This story is rated (NC-17) M for violence, language and sexual content.
Disclaimer: Intelligent Systems owns Fire Emblem. I own this fanfic.
Fire Emblem: Legend Of The Chaos Hero
Book One: In The Grip Of Hatred
By Chaos Hero Mark
Chapter IV - X: Conflicted
"I didn't think they would be here. Why did they have to come here? Why did SHE have to come here? Seeing Lyn here, re-awakened the feelings I had for her. Feelings I tried my hardest to bury. I cursed in my heart this wretched thing called love. My mind screamed "Have nothing to do with her. She will only be in the way." But my heart yearned for her. I longed to express my love to her. But my promise to Edgar was something I cannot.. will not revoke. Not even for something as shallow as 'Love'."
"That crazy bastard." Mark whispered, gritting his teeth.
The Tactician was caught off guard. He learned that Gathian had pit him in a deathmatch against his disgraced elite soldier, Girkar. What might be more troublesome for Mark, is that he's running the risk of Gathian remembering who he is. Girkar was some distance from the father and son; the councilmen took their seats from the other end, so they were out of hearing range. Mark also knew that Gathian was trying to remember his fighting style. The Tactician recorded and learned some of his sword skills from Edgar. His older friend had one of the most unique fighting styles in Olympia, which earned him the title of Crystal Wolf. Over the past seven years, Mark had learn a bit from different people's style of fighting during his three year adventure. The other two, he spent wandering Elibe and Improving his knowledge of tactical warfare. In exchange for being a tactical genius, his skill with the sword had somewhat rusted, so he wasn't too confident with using what skill he had left. The genius thought of switching hands with his scimitar, somewhat changing his style. It was a risk he had to take to avoid suspicion.
"I'm sorry." Rugal murmured. Even he never anticipated this. "I should've done more."
"No." Mark whispered. "We can't risk Gathian becoming suspicious. I'll play his little game, see what happens."
"Mark." Rugal whispered in response, to lessen the risk of being heard. "Please don't die on me."
For a moment, Mark stared at him in silence. His expression was unreadable as he silently turned and made his way towards the center of the room. The servant had just finished cleaning the blood and quickly left. Girkar and his brother had just finished as well. The arrogant Wyvern Knight smirked at Mark as he brandished his Brave Lance. As the Tactician made his way to the center of the room, he saw Gathian's smirk. The emperor believes that he will be entertained by this fight. Mark was familiar with the rules, but he wasn't sure if he was allowed to use his own weapon.
He faced Gathian as he asked. "My lord. In this deathmatch, am I allowed to use my weapon?"
"Of course." Gathian's eyebrows shot up. "I look forward to seeing your prowess, Sir Stu." Gathian motioned with his hand as he smirked. Mark's face remained unreadable as he removed his green cloak, open vest and rolled up his sleeves. A servant wanted to take the vest and cloak but Rugal had beaten him to it. Mark removed his glasses and gave it to his father as well. Rugal looked at him for a moment and went one side to join the other councilmen. Mark drew his scimitar, gripped it in his right hand and took a deep breath.
Rugal heard one of the nobles whispering to his friend. "I'll bet you fifty gold pieces that Stu will drag this fight out."
"How do you even know he's any good." The other friend asked.
"He's Rugal's apprentice. If he dies, so what. He's just another Ravverine savage."
The pompous Girkar measured him and chuckled. He felt that Mark wasn't even worth going all out on. Mark was also measuring him as Girkar carried his lance above his shoulders. That was a sign of laziness and it told the Tactician that Girkar was underestimating him. The Superb Mind wondered if this man even received the same training as his predecessors. Mark knew that his fighting style was superior because of his training with the late Cornerstones of Trivalon. Where the problems lied for the genius was that he never finished his training. Another issue for him was that he was too young to acquire his special ability. Finally, Gathian knew how the Four Cornerstones of Trivalon fought and eliminated them to stay in power. Mark was running the risk of getting killed as both combatants stood, facing the Regallas Emperor. Gathian slumped on his throne; a smirk spread across his face, as he motioned with his right hand for the match to commence.
Girkar gripped his Brave Lance with both hands and taunted Mark. "What's the matter? Do you wish to grovel for mercy, dog?!"
Mark surveyed his stance. The disgraced elite was so sure of himself, he believed his special ability will already have won him this fight. Mark didn't know what it was, but the genius knew it wasn't going to save him regardless.
"Weak." Mark muttered. Girkar paused as he responded with his arrogant look. " What did you just say to me?!"
"I said you're weak." Mark spoke louder for all to hear. His face was calm as he further insulted Girkar. "Weak, disgraceful and an insult to the Four Cornerstones!"
"I'll teach you to insult me, you bastard of a whore!!" Girkar screamed.
He lunged the Brave Lance at Mark's face. Although the Brave weapons were to be feared, the wielder was weak for allowing Mark to see it coming. He dodged Girkar's thrust which ended up grazing Mark's right shoulder. The Tactician's eye twitched in pain, but tried his best to ignore it as Mark did a 360 degrees spin as he came in for the elite. Girkar made a mistake thrusting his spear too far, coupled with the fact that he wore armor which slowed him down some, Girkar's death was inevitable. Mark came to his side and before he knew it; Girkar felt his lance snapped in two, falling to the floor and felt excruciating pain exerted from where his left hand was. Before Girkar could even scream in pain, Mark switched to his right hand and slit his throat. Girkar arched his head back as Mark took two steps away from him, realizing what he just did. A large gaping wound on the elite's neck, flowed with blood as he spat a spray of blood, still arching his head back. He fell to his knees as Mark, slowly backed away; scimitar in right hand.
- X -
The nobles were shocked and angry at Mark's display of skill, while the bored noble distanced himself from the others; throwing up again at the sight of Girkar's corpse. Gathian was both impressed and disappointed in the fight. Impressed at how Mark predicted Girkar's thrust; his calm, swift movement and relieved that his fears of this man were groundless. Disappointed because the fight ended too quickly and he never gave Girkar the moment to use his ability. Gathian wondered how Gary would have done against those odds. Mark went towards his father as he held his wounded shoulder. Gathian called for Tamia to use her mend stave on Mark as an angry Bersk ordered two soldiers to have his brothers body moved. Torak whispered to Gathian something important as Tamia finished addressing Mark's wound. The Tactician looked at his shoulder, where his wound was and saw it was completely gone; not even the scar remained. As Torak gave the nobles their assignments, Gathian walked up to Mark as he slid on his glasses.
"A magnificent performance on your part, Gary." The emperor applauded. "I was impressed with your skill."
Tactician quickly bowed and said. "I'm flattered, my lord." Despite being calm on the surface, Mark felt a dark feeling inside. He felt no sympathy for the life he took. He had taken lives, years before he even met Lyndis. That dark feeling was something that went beyond the human flesh.
Gathian gave a smile and said. "I apologize for earlier. I did not mean to vex you or Rugal."
Mark decided to play along just so he can leave with haste. "I understand, milord. A man in your position has many enemies. Sometimes, it's only natural for you to feel threatened."
Before Gathian could speak any further, Bersk came up to them, sword drawn. He had an angry expression as he spoke. "My lord. I wish to challenge Gary Stu to a deathmatch!"
Mark knew that Girkar was a weakling, but the older brother was no pushover. The worst crossed his mind when Gathian spoke, much to his surprise.
"No."
"But your highness!!" Bersk protested.
"Must I repeat myself?" Gathian gave him a dark glare. "I revoke your challenge."
Bersk became even angrier, but he managed to temper himself. He gave Mark a sinister look which the Tactician returned with a calm look. "Gary Stu, right? I'll remember you."
With those words, the Hero walked away to bury his brother.
"You must forgive him." Gathian said. "You did kill his brother after all."
"I understand, your majesty." Mark replied. He knew that Gathian could've had him fight again. If that had happened, Mark's chances at victory would've been slim to none.
"I wish to see you again, Sir Stu." Gathian smiled at Mark. " I'll be in Trivalon around three, maybe four months time. By then, I'll have a truce offering ready for Rugal and a little something special for you."
"Thank you, milord." Mark nodded. But in his mind, the only thing the Tactician desired as an offering, were the heads of Gathian and his friends on a spear.
Mark was about to make his way to the door when Gathian stopped him. Mark, who was eager to get away from him, wondered what he wanted now.
"Please accept my apologies." Gathian said as he held out his left hand. Mark was getting a bit agitated at the king, but managed to keep his calm expression. He clasped his right hand with Gathian's left in a vice grip. For a moment, Mark felt his hand being squeezed the life out. But he managed to return the favor by gripping his hand as hard, while looking at Gathian calmly. The dark emperor gave his signature smirk and said. " You have a fine grip, my boy. " Thankfully, the handshake only lasted for a moment or two, what felt like an eternity. Releasing their hands, Mark stood and bowed to Gathian, which the king returned and silently made his way to the door. He felt his hand shaking thanks to Gathian's dark grip. Rugal followed him shortly as father and son finally left Castle Malibine.
- X -
The pair traveled for two days straight, which was the distance between Malibine and Trivalon. Mark will never allow himself to come unprepared again, and vowed to sharpen his sword skills. Rugal noticed how much his son kept to himself, after the incident in Malibine. Mark and his father both knew that they had much work to do as Mark told him what Gathian had said. Rugal wanted to set up camp, but Mark refused and wanted to get to Trivalon posthaste. Mark's substantial stubbornness and arrogance was something even Rugal could not reason with. Mark knew what he was doing in this assassination attempt, but his father felt he was trying to speed things up and with reason. Both father and son were fatigued from lack of sleep as they came to the docks. The sky was a clear blue with a small cloud or two. The part of the docks they were at was a long, yellowish path. On the right, was the sea and three large ships, with four small boats, parked at various points. On the left, were rows of houses, shops and inns. Most of it were cream colored and further back on the left was an arena.
As they slowly trotted their horses forward, Rugal yawned, open mouth and all. Mark's hand had stopped shaking as he looked all around the port. He had to be prepared to alternate his plan at any point. He wondered what Cassandra and Edgar were doing.
"That reminds me." Rugal spoke up, trying his best to shake off the fatigue. "Your uncle's having the Royal Concert."
"I'm aware of that milord."
Rugal was silent for a moment. The Trivalon king felt more like a stranger to his son, which told him that he had work to do himself.
He spoke again after that moment of silence. "Tell me, how's your skill with the violin?"
"I haven't had much practice these past two years." Mark muttered. "I left my violin with the last army."
"You served in the army?" Rugal quickly asked. The subject caught his full attention.
"Yes." Mark waved his hand passively. "A noble who was looking for his father. I helped him because it would sharpen my tactical skills. His friend and I had a conflict some time ago. I would rather put an end to this subject."
"Well that can't be all." Rugal pressured him as he asked a different question. "Tell me what you did before you joined 'this' army."
"I served in a previous army." Mark began. "While there, I managed to save the prince from an assassination attempt. He gave me this bracelet as a token of our friendship." He took it out of his vest pocket and showed it to his father, then placed it back.
"I'm sorry." Rugal muttered. "I've been a poor father to you."
"Is one of your Cornerstones here by any chance?" Mark changed the subject as to avoid the father & son talk.
"Yes." Rugal answered. "My old friend, Knarvet."
"Knarvet?" Mark replied. "I've heard he retired."
"Not exactly. He is still part of the Four Cornerstones. He's just working at the docks now, because his wife and daughter loves the sea."
Rugal turned to Mark. "Knarvet can move in certain places we can't. I had to let him in on the plan."
Mark looked at him angrily. "What the Hell did you do that for?!! No one outside us five were suppose to know!!"
"Calm yourself you fool! I trust Knarvet. He wants Gathian dead as much as we do."
"Damn you." Mark gritted through his teeth and moved his horse faster, away from his father. Rugal knew Mark would be angry, but wanted him to realize that Edgar and Cassandra alone cannot help him. Mark went a little further and saw from a distance, a battalion of Trivalon's soldiers heading towards a certain group. The genius thought they must be troublemakers and thought of ignoring the commotion. He got off his horse and started walking; leaving his horse for his father to pick up. He slowly became curious as to what the fuss was. Olympia's nations have become more lenient with outsiders so Mark decided to see what the trouble was. As he was still far off, Mark took a look from the distance and saw two Falcoknights flying towards the outsiders, followed by a Nomadic Trooper coming down the ship; bow in hand. Mark saw one Falcoknight had lavender hair and the other teal. The trooper looked vaguely familiar even though he couldn't see from the distance he stood. Mark feared the worst that might happen as he sprinted towards the gathering.
"Soldiers of the crown!! Cease and desist this madness!!" Mark shouted from afar as he ran towards them.
The commander ordered his soldiers to hold back as he turned to see where that voice came from. The outsiders breathed a sigh of relief that Mark came to their rescue. The battalion leader went to meet Mark, followed by another high ranked officer and some familiar faces. As they got closer, Mark saw a woman he never thought, would be here. She had green hair and a teal colored dress with slits, revealing her legs. She wore brown boots and carried what looked like a katana sword. Mark noticed her and felt his heart skipping a beat. He was too stunned to even utter a word. He could see somewhat clearly, some of his previous companions here as well. Things have already gone in contrast to Mark's plan. Lyndis's Legion's presence carried a risk of making things worse, and ultimately destroy six years worth of planning.
Mark was snapped out of his daze when the battalion leader addressed him. "And who the Hell are you?!"
The Tactician didn't like the tone of this man and wanted to answer but Knarvet spoke up. "This is Gary Stu, apprentice of King Rugal!"
"By what authority does a peasant have to command me?!" Tauz barked. "Soldiers! Ready your lances!"
"You will sheath those lances!!" A voice shouted from afar. The soldiers recognized the voice of their king and kept their lances back. They knelt on one knee and bowed their heads, much to the relief of everyone else. Tauz, Knarvet, Mark and the others remained on their feet.
"Mark?." Guy mumbled softly as he noticed the Tactician. His eyes widened when he recognized him and wanted to shout his name out louder. Raven saw coming and covered Guy's mouth, cutting him off before he can blurt out Mark's name.
The red haired mercenary pressed his fore finger to his lips and removed his hand from Guy's mouth. "Be quiet. I wanna hear this."
Guy wanted to say something, but saw what Raven was getting at. He and the others silently watched the king trotting towards them.
"My king." Tauz bowed reluctantly. He had anxiety on his face as Rugal stopped his horse. Fargus called off the Davros crew as Rugal addressed his elites. "Explain yourselves."
"My lord." Knarvet began. "I gave them permission to set foot here, under certain conditions. Tauz has no right revoking -"
"You forget! I'm the same rank as you!" Tauz shouted as Rugal looked at his soldiers. Some were worn out and a few carried injuries.
He turned to Tauz with a serious face. "Why are your soldiers here, attacking these people when the injured should be taken care of?"
"Milord." Was all Tauz could say.
Rugal chastised the elite. "What's worse, you neglected to bring a healer or two before you left. Do you even think of you men's lives. Or is personal glory more important to you."
Tauz stood straight as Rugal finished. "Tomorrow at dawn, I shall decide your punishment. Be at the castle by then. As for the soldiers, have your injured taken to healers, and return to your homes."
Mark stood face to face with the arrogant elite and coldly said. "You can go now."
Tauz sneered at Mark as he left. When the soldiers were gone, Mark and Rugal stood face to face with the Legion of Elibe. Knarvet cursed under his breath. He didn't expect Mark to come here and run into them. Mark turned his attention towards Lyn as he removed his glasses and put them in his pocket. The swordswoman was speechless as she stood in front of him and stared at him. His serious demeanor eased a bit when he saw her, but still wanted to know what was their business.
"What are you doing here?" He began with a cold tone.
His answer resulted with a slap in the face. Knarvet wanted to have her apprehended for laying her hand on Mark, but the Tactician stopped him. Rugal motioned for him to stay out of this.
"Why?" She spoke with a hurtful tone. Mark wasn't sure what she was getting at, but he had to guard himself.
"Why did you come all the way out here? " He asked in a less harsher tone. Kent, Sain and Rath stood near her as Mark placed his right hand over his right cheek.
"You first." She countered with a harsh tone.
Mark remained silent for a moment and then asked. "Your grandfather, how is he?"
This question caught her off guard for moment. Kent spoke up, voicing his concern. "He is alive and well. Personally, we wanted her to return to Lord Hausen. But she chose to come after you."
Mark stared at her for a moment, then looked at the others. Some of his friends even came with. Mark was partially happy to see them. At the same time, he was angry they came at a dark time. He turned his attention back to Lyn, while Kent, Sain and Rath watched nearby. The Paladins had their hand on their sword hilts in case Mark attacks. Rath was also ready to draw his katana.
"Then you should go back home." Mark said as he removed his hand. "Your grandfather is worried about you."
"Why did you run away?" She finally asked.
He could hear her tone carrying a hint of sorrow. Mark didn't know how to answer her. He wanted to answer her and tell her much more. Seeing her again, revived his hidden feelings for her, although he wasn't sure if she felt the same way about him. He chose not to answer her. After a while, she gave him a harder slap across the same cheek, causing Mark to stagger a bit. Rath, Kent and Sain had trouble restraining her. Lucius, Dart and Guy came forward as Mark caught his balance.
Lucius was about to speak when Mark muttered. "Knarvet. See to whatever they need."
With that, the Superb Mind walked away, leaving the group behind. After a moment, Lyndis finally calmed down. She soon realized what she had done as Dart did a head count.
Rugal came forward and spoke in a stern manner. "There shall be lodging and food for you in the castle. Come!"
He trudged his horse in Mark's direction, leaving the Tactician's horse to Knarvet. The Lancer was unhappy with how the situation had turned out. What's even worse, was that he didn't see it coming. He sought to do everything in his power to help his king from this point on. Failure was not an option for him as well. Knarvet was also prepared to help lessen the risks on Mark's life.
He turned to the Legion with a grim expression. He spoke with a threatening tone, making them understand the situation they're in. "My last warning to you! If any of you so much as mention the name "Mark", I will personally throw you all in the dungeon and leave you there to rot! You do NOT want to make an enemy out of me or the king."
Lyn looked at him in silence as Kent tried to reason with the elite. "Sir Knarvet, if you would but hear us o -"
"Speak no farther." The elite cut him short. His tone sounding less harsh. "It's better I know nothing. Get your goods. I'll send a servant to escort you to the castle."
With that, Knarvet went on his way. As the group went aboard, Lyn reflected on what happened. She wanted answers from Mark, but ended up attacking him. Lyn felt an edge of anger towards him. But that anger was drowned out by guilt. Guilt of what she did and wondered if she should've handled it differently. The green haired blade dancer was worried about her grandfather as well, despite where they were. Her next task was to find out Mark's intentions.
Dart finished the head count and shouted to the group. "Oi!! Where the Hell's Karel?!!"
Authors Notes: I had many ideas running in my mind on how the Mark/Lyn encounter should go. I tried to make this one as believable as possible. Next chapter is where the ball starts rolling.