Chapter 24: Living Legend

"Man... where is this sage...?" Raven spoke while severely parched. Priscilla wanted to offer her water only for him to hold up his hand. He wanted her to have it for herself in this scorching weather.

"I dunno... but I hope we find him soon..." Guy muttered while hunched over. Rath even looked exhausted without a single word to utter.

"Ooohhhh... I hate this hot weather!" Serra then turned to Matthew and Erk, who immediately looked away from her. She then held a coy expression. "If only two servants were by my side to give a cold refreshing drink to me and Brother Lucius. Along with massaging my feet and shoulders."

Matthew and Erk looked at one another and continued walking past Serra. However, it was clear the girl was not going to have it and was willing to hound the pair to accomplish something for her. Meanwhile, Lucius looked at the display with a slight sweat drop. Serra held an intense personality regardless.

Everyone was suffering due to the scorching weather. Steeds were not used to the desert sand, making it difficult for horses to maneuver. Not only that, water was going to be scarce in this setting. Nevertheless, Ike and the rest of the army marched onward despite being impeded by the sand. Well, not everyone it seemed.

At the very least, Legault and Matthew seemed to do relatively well in the sand (outside of Serra demanding Matthew and Erk to serve her with a refreshing drink), along with fliers and magic users (Priscilla was the exception by being on her horse, but if she dismounted, it would be no issue). That made Ike puzzled over magic users on their ability to traverse through sand.

"I wonder why magic users can walk normally..." Ike muttered to which Canas's attention went to him.

"We magic users are more attuned with spirits, whether we specialize in nature magic or anima. As such, we obtain better footing within the sand with spirits assisting us." Canas explained in a somewhat eager manner. "I do hope we can find magical artifacts in the sands, Nabata desert is sand to hold many."

"Oh I love a good treasure hunt! Maybe I'll find Han Gak's treasure?" Dart pondered. He brought out a map from his pouch and gave a huge grin. "I found one of his maps with riddles!"

"Han Gak?" Ike repeated to which Canas adjusted his monocle.

"He was known to be a legendary pirate who hid away his treasure. Fascinating to see if you've managed to obtain one of his clues to find his treasure." Canas voiced with a sense of curiosity.

"Yup. Once I find his treasure, I'll become the next legendary pirate king!" He shouted proudly. "Although, even if I don't find it in this desert, I hope we can find some good stuff."

"Eh, I could be on the lookout. Us thieves and assassins are good at spotting these sorts of things in the sand." Legault called out to the trio.

Legault and Heath were convinced by Ike after he spoke with Uther. Legault managed to speak with another agent before leaving Lycia with the rest. If this sage was as impressive as Nergal, then he'd better send them back to Lycia or near Bern.

So alot of treasures and magic users who could move normally while in the sand. Might be useful should they come across something useful as they navigate through the sand.

"Huh... I have no aptitude for magic. Ah well, I have to live with it. And I suppose we can have a bit of a treasure hunt while we're here." Ike shrugged while continuing onward. His eyes went to the dragon siblings who were by Hector and Eliwood.

Ike watched as Nils and Ninian seemed to be more sensitive to the heat, watching them clearly uncomfortable with being in the desert. He remembered that they were ice dragons, so this climate was clearly not suitable for them. As he was about to call out to the siblings, Hector suddenly lifted Nils up onto his shoulder.

"Waaaaaaa! I'm going to fall! I'm going to fall!" Nils cried out, only for Hector to remain grinning while holding Nils in a piggyback.

Eliwood and Ninian smiled at this sight. Not too long ago, they were wrapped up in a tragedy. With Nils and Ninian at the forefront without anyone noticing the dark truth. At the very least, this was a reprieve from the harsh reality that would catch up with them when they face Nergal once more.

"You seemed worried, Ike. Is something wrong?" Lyn called out with a concerned expression. To which Ike shook his head.

"No... I'm just glad everyone's morale is still good. We've gone through alot recently." Ike mentioned with a slight smile.

Lyn nodded with Ike, agreeing with the notion that everyone going to be fine. With everyone together, they could accomplish anything.

"Wait... I can't believe I've almost forgotten..." Everyone's attention went to Erk, who spoke up when Serra prattling on about wanting drinks from her supposed servants. "Merlinus! Anna! Please bring the Water tome and Blizzard tome to me."

Everyone's eyes lit up at the mention of the tomes from Tellius. Erk was proficient enough to utilize both tomes to bring forth water and ice to emerge. It seems like Serra's complaints proved useful in reminding everyone of a practical solution.

Just as Merlinus was eager to scramble inside the carriage, Anna's hands immediately held the two tomes out for Erk.

"Take them! I'll even replace them for you if you share a big chunk of ice with me!" She exclaimed while sweating profusely. Jake was behind her chuckling nervously at his girlfriend's enthusiasm.

Everyone became excited at the prospect of getting cold drinks while in the harsh blazing desert. Ike was sure to repay Erk with more tomes. Everyone stood back as Erk received his tomes.

Readying his Blizzard tome, he chanted:

Oh power of the Wind! Bring forth a glacier with your chilling gale!

BLIZZARD

Upon his chant, gusts of cold wind gathered in one center, and with it, a pillar of ice emerged in front of Erk. The enormous ice and winds brought instant relief to everyone present.

With this, they could chip off a piece of ice for everyone. Whether it be for cooling the water they held or for personal relief, they could continue their search for the living legend.

"And now. Please prepare your containers upon adding some ice. I will cast the water spell once everyone's ready." Erk announced as Serra already greedily chipped off some ice for herself with a personal fruit knife into her water container.

Her eagerness exasperated everyone present. At any rate, everyone will be refreshed from their weariness. Moreover, there was a few horse troughs inside the carriage, so they could add ice and water for horses, wyverns, and pegasi to drink from.

However, one person did not seem to be sharing in the jubilation of receiving cold drinks in the desert. It was Renault, who remained silent and at times, cupping his chin throughout the journey. As if he was in thought.

"Is something wrong, Renault?" Ike called out the bishop. Lyn also looked the acolyte with a sense of wariness. The Lycian lords were informed of Renault's past.

Renault certainly earned no decent look from Hector, receiving only scrutiny. Eliwood and Lyn were slightly more accepting, albeit, Lyn's gaze towards Renault was more of disappointment. The man Wallace looked up to along with being Lucius's father's murderer shocked her. Not that Renault minded, he believed it was his just reward.

"No... during my time as... you know what, my operations never went as far as Nabata despite going practically everywhere in Elibe." Renault responded.

Ike raised his eyebrows. He was referring to his days as an assassin for Nergal to collect quintessence from strong individuals.

"What do you mean?" Lyn queried to the bishop.

"That... man once pondered on a place in Nabata before quickly changing his mind. In other words, a place that made him hesitate to have me... commit to my duties. So if it was a sage that you're looking for in this desert, that man may have been the one to cause Nergal to hesitate. Who it may have been, I am not privy to it." Renault explained.

Ike and Lyn looked to one another. It appears that Uther's words had credence to it. Although, where to find such an individual was another issue to deal with.

"W-what is this presence!?" An elderly man with a long white aged hair with a long beard of same color spoke with considerable alarm.

"Is something wrong, Lord Athos?" The blonde woman of regal beauty called out to the Archsage. She had just been informed of her husband's whereabouts and the group from Lycia sent by Marquess Uther.

After having just located Pent while residing in his shrine, he also located the Lycian lords and their army. Then his focus went to a certain individual. He saw freedom, chaos, transformation, future, mystery. The stars... they were shifting. A future uncertain. But he was certain of one thing... it was not of this world. The stars did not align with this individual, or more accurately, two individuals to be exact.

An unprecedented course was taking place that affects the annals of fate. And it all seemed centered on the pair who arrived to Nabata with the Lycian Army. With all of his wisdom and experience, there was still something rather new that Pent personally conveyed of a new language. Along with a new spell tome that Count Reglay's adoptive son possessed that he hoped to also gain knowledge of. That reminded Athos of another mystery.

"Louise... you and your husband mentioned those wonderful notes were based on tomes obtained from a certain individual who came from another continent?" He prodded to the noblewoman. To which she nodded. "I believe he travels with them at this moment."

The world was full of mysteries. He scoured the world solving one mystery after the other only for another one to emerge. Preoccupied in his search for knowledge, he had already become old, yet his hunger for knowledge knew no bounds. Yet he instinctively knew the notes he received from Pent was not a mystery of this world. Perhaps this individual came from the same origins.

Louise clapped her hands, delighted over the news: "Wonderful, I know Erk is present with him! We haven't heard from him since he left to escort the daughter of Count Caerleon! I'm sure he's accomplished his mission and much more."

At any rate, it was likely that Pent would be assisted from his predicament against desert bandits and Hawkeye would bring the Lycian lords to him. Along with a blue flame that seemed to illuminate a path for stars to align a new pattern.

"Um, Lord Eliwood?" Ninian called out to Eliwood.

After everyone received iced water, the siblings who recovered quickly seemed more alert.

Eliwood turned to the girl who was pointing West. "Ninian?"

"Over there… Someone is under attack." She announced.

Everyone became alert from Ninian's announcement. Ike peered out into the distance to get a closer look.

"Are you sure?" Eliwood prodded.

"Ah! That must be him!" Hector pointed.

Everyone saw a silver-haired man with a purple cloak and dark noble attire possibly being threatened by... rather odd-looking bandits. One had pink attire and hair shaved and cut in such nonsensical way that cannot be described in words. While the other had black hair with three mohawks and blue attire. At any rate, they were clearly brandishing their axes against the man from a distance while their associates were scattered about in the battlefield.

"Looks like….a lone man and a crowd of bandits." Eliwood pointed out.

Just as Ike was ready to issue orders, Erk's eyes widened upon recognizing the man who was being attacked.

"It's Lord Pent!" Erk exclaimed to which Ike and the others eyes widened. "Why is he here!? I thought he was busy in Etruria!"

Erk's adoptive father and mentor? Ike remembered it was him who helped decipher and translate Tellius's Old Tongue. He was also the one who allowed Erk to escort Priscilla. Priscilla also seemed to be concerned, as she was given assistance by the Count to find her brother.

Fiora looked visibly shaken at the mention of Pent. She seemed to be eager to help as she readied her lance.

Moreover, the desert bandits seemed to have spotted the army, readying their weapons to plunder.

"It appears we must assist the mage general. I do owe your mentor greatly for his notes." Canas voiced out to Erk while readying Carreau in his hand.

Fiora seemed visibly surprised that Erk was the pupil of Pent. She wasn't acquainted or familiar of her employer's family or students outside of Louise, the Countess. To think the student of Count Reglay was with her throughout that journey in Valor...

"OK..." Ike spoke while unsheathing his blade. "Magic users, march onward with Matthew and Legault as backup! Fliers, act as support! Mounted units, ground troops, remain with the base protecting the convoy! Priscilla, support everyone marching with a Physics staff!"

"""YES SIR!"""

He then turned to the siblings and nodded. "Nils, Ninian, both of you know what to do."

The pair became determined with Nils preparing his flute and Ninian standing by the side of Eliwood.

It was impractical to have ground troops and mounted units to perform well in the sand. If they remained stationary while centered in one place while the magic users, fliers, and thieves advanced, it would be ideal. Plus, they obtained some supplies from Anna's sister back at the fortress which included some Physic staves along with other assorted staves/goods.

"Ah well, might as well make myself useful... ready Matthew?" Legault looked to the brown-haired thief.

"...Yes..." Matthew responded while readying his daggers.

He was not as adept in terms of combat, but he was quickly catching up to Legault's level of experience. It wasn't enough for him as he thought of his beloved. Until he gained enough skills to match that assassin. Both of the thieves could maneuver well in the sand due to their agile nature (AN: not in GBA, but for keeping some accuracy to Tellius series, they are not hindered by the sand).

Serra at first wanted to puff her cheeks since she could now use light tomes to defend herself, only to realize she would fight alongside her senior monk, Lucius. With that in mind, she gleefully accepting fighting alongside the beautiful man.

Just as everyone was ready to move out or await for enemies to come, Florina caught something within a distance.

"Ike!" Florina called out while pointing to a lone house. "There's a house right there Southwest! Some of the bandits are approaching it!"

Ike immediately became alert at the report. It would be bad if someone lived in that house.

"What!? Damn. We have to make sure no innocents get harmed! Florina, fly me over to that house!"

With that, Ike mounted himself onto Huey behind Florina. Reaching the house, he dropped down from Huey where a bandit mage was slowly approaching the house. Bringing his sword up and pointing downward, felling the mage that dared approached the house.

After having slain the bandit, Ike stared at the house for a moment before coming to a decision.

Fae sat inside, watching the house while a man with silver hair came to visit her. Once she told him that he could find treasure near the bones, he was very eager to find it. It seemed like another person was approaching. And they knocked.

"Is there any people there!?" The voice called out.

"Fae's watching the house!" She replied referring to herself in third-person.

"A kid... hold on, allow me to enter within a moment."

Sounds of shuffling and something being inserted back in was heard. In the next moment, a blue-haired boy was revealed to her wearing clothes that did not seem like the other man, but still, he looked rather important. He also had a sword at the side.

To Ike, all he saw was a magenta short-haired little girl with a yellow dress with a little mark on her forehead that resembled a sword. She also had pointed ears. If Ike could hear Yune, she would exclaim that she's another dragon laguz.

"You know what? Fae's watching the house all by myself. Do you know how to do that? You have to sit and be good. So that's why I'm here. What are all of you guys doing? Are you hunting for treasure, like that other guy?" She asked Ike who shook his head. He wondered why she was speaking about herself in third-person but he assumed it is a quirk.

Was she perhaps waiting for someone while in this house?

"I'm Ike of the Greil Mercenaries. It's very dangerous out there. There's bandits attacking. Do you really think you'll be safe alone in this house?" Ike responded in an urgent tone.

"Fae thinks so! Fae's going to be a good girl!" She exclaimed.

That didn't assure Ike. He couldn't leave a young girl to fend for herself. Moreover, he didn't know if there was a nearby village near this house. If more bandits showed up near the house, him and his troops probably would be too spread out to rescue her. He then approached her, who looked at him curiously.

He then squatted down as if to have her lay on his back.

"Come on, I'll take you back to our camp for the time being." He spoke while gesturing to her to piggyback him.

Fae looked nervous, yet a sense of curiosity rose up inside of her. As well as excitement. She was not supposed to go with strangers but this Ike introduced himself, so he's no longer a stranger to her.

"I-is it OK for Fae to come with you?" She asked with in a slightly nervous tone.

"Yeah. Come on, get onto my back. If your guardian comes back, I'll explain the situation to them. You'll be safe in a caravan we have." Ike reassured to her.

Fae's face beamed with excitement and delight. She could see new people and maybe the outside world.

"Yay! I will!" As she spoke, she jumped on his back and in the next moment, her wings were revealed out of excitement. "OH! Um... Oops..." She wasn't supposed to reveal her wings to outsiders.

As Ike peered behind him, his eyes widened at the wings behind the girl. They were white with teal at the ends. It resembled tails bundled rather than a bird's wings. Could this girl be...?

"You're... a laguz?" Ike inquired to the girl.

"Hmmm? Laguz? What's that?" Fae asked in a curious tone.

Right... Elibe had no concept of laguz. So Ike assumed she may be a certain bird tribe laguz that he wasn't aware of. Probably not a hawk or raven... so what kind of bird species had wings that resembled tails? He shook his head, now wasn't the time to ponder. He had to get her out of there.

"Hide away your wings. Don't let others see them. OK?" Ike spoke to Fae in a calm manner. "Also, close your eyes the entire time until I tell you, OK? Promise me."

The battlefield was no place for a child to gaze at. He did not want to traumatize a little girl once she was taken to where the others could protect her.

Fae pondered for a moment before nodding with a smile. "OK! I promise!"

Pent was currently engaged with multiple enemies surrounding him. Having just dealt with one of the leaders of the bandits (who died in pleasure which struck the noble with a sense of discomfort). The sounds of flute playing seemed to disorient the enemy and combat help the people assisting him. Just as he was about to be struck by an archer, he heard a familiar voice chant.

Oh power of the Water! Flood thine enemies with your wrathful torrent!

WATER

With that invocation, a stream of water came about at the archer and nearby enemies. His beloved pupil and adoptive was seen controlling the stream of water from a new blue tome in one hand, immobilizing the enemies caught in a heavy torrent that was still in motion. From the runes that Erk had from the other hand, it appeared he was controlling the water as the flood was being moved by the motion in his hand. From a corner, he saw his pupil approached by another enemy mage.

"Erk look out behind you!"

THUNDER

In the next moment, Erk raised his hand that glowed with runes, and some of the connected water that held his enemies was underneath the thundercloud that hovered above him. The lightning struck, hitting only the water and with it, the current ran through the torrent, electrocuting the people trapped inside the stream. The people who were struggling inside the water spell could do nothing but be shocked to death.

The Water tomes required the greatest concentration, as it combined aspects of defensive, accuracy, and certainly weight. Fire often evenly matched with it, thunder would not prove useful against it, higher-tier wind may cause the water to freeze. How effective it can become requires the user's creativity.

The mage looked stunned before finding himself surrounded by three misty orbs that seemed to also emit lightning. Everyone could hear a chant performed.

Surround thine enemies and embrace them in darkness.

CARREAU

With nowhere to run, the orbs converged onto the mage, exploding in a dark cloud of smoke. He laid dead, with dark miasma coming out from his orifices.

"Well done, Canas!" Erk complimented to the man, who nodded with a smile. He then turned to his adoptive father and mentor, Count Pent of Reglay, and bowed. "It is good to see you, Lord Pent."

Canas also shared the greeting, "It is an honor to meet the famed mage general of Etruria. I've learnt much studying with your pupil. My name is Canas, I'm traveling with this group to explore and assist the Greil Mercenaries."

"Let's be focused on the battle, we'll focus on greetings another time, Erk. And I would personally inquire more about the ancient magic you used." Pent told to the pair who nodded. There was still bandits running amok attacking their forces and Pent.

Pent was curious over the spells that was displayed. That was certainly no elder magic tome he had ever come across in his life. If Erk obtained more Tellius tomes and was traveling with this scholarly-looking individual, then...

Meanwhile, the desert bandits did not manage to put a dent in the numbers of the Lycian army or take out the sage. They already also saw Saint Elimine acolytes tearing through the battlefield along with a bishop utilizing both his tomes and his staff as weapons. The pink-pigtail girl just bashed the head of a bandit she came across with her staff as she fumbled to prepare a proper lightning spell. Just as the ruffians grew fearful of the disadvantage they held, what happened in the next moment made them petrified.

"Wuoooohhhhhhh!" A war cry was heard by everyone in the battlefield, their attention and focus on a tanned muscular man with tattoos on his face and legs. With a gauntlet and arm guard on his right arm and leg protectors on his legs. He stood strong despite his upper body being unprotected.

"My, Hawkeye is here. Now the bandits have no chance..."

It was the mad beast warrior that desert bandits feared. The man rushed at the bandits, cleaving whoever was in his path save for any of the Lycian/mercenary forces.

"Oh! That sounded like Hawkeye, our guardian protector!" Fae exclaimed while continuing to keep her eyes closed. Ike was running back to the base while Fae held onto Ike.

The bandit forces were dwindling and began retreating. However, one of the leaders rushed towards Pent.

"Uwwooooohhhh! I will avenge my brother!" He shouted as he raised his killer axe.

Pent readied his Elfire tome, only to hear a voice behind him.

"Lord Pent!"

After that familiar voice called out to him, a javelin flew right past Pent and into the chest of the bandit.

"Oooff..." Paul cried out. In the next moment, Pent saw an opportunity.

O unending flame that flickers, lend me strength.

ELFIRE

A burst of powerful flame was summoned above Pent, and shot at the bandit. Enveloped by flames, he came out scorched and burnt, trembling to his knees.

"I can't believe we lost, Brother… Aaah… It's a tragedy, Jasmine." He uttered before falling face forward into the sand.

With that, most of the bandit forces were decimated.

"Phew..." Pent gasped. "At least my artifact is safe. And..." He looked to the one who shot their javelin, saving Pent some trouble of dealing with one of the bandit leaders.

His eyes widened as he saw Fiora riding her pegasus. She looked happy for a moment before looking ashamed.

"I-I will arrange a meeting with some of the leaders, Lord Pent." She announced before flying off.

She went to regroup with the others, with only one other pegasus flier with her that Pent did not recognize.

Pent knew... if she was in this group with not many of her own pegasus squadron, that meant her mission in Valor failed...

A sense of grief overtook his jubilation of reuniting with his pupil and finding a new magical artifact in the sand.

Once Ike arrived back to the base he was prepared to fight, until he realized the battle was already done. Fae was still on Ike's back with her eyes closed. Then again, the numbers they had roughly matched the enemies (not counting quality).

"Huh... battle is already over. Maybe I should have rethought about coming back..." Ike voiced out.

Everyone already dealt with the bandits and the thieves were currently moving about looting the dead and finding treasure, apparently. Everyone present at the base held a curious gaze towards the little girl behind Ike's back. Ike took notice of Nils and Ninian's eyes widening as if in some realization.

"Um... Ike, who is that child?" Lyn queried to Ike. Just as he was about to answer, Fae beat him to it.

"Fae's name is Fae! Nice to meet you!" However, as she spoke, Fae's eyes were still closed. "...Can Fae open her eyes now?"

Before Ike knew it, the dead were already buried within the sand along with their belongings taken away, so it was safe to open her eyes.

"Yeah... you can, Fae." Ike responded with a smile.

"Yay!" With her eyes opened, they glistened as she saw everyone in front of her, including Lyn. "Wow! You're so pretty! Fae wants to grow up to be just as pretty as you!"

Lyn smiled with how adorable this girl was. She found it odd as to why she referred to herself in third-person, but her personality was quite bubbly.

"So where did you find Fae, Ike?"

Ike then pointed to the Southwestern house after letting Fae off his back.

"She was supposed to stay in that house but I didn't want her to remain there where bandits could ambush her, so I wanted to bring her back to the convoy temporarily. Maybe her guardian is around here like that Hawkeye fellow she mentioned on the way. The one who did that war cry." Ike explained. "Although, I'm glad everyone did well. I wonder if I should have remained to fight..."

Lyn shook her head and responded: "Everyone did well with your orders. The bandits were just outmatched. And I think that man who helped us is coming here with Erk's father, Pent!"

"You got that right about bandits being outmatched!" They looked behind Dart sporting a toothy grin and a new crest. "While you prancing about playing with children, Dart, mate of the Davros, found a lucky treasure for myself (totally not obtained by Matthew and Legault who wanted to check on their commander in the South) along with taking out plenty of desert bandits (the ones he could scrounge up anyways)! I'm one step closer to being the pirate king!"

Fae looked at Dart in amazement. She came up to the corsair with an infectious smile.

"Wow! You're a pirate!" She exclaimed. "Do you look for treasure like in those storybooks I read?"

Dart reciprocated her smile with his own. "That and much more, missy! Now don't go running up to any man you see! Especially a man of the sea like I! If you have bad luck, you could come across a pirate that will eat children like you for supper!"

Dart's last statement earned him strange looks from everyone. However, it earned him a fearful look from Fae.

"Uwaaaahhhh! Are you going to eat me!?" She cried out as she shuffled away from him.

Her action earned Dart a smack of the head by Rebecca, of which Dart continued to grin while rubbing where she hit him.

"No, my brother's just playing with you. Hi! My name is Rebecca, Dart's younger sister." Rebecca introduced herself to the little girl with a gentle smile.

"Wow, you're pretty too! So many people here are pretty." She looked around her surroundings spotting every female until she then pointed to Lucius who just came back from the battle. "Fae hopes she can be as pretty as the big sister over there!"

Lucius's smile froze as he knew whom Fae was referring to. Raven's shoulders could be seen shaking while looking the other way. Majority of the camp looked at Lucius with either pity, amusement, or a certain pink-haired cleric agreeing that Lucius was a beauty to behold. Sain and Kent could be seen approaching Lucius patting his shoulders.

Just as Ike was ready to clarify, he spotted Pent and Hawkeye within the camp. The former came up to Ike with a welcoming smile.

"I'm delighted to meet you, Ike of the Greil Mercenaries. My pupil has told me much about you and I must thank you for sharing your continent's tomes with us." He spoke with a sense of gratitude while holding out his hand.

Ike obliged and shook Pent's hand. "Likewise, without your help, many of the Tellius tomes wouldn't be utilized. If you want some copies, I'll order them for you from Anna. No need for compensation."

"Oh no, I mustn't!" Pent shook his head. "I will give you the funds when I have the chance! In fact, I should be repaying you for allowing Erk to gain much experience! He's gone a long way."

Pent's words were not of flattery. He was genuine in his praise for his son's prowess in combat and practical thinking. Using the water he controlled to also cause the enemy to harm to their own allies... He looked forward to his adoptive son's potential being reached.

Ike then turned to the hulking man next to him, who was watching Fae meet everyone in the army.

"And your name is Hawkeye? Guardian protector of this desert?" Hawkeye turned to Ike in response.

"You brought Fae with you..." He voiced out in a quiet tone to which Ike scratched his head.

"Sorry about that, I'd thought she'd be safer if she was with our group temporarily rather than in that house." Ike explained in a remorseful tone.

Hawkeye stood silent before approaching the girl who recognized the man behind her.

"Ah! It's you, Hawkeye!" She delightfully exclaimed. Hawkeye remained stoic to her joy.

"What are you doing, Fae?" He asked in a calm tone.

"Fae's supposed to be watching the house!" As she pointed the house located Southwest from the camp. "But then Fae was brought by Ike and met new friends!"

"Is that so?" He remarked. Fae nodded happily and went back to marveling at everyone in the camp.

He then turned back to Ike who was approached by the Lycian lords.

"Well then, the living legend will see the guests. Come. He is expecting you." He announced.

Everyone looked excited and relieved at having met the right people to guide them to the sage.

"'Living Legend'? Ha ha ha! That's well said!" Pent remarked while chuckling.

It seems as though Erk's teacher knows what he was speaking of. As if he knew who the living legend was.

"It's getting dark. Let's go back." He then gestured to the rest with Fae. "Let us bring your army with Fae."

"Yes, let's make haste." Pent nodded. "Desert nights are treacherous."

With that, they met the Count of Reglay, a desert guardian, and a mysterious innocent girl in Nabata.

Just as they traversed through the sand to the place where the living legend's shrine and chamber was, Ike spotted a red-cloaked figure off in the distance. He was staring at Ike, muttering or perhaps mouthing something to him.

"That's!" Ike voiced out as his eyes widened.

Kishuna, the Magic Seal. Did he come to ambush the army? Just as he was about to warn the others, the man in question kept uttering something. Suddenly, Ike's mind flickered.

To a large ritual circle with a single shriveled nude man at the center with Nergal rejoicing before his accomplishment.

"…I name you Kishuna. You are the only morph to whom I've given emotions. It won't suffice simply to refer to you as a number. It is said man was sculpted by the hands of the gods. If so, then you, who were sculpted by these, my hands… And I, whose labors gave you breath and life… What are we, then? What does that make us? In your fabricated heart, which I gave unto you, what is it that you believe, Kishuna?"

REMIND HIM... REMIND HIM WHY I EXISTED. THE PURPOSE FOR MY EXISTENCE.

In the next moment, the magic seal was gone without a trace. Ike stood frozen having seen another memory that did not belong to him. He pondered on the memory that Kishuna seemed to have given to the mercenary commander.

"Hm, did someone feel the air change?" Pent asked who suddenly stopped.

"You're right, the air felt thick for a moment!" Nils added.

"Fae felt like a sandstorm passed through her mouth!" She remarked.

All the magic users felt the same. Along with some of the non-magic users who felt similarly for other reasons. Renault narrowed his eyes as if he came to a familiar conclusion.

"The magic seal..." Everyone turned to Ninian who spoke up. "He was there for a moment and left..."

Pent seemed to be aware of the term. The real question was, why was he here?

"What was that knave doing here? Did he want to mess with us after Dread Isles?" Hector spat out, with Eliwood also concerned as his best friend.

They knew that Ike's existence in Elibe could be threatened. They couldn't afford to lose the mercenary leader when he is the only one who could probably call forth power from that evil spirit, Yune (not that Yune would appreciate Hector). Should things go South, Ike was the only one had power to fight dragons outside of the legendary weapons.

"Ike...?" Lyn called out with a worried look to the commander, who was still as a statue. "You weren't affected, were you?"

Ike shook his head in response. "No... he watched us before leaving." Or him in particular. And to leave a request.

Renault spoke briefly of the morph. Having genuine emotions and abandoned by Nergal. He wanders without supposed purpose and was neither friend nor ally to either forces. But then he chose to give a message to Ike in particular. To remind Nergal of his family...? Or to remind him the purpose behind his every actions?

Pent stood silent cupping his chin before shaking his head. "…In this world, there are many mysterious things that fall beyond our realm of understanding. Come, let us leave this place. A living legend awaits us."

And with that, everyone continued onward. It seemed like they were still out of danger, with Kishuna only appearing to scare the group. Ike noticed that Hawkeye peered at Nils and Ninian from time to time, as if recognizing who they were. In any event, the sage of the Nabata desert was awaiting their arrival.