Another day and another chapter. This one will center on Marth. I know I said I'd possibly focus on Ike for the rest of the fic, but that didn't seem right.
Disclaimer: Super Smash Bros. and Fire Emblem were created by Nintendo. Seriously, if I had been part of Radiant Dawn's development, Ike's ending wouldn't be so bad. Circumstances are private, but I wish I could join Nintendo (American Branch) and possibly convince them to do a remake of both Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn. Not to mention have more paired character endings added for Ike, Elincia and Mist in Radiant Dawn.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this next chapter. Sorry to force the pipe dream above upon you.
Chapter XI: Unforseen Tides
Marth sat at his throne in Altea as his group recuperated from the previous skirmish with Subspace. The castle and town were undergoing reconstruction caused by the battle with Majora's forces.
Caeda, who sat at his side, addressed her husband"So how were things at this Smash Mansion you went to?"
"It was a pleasent experience mostly, I made some good friends there. What about you?" responded Marth.
The queen responded"Well, there hadn't been any major incidents other then the battle with the shadow monsters we fought earlier. Honestly, I wasn't sure Altea could have held up much longer if you hadn't come back."
"It wasn't just me, but I am relieved that you and Elice are okay" smiled Marth.
Caeda blushed"You were worried about me? Well, you need not have been, I'm sure that Merric and Elice would've seen me to safety if needed."
"Marth, I hate to interrupt, but someone just told me that she needed to speak with you" said Merric, who just enterd the throne room.
Marth raised an eyebrow"Who is it?"
"It is I." Yune, the Deity of Chaos materialized before Marth"Ike has been successful at retrieving the Dawn Emblem."
"The Dawn Emblem? What's that?" wondered Caeda.
"It is the very relic we need to defeat Majora" said Poo as he, Ness and Paula entered the room.
Yune spoke up"However, it may still be difficult to save the worlds. Magvel is under siege, and Elibe has just been attacked by a horde of Subspace Remnants. I sense that two of the Axem Rangers from Mario's world are among their number. And do not forget Tellius, though it hasn't been a large cause for concern."
"Majora's invasion is progressing that quickly? That's it, I have a mind to storm the enemy's headquarters with or without the Dawn Emblem" said Marth, standing up.
"That sounds like a bad idea, you might want to think of a different idea. We already lost Sonic and some of the Pokemon" interjected Ness.
Yune nodded"There is still a way to resolve the situation, I will have Ike and his team head for Magvel. Marth, I suggest you use caution, there could be more powerful enemies in Elibe."
"I understand, Roy's homeworld isn't going down on my watch" said Marth.
"What about the rest of us?" inquired Paula.
Marth thought for a moment, then said"You three head back to Smash Mansion to bolster the number of defenders we left back there, Master Hand would be devastated if Smash Mansion were to fall."
"Understood, you can count on us" said Poo.
Caeda approached her husband"Be careful, Marth."
"I will. The rest of the Altean Knights will protect you" nodded the king.
Ness, Poo and Paula wished Marth a brief good luck before linking hands and warping back to the portal which would take them back to Smash Mansion. Marth took the time to kiss Caeda on the cheek before leaving the castle.
As Marth started for the portal, Elice caught up to her brother"Are you sure you won't need more help?"
"I don't want anything unfortunate to befall you or Caeda, sister. I won't be all by myself, just stay by Caeda's side and protect Altea until I return" said Marth.
The blue haired Cleric hesitated, then said"You're right, but at least take this elixir with you, okay?"
Her brother accepted the Elixir and pocketed it before speaking"Thank you."
At Smash Mansion, Ike and his team headed over to the main hall to check on things. Peach met up with the group"Weclome back, how did it go?"
"We got the emblem, how are things here?" responded Link.
The Mushroom Kingdom Princess replied"I managed to help organize a stake-out and formulated a defense as best I could, but I still worry when I think about what we're facing."
"You needn't worry too much, Marth asked Ness, Paula and Poo to return here to help protect this place" said Yune, appearing.
"Thank goodness" said Peach.
"Come to think of it, we haven't heard from Bowser or Ganondorf, are they part of this?" frowned Link.
Yune shook her head"I don't believe so, but we must consider all possibilities. Ike, your next destination is Magvel, Majora has mostly overrun that continent with some of his soldiers. But Frelia, Rausten and Renias still remain untouched, so you should be able to find help there."
Ike squared his shoulders"We're ready for it, so where's Marth?"
"I entrusted him the task of defending Elibe, but we can ill afford to ignore one world while leaving the other fall before Majora. That is we must take our chances" said Yune.
"We'll do our best, I just hope Marth dosen't get captured or killed" said Link.
Ike scoffed"Don't be a stick-in-the-mud, all right? We are not going to die that easily."
Yune smiled"Your confidence pleases me as always."
Marth stepped through a portal which opened near the one that led back to Smash Mansion. To the king's surprise, he found himself in a landscape similar to that of Akaenia, which looked like little more then open plains.
The peace and quiet didn't last long, however, as a yellow clad figure ambushed him"Looking for someone?"
Marth brandished his sword and guarded as the figure attacked him. Not long after Marth parried, a group of Sword Primids appeared. The yellow armored figure sneered"You walked right into a trap, pretty boy."
"In your dreams" said Marth, striking back with his Falchion.
The Sword Primids advanced as the yellow figure cackled"Good-bye, you have had the honor of falling before Axem Yellow."
"That's what you think" said a voice, as some of the Sword Primids were suddenly struck down. The remaining Primids and Axem Yellow were astonished and confused at what just killed some of their group.
Marth took the initiative and struck down a nearby Primid. Axem Yellow growled in frustration and fled the scene, as Marth and his rescuer defeated the remaining Primids in the area.
"You okay?" said a female voice, as a woman clad with blue clothes and green hair approached him.
Marth nodded"Thanks, I didn't think that portal led me to the monster's trap. Who are you again?"
"It's me, Lyn. Though I guess we haven't talked much since I was assigned to the combat support trophy team at Smash Mansion" said the woman.
"Now that I think of it, but now dosen't seem like a good time to talk, either. Where are we?" said Marth.
Lyn replied"We're at the north west border of the Plains of Sacae, Isaac and I were sent here to Elibe by Master Hand to lend support to Roy while we fight off the shadow invaders."
"Isaac's here as well? Master Hand has recovered, then?" said Marth.
Lyn shook her head"I do not know for certain, but we must hurry. Pherae is the enemy's target, and I fear that Roy's life is in danger. Bern and Etruia are holding up well though. As for Master Hand, his condition is uncertain."
"Which way is Pherae?" inquired Marth.
Lyn replied"It's south west of Caelin and Laus, now we should get moving."
The pair rushed straight into the League of Lycia and headed south-west from the border. The Altean leader took in the sights as he glanced at the forests and distant towns of Elibe"This place is beautiful, much like Akaenia."
"It is, isn't it?" said Lyn as they ran as far as they could.
Eventually, they reached a town at the border of Caelin where they met up with a certain purple haired mage"Lyn, glad you could make it."
Lyn smiled"Hello, Erk, it's nice to see you again. How's Priscilla doing?"
"Same as always, we came here to help bolster the defense against the unkown monsters attacking us" replied the mage.
Marth interjected"Not to interrupt, but how far is Pherae?"
"Quite a ways from here, but Etruia recently developed a Teleportation staff which warps it's users to distant places. Who are you by the way?" said Erk.
The Altean hero replied"Call me Marth, I'm from a distant country called Altea."
"Can't say I've heard of it, but I guess I can trust you. Hopefully, with the teleportation spell I brought, we can get to Pherae before things get out of hand" said the purple-haired mage.
Lyn smiled"Well, it was certainly good to see you again. Are you coming with us?"
"What do you think? I'm not as young as I was way back then, but I can certainly help out some. In fact, I was on my way to Pherae to deliver this teleportation stave to Lilina" said Erk.
The three gathered into a circle, and Erk took out the new magic staff he mentioned. Marth addressed Lyn"So how are you aquainted with Roy?"
"He's the son of one of my friends from back when I was younger. I heard that Eliwood had taken ill during the war with Bern, I wonder if he's still alive" sighed the green haired woman.
"If you excuse me" Erk recited a teleportation spell, and the staff in his hands began to glow.
"Quick, grab on" said Lyn.
The group took hold of the staff, and they all warped far from their present location. Within moments, they landed in another part of Lycia, where they came upon a nearby castle and a town to the north east.
"Looks like Pherae all right, but something's amiss" mused the green haired warrior.
"Erk, glad you could make it!" called a voice, as a pink haired Cleric ran towards them.
Erk grunted"Hm, glad you haven't changed Serra."
"What's the status?" inquired Marth.
Serra blinked"Oh? Who are you?"
"I'm Marth" replied the dark blue haired hero.
Serra smiled"I'm Serra, nice to meet'cha. The monsters that recently attacked Lycia are wiped out for the most part, but some still remain in Pherae. Roy and Lilina need our help."
Marth nodded"So what's the plan?"
"Serra, Erk and I will defend that village. Marth, you should head into the castle and ensure Roy's safety" said Lyn.
"I wouldn't worry, I heard he defeated a Demon Dragon not that long ago" said Erk.
"I'm on my way" said Marth, rushing towards the castle. The Altean warrior spotted more Primids nearby and cut them down as he went. Another tried to stab Marth in the back, only to be intercepted by a blade.
Marth, surprised, turned to see the newcomer, a man with blond hair and a blue outfit"Isaac, how are things faring?"
The Adept replied"This is no ordinairy invasion, that's for sure. The battle is still waging inside the castle walls, the monsters are nothing like I've fought before."
"I'm sure I know what you mean" said Marth, glancing in the distance to see a group of Pharaen knights fighting off a bunch of Greaps, Shoodows and Sword Primids.
Marth brandished Falchion"Let's help those soldiers out."
"I agree, Growth!" Isaac cast a spell at the nearest Greap, which was instantly torn apart by the vines.
"Thanks for the help" said one of the Cavaliers, rushing over.
The dark blue haired warrior nodded"I'm glad I could make it, my name's Marth. Where's Roy?"
"You know him?" said another voice as another young woman approached after blasting down two Sword Primids with her magic.
Marth nodded"He's a good friend of mine."
The woman blinked"Oh, come to think of it, he told me of his brief time in the Smash Universe, whatever that was. Roy should be with his father, he's busy trying to help him recover from his illness. I'm Lilina, by the way."
"Where is he then?" whispered Marth.
"Marquess Eliwood's chamber is near the back of this castle, why do you seek him?" said an older Paladin, who'd just finished off a Shoodow.
"I just need to see him" said Marth.
Lilina breathed"Glad you're okay, Marcus."
Marcus nodded"I haven't completely lost it yet, Lady Lilina."
Marth began to move ahead"Forgive my impatience, but I must find Roy."
"We've got your back, but be careful. The leader of this mysterious invasion may have infilterated the castle keep" said Lilina.
Marth raced through the corridors of Pherae Palace, cutting down more monsters as he went. Just as the Altean hero reached a set of double doors, a host of Shoodows accosted him.
"Hey, ghost boys" called another voice as a mysterious man with brown hair appeared and cut down one Shoodow with his dagger. Marth cut down two more Shoodows, only to be blasted back by it's magic.
"Meteor" a spell hit the two men, and a green armored figure appeared.
Marth groaned as he stood up"Who the heck are you?"
"Who else? I'm Axem Green" growled the monster, shooting Marth with another spell.
"Forblaze!" another spell wiped out the remaining Shoodows. The brown haired man breathed as he saw Lilina. Taking advantage, Marth charged at Axem Green and literally tore him apart with his Falchion.
"You have my graditude, my lady" said Marth, opening the door and entering the bedroom within. Lilina and the brown haired man entered with him. Inside, a red haired man was kneeling before the bed within.
Lilina called out to him"Roy!"
The man turned around"Lilina, thank goodness you made it."
Lilina smiled"Same to you, how's Sir Eliwood?"
Roy sighed"Still in bad shape, my father's suffering from mid-age crises. Marth, is that you?"
"Yes, it's been a while" said Marth.
Lilina went over to the bedridden man and addressed him"How are you feeling?"
The man sighed"Same as I was a month ago, Lilina. But what was all that noise outside?"
Marth approached the man"You were the ruler of this castle, right? My name is Marth, have you caught word of the enemy attack outside this room?"
"Hm? No, I can't say I have. I can't hear quite as well anymore, but I'm proud that Roy's been a fine leader in my absense. I was the Marquess of Pharae, my name is Eliwood" said the man.
"I see, sorry to hear of your condition, but let me explain the situation" sighed Marth.
After a few minutes of explaining, Eliwood sighed"I suppose I could help protect Lycia, if I were in better shape."
"Hey Eliwood, sorry I've been scarce lately" said the brown haired man.
Eliwood blinked"Mark? Is that really you?"
"Yeah, I've been traveling overseas. I missed the action at the so-called war between Lycia and Bern, I was stranded on a remote island for a few years."
"Heh, sorry to interrupt this touching reunion" said a voice as the yellow clad figure appeared, backed by some Sword Primids.
Marth whirled around, drawing his sword"Your invasion is over, so give up already."
"Not quite, now we will settle this, I am Axem Yellow" said the monster, leaping up and attempting a body slam on Marth.
Seeing this, Eliwood struggled to sit up and get out of bed. Lilina frowned as she blasted some of the Primids"Sir Eliwood, should you really be moving in your condition?"
"It's all right, my illness hasn't completely overtaken me yet" said the older man.
Nearby, Marth clashed blades with Axem Yellow, as the two fought. Mark, Roy and Lilina held off the Primids, as Marth ducked and weaved around the Axem Ranger's axe attacks and struck back with his sword.
"Is that the best you can do?" jeered Axem Yellow, lunging at Marth with another body slam. Marth barely dodged and struck back, only to recieve a blow to the shoulder.
"Mark, you have a spare weapon on you?" said Eliwood.
The former Lycian Tactician acknowledged and tossed a rapier towads the ailing man. Eliwood caught the blade by the handle and strode towards the remaining Primids"You messed with the wrong family."
"Oh?" said a voice as Dark Link appeared.
Roy cut down a Sword Primid and addressed the dark figure"You monster!"
"Oh, please, now's not the time" sneered Dark Link, tossing a bomb. Just before it hit, however, Lilina intercepted with a fireball. Roy charged at Dark Link, who dodged and teleported off"Nice try."
Nearby, Marth and Axem Yellow dueled, while the remaining Primids in the area were wiped out. Axem Yellow growled in frustration and attempted another bodyslam, when Lilina blasted him with Forblaze. Marth ended the fight by slamming his blade down onto the Axem Ranger's chest.
"I underestimated you, I shall banish those two worthless Axem Rangers to the void" growled Majora's voice. A purple aura covered Axem Yellow and took him away.
Marth sighed in relief as he shealthed his Falchion"The invasion shuold be over by now."
"Seems that way, that mysterious warrior was undoubtably part of this" said Roy.
Eliwood stumbled back onto his bed and breathed"I guess I exerted myself. Marth, is it? Is there anything we should know?"
"Yes, the monsters we just fought are controlled by an evil sorcerer" nodded Marth.
Roy's eyes widened"You're not kidding are you?"
Marth explained the situation to his friend. Lilina, Mark and Eliwood listened as the Altean warrior concluded his report. The older man sighed"A lot can happen while one is bedridden like I was."
"Eliwood! Roy!" called a voice as Lyn entered the room accompanied by Isaac and Erk.
Eliwood blinked as he looked at the green haired woman"Lyndis, I'm glad to see you again."
Lyn smiled"It's great to see you again, too."
"Marth, what do you intend to do now?" inquired Roy.
The Altean king shrugged"I have to find a way to protect the rest of our comrades from Smash Mansion and defeat Majora."
"Majora's Mask was no pushover, Young Link told me about it during my time at Smash Mansion. Majora himself may be considerably more dangerous" said Roy.
Lyn addressed Marth"Any ideas?"
"Not really" sighed the Altean King.
Roy thought for a moment before speaking"I think I might know a way to outsmart our enemy before they even find out their invasion of Elibe has failed."
"So you have a plan, son?" inquired Eliwood.
Roy nodded"Yes, I just can't call it a smart one. Marth are you with me?"
"Yes, I have no other course of action except to invade Majora's lair, wherever that might be." frowned Marth.
Roy stood by Marth's side"Even if we do find it, the two of us alone wouldn't have a chance, even with Lyndis and Isaac backing us up. Waiting for Link and the others might not be such a good idea, either."
"Before we get to the point, how are things at the village, Lyn?" inquired Marth.
The Sacaen warrior replied"It's safe, Queen Bern and some her remaining soldiers from the neighboring kingdom showed up and joined the fight against the mysterious shadow army."
"Guinivere's managed to establish diplomatic ties with Lycia, then?" inquired Roy.
"Seems like it" mused Lilina.
Marth was surprised"Roy told me about Bern's hostility with Lycia, how are you so sure?"
Eliwood interjected"The nomadic tribes of Sacae tell no lies, and the plains are where Lyndis was born. Did you know that?"
"No" said Marth.
Roy spoke up"At any rate, like I said, I have a plan. It involves the rest of our comrades at Smash Mansion, a tactical false defeat could catch Majora off guard. Defeated warriors who signed a contract with Smash Mansion are turned into 'trophies' at their defeat if I recall correctly. Mark, what do you think?"
Mark thought for a moment"It's been too long since I served as Tactician to any particular army. Marth, Roy, I might have to leave the strategizing to you, I wasn't trained to help combat the unknown."
"You can do it, Mark. You've helped me and Eliwood in our campaigns during the incidents with Lundgren, Laus and the Black Fang" smiled Lyn.
The former Tactician shrugged"Okay, I'll do what I can do help Marth. Lyn, what will you do?"
The Sacaen warrior replied"I will stay here and help guard Pherae from further attacks. Marth, tell Master Hand that my service at Smash Mansion is suspended for now."
"Roy, I hate to say this, but such a plan worked before only because Tabuu didn't quite expect it. I'm not sure the same tactice will work on Majora" said Marth.
Roy shrugged"Even so, I want to find a way to end the interdimensional war before it gets worse. Another way to do it is to have Master Hand close the portals and channel the rest of Majora's army into Smash Mansion. If we're lucky, we'll find some information as to our opponent's whereabouts as we defeat his army."
The Altean hero responded"Master Hand won't be too happy about that plan, we could pull off a decoy defeat like you previously suggested. I'll have to convince Master Hand and everyone else at Smash Mansion."
"Okay, let's get to it as soon as we can. Mark, Isaac, you're with us" nodded Roy.
"You're going to betray everyone else?" said Lyn, raising her eyebrow.
Marth sighed"If necessary, I hope Ike will forgive me. Besides, the enemy would be easy to surprise if we could successfully pull off this plan, though I'd rather not do that to Ike, Zelda and Link."
"We'll spare those three, asuming they have the Dawn Emblem you mentioned. Of course, unlike you, I will probably die if an enemy deals me a mortal blow. To prevent that, I will re-sign my contract with Smash Mansion" said Roy.
"Then come with me, I'll be happy to fight side-by-side once more" said Marth.
While Marth and Roy shook hands, Eliwood addressed Lyn"Are you sure you won't go with them?"
"It's okay, but there is another reason for me to remain. I never told you how I felt about you, but I knew that Ninian loved you, too. Eliwood, did you ever feel for me?" whispered Lyn.
Eliwood sighed"I am no longer a young man, Lyndis. I liked you as a friend, as I liked Ninian."
"I'm not as young as I once was either" reminded Lyn.
The older red head shrugged"To court another girl at this age, even though Ninian's gone, would be terrible for me and her. I can only fight my illness for so long, but if you wish it, I could spend the remainder of my life with you. If you're willing to start over with me, that is."
"I would like that, Rath's gone too. I would even spend some time with Roy and you when he come back" replied Lyn.
Eliwood stood up and put down the rapier. Before Marth's eyes, Lyn and Eliwood walked towards each other and wrapped themselves in a warm embrace. Lilina whispered to Roy"Why don't they kiss?"
Roy sighed"It's not really any of our business. Lilina, I promise I'll come back after I complete my mission."
"I will wait for you as long as it takes" said Lilina, smiling at her boyfriend.
Eliwood addressed Roy"The fate of Elibe, no, the entire universe is in your hands then. Good luck."
Marth nodded"We'll do our best, your grace."
Well, this chapter is done with. Ike, Zelda and Link will feature in the next few chapters. As I said, some of the Fire Emblem characters are guest characters for the most part.
Oh, and about Fire Emblem 6, it's in Japanese. And I refuse to patch a ROM, I'm a somewhat religious kind of guy. As a result, I don't know if Eliwood lives during Sealed Sword or not. But in this fic, he does, and I have implied a Lyn/Eliwood pairing here.
As for why I had the characters call Eliwood Sir instead of Lord, that too is because of my respect for a certain faith.
Please feel free to review.