I'm back again. I just found out about the new no-response law, so I can no longer respond. Thanks Since I'm too lazy to respond in any other way, there will be no more responses henceforth. Sorry.

With that out of the way, here's chapter 4.

At the Begnion Palace in Sienne, Prime Minster Sephiran looked over the plans to restore the village of Talrega to its prior glory. This was the final step in Daein's reconstruction, and was thus the final repairs of the war.

"Everything appears in order," he said to himself. "This should be enough to repair what remains of the damage caused by the floodgates." Suddenly, he sensed a change in the magic around him, and a warp circle appeared before him. Seconds afterward, out stepped the Black Knight. Rather than showing surprise however, the bishop remained calm. "So, you are still alive."

"Surely you didn't suspect otherwise," the knight replied. He seemed to expect Sephiran's lack of surprise.

"No, but I hoped nonetheless. How could I not, knowing what it would mean if you were?"

"Alas, you hoped in vain. Lehran's Prophecy is going to be fulfilled, and for that I need your help."

"If you think I'll help you, you're mistaken. I'll do everything in my power to stop you right now. I won't let you warp Goldoa or unleash the dark god."

"I'm afraid that's impossible. Goldoa is already mine, and you have no chance against me either way." At this he chuckled. "Your only choice is to do what I say, because otherwise your country will fall to my army."

"And what exactly do you want from me?"

The Knight responded, "Simple. I want you to use your authority to cause Begnion to ally with the other nations and mobilize the army immediately."

"I'd rather die. Playing along with your instructions and starting a war will only lead the world to destruction."

"On the contrary, it's your only hope of salvation. If you don't mobilize your army quickly, the other nations will fall without your help, and you'll have no allies to fight with. Then Begnion would fall, and the world would be mine. However, if you do mobilize, you can join the other armies to stop my dragons, and in doing so save yourself. If the dark god is freed in doing so, you'll just have to hope that the path of destiny is on your side."

"Damn you."

"I suggest you make your decision quickly; your window of opportunity is closing fast." At these words, he vanished, leaving the Prime Minister alone to consider his options.

"…I have no choice. Our only chance is to mobilize. I must speak with the apostle."

As Sephiran headed to the apostle to discuss this, the Black Knight returned to Goldoa.

"How did things go sir?" one of his guards asked.

"Excellently. Begnion will be mobilizing within the week. It's time to put Operation Gaia Crusher into effect. Order half of the dragons to remain stationed here as guards, and the other half to go to Mount Revlis and await further orders."

"Yes sir!" He left to fulfill the orders.

"Get ready Ike. Your destiny will soon be carried out."

Several hours later, Ike and co. arrive at the town of Zalgo ready to take care of the pirates they were assigned. To get some information, Ike heads for the Mayor's residence, but is somewhat surprised by the happiness of people who were being plagued by pirates. Some of them recognized him, and ran to tell their neighbors that the legendary mercenary-turned-hero was here.

"You'd think these people didn't have any problems," the blue-haired mercenary muttered to the black-haired mage. "I've never seen any village being harassed by pirates look this cheery."

"There aren't any pirates," Soren replied.

"What?"

"Just think about it. Our client didn't even mention his name or village until asked, and then just left instead of accompanying us back here. All of it seemed highly suspicious, like a poor performance. I wasn't sure before, but this proves that this job was a hoax."

"…We'll know soon enough." he replied. 'It's true,' Ike thought, 'Simon had acted rather odd in their meeting, but why would he make it up and then pay for it? It doesn't add up.' The group had reached the mayor's home. Ike knocked and the door was opened.

"Ah, what business do you have here, sir?" one of the servants asked.

"I'm the commander of a mercenary troupe. We've been hired to rid the pirates that are attacking your village." Ike replied.

"Pirates? There are no pirates here. This village hasn't been plagued by pirates for over 60 years."

"…I see. Thank you for your time." Ike turned away from the door and returned to the street. He turned to Soren once more and said, "You were right, as always. But why would somebody do this? Who would want to give up 5,000 gold just for kicks?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe—" but the sage was cut off as a villager approached Ike, looking as disgusted as if he were forced to eat garbage.

"Can I help you?" Ike asked.

"Get out of this village you piece of filth," the man spat angrily.

"…" Ike was at a loss for words. He simply stared blankly, until he replied, "Is there a problem?"

"Don't play innocent. I know who you are. You're that lousy punk who went from a sell-sword to a general in only a year. You fought alongside our queen and freed our country. You were the luckiest person in Tellius, with faster fame and power than any before you, and you became a symbol of hope for all of Crimea. And then what did you do?" The man now seemed even angrier, if it were possible, but refrained from screaming. "You tossed it all aside. You abandoned our queen, our army, and our people just so you could live the simple life. I'm disgusted that I ever respected the 'noble hero Ike.' The sight of you makes me sick. Now get out. Never soil this town with your presence again."

At this, Boyd jumped forward, filled with indignation at this man's remarks. "Why you! Do you have any idea—"

"Boyd! Peace!" Ike ordered. "He's entitled to his opinions, and we must respect that." He turned to the others. "There are no pirates here. We've no more business here. We leave immediately. Move out."

When the group had left the village, Ike said to himself, "Well, at least now I have a motive for the fake mission. If there are others like that man, I can understand why they'd cause trouble for me." He then assisted the others in setting up camp.

While the Greil Mercenaries prepared to sleep for the night, the Goldoans arrived at Mount Revlis.

"Remarkable at how these dragons are strengthened in groups," the Black Knight muttered. "Had they traveled alone, it would have taken nearly five times as long." He turned to address the hundreds of soulless laguz behind him. "Take your positions all across the mountain." They did so immediately, covering multiple points on the mountain. "When I give the order, draw on each other's strength and commence Operation Gaia Crusher…Ready…begin!" and the Black Knight sat back and watched as their auras intertwined with one another. Then, every dragon, reds, whites, blues, and yellows, breathed out as one, and the force shook the ground. They breathed again, and again, and again, sending numerous tremors throughout the soil. Within thirty minutes, Mount Revlis had been reduced to a plain, and with it, Gallia's strongest defense from attack. The Black Knight addressed the dragons once more, "If my hunch is correct, Gallian forces will arrive at noon tomorrow. Rest up, for we will show no mercy." Yet again, the Knight let out his laugh of triumph.

Meanwhile, in Sienne, Sephiran was meeting with the apostle.

"And you're certain that there is no other way?" Sanaki implored.

"I'm positive. Following Lehran's Prophecy is the only way to save the continent. For that, we must mobilize and fight Goldoa when the time comes," Sephiran replied darkly.

"Before I agree to help you with this, I must know the prophecy for myself. I have to know just what Lehren foretold would happen, and why you believe it to be coming true. Please, tell it to me."

"Unfortunately, I only know scattered words of it. But I shall tell you what I know: 'Five years after… greater evil… unleash… knight… dragons… warped… world… war… release…dark god…' the rest is a blur." he concluded, "But the prophecy is known to involve the dark god, and five years ago, something notable did happen. The prophecy is coming to pass and we've no chance at stopping Goldoa on our own. Mobilizing is our only choice."

"But if the dark god is freed, how will we stop him? Didn't the prophecy mention that?"

"Alas, I don't know what the remainder of the prophecy is. We need to hear the entire prophecy to know for sure. However, I clearly remember that destiny will determine the outcome."

"…Very well. I'll trust your judgment on this. We'll persuade the Senators to begin mobilization, but we'll refrain from mentioning Goldoa until they make the first move. Should we reference it as the target, it could be seen as anti-laguz action." Sanaki had noticeably matured in the last five years.

"Agreed. Let's get to work," the prime minister responded, and the two departed.

Well, there's chapter 4. What do you think? Gallia's in trouble and Begnion is going to prepare for war.

Elincia's missing again, but there's a reason for that. Until the three beasts arrive at Melior, she won't be able to act in the war story, and until she sees Ike again, all she can do is think of him, (which would just get repetitive) so the love story is on hold. Sorry to all Elincia fans out there, but she'll get more important later on.

By the way, I'm debating which beorc party members to bring back for the story. If you have any requests, send them now so I can plan ahead. They probably won't be MAJOR characters but they'll round things out well. Until next time.