BloodyCrystal: Hey. After this update, they're going to become more sporadic, because of a combo of swim team-we practice six days a week-and school, not to mention temple and dance, plus whatever clubs I join. Sorry, but that's life.

Also, this story is about to become a bit more spiritual/sci-fi/fantasy. Sorry, but it has to be. So, no crap about what's about to happen, and enjoy the new characters.

Disclaimer: I don't own Fire Emblem: The Blazing Sword, and the fortune teller I saw Thursday said it wasn't likely to happen in this lifetime.

Ch. 6: Regroup

The man snarled and threw the crystal scrying stone across the room. The globe-shaped crystal shattered when it hit the wall. The panther-man started pacing, upsetting random objects out of pique. He had every reason to be upset-anyone in his position would have been raging with fury long before this, because he prided himself on iron control and-nearly-implacable patience. And yet, and yet...The two he had been watching should have been his by now! How were the twain doing it? How? Curse the pair of them, their little trick shouldn't have worked this long!

Damn the pair of them to the nine hells and back!

Xiao Fa stretched luxuriously, enjoying the welcoming scent of spices that filled the air in her bedroom. Her bedroom. Such a wonderful thing, to be able to have a private one, despite being married for two hundred years to King Siwan. It was horrible, being married to her own half-brother, whom she happened to somewhat despise, and somewhat love. Make up your mind, Xiao, she told herself. Do you hate Siwan, or do you love him?

It wasn't as if they were near each other a lot, seeing as how both had separate kingdoms to oversee. And yet..., the nagging voice in her mind whispered. And yet, they still had to share a bedroom-and bed-when they were together, which was more and more often now that things were-once again-heating up with the mortals and the Forsaken.

At the thought of the Forsaken-those who gave up being Fey in order to become human-Xiao Fa shuddered. Not something I would do, even if I were allowed to. I can't believe that fire Fey, what's-his-name, gave it up, just for the chance to be a human from age fifteen on. Disgusting, that's what it is.

The High Queen of Syln-Orn stood up ever-so-slowly and sauntered down towards dinner. And business, said the nagging little voice. And business, she quietly agreed.

Lyrithryn shifted, one large, fire-orange-yellow slit eye opening as a younger dragon bustled around, carefully sweeping up the King's Suite. The King of the dragons stood up, stretching, and smirking-just a tad-when the youngster started apologizing profusely. "Enough. Go tend to our side of the Dragon's Gate. I wish to make sure no more follow young Arininian and her brother. I only wish that we had known that they planned to use it to cross to the human side earlier." Ryn-as she was more commonly known-sighed in regret.

"Of course, Your Majesty! I'll get right on it!" And, with that, the lime green dragon hurried out to do his King's bidding.

It's good to be the King, Ryn thought as she curled up and went back to sleep.

Aronea, High Earl of Hargreene, scowled at the dispatch he had just received. "Who does this fool 'Dream Master' think he is, trying to buy me and mine?" the incubus snarled to an empty room. "I'll show him! His enemies would be a better group to join, so I do believe I shall do just that! Besides, anyone with half a brain can see that it's better to join 'Eliwood's Army' then this 'Dream Master.'"

Still muttering about the temerity of a "self-styled Dream Master," Aronea began writing a letter to this human called Eliwood and his army.

Eliwood's Army had finally finished with the Jackals and their allies, and were enjoying a few scant days of rest. After all, it would only get harder as they approached their enemy. A few days to gather themselves was just what the doctor ordered.

And so, they lazed about, reading, sleeping, fishing, training, talking, playing chess, and all manner of other things. The only sign of actual problems was a strange tension and the pendants-made of crystal, jade, and emerald-that they all wore to dispel ill-wishing on the part of their erstwhile enemy.

BloodyCrystal: Sorry it's so short, but I'm short on time-and ideas-so this is all you get for right now. Next time will hopefully be longer, but no promises seeing as how school starts soon. See you next time!