IV: Downward Spirals

It was just the crack of dawn when Raigh heard the sound of a cowbell ringing loudly.

"Mornin' time! C'mon, get yer lazy bums up! The work ain't gon' do itself, y'know!" Donnel exclaimed as he banged his pot with a stick.

Raigh yawned a bit as he rose up from his bed. He would have stayed asleep longer, but that bell was just too loud…

"Alright! I'm up!" He groaned, peeking through the opening of the tent, "Sheesh…"

When he looked out there, he saw someone standing right in front of their tent, someone with green hair and yellow eyes…

"Oh… It's you." Raigh mumbled. It was that boy who came to calm Berkut down yesterday. Yay… "What do you want?"

"Uh… Yeah…" Alm knelt down to Raigh's size, stealing a glance at his older cousin sleeping as he did so. "So, he's still is sleeping… Geez…"

As Alm rubbed the back of his head, Raigh's irritance grew, not because of Berkut's inability to wake up or Donnel's constant ringing of his accursed pot. No… it was the fact that Alm was kneeling down for him. Kneeling? As if he were some child? Alm noticed the angry glare in the dark child's eyes, but he assumed it wasn't for him.

"Something on your mind?" Alm asked earnestly.

Raigh wanted to smite this princely idiot right here, but doing so may cause trouble with Kiran and the others. Naga knows what Robin and Reinhardt would do to him, let alone the insufferable wrath of Kiran.

"Never you mind that!" Raigh snapped, rising to his feet. "What have you come for!?"

"Alright then. I won't ask any further," Alm said, "But, please, we must wake Berkut now."

Alm genuinely cared about Berkut or at least to an extent. He may hate him, but they were family nonetheless. All Alm wanted to do was at least help his cousin when the time calls for it. Who knows? Perhaps Berkut would return the favor one day… But that was wishful thinking. Alm knew better.

"...Urgh." The two looked back only to see Narcian glaring their way with squinted sleepy eyes. "Must you speak so loud? Can you not see that Narcian is sleeping?"

Alm rose up off the ground, coming further into the tent. He was careful about where he stepped considering that there were five of them in there. He didn't want to step on anything… or Naga forbid, anyone. "Sorry, but… it's kinda time to wake up and get to work." Alm carefully stepped over a very asleep Michaelis, making sure that his legs didn't come in any sort of contact with the king of Macedon. With that task done, he found himself looming over his elder cousin. Alm stood there for a moment, contemplating whether or not he should shake him awake. However, Berkut sealed his fate when he turned away from Alm.

He wasn't asleep. He was just being a pain. Alm frowned and shook Berkut about. "Hey! Get up! It's time to get up! Come on, Berkut!"

Raigh chuckled a bit when Berkut shoved Alm away from him and retreated deeper into his sleeping back. It was funny to see the earnest and helpful younger cousin be pushed around was what Raigh decided. Alm shot a glare his way, then back at Berkut before dusting himself off and getting up off the ground. Alm stood there, seeming to not know what to do. Berkut smirked within his sleeping bag. He would win this little battle.

...Or so he thought. The little rube then started kicking him. Hard.

"Get your lazy ass up, Berkut!" Alm snapped, done with his elder cousin's nonsense. Berkut, though now shielding himself from Alm's assault, refused to move, tugging the sleeping bag closer around himself. Alm was moving around to all sides, trying especially hard to kick the prideful prince in his face. "Naga, you're such a pain! Here I am waking up only to wake you up, and this is what you give me?!"

Suddenly, Berkut rose up off the floor, irritated and tired. "Enough, Alm!"

The two sneered at one another, although it should be noted that Berkut is much taller than Alm. Raigh was tempted to laugh at such idiocy. These two acted like children… but it was much worse for Berkut. At least Alm looked like he was in his late teens; Berkut basically looked like a grown man (further implying that Berkut is an old man, but Raigh would keep his peace). The two were so adamant on staring one another down that they didn't notice Michaelis's ice cold glare piercing out of his sleeping bag directly at them.

"Would you to mind being silent?!" He bellowed, "It's far too early for children like you to be rough-housing!"

"Rough-housing?!" Berkut asked, shocked that Michaelis would even dare to call Alm's ruthless assault on him mere child's play. "He intended to put harm on me and that's rough-housing?!"

Serra finally groaned from her position of the tent, rising up immediately with bags in her eyes. "I really don't care what you guys are doing. Just stop it! Stop it! STOP IT! I'm trying to get my beauty sleep for Naga's sake!"

"Humph." Michaelis snorted, "That would actually imply that you have some beauty to show. Don't flatter yourself."

Serra gasped at Michaelis's comment. The nerve! Why, if Hector or Matthew were here, they'd show him to say such things to her! ...But they weren't. Serra deflated a little bit as the truth slowly hit her. Without the others around to defend her honor, she had to do it herself.

There was nobody she could push her workload onto anymore. It was all her now.

...I should've never taken that summoner's offer! Serra thought as she begrudgingly said nothing to counter Michaelis. It ate away at her that Michaelis would get away with insulting her! No one EVER got away with such things, not when Hector and the others were around! It wasn't fair! It wasn't! Serra quickly looked down, fighting back angry tears. She hated this! Not only was she insulted, but she was crying too? Oh! I hate them! I hate all of them! I HATE THESE PEOPLE!

The room fell quiet for a second, the sound of Serra sobbing being the only thing audible… and it ate away at Alm. "...That's no way for you to talk to a lady."

"True." Michaelis agreed, now rising from his sleeping bag, "It's a good thing she's a wench, not a lady. Otherwise, I might have actually felt bad."

"Ha!" Narcian laughed, still lying snuggly in his sleeping bag, "Haha…"

"The weak shall get no pity," Berkut said coldly, looking away from all of them outside the tent. "Honestly, to think a mere insult would bring you to tears… Pathetic."

"Hey!" Alm snapped, "Leave her alone!"

"Yeah, leave Serra alone!"

The five of them (Narcian was still resting) looked over to the entrance of the tent only to see Anna, Robin, and Kiran. Raigh immediately noticed the Thracian general's absence, a sign that he was out putting together one of the summoner's ploys.

"Geez… You guys are jerks!" Anna wailed, stamping her foot on the ground, "To think you'd gang up on poor defenseless Serra! Have you no shame!?"

"Tch." Michaelis mumbled, "If she doesn't like it, then she can damn well leave."

Serra did just that, rising up off the dirt and sprinting out of the tent, crying silently as she ran off.

"Wait! Serra!" Robin called, reaching out towards her. She was far away from them by the time Robin called out to her, making the tactician sigh, "Drat…"

"Humph. Well, I suppose she's good at turning tail and running, now isn't she?" Berkut sneered, heading back down into his sleeping back to rest up, "It suits a weakling like her…"

"GRRR! YOU'RE SUCH AN-" Asshole. That was the word Alm wanted to yell at his elder cousin. But, he wanted to patch things up, for them to stop fighting, at least for Serra's sake. No. He wouldn't finish that sentence. Instead, Alm took a deep breath in and out, then faced his cousin once more, "Get. Up. Now. Berku-"

Before Alm could even finish, an orb was hurtled at the prideful prince's head, clocking him in the back of his skull. Berkut yelped from the pain. It was thrown hard, like Bartre or Ogma had thrown that at him. When he turned back, he saw that dammed summoner frowning bitterly at him.

"You've got work to do." Anna said calmly, "That's the nicest way I can convey what Kiran's thinking."

"...What's she really thinking?" Alm asked, genuinely curious as to what Kiran would have said, had she… well, been able to speak.

Anna studied Kiran's frown, then looked back at Alm. "She would have said: 'Is Kiran gonna hafta choke a bitch or he gonna get his worthless ass up and do what she asks?'..." Anna then looked to Kiran, "Was I close?" Kiran gave Anna a thumbs up. She was spot on with that translation. Anna smiled. "That's what she would have said."

Alm could feel the sweat dripping down his forehead. Just another example of why Kiran wasn't one to be trifled with. "O-oh…"

Berkut swore he could feel a massive bump forming where the orb hit his head. Just touching it sent waves of pain through his body. "O-ow!"

But Kiran wasn't done there. No. That would be too merciful. The summoner rose her other hand, revealing another orb. Without warning, she slammed the orb into the same spot she had thrown the other, making sure to press it directly against the bump forming there. Berkut was only able to shriek shortly before his head was slammed into the dirt below. Kiran made sure to make it as painful and as pride-breaking as possible. No one would skip out on work days.

No one.

With that done (and the orb still firmly pressed against the prideful prince's head), Kiran gave sinisterly bright and happy smile towards Raigh and the others. Alm immediately bowed to Kiran and ran out of the room. He needs to get to work or he'd end up like Berkut. Narcian winced the moment Kiran's icy blue eyes turned their way. Raigh seemed to keep his cool and left the tent calmly, but the moment he was outside, he took in a sharp breath. Naga, it was like looking death in the face… Michaelis crossed his arms.

"Cute." He sneered. Narcian looked his way out of curiosity. Was he really not afraid? "I hope you realize that same trick won't work on me. I've been trained to handle the likes of you." As Michaelis said this, Robin and Anna backed away, Anna chanting quietly "Don't kill him. Beat his ass." as they retreated. Robin was the first to see the feral change in Kiran's face and he called for Reinhardt soon after. Narcian was the second and he… well, he wet himself. That right there was why so many followed her orders. Michaelis however, seemed unfazed. "Do your worst, maggot. I shall prove to these ingrates that none shall ever beat the king of Mace-"

Kiran didn't hesitate to lob the orb she was torturing Berkut with straight into Michaelis's face. Narcian heard a crunching of some sort and before long saw that Michaelis's nose was bleeding profusely. The king was on the ground now, holding his nose and writhing in agony. Marth (who was on his way to say a cheery hello to Cadea and her squadron) saw the whole scene unfold and stopped dead in his tracks, unsure if he should continue or just wait to say hello later. He started heading back however once he saw Henry, Valter, and Peri eagerly rush by him to see the bloodshed.

"...Perhaps I'll just say hello to her at breakfast?" Marth told himself, turning back towards his tent, "Yes… That will do."


Later that day, Jakob and Felicia were in charge of watching over Raigh and his team. Jakob thought this was an absolute pain to deal with perhaps the worst of the Order of Heroes; he'd rather be tending to his masters Corrin and Corrin II. He still wondered why Kiran still kept them around. They were obviously useless on so many levels.

What possessed Master Kiran to keep such trash in our midst? Jakob thought as he pinched his temples.

Felicia, however, minded not one bit. Sure, they were the bane of the Order of Heroes, but she was willing to give them a chance. She cleans up after Henry, Peri, Legion, Tharja, and Valter and their messes were usually the worst. These guys didn't look half as bad as them.

"This way, please!" She said, pointed towards the direction they were walking.

Through the corridors, the five went until they were in the courtyard. Fresh fruit and vegetables were neatly organized by type in each basket (they have Frederick to thank for that) and there were other tools and contraptions as well.

"Welcome to the courtyard!" Felicia mused.

"Ahem… yes, well," Jakob continued, "this will be your new job for the time being."

Serra, who was hiding behind both Narcian and Berkut pushed the two to the side as she couldn't believe it. She had a hunch what Jakob meant by 'their new job.'

"You expect me, a fine lady, to belittle herself to such… Such farm work?!" She asked bitterly.

"I don't expect you to do the work. I doubt you'll even do it right." Jakob corrected nonchalantly, pulling out his pocket watch. Goodness… It was already seven! He had so much to do! With a grave look at Serra, he swiftly turned to leave the courtyard. "Master Kiran however, does. So, I suggest you hop to it. I have my own work to be doing."

With that, Jakob started off back down the dirt road to the castle, leaving Serra to stare, mouth agape, at the chores he had left for them. Felicia smiled and placed a hand on her cleric's shoulder.

"It's not all that bad!" She assured, pointing towards Ogma's team (who were carrying firewood from the forest), "As long as you work together, I'm sure you can do it!"

Raigh shivered. Ugh… "Together…" Such a horrible word with an even more horrible meaning… As if he'd actually be caught dead working with these idiots. He'd be lucky if they made it through this without getting into an argueme-

"Oh! Hi, brother!" Raigh looked over his shoulder only to see Lugh wandering with his team (which included Maye, Boey, and Linde), each of them holding what looked to be tanks of water. Lugh gave his brother his signature chuckle, the one that reminded him so much of his air-headed mother, then waved at him some more. "I'm glad you're out here to help us work today!"

Ugh… Raigh wanted to just go back inside. His twin brother just annoyed him. Nothing more, nothing less. It was always like this with his family. They annoyed him, even Jaffar.

He didn't need them to be strong. No. He didn't need anyone. Raigh turned away from Lugh with an audible "Humph!", but the happier twin simply giggled and went away with his team, Boey and Mae arguing about who should hand out what to whom and when and Linde just happily coming along to aid them.

Their first task was to pick berries from the bushes and shrubs, as Felicia explained. She would fill in all the details later once they picked enough. With that, Felicia took her leave and the "team" was left to work. Raigh just did as he was told, even though he didn't want to spend time picking berries. Berkut and Narcian, however, refused to touch the shrubs and Michaelis just up and left. He was a king! Not a master's handmaid! And Serra? Well, she followed Felicia, constantly complaining about how it is not her place to do such yard work.

A drop of sweat could be seen stretching down Felicia's cheek, "W-Well, I can't argue with what Master Kiran has to say, Lady Serra."

Serra wasn't having this, however. She thought Kiran would at least treat her with the due respect that she deserved! But instead, she probably saw Serra as another useless asset, Serra's worst nightmare. Reality started to sink in, but she remained persistent.

"You there, Maid!" She called back, "Fetch me Hector and Matthew! Surely they will assist me!"

What she meant by "assist" was that Hector and Matthew would pick the berries for her. However, Felicia was long gone (she bolted once she was out of Serra's sight) and it looked like she wasn't going to call either of them at all.

"Ugh!" Serra threw her basket to the floor, denting the handle. "I can't believe this! To think that I should have to do the work of a commoner!"

Raigh rolled his eyes. "If you wanna get yelled at by Reinhardt or Robin… or Naga forbids, have the summoner herself come out here and beat you, that's your call. I'm just doing what I need to."

He would say the same to Narcian, who was simply waiting for break time to roll around, and he would say it to Berkut, who was sitting at the base of a tree. He just wouldn't enforce it. It's their fault if they get beaten by Kiran. He was doing his part. Hell, if he ever saw Michaelis again (A.K.A. if Kiran hadn't gotten to him first), he'd still go ahead and tell him the same thing.

"Damn… Damn…" Narcian grumbled, impatiently tapping his foot on the grass. "How much longer must we suffer out here in the heat!? I swear that summoner only has us out here to sweat like dogs!"

"Tch… She'll surely get hers one day…" Berkut agreed, wiping his forehead. Raigh was a bit upset, mainly due to the fact that the two of them were whining about it being hot when they weren't even doing anything. Serra… well, she was still just standing there in shock. Whatever was going through her mind was preventing her from functioning right… "How dare she make us work?"

Alm (who was busy harvesting potatoes with Corrin, Ninian, and Raven) couldn't help but glance over at Berkut every few seconds. It had started with Alm telling himself not to go over there and tell his elder cousin to work. It wasn't his place and he told himself that Berkut would probably get to work eventually.

He knew it was wishful thinking, a one in one million chance, but still. He believed it.

However, as time passed and as it became increasingly clear that the prideful prince would not work, Alm found that he was using every bit of his self-control to prevent himself from aiding his cousin. He needed to learn the hard way what would happen when you skipped out on your duties… But, then again, it seemed wrong to just leave him to face Kiran's eventual wrath alone.

"...Just do it." Alm mumbled, looking around to see if any of Kiran's watchdogs were on the scene. When he spotted Jakob making his rounds in the distance, Alm's heart raced. "Berkut please! Just do it!"

"...Do what?" Corrin asked, cocking his head to the side. He could see on closer inspection that Alm was sweating profusely and something about it told him it wasn't due to the heat. "What's wrong, Alm?"

Alm looked at Corrin, then back at the corn at his feet. He was supposed to be harvesting… "It's nothing, Corrin."

"Are you sure?" Ninian asked, wandering a bit closer to the two.

"..." Alm took one last glance at Berkut and was surprised when his elder cousin looked back at him, a pompous "Humph." escaping his lips. Alm frowned then started to take up a lot of potatoes to harvest. To hell with Berkut! "Yes! I couldn't be better!"

Alm's concern turned to anger, something that was slowly happening to Valter, only his concern was more for Kiran than Narcian. It wasn't that he feared for Narcian's life (he believed Narcian would be the death of himself with that big ego of his), it was that he feared for Kiran's bloodlust. Such beautiful displays of violence shouldn't be wasted on such a hapless fool. Although it was entertaining to see Narcian get eviscerated by Kiran, it was far too easy due to the fact that the imbecile couldn't even try to fight back. It was quite pathetic, really. With a deep sigh, Valter rose up from his position near the river. Peri and Henry glanced up at him as he left towards Raigh's group (Legion was still focused on trying to catch a fish from the pond). Narcian continued to whine about their duties up until he felt a hand on his shoulder, a cold hand with a hostile presence.

"...What is it that you want, Valter?" He snapped, turning to face the man.

Valter shook his head slowly before glancing at Raigh. He was the only one working on this worthless excuse of a team… and he was a child for Naga's sake. "Why are you not working, Narcian?"

"Ha! Is that a joke!?" The blonde responded, slapping Valter's hand away. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind his ear pompously as Valter took to crossing his arms. "I refuse to do what that child tells me! Unlike you, Valter, I'm not afraid of her!"

Valter's eyebrow twitched. He was not in the mood for Narcian's bullshit, nor was he afraid of Kiran. He actually appreciated her… hunger. It was enticing.

"It's because of the respect I have for Kiran that I ask… no. I demand you harvest those peaches, Narcian." Valter's voice was low with danger. He wasn't entering an argument with Narcian. No. He'd get violent if he had to. It seemed like the only language the other man understood anyway.

Narcian's cocky grin soon turned into a frown. "Who are you to tell me, Narcian, what to do?"

"Do NOT test me, Narcian." Valter snapped back, invading the blonde's space. "I will say it only ONCE more; pick up your basket and harvest those peaches."

The two looked at each other with grave faces on, trying to see whether the other would back down on their stance. In the background, Legion came running up to the two of them, a large bass held within his two hands. Behind him were Peri and Henry, who were amazed by the sheer size of the fish.

"Valter! You look! We's caughten fish! We's caughten fish!" He proclaimed happily. "See? You see?"

"Didja see it, Valter?!" Henry added, yanking the man's cape, finally gaining his attention. "Look at the bass Legion caught!"

"I thought it was a shark at first!" Peri added, shaking the Moonstone's hand about, "...Oh! Oh! Wouldn't it be neat if there were big piranhas in the river too!? Huh?! Wouldn't it!?"

Valter flashed the three of them a face, one of grave bitterness and hostility. "Does it look like I care?! Out of my sight! All of you! You've tons more fish to be catching!"

Valter's group simmered a bit at his harsh reaction, especially Legion, who wandered back to the river in a downtrodden manner. Henry followed after him, frowning bitterly at Valter for a bit and Peri mumbled "Meanie…" before walking back behind the two. Narcian and Valter continued their battle of scowls before Anna came wandering by accompanied by Kiran, who was irritably dragging Michaelis back to his group, the king in question having a large bump on the side of his head.

"You two!" Anna snapped as Kiran pointed their way, "What do you think you're doing?"

Both generals looked their way along with Berkut, who could feel a bit of sweat drip down his forehead. Shit. He didn't think the summoner would come out here to actually check on them. This, however, was exactly what Raigh was thinking would happen. He kept his peace though. At least he was doing his work. Kiran had to acknowledge that much… Narcian however, sneered at both young girls, placing his hands on his hips.

"I'm certainly not doing what you said I should be doing! In fact, none of us are!" He said boldly, chuckling smugly at Kiran, who seemed anything but pleased. "I and Valter-"

"M-my sincerest of apologies!" Narcian's mouth fell agape as Valter bowed to Kiran and Anna. The Moonstone… bowing to a child?! What has this girl done to make Valter so obedient to her!?

"EH?" Narcian blurted. "Are you apologizing, Valter?"

Narcian received no response from Valter. Meanwhile, Berkut stood his ground or at least it looked like he was. He was not about to bend to an insignificant child-like Kiran, but Alm sent him a death glare from a distance. Alm was quite happy to see Kiran here because no matter what Berkut said or did, his words meant little to nothing to the summoner.

Serra was on her knees and she tugged at Kiran, "Summoner! Please! I beg of you! Take me away from this dreadful place! I am not fit to… to work!"

Kiran simply nodded in denial. She thought it would be a good thing for Serra to work out in the fields so that she could understand that no one and Kiran means no one, was above working. Period. Even the superior fighters had to do the groundwork once in a while.

Serra, now realizing the cold truth of the matter, burst into tears. Never has she felt this way before. In a state where you were powerless and nobody was there to defend you… It's truly a horrible feeling.

Valter simply rolled his eyes at her pathetic display while Narcian completely ignored her. His focus was on the summoner. Raigh merely sighed and continued with his work and Berkut was like Narcian, he just didn't care if she cried a river.

"Pick yourself up, Serra," Anna said, "You're not doing yourself a favor by just crying over the little things."

It should also be noted that the other heroes stopped what they were doing and looked on. Serra's constant sobbing brought a crowd, much to Raigh's contempt.

Stop the waterworks… Everyone's watching now!

Her cries didn't help win the crowd over, rather than to feel sympathy for her or pity for her team, some people were quick to insult or make derogatory comments with one another. Hector and Matthew silently pitied her. They couldn't openly express their feelings due to everyone else's opinion of the matter and to an extent, they both agreed that Serra was making a scene.

"It's just not fair! Why me! Why did it have to be m-"

She was silenced by Michaelis, who ruthlessly slapped her cheek, leaving a red mark. Neither Berkut, Narcian, Raigh, Anna or everyone around them saw it coming. Kiran… actually knew that would happen and even Valter was shocked at the sudden action, but eventually, he laughed maniacally.

"What a fine show, indeed!" Valter chided.

Michaelis rubbed his hand, "Filthy wench! Silence yourself!"

Serra placed a hand on the cheek that was slapped and in an instant she ran off, pushing everyone out of her way. Raigh actually wanted to stop her, but it was too late. Narcian wanted to say that Serra deserved it, but then he'd be justifying Michaelis' actions and Michaelis was already getting death glares from everyone all around. Berkut remained silent, not wanting anything to do with any of this.

"Wait! Serra!" Matthew called, running after her.

Hector wasted no time grabbing Michaelis by the collar and lifting him off the ground, "Do you know what you have done?!"

"Release me, now!" Michaelis hissed back.

Every bone in Hector's told him to completely destroy this man, but then a hand was placed on his shoulder. It was Lyn, who nodded in disapproval. He would be no better than Michaelis if Hector resorted to pointless violence.

"We must take a different approach, Hector," Eliwood said, "We must not stoop to his level."

Hector clenched his teeth and closed his eyes, but eventually, he dropped Michaelis.

Michaelis rose to his feet with a pompous "hmph!" and took his leave, "She deserved it. Her incessant whining with that shrill voice of hers is truly a pain to my ears."

As he walked off, Hector was desperately attempting to control his anger, his shaking fists were a sign of that self-control. Eventually, he stormed off to find Matthew and Serra with Eliwood and Lyn following from behind. The crowd was then disbanded by Reinhardt, Anna, and Robin and they all returned to their respective stations. Raigh and the remnants of his band were faced with Kiran, who was contemplating what to do next with this group. They couldn't even pick berries right apparently… Raigh, knowing that Kiran was probably deciding their fate, kept still, waiting for her to make a call.

"...Kiran, you look." Kiran turned only to see Legion, who lifted a massive bass with both his hands towards her, "See? Legion doeses good, yes? Legion caughten fish!"

Kiran, though not in the mood for it, smiled at Legion as if to say "Good job!", which made the madman laugh. However, the summoner then noticed the death glares Henry and Peri were sending towards Valter, who crossed his arms at them.

"...I apologize for my harshness." The words held not sort of emotion. They just fell out of Valter's mouth effortlessly. Once more, he wasn't even facing Henry or Peri. He just stared off into the distance, eyes closed. The two seemed livid for a few more seconds before Legion wandered past them towards Valter, placing a hand on his shoulder. Valter turned to see Legion's masked face.

...The man gave him one hell of a hug, Valter appearing like he could snap in half at any moment. Both Peri and Henry's enraged faces turned sugary sweet within an instant as the two glomped him too.

"Daaaw~! We know you didn't mean it, Valter!" Henry giggled, squeezing the moonstone to death. "We're still a team, y'know!"

"You're so sweet, Valter!" Peri laughed, listening closely to his back to see whether or not they snapped his vertebrae. "You deserve a huggy-wuggy~!"

Kiran watched the scene unfold for a moment, sitting near Raigh and his worthless gang. She could hear faint footsteps coming closer and closer to her. With a glance backward, she saw Tharja, wandering towards her squad. The tome user gave Kiran a smirk and patted her head.

"How are you today, summoner?" She asked, "Good? Glad to see it…"

When she turned her attention back towards her team's "hug", she only chuckled.

"If you all keep that up, you'll snap poor Valter in two. You know how skinny he is." She said, lacking the emotion her words emphasized, "You love's sure to kill him…"

Kiran smiled at the scene unraveling before her. She loved it when a team got along well… and to think that Valter would apologize.

That's surely an improvement, an awfully sweet one at that. She'd be sure to tease him about it later…

If only Raigh's team could be more like them… She thought that putting them together would be entertaining when on the battlefield… but, right now, it was more of a headache than anything else. If only there was a way that she could force them to place nice and work together…

Raigh winced as Kiran's blue eyes opened wide, an idea, a wonderfully sinister epiphany, coming to her mind. The wide, hollow grin that followed only made Raigh feel uneasy. She definitely was planning something. It was timely too because Anna came rushing back towards her from the far end of the field.

"Everyone's returned to work, Kiran!" Anna chimed, saluting the girl next to her. It didn't take long for the general to notice the evil intent behind that grin of hers. "...You've got an idea, don't you?"

Kiran winked at Anna, then turned to Raigh, giving him an "A-Okay!" symbol with her hand. Raigh had no idea what that meant. Anna then had her eyes widen.

"Battle?! Are you sure they're-" Kiran shook her head at Anna, but waved her finger.

That's where the humiliating part came in.

They'd be taking on the hoards that were longer, better, faster, stronger, despite being beginners. They'll eventually run out of what little stamina they have and when they do, they'll rely on each other the most. When they're on the brink of dying together, they'll be saved by those they hate most in this camp.

"Checheche…" Kiran cackled.

She could only imagine Raigh's outrage of being saved by Reinhardt or Robin… or maybe even Lugh? The possibilities were endless. The feeling of hopelessness driving him to do better and to not be helpless to other's saving. But, Kiran wouldn't let him alone suffer. No. Berkut would be saved by Alm, Narcian by Valter, Serra by… Lissa (yes, a grown woman being saved by a small girl like Lissa seemed pride-shattering enough), and Michaelis…

"Keh… Keh… Keh…!" Kiran chortled excitedly.

Marth. Just to prove how inferior the king of Macedon truly was now in the Hero King's presence. Hell, getting Minerva in there too might just make the king feel like utter trash. To be saved by the very people he despises would surely make him adamant to get stronger. Maria… that would be too cruel… but, it was still a possibility.

All while Kiran laughed silently, Anna's eyes widened and Raigh bit his lip out of apprehension. The remaining band didn't fare much better either. Not knowing what that damned summoner was thinking, especially when she had a wicked intent, always unsettled him to no end.

What the hell could she be thinking? Berkut thought.

...She's gonna kill us! I know it! Narcian panicked. She's got that look in her eye!

...Damned child. Michaelis thought, a bead of sweat dripping down his forehead.

Blast… Raigh thought, clenching his fist.

"That's so evil, Kiran…" Anna mumbled in disbelief, "I-I… I LOVE IT~! It's such a good idea!"

With that, Anna pointed towards Raigh with a pointed finger. "You're heading to battle tomorrow, Raigh!"

"W-what?" Raigh said. What Reinhardt had said before, "If you ever see that day of battle…", played in the young mage's mind. Something was off. Really off. "But, I thought-"

"This is what you wanted, right?" Anna interrupted, "To get stronger?"

In the background, the Thracian general approached Kiran to tell her of the work done on the east side of the castle. His face soon balked at Kiran as she gave him a look. Anna turned to face him and whispered something in his ear. The general's face was blank for a moment before nodding solemnly at both Kiran and Anna. The general then wandered to Raigh's team, his eyes glancing to each one of them before to the sky.

"Tomorrow, there will be an attack on the eastern front."

Raigh's eyes widened. "The eastern front!?"

No front was more dangerous than the one east of the castle. Alphonse only approved of the best of the heroes heading into battle over there. Raigh knew that they were new, so new in fact, that some of them didn't even know their way around the castle yet. Reinhardt simply nodded.

"You lot have been chosen to aid us in the battle." He said gravely. "Your strength, as well as intellect, will be tested, but most importantly, your work as a team will be put to a maximum. It will be the very aspect that will ensure your victory."

"...and if it's not?" Berkut inquired with a glance at Kiran.

Reinhardt adjusted his collar, his eyes closed.

"...Then consider this a suicide mission."


Notes from the Authors!

- Dang... everything went downhill for Serra. It's not like we have anything against her. She's just surrounded by a bunch of assholes, unfortunately.

- Plus, this team seems not to be getting along anytime soon...

- Yep, we're still trying to post as many chapters we can in this short time.

- Now, Raigh's team are going off to battle! Will they survive as a team? Or is death take them one by one? Find out on the next episode of Chief Raigh and His Merry Band!

~LuckyLand and Bon De Soren