The kingdom of Daein lies on the northernmost edge of Tellius. Its coastline is bathed in the icy currents of the northern sea, and frigid winds howl inland with terrible ferocity. As a result, Daein winters are raw and brutal – ice and snow scour the land, leaving frozen scars in their wake.
Through these blizzards, General Ike and the Crimean Army press ever forward. Begnion's imperial senate may have lent Crimea troops, but even they doubt that the army can successfully fight off Daein. Yet somehow, Ike and company defy all odds and capture victory after victory. Embracing both Princess Elincia's dream of a liberated Crimea and the tragic history of his parents, Ike marches in grim silence.
"Ike, this can only mean one thing… the enemy knows exactly how we are going to move. With your permission, I would like to begin an investigation to see if anyone suspicious is among the troops… Ike?" Soren reported, before looking down at Ike. He was doodling on a piece of parchment absently.
"Ike, are you all right?" Soren asked.
"Hm? Oh, yes… you had a report?" Ike asked.
"Yes… should I put it off until later? Offer it to Mia, perhaps?" Soren asked.
"No, I'm good. But could you start again… I'll pay attention this time," Ike said.
"Good morning, you two," Titania said. "Ike… Ike, you look so sleepy!"
"I've had a lot on my mind. I meant to sleep last night, but I was up thinking long after Mia and Ellie went to bed. Before I knew it, it was morning," Ike said.
"Ike didn't sleep because he was thinking… this war's driving us all mad. I wonder if Soren will start being polite," Titania said.
"HEY!" Soren said.
"Listen, Titania…" Ike said, but whatever he was about to suggest was lost as Mist entered the tent.
"What's wrong, Mist?" Ike asked, looking absently at Lehran's… Medallion…
"Ike, my mother's medallion is gone!" Mist said.
"Gone where?" Ike asked. "Did you drop it, put it somewhere and forget… what happened, Mist?"
"I had it before I went to bed last night… it vanished while I was sleeping… oh, it was my only memento of Mother…" Mist said.
"This was not your fault, Mist… I'll find it. Even if it's the last thing I'll do. Soren, launch a full investigation on where that medallion might have gone!" Ike said.
"Ike…" Mist said.
"Don't you think that's a little… overkill, for a simple heirloom?" Soren asked.
"It's more than that, Soren! If we don't find it, catastrophe looms over us all!" Ike said. "Now, Mist, were you wearing it, or was it beside your bed?"
"Are… are you serious about this?" Lord Shiharam asked General Petrine.
"You are to begin immediately," Petrine said.
"General Petrine! I will not countenance this plan! If we follow through, Daein will suffer!" Shiharam said.
"It's for the good of the country. Besides, it's but one territory. Stop mewling like the little homeless lady," Petrine said.
"I hear you… but if the goal is to stop the Crimean army, this is not necessary! The strength of the Fizzart Wyverns will suffice!" Shiharam said.
"The last idiot who told me that ended up in a corpse pile! Literally, it's probably the greatest thing that's ever come out of Daein failure. Anyway, no matter how passionate you are when you say you will defeat Crimea, I will never, ever pin my hopes on a bunch of foreigners. All you have to do is cancel their forward momentum. That's it. My plan will accomplish this," Petrine said.
"General Petrine! It's true we were born in Begnion and not Daein, but my men and I have been loyal to this country for eighteen years. We have spared no effort to learn your manners and customs. But after all that, you think little enough of us to dismiss us as a bunch of foreigners…" Shiharam said.
"No one asked how long you lived here. Why? No one gives a damn! Where were you born? Where were you raised? This country doesn't need squatters like you. The only people Daein can count on in a time of crisis are the Daeins themselves. Everyone else is gutter leaving!" Petrine said.
"So you say we're useless, then…" Shiharam said.
"You tell me, migrant. Why is it that your 'elite royal guard' of a unit is patrolling a hick-infested backwater? I can think of only one answer. Can you?" Petrine asked. Shiharam could only stutter.
"Oh, I'm sorry, am I offending you? Show me your worth, then. Halt Crimea's advance, then. If you are as skilled as you claim, you should be able to limit the damage to a minimum, then, shouldn't you? Angry is a good look for you… I look forward to seeing the result. Get going, outlander," Petrine said, turning on her heel and walking away to her horse.
"General Shiharam… must we go through with this horrific act? It has only been recently that the citizens hereabouts have come to trust us," a Daein soldier said.
"We have no choice but to obey. It's as the woman says. The only thing we can do is see that the Crimean army is defeated as soon as possible… open the floodgates. Now, before I change my mind," Shiharam said.
"Yoo-hoo! You there, sweet little angel! I have business with the general of this army! Will you convey a message?" a mage said, walking into the Crimean base. Mia looked her up and down.
"Depends on the message," Mia said.
"What kind of greeting is that? I am Calill, and I am a first-class mage," the woman said.
"What would a first class mage, if there is such a thing, want with this army?" Mia asked.
"…You look as if you are in disbelief! I suppose I can't hold that against you… you're seeing beauty and intelligence in one package that far surpasses anything you could ever aspire to be!" Calill said.
"You're on thin ice, girl…" Mia said. "Literally, I've seen five Begnions slip on that very patch of snow in the past two minutes before you showed up." She immediately followed, trying not to jeopardise a potential new recruit chance.
"Oh… and I'm actually skilled with a knife, as well. Beauty, brains and brawn… the whole trinity! The goddess has seen fit to put the abilities of three into one package! Sounds like favouritism… hello, are you listening? Beautiful woman talking!" Calill said, stepping forward, and tripping on the ice patch.
Didn't I just make that part up? "You want to join the Crimean army? How much do you charge?" Mia asked.
"Aren't you cute, pretending to be a businesswoman? Let's see… how about free?" Calill asked.
"Suspicious," Mia said.
"I like fees based on performance. Watch me in combat, and then make an offer. I'll decide whether to grace you with my assistance then," Calill said.
"You're very confident, aren't you?" Mia asked.
"Of course I am! I'm a first class mage!" Calill said.
"…All right. You're in, whether I like it or not," Mia said.
"What? Are you allowed to make decisions like that? Perhaps I should speak to the general!" Calill said.
"I am Dame Mia, of the Greil Mercenaries… or as Begnion calls them, the Greil Soldiers. I'm in charge of recruitment… in a sense. We're not picky enough to turn you down, and trust me, you made a terrible impression," Mia said.
"What? Seriously?" Calill asked.
"Rolf…" Mist said, walking up to Rolf. Rolf looked over from his archery, and smiled. His already high-quality shooting was somehow even more refined.
"Hey, Mist…" Rolf said, scratching the back of his head nervously.
"Can we talk… you know… something odd has come over me… like a weight's been lifted from my shoulders. And now… Rolf, what if we're fighting the wrong men?" Mist asked.
"Mist, calm down… we're not fighting targets. We fight men… just like us. I learned that the hard way…" Rolf said.
"Rolf…" Mist said.
"There's a difference, though… They're trying to hurt the people I love… the girl I want to protect. Anyone who wants to kill her… anyone that wants to kill anyone with us… they're an enemy. I won't hesitate to feather them… If I let one live, they'll try their hardest to kill one of our own! I won't stop spilling blood until they're safe!" Rolf said.
"Rolf?" Mist asked.
"I don't want you to die… I couldn't go on if you fell…" Rolf said.
"Rolf… just calm down…" Mist said.
"Sniff… Mist…" Rolf said.
"Rolf… you just wanted to protect us… to protect me…" Mist said. She stepped forth, and hugged Rolf.
"Mist… one day, this'll be over… and I want you all to see that day…" Rolf said.
"I will, Rolf. I promise you," Mist said. "By the name of Dame Mia herself, I will make sure I make it out of this in one piece!"
"My Lord Ike… did you find the medallion?" Elincia asked of Ike.
"No… I had everyone from Astrid to Zihark on the search. I fear Daein has stolen it…" Ike said.
"Is that even possible?" Elincia asked.
"I don't know how, but we can't question Daein's involvement. That medallion…" Ike said, before pausing.
"…It's sensitive, isn't it?" Elincia asked.
"Quite so. I'm not sure if I can talk about it with anyone… though I fear I might one day need to…" Ike said.
"Ike!" Ulki said, descending next to the pair.
"What is it, Sir Ulki?" Elincia asked.
"Water. Rushing water. And a lot of it," Ulki said.
"According to my map, there's a large river up ahead… you must hear that," Soren said.
"This isn't a natural river sound… this is a warped river…" Ulki said.
"General Ike! We have trouble, sir! The road ahead is blocked by water!" a Begnion said.
"Was everyone just sitting around here?" Ike asked.
"How could that be?" Elincia asked, looking over at Soren's map.
"Perhaps a local river has flooded," the Begnion said.
"Ulki, send Janaff to investigate that rushing river sound you heard. Is the road impassable, Begnion?" Ike asked.
"No sir… but the water has turned the ground to mud. And the water flows at a tremendous rate… this will cut back our speed dramatically," the Begnion said.
"Daein's work. They thought to impede our progress… and they appear to have succeeded," Soren said, spitting.
"Is there nothing we can do?" Elincia asked.
"…If they flooded the road only when we approached, there must be floodgates nearby," Soren said.
"…We'll wait for Janaff. He'll know where the floodgates are… it's probably what Ulki heard," Ike said.
Janaff guided the Greil Mercenary team to the Talrega floodgates, which were wide open. Water was rushing out of them at an unsightly rate.
"The Crimean army! All troops! Hit them fast and hard! We can't let the battle drag out!" Shiharam commanded. Jill sat upright a little in her seat.
"Those are the floodgates?" Ike asked, ignorant.
"If we can get them closed, the water will recede in about twelve hours, if my calculations are correct. I give us about thirty six hours in worst case scenario," Soren said.
"That will be acceptable… let's get going!" Ike said. "Marcia, Jill, Tanith… take Rolf, Mist and Mia up the slope, and see if you can't end this quickly. Everyone else, follow me around!" Ike said. Tanith made to object, but after watching Ike slam his sword down the head of a Daein, thought better of it.
"Let's go!" Tanith said. Mia jumped on the back of her pegasus, and the two children joined Marcia and Jill. Tanith and Marcia shot up, Jill lagging behind somewhat.
"General? How long are the floodgates to remain open?" a Daein asked.
"Until Crimea has been defeated," Shiharam said.
"Sir! If we wait that long, the farmland will be drowned! The locals aren't very happy…and they won't abide your decision further!" the Daein said.
"Enough, soldier! If you have the time to be bellyaching, take your butt out onto the battlefield and kill some Crimeans," Haar said.
"Captain Haar! Really? This is inhumane! Lives will be ruined! Daeins will die! If it's necessary to achieve victory… this is too much!" the Daein said.
"This is the decision of Daein. Will you disobey the king and be put to death?" Haar asked.
"I would rather die than kill innocent Daeins," the Daein said.
"If you're executed as a traitor, your parents and siblings will also pay. Are you prepared?" Haar asked. The Daein stepped back, horrified.
"Now do you see what we're in? Go, fight bravely!" Haar said. The Daein nodded.
"To gain the trust of the king, we've become cruel and heartless… hunting and executing laguz… now flooding the lands people call home?" Shiharam asked.
"If someone hears you using that name for sub-humans, you'll be branded traitor," Haar said.
"You're right as always… to live here, where l-sub-human prejudice is so virulent, we've had to seal away everything we know and teach our children to hate the sub-humans. Just to survive…" Shiharam said.
"It's Ashnard's fault for that… what a miscalculation we have made… even so…. I hate the idea of furthering the corruption of the imperial senate. I will support your reasons for leaving Begnion," Haar said.
"I wonder if Jill has distanced herself from the Crimean forces…" Shiharam said.
"I did warn her," Haar said. "Though joining Crimea is starting to look attractive."
"…Above all else, I would like to avoid meeting my daughter in combat," Shiharam said.
"I pray she does not take to the field… talking to you would only increase your sorrows," Haar said.
"I have one favour to ask. Do not fight today. Only one side can win… I want you to care for the survivors should we lose today. Stay by my side… but flee. You will live to sleep another day," Shiharam said.
"…Yes sir, Commander Shiharam," Haar said.
"Commander… it has been many a year since I was called that," Shiharam said.
"May the fortune of war be with you. Through all that has happened… it has been an honour serving you," Haar said, flying into the sky. Shiharam looked over, and saw two pegasus knights and a wyvern fly up the cliff. The wyvern was Jill.
"Father!" Jill exclaimed.
"Jill…" Shiharam said.
"Why… why are you doing this? You must close the floodgates! The fields are lost, but there may be time to save the homes," Jill said.
"I cannot… if you wish to stop the water, you must defeat your father," Shiharam said.
"What? There has to be a reason! I know this can't be your desire!" Jill said.
"Jill… leave, now! Or slay me, whatever you can do!" Shiharam said. Jill felt Mist's hands on her back, and shivered. She took in a deep breath, but still couldn't deal with her conflict of interests. She turned around, and swung a new axe around. Daeins fell like ninepins, and Jill threw a javelin in the direction of Marcia. Rolf jumped, and dropped from Marcia, looking at Jill with a fierce expression.
"Jill… Haar is above us…" Shiharam said. June looked up, and nodded. She flew higher and higher into the sky, pulling Jill from the battlefield. Rolf stared down Shiharam, and threw an arrow into the sky. He jumped up to it, and shot the arrow in mid-air. Shiharam dropped to the ground, and Mia rushed past his corpse. She looked around the checkpoint Shiharam guarded, and found the lever. She closed the floodgates, and emerged from the checkpoint.
"We did it, Rolf…" Mia said. Rolf looked up into the sky.
"What is it?" Mia asked.
"Jill… what happened?" Haar asked, watching Jill rise up to join him.
"I have decided… *phew*… I am going to fight for my father… well, his soldiers. Not as a blind Daein girl, but as a woman with the might Crimea has bestowed!" Jill said.
"An admirable sentiment, Jill…" Haar said.
"Um, Jill…" Mist asked, looking around Jill's shoulder. Haar and Jill looked at Mist uncertainly for a few moments, before the gravity of the situation set in.
"We've kidnapped the Crimean general's sister…" Jill said.
"…I suppose simply returning her is out of the question?" Haar asked.
"It's Ike. He's been keyed up ever since he got made a noble. I'm pretty sure he'd be quite happy to Aether me, not the least because I might have changed sides on him as well as this," Jill said.
"…Jill… I'm scared…" Mist said. Jill looked around at her, and noticed her Sonic Sword.
"You know… I think a bit of Daein training might be good for you…" Jill said. "When we can find the way to apologise to Ike, you'll be a fighter worth remembering."
"General Ike! The floodgates have been closed!" Tanith said, descending the mountain. Ike nodded, and turned away before Tanith could finish the report.
"Soren, what's the damage to the area?" Ike asked.
"Terrible. All fields and homes have been completely destroyed," Soren said.
"I don't think this is what the enemy general would have wanted. So why did it happen?" Ike asked.
"It's heartless… what will happen to those who've lost their homes? Can't we help them?" Elincia asked. Ike put a finger to his chin.
"General Ike, my report was not finished. We are down two soldiers," Tanith said.
"Which ones?" Ike asked in concern.
"Jill Fizzart had a little bit of an issue… I am under the impression she was fighting someone important. In the rage of the battle, she slipped away… taking Mist Gawain with her," Tanith said.
"Mist…" Ike said. "Soren, take a portion of our supplies and distribute it among the locals. And then we march… we will take down Daein as quickly as possible, and take back Mist!" Ike said. Everyone was too shocked to argue. Soren dived into the packs, grabbing some of the food supplies.
"…I'd rather regret something I had done rather than regret taking no action…" Elincia said. "My Lord Ike, wait!"
"…Mist…" Mia said softly.
"Well, that's that. We've gained time by flooding the river, but it won't hold them for long. I knew the foreign cur was useless… it looks like the decisive battle will be fought near the capital," Petrine said.
"Preparations are complete, General Petrine. In order to ease command, Sir Bryan will serve as deputy. Regarding strategy, you ought to speak to him directly…" Ena said to her.
"Sorry to tell you this, but I won't be directing the forces in the capital," Petrine said.
"The Black Knight, then? The plans must be adjusted… Bryan has displeased the Black Knight past. I'll need to find someone else…" Ena said.
"No, not him. You will direct the defences, Ena," Petrine said.
"…Me?" Ena asked meekly.
"That's right. You're moving up in the world, General Ena," Petrine said.
"This is… I must speak with the king…" Ena said.
"I've never seen you this flustered! Listen, Ena, you must fulfil your duties to the king. He has ordered that no communications will take place until that time," Petrine said. Ena stood shocked, before the Black Knight appeared out of nowhere.
*I'm a bit late… my apologies,* the Black Knight said.
"Well… if it isn't the Knight in Shining Armour for Daein… it's been a while. You've been as busy as a bee… your secret manoeuvres…" Petrine said.
*Proof of the trust His Majesty has placed in me. Ena, go to the east. You have a visitor,* the Black Knight said. Ena nodded, and went to the indicated gate.
"The Worm? He obtained it at last?" Petrine asked.
*It appears so… according to my reports, the girl never let it off her neck. But he came up with a plan… and he insists on giving it to Ena, though,* the Black Knight said.
"As long as it is ours, it makes little difference," Petrine said.
*When Ena returns, you will take it directly to the king. And careful not to touch it,* the Black Knight said.
"I don't need to be told that!" Petrine said.
"Ena? Have you been well?" the Worm asked.
"Where is the Medallion?" Ena asked.
"I have it here. Take it," the Worm said.
"It feels… heavy. Not just the wrapping, either… is the chaotic energy of the evil god?" Ena asked.
"Now you can return to King Ashnard's side, can you not?" the Worm asked.
"No. I have been entrusted with the defence of the capital. I must face the Crimean Army," Ena said.
"NO!" the Worm cried out.
"You've done so much for me… but that is enough. Reclaim your freedom… you do not need to follow Daein's orders," Ena said.
"And you?" the Worm asked.
"I cannot retreat… Even if I must slaughter the entire army… I will return to him…" Ena said.
"He doesn't give a damn about you, though," the Worm said.
"That matters not. The only place I belong is with him. I may never see you again… but I will pray for your eternal happiness…" Ena said.
"Ena!" the Worms said.
"Forget about me. That is my final request. Farewell… Grandfather," Ena said. The Worm hung his head in shame, and turned back to re-join the Crimean Army.