Paralogue 7: Noble Lineage
Walking along a grassy field, the group of twelve continue on their march towards the Mila shrine. It had taken them the better part of the day, following along the route laid out by Say'ri, avoiding any of the Valmese patrols along the main roads, but eventually, they had reached the shrine's area. Looking around, the group could see why it was chosen. A flat green plain with trees, rivers and lakes. There were some ruins scattered around the place, one of which looked to be the remains of a giant tower, but for what purpose?
"Hey, Say'ri? What was this place originally?" Lea asks as he looks at the ruins. He couldn't help but feel a dark presence lingering around the stone, faded and weak but still remaining. Say'ri turns to look at him before gazing at the rocks, a frown forming on her face.
"This, my friend, was originally Duma's tower once stood. But it had long since been abandoned and left to ruin. The Mila temple nearby was built not long after. At least, that is what I was told."
"Right." Lea replies slowly while keeping his distance from the rubble, unknowingly almost standing shoulder to shoulder with Say'ri. But if she was bothered, she showed no sign as she continued to guide the group to the Shrine. Isa, however, noticed how close the two looked and shook his head with a sly smile. He could tease his friend later, though, as soon enough, the Mila Shrine came into view.
The Shrine itself was nothing spectacular, a simple rectangular building made out of white marble, with decorative pillars along the outside holding up a triangular roof that reminded the Guardians of the style in Olympus. A large entrance opened up into a large azure room, with similar white pillars along the inside, while a marble statue of a female Manakete stood at the far back, although it showed signs of having better days.
And standing around in the centre, surrounded by creates and supplies, are villagers and priests, several of whom were busy tending to injured civilians. Not before long, one of them noticed the approaching group, eyes wide in surprise at seeing Say'ri at the head.
"L-Lady Say'ri! You still live!" The older man says with relief in his voice, prompting the rest to turn happy looks at the approaching Swordmaster. "We had heard rumours that Walhart's forces had captured you, and we feared the worse… But if I may ask, who are the warriors accompanying you?" Say'ri glances around the room with a smile before turning around to the group.
"My friends, these brave warriors are members of the Shepherds, Ylisse's finest warriors and the spearhead of the Ylissean League. They have come to end Walhart's tyranny and free us all." The civilians and priests look at each other in shock, several in wonder while others look on anxiously. However, no one noticed a certain priest at the far back, watching the group like a hawk.
Holding onto a rare Physic Staff, he is dressed in deep black robes with purple lining, while a white belt wraps around his waist. Purple steel vambraces protect his arms, while his feet are covered in brown leather boots. His pale-blond hair is short and spiked up like Terra but is missing the front bangs, while a scar runs across his left eye. Despite that, his vision is perfect in both, as his eyes soon fall on Henry and Maribelle as they enter the shrine, his eyes widening in surprise. "Pa? Ma?" he asks quietly before slowly moving towards them, listening as Say'ri introduces the group to the civilians.
"With me are Ladies Maribelle, Lissa, Panne, Aqua, and Sirs Henry, Libra, Isa, Frederic, Terra, and Lea. In fact, thanks to Lea, I survived and escaped Walhart's forces." She adds at the end, to which Lea chuckles good-heartedly while rubbing the back of his head, not noticing the blush on her cheeks. Say'ri's face soon grows serious as she turns to look at the elder again. "We are here due to reports of Valmese forces in the area attacking innocents without mercy. We are here to escort you to the Port of Valm for safety." The elder looks at Say'ri with sad eyes before sighing heavily.
"If only we could, Lady Say'ri. But I fear we would not make it. Several of us are injured and cannot make the journey until they are healed." He motions behind him to several villagers lying on beds, some with limbs wrapped around in bandages. "Even with our healing staffs, the injuries are taking far too long to heal, and we priests are at our limit." The group glance at each other as a silent discussion is held between them. They should have expected something to come up, in all honesty, but this was not it. Some injured? Yes. Illnesses and special needs? Yep. Almost half a room full of wounded and exhausted civilians and priests ready to drop to the floor? Nope.
It was then that Frederick glanced around the room. Some skylights allowed light in, but they were not big enough for a man to enter, nor were there any other entrances into the temple. The boxes and crates surrounding the room, while too large to carry in a manageably time, would be perfect for building barricades. And then there was the entrance itself. While it was large, the pillars outside could be turned into a second wall and could force any attacking foe to come in one direction. Nodding to himself, he looks at Say'ri.
"Lady Say'ri. I have a suggestion." The group look at Frederick with intrigue. "It is obvious that we will not be moving anytime soon. However, there lies the possibility of attack by Walhart's marauders. My suggestion is to build a barricade to limit any possible assault on the temple." He motions a hand to the boxes and crates around them. "We have the means to do so."
Meanwhile, while the group planned out a defence for the temple, Maribelle, Lissa and Libra walked towards the injured villages and began tending to them, reliving the exhausted priests. During this, Maribelle noticed the scarred priest looking at her with a unique look. Finding it insulting, she walks up to the priest before putting her hands on her hips, her face formed into a scowl.
"Pardon me, you shady priest. I will not have you standing around and looking at me with a preserved look!" The priest didn't look bothered by her outburst. In fact, it made him smile even more while he closed his eyes.
"Yep. That clinches it. You must be Maribelle." He says to her, with a fondness in his tone. However, Maribelle seemed to miss the fondness as her face became resentful. Did he not hear Say'ri introducing her and the others? Deciding not to bother with the 'scoundrel' anymore, she turns on her heels and heads back to the wounded, all the while missing the sad smile on the man. "I guess you've always been like this. Still…" he takes out a rope of string hanging around his neck, a ring hanging from it. He glances over to Maribelle, seeing the exact same on her left ring finger. "It may be the engagement ring, not the marriage one, but a ring is a ring." He says before turning around and glancing back over the injured villages, grabbing his staff along the way.
It's good to see you again, Ma.
Night soon came as the Shepherds continued in building the makeshift barricade. While some had worried about an assault during the day, Panne reassured everyone that she could not hear or smell any foes nearby. But that did not mean that there were no marauders nearby. They had resolved to have some on sentry duty, pulling them out at specific intervals so all could have a decent rest. Yet sleep was not coming quickly to Say'ri.
Kneeling before the old statue of Mila, Say'ri continued to duel with thoughts in her mind. So many questions continued to plague her. Why was her brother fighting for Walhart? Are the Heartless really under Walhart's control, or, as seen at the port, are they taking advantage of the Valmese forces? What is the rest of the Resistance doing? Speaking of them, when will they put aside their differences and come together as one? She sighs heavily at the last question. It's not like she had been sitting around doing nothing for that. And yet…
"Munny, for your thoughts?" Lea's sudden voice snaps Say'ri from her musings as the pyro-Assassin walks up to her. "You've been wearing that thinking look ever since we got here. So, what's on your mind?" Say'ri sighs as she turns her gaze back to Mila's statue, her mind pondering Lea's question.
"There are many things on my mind, Lea." She says with her usual calmness. "My brother, the Resistance, Walhart's forces. An much more. And yet my mind always returns to the Resistance and my brother. The two are, after all, linked."
"How so?" Say'ri doesn't answer, only keeping her gaze locked on the Mila statue. Lea sighs before sitting down next to her. "C'mon, don't leave me hanging." Say'ri glances at him before sighing sadly.
"The Resistance does not trust me so well. They think of me as a possible spy for Walhart. All because of my brother. Even the people here do not trust me. Behind their eyes, I can see the doubt they have in me. The belief that, at any moment, I would pledge loyalty to the Conqueror to regain my status of Princess of Chon'sin." Say'ri pauses for a moment before frowning in disappointment. "They are fools. Even if we defeat Walhart, the damage has already been done. I cannot reclaim my title. Nor do I have any wish to do so. If there is one thing that this has proven, it is that Valm cannot survive divided. It must be united." Lea watches in silence, listening to Say'ri's proclamation. Clearly, she had this on her mind for a while now and was now just only getting it off her chest.
"It does not matter how hard I fight for our freedom; they will always suspect me. But then again, I'm not the only one. Everyone in the Resistance distrusts each other, knives hiding behind backs. How we managed to last this long, I cannot fathom."
"You know, I know what it feels to have people be wary of you." Lea softly admits, much to Say'ri's surprise. "You remember the discussions we had back in the port, right?" Say'ri hesitantly nods. She does remember Lea telling her about what had been happening on the outside. As one of Royal Blood, she was privy to the Secret History that all Royal families know. It makes her wonder if Walhart also knows this, claiming to be a descendant of Alm. "Well, I was actually on the enemy team at one point."
"How do you mean?" Say'ri asks with surprise. This was new. Lea had not mentioned this during their long talks at the port. Sure, he said he fought against Sora once before but soon joined him, but he didn't mention being against him. Lea seemed to be fighting with himself, deciding on how best to explain it that makes sense.
"Well, to make a long story short, Isa and I joined up with our leader Ansem to be his students. Then before we knew it, Xehanort turned all of us into Nobodies by removing our hearts. Not something I want to go through again. Living without emotions is the worst thing ever." Lea shakes his head, refocusing his thoughts to stay on track. "Anyway, my job in the Organization was to do all the 'icky' jobs. Which also included spying and eliminating other members. Not a glamorous job. It also gave me the first-class ride to being suspected by nearly everyone in the Organization."
"So, that is what you mean by knowing how I feel." Say'ri acknowledges. "Our circumstances may be different, but you know the feeling of eyes on your back. Of words talked about but never heard."
"Well, they may have never voiced them, but I definitely felt the eyes." Lea admits while rubbing the back of his head. "But hey, people here don't feel that way towards you. The Shepherds and we Guardians, to name some." Say'ri hums to herself while pondering his words. What he said was true. Since meeting them, the Shepherds and Guardians had welcomed her with open arms. Even knowing her brother, they never once questioned her about it. They are even relying on her for information about what is happening here in Valm. It wasn't a misplaced trust or half-trust, but total trust. Something that she never received in the Resistance.
And then there was Lea. For some reason, her thoughts always returned back to the red-haired man, even when meditating. She could not help but wonder, what was he to her? But such things would not be easy to answer, especially with the loud yawn from Lea signalling the end of their talk.
"Well, I'm going to call it a night. Frederick and Terra are on the watch for now, so it's time to get some shut up. See ya in the morning." Sya'ri watches as Lea walks over to where he made his bed before turning her eyes back to the statue. For a while, she had wondered if there was still a place for her here, but now she began to wonder if her home was now somewhere else.
The stars shone down gently from the skies as Terra stood to watch. So far, the only sound that accompanied him was the burning of the torch near him and the howl of wolves in the distance. Sometimes he could swear he saw some figures running around in the darkness, his instincts screaming that it was Heartless, only for them to dart away.
"Something troubling you?" Frederick's voice echoes behind him as he walks up to Terra, a torch in his hand. "You seem on edge." Terra sighs deeply before casting his gaze back to the stars.
"I was thinking about my father, or rather, the man I saw as a father." Terra replies with sadness in his voice. Frederick looks at him with a questioning look, even though Terra doesn't see it. "He was the one who taught Aqua and me how to fight. He may have been strict in his views and teachings, but he always saw us like family. He even admitted that if obligations didn't tie him down, he would have made us Masters in our respective fields instantly. And I'm sure he would be happy to see the child Aqua and I have."
"Would have been?" Frederick asks before his eyes narrow in sympathy. "I presume that he no longer walks among us?" Terra sighs sadly while nodding his head. "May I hear how it happened? Judging by how you and Lady Aqua fare, he must have been a powerful warrior in his own right." The scowl that appeared on Terra's face was almost enough to make his blood chill.
"Xehanort." It was a single answer, but just hearing the disdain in Terra's voice already gave Frederick a picture of what happened, even if Terra decided not to elaborate. "It was all a trick on his part. He orchestrated events that led to me, Aqua, and Ventus going down three different paths, separating us and straining the bonds we had forged. Even going so far as to manipulate me. It all came to a head when our master, my father, found out about his plans for Ven and decided to destroy him." Frederick's eyes widened at the remark. Destroy? That seemed to be an overly dramatic response.
"Our master had always had a strict view on light and darkness. So you could say it was old fashioned in a sense. However, he played straight into Xehanort's hands because of his views. So when I returned home and saw him about to strike down Ven, I jumped in to save him. I tried to tell him to calm down, but he wouldn't listen. Then again, I was not much different, thinking of only wanting to protect Ven." Terra sighs sadly before leaning against a stone pillar, turning his gaze towards Frederick. "While Ven managed to get away, I stayed behind to calm my master down. And even though I managed to do so, it left us both exhausted. My master, freed from his blindness, was horrified at what he did, raising his blade against us both. But he never got a chance to apologise. For at that moment, Xehanort struck him down from behind."
Hearing the tale, Frederick could listen to the pain in Terra's voice. How could he not, for he had been tricked into helping bring down his own master, someone he viewed as his own father, by a madman. How would he have reacted if a madman like Xehanort ran amok in Ylisse? Would he have done the same to Chrom, Emmeryn and Lissa? He had to repress a shudder at the thought.
"But the worst thing of all, Frederick? I still feel guilty that I fell for the trap in the first place." Terra continues while placing a hand on his head. "There were obvious signs that I should have realised sooner. But I didn't. Instead, I let him manipulate me and lead me down a dark path. If it weren't for Aqua, Ven and Sora, I wouldn't be here now."
Frederick looks at him with narrow eyes, his mind thinking. Eventually, he found a question to ask. "Do you still fear it? That path you were forced to walk?" Terra didn't reply instantly, looking to the side before letting out another sigh.
"The path I walked is a part of me and always will be. It is the same with Riku. We both were forced to walk the paths of darkness. And even though we have control over it, it is still there, waiting for a chance to regain control. We do not know whether, by its hand or some outside force, we do not know." He pushes himself off the pillar before walking back into the temple, pausing briefly. "But even so, we won't stop walking. Even if those around us have forgiven our actions, these are burned we will always carry. So that others will never be forced into our situations ever again. We will always be walking the road to dawn."
Frederick remained silent as he watched Terra vanish into the Temple before turning his gaze to the darkness outside. He could see the faint rays of light emerging over the horizon, signalling the start of a new day before he walked back into the temple. All the while, he digested Terra's words to him. Maybe he should keep a closer eye on… no, there's no need for that. They have more than proven themselves in these long years.
Perhaps the more apt thing was to keep an eye on something that may bring out this 'darkness' that he talked about.
It was not long until morning broke over the temple, and the Shepherds were already busy taking up posts around the entrance. While Maribelle and Aqua tended to their horses, the scared priest from before walked over towards them, his face resolute.
"Hey, Ma." He says entirely casually to her, catching Maribell and Aqua of guard by the sudden voice before looking at him. While Maribelle looks on in complete confusion, Aqua merely raises an eyebrow. "The name's Brady, I'm—"
"I'm sorry, but I only heal physical ailments. Broken bones and the like." Maribelle rudely interrupts before returning to her horse. "You're clearly a distraught individual whose diseased mind is beyond my healing." Aqua looks amused at her while Brady just sighs in irritation before pulling up the ring around his neck. Aqua's eyes widen slightly before she taps on Maribelle's shoulder, bringing it to her attention. "That's my engagement ring! You thief! How dare you steal from me while I sleep!
"Um, Maribelle. You may want to look at your hand." Aqua points out. Maribelle looks at her irritated before glancing at her left hand, only to see the ring still on her finger. "I think you've misjudged the situation. Am I right, Brady?" Brady smiles at Aqua, nodding eagerly.
"Yep, you got that right. I may not be the prettiest guy around, but I'm no thug or thief. I am your son. And it's good to see you." Brady was all smiles as he looked at Maribelle. Maribelle herself, meanwhile, was in disbelief. How did she raise a son to speak so informal? Brady handily told her that she gave up after a decade of trying but spent the rest of her time pounding everything else into him, from chess, literature, to even violin, which the scar on his face was the result of a snapping string during practice.
But the reunion, however, was short-lived.
"Walhart's forces spotted!" The cry from Isa snapped the three from their reunion. Aqua curses softly before telling the reunited mother and son they could continue after the fight. But, outside before them stood a large Valmese raiding party, predictably made up off cavalry. Wasting no time, Terra, Isa, Say'ri, Frederick and Panne stand in the small entrance, blocking any attempts to charge through. Meanwhile, Aqua, Henry, and Lea stand on top of the boxes, using the high ground advantage with their tomes and bow. Behind the frontliners, Maribelle, Brady, Lissa and Libra stand at the ready, healing staffs in hand, as they wait for the incoming charge.
The Valmese commander could not believe his luck.
He had heard rumours that civilians not loyal to the Conqueror were hiding out here, but he had not anticipated members from the Ylissean League to be here as well! So this was a golden opportunity for him. With luck, not only would he remove several traitors but also some of the League's most influential members! He may even get a promotion out of this as well.
If only he could use the Heartless. That 'Sorceress' had delivered a boon onto them, yet Walhart dismissed it outright! Oh well, maybe he could learn from someone else. There Had been reports of some commanders using them, so someone must be teaching how. But that can come later.
He had an easy victory to win first.
It was not long until the Valmese lunged at them. Riding at full gallop, the cavaliers we met by a wave of water and dark magic while fire arrows rained down from above. Any momentum or cohesion was lost before they reached the group. They were only further hampered by the walls of Terra, Frederick and Panne, the two armoured knights making their best impression of being a metal wall, while Panne's beast form scared the horses from beneath the riders. Some couldn't regain control of their steeds, running off into the distance at full gallop.
Those who made it to the wall found themselves funnelled straight towards the melee wielders, the impromptu barricade doing its job against the riders. With the healers keeping their vitality up, Aqua, Henry and Lea attacking from above, and Say'ri and Lea dashing in between, the Valmese could not advance. Some tried to throw their weapons inside the temple, hoping to hit at least one civilian, but they came up short.
None of this went past the commander, who was watching in anger at how a small band of nobodies was besting his raiding force! They should have broken through without any trouble, yet they still haven't broken through! Why did he not think to bring in Dark Knights with fire tomes? He could moan about his poor planning later, but he had a battle to turn around right now.
Glancing around, his eyes soon fall upon the figure of Say'ri, disgraced princess of Chon'sin. A crooked grin formed on his face at the prospect of returning home with her head. His promotion would be assured! Then, signalling to the two Paladins next to him, he levelled his lance at the rebel before charging towards her at full gallop. The traitor had strayed too far from their barricade and was now in the open. She didn't even seem to notice his approach! But he soon realised why.
Without warning, a flaming arrow zoomed past him and struck the rider to his left, a second arrow soon silencing the rider on his right. He barely had time to glance at where the arrows came from before a third struck his horse, sending him plummeting to the ground. Rising to his feet, pain aching across his body, he was soon met by the sight of Say'ri charging at him with her sword held out, light surrounding her blade as she darted over to him and impossible speeds.
And that was the last thing he ever saw.
Breathing a deep sigh, Brady looked around him in mild annoyance as the Shepherds routed the Valmese. With their leader gone, they were nothing but a disorganised mob. Still, it annoyed him that he couldn't do anything to help. He wanted to do more than heal people!
"You seem unhappy." Aqua's voice snaps him from his thoughts as the bluenett walks up to him. "What's bothering you?"
"Ah, it's nothin'. Just wishing I could do more than just standing around like this." He says grumpily as the villagers begin to leave the temple, escorted out by Libra and Lissa. "I mean, you guys are doing all the heavy liftin', and I'm just standing here with a large stick. Sure, healing people is important; that was something my ma beat into me. But I feel like I could do more." Aqua watched as the son of Maribelle and Henry vented out his frustrations. This was something that had been on his mind for a long time. But then again, she could see his frustrations.
After all, Kairi and Naminé had been in similar situations before. But, of course, it was due to being on the sidelines and getting kidnapped for them. So, it was natural for anyone wanting to do more to help, but at the same time…
"You shouldn't rush things, Brady." Brady looks at her, confused, as Aqua places a hand on her chest. "I understand why you feel like that. It happens to us all. But, that doesn't mean you should rush ahead to help. Have you ever decided how you want to help?" Brady winces at the question. Sure he wanted to help more, but he hadn't decided HOW to do it. "If anything, take happiness in what you are doing in the here and know. If anything, I know Maribelle and Henry are proud that their son has taken the path of a healer to help people." She casts a glance at the two as they converse, Henry giving curious glances their way. Brady sighs to himself, agreeing with Aqua about taking things slow. He just couldn't hold it in any longer.
Aqua nods in understanding but offers to teach him how to use tomes, seeing the annoyance still in his eyes. Evening going so far as to get Miriel and Ricken to help. It may not be soon, but it could prove helpful down the line. Brady happily agrees before noticing the group preparing to move out, walking off to join Maribelle and Henry, leaving Aqua alone as Terra walks up to her.
"Had a productive talk?" He asks, smiling at seeing Aqua's nod before noticing the sullen look in her eyes. "I know that look. So what's wrong, Aqua?" Aqua sighs heavily before giving Terra a sad smile.
"You know me so well, Terra. It's about Kitai." She admits, receiving a sad frown from Terra. "Do you think he also came back to the past? If so, would he be happy to see us? Were we good parents for him? Or-?" Aqua looks away as the sentence dies in her mouth. Terra sighs sadly before walking over and pulling her into an embrace.
"I don't know. Lucina would have told us if he did. Then again, she hasn't told us about anyone else from her time." He says while rubbing her back. "But, if we encounter him, I honestly don't know what to say. Considering that we can't give him the Keyblade here."
"Right." Aqua agrees, a single tear falling down her face. "Even if the initiation ceremony works here, there is always the chance that he could have inherited one from us. But still, I would rather he lived a life not bound to it. We have already suffered enough, and I do not want Kitai to suffer the same."
"I know… But in the end, it would be his choice." Terra softly replies before motioning her to follow after the group. This would be a discussion they would continue to decide. Is the pain and weight that comes with the Keyblade something they should force on their son? Or would it go to him regardless? Until this war and Grima were dealt with, that would remain unanswered…