~Prelude~
"Fargus!" Ike called out.
Approaching the docks in front of the Davros ship, Ike greeted the captain. Turning to Ike, his spirits have lightened.
"Oh, laddie, did you speak with Anna?" Ike nodded at his question.
"I did..." Ike turned to the ship. "Is something wrong with the ship?"
Upon further examination, all pirates were taking away water from below decks. They were all soaked.
"Aye. A breach in the hull. Had to patch it up. Might need to talk with a few sailors in the port for further repairs." Fargus explained.
"I see." Ike nodded. "By the way-"
Just as Ike was about to inquire about Dan, Dart came up to the captain.
"Captain! We've patched up the leak and removed the seawater from below deck." Dart came without his shirt. His scar on his right abdomen appeared before Ike.
Upon further examination, Dart had dark brown hair beneath his bandana. Could it be? Come to think of it, they supposedly found Dart four years ago, around the same time Wil and Dan separated.
"Good, we might need to find the time to heave down the ship and see underneath. Talk with some of the people to get it done."
"Aye captain." Dart affirmed. And went off to talk with some sailors to possibly do so.
"Fargus..." The man in question turned to Ike, "Can I ask you about Dart?"
"So... you believe this Dan might be my mate?" Fargus asked of Ike.
They returned to the inn tavern while Fargus held a mug of ale in his hand. They sat within the table to discuss about Dart... or Dan.
Ike nodded and responded: "You mentioned you found him four years ago, around a religious holiday that happened awhile back."
"Aye. I observe St. Elimine's holiday as any other self-respecting devout follower. Sailors are superstitious folk but I also believe in her teachings." Fargus explained.
A religious pirate. Of all things and observer of religious customs.
"We found Dart four years ago on that day, all bloodied up. It was a taboo to touch blood on that day." Fargus explained. Ike only frowned at that fact.
"So you just left him there that whole time when he was bleeding out?" Ike spoke out with some unease in his tone.
Alot of people he's known wouldn't have hesitated in helping a man bleeding out. Religious taboo or not. Fargus only shook his head at his question.
"Like I said, we are superstitious sort, nothing good's ever come from upsetting any gods of the seas." Fargus continued his tale after taking a sip of his mug, "My mate laid there for six hours, on death's door, I watched him. Once the taboo lifted, I carried him to safety. Lost his memories after that. Once that was all over, he became part of my crew."
Well, it lines up with the events of Wil's friend. Then again, it could just be a coincidence. If Dart was wounded, it could have been the scar that was on his right abdomen, and not from a stag.
"Could that scar on his abdomen, was it from his wounds or after he became a pirate?" Ike prodded.
Fargus stood silent and looked into Ike's cerulean eyes. He shook his head.
"That scar was already there when we found him, it wasn't a recent one at the time. I will say, when he touches it, he mentioned it felt as though he got gored by something." Fargus remarked.
That means, there was a chance he might be Dan. With all the clues, it all points to Dart having lost his memory after being injured. Ike sat silent pondering on the sequence of events.
"I won't fault you if you take me mate away, he must have family waiting for him." Fargus took another swig of his ale, looking off into space. "But I know where his heart lies right now. He's one my most trusted mates, and not ready to leave. Give it time, and maybe your friend along with his family can confirm."
With that, he took one final sip of the ale and went off to rejoin his crew. Ike was left alone again to wonder what to say to Wil.
The Greil Mercenaries returned to the castle. Upon arriving, Ike immediately went to Wil to report. Dart's circumstances and physical appearance seem to line up with Dan. There, Ike explained his entire conversation with Fargus to Wil.
"So he doesn't remember a thing?" Wil asked.
Ike nodded. "He recovered four years ago but with amnesia. You might be able to confirm it's him if you head to Badon, but he likely won't budge."
Wil scratched his head on how to deal with this situation. Does he tell Rebecca and her father? What if they lose hope upon realizing this man is not Dan?
He decided he has to try to find his best friend. He feels partially responsible for his disappearance.
"I'll arrive in Badon just to confirm... so you think this Dark is Dan?" Wil asked to confirm once more. He even managed to say his name wrong.
Ike only shrugged. "Possibly. You'll have to see his face and the scar that was already present on him from the beginning. However, even if you do confirm it is him, what then?"
"What do you mean?" Wil asked.
"As I said, he won't budge. He's loyal to Fargus and the Davros. With his memories..."
Wil stood silent upon Ike's words. This Dart of the Davros pirate ship will not likely move back to Pherae upon Wil's request. Especially when he's living his own life by being a pirate.
~Two days later~
Ike stood at the training field, trying to read Wallace's training manual while training. He believes he's getting the hang of it. Soon, he notices Wil's figure off in the distance, returning from Badon. He left to see Dart on his own without a word in the dead of night upon being informed by Ike.
"Wil, how did it..." Ike immediately stopped upon seeing Wil's state. His eyes widened in surprise. "W-what happened to you!?"
He appeared to have received a black eye, a bandaged nose, and swollen cheek.
"It was him, it really was Dan." Wil confirmed. "And... he gained alot more muscle it seems..."
"Did Dart do this to you?" Ike asked with concern. Seems a little overboard.
"Ike... never strip a pirate outside of cards or unless they take it off themselves when they're drunk..." Wil managed to slur out before fainting.
Needless to say, a man attempting to lift the shirt of a pirate left the entire crew baffled. Wil recognized that scar and face anywhere. Consequently, it didn't spare him the wrath of Dart. It made Fargus and the entire Davros roar with laughter the entire time.
Raven was walking to the training grounds and saw this display of Wil. Just as he would have been a bit concerned, upon hearing the last words, he left immediately. Away in another direction.
"So that pirate, Dart, is actually Dan?" Lyn asked while looking over an unconscious Wil in the infirmary.
It was nothing serious, but Wil might be in recovery for the next couple days. It was a tad bit excessive, but Wil did do something a bit too hasty.
Ike nodded before responding, "Well, at least we can be assured that he is Dan based on Wil's description. Jogging his memory, however..." Ike trailed off on his last sentence.
"Is going to be another tough battle on its own, isn't it?" Lyn pointed out. "I just hope that pirate brother doesn't do something like this again. Even if Wil was a bit rude."
Perhaps Rebecca could assist in helping restore the memory of her brother. He's less likely to hurt a girl who just wants to see her brother, right? Albeit, Wil may already be on Dart's list of enemies. Together, they could help, hopefully.
"Come to think of it, we've dealt with several long-lost family issues at least twice." Ike remarked.
After Lyn and her grandfather, came Rebecca and her brother. Two incidents, different circumstances, but it was strange that it even occurred one after the other.
Lyn pondered on the issue, and surprisingly it was strange to her that it occurred twice. No matter.
"Oh right, I almost forgot, I want to give you this." Upon his statement, he handed her what appeared to be a whip with some thorns at the end.
"You can give the whip to Florina. Someone gave it to us back in Badon when searching for Dan." Ike explained.
Why the man said he would use the Elysian Whip if he were a cute pegasus knight, he will never know. Maybe he should reconsider visiting houses as easily next time. Ike wanted to avoid giving it to Florina if she felt too uncomfortable in interacting with men.
"Thanks, Ike. I'm sure Florina would appreciate this." Lyn replied with a smile.
Ike nodded. Now... about that wind tome he could send to House Reglay...
"So you found Wil's friend. That was fast." Hausen remarked.
He stood behind his desk, hearing Ike's report.
"He was right under our noses, it seems. The harder part is to jog his memory. Hopefully it doesn't end badly with Dan's family wanting to see him only to find a pirate." Ike spoke with concern evident in his voice.
It's likely Rebecca would run to Badon to see Dart. Hopefully, she won't do the same action as Wil did. At best, a teasing from the crew and nothing more.
"At least the Davros are not barbaric according to reports. Albeit, I may need to reconsider considering what happened to Wil." Hausen replied.
"It is recommended that Wil never attempt to take the shirt off of a pirate without consent." Hausen raised his brows upon hearing Ike's statement, almost baffled.
"Moving on... are you sure you want to leave Caelin?" Hausen asked.
Ike stood silent for a moment and nodded. "If we keep coming back to Caelin for every mission, it would be inconvenient. Better to keep finding work as we move."
While there benefits to being contracted to Caelin, the current company cannot always keep taking requests whenever convenient. It was better to be independent for the time being. Moreover, their reputation started off well. They would be suited to keeping a momentum across Lycia and Bern.
"I see... you are welcome any time in Caelin. Moreover, how will you tell my granddaughter?" He asked. "I could warn her during one of our walks in our gardens, but..."
Ike shook his head, "No, I'll speak to her."
It was something that was going to happen eventually.
At the training fields, two figures were swinging training swords with one another.
As Ike sparred with Guy, it was clear both of them were improving. Ike improved to swing faster and incorporate unarmed attacks with kicks while Guy's slashes were becoming more precise. Guy spaced himself back, readying his training blade as Ike also readied his. One final clash. They lunged forward, swinging at the same time, their blade clashed off one another, the force pushing them back and their blades over their head. Normally, they would have been knocked back, however, 'One more clash', they thought.
Adept
Swinging downward, their training blades finally broke, after having clashed once more. They panted upon using this skill.
"Boss! W-what was-" Guy exclaimed while stammering to collect his words.
"That was... Adept. It's a skill not given by an occultic scroll. It lets you attack another time whether it be another swing or spell." Ike explained. "I'm surprised we learned it at all without a scroll for it."
"Oh, like one of those brave weapons?" Guy asked, to which Ike nodded. He doesn't believe it can be used in conjunction with a brave weapon however. Or maybe it can...?
Soren seemed to already possess adept skill, whether he read a scroll or attained it on his own, Ike was not aware.
Guy stood silent, before having a excited expression.
"That settles it, boss! I don't need a scroll to learn a powerful skill. I'll learn it on my own!" Guy announced.
"You sure, Guy?" Ike asked.
Guy nodded, and spoke with a fervent expression: "Y-yeah! I want to take your example and learn skills on my own!"
Ike stood silent before nodding and smiling at Guy.
"I'm rooting for you, Guy."
"Thanks commander!" Guy replied with gratitude. In the next moment, his expression changed to a neutral one. "Although, speaking of working on our own... did you already tell Lady Lyn?"
Ike stared at Guy, and shook his head.
"I will... get ready for tomorrow, Guy."
Their departure will be in the morning. Guy made a salute and went off to prepare his belongings.
"Lyn." Ike called out while holding a bag of his belongings in the hallway. It was morning and they needed to depart.
"Oh, Ike! Ready to leave for your next mission?" Lyn asked.
Ike took a moment to be silent before nodding. "For now, our plan is to travel across Lycia and perhaps Bern to continue our services." Lyn's eyes widened at Ike's announcement. "I want to continue the Greil Mercenaries without relying too much on your grandfather. Caelin has already done alot for us. Raven and Lucius decided to come with us."
The pair decided to go with Ike. Aside from relatively good rates for the most part, Raven believes traveling across Lycia will help paint a better picture of what happened to House Cornwell. Lucius decided to accompany his friend.
Lyn stood silent, with a sad turn of the lips. Ike spoke to Hausen before making this decision. It will be recommended to keep finding more work along the way. He's already built a reputation as a mercenary, so it's better to keep the momentum running.
"So... you're leaving..." She voiced out. Holding a sad smile at Ike. "It's just... I'll miss you." Ike stared straight at her as she spoke. "When I found you unconscious on the plains... I had no idea we would be together for so long. You've helped us so much, and I'm sure you've learned all you can from us. You'll do just fine on your own, Ike."
Ike shook his head. "I relied alot on everyone. I was just surrounded by so many exceptional people. Without everyone's support, I wouldn't have accomplished anything. Especially you, Lyn." Smiling at her as he spoke.
Being found by Lyn, the long journey to Caelin, fighting constantly into battle. He gained alot of experience as a mercenary. Most of all, doing it for her. The girl who saved his life, amazing him with her skills. And being surrounded by comrades who rely on his command. For awhile, it made him feel like being back in his father's company, the Greil Mercenaries in Tellius. Although he hadn't begun his official duties, the pride he felt in his companions was no less compared to his family in his journey.
"Thanks, Lyn. For everything." Ike spoke with heartfelt gratitude.
"That should be my line..." She whispered out. "You helped me so much, Ike. I don't know if I would have been able to see my grandfather. Or be able to fight the Taliver Bandits. And... I thought I would never have family again."
It was like a dream for the both of them. They entrusted each other's lives to one another. Ike gained alot of experience as a mercenary, and Lyn gained family.
"We'll see each other again. I promise." Ike assured Lyn.
She nodded. "I hope you'll earn enough to see Tellius again. No, I know you will, Ike." Her visage turned to sorrow. "Then... it might really be goodbye."
"Lyn..." Ike voiced out quietly.
"Come back when you can... Ike." Lyn turned to another direction upon saying those words. Walking away from him. Suddenly, she stood still and turned back to him.
Just as Ike was walking away, he heard footsteps coming back towards him. It was Lyn.
"Lyn?" He questioned.
She stood looking into his cerulean eyes with her emerald ones, and smiled. She tiptoed to elevate herself slightly off the ground, pecking his cheek with her lips. Ike froze, and upon doing so, Lyn giggled. And left off in the other direction.
"We'll meet again, Ike!" She called out and left off.
Ike stood dumbfounded, his cheeks reddened from her actions. He felt his heartbeat raise. Soon, he smiled, looking in the direction where she left, and walked to the stables.
At the stables, the group were greeted by the knights on their journey.
"Truly it's been a pleasure working with you, Ike." Kent spoke with gratitude.
"May we meet again, my good friend." Sain added. He received new paladin armor upon promotion.
Ike nodded to the both of them.
"You both were one of the finest knights I've seen. Take care. Also..." Ike pulled out two scrolls. "Use these since you both promoted, use them."
Their eyes widened at the occultic scrolls presented by Ike.
"Ike..." Kent whispered out.
"My good man! I'll treat you to the finest steaks once you return to Caelin!" Sain responded.
"I look forward to it." Ike nodded.
Soon, Florina came up with new gear for Huey, who was now equipped with a horned helmet.
"U-um... Thank you, Ike! For bringing the whip for me!" She exclaimed gratefully. "I-I'll do my best to help Lyn with my new strength!"
All the while stammering, she still stood determined. Ike smiled at Florina's tenacity. Only time will tell if she'll become more confident in speaking to men. But the way she spoke to Ike alongside other men was a step in the right direction.
"Ike! I'll do my best to bring back Dan's memory." Wil called out with a still slightly swollen face. "I'll avoid doing anything like last time. Me and Rebecca will do our best. If not, he'll always be Rebecca's brother and my best friend."
Ike smiled at Wil's determination to help remind Dart of his old life.
"Thank you all. We'll meet again someday." Ike announced.
Mounting on top of his horse, he quickly rode out to catch up with the others waiting for him. All the while a single girl watched from a distance near the castle. Seeing her friend off. She normally stood on top of the hill reminiscing about the plains, but here, she reminisced about her friend she found alone in the plains.
"Farewell, until we meet again, Ike. May Father Sky and Mother Earth watch over you." She spoke quietly.
"Tch... where is the Hero of Blue Flames?" The man clad in black and a turban around his head spat out.
The man assumed with such a title, he'd be making waves across Elibe. Then, he'd have to send his best after the man. His presence was vital to stabilizing the return of the dragons.
"If all fails... then I need a contingency." He muttered.
He still needs those siblings, and perhaps his next plan of action is to just use quintessence of strong individuals to ensure the stable return of the dragons. Not ideal, but surely enough to enact his plan to take their quintessence in the end.
"No matter... to obtain more quintessence, you must use some. I need more strength. No one would be able to stop me. Not even Athos..."
No matter what... the gate must open. It must be the reason why he needs power. To become the strongest in all of Elibe. Isn't that right?
AN: Time skip to Laus.