Chapter Ten - Gallia
Ike watched the captain closely as he began to signal for the archers to fire. Everyone froze, however, as the unexpected happened. A couple of screams lit the air, soon joined by a few more as something outside their line of sight went on.
"What's happening!?" the general asked, whisking around toward the source of the sound. Several soldiers backed away from the entrance closest to the sound, watching warily for whatever would come.
The screams began to abruptly cut off as the men died, sending a chill down the backs of both sides. A short scream came from a different direction and everyone's heads whipped toward it. Whatever it was, the thing wasn't alone.
"I demand to know what is happening! Why is no one reporting anything?" the general demanded.
His question was answered as a body came flying through an entrance. The body fell in a heap, limp and bloody, silencing every whisper in the courtyard. The light rain came to a stop, as though frightened by the low, deep growl that began to reverberate into the courtyard.
Ike's eyes widened as a huge, blue tiger stepped into the entrance, its bulk filling the entry as it slowly approached. An arrow landed into the dirt a few yards from it, and the tiger looked up at the scared archer as its growl grew louder. Shaking, the archer backed up, only to slip off his small post and fall out of sight with a short lived scream.
"Cursed Gallian beasts! Do you really think a single little beast can bring my army to its knees?! Fall to the might of Daein, sub-human!" the general screamed, lowering into an attack position.
A scream from the side took everyone's attention as a wounded soldier ran in. Before he got a full yard in, a large, yellow cat soared out and landed on him, bringing him down with a swift swipe across the back of the neck. Before the man had fully landed on the ground, the cat launched off the soldier and onto the general, catching him completely off guard as one quick bite to the throat finished him.
As though a flip switched with their general's death, the rest of the soldiers ran out the last entrance, screaming in terror from the two laguz. In less than a minute, the fort had been emptied of the enemy and the mercenaries went from adrenaline-sustained fighting to abrupt rest.
The two laguz transformed into their human forms with a golden light and approached the mercenaries. The tiger had transformed into an equally massive male laguz, while the cat transformed into a small female. "We are here from King Caineghis," the female stated roughly.
"Let's go inside," Titania suggested, leading the rest of them into the large entry hall of the fort. The rest of the mercenaries were lying around as they rested. Rhys dutifully tended to Oscar, the most injured of the crew.
When they entered, a small cheer bubbled from the group, though none were in high enough spirits for actual cheering. Most only even cast a curious glance at the newcomers, too tired to really care.
Remembering he would have to take care of the talking, Ike began. "So, uh…you two are from the palace? The king of Gallia sent you?"
"He did," the male replied, dipping his head a little. "I am Mordecai, warrior of Gallia. Your hair is blue. You are Ike. Is this correct?"
"That's right, I'm Ike. You saved us back there we you came. Thank you," Ike said, reaching his hand out in thanks.
Mordecai looked at his hand in confusion for a moment, not understanding. Finally, he said, "Ranulf told me Ike is not a bad stranger. Mordecai and Ike…we will become friends." Mordecai's speech was slow and halted, but he also made his words distinctly pronounced, making him easy to understand none the less.
"You don't know that," the woman replied, seeming irritated. "You don't know if we can trust him. It's too soon to tell. He's a beorc, a human. You know all humans have two faces."
"Lethe!" Mordecai exclaimed, seeming surprised.
"Beorc? What's that?" Ike murmured.
"That's what you are," the woman said, having heard him. "We with the power are laguz. You soft, hairless things with no power at all, you are called beorc."
"What did you say?" Ike asked, his temper already short with all the recent stress pressing on him.
"Lethe! You are being bad," Mordecai reprimanded, stepping between Ike and Lethe. "The king forbids this. We cannot fight with beorc!"
"Most beorc call us by hated names, look at us with eyes filled with scorn. 'Sub-human?'" Lethe questioned, hissing at the group of mercenaries. "Is that how beorc treat their friends? Is that how beorc treat their allies?"
Ike forced himself to calm down as he say that that term, sub-human, seem to once again appear as an argument starter. "You're right," Ike quickly said, trying to stop them. Mentally, he thanked Ashera that Shinon was nowhere nearby to spout his very anti-sub-human sentiments. "Some of us use that name far too readily. I guess if we had thought about it, we'd have realized it's not a polite term, but we didn't know you by any other name. I'm sorry."
"Rough, but doable," Titania murmured from the side.
"You knew no other name for us?!" Lethe exclaimed, her tail lashing behind her. "Are we really so little to you, human? You, who forced us into slavery? How easily you forget. But we laguz! We remember. We remember how we suffered at your hands. The king can say whatever he likes, I will not trust you. I warn you now," Lethe said, her voice growing low, "never speak to me in such a way."
"Lethe," Mordecai said once more, still trying to calm her.
"So, what's your point?" Soren asked, cutting in. "Did you come all this way just to complain to us?" Snickering, Soren quietly added, "Just like a typical sub-human. All temper, no brains."
"Scum! Those who use that name are enemies of Gallia!" Lethe exclaimed, jumping back and crouching, as though ready to transform.
Mordecai jumped back as well, his previously calm façade replaced by an angry one. "Sub-human…enemy…he is enemy," Mordecai murmured, his speech halted by growls.
Ike stepped forward to try and stop them and berate Soren for using such a term, when Soren forged on in the tense situation. "You really think you're humans?" Soren demanded, a look of hatred covering his normally calculating façade. "The only thing human about you is your conceit, you filthy, hairy sub-human!"
Shaking in rage, Mordecai transformed in a flash of light. He roared out at Soren, obviously pushed too far.
"Mordecai, kill him!" Lethe yelled.
That was all he needed as the tiger leapt at Soren. Unable to let his friend get torn apart, Ike jumped in the way and felt the full weight of the huge tiger slam into him. Already weak and tired, Ike clutched his side as he landed a few yards away in a heap. Mist was at his side in an instant, yelling his name.
"What?" Lethe murmured, unsure what to do.
Mordecai had frozen to the spot where he had landed, all thoughts of fighting gone as he shifted back to his human form. "I…Ike," he murmured, looking apologetic. "Ike, I'm sorry…I have hurt you. I did not intend you."
Ike shakily stood up, waving his worried sister back. "Mordecai, this injury is nothing," Ike said, though in truth, he felt like a whole castle had landed on him. "I'm fine."
"You're nothing but a beast!" Soren exclaimed, the air beginning to rush around him.
"Soren! Stand down!" Ike shouted, his new level of authority entering his voice.
The air in the room settled, but Soren looked still ready to fight. "Why did you stop me?" he asked, keeping his hateful glare directed toward Mordecai. "He hurt you! He could have killed you! We can't let him get away-"
"And if you hadn't provoked him, none of this would have happened," Ike retorted, stepping forward again. "Right?"
"But- I only…" Soren glared at his feet, unable to respond for a moment. "I'm sorry," he finally said.
Nodding in acceptance, Ike stepped between Soren and the two emissaries. "Mordecai, Lethe, I apologize on behalf of my company. Please forgive Soren," he said, bowing to them, though it hurt like fire as he did so. "It's a poor excuse, but we recently lost…some companions. We're tired, injured, and not thinking clearly."
"Ike forgave Mordecai. So now I forgive Soren," Mordecai said earnestly. "No one need be angry."
"I apologize as well," Lethe said begrudgingly. "My behavior has been unkind. I forgot our mission, and I have blundered terribly."
"Mission?" Ike asked.
"The king wants to see you," Lethe announced. "We are here to guide you to the royal palace."
Ike looked grimly over at his exhausted companions, knowing they weren't ready to move out at all.
"King will wait. Companions of Ike need rest," Mordecai said understandingly.
"Thank you. We will get ready as fast as we can, though we will need a day to recover from our wounds," Ike replied.
"We will be waiting outside," Lethe said. "Let us leave quickly tomorrow." The two emissaries left outside, leaving the group of mercenaries to their preparations.
"Alright, everyone who can treat themselves, get your stuff ready to move out," Ike said, getting everyone's attention. "Rolf," Ike called, pulling the young boy away from his pale brother. "I know you're worried about Oscar, but I need you to go tell the convoy we're heading out tomorrow and that it's safe now."
Casting one last worried glance at his brother before running off into the fort to find the merchants. Rhys gave Ike a grateful look before continuing on the slow work of healing the deep wound down his leg.
"How's Oscar doing, Rhys?" Titania asked.
"He's stable, but it will be a while before he fights again," Rhys admitted, a pained look on his face.
"Don't worry, Rhys. I'm sure he'll be fine with your help," Titania replied. "You know, this kind of reminds me of how we met. That was what…about a year ago?"
"Was it really?" Rhys murmured. "My, time does fly."
Chuckling, Titania added, "Of course, I don't remember much of what happened."
"Well, you were unconscious for most of it," Rhys said. "I still remember. I normally didn't travel that far into the forest back then, but I had been short on medicinal herbs. You were in pretty bad shape from a deep wound. Shinon and Gatrie helped bring you back to the village. They were really worried about you."
"Really?" Titania asked. "I didn't know that. I didn't think Shinon ever worried about anyone. I do remember they stayed with us until my wounds were healed. If it wasn't for the good work you did, I probably wouldn't have been able to use the axe ever again. Thank you again, Rhys."
"No, I should thank you. In fact, I should have thanked you a lot earlier," Rhys said seriously. "I…You convinced Greil to hire me. When I was hired, I could send money back to my parents. They didn't have much income, and I had always been a burden getting so sick all the time."
"Your parents were very kind," Titania commented, chuckling, "especially your mother and her great wild-berry pie. How are they?"
"They were fine last I heard but…" Rhys replied, "well, I don't know how their taking the invasion. I pray every day that they're okay."
"I'm sure they are, if they're half as resourceful as you. Keep up the good work," Titania said.
"Thank you, Titania, for everything," Rhys said, heading outside into the early morning light.
Outside, the sun was just rising, bringing a fresh warmth to the place. Stretching his tired limbs, Rhys enjoyed the momentary time of peace. It had been a stressful night watching Oscar while helping the others, but everything had turned out alright in the end. Now, he was able to have a moment of-
"So it's you!? You, Rhys!" a voice called out.
Rhys swung around, his robe flowing around him as he spun. "Who…oh, hello, Mia."
Mia stood a few yards away, a wooden sword pointing at him. She was still speaking, but seemingly to herself. "I didn't expect that, but I can't be picky, I guess." Rhys jumped as she screamed and threw the weapon at him. "Take this weapon, cur!"
"What is this? Why did you throw a…a sword at me?" Rhys asked, bending over to pick the weapon up. "I- This is heavy!"
"Yes it is," Mia admitted, pulling out another wooden sword from somewhere. "But who would have thought it was gonna be you? Funny, that. Now get ready! En garde!" Dropping into a fighting stance, Mia got ready to strike, stopped only by Rhys' scream.
"Wait! Wait! S-stop, please!" Rhys called out, throwing his arms up, though the arm that had the sword fell right back down with the weight of the sword. "I don't know what's going on! I c-can't use weapons!"
"What?" Mia asked, surprised. "Oh, come on. You can use them a little, right? Right?"
"No!" Rhys replied indignantly. "I've never even touched one before now…b-but if you want me to hold it, I can. I hold this end, right?"
Sighing, Mia shook her head. "Oh, this is so disappointing! I had my fortune read a while back, and the old crone told me that I'd soon come across my one true foe! 'With white robes flowing in the breeze, your archrival rides toward you in the dawn.' Oh, I was so looking forward to it, too!"
"Sorry to disappoint you. I'm pretty sure that that is not me," Rhys admitted.
"Aw, it's not your fault, Rhys," Mia replied. "I was just getting prepped for a big fight with my archrival, and then I saw you standing there with your white robes flowing…thought maybe it was you, you know?"
"I can just stand here and hold the sword if you want to hit it a few times," Rhys suggested.
"Well…alright, but let me show you how to hold it," Mia said, adjusting his sword.
"You're up early, you know," Rhys commented.
"Yep," Mia replied. "I'm all set! It doesn't matter how late I go to sleep, I'm always awake before the sun rises! I can't miss my archrival when he finally does come."
"Are you joining us, then?"
"That's what the boss said. Yesterday, in the middle of that giant mess, he didn't give up, and then I knew that that is how a true man lives. So, I have to follow you all now, see?"
"Um…not really," Rhys admitted.
"Well, I do, so, hiyaaa!"
Rhys gripped the sword tight with both hands as Mia began to hack away. This probably wasn't his best idea.
"Are preparations complete?" Ike asked.
Soren didn't even start with surprise. "Yes, everything's almost ready. All that's left is allowing Oscar to rest a little longer and getting the supplies into the merchant convoy."
Glancing past him, Ike saw only a few items in a small, old bag. There were a few robes and books, but nothing else. "I'm taking a bit less, but it looks as though you travel light as well."
"The burden of unnecessary items is something I detest," Soren said, closing the bag up.
"Me too," Ike admitted. "We're alike in that way." Ike paused as Soren cast him a quick worried glance. "What is it?"
"You're tired, Ike. You need rest," Soren said.
"You can tell?"
"Of course. When you're not feeling well, your left eye twitches," Soren replied factually.
"That's…odd. I never noticed," Ike admitted. "But I'm alright for now. Sitting here in the morning in the sunlight…it helps me to understand things. I'm alive. I have trustworthy friends. That's how I know I can go on from day to day. I just hope I'm not…fooling myself all the time."
"No, you're not!" Soren immediately injected. "You're not."
"Well then, it's business as usual. I know we'll have troubles, but let us set our shoulders straight and get on with it," Ike said. "I'll go inform the laguz emissaries."
"Understood," Soren replied.
Walking out of the room, Ike stepped right into Mist. "Oh, morning. Are you alright, Mist?"
Mist looked down at her feet, hesitant. "If I said I were, I'd be lying. But I'm doing my best. Yesterday, I was so confused. Then, I awoke this morning and saw the blue sky, felt the sun on my face…and I thought, I'm alive. The sunlight was so warm. I mean, it's always warm, but for some reason…it made me want to cry and thank someone all at the same time.
"Then I realized, it's up to us to live. We must live the fullest lives we can, to live for Mother and for Father. We mustn't dishonor their memory. So…um…I may think about them, and I may cry every now and then, but I'll carry on, really!"
"You're right," Ike said, ruffling her hair. "Everything you said is right. Let's carry on together."
"Right!" Mist said, laughing a little. "Oh! Sorry, I have to hurry and finish! I'll see you later, Brother!"
"Get a move on, will you? Look at the time!" Ike called, chuckling as she dashed off. His chuckling slowly stopped as something clicked. "Was she wearing an apron?" Ike murmured. Shaking the thought off, Ike headed outside.
The laguz had chosen to camp outside, though Ike hadn't caught a glimpse of either tent or fire last night. Mordecai was nearby and easy to find, however.
"Ike," he greeted as Ike approached. "Are you prepared? Can we depart soon?"
"It's taking more time than I thought," Ike said. "I'm sorry for making you wait. Our companion was hurt pretty bad yesterday."
"I see. Then I will talk with you as we wait," Mordecai replied slowly. "My words, are they well? Can you understand them?"
"Sure, no problem. I understand you."
"That is good," Mordecai said, nodding. "Mordecai is not so good with this language."
"What language do you normally use?" Ike asked.
"With other of my tribe, I need no words. I say all that I must with gestures and with…how do you say…growls?"
"That sounds convenient," Ike commented.
"Yes. But our tongue does not let us talk to other tribes," Mordecai admitted. "That is not good. That is why we learn these modern words."
"I would think that would be enough, being able to speak with only your friends, wouldn't it?" Ike commented.
"It is not," Mordecai replied, shaking his head. "If there is danger or conflict…we can use words to avoid a fighting that need not be. So using words that many can hear is good."
Ike paused, thinking it over. "Using words to avoid unnecessary fighting," he murmured. "That's one way to think about it."
"Yes, Mordecai thinks so," Mordecai said. "Maybe Ike should check on friends to see if needed."
"Good idea," Ike replied, heading back inside as he continued to think about what Mordecai had said. He had honestly never thought about it before like he had put it. "Words to avoid fighting," Ike continued to murmur as he strolled through the fort.
"Hey, good morning, Ike."
Ike glanced up to see Oscar sitting at a table, pale, but looking much better than last night. A steaming bowl of food was in front of him. Having his own hunger awakened, Ike got some food for himself and sat down.
"Smells good. How are you Oscar?" Ike asked.
"Feeling mighty fine. How're you feeling? Yesterday's battle was a rough one, wasn't it?" Oscar commented.
"Yeah. I'm sore all over. Every muscle in my body hurts, even ones I didn't know I had," Ike admitted. "Hopefully, I'll feel better after I move around for a while."
"I hope so, too," Oscar said. "My leg is numb to the pain, but I can barely move it like I used to. When I woke up, it was all I could do to get out of bed. We're truly lucky to be alive. If those two beast fighters hadn't arrived when they did, we might have all been wiped out."
"Yeah," Ike murmured, staring at his soup. Just remembering how they were overrun was bad enough.
"Ike, I can't say I know what you're going through or how you feel, but you should try to remember all that happened last night," Oscar said. "The men we fought were professionals. Well trained and under the command of a cunning tactician…but not invincible. Everyone has a weakness. Everyone follows certain rules or patterns."
"So you're saying if I can learn what they are, they become vulnerable," Ike said. "Don't worry. The next time we meet, we won't lose."
"We didn't, Ike. We didn't," Oscar replied, chuckling.
"What?"
"For an instant there, looking at you was like looking at Commander Greil," Oscar commented.
"I'm his son," Ike said. "I'm supposed to look like him, aren't I?"
"It wasn't that," Oscar said, chuckling again. "And it wasn't an aura or a hunch, either, Ike. It was your…character. It was the same as his. Sorry, that must've sounded pretty stupid."
Ike didn't reply as he focused on his food. "Man, I can't wait till it's your turn to cook," Ike commented. "I mean, this is okay, but your food it just always so good."
"Really?" Oscar asked.
"Of course! You're a great cook! Why do you ask?" Ike inquired.
"Well…I never knew that," Oscar said. "Mist, Shinon, and Rhys were the only ones who ever commented on the subtle spices and flavors that I use. My brothers are used to my cooking, and Soren hates everything. He'd probably stop eating if he could. The rest of you ate everything on the plate, but…well, I feel like you'd eat anything."
"I don't just shovel the food into my mouth. I enjoy it!" Ike said earnestly. "And I won't just eat anything. Remember when Mist first started cooking? Even my father was having trouble choking it down! It hasn't got too much better since then."
"Really? How about your food right now?" Oscar asked.
"It's good," Ike commented.
"Mist cooked it."
Ike almost choked on his bite, but he forced it down. "Really?" he finally said. "This is a lot better than usual."
"Just like you're training to improve your swordsmanship, Mist is training to improve her culinary skills," Oscar explained. "You should give her more support. Hearing someone say 'Delicious!' is the best encouragement a cook can get."
"I see. Then I'll make sure to say delicious when you cook from now on," Ike joked.
"Thanks," Oscar said, chuckling.
"Hey, Oscar?"
"Commander?"
"From now on, when I practice, would you join me?" Ike asked. "I want to be more familiar with the fighting style of knights and horsemen."
"Of course…! Though, it may be a while before I can train right now," Oscar said.
"Are you ready to leave, though?" Ike asked.
"Yeah. Soren's arranged for me to ride in one of the convoy wagons until I'm fully healed," Oscar answered.
"Alright, we'll be moving out soon, then."
"This place brings back such memories," Titania commented as they rode through the countryside. "It hasn't changed in the slightest."
"Titania, have you been to Gallia before?" Ike asked, curious.
"A long time ago…when I was still a knight of Crimea. I volunteered for a military officer exchange program and spent some time studying at Gallia's royal palace," Titania explained.
"So that's why you weren't surprised when we first saw the laguz," Ike said.
"That's right," Titania said. "Ah, I've missed the sea. When the setting sun strikes the water, it's almost as though the horizon itself is on fire. You can't see that on any Crimean coast." Titania stared over at the water, as though lost in the memories of the past.
Wondering how it would look at sunset, Ike realized something. "Now that I think about it, my father knew where that old castle was. He sure acted like someone who'd been to Gallia before. Was he here with you?"
"And we weren't the only ones," Titania agreed. "You've been here, too, Ike."
"What?" Ike asked, confused.
"Ike!"
Shading her eyes as she looked forward, Titania reported, "It's Mordecai. You'd better answer him."
"Yeah, but-"
"We can finish our talk later, after we've reached the castle," Titania said, galloping forward to meet with the laguz.
"What is it, Mordecai?" Ike asked, catching up.
"Do you tire? Should we rest here?" Mordecai asked.
"No, I think we're alright," Ike replied.
"Good."
"Beorc are such a weak species," Lethe commented. "A distance like this is nothing. Any laguz worth his claws could cross it in a single bound."
"Lethe!" Mordecai exclaimed.
"It is the truth!" Lethe retorted.
"If you persist in this way, you will shame the king. You sound like a fool," Mordecai reprimanded.
Hissing, Lethe retorted, "You are my subordinate! Never speak to me in such a way!"
"What's wrong is wrong. You are a fierce warrior, Lethe, but when it comes to the beorc, you are far too stubborn," Mordecai said.
"What did you say?!" Lethe exclaimed.
"Come on now, both of you," Ike said, trying to step in to stop them. "Let's calm down."
Suddenly, both of them tensed, but not at each other. Both of them started sniffing the air, though nothing was apparent. "Mordecai?" Lethe murmured.
"What is it?" Ike asked.
"That smell on the wind…it's iron," Mordecai explained. "The smell of beorc. Heavily armored. Well-armed."
"Are you sure?" Ike asked.
Lethe nodded, hissing.
"Black armor. They're Daein men, all right," Soren commented.
Ike and Soren had advanced to scout out who was so heavily armed. Several black figures milled about around the small courtyard of a fort. A few were even milling around nearby on the coast. The total force didn't seem too large, but it was definitely more than just stragglers.
"It must be some of the invasion force searching for the princess. How many soldiers did they send?" Ike murmured.
"Daein worms," Lethe muttered from nearby. "They strut about the Gallian forests as though they own them. I won't stand for it!"
A low growling came from Mordecai as he stared at the scene. "The castle to the south. Fort Tatana. Many beorc are inside. They carry iron weapons. I smell them."
"Not good," Ike muttered. It was a rather small force with the visible men, but with an unknown number inside, there could be a real fight on their hands. "Let's get to the others."
"What now?" Lethe asked.
"What do you mean?" Ike questioned.
"Since you hope to flee, there is an escape route to the-"
"We're going to fight," Ike interrupted.
"Oh?"
"There are times when running has its advantages, but I don't think we're outmatched here," Ike explained.
"I see," Lethe said after a pause.
"I will also fight," Mordecai said. "Beorc no belong in Gallia."
"Good. We could use the help," Ike said as they reached the group again. "Titania, gather everyone here!"
"Everyone's here!" she replied, already prepared.
"Alright, let's go," Ike said, pulling out his sword. The merchants stood nearby, and Ike turned to them. "We're about to fight, so I want you to take Mist and Rolf and retreat to the rear until the fighting's done."
"Of course," Jorge said.
"We're counting on you. Be careful!" Daniel called as they headed back to the wagons.
"Ike, I think it would be best to split to take on the enemy here. I'll explain as we go," Soren said.
"Alright, then. Greil Mercenaries, move out!"
The group had barely assembled when Mist ran up to them. "Ike!"
"Mist, you and Rolf clear of here!" Ike commanded. "Stay back with the merchants."
"No, Ike!" Mist retorted. "We're going to fight with you, both of us." Rolf ran up to them as well, a quiver slung over his shoulder and a bow at the ready.
"What? No," Ike said. "That's not going to happen. Be serious, Mist. The two of you can't even wield weapons. What would you do?"
"I've got this," Mist said, holding a staff out.
"A heal staff?" Ike asked.
"Yeah!" Mist said. "I made Rhys teach me how to use it. I can heal injuries! I mean, just little ones, but still-"
"Little ones?" Ike exclaimed. "No. There's no way I'm letting you on this battlefield."
"And neither will you come out, Rolf!" Boyd commanded. "Stop being such a brat, you little twerp! Ike gave you a command!"
"I'm going to fight, too! I'm good with a bow!" Rolf retorted.
"Really? That's news to me," Boyd said. "Is that the best lie you could come up with?"
"It's no lie!" Rolf yelled.
"That's right!" Mist said, defending him. "He's not lying."
"Of course he is!" Boyd said.
"You beorc are going to alert every Daein soldier in the area!" Lethe hissed.
"What are you talking about, Mist?" Ike asked.
"Rolf's always practicing with his bow. And he's really good! Aren't you?!" Mist said.
"I sure am!" Rolf said.
"And when did you learn to use a bow?" Ike asked.
"Well, let's see," Rolf murmured, looking cornered. "I guess I just…sorta…picked it up naturally?"
"Stop lying, you booger-eating brat! You can't just pick up a weapon and start firing away! I don't want an arrow in my backside!" Boyd said. "Someone has to teach you the basics!"
"Well, maybe I'm just a prodigy, cause I learned it all myself!" Rolf retorted, crossing his fingers behind his back.
"You little," Boyd murmured, looking ready to force the boy.
"You don't know anything, Boyd!" Mist shouted.
"This is ridiculous! I'm not going to have you on the battlefield after how bad Oscar got hurt!" Boyd said.
"That's just it!" Mist retorted. "We don't want to go back! All Rolf and I do is sit and wait and worry about all of you. We're tired of waiting! We want to fight by your side!"
Ike paused, having felt just the same not too long ago. "Is that so?"
"Is that how you feel, too, Rolf?" Boyd asked.
"No doubt, we'd rather be with you," Rolf said.
"What now, Commander?" Boyd asked, sighing.
"We take them with us," Ike decided. "We're too pressed for time to sit around here bickering. And at least if they're nearby, they'll be easier to protect."
"Are you serious?!" Mist asked, seeming surprised.
"Yes!" Rolf cheered. "You won't regret this, Ike! I promise!"
"I hope not," Boyd muttered.
"Finally," Lethe hissed. "You beorc must argue about everything. Let us fight!"
"Rolf, stay by my side," Boyd commanded.
"You got it!" Rolf said.
"Hold a minute," Boyd said. "That was too easy. What's going on?"
"Nothing," Rolf replied. "But if I'm close to you, I can protect you. So you have no need to worry."
"What? Hey, that's my line!"
The few soldiers milled around on the shore, bored. After coming this far into beast-land, they were now camping out to do…what? Their objective wasn't really clear, but for now, they just had to make sure the sub-human village nearby didn't try to rebel. That would soon be solved with the help of a few hired pirates, who were of course late.
The soldiers jumped as their mage fell, an arrow in his back. Before they could react, two of the fighters fell twitching as they were electrocuted to death. The few remaining soldiers turned toward the treat to see a sell sword running at them. Blowing the alarm, the three axe men rushed the single fighter.
Mia ran right between the first two, pausing only long enough to slice the back of their knees. The last fighter charged with a huge overhead swing. A simple stab ended the man who had left himself wide open.
Meanwhile, several soldiers rushed from the courtyard to answer the call of their allies. As they passed through the trees to reach the shore, they didn't see the trap set for them. Three axes came flying through the air, killing two and severally wounded another. Another fell from being cut to pieces from a wind spell.
Ike, Boyd, and Titania rushed the rest of them and the soldiers quickly fell to their combined efforts. With both the beach and the courtyard cleared, only however many soldiers there were in the fort were left.
"Alright, let's move in-"
Ike was cut off as a loud signal horn came from the direction of the sea.
"Yar har ho!"
"Yo ho har!"
"Scallywags of the sea are we!"
"We fight like beasts, an' men do flee!"
"We earn our gold with axes bold!"
Nedata turned to his first mate when he didn't respond. "Yar! Ye scurvy bilge rat! Why aren't ya singin'?"
"Har! Over there, Captain! Fix yer eyes on that. Do ye sees what I sees?" the first mate replied.
Shading his eyes as he leaned out of the side of the ship, Nedata saw several men fighting each other, though the fighting didn't last long at all. "Oh ho oh! What's this, then? Humans battling humans here in Gallia? What in the briny beard of Shanty Pete is going on? Those lily-livered soldiers were to hold the shore for our raid."
"Oy! Do ya think they may be the king's curs out to capture us and claim the bounty?" his first mate asked.
Nedata let out a hearty laugh.
"Shall we unfurl the mainsail and steer for calmer waters then?"
Nedata's laughter abruptly ended. "Bite yer tongue, ye kelp-brained idjit! We're pirates! We don't turn tail from government scum! Let down the shore-boat! I'm goin' ashore!" As his first mate moved forward, Nedata held him back. "Watch me, and you'll see a true sea-dog in action. You've set me blood a-boil! Stay and hold the ship. We've no need of skitters in a raid."
Grumbling his first mate moved back and watched as the raiding party headed out, their war horn sounding.
The wind blew violently at her from the sea, but her pegasus flew steadily onward, use to high-velocity wind as it was. Even so, it wouldn't be long before she would have to give her pegasus a rest in their search.
"Ah, jerky!" Marcia muttered, sighing. "This search seems as hopeless as the one for my brother. Maybe we should- Oh, chestnuts, we can't go back. Just guess we'll need to keep-"
Marcia trailed off as a horn sounded below. Looking down, she saw a group of pirates beginning a raid, just like on the many missions she had done in Begnion to protect the people. However, the small village wasn't undefended as a small group of fighters gathered on the shore to repel them. They didn't seem to be aware of a group of soldiers coming from the fort, though.
"Good gravy, could that really be him? Oh…Ike, yeah, that's right! Ike!" Marcia shouted, directing her pegasus in a quick descent.
Ike shook his head, wondering if he was hearing things. "Incoming!" Boyd shouted, pointing to the sky.
Ike jumped back and looked up only to see a pegasus already almost landing in front of him. Shielding his face from the wind of its descent, Ike paused as he saw the familiar pink-haired rider.
"You!" Ike exclaimed. "You're that…"
"That's right. It's me! Marcia!" Marcia called out proudly, even as the other mercenaries looked at her suspiciously. "As promised, I'm here to pay my debt. I'm going to join your group!"
"Join us?" Ike echoed. "But I thought you were one of the holy pegasus knights of Begnion."
"I resigned," Marcia said, blowing the comment off. "So, what do you say? Are you going to let me in or what? Come on!"
"Are you sure about this?" Ike asked. "I mean, I'll be honest with you. We're a destitute band of mercenaries. Your wages will be a pittance compared to what you're used to."
"We have wages?" Boyd murmured, looking surprised.
"So, what? Are you saying no?" Marcia questioned, ignoring Boyd.
"No, I'm simply pointing out that you'll be losing almost all of-"
"I won't lose out on anything!" Marcia retorted. "Plus, you have a group of soldiers coming in from the fort as well. C'mon, please let me join? PLEEEEEASE!"
Half expecting her to jump out of the saddle and beg, Ike held up his hand to stop her. "Well, if that's what you want, I guess we'll give it a shot," Ike said. "Besides, we're shorthanded, so we'll have plenty to keep you busy."
"Huzzah! Oh pasta, that's great!" Marcia shouted energetically. "Just tell me what needs doing!"
"Pasta," Ilyana murmured, looking hungry.
"Well, first off, we have enemies incoming," Ike pointed out. "First we drive them back, then we handle details."
"Yes sir, Commander, sir!" Marcia responded, taking to the air.
The pirates leapt out of their shore-boat as soon as the water was shallow enough for them just as the large group of soldiers broke from the trees onto the shore. Chanting quickly for a higher level spell, Ilyana shot her hands under the water and let the electricity go in a massive shockwave. It was weakened slightly by the large radius of power, it was still enough to bring most of the pirates to their knees and under the water, a few even to fully sink and not rise again.
Boyd and Ike charged the Daein soldiers, weapons at the ready, while Mia and Titania prepared to fight the remaining pirates on land. Swerving around a lance, Boyd bypassed the first soldier he came to, clotheslining the man as he went by. An arrow pass right by him and sent sailing into the leg of the next soldier. Holding back some choice words for his brother, Boyd slammed into another soldier, his axe chopping into the man's side.
Ike yanked a soldier's weapon away and clipped him in the head with the blunt end of the lance. Dunking under a high swing of a lance, Ike slashed right through the next man's cheap armor and into his chest.
Ike dived to the side as a ball of fire was intercepted by a blast of wind, licking flames spewing everywhere. Boyd tackled the fire mage, pinning his arms to his back to prevent any more antics. A little more pressure, and the mage cried out as a snap resounded loudly, effectively ending the threat.
Ike winced as he jumped up, a new burn on his side hurting him. Before he knew what was happening, Mist was already there, her staff glowing as she chanted some spell. The burn disappeared along with the pain. Ike could only spare her a nod of thanks as he turned to catch the next soldier's attack with his sword.
Titania slammed the flat of axe into the head of the first pirate to reach dry land. As he fell limply to the ground, the next took an opportunity to charge, only twitch to a standstill as electricity coursed through his body. He soon fell like his companion.
One opportunist pirate charged past Mia and Titania as they were engaged and ran right into Rolf. Falling together, the pirate quickly pinned Rolf to the ground, his axe still at the ready. Rolf let out a high-pitched scream as the pirate laughed at his easy kill.
Marcia's pegasus bucked at the abrupt stop in midair, even as Marcia skewered the distracted pirate off of the poor boy. Throwing the bully off with her lance, Marcia checked to make sure he was okay, before charging toward the rest of the bloody pirates.
Mia scrambled out of the water, cold and soaked, as she tried to recover from being so violently thrown back. The offender, which was the last of the pirates standing, was fighting toe-to-toe with Titania and keeping his own. Mia charged back into the fray, but the pirate was swift in the shallow waters and using his knowledge of shore fighting against them.
With a power charge, the pirate threw both Titania and Mia back into the water, leaving both of them open. The pirate flew back, however, as he was kicked solidly by a pegasus hoof. Letting out a war cry, Marcia threw her lance right into her downed opponent.
Just as the fighting along the shore ended along with the cries of the dying, the mercenaries noted the screaming coming from the fort.
"Quickly, to the fort!" Ike called out.
The mercenaries stopped as they reached the courtyard of the fort. Many bloodied bodies were strewn around the place, all of them wearing black armor.
"Daein soldiers," Marcia commented.
"But who-"
Ike's unfinished question was answered as two laguz, a cat and a tiger, came out from the entrance, their fur bloody. With a flash of light, the two transformed into their human forms, looking none the worse for all the bloodshed.
"All the humans inside have been dealt with," Lethe reported, looking satisfied.
"Battle go well for Ike?" Mordecai asked.
Ike nodded. "But we still don't know what they were after," Ike said.
"It seems unlikely that they were merely pursuing Princess Crimea," Titania commented. "I wonder if Daein is planning to invade Gallia. Perhaps Crimea was only a stone on which to whet their blades for more war."
"No matter the motive, the fact remains that Daein crossed the border," Soren pointed out. "Under such circumstances, hostilities between Daein and Gallia could break out at any time. War will not be far away."
"So, it's war, again," Ike muttered.
"If war erupts between the beorc and laguz, it's only a matter of time before other nations become involved," Titania said. "Could Daein truly mean to set the land aflame in a blaze of war? If that happens, many of our citizens will be sacrificed on the altar of their ambition."
"Which means we, too, need to choose which way to move, whose side to take," Soren replied.
"Whose side!?" Titania exclaimed. "We shall never support Daein! Unthinkable!"
"Captain Titania, we are human," Soren retorted. "Would you truly have us side with sub- with laguz against other humans? That is unthinkable."
Once again, those terms were appearing in the root of the arguments. Laguz and beorc.
"Are you going to sit here and argue about a war that hasn't started? You beorc are all so timid! It's pathetic," Lethe hissed.
"Lethe! You must not say such things," Mordecai reprimanded.
"What do you two think?" Ike asked, turning to them. "Will it come to war?"
"Our claws are sharp. If Daein invades Gallia, we are ready for battle," Lethe replied. "If our king wills it, war will come."
"I like it not," Mordecai said. "War brings pain…sorrow."
"Enough!" Lethe called out. "We have lost much time now. Let us make for the palace. We must reach tonight's camp before the sun sets."
"Is the palace still far?" Ike asked.
"On your skinny beorc legs, it is very far," Lethe replied dryly. "But we will do as we can. Let's go."
Author's Notes: More pirates~! I love Fire Emblem pirates. And, yes, this is Thursday, even if it is two in the morning here. I'm about to start third shift, so I'm staying up later to get used to the routine. It's weird, but I do write better at night, than during the day. Hmm... Anyway, I have no idea how this chapter outdid the last in length, but oh well. In fact, it got to the point that I had to split the next chapter off because of the length. This story is going to be a lot longer than I expected. Meh. However, how many writers can say they wrote 7k+ words in two sittings within two days? Thanks to all my faithful reviewers, too! R&R and see you next week!
New section (Because, why not?): Recommended book this week: The Young World by Chris Weitz. 4/5 "Those two questions pretty much sum up these days: a big WHY? and, right next to it, a big WHY NOT?," -Jefferson; The Young World.