DISCLAIMER: I do not own Fire Emblem, nor do I own the characters in Fire Emblem. I do, however, own any characters I create for the purpose of this story.

When Swords Cross

CHAPTER FIVE

Celice stood outside the gate to Freege, once again awaiting a scout. As he waited, he reflected upon everything that happened after he had killed Alvis. The Grandbell military was quick to mobilize, and all of the lords had assembled their armies to invade Chalphy. First, Celice's forces took Edda, then staved off the attack of Lord Brian of Dozel and his Grauen Ritter and seized Dozel. After this, they were caught in a pincer strike. Lady Hilda, Blume's widow, led the Gelben Ritter to the north, and Lord Scorpio of Jungby, and Lester, Lana, Patty, and Faval's cousin, led the Beige Ritter toward them from the south. Fortunately, Celice's army were able to use the heavily-wooded terrain around them to their advantage and were successful in wiping out both groups. They then moved north and seized Freege. As Celice waited, he could see Altenna and Fee flying in from a distance. Several minutes later, they landed in front of Celice. However, the prince knew that something was very, very wrong from the looks on their faces.

"Celice, this is the worst I've ever seen it," Altenna said. "First of all, Ishtar is headed this way."

Celice sighed. "Again? This will be the third time we fight her."

"And she's not alone," Fee added. "She's got three pegasus knights with her, and I recognize them. Their names are Bleg, Meng, and Maybell, and they are ruthless mercenaries."

Celice winced. "Is that it?"

Fee shook her head. "No, we have problems to the south, too. Prince Arion of Thracia has appeared with a squad of dragon knights and is headed toward Chalphy."

"What?!" Celice exclaimed. "Our defenses won't be able to hold off Arion and his men, and we can't get there in time!"

"Let me go, Celice," Altenna said. "I grew up with Arion and know him better than anybody else. I'm sure I can convince him to abandon his current mission."

"Do that, and tell Lana that I want her to warp you back to Chalphy," Celice said. Altenna then departed to look for Lana, and Celice looked at Fee. "Please tell me that that's it."

Sadly, Fee shook her head. "This is the worst part. Julia is headed this way, but she's not . . . normal."

"Not normal?" Celice asked. "What do you mean?"

"It's like she's possessed or something. Hypnotized, maybe," Fee said. "But she's cooperating with Imperial troops."

Celice hung his head. He had been adamant about saving Julia, but now, he had begun to wonder if that was even possible. "What about Velthomer Castle? Have you found out who's guarding it?"

Fee nodded. "The person in Velthomer is none other than Archbishop Manfloy himself."

Celice rested his hand on Tyrfing's hilt. "I see. I bet he's responsible for what's happened to Julia."

-5-

Celice pointed at a map on the table. This map showed northern Grandbell–to be more specific, it showed the dukedoms of Freege and Velthomer, as well as the Imperial capital at Barhara.

"Here's the plan. Lord Aless, Prince Shanan, Prince Sety, and myself will serve as the front lines. We will intercept Lady Ishtar and the pegasus knights. Behind us will be Prince Faval, Lester, Arthur, and Tinny. While we keep the enemy occupied, they will strike from afar with their arrows and magic, respectively.

"After they are taken out of the way, we have to do something about Princess Julia. We cannot kill her, but if we leave her unchecked, she could kill us. Now, Lana has a Silence Staff, and Corple has a Sleep Staff. They will be responsible for incapacitating Princess Julia. Meanwhile, Lord Aless and I will go straight for the source of Princess Julia's ailment. Over in Velthomer Castle is Archbishop Manfloy himself. As we all know, the archbishop is an extremely powerful practitioner of dark magic. Since Lord Aless and I are the best-equipped for dealing with dark mages, we will go alone. After Manfloy dies, the spell on Princess Julia should be broken."

"Just the two of you?" Nanna asked. "That's too dangerous, Prince Celice. Let me accompany you."

"Why do you wish to come with us?" Celice asked.

"You'll more than likely need a healer," Nanna answered. "Now, I admit that I am far from being the best healer here, but time is of the essence. I'm the only one who can keep up with the two of you."

Celice sighed. He felt it was too dangerous for Nanna, but he knew he could not afford to waste time arguing with her–she was far too stubborn for that. "Very well." He then looked around at everyone else. "One final thing. Under no circumstances are you to approach Barhara. Do I make myself clear?" When no one responded negatively, he nodded. "All right, let's go!"

-5-

Night had begun to fall, and Celice, Nanna, and Aless set up camp for the night. They had had a particularly rough day, but they were successful in defeating Ishtar and the pegasus knights. They had also received word from Chalphy that Altenna had managed to persuade Arion into fighting alongside her, though he refused to join Celice's army directly. Celice sent word to Altenna to stay south of Barhara until Velthomer was under their control, and since Altenna was complying, so was Arion.

Celice, Nanna, and Aless were all sitting around a campfire, their tents and their horses behind them. Each of them had packed a small, one-person tent, since none of them could carry anything larger.

"So, Celice, what exactly is the plan?" Aless asked.

"Well, here's what I've come up with," Celice responded. "According to our reconnaissance information, the dark mages guarding Velthomer are all armed with Hel magic."

Aless frowned. All dark magic was fearsome, but Hel was most noted for weakening its target to the point that a superficial cut could kill them. "But Manfloy won't leave the castle, will he?"

"No, but that doesn't mean we're safe," Celice replied. "Manfloy is armed with Fenrir magic."

"Perfect," Aless grumbled. Fenrir was a type of magic that could strike enemies across great distances. With that in his possession, and the dark mages armed with Hel around the castle, he could pick off intruders before they ever had the chance to enter the castle.

"Anyway, what we need to do is lure the dark mages around the castle out of range of Manfloy's Fenrir," Celice explained. "By now, we should all be familiar with Fenrir's range. However, that will take time.

"Our other option is to charge in and hope that we can either kill the dark mages before they have the opportunity to counterattack, or do our best to dodge the attacks. That will be quicker, but it's also more likely to fail."

"Well, it's not like Hel is particularly difficult for any of us to dodge," Aless said. "Anyway, what if the dark mages don't take the bait? Even if we tell them who we are, they might be able to keep their delusions of grandeur under control and hold their positions."

"Then we have no choice but to charge in," Celice replied. "However, there is one thing that will stay the same regardless of our plan of attack." He looked at Nanna. "Stay out of the enemy's attack range at all times. Only enter if one of us needs to be healed."

"What? Why?" Nanna asked.

"If either Aless or myself is hit with Hel, we'll be relying on you for survival. Neither of us could take on Manfloy until we heal. If you get yourself killed, and both of us get hit with Hel, we're doomed." Celice frowned. "I know you want to help. By following this plan, you'll be helping us by making sure we survive long enough to fight Manfloy."

Nanna sighed. "All right. But both of you please promise me that you'll be careful. Aless, you're my cousin, and Celice, you're one of the best friends I ever had. I don't want to see either of you die."

Both nodded. Celice had to struggle to keep a straight face, though. He was flustered from what Nanna had just said about him. However, at the same time, he was very pleased–more pleased than he would have expected himself to have been.

Celice looked into the fire. "Well, we'd better get some sleep. We'll need it for tomorrow."

-5-

The plan went without a hitch. The dark mages had sensed Celice and Aless's approach and had gotten anxious, and the entire group left the safety of Fenrir's range at once. When this happened, the two warriors had no trouble cutting them down. After that was done, the three warriors rode at top speed toward Velthomer. When they reached the gate, Celice dismounted. He then looked at Aless and Nanna. "I want you two to wait here. I will handle Manfloy."

Aless nodded. "Give him a wound for me."

"Be careful," Nanna said.

Celice turned around and charged into the castle. He made his way to the top of the tallest tower, where he found the archbishop waiting for him.

Manfloy was an old man, but he appeared far from fatigued by age. On the contrary, he seemed to have plenty of energy in his body. However, that was nothing compared to the aura of evil that could be almost seen radiating from his body. It caused Celice to break out into a cold sweat just from standing there.

Celice stared Manfloy down with the same glare he had given Alvis. This man who stood before him was singlehandedly responsible for everything that had gone wrong over the past two decades. He was responsible for Verdane's invasion of southern Grandbell. He was responsible for the death of King Imuka of Agustria and manipulating the next king, Shagaal. He was responsible for the manipulation of Langbart and Reptor into assassinating King Mananan of Isaac and Prince Kurth of Grandbell. He was responsible for Deirdre's disappearance and amnesia. He was responsible for the marriage between Alvis and Deirdre. He was responsible for manipulating Alvis into killing Sigurd and his army, as well as conquering the rest of Jugdral. He was responsible for Julia's current situation. He was even responsible for turning Prince Julius from a kind youth into a monster.

Finally, after a moment of silence, Celice spoke. "Archbishop Manfloy, I presume."

"And you are Prince Celice," Manfloy replied. "Trying to usurp what is rightfully your half-brother's."

"I know what you're trying to do," Celice replied. "Trying to control my emotions to control the battle. Save your breath–you'll need your energy to fight me."

"So I see," Manfloy said. "You're quite full of anger at me, and even more fearsome is your control of your anger." He chuckled. "However, it is no matter. Even if I die, you will be unable to stop Prince Julius–no, Emperor Galle the Eighteenth!"

Celice drew his blade. "As long as there is life in me, I will not allow the Lopt Empire to be reborn!" With that, he charged at the old priest. Manfloy, however, showed agility surprising for his age, and dodged Celice's initial strike with little difficulty.

Manfloy turned to Celice, raised his hand, and shouted, "YOTSMUNGAND!" Instantly, the area around them turned as dark as night, and phantom-like skulls soared through the air toward the prince. However, Celice showed his own agility in dodging the attack. He circled around and leaped. Manfloy tried to move out of the way, but was not fast enough to avoid taking a hit. A cut opened on his left shoulder.

Manfloy laughed. "I see you're not the descendant of the crusader Baldo for nothing! However, I have killed another holy weapon user in the past, and I'll do so again!"

"You lie!" Celice shouted. "You were the indirect cause of death for several, but you never killed any yourself!"

"Oh, that's where you're wrong, boy," Manfloy replied. "He was a powerful warrior, too. He was descended from the crusader Sety."

"That's where you're wrong!" Celice responded. "Levin is my advisor, and Sety is fighting under my leadership!"

This caught Manfloy off-guard. "How can Levin possibly be alive? I watched him die!"

"Then you were just sloppy!" Celice yelled as he leaped at his opponent. Manfloy was again able to avoid a fatal strike, but took another cut, this time to his right shoulder.

Manfloy began to panic a little. The longer this fight continues, the stronger he gets! I need to do something . . . Ah, yes, of course. Manfloy retreated to the wall near the door to the rest of the castle, and tapped the stone brick. The brick slid away, revealing an alcove. Manfloy reached in and pulled out a tome of dark magic. "This tome will be the end of you! AUSENSEITER!"

Celice saw no attack, but he felt it. His head suddenly became clouded with darkness, which threatened to consume him if he lingered. He could feel his muscles growing weaker. He knew that this was going to result in his death. As he began to lose consciousness, he could see two people in his mind. Nanna, I'm sorry, but I won't be able to fulfill my promise. Julia . . . I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you. I can't even save my own sister . . .

As these thoughts came to him, Celice leaped to his feet. He would make sure he did everything in his power to avoid letting his friends and family down. Running on a mix of Tyrfing's magic and adrenaline, he dashed at Manfloy, too quick for the archbishop to follow. In an instant, Celice had delivered three powerful strokes. Two strokes cut off Manfloy's arms, the other opened a deep wound in his head. The archbishop collapsed to the ground, dead. Celice sloppily put Tyrfing back in its scabbard, then began the long descent to the front gate.

-5-

Nanna leaped off her horse and ran as soon as she saw Celice go down. She dropped to her knees and propped Celice up with her arms. "Celice! Celice! No, wake up!"

"So . . . c-cold . . . "Celice muttered.

Nanna grabbed her staff and pressed it to Celice's heart. She was unfamiliar with the magic that was affecting Celice, but she could tell that it was draining his life away. She had to use her magic to keep restoring life energy at an equal or faster rate than the magic was draining it.

All the while, Celice was muttering. "It's cold . . . and so dark . . . I feel weak . . . " Suddenly, without warning, Celice started to thrash about. "Ahh! No! Get away! Get away, you vile monster! Keep away! Help! Help!"

Nanna began to panic. "Celice! Calm down, Celice! Calm down!" It was no use; Celice continued to thrash about and scream. Due to the violence with which Celice was convulsing, Nanna was unable to use her staff.

"Help! Someone, please help me! Father! Mother! Someone!" Tears began to stream down his face. "Mommy, help!"

Tears formed in Nanna's eyes, as well. This is awful. Now he's crying for his mother. Then, an idea formed in her head. It's a long shot, but at this point, I'm on my last legs. She brought the thrashing Celice as close to her body as she could bring him, closed her eyes, and began to sing.

The lullaby had an instant effect. Celice stopped thrashing and screaming. Instead, he said, " . . . Mommy? Mommy . . . " Nanna, still singing, pulled the unconscious prince closer to her body. "It's so warm . . . Mommy, don't leave me . . . "

Nanna reached the end of the lullaby, but to be safe, she went back to the beginning and continued to sing. As she did, she rested her staff on Celice's heart and let the energy flow into him. This continued for a few minutes, but Nanna had begun to feel fatigued. She was forced to stop singing, but thankfully, Celice remained quiet. She could still feel his pulse, though, so she knew that he was alive. As she continued for what seemed like hours, she began to feel lightheaded and her vision began to swim. Determined to keep Celice alive until help arrived, though, she continued on. However, she eventually drained all of her energy, and fell into unconsciousness herself. Thankfully, a few minutes later, help arrived.

-5-

Celice woke up and found himself in an unfamiliar bed in an unfamiliar room. No sooner had his eyes opened then he felt someone embrace him.

Nanna pulled away after a few moments, sobbing. "Oh, thank god you're all right! I was so worried!"

Celice sat up. "You stayed with me after I passed out, didn't you? It was you who sang me Mother's lullaby." Nanna nodded. Celice smiled. "Thank you. I owe you my life."

Nanna took a couple of deep breaths and was able to stop her sobbing. "I'd say that makes us even. After all, you saved my life in Conote."

"No, I didn't," Celice replied. "I just got you to someone who could save your life."

"How is that different from what I did?" Nanna asked.

Celice shrugged. "At any rate, I want to repay you for what you did, and I won't take no for an answer. What you did here was harder on you than what I did in Conote was on me."

"And what is this favor?" Nanna asked.

"Something you wish," Celice answered.

"There's nothing I want from you now, though," Nanna replied.

"Then later." Celice looked down at the sheets covering his legs. "I take it I'm in Velthomer?"

Nanna nodded. However, as soon as she had done so, Levin and Julia entered the room.

"Good, you're awake," Levin said. "I suppose now is as good a time to tell you as any. We have our report about Barhara."

Celice sat, listening. "Go on."

"There are twelve warriors, and from what we've seen, they appear to be immensely powerful," Levin said. "Legends of the Lopt Empire speak of a group of twelve so-called 'Demon Generals.' These would seem to be them.

"Also, Julius himself is guarding the castle. Not only is he armed with the Loptous tome, but he also has a Meteor spell at his disposal. That means we'll basically be fighting from the trees while our healers stand outside of Julius's range casting Physic and Fortify."

"I see," Celice said. "Have we found anything to deal with Julius?"

"We have," Levin replied, much to Celice's astonishment. "Locked away in the vault of this castle was a tome of light magic. This tome is named Narga, and was the holy tome used by Saint Heim himself."

"Which means that Julia can use it," Celice finished.

"Exactly," Levin said. "Narga itself is very powerful, but what sets it apart from the rest of the holy weapons is that it alone can penetrate the defenses that Loptous grants its wielder. Narga will do far more than scratch Julius."

Celice looked at Julia. "Julius is your twin brother. Are you sure you can kill him?"

Julia looked at the tome she was holding, then solemnly nodded. "Julius stopped being my brother the day that Manfloy gave him that evil tome."

-5-

A few days had passed since Celice seized Velthomer, and the battle for Barhara had begun. Celice's troops had defeated the twelve Demon Generals, and Celice walked up to the gate of Barhara. Standing inside the gate, his evil aura capable of being sensed for miles, stood Julius.

Celice glared at his younger half-brother. "Hello."

"Aren't you rude," Julius remarked. "One, when in my presence, you do not speak unless spoken to, and two, you are to always address me as 'Your Exaltedness' when in my presence."

"Aren't you conceited," Celice shot back. "You should know that I don't recognize you as the emperor of the Lopt Empire, or even as the king of Grandbell."

Julius's eyes narrowed. "You speak of your claim to the throne? Why don't you just drop that charade? It's physically impossible for Deirdre to have been your mother."

Celice did not respond. Instead, he began to sing his mother's lullaby. As he did, he watched the expression on Julius's face go from shock to rage.

"That lullaby . . . the only person who ever sang that was Deirdre." Julius clenched his teeth. "It's impossible . . . impossible . . . "

"It's quite possible, 'brother,'" Celice responded. "Mother was in Agusty. Manfloy appeared, kidnaped her, and brainwashed her. He then warped her to Barhara. Also, weren't you ever taught to never call your mother by her name unless you were telling someone that she's your mother?"

"I refuse to acknowledge that woman as my mother," Julius replied.

"Because she was a descendant of Saint Heim?" Celice shot back. "It's not healthy to hold a grudge."

"And yet you exacted revenge on my father."

"I told Alvis as he died that I bore no ill will toward him," Celice replied. "However, for you, I only feel pity. I know you're not the real Julius. Drop the facade, Loptous."

"Fine!" Julius shouted. "LOPTOUS!"

The area around the two half-brothers turned black, and a dragon with black scales descended toward Celice. Fortunately, Celice was able to leap out of the way.

"You are mistaken, Loptous," Celice said. "You think I came here to do battle with you? I'm not about to fight a battle I can't win."

Julius narrowed his eyes. "So you come this far only to forfeit?"

"Now, when did I say I was abandoning this fight?" Celice replied. "I said that I was not your opponent. However, someone else will fight you in my stead." With that, Julia entered the gate behind Celice.

Julius's eyes widened. "Why is she still alive? Manfloy, you damn fool!"

Celice stepped away and allowed his half-sister to advance.

"You think you can bring yourself to kill your own brother?" Julius asked.

"You're not my brother," Julia replied. "And I know that the only way to free him from your grasp is to kill him. I'm prepared to let him free." She then raised her hand. "NARGA!"

This time, the exact opposite of Julius's spell happened. Their surroundings turned white, and a white dragon rose from the ground. This time, the attack hit its mark, and Julius was sent flying backwards into a wall. He climbed to his feet, panting.

"Fine! I'll do now what I've been waiting a century to do! You will die at my hands this time, Narga!"

-5-

Celice stood back and watched the battle unfold. It looked less like two mages battling than it did two summoners, each with a polar opposite dragon with which they attacked. Finally, after what seemed hours, the white dragon plunged through Julius's chest, leaving a fatal wound behind.

Julius fell to one knee, his hands clutching the wound. "Urgh . . . Narga . . . You've ruined . . . everything . . . again . . . " With that, he fell face-first to the ground, dead. That was not the end, though. From Julius's body rose a formless cloud of darkness. The darkness soon took shape, and a black dragon floated over Julius's corpse. As Celice watched, the dragon began to disintegrate from the head down. After the dragon had disappeared altogether, Celice fell to all fours and vomited on the floor due to the disturbing spectacle he had just witnessed.

Julia walked over and began to gently rub Celice's back. Once Celice's stomach had emptied itself, he stood up, trembling. "It's over . . . " he breathed. "We've won . . . "

-5-

Still fatigued, Celice stood in front of the throne in Barhara Castle, and watched Levin approach him. "Well done, Celice. You've made your parents proud."

"Maybe so," Celice said, "but our job isn't done yet. The continent is in shambles. It's up to us to set everything right."

"I couldn't agree more, Celice," Levin replied. "Which is why you must become the new king of Grandbell."

This took Celice aback. Yes, he was a prince, but he had never given any serious thought to becoming king. "...Me? King of Grandbell?"

"That's right," Levin replied. "You and Julia are the only heirs to the throne left. It's up to you to lead Grandbell into the future."

"I understand," Celice nodded.

"As do I," Julia said from Celice's side. "I'll do everything I can to support Prince–no, my brother."

"Well, I'd say everyone else will be coming back in due time," Levin said. As if on cue, Prince Shanan appeared in the hallway.

"Celice, I'm returning to Isaac," Shanan said.

"Shanan . . . I can't possibly thank you enough," Celice said.

"For what? It's my fault that you grew up without a mother," Shanan said.

Celice stood up. "Shanan, stop right there. Stop focusing on what ifs and focus on what you've accomplished and have yet to accomplish. It's because of you that I'm still here today."

"You are too kind, Celice," Shanan said. However, Celice could note that there was no air of disappointment about him any more.

No sooner had Shanan left than Leaf appeared. He refused to bring his eyes up, however. "Celice . . . I owe you an apology. I've been such an idiot, and have treated you with contempt because of it."

"Leaf, look at me." Leaf lifted his eyes. "I understand, and accept your apology. However, I'm not going to look down on you for it. I still see you as my equal, my cousin, and most importantly, my friend. Our fathers held a strong bond, and I wish that to continue with us. If you ever need help, you only need to ask. I will personally come to your aid."

"And I yours," Leaf said. "My road will be a harsh one, though. I will be responsible for uniting all of Thracia. Any help I can get will be greatly appreciated."

Celice nodded. "It's up to us to rebuild the continent."

Leaf then left, and Aless entered. He dropped to one knee before Celice. "Aless, get up. You need not lower yourself before an equal."

Aless rose. "Yes, you're right. It is up to me to take leadership in Agustria. Also, thank you."

"For what?"

"For showing me the truth. I know now what kind of man your father really was. He remained a steadfast friend to my father until the very end. It's up to us to continue that relationship."

"I agree," Celice said. "May our friendship remain as eternal as time itself."

Before Aless could leave, Nanna entered. "Celice, I'll be accompanying Aless to Agustria."

"Really? You're not going back to Lenster?"

Nanna shook her head. "I have no desire to return to Lenster."

"Well, thank you for everything you've done, Nanna," Celice replied. "If it weren't for you, I'd be lying on the ground dead outside Velthomer."

"I can say the same to you," Nanna replied. Before she left, however, she kissed Celice on the cheek.

Celice brushed his fingers over the spot where Nanna had kissed him. For some reason, she had seemingly taken a piece of him with her when she departed. He was disappointed that she had not asked to stay here. However, he quickly shook that off.

Oifaye approached Celice. "Well, Your Highness, I will be returning to Chalphy."

"What? Why?"

"Your Highness, I am not abandoning you," Oifaye replied. "As a lord of Chalphy, I will continue to remain an advisor, only now it will be in court."

Celice nodded. "I understand. Take especially good care of Chalphy. It was my father's home, after all."

"Of course." Oifaye bowed and exited.

One by one, the rest of Celice's troops approached him, with their plans. Skasaha and Lakche would accompany Shanan back to Isaac, and Delmud would go with his cousin and his sister to Agustria. Faval and Patty would travel to their father's land of Verdane. Johan would assume the title of Lord Dozel, Corple would take over Edda with his sister beside him, Arthur would go to Velthomer, and Tinny to Freege. Altenna, Fin, and Hannibal would accompany Leaf back to the Thracian Peninsula. Lester would assume the title of Lord Jungby, with his sister aiding him. Sety and Fee would return to Silesia, but Levin refused to go with them.

Finally, all that remained was Levin himself. "Well, Celice, I must say good-bye. I am off on a journey of my own."

"Thank you for everything you've done, Levin," Celice said. "All this time, you watched over us."

"I only did what I had to do," Levin replied. "I am but the wind. It is my duty to bring the warmth of the light to the world. And that light comes from the hearts of each and every one of you–especially you, Celice."

"Yes, I understand now," Celice said. "I've always heard that dragonkind fears involvement in the world of man . . . but you're different. You broke that rule. You guided us. Myself, everyone, everything on this earth, will never forget the debt we owe you, Levin . . . no . . . Holsety of the Wind . . . "