Interlude ~Base Convos Part 21~
"I'm surprised I'm left out of the proceedings..." Ike spoke as he stood outside the shrine as the Lycian lords spoke with the sage first. He was asked to speak last with the sage, privately.
Wherever the army was, it was within a barrier that encompassed some distance outside the shrine. Despite the harsh desert environment, the vicinity was surprisingly bearable, most likely due to the barrier. This allowed some to set up a temporary camp.
He soon spotted Pent speaking with Fiora, both of them holding somber expressions... Ike was reminded that Fiora and her regiment was contracted to investigate the Dread Isles. If Pent was the contractor... Now thinking about it, Erk and Fiora were under similar circumstances both sent by Pent under different goals.
"Ike." Erk's voice called out to his commander.
Speak of the devil. He turned to see Erk standing together with his adoptive mother and Pent's wife, Louise.
"You are the mercenary commander that Erk mentioned much about. My name is Louise, Countess Reglay. It's a pleasure to meet you." Introducing herself in a polite manner, Ike smiled and nodded.
Well, she and her husband appeared rather young. At most, within their early-to-mid 20s.
"Likewise, Erk spoke much about you and your husband. I heard that you're very good with the bow." Louise beamed at Erk's mentioning herself.
Filled with glee, she responded: "Indeed, may our skills be at your disposal." Ike's eyes widened at her statement. Not minding Ike's reaction, she continued: "As such, we will also accompany you on your journey. You will head to Bern, correct? We must attend Prince Zephiel's coming-of-age ceremony as Etruria's representatives. Queen Hellene is a distant relative of mine, allowing myself and my husband to make contact with her."
So she may have been debriefed by Erk about the situation. Their tasks would end up overlapping their destinations. The Greil Mercenaries and Lycian army needed to stop Nergal from taking over the entire Black Fang. That, as well as making sure Zephiel's coming-of-age ceremony does not go awry before and after for obvious reasons.
"Aside from your standing in Etruria, are you fine with traveling with us? By the way, it can't be just treasure hunting that brought you and your husband to Nabata?" Ike inquired to the Countess, who giggled.
Pent briefly mentioned that he looked for magical artifacts, having met Fae and informed of such items being found in the sand. Speaking of treasures, a body ring, Eclipse tome (Ike and Guy's eyebrow was raised upon the name being mentioned), light brand, ocean seal, hero crest, and a Filla's Might was found. Surprisingly, the ring is of a similar vein to Ninis' Grace, an enchanted item that increases the power of an individual. So effectively, they had two enchanted rings that when invoked by Ninian or perhaps Nils, who could use it to assist others. Aside from the items that were looted from the bandits (the most notable was a white gem, Luna tome, and a guiding ring that either Canas or Erk could take), the haul was very good to sell some of the items to Anna and keep the rest for future use.
"Indeed, Lord Pent is not here solely for treasure. For he's the apprentice to the living legend." She explained to Ike who raised an eyebrow.
"So who is this sage that even the mage general of Etruria wants to learn under?" Ike queried to Louise, to which Erk took a step forward, facing the commander with a serious look, but eyes brimming with excitement.
"Someone whose wisdom far exceeds my teacher, Ike. One who has lived since the Scouring. Athos, the Archsage. He stills lives. One of the greatest heroes of Elibe resides in Nabata within the shrine." Erk revealed to which Ike's mouth gaped open.
To think one of the Eight Legends still survived to this day. No wonder Uther had confidence in his abilities to possibly match Nergal. Then again, both individuals have lived since the Scouring, making them both their real ages to be over a millennia. Then again, Nils and Ninian are considered dragons (half to be exact) and very old in comparison to beorc/human standards.
In fact, he could already see Canas being ecstatic on meeting the Archsage, as well as introducing himself to Pent, who was done speaking with Fiora. They both smiled to one another with enthusiasm befitting of those who wish to delve into the depths of whatever magic has to offer. Louise looked over to her husband fondly interacting with the ancient magic scholar.
"My, it seems as though Lord Pent has made a friend." She then turned to her adoptive son after making her remark. "You've mentioned that man also assisted you in your studies of the old language of Ike's continent?" To which Erk nodded at her question.
"I know Lord Pent will gladly be appreciative of our efforts thus far in our studies on the Tellius old tongue. His wisdom and skills were of great use in understanding the language. As expected of the son of Niime, the Hermit." Louise's eyes widened at the fact Erk revealed.
"My... to think you've made such great friends of the son of someone even your father would be over the moon to know personally." Louise then wiped a joyful tear from her eyes, which worried Ike and Erk to some degree. "To think, three years have passed since we've taken you in. You've already grown a few inches, you're studying to become a great sage like your father, and even made exceptional friends in the magical arts... Oh, you've grown up so fast, Erk!"
Erk found himself cuddled by Louise, whose affection made Erk sweat in nervousness. Ike saw this scene with slight humor, but in good faith regardless. Somehow, seeing this scene... it made Ike feel homesick. He only hoped his father and sister were doing well along with the rest of the company back in Tellius.
"At any rate, I will speak with the others. It was good meeting you, Lady Louise. I'll speak with your husband another time." Ike voiced his goodbyes to the Countess, who separated from Erk, who finally had room to breath.
"Likewise, and please, drop the formalities. Call me by my name, Louise. But Erk could call me, mother!" Upon speaking those words, she went back to embracing her adoptive son, who seemed like he was suffocating. Regardless, Erk held a shy smile over the motherly affection from the Countess.
Ike was certainly appreciative that the noble family was not at all stiff. Dropping all formalities, they were definitely not like other blue bloods in that regard. Then again, they both left their territory a little too often if even Erk was surprised that they were present in Nabata. So maybe they might be a tad too irresponsible in that regard. Ike only hoped in the future, it wouldn't go too far...
As Ike walked to the others, he saw Sain wanting to approach and greet the lovely Countess Reglay, only to stop in his tracks from the affection that Erk was getting.
"That's Erk's adoptive mother and wife of Count Reglay. Don't even think about it, Sain." Ike explained while he continued walking, ignoring Sain's shocked expression and tears that began to run down his face.
Kent went up to his partner and patted his shoulder while sighing. At any rate, Sain was restrained from making moves on married women.
"To think, the man who made Nergal hesitate was none other than a legendary hero. Makes sense, as a great sorcerer who wielded the Forblaze would make anyone in Elibe tremble in fear." Renault remarked with his eyes closed.
Renault stood as Ike debriefed on the matter of Athos being alive.
"Do you think he's stronger than Nergal?" Ike asked to the bishop to which garnered no reaction. He just stood in thought, before looking at Ike a moment later.
"You must understand, Nergal is the most powerful magic user I've come across. I know not of the depth of wisdom and knowledge he holds at his fingertips, no matter how foolish his actions are. While Athos could perhaps be his equal, Nergal has lived long beyond a normal human's lifespan. Regardless, we'll face unspeakable horrors and depravity from that man. Be prepared." Renault warned in a solemn tone.
Ike nodded with the bishop, as he was prepared to fight against the dark druid that threatened Elibe, along with lives of his friends. Even if it meant cutting down the one who was once a father to the siblings.
"I fight for my friends. That's why I'll fight as a mercenary until the end." Ike declared with a determined look.
Renault smiled at Ike's determination, reminded of his younger days. He thought of others who walked in the path of this young mercenary commander whose future was unclear, but it would prove that people can find a new path in life. One that would change the destiny of many.
"May your radiant path shine forward with each step you take. Never lose your way like I have. No, I know you will never lose it, for you've lit the way for many, including I."
Ike approached the light-blue haired siblings, who were watching Fae speak with the rest of the camp from afar. Hawkeye was with her as they continued to converse with the group.
"Is something up with Fae? You two have been staring at her." Ike called out to the pair.
Did they notice she was a laguz? He knew the siblings had enhanced senses beyond what others considered normal.
"Did... you not notice?" Nils raised an eyebrow towards Ike. Ninian also followed her brother's inquiry with a concerned face.
"That she had wings? We called people like her bird tribe laguz back in Tellius. Albeit, I don't know what bird species she's supposed to resemble based on the tail-like wings she had." Ike spoke while giving a curious look to the pair.
Unbeknownst to Ike and the siblings, Hawkeye's heightened senses and hearing could pick up the conversation and became slightly alarmed by Ike's words. At least until he soon became puzzled by Ike's mention of laguz and Tellius.
Nils shook his head and responded: "That girl... she's dragon. A divine dragon. The most powerful of dragonkind."
Ike's eyes widened at the revelation from Nils. He did not expect the girl with pointed ears and wings that somewhat resembled a bird to be a dragon. Granted, Nils and Ninian had round ears, but he could probably chalk it up to their human/beorc blood.
"She also hails from Nabata village, or rather, Arcadia. Son and daughter of ice." Hawkeye announced to the trio, after having separated from the group. Nils and Ninian became alarmed at what Hawkeye was referring to.
Ike also knew, as the siblings were ice dragons.
"You..." Ike then turned to the gathering that was preoccupied with Fae eagerly conversing with the army before looking at Hawkeye once again. "You know they're dragons?"
Hawkeye nodded his head before turning to the pair. "Our village is protected by Athos, where humans and dragons live together in peace. A village of dragons. There is no fighting. My daughter also resides there."
Everyone's eyes widened at Hawkeye's revelation. A place where humans and dragons live in peace especially after the Scouring. With no conflict at all?
"It can't be... we've traveled for so long and we've never heard of such a place..." Nils muttered in a quiet tone.
It was too difficult for the pair to believe this man, after having a mixed experience with humans. And that included Nergal, for other reasons. However, Ninian stepped forward to face the hulking figure in front of them.
"But... Athos is one of the legendary heroes. He fought against dragons, why would he go as far as to protect dragons now?" Ninian inquired.
That was a good question. Why would the man who once engaged in a battle to the death against dragons a thousand years ago go as far to protect Arcadia?
"... My master once spoke that he came across our village, with an old friend, arriving to our paradise where the dragons refused to fight humans in the war and chose to come to Nabata. There, Arcadia, lies a paradise for humans and dragons to live in harmony. Lord Athos wishes for our paradise to spread one day..." Hawkeye explained to the trio.
Ike was surprised that such a place existed. However, an old friend... who was it that Athos befriended? Then his thoughts turned into a hunch... a rather dark hunch to say the least. Based on all the coincidences and slight clues thus far, it was best to bring it up with the Archsage.
Then again, if Nergal seemed aware of the Archsage, then he might have known about Arcadia.
"I can't believe it..." Everyone turned to Nils's utterance of denial. "You can't get rid of generations of fear that easily. Even when there were humans beyond the Gate, which were few in number, it's difficult to find a way to live together."
Ike knew he was mentioning the other world that Nils and Ninian came into. But a few humans? What kind of world is beyond the Dragon's Gate?
Hawkeye's eyes were closed upon Nils's statement. Pondering on the truth of the matter.
"Even so... Humans and dragons fight and fear one another... This has not changed for a thousand years. Most humans now have never seen a dragon, but the fear still remains, carried down over time." Hawkeye then opened his eyes the next moment. His eyes filled with passion beyond his stoic face. "But humans can change. Humans live only a short time, but they can learn and feel much in that time. So they can change. Humans and dragons can understand one another. The day they will understand each other will come. I believed the master when he said so."
The siblings stood in silence, with Ike smiling at Hawkeye's passion for the future. What Hawkeye envisioned was also a future that Yune hoped between beorc and laguz. Before her other half could awaken to see what Tellius has become over the past 800 years... It was far from the ideal where all races lived in equality.
"I hope I see it one day. I've got to hand it to you, you've made alot of progress compared to alot of other places I've seen. Laguz and... human relations are still not as steady as some would prefer to be." Ike remarked to which Hawkeye turned to the young commander.
"Who are you? Where are you from? Pent spoke of a mercenary commander who came from another continent, but my master believes the truth is something beyond just that..."
Now it was Ike's turn to be puzzled. "What do you mean?" Nils and Ninian also turned to Ike.
"You speak of laguz, are they what you call dragons in this... Tellius?" Hawkeye inquired to Ike, who nodded.
"Not just dragons, but birds and other animals where the people can transform into their respective species. Most of them are known to have some distinct traits that indicate the respective animal they represent, although I've never met a dragon laguz until I met these two and Fae. The different laguz species even have their own nations in Tellius." Ike explained truthfully. He then scratched behind his head the next moment, and further elaborated: "Although, you could say majority of the time, humans, or beorc, which are what humans are called in Tellius, are not on the best terms with laguz..."
Certainly not ideal. Most beorcs fear laguz almost on an instinctual level despite some effort by Gallia and Crimea to foster better relations if he could remember correctly. And Titania was in an officer exchange program meeting his father, Greil in Gallia. Although Ike and his family lived in Gallia at one point, with his father being good friends with Caineghis, it's not easy to ease generations worth of tensions. But it didn't stop Ike for hoping the world could aspire to be like this Arcadia that Athos and Hawkeye protected.
"Wow, that sounds amazing! Did you ever meet a laguz back in... Tellius?" Everyone turned to the girl who stepped away from the camp. She eavesdropped on some of the conversation near the end. Nils and Ninian seem alerted by the divine dragon in their presence, but knew she was just a young child (in dragon years at least).
"Fae, are you done speaking with the others?" Hawkeye asked the little girl, who nodded rapidly. Ike shrugged to himself, there was no harm. As long as the rest of the army wasn't around to hear it.
"Well, yes I have. Although I never met a bird-tribe or dragon laguz, I have met Beast-tribe laguz." Fae's green eyes beamed at Ike's confirmation, wishing to hear more. "In fact, I met the most impressive laguz who most resembled a lion. He's gigantic, near the size of Hawkeye, with his red beard resembling a lion's mane with his hair. He was a king, leading Gallia, kingdom of the Beast tribe laguz. I entered his palace one time with my father when I was little. He could transform into a big red lion. And his name, was Caineghis."
Reminiscing on the time he entered the palace of Gallia, and meeting the impressive figure of the king. One who was wise and the strongest of the Beast tribe laguz. His father was good friends with the man, having worked as a mercenary in Gallia while his mother was still alive. Ike wondered if his father was still in contact with Caineghis.
At any rate, the ones listening to Ike were curious to understand what kind of place Tellius was. Certainly not a good place for Nils and Ninian to be given their nature outside of maybe the laguz nations (so long as they keep their partial human origins to themselves). Fae's eyes can be seen sparkling in wonder, hoping to hear more about Ike's home with all the laguz.
Just as the group wished to learn more, sounds of footsteps came from inside the shrine. Everyone's attention went to the shrine entrance that revealed the Lycian lords. It was Hector, Eliwood, and Lyn who came out after speaking with Athos. Fae waved to the group that came out.
Hector pointed his thumb back at the shrine while looking at Ike. "Your turn. Graybeard wants to see you." To which earned Hector a scowl from Lyn.
Ike had a feeling Hector was referring to Athos.
Lyn then turned to Ike and smiled: "Once you're done, all of us will come to the plaza. He'll be able to take us where we want to go."
Eliwood nodded to Ike, gesturing him to go inside. "We'll have the others prepare for departure, take your time. We now have a new destination in Bern. Hawkeye will be coming with us." Hawkeye nodded to trio, knowing what orders awaited him.
Wherever the Lycian lords intended to go, Ike would have to inquire about it later.
"Looks like Hector was right..." Ike remarked as he saw the Archsage in front of him. He did have a gray beard.
The living legend in question held a countenance with eyes filled with wisdom and experience, befitting his old appearance. The man in question stroke his beard in curiosity.
"Who are you, child? The stars do not align with you, or rather both of you... I see the shadow of a young lass next to you." Athos inquired to the young mercenary commander.
Ike raised an eyebrow towards the Archsage before realizing who he was referring to.
"You mean... Yune? You know about her?" Ike queried to Athos, who nodded.
"Is that her name? I see freedom, chaos, transformation, future, mystery. Seeing a shadow of herself on you has my knowledge of what occurs in the rest of the continent not as intended if I had to describe it. Or rather, anything related to you." Athos described in a sagacious manner. "At any rate, you come from this... Tellius, do you not?"
Ike nodded in response to Athos's query. "Yes, I come from Tellius. My homeland is within Crimea, which lies in the Northwest region of Tellius. I'm Ike of the Greil Mercenaries. But I've taken up my duties earlier than expected since arriving in Elibe. Lyn found me in Sacae a year ago."
Athos raised a curious eyebrow towards the young mercenary commander. He knew instinctively that Tellius was not within this world. He was of a similar vein to the children of destiny. Those who have crossed the confines of space and time to enter Elibe. No matter what, fate and destiny of this world would not be defied. At least under most circumstances, as this boy's existence was not tied to the cogs of destiny. This made uncertainty all the more apparent.
"Your existence here was likely due to a spell, who did it?" Athos asked the mercenary commander, who stood for a moment before deciding to answer.
"I think it was Nergal. He may have brought me to Elibe. He knew of my existence, calling me the 'Hero of Blue Flames', even though I don't consider myself a hero. Not only that, I've received visions... visions related to him that made me narrow down that he might have been the cause for my appearance in Elibe." Ike explained truthfully to Athos, who nodded in understanding.
"That would explain the spell formula I see upon yourself. One that seems to tie yourself to this world for a purpose along with this Yune." Ike then raised a eyebrow at Athos's statement.
"World?" He repeated. "What do you mean?"
Athos stared at Ike with wonder, realizing that the mercenary commander was in the dark of where exactly he was. Even Yune seemed oblivious, as she assumed that other lands may have survived the flooding.
"Just like the children of destiny, Nils and Ninian. They came from the chasm of space and time from another world to re-enter their homeland, Elibe. You are just like them, but with no relation to Elibe. In other words, you are not of this world..."
Ike's mouth gaped open with eyes widened at the revelation that came from Athos. Another world? That meant there was virtually no way to reach Tellius via sailing through the seas.
To think that it's not even separated continents that both Elibe and Tellius cannot find one another outside of the Anna merchants. Speaking of Anna merchants...
"That... that can't be. Then how does Anna know I'm from Tellius? How does she keep bringing items that are exclusive from there?" Ike inquired to the Archsage, who shook his head.
"Despite being able to see much in the continent, I am not privy to the Anna merchant network and their wares for reasons beyond my understanding. But I am curious to know that she holds wares like the tomes of your continent Pent has mentioned. The ones that feature the Old Tongue of Tellius... now that was rather fascinating to read up on. I hope I can peruse her catalog if I have the chance." Athos remarked while once again stroking his beard.
Ike stood silent, pondering on whether Anna was cheating him... No, otherwise Fargus wouldn't trust her given his character. Then... her supplies or wares that she obtains must involve secretive means that allow her or others to travel and take items from other worlds. That's the only way to explain how she can obtain Tellius-exclusive items (to Ike's knowledge). He'll have to inquire about the issue from Anna another time.
"Moving on... you seem relatively aware of Nils and Ninian. You know what they are, like Hawkeye." Ike spoke to confirm his suspicions. Athos raised an eyebrow, as if surprised by how much the blue-haired mercenary knew.
"Indeed, they are ice dragons, are they not?" Athos affirmed to which Ike nodded.
"Then, do you know of their parents?" Ike inquired to which Athos finally shook his head.
"No... all I know is that their destiny is tied to this land. I know Nergal seeks them out, all for the purpose of obtaining more quintessence. From dragons of all people." Athos spoke with a sense of apprehension at the mention of the man.
So he didn't know the identity of their parents. Although it wasn't Ike's place to reveal, he still needed to know the full reason. Ike's mind flickered back to a red hooded individual who he just saw several hours ago. His presence here in Elibe, all of the events and visions pointed towards a singular goal of possibly reminding Nergal, the once loving father who went down a dark path.
"Just wondering... you seem to be well-informed of Nergal. Moreover, from what I know of his... former associates... he was aware of you here, and perhaps Arcadia. Tell me, has he ever made contact here?" Ike questioned the living legend, who closed his eyes.
"Indeed, he has... he was once an old friend." Ike stood silent, confirming that his hunch was right. Athos continued on in his explanation, opening his eyes to the blue-haired mercenary. "Equal in power and knowledge, we met 500 years ago. I came across a village as I traveled with him, which was only just a small village of dragons and humans working together. Together, Nergal and I crafted a barrier and an oasis for them to live in peace. The inhabitants invited us for our service to them, and we lived there for centuries... well, he lived there for only about two, as our paths began to diverge..."
Ike may not have known about the intricacies of magic, but powerful sorcerers that he's seen thus far are living proof of longevity.
"Let me guess, he started making morphs and taking quintessence?" Ike queried to Athos, as he nodded in confirmation.
"You are well-informed. The children of Roland and Hanon were also aware to some extent of Nergal's actions. He began taking quintessence from humans after learning of it through the dragons' knowledge even though the elders and I warned him. But power bewitched him, and I forced my hand to strike at my former friend... and he was banished, slowly gaining power while avoiding our eyes." Athos spoke with a solemn expression.
For him, it was painful to fight against a former friend. But he had no choice, his friend had gone too far.
Ike stood silent, as all the pieces began to piece together the full story. It wasn't just power that enticed Nergal. He wanted something much greater than that. But he lost sight of his true goal...
"When Nergal began using morphs to carry out his plans, his power had grown beyond our ability to contain him. After humans, his next target became the essence of dragons. His next target had to be Arcadia. I concealed our paradise behind a curtain of sandstorms. I then hid in the underground ruins and waited for him. I did not hope to defeat him. Just to exchange blows… and then draw him into the desert, which would be his end. But he never came... I have no idea how he managed, but..." As Athos trailed off, Ike raised his hand to halt him.
"He called them. From beyond the Gate. Nils and Ninian. Right?" Ike queried to the Archsage. He then took a step forward to Athos and spoke: "He knew of the Dragon's Gate in Valor.
"... Yes..." Athos narrowed his eyes at Ike. "What else do you know, Ike of the Greil Mercenaries? Was it of your visions about Nergal that led you to this conclusion?"
This time, the legendary hero held suspicion towards Ike. But he remained resolute. Ike then closed his eyes and breath in.
It was time to reveal the truth.
"I know... because Nergal is the one who sent them beyond the Gate a millennia ago. He never truly wanted quintessence from dragons. Gaining power was never his real goal." He then opened his eyes to reveal a sad gaze. "He just wanted his children back. His family. Nils and Ninian, they are his flesh and blood."
Athos's eyes widened and breathed in heavily. Shock was apparent on his expression. He knew the mercenary commander did not lie to him, but that made the truth all the more horrifying to him. He put his shuddering aside to face the mercenary commander, regaining some semblance of his composure.
Moreover, he felt reminded of another figure. One who sealed that little girl... along with his beloved family. He made a one-sided promise to his comrade and old friend that a world where his wife and son could live freely without fear of humans and dragons coming to conflict. The moment he saw humans and dragons working together in Nabata alongside Nergal after his long-departed comrade had passed away. But another thought came to Athos...
"T-then, why does he cause distress to his own children?" Trembling apparent in Athos's voice as he stuttered while forming his sentence.
"Tell me, in all those years you've known him, did he ever utter the name 'Aenir', to himself?" Athos's eyes flickered at the mention of the name, but Ike caught notice of this. "So he did..."
He knew, the man he once called friend spoke of the name more than enough times. Almost like a mantra, while crying to himself whenever he was alone before sleeping. It was a name that was precious to him, as he assumed it was a loved one lost to Nergal. If morphs were a way to bring back his beloved, it would make sense.
"That was his wife, Nils and Ninian's mother. Around the time of the Scouring. There was even a portrait of the two in an old library back in Valor. She was an ice dragon, who married Nergal, a human at the time." Ike explained to the Archsage who finally snapped out of his stupor. "Now tell me, how does a man end up forgetting his own family?"
Athos stood still for a moment, pondering on the answer before finally shaking his head. With Ike's last sentence, he now knew the true reason behind Nergal's actions and the nonsense that came after.
"So he forgot... the price of peering into the depth of darkness is heavy. Just like Bramimond, a friend whom you most likely know when I fought alongside with as a fellow hero in the Scouring." Ike nodded at the mention of the name, having looked up a bit more about the Eight Legends during his journey. "When one goes beyond a certain threshold to obtain more power and knowledge from elder magic or dark magic as most consider it, they must also give up a part of themselves to achieve it. What Bramimond gave up was his identity to defeat the dragons. But for Nergal, the cost was clearly too great, and now he's doing all of this... It saddens me greatly of the irony my former friend is now undergoing. The loneliness must have driven him insane. How fates can be so cruel... but no one can escape the wheel of fate..."
To achieve one's goal, but go utterly against it soon after. To obtain the power to potentially resurrect someone precious to you, but do absolutely nothing except desecrate the bodies of everyone else. To regain your children only to drive them away time and time again.
Despair and pity filled Athos's being. Something he had no experienced for a long time in the millennia he lived. Yune also felt pity for the poor fool whose actions goes against his original goals.
"He'll get no sympathy from me. Fates and destiny be damned." Ike uttered bringing Athos's attention to the boy, slightly shocked by the mercenary leader's callous words. "What he's done is unforgivable. I don't care how much he suffered alone all these years. His grief from losing his wife doesn't give him the right to desecrate the dead and infringe on the living. Not only that, to drive away his own family, his own children, away and causing them grief countless times. He should have never turned to hurting others to achieve his goals if it meant he would forget what he was aiming for. He's already taken away other families in the process, something he had no right in doing."
Thinking of Lucius, Eliwood, and the stepsister whom the Reed family adores... really got on Ike's nerves. How many more lives has Nergal deprived since setting himself and Renault on this path? If he wanted to regain his family, then he should have sought out others for help. And one of them was in front of Ike.
Ike gritted his teeth towards the stunned Archsage, and continued: "Most of all, he had you." Athos's eyes widened at the mention of himself. "Loneliness is no excuse when he had you as a friend. He should have turned to you to help regain his children from beyond the Gate. If he was truly wise, he should have sought you out along with the villagers to regain his family. And I know you would have done so, because you were his friend."
He would have, if only Nergal reached out to his companions to regain the family he lost beyond the Dragon's Gate. To accept loss of his wife and move on to what was truly important. His children were still alive, waiting for their father to pick them up from the other world. Loneliness does not excuse his actions when there was an alternative that was there all along. Not when his actions separate other families apart.
Ike then turned around, walking to the exit of the entrance, leaving a stunned Athos at his shrine. Athos stood in silence, all alone before giving a small smile to the direction where Ike left.
"Indeed... I would have done that for my friend..." Then his smile turned neutral the next moment. "I wonder... what did Nergal see when deciding to summon you? No doubt he saw the end result of the great potential within you, a hero in the making from beyond this world..." His eyes closed, as if attempting to peer into the future. But a frown became evident on his face, as if whatever he was attempting to prophesize is shrouded in mystery. But all he saw... was a brilliant, radiant blue flame.
"The stars, they are moving. I am uncertain of the future. Although the cog of destiny does not stop for anyone from this world, that may not be the case for you..." His eyes finally opened, with expectations for the future. "All that is certain, a blue flame rises. You will undoubtedly become a Hero of Blue Flames. But it seems that your intended path ended up in ours. If Nergal wanted such a hero, then the summoning spell must have worked to set you on that path, your journey thus far is molding you into one. And it all started by being found by the daughter of Hanon and Roland..."
After debriefing on the intended goals and destination in Bern, Ike nodded in understanding with the trio of lords. Ike also relayed information with the group on what Nergal's relation to Athos, leaving out the relation of Nergal's family. Pent and Louise was present along with their adoptive son, Erk. They also were privy to a potential plot of an assassination against Prince Zephiel.
"So, you three need to head to the Shrine of Seals in Bern. Those of the royal family are maybe able to help you, and Queen Hellene might be the best person. Got it. In that case..." Ike then turned to Erk. "Erk, I want you to go with your family along with the rest of the Lycian army. Act as a fellow representative as our eyes and ears while maintaining the guise of protecting your parents with a band of mercenaries. Also, find anyone loyal to Prince Zephiel so he can come into contact with us. Preferably General Murdock."
Erk raised an eyebrow towards his commander. He decided to be an official member of the Greil Mercenaries. But given the task at hand...
"What is your plan, Ike? Are you planning to split the group?" To which brought everyone's eyes on him. Ike nodded in response.
"I plan on meeting with the Reed family and have them take back their organization. We'll fight against Sonia and her forces."
Everyone's eyes widened at Ike's intention to effectively walk into the enemy base with just with a small army in comparison to theirs.
"Ike! You can't go with just that amount of troops on your side! We should go together!" Lyn voiced out in opposition. Eliwood also nodded in agreement.
"I agree. It is too dangerous to face the Black Fang led by Sonia with just you and your company even with the Reed family." Eliwood added. Hector reserved his judgment, staying silent for the time being.
It was dangerous to consider splitting the army when they have an inkling on how dangerous Sonia with half of the Four Fangs were. If Jaffar was among them and led by Nergal, it's all the more reason Hector and Matthew would love to join.
Ike them shook his head and responded: "If we don't stop the Black Fang operations led by Sonia, Prince Zephiel will likely die, along with the Reed family. I need to reach them before they get harmed. If you all focus on reaching the Shrine of Seals in Bern, everyone will be able to defeat Nergal. I'll be fine."
Not only that, if they brought Heath with them, they might be able to convince Vaida in the Black Fang base to fight against Sonia. If they could also convince Murdock, a potential ally to maybe vouch for her and Heath's return to Bern's military after saving Prince Zephiel, it would be ideal.
Everyone gave a worried look to the young mercenary commander before nodding. Pent took a step forward to speak.
"In that case, take Fiora with you. You are the one who also employed her. So her skills are better spent on you rather than myself. I can hold my own alongside my pupil." Pent proposed to Ike, cupping his chin.
He had no doubt about that. Erk boasted considerable magic prowess on his own alongside his adoptive father and mentor, Pent.
"Then..." Everyone's attention went to Lyn, who spoke up. "If her sister is going with you, then take Florina as well. That way, you'll have the finest pegasus knights at your side."
With Florina, the Greil Mercenaries would be able to perform well with three of the finest fliers in the entire army.
But then the Lycian army will have no fliers to counter Bern's wyvern riders... Louise however noticed this discrepancy and decided to speak up.
"Not to worry, I shoot much better than I dance or sing. Not a single wyvern rider will reach my beloved or the army." Louise assured to Ike.
Ike stood for a moment before nodding. It was better to be give a sense of relief having some troops at his side.
"Very well, I'll lead with our army's fliers at our side. Thank you." Ike spoke with gratitude. "In return, ask Anna for any supplies. And take any occultic scrolls and Tellius tomes with you."
It was likely Pent and Louise would purchase some tomes and the scrolls that granted skills that befitted their class. Likely Flare and Deadeye skills to the sage and sniper duo.
"Ike, if you plan on taking Canas..." Erk brought out a guiding ring from his pocket and handed it to Ike. It must have been the loot from the bandits in the desert.
"Have him take this. With this, he might be able to reach a new pathway. Moreover, when this ring was brought to the convoy, Anna seemed to enchant this ring, bringing it to me. But now I feel that this is better suited for Canas, who is to assist you. Please." Erk pleaded to his commander, who stood silent.
Ike contemplated for a moment before nodding. "Very well, Erk. But the next promotional item goes to you and you can't refuse."
Erk nodded with a smile. With that, Hector clapped his hands after staying silent the entire time.
"Well, now we just need to head to the plaza inside the temple. Let's head out!" Hector shouted out. Walking towards the entrance of the shrine, the army followed suit, with the Greil Mercenaries looking back at their commander and nodding, having heard the conversation.
Everyone else followed suit, with Lyn as the last one remaining and watching the back of Ike.
"Ike... that can't be the only thing you spoke with about with Athos..." Lyn spoke with a sad smile. "Can you not tell us? Your friends?"
Given how long Athos and Ike spoke, it was clear there was more to the story at hand. Even Nils and Ninian seemed to hold uncomfortable expressions the entire time.
"Now, children of Roland, it is time to say farewell. You must reach the Shrine of Seals. There, your destinies' doors will open wide before you." Athos announced before the army.
While Canas was eager to be acquainted with the Archsage, he knew there would be less time to do so. Renault stayed silent the entire time, pondering on the man who's worked with Nergal of a time before depravity took hold of his heart.
Ike grasped a small blue bottle that Athos decided to give to him. Saying it was suited for someone with innate skills.
"Sniff... Are you really leaving Fae?" She asked with a teary-eyed expression.
They found out she was in that house when her friend, Sophia took her out of her room. Rarely does she ever leave her room, confined by the elders for her safety. She was not to ever leave Nabata.
"I will take Fae back to the village, Hawkeye. Not to worry." Athos assured to which Hawkeye acquiesced with a bow to his master. "Very good. Now please envision a nice, wide place in Pherae… Next, think of the name of a person you might meet there, Eliwood."
"As you say. … …" With that, Eliwood closed his eyes.
Everyone began to be enveloped in orbs of light surrounding the plaza.
Seeing themselves disappear, Ike gave a smile back to Fae. "We'll meet again someday. Until then, be a good girl, Fae."
But that didn't reassure Fae, as she shook her head. She was tired of staying in that room. She wanted to see the outside world and what it had to offer. Although she had friends like Igrene and Sophia, she wanted to make more friends and play with them. She was tired of waiting. She wanted to see the laguz that Ike mentioned.
With a big leap forward, she jumped into the light that enveloped the group. With this sudden action, Yune felt immediate danger and sent some of her flame to Fae. As there was a flash that took the Lycian army and mercenaries, so did a blue glow came and enveloped Fae from Ike. Athos's eyes widened as he wanted to cancel the spell, but it was too late. By the time the spell completed, only Athos was left.
"Is... something wrong, Hawkeye?" Ike questioned the man, who seemed to hold a worried expression on his usually stoic face.
They've arrived in Pherae, where Eliwood went to greet his mother inside the castle. As the group decided to prepare to find a lodging within the castle or a nearby village, Hawkeye was unusually still, often frowning since the teleportation spell.
"I feel... an omen has occurred." He uttered before walking with the rest, leaving Ike to wonder what may have went wrong. Somehow, Ike also felt a similar feeling inside of him. As if something did go wrong and he wasn't aware of it.
"Oh no... where did Fae go?" He muttered, as Athos saw the aftermath of the ritual in the plaza. Where Fae leapt into left behind a blue flame that kept burning. He could feel a consciousness from the flame that seemed to call out to him.
Seeing the residual blue flames left behind by the ritual, he had an idea. He was reminded the boy that came from another world. Quickly running to his scrying crystal, he peered to see that Fae was not present with the group he sent.
He then reached out to the flames gathered some of it without harming himself and enveloped his orb in it while preserving the rest. Gathering his magical energy into the crystal, he could find out where Fae may have disappeared to.
A moment passed until the crystal revealed Fae... near the sea on a reef where she seemed to be unconscious. She was then being approached by three figures, wearing white bandanas and red short-sleeved attire. Surprisingly, they all had pointed ears like Fae and some dragons he knew.
As Fae woke up, she saw the three soldiers in front of her. Upon being startled, she revealed her wings, in which puzzled the trio slightly before standing steadfast against her.
"This might not be good... or perhaps...?"
"My... I feel like my head is splitting... watching you and Ike..." Yune spoke while rubbing her head. "To think a wish like yours along with that teleporting spell would resonate and cause the same spell that sent Ike to Elibe to also send you to our world..."
An unfortunate unintended consequence of utilizing a warp spell that no one could foresee. A familiar feeling that was about to take Fae like Ike and Yune back in the forest when Nergal's summoning spell was being performed a year ago. One that caused her to bring some of her power and consciousness from within the medallion to Ike when Mist dropped the medallion in the forest, laying dormant within him.
She heard everything from Athos through Ike. Although she had no power to send her back, she could connect some of her consciousness to Fae in order to watch over her and leave a trace in form of a blue flame for that powerful sorcerer to utilize.
She inhaled to concentrate. With that, Athos could be rest assured that the dragon girl might be able to meet the laguz. And she could tell that this maybe the safest place for a dragon like her... For now, she couldn't maintain her consciousness between the medallion and Ike, as she had to also watch over Fae.
"Will you accept her...? Dheginsea...?" She uttered as she closed her eyes within the forest where she was taken along with Ike.
"Outsider, state your business. If you are a bird-tribe laguz, then you must be formally invited by our king." He stated while the two remained behind him.
They did not like beorc or other laguz intruding on their domain. But seeing as this girl was another bird-tribe laguz with rather unusual wings...
"Fae is not 'Outsider'! Fae's name is Fae!" She huffed out to the trio. Surprisingly enough, she noticed that her wings did not startle the trio as much. Then again, their ears almost matched Fae. Some of them even had markings on their face like on her forehead.
One of the Goldoan soldier behind the one facing Fae whispered to his fellow soldier. "Is it time for a meeting with the other tribes? What is a child with white wings doing here? Is she a Heron?"
"Maybe... although the end of her wings are teal. And the wings seem to be... slightly tail-like if I had to describe it. And her ears are like ours, along with the markings..." He muttered in response.
At any rate, they were getting nowhere with this child.
"Bring your bird-tribe guardian. We will not give second warnings..." The Goldoan uttered with a slightly impatient tone.
It may seem excessive, but he would scare her into calling out for her guardian. Outsiders were not allowed in Goldoa, even if they were laguz. So long as the child cries out, she might be able to call forth her guardian to pick her up.
"Hmmm...? Bird-tribe...? Are you one of those laguz Ike spoke about?" Fae asked with an innocent expression on her face.
The trio stood silent, contemplating on what the little girl just said. Did she not have any awareness of her own race? Let alone where she was? Who was this Ike that did not teach her basic common sense and knowledge of laguz? Did this Ike also teach her to speak in third-person?
"That's it..." The one who faced Fae sighed to himself. "Let us transform... Maybe her cries could bring other bird-tribe laguz in the vicinity. The Raven corsairs might be able to take her to Prince Reyson or King Tibarn... Maybe they could figure out what this child is."
The two behind their colleague stepped aside, not wanting to watch the girl be petrified into fear. It was a bit shameful scaring a little bird laguz child like this, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
The one in front leading them enveloping himself in a pink mist, he transformed. From the mist, came a red dragon, with sharp horns pointed outwards. With a menacing presence, he stood in front of Fae. With both of the fellow soldiers behind him shaking their head in exasperation, only to widen their eyes to see their prince, a short dark-haired young lad running towards them. His furious expression on his otherwise often calm disposition.
"What on earth are you three doing!? Halt this at o-!" Only to be cut off with the girl beaming with joy the next moment.
"Wow, you're a fellow dragon! OK, Fae's turn!" Bringing out a glowing blue jewel and holding it in the air, everyone's eyes widened as the girl became enveloped by her wings, and out came a new form.
What seemed to be her eyebrows became more of a pronounced teal eyelash. Her tail end was also blue with three strands at the end. Her dragonic body covered by feathers, resembling more of a bird rather than a dragon. They could tell she was not a white dragon, even though they possessed feathery bird-like wings, her form was of feathers that enveloped her body.
The Goldoan who transformed quickly reverted back into his beorc form, with a flabbergasted expression on his face.
Fae seemed puzzled as to why they continued to look at her strangely. Moreover, her dragon form felt less burdensome than back at her home. She felt like her form can continue for hours. And the air... It seemed... clean. And a boy who looked like the same age as Sophia was behind them. She waved to the stunned boy while in her dragon form with a smile, who finally snapped out of his stupor and approached her slowly.
Just as Kurthnaga was about to greet her, a voice bellowed out from behind him.
"Halt, my son. Allow me to speak to our guest."
A bald man with a mustache and his mark tattooed on the side of his head came down from the hill alongside a spiky short-haired man with a reddish complexion. The trio of sentries immediately bowed before their ruler. Kurthnaga stepped aside and gave an accepting gesture to his father.
It was strange, but for all the dragon laguz present, they could instinctively feel that this girl was a dragon.
Soon, a red cyclone enveloped Fae and she reverted to her human form with her wings still visible. She then hid her wings away, staying on the ground with a smile towards the ones who approached her. They all seemed to be fellow dragons.
"What is your name, little girl?" The man asked while looking down at the curious girl.
"... Fae's name is not 'little girl'! It's Fae! Fae's a dragon, too!" Fae exclaimed to which the man calmly nodded, ignoring her obvious lack of manners. "By the way, where is Fae?"
She turned to look around her surroundings to see that she was at a reef, surrounded by water and cliffs. It was far different from being in an oasis within Nabata or seeing the desert sea.
"...You are now in the territory of Goldoa, Fae. Home of the Dragon tribe laguz. I am Dheginsea, King of Goldoa." Fae's eyes were sparkling at the mention of meeting other dragons besides herself and the inhabitants of Arcadia. Dheginsea took notice of this girl's innocent look and then turned to his son beside him. "This is my son, Kurthnaga. Now then..."
He then turned around to walk back up the hill.
"Come, allow us to finish our greeting back at the castle. Gareth, prepare a feast with our guest attending." He announced to which Gareth saluted.
"At once!"
Kurthnaga beamed in happiness upon his father's declaration to accept their newest guest. Fae also seemed excited to see new sights, and gain new friends.
Unbeknownst to the everyone present, Dheginsea's eyes were narrowed as he walked back to his castle, pondering on their newest guest. Naturally, he was far more receptive to the energies that was emitted. It felt far too familiar, as he sensed... Yune within that girl. As if the Goddess counterpart of Chaos blessed that girl... For now, he would reserve his judgment until they found out more about the girl. Moreover, she was just a child...
