Tatsu: Well, my life kind of really boring right now, but even then I put off continuation, in the hopes I'd get reviews

Tatsu: Okay, I know this chapter is going to be shorter no matter what I do, so maybe I can finish it today and get it up. I just got news that since the fires are getting really bad up here, I may be going to grandpa's, so my next update might not come for a while after that, but I promise to try my best!

Hmm… I think I already said everything else I wanted to, so without further ado I'll start this chapter!

Will: If you don't know that Tatsu doesn't own the actual fire emblem, then you're and idiot. He only owns a computer and a story based off of that game, and although he wishes, it isn't his, or he'd try turning it into an anime. (How sad is that?)

Current Party Members

Will Mirage Rebecca Brian(Kram) Lowen Eliwood

Marcus Dorcas Bartre Hector Matthew Raina

Oswin Serra Patrick Guy Merlinus Hannah

Erk Priscilla

Chapter 10: Talons Alright

Hmm… It's very hard. So many things I have to relay about our travels, and yet I wish none of it had happened. Because now those memories make it all the harder to face this new crisis.

…Because I saw it coming.

After wending our way through Bern, and dealing with that small bandit trouble that village had. After that, we headed into Sacae. We planned on visiting Ilia after that. It took some time to get there, but it was worth it. We stopped in a village, and though Mirage was not part of a tribe, I was now one of the Lorca.

Of course, the Lorca was wiped out, but the Kutolah were very kind to us, and treated us as one of their own. We told them stories of our travels, and of Lyn and the Lundgren fiasco. In return, they provided us with shelter and food. Mirage also taught the ways of magic (Just because he is best at Dark, never meant he didn't study the other kinds) to the young ones who wanted to help while on the hunt.

Meanwhile, I began to learn the art of the bow. I'll never be as good as Wil or Rebecca, but for someone like me who is close to useless when fighting, if made to fight it's better if I do so at a distance. However, I also learned of the sword from the master Guy learned from originally. I spoke of him and how I was unsure where he was now, but that he was doing well when we parted.

The old man was very kind, but very strict. Again, I'll never be as good as Lyn or Eliwood with their swords; I can at least do my part when needed. Of course, they keep telling me I'm fine just giving them the tactics. But… it's hard when I know there's so much I need to do, to make up for the mistakes of the past, and build a better future for others.

After all, I want to see what a world without weapons or the Black Fang would look like. And though I know taking weapons away at this time is an impossibility, I will rid the world of the Black Fang.

For those on the plains know how life should be lived. In harmony with the things and people and animals around them, they find true peace. Weapons were meant to help everyday life, not to kill others. Once the Black Fang is gone, maybe the world can go back to the right path.

We have defeated Erik and seized control of Castle Laus. Now we have set up and prepared for battle, in case Laus decides to counter attack. We should've seen anyone approaching the castle from miles away, and yet…

"What the hell? What do you mean we're under attack?" Will shouted, slamming his book closed. He wasn't often one to get angry, but in this case it was understandable. They should have spotted people with their guards, so why had they not? Was there a passage into the castle that they had missed while they were searching for Marquess Laus?

Hector grinned. "I don't know why you're so upset. This is perfect! If Laus has come back just to retake the castle, we'll simply catch him with that much more ease!"

Will sighed. "No, I doubt it's him. This isn't a regular army. They might be mercenaries or something hired by Laus…"

Hector seemed to lose his thunder, looking at Will. "Mercenaries?"

Will nodded. "Their movements are fast and coordinated. Luckily we haven't suffered any casualties yet, but they're already inside the castle."

Hector grunted. "So they're good, I get it. Any ideas on what we do now?"

Eliwood seemed to be considering something. "My father once told me something… There is a mercenary group that is extremely loyal to Laus. Their leader is someone called 'Eubans,' who is also called "The hurricane." He's famed for surprise and swift attacks."

Will smiled slightly. It was the smile that couldn't help crossing his face when a challenge came his way. "This could be quite interesting… Alright, we need to protect the throne room. It's the center stronghold of this castle. We can't lose it now!"

Hector and Eliwood nodded, and the three left to gather the troops in the throne room.

Meanwhile, the force that was invading had a Wyvern rider approach them. The young man had weird colored hair, for half of it was a different color from the other. At least, it looked that way. "Sealen."

The leader looked up. "Huh? Is that you, Heath?"

Heath nodded. "Yes, and I've secured you and your troops an escape route, as I was ordered to. Just in case something goes wrong…"

Sealen scoffed. "I don't need you to tell me when to retreat. If we lose our element of surprise, we'll fall back, so don't worry."

Heath nodded. "Well, there are Knights and warriors among them. There are even a couple Lords, so just… be careful." After that, he flew off. It seemed like his job there was done.

Sealen shook his head. "So what, we're friends now or something? You worry too much about complete strangers. Heath, you aren't meant to be a mercenary…" He sighed again, and then turned to his troops. "Begin the attack!"

Hannah sighed as she looked at the Lords. "You're surrounded, eh? You should mind your defenses… and beware of the enemy leader. I do not recommend foolishly angering him. Be cautious of who moves forward, and beware of thieves." With that, she entered Merlinus's tent.

Eliwood and Hector raised an Eyebrow, while Will shrugged. "Sometimes that information is useful, but other times…"

Sealen was almost finished with his pep talk. "Now, we must take the throne room! Attack from the front, and send in another unit from behind! We'll drive them into chaos! The ambush has begun, and despite their best efforts they aren't completely together yet. Since they're split up, now is the time to take them out! If they break through, I'll meet challengers here."

Oswin stumped up to Will. "Allow me and Marcus to protect Merlinus. Since everyone else is currently scattered, we make for your only choice, as you and the Lords need to be at the front." Will seemed to consider this before he gave in and nodded.

Will, Eliwood, and Hector took their positions, one at each door. The others were prepared for battle, but they would have to at least fight a couple of people to get to them. Each of them only hoped they could make it through this battle alive.

Mirage couldn't believe this. Perhaps it was some kind of fate? Here he was, battling axmen alongside Raina and Brian, alongside whom he had fought with during the last battle. He wasn't about to admit it, but they made a good team. His dark magic could hit enemies before they had the chance to approach, but since it was slow, he couldn't hit them all.

That's where Brian's bow comes in. As fast and accurate as Rath, we hit his targets with practiced ease. Unfortunately, even then he wasn't fast enough to defeat all the enemies coming their way, and that's where Raina's sword, a graceful arch of motion, would finish off the job they were unable to finish. Due to this, he didn't receive a single injury, and neither did the other two. It was something to brag about later on, when the reached the throne room.

Old man Patrick managed to make it to the throne room without any difficulty, but ended up helping Eliwood at the front gate when the swordsmen showed up. His Wyvern was flying around outside, but that didn't mean he couldn't use his lance to stop them.

Rebecca, Lowen, Dorcas, and Bartre were also in a group. This meant they had a lot of fighting power, but nothing to heal themselves with. It was difficult for them to make sure they maintained few or minor injuries, because Bartre and Dorcas weren't fast and not good at dodging, and Lowen was unable to use his horse indoors, leaving Rebecca as the only one without a scratch.

Her arrows weren't quite as accurate, but usually managed to maim the enemy she shot at. Lowen wasn't quite as impressive as when he was on his horse, but he seemed to manage just fine, only receiving a cut on his face, the other couple blows being blocked by his armor.

Dorcas was better off than Bartre, because he remembered Will's teachings of how an axeman can either parry or sidestep attacks to then strike back, which was quite useful in helping him keep his head. He managed to maim and disarm most of his enemies this way. He had no taste for killing.

Bartre did not share those sentiments, as he usually would attack first and cut his enemies in two, and when they dodged he would take the hit before attacking again. He was definitely the worse for wear, with several cuts on his upper body, and yet some insane luck kept him from getting any cut deep enough to kill or even slow him down. Yes, he was slightly… intimidating to look at.

Erk couldn't believe this. No, it was more like he didn't want to believe it. But it was true. Priscilla was arguing. Not only was she arguing, but she was arguing with Serra of all people. Why was his fate so cursed? They were arguing over him of all things. Serra just didn't seem to get the fact that he was now Lady Priscilla's bodyguard instead of Serra's. Why she didn't understand, he had no clue. When he asked Matthew, the thief had simply laughed and said "You're pretty dense, man."

Meanwhile, Guy and Matthew were at the entrance to the room, fighting with their rather limited power. Matthew and Guy were fast, but if they didn't manage the fatal blow it was hard for them to get in another blow. Usually that person would retreat to heal. At least Erk's fire spells hit their mark and took multiple targets out of the fight. Luckily, despite their bickering, Serra and Priscilla were keeping Guy and Matthew in top form with their healing spells, although now they argued about whose healing prowess was better than the other's.

Eventually, Hector and Will made their way to the leader, once everyone else had managed to gather in the throne room. Hector stepped forward to take him on. Without a word, the man drew his sword. Will knew Hector could overcome what some called the 'weapons triangle' but even so, he was nervous.

The battle was brief, but ended as hector rammed his shoulder into the man's horse as it passed, causing it to topple in pain, and throw the man from its saddle. He jumped over the poor creature and sunk his axe into the man's chest. He gasped in pain, and only managed to mutter a few words before the life left his eyes. "So this… is a mercenary's death…"

Will sighed as he entered the throne room. After their leader was out of the picture, the rest had retreated in disarray. "We've managed to route them. Good work everyone."

Hector grunted. "We took out half of them already and haven't lost a single man… no wonder they're retreating."

Will nodded. "Still, I do admire their efficiency… Euban's mercenaries… I won't forget this. I know we'll be crossing paths with them again someday."

Hector seemed deep in thought. Eliwood looked at him. "Hmm? Is something wrong, Hector?"

Despite what I told him, he keeps helping Eliwood and I… doesn't he fear death? Hector looked up. "It's nothing. Seems like we've got to tighten our belts and prepare for what's ahead."

Will looked at the camp. "I think these guys are ready for whatever comes their way, don't you?"

Eliwood laughed. "Yes, indeed."

Hector looked thoughtful. "I'm tired of being on the defense though. We should pursue Marquess Laus! It's time we put them on the defense."

Will thought about this. "I like the sound of it. Send Marcus, Oswin, and Merlinus out to gather information. Send Matthew with Oswin, Lowen with Marcus, and Patrick with Merlinus. That way we don't miss any details."

Both of them nodded. Well, things would be a little quieter tonight, but it sure felt like a storm was brewing.

That night, the six scouts were already gone and about looking for news, while the rest tried to recover from the tiring battles they had been recently fighting. Bartre was currently resting after being healed by Serra, and was being watched by Dorcas, who was to make sure that Bartre didn't do anything reckless until he was fully recovered.

Since Lowen was not here, Rebecca was doing the cooking. She was talking to Mirage, which was not completely uncommon, but also there were Raina and Brian. It seemed as though a strange partnership had been formed between the three, which was all the more better for when they fought together in battle.

Hannah was already asleep, snoring away as though she had not a care in the world. Will simply laughed and shook his head at this. She seemed to have adjusted to the journey despite the protests she was so eager to throw out at them.

Without Matthew, Erk was finding his Hell to have increased ten fold. Matthew, for some strange reason, was like a deterrent for Serra that stopped her from taking things too far. Without him, he found himself the receiver of Serra's almost constant stream of talk. He wished he could check on Lady Priscilla, but was forced to ask Guy to do it, as he didn't want the two to start arguing again.

As though in answer to his prayers, Will came in and pulled Serra away. For some strange reason, Serra didn't resist, but instead began talking to Will as though she had never had her conversation interrupted. He wasn't sure how he felt about that. Sure, Serra was annoying, but how many people was she willing just to talk to because she was able to? He shook his head vigorously. "I'll never be her bodyguard again. I feel sorry for Will and Matthew."

Erk then was able to check up on his current charge. "Are you well, Lady Priscilla?"

She jerked up. She had been taking care of her horse. "Ah, yes. Although that Guy is a very funny man."

Erk looked confused. "What do you mean?"

Priscilla giggled. "He said he had come to check on me by your request, and then ran off as though he were embarrassed to say so."

Erk was even more confused. "Well… perhaps he was trying to be courteous? He wouldn't want to sound like a flirt, and with a lady such as you the feet is hard to achieve."

Priscilla blushed. "That's not… you shouldn't say such things, Erk."

Hector sat down next to Eliwood. "Well, it's good to see you're still well."

Eliwood raised an eyebrow. "You expected otherwise?"

Hector shook his head. "No, I suppose I knew you'd be alright." With that, he started to get up and leave.

"Hector, hold. What did you really want?" Eliwood asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

Hector grunted. "Nothing. I was just making sure you weren't overdoing things like you tend to."

Eliwood laughed. "I could say the same to you."

Hector laughed as well. "Bah! I'm built tough and you know it. But… you've never been as hardy as I have, Eliwood. And you aren't use to long journeys. Try to hard, and you're going to collapse."

Eliwood smiled. "We're all weaklings compared to you, Hector. Thankfully, wars aren't won by strength alone, eh? We've sparring once every two months since we were twelve, and of those thirty matches, I won fourteen, lost twelve, and four were draws."

Hector thought about this. "That can't be right! I seem to remember thirty-one matches, with both of use winning thirteen, and five draws!"

Eliwood laughed. "Yes, well you recall wrong."

Hector grunted. "What makes you so sure of that?"

Eliwood laughed again. It was pleasant to have a normal conversation for once. "Who was the one always snoring during math class?"

Hector sighed. "Well, you've got a point there."

Eliwood smiled. "Still, it was nice of you to worry about me Hector."

Hector smiled back. "Right…"

Dorcas sighed. He couldn't believe the idiot was so reckless. Not only that, but right after the battle Bartre had come looking for him. "So here you are!"

Dorcas turned. "…you."

Bartre lifted up one of the practice axes that Will gave them for training. "Now we fight!"

Dorcas was confused. "Huh? What are you talking about?"

Bartre looked angry. "Yes, we fight! So far I've lost fifty-eight against you, but I have won fifty-seven! I won't be losing again!"

Dorcas sighed. "Fine. Why don't we just say you won this one too then?"

Bartre looked horrified, which Dorcas admitted it looked quite comical at the time. "How could you? And you call yourself the greatest axeman alive!"

Dorcas sighed. "I never remember calling myself that. Now go and get yourself healed up." With that, he left.

"Dorcas, wait!" Bartre called, but tripped and was unable to get up afterwards.

"You really are an idiot, my friend." Dorcas said with a smile on her face.

Rebecca, Mirage, Brian, and Raina were having trouble with the dinner. Lowen had left them instructions, but some of the terms none of them could make heads or tails of. Rebecca could cook, but even she didn't know half of what Lowen had written. "Uh… do any of you know what 'Rare' or 'Well done' means?"

Mirage shrugged, as did Raina. Brian thought about it. "Maybe you have to cook the food until it's well done? As for the rare… no idea."

Rebecca decided, as it was the closest guess they had, to try out Brian's suggestion.

"So, why did you drag me away from Erky, Will?" Serra asked, leaning in front of him.

"Don't think there's anything deep in it. Knowing you you'll take it to the extreme." Will said, making Serra huff angrily.

"What, you don't want a pretty girl like me all to yourself?" Serra asked, and Will sighed. "Oh, that's right. Now was it Lyn or Florina that's waiting for you?"

Will jerked. "I've already told you, it isn't like that!"

Serra laughed and began to skip away. "If you say so…"

Will ended up chasing her all the through the castle until he was forced to give up and flop down next to Eliwood, completely drained of all his energy. "She's so exhausting…"

Guy now joined them, seeming to have just returned from his rounds of the castle and doing his sword practice and dinner was almost ready. Now only Erk and Priscilla were missing.

"I've come by request of Erk to check on you." The young Sacaen had said. The first thing she noticed was the cut on his cheek.

"…Umm." She responded, knowing how stupid she must have sounded. "There's a cut on your cheek." Without thinking, she raised her stave and healed it. "Thank you for checking on me, but I'm fine."

Guy remained silent. She felt she needed to say something else. "Please do not be afraid to tell me when you are hurt."

Guy turned and left, his hand involuntarily going to his now healed cheek. "It was only a scratch… what a strange girl."

Now she was walking back to camp with Erk. "Thank you for checking on me, Erk."

Erk shrugged. "It's my duty." Suddenly, he looked like he needed to ask something. "Are you… tired?"

Priscilla seemed confused. "No, I'm quite alright, Erk."

Erk seemed like there was more, almost like he was repeating a mantra. "You're feet are not weary? Your shoulders are not tense?"

"They're fine, really!" Priscilla was more insistent this time, though in some ways she found herself enjoying the attention.

Apparently, Erk wasn't done. "We're about to dine, so make sure you eat enough. And drink water so your throat is not dry. And get some sleep… are you bored?"

Priscilla could not help the concern that entered her voice. "Erk?"

Erk jerked, as though realizing this wasn't the place he thought it was. "Oh… sorry, Lady Priscilla. It's a… difficult habit to break." She looked confused, and he sighed. "You see, my last employer was a very willful child. He would call me over the slightest things. It's in the past now though…"

Priscilla thought about this. "I…see. Should I… ask you to do more than?

Erk looked at her. "Hmm? No, this is just fine, actually. Thank you, Lady Priscilla."

Soon after, the group enjoyed their dinner, hoping that tomorrow their scouts would bring them good news.

Lowen sighed. He was really tired… if only he could close his eyes for a couple of seconds… "Lowen! What are you doing!"

"Ah! General Marcus!" Lowen yelled, jerking up.

Marcus sighed. "What did I teach you? Be ever vigilant when you're not at camp! The enemy could catch you unawares! Don't let your inexperience bring others down!"

Lowen saluted, and almost fell off his horse. "I understand, sir!"

Marcus continued his rant. "You've got heart, but without steel in your mind and belly you aren't going to make it very far."

Lowen winced. Wouldn't sticking steel into himself be extremely painful, if not life threatening? "Y-yes sir…"

Marcus seemed to relent. "But… your lance thrusts do seem to be getting better."

Lowen brightened. This was certainly rare. "Yes sir! As instructed I do one thousand lance thrusts a day!"

Marcus got angry again. That didn't last long. "Idiot! You are still but half a knight! And half a knight must practice twice as hard as a real knight! Do you truly think you'll make any progress doing the bare minimum?"

Lowen sighed. "No sir…"

"At this rate, you'll never become a true knight like Harken and Isadora." Marcus said.

Lowen straitened. "Yes sir! I will try harder sir!"

Oswin was grumbling. So what else was new? "Lord Hector just goes where he pleases! I told him knights stay their ground, but he never listens!"

Matthew laughed. "Not Lord Hector! Young folk these days can't just stay put. Even you were young once, right Oswin?"

Oswin wasn't paying attention. "Always trying to take care of things on his own… that one needs to learn how to think about others!"

Matthew was walking backwards now, his hands behind his head. "Yeah, but that's what I like about him. Things are never dull when he's around."

Oswin glared. "Like him… don't like him… this isn't the time for such nonsense! It's your coddling that has caused all of this!" Before he could continue, he found Matthew was already far ahead of him. "Hey, Matthew?! I wasn't done yet!"

Merlinus dropped his cup of tea. He and Sir Patrick had reached the village, only to hear a rumor that unsettled them. It was even worse to discover that the rumor was true. He couldn't find any words to express his horror, but the Wyvern Rider could. "What? What do you mean Castle Caelin has fallen to an attack by Laus?"

To be continued…

Tatsu: Whew, I managed to draw this out alright, or at least I think so. I had to put the to be continued, after all it's not as cliff hangery if I didn't do it, and it kind of feels right, since the nest chapter is the battle for Caelin.

By now I'm sure you all know what's coming next! The battle for Caelin is going to begin, and Will and the others are bound to be reunited! Will this be a happy one, or a sad meeting? You'll just have to hope I update again soon!

So Read relax, and Review to make me feel good about myself, and I hope to see you all again soon!

Next time chapter 11: The Noble Lady of Caelin!

I bring dire tidings, my lords. Caelin has fallen to an attack by Marquess Laus.

My grandfather is back there. I may have left on his orders, but I can't just leave him there to die!

Florina! Get down now!

Hey Lyn, Florina! Hector's got the right idea here! Fight first, and talk later!

Has it really been a year, Will?

I couldn't forget you guys even if I tried.

Darin, give up this foolishness! You can still save yourself if you surrender now! Please, reconsider your actions!

Now make sure the Marquess doesn't recover, you got it?

Yes… sir.