A/N: Has it really been five years since I updated? I feel so bad. But life happens and it makes things difficult to update sometimes. I'm back everyone, better and in the mood again. Hopefully things will begin to update in a better timely manner and I will have my followers back. Man, I miss everyone and I hope you all will come back as I update more now... So as we all know, bandits have attacked and Ike and Mira are on their way down to the village to check that everything is okay. Poor Mira is worried about her siblings and this was their first day back. However, bandits also planned their attack this day. Was it all done purposefully? Did they mean to attack today? Also why? Answers are coming slowly but shortly in the chapters to come.
Entering the village, Ike and Mira saw the damage done. It wasn't as bad as Ike expected it to be. All of the buildings were standing, though a few had broken doors or windows. Ike could tell Mira was relieved to see that the condition of the village wasn't that bad.
Ike was relieved himself. Bandit attacks in Tellius were merciless. They did all they could to get what they wanted. They even burned down buildings as a method of obtaining answers. Ike wasn't sure if that's still how things were there. In fact he wasn't really sure how things were back home. He stayed long enough to see his sister get married. During that time, everything was calm and reconstruction was going well. Now it had been at least a few years since everything ended. He hoped things were calm.
During his time here, Ike thought about writing home many times. In fact, he had even written a few letter, though he never tried to send them out. The journey here was a difficult one and the fact that no one from his continent even knew about Hino's existence made Ike very sure that even if he tried to send his letter, it would never reach and he wasn't going to ask that they try here. Already, many people were uncomfortable with his presence here so it wouldn't be right trying to ask the impossible.
In fact, today seemed even more off.
When they saw Mira their expression changed to relief, but as soon as their gaze fell on Ike, he could see the brightness dim. It was normal for that to happen. Mira did explain how many were still hesitant if him because he was from Tellius. Yet this time, Ike felt there was more than just that. Maybe they thought that the bandit attack was because of him. After all, he wasn't liked and everyone seemed to know everything here so that meant he wasn't a secret here.
Ike didn't get a chance to ponder it much, as Mira was speaking again. This time it was with an elderly lady, whose entire shop had been rampaged through. She was trembling as she spoke. Mira had her sit down and talk.
According to the lady the bandits came barging in demanding for them to show what they were hiding. When Mira tried to ask her what, she just shook her head and buried her face in her hand. Once she was calmed, Mira then moved back and after talking with the husband, she then turned around to leave the shop. Ike followed out behind her.
"Seems like they're more shocked than actually injured from the attack," he remarked.
Mira nodded her head, "it's understandable. Bandits haven't attacked us in a long time. When our leaders first came to power, they did such a wonderful job lowering the rates at which the attacks came. However, lately it seems they have begun to slack."
"Slack?" Ike glanced down at her.
Mira nodded, "while you've been here, have you noticed any soldiers patrolling?"
Ike tensed, thinking about that. Come to think of it, he may have seen one once or twice, but that was too few. For a country that didn't have that many bandits attack, he expected more. It would make sense more.
"I haven't seen any soldiers in weeks that actually came and did what they used to do. They just pass through, not speaking much and then leave," Mira explained.
"How were they before?" Ike asked.
"Well it used to be a lively group that passed through. They would always be entertaining the village and everyone would always be in a brighter mood after they left. Now, it's not like that anymore. They pass through, ask everyone how everything is going and then leave. It's so strange," she explained. Her eyes continued to scan around the area. That's when Ike actually noticed just how alert she was. It was as if she was expecting something to jump out any time. While it seemed the attack might have been over, he needed to keep an eye out.
They soon arrived to a familiar bakery. It was this bakery where Ike actually felt he could be at ease, even with what had just happened. It was one of the few places, the other being the herbal shop, but even that was starting to get strange, as Ike realized there were many things that Leila did that reminded him of Aimee. It scared him a bit.
Entering the shop, the two were greeted by Gus, who was putting the final batches away.
"I take it, you both are here to treat the injured that couldn't make it back?" he asked, turning to face them.
Ike allowed Mira to speak and explain.
Gus just nodded his head slowly and then let out a sigh, as he sat down at the stool behind the counter, "well it's not so much as injured people, as it is shocked and traumatized people," he remarked.
"I noticed not many were injured, what happened exactly?" Mira asked.
Gus shook his head, "those that fought back were the ones that were injured. And those that didn't… well, they were harassed until some sort of answer was given to them."
"Answers to what?"
Gus looked at her and then shook his head, "only those who were harassed know…" He then let out a short cough, trying to clear his throat.
Mira then flinched, "I… see…" she nodded her head slowly. For some reason, Ike felt uneasiness from her now.
"School will be out early now," Gus suddenly added, "they're not lettin' the youngins go 'less a parent there."
Mira nodded her head, "Alright, afterwards, I'm going to come back to help the rest here. There were many who were treated up at the clinic as well. Though, those that didn't come will need something to help with shock," she explained.
At that, Ike saw Gus shake his head, "now how are ye lettin' yer mum do this by herself."
"No no!" Mira's eyes widened, realizing the misunderstanding, "this was this morning and mother didn't do much. She had an assistant who helped a lot," Mira smiled, indicating Ike.
"Did he now?" When he turned to look at Ike he had a smile of approval while Mira excitedly explained that morning.
"You're exaggerating too much, Mira. Honestly, I didn't do much," Ike remarked with a shrug, "I had no idea what I was doing."
"You helped, that's all that matters," Gus smiled and then turned to Mira, "you keep an eye on that mother of yours, you hear me?"
Mira nodded her head, "but of course. And it's been so nice that Ike has been helping out as well. There is so much that had gotten done."
Ike just shrugged, "I'm just doing my best to make up for the hospitality you all have provided me."
Gus just smiled and nodded his head. Ike felt a warm feeling in his stomach. He couldn't help but feel the approval that Gus gave. It made him wonder just why Gus was so welcoming to Ike compared to everyone else.
Even so, Ike knew better than to ponder. It made him realize though that there was a lot that was going on that he didn't know about. He really wanted to learn more about the country.
"You two better get goin'. Don't leave em kids waiting too long," Gus ordered. The two nodded their heads and Ike again, followed Mira out the door.
Arriving to the school, Ike noticed that there wasn't any sort of damage. Even the people seemed unharmed.
"That's a relief…" Mira muttered. Ike nodded his head in agreement. He knew this was one of the main reasons that she wanted to come into town. Ike wasn't sure if there was more, but obviously she would come down to treat the injured. It still amazed him just how willing the lagiz were to help the beorcs. Even throughout the village, there were some tasks that were obviously too difficult for a beorc to do himself. Instead of boasting about their strengths and skills, the laguz were still openly helping.
Goddess, he prayed that this was how Tellius was now.
"Sister! Ike!" the familiar voice was heard as Nina came bolting out of the school towards the two.
"Nina, don't forget your brother now," Mira called, slightly annoyed.
"Yeah, he's right there!" Nina pointed to Seth, who was talking to his teacher and then having bidding her farewell he was running down the path towards the two.
The view was a beautiful one. The school was a large building and sat on top of a hill. Multiple paths stretched out from the main entrance, down towards the main road. The landscaping was very beautiful with numerous colored flowers surrounding the building with trees a little off to allow shade for the students to play in.
Nina and Seth were now before the two with Nina explaining what happened when they learned of the attack.
"We were all told to go underneath our desks and the doors and windows had been locked. We stayed like that for some time before finally word came of safety and then that's when they decided we could go home early," she explained.
Mira nodded her head, "Well that's a relief. Come, let's go home now. Mother will be happy to see you two alright," she remarked.
The two children nodded their head, excitedly, as they all hurried down. Ike couldn't help but smile, watching them talk excitedly about surprising their mother. He found himself relieved that the attack didn't reach the school.
He had grown fond of the two. The two combined, reminded him of Mist when the two of them were younger and being around them, helped him feel at ease and the homesickness stay at bay.
Arriving home, the two children barged into the house, to announce their presence.
"Welcome back, I'm happy to see you all safe and well," Allia greeted the group at the door. Seth was the first to run to his mother and hug her. Nina followed behind.
"Come on, Mommy. We know better than to get ourselves in trouble," Nina objected.
"That, is very questionable," Mira remarked.
Allia just smiled at the scene. "You two go wash up. I will have lunch ready and then-"
"And then we can go wait for Keoji!" Nina suddenly cheered, obviously hopeful, but that's when Ike saw the stern look appear on Allia's face.
"Absolutely not. It's not safe right now."
"But, mooo-"
"Don't try to argue Nina. Go wash up and then after lunch, we will do our homework together," Allia ordered.
It was amusing to see Nina grumbling up the stairs. The caravan must have been very close with the family, considering how excited Nina was hearing they were coming. It made Ike curious, especially since Nina kept talking about the group the entire lunch time and while setting up for homework, while Mira was in the kitchen, cleaning everything up.
Afterwards, she came to sit with the group, but then found herself up again, "mother. I have to go back out. There are a few that still need treatment," she remarked.
Allia only nodded her head, saying, "I understand."
"You're going by yourself?" Ike found himself asking.
Mira nodded her head, "of course. I would offer you to come, but I don't think you need to," she explained.
Ike raised a brow, "is that wise?"
Mira nodded, "I can't just sit back while those people need help."
Allia obviously didn't seem to like the idea, but she smiled, "as a mother, I only worry, but I understand what you feel."
Mira just nodded, "it's alright mother. I understand. But please don't worry. You've stressed yourself out a lot today."
"Please hurry and come back before sundown," Allia only asked.
Mira nodded her head. With that, she packed her items and was off. Allia went with her to the door where she watched Mira head down. Once she was gone, Allia then came back inside where Ike was already standing.
"That girl cannot hold back when it comes to making sure everyone is healed, but she also cares too much about others well being to the point, she puts herself in danger," she explained.
Ike nodded her head, "don't worry. I'm going after her. You should rest and not worry."
Allia smiled, "I trust you and with you out there with her, I will be able to rest."
Ike nodded his head and looked at Nina and Seth who quietly watched, "you guys take your mother upstairs. I'll be back in a bit."
"Absolutely!" Nina nodded and then bounced over to her mother, to take her hand, "Mommy, we can trust Ike. Let's go."
"Thank you, Ike," Allia smiled, as she followed after her kids.
With Allia now occupied by the two younger ones, Ike was able to relax and then head out of the clinic as well to go after Mira. He didn't understand why she was so insisting to the point that she ignored her mother, but perhaps because she felt that her mother didn't think she was up to the job?
Ike could understand that, especially with how he heard her father treat her. Even so, he knew he needed to find her fast and he didn't know where to start. Ike decided the best place to start was at the bakery, where he explained to Gus the situation.
"Hmm..." Gus frowned, "that girl is way to reckless."
Ike didn't understand why Gus would call her reckless. From how he had seen Mira, she was a very cautious one - always thinking things over before deciding. So to hear her be called reckless it was strange. However, thinking of her excuse, Ike could only shake her head. She wasn't good at lying at all.
Mira used that as an excuse to be out late, which meant that something was going on with the bandits and Ike knew exactly what.
"Sir, I need to find Mira fast. I know what she's doing."
Gus looked at Ike, the pain was obvious in his eyes, "she's most likely towards the west side of the village near the lake," he explained and then his expression turned stern, "you must stop her. If she continues to act like this, then things are going to begin to repeat themselves. These types of actions are the reason why Saito is the way he is."
Now Ike was very curious and he wanted to know more, but now wasn't the time. He needed to find Mira. With that, Ike left the bakery to head down towards the lake. This family... this town... this country... there was so much that was unknown. Ike knew that the longer he stayed the more he would learn, but this village was way to disturbed at the moment. He would have to wait for things to calm and first make peace with the people here.
Although... it was going to be difficult, considering that when Ike found Mira, she was already interacting with the bandits.
Ike felt his stomach drop at the sight in the distance and he quickened his pace. Before him, Mira stood with four man standing before her. Two had their weapons drawn while the two in the center, stood with one having their arms crossed and the other with his arms at his side.
They all stood much taller than Mira, who, even though she was surrounded by four giant men, and a few others in the distance, she still had a stern expression, ready to scold. Ike was impressed that she had yet to be intimidated away, especially after seeing how she could be.
He couldn't help but definitely see her father in her.
"Just what do you mean? Explain yourself," Mira was in the middle of ordering when Ike appeared. Thankfully he arrived when he did. Ike saw the man groan in anger. His eyes filled with anger. It was only for a split second, but Ike made eye contact with the leader and he instantly knew what was going on. As Mira was about to say something else, Ike stopped her, placing a hand on her shoulder and moved forwards.
"Don't bother. These guys aren't going to cooperate that easily," he warned, standing in front of her now.
Mira blinked, "I-Ike-"
Ike stopped her, lifting a hand. He then looked at the leader, who suddenly burst out laughing, "so you actually have to guts to show yourself, huh?"
Ike just kept his eyes narrowed, "Any grudge you hold over Tellius should be directed towards me. Mira has nothing to do with this."
At that, the man snapped, "nothing to do with this? That witch is the one who's been taking care of you! She dare go against the will of the Goddess!"
Ike narrowed his eyes at that. He wasn't sure what the bandit meant by the will of the Goddess, but even so, he knew better than to move. If he did, Mira would be attacked.
Behind Ike, Mira stood confused, and slightly irritated. She didn't understand what was happening. Why was Ike here? Obviously he knew what Mira was planning to do and she was doing it with the hope that they would understand that Ike isn't a threat, but now Ike stood before her in a defensive stance and the men stood before him.
It wasn't until the man demanded Ike move so they could attack Mira, did Mira realize her mistake. Ike refused and so the bandit dove forwards, pulling his axe off of his back and aiming at Ike.
The movements were fast, but Mira could follow and saw how easily Ike stepped forwards to dodge the blade and crossed his arms above him to stop the attack. He easily shoved the man back and that's when the others started to help.
Mira was impressed with his moves. It was obviously this was not foreign to Ike. He knew how to fight very well. She couldn't help but watch as Ike easily blocked and struck the bandits attacking with only his fist. Although, she could tell Ike was still struggling. It was obviously due to not having a weapon. Mira couldn't help but feel bad now. Why did Ike come out here, especially without a weapon?
Unfortunately, while Mira was busy amazed over Ike's skills, she failed to see a warrior sneak up on her right. Thankfully Mira noticed quickly enough to move away when he started to attack. Like Ike, Mira was skillful enough to evade the attacks. Unlike Ike, she was not as veteran of a fighter as he was and for that reason, she still struggled until Ike appeared before her, moving her back, as he grabbed the axe the man was slamming down, and manage to pull it from the bandit's hands and use the blunt side to knock him out.
Unfortunately that gave another bandit the opportunity to sneak back and snipe Ike, who was struck by the arrow straight in the shoulder. The stinging feeling erupted through his arm, as he doubled back.
"Ike!" Mira crouched next to him, when Ike ended up stumbling back from the sudden strike. He gripped his arm where the arrow was stuck. Mira placed a hand over his.
"I-I'm sorry... this is my fault..."
"Yeah, apologizing isn't going to do much now, Mira. We gotta think of a way out of this," Ike replied, as he stood straight again, moving Mira behind me.
"We need to figure a way out of here. Without a weapon, it'll be difficult defeating them. And with you here, I rather not spill blood."
Mira was surprised to hear just how authoritative he became. Although, she knew discussing the situation right now wasn't going to help. They needed a way out, but if they ran, the bandits would chase them.
Oh how, Mira prayed for a miracle and her prayers were almost instantly answered when another booming voice suddenly appeared.
"Enough!"
Mira instantly recognized the voice as she spun around to see the large muscular man, Keoji, stand there with his axe in the ground. He looked travel worn, though his narrow eyes were glaring daggers at the bandits before them. The best part was, when she looked back at the bandits, they were suddenly hesitant.
"Just what is going on here?" Keoji demanded as he started to walk forwards, his axe slung over his shoulders. The bandits just stayed quiet, glaring at the man before one stepped forwards. "So another man appears trying to be a hero."
While he tried to sound tough, he instantly took a step back when Keoji stood before him.
"Hmph. Still trying to act tough after all this time. You recently told me your name, but I don't care to remember," Keoji remarked.
Ike could only watch the interaction. The group of bandits continued to try and be tough until Keoji swung his axe down and in a booming voice threatened them all.
"I'm only going to say this one time. Anyone dare lay a finger on Mira, my men will know and you will end up dead," he announced, and then to the leader, "now, you know better to object unless you need a reminder?"
It was obviously the group had recently had an encounter with Keoji and his group. The leader didn't even try to object after that. Instead he cursed and shot a glare towards Mira and then Ike before turning around and grumbling to the group. They were soon gone, carrying those who were I nursed or stunned. When they were out of range, that's when Mira let out a sigh.
"At last... peace again."
"Just how stupid are you, trying confront a group of bandits on your own?" Keoji sighed. Even though he was annoyed, he smiled warmly at Mira as she went over to him.
"Thank you, Keoji and... I'm sorry. This wasn't how this was supposed to go," Mira apologize lowering her head.
Ike watched as the man named Keoji just smirked and patted her head.
Ike couldn't help but have a strange feeling pass over him as the two interacted. He was surprised by how kind the man was acting with Mira even though what she did was not smart. It made Ike feel like he was interrupting a moment between a couple, which he was familiarized with due to walking in on Mist and Boyd flirting with one another.
Thankfully the feeling passed as Keoji now turned to look at Ike while Mira hurried over to him.
"Keoji, this is Ike. Ike, Keoji is the one I was telling you about," Mira explained,introducing the two.
"It's good to meet you. Thank you for the help," Ike nodded his head.
"Well, it seems you quickly understood Mira' reckless tactics. It's a good thing too," Keoji nodded a greeting as well. "Although... considering an attack happened you should have known better than to come unarmed," he huffed.
Ike didn't respond to that. It was obvious that Keoji was trying very hard to be nice, which meant he was part of the group that hated Tellius. Thankfully, Mira spoke up from next to him.
"Please. Let's just head back right now. I need to care for Ike and he needs to rest now," Mira ordered.
Ike didn't say anything and just nodded while Keoji just grunted and the three started back with Mira next to Ike and Keoji behind them, keeping an eye out.
