This is Raptor, the Criticist, and this is a story based of a very awesome dream I had. I hope you like it.

Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem.

A green cloaked man strode through the countryside. On his left side was a sword, while on his right hung a bag. On his back was a Heal Staff. Mark looked out over the field he had just come through. Some border named Milan. He was now in a land called Renais. The field reminded him somewhat of Sacae, but it wasn't the same. For one, there was no Lyn. He had become quite attached to her throughout his journey, and it was, odd, for her not to be there. The second matter was the memories. Mark supposed he could have stayed there, in Sacae, with his friends. But instead, he had left, to continue his journey. His quest. To be a Master Tactician. Mark sighed, and stepped down from the rock he had been standing on. He then continued, into Renais, towards a mountainous path that was said to lead to Renais castle.

Meanwhile, Princess Eirika was riding towards Frelia, safely tucked under one of Seth's arms.

Seth was surprised. He had expected her to fight tooth and nail to get back to her father, but, she seemed to understand. Seth saw the pass that led to Border Milan, and let out a held breath. They were almost to safety. He rode slightly further, wincing as another blast of pain shot through his arm, and set Eirika down. Eirika looked around a few times, apparently trying to hide tears.

"Seth, your wound, let me see it." Eirika said, holding out a vulnery.

"Princess, it is merely a flesh wound. Do not worry over me." Seth said. Before Eirika could answer, three fighters appeared from behind them. Seth handed Eirika a rapier.

"Take that, but stay behind me!" He exclaimed. Eirika however, shook her head.

"Seth, you're wounded, I will fight them."

"But Princess-"

"No. Ephraim taught me how to use a sword. I can handle myself." Seth frowned, but nodded.

I probably shouldn't have given her a sword to begin with.

Mark heard the clashing of metal, and rushed around the pass. He saw a wounded knight that he recognized from a picture he had seen in Frelia. Seth, that was the knight's name. Past the knight, was a teal-haired girl, wielding a sword. She had a regal air to her, but not overly so. Mark watched in slight awe as she struck the first fighter down. She was no Lyn, but she did know how to use a sword. Mark began to calculate her success, and found it rather high. As the girl brought down the second fighter, Mark wondered if he should help. He didn't need bandits after him, but, he couldn't let this girl get hurt either. His question was answered for him as a fourth bandit came up behind her. Mark pulled out the Flux tome that Canas had given him, and muttered a few words, before shouting out the last word.

"Flux!" The fighter stopped in his tracks as a dark circle appeared underneath him. The circle lifted from the ground, slowly engulfing the man. He was able to let out one surprised scream, then he disappeared into nothingness. The girl turned to look at Mark, and the Tactician could tell she was trying to discern whether or not he was a threat. Mark slid the dark tome into his bag, and held up his hands. The girl nodded, and continued on towards the leader.

Eirika wiped her rapier off on the grass, then made her way towards the O'Neil, the leader of the now dead men. O'Neil looked aghast.

"What? Two kids were able to kill my men? I'll just have to teach you a lesson myself!" O'Neil swung his Iron Axe, but Eirika merely ducked underneath it. She then stabbed O'Neil in the chest, but the man wasn't dead yet. He raised his axe again, and Eirika barely dodged it. Mark pulled out a red tome, and began chanting.

"Fire!" It struck the ground behind O'Neil, and the man turned around to search for an enemy. Eirika saw her opportunity, and tapped O'Neil on the shoulder with her Rapier. The fighter turned, and Eirika stabbed him, finishing him off. She cleaned off her blade again, and turned to the teenager who was approaching. Eirika sheathed her blade to show friendship, and Mark dropped his red tome into his bag. Eirika held out her hand, and the boy shook it.

"Thank you for the assistance." Seth said, riding over to them.

"Yes, thank you." Eirika said. She looked over at Seth, as if asking a silent question. Seth stared at the teen, then nodded. Eirika smiled.

"I'm Princess Eirika of Renais. If not for you..."

Mark shook his head.

"I'm Mark. And it was a pleasure to help." Seth looked down at Mark, then nodded slightly.

"Mark, we have need of more help to get the Princess safely to Frelia. There maybe more danger along the way. If you helped us, you would be rewarded handsomely."

"Please accept Mark. I, I will need your help. Seth, do you think Mark and I could talk alone?" Eirika asked, turning to the paladin. He looked shocked, but then nodded and rode a short distance away, to scout ahead.

"I don;' know why Mark, but, I just feel like I can trust you." Eirika said, looking away. "My brother is in trouble, and, you seem to be a capable fighter... I plan on going to find him, even though Seth doesn't know that yet. Mark, will you help me?"

Mark was only slightly shocked. This had happened before, after all.

I helped Lyn, then Eliwood and Hector. It wouldn't hurt to help Eirika. It would put me in harm's way, but, I can deal with that. It would also help me in my quest... and she seems nice... It might be like it was with Lyndis' Legion, a group of friends, helping each other.

Mark smiled at Eirika, and nodded.

"Of course I will, Princess." Eirika smiled.

"Call me Eirika."

There you have it. To clarify, Mark is a fictional Class known as Tactician, and can wield every weapon. To counter this, Mark has the Skill Blossom, which reduces his EXP gain but increases his growths. He also cannot Upgrade Class at this time. He has a D in Swords, E in Axe, E in Lance, and E in Bow. He has a D in Elder Magic, a E in Anima Magic, an E in Light Magic, and an E in Staves. Also, this fic may follow the Storyline, but the dialogue will not be exact. I apologize to any sticklers. Now go ahead, click the little button over there and tell me what you think.