Considering that I will be gone for Spring Break in a short while, I shall upload a few more chapters... Basically until I get into the heart of the story.

As I read through these chapters, I feel that they seem so choppy. I would like some feedback regarding how you readers might think about them...

But, for now, please read and review!

Chapter 10: Pondering

Jill, Ike, Tanith, Sothe, and Cakil spent the next three days resting in the Fort and reorganizing their troops. This, of course, gave everyone time to relax and think...

"How... How could it have come to this? The people of Daein... Have suffered because of the attacks from Begnion? Yes, one could blame it on the DRA, but even so, the DRA would not have had this chance had not Begnion struck again. I have been taught for years to obey the Apostle and to defend Begnion, but it seems that I must act like Jill and turn back the principles on which I was taught..." Tanith muttered.

"Hey, Tanith." Ike began to speak. "General? Do you require my assistance?" Tanith asked.

"Are you kidding me? We're currently on hiatus. No, I simply wanted to speak to you." Ike replied.

"Very well." She sighed.

"Seriously, are you alright? Ever since we left Crimea, you've always shown a moody deposition. Of course, you're a soldier, I understand that you'll be serious, but even so, I've seen many soldiers, and none of them have looked so gloomy. Are you well? What is wrong?" Ike asked.

"... I... I do not know how to say this. For years, I was taught to obey the Apostle and the imperial hierarchy. Because I was branded as a traitor, I felt that I had no right to continue breathing... I literally betrayed everything that I stood for. Yet, you... You vouched for me, and I decided that I would continue fighting... In your name. Yet, these recent events have pained me further. I see how Begnion, the nation of my birth, has aided in the ravishment of a nation torn by so many factions: by Crimea, by Begnion, and by its own people. I... Feel so ashamed that the people of Daein are suffering, and it seems as though all the support and love I had for Begnion and its nobles simply shows how... Stupid I am. Forgive me, I should not have caused any grief on your part... I must go..." Tanith stammered.

"No. Stay. You remind me of Jill. She changed as well with similar circumstances to what you are experiencing. I guess the Apostle and her retinue of nobles were simply able to influence you better. You are a good person, and you definitely do not share that sense of superiority. Otherwise you'd be treating people like Oscar and Rhys like cattle. You've certainly become one of the most vital members of this army, and I can't afford to have you hurt in any way. Come, Tanith, lighten yourself a little! If there are people like you from Begnion, then it is clear that Begnion can be reformed. Your great nation can hold its head up high with dignity once again! I'm sure that people like you will be able to save both Daein and Begnion from this chaos. Besides, isn't that what we are fighting for: the end of the Daein Revolutionary Army and the complete destruction of those who would continue this war?" Ike replied.

"... Ike... Why do you bother helping someone like me? You have Marcia, Sothe, and Jill as aerial units, and all of them are much more lively and able to fight than I. I merely sit here and wail, without truly benefitting you in any way. I have brought so few Pegasus riders that I've turned from someone incredibly useful into a terrible liability. Yet you persistently stay here, trying to comfort me, trying to get me to hold my head up high. Why? What is your purpose? What do you want? I am a useless, traitorous, portentous fool who has betrayed both her own ideals and her people. What do you see in me that warrants such attention?" Tanith replied.

Ike held her shoulder. "Listen to me. You are not useless, nor are you a traitor. And, considering your depressed state, you certainly aren't proud. So why do I stick up for you? Because you are unique. There are few people so dedicated to their ideals like you. There are few who would fight to the bitter end for a nation that isn't even theirs. Earlier, in the Great War, I ordered you to simply defend Princess Elincia and to provide aerial cover for my troops. It was you who volunteered in the fight against the Daein positions at Fort Pinell, Castle Delbray, and Capital Melior. You are one of the most important members of this battalion, and the loss of you... Would... Be a piercing blow to all of our hearts." Ike spoke.

"General..." Tanith stared at him.

"Ike, Tanith, Jill and General Cakil have gathered us into the meeting room. We have to plan our next moves. When the two of you are finished, please meet me there as soon as possible." Soren spoke.

Tanith flushed while Ike spoke: "Alright, Soren. We're coming." Tanith and Ike accompanied Soren to their council.

"Alright. We have no idea where Duke Haar or General Tauroneo are located. Without either of these men, it is clear that we will not be recognized as a friendly force by the general public. This means that we will have to undergo covert operations in order to keep ourselves from being associated as conquerors. Now, Generals, I leave it to you to help decide on our next moves." Soren nodded to Sothe and Cakil.

"Well, apparently we have barely enough soldiers to defend this very Fort, let alone march out into battles in our search for the Duke. I suggest we remain here for a few days. We might want to send out a couple of us to call for reinforcements from Bachen Fort, or, even better, from the nation of Crimea itself. Queen Elincia would very likely want a report on how we've been doing, and our allies in Bachen Fort are veterans, so they would be quite useful if we were to call for their assistance." Sothe spoke.

"In that case, Oscar, Kieran, the two of you will ride off to inform our allies at Bachen Fort of the situation. Afterwards, I hope that Oscar will return with our reinforcements from the Fort while Kieran goes to speak with Queen Elincia. Even if you don't manage to get any additional troops, I'd wish that you'd still return, Kieran. Once you've returned, we will gather all the soldiers we can spare and march deeper into Daein. We will find Haar. We shall not fail. As for now, we wait." Ike spoke. No one countered him.

The next chapter is a little chaotic...