Hercules – Hercules is the Roman name for the Greek demigod Heracles, who is the son of Zeus. He is well known for the twelve labors that involved, killing the Nemean lion, capturing the Cerberus and stealing the Girdle of Hippolyte.

Review reply: Thanks for taking the time to review.

Enilas – To answer your question, Ch. 7: Karel's Trial is where Bersk pays Jazmal for the use of his assassins. Bersk is the one who has it out for the Tactician & Jazmal got drawn into it.

AdamLL – To be honest, I'm not that confident with triangles, but thanks for bringing that up. The reason why Sain's more serious now is that 1. SainxFlorina. 2. There's some animosity between Mark & the Caelin knights. Priscilla's a bit harder to flesh out, but I'll do the best I can. Thanks again. :)

Wukon – I'm glad this has you drawn in. Concerning your request, I cannot say if things'll get better or worse between them. We'll find out somewhere down the line.

AtS – Thanks. This is just the start of a very long fanfic.

69 – It's better I fix my typos during the semi-rewrite(That is, after the prequels.) that way, I can go through it all at once. :D And that won't be necessary. I'm in this till it's finished.

Fire Emblem: Legend Of The Chaos Hero

Book One: In The Grip Of Hatred

By Chaos Hero Mark

Chapter XIV: Fang Of The Serpent

It was noon by the time, Rugal had set foot on Artemis. He was told that Gary Stu had been slain and only hoped that it was staged as an improvision to the plan. There was still the matter of getting the Pale Horse and getting Gathian and all of his cohorts in one place. His retainers took the horses to their stables, while Rugal himself went to find his brother. As he searched, the king pondered on what Gathian said. His retainers have already questioned his neutral stance on the emperors conduct. They believed that Trivalons' army could defeat Regallas and her ruler. What very few were knowledgeable of, was that an assassination for the emperor was being set up to avoid an unneeded war.

In the dining hall, he found Nathyn, about to eat alone with his good hand and greeted. "Brother."

The old man saw him standing in the hallway as his younger brother took a plate of food and joined him at the dinner table. "Rugal. How did it go?"

"Terrible." He muttered. "I'd wager that it got worse after I left."

"Yes." Nathyn mused. "Malidone and Regallas are no longer on good terms, I hear. Gathian exempts you from his outrageous demands because you two were friends since your youth."

Rugal sighed when his history was brought up. "He still believes that we are, despite the truth that Gathian we knew is dead and gone. What happened in my absence?"

"Gary Stu was assassinated last night, so they say." Nathyn began. "Knarvet's taking care of it. Also an investigation party has been put in place to find the people that hired their blades."

"I see." The king murmured as he ate a bit. "How is Mark doing?"

Nathyn took a moment of silence before saying. "Physically, he's well."

"Mentally?"

"I have no idea what happened out there." The aged maestro lowered his head slightly. "Poor Arel. To lose his own mother when he's just recovered from his father's death. Mark doesn't know how to tell the boy. My nephew won't even speak with me or Cassandra. Something else is troubling him."

Rugal sighed at the news. Despite sharing an uneasy relationship with Mark, he had hoped somewhere in his heart that things would get better between them. "I had word that Knarvet raided the arena last night. He wasn't alone though."

"Ah yes. Now that I recall. I heard about a group of foreigners from Elibe, led by a young woman. She is good friends with Mark, I believe. She came knocking my door at such a late hour and with good reason. Tis' thanks to her and her friends that Mark was saved. Such a good friend."

Despite his older brother's musing, Rugal said. "I wonder if he's fallen for her."

"And how do you know?" The plump man snorted in disbelief. "For all we know, it could be a milkmaid whose caught his eye. Or even Cassandra."

"I'd say you're clutching at straws, big brother." With a smirk on his face, Rugal let out a chuckle.

"Really?" He raised his eyebrows. "Even though she's subtle about it, Cassandra speaks non-stop about him. I haven't seen that girl so happy in a long time. Tis' a shame she's an offspring of a despicable father."

"I'm sorry." Rugal murmured. "I ignored your warnings about him all these years and now I'm paying for it."

"You've already apologized."

"I cannot undo the pain that I did. Even more reason for me to mend my ways." After a moment of eating in silence, Rugal added. "But I fear Mark would never forgive me."

"You haven't told him, I see." The maestro sighed as he watched his brother eating silently. Rugal had his own troubles and Nathyn didn't wish to add more weight to his younger brothers' burden. But in the back of his mind, Nathyn knew that it can only get worse the longer he was kept in the dark.

"How can I?" Rugal spoke once he stopped eating. "He's become more cold and hateful with each passing day. If Mark ever finds out, he'll want my head buried in a pike. Gathian will certainly regret what he did, but I fear it won't end with his death."

"You can't build a relationship on lies." The old man sighed.

"Brother, please." Rugal pleaded. "First, let his anger pass before we think of opening this coffin."

Nathyns expression became grim at this and decided to change the subject. "Now that I remember, his conversation with his friends turned very sour. One of them even attacked him, under the impression that he was ordering Edgar to attack. They weren't happy about being told to leave."

"Remind me to speak with them and clear this up. Why are they here anyway?"

After eating a bit, Nathyn spoke. "Investigating the prophecy of Archsage Athos. This was over two months ago. Mark is somehow involved in this."

The king sighed. "Sadly, he's prone to making enemies out of the people he works with."

Nathyn shook his head slightly, bearing more negative news. "You have larger concerns that needs your utmost attention."

Rugal finished his meal and muttered grimly. "Go on."

Nathyn paused from his meal, wiping his lips with a napkin and began his report. "Your wife, Commander Velia, has sent word concerning the resistance of the ruined nations. For a time, they've obeyed Trivalons' standard laws, but as you know rumors have abound of them staging a large-scaled revolt. A old friend spying on my behalf, has reported that they're plotting to destroy Regallas and anyone who follows her. I sympathize for those who lost their homes due of Gathian's iron-fist policy, but their leaders have become too emotional and unreasonable. This bodes ill for our operation should they go through with this."

"Still, I must negotiate with them. I can't have any unnecessary bloodshed. Not when I've finally gained the trust of the commoners I once broke."

"Be that as it may." He held out his hand in order to reason with his brother. "I've taken the liberty of evacuating every single person out of castle Hera."

"You did what?!" Rugals' tone rose in shock.

"Listen to me brother! The situation here is very bad!" He attempted to further reason with his brother. "We are short of soldiers and able-bodied men and women. We also need to keep with the plan at the same time. I would call for Knarvet to quickly end this, but most of his close colleagues were killed in the arena."

This news had Rugal shocked and sympathizing for his close friend. For a while, he remained silent before asking. "Is it the same assassins who made an attempt on Mark's life?"

"Yes." Nathyn answered in a serious tone. "For now, your best elite is out of the question. We must handle this."

As Rugal spoke, the elder man began to finish his meal. "Is Edgar and Mark at castle Hera?" Nathyn gave a nod in confirmation. He knew Edgar was more than capable in single-handedly defending the castle. Once they finished their meals, the king and his elder brother hastily left castle Artemis. Nathyn handed Rugal his scepter. It was a white one with sky blue markings, the same pattern as Gathian's and Knarvet's. On their way to meet with the people, Cassandra approached them with a worried look on her face.

"Lord Rugal, Master Nathyn." She began. "You need to come quick." The brothers maintained their composure, knowing just how bad the situation was. Neither of them knew it was about to get even worse.

- I -

Within the more dangerous parts of the city of Hercules, a battalion, led by a white-armored Paladin, were investigating the villagers. Every house was searched without exception and every person was questioned relentlessly. Their investigation eventually led them to an abandoned building that looked like it hasn't been used for some time. The leader had his Silver Blade drawn as he got closer. One soldier gently pushed the door open with his spear. They saw furniture overturned and destroyed, severed limbs spread out and blood staining the walls and floor. The commander motioned to his soldiers for silence, then indicated that a few follow him upstairs, while the others search for any evidence. Upstairs, the Paladin went into one of the rooms alone and came across a blue, treasure chest. He used a Chest Key while his soldiers were distracted, looking for other evidence. Inside the chest, he found some documents and incriminating evidence. Upon closer inspection, the commander was surprised as to who it was. The Elimine Church's, Saint Jazmal. He hid the evidence in his breastplate before the approaching soldier could catch him in the act.

"Commander Ravi! We've searched everywhere and found nothing of use. Just more bodies and some coin."

"Bah!" The Paladin mumbled. "The leader is long gone. I doubt we'll find anything of use. Regardless, have you done a thorough search?"

"Twice commander. We've even searched the attic and basements, leaving nothing to chance as you ordered."

"Good."

Ravi was about to leave when the soldier asked. "What of this chest?"

"Whatever was in there, the leader must've ransacked it. Either way, gather the men. We need to finish up here."

"Sir." The soldier placed his right fist over his left shoulder in the form of a salute, acknowledging his superiors command. Ravi was about to walk out of the room, when another soldier walked in with startling news.

"Commander Ravi!" The soldier began, not bothering with the formal greeting. "You and your battalion are needed in Artemis! A riot has broken out and his majesty has joined the fray! They need all the reinforcements available!"

"Damn!" Ravi cursed through gritting teeth. "You two! Get everyone together and head for Artemis! His majesty needs our help!" The soldiers wasted no time in moving out as Ravi followed. A riot so bad that Trivalons king had to personally get involved, bode ill for their nation. But it also presented an opportunity for Ravi to find favor with the king. Jazmal would soon find out how bleak things are looking for him.

- II -

After the fallout with Lyndis's Legion, Mark hid in the place he spend most of his time, since his youth. The library was one of his three havens that he would seclude himself from people. He hardly left his haven for two whole days, worrying his family. Edgar went to check on him, taking a flask of water along, mixed with crushed herbs and other chemicals to help reduce his anxiety. He took a seat opposite Mark and offered him the flask. "Here. This will ease you for a bit." Without a word, the Tactician took the flask and consumed it without pause. After a while, his hands ceased shaking, but he remained silent. "You know what you need to do."

Not desiring an argument over Lyn, he sought to change the subject by bringing up a new question. "The Six Bearer Of Hell. Ever heard of them?"

Edgar squinted his eyes at the question, trying to see if he recalled the title and said. "Forgive me. That title is foreign to me."

"You really don't remember?"

They remained silent for a while, until Edgar spoke again. "Do you recall one of our campaigns as the Four Cornerstones? The one where we traveled to Mount Nemesis?"

"Aye." Mark muttered sadly. He remembered that mission as their second last duty, before their fall.

"Before the Timestream incident, we came across an ancient library, where we found a forbidden elder tome. You came across a old document that was written in an ancient dialect."

Before Edgar went on, Mark picked up a very old book from the floor and slammed it on the table. "You mean this one?"

"Yes." Edgar murmured. "This is the one."

"This is the only book that mentions the six bearers. The important parts are burned off to the point I can't make anything out. Otherwise, we know nothing about them."

"What's so important about the six bearers?"

Mark took a deep breath, preparing to recount the arena's incident. "When I told you about the assassination, I left out certain details." He collected himself before continuing. "We were forced to hide beneath the arena. What I saw down there..."

"Every nations arena houses mythical beasts from Mount Nemesis." Edgar recalled, trying to quell Mark's fears, but it was in vain as the Tactician spoke.

"What I saw down there wasn't just mythic beasts. There were demons."

"...can't be." Was all Edgar could whisper. He was too shocked to say anything, not believing that Hera's arena could hold demons below it.

"They were half-human, half-serpent, though not exactly human either." Mark muttered. He took another drink from the flask and continued. "They said that all Six Bearers are the sole candidates to take the place of this...Demon King...Formortiis...whatever the Hell his name is." Edgar looked at him, waiting to hear more about the Demon King when Mark muttered irritably. "Look it up. I can't be bothered with this shit right now."

Edgar was about to speak when he started clutching his head in agony. Mark threw himself up and out of the chair, fearing the worst for Edgar's condition. What the Tactician didn't know, was that danger drew closer. The agonized prince fell to the floor, clutching his head tighter as sparks of lavender energy flowed from his body.

"...Edgar..."

"Viper!!" Came Edgar's scream. Mark needed no further dialogue from his friend, knowing that trouble was on it's way. He was concerned for his friend, but reasoned that the prince was trying to warn him of the approaching danger. "Assassins! They're coming here! Large numbers!" He screamed.

Mark gave him a stern order. "Whatever you do, stay here till I call for you!" Edgar gave a nod, indicating that he understood. He didn't like the idea of staying idle, but the Superb Mind was in charge and believed that his friend knew what he was doing. As for Mark, he ran out of the library and down the hallways. Thankfully, the castles residents were all at Artemis with Trivalons' soldiers, making it easier for him to navigate his way to Lyndis's Legion. He worried for Edgar, but had to deal with it when the time came. His instincts told him that a battle was coming.

- III -

Guy kept knocking on Priscilla's door, pleading to speak with her. His outburst at the throne room had caused Priscilla to lock herself in her room. After the attempt on Mark's life, the Swordmaster has been given some very harsh words from Lyndis, Dart and Geitz. The magenta-haired Warrior had a hard time restraining Dart, once Mark left. The Sublime Mercenary was sightseeing the castle and wondering why it was empty. Certain areas of the hallways were shut with three different locks that wasn't there before. The locks themselves are complex and require certain keys, rendering Lockpicks and Door Keys useless. He came across the Sacaen Swordmaster outside of his sister's room and saw his downcast look.

"Hey." Raven greeted loud enough to get Guy's attention. "What happened?"

"Priscilla won't talk to me. It's bad enough Lady Lyndis chastised me. Don't tell me you came to say, 'I told you so'."

He gave the swordsman a blank look. It was rare for Raven to give away his emotions, especially with what he's thinking. "I hate the guy even more than you do, but what you did almost got us in trouble."

Guy became slightly irritated. "I thought he was gonna send that shaman guy to attack Sain. Didn't you-"

At that point, Raven decided to cut him short. "He's a friend of Priscilla. That's why she's acting up. Let's not dwell upon this." The Hero was bothered by something else and soon brought it to his friend's attention. "Hey. Noticed how empty the castle is?"

"Now that you mention it, I haven't see a single guard or servant around here the entire day. I mean, who the Hell leave a castle empty?" Before he went further, an uninvited guest in the form of Mark was in the same upper hallway as them. The Sacaen's expression darkened as he whispered to himself. "Great. What in Father Sky is he doing here?"

Raven said nothing as he noticed how tired and slightly pale the strategist was. The Tactician ran to the throne room and used the device hidden in order to lock most of the doors so that the enemy wouldn't steal any valuables. Knowing that trouble is approaching, he wasted no time walking up to them, asking. "Where's Lyndis?"

"Who wants to know?" Was Guy's cold response.

Mark felt the need to respond with hostility, but the current situation held his attention. "Get your weapons and meet in the throne room. We've got trouble." He looked at their door rooms and asked Raven. "Anyone in their rooms?"

"Just Priscilla." Was all the mercenary said. Mark stepped past the pair and banged his fist upon the door.

"Priscilla! It's Mark! Open up!" He shouted. The Swordmaster gave his friend a look as Raven stared at the Tactician. Priscilla was startled by Mark's voice as she pulled herself together. The moment she opened her room's door, Mark spoke again. "Get your weapons and tomes. Bring it with to the throne room." He turned to the other two and asked. "Did you guys bring the morph weapons with?"

"Yes, we did." Priscilla answered. "What's going on?"

"Trouble." Mark spoke in a grim tone. "Where's Lyn?"

"She's at the outer courtyard." The Valkyrie answered, much to Guy's dismay. Without another word, Mark took off sprinting, leaving them their orders. Priscilla went underneath her bed and dragged out most of the morph weapons. Raven and Guy carried as many of the weapons and tomes as they could, while Priscilla carried some staves and a few more tomes as well. They didn't say much to each other as Guy found his fiancee' avoiding him.

Amidst the plain grass of the outer courtyard, the rest of the Legion were discussing various subjects. Dart and Geitz was with Fargus, telling him the bad news. They were worried that the Tactician might do something irrational. After their sour meeting with Mark, they contemplated, returning to Elibe. Lyndis separated herself from the group, practicing her swordplay, while Kent and Sain felt somewhat relieved that she will be reunited with her grandfather. The Caelin knights feared for her safety, even in foreign lands. Their liege didn't say a word to anyone since that night and she was careful not to reveal everything to them. Rath stood one side, watching her swordplay as if it was a dance. Sain's eye caught Mark running up to them and muttered. "What the Hell does he want now?"

Kent and the others saw how out of breath he was as he came closer. The Caelin commander did not wish for him to speak with Lyn and chose to address him on her behalf, asking. "What is your business with us?"

Mark's response was blunt and somewhat tired. "We've got company. Get to the throne room, all of you." Lucius hesitated to heed his call, but Sain and Kent, to a lesser extent, defied his order. The Caelin princess stopped her sword practice when her eye took note of the commotion. When she drew closer, Lyn halted in her tracks the moment she saw him. It was too late as his eye caught her. "Lyn! Have your men gather at the throne room!"

She averted her gaze from him in shame. Kent spoke again. "Lady Lyndis takes no orders from the likes of you! It can't be that important that all of us have to be there!"

Mark took out his telescope and walked past Kent, ignoring him completely. He looked around and saw in the far distance, Assassins moving within the border of the castle ground. "Hey! We're talking to you!" Came Sain's voice. He wanted to grab Mark, but stopped himself when the Tactician cursed loud enough for them to hear him.

"They're already here!" Mark shouted as he closed up his telescope and began to leave. "Our friends from the arena wants a rematch! Move your asses! We're not safe out here!" With that, he broke into a sprint. The others ran after him, now having an idea of what's coming. Some took note of how empty the castle was and that not a single guard was around. Once they made it to the throne room, Raven, Guy and Priscilla were waiting for them.

"Arm yourselves." Mark ordered in between pants. "Your gonna need...your best weapons."

"Where are the castle guards?!" Kent asked him.

"Not here." Came Mark's reply.

"We can see that!" Sain chimed in. "He asked where the Hell they are!"

"Let's ask his majesty when he gets back! Assuming we all survive that is!" He answered with a hint of irritation.

Lyndis sought to change the subject and asked. "Is it Viper we're up against?"

"Yes." Mark responded calmly. "Don't worry, though. Trivalons' castles were designed in a manner of 'easy to defend, difficult to assault'. This narrow corridor would be difficult to get through or even scale over, so most of you will have to stand out and defend it."

Florina suggested an idea. "Me or my sister can go for help on ou-"

"Forget it." The strategist interrupted her abruptly. "They already have this place surrounded. You won't be able to get to your pegasus in time." With that said, he went to lock the remaining doors on the left and right corridors while there was time. Raven armed himself with the Regal Blade and a Silver Sword. He was the only sword fighter among the group that could use it most effectively. Guy armed himself with two Killing Edges, in case the one breaks. Sain and Kent grabbed their Silver Lances. The Ilian sisters went for the Brave Lances as Lucius grabbed a Divine tome and a Recover staff. Priscilla took a Fimbulvetr and a Fortify staff. Rath armed himself with the Rienfletche and a Killing Edge and Lyndis, who carried her Mani Katti as always, took a Brave and Killing Bow. Judging by Mark's expression of the dangers that lied ahead, Priscilla brought large amounts of arrows, packed in six quivers.

It was then that, Lyn spoke up. "Viper lost most of his men at the arena. We can take the fight to him."

Mark had just finished with the last door as he heard what Lyn said. "Trust me, you're a lot safer in here."

"Vipers men are not that strong!" The Blade Lord protested.

The strategist remained silent at that point. He extracted his telescope as he walked into the hallway, leading outside. He left the hallway doors open so that he could see how close the enemy is. He saw the enemy drawing even closer and decided that it was time as he came back to the group. Sheathing his telescope, Mark had the front doors of the hallway shut. He then returned to the Legion and answered Lyndis.

"Actually, they are." The Tactician shot back, much to her surprise. "If I haven't done so, thank you for saving me. All of you."

"What's he on about now?" Sain mumbled to Kent.

"Those men you killed at the arena, are not part of his true guild. This is his real assassins we're up against."

"And how do you know all of this?!" Fiora addressed the strategist. "And even if you speak the truth, why the Hell should we trust you?!"

"Then don't!" Mark countered in a venomous tone as he gave his instructions. "I've no time for this. Kent and Sain will take the point. Lyn and Rath, you two will give them rear support. Priscilla and Lucius, drop those staves and take the Physic ones. After we survive their first wave of attack, Guy and Raven will take over for Kent and Sain. Florina and Fiora will follow after that. Now get in your places and stay near the throne room." He rubbed the temple of his nose and thought to himself. "Who or what the Hell are they really after? These assassins might know I survived and probably came back to finish the job." He rattled his mind, trying to remember an incident from his tormenting past. As Lyndis tied a quiver of arrows to her side, she noticed how deep in thought the Tactician was. What she didn't know right away, was that the arena incident had affected him more than he was letting on. The Tactician approached Lucius and asked him. "Have you learned your class ability yet?!"

"What?" The blonde bishop asked in surprise, much to the Superb Mind's dismay.

"Gods no. The Elimine church never told you about the 'Slayer' ability?!"

Realizing what he spoke of, Lucius took offense to what he said. "That's reserved only for the higher-ups in the clergy! It takes years for those in Elimine's flock to learn it!"

"Doesn't matter! Start learning it and fast!" He addressed them all with finality in his tone. "They're right outside! You all have your orders! Now go!"

Once he was done, Mark drew the Shamshir from his sash, keeping it at the ready. Kent, Sain, Lyndis and Rath took their places. The Valkyrie and the Bishop were right behind them. The knights were wise enough to shed their armor for better mobility. Most of the Legion still felt animosity from Mark, due to Guy's exaggerated outburst. Lyndis was troubled by what was happening between them, but chose to keep it to herself for the time being. They had to concentrate on the enemy at hand. An enemy whom the Tactician was trying to uncover and learn all about.

- IV -

The assassins were scattered here and there. They were surprised to find out how empty castle Hera was. Even more surprising was the fact that the castle was mostly empty. One Assassin reported seeing their targets and told him that they could not infiltrate most of the castle areas as there were doors barricading their path. It's as Mark said: Door Keys and Lockpicks were useless. The doors themselves were suffused with magic, making it a task to get in. Viper gave their needed orders, despite the setback. He knew how much easier it would be to kill his targets, especially without the interference of the castle guards. They also had the numbers on their side, putting the Legion at a huge disadvantage. Six other leaders arrayed themselves before him. All dressed in the same clothing as he was. It didn't take much for Viper to convince the other guilds in taking up this job. They were promised 600,000 gold and a challenge in their new targets. Without another word, Viper directed two groups of Assassins to see another way inside. One of the leaders directed a group to lead a frontal assault. Viper was counting on Knarvet to show up so he could settle the score. What the Devil Serpent didn't know was that an old nemesis awaited him instead.

Authors Note: Sorry for the late update. The real world's been keeping me busy. Next chapter is where I got my work cut out for me.