Scooter: A Soren fanfic. It can be seen as either a Ike/Soren friendship or Ike/Soren as light shounen-ai. Pick whichever floats your boat. XP

When He Wakes Up

As soon as Ike entered the room with the Black Knight and Mist followed, Soren clenched his fists and grunted. He took a step forward but Titania put a hand on his shoulder.

"Ike said—"

"I know full well what Ike said, Titania, but I don't care. He was the one who was there for me when I had nothing. When he could have just walked away from me, he gave me food and helped me to survive. I owe him this, Titania. If he dies, I wish to die with him, and not I the middle of a war."

Somewhat surprised, Titania stuttered when she spoke next. "S-Soren. B-But."

"You cannot alter my decision: I am going to aid Ike."

"Then I'm coming with you!"

Soren turned towards the Paladin. "Titania…" he murmured, turning back to the doors. "We must hurry. Ranulf! Oscar! Volke! Take care of things here!"

The Assassin smirked but nodded, and Oscar turned a concerned eye to Titania and Soren. "Be careful, ok?"

The Sage and Paladin nodded and ran into the room.

Ike turned, barely dodging a blow from the lethal sword – Alondite.

"S-Soren? Titania? What are you two doing here?!"

"It was my idea, Ike." Soren explained, obliterating one of the priests, "Remember when we met? I thought I should return the favor."

"Soren! You owe me no debt!"

"I am well aware of that, son of Greil, but I feel I must anyways."

More reinforcements arrived and Titania and Soren got to work killing them whilst Mist healed Ike when he needed it.

"You cannot defeat me, Ike, son of Greil, but why do you not desist?"

"Because I know I can beat you!" Ike defiantly retorted, narrowing his eyes and readying Ragnell.

Underneath his armor, the Black Knight surveyed the area. I'm pretty sure I can rattle this little brat from the inside out…but how…? He spotted Soren who had just obliterated a Halberdier, and had started on a Paladin and he smiled underneath the armor. I think I just found my ticket.

Using his Alondite's long range, he managed to get by Ike, who was shocked and just stared after him. The warrior got behind Soren and all was made clear.

"Soren!" Ike screamed.

The Sage turned and his red eyes went wide. "Wh—" was all he could mutter before blood erupted from his side. Unwillingly, he screamed in pain and flew back into the wall. He slid down, his eyes clenched shut, and his left hand grasping at his robes, trying to staunch the bleeding.

Ike growled and ran at the Black Knight, who parried. Titania stopped in front of Soren and got down off of her horse and knelt next to the fallen Sage, who grimaced. She leaned him forward but he gasped in pain.

"Bare with me, Soren. Please." She looked into the red eyes and was dismayed to find that they were glazed over with pain. "Don't leave us, Soren,"

"I'm… Not going anywhere…" he managed, blood spilling from his mouth.

Titania smiled, though it was forced, and picked up the lightweight Sage, hearing the suppressed cry. She managed to return to her horse and hold Soren in bridal style, while trying to make sure he didn't lose too much blood.

Nasir came in minutes later and commanded that Ike take care of Ena. He crossed his arms, and before them stood one of the legendary dragons of Goldoa. He breathed his Breath at the Black Knight, who suddenly found himself immobile, and the castle began to shake.

"Oh, I'm so glad you made it out of there. What happened to Soren?" Oscar asked, spotting the dying Sage.

"No time! Where's Rhys?!" Titania demanded.

"I'm here," Rhys came up and a shadow passed over his face when he saw the wounded Sage, though no one noticed.

Rhys had used all of his power on Soren back at camp. He tried all of his Staves. Even the rare Ashera Staff.

The next morning, Ike came in, his face drawn from lack of sleep. He looked at Rhys, then said: "When he wakes up, I'm gonna--!"

Rhys looked at Ike sadly. "Ike… He'll never wake up. He's gone, Ike. I did everything that I could. But I couldn't stop the bleeding. I'm so sorry."

Ike stared at Rhys like he was insane. "He's…he's…"

"He's dead, Ike. I'm so sorry."

Ike stared at his best friend in shock.

"It…there was a fragment of Alondite inside of Soren's wound. I'm guessing that's what killed him… Ike…"

Soren just lay there, the mark of the Branded on his forehead, blood on his pale lips. "I'm sorry I couldn't do anything, Soren," Ike said, shedding tears.

Yuko: THIS IS AN EDIT!!! Last night when I re-read this, I got to thinking. I've decided to turn this into a short chapter story. Five chapters at the most. And two at the least. I'm currently working on the second chapter, and I'll try and have it done soon. But...As some of you know, I'm a procrastinator, so you'll have to badger me for a bit. (sweatdrops) But I'll get it done. (grins)

--Yuko--