A/N: Yes! I'm still alive! Well, most obviously. I'm just saying, again, how it's nice to know no one is chasing after me... Yet XD Anyways, enjoy this longer chapter then the one before it! A gift, for the fact that you all are still reviewing to this story XD And the moment we've all been waiting for... Or at least you all have XD The chapter when Ike runs into the Dawn Brigade! Now go off and read already! And leave some nice reviews, please? XD
Sothe hated to admit it, but even he could run the whole forty-something miles to the desert town in a single day. He didn't think anyone could, except if they had a horse. That didn't stop him from trying though; in the end Muarim tackled him while Tormod let loose a torrent of words that basically had the same message: stop trying to kill yourself to get to Micaiah.
"This is really good, Aimee. I didn't know you were a cook." So they had stopped maybe twenty-eight (give or take a few) miles away from the desert town. Hopefully, if they continued to run (and something bad, like death or attack, didn't happen) they'd be near enough the town to see if the Dawn Brigade (or Greil Mercenaries) left. Hopefully.
"Thank you! I've picked up a few things here in there, it isn't much really." Aimee remarked, a hand on her lips as she smiled slyly. "Anything for Sothe-y, after all." She added, winking. Tormod laughed and nearly choked on a piece of meat in his stew, Muarim patting his adoptive son's back. Vika smiled slightly and the twins grinned at each other. Mutton was off getting more firewood, as the fire was dying down and their wood wouldn't last the night.
"Ha, ha, haha! Sothe-y, ah! That's not gonna be forgotten by me anytime soon! Sothe-y!" Tormod, of course, found Sothe's new nickname the funniest thing he'd ever heard. Sothe sighed and took another sip of his own stew. It really was good though. He found it hard to believe Aimee had just picked up a few things 'here and there'. Sothe recalled General Ike being into meat, and Aimee's most obvious crush on the man.
"Well it's far better then anything I could ever attempt, so thank you for cooking." Sothe cut in Tormod's laughter, which seemed mirrored in Muarim's small (and slightly weak) smile. The laguz seemed happy that Tormod was happy, Sothe noted.
"Alright then, are we going to decided the watches now or after the meal?" Tormod asked, his serious mood coming back. Sothe swore that Tormod was now prone to sudden mood changes, but he knew to voice his opinion he'd just get cut down in a torrent of words. Tormod was certainly good at speaking rapidly; much faster then you'd think on sight.
"You have all the energy, you can take first watch." Sothe muttered, earning a frown from the fire mage.
"What's that supposed to mean? I'm some kind of hyper little kid! Well, just because we can't all grow a foot or two during three years doesn't mean we're not all mature! I vote Mr. Mature over here because, apparently he's better then the rest of us!" Everyone seemed amused by Tormod's crazy antics, and Sothe was reminded of Edward for some reason.
Of course, the two were hyper to a fault and enjoyed bugging someone older then them... Because Sothe was pretty sure he was older then Tormod, whether the mage wanted to admit it or not. Vika looked like she was torn between laughing or just smiling.
"Does Boss just want to share the watch with Sothe? It's safer that way, too, if we have two people keeping an eye out for us." Muarim nodded in agreement with the bird laguz's words.
"Yes, I agree. Little One, it would not be safe for you to be alone at night. We do not know who our fire may attract." The tiger muttered. Sothe shrugged as he finished up the last of his food. Tormod scowled in thought, but then nodded.
"Alrighty then! Sothe and I will take the first watch. Muarim, do you mind sharing with Vika? And then we'll leave it up to you merchants to see who gets to loose some sleep for the good of the group." Aimee nodded and glanced at the twins. Sothe had a feeling that the woman herself wouldn't be on watch.
They had left during the night. Mostly because the desert heat wouldn't affect them, and a little because they'd rather not be seen. The attack would do best if no one saw them, after all. Though, they weren't stupid enough to attack during the night when the watchmen would be either most alert or completely asleep. Either way wouldn't work properly, Leonardo knew.
Walking around the town was child's play for the laguz, who could smell the trace of people, and Jill, who simply flew up in the air to take a look around. But Jill walked most of the way, leading her wyvern behind her. And the laguz remained untransformed unless they needed their noses for something more delicate to smell.
"You'd think we'd get more sleep, wouldn't yah?" Edward muttered, rubbing his eyes and yawning. The myrmidon had been bugging Zihark all day about learning more of his craft. The swordmaster said he'd try, but only when they actually had time. Which had left the brunette both disappointed and alert for 'when they had time'.
"I suppose so, but at least we're safer now. I mean, more people means less of a chance for a random bandit attack, right?" Leonardo pointed out, holding back a yawn. The archer wasn't paying a hundred percent attention to his boyfriend, looking at the back of Rafiel's robes as the prince walked next to his queen and her servant.
Was the prince listening now? Was he smiling to himself, wondering when the right time would be to tell Micaiah and the others? Leonardo was torn. Did he have the nerve to go up to a laguz royal (even if he was just a heron) and tell him off? Or did he just pray that Rafiel wouldn't tell anyone and would just let the subject drop?
"Leo? Leo? Are you alright?" Leonardo blinked and looked at Edward, who's face was etched in worry. "I thought you had blanked out there, like something was wrong." The teenager admitted. Leonardo scowled and shook his head.
"I'm fine. Just thinking. I mean, we're protecting the prince now! A little step up from raiding Begnion cellars, don't you think?" Leonardo forced himself to smile and Edward laughed. The sound was pure and refreshing; just what Leonardo needed to calm himself down.
"Well that's certainly right. And you two look like you need some rest. Do you want me to ask for a break?" Nolan appeared suddenly behind the two, and Edward practically jumped. Leonardo was startled, but recovered quickly.
"No thanks Nolan, but it's nice to know you're looking out for us, hahaha." Leonardo said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. Nolan nodded and smiled.
"Well us Dawn Brigade have to stick together. I didn't come here just for a social visit though; what do you think of the others?" He asked as they walked, motioning behind him. Leonardo looked behind him and saw Zihark chatting with Tauroneo. Ahead, Jill was scouting on her mount.
"I think Zihark should teach me how to use a sword better!" Edward pouted, crossing his arms in a huff. Nolan laughed.
"I find them nice, if not the best of companions." Leonardo cut in, before Edward could go on a long tangent about how Zihark was being mean and how he didn't even need the help. Nolan nodded in agreement.
"I was able to talk to Jill before. She said they all fought in the first war. Against the Mad King." Leo felt his blood run cold, and he looked at Edward.
"That's why the bloody swordmaster won't help me! Turncoats! We're trusting these people?" He cried out. Unluckily for him, Zihark happened to hear him, or the first part at least. The man walked up and raised an eyebrow.
"I couldn't help but over hear a conversation about my friends and me." He said calmly. Leonardo narrowed his eyes.
"We were just wondering why you'd suddenly help Daein, if you helped put her in this state." Edward shot at his fellow sword-wielder. Zihark sighed and looked past the three members of the Dawn Brigade at Jill.
"Ashnard was a tyrant, not a king. I wanted peace; I never thought Daein would be ruled by Begnion, and certainly not like this." Zihark shrugged and focused on Edward, then turned his gaze on Nolan and then Leonardo. "I'm certainly not proud of what I did, but I'd do it again if I had to. Pelleas seems like a good leader, and Micaiah can guide him through all the challenges." The four had stopped walking and Tauroneo now caught up with them.
"Is everything alright here?" He asked, his grip on his lance tightening a little, so it was barely noticeable. Leonardo saw Nolan picking up his ax, and he slowly reached for an arrow. Zihark shook his head and Tauroneo loosened his grip.
"Everything's fine. We're just talking about the last war." Now Micaiah was walking back at them, the entire group not moving. Izuka was watching with Almedha with what looked like a total disinterest, as if the man cared more why they weren't walking. Pelleas looked noticeably worried, but when he started to move forward his mother stopped him and shook her head. Volug and Rafiel both looked at their queen, who shrugged.
"Nolan, Edward, Leonardo. What's going on?" Micaiah asked, folding her arms across her chest. Her tone was more then disapproving, it was disappointed.
"These people were against Daein in the last war! How can we fight with them now?" Edward shouted angrily. Leonardo put a hand on the myrmidon's shoulder and the brunette looked at the blond in surprise. "Leo?" Edward asked cautiously.
"You knew, didn't you, Micaiah? Why didn't you tell us? You know we all lost so much in that war- and to expect us to be on the same side with the victors!" His voice wasn't loud, but it had a little hint of pain underneath it all. Edward glared at the ground. Nolan leaned against his ax, looking as usual, but he was tense; for some reason Leonardo just knew it.
"I didn't know how'd you all take it... You can only take my word that these are good people, and they really regret having had put Daein in this position. But fighting amongst ourselves won't do any good! We have to defeat Begnion, and save Daein! Or would you rather it stay this way?" There was a long silence, broken only by a soft breeze running through the sparse trees along the road.
"Alright. I know I didn't loose all that much during the war except a chance to move higher in the world, but saving Daein would help me out. My family is suffering under all this too. I'll fight with 'em." Nolan said, standing up and putting his ax on his shoulder. Zihark smiled faintly.
"It would be an honor to fight with you." The swordmaster said. Leonardo was the second, and he seemed a little more hesitant, more careful with his words.
"I can't say that I'm pleased with the idea, but I want to defeat Begnion more then anything. I'll fight with you." Leonardo said, looking at Edward. He squeezed the young man's shoulder, just a little, to give him some support. No matter what you pick, I'll always support you, Leonardo thought. Edward scowled.
"I don't like Begnion, but I really don't like people who hurt Daein. And I've lost much more then you have, Nolan, and I know I'm not as mature as you are, Leonardo. But I've been trusting Micaiah's judgment up to here, and I'm still alive. I'm still fighting." Edward took a shaky breath, and Leonardo realized how much the myrmidon probably wanted to attack Zihark right then. In all honesty, Leonardo didn't blame him.
"I'm going wherever Edward goes," Leonardo suddenly found himself saying. He saw a flash of pain in Micaiah's eyes, and an eyebrow raise by both Nolan and Zihark. For some reason, the archer had a feeling Rafiel was smiling.
"Well that settles it." Edward said, speaking much easier now. "I'm stayin'. As long as they can keep their end of the bargain and help us kick Begnion's behind, that is. But as soon as Daein is peaceful... I'm gonna kick your ass in a duel!" Edward pointed at Zihark, who looked both relieved and surprised. Leonardo let out a relieved laugh.
"Well I can't wait to see that battle! But you'll have to train your butt off, Edward!" The arched exclaimed. Micaiah let out a breath that she had been holding in, and Nolan cracked a smile. And then, Leonardo realized that everything was going to be ok.
"What? You have got to be kidding me!" Ike shouted at Shinon, who had been elected by the others to give Ike the not-so good news. "They left the desert? Well get everyone ready to leave!" Shinon looked completely bored but nodded and left the room (Boyd had already left to get ready and 'help Mist out') before Ike could break anything.
Mia had gone around looking for anyone who could help them in the desert, when she had overheard people talking about a large group that had passed around the town during the night. She had run back, told Mist and Boyd, (who had been talking in the town square) and told Shinon (who had been wandering around town). Now the swordmaster was packing her own things.
Shinon sighed as he left the small inn. It wasn't much; it didn't even have a bar. Still, it at least was a roof over his head and he knew better then to scoff at something like that. He didn't have much to pack. He slung his quiver over his back, strung his bow carefully, and stuffed his extra clothes and what he needed to make arrows and bows in his relatively small pack. It was by mistake that a piece of crumpled paper fell out of his spare arrow heads and onto the ground, catching his quick and nimble eyes. The green orbs soon narrowed; he hadn't packed any paper.
"What the hell?" Shinon muttered to himself. He reached down and picked it up, arrow heads and shafts forgotten on the small bed. He quickly unfolded it and tried to smooth it out. "Dear... Shinon..." He slowly read, eyes narrowing a little more. Really, what was this?
Gatrie could read but his writing was absolutely terrible, and while the writing was messy it wasn't that messy. Oscar could probably read and write, but surely a man like that would have better handwriting. Mia never mentioned an education, but Rhys had accidentally let it slip (while Shinon was heavily drunk, so it was possibly the priest never thought the sniper would remember) that she had trouble reading anything other then basic signs. And Shinon didn't know of anyone else to leave him a note, other then Rolf who's arm was obviously unusable.
"I... Wanted to... Give you this... Before you... Leaf? No, left. If you are... Reading this... Without me... Then I guess... You left... Without saying... Goodbye..." Shinon realized what looked like chicken scratch was actually Rolf's handwriting, because there was no way Gatrie or Oscar would leave a note like this. He was tempted to throw it away, to stop reading, but some part of him plowed onwards. "I... Quest? No, guess. I guess that's... Nunthing? He means nothing... Knew? New... Honestly, who taught this kid how to write?" Shinon guessed Oscar had, but writing wasn't anything most of the mercenaries did on a regular basis.
"Shinon? We're leaving soon. Don't be late or Ike'll pitch a fit." Mia's voice drifted through the door and Shinon nearly dropped the note. He recovered quickly.
"Fine, I'll be there soon." Shinon stuffed the note, his materials, and a spare ribbon for his hair into his bag. He slung the bag over his shoulder and scowled as he looked around. Was that everything? Yeah, it was.
Shinon promised himself that he'd finish reading the note as soon as possible, the next chance he got alone. But only so he could ridicule Rolf for his terrible handwriting. Honestly, even the sniper had better handwriting then that.
"I'm just curious where they could be off too, that's all." Tormod said aloud as the group followed after the Dawn Brigade and, hopefully, the prince. Sothe shrugged.
"I'm betting a Begnion prison camp, or something similar. Micaiah would want to defeat Begnion as quickly a she can, and if they attack before news of the Dawn Brigade meeting up with the prince spreads..." Sothe trailed off. He didn't really need to finish that thought, after all. They were lucky the other group had decided to head towards a camp that was actually only twenty or so miles away from where Sothe's group had been resting. Of course it wasn't planned, but it was still good that the Dawn Brigade hadn't moved too far.
"But what camp, that's what I want to know." Tormod muttered, barely jumping over a log that Sothe had been able to leap over easily. Muarim sniffed the air and nodded at the sky.
"Little One, Vika is returning. She might have some ideas." The laguz told the group. Sothe slowly stopped as Vika landed and transformed back into her regular form. Behind the group, Aimee and her merchant caravan were struggling to keep up. The ground was extremely bumping, and the path looked like it hadn't been used in years.
Sothe was far away enough from Tormod and Muarim and Vika so that he couldn't hear the full of the conversation. He let Tormod run up to him as Muarim gave Vika some water, so the raven laguz could recover a little.
"They're in the forest near the prison camp; Vika thinks they'll wait for a few hours to rest and then attack." Sothe nodded and stopped leaning against a tree, stretching his arms.
"Is there any way we can get there in time to help out?" The rouge asked. The red-haired mage shrugged.
"It really depends on how slow Aimee and her friends go, and how long it takes Micaiah and the prince to attack the prison and win..." Tormod trailed off, not adding that Micaiah might loose even if they got there before the battle was over. Sothe nodded darkly.
"Muarim, Vika! I'm going ahead, alright?" Muarim looked like he wanted to say something to Sothe, maybe tell him to not go too far ahead or to stay safe, but the laguz could see how badly Sothe had to make sure Micaiah was alright. The tiger laguz nodded.
It was like letting a stone fly from a sling; Sothe ran off and left the others watching the puffs of dust that followed him. Tormod sighed and started to run after the greenette.
It would be too risky to start a fire, or to spar, or to do pretty much anything. Leonardo wasn't quite bored out of his mind, but the archer had a feeling Edward was. After all, the myrmidon wasn't known for his epic-long patience by any means.
Leonardo was going to be completely honest though; he enjoyed having Edward's head on his lap. The two had found a quickly moving stream and were sitting on a large boulder that must have been formed when the river was higher. Leonardo knew he was being pretty stupid. If anyone saw them (with the exception of Rafiel) then their secret would, no doubt, be out. And in all honesty, Leonardo couldn't think of something much worse then that.
"Thank you." Leonardo said suddenly, his fingers weaving through Edward's soft hair. Even though they hadn't really bathed, or even cleaned off, in the past week or so (it had to be more then that though, because it felt like an age), Edward still seemed fine. A little grimy, but fine. Edward shifted himself so he wasn't looking at the water, but he was looking at Leonardo's face.
"For what?" The younger of the two asked. Leonardo's face was calm, passive, like always. He wasn't even looking at Edward, just off into the sky. Edward wondered why Leo's face was always so worried, and wondered when would be the next time he saw the archer smile.
"For staying... I wasn't joking when I said I wanted to stay with you, no matter what." Leonardo sighed after his words, shifting so Edward's head was more comfortable, and looked down at the brunette. His eyes looked tired and a little sad, and worried of course. But Edward could also see that Leonardo was enjoying just being with his boyfriend. That made Edward feel good, deep inside.
"Why though? Why would you leave all your friends, everything you have here... These people are your hopes and dreams Leo... I'm just a rash boy who can't see straight whenever someone is an enemy of Daein... I even attacked Sothe, that one time." Edward felt a hand reach back and rub the spot on his back where Sothe had stabbed. It had been nonlethal of course, but it had driven the message in. Not all people are the same all the time. Sometimes, the best enemies make the best friends.
Leonardo continued to gently rub Edward's back, making small circles as the two started off into another direction. Leonardo looked at the sky, the bright blues mixed with wisps of white. Edward shifted position again, and looked back at the rushing water. It rolled and tumbled over stones, clashing against itself as it moved, only having one purpose in life. To move, to keep moving, to get away from where it was.
"Because you're worth so much to me, I don't know what I'd do without you. Dreams and hopes are good, but what would they be without someone to share them with?" Leonardo suddenly said, pulling his hand back from underneath Edward's shirt. The spot tingled with warmth and comfort, and Edward immediately missed the feeling.
"I... I needed someone to share my dreams and hopes with too... I watched my father join the army and be slaughtered in the first attack. I watched my mother stop having a will to live, and when she took her life and my little sister's... My sis, she had the most amazing hair you'd ever see. Even though my mom's hair was brown, like my dad's, my sis had dark blue hair. Looked like purple, if yah can believe that... I loved them all... My father, my mother, my sister... And Crimea took them all from me." Edward held back a strangled sob, tears starting to form and slowly drip down his face. "All I wanted was revenge... I attacked ever Begnion soldier I could, even though I didn't know how to use a sword at all... I would have died, but..." Edward trailed off and suddenly he wasn't lying down. Suddenly he was being held close by Leo, so close he could feel their hearts beating in perfect harmony.
"I found you and I swore I'd help that young sword-wielder become something great. I didn't have to know your past, I didn't need to know why you were attacking a Begnion patrol, even though you were so outnumbered. I swore I'd never let you leave unless I knew, knew you could handle yourself." Leo rested his head on Edward's shoulder, and Edward felt a mix of tears and a blush on his face. "Then I fell in love with you." Leo softly kissed the side of Edward's throat and Edward felt the complete torrent of tears rush out.
And so he cried. He cried for his father, killed like a chess piece. He cried for his mother, who lost the will to live and wished to join his father. He cried for his little sister, who was killed by an insane mother. And he cried, because after so long he had finally found something worth living for again. And that thing loved him too.
For someone who had been shot in the chest barely two (maybe not even two, but Oscar had lost track of the days) weeks, Soren was handling the trip quite well. Of course, the sage had nearly lost it when he learned the only thing wrong with Oscar's horse was that it... Well, it had the horse equivalent of constipation. At least Soren hadn't stepped in anything; then the group would have had horse meat for lunch.
As it was, Rolf's arm had been acting up again (though the teen swore up and down that he used his other to carry firewood) and the greenette had been fed a few herbs to keep the pain down. The pain, and pretty much all of his five senses. After Rolf had nearly tripped over a tree root that was plainly in sight, Oscar had stuck him on his horse and the paladin had started to walk.
"What's the latest news anyway? Aren't Ike and co. heading towards the desert?" Gatrie was asking Titania up ahead. The red-head nodded.
"Yes, that's where we're heading. Hopefully they won't be too far ahead; I would like to see them again, see how they're doing." She admitted. Oscar nodded and in agreement, though he wasn't part of the conversation.
"I want to see how Boyd's doing! And Shinon! And Mist!" Rolf called out, smiling and earning a laugh from his older brother.
"I'm sure they're all fine. Boyd can handle himself, as long as he doesn't let his emotions get the better of him. And I'm sure Shinon and Mist miss you too." Titania let out a snort that could have been doubt about Shinon's ability to miss anyone, and Gatrie seemed to agree because the blond frowned.
"Shinon's probably fine. He won't tell anyone if something's wrong, and he'd have to be dying to accept help from Ike... But he's fine. He can handle himself." Gatrie said, looking back at Rolf. The younger of the two nodded.
"Uncle Shinon better be ready, because when I run into him I'm going to show him I can use my arm again!" Rolf waved said limb around, but, even though he was smiling, Oscar could see a flash of pain in his eyes. Oscar stopped the horse and Rolf was forced to hold on with all his strength to avoid getting thrown off.
"Your arm will get better, but not if you stress it. You're lucky you're alive, don't make it so you'll never be able to use your arm again." The party had fallen silent, and even Soren in the back didn't say anything.
"Your brother is right. You're young, and your archery skills are still improving. It would be a shame if you couldn't fight anymore." Soren was the one who cut the silence, and all eyes were on the usually silent member of the group. "Now come on and move! We don't have all day, if you want to see someone in Ike's group then you have to walk." Soren glanced at Rolf, and then Rhys (who was riding Titania's horse), and added, "Or ride."
Oscar sighed but he was still smiling. Some things never changed, he supposed.
As far as planned attacks go, this had to be the worst one Leonardo had seen in ages. Jill, Tauroneo, and Nailah had all gone to the front gate. Meg and Rafiel had stayed behind in the camp along with the prince and his mother and Izuka, Micaiah deciding they needed some amount of protection. Nolan, Volug, and Zihark were going off one way to open a second, smaller gate so freed prisoners could run out. Edward, Leonardo himself, and Micaiah were trying to free said prisoners. And it was much harder then it had sounded.
"Watch out!" Leonardo cried out as a javelin rushed towards Edward. The myrmidon dodged it easily and scowled at Leo.
"I can handle myself! You get that guy, I'll open the door." Edward said, backing up and breaking open a door with a stolen key. Leonardo shot an arrow at the offending soldier, who fell to the ground after an arrow and a light spell killed him. Leonardo could hear howling and shouting on the other side, but he couldn't see anything.
Leonardo paid for his lull in concentration by being slashed at in the chest, Micaiah having to shove Leo out of the way. Edward came just in time to parry an attack meant to kill Micaiah. Leonardo got to his feet quickly and glanced around.
"Sorry Micaiah!" He said as he shot an arrow at a man with an ax. Micaiah shook her head as she opened another door with yet another stolen key.
"Don't mention it! We're a family after all. You're free! The gate should be open soon, go there and escape. There's a small camp where you can get food and medicine." Micaiah told the soldier inside, who thanked her with all his heart. Zihark suddenly ran up the stairs in front of them, that connected the lower and top levels together.
"Micaiah! Good to see you're still fighting! Volug and Nolan are just cleaning up one last man." Zihark then avoided an arrow from an opposing archer and killed the archer with two attacks. Edward's scowl deepened, though Leonardo wasn't sure if it was because of Zihark's presence or the fact that he was going up against a soldier with a very long lance.
Leo shot an arrow that managed to his said soldier in the arm, and when the deadly lance was lowered just for a moment, Edward struck. He threw his sword in the air, jumped, caught it, and slashed as he landed at the soldier. The Begnion man fell dead, and Edward gave Leo a small, pained, grin.
"Thanks, Leo! I can always count on you!" Leonardo nodded and ran forward as Micaiah defeated an armored lance with her thani spell. Nolan and Volug came up the stairs and ran over.
"The door's all opened, without much trouble. Wasn't very many guarding it, but I think someone called reinforcements." Micaiah nodded as she opened the door the armored lance had been protecting, letting the prisoners out and explaining to them where they could go for safety.
"Alright. Everyone, watch your backs. Leo, Ed, and Nolan, you clear out the last few prisoners and their guards. The rest of you, help me take back this prison." Everyone nodded and ran off to their separate ways, Edward ahead of Nolan and Leonardo as per usual. That's when things started going wrong, of course. Right when the finish line was within feet, the dread trip.
Edward was hit full force by a wind spell that blew him off his feet as he ran, and then an elfire spell charred him until he was just lying there. Leo ran forward and shot an arrow at the wind mage, who was hit and fell to the ground. Nolan ran forward and started attacking the fire mage, and Leonardo was left pulling out a vulnerary and hoping it would be enough.
"Come on, Edward! Drink it! Come on! You can't leave me now, you can't... You can't..." Leonardo poured the drink down Edward's throat, and for a dreadful moment nothing happened. And then, there was a loud coughing sound and Leo found himself with a healing Edward and vulnerary all over himself. Edward was charred, his hair was a mess, and his sword was broken. But he was very much alive.
"Edward!" Nolan cried out, having opened the doors and freed the prisoners. He ran back and grinned, gently picking up the smaller brunette. "We have to get you out of here. Micaiah! I'm leaving with the prisoners and Edward. He's fine, but any more fighting and he won't be." Micaiah stopped fighting a few sages who had suddenly appeared and nodded.
"Alright, but hurry! If you get caught up in a battle with reinforcements..." Micaiah trailed off as Nolan started to run. Leo ran over to Micaiah. "Leo! Can you protect our back? I spotted a few fighters trying to make their ways over here." Leonardo nodded. This was a long battle, but it looked like the Daeins were coming out with a win.
Despite their best attempts, Sothe was well ahead of them as he sprinted into the prison. He was in no condition to fight, and he had what was clearing an arrow sticking out of his arm. But he had reached the prison before the others, and that was all that mattered to him.
"Micaiah! Run! They're here! Tormod and Muarim and Vika were forced to run! Get out of here!" Sothe said, until the flat of Ike's blade knocked him out for good.
"Sothe!" Micaiah screamed. Zihark and Volug, both of whom knew Micaiah was being chased by Ike but not about Sothe's capture, looked completely surprised.
"That's Sothe? Wait, that's General Ike?" Zihark exclaimed, more then a note of surprise in his voice. Micaiah was running down the stairs already, and no one tried to stop her as she pulled Sothe into her arms and glared at Ike.
"Well, this is what you wanted, isn't it? So go ahead and kill me! You have no idea what is going on; we've freed every prisoner in this prison, and soon we'll have an army to fight back with! Begnion won't always be over Daein! The prince has returned!" Ike narrowed his eyes.
Behind him, Boyd and Mia were holding their weapons at the ready. Mist looked like she wanted to heal Sothe, but she didn't want to anger her brother. That, and Boyd was in front of her to stop her from doing something stupid. Shinon had his bow at the ready and his eyes narrowed in on a target. He wasn't sure how good that beast laguz could be, nor was he one hundred percent sure what family it was in, but there was no way he was missing.
"You've led me across Daein, through the desert, and past the most devastated areas by both the war and by Begnion. You shot my best friend, wounded my second-in command, and caused me no end of headaches and nights lacking of sleep." Ike glanced around, his sword on his shoulder. "And now you've brought me here, where a prison that once held Crimeans is now being used to hold its own creators." Ike glanced at a few bodies on the floor, which all wore Begnion armor. "You obviously aren't opposed to using violence, and the last thing the world needs is another war..." Ike lifted his sword up and looked at it with a mixed look. There was a long pause.
"Where's your myrmidon?" Mia suddenly asked. Ike didn't seem bothered by the outburst and Micaiah took several seconds to reply.
"E-Edward? He was attacks by two mages... Nolan took him. W-Why?" Mia frowned and looked like she was pouting.
"And here I was thinking I'd have a new sparring partner... Well, I suppose I can see how well you're doing, Zihark!" The swordmaster glared at the man, who shrugged.
"I've been fine. Keeping up with my sword, keeping away from Begnion patrols. I suppose Tauroneo and Jill will be glad to see you all, if you don't kill us." Zihark lifted his blade and narrowed his eyes. "But I'm not against using force to keep myself alive. Ike! Look around you! Does this look like the Begnion you or I know? The entire place is corrupted, and Micaiah is trying to clear it out!" Ike sighed as he looked at his sword.
"My father had a past of violence behind him, too. He was a great warrior, but even he didn't like war. Neither do I... And I'm going to end the war that hasn't started as soon as possible..." Ike lifted his sword, preparing to strike. Micaiah closed her eyes, holding Sothe in her arms. Zihark started to run forward, shouting at Ike to stop.
Mist buried her face into Boyd, unable to watch the person she hadn't even know be killed right in front of her. Mia looked pained, and she also looked away. She stepped in front of Ike and raised her own sword, ready to stop Zihark. Shinon narrowed his eyes, but it was impossible to tell what he was really feeling. Boyd wondered since when had Ike grown so heartless.
And then the sword fell.
A/N 2: Ok, can I say how much I wanted to stop right there? I enjoy cliff-hangers more then you all probably do. And before you go off and skip this, I'm going to say that this is a pretty important announcement. After this chapter, there is ONE more chapter before the end of 'Mercenaries vs Brigade'. Mostly because, after this chapter it won't really be the Greil Mercenaries chasing after the Dawn Brigade. Not one hundred percent sure what I'm calling the next story, but keep an eye out for it, alright?
Now on with you to finish the chapter!
Tormod had never talked so much in his life. First there was Ike to shout at, for growing so fast that he looked years older (no one bothered to remind Tormod that it had been three years). Next it was Jill, Zihark, and Tauroneo, all of which seemed a little tired of his constant chattering but didn't tell him off. Then it was Sothe, to shout at for risking his life and 'see where that got you'. Next it was back to shouting at Ike for growing too tall and simply growing. Lastly, it was to Micaiah who was what Tormod was calling 'Sothe's love interest'. After all, the fire sage had to make sure that Sothe's girl deserved him.
Mist had easily healed the multiple wounds of both the prisoners and the Dawn Brigade. Edward was well on his way to healing, and Sothe would be fine within a few days. Ike made plans to occupy the prison for both space and shelter for at least three days. Three days so the second group, consisting of the rest of the Greil Mercenaries, could hopefully hear what had happened.
Three days for the perfectly fine, if a little tired, Leonardo to train. But training by yourself wasn't nearly as good as training with another, and Edward was going to need all three days to get into a good condition. Nolan was suited for the kind of training Leo did, and Sothe and Micaiah were going to be spending the next few days catching up with one another.
Leonardo knew Zihark and the Greil Mercenaries girl, Mia, were going to train together. Boyd and Mist (Leo was pretty sure Boyd was the fighter, and he knew Mist was their healer) were training together, because apparently Mist could use swords. Ike seemed too daunting to ask, and considering that Leo had spent the past week or so hating Ike, he wasn't sure it would be smart to train with the man anyway.
"You're Shinon, right? The sniper?" Leonardo asked. Considering the red-head was going through his arrows, putting aside the ones that needed to be fixed, Leonardo was certain he was talking to the right person.
"Who's asking?" Shinon muttered, glaring at an arrow. He didn't really want to talk with anyone right then, even if they were a fellow bow-wielder.
"Leonardo. I'm going to be frank. I don't know you very well," Or at all, Leonardo thought, "and we've probably spent the last week hating each other. I'm not as good with a bow as you, and you seem like the kind of person who doesn't like spending time with others. But I need to get better at using a bow, and you're the only other person who uses one that isn't on Begnion's side." Shinon was smart, Leonardo noticed, and just as anti-social as the blond had thought, because Shinon scowled and practically threw an arrow in the 'to be fixed' pile. This continued for several moments, Shinon looking at an arrow and Leonardo waiting for an answer.
"Aren't you going away? I have better things to do then teach someone how to use a bow." Shinon remarked coldly, not even looking at Leonardo. Shinon mentally swore. That wasn't true. He had enough time to teach Rolf, a complete and total novice who didn't like hard work, how to use a bow. No doubt it would be a million times easier to teach Leonardo a few new things, even if it was only three days. No, wait. Good ol' Ike was volunteering to help out with Daein's freedom, to end the war faster. Shinon had a feeling he'd be seeing a lot of Leonardo in the next few weeks.
"I know how to use one, I just need someone to help show me what I'm doing wrong and right. I taught myself how to use a bow, it can't be much harder then that." Shinon's scowl deepened. Damn him... Even though Shinon didn't want to admit it, helping Leo would take his mind off other things. Like, say, how Rolf and Gatrie were doing.
"How much money do you have?" Shinon suddenly asked. Leo was startled by the question, but shrugged soon after, not really thinking about it.
"Not a whole lot. We don't get paid to fight Begnion, and neither do you now that you aren't working for anyone." That was another thing Shinon was annoyed at. Ike was going to do the whole thing for free. Even Crimea hadn't gotten that. Of course, now that they had met up with Aimee they'd be able to get weapons on Dawn Brigade credit...
"Exactly. How about, let's say, one thousand gold."
"One thousand? For three days? I'd be lucky if I got one hundred by the end of the war!"
"Not three days. As long as it takes me to get you a sniper, or the end of the war. You don't have to give me a single penny until then. But, if you don't pay me... Well, I'm pretty sure the master is always going to be able to best the student." Shinon said, picking up another arrow out of his quiver.
Leonardo thought about it. On one hand, one thousand gold really was insane. Leo doubted he had fifty gold right then, and he wasn't about to go begging for loose change. On the other hand, the end of the war would be at least three weeks he guessed. And if he managed to become a sniper... Well, a thousand gold was actually pretty good for a good tutor. Leonardo, like all archers and aspiring snipers in Daein, had heard about Shinon. Mostly because the man had joined, and then left, the Daein army, but every agreed he was one of the best. Or the best, depending on who you asked.
"You've got five seconds, or I'm picking up my things and leaving you to think." Shinon added. "One..." Leonardo sighed. A thousand gold, assuming they won, was possible. Daein's wealth wasn't gone, it was just locked up. "Three..." And Micaiah was a good friend, no doubt she'd get paid (along with anyone else who helped out in the war) by the prince... And is Micaiah was paid, then she'd surely give some to her friends...
"Alright! You get your freaky deal!" Shinon gave Leonardo a smile akin to one a predator would give its prey.
"Nice doing business with you. Fifteen minutes, outside, all your equipment. And you tell no one, and if anyone asks you're paying me." Shinon grabbed his arrows, putting the good ones in his quiver and holding onto the others, and walked off.
Leonardo couldn't help but wonder why the hell Shinon seemed so against being with other people, and what was up his ass.