Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He should've known it was the calm before the storm.

When rumors of the return of the Shadow Dragon were brought to the royal court of which he was its heir, Prince Marth expected that his father, King Cornelius, would slay the dragon as their ancestor Anri did and return home.

What he didn’t expect was a soldier telling him that his sister, Princess Elice, had news of Gra, where their father was fighting against the Shadow Dragon. Their neighbor country, once part of Altea, and a strong ally of theirs… Prince Marth dreaded the worst.

“Marth…” Elice’s face was pale, her expression dire, and her hands folded so tightly before her chest her knuckles were white. “It’s Father. He…”

How could she tell him when she herself could still barely register it? Their father, kind and warm and brave and one of the strongest fighters (if not the strongest) in all of Altea, a King beloved by his people, was dead thanks to a kingdom that had been Altea’s ally forever.

She didn’t need to tell Marth; just by looking at her clouded, fallen expression and unwillingness to speak, he knew what she couldn’t say. “...He is dead,” he deduced, but the words felt strange and uncomfortable to his ears, his tongue. “How… how is that even possible?!”

“Gra sided with the Dolhr Empire,” their mother said as she entered the throne room. “Listen, children, the castle has already been overtaken by Gra soldiers, and more are coming…we have no chance. Even with our strongest knights and soldiers…”

Marth bit his lower lip. “...And we have no way to communicate with the old Guardian of Altea,” he recalled. “What… what are we to do, then, Mother?”

“You two must escape and survive,” Mother said. The emphasis on you two sank into Elice like a stone.

“But…Mother, you…”

“I’ll be fine. I do know some magic, and your father told me never to stop training in case I needed to back him up someday.” But while gifted, Mother wasn’t enough to overcome the seemingly endless Gra soldiers flooding the castle.

Marth looked between his mother and his sister, trying to speak, but no words nor sounds came out of him. Elice closed her eyes.

“If…you say so, Mother,” she murmured. “We’ll meet you afterwards, then, right?” Queen Liza nodded, smiling sadly as she stroked each child’s face and kissed their foreheads.

“You have both grown so strong…your father and I have always been so proud of you.”

A choking sound came out of Marth’s throat as he held back tears. He reached out to hug his mother as tightly as he could. “Please be safe, Mother…” he finally muttered. Liza hugged him and Elice just as tightly, knowing this would be the last time.

“I love you both.” She swallowed. “Go find Jagen and the rest of the knights, and stay by their side. They’ll help you escape.”

Elice swallowed, squaring her shoulders and forcing herself to be calm. “I love you too, Mother,” she said. “Let’s go, Marth.”

“Understood.” Marth let go of his mother. “I love you so much,” he told her. He took a deep breath and turned to Elice. “Let’s hurry, then.”

Frey and Abel rode towards them almost immediately as they left the throne room.

“Prince Marth! Princess Elice!”

“Frey, Abel, where’s Jagen?” Marth asked them, looking around the area in hopes of not encountering any Gra soldiers.

“He’s waiting for us at the gate,” Frey said. “We need to hurry before-”

“It’s too late,” Abel said as several Gra troops surrounded them. Elice clutched her staff tightly.

“So many of them…Gra must have had this planned for a long time,” she muttered. Frey gripped the hilt of his lance and narrowed his eyes.

“We don’t have time to fight them all. We need to focus on capturing the gate before Jagen and the others get captured!”

Marth exhaled and took out his sword. “So we have to thin them out… I think I can aid.”

“Just don’t overdo it, and pull back if you feel even the slightest bit tired,” Elice cautioned as the three began their battle. She stayed close to them, making absolutely sure not to let herself be separated from Marth.

He was 14. He was 14 years old, and already he had to kill in self defense. He tried to control any signs of nerves, keeping his face neutral to not betray to the enemy how terrified he was. Frey and Abel made sure to keep an eye on him and Elice both as they fought their way to the gate, and Elice healed anyone who needed it.

If only I’d learned to use magic sooner, then I could do mine and his share of the fighting . Elice did not care for combat, she’d hoped never to have to fight an enemy, but it was hitting her now that her brother, still so young, was being forced to take people’s lives.

Father, who’d encouraged Marth’s gift with the sword and even said he had potential to be as strong as their ancestor, wouldn’t have wanted this either.

But eventually they found their way to the gate, where Jagen awaited them still standing and with barely a scratch on him.

“Your Highnesses, I’m grateful to see you both in one piece,” he said.

“Jagen!” Marth ran to him and hugged his mentor quickly. “I… I had to…” Jagen glanced at the obviously used blade and frowned.

“Your first battles.” He sighed, hugging Marth back tightly. He didn’t like it any more than the others did, but there was no choice. “I’m afraid we’ll likely have more, there are still-”

“Prince Marth! Princess Elice!” called a familiar voice from a distance. Abel’s eyes widened.

“Cain…he was in Gra with His Majesty.” He’d kept buried deep the fear that his partner and friend might not return after the news broke of King Cornelius’s death, but that fear seemed to be…mostly unfounded.

“I made it…in time,” Cain gasped, paying little heed to his wounds. He’d ridden so quickly he’d barely had time to feel the pain.

Marth gapped. “Elice, you have to heal him!”

“Right!” Elice raised her staff, surrounding Cain with the glowing light. “There, that should take care of everything,” she said. Cain sighed with relief, straightening his posture and patting his horse’s nose.

“Thank you, Princess Elice,” Cain said. “The King, he…I wanted to stay by his side, but he told me to flee the moment Gra turned on us.” Jagen frowned. His Majesty had voiced his concerns about the rumors of Dolhr’s return and been a bit too prepared for the event that the Empire attacked and he might not survive. Had he also considered the possibility of Gra’s betrayal? No, if he had, he’d surely have mentioned it to me.

“...If we’re escaping… where are we going?” Marth asked.

“Talys would be the safest bet,” Jagen said. “They’re close enough to Altea but far enough that the conflict would not touch them, and the Empire has no reason to target them.” Abel nodded.

“And King Mostyn was one of Father’s good friends, wasn’t he?” Elice asked.

“Indeed,” Jagen confirmed. Cain swallowed.

“I was…also asked to deliver the King’s last words to his children,” he said. Elice blinked, holding her staff closer to her. Marth gripped the hilt of his sword tighter.

“What did he… want to say to us?”

“He said…” Cain cleared his throat. “ T ell my son and daughter that I leave the future of Altea and our continent in their hands. They must rise now where I have fallen. As Falchion’s rightful heir, Marth has been born into greatness…Now…he must be great. And Elice…Altea will rely on her wisdom, her kindness…now, more than ever, she must be our support.”

“Father…” Elice closed her eyes. Even though she had no combat prowess and could not wield Falchion, he’d never made her feel worth any less than Marth, and made sure to remind her of her own strengths and value to Altea.

Marth stood there, numbly repeating those words in his mind. He took deep breaths to stop the urge to cry. “...We’re wasting time waiting here,” he reminded them. “We need to get out of here before the Gra soldiers catch up to us.”

“Right!” Jagen led the way, and soon the six of them had escaped the castle and the steadily increasing number of Gra soldiers charging the gates. All we can do is survive , Elice told herself. We promised Mother .

“Your Highnesses!” called another familiar voice. “I’m so glad I managed to catch up with you.”

“Malledus?” Marth turned to him. “How did you manage to… no matter, we have to hurry. Are you joining us?”

“Yes,” Malledus said. “Now, while we can, we should visit these houses and check up on our citizens. It will do them good to see their Prince, their Princess, and their knights still in one piece.”

“Right,” Frey said. “We can’t stay long, but we need to do what we can for our people while we’re still here.”

“Let’s go, then,” Abel said, then glanced towards his partner. “Cain…?” Cain blinked, shaking his head.

“I’m…fine.” His head swam with regret, with self-reproach, I failed, I couldn’t protect His Majesty or our men…

“If we’re going to Talys,” Marth began, “we’ll have to keep the conversation short.”

“Right.” Jagen nodded, just as he spotted more Gra soldiers. “Ugh, looks like we arrived just in time. More troops are likely to storm the villages and harm the civilians unless we hurry.”

Marth pulled out his sword and pursed his lips. Violence and bloodshed again… he was already done with it, but he knew the battles weren’t. Jagen noted his expression and frowned.

“I do hope this will be the last time you need to raise your sword in battle,” he said.

“For the moment,” Marth muttered. “I… Someday… I will have to avenge my father.” Elice bit her lip. Already, he was thinking of such things; Marth was no longer a small child but he was still far from adulthood. You shouldn’t have to be worrying about that, or having to see combat at all .

Far north, the enemy had just learned of the Prince and Princess’s survival, and their leader was setting a trap.

“Didn’t take more than a couple days to break you, did it, Gaggles?” the captain taunted, shoving a young man towards the entrance of the prison. All he’d had to do was capture some novice archer, a weak-willed fool who, to his credit, managed not to break down weeping after they finally broke his spirit. Now, dressed in the Gra soldier uniform, bound and gagged, he’d be a perfect trap.

“I like it, boss,” said another ruffian. “Damn Prince won’t even know the difference and he’ll run this guy through, then we get to call him Marth the Tyrant!”

“ Oh, there’s a tyrant over here, and it’s not my cousin, ” a voice echoed in their head. The captain jumped.

“Who’s there?!” He frowned. “Very funny, Ben, now aint the time to be playin’ childish pranks! Come out from wherever you are and let’s move!”

The person who approached wasn’t Ben. Underneath the firelight glimmered the royal tiara of the Altean Crown prince. “What are you doing to my archer,” he hissed at them, signing to the others to approach the room.

“Eep!” The captain stumbled backwards. “But…how…?!” The other Altean knights had just arrived, too, Princess Elice alongside them.

“I had a warning from a dear cousin of mine about this. Now…” He flourished his sword. “How would you like to be skewered?” 

“Hah…you’re just a child, you’ve never even seen real combat before!” the man said, but his voice was shaking as badly as he was. Frey, meanwhile, was amazed that this was the same Prince who’d seemed so reluctant to take part in battle before. A child who’d just lost his father and by now, probably his mother unless by some miracle Queen Liza had been able to fight her way through.

“So you think this blood is fake?” Marth asked them, lifting his blade higher. By now the captain could have easily cut him down, but he was too busy trembling in fear. Frey, now undoing Gordin’s bonds and gag, suddenly remembered that Marth did not take injustice lightly. Even as a child, seeing innocent people harmed made him so angry.

“Ghk…!” the captain choked, raising his own weapon, but his hands were still shaking badly.

“This will be your last mistake. Tell the fallen who made you draw your last breath.” And before the captain could react, Marth’s blade had pierced through his chest, right between his ribs. The man fell in an ungraceful heap, and Elice rushed to her brother’s side, worried he might collapse once the adrenaline wore off.

“...We have to keep running,” he told her. “Until we reach whatever ship that can bring us to Talys. Then we can lick whatever wounds we have.” He looked at her. “We don’t have the time to stand here, Elice.”

“Right.” Elice turned to Gordin. “Are you okay after all that?”

“Yes, Your Highness! They caught me when they broke into the castle and dragged me out here…I’m sorry I couldn’t fight back or hold out for long, if I’d just been stronger…” Gordin reached for the sheath at his side. “At least they let me keep my weapon.”

“We might need your archery to reach the port,” Marth told him. “Do you think you can help us in that matter?”

“Of course! I failed to protect the castle, but I can make up for it by fighting alongside you, Prince Marth!” Gordin bowed clumsily. The small army quickly left the prison, determined to reach the port.

Unfortunately, the shortest way to the port took them past Gra’s main force. There was no way they could sneak past without being seen, and there was no way to do so while hiding Marth and Elice from the enemy.

“Maybe there’s a longer route we can take,” Abel murmured. Malledus shook his head.

“It gets worse. See who’s accompanying Gra?” Jagen’s eyes widened.

“That’s…the Sable Order of Grust!” There was no way they were anywhere near strong enough to cross blades with the likes of them, much less survive combat with even one of their men.

Marth gulped, then turned to Malledus. “What do you propose we do?”

“There…is only one way.” Malledus sighed. “I don’t like it, myself, but…right now, they’re only looking for the Crown Prince of Altea. If…we had one of our men disguise himself and stay behind…”

“But that would mean we would be…” Marth’s expression dropped, but after taking a deep breath, his face became stoic. “It will pain me forever but… if someone here is willing to do the ultimate sacrifice for all of Altea… it must be done.”

“I will go,” Cain said. “I could not save King Cornelius, but if I can give my life for his son, then-”

“ No .” Abel grabbed his arm before he could even move. “King Cornelius told you to escape with your life, are you truly going to throw it back in his face by dying now?!”

Marth turned to Cain. “Please, obey my father’s request,” he begged. Cain clenched his fist, the guilt was too overwhelming but the Prince had a point.

“...mm. I will. Forgive me, I-”

“You will have time to mourn after you get through this,” Frey said, and his choice of words were an instant red flag to Elice.

“Frey…what are you…?!” Frey smiled a little.

“It has been an honor to fight alongside the knights of Altea, as well as you, Prince Marth,” he said. “And it will be an honor to give my life to protect Altea’s future.”

Marth took a shaking breath, then hugged Frey. “I will miss you forever, Frey. Thank you for all you’ve done to the kingdom and its people.” He let go, and took another shaking breath. “...Alright. Let’s follow this plan.”

“Yes…” Elice closed her eyes for a moment, but forced herself not to dwell. The important thing was that they reached the port and escaped, that they did as their mother wished when she sent them out of the castle.

Frey, donning his disguise, set out for the designated fortress. All of you, survive…

Once they finally arrived at the port, Draug was there with a secured ship and an extra archer with him.

“My name is Norne,” the girl said, “I heard what was going on and I wanted to help! Unfortunately I got kinda lost on the way.”

Marth tilted his head. “Why does this sound…” he mumbled to himself. He waved the comment away. “We’re going to Talys, all of us. If you’d like to join us…”

“If fleeing is the only way, then I’m with you, Your Highness,” Norne said. “I’ll do whatever I can to help you and the rest!”

“Good.” He looked over to the ship. “Everything’s ready to be onboard, it seems. If we’re to escape Gra…”

Elice nodded. “Let’s go…let’s fulfill Mother’s wish for us.”

He took her hand, leading everyone to the first step to sanctuary.

Chapter Text

The moment the adrenaline left Marth’s body, as Altea slowly shrunk in the distance, a shrieking wail came out of him. He gripped at the side of the ship, blabbering hysterically, his words begging for multiple apologies and denial.

Jagen and Elice, both prepared for this, knelt down on either side of him and embraced him.

It’s just not right , Jagen thought bitterly, for a boy to lose not only both parents in one day, but to watch one of his trusted knights sacrifice himself for his sake, on top of being forced to end other people’s lives .

“Oh, Marth,” Elice murmured, “it’s not okay now, but it will be, we’re safe, and from now on I’ll protect you.” Because that’s what a big sister did, right? But I can’t even use magic, I can’t even protect myself barehanded, how am I supposed to protect him until he’s ready to fight in earnest?

The only answer that came out of him was sobbing, tears streaking down his face as he clutched both his sister and his mentor.

“He needs to rest,” Elice said quietly to Jagen, “we should get him to one of the rooms below deck.” Jagen nodded.

“You should get some rest as well, Princess Elice. It’s been a long day for you, too.” Elice shook her head.

“I’ll be fine.” She had to be. They were orphans now, and big sisters always protected their little brothers. Together, she and Jagen gently led the still wailing Prince below the ship’s deck. Hopefully he’d be able to get some sleep, but Elice had medicinal herbs with her just in case he needed some help.

Marth whimpered a bit, but he did lie down on his cot, curling into a ball and making a cocoon with his blanket. He begged the duo to stay until he fell asleep, if only for their presence being a source of comfort.

“Of course,” Jagen said quietly. He patted Marth’s shoulder, casting a worried glance at Elice, and mentally cursed Gra for robbing these children of their loving father. The Shadow Dragon may have slain him, but it was them who abandoned him to his fate to kiss the Empire’s boots .

Slowly, Marth’s breathing even out, his eyes closed, his head tilted so that his circlet didn’t bother him in his sleep. Elice sighed with relief, smiling a little as she kissed the top of his head. But she was wilting, Jagen noticed, her serene expression more forced than natural.

“Get some rest,” he said, but she shook her head as she stood up.

“I need to check on the others. Especially Cain, I healed him before, but-”

“They’ll be fine,” Jagen said firmly. “Do not neglect your own well-being, Your Highness, I know it’s in your nature to care for others, but today has been just as rough for you as it has been for your brother.”

He sounded so much like Father in that moment that it hurt , and Elice gripped the fabric of her dress in one hand, biting her lip.

“I…will be fine, as well. Now if you’ll excuse me.” She left the room quietly, pushing aside her own dark thoughts. I can’t afford to fall apart when others need me, especially Marth. I promised Mother and Father I’d be strong, I won’t break that promise .

“ ...Elice? Hello? ” The echoing voice of an unseen distant cousin resonated into the Princess’ mind. “ You’re on the ship, I presume? ”

“Eh…?” Elice blinked before instantly recognizing the voice. “Ange,” she sighed, feeling a bit of the weight momentarily lifted from her heart. “We are. We survived…most of us did, at least. Frey, he…”

“ ...Oh, that’s not good, ” Ange sounded like she had a wince on her face. “ Let’s pray they take prisoners, shall we? ” Elice nodded, closing her eyes.

“At least he’d still live, and when the time comes, we can rescue him.” She swallowed. “But…Marth, he’s taking this…he forced himself to fight our way out, but this…it’s too much for someone as sensitive and young as he is, I…” Her voice wavered. “I need to protect him, but I can’t even protect myself in battle.”

“ You’re rushing into conclusions, ” Ange spoke, her voice soft. “ You won’t be in combat for a while, I assume. Take your time and figure out your role for when combat resumes; you’ll both have to take back Altea someday. ”

“Yes…you’re right.” Elice sighed. “I was getting a bit ahead of myself. But even off the field…” She hugged herself, trying to fight the prickly sensation behind her eyes. “I promised Mother I would take care of him, and we couldn’t…we couldn’t even convince her to leave with us, and…”

And she’s dead by now. Mother had known she wouldn’t survive covering for their escape, but Elice had tried not to think about that in the moment. But she was dead, and even if she’d chosen to sacrifice herself, Elice still felt like she had failed.

Before she could stop them, the tears were pouring down her cheeks.

“ You’re allowed to grieve, you know, ” Ange pointed out. “ It won’t do you well to try and keep a strong appearance- it’s gonna make you hurt more, Elice. You may be the older sister, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your own feelings about this. ”

“They’re gone,” Elice sobbed, “Mother and Father, our home isn’t ours anymore…if I’d known, I would have begged Father not to face the Shadow Dragon, not to trust Gra, pushed harder for Mother to flee with us…”

“ But you didn’t. You couldn’t , Elice, and it’s something you’ll need time to accept. But know you’re not alone. I’m still here, Momma’s still here… you still have important people with you. Lean on them for strength. ”

Jagen was here, and so were Cain, Abel, Draug, Gordin, and Norne. Frey could survive his capture and possibly be rescued. She and Marth still had each other.

Ange and Maia were out there, and someday, hopefully, they would meet.

Elice rubbed her eyes on her sleeve, trying to smile as she thought of how much like Father Jagen sounded. Firm, but worried, reminding her just as Ange was that she had to look after herself. Every time Elice would tire herself out trying to heal Marth after he trained, or every time Marth overdid it and got hurt, Father would scold them gently. You need to learn when to rest, if you hurt yourself you’ll be of no use. But he said it with such kindness that they knew he only wanted the best for them.

“I…I will,” she said. “Thank you, Ange.”

“ You’re always welcome, Elice. ”

By the time they docked at Talys’s port, everyone had had enough time to rest and recover from their harrowing escape. The weather was clear, the sky was bright, and Talys already seemed to welcome them with a peaceful yet bustling air about it. Marth gripped unto Jagen’s shirt, twisting the fabric slightly, looking around the lands untouched by battle.

“They don’t know what happened to Altea,” Marth assumed, warry in his tone. “At least, that seems to be what I understand…”

“Talys is further away from anywhere that would know instantly,” Abel murmured. But King Mostyn came to greet them personally, along with his daughter, and he wore a sympathetic expression.

“Prince Marth,” he said, “Princess Elice. I was informed of my good friend’s unfortunate death just yesterday. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss.”

“King Mostyn… thank you.” Marth bowed his head. “We will owe you much for granting us sanctuary.”

“Yes, we are forever in your debt,” Elice added with a curtsy. Mostyn smiled gently.

“You truly are Cornelius and Liza’s children, so kind and polite,” he murmured. “Your safety is all the thanks I need.”

“Yes, we’re happy to let you stay with us during such a difficult time,” said the young girl standing by the King’s side. “My name is Caeda, I’m the Princess of Talys and I’m happy to make your acquaintance.”

“...Marth Eden Lowell, Crown Prince of Altea,” Marth introduced himself, bowing his head again. “It’s a pleasure.”

“And I am Elice Cerise Lowell, Princess of Altea,” Elice said, curtsying. Caeda giggled.

“You two don’t need to do that, you know. I’m your age, Prince Marth, and not that much younger than you, Princess Elice,” she said. “I want to be friends with you both, and once you feel up to it, I want to show you around the island!”

A bit of a small blush appeared on Marth’s cheeks. “Friends…” he repeated. “I would… I would like that, actually.” Elice smiled, taking note of how Marth was beginning to relax a little. He’d recovered from breaking down on the ship, but he’d been quiet and solemn for the rest of the journey.

Jagen sighed with relief. He’d been just as worried about Marth, not to mention Elice and the rest, but already it seemed like just being in a place like Talys was going to help ease their sorrows.

“Come,” King Mostyn said, “you must be tired after such a journey. Come with us to the castle and I’ll have the servants show you to your rooms immediately.”

“Oh, let me!” Caeda offered. “I want to make sure everyone feels as at home here as possible.” Mostyn chuckled.

“That’s my daughter. Ever the social butterfly.”

“...These flowers are quite elegant,” Marth commented as he and Caeda walked in Talys Castle’s gardens. “I’ve never seen petal shapes like those before.”

“They’re very rare,” Caeda said, “the story is that their cultivation was a happy accident when a gardener planted two different seeds in the same plot. The garden’s owner was so enthralled by the results that he insisted more be planted, and over time they became a Talys exclusive.”

“They suit Talys well.” A small smile appeared on his lips. “And they look like they would suit you well, too.”

“Oh…” Caeda blushed a little, not having expected such a comment. “That’s very sweet of you to say,” she said. “You…have a nice smile, by the way.”

It was his turn to blush. “Do… Do I?” She nodded.

“You really do,” she said. “Especially when I know you haven’t had much to smile about. I’m glad that even with all you’re going through, you could find something.” She tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “We can visit the gardens every day if they’ll make you feel better. Or we can visit the seashore, or I can take you for a ride on my pegasus.”

“I would…” Marth’s cheeks glowed pinker. “I would like all of that… if you don’t mind.”

Caeda’s own cheeks flushed, and she smiled warmly.

“Good,” she said. “I look forward to spending more time with you.”

“...Can you show me more flowers?”

“Of course.” She led him further into the garden, her hand just inches away from his as they walked.

Chapter Text

Two years had passed since the Lowell siblings and their loyal knights took refuge into Talys. Staying in an unused fortress east of Talys Castle, Marth and Elice bidded their time, practicing their skills, waiting for the day they would be spurred to act in restoring Altea.

Neither of them forgot the loss of their parents, but over time they tempered their grief and anger into something more productive. Your mother and father gave their lives so you and others could live , their cousin had told each of them telepathically. While technically a certain staff could revive the dead, it would be an insult to the choices they made. All you can do now is make sure to carry out their will.

Whenever available, Marth would request the aid of Caeda’s hired bodyguard, Ogma, to help extend his sword skills. The Prince wanted more than Altean training- he felt like he needed to diversify his knowledge in hopes of taking the enemy off-guard.

Ogma gladly obliged, of course. He’d gotten to know the Prince pretty well, and once his grief faded and he began to enjoy himself more in Talys, he was good company. And once they started training it was clear he was Anri’s descendant, even when wielding a simple practice sword.

Elice focused on studying as much magic as she could. Talys wasn’t hurting for magic users, and an elderly curate named Wrys who lived in a nearby village would often stop by the fortress to tutor her in different healing techniques. Some of the sages from the castle would provide Elice with books about applied magic and magical theory.

Two years had passed, and it was the most obvious on Marth’s physique. He grew taller, with toned muscles suitable for a sixteen year old. He’d seen the stares of other people, commenting on how he changed, and how the girls his age whispered how attractive he became.

Caeda especially. She was frequently torn between feeling jealous of the other girls whispering over him and understanding why - they had good taste. And at this point her feelings had grown from affection to puppy love to a full-on crush.

Not that she was lacking in admirers, for she’d grown as well. Taller, graceful and slender with lean muscle from riding her pegasus and training with her lance, and her smile was brighter than ever. Elice would tease Marth whenever she caught him staring at Caeda, suggesting that perhaps they would make quite the cute couple.

But then, one day that started out as perfectly ordinary would become a major turning point for the Lowell siblings, and soon Archanea as a whole.

Marth was training with Ogma and the knights when it happened, Caeda flying up to them in a panic.

“The Galder Pirates are attacking the castle town!” she said. “They’ve already killed so many innocent people, they’re approaching the castle and my father is in danger!” Ogma’s eyes narrowed.

“Well, we can’t let those bastards anywhere near your dad.”

“Agreed.” Marth walked over to Caeda. “Those infested seafowls might think Talys is easy picking, but we of Altea have a debt to pay. Leave it to us, Caeda.”

“And I’ll go with you,” Caeda insisted.

“Are you sure, Princess?” Abel asked. “There could be archers, and a lot of them.” Caeda nodded firmly.

“There are, but I won’t even let them see me. I know something about cornering them where they can’t counter, too. Ogma taught me about that some time ago.”

“Then let’s go. The faster we take action, the less lives Talys lose,” Marth pointed out. After notifying Wrys and Elice, the group set off, following a trail of footprints and blood and broken arrows to where the pirates were still attacking.

Luckily, for as many pirates as there were compared to the army’s smaller numbers, said pirates weren’t too bright. Attacking was really all they were good at, and they quickly wound up on the wrong end of someone else’s weapon. Even Elice and Wrys, who couldn’t attack, could easily dodge or fling up their staves to block the axes and arrows.

Marth didn’t need to use his rapier- the iron sword Ogma had offered him worked just as well to stop the pirates in their tracks. And Gordin, who’d gained some confidence over the last two years, didn’t miss a single shot. Neither did Norne, who stayed close to him and Draug to avoid losing track of where she was.

The villagers offered a decent sum of gold, plus a few vulneraries. Marth wasn’t exactly sure what to do with the gold, but vulneraries were always important, mostly to ensure the healers didn’t always need to use their staves.

“The gold will come in handy if we ever need to replace our weapons,” Ogma said. Care and repair could only go so far, and at some point it was best just to throw out anything old that couldn’t be fixed.

Finally, they made it to the castle gates, where King Mostyn was nowhere in sight.

“What have you done with my father?” Caeda demanded. The boss, Gazzak, gave her an ugly grin full of bad teeth.

“The old man’s alive for now, and if he hands over the gold maybe we’ll let him stay that way!” Caeda’s eyes narrowed.

“I don’t think so.”

The flames of the torches made a golden circlet glint as Marth approached, his sword out, dripping blood. “I have a better idea- how about you join your buddies sleeping with the fishes lately?”

Gazzak gulped.

“That glint…it’s…”

“Took you long enough to notice, moron,” Norne muttered. Gazzak looked terrified now, and he knew he wouldn’t be getting that gold he wanted so badly. The knights wondered when Prince Marth had become so punny, while Caeda stifled a giggle.

Marth took a step forward. “So what will it be? Will you warn your comrades about me, or will you let me sink this sword like a wolf’s fang?” Gazzak squeaked, unable to form words. Ogma grinned.

“Let him have it, Prince Marth.”

With a wolfish snarl, Marth thrusted the sword through the bandit’s heart.

With the bandits put to rout, the army made their way into the castle to find the King thankfully unharmed. Marth walked over to him. “Lord Mostyn, are you well?”

“Yes, I am,” Mostyn said, “thankfully all they did was verbally threaten me, you arrived just in time.” He looked towards Caeda. “And you’re safe as well, I’m so glad. Not that I doubt your abilities, but…”

“I understand,” Caeda said. “I wasn’t going to sit idly by while you and Talys were in danger, but I know you worry.”

“If there’s any survivors,” Marth began, “they probably wouldn’t hesitate to mention where we Altean refugees are hidden to the enemy. It looks like it’s time for me to start working to fight against the Shadow Dragon.”

“Indeed,” the King said. “It starts with these pirates, but in the past, seemingly small attacks such as this always lead to a larger conflict. In fact, it’s when conflict seems imminent that scoundrels will gladly take advantage.”

“Unfortunately,” Jagen said, “Altea’s trouble began with bandit attacks.”

Marth nodded. “Now that you mention it…”

“And with Gra’s betrayal of Altea, it was all too clear what was on the horizon. Talys was fortunate enough to escape war’s grasp, but the Galder Pirates smelled it.” King Mostyn sighed. “And there are still more of them, who you routed were only roughly half their forces.”

“...Routing them entirely might make for a nasty signal against our common enemy, then,” Marth realized. “If words spread of my actions, perhaps then I’d be able to rally like minded allies.”

“Yes,” Elice said, “and people would realize that not only have the royal heirs of Altea come out of hiding, but that they intend to take action and do something about this conflict.” She smiled in a way that those who knew her well knew that kind, gentle Princess Elice meant business.

“I think that’s an excellent idea,” King Mostyn said with a smile. “My old friend Cornelius’s spirit lives within you two, and I know he’d be proud.”

A small, sad smile appeared on Marth’s face. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Yes, thank you.” Elice nodded. “Don’t worry, we’ll make sure those pirates don’t go any further with their rampage.”

“ You’re going to leave Talys, then? ” Ange’s voice echoed in his mind.

“Yes,” Marth affirmed, “once we’ve put the Galder Pirates to route, we’re going to set off and see if we can gather allies. I think…I know we’re finally ready.”

“ ...Would you like my help? I’ve got nothing to do in Pyrathi and I could use the exercise, ” she teased. Marth laughed a little.

“Actually, yes. Not only will we need all the allies we can get, but I feel it’s about time Elice and I got to meet you in person,” Marth said. “It could take us a while to meet up, if you’re all the way out there, but hopefully not that long.”

“ Hmmm… I might be able to meet you in Aurelis? Depending on your route, of course. ”

“We’ll have to go over the map and see which way we’re traveling, but I’d say that makes sense,” Marth said. “We’ll definitely make a plan once we’ve taken care of the rest of those pirates…and hopefully, end the only threat Talys will see during this war.”

“ That works- Hopefully we’ll see each other in Aurelis, then! Do tell Elice, alright? ”

“Will do.” Marth smiled. “Thank you for reaching out to us for the last two years, by the way. Everyone in Talys has been wonderful, but knowing we have family remaining helped us during the worst times.”

“ Hey, ” Ange’s voice got softer. “ It’s not a problem, you know? I’m just doing what Poppa would’ve done. ”

Chapter Text

“Ready to wreck some more pirates, Ogma?” Marth asked the swordsman.

“You know it!” Ogma said with a grin. “You’ve taken to real combat pretty well. Not that I thought you’d freeze or anything, but sometimes your first experiences in battle can be pretty taxing.” His own had been, during his time in that gladiator arena, and the bosses had just made him get over it and keep fighting.

“That wasn’t… really my first experience in battle,” bitterness growing into Marth’s tone. “When I escaped Altea…” He sighed. “It’s not as bad with pirates than it is with people who were once part of the same country, back in Anri’s day.”

“Ah…” Ogma knew Prince Marth and Princess Elice had narrowly escaped Altea with their lives the day of the fall, but not that the former had actually had to fight his way out. It made sense that Marth wouldn’t want to tell him all the details, though. “Yeah, pirates are easy, they’re usually not too bright and the only thing on their mind is gold, women, and ale.”

“Gold, women and ale aren’t bad as life goals if they were respectful people,” Marth commented. “It’s their method that’s wrong. At least, that’s the impression I get…?”

“Yeah, you’ve got a point. It’s the way they go about it that makes them scum!” Ogma laughed. “Plus, gold’s important if you wanna eat,” he said. “But yeah, these guys have done too much damage to Talys. And trying to hurt King Mostyn…I won’t forgive that.”

Marth nodded. “I’ve a debt to pay King Mostyn myself… that’s why I’m doing this.”

It didn’t take long for everybody to be ready, and soon they were off to the pirates’ base to snuff them out once and for all. Marth approached his sister on the ship’s deck. “How are you feeling, Elice?” he asked her.

“I’m fine. Last time we were on a ship I was too preoccupied to really appreciate the sea and the view…it’s so beautiful, isn’t it?” she said. “And I’m not tired out from the healing, either, Wrys is a big help.”

A small smile appeared on his face. “He’s like a grandfather, isn’t he?”

“He is. He’s been so kind to me ever since I started studying with him,” Elice said. “And he’s been helping the Talys royal family for years, since his village is so close by.”

“That’s wonderful. And… you’re right about the sea,” Marth commented. “To think this is Ange’s domain- she knows these waters so well.”

“She’s told me, yes. About the waters, about her home of Pyrathi…you told me she says we’ll meet her in person soon. I can’t wait,” Elice sighed. Even two years after, she still felt wistful thinking about their parents, and she longed to be able to see a member of their blood family again.

“Besides all that, ready to tackle pirates?” Marth asked her. “We’ll be needing healers.”

“Ready as ever,” Elice said with a determined expression.

The battle brought with it two surprises. One, a face Caeda recognized among the enemy.

“Castor,” she said, “why do you side with these men? You’ve always been so kind, so much better than this.” The hunter fumbled with his weapon, unable to even think of aiming it at the Princess he so admired.

“My mother…she’s so sick, and we can’t afford the medicine.”

Marth’s head popped up from the battle. “Wait, my apologies, you need gold?”

“Yes. My mother just had her ninth child, you see, and…she’s been so weak since,” Castor murmured. “This is the only way I could get money for her treatment and put food on the table for everyone else.”

Caeda frowned. It was well known that the father of that family had abandoned them not long ago, rumors said it was because of that ninth child, and the family was the subject of much talk. Some of it pitying, some of it malicious gossip; either way, it was hard for Castor to keep a steady job.

“You don’t have to do this,” she said. “Come fight for us, we can pay you and make sure you have enough to send home to your family.”

“I agree, we could use more archers,” Marth offered.

“Really…? You’d do that for me, after I…” He smiled. “Then yes, I accept! Let me make up for what I almost did!” He bowed to them both. “Thank you, Princess Caeda, Prince Marth!”

The second surprise came when one of the remaining pirates, rather than raising his axe to Marth, immediately lowered it.

“You’re the Prince of Altea, aren’t you?” He gestured towards the circlet.

Marth touched the headpiece. “Why does it matter?”

“My name’s Darros, and I’ve about had it with this life,” the man said. “I only got into the whole pirate thing cause I wanted to sail the seas and find adventure, not hurt people. Let me join you and I’ll make it worth your while.”

“Aye, sailor,” Marth began, smiling. “You’re welcome to our team, Darros.” Darros grinned.

“I like you already, Your Highness. It’ll be an honor to help you finish these guys off! Old Gomer won’t know what hit ‘im!”

Marth walked towards the leader of the pirates, sword out, letting his circlet glint. “I bring message from the kingdom of Talys- go fuck yourself and the ship you sailed on,” he told the leader. Gomer, spotting both the circlet and one of his own longtime men with the Prince, went wide-eyed with anger.

“Try and stop me, ya little brat!” he challenged, either too stupid or too blind with rage to realize what he was up against. An arrow nicked his ear, and he realized the new kid he’d hired just days ago was glaring at him.

Naturally, the fight did not go his way.

Darros and Marth stood over Gomer’s corpse. “Hopefully, that’s gonna stop people from attacking Talys,” Marth noted.

“Yep, I can’t see anyone else trying after that,” Ogma said. “Still, we should let the guards and the mercs here know they’ll need to keep their guard more up than usual ‘cause of the war.”

“I doubt it will reach our Kingdom,” Caeda said, “but that might be a good idea. The important thing is that we can move forward and find more allies.”

Marth nodded. “But first, let’s get this town back on its feet… somehow.” Caeda smiled.

“I had a feeling you’d say that, Marth. Thank you.”

“We can check on the wounded civilians and bring supplies to those who’ve been robbed,” Elice suggested. Bord, Cord, and Barst, of course, were on board with helping rebuild anything that could be.

“I’m down with that plan. Let’s get to work, then,” Marth said as he removed his cape to make work easier on him.

Marth stretched as Caeda entered his inn room. “Oh? Caeda, did you need anything?”

“No, I just wanted to see how you were doing.” Caeda tried not to blush; he wasn’t exactly undressed or even shirtless, but he was already in his nightclothes and that felt just as intimate to her as if he had been shirtless. “You were amazing today. You helped save Castor, and you convinced one of the leader’s men to betray him.”

A slight blush made his cheeks pinker. “Ah, well… it’s nothing, really. If people want to help, I won’t ignore their desire.”

“At any rate, we’ve already got two more allies,” she said. “And the villagers can go back to their everyday lives after all this.” She paused. “Are you nervous about leaving Talys?” Because she was a little, even if she was determined to do her best on the battlefield and for Marth.

“It was… inevitable. I have to return and restore Altea. But I will forever be thankful for Talys in our time of need.” Marth passed a hand through his hair, no circlet to impede his movement. “I guess I am… a bit nervous, to speak the truth.”

“So am I,” Caeda confessed. “Even knowing Talys is safe, I wonder if we’ll be able to gather enough allies to take on Dolhr before the war spreads further. And while I know my father is in good health, I feel a little guilty leaving him alone. Though I suppose he won’t be entirely alone…he’s very close with the castle staff.”

“I’m sure we can get more allies, Caeda. There are people out there tired of the Shadow Dragon’s hold on the world… we simply need to unite them all.” The softest of smiles appeared on his lips. “I believe we can do this.”

“You’re right.” Caeda smiled back, relaxing as she looked into his eyes. “Even if every other Kingdom on the continent bows to Dolhr, that doesn’t count us out! Not that I think they will, I know Aurelis is resisting. Prince Hardin is quite a stubborn man, after all,” she said. “Thank you, Marth. I needed that. Just some leaving-home jitters, I guess!”

Marth chuckled light-heartedly. “I get you… at least this time it was consensual, the leaving. I don’t have to worry as much.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” She bit her lip, twisting the fabric of her skirt in her fingers. “I will never forget that, and yet…” Even if he wasn’t upset, she couldn’t help feeling like she’d been a bit insensitive. Which was odd; while Caeda didn’t go out of her way to be rude, she never worried much about how she came off in her boldness.

Probably because everyone was used to her, and Marth was no exception.

He shook his head. “No, don’t worry about it. You were a bright light in that darkness…” He took her hand. “I wouldn’t be doing this without all of the support you gave me.” She sighed with relief, her cheeks going warm as she squeezed his hand.

“I’m glad I could be. I promise, I’ll stay right by your side throughout this, no matter what.”

Marth’s cheeks returned to that pinkish blush. “I… Yes, I vow the same! If that’s alright with you…”

“Then it’s settled. We’re partners!” Caeda said. “Er, battle partners…and friends!”

“R-Right!” And yet, deep down inside, something stirred inside of Marth. The squeezing of his hand… It felt comfortable. Wonderful. He’d like to feel that again…

But he felt too bashful to ask.

Chapter Text

“We’ll have to travel through the Ghoul’s Teeth to reach our next destination,” Malledus told the army. “And it earned that name for a reason.”

“The Soothsire bandits,” Elice said, “and they’re said to be far more dangerous than a bunch of pirates.”

“If we deal with them,” Marth began, “then we’ll be able to help Galder further, and continue the message that we’re fighting to take back what’s stolen by the Shadow Dragon.”

“That’s right, those bandits could easily be another threat to Talys!” Castor said. “Well, I won’t let anything else harm my family while I’m gone!”

“I hear they’ve got a pretty skilled swordsman working with them, too,” Ogma added, “it’ll be interesting to cross blades with him.” Caeda frowned, as did Bord, Cord, and Barst.

“Don’t get reckless,” Caeda cautioned. “In fact, I wonder if someone like that could be swayed over to our side…”

“Now who’s being reckless?” Barst half-joked. “Seriously, though, I’m not one for hiding from a foe, but this guy…”

“Is it his inherent skill, or does he have some sort of magical sword that even confuses ordinary mages in its power?” Marth pondered. Norne giggled.

“I dunno if that kind of sword exists, but it’d be neat!”

“Not exactly,” Malledus said, “but he does carry with him a Killing Edge, one of the most dangerous swords in existence that’s not Regalia or the Falchion.”

“...At least it’s visible all the time and won’t use Warp Magic to catch you off-guard?” Marth rationalized, his voice a tad shaken. Elice raised an eyebrow.

“Marth, what kinds of stories has Ange been telling you lately?”

“Less stories and more theoretical possibilities of weapon development,” the Prince explained. “We’ve been brainstorming alternate solutions to the Shadow Dragon problem, see.” Darros blinked.

“Who’s this Ange? I feel like you’ve brought her up a few times before.” Elice smiled.

“You’ll be meeting her fairly soon.”

Marth nodded. “We’ve worked out that we’re going to meet in Aurelis, if everything goes well,” he added.

“So all we need to do is make it through the mountains,” Ogma said. “And we will! I’ll track down this swordsman and make him think twice about messing with any of us!”

“Julian, wait! I forgot my Mend staff-”

“I can go back and get it for you later,” Julian cut her off. “And don’t even think about warping me to safety while you go get it, I didn’t bust you free so you could go back and get captured again!”

“I…I know.” He’d risked so much for her, cutting ties with his former group, letting her go knowing they’d be chased, and she couldn’t help feeling guilty. If only she’d been able to remember her staff when they fled! “And of course I’m grateful to you.”

“Then let’s go! The more we stand here dawdling, the easier a time they’ll have finding us!”

“ Don’t use that route, ” a voice suddenly rang out in their minds. “ Try the left path- that’s where Altea’s Scion and his group are coming to handle the pirates. ”

“Altea’s Scion…?” Lena blinked. “Wait, Prince Marth?!”

“Just who are you?” Julian asked. “Didn’t Prince Marth go into hiding in Talys?”

“ Did any word about Galder not come to you? …Ah, whatever, ” the voice spoke. “ If you’re looking for safety, join up with him. I’ll brighten up the path to show you the way. ”

“Wait…that was Prince Marth who took those guys out?! He’s the one who-” And then the light was shining, and he and Lena focused on following it. So, the Prince is finally gonna take back his Kingdom, huh? Good for him .

When they caught up to Marth’s army, a pegasus knight was standing firm as she spoke to a certain Scarlet Swordsman.

“If you must swing your sword, swing it for a good cause,” Caeda said. “We could use an ally with skill and strength like yours on our side. If not, then I invite you to turn your blade on me.” The man shook his head.

“So dramatic…no, I could never raise my sword to a woman. Very well,” he said, “I will join you.” Ogma grinned from his spot close by, having been prepared to step forward if Princess Caeda was in any danger.

“Good. Cause I was hoping to spar with you and not have one of us die!”

Prince Marth mumbled something under his breath. Elice shrugged.

“It’s good to have you with us,” she said. “Ah, and here come two more!”

“Prince Marth!” Julian called. “Over here!”

Marth blinked. “Am I that recognizable? …Oh right, the circlet.”

“That, and someone told us this was where to find you,” Julian said. “Nice job taking out the pirates, by the way!” Lena blushed a little, but didn’t try to scold or correct him.

“If you will have us, we would be honored to aid you. Unfortunately, I don’t have my Mend staff at the moment…”

“Elice, don’t we have a spare Heal staff with the convoy?” Marth asked his sister.

“Yes, we do!” Elice took it out and handed it to Lena. “Here, I hope this is enough until we find yours.” Lena bowed, smiling gently.

“Thank you, Princess Elice.” Navarre, meanwhile, eyed Julian with suspicion.

“Aren’t you the man who betrayed the Soothsires?”

“And aren’t you doing just that?” Julian countered. “You and I are doing the same thing for different reasons, and we’re gonna have to face our former allies.”

“That’s fine with me,” Navarre said. “Those weak fools were useless as sparring partners, it will be all too easy to cut them down.”

Marth looked over to the swordsman before shaking his head. “The faster we deal with this, the faster we’ll be able to reach Aurelis. Let’s go!”

The bandit leader, of course, was incensed to see not one, but two of his men on Prince Marth’s side.

“I knew Julian was too soft a touch for that girl, but you, Navarre? I’d have thought you’d relish a chance to cut down a Prince!” Navarre shook his head. Prince Marth was no weakling, of course, but the way he was now he would not have been a satisfying fight.

“I’ve always wanted a chance to spar with you, Reynard,” he said, “and it looks like I’ll be the one to take you down.”

Marth tilted his head. “I believe it’s time to begin to pray to Holy Naga for forgiveness… as we have none to give to you.” Before he could fire off a threatening remark, Reynard’s body hit the ground, his life ended in a single stroke by Navarre.

“Scary!” Gordin whispered, hiding behind Draug. “Good thing we didn’t have to fight him ourselves to get him to join!”

“Let’s investigate this place, make sure there’s no secret group to ambush us amongst other things,” Marth declared.

“Good idea,” Julian said. “I’ll take care of the less obvious corners, I know this fortress like the back of my hand. And Lena, you stay near me in case there are any nasty surprises.” He tried to seem commanding, but the concern was readily apparent in his voice. Lena blushed, and let him take her hand as he walked inside.

“ Oh, ” a familiar voice rang out, “ they’re like that, huh Marth? ”

Marth lifted a finger before talking. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Ange.”

“ Y’know, like you and Caeda, except maybe a little more open…? ”

He looked over to Caeda, feeling some warmth on his cheeks. “Ange, you’re talking nonsense.”

The only response was a crackle before there was a disconnect. Thankfully, Caeda was oblivious to the exchange as she helped Elice and Jagen examine other areas of the fortress.

“Ah! Your Highnesses, those rogues left a rather large sum of gold here,” Malledus announced. “This will come in quite handy should we require new weapons and other equipment.”

“This would be useful, thank you Malledus,” Marth spoke, trying to disregard Ange’s words about Caeda and himself.

The search turned up no more bandits, no dangers of an ambush. The Samsooth Mountains were now much safer.

While Marth and his army were dealing with the bandits, another Prince had recently arrived in his homeland, the Princess of Archanea beside him. Thanks to General Camus of Grust, Prince Hardin was now tasked with keeping the sole heir of Archanea safe, and he’d recently received word that Prince Marth of Altea was en route to Aurelis.

Unfortunately, it would prove to be more difficult than he had anticipated. Since the war began two years ago, other Kingdoms were siding with Dolhr, among them Grust and Macedon. Word of Prince Marth’s departure from Talys had spread among the enemy, and they were already arriving to block his entrance into Aurelis.

“We should just get rid of them,” Wolf suggested. “Protect Aurelis and clear the way for this Prince Marth, kill two birds with one arrow.” Vyland shook his head.

“If we kill these soldiers, twice as many will come in their place. And it would be dangerous to attack now and potentially give away Princess Nyna’s presence. All we can do is focus on defense and wait.” Sedgar sighed.

“I still don’t get why they’re sending a kid to help us. Isn’t this the same Prince who couldn't even stop his own home from falling, who’s had to live in hiding in some nobody-knew-who Kingdom for two years? He probably doesn’t know the first thing about raising an army.”

“Two years is a long time,” Hardin said, “and while Talys is small, King Mostyn is an intelligent man and the Prince was hardly alone.”

“And it’s not fair to blame Prince Marth for Gra’s actions,” Princess Nyna said pointedly. “This wasn’t some run of the mill invasion, these were Altea’s allies. Their betrayal, leaving King Cornelius to die, then taking advantage of the royal family’s reaction to the news to take over…it was all calculated very carefully. There was nothing anyone could have done.”

“Ah…” Sedgar suddenly felt bad, thinking of how Princess Nyna could obviously relate to such a thing. “Sorry, Princess Nyna.”

“It’s not like you don’t have a point,” Wolf offered. “I mean, even if it wasn’t the Prince’s fault he is still just a kid. And Talys got hit with some pretty mean pirates lately, he’s probably had his hands full with that.”

“I say we trust him,” Roshea insisted. “Prince Hardin’s right, it’s been two years so he’s probably learned a thing or two. And he’s not just asking us to help him, he’d be helping us in turn.”

“Exactly,” Hardin said. “This is the son of King Cornelius, after all, and I imagine the man taught him as well as he possibly could before his unfortunate death.”

“So to my understanding,” a random soldier spoke up from behind the group, “is that we’re taking Prince Marth into consideration into our plans? Because I’ve been hearing rumors about him!” Wolf raised an eyebrow.

“What kind of rumors?”

“Do pardon the language, but he’s been kicking pirate ass as of late! Rescued Galder from that festering infestation of scum! He’s not taking a safe road, he’s taking dangerous areas by storm and revealing himself to be worthy of Anri’s name!”

“I see.” Hardin smiled. “I wouldn’t expect anything less of Anri’s descendant.” Sedgar’s brow furrowed.

“So he can swing a sword and kill some pirates,” he said. “Actually, considering the Galder pirates’ reputation, that’s impressive.”

“And I assume they’re coming through the Ghoul’s Teeth to reach us,” Nyna added. “Very few have come out the other side of those mountains still alive and well…”

“That doesn’t mean he’s ready to lead an army,” Sedgar argued. “But if Prince Hardin trusts him, well…”

“We’ll watch him closely and gauge his capabilities for ourselves,” Wolf said. “We’ll see how he and his ragtag bunch fare against real soldiers and their strategies.”

Chapter Text

He’d seen pictures of Aurelis’ plains before in books, but seeing it with his own two eyes was different. Marth saw how they stretched out, miles and miles away, making finding cover difficult in any attack that could come.

“The enemy is more organized this time, too,” Jagen noted. “These are bona fide soldiers, not just ragtag pirates and bandits. Thus, we need to plan carefully as well.”

“Many of them are on horseback,” Caeda said. “Luckily, I have just the thing.” She patted her Wingspear, which she’d brought along but hadn’t had to use yet.

Marth lifted his rapier. “I guess it’s time for proper fencing, it seems. A blade suited for a prince, right?”

“Indeed. Your studies and training over the last few years will serve you well,” Jagen said. “Unfortunately, at the moment we lack many other weapons suited to fighting cavalry. Or magic users, which would also serve us well in this case.”

“We’ll figure this out,” Abel said, “Cain, Frey, and I didn’t spend years sparring with each other as squires for nothing.” Cain bit his lip; by now they’d gotten used to Frey being gone, but every reminder still stung.

“Or training under Sir Jagen,” he said.

Marth looked over to Gordin and Norne. “You know where to try and aim your arrows when it comes to horseback riders, hopefully.”

“Of course!” Norne beamed. “Just give the signal, and I’ll be ready any time!”

“ Speaking of being ready ,” Ange’s voice echoed into Marth’s mind, “ I’m pretty close to Castle Aurelis. I think we could meet up there. ”

“Oh, checking on us, are you, Ange?” Marth nodded. “If all goes well here, then yes, let’s meet there!”

“ I’ll leave you to your battles, then! May Divine Naga and the Holy Beyond Divine keep you all safe and sound, cousin! ”

“Thank you for the prayers.” A smile stretched Marth’s lips. 

As Macedon’s troops were marching to intercept Prince Marth’s arrival, one particular soldier’s heart was not in it. He wasn’t as strong as the rest, didn’t like to fight, and King Michalis had sent him to battle for this particular reason.

Because you were brave enough to tell him no when he demanded you marry him, Lena. So he’s taking it out on me , Matthis thought. He didn’t blame his sister one bit, in fact he’d praised her when she told him the news. And he hadn’t been so naive to think the King wouldn’t blame him.

Apparently he’d been naive enough to assume he wouldn’t be sent to his death as punishment, however. The Altean Prince is weak and nothing but a child compared to our soldiers, but he could still fell one as weak and useless as an ordinary bandit, the King had said. That was Matthis, weak and unprepared and gutless.

If only I could have seen her one more time , he lamented, just before he caught a familiar glint and the sheen of a rapier. “Ack! Don’t hurt me!”

Marth stared at the man before squinting. “...Wait, that hue of red… are you, perhaps, related to Lady Lena, somehow?”

“I’m her brother,” Matthis said, unable to hide the tremor in his voice. “You’re Prince Marth, right? Do you know where my sister is?!”

Marth merely gestured behind him, where Lena was looking for anyone who would be in need of healing. “Right there.” Matthis almost fell over with relief, his eyes stinging.

“Oh, thank Naga! I hadn’t seen her in so long, I’d no idea what could have happened to her after she left…but if she’s with you, she’s got to be in good hands. I’m only a lowly soldier, but the Altean royal family is known for their kindness.”

“Matthis?” Lena turned around, overhearing the conversation. “It’s you! How did you end up on the battlefield - and fighting for Macedon after they allied with Dolhr?!” Matthis sighed.

“King Michalis,” he said, and Lena frowned.

“I might have known.”

Marth tilted his head. “Is there something I should know?”

“It’s technically my fault,” Lena said. “Some time ago, King Michalis asked me to marry him and I said no. This was after he became King and allied with the Dolhr Empire, and there was no way I could be with someone as cruel as him! So I rejected his proposal and left Macedon entirely.”

“And, well…after she left, he took his anger out on me,” Matthis sighed. “That’s why I’m here. He decided that because his desired bride walked away, her brother should pay with his life.”

“...I guess when the time comes, I’ll have to deal with Michalis, too…” Marth sighed. “Why not join us? At the very least, you’ll be with your sister.”

“I’d be honored,” Matthis said. “I’m not really much of a fighter, but if you have a use for me, I’ll give it my best.”

“And if we’re going to be facing Macedon, you and I can tell the King off together,” Lena said. “I thought he was a terrible person before, but now that I know he wanted to get my brother killed…!”

“Let’s focus on this battle for the moment.” Marth looked over the battlefield. “We’ll tell the King off when the day comes.”

“Right.” Matthis straightened himself up and adjusted the lance in his hand. “Just let me know what you need me to do.” Lena smiled.

“After this, we’ll do some catching up,” she promised. Matthis eyed the red-haired young man not far from her, and frowned. Later , he told himself.

“Merric?” Elice’s eyes widened as she entered the small house. “What a surprise running into you here, it’s been so long! I thought you’d gone to Khadein to study!”

“Princess Elice! You’re… So it was true, you and your brother have left Talys!” Merric smiled. “You don’t have to worry much for my studies; I’ve inherited an incredible tome known as Excalibur,” he said as he presented it.

“Yes, that’s the tome you mentioned you were competing in your studies for,” Elice said. “Congratulations! I knew you could do it.” She smiled broadly. “You’ve grown so much…I remember when you were still a sickly boy, how even casting a simple fire spell was a lot for you. I’m glad to see you’ve become so much healthier.”

Merric merely blushed in response.

“Anyway, would you like to join us? We’re up against cavalry, and your magic could really come in handy,” Elice said.

“Of course I’d love to… It would also be nice to see Prince Marth again!” He smiled once again.

“Good. Because I know he’ll be happy to see you, too.” The last time Merric had visited the castle was long before Gra’s betrayal was even a blip on the horizon…sometime after he’d left, Father had started training Marth, and Elice had voiced her concerns that it was too soon. It’s never too soon , Father had said, as if he’d anticipated tough times coming.

Father knew nothing of magic and wasn’t a foreseer, but a King always had to be prepared, she supposed.

Marth cleaned his rapier once the commander of this group was stopped. “Jagen, anything you’ve noticed in this battle I should keep in mind?”

“The confirmation of Macedon siding with Dolhr,” Jagen said. “There were rumors, and I’ve known for some time that King Michalis had become too ambitious for his own good, but today we faced them in battle. We can expect more of their troops in the near future.”

“So we can expect Wyvern Riders, I suspect,” Marth realized. “Archery will be important some time in the future.”

“Yes. Gordin, Norne, and Castor will have their work cut out for them,” Jagen affirmed. “As will Merric. We can also assume Princess Minerva will be meeting us in battle as well, and she’s quite strong.”

“The possibility is there, indeed.” Marth hummed. “I’ve been told there is weaponry dedicated to fighting off Wyvern Riders and the likes. We might need to keep a lookout for them, too.”

“Of course.” Jagen nodded. Just then, an elderly man approached them with a bow.

“Prince Marth, thank you for liberating the South Castle,” he said. “Prince Hardin is waiting for you with his Wolfguard, he’s protecting the King and Princess Nyna.”

“I’ve heard word of Archanea’s Princess being in Aurelis.” Marth turned to the elder and bowed his head in thanks. “I will assist Aurelis in this task as Prince of Altea. Thank you for your message.”

“You’re quite welcome. And please, deliver this to the Prince,” the man added, holding out a shining silver sword.

“I shall,” Marth told him, carefully taking the sword. “You have my word this shall be in Prince Hardin’s hands as soon as I see him.”

Now that they had time to sit down, Matthis wasted no time in taking Lena and Julian aside, glaring at the latter all the while.

“When I told my sister she should find her true love, I didn’t mean for a thief to glue himself to her side,” he said. Julian sputtered nervously, even as he stared daggers at the man.

“What?! Wow, way to get the wrong idea about a guy!” He didn’t deny anything was going on between him and Lena, which made Matthis frown. “I mean…I saved her from a bunch of bandits, and she wanted to stay by my side in return. It was a choice!”

“Why do I get the feeling there’s more to this story?” Matthis challenged. “Again, you’re a thief, right?”

“Quite useful in assisting Prince Marth,” Lena answered, setting down tea for the three of them. “His eyesight helps us in reconnaissance, and if we need to unlock doors, sometimes it’s easier to have a lockpicker than searching for a key.”

Matthis sighed. He knew his sister brought up good points, and he knew Macedon had a few people similar to Julian working for them. But there was a difference between hired spies and, well, someone who to Matthis looked like an untrustworthy heartbreaker.

“I can understand Prince Marth relying on him,” he said. “But when it comes to my little sister, that’s a whole other story. Tell me, Julian, how many other women have you claimed to be serious about before Lena?” Julian turned as red as his hair.

“Oh, come on!”

“Bold words, Matthis. Do tell me, how has your love life been since I left?” Matthis nearly dropped his teacup.

“ Lena! ” Badly, actually, he’d never been a big hit with women and ever since he was known as the brother of the girl who rejected being Queen, it had gotten worse. “I’ve hardly had time for that, what with the draconian training King Michalis has subjected us to.”

“So not good, then?” Julian asked, sipping his tea. “Look, I know you worry about your sister, you’re not the only big brother in the world. And yes, maybe my past hasn’t been as clean as a whistle. But the important thing is what you do after you leave that part of you behind, you know?”

Lena nodded. “Exactly. With the state of the world as it is, there are more things to worry about than one’s past.”

Again, she had a point. Prince Marth found Julian useful, and Julian clearly cared enough about his sister to put whatever his past was behind him. And come on, you really think Lena would just fall for some guy because she thought he was good-looking? After she rejected a chance to become Queen because the King is such a rotten person?

What would their parents think? It’d been so long since they’d talked to their parents, but they’d probably say he was being silly. Overprotective.

“I don’t like it,” he said, “but I know you’re a good judge of character, Lena. So if you trust this guy…I guess I’ve got no choice.” Julian snorted.

“Thanks,” he said wryly.

“I’m sure he’ll grow on you,” Lena told her brother with a smile. Matthis sighed.

“We’ll see about that.”

Chapter Text

“Prince Hardin and his men aren’t far from here, I understand?” Marth asked as he fixed his circlet.

“They are,” Malledus said, “and we’ve arrived just in time. They’ve been fighting off Dolhr’s army for some time now, but they can certainly use the aid.”

“And Princess Nyna is with them,” Jagen added. “But she won’t be joining them on the front lines. Word has it she tried to come along as their healer, but understandably they told her to stay hidden. It would be ruinous for the last of Archanea’s royal line to be seen by Dolhr.”

“Understandable.” Marth double checked his rapier’s sheath. “What has been seen, enemy-wise?”

“Cavalry, infantry, and some armored units,” Malledus said. “And there are reinforcements hiding in nearby fortresses, so we’ll need to stand ready for them.”

The Prince nodded. “Alright, I’m ready to hear suggestions on positioning.”

Obviously the cavalry and Draug would need to be at the front, but Ogma and Navarre were suggested as well, especially given how the pair seemed to fight more strongly near each other. As if they were determined to beat one another’s body count.

“But of course, they’ll need to see that the royals of Altea are here and giving their aid,” Cain insisted. “Prince Hardin and his men are gifted and strong, but rumor has it that they can be somewhat prideful.”

“The Prince himself isn’t so much, but two of his men are,” Merric said. “I’ve heard some things about them here and there. But the general consensus is that they’re pretty nice men overall.”

Marth tapped his circlet. “I’ve got the item right here to signal my presence,” he pointed out. Elice grinned.

“I knew giving you that was the right idea.” She herself didn’t have any identifying accessories or markers, only a special staff only she could use as a Princess but hopefully would never need to. So far she’d resisted the temptation to revive Frey with it, told that his sacrifice would be meaningless and that he’d insist she save it for a true emergency.

“Then let’s get this battle done- the faster we help Aurelis, the easier it will be to gain their trust!”

Elsewhere, Prince Hardin and his men were just spotting the familiar glint on the horizon.

“That’s them,” Hardin said. “We’ll ride to meet them immediately.”

“Stay safe,” Princess Nyna told them. She still wished she could go with them to help, but understood why not. Camus hadn’t risked everything to bring her here just for her to put herself in danger again. Hardin smiled warmly at her.

“The same goes for you.”

The Coyote and his men rode out to meet their new allies. Sedgar and Wolf, of course, were still skeptical of this Altean Prince, and had made an unspoken vow to watch him carefully and determine whether he was worthy of even fighting alongside their Prince, much less the praise that had been heaped upon him.

As all this was happening, an elderly magic user was among the enemy, but not out of loyalty to Dolhr. Rather, he’d slipped into their ranks to protect himself after his homeland had been shrouded in darkness.

Then, he was spotted by his student.

“Master?!” Merric gasped. Wendell smiled sadly.

“Ah, Merric. Pleased to see you looking well, and that you haven’t blown yourself up yet.” Merric chuckled.

“I did find Prince Marth, and I’m fighting alongside him. But…why are you here?” Wendell sighed.

“Gharnef has seized control of Khadein,” he said gravely. “All bow to his will, and those who refuse are killed on the spot. So I fled.” Merric winced. Khadein had become a second home to him during his time there, and immediately his thoughts went to a classmate of his. A rival, grouchy and competitive, but at times it felt like they could be friends.

“Any word of Arlen?” Wendell shook his head.

“None, I’m afraid.”

“Well, with any luck we’ll run into him sooner or later,” Merric said. “Master, why don’t you join us? We’re fighting against Dolhr, and I’m sure Prince Marth and Princess Elice would be happy to have you along.”

“As much as I’ve no taste for war, I’d feel much safer alongside the Altean royals than hiding among the enemy,” Wendell said. “Consider me in!”

Marth relaxed as he stepped away from the last enemy he'd stopped, scanning the battlefield for any other enemies that would attack him. Instead, Prince Hardin himself rode up to him, sword in hand.

“Prince Marth, I’m glad to see you’ve arrived in one piece. I understand you had to fight your way past some Dolhr troops to reach us, and that they stood no chance.”

Marth lightly bowed to him. “Prince Hardin, ‘tis an honor that we finally meet! The battles have been tiring, but I am glad to finally offer Aurelis our aid!”

“Aid? I should hope for more,” Hardin said. “I would be honored if you would command me, as well as my men.” Wolf let out a rather undignified squeak of disbelief, while Sedgar almost dropped his bow.

“Coyote, you can’t seriously mean that!” he said. Roshea and Vyland each raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Roshea was quick to assume the best of others, while Vyland preferred to withhold judgment until he saw for himself the kind of person Prince Marth was.

“...I am quite flattered by this offer,” Marth admitted. “Yet I am still young, and I still need guidance. If I am to lead your men, then I wish for either we are co-leaders, or…”

Hardin chuckled.

“Prince Marth, honestly, there’s no need to be so modest! But if it makes you more comfortable, then I accept,” he said. Sedgar and Wolf shared a glance, unsure whether to take this as proof that Prince Marth truly was just a child or that his self-awareness made him more mature than they expected.

“We look forward to seeing your prowess in battle, then,” Wolf finally said.

Marth nodded to him. “I pray to not lose your trust, Wolfguard.”

To Sedgar and Wolf’s surprise, Prince Marth truly was every bit as skilled as the rumors said. The fact that the Coyote seemed so eager to trust him also eased their skepticism a bit. And soon, they were at the castle gate, ready to get rid of the Macedon bastard holding it.

At least, most of them were. Elice had stopped by a village only to end up in possession of an odd-looking, bright red stone that felt familiar somehow. Not to her personally, but she had a feeling it was incredibly important.

“This gate is held by someone weak to Caeda’s and my weapons, magic users and… do we have anything else good against a Knight?” Marth queried. Jagen shook his head.

“I think magic, along with your rapier and Caeda’s Wingspear, will be more than enough,” he said.

Marth nodded. “Then that’s what we’ll do. Let’s free the gates of the castle!”

The knight guarding the gates sneered at the approaching army. Of course that pesky Altean Prince would come, but he’s not having his revenge anytime soon. Dolhr’s too strong for the likes of him, and so is Macedon now that our great King’s put in his lot with them!

“Princess Minerva put me in charge of this castle, and you won’t get it back while I’m here!” he challenged. Caeda raised her Wingspear.

“Oh, I think we will.”

Hardin glared at the man. Macedon, Gra, Dolhr, they were all the same - grasping for power, trampling over anyone to get it, and he was not going to let Aurelis be forced under their sway. And I will not let them find Princess Nyna, I promised to protect her and no one will lay a hand on her on my watch!

“Do you know what the bandits whisper, my good sir?” Marth began, staring down at the knight and holding his rapier tight. “They call me the ‘Claw of Naga’. They speak of a gleaming circlet being the last thing seen before you breathe your last. Do you dare challenge me?”

“The Claw of-” And the knight turned pale, his bravado faltering. Merric smirked.

Aurelis Castle’s gate was free in just moments.

“Do we continue and free the castle, or do we wait and make them sweat a little in there?” Marth asked as he cleaned off his rapier. “Either way works for me.”

“I’d say we’re in good enough shape to keep going,” Hardin said. But before they could, he spotted his brother approaching the gate. “Ah, hold that thought.” He was smiling, but his eyes were concerned.

“Prince Marth!” King Taliesin of Aurelis called. “Ah, your arrival is well-timed. Not only is Princess Nyna safely en route to the castle, but someone here wishes to speak with you and Princess Elice.”

Next to his side was a young woman; coral-colored hair, pointed ears, and the same Lowell blue eyes Marth and Elice shared. She carried an Armorslayer with her, as well as a turquoise stone similar to the red one Elice found set as a necklace.

Marth smiled. He didn’t have to ask who she was. “We finally meet, don’t we, Ange?”

A massive grin, nearly cheek-breaking, appeared on the newcomer’s face. “That we do, dear cousin!” It was the voice he and Elice would hear in their minds, but this time, it was audible to the ears. “It’s been a long time coming, Marth.”

“Ange, it’s so nice to finally have a face to go with the voice,” Elice said. Lena and Julian blinked.

“She’s the one who led us to you,” Lena said, “I know that voice. So I must thank you, Miss Ange, for your help.” She curtsied, and Julian offered a stiff bow.

“Yeah, thanks!”

Ange giggled. “You’re both welcome!” King Taliesin smiled.

“A family reunion, how wonderful. Or rather, two of them.” He glanced towards Hardin. “I’m pleased to see you’re safe. Not that I doubted your capability, but I do worry.” Hardin smiled wryly.

“I’m the one with more of a right to worry, given your health, brother,” he said. “I take it the healers have said you’re well enough to be up and about?” The King rolled his eyes.

“I’ve been well for the past few days.”

“Well…I’ll take your word for it. You look better than you did a week ago,” Hardin said.

“I… may have been of some help, as thanks for guiding me to my cousins,” Ange explained, a bit of pink on her cheeks. “Pyrathi has medicinal plants not found in the mainland that I’ve brought over their potions. I thought perhaps it would help fight off His Majesty’s illness.”

“I see.” Hardin smiled at her. “I thank you, then, for helping speed along his recovery.” Vyland blinked.

“How did you know about His Majesty’s illness?” he asked.

Ange stared at him. “Merchants, of course,” she answered like it was obvious. “We permitted them in Pyrathi.”

“Ah…yes, that makes sense. And we do get quite a few merchants in Aurelis, so…” Vyland rubbed the back of his neck. “Apologies, I didn’t mean to sound suspicious! Your aid is appreciated.”

“Very much so,” Wolf added. “The Coyote tends to fret about his brother, and anything that can ease his mind is a blessing.” Hardin laughed.

“I’m not as much of a worrywart as you make me out to be, Wolf. Besides, when I am ill at ease, you four always manage to pick up my spirits.”

The pink that flashed across Wolf’s cheeks was so fast only the sharpest eyes could catch it.

Chapter Text

“Considering the layout of Aurelis Castle, it’d be ill-advised to turn into my draconic form,” Ange pointed out as they planned the method of attack. “And as a member of the Sea Tribe, I’d rather not cause any water damage, anyway.”

“A wise decision. I would like the castle to stay in one piece,” Hardin said, a bit teasingly.

“According to our scouts, there are mostly archers and armored knights defending the castle,” Malledus said. “And a few thieves looking to steal any treasure they can get their hands on.” Julian’s face turned thoughtful for a moment.

“Technically I’m no longer a thief, but I didn’t discard my lockpicks, so…”

Ange lifted a finger up. “Hold on. I think I can sense one of the thieves… The name Rickard, does it sound familiar?” Julian facepalmed.

“Very. He’s an old friend of mine and he’s always enjoyed thieving a little too much, of course he’d be here,” he sighed. “I’d rather not have to fight him and I know he’ll listen to me if I tell him to knock it off, but there’s the matter of cornering him in the first place. He’s…slippery.”

A smirk appeared on her face. “Well, we just need to lead him into a trap.” Ange tapped the side of her head. “A little telepathy to trick him into finding a fake treasure, and we’ll snag him for sure!”

“Perfect.” Julian grinned. Lena nodded, smirking a little herself.

“From what Julian’s told me about Rickard, your sneaky mind is just what we need.”

“We’ll need all of our magic users as well,” Jagen said, “to counter the armored forces.”

“Is that why you came with an Armorslayer, Ange?” Marth asked his cousin.

“Partially. It’s also a cool-looking sword,” Ange said with a grin.

“I can leave my pegasus outside,” Caeda said, “since my Wingspear should come in handy, too. Then we won’t have to worry as much about the archers.”

“As for the other thieves, we’ll make sure to block any exits,” Draug added, gesturing to his armor with a smile. “They’ll never get past me!”

Marth nodded. “We’ll depend on you for that role, Draug.” He turned to Hardin. “Whenever we’re ready, let’s take back the castle.”

They had their strategy hammered out in just a few minutes, and at Hardin’s order, they marched. Princess Nyna was waiting for them there, Hardin reminded himself, and with any luck she would remain safe while they took on the enemy.

As the army made their way into the castle, the thief known as Rickard gleefully made his way towards the treasure chests. Aurelis Castle wasn’t the biggest one on the continent, but they had plenty of good stuff he just couldn’t wait to get his hands on!

“Gold, jewels, fancy weapons, I don’t care what it is, this is going to be so much fun!” he sang to himself as he scurried down the corridors, unaware he was being watched.

“ Psst! Hey, can you hear me? ” Rickard blinked, pausing in his tracks.

“Who’s there?”

“ I found a chest over here… I heard it holds the most important of all treasures in this castle. If you want to find it, come on over to the left… ”

All he had to hear was “most important of all treasures” and he would follow the mysterious lady’s voice anywhere she told him to go. Laughing to himself, Rickard rushed in the direction he was told to, already imagining what this amazing thing could be. Something even more valuable than gold or jewels or a fancy weapon, he just had to nab it!

“ You’re almost there… ”

‘Aurelis’s most precious treasure, here I come!”

But instead of a shiny chest with his name practically all over it, he was greeted with a familiar face and two less familiar, all of them looking sternly down at him.

“Big bro?!”

“I knew I might find you here, Rickard,” Julian said. “Luckily, someone else did, and they made sure we’d reunite before you did anything you shouldn't.” Rickard groaned.

“It figures. You get outta the thieving business, meet a pretty girl, suddenly you forget all about our old partnership and how much fun we used to have!” Lena shook her head.

“Julian worries about you, Rickard. Stealing is dangerous, you can’t always outrun the enemy,” she said.

A grin appeared on the other woman’s face. “Tricked you real good, haven’t I?” She winked. “So, House Lowell has a request for you.”

“Lowell? Wait…” Rickard stared at the third person, a woman with coral hair and sharp eyes. “You mean Prince Marth is here?!”

“And Princess Elice,” Lena said, “they’ve been asked by Prince Hardin to help reclaim Aurelis Castle from Macedon.”

“We could use more people skilled with lockpicks in our midsts,” the woman explained. “You help us with locks, we’ll pay you. What do you say?”

“Well…” Rickard sighed. “I can see I’m outnumbered here, so rather than put up a fight, I’ll go along with you. Besides, it’ll give me a chance to spend more time with my big bro!” He flung his arms around Julian, who grumbled in protest.

“Okay, I missed you too, just…let go a little, would you? I can’t fight like this!” Lena giggled.

“Then let’s go find the other treasures, shall we? I’m sure they’ll be useful!”

“They have a freaking General protecting the throne…” Marth muttered as he grabbed his rapier tightly.

“Nothing our weapons and magic can’t handle, cousin,” Ange reminded him, Armorslayer at the ready. “Let’s introduce to him the strength of our bonds, Marth.”

“Strength of our bonds…” Marth repeated.

“We can do this. Remember, we’ll be facing stronger enemies down the line,” Ogma told him. “This guy’s nothing.” The general protecting the throne let out an offended squeak, having overheard that.

“Excuse me?!” Ogma smirked.

“See? Now that we’ve got him all riled up he’s sure to screw up and we’ll win easy!”

Ange giggled, positioning herself to strike the general. “Get ready! ‘Cause we’re here to show you what we’re made of!”

The boss tried to put up a fight, but he was no match for the power of bonds, armorslayers, magic, and a mercenary who may have been using an ordinary sword, but had the strength of two men.

“...And that’s the last thing to deal with.” Marth turned to Hardin. “With this, your castle has been reclaimed, Prince Hardin.”

“Thank you, Prince Marth,” Hardin said, bowing. The Wolfguard nodded, even Wolf and Sedgar looking impressed. At that moment, a blonde woman entered the throne room and curtsied to Marth and the rest.

“It’s good to see you,” she said, “Prince Hardin told me you would be coming, and I’m pleased to finally meet you. I am Princess Nyna, the last surviving member of Archanea’s royal family.”

“Princess Nyna… it is good to see you well.” Marth bowed to her. “I am the Crown Prince of Altea, of Houses Lowell and Altea, Marth Eden Lowell.”

“And I am Elice Cerise Lowell, Princess of Altea,” Elice said with a curtsy of her own.

“As representative of Pyrathi,” Ange began, offering a bow, “I, Ange Lowell of the Sea Tribe, offer my aid in stopping the Shadow Dragon’s invasion of the continent.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you,” Nyna said. “And I thank you for coming to my aid. Unfortunately, Archanea’s royal family was no match for Dolhr, and I lack the power or skill to carry on what my parents fought for. All I can do is offer support from the sidelines.”

“Our family is duty-bound to Archanea,” Marth recalled. “With Aurelis’ aid, I aim to stop the Shadow Dragon and Dolhr’s influence on the continent. Princess Nyna, with your blessing, liberating your homeland shall be instrumental in liberating the others.”

“Thank you,” Nyna said. “Prince Marth, allow me to give you this.” She unwrapped the cloth from around an object, revealing a shining golden shield. “This is the Fire Emblem, the royal crest of House Archanea. It’s bestowed on a true champion, one believed to have the power to save the world. Prince Marth of House Lowell, descendant of Anri, I believe you are that person.”

“The Fire Emblem…” Marth stared at the object. He’s heard of the legends surrounding it, but seeing it with his own eyes…

“I-” Ange took a step forward. “Pardon me, Princess Nyna… but I sense… I sense Poppa’s essence within it. Shouldn’t it be your ancestor’s essence I sense instead?”

Marth turned to Ange. “What do you mean by that?”

“Duke Caldas, she means,” Nyna said. “Yes, he was the original wielder of the Fire Emblem. But Anri was the hero who ended the war against Medeus…and Artemis’s first true love. Sadly, they could never be together due to the social order of the time.”

“...Momma… Momma was Poppa’s second true love. But Momma couldn’t stay in Altea because she was an Earth Dragon.” Ange sighed. “I am… I am the unwilling heiress of Altea’s throne. I am King Anri’s daughter.”

“Ah, of course.” Nyna nodded sadly. “I do remember the lesser-known tales of the Untainted One, who asked not to be mentioned in the history books due to her connection with the Shadow Dragon.”

“...Maybe Poppa wanted to keep an eye on Archanea’s Royal Family, to offer his protection as much as he could. He never resented Caldas… or so Momma told me.” Ange looked over to Marth. “Perhaps, now, he’ll protect you, Marth. As great-grandson of his beloved brother.”

Marth glanced at Ange, and then at Hardin. Hardin’s expression was neutral, hiding the fact that he’d been a bit surprised to hear Nyna offer Marth the Fire Emblem. Logically, he knew it was the right choice, but a small part of him couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed it wasn’t him.

“If it is Princess Nyna’s wish, I support it,” he said. Personal feelings had no place during these times, after all, and if Ange could sense Anri’s essence within the Emblem, it was best in the hands of Anri’s descendant.

Giving a bow of gratitude towards Hardin, Marth gently took the Fire Emblem. It felt… lighter than it looked, somehow.

“...We should clean up the castle for your brother,” Marth told his fellow prince. With a smile, he added, “we wouldn’t want to make things too sticky here.”

“Yes,” Hardin said, “fortunately, any remaining enemies have fled, and the damage is minimal.”

Deep down, he knew Princess Nyna had made the right choice. Prince Marth was a kind soul, always thinking of others before himself, and filled with potential that he would realize more every day.

Chapter Text

With the unexpected but welcome addition of a swordswoman named Athena to their ranks, Marth’s army set off from Aurelis to make Archanea Palace their next destination.

“Our most logical route will be a particularly perilous one, however,” Malledus said, “as we will be crossing through Lefcandith Valley. That one is a gauntlet of fortresses, and worse, Princess Minerva and the Whitewings are stationed there.”

“Is it entirely Macedon?” Marth asked him.

“Mostly, but we can be certain they’ll have others among them,” Malledus said. “We should prepare for that.”

“Macedon gleefully threw their lot in with the Empire and Gra, and if I remember correctly, Grust did as well,” Matthis said. “So we should definitely be on the lookout for Grust in the future.” Nyna tensed slightly at this, and Elice blinked.

“Is something wrong, Princess Nyna?”

“Ah…” She shook her head. “No, nothing at all,” she lied. Of course it would be bound to happen down the line, but hopefully later than sooner. And it doesn’t necessarily mean we must fight him, either…maybe he’ll have a change of heart.

“Then let’s prepare for them, shall we?” Ange heaved her Armorslayer over her shoulders. “Let’s show them a thing or two on our well-oiled teamwork!”

At Lefcandith herself, Princess Minerva was pissed, and not because she knew the Altean army was headed their way. Once again, she was being forced to comply with idiotic tactics because every general under her brother’s command was little more than a sheep who did as he said. Meaning that of course, if she didn’t want him to let something happen to Maria, Minerva would do as she was told.

She hated that her love for her brother kept her blind to his greedy ambitions until it was too late and she would gladly take him on, except now that he was King his word was law. Taking their own little sister hostage, allying them with Dolhr, and she was expected to be the powerless suffering sister who couldn’t do anything about it.

Not anymore, she decided.

“Whitewings,” she told Palla and Catria, “we’ll give them a little time so we can say we waited patiently, but once that time passes, we’re leaving. Got it?”

“Naturally. I don’t care if Grust sees fit to punish us for disobeying that man,” Catria said. “We serve you and you alone.”

“Right,” Palla added. “Wherever you go, Your Highness, we follow.”

“Exactly! No stupid old man’s gonna tell us what to do!” Est finished. Minerva smiled.

“I’m truly lucky to have such loyal retainers as you,” she said. Someday, she’d be able to free Maria and fight back against her brother. Maybe there was a way she could manage it sooner than later.

And in the meantime, General Harmein, don’t come whining to me if you get destroyed by the Altean knights. They’re much stronger than you give them credit for.

“...I dunno why, but I sense kin in this village,” Ange told Marth.

“Sea Dragon?”

“No.” Ange shook her head. “Fire, in fact. The only Fire Dragon I can think of who would be here would be…”

“Lady Ange! Is that you?” An elderly man in a red robe approached the cousins. “Ah, but it’s been so long…”

“Master Bantu!” Ange’s expression brightened up. “It has been some time, hasn’t it? Marth,” she turned to her cousin, “this is Master Bantu, of the Salamander Tribe! He’s like a mentor for me.”

“Prince Marth of Altea? Ah, one of the cousins Ange has told me so much about!” Bantu bowed stiffly. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. I knew Ange intended to meet with you in person someday, I’m happy to see she finally could!”

“It’s a pleasure as well, Master Bantu,” Marth bowed as well. “What brings you here in Lefcandith?”

“I’m looking for someone,” Bantu said, “a young girl named Tiki. I’m her guardian, but we were unfortunately separated…and even more unfortunately, I lost my dragonstone somewhere along the way. So I’m all but useless in battle right now.”

“...Bantu.” Ange almost glared at the elder Manakete. “Lady Tiki is no mere young girl. How did you get separated from Holy Naga’s daughter ?!” Bantu laughed nervously.

“Yes, well…to me, she’s like a grandchild, I can’t help but see her as a young girl! But Lady Ange is correct, of course,” he said. “Lady Tiki is the last of Naga’s line, and her powers are incredible. She’s one of the keys to defeating Medeus, the Shadow Dragon.” He sighed. “As for how we were separated…there was chaos in one of the villages, and we lost sight of one another. I blame myself.”

Marth nodded. “We’d gladly help you search for her. And… I believe I know where your dragonstone may be. My sister Elice found it in a different village in Aurelis.”

“Oh, thank goodness! That’s also where I lost sight of Lady Tiki,” Bantu sighed. “By the time we arrived, Macedon had sent their troops over and were in the process of taking the castle. Sadly, in my old age, I’ve become quite useless…”

“We’ve dealt with that,” Marth told him, sounding absolutely proud of his victory. “Aurelis Castle is back to its crown royals and its people.”

“Ah, that’s good to hear,” Bantu said. “In that case, might I join you? Once I’ve reclaimed my dragonstone, I should be able to help you. My power isn’t much, but I feel that if I travel with you, I stand a better chance of finding my dear granddaughter.”

“It would be an honor,” Marth agreed with a smile.

“Thank you.” Bantu bowed, and as the trio left the village, Elice was standing and waiting for them.

“Good news,” she said, “Princess Minerva and her retainers left the battlefield. So it seems we won’t be facing them. Luckily, since according to one of the other villagers that axe she carries is leagues above what we’ve been up against.”

Marth nodded to this new information. “Interesting. Elice, I’ve found the owner of that red dragonstone you found.”

“Oh?” Elice blinked, looked at the stone, and then at the man dressed in red…whose eyes seemed to have a similar red tint to them. “Are you…”

“Yes.” Bantu held out his hand, and she pressed the stone into it. “I take it you two know something of the Manakete tribes.”

“We know the stories, of course,” Elice said, “and Ange has told us what those stories didn’t. She’s the first one we’ve ever met in person.”

Ange smiled pridefully. “Someday they’ll meet Momma! But not right now, for obvious reasons.”

“Of course.” Bantu smiled. “Now, shall we return to the field?”

“Their leader and just a few stragglers are left,” Elice said.

“Let’s deal with them, then,” Marth announced.

From miles away, Minerva heard the faint sound of an idiot falling in battle and sighed. She’d known this would happen, and flying away had given her the courage to decide that she was not going to be powerless anymore.

Prince Marth and his army were strong, and they were fighting to end this stupid war. If Macedon was going to support cruelty and brutality, she couldn’t support them as they were now, especially her brother.

First, she would free her sister. Second, she would slap some sense into Michalis even if she had to risk her neck to do so.

“Looks like we’re going to have to fight our Manakete kindred if we’re going to fight to the very end,” Ange noted to Bantu, observing the carnage of the battle.

“Indeed,” Bantu sighed. “Prince Marth, Princess Elice, how much has Lady Ange told you of the Manakete tribes, and how much have you learned from books? Because there is quite a bit of lore.”

“We know of the Untainted One, of course,” Elice said. “Father made sure to tell us, because she personally requested to be left out of the official history books.”

“We also know the Tribal Division and their names,” Marth added. “But I believe that’s all we’ve learned.”

“I see.” Bantu nodded. “The Manakete tribes precede the existence of humans on the continent of Archanea,” he explained. “And for a time, they were able to coexist peacefully alongside the humans, keeping their draconic powers within Dragonstones. But a century ago, the Shadow Dragon Medeus created the Dohlr Empire and shattered that peace.”

“The one whom Anri slayed with the Falchion, made with Holy Naga’s fang,” Marth recalled.

“Yes,” Bantu said, “and for a long time, peace reigned over the continent once more. But Medeus has been awakened, and he has restored his empire.”

“And now, all of Archanea is feeling his return…” Marth frowned. “I must retrieve the Falchion and end this madness.”

“Indeed,” Bantu says. “The Dolhr Empire took it off of your father when he died, and it’s currently in their possession. So reclaiming it will be difficult.”

“But we will,” Elice said. “We’re not strong enough to face them yet, but we’ll never give up.”

Ange nodded, grinning. “We can do it! We’ve got Talys and Aurelis on our side, so let’s get Archanea back!”

Chapter Text

When the army arrived in Port Warren, they were greeted warmly by the many civilians and merchants.

“We pay Dolhr heavy taxes to stay free, so we’re always hoping to keep the coin flowing,” a shopkeeper said. “So more guests and customers are always welcome.” Caeda frowned. She’d been excited to visit a port town, reminded of her beloved Talys, but it wasn’t fair that the people had to live like this.

Still, considering how Dohlr treats other towns, it could be worse , she thought. And the people seemed happy enough.

Unfortunately, they didn’t have much time to rest before word spread that the enemy was approaching.

Marth sighed heavily as he pulled out his rapier. “ Of course there would be a battle here. Holy Beyond Divine, please let us survive this battle!”

“Prince Marth!” came a new voice. “My name is Caesar, and this is Radd.”

“We’re hired swords, and when we heard you were in town we came as fast as we could to help you out,” Radd added. “Grust is strong, and there’s safety in numbers.”

“That, and we heard the great Ogma was with you,” Caesar admitted. Ogma chuckled.

“If that’s your way of asking if I’ll train you two during downtime, sure, I don’t mind. But let me see what you’re made of in battle, first!”

Marth smirked towards Ogma. “Looks like you have a fanclub.”

“I could say the same about you,” Ogma teased, gesturing towards some village girls who were eyeing him up.

Ange crackled as she slung an arm around Marth’s shoulder. “Atta boy, Marth! Turning heads thanks to your look? Apparently you’re just like Poppa!”

Marth’s face went bright red. “Can you two not ?”

Caeda, who was standing beside Marth, bit her lip. Those girls aren’t actually flirting with him, they’re just looking. It’s not their fault Marth is so handsome, and it’s not his fault either. But she couldn’t help feeling a bit perturbed.

“Shall we, Marth?” She drew her Wingspear, and after a brief strategy session with Malledus, it was off to battle.

“Hey, Caeda?” Ange looked over to the princess not far from her after removing her Armorslayer from her fallen enemy. “Do you have a crush on Marth?” Caeda’s face turned bright red.

“Ange! Why would you ask such a thing? L-look, we need to focus on the battle right now, okay?” And she flew off before Ange could press her further, carefully avoiding any archers within the enemy ranks. She always forgot how perceptive Marth’s cousin was.

“...Oh, that’s totally a yes,” Ange grinned, before noticing something… strange within said enemy ranks.

Contrary to what her reaction would suggest, Caeda quickly forgot her embarrassment and insecurity when she spotted a lone knight whose heart didn’t look like it was in this fight. Her one thought was to convince him over to their side.

Unfortunately, her method ended up being to flirt with him a bit. Only because she sensed he had a weakness for pretty girls, and sure enough, he did seem to fall for it.

But someone else had spotted Roger as well, and it was the one person Caeda had hoped to dodge to avoid more questioning.

“Ohohoho!” Ange sashayed over to them. “Hello, soldier! I also noticed you from the other side of the battlefield, all distracted and all! Was it because of my beauty?”

“Gack!” Roger yelped. “Another one?! Oh, I must be cursed, two beautiful women and they’re with the enemy…ahh, I can’t abandon my country, must be loyal, but…” Caeda’s anxiety ebbed, and she smiled at Ange.

“Well, I guess that’s that, then,” she sighed. “If even we’re not enough to convince him, we should at least praise his loyalty.”

Ange lifted her Armorslayer. “Maybe we can impress him with our weapons!” she said with a grin. Caeda lifted her Wingspear, and Roger immediately recognized them as dangerous to a guy in heavy armor like his.

“On second thought, I can’t abide by what my country is doing! I won’t side with the Dolhr Empire, never in a million years!” he said. “Ladies, consider me one of your ranks!” Caeda smiled.

“Welcome aboard, Sir Roger.”

“...So what was that back there?” Ange asked as they returned to the battlefield. “You decided to try flirting with another man to figure out your feelings or somethin’?” Caeda tensed, her grip on Wingspear tightening.

“No, of course not,” she said, but deep down she wondered. Was that a subconscious attempt to make herself seem desirable? She wasn’t mad at Marth or those village girls, but she hadn’t exactly enjoyed watching them stare at him. Oh, dear, how must this look? If Marth had been here…would he have gotten jealous? Because that was the last thing she wanted, it might give him the wrong idea.

“Honey.” Ange plunged her Armorslayer into the ground. “You can tell me, you know. No need to be shy.”

“...after the battle,” Caeda said quietly. She was tired of trying to rationalize and hide from her feelings. When they’d set out, she’d put her developing crush on the back burner, knowing they’d need to focus on the trials ahead, but it wasn’t exactly working anymore.

Ange merely nodded. “After the battle, then.”

The rest of the fight went more or less as usual, the general in charge being determined but not impossible to beat. But Malledus was not liking the chance of more Grustian troops coming back.

“Your Highness,” he said, “Lady Ange, Princess Elice. We should not stay any longer, I think it best we flee to Pyrathi.” He glanced at Ange. “You’ll send a message to King Mannu, won’t you?”

Ange began to fiddle with one of her leg pouches. “Yeah, I can send a word to him. I also have this ship flag we can use to allow passage to Pyrathi smoothly, and so the Pyrathi Manaketes won’t attack us on sight.”

“Ah, even better!” Malledus smiled. “Thank you, Lady Ange.”

“So we’ll finally get to see the land you’ve told us so much about,” Elice said. “I can’t wait!”

“...I wonder if Momma would be around,” Ange mused.

Marth frowned. “Lady Maia wouldn’t be there?”

“It really depends,” the Manakete answered. “We’re both fond of traveling outside of Pyrathi. I could also ask Ol’ Mannu if she’s around or not.”

“It would be nice to meet her if she was,” Elice said.

So plans were made to board a ship to Pyrathi immediately. Thankfully, everyone had gotten in some training in the arena, and they’d stocked up on supplies before the battle anyway. So there was no need to stick around longer than necessary.

Once they were on the ship, Caeda claimed she needed to rest and headed to her own cabin. But she knew Ange would be waiting for her, and finally she could talk about what had been on her mind throughout the rest of the battle.

Ange joined Caeda at said cabin. “So. We’re ready to talk now?”

“Yes.” Caeda sighed, closing her eyes and folding her hands in her lap. “I do have feelings for Marth. I have for a while now, and I’ve tried not to think about it too hard. But seeing those girls looking at him…I don’t like how it made me feel.”

“That’s what I thought. I saw your expression back there.” Ange sighed. “I’m pretty sure Marth hasn’t figured it out yet, too.”

“If that’s the case, I’m glad,” Caeda said. “I don’t think I’m ready for him to know yet. He’s got so much else on his plate, helping so many other people, I don’t want to distract him with something so…inconsequential.”

Ange tilted her head. “If you believe it to be inconsequential… still, you’re not wrong that he’s got lots on his plate. In the end, everything’s up to you.”

“For now, I’ll simply support him as much as I can,” Caeda said. “Someday I’ll be ready to tell him, and I hope when that day comes he feels the same way.”

Chapter Text

“I spoke to Ol’ Mannu, and… looks like Mom’s busy with a task outside of Pyrathi on behalf of an ally, so we won’t be able to meet her,” Ange announced. “That being said, they’re gonna prepare an area for everyone to stay as guests.”

“That’s kind of them,” Elice said. She was a bit disappointed that they wouldn’t get to meet Maia, but she knew it would happen sooner or later. The thought of seeing where Ange was raised was exciting enough for her for now, and they would have a safe place to rest while they planned their next move: taking back Archanea Palace.

“Ange?” Marth held the Fire Emblem in his hands. “I’ve… got questions you might have answers to. Do you mind if we talk privately?”

Ange blinked. “Well… I guess so? Let’s do it now, then, while we’re still on the boat.”

“Thank you,” Marth said. “Mostly, I’m wondering about why you can sense Anri in the Fire Emblem, if it’s Archanea’s treasure and not Altea’s.”

“...Marth. Dearest cousin. Did you forget for a moment that Anri is my Poppa?”

“Yes, I remember that ,” Marth said. “I guess I’m confused as to why the founder of Altea’s spirit is in Archanea’s treasure. Was it to watch over Artemis’s family line after he passed away?”

Ange pursed her lips. “He’s not… really inside the Emblem, more like it’s a communication device for him. But your theory is the most likely -  after all, Artemis was Poppa’s first love, and even if things didn’t go the way they wanted to be… well. Papa would still care for the Archanean Royal Family.”

“I thought so,” Marth said. “A communication device, huh? That…makes more sense than what I assumed.” He blushed. “I must have sounded pretty dense just then, huh?”

“No, situations of spirits being inside significant items have been reported before,” Ange explained, “it’s just not the situation at hand with Poppa and the Emblem.”

“Well, thank you for explaining.” Marth smiled. “It’s good to know he’s reaching out to us even from the world beyond.”

“Medeus is involved. He doesn’t want you to fight without any knowledge, I bet,” Ange suggested, placing a hand on the rim of the Emblem. “Also… he’d want us to protect Princess Nyna.”

“And we will.” Marth looked down at the Emblem. “Thank you, Anri. I still have so much to learn, but I will uphold your legacy. Just like my father did.”

Arriving in Pyrathi, Ange led the group to meet with King Mannu, introducing the Fire Dragon to her human relatives.

“Business on the continent’s going crazy,” she told the king. “We’re planning to take back Archanea Palace, and we’re regrouping here to figure out the best way to do it.”

“A good idea,” Mannu said. “Prince Marth, Princess Elice, it is an honor to meet the cousins Ange has spoken so much about. You are welcome for as long as you need to stay.” Elice curtsied.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Ange has told us quite a bit about this land as well.”

Marth bowed as well. “We will ensure that we will give you no trouble during our stay.”

“Obviously, we already know Medeus has awakened and that more than one country has thrown their lot in with the Dohlr empire,” Mannu said. “Right now, our island is the only safe haven for dragonkind.”

“Medeus is the Shadow Dragon, so I assume he has other dragons on his side, correct?” Elice said. “We’ve one of the Fire tribe with us, and he’s mentioned being affiliated with Naga’s daughter Lady Tiki.”

Ange’s shoulders jumped. “I totally forgot to mention that! Lady Tiki’s gone missing, and we’re searching for her. Would you know where she might be?” Mannu frowned.

“No, but I can sense that she is in danger,” he said. “Not her life, but she is not in the Ice Dragon Temple where she should be, so anyone could have captured her.” Bantu, standing nearby, turned pale.

“Captured…”

“We’ll find her,” Ange tried to reassure him. “I have faith we’ll be put into her path.”

“My suspicion is that Gharnef, the sorcerer allied with the Dolhr Empire, is involved,” Mannu said. “Medeus did not awaken on his own, after all.”

There was a slight pause. “THAT JERK’S INVOLVED, THAT’S RIGHT!” Ange recalled.

Marth turned to her. “Gharnef?”

“An evil sorcerer who created a dark tome with the anger and hatred in his heart,” Nyna explained. “He ended a man’s life in a jealous rage over when their master chose that man to inherit the Aura spell over him.”

“That’s right, Princess Nyna,” Mannu said, “history says he sold his soul to the Dolhr Empire to gain even more power than Aura would have given him.”

“Lame. There are other, healthier ways to get to that point that doesn’t involve being a nutjob,” Ange pointed out.

“Ones that don’t involve murder,” Gordin added.

“I think that’s what Ange meant, Gordin,” Marth pointed out.

“Oh, right…of course.” Gordin laughed nervously. Elice sighed, her maternal instincts on alert at the thought of a young girl in danger from Gharnef.

“When will it be feasible to rescue her? Do you know where Gharnef has taken her, if he has her?”

“That is why Lady Maia left the island- she is searching for Lady Tiki,” Mannu explained.

Ange nodded. “Yeah, that sounds about right. If anyone can find her, it would be Momma and her skills as the Bloom Dragon,” she pointed out.

“Oh, good, I’m glad to hear,” Elice said. “Then we can focus on the tasks coming up.” Beside them, Bantu breathed a sigh of relief. The Bloom Dragon had power to rival even the Shadow Dragon’s, especially given her incorruptible status. Just then, a man with blonde hair carrying a bow approached, his eyes widening.

“Princess Nyna! I’ve been searching for you, but I didn’t think I’d find you here,” he said. At the sight of this man and the silver bow he carried, Gordin’s face lit up.

“Oh! It’s Jeorge, he’s one of Archanea’s royal retainers and the best sniper on the continent!” he practically squealed. “I never imagined we’d actually meet him!” Jeorge smiled, despite feeling a bit awkward at the sudden fanboying, and approached Marth.

“Prince Marth of Altea, do you have a moment?”

“Certainly.”

“Thank you. As your friend just said, my name is Jeorge, and I’m one of Princess Nyna’s retainers,” Jeorge said. “When Dolhr invaded, the lot of us were captured, but I managed to escape. I’d like to join your ranks, if you could use someone like me.”

Marth grinned. “Of course! The more, the merrier, I say. And I could use your knowledge of the Palace when the time comes.”

“I won’t disappoint you,” Jeorge promised. Gordin smiled, overcome with awe.

“And if you have time, will you mentor me in archery? You’re the best on the continent, and I’ve still got a lot to learn,” he said. Jeorge laughed a little, even if the fanboying was embarrassing he couldn’t help admire the kid’s earnestness.

“I’d be honored.”

Once they’d settled in, Ogma left the group for a while to stare out at the sea. Pyrathi was where he’d been born, the son of a low-ranking noble, but he’d never figured he’d be back anytime soon. After his mother died, he’d wound up in Knorda, where he’d nearly died in the gladiator arena before Princess Caeda saved him.

But he did remember the old days on Pyrathi, one of the few places humans and dragons could live together without a problem. He’d never really befriended any manaketes, but he’d seen them around here and there.

The familiar gentle footsteps belonging to Prince Marth started to resonate louder and louder, until they were two watching the sea.

“...You’ve once told me you were from here,” the Prince recalled.

“I am, yeah,” Ogma said. “My dad was a lesser noble and my mom was from Grust, but we lived here for a while. Then Dad got executed in Pales.” Some stupid political business, he remembered.

“Then… everything else happened.” Marth knew that talking about Ogma’s past was always a touchy subject.

“Yeah.” He sighed. “The thing is, I’d probably have been better off if I’d just minded my business, but that kid…he was in bad shape, he couldn’t take any more fights. He thought he could handle it, but I knew better. So I figured what’s a little punishment if I could help someone get out?”

“...Then Caeda saved you.” Marth didn’t want to think of the punishment. He’d seen the scars.

“She did, yeah. She was just a kid, it was dangerous, but she begged them to stop and made me her bodyguard right there, on the spot,” Ogma said. “His Majesty didn’t even mind her bringing some arena slave home, either, he treated me like part of the family right away.”

Marth’s smile was soft. “Those two… are always kind, no matter one’s station. …Those two saved you, and now… you’re here with us, helping me. I’m glad for your presence, Ogma.”

The look on his face when he talked about Caeda didn’t escape Ogma. Sure, he meant the King, too, but he’d also seen the way they were around each other practically from the beginning.

“I’m glad, too. You’re a good guy, Prince Marth,” he said. “Princess Caeda’s always been cheerful, but she’s been smiling even more since you two met.”

Marth’s cheeks turned pink. “...Thank you.”

“Hey, anytime.” He grinned. “Now, why don’t you and me have a spar? Let me see how you’ve improved since we set out!”

A fond laugh came out of Marth. “Gladly, dear friend.”

Chapter Text

Shortly before they left Pyrathi, a pegasus knight approached them with a request and promptly flew away. She couldn’t join them right now, she’d said, but she was counting on them to rescue both Princess Maria (from capture) and Princess Minerva (from being forced to fight if she wanted her sister to live).

“She says we’ll meet again,” Jagen said, “so that’s a good sign. It seems not all of Macedon is in alignment with the King.”

“I’d imagine it would be the same for the other countries who bent the knee to the Shadow Dragon,” Marth added. “The more rebels gathered by our side, the more likely we’ll succeed in defeating Medeus.”

“We’ll need to handle this delicately,” Malledus said, “this is a hostage situation, so we need to ensure the Princess’s rescue before we attempt anything else. Meaning we should adopt a defensive and stealth approach.”

“Stealth is our specialty,” Julian said, gesturing to himself and Rickard.

Ange hummed. “With my telepathy, I’ll be able to pinpoint Princess Maria’s exact location,” she offered. “That oughta help in figuring out how to approach this task.”

“And you can use it to alert Princess Minerva once her sister is safe,” Elice suggested. “Then we won’t have to face her amidst combat.”

“Ah, good point, Elice. I can do that, too.”

They spent the trip to Castle Deil forming a defensive strategy, and by the time they arrived they were ready to mount their rescue.

“Okay, according to Ange, she’s at the center of the castle,” Julian whispered. “Luckily, most of Macedon’s invading force is outside.”

Marth adjusted his hair, having removed his circlet to be part of the rescue. “So the majority will be the distraction as we rescue Princess Maria.”

Castle Deil was heavily defended and incredibly tough, but it was nothing compared to how Macedon would be right now. King Michalis was said to be a terrifying opponent, so in a weird way it was almost like the enemy had accidentally done them a favor.

Finally, they found the cell where Maria was being kept. Sitting patiently with her hands folded in her lap, her eyes immediately lit up at the sight of her rescuers.

“Princess Maria?” Marth approached the cell. “We’re here to get you out of here and help your sister.”

“Oh! Are you Prince Marth?” Even without the circlet, his blue hair made him easily recognizable as Anri’s descendant. “Thank you for helping me! Please, find my sister and tell her I’m safe now.”

“We’ve got someone on that,” Julian said.

“Oh, good! I’m coming with you, by the way,” Maria said. “I can’t fight, but I’m trained as a healer so I can patch you up!”

“Just like Elice,” Marth noted with a smile.

“And Lena,” Rickard said, winking at Julian. Julian rolled his eyes.

“And Mr. Wrys. Needless to say you’ll have plenty of company in the healers’ tent,” he said. “It’s a good thing, too, we’re gonna need it the further we go on. Now, Prince Marth, let’s hit the next step of the plan! You know what to do!”

Nodding, Marth took out his circlet out of a pouch and carefully placed it on his head. “Well, then… I guess it’s time for me to be the Claw of Naga!”

The moment the circlet was back on, the few enemies inside the castle panicked and began to run. Of course, this was perfect, it would lead them right outside where by now, most of the soldiers guarding the place were no more.

Ange pumped up her fist from her direction, and turned towards where Princess Minerva would be to tell her that Maria was rescued.

The moment she heard the voice in her head, Minerva made a beeline for Marth as he and the rest of the rescue team left the castle.

“Prince Marth,” she said as she landed, “I owe you a thousand thanks for saving my sister.”

He bowed to her. “I couldn’t stand by and let this deceit force you against us, Princess Minerva. And as a fellow sibling to a healer…”

“I knew you’d understand.” Minerva’s jaw tightened. “My brother took Maria hostage so he could force me to fight for his cause. I’ve been weak, doing what he said out of familial love for both him and Maria, but in the end, I chose Maria. Michalis is wrong, he’s been wrong since he insisted Macedon side with Dolhr.”

“You’re welcome to join us,” Marth offered. “We’ll likely cross blades with your brother in the future- I’d imagine you’d want to face him yourself.”

“I do, yes. As much as I’ve loathed the idea, I can no longer condone his actions. I have a lot I need to say to him, anyway,” she said. Such as demanding to know why he killed their father, why he changed…or better yet, the name of the man he’d been speaking with before this happened.

She didn’t know the whole story, but she knew Michalis hadn’t acted alone.

And then there were the Whitewings. Dolhr had forcibly separated them, afraid they’d collude in a rebellion together. They were three capable fighters, Minerva had trained with them herself, but she still worried.

Ange slowly approached them. “We’re almost done retaking this castle, Marth,” she announced.

He nodded. “Anything found in the castle?”

“Just Her Highness,” Ange admitted.

“Which is the reason we came in the first place,” Elice said. “Princess Maria, welcome to the army.”

The castle was secured, and it was decided they would stay for the night while planning their next move. They’d be heading straight into the heart of Archanea soon, and retaking the palace would involve even more planning.

Marth was reviewing his notes about the routes taken and to be taken when a knock rang against his door. “Yes?” He fixed his circlet-less hair to look more presentable.

“Prince Marth, might I speak with you for a bit?” Minerva asked. “It’s rather important…it’s about my brother, and Macedon.”

He carefully closed his notebook. “Certainly. I’ve heard dreadful rumors about him, but…”

He let her in, and she closed the door behind them. “They’re more than just rumors. Michalis…he killed our father so he could take the throne.” Knowing how Marth had lost his own father she’d hesitated for a moment, but he was the leader of an army, not a grieving child. He needed to know.

Marth slowly inhaled, then exhaled. “Do you know who would have driven your brother to such actions?”

“Unfortunately, not exactly. I remember a man coming to visit the castle multiple times, but I never caught enough of a glimpse of him. All I know is that after he arrived, Michalis changed,” Minerva said. “Macedon had always supported Archanea, but suddenly he wanted Father to turn against them.”

“It’s very likely this man is connected to Dolhr somehow,” Marth deduced. “That’s the most likely situation I can think of.”

“That’s my guess, too,” Minerva said. “Michalis refused to tell me or Maria about that person, but after he arrived, Michalis began to praise Dolhr as having superior strength. It was as if he was parroting the man’s words, but he sounded like he meant them on his own.”

“That is definitely intentional. I’ve heard of the power of suggestion and how it can manipulate people, but… that also implies that there was something your brother was lacking that he was able to be manipulated in the first place.”

“I wonder what,” Minerva mused. “The Michalis I knew was strong, loyal, and wanted to uphold the honor of our ancestor Iote. But more than that, he admired our father as the kind of King he wanted to be someday.” She sighed. “That Michalis may as well have never existed now.”

A sigh came out of Marth. “...If someone could figure it out, I’d bet it would be Maia.”

“The Bloom Dragon, yes,” Minerva murmured. “I assume we’ll be meeting her along the way, but for now this remains a frustrating mystery. All I can be is relieved that Maria is safe.”

“Yes, this is something better dealt with later.” Marth fixed his forelock. “Right now, our main plan is to retake Archanea Palace. That would cripple Dolhr.”

“Yes.” Minerva smiled. “You can count on me to do my best to help you in that endeavor.”

Another knock on the door; Marth blinked at the sound. “Suddenly I’m popular,” he noted.

“Prince Marth? It is I, Princess Nyna, and I must discuss an important matter with you.”

“I should go check on Maria, anyway,” Minerva said. “Thank you for your ears and your input, Prince Marth.”

“‘Tis an honor, Princess Minerva,” Marth smiled gently. Minerva left, and Nyna entered.

“Do you remember what I told you about Gharnef while we were in Pyrathi?” Nyna asked. “This isn’t necessarily about him, but about the man he killed.”

“Right, something about the Aura tome,” Marth recalled. “Is there something I should know?”

“Yes,” Nyna said. “The man was Pontifax Miloah, and when he died, he left a daughter behind. Unfortunately, Gharnef’s men have set his sights on her as the inheritor of Aura. We need to find her before they can capture her.”

Marth nodded, then opened his notebook to write that information down. “I presume you know her name.”

“Her name is Linde,” Nyna affirmed. “She disappeared after the battle that took her father’s life, my guess is she’s been on the run for years. No one’s seen or heard from her, but with the war escalating, she could be in immediate danger.”

“We’ll be on the lookout for her as well,” Marth declared.

“Thank you.” Nyna curtsied. “We’ll be passing through Knorda when we leave, and that place has become unstable since Dolhr took over. There’s even reports of a slave market at the edge of town.”

All expressions dropped from Marth’s face. “Is that so.” Even his voice became monotone. Nyna nodded.

“I take it you’ll want to break up that market, too. I approve.”

Chapter Text

Knorda.

While Marth, Princess Nyna, and the rest were on the lookout for Pontifax Miloah’s daughter, Ogma was staring into the distance, towards a certain place that once served as his prison and could have been his grave if it wasn’t for Princess Caeda. Even looking at it brought back those unpleasant memories, and he shivered.

But I’m not the powerless slave I was back then , he thought. He was here to help save a kid, and if Prince Marth’s plan went accordingly, bust up the slave trading ring here.

And maybe if they had time, he’d confront his past once and for all. But the mission came first.

Ogma wasn’t the only one feeling tense, though.

“After this…” Princess Nyna closed her eyes. “After this, we’ll be at the Palace. My home…”

“It will be quite the fight to take it back,” Marth reminded her, a gentle grip to his rapier’s handle. “Knorda will be a test for our resolve.”

“Yes…” Nyna swallowed. “Even being so close to my old home brings back memories of that day. So many people killed, my family…their bodies hung by the gates, as an example. If not for…” She paused. “For one person, I’d be dead with them. But…no matter how much I want to cry, it won’t change the past.”

“We may not be able to change it, but we must understand and use it to help shape the future,” Marth noted. “At least, that’s what my father told me when I was a child.”

“He was right,” Nyna said with a small smile. “And so are you, Marth.”

Malledus arrived then to go over the strategy with them, and it was time to set out. The first thing they did was search the houses and villages, one filled with ruffians.

Something clicked behind Marth’s mind upon seeing this village, and he stared icily at the bandit before him, his circlet glinting in the sun. “You are in the presence of the Claw of Naga,” he announced, his voice deepened by an octave, “release your prisoners or be destroyed by my battalion!”

The ruffians dropped any pretense of being scary and ran screaming for their lives, letting their would-be victims escape and go home…all except for one boy, who stayed where he was.

Marth approached him. “Is everything alright?”

“Well…” The boy hesitated, before taking off his cloak, revealing that “he” was a girl in disguise. “I don’t really have anywhere to go,” he murmured. “My father died, and Gharnef is after me, and-”

“Linde!” Nyna gasped. “You’re alive!”

Marth turned to Nyna. “This is…!? You mean, the person we were to rescue…”

“Yes,” Nyna said. “I had a feeling she’d be here, and I’m not surprised she disguised herself.”

“I did it to avoid Gharnef, but those ruffians didn’t care who they snatched up,” Linde said. “Please, take me with you. I inherited Father’s Aura magic, so I can help you fight. Besides, if you run into Gharnef I want to destroy him myself!”

A little chuckle came out of Marth’s chest. “There is safety in numbers, after all. It would be a pleasure to have your aid, Linde. Welcome.”

“Thank you.” Linde curtsied to him and Nyna both, and they went back to the battlefield.

Meanwhile, Caeda was visiting another house, where a woman named Anna was worried about her boyfriend.

“He’s with the enemy, but he’s not really a bad guy! I bet if someone talked some sense into him he’d join your side,” Anna said. “I’d go out there myself, but I’m not exactly equipped for combat, so…”

Caeda smiled a little. This time the guy already had a girlfriend, so she wouldn’t need to flirt. Even thinking about doing so after she’d acknowledged her feelings for Marth made her feel guiltier than that time with Roger.

“I’m good at negotiating,” she said, “I’ll make sure he gets the message.”

It didn’t take long for Jake to switch sides, and rush to the house where Anna was hiding out. After that, taking out the rest of the enemy was nothing. Now all that was left was the slave ring.

“I think I’ll be able to assist you somehow,” Ange offered Ogma. “If only for intimidation purposes.”

“That’d be a big help,” Ogma said. Like Marth, he was especially determined to break up this ring. No one should have to go through what I did , he’d thought just before charging into the arena. He’d walked away with his coin sack full to bursting, and he knew how to get those jerks to back down.

“It’s like some of them recognized you, but couldn’t do a thing to stop you,” she mused, her Armorslayer carefully placed around her shoulders. “We should take advantage of that.”

“I’m sure they did.” One of the arena masters definitely had, and a few opponents who’d beaten the crap out of him in the past had nearly fallen back in shock to face him now. “And I’m sure the slavers will, too.” He patted the hilt of the Killing Edge in its scabbard; they’d found a second one in Aurelis castle and Marth had insisted he take it.

They found the slavers just at the edge of the market, where Marth and the rest of the army were waiting to make their move.

“Thought you could use some help,” Ogma said, holding up his coin sack. “Ange and I have a plan.”

Marth looked over to Ange, who was grinning wildly. “...Ah, I suspect I know what she’s thinking of doing. It’s going to be the first time we’ll see you in that form, Ange.”

“So don’t be scared, guys! I’m not targeting you, I’m targeting those dipshits!”

“I’m not going to lie, I’m excited,” Elice said with a chuckle. “Scare them good, Ange!”

The slavers soon realized they were being watched, but before they could do anything, they were met with a dragon and a strong-looking man. One whom the leader recognized.

“You…!”

“Thought you’d seen the last of me, huh? Well, this time you’re gonna be the one writhing in pain unless you let those people go,” Ogma said sharply. Ange added some emphasis to his words with a well-placed throaty growl, staring down at the slavers with a glare worthy of Anri’s bloodline.

The underlings screamed and hid behind the boss, but the boss stood firm even as he was clearly terrified.

“Hah…you really think you can scare me?”

“Either you let them go, or you let your head go.” Ogma unsheathed his sword. “I ain’t the only one who could separate you, either.” He glanced at Marth, giving him the signal. If this didn’t scare the boss, a certain glint would.

With a careful tilt of his head, the sunrays hit Marth’s circlet at just the right spot, glinting like a lighthouse’s beacon. “Ange,” he declared. “You have my permission to eat him.”

“NO!” The boss dropped the axe he was holding and backed up. “Look, you gotta understand, times are hard, we gotta do something to make money!” he claimed. Bullshit, Ogma thought, slavers were some of the richest bastards alive. But he’d brought his coin sack for a reason, so he pulled out a handful of gold pieces.

“I’ll give you this much to break up your little operation for good. Double it if I have to.” He’d already put aside plenty to add to the army’s funds, so he could afford it. As expected, the threat of being eaten or beheaded plus his own greed had the man surrendering in no time.

“You got it!” he said, grabbing at the money as Ogma tossed it at his feet. “No more trafficking for us, no sir, we’ll be good!”

“ I’ll be keeping an eye out that you’ll make good on that promise ,” Ange growled at them. “ Otherwise I will eat you. ”

“Y-yes, of course!” The slavers grabbed up the gold, turned tail, and fled into the distance. Ogma grinned as he began to cut the ropes holding the would-be slaves captive.

“You…you’re the boy from the arena!” a man said. “You’re the one who rescued my buddy and let him escape!”

“Have you heard from Samuel, by the way?” Ogma asked. “I imagine not since the owners would probably keep any letters from you, but.”

“One letter, and last I heard he was doing okay for himself. Not great, but he was free,” the man told him. “Anyway, Ogma, we owe you a great debt! You sacrificed so much money just for us!” Ogma shook his head.

“Wasn’t that much, really. I’ve got enough left after all those rounds,” he said. “And if you’re gonna thank anyone, thank Prince Marth and Princess Nyna. They’re the ones who decided we’d be coming here so I could do something about it!” He gestured to Marth and Nyna.

Marth merely bowed to them, smiling his usual kind smile. Ange had turned back into human form, joining her cousin’s side.

“Your Highnesses, we can’t thank you enough,” a woman said. “All of you, really. Knorda Market will be quite a bit safer with those jerks gone!”

“We understand you plan to retake the palace,” another woman said to Nyna. “We wish you the best of luck, Your Highness! We just know you’ll avenge your family!” Nyna smiled a little.

“We’ll do our best.” Nothing could change the past, or bring back her family, but once the palace had been reclaimed they could rest a little easier.

They had a little time to relax after the battle ended, and Caeda wanted to see Knorda Market as it should be.

“Marth, would you like to come with me?” she asked, trying not to get nervous. They’d visited markets together in Talys, there was nothing so different about this one other than the fact that it had been a battleground just moments ago.

His gentle smile appeared once again. “Of course, Caeda. I’d be delighted.”

They made their way down the rows of stalls and shops, taking in the much calmer atmosphere. Shopkeepers’ guards weren’t quite as high up, customers and civilians talked and perused the merchandise peacefully, and even knowing this alone didn’t end all the strife in Archanea, it felt like they’d truly accomplished something. For now, people were safe.

“There sure are a lot of accessory stands here,” Caeda mused. Bracelets, brooches, hair clips, necklaces, headbands, and some of them were obviously handmade.

“Do any of them catch your fancy?” Marth had nearly pulled out his spare coin purse from his pouch. Caeda blinked, then her cheeks flushed as she realized what he was suggesting.

“Well…um, if you’re really offering…oh, but won’t Jagen or Elice object? I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble with them.” The few that caught her eye were pretty inexpensive, very simple. One in particular a pendant of a crescent moon.

It was Marth’s turn to have flushed cheeks. “I- I’m sure they wouldn’t mind! It’s my spare change, after all…”

“Ah…” She wanted to say he didn’t have to, it wasn’t necessary, but… “If you get that moon pendant for me, then you have to let me get you something, too,” she said. She’d brought her own gold, after all.

There was a bit of a pause before Marth brought his fingers near where his circlet would be. “I… don’t have one that isn’t gold,” he muttered loud enough for her to hear. “So… silver-toned, an alloy… it would be nice… in exchange…”

“Silver alloy it is, then,” she said, her cheeks flushing. She turned to the stand and looked through the circlets, finding a silver-toned one that she thought would be perfect for him.

Their purchases paid for, Caeda put the pendant on immediately, smiling warmly as she traced its surface.

“Thank you. I’ll never take it off.”

“And… thank you, as well.” He didn’t put his new circlet on, knowing people would automatically peg him as the Prince of Altea. But the feeling of the case in his hands felt comfortable.

“Any time.”

They spent more time exploring the market, walking side by side. Every so often, Caeda noticed how close their hands were, and it would be so easy to take his and even entwine their fingers.

But…this is enough for right now. Just to be with him.

Chapter Text

“Here we are.” Nyna closed her eyes. Finally, Mother, Father…today, I will reclaim our home from Dolhr, so you can rest easier. I may not be able to aid the Altean Army beyond moral support, but if that is all I can give, I will give my all .

“That… is massive,” Ange commented as she stared at the Palace. “I’ve heard a lot about the Palace, but seeing it myself…”

“I’ve heard rumors that some of the Archanean knights survived,” Elice said, “but also that they’re being held hostage. One of our goals should be to rescue them as soon as possible.”

Marth nodded. “We’ll keep that in mind while we plan our reclamation. I’d imagine they're in the prison area.”

“Correct,” Malledus said, “so we’ll need to split our deployment accordingly. A small group will head towards the prison, while the rest take on the main force.”

“And big bro and I will swipe whatever treasure we can!” Rickard said cheerfully.

Marth looked over to Nyna, with an expression that asked, ‘is that okay?’

“Yes,” Nyna said, “there are no doubt valuable items in the chests, and the enemy may be holding onto some as well.”

“There’s also an armory nearby,” Jagen added, “so if we need more weapons, here would be a good place to stock up.”

“If you think I need something else besides my Armorslayer,” Ange told Marth, “go ahead and pick up something for me. Something dangerous.”

Marth chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind, then.”

“Is everyone ready?” Nyna asked. “I’m only sorry I cannot accompany you. All I can do is pray.” Elice smiled.

“Don’t worry, Princess Nyna. Your prayers are appreciated. We won’t do any less than our best.”

Inside the castle’s prison area, the sound of combat and shouting could be heard, some of it coming closer. Midia looked towards her companions and smiled.

“I believe Princess Nyna has returned with help! She was able to find an army to support her! We’re saved!”

“As long as the enemy doesn’t kill us,” Boah said with a frown. “If they suspect anyone might free us, they’ll decide we’re more trouble alive.” Tomas shook his head.

“Even if they do, the very fact that Princess Nyna has returned means Archanea itself is saved,” he said. “We can die knowing our Kingdom will live on!”

“We’re not going to die here,” Midia said firmly, “Princess Nyna would be devastated! She’s lost so much already, we owe it to her and ourselves to return to her alive!”

“And you to Astram, right?” Boah said. Midia smiled.

“And him, yes.”

“But even if the enemy decides not to kill us, we have no weapons,” Dolph pointed out. “So it’s not as though we can fight.”

“I’m sure whoever frees us will have kept that in mind,” Macellan countered. Sure enough, moments later the door opened and the five prisoners were set free. Some of the group who had come to their rescue had indeed brought extra weapons “just in case”.

The young lady with the pointy ears grinned. “Ready to take back this Palace?”

“Oh, a Manakete?” Boah blinked. “Wait…she’s…”

“The daughter of the Untainted One, yes,” Midia said. “And we’ve been ready forever. Thank you for helping us!”

“Not a problem! My cousins and Prince Hardin are leading the liberation, after all.”

The rescue party and the knights reunited with the other half of the army just as the enemy’s numbers were dwindling. The boss looked terrified, even as he hid it behind fighting words and his Bolganone tome. Luckily, he went down easily.

“...And so we finally released Archanea from Dolhr’s influence,” Marth declared. “Find a way to spread the word that the Palace is back in the Royal Family’s hands!”

“Right away!” Midia and Tomas rode off to do just that, and Nyna sighed with relief, sitting down on the throne her father once held.

“I’m home,” she said with a tearful smile. “Prince Marth, Prince Hardin, Princess Elice, I cannot thank you enough for your aid. Archanea has a long way to go before it can fully be restored, but this is the most important step.”

“We were honored, Princess Nyna,” Hardin said, bowing to her with a smile. “Myself, especially.”

Elice couldn’t help noticing a certain look on his face, nor his tone of voice. Nyna, however, did not, as she stood up from the throne and held up an object wrapped in simple white cloth.

“Marth,” she said, “this is the Parthia, one of the three Regalia. I apologize that its partners Mercurius and Gradivus are not here, they sadly fell into enemy hands. I had hoped to be able to gift you all three.”

Marth bowed. “‘Tis enough at the moment, Princess Nyna. It’s a grand honor to be given such an item in the first place.”

“I’m sure any of your archers or hunters can make good use of it,” Nyna said.

“I will think about it until we return to our task of stopping the Shadow Dragon. For now…” Marth smiled softly. “I suppose we earned a bit of a break.”

“Yes,” Nyna said, “please feel free to make yourselves at home in the guest rooms for the night.”

“...Oh! Prince Hardin.” Marth stopped on his way to his guest room, having refreshed himself to a proper bath and comfortable clothes. “You seem… deep in thought. Is there something I can help you with?”

“Ah, Prince Marth.” Hardin looked up. “It’s nothing you ought to concern yourself with. Just…foolish musings on my part.”

A small smirk appeared on the younger Prince’s lips. “Does it have something to do with Princess Nyna, perhaps?” Hardin’s cheeks momentarily reddened.

“I’m merely happy that she’s finally reclaimed her home, and I’m honored that I was able to help, is all,” he said.

“I think there’s more involved,” Marth noted. “I’ve noticed the way you talk to her, the looks you give her. You’ve got feelings for her… don’t you?” Hardin tensed, his cheeks going redder, and he sighed.

“I don’t know whether to be impressed or disturbed that you figured me out,” he said, “especially considering how you don’t seem to realize your own feelings for Princess Caeda.”

It was Marth’s turn to have redder cheeks. “I- wha- huh?! Caeda?! I- Well, I…”

“You two did spend an afternoon in the market together,” Hardin said, “and I did notice your new circlet, and her pendant. Plus, she’s always by your side in battle, and she regularly checks up on you afterwards.”

“W-well, that’s because…!” But Marth knew Hardin was right. Something… something new had started to take root with Caeda, and he didn’t have a name for it. But if Hardin was right… “How… how obvious is it? Are… are people taking bets on this?!”

“To my knowledge, no, thankfully for you they’re more concerned with the war and other matters,” Hardin said. “But I’m sure your sister, cousin, and childhood friend have noticed. Even if they don’t intend to play matchmaker, they will likely say something to you about it.” He paused. “Have the Wolfguard noticed where I’m concerned?”

“Only Wolf, at the moment.” Hardin nodded.

“I see. He’s always been more attuned to my feelings than the others,” Hardin mused. “I should be grateful he’s not the meddling type, at least.”

“Right…” The blushing had not left Marth’s cheeks. “I… I haven’t realized… with Caeda…” Hardin nodded.

“It would be hypocritical of me to suggest you tell her, then. I'm in no hurry to confess to Princess Nyna, not when she has so much on her plate already,” he said. “For now, I will simply continue to support her as best I can.”

“Mmmm… I… Because of Altea, Caeda, she…” Marth shook his head. “I’ll… tell her someday, hopefully. How much she means to me.”

“I wish you luck, then.” Hardin smiled. “Thank you, Prince Marth. It does feel better to have talked about this with someone, and I’m glad it was you.”

Marth ducked his head for a bit. “Well… we’re fellow Princes. And I’ll always be grateful for your aid in this war…”

“And I for yours.”

Chapter Text

“Sure is good to have us all back together, huh?” Tomas said at the breakfast table the next morning. “Princess Nyna, Jeorge…now if only Horace were-”

“Don’t say his name!” Midia snapped. “He’s no longer a knight, only a traitor. He turned his back on Archanea and the Princess when we needed him most!”

“He’s dead to us,” Dolph added angrily. “A true knight would have held to his vows.” Nyna frowned, swallowing a mouthful of fruit salad and setting her fork down. Horace had been one of the strongest and most honorable knights of Archanea, but during the start of the war he’d suddenly turned his coat, bending his knee to the Dolhr Empire.

Ange waved her half-eaten croissant towards them. “Do you know the motivation?”

“Unfortunately, no,” Nyna sighed. “He never told us why. But…the law of the land states that traitors must be brought to justice. So…”

“So today, we find him and hang him,” Macellan said. “Make an example of him to anyone else who’s thinking of turning against our Princess!”

“I disagree,” Elice said. “Princess Nyna, what kind of person was Horace before he turned his coat?” Nyna smiled a little.

“Kind and noble,” she said, “devoted not just to my family, but to the people. A true knight, the kind of man who would have made an excellent King had he been born into royalty.”

Marth swallowed his bacon. “The laws of the land… what does it talk about traitors during a war ?”

“The same thing,” Nyna said. “There are no exceptions.” She paused, staring into her teacup for a moment. “I’ve never agreed with this, however.” Midia frowned.

“But, Princess-”

“Horace has done wrong, yes, but I cannot bring myself to order his death,” Nyna said. “At the least, I must know why he has betrayed us!”

“Not everyone who sides with the enemy is doing so out of their own choice, or even because they want to,” Minerva said pointedly. “If he’s as honorable as Princess Nyna says, maybe there’s a way we can convince him back to our side.”

“But…the law of the land,” Boah said, “we cannot just-”

“Princess Nyna would be the de-facto ruler of Archanea, isn’t she?” Marth pointed out. “If she permits exceptions to the law, then her people ought to obey, correct?”

“Ah…” Boah glanced at the others. “Prince Marth does indeed have a point. Princess Nyna will be our Queen when this war ends, after all.” He paused. “I understand how the others feel, of course. Yet…perhaps as knights, you should consider placing your own judgments aside?”

“I’ve never judged Sir Horace,” Tomas said. “I’m disappointed and hurt, but even now I still don’t want to believe he no longer loves his homeland as much as we do. I agree with Princess Nyna.”

Midia, Dolph, Jeorge, and Macellan were silent, before Midia spoke up.

“Then I defer to Princess Nyna as well. I apologize for my outbursts, Your Highness.”

“If it does indeed turn out Horace has had a change of heart and loyalty, he will be punished,” Nyna said. “But only if. And until we find out the truth of the matter, I will believe in him.”

Some distance away, in a village, the so-called traitor known as Horace had just learned Princess Nyna had reclaimed the Palace. He should have been overjoyed, but this didn’t change a thing about his situation.

“Well, you know what we need to do now, right?” demanded Dejanira, the man he currently answered to. “If you want these people to live to see another day, you will help me cut down the royal wench and her band of rebels!”

It was his love for his people that led him to this, because in the end he’d been too weak and cowardly to face the might of Dolhr alone. To buy their lives, he’d sworn his lance to their Empire of evil; even if he could somehow break the shackles, he’d never be welcome back among the royal court.

“Of course, sir,” he said. Every day he regretted his decision more and more, but it was his own fault. The survival of his people was what mattered, whether he committed regicide or died trying.

Part of him almost hoped for the latter.

“...You are mad, and I am ready to do such a mad action with you, Ange,” Marth declared to his cousin. “I’m ready when you are.”

“I’d say good luck, but I don’t think you need it,” Caeda said, smirking.

Ange also smirked, before turning into her dragon form. “ Let’s see how this battalion handles us! Hop on, Marth! ”

The enemy was indeed shaken by the sight of the Prince of Altea atop a dragon, enough to disrupt their morale and formations. This made them easy pickings for the Altean army.

And of course, when Horace found himself face to face with the duo, he was so shocked he almost dropped his weapon, but made no move to flee.

“If this is my divine punishment, then so be it. I am ready to pay the price,” he murmured. “But please, don’t let any harm befall my people. If I am to die, at least let me die knowing they will be kept safe.”

Both the dragon and prince tilted their heads. “Who is it that is taking your people captive?” Marth asked Horace. Horace blinked, not sure if this was a trick or not, then decided to speak.

“Dejanira,” he said, “a knight of the Dolhr Empire. He was one of many who threatened to have this village destroyed and its people killed…and I offered my lance to them in exchange for everyone’s lives.”

“Ange?”

“ Point him to us, and we’ll free you from your contract of forced betrayal! Let’s create a new law for Archanea, right here, right now! ”

“You…” Horace shook his head. “Even if you were to somehow exonerate me, how can I face Her Highness? My former allies? After what I’ve done…I didn’t even explain myself.” He sighed. “Once a traitor, you are forever branded as such, law aside.”

“ Ey! ” Ange creeped forward. “ Less talking, more pointing! We’ll deal with that later! Or do we have to bring Princess Nyna to you to get the information we want?! ”

“Princess Nyna is here?” Horace swallowed. Shame flooded his heart, but also relief, obviously she was in good hands. These two certainly don’t take any nonsense from people , he thought. “Allow me to fight for you, for now. Afterwards…I at least owe her and the others my explanation. They’re not likely to forgive me, but they still deserve to know.” He drew his lance. “Allow me to lead you to Dejanira.”

They approached the gate where the commander stood, the man still unaware he was about to reap the consequences of his actions.

“ Oooh, so that’s the one who… ”

Marth pulled out his rapier. “Looks like this heirloom’s going to be useful.”

Ange grinned heavily.

“Horace?” Dejanira sneered. “So, you’ve decided you no longer care whether the people live or die, then. Tsk, tsk. Just as one would expect from a traitor like you.” Horace shook his head.

“There is nothing you can say to me that I’ve not already said to myself,” he countered. “But as long as you live, this village is not safe. The least I can do is remove you from the situation, and I’ve found people willing to aid me!” It was then that Dejanira realized who was with him, and he squeaked.

“T-the Claw of Naga, and…the Sea Dragon!”

Ange growled, and suddenly, in the minds of Marth’s allies, her voice resonated. “ Found him! I found the dipshit who forced Horace to become a traitor! ”

“H-hey, he chose to-” But the commander couldn’t finish his sentence, as he found himself surrounded by angry Archanean knights. Between their unbridled rage and Marth’s rapier, Dejanira didn’t stand a chance.

After the battle, Nyna approached her wayward knight, her face solemn.

“Now, Horace, will you tell me your story?” she asked. Midia and the rest of the knights, plus Boah, stood by her, expressions just as serious, and Horace swallowed.

“The people of this village…I’ve been protecting them,” he explained. “The Dolhr Empire, they threatened to put everyone to the sword. Men, women, young children, the elderly, it didn’t matter. I…was nowhere near strong enough to stop them alone, and they…gave me a choice. Their lives, or my service.”

“That’s no choice,” Midia said sharply. Nyna held up her hand.

“Peace, Midia. I agree with you, of course, but.” She looked down at Horace, on his knees, head bowed to her in shame and contrition. “Horace. The law of the land states that a traitor must be put to the sword. However, you did not turn traitor for personal gain, but to protect innocent lives. You are still the same honorable knight I have always known.”

“Your Highness…”

“You did wrong, but rather than taking your life, I would see you atone for your actions,” Nyna continued. “We cannot undo what has been done, but you live.”

“I…” Horace sighed. “And you’re certain? That someone like me deserves a second chance?”

“If you’re truly sorry for what you’ve done, show us with your actions,” Nyna insisted. “I order you to take up your lance for Archanea once again.”

Horace repositioned himself, on one knee, and raised his face to her.

“Your Highness, my lance and my life are yours once again.”

“Why did you save me?” Horace asked Marth later, after they were settled in a nearby fortress.

Marth shrugged as he took a swig of tea. “Partially because we’re at war, and we can’t be picky with what soldiers could help us defeat Dolhr. Partially because I wanted to know your reasons, and they’re worthy of atone. And partially…” he looked around the room, hoping no one could overhear him. “Partially because I wanted to give the middle finger to the Archanean nobles who wrote these laws.”

“I see.” Horace smiled a little. “It would seem Princess Nyna feels the same way. I can see why she trusts you so,” he said. “I owe you a debt of gratitude, Prince Marth.”

“I wasn’t alone with that decision, really.” Marth patted the Fire Emblem. “Ange also wanted to help out, and…”

“I’ll be sure to thank her as well, then,” Horace said. “For sparing my life, and for saving my people.” He sighed. “It…will take time for me to forgive myself, however.”

Marth gently smiled, seeming more radiant than his circlet. “Then take all the time you need. Welcome to our team, Horace.”

Chapter Text

“So now that Archanea is liberated, we can make our way back to reclaim Altea,” Jagen told Marth and Elice. “But the road ahead will not be an easy one. According to our scouts, Grustian troops are already blocking our path and await us at Fort Menedy.”

“Do we know the composition of this group?” Marth asked him.

“Yes,” Malledus said, “they have ballisticians among them. Many, in fact.”

“The dreaded Wooden Cavalry,” Nyna murmured. “So distance will be just as risky as going up close. We’ll need an airtight strategy to contend with that.”

Marth grimaced at the knowledge. “I expect plenty of dodging in the future, then.”

“Unless those of us in heavy armor act as bait,” Horace offered. “Our shields can deflect just about all physical attacks, even from a distance. And most arrows and other projectiles are quite weak.”

“And get them to waste their shots?” Draug said. “I can see that!”

“That’s… a sound plan, actually.” Marth tapped his finger against his lips. “What do you think, Malledus?”

“I agree. According to our spies, the wooden cavalry don’t use any magic or anything that could damage armor, so our knights should be safe,” Malledus said.

“But Marth, you should probably remove your circlet so they don’t target you,” Caeda said. “Sorry if that sounds like a bit much, but…”

“I agree with Princess Caeda,” Jagen said.

Marth promptly took his circlet off. “I feel naked without it,” he joked. Caeda turned away so he wouldn’t see her cheeks turn pink at that comment, and Elice laughed.

“It’s only for this battle. Next time we need to invoke the wrath of the Claw of Naga, though…” She knew they’d need it when they approached Altea. While time had healed the pain of losing their parents and their home, she’d never forget the day it happened.

She was close to promoting. Soon, she’d be able to help Marth fight and they’d take back their homeland together.

“That being said, ballisticians are weak to Thunderbolts,” Jake said. “I got hit with at least one during my time fighting on the other side. So if I could get my hands on one I could take a few out from afar!”

The armored decoy plan worked like a charm, but as it turned out they didn’t need to worry about Thunderbolts for Jake.

“Prince Marth, right? My name’s Beck. Listen, I was at Castle Deil and when it fell, I decided to hide out here,” said the man in the village Marth had just entered. “But I miss the battlefield and there’s no way I’m gonna fight for anyone allied with the Dolhr Empire again!”

“We can alway use extra hands,” Marth agreed. “Please, join our cause.”

“My thanks, Your Highness! I’ve got a Thunderbolt, too, so I can help you take those guys out!”

The next house Marth and Elice visited, though, held something else that would linger at the corners of their minds.

“We in this village fight for Archanea, you know,” a woman told them. “Not just us, either. A good number of Grust’s soldiers say they’d rather fight for the Princess than for Dolhr, but General Camus conquered us before we could do anything, and we’ve been trapped since.”

“Oh…” Elice frowned. She’d heard of this General Camus a few times, leader of the powerful Sable Knights. Trying to fight back against him would be suicide, especially for those who couldn’t fight.

“So here’s hoping you win this battle quick,” the woman went on. “We miss being free.”

Not all of Grust is against us , Elice thought as they left. For years, Gra and Grust had been their enemy, the ones who aided Dolhr in taking their home and Princess Nyna’s. But not everyone agrees with the Empire, and the ones who don’t are powerless.

Their father had warned him about this before, Marth recalled. On how decisions taken by the ruling monarch weren’t always unanimously accepted by their citizens. He thought himself prepared as Crown Prince with that information, and yet this still surprised him. I still need time to grow to prepare myself into becoming King of Altea , he reasoned.

Beck wasn’t the only one who’d join their ranks during that battle. Midia, who’d been on the lookout for a certain someone, found him with the enemy and convinced him to join…but only if he could have a word with Marth first.

“Let me make it clear,” Astram said, “I serve Princess Nyna, and I’m here on the request of my beloved Midia. You, on the other hand, have to earn my trust. Can I trust that you have Princess Nyna’s best interests at heart? Or will I need to remove your head?”

Marth didn’t blink. “So you’ll remove the head of the only person on this continent capable of slaying the Shadow Dragon?”

“Well.” Astram smirked. “The Prince’s got some bite to him! Not gonna lie, I didn’t expect that. Maybe I should’ve.”

“That’s what two years in exile does to a Crown Prince,” Marth suggested. Astram smiled a little.

“You’ve got guts, Your Highness. Tell you what, I’ll give you a chance to earn my trust, got it?”

“I hope I’m worthy of it, Sir Astram.”

The battle was much easier once the ballisticians had used up their ammo, and they were useless up close. Beck’s Thunderbolt came in handy more than once, and by the time they were done Astram was fully convinced Prince Marth was a guy he could trust.

“I could have told you so myself,” Nyna said, a bit teasingly. “It’s good to have you back, Astram.” Astram bowed.

“My apologies if I caused you worry, Princess. I let the Dolhr Empire dangle me from their puppet strings in a moment of weakness, but never again,” he said.

“Welcome to the team,” Marth told him, before turning to Princess Nyna. “I… believe there are things we must talk about. Information, at the very least.”

“Oh? What is it?” Nyna asked. Elice cleared her throat.

“The three of us should go somewhere private to discuss this.” What she’d heard was important, but a bit too personal to discuss it in public just yet.

Marth looked over his sister. “You’re worried about something, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Elice said. “That village we visited earlier…Marth, you heard it, too. What that woman said.” Nyna only nodded, finding a private room of the fortress for the three of them to talk.

“So what did that villager tell you?” she asked.

“Apparently, not everyone in Grust’s ranks agrees with the King’s deal with Dolhr, and would rather serve you,” Marth began. Nyna, remembering how she’d survived the fall of Pales, nodded a little.

“I’ve heard the same, yes.”

“As Crown Prince of Altea, I’ve been warned many times about the ideas of a monarchy and the ideas of their citizens not being unanimous. Elice, that caught you off guard, didn’t it?”

“It did, yes, even though Father would tell me the same thing,” Elice said. “I’d seen how the alliance with the Dolhr Empire divided Macedon’s royal family, but all this time I’d assumed all of Gra and Grust were on board simply because their leaders threw in their lot with them.” She shook her head. “But the ones who don’t agree with their rulers…they’re completely powerless. They don’t dare say no.”

“Indeed,” Nyna said. “King Michalis had one sister under his thumb by holding the other hostage, and that young man, Matthis…his sister rejected the King’s proposal, so he thought to send Matthis to his death as punishment, right?”

Marth slowly nodded. “That’s exactly the situation, yes.”

“So you worry you’ve been short-sighted, is that it?” Nyna asked. “It can be difficult to remember to look at every angle when you’ve experienced losses. That even if a kingdom is responsible for so much suffering, their own people may be suffering just as much.”
“Especially the commoners,” Elice said. “They have no means of fighting back, and their leaders gladly take advantage of it to intimidate them.”

“Perhaps what the continent needs is a check against them,” Marth muttered. “A group of people whose duty is to ensure that no one, not even monarchs like us, can abuse our powers over any citizenry…”

“Hm…” Nyna tapped her finger against her chin. “I don’t believe anyone’s ever suggested such a thing before. Not that I disagree. The problem with wealth and power is that anyone can use it for good or evil, and too many choose evil.”

Marth hummed in agreement. “But that’s a problem to deal with once the Shadow Dragon is dealt with. For now, we focus on that damage.”

“Exactly,” Elice said. “First we must bring peace to the continent, and then we can plan measures to ensure it remains.”

Chapter Text

“So…we’re headed to Gra next, aren’t we?” Elice sighed. She’d known they would eventually, but just thinking about it brought back memories of the day she’d learned they betrayed Father, of Altea’s fall. Of Mother sacrificing her life so she and Marth could escape.

“We are, yes.” Marth rubbed his thumb against his fingers. “Prince Hardin suggested it would help in reclaiming Altea.”

“It would, yes.” Jagen said. “The question is, are you two prepared to face King Jiol? He’s not only a strong opponent, but you must not let emotions cloud your judgment in battle.” He said this not to lecture them, but as a concerned father figure as well as a reminder to himself. He, too, still felt the sting of that day’s losses.

“We have to avenge Frey, though, right?” Cain said. “We promised his sacrifice wouldn’t be in vain!”

Marth exhaled loudly. “I…” He fixed his bangs. “I get where you’re coming from, Cain, but Jagen’s right- letting our emotions control us in this battle would risk everything.”

“If we want to honor Frey’s sacrifice, we must ensure our survival,” Abel added. “Gra will pay, rest assured, but we still need to be careful.”

“Yes,” Elice said, though she wished she were closer to being able to use tomes effectively so she could face Jiol herself. “They caught us off guard once, but now they’re the ones who will know what that feels like. I’m sure they never anticipated Altea raising such an army and coming for them.”

Marth turned to Ange, who was holding the Fire Emblem again. “What are your thoughts about this, Ange?”

“...Poppa’s disappointed,” she remarked. “I don’t like that.”

“It stands to reason. Altea once held Gra in such high esteem, even given the circumstances of its founding,” Malledus said. “Anri looked on Gra as Altea’s brother-kingdom. And now…”

“...Now we have no choice but to attack it,” Marth concluded, “because of their betrayal.”

“But we can win this,” Jagen said. “Now, Malledus, if you will…”

“Of course. Let us devise a strategy immediately,” Malledus said.

This wasn’t happening. Prince Marth and his band of rebels…no, the soldier had said, the Altean League. Not just a band of rebels, but the Prince of Aurelis and the Princesses of both Macedon and the fallen Archanea.

“And that’s it? Those…winged ponies were all you could spare for reinforcements?!” he snapped.

“Well, yes-”

“I deserve better! Michalis’s Dragoons, the Sable Order! Ugh, why is this happening, did the rest of the Empire just assume the Prince would stay a novice forever? That he wouldn’t gather allies?!”

“Your Majesty, with all due respect, you assumed the same.” Jiol glared at the soldier.

“Well, now that we’ve been proven wrong, we deserve the same protection as the rest of the Empire. I don’t want to die!” He ground his teeth. “Let Gharnef fight the brat, it was his idea that we betray Altea!”

Was it worth it? A little voice asked him. You betrayed a longtime ally, assumed his son wouldn’t seek revenge, and now you’re going to die. You threw your lot in with Dolhr and they can’t even spare proper backup.

No, Jiol thought, he didn’t need backup. He was strong, and he would take care of the brat and his army himself. He turned to the soldier again.

“You and the others will guard this castle with your lives. If they make it through, I will end them.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the soldier said as he left. Jiol sighed.

Sheena…perhaps in the end, it was for the best that you fled. At least you will live on.

During the battle, two of Macedon’s “winged ponies” spotted their Princess among the Altean League, along with Prince Marth, and immediately flew towards them.

“That’s…Palla! And Catria!” Minerva said. Palla flew to her side, while Catria approached Marth.

“You’re the one who helped to free Princess Maria, aren’t you?” Catria said.

Marth nodded. “With the others, yes.”

“Then we owe you our thanks,” Palla said. “You helped Princess Maria, and by extension saved Princess Minerva. So if you’ll allow us to fight with you, we’d be honored!”

“It was also Princess Minerva’s wish that we aid you,” Catria added.

“We’ll gladly welcome you into our ranks,” Marth told both of them, smiling. “We’ll be grateful for your aid.”

“We’ll do our best, then,” Catria said. Palla nodded.

“You can count on us.” She turned back to Minerva. “And I won’t leave your side again, Your Highness.” Minerva smiled.

“I’ll feel much safer fighting beside you again,” she said. Catria smirked a little at the two of them before raising her lance and flying towards a nearby archer, determined to take him out before he could shoot at anyone.

Now all they had to do was reunite with Est. She’d said something about a “secret mission” and they could only hope she was safe.

Soon, the only enemy left was King Jiol. Marth, Elice, and the rest of the Alteans had been focusing on tempering their emotions, but now the moment would come where they confronted the man who’d let the King die.

“I would be lying if I said I did not desire revenge,” Jagen murmured. “We need not ask why, either, not when the answer will only anger us further.”

“It doesn’t matter why, what matters is that he did it,” Abel murmured. “And if he’s part of the Dolhr Empire, he needs to be eliminated.”

“Your thoughts, Marth?” Ange asked him.

“...I’ll make sure to express Anri’s disappointment, somehow,” he commented, checking his rapier over.

“Speaking of which, Gra stole the Falchion when they killed Father,” Cain said. “So once we’ve taken control of the castle, we should find it.” They approached the throne, Marth’s rapier drawn, and Jiol staring him down.

“So,” he said, trying to hide his ever-growing panic, “the Princeling has come to avenge his father. So noble in his last moments, such valor and courage. It’s too bad valor and courage can’t stand up to the might of Dolhr.”

Marth glared him down, making his circlet gleam. “And what makes you believe I’m here for my father? You’re not the one who killed him,” he reasoned. Jiol narrowed his eyes, he hadn’t anticipated such logic. Perhaps this wasn’t the same child who’d been forced to flee two years ago.

“Yet here you are, ready to strike me down.”

“We’re here to strike down Dolhr ,” Jagen said. “And since you’ve allied yourself with them, that includes you.”

“It’s a shame, really,” Marth pointed out. “I’ve always enjoyed our days together when I was younger. I thought you were an uncle to me… how disappointing, King Jiol.”

From her supporting position, Elice could swear she saw King Jiol’s eye twitch.

“Be that as it may,” the man said, “it’s too late for either of us to regret. So do what you came to…that is, if you’re strong enough.” He was, Jiol thought, not only was he wielding a rapier, but this was not the same Prince Marth Gra had chased out of Altea two years ago.

Gripping his rapier, Marth leaped into his first attack. King Jiol fought as best he could, but in the end he was no match for King Cornelius’s son.

“This…is Gra’s just reward for…” he gasped, expiring before he could finish. But it was clear that in that last moment, he knew he’d done this to himself.

And perhaps he regrets his actions , Elice thought, not just for himself, but for the allyship he threw away. Either way, Gra had fallen, and they were one step closer to reclaiming their home.

But when they searched for the Falchion, it was nowhere to be found.

“Well, that’s just insulting,” Ange grumbled. “Of course it wouldn’t be found here. If it’s not here, then probably Gharnef has it.”

“I should have suspected,” Cain said. “Gra wouldn’t just keep the blade for themselves if Gharnef is involved.”

“So that means we need to go to Khadein, right?” Nyna said.

“It seems so,” Elice said. “This means we’ll have to wait a bit longer to recapture Altea, but…”

Marth shrugged. “It might be that Khadein needs our help. The more lands we can help, the better support we’ll have in stopping Dolhr.”

“That is a good point,” Elice said. “And Merric has mentioned being worried about someone he left behind, so while we’re there, we can search for them.” Merric, who’d joined them in their search, nodded.

“I hadn’t seen Arlen in a while, and Master Wendell was forced to flee before he could find him,” he said. “He’s pretty strong, so I’m sure he can handle himself. But I still worry.”

Ange skittered closer to Marth and Caeda, whispering. “So, uh… Marth, Caeda. Do you see it too?” Caeda smirked.

“He has brought up this Arlen person quite a bit,” she whispered back. “Even though he’s clearly smitten with Princess Elice, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a little schoolboy crushing going on.”

“Hey, he has two hands, and well… we Manaketes take two spouses sometimes…” Ange grinned.

“I’m interested in seeing where this goes, then.” Caeda smiled, glancing over at Elice and Merric. “I can’t wait until we arrive in Khadein!”

Chapter Text

“...Khadein’s like a desert, right?”

“It is,” Merric said, “incredibly hot and arid, and there are a lot of mages. Anyone in heavy armor or on a horse is going to have a bad time.”

“So essentially, mages and infantry only,” Jagen said. “And fliers.”

“There’s also the heat factor,” Ogma said. “Some of us can deal, but it’d be bad if anyone passed out. Ange, can your powers do anything about that, or do they only work near the water?”

“I can’t change the temperature, no, if that’s what you’re asking,” Ange replied.

“I thought so. Or conjure water to splash us with, probably.” Ogma smirked. “Luckily I bought extra canteens and filled them all up!” Caeda giggled.

“Such a big brother, always looking out for us all!”

“He is indeed,” Marth commented with his typical soft smile.

“I hope we run into Gharnef. He needs to pay for what he did to my dad,” Linde muttered. Nyna shook her head.

“I doubt we will, and even if we did, word says he’s much too powerful for us to handle as we are now.”

Ange pointed at herself. “I can eat him,” she declared.

“Do you even want to?” Marth asked her. “What if he still doesn’t taste good with tomato sauce?”

The Manakete merely stared at him. “You have a point. I won’t eat him, then.” Linde giggled.

“Thanks anyway, you just made me feel better!”

Gharnef was indeed on the battlefield when the army set out, but he didn’t care. There was no way even the royals of multiple nations could beat him, or that insufferable Miloah’s daughter. Not with how everything lined up just as he needed. Gotoh out of action, the Goddess’s child under his control, and Imhullu to protect him from even the strongest weapons or spells.

“Face me if you dare, Princeling. Try to reclaim the blade your father once used. I look forward to the expression on your face when you realize you have no chance!”

“So you haven’t seen him, either?” There were two houses on the outskirts, and they’d already had no luck at the first one. The young man shook his head.

“If he didn’t escape with Master Wendell, I’ve no clue what could have happened,” he said. “Mind, I wasn’t keeping track of everything, when Gharnef took over my family and I hid and so far he’s yet to find us.”

Elice frowned. “That is certainly concerning.” Merric bit his lip.

“Do you think Gharnef could have captured him?” The man looked tense for a moment.

“Actually, now that I think of it…there’ve been a few rumors floating around about the young man recently.” Merric gulped, moving closer to Elice.

“Rumors…?”

Elice placed a hand on Merric’s shoulder. The man nodded.

“Something about him seeking power on his own, if Master Wendell wouldn’t grant it to him,” he said, and Merric remembered. The last time they’d even spoken, Arlen had been upset at not being given the Excalibur tome, and before Merric could try to make up with him, he’d had to leave.

“So it could be worse than just being captured. He…” He shook his head. “No, he wouldn’t! Arlen is prideful and competitive, but he’s a good person! He’d never…!”

“Calm down, Merric. We can’t merely trust rumors at this moment,” Elice pointed out. “Right now, let’s focus on the main task.”

“Right…sorry,” Merric murmured, feeling embarrassed now. “Merric isn’t our priority, much as it pains me to say…and he’s smart, he’s strong enough without needing greater power. I’m sure wherever he is, he’s safe.”

“And the rumor was…seventh hand, I believe, complete hearsay,” the village man explained. “Really, anyone taught by Master Wendell knows how to handle themselves.” Merric nodded.

“Right. Elice, Let’s go back to Marth and the others, then.” Don’t worry , he told himself, Arlen will be okay. He has to be. Right now, they had more pressing matters to attend to.

“...The Falchion’s not here.” Ange smacked a nearby table. “Gharnef probably took it with him when he escaped.”

Marth sighed heavily.

“Of course he would,” Elice said. “And I know he said something before he left the battlefield, but I couldn’t hear it over the sounds of combat. So it could have been the Falchion’s location.”

“ Indeed ,” came a voice that only Marth, Elice, and Ange could hear. Elice blinked.

“Who…?”

“Master Gotoh,” Ange answered. “The White Mage himself. I don’t know how he can use telepathy as well, but…” She shrugged. “He’s talking to us right now.”
“ Children of Anri’s bloodline ,” Gotoh said, “ I am speaking to you from Macedon through magic. As you’ve said, Gotoh has made off with Falchion, and has taken it to one of the most dangerous locations on Archanea. With it, as well as the Imhullu tome, he is invincible. ”

“...We’ll have to find a way to neutralize that Imhullu tome, then,” Marth realized. “Is this why you’ve reached us?”

“ There is a way ,” Gotoh said, “ and yes, you will need to find the components. The Lightsphere, and the Starsphere .” Elice nodded.

“Those do ring a bell. I vaguely remember them from Father’s history lessons; they're among the most valued treasures on Archanea.”

“Do we know where they are?” Marth asked. Ange pursed her lips.

“I think they’re at the Fane of Raman, last I recalled hearing,” she answered. “Of course, I’m not confident in that answer…”

“ They are, indeed, ” Gotoh said. “ But it will be some time before you can reach the Fane. I know you must reclaim Altea first, and… ” He paused. “ I have concerns about the Fane, but I will tell you more when the time comes .” Elice nodded.

“I would feel much more confident in our chances if we could take back our home first.”

Ange also nodded. “Besides, I reached out to Momma yesterday and she’s at the Fane herself. Reclaiming Altea should be our main priority.”

“Ah, so this means we’ll be meeting her?” Elice said.

“Yep! Once we reach the Fane, at the very least.”

“ I must go now ,” Gotoh said, “ but I will reach out to you again at some point. Remember, the Lightsphere and the Starsphere, and then I can create the Starlight tome. It is the only thing that can counter Imhullu. ”

“Understood, Sage,” Marth told him. “We’ll get to the bottom of this soon.”

After speaking with Gotoh, Elice and Marth found Jagen, Cain, Abel, and the rest of their fellow Alteans together, all looking pensive.

“It’s almost time,” she said. “I’m not nervous…but if any of you are, I-”

“Princess Elice,” Abel said, “none of us have forgotten. We may be strong enough to take back our land, but we know very well it will not bring back the lives lost that day.”

Marth took a deep breath. “All of you… thank you. For helping us reach this milestone.”

“It is an honor to fight beside you, Prince Marth,” Gordin said. “That day I was set up to die, but you saved me! Even in all the chaos!”

“And while I still feel the sting of His Majesty’s loss, I know very well why he told me to flee with my life,” Cain added. “I could not protect him, but I will protect you and Princess Elice to the very end.”

“And…I know Frey is watching us.” Draug folded his hands. “I’m not overly religious, but he gave his life to help you escape, so that someday you could reclaim the throne. He’d be proud of you both.”

“I know.” Marth tried to even his breathing. “We… we will take back Altea and save our people. We will bring back the peace Anri brought to the lands.” Jagen smiled.

“You’ve truly grown since that day, Prince Marth. If your father could see you now…”

“He’d be proud,” Elice added. “He and Mother both. This…this is for them.”

Chapter Text

Altea was not the rich, fertile land it had once been, and this was no surprise to Elice. She’d honestly expected worse, including almost everything torched to the ground; seeing villages and other structures still standing was a relief.

But seeing the damage done was still painful.

“I knew it would be horrible, but…” Marth sighed. “When it’s your homeland, it hurts more.”

“Poppa’s hurting as well,” Ange commented, holding the Fire Emblem. “He was born, raised, lived and died in these lands.” She tightened her hold. “In his name, I intend to aid you in taking Altea back.”

“Thank you, Ange. You’ve been here for us since the day Altea fell and we lost our mother and father,” Elice said.

“Your Highness! Perhaps a rousing speech would be in order!” Gordin said. “The time’s near, we’re going to take back our home and show the Empire we’re stronger than ever!”

Marth blinked. “...Certainly there has to be another reason for a speech than that…?”

“Motivation, obviously,” Ange pointed out. “Besides, I don’t know if Dolhr knows if I’m with you guys, that a dragon walks with Altea. Why don’t we do the speech together?”

“If you wish so.” Marth cleared his throat loud enough for the entire camp to hear him, and silence grew in answer. “To all of you here, no matter one’s station! Thank you all, for helping me on this journey. Although this is but one step to end the Shadow Dragon, long have I waited to take back Altea and her throne. Today, we end the sorrow plaguing my people and send a message to Dolhr- Anri’s bloodline has not ended, and will press on in keeping the peace throughout the continent!” He turned and nodded to Ange.

She took a step forward. “I am the Unwilling Scion of Houses Lowell and Altea. My duty is to protect my father’s throne and his family. But I cannot do this duty alone. Join me, join us, into fulfilling this duty of mine, and aid my cousins in retaking these lands! Let us prove that Manaketes and mankind can co-exist peacefully!”

A cheer came from the entire army, and Elice smiled proudly. Marth truly had come a long way from the boy he’d been when they were driven out of their home.

“We move on your command,” Jagen said.

With a long, deep exhale, Marth pointed his rapier towards Altea Castle. “Everyone, we move out! Keep an eye out on each other as we liberate Altea!”

They cut through the first wave of soldiers, and as most of the army dealt with the rest, Elice and Marth found themselves face to face with two villages.

“I remember Father told us about the feud going on between these villages,” Elice murmured. “And according to Malledus’s information, if we visit one, the other will close its doors to us.”

“Of course they’re still feuding.” Even if Altea was in its current state, Marth wasn’t surprised at the information. “Let me think… I believe this particular village,” he pointed to one of them, “is rumored to have a talented mercenary staying at the moment.”

“And I remember the knight who lives here, who had quite a reputation some years ago,” Elice added. “Sir Arran, I believe his name was? The question is, do we need more knights or mercenaries?” Both had their strong points, after all.

Marth took a deep breath. “Let’s go mercenary.” Elice nodded.

“We have plenty of knights along with us, our cavalry ranks are satisfied. And I’ve heard good things about the man living here.” She approached the village entrance, and a tall, muscled man appeared.

“Ah, you must be the Prince and Princess of Altea! Finally come to reclaim the place, huh?”

“That we are,” Marth answered, touching his circlet.

“We’d be pleased if you would lend us your aid,” Elice added. The man smiled.

“I’d be glad to! My name’s Samson,” he said. “Used to be a pretty famous merc till I settled down here, but I’m nowhere near done fighting yet. Besides, this village has been kind enough to let me stay even with things the way they are, so I wanna protect them.”

“My sentiment is the same, Samson,” Marth agreed. “Thank you.”

“...Is that…?”

She knew what she sensed. She knew it was a Divine Dragon out there, and it wasn’t Lady Tiki. Too young to be Master Gotoh. So she fought off whatever enemies were in her way before stumbling in front of a red haired-and-cladded youth she'd met before.

“Xaney! Long time no see!” she grinned at the sight of him. “Still looking like a Fire Dragon instead of a Divine one?”

“You got me!” Xane smiled. “Thanks for saving me, Ange, though I should’ve expected it. I figured you’d be joining the Prince and Princess!” He stretched his arms. “The Dolhr army figured out my ability and were trying to make me fight for ‘em, but I refused!”

“Wanna join us instead?” She winked.

“And fight at your side? Please, you have to ask?” Xane gave her a thumbs-up. “You know I’m in! I’ll show the Dolhr Empire they can’t just push people around like that!” He suddenly grew more serious. “So Master Gotoh, he told me he recently contacted the royal siblings.”

“And me, by connection,” Ange added. “Is there an update I should be aware of?”

“Nothing major, just that they finally know where the Falchion is after that dead end in the desert,” Xane said. “But there’s also the matter of the spheres…where they’re being kept. And…” He sighed. “Lady Tiki.”

Ange looked over to where Bantu was aiding some soldiers, before turning to Xane. “Momma’s at the Fane of Raman; is that where Lady Tiki is?!”

“Yes. But it’s not good, someone else found his way there,” Xane muttered. “The same dastard who took Falchion.”

She groaned. “Of course. OF course . We’ll have to save her, then, if Momma’s not taking action.”

“My guess is Lady Maia’s been messing with Gharnef in hopes he’ll lose it and let Lady Tiki go, but Gharnef’s a stubborn one. So once we’ve liberated Altea for good, that’ll be next on our agenda!” Xane said.

Soon, only the general guarding the gate was left. Marth gripped his rapier tightly, letting the sunlight hit his circlet, as he approached his enemy.

“Not bad, not bad. Anyone else would have died by now,” the general said. “It’s too bad this is where your little campaign ends! Right before your own gates, in such a sad twist of irony!” Elice shook her head.

“You know what us being here means. And you know you’re the one who’s going to perish.”

“I am the Claw of Naga,” Marth announced. “I have bested the King of Gra. Certainly you know what this rapier is capable of now.”

The general didn’t have time to get another word in, and his attempts to fight back were in vain. He fell where he stood, and the army cheered as the gates of Altea were liberated.

“Congratulations, Marth,” Nyna said, “you did a splendid job, I could not be happier for you!”

“It’s not over yet,” he reminded her. “The castle still remains.”

“Yes, of course,” Nyna said.

“Shall we take a moment to rest before we go inside, or is everyone ready now?” Jagen asked.

Marth sighed. “I could use a break, yes.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Just enough to steel myself for… what would be inside.”

“Yes…” Elice nodded. The castle was the last place they’d seen their mother alive, after all. And seeing one of the Dolhr Empire on Father’s throne will…not be easy. Merric stepped over and took Elice’s hand, while Caeda came to Marth’s side.

“We’ll be here with you,” she murmured. “Just remember that.”

A slight blush appeared on Marth’s cheeks. “Of course…” A snicker came from somewhere, but it didn’t sound like one of Ange’s. He blinked. “Did you… hear that?”

“I did, yes…” Caeda blushed, but didn’t move away. “Who…”

Xane stifled another snicker, trying not to reveal himself, but the Prince was just too adorable!

Unfortunately for him, Ange had other ideas. “Hey Marth! Come meet my boyfriend!” She wrapped her arm around Xane’s shoulders. Xane’s eyes widened.

“Wait, wh- boyfriend ?! No, you and I-since when are we-?”

Marth had turned to see exactly who this newcomer was. Ange was crackling at the sight of this young man’s blushing face.

“So you can blush, Xaney! And here I thought nothing could get you hot under the collar- guess I was wrong!” Ange’s smirk didn’t switch when she faced Marth. “Marth, this is Xane, a childhood friend of mine. We’re actually not in that sort of partnership.”

“Is… Is that so…?” Marth asked, seemingly confused at this revelation.

“It’s true, she and I are just very good old friends,” Xane said. “She just decided to play a little trick on both of us!” But he was still blushing a little. “She rescued me from the Dolhr army, and now I’ll be fighting on your side!”

Marth nodded. “Any specialties in combat?”

Ange grinned. “Being a doppelganger and confusing the shit outta the enemy!”

A blink. “Pardon me?”

“I can transform into just about anyone if I stand beside them!” Xane said. “There are a few exceptions, but watch!” He ran up to the unsuspecting Norne, focused, and suddenly there was another Norne. “See?”

“Woah…” Norne’s eyes widened. “How did…are you a mage? No mages I’ve ever known could do a thing like that!”

“That’s his secret to tell,” Ange explained. “But knowing him, he’s keeping it close. Right, Xaney?”

“Right. I may decide to tell you someday, but I might not,” he said. “Now come on, once we’ve rested a bit, Prince Marth and Princess Elice have a throne to reclaim!”

Chapter Text

“There’s water in here?!” Ange looked around the area. “And big enough for me to be a dragon…”

“The water courtyard makes sense to be the last bastion of Dolhr,” Marth commented. “The old throne is situated in the main room of this place- perfect for combat.”

“We know this throne room like the backs of our hands,” Elice said. “And with the water so nearby, maybe we can throw the enemy into disarray.” Merric gasped.

“Elice, since when were you so devious? Not that I mind,” he chuckled. “You know I’ll be right there by your sides, both of you.”

“And so will I,” Caeda added, standing closer to Marth. “Just like I promised back then, remember?”

Ange clapped her hands, her grin devious. “So… is there, like, an entrance I can find elsewhere than here? We can always use the element of surprise…”

“Agreed,” Malledus said. “Normally I’d encourage a straightforward approach, but these people aren’t likely to hand over the throne so easily. They’ve got guards posted, and reinforcements hiding in the shadows.”

“So rather than take them on, we scare them into scattering! I love it!” Xane said.

Marth had a hint of a smirk on his lips. “I do wonder… if that’s Anri or your mother you’re taking after right now.”

“Momma.”

“And if you need additional sneaking, you can count on big bro and me!” Rickard said. “Especially if there’s treasure to find!”

“There is,” Marth recalled. “It’s quite the path, but I do recall chests in here.”

Once all the details were worked out, the group made their way into the castle quietly, where Ange immediately made her way into the water.

A little ways north, she quickly popped out of the water, roaring. “ Get the fuck outta my dad’s home, dipshits! ”

“ YAAAAGH! It’s a dragon?! How the fuck, only we’re supposed to have dragons on our side!” screamed the guards. They scattered every which way, and the roar scared the reinforcements out of their hiding places.

“ Got them! ” Ange announced to the others of Marth’s army. “ Also, uh… I sense another dragon here. Mage Tribe. And I think… they’re the enemy. We’ll need to prepare ourselves for that. ”

“I see.” Elice tightened her grip on her staff, thinking of the treasure she’d brought with her. She’d be able to use it soon. “What are the Mage Tribe’s weaknesses, specifically?” She knew about the different tribes, but she’d never expected to have to fight a Mage Dragon.

“ They tend to be slower than the other tribes ,” Ange pointed out. “ Fast fighters are a must. They’re also weak against all anti-dragon weapons, obviously. ”

“I think my Anna runs a shop here,” Jake murmured. “She sells anti-dragon weapons there, and Killer weapons as well!”

Marth smirked. “I believe I know what to get Ange as a thank-you gift, then…”

The army cut their way through the panicking enemies easily, Jake leading the way to Anna’s shop. They did indeed have a variety of good weapons, and they had enough gold to get all of the anti-dragon equipment.

“Ange, I got something for you,” Marth told her as she approached him, back in her human form.

She clapped her hands excitedly. “Ooooh, what did you get me?”

He pulled out a Killing Edge. “A Wyrmslayer might be too dangerous for you, being a Manakete, so I got you this blade. As thanks for helping us in this journey.”

“Marth, this is…” She carefully took the sword. “...Thank you, cousin. It means a whole lot to me.”

Just then, Cain and Abel rode up to announce that they’d cleared a way to the boss.

“It’s time to take back the throne,” Cain said, “and to avenge His Majesty.”

“And Mother,” Elice added.

“And Frey,” Abel finished.

Ange nodded. “I’m with you. I can’t stand here and let some other dragon destroy everything Poppa loved. This new blade’s gonna help me do this.” Elice reached into her satchel for her treasure - a Guiding Ring.

“And so is this.” She slid it onto her finger and a wave of light surrounded her. “At last, I can fight.”

Marth smiled. “What spell do you have with you, Elice?”

“Thunder,” she said. “I know most new mages start with the Fire spell, but one of the enemies dropped it in Khadein, and…” She smiled at Merric. “He insisted I take it with me.” Merric blushed.

“I figured it would come in handy for you sooner or later!”

“...Don’t know this dragon,” Ange announced as they approached the boss. “But that’s clearly Mage Tribe.” She pulled out her Killing Edge. “Time to give him a history lesson.”

“Well, well.” The dragon sneered. “If it isn’t the runaway Prince and Princess,” he said. “I wonder, after all this time, do you still believe your poor mother survived?” Elice narrowed her eyes.

“We accepted long ago that there was no way. That she gave her life so Marth and I could escape.”

“These lands were once a sacred cemetery for the dragons’ dead,” Marth reminded the dragon, pulling out his sword. “Or have you not known this place as such?”

“I’m familiar with the rumors,” the dragon said, “that is why they placed me upon the throne, so that the souls of my kind would amplify my power! So that I may put the rest of the Altean royal line into their graves!”

“Oh, poor soul,” Ange pretended to be sorry, “but I am of the Altean royal line myself . I am surrounded by my tribe’s element, as well.” She pointed her Killing Edge at the dragon. “Unwilling I may be to take the throne… You ceased to be kin the moment you harmed one of my people’s hair!”

“You’re the one who killed our mother, aren’t you?” Elice said. “Why else would you bring her up to taunt us? But Queen Liza of Altea knew what she was doing, and today, we will avenge her!” She opened her new tome, closed her eyes, and chanted.

The dragon cried out as a bolt from above struck him; while it didn’t do a lot of damage, it stunned him, giving Marth and Ange both an opening.

And took the opening they did, their swordplay an elegant dance duet as they sliced through the dragon’s hide, Ange’s new Killing Edge cutting deep like a butcher’s knife.

The mage dragon fell with a scream of pain, and Altea was free.

“Did… did we do it?” Ange kicked the corpse to make sure. “We… we did it, didn’t we?”

“I… I think we did,” Marth agreed, eyes wide as he caught his breath. “We… we freed Altea. Our home… our home is free…”

“Altea is ours again,” Elice said, hugging them both tightly. Jagen smiled at the trio.

“Anri, King Cornelius, and Queen Liza would be very proud of all of you,” he said. “The war may not yet be over, but the battle to reclaim your home finally is.”

Ange sighed heavily. “We still got a Shadow Dragon to stop, but… this feels really good. Momma’s gonna like the news when I tell her.”

“And we will soon,” Xane said, “since we’ll be going to the Fane of Raman. But first…maybe we could stay in Altea for another day?”

“Oh, I’d love that!” Caeda piped up. “That is…if Marth wants to, of course.” He would, but she didn’t want to seem like she was making any big decisions without his or Elice’s say.

Marth smiled. “I’ve a country to soothe. Altea must know that it has been freed, and my people assured that their safety is my purpose.”

“And I’ll help,” Elice said. “We’ll visit the villages and let everyone know they don’t need to hide anymore!”

“We’ll go with you, of course,” Cain said, gesturing to himself, Jagen, and Abel. Caeda thought for a moment, then cleared her throat, blushing a little.

“I’d like to come with you as well, if that’s okay.” Maybe she wouldn’t be alone with Marth, but she’d be by his side.

Ange put an arm around Marth’s shoulder. “You should let her, Marth,” she told him with a large grin on her face.

The Prince blinked at that. “What? Why?”

Ange just grinned wider.

“Ange, what are you thinking about right now-”

“She’s right,” said Nyna, who’d been standing by quietly and who had also noticed there had been something quite obvious going on between Marth and Caeda. “But first, Marth, perhaps you and Princess Elice should present yourselves to your people.”

“And give a speech,” Jagen added. “They will be happy to see and hear from their Prince and Princess after all this time.”

“I…” Marth nodded. “Let’s go, Elice. Our people are waiting for us.”

Outside of the castle was practically the entirety of Altea, cheering for their Royal family, their Star and Savior the Starlord, their Life Giver. Marth stood there, mouth almost agape, as he took in just what exactly this victory meant.

“...I don’t think I’ll be able to do a speech, Elice,” he realized.

“Then you can wait, and I’ll speak for us both,” Elice offered.

“Oh, what I meant was-” he gestured to the people. “I do want to do a speech, but I don’t know if they'll be able to hear me in their excitement. This is… this is their victory, too.”

“Ah, yes…” Elice did notice how loud the crowd was. “But if you speak clearly, I’m certain they’ll be able to hear, and that they will listen immediately.”

“Project your voice!” Ange suggested from the back of the balcony. “Don’t be shy!”

Marth laughed a bit. “Let me see…” He approached closer to the edge, took a deep breath…

“Citizens of Altea, my dearest people, lend me your ears!” Slowly, the voices talked about Marth’s commencing address, and the people stood to attention. “Today, the ones who took over our fair land have been stopped, and Altea has returned to its people. This victory, however, does not just belong to those who aided me in this task. This victory also belongs to all of Altea, to those who lived and passed in these past two years, to the ancient ones who taught us survival.

“Archanea is not yet freed, however. The Shadow Dragon still has a hold on nations. As my duty as the Falchion’s inheritor, it comes to me to slay this dragon, as King Anri has done before. My great request, then, my people… help me in restoring Altea! I am nothing, not even a royal prince, without any of you. Your diligence, your resourcefulness, your perseverance… Altea needs it the most now. My people, as your prince, I request your aid in this endeavor. Together, we can all bring back Altea’s soul, fractured as it became. Come, let us join forces, and show the continent what Altea’s strength truly is!”

A resounding cheer rose from the crowds, and Elice’s eyes prickled with tears of pride. Her little brother…no, he wasn’t little anymore, not the frightened and traumatized boy he’d been when they were forced to flee.

He was Altea’s future King, and he would be every bit as strong and beloved as their father.

Chapter Text

“Oh ho ho ho! Look at all that water I can use !” Ange looked giddy over the possible battlefield. “If we’re gonna battle that Sable Order, this is perfect!”

The Sable Order. Nyna closed her eyes, sighing a little. She knew it would happen sooner or later, that they’d be facing his knights. And if they’re here, it’s all too possible he will be as well .

She hadn’t meant for him to become so precious to her. He’d been there to kill her, just like he did the rest of her family. But he’d protected her instead, risking life and limb to bring her to Aurelis, and she’d heard he’d paid a steep price for it.

It couldn’t be helped if they had to fight him, but it still hurt to think about.

“Princess Nyna?” Marth approached her, the Fire Emblem already placed on his arm. “Is there something wrong?”

“Ah, Prince Marth.” Nyna shook her head. “No, I was simply lost in thought for a moment. Please do not worry, you must focus on how you will proceed. The Sable Knights are a step above the foes you’ve faced, after all.”

“Understood. Our new sorcerer might be of help with this task.” Said sorcerer, Etzel, bowed to them both.

“I would be honored. Once again, I thank you for saving me from doing something Ursula wouldn’t have wanted me to do.”

“Helping others is my noblesse oblige ,” Marth explained. “That’s how House Lowell approaches their citizens.”

Off in the distance, a pegasus knight sensed a battle about to begin. It didn’t take her long to realize it was Prince Marth leading the charge, the person she’d been searching for! Grabbing the treasure she’d managed to sneak away from Grust without being noticed, she flew towards him.

“Oh!” Abel looked up as he heard the flapping of wings. “Your Highness, someone comes this way!”

Marth followed Abel’s sight. “Wait, that’s one of the Whitewings, isn’t it?”

“It looks like it,” Abel said, just as Catria and Palla’s eyes lit up.

“Est! She was supposed to come with us when we joined, but at the last minute she said she had a secret mission and she’d meet us later,” Catria said. “Wait…she’s carrying something with her!”

“Prince Marth!” Est called. “I’m so glad I finally caught up with you!”

Marth’s eyes went wide as he recognized what Est was carrying. “Isn’t that Mercurius?!”

“Yep! I stole it back from Grust while they weren’t looking!” Est said proudly. “I bet you’ve got a fighter on your team who can make good use of it!” Palla sighed, smiling a little.

“That was very reckless of you, Est,” she said. “But obviously I don’t need to fuss over what might have happened, because you pulled it off just right.”

“Good job, Est,” Catria added. Abel whistled.

“That’s pretty impressive, sneaking one past Grust’s forces!”

“Commendable,” Marth commented with a grin. “Princess Minerva will be proud.”

“I am.” Minerva smiled as she flew over to them. “It’s good to have you back with us, Est. Good work!” Est beamed.

“Let’s make short work of these Grustian knights, then!”

Once the enemy had mostly been cleared away, Marth and Elice visited the single house nearby.

“Is there anything you can tell us that would be worthwhile on our journey?” Marth asked the owner.

“Actually, there’s an interesting rumor floating around,” the man said. “So there’s this fearsome beast guarding the Fane of Raman, right? Well, apparently this beast is a little girl!” Elice tensed.

“A little girl, you say.” Bantu had mentioned looking for a young girl some time ago, a girl named Tiki. It couldn’t be…

“I wonder if that’s why Maia is at the Fane herself,” Marth mused. Elice nodded.

“It could be.” She turned back to the man. “This child, does she have a name?”

“If she does, I sure haven’t heard it!” He shrugged. “Anyway, just be careful, even if the beast’s just a child, she’s still gotta be pretty powerful and scary!”

“Or just scared,” Elice said, rather pointedly. If the girl was Tiki, they needed to make their way to the Fane as soon as possible. “Marth, I believe only their leader remains now.”

“Then let’s go and deal with them,” Marth decided, gripping his rapier. “If we’re to reach the Fane…”

The leader put up a tough fight in the name of “preserving the honor of the Grustian knights,” really making them work for their victory. But they brought him down, and Nyna watched with relief that General Camus had not appeared on the battlefield.

I know your hands must be tied right now, but if our paths do cross…I can’t let you fight them. If I could just talk to you, change your mind …

“ Ange, my little Neptune, we have an urgent matter we must discuss .”

“ It wouldn’t be that Lady Tiki’s at the Fane? ” Ange asked her mother. “ Marth and Elice overheard a rumor that a young girl’s the beast of the Fane. ”

“ Good, so they already know ,” Maia said. “ The rumor is true, as we dragons know, and now that the Prince and Princess know, time is of the essence. Gharnef has been keeping her under his control, and the longer the rumors persist of a dangerous beast…well, it won’t be long until someone decides to ‘take care of’ the problem. ” She paused. “ And it sounds as though Gharnef would let it happen, so long as he’d gotten whatever use out of her that he could .”

“ That asshole, ” Ange grumbled. “ We’re not far from the Fane, Momma, so we’ll be there soon. Is there anything I need to relay to the others? ”

“ Yes. Bantu will be the key to saving her and snapping her out of her trance, so relay this information to him immediately ,” Maia said. “ And you will indeed find the necessary orbs to make the Starlight Magic within the Fane, so make sure Prince Marth and Princess Elice obtain them. ”

“ I’ll relay all of that, then. Anything else, Momma? ”

“ Yes ,” Maia said, “ tell the Prince and the Princess I know they reclaimed Altea, and that I couldn’t be prouder of them. And so is Anri. ”

“ ...Poppa too, huh… ”

“ Yes, and he’s very proud of you for being by their side all this time.”

“ ...I know. When I’m holding the Fire Emblem… I can feel his pride. ”

“ I’ll see you soon, Sweettart, and I look forward to meeting the Prince and Princess in person, ” Maia said.

“Seriously?! Gharnef would just stand by and let that happen?!” Xane stomped his foot angrily. “I guess even he has a limit to how long he can abuse a tool, huh? The jerk!”

“You can be more vulgar, Xaney,” Ange noted. “I’ve hung around enough sailors to be desensitized.”

“Good point. He’s not a jerk, he’s a fucking shithead!” Xane huffed. “Poor Lady Tiki, she must be terrified enough!” Bantu sighed, looking like he was pulling in on himself a bit.

“I should have been more mindful, never let us be separated. Gharnef is using her as his weapon, but he’d let someone destroy her…and then I had to lose my Dragonstone. I could have saved her much sooner…”

“Hey, we’re gonna save her no matter what, right? And you’re key to that,” Ange reminded her elder. “If anyone can get her out from hypnosis or whatever Gharnef is doing, it’s you, Master Bantu.”

“Right…” Bantu nodded, trying to calm himself. “And I will. I won’t let her fall prey to his…despicable plans!”

“Damn right we won’t!” Xane said. “If he’s there, I’m gonna smash his ugly face in!”

“Save some for me,” Bantu chuckled a little. “I may be old, but I’m far from useless yet.”

“Gharnef tried to destroy Altea, and on behalf of Poppa, I’m gonna make that asshole pay for hurting Marth and Elice,” Ange growled. “He’ll regret ever daring to get Altea involved in his bullshit!”

“And Lady Maia said we’ll definitely find the orbs in the Fane, right? So then we can get to Master Gotoh sooner and he can make us the magic that’ll rip Gharnef and his stupid tome to shreds,” Xane added.

“Yep,” Ange nodded. “Maybe it’s a spell we can give to Elice. She deserves to wreck Gharnef as well, considering everything.”

“Absolutely.” Bantu smiled. “Gharnef has much to answer for in general, but especially to those two!”

Chapter Text

“You look nervous. Is it because of Momma?”

Marth sighed. “Got it in one. I know I shouldn’t be, but… your mother is a remarkable woman who wooed Anri. It’s rather intimidating.”

“She can be, yeah, but she’s gonna love you and Elice. You’re part of the family, after all!”

“From everything Ange has told us, we don’t have to worry about impressing her,” Elice said, despite feeling nervous herself.

“And right now, we must focus on the objectives at hand,” Jagen added, “rescuing Lady Tiki, and finding the two spheres.” Malledus frowned.

“The latter will be complicated. Word has it that thieves have broken into the Fane, and one of them has already discovered the Lightsphere,” he said. “We’ll need to move quickly before he escapes with it. Julian, Rickard, I believe that’s where you two come in.”

“The man knows us,” Julian said with a grin.

“If you have a need for directions, I can provide you with it,” spoke a voice not far from them.

Marth barely jumped out of his skin before turning to the newcomer. “You- You’re…”

Ange grinned. “Hey Momma! Just in time, we’re going into the Fane!”

Tall, beautiful, the only hint of being a Manakete being her pointed ears, stood Maia the Bloom Dragon. A soft smile graced her lips. “My apologies for scaring all of you. You have a plan to aid Lady Tiki already, I see!”

“Lady Maia!” Xane leapt before her and bowed. “Good to see you again! Yeah, we sure do! It’s too bad we can’t do anything about Gharnef right now, though, I’d love to break his teeth for messing with Lady Tiki!”

She chuckled. “Good to see you again, Xane. You’re in high spirits, I see!”

“As always!” He smiled, blushing a little at her compliment. Bantu stepped forward and bowed to her as well.

“It’s been a while. I’m glad to see you well, Lady Maia,” he said.

“Master Bantu.” Maia bowed back to him. “I’m honored to see you again.” Elice cleared her throat and gestured to Marth, it was time to introduce themselves.

Ange grabbed the siblings by the shoulders and gently pushed them forward. “Right, we can’t forget something, can we, Momma?”

Marth blushed “...Ange.” He cleared his throat. “...Lady Maia, I am Marth Eden Lowell, the great-grandson of Marcellus. ‘Tis a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“And I am Elice Cerise Lowell, the great-granddaughter of Marcellus. Ange has told us so much about you, and I’m honored to meet you at last.”

Maia blinked before approaching them and cupping their cheeks. “I do see Marcellus, yes, but… I also see my Anri with the both of you. I’m so happy to finally meet you both, my dear children.”

After the introductions were finished, it was time to enter the Fane.

So long, she’d been alone, in the dark. The person who’d promised he’d never leave her side had abandoned her, the deep voice in her consciousness her only comfort. For that person, she would protect the Fane, her only home.

Intruders arrive. You know what to do , the voice commanded, and Tiki rose. Destroy them, this was the sacred home of Dragonkind, she must not let humans defile it with their presence. She could not move from this spot, but when they came close, she would act.

The door opened, and she prepared an attack.

“-ki!” Wait…that wasn’t a human. Their presence, their aura…that voice. “Tiki! Lady Tiki, you must wake up!” She froze, fear racing through her as her resolve faltered.

“N-no…stay away, don’t come any closer! I must protect…!”

“Tiki, my child.” She knew that voice. Not the dark one that commanded her, but a gentler one she’d known - that she still knew. “Gharnef has placed you under a trance, but he’s not here. You’re safe now, please wake up.” The shadows slowly lifted from her mind, the red cleared from her vision.

“Ban-Ban?” She blinked. “Where…what happened? How did I get here?” Bantu smiled, his eyes clouding over with relief.

“Tis I, yes. You are not hurt, are you?” Tiki shook her head.

“No, just…scared. I feel like I just woke up from a long nightmare. You weren’t there, and…someone else, he-”

“It’s okay.” Bantu embraced her, and she buried her face in his shoulder. “It was my fault we were separated, but I will not let that happen again, I promise!” Tiki smiled. She hated being alone, but the voice was wrong, Ban-Ban hadn’t abandoned her after all.

As the rest of the group were cleaning up the remaining enemies and opening the chests, Bantu brought Tiki over to meet Marth and Elice.

“Lady Tiki.” Marth bowed to the young manakete. “As a member of Houses Lowell and Altea, it gladdens me to see you safe. I am Marth Eden Lowell, Crown Prince of Altea.”

“Ban-Ban told me about you!” Tiki said. “You’ll take me with you, right? I want to help, and I’m tired of being left alone!”

Marth chuckled fondly. “Certainly we will. We’ve got other manaketes here with us, so you won’t be alone!”

“Yay!” Tiki smiled. “Thank you, Mar-Mar!” Elice, who was nearby, stifled a giggle.

“She’s already taken a shine to you, Marth.”

Cheeks pink, Marth smiled. “Mar-Mar, huh… that’s quite adorable.”

“Prince Marth! We found the spheres!” Rickard called. “And another one that doesn’t look like either stars or light, but we took it anyway.” He held up the glowing green orb.

Maia walked in from a different room. “Oh, that’s the Geosphere! It might be useful in the future- it’s a sibling Orb to the two others.”

“Sibling Orb?” Elice asked.

“Wait, so does that mean this and something else make a weapon or a tome?” Julian asked. He didn’t have a head for this stuff, but he knew from a glance this green sphere wasn’t some ordinary trinket.

“It wouldn’t be surprising if that’s what it can do,” Maia noted. Nyna appeared just then.

“You’ve found the spheres,” she said, “and it seems the enemies have all either been defeated or fled.” She smiled. “Excellent work, Prince Marth.”

“Princess Nyna.” Marth bowed his head. “We also rescued Lady Tiki. With our task finished, we should aim to clear out Dolhr’s hold on other nations.” Nyna tensed. She had a feeling where he was going with this.

“And…that includes Grust, doesn’t it.”

Marth bit his lip. “That is… unfortunate, but yes, Grust is included. …I suspect there’s someone in Grust that might need our help, then?”

“If he’ll accept it,” Nyna murmured. “Marth, there…is something I need to speak with you about later. After I’ve had time to sort through my feelings. But yes, I…do have a personal stake in this. In someone there.”

“I understand. It will take some time to reach Grust, so… take the time you need.”

“Thank you.”

Later that evening, Nyna was as ready as she would ever be to tell Marth about her past. About Camus, and her potentially dangerous feelings.

The Prince entered her room, without armor and cape, his circlet polished to a shine. “...You’re ready to discuss things, then, I presume?”

“I am.” Nyna nodded, taking a deep breath. “You know the story of how the Archanean royal family was slaughtered, so I was taken to Aurelis for protection. But…the one who brought me to Aurelis is the captain of Grust’s Sable Knights. The man we must fight if we’re to liberate Grust.”

Marth pursed his lips. “You’re wondering if there’s a chance I can convince him to join our side, is what you intend to ask.”

“Yes.” Nyna sighed. “But I also know it’s not likely to happen. General Camus…he risked much to bring me to safety. He was supposed to end my life, but instead he showed me compassion. He knew he would incur the Shadow Dragon’s wrath, but he wanted me to live.” She smiled sadly. “I hated him for his role in my family’s deaths. But my feelings changed…”

“Well…” Marth rubbed his thumbs against his fingers. “I cannot guarantee a miracle, nor can I believe that my identity as Crown Prince of Altea might change things. That being said, I am willing to talk to him, if only to let him know that you’re safe and sound… and that you wish that he’d be by your side.”

“Please,” Nyna said. “His one flaw is that he is loyal to a fault. Even when he knows his King is in the wrong, that Grust was wrong to ally with Dolhr.”

“I’ll see what I’ll be capable of, Your Highness. Just… please. Don’t hold it against me if I fail, I can only do so much.”

“I know, and I won’t. I know General Camus very well, and I don’t expect a miracle.” Nyna smiled again. “Thank you, Prince Marth, for hearing me and for understanding.”

He bowed. “You are welcome. …If you’ll excuse me, there’s a relative I’ve to properly meet with.”

“Of course.” Nyna nodded. As he left, she closed her eyes, sighing.

If nothing else, I want to see him, to speak to him one last time…even if we cannot convince him, I want him to know I’m eternally grateful to him for his sacrifices.

Chapter Text

The Altean Army was on their way, and Camus was to lead the charge against them. This was his chance to win back the good graces of his superiors once and for all, to prove his loyalty to Grust and to King Ludwik.

In his heart he knew it was wrong, and deep down so did the weak-willed King. But even after Ludwik capitulated to Dolhr, Gharnef had taken his two children hostage to further ensure his cooperation. And as the King went, his subjects followed.

Camus was already in enough trouble for having spared Princess Nyna’s life.

She’ll be with them, he thought. Part of him wanted to throw aside his accursed loyalty and choose her, just like he wished he had all those years ago. But this was his homeland, Ludwik was his King, and Dolhr had him on a very short leash. If he defied them again, this time he would die, and despite his willingness to lay down his life, Camus did not actually embrace the thought of death.

So today, he fought.

Well then, Prince Marth, he thought as he shouldered Gradivus and waited, let us see what you are made of.

Marth looked over his rapier one, twice, thrice, nodding as he didn’t find any faults in his weapon.

“You’re oddly over-preperative,” Ange commented as she finished using her whetstone on her Killing edge. “...You don’t think you’ll win Camus over.”

“It would be a miracle if it happened, I believe.” He sheathed his blade. “I will speak to him, but I doubt he would be willing to join us. Things are… rather complicated, and I don’t know enough about what happened in Grust to make a full judgement of things.”

“Reasonable,” she commented. “Momma also doubts Camus can join us, but that’s more out of experience than something else. Did we ever mention she was the one who started one of the Holy Bloodlines of Jugdral?”

“Wait, really?” Merric piped up. “I studied those in Khadein, particularly the stories of Forseti and Lewyn and his descendants. Lady Maia really started one of those bloodlines?”

“I believe the lineage is known as Njörun…?” Ange fiddled with her right boot to show what looked like a marking of some sort on her ankle. “I might be able to wield their sacred weapon as Momma’s daughter, but that’s a lance and I’m not sure if that’s my fighting style. I prefer a sword.”

“Like I wouldn’t be comfortable wielding the Falchion, you mean?” Elice asked. “I can’t imagine you picking up a lance, either, Ange.”

“Holy Blood is a strange thing,” Merric mused. “The books state that any child King Lewyn fathered would inherit the Forseti tome, but would someone like Lady Ayra’s son Scathatch feel comfortable picking it up? Or if Tailtiu married Father Claud, would her son Arthur want to learn to revive the dead?”

“What ifs to consider, indeed.” Ange grinned. “Personally, I find the Sage Lord a fascinating man of history, and not because of him inheriting my mother’s blood.”

“You’ve talked my ear off quite a bit about him, yes,” Marth recalled with a wry smirk. “Almost as if you had a crush on him.”

“Hey, I’m just sayin’, he sounds like he would’ve been my type of man!”

“But he was married, right? And he’s long gone?” Xane asked, unable to hide a tinge of jealousy in his voice.

Ange turned to face him. “That is the weirdest question you’ve ever asked me, Xaney.” She smirked. “So you want to be my Leif Faris Claus?” Xane gave a very uncharacteristic squeak, face turning as red as his hair.

“We should be focusing on the battle ahead! We’ve gotten completely off track!” Tiki giggled, but  Caeda remained silent at Marth’s side. As someone who harbored feelings but kept quiet, she could tell when someone else did, albeit likely for different reasons than her.

Sometimes she envied Merric, who didn’t try to hide his affection for Princess Elice.

“Back on the subject,” Nyna said, “Prince Marth, I would like a chance to speak to Camus as well. And rumor has it that General Lorenz is among the troops as well.”

“Lorenz? He’s my father’s good friend!” Caeda piped up. “If you’ll allow me to speak with him, I may be able to convince him to join our side!”

Marth smiled. “I’m sure you can pull it off, Caeda. Alright, let’s try that.”

Caeda quickly spotted Lorenz and flew to him, mindful of any arrows or wind spells nearby. He’d aged since she saw him last, when she was just a little girl, but she knew his sharp and focused gaze anywhere.

“General Lorenz!” she called. The man looked up, his eyes widening.

“Princess Caeda! I’d heard you were fighting alongside the Altean Army, but what brings you to Grust?” he asked.

“General, I heard you opposed Grust allying with Dolhr. Didn’t you try to stop it?” Caeda asked. Lorenz sighed, lowering his lance, his gaze ashamed.

“He would not listen. Dolhr has might, and more importantly, they took his children hostage. For the sake of Prince Jubelo and Princess Yulia, King Ludwik does whatever they say, and those of us loyal to him have no choice but to follow.” Caeda shook her head.

“Don’t you remember what my father used to say? A kingless country is a country still; but a king without subjects rules naught but hills,” she recited. “Ludwik is your King, but his actions are harming Grust as a whole. I understand he does this for his children, but that doesn’t mean you have to go along with it!”

Lorenz closed his eyes, thinking for a moment before he nodded.

“And your father was right, of course.” He laughed a little. “I suppose I expected this, if King Mostyn’s daughter was among the Altean ranks! You’ve always been very good at getting people to follow you!”

“So you’ll join us?”

“Of course! For the sake of Grust’s well-being and future, consider my life yours!” Caeda smiled, motioning for him to follow her.

“Wonderful! Now, there’s someone I’d like you to meet!”

Marth wiped off the sweat off his forehead as the duo approached him. His circlet glinted under the sunrays as he turned to face them. “Caeda,” he greeted.

“Marth!” Caeda’s eyes lit up as she saw him. “Marth, I’d like you to meet General Lorenz. He’s an old friend of my father’s.”

“And I’ve left Grust behind to fight for your side,” Lorenz said. “I never supported Dolhr, and I do not agree with my King’s actions even if he does have his reasons. Which I’ll explain later.”

Marth nodded. “...What are the chances, you believe, that General Camus might join us? …Do you believe it would be a miracle, as well?”

Lorenz sighed.

“I don’t believe General Camus agrees with the King, either. But he is too loyal, too afraid to break his vows to follow his heart,” he explained. “I would love it if someone could talk some sense into him, of course, I hate to see him throw his life away. But it would indeed take a miracle.”

“But maybe you can make that miracle happen, Marth,” Caeda said, her eyes still alight. Lorenz glanced at her, then at Marth, and it clicked instantly. He was old, but he was still as sharp as ever, and he knew when King Mostyn’s daughter was in love.

Marth bit his lip. “I… I promised to at least try to speak to him. If I can’t create a miracle, well…”

“Do what you can,” Caeda said. “In the end, it’s his choice. All you and Princess Nyna can do is try. After that…”

“We’ll hope for the best, but prepare for the worst,” Lorenz added.

Nyna swallowed as she and Marth approached the final obstacle of this battle.

“Camus,” she said. He spun around, turning to face her.

“Princess Nyna…” He narrowed his eyes slightly. “Prince Marth of Altea. I suppose you’ve come to avenge your family. After all, I played a role in your father’s murder.”

Marth tilted his head. “My aim is Gharnef and the Shadow Dragon. I have no intention to drag other people into this.”

“Who is asking you to? I am your enemy, and you must fight me in order to defeat Gharnef and the Shadow Dragon,” Camus said.

“Camus, please,” Nyna interjected, “we know you disagree with the King’s actions, so why not lend your strength to us? If it’s Dolhr’s retribution you fear, we would-”

“I cannot,” Camus cut her off. “As a knight, I cannot allow others to protect me while I break my vows yet again. My punishment the first time was just, and this is the only way I can redeem myself in the eyes of my King…in the eyes of Grust.”

“Camus…” Nyna bit her lip, swallowing against the lump in her throat.

“This is the only path set before me, and I will walk it. Princess Nyna, it brings me both joy and sorrow to have seen you again…those days we spent together meant everything, but it was not to last.” He turned to Marth. “Thank you for keeping her safe, and please extend my thanks to Prince Hardin as well.”

Marth bowed and readied his rapier. “I will tell him as such, General Camus. Please, make this a duel to remember.”

Camus almost smiled.

“You really are just like King Cornelius.” If only I were brave enough to accept your offer, Prince Marth, to follow my heart and be with the one I love . He drew Gradivus, tightening his focus. But this is my path, and I must follow it to the end.

Nyna, knowing they had not succeeded, quietly left the battlefield.

Marth took a deep breath, and positioned himself for combat. “I won’t hold back.”

It was a heated battle, Camus didn’t hold back either. For Grust, for King Ludwik, for the Prince and Princess held hostage by that bastard Gharnef. But in the end, Prince Marth proved to be stronger.

“I suppose…this is where my path ends…” he gasped as he slid from his horse, Gradivus slipping from his hand. “Nyna…forgive…”

He tumbled into the waters below, the roar drowning out the last word.

Marth sighed as he reached to grab Gradivus. “...If the waters keep you alive, General Camus… may you find a peaceful life.”

Chapter Text

Grust had been liberated, but at a price. Deep down, Nyna had known it would end this way, and at least she’d tried to change it. She knew General Camus too well, and at least he’d had a dignified end fighting Marth.

But it still hurt.

Worse, the war would come closer to an end once they made it to Macedon, and Nyna had to think about her future. She would be expected to marry and have an heir as Queen of Archanea, but the one person she would have wanted to marry, she never could.

“...Your Highness? May I have a moment of your time?” Hovering at the entrance was Maia, a soft smile on her lips.

“Ah…of course, Lady Maia,” Nyna said quietly. “What is it?”

Maia carefully entered the tent. “Poor Marth was worried for you, about General Camus… but he wasn’t sure how to approach you about it. I offered to go into his stead.” She fixed her bangs. “...There was a connection, wasn’t there.”

Nyna swallowed, nodding a little.

“Yes…there was. I…” She closed her eyes. “We fell in love. Even knowing deep down it could never work, we still…I wanted him to survive, to come with us,” she murmured. “I wanted him to be the one I spent my life with. It could never be, but I wanted .”

“We don’t always get what we want,” Maia mused. “I could not be with Anri… Ange cannot become Altea’s Queen. What we must do is accept that things cannot go the way we desire it, and make do with what we have. That’s how one destines a future.”

“I know,” Nyna said. “Even if he had lived, the public never would have accepted him as my husband, and we both knew it. I…I feel so foolish for wanting, for being this sad over it, especially knowing what lies ahead of me.”

“...Archanea will be forced to face changes, someway or another,” Maia pointed out. “That was inevitable once Medeus got involved. However you address those changes… there will be naysayers. Don’t let them bother you.”

“It’s strange, these thoughts have crossed my mind, but I’ve never considered how I want to approach them,” Nyna said. “I barely escaped with my life, and since then, I’ve been protected and guided by others. The tragic sole survivor, the lonely Princess…but perhaps I’ve leaned on that status out of fear rather than considering how to live the life General Camus saved.”

“The war is coming to a close… I’d imagine now would be the time to figure things out.”

Nyna nodded.

“I will. I need some time, but I will.”

The time was coming. First she’d freed herself and her sister from Michalis’s rule, now it was time to free Macedon itself.

“Prince Marth, I must warn you in advance that Macedon will have fortified its defenses beyond what we’ve dealt with so far,” she said.

“And he’ll be carrying the family’s royal treasure, the Iote Shield,” Matthis said. He’d been studying tactics lately, particularly Macedon’s, knowing he’d be facing the man who sent him off to die. “Still, it’s not hopeless, right?”

“Exactly,” Minerva said. “We’ll just need to be on our toes and plan even more carefully.”

“Macedon wouldn’t be expecting a few Manaketes on our side, would they?” Marth wondered loudly. “If we know the lay of the land of our future battlefields, we could plan on their strengths…”

“The castle is surrounded by mountains,” Minerva said, “and unfortunately, there is no available water right near it. There is, however, water surrounding the way in.”

“So perhaps Ange could give them a pre-emptive scare before we reach those mountains?” Elice suggested.

“See, you guys are thinking about me,” Ange began, “But really, the focus oughta be Momma. She’s an Earth Dragon, so mountains and dirt is her specialty. If there’s a Manakete who can do the best pre-emptive scare in this situation, it’s her.”

Maia smiled. “I see you’ve been learning quite the tactics, sweettart.”

“Forgive me,” Minerva said, “I’m still getting used to having someone as strong as you on our side, Lady Maia. I never imagined I’d meet the Untainted One face to face, much less fight alongside her.”

“You have no need to worry. Now, shall we teach your brother a lesson?”

“Yes,” Minerva said. Maria nodded a little, though she seemed a bit more unsure.

“It feels bad, having to fight him…but then I remember how much you suffered because of him, sister,” she said.

“You both did!” Est chimed in. “And so has all of Macedon. So let’s do this!”

“We’ll be fighting the vanguard first,” Malledus explained, “and that alone will be a lot of soldiers. I’ll scout out a place for us to rest after, so you can be at full strength when we arrive at the castle.”

The battle with the vanguard was as intense as they’d have expected, Macedon putting their all into making sure the Altean Army didn’t get anywhere near the castle. And when battles got this intense, Caeda worried.

By now, she knew the rules of the battlefield like the back of her hand, and what risks not to take. But Marth was surrounded, and in that moment her instinct took over and she flew towards him.

Unaware of the archer who’d just spotted her and had just fired an arrow.

With a gasp, Marth swung a long arc slicing through his opponents, trying to reach for Caeda as he noticed the arrow.

“Ah!” Seeing Marth running towards her, Caeda realized what he was reacting to and dodged, just barely managing to avoid being hit. Phew. She regained her composure and flew towards Marth, spearing an enemy close to him.

He breathed as he went back to fighting, but that near-miss was lodged into his mind and turned his resolution into ‘stopping the Macedonian army as fast as I can’. It can’t happen again. It can’t.

Luckily, there were no more scares, and it wasn’t long before they’d seized the gate. The vanguard was out of the way, and soon they’d be confronting the King head-on.

“Caeda, I must speak to you.” She looked up from brushing her pegasus, her stomach clenching. She had a feeling of what this was about.

“Of course, Marth.”

“...You have to be more careful on the battlefield,” he told her. “You still need to heed arrows. Had I not noticed, you…” He pursed his lips. “I’d rather not think of the what-ifs, but…”

“I’m sorry.” She put the brush down, folding her hands over her chest. “It was a foolish mistake on my part, I saw you surrounded and…I was worried. I didn’t think before I acted.” No sense in arguing that she understood the dangers when her actions had suggested otherwise. Even one moment of weakness invited death, after all.

“I do understand that you were worried. And I do accept your apology. Still, Caeda, for everyone’s sake… be more wary of archers. No one wishes to lose you.”

He spoke the truth very calmly, but she couldn’t help feeling shame nonetheless. Father and the rest never tried to hold you back from the battlefield because they trusted you to be careful , she thought. Granted, there’d been the time she faced Navarre and even offered to let him end her, but even then she’d taken the time to communicate first, to call his bluff. This wasn’t the same thing.

“I will,” she said quietly. “From now on, I won’t let us be separated. Then neither of us has to worry.”

He smiled gently. “I know you will.”

“ Prince Marth, you’ve done well to make it this far, ” came Gotoh’s voice.

“...Master Gotoh.” He had forgotten the White Sage knew telepathy. “We’ve gotten the three Orbs of the Fane of Raman.”

“ Ah, yes, Geosphere ended up there as well ,” Gotoh said. “ Right now it is useless to you, but do hold onto it. It may prove handy in the future. ”

“The last thing to do is to find you to get the Starlight spell,” Marth recalled.

“ Yes. I’m in a village near the castle ,” Gotoh said. “ Once you’ve defeated King Michalis, come see me and I will forge the tome for you. ”

“Noted. Master Gotoh… Thank you for your help.”

“ You are welcome, Prince Marth .” I should be the one thanking you, he thought as he ended the communication.

Chapter Text

“It’s time to face him,” Minerva said. “He will not be an easy fight, and his troops are as strong as he is. Lady Maia, we’ll be thankful for your help in these mountains.”

“‘Tis time they learn why Earth Dragons were feared during the first war against Medeus,” Maia commented, with a mischievous grin stretching her lips. “Albeit, my powers are not the same as my kindred. I am known as the Bloom Dragon for a reason, after all.”

“Her powers are amazing, I got to see them in action once!” Xane said cheerfully.

“And for Michalis himself…” Elice frowned. “He carries a shield that lets him avoid damage from arrows and wind spells, yes?”

“Iote’s Shield, one of Macedon’s greatest treasures,” Maria confirmed. “And unfortunately, it’s impossible to steal. Even trying to get close enough to do so could prove dangerous.”

“We’ll find a way,” Matthis said, gripping his lance. “I need to pay him back for sending me onto the front lines to die…and for trying to marry my dear sister against her will!”

Marth tapped a finger against his lips. “...Warfare isn’t just physical, but also psychological. Ange’s telepathy… what if we can weaponize it against Michalis somehow? Make him drop his guard?”

“That would give us an advantage,” Malledus said. “I think it’s an excellent idea.”

“Psychological,” Minerva murmured. “That also gives me an idea. Prince Marth, you intended to simply defeat him, correct? Not kill him? Because I have many questions for him regarding the choices he made.”

“That is indeed my intention, yes. I do have questions myself.”

It took longer than usual to form the perfect strategy, but they were soon ready. Caeda made sure not to leave Marth’s side and was more cautious than usual about any possible archers lurking nearby.

Ange focused ahead, towards Prince Michalis, and took a deep breath.

“ Well, aren’t you a foolish one. ”

Michalis bit back a yelp of surprise.

“Who’s there?” The voice sent an uncomfortable prickle throughout him, similarly to when he’d spoken with Lord Gotoh earlier, telling him to retreat. The old man had also called him foolish, and Michalis had dismissed it, ignoring the look of disappointment on his face as he left.

“ Yours is the last nation in Medeus’ grasp, haven’t you noticed? That you’re willing to throw away your life for a dragon who will treat you like dirt? You had everything- a family, the potential to make Macedon greater than Archanea alongside Minerva… and you threw it away for a brainless dragon! ”

Michalis’s jaw clenched, and he gripped the hilt of his lance in his fist. By now he more or less knew he’d been played for a fool, that Gharnef had manipulated him and that Medeus did not have anyone’s best interests at heart but his own.

“It is too late,” he said stiffly, “my father’s blood is on my hands and cannot be washed off. I will carry the sin of patricide with me until my last breath, and I will use that last breath to fight for Macedon.”

“ Your sisters are here. Will you fight against Minerva? Against little Maria? How disappointed poor Maria would be… ”

He and Minerva had always been closer than anything. He remembered the day Maria was born, Father quietly bringing them into the room to see their mother and meet their baby sister. The two of them promising everything would be okay when Mother passed on a few years later.

“They made their choice. She betrayed Macedon to fight with Prince Marth, and Maria followed,” Michalis said, before realizing he was talking to a voice he could not place and someone he could not see. He shook his head, that prickling sensation returning. “Enough. I have neither the time nor the desire for this foolishness!”

“ Neither do I. Behold! The Bloom Dragon is among your enemy! Dare you face the one who resisted the degeneration of her kin?! ”

“What?!” No, it wasn’t possible, the Bloom Dragon was still alive but how could she be fighting alongside the Altean army? If she’s there, I may not have a prayer . “Leave! I will listen no longer, I will protect Macedon and make us stronger than Archanea itself could ever be!”

He whirled around and stormed towards his wyvern, mounted, and flew to the gates. Even if he lost, he would fight tooth and nail to the very last.

“Master Gotoh, we’re here!” Tiki said. “And we’ve brought the spheres!”

“And by ‘we’re’, she means me as well,” Ange mentioned with a grin.

“I see, yes!” Gotoh said. “Well done, and just as well done braving these mountains to find me. Now I can make the Starlight Tome.” Tiki and Ange held out the orbs and he took them, focused, and within moments a gleaming, sparkling tome materialized.

Ange frowned as she pointed at the Starsphere. “Uh, Master Gotoh? Why is it… cracking?”

“Oh dear…” Gotoh sighed as the Starsphere split into multiple fragments. “Apparently even treasures with great power are not immune to age, and the Starsphere was the first to succumb.”

“Oh, dear…” Tiki watched as the fragments began to disappear. “Are they…does this mean the end of the Starsphere for good?”

“I doubt it,” Ange answered. “The spheres are made with dragon energy, they can be reconstituted.”

“Indeed,” Gotoh affirmed, “they will reform in due time, albeit not as the Sphere itself. The shards will be scattered across Archanea, and hopefully found, but so long as they exist the Starsphere’s power will never fade.”

Ange carefully took the tome. “Well, we finally have the means to wreck Gharnef! This way, we can finally get the Falchion back! Poppa would be so happy.”

“Yes!” Tiki smiled. “Thank you, Master Gotoh, we promise we’ll end Gharnef as soon as possible!”

“I know you will,” Gotoh said, “I have the utmost faith in all of you.”

Michalis waited for them at the castle gate. To look at him, one would not suspect he was still reeling from that strange encounter with the unfamiliar voice earlier.

Marth marched towards him, rapier at the side, grip tight. “All of the rest of the continent is behind my flag, Michalis! Surrender is still an option.”

“Not for me.” Michalis drew his lance, his gaze zeroing in on a particular face. “Hm. So you survived at the bridge, I see.”

“I did,” Matthis said, “because my sister was there to snap me out of my stupidity. Just like she was strong enough to reject your proposal.”

“I knew I could never marry someone like you, and this further validates my decision,” Lena said as she stood at her brother’s side. “You’ve done such grievous harm to the country, to the people you were supposed to protect! All for the sake of power!”

Michalis glared at them, then towards his siblings. Minerva raised Hauteclere.

“I have nothing more to say to you.”

“Why, brother?” Maria asked. “Why would you ally yourself with those people? I thought you were smarter than that.”

He would not let these words get under his skin like he had that mysterious voice. Michalis raised his weapon.

“Enough words,” he snapped. “Fight me, if you’re so determined to boast the strength of the rest of the continent!”

“Very well.” A Killing Edge was unsheathed at his side. “I shall represent Pyrathi.”

A chill ran up his spine. That voice…yes, that was the voice he’d heard in his head before the battle.

“ You. ”

Ange’s face was completely neutral. “I still stand by my words, Michalis of Macedon. As the daughter of the Bloom Dragon… face my blade.”

Michalis was a fierce opponent, driven by pride and desperation and protected by Macedon’s treasure. But even pride and desperation could only get him so far, and in the end, he dropped his weapon in defeat, very much alive.

“No…my ambitions, my people…!”

“Capture him,” Minerva commanded. “Prince Marth, you and Maria and I will speak with him later.” Maria nodded, holding her Elfire tome close to her chest. She was not the frightened little girl being held hostage anymore.

Ange took out a rope. “How extreme should I go?”

“ Reasonable , Ange,” Marth chastised. “We need to think about his wounds as well.”

She nodded in agreement before carefully tying up their prisoner.

The time between his imprisonment and the moment his sisters and Prince Marth approached him was too short. As humiliating as it was to lose and be captured, he was grateful for the solitude.

Now, though, he found himself staring up into three accusatory faces.

“I believe I’ll have your sisters begin this interrogation,” Marth began. “If I need to bring my own input, I shall, but for the time being, they shall have the first words.”

It was Maria who stepped forward first.

“Why did you kill Father?” she asked, and Michalis’s stomach turned to ice.

“You…”

“I’m not a naive little girl anymore, Michalis. Nor am I deaf. I heard the rumors,” she said. “When Minerva told me, all she did was confirm the truth. You killed Father because he knew that man was bad news.”

“I was thinking of Macedon’s best interests,” Michalis insisted, but it felt weaker now. “We’ve been a servant to Archanea for too long, I wanted us to rise above.”

“We could have,” Minerva said, “if you had simply stopped to think before taking that man’s words at face value. Even if you were being manipulated, you could have taken stock of the situation before you did something you could never take back.”

Every word hit harder. Gharnef had used him and he hadn’t figured it out until it was far too late and his only remaining family had abandoned him. Medeus didn’t have Macedon’s best interests at heart.

All he’d had left was Macedon itself, and now he didn’t even have that.

“Father was going to replace me as heir, to punish me,” he said. “You don’t know how it feels, to realize you can be swapped out for another just because your own father can’t support your ambitions!”

“Don’t you think Father understood you better than anyone?” Minerva asked. “That he knew Gharnef was trouble and that you would be walking right into it by listening to him?” Michalis bit his lip.

“He was treating me like a child. So many years of telling me how capable I was, but when the advice came from someone other than him, suddenly I’m apparently incapable of making my own decisions!”

“You made the wrong decision,” Maria said, “and it did Macedon no good!”

Marth lifted his hand. “I shall be joining in, if you don’t mind.” He slowly approached Michalis. “Where did you hear about the whole replacement thing, Michalis?”

Michalis was silent for a moment before bowing his head, unable to look any of them in the eye.

“Gharnef,” he finally said. “He told me.”

“And you believed him over your family ?” Marth asked between tight teeth, his usual calm, kind features replaced with tranquil fury.

“Over Father, who only told you to stop and think before you went ahead with your plans?” Minerva added. “Don’t you see, Michalis? Gharnef knew you were upset with Father and stepped right in, knowing he could fan the flames of your anger. He used you, he was the one who needed Father gone and knew he could make you dance on his strings!”

“And throw you away once your strings broke and he no longer needed you,” Maria added.

He knew. He knew very well deep down but he’d never wanted to accept it. He’d killed his own father, taken his sister hostage and forced his other sister to fight, plunged Macedon into war. But he’d committed too many sins to back down. Too much blood on his hands, the only way to justify his actions was to win.

He’d lost more than today’s battle. The way his once-adoring sisters spoke to him, like a criminal and not their beloved older brother.

The way Prince Marth saw him for the truly weak, naive fool he’d been.

With a cry of anger and shame, he buried his face in his hands, fingers clawing into his battle-mussed hair.

“You could have just killed me! If I’m such a monster, you could have just ended my life and spared me this humiliation!”

“That’s where the problem comes in, Michalis. We still need you alive.” Marth tilted his head, and his circlet glimmered. “ Everyone needs you alive.”

“Why?” Michalis demanded.

“Because in spite of everything, you’re still our brother,” Maria said.

“And we still love you. Angry as we are with how your choices affected Macedon, we love you, and we could not bear to lose you.”

That was it. There was no lie, no manipulation in those words, and he knew it. Somehow, Michalis kept himself from breaking completely, from sobbing into his hands even as his eyes stung with emotion and years’ worth of regret.

“You have a chance for atonement,” Marth declared. “Live for it, Michalis of Macedon.”

Chapter Text

“...Thabes, huh…” Ange turned to her mother. “Ever been here before, Momma?”

Maia didn’t answer.

“...Momma?”

“Lady Maia?” Xane asked, serious and concerned. “What’s wrong?”

“...It feels like Lord Duma, but… it’s not him…” She looked about the ground. “Wha… what happened here that I sense this…?”

“Ah…” Tiki shivered, she didn’t sense what Maia did but if something had her concerned and scared, it had to be bad. “Lord Duma…isn’t he the one who…”

“On Valentia,” Xane murmured, “right now two around Prince Marth’s age are facing off against him and his followers.”

“He and Mila… must be degenerating by now.” Maia sighed deeply. “I pray the chosen children aren’t burdened too much by their responsibility. …Let’s deal with Gharnef so Medeus won’t target Valentia, too.”

“Right,” Elice said. “We need to reclaim the Falchion as well.” Just then, a ghastly chuckle sounded from within, and Gharnef himself appeared before the party.

“Come to play, have we? The Prince and Princess of Archanea, it seems you’ve overcome your little setback from two years ago,” he taunted. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

Marth simply stared at Gharnef. “You must be mistaken. We’re not the ones who came here to play.” He gestured to Ange and Maia. “ They are.”

A deep, earthly chuckle came out of Maia. “Yes, yes, that’s why we are here! The winner keeps my husband's dear sword, is that what you’re offering?”

“Ah, the Untainted One,” Gharnef said, “Anri’s unfortunate widow, and her child. I doubt even you are strong enough to defeat Medeus once his resurrection is complete.” He smirked at Marth. “Thank you for removing the competition, by the way. The foolish Camus and that naive, pitiful Prince of Macedon…I certainly had fun watching that one dance on my strings.”

Minerva just barely fought back the urge to snap at him. That was what he wanted, she told herself, for us to lose our composure.

A raucous laughter erupted from Maia as she snarled, baring her teeth. “You’re playing my game now, little one ! You think yourself a chessmaster playing that game? No, Gharnef, we’re playing a dragon’s game!” Slowly, slowly, she began to transform, grandiose as she became the Bloom Dragon. “Hide and seek sounds fun… shall you go hide again , child?”

Gharnef just barely kept his own composure despite being terrified, almost feeling faint. So this is the Untainted One’s true form.

“I will wait at the top of the tower and watch you struggle,” he said, “but you will need to find me first.” He disappeared, laughing, and Malledus gasped.

“There are multiple versions of Gharnef throughout the temple,” he said. Xane rolled his eyes.

“Of course he would, typical tricky bastard. But that won’t stop us if we know which ones are fake, there’s gotta be a way to figure that out!”

Maia chuckled again. “Xane. You know I was always a master seeker.” Vines began to chase the different Gharnef bodies, as if they were hunting them. “He can’t run from one who can read the soil!”

“I thought so!” Xane squealed, clasping his hands together in awe. “That’s Lady Maia for you!”

“Then we can make a clear path to Gharnef himself,” Linde said. “Elice, I know you’re wielding the Starlight tome, but I’d like to come with you when you face him. I want to see the look on his face when he realizes Miloah’s daughter is helping take him down!” Elice smiled.

“Of course. I’d never leave you out of a chance to see your father avenged.”

“...So why Marth, of all people, to choose when fighting?”

“Eh?” Xane blinked. “What do you mean, Ange?”

“There are other people who’s got better access to weapons and stuff, but you like to take Marth’s form a lot.” Ange looked over to her old friend. “Is it a comfort thing? You guys have similar body shapes…”

“It’s more than that,” Xane said, slashing through one of Gharnef’s dark mages. “The truth is, I’d started to lose my faith in humanity. Humans start wars, they kill each other for power and territory, they treat dragons like lesser beings and fear us. Just because Medeus became the worst doesn’t mean humans are automatically right, you know?”

“It’s why Momma left Altea. Why I have no intention of taking its throne.” Ange adjusted her hold on her Killing Edge. “Even if I could wield the Falchion, I’m a Sea Manakete. But even so, I can’t ignore the humans that make my family. You’ve met my father. You know what kind of man he was.” She sighed. “...Is Marth similar to him in any way?”

“He is,” Xane said, “and that’s why I’ve started to rethink my stance on humanity. Because I never thought anyone could be as genuine as Anri, but meeting your cousins proved me wrong. As long as people like Prince Marth and Princess Elice exist, I believe humanity is worth fighting for.”

“...Do you know how weird it sounds hearing all of this with my cousin’s voice?” Xane blushed.

“Yeah…I guess it would. Sorry,” he murmured, rubbing the back of his neck. “But know it’s from Xane’s heart, okay? Cause I mean it!”

She giggled. “I know. Because you’re the only one who’d address my Poppa by only his name.”

“Well, he told me it was okay,” Xane said. “I was so nervous when I met him, this was the hero who beat Medeus into the ground and founded an entire Kingdom…the guy who stole Lady Maia’s heart.” The father of one of my most important people…someone I’m starting to wonder if she’s just a friend .

“...Also stop having weird thoughts while having Marth’s face, it’s creepy.”

“Hey!” He pouted. “How did you even-I mean, I’m not having weird thoughts!” What was with him, he was usually way more careful than this unless he was going out of his way to mess with someone! “A-anyway, we should finish up here.” He paused, suddenly remembering something. “Isn’t the Aum staff also hidden in this temple?”

“Yeah, but would Elice even dare…? Let’s just grab it so it doesn’t fall into enemy hands.” Ange began to move quickly, looking for any rooms that could hold a treasure.

“Right!”

Gharnef stood at the top of the tower, looking as smug as he could manage despite the lingering fear of the Untainted One. The only Earth Dragon to hold onto her power without degenerating, and she could still use it to its full extent.

But she will be no match for Medeus, I will not allow it!

“So, you’ve come,” he taunted. “And you’ve brought the one thing that can slip past my dark magic, have you? Too bad for you I’m stronger than even Starlight Magic.”

“I highly doubt that,” Elice said. “It’s time for you to pay for what you did to Altea…to our father, to Macedon and everyone else who’s suffered and died during this war!” She flipped open the tome and began to chant, a blast of light tearing through Gharnef’s shield of darkness.

And knocking the Falchion from his grasp.

The rush of footsteps came from behind him. “I’ve got the Falchion!” He didn’t even have time to react, much less grab it back before he felt the slash through his chest.

Marth’s eyes widened. “A-Ange? Did you just…”

“Wh-what?”

“Hooooly…” Xane’s eyes widened as he shifted back to his usual form. “You can use it!” he squealed, remembering what she’d mentioned earlier.

She stared at the Falchion, ignoring Gharnef falling off of the blade. “...Of fucking course I can use it. I’m Anri’s daughter.” She sighed. “I am not playing backup for Altea’s throne.”

“We’re not expecting you to,” Marth told her, slowly approaching her. “Your life may be connected to Altea, but you are the Scion of the Sea. You are a Manakete before you are a Lowell.”

Ange nodded, then presented the blade to him. “As their heir to my father’s humanity… take his sword. Let’s wreck Medeus together, cousin.”

“So this was here all along, too,” Elice said as Ange presented her with the Aum staff. “A staff only royalty can use…one that can bring back a lost ally.”

Cain and Abel shared a glance as the same familiar face came to mind. No matter how far they’d come, they hadn’t forgotten that day, when Gra attacked and forced them to flee their home. Their old comrade offering himself as a sacrifice so Prince Marth could reach the harbor.

Even now, it still stung. Knowing they’d accomplished almost everything they’d set out to, that they were about to achieve their ultimate victory, and he wasn’t there to share in that joy with them.

Maia looked around. “Marth didn’t follow us?”

“Ah…he was right beside me, I thought,” Caeda said. “I can go look for him.”

“He’s cleaning the Falchion, muttering about Gharnef staining it with his blood,” Ange explained.

Maia nodded. “Now, there are things to know about the Aum Staff- mainly, that it cannot teleport the living. If the staff doesn’t seem to be working… that might be your answer.”

“Understood,” Elice said. “It can be used only once, too…so many lives lost during this war, and yet…”

Nyna closed her eyes. For a moment she wanted to be selfish, to ask for Camus to be returned to her, but he’d made his choice and she’d promised herself she would not chase after his ghost.

“I…know who I would want to bring back,” Cain said, “but we should wait for Prince Marth and discuss it with him.”

“I’m sure he would agree with us,” Abel said.

Marth entered the room. “Sorry, I had things to deal with… are we using the Aum Staff?”

“We were discussing it,” Elice said. “Marth…you remember how Frey gave his life for us that day.”

“And we think we should use the staff to bring him back to us,” Gordin said. “I didn’t get to know him that well, but he was nice, and he deserves to be here with us.”

Marth looked over to Maia. “...And if it doesn’t work?”

“If used by your sister? That means he’s alive.” Maia crossed her arms. “What are you hoping for, Marth?”

Biting his lips, Marth turned to Elice. “...Let’s try. I… I want this mystery to be solved…”

In all the time since their escape, none of them had truly considered whether or not Frey had survived, taking it as a given that he’d died. Gra’s soldiers were strong, they’d been out for blood, and if he’d survived he’d have sought them out immediately.

But now there was a sliver of hope. Elice closed her eyes, focusing her energies into the staff, picturing Frey’s face.

Nothing happened.

Ange clapped her hands before whooping. “You owe me five gold, Xane!”

“Five gold I don’t mind parting with,” Xane said. “I’m glad he’s alive, Prince Marth.”

“But this means he was taken prisoner instead,” Jagen pointed out, feeling guilty. “If I had suspected, then I’d have insisted we search Gra’s dungeons and anywhere else he might be kept…”

“He would have wanted us to press on,” Draug said. “For us to reclaim Altea before we even considered looking for him.”

Marth slowly blinked. “Oh, uh, sorry… I just…” He shook his head. “So Frey’s alive… I should send word if anyone has seen him, then. If only for more peace of mind.” He then turned to Ange. “I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU BET ON THAT!”

“I BET ON HIS SURVIVAL, BE HAPPY!” she yelled back, grinning.

“Honestly, Ange,” Elice sighed.

“I’m glad he’s alive,” Caeda said to Marth. “I know you were all hurting thinking he’d died…as soon as we finish off Medeus, I want to help you find him!”

“Before we do,” Marth grumbled, “I think I am in need of a GOOD nap.”

Chapter Text

“So, did you have your good nap?” Ange asked Marth, a large grin on her face.

“Surprisingly, yes,” Marth replied. “I think the adrenaline crash helped out.”

“So now we cross into Dolhr,” Elice said. “Until now the whole idea has felt so daunting, but now that Marth has the Falchion I can’t help feeling confident.”

Maia approached the trio. “Forget not that I am also here. I’ll gladly remind that old fart why I am feared as the Bloom Dragon.”

Ange laughed. “Old fart! That’s right, you were only a teenager when you became one of the sources of Jugdral’s Holy Bloods!” Elice nodded.

“I haven’t forgotten you, Maia. We’re truly blessed to have you with us, getting the Falchion back at all would have been more difficult without you. And the Aum staff.” She gave a curtsy, and Malledus cleared his throat.

“And as of now, according to Lord Gotoh, Medeus’s return is not yet complete. So we continue to have the advantage, and should storm the keep as soon as possible.”

“And kick the crap out of all those stupid Dolhr creeps still protecting him!” Xane added. “That’ll be fun!” Tiki rolled her eyes.

“It will be, but could you sound a little less bloodthirsty? You might creep people out!”

“I dunno,” Ange grinned. “That was kinda hot, Xane.” Xane blushed as red as his hair.

“Really! Then you and I are gonna be partners in this battle, Ange!”

About halfway into the battle, Tiki began to sense something…no, someone. A presence that felt familiar somehow, yet she knew she’d never met them.

Maia blinked. “Lady Tiki… you sense them as well, don’t you? This is… familiar. I know this, and yet…”

“Yes! They’re…I hesitate to say here, because they feel quite far away, yet…”

“I know what you mean,” Xane said. “I don’t think we’re going to get any answers yet, but maybe once we’ve cleared out the enemy?” He sliced through a Dolhr soldier’s armor, and Tiki roasted the soldier with her Divine Breath.

On the other side of the battle, the mysterious presence waited patiently. It was almost time; she remembered and knew nothing of these people or the world, only her own name. But she was needed, and she would help them.

Soon there was only the general, Xemcel, left, and despite being a powerful Mage Dragon he fell easily to Falchion.

Marth sighed as he pulled the Falchion out of the corpse. “Now that this problem is dealt with-”

“Prince Marth,” Malledus said, “look. Stairs, beneath the throne.”

“Stairs?” Linde frowned. “To a cellar, I bet. Do we want to know what they’re keeping hidden under this keep?”

“I… if I remember correctly…” Maia pursed her lips. “I’ve heard rumors of a passage to the Alterspire from this keep. This must be it.”

“Alterspire? I’ve also heard rumors, that it was a sacred place for dragons long, long ago,” Marth recalled. “Do you think… there might be something else that can help us defeat Medeus in there?”

Ange nodded. “There’s that possibility.”

“Or whoever we’ve been sensing is waiting there,” Tiki said. “Let’s go! They must be ready to meet us!”

Thankfully, the space beneath the keep wasn’t anything horrifying, only a bit dark. It was a decent trek, but when they surfaced, they were surrounded by shimmering walls. In the center of the room was a shiny coffin.

“...Uh. Momma? Have you ever been inside the Alterspire?”

“My duty was as Guardian of Altea, so no,” Maia answered her daughter. “But why do I…”

“Someone’s here. They’re in that coffin, but they’re alive,” Xane said. Just then, the lid vanished in a flurry of dust and a young dragon woman slowly sat up. She opened her eyes, turned to the group, and nodded.

“You’ve arrived at last.”

Maia’s jaw dropped. “How in the…”

Marth looked over to her before turning back to the new dragon. “You were waiting for us?”

“Yes,” the dragon said. “I am Nagi. I have no memory of this place, we have never met. Yet something in me knew you would need my aid against the Shadow Dragon.” She glanced at Maia, Tiki, Ange, and Xane. “You sensed me, didn’t you? I sensed the four of you as well, and the blood of a great hero.”

“You speak of my beloved, Anri,” Maia explained. “His blood flows into my daughter’s veins, and his brother’s flows into House Lowell’s.” She gestured to Marth and Elice.

“Lady Nagi,” Elice said, curtsying, “it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Nagi smiled.

“There is no need for that, Princess Elice. The pleasure is mine.” She stood up slowly and the coffin lowered, letting her step down. “I only know you and this world by sense, but I’ve been aware of the Shadow Dragon since his degeneration.” Xane blinked.

“Were you…”

“Evil is not bound to a single world,” Nagi said. “His madness transcends the boundaries.”

“Hmm… this could be…” Maia shook her head. “Best not to think of the possibilities of why this is possible, when the end of the Shadow Dragon is close at hand.”

“Correct,” Jagen said. “Nagi, we will be honored to accept your aid.”

“Welcome to the team!” Tiki said cheerfully.

“Maia?” Marth asked once they’d left the Alterspire and made camp for the night. They’d need rest before they were ready to take on Medeus himself. “Is there something you’re trying not to talk about?”

“...You speak of my thoughts on Nagi’s existence,” Maia surmised.

“Yes,” Marth said. “You sounded like you were pondering her origins, or how she came to sense us. Not that I’m not a little curious, too.”

“...Marth, what I am about to speak of, is matters that existed long, long ago.” Maia pursed her lips. “I speak of the reason dragons came to exist in this world.”

“So dragons didn’t always exist here, then…” He nodded. “I’m listening.”

She sat down on a portable chair. “You may have heard of the one called the Holy Beyond Divine, said to be the Mother of Naga.”

“Once, yes,” Marth said, “she is mentioned briefly in the history books, but there aren’t very many details. Considering how long Naga was around, perhaps history simply couldn’t go further back.”

“She is not merely Naga’s Mother. She is the Source of Dragonkind. Her blood made the Holy Bloods. Without her, we wouldn’t exist. That being said, we do not know how degeneration came to be.”

Marth was silent as he took in this new information. “The source of the Holy Blood and Dragonkind have always been treated as legends, as mysteries. We know the story of the Twelve Crusaders, but never learned the origin of the Bloods themselves.”

Maia nodded. “We don’t know where she is from, but we do know of her name: Polaris.”

“Polaris,” Marth repeated, “a very fitting name. And seeing Nagi specifically made you think of her?”

“...It would make sense as to why Nagi feels like Divine Naga.”

“I see.” Marth tapped his chin with his fingertip. “Honestly, I’m surprised no one else pointed it out. There is some resemblance in their appearance, their names…but the overall aura they give off would be a greater indicator, I suppose.”

“Exactly.” Maia pursed her lips. “Rumor has it that Holy Polaris is from another world entirely.”

“So she sent Nagi to help us?”

“It’s very likely. That being said, it’s merely a possibility- there could be other reasons for this.”

“Such as?” Marth prompted.

“No one really knows what happened to Divine Naga. Nagi could be akin to a splinter of herself,” Maia suggested. “How this happened, I wouldn’t know, either. But Divine Naga’s powers were absurd in strength.”

“That makes sense. It would be too easy for her to come and fight Medeus for us, but she can lend us some of her power,” Marth murmured. “It would also explain why Nagi doesn’t remember our world, but came to us.”

“Precicely. But now… we must rest. Tomorrow, we face the Shadow Dragon, and I want you to be in your best shape, understood?”

Marth nodded.

“I will be. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time…for my mother and father, and for all those we lost along the way, I will end this war.”