The north-eastern nation of Daein lost a bloody war with neighbouring Crimea three years ago. Crimea, however, abdicated its right to rule Daein and passed sovereignty of its former enemy to the powerful Begnion Empire. Daein's future is now subject to the whims of the empire.
Begnion's occupational forces have gathered all of Daein's men of fighting age and put them to work in labour camps. Their work is brutal and void of purpose, designed to break both body and spirit. The remaining population faces poverty and starvation as the fields lie fallow. A band of young heroes has escaped the Begnion army to form a group called the Dawn Brigade.
Micaiah, a laguz orphan with knowledge of magic and foresight.
Sothe, a thief and veteran of the very war that Daein lost.
Nolan, a mighty fighter and watcher to the less skilled.
Edward, a plucky myrmidon with courage over finely honed skill.
Leonardo, a careful archer who focuses on aim over speed.
Together, they fight for a free Daein, and have alone stood against Begnion's forces. They alone have shouldered the hopes of their nation.
Micaiah is said to possess mystical powers. The people of Daein have come to accept her talents, and name her the Silver-Haired Maiden. Rather than enemy, they think of her as a saviour for whom they had been waiting.
Begnion's forces have tried, time and time again, to capture and silence the Dawn Brigade. However, Micaiah's ability to sense impending danger has thus far allowed the Dawn Brigade to evade the empire's grasp.
"How do we explain yesterday to Sothe and Nolan?" Micaiah asked, walking around their home uncertainly.
"It's as you said. We had no choice. We had to save Nico and the townsfolk. But I admit, being spotted was a tad unfortunate. Still… I'd do it over again. But now… they know we're nearby. They could find this hideout easily," Leonardo said.
"I don't get it… this is our country. Why do we have to live in hiding, like prisoners in our own land?" Edward asked.
"Edward, we've explained this. We lost the war, and Crimea won. It's not our country anymore," Leonardo said.
"Except that Crimea walked away after winning, leaving those heartless Begnion dogs to rule our country for the last three years! The occupying soldiers march around like they own the place, doing as they wish, and no one moves to stop them!" Edward said.
"Well, in all fairness, Crimea didn't have the resources to rule another country," a wise voice said.
"Sothe! Nolan! Welcome back. I'm glad you made it in one piece!" Micaiah said.
"The Dawn Brigade is all present… but you're rather late. Delayed?" Leonardo asked.
"Our fame's catching up to us. Begnion patrols are everywhere… it took us a while to avoid them," Sothe said.
"I've never seen so much Begnion activity about… is there something we should be made aware of?" Nolan asked. Leonardo explained the situation.
"Ah, a run in with bandits. That would have done the trick," Nolan said.
"Yeah… Begnion spotted us as we made our escape. We may have been a tad careless in our rush to help," Micaiah said.
"We'll worry about that later. More importantly, Micaiah, was your laguz appearance on full display?" Sothe asked.
"Sothe, we never got a replacement cloak. The wings are still tucked in, but…" Micaiah said.
"Darn it! Begnion has enough reason to chase us as is… our thievery… your ability to heal without tomes or staves… but being a laguz in beorc territory, especially Daein, is too big a giveaway," Sothe said.
"I know, Sothe…" Micaiah said.
"I know you know, but we can't change it… this place isn't safe anymore. We leave at once!" Sothe said.
"Correct… but I would have liked to have eaten properly," Nolan said.
"This way's no good. Begnion's got every alleyway blocked. A kitten couldn't sneak past!" Edward said, looking at this alleyway.
"It looks like this is the least guarded path… but it's swarming with soldiers," Nolan said.
"And there are more behind us. We risk being trapped if we don't move quickly!" Micaiah said.
"We can't wait for Sothe," Nolan said.
"The stairs by that church lead to the marketplace… we can break through there," Micaiah said from memory.
"I'll go first, and secure the way. Micaiah, Leonard, cover my back. Keep your distance, however… team up and bring them down individually!" Nolan said.
"Leave it to us!" Leonardo said.
"Edward, bring up the rear. You're still largely new to fighting in the grand scheme of things… don't rush the enemy. Focus on surviving," Nolan said.
"Yeah, I know, I know," Edward said. Nolan charged, and carved a swath through the Begnion attackers. One geared up to toss a Javelin at him, but was dispatched by Leonardo. Edward jumped beside Nolan, and stabbed a Begnion.
"Edward! What are you doing?" Nolan asked.
"Helping!" Edward said. Nolan deigned to correct him, and moved onwards.
"What fast little mice you are! How long do you plan on scurrying around back alleys?" one of the Begnion myrmidons asked. Edward promptly disposed of him in response. They retreated past him, and into the marketplace.
"This way, everyone!" Sothe called out, gesturing from one of the rooftops. He jumped down, and led them around.
"They're running to the centre of town! After them!" a Begnion said.
"I see the market… blend into the crowd, and then they'll lose us. And then we'll be free and clear," Nolan said. The five entered the crowd, looking around nervously.
"Hey, lady!" Nico said. Micaiah looked over.
"They're after you again, aren't they?" his mother asked.
"Yes," Micaiah said. Nico's mother handed Micaiah a hood, which Micaiah quickly donned. Some Begnions ran up, and looked around.
"Mouldy onions! Where are they?" one of the Begnions asked.
"Leave the soldiers to us. Quickly, now," an old man said.
"Thank you," Micaiah said, dashing away.
"There they are! Catch them!" a Begnion said, running forward. The Daein citizens began forming up to create a wall.
"What are you stopping for?" a Begnion asked.
"You won't get past us! Goddess protect the Dawn Brigade!" Nico said.
"…You're letting this low-class rabble stop you? Ready your bows! Nobody defies the will of Begnion!" the Begnion said. His soldiers drew their bows, and began firing. It took ten missiles total, but one of them hit the small of Nico's back.
"No! How could you shoot a child? Vicious savages!" an old woman cried out.
"Someone! Help him! Quickly! Please… this child is dying!" Nico's mother said.
"Pay heed. This is what happens when you meddle in the affairs of Begnion. Remember this well…" a Begnion said.
"I didn't realise the Begnion Empire made it their business to murder children in the street!" a man cried out.
"Don't point fingers. We're just doing our job. Blame the Dawn Brigade, if you must blame someone. They made this happen!" the Begnion said. Micaiah ran forward.
"It's the girl we seek! We need reinforcements… surround them all! Arrest every single one! What's happening… step away from the child," a Begnion said, pointing at Micaiah. Micaiah knelt down beside Nico, and touched the small of his back. A blue light shone, and the wound vanished.
"Sacrifice…" a man said.
"The Silver Haired Maiden, all right… we've seen a miracle on earth today, gentlemen!" a lady added. Micaiah fell unconscious, and Sothe picked her up to carry away.
"Stop right there! After them!" a Begnion cried out. The Daein's regained their feet, and resumed barring passage.
"What is wrong with you people? Clear a path or suffer the fate of the kid!" the Begnion said. The Begnions behind him turned around, and cleared a path of their own for General Jarod.
"Snivelling idiots! Why are you standing there?" Jarod asked.
"We would like to, but the townspeople are in the way!" a Begnion said.
"The townspeople are in the way… DULLARDS!" Jarod said. He stabbed three men before the townspeople gave Jarod a wide berth.
"Clean out those ears and listen! You're soldiers, and I am your commander! Follow my orders promptly, and without hesitation. Understand, useless vermin? Move!" Jarod said, watching his Begnions march forward.
"If it's not one thing, it's another… why do I always get stuck with the buffoons?" Jarod asked.
"Mmm…" Micaiah said, stirring. She woke up in Sothe's arms, and looked around.
"You're awake… thank goodness. This is why I tell you not to use Sacrifice, for one thing," Sothe said.
"Well, we showed them in Nevassa! But I guess we can't go back," Edward said.
"…I'm so fond of Nevassa… it's where we met. It feels like my real home… we'll return, someday.
"We will Micaiah. I know you always have a way of getting what you want," Sothe said.
"Well, you're always there to help me get it, Sothe," Micaiah said, resuming her feet.