9X. A New Journey

Story Start: World Map

On a map of the continent of Magvel, two miniature figures representing a pair of Shinobi appear. After a moment, the pair rapidly travel out of Grado, through Renais, pausing briefly at the border to Frelia. Miniature figures of Ephraim and Eirika briefly appear then disappear in smoke clouds before the two Shinobi continue to Castle Frelia.

Scene Change: Castle Frelia's Main Courtyard

As everyone and everything was being unsealed from stasis and storage scrolls, Tana came tearing out from the castle proper and immediately locked onto the royal twins. Grabbing the pair in an enthusiastic hug, she said "Eirika! Ephraim! Welcome! The two of you returning together, it's like a dream come true. You must know, I've prayed everyday for your safe return."

Eirika gave her friend a beaming smile as she hugged Tana back and said "I'm so happy to see you again as well Tana!"

Ephraim's smile meanwhile was somewhat sheepish as he hugged her and said "I'm sorry, Tana. I didn't want for you to worry."

Tana easily waved his apology off as she took a step back and said "Oh, it doesn't matter now…All that really matters is that we've been brought together again. My own brother will soon return from the field. It will be nice to sit down and discuss things again." She then turned to Naruto and Sakura and bounced over, pulling Naruto into a hug as she said "And you! Thank you for keeping Eirika safe!"

"Er , no problem." Naruto said caught somewhat off guard by a princess he hadn't spent more than an afternoon with pulling him into a hug like that.

Sakura giggled drawing Tana's attention and she locked onto her headband that matched Naruto's. Separating from Naruto, she asked "And are you the one who kept that blockhead Ephraim safe out there?"

"Oi, that's harsh Tana." Ephraim said as Eirika giggled.

"I am." Sakura said with an upward tilt to her lips. Unlike her teammate she was unsurprised when Tana pulled her into a hug as well.

Shortly after that, a soldier came running into the courtyard and saluted Tana as he said "Princess Tana! Prince Innes has returned from the front! He shall be here shortly.

Tana thanked the soldier and when Frelia's prince showed up a couple of minutes later, he got an equally enthusiastic hug as Tana said "Welcome home, dear brother! I'm so happy to see you return safe and sound!"

Innes smirked and as he accepted the hug asked "You didn't expect less, did you? Do you think Grado's Slugs could touch me? (Sakura felt an eyebrow twitch but kept silent) With my bow, I'll take down every Grado soldier from here to the emperor's palace!"

"Now that's a shot I'd love to see." Naruto muttered to Sakura who hummed an agreement.

Ephraim inclined his head towards Innes and said "Well met, Innes."

Innes' eyes narrowed slightly even as he inclined his head and said "Ephraim."

Eirika smiled and said "It's good to see you, Prince Innes."

Innes turned those slightly narrowed eyes to Eirika and after a moment said"…They say Renais has fallen. I believe I warned you before. This happened because you provided Grado the opportunity to strike."

Tana scowled and batted her brother's shoulder as she said "Brother! Mind your tongue! This is no occasion for such harsh words. Ephraim and Eirika have lost their father to this terrible war…"

Innes' eyes softened and he nodded as he said "I'm sorry to hear of your father's death. Hear me, Ephraim. Our most important task is to defeat Grado and end this war." With those parting words Innes walked to the entrance into the castle proper where he met a palace runner.

Tana watched him go with a frown and said "Oh, Innes… I'm sorry, Eirika, Ephraim."

Ephraim shook his head said "It's all right. It's comforting to see that, in all of this, at least he hasn't changed. Innes has hated me for as long as I can remember."

Tana shook her head back and said "My brother looks upon you as a rival, Ephraim. And as you know, he wants to be the best at everything. The best king, the best general, the best fighter, the best man… He won't allow himself to be beaten at anything."

Innes scoffed as he walked back and said "Tana, you talk too much." As he rejoined them, he continued "My father would like both of you to sit with him in a war council. Will you come with me to take part in your official audience?"

Ephraimnodded and said "Yes, of course. There's much that I have to tell him."

Eirika nodded as well and said "It will be our honor to attend."

Innes gestured and said "This way."

As the twins followed him, they called out for their Paladins and Shinobi escorts to join them, along with Myrrh. Innes raised an eyebrow but remained silent as he led the way. The group soon entered a room with a table long enough to sit twelve around it, a map of the western half of Magvel filled with markers resting on it. King Hayden sat at the head of the table and his children moved to sit on his right while Eirika and Ephraim took seats on his left. Seth and Naruto stood at the wall behind Eirika while Orson, Sakura, and Myrrh stood at the wall behind Ephraim.

King Hayden smiled at his children then at the twins as he said "It does my heart good to see you all here safely within our castle walls. …Would that we had more time for pleasantries, but…let us hear your news."

Innes nodded and gestured at the map, more specifically where Frelia's forces were marked out and said "Very well, I will begin. I've directed the body of Frelia's army south to engage Grado directly. Our troops are proving themselves superior, and the battle progresses favorably."

Hayden frowned and said "Hmm… But the riddle still needs answering. Why did Grado begin this war in the first place?"

Eirika leaned forward and said "Your Majesty, we may well have found something relating to that… We learned something on our travels, news that weighs heavily upon us."

Haydennodded and said "Ah, yes. Our messenger delivered your report to us. Grado is trying to destroy the Sacred Stones… Is that it?"

Eirika nodded and said "Yes, and on top of that, they've executed the holy men who oversaw their own Sacred Stone."

Hayden's expression grew grim at that last bit of news and said "We've strengthened the tower's defenses. Frelia's stone is safe for the time being. But we remain confused in this. What does Grado hope to gain by destroying the Sacred Stones?"

Eirikashrugged and said "We don't know. The legends say the stones protect us all from the power of darkness."

Ephraim had a contemplative look on his face for a few moments before he said "…I can't say if it relates, but we do have a story about Grado. We learned this just before our return, and it's been troubling me. Myrrh. Come here, please."

The Manakete startled before she took uncertain steps up to the table and asked "Yes?"

Hayden, now able to see her at an angle that revealed her wings to him, eyed Myrrh for a moment with surprise before he said "Good heavens, a Manakete, however did you run into one of them in Grado?"

Ephraim gestured at her and explained "This is Myrrh. Just before Eirika's group rendezvoused with mine, we came across a squadron of Grado soldiers who were holding her captive. We had just dealt with the last of them and returned Myrrh's dragon stone to her when Naruto arrived at frankly unbelievable speeds, the rest of my Sister's group carried on the backs of his Clones." (Innes' eyes sharpened as he briefly turned his gaze from Myrrh to Naruto.) Soon after that, Myrrh told us how she came to be so far from home."

He turned an encouraging smile on the Manakete and asked gently "Myrrh, can you please tell these three what you told us?

Myrrh looked at the Frelians shyly for a few moments before she said "… We live in the east…in Darkling Woods. One day…We felt something. An ominous energy to the south."

When Myrrh paused for a little too long, Ephraim said "From the direction of Grado. They felt a…force flowing out of the Grado Empire."

Myrrh nodded continued "Saleh and I… We went to investigate this energy. But on our way down, we came across a battle and were drawn into the conflict."

At another pause, Eirika said "Myrrh got lost and was wandering aimlessly in an isolated region near Grado's border."

The Manakete shuddered and said "I met some wicked folk there. They deceived and enchained me. They stole my dragonstone. They were preparing me for transport. It was in that moment when Ephraim's group appeared and rescued me."

Ephraim reached over and rubbed Myrrh's shoulder to comfort her even as he said "Everything she told us seems beyond belief, and yet… And yet, when I see her wings, and realize just how far from home she is, what else can I do but believe?"

Myrrh took in a deep breath and said "This dark wave of energy still flows from the southlands. Its current is strong and runs deep. It has awakened the evil ones. I want to stop it."

King Hayden frowned and gave a hum of thought. But before he could come to any conclusions, a Soldier burst into the room, startling everyone. Ignoring how everyone there with a weapon on them had pulled it out at his appearance, the soldier panted for a few quick breaths before he called out "Your Majesty! I bring word!"

Hayden sheathed his sword and demanded "What is so urgent you would interrupt a council?!"

The soldier straightened and reported "The tower holding the Sacred Stone of Frelia…It's been destroyed by the Grado Army!"

Everyone's eyes widened and Hayden asked "What? That's impossible! What of the soldiers on watch? There were supposed to be many…"

The soldier swallowed and said "The enemy forces… They were led by Caellach the Tiger Eye and Selena Fluorspar! Our soldiers fell before even half a day had past!"

Seth frowned and said "Selena Fluorspar… Only General Duessel is higher in Emperor Vigarde's esteem… She's the one."

Hayden looked greatly troubled as he said softly "She came personally… So they really do wish to see the Sacred Stones destroyed. Blast…" A moment later he put his head in his hands and asked "How could this happen… How could I have allowed our Sacred Stone to be destroyed? Dark energies from the empire's capital… Evil monstrosities roaming our lands… Vigarde's mad invasion… And now this, the destruction of our sacred talisman. And we have no idea of Grado's goals. We are in the dark times once again." Straightening back up, he gained a look of determination as he stated "But even so, we cannot sit here, wringing our hands. First, we must warn the nations that house the remaining Sacred Stones. If Vigarde seeks to destroy the Stones, they are all in grave danger. Jehanna and Rausten must be warned. The nations must join together to fight our common foe."

Eirika frowned and asked "Do you think they will believe us?"

Hayden frowned and said "Hm… It is a difficult tale to believe, I must agree."

Innes leaned forward and stated "I will go, Father."

Hayden blinked and looked at his son in minor surprise as he asked "Innes?"

Innes puffed his chest a little as he stated "A direct visit from the Prince of Frelia is not something they can ignore. I will travel to Jehanna, where I will forge an alliance with her queen. If our Sacred Stone has been destroyed, then Frelia could be in greater danger. Father, I cannot let you leave the nation in such a time of crisis. It is imperative that I be the one to go."

Hayden hummed in thought at this but a moment later got another surprise when Eirika declared "And I will head for Rausten."

Hayden wasn't the only one startled, Ephraim was looking at his sister in surprise as well as he said "Eirika? You know I can't let you put yourself in such danger."

Eirika smiled and said "Rest easy, dear brother. I will journey to Rausten by ship across the North Sea. There will be no danger. And I have made a vow. I will fight as you have until the day Renais is liberated."

Ephraim gave a slow nod before he said "I understand. King Hayden, I will take troops and march on the imperial capital from the west."

Hayden looked further startled as he asked "The west?! Are you saying you will begin an assault on Grado from here?"

Ephraim nodded and stated "If we can take Grado Keep, the war will be over. The Sacred Stones will be safe. If we start here and press forward with all our might…"

Hayden looked unconvinced as he asked "And once you reach the capital? Vigarde's generals will be there waiting for you."

Ephraim smirked and said "If they oppose us, we will fight." He then turned to direct that smirk towards Sakura and said "And if they try to drag us into a siege, well, I seem to have found a good door knocker."

Sakura gave the prince a grin and a nod.

Hayden sighed and after a moment said "You've got your father's foolhardy courage, don't you? …Very well. I entrust all our hope to you three. Innes, you will go to Jehanna, Eirika to Rausten, And Ephraim to the imperial capital. Funding you will have, but of soldiers, we have few to spare. For each of you, a difficult road awaits."

Ephraim took on a serious expression as he said "If any of us meets defeat, the battle will turn to Grado's favor. There must be no errors. We must not fail."

Innes scoffed and said "Where I command, there are no mistakes."

Eirika gave a determined nod and said "I have no doubts. I'll succeed, I swear it. Come, it is time to go!"

Behind the twins, Naruto sighed and looked at his teammate as he said "Looks like you were right. Stay safe Sakura."

"You too Naruto." Sakura said with a nod.

Ten minutes later, the royal twins were back in the courtyard. The two groups stood before them as Eirika gestured and said "Please, Ephraim… I will be fine. There's no need for you to worry. Mine is the easiest task, and I'll be in no danger. I'm far more worried about your mission. Challenging the might of an empire with a handful of men? Even with Sakura amongst your number, you'll need all the help you can get. I'll be fine with just Seth, Naruto, and Franz serving as escort. And I'm certain that even if we do somehow get injured Natasha will be perfectly capable of healing us."

Ephraim smirked and asked "What's this now? Have you lost your faith in me?"

Eirika smiled back and said "No, of course not. I know your true strength, Ephraim. No one can defeat you."

Ephraim laughed and said "Ha ha! Hearing you say that fills me with confidence. I think I know my own limitations. I won't overextend my reach. I can't die and leave you on your own, can I?"

Eirika frowned and said "Ephraim…"

Ephraim grew somber and said "Very well Eirika, I shall take the others with me. But let us both survive to be reunited. Give me your word, Eirika."

Eirika nodded and said "You have it, Brother." She then looked to Garcia and said "Sir Garcia, I expect you to help Sir Orson prevent my brother from needing Sakura or Father Moulder's services."

Ephraim gave a mock offended "Oi!"

Most of the group laughed and Garcia grinned as he said "You can count on me Your Highness."

Naruto shook his head with a chuckle before he gave Sakura a hard hug and said softly "I don't want to go home alone Sakura."

Sakura returned the hug and said "I don't either, and we won't."

Naruto nodded and the pair separated, going back to their charges. Naruto helped Eirika to sit behind Seth in his horse and Natasha behind Franz on his. The two Paladins of the group traded respectful nods of farewell to each other before a moment later, Seth and Franz were galloping out of Castle Frelia's gate, Naruto sprinting beside them as they made for Port Kiris of Carcino.

END

Author's Notes: Standard Reminder to vote on the poll for what stories I work on.

Given how this 'chapter' in the game is pure dialogue, I figured I could knock it out at the same time as the reunion. Aren't you guys lucky to get two chapters instead of one?! But now the twins are splitting up again. Don't worry though, I'm not choosing one route over the other. Eirika's part of the story will be written first next chapter then Ephraim's will come after so you'll basically continue getting two chapters instead of one.

(No, this isn't a desperate attempt to influence voters to finally vote for something other than Pokémon, One Piece, or My Hero Academia stories, what gives you that idea? Shifty eyed look to the left and right)

AHEM, anyways, for now this is Tac signing out.