Chapter 6: The Arrival of A New Laguz Tribe
Mist left the bedroom for the first time since Ike's departure around mid-afternoon the following morning. It took her a while to fully recover from being left behind for the first time in her life by her brother. All morning, she spent her time thinking over what Marth and Roy had told her. Now, she seemed much more cheerful.
She went down to the garden, and took a sniff. The smell was wonderful. Wildflowers were in full bloom, tulips and violets in their splendor, and the hedges and branches trimmed to perfection. Mist found a place in the shade of a cherry tree and laid herself down. She looked up, watching the clouds, which were white as snow, drift across the sky, forming different shapes and designs.
Ike's sister was utterly relaxed; relaxed to the point of falling asleep. She rested her eyes for a moment, smelling the odors of the garden. This is most pleasant. I haven't felt like this since father died. I hope this lasts forever.
There was a rustle in the trees. Mist's eyes opened quickly, moving from tree to the ground. A small rodent was running across the grass with a mate chasing her behind. It is only a squirrel, she thought.
"Oh, Mist. I didn't see you there."
She turned around to the voice. It was Princess Elincia. Her normally long green hair was tied in a bun today, but the complexion was still the same: poised. The princess took a seat beside Mist and smiled, "I certainly hope things are good for you."
Mist returned the smile. "I am. Thank you very much, princess."
"That is good to hear." She looked up into the sky. The clouds changed formation, ending up looking like a bird. "That is a very odd shape. It looks like a bird, but no bird I've ever seen."
Mist looked up as well, seeing the same cloud formation. "Indeed. If you were to compare the bird tribes, it definitely isn't like the herons or the eagles. I think it mostly resembles the crow tribe."
"Hmm…I guess you are right."
The clouds changed shape, looking more like a porpoise. Elincia looked down, suddenly sad. Mist turned to face the princess. "Is everything all right?"
"I am worried."
"Oh…about Ike. I wouldn't worry about it, princess. Ike will be fine. He is stronger than anyone I know, and wouldn't leave us at any point in time. Marth and Roy assured me that they will be fine."
The Princess didn't seem satisfied. "What do they know? They have only met him for a few moments, and you believe them?"
Mist looked down, recalling the events from that night.
FLASHBACK
"You seem very fond of your brother, Mist," stated Roy. "I am certain you two are very close."
"We are, but he hasn't been recently. Ever since these rebels have invaded Tor Garen, he has been concentrated on this war. He doesn't speak to me anymore about anything. He gives me commands to protect and heal people with minor sicknesses and such, but he is more focused about the other members. Did you see Ike talking to Boyd before they left?"
"I did."
"They were going over battle strategy. It is so annoying!" Mist stifled her tears, but looked to be in pain. "How can he be so concentrated about war and not to his only sister? He said he would protect me, not let others protect me. And how am I supposed to protect him if I am not there with him?" Mist started to cry.
Roy patted her shoulder. "Mist, your brother has a duty he must fulfill. It pains him to leave you, but I am assuming that he wishes that one of his members didn't die. He seemed extremely upset to find out that the wyvern lord was beheaded, and desires that is doesn't occur again. He feels that he is responsible for her death and believes it is in your best interest to stay away from war, from suffering. He remembers you as the girl of five years ago." Roy stood up from his chair and looked outside. He looked at the darkening sky above, the green grass and trees blowing in the wind. The mercenary looked back at Mist, who had stopped crying. Smiling, he said, "Ike cares for you very much, and for your safety and to keep to his word, he wants you to stay here and do your very best, even if there isn't much to be done."
Mist averted her eyes from Roy, looking at the concrete ground. "But how am I supposed to protect him? I care for him too much to lose him. He is like…my father."
"That will come in due time," replied Marth, speaking for the first time. "He has many friends with him who are also willing to give their lives to serve under his command and to protect his allies. He has assumed many titles when he took over the Griel Mercenaries, and that was only because he had friends who were willing to protect him to the very end." Marth went to the door, frowning. "When the time comes, you will play an important role to the mercenaries and to your brother." Marth closed the door behind him, leaving a stunned Mist in her room with Roy.
Mist took in every word Marth had said, feeling a bit more relieved that someone was able to explain this. She smiled, silent tears going down her fragile face. "I will never doubt again."
END FLASHBACK
Mist regained her composure and smiled at Princess Elincia. "I know for a fact that he will do just fine. As Marth told me, he has a lot of friends who are willing to protect him to the very end. Soren, Boyd, Oscar, and Rolf are all there to keep him safe, and I absolutely doubt that they would do something irrational. I also believe that I will be of service to him when the time in needed. I am sure that will also be true for you, Elincia."
The princess thought over her words for a long time, still staring elsewhere. Finally, she turned to face her, smiling brightly. "You are very wise young women, Mist. I assume there characteristics of you take after your mother."
General Ulysses was pacing around aimlessly, he could see his men being slaughtered by Ike's men on one end of the battlefield, and feral creatures being blocked by Begnion's army. He was growing impatient very quickly, waiting for the arrival of the laguz group, the Ravens. However, they weren't expected to arrive for another few hours.
A scout came to see Ulysses minutes later, but never left. His was slashed off by the frustrated general without even giving the report. WHERE THE FUCK ARE THEY! I am losing men by the minute, and the takeover of Begnion will be completely lost if they don't arrive now. I will not stand of intolerance. The Black Knight better be right about this new laguz group being trustworthy, or I will personally slaughter every single laguz to no end, taking their leader to hell with me.
There was a knock on the door on his cabin. The general called out, "Who is it?"
"The leader of the Raven laguz."
"Oh!" The general jogged to the door, and opened it. There was the leader of the tribe to the East, the former leader of the Crow Tribe, the spy that the Black Knight hinted toward. "Naesala!"
"That is me." The raven flipped his hair back importantly, and walked in a suave manner. The Black Knight followed right behind him, caring the brother of Ike's sword, Ragnall.
"How dare you show your hide here! What makes you think you can just barge in here unannounced, especially early?"
"I told him to do so," said the Black Knight.
"Tsk tsk tsk…you've got a bad temper, little man," replied the laguz bird.
Ulysses' face turned bright red. "WHAT! Who the fuck do you think you are?"
"I am a spy from the Raven Laguz Tribe and leader of the Crow Laguz Tribe."
The general's eyes flashed, his temple throbbing madly. "YOU—"
"Enough," announced the black knight, his voice as creepy as ever. "We have business to discuss with each other."
A feral beast flew into the air landed on its neck, killing it instantly. A soldier's arm was chopped off with the swing of an ax. A knight's helmet was decapitated with the swing of a sword. Ike's army was destroying the army one by one, without hesitation or thought. They wanted to save Begnion no matter what. 15,000 rebels quickly diminished to just 300. Some were retreating back into the mountains. Others surrendered, fearing for their lives. The rest still tried to fight, but were eventually slain.
Cheers were heard all over Begnion. Life had returned to normal…or at least for the time being. Ike surveyed the casualties on both sides, looking for survivors. Many of Begnion's army were injured, but would recover. Only 456 were dead. As for the rebels, their numbers were much more staggering. 13,937 were killed, a total that Ike wasn't pleased about.
Ike's army joined Kieran a few moments later, after getting through the massive bodies, which blockaded the entrance. As soon as they got through, an exasperated Kieran fell to his knees and cried, "My Lord Ike. It has been so long since our last meeting. I am sorry for what has occurred, but the people of Begnion are gracious for all of your help." Brom and Nephenee bowed in acknowledgement.
Ike smiled back at them, but his expression changed instantly. "We'll need more supplies; this battle has severely damaged our weaponry. In addition, I must speak with Tanith, Marcia, and Sanaki. There is something I really need to speak to them about."
"Of course, Master Ike. I will find them immediately." Kieran jumped up and ran toward the town square.
Soren looked at Ike. "I request I join you. I have a strategy that might help Begnion out the next time –"
"I am not here to discuss strategy, Soren. This is a more personal matter that needs to be discussed, and I'd rather not have anyone else with me when I do so."
"…"
Boyd, Oscar, and Rolf looked at Ike suspiciously, and they huddled together, speaking in whispers.
"What is he talking about?"
"I wouldn't know."
"This is a matter for Ike to deal with. We shouldn't bother asking him."
"Why not?"
"I believe Ike isn't happy with the decision Sanaki made 5 years ago."
"Really?"
"I think so. But I rather not bombard him with questions that do not bother us."
"Well, I am Ike friend, and I will ask him."
"Boyd, don't be ridiculous. He already refused Soren to accompany him."
"I agree with Oscar, Boyd. You shouldn't do this."
"Nonsense. Besides, I think you two will be preoccupied."
"Huh?"
"What?"
"ROLF! I am coming to GET YOU!"
As soon as he heard that voice, he cursed under his breath and ran full-speed down the alley, with Sasha right behind. Immediately afterward, Vermilion grabbed Oscar's arm and took him to a shop, hoping to talk about her lack of leadership in the last battle.
Boyd sniggered as the two left, leaving the last brother to himself. He turned and walked toward Ike, but was stopped by his voice.
"Boyd. I will tell the same thing to Soren. Don't come with me."
"But…I am your best mate. Your second-in-command. I –"
"No. Listen, my friend. We are best friend, but I have second-in-command. I don't want you all to get involved with what I have to say."
"Ike. I refuse to accept that. I am going with you, whether you like it or not."
Ike thought about it for a moment, his face grim. He finally nodded, "I don't like the idea. But, I am assuming I have no choice once your mind is decided. Come. We need to find Tanith, Marcia, and Kieran again before the day is over."