Interlude ~Base Convos Part 19~
Ike found himself in the same forest where he was collecting herbs for Mist. The same place where he found the lost medallion.
"Hey." A young voice called out. It was the same voice he heard at the Dragon's Gate.
Ike turned to source of the voice. In front of him was a little girl with red eyes and matching red curly hair. Wearing a yellow dress with a green cloak on top. She also wore white knee socks and brown boots. He's never seen this girl before.
"You are quite the beorc, to come this far in your journey with others." The girl complimented, to which Ike frowned. However, despite Ike's expression, she continued: "I've watched over you, since the very day you appeared in this... Elibe. Anyways, I feel way more active than I ever had in a long time since living in that medallion. I didn't think other lands existed, especially after the flood. But the lands don't seem to have many laguz, aside from those two."
Medallion... he also frowned at her mention of two laguz.
"You mean you live mother's medallion?" To which she nodded. "And what do you mean by 'those two'?" Ike repeated. Wondering who else could be laguz aside from the dragon he saw.
Beorc and laguz. Two races where one was "human-like" with beast traits, with the ability to transform in their respective animal that they resembled. And beorc, the race Ike was part of along with everyone in Elibe he supposed. Something that Ike had forgotten all this time until the moment he saw the dragon.
He finally remembered having met and interacted with laguz, Caineghis being the most notable when he entered the beast-tribe laguz palace with his father at one point. But that was all the way in Tellius years ago when he lived in Gallia.
"You were with them, those two siblings." Ike's eyes widened at the girl's mention of Nils and Ninian. "I could tell they were dragon laguz, from how similar their presence were to Dheginsea and other dragon tribe laguz."
She was talking about Goldoan dragons. Wait a minute, that's impossible. Their father was... human/beorc for the most part or so he believed. His mind flickered back to the visions and portrait of the dragon Nergal was with. If that was their mother...
When Ike finally regained some portion of his memories, he remember basic facts of the races. And if there was intermixing between the laguz and beorc...
"Are you sure? Was that man, Nergal, also a dragon or laguz?" To which the girl shook her head. "If those two were dragons and were in human form... are you sure it isn't the mother's side of their blood throwing off your conclusion?"
The girl frowned and spoke while holding her hips: "I can tell between laguz and beorc just fine, thank you! Why do you ask?"
"Because if a laguz and beorc like Nergal had children, they would remain beorc for the most part." To which Yune looked surprised. "They don't end up possessing any beast traits from the laguz parent, let alone transform. They remain in human or beorc form their entire lives, with a certain mark."
Granted, the siblings could be hiding their traits or brand. He knew that Gallia's laguz were not perfect when he lived there. They had their own discriminatory practices against the branded or what laguz considered 'parentless'. He knew beorc living in Gallia abused and tormented the branded because the laguz shunned them. They wanted to avoid upsetting the laguz. The basic facts of the two races taught to him by his parents finally came back to him. Pondering on the mark/brand... his mind flickered to a studious mage back in Tellius. The mark on his forehead. Soren... how else could he have lived in Gallia with no form of aid aside from being shunned by the populace?
"By that logic, they should be like Soren... I'm pretty sure he's of the same type as them." Ike pointed out.
"I'm positive they're dragons! They may look like beorcs to you while untransformed but I feel their presence." The girl replied. She then held her chin. "And I didn't know that laguz and beorc could have children that don't transform. Are you sure they're like your friend with the mark on his forehead who followed you around back in Tellius? His presence is far different from most beorc or laguz."
Ike raised his eyebrows and opened his mouth: "Wait, you know of Soren?" To which the girl nodded.
"I was always there, in Tellius. Within that medallion and I still am..." Ike's eyes widened at the fact. So this girl still remained within Mist's medallion, his mother's keepsake. The thing that his father forbid him to touch. If she was still in Tellius...
The girl continued: "But I did nothing to you! Honest! I don't possess the power to send you to Elibe! In fact, the reason why I'm talking to you like this is something even I don't know, but I think some of my consciousness went to you when you came to Elibe. In fact, I could see that your family is worried about you from within the medallion."
Ike's full attention and eyes went to her. Eager to hear the state of his family. Seeing Ike's expression, she continued with her report.
"They're still alive, searching for you. Busy balancing work and finding you, but doing fine. Although that red-haired beorc woman was badly injured for a bit by bandits," Ike grew alerted of Titania being wounded, but her next words gave Ike relief. "But she recovered. And another red-haired beorc seemed to have joined your father's group. He's teaching your sister how to use a staff and healed that woman."
So she wasn't the one who sent Ike to Elibe. But given she might still be in Tellius within the medallion, that glow from the medallion that happened right before he was found in Sacae might have been part of this girl's consciousness coming with him to Elibe. And Titania got injured? At least she was recovered. And a new person joined the Greil Mercenaries...
"We have a new healer back in Crimea?" To which the girl nodded. "That's great... no more renting out priests from other groups."
"His name is Rhys but he looks rather frail compared to most beorc. Even your sister is healthier than him. I'm surprised he's even able to stand." Ike soon frowned at the girl's description of their newest healer in the Greil Mercenaries. "But after he healed your red-haired friend, he wanted to join your father's company."
Ike didn't mind, he was glad the company was able to continue without him. And this Rhys healed Titania when she was badly injured? In his opinion, he was happy that despite himself being missing from Tellius, that they still performed well and gained a new member. And Mist was appearing to be more proactive in learning to become a healer. He was glad they were safe, after a year of his absence.
Shaking his head, he then thought back to when he was being enveloped by flames. Her voice resounded in his head at the time. "Moving on... why did you give me power that time? Could you have done it before? And what did you mean by Nergal forgetting?"
To which the girl turned to him and obliged to answer.
"That man is flawed, self-centered, driven by desire... just like any other being who should strive to get what they want, there's nothing wrong with that in my opinion. I saw those visions with you and come to the same conclusion." Ike looked at the girl with a surprised expression, but the girl continued without minding Ike's gaze: "But it's clear he doesn't remember his laguz children. It's utter nonsense to continue without a clear purpose. It's stupid. He's stupid. He already had his family within his grasp. Why continue further? Even beings that are filled with chaos like himself possess the capacity for love, yet he squanders it by hurting his loved ones, or used to love."
Ike stood silent over the girl's rant of Nergal. Whatever caused the man to go insane to even forget his own flesh and blood?
"I was resolved to no longer interfere with the lives of mortals, and people can be the dumbest creatures alive. But even the dumbest creatures will love their family, their friends and… even love others. They will all have things that they can't afford to lose. And this dumb one was willing to lose the one thing he was to treasure most. It was beyond dumb... it was anathema to me. I couldn't stand it." With a pained expression, she continued: "In any event, I chose to help you, but you used the power to kill the dragon that came from the gate. Honestly, I didn't even realize I could lend you that power in the first place until that moment when they came through that portal. But I feel it would be bad if you turned to ash and never returned to your family."
So she couldn't give her blessings to Ike until that critical moment. It wasn't as if she could have done it anytime. However, Ike noted her blessings came around the same time some memories or basic facts came back to him. So there might have been some link to the forgotten memories, visions, and the girl.
Moreover, could Nergal's own amnesia have been something related to elder magic and the pursuit of it? Was that the reason he could no longer acknowledge Nils and Ninian? Ike pondered on these thoughts before bringing back his attention to the girl.
"I know you might be some spirit in Mist's medallion, but who are you exactly?" Ike inquired to the little girl, to which she smiled.
"I don't have much time since you are waking up... but I will tell you anyways. I am Freedom. Chaos. Transformation. Future. Mystery. I am Yune." And a flash of light blinded Ike in the next moment as she finished her introduction. However, she wasn't done speaking.
"Please, whenever you can... sing to me that lullaby. Even though you aren't very good at singing. Actually, let that dragon boy play it on his flute, or have that girl who wants to become your mate sing it for you!"
Before Ike could respond or deny with a flabbergasted expression, the light completely enveloped him.
Ike opened his eyes, his blurred vision becomes clearer, and he feels the swaying of what he believed to be the Davros ship. Looking at his bedside was Lyn, who slept hunched over with her head resting on her arms. It seems as though he was brought back to the ship into a cabin when he was unconscious with Lyn tending to him.
His movement to get a better look at his surroundings caused Lyn to open her eyes. She looked up to see Ike awake and felt immediate relief.
"Ike! You're awake! It's already been a day!" Lyn exclaimed. To which Ike smiled back at her.
"Sorry to have worried you... by the way, what else happened at the Dragon's Gate? What about Eliwood's father?" Ike's inquiry caused Lyn's expression to become sullen and close her head.
Ike took notice and gritted his teeth. Closing his eyes with self-deprecation as his expression, he gripped his fist in frustration. They were too late... No... He hesitated against Nergal and caused the mission to fail. Those were his thoughts.
"It's my fault Eliwood lost his father." Ike's self-blame cause Lyn to look back at him. "I should have brought Nils away from the gate and dealt with Nergal. Because of that one moment of hesitation, Lord Elbert wouldn't have gotten harmed."
Even if Nergal was Nils and Ninian's father, he was too far gone to be reasoned with. For a moment, he wanted to ask Nergal why he was causing terror to his own children and to the rest of Lycia. That's what caused Ike's hesitation.
"Ike... don't blame yourself. None of us could have anticipated Nergal's ambush. Besides, you saved us from the dragon." Lyn replied. "We couldn't have done anything by ourselves. It could have destroyed Elibe."
The fire dragon that came from the gate. The one that wandered through the portal and could have caused pandemonium. Although the dragon could have just wanted to help the siblings, Ike couldn't take a risk for his companions like that. Not when everyone could turn to ashes.
"Speaking of dragons..." Hector's voice came from behind the door, bringing the pair's attention to their new visitor. As Hector opened the door to the cabin, he greeted the pair with a wave of the hand. "Glad you're awake, but we need to talk."
"How's Eliwood?" To which Hector shook his head at Ike's inquiry.
"He's been cradling his father's cold hands the entire time... but now's not the time to talk about Lord Elbert or my friend. What about you? Where did you get that power, and why didn't you use it earlier when Nergal appeared?" Hector prodded to Ike, which Lyn became offended.
"Hector! Stop badgering Ike!" Lyn protested. However, Ike raised his hand to stop her from defending him. "Ike..."
Hector had a point, if he had the power the entire time, they could have saved Elbert faster. But Ike at the time was unaware of Yune granting him some power, let alone be aware of her existence. So he didn't fault Hector's skepticism.
"You have the right to be suspicious of me. But believe me when I had no idea I had that sort of power until the moment when the dragon appeared. It wasn't mine to begin with." Hector raised an eyebrow at Ike's explanation. "Have you both heard from Kent and Sain's story of the medallion that my sister dropped right before I came to Elibe?"
Lyn and Hector nodded. Lyn already remembered the night he spoke with Kent and Sain, having eavesdropped from her tent. Hector knew as he inquired to the people who knew Ike. The knight pair and Ike's subordinates shared the details of Ike's circumstances to the rest of the crew and forces.
"Well, there's a spirit within that medallion apparently had some of her consciousness and powers sent with me to Elibe. A young girl called Yune. I don't know why... but upon seeing the dragon, alot of things seemed to clear up in my mind, and she ended up giving me some of her power to help me."
Hector seemed to accept Ike's explanation but his expression soon soured. "So she can give power when she wants but not when our lives were threatened by a madman? Was she the one who sent you here to Elibe?"
Yune, who heard Hector's brash words through Ike's experiences, immediately scoffed. Unfortunately, she remained in the vestiges of Ike's mind and the medallion, unable to communicate her thoughts through his dream like before.
Ike shook his head at Hector's inquiry and spoke: "She insisted she never sent me here. Moreover, it's not as if she could have given up some of her power anytime. For some reason, she only spoke and blessed me after the dragon came. In fact, I managed to talk to her just now when I was asleep."
At any rate, they couldn't ask for Yune to empower Ike anytime they wanted. It seemed conditional based on certain circumstances.
Seeing the Lycian pair's eyes widened from Yune talking with Ike, he still continued: "I don't know if I'll be able to talk with her again if I sleep. For some reason, I don't why, but some memories of my own, or rather, basic facts just came rolling back to me when I saw the dragon. Probably because dragons still live in Tellius, although I never met one."
Hector soon grew alarmed but Lyn remained calm, having heard that dragons existed but not like the Scouring when she first met Ike. They listened intently at Ike's explanation.
"They're called laguz, and they tend to also have a human form, or rather, beorc form, which is what humans are actually called in Tellius. But there's different species and tribes, from birds, to beasts, and dragons. All with their respective characteristics and can transform into the animals they represent. Gallia holds the beast tribe, the bird tribes seem split into Phoenicis and Kilvas, two islands off the coast of Goldoa, home of the dragon laguz, and Begnion, a beorc/human country."
While Lyn seemed fascinated, Hector found himself frowning at Ike's explanation of Tellius.
"You're telling me you lost memories or basic knowledge of your homeland? And all these animal people... are you sure whatever cursed spirit from the medallion isn't causing something to mess up with your head?" Hector replied in a skeptical tone.
He didn't doubt Ike's teleportation to Elibe, but it all seemed far-fetched to him. Once again, Yune felt offended by Hector's remark. She vowed to not even interact with this brash man if she ever met him.
Ike then shook his head at Hector's inquiry.
"I will say I've lived in Crimea for most of my life, even though I have lived in Gallia at one point. I've even met the king of Gallia with my father, a proud lion laguz. But something is odd..." Ike held his chin in thought. "I've recovered forgotten memories so much over the past year in Elibe, and it's been slowly coming back to me whenever something in relation to what I know or experienced occurs becomes apparent. My memories have been fuzzy from anything before my mother's death, I believe."
When he talked with Rath, Priscilla, or the latest event with the dragon, it brought back forgotten memories. His memories of Mist, Gallia, Soren, and many other basic facts were locked away. Why did they all seem to be from anything before the time his mother, Elena, died?
"That medallion your sister carries was from your mother supposedly... you sure that wasn't the evil spirit, Yune's fault? That would explain your own amnesia." Hector attempted to conclude.
Yune was currently hurling curses at Hector for insulting her. Luckily, no one can hear her.
"I doubt it, I hope amnesia doesn't become a pattern since we already have Dart and Ninian..." Ike shook his head over the commonly occurring theme. "Whatever Yune is, she called herself freedom. Chaos. Transformation. Future. Mystery. She's still residing in Mist's medallion but some part of her is still with me... somewhere... I just hope I can find the opportunity to find more answers about her."
If he ever returned, he would need to speak to his father on what the medallion really was. And why Mist and maybe his mother as the only ones to hold it. And since Yune and the medallion seemed to not be the ones responsible for his arrival to Elibe...
"Ike." Lyn called out, snapping Ike from his thoughts.
It was Lyn's turn to speak, with Ike giving his full attention to her. Hector and Ike awaited her to finish.
"This Yune... if she's the one who gave you those blue flames like before, what Nergal said was what made me wonder."
"Which was?" Ike asked to which Lyn obliged. Apparently, Hector seemed aware of what Lyn was going to inquire about based on his expression.
"Nergal called you the Hero of Blue Flames. Not that you're not heroic, but that he was looking for you with Nils and Ninian. Do you know anything about that?" She asked.
Upon her inquiry, Ike blinked and became dumbfounded. Him, a hero? Not the hero class like Raven? Then again, Nergal wanted to search for Ike alongside his children.
"I... I don't believe I'm a hero. I'm just a mercenary." Hector and Lyn wanted to retort at Ike's response, but awaited him to finish. "But if Nergal was pursuing me, he may have wanted Yune's power. Maybe even my quintessence. It's a stretch, but if he knew I was here in Elibe..."
His head turned to the pair as he trailed his sentence. They stood in anticipation of Ike's conclusion.
"...He may have been the one to summon me here to Elibe with the spell if Yune wasn't the one to do it. That's the only explanation I can think of as to why he knows of my existence and Yune's blessing." Shaking his head in exasperation, he continued: "Honestly, I don't believe I'm a hero. I just hope no one makes a big deal I shot my sword at the dragon."
It was an entire can of worms he did not want to open. He didn't want anyone to make a big deal of his existence, let alone put himself at the center of attention.
Hector then snorted and responded: "You're lucky we didn't tell everyone of the entire events of what you did. 'Not a hero', pfft! You've already slain a dragon, what a load of wyvern shit! No, scratch that! Dragon shit!"
Much to bafflement of Ike, Lyn began giggling. Soon, Hector joined her, then Ike. Despite the tragedy that took place, they were granted a small reprieve from the sorrow.
"Still..." Hector and Lyn turned to Ike upon hearing his voice. "It's my responsibility, I was the one to lead and command for this mission. Therefore, if you want compensation or the money to be returned to you, I'll-" To which Hector raised his hand and shook his head.
"Forget it. And Eliwood wouldn't want the money back. You've done far better than anyone could have expected. But what Nergal had in store was far beyond what anyone could have anticipated. That's why..." Hector looked into Ike's cerulean eyes. "If you want to make it up to us, then help us finish off Nergal. Once and for all..."
Lyn's face was filled with worry, but a hint of determination was evident in her eyes. Ike closed his eyes and was silent for a moment before opening them. He nodded.
"Count on it... That's why, consider this a job for the Greil Mercenaries to make amends." Ike announced.
After getting a good meal and dealing with a plethora of questions from both the crew and passengers on board, Ike headed to the deck, noticing Raven at the side. Raven stood waiting patiently against the wall, possibly for him or for Lucius. He gestured a finger of silence to Ike, and then pointed to behind him to the ship's stern. Ike could hear voices, it was Lucius and Renault.
"Thank you for coming, your Excellency." Lucius bowed to the bishop.
To which Renault shook his head. "Do not thank me. I do not deserve it. I know you wish to inquire about my daggers, the one I had on myself that resembled your commander's as a gift..."
He expected the worst from the one who was a victim of his path of carnage. His greed took away the young monk's father, and likely the happiness of his family.
Lucius then shook his head, and closed his eyes as if in prayer. "That is not what wished to ask about. For I must make a confession..." To which Renault became puzzled. "For these many years... I've had a condition... a sickness of the soul..."
Renault stood silent, as if doing his job as a priest. But he became all the more uncomfortable for the guilt he felt.
"Once my parents have died when I was only three, I was sent to the orphanage... I grew up there, and I faced much grief in that place... Poverty and despair can eat one's very soul... There was one teacher there who was particularly cruel to me... Even now... I pray that this evil man might be led away from darkness..."
Raven gritted his arms as he also listened to Lucius's confession. If the pair who were eavesdropping ever came across such a man, it would end well. But they remained on standby.
Renault felt visibly shaken, if Lucius opened his eyes, it would be apparent. The remorse he felt for this soul he gave misfortune to. But he remained silent, listening to Lucius's confession.
"I became a retainer of House Cornwell, and the Marquess and his wife treated me well for ten years... and despite their house fallen, I remained with my best friend, Raymond. He suffered far greater grief than I felt when they were gone, alongside his sister. That fateful day, I set aside my grief by giving my commander the dagger, to serve as an example and to be remembered. But I felt I accomplished nothing, I even felt... envy towards my commander. Still, I found my path, alongside my family. Watching over them as part of the Greil Mercenaries..." Lucius opened his eyes, giving the brightest and honest smile to Renault with unclouded eyes. "I wanted to let you know, I still found happiness despite all my shortcomings, and many times of sorrow. I want you to know... I forgive you."
A moment of silence permeated the vicinity. Renault was trembling, and he soon fell on his knees. His face filled with tears as he closed his eyes, ashamed of seeing the young acolyte.
"W-why...?" He muttered while his voice cracked. He soon shouted with anger aimed towards himself and not Lucius. "How can you forgive a wretch like me!?"
Putting his hands on the floor with his head down, gripping his fists to the point it drew blood, he continued: "I only thought of myself... I trespassed against many in my singular drive to regain the friend I lost...and to satiate my own...monstrous greed. I even sacrificed... the lives of others... You cannot know the evil I have wrought... I killed your father... You should punish me! You should despise me, you have that right!"
Pleading to Lucius as if to seek his judgment as atonement, his tears continued falling, unable to face the young man. However, what he experienced in the next moment was beyond his imagination. His head was wrapped in Lucius's embrace, his tears wetting Lucius's robes as the monk held Renault's head to his chest.
"I feel your grief, and it feels like my own... But beyond that... my sickness has been cured. The pain I felt upon my soul, my grief, has been alleviated." Renault soon felt tears drop on the top of his head. But these were tears of joy from the young man who forgave him. And to bless the ones who have died in his life. "I've forgiven you, so please... forgive yourself. I'm living the best I can, and you should do the same, Bishop Renault."
Renault's sobbing continued while in the embrace of the one who was to hate him.
Ike then left alongside Raven, knowing that the two acolytes had felt a great burden lifted away from themselves that night. But they both agreed... they would likely not have the strength to forgive like Lucius.
Ike led himself to the study. Erk left for shut-eye at the request of Canas. With him, was Legault.
"Quite the confession between the two acolytes, wouldn't you say?" Legault remarked. To which Ike looked unimpressed. "Hey, you listened as well. I only did so if it yielded useful info from that Renault fellow. Something to relay to my commander. By the way, you've gained quite a sum for spoils of war."
Oh right, he was still working for Brendan and his sons. Legault was cleared of his suspicions due to his efforts against the Black Fang in Valor. Furthermore, they obtained plenty of funds from the enemy base and that was before selling off enemy gear. 80,000 gold, something he was going to use to prepare everyone's equipment and make amends if possible. The enemies did go to two of Anna's sisters stationed where the Dragon's Gate was. So they had to get their decent equipment somewhere with lots of money.
Speaking of loot, a brave bow was obtained, blue gem, Luna tome (something that surprised Ike due to it being the same name and similar purpose as the technique), Barrier staff, and a guiding ring from the chests within the enemy base. Erk also refused the guiding ring, allowing Serra or Canas to have it first. The latter refused (citing his inexperience), while Serra seemed ecstatic to receive the ring (not knowing it was Erk's intention to allow her to promote and protect herself instead of constantly asking others to do so). Nevertheless, Serra would still be asking others to be at her beck and call while protecting her, so Erk's effort and intentions to have Serra be independent would prove to be useless in the end. But it was the thought that counts.
"So why did you need me and Canas here?" Ike asked. Canas also laid his full attention on Legault.
Legault hoped for a private conversation amongst themselves. So they opted for the study when Legault offered to talk while in the mess hall.
"Well... for starters, you know Sonia is a morph from what I uttered back in Valor, correct?" To which Ike and Canas nodded. "Well, she also has a little green-haired girl, named Nino. But it's clear she is not Sonia's. She's innocent, far too innocent."
Ike soon frowned and asked: "What does that have to do with Canas? I can understand if you want me to spare her or take her away from Sonia's clutches, but why did you bring Canas?"
If Brendan and his sons wanted to take away Nino from Sonia, that was understandable. Canas should have no relation to the matter at hand. Unless...
Legault then turned to Canas who held a curious gaze.
"Your wife... Dahlia, a talented anima magic user. Married to you, fourth son of Niime. Her sister was named Iris, correct?" To which Canas widened his eyes but did not affirm. Legault continued: "Lady Iris died alongside her husband, Juge, thirteen years ago. However, they had two children, fraternal twins, the brother, Kai, who is deceased, and the sister... Nino. Do you see where I'm getting at with this?"
Ike held a surprised expression. So Sonia may have killed Nino's real family and kidnapped her? And Canas would be an in-law?
"I... I have a niece? And she's been... kidnapped?" Canas voiced out. He then looked to Legault. "Are you sure? Iris is a common name. I wasn't aware of such a connection."
Upon Canas's inquiry, Legault nodded. He was going to elaborate on the matter.
"Their family for generations was the most famed house of magic wielders in all Lycia. That changed thirteen years ago when they mysteriously died. Most likely by Sonia and Nergal if my hunch is correct. But Nino remained missing up until this day as a fourteen year old girl, fooled into thinking Sonia is her mother. Brendan is currently attempting to find a servant who worked in that house through his agents. I was also privy to some information from them." Legault explained, with his gaze being more severe as he continued: "I can tell, from the way Sonia treats her, Sonia considers Nino as nothing more than a nuisance. I know... all that little girl wants from her 'mother' is love and acknowledgement. Something she will never get from that... monstrosity."
Legault growled when voicing his last word, as if a curse towards the morph made by Nergal. To know that Sonia is a morph and likely kidnapped Nino from her real family. Then again...
"If that's the truth, how do we not know Nino is not brainwashed and working with Sonia as some act to be innocent? Even if we attempt to save her from Sonia's clutches, it would be difficult to convince her that Sonia was never her real mother." Ike inquired to which Legault shook his head.
"Convincing her will be the hard part, but Nino is no pretender. I can tell. In fact, if she wanted to play a part, it would be to not cause any suspicion for Brendan and his sons against Sonia. Furthermore, Sonia never bothered to teach her to read, despite inheriting her real family's anima magic talents." Ike and Canas grew alarmed at Legault's statement. "Surprised? Apparently, the she-devil never taught her to read. She just recites the spells from tomes by memorizing Sonia's chants. Brendan and his sons found out as they went on an outing and took her to a newly opened bookstore, courtesy of you, Commander Ike. With your generous donation to the villages near Taliver Mountains. Otherwise, Brendan might have remained in the dark and hesitated to find out about Nino. And Sonia's actions for a complete takeover of the Fang would have come to fruition with the commander helpless to do anything. And I would have been long gone."
Ike was genuinely surprised the Reed family found out due to Ike's efforts to help surrounding villages on the Sacae-Bern border. At any rate, there was a cascade effect from his own actions, that ended up paying off.
"So..." Canas spoke which brought the everyone's attention to him. "Do you wish for me to take in this girl when we defeat Sonia and Nergal?"
Ike became alerted by Canas's conclusion. From what he knows, the Reed family (not counting Sonia) seemed to care for the girl deeply enough to cause suspicion to Sonia. Legault closed his eyes and shrugged.
"Just a thought... something that came up when after the Dragon's Gate. Especially after Uhai." He then opened his eyes and spoke with a neutral tone: "While I have hope that Brendan and his sons survive to the end, the reality of the aftermath that has yet to come may have the Reed family missing one, two or maybe all members. Leaving just Nino behind. At the very least, a contingency plan if the worst was to come. I'm not like her step-brothers, I don't possess their power or courage. I cannot protect that girl even if they trusted me to do so. Everyone adores her, even if Sonia is taken care of, I doubt the Black Fang could return to what it once was."
Ike then took a step forward. With eyes of determination.
"The worst won't come, you and Nino will have someone to come back to. I'll make sure of it." Ike assured.
He wasn't going to allow something like Eliwood's father happen. He would do his best to make sure Nino and Legault both have their family in the end.
Legault held doubts, especially after the failure at the Dragon's Gate with Elbert. But he chalked it up to Nergal and his dragon nonsense. No one could have predicted that.
"This girl, Nino... You say she is illiterate?" Canas inquired, to which it prompted a nod from Legault. "Has she began progress on literacy since the discovery?"
Legault shook his head. "Brendan and his sons are far too busy as of lately, with their investigations and avoiding drawing too much suspicion from Sonia. Even if they hired a tutor, Sonia would have turned the instructors into..." He then vehemently shook his head once more. "I'm not even going to step into that territory. Nope."
Canas then smiled and replied: "I would be more than happy to take this girl under my wing. My wife would be delighted to know she still has kin in this world. Moreover, my son, Hugh, will have a new cousin."
Ike then turned to Canas with a curious gaze. He had a son? Then again, he does have a wife.
"This journey has gone beyond my imagination. From dragons, to ruins filled with ancient books, to wondrous new elder magic tomes from another continent, and even discovering I have long-lost in-laws." Canas spoke with elation, and a warm smile towards Ike. "I have you to thank for bringing me here thus far."
Ike shook his head and responded: "I never expected to be a family reunion business in the end. I'm supposed to be a mercenary. From Lyn and her grandfather, Dart and Rebecca, Fiora and Florina, Raven and Priscilla, and now you and Nino. Maybe I should begin shifting towards a new business plan?"
Soon, everyone burst into laughter. It was a family unification worth looking forward to.
"Marcus." Ike called out. He stood at the deck after Lucius and Renault were long gone.
Marcus did not look back at Ike and remained staring at the sea.
However, Ike continued: "I couldn't uphold my end of the deal to find and protect your lord. For that, I'm sorry. For everyone dealing with my inexperience. And that led to Lord Elbert dying. I take full responsibility for the matter."
Despite Eliwood being raised a noble, he was amongst the most humble and respected. No doubt his father was like him. And for a kind young man to lose his father, he feared such a similar thing would happen to his father, Greil. While he was confident in his father's skills, even he knew that his father may very well fall in battle. At the every least, Ike wanted to train and enter the company as a mercenary to become stronger. To protect his family and the innocent they come across.
And to fail to protect the family that were in front of him? Along with risking Nils and Ninian like a year ago? How could he protect his own if he cannot protect the family of those that relied on him?
"Please... do not admonish yourself further." Marcus then turned to Ike and opened his mouth to speak: "Lord Elbert spoke his last words through his son. He believed in Lord Eliwood, as well as you."
Ike's eyes widened at Marcus's insistence, as well as Eliwood's father who believed in him.
"While I served Lord Elbert since I was a page, I know I must remain steadfast for my liege. I am confident Lord Eliwood will recover and bring upon our enemies the wrath of Lycian army that take pride in our lands and the people we protect." He stared into Ike's eyes with a burning passion. "Despite losing our lord, we still have his heir. I watched over Lord Eliwood since he was born when I was granted knighthood. I will ensure he will continue onward, along with his future generation to come."
It was a bit early to call for Eliwood to have children. Then again, he was bound to have women fall in love with him. If his hunch was correct, Ninian has eyes on him. But beyond that...
"I won't fail again. I vow to stop Nergal." Ike swore to Marcus.
Even if it meant Nils and Ninian losing their father. He was too far gone. The rest cannot know of the truth. But if he was correct, Ninian may have found out the truth on her own when they visited the library. Something he needed to inquire from the siblings later.
"Well said..." Marcus returned to gazing at the sea. However, he continued to speak: "Lord Elbert was alone that day... I know Isadora will be grieving for Harken. He was betrothed to her."
Isadora and Harken, the blue-haired woman paladin and blonde knight who he met alongside Marquess Pherae's family after escorting Dorcas and Natalie. They only introduced themselves before Ike. If Harken was with Elbert at the time of his capture...
"Eliwood will survive and lead Pherae. Consider this a job for Ike and the Greil Mercenaries. No payment required." Ike announced. With a determined gaze, he continued: "To my last breath, Lord Elbert, none of the knights who accompanied him will have their deaths be in vain. I swear it."
Marcus smiled at Ike's declaration. Like what the exceptional Caelin knight, Kent, spoke of the young commander was nothing but praise.
Unbeknownst to the pair, a lone blonde knight stood grieving for his fallen lord. He was the sole survivor of the attack on his Pheraen lord and fellow knights by the Black Fang and Nergal. He was resolved to avenge his comrades and lord... even if it meant joining his enemies.
A young girl with short brown hair laid crying on her bed. Praying onto the medallion that was a memento of her mother. Praying for her brother.
After the ordeal that Titania went through, she was resolved to learn from their newest healer of the Greil Mercenaries, Rhys. Although he seemed fragile, he was an exceptional medic. Something Shinon and even Soren appreciated.
Ike remained missing for a year, causing grief for the rest of the company. Even Rhys felt the severity of the situation despite not having met Ike.
"I can't help but feel... the worst happened to him..." Mist cried out.
They had already lost their mother, she couldn't lose her brother or father. Even Greil felt gloom and growing despair despite continuing onward with the company duties. She didn't want to lose any of her family, including the company.
She'd rather live together, fight together, and die together with her family. Even if she'll be in harm's way, it would be preferable compared to her family dying while she was somewhere else.
In the next moment, she heard a voice.
Dry your tears. The boy is not dead. So he can't receive your blessings if he's still alive.
Mist sat upon hearing what seemed to be a young girl's voice. Looking at her surroundings, no other person besides her and maybe some of the others in the fort they lived. She then looked down at her medallion which glowed until it stopped.
"What is...?" Mist voiced out. Unsure of who spoke to her.
Somehow, her mood improved. The voice seemed to assure her of Ike's safety. Whoever spoke to her, she knew of the story that her father told to her and Ike. The one where the dead receive blessings if the living cry for them.
She was right, there was no point in crying if no one was dead. Ike could very well be alive. She needed to stay strong. Until the day Ike returned, and she will stand ready beside her family.