Chapter 28 Kings, Apostles, and Mercenaries

Aeyori was enjoying the cooler temperatures as she walked around searching for her blue haired commander. Despite the fact that the sailing had been smooth since the run in with the ravens and Goldoa, the light mage was feeling much more restless than relieved. Of course, a month trapped in bed could do that.

Rhys had put Aeyori on bed rest since her unfortunate plunge into the water last month. She had only retained a few bruises and cuts but her lungs ached and she had a ghastly cough that would make her body wretch. Most of the time she felt fine, when she wasn't spewing out flem, but the kind priest wouldn't allow her to be too active.

Ikyna and Ike insisted as well. Their identical blue eyes warned her affectionately to stay in bed and to not worry about what was going on above deck. She complied, though far from willingly. The only redeeming factor of her confinement to her room were the visits from Ike.

Every day he would spend most of his time sitting by her bedside, not talking, just watching her. Ike never had much to say anyway, but it was enough that he just wanted to be near her. That night when she fell into the sea she could hardly believe her ears as the commander asked her to stay by his side.

Aeyori thought she was delirious, lost in a fog that was caused by the fever she had. It wasn't an illusion though, he was with her much more often these days and Aeyori liked the visits. She could talk and he could listen. She'd start conversations about nothing in particular and wind up trailing off into some story about her family. About her two younger brothers and her little sister or about playing in the ocean.

It was never what she intended. Since the day Aeyori left her home she had done her best to suppress any thoughts about her family; it was just easier that way, but still in the precense of those cerulean irises she couldn't help herself. She had found, for the first time, someone who she wanted to share her stories with; as if Ike hearing them would ease some of issues she had.

They were just small stories -she still couldn't bear to dive too deeply into the past- tiny glimpses into her history that she had never intended to tell, but Ike made her feel relaxed and somehow the words just came out. Ike was of course greatly interested in knowing about her past, but he never pushed the matter. If she wanted to talk about them he'd let her, if she didn't he didn't mind, or at least he didn't act like he did. The dark haired commander just stayed quietly at her side, leaned back in his chair, with only the slightest inclination of a smile on his lips, and that was enough to make every second they spent together worthwhile.

On that day, however, Ike hadn't come to visit Aeyori like usual. Aeyori could tolerate the small swaying room when Ike was with her, but now it felt more like a wooden prison. She figured enough time had passed and it was permissible for her to walk around the boat; if anyone objected she could just go back to her room.

So far no one said anything in fact when she made her first few steps into the sunlight above deck she didn't see anyone around. Not even the crew was rushing around to secure lines or open sails. Beyond the bobbing horizon just over the edge the deck was still.

Aeyori wondered where the rest of the mercenaries could have gone. The end of their journey was fast approaching, only about another week is what Nasir had estimated, and yet no one was around to excitedly chatter about finally setting foot on solid ground.

She noticed, finally, a lone girl with scarlet hair pulled in a ponytail and wearing thin armor like a soldier. At her side was wyvern, curved claws, razored teeth, and reptilian eyes that suspiciously scanned the boat. The mage remembered Ike mentioning someone that fit the young woman's description.

The girl was Jill, a new recruit for the Daein army and apparently she was bent on making a name for herself. At least that was the story that Ike relayed to Aeyori. Jill had landed on the boat during the battle with the ravens, the storm and rain hanging on her mounts wings, and offered to help.

A smile crept over Aeyori's face as she imagined her commander's passive expression churning into one of mild irritation. His ocean eyes and flushed lips quirked in annoyance as he complained about the Daein soldier's predjudice. He thought that Jill would leave after the fight, she hadn't.

Ike didn't really like it, the enemy soldier made him uncomfortable but he still didn't have the heart to send her away. He warned her though that if the word sub-human crossed her lips he'd send her off the ship over the unforgiving waters without a second thought. Jill of course agreed to the terms. Her hatred for Laguz ran deep but she was no fool to believe her wyvern could make the flight to land. So she held her tongue and in general kept her distance from everyone, maintaining a scornful look at all times.

Even as Aeyori passed by her, amethyst eyes barely cast her a glance that held little interest and even a hint of reproach in them. Even the wyvern wasn't friendly. The oversized lizard flashed a line of jagged teeth as it let out a low snarl when Aeyori walked past itis master. Only when Aeyori was a comfortable distance away did the green mount calm and return to happily nuzzling the red head's arm. It was all fine however, Aeyori wasn't fond of anything that came out of Daein; Beorc or animal alike.

For that matter, there was only one thing her mind was focused on as she finally saw the red cape dancing in a playful wind. There was a small group formed around him as they all crowded around the helm of the ship. Ike, Ikyna, Soren, Titania, Nasir, the princess, and a woman Aeyori had never seen before.

The faces of the group were grim, especially the face that Ike wore.

Aeyori slowed her approach to the group as she took in the scene. She could only assume that the group's serious faces were caused by the foreign woman. The lady had short brown hair that matched her brown serious and sharp eyes. She was adorned in a light armor that was bordered with gold trim and etched with regal looking designs. There was a fierceness to this woman, like that of a hardened warrior, but that feral air about her was bridled by the aura of dignity and pride she maintained. She held contact with the group of mercenaries, arms planted at her sides, an unwavering stiff yet serene expression, and a posture so straight that you couldn't have had a back more aligned than hers if you stuck a pole right down your spine.

Next to her stood a beautiful Pegasus, clad with equally regal looking armor, a battle hardened face like its master. Aeyori noticed the beautiful sword dangling at the woman's hip, its exquisite design showed that its owner possessed both wealth and skill.

Aeyori was stopped a few feet away from the group, weary of approaching the conversation that all were deeply engrossed in. Finally a second knight came diving in on a flawless white winged horse. Its hooves hardly made a sound on the wooden floor as the young woman skillfully landed the animal.

The new arrival quickly dismounted and ran to the stern brown haired woman and made a frantic bow. Her face was twisted in concern and worry as her lips spoke at a relentlessly fast pace. Aeyori couldn't make out anything that was being said but the first woman's response made it clear that whatever was said was not good news.

She turned sharply toward Ike the two began a stiff conversation, the woman's heels were tapping anxiously as they spoke. Ike turned to Elincia with an inquiring look. The princess cast her eyelids downward, the amber of her irises were hidden by fluttering lashes, then she placed her hands together tightly and returned Ike's gaze firmly.

Elincia said something that pleased the Pegasus knight and at once sent the remaining mercenaries and Nasir in different directions quickly. Nasir was by the wheel of the boat almost instantly demanding that the sails be loosed and that the sailors should prepare the boat for fast travel. Titania passed by Aeyori without noticing her but Ikyna stopped with a bright smile when she saw the mage.

"What's the hurry for?" Aeyori asked.

"You're up? How are you feeling?" Ikyna ignored the question completely and decided to pry after the mages health.

Aeyori refused to have the question pushed aside, "I'm fine." She quickly answered and then asked again, "What's going on?"

"Is there going to be a fight?" Yakuzo asked as he suddenly appeared by Ikyna's side.

The young woman with the white hair let out a meek yelp and grabbed her chest as her heart pounded. Yakuzo had startled her when he came into the conversation as if he had just instantly sprang from nothing but the air around them. The cat Laguz had a way of doing this. A way of moving through the world silently, lithely, and deadly as if they were real animals.

Feral golden eyes glanced at Aeyori's small rattled figure, his ears folded back against his head and he gave her a thin smirk before it vanished like it was nothing more than a passing whisper. He knew he had startled her and it amused him.

Ikyna was another story, she stood there completely unfazed by his sudden arrival. She was no more surprised by him than she would be her own shadow and that's what Yakuzo was to her. A fiery red haired shadow that was always by her side, watching her.

"Yep it seems like it." She finally said.

"Why are we going to fight?" Yakuzo asked with a lazy yawn.

"Because the-were you napping again you lazy bum?" Ikyna said as she interrupted her own sentence. The laguz gave her nothing more than a tilt of his head and sleepy feline grin that showed his dangerously pointed canine teeth.

"You're gonna sleep yourself to death." Ikyna said while shaking her head, "Oh well. Anyway yeah we've got to go save the apostle of Begnion."

"The apostle of Begnion?" Aeyori mimicked in confusion.

Ikyna nodded, "Apparently the little aristocrat was looking for princess Elincia but got a bit impatient when her vassals didn't return soon enough so she ordered the ship she was on to set sail without her escorts."

"What kind of leader abandons her escorts for something as silly as impatience?" Yakuzo folded his arms and showed his disapproval, "With Daein getting more power by the minute they could be anywhere waiting to ambush an important leader like the apostle. She's put herself and those with her in a lot of meaningless danger."

Ikyna nodded in agreement as she listened.

"No Laguz king would ever put his men at risk like that." Yakuzo added with a decisive flick of his tail.

The archer folded her hands behind her back and shrugged, "Probably not, but you don't have to convince me that Beorc nobles are ridiculous. I've thought that for a while."

"Then why should I go running around looking for her?"

"Because I am."

"Why are you going?"

"Because Ike is. And before you ask why is Ike going," Ikyna begin with her index finger up to stop anymore protests from the red cat, because that was indeed what he was going to ask next, "Ike is going because helping Begnion find the apostle is good for politics and whatnot." She gave a careless wave of her hand as if trying to cast off the idea all together.

Yakuzo groaned, "You know guarding you is real pain."

The rude comment didn't bother the dark haired girl at all, "You shouldn't have fought me." She said plainly.

"You baited me!" he protested with hiss through his teeth.

"And you bit it like a clumsy fish. That's not my fault." She gave another shrug to show that she had won the discussion and didn't have the desire to continue.

Yakuzo knew it as well and he blew out an exasperated sigh, "You're insufferable sometimes."

Ikyna cheesed, "Oh I'm that a great deal more than sometimes." She said and began walking off. She gave Aeyori a quick wink as she passed her. Aeyori wanted to laugh but she was afraid of raising Yakuzo's displeasure but when she turned to look at him he wasn't simpering with anger like she expected.

He was closely watching Ikyna's retreating back. No malice or disgust was on his face just the slightest quirk of his lips and something that dangerously resembled affection. Aeyori wondered when this had happened. When she last saw Yakuzo she thought he'd sooner rip every Beorc to ribbons than wear such a clearly pleased expression as he left his gaze on the archer.

"Aeyori, I see you've managed to escape your bedroom. What are you doing up here?" Aeyori's heart quickened at the familiar voice. She turned and was pierced by sapphires resting in an olive face. It had been a long time since Aeyori had seen Ike in the sunlight and she realized that the dimly lit ship cabbin hadn't done the young commander justice.

Seeing him with the kiss of the sunlight on his face and the subtle glistening of sea mist coating his skin sent her stomach into a churning mess. He was darker too, no doubt from being in the sun so much, and that only intensified the shine of his blue locks and the allure of his deep ocean like eyes.

"I was just talking with Yakuzo and Ikyna." She said when she finally gained the sense of mind to speak. Aeyori turned to address the Laguz but he was already gone, vanished into the air the same way he appeared.

"I don't know how he does that." She murmured to herself incredulously.

"Does what?" Ike asked in his heavy voice.

Aeyori turned and gasped at the sudden close in the space between them. She felt engulfed by his body that was so much taller than her own and almost completely swallowed by the barely distinguished grin on Ike's face as he looked down at her rubies.

The normally straight faced Ike was happy to see her. She muttered something else in response to his question and flushed a scorching magenta.

"Ike." Aeyori began and pulled the commander from his shimmering daydream of wrapping her satin hair around his fingers, he responded with a dazed hmm. "Are we chasing after the apostle's ship?"

Ike nodded grimly before answering, "Yep, we aren't even in Begnion and already the stuffy world of nobles has crept up on me. I feel like I've been ambushed by an enemy I can't fight." He said with a sigh.

"I think you'll manage. You were able to fight off Ravens. What can a few fancy cloths wearing men and woman do to you?"

He gave her a soft chuckle, "Nothing to my body but they wear my patience very thin."

Aeyori replied to his comment with smile of her own.

"It can't be helped though. Soren says that helping the apostle will put Begnion in our debt and that's necessary for helping Elincia apparently."

Aeyori cringed as she thought of the condemning glares Soren shot at her. She could imagine his toneless voice suggesting that they save a life merely for the tactical advantage that it provided.

"Anyway, we need to get going quickly. Nasir said he spied the apostle's ship but it was being attacked by another boat. We don't have time to waste."

As Ike walked passed her she turned sharply, "I want to fight with you too." She said and watched Ike face her slowly with a frown. He took one quick stride and was just a hands length from her.

"Are you sure you feel well enough to fight?"

Aeyori gave a firm nod, "Definitely, I've been sitting around far too long. I'll go get my thome and be ready in five minutes." She said and began to leave.

Ike caught her hand so quick she gasped. She turned to him in confusion but didn't try to free herself from his grasp. He watched her silently for a few moments then spoke, "I'll let you join the battle, but do you remember our agreement?"

Aeyori gave Ike a puzzled expression, she couldn't remember any agreement she made. The commander's face darkened in a disappointed frown. Clearly he had memory of something she did not.

"I'm sorry, I just…"

"Where are you supposed to be?" he asked cryptically.

Aeyori was still confused. She just assumed they were going into a battle where as long as you could kill the enemy and stay alive it didn't matter. When were there assigned positions? She stammered, embarrassed by the fact that she could not answer the question Ike so clearly thought she should know the answer to.

He sighed, "Where did you promise to stay?" his next question was no less ambiguous but Aeyori finally understood. She responded at first with a deep scarlet blush, "By your side." She finally whispered.

Ike watched the scarlet that devoured the mages porcelain skin and felt his chest knot. He reached out and let his fingers roll through her hair like they'd been wanting to since he saw her. The strands slid like velvet and he touched the edge of her forehead with surprising tenderness, "And don't you dare leave it either." He said possessively.

Aeyori nodded with a wispy content breath trickling from her lips as she savored the warm pull his thumb made down the side of her face. It made the skin beneath tingle and shiver and it was such pleasurable sensation, one that she thought she would never feel.

Ike inhaled sharply as he watched Aeyori's ivory smooth face lean into his palm and her lids slowly close over her scarlet eyes and let her lashes adorn her cheeks. His heart lurched and all he wanted to do was forget about the battle that was fast approaching, he only wanted to stay there and relish in the moment where the woman he cared about seemed to be just as happy as he was from their small amount of intimacy.

He had to speak though, there would be plenty of time to explore Aeyori with his touch he reasoned, and the goddess knew he wanted to. "Aeyori?" he said his voice was coming out in a strained whisper as he tried to sound commanding but the pleasure of stroking her face was draining his power.

The mage slowly let her lids flutter open and smiled brilliantly at him. She watched his face, sharp and handsomely boyish, and knew he was waiting for her compliance. She murmured a content agreement and Ike sighed in relief as he placed his forehead to hers. He whispered something through trembling breaths, Aeyori could barely hear but it was light and sweet like a secret just for her, and then suddenly he released her, and began backing away sharply as if ripping two magnets apart.

Ike frowned softly, not in anger, just deep thought etched over his face. Aeyori stared at him, puzzled, and waiting for his next move, knowing full well that soon they would be engaged in a fight for their lives once more.

He continued to stare at her, swallowing her with those vast oceans in his face, then he shook his head, deciding against what he wanted to do, and then he turned quickly on his heels and started walking away.

Aeyori stayed put, watching her commander retreat, but said nothing. He noticed that she had not followed him and he turned to her, still wearing a straight expression. His face suddenly softened, if only briefly, and then he offered her his hand and beckoned her with his eyes.

Without hesitation Aeyori ran to his side and grabbed his hand as they both headed to find their weapons. The mage watched Ike's face again, he was looking serious and focused, completely in tune to the battle, but his thumb was slowly running over her knuckles as he held her hand. She smiled at him and thought that there was certainly no place she would rather be than by his side.

The battle was more grueling than any of the mercenaries imagined. There was no storm but the waves were choppy enough to send all three boats rolling unsteadily like drunken men over the sea. Yes three boats were hitched together and made into a battle field for a fight to the death over the fluid blue ground.

The apostle's ship was crammed between a marauding group of Daeins and Ike's mercenary group. Where the Begnion leader was hidden was still a mystery but it wasn't the main focus at the moment. When the mercenaries arrived they saw the Begnion soldiers fighting for their lives and they were more than a little on edge when Ike had his boat attached to theirs with two connecting planks. One soldier nearly took Ike's head off in a panicked barrage of attacks while yelling something along the words of, "We will never give up the apostle pirate scum!"

Ike was afraid he would have to knock the frantic soldier out but he was able to hold the Begnion's attention long enough mention Tanith, the Pegasus knight who requested his mercenary's aid, and finally the small battle was over. Relief washed over the man's face like a wave and he began both apologizing and thanking Ike endlessly.

Then the easy part of the fight ended. Not only was Ike directing his men to defeat all enemy soldiers on the Begnion boat and on the pirate boat he was also guarding his ship plus the queen tucked below the decks, and to add to the frustration a group of ravens were hanging around and grabbing leftover goods and jewels on the ships. The flying Laguz didn't attack them but he kept a wary eye on their dark wings stretched against the blue sky.

A familiar high pitched whistle ran across the sky followed a bright light that flashed over Ike's shoulder and struck the myrmidon before him. The Daein soldier stumbled and groaned in pain and panicked as he grabbed at his burned and blanched skin. Ike did not hesitate to spin and kick down the stunned soldier before stabbing his sword into the enemy.

The commander's face was hardened but soon relaxed the moment he turned and saw Aeyori standing behind him, her tome still open from the last attack and sweat across her brow from the long battle. He noticed she had a few scrapes he could see but nothing major. Part of him wanted to scowl at the marred places on her skin but his relief overpowered the frustration. It was a mystery to him that someone could fill him with such dread and at the same time send his heart into a giddy dance with just a glance.

Aeyori saw the young man's expression go from battle harsh to the sweet shy smile he always showed her. Inside she felt a spark of pride that she could illicit even a small change in the normally inexpressive commander. "We make a good team." He said.

The light mage nodded with a grin threatening to rip across her face. Before she could add anything more to the conversation she felt someone grab her hand and yank her back. "Well look what we have here!" a voice said into her ear.

Ike felt a surge of panic and fury roaring through him as he leapt after Aeyori without hesitation. He was set to decapitate whoever had her captured, his iron sword gleaming in the sun with deadly intent, when a pair of familiar blue eyes and blonde hair snapped into focus.

"Gatrie!" he shouted in both surprise and as a way to remind his body that he should stop his sword.

"And it seems you're here as well Ike. What an interesting surprise." The blue armored knight let off a trail of delighted laughter.

Ike was still trying to still his heart, terrified at what he almost did, as he looked at his former crew mate. A sting of regret flushed within his gut as he remembered that Gatrie left the mercenaries because Ike was not a skilled enough commander.

"My, my, you're looking as wonderful as ever." Gatrie cooed as he bent down, still firmly grasping Aeyori's hand, much to her dismay, and peered at her face. "I still have never seen eyes as striking as yours."

Aeyori flinched, tried to free her hand, to no avail, and bent away from the dreadfully close blonde. He stared at her with the same flirtatious expectant irises as always and it made her feel uneasy. She shifted under his gaze and thought that only Ike was allowed to give her that tingling unbearable yet wonderful sensation from staring at her.

Ike was watching, no longer stuck in a state of self-deprecation, but was now glaring at Aeyori's hand mixed with Gatrie's. For a moment he wished that he hadn't recognized Gatrie before he killed him; than he decided that was a harsh thought to have. Gatrie had been a good friend of his father and not rude or bitter like Shinon was. Even still Ike felt an angry writhing in his chest and he would not allow any man to hold Aeyori so intimately.

"Commander!" the voice of a child divided Gatrie from Ike's pointed glare. The young dark haired man turned to the child with unruly leaf colored hair. Sothe was smiling as he ran to Ike with a tan sack bursting with items. Aeyori watched with a held breath as the young boy lithely avoided being sliced in half by a pursuing soildier before he dropped to his knees and severed the man's calf tendons. The Daein fell to the ground screaming and clutching the bleeding leg. The little thief left the agonized soldier to be swiftly finished off by Mordecai's fangs.

Aeyori let herself relax, though not completely, as Sothe expertly ran across one of the planks connecting the apostle's ship to the enemies. She regarded the scruffy boy with emerald eyes with a smile on her lips.

"What happened?" Ike said, a bite was still in his voice as he dared to turn his eyes away from Gatrie. The armored knight didn't notice, he was still batting blonde lashes at the light mage.

Sothe noticed the commander's sharp tone, frowned slightly at it, then assumed that he was not the cause and began, "I gathered a whole bunch of extra loot before those nasty ravens could get ahold of it." He beamed, he was quite proud to have survived such a chaotic fight, and against raven's no less.

"I hope you were careful." Ike said with a scowl that was filled with more concern than anger.

The boy blushed as he put his sack down and rubbed his nose with a chuckle, "It was no problem commander. I'm an expert thief."

Ike resisted the urge to say that being a thief wasn't something to be proud of but on the other hand he knew that the young boy must have lived a hard life and that was why he turned into a thief. Aeyori watched the boys together, they didn't look like siblings but they acted like they were related.

She recalled the day Nasir found Sothe sneaking around the ship, a young stowaway that he was. The leafy haired boy was the epitome of a brooding petulant child filled with snarky wit to boot. Ike took none of the child's lip when they found him and threatened to throw Sothe off the ship. There was a quick silent battle filled with Ike's impassive face and the rapid calculating of Sothe's mind as he pondered if Ike was bluffing or not.

In the end Sothe submitted to Ike's somewhat harsh treatment and came aboard to help the mercenaries. It was soon discovered that Sothe had more skills than just his handiness with a mop. He could pick locks and had the reflexes of a cat. Even Yakuzo cracked a weary eye from his sleep to watch Sothe scale up masts to release sails.

Now despite the rough start between commander and thief, Sothe seemed to really admire the commander and he often followed Ike around, silently, just enjoying his company. Ike regarded Sothe like a younger brother who he could teach and train with a mixture of firmness and compassion.

Aeyori wondered where Ike learned to be such a good teacher. Then she thought it must have been from living with his sisters. Both of Greil's daughters were handfuls and Aeyori could only manage to stifle a snicker as she thought of Ike scolding Ikyna as she stubbornly rolled her cerulean eyes. He would be the ultimate protective older brother and she would be his perfect rebellious match.

"What did you manage to find?" Ike asked his voice hushed from the flames of irritation that were being fanned by Gatrie's insistence on clinging to Aeyori.

"A lot of different things." Sothe said as he rummaged through his sack, "Some jewels, vulnary, and even a new lance."

A long steel lance was procured from the bag, its sleek handle shone like its gleaming tip. Sothe heaved as he tried to handle the weapon that was longer than himself. Ike took it from him and studied the thin weapon that was so different from his sword. He'd been on the receiving end of a lance but never handled one before.

His lips set in a firm line and a ghost of displeasure creased his forehead as he glanced one more at Gatrie. He began to wave the spear around letting it whistle as it sliced through the air.

Gatrie complained, "Watch where you're swinging that thing." He groaned as it sailed over his head, just missing giving him a dangerously close shave.

Ike blinked as he came out of his daze; he had been imagining ramming Gatrie's skull with the lance. He shook his head to dislodge the thought, he couldn't entertain those ideas. Gatrie left, but he was not any enemy, not of him, and he was sure that Gatrie was not an enemy of the apostle either.

As he made peace with that thought, that he definitely could not attack Gatrie, he made another decision. There was no way he was going to let the womanizing knight hold onto Aeyori any longer.

"You're right." He began as an idea came into his head. "I'm not very skillful with a lance you should keep it." He tossed it carelessly at Gatrie who fumbled to catch the sharp weapon without injuring himself. In the same moment that the lance left his hands Ike grabbed Aeyori and pulled her from the former Greil mercenary and quickly spun her behind him.

Gatrie was stunned, he wasn't sure how he lost the pretty girl and ended up with a weapon that would not look nearly as good in a skirt as the mage did. He made a move to retrieve Aeyori but Ike placed himself firmly between the man and girl. He gave Gatrie a smile that was anything but friendly, "That's a pretty heavy weapon, I'm sure you'll need two hands for that." And from his tone it was clear that he would not be letting Gatrie's hands be anywhere near Aeyori.

The mage looked at Ike in relief and bewilderment. The commander hadn't tossed the spear like it was heavy. It didn't matter though, she was no longer in the grasp of the blonde knight she was exactly where she wanted to be, with her hand held firmly by Ike's.

Gatrie still looked confused as he tried to understand how Ike managed to steal the girl away but he understood the not very subtle warning tone in the young commander's voice. Without saying it, it was obvious that Ike was staking his claims on the scarlet eyed mage.

"What are you doing here?" Ike asked, and edge of hostility was still hanging in his voice.

Gatrie sensed the bite from the navy haired boy and gave a friendly chuckle in an attempt to lighten the mood, despite the battle around them, or at least soften the daggers shooting from Ike's eyes.

"I have a new employer." He mused as he motioned to a woman behind him. A lady with long brown hair and hazel eyes slowly rode up dressed in pure white armor, her mare was a deep brown.

"Sir Gatrie are you alright?" her voice was soft and gentle and shaking.

Gatrie turned to her with an overbearing smile full of desire, "Of course my fair lady Astrid. As long as I have you to protect I will be much better than alright."

Astrid responded with a moment of rapidly blinking her eyes. She was both stunned and confused by Gatrie's heavily flirtatious statement.

"Thank you." She murmured at barely the level of a whisper.

Ike looked at the girl, she looked like a noble. Well kept, weak, and not accustomed to a battle. Her gaze was darting nervously from side to side and her horse nickered fitfully as it sensed its rider's apprehension.

"Do you know this young man?" she asked while glancing shyly at Ike.

A hint of a bemused smile crossed Gatrie's lips, "Yes, he and I know each other a little. He's Ike, the commander of the Greil mercenaries."

Gatrie smiled at the ambiguity of his response as if what he said was truly funny. Ike was not amused. He was still smarting over Aeyori being taken away from him, he didn't want the constant reminder that he had failed as a commander as well.

Ike set his lips in a thin line, deciding to show nothing to the Knight. Not his annoyance or his displeasure. Ike knew he had to get a better control on his emotions, but it was getting increasingly harder to do. He felt a tug on his hand as Aeyori peaked around him to get a better look at Astrid.

The commander grasped her hand tighter and gave her a quick glance and a fleeting smile that let her know he wouldn't be letting her go any time soon, at least not with the blonde woman chaser so close.

"Any friend of sir Gatrie is a friend of mine. I am Astrid of the Begnion house of Damiell. It is a pleasure to meet you." Astrid said in that gentle womanly voice of hers.

Gatrie sighed as he dreamily watched the archer, his face was nearly splitting with his ear to ear grin.

Ike cleared his throat, "Are you sure you should be out here in this battle?" he voiced the opinion running in his head, "You don't seem fitted for battle and it's more than a little dangerous here."

The young woman frowned and forced her lower lip out, "No, I want to be here. I may not look like it but I was trained to fight in the Crimean army; I can help. Let me fight along with you Ike."

Ike shook his head and let out a heavy sigh. The battle was tricky enough on the rocky waves without having to look after a poorly equipped noble. He watched her hands tremble on the reigns of her horse and looked at the quiver of arrows on the saddle knowing full well she wouldn't be a good shot with hands like those.

She looked determined though. She had a fixed gaze on Ike and he knew it would be easier to let her help than to stop her. For that matter, by the way Gatrie was sighing and smiling at her he assumed that Gatrie would go wherever Astrid went and a fighter like him would be valuable. He consented with a short nod, "Fine, you can guard the entrance to the princess on my ship."

His suggestion was both to pacify and keep her out of the way.

Her eyes widened in surprise, "Yes, yes I will." She eagerly said with a relieved smile now that the young commander had accepted her. "It would be an honor to fight for the princess."

"What will you do Sir Gatrie?" she inquired.

Gatrie made an exaggerated bow, "Wherever you go I will follow dutifully behind my lovely Lady Astrid." Her smile at him was serene if not still very confused. "Thank you very much for your help."

He winked at her and held her hand before kissing it gently, "It's not a problem at all." Oh the way he smiled at her, he was all white teeth spread across his cheeks.

Astrid gave a nod, "Then please support Sir Ike." She said before retreating to guard the princess.

Gatrie watched her retreat again then turned to Ike. He had a secretive curl over his lips, clearly amused to be at Ike's side again. "It seems I'll be joining the ranks of the Greil mercenaries again."

Ike gave a subtle nod, not sure if Gatrie was pleased or disappointed to be serving under him. Sure Ike had gotten stronger, but the armored knight didn't know that.

"If that's alright with you." The young man cautiously said his face unreadable.

Gatrie shrugged still smiling ridiculously, "I'd assume you'd be the resistant one." He said.

"I can't afford to be resistant." Ike stated as a matter of fact, "If you're willing to fight under me than I'm definitely going to put you to work."

"Fare enough, where shall I go Commander Ike?" He said dutifully but there was a humorous tint to his words.

"Perhaps…" Ike was just about to give his new subordinate directions when his mouth dried. Gatrie was once again letting his gaze wander to Aeyori. Ike felt his jaw tightening and he placed himself between the two mercenaries once again.

Gatrie watched the stiffening of Ike's jaw and the cold glare of icy blue eyes that told Gatrie, and any man, to stay away from Aeyori. The knight shrugged again, not wanting to get into a battle over a girl with his new commander, especially when the lovely Astrid could be waiting for him.

He laughed, "I get the picture. Somewhere far away from her right?" he said while flicking his thumb in Aeyori's direction. There was no need to wait for a verbal response, Ike's firm glower was answer enough and sent Gatrie barreling down with a spear in hand in the opposite direction.

When Gatrie was far enough for Ike's comfort the young mercenary glanced at Aeyori. She was focused on him, the tiniest hint of grin at the tip of her lips, before saying, "Looks like you have more allies now. That's good."

Ike nodded, "Yes, hopefully he'll trust me enough to stick around this time." His words were not said with bitterness. Quickly he added, "But I want you to stay away from him." He warned and almost kicked himself at his childish jealousy that was raging within him.

Aeyori responded with a vague quirking of her lips but said nothing.

Though temporarily distracted by her addictive smile Ike heard the sharp cry of soldier groaning in pain. He was instantly reminded that they were still in a fight and he had no time to stare. With great reluctance Ike released her hand, "We need to keep moving forward." He said while turning sharply away knowing that if he continued watching her he wouldn't get his job done.

Ike had only taken a few steps away when he heard a sound that froze his feet. It was a buzzing sound, a crackle and a shriek. The unmistakable sound of electricity ripping through the skies. Ike whipped his head to the left and saw a lightning mage send an army of yellow bolts crashing down on a Begnion soldier. The man collapsed, either unconscious or dead but Ike's heart wasn't racing from what he had seen.

Ike knew what would be coming next after the lightning. He nearly twisted his back as he spun around to gage his astraphobic companion. The sight of Aeyori made his heart sink. She looked frozen, like a white haired statue being slowly eaten by fear. Ike felt as if time was slowing as he saw her terror crawl from her locked legs, to her trembling arms all the way to her eyes that were gradually being overtaken by dilated pupils. He could see the transformation taking over her body and he saw, with horror, her expression shatter and suddenly she was no longer on the boat she was somewhere else, staring off into a different place as uninhibited tears poured from her widened eyes.

The commander couldn't get to her fast enough before she was crouched on the ground with her hands over her ears and screaming. She rocked on her heels as her cries grew louder and desperate and mixed with the salty trails of water rushing down her cheeks.

Ike rushed to her side and grabbed her shoulders. She was yelling and thrashing as he tried to soother her. She pushed against him, desperately trying to free herself from his grasp. He almost let her go but felt that it would be a bad decision if he did. She was past the point of hysteria and he didn't know what she would do if he didn't secure her. Ike made the only choice he thought he could, he pulled her into his chest swiftly and buried her head against his rapidly beating heart as he wrapped his arms around her head. "It's okay Aeyori. It's okay I'm right here!" he had to shout over her screaming but even as the words were coming out of his mouth another flash of lightning shimmered and sent Aeyori into a further tailspin.

"Let go of me!" she began repeatedly shouting through heavy sobs and heaving breaths, "Don't touch me!"

Ike felt hurt at first that she was so harshly rejecting him but something in her tone of voice made him think that she wasn't talking to him. He didn't know who she screaming at but his heart ached as he held her tighter, trying to still the writhing mage.

"No! No! No! I don't want you touching me!" she continued to scream as she dug her nails into Ike's arms. It stung, her long nails tore jagged lines all over his biceps. He winced but continued to reassure her that she was safe and not in whatever nightmare she thought she was in. Ike knew she was afraid of lightning, he'd seen it first hand when the raven carried her off the ship, but that was then and this was different. Aeyori was worse off than she was in the storm and the young man wanted to know why.

Ike looked around desperately, trying to find something and anything to calm Aeyori. He saw his sister and Yakuzo making their way onto the third boat, the Daein boat. He needed his sister but she didn't seem aware of his plight or Aeyori's as she made her way closer to the Daein leader of the small army.

He harshly cried her name over the crowd and thanked the goddess that Ikyna was somehow always able to hear his voice. Ikyna stopped in her tracks and turned to Ike. She wrinkled her forehead as she squinted through the fray to see him on the other side of the apostle's ship.

She saw her brother and Aeyori huddled on the ground and she didn't understand, she couldn't clearly see them from so far away. She knew they liked each other but getting lovey dovey in the middle of a fight was both dangerous and stupid. Ikyna scowled as she tried to understand why her brother had cried out to her so desperately.

"Get down!" suddenly Ikyna felt herself being shoved to the ground as a crackling sound raced over her followed by a harshly bright light. Yakuzo screamed in agony as he rolled off of the archer and clutched his arm.

Ikyna quickly sat up and looked at the cat who had covered her and saved her from an attack. "You okay Yakuzo?" she asked as her eyes darted over him and looked for his injury.

He cradled his arm with a cat like hiss and held his eyelids tightly shut. Ikyna noticed his arm was burned and there was a brief moment where she saw snakes of light curl over his arms like vines and then vanish. She knew immediately that Yakuzo had saved her from a lightning tome and all at once realized why Ike was looking so wild with panic.

Ikyna shot her head up and saw the culprit of both the attack and, she assumed, Ike and Aeyori's dilemma. He had a pointed cloth hat and a long cape and a robe of completely yellow. His lips were busily reading the tome again as he readied for another attack.

The archer pulled a knife from her back and angrily tossed it at the magic using enemy. It lodged itself in the mage's arm. He groaned loudly but managed to finish his lines. A dark cloud swirled over him and the air thickened with the oncoming attack.

Ikyna watched as her hair began to stand from the static collecting in the air. She didn't hesitate as she threw Yakuzo's uninjured arm over her shoulder and launched them both out of the line of electric fire. The attack crackled against the floor where the two mercenaries once stood.

"Now I'm pissed." She snarled as she readied her bow. The mage watched her warily as the female archer glared vehemently at him. Yakuzo grabbed her arm with groan, "Don't do anything stupid."

"As I recall doing something stupid got me you as a traveling companion." She replied while rolling her eyes.

Yakuzo sat up, "Don't expect to be so lucky next time." Was his sardonic reply.

Ikyna scoffed while pulling an arrow from her quiver. She slowly rose as she studied her opponent. This was the first time she had ever fought someone on such an equal playing field. Ikyna had always fought with people where she had the advantage of striking at a distance. This was not the case in this fight, both she and her opponent could attack at farther ranges.

The archer didn't think she would be able to hit the mage with one of her knives again, he was too cautious from his first injury. However his bleeding shoulder gave her some leverage. Both soldiers stared the other down and then the mage made was the first move, muttering his lightning chant once again.

Ikyna quickly fired three arrows right after each other. The mage fluidly dodged by spinning out of reach of the dangerous arrows. His lips were still conjuring up his tome when he spun to face Ikyna. He broke his chant when, to his horror and surprise, Ikyna threw her bow to the ground and began charging at the mage.

He was startled and confused, he didn't expect her to start such a direct attack. The mage hesitated and his attack was halted. Ikyna kept running towards him at full speed. The Daein tried to back away, to distance himself enough to start another attack, but before he could Ikyna was already within arm's reach of him. She grabbed his head roughly in her hands and rammed into it with her skull as she made a rough grunt.

The mage gurgled in pain as Ikyna brought her fist into his jaw. Her opponent stumbled back with his hands grasping his aching head. Yakuzo was there to catch him before hoisting him into the air and tossing him carelessly over the deck. Long screams were heard and followed by the dooming splash of water.

"You have the most unpredictable haphazard form of fighting ever." Yakuzo said as he walked over to Ikyna. His straight face was maxing grimaces of pain.

"Well I learned the head butt thing from you." She said while rubbing her throbbing head, "Let me tell you, that was a stupid idea that I'm not proud of."

Yakuzo did his best to stifle the grin threatening to shine but his eyes lit up and showed his amusement. He studied her for a while longer, letting his ears flatten against his head with a curious expression.

"What?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Why did you charge him?"

Ikyna shrugged, "I just thought he'd be expecting me to have a long distance battle with him and so I just charged him to throw him off a little bit."

Yakuzo stared at her incredulously, he couldn't believe that was the thinking behind her crazy and dangerous plan of attack. He rolled his eyes with a groan.

"How's your arm?"

"How's your head?" he snapped.

Ikyna heard the twinge of hostility, not sure where it came from, and retorted with wry grin, "My Yakuzo, are you worried about me?"

She spoke as sweetly as she could with an over exaggerated gasp in mock surprise. Yakuzo scowled and flicked her forehead as his lips pressed into a flat line. "That smart mouth of yours works quite well still, your head must be fine."

Ikyna placed her hand over her chest as if Yakuzo's words had deeply wounded her. She let her mouth stay open, aghast, for a few seconds then the remark was quickly forgotten. She shrugged and grinned off the insult with her usual grace.

Suddenly she heard a cheer and saw the Begnion shoulders dropping their weapons and raising their arms in celebration. All around there the fighting had halted and only the mercenaries and the surviving Begnion soldiers were left. Even all of the ravens had either scattered or been killed. The ships were strangely still now that the fighting was over.

"We need to find Ike and Aeyroi." Ikyna said while abruptly turning on her heels.

"Why can't we just rest, we've won the fight."

She didn't look at him as she replied while continuing her brisk walk, "Something was wrong with Aeyori and it probably had something to do with the lightning."

Yakuzo made a sound to show his understanding, "The light mage isn't fond of the electric tome I guess."

Ikyna shook her head. "I guess that explains why you jumped into that fight so carelessly." The cat added with an even tone as he eyed Ikyna in an attempt to gage her reaction.

"Not careless just stupid." She corrected.

"They are the same thing." Was his exasperation filled response.

"No careless implies that I didn't think about what I was doing beforehand. I thought about what I wanted to do, knew it would be dangerous, but I did it anyway. Thus the stupid part."

Yakuzo threw his hands up while shaking his head. Ikyna's back was turned so of course she couldn't see him but he made the gesture anyway feeling that it gave him some sort of acknowledgement that she was in fact ridiculous.

As the archer and Laguz made their way to Ike he was still struggling to calm Aeyori. He had her in his chest muffling her cries and demands to be released. She was very strong for someone so small and it surprised Ike that he had to use so much energy to contain her. "Please Aeyori, it's all over now just calm down."

He was no longer yelling, he didn't have the strength to. He just kept his voice level as he tried and failed to soothe her. Ike knew the lightning had stopped but Aeyori seemed like she was a far way from getting her nerves together.

Ike pulled back from Aeyori to see her face. She had stopped screaming and had transitioned into meaningless murmuring as tears kept slipping from her firmly shut eyes. "Aeyori." He whispered in a pained and strained voice.

He was at a loss, nothing he said calmed her or helped. It was miserable for her and himself. He felt his head dully begin to ache and his chest was tied in a constrictive knot as he watched Aeyori seemingly slip away from him, deeper into her nightmare.

He was consumed with the need to protect her, help her, take her away from everything and just spend the rest of his time cradling her shivering body in his arms. That was impossible though and so he did the next best thing. He kissed her.

Hard, suddenly, without anytime for himself to register what his body so instinctively did. The mages body tensed under him and all her desperate pleas were swallowed by his lips that claimed hers. Then with no sign or warning Aeyori's body went slack.

Ike felt the tension disappear from Aeyori and he let her go abruptly to look at her face. She was no longer crying or speaking, her eyes were closed and all the emotion was drained from her face. Aeyori had fainted.

"Big brother what's wrong?" Ikyna ran up with Yakuzo sulking behind her for a reason unknown to Ike.

Ikyna rested her sights on the motionless Aeyori and her equally still brother. His face was blank as he stared at Aeyori. "Ike?" his sister gingerly whispered while placing a hand cautiously on Ike's shoulder.

She cringed as he flinched away. He shot her a wary look and then his eyes widened in recognition. He hadn't heard her come up and when he saw her, with her hand retracted from him and watching him with worry, he gave her an apologetic glance. "You're here." He said with little emotion.

"Yeah, Yakuzo and I finished off the mage." She spoke carefully while trying to gage her brother's mood. He looked exhausted and confused.

"The fighting stopped." He said.

"Yeah."

"Why?"

Ikyna flinched at her brother's flat voice, "Because that's what happens when Titania lodges an ax in the army leader's head."

"Oh." He responded but was actually not concerned with his sister's explanation at all. Ike turned his attention to Aeyori again.

"She okay?"

Ike was silent as his lips pursed out in thought. His brows kneaded together, "She wouldn't stop screaming. I didn't know what to do."

There was more to the story, Ikyna knew, she prodded him, "And?"

"And." His voice faltered and he went silent, lost in his own thoughts.

"And?" impatience was creeping into her voice. She wanted to know what her brother had done. He looked as pail as a ghost and Aeyori hadn't made a sound since Ikyna showed up.

"And I kissed her."

Ikyna gasped and took a few startled steps back. Her brother, impassive faced Ike had kissed a girl? She couldn't believe it and her first instinct was to begin a childish taunt about smooching pretty girls but she resisted, there was still more to the story.

"And?" she asked again, she was beginning to sound like a parrot.

"And she fainted."

"She fainted?"

"She fainted." And now they were both annoying parrots.

"Well," Ikyna began, "Do you suppose that's a good sign or a bad sign for your first kiss?"

Ike turned at the amused tone in his sister's voice. She was doing her best to stifle her giggles and he frowned disapprovingly at her. The woman he cared about passing out was not a laughing matter. Ikyna saw her brother's displeasure and managed to hide her amusement enough to settle him.

"But she's alive right?" she asked in a much more level tone.

The commander looked at Aeyori and saw her chest rising and falling steadily, a clear sign of life, and for that he was thankful. The episode aside, she was resting now and her face was once again its peaceful and soft looking self.

"Yes."

"Then don't worry. She probably just fainted from the stress and surprise of having her first kiss stolen." The playful tone was back and Ikyna was no longer trying to surpass her fit of giggles.

Ike was looking horrified, "You think that was her first kiss?" he said as his face blanched further and he cursed under his breath.

Finally Ikyna could no longer contain herself. She burst into a fit of unrestrained laughter at her perplexed brother's expense. Her eyes began to water and she could barely catch her breath. Yakuzo and Ike both watched her in disbelief. "It's not funny Ikyna." Ike said with a hiss.

Ikyna did her best to calm herself but chuckles still escaped her lips at random intervals. "You're so sweet big brother." She said to his scowling brow. Ikyna knew her brother's panic came from worry if he had taken the first kiss. She could imagine her brother, pondering and wracking his brain over something so small, though she was sure Aeyori would gladly give Ike a kiss, while other men probably wouldn't have thought twice about the significance of a little mages first lip contact.

"Ikyna?" he said with a disapproving raised eyebrow.

His twin placed her hands over her mouth but Ike could still see the laughter in her blue eyes.

"Excuse me, are you Ike, commander of the Greil mercenaries?"

The three mercenaries turned their attention to a woman with aqua hair and a smile as calm as an open sky. She was mounted on a white Pegasus and fitted in the armor of the Begnion knights. The woman slid off her mount and approached the three youths with most gentle lift of her pale lips.

Ike let his sister's annoying behavior slide and nodded his head at the approaching woman. He saw Tanith standing with a stern frown behind with three other knights at her side. She seemed to be under the command of the kind woman addressing Ike.

"Yes, I am he." He said in a much firmer voice than he had been able to muster since Aeyori's episode.

"My name is Sigrun. I am a member of the Begnion Holy Guard and also a vassal to the apostle. I am told by commander Tanith that you have assisted us in securing the apostle's ship and I thank you for that." She gave a slight bow and let her sky blue hair fall forward.

Ike inclined his head in return. "It wasn't a problem. We were glad to help and Princess Elincia wouldn't have had it any other way."

Sigrun's lips formed another genial grin, "Yes, the princess has a very kind heart." Then the knight's face became serious, "Have you located the apostle?" she asked.

Ike shook his head, "Not yet. We've just secured the ships. I'm sure the apostle is hiding here somewhere. We can start looking for her now."

The knight let out a sigh, "Yes, I apologize for the trouble. We are in your debt."

At those words Ike could see Soren's knowing smug face. For all the risks involved, gaining the trust and support of Begnion was necessary. "It's nothing really." Ike graciously deflected as he slowly stood up with the mage in his arms.

Sigrun noticed the unconscious young woman and her teal eyes flashed with concern.

"Is she alright?" she asked as she took a step closer.

Ike nodded with his lips pressed firmly together. He didn't want to offer any information when he was still in the dark about what happened to the sweet mage. Mostly though, he didn't want the holy guard commander taking Aeyori away from him to tend to her.

"Ike?" his sister questioned cautiously, "We need to look for the apostle now, are you taking Aeyori with you?" The question was more of a roundabout way of telling Ike he would have to set her down eventually. He was reluctant, an unease settled over him as he thought of letting he leave his arms.

"Yakuzo can take her below deck with the princess while we search."

Ike glanced at the fiery red Laguz who retuned the stare with an unreadable expression and a shrug. He wasn't offering the notion that he wanted to carry Aeyori, but he wasn't resisting either. Ike was still hesitant, it had taken him such effort to get her stable he was afraid any change could send her over the edge again.

Ikyna noticed her brother's racked expression. He was torn between his duty to Elincia and his concern for Aeyori. "Listen she's unconscious now so you can't do anything for her at the moment." she began smoothly, "The boat isn't that big, we'll find the apostle in no time and then you can get back to her before she wakes up."

The reasoning made since, Ike knew it, and so he finally conceded. He walked over to Yakuzo, giving him the most pointed stare ever, one that said you better look after her, and finally relinquished his grasp into the cat's waiting arms.

Nothing happened, to Ike's relief, Aeyori didn't stir or wake up, and she didn't start screaming again. He exchanged a glance with his twin and saw her relief as well. Ike was shocked to know that his sister was masking her own worry behind her laughter from before.

"Shall we go?" she suggested while gesturing for her brother to lead the way. Ike gave another glance at the sleeping mage while Yakuzo carried her to the mercenary ship.

Ikyna tugged at his cape with an amused smile, "Come on, the sooner we find the 'aristobrat' the sooner you can get back to Aeyori."

Ike flashed his sister an ironic smile though he tried to suppress it, a feeling of guilt hung over him that he could grin when Aeyori's state was so uncertain. "Aristobrat?" he said with a raised eyebrow. "That's very clever." He said dryly.

His twin snickered and flashed a feline like smirk. "Come on you." Her brother said and ignored her waggling eyebrows; Ikyna was quite proud of her witty play on words.

The twins made their way below deck to search for the missing apostle. The bottom was much smaller than expected and was filled crates stacked on each other like towers and the vague hint of the smell of mildew. It creaked with the sound of wood surrendering to the gentle pull of the waves and moaned with each step Ike and Ikyna took.

Ike was moving aside a row of square crates when a young girl, around Mist's age gasped and shied away from him. Immediately he sought to soothe her, "Don't worry I'm not going to hurt you." He said as he reached a reassuring hand out to her.

With a scornful look she swiped his hand away, "Don't touch me!" her voice was firm and commanding like that of an adult's not like the child she appeared to be. Deep violet hair went straight down to the middle of her back and some draped over her shoulders like a luxurious curtain. She wore an extravagant crimson robe that hung slightly over her shoulders with gold fringe all around. It was tied in the front with a large bow making it difficult to see the girl's shirt but she wore a pair of bright white loose pants and dainty flat slippers.

A crimson headband rested on her forehead over her golden eyes that were watching both mercenaries reproachfully.

"Sorry." Ike apologized though it wasn't sincere, she had smacked him for no reason.

"What are you doing little girl? It's dangerous here, don't you know a battle was happening on this ship?" Ikyna asked as a second attempt to approach the girl.

The child pursed her lips together without saying a word at first, she was still eyeing the twins. "I could ask you the same question." she snapped, completely ignoring Ikyna. \

The twins glanced at each other, both confused by the authoritative voice the child had.

"We are looking for the apostle of Begnion."

"The apostle?"

Ike and Ikyna nodded. A flicker of amusement ran across the girls cherry lips but didn't reach her eyes. She was still maintaining a very determined scowl.

"Do you know the apostle?" she asked, her face not giving away anything except a domineering superior attitude.

"No." Ike said with a thoughtful expression.

"Then how do you plan on finding her?" the girl asked with a degrading tone pointed very obviously at Ike.

The commander frowned with a shrug, he hadn't really thought of it. He didn't know what the apostle looked like so the girl asked a legitimate question, even if it was posed with such an annoying and downright arrogant tone.

"Oh you know," Ikyna started and her brother turned to see a hostile shimmer in her eyes, this was the look that was usually followed by something snarky, "all we have to do is look for some woman with her nose stuck in the air and stilts so she can look down on people."

Ike sighed, his sister was less tactful than him sometimes. He faced the girl again, her brows were bent in irritation and her jaws tightened noticeably.

"I see. What a very detailed description." She replied dryly then added, "What will you do with the apostle once you find her?"

"We'll take her to her escorts Sigrun and Tanith."

Golden eyes dilated under the scarlet headband, "Sigrun and Tanith are here?" she asked in shock.

Ike nodded back, he didn't know how she knew members of the holy guard. Before Ike could ask any further questions the girl was lifting her long robe to walk easier. "Wait where are you going?" Ike asked.

"To meet with Sigrun and Tanith of course." She stated matter-of-factly, her face impassive.

"You know them?" he asked incredulously.

A tiny lift on her lips came in response to Ike's question. She was suddenly amused and kept the secret grin as she spoke, "Of course I do." She shot Ikyna a smug glance, "They are my vassals, I'm the apostle." With that she brushed past the twins without another word.

An awkward silence clung to the air in the damp room below deck. Ike dared a sideways glance at his sister. Her lips were pursed tightly together and she was shaking her head with a mixture of amusement and great annoyance. She gave a soft snort, "I think I made an excellent first impression." She said dryly.

"You're good at that." Ike replied with equal dryness. Then he gently pushed his sister to the upper level. "Come on, we have to follow your new friend."

When they reached the upper deck the apostle was involved in a very deep discussion with Sigrun and Tanith. Although discussion might not have described the brow beating the apostle was giving her vassals. It was like watching the roles of parent and child being reversed with the strangest outcome. While the apostle complained with her hands grounded firmly on her hips and a scowl so deep you could hide in the folds, Sigrun and Tanith looked meek and chastened.

"And what is your excuse for being so late?" the apostle accusingly asked.

"We came as fast as we could, there was interference with ravens. I beg your forgiveness empress." Sigrun said with genuinely regretful eyes.

"Is that the best reason? We were supposed to be finding the princess of Crimea and the two of you decided to take your time? Imagine if something had happened to me."

"We had located her ship, but when we went to find you, you had already left." Sigrun said.

"You should try to be less reckless." Tanith said with a daringly commanding voice.

The violet haired girl shot her an icy glare, "If the two of you had finished your jobs in a timely manner I wouldn't have felt so impatient." Then with a sigh she added, "Though I suppose I acted hastily and I must shoulder some responsibility."

The short haired holy guard pressed her lips into a hard line not daring to say anything further.

The apostle nodded victoriously at the holy guards buttoned lips then gave a disinterested wave of her hands signaling that the discussion was over. "The point is moot. Did you at least manage to find the princess while you were gone?"

Both guards nodded, their faces looking apologetic and dejected. "Yes, we met with her escorts by chance." Sigrun said as she gestured toward Ike.

The little one whipped her head around, planting an authoritative look on the blue haired commander. "You there, brutish looking one with the scowl etched across his face, are you the 'supposed' princess's escort."

Ike rubbed his forehead to feel his etched scowl and didn't fail to notice the lack of belief in the young empress's voice when she referred to Elincia as a princess. "Yes I am. I'm Ike, commander of these mercenaries and also the employee of Elincia, princess of Crimea." He made sure to emphasize that Elincia was the rightful heir.

"It seems that despite your looks you have some manners to speak of." She said with a mildly approving nod, "And the one beside you with the unbridled tongue?" The empress was pointing at a lividly flushed Ikyna.

Ike could feel his sister tensing angrily besides him. He placed a hand gently on her back to calm her, "This is my sister and also another member of my mercenary group."

"I see." She murmured with a bored expression. "Very well I'm tired and ready to retire. The princess, you and your mercenaries will come to Sienne and we will discuss the matters at hand there."

She was demanding and forceful and she didn't glance back once as she mounted Tanith's Pegasus. If she had she would have seen Ike's frowning confused face and Ikyna's scowling furious face.

Tanith and the empress left and Sigrun smiled at the twins, an apologetic side to it. "The empress has invited you to come with us to the capital of Begnion. You will agree?"

"Do we have a choice?" Ike asked.

A secretive amused grin crept out from each corner of the holy guard's lips but she said nothing.

Ike shrugged, "Its fine. Our purpose in coming was to meet the apostle anyway. I'll just confirm with the princess."

"I'm glad to hear that." Sigrun said with a relieved sigh. She was not looking forward to forcing the mercenaries to come. Though, she would have it she had too, the apostle's words could not be refused. "We will meet you there. And thank you once again for all your help." Then she too mounted her Pegasus and took flight.

The twins watched the winged horses shrinking as they flew further from the ship. They let the breeze blow between while they stared with a flurry of emotions rolling within them.

"Is it too late to join the Daein army?" she asked sardonically.

"You mean you'd take the war crazed bigot over the empress?"

Ikyna looked thoughtful, taking far too long to answer a question that simple. Finally she gave a defeated sigh, "I guess not." She smiled at him but behind her smile were blue frustrated eyes.

"Come on." Ike said in an encouraging tone as he smacked her playfully on the back, "If I can handle the stuffy nobles so can you."

The fresh taste of iron filled Aeyori's mouth as she drew blood from the cheek she was nervously chewing on as she sat in the lavishly decorated sitting room of the Mainal temple in Begnion. She let her hands run over the plush couch she was sitting on, desperately trying to distract herself enough to avoid chewing through her cheek.

Nothing helped, not the couch made of a material so rich she felt ashamed to sit on it with her dirtied cloths, nor the marble columns carved with extravagant portraits of the goddess, or even ceilings that were blanketed by magnificent murals.

The room just made her feel small and anxious, she didn't like such overly decorated rooms, she never had. All of the grand furniture and pieces in the room were suffocating her, sending her back to a childhood of oppressively opulent topiaries and luxurious tapestries with no purpose at all but to add more grandeur to an already excessively decorated room. And the smell was bothersome, that thick scent of flowers that hung in the air like sticky webs as it wafted from the abundant smattering of hand painted vases bursting with loudly colored plants. Below her mud smeared boots was a thickly woven running rug, deeply colored, that adorned the cool looking tile floor that was so clear Aeyori could see her own reflection in it.

It was a tough mirrored image to look at. Exhausted wrinkles hung below misted scarlet eyes like aged curtains and her hair was a lifeless mess of neglect and sea water. Aeyori ran her dried and blistered hands through the brittle tendrals with a weary sigh, she was in desperate need of a good bath, she couldn't remember the last time she had one.

Then her stomach was in knots again, dreading a stay in this luxurious castle where she felt like a disheveled unwelcome guest who mucked up the floors in the room with long glorious archways. She desperately wanted to see Ike, but she knew that would be difficult since Ike was in a meeting with the apostle and at the moment, Aeyori was not sure how she could even face her commander.

She didn't remember what happened on the boat. Her mind went blank the moment she saw the lighting tome snake in front of her. Ike's voice had rang in her mind a few moments later she didn't hear anything. She only felt, fear, anger, and sadness, so much sadness. Aeyori wondered how she behaved in front of her commander. Ike was seeing sides of her she never wanted him to.

The mage shoved her index nail into her mouth and occupied her mind with gnawing on that instead of the tender flesh in her mouth. She turned her anxiously quivering eyes on Yakuzo, the Laguz she had found sleeping on a seat beside her bed when she woke up in her room that was also garnished lavishly like the sitting room. He didn't say anything to her, just stood up and signaled for her to follow him, and she had.

Yakuzo took her to the room she was then waiting in and when she asked why they had come there he gave a lazy yawn and pointed to an imposing gold trimmed crimson door and said, "Ikyna and her brother are in there talking to the apostle with some of the other mercenaries."

The cat offered no further explanation. For him the reason was that Ikyna was there and it was enough for him to wait outside until she came. Aeyori could take that answer; she wanted to see Ike, at least she had at the beginning, but all the waiting was making her change her mind.

Yakuzo perked his head up from where he had it resting on his arms and raised his ears in the direction of the grand door. His tail flicked quickly as he stood in anticipation. Aeyori looked curiously at the Laguz, he no doubt heard something she could not.

Suddenly the heavy door swung open with a ragged creaking into the hollowed hallway. Hinges groaned as they carried the burdensome weight over the ivory floor. Behind the moaning door came the steady and slow footsteps of the mercenaries and princess. Titania, Soren, Princess Elincia, Ike and Ikyna exited the throne room with even flat expressions. Each looking lost in swarms of thoughts.

Yakuzo cautiously approached the drained looking group of people. He focused on Ikyna who appeared much less lively than usual. "How did the meeting go?" he inquired.

The twins exchanged glances then made identical gestures by shrugging their shoulders. "Not that good." Ikyna said with a fatigued sigh as she wiped bleary sapphire eyes.

"Why? What happened?"

"The apostle doesn't believe that Elincia is the real princess of Crimea." Ike responded.

Yakuzo shook his head in disbelief, a few unclear words toppled from his lips between incredulous stuttering. "That's ridiculous. What do you mean she doesn't believe her?"

Titania answered, a scowl sitting under blood red locks, "Although we know who the princess is, the Apostle is skeptical about the princess's real identity. The Apostle refuses to offer any assistance until she can come to an accurate conclusion."

"Then what are we supposed to do until then?" Yakuzo's teeth were clenched in anger, "We came all this way to get turned down by a child?"

"We haven't been turned down yet." Ikyna carefully began, not wanting to anger the Laguz, "It's more like we are stuck in a waiting period."

"And what do we do until then?" Yakuzo impatiently snapped.

"It's very simple." Soren began, "The princess will be the Begnion lapdog, attending parties where she will be mocked and looked down upon by a league of overly compensated useless senators. And we will be the apostle's errand boys jumping at the sound of her prepubescent voice to finish a frivolous and meaningless task."

"What does that mean?"

"It means," Elincia began, slowly easing herself into the conversation, her hands fisted nervously together, "that I will be accompanying the Apostle and her senators to try and convince them of my birth."

"The problem is that Begnion considers the kingdom of Crimea as nothing more than a pebble sitting beneath its imperialistic shoe, you can imagine how little they think of the unclaimed orphaned child of its kingdom." Soren interrupted with little attempt at tact.

"Soren." Ike hissed, a dangerously warning tone weaving in his speech.

Elincia placed a pale hand on the commanders shoulder and shook her head gently, emerald locks danced over her soft expression. "Soren speaks the truth." She flashed the mercenaries an apologetic look, "Begnion doesn't really acknowledge the kingship of Crimea yet, and it will be a while before the Apostle can accept me."

The princess paused as she pulled her cherry bottom lip into her mouth, "I suppose I'm going to be making your jobs very difficult now that you're here." She hastily bowed her head. "I beg that you please assist me a little longer."

"There is no need for you to lower your head to us." Titania said in her nurturing yet firm voice, "We fight because Crimea is our homeland, and also because we believe in you. We will not leave until the task is complete."

Elincia lifted her head and let a smile slowly overtake her worried face, "Thank you." She looked at all the mercenaries before her, "Thank you all so much." She repeated with tears glistening at the corners of her eyes.

"Come on now none of that." Ikyna used her thumb to dry the princess's wet face, "Don't let those nasty senators see you crying. You've got to be strong, okay?"

With a decisive nod the princess let out a giggle laced with swallowed tears, "Yes, I can do that."

Ike held his gaze on the princess and his twin but slowly let it lapse to a silent mercenary who was pulling her lips in nervously and burning holes into the floor with her eyes as she ground her heel against the tile.

Aeyori looked tired, her hair was a messy wave, her cloths were smudged and wrinkled, probably from waking up only a few minutes earlier, and purpled bruises were decorating her ivory skin. He let his glance stay on her thin rail like form until she raised her head. Theirs eyes met for only a moment and the hours of weariness and time apart set in.

Ike let out a jagged sigh, drawing the full attention of the motionless mage before him. "Aeyori." He called in a strained voice mixed with exhaustion and his growing desire for those scarlet eyes to stay locked on him and for that creamy alabaster face to be under his eager fingertips.

The remaining group of mercenaries kept their own lively conversations going on, laughing and doing their best to comfort the shaken noble, but Ike and Aeyori didn't notice them. Both hardly realized their breaths were held until they were standing in front of each other and Ike lightly grabbed Aeyori's index finger. The simple touch sent their captured breaths racing out in heavy gasps that were only covered by a loud intruding voice.

"Aeyori! My fairest Aeyori!"

The small mage ripped her eyes from her commander, reluctantly, and then disappointedly when she saw clanking blue armor trudging towards her. Gatrie still wore that wide cheek stretching smile of his as his cumbersome uniform polluted the hallway with a bothersome racket.

He was panting when he finally managed to noisily clank his way over the tile to the group. All before him gaped at his disruptive entrance, especially Titania, who was scowling at his uncouth appearance, from his ragged breathing to his sweating brow.

Ikyna glared at the knight, though completely unnoticed. She was aware that her brother allowed the skirt chasing scoundrel back onto the crew, but it didn't mean that she liked the idea. She turned to her brother with every attempt at showing her displeasure in the old yet new recruit but when she did he wasn't looking at Gatrie. His eyes were on no one but mage he held onto by just her finger. Ike mouthed something to Aeyori, Ikyna couldn't make it out, but the mages attention was drawn right back to the dark haired lad. Her lashes fluttered down and the faintest hint of pink hit her cheeks.

It was eerie to watch, to figures locked onto each with no mind to an entire world around them. "Bro?" Ikyna asked with a faltering voice. He didn't turn, no he kept that intense gaze on Aeyori as he spoke, "I need to talk to Aeyori alone."

Ikyna didn't have time to respond before Ike grabbed Aeyori and pulled her down with not even a glance back. Gatrie called after him in confusement, "Aeyori! Are you alright?"

Ike didn't hesitate, he didn't want to be stopped, he had things to discuss with this girl and he couldn't wait any longer. He'd been thrashed by ravens and soldiers, tossed around by an unforgiving ocean, and scolded by a child empress who didn't even reach his chest, all the while his mind was more than a little preoccupied with the ruby eyed mage in his grasp that he would not let go.

He dragged her, not intending to be rough with her, down the ornate hallways lined portraits of previous apostles, across the tile busy with the sound of their hurried steps. Gatrie was still calling until Ikyna spoke over him, that classic scheming voice of hers, "Hey Gatrie good to see you again." Her tone was a faked friendly. "It's been a while, have you abandoned any long time employers recently?"

And that was all Ike heard of the beginning of the unstoppable tongue lashing Gatrie was soon to receive. He and his mage turned a corner and all voices faded to nothing and were lost beneath the mixture of his breathing and hers.

He found her room, far too elegantly decorated for his taste, but they were alone at last. It was awkward, tangibly, unpleasantly, uncomfortable. A thickly choking air of unspoken words circled them. Ike didn't know what to say or how to approach Aeyori. His mouth dried at he watched her lips that he'd kissed earlier today and felt a sweat break out down his back. How could he explain his actions?

Aeyori was stuck in a similarly distressing war with herself. There was no way to apologize for the trouble she caused, she wasn't even completely sure all that had happened. The commander's face was unreadable as ever, she didn't know if he was upset or happy with her.

A thick wad of spit coiled in her throat and she swallowed it with difficulty as she cleared her throat. She bit her lip harshly, new blood trickling into her mouth, before she spoke, "I'm so sorry commander."

Her speech was annoyingly formal to Ike, he didn't want an apology from her. But she continued, "My behavior today was unacceptable. I put you and myself in a lot of danger." Aeyori wasn't looking at him but at the extravagant woven rub beneath her feet, and struggling to speak through her embarrassment. "I lost my head and you risked your life to help me."

Ike took in a sharp breath, anxious for the kiss to come up in conversation as Aeyori continued, "I was useless, all I saw was the lightning and then it fades to black mostly." Her words tumbled out in dribbling whispers at the end of her sentence.

Ike inched closer, frowning at her silence, confused that there was nothing more for her to say. She hadn't mentioned the kiss. "That's all you remember?" Ike prodded incredulously.

Aeyori nodded ashen and ashamed. "But, but-" Ike shook his head, how could she not remember? "You don't remember anything between the lightning and fainting?"

The mage lifted her face, noting the queer tone in Ike's voice. "No I don't," Aeyori paused and thought as she felt a hazy memory twirling in her mind. She couldn't be sure what it was, the unclear image of her commander calling her name, the clash of iron all around, and then she was positive that her vision went dark at that point. Aeyori brought her finger gingerly to her lower lip and traced it as she recalled the smallest warmth across them. With a confused frown she tried to will her mind to recall the cause of the fluttering heat that licked her lips.

Ike was watching her earnestly, mouth partly open and dilated eyes. Aeyori let her finger drop and shook her head to erase the feeling, "No I'm sorry I don't remember anything else. Should I?"

The cerulean haired lad hesitated before answering. He was both relieved and disappointed that she didn't remember the kiss. "No, I suppose not." Was his subtly sullen reply.

"Listen." Ike started abruptly while fixing a determined gaze on Aeyori. She responded with equal focus, locked onto his lips forming deliberate words. "I don't mind what happened today. I was able to calm you and it worked out fine." He paused, "this time at least."

Aeyori cringed, she knew that her episode on the boat could have gotten both of them killed. It was by shear blessing of the Goddess that they weren't slain by a Daein soldier. "That's why I'm going to ask you to do something you won't want to." Aeyori felt herself tense in anticipation.

Ike sighed as he debated whether he would actually tell her or not. He cleared his throat, " I know I said you didn't have to tell me anything until you're ready, but I need you to tell me why you're afraid of the lightning."

Aeyori's face blanched and her eyes widened at the request. She hadn't expected that and all of the sudden a rush of memories stormed her mind like stampeding cattle. It was unbearable, like her head was going to explode with all the things she tried to forget. But how could she, those memories, that day, those nights, were carved into her skin.

She grabbed her arms in panic as she felt her skin crawl with those dark memories and Ike watched, paling by the second, while Aeyori seemed to fade away before him. She was going back to the same place she was in on the ship. "Aeyori!" he called harshly as he closed the gap between them and grabbed her arm, desperately trying to anchor her to the world with him.

Aeyori shot him a startled look, her irises teetering in her face. "I'm sorry." She said while slowly calming herself down. "I just-"

"See that's what I mean." Ike said, letting a hint of exasperation slip into his voice, "I just mention the word and I lose you. Where do you go?"

Aeyori turned away and stared at a large painting of a rich and luscious forest on the wall. It was so lushly colored it was almost as if the moss and large oaks would crawl out and start growing in the room. Her eyes clouded as she thought of Ike's question. Where did she go? Somewhere lonely and damp and quiet.

A chill scurried from her feet to her ears, "Somewhere I don't want to be." She spoke in a monotone, an impassive expression clothing her face.

Ike let his hand travel down Aeyori's arm to grasp her hand. He let his thumb gingerly graze over her knuckles and then smiled the softest smile at her, "Tell me where it is." He whispered in a silky breathy voice, "and I promise I'll never let you go there again."

Aeyori eyed him warily, lips quivering with held in tears. "I won't." Ike said encouragingly, noticing the disbelieving expression Aeyori wore.

"I can't." she choked out in a hushed voice.

"You have to." Ike pushed, "I want to look after you. But I can't keep you safe if I don't know what I'm protecting you from."

Aeyori was silent for a while. She weighed the options, the consequences, for herself and for Ike. She watched Ike's thumb still grazing tenderly over her hands and she followed the ridge of his knuckles past his thin wrists and up to his battle hardened arms. Aeyori frowned when she saw four jagged scabbed lines racing down his forearm.

Slowly she traced the lines gently with her index finger and scowled, "Did I…" she trailed off as another piece of her gray memories lodged itself into place. She remembered clawing him in her panic and let out a mournful sigh.

Ike shook his head, annoyed that he hadn't had the time to see Rhys before talking to Aeyori. "It's fine." He said dismissively. "You won't distract me. You're going to tell me what happened to you. I won't leave until I get my answers."

Aeyori looked up into his captivating sapphires and felt her anxiety embolden her. "What if I want you to stay even after I've told you?" It was a whisper but her voice was firm.

Ike inhaled sharply then swallowed as he tried to steady his heart as it pounded like stampeding hoof beats. "Aeyori." He said with strain as he let his hand rise to her cheek and cup the silky pearl skin. She responded by parting her lips and bending her head into his palm.

Aeyori let out a breathy sigh, moist and laced with need and fear and Ike could barely stand to watch her. All he wanted was to pull her face into his and crash his lips onto hers so hard that she would never forget the taste of his mouth again.

He drew a breath through his nose and prayed to the goddess for self-control. "Okay, I can do that." He managed to get out while trying to hide his unraveling nerves. Aeyori looked surprised, she couldn't believe, and neither could Ike, that he had agreed.

Then she hesitated, apprehension evident on her face. But she conceded to Ike, "Fine. But I should explain that the fear isn't really of lightning, I'm afraid of the tome." She admitted and then stopped, searching Ike's face for a sign to tell her to stop or continue.

Ike nodded then pulled her closer as one hand began to glide down her hair soothingly, "Continue." He encouraged. He watched her face pale as she took a deep breath and delved into the storehouse of her nightmares. She hoped he'd stop her before she told too much, because she didn't think either of them were ready to peer into those dark depths, but she pushed the thought aside and gripped his hand as she began to tell her story.

)(

General Tonga sat under the shade of an aged stone tower seeking refuge from the blistering sun that beat down on the grounds of the Laguz king gathering. He gave his paws a thorough licking, he'd decided to remain half-shifted, and removed a bothersome pebble from his sensitive soft pads. His purple ears took in the important parts of the conversation while he kept his one good eye routinely scanning the area.

King Deghinsea had picked a rather interesting point to meet. It was the sight of the old Goldoan capital, from over 200 years ago, left on the far edge of the Crimean boundaries, kissing the sea that now held the present Phoenicis, Kilvas, and Goldoan lands.

It was dusty and open to a sun so hot it almost seemed vengeful. The ground below was cracked and parched, desperate for the needed attention of water. The former Goldoan castle stood high in the background like a proud old man. Stubborn and unyielding to the harsh elements, much like its former king.

The area was safe for the Laguz to gather however. No Beorc would venture over the harsh strip of land, unless they were foolish, and it was easy to reach by land and air, much to the Gallian's pleasure.

"Oh dear this is really just as boring as I thought." Tonga said as he arched his back into a lazy stretch.

"You shouldn't say things like that out loud General." Ranulf cautioned.

The tiger tilted his head with lopsided grin on it, "This is a discussion of old men. Why should I be here?"

Ranulf resisted the urge to remind his commander that he too was could have been considered an old man and said, "This is a counsel called by our king and organized by King Deghinsea. It's important for all the Laguz nations involved."

Tonga scowled, annoyed by Ranulf's uncharacteristically serious take on the situation. Ranulf wasn't being the quick witted playful cat he usually was, the nagging was starting to remind the General of a certain straight laced white tiger he knew.

"There's no point to it though." Tonga said with little energy, "The kings will never come to an agreement. The stand of each nation on Beorc is too different, how can we expect to come to an agreement in just one gathering."

"I suppose you brought this up to his majesty then?"

Tonga made a cat-like chuckle, "It isn't my place to oppose anything the King suggests. Besides he's terribly bigger than I am." He finished with a wry grin.

Ranulf sighed, shifted from his cat form and stretched his human arms and legs with a sore grunt. It was a long run from Gallia to the meeting area. "At least they are trying." He added softly.

The general agreed, "Indeed, but I think they only thing that will get our nations to work together is a great war." His words were a sad warning and Ranulf flinched at the ominous statement. The goddess should forbid a war so great that it would throw the nations at each other. Alliances aside, a war would be a very pricey start.

"I'm sure it will take something less drastic."

"We shall see." Tonga said as he lifted his head to watch the kings slowly separating from the meeting. There was no awkward lingering between the powerful Laguz, they all withdrew to the perspective places. Tibarn with Reyson at his side, Deghinsea and Kurthnaga, Naesala, and Caineghis, all stood apart with a mixture of respect but also the deep rift of disagreement. Tonga could tell little was resolved or changed.

The sly faced King of Kilvas began to slink his way toward Tonga, his black attire further slimmed his trim body. Dark hair pulled in a loose ponytail rustled against a hot wind that ran over the dessert. Tonga shifted and inclined his head respectfully to the Raven king. Naesala returned the gesture though with forced politeness.

"I wasn't expecting to see you here Tonga. What happened to your king's shadow?" the words lacked any real concern and the Gallian General sensed it.

"Yes he's looking after our territory, he does a much better job at that than I do." Tonga paused and casually put his hands behind his back, "The feeling is mutual though, I didn't know you were in line to be king." the question was littered with implications and accusations.

Naesala's ebony eyes arched in amusement, he always appreciated that intuitive purple tiger, "Yes, I was just as surprised as you."

"In either case, congratulations on your ascension to the throne. It's nice to have new blood at these gatherings." Tonga's words were filled with sweet venom. He was neither happy to see the sly bird nor did he miss that Naesala's response was meant as a joke.

Tonga slanted his eye suspiciously, the land of Kilvas was as dark at its occupant's wings. He knew the former king of ravens and every successor to the throne, it was necessary to be very aware of all the Laguz kingdoms for his majesty, and Naesala was a long way down the list. Tonga pushed the gnawing suspicions aside. The tiger didn't want to spend his already ruined afternoon fretting over another lands kingship. Naesala wasn't causing trouble for anyone, yet.

"Yes, all those old kings need some new ideas." Naesala said with an evident attempt to goad Tonga.

Tonga didn't want to bite, to play the childish game the raven was starting, but he did. "What do you mean by that? You don't like old men?"

Naesala held his hands behind his back and began circling Tonga like a typical bird of prey. His eyes flicked over the tigers body and his thin lips lifted, "They seem so set on their ways that they can't adapt to the changes of the times."

"By 'old ways' do you mean that Tibarn and Deghinsea refuse to have dealings with the Beorc unlike yourself?"

The raven king continued to circle but allowed himself to show an instant of amusement. The cat was right on but he didn't answer Tonga, just nodded with a secretive smile.

"But what about my king? The king of Gallia supports alliances with Beorc." Tonga did not like stepping deeper into the conversation.

Naesala stopped his predatory circling, "Your king misuses the Beorc. He wants them as his friends I just use them to expand my country. Beorc are as disposable as insects, they are only good for the money." He said with an indifferent shrug.

"My king sides with the Beorc because the former king of Crimea was his friend." Tonga dipped his head, feeling that looking away from the raven would calm his growing anger. Naesala was playing again, trying to irk him by mocking the Gallian king. It was working, Tonga was starting to feel abnormally short of temper. "I'm sure that alliance will last much longer than yours that is built on greed and lies."

There was evident bite in the tiger's words but Naesala was not fazed. "It will only last as long as the Crimean army lives." He crossed his arms with a wicked grin, "I don't think that will be much longer so your king won't need to worry about that little alliance much longer."

Tonga swallowed deeply, letting his anger seethe below his skin. "Be careful Naesala, that sharp tongue of yours can get you into a lot of trouble, but I'm less certain if it can get you out of it."

"So can trying to make friends with everyone you meet. I believe misplaced trust is what lost you your eye; if I've heard the story correct."

Tonga ignored the comment, he had no idea where Naesala had heard any stories but he would not be nettled into losing his temper. With a voice as smooth as the steady ocean he began, "Indeed I lost this eye due to my naivety but I've since learned from my mistakes and keep my one good eye watching exactly what and who I need to." His unpatched violet eye looked pointedly at Naesala.

The Raven king smiled and nodded at Tonga. He then turned and walked away, leaving Ranulf and Tonga behind.

"He's certainly pleasant to talk to." Ranulf said while rolling his eyes.

"Yes, we should keep an eye on him."

Ranulf snickered, "I'm not sure you have much of a choice but to keep an 'eye' on him."

The humor in Ranulf's voice was unmistakable. Tonga turned his head slowly and watched his subordinate's amusement between Ranulf's tightened lips as he tried to stifle his laughter. The tiger was quiet for a moment before saying, "You're very witty." His face was dead pan but there was a twinkle of laughter in his eye.

"Thank you sir." Ranulf managed to snort out through his unsuccessfully bridled chuckling.

"You're welcome."

The Gallian warrior's banter was disrupted by the beating of wings. The wind caught a few feathers that spun like dancers in the air as Reyson landed. His genetically soft heron features were bent into a scowl as his peridot irises darted back and forth.

"Good afternoon prince Reyson." Tonga addressed with a bow much more sincere than his previous one with Naesala. He didn't have to fake respect with the heron prince, Tonga sincerely like Reyson.

"Good afternoon Tonga." The prince responded, clearly distracted. "Have you seen Naesala?"

"Yes indeed, we've just had a rather interesting conversation with him."

"Yeah, interesting, that's one word." Ranulf added with his mouth curling in minute disgust.

"But he left just before you got here."

Reyson looked further annoyed by the news and he ran his slim fingers through his golden tendrils with a sigh.

Both Gallians noticed the princes aggravated mood, he was still scanning the dessert with an impatient frown. He was desperately searching for Naesala and it was obviously not going to be a pleasant talk. Even less enjoyable than Tonga's talk with the raven king. Tonga decided to change the subject, "How is your father doing these days?"

"He's still bedridden like he was twenty years ago."

Tonga dropped his gaze, feeling that asking that question was both hurtful to the prince and not the best choice of a new conversation. "It's a shame he isn't as strong as you

White prince."

Reyson's eyes flickered, a hint of fury sitting behind his delicate features. "His sickness has nothing to do with lack of strength nor does my health show a sign of strength." He said curtly.

"I'm no stronger than any of my fallen brethren and my father is not weak simply because the death nearly his entire race has left him in the bed of his hawk brothers."

The cats exchanged looks, both feeling scolded by the prince's cold words. Tonga gave a short apologetic bow, "Forgive me."

Reyson groaned knowing that he had been harsh. He was desperately trying to work on holding his tongue more often but his temper had feet faster than cat and was always running away with him. "No, I'm sorry. My anger gets the best of me at times."

Tonga was relieved to hear the prince's temper was easily calmed and that their conversation wouldn't take the plummet it almost did, "Even I have personality quirks I'm not proud of, but I try to balance them out."

The prince's face fell and his eyes clouded, "But my anger is all I have." He admitted painfully.

Anger was a strong and contrary emotion for a member of the herons to have. The prince had strayed a long way from the original personality of his brethren. Tonga shook his head, pitying the conflicted prince, "If it's all you have then you'll need to find something new." Tonga tapped his chin, "Perhaps you should get a hobby. Like myself, I enjoy napping."

Ranulf chortled at his commander, "And torturing your trainees." He added.

Reyson frowned at the tiger general. He certainly did not condone the Gallian king having a tiger general who tortured other Laguz recruits. "Why would you do that?"

Tonga smiled ambiguously, "Don't misunderstand white prince. Ranulf says torture I say a creative and motivational kind of teaching."

The prince looked at the tiger's playful orchid eyes skeptically. He'd heard tales of the demon general from Gallia sending new recruits on laborious missions and assigning tasks more tedious and insufferable than imaginable. Reyson didn't believe the stories though, but the tiger's response was leading him to rethink his doubt.

"That's rather poetic general, considering you assigned poor Yakuzo to travel with Beorc even though you knew he hated them."

Tonga shrugged indifferently, "I'm doing him a favor. He could use the exposure to those unlike himself."

Reyson gaped at Tonga then stammered unintelligibly, "How could you force one of your men, who obviously has sense, to escort humans."

"The Beorc," Tonga noticeably corrected the prince, "who Yakuzo is traveling with will help him grow. He needs to get over the prejudice he's holding onto for no reason."

"No reason!" Reyson exclaimed, "Have you forgotten the atrocities the humans have committed?" Reyson knew the word human bothered Tonga so he put extra emphasis on it.

Tonga frowned as he saw the ivory bird's mood rapidly decline.

"Let alone what the monsters have done to my people, they also enslaved the beast Laguz. Would you have your men forgive them for that although they have every right to be angered?" Reyson was thoroughly worked up, his face was growing red in frustration.

"Yes I would." Tonga replied with little emotion. His statement was said as fact and he made no move to change his mind despite the withering glare the prince had.

"What has happened in the past is atrocious, but I did not send Yakuzo with a pack of blood thirsty murderous Beorc."

"There are no other kind!" Reyson hissed as he threw his hands up and began a rage induced pace.

Tonga was still calm, annoyingly calm as far as the prince was concerned. That single eye was carefully watching the prince walking a canyon into the desert. "There are." Was his soft reply that was filled with finality.

"I've sent Yakuzo to look after a particular Beorc girl I'm rather fond of. She's the complete opposite of him. Humble, simple minded, and a little naïve. He'll learn a lot from accompanying her and hopefully learn to get along with those of other species like she has."

Reyson shook his head in disbelief, "I've heard that you were quite the cunning general in war times Tonga. Time must have dulled your senses if a human girl has managed to fool you. No human will ever think of the Laguz as anything more than disposable animals." He snarled.

"Is that why you insist on having King Tibarn carry out your revenge?"

"Yes." Reyson's voice was a teeth clinched hiss.

Tonga shook his head, there was no reason to further the argument. He was only angering Reyson more. "Someday, if you have the pleasure of meeting her, you'll understand."

"It's fortunate that I'll never meet her then. The day I start to understand those vile creatures is the day I give up my pride as a Laguz and the love of my people." With that he turned sharply from the Gallians, infuriated that Tonga would suggest he learn to understand a human.

His blood boiled as he stomped away barely clinging to the task he started before his talk with the tiger. Somewhere in his rage he recalled searching for Naesala. That thought didn't calm him. He had much to say and none of it was kind. However, Reyson would prefer to speak with the disrespectful raven over the 'understanding' human any day.

0_0 too long my head hurts.

PG