Marth x Marin - Chapter I: A New Journey

Prelude


It is said that dreams are resilient, and that they are destined to end, either by fulfillment, or awakening to a harsh reality. Do these dreams eventually become reality? Or do they become the very reason we grieve? But most importantly, what is a dream that never ends?
A nightmare.



Chapter I: A New Journey


Peaceful times had at least come to Altea. With the threat of Medeus put to an end, and Gharnef's plans stopped, the whole continent could enjoy the atmosphere of tranquility. In such times, there was no need for a hero – and so the Falchion was put to rest, and the Fire Emblem kept under the safe guard of one of Princess Nyna's most trusted confidants.


"Sire, are you sure you'll be alright traveling with just Cain and Abel?" Inquired Jagen, hints of worry being expressed through his aged features. Since the end of the war, and the start of reconstruction in Altea, Marth hadn't gotten much time to himself, let alone much time to travel. Time away from the confines of the castle could do him some good, surely, though he wasn't one to stray away from his responsibilities all too willingly. There was much persuasion that was needed. "Jagen, you have no need to worry. We are just traveling to Talis. We will return shortly, it is but a short trip by ship from here."



A soft smile from him was all it took to ease the concern out of his features. "But I thank you for your concern." The old man really looked out for the prince – more so than just under the service of his country. As much as Marth enjoyed his company, he could see that the war had taken every last bit of youthfulness he had still maintained. After all Jagen had done for Altea, it wouldn't be right to request his presence in anything that could potentially be laborious. "I understand, sire. May Anri be with you in your travels!" Well, Anri was always with Marth. He was his descendant, after all!
"Farewell, Jagen!" The docks awaited Marth, and it was likely that Cain and Abel had grown slightly impatient with him by now. Being greeted by the sea, he'd soon find a vessel with his allies boarded already. "Ah, there you are, Lord Marth!" Cain called from the ship, as the prince boarded. "Hey! Don't distract him when he's about to board! I'm sorry, sire." Snapped Abel. Some things just never changed - including the argumentativeness between his two friends. Shaking his head while fighting a grin, Marth would refuse the apology. "No, no. It should be me apologizing. I'm sorry I'm late. It seems that I'd fallen a bit busy taking care of last minute preparations, and lost track of time while doing so." "Sire, please don't take it upon yourself to worry. We understand." Abel replied.



He'd say nothing more, simply giving a nod. Despite being his friends, they still held such a courteous nature towards him - but when he was crown prince of the very land they lived in, what more could he expect? "My Lord, shall we set sail?" The captain had finally took notice of Marth's presence on board. "If all preparations are concluded, then, please, do so!" There was a slight apprehensiveness the prince felt as the ship set into motion, and out of the docks. Though it was certainly nice to escape his busy schedule to visit his beloved princess in Talis, there was just something that...worried him. He'd give a soft sigh.



"Does something trouble you, sire?" It caught him a little off guard that Abel had noticed - considering he was usually butting heads with Cain at this point. He'd simply shake his head, steadily settling his gaze to the sea beneath them. "I cannot say anything particularly does. Perhaps I am just a bit worried about leaving Altea during such a crucial time. But I am sure in time this feeling will fade." "Don't trouble yourself too much, sire. Sometimes it is best to take a moment to relax, if but for a little while." "...Thank you, Abel." "Of course, sire."



He found some comfort in the knight's words, but there was still something he sensed that worried him. The atmosphere wasn't as carefree as it should have been...almost like trouble was beginning to brew the second he set foot on the ship. Even with a few hours of sailing, this feeling did not fade...



"Sire, please brace yourself for some impact shortly." The captain stated suddenly. As the prince's azure hues flitted about sea, he pondered the captain's warning. The sea stirred somewhat harshly, but it was nothing that seemed to raise much concern. But as his gaze caught the sky, he suddenly understood. Dark clouds loomed above them, threatening to storm any minute. Could the ship honestly stand against the violent waves this would provoke?



It wasn't too long after the captain's warning that things took a turn for the worse. Heavy rain beat against them, as strong winds kicked up waves violent enough to ravage the ship. Cain, Abel, and Marth all headed for the center, to grab hold of the rope that wrapped around the steady structure that held up the crow's nest. It wasn't a pleasant experience, to say the least - as the ship struggled to stay afloat. Desperately, the captain tried to steer away from the violence of the waves, but it was to no avail. Water was already washing over the deck!



"Captain, it is useless! Please, brace for impact as well!" The prince shouted. But the captain was devoted to allowing at least them to make it out of this - even at his expense. Marth attempted to reach out toward the captain to encourage him to brace himself, as well, but in that event something terrible happened. A loud crash was heard, the ship had succumbed to the blows of the waves! They were going to sink!



Startled by the sound, the prince involuntarily let go of the post, as the ship attempted to climb an impossibly large wave. With a lack of grounding to hold him against gravity, he fell to an inevitable meet with the sea, despite Cain and Abel's attempts to take hold of him. "Prince Marth!" He never felt the sensation of being submerged in the sea. Everything went black before he hit the water...