Phoenix Emblem

A Ranma ½ Fire Emblem Crossover

Chapter Eight: A Night of Discussions

Beta read by: JSB

“English”

‘Thought’

“Japanese”

123454321

Giles admired the room that Marquess Hibiki led them to. The dining area had a long table that could seat fourteen people made of expensive hardwood. Each chair around the table seemed to be made with the utmost care, something expected of a Lycian noble. The walls were lined with paintings of various subjects, bordered by red curtains. There were a few suits of armor standing along the walls as if they were keeping vigilance over the room.

Ryoga led the group that helped to save his territory to the table. “Please, be seated.”

Giles shrugged and chose a spot not to far from the head where he assumed the Marquess would sit (the fanciest chair of the table was his big clue). Lyn sat at one of the two seats next to the head with her Aunt Kasumi next to her. Ukyo chose to sit in the other chair next to the head, across from Lyn, and next to Giles. Kent sat next to Kasumi, Sain sitting next to him, both wanting to be near Lyn and her aunt just in case something unfortunate happened.

Leah chose a spot far on the other side of the table, away from the main group. She pointed her knife at the seat across, motioning for Matthew to sit. Matthew started to object, but a glare from Leah stopped any words from coming out of his mouth. Serra sat next to Giles, which happened to be on the same side with Leah. Serra had dragged Erk to sit next to her. The purple haired mage was less than ecstatic with that but was partially relieved when Dorcas sat between him and Leah, becoming a buffer, shielding him from the female thief. Wil filled in the empty spot across from Dorcas. Embarrassed, Florina seated herself in the lone seat at the other end of the table from the Marquess, between Leah and Matthew.

Ryoga quietly cleared his throat. “I, Ryoga Hibiki, welcome you to Arapham. It is an honor to meet you all.”

Lyn stood up and bowed. “It is an honor being here Marquess Hibiki. We are all weary from our travels and appreciate your hospitality.”

Giles grinned. “And judging from the smells coming from your kitchen, the food too.” The tactician suddenly felt the elbow of Ukyo hitting him in the side.

Ryoga chuckled. “It’s alright, Ukyo. I’m sure everyone here is hungry for some good food.”

Giles rubbed the spot where his neighbor elbowed him, trying to ease the pain. “You didn’t have to hit that hard.”

Wil looked around, seeming to be searching for someone. “Marquess Hibiki, where’s Rath?”

Ukyo smiled. “Rath prefers to eat with his men. He says it promotes bonding.”

Giles looked at Ukyo a bit strangely. “If you don’t mind me asking, what is your connection with the Marquess? You sound like you are very familiar with this place.”

“I actually have been living here for a while,” Ukyo stated. “I stopped wandering around about a year ago.”

Serra looked shocked. “How can someone such as yourself live in such a glamorous place and act like you do? You should have at least learned some manners and mannerisms of a lady of the court.”

Ukyo started to crack her knuckles fully expressing her want to make Serra a pancake. Giles chuckled slightly while glancing around the table. Matthew was looking like he was plotting his escape, but that was very unlikely with Leah keeping a close eye on him, even while she was conversing with Florina. Dorcas and Erk were having a polite conversation concerning some of their experiences. Wil was looking like he was anxiously anticipating the food while Kent and Sain sat there patiently. Well, actually, Kent was waiting patiently while Sain was drumming his fingers on the table in boredom.

Giles turned his attention towards the Marquess. “Excuse me, Marquess Hibiki, but I am sure Ukyo has explained our situation to you. May I be so bold as to ask for your support in our cause?”

Ryoga started to chuckle. “Such a fancy way to ask for some help. You’ll find, Giles, that I am not like many of the nobility you may have encountered. Of course I’ll help Lyn in her quest.”

Kasumi smiled. “Thank you Ryoga.”

Ryoga looked over his shoulder and saw one of his servants walk into the room with a tray of food. “Ah, I see the food’s ready. Let us feast.”

123454321

After the meal was done, everyone retired to rooms that were provided by the Marquess. This allowed Ryoga, Ukyo, and Kasumi to sit down and have some time catch up with each other.

“I’m sorry about your tribe Kasumi,” Ryoga said with sympathy. He had dressed in more casual clothing for the night. “That must have been very rough for you.”

Kasumi slowly nodded. “It was. Now all I have is Lyn, and I don’t want anything to happen to her.”

“You haven’t heard anything from Nabiki or Akane?” Ryoga asked curiously.

Kasumi shook her head. “Not one thing. Of course while with the Lorca we didn’t get much word from the other countries, so I’m not too surprised. I had hoped luck would go my way and I would meet up with them by chance, but that hasn’t happened yet.” Kasumi looked at Ryoga. “What about the others? Shampoo, Mousse, Kuno, and… Ranma. Have you heard anything?”

Ryoga leaned back in his chair. “No. That girl, Leah, seems to be a clue as to what happened to Ranma though.”

“She doesn’t know Japanese,” Ukyo pointed out. “Plus she doesn’t change with warm water. Just because she looks like Ran-chan’s female side doesn’t mean-”

Ryoga put a hand up to stop her. “True, but remember about the ladle Herb had? It locked Ranma in his cursed form. And remember, that strange light centered on Ranma when it entered the room. It may have reacted with his curse.”

Kasumi nodded. “That is true.” Kasumi smiled. “You seem so much more mature Ryoga. I guess being a lord has really changed you.”

Ryoga smiled nervously. “Yeah… I guess. Though I still can get lost easily.”

“I remember Rath mentioning a crystal,” Kasumi noted. “Is that what you have been using to find your way around?”

Ryoga nodded. “It’s actually two crystals. One for direction, the other to nullify the effects of my Jusenkyo curse.”

Kasumi’s mood slightly darkened. “I still haven’t forgiven you for keeping it a secret from my sister, Ryoga. She was very upset with you.”

Ryoga slightly lowered his head. “And she has every right to be. I only hope she can forgive me someday.”

Ukyo slapped Ryoga on the back. “I’m sure she will. It’s getting late Kasumi. Maybe you should go to bed. It may be a while before we can sleep in a comfy bed again. Better take advantage while we can.”

Kasumi nodded as she stood up. “I am getting a bit tired. I think you’re right, I will retire for the night.”

Ryoga stood up and hugged Kasumi. “It is good to see you again. We’ll talk some more before you head off tomorrow. Have a good night Kasumi.”

Kasumi smiled. “You too Ryoga.”

Ukyo watched Kasumi go down the hall towards her room. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell her Ryoga,” she said just loud enough for Ryoga to hear. “Of all of us, she deserves to know the most.”

Ryoga shook his head. “It would break her heart. You know that.”

“With everything she’s been through she would welcome any news,” Ukyo countered. “Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean she will either.” Ukyo glared at Ryoga. “Or is it you’re hoping she will change and choose you instead?”

“Like you’re still holding a flame for Ranma?” Ryoga spat back.

Ukyo crossed her arms. “So what if I am? At least I have a shot.”

“If you swing the other way,” Ryoga countered. “Cause it doesn’t look like she’s changing anytime soon.”

Ukyo slapped Ryoga. “You stubborn pig.” Ukyo stormed off to her room. Ryoga just watched her walk off.

123454321

Sain smiled as he laid on the bed that was provided for him. “Ah, this is the life. No watch to stand, a warm bed, and a good meal in our stomachs. The only thing missing is a beautiful lady to share the evening with."

Kent shook his head. “Is that all you think about, Sain? There is more to life than food and women.”

Sain smiled. “Yes there is. You forgot the ale.”

Kent shook his head. “Why do I try?”

Sain smirked. “You know why. We’ve been together for far too long.” Sain scratched his chin. “Quite an interesting night tonight, wouldn’t you say?”

Kent nodded. “To think that Ukyo is a lady of this court. That was a very interesting revelation.”

Sain nodded. “And Lundgren doesn’t like this marquess either. And he is willing to help us.”

“His help will be limited,” Kent stated. “As a Marquess he will have to balance home defense and politics at the same time. He cannot start an open war with Lundgren without suffering from backlash of the other Marquees.”

Sain shrugged. “That’s why I’m a soldier and not a noble. I can’t deal with all of that. I prefer to spend my time looking at beautiful ladies versus diplomatic treaties.” Sain crawled under his sheet. “We better enjoy our time in the lap of luxury, my friend. Good night.”

Kent mulled over a few thoughts going into his bed. Thoughts about how they were going to get to Caelin, and how much help Marques Habiki was going to give Lady Lyndis.

123454321

“I cannot believe they let some commoner like yourself share a room with me, a lady in high regard with Ostia,” Serra stated with anger in her voice. “I ordered them to not-”

“Will ya shaddup?” Leah nearly yelled. “I am tired, cranky, and want nothin’ more than to get some decent shuteye.” Leah slightly growled. “Can’t believe they stuck you with me. This is ridiculous.”

“I see that we agree on one thing,” Serra said while getting ready for bed. “I will advise you this. Do not think about harming, or even touching me while I rest. I am to arrive to Ostia unharmed as per our agreement, understand?”

Serra became irritated when Leah didn’t answer. Turning around she saw that Leah was already asleep. “You’re supposed to make sure I am not harmed,” Serra said softly, irritated. “How are you supposed to do that asleep?” Serra slid into her bed. “It seems I overpaid for your services.”

123454321

“I think you two should consider letting me go.”

Wil and Dorcas looked at each other. “Why?” Dorcas asked innocently.

Matthew, who was currently tied up and lying against the floor on the far side of the room, groaned. “Because this isn’t right,” he said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Wil went up to the thief and looked right in his eyes. “We have several reasons for not letting you go. One, you were spying on Lady Lyndis and won’t tell us why. Two, you have tried several times to get away from us.”

“Giles said to do this, and that is reason enough,” Dorcas stated. “Giles will talk to you in the morning, and if you want this treatment to end, it would be wise to explain yourself then. Until then, have a good night.”

As Wil and Dorcas slumbered, Matthew smirked. ‘Getting in this group was easier than I thought. Now not being discovered, that is the tricky part.’

123454321

Florina and Lyn were quite tired themselves and they prepared to retire. “Lyn?”

“Yes Florina?”

“When we get to Caelin, what are you going to do?”

Lyn paused for a moment. “I have not thought much about that. I want to see my grandfather, but I know my granduncle will not be pleased to see me. He may even try to kill me as soon as we arrive.”

“Will you fight him?” Florina asked worriedly.

“If he raises arms against me, I will. I have come a long way to see my grandfather, and I do not intend on lying down as soon as I arrive. If my granduncle wants a fight over something as petty as power or a throne, then it shows what kind of man he truly is.” Lyn looked towards the window. “I detest men like him, letting their greed overrule their actions. It is men like him that corrupt others, spreading their filth. My granduncle, The Taliver bandits, people like them do not deserve mercy.” Lyn sighed heavily. “I’m sorry Florina, I shouldn’t have-”

Florina placed a hand on Lyn’s shoulder, stopping her in mid sentence. “It’s alright.”

Lyn smiled. “You’re a good friend Florina.” Lyn yawned. “Maybe we should retire for the night. I am very tired.”

123454321

Giles and Erk went to bed, both not wasting much time with talking. Giles wanted a comfortable bed to lie on and finally have a chance to sort out the events of the day. Erk was happy he wasn’t around Leah and Serra for a while.

Giles and Erk slept soundly, both dreaming of being in better worlds, where certain people no longer existed.

“Damn shaman, Damn Demona,” Giles mumbled in his sleep.

“I wasn’t getting paid enough,” Erk mumbled in his sleep.

123454321

The next morning, Giles and Matthew were sitting across from each other at the breakfast table. “Matthew,” Giles started. “I do appreciate the help you gave us yesterday against Lundgren’s forces, but you still haven’t given us a reason on why you were watching us so intently. As you can see, I was very lax with you last night, mostly as a test, and I can see you want to stay with us. And now I ask why. Why are you tailing us?”

Matthew was looking confused. “You call tying me up and having me spend the night in ropes lax?”

Giles smirked. “We tied you up without doing a weapons check, and I know a thief like yourself wouldn’t go anywhere without at least one concealed dagger somewhere on your person. So you could have cut your ropes and slipped out last night. Again, I ask why. Why didn’t you?”

Matthew looked at Giles calmly. “I was hearing rumors about the granddaughter of the Marques of Caelin was traveling with a ragtag group and I was interested. And as to your concern abut me not escaping last night, what would that get me? A wanted poster everywhere I go?”

Giles slowly nodded. “I agree with your point about not escaping last night. But about the rumors, what exactly have you been hearing?”

Matthew shrugged. “Some here and there. Not much talk about them unless you press your ear against the ground. I happen to know a few people who do that sort of thing and they owed me a few favors, so…” Matthew shrugged again.

Giles slowly stoked his chin, which had no facial hair on it so it looked a bit ridiculous. “I see. Maybe you can help us after all.”

Matthew raised an eyebrow. “Come again?”

Giles stood up. “I need your talents of information gathering, Mr. Matthew. You help us, and I can put a good word in with Lady Lyndis about giving you… an ample reward. What do you say to that?”

Matthew thought about that for a few moments. “Sounds fair to me. When do I begin? And can you untie me please? These ropes are chaffing my legs.”

123454321

The group was at the city gate, making final preparations to leave. Ryoga rode up to the group with Ukyo and Rath by his side. “I am sorry you can’t spend a few more days here Lady Lyndis,” Ryoga said with grace.

“I would love to, but I must go to my grandfather before anything can happen to him,” Lyn said with a hint of sorrow.

Ryoga nodded. “I fully understand.” He cleared his throat. “I was talking with my advisors last night and we agreed a large group would not be wise for travel and for taking back Caelin from your granduncle. A small group like this would be best for traversing the terrain, but I will not let you leave unless you take Ukyo and Rath with you.”

Both Lyn and Rath looked shocked. “Lord Hibiki? Who will defend the castle in my absence?” Rath asked confused.

Ryoga smirked. “I can take care of myself Rath. Lady Lyndis needs your help more than I do.”

Rath nodded. “I understand, My Lord. I will personally see to it that Lady Lyndis arrives in Caelin unharmed.”

“I know you will,” Ryoga replied with a smile. “You are a good man.”

“Thank you for everything Lord Hibiki,” Giles said with sincerity.

Ryoga handed Giles a bag. “This isn’t much, but this should be enough to buy enough supplies to get to Caelin. Ukyo also has some more rations and healing supplies for now.” Ryoga sighed. “I would give you more, but I can’t with everything going on. The economy’s in a small slump and I can’t afford to give much more.”

Giles nodded. “I understand, and I again thank you.”

Kasumi hugged Ryoga. “Thank you for everything Ryoga.”

Ryoga blushed. “Aww… don’t mention it.”

Ukyo cleared her throat. “We should get going. The longer we stay here, the longer it will take to get to Caelin.”

Giles nodded. “Alright, if everyone’s ready, let’s get this show on the road.”

A/N: Questions, comments, concerns, complaints, let me know. Until next time, peace!