Interlude ~Base Convos Part 24~
"It can't be... Lloyd. Linus. Please tell me it isn't true!" Nino cried out to her brothers. Their expressions were solemn, unable to say anything else.
All the Black Fang were alone with Nino and Jaffar in the forest. Lloyd and Linus explained to Nino the truth about Sonia. In the next moment, Lloyd revealed a pendant with a blood stain on its cord. Opening it revealed a picture of Nino and her real family. Her eyes widened in shock or seeing the pendant and picture.
"... Father received it from a woman who worked in your household. He wanted you to have it at the right opportunity..." Lloyd explained to his stepsister. "Unfortunately, that... literal monster sabotaged our plans and risked your life. Even killed father..."
Tears fell from Nino's eyes as she shook her head. She didn't want to believe that the one she wanted to prove herself to was a fraud and kidnapped her from her real family. But she knew her brothers wouldn't lie to her.
Jaffar stood silent and believed the entire story. It made sense knowing that Sonia was never Nino's real mother. Moreover, her physical features did match up with morphs he's seen. However, the reason why Nino remained alive and was taken away by Nergal and Sonia eluded Jaffar and many others.
"All this time, I wanted to have a phony give me love... what is real, Lloyd? Linus?" Nino sobbed as her tears kept falling from her eyes. "What family do I have left?"
Her voice cracked in sorrow as she cried. Jaffar wanted to say something to comfort her. It was then that Lloyd brought Nino into his arms and stroked the back of her head.
"Hush now. You're our beloved sister. We're family. It's not blood that ties us together," Lloyd reassured Nino with his ever-charming smile. "So don't cry. You must live for the future."
Linus took a step forward and patted her head. "That's right, lass. We're your brothers. Even Father thought of you in his last moments. So stand tall."
Legault nodded at Linus's last statement. Jan witnessed Brendan's last stand and words. He wanted all of them to live to the fullest. He was counting on all of them to do so. Then again...
"Ha... I just realized..." Legault muttered as everyone's attention went to the scarred assassin. "When all of this business is over, the Fang's original purpose can no longer continue."
Everyone, save for Jaffar, became sullen at Legault's conclusion. The manpower they had was far too little given that Sonia and her cronies cleared most of their trusted subordinates. With just Jan, Igor, and a few subordinates at best, it was unrealistic to continue their operations. Not only that, they would be hunted down.
Murdock was being VERY lenient towards the old Fang. With Nino and Jaffar almost being Prince Zephiel's killers, they were lucky to be granted mercy by the Wyvern General and the Dragon Fang General. Given that Sonia's deal with King Desmond went under, it was likely that any surviving members would be wanted and hunted down. Even the ones from the military as part of the deal with the Fang would be silenced by the King to cover up his tracks. Even Murdock's last words through his subordinate were effective: once you're done here, never come back. Not even he would go out of his way to vouch for a pardon.
Lloyd, Linus, and Nino were sad to know their original purpose in taking down the corrupt and giving help to those without strength was to end. Legault felt similarly but was more worried about how the surviving members would live. Jaffar was... it was difficult to pinpoint his motives. He seemed to be more in the group for Nino. Lloyd and Linus were strong and likely to be in contact with their sister. Likely everyone, including himself, would be forced to leave Bern for their safety. He wondered if anyone could turn to honest living...
"If you're thinking of finding some honest work for everyone, I've got just the thing."
Everyone's attention went to a familiar blue-haired mercenary commander.
"Ike. Finished talking with Anna?" Legault inquired to which Ike nodded.
"Yup... and it was complicated, to say the least."
"So what's the big deal, Anna? Tellius is in another world, not separated by the sea or whatever. So how do you and your sisters procure items from there and sell them to me? Why can't you sell them to the rest of Elibe and why are you so restrictive in not even allowing me to let a letter be sent to my family?" Ike demanded, hoping to get an answer from the enigmatic merchant.
Jake was off organizing the loot and supplies for Anna, as she obliged in speaking with Ike after an urgent request from the commander.
The woman in question smiled, having her signature pose with her finger on her chin.
"The matter of the lack of a messenger service is more of a business policy across worlds... Very well, I'll let you in on the secret..." Anna winked, which garnered no reaction from Ike. "To tell you the truth, Jake and I aren't natives in Elibe. We're from a place called Archanea. Within another world."
It was then that Ike raised his eyebrows at the revelation. Then again, it was believable given the circumstances. Archanea... He never heard of such a place, but didn't ponder too much on the matter. He was in Elibe and needed to get back to Tellius.
"We dreamed of leaving the continent, so we did. My sisters made going to various places and other worlds possible. Either by a gate similar to the Dragon's Gate in Valor, or by an artifact. That's how Jake and I arrived here," Anna explained while Ike listened to every word. So they did have a method of crossing to other worlds.
While Ike pondered on the matter, Anna continued: "To tell you the truth, when you appeared in Elibe, we thought something might have gone wrong and you stumbled into one of our thingamajigs and ended up in Elibe. That's why we gave you an exclusivity deal."
So that was the reason why Tellius's occultic scrolls and tomes were available to Ike. They assumed there was an accident, which is why they offered a solution. Then again, if they believed it to be an accident, why was he forced to have to pay 300,000 gold to get himself back? Then again... 'appeared'?
"You just said 'appeared', both of you knew I was transported here before I came to Badon, am I right?" Ike queried to the red-haired merchant, who nodded. It was then that Anna gave a more neutral expression.
"Not only are we merchants, we act as stewards, seers across worlds. We observe the flow of history and events of the world while minimizing direct interference or intervention when necessary. Our operations as merchants are not only for making money through commerce across worlds, but to check for the stability of the world. We have to carry out this duty in exchange for business. Jake is involved in this matter to a lesser extent but is supportive of me. That is the work of the Anna Merchants," Anna explained in a serious tone. A far cry from her playful demeanor.
That was a huge responsibility for a merchant network of identical sisters. Then again, Ike realized the truth. Anna and Jake have not exactly been subtle in being involved up to this point. They were more involved with him in Elibe.
"And the 300,000 gold? I suppose it is that expensive to use some sort of magical teleportation artifact?" Ike questioned Anna, who shook her head after a brief moment of pause. Ike became dumbfounded by her response.
Why was it not expensive for that amount? He would have understood since it is a world-hopping artifact or some spell to take people to another world.
"No, I'm sorry," Anna closed her eyes as she confessed. She opened her eyes to an exasperated Ike who was about to demand an answer. "That was an excuse to keep you here in Elibe. It was a matter of necessity given how involved you were in this land. Nothing from Tellius was to be present here... You were never meant to be here, but now you've become an important figure who is involved in the fate of the entire continent of Elibe. None of the people you've met or the people you fought were supposed to meet you. Think on that for a bit."
Ike became confused over Anna's confession, but then realized the truth about the veracity of her claims. Nergal, the dragons, Prince Zephiel becoming a significant figure in Bern and preventing his death... All of his participation could be said to greatly influence the history of Elibe in retrospect.
To think he was never to meet Lyn or the others originally. He supposed they would do just fine without him. With Guy working on his swordsmanship, Rath preventing the second Scouring, Raven probably watched over by his sister and Lucius, and Erk becoming a great mage. But now he has a responsibility for them being involved with him. He knew they would accompany him as family.
He also hoped history books or archives would never reference him as the "hero who came from another world". He didn't care for fame or attention. He was just a mercenary, nothing more.
"I see..." Ike muttered. "I just hope the deal with the Davros goes through at least. We made that transaction, after all. Fargus deserves to be repaid with an adventure in Tellius."
He was resigned to going through with finishing his work and the conditions set by Anna. He didn't want to leave Elibe to undergo a second Scouring or allow a grieving madman on the loose.
Anna nodded and smiled. "Of course, we always keep our end of the bargain," She reassured. However, her expression turned serious, making Ike uneasy from her change in mood. "But since your involvement in Elibe, the gears have begun to shift. As stewards across worlds, we know how winds can change. Elibe has a new future laid out... with Tellius changing its path as we speak... And with new possibilities, comes business... That is why we may very well have to bring others from Elibe into Tellius. That's why Jake and I have to now intervene." The corners of her lips raised as she spoke her last statement. Her next set of words haunted Ike the next moment. "After all, you cannot gain business in a ruined world."
Ike felt a premonition from Tellius being involved. Assuming the Davros was to never sail to Tellius, he wondered if bringing the others with him to Tellius was the reason why the continent's future was new. If what Anna was saying was true, and that everyone he met or had under his command was never to be involved with Tellius, he was responsible for their futures... Futures that he will ensure that they live well while under his command... For better or worse, he would have to be involved in the fate of both continents in both worlds for a place that his friends and family could live in... Now there was another question to ask...
"What's happening in Tellius? Is there war or something?" Ike asked Anna, as she became silent. Her silence unnerved Ike as the thought of the Greil Mercenaries in Crimea being embroiled in war without him to protect his family could drive him mad.
Anna shook her head the next moment, calming Ike's anxiety. "Not exactly... More accurately, there are people like you but from Elibe at this very moment interacting with people who have a hand in the fate of Tellius. Those who were never meant to interact with one another..."
It was then that Ike became alerted once again at the implication. Yune knew whom Anna was referring to within Ike's mind.
"You're saying people from here have come to Tellius!? Who!?"
However, Anna shook her head at Ike's inquiry.
"It's best to focus on finishing your job. There's nothing you can do at this very moment. I, or both of us have to deal with it when you return to Tellius. By the way, I need some helping hands. The Black Fang has its old members in need of work and likely to be fugitives. When I begin my services in Tellius, they'll be better off there than in Elibe..."
"So... Anna offered to hire you guys for labor, info-gathering, or guard work. She says she might need it for when she comes with me to Tellius. After all..." Ike looked at the group before him as he trailed off. "You all need to live the best you can without being chased by bounty hunters. I'd say coming to my homeland might do you some good. I'll even talk to my father if you want to try mercenary work for people."
Aside from maybe Jaffar, everyone could get work and live peacefully in Tellius. With people like Zephiel coming to power, their work in helping the people and taking down the corrupt may no longer be needed. Heath and Vaida coming back to the military would ensure no idiots exploiting or using the manpower for their own needs.
Lloyd and Linus looked at one another while Nino held a hopeful expression. It wasn't a bad deal, all things considered. For their sister's sake, they could deal with merchant work, considering Anna had a reputation to uphold. The old Fang were all vagrants and misfits before becoming assassins. The remaining men they trusted could live honestly while in hiding.
"That means... Uncle Jan, Uncle Legault, my brothers, and Jaffar can live together? In your homeland?" Nino asked Ike, who nodded.
Nino wasn't exactly debriefed on the matter of Ike coming from another continent (or another world for that matter). He'll have to chalk it up for Anna to reveal the matter to everyone, as ridiculous as it was. It wasn't like her method of world-hopping was a one-way trip.
On another note, Legault twitched at being referred to as an uncle. He was in his twenties, not much older than the Reed brothers... He swore he saw Linus snort at Legault's expression at being called an older gentleman.
"Yup. I hope you can meet my sister. She's the same age as you. Plus, your uncle-in-law is currently in our company. He could help you in your reading and writing efforts."
Mist and Nino were 14-years-old. They should get along, assuming Nino and the others get situated in Crimea. Anna did say they would likely begin their business in Melior, the capital of Crimea. A place where Erk and Canas would likely peruse the royal library and study. There, Nino can get assistance with her literacy as well as progress her magical talents.
Nino happily nodded while the Reed brothers shrugged to themselves. Might as well take the job offer... They could bring Jan and the others along.
"Heh, and here I thought I would live as a thief or mountain bandit..." Legault remarked humorously, causing the Reed brothers to chuckle at his plans. "I planned on making a sleazy form of living, and you came to get us jobs. Thank you."
Ike shook his head in response. "Don't mention it. Thank Anna. It's also my way of repaying Brendan for his trust in me. He'd want all of you to live well."
Nino then turned to Jaffar who remained silent the entire time.
"Jaffar... I hope you'll be able to come with us."
The old Fang had their reservations about the man, but he proved his merit when he protected Nino.
"...OK..." Jaffar nodded with a softened expression. Jaffar turned to Ike the next moment. "I'll do whatever job you see fit. I have a debt to repay."
Ike shook his head. He honestly wasn't that angry over the incident. But he had to calm the others down by having Jaffar be under his watch. Whatever work he had planned was mainly just the usual fending off enemies.
"Just... live honestly. There's a lot about you that can't be forgiven. All I can have you do is keep moving forward and face the messes you've made, head-on. Wanting to do something that matters is enough..." Ike answered promptly. He soon left the vicinity, but not before leaving one last reminder: "There's going to be a day when you believe you don't deserve happiness, and that may be true. If you want to give compensation, then focus on making those you care about, happy. And accept when they want to share their happiness with you. Never deny yourself of it no matter how much of a wretch you are."
There will come a day when Jaffar realizes empathy. And when his sins weigh upon himself. For now, he just has to accept that and keep fighting for the people who deserve to be happy. The very girl who gave him feelings. And he must never deprive himself of happiness as penance.
Jaffar stood silent and nodded, watching the young leader leave the forest. He would live and dedicate himself to the one girl who deserved happiness, Nino.
Ike walked to the camp near the village and heard Guy's voice resound in the forest.
"In one year's time, I swear I will master the blade! Enough to match you-enough to best you!" Guy declared. "So please, I seek your guidance!"
The person Guy pleaded to was none other than Karel, the Sword Demon. Karla's brother who they found within the Black Fang base. Karel gave an appraising gaze towards Guy and raised a single brow.
"No doubt Karla went easy on you. I could tell from your clumsy swordplay, yet you hold potential," Karel then shook his head in refusal. "If you wish to make my blood roil from your swordsmanship, develop it on your own."
So Karla did hold back despite saying Guy managed to match her swordplay. Then again, Guy was notably tired after that match before they stormed the Black Fang base. She didn't unleash the full extent of her skills in the end against Guy.
"I know... she barely broke a sweat during our spar, while I gave it my all to scratch her..." Guy admitted. "But that is why I need to seek guidance from a true master if I want to break past my current limits. I know I've become far stronger since my journey and swordplay improved. But your skills are renowned and I need to know what it is like to learn from a master. So please!"
Ike believed Guy could achieve results on his own but the latter didn't believe that. Guy felt he needed to seek a master to reach his full potential.
"Hmph, I was privy to the mystical skills you and your cohorts held. But you managed to exceed expectations with your unique take..." Karel then snorted and gave a slight grin. "Very well. From tonight, we begin your training. Prepare yourself."
Guy became ecstatic and answered: "Yes, Master!" With that, he left the vicinity leaving just Karel and Ike.
Karel faced Ike's position, having sensed him a long time ago. "You are the leader. I sense great potential in you... Who is your teacher?"
So now it was introductions of mentors? Ike didn't mind answering Karel.
"My sword fighting skills were given to me by my father. The greatest mercenary and the strongest swordsman I know..."
Greil could be said to be no longer in his prime, especially since the death of his wife, Elena. Ike still remembered how brilliant his swordsmanship was. He chalked it up to his years catching up to him and the stress affecting his combat ability. Even now, his stance and swordplay are based on Greil's.
"What a coincidence, my father taught me as well. And the fact I heard you come from beyond this continent has me all the more interested," Karel remarked as he looked at Ike curiously, and a sense of a predator eyeing his prey. "Swordsmanship runs in our blood, our clan lived for the sword, and died by it. That is the way of the blade since our ancestors arrived in Sacae..."
So swordplay is their tradition? But his clan dying...
"Did your family die fighting?" Ike queried to Karel, who nodded.
"Indeed..." Ike became sullen and was about to apologize for bringing up the subject. At least until he heard Karel's next words.
"After all... our parents were slain by my blade. Along with my two other siblings."
Ike became alarmed by Karel's revelation. He then held the pommel of his blade while appalled by Karel's actions and words.
Karel then chuckled at Ike's reaction. "Why do you abhor my actions? Blades are wielded to kill, you are no different from me, one who has killed so many..." He then looked at his blood-red blade. "Karla and I are bound by destiny to this sword and only one can wield it. Our father knew this and tried to protect it. One of us will fall and only one shall carry this blade."
Karel refused to cut down his sister at the time, due to her not being worthy of fighting. Even though their mother was also cut down despite not being allowed to wield the blade, she alone was left alive. But time changes, and he craved to cleave his own family.
"Huh, is that so? Sorry, but there's so much to point out that I can't even begin to describe how different we are from one another." Ike responded, still exasperated by Karel's belief. Karel remained silent but narrowed his eyes at Ike. "I don't know what compels a man to kill his own family, and I don't need to preach how terrible your way of life is. Whatever sad excuse of a life you have, keep it to yourself. And I'm sure as hell your sister doesn't see the same way you do."
He could tell Karla only wanted to find her brother. Genuine concern like any family should. But this man was conscious of his actions. He should have never willingly turned his blade on his family.
Ike then unsheathed his blade and pointed it at Karel. He knew his skills were still too green. Nevertheless, he had to prove to Karel the only way the Sword Demon could comprehend.
"Your swordplay is still immature..." Despite pointing out Ike's current skills, Karel still readied his blade. "Despite that, you still wish to prove to me your beliefs? Our existence is no different from our swords. I cannot live without the taste of blood, just like how you cannot live without killing as a mercenary."
Ike stood upright with his blade behind him, his left arm bent, and almost full of openings but nowhere to exploit. Karel felt his anticipation at its peak, despite his opponent's skills still far from its potential. He wondered how much it would be improved if this mercenary commander and his men lived to the next year.
"I admit, your swordskills are probably the greatest in Elibe. But if I stay true to my father's teachings and way of the blade, I cannot lose. I know Guy will follow a similar path and he'll surpass you." Ike pointed his blade at Karel once again. "I fight for my friends! My family!"
Ike somersaulted into the air after throwing his blade into the air, while Karel held a euphoric expression as he dashed towards Ike. It only took two strikes that moment to prove Ike's resolve to Karel, the Sword Demon.
Try as he could, he could not parry that final strike. It was similar to what Guy displayed when he sparred with him, only that it was a thrust attack at the beginning and predictable. Guy's variant of launching his blade up in the air and the follow-up from the ground did not hold that much power. In the end, Karel's blood-red blade was chipped. Only a Hammerne staff could restore the blade to its original state.
Karel's hand was trembling with a growing sense of frustration. He glared at Ike, who sheathed his blade after having damaged his own. Had the battle continued, it would be in Karel's favor in the end. He was faster and more skilled with the blade. Yet all it took was a single follow-up strike to stun the swordmaster and chip his sword.
"Why do you not continue? Why do you not strike me down? Do you pity me?" He asked with contempt in his tone. The mercenary commander in question didn't look back and kept walking away.
"That was just a new trick I finally got around to doing. You were caught by surprise, so I don't expect you to fall for it the second time. Also," Ike turned to Karel before he left the forest. "I don't want Karla to be sad just after we hired her. So stop being a lousy brother by asking for a death wish."
With that, Ike left the forest, to return to the camp.
'What a lousy blade if it chipped from a single strike. Families died for that thing?' Ike thought to himself.
Steel blades are more durable than that thing... A flimsy excuse for a blade to be held in high regard.
Unbeknownst to Ike and a distraught Karel, Karla stood having watched the entire debacle.
'I doubt this will sway him from the destiny of our blood for long... but thank you...'
AN: Accidentally short cut a chapter but will make the next part soon.