Fire Emblem 1. Chapter 1

**From**_** Misery Came a Gentle Soul.**_

* * *

Jehanna Palace.

That's the place I first saw you again after I left Grado over a year ago. I had been told that you, the Imperial Prince, Lyon, were leading an army to assault the Palace of Jehanna. It shocked me to think that you could be capable of such a thing, I really couldn't believe it at the time - That's not to say I thought you incapable by skill, you certainly had the tactical intellect, you were just too gentle to be involved with all the bloodshed - I didn't _want_ to believe that you had been brought into all of this, just like I was, I was afraid it might change you for the worse.

We had planned to meet with you, me and my brother, to see how you were doing before all of this began, but the war came so suddenly that it had to be delayed. It was a terrible war, one I shall never forget, lest I disrespect those that had... Fallen. I could relate to your feelings on war, not even an hour into the beginning of my journey, when Grado invaded my homeland of Renais, did I wish for all the senseless violence to stop.

I missed your gentleness, it always warmed me to be around you, you said it was your greatest weakness, I always thought it was your greatest strength, to be so caring in a world so cruel and unforgiving. I wish you had known back then how important that was for me. I guess... I took the time we had for granted... Believing everything would continue the way it was.

* * *

"I wonder where Queen Ismaire is..." Princess Eirika pondered as she put a finger to her chin in thought as she stepped through the Throne Room of the palace. Jehanna was a very well kept palace despite the desert sands that threatened to engulf it.

"I heard she was in the throne room, but there's no sign of her. And there's no Sacred Stone, either." The prideful Frelian Sniper, Prince Innes, stated.

L'Arachel, the green haired Princess from Rausten standing beside him "We must search quickly." She urged as she and Innes left the Throne Room in a rush, leaving Eirika behind.

Eirika had begun to leave to catch up with them before a pillar of light shone from the red carpeted, brick floor of the palace. Eirika jolted a bit before taking a step back, her hand firmly on the hilt of her Rapier. What - Or _who -_ stood there, left her speechless. A young man with light violet hair appeared from seemingly a portal, his thick purple robe waving in the small breeze generated by the spell... He turned to face Eirika, his eyes grew wide in shock "Ah..." He muttered.

Her heart must've skipped a beat. There was no mistaking who this was "Lyon!" Eirika called out to him.

"Eirika..." Lyon said softly as he gazed into Eirika's eyes for several moments before lowering his head and turning to leave.

Eirika took a few quick steps forward to Lyon "Wait, Lyon! Don't leave, please! I need to speak with you!" She pleaded with him, her heart was now beating rapidly, her mind racing with question after question, she managed to get him to stop, though, as he turned around she continued "My brother and I have been worried about you... We know more than anyone the gentleness of your spirit. Your father is deranged, isn't he? That's why Grado invaded Renais, right? Tell me, Lyon... Please... Tell me what has happened." Eirika pleaded.

Eirika could see a sadness in his eyes as he could hardly look her in the face as he spoke, as if he was ashamed, he tried to hide his sadness but she could see it "I'm sorry, Eirika. I've wanted to see you and Ephraim for so long now... I wanted to see you so that I could apologize. The invasion of Renais... I couldn't stop it. I really wish I could speak to you for longer, to... Join you... But I cannot..." Lyon explained.

Eirika looked disheartened "You... You have a reason, don't you?" Eirika asked.

Lyon lowered his gaze to the floor for a moment then back to her face "I can't say right now, you're not ready, not yet... But perhaps I can divulge this much at least..." Lyon let out a small breath before continuing "If you have the time, seek out the Twin Relics of Renais, they will prove useful to you soon enough. Know that we will meet again, and then... Believe me, you will know everything. But for now it is best you not persue me, I don't want to see you hurt." Lyon Looked at her pointedly.

Eirika furrowed her brows but chose to trust him "I... I understand. I trust your words. I'm really relieved, you know? I was worried you might have... Changed. Like your poor father. I'm just glad you're still the same Lyon I've always known. I've missed seeing you..." Eirika gave him a soft smile.

"I've missed seeing you, too, Eirika..." Lyon replied, returning the smile, Eirika nonetheless still saw a sadness on his face. it pained her to see it, whatever has happened must be putting a terrible weight on his shoulders "_You_ have changed though," He continued, causing Eirika to quirk an eyebrow at him, she went to open her mouth to reply before he continued "You're... Even more beautiful than I remember." He said, with a nervousness to it that he was known for, but giving her a much greater smile this time.

A blush began to settle on Eirika's cheeks "L-Lyon... I."

Sparing her several more seconds a glance Lyon then teleported from the castle. Mere seconds later L'Arachel came bolting from around the corner into the throne room "Eirika, what are you-" L'Arachel paused, seeing the look on Eirika's face "Eirika, is everything alright? You look flushed." L'Arachel continued, giving her a look of concern.

"Ah. Y-yes, I'm fine!" Eirika stuttered out "Must be this desert heat getting to me. I'm fine now!" Eirika replied with enthusiasm, albeit much too quickly.

"Er... Right..." L'Arachel quirked an eyebrow "Nevermind. We've found Queen Ismaire! Let's go!"

"Right." Eirika nodded, following the Rausten Princess.

* * *

"I see unfamilier faces among you here, so allow me to introduce myself. I am Ephraim, Eirika's brother and Crown Prince of Renais." Ephraim introduced himself. Standing amongst a ruin after a long and hard fought battle against Grado's forces the two groups from Ephraim's and Eirika's journeys united to create one of the most powerful units on the continent at this time. I was incredibly relieved to have been done with that battle, Valter absolutely sickened me with the way he stared at me with what I could only assume was a possessiveness of a madman.

"I am Princess L'Arachel of Rausten. The pleasure is all mine, of course." L'Arachel beamed at him.

"I'll begin by telling you how we fared in our mission," Ephraim began "We seized the Grado capital and defeated her emperor, Vigarde. Grado's capital guard, to a man, surrendered and laid down their arms. Pockets of resistence remain, but the war itself is over." Ephraim briefed them.

"Is that so?" Innes questioned.

"However, something remains that still bothers me," Ephraim continued "A Grado man named Knoll told me about something called a "Dark Stone." their mages had uncovered lore that led them to craft a powerful magic stone. This Dark Stone may have been the catalyst of Grado's transformation. It seems to be the source of that black wave of energy Myrrh described. Vigarde died some time ago, but the power of the stone played him like a puppet. The war and everything that passed since was planned by the Dark Stone's master."

'_If not Vigarde, then who...?_' Eirika furrowed her cerulean brows in thought.

"Well? Who is it?" Innes asked.

"... I still can't believe it, but I'll tell you nonetheless. According to Knoll, the man behind this is Lyon, the Imperial Prince. He said Lyon's got the Dark Stone." Ephraim told them. Eirika's heart skipped a beat at the mentioning of Lyon's name and a feeling of dread washed over her.

"Figures it's Prince Lyon..." Innes said in distaste of the Imperial Prince.

"W-What?!" Eirika almost shouted as she stepped between them "No! That's impossible! He's lying, Lyon would never do something like that!" Eirika protested, looking to her brother '_How could_ my -our_ Lyon, be behind this war? I can't believe the Lyon I met at Jehanna was responsible for all of this._'

"We've known Lyon for years. Lyon's not the sort of person to start a war like this." She continued.

"But Eirika-" Innes began, but was cut off by Eirika.

"-I saw Lyon recently. Ephraim, you might know this, but after I abandoned the sea route to Rausten, I travelled overland with Innes to Jehanna. We ran into trouble with Grado's forces, and I chanced upon Lyon. He didn't share the details of the situation, but he intimated that he was on our side. Despite all appearances, he was on our side. So Lyon..." Eirika continued.

"Eirika, I believe you, I really do. Lyon _isn't_ someone who could start a war like this." Ephraim told her.

Eirika brightened up "Then-"

"But Eirika, I also met Lyon." Ephraim continued, causing her to frown "He was like a completely different person. To be honest, he didn't seem to be completely... Human." Ephraim had a disturbed look on his face.

"Ephraim... What are you saying?"

"I'll tell you what I saw. I found Lyon inside Grado Keep. This is what he told me: He said he was behind this war. He said he'd befriended us solely so that, one day, he could invade Renais... He told me he killed our father."

Eirika shook her head "That... That can't..."

"I know. I can't believe it either. I refuse to believe it. How could he have planned all this since he was a child... I simply can't fathom it. I've heard Lyon changed when he acquired the Dark Stone. I've no interest in magic, but... There was something uncanny about him. It seemed almost as if he were being controlled by something himself. His personality changed back to the one we know in almost an instant before he apologised and fled."

"He has to be under the control of someone or something else!(?) There's no way Lyon would do anything of the sort... We have to help him!" Eirika asserted, hoping to gain her brother's support.

"I'm afraid it won't be that easy..." L'Arachel told them.

"What? What do you mean?" Eirika turned to the Rausten Princess.

"The two of you might find this hard to accept, but... The state of Prince Lyon's heart matters little. He has the Dark Stone. That rock is the cause of all that's happened. The Prince must be stopped." Innes said pointedly.

"..." Eirika looked confused and was angry that Innes would say something like that '_What's going on? Why can't we can't just destroy the Dark Stone?_'

"Not yet. There is something that needs doing first," L'Arachel stated "Prince Ephraim, I do believe you felt it as well. The Dark Stone held by Prince Lyon... It exudes a malefic miasma... We might be able to handle Prince Lyon alone, but that stone is beyond our ken. We need the Sacred Stones."

"Sacred Stones?" Ephraim questioned. He didn't like where this was going.

"We've all heard the legend of the five Sacred Stones. They alone possessed the power to seal the Demon King away forever. So, of course, to dispel demonic magic, we must use the Sacred Stones!" L'Arachel asserted.

'_Demon King? _The_ Demon King?_' Eirika thought with worry.

Innes frowned "You expect us to pin the outcome of this war on some fool legend?"

"... Not just the legend. We also have hope. According to Lyon, he has already seen to the destruction of Grado's, Frelia's, and Jehanna's stones. Grado forces have been intent on destroying the Stone of Renais. Which would explain why they invaded Renais. The Sacred Stones must be extremely powerful for them to go to such great lengths to acquire them." Ephraim spoke.

"Yes, exactly! If we acquire a Sacred Stone, we'll be able to oppose the Dark Stone's might!" L'Arachel spoke with excitement.

"But three of the stones have been shattered, and our options are few. Do you suppose that during the invasion of Renais..." Innes spoke.

"No, I don't think so. The Stone of Renais is hidden by the power of my and Eirika's bracelets. We will have to confirm whether or not it has been destroyed. We've defeated Grado, and we must turn our eyes to our homeland. It's time to return to Renais." Ephraim told them of their next destination.

* * *

We were now making our way from Renais, to the place Innes' trackers had tracked down Lyon, Narube River. The assault to take back Renais went even smoother than they could have hoped, what with Orson's neglegence of the upkeep of the Renais Keep. They had succeeded in acquiring the Sacred Stone of Renais, along with two more Sacred Twin Relics: Siegmund the Lance and Sieglinde the Rapier - She was merely hoping she would never have to use hers. The people of Renais were finally liberated from their misery, it can only go upward from then on with the restoration, the people seemed so happy. But even then, with all those cheers from the people, I couldn't find it in myelf to cheer with them, there was still so much to be done - If it's true that the Demon King had possessed Lyon - I have to save him... Somehow.

"Eirika," Ephraim called out to her as he rode beside her on his horse, she had been fiddling with her necklace as she rode on her own, several metres back from the group "How are you faring?" He asked with concern.

"Oh..." She clasped the necklace quickly on reaction "I'm fine. Why do you ask?" She gave him a smile by which he knew she was forcing.

"Eirika... I can tell when you're not feeling well, I'm your twin brother," Ephraim pointed out, she lowered her head down and sighed "And you always hold that necklace when you think of him."

She gave a soft smile before answering "It brings me peace to do so." She admitted.

_**~Flashback 1 1/4 years ago~**_

_"Lyon, what's the matter? You seem a little flustered..." Eirika asked with concern.  
_

_"Uh... I just... I wanted to give you something..." Lyon confessed._

_Eirika furrowed her brows with curiosity "... Really? For me?"_

_Seeing her reaction brought a smile to his face_ 'She looks cute when she makes that face. Then again, she always looks great._'__ Lyon thought to himself, he took out from his robe a necklace; it had red crystal stones in a circular pattern around a larger red one in the centre, embedded on a gold base with intricate, archaic designs; the chain that held it was simple but sturdy, made from the same metal as the base.  
_

_Eirika made an audible gasp upon seeing it, "L-Lyon, It's..." Eirika stammered "It's beautiful..."_

_"Glad you like it," Lyon's face lit up "I've wanted to give it to you for a while now..." He admitted "And seeing as you're going back home tomorrow, it seemed a fitting time. It was... Uh, nevermind." He was about to continue but stopped himself. He passed it to her and she slowly reached a hand out to it to let it gently fall on her hand. She flicked her hair back as she put the necklace on, she held it in front of her and then beamed a smile up at him "It looks good on you."  
_

_"Thank you... I'll cherish it, I promise!" She said as she flung herself at him with a hug, nearly causing him to fall over._

_Lyon chuckled slightly as a blush crept up on his face "I believe you." He returned the hug._

_A few awkward moments passed as they stood there in the embrace, causing Eirika to blush as well as she stepped back from him "Uh, I'm s-sorry. I-"_

_"I-It's fine," He said quickly to reassure her, scratching the back of his head "So... You really need to go, right?" He asked her.  
_

_"Y-Yes..." She replied sadly "But we'll see each other again soon."_

_"I'll be looking forward to it!" He replied and gave her a soft smile, his smile died down as he began to look more nervous as he spoke "Um... Eirika, there's something I've been meaning to tell you..." He began scratching the back of his head again.  
_

_"Oh? What is it?" She asked, her head tilting to the side slightly._

_"I've always..." Lyon looked her in the eyes, they both stood there in silence for a moment before Lyon spoke again "Uh... Nevermind... Sorry."_

_"Lyon?" She questioned him, looking confused._

_"Forget it, it's nothing," He frowned as he turned away from her "The necklace is a good-luck charm of sorts, by the way, said to protect it's wearer," He informed her "Guess I'll see you soon, right?" He continued to say as he began to walk away._

_"Yes. We will..." She replied to him. He was soon a faint figure in the distance "I hope..." She whispered to herself._

**_~End Flashback~_**

'_What was he trying to tell me?_' Till this day she was still confused by his words. Eirika reached over her waist and drew the Sieglinde from it's sheath. The slim blade shone brightly in the sun, radiating a magical glow of it's enchantment "Seek out the Twin Relics of Renais, they should prove useful to you soon enough." She uttered aloud. Ephraim raised an eyebrow before she continued "That's what Lyon told me at Jehanna." Ever since she got the Divine Rapier she had a sense of dread rather than a sense of awe one would expect from wielding the Sacred Weapon as if it were telling her something bad was about to happen.

Ephraim frowned before putting a reassuring hand on Eirika's shoulder "Don't worry. Whatever danger he is in, we'll save him. I know Lyon is still in there, even if he is under control."

"You're right... We will save him." Eirika replied, giving a determined look towards her brother.

* * *

"Brother! Look there!" Eirika called as she pointed to several figures in the distance.

"A skirmish!" Ephraim replied. They were trudging alongside a murky river, with some hills in the distance, a small group of villagers appeared to be gathered at the base with a Falcon Knight.

"Is that Syrene? What's going on? We must go to her aid." Innes told them.

"Everyone, hold! Something evil is afoot..." L'Arachel warned them. Almost immediately after she said thatl, Lyon appeared in front of them.

"Lyon!" Ephraim called. Eirika almost couldn't believe it, here he was again, right in front of her.

"Ephraim... Eirika..." Lyon began.

"Lyon... Where have you been all this time?" Eirika asked.

"Eirika, stop!" Ephraim commanded as he stood in front of her.

"Brother?" Eirika looked at him in confusion.

"He tried to pull this charade with me back at Grado Keep. I called him out on it." Ephraim informed her "You remember when we last met in Grado Keep, right, _Lyon?_ Do you remember what you told me then? You told me this was all your doing, that you had started this war." Ephraim glared at him. Eirika's face was that of utter shock as she looked toward Lyon for answers.

"What? Ephraim... Why are you so angry? We haven't seen each other in so long... What's happened?" Lyon questioned him.

"You're not..." Eirika muttered out in disbelief. It was looking at him right now that she noticed there was something different about him than when she met him at Jehanna.

"You said it yourself. Lyon must be under the control of someone or something else." Ephraim recanted.

"... Lyon?" Eirika turned her head from her brother to look at Lyon, she didn't want to believe it but he had been taken control of, he no longer held the same warm aura he once had, like he had at Jehanna "No... You're not Lyon." Eirika scowled.

"Eirika...? What on Earth do you mean? Of course I'm Lyon, can't you tell? Just come closer and you will see..." 'Lyon' offered his hand out to her.

Eirika was now visibly shaking with frustration, she stepped in front of her brother, grabbing the hilt of her sword "Stop toying with me! Where is Lyon?! What have you done with him?!" She yelled. Ephraim was in shock at his sisters outburst, he'd never seen her this serious. Innes and L'Arachel were equally stumped.

"Eirika, I-" He began, staring at her in shock for a few moments before a cruel smirk worked it's way upon his face "-Heh, I see... Perhaps I am not the Lyon you once knew. I have cast aside my gentle nature. I have become stronger. No longer am I the pitiful excuse of a prince who was powerless... And you know what? It feels pretty damn good. Heh heh heh."

"What...?" Eirika muttered.

"Be careful, Eirika, this is not Lyon, we must use caution." Ephraim stated.

"I'm not Lyon? That's rich. A masterpiece. You always thought that Lyon was kind, gentle, and weak, didn't you? Admit it, you played me for a fool, always telling me that I wasn't weak, when I was, giving me false sentiments in order to trick me. How could you two ever have considered me as a friend? I was nothing but a plaything for your amusement." 'Lyon' stated snarkily.

"You're wrong! That's not true at all!" Ephraim snapped "Lyon, Eirika, and I were friends. There were things we kept to ourselves, of course, but we shared so much. And no matter what happened, no matter how much time passed... We're still friends. Lyon would never ever betray us. Not in a million years. You're not Lyon."

"**Hmph... Looks like I was wrong to disregard the value of human emotions,**" 'Lyon' confessed. The group became instantly on guard as the tone of 'Lyon's' voice changed. Eirika looked horrified. "**I've had my fun pretending to be human, but the need for charades has passed. You are correct. This body no longer belongs to your young Lyon. I devoured his pathetic heart ages ago.**"

"What?!" Eirika said in horror.

"You monster! Who are you?!" Ephraim demanded.

"**Do you really not know me? What a poorly educated prince. Think about it. Remember the legends of your pitiful kind... What was sealed within the Stone of Grado? What is the name of terror?**" 'Lyon' taunted.

"No... It can't be!" Eirika said in disbelief.

"It's as we feared after all. That can only be..." L'Arachel began.

"The great adversary of antiquity... The Demon King..." Ephraim said aloud the thought they all had.

"**Heh heh...ha hahahahah! Lyon... Lyon... O prince of misery... **His body is mine to compel!** That loser didn't last very long at all!**"

"Sh-Shut up! You're lying! At Jehanna_.._." Eirika began.

"**Jehanna...? Heh. What does it even matter.**"

"It matters because I know it was the real Lyon!"

"**Naive girl! What you fail to understand will soon be made clear to you!**" 'Lyon' taunted as he teleported from the area. Moments later they could see in the distance a band of Gradoan Dark Mages and Berserkers advancing towards them. Some advancing on a small group of innocent villagers who were accompanied by Syrene.

"We must go. Syrene cannot hold such a force back on her own." Innes ordered, having lost interest in the conversation, he began to leave.

Ephraim placed a reassuring hand on Eirika's shoulder "Let's go, sister." He said in a soft voice to which she nodded, still rather downcast.

* * *

We had managed to thwart the Demon King's forces and save Syrene, a famed Falcon Rider from Frelia, and also the sister of Vanessa. But not before the Demon King had made his escape, to which Innes made sure to send trackers to hunt him down, it would eventually lead us to a place ominously known as the "Gorgon Lair". But for now, we made camp.

"Excuse me, L'Arachel, are you in here?" Eirika called, standing outside L'Arachel's lavish tent."Eirika? Yes, yes, come in." L'Arachel said in a spritely voice. Eirika doing so.

"L'Arachel... May I ask your advice?"

"What is it, Eirika? No need to be so formal." She replied.

"It's about Lyon... My brother was right. Lyon's been possessed by the Demon King. Is... Is there no way to free him?"

"..." L'Arachel only frowned in sadness to Eirika's question.

"Please help me, L'Arachel. I want to save him. Rausten is the spiritual heart of Magvel. They keep the ancient lore. You're their princess. You must know something about the demons of legend. Is there anything that can save Lyon?"

L'Arachel looked downcast "I'm so sorry, Eirika. To the best of my knowledge. There is no way to aid him."

"That can't be! There must be something! Any clue, no matter how slight..." Eirika pleaded.

"Our oldest legends tell us just this... Only one person has ever been able to shake off the Demon King's domination. Rausten's founder, Saint Latona the sure-hearted, shattered his fetters. If one possesses a strength of will beyond that of normal men... Only then can one throw off the shackles of the Demon King. But you saw it yourself, Eirika, with your own two eyes. Your friend Lyon's body has already been claimed by the Demon King. Once it's gone that far, there's nothing that can be done."

L'Arachel continued after a brief pause "When the Demon King takes over someone, he devours his spirit, his very soul. Even if his hold on Lyon's body could be released, that body would have no soul. There is no power in Rausten, not even the Sacred Stone, that can perform so great a miracle as to restore a shattered soul."

"But... Lyon... What if... What if the Demon King hasn't managed to take him over completely yet?" Eirika questioned L'Arachel, which prompted the Rausten Princess to look in puzzlement after explaining that there was no possible way for that to happen, to which Eirika quickly got to the point "Lyon- The Demon King-" She corrected "Complained of being too weak, as if his strength still needed to grow, do you think being only recently released from the Sacred Stones power that... That the Demon King is weak?" Eirika looked hopeful for her friends counsel.

L'Arachel seemed to be contemplating it for a few moments before she replied "Well... I guess that could be true. Does this have anything to do with you meeting Lyon at Jehanna? Do you truly believe it was him?" L'Arachel asked pointedly.

"Yes. Without a doubt." Eirika affirmed her feelings with a seriousness and confidence not usually found on her. "He... He was adamant about wanting to help and told me to seek out the Sacred Twin relics. I don't see how acquiring them would work in the Demon King's favour."

L'Arachel let out a long sigh "I see... Maybe Innes did have a point earlier about legends, they do tend to be... Exaggerated. But know this Eirika, if what you say is true, then Lyon is working with borrowed time and clearly the Demon King is besting him in the struggle often enough. Eventually, the Demon King will consume his soul and he will be gone forever. He will most certainly use his shell to trick you, under any circumstances, you must not give into any demands from him - Especially not when concerning the Sacred Stones - But even still, I do not know of any way to free him... I... I'm sorry."

Eirika nodded and turned her head downcast, working through her mind what L'Arachel had told her "I understand..."

L'Arachel took a couple of steps forward to embrace Eirika in a warm hug which was reciprocated before speaking softly to her "So... It was Lyon who had you all flustered at Jehanna." She smirked. This causing the Princess of Renais to go red in the face, so thankful L'Arachel could not see her face from over her shoulder, but could probably feel the heat leaving her cheeks "You must really care for him." She continued.

Eirika replied quickly, perhaps too quickly "O-Of course I do! He's my f-friend!" She stuttered out.

"Something tells me it's a bit more than just friends." L'Arachel chuckled. Eirika went to break from the hug to retort as her face went a deeper shade of red but L'Arachel held her even tighter so she couldn't escape before she continued "Stay safe, Eirika. Promise me."

Eirika calmed down a bit after a few moments and then replied "I'll stay safe, I promise. But you have to promise me you'll stay safe, too."

L'Arachel smiled "Of course _I'll _be safe, I've been given the gift of divine grace!" She replied, eliciting a chuckle from Eirika "But I suppose I shall promise, too, just to give you some peace of mind." She broke from the hug "You should get some sleep, we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Goodnight, Eirika."

"Yes, thank you for everything, L'Arachel. Goodnight." Eirika replied with a warm smile before turning and leaving L'Arachel's tent. She walked some metres away before she began going through the conversation she had until a certain part stuck out in her mind, she sighed "That L'Arachel... He's just a friend." She frowned, crossing her arms, telling herself that again within her mind.

"Who's just a friend?" Ewan questioned from behind her, she cursed herself for not noticing him, so trapped in her thoughts.

Eirika's eyes went wide as she turned to face him "Uh! N-No-one!" Eirika fumbled with her words, her face a mix of horror and embarrasment as she pondered the idea of her little chat with L'Arachel getting out.

"Oh... Okay." He replied.

"W-What are you doing out here anyway? Shouldn't you be asleep?" Eirika said, trying to divert the conversation and compose herself.

"Oh, I asked Forde if I could help him patrol the camp tonight, he should be around here somewhere, I'll go call him for you."

Eirika panicked again "N-No! Don't do that! I'm going to sleep! G-Goodnight!" Eirika shuffled and started walking briskly to her tent.

"Huh?" Was all Ewan could get out.

"Don't you worry yourself about it, little Ewan, she just had some girl-talk with me." L'Arachel called out from her tent, notifying Eirika that she heard everything, causing Eirika to pause and turn a deeper shade of red before continuing to her own tent.

"Oh... Okay." Ewan shrugged.

* * *

The next day couldn't come fast enough for Eirika, she'd had quite enough of last night. The forces were currently on march along the dirt roads towards 'Gorgon Lair'.

Eirika herself had been keeping to herself most of the morning, not willing to talk to anyone unless absolutely necessary after last nights 'episode'. Currently on horseback she heard another trot come up beside her, she noticed it was Forde, although he didn't say "Hi" as she would've expected, he just trotted along beside her with a silly looking grin on his face, prompting her to quirk an eyebrow in suspicion.

"So..." He said abruptly "Who's the lucky guy?"

"Excuse me...?" Eirika turned her head towards him, bewildered.

"Aw, come on, you've obviously got your sights on someone."

Eirika frowned "I have no idea what you're talking about. And what makes you think I do?" Curious as to how he knew '_-__Not that I do!_' She thought.

"Well..."

_**~Flashback. Last night.~**_

_"Hey there, Squirt. Whatcha doing?" Forde asked Ewan as he strolled through the dimly lit camp sight. The two on patrol duty._

_"Oh, nothing." He replied._

_"You sure? You look a little confused. And didn't I see just see Eirika speeding off towards her tent?" Forde questioned._

_"Well, apparently she was having "girl-talk" or something with L'Arachel."_

_"Okay... So what seems to be the problem?" Forde queried._

_"Well, Eirika seemed troubled and said "That L'Arachel... He's just a friend." Which prompted me to ask her "Who's just a friend?" And then it looked like she started panicking and her face turned red." Ewan explained._

_"Oh, they were probably talking about boys." Forde said nonchalantly._

_"Boys? Why on earth would they do that?" Ewan questioned his sceptically._

_"Uh, why wouldn't they? Wasn't it obvious what they were doing?"_

_"..." Ewan gave Forde a look to say he wasn't following._

_And then it hit Forde "Ohhh..." Giving Ewan a wink and grinned at him, he slapped him on the back "I think it's time someone gave you the talk about the 'Birds and the Bees', come sit with me." He pointed over yonder to the camp fire._

_"'Birds and the Bees'? What do birds and bees have to do with any of this?" Ewan asked disbelievingly, as if he felt Forde was playing some kind of trick._

_Forde replied simply "Everything." As the two went to sit on a log near the campfire._

_**~End Flashback~**_

Eirika nearly fell off her horse.

Forde chuckled "Yeah, I was surprised myself, I figured he might've had the talk by now. Apparently not."

That was totally not what she was shocked about as she stared down at the saddle of her horse with her face beet red.

"So... Who's the lucky guy?" He asked again.

"... I-I don't wish to talk about it..."

"Ahhh, so you admit there is _definately_ someone?" Forde concluded before Eirika heard a loud "thwack" and saw that L'Arachel had crept up on them to administer justice upon the back of Forde's head, courtesy of her trusty staff.

"That's enough from you! It's none of your business!" L'Arachel scolded.

"Hey, I'm just trying to help... Duty to the crown and all..." Forde pouted as he rubbed the back of his head, clearly in some pain before L'Arachel came up beside him and grabbed his ear, pulling.

"If I recall, she's out of your jurisdiction!" She fumed "Your duty is to guard Ephraim, not pry into his sisters personal life!"

"Ow-ow-ow-ow!" He winced "Okay, okay, I give up! Can I _please_ have my ear back now?!" Eirika couldn't help but chuckle slightly at the scene unfolding.

"Certainly." She said as she smiled and let go, Forde quickly rubbing his ear and galloping off to join Ephraim and Kyle up ahead.

"Thank you..." Eirika whispered to L'Arachel.

"It was my pleasure, us Princesses have to stick together." She gave Eirika a wink.

* * *

It would go without saying that myself and L'Arachel had bonded quickly despite our glaring personality differences, it was like having a sister, we shared a lot in our journey up until this point, confiding in each-other for strength - Though I have to admit, most of the strength-giving was from her to me.

And so we march on, to the Gorgon's Lair, where you would reappear, but against all of my hopes it was just like last time, I almost broke and was ready to give up. But then I remembered the promise to myself that I would see this through and I would help you in any way I could.

Eirika placed her quill down and closed the book she had been writing in, standing up from her desk within her private chambers she gave her petite frame a stretch. _Speaking of which, I'm to be having tea with L'Arachel today in order to catch up. L'Arachel visited Renais regularly, she said it was for me but I think it has to do with my brother also - Which I didn't mince words with in order to embarass her in sort of a "revenge" for her teasing me' _She chuckled inwardly at the thought, leaving her desk to prepare.


	2. Chapter 2

**_From Misery Came a Gentle Soul - Chapter 2._**

* * *

Eirika and L'Arachel were currently conversing over their cups of tea in their favourite spot on a balcony overlooking Renais, the sun out in full force with nary a cloud in the sky. To be honest, Eirika hadn't spent as much time with L'Arachel lately as she'd liked, despite L'Arachel's regular visits. Eirika was for the most part out of the country.

"L'Arachel, I have to apologise, I haven't been to visit you in Rausten in a long time." Eirika sighed.

"You don't have to apologise, you've been through a lot lately, you can't do everything at once," L'Arachel replied, eliciting a small nod from Eirika. But it did prompt L'Arachel to ask "I hear you've been visiting Grado more regularly as of late, seeing as how you've taken it upon yourself to oversee their restoration, how are they doing over there?"

Eirika took a few moments to ponder on it, still feeling slightly guilty "They're doing great, actually, the people of Grado are resilient and have been nothing if not humble towards me despite the war." Eirika smiled, she had been becoming fond of the people somewhat over her stay there.

"That's good to hear, it must be from all of your hard work."

Eirika blushed at that "I hardly think I have much to do with it..."

"Really? Because from the tidbits I've managed to scrape up about the restoration, the people simply adore you..." L'Arachel complimented "... Some even whisper of wanting to make you their new Empress."

Eirika nearly choked on her tea in shock as she covered her mouth quickly with her hand, this of course making L'Arachel chuckle in glee, Eirika having managed to calm herself enough to reply "L'Arachel! ... Surely you're joking?!" Eirika fretted "Besides... Isn't Knoll supposed to be the closest... Living relative to the throne?" She said the last part uneasily.

"Yes, but we haven't heard from him in six months. I don't believe he wants the throne or else he would have taken it by now."

"..." Eirika couldn't think of anything to reply with.

L'Arachel continued "Think of it this way: Ephraim has Renais covered, which leaves you open to helping the people of Grado, the people of Grado love having you there and you enjoy helping them. It would seem perfect, would it not?" L'Arachel encouraged.

"... I don't know..." Eirika frowned, of course she wanted to help the people of Grado as much as possible, to carry out... His dream, Eirika sighed "But do you think it's right? We were at war with them only six months ago."

"You said it yourself, they've been nothing if not hospitable to you... No ones saying you have to, it's just... A suggestion." L'Arachel again, encouraged.

A few moments of silence passed between the two as Eirika contemplated until a smirk grew across her face "... Are you trying to get rid of me so you can have the castle to yourself and my brother?"

It was L'Arachel's turn to almost choke on her tea "Eirika!" She screeched "It most certainly has nothing to do with your brother!"

Eirika burst out laughing at L'Arachel's actions causing the Rausten Princess to go red in the face "What can I say? I learnt from the best."

"Perhaps a bit too well it seems..." L'Arachel mumbled until she perked up again "But of course, you are right."

"About you and my brother?"

"No! About me being the best teacher!" She fumed "I swear..."

Eirika's smile died down. The real reason she didn't want to be Empress of Grado even if the people wanted her to be was because "... It should've been Lyon who became Emperor." She said in a barely audible tone, as a tear slid down her face.

* * *

"You know... Even though Ephraim is still an excellent fighter, something about him just seems... Off..." Forde commented, observing the practice fight between Ephraim and Seth, clashing against each-other with their practice spears in the courtyard.

"You've noticed it, too?" Kyle responded, eyes also locked on the fight.

"Of course. Ephraim looks like he's lost the fire he once had... It's depressing..."

"He hasn't been the same since... You know."

"That much is true. It's devastating when I actually fought him..." Forde had a look of sympathy towards the heir of Renais.

"You think he'll ever take up the throne as King?" Kyle questioned, now turning his head towards Forde, not willing to watch the depressing sight before him any more.

"Hard to say... As of right now, I don't think he will. It used to be that he simply wanted to be a mercenary, but now he doesn't even want to do that..."

"It's horrible..." Kyle commented.

Forde agreed with a sigh.

Ephraim lunged forward with his spear, that too being dodged swiftly by the Silver Knight, a look of frustration on his face, he lashed out with several more lunges before dodging a retaliation by Seth.

Seth began to capitalise on Ephraim holding nothing back, his breathing growing rabid.

Ephraim, too, was taking in more air as he was getting worn down, the Crown Prince cursing himself for wasting so much energy on needless attacks.

It was then that Seth stamped the blunt end of his spear on the dirt. Prompting them to end their little match.

"Huh?" Ephraim said as he caught his breath "Why did you stop?" Looking genuinely confused.

"Milord, if I may be so bold..." Seth began, getting a nod from Ephraim to continue "You're nowhere near fighting at the finesse you're capable of. This match should have been over by now..." Seth stated bluntly before standing straight and saluting "With respect, Milord, your current fighting skill is terrible! Milord!"

"What? What do you mean by that?" Ephraim frowned.

"Something is bothering you. Putting you off. With swords this may have occurred, but with spear you're the most talented user in Renais, if not, the continent."

Ephraim stared straight at the Silver Knight, acknowledging his words, before waving them off "While I thank you for the compliment, I'm fine Seth, nothing is wrong with me. Hey, perhaps you're just getting better?" Ephraim concluded.

Seth shook his head "Something is bothering you and causing you to lose focus... It's not my place to pry, but perhaps you should talk to someone about it." Seth saluted again "Milord!" He added before he left.

Ephraim stood there, still staring at the ground before him where Seth stood, his eyes slightly wide at what Seth said. He then turned his head toward Kyle and Forde, Kyle stared straight back but Forde looked like he was trying to make out his attention was on something else, fumbling with his armour.

Ephraim walked up to them, curiosity now on his face "Kyle... Forde." Ephraim called them.

"Milord." Kyle replied, trying to look impassive but showed signs of unease.

"Oh, M-Milord." Forde, also replying, but clearly showing unease with an awkward forced grin on his face.

"Is... Is my fighting really that terrible?"

"Well... I wouldn't say terrible, but-" Forde began but was cut of by Kyle "-Yes," He stated before saluting "Milord!"

"I... See... Thanks for your honesty." Ephraim replied before dismissing them, the two leaving Ephraim to his thoughts.

Ephraim stood there in silence before muttering to himself "Have I really gotten that bad...?"

* * *

Ephraim rested his head on his arms as he looked over the side of the balcony up into the cloudless night sky. The moon being the only source of light. Ephraim sighed, '_I just have to talk my problem out with someone, right?_' Sounded easier when he thought of it, but actually talking about his problems was something he was never, well, comfortable with '_Yeah, I'll go with comfortable...'_

"Fancy meeting you here." A familiar voice called from behind him, he turned and saw L'Arachel walking up to him.

"Oh, L'Arachel, hello." He greeted.

"Hello, Ephraim, why're you out here all by yourself?"

"Um... Just stargazing...? You know..." He said uncomfortably.

L'Arachel giggled "Never figured you one for being romantic."

A slight blush crept on his face "That's not-"

"I'm just teasing. Is something on your mind?" She said as she joined him, leaning against the side.

"Well..." He gulped "Ugh... I'm no good at this touchy feely stuff..."

L'Arachel quirked a brow "Touchy?"

Ephraim's eyes went wide "Uh... I mean, just the feely-" Ephraim paused "-Okay, this is already getting out of hand." He said as he went to leave.

"Wait!" L'Arachel commanded, grabbing his arm "You're not going to escape that easily before you tell me whats wrong."

Ephraim sighed as he leaned against the side again, folding his arms "I guess... I'm not used to talking about my own problems... Well here goes... Seth said my fighting is terrible."

"What?!" L'Arachel said in shock "I'm going to have to have a talk with-"

"Let me finish. He wasn't the only one who thinks so. Kyle and Forde do, too..."

"But.. You're like the best spear-user in the entire continent!" L'Arachel professed.

"Seth said that, too..."

"... I'm not following..."

"Well, that leads to my problem... I'm not fighting as good as I should be... Because..."

"Because...?"

"I guess I just don't have that spark I used to have... After the fight with the Demon King, I just lost my drive." Ephraim said solemnly.

"... It's Lyon, isn't it?" L'Arachel concluded.

Ephraim nodded "He wasn't just a good friend, he was like a brother... Damn it. I could save thousands, I _have_ saved thousands, but when my friend needed me, I couldn't save him..." He clenched his fists "... I must sound so selfish..."

"I don't think so..." L'Arachel leaned her head against his shoulder "It's okay to mourn for lost loved ones, no ones expecting you to just mend yourself overnight, it takes time."

Ephraim nodded "Niether I or Lyon wanted to become our countries leaders... But we knew we had a responsibility... So we made a deal that if either one of us were to actually become a ruler, the other would become one as well... Grado lost a fine ruler."

"Eirika seems to enjoy helping the people of Grado, and the people there love her, at least you know Grado would be in good hands - If she decided to take full reign."

"That's true... Well, I'm happy for her..."

"I worry about her..."

"What makes you say that?"

"One of the things you two share is that you're good at ignoring your own feelings in order to help others... But that doesn't mean the problem is cured, it's simply bottled up. She's lonely. When she broke down today it made it all the more clear. A broken heart, the loss of a loved one, can take a long time to heal, or never. But things get better. You'll get better."

"Yeah... I guess you're right... Thanks, L'Arachel. I feel a lot better after getting that off my chest..." Ephraim gave her a smile.

* * *

Eirika sighed and sat herself in her favourite chair within the castle library, having some privacy, a book clutched to her chest. The library was dimly lit with a couple of torches close by to her.

She ofttimes found herself in this library when she was in Renais because it reminded her of the times she found Lyon cooped up in the library all the time. Lyon had told her he had to import books from outside of Grado in bulk as he had read all of the ones he found of import in Grado, how he could read that many books was beyond her until he explained it to her one time when he was practising his magic.

_**~Flashback~**_

_Eirika pushed her way through a densely laid thicket of bushes '_Gods, what am I doing?_' She thought as she pushed aside an even bigger bush '_I doubt he'd be around here, Ephraim must've been playing a joke or someth-_' She paused in her thoughts as she came across what looked to be a secluded clearing with a small lake to the left of her and a grassy field to the right of her. Small mannequins were dotted along it '_Odd..._'_

_She then spotted the person she was looking for "There you are!" She called out to him. Lyon seemed to snap out of a trance he was having as he turned to look at her with wide eyes._

_"Uh...? Eirika? What're you doing all the way out here?" He questioned in disbelief as she walked her way towards him._

_"I could ask you the same. I was looking for you but you didn't seem to be anywhere. Ephraim said you would be here." She said as she caught her breath._

_"You... Were looking for me?" Lyon quirked an eyebrow, Eirika nodded to him "Um... What did you need?"_

_Eirika thought about it, but come to think of it, she didn't need anything "I just wanted to see how you were doing." She told him._

_"Oh... Well... I'm fine. Thank you for asking." Lyon replied, astonished she'd come all this way out here just to see how he was._

_"Well. What're you doing out here?" She asked him in curiosity._

_"I just came out here to clear my head and practise my magic." He answered._

_Eirika scanned the area and noticed it was indeed peaceful, the only noise coming from the singing of birds._

_"I'm working on a new spell, act-" He began but figured she wouldn't be interested "Uh, never-mind..."_

_"Really? Which kind of spell?"_

_Startled she would even ask, he proceeded "Well... I'm actually crafting a completely new one."_

_"You're... Crafting your own magic?" She asked in amazement. She knew from her studies on the history of magic that crafting ones own spells took an exceptional amount of skill in the magical arts "Do you... Mind if I watch?"_

_"I... Don't see the problem in it. Sure." He agreed "Uh... You might have to stand back, though..."_

_She gave a nod to him "Yes, of course!" She stood back several metres before he began preparing the spell. But she noticed something that perked her interest "Uh, Lyon...?"_

_Lyon stopped and turned his head to her "What's wrong?"_

_"Uh... I don't see a tome on you. Won't you be needing one?" She asked in confusion._

_Lyon scratched the back of his head "Well... Truth be told... I've never really needed one."_

_Her jaw dropped "Ever? But I thought all mages used tomes and it was impossible to cast spells without them."_

_"It's difficult to explain, but..." Lyon paused a few moments as he thought his words through "Every book I've read I've been able to remember word for word since I was a child. Tomes were no different."_

_"So... That's why you're such a genius," She complimented with a smile "That's really amazing!"_

_A blush crept up on Lyon's face "You... You really think so?"_

_"Of course! No-one else I know has that kind of memory!" She said elated._

_"Thanks... Eirika." He smiled bashfully "Well, my memory is only partly to do with it... Even with that I shouldn't be able to cast a spell without a magicked tome. I'm not exactly sure why I can cast without the aid of a tome. It's just something I've always been able to do since I began using magic."_

_"Really...? I've never heard of that before. You must be something special in order to do that." Eirika concluded._

_"I don't know about "special". But... Thank you."_

_"Lyon... You are special -I mean, in order to cast a spell without a tome."_

_"I guess... Well, perhaps I should just show you my new spell?" Lyon asked._

_"Yes! Show me." She encouraged._

_"Alright..." Lyon turned towards the set of mannequins and began concentrating, raising his arm in front of him as if to aim, his robes began fluttering as the wind picked up around him from the force of the summoned magic's. Eirika's cerulean hair waved behind her as Lyon summoned forth the spell "Naglfar!" Lyon suddenly called out as dark clouds appeared overhead by the mannequins. Bright__-purple bolts of lightning shot down from clouds, zapping everything in their path. The dark clouds parted and began consolidating on a point until they began creating a vortex of sort, ripping the mannequins from the ground and tossing them up into the air as they began swirling. Eirika had to shield herself from the force that came from the spell, one of her arms across her forehead._

_The vortex disappeared and in it's place, dark energies seemed to collapse in on what was left of the poor mannequins, several bolts of lightning appeared again before the debris from them began falling to the ground as the wind died down, signalling the end of the spell._

_Lyon had a contented smile on his face "So... What do you think?" He asked as he turned to face Eirika. Eirika's eyes were like saucers and he could see she was visibly shaking, goosebumps running up her slender arms and legs._

_Lyon began to panic a bit as it seemed his spell had frightened her, he jogged over to her "Eirika! Are you okay? Did I frighten you?" He said as he put his hands on her shoulders._

_Eirika shook her head as she calmed down a bit, reassured by Lyon's comforting "I-I'm okay, it was just a shock is all... I know you'd never hurt me." She looked up at him with a sincere smile. Truth be told, she was a little more in awe than fright, it was nothing like what the self proclaimed best student-mages at the academy could do - Their magic simply paled in comparison._

_"S-Sorry about that. I didn't mean to startle you..." He apologised._

_Eirika smiled up at him and placed a reassuring hand on his arm "Really, Lyon, I'm okay." A thought crossed her mind and she furrowed her brows "Hang on... Why haven't you joined in on the magicians contest at the academy? You'd win without a doubt! None of the mages I've seen there have their own magic or comes close to that kind of talent and power!" Eirika exclaimed._

_Lyon lowered his head "I guess... I'm just not really competitive. Besides, it's as you said, none of the mages at the academy would come close to that power, it would seem a rather empty win... I just enjoy learning new magic, I'm not out to impress." He explained._

_"Surely the academy teachers would've been hounding you until you joined, though? Especially if they saw a spell like that."_

_"Well... You'd be the first person I've shown that spell to," He confessed. Now that Eirika thought about it, she'd never seen anything from Lyon except simple cantrips, she never knew how talented a mage he was. Eirika began chuckling "What...? What did I say wrong?" He asked worriedly._

_"Nothing... Just that I never figured you one to boast about your abilities." She nudged him with an elbow, causing his face to turn red "Oh, and modest at the same time."_

_"How adorable." Came the voice of Eirika's brother, Ephraim, startling the two and causing them to distance themselves in an instant._

_"Brother!" "Er, Ephraim! Hello!" The two blurted out._

_Ephraim scanned the area, noticing all the debris scattered everywhere "Gods, what in the hell happened here?" Ephraim questioned, "Either Lyon casted an Arcfire or Eirika threw a tantrum." He chuckled._

_Eirika's face went red "I-I did not!"_

_"I'm just teasing you, Eirika."_

_"Did you need us for something, Ephraim?" Lyon asked._

_"Oh yeah, Father MacGregor needed to see us." Ephraim said as he began the trek back._

_"I guess we shouldn't keep Father MacGregor waiting." Lyon said._

_"Yes, let's go."_

_**~End Flashback~**_

Eirika brought the book away from her chest and placed a hand over it. She wiped a tear away from her cheek and then opened the book, beginning to read from where she left off. This was Lyon's diary he kept, she didn't think it right to read it at first but curiosity got the best of her and she wanted to know more about him and his thoughts. She made sure the people of Grado knew who he really was and not who he was during the war.

To be honest, much of it was scribble he had wrote down just to keep handy and his handwriting wasn't very good, she had figured it was something someone of genius mindsets had in common with each-other, making it hard to read in some places. It also brought some comfort to have it with her.

"Princess?" Seth called to her. Quickly she shut the book and clutched it to her chest again "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you. I just noticed a light coming from the library and decided to check it out."

"Uh, no, it's fine. I'm sorry." She looked up at him from her chair, she still had a tear streaked face that Seth noticed.

"Are you alright, Princess? You look like you've been crying." He asked with a concerned voice.

"Oh, yes, I was just... Reading a sad novel." She lied. Seth knew she was lying but it wasn't his place to pry "How is Natasha doing?" She asked.

"She's doing fine, I could not have asked for a better wife." Seth allowed a smile to adorn his face.

Eirika smiled back at him, she was glad Seth found someone he was so happy with "I'm happy for you both."

"I hear you'll be leaving tomorrow for Grado, I thought you'd be with L'Arachel."

"She went to spend some time with Ephraim and I decided to give them some room." Eirika informed.

"Ah, I see. I better get back and check on my soldiers. Milady." Seth bowed.

"I understand. Bye, Seth." She waved, the Silver Knight leaving her to herself. '_Suppose I should get some sleep..._' Eirika left the confines of the library and began heading towards her chambers along the dimly lit corridors. On her way there she spotted something on the balcony that made her eyes grow wide, there was her brother, lip-locked with L'Arachel, everyone knew this was coming, it was only a matter of when.

She contemplated teasing them both but decided to leave them alone. A smile broke out on her face, happy that they finally got together '_Seems everyone is moving on with their lives, finding happiness. Happiness I wish I could have._' Eirika felt a sudden sadness creep over her '_Gods, no, I can't be jealous..._' She quickly made for her quarters before she began crying in the corridor.


	3. Chapter 3

_**From Misery Came A Gentle Soul - Chapter 3**_

* * *

_Eirika made her way through the Gradoan Library, she wasn't looking for any books mind you. Rather, she was currently looking for someone. Today was a rather exciting day for her, she had been waiting for an incredibly long amount of time for this, well only a few days that felt like they lasted forever._

_Of course, the day she had been waiting so long for, was the day she was going to try and learn magic again, but this time she was going to be taught by Lyon. She had asked around, but no one seemed to know where he was, so she decided to check out the places where one would most oftentimes find him. Usually somewhere where there was many books._

_Renais, her homeland, just simply didn't compare in regards to literature and practices of the arcane. To find scholars and geniuses in Renais was rare(In due part because they left Renais to study here), so it always set Lyon apart from others around her age, she had never had a friend quite like him. In fact, that's why her and her brother were in Grado in the first place, the literature._

_This was the second time she was going to try her hand at magic, seeing as her first attempt had left a bad impression of magic on her. Well... More like she made a complete idiot of herself the first time when one of the few mages of Renais had tried to teach it to her. The first spell she had tried to cast misfired on her, not a great start to the domain of magic, she managed to set a barn on fire. Luckily for she the spell didn't harm her or the elder mage, and no animals were harmed in the making of the blaze._

_She had told Lyon of this incident a few days ago and he didn't see it as a bad thing, he said the more potential the mage has, the more chance a spell has of misfiring when they first start out as beginners lack the control to harness this potential. Apparently destroying a barn was a good thing in the field of magic?_

_Needless to say, she had never tried it again, but seeing how adept Lyon was at magic, curiosity and a bit of encouragement by Lyon had her excited at the prospect of trying once more. Clutching the three tomes she carried on her, she continued down the aisles of the grand library, it's intricate, awe-inspiring gothic design and towering bookshelves made visitors know it was the real deal._

_Eirika had finally managed to find her new mentor of magic... Asleep on the desk, several books sprawled out around him, his head resting on his arms. She sighed, it wasn't uncommon for him to be seen like this, his position of heir to the Gradoan Empire often took it's toll on him. Walking quietly up to the desk she placed the three magic tomes on the desk. She continued to stare at him, contemplating whether or not to wake him up 'He looks so peaceful... And cute.' Her eyes went wide 'Wait, cute?! I mean, sure he does, but it doesn't mean anything!' She reprimanded her sub-conscious thoughts, a blush forming on her cheeks._

_She bit her lip as she got a mischievous idea in her head, this too she worked over in her mind, as she stood next to him. The idea eventually got the better of her as she slowly reached her hand over to his face and pinched his nostrils closed "Nh... Gnnkh... Nnrrrgh...! BWARGH!" Lyon jumped in his chair, breathing rapidly "Wha-?! Ghouls! Wolves! Ghouls riding wolves!" He yelled out so loud it was possible even the whole Gradoan Library could hear "They're... All... Wait a moment..." Lyon frowned._

_Eirika quickly put her hands over her mouth as she began to snicker, trying desperately to contain her laughter but eventually failed in doing so "Heh heh heh Hahaha!" Eirika burst out laughing as she grabbed her sides. "Ghouls... Riding wolves... Pff-Hahahaha!" She continued to laugh at his expense._

_"Eirika?! What on Earth's gotten into you?!" Lyon exclaimed as he tried to calm himself._

_"I... I'm sorry! I couldn't resist! Your reaction was just too hilarious to pass up on. Heh heh heh!"_

_Lyon sighed as he rubbed his eyes "So, what did you need?" He questioned sleepily._

_Eirika frowned and placed a hand on the tomes "You promised you'd teach me how to use magic. Have you already forgotten?" She replied in a less than amused tone as she motioned to the tomes she had by tapping her fingers on them._

_"Gah!" Lyon's eyes shot wide open "S-Sorry, Eirika! I didn't mean to fall asleep! Sorry!" He quickly apologised._

_"Please keep your voices down." They heard a young woman, a librarian, shushing the two teens from the aisle across from them. She wore ornate scholarly robes, blue in colour._

_Eirika immediately composed herself as embarrassment took root in her "I'm so sorry, it was my fault..." She said in hushed tone._

_The woman smiled and accepted her apology "That's quite alright..." The librarian began smirking "That ghouls riding wolves thing was priceless, though, nice one, Princess."_

_Lyon's face turned red "I- Never mind..." He gave up, still too tired to bother._

_"So what are two planning today?" The librarian inquired "-Uh, not to pry or anything." She said quickly._

_Eirika smiled "Lyon's going to teach me how to use magic." She said perhaps a bit too excitedly. She was nervous to be sure, but before her incident she was fascinated by magic. Perhaps she gave up too quick "Oh! Don't worry, we'll be leaving the library, and the town to do it so as not to cause a ruckus." Eirika assured. She really didn't want a repeat of burning buildings._

_"Oh? All by yourselves?" The librarian quirked an eyebrow._

_"Uh, yes?" Eirika tilted her head._

_"Oh..." A wry smile came to the librarians face "Well... The Prince is a very talented mage from what I can gather, he'll take good care of you. Isn't that right, Prince?" She smiled pleasantly._

_"H-Huh? What? Oh... Y-Yes, of course." Lyon stuttered out._

_"I see..." The librarian replied as if pondering something and then beamed at them a bit too spritely Eirika thought "I will take my leave of you now." She continued with a bow before leaving them be._

_"... What time is it, anyway?" Lyon questioned as he pinched the bridge of his nose._

_Eirika gave him a soft smile "It's still morning. You weren't too hard to find." She answered._

_Lyon scratched his head sheepishly "Heh... I guess I didn't get much sleep last night because I wanted to finish the paperwork for the guild so we didn't have any interruptions..." He explained._

_"I understand... Being the leader of the Mages Guild must be tough..." Eirika gave him a solemn look._

_Lyon had rapidly become one of Grado's top students in his area, it wasn't long before he became Grado's leader of the Mage Guild and promoted to Archsage, the youngest in the history of Grado. Eirika knew of the pressure such a position held, recently he told her of the Mages Challenge one must go through in order to be accepted, becoming it's leader had posed another Challenge entirely._

_Being the Emperor's son, he could have bypassed the Leader's Challenge and the subsequent mage duels, but he refused to do so. Along with all of his duties as their leader, she often wondered if it might've all been a bit too much for someone his age but he never once complained about it, he was in his field of expertise "Are you sure you're okay?" Eirika asked with concern._

_Lyon seemed to snap out of some thoughts he was having when he replied "Huh? Yes, of course. It can be a little tough, sure, but it has it's benefits." He explained "Besides that, did you get the tomes I asked you to?" He asked._

_Eirika smiled proudly and nodded in confirmation "One 'Fire', one 'Lightning', and one 'Flux'."_

_"Okay. That means we can get started." Lyon smiled._

_"Great!" Eirika exclaimed before gathering the tomes in one arm and Lyon in the other, well more like dragged him by his arm with hers locked around it, out of the library._

_"Whoa! S-Slow down, Eirika!" Lyon exclaimed as he was dragged out of the library._

_Half an hour later, the two teenagers were strolling down a thin, dirt road, that led to Lyon's secret training grounds. Eirika having finally let go of Lyon some distance back. Eirika mentally face-palmed, thinking that he of course would have a pathway to get all the way out here, saving them the hassle of trekking through the bushes as she did when she stumbled upon the place._

_Looking at the tomes still in her grasp, she had wondered why he would have got her to acquire all of them, she was uneasy about the idea of using Dark Magic. The Dark Mages she had met around the academy all seemed rather strange to her, they were usually obsessed with power, their ego, and... Demons. In a sense they had every right to have some ego as Dark Magic was one such field very few could grasp. Lyon was determined to gain power, there was no doubt about that, but he was far from an egomaniac. Besides, he could use all forms of magic, so he wouldn't exactly be classed as a Dark Mage, she thought. Demons... Well... She wasn't exactly too sure about that one._

_"Eirika, come look at this!" He said in a hushed tone as he ushered her over with a hand. He seemed to be looking at nothing from what she could gather._

_"Hm? What is it?" She quirked an eyebrow at him as she went to stand next to him._

_Lyon pointed his hand into the forested area "See that?" He asked._

_Eirika focussed her eyes on to where he was pointing at until she finally spotted what he had pointed out, a bird she had never seen before, certainly not one from Renais "Yeah, I see it."_

_The bird got closer to the duo, it's curiosity being piqued, jumping along the branches towards them. Lyon slowly walked to the edge of the path, the bird flew out and flew around a bit as it seemed to investigate him, making a lot of noise in the process. The bird had a light blue plumage._

_Lyon slowly raised his arm up in front of him, holding his index finger out in a peculiar fashion, making Eirika wonder what he was trying to do. The bird stopped flying around for a moment and landed on his hand "You're a bold one, aren't you?" Lyon questioned, as he began chuckle. Eirika gaped slightly, wondering how he had managed to get this bird to perch on him, she just looked on as the bird began to perch itself on his shoulder. She couldn't help but be awed at the sight of it. "Coracias garrulus." Lyon commented before turning to Eirika with the bird still perched on his shoulder "The only one of it's kind to live here. Preferring the warmer climbs of Jehanna." He began to explain as he walked up to her "Hold out your hand." Lyon sent her a warm smile._

_Eirika's face turned to that of confusion before she followed. She slowly raised her hand and watched as it leapt off of Lyon's hand and flew around a bit before landing on her own, she almost jumped in surprise before relaxing and letting it stay perched on her hand "Wow... I-I've never done this before..." She admitted before the bird began jumping up the length of her arm and perched on her shoulder eliciting a giggle out of her "I've never seen a bird like this either..." She said as she stroked it's neck with her other hand, using her index finger._

_Lyon nodded with a smile "It's a rare type of 'Roller' bird. It's population isn't too big here... But... It's becoming even more rare."_

_Eirika took her attention off of the bird for a moment to look at Lyon "More rare?" Eirika frowned._

_"It's an endangered species... It's population is declining. Rather quickly I'm afraid... I fear it may collapse at any time." He replied with a frown._

_"H-How come?"_

_"Human expansionism. Agriculture. Much of their habitat has been destroyed by us... I guess it's all a part of nature." He informed sadly._

_Eirika had a sad expression on her face "That's sad, and wrong... I-I had never really thought of things that way... We should do something about it, shouldn't we?" Eirika questioned, suddenly feeling guilty._

_Lyon smiled solemnly at her "I've... Already tried... I brought it up during a meeting of the lords of the realm. But they just laugh it off... Even as royalty, we are still bound by laws." He informed._

_"You'll be Emperor soon, surely you'd have more clout then...? Then you could push for it."_

_Lyon sighed "Maybe... Even as Emperor, I doubt they'd listen to me. And I don't want to step into the realm of Absolutist Monarchy ... That has far worse demons in itself."_

_Eirika's face became downcast before it lit up as an idea popped into her head "Then we'll both do something! If we can convince the masses of it, they might be more open to the idea! Surely with you as Emperor and us working together, we could make it happen!" She announced in an upbeat manner, making Lyon blush slightly._

_"Well... I suppose we could..." He chuckled sheepishly._

_'Queen of Grado, huh?' Eirika's sub-conscious voiced out in her head as the implication she made worked it's way through her teenage mind in an embarrassing way making her blush as well 'Q-Quiet! You!' She reprimanded it "Uh, yeah, of course we could. Heh heh." She finally replied._

_Just then another bird of the same kind flew out and encircled Eirika before it found it's way to her other shoulder. The first one flew off her shoulder and began to antagonise the newcomer. Lyon began to chuckle "Seems he's getting jealous." He remarked and pointed at the situation unfolding._

_"Oh shush." Eirika replied with a smirk. The two teens began to laugh as the birds flew off her shoulder and began to badger each-other._

* * *

_Continuing on their trek along the road, they finally reached their destination "Now how should we begin?" She asked in curiosity._

_"Hmmm..." Lyon scratched his chin in thought "I figure we should start you off by first finding the magic you're adept with and also most attuned to. And then you can practise with that before we can try one of the others." He informed "That way, we can start you off with one that suits you more, lowering the risk of a misfire."_

_Eirika blushed embarrassedly "Yeah... That would be good..."_

_Lyon smiled knowingly "All mages start out misfiring."_

_"Really...?" She said skeptically "Even you?"_

_"Heh... Yup..." He scratched the back of his head._

_"What happened when you first misfired?" She asked curiously._

_"I uh..." Lyon gulped "Remember that story about how one of the Mage classrooms had it's entire wall replaced? And the building had to be restructured? 8 years ago?"_

_Eirika furrowed hew brows "Yeah... I heard a kid had got a hold of some chemicals for... Some sort of new 'Explosive Powder' that they were working on... No one was injured, but-" Her eyes went wide in realisation "-Wait! Th-That... That was you?!" Eirika clicked._

_"Heh... Yeah~ it wasn't 'Explosive Powder'..." Lyon confessed._

_Eirika began to laugh as the truth had finally come out about who did it "Heh heh heh ha ha ha! I'm s-sorry... But that's just too funny... To think that all this time it was you!"_

_Lyon's face went red before he began to chuckle as well "Yeah, the only other person to know that is Father MacGregor... Anyway... So you see, it happens to everyone that can wield magic."_

_"I suppose you're right... Thanks, Lyon." She said appreciatively._

_"You're welcome. Then... Let's get started. I'll hold onto the Anima and Dark tome for the moment and then we can start with the Light Tome." Lyon instructed, Eirika passing him tomes._

_"Afraid I might set you on fire?" She narrowed her eyes._

_Lyon raised his free hand defensively "N-No! T-That's not it at all! Heh..." Lyon defended, causing her to smirk. "Uh... Anyway..." Lyon continued "I assume you learned how to channel your energy, right?" He asked, eliciting a nod from her "Okay, I want you to channel your energy into the tome, but I don't want you to cast anything just yet. "_

_Eirika nodded "I haven't done this in a long time, so it may take a while..." She admitted._

_"That's okay. How about we sit down first, it might help you concentrate." He offered as he pointed to a log. Eirika agreed it might be better._

_The two sat down with each-other as Eirika began to focus her energies into the tome. But she soon began thinking about how this was one of the very few times she had been able to spend time with him, just her and Lyon. She was already having so much fun. She hoped that the two of them could spend more time together, just the two of them. She sub-consciously began to smile._

_"Uh... Eirika, are you okay?" Lyon asked curiously._

_"H-Huh?" Eirika quickly opened her eyes to see Lyon staring blankly at her as he sat on the grass with his legs sprawled out and leaning on his hands._

_"You just began smiling out of nowhere." He replied._

_Eirika's face went red "Oh! Y-Yes... I'm fine. Really. Heh heh..." She said quickly before concentrating back on the tome in her hands. 'Stupid...' She berated herself. She finally began to channel her energy through to the tome after some time. She opened her eyes as she saw the bright light flood her eyelids, the tome blinked a couple of times before it consistently gave off a bright glow "There. Was that good?" She asked Lyon expectantly as she stopped channeling the energy._

_"That was great!" Lyon professed "You're a natural." He complimented._

_Eirika blushed profusely "Thanks..."_

_"Okay, let's try the Anima next." He said as he passed her the tome of 'Fire'._

_Eirika gulped before taking the tome within her hands "Okay..." She said nervously. She began to focus her energy into the tome, she found that this time it was much easier, as was to be expected, but controlling the energy inside the tome felt more difficult than when she was using the 'Lightning' Tome. The tome gave off a orangey-red colour, it blinked on and off for a while before she finally managed to get it to stay consistent._

_"I see..." Lyon began._

_Eirika stopped channeling the energy into the tome before quirking a brow at Lyon "See what?"_

_"How the other mage failed to teach you correctly." He said. Eirika nodded before he continued "Whilst you could make Anima magic be as powerful as your Light Magic, you are much more attuned to Light. It will take you longer to become proficient at using new Anima magic, but you could potentially use both just as well. So most magic users begin with the one they're most attuned to. He must have neglected to mention this before he got you to cast Anima. Magic can be extremely volatile, rushing into it isn't advised."_

_Eirika nodded. She had never known all of this about magic before today, now she understood why Lyon was the Archsage of Grado's Mage guild. If he joined the contest, he'd beat the snot-nosed Dark Mages, no sweat. She smiled at him, causing him to look at her in confusion "Is something the matter?" He asked._

_"Nothing. Just that you make a good teacher." Eirika complimented and it was Lyon's turn to blush._

_"Thanks... Uh... Here, try the Dark Magic." He passed the tome to her._

_Taking the tome from him she got an uneasy feeling about using Dark Magic "Um..."_

_"What's wrong?" Lyon asked._

_"Are you... Are you sure I won't start calling the undead by accident or something? I mean, isn't Dark Magic... Evil?" Eirika asked worriedly._

_Lyon allowed himself a chuckle before explaining Dark Magic to her "That's the common misconception about Dark Magic. Dark Magic isn't demonic, or evil. It's about as evil as the wielder who uses it. Where the misconception lay is that Demonic Magic has an affinity to Dark Magic. It doesn't help that the churches wont accept it. Light Magic can be just as evil in the wrong hands. Don't worry, you won't be able to summon anything unless you're adept in summoning and have the required summoning stone." He reassured her._

_"Okay... I'll give it a try..." She said as she prepared to channel her energy into it, her fears being thrown to the wayside. She managed to channel the energy into the tome, this time much sooner, but the book refused to emit any energy itself. Eirika groaned "It's not working..."_

_Lyon sat there as he seemed to be thinking "Give it one more try. Perhaps use more energy. Flux is a tier 2 magic, even though it's considered 'basic', so it will naturally be harder to use." He advised before letting her continue._

_She began to channel more energy than before into it and could now feel a drain on her self, but she still couldn't mange to make the book itself emit any magical properties "I don't think I can do it..."_

_Lyon frowned "Perhaps you should try another time... If you become skilled enough in the other two, it may help you cast Dark Magic." He reassured her._

_"Okay..." She agreed._

_"But you're adept in two magical fields, that's a brilliant start."_

_Eirika smiled and nodded "Now what will you have me do?" She asked eagerly, but knowing the next step should be to cast magic this time._

_Lyon stroked his chin for a bit before answering "Well... I would have you cast magic next... But I have something else in mind." He gave her a warm smile before reaching into one of his robe pockets. Eirika was curious to know what he was up to. He pulled out a small, smooth, clear crystal from his pocket. On closer inspection, Eirika noticed a faint glow emitting from it's centre that seemed call to her._

_Lyon held his hand out with the crystal in it "Take it." He said simply, causing Eirika to look up at him in wonder._

_She hesitantly reached out and took the stone from him and she immediately felt a warm sensation from it. All she could do was stare at it in awe "What... What is it?"_

_Lyon stood up and then sat next to her on the log "That... Is a summon stone." He answered._

_Eirika took her eyes off of it and looked at him in shock "This is a summon stone?" She questioned as if she hadn't heard him correctly._

_Lyon nodded "An 'Angel' to be exact. Where Dark Magic has it's Demons, Light Magic has it's Angels to counter it." He confirmed "Try channeling your energy into it."_

_"You're... Really going to let me use this?" Eirika asked uncertain._

_"Yes... If you weren't adept in Light Magic, that may be a different story. But now that I know you are, I'm curious to see if you can Summon. Very few can. Oh, and it may feel a bit different than when using a tome. So don't worry, that's normal." Lyon replied._

_"I see... I'll give it a go." Eirika replied before focussing her energies into the stone._

_Lyon was correct in saying it was different from a tome, it was far more difficult to imbue the stone with her magic. Struggling was a light way of putting it, she had to summon more energy and direct it entirely differently than with a tome. She began letting more energy flow into the stone, it was taking even more than the 'Flux' tome. She almost felt as if she couldn't do it when stone started glowing brightly in her hand, almost making her have to shield her eyes "H-How is that?" She asked, slightly exhausted from the effort._

_Lyon was gaping slightly before he straightened himself up "Yes. That's it. Now, I want you to summon it." He instructed._

_"How do I do that?"_

_"Summon it like you would cast a normal spell. You'll be able to tell when you can cast it, it's sort of like a feeling." Lyon explained._

_Eirika nodded and began channeling her energy into it, this time it became more easier, but she could still feel the drain as before. She began the summoning, a glyph appeared in front of her, she tried to focus her energies on the spot she wanted to summon it, but she was having trouble concentrating. The energies seemed to fizzle out on her before she could set them free from the glyph._

_"You're too tense," Eirika felt a hand on each of her shoulders "Keep yourself calm and the power will flow much more smoothly, helping you concentrate." He advised._

_Eirika nodded and tried keeping herself calm, Lyon's presence helped her a lot in that, the glyph soon pulsed and then disappeared, a pillar of light shot forth from the ground in front of them before it began to vanish as a new form revealed itself from within, revealing itself to be that of a young woman in a crouched position with a faint white aura surrounding her._

_She had flowing blonde hair that ran down to her waist, piercing blue eyes, and porcelain skin. Her body adorned silvery armour that covered her chest area, shoulders and an armoured skirt that ran down to above her knees. What really confirmed that she was an angel, was the large, white feathery wings on her back._

_"Well I'll be..." Lyon muttered out._

_"Greetings, master, what is your command?" The Angel greeted._

_Eirika's face beamed with excitement "I did it! Lyon, I did it!" She exclaimed before turning and trapping an unsuspecting Lyon in a hug, making the poor soul blush profusely._

_"Heh... Yup, you did it. That was impressive." Lyon complimented, sheepishly "She's yours now." Lyon said finally as Eirika let go of him._

_"T-Truly?" Eirika said in shock._

_Lyon nodded in affirmation "She'll become stronger as you do. She may be pretty weak right now, but she'll grow as your magical talents and power grows." He informed._

_"She seems rather serious." Eirika pointed out._

_Lyon sighed "You don't know the half of it..."_

_Eirika walked up to meet the Angel, thinking that's probably what she should do when meeting someone/something new "I wonder..." Eirika turned to give Lyon a scrutinising look with a hint jealousy, only slight, she affirmed "How long have you been able to summon her?"_

_"A few years now, why?"_

_Eirika turned away from him "Just that, she's quite pretty." She said._

_Lyon looked at her in confusion "H-Huh? Well, I guess, why?" He asked in bewilderment._

_"... Nothing." She replied simply._

_"Wait, what're you implying?"_

_"It's nothing." She replied resolutely and began to walk up to the Angel again._

_Lyon muttered something inaudible, which prompted Eirika to turn around "Did you say something, Lyon?"_

_Lyon blushed "W-What? Me? No, nothing..."_

_"I could've sworn you said something..."_

_The Angel began to speak, startling Eirika to turn around "Would you like me relay his message onto you?" The Angel sent Lyon a smirk._

_Lyon's eyes went wide as Eirika replied "Oh? Sure! Thank you!"_

_"N-No! Delay that order! Uh... Halt!" Lyon commanded, his face beet red._

_"I don't answer to anyone unless it's my master."_

_"See? This is why I don't summon you anymore." Lyon frowned._

_The Angel 'Humphed' before turning her attention to her master "Lyon says this: 'Well... I think-'"_

_"-Don't make me summon a Baalor!" Lyon said loudly, as threateningly as his beet-red face could muster, which wasn't much. But simply the name of said summon made the Angel give pause._

_"Y-You wouldn't..." The Angel spoke apprehensively._

_"Excuse me? But what's a Baalor?" She asked the Angel._

_The Angel fidgeted uncomfortably before replying "An Arch Demon. A mighty one at that. From the deepest reaches of the Nine Hells."_

_Eirika's eyes went wide, thinking back to Dark Mages, she turned to Lyon "Y-You... Summon D-Demons?"_

_"I could... But no. I don't summon them. There is leniency for Dark Magic, but Demonic Magic is strictly forbidden outside of the Academy and controlled spaces... But I'm almost inclined to make an exception..." Lyon replied, giving the Angel a blank stare._

_"W-Well... I don't even think you can." The Angel said._

_"On no? I can even summon Archangel, who looks cooler, is stonger and surprisingly enough, a lot nicer, too." Lyon smirked._

_The Angel gasped "T-That's not true!"_

_"Yes, it is."_

_"That's not very nice, Lyon." Eirika had her hands on her hips._

_"She started it... Why're you taking her side anyway?" Lyon protested._

_Eirika smirked "Girls have to stick together."_

_"That's not fair! You just met her!"_

_The Angel continued "I-I have orders... So I must relay what you said." She said and turned to Eirika "He says this: 'Well... I think you're much more-"_

_"Okay~! Dispelling you now!" Lyon said loudly to interrupt her as he made a swipe gesture with his arm, diagonally upward from his side, a dark glyph appeared and then a purple light shot out from under the Angel until she disappeared._

_"Wh-what?!" Eirika stared in shock, looking at where the Angel was and then back to Lyon "Hey~ she was just about to tell me!" Eirika whined "And I didn't even get to introduce myself..." She pouted._

_"Why would you need to introduce yourself? You only use them in battle."_

_"Says the guy who was just arguing with her..." Eirika shot back._

_Lyon was about to retort, his mouth open to rebut, before raising his hand and extending his index finger "Touché." He said simply._

_Eirika smiled proudly for one-upping him "Now. Tell me what you said." She continued._

_"Next up! Light Magic!" Lyon said quickly as he picked up said tome from the log they were sat on before._

_"H-Hey! Don't change the subject!" Eirika berated him._

* * *

Eirika was leaning against the stone wall outside of her quarters in the Gradoan Palace, the balcony stretching several metres from the doorway, content with her respite from her daily duties. The sun was setting over the horizon, bathing the clouds with an orange hue. A blue bird perched on her hand, the same kind Lyon had introduced to her what felt like so long ago now. Eirika had managed to divert expansion into one of their known nesting places, having persuaded land owners that the area wasn't beneficial for farming. It wouldn't prevent it for long, but it slowed it down for a while.

The bird flew off in into the skies, leaving Eirika to her own. She reached into a pouch at her waist and pulled out a small stone that radiated a brilliant glow of power that was centuries old - A Sacred Stone - The last one in existence. She had begun studying the stone, the types of abilities it possessed, and how it reacted to certain magics. Lyon's notes from his time studying them were enlightening, to say the least, she had hoped to continue his research where he left off.

With the Demon King gone, that was one less use the stones had. The task was finding another use for them, as Lyon had been trying to do. She already had one use in mind, and she was going to find out how to perform such a task with stone no matter how long it took. '_I'll find you and bring you back, Lyon, wherever you are. I promise.'_


	4. Chapter 4

_**From Misery Came A Gentle Soul - Chapter 4**_

* * *

The Gorgon Lair was just as described by their scouts - Hot, humid and full of crevices that if one were not careful, lose their footing and plunge into fire and magma from the depths of Hell. But if not for the fires and the occasional opening where one could see into the skies, the caves would surely be pitch black.

The stench of brimstone wafting through the caves had much of the company tying cloth around their heads in order to cover their noses and mouths, obviously it did very little to prevent the stench, but later realised it came in handy anyway with the smoke and ash that sometimes blew through the cave and threatened to be trapped within their lungs.

There was also the creature that the cave got it's famed, and ominous, name for - Gorgons. Eirika wiped a bead of sweat from her brow after having plunged her rapier deep within the belly of one such beast, said beast letting out a bloodcurdling screech as it was drained of life. "Keep pushing forward!" She shouted to her fellow warriors, or perhaps it was more to herself than anything, as motivation.

Her Archangel companion staying ever-vigil in case of an ambush. The Archangel took the form of a woman, long blonde hair and deep blue eyes, not unlike the weaker version of herself, the Angel. But instead of the silver plated armour, she had white plate and gold trim. The top plate covered her chest area, leaving her stomach area exposed for ease of movement. Her arms were covered in gauntlets that came up to her elbows. She had a plate skirt and knee-high boots to match. With her high energy she could damage opponents simply by expending it forcefully, but relied on a spear she summoned for battle, made of divine material not found outside of her realm. She also favoured spears over other weapons.

Eirika had acquired this summon a short time ago, her Summon Stone she got given by Lyon had changed during battle, her summon changing with it. She couldn't count how many times the summon had saved her life. Summoning took an incredible amount of energy to use, an advanced Summon even more so. But with practise, Eirika had managed to negate much of the effort, being able to keep her summoned for extended periods of time.

The frontline that accompanied her consisted of the most fleet of foot in order to get as close and fast as they could to the Gorgon's to silence their chants that were accompanied by a devastatingly long-ranged magic attack of fire and petrification, that was also, thankfully able to be dodged if one were swift enough. Her brother was perhaps several paces away from her, spear in hand, his morale not having wavered even slightly, as he was known for, despite the conditions they were currently confined to.

The slower, more heavily armoured, units remained just out of casting range as they took to caring for the steeds that were left behind by some of the front-liners as turning on a whim here was crucial to the strategy, one miscalculated step could send the rider and their steed into the aforementioned fiery depths of what many would call Hell.

Eirika was in-between two such crevices, perhaps four metres wide, as she sprinted forward towards a new target Gorgon, she had a "Shine" tome in her hand, Sieglinde in the other. A pouch on her waist kept her more powerful spells "Arcthunder" and "Purge" respectively.

She barely rolled out of the way as a pillar of magical flame threatened to engulf her. Eirika focussed her energies into the "Shine" tome and began to cast with a swipe of her blade, a white glyph appearing in front of her and the spell was casted successfully at the Gorgon, the spell wasn't very strong but it seemed to daze the creatures for the most part giving her opportunities to strike. She came in close to the monster as it clumsily swung a clawed hand at her, ducking under it's arm, Eirika stabbed her blade into the Gorgon's stomach causing it to let out a scream before she slashed at it horizontally at the neck silencing it forever.

Eirika watched as the beast stopped having spasms as it's nervous system shut down latently. Taking a deep breath through the cloth over her face she continued. Ever since Jehanna and their having met with 'Lyon' at the River of Sorrows, Eirika had become somewhat mechanical in her mannerisms, as she pushed herself to move forward. For some it was inspiring, but for those that knew her better, it worried them, particularly her brother.

"Eirika, how are you holding up?" Came the sound of her brother's voice, making her take a brief pause in her steps to turn around.

"I'm fine, brother. Let's keep moving, the sooner we're out of here the better." She replied quickly as she continued on, her Archangel Summon quickly following in her footsteps.

* * *

Making her way deeper into the cave she noticed that there were no Gorgons present in the area. She didn't know when, but she became separated from her group, the only one with her now was her Archangel.

They made their way through a tunnel where light shone through, coming to a wide open area of the cave. Ahead of them they spotted a cliff which descended into a lake of lava, and above them the cave opened up to present the blue sky. Eirika spotted a pathway that led beyond the lake to another tunnel. Removing the cloth covering her face, she took a deep breath in as she began to proceed slowly towards the pathway. Eirika felt a cold chill down her spine that felt so out of place around all of this fire and lava.

"I sense an evil presence..." The Archangel began "Perhaps it is best if we turn back and wait for the others."

As soon as Eirika began considering doing so a pillar of lava shot forth from the lake "What's going on?!" Eirika questioned in shock. An enormous creature appeared from within the molten lava. The creature dropped to the ground in front of them, it's height easily towering over the two. It's skin was that of crimson, it had a demonic skull in place of it's head with two long curved horns protruding from it, combined with it's flaming set of skeletal wings it made for one fearsome-looking foe. In it's hand the Baalor summoned a sword that almost matched it's own height.

"Wh-What is that?" Eirika questioned.

"A Baalor..." The Archangel informed "Be on guard!"

"**What do we have here...? A puny little Angel and Human.**" The Baalor said in an amused tone.

"Who summoned you, Demon?!" The Archangel questioned.

"**Summoned? No - With the Demon King's power infecting the world, the fabrics between this world and mine have become weakened - In other words; I came here of my own accord.**" The Baalor explained before letting out a deep chuckle that shook Eirika to the core "**Consider yourselves lucky... You two shall be my first victims.**"

"Be careful. It's incredibly strong, but slower than I am. Stick to Thunder and Light magics. If we work together we can bring it down." Archangel advised, Eirika nodding her head. Eirika had to wonder just how she would have gotten this far without the magic Lyon taught taught her, Archangel was proving invaluable in situations such as this.

"**Hah... Pitiful... To think that you two could defeat that which cannot be defeated.**" The Baalor mused "**Very well then, challenge accepted!**" The Baalor let out a war cry as it charge them, raising it's incredibly large sword over it's shoulder to strike.

As the Baalor brought it's sword down, Archangel and Eirika dodged to opposite sides of each other in a roll, letting the sword crash into the ground. The sword cleaved into the ground cracking it on either side of the blade, not letting up the Baalor immediately brought it's sword back up and and spun it's hulking body around and faced Eirika, wasting no time in trying to close the distance between them.

The Baalor brought it's sword upward diagonally, Eirika narrowly avoiding the swing by dodging to the right. The Baalor brought the sword back around horizontally, Eirika ducking low under the blade as it glided over her, taking out her "Flash" tome as she done so she charged up the tome and cast it at the Arch-Demons head. The magic seemed to annoy the Baalor more than anything, but gave Eirika enough time to distance herself.

Archangel used this time to launch herself into attack, gripping her spear firmly in her hand and lunging it at the Arch-Demons back. The Baalor swung around quickly and grabbed the Archangels spear at the shaft, halting it instantly. The Archangel struggled as she tried to pull the spear free to no avail.

"**Heh... You're not very strong for an Archangel, and a coward to boot - Attacking me from behind. But what more could one expect of those aligned with the light?**" The Baalor chided as it grabbed the shaft with it's other hand as well, swinging it and Archangel around before letting go and sending her flying as if she were nothing.

"Arcthunder!" Eirika cried out as the glyph in front of her pulsed, powerful sparks of magicked thunder engulfed the demon.

The attack hit the Baalor square on, causing it to roar in agony as the attack generated an explosion picking up dust off the ground "**D-Damn it! That HURT!**"

Archangel wasted no time and threw her spear like javelin towards the Baalor, the point getting lodged within the side if it's torso. The Baalor let out another howl but quickly grabbed the spear and pulled it out from where it struck and tossed it aside. Shaking it's large head it seemed to have shrugged the earlier attacks off before charging at Eirika, this time with a fury emanating from it.

Eirika pulled out her "Purge" tome and with a swipe of her sword, a glyph of white light appeared in front of her, dozens of small explosions began to surround the demon. This seemed to give the Baalor pause as it tried to change it's course, but the Light Magic began to cover a large area from around her foe before consolidating on it and generating an incredible and bright explosion that kicked up rock and dust in the area. The Baalor was obviously in pain as it howled in rage, but it didn't seem to be finished yet.

Archangel took flight and materialised another spear into her hand before taking a steep dive, jabbing the point into it's shoulder blade. Eirika took this chance to strike with her rapier, deep into it's thigh.

The Baalor howled in pain once again but quickly swung around, dislodging the spear and rapier in succession and clotheslining the Archangel with it's large forearm, sending her flying into the wall with a loud crack. Eirika quickly disengaged to assist her summon but was met with a large fist into her stomach, taking the wind out of her, she flew several metres before rolling to stop near the same wall but far from her summon.

Time seemed to slow down for Eirika as she lay there with her hand grasping at her injured torso as she struggled to breathe. She could hear the footsteps of her enemy as it approached her downed form. Before Eirika's breathing had even come back to her, the Baalor grabbed Eirika by her neck, picked her up off the ground and pinned her against the wall "**Hmph, you humans truly are pitiful, this wasn't even worth my time.**" Baalor chuckled.

Eirika's sword had long since been discarded, she had to resort to trying to break free from it's hold with her hands, she knew it was in vein but her desperation for much needed air kept her struggling. Eirika could feel the energy draining from her as she tried desperately to break free, she could hear her summon call out to her but she knew she would not make much difference right now. The pain was too unbearable. Was this really it? To have come so far, only to die because of her foolish mistake to rush straight into danger? This really was it, the Demon was just too strong for her. '_I'm so sorry, Lyon... I couldn't free you..._'

It all happened so suddenly, but the grip around her throat lessened and she slid down the wall, collapsing onto ground as she tried desperately to take in much needed air. Her entire body exhausted and she felt as if she could pass out from the exertion. One moment she was sure she was going to die and in the next she was lying on the ground, still alive.

"Master!" She heard her summon call out several times before she was kneeling next to her.

"... T-thanks." Eirika said weakly.

"Don't thank me... Thank him." Archangel replied.

"Him? Him, who?" Eirika asked, wondering who just saved her as she rubbed her eyes and forced herself to sit up. She figured it could've been her brother.

The Archangel pointed in the newcomers direction before replying "Him."

Eirika couldn't believe her eyes, standing before her, staring down the Baalor was a young man in a familiar set of robes. Where he had come from she didn't know, but needless-to-say, she was thankful "Lyon..." She wasn't so sure if it was really him or not, but something told her it was.

"Your fight is with me now." Lyon commanded to the Baalor.

The Baalor assessed his foe warily "**It's... You... You're the Demon King.**" The Baalor said, having recognised him "**You would help this pitiful human, why?**"

Lyon smiled in his usual demeanour, devoid of any maliciousness "Demon King? Whatever are you talking about?" He questioned.

"**You know what I am talking about!**" Baalor shouted in anger.

"I'm sorry, but it appears you have the wrong person. I haven't the foggiest idea of who this Demon King is." Lyon professed, a cheery smile still plastered on his face.

The Baalor roared in anger "**You would mock me?!**"

"Maybe I am? Hard to tell." Lyon shrugged.

"**Y-You! I don't care what you are! You will not mock me! I will not hold back on you, or anyone!**"

Eirika was confused by Lyon's words "Angel. What is Lyon doing?" She questioned as she tried to stand.

"I believe he's taunting him to keep him away from us. Baalor is a wrathful Demon. Strong, but easily angered." Archangel explained.

"I don't understand... We barely even damaged it..." Eirika said in defeat.

"I don't think this is an ordinary Baalor... Perhaps it has something to do with it coming here without being summoned."

"Lyon can't... Fight that thing all by himself! He needs our help!" Eirika protested as she struggled to her feet, the blow she took to her stomach still aching.

"No. We need to stay back, we'll only get in his way. Just watch and see what he will do." Archangel advised. Eirika reluctantly conceded, it wasn't as if she could do much anyway, not even her strongest tome or even her summon could bring the mighty Demon down.

The Baalor went onto the attack, swinging it's blade wildly as Lyon nimbly dodged the strikes as he led the Arch-Demon away.

"So this is the power of a mighty Baalor, huh? I'm impressed." Lyon commented.

"**Don't patronise me, boy! You will be crushed beneath the weight of my blade soon enough.**" The Baalor threatened. Getting in close to Lyon, the Arch-Demon raised it's blade preparing to strike Lyon with the tip of it's blade pointing down on top of him. Lyon sidestepped the attack just in time, allowing the blade to follow through and pierce the rocky ground.

Lyon smirked as he drew his own sword from within his robe, gliding his hand across the flat of the blade, he imbued the sword with his magic causing it to emit a white glow. Jumping onto the Baalor's sword hilt as the blade was still stuck in the ground, Lyon jumped up until he was above the demon before driving his sword deep between it's shoulder blades.

The Baalor howled in agony, trying to pull the blade from it's back but the way it was lodged stopped it from being able to reach the hilt "**W-What have you _done_?!**" The Baalor roared.

Lyon began to sprint away from the Baalor, gaining some distance from it. Lyon turned his head as he passed Eirika and Archangel "Angel! Get Eirika into some cover!" He called out as he stopped running and faced the Demon.

Archangel simply nodded her head and put Eirika's arm around her own neck and began to move her. Eirika had to wonder just what Lyon was planning with such a bizarre manoeuvre but she wasn't in any state to question it.

Once Eirika was at a safe enough distance that Lyon deemed necessary he began to cast a spell the same way he always had done, a large yellow glyph appearing in front him. Lyon's robes began wave as the wind picked up "Hammer of the Gods! I summon thee!" A bright beam of light shot out from under the Baalor into the sky, a large yellow glyph appeared just beneath the clouds, yellow bolts of lightning sparked through them around the glyph "Mjöllnir!" He called out finally as four yellow bolts of lightning descended from the clouds at their intended target.

Several more bolts of lightning struck the demon before generating an even larger bolt that consumed the demons body, a massive explosion rocked the earth under them as it tossed large chunks of rock and dust in every which way. The dust began to settle, revealing the Baalor to be laying on the ground, chunks of it had been erased from existence most notably much of it's limbs, most of what was left of it was scorched as black as the ground surrounding it. The Demon barely seemed recognisable.

Lyon walked up to the downed Demon and withdrew his sword from it's back, giving it a quick swing to get rid of most of the grime and blood.

What Eirika had just witnessed nearly shook her to the core, to think such power could exist. She began to approach him warily, but she was sure that it was him, the Demon King would never save her life. She found her sword laying down on the ground and picked it up to sheath it.

Eirika heard a clanging sound as Lyon's sword dropped out of his hand and he began to clutch his head, slouching over.

"L-Lyon?" She continued on towards him.

"S-Stop!" Lyon said abruptly, causing Eirika to come to halt mid-stride "D-Don't come any closer! I'm sorry... Just run!"

"It's you, isn't it?!" Eirika questioned.

"Ugh! Gah! Ahhhh!" Lyon choked out as runes began to appear on the ground underneath him, causing Eirika to stumble back, a thick black aura engulfed him for a few moments until it dissipated and appeared several times again before it left for good.

"What's going on? Lyon, let me help you!" Eirika pleaded with him.

Lyon stood up straight and turned to her, a faint and distant smile graced his lips that made her feel cold "... You can't help me... But maybe... If you give me the Sacred Stone... I can use it to seal away the Demon King..."

"I..." Eirika grasped the Sacred Stone in her pouch protectively "... Lyon... I can't... Not with the Sacred Stone..." She took a step back.

'Lyon' frowned as he took a step forward "... Why can't you? It can set me free from all of this... And then we can be together, just like old times. You and me. Isn't that what you sought me out for?"

Eirika took another step back, she knew that whatever had just happened, Lyon was no longer in control "I know it was Lyon before... But you took control of him again. A Sacred Stone won't save him or else he would've sought one out when he had control. You're not Lyon and I'd never give you the stone!" She replied resolutely, drawing her blade.

"**_Foolishness!_**" 'Lyon' yelled out in anger as he sent a shockwave through the entire area before he calmed down and then a sinister smirk etched across his face. Casting a spell, he quickly dispelled the Archangel as she made a lunge for him. He began to walk towards Eirika, closing the distance casually "**Whoever you think you saw here, and at Jehanna, was merely an illusion. He has no control over me. Besides... You could never kill your own, dear friend, now could you?**" He cackled madly.

Eirika tried to move, but for all her effort, her feet remained in place. Panic began to wash over her as she tried to move her head, to even speak. She began to realise being split up from the group in her haste was incredibly foolish.

'Lyon' began to chuckle "**Heh heh heh. Oh, whoops, my apologies. My powers just seem to act out their own when I let free my wrath.**" He 'apologised' with barely constrained delight for trapping her. 'Lyon' proceeded to walk casually up to the princess until he was a mere foot from her "**I guess there's no reason to hide it now... You are right, little girl, Lyon is here with me; Watching everything that is going on - Watching as the one he cherishes most squirms in helplessness - How sweet it is to be able to kill you with his own two hands.**" 'Lyon' paused for a few moments and then spotted the pouch she had protectively grasped "But first..."

'Lyon' slowly grabbed her hand a smirk stretching across his face, lifting each one of her slender fingers wrapped around the pouch until it was free from her grasp and dropped into his awaiting hands. It was clear who was in control right now, Eirika had no chance in breaking free from the magics that bound her. 'Lyon' didn't even make a rush to take it, he was simply mocking her as she was frozen in place.

'Lyon' cackled madly as he took the Sacred Stone out of the pouch "**Ah, yes, this truly is one of the Sacred Stones. Such a divine light just has to be snuffed out from existence.**" He looked up at it with maliciousness before shattering it within his grasp, sending a wave of light from it before it dulled into nothing.

'Lyon' leaned over Eirika until his cheek was a mere centimetre from her own before whispering into her ear "First i'll tear you apart, then your friends, and then this pathetic world, but before I do, I want you to remember this; I will have Lyon's soul to do with as I please. How I will savour his screams; bite by bite; crushing him betwixt my grasp; pulling at him until before breaking point - Bringing him to within insanity. But oh no, he will not die, I will not allow it... Know that you have no chance of saving him... His soul will be mine to torture for all eternity!"

In that moment Eirika ceased to resist the force now holding her, as she felt a tear slide down her face. He stepped back and began to chuckle madly as he saw a lone tear slide down her face "**Heh heh heh... Ha ha ha! That's it! That's the look I was dying to see!**" 'Lyon' raised his arm up with his hand pointed directly at her, preparing to strike with it through her chest "**He fancied himself a martyr - The _saviour_ of humanity - Yet he was nothing but a dirt clod!**" He pulled his arm back and was about to strike when similar runes as before appeared under his feet, a white aura engulfed him.

At first, 'Lyon' only scoffed at it, but then Eirika's necklace began to react to the energies, the necklace producing a golden-white light. The light shot forth from the necklace, hitting 'Lyon' square on in the face, causing him to jump back and collapse to the ground on his knees. His hands dug into the ground as he howled in pain.

Raising a hand to his face he began to rake at it "**D-Damn you! Stupid, P-Prince! How dare you interfere?!**" 'Lyon' shouted as he kept struggling with the energies that were preventing him from ending her life.

The energy holding Eirika in place had left her in an instant, making her fall onto her back. The light from her necklace subsiding. She began to scramble back with her hands, trying to create some distance, her breathing was heavy and laboured. Something had stopped him from killing her, her necklace had reacted to, she didn't understand, was her necklace magicked?

Eirika heard the sound of footsteps behind her, the person sounded as if they were running, it wasn't until she heard their voice calling her name that she realised it was her brother.

'Lyon' ceased in his struggling as he began to look down at the tunnel where the noise was coming from "**You know what? Just for that, foolish Prince, I will make sure her death is a slow and painful one the next we meet. I want you to watch as I crush the life out of her.**" He then glared at Eirika "**Wallow in despair, Princess, the next time we meet you will not be so lucky.**" He finished his threats as a pillar of light surrounded his body, he then vanished into nothingness once more.

Eirika couldn't speak nor react as she was frozen in place - As if she had been paralysed once again. Tears began to stream down her face before she finally began to move again, wiping them from her cheeks, she began trying to stand. All she could do was stare at the place he had last been, still too much in shock at her near-death experience... Still saddened by the fact that Lyon was there but couldn't come with her.

"Eirika!" Ephraim called out to her. He ran up to her and she became startled by his presence as he put his hands on her shoulders to steady her. All she did was stand there as if she was looking right through him "Eirika. What happened?" Her brother continued, trying to get her to speak.

"Brother... It was him..." She muttered aloud, barely audible.

"... Lyon? Lyon was here?" Ephraim questioned her. Eirika nodded her head solemnly "I see..." Ephraim looked behind her as he heard footsteps through the narrow tunnel leading into the area.

Panic began to set in for Eirika as she recounted the words of the Demon King "We-We have to go after him! There... There must be something we can do to help him! We must!" Eirika urged. She couldn't bare to see her once Magic Tutor and... Friend go through so much pain... It was as if she could feel it as her own.

"Just calm down, Eirika, please. We can't do anything rash." Ephraim pleaded with her to calm herself as he rested his hands on her shoulders.

Several figures ran into the area hurriedly "Milady! What happened?!" Seth immediately assessed the situation "What on Earth is that?!" He pointed to the scorched demon on the ground

Eirika wiped the tears off of her cheeks, refusing to turn around, they couldn't see her like this. Ephraim turned to Seth "Everything is fine now, Seth. She just... Had a run in with 'Lyon'. And I guess a monster, to boot." Ephraim reassured the Paladin.

Tana and L'Arachel ran up to check on her "Are you hurt?" Tana asked in worry as she placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Eirika shook her head "No... I... I'm fine."

"... You don't look it." L'Arachel said as she gazed upon the Princesses face, her gaze speaking for itself, she was increasingly worried about the encounter.

"As long as we have the Sacred Stone, we still have a chance to end this, at least." Innes finally spoke up, causing Eirika to flinch.

L'Arachel noticing Eirika's increasing unease, she just had to ask "You still have it... Don't you?" She gave a look of concern.

It took a few moments of silence before Eirika shook her head "N-No... The Demon King... He d-destroyed it... It's gone." L'Arachel and the others gasped.

"What? But how? Did you just... Give it to him?!" Innes exclaimed.

"Of course not!" Eirika replied in kind before continuing "The Demon King... He... He paralysed me. He took the stone and then destroyed it... I-I couldn't move, or speak, he was about to kill me, but..." She paused.

"Answer me this; Who summoned that bolt of lightning before?" Innes questioned "It was no normal bolt, there were no storm clouds before it either. If I had to guess it's what caused the quaking and that scorched corpse I wager." He stated.

"It was Lyon... Before he... Changed. He used that to save me from a Baalor." She pointed to the corpse "I believe he called it Mjöllnir." Eirika answered solemnly.

"Baalor?! Mjöllnir?!" L'Arachel almost shrieked "Are you certain...?" Eirika simply nodded her head "Ancient Magic..."

Innes folded his arms "Hmph. If I had to take a guess, it was the Demon King's doing."

Eirika frowned, taking offence at what he was suggesting, Lyon being the one who taught her magic. It was no secret that Innes and Lyon never got along, the two barely tolerated each other being in the same room when there were visits between Frelian, Gradoan and Renais royalty. Innes would always subtly tease him, if only Innes knew what Eirika knew of Lyon, he would think twice about it.

It was only Lyon's gentle nature that held him back. Innes could handle the average mage to be sure, but Eirika knew that Lyon was not your average mage, if it wasn't for his gentle nature who knew what kind of damage that kind of power could cause "Don't underestimate him. He's a lot more powerful than you think, Innes." She warned. Innes grumbled in reply.

"Eirika is correct." Came the quiet and reserved voice of Knoll, Lyon's cousin, draped in a purple robe with intricate gold runic designs. His hood covering his forehead so that his eyes only appeared when he wanted them to, such as now "I came from the same Mage Guild as he, he was our leader for a reason, we had always known there was something... Different about his magical abilities. He didn't always openly show what he was capable of to us, but we could in a way sense it."

"I managed to catch a glimpse of the attack myself from an opening of the cave..." Saleh spoke up "If Lyon is capable of such a spell... We need to keep our wits about us."

"I see..." L'Arachel began to contemplate with a hand to her chin "Stories tell of the Demon King having no innate magical talents barring that of the Demonic... It would make sense as he is a Demonic entity. If Lyon is that powerful of a mage, it would stand to reason why he would have chosen to... Posses Lyon of all people... He would have a formidable wielder of magic to channel energy through to cast other kinds of magic." She informed "If I could fathom a guess... I would say that as time goes on, the Demon King may be able to tap into more of Lyon's power as his control slips... To be in control of such power..."

Ephraim sighed deeply "I don't know about this magic stuff. But we should leave this place before anything else decides to show up." Ephraim advised. Eirika had to agree, she needed to be out of here. Turning to the newcomers Ephraim spotted Ewan "Ewan, how much further until we're out of here?"

The boy shuffled a bit before replying "Uh... It's not too far from here!" He exclaimed.

"Very well, let's leave this place before any more of those monsters appear and then we can make camp." Ephraim concluded the conversation.


	5. Chapter 5

**_From Misery Came a Gentle Soul - Chapter 5._**

* * *

Author's Note: I know the Sacred Stone of Grado is also called the Fire Emblem but for the purpose of this story it is going to be quite different(Better, in my opinion, at least :P)

* * *

_"How do you intend to use the stone? Do you really think you can tap into it's power?" Ephraim questioned Lyon as he and Eirika sat opposite him in the Gradoan Library._

_"Mmm... I don't think it's a question of if I can or not now." Lyon replied._

_"What do you mean?" Eirika asked with her brows furrowed "I know how you're quite talented in the magical arts, but Father MacGregor would be opposed to it."_

_"That much is true, Father MacGregor believes it's dangerous to meddle with the powers the Sacred Stones contain, and he may be right... But... It's something I have to do." Lyon said as a solemn expression crossed his features._

_"... Is everything alright, Lyon? You know you can tell us anything, right?" Ephraim reassured._

_Lyon began chuckling nervously "Yes, everything's fine." He replied and scratched the back of his head "B-Besides, I've already saved someone with it!" Lyon exclaimed as his face brightened up._

_Eirika gasped "Are you serious?" She asked, leaning over the table._

_"Uh-huh... It hasn't been made public yet, but a while back a fire ravaged Serafew, and a little girl got trapped in the flames. Her burns were terrible; not even healing staves were able to cure her injuries. But just a sliver of the stone's power restored her life and healed her wounds. We saved that girl's life! Oh, if you could have seen the tears of joy in her mother's eyes!"_

_"You really did it, huh? Congratulations! I guess I shouldn't be surprised, though, seeing as you're the most talented mage in Grado." Ephraim congratulated._

_"Heh... I don't know about most talented..." Lyon said sheepishly._

_"It's true! I never would have begun using magic if you hadn't taught me. Now I can use basic tomes without much trouble at all!" Eirika encouraged._

_"I... Thanks, Ephraim, Eirika... You two are the reason I had the strength to continue my research. With knowledge of the ancient magics, we could change the world!" Lyon said enthusiastically._

_Ephraim began laughing heartily "I don't doubt you! But you're never going to change the world cooped up in a library all day! You should take a break from your studies and come to town with us!" Ephraim demanded more than offered as he got out of his chair._

_"B-But... I have so much work to do and-" Lyon began._

_"It's settled, you're coming to town with us, you've been working too hard lately and you need a break from your duties. Eirika has missed hanging out with you, especially." Ephraim chuckled._

_"W-What? I..." Eirika became flustered but merely stuttered out words as her brother rounded on Lyon and began to drag him from the library._

_"O-Okay, okay! I'm coming!" Lyon conceded._

* * *

Eirika was sat down on her cot in her tent after their group had left the Gorgon's Lair, her legs pulled to her chest with her arms around them, her face nested in them. She had immediately retired to her tent upon setting up of camp, too exhausted and stressed to do much else, her body was healed up by Natasha to prevent all the bruising and aching, she had been lucky not to receive any permanent damage.

She still couldn't get out of head the Demon King's words, she was happy that she had been right all along that Lyon was still alive, but at the same time terrified for what pain he has been enduring for so long. One whole year of possession and fighting an internal struggle with a beast of legend couldn't be very good to say the least...

"Eirika...? How are you feeling? May I come in?" Came the soft voice of her longtime friend, Tana as she moved aside one of the tent flaps.

Eirika raised her head at the voice and wiped her eyes of any stray tears "Yes, I'm... A bit better now... Come in." She replied. Tana doing so and sitting next to her.

"I'm sorry you had to go through what you did... I wish I had been there to help..." Tana confessed solemnly.

Eirika gave a slight shake of her head "It was my fault... I was being foolish... Rushing off ahead."

"You couldn't have-" Tana went to reply but was cut off.

"-No. It was a stupid mistake I don't plan on making again - I was too stuck in my head to know what was going on around me..." Eirika confessed, she sighed and lowered her head again "I just..."

Tana reached an arm around Eirika and leaned her head on Eirika's shoulder "It's okay..."

"... Why does Lyon have to go through this? He never deserved it..." Eirika muttered aloud "... I guess that's just childish to think that way, though... Many more have suffered through this as well..."

"You don't have to go through this alone, you know? You have others you can rely on..." Tana assured her.

Eirika nodded her head "I had lost hope during that fight... I couldn't win... But as quickly as I had lost the fight, Lyon was there to save me, as if the whole ordeal with the Demon King didn't even happen..." The first smile since then had broken out on Eirika's face as she remembered the event, a small smile, but there.

"So he must really still be in there somewhere?" Tana questioned.

"Yes... And I'm going to free him. No matter what."

* * *

L'Arachel had advised us to head to the Court of Rausten where the final Sacred Stone lay, the last one in existence. L'Arachel was overjoyed at being able to return to her homeland, a spring in her steps as she led the company.

Our company had finally reached the Theocracy of Rausten, a country in the North Eastern most part of Magvel where the great Saint Latona was said to have lived many centuries ago. It was ruled by the Pontifex Mansel. The palace was as imposing as it was majestic, steeped in artefacts that served as relics for the many rituals the people here practised over the ages.

"Home at last. My dear, sweet palace." L'Arachel gave a sigh of relief "Uncle, I've returned!" She called out as she, Eirika and Ephraim entered the throne room. Seth choosing to remain a bit behind.

"Oh, L'Arachel! It's good to see you safe!" A wizened man approached the group, dressed in garments of brilliant red.

"Of course I'm sage, Uncle. Evil can never defeat the forces of righteousness!" L'Arachel exclaimed as if she was shocked.

"Ha! You're exactly right, my dear! Now tell me, who are our guests?" Pontifex Mansel asked as he eyed the two cerulean haired teenagers.

"Pontifex Mansel of Rausten, allow me to introduce myself. I am Princess of Renais. I come to you today as an emissary of Frelia." Eirika spoke up first.

"And I am Ephraim, Prince of Renais. I come with Eirika to warn you of the danger our world faces." Ephraim introduced himself.

"It began when..." Eirika began, proceeding to retell their journey.

"...Hmm, I see. That is a tough tale to swallow all at once... Lyon... To think something like this could happen to him. I had met the Prince once when he was but a wee boy." Mansel replied.

The trios eyes went wide in surprise "R-Really?" Eirika questioned.

"Hm." He nodded "I met him quite a few years back now on a visit to Grado. Hah! He was as timid as they come but enthusiastically devoted to finding out how things worked, it amazed me at how intelligent he was at such a young age, a true genius - If a little skinny." He said lightheartedly "He was a good boy."

"Heh... He's an amazing person..." Eirika added with a sad smile as she began fiddling with her necklace. L'Arachel and Ephraim smirking widely at her causing her to straighten herself up.

"You must miss him a lot. If I recall hearing, you and Ephraim are childhood friends of his." Mansel said with

"Yes." Ephraim nodded.

"Yes! Friends!" Eirika exclaimed.

Mansel noticed the necklace hanging from Eirika's neck, his brows furrowing "Excuse me for asking but... May I take a look at that necklace?"

Eirika looked at Mansel confused before L'Arachel gave her a smile and nodded to reassure her "Uh... Yes, sure." Eirika agreed. She unhooked the chain from her neck and handed it to him, reluctant to part with it.

Mansel examined it closely in his hand, flipping it over several times before handing it back to her "Er, please hold on to it for now, I want you three to follow me." He said as he began to walk with remarkable stamina for someone of his age and build. The three heirs looked at each other quizzically for a few moments before follow the Pontifex along a series of corridors.

"Excuse me... But what do you know of this necklace?" Eirika asked curiously as the three continued to try and keep in stride.

"That is what we're going to find out." He replied "... It's merely a hunch." He continued as they came to a set of doors. Pushing them open and entering they came into a room filled with tomes that appeared to be ages old.

"This is the library for ancient books and texts, what could we need from here?" L'Arachel questioned her uncles odd behaviour.

"You'll know soon." He replied "I will be back in just a moment. Please, take seat." He offered before he scurried off.

The three watched in bewilderment as he ran his hands along one of the many bookshelves, they could then literally see his face beam as he assumedly found what he was looking for. Eirika gave Ephraim a look of confusion, he simply shrugged as if to say "Beats me."

Mansel came back and placed a musty old tome down onto the desk next to Eirika "I've found it!" He exclaimed as he began flipping through the pages. He came to a certain page before taking out a monocle. Eirika looked over and saw the page had an illustration that fitted the description of the necklace she was wearing "Could you please hand me the necklace for a few moments?" He asked, Eirika once again passing it to him. Mansel put the pendant under his monocle and began to look through it, after a few moments his mouth gaped "By the Gods!" He exclaimed.

"Um..." Was all Ephraim could get out.

"To think, after nearly two millennia, I would be holding it here in my hand!" Mansel brought the necklace away from him to observe it at a distance.

"Uncle... What is it?" L'Arachel sighed at his antics.

He beamed at his niece "What is the sacred flame? The eternal fire?"

"Er... The Fire E-" L'Arachel began to gape "-Surely you couldn't mean the Fire Emblem? That necklace?!" She exclaimed as she came up beside her uncle as the necklace was passed to her to look at it, she began looking back and forth between it and the book "It can't be..." She uttered in disbelief.

Eirika frowned "What's going on? What's the Fire Emblem?" She asked in confusion. Obviously there was something about her necklace she didn't know about that they knew. But what could possibly be so special about it besides the fact that Lyon gave it to her?

"Look here." Mansel stated as he quickly passed the necklace back to her with the monocle "Look right at the centre."

"Okay..." Eirika said as she began to look through the monocle. She began to see a flame symbol right at the centre, exactly where she was told to look "It's a flame... So is this the Fire Emblem?" She queried.

"Indeed! An ancient relic that is very powerful and was lost to the world well over a millennia ago!" Mansel said, absolutely ecstatic.

"... Powerful?" Eirika muttered in disbelief.

"By _very powerful_, do you mean it could rival something by the likes of the Sacred Stones?" Ephraim questioned with a frown.

Mansel gasped "Absolutely heretical!" He exclaimed in detest with a sweep of his hand, making Ephraim and Eirika jolt, he was definitely L'Arachel's uncle "The Fire Emblem makes the Sacred Stones mere child's playthings!" Eirika's eyes went wide in disbelief "How did you obtain that necklace?" He asked.

"L-Lyon gave it to me, a little over a year ago..." Eirika recalled.

"Truly? The Imperial Prince, Lyon, had this? My word..." Mansel muttered out "Whatever the case, you have a very powerful tool at your disposal. It is said the wielder will be granted superhuman ability. Pity I wouldn't have a clue as to how it works..." Mansel said solemnly "The Fire Emblem was thought lost to time and with it any traces of how it was used."

Eirika glanced down at her necklace, which was now known to be an ancient relic, the Fire Emblem. '_Did Lyon know about the Fire Emblem...? Why would he give such a thing to me? Who gave it to him?_' She then remembered how her necklace had reacted against the Demon King. The Demon King claimed it was Lyon's doing '_Lyon, then, must know how it works._' Eirika stood up from her chair.

"Everything okay, Eirika?" Ephraim furrowed his brows in concern.

"... I think Lyon knows how it works." She stated solemnly.

"Truly?" L'Arachel and Mansel questioned in unison.

Eirika nodded her head "If it weren't for this necklace I doubt I'd be here right now..." Eirika shook her head "None of this makes any sense... Why would Lyon give me such a thing?"

Silence filled the room as they contemplated "Oh! I nearly forgot!" L'Arachel stated abruptly as she turned to her uncle "The Sacred Stone! Uncle, I wish permission to open the temple seal. We must keep the last Sacred Stone from falling into the hands of the Demon King!"

"Relax, my dear, there is plenty of time to do so in the morning. It is getting late. You all must be tired, sleep for now." Pontifex Mansel suggested.

"... I guess you have a point... Eirika has surely has had the most trying time of late..." L'Arachel conceded.

Eirika wondered if she'd ever get to sleep tonight, she had so much on her mind right now. She put her necklace back on before nodding her head in agreement.

Ephraim had a frown on his face "The Fire Emblem..." He muttered aloud in deep thought.

* * *

_"Lyon." Ephraim said simply to get Lyon's attention as he stood behind him in Lyon's Study. Ephraim had to wonder how Lyon could keep the place in such a sty and still be able to work. Books and scroll scattered the table, some even finding their way on to the floor. The only light in the room was from the candle next to him as he jotted down notes._

_Lyon jolted abruptly from where he was sitting, almost knocking over the ink for his quill, turning his head to him. Lyon stared at him wide eyed for a moment before exiting his chair to face him "Ephraim... I'm sorry, I didn't notice you come in. What can I do for you?" He stated as he gave his eyes a rub, he looked almost like a ghost._

_"... I just wanted to make sure you were alright." Ephraim stated simply._

_Lyon chuckled weakly but with a hint of nervousness as Ephraim stared at him "Y-Yes... I'm fine, Ephraim. Just a little sleepy is all..."_

_"You look like a ghost." He replied simply. Lyon turned his head as If he was embarrassed "Lyon... Is everything okay? You haven't been yourself much lately. Is there something going on I need to know about?" Ephraim questioned adamantly as he refused to let Lyon avoid his questioning._

_Lyon looked back at him, startled "W-Whatever do you mean, Ephraim?"_

_"This Sacred Stone... Why do you need to continue your research into it so much? You said you wanted to change the world with it. That it's something you must do, like you had no choice." Lyon stared at the ground with a pained expression but covered it up quickly "You're planning something. I may not know what, but I know when someone is hiding something." Ephraim accused with a frown. He knew how much Lyon wanted to help people, how dedicated his best friend was to it, but he didn't want to see him do anything rash._

_"I..." Lyon shook his head and held a hand up as if to wave him off "Everything's fine, Ephraim, you need not worry."_

_"What about, Eirika?" Ephraim questioned determinedly, making Lyon look up at him with wide eyes "You know she cares about you, right? Perhaps even more than I do."_

_"Ephraim, I-"_

_"Promise me you won't do anything foolish."_

_"Ephraim, I assure you there is nothing to worry about." Lyon replied defensively._

_Just then Knoll came into the room "Forgive the intrusion, but I must speak with Prince Lyon." He stated with urgency._

_"But I-" Ephraim began._

_"-What is it, Knoll?" Lyon questioned._

_"We just had a breakthrough on our research with the Sacred Stone. The guild would like your attendance." Knoll replied._

_Lyon's face brightened up instantly "Good. I shall accompany you." Lyon said with enthusiasm as he and Knoll quickly left the study, leaving Ephraim to himself._

_Ephraim frowned '_What are you hiding?_' He began to look around Lyon's study. Ephraim didn't like to pry, but Lyon was acting strangely recently. Ephraim looked over Lyon's papers and began reading through them '_Fire Emblem...? Ancient relic over a millennium old...? Huh... Appears his mother gave it to him before she passed away, it was kept as her family heirloom passed down from generation to generation._' Ephraim began to think this was useless. A family heirloom can't be that important to warrant Lyon's secrecy._

_He turned away from the notes and began to look at nearby bookshelves. There appeared to be mostly books on demonology '_The heck would he be studying demonology for?_' Ephraim questioned in bewilderment. He then noticed a very old book that had seen better days '_Mages love their old books, must be important?_' He pulled it out and examined it, flipping through several pages, the book seemed to be about the "Demon King" that arose 8 centuries ago before it was sealed away by the Sacred Stones "What in Magvel is he studying this so much for?"_

* * *

"I'm holding it in my hand! The Stone of Rausten!" L'Arachel held it up for everyone to view "It's glorious radiance matches my complexion, wouldn't you say?"

"This is it. The last one. The last remaining Sacred Stone." Ephraim stated as he looked upon it with awe.

"It is. And the time to defeat the Demon King draws near." L'Arachel nodded.

"... We should be leaving. We have to act before those creatures gain more momentum." Eirika advised.

"Yes. We should make haste. The poison spreads. It is growing ever stronger." Myrrh agreed.

"Where?" Ephraim questioned.

"Darkling Woods... Where the Demon King was felled long ago..."

Mansel approached the group "L'Arachel, must you leave so soon?" He asked in concern "You've only just returned, and you have to leave?"

"Uncle, defeating evil is the highest calling I can perform." L'Arachel assured.

"Of course, my dear. It is a divine calling but-"

"You needn't worry, Uncle. After all, I'm not on my own. I have my friends." She gave him a warm smile and then grabbed Ephraim's arm, causing him to look at her in confusion "Besides, Prince Ephraim will be here to protect me as I make my grand crusade!" She proclaimed.

"W-Wait, what?" Ephraim stuttered out as a slight blush formed over his cheeks, causing Eirika to chuckle at the irony of him always teasing her about her blushing.

Mansel smiled and then looked at Ephraim pointedly "You'll protect my niece, won't you?"

Ephraim simply looked as if he was bewildered by it all "U-Uh... Y-Yes, of course!"

Mansel chuckled "I see. You've been blessed, L'Arachel. Blessed with many good friends."

"I am indeed, Uncle. And they, in turn, are blessed with me! Farewell, Uncle. I shall return. Once evil has been vanquished, we'll all return safe and sound." She beamed and then began to stride away in confidence.

"Hold on. Not so fast now. I have a couple of things I wish to present to you and Princess Eirika." Mansel ordered. One of his Royal Guard appeared and gave him a tome.

"To me, your Holiness?" Eirika questioned in shock.

"Yes, Princess. I'd like you to accept this." He held the tome out to her. The tome looked intricate with bright, white details, on it's cover. Eirika cautiously took the tome from his hands as if to make sure she didn't do anything wrong. L'Arachel came up beside her to inspect it.

Eirika stared down at the tome with curiosity and awe "What is it?"

L'Arachel gasped "Oh! Isn't that... Isn't that one of the Sacred Twins of Rausten?" She questioned with equal awe as Eirika.

"This is one of the weapons of Saint Latona, most holy father of Rausten. Here, we have glorious Ivaldi. I hear you are quite the prodigy in Light Magics, I hope it serves you well, Princess." He informed. Saint Latona lived centuries ago, yet the tome looked as good as new to Eirika "I... Thank you so much, your Holiness." She thanked him in utmost gratefulness.

Mansel then motioned for his other Royal Guard who presented to him a staff "And this is it's twin, the divine Staff of Latona." He presented the staff to L'Arachel , she took the staff and gaped at it's majesty "I want you to have this. I will also spare some funding to feed and arm your forces. After all, there is much that you must do before you leave these halls."

"So they are the blessed Latona's most sacred relics... Is this allowed?" L'Arachel questioned with worry.

"I know the law, L'Arachel. The relics must never leave the temple, with the sole exception of the occasional ascension ceremony, but I think that, when the world needs saving, we can make the odd exception." He reasoned.

"That's my uncle!" L'Arachel beamed.

"You will return them of course... Once you've finished your task. Princess Eirika, I would have your oath on this." Mansel said.

"Of course. You have my word. We shall return safely, and we shall restore your relics." Eirika gave her oath.

L'Arachel turned to her companions "Darkling Woods is home to naught but demons now. Indeed, I hear tell that none who enter its borders ever leave again. We ought to stock up on supplies in town before we set out." She advised.

"Yes, we must be as prepared as possible before we set out. I don't want to take any reckless chances with our lives." Eirika agreed.


	6. Chapter 6

_**From Misery Came a Gentle Soul - Chapter 6.**_

* * *

**_~*Present time - 1 month later*~_**

Eirika sat in Lyon's ex-study, having finished her post-council paperwork for dealing with the various regions of the Gradoan territory. She had done away with her armour and adopted a longer, modest dress, more fitting of a Queen Regnant - But she opted to keep a similar colour. Several nobles would try in earnest to gain her approval, some in detriment of another region, she had to make sure that all regions were accounted for and happy. She sighed and began stacking the papers neatly into a pile. At least there were others who understood more their situation.

It was a difficult task, she wondered how anyone could do it by themselves without being driven to anger, there was always a couple of them demanding more than their fair share. She did have several advisors that would make things much easier on her, though... But even they knew not what to do about the current economic issues that seemed to be getting worse in Grado. Economic growth was stagnant throughout Magvel and there was a rising unemployment of craftsmen as people were tightening their belts on money.

The church of Rausten that accounted for the religion of the Magvellian region had made generous contributions of aid and clothing to those who needed it, and offered to take in those displaced in the war. As a centre of learning - Mostly constricted to the Gradoan area with their Grand Library and Academy founded by the church - It also provided aid to those in need since time immemorial throughout the region. The Magvellians would really be lost with out it and the order it brought to the region.

Eirika heard a knock on the door and she summoned whoever it was inside "Milady... I apologise for disturbing you." Sir Duessel apologised.

Eirika stood up from her chair and waved Duessel's concern off "It's quite alright. What is it you need?" Eirika asked.

"We have a man in custody who has yet to be judged. We require you presence to carry out the sentencing, Milady." Duessel bowed low.

"Very well, I shall accompany you, Sir Duessel." She agreed before accompanying him in the hallway.

Eirika nodded as silence crept back up on the two as they continue down the corridor. She had a question that she wanted to ask but may be afraid of the answer "... Have you gotten word from the Gradoan people on their views of Prince Lyon? I mean... Do they still resent him?" She questioned nervously.

Duessel remained silent for a moment before replying "They have taken your story into account... There is no doubt about that... Some may be resentful but majority believe he was a hero for the greater good. No doubt it was your speech that moved them." Duessel replied.

"I see..." She said with a sad smile. The two came towards the large side-doors of the Grado Keep and two royal guards opened it for them, Eirika and Duessel proceeded inward. Eirika approached the throne, taking in the surroundings before she sat herself on the throne. There were her knights - Eight in total - Who formed a line down the side of the keep. Duessel stood on the left of the throne to relay her the situation.

"Bring in the guilty!" Duessel ordered.

The doors at the end of the room opened up and several prison guard walked in with a middle-aged man chained at his hands. Behind all the bruising to his face, there was something that just made Eirika's stomach churn like she had seen it on someone before, she knew this was going to be a disturbing case. He was brought to a few metres from the steps to her throne and to the left of the centre carpet.

The man was made to bow in front of her by the guards kicking him at the back of the knees. The man looked back up at Eirika with a wry smirk across his face "Hah-hah... What's a pretty little thing like you doing running an empire like Grado? You'd be better off serving ale, wench." He sneered, only to be smacked across the face by one of the guards.

"You will show respect to the Queen, cur!" The guard barked in anger. He had obviously had enough of having to deal with the guy.

It wasn't until Eirika raised a hand to halt the guard that he stopped berating the man, the guard reluctantly stopped what he was doing and bowed "A-Apologies, my Queen." The guard said quickly, embarrassed by losing his cool. Eirika sent a small smile and a nod to reassure him, making him visibly relax.

"His name is Geldgier. He and his captain were sent to Renais on orders to 'keep the peace' within the realm by General Valter." General Duessel began.

Eirika almost had to roll her eyes as if to say "Figures". "And what of his crime?"

"The knights have found him guilty of raiding a small border town neighbouring Renais on his way there. The male population were put to the sword, women raped and the town sacked by being set ablaze." Duessel informed.

"And he has been a fugitive ever since the end of the war?"

"No, he was supposed to be brought in earlier, on orders by the late Prince Lyon, but when things got out of control none could do so. A young woman from the village came to him seeking assistance and he immediately mobilised forces to scout the region with urgency."

'_He must have known he was on borrowed time..._' Eirika frowned and then looked at the accused with a glare "What of those who were with you? Who was your captain?" Eirika questioned.

"Heh... As if I'd tell you that... I'm as good as dead anyway." He said nonchalantly.

"... Very well. If you won't tell me now, you will be telling my guards in the dungeon where you will await your sentencing. Rape and murder are both punishable in death by hanging." She said sternly. Geldgier then began chuckling and looked at the guards with a wide grin, making them grit their teeth "Not those guards." She reiterated, making him turn to her with a frown. The two guards looked at her in confusion. "You two shall be dismissed for the next two days."

They went wide eyed "B-But... Your majesty... We need the wor-"

Eirika waved her hand, making him stop "You both will be granted paid leave..." She reassured them "Take him to the dungeons and you will be replaced shortly." She then looked at Geldgier with a sly smirk, making him frown even more if that were at all possible.

"U-W-We're very grateful your majesty..." The both of them bowed as low as they could.

"Heh, you are shrewd, Princess... Now I see what General Valter saw in you." Geldgier commented with a wink, making Eirika give him a look of repulsion. Geldgier began chuckling as he was subsequently removed from the throne room.

"We couldn't have judged him better, your majesty." Her lead Knight, Sir Ritter, complemented "We will make sure to find their replacements within the hour." He saluted, followed by his fellow knights.

"That would be appreciated. I thank you all for your hard work." Eirika replied appreciatively. The knights soon left the throne room, leaving Eirika and Duessel to themselves. Eirika sighed '_At least this is easier to deal with than suitors..._' She mused to herself. Noblemen across the realm would come seeking audience simply to parade their 'thoroughbred' sons around in front of her.

Eirika absolutely hated the idea of marrying, especially if simply in convenience. Neither was she interested in falling in love with someone else... Her heart already had a hole in it that couldn't be replaced by another. Her feelings for Lyon had been kept mostly secret except with those closest to her, but there were rumours spreading around Grado and even as far as Renais itself about that very same thing. She supposed it couldn't be helped...

"You did very well, Queen Eirika." Duessel began "We were right in appointing you Queen Regnant."

"Thank you, Duessel." Eirika stood up from the throne "But it wouldn't be possible without your guidance." She replied. Duessel had been her biggest confidant throughout her transition to Grado, making sure she was well prepared. She was very appreciative of his help.

Duessel allowed a faint smile spread across his lips and bowed in return "I'm just doing my duty."

* * *

Eirika and her company ventured forth from Rausten in high spirits. Making their way through the Darkling Woods, the feeling of darkness got thicker and thicker. A thin layer of mist covered the land in a haze.

"This awful darkness..." Ephraim noted in caution.

"I know... I can feel it, too." Eirika replied as she took note of the surroundings. Mounted charges were going to be useless, the woods weren't thick, but it was enough to halt a charge in it's tracks. Lucky for them they had dismounted long ago. Setting a fire could potentially make or break them, but it wasn't a gamble they were going to take, so the mages stuck to non-fire elements.

"This is Darkling Woods... It was here the heroes met the Demon King and with the Sacred Stones defeated him. I've heard the lingering energies of that battle are the source of the monster. But I never imagined it would be as bad as this..." Seth informed with unease.

"It's worse than before... It's grown so much stronger. Simply standing here is a struggle... But we don't need to worry. My father is here. He'll take care of everything." Myrrh assured.

Eirika turn to the Manakete in curiosity "Your father?" She questioned.

Myrrh nodded with a warm smile "Over there. On the other side of that swamp is the Black Temple of the Demon King. My father stands guard near it. This is where my father and I have lived for as long as I can remember."

"I see. So this forest is like a home to you." Ephraim stated.

"Uh-huh... I get to see Father again. I'm so happy. My foster father leads the dragon tribe. In the last great war... both of my true parents were killed. Morva took me in and raised me as though I were his own child." Myrrh beamed excitedly.

"So that's how you came to live here..." Eirika said.

"My father holds back the monsters that are born in Darkling Woods. He's so strong, and so very gentle. One day, I hope to be like him..." Myrrh's smile suddenly vanished as her face turned to that of a look of worry.

"Myrrh? What is it?" Ephraim questioned, taking in her look of worry.

"I..."

Just then a hooded man stumbled out from behind a large tree and Myrrh instantly ran towards him "Myrrh, wait!" Eirika warned.

"It's alright... It's my father." Myrrh said as she ran up beside him "Father, what's wrong?!" She questioned urgently.

"I'm fine, Myrrh... It's good... To see you. The Demon King... His power swells." The man warned, he appeared to be more exhausted than injured, he then noticed the company Myrrh had with her "I see... You have come to stop the Demon King."

Eirika approached the man as well "We have. I am Princess Eirika of Renais."

"And I am Prince Ephraim of Renais. What shall we call you?" Ephraim introduced.

"Morva... My name is Morva."

"Do you need any help? We have healers." Eirika offered.

The man stood tall "It is not necessary. I am just tired. But I must warn you to be careful if you are to face him... He is in possession of powerful magics and I fear he may be more powerful than he was eight centuries ago. The Sacred Stone might not be enough..."

"... Even still... We have to fight... Everyone is counting on us." Eirika said with determination.

The man then broke out into a chuckle "It's always good to see the hopefulness of youth. Perhaps you may have what it takes to defeat him... Once and for all." Morva replied.

The group then heard wailing of ghoulish creatures in the distance "Princess Eirika, Prince Ephraim, we are under attack!" Seth declared "A horde of foul beast is approaching!"

"Everyone! To arms!" Ephraim commanded "We must hold this ground!"

"Shield wall!" Eirika began giving orders "Those with shields take a defensive position on our flanks! Archers, Mages and Spearmen at the centre! Keep your heads down!" Eirika began barking out orders, the troops responded in fluidity as ghoulish creatures began to jump out amongst the trees, only to be battered back with the shield wall.

"Morva. Stay in behind us. We will guard you until you've recovered!" Eirika ordered. Morva nodded and Myrrh helped him into the centre of the formation.

The two siblings got in between the shield wall at either sides. Which was just as well as skeleton archers began to fire arrows at them "Mages! Take down those archers!" Eirika commanded.

"Got it!" Lute called out, as confident as ever.

Eirika brought her Arcthunder tome out and began to charge it. The moment she heard the arrows hit the shield wall she stuck her arm out through a gap in the shield line and fired the attack off, a glyph appeared for a brief moment before a ball of electricity shot from her hand and expanded in a flurry of thunderbolts, instantly scattering and charring the bones of three of the archers.

Ephraim pierced another ghoul with his spear and brought back to the shield wall, using it to pry the body off of his Siegmund. But the moment the body dropped to the ground, he saw a cyclops wind back to throw it's axe at him "Nope." Ephraim said quickly as he ducked back into the shield wall, the axe whizzing overhead "Eirika! Take out this Cyclops!" Ephraim exclaimed as the Cyclops pulled out it's main axe and began charging their line.

"I'll guard your back!" Seth called as he raised his shield higher behind her so Eirika could fire another Arcthunder over her brother and the shield wall on her brothers side.

The attack hit dead on, causing the Cyclops to wail as the electricity coursed through it's body and stumbled onto it's back "Good work, sis." Ephraim complemented.

"Thank-" Eirika was stopped short when she noticed the Cyclops getting back up "-Brother!"

"Prince Epraim, take this javelin." Seth said and passed one to him.

Ephraim took the javelin and Eirika immediately charged another Arcthunder into her palm. Ephraim threw the spear and Eirika simultaneously released her spell on the spear, charging it with her magics as it pierced into the beast. The Arcthunder released it's energy and turned the Cyclops inside out, blood and flesh being thrown every which way.

Ephraim look dumbfounded "Well then... Uh, nice one, Eirika." He muttered aloud.

Eirika had already turned back to her side and began to charge up her next attack. The foul creatures continued to descend upon Eirika and company and before it felt as if it would go on for eternity, the attackers ceased.

"Is everyone alright?" Ephraim questioned, turning to his comrades, who all confirmed their well-being, he then turned to his sister "That was good, quick thinking, Eirika." He complemented.

"We're not out of danger yet, we must push forward." Eirika replied as she brought out her summoning stone "Archangel. To me." She muttered aloud and summoned her faithful Archangel companion. The company continued onward into the woods, mostly in silence and they stayed alert for any activity, not wanting to be caught by surprise a second time.

Morva and his daughter, Myrrh, accompanied Eirika. Morva thanking Eirika "Might I ask you something, Princess?" Morva proceeded.

"Of course, what did you need to know?" Eirika giving him her attention.

"That summon..." He said, looking inquisitively at Archangel "How long have you been able to summon angelic types? Who taught you?"

Eirika quirked a brow "Uh... A few years back now. My friend, Lyon, taught me all I know about magic and summoning." She replied, wondering why the sudden interest.

"So Lyon is your friend then... I have lived for a very long time, and in all my years I have only met one person who was able to summon such beings. It was a talent thought to have been lost over a millennia ago." He informed with his furrowed brows. Eirika looked at him, puzzled "Your friend. He is also talented in the area of light magic, is he?"

"The most talented person I know." Eirika said with a smile, but it soon disappeared when she noticed the troubled look on Morva's face "What's wrong?"

Morva shook his head "No... Nothing... It is something we will know shortly upon meeting your friend." He stated before falling back, signifying the end of their conversation.

Myrrh stayed by Eirika's side and held her arm "Don't worry, my father's always been like that, he likes to keep to himself." She reasoned. Eirika looked at her for a few moments before she decided to let it go.

The company continued their march without incident until they came to a clearing. Those who expected at least some sunlight once they were clear of the denser part of the woods were sorely mistaken as the canopy only led to a dark and cloudy sky that saw some flashes of lightning boom across it. Eirika held onto her necklace for comfort as she led the group out into the clearing.

She then ordered the groups mounts up front to give them extra leeway if they ever needed a mounted charge. Eirika took a torch to try and ease the dimness of the area, but it did little to ease the chill that occasionally ran down her back.

Continuing on through the misty clearing, Eirika spotted a shadowy figure slowly approaching the group, she instantly placed a hand over her Thoron tome. Rattling could be heard from behind her as her company prepared for a possible assault.

A short, ageing man, appeared from behind the mist, he was wearing dark purple robes, his short, orange hair slicked back. He was of incredibly slim build from what Eirika could gather "Vwe-he-he-he~ Hah-Hah-Hah! Oh, don't be so tense, Princess L'Arachel. It is only me." The old man cackle in a raspy voice that Eirika felt suited his appearance perfectly in some odd way.

"Riev..." L'Arachel immediately went on the defensive with her staff.

"Who is that?" Eirika questioned, not taking her eyes off of him, even though she would like to.

"He was a priest of the church until my uncle, the Pontifex, excommunicated him for worshipping the Demon King." She said in disgust of him.

"Oh, come now, why take such a harsh tone with me? I haven't done anything... Yet." He smirked "But enough about me... I just wanted to tell you that Rausten is through, with the army that the Demon King has granted me, I will bring Mansel your head and sack your pathetic Theocracy." He stated and cackled madly before raising his arms towards to sky, a pillar light shooting out beneath him as he disappeared.

"Everyone! Be on guard!" Ephraim called oout to the group, and as if on cue they spotted dozens upon dozens of figures approaching. Skeletons and Ghouls alike descended upon them as they seemingly appeared out of thin air from beyond the mist.

"I sense that Riev is a powerful mage, be careful, Eirika." Archangel warned her.

Eirika began to devise a plan. She knew these creatures weren't going to be the simple mindless beast they usually were without a powerful mage at the helm giving them orders "Swordsmen at the flanks! Spearmen and Mages up front! Archers, bring us support!" Eirika issued the orders. All units followed the orders with well-managed efficiency as they made their way to their positions "Mages! Ready your fire spells!" Eirika she ordered as she held Sieglinde up high. A faint red glow emanated from the front line as the mages prepared their spells.

The skeletons and ghouls were coming close as the mages from Eirika's army waited for her call. She kept her sword up high as Ewan fidgeted nervously at the approaching army. When they come to within the perfect range of the spells being used, Eirika dropped her arm in a downward slash "Fire!" She called out to her army and immediately a wall of magic bursted forth from behind the Spearmen line to assault the approaching skeletons.

The fire magics exploded upon impact with the Skeletons, scorching their bones and sending them flying every which way, the ground beneath them was set aflame but didn't do much to stem the flow of animated corpses. A swarm of ghouls lunged out from behind the approaching skeletons and rushed Eirika's army, giving them no time and space to use their fire magic. But Eirika already had that covered with her line of Spearmen.

"Spears at the ready!" Eirika called out, the frontline raising their spears and using the ground as a pivot point to aim them. The Ghouls leaped into the spear line without a care to their own wellbeing, impaling themselves on the spears. Eirika ordered the mages to prepare more fire spells and for the spearmen to lower their spears again, another barrage of fire magic escaping passed the Spearmen and incinerating another line of skeletons.

They continued this tactic for some time before Eirika turned to Ewan and placed a hand on his shoulder "Ewan, there's something I need you to do; I want you to take some of our mounted knights and take up the enemies flank. I will signal them to charge by firing my magic into the sky." Eirika ordered him.

"B-But I-" Ewan began but Eirika cut him off.

"Don't worry, we'll be fine here. You are a fast runner, so it should be you. You can do this." She encouraged with a warm smile, Ewan nodding and was about to head off, but Eirika halted him "Repeat what I told you." She instructed.

"Gather the mounted units, take up the enemies flank... And wait for the signal to charge!" He repeated with eagerness.

Eirika nodded her head "Good. Now go." She replied, Ewan making haste to gather the required units.

Ephraim looked at Eirika with an eyebrow raised upon hearing what she was up to "What are you planning?" He asked her.

"If we keep going like this they're going to re-spawn infinitely due to being summoned by Riev and the power of the Demon King infecting the area we are positioned on. It's a hex... He showed up just at the right time when we would be in front of it - I can feel it. He's hoping to tire us out and then cut us down." Eirika informed him of the situation, Ephraim went to make input but Eirika continued "-Archangel will dispel the Hex. I plan to cut him down before his plan succeeds. We break them now." She said in finality, focussing back on the battle.

Ephraim let out an exasperated chuckle "I have to be honest... I never expected such a strategy from you, Sis. But I like it." Ephraim commented, eager to see the strategy unfold himself.

Eirika had to agree, she never would have made such decisions back when her journey began - She had changed. Staying cooped up in a castle or in the academy for most of her life had made her naïve, experiencing more of life had shown her that she had so much to learn. She never liked war, it came as a necessity, her one true desire to set Lyon free felt as if it was the only thing that kept her going at times. She would risk anything to get him back, if leading an army would make her wish come true, she would do it.

Upon firing the next barrage of fire magic, several Skeleton Mages erected a barrier in front of the Skeleton Swordsman, the fire magics blasted against the barrier and began to disperse. The barrier cracked and waned under the power behind the attacks and Eirika immediately called for another barrage of fire magic, the mages summoned forth another barrage of fire magic, this time smashing into the barrier and causing it to shatter completely and scorch the Skeleton Mages that had erected it.

Another dozen or so Ghouls emerged from the flames and descended upon them, the Spearmen raising their spears and the Ghouls skewering themselves upon them.

As soon as the Spearmen had dealt with the Ghouls, Eirika noticed movements in the tree line that she had expected her mounted forces to be lined up in and immediately raised her hand to the sky and summoned a ball of Light Magic within her hand, releasing it she sent it harmlessly into the sky creating a bright radiance for all to see. Ephraim looked up at her oddly after the casting of the spell, Eirika taking note but continuing on with her plan.

With the number spawned at present, taking out the last few in a mounted charge would be simple enough to keep the numbers down and get their troops through, and for Archangel to dispel the hex. She knew a mounted charge, if timed correctly, could turn the tide of battle in an instant, and she was going to utilise it to it's fullest. She also knew the mounts could wind up in a lot of trouble if not timed correctly. It was one thing Lyon had taught her about Tactics at the academy when she wasn't too interested in it but still had to pass the exam in it anyhow.

Turning to her brother she asked him to take over the commanding of the troops "I will be back." She notified him and before he could say anything she had left the front lines, Archangel alongside her.

The mounted forces charged at the recently spawned Skeletons and Ghouls from the tree line they had gathered behind, breaking through them like water from a dam and culling their numbers immediately, then began whittling them down.

Riev looked on with anger at having his Demonic Army rendered asunder so easily, "Curse that Princess! How dare she defy me and the Demon King!" He exclaimed in indignation as he stood behind the hexed land the Demon King had laid down for him.

As if on cue the silhouette of two young women riding a white horse emerged from the chaos at full charge towards him, no doubt the aforementioned Princess, the woman on the back of the horse jumped off and began to immediately chant in some foreign language over the ground where the Hex lay. Several of the mounted units began riding alongside her. Riev had surprise written all over his face as the woman that had leapt from the horse had wings upon her back, like a legendary being from one of the old tomes in Rausten. Eirika continued on in her charge "It's over, Riev!" She called out to him in a determined charge.

Seth, Franz and Duessel followed up behind her to back her up in her charge "We're right behind you Princess!" Seth called out in support.

Riev was panic-stricken by this turn of events and began firing all sorts of Light Magic off at her as she manoeuvred her horse around them "Damn it! Damn it! DAMN IT! The Demon King's Hex was supposed to be impenetrable!" Riev halted in his cursing and began to chuckle evilly "Mwah-hah-hah-hah! It's over when I say it's over!" He called out and pulled out a sickeningly blackened Summon Stone from within his robe "Dragon Lord of the Undead Realm! Come to me! Annihilate this ignorant and foolish Princess!" He chanted as an enormous black glyph appeared in front of him, the ground shaking under the strain of the spells might.

Eirika's horse slowed down to a halt before the glyph as it rose up onto it's hind legs trying to back away from it, Eirika held onto the reins as tightly as she could lest she be flung off of her horse and onto the ground. A great pillar of dark energy burst forth from the glyph, obstructing her view of Riev, and then it began to die down a bit to reveal a shape that could only be that of some kind of dragon. She could hear Riev's maniacal laughter from afar as the shape of the dragon began to become more clear, it has a gigantic body of bone held together by dark energies, and a large gaping maw that threatened to swallow up even Light itself.

Eirika's body tensed up at the predicament she found herself in, she felt a cold chill run down her spine at the sight of it, but she had come too far to turn back now. She had to make it through this and free Lyon. As loyal as her steed was to her, she knew the horse was far too spooked to be of use to her in such a fight, she would also need to be fleet of foot. Eirika dismounted from her horse and let it back away from the dragon, not wanting to stray too far from her. Seth, Franz and Duessel dismounted, following Eirika's lead.

The Bone Dragon let out an almighty roar as it's mouth opened wide in a threateningly manner at her. Eirika took out her sword, clutching it tightly, and stared down her adversary. The dragon made for a charge at her, it's hefty-looking body surprisingly swift. Eirika saw the attack incoming and leapt out of the way of it's attack, dropping into a roll. The dragons tail followed with it as it tried to take her out with a fell swipe, Eirika jumping over it at the last second. It was going to be difficult to get a direct hit on the dragon with her sword, it was much too small for that, compared to a spear.

Eirika would have to, yet again, resort to her magics to deal with this one. She grabbed on to her Aura tome and began to channel energy into the tome as Seth, Franz and Duessel held the dragon at bay with their lances. A bright glyph appeared from under Eirika as rings of bright light shot out from under her, the rings of light descended down upon the Bone Dragon and a massive burst of light exploded on the dragon.

The Bone Dragon howled in fury as the attack had definitely weakened it but it wasn't out of the fight yet. Swinging it's tail in a wide arc, it launched the three knights away from itself and set it's sights on Eirika, charging a deadly breath attack from the depths of it's maw, it let out a devastatingly quick blast of dark energies at her. Eirika went to try and move out of the way of it's attack but only managed to dodge the centre of the attack, the outer reaches of it grazed against her body and sent her body spinning uncontrollably, flying several metres away.

Eirika, for the most part, had managed to dodge the worst part of the blast and only suffered being winded as she tried to get to her feet. The Bone Dragon charged another breath attack in it's maw, set on finishing her off. Seth noticed the attack incoming but was helpless to do anything as he struggled to his feet "Princess! Watch out!" He called out to her.

Eirika stumbled to her feet covered her arms over head to try nullify some of the damage but the brunt of the attack could very well kill her. Eirika then spotted a shining figure in the sky above her, it was her ever faithful companion, Archangel. Archangel descended upo the dragon's head with a lethal spear attack that shattered the dragon's skull and halted it in it's attack. Archangel then leapt from the dragon's head and beside Eirika to see if she was alright.

Eirika responded letting her know she was fine and thanked her before focussing back on the Bone Dragon. The attacks had definitely slowed it down but it wasn't finished yet, she could still hear Riev's evil laughter as his confidence remained in his summoned creature "Your confidence is about to be broken. Time to see what Ivaldi can do." Eirika muttered under her breath as she grabbed the Sacred Tome Ivaldi from her pouch and began to charge her energy into it.

A large, bright, white glyph appeared above the dragon as a beam of light shot forth from it, cloaking the dragon in divine light, several bursts of light exploded from around the dragon and made it collapse to the ground. A burst of light as bright as the sun emanated from the glyph causing everyone in the area to shield their eyes, Riev included as he covered his face

"N-No... Ivaldi... H-How could a mere girl cast such a sacred spell?!" Riev cursed. The light died down as pillars of sacred energy burst forth from the glyph and shattered the Bone Dragon, sending it's bones in all directions before they disintegrated into nothing in midair, the ground shaking all around "That crazy, insufferable, Bitc-! Guh-Ack!" Riev was cut short, his eyes falling down to see blessed steel protruding from his chest, his blood flowing from the blade as the magic imbued in it cleaned the sword from staining.

"I told you it was over." Eirika said coldly from behind him as she held on to Sieglinde.

"B-But... But how... C-Could you... Cast Ivaldi... When I, Riev... Could not?" He questioned weakly as his life slipped away from him rapidly.

"The divine are selective with whom they offer their powers to." Eirika explained as she pulled Sieglinde from his body and let him drop to the ground, his breathing finally coming to a halt.

"Princess! Are you hurt?!" Seth called out to her as he raced to her side.

Eirika gave him a soft smile "I'm fine, you worry too much." She waved him off.

"That was very cunning, Princess, the strategy worked perfectly." Duessel complimented.

Eirika nodded at him "We must push forward before more enemies arise." She urged the group. '_Lyon... We're coming... Please hold on._'


	7. Chapter 7

**_From Misery Came a Gentle Soul - Chapter 7._**

* * *

Making into a march towards the resting place of the Demon King, Eirika and her company finally reached their destination, an imposing ritual building centuries old loomed over them. Eirika dismounted from her horse and took in a deep breath "We're finally here..."

"I guess there's no turning back now." Ephraim added as he stood beside her "Are you ready, sister?"

Eirika nodded her head "Yes..." She replied simply and began to make her way up the small flight of stone steps. A large doorway with the doors swung wide open as if to welcome them inward was before them. Eirika saw a cloaked person in the distance, his silhouette blackened out. But Eirika already knew who this was. Her steps slowed down as she reached the doorway, as she wondered how she should approach the situation, but then she immediately picked up her pace again as she entered the building.

The floor was made of stone, purplish slabs that had withered down in spots to a grey colour over age, a large runic symbol was behind the person in front of her, the person in front her was indeed that of her friend, Lyon, his body facing away from her and her companions "Lyon...?" Eiika questioned, her voice echoing ever so slightly throughout the quiet room. Eirika's companions caught up to her and remained on guard for any sign of a deception.

"... Eirika... You came... I never wanted you to get involved in all this, but... I'm still glad I get to see you again..." Lyon spoke in his usual tone, devoid of any influence of the Demon King "Even if it is only for a little while..." He spoke in a hushed tone before turning towards her and her group.

Lyon looked over all who had lined up beside Eirika and had a small smile on his face as he spoke up again "Frelia... Rausten... Renais... Jehanna..." He called out as he noted each of the Kingdoms representatives "... And Grado... It's been a long time since the royal families of each nation have been in one room."

Innes scowled "This isn't some pleasure meeting, none of that matters." He barked.

"Enough." Ephraim demanded, turning towards Innes. Innes grit his teeth in displeasure.

"It matters greatly as you are all future rulers of your respective Kingdoms." Lyon reiterated, causing them to look at him peculiarly "What I am about to tell you is important... It is about the origin of the Demon King, long before the Five Warriors sealed him away eight centuries ago." Lyon professed.

Eirika gave him a solemn expression before nodding for him to continue "We're listening..."

"There was a time, long ago, where Magvel was wrought with strife and war, there was no mere disagreements amongst each other, there was pure hatreds. The church at the time, the one known now as the Church of Rausten, was unsuccessful in curbing mans hatred of each other no matter how much it tried." Lyon began. L'Arachel frowned at the mention of her church "The Outer Realms, the ones you may know as the Realm of Angels and the Realm of Demons, can effect the Mortal Realm we currently inhabit." Lyon continued.

"And that is what grants us the ability to use 'Divine' and 'Demonic' Magics..." Eirika added in knowing.

Lyon nodded pointedly to her Archangel Summon "But as such; The Mortal Realm can also have an effect on the Outer Realms, to a smaller degree. The speed and tenure of mans evil against each other managed to spark something deep within the Demon Realm, each sin they created added to an amalgamation of Demonic Energy that eventually became it's own being - The one that you all know now as the 'Demon King' - It was our own evils that gave him life." Lyon enlightened them.

They looked at him in shock, Ephraim stepping forward "Wait... So you mean..." He muttered aloud.

"... In a sense, the Demon King was our punishment." Lyon confirmed. Ephraim clenched his fists.

Tana had a look of sadness "So what you're saying is... There really is no way to stop the Demon King?" Tana questioned "If it's humans evilness that brought him to life... Then it could happen again..."

"Not necessarily... This could very well be a one off occurrence... It's hard to say." Lyon replied and shook his head "The Five Heroes who sealed the Demon King within the Stone of Grado never truly defeated the Demon King, either." Lyon explained "When the Demon King broke through into the Mortal Realm, fuelled by his hatred of humanity, he tried to possess the Saint, Latona."

"Yes," L'Arachel spoke up "Saint Latona resisted the possession!" She said eagerly, being engrossed in legend, as per usual.

"But for him, it came at a heavy price." Lyon replied pointedly. L'Arachel quirk a brow, she obviously had no idea what he was talking about.

Lyon sighed "Saint Latona resisted the Demon King, yes, but in doing so the Demon King possessed his lover... Out of spite." Lyon informed her, L'Arachel gasped and placed a hand over her mouth "You see... Saint Latona was a very talented mage of the Light Arts... His lover did not have the same protection, and thus she was consumed." He continued and turned his back towards them again "She was also not talented in Dark Arts either, thus the Demon King had full control over her, and killed millions of people."

L'Arachel had a look of complete confusion, mimicked by those standing by her "B-But... That makes no sense! The legends say it was through divine strength of will that Saint Latona was able to resist the Demon King!" She exclaimed.

"Saint Latona... Had a strong will... But there was nothing divine about it..." Lyon reaffirmed.

Eirika's mouth gaped in realisation of something "Wait! You're the most talented mage in Grado. You taught me Light Magic! If it took Light Magic to resist it... Then-"

"-He didn't resist." Morva interrupted as he stared at the back of Lyon.

"So that's what you meant... By it being something you had to do..." Ephraim muttered and clenched his fists.

Eirika looked at Lyon with complete shock and disbelief, her mind trying to process what she was hearing "N-No... Why on Earth would you do that? Lyon, why?!" Eirika shouted as tears threatened to surface from her eyes.

Lyon didn't face her, he just kept his back to her "As you know... The Sacred Stones aren't infinite, there is only one left, the rest have been destroyed. In fact... Mere time will deplete them of their magics, the Stone of Grado more so because it harboured the Demon King's soul... Given a decade, or maybe even just a year... The Demon King would be set free on the Earth to do as he pleases." Lyon began to explain "The Five Heroes, rather than saving the world, merely delayed the inevitable and threw responsibility onto future generations..." Lyon said with a hint of displeasure "The Demon King spoke to me within my dreams, he had chosen me to be his vessel. So I begun to plan; With the power of Dark Magics one could manipulate it... Try to contain it's destruction."

Lyon turned to face them again "I was faced with two choices; I could resist him with the power of Light Magic and let someone I cared about become his vessel, just like Saint Latona... Or I could harbour the sins of man and protect them. I don't believe humanity, for all it's faults, deserves punishment for it's past mistakes." Lyon concluded and placed a hand over his chest "For me, the choice was simple; I would become his vessel." Lyon said resolutely.

There was a deathly silence as everyone was speechless, even Innes had a look of complete shock written over his face. Morva simply closed his eyes. L'Arachel was still in disbelief as her beliefs had been shattered, after all, it made sense to her but it was so much to take in. Eirika shook her head in denial "But... That's not..." She said in a quiet voice as a tear trailed down her cheek "Why didn't you tell anyone? There could've been another way!" Eirika professed, her face laced with grief and sadness.

"I'm sorry... But there was no other way..." Lyon looked down at the ground solemnly "If I have but one regret, it's that I could not do more to stop the Demon King's rampage... Thousands were killed... Because I was weak..." He said in defeat.

L'Arachel managed to compose herself somewhat, enough for her to speak "Don't say that..." Lyon looked up at her and was about to reply but she continued "Millions died at the hands of the Demon King when he first appeared. You prevented even worse catastrophes."

Lyon had a sad smile across his face "I guess so..." He then looked up at Ephraim, causing him to quirk a brow in response "You know, Ephraim... I always wanted to be like you... You were always so strong and people looked up to you," Ephraim furrowed his brows "... I even began to grow jealous, I wanted to have the strength that you've been gifted, but... I was always weak... I had... I had nothing-"

"-Shut up!" Ephraim yelled at Lyon and dismissed him with a wave of his hand, a look of anger across his face. Lyon looked at him completely stunned. Eirika turned her head to her brother in shock, her mouth agape. Ephraim's face then softened up "... Who was it that taught me history? Who covered for me when I stumbled? I admired your compassion, your wisdom, your thoughtfulness... Just look at you now, putting your life on the line for the sake of everyone else... I... I don't think I could have ever done the same if put in your shoes." Ephraim clenched his fists at his sides, his head lowered "Didn't you see how much I looked up to you?" Ephraim questioned.

Lyon seemed to be at a loss "... I guess it's because I've never had the experience of true friends before I met you two... I always felt my actions could never be good enough and... I hated myself for it..." Lyon turned his gaze to Eirika who had remained silent for the moment, her brows furrowed as tears leaked down her cheeks, he gave her a look mixed with confusion and concern "Eirika..."

"Ephraim's right." She suddenly spoke up as she tried to wipe away the tears across her cheek "I always looked up to you for your intelligence. You taught me all I know of magic, I never would have made it this far without it... You even saved my life... So please... Don't hate yourself!" She pleaded with him, her eyes a look of grief and sadness.

Lyon looked at the ground in front of him in contemplation and a smile appeared across his face "Heh... Thank you... Both of you. I would never have known what true friendship was until I met the two of you... I'm... Glad- Geh ugh!" Lyon reached a hand up to his face as his body lurched over and began to convulse "I'm... Sorry... My time... Is up... Ack!" Lyon collapsed to his knees as he gripped his head with his right hand "Arrrrgh!" He screamed out in pain as he scraped the ground with left hand in pain.

"N-No! Lyon!" Eirika screamed and went to run up to him, she didn't want to lose him, but Ephraim held her back.

"I'm sorry, Eirika... It's too late." Ephraim tried to calm her so she could focus on the Demon King, his hands wrapped around her upper arms.

"Let me go! Please! Lyon needs me!" She pleaded with tears streaming down her cheeks. Eirika didn't know how she was going to help him, all this time to think on it and she still didn't know and it hurt so much, she felt as if her heart was being being twisted.

Innes narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms "Tsh... What does she see in him?" He muttered under his breath, a hint jealousy in his words.

"Hm..." Seth had a look of understanding, it was a while ago now that he had confessed his feelings for her after some peer pressure of course, but she had turned him down. He was one to keep his emotions in check, he was a knight, but he could read people very well - Her heart was with Lyon.

"Eirika..." L'Arachel said solemnly as she stood next to her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Heh-heh-heh-Hah-hah-hah! It's good to see you all again! How fare ye, Mortals?" 'Lyon' chuckled amusedly as he got to his feet with his head arched backward and then set his eyes on Eirika "Aw, dry those tears, he was hardly worth getting worked up over in the first place." He said smugly "Anyway... Let's get this started. I have a ritual to complete... And some nuisances to kill." He dismissed and raised his hand above his head, a bright glyph appearing underneath him, his body soon disappeared and an eerie silence was cast over the group.

"We need to remain vigilant." Duessel advised. Almost immediately afterwards a series of blackened glyphs appeared in front of them. Several Skeleton's and Gorgon's appeared before them, the latter further inside down the two corridors leading deeper into the tomb.

"Come on, Eirika, you must keep your wits about you." Ephraim advised "We have to stick together."

"R-Right..." Eirika replied hesitantly as she drew her sword. The group of would be heroes began to cut, blast and charge their way through the enemy trying to reach the Demon King. Hopefully before he can finish the ritual. Several groups of summoned beasts appeared before them as they continued to make their way deeper.

Ephraim and Seth stuck close to Eirika, guarding her flanks as she seemed to be getting careless, she wasn't focussing with all that she had to take in. Lyon said he did this to save humanity and so that another might not be possessed, how long had he been planning this? She didn't want to believe that he couldn't be saved, it was knowledge that began to eat away at her, casting doubt over everything. She had never felt so powerless.

Eirika's group continued to push forward, cutting down Skeleton Warriors, Skeleton Archers and Gorgon's alike, it was a gruelling effort that seemed to have no end and they were making little ground. Even still, a little ground now and then was better than none at all. If they failed here, it would mean the end of not only Magvel, but for the rest of the world.

Just as they seemed to be making headway from passing the two narrow corridors, the unfortunate happened, a Bone Dragon much like the last one, had appeared before them. And this one seemed to be a lot more agile then the last one they had faced, the Demon King was not going to make this easy on them. Her brother and several other of the melee fighters we're trying their best to hold it off until their magic users could finish it off.

Eirika had begun to slow down after the long battle, her breathing quickening, a bead of sweat dripping down the side of her face. Eirika knew using Ivaldi was going to drain her even more than she was, and with the Demon King close by, she couldn't afford to use so much energy.

"Princess Eirika!" Moulder, dressed in white robes, called out as he made his way quickly to her. Saleh and L'Arachel caught up with her as well as they each held tomes of light magic in their hands "We will aid you. I suggest us each use a Purge tome on it." Moulder advised.

"I will assist in whatever way I can." Eirika's faithful Archangel companion assured her.

Eirika nodded her head to the experienced Bishop, it was going to take a team effort to bring this Bone Dragon down. The four of them began to charge their "Purge" tomes with their magical energies as the melee forces focussed on stalling it. Their efforts went rewarded as the high tier light magic obliterated the Bone Dragon and cleared the way for them to proceed.

Eirika's company came into contact with even more Skeleton's and Gorgon's that they began to dispatch. Ephraim and Eirika continued to push forward as they made their way to the end of the enormous room. A large stairway in front of them where the Demon King was no doubt residing. Eirika cut down a Skeleton with a swift stroke of the bladed edge of her sword, and for a moment it seemed their way had been cleared.

"Sister! Move!" Ephraim called out to her and pushed her out of the way of incoming beam of light. Eirika fell to the ground on her hands as the beam caught both her Summon and Ephraim, sending them flying back and then rolling to a stop unceremoniously.

"Heh-heh-heh! Oh, I've always wondered what it would feel like to use Light Magic in reprisal against the forces of Good itself." 'Lyon's' voice echoed out over the carnage and battle that continued to wage in the background as if it didn't even phase his voice. 'Lyon' made his way casually down several steps and looked over his targets with a smug grin plastered over his face.

Eirika began to get to her feet, using a hand on her knee to force herself to stand. Ephraim and her Summon weren't so fortunate and took much longer to get to their feet. Eirika checked up on them and they seemed to be alright for now, but couldn't take much more from what she could tell.

"Truly wonderful, wouldn't you agree, Princess?" 'Lyon' continued as Eirika looked up at him with a scowl "How does it feel to have Lyon's own magic used against you?" He chuckled madly "I guess even someone as worthless as him has his uses."

"Sh-Shut your mouth, you bastard!" She retorted in anger, her sword held in front of her.

"O~ho~ho~! Touchy are we?" He chided as he continued down the stairs again towards Eirika. Eirika shuffled back on her feet as she tried to make distance.

"Demon King! Don't even think about touching her!" Seth shouted as he ran up to challenge the Demon King spear in hand, having dealt with several scores of undead he had finally made a break through to them.

'Lyon' merely chuckled at his presence "Heh... Ah, ever the Loyal Puppet. You chivalrous types really do get on my nerves." 'Lyon' raised his arm up in front of him, pointing his hand towards Seth, Ephraim and Archangel, the latter two having finally made it to their feet. The Demon King then shot a menacing smirk in Eirika's direction "Please... Stop me if you've heard this one before." He challenged with a menacing smirk.

With a swipe of his hand a large blackened glyph appeared in front of him and a wind picked up around the area as if they were out in open. Seth braved for whatever was to come his way as he gripped his spear tightly.

Eirika furrowed her brows as she wondered what the Demon King could mean, until it hit her what he was going to do '_That's... No! It can't be!_' Her eyes went wide and her mouth agape in fear as the scene before her played out all too familiarly. Eirika called out for them to run, but Seth had too much momentum in his sprint to protect Eirika and was too late to make a back track.

Eirika braced herself for the spell that she knew was coming and covered her face with her arms, she prayed that she would survive this, "Naglfar!" 'Lyon' called out and and a dark haze appeared overhead as dark purple bolts of lightning shot through it, narrowly missing Ephraim and Archangel, but Seth was not so lucky as he was struck by one that sent him flying backward with a pained yell. Not a moment later a massive whirlwind gathered and threw Seth, Ephraim and Archangel even further.

For some reason as Eirika kept her eyes closed, she didn't feel any pain or even the whirlwind that was surely brushing over her, and the last bolts of lightning didn't seem to be hitting her at all. Eirika opened her eyes to see a thin white barrier around herself and the Fire Emblem glowing as if it had reacted on instinct to attack. '_What... What was that?_' Eirika thought with bewilderment.

'Lyon' looked at her with narrowed eyes "Tsh. You are a lucky one indeed..." He said in anger having his attack somehow being repelled. In an instant he was in front of Eirika who tried to react but was grabbed by the arm and thrown across the ground, "I guess if my magic is not able to harm you, I will just have to do this the old fashioned way."

Eirika got to her feet and held her sword in front of her with a look of anger, the Demon King simply smirked at her resolve which only sought to add to her anger even more. 'Lyon' chuckled at her frustrations "Such fire in those eyes... And yet... You can't find it in yourself to attack me... After all, I wear the face of your dear old friend." He mused at her internal struggle "What are you waiting for? Attack me." He goaded with a hand.

Eirika was faced with a choice, and it was a choice she couldn't make, if she killed the Demon King she would be killing Lyon in the process. '_I... What should I do? I can't... I can't kill him..._' An overwhelming feeling of sadness threatened to engulf her. In the meantime with her internal struggle, her brother and the others were caught up in a battle as summoned creatures continued to assault them. She was alone. Eirika backed up against the wall as the Demon King continued his approach to her, there was nowhere for her to go.

A dark aura suddenly appeared around the Demon King and he put a hand over his face as if he was struggling with something "Tsh! N-No! Not now, you worm!" He yelled as he collapsed to the ground "W-Why don't you just give yourself up?!"

"I won't... Let you hurt her." Lyon struggled to say as he seemed to have retaken control over himself.

"L-Lyon?" Eirika questioned in complete confusion.

"I WILL KILL HER!" The Demon Kings voice rang out in anger as a black spirit-like visage emerged from Lyon.

"I'll never... Let you harm her... Not so long as I can still resist you." He replied to the entity before the dark spirit seemed to disappear completely.

"Lyon...? Is it really you?" Eirika looked at him in bewilderment and hopefulness.

Lyon nodded his head to confirm it was him as he smiled up at her "Yeah..."

Ephraim had managed to fight his way through the last summons and was wondering what was going on until he saw Eirika make for a sprint to Lyon and kneeled down in front of him. Lyon stood up again followed soon by Eirika helping him up. But for all he knew, it was still the Demon King "Eirika! Stop!" He called out to her.

"It's fine, brother, it's Lyon." She reassured him. Ephraim for the life of him couldn't tell what was going on. The company also began catching up but Eirika didn't seem to notice them.

"E-Eirika... Please listen to me..." Lyon urged, he seemed exhausted.

"Yes... Lyon... I'm listening." Eirika assured him as she stood in front of him with eyes full of worry.

Lyon looked at the ground as he began to form a sentence "The necklace... I gave it to you because it was a family heirloom from my mother." He confessed to her.

"Y-Your mothers? The Fire Emblem?" She questioned as she held it in her hand and looked up at him with curiosity.

"Yes. But... I thought it could also keep you safe. I later found out it was the only way to defeat the Demon King for good... I was hoping you could find someone able to use it. I was able to keep it a secret, sealing the memory of it from him with my magic. He doesn't know about it." He explained.

"But... I don't know how to use the Fire Emblem..." She replied in doubt.

Lyon looked up at her "Remember when I told you the ability to summon beings from the Realm of the Angels was rare?" He asked her, Eirika simply nodded to say she remembered "Well, it is rare, extremely rare. Besides me and my late mother, you're the only person I know able to do so. Which means; you can use the Fire Emblem." He placed a hand on her shoulder and looked at her with sincere eyes "Just believe in yourself and it will come to you. I promise." He assured her.

"I... I see." She replied solemnly.

"I have a favour to ask of you..." Lyon said as he stared into her cerulean eyes with a look of sadness.

Eirika stared back into his eyes, she couldn't help but feel something was wrong, like she wasn't going to like this "Y-Yes... What is it?" She questioned. Lyon reached his hand out and gently held her right forearm, Eirika's eyes trailed to where his hand was, and then he brought her arm up with her sword still in it and pointed the sword just below his ribcage. Eirika's eyes widened in realisation of what he was asking her to do and she shook her head "N-No. Lyon, I can't." She said in apprehension and fear.

"Eirika... Please... This is the only way to defeat the Demon K-" He began to explain.

"-I... I don't care! I c-can't do this! I-I can't lose you!" Eirika lowered her face as tears began to spill down her cheeks "I came here to free you..." She shook her head again. She couldn't accept this was how it had to be... Lyon meant so much to her, he was her best friend and she couldn't let him go no matter what "There... There has to be another way!"

"Eirika..." Lyon placed his right hand over her cheek and brushed away her tears, and then lifted her head up so that she was looking into his eyes again "Please, do this for me... This is the only way to free me." He tried to reason with her with pleading eyes.

Tears looking up at him as all the emotions burst from her all at once "B-But... I can't... You're my best friend... You mean everything to me!" Eirika exclaimed in desperation.

"That's why I... Want you to be the one to do it..." Lyon affirmed with a warm smile. Eirika lowered her head again as her sword was still pointed at him, the sword shaking as her hand wavered. She couldn't look him in the face. "Eirika..." She said softly "Please... Before he takes me over again... Geh!" Lyon shook his head as he tried to keep the Demon King at bay.

Eirika remained silent for a moment as tears continued to spill down her face. If she didn't do this, the Demon King will continue to cause him pain, she'd never forgive herself for that. But it was still so hard. Her happiest moments were with him. "I-I'm sorry..." She apologised. She knew what she had to do, she just wished he could stay, she needed him to stay "I-I'll try to make it as painless as possible..."

"Thank you... Eirika... This means a lot." Lyon replied a tone of relief.

Lyon closed his eyes as he waited for the blow to end his life. It happened so fast that time seemed to slow for the both of them. Lyon's eyes opened wide as a surge of pain shot through him, no matter how the blow was struck, the magicked steel was going to be painful. Eirika looked up at the pained expression on his face and broke out into even more tears as she grabbed his cloak with her free hand and then buried her head into them "I'm s-so sorry! Lyon!" She cried out to him.

"No... I'm the one... Who should be sorry... For making you cry." Lyon said as black haze appeared around him, then left his body and sped away to the back of the room and disappeared, Lyon's legs gave way soon after as Eirika tried to steady him. The two of them kneeled on the ground, Eirika lowered him down whilst supporting his weight as she continued to cry into his chest "The Demon King... He's finally gone... It's been so long since I've had my body as my own... Thank you... Eirika..." He said as he wrapped his arms around her in an embrace, Eirika quickly reciprocating with an embrace of her own as she held him tightly, not wanting to let go.

Ephraim approached them and kneeled down beside Lyon, opposite to Eirika "You had this all planned from the beginning..." He noted as he clenched his fist on his lap.

"... Sorry..." Lyon replied simply and coughed as a trickle of blood ran down his cheek.

"Lyon! Just hold on! We can still save you!" Eirika soon began to panic as the full realisation of the situation set in for her she laid his body down with his head on her lap and turned to look for the others, anyone that could help, she saw the company standing several metres from her that she only took notice of now "Someone help!" He cried out.

L'Arachel gave her a sympathetic look "Eirika... I'm sorry, there is no recovering from kind of wou-" She replied.

"-But there has to be something we can do!" Eirika pleaded with desperate eyes. She then felt a hand graze her cheek and she turned her head back down to Lyon, a gentle smile across his lips. Eirika reached her hand up held it in her own.

"It's okay..." Lyon said simply as his voice had grown weaker. 'It's okay.' He says, nothing about this seemed okay to her, but there was nothing she could do.

"It's not fair..." She said in defeat.

"I know... But the Demon King has still not been defeated... Use the Fire Emblem... I know... You can do it..." Lyon said in hopefulness. Eirika didn't even react as she kept her head down "Eirika... There's something... I've been wanting to tell you for the longest time... But I've never... Had the courage to do so before..." He said to her, trying to get her attention. Eirika looked up at his face as she wondered what he had been wanting to tell her, his eyes now seemed to be so distant "I have to be honest... Part of me wanted the power of the Demon King... That is why he sought me out..."

Eirika looked at him in bewilderment "Wha-? L-Lyon?" Eirika questioned.

"I wanted to be strong... I wanted to be a Prince... Worthy of you... To be able to stand at your side, always... But... I wanted to keep the Demon King away from you more... I've always... Loved you..." Lyon confessed through ragged breathing.

Eirika's cerulean eyes lit up in shock and sudden realisation '_Lyon... That's... That's what he was trying to tell me all this time?_' It was now so obvious she wondered how she was so oblivious to it before, but she still couldn't see it... They had grown so close to each other since their first meeting it felt like it was only yesterday she first laid eyes on him, she had to admit since then she had always been attracted to him from then on. Every time she saw him her heart would beat faster and she always felt happy to be around him. He was always so caring and she felt reassured just to be around him...

Eirika cursed herself for being so blind. Blind to his suffering.

Lyon's head suddenly lolled to the side as his breathing halted from his lips and his hand lost all grip it had on her own "L-Lyon?" Eirika panicked as she began to shake his body with her free hand "Lyon!" She called out as she tried to get a reaction from him, anything, but there was nothing "N-No... Lyon!" She called out to him again as she placed her hand on his face, new tears streaming down her cheeks "I..." 'You can't go... I love you. I want you by my side forever... Please don't go!' Eirika laid her head down onto his chest as she gripped his cloak tightly.

"Damn it..." Ephraim said through grit teeth as he tried to contain his own emotions.

L'Arachel come over and kneeled down next to Eirika, placing her arm over Eirika's shaking form to try and comfort her. "Eirika..." She said in a soft tone. Tana also came over to comfort her but she made no attempt to speak as she felt her words would be pointless at this time.

Eirika then spoke in a quiet and sobbing voice "I... I l-loved him..." She confessed "And now he'll never know how I felt..."

"... I-I'm sure he knew..." Tana replied as she tried to reassure Eirika.

"No, he doesn't know..." Eirika knew she was too late to tell him, why was she so blind? She felt anger at herself, anger at everything, most especially the Demon King, for taking him away.

A bright light began to shine in the corner of her eye and she raised her head to inspect it, the light came from her sword, still lodged within Lyon's body. The sword then lifted itself from within his body and flipped pointed side up, the four of them looked up in shock and awe before the blade floated until it was directly in front of Eirika.

"... It wants us to continue on..." Ephraim spoke what was on all of their minds, although Eirika was reluctant to continue on. But this was what Lyon wanted... For us to continue and defeat the Demon King once and for all. But it hurt so much...

Eirika placed Lyon's body on the ground and took the blessed sword within her bloodstained grasp "Lyon... I swear... I will avenge you..." She vowed.

A glyph appeared under Lyon's body that blew away those surrounding him as dark beams of energy surrounded him. Lyon's body then began to be suspended high into the air. "What? This..." Ephraim muttered.

"Lyon's body is..." Eirika looked up at Lyon's body in horror at what could be happening now, wasn't Lyon's struggle and death enough? '_What did Lyon do that could make him go through such things?_' Lyon's body then disappeared and the glyph faded. '_He hasn't done anything wrong!_'

The sound of thunder cracking could be heard from above the stairs as a darkness washed over the entire room "...The time has come... My resurrection is at hand... Now, humans... Lament your fate. Weep for the dead. Despair for the living. Wail and tremble in grief. Grovel in awe and fear. I am returned." The booming voice of the Demon King echoed throughout the large room, the darkness ebbed away giving light back into the room and Eirika's company rushed forward to see where the Demon King was.

Ascending the stairs they soon came to see a large creature shrouded in the darkness that continued to ebb away, giving way to it's monstrous features. The Demon King stood on all fours as it towered over all who opposed it, long muscular arms and legs ending in claws with which to eviscerate anything and everything. It's tail seemed easily as long as the rest of it's body, and it's head was like like that of a Baalor, only it's horns were much larger, it's teeth protruded from it's maw in a skewed manner and the skull covered only half of it's head. Together with it's black scale-like hide it made the Baalor seem paltry in comparison.

"Is... Is that... The Demon King?" Eirika questioned in shock as she gazed upon it, whatever determination and emotion had built up slowly began to give away by how hopeless their chances seemed. The Demon King just looked way to big to take down with swords and bows.

"Eirika." Ephraim voiced in concern for his sister.

Eirika looked at the Demon King in horror, wondering how anything could be so massive and twisted "Brother..." Eirika said in ill-contained fear of what they faced.

"Don't be afraid, Eirika. I'm here. Our friends are here. We have the Fire Emblem, and we have each other. We will not lose. We won't let this bastard get away with what he did to Lyon. We will defeat him." Ephraim encouraged

"Yes... You're right, Brother. This is for Lyon." Eirika replied with a nod to her brother.

* * *

Ephraim, Eirika, Seth, Tana and Duessel worked in tandem to damage the Demon King, Innes sending a barrage of arrows at it the moment he could, L'Arachel, Moulder and Saleh worked on bombarding it with high tier spells. With their teamwork it seemed that they had a working strategy for the meantime, but with the Demon Kings mass and power, all it would take was one wrong move to turn the fight into the Demon King's favour.

The Demon King charged and lobbed a massive right hook that Duessel had the unfortunate position of being only slightly in the way of as he tried to dodge, the blow striking him in the shoulder and sending him spinning into a pillar.

The gigantic form of the Demon King stood proudly in all his glory, towering over the band of would-be heroes. His menacing gaze sent a shiver down each one of their backs. "You still seek to defy me." The Demon King mused. L'Arachel went to Duessel's aid to try and give him necessary healing. As she healed him, Duessel grabbed his shoulder and let out a muffled grown as he pulled it back into it's socket, the attack having dislocated it.

"Where did you take Lyon?! I know you did something to him!" Eirika demanded as she held her rapier firmly in front of her.

"Hm... Heh... Heh-heh-hah-hah-hah! Didn't I already tell you, Puny One?" The Demon King said as if the answer was plain.

"Eirika, what the heck is he talking about?" Ephraim questioned, refusing to take his eyes off of his adversary. Eirika simply grit her teeth.

"He is in a place where time and space hold no sway-The Void-Where he will know nothing but utter solitude for all eternity." The Demon King explained. Morva furrowed his brows. "A fitting place for a loner such as he, don't you think? ... Well, he won't be entirely lonely, for that is where I will tear him into pieces, limb by limb, bite by bite. But he will not die, the Void makes sure of that. He will be my torture slave for all eternity! Hahaha~!"

"Like hell you will!" Ephraim cursed "Not unless we beat you here!" He yelled and held his spear in a firm grip, ready and willing to fight "You reign of terror comes to an end today."

"Such bold words, mortal. How can you claim to be better than I, when it is humans that slaughter each other, if not just for sport, then for greed and territory. In fact it was their evil, their selfishness, their willingness to inflict pain on others, their enjoyment of watching others grieve, that gave me life in the first place-I am their just punishment. I am doing them a favour by putting them out of their misery. Heh-heh-heh." The Demon King said as a matter-of-fact.

"You're wrong about humans." Eirika spoke up in determination, causing the Demon King to snort. "We may be evil, we may be selfish, we may cause pain, we may cause sorrow... But we are also good, we are also selfless, we also bring ease to suffering, and comfort those with sorrow. You'll never understand Humans, and that is why you hate them."

"Is that so? Then prove to me the strength of your convictions." The Demon King's eyes began to glow a deep, blood red, then lifted his foreleg up as a purple haze surrounded him. Pillars of dark energy burst from the ground sending Eirika and her friends flying across the room.

The group struggled to their feet as the Demon King loomed over them, crouching on it's back legs it prepared to charge towards the downed Ephraim. Eirika saw what he planning and from her kneeling position she called out to Archangel "Angel! Aid my brother!" She commanded, Archangel wasting no time in breaking into a sprint before throwing her spear at the Demon King like a javelin. Her attack stroke true and lodged itself within the Demon King's neck, causing him to wince and veer to the right, Ephraim taking the opportunity to get himself up off of the ground and dive to his own right, avoiding the charge completely-Or so he thought.

The Demon King's tail whirled around struck Ephraim in chest knocking the wind out of him and sending him flying into the distance and down the flight of steps they had came from.

"Brother!" Eirika cried out as she went to his aid, but L'Arachel said she would handle it and urged her to keep fighting the Demon King. The battle seemed like it would go on for ever, their attacks doing little in terms of damage to it. Even Seth, ever the stout knight, was feeling the effects of fatigue set in.

Eirika clutched her pendant, hoping to summon forth the power within it, but it failed to react to her calling. She would have to try once more to rely on her magic, she prepared her Ivaldi spell with tome in hand and charged whatever energy she could muster into it. The spell went off without a hitch, hitting the Demon King directly as Seth and Duessel held it off.

The Demon King wailed in pain at the attack as he reared on his hind legs. The Demon King let out deep breaths as it turned it's head to face Eirika "Th-That power..." It stuttered in shock.

Eirika wasn't going to take any chances, so she prepared another spell, this taking even more effort than before as she feel her power begin to wane "Come on. Work!" She urged her power into the tome.

"Seems I shan't underestimate the like of thee." The Demon King admitted before turning his body towards the Princess of Renais "You will die here!" The beast began to make into a charge towards her.

"N-No!" Eirika stared down at the tome in desperation "I don't have the energy..." Eirika turn her head downcast as she closed her eyes for the impact.

"Haha! Die!" The Demon King yelled with glee as it continued on it's path.

"Not today!" Ephraim appeared as he charged the beastly form of the Demon King like a cannonball, a white aura bursting from his body weaving a trail behind him. His spear piercing the Demon King's skull with enough force to influence it's trajectory and come to a crashing halt to the right of Eirika. Ephraim backflipped several times in rapid succession before jumping high into the air and colliding his spear into the Demon King's head once again like a comet. Ephraim appeared to be finished with his attack as he jump off the Demon King's head and wiped his forehead with his arm and breathing out in what would be relief. The Demon King's body began to evaporate before their very eyes, signalling his death.

"Brother! You're alright!" Eirika called out to him with a smile on her face.

Ephraim turned his head to her with a smirk as he walked over to his sister to see if she was okay "Of course. You think I'd actually die from an attack like that?" He said in confidence before he saw L'Arachel approaching the two with a quirked brow "Uh... It was with L'Arachel's help of course." He added awkwardly.

Eirika chuckled as she got to her feet, putting her tome away. She then stared at the down Demon King "Do you think it's really dead...?" She questioned.

"I should hope so after that performance." Duessel commended as he approached them, the rest of their company trailing behind him.

Seth nodded approvingly "Excellent work, Milord." He himself added.

Innes remained skeptical with his brows furrowed "And just how did you do it? That was no regular feat." He scrutinised.

"That's true." Ephraim agreed and held up a small glowing gem in his hand "I guess the Sacred Stone has other uses besides sealing the Demon King's soul away." He admitted.

Innes shrugged in acceptance "Seems we needn't have used the Fire Emblem after all." He added as he stared at Eirika's pendant hanging from her neck.

Eirika looked down at the Fire Emblem with her brows knitting together. She approached the decaying body of the Demon King. Lyon had been certain that the only way to defeat the Demon King would be by the Fire Emblem 'Was Lyon wrong...?' She pondered in her mind.

"Hey! Don't look so glum! We beat the Demon King!" Ewan said to Eirika excitedly as he bounced in youthful glee.

Saleh chuckled slightly as he patted Ewan on the head "I believe we did."

The group continued to exchange pleasantries between each other as the battle had come to an end. Eirika was less enthusiastic about the celebrations as she continued to stare at the corpse of the Demon King. As the last of his corpse began to disappear, she breathed a sigh of relief 'Perhaps this really is the end of the Demon King...' But as quick as the thought came, she felt an uneasiness a dark energy began to gather in the centre of the enormous room.

"What's happening?!" Seth questioned as the group braced themselves for what was coming next.

"It's him..." Morva muttered in horror.

They never could have predicted what would happen next-a shockwave of raw energy burst forth from the gathered mass, sending them sprawling across the ground. Eirika managed to brace herself as she rolled into crouch, preventing her from flying back even further.

The shadowy figure of a man appeared in the centre of the room as dark energies continue to surround him. They could do nothing but look on in horror, having believed they had defeated him already "Heh-heh-heh... Oh, the look of terror upon your faces fills me with nothing but joy." The Demon King said with glee.

Eirika wobbled as she stood up, trying to raise some sort of defence in case he went on the attack at any moment. "Eirika! Run!" Her brother called out to her. The others following suit in calling out to her. Turning her head she saw her friends behind a barrier, banging on it, trying to break through to no avail. Eirika began to panic as she sprinted towards them, only to be prevented from reaching them with the barrier in place, she realised now that she was trapped inside this bubble of energy... With that thing. Her hands placed on the barrier she could see her brother standing just beyond it with an expression of fear on his face... For her, as he tried to find a way through.

"There is no escape." The Demon King spoke up, causing her to turn around as she saw him pacing slowly towards her, enjoying every moment of the state she was in, Eirika taking a step backwards as her back pressed up against the barrier. The darkness surrounding the Demon King began to fade until it was just a thin veil over his body, revealing a tall human form. His long, jet black hair fell down over chaotic-looking black plate armour that covered him from his neck to his feet, what stood out was his deep blood-red irises and a large pair of black, leathery wings that were the only signal of him being anything but human. Eirika looked at him in shock, expecting anything other than a human form. Finally, he held a black longsword in his hand with a red gem in placed in the guard.

"Are you surprised?" He chuckled "This is my true form. I was created by the evil held in mans heart, after all. Although I do love to instil terror into the hearts of others in my previous form. Hehehe..."

Eirika drew her rapier and wielded it in a firm but shaky grip 'What do I do now? I can't beat him...' She thought as the shouting of her friends became muffled within in background.

The Demon King stopped several paces in front of her, confidence oozing from him in the form of the dark aura that surrounded him "Still wish to attack me, huh? A commendable, yet futile endeavour." He taunted.

Eirika closed her eyes and shook her head, trying to get rid of her fear 'No... I can't give up... Lyon is counting on me...' Were Eirika's thoughts as she tried to steel herself. Eirika made a preemptive charge towards him, striking out with her blade, only for it to be deflected effortlessly in one parry, exposing her body to a swift kick in the stomach that sent her rolling across the stone floor.

"Humans truly are feeble creatures... Lyon thought he could put a stop to me but he failed-and so will all of you. Just give up." He declared his victory.

Eirika coughed in pain as he struggled to her feet "... I'll never give in to you... You bastard." She cursed him as she stood up, holding an arm over her stomach and her rapier in the other in a guard in front of her.

"Hahaha! Such harsh words, Princess." A cruel smirk made it's way across his face "You know... Whenever Lyon felt like he was going to go crazy, he'd simply think of you. The poor, poor fool."

"Shut up..." Eirika shook her head, trying to hide away from his sinister voice that was like a dagger to her soul.

"I may be a bastard, but you're the cold-hearted, bitch, who ran him through!" He exclaimed. Eirika felt a pang of guilt that felt like a knife through her heart as she watched him musing at her. "Hahaha! The foolish boy was in love with you, knowing you'd never return it, and then you stabbed him in the heart! Way to add insult to injury! How awful!" He said in a dramatic, mocking tone with a hand to his chest.

"I said shut up!" Eirika yelled as she lunged for him once again with her rapier, the Demon King merely grabbing the blade in his offhand as he looked at her with a smug grin. Tears began trailing down her face, the Demon King's word having struck home, just the way he had planned.

The Demon King's eyes widened in realisation "Pffff-hahaha! Wait! You did love him! ... Does he know?" He questioned, Eirika pulled on her sword trying to get it free "I take that as a 'No'. Haha. This just makes it even better! I do love a bitter ending!" He asserted with pride, finally releasing her blade.

Eirika stumbled back and then steadied herself, a look of pure hatred in her eyes as she glared at him. Eirika attacked him with swift and angry blows that were easily blocked by the Demon King's swordsmanship. Her attacks were as he said, futile, but in her anger and hatred for the one in front of her, she kept attacking-fuelled by nothing but adrenaline.

"Pointless." The Demon King said simply, having had enough of her outburst and back-handed her across the face so she was once again sprawling across the ground "I've had my fun with you, so I believe now is the time to end this." He proceeded to walk up to her.

Eirika scrambled to her feet as she held a hand to her face, her vision blurry. To her shock she could no longer see the Demon King "Wha- Where?" She stuttered out. Eirika felt a cold object plunge through her back that made it's way through her sternum in an instant, looking down her face shifted to that of horror and fear as she saw the tip of a blade protruding from her chest, an unbearable pain following shortly after as the sword clutched in her hand cluttered to the ground. She soon felt her feet leave solid ground as she was lifted into the air.

Eirika tried to scream out but her voice had failed her, she wanted to kick out and somehow bring herself to the ground again but her strength had left her, the screaming and shouting of her friends fading from her senses as her sense of hearing continued to dim, and finally her vision ebbing away as her sight dulled. As a coldness filled her entire body she was left with these chilling words from the Demon King "Surrender yourself to oblivion."


End file.

Fire Emblem, Friendship, Romance