Author's note: Got Transferred at my job, which is cool. It's a bit closer now. Also, I managed to land a pretty big role in a new play that'll start rehearsals in late march, after I've finished helping in Little Shop of Horrors. Things are somewhat coming together, and I'm trying to do a lot of stuff. So once again, I apologize this fic is more like once every two weeks/once a month now. I'm doing everything I can to continue this in a quality manner to give you guys a great build-up towards the finale.

Dusk Mind: I do like the morph battles. I think this is probably the last time there will be such a targeted fight with the individual morphs though. After this they become more common and I won't be spending as much time on each one.

Pixelsaber: With Erk and Dorcas the implication is that pretty much everyone gossips about everyone else. Dorcas especially is quite the closet shipper. FYI his favorite ship Serra/Hector.

As always, please review if you have the time. I would greatly appreciate it.

Chapter 74: Eight Legends

To whom it may concern,

I have found the one you originally wanted me to watch once more. It was quite by chance, to be honest. While I had thought the chance to discover what had truly happened to the boy was far beyond my meager capabilities, it oddly fell right into my lap as though expecting me.

For the time being, I have joined the company. At first, it seemed they would simply fall apart on their own, but now they have renewed their resolve. They head now for the Nabata desert, in search of a legend who should long be dead. For some reason, I feel as though if it is them, they will manage to find it. I will have to be careful with my missives, but hopefully this will do for a time.

Awaiting your next orders,

The Hurricane

"The air… it's returned to normal!" Pent exclaimed. "The Magic Seal must have fled! Pity, I wanted to study it."

"Pity? It's a relief!" Serra exclaimed angrily, raising her staff and beginning to heal Bartre. "I couldn't use any magic with that thing around!"

"Ah, yes, quite right. Apologies." Pent said sheepishly.

"Where are Hector, Eliwood and Hawkeye?" Dorcas asked impatiently.

"I don't know." Ninian said sadly, scanning the ruins for them. "That creature… it's heretical. It ruins nature's most basic laws."

"…" Dorcas glanced at the girl, who seemed lost in her own thoughts. "There are many things that fall outside the realm of our understanding. I'm just a normal village father."

Ninian giggled. "Yes, you're right. I'm sorry."

"Ah, there they are!" They heard from the halls. A moment later, Lyndis appeared, leading the team of Eliwood, Hector, Will, Guy, Legault and Oswin. Oswin seemed badly hurt, supported by both Hector and Guy, while Legault himself had an arm flung over Will's shoulder, dropping far more dramatically than the small bump on his head would indicate.

As Pent and Serra set to work, Will walked over to Erk and Canas. "Come to think of it, it's strange."

"What is?" Erk asked.

"Why do the Morphs have a human form?" he asked.

"Ah." Canas seemed to realize what Will was getting at, though Erk remained confused. "If Nergal is trying to draw upon the power of dragons, it would make more sense to infuse a dragon with this energy he uses to create the morphs."

"Yeah but finding a dragon corpse to use would be too difficult, wouldn't it?" Erk argued.

"We don't know how much of the human Nergal needs to create a morph from." Will pointed out. "While I'd like to assume it's a lot more difficult, Nergal could very well create one with a single bone."

"Not very likely." Pent cut in. "Morphs require ridiculous amounts of Quintessence. In that vein, the more of the original body one has, the easier it is to create the morph. To recreate the essence of a human itself requires at least three times the amount of quintessence. To recreate one from scratch… I can only hazard a guess, but even ten times the amount may not be enough. Especially so for human souls that are especially stubborn. It's one of those spiritual versus physical arguments that was never resolved way back during the first discussions of bringing morphs into the world, let alone knowing the answer now when they are banned."

"You… you know of morphs?" Canas asked the mage, surprised.

"Naturally." Pent said. "I must admit, I did not think you were here in the Nabata Desert for the same reason as I, but now I see we are. I have come to speak with Athos about Morphs. Sadly, he has been most tight-lipped."

"I thought you looked familiar." Will said. "Wallace and I saw you once, while we were traveling through Etruria. You're the Mage-General."

"The very same." Pent said, with a small bow. "Forgive me for leaving that out earlier, but I find that title pointless outside of the country."

"Master, why didn't you tell me of this?" Erk asked.

"Master?" Will spluttered.

Erk coughed in embarrassment. "He is the one who taught me magic, yes."

Pent chuckled. "Forgive me, Erk. I was never aware you were morph hunting."

"No, well… I admit it's only been a recent problem." Erk said sheepishly. "But considering how much you prattle on about your studies when I've been around, I merely thought…"

"Ah, you're concerned why I kept it secret." Pent nodded sagely. "Forgive me, Erk, but law required it. Requires it, I should say. No man in Etruria is supposed to speak anything of dark practices like Morph Creation."

"I see." Erk said. "Forgive my rudeness, then."

"Not at all." Pent smiled happily. "I'm glad to see you doing so well. Is that young lady doing fine as well?"

"Priscilla?" Erk asked. "Yes, she is, though we were separated by the sands."

"Speaking of." Hawkeye interrupted. "Isn't it time we left?"

"Right." Eliwood agreed. "Let's get going then." As he walked over to Ninin, he offered her his arm. "Are you well?"

"Fine, Lord Eliwood." Ninian said with a soft smile. "Thank you."

"Daughter of…" Hawkeye muttered, as he passed the two of them. His gaze, for a moment, lingered on Ninian.

"Hm?" She hummed, looking at Hawkeye with the small blush on her cheeks.

"…Be strong." Hawkeye whispered, before continuing back into the ruins. The rest of the group, led by Eliwood and Ninian, began their trek. Hector was prying the details of the morph fight from Oswin and Lyn, while Will, Canas, Erk and Pent continued their debate. Serra and Luciua were still tending to Bartre, the former berating the man every time he attempted to move his still injured arm. Guy brought up the rear with Legault and Dorcas, lost in thoughts of his own. Before long, they had returned to the room where the magic seal had been and begun their ascent. As soon as they had climbed, Hawkeye let out a gasp. "We are inside."

"Wow." Pent whistled. "So that underground ruin was connected to Lord Athos' dwelling after all! I can't say I was expecting that."

"It makes it easier." Hawkeye agreed. "Come, it's time to meet the living legend."

"Will! Lyn!" Florina shouted. The group had scarcely entered when the Lavender haired girl quickly rushed over to the two. "Are you okay? When the sands swallowed you, I thought-"

"We're fine, Florina." Lyn said, pulling her into a hug. "I'm glad to see you safe as well."

"We met with Lady Louise." Florina explained. "She brought us here. She thought Lord athos would know what to do. When we came, there was this old man in robes. I figured he must be Athos. He said you'd all come back shortly. I don't know how he knew, or why, but here you are and I'm just… so relieved."

"I think that's the most I've ever heard her speak without stopping." Hector chuckled.

"Eep!" Florina blushed and quickly hid behind Lyn. "I'm sorry!"

"What? Nah, you're fine." Hector laughed. "I assume everyone else is safe too?"

"Umm, yes." Florina said with a small nod. "They're all resting now."

"Good." Eliwood sighed in relief. "Then everyone else should go to where the others are. I'll meet with Lord Athos. Hector, Will, Lyn, can I ask you to attend?"

"Of course." Hector agreed.

"Naturally." Will chuckled.

"Yes." Lyn nodded.

"If it's all the same, I'd like to come to." Ninian said timidly.

"Me-me too!" Florina said quickly.

With Pent and Hawkeye in the lead, the small group headed into the chamber. Serra looked as Hector left, before quickly hurrying the other group along down the other hallway. If he had needed her, he would've asked… right?

"I've brought them." Hawkeye reported.

An aged man with a beard that reached down to his feet stood slowly from his desk, eyeing the newcomers with a knowing glint in his eyes. After a moment, his beard twitched, his mouth forming a smile. "Welcome, children of Roland."

"Considering Lyn and I are Sacaen, we're more likely Children of Hanon, aren't we?"

"And Ilia was founded by Barigan." Florina said, her voice trailing off quickly as the old man laughed.

"Yes, I suppose you both have a point in that regard. Considering the Lycian blood flowing through all of you, I thought you'd forgive the term."

"What are you all talking about?" Lyn asked in confusion.

"You remember the Eight Legends, Lyndis?" Eliwood asked. Lyn nodded. "They fought for humanity during the scouring."

"The legends I know of mainly center around Hanon. She is the one who founded Sacae. The others I'm not too familiar with."

"Lycia is where Roland was born, and where he made his country after the Scouring." Hector said gruffly.

"Oh, I think I understand." Lyn said, crossing her arms. "He could just ask our names instead."

"Forgive me, I have lived for a very long time." Athos said kindly. "In my old age, remembering many more faces and names than those already engraved within my memory proves a difficult process. It's easiest to associate with those I remember well."

"That's a question I wanted to ask you." Will cut in. "I know it may be rude, sir, but if the Scouring was as long ago as it seems to be… wouldn't that make you over a thousand years old?"

"Would it?" Athos mused. "This world is full of mysteries. I would solve one and along would come another! Before I knew it I'd grown distant from my fellow man and an age had gone by… Hunger for knowledge truly knows no bounds."

"That's… a long time." Lyn said bluntly.

"Yet it's thanks to such longevity that we can meet you today." Eliwood said."

"Living Legend… geez." Hector grunted. "Bro wasn't kidding."

"You've come because you want to stop Nergal, don't you." Athos said suddenly and sternly, catching the group off guard.

"Yes." Will replied. "Did you receive word from Marquis Ostia?"

"No." Athos chuckled. "I am aware of most things that occur on the continent. However, knowledge is not enough to prevent disaster. Take the sinking of a ship, mere years ago…"

"Nils said something similar before." Lyn mused. "Something about being able to sense danger, but not being able to do anything to stop it."

"Nils… a child of destiny." Athos sighed.

Ninian's head sank as she gripped Eliwood's arm. Eliwood looked at her curiously, but she shook her head.

Athos glanced at Ninian for but a moment, before continuing. "But you are here to speak of Nergal, are you not? On how to stop him?"

"What wisdom can you share?" Eliwood asked.

"Hmm…" Athos stroked his long beard thoughtfully. "Your foe is, like me, no longer…. entirely human. It will be difficult, if not impossible to slay him through traditional means. He wields terrible power."

"Quintessence?" Will asked.

Athos nodded. "His strength steams form an ancient, forbidden magic that he learned long ago. To defeat him, you need a suitable response."

"The Legendary Weapons?"

"I see you have already happened upon this conclusion, young tactician." Athos agreed grimly. "Sadly, it is just as you have feared. And the weapons themselves will be no easy task to retrieve. Great trials await you, as does great despair. You may very well regret your decision. Will you stay the course?"

The group remained silent, though their resolve was firm. After a few furtive glances, Eliwood spoke. "Our will remains fixed."

"Once you take this road, there is no going back." Athos warned.

"We knew that at the start." Hector growled.

"We can overcome anything." Lyn agreed. "Together, we are strong."

"Very well. Then I will tell you what you must do." Athos sighed, before turning and retrieving a paper from his desk. "There are eight trials, each based around each weapon. There is also one more weapon of which I must tell you."

"Before you begin, Lord Athos." Will said, rummaging in his coat. "What about this?"

"Aureola." Athos affirmed as Will held forth the book. "It is indeed one of the Legendary weapons, though you are not yet fit to wield it."

"Why did Excellency Renault have it?" Will asked. "And why entrust it to me?"

"His reasons are his own." Athos sighed. "However, he did indeed take the weapon with him. It was not, however, with my consent. If he had tried to use it, I'm afraid he would have found the cost too great."

"Cost?"

"These weapons are powerful enough to slay dragons. They do not offer their powers without a price. The first price is a trial. One which you all must undertake."

"With eight weapons… there are far too many to finish in a relatively decent amount of time. Not without…"

"You're correct. These trials may only be undertaken by a select few. Allow me to address you and the rest of your party."

"All of us?" Eliwood asked in surprise.

"I must make sure I make no mistakes." Athos explained. "Please, lead the way."

The entire party was squished into Athos' rather small dining area. It was just big enough for all of them, though the beasts of burden and Merlinus remained outside. "Forgive me for disturbing any of you who were slumbering." Athos began. "But I must explain the trials of the Legendary weapons."

"It's fine." Marcus spoke for the group. "please continue."

"Each legend will test the person it has chosen as its wielder. These tests can be anything. From battles of the flesh, to battles of the mind. You must understand that this is no easy undertaking."

"We do." Eliwood said.

Athos sighed. "Very well. I will make the necessary preparations for all of you. In the meantime, I must return you to Lycia."

"Why? What's going on?" Eliwood asked in concern.

"You must seek out the shrine of seals." Athos continued, holding up a hand to pause Eliwood's speech. "It is located in Bern. I would send you there myself if I could expend the energy, but as it is returning your entire group to Lycia is the most I will be able to do."

"…Okay." Eliwood said. "We'll put our faith in you, Lord Athos."

"Take Hawkeye with you. Add his skills to your own."

"I shall help you in any way I can." Hawkeye said, shaking Eliwood's hand.

"As for you, Count Reglay-"

"I shall go with them as well." Pent said firmly. "Nergal, a magic user who rivals yourself… the threat of dragons returning to scour the world… most intriguing."

"Oh darling, you should curb that bad habit of yours." Louise sighed.

"Forgive me, Louise." Pent said, bowing low.

"It's fine." Louise chuckled. "I've come to expect it. But what of the coming-of-age ceremony?"

"Ceremony?" Eliwood asked.

"Ah, yes." Pent said, seeming to have just remembered. "Bern's successor, Prince Zephiel, will soon be having his coming-of-age ceremony. Louise and I are to attend as representatives of Etruria. Since the Seal of Swords is in Bern as well, perhaps we may take leave of you for a short time there."

"I suppose it's alright…" Eliwood frowned. "But do you not need to send word?"

"No need." Erk sighed. "Master often vanishes for stretches of time without explanation. Etruria has long since grown accustomed to it."

"So he's basically Etruria's Hector?" Lyn asked.

"What's that supposed to mean!" Hector exclaimed. The group laughed. "Oh sure, when the joke's on me it's fine for you all to laugh but if it was Eliwood-"

"In any event, we welcome you both with all our hearts." Eliwood said, shaking Pent and Lousie's hands separately.

"Tactician, a word, if I may." Athos said cryptically. "Hawkeye, can you take the rest of them to the plaza?"

"Of course." Hawkeye agreed.

Athos led Will from the hall, and though he shot a quick glance back at the others, he followed. After a minute or so of walking, he spoke up. "Lord Athos?"

"Fate blows a strange wind in your direction." Athos said slowly. He was speaking deliberately, which immediately put Will on guard. "Much rides on your shoulders and your abilities."

"I…"

"Aureola's trial is not one that is kind to its wielder." Athos continued. "When it asked its question of Elimine, She confided that she merely answered in the heat of the moment. To be honest, these days I'm not sure that choice was right."

"What do you mean?"

"I do not know the full specifics, but when I undertook the trial of Forblaze, it asked me what I held most precious." Athos turned to face him. "I told it that I valued my time on earth more than anything else. Aureola seemed satisfied. Yet after the Scouring, I noticed a change within myself. Though I have 'aged' like a normal person, once I became an old man who could no longer fight, my time stopped. Aureola prevented me from aging into my death. I watched as everyone, all of them once younger than I, passed me by and perished. When the world was no longer one I recognized, I tried to devote my life to research. When that happened, I… lost track of the world. The thing I had held so precious no longer mattered to me. These days, in my eternal age, I simply sit and await the day Forblaze finally lets me die."

"Athos…"

"Elimine herself valued life above all else." Athos continued. "When the Scouring had ended..."

"She ascended from the tower in Etruria into the heavens?" Will asked.

"So they say." Athos smiled sadly. "Whether that is truly what happened, or Aureola decided to end her life which she valued so much... I couldn't say. Perhaps Aureola simply burned her corpse into ash."

"That's..."

"If you are the one Aureola has chosen to test, I felt that I should warn you as much." Athos finished. "As a favor to my friend. Either way, let us return to the others. They no doubt await you."

"Right." Will whispered to himself, looking down at the book in his hands.

"Everyone is here." Hawkeye said simply.

"Yes, thank you." Athos said calmly. "Now, Eliwood, I believe Pharae is closest to Bern, is it not?"

"Yes. The border lies in the mountains." Eliwood replied.

"Good. Now please envision a nice, wide place in Pharae… and a person you might meet there."

"As you say…"

"Now, it is time we said farewell. You must reach the Shrine of Seals. There, destiny's door will open before you." Athos' cryptic words were swallowed in a strange light that surrounded the entire party. A moment later, it was as if the entire world had gone white. A moment more and suddenly they were standing in Pharae. More specifically, the castle's courtyard. Eliwood recognized it instantly.

Nearby, a woman tended to the garden. Next to her, with long braided purple hair, was a woman he recognized even more than the garden. "I still cannot believe he is gone, Anna. Every time I close my eyes, I see him at my side. His memory haunts me, fills me with sorrow and dread… I only pray he watches over our son."

"Mother!" Eliwood cried.

"Eliwood?" She said in confusion, turning. The sight of an entire cadre inside the castle nearly made her faint. However, the red haired man running towards her kept her afoot, as she approached him as well.

"I'm home!" He said, bringing his arms around her. "I've returned!"

"Eliwood! It really is you!" She exclaimed, hugging him in return. "But how did you- you startled me so!"

"Forgive me, mother." Eliwood said sheepishly. "The Archsage sent us."

"You look so tired." Eleanora said sadly, brushing Eliwood's cheek. "Have you lost weight? Oh, let me see your face."

"Mother…" Eliwood blushed in embarrassment. "The others…"

"Oh of course." Eleanora smiled. "Let us make everyone comfortable. You all look like you could use a good night's rest."

"Sorry mother, but we must make haste." Eliwood continued.

"I know!" Eleanora shouted. She quickly composed herself. "I know. But for one night… here in the castle… Eliwood, please grant me just that."

"Mother…"

"One night isn't going to hurt us." Hector grunted. "Who knows when we'll be back this way?"

"I agree." Lyn said. "I may not look it, but I'm still exhausted from fighting that Morph."

"Hector… Lyndis… thank you." Eliwood said.

"Alright everyone, let's disburse." Will said, clapping his hands. "We'll meet up in the morning to begin the trek to Bern. Understood?"

"Yes!" The group replied, before slowly making their own ways.

As the two were left alone, Eliwood turned to his mother. "Mother, about Father…"

"I heard his last moments were glorious." Eleanora said calmly. "Though he is gone, he will ever be my life's joy. Second only to you, of course."

"Mother! Father wouldn't like that!"

"He did always get jealous when I doted on you." Eleanora chuckled. "It was the one thing I loved lording over him."

"I can't imagine." Eliwood admitted. "You two always seemed in sync."

"Only when those arguments had already happened." Eleanora smiled. "Now, Eliwood, tell me, is that Lyndis your girlfriend?"

"What?" Eliwood said quickly. "No! I don't why you would… Mother!"

Eleanora giggled. "Come now Eliwood, you must tell me of the nicer parts of your journey. They can't have been all doom and gloom. Love is among the things a mother must know of. Meanwhile, we'll see about getting a nice dinner prepared for all your friends."