7/16/14

Is this real life? Or is this just a fantasy?

Am I really living in a world where there are 4 Fire Emblem Characters in Super Smash Brothers? IS THIS TRUE!? IS THIS REAL!?

HOLY F*CKING SH*T! I can't remember the last time I have been that stupidly happy then after seeing By Book, Blade and Crest of Flame!

I wish I had recorded my reaction because there are not enough true FE fans sharing their reactions on youtube, most people are missing out on all the hype with Lucina and Robin's annoucement! Hey Falcon is awesome no denying that but LUCINA AND ROBIN WOW!

I need the game now...oh and if anyone is going to mention "OH BUT CLONE!" Don't. I'm not listening.

Anyway, this here chapter I actually erased 60% of and rewrote it completely differently, taking out all references to another video game, it seemed fun at the time but in retrospect it didn't make much sense, as much as I liked that game.

Either way here they are on their way to Begnion!

Sea Trip

"Begnion? Isn't that very far away?"

Heather smiled at Kay's question as she patted his head "It is!"

"How will you get there?" Lon added.

"We're taking a ship. Your sister did the same thing during that old war, she told you about it right?"

"Yeah! She also told us about the bird pirates!" Mak stated very loudly.

"Alright you three, let Heather finish her preparations, go help mom get dinner ready."

"Aw…"

The three walked away, Nell patting their heads as they passed her before facing Heather "This is a pretty extravagant trip, what are you planning to do with my sister?"

Heather just laughed the question off as she embraced Nell "Good to see you, I thought you'd be in town for a few more days?"

"I'm not gonna miss seein my sis off. So what's goin on in Begnion?"

Heather sat down on her bed and began looking through her bags, finding the item in question she handed it to Nell, a letter.

After reading it quickly, Nell nodded "You've been planning this with…Tanith for about a week?"

Stretching the rogue nodded "I've been wanting to visit Sigrun and Tanith for a long time but there were a lot of issues on their end, they are the commanders of the Holy Guard after all. They got some time off recently and Tanith was quick on the draw."

"They're…together?"

Confirming Nell's statement, Heather took the letter back and put it into her bag.

"I believe they've been so since the end of the Mad King's War, so much longer than Neph and I."

At that moment, Ora walked into the room, Heather recognized her expression and stood up "Pardon me, Nell."

The other woman moved aside, allowing Heather through before glancing at her mother. Ora shook her head slowly before returning to the kitchen.

"You need to be certain that you have everything you need!"

"I am certain."

"I'm not…do you have-"

"Yes."

"And-"

"Yes!"

"What about-"

"Nora! We were just there!"

Coming to a sudden stop Nora giggled "Right, sorry Neph."

Sighing the former Halberd shook her head "It's fine, I'm glad you're helping me make sure I have everything for my trip to Begnion…but I really do think we're done."

Nora looked over the things in their bags and nodded slowly "It seems so…this isn't too much is it?"

"I'll worry about it later…by the way, I heard you were going to Daein for a bit in about a week."

Nora gave Nephenee a wide smile "Yep, I'm takin some of our best animals and treats to a big…what was it…Fair of Rejuvenation. Livestock in Daein's outmost farms has become greater than it was before the Dawn War, since they're in such good shape they're celebrating, could be a good chance to make some money while sharing the good spirits."

Nephenee gave Nora a rather judging glance causing the other woman to chuckle "Not those kinds of spirits."

"If you're going to imbibe, manage yourself…for me?"

Nora nodded fiercely "Of course Neph!"

"Mom, what's wrong?"

"I'm not entirely sure where I am Nell."

"Mom, it's me, Heather."

"Oh…hello dear…did we move recently? I think we did…"

Heather continued to smile as her eyes focused on her mother "My girlfriend's family took you in. Remember? You were worried about me living by myself but we see each other as much as always."

After a short silence Glae nodded "Ora…Nell…there were…a few others, right?"

"Yes mom, exactly. Now, I just want to let you know that tomorrow Nephenee and I are heading up to Toha to catch a ship for Begnion. Ora, Nell and her boys will keep you company until I return."

Glae smiled "Ah…the trip…wonderful."

Heather reached into her pocket and took something out, holding it in front of her mom she watched the older woman's face as she realized what the object was.

Looking at her daughter a bright smile formed as tears streamed down her face "Heather…"

"You are the only person who knows. So…keep it between us, alright?"

"While you are in Begnion?"

"Yes, I'll come back and you'll see this where it truly belongs."

Glae embraced her daughter, still crying "All I've ever wished for you is happiness."

"I know mom, I know."

Toha

"We can take it from here."

The man holding their bags looked from one to the other "Are you sure? I could-"

"We're fine…thank you."

Nodding to Nephenee the man gave them their bags and nodded to them before turning away.

The two now stood before the ship that would take them to Begnion, a crew member checked their passes and smiled "Begnion eh? What's the occasion?"

"Visiting friends." Nephenee answered as the man moved aside letting them board while stating "Your cabin is on the lower level marked with a 7."

To Nephenee it seemed as if they had gone back in time, everything was highly reminiscent of when she and the Mercenaries originally boarded Nasir's ship during the Mad King's War. The crew was busy moving to and fro while the passengers all filed below deck.

Entering their room, Heather breathed a sigh of relief as she dropped her bag "I'm really excited."

Nephenee nodded "It's been too long since we've seen Tanith and Sigrun…though it is good to hear they are doing well."

Sitting on her bed, Heather stretched her arms "I'm also really looking forward to experiencing Begnion for what it is. Didn't get much of that in during the Dawn War obviously…but what about you during the Mad King's War?"

Nephenee thought about the time in Begnion before shrugging "We were allowed to stay in Mainal Cathedral's guest quarters and frequently went out on a few missions under the Apostle's orders…none of us really explored the city though. So I don't know much about the place either."

"Then it'll be a brand new experience for the both of us!"

"I thought I recognized those voices."

Nephenee and Heather turned towards their door seeing a familiar face poking her head in.

"Nephenee. Heather."

The former Halberd stood and smiled "Vika."

Slowly the raven entered the room as Nephenee approached her and shared a quick hug "I just finished some business here in Toha and after a week away I'm finally heading back to Begnion…now I find two old friends on the same ship, what are the odds really?"

Heather approached the raven as well with a smile "I'd say we drew some really good luck. It's great to see you."

Vika nodded to them "So…is this some trip for a special occasion?"

"Yep, our honeymoon." Heather stated quickly with Nephenee turning towards her in shock.

As Vika was about to respond Heather just laughed it off "I'm kidding, we're just visiting Tanith and Sigrun."

Vika joined Heather in laughing as Nephenee calmed herself down "You really shouldn't say things like that Heather."

"It's fun to see your reaction Neph, sorry."

After a bit, Vika looked between the two of them and shook her head "This is clearly a special trip for the both of you, don't want to be a third wheel. I-"

"Don't be silly Vika, you're a friend. Let's at least eat together!" Turning to Heather, Vika thought briefly before nodding "If that is really fine with you."

"Of course!" Nephenee and Heather stated in unison before filing out of the room with Vika in tow.

Before long the ship pulled out of Toha's dock and began its rather long trip towards Begnion. There would only be one stop at the newly formed Gallian Port City where several of the passengers were dismounting.

The day found the three women enjoying each other's company whilst eating. The whole experience of a peaceful ship ride was new to Nephenee and she had to admit, it was better than she imagined.

"So have you been in touch with the Daein hierarchy?" Heather asked as she wiped her lip with her sleeve which caused Nephenee to giggle and shake her head.

"Yep. Micaiah still considers me a good friend."

"Not surprising, you're a nice lady." Nephenee commented, bringing a smile to Vika's face.

"It's odd, when we first met I had this strange urge to run away from her…yet after everything I truly relish the time I can speak with her. She's a great person."

"Wish I knew, didn't get much time to interact with her durin the war." Heather stated as she leaned back on her chair.

Vika's eyes moved from Heather to Nephenee "I think I know why."

Stretching the raven thought about their destination "If you don't mind me asking, are you two, Tanith and Sigrun planning anything special in Begnion?"

"Well…it's…basically a double date…" Nephenee answered.

Nodding to Nephenee, Vika continued to smile "Do you two know how close Sigrun and Tanith are now?"

Heather shrugged "Not entirely…I mean, I actually don't know if they live together…never thought to ask"

Vika nodded "Well then I'll leave it at that…I certainly hope Begnion pleases the both of you, if you want I could suggest quite a few places you can sightsee while you're there, it really is a wonderful place.

Nephenee and Heather nodded to Vika and thanked her as they finished their meals.

Begnion

"No! You can't treat your steed that way! Take the brush and go do it again! Make sure he is clean! Flawless! Respect him as he respects you!"

"Y-yes ma'am! Right away ma'am!" The cadet yelled in response before taking off as Tanith brought and open palm to her face.

"Where do we find these-"

"Tanith."

Turning the stern woman smiled "Commander."

"You can't blame him for being nervous. This is the first troop of male Pegasus Knights in…well, the entire history of the Holy Guard."

"The Guard survived this long without em…" Tanith muttered, hearing Sigrun laugh at her side.

Slowly the brown haired woman moved her arm behind Sigrun, holding her waist and pulling her close.

"Now Tanith, not while we're on duty."

"No one's around and besides...there is another reason it shouldn't matter…"

Sigrun rolled her eyes and laughed "I just can't control you. So, Heather and Nephenee are coming soon, right?"

Tanith nodded "Yes. I have to say, I didn't think I was in position to make such friends again."

"You and Heather have a lot in common."

Tanith smirked before turning to Sigrun "Indeed, we both have someone incredibly special."

"And here I thought you weren't the romantic."

"Ah…Tanith, ma'am."

"I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU TO GO BACK TO THE STABLE AND CLEAN YOUR STEED! DO IT!"

Tanith roared causing the cadet to turn and run away at a rather unnatural speed.

Sigrun chuckled and tapped Tanith's shoulder "That was a different cadet."

Groaning Tanith brought an open palm to her face as Sigrun planted a quick kiss on her cheek.

At Sea

"Toha Vigilantes? They're still active?"

Vika nodded "The whole purpose of my time in Crimea was to track them down…specifically some alleged former members as to where their comrades could be."

As Nephenee nodded at that Heather groaned "The least they could do is pick a new name if they aren't in Toha anymore."

Shrugging Vika leaned back against the wall "Either way, I think I'm pretty close. Once I get back to Begnion and meet with Tormod and Maurim I'm certain we'll get them."

"Last thing we need is them trying to stir up people…especially now that Laguz and Beorc relations are at an all-time high…mostly thanks to your unit."

Smiling Vika thanked the rogue "I appreciate that but we can't take all the credit…anyway, its late I should turn in."

"It really is good to see you again, Vika."

After exchanging good evenings the raven left the room.

Leaning over Heather turned off the lamp and laid down on her bed followed by Nephenee.

"Y'know Neph…I don't think life could get any better for us."

The Cerulean haired woman smiled "Me neither."

Begnion

Finished with her hair, Sigrun smiled before returning to her bedroom and spotting Tanith still sleeping. Moving over to her she began shaking her "C'mon we can't be late to the port, they'll be here soon."

"…ve more…minut…s"

Rolling her eyes Sigrun leaned down and whispered in Tanith's ear, after a few moments the woman got up "Really? You'd go there? And I thought I was the mean one."

Laughing Sigrun turned and walked away "Get ready, Tanith. I'll go take care of Syrene and Vanessa."

Nodding Tanith looked out the window and smiled.

She didn't like to admit but after the war everything was brighter, she found herself smiling more and even stranger, she enjoyed it.

Begnion Port

"Vika!"

The raven smiled as Tormod and Maurim approached with the woman speaking first "Why are you two here?"

Tormod laughed "We were waiting for you, duh."

"Nephenee. Heather. Good to see you." Maurim stated, bowing to the pair.

"Good to see you as well Maurim, how is everything here?" Nephenee asked to which Maurim shrugged "Peaceful and busy. Not much else but personally, I'm fine with that."

"So why are you two here?" Tormod asked.

"Vacationing, sightseeing, hangin with friends, nothin much." Heather stated with a shrug.

"I've got some stuff to report so we should be headin back." Vika commented earning nods from Tormod and Maurim with the sage speaking to Heather and Nephenee.

"Well I hope you two enjoy your stay here! See you around, maybe."

With that the three left and Nephenee and Heather continued walking down the street, passing several shops though Heather could tell most of them were offering fish from the smell.

"You don't have to wrinkle your nose like that Heather."

The rogue grinned "Sorry, not a big fan."

"I know…so where did Tanith and Sigrun-"

Before Nephenee could finish asking her question the pair spotted a pair of approaching Pegasi preparing to land just out of the port town.

Nodding to each other, Heather and Nephenee picked up the pace to find the Pegasi as well as their hosts.

Tanith extended her arm out and shook hands with Heather "Good to see you Heather, you look well."

"You too…though you look a little tired."

Tanith shrugged as Heather's eyes moved over to Sigrun who was speaking with Nephenee "Oh…I see…"

"Say nothing else Heather."

The rogue laughed as Sigrun continued to speak "You look beautiful Nephenee; it's not so hard to imagine you concealed yourself to keep all men's eyes off you."

Nephenee blushed and shook her head "Nothing like that."

"Well either way, it is good to see all of you. Now, you two must be tired from your trip allow us to take you to where you'll be staying."

With that Heather got onto the Pegasus Vanessa behind Tanith while Nephenee rode with Sigrun on Syrene.

Kicking off the ground lightly the Pegasi took back to the skies.