Author's Note: This chapter is a flat out continuation. Last chapter got too long so I had to call it. That and I hate how far behind I've fallen in writing. Not to mention I'm going to be pretty busy helping out in a show the next few weeks. It's going to be pretty fun.
Xillax: I was so glad I found another use for the mines after I introduced them. I was afraid they were going to turn into a single use item and avoiding that was nice. As for your other question, without giving away too much I'm going to say Both. Because that way anyone who's wondering knows.
Dusk Mind: I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm also trying to find the best way to continue growing the characters and avoid stagnation. Luckily there are still new characters to start focusing on and giving time to, but I try to keep growing our main cats in the meantime. Keep a tab on me, okay?
Drakedragon: Thank you for being another new reader that reviewed! Let me talk a bit about your critique and answer some of your thoughts. About Will: Firstly, I do think that if I were to re-remaster this fic, I would change Will's name back into Mark. When I originally started the fic, I liked the idea of Lord William and the Will/Wil dynamic. However, in practice we've rarely seen that duo work together, and Will's backstory as a Sacaen that ended up in the Fang was far more compelling. If I were to take out some part of the backstory, I think it would have been Will being related to Lord Helman. Even if I liked how it linked him to Merlinus and originally I was going for a 'mirror' to Lyn. I am glad that he doesn't come off as a one-man army. About the Dread Island: Again, you raise some good points. I will admit a lot of this fic, while I have planned certain things out, happen to change while I'm writing them. Leila's death I always planned to retcon because I felt like I could put her character to better use. As of yet, I haven't really been able to do outside of a couple scenes. My pride blinded me, I suppose. Wallace and Renault, meanwhile, kind of happened while I was writing the Dread Isle arc. Perhaps another fault of sparing Leila, but with only Lord Elbert dying the group's loss and the true weight of their defeat hitting the entire party (mainly those outside of Pharae) felt somewhat unnatural. With Wallace, a well-loved and strong member falling unexpectedly, I felt like the effect it would have on Will particularly would be much stronger. While I made use of Renault's death to bring up the idea of the Legendary Weapons, I will also admit that Renault's would be a death I would certainly consider taking out were I to redo it. Especially since I introduced him specifically to avoid having to develop him in the last couple chapters only to decide to have him hold off Nergal to protect the party. It was a strange choice that I'm not sure why I made it at the time. On Marquis Caelin: I'll admit it did kind of hurt the pacing, but I don't regret having him die in story. The epilogue where he dies after Leila specifically saving him never sat well with me, as I would've preferred them to kill him in story rather than as an after note when the group returns. On Mark: I am a bit embarrassed by the whole madness inducing laugh bit. Please forgive that as a younger more self-indulgent form of writing over what I'm going for now. I hope you continue to enjoy and critique the story. :P
Chapter 73: Enchantment
Louis,
I have discovered the most fascinating things buried under the desert. While Athos remains rather tight-lipped about our true question, these are more than enough to sate my appetite for in the interim. It is said that Nabata is where Humans and Dragons lived together in harmony. Can you imagine it? Well the old tales do tell that dragons would take human form in this world, so even if we found them we may not be able to tell they were dragons at first glance.
Do you think Dragons live among us, even to this day? If they do, do you think they even know what they are? Perhaps they have long since lost their power. Dragons could sense danger and weapons did nothing to them… over the years could those resistances have waned? I would love to meet and talk to one at great length, but I'm afraid all this speculation is in vain.
I hope you and Lord Athos are well. I shall return shortly.
Pent
"It took a lot of work, but we've found you at last." Hector groaned.
"I'm glad you're safe, my friend." Eliwood chuckled. "Now only five of us remain missing."
"Will, Lyndis, Guy, Legault and Oswin." Dorcas counted them on his fingers. "Do you think they're on the move?"
"They must be." Hawkeye said. "Otherwise we would have found them by now. The sands may have moved us, but not that far."
"I'd think they were headed for the middle of the ruins." Erk said. "Either they thought we went there, or they thought taking out the seal was the best way to help us."
"A lot of us got badly hurt the last time we had to fight the morphs around that seal." Hector grimaced. "He'd better know what he's doing."
"We'll trust him on this one." Eliwood said. "Once we're all together we'll move out ourselves."
The five warriors took up a position just outside the room. "Yeah, that feeling is definitely coming from here." Will said quietly.
Legault picked the lock, before inching the door open as slowly as possible. Lyn, being the best scout of the five, entered first. For a minute, the silence continued, before she quickly reemerged. Making a gesture for them to back away, the group quickly beat a fast retreat. "What's the deal, missy?" Legault asked airily.
"You were right about him having guards." Lyn said to Will. "I didn't want to risk drawing their attention to us. It seems as though we'll have to charge their position."
"Most likely." Will lamented. "The moment one of them is attacked, the others will turn their attention to us."
"How many?" Oswin asked.
"Five, counting the seal." Lyn replied. "One for each of us."
"If you remember, Morphs are not like normal human beings." Legault reminded them. "I may not have fought the ones you faced on Dread Isle, but I'm not entirely happy about the prospect of fighting one of those things solo mio, if you catch my drift."
"I doubt we'll have much choice." Lyn said. "Each one is vastly different. The one at the front is in a large suit of armor, and carries a dangerous looking lance."
"If It's armored, I'll handle it." Oswin said. "I won't bring shame upon Ostia by backing down now."
"The second is a sword user. Its blade looks to be a match for the Mani Katti, or Guy's Killing Edge."
"A challenge, is it?" Guy mused. "I'll handle that one. I won't let my sword skills lose to anything."
"Third is an Archer. While I can't be sure, it may have a concealed dagger to fight close range."
"So you all are dumping that one on me then." Legault sighed after a moment of silence. "Leave it to the thief to deal with the problem before it can become one."
"That leaves the shield bearer. It had a sword and Axe strapped to its back, so it's not going to be an easy fight. I'll take that one. Will, once we've created the opening, you know how to handle the seal."
"It should leave." Will said. "At least, I hope it does. Once it does, I can use some small magic to assist you all in your fights. Don't take any unnecessary risks and strike to kill. They will not show you any mercy."
"Right!" The four responded.
"Oswin." A much younger Lord Uther swam in his vision. "What happened to mom and dad… will it happen to me too?"
"I couldn't say, milord." Oswin replied. He was much younger himself back then, just fresh out of his knight training, when their parents had passed away. For some reason, Uther had asked for him specifically. He couldn't remember what he had done to impress the young lord.
"If it does… does that mean Hector would be all alone?" Uther continued, rubbing his eyes.
"I... couldn't say, milord." Oswin replied.
"Of course." Uther sighed. "I don't know why I asked. Nobody would ever tell me the truth even if they did say anything."
"I wouldn't say that, milord." Oswin said. "Surely, people want to believe that the best will happen, but oftentimes when it comes to others, we are… more unsure. It is far easier to tip-toe around the issue, to give one space, than to take an active role in helping them. Both from fear of being hated, and from fear of only making the person feel worse. It just seems like-"
"There's no easy answer." Uther finished. "I suppose, but… I've never thought answers should be easy. After all, if they were easy, doing the right thing wouldn't always be so hard."
Oswin smiled. "If it is any consolation to you, Lord Uther, should anything ever befall you and I am still living, I will remain by your brother's side for as long as he needs me."
Uther finally smiled. A small, sad smile. "Thank you, Oswin. I knew I chose wisely."
Oswin charged into the room with Lyn, Guy and Legault on his heels. Immediately the four morphs sprung to life, the head morph covered head to toe in hefty gear raising a large axe. Oswin grimaced as he lunged, his lance striking out to knock the morph back. As he did, the axe came down to meet his shoulder. Before the pain could fully set in, Oswin continued his charge, ramming into the morph and pushing him as far into the room as possible, away from the other three and the magic seal.
"Times like these make me realize how much Lady Serra brings to the party." Oswin mumbled to himself as he gripped his lance. He had heard about the original fight with the morphs on the Dread island, but at that time Lord Eliwood and Lord Wallace had taken the lead. This time, they were less prepared, and they had no idea where any of the remaining party were. They had to take a chance and fight.
Oswin's lance spun as he struck out at the near infallible armor, feeling the clink and slide as it failed to pierce through. The morph retrieved its axe with a mighty heave, Oswin gritting his teeth to prevent himself from shouting out. Not that the morph would care, but he couldn't distract the other four from their tasks. The blood quickly soaked his undershirt.
"Deeper than I'd hoped…" Oswin growled to himself. Judging by the speed, he would begin to feel faint within another minute of heavy combat. He'd have to throw everything he had at this morph. Looking up and down, he could only see one true weak spot: the neck. To aim there and land the blow, his timing would have to be more than precise, it'd have to be perfect.
"Oswin, my time will soon be up." Uther said softly. "I know you can sense it too."
Oswin lowered his head. "I'm ashamed. I should be at your side, yet-"
"Yet nothing." Uther smiled. "I asked of you a most difficult thing. Looking after my headstrong younger brother is no easy task."
"Yes, but Lord Hector has been learning much on this journey. I think you've seen it yourself, what with-"
"Agreeing to let me help?" Uther laughed weakly. "I suppose I'll take what I can get at this late stage. I wish I could say I'll leave with full confidence, but sometimes I do wonder if my brotherly pride doesn't cloud my judgement where Hector is concerned."
"No." Oswin said, surprising himself slightly. "Having now traveled with him, and lent him my lance, I can honestly say… you have always been right, milord. All Hector has ever needed is someone to believe in him. To push him to become the man he can become."
"Then-"
"Yes. I will do as I promised, milord. I never had any plans to go back on it. Now that I know your brother, I can say it is for both your sakes."
"Thank you, Oswin. I leave Hector in your hands."
"I will not fail you, milord." Oswin said firmly, gripping his lance. The morph's swing, powerful and true, was deflected at just the right moment by Oswin's lance. By tipping it slightly, he guided the axe towards the ground where his armored foot kicked it, lodging it into the floor. He may have nearly cut of his foot with the risky stunt, but it worked. The morph stumbled ever slightly forward, and Oswin's lance pierced through its narrow window.
A moment later, the Morph fell to the ground. Three remained.
"Weak."
A young boy hit the ground, failing to climb the tree for the last time.
"Far too weak."
A young boy was disarmed in a fight with the weakest member of the tribe.
"Too weak to survive."
A young boy being sent out on the plains alone after failing his brethren.
"A fortnight of supplies. The nearest town is that way. In the noble's world, you may yet survive. They thrive on saving the weak."
A young boy sent to die. A young boy who only wanted to be acknowledged.
"As you deserve."
Or one who wished he could kill his pride.
"I'm not weak!" Guy shouted as his slash missed the Swordmaster's blade, the morph dancing just out of reach. The morph remained silent, it's blade poised to strike the moment Guy let down his guard. Quickly, his brought his sword back to guard his front. The Swordmaster, however, did not attack. "Fight back!" Guy spat. Feelings he thought he'd finally managed to suppress bubbling to the surface.
"If you want to make some dough, then kill that man for me."
A young man with a sword at his side, but no change in his pockets.
"What do you care who he is?"
A Sacaen forced to kill to survive. A Mongrel who was hungry for a bite.
"After all, you nomads kill each other for fun, right?"
Savages seen only through rose colored lenses. Killers without remorse.
"See? Not so hard was it?"
And all of them true of him. All of the curses the fates could have.
"You'll go far, kid."
Anything to survive. Anything to kill. Anything to fight. Anything to win.
Guy's sword groaned under the pressure of his opponent's. His second strike had been deftly parried, and the morph had immediately struck for his heart. Guy's own Killing edge was barely holding up under the strain, his sword pressed to his chest as the morph's sword pressed against the blade near the hilt. At any moment, should his resolve waver, the blade could snap. A single mistake on the tightrope meant a fall. A death which held no glory or promise of true release from everything he had ever fought for. But… what was he fighting for? Just to live? That couldn't be all there was… was there?
"That's stupid. Why would you ever try that hard at killing for nothing?"
A savior in the form of a man in a tattered cloak. The leg of an animal he didn't recognize being offered to him.
"Pride? Why's that matter when you're dead?"
Confusion, but not scorn. Acceptance at their difference. It was strange. No, it was suspicious.
"Well, it doesn't matter now I guess. Feeling better?"
More confusion, but of a nicer kind. A kindness from a stranger rarely seen in the world they lived in. Not from Sacaens. Not from Lycians. From… a nobody like him.
"Guess that'd means you owe me a favor, right? I'll be sure to collect."
A cocky grin. Anger returning in full. A breaking point.
"What do you mean collect?" Guy yelled, his sword pushing back against the morph's with all his might. The Morph, to its credit, still maintained that deadpan look it had during their entire fight. "What favor?" He pushed harder, feeling his arms flex to their breaking point as he barely managed to push the morph back, before dodging to the side and letting the morph finish its swing, missing him. "Don't die… like I was just looking for a grave to step into… like you understand everything I've been through…" Guy grit his teeth. No, Matthew did understand. That's why he had said everything he had when they had first met. That's why he continued to check on him during battle. Why he chuckled but never discouraged Guy from trying new things, from caring for Priscilla, from being who he was. He was… trying to be his friend. "No choice but to win then. I'm the best swordsman in all Sacae." Guy said firmly.
He repurposed his sword. From the Defensive style he often used, he instead raised his sword high above his head, adopting Lyndis' preferred stance for beginning a fight. Recalling her movements from their spar, he pictured what he needed to do. As the Swordmaster attacked, Guy slipped just past the blade. A moment later, his sword struck out three times, hitting three vital areas on the morph even as he continued to move, ending up behind the morph. As he finished his attacks, he swung his sword downward, the blood falling to the ground. A moment later, the morph collapsed behind him. Guy let out a long sigh of relief. Two remained.
He stood in the shadows, watching a young man with brown hair talk to Brendan's children. "Another mission? You've really earned father's trust, haven't you?" The older of the brothers chuckled.
"I suppose." The boy responded. "I'm only doing what I'm told."
"A puppet." The younger growled.
"Come now, Linus, that's no way to treat an ally." The older chided.
"He's no ally of ours, brother." Linus clicked his tongue. "You think Nergal's little errand boy has anything to offer us? I doubt it."
"Geez! Don't be so mean to Will!" A little girl with green hair chided. "He's always nice to me. You two are never home these days so he's always helping me. Well, sometimes Jaffar is around, but…"
"Forgive him, Nino." The elder brother said, kneeling down to her level. "You know Linus doesn't mean it. He's just a bit… rough with his words."
"Not without reason!" Linus defended. "You can't just pretend things are still the same! Come on, Lloyd! You've been saying-"
The elder brother shot the younger a look. "That talk is best left between us. These two are to remain safe from it. You hear me?"
"I… yeah. Sorry." Linus said sheepishly.
"Another brotherly argument?" A deep voice said from the shadows. Gripping his daggers tighter to his chest, the thief knew he had overstayed his welcome. Moving now, however, was likely to get him a sword through the eye. Dangerous, dangerous…
"Uhai." Lloyd said. "What brings you here?"
"Simply a message." Uhai said. "I bring your new orders. Though I suppose you two want to hear it directly from Brendan."
"As we always will." Lloyd said. "Forgive me, Nino. We will return."
Nino looked away, puffing out her cheeks in annoyance. Lloyd chuckled before drawing her into a hug, which she still returned. Linus had already began moving from the room, though he stopped for a moment to wave to Nino as she waved at him. Uhai watched the two leave, before turning to the young man. "You are… Will are you not?"
"Yes."
"You have… eyes that I recognize. You are of Sacae, are you not?"
"I'm not from anywhere." Will replied. "Not anymore."
Uhai smiled softly. "Somehow, I doubt you believe that." He paused. "Allow me to bring the girl home. You too have orders to attend to."
"Aww, I have to wait to play again?" The little girl sighed. "Fine."
Uhai lead the girl slowly towards the exit. As he did, his eyes glanced towards the shadows where Legault still waited. "Before I go… A word of advice."
Legault tightened his grip still further. It had been just his luck to get an assignment that put him so dangerously close to the worst the Fang had to offer. He was getting to old for this. "What is it?" The boy responded.
"Fight for what you believe in, once you find it. No one can tell you what that belief is. You have to decide it for yourself. That is what it means to be human. To be Sacaen. Remember that, Will. For one day, it may just prove useful to you." Uhai said. After a moment, he turned, leading the girl from the room.
Legault eyed the young man, wondering why he had been asked to watch this new angel so closely. As the boy turned away, he contemplated ending this potential threat with a simple flick of his wrist. He could probably do it, before anyone realized what had happened. And yet… Somehow… he couldn't bring himself to do it.
"Must be getting too old for this, if I'm still remembering things that don't matter." Legault mused to himself, as the group initiated their charge into the room. Oswin smashed into the front Morph, blood flying as the morph's axe drew blood. Lyndis and Guy split to take on their respective foes, while he quickly stepped towards the archer.
The archer's bow was already drawn, the arrow aiming towards Oswin as Legualt quickly smacked the bowstring with his dagger. Luckily, it snapped, but the Morph made him pay for that disruption. The bow smacked into him, his entire side aching as he fell to the ground. A moment later, the morph brought the bow down upon him again, smacking him hard in the gut. Barely catching his breath in time, Legualt rolled to the side, avoiding the third time the bow came down.
Legault threw one of his daggers at the morph. Raising its arm, the morph let the dagger pierce its free hand, while the bow hand struck out once more, whacking him across the face. Legault panted as the Morph approached, raising the bow once more. "Ah~, I shoulda seen this coming." Legault chuckled. "Always getting close to death when you start thinking about the past~"
"I'll be your peerless Warrior, and you my Master Tactician!"
"You were definitely raised on the plains, Lyn."
"I was tired of staying on the plains. Tired of being alone."
"I mean; I seriously doubt any of us could just switch weapons at random with each other. Minus Kent."
"OF COURSE I WOULDN'T KNOW THAT! I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MARQUIS' AND WARS! WHY WOULD I WANT SOME THRONE? I'M JUST A GIRL FROM THE PLAINS!"
"I am your enemy right now. I am a Taliver bandit, I am Lundgren. I am whoever you need me to be. Someone who has killed friends, family, someone who you can't trust or talk down. Understand?"
"I don't know if I can easily forget the fate of my people, but at least you are trying to atone. I should respect that, or Father Sky and Mother Earth would curse me next."
"That necklace… It was… is… was my mother's."
"I'd like to retrieve the ring for them, but those thieves might prove too much for us. What do you think?"
"Lyn, I'm sorry. This time, I can't be by your side. The angel of despair still hasn't finished his last job."
"Was you father one of the Lorca?"
"I'm grateful you care, but I'll manage. I promised to get you to Caelin safely. Believe it or not I do intend to keep that promise."
"May those men never feel the peaceful embrace of Mother Earth! We WILL stop them!"
"The castle will not wither under just your gaze, Lady Lyndis."
The previous Pegasus knight commander, that red haired girl? Her name was Anna, I think. Well, she was set free from service. Lundgren had threatened her just like everyone else. While I don't like that she was responsible for almost getting our friends killed…"
"I certainly can't see the future. If I had, I never would have gotten on that boat."
"I knew nothing of the world, and you're right in I act before I think a good deal of the time. But I met Will. And Will, whether he knows it or not, gave me the chance to be something more."
"Will… you're leaving, aren't you?"
"The timing never seemed right, and I didn't want you to think it was out of pity if I didn't get a chance to explain. The Lorca… it's just me. I want to keep the Lorca tribe alive. Since it was once your home, and you and I share a strange fate… I wanted you to be the first new member."
"It's nice to have a home to come back to."
For some reason, even though she was fighting an opponent more dangerous than any she had ever faced, Lyn wasn't afraid. In her mind, memories of her and will played as if on some strange loop. The sword the shield-bearer attempted to use against her was quickly disarmed, using a technique she recall Will using against her so long ago. Her hilt smacked the hand of the morph, causing the sword to fall. She quickly kicked it away, before receiving a blow from the enemy's shield, forcing her back. The sword clattered just out of reach, the morph reaching for the axe on its back rather than trying to retrieve the lost weapon.
"You really are trying to retake the castle. You're lucky we got here in time."
"If not for your help, I don't know where I'd be right now."
"I haven't had many people to write letters to before now, so I found it hard to articulate my thoughts. I ended up asking about you guys more because I wanted to know what was going on."
"And then you'll leave me, again, for parts unknown."
"I'm sorry, Lyn."
"It's strange. While I had wished we would get to spend time alone… I didn't mean for it to happen like this."
"Not necessarily by choice. But think about it, Lyn. Unlike what happened with your granduncle, we have no way to prove anything we experienced. No one is going to believe us. Even if we tried, our pleas would be ignored, or used as an excuse to call the Lycian League unfit to continue being ruled by the current regime. I didn't want to force that onto Hector and Eliwood. And especially not onto you, after what happened to your grandfather. It still feels like we had only gotten you two to meet…"
"Will, could I… hold your hand?"
The memories continued to flood her mind, but not for a moment did they distract her from the shield-bearing morph. Its axe missed as she stepped back gracefully, her Mani Katti clashing with its shield. The axe was raised back up, attempting a reverse swipe on her torso, but she managed to block it with her blade. Her desires were finally clear to her. Why she had been so conflicted while staying in Caelin. Why it had been so awkward at times when she and Will had reunited and chose to help Eliwood. Every doubt she had felt the past months were melting away. The only thing that remained was her relationship with Florina. Out of respect, out of their friendship, she knew she had to tell the girl. No matter what may happen, she would never lie to her best friend. That thought fueled her further, and the next swing of the morph's axe was side-stepped before, Lyn slashed the Morph's arm, severing a tendon and causing the axe to drop to the ground. Without missing a beat, Lyn followed with a strike to the other arm and then the morph's torso. The morph collapsed to the ground, dead.
Will approached the Magic Seal, which seemed to look at him curiously. Unsure of what to do, Will drew his sword. The Magic Seal continued to look at him, without moving. "Do I actually need to attack it this time?" He mused, before taking a step towards it.
The Magic Seal didn't move. Will decided to take the chance. Charging, he swung his blade at the Morph. The Morph took the blow, but received barely a scratch from Will's sword. Marveling at the Morph's toughness, Will realized he may be out of his league. However, the moment the morph had received the cut, it rose from its sitting position. Looking at Will for a moment longer, the Morph shimmered before once more vanishing from site. Will had no idea how the Morph did it, but as the strange feeling of his Magic being sucked away began to fade, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"WILLIAM! LEGAULT!" Oswin shouted from the side, startling him. Quickly looking over, Will could see the final morph raising a dagger above its head, poising to finish off the thief collapsed on the floor.
"Damn!" Will cursed. He could see both Lyn and Guy rushing in, with Lyn about to get there a moment earlier. Her sword, however, was just out of reach. Without thinking, Will's body moved, his mouth shouting with him. "LYN, SWING!" As Lyn unconsciously recognized his request, her body began to make the swing. She was still a few feet from her target, however. Will's arm extended, and in his mind he called for what he needed to happen.
The Mani Katti suddenly was surrounded by a blaze of fire, which as Lyn swung shot forth and set the morph ablaze. Lyn's eyes widened in surprise as The Morph stumbled back, allowing Guy enough time to close in and finish the job.
As the five began to recuperate, Lyn ran over to Will. "What… What was that?"
"Enchantment." Will breathed. "I've been working on the theory with Canas and Erk, but to have to try and put it into practice so suddenly…"
"It worked, didn't it?" Guy said, impressed. "I'm glad you pulled it off when you did."
"As am I." Will agreed. "Sorry if that scared you, Lyn."
"No, it's fine." Lyn grinned. "This just means we have another option in our arsenal."
"I'm not sure blades over than the Mani Katti could handle this, to be honest." Will admitted. "It seems to only work with wepaons made of special materials. Mark's Runesword, your Mani Katti… Maybe this is how the Legendary Weapons were originally made." Will mused.
"Either way, you saved my hide." Legault said, seeming to have returned to consciousness. "Thanks, kiddo."
"No problem." Will said.
"Here you are!" The five heard, turning to the door. There stood Eliwood and Hector. It seems they had been running here as fast as they could. "Lord pent seemed to think this is where you would be. I'm glad we found you."
"You drove off that Magic Seal?" Hector whistled. "Impressive! Weren't there more of those morphs here?"
"It's thanks to everyone, but we managed to beat the morphs and drive the seal away again." Will said. "That seal is… strange."
"Pent and Canas have been talking about it themselves." Hector grunted. "They seem pretty excited."
"Everyone here should come with us to our makeshift camp." Eliwood said. "We'll get everyone healed up then head for the surface."
"Yes, that will be best." The large, gruff voice of Hawkeye said form behind the two lords. "I believe once we get out night will have fallen. Best to be at full strength. From there, I should be able to get us to where we need to go."
"Thank you." Will said gratefully.
Haweye nodded.