Chapter 12: Dead of Night
"You see," Horatio continues "I-"
A cry cuts him off. You're the first to rise, reaching for your axe. Even if you left most of your equipment in your tent, you always carry your hatchet and wear your leather armor. Rain is right behind you, reaching for the thin sword on her hip. You hesitantly pull open the tent flap in time to see streaks of flame arching from out in the field toward your camp. Flaming arrows? The sounds of horses to your side attract your attention, and you see several cavaliers charging towards your camp. A pair of knights move to block them, only to be struck down by a blast magic - they have dark knights, too. "Blast..." Horatio begins. "Risen, here? How did they get this close!? Where are our sentries!?" With a growl, he grabs his sword from the wall. "Lady June, Captain Rain, do what you can to stall them while I rally the troops!"
Currently available troops: June, Rain
Possible assignments:
(A) Attack archers
(B) Fend off cavalry
(C) Mount up
(D) Retrieve equipment
(E) Rally troops
New character!
Cynbel
Class: Great Knight
Skills: Discipline, Outdoor Fighter, Luna, Patience
HP: *******
Str: ******
Mag: **
Skill: *****
Speed: *****
Def: *******
Res: ****
Luck: *****
No time to get your armor or your horse. You decide to prioritize the archers. "Rain, we're going after the archers! Back me up!" You run towards the field, slipping past the Risen cavalry. They seem perfectly willing to ignore you, instead riding down soldiers as they groggily shuffle out of their tents, most cut down before they know what's happening. The first volley of flaming arrows land among the tents, piercing them or setting them aflame. When they see you approaching, they turn their fire on you.
You try to close in on the archers, but their arrows force you to keep stopping to take cover. Fortunately, their fire reveals them even in the dimness of the cloudy night. Rain has a bit more luck, hurling a few fireballs in between their shots. You finally have your chance when a giant bear seems to materialize in the heart of the archers, roaring. Vine's roar causes the archers to freeze in fear, and you take the opportunity to charge in. Rain continues throwing fireballs at them. With Vine's claws and your axe, you manage to kill several before they start to retreat.
30 archers retreated!
Walt arrives in full armor, with Alyssa right at his heels. "Sorry I'm late, Lady June! Captain Rain! What are your orders?"
Alyssa rubs her arm. "No rest for the weary, huh? Where do you want me?"
Cynbel comes running from the camp. "I apologize, Lady June, but I wanted to get my good axe!" He brandishes a particularly large axe. "I have word from Horatio. He's managed to gather a few troops, and he's working on driving off the enemy cavalry, though they're still slaughtering our troops. The supply caravan is under attack by enemy fighters, and he wants you to protect it."
Currently available units: June, Rain, Cynbel, Alyssa, Walt, Vine
Available assignments:
(A) Pursue archers
(B) Fend off cavalry
(C) Protect caravan
(D) Mount up (June, Rain, Cynbel only)
(E) Retrieve equipment (June, Rain only)
(F) Rally troops
You decide this is the best opportunity to get your armor. "Rain, let's go grab our armor. Everyone else, head to the supply caravan. I'll meet you there later." Everyone acknowledges your orders. You escort Rain to her tent, managing to avoid the Risen patrolling the camp. You head to yours, but bump into a Risen dark knight. Before you even raise your axe, Ferris leaps from behind it. "You aredone!" He slices its head off in one clean stroke. "Oh, there you are, June. I was just looking for you."
"Ferris! Come help me into my armor, we need to get to the supply caravan; it's under attack." You make it the rest of the way to your tent with no problems, and with Ferris' help manage to change into your platemail in record time. Thrusting your brave and hand axes into your belt, you grab your steel axe and head back out. You set off to the supply caravan. On the way, you run into Rain, who's swapped her fire tome for an elfire, as well as put on her new dark-silver armor.
You come across Mary, injured with a paladin riding towards her. She throws a ball of darkness at him, but he shrugs it off, barely slowing. Fumiko leaps out from between two tents as he passes, knocking him from his horse and wrestling him to the ground - you can see she's starting to figure out how to deal with beorc armor. John sees your group, and runs over to heal Mary.
"These monsters came from nowhere..." Mary begins.
"And to the same nothingness, we shall return them." John states.
"I never smelled them coming..." Fumiko muses, reverting to human form and wiping blood from her mouth. John grimaces, and she hastily mutters an apology, obviously embarrassed.
When you arrive at the supply caravan, you see several carts on fire, but the remains of several Risen as well - discarded weapons and quickly fading corpses. Most of the carts remain intact. You're surprised to see Anna and Alyssa fighting together beside a cart, slashing at a fighter carrying a torch, while Jake launches arrows from something between a crossbow and a ballista mounted to his cart. Cynbel lops the head off any Risen who gets too close. Walt and Vine are fending off a group of Risen, while Agni and Taika stand behind them, a cart at their back. As your group rushes in to help, several of the fighters are killed, and the survivors retreat as quickly as they came.
17 fighters are retreating!
"Whew! Good timing, June. It was getting pretty hot around here," Taika greets you.
"We were speaking with some of the Meridian troops when suddenly we are being attacked by Risen with axes and fire!" Agni adds. "Where are they coming from?"
"No time for that," Cynbel states roughly. "We still have those cavaliers attacking the camp."
A screech from above announces this is not the only problem. 2 dozen wyverns and half as many pegasi swoop in. They slow as they approach, and several figures leap off - generals, from the looks of it. The generals start moving toward the camp. The fliers return to the sky, making a beeline for the area you fenced in for your mounts.
Currently available: June, Rain, Vine, Walt, Alyssa, Mary, Fumiko, John, Agni, Taika, Ferris
(A) Assault generals
(B) Attack cavaliers
(C) Intercept fliers (any unmounted riders sent to intercept will automatically mount)
(D) Rally troops
Generals: Agni, Vine, Ferris, Fumiko
Cavaliers: Walt, Alyssa, Mary, John
Fliers: Rain, June, Taika
"All right, we're splitting up. Ferris, Vine, Fumiko, we're going after the generals. Walt, still got that poleaxe?" He hefts it from his back. "Good. Take Alyssa, Mary, and John, and see what you can do about the cavalry. Rain, take Agni and Taika to go after those fliers." Everyone nods and starts to move out, but you suddenly remember your archery training. "Wait... Agni, switch with me. Ferris, you're the most experienced, so you have command." You grab a simple iron bow from a supply wagon and chase after Rain.
Agni: 6 generals killed, no wounds
Vine: 4 generals killed, serious wounds
Ferris: 4 generals killed, minor wounds
Fumiko: 4 generals killed, no wounds
Generals were routed
Walt: 12, no wounds
Alyssa: 5, moderate wounds
John: 3, critical wounds
Mary: 4, minor wounds
NPCs: 6, 4 casualties
Cavaliers routed
As you move to intercept the fliers, you nock an arrow on your bow. Rain readies her elfire, and Taika switches to a wind tome. The three of you are distracted, trying to aim while running - a soldier, knocked back by a stray cavalier, accidentally trips Rain with his lance. She falls, landing hard. You stop and turn around for her, but she waves you on. She has a pained expression on her face, and is grasping her ankle, but you know there's nothing you can do for her right now.
You and Taika move as quickly as possible, and somehow manage to arrive at the pen well ahead of the fliers. Haley greets you at the gate, already saddled on Fare. "I was wondering when you'd show up! Don't worry, I've been watching over Marth for you."
"Thanks, Haley. There are several fliers heading this way, get ready for them." Haley responds by spurring Fare into the sky, charging straight into the heart of the enemy formation. She sends two riders during her initial charge, and Fare kicks a Risen's pegasus as he turns around for another charge, sending it spiraling towards the ground.
You pull your bow back, intending to cover Haley. Before you can fire, the bow snaps in two. Cursing, you grab a handaxe, hurling it into the heart of the enemies. It sails straight past several of them, right towards Haley; at the last second, she sees it, and slashes it out of the sky with her lance, before turning and impaling another pair of riders. Meanwhile, Taika steadily hurls gusts of wind at the enemy, downing them one after the other.
Rain: 0 killed, no injuries, exhausted
June: 0 killed, no injuries
Taika: 9 killed, no injuries
Haley: 5 killed, minor injuries
22 fliers remain (8 pegasi, 14 wyverns)
Rain comes limping into the field, with Charon supporting her; Taika blasts a pair of wyverns as they dive for her. She manages to make it to her pegasus - hopefully, her injury won't impair her flying too much. Charon makes his way to you.
"It looks like you're having a bit of trouble, June... that's not like you at all! Now take those Risen down!" With a surge of clarity, you hurl your hatchet at the nearest wyvern, striking its lord in the head. When he falls, Charon nimbly pirouettes towards his corpse and reclaims your axe. He brings it to you. "Now, that's more like it!"
An arrow strikes a pegasus as it swoops for one of your horses. "That's my friend, you... you dastard!" Syrene yells. She runs to her mount and climbs on, patting him reassuringly. "June, Horatio's managed to s-secure the center of camp, and everyone's rail... rallying there. I already took Jessup, but when I saw these wyverns, I... had to come check on my horse."
"Right, then. Let's mop these Risen up, and meet up with everyone!" With Charon cheering you three on, you begin to turn the tide against the Risen. Haley draws most of their attention, but nimbly dodges almost every blow directed at her.
13 fliers are escaping!
When you return to the center of camp, you see Horatio hastily barking out orders. All of the people you sent out to fight generals and cavaliers have already arrived, as has Jessup, who stands with several other priests treating a long line of wounded soldiers. Horatio turns to you, but before he can speak, lightning lights up the sky. Suddenly, several of the dead soldiers around camp start to stand, weapons in hand. The thunder drowns out the obscenities Horatio begins spewing. Once everything calms down, he turns to you.
"We'll keep this area secure, Lady June. Head out and do whatever you can! There are pockets of soldiers all around the camp, see if you can help them!"
Currently available: June, Rain, Haley, Ferris, Alyssa, Jessup, Syrene, Agni, Walt, John, Taika, Mary, Vine, Fumiko, Charon, and Cynbel... who never got deployed last time. I guess he went to help Horatio.
(A) Sweep camp for Risen and trapped soldiers
(B) Patrol perimeter for additional threats
(C) Heal (possible: Haley, Jessup, Agni, John, Taika, Mary) (will reduce NPC casualties and increase recovery of your units)
(D) Recover (possible: Rain, Haley, Vine, Ferris, Alyssa, John, and Mary)
A: June, Alyssa, Syrene, Walt, Mary, Charon.
C: Jessup, John.
D: Rain, Haley
All others, B
You decide to leave John and Jessup with the other priests. You tell Rain to stay back and patch her ankle up before joining you, and Haley to get her cuts fixed up. "Walt, Alyssa, Syrene, Mary, Charon. You're with me, we're looking for survivors. Everyone else, patrol the edge of camp, try to make sure nothing else gets in." Everyone voices their agreement.
When Jessup sees John coming to help, he immediately turns and begins healing him. "What are you thinking, trying to... In your condition? How are you going to help anyone if you keel over from blood loss?"
"Ungh... You're right, thank you. But I have to help... Ah, that's much better. Thank you."
As you prepare to set out, Mary asks you to hold for a moment. She runs to Vine. "Father, you must be more careful... Here, this will stop the bleeding..." She quickly applies a salve to some of his more serious wounds.
"Thank you, Daughter." he growls. Mary gives him a quick hug before coming back to you.
As you sweep the camp, you find several soldiers locked in combat with their former allies, now turned into Risen. You move from pocket to pocket, your group slaughtering Risen. Along the way, you find Holland and Jayce leading a large group of soldiers. "Courage, lads! Just keep figh- June! Well, it's about time you showed your face!" Holland calls as you ride to his aid.
"Man, they got us good. Time for a little payback, huh?" Jayce adds.
You fight for several minutes. All in all, you kill 70 Risen - none manage to escape. Only a dozen soldiers lost their lives in the combat. The group you left to heal and be healed joins you. Rain's leg is completely healed. Jessup, John, and Mary get to work healing your group. Most of your major injuries have been treated by the time Taika arrives. She runs straight to you, panting. "June... June, come quick. Mary, you too!" She grabs Mary by the wrist and starts dragging her. Mary almost loses her balance, but eventually starts running alongside her. You ride behind them, surprised to find even Marth struggles to keep Taika's pace.
When you arrive at the edge of camp Fumiko is kneeling beside Vine, reverted to human form on the ground. Agni stands over top of him, heal staff in hand. His wounds are stitching themselves closed, but blood still hemorrhages from a dozen large gashes. Mary runs to his side. "Father!" She drops to his side.
"Daughter... Mary... Remember what I taught you... Fumiko, stay... strong. I return... to the forest..." He closes his eyes. Fumiko bows her head folds his hands over his chest. Mary sits, shaking. She stands, and you can see the tears in her eyes.
She has an expression of rage on her face, but she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "Keep it together, Mary. It's what Father would want."
Before you have time to say anything, Dan announces his arrival with a screech. Shard swoops down, and lands beside you. "Sorry I'm late. I took Shard to visit... some old friends. What's happened here?"
"Risen," Mary says, her voice trembling. "Risen attacked us. They got past our guards. Several soldiers were cut down before they could even leave their tents. They killed my father."
"Gods..." Dan says. Before he can continue, a pegasus lands amid your group. Wendy struggles to keep him under control as Bud leaps off.
"June, we've got a huge problem. Risen, lots of them, coming from the north, through the trees. At least four hundred, including one of those huge... things; I think it was leading the rest. They'll be here within half an hour."
You need to choose what June's group will do, and what the army as a whole will do.
Army:
(1) Attack the Risen, try to catch them in the trees
(2) Stand ground and fight
(3) Move south towards Tartarus, try to outrun the Risen or shake them off your trail
June:
(A) Hit and run (can choose units to stay behind) - focus on stalling
(B) Hit and run - focus on dealing damage
(C) Position to attack the enemy flank (requires 1 or 2)
(D) Try to take down the enemy commanders (can choose units to stay behind)
Custom plan: set fire to the forest, then ambush any Risen that escape the flames
A plan begins forming in your mind. "They're coming through the forest...?" Bud nods, and you grin. You grab a soldier who seems to be a bit in shock. "You. Go tell General Horatio about the Risen. Tell him to prepare to ambush them as they come out of the woods, he'll figure out the best way to deploy him. We're going to try to slow them down." He mumbles something, nods, and runs off, tripping on the way. "Bud, do you have a spare bow? I broke my last one."
"Broke it? Jeez, June, you don't know your own strength... Here, this is my old bronze bow, but it's never let me down before. I'll be mighty upset if you break it, though."
"All right, we're going to move in and see if we can take down a few before they get close. Anyone who can ride, mount up. If you can shoot from a distance, partner up with a rider. Everyone else, join with the main army and show them how it's done!"
You pull Agni and Rain, Haley and Taika, and Dan and Mary aside. Bud has already climbed onboard with Wendy, and you decide to leave them as they are. "Rain, you have an elfire tome, right? Can you give Mary that fire tome you were using earlier?" She tosses Mary a red-bound tome. "Great. Now, you're all equipped with fire magic... Hold back until the ground team gets their attention, then come in and go wild with fire. If you can set the trees ablaze, it may give us an edge."
Dan looks thoughtful for a moment, then nods. "All right. There aren't any villages around here, and this forest isn't particularly important."
You help John onto Marth, and watch Jessup climb on with Syrene. Jayce laughs as he hauls Walt up behind him, handing him a javelin. "Heh, forget your horse, buddy?"
A Meridian soldier brings Cynbel's horse up, but before he can mount, Charon leaps onto its back. "Where... What do you think you're doing?"
"I'm coming along for the ride, of course! No one else can attack from a distance - aside from Holland, and I doubt you want him riding with you - so I'm going to come and cheer you on!"
"...Do as you will, but don't complain if you fall off."
Ferris, Holland, and Fumiko wave as you set off across the plains. You guide Marth into the trees. It doesn't take long to hear the sound of branches snapping and leaves crunching as you continue north. Suddenly, dozens of Risen seem to materialize around you. John fires up a flare, and they hiss at the sudden burst of light. You push Marth in the direction of the nearest archer, loosing the rains to fire an arrow at a wind mage as John fires several needles of light towards the archer.
You move back before the Risen can surround you, and you notice your allies doing the same. You can hear Charon cheering you on, and feel motivated to fight even harder than normal. Suddenly, fireballs are raining down around you, most slamming into Risen, but others strike the piles of dead leaf litter. At first a few sparks appear, then suddenly they erupt into a massive conflagration. This might be working too well... "Everyone, fall back! Don't get caught in the flames!" You spur Marth back the way you came, pushing him as hard as you can. You hear the sound of a snap, and a yell. You look over your shoulder, and see Charon falling as Cynbel gallops past a low tree.
As the fire spreads towards Charon, Cynbel grabs him by the hand and hauls him up. Risen run after them, but Cynbel outruns them easily.
As you clear the forest, you find several lances waiting for you. "Hold fire!" you hear Horatio yelling. As your eyes readjust to the relative darkness, you see your entire army lined up, ready to attack the Risen as they burst out, plus archers far behind them, and cavalry ready to cut in from the sides.
Your fliers have already returned, and the others come out right behind you. When you turn to look at your handiwork, you see a huge wall of flames. You can hear Risen roaring in pain. Suddenly, they begin breaking out of the treeline, completely ablaze. Most fall over from the damage before they even reach your lines, but the few survivors are easily dispatched by your tight formation. A massive Risen, covered in patchwork armor, chains, and faces emerges, glowing red-hot. Its roars are absolutely horrible, coming from so many mouths. You can't help but shudder, remembering the one that you faced that first night, the night Hearthside was destroyed. This time, however, you have an army behind you. "Fire!" Horatio commands, and a hundred arrows put the monstrosity out of its misery.
"Is everyone alright? Captains, report!"
By the time Horatio finishes speaking with all his captains, he learns that just under one hundred troops were killed in the surprise attack. The mounts were protected, and the supply convoy only lost a pair of wagons. "Enough waiting. All troops, prepare to march," Horatio commands. "Tomorrow night, we sleep in the safety of Tartarus' walls!" A cheer erupts from the troops.
During the march, you order your troops to make sure their weapons are in order. Anna stops you as you rummage through the convoy. "Hey, this is for keeping my stash safe!" With a wink, she tosses you an elixer.
June received elixer!
Current stock: 1
Reclassing:
Ferris (48) - Hero
Alyssa (50) - Assassin
Syrene (47) - Nomad
Jayce (43) - Paladin
Holland (44) - Great Knight
John (45) – Sage
June/Syrene C
June/Agni C
June/Jayce C
June/Holland C
Rain/Agni C
Bud/Taika C
Bud/Syrene B
Bud/Wendy S
Bud/June S
Haley/Agni B
Haley/John C
Haley/Holland C
Wendy/Jayce C
Ferris/Walt C
Alyssa/Holland C
Jessup/Agni C
Syrene/Charon C
Agni/Dan C
Agni/Jayce C
Agni/Taika C
Agni/Syrene A
Walt/Jayce B
Walt/Holland C
John/Taika C
Taika/Charon C
Ferris/Taika C
Mary/Charon B
Mary/Fumiko A
Mary/John B
Mary/Jessup C
Fumiko/John C
Cynbel/Jayce C
Cynbel/Dan C
During the march, you notice several of your friends speaking with each other.
Ferris and Walt are hiking next to each other. Ferris has his hands behind his head, quietly humming a tune, while Walt marches like a proper soldier. Finally, Walt can stand it no more. "Why are you so... You mercenaries are all alike. No discipline."
"What do you mean? I'm always serious when it's time to fight."
"A good knight, a good soldier, is serious all the time."
"Wow, you really need to relax a bit. Learn to enjoy yourself."
"'Enjoy myself?' We're at war, and the fate of the country could be on the line! How am I supposed to be enjoying myself?"
Ferris shrugs. "It's the little things, y'know? The rustle of the wind through the leaves, the tweeting of the birds... Look at those clouds gathering ahead of us. It's rather beautiful, don't you think?"
"...I... I suppose it has some type of beauty. Though I can't really appreciate it knowing we may die soon."
Ferris stretches. "Well, for starters, try putting your arms behind your head like me. See if it helps."
Walt hesitantly raises his arms. "Huh... I do feel a bit more relaxed..."
"The little things, man."
Shard makes a bit of a stir as he comes in to land among the ranks. Dan pats him, and Shard curls up to take a nap. Dan starts marching without him.
Cynbel pulls his horse next to him. "Er... What are you doing? Just leaving your mount like that?"
Dan shrugs. "He's tired. I'm giving him a break. He won't be any good in a fight if he's too tired to maneuver."
"But aren't you worried we'll be attacked?"
"If that happens, I'm surrounded by hundreds of well-trained knights. Plus, I can fight without my wyvern - Carcina trains its riders in unmounted combat before they even meet their partners."
"But how will he find us later?"
"He's smart. He knows we're going to Tartarus. He'll sleep for a few hours, go find a sheep or something to snack on, then come to find us. And before you ask, he's a light sleeper. If anyone shows up to mess with him, he'll either kill them or fly off before they get close."
"Hm... You certainly know your mount well." Cynbel pats his horse. "Perhaps I should learn from you... You'll have to tell me more about how Carcina strengthens the bonds between rider and mount."
Jayce pulls alongside Walt. He coughs quietly, then louder when Walt doesn't respond. "I said 'cough, cough.' Walt, are you listening? Why are you walking like that?"
"Hm? Oh, sorry, Jayce. I was... admiring that cloud over there."
"Admiring... a cloud? Walt, is that you?"
"Yes, it's me. What, I can't stop and appreciate the beauty of nature every once in a while?"
"Walt, I don't know what happened to you, but it's nice to see you taking that lance out of your butt."
"I was talking with Ferris earlier. He was talking about how practicing relaxing helps prepare him to quickly ready himself when he suddenly has to fight."
"So, you're... practicing relaxing?"
"A knight must always strive to better himself, even if the method is unorthodox."
Jayce sighs. "I thought we'd made a breakthrough."
Syrene walks beside her mount in silence. Agni approaches her. "Syrene? You look like you are thinking deeply about something."
"I was just... thinking about words. I always have... difficulty with words, you know? And I was thinking there must be a more... e-e-efficient! Efficient way of sharing thoughts with people."
"Are you referring to mind reading? That is an ancient and difficult to mastering art, that few of even scholars in Terranus know."
"Mind reading... That sounds... so wonderful. To have someone simply read your mind and know what you mean, rather than having to find those... blasted words. It always takes me so long to find the right one, my thoughts are always escaping before I can give voice to them, I can't make my words keep up with my thoughts, so much I want to say remains unsaid! If someone could just read my mind, that would make things so much simpler!"
"Like I was saying, mind reading is very hard to learn. And even if you were learning, that would not be making others able to read your mind."
"O-Oh... Well... That's a shame... If only there were some way others could know what I think without me having to speak..."
Agni looks thoughtful for a moment. "I will speak with you later, Syrene. There are things I must be asking people about."
Several soldiers file in and out around the Rain, and she addresses each of their problems in turn. "Ah, go see Jake about sharpening that axe blade... No, you should lunge a bit deeper... When you're leading a flier with your bow, expect them to dive to dodge..."
"My," Agni muses, "these soldiers certainly do seem to valuing your advice, Captain Rain."
"Yes, well, I am more experienced than most of them. I've been doing this for years, you know."
"Much can be learned from our elders."
Rain coughs. "Yes... Elders... For example, you can learn that women don't appreciate being called 'elder' until their hair glows silver..."
"Oh, my... apologies. In Terranus, it is a sign of deep respect. Perhaps you can share your wisdom and teaching me more of your customs?"
"Well, certainly! What do you want to know about?"
"Well..." Agni blushes slightly "I was hoping you could teach me a bit about marriage rituals."
"Mother... Tell me again how you met Father."
Fumiko looks at Mary sadly, setting her bowl down. "I've told you this story a dozen times, Mary... Wouldn't you rather spend our break speaking with the other beorc?"
"No, I... I can speak with them later. Please."
"Very well. When I was young, only ten years old, my parents were killed by hunters. I don't... blame them. They thought they were just large foxes. But once they saw me change, they ran away, and left me..." She pauses. "Then, others came. They... took me. They thought I was... interesting. So they made me... change for people, perform. Like some... entertainer. I hated them, I was always trying to escape. But for years... Well, my change finally came one night that we were passing through Sefa Forest. I was a teenager by then, and I'd resigned myself to my fate..."
Mary looks on in silence. Fumiko pauses for a moment, then continues. "Your father snuck into their camp at night, just to talk with me. When he heard my story, he... He broke me free. He would have killed all my captors, as well, but I stopped him."
"Why?"
"He was... berserk. Enraged. He could have killed them all, easily, but he would have regretted it later. He was mad at the time, but he thanked me for it years afterward."
"Is that why Father was always stressing the importance of keeping control?"
"It's one reason, yes, but he was also worried about you... Dark magic requires particularly strong will power to prevent corruption. When we found you, you were... Well, he wanted to let you grow your powers, let you succeed his as Forest Guardian, but I was worried. This was our compromise, making sure you learned self-control above all else."
"...Excuse me, Mother, there's something I need to do."
"Ah, yes, that's fine, Sweetie. I'd like to have a few moments alone, anyway," Fumiko says absently.
Mary stands, and goes to find where the others are taking their breakfast. She's looking for one in particular - finally, she finds him, sitting alone in quiet mediation. "John."
He opens his eyes and turns. "Oh, hello... Mary. I... About your father..."
"Stop. The last thing he told me was to apologize to you. So, I'm sorry. I lost control, I shouldn't have slapped you, shouldn't have gotten angry."
"But, Ma-"
"You were right. Dark magic is... dangerous. It's difficult to control, can easily corrupt its users. That's why Father was always... He was always making sure I understood self-control was the most important thing." John doesn't even try to start this time. "He was a good man. He spent his life protecting beorc from the dangers of the forest. When he found a group of slavers hauling a laguz through his forest, he spared them. He was a hero - not some sub-human monster." By the time she finishes, tears are streaming freely down her face.
John is quiet for a moment, waiting politely to make sure she's finished. "I understand, Mary. I apologize for calling your father... for what I said about him. He... he was a good... man. I still don't trust your dark magic, but your parents can't help that they were born as shape-changers. What they chose to do with their... powers, that's what matters, I suppose."
"I can do this... I can... Alright, I think it's time." Wendy is sitting with Haley and Rain chatting when Bud walks up. "Er... Wendy, could I speak with you for a few minutes?"
"Er... Bud? Something wrong? You seem a bit... nervous." Rain smiles knowingly, then quietly grabs Haley's shoulder and drags her off.
"But I want to watch!" Haley whispers.
"Sh!" Rain says, leading her away. She doubles back, and ducks into a bush. They both giggle like schoolgirls.
"So... Wendy... Um... What... That is..." Bud stops for a minute, and breathes deep. "What do you want to do once this is over? Once we take Tartarus, stop the Risen, save Valeria, all that?"
"Well, I suppose I'll return to being a knight... Why do you ask?"
"Oh... Well I was just... I was thinking about heading back to the old farm, trying to rebuild Heathside, but... If you're going to continue being a knight, I..."
"Wait, were you planning to ask me to go with you?"
Bud turns beet red. "Well... Y-Yes."
Wendy starts blushing as well. "M-My... Well... On a farm, I would be surrounded by animals all the time... And the man I've come to love."
"...Y... Y-Ya mean it!? Really? Will you really marry me?"
Wendy wraps her arms around Bud, resting her head against his large chest. "Of course."
"Oh, Wendy, I'm so happy I could just..." He wipes a tear from his eye before wrapping his arms around his now-fiance.
"Well, congratulations, you two!" Rain begins, slipping out from her hiding place. "Nothing makes a victory party sweeter than having it double as a wedding!"
Bud and Wendy quickly release from their embrace, and turn to face her as Haley joins them, though they keep holding hands. Bud grins like a fool, red as a tomato. Wendy's blue hair and bright smile accentuate the slight blush in her cheeks. Haley runs forward and wraps her arms around them both. "Oh my gosh! A wedding! I'm going to be an aunt! Well, eventually. First I'm going to be a bridesmaid! Oh... We've got so much to do, Wendy! We need to find you a dress, Bud needs a suit, we need rings... Oh, and cake! We've got to get a cake! Oh, I'm so excited!"
It's noon when you reach the outskirts of Tartarus. Horatio orders tents to be set up just outside of their archers' range. He also assigns a triple patrol, then calls his captains to conclude your strategy meeting.
End of chapter 12