Epilogue Part 1

"I do hope he's OK..." Yune muttered while in a slightly lucid state within her medallion after hearing a melody (that wasn't from Ike, thankfully). "To think I would be used in such a way to pave the way for a hero..."

Despite Nergal's summoning spell having run its course and Yune no longer being active within Ike's mind, she was still worried for the young mercenary after being forcefully pulled from the young man's mind. That summoning spell was a tricky one... making Yune in a semi-active state and having part of her summoned with Ike to Elibe.

Not only that, for such a spell to resonate and potentially send others to Tellius made it a rather powerful and unpredictable one. Truly, it was a one-of-a-kind spell that relied on a person of importance to influence history (not that Ike is aware of) and a strong desire. Yune had herself partially taken by the spell to be present with Ike throughout his journey.

In retrospect, to summon Ike by having the conditions for him to become a "Hero of Blue Flames" and making her assist him to such an extent as she did is incredulous, to say the least. In any event, it was better than staying silent in the medallion... She now understood how the spell worked after mulling over the events that occurred.

"Indeed, my friend's spell is an extraordinary one to summon people who have a great influence on history regardless of worlds," A familiar voice called out, alerting the young goddess counterpart.

Yune watched as her dark surroundings became illuminated into a familiar shrine and in front of her was a white-bearded figure.

"You are..." Yune voiced out shocked by the Archsage in front of her.

"Surprised?" Athos stroked his beard as he observed the goddess before him. "I sent a part of my mind to Ike before he left, and now I've become akin to you during his journey..."

Yune understood what Athos was referring to. He was referencing her role as Ike's spirit guardian. And now Athos had a portion of himself to Ike's mind that now was present within the medallion...

"If I may be so presumptuous, would you allow me to accompany you, Yune?" Athos requested from the Goddess of Chaos. Yune stood shocked and a smile crept up on the corner of her lips.

She thought she was going to be alone again. She at least took comfort knowing she'd hear singing from others... But now someone was there for her...

"Y-yes... of course..." As she spoke, she gave a warm welcoming smile to her newest guest.

She won't be alone at all...

Ike heard the sound of humming coming from his bedside. It was a familiar tune, one that his mother had hummed long ago. He breathed in heavily as he struggled to open his eyes. He heard a gasp from the one humming her serenade.

"... Ha... What... Is...?" Ike felt up his forehead, only to realize a wet cloth was on top of it. Someone put it there likely to cool his head.

"He's waking up!"

It was the voice of his little sister, Mist. He slowly opened his eyes as his blurred vision became clearer. He saw a room where the walls were brick, and at his side was a table filled with a bowl of water, cloths, scented herbs and other assorted items that were likely there for his treatment.

His sister was right there with a concerned expression after having called out to their father. Soon, another person arrived in the room. He looked like a frail priest, with light orange short hair and a soft complexion. In his hand was a bowl with a colored liquid, likely a medicinal concoction. Coming to Ike's bedside he brought the bowl closer to Ike's head, gesturing him to drink.

"Please, drink. It will help..."

Ike obliged and slowly drank from the bowl. It was bitter, but it wet his parched throat. After finishing the bowl, his groggy state was alleviated after having received medicine. He gave a grateful look to the medic responsible for his treatment.

"Thank you... and you are...?" The man looked surprised at Ike's question and quickly collected himself.

"I am Rhys..." Rhys introduced himself. "I just joined some time ago as your newest healer..."

Ike's brows were raised and was quickly reminded by Yune having mentioned the newest healer who saved Titania. He was also the one supposedly tutoring Mist on how to use a staff...

'Wait... Yune...?'

Ike frowned at the familiar, yet unfamiliar name. His headache returned with a vengeance as his expression turned to one of pain. It felt as though something was pulled out of his head... rather painfully... The pair within the room looked visibly worried for the blue-haired mercenary.

"Oh dear..." Rhys voiced out.

"Ike, are you OK!?" Mist began panicking at the state of her brother.

"What we have here is not enough, I will attain more medicine," He announced as he quickly went out the door.

"I'll go get some water! Wait for me, Ike!" Mist quickly went after Rhys. The door was shut as Ike was left alone on the bed.

Ike quickly inhaled and exhaled. His mind calmed itself as he took a moment for his mind to recover. At the very least, there were people there to nurse him back to health.

He remembered his family, his father's company, and all the people in the Greil Mercenaries. Greil Mercenaries...? Somehow, his mind felt like something was empty. Like it was always supposed to be there... His father, Mist (still training to be a medic), Titania, Soren, Shinon, Gatrie, Oscar, Boyd, Rolf (not old enough to be a member), and their newest member Rhys... But why did it feel like there was supposed to be more...?

As he looked around his surroundings, he noticed several objects in the far corner on top of a furniture. Something told him to go there. As if beckoning him to be reminded...

With all of his strength, he struggled to get out of his bed. Stumbling slightly, he quickly balanced himself to stand while panting. Limping forward slowly to the furniture, as if desperate to reach the items. After finally reaching his destination with great difficulty, his eyes widened. Upon closer examination, it was a stiletto, sheathed with a brown handle and cross-section.

Lucius... Renault... The two acolytes... The latter killed his father with this dagger and the former gave it to Ike as a remembrance of the man who left his grief behind.

He examined another item next to it, a bronze ring attached to a black leather necklace cord.

Raven... Priscilla... The two siblings found one another after their house fell and their parents perished. This ring was a promise ring given to Priscilla by Raven, and she gave it to Ike as a remembrance of the girl who loved her family.

He looked at the final item. It was a green bandana with a spike pattern etched onto the middle and end parts of the cloth. He recognized the pattern of the design used by the nomads of the plains...

Guy... Rath... and...

"Lyn..." Ike voiced out softly.

She gave this to him as a new headband after a year's absence. The girl who saved him, who he fought alongside, the girl he made a vow and promise to be with...

His memories slowly came back to him. The battles in Elibe, stopping the sorcerer who had forgotten his family, meeting various people in his journey, and the companions he made who will follow him to this land... Even the memories he had forgotten from a decade ago...

He put his hand on his face and sighed. He almost forgot everything that happened in the other world...

Suddenly, the door to Ike's quarters opened with his sister and Rhys holding various items in their hands. As well as...

"Father..."

He's gained more wrinkles and some gray hair since he last saw him. Likely out of stress since his disappearance... But Greil did not appear to reprimand his son, as his expression was instead filled with relief.

"Ike..." Greil rushed over to his son and hugged him. "Thank goodness... Oh, Elena... Our boy is safe..."

His embrace was tight but warm. Ike slowly returned his embrace with his own. Despite everything he's remembered, his father was no butcher... He loved everyone in his company as a family.

Mist sniffled and teared up as she also went over to the pair to join in their embrace. Ike smiled from being surrounded by his family after being separated for a year.

"I'm finally back... Father... Mist..." Ike said in a relieved tone.

At the meeting table, Greil sat with the rest of the company while Mist and Rolf accompanied Ike acting as assistants to Rhys. He was unconscious and feverish for several weeks until his awakening just yesterday. His recovery was going quite well.

Titania, Boyd, and Oscar held a relieved expression after having greeted Ike after a year-long absence. Soren looked far less stressed since Ike's absence along with the commander. Gatrie was just happy to see the boy once more healthy while Shinon just scoffed.

"Has he shared anything since his awakening, Greil?" Titania asked her commander to which Greil remained silent for a moment.

While Ike talked to most of the group briefly, they left him alone to recover. They did wonder about the things Ike had on himself, especially the new exquisite blade he possessed. It seemed like the blade was a ceremonial one, but the experienced veterans could tell the weapon was an enchanted sort. Strangely enough, the weapon could not be held easily within the hands of Greil or the others, making them wonder why Ike had a sword that no one could use...

"Let's just say... I may have to reach out for a few contacts..." He replied while glancing over Soren and Shinon. "Ike hopes to reunite with the one who reported his whereabouts to us a while back... but where she is located is a bit more complicated..."

Some of the group raised an eyebrow at their commander's reply. Just who was the person who met Ike and relayed a message to their company?

"And the theater troupe that your son met who played make-believe mercenaries with him?" Shinon asked which garnered a glare from Boyd, Titania, and even a sharp look from Soren.

Greil shook his head in response to Shinon's inquiry about the group Ike traveled with. They half-expected the people that were mentioned in the letter to be present with Ike after his return, but apparently not. Ike didn't reveal much, only for him to say to prepare for new members soon...

"He said he's expecting them soon... They would join our company," To which Shinon scoffed while Gatrie looked mildly curious.

"I bet..." Shinon muttered while he stood up and was ready to leave the fort to tend to his duties. Only to scowl the next moment. "... Why are you here?"

Everyone looked to see who Shinon was glaring at only to see Ike out of his room. He was wearing the same attire he was found in. Wearing all of the things he wore and strapped onto himself, he looked ready with his blade attached to his belt. Greil raised a curious brow at his son being active.

"Ike!" Boyd exclaimed. His older brother was also visibly surprised and tried to point out, "Should you really be out of bed..?"

"You've just awoken yesterday. Rest," Titania told Ike.

"Ike, please, rest more..." Soren pleaded to his best friend.

"Everyone!" Mist's voice called out as she ran to the meeting room. "I can't find... Oh!"

Mist looked to see Ike out of his bed. It was likely she had looked for him after he was missing from his quarters.

"Did you find him, Mist?" Rolf's voice called out as he also entered the meeting room. "Is he... oh!"

Soon, Rhys also arrived looking as visibly surprised by Ike being out of his room and being active. They were all looking for him after he was gone from his bed.

"I feel good today... I want to help the company," Ike announced.

Everyone looked dumbfounded by Ike's request to be active. He had just woken up and was willing to work. They all looked at Ike as if he had grown a new head.

"Oh come on! Just rest!" Boyd exclaimed with an exasperated tone. Oscar and Rolf nodded and agreed with their sibling.

"That's right, you just came back, Ike!" Mist added.

"I agree, you're not in full health," Rhys attempted to point out.

"Please, Ike. You have not become an official officer yet," Soren told Ike in a soft tone.

"What brought this eagerness to become an official member just when you got out of bed...?" Titania voiced her thoughts on the matter.

"Oh boy, can't wait for you to keel over..." Shinon remarked sarcastically. Gatrie, however, looked more visibly worried.

"Ike... like everyone said, you've just woke up from your weeks-long rest. I'm afraid your strength has not fully recovered. And you may not be ready to become an official member of our company..." Greil attempted to point out.

"I've recovered well enough, Father," Ike replied respectfully. "Let me assist the company. I caused you a lot of trouble since I was gone."

Shinon raised an eyebrow wondering if Ike's fever made him more delirious. Soren and Titania looked visibly worried while the others looked at Ike as if he'd gone insane. He was going to start fighting after a day's worth of rest after being out cold for weeks.

It took a moment for Greil to contemplate Ike's words and snorted.

"Already making a headache for others by being this active... heh..." Greil shook his head in amusement and went out the door. "Very well... Let's first see if you've become stronger since your last lesson, boy..."

Ike nodded at his father's last statement. He would prove how strong he's become...

"Thank you for everything, Grandfather..." Lyn respectfully bowed to Hausen who nodded.

Wallace was off to the side sobbing uncontrollably while Chancellor Reissmann merely sighed at the situation. Their lady would go off to become a mercenary with the blue-haired food shoveler... It was like once again experiencing Lady Madelyn's elopement with Hassar.

At least their Lord Hausen seemed to be much more accepting of the situation. Although the boy seemed to be forced to go to his homeland right before he could address House Caelin.

"Please come back once things have settled..." Hausen told his granddaughter while hugging her briefly. He separated from her with a fond smile and said, "I await your union with him. I can live for another few years for that day..."

"G-Grandfather..." Lyn voiced out. Rather than be embarrassed, she was happy to hear his acceptance.

"Sniff... I'm sure the young lad will become a fine and worthy man for you, milady..." Wallace added while sniffling. "I'm sure he's training right now, gaining wondrous muscles for you!"

Lyn nervously chuckled at Wallace's assurance. Certainly, Ike was training... just not what Wallace believed or what Ike intended to do.

Soon, she heard flapping from a distance. She looked to the source of the noise and smiled.

"Lyn!" Florina called out with Huey at the reins. Lyn quickly mounted herself behind Florina.

Huey flapped his wings with two people riding on top of him. They were elevated in the air from the flapping of Huey's wings and kicking of his legs. Sain and Kent quickly went to the side of their marquess to see their lady off.

"Thank you for everything this past year!" She called out to the waving group. "I'll come back soon with him, so take care!"

"Farewell, Milady!" Sain responded while waving. "Please be sure to return with lovely female companions that I could introduce myself to!"

Sain's last request earned him a smack of the head from Kent. The man quickly shook his head in exasperation after reprimanding his fellow knight. Sain rubbed the area where he was hit but was still in good spirits. The pair waved goodbye with their lord and the rest of the retainers.

"Ignore him, milady!" Kent added. "Return safely! Be well!"

Lyn nodded at her knights and the rest of Caelin who bid her goodbye. Her tears fell with joy as she would one day return to them. For now, she remained determined with her best friend to reunite with Ike...

"Thank you for everything..." Priscilla spoke to her adoptive parents with gratitude. She was enveloped in the embrace and tears of Count and Countess Caerleon all the while Raven stood at the side with a patient look. The Count appeared to be a man with dark auburn hair and a mustache while his wife had a similar lighter hair color.

After she reunited with them, she informed them that she would renounce her title as daughter of House Caerleon to become a mercenary. They tearfully understood, as her older brother was present with her.

"Oh... Do come back, dear... No matter what, you'll always be our child..." Countess Caerleon reassured Priscilla. Her light auburn hair was lightly stroked by her daughter.

Count Caerleon looked stern, yet his expression was of a gentle one. He separated from Priscilla and looked at Raven with expectations. He knew that her brother would risk his life to ensure his sibling's safety.

"Should you ever need assistance, please, let us know, Raymond..." Count Caerleon told Raven who nodded, not minding his real name was spoken.

"I appreciate that you've taken good care of my sister. Thank you, Lord Caerleon," Raven replied in a grateful tone. Just as Count and Countess Caerleon were about to reply, the four heard galloping from the stable. Priscilla looked out with excitement as she knew who was coming.

It was Guy... riding on top of Priscilla's horse coming towards them... Raven immediately facepalmed himself in frustration.

"What is he doing...?" Raven grumbled to himself, only for his mouth to gape open upon Guy reaching out to Priscilla and the latter happily took his hand as she mounted herself onto her horse behind Guy as they rode off into the distance. But Priscilla held the brightest smile Guy and Raven had ever seen from the girl as she rode off.

The Caerleon couple stood and blinked repeatedly as they then looked at Raven who was gritting his teeth with veins visible on his fist. They had just seen what appeared to be braided Sacaen boy take off with their daughter while she happily accepted his hand...

"You idiot!" Raven shouted as he ran after the pair on the horse. "You couldn't have just waited to leave!? And why are you in a hurry, Priscilla!? Don't just ride off with him without a care in the world!"

The Caerleon pair stood speechless as Raven ran after their daughter and the Sacaen as if the two were eloping.

"Forgive me, Lord Brother!" She responded to Raven whose elated expression did not match her words of apology.

"I'll keep her safe!" Guy added as he continued riding off with Priscilla.

"You realize we're supposed to go together back to Badon, right!?" Raven pointed out while still chasing after the pair. His agitation was evident as he ran as fast as he could.

The Caerleon couple saw the trio off, with Raven going at a fast pace as Priscilla's horse. A moment later, they both laughed in good faith of the Cornwell siblings together as a family (with one Sacaen lad). They would one day see them again in due time...

"Some of this and some of that..." Louise kept repeatedly handing over various items and clothing in a pile to Erk as he nervously chuckled.

He was preparing for another journey even after arriving back to House Reglay. However, the Countess was frantically adding what was practically an entire wardrobe for Erk to take with him. Even Erk knew he wouldn't be able to carry all this clothing without a teleportation spell.

"Oh... sniff..." Louise sniffled while wiping away a tear. "You're becoming a fine young man by the day, Erk... Do be sure to arrive to see your new brother."

Erk looked visibly surprised at his adoptive mother. "You believe the child to be a boy, Lady Louise?" To which Louise nodded in response.

"You could say it's my intuition..." Louise replied with a smile. "When he's born... his name will be Klein. Although if I'm wrong, her name will be Clarine..."

Erk chuckled to himself as he gave a warm smile to Louise.

"I will be back before you know it... Mother..."

Upon speaking those words, Erk found himself in a tight embrace as he was slowly being suffocated by his adoptive mother. While Erk was struggling to get some air, Pent was in his study conversing with the eldest sister of the Ilian pegasus knights.

Fiora stood shocked having been handed a jewel by Count Reglay.

"But you've already..." To which Pent raised his hand to halt her.

"Sell it," He told her in a respectful tone. "Take the gold it brings you and give it to the families of your fallen friends. It is no compensation for their loss, but..."

It was to be payment for the families of her compatriots, the rest of the Fifth Wing. Their homeland had frigid winters and often poor harvests. Other nobles and employers would scoff and treat them as mere objects as Farina once put it... She smiled at the kind and generous lord who treated them with the utmost respect as mercenaries.

"Thank you..." Just as she was about to leave for Ilia, she halted upon hearing the Count's next words.

"I must ask," He called out, making Fiora stop to hear his inquiry. "Your siblings... they're going to Tellius for different reasons, correct?"

Fiora looked visibly surprised at his question. Florina was going to work as a mercenary under Ike's father's company while Farina... was going to become a pirate. She had a severe migraine that day when her sister confessed that she was going to be a crewmate of the Davros. Not the worst kind of pirate to be but to stray away from her profession as a pegasus knight...

"If I may be so presumptuous, as an employer, can I make a new contract for you? Will you go to Tellius with my son as his bodyguard?" Pent asked to which Fiora stood shocked.

"But Lord Pent... I..."

"You will be well compensated and more gold will go to the families of your squadron. It's mostly to have him protected while he is committed to his studies, but also a way for you to stay close to your family," Pent explained to Fiora who was still astounded by his proposal. "After all, people should always be close to their families. Is that not why everyone else is hurrying to their leader's homeland?"

Fiora stood silent for a moment before nodding.

"Right, of course. Families stick together no matter what..."

Sophia stood at a gravesite in Arcadia, giving thanks to the two buried within them. Despite everything a certain man has done against Arcadia, he held remorse in his last moments. Both he and Athos were buried near one another as a last request from the latter. The elders of Arcadia obliged, as a show of respect to the people who helped build their sanctuary.

"Sophia..." Hawkeye's voice called out to the long-haired shaman. Beside him was a tanned blonde-haired girl with a mole under her left eye. She held a bow in her hand and a necklace around her neck.

"Hawkeye... Igrene... I will return with Fae..." Sophia announced before the pair.

"Take care, Sophia," Igrene bid farewell to the shaman who gave a slight smile. Her father nodded with his daughter.

Soon, faint footsteps were heard approaching the trio. It was an elderly bald man who came before Sophia. He was once known as a dragon, but his age left him unable to turn into his draconic form.

"The power of the scrying crystal has run its course. Tread lightly... Young Sophia..." The Elder warned the girl who nodded.

They could no longer see Fae's perspective from the crystal as if the connection to it was cut off. They surmised it happened around the same time a certain blue-haired mercenary returned to his homeland. Despite the boy returning, there was no sign of Fae or the Dragons who arrived in Goldoa through similar means returning.

"I understand..."

She would return with Fae and invite the former Divine Dragon, Idunn, to Arcadia. Her journey will likely be perilous, but a fulfilling one. Excitement grew in her heart as this would be her first experience of cultures outside of Arcadia. And to see the life of other dragons in a new land.

Chief Dayan sat before his son in the ger drinking wine made from horse milk. He had finally returned after his long exile to prevent the burning that their tribe's diviner mentioned fifteen years ago. Despite his mouth covered by his green-colored mustache, it still quivered at the sight of seeing his son.

It's been far too long... But Rath remained stoic since his return to the tribe. He was not much for words, even among the people of Sacae. Dayan wondered if his son was angry with him. It was understandable, considering he was only three to fend for himself out in the world...

"I will leave..." Rath declared to his father.

Dayan stood silent for a moment before nodding.

"I see..." The chieftain responded with a sense of sadness. "I understand..."

He was going to leave the tribe likely out of frustration or a lack of love for his people after they sent him away at a young age. It was understandable... He did not blame his son whatsoever...

His words were met with a shake of the head from Rath.

"It is not what you believe..." Rath corrected his father. "I am still a mercenary... alongside Guy. We are working together under the same company. I will leave to new lands working under my commander..."

The Ash Wolf was visibly surprised by his son's explanation. He remembered the braided young lad's lack of skill for hunting and archery, yet his sword arm was decent. He remembered how the boy's eyes glistened with amazement upon demonstrating his sword skills before the boy. He left the tribe three years ago to become the best swordsman.

No wonder his son was interacting with the boy's mother in particular at one point during the tribe's celebration. Guy's mother was visibly relieved and thankful to Rath upon him reaching out to her about her son's state.

"I see... Well then, may Father Sky and Mother Earth's blessings be upon you, my son. You will always be a member of our tribe..." Dayan spoke with pride in his tone.

"I will always be a proud Sacaen, wherever I go..." Rath gave a slight smile to his father. "Father Sky and Mother Earth's voice will always reach us, no matter where we are..."

Their conversation was a short, but heartfelt one. One where Rath will return to the Kutolah Tribe with fellow friends and family to truly celebrate.

"Thank you for being alive all this time..." Canas's wife, Dahlia, spoke with relief after having met the daughter of her deceased sister, Iris.

"Thank you for welcoming us here, Aunt Dahlia..." Nino replied in a grateful tone.

She remembered her sister and her family perished over a decade ago. To think the daughter lived all this time... She was surprised to see Canas's message after he sent some tomes to her and her esteemed mother-in-law. They came all this way to Ilia before leaving for the same land where the tomes he sent came from.

However, she wondered why her husband chose to bring this... rather mute red-haired fellow with the lass... They seemed close (even though the man's face brought Hugh to tears). Hugh was seen marveling at the sight of the tomes from a faraway land (another world he confessed). Hugh inherited Canas's hair and eye color while taking after her countenance. He seemed more suited for nature magic than elder magic.

Speaking of Canas... He was speaking to his mother who lived not far from here.

"Canas you stupid boy!"

And an explosion of a dark kind erupted from a distance. Her husband was seen running away from his mother who was currently chasing and casting hexes on her son. They were just catching up just a moment ago...

Niime, the Hermit... She still had vestiges of her beauty, which was currently marred by the wrinkles that appeared on the druid. What made her so angry?

"T-that is your mother...!?" Nino asked her husband who nodded frantically while his monocle miraculously remained affixed.

Nino looked visibly worried as Canas was running towards their house, surprisingly nimble despite the snow from the harsh weather of Ilia. Canas quickly ran over to Dahlia and kissed her along with Hugh, who smiled at his father's show of affection before turning to his niece and the man named Jaffar.

"Quickly! Before she catches up!" Canas hurriedly spoke as they swiftly were about to leave the house. But it was too late...

"How dare you appear before me with the smell of nature spirits! Have you forsaken our lineage!? Don't think those fancy tomes you sent me will excuse your lack of commitment to ancient magic!" Niime yelled out. She was surprisingly fast for a woman her age. She's already reached their house and barged in. She quickly stood at the other side of the table where Canas was visibly afraid and trying to avoid her wrath.

No wonder she felt something different about Canas. It appeared he could now utilize anima magic...

"N-now Mother..." Canas nervously spoke. "I-I wished to broaden my horizons... but I'm still committed to elder magic! Really!"

Her mother-in-law didn't appear convinced, as she prepared another hex in her hand, ready to launch it at her husband. Hugh was visibly shaken and shivered at the sight of his terrifying grandmother.

Dahlia sighed at the display while her guests were still there. Nino looked visibly worried as she saw this scene while this Jaffar boy had a blank look on his face.

"Mother Niime..." Dahlia called out to which the Hermit inhaled through her nose before scoffing at her son.

"I'll give you a minute head start, boy..." Niime warned her son, who quickly packed up his belongings. Giving one last show of affection to his wife and son, he headed out the door in the cold. Nino and Jaffar followed suit, but the latter glanced back and handed Dahlia a pendant with a bloodstain on the cord. This was...

"She would want you to have it," He allowed the pendant to open with a portrait of her sister and her family before the tragedy. "We will come back for it once you're ready..."

With that, they left out in the frigid snow, with her son, Hugh, waving goodbye with some tears in his eyes. After that minute that Niime gave, she just sighed and seemed to have given up on chasing her son.

One thing was certain, they all would wait for them to return safely. Dahlia looked at the pendant with a fond smile.

"Take care, everyone..."

"Are you sure you want to leave, Nils?" Ninian asked her brother who nodded.

She stood at the side of Eliwood, her beloved. They've announced their engagement since they arrived in Pherae. It caused an uproar with a dancer of unknown origins marrying the future marquess whose ascension ceremony would be a year from now. Hector was also present, deciding to be at his friend's engagement party with his retainers. It was also the re-announcement of Isadora and Harken's engagement since their return to Pherae. Their union was met with blessings from their lords.

"Still... I didn't know you wanted to go to Tellius with the others..." Eliwood added with a curious tone in his voice.

To everyone's surprise, Nils announced he would venture to Ike's homeland. A rather risky endeavor considering the state of Ike's homeland. But he explained it was a matter of curiosity that arose within him.

"Yes. I will go to Ike's homeland to learn more about people. Also..." Nils gave a fond smile as he trailed off his words. "I haven't thanked him enough. And I'm curious with people who are as accepting as him to affect his world..."

It was more out of expectations to see how Ike and his friends may change the perspective of others... With such friends and willingness to accept people like dragons and dragonkin, Nils had a desire to find out where it would lead...

Ninian smiled alongside her fiance and nodded. She took off her rings (Ninis' Grace and Filla's Might) for Nils to receive them. It was a gesture for him to keep them for his journey to Tellius.

"Thank you, Ninian. And I'll be sure to bring splendid tales when we return to Elibe."

"Hey," Hector spoke up bringing everyone's attention to the Ostian lord. He brought out a bag and unveiled it, revealing promotional items with two of every kind for mages, archers, fighters, and knights. "I got em' on a discount (using the silver card rules) back on Valor. Give them to Ike. I have a feeling he might need it. Don't tell Oswin..."

His last words were met with chuckles from the three as Nils stood with his belongings and bag in hand.

"Thank you..."

With such friends and family seeing him off, he could go anywhere with a focused mind. They will all return to celebrate with Nils playing his flute and telling stories of the sights he saw in Ike's homeland. Including the draconic brethren known as the Dragon Tribe Laguz.

"I'm glad you're coming with us, Bishop Renault..." Lucius said to his fellow acolyte. "But what spurred your decision to continue your pilgrimage in Ike's homeland...?"

Renault snorted while shaking his head.

"More for my personal reasons... I just believe I could give my assistance whenever you need it one day. But until then... I will go wherever I can to broaden my horizons..." Renault explained as his face turned to an enlightened one. His expression then turned into a humorous one as his next words would surprise Lucius. "That, and Bartre seemed rather eager to seek me out to train him since his rival had left to who knows where. I'm currently hiding from him as we speak."

Karla was said to have disappeared after they returned to Badon along with her brother. Bartre was seen eagerly wanting to ask for guidance from Renault to get stronger, much to the latter's chagrin.

Lucius chuckled at his last statement and nodded at his answer, reciprocating the bishop's smile with his own.

"Well, I suppose going to another world to avoid a man is one solution..." Lucius remarked. The pair laughed in good cheer as they slowly approached the boat.

They walked in the port of Badon seeing the former Black Fang hauling cargo onto the Davros. Igor, Jan, and the other subordinates were seen carrying various goods directed by Anna (even Jaffar joined them, which slightly unnerved them). All the while Legault, Linus, and Lloyd were looking at what appeared to be parchment explaining various things about Ike's homeland. Their brows slowly raise at times when reading. Canas seemed to be reading the guide for Nino, who was still learning how to read.

Fiora was seen with her sisters, with the trio embracing one another. It appeared she would also join them to Tellius while on a mission to act as Erk's bodyguard (not that the latter minded too much).

Dart and Geitz argued back and forth with one another about whether they should rob the latter's father's merchant ships one last time before they left. Meanwhile, Fargus looked over the maps and charts of Tellius while being assisted by Jake on which routes to take.

There was a glimpse of the violet-haired shaman whose hair was exceedingly long who was going with them to find Fae along with the Demon Dragon that was feared in the Scouring.

Lucius finally saw his fellow mercenaries and family on the boat helping with the preparation for the voyage. Even Nils was seen, having decided to come with them. He smiled at all the people who decided to go to the homeland of their beloved commander.

An hour later, they all entered the ship, with Wil and Rebecca waving goodbye to the ship that was leaving. Dart waved back at his little sister and childhood friend. They would depart for Tellius, Ike's continent in another world.

"Make sure to eat well, Brother!" Rebecca shouted.

"And bring back Ike for a proper celebration, milady!" Wil called out to Lyn who nodded.

"We'll see you all soon!" Lyn replied while waving.

"I'll be the King of the Pirates in Tellius!" Dart announced to which Fargus took a swig of his ale and laughed at his mate's enthusiasm.

Everyone on the ship looked to the horizon after leaving the port, as Anna and Jake nodded to one another. Bringing out a rather strange artifact from her pocket, it projected out a light, and from it, an aquamarine orb surrounded by crystals and runes appeared in front of the ship. The crew and people on the ship marveled at the sight as they inched closer to the newly made portal.

"This artifact works every few months! So close your eyes! It's going to be bright!" Anna announced to everyone.

With that, they were immersed in sparkling blue light, as they disappeared from Elibe and the world...

"My, Ike has been doing well as a proper mercenary," Gatrie remarked with Shinon grunting in response. "Still, to do that rather nasty habit..."

They noticed the boy who had been missing for a year performed exceedingly well as an officer for the past two months. His combat experience made him a terrifying foe against ruffians and pirates alike. Ike still followed the commands of Titania, which he could have technically led missions (at the behest of his father) but chose not to as a gesture of proving to himself to the company by his merits. He was being considerate of his fellow mercenaries who held their rank by their achievements.

That made Shinon at the very least tolerate Ike's presence. As Shinon put it, "He knows his place..."

However, what happened in the aftermath of his missions was even more surprising as Gatrie remarked...

"I-Ike!" Titania exclaimed upon seeing a pile of used weapons on a sled.

The members surveyed the surroundings and the bodies of the pirates to see that their weapons had been looted. Even the ship that the pirates came from seems to be emptied out. Boyd, Oscar, Rhys, and Gatrie looked visibly worried by the act that Ike had done.

Shinon didn't complain, yet he raised a curious eyebrow at the act done by the commander's son. He'd probably do the same, yet it was surprising for the boy to do so.

"Sorry..." Ike replied while scratching the back of his head. "We could sell the weapons of the bandits and the ship to sailors at a reduced cost... The company could use the extra funds..."

Titania blinked repeatedly to consider what Ike had just spoken along with everyone present in their task. On the contrary, Shinon shrugged to himself as he approached the bodies of the pirates and began looting them.

"Shinon, don't join in on his stealing!" Boyd complained while exasperated by the actions of his fellow companions.

"The dead ain't gonna complain, he probably stole the axe from somewhere anyways..." Shinon pointed out while taking some vulneraries and axes. "Besides, no use leaving it for other ruffians to take em', might as well have the extra coin on hand..."

Rhys quietly prayed to himself while Oscar sighed with his brother at the actions of Ike and Shinon. Gatrie and Titania merely looked concerned, while the latter pondered what happened to the young apprentice who disappeared for the past year.

Ike received no reprimand for his actions, but only a concerned look from everyone after his conduct.

"Still, to make the Commander sweat for his victory at that time..." Gatrie added to which Shinon remained silent.

They witnessed that spar between father and son. Greil was visibly exhausted after sparring to prove Ike's mettle to start his official duties. Everyone in the company stood shocked with even Shinon holding a wide-eyed expression from the entire battle.

The wooden training blades were not enough to take the weight of their swings... While Shinon could proudly proclaim his commander as one of the strongest in Tellius, even he had to admit that Ike was no slouch (much to his dismay). Should a serious fight ever occur, even Shinon knew that their sub-commander may not even prevail against the boy.

The rest of the company pondered on how he gained so much experience, but he didn't reveal much other than working as a mercenary in another land...

Shinon immediately shook off such thoughts as he wanted to focus on the mission. "Stay sharp, Gatrie. Lest Ikey-boy decides to show off..." Gatrie immediately became alert as he needed to improve his performance. After all, how could he impress the ladies if Ike decided to swoop in and steal the spotlight?

They took the route to Port Talma after receiving reports of pirates off the coast. They were said to not do anything other than shoot fire magic up in the air for the past day... Still, it alarmed residents and sailors of the town to avoid going to the port.

Shinon sat from a good vantage point near a tree that offered stealth and a view of the ship in the distance. Shinon frowned at the ship getting closer to the port.

"They've begun to get closer to the port... prepare for thunder and lighting tactics, Gatrie," Shinon told his partner. He soon frowned at the lack of response from Gatrie. "Gatrie...?"

He looked over to his partner who looked flabbergasted and turned to where Gatrie was staring and scowled.

"What is that idiot doing!?" Shinon cursed out as he heard the galloping of horses from behind him. Oscar and Titania came up to their position while Boyd and Rhys rode behind them.

"Where's Ike? He was supposed to be at one of our vantage points," Titania asked the pair. Shinon however clicked his tongue while pointing in the direction with the tongue-tied Gatrie also following suit. Upon closer examination, they saw the mercenary staring vacantly at the approaching pirate ship. Everyone who saw this scene was dumbfounded by the audacity of Ike standing in front of where the pirates would land.

"What is he trying to do!? Is he trying to face them alone!?" Boyd exclaimed while Oscar also looked visibly surprised despite his eyes not being visible.

"Should we help him?" Rhys asked while worried.

"Bah! I knew he'd be an overconfident whelp!" Shinon spat out.

"Prepare for maneuvers! Get into positions!" Titania announced.

They placed themselves near the tavern of the town with their weapons ready while Rhys stood behind Gatrie and Boyd with Shinon. Oscar and Titania went ahead to reach out to Ike who stood staring at the decks of the pirate ship that approached.

"Ike, what are you doing!?" Oscar called out but to no avail.

"There's pirates ready to attack! You have to get into position!" Titania told the boy. Contrary to expectations, Ike ran to the wharf, as if desperate to reach there. "Ike!?"

Ike frantically reached and stood still at the wharf, with one of the supposed pirates whistling at the sight of the blue-haired mercenary reaching the pier. The pair of former Crimean knights and some of the mercenaries panicked at the sight of a line of supposed pirates at the edge of the decks. But Ike stood unafraid, his expression only of elation. The Greil Mercenaries wondered if Ike had gone crazy. One of the pirates jumped out from the deck, and upon closer look, it was a woman in a ponytail...

Her hair color was the same as Boyd and Oscar's, with emerald eyes and wearing a one-piece blue garment with a standing collar and short sleeves. She was a woman whom Gatrie would flirt with if given the chance. But they were confused as to why she alone jumped out of the ship, as she held an excited expression with tears in her eyes. And who she was looking at was...

"""Ike!?"""

The boy in question only held out his arms as if he were trying to receive her. Catching her in midair and spinning with Ike holding her in his arms on the pier, they embraced one another with the two tightly holding one another in their arms. Separating from one another in their embrace while still holding each other, their face became closer as their lips met with one another.

Gatrie choked at the sight while the rest of the Greil Mercenaries had their mouths gaping open. All the while the pirates and passengers of the ship who witnessed this scene cheered and whistled in jubilation. Shinon facepalmed at the scene groaning in frustration.

"Seriously!? You make us go through all this mess over a girlfriend you've made!?" Shinon ranted while Gatrie stood frozen, envious of the scene before him.

The rest of the company had more questions to ask upon seeing this scene. Who were these people? Who was Ike's new lover? Where did he find all these people?

Lyn and Ike's lips parted and smiled at one another. They were both happy to no end upon reuniting.

"You all came..." Ike said in a relieved tone as the couple looked up to see their comrades lined up greeting their commander.

Lucius, Raven, Priscilla, Guy, Rath, Canas, Erk, Florina, and even some familiar faces were seen greeting him. His men were here, they all came this way to Tellius...

"We're finally here, Ike!" Raven announced to his commander with a rare smile.

Guy held a toothy grin while Rath also smiled in kind, nodding at his commander. Priscilla held a bright smile and Lucius stood by his fellow spellcasters sharing their greetings. The Black Fang were at the side waving their hands at Ike.

"Took a while to prepare... and a lot to take in about this land..." Legault said while visibly tired but smiling nonetheless.

"Still gonna need some help adjusting! Hope you know your way around here!" Linus called out while Lloyd gave a warm greeting along with their youngest sibling. Jaffar stood silent but nodding, wearing a simple shirt and trousers.

The pirates of the Davros still were celebrating while taking a swig of their ale. They were all in good cheer upon reuniting with their employer even after he went ahead without them.

Florina smiled fondly at Lyn's happiness while surrounded by her sisters. All the while Nils was surprisingly seen on top of the deck. Ike wasn't aware that Fiora and Nils would be present. And there was one enigmatic bishop seen from a corner quietly giving a slight grin.

Lyn turned to Ike with the brightest smile in her life. The best he's ever seen from Lyn. One that he will always remember from her from this day forward.

"Our home is together..." She declared. "No matter where we go, Ike. We live, we fight, and we'll walk together with Father Sky and Mother Earth's blessings."

"Right," Ike nodded with the Sacaen woman. "We'll be together, always..."

Once again, they embraced and enveloped their lips with one another once more. Their kiss met with more cheers from the people on the ship.

That day, the Greil Mercenaries in Tellius welcomed more family into their company...