Laguz warriors led by the mighty sage Tormod join the escaped prisoners as new additions to Daein's army. Its victories in Terin, Umono, and more camps have strengthened its position. The army rides across the land, liberating prisoners from Begnion encampments. The Daein ranks swell with the influx of veteran soldiers, and the men begin to dream of the day they may retake the capital.

Like a fever, conflict grips the nation. The night will be long before this fever breaks. All eyes turn to Daein's capital as the Liberation Army begins what all believe to be a long and bloody march.


"You summoned me, Your Grace?" Jarod asked Numida.

"There is trouble, Jarod. The apostle is forming an inspection team. I've arranged to meet with the senate's vice-minister, Duke Gaddos. I imagine he'll be able to discreetly sweep the findings under the rug. But you must obliterate those insurgents. After that, we can devise excuses," Numida said.

"Understood," Jarod said.


"What's the plan? Can the senate cover up this mess?" Alder asked Jarod, as he left Numida's room.

"If the inspection team meets the rebel army, even the senate wouldn't be able to hide the truth. We'll lure the rebels to Shifu Swamp… we'll plant tales of a mass execution. They'll be sure to come. We'll trap the malcontents and wipe them from Tellius!" Jarod said.


"Amazing… my wound is healed. I give my thanks. I never thought I would get to see the Silver-Haired Maiden's miracles before my own eyes," a Daein said, as Micaiah performed Sacrifice on him. Micaiah smiled, before hearing a panicked scream.

"Silver-Haired Maiden! You must help them!" a woman cried out, entering the tent.

"Help who? What's going on?" Micaiah asked.

"They're killing our men! Please, save them!" the lady said.


"So, if I hear that right… Prisoners from Joad Work Camp are being collected in Shifu Swamp and being executed…" Pelleas said.

"Not only Joad. It is reported that they plan to exterminate all prisoners and let the swamp conceal the remains," Tauroneo said.

"I've heard no such thing! It's a false rumour… an enemy trap!" Izuka insisted.

"It may be a trap. But if we don't investigate, we face a mass execution!" Micaiah said.

"And what if it is a trap, and the Liberation Army is vanquished? The dream of restoring Daein will die out! For the good of Daein, we must ignore this!" Izuka said.

"I understand. I won't take any troops. Just myself, the Dawn Brigade, and the laguz," Micaiah said. "Without permission, if I must."

"Stop right there, little lady! I will not authorise this action without the prince's full approval!" Izuka said. Tauroneo rolled his eyes at that.

"Izuka… She has my full permission. Please… she hasn't disappointed us yet!" Pelleas said.

"…I get the feeling this sub-human's running your army, my prince," Izuka said.


"Micaiah? Is everything all right?" Sothe asked, stopping in his preparations to look at Micaiah. Her wing bindings were abandoned.

"Sothe… Muarim thinks I'm Branded. A cross between beorc and laguz," Micaiah said.

"Fair reasoning. But you can trust him. He's not exactly going to throw arrows at you for it or anything," Sothe said.

"I'm sure of that. Muarim seems trustworthy. But what about everyone else? They know my powers are because I'm laguz… but if what Pelleas said is true… and I'm a Branded… a parentless…" Micaiah said.

"Parentless? Hoo boy…" Sothe said.

"Right now, when they look at me, they see a beloved and kindly leader. A bird they can trust. But if they thought I was a Branded? I don't want to find out if I'm one of them…" Micaiah said. She reached into her pouch, and began rubbing Olivi Grass along her wings, chest and arms, furiously trying to transform.

"You know, Micaiah. We can stop. We knew staying in this army was an impossible situation. You've always led a secluded life. I was always worried the pressure would get to you," Sothe said.

"I knew this would happen… somewhat. I wasn't expecting this, though. Despite that… I accepted the job. I can't stop… I care about Daein too much. I spent a lot of time with Daein's people as I waited for you. When we lost the war, our cities and towns had become ruin. We had to help each other. We supported and comforted each other," Micaiah said.

"You never told me this before," Sothe said.

"I've been secluded for so long, I had no idea the people of Daein could be so open to a kindly bird laguz… they don't call me a sub-human, most of them. They were so loving, even though all they knew was that I was a Daein. A Daein laguz…" Micaiah said. "I was so touched… I'm scared to lose that kindness.

"Micaiah…" Sothe said.

"This isn't the time to worry, though. If I am needed in Daein, I will stand my ground," Micaiah said.

"Well… you know, if things get too hot, I'm going to grab you and run. Laguz or Branded," Sothe said. "Friends and Daein are important, but not as important as you are to me. I don't care whether you can transform. Remember that," Sothe said.

"…Thank you, Sothe…" Micaiah said.


"Hm… where's the boss? These tents all look the same to me…" Vika said.

"Oh, hi, Vika! Can I help you?" Micaiah asked. Vika jumped, and bolted behind a tent wall.

"Vika… did I do something to offend you?" Micaiah asked.

"No, I'm sorry… I get so jumpy around you, for whatever reason. Don't be sad. I just get… confused. I admire you, and then I get a bizarre feeling, and then…" Vika said.

"It's all right. Sorry about bothering you," Micaiah said.

"Wait… I want to overcome this. I don't want to avoid you… you are bird tribe. We are family… or at least, that's what I've heard. I want to become friends with you!" Vika said.

"Of course! I'd be honoured to be your friend, Vika!" Micaiah said.

"Here. Take this as a token of that friendship," Vika said.

"What a beautiful figurine… it looks like a simply lovely…" Micaiah said, looking at the wings.

"It's a heron, just like you, actually. Notice the curve of the wing here? Only herons have it so smoothly…" Vika said, brandishing her own wing. Micaiah noticed the rather jagged corner in the indicated spot.

"Wow… so I'm a heron?" Micaiah asked.

"A peaceful race… anyway, take that figurine. It brings luck… it's how I met the boss and Muarim!" Vika said.

"I will cherish it…" Micaiah said, putting it around her neck. Vika smiled.


"Good. You may begin," Radmin said, in Shifu Swamp. A few bandits serving Begnion smited Daein civilians, throwing them into the swamp. A light spell appeared in the sky, as Micaiah appeared on the scene, followed by Sothe.

"We are the Daein Liberation Army! Hold on tight…" Micaiah said.

"The Saviour of Daein!" a Daein civilian said.

"Bleeding-heart filth!" a Begnion said.

"They might have suspected a trap… but they're here now. Brazen fools," Radmin said. He snapped his fingers, and more Begnions appeared.

"Silver-haired sub-human! I'm going to drown you and Daein's hopes in these filthy waters! You have no escape!" Radmin roared.

"…It's a trap after all," Micaiah said.

"Don't get smug, you cowards! We have something up our sleeves… Tormod!" Sothe said. From the south, Tormod, Muarim and Vika arrived. An Arcfire cleaned up a few Begnions.

"Lady Nailah! Volug!" Micaiah said. Two wolves emerged from the west, snapping necks.

"Sub-humans!" a Begnion cried out. Rafiel emerged from the trees, and sung a song. Nailah and Volug snapped another pair of necks.

"What was that?" Micaiah asked.

"That was Vigor, a heron galdr. Don't get distracted!" Sothe said. Micaiah nodded, and summoned her team. Edward, Leonardo and Nolan appeared from the north, and growled softly. They were ready for this. The new and improved Dawn Brigade spun about their sword, axe and bow. Jill descended behind them, twirling her axe at the ready. Battle commenced, and the Dawn Brigade made to the east. Jill soared about the swamp, tackling the wyvern riders and saving the Daeins. Sothe moved forward, before tiring out in the swamp water.

"Sothe… can I try something?" Micaiah asked. She began to sing. She missed the exact words, but the melody and basic gist of the lyrics of Rafiel's Vigor had made it to her laguz-like ears. Sothe felt invigorated, and charged ahead of the Dawn Brigade to knife a few mages.

Edward turned around in surprise. Micaiah surrounded herself with the Dawn Brigade, and sung the tune she had learned. The three members of the Dawn Brigade felt invigorated, and charged forward as heartily as Sothe had done. Micaiah smiled with joy, before casting some light magic on someone foolish enough to attempt to attack her.

"My forces… overpowered. The enemy fights with such passion… is this one of that Maiden's powers?" Radmin asked. Leonardo took aim, and fired an arrow through his tome. Radmin jumped, before his second arrow went through his heart. Before he hit the ground, Edward did a critical hit for show.


"We're nearly back to camp… I wonder what the army will think," Micaiah said. She had finished talking to Rafiel about Galdrar, and learned the melodies of not only Vigor, but Bliss, Sorrow, Valour and Recovery. The latter two were too complex for Micaiah, but she appreciated the effort all the same.

"I'm sure he'll be happy to see the prisoners safe," Sothe said. As if on cue, the cheers of the Daeins sounded from their destination.

"Look! Look up there! The Maiden has returned with the prisoners!" a Daein said.

"She won another victory! She escaped their trap and destroyed the enemy! Again!" another Daein said.

"Radiant with divine protection and the light of a heron, she truly has the goddess's blessing! The Silver-Haired Maiden! Our priestess!" a third Daein said.

"Priestess of Dawn! Lady Micaiah!" a fourth said.

"It seems the soldiers are celebrating your liberation of the prisoners. Give them a wave. People like their heroes to seem approachable," Nailah said.

"I see…" Micaiah said. She approached the cliff where she would be easily visible, and waved.

"Lady Micaiah! Lady Micaiah, the Priestess of Dawn!" a Daein cried out.


That night, Sothe found Micaiah absently humming Bliss in a corner of the camp.

"Here you are…" Sothe said.

"Sothe… after those soldiers cheering… I feel as if I'm doing good…" Micaiah said, before slumping over. Sothe smiled, and scooped her up.

"Sothe! Come, quick! Something's up with Muarim!" Tormod said.


"Gh… Grahr…" Muarim roared. He was pulsating between green and red, and changed between tiger and normal forms eerily.

"Muarim, get a hold of yourself!" Tormod cried out.

"Gh. Li. Ttle. One," Muarim let out.

"…Help him! I don't know what to do! He's more tiger than human… Muarim even transforms, and growls like he's losing his mind. If I grab him and yell his name, he returns to normal for about a few microseconds. When he growls… I see one of them!" Tormod said.

"You can't mean… no!" Sothe cried out. Micaiah stirred in Sothe's arms, and stood up oddly.

"Help him! Please! I don't know what to do! He's not spending enough time in reverted form…" Tormod said.

"My body… Little one… get away!" Muarim said.

"I'll die before I let you go feral! Muarim!" Tormod said. Micaiah began singing a galdr, her eyes glazed over. A male voice, that of Rafiel, supplemented her song. Muarim shivered, and reverted. Both he and Micaiah dropped to the ground, their energies spent.

"Muarim?" Tormod asked.

"The galdr of rebirth… it restores twisted bodies and souls to their proper states. He will be all right now," Rafiel said. Sothe looked at Micaiah. Her ears and wings looked almost translucent, before turning back to their original colours.

"Thank you… without Muarim… life would be… much worse…" Tormod said.

"The galdr of rebirth…" Sothe said, tracing Micaiah's wings. Micaiah smiled slightly, as if in reflex.


"Feral Ones?" Pelleas asked.

"In the Mad King's War, Daein's military developed living weapons. Feral Ones… laguz that had been warped and twisted in terrible experiments," Sothe reported.

"Terrible? You mean to refute the highly effective results of my brilliant research?" Izuka asked.

"You! You gave Muarim the drug to turn him into a Feral One?" Sothe asked.

"What's wrong with that? Maintaining battle strength in beast state? How splendid!" Izuka said.

"How dare you! Transforming laguz into Feral Ones dramatically cuts their life spans, destroys their sense of self, and they do nothing but fight to the death! And you gave Muarim that drug!" Tormod said.

"Pawns need no sense of self. It's only natural to sacrifice soldiers for victory!" Izuka said.

"You twisted maniac…" Sothe said, reaching for his sharpest and most jagged knife.

"Everybody! Wait! Izuka did a terrible thing to that laguz! Tormod… I'm truly sorry on his behalf! He will not use the drug again. So please… try to forgive him…" Pelleas said, kneeling down before Tormod.

"Prince Pelleas…" Sothe said.

"My prince! We must not have royalty bowing and scraping before swine like…" Izuka started.

"REXFLAME!" Tormod cried out. The floor surrounding Izuka's feet turned to lava, and Izuka hurriedly cast some dark magic to drown out the lava waves. Before anyone could turn to face Tormod, he had left the room.

"That magical power…" Izuka said.

"Rexflame… I hear it is the most powerful fire magic spell known to mankind. Tell me what that says about you," Sothe said.


"I see… is this true?" Apostle Sanaki asked the senators she faced in Mainal Hall.

"Yes, Apostle. Our occupation forces have engaged in appalling, inhumane excesses in Daein. These excesses were perpetrated entirely outside the knowledge of the occupational governor, Duke Seliora," Duke Lekain of Gaddos said.

"I come to you penitent… failing my duties as governor, I, Numida of Seliora, share a measure of guilt for this disaster. I am prepared for my punishment. However, I feel that feeling the people of Daein from our oppression is our most urgent task…" Numida said.

"Urgent? Then we must make haste. We will convene an inspection team and request a meeting with the army led by the late King Ashnard's orphan, assuring them of Begnion's intentions. Then we will immediately address the occupation force's tyranny," Sanaki said.

"Excellent! In that case, please deign to allow me, your humble servant Lekain of Gaddos, to lead the inspection team. By my word, the soldiers who have stained the empire's name will be toppled where they stand! I promise, they shall not live to return!" Lekain said.

"That is unacceptable. I will decide the soldier's punishment once I hear their side. I have chosen to appoint Sephiran of Persis to lead the investigation team. Is that acceptable, Sephiran?" Sanaki asked.

"I hear and I obey, my empress…" Sephiran said.

"Apostle Sanaki…" Lekain said.

"This is a dire situation. I judge the prime minister, Duke Persis, to be more suited to the role than you, Duke Gaddos. That is all," Sanaki said, leaving the room. Lekain growled.

"What shall I do, Lord Lekain?" Numida panicked.

"Duke Numida, my friend… we have been out-matched. You must sacrifice every Begnion in the Imperial Occupation Army," Lekain said.

"That's ridiculous. Grrgh… blast that spoiled brat and her cunning schemes… you'll live to regret this, Apostle Sanaki!" Numida said.