I only own this version of mark and Garrett until i make more or buy fire emblem

"Ahhh you've already deployed your troops Marquess Laus?" Zero asked walking up besides Darin.

"It's about damn time you showed up Zero, what is the meaning of having me attack Caelin?" Darin shouts glaring down at Zero.

"It's quite simple really; Caelin was at one time the strongest kingdom in all of Lycia. After last year's incident, their military strength has waned. While they are rebuilding now, they still haven't returned to full strength. With all our plans in motion now is the ideal time. If we can crush Caelin under our boot now we remove the last obstacle in our path, in your path my lord." Zero calmly replies, not bothering to look up at Darin.

"So there is a method to your madness, HA I like it. Don't you worry about Caelin zero, it'll fall under my armies boot. If what you say is correct then I have no doubt in my mind, that our army will be victorious!" Darin shouted.

"Excellent then I leave the rest to you, Marques Laus. Tonight my friend we dine in Caelin." Zero states, waving at Darin as he walks off. Ephidel seemingly appearing beside him, the pair don't get too far when Darin's son Erik rides up to them. Zero pauses and turns around to face the two of them.

"Are you certain? Pherae's heir is here?" Darin asks his young son.

"Yes, Father. We've just received word from our lookouts." Erik responds. "He's still beyond that hill, but he'll be here before long."

"Zero, Ephidel, What is the meaning of this!" Darin shouts at the pair. Zero walks up his hand resting on the side of his mask.

"It's possible that Lord Helman was still clinging to life, when they reached Santaruz castle. The old codger couldn't lie to Eliwood." Zero states shaking his head, and gently running his hand across his mask.

"You can't be serious!" Darin shouts as he stomps forward, in an attempt to intimidate Zero.

"I'm no assassin I'm simply a tactician. He couldn't have lasted to long though he may have only told them of your slight involvement" Zero remarks.

"Our plan, it's all for naught, there's no way we can launch an attack on Caelin now!" Darin again shouts slamming his fist into a nearby pillar.

"Hardly, Even if he told young Eliwood something of our schemes, Pherae no longer has any power." Ephidel states, taking up a position beside Zero, "All Eliwood could do is perhaps inform Marquess Ostia." Ephidel smirks at this prospect.

"Ostia?! That would be ruinous! Lord Uther may be young and new to the throne, but he's dangerous." Darin curses silently to himself. "That addles pated Helman! He was a coward to the end! To betray us now, when we're so close…"

"The answer is simple Marquess Laus we kill Eliwood long before he has time to inform Lord Uther." Zero surmises, walking past Darin, his hand resting gently on the side of his mask.

"Of course, I suppose that is simple enough. I'll round up my best troops. They'll have to pass through Laus to get to Ostia. Yes, yes now is the ideal time to kill them. You were right Zero, I was wrong to be so harsh on you." Darin laughs, oh yes two birds with one stone.

"Allow me to take the lead Father!" Erik proclaims walking up to the group. "That clod Eliwood and I studied together in Ostia. He's a trusting fool. If he sees me, he'll lower his guard."

"What a brilliant plan, if you think you can pull this off Erik, then by all means, as for us Marquess Laus." Zero responds cryptically

(Eliwood's group)

Mark frowned as he observed the area, oh yes they were preparing something alright. He could easily recognize the logistics of the situation. Those were troop movements this was a country defiantly preparing for war.

"I've seen enough, it's time we report back to Hector and Eliwood." Mark whispered to his ever faithful companion.

"Why did you feel the need to drag me along Mark?" Serra replied, okay not quite so faithful.

"Oh I told you, I'm teaching you things like tactics dear sister." Mark responded he glanced over at her. Hoping beyond hope that calling her his sister would placate her some. It normally did

"I'm not falling for it this time I mean this is Soooo boring." Serra whined and glared up at Mark. Sure she liked spending time with Mark, but seriously watching people walk around was just too boring for her.

"... Oh let's just go already. I'll make it up to you I'll buy some shiny new jewelry or something." Mark said, standing up and walking past Serra. When all else fails bribe her.

"Oh I like new jewelry, well okay then Mark, throw in a meal and you got yourself a deal. I shall be your dutiful apprentice." Serra mockingly saluted to Mark for added effect. Mark sighed and rolled his eyes and merely nodded.

The pair approached Hector and Eliwood. "It's as we feared, Laus is truly preparing for war." Mark stated, informing Hector and Eliwood of the situation.

"Marquess Laus! What is he scheming?" Hector asked in frustration he stomped his foot on the ground. Eliwood remained quite throughout the whole thing. Hector couldn't help but notice this.

"You don't much look like you want to go to the castle." Hector whispered to Eliwood.

"If we go and learn the truth, we may have to go to war." Eliwood returned he looked at his group.

"That's fine with me!" Hector quickly responded.

"I… I've no love for war. If I concentrate on the foe before me, I'm fine. If I picture families, innocents caught up in our foolish politics? If I imagine them… All I can do is pray for a way to solve things peacefully." Eliwood mournfully replied, Hector looked at his friend and his features softened slightly. He truly hated combat.

"Lord Eliwood!" Marcus shouts out riding towards Eliwood, Mark glances up as Marcus talks with Eliwood briefly. Mark fallows the gaze of Eliwood and Marcus, to see a lone knight riding up. Hector looked disgusted by the knight coming and left, perhaps the survey the region Mark and Serra had already surveyed.

"Who dies towards us Eliwood, friend or foe?" Mark asked over to Eliwood.

"It's Marquess Laus son Erik." Eliwood replied almost relieved to say those very words. Mark frowned slightly, but approached Eliwood as Erik rides up to their side.

"Hello! It's been a long time, Eliwood!" Erik greets, nodding slightly to Mark at Eliwood's side. Who simply returned the nod?

"Erik… What is your business?" Eliwood asked, still slightly on edge.

"My business? What do you mean? I heard my old friend was here in Laus. I merely thought I'd ride out to greet you!" Erik jovially says, laughing slightly. Mark frowned, so casual. Yet their amassing troops, something isn't right about all this. Eliwood says nothing and simply stares at Erik.

"So tell me, friend, what brings you to Laus?" Erik asks, dismounting from his horse and approaching Eliwood. "Are you… on your way to Ostia?" He said the last part with slight hesitation.

"Hm? Why would you think that?" Eliwood calmly asks, narrowing his eyes.

"Well. You were always such good friends with Hector. He and I never… got along very well. For a noble, his behavior was crude, and his manner of speech… You would have thought him a peasant on first glance." Erik remarked, shaking his head slightly. Mark laughed slightly to himself. How so very true.

"You're still friends with Hector, aren't you? When did you see him last? How do you communicate?" Erik questioned subtle Mark thought. He maneuvered his right slightly as though gripping something within.

"You're after something Erik, I can tell. Everywhere I look, Laus prepares for battle. What are you and your father planning?" Eliwood firmly responds. Now glaring at Erik, who takes a step back.

"I had hoped to wait until you'd told me of Ostia…." Erik drew a dagger and lunged at Eliwood, who stepped back and went to draw his sword, when Erik screamed in pain. A dagger embedded in his right hand. The dagger suddenly dislodged itself and returned to the person who threw it.

"The next one goes through your throat, now answer our questions Erik." Garrett coldly states, holding the dagger firmly in his hand.

"Nice work, my young apprentice" Mark stated with the same cold stare.

"Eliwood, this mongrel has troops lying in ambush all around us." Hector shouts running up to Eliwood and Mark. He notices Erik gripping his bleeding hand.

"My handiwork Hector, so the little peice of shit has an ambush set for us. So be it, we'll smash them to pieces." Mark says turning around and drawing a map from his robes.

"There's little point in fighting. You're trapped! My forces will overwhelm you, an unending torrent of soldiers." Erik laughs hopping on his horse and riding off. At that point the group is surrounded by enemy soldiers.

"Not bad, Laus elite's too. Well this'll be fun, luckily he's no tactician, and he's never met me before" Mark confidently remarks. Laughing slightly to himself, Mark begins tracing the map with his fingers. He points out the choke points and possible reinforcement positions.

"Do you have a plan Master Mark?" Eliwood asked walking up beside Mark.

"I've got it all mapped out, for right now though we have to break out of this encirclement. As for your little friend Erik over there Lord Eliwood, I believe I'll let you deal with him." Mark said biting into his apple.

Eliwood nodded and ran off to the front.

"We have lancers coming at us from behind, Hector take Bartre and Dorcas and deal with them quickly. As for the rest of you, we're taking the enemies head on." Mark orders drawing his sword and pointing it at the battlefield ahead.

(In a nearby village)

A purple haired mage noticed the commotion from outside the village.

"Hm. We certainly could stand some assistance…" He remarked to the village elder rubbing his chin.

"I'm sorry, but it's just not possible. If we disobey Marquess Laus, who knows what might happen to us?" The elder replies

"I understand. We'll seek our aid elsewhere." The purpled haired mage responds walking off.

"You'll find the same answer everywhere you go." The elder calls after the mage, who stops and turns back to glance at him. "Eventually, you'll have to do as the marquess orders. You would do well to tell your employer the same thing." The mage stares at the elder awhile longer and shakes his head

"Good day to you." The mage says and leaves the village. He had to help his employer no matter the cost. Even though his last job was a success, it still felt as though it were a failure. That damn obnoxious priestess, even now he still thought of here. No bother he had to press on. He had to make it up, besides his new employer was far less… stuck up then his last employer.

Serra sneezed, and rubbed her nose slightly. "Someone must be talking bad about me." She sniffs and looks up. Then grins slightly and turns to face Mark.

"Tell me big brother, do you see what I see?" Serra points to the mage walking out of the village. Mark pauses as he slices through a soldier, then looks back at Serra grin spreading across his face.

"Well it's been a long time since we've seen him. Perhaps we should go and say hi, don't you agree Serra." Mark replies as he sheathes his sword. Serra watches as he Mark goes off to confront the mage. She places her hand on her chest and closes her eyes, a moment later she chases after Mark.

The mage cursed as he ran back to the village entrance, the Laus soldiers were attempting to raise the city. He grabbed his tome and opened to the appropriate page, he began muttering the words written within. Above an enemy knight clouds began to gather, the mage finished his spell and a bolt of lightning fell from the heavens and struck the knight. The knight screamed in agony as the lightning coursed through his body. He gasped for breathe and glared up at the mage. He gripped his spear and charged at him, the mage gritted his teeth and jumped back narrowly avoiding the thrust, he completed another spell and again the lightning fell and slew the knight. Erk fell to his knees and gasped, then shivered. Something ominous approached.

"OHMYGOSH! It's Erk! It's been SO long!" Serra squealed, embracing Erk. Erk looked stunned for a moment, though it did little to hide his blush. "What are you doing here?" Serra asked looking as cheerful as ever. Erk looked down at Serra and quickly shook his head trying to cover up.

"Oh… Serra. You're the last person I wanted to see..." Erk moaned. Serra giggled at Erk and grinned at him.

"Oh, that's so sweet! You wanted to see me again!" Serra cheered hugging Erk even tighter. The crunch of an apple behind Erk broke the hug. Serra and Erk spun around to see Mark sitting on the floor eating an apple.

"Long time no see Erk." Mark mocked, biting into his apple again. Erk only stared at the pair, why was this happening to him.

"Hey, big brother, I just had an idea." Serra said looking at Mark. "He should come with us, and lend us a big hand. After all you were just saying we need a mage in our ranks." Serra looked at Mark, who stood up and nodded.

"That's a great idea my dear sister. I think Erk would be a perfect new recruit. I'll leave him to you my dear sister." Mark laughs walking past Erk and patting him on the shoulder, before returning to the front lines sword drawn.

"I-I beg your pardon?" Erk responds, mortified by the turn of events.

"Oh come on, I'll even introduce you to Lords Hector and Eliwood! I know you; you're probably just wandering around without any work. Besides Erky…" her tone suddenly becomes less cheerful and more sullen. "You owe me…" She looks down for a moment before her usual cheerful persona returns. Erk looks down at Serra and shakes his head.

"No, Serra. I'm afraid I am gainfully employed, even though I suppose I do owe you somewhat. I can't break my contract… then again." Erk pauses rubbing his chin. "You are fighting Laus; I suppose we could be of assistance to one another." He mutters quietly to himself.

"What are you babbling about? Make up your mind, will you?" Serra shouts stomping her feet in frustration.

"My employer is hiding in a village south of here. If you'll help me protect her, I'll join up with you." Erk responds to Serra, he fails to notice the sudden sunken look on Serra's face.

"Her…" Serra mutters.

"Yes, well I suppose there's no time like the present." Erk sighs, walking off. Serra stares at him as he walks off. She closes her eyes and follows after him.

Mark stabs another Laus soldier. Beside him Guy was busy battling a lancer; he avoided his thrust and swiftly countered with his own attack.

"For the alleged elite troops of Laus their not all that tough" Mark remarked stabbing another soldier. Guy only nodded in response and avoided a near shot from an arrow. Mark threw out a dagger, piercing the archer through the head. He then looked up and frowned.

"Guy, head south with Matthew and Garrett, it looks like some of the local bandits and pirates are attempting to take advantage of the situation. Warn the village down there, we'll handle the rest." Mark commands charging into the battle, Guy looks up at Mark and nods running off.

"Master it will be done" stated Garrett just before he ran off to follow Guy.

(Within Castle Laus)

"Lord Erik is struggling! He requests reinforcements!" A soldier shouts running up to Darin.

"What? Ready the men" Darin shouts grabbing his lance and walking towards the gate.

"Unbelievable… These numbers cannot stop them." Ephidel shakes his head walking off. Zero pauses a moment and then follows after his apprentice.

"Ephidel, Zero? W-where are you two going?" Darin asks, glaring at the pair.

"It seems that conquering Lycia might have been too much to ask of you after all. I must inform my master. The black Fang will be leaving at once." Zero responds, not bothering to break his stride.

"No! You… You can't abandon us! Not at this stage!" Darin pleads, showing just how pathetic he truly was.

"Who was it that said Ostia mustn't learn of our plans? Wasn't it you, Lord Darin? The marquess of Laus himself?" Ephidel ponders, glancing towards his master.

"Y-yes, it was. There's no turning back for me. Not now! P-P-Please! One more… Give me one more chance." Darin continues his desperate plead. Zero laughs as he steps forward placing his hand on Darin's back.

"Take your remaining troops, and attack Caelin. We still have enough to crush them underfoot." Zero calmly states.

"Eh? You can't mean… My son… my home… Am I to abandon them?" Darin stutters, shocked at this possibility.

"Would you fall in disgrace along with your son? Our master, Lord Nergal, is offering you the throne of all Lycia… Surely a few sacrifices are not too much to ask?" Ephidel says, grinning underneath his robe.

"Besides, the granddaughter of Marquess Caelin is quite the beauty. She's young too, perfectly capable of producing an even more capable heir." Zero whispers, like venom into Darin's ears.

"Yes… I still have time, I'm still young. I can have another child, hahaha" Darin laughs maddeningly. Zero and Ephidel leave.

(Back in the battle)

Guy sliced into the thick armor of a knight, surprised by his own strength as he cut through the thick armor, killing the knight. He rushed towards the village he would warn them of the bandits no matter the cost.

"Guy, hurry we'll hold them off as long as we can" shouted Garrett, Guy nods and runs to the village

At last he reached the village he panted for breathe and looked around; it was there that he saw a vision of beauty. A beautiful girl, with mid-length red hair, Guy's heart seemed to stop beating for a moment.

"Again? Are you another messenger from the marquess?" The red haired woman asked, despite the apparent harshness of the words, she still maintained a sense of grace. "Please, do not waste your time. I will not change my decision."

"N-no… I'm no messenger from the Marquess; I came here to warn the village of an impending attack." Guy stutters, why was it so hard to speak.

"Marquess Laus did not send you?" I…" She looks down and blushes slightly. "I beg your forgiveness. It was my mistake." She looks away from Guy she had to admit he was handsome. It was then that a thought occurred to her. "Say… If it's not too much trouble, might I leave with you?"

Guys face reddened in response, he looked down and tried to control his emotions.

"I-I mean… oh dear that came out wrong. Uhhh I mean you're with a group right. I mean to say with your group." She stutters her face almost completely red now. "You see I'm on a journey. Marquess Laus is barring my way, and… I'm trapped. I am trained in the use of staves. I can be of some assistance to you."

Guy nodded, dumbfounded and in awe. He quickly straightens up "It would be my honor to escort you my lady… That is to the leaders of our group… yes. May I ask though, what is your name?" Guy asks. The girl smiles at him

"How rude of me I did not give my name, my name is Priscilla." She smiles at Guy "What is your name?"

"G-guy." He says slowly, looking away the blush on his face. Priscilla giggles slightly at him.

Hector jumped back avoiding a lance thrust he gripped his axe tightly and swung connecting with the throat of the horsemen. He fell of his horse blood sputtering out of the wound. He heard a scream from the distance.

"Hector! You two, were always in my way. Now I'll have my revenge." Erik shouts lunging at Hector with his spear. Hector sighs and raises his axe, in one swift motion he knocks Erik off his horse. He walks over and kicks the lance away from him. He then steps on Erik's chest glaring down at him.

"You fool even in the academy you were always concerned about trivial things like class and rank. If you had focused on your fighting abilities, perhaps then you would be something beyond trash." Hector spat and hefted Erik to his feet.

"U-unhand me, I'm no prisoner!" He shouts swinging at Hector who avoids the punch and counters with a sharp jab to Erik's gut knocking him unconscious. Hector sighed and dragged him off.

Eliwood ran the last of the pirates through, he knew he was to take out Erik, but he couldn't ignore the people in danger. He saw Hector dragging Erik into the castle and spotted Mark.

"This battle is over Lord Eliwood; let us join Hector in the castle." Mark shouts entering the castle. Eliwood looks at his small group and follows after Mark.

"Come on, Erik! Get up!" Hector shouts, slapping Erik across the face.

"You… You peasants… You can't treat a proper noble like this!" Erik shouts back at Hector. Hector slaps Erik again.

"It's too late for niceties!" Hector replies, slapping Erik again. Mark simply sighs and bites into his apple. This would take to damn long.

"Erik, you must tell me. Where is your father? We've searcher the entire castle, and there's no one here." Eliwood calmly says to Erik. Erik looks back shocked

"D-Don't be ridiculous!" Erik responds "My father would not abandon…" He screams in agony as a fire consumes his body.

"That's enough out of you Erik. Before you ruin all of our plans, be a good little boy and die." Zero crackles as he steps out of the shadows. Mark stands up gripping his sword tightly in his hand. This was him, this was Zero.

"Ahhh Mark, I've heard much about you. You've been inquiring much about me and yet you still live. I commend you Mark I think I'll reward you with a bit of knowledge. Marquess Laus as he taken his remaining forces, and launched a full scale assault on Caelin." Zero states, running his hand across his mask, Mark's eyes widen in rage as he unsheathes his sword.

"Heheheh, worried about your darling Lyn. I would be to, after all one of the reasons Marquess Laus is attacking Caelin. Is to claim her for himself" Zero says, laughing. Mark lunges at Zero with his sword drawn. But Zero simply vanishes and appears in front of Eliwood.

"As for you, young prince, I to commend your ability to survive and shall tell you of your father. My apprentice Ephidel, first joined up met with Marquess Laus about a year ago, he convinced him to throw a rebellion and overtake all of Lycia. Marquess Laus ever angry at Ostia readily agreed. He immediately sent out envoys, the first to return his arrangement, was Marquess Santaruz." Zero remarks glancing at Eliwood "The second was none other than Marquess Pherae himself, your father readily agreed to rebellion." Zero laughs as Eliwood looks up at him in shock.

"Well I have much to do, and I believe you three do as well. I would make haste towards Caelin, if you want to save them and you're beloved Lyn, Mark." Zero says, and turns around and walks off. Before Mark can attempt another attack on Zero he vanished.

"Bastard…" Mark curses and runs out of the castle, intent on informing the group of their immediate march towards Caelin.

"Eliwood…" Hector looks down at his friend. Who was staring at the ground in shock.

"My father… I-impossible…" Eliwood mutters.