This story is rated ( NC-17/R ) 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 VI: A Fragile Friendship
After the incident with Karel, Mark found himself very tired. He didn't know how he would break the news to them, but he clearly didn't have the strength to. The swelling ache in his hand has went down a bit, although his weariness was heavy. He found himself upstairs in a corridor. The corridor itself was tiled in the same fashion as downstairs, except for the long orange carpet. Mark unbuttoned his collar shirt, as he came to the door. He took out a key for his door room and unlocked it. The tactician entered and closed the door behind him. After removing his cloak and hanging it, Mark stopped in his tracks and saw what appears to be Lyn's clothing, sprawled on the bed. He was very baffled by what went on, even more so, when he saw Lyn came out of the bathroom. Her wet hair was let down and only had a towel to cover her nakedness.
When Lyn saw him, she nearly screamed.
"What are you doing in my room?! Get out!"
Mark was very confused at what's transpiring. "Your room? I sleep here!"
Lyn scowled at him, but saw there was a mix up with the rooms. She realized she was naked and demanded him to turn around, which he complied without hesitation.
For a while, as she got dressed, Mark spoke in a concerned tone. "Are you in need of clothing, cos' I can get -"
"No, I'm fine." She stated bluntly.
The plainswoman still felt some anger towards him. If Mark was to get his friend back, he needed to bend the truth. Perhaps, even lie to her and humble himself before her.
"I'm sorry." He began. "I ran from you, because I was afraid to involve you in my affairs."
"Oh. And what kind of affairs would that be?" The plainswoman scoffed at him, while tying her near dried hair. Mark could feel he was having trouble appeasing her. Lyndis was still angry at him, that much was certain. Kent and Sain warned her to keep her guard up in front of him. The Tactician had to make his story convincing.
"My real name is Gary Stu." He lied. "Mark was name of a famous criminal. I had to use it to conceal my identity." This got Lyn's attention as he continued. "My father, King Rugal of Trivalon, wants me to help him with affairs in the kingdom."
"I thought you were the king's apprentice." She asked. No one, not even Lyn, knew of Mark's heritage.
"I wanted everyone to think that." He continued. "Please, keep this a secret. I can't let anyone know that I've used the alias of a murderer."
As she was dressed in her usual attire, Lyn told her friend he can look again. The plainswoman was not fully convinced at Mark's story as he looked at her sincerely.
"Because I have enemies... outside and within." He answered her unspoken question. "I may not be able to see you for a while. Court affairs and such." Mark chuckled, slightly and then finished." Again, I'm sorry for the way I've acted. I want things to be right between us. " He said the last part with sincerity. Lyndis wondered if he meant it. Mark's expression turned serious when he said. "Lyn, there's somthing I have to tell you." Before he could go any further, everyone, except Dart and Geitz came into the room.
Their expressions were grim as Kent addressed his liege. "My lady. Karel's been arrested."
"What?!" She said in shock. "How did he - Why?"
"He was accused of killing three soldiers with no just cause." Sain answered. The Green Lance turned his attention to Mark with a glare. Ignoring his fatigue, the Tactician was ticked off that they beat him to it. Despite that, Mark kept his cool.
"Mark, what is going on here?" Lyn confronted him in a cold tone.
"By the morrow, I'll see if the accusations are true." Mark folded his hands, stating as a matter of fact. "But it wouldn't surprise me if it were. The soldiers he killed were Knarvet's men."
Kent cursed under his breath, while the others were getting a bit anxious of a possible conflict.
"What's gonna happen to him?" Lyn asked.
The Tactician spoke again. "Firstly, he will not be tortured. Knarvet gave me his word on that." The group were slightly relieved to hear that, although some of them question if Knarvet will keep his word.
Lucius spoke to Mark in a reasoning manner. "I'm sure it was an accident. Maybe he jus -"
"Accident? Karel? No." The Tactician stated bluntly. "Two days from now, he'll be given a chance to fight for his freedom, in a deathmatch."
This shocked the entire group. Some began to argue with Mark, but he remained tight-lipped. When the clamor died down, the Tactician spoke again. "Why do you all seem so anxious? With Karel's skills, I'm sure he'll be untouchable."
"You said you had influence." Lyn pleaded, remembering what Mark told her recently. "Can't you do something?"
"My influence can only go so far." Mark spoke bluntly. His expression was unfazed by the hostility he felt from the group. "Karel murdered those soldiers in an attempt to goad Knarvet into a fight. I also advise you not to interfere, lest you want to go up against both Knarvet and my father. And Lyn." He concluded. "You can have the room. I'll find rest elsewhere."
With that said, Mark left as the group cleared his way to the door. Raven motioned for Lucius to go after him. Lyn felt reflected on what Mark said. She began to question if she can trust him. Things weren't the same between them anymore. Coupled with the detestment he's received from most the group, the plainswoman will have trouble getting to see him more often. The others were confused when the Tactician mentioned his father. Lyn saw this and repeated what he told her. As Mark was walking through the corridor, Lucius called after him. Mark stopped and as the Bishop ran up to him.
"How have you been, my friend?" Lucius greeted him, flashing a smile.
"Tired." He muttered. Mark's serious expression remained unfazed.
As his expression became grim as well, Lucius said. "Mark, I don't have much time, but I'll say this. I need to speak with you."
"Why?" He asked warily.
He looked at Lucius carefully. Mark saw how sincere the blonde man was. But he was going to be very busy with the plan and such. Despite the Bishop's genuine concern, Mark assumed he was trying to coax information out of him for Lyn. "No. It's best we don't see each other." He said wearily. "Now if you'll excuse me, I must go rest."
Lucius stopped himself from calling after him. He could only watch him walk away and worry for his well being. Mark made his way to his uncle's quarters as the old conductor came up to him. When the Tactician asked if he may sleep in his quarters, the aged man willingly complied and handed him the key. Mark entered the room, locked the door behind him and shed his boots. He regretted depraving himself and his father of sleep. The youth lied on his back, not bothering to cover himself with the blanket. Although his hand still ached, Mark eventually drifted to sleep.
- X -
Lyn was walking through the brown walled corridor. She began to wonder what would happen in the future. When Eliwood and Hector gather the Legendary Weapons, Lyndis began to reflect on Athos's words. The Archsage saw, in the future, evil dwelling within Mark. The plainswoman could picture her Tactician friend, laughing at that prophecy. She needed to keep her guard against him, but wondered if she was in part, at fault for his distant behavior. To her right, Lyn saw Dart and Geitz talking alone in the outer courtyard. She recalled the pair being good friends with Mark and thought they can get to him.
"Dart. Can I talk to you and Geitz for a moment?" Lyn asked the pair as she approached them. They ended their talk to give Lyn their attention.
"You're both friends with Mark, are you not?"
"Yeah." Geitz replied, with a smile on his face. "Why do you ask?"
She looked at them with a serious expression on her face. "I need you both to find out why Mark is here. I have to know his intentions."
The Warrior lost his smile as he said. "I thought you said he was here to help his father around the palace."
"I know that." She responded. "But that's what he told me. He wasn't entirely honest either."
"Lady Lyndis." Dart began. "I don' think Mark'll hide thin's from us, unless he had reason. An' beside's, it ain't aur bus'ness."
"He's plotting something dangerous!" She argued. "I need to know what it is!"
"Fine." Geitz mumbled. "We'll find out for you. But I gotta be honest. We came to see an old friend, not chase after some prediction."
As the large warrior left, Dart quietly followed him as Lyndis went on her way questioning what Geitz said. The pair started questioning the situation themselves, as they asked around for a "Gary Stu", much to Dart's disgust. Meanwhile in the throne room, Knarvet reported the situation to his lord as they were alone. Rugal gave his consent and told Knarvet how the deathmatch will proceed. They also discussed the progress on the plan.
"Milord." Knarvet began with a grim expression. "Tauz and Jazmal. I do not trust them."
"I know." The king muttered as he stood up from his seat. "They've been acting strange lately, but I have my hands full. Can I trust Mark to you?"
"Yes, milord." The Lancer bowed his head and placed his fist upon his chest. After a moment of silence, Rugal looked at him with concern and spoke what was on his friends mind.
"I see he doesn't trust you either. I'm in the same predicament as you, my friend."
Knarvet simply smiled at him. Their expressions became grim as Rugal asked. "What is the situation with Merces? Is he ripe for "special treatment"?"
"He's dead, my king." Knarvet said. "But not to worry, for I had seen to the body's demise. His face was beaten beyond recognition."
"Who?" The king asked, wanting to know who killed him.
"Mark's hand was wrapped with bandages." The elite began. "He's also been feeling unwell. I'm just guessing, but he might hav -"
"It's no big loss." Rugal grimly, waved his hand dismissively. "That conniving snake would've met his end eventually. In any event, does anyone know?"
"No. I've seen to it." Knarvet said assuredly, then asked. "What are you plans with Mark's guests?"
"When the moment arises, I wish to speak with them." Rugal mused. "I feel we were a bit harsh towards them."
"We have to be harsh, your majesty." Knarvet began. His expression was uneasy. "We're have more people flooding in from the ruined nations of Elabark, Tethys and Ravverine. There's a rumor that the ruined people of said nations, are organizing a large scale revolt."
Rugal sat on his throne, pondering what Knarvet's telling him as the aged, elite grabbed a chair himself and continued. "I'm waiting for our spies to report back, but I fear this rumor may come to pass. These people may use Trivalon as a base of attack. We must tread carefully." The Lancer finished. "If these people are really organizing an resistance then war will break out. THAT must be avoided at all costs."
"Wait." Rugal stopped him. "Mark said Gathian will be here in three to four months. That's how much time he has left. Meanwhile, I'll gather all the dukes and nobles on that list." The king then spoke in a venomous tone. "They deserve to share Gathian's punishment."
"Your majesty. Be patient and hang in there a bit longer." Knarvet appealed. "We'll get them all. But Gathian's death is our first priority. The head of the snake must be severed."
"Yes." The king's tone was one of relief. "Just a bit longer."
- X -
Mark found himself tossing and turning in bed. Sweating, uneasy and moaning. In his dark dream, he found himself standing in the middle of the Sacae plains, the very spot where he first met Lyndis. The oceans of green, grass was mostly covered in a sea of flames. The trees and nature itself, were consumed in fire. The skies were a mix of orange and blood red; patches of clouds were dark red as well. To his left, the Tactician saw his best friend standing near a Ger. She was older and more beautiful with age. Her mature green eyes and hair that partially, cover her face. Her clothing was similar to that of her original outfit, except she wore dark green pants. Mark saw next to her, stood Rath and a young girl who he assumed to be their daughter. Although, he felt hurt seeing her with another, Mark's attention was more on the situation arrayed before him. He called out to them in vain, as they were smiling and laughing amidst the chaos. The Tactician looked around and saw an army of the foulest demons and creatures of Hell, heading towards them. He saw his weapon missing and looked frantically at his surroundings. He ran towards Lyndis and Rath, but the bursting embers consumed them and burned their flesh. What disturbed Mark, was that they were unfazed by the searing pain, eating at their flesh.
He turned around and saw a young man about his age, leading an army of demons and the foulest creatures he ever laid eyes upon. This youth looked very much like him. Tanned skin, red eyes and long black hair. His black hair was tied back in a ponytail style, with a few strands of hair over his face. He wore a gi, similar to that of Karel's. Dark brown pants, black boots, and a dark redish gi, with a magenta sash tied around his waist. He looked at Mark with a murderous smile as he pointed at him. The demonic creatures ran in for Mark as the Tactician feared the worst.
Suddenly, Mark found himself in an empty black void. Everywhere he looked was nothing but darkness. He soon saw a woman clothed in a simple white dress, holding her baby. She stood a few feet, away from him. A white, glowing aura surrounded her as she spoke to her infant child. Mark felt a peace he never knew, coming from the woman's presence as he hear her whisper.
"Do you know what true love is?" The woman spoke gently to her babe. A warm smile spread across her lips as she spoke. "It suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; it does not parade itself nor puffs up. Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked and thinks no evil. It takes no pleasure in iniquity, but rejoices in truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Prophecies will fail, tongues will cease and knowledge will vanish. But love never fails. You must hang on to these three. Faith, hope and love; but the greatest of the three... is love."
The next thing he knew, Mark saw the woman standing in front of him without the infant. She had dark brown hair, tan skin and blue eyes. Her gentle smile left Mark silent. After a while, her expression became serious as she said. "You mustn't allow the sinful nature of man to consume you. For all men have been born with virtues and vices. I spoke those words, for you are the most in need of it. Man may find happiness, prosperity, peace, justice and goodwill. But if they've lost the ability to love; never knew love; if it exists not in their heart, then they are eternally condemned to tormenting darkness. That is when they have died."
Mark couldn't find strength to speak. The woman gave him her warm smile as she held out her arms towards him. Mark hesitantly came towards the woman and embraced her. She whispered the words Mark had to accept. What she spoke was the nature of true love.
"If you love her... set her free. If she returns to you... it was meant to be. If she doesn't... it never was."
Mark was sleeping on his side peacefully. He couldn't recall the last time he slept like this. Such occasions were rare for him, recently. For that day, his slumber was peaceful.
- X -
The next day, Mark was in the music room speaking with Nathyn alone, when Knarvet walked in. He had a grim expression on his face.
When he got near him, he quickly bowed before speaking with them. "My prince. I had trouble finding you."
"Sorry." He simply muttered. "I gave her my room."
Knarvet then, explained to Mark and Nathyn how they would proceed the next stage of the plan. Mark interrupted him, by changing the subject. He had a certain question in his mind.
"Knarvet... your fighting style. I noticed you did something similar to Gathian."
"Ah, yes. You mean my ability." Knarvet mused. "It's called the Extender. There are only three who knows this fighting style and who've mastered this ability. Myself, your father and Gathian."
"Are their any weaknesses?" The Tactician asked in a serious manner. "Specifically, towards Gathian's."
Knarvet was confused at this question. "I thought we were planning to poison him and the others."
"We are." Mark responded. "But anything can go wrong. I need all the information I can get on him."
"I see." Nathyn said. "When I have time, I'll head to the library and -"
"No uncle. You have the concert coming up." Mark deterred the aged man. "I'll do it."
"And I'll gather information on our targets." Knarvet vowed. "Until everything's in place, I need you to be patient, my prince."
Mark only nodded in acknowledgment. Nathyn excused himself to get his students, leaving Mark and the elite alone. After a while, Knarvet spoke in disgust. "Gathian sent you some kind of offering. Tis better you come see for yourself."
"Where?" The Tactician asked as they made their way to the door.
"The docks." Knarvet muttered. "He sent that Bersk dog to deliver it to you."
"Damn." Mark whispered under his breath.
Knarvet looked at him with concern and asked. "Is something troubling you, my prince?"
"No." Mark whispered. "It's nothing."
Knarvet wasn't fully convinced as they left, but the elite decided not to press the issue any further.
Author's Notes: The woman in Mark's dream spoke the words based on 1 Corinthians 13:3 to 8 & 13:13