Title: Of Flowers and Cabals - Part 2
Description: Marc and Nah set off to find the rare flower, Naga's Bell. Meanwhile the Justice Cabal follows behind, plotting their typical antics.
Standing on the tips of his toes, Marc strained to shelf above his head. Fumbling blindly for several moments, eventually trial and error brought his hand onto the old tattered tome he's spotted. While it had no title on its spine, the single ornate flower had caught his eye. It took a couple gentle tugs to dislodge the book, Marc remaining careful not to use too much force and potentially damage the fragile book.
Dusting off the cover, Marc peeled back the first few pages. Each were adorned with lavish illustrations of various herbs and flora along with detailed notes of their properties and uses. Good, another promising one. Marc smiled, setting the tome aside on the large stack next to him.
It was already late in the evening, the day having been spent scouring the library for any details regarding the elusive Naga's Bell he could find. So far he'd stumbled across little more than a few scattered mentions, a paragraph here in regard to its significance in an seven hundred year old religious ceremony here, a sentence about its rarity there. So far he'd found nothing about what regions it grew or, more crucially, when it bloomed.
It had to be soon. Naga wouldn't have given Nah an impossible task.
He sighed. Still, he had a lot of ground left to cover. The palace library was huge, many of tomes and scrolls having been there since before the founding of Ylisse, back when the region and the continent still bore the name Akaneia. The collection had been added to over the centuries since. Matter of fact, you could probably fill an entire bookcase with the additions his father had made if gathered in one place. And he's only so much as searched the smallest fraction of it.
Still, he didn't mind the work. It gave him something to do to keep his mind off of the embarrassing turn the morning had taken. If he stopped now he'd just end up dwelling on that and worry so much he'd drive himself crazy. Better to keep busy and do something productive.
Moving over to the next shelf, Marc picked through a couple more tomes, finding two more that seemed promising. By now he had a sizeable stack and would take some time to get through them all. Bending down, Marc grunted as he hefted the pile off the floor. Marc staggered, the unwieldy weight throwing him of balance. He tipped and nearly toppled over but managed to right himself at the last moment.
"Whew," Marc breathed.
Readjusting his grip, Marc wobbled back out from the line of shelves, peaking around the towering stack to watch for obstacles. So far so good, just a little further and-
"Umph!"
Before Marc could react someone had stepped out from an aisle ahead of him, running headlong into him. Barely keeping his balance as he was, Marc stood no chance. He fell back, the tomes spilling onto the floor all around him. One smacked him right on the top of his head, bouncing off his skull with a dull thump.
"Ow." Marc rubbed his head, soothing the throbbing ache. Yep, that was going to be bump.
"You okay there kiddo?"
Marc opened his eyes, finding his father standing over him, hand outstretched to help him up.
"Sorry about that, looks like neither of us were looking where we were going," he continued, Marc taking his hand. With a heave he pulled Marc upright
"It was my fault, carrying this many books at once was a bad idea." Marc sighed, stooping down to pick up his mess.
His father smiled, a soft chuckle falling from his lips "Why don't we just agree it was both voice faults and both try to be a bit more observant in the future." Kneeling down as he spoke, he began to help retrieve the scattered books. He paused after picking up one of the heavier tomes. Scanning the titled he opened it, flipping through a few pages. " huh, I didn't know you were getting into gardening," he observed, closing and setting the book atop the more organized stack the two were making.
"Not exactly," Marc admitted, frowning. He shifted nervously, not wanting to say more. But at the questioning look his father have him, raised eyebrow and all, he knew at once not answering fully would only look stranger. He sighed, resigning himself to giving the full story.
Speaking slowly, Marc recalled what had happened earlier that morning, including his shared prayer with Nah and the quest Naga had set them on.
As he spoke his father's expression changed: his eyes lips slowly curling into a knowing smile. Marc could guess what he was thinking, and, well... it did little more than to make him feel more embarrassed.
His father must have noticed it too. Not that was a difficult task, Marc was blushing rather perfusely by the time he was done speaking. "I understand, say no more," he said, grinning as Marc's face got even redder. "I think it's a great idea, helping Nah out with this flower quest." Stooping down, he picked up one of the two stacks of tomes they'd made. Marc followed suit, two of them carrying the books over to a table.
"I'm glad you think so, but..." Marc said, trailing off. He absently kicked at a dust bunny near the toe of his boot. "... I already screwed things up." He whispered that last part, hanging his head in shame.
"What do you mean?"
"I... got embarrassed, ran off. I'm scared she won't..." his cheeks burned again and he quickly added "want to be my friends. Yes, that's what I meant to say."
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that," his father said, flashing him yet another grin. "Here let me tell you a story. It's about when your mother and I got together, so it's not exactly the same, being the two of you are just friends, afterall."
Something about his father's tone suggested he was thinking the exact opposite of that, but Marc let it go. Not that had the courage to... you know, argue the point. If he did he'd have, well admit the truth in his father's unspoken guess.
"About a month after your mother joined us, things between us got, well, about as awkward as you could get. Both of us had feelings, but neither if us had the courage to say anything. We both believed the other couldn't possibly feel the same way back."
His father ran a hand over one of the tomes, his expression distant and thoughtful. "This one time accidentally put my hand on your mother's. She got embarrassed and ran off, I thought for sure I'd offended her." He paused, smiling softly. "Turns out she thought the same thing, that she'd offended me."
"So you think Nah might think she upset me somehow?" Marc asked, his voice little more than a whisper.
"It's possible," he father answered. "What important is that you do tell her. Like I did with your mother. That's the end of my story, actually: I realized she deserved to know why I was acting strange around her."
"Were you scared?" Marc asked.
"Terrified," his father admitted. "One of the hardest thing I've ever done. But once I did, well, the rest his history." His smile broadened and he added, "bringing flowers helps too, but I see you already got that covered."
Marc blushed for what had to be billionth time that day, eliciting a laugh from his father. "I know, I know, you two are 'just friends'." He paused, his smile faltering. "By the way, what was so embarrassing that you ran away? You didn't mention before."
Marc gave a quick rundown of what had happened with Morgan and her friends, and how they'd been spying on them.
"Oh, well, I wouldn't be too worried about them. You know how she is. I'm sure you'll be fine from here on out," his father said once he'd finished. Though something about his tone and expression made Marc think that his father was thinking something entirely different regarding his sister and her friends. What though, Marc could not guess.
"What I am more worried about is finding this flower, Naga's Bell. It only blooms once every 200 years, what if we can't find it? What if I let her down?"
His father placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "Even if you don't find it, the fact that you are helping so much will mean a lot to her regardless. Trust me, you'll do fine," he assured him.
Marc nodded, but otherwise gave no other reply.
"Naga's bell," his father repeated, his expression becoming withdrawn, eyes distant. "Hold on I think..." He walked over to one of the shelves, picking through the tomes before pulling out an old, green book. He flipped through the pages then smiled. "I thought it sounded familiar. I'd read something about the flower Naga's Bell a couple weeks ago. I think this is what you need," he said, handing Marc the open book.
Quickly Marc round through the open page, then flipped it to read the next. At once his expression brightened. "Father, I... Thank you so much! It looks like the flower blooms this year, and in two days no less. Says here they grow in the mountains north of here, too." Setting the book aside he threw his arms around his father, nearly staggering him with the force of his hug.
He held it for only a instant, letting go to hurry away, scooping up the book and shouting back over his shoulder as he went. "Sorry, got too run. I need to tell Nah right away. Thank you!"
"Good luck, kiddo!" His father laughed, waving his hand.
Marc could not wait to tell Nah the good news
. . . . .
Morgan peered through the end of her spyglass, squinting as she tried to make out the small, unfocused image.
"Something's wrong, I can't really see anything."
"Um, Morgan, the other end," Cynthia chided, a sigh in her voice.
"Huh, the other..." Morgan lowered the telescope from her eye, gazing at it for another moment before it registered that she's been looking through the big end. "Oh, duh!" She slapped her forehead, the impact carrying enough force to make an audible smack. Fumbling with the spyglass, she turned it around, double checking she was looking down the correct end this time.
"You really aren't doing yourself any favors today when it comes to the ol 'total airhead or genius' Morgan debate," Cynthia said. "Let's just hope your plan displays the later."
"Don't worry, I have engaged the Morgan secret special trap. No way this fails," Morgan assured her, grinning from ear to ear.
"Is it a pit trap?" Cynthia asked. From her tone Morgan didn't need to look to tell she was rolling her eyes.
"What? How did you know?" Morgan asked, turning to her friend.
Cynthia opened her mouth to answer, but was stopped dead in her tracks as Owain's voice burst forth.
"Isn't is obvious, Cynthia of the soaring skies has manifested a new power born of her heroic lineage. It must either be some sort of telepathic sense or... No, prophetic vision! Tell us, was this the first instance that this glorious power has revealed itself or- Ow!" Owain yelped as Cynthia smacked him upside the head.
"Will you quiet down, someone might hear us! And I don't have any psychic powers," Cynthia hissed, shutting Owain up.
"Well... At any rate, my plan is still brilliant, that's the important part," Morgan said, beaming. "I dug these pitfa this morning, no way they are avoiding this one." She didn't even have to explain how she picked this spot, the three of them having listened in as Marc excitedly told Nah where and when they'd search for some flower or something like that. It might have been a gift for Naga,she really wasn't sure. At any rate, this road is the most likely one they'd take into the mountains they had been planning to set off to for a couple days now.
"And this accomplishes what, exactly?" Cynthia asked, placing her hands on her hips.
"It let's us see if their relationship can survive the trials of escaping from a Morgan trap. I thought that was obvious," Morgan answered. Rolling her eyes, she brought the spyglass back up and muttered,"And people say I'm oblivious."
"Can't Nah fly?" Owain asked, surprisingly concise based on what Morgan had come to expect.
"Really? Like I wouldn't consider that? Ha! trust me, I have something just to- Shhh, here they come!" Morgan hissed, spying Marc and Nah coming into sight as they crossed a crest in the road. Dropping her spyglass, she pulled Cynthia and Owain down with her, hiding them behind the bushes.
As the two approached Morgan picked up the sound if their voices, if too far away to tell what they were saying. A minute passed before she could make out their conversation.
"...you really think we'll find it?" Nah asked, her voice the first Morgan heard clearly.
"Of course we will. They are supposed to bloom here and on this day, right? We're bound to stumble on at least one," Marc reassured the manakette.
"Wow, Marc, I wish I could be that optimistic," Nah said.
"Someone's got to be. We're not going to find it if we've given up before we start."
Almost there, almost there. Morgan fought to keep her breathing calm, mounting excitement making even that difficult. Just a few more steps.
"I suppose you're right," Nah admitted, smiling. "How much further till we start looking?"
Just one more step
"Can't be much further, we should-"
And...
Nothing happened.
"- be there soon enough," Marc said, stepping fully onto the roof of the pit trap, continuing on as if nothing at all was amiss. There wasn't even a creak, for all appearances he was treading on solid ground. "Hold on, let me deck the map." Marc came to a stop in the dead center of the trap, fumbling for a coat pocket and withdrawing a folded map. He stood there for a minute, peering over it intently.
"Looks like we have about a mile more to go. Come on, let's' hurry so we have more time to search!"
"Right!" Nah agreed, to two off then setting off again at a redoubled pace.
Morgan could only stare, mouth agape. The instant Marc and Nah had disappeared from view she leapt to her feet, running out into the road and onto the spot she'd laid the trap.
"What happened?" Cynthia asked, her and Owain joining her on the spot.
"I don't understand, the trap didn't work," Morgan answered, clutching the sides of her head in confusion.
"Could you have placed it somewhere else?" Cynthia offered.
"No, I'm sure it's right here," Morgan snapped. "Maybe I build it too thick... But no, I couldn't have. I make it the same as always!"
Groaning in frustration, Morgan jumped up in place, stamping her feet down hard.
Snap
All at once the ground gave away under their feet. The trio cries out in unison as they plummeted, landing hard with a solid crash.
At that instant a hidden rope connected to the pitfall's roof to run up a makeshift pulley system released the net Morgan has set in the branches of the tree above. It landed perfectly, falling into the whole wide open to trap them inside. Hey, at least her anti-Nah plan worked.
"Ow," Morgan said, staring up at the sky through the next. from the tangled heap that was herself, a bunch of sticks, leaves, and her friends. Beneath her Cynthia and Owain groaned.
"Huh, I guess I did make it a bit too thick, huh?" Morgan laughed, smacking herself on the forehead.
"Morgan, I hate you so much right now," Cynthia muttered, shoving Morgan off of her.
. . . . .
"So, Nah, I'd like to... Er... Apologize," Marc said. His a huff and puff he heaved himself up over a large boulder. Clambering over it, he gazed over the other side, scanning the cracked earth for the elusive flower
Nothing.
"Apologize? For what?" Nah asked, raising an eyebrow as she turned to him.
"About, you know... Running off suddenly like I did two days ago..." He shifted in place, tugging nervously at the hem of his cost. "I meant to say something about it sooner... But... Well, you know..." He swallowed, a nervous laugh falling from his throat. "I just was worried I might of offended you. But it wasn't anything you did, I was just embarrassed."
"Oh, that?" Nah said. She laughed, her eyes glinting. "I'd just assumed you were really excited to get started. I didn't think much of it."
"Oh, y-you didn't," Marc stammered, feeling rather foolish. He's been so worried that he'd upset her or something, agonized over it for hours, only to find out I had been over nothing.
"Yep. Though, I must ask, what were you embarrassed about. I'm not sure what it..." Nah's expression changed at once as the realization hit her. "You were embarrassed about your sister weren't you?"
Marc froze. Beads of sweat dotted his brow, his hands going white. Had she put it all together? Figured out that he was embarrassed to know that they'd been spied on. That he-
"I don't see what the big deal is, Morgan acts foolish all the time. There is no reason to get embarrassed on her behalf," Nah continued, unaware of Marc's reaction. She continued to pick her way through the rocky terrain, thankfully not looking back his way.
Marc stifled a sigh, relaxing a bit. Thank, Naga, she didn't realize."I-I guess you're right. Sorry anyways, though." By now Bah had wandered further ahead, so Marc put in his best brave face and hurried to catch up with her. "Anyways, let's go find this flower, huh. I bet it's right up there over that ridge."
"I suppose it could be," Nah smiled back at him. "Let's check it out then, it can't hurt to try."
. . . . .
"Alright, so I'll admit the last plan didn't pan out quite as well as expected. Still, this new plan is going to work, I can just feel it," Morgan said, grinning even as she clung to the branch of the tree beneath her.
"For your sake it better work," Cynthia muttered, picking out more leaves and sticks from her pigtails. "It took us forever to get out if your hole... That came out wrong."
The Pegasus knight face palmed, setting go of her branch. At once she wobbled, almost falling as she flailed wildly. "Woah, woah! Whew," Cynthia explained, grabbing the branch again at the last moment.
"Quit your bellyaching and keep watch, we need to know when they head back this way," Morgan instructed, crossing her arms. Unlike Cynthia, she managed to do it without almost falling out of the tree.
Marc and Nah should be coming back toward them soon enough. The path that ran right under the tree was the only easy way in and out of the small valley the two had gone to check out.
And when they do, I've got a surprise for them. Morgan hefted the barrel filled with the substance she'd prepared that morning. The concoction was one of her own design: a sticky, goopy mix of honey, syrup, and water that was both sticky and fluid enough to be poured easily.
"Owain, you got the feathers?" Morgan asked.
"Indeed, just as you instructed I, Owain Dark, have-" Owain began to proclaim, his voice booming.
"Yes or no question, Owain, yes or no," Morgan cut in, silencing his tirade before it could gain momentum.
"I... Erm, yes," Owain answered awkwardly, somehow managing to make the short and sweet response feel forced and abnormal. He held up the feather pillow Morgan had handed him before they'd climbed the tree, one end already ripped open and ready to go.
"Excellent, excellent, I love it when a plan comes together," Morgan said, rubbing her hands deviously. Just to make it clear, she did not fall into evil laughter. That would be taking it way too far. Besides, she wasn't evil. She liked to think of herself more as a 'mischievous little scamp'.
"Morgan, I have a visual. Should be under the tree in... I dunno, one, maybe two minutes? We'll call it a minute and a half." Cynthia exclaimed, peering through the spyglass that Morgan had put her in charge of using this time.
"Alright people, get ready! This is the moment we've been waiting for. On my mark we-"
Morgan's were lost as the branches of the tree lurched suddenly, the entire tree swaying from a powerful gust of wind that had come out of nowhere. Morgan scrambled for a handhold but was too slow to react. She lost her balance, the open barrel flying from her hands as she was flung out if the tree.
Thump, thump, thump
She landed at the base of the tree with a dull crash, Cynthia and Owain crashing down with her. Stars flashed before Morgan's eyes, but she could still see clearly enough to watch as the barrel tumbled end of end, spewing the sticky contents right on top of them. The cloud of feathers spilled by Owain as he fell landed next sticking to them due to the generous layer of syrupy goop.
For a long moment the tree lay there, dazed from the impact. Through the aching haze Morgan could just make out the sound of footsteps and the distant mourner of Marc and Nah's voices. The two passed right by the trio, completely unaware if their presence thanks to the same tangled undergrowth that had softened their fall.
"...we can at least look on the right side, we now know another place it isn't," Marc said, likely in reassurance for what could only be a lack of success. He gave a nervous chuckle. "Sorry, that was a bit forced. I must sound really cheesy."
"No, it's alright. I'm glad you're not letting out lack of luck get you down," Nah said in reply. "If it was just me I'd have lost heart awhile ago."
"Heh, glad I can be some use besides just keeping you company. You've been doing the real heavy lifting, reaching all those nasty cliffs and ravines for us. Turning into a dragon sure is useful, huh?" Marc noted.
"You know, I haven't really thought about it too much. It's so natural for me I sometimes forget that..." Their voices fades into the distance, the mountain road once more falling quite.
"Ahhhh, my hair!" Cynthia screamed, leaping to her feet in an instant. "And my clothes! This will take forever to get out."
"Hey, don't worry, I shouldn't take more than an hour. Okay, maybe two," Morgan assured her, groaning as she scrambled upright.
"Two hours!"
"Well, yeah. This stuff is hard to get out. Oh and attracts bugs like nothing else." This remark elicited a panicked shriek from Cynthia, who scrambled out if the undergrowth and onto the road, panting heavily.
"Hey, look on the bright side," Morgan said, following Cynthia out of the bushes, careful not to tread on the still dazed Owain. "This time it wasn't my fault."
"Grrraaaaaahhhh!" Cynthia screamed in frustration.
. . . . .
"I'm exhausted, Marc. Do you mind if we take a break?" Nah asked, leaning against a scraggly, gnarled tree that jutted from the otherwise barren hillside they stood on.
"Sure, we've been going for a while," Marc said. Truth be told he was as tired as she was. If it had been up to him he would have stopped to rest an hour ago, but he didn't want to seem weak when she was willing to keep going.
Dropping his pack between a crack between two rocks so it didn't go rolling down the hill, Marc sat down. Unbuckling the top flap, he rummaged around inside, retrieving a bundle wrapped in a clean handkerchief. He set it on his lap, peeling back the cloth to reveal a fresh loaf of bread and a apple. He broke the loaf in half, handing the slightly larger end to Nah.
"This is for you," he said, the Manakette accepting the offered foot with a grateful nod. "And for the apple..."
Marc tossed the apple up and down in his hand, watching it spin and tumble in the sunlight. On the third throw he flung it higher into the air, sending it soaring high over his head. Yanking Falchion from its sheath, he brought the blade across in a lighting-fast arc, cleanly cutting the apple in two before it could fall. Deftly Marc caught the two halves before the could fall. He held out his hand, offer one of them to Nah.
"Impressive, when did you learn to do that?"
Nah asked, accepting one of the halved pieces.
"I've been practicing it for a couple weeks now," Marc explained. Returning Falchion to its sheath, he tore of a bite sized chunk of bread with his back teeth. He crewed for a moment, swallowing before he continued. "Morgan suggested I try it one, day actually. She said it would be good training and would 'look awesome' at the same time. Mother disagreed though, she said it was disrespectful to use Falchion like a common kitchen knife."
"Heh, I could see her saying that. Lucina tends to take certain things very seriously," Nah replied, pausing between mouthfuls of food to speak. "So, I've been wondering, what are you planning to do? Long term I mean, now that you're here in this world."
"Huh, haven't really thought about it too much," Marc replied. He took a bite out of his apple, chewing thoughtfully. "I dunno, I guess I'll stick around Ylisstol, maybe join the Shepherds full time. Morgan has been taking over a lot of Father's responsibilities as tactician. I think the plan is for her to take over the job as soon as her and my younger selves are born. I probably will tag along with her, but besides that..." He shrugged his shoulders.
Nah nodded. "Makes sense. I'm honestly still trying to figure that out for myself. That's part of why I asked, to be honest."
Marc finished chewing before replying. "What have you been considering, if you don't mind me asking."
"I don't know. Ever since we beat Grina two years ago, I have just been going through the motions. I don't think I honestly ever really thought we would actually win: I hoped, but it seemed so far off I could never bring myself to truly believe it," Nah explained. She sighed deeply. "I've been with the Shepherds all this time since then, but worry that I don't I belong there or even in this world. It's only a matter of time before everyone starts going their separate ways. Brady and Noire already left months ago, and Yarne has been off with his parents for over a year now. Once everyone is off living their own lives, what do I have to keep me here?"
"Are you thinking about going back to your old world," Marc asked, dread fooling him at that thought. He didn't want her to just leave, not when... when...
"I've considered it but I can't say it really appeals to me," Nah answered, shaking her head.
"Well, whatever happens, even if everyone else leaves, you'd still have me. For whatever that's worth," Marc said. No sooner had he spoken those words he regretted it, cursing himself with his forwardness. He blushed, looking away.
"That means a lot," Nah said, smiling for the first time since the conversation had turned to the topic of their futures. This caused Marc to blush even more.
Desperate to hide his embarrassment, Marc quickly stuffed what's left of his good back into his bag, standing a moment later. "Well, I think we should get going again. We have a lot of ground left to cover.
"Oh, right," Nah said, gathering up her things as well.
Marc pushed aside his embarrassment, once more focusing on the task at hand. Why did he always have to make things so awkward?
. . . . .
"This whole trip has been a disaster," Cynthia whined, stamping her foot in the dirt. "I'm hungry, my clothes are still wet, everything hurts, and it took three hours to get all of that gunk out of my hair. Three hours Morgan, three hours!"
"Not to mention the attack by that vicious storm of bees," Owain added, his voice uncharacteristically empty of all enthusiasm, his shoulders slumped. "The stings still burn."
"Oh come on guys, it wasn't that bad," Morgan interjected. She grinned, throwing her arms behind her head. "So we lost a couple of hours and may have gotten stung a few itsy bitsy little bees. It's not that big of a deal."
"I want to go home," Cynthia continued as if hadn't so much as heard what Morgan had said.
"Hey, we can't give up now! Where's your Justice Cabal spirit," Morgan scolded, wagging a finger at them. "Really you two, I though heroes never gave up no matter how bleak things get? This should be easy!"
Cynthia and Owain exchanged glances, both silent for several moments. Then without warning Owain spun back to face Morgan, his eyes ablaze as he began to shout at the top of his lungs
"Oh what dark curse had befallen my heart to forget the ceaseless passion that unites us three in our alliance as heroes of justice. We, champions of a doomed future have faced far greater foes than the stinging if insects and ill fortunes to turn back now." Owain turned, raising one hand up in front of his face, draping the other over the crook of his arm. "Now tell us, what is your strategy that shall allow us to starch prions victory from the cruel icy hand of failure?"
Cynthia glanced from Morgan to Owain, then back to Morgan, then back to Owain again. Then she sighed. "Alright, alright, I think Owain put it fine enough. I guess we can't just give up now, can we?" Cynthia said, a smile returning to her face. "So, what's the plan now Morgan?
"You betcha! I have plan C all ready to go, which despite it's name is totally A plus material," Morgan answered, rubbing the palms of her hands together.
"Which is?" Cynthia asked.
"The return if plan A, of course! We make another pit trap!"
At once Cynthia's smile vanished. "Oh no, not another one," she said, groaning.
"Hey, what's wrong with that?" Morgan asked. "Look, before you dismiss this out if hand, hear me out on this one. This time you two will be there to help and make sure I don't make another mistake. Plus we can dig it way faster with all three of us working. There are no downside. Come in pretty please," Morgan pleaded, giving the two of them her best big puppy-dog eyes.
Cynthia opened her mouth then promptly shut it again, sighing deeply. "Fine, we'll do it your way."
"Great, you won't regret this!" Morgan said. She runs forward, seizing hold of Owain and Cynthia's hands before rushing off the opposite direction, dragging the two along with her. "Come on, I think I see a good spot just ahead. We don't have time to waste before we-"
Snap
With a sudden lurch the ground caved in beneath their feet. The three screamed in surprise, landing with the crinkling crunch of dead leaves in a massive pitfall that had appeared out of nowhere.
What the, where did this-
"Morgan! Cynthia screamed. She bolted upright, displacing the pile of leaves and straw that had cushioned her fall. She spun on the spot, turning to Morgan with a furious expression.
"Hey, don't look at me, I didn't make this one!" Morgan exclaimed, crossing her arms.
Come to think of it, who did make this particular pit trap. Whoever it was, credit where credit was due, the trap was excellently well made. The hole was about fifteen feet deep with a layers of hay and leaves two or three feet thick covering the bottom to cushion the fall. The walls were reinforced with branches and tightly packed clay to slope outward, making it more difficult to climb out. The builder certainly knew what they were doing.
"What do you mean you didn't dig this one, you're the only person we know who digs pitfalls as her go to plan!"
"I swear, it wasn't me, I only dug the one!" Morgan countered.
"Oh cruel hand of fate, again we have been foiled in our righteous quest," Owain cursed, covering her face and letting his head and shoulders sink into a frankly melodramatic pose. "I fear some dark nemesis is responsible, countering each of our movements with relentless precision."
"Oh come on, that's silly. There must be some other... Huh... Wait, what's this," Morgan said, eyes drawn to a small alcove dug about half a foot wide and tall, and about twice as deep. Inside was a wooden tube, like those uses to store scrolls.
Pulling it free, Morgan popped the cap, unrolling the parchment inside.
Dear Morgan.
If you are reading this then you and your friends have fallen into my trap. I regret doing this, but I could not have you interfering with things between your brother and Nah. I hope you understand.
If you are reading this and you have no idea what any if this is about, I must profusely apologize for any inconvenience this trap caused in missing it's intended target.
Either way, I will be along at the end of the day to help you out.
Checkmate,
Your father
For a long moment Morgan could only stare, her eyes wide and mouth hanging open. She re-read the letter several more time, looking for something she must have missed. But no, it was the same as the first time. Exactly the same.
"Give me that!" Cynthia snapped, snatching the parchment from Morgan. She read through, her eyes widening with each moment. "I... what..." She whispered, handing it off to Owain.
Morgan could only sit there, trying to wrap her mind around what had happened. It was him. It was all him! Her other plans hadn't failed due to mistakes she's made or bad luck. She hadn't made the roof of her pitfall too strong: Father must have used magic to reinforce it to keep Marc and Nah from tigger img it, only releasing the spell after she and her friends were right over it. And the gust of wind that had foiled her second plan, it had been another spell.
"I... I don't... What... I can't... How did... What... I..." Morgan babbled, clutching the sides of her head. Her mind was racing, struggling to comprehend what had happened.
He's outsmarted her, foiled her every plan. But what was worst, he'd finished it off using her own favorite tactic against her.
He'd beaten her at her own game.
. . . . .
"Hold on, I'm going to go check that plateau. Meanwhile you can check that little valley, it looks really promising," Marc said, pointing to the spots he was talking about. He smiled, trying his best to appear just as hopeful as he had at the start of the day.
"Marc..." Nah said softly.
"Then if it's not there I think the next hill looks doable, we can-"
"Marc," Nah repeated, louder this time.
"Huh, what?" Marc asked, turning to her.
"I think it's time we called it quits. We've been at this all day with no luck and..." She turned her head, looking towards the setting sun. "...It's getting late"
"But," Marc started to say. He frowned, struggling to words. "We haven't found the flower yet. What about your prayer?"
"We knew it was likely that we wouldn't find it, going into this," Nah answered, her eyes downcast. She sighed, looking almost sad. I really appreciate your help anyways. Today was still a lot of fun. It means a lot." She looked up at him, giving him a small, sad smile.
Marc opened his mouth to argue, then shut it again. It was her choice in the end of the day. Who was he to argue?
"We should probably head back soon at any rate," Nah continued, looking up at the darkening sky. She yawned, her eyelids already seeming to droop. She looked exhausted, as exhausted as Marc felt himself.
Yet tired as he was, Marc was loath to stop now. Not when there was still a chance. Yet it would be wrong to insist she stay with him longer, not when it was her quest and she wished to return home.
He seized on an idea then, one that would solve both problem. It was a bit foolish, granted, but it might work nonetheless.
"Nah, why don't you fly back. You look like you're about to fall asleep and you'll get there much quicker if you do," Marc offered, speaking up.
"But what about you? You'd have to walk back all alone," Nah asked, frowning.
"I am okay walking, really. If you're okay with it, you could even take my bag. That way we can both make better time than if we both walked or if you had me weighing you down while you flew." Marc replied.
"But it's going to be dark soon..." Nah said. Mage looked unconvinced, and more than a bit worried.
"I don't mind walking in the dark. It's a full moon tonight, and besides, I have this." He drew Falchion from its sheath. Ethereal flames burst to life around the blade, casting a soft white glow even in the dying sunlight. "See instant torch. Cool, huh?" He smiled, trying to reassure her.
For a long while Nah looked at him, uneasy and unsure. Then her expression softened. "Are you sure you're okay with this? And promise you'll not be that far behind?" Nah asked.
"I promise," Marc assured her, attempting to sound as confident as he could. Slipping his bag from his shoulders he set it on the ground. Nah did the same a moment later.
Stepping back Marc watched as a crystalline dome of light seemed to form around Nah, from which she emerged from in her dragon form. Alighting from the platform she snatched up both their bags in her talons.
"Do not be too long, okay?" She said, her voice seeming to echo and warble. With that she flapped her wings harder and faster, Marc having to shield his eyes and wind and dust buffeted him. Picking up speed she was soon far, far away from the mountain side, fading into the reaches of the darkening sky.
Marc stood there for a moment longer, then turned away. He set off at once, not making for the road but for the craggy cliffs in the opposite direction.
He couldn't let their quest end in failure, not when he still had the strength in him to keep going.
I won't let you down, Nah.
. . . . .
Marc scrambled over a shallow crevice, flailing legs kicking a shower of rocks and pebbles raining down into the darkness. At last he pulled himself upright, grasping for where he'd tossed Falchion as to free up his hands as he climbed.
A long period of time had passed since he set off alone, though he could not guess it's exact length. It must have been a couple hours at the least. The sun had sense set beneath the horizon, and the moon was high is the sky.
He set off once more, faster than he should have. Even with the light of the full moon and the torchlight of Falchion's mystic flames to guide his way, the rough terrain was perilous to traverse even in broad daylight. Several times already he'd slipped, leaving him with several cuts and bruises. The pain from these were the worst part, exasperated by exhaustion and the numerous smaller scrapes from bumping around in the dark.
Yet he continued onward, stubbornly ignoring the pain. He had to keep looking. If he stopped now, He be letting Nah down. He remembered the disappointed expression when he spoke to her days before, and the dishearten look as she gave up their search. He bare the thought of leaving her like that. He had to find it, he had to-
Marc's foot caught on an unseen rock. He stumbled, lost his balance, and fell. Loose ground gave way under him as he tried to catch himself. He shouted in surprise, tumbling and sliding down a slope. His shoulder struck a rock, his leg scraped against a rough patch of ground. The he came to a sudden stop, a boulder stopping his downward slide, knocking the wind from his lungs.. Pebbles knocked loose rained down on him, pelting his face.
The a moment later everything fell still. For several moments Marc just lay there, everything hurting too much to move or even breath.
Then a gasping sob fell from his throat. Dammit. Dammit, dammit, dammit. Why can't I do this? I've tried so hard, and I don't want to let her down. I just want Nah to be happy.
He slammed his fist into the ground, his frustration boiling over. He should go home, this was stupid. Every instinct told him that was the right choice. Getting himself killed out here wouldn't help Nah.
And yet he found he couldn't bring himself to accept that thought. He'd given up so many times in the past and it had gotten him nowhere. He had to keep trying, not just for his own sake, but for Nah's.
Sniffing, he wiped his eyes and slowly lifted his head. As he stated into the darkness he noticed something ahead, a tiny patch in the landscape that seems a bit brighter than the darkness around it.
Staggering to his feet, Marc limped towards it. Soon it could not be mistaken and MArc was stopped dead in his tracks.
There, nestled between three stones, grew a small, pale flower. A single leaf few from it's stem. It's head was drooped, forming a bell like-shape, their color a ghostly shade of teal. It's appearence perfectly matched those he had found of the rare and elusive flower. Naga's Bell
Marc fell to his knees, unable to remain standing. He found himself laughing despite the pain it brought to his sore and badly bruised side.
He'd done it. He'd actually done it.
He couldn't wait to tell Nah.
. . . . .
It took Marc nearly three hours to make it back to the capital. He was tired, his head throbbing from lack of sleep, his many cuts and bruises aching with each step. Yet he forced himself to pick up his pace, falling into a sprint as the palace steps came into sight. The full moon was high overhead, casting a pale, silvery light over the midnight landscape.
His legs burned as he ran up the steps, but he ignored them. He hoped that Nah was still awake, he had to show it to her. He just prayed she wouldn't notice how much harm he'd put himself through to get it.
Mounting the last step, Marc sprinted forward, and promptly skidded to a stop, nearly bowling over Nah, who was there waiting for him.
"Nah, there you are, I was hoping you'd still be awake," Marc exclaimed breathlessly. He huffed and panted, his chest burning. Yet he did his best to stand straight and smile, the Naga's bell he retrieved held behind his back.
"Where have you been? I was worried," Nah asked at once, her expression one of mixed relief and annoyance. "I was getting ready for sleep and decided to check and make sure you got back safely. That was hours ago."
"It was? Oh, gee, I didn't know. I'm sorry, I must have been more tired than I though and the trip took longer," Marc lied. He felt guilty, making her worry like that. But still, it had payed off in the end, hadn't it? "But I have something to show you. Ta-da!" Marc thrust out his hands, presenting the elegant, cyan flower to Nah.
Her eyes went wide, her expression dumbfounded as she stared at Marc's hands. "Is that... How did you find it? We searched all over today!" She ran forward, wrapping her hands around his to hold the flower as well.
Marc blushed, but with an effort managed to keep his cool and not devolve into a stuttering, fidgeting mess. "Funny story that, I was on my way back and on a hunch I decided to check a spot right next to the road, and there it was! I was sure we checked there before, but I guess the moon must have needed to be shining, not just be the day after a full moon," he lied, forcing a grin. Really, he just didn't want to her to know how much he'd done to find it. Not only would she probably be upset at him risking himself needlessly, but he feared it might come off as a bit creepy and obsessive.
"I still don't believe it... We found it..." Nah whispered. A smile grew on her face, and she laughed. "I'm in your debt, Marc, I couldn't have done this without you."
"It was really nothing, honest. I just got lucky is all," Marc said, embarrassment and joy grappling within him. He averted his gaze, happy the dim light made it more difficult to tell the color his had turned or not.
"I wasn't referring to just you finding the flower. You were the one who found out where to even look, and you came with me today," Nah countered, her eyes still glinting with happiness. "I was thanking you for all that."
"It's nothing someone else wouldn't have have done in my place... But, um, you're welcome, anyways," Marc said lamely. He fidgeted in place a bit, becoming very aware of the lingering warmth of Nah's hands on his.
"Here, you better take this. It's late and this is yours after all," he told her, gently removing his hands from under here and wrapping her fingers around the flower's stem
Nah nodded, half bowing with the motion in thanks. She smiled all the brighter. Then, before Marc could even react, she stood on her tippy toes and gave him a peck to the cheek.
At once Marc's face felt like it had burst into flames. He stood there, unsure how to react or even think. She'd... she'd kissed him... she'd actually kissed him.
"Goodnight, Marc. I'll see you tomorrow. And thank you so much," Nah told him. With that she turned, heading off into the palace and leaving the dumbstruck Marc standing alone on the steps.
Marc stared after Nah as she left, his brain still struggling to catch up with that had just happened. Only when she'd been gone for several minutes did he finally find it in him to move, lifting his hand to the spot where she had kissed him.
"Goodnight, Nah," he whispered at last, his reply far, far too late to have been heard by anyone. Silly and a bit pointless? Sure, but it felt wrong not to return the remark, even if only he was the only witness.
He smiled, the spot on his cheek seeming to tingle. He lingered for another moment, then headed for his bedroom. It was late and it had been a long day. Time for bed.
He slipped inside quietly invade Morgan was already asleep, only to find her bed empty. He shrugged. That was not too unusual for her. He wondered if her day had been as eventful as his.
Slipping out of his coat and boots, he sat down on the edge of his bed, reaching for his journal and a quill. Just before he could begin to write the door was suddenly thrown open.
Thunk. It slammed against the wall.
In stumbled Morgan, her face and clothes dirty, her hair a mess and riddled with leaves. She was groaned, muttering something under her breath as she staggered over to her bed, throwing herself down face first with enough force to rattle it's whole frame.
"What happened to you?" He asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Graaaaah!" Morgan half growled, half groaned, snatching up a pillow of shoving it over her head.
What's gotten into her, Marc wondered. Shrugging again, he set his journal aside, deciding for his clearly exhausted sister's sake to hold off in his entry until the morning. Blowing out the candles he climbed into bed. He drifted off to sleep with a smile on his lips.
Author's Note: Well, we have reached the end of this little two parter, and man was this a long chapter. I considered splitting it into two, but decided against dragging it out much longer. I had also considered adapting Nah and M!Morgan's S support into this, but figured that part would more or less play out exactly the same as it does in game, thus was not important to show directly.
There will be another new chapter on Wednesday to celebrate Lucina's birthday, so be on the lookout for that. Until then, peace.