Dawn of Freedom

Part 1: Crimean Valor

Prologue: Over one thousand years ago, a man united two nations at war and halted the calamity that was to ensue. Now at peace, the nations are once again at the brink of war not because of their hatred but because of their love; what they created. After a thousand years, many things have changed and a third nation showed it's face. This superior nation threatened equality and caused the fear of extinction, leading to conflict.

It is believed that calamity will always be stopped by one person who has the heart to accept all sides. A name is given to children who are believed to have the blood of the hero coursing through their veins. They were said to accomplish great things but none were ever able to do so. In the midst of chaos and want of war, any children with the name were captured and killed. Now the last and only child left that carries the blood of the hero lives peacefully in the islands to the south. Isolated from the war, he is about to have a rude awakening when his destiny calls him. Young Ike will realize that his part in this world is more than just sailing between the islands for his father…

Location: Phoenicies, Eastern Shore

Year: 1763,

Time: Noon (about 12:44 modern)

Chapter 1: Help from the Hawks

The arrow made a thudding noise as it hit its target from about fifteen yards away. It was a perfect shot; aimed at the jugular of a straw target. Ike pulled another no tipped arrow and aimed. He took a deep breath for his next target was more difficult. He locked his eyes at the protruding end of the other arrow and prepared to shoot. The bow string made a straining noise at it was being pulled back and the wind blew slightly to the east making Ike readjust his aim. Ready to fire, he freed the arrow from his grip before being interrupted by a sudden yet calming voice.

"Rachel!" exclaimed Ike.

"Hi Ike, I came to pay you a visit," was her reply.

"You ruined my shot, you know how much my hand had to suffer so I could pinpoint the trajectory?"

"I'm sorry," said Rachel. "Here," she said grabbing Ike's hand, "let me make it feel better." Rachel gave Ike's hand a soft kiss and it made him blush.

"Will you stop doing that!" said Ike.

"Alright," said Rachel sadly.

"You must have a reason to have visited me."

"I did, your dad told me that you have a package you need to bring to Kilvas. He also told me, since I asked him, that you have to help carry my groceries."

"Fine," said Ike miserably.

Ike followed behind Rachel and they walked back to his house near the cliff edge. Going down the rickety wooden path, they made their way down to the beach to the small town at the coast. The town was a peaceful place of no more than sixteen small houses. Here, Ike thought, would be where he would have preferred to live instead of the outskirt up in the cliff edge. Sure being near to the Large valley town on the other side of the mountain was helpful, but he'd much rather have lived near the ocean than overlooking both cities. The view was amazing, but there was always something that drew him to the peaceful sea.

As they entered the town and approached the dock, Ike remembered what had always drew him here. It was Rachel. Having been friends since they were no older than three and now fourteen years old, Ike's love for Rachel as a sister had changed to a deep love. She had no longer been the smiling cute friend that he always played with but the beautiful girl that he'll always care for. Of course, he would not say anything in fear of losing their friendship. But the fact that she would still hug him when he was sad or kiss him where he was hurt really tore away at him. After all, Ike thought, it wasn't the same anymore as when he was a child, when pressing a body against him was "gross." He looked away when she turned around as they reached his Dad.

"I'm here dad," said Ike.

"I see that son," was his Dad's reply. "Anyway, you need to get this wheat to Milan and sell it to Zack, understood?"

"Yeah, I got it."

"You better, Rachel's dad and I have been slaving all day to get this on the ship so I expect no mistakes. Oh, and the fact that you need to help Rachel with groceries over there and have to be home by dinner is another reason."

"All that in a little over five hour's? That's' impossible!"

"Cheer up now son, the Goddess hates a quitter remember? And Rachel's been wanting a day to come for when you to can be alone again. With all the work both of you are doing, you rarely see each other anymore."

Ike looked at Rachel who was talking to her mom. She then looked at him and flashed a smile before talking to her mom once more. With everything set, she joined him and they were off.

After about one and a half hour's worth of sailing, Ike finally mustered the courage to talk to Rachel. "Hey," he asked, "I was wondering?"

"You starting a conversation with me?" asked Rachel teasingly. "That's rare…"

"Enough of that," said Ike. "I was just wondering what was on your mind since you keep looking at the water and at the sky."

"If your curious," said Rachel, "I can tell you if you want."

"Sure, go ahead."

"Remember those stories my grandpa would tell us about bird men?"

"Yeah."

"I think I saw one."

"You're kidding."

"No, I did! I'm positive!" said Rachel now turning around. "It was last week when I was heading to your house when I saw down the valley path a man I never saw before. He looked back and fourth to see if anybody was watching and when he saw no one, wings sprouted out of his back and he flew."

"Are you sure you're just not working to much?" asked Ike.

"Think about it Ike, our islands have been separated from the main continent for over 600 years. Nobody knew how our civilization even got started. In addition, besides your dad, nobody has ever been to the main continent."

"This is all sounding a little too crazy."

"Remember the old legend between the two nations of the warring Beorc and Laguz?"

"We're Beorc and Laguz are animal people I know, but none of that exists Rachel."

"How do you know? Have you ever been to the main continent? Just imagine, what if where we live now was where the birdmen use to live?"

"Why would you say that?"

"Are you that dull? Isolated islands with tall mountains, ancient caves unearthed near cliff edges, the valley village being a city that wasn't built by our own people, this place screams bird men."

"Alright" said Ike scratching his head in bewilderment, "but unless you have tangible proof, nothing holds."

"Then what about this," said Rachel as she pulled a golden feather from her pouch.

"This has got to be a least twenty-four inches, no bird has these kinds of feathers!" said Ike shockingly. "Where did you find it?"

"I found it from where the bird man flew away from."

"So why didn't you show this to me before?"

"I didn't think I needed it to persuade, since you shared the belief with me when we were young."

"But even if they use to live here, they don't now. So, why would you see one?"

"That's the point I'm trying to get at, what if war is breaking out in the main continent? What if they're coming here for you?"

"W-why me?"

"They named you Ike because they thought it was a good name. But the name of the hero who saved both nations before was Ike!"

"An the old legend says that those named Ike has the hero's blood running through their veins," said Ike in a quiet voice.

"They either need you or are here to kill you," said Rachel now hugging Ike and crying.

"I wont let that happen," said Ike hugging back.

With that, a hail of bolts pierced through the sail of their ship and Ike saw another ship in the distance. He saw men with crossbows approaching and was now readying another salvo. He dived with Rachel to keep her safe and then reached for his bow. He quickly popped his head up an let loose an arrow hitting one in the throat before ducking under another salvo. He was trembling in fear as he took his first life and was slowly losing his mind. Then, from out of the clouds, a shrieking noise echoed through the air. He looked up and piercing through the clouds was an army of hawks being lead by a large hawk. They rushed the enemy ship and decimated it.

"That's him," said Rachel, " that was the color of the bird man."

The large hawk, spanning about sixteen feet, feathers began to shed. His talons turned to arms and legs appeared. He became human save the fact that he still had wings. "We've been looking for you," said he.

"Who are you?" said Ike shocked.

"I'm Talos, son of Tibarn and King of Serenes," was the reply.