reza neighed once more, before collapsing to the ground. "Reza!" Fiora shouted in surprise.

"This is…" Syrene muttered. "Fiora, she's been hit."

"Reza…" Fiora circled around, seeing the arrow that had pierced straight through the Pegasus' hide. Form the looks out it, the force had likely broken several of Reza's ribs. Still, Reza had brought her down safely. "I'm so sorry." Reza whinnied softly, her eyes trained on Fiora, before they closed. A moment later, her breathing stopped.

"Hey... hang on…" Marcia said, her voice shaking. "That wasn't… this wasn't… what the hell is going on?"

"Calm down." Syrene commanded. "You were warned this mission would be dangerous. Did you think that meant nothing?"

"I… no I…" Marcia stuttered, before falling silent.

"I'm sorry, Fiora." Matoi said, crouching down next to Reza. "She was a beauty to behold."

"Let's bury her." Palla said. "It may cost us time, but I'd prefer not leaving her in the open where our enemies can find her."

"You're right." Fiora said. "Thank you, everyone."

The group set about their work in silence. While Palla and Syrene kept watch, Matoi and a shaky Marcia helped Fiora bury her faithful steed. In spite of herself, Fiora couldn't help the memories. Their time spent in training. Their first mission together. The time Reza had eaten Florina's birthday cake and she had cried non-stop until Reza nuzzled her softly in apology. The pride with which they wore the title of knight together. Taken away by a single arrow in the span of a few minutes. It was cruel… too cruel.

"What do we do now, leader?" Palla asked. "We've arrived, but they were clearly expecting us already. Perhaps we should've considered coming by boat after all."

"No one in Badon was willing to sail to Valor." Fiora said. "The rumors of this place have infected the locals to the point where I doubt our enemies ever have to worry about sea-goers. So they prepared themselves for troops from the sky. For us. Just like that Sacaen said."

"Sacaen?" Matoi asked, her nose wrinkling. "You mean that guy who got arrested? What about him?"

"No… It's nothing." Fiora said. "It's best not to dwell. Opinions?"

"We're not in the best position, but there's no reason the mission shouldn't continue." Syrene said.

"The Queen requires our intel. If we return without it, another team may simply have to come back." Palla agreed.

"I… I think we should go back. The number of arrows, it's…" Marcia trailed off. "None of us were really prepared for it, were we?"

"We can't give up." Matoi shot back. "If we do, it's like saying we're cowards and unworthy to be knights."

Marcia shrunk back. "I'm sorry."

"No, your concern is valid, Marcia." Fiora said. She closed her eyes for a moment. "Unfortunately, we must continue. There's too much at stake for us to fail now."

"Understood." Palla, Syrene and Matoi returned.

"Yeah…" Marcia muttered.

The group made their way carefully through the trees, their Pegasus trailing only a short way behind. Eventually, they managed to find a cave that seemed empty. However, they couldn't take any chances.

"Matoi, Syrene, scout it out." Fiora said, making a motioning gesture. The two nodded. Their Pegasi alongside them, the two made their way to the cave entrance. Taking up positions at opposite sides, they nodded to each other before entering.

"At first, there was nothing." Fiora continued. "I thought we might have a place we could use as a base to scout out the different areas of the island. To get information on our enemies. But those thoughts died alongside the screams."

"Sister…" Florina tried, but Fiora shook her head.

"It was my fault." She said. "I should've… I should've left the moment Marcia suggested it. I was too prideful to admit I wasn't ready for the responsibility."

"Is this… when those golden eyed humans appeared?" Will asked.

"They aren't human." Fiora said firmly. "I don't know what they are… but human isn't one of them."

"Kyaa!" The scream of Matoi brought them to alert.

"What are you- Agh!" The shout of Syrene followed.

Fiora held the other two back. She hated herself for doing it, but she had no idea what they were dealing with. Thankfully, Syrene came tumbling out of the cave. However, her Pegasus wasn't with her. What came out next wasn't Matoi either. Well, technically it was Matoi, but she was being choked by a… woman? It must be a woman, the long wavy black hair made her think that. The small bump in her clothing around the chest was also evidence to that. But the face… it was very masculine for a female. Her clothes were hidden by black robes, but her eyes… they glowed with a strange golden light. No person Fiora had ever seen had eyes like that.

"Let go of her!" Syrene demanded.

"No. Intruders must be dealt with." The woman responded. A moment later, she had smashed the back of Matoi's neck with her hand. Fiora could swear she heard the crack as Matoi fell limp to the ground.

"Monster!" Syrene shouted angrily.

"Monster?" The woman asked curiously. "No. I am Limstella. I serve Master Nergal. Master's orders are absolute."

"Instructor!" Marcia whispered frantically. "We have to help-"

"No." Palla said quickly. "You saw what just happened. If we… If we try to fight her…"

"Syrene, retreat!" Fiora shouted. "You two come on!"

The three turned and bolted. Syrene had likely heard the command, as they could hear her following behind. At least, until a flash of lightning came down from the sky, and a scream accompanied the flames behind them.

"Instructor!" Marcia yelled.

"Keep moving!" Palla shouted. "Do you want to die as well?"

"Dead?" Marcia said. "But she… they…"

Marcia's voice trailed away, Fiora and Palla managing to drag her along behind them. Only Marcia's and Palla's Pegasus followed. Even now, Fiora wasn't sure what had happened to Matoi's and Syrene's steeds.

"Not human…" Will muttered. "I see now what you mean. That kind of strength…"

"Their Pegasi… were likely captured." Fiora said sadly. "Now that you've told me about that plan in more detail, I think that's what must have happened. There were probably more troops inside the cave that captured and held down the Pegasi from their owners while that… woman dealt with them."

"You made the right call, pulling back then." Will said. "Though I suppose that's of little comfort."

"I knew it was necessary, but I still wish I had told us to turn back. Reza's death should've been a sign." Fiora said. "For something that bad to happen at the start…"

"You were doing what you thought you had to, sister." Florina said comfortingly. "No one can balme you for that."

"I can." Fiora said. "After that event, we were stranded. If we couldn't find and take out that arrow squadron, turning back wasn't going to be an option. With only two Pegasi, the targets were too few to confuse the enemy and my added weight would guarantee our deaths. I offered to stay behind, but the others wouldn't hear of it."

"Of course." Will said. "They made their own decision to stay with you. I doubt they could handle the guilt of sacrificing you for a chance at living."

"It was a tough week after that. We ate rations sparingly, and moved even more carefully. Eventually, we found the archer's base. However, many of them had those strange yellow eyes." Fiora shuddered. "Remembering what happened to Matoi and Syrene, it was difficult for us to… make a plan. We weren't sure they would even go down if they were stabbed through the heart or bashed in the head. That's how out of our element we were by that point."

"Calm down Apples, its okay." Marcia said softly, stroking her Pegasus' mane. "We're still okay."

"That Pegasus has been seriously spooked." Palla sighed. "I don't think we should count on it during this fight, Fiora."

Fiora sighed. "You're right, but to only have one Pegasus for the most important part… are you sure you can handle it?"

"Leave it to me." Palla said, thumping her chest plate. "A delivery of explosives to a fort filled with archers, coming right up."

Fiora smiled in spite of herself. "Then Marcia, you'll be with me on the ground. We've been setting up some traps, so we need to lure one of those things into one. Once we do, we can find out whether they die like normal humans or not."

"Meanwhile, I'll deliver the explosives and take out a good majority of their force." Palla grinned. "Sure, they may not die like normal humans, but an explosion should do it. Even if it maims them it should give us time to escape while they recuperate."

"Got it." Marcia said simply. She had been rather sullen the last week, hardly speaking unless it was to calm her Pegasus or to answer one of them.

Fiora would've liked to take more time, but she knew the longer they waited the less likely their success would be. "We'll only have one chance. We strike in one hour."

The first part of the plan went better than Fiora had hoped. They had captured one of the golden eyed things in a trap, one where its legs were tied together and hanging from a tree. The golden eyed thing seemed confused about what to do, but stared at them without blinking. Fiora stabbed it in the chest and thankfully, it died. So they could be killed.

"What are they… enhanced humans?" Marcia asked. "They're so strong, but they can still die…"

"I… I don't know." Fiora admitted. "But… we'll report it to the Queen and she'll figure it out."

"Yeah…" Marcia muttered. "Umm… Fiora? If… will you make sure Apples is okay if something-"

"Don't finish that." Fiora warned. "I… I'd rather not think like that."

Marcia nodded, the two falling silent once more. Moments later they could hear the sounds of an explosion. "Palla did it!" Marcia exclaimed.

"Yes, now let's find out what the damage is." Fiora said. The two carefully made their way to their vantage point, peeking through the foliage at the fort. It had been blown apart and several places were on fire. "I suppose bring that blasting powder was one of Matoi's better ideas."

"She always over prepared." Marcia lamented. "I mean, for most things."

"Where's Palla?" Fiora asked, scanning the sky. To their horror, she was nowhere to be found.

"Wait, she didn't… did she?" Marcia yelped in fear.

"She… she must've." Fiora said, looking at the wreckage of the fort. "If there were archers that managed to hit her or her pegasus, then…"

"She… she made a kamikaze attack?" Marcia whimpered, falling to her knees. "This… this can't be…"

"There are enemies coming." Fiora said, grabbing Marcia's hand. "We need to get back to Apples, now." As they rushed through the foliage, they heard the sound of footsteps all around them. Were people coming to check out the fortress? How many were there? If there was any chance they heard them going in the opposite direction…

They reached the clearing with Apples, only for Marcia to scream in horror. Five golden eyed things were surrounding her steed, which was backing away in fear towards a large cage. "Leave Apples alone!" She shouted.

"Marcia, wait!" Fiora shouted, but it was too late. The girl had rushed into the enemies, her spear swinging wildly as she knocked two enemies away.

"Fly Apples!" Marcia shouted at her steed. "Fly now!"

Apples whinnied, taking to the air, before flying just out of sight. With her friend out of harm's way, Marcia set to work. Her spear flashed as she stabbed one of the foes still on the ground, while Fiora quickly finished off the second. The three others turned just in time to draw their weapons. Their fight continued, but Fiora and Marcia managed to get the upper hand. Two more enemies fell.

"Stand back, Marcia, I've got the last one!" Fiora shouted.

"I'm fine!" Marcia shouted back. "I just need to-"

As Marcia swung at the last enemy, her spear hit the armor and shattered. Her eyes widened as the enemy drove his sword through her chest.

"MARCIA!" Fiora shouted, her spear piercing the enemies chest. It and Marcia both fell to the ground, dead. "No… no… Marcia…" Fiora clutched the body of her final companion.

The sounds of approaching footsteps gave Fiora no chance to grieve. Before she could think, she pulled Marcia's body on top of her and lay still.

Florina covered her mouth in horror. Will and Merlinus both listened in silence. "I don't know how long I was like that." Fiora sighed. "It felt like days… maybe weeks. The strange golden eyed things after some rudimentary searching just stood there as if they had nothing to do. I'm not sure why they were so… emotionless."

"Oh sister…" Florina said, drawing her sister into a hug.

"Golden eyes…" They heard from just behind them, making both sisters jump.

"Leila!" Will shouted. "You're awake!"

"Barely." The spy muttered. "I feel like… I must've died at some point there… are you dead too, then?"

"No." Will said with a smile. "We found you just in time. You got… well let's just say an extreme amount of luck and the best healer in the world were involved."

"I… see." Leila muttered softly. "Those golden eyed beings… Nergal called them Morphs."

"Morphs?" Will asked. "What could that mean?"

"He was saying… he created them. How or why… I don't know." Leila said softly. "I'm sorry… I'm still tired."

"Go back to sleep." Will said. "Thank you for your help."

"I'm just… happy to be alive right now…" Leila said, a soft smile crossing her face before her breathing once more became soft.

"After that time had passed… Apples found me." Fiora said, continuing from where she had left off. "He dragged me, softly and carefully, away from the battlefield. Since then I've been… unsure what to do. I've remained here, gathering information where I could. I managed to make a decent living off the island's food. Without avenging my team I… I felt like I couldn't go on."

"Until you ran into us?" Florina asked.

"Yes." Fiora admitted. "Seeing you again, Little sister… I couldn't bring myself to continue on alone. I still want to avenge them, but now I… I'll try to survive as well. Apples will help me until our mission is complete. At least, he seems to be doing that. I can't say I understand him as well as I did Reza."

"It's okay." Florina said. "You'll get used to each other in time. Right now, you're comrades on the battlefield. To really know each other, you have to spend time with each other off the battlefield as well."

"Yes…" Fiora agreed. "Of course you're right. Thank you, Florina."

"Will?" The call came from Matthew.

"What's up?" He asked.

"It looks like we may soon be reaching the dead tree." He said. "Did you want to go up to the front with the others?"

"I suppose I should." Will said. "Florina, you and Fiora may want to get Huey and Apples out of the caravan and ready to go. Matthew, bring Serra just in case Leila needs any tending while they move."

"You got it." Matthew said happily, hurrying off.

"Be careful, tactician William." Fiora said. "These Morphs are dangerous. Every single one of them."

"I understand." Will said. "Thank you for sharing your story with me." He jumped from the front seat, hurrying off back to the front.

Merlinus sighed. So, still no time for a vassal and lord to get to know each other? Knowing his luck, the next chance would be another three months from now.

"A great rotted tree… This appears to be the place of which Uhai spoke." Eliwood said. "What do you think, Will?"

Will examined the tree. "I agree. I suppose that means we should head west from here."

"Let's get going then!" Hector declared.

"Hector, wait!" Lyn shouted, chasing after him.

Eliwood hesitated. "Eliwood?" Will asked. "That's your worried behavior. What's going on?"

"It's just… I've tried putting it from my mind as best I can, but… Erik's words, back when we were in Laus… Will, what do you truly think?" Eliwood asked.

"You mean that your father was involved in a plot for rebellion?" Will asked

"Yes." Eliwood murmered sheepishly.

"To be honest, a bit of doubt is probably necessary." Will admitted. "I don't know your father. That makes it pretty easy for me to imagine the worst of him."

"I see…" Eliwood said sadly.

"However," Will continued, holding up his hand, "From everything I've heard about him from you, Marcus and even Hector, Lord Elbert doesn't seem like that type of person. When his loyalty seems so clearly aligned with Lycia, I have a hard time believing he'd break that oath."

"You're right on that point as well." Eliwood chuckled. "I still can't believe it myself, yet this anxiousness won't leave me be. When I think about him, my breath tends to catch."

"Don't mistake your feelings, Eliwood." Will said, quirking his eyebrow. "I doubt that feeling is distrust for your father. It more likely comes from concern for his well-being. Especially since he's held here and in need of aide. Being involved in something that's larger than all of us, it can be easy to lose sight of that, especially with our quickening pace."

"On the nose once again." Eliwood said, surprised at himself as well as Will. "Thank you. I feel quite a bit better now."

"It's this air." Will muttered. "Lyn said it before, but it's… disquieting to say the least."

"Like the island is taking hold of the despair we hold in our hearts and amplifying it." Eliwood agreed. "If I hadn't had a chance to mention this, I wonder if it would've overtaken me?"

"Best to not let such thoughts take hold." Will said. "Otherwise you'll never stop thinking it."

"Can you stop being right for a while?" Eliwood asked. The two chuckled.

Up ahead, Lyn and Hector were attempting to lead the pack, though less successfully than one would imagine. "Hector, hold up." Lyn said, grabbing the man's shoulder.

"What?" Hector asked agitatedly.

"Walk quietly." Lyn said. "Your armor makes far too much noise."

"Oh." Hector grunted. "Uh…" he attempted to walk more carefully, his armor clanking noisily with every step. "How's this?"

"You're still clanking." Lyn deadpanned in annoyance.

"Do you see what I'm wearing?" Hector asked defensively. "This equipment is not light! How do you propose I walk 'quietly' in this?"

"Stop yelling!" Lyn answered angrily, her own voice raising as well. "It's because of that clattering armor you're wearing! I'm just saying we have to move cautiously. Nothing more!"

"I know!" Hector shouted back. "I'm saying I'm doing the best I can!

"Shut up!" Will shouted from just behind them, startling them both. He and Eliwood quickly caught up. "Armor or no armor, if you both keep shouting like that every enemy within fifty miles will know our position!"

"Ah…" Lyn said, covering her mouth in embarrassment.

"Sorry." Hector grumbled bashfully.

"We proceed with caution from here." Will said. "Hector, you get to the back. Eliwood, I need you to get our cavaliers up here. Lyn, I need you to get Guy, Lucius and Erk. Your eyes and their magic may be key in seeing if any enemies are ahead of us. I don't want any surprises. If Florina and Fiora are ready, have them take up low positions just near the front of the caravan. Warn them to use discretion and pull back whenever they need to. Also, make sure Ninian is in the caravan with Leila. We wouldn't want her to get caught up in the fighting."

"Got it." Eliwood said firmly, rushing off.

"Count on me." Lyn said, hurrying away as well.

"Damn… shunted to the back like unwanted baggage." Hector sighed. "I get it though. You call when you need me, got it?"

"Of course." Will said, smiling slyly. "Otherwise I won't have someone to take all the hits for me."

"That's harsh, but not untrue." Hector chuckled. "You still can't take a hit."

"Why take a hit when I can have you do it for me?" Will said with a shrug.

"Lord Aion." A Black Fang member in a black robe said, bowing low. "Our Pegasus Squad has brought word. Targets are approaching from the far side of the eastern mountain."

"Hmph." Aion breathed imperiously. His short green hair was combed neatly, and he wore a red cloak instead of a black one, though it still covered most of his body. Underneath, one could see the former symbols of an Etrurian noble that had been stripped away. "So Uhai failed after all. I'm not surprised. We're talking the shallow wisdom and bottomless arrogance of a Sacaen nomad, after all. He possessed a certain rough talent, but no mind for tactics. Most nomads are like that. Are our units in place?"

"Yes sir." The man said.

"Hah!" Aion cried in triumph. "Good. Very good. In confined spaces like these, my thunder magic devastates. With Bolting in my possession, the battle is already won. Combat is an equation, you know. Those with intelligence have the natural advantage. Those imbeciles will never reach the Dragon's Gate. Never. I will bury them here in this forest!"

With Fiora now in our company, we follow the words of Uhai and travel towards the Dragon's Gate. I know we will have to fight to get in, but I hope once we have, we can finish this quickly. Whatever Nergal's planning, whatever these Morphs may entail, the sooner we end things the better. I think I speak for the entire company when I say that.

Wait for us, Lord Elbert. Nils. We're going to finish this.