Yay another super long chapter! Many things in this one. :D Reviews are loved and there is boy love, as usual so read at your own risk! I warned you! Also, I don't own Fire Emblem. Love to you all, especially if you leave reviews!
Dear Journal,
Day 40. Ike might join up with us on our journey to the capitol to reclaim the throne. It will be a little odd, teaming up the with the people I ran away from, but I hope they will forgive me in due time. Shinon's reaction to the fact that I was Branded was not surprising, though I did feel a little...odd about it. Even though it was expected, the words still sting I suppose. This King Kaligua is making every effort to kill me. The fact that I continue to elude him must make him angrier, not that that's a bad thing. The angrier people are, the more foolish their actions.
"Soren, Ike has made his decision," Stefan said as he entered the small storage room Soren had picked out as a resting place.
The mage closed the thin volume and tucked it away. "Then I guess we should go see what it is."
When they reached the first meeting room, all of the members of the Greil Mercenaries were present, making Soren's heart rise once more to his throat. Before Soren could say anything to any of them, however, Ike rose to his feet.
"We've decided to help you, Soren. Regardless of what you may think, you are still a member of our family, and we will do what we can to help you," Ike said.
"That...makes me very happy," Soren said.
"Well, now that that's out of the way, we should talk strategy," Colm said, smacking his hand down on the table.
As if that was the signal, everyone took a seat around the table, though Titania and Boyd remained standing due to the lack of working chairs. Soren reached into his cloak to produce the map of Daein. On it, he had marked the capitol, where they were now, where they had been hiding out several nights ago, as well as Sothe's base. Sothe had been kind enough to put dots at every town between them and the capitol.
"Reclaiming the throne is the easy part," Soren said, slipping into his strategist mode. "It's winning the hearts of the people that will be the most difficult, especially given my condition. I do not want to worry about reclaiming the throne just yet. It is better that I instill in the people that I am the true heir and that I am here to fight for them."
"That'll be new to them," Boyd grumbled.
Soren looked up.
"What he means," Mist interjected. "Is that Daein's citizens have been pushed around too much. If they know there is a leader who is willing to fight back bandits and their oppressors, they will be a lot more willing to help."
"It would be easier if you could hide that you were Branded though. Daein is known for it's prejudices, and no matter how nice you are, some of them won't be able to look past it," Titania said. "It might be a good idea to keep it hidden until you've taken the throne, or maybe never let it be known at all."
"I can't do that," Soren said. "I am not just motivated to take the throne for personal gain. I want to create a home that everyone can be equal in, Branded included." He glanced at Stefan. "And I want to be a major power in support of the creation of another country."
"Oh? You failed to mention that part," Ike said, crooking a blue eyebrow up.
"I...am a little embarrassed by it, to be honest. But Stefan has been trying to gather the Branded up, and hoped to create a country for them, most likely with the help of Crimea, or any country willing to support them. It is a dream that if I can help fulfill, I will," Soren said. "And as much as I hate Daein for the war and destruction they caused, it was not its people that caused it, but their Mad King. I want to do what I can to restore their faith."
"I'm not used to such selflessness from, Soren," Titania said, a small smirk on her lips. "It's quite refreshing."
Soren coughed, trying to fight the flush rising in his cheeks. "As I was saying, I need to gain their support. For this reason, I plan on going to each town, and routing the occupying forces out. Then, we shall teach them how to fight so that they can defend themselves when we leave. As you have pointed out, we do not have an army. We cannot leave forces behind to help protect them, so we will just do what we can do help. Then...when we reach the capitol...well, I haven't gotten that far yet."
"We can't take down an army," Ike repeated.
"I know that! I'll think of something. I just...need more time. I need more allies."
"What about Sothe?" Mist piped up.
"There's where we come to another lovely roadblock," Colm said. "Seems there's a Palleas guy who thinks he's the heir. Sothe doesn't think he is, and actually sides with Soren, but seeing as how the rest of his group believes in Palleas, he can't join us. We're on our own."
"What sort of mess have you gotten us into?" Rhys sighed.
"I'm sorry. You...you do not have to fight with me. I will not make you stay," Soren said.
Rhys smiled at him. "I did not mean that in a harmful way, Soren. I just don't know how someone like you could get in so much trouble so fast without us."
Soren flushed again. "I'm sorry."
"Stop apologizing," Mist cut in. "We're sticking with you, so get over it. No matter what ends up happening with Palleas, we're on your side."
"Good to know. I truly appreciate it."
"If that's it, then I think we should all rest up," Ike said. "This may be the last time for awhile that we have a...nice place to sleep."
"Alright then, everyone out," Titania said.
"Oh, I get first dibs on a bed!" Mist said, racing out the door and into the surrounding hallways.
Soren stood as well, turning to leave only to be stopped by Ike's hand on his shoulder.
"I want to talk to you for a moment, Soren, if I may," he said.
Soren glanced at Stefan and nodded. Stefan shrugged and departed from the room, and within a few more moments, they were the only ones left. As Ike closed the door, Soren picked up his map and tucked it away once more.
"Soren, are you crazy?"
Soren swallowed and turned to face the fighter. "I don't think so."
"Can't you see he's manipulating you?" Ike demanded, gesturing at the door he had closed. "Stefan is just using you for his own gain. How do you really know you're Ashnard's son? Because he told you?"
"Ike, be quiet. Stefan didn't know either. In fact, when we were first attacked we thought it was because of Stefan's royal blood, diluted as it is," Soren snapped. "And how else would you explain the fact that I'm doing attacked at every turn?"
"Maybe their after Stefan, like you said," Ike said.
"Don't be daft. No one knows of Stefan's royal blood except for me, and now you. Stefan is not manipulating me. I want to create a country where people are equal just as much as he does," Soren said.
"Oh do you? I thought you hated laguz."
"Maybe I did once. But I have met some amazing people. Lethe, Mordecai, Maurim, and now Xane. I cannot let my own prejudices blind me when I'm the dirtiest of them all," Soren growled. "Now stop lecturing me like you know what I'm feeling. I have changed Ike. I am not brimming with confidence about this. I may seem sure that I want to rule, but I promise you, I am not. I don't want to take the throne, but it is rather obvious that if I take the throne, the whole of Daein will be in a better position."
"You are absolutely mad. I didn't know you had such an ego on you," Ike said. "Maybe Ashnard's blood runs a little thicker than you thought."
"I...if anything, I've lost my ego," Soren said.. "Are we going to keep arguing about this or can we both just accept that I'm the better choice between the potential leaders and go to bed?"
Ike opened his mouth to say something else, but then shut it firmly. "Alright. Just try and think for yourself a little bit more."
Soren didn't say anything in response, instead watching the fighter turn around and walk out of the room. Once he was gone, he sighed, rubbing a hand across his forehead. After a few more moments though, he made his way back to the storage room, glad to see that Stefan had moved a small cot for them to share.
"There actually weren't any beds, only a few cots, so I made sure to grab one," Stefan said, moving towards him. "What's wrong?"
Soren stepped forward into Stefan's hug, wondering briefly how everything could go so wrong and so right all at once, and all so fast. "Just have a lot on my mind. Don't worry about it."
"Ah but you see, I must worry about because I care about you," Stefan said, pulling back so he could look Soren in the eye. "So, what's wrong?"
"...Everything. That's a very rough estimate," Soren murmured. "I just...this is why I left. Because I knew once they found out, they would react like this."
"In case you didn't notice, Shinon was the only one that overreacted," Stefan said pointedly.
"But I...agree with him. I'm disgusting. Not just because I'm Branded, but my father is...Ashnard, the man I worked to defeat. I killed my own father, and I'm glad he's dead, and I hate that his blood runs in my veins. I always hated what I was, but now..."
"You are not disgusting, and you are nothing like Ashnard. I don't give a damn what blood runs in your veins, Soren, and those who matter won't care either," Stefan said, reaching forward to run his knuckles against the mage's cheek.
Soren leant into the touch, eyes downcast. "I hate this. I hate me."
"Why would you say something like that? What's there to dislike about you?" Stefan whispered.
"I'm Branded, egotistical, cold, selfish...just...everything."
"Where is all of this coming from? You aren't selfish, egotistical, or cold. Maybe a little stupid for thinking those things, but there's nothing wrong with you," Stefan said.
"I think my confidence is wavering," Soren admitted. "I'm feeling weak, and I don't like it."
Stefan leaned forward and kissed him. "Stop those thoughts. You are one of the most amazing people I know, Soren."
The swordmaster took his hand and tugged him over to the cot and Soren let himself be pulled down onto it, stretching out beside Stefan as he rested his head on the man's chest. Once again, the swordmaster ran his fingers through the mage's hair, tugging out the leather band so his hair could move free.
"Don't listen to what Ike or Shinon say. Ike is just feeling bitter that you left and Shinon is...Shinon."
Soren snorted. "You might be right. Ike tried to convince me that you were manipulating me."
"I hope you don't believe him," Stefan said, propping himself up so the candlelight illuminated his face. "I would never do anything like that to you. I care too much to ever hurt you."
Soren felt his chest constrict and he pulled Stefan down for a kiss, deepening it almost instantly so he could taste the man on his tongue. Stefan gave a soft groan and rolled on top of him, letting their tongues dance together slowly as he combed his broad hands through the mage's hair.
"The things you do to me," Stefan murmured, pulling away to look into Soren's dazed eyes. "I don't know what I would do if I ever lost you."
Soren swallowed thickly, feeling his eyes burn at the words. To think he could ever mean this much to anyone when all his life people had only cast him aside. "What did I do to deserve you?"
Stefan brushed their noses together. "I could say the same."
Their lips came together once more, and Soren tugged the larger man's full weight down on him, gasping into his mouth as Stefan yanked on his hair. Stefan pulled his head back, pressing his lips into his jaw, then his neck. Soren gave a whispered moan, fingers digging into the swordmaster's outer shirt, tugging and pulling on it as he tried to melt into the other.
"Shh, shh," Stefan murmured as Soren began to whimper. "You're okay. It's okay."
Soren didn't protest as Stefan rolled them over so that he was curled up on the man's larger form, instead holding himself close as a few small tears leaked out of his eyes.
"Come on now," Stefan said, wiping at his tears. "What's wrong?"
"I don't know," Soren said quietly as his breathing evened out. "I'm just...not used to caring for someone this much, or having the feeling returned. It...scares me."
Stefan ran his hand soothingly down Soren's spine, placing a few soft kisses along his brand mark. "It's okay. I understand." The swordmaster leaned over to blow out the candle that was lighting up the room, then drew Soren impossibly closer. "Go to sleep. I've got you now."
(INSERTBREAKHERE)
"Colm went scouting ahead earlier this morning," Xane said as Soren sat down beside him at the table. "He should be back soon."
"Good. The next town is only a few hours away if we move fast," Soren said, examining his map. "We should probably pick up some horses to increase our speed if we can."
"With what money?" Xane asked.
Soren winced. "You're right. I can't believe I didn't-"
"Got the answer to your problems," a new voice said from behind them.
Soren raised his eyebrows as he turned around, crossing his arms over his chest when he came face to face with Boyd. "Oh? And just what is this answer of yours?"
The green haired fighter grabbed a barrel and dragged it over so he could take a seat. "Well, as a mercenary group, we do have money. Buying a few horses wouldn't cost much, and we have enough to pay for food. And we can carry supplies on the caravan."
"We have a caravan?" Soren asked, frowning in surprise. "Where?"
"Back in the village. Ike and I were talking about possibly having them trail behind about half a days ride. That way we won't be slowed down by them, and they won't be in danger because of you," Boyd said.
Soren nodded. "That's probably the best plan. I am glad that I ran into you."
Boyd smiled. "Yeah, yeah. Ignore what Shinon says. You're part of the group Soren, and if you left because you have a stupid mark on your head...then you're dumb."
"I...thank you, Boyd," Soren said.
"Don't worry about it. Rather have you in control of Daein than these other guys any day," Boyd said. "I expect Ike will be in to talk to you soon, and then we can move out."
"Good. Thank you," Soren said.
Boyd flashed him one more smile before exiting the room. Soren sighed and rubbed his eyes, earning himself a quizzical look from his pink-haired companion.
"Are you alright, Soren? You look a little tired," Xane said.
"Just been a little stressful," Soren said. "I'm sorry I have neglected your studies. You did amazing the other night. You must've been practicing on your own."
Xane beamed. "Yeah, a little. I'm just glad I could help."
"I'll have to train you more though. I can't have you being a liability on the field," Soren said, his tone light.
"Maybe I can talk to someone about learning how to fight with a weapon," Xane suggested.
"You would do that? I thought laguz hated using beorc weapons," Soren said.
"You think I care about stuff like that, especially now?" Xane smiled. "I'll do what I can to be helpful."
The door opened and Ike entered, readjusting the strap of his sword. "Can we talk for a bit before we move out? There's some details I want to go over."
Soren nodded, giving a Xane a quick glance. Xane nodded and left the room quickly, shutting the door behind him.
"We need to talk. About a lot of things," Ike said.
The mage looked away, not sure if he wanted to get into any conversation of that sort. He jumped when Ike's hand slid beneath his chin and forced him to look up and meet his eyes. "I still love you Soren. I don't want us to fight anymore. It just feels wrong."
Soren pulled away. "Ike...I don't want to fight either. But I can't...be with you. I love you too, you mean more to me than you could possibly imagine, but I..."
"It's Stefan, isn't it? He's changed you, or maybe just given you a place where you won't be judged."
"Ike, I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. Just...allow me one more kiss?"
Soren glanced towards the door, biting his lip, and then nodded. Ike leaned in, letting their noses knock together, then their lips, just barely. The once more, a little harder. Soren sighed, pulling away so he could bury his face in the fighter's neck as he wrapped his arms tight around the broad shouldered man. Ike's arms wrapped around his waist in response, and Soren couldn't help the tears that began to run down his face in small rivulets.
"Goddess, I've missed you Ike," Soren mumbled.
"Don't ever leave me like that again," Ike said. "And maybe I'll forgive you."
Soren pulled away and hastily wiped his eyes. "I won't. I'll give you a proper goodbye next time, and actually write, and stay in contact, and-"
Ike laughed and shook his head. "I get it Soren. It's alright. Let's just get this job done, okay?"
The mage nodded, feeling monumentally better now that things had been more or less patched over. "What's this about a caravan?"
"Aimee and the others have a small wagon we've been using to store some excess supplies. I was going to send Mist back to talk to them, tell them to wait a half day or so before they come after us," Ike said.
"That should work. I can't see why they would attract a lot of attention from Kaligua's army. He only wants me after all," Soren said. "I appreciate your help."
"Stop saying that. We're doing it because we want to," Ike told him. "Now go get your things together. We need to move out before that army of yours catches up."
The door crashed open then, and Colm raced between the fighter and the mage to throw the deadbolt down over the steel door. "We need to go now. I'd give us ten minutes before the army's scouters find the door."
"Dammit," Soren hissed. "Colm, can you circle back to the town and tell Ike's caravan to follow after us by about half a days ride?"
Colm glanced over at him, gaze fiery. "Sure, why not? It's not like I have anything better to do."
"I-"
"Leave it Soren. Just a bit frazzled. Be back before you know it," Colm said. He gave a strained smile and raced back out the other door and down the hallway.
A moment later, the fighter and the mage followed after him.
(INSERTBREAKHERE)
In the end, the group ended up bypassing the town in favor of gaining more ground over the pursuing army. It was a hard choice, but Soren knew they couldn't spare the time.
"You know, the good news that it's an army pursing us and not a trained assassin, is that we can outrun them," Stefan said. "Soren, you look a little winded."
Soren swallowed thickly, ducking under a tree branch. "I'll be alright. I just haven't regained my strength from the other day."
Rhys glanced back, a frown on his face. "Soren, I think you should ride with Oscar the remainder of the way. I want to take a look at you when we have a moment."
Soren stared at the healer but the nodded, knowing it was useless to argue with the man. While Rhys was shy, he could be rather stubborn when it came to the care of his companions. So, Oscar circled back and helped Soren into the saddle. It wasn't long after that, when Soren found himself drooping forward and falling asleep to the steady rhythm of the horses feet.
When he awoke, he was lying on a lumpy mattress with Rhys leaning over him with a concerned expression.
"Don't try to sit up," Rhys said. "We're in an inn, and Ike guesses it will take the army at least another day to reach us. Now, tell me Soren, do you know how a mage's magic power works."
"Of course I do! I've only been training my whole life," Soren muttered.
"So you know that your life is connected directly to how much magic power you have within you. Now, tell me exactly what major workings you have done since you left us."
It took awhile for him to describe in detail what exactly he had done, but when he finished with his explanation, he saw that Rhys looked considerably more pale, which did not bode well for him.
"Soren, you are completely and utterly daft. Do you know what you're doing to your body? You've been working magics no one should be able to do by themselves, let alone even attempt. I get that you have an extended life span, which probably explains why you were able to do it in the first place, but if you keep taking chances like this, you are going to die before the year is out!" Rhys shouted.
"I had to. I couldn't just let everyone die," Soren snapped back. "I'm taking care of my body. A few more days without using magic and I'll be fine."
"No, you will not be fine. And to prove my point, try and access your powers right now. Just a little breeze will do," Rhys ordered.
Rolling his eyes, Soren did as ordered, only to have his vision spin and his lungs almost give out. Wheezing, he accepted the glass of water Rhys held to his lips and drank it down. "I didn't think it was this bad."
"Of course you didn't. Now, I'm sure you realize your position. You are out of power, and to work magic now, you will be using your life, the very essence of your soul."
"So what to we do?"
"I will transfer a small amount of my power to you so you can walk properly. Then...we will need to find a mage willing to lend you more power so you can actually fight, and eventually, your body can begin to replenish its own magic power, but it will be a very slow process," Rhys told him. "Now, get some rest. I'll do the transfer in the morning."
"Thank you, Rhys. I...thank you."
Rhys smiled warmly at him as he stood. "Only doing my job. Sleep well Soren."
Almost as soon as the healer left, the door opened once more and Stefan stepped through, several vials of liquid in his hands. He set them down on the lopsided dresser and then sat at the edge of the mattress, a somewhat dangerous look in his eye.
"Did you know you were practically killing yourself?" he asked quietly.
"I...didn't know it had gotten this bad. I thought I was going to be fine," Soren said. "I can't hold us up though, so Rhys and I are going to do some temporary fixes."
"I don't give a damn about temporary. You need to take care of yourself," Stefan said. "Let us take care of somethings. I promise we won't screw it up. Anyways. I'm going to give you a little something to help you relax a little. So strip and roll over."
Soren crooked an eyebrow. "Demanding."
"It's for your own health," Stefan said with a smug smirk.
The swordmaster reached forward to help the mage out of his complicated robes, keeping his touches surprisingly tame before helping him roll onto his stomach. Soren closed his eyes, trying to relax as Stefan fiddled around with the random vials on the dresser, and a moment later, the man was rolling his hands into Soren's bare back. The mage groaned, muffling the noise with his arm as he did so. The man's touch was perfect, just the right amount of pressure to work out the knots that had begun to take over his muscles. Stefan worked slow, working over every area meticulously as he made his way down to Soren's lower back.
"How did you get so good at this?" Soren murmured.
"I've had time," Stefan said, sliding down to start in on the mage's pale thighs.
Soren jerked in surprise, but Stefan didn't stop, only lightening his touch so it wasn't quite as rough. The swordmaster took his time moving down, but after a very thorough foot massage, he tapped the mage's thigh as a signal for him to turn over.
"Um...I don't want to," Soren mumbled, flushing a little as he met Stefan's gaze out of the corner of his eye.
Stefan stuck his tongue out at him, and then flipped him over, laughing at Soren's squeaked protest. He paid no mind to the mage's very obvious arousal, instead straddling his thighs and reaching up to begin his light touch at Soren's temples. Soren bit his lip and forced himself to relax, telling himself it wasn't like Stefan hadn't already seen everything, and eventually he found himself growing sleepy from the man's gentle touch.
Until a broad hand wrapped around his arousal.
Soren's eyes flew open and Stefan chuckled, pressing their lips together. "You know, I really wasn't planning on doing this, but it might help you relax a little."
The mage's head hit the pillow as Stefan ducked down, nipping at his collarbone before sinking lower and running his tongue over his nipple. Soren slid a hand up to fist in the man's green hair, biting his lip hard to keep the noise down. Stefan kept his touch as slow as the massage, working over Soren's body in just the right way. It didn't take long for the mage to cum, whispering Stefan's name into his ear as he did so, hips jerking.
Stefan slid off of him then, cleaning him up and helping him back into his lighter clothes for sleep. Soren sighed contentedly when his lover joined him, his body warm and relaxed in a way that he had never felt before.
"Thank you," he murmured.
"Anytime. Especially if you promise to not push yourself so hard," Stefan said.
Soren felt a pout on his lips as he looked up at the swordmaster. "That's not fair."
"Oh I think it's quite fair. I appreciate how much work you do for this, but you need to relax. I understand it's difficult to relax when we're on a warpath but...I think you can manage."
"With your help maybe," Soren said.
Stefan crooked an eyebrow. "Oh? Where did this confidence come from?"
Soren flushed, biting his lip. "I um..."
His uncertainty prompted another soft laugh and a quick kiss. "Go to sleep Soren. I'll be here when you wake."
(INSERTBREAKHERE)
"You look quite a bit better this morning," Ike commented as Soren helped adjust the saddlebags on Oscar's horse. "Did Rhys give you a good lecture?"
"And a bit of his magic to keep me awake," Soren said. "And before you say anything more, I'll be taking care of myself more."
"Good. Now we need to make some ground. We have a big city not too far from here, and if we're lucky, you can get your message across and we can move on before the army gets wind of it," Ike said.
"Sounds good. I'm a little worried about their reaction," Soren admitted.
"No one can predict how they will react. Don't worry too much though."
Ike knelt down to boost Soren into the saddle, giving him a quick smile as Oscar swung up behind him. Soren looked down at the blue haired fighter, struck by how in a way, they had reversed their positions. Now Ike was the one watching his back and keeping the path clear, and he was the general, the leader. And then he realized how he wished they could go back to the way things were.
"You feeling better?" Stefan asked, moving up beside Ike.
"Yes, I'll be alright for now," Soren assured him.
(INSERTBREAKHERE)
Zihark rose to his feet as Jill opened the door to his room. "What news do you have?"
"It's as Sothe said. Soren is a few hours ride from here. Shall we join them?"
The swordmaster cracked his neck as he paced the room. "I'm not sure. "Palleas seemed...so right. I thought perhaps we had a chance at taking Daein back but...with Soren. It just makes sense. Palleas doesn't look like Ashnard of Almedha, let alone the other concubines, and Soren does. I want the right leader on the throne."
"As do I," the red head said with a firm nod.
"So, do we place out bets on Soren...or Palleas?"
Jill smiled. "Soren has Ike with him now. I don't know how Sothe failed to mention that but...anyways. There's some bad news."
Zihark sighed. "What now?"
"Soren's got an army trailing behind him. It makes it more believable that Soren is a true heir but I don't know if they can stand up to that sort of power. And once the Begnion's troops get wind of it..."
Zihark's expression turned sour. "We have a very bloody revolution on our hands, Jill."
"Ha. I expected no less. I knew giving Daein back to its people was going to be hard. I'd been waiting for things to heat up a little."
"Alright then. Let's go give Soren something to be happy about."
"You know, we should send something to Haar. Rally some people together. If we're going to get serious about this, we're going to need some back up, and Haar is close enough to the boarder that he should be able to get a message to some allies," Zihark said.
"Oh. I know what you're thinking now," Jill said as she followed Zihark out the door and down the stairs to the bar area of the inn. "You're thinking...laguz." The last part was hushed so the bar maid wouldn't overhear them.
"Yeah. I'm sure they wouldn't mind helping," Zihark said.
"I'll send my wyvern out. He should be back before we have to do any major fighting, don't you think?"
Zihark readjusted his sword as they walked out into the sunlight, glancing up and down the streets. Begnion soldiers patrolled the corners, their gazes harsh and demanding. "Can you fight well on foot?"
Jill winced. "Perhaps I'll wait."
"Yeah. I would say so."
(INSERTBREAKHERE)
"Soren, bad news. We've got Begnion soldiers occupying that entire city," Colm said.
"That isn't good," Ike murmured. "We'll be trapped if we delay here, with Begnion before us, and Daein at our backs."
"No, we can do this," Soren said firmly. "Sothe mentioned that the Begnion troops aren't wanted here, right? And that they're cruel and the townsfolk hate them?"
"I don't know how I feel about taking on Begnion troops. They were our allies," Oscar said.
"In case you didn't notice, we're mercenaries. We work for whoever we want," Boyd said. "So let's get rid of them. That will really get Soren's message across."
"Rhys, can I do any fighting?" Soren asked.
"No. Absolutely not," Rhys said. "I don't want you so much as moving a finger."
"Alright then. How shall we do this? I need to be able to get my message out there," Soren said.
"I can fight on foot," Mist said, dismounting. "And Sky can protect you just fine on his own, as long as you can stay in the saddle."
Soren paled but didn't protest, quickly changing mounts as Mist strapped her sword to her back. "How are we going to do this then? We can't just charge in and wipe them out."
"Yeah we can," Ike said. "In fact, that's the best way to do it."
"Yeah, and make sure you shout lots of stuff about how they've occupied us long enough," Boyd added.
"Calm down, air head. We can't just go saying things like that. We aren't Daein citizens, and we're well known as the Greil Mercenaries," Shinon broke in.
"Okay. Better plan. We need to wipe most of the Begnion soldiers out. I want their leader captured alive, then I want you to gather everyone to the center of the town. There, I will speak to them," Soren said. "Let's make this quick and easy."
Soren sent the horse to the front of the line, with Oscar on his left, and Stefan on his right. They emerged from the forest and slipped onto the path leading to the gates of the city. At the front stood four Begnion soldiers, weapons held at the ready as they approached.
"And who might you be?" one of them asked, hand on the handle to draw the gate down.
"He's the rightful King of Daein." Soren looked up, surprised. There, at the top of the gate, crouched Zihark, silver hair blowing across his face. "Now. Open the gate."
"Wha-"
"I believe he said, open the gate," a new voice said.
Before anyone could react, a wyvern swooped down, knocking two of the soldiers to the ground as Jill ran her spear through another, knocking him into a tree. Her wyvern stomped over to the remaining soldier, looming over him.
"Right away ma'am!"
The soldier scurried to get the gate down, watching them enter in stunned silence. Zihark jumped and landed beside Soren, a smirk on his face when he looked over at him.
"Let's get rid of these Begnion soldiers. Then we can talk."
"Um, certainly."
Zihark raced forward, brandishing his sword with a cry. Stefan gave a small wave and dashed after him, plunging straight into battle as the Begnion troops rallied themselves together at the intrusion.
"Here. You might need this," Colm said as he ran past.
Soren accepted the knife that was shoved into his hand, and moments later, Sky charged forward with a loud neigh. He held tight to the reins as the horse galloped forward, running down one knight and then delivering a sharp kick backwards to crush the skull of another attacker. Having never been on a fighting horse, Soren could only clutch the reins and pray a stray arrow didn't find his back as it twisted this way and that, dealing crushing blows with its hooves and teeth.
"Soren, duck!"
Soren obeyed without question as an arrow whizzed over his head, feathering an oncoming attacker right in the slit of his helm. Sky followed after Mist, moving closer and closer to the center of the town. Soren managed to sit up during a brief moment of respite, surprised to see that the townsfolk had emerged from their homes brandishing whatever they had on hand, and were actually beating down the Begnion soldiers alongside the mercenaries.
He didn't have much longer to think though, for Sky plunged forward, galloping straight for the town square. The mage had only a moment's notice as the horse gathered it's hunches beneath it before it leapt straight into the air, soaring over several soldiers to land on the scaffolding of a stage the town must have used to give important announcements. Only seconds later, the town was gathered in the center, the remaining soldiers beaten and tied up by bits of rope and cloth. It was then that Soren realized he was no good at giving speeches.
"You have been liberated," he began, his eyes seeking Stefan in the crowd. Once he met the man's eyes, he found the strength to speak louder. "I am your new King, uncrowned that I am. I have come to take Daein back, for Daein's people. Begnion troops have no place here, and a false king with no royal blood, and no care for his citizens, does not deserve the throne he sits in. Even now, he hunts me down, knowing that I wish to take Daein back into its rightful hands. I swear to you, I will fight to restore Daein to its former glory. I will not let Begnion troops occupy us, and I will not let Daein fall to corrupt leaders. Spread the word. The new King is here, and he will take back what belongs to the Daein people."
Soren was surprised by the reaction his words had, and he was in equal awe of the happiness and hope he saw in the people's eyes as they stared at him. If they knew he was Branded, perhaps the reaction would be different. But right now, he represented hope to these people. They didn't even know him, and yet since he had freed them from their chains, they were more than willing to follow him.
"Now...I have some news that may displease you. I request that the captain here is brought to me, alive. I also request the presence of any mage willing to do me a favor. I know these are odd requests, but I hope that you can fulfill them for me."
"You can stay at my inn! I'll cook up a mighty fine meal for you!" a women at the front of the group said, waving her arm up at him.
Soren tried to fight the flush that rose to his face. "Thank you. You will have to guide me there. I will speak with you all once more before I leave, and if you have any questions, please, come and speak with me. I understand the things I have said here will be difficult to accept, but I want you to know I am willing to listen to your concerns. I want what is best for everyone. Thank you."
The mage didn't know how to make Sky descend, but luckily the horse made that choice for him, making its way over to the stairs and gingerly walking down them, defying everything Soren had ever known about horses. The crowd parted before him, and the woman from before eagerly went to his side, leading the way towards a large inn at the north end of town.
(INSERTBREAKHERE)
The woman's name turned out to be Mela, and she escorted Soren, Stefan, and Ike to a back room to eat and meet with the mages that had answered Soren's request. Gatrie, Zihark, and Jill had gone out into the town to rally up those willing to defend themselves against bandits and act as the town's standing army, so that they could teach them some basic techniques and tactics to help. It wouldn't be much, but Soren hoped it would be enough to empower them, and restore their faith.
"So. I will be very honest with you," Soren said, looking at the mages that stood before him. "I have used up a fair amount of my magic power to get here. I cannot fight with magic. I was hoping that perhaps...one or two of you, would be willing to transfer some of your energy to me so that I could be of more use in the future. I understand that is a difficult thing to ask, and I do not ask it lightly. If I had a better option, I would take it, but-"
"With all due respect, sir, we are more than willing to help," one of the mages spoke up. He was a younger man, brown hair, brown eyes, very plain, though his eyes shown bright with eagerness. "You've done a lot to help us already. There were so few of you, and so many Begnion troops, and yet you freed us. We will do whatever we can to help."
The other mages nodded in agreement, and once more Soren felt himself flushing in embarrassment. "I do not want you to give so much that you endanger your lives. Just a little would be helpful. I...can't express how much this means to me. That you would be willing to help me is...thank you."
The man from before stepped up, taking Soren's hands in his. "You've given us our hope back. We should be thanking you."
Soren closed his eyes as the man's power flowed into him, just a small trickle, well managed. The man had potential. One by one, the remaining mages stepped up, loaning Soren just a tiny amount of their power, but by the time he had taken from each of the nine mages, his head already felt clearer.
"Now, there are somethings I should tell you. I do not have the resources to leave behind troops to protect you. I just can't do it, but I don't want you to be left defenseless. Some of my friends are doing what they can to get you a working force of fighters, but there's only so much that can do against a regiment of Begnion soldiers. I want to be very clear when I say that if Begnion troops come back to reoccupy, accept it. It will be hard to do, but just remember that I will remove them once and for all. I do not want any of you getting hurt because you stood up to an enemy you could not beat. Do you understand me?" Soren asked.
"We understand. We will not fail you King..."
"Soren. My name is Soren," the mage said. "And you are?"
"Caden. I kind've act as...town leader I guess. We haven't had a mayor since Begnion's been occupying, but I do what I can to organize events to help those running low on food or shelter," he said.
Soren smiled. "Keep doing that. I'm sure it helps keep everyone's spirits up."
"Thank you. I...you don't know what you've done for us, your Highness-"
"Please, just Soren," Soren said. "That title makes me feel weird."
Caden chuckled. "Soren. I hope you can stay longer."
"I can't. Kaligua's army is on my trail, and I can't be caught until I'm facing Kaligua himself," Soren said. "Be sure to let them know where I'm going. Straight to the capitol."
"You are a brave man, Soren. We wish you well."
A few hours later, Soren was able to make his way back to the center of town and repeat the words he had said to Caden, making sure to stress the issue of their own lives to them. He did not want them to grow so confident that they ended up dead. Not long after that, they were back on the path, and he was almost sad to go. He didn't think he would be able to feel a kinship with a country he had spent so long hating, and yet seeing the people who had been beaten down rise up when they had the chance, and speaking with them after...he felt that perhaps he could start to feel as though Daein was his homeland.
(INSERTBREAKHERE)
Soren sat against the tree trunk, eyes turned to the star speckled sky. Shinon was out somewhere keeping watch for the next few hours while they camped out in the forest, but he couldn't bring himself to sleep quite yet, his mind too restless. The bushes rustled, and Xane crawled out to sit next to him, nestling into his side.
"You were amazing today," Xane said.
Soren gave a small smile. "I'm glad. I wasn't feeling so confident myself."
"It's kinda weird to hear you saying stuff like that. It sounds like you've been living in Daein your whole life, and knowing that you haven't makes it feel odd," Xane admitted.
Soren swallowed thickly. "I'm a little worried." He glanced at Xane, biting his lip. "What if I lose myself?"
Xane rested his head on the mage's shoulder, remaining silent as he thought. "You won't lose yourself. It takes a lot for something like that to happen. Your opinions are strong. You won't lose sight of what's important."
"Did you lose yourself, Xane?"
"When my spirit fled? I don't know. I must've, though I certainly wasn't aware." Xane shifted closer, and Soren opened his arm to allow the small laguz closer. "It hurt. But I didn't know my spirit was...leaving. It didn't feel like that."
"Why? What would cause the laguz in you to flee like that?"
Xane didn't answer, instead hiding his face in Soren's neck. Soren held him close, surprised that Xane had told him so much already, and not quite sure how to react to how the laguz was now clamming up. Before long, the small laguz had fallen asleep, leaving Soren once again alone to his thoughts.
(INSERTBREAKHERE)
"Hey, Soren," Zihark said, hailing down the mage as he climbed up on Oscar's horse.
"Oh hello. I forgot to speak with you yesterday. I'm sorry," Soren said.
The fighter waved a hand in dismissal. "Don't worry about it. Jill is in touch with Haar still, and he's further near the boarder of Daein delivering a package. If you want, we can send him to Gallia for reinforcements."
Soren bit his lip. "I'm not sure they would help me if they knew the situation fully. I am Branded after all..."
"Don't worry about it. Maurim won't care, I know that much. Don't you think it's worth a shot?"
"How soon can the reinforcements be here?" Soren asked.
"Well, Haar is a little less than a day away, by wyvern. Then Gallia is another day or so, and then they will have to contact Kilvas and Phoenicis. So about four days, more likely five," Zihark said.
"I guess you're right. It is worth a shot. Send the message," Soren said. "How effective is Jill on foot?"
"Not very good." The voice belonged to Jill as she trotted up behind Zihark. "I can fight, but it's probably better if I get the message to Haar verbally. We don't want to chance any letters falling into the wrong hands."
"If you're sure," Soren said, swing up into the saddle. He was getting better at it, finally.
"I'll see you in a few days," Jill said, giving him a quick salute and striding away.
"Tell me, Soren. How much do you know of your heritage?"
"Only that my mother was a dragon laguz concubine to Ashnard," Soren said honestly.
"I did some research, and there was only one of those. Her name was Almedha, and she was Kurthnaga's sister. This could be of use later on. I know Goldoa is not one to get involved with wars but if one of their own is in trouble-"
"One of their own? I'm a bastard child who's Branded. I am not one of their own," Soren scoffed.
"It might be worth a shot."
"No. I won't chance that. It would be an insult to them," Soren said. "And Colm didn't say anything about her being Goldoan royalty. I am not doubting you I just...find it odd he would not mention such a thing."
Zihark shrugged. "I don't know. I...believe you to be the correct heir. I will fight for you, as will Jill."
"Thank you, Zihark. It means more to me than you know."