Fire Emblem: Realm of Darkness

Oh its been so long! Please excuse my absence from this story. I have just been putting much my time writing BSCT and trying to stay warm in this blasted Alaskan winter that has made our furnace stop working. Hence, I've been kept on my toes. I have recently gotten my copy of Path of Radiance back, so I can now have some material and facts to work with to continue this story. I'm so sorry for the long, long wait. I'm aware in my first few chapters that I was jumping back and forth in their Classes. I'll try and lessen that problem. Please add me to your Author Alert for further updates on this story. I have re edited the first two chapters, just to let you know.

Like all authors of I am a sad disclaimer to the Fire Emblem series, especially Path of Radiance. I do not own the games or anything made by anyone other then myself. Bon appetite! Heeheehee!

Chapter 3

Ike reached up again to touch his now dark, black hair. Whoever thought of a black haired man with blue eyes? It was ludicrous! Still against his better judgment, he had agreed to leave Soren in charge of arranging their disguises. From his experience with Bishop Sephiran, Soren knew a few things about disguising one's appearance. Still, why did his hair have to black?

Noticing his friend's sour expression as he fiddled with his hair, the sage shook his head. "If you're so bothered by it Ike, we can turn around and have your hair dyed again."

"Nah," said the mercenary leader as he lowered his muscled arm, "I'll adjust. It's just I have never had my hair dyed before."

Mist giggled behind her hand. "I think Soren isn't the only one who is getting in touch with his feminine side. Don't tell me Ike, you feel your black hair clashes with your gorgeous, deep eyes? What next, your hose will be to tight?"

Ike rolled his eyes at his sister's voice. "Hush up, Mist."

A loud sniff was his answer. Mist herself was dressed differently. Her hair was curled into bouncy ringlets that danced about shoulders each time her horse walked. Draped in a elegant dress of light blue and white trim that gathered about her ankles, his younger sister looked like a young noble's daughter. Their parents weren't exactly nobles but were from wealthy lineages none the less. Ike frowned on nobles. He just would never get used to easy lifestyle when he was so used to the wilderness of Crimea.

As they continued to ride through the crowded streets of Mainal, Mist took in the festivities that were taking place around them. She felt guilty leaving Syris in the forest outside of Mainal, but she was still nervous about her re-entering the city. Assuring her that they would return with good news, Mist advised the young laguz to stay out of sight for now.

Mainal itself was bursting with activity. Crowded bazaars were filled with exotic items, market stalls full of food and plants. She itched to ask her brother to let her look around, but the need to see their past friends was stronger. Titania, Oscar, Boyd, Rolf, Rhys, Shinnon, Gatrie, all of the original members of the Greil Mercenaries. From the few letters she received from Titania, she and Oscar were the new leaders of the mercenary group. Constantly training and drilling new mercenaries while Boyd recruited them. Boyd; she wondered how he was doing now. The warrior was a strong fighter in the war of Tellius some years ago, swinging his ax down on his enemies with such awesome strength. Only Ike was the better.

She could probably best Boyd too. Her brother helped her sharpen her skills with the sword as well; teaching her father's style that always made her proud whenever she used it. Reaching over to the slim sword at her side, she smiled gleefully. She would definitely teach that loud mouthed, ego maniac a lesson if he rubbed her the wrong way though.

"Mist?" said Soren as he reached over to tap the young Valkyrie's arm. "We're here."

Blinking her sky blue eyes, Mist looked up at the large church like structure that was Mainal Catherdral. It was so big. Slim pointed towers reached for the sky, arches supported glass windows as the Begnion flag was hung above the main entrance. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm her nerves. Its been so long, and the cathedral still made her feel small and insignificant.

"Milords, milady," said an elegantly dressed servant as he walked towards the newcomers. "Please state your business."

Ike dismounted and faced the servant. "We're invitees of Apostle Sanaki. My name is Eki, this is my friend Soren and my sister Mist. I have traveled far to attend this event, and would rather not be delayed."

The servant paused for a moment, thinking over his options. Soren stepped forward with a glare. "Do you doubt my friend's words? Eki, we should report this accursed disrespect to the Apostle. I'm sure she would be very displeased."

Flinching back slightly with large eyes, the servant fumbled nervously with his robes. "Certainly not! Please excuse me, my lords. If you would follow me."

Catching his sister's eye, she moved to his side then followed the servant first. Soren matched her pace behind her then Ike followed last. Dressed in dark blue satin shirt and black pants covered with a deep green cloak, Ike stepped through the entrance of Mainal Catherdral once more. It seemed just yesterday that he was on these very carpet covered floors, surrounded by large colored windows and intricate drapes. Memories began to surface in his mind, along with the pain for laguz and anger at snobbish nobles. Still he had to remind himself that not all nobles were the same. Elincia, Sephiran and the Apostle were proof of that.

Without much thought, he continued to follow Soren. It was as if his feet had a mind of their own, the Apostle's meeting room was so familiar to him. After a couple turns here and there, they entered a large room that was covered in red and gold. The Begnion flag was draped above a small throne where the Apostle herself sat, surrounded by her advisers and priests. Among the old faces, he recognized Earl Sephiran. The Apostle's most trusted adviser. In the center of the large room, a mass of people were mingling amongst themselves, sipping wine and nibbling on cakes. As the servant led them forward to the Apostle's throne, he announced their names and they each bowed in turn.

"Lady Mist, it has been a while." Said Apostle Sanaki as she stood up from her throne. The grand symbol of Begnion stepped slowly down from the dais. Dressed in orange and red robes that accented her purple hair and dark amber eyes, Sanaki stood before them with a small smile.

"It has, Apostle. I thank you for inviting us." Mist replied as she bowed to the noble. "Um...that is..."

"Yes?" Sanaki murmured, gaze expectant."What is it, Mist?"

"I was told there that the Greil Mercenaries would be here. Is that true?"

Looking behind her, Sanaki sighed. "Why don't you ask them yourself?"

"Mist! Mist! Soren!"

The young girl whirled around only to be enveloped in pale arms garbed in deep red and white. Titania wept as she pressed the younger girl closer to her chest. Pulling away, the red haired paladin wiped away a tear with one finger, her eyes tender. "Oh Mist, I'm so glad to see you. You've grown so beautiful!"

Mist held her cheeks as tears streamed over her fingers. Titania had not changed much, but was dressed in something other then her Crimean armor. A long red dress draped over her great figure with a thick trim of white at the bottom. If Mist didn't know any better, the paladin could of been wearing her armor in dress form.

Suddenly as if out of nowhere, Oscar popped up. The young paladin mercenary was covered in green. His long overcoat was green, his pants were dark green but his boots were brown. Bowing to a hiccuping Mist, he gave her a sweet smile.

"Mist. You look well, and I see you have been eating nicely. Is that muscle I see on your arms?"

Chuckling, she walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his strong neck.

"Oh Oscar!" she gushed as he returned her hug. "Where are Rolf and Boyd? I was looking forward to seeing them!"

Letting go, Oscar laced his hands behind his back. "Rolf is traveling with Shinon, and Boyd is around here somewhere. I think he was the at the buffet table last I saw him. I'm sure he wouldn't recognize you, though."

Smiling, Titania turned to the silent sage of the group. "Soren! You haven't changed much."

"Was I suppose to?" he grumbled, stuffing his hands in his large sleeves.

"I guess not. Whose your friend? Eki was it? What about Ike? Where is he?" she asked the black haired man at Soren's elbow.

Ike turned to Titania with his head bowed, but was smiling. It was good to see the others again, and debated if this disguise was really necessary. He felt complete now that he was with his old family. Guilt plagued at his chest as he remembered the reason they were separated so long. He had taken his sister and best friend, and left. Inside, he was afraid they might be mad at him. For being selfish and unreasonable. Not to mention drunk...

"Eki? Are you alright?" asked Titania, her red hair tumbling over her shoulders. Ike bit his lip to keep from laughing. Surely she of all people could of recognized him by now. Pressing his chin into his chest, he nodded his head as his shoulders began to shake. It was becoming very hard to keep his laughs in.

"He's fine." murmured Soren as he stepped past them. Bowing to Sanaki, he pulled out a limp cloth from one of his sleeves and offered it to her.

"What is this?" she asked, accepting the cloth. Opening it to see the circular design inside, she narrowed her eyes.

"Its a noble's seal. One I hope you recognize. We found a young beaten laguz slave outside the city on our way here, who had that seal branded into the tops of her hands. Do you recognize it, Apostle?"

She clenched the cloth in her first. "How dare he!" she growled in simmering anger.

Soren took that as a yes. Stepping back from her, he glanced behind her to lock eyes with Sephiran, whom was standing dutifully behind the Apostle the whole time. Leaning down to her ear, he murmured something. Sanaki frowned for a moment, then nodded slightly. Bowing to her, he moved past her, then past Soren. The young looking sage followed after him, and both magic users were lost to the crowd.

"Wonder what that was about." said Titania aloud. Mist shrugged and tugged the red haired women towards one of the large tables littered with food. They reached the table and Mist began filling a plate with food. She was just about done when a large muscled arm reached over her shoulder.

"Excuse me, cutey. Hungry man here." murmured a deep voice by her ear. Yelping, she turned around and lashed her hand out. How dare some snobby, egotistical, wrinkled old man call her a-

"Hey, watch it!" yelled the person whose hand swallowed up her small one. Blinking, she looked up to find the tall man's face only to gape. There in front of her-was Boyd. His spiky green hair was a darker shade now. A couple large scars were visible on his muscular arms. Dressed in a tight fitting grey tunic, black pants and black fur wrapped around his waist like a belt, Boyd raised one green eyebrow at her.

"You got somethin' to say, hun?" That made her nerve ends simmer. Tugging her hand away, she opened her mouth to give him a sound thrashing when Titania laid a hand on the young woman's shoulder. Patting his strong bicep, she faced Mist.

"Oscar was right. He didn't recognize you in the least, Mist."

Boyd seemed to stiffen at the young woman in front of him. This beautiful young thing...was Mist?! The little scrawny girl who was a master with staves and Goddess, she was breathtaking! Her eyes were more mature, her hair luscious, her lips... Oh Goddess if Ike knew he was admiring his sister this way, he'd be minced into pieces! Looking around quickly, he noted the signature blue hair no where in sight. Stepping back as if he was burned, he jumped away from the two women. One look amused; the other miffed.

"Uh sorry...I uh...I'll just...um...be...over here!" he yelled over his shoulder as he ran off into some crowded portion of the room. All along the way he was scolded about the social etiquette of running.

Cheeks burning, she hid her face into her hands. Gently holding the young girl's shoulders, Titania laughed heartily.

"Oh Mist..."

Meanwhile, Ike was looking about the crowd for Soren. Surely they would of taken care of the slaver by now. He wanted nothing more then to smack the bastard around himself but his sage comrade was rather scary when interrogating someone. As he gazed down at the glass full of wine in his hand, someone tapped on his shoulder.

"Haven't you learned by now that you shouldn't drink, Commander?" said Oscar as he joined the young man whom was leaning against the drapes of the room, shadowed from view. Ike smirked, turning to the older mercenary.

"I'm not a commander anymore. How long have you known, Oscar?"

Shrugging, the paladin crossed his arms. "Your eyes were a big giveaway, not to mention you gave a pseudonym which was your real name spelled backwards. What made you decide to dye your hair?"

"Didn't want to be recognized and Soren provided the dye. How has the mercenary group been faring recently?"

The green paladin began going into intricate details of over the past years, Ike noticed his sister at the far end of the room. She was filling a plate full of food when he noticed the last person he wanted around her. Boyd. Sure, Boyd was one of his good comrades, but even after all this time, he was still a rather lazy jerk.

Now he wondered if he was flirting with his little sister, the two were so close. His baby sister! Clenching his glass on the brink of breaking it, he narrowed his eyes into slits at Boyd's back. Suddenly he watched her lash out at his face, but she wasn't fast enough. The warrior caught her slim hand with ease and looked down at her confused. Titania said something that made both younger adults gape at each other, then Boyd seemed to get freaked out and run off. Smirking with amusement at Boyd's clumsy departure, Ike loosened his grip on his drink. 'It seems he is different than before.'

Turning to Oscar, he gave a smile then sipped his wine once more. "I know I'm asking a lot Oscar, but have you heard from any of the others?"

"Well, more from Rolf than most. Why? Do you...regret your decision?"

Glaring down at his drink once again, Ike frowned. "I guess I was being selfish, but because of recently, yes. I miss commanding the company, training and being surrounded by family. Still, being alone makes you think about things. I think I needed that."

"But for so long, Ike? Five years?"

Before he could answer, trumpets sounded. Everyone turned towards the entrance where two figures appeared, arm in arm. The taller of the two was a dark haired man with red eyes and royal clothes of black, gold and blue. He had a soft smile on his lips as he surveyed the audience before him. He would of looked human had his ears not been pointed. Ike recognized him immediately. It was the Dragon Prince, Prince Kurthnaga of the Goldoa And on his arm was the very person he thought he would never see for another...who knows how long. Queen Elincia.

Her soft gaze was radiant as she stood by Kurthnaga's side. Dressed in a royal dress of white and gold, Elincia had her lusty green hair gathered in a bun at the back of her head, curly tendrils gracing her milky neck. She was more mature looking then he last saw her, all those years ago when she still new to ruling a kingdom. Naturally he was by her side, supporting her decisions and looking out for her welfare. Now beautiful, her golden gaze was soft and compassionate as she accepted the silent but respected stares she was given. There was a touch of rogue pride he saw in the jut of her chin, a unnoticeable trait he himself had taught her. A small habit she learned from traveling from rogue but honorable warriors of a low, mercenary company.

As the servant from before announced their arrival in a strong voice, the royal duo proceeded to walk into the room. Their entourage of trusted officials and advisers followed a good short distance behind. Vaguely, the young man could pick out few familiar faces in the trailing group behind them when his gaze was constantly dragged back to his Queen. He could see Taurenuo and Nasir, but that was it. The accomplished general and White Dragon made an odd sight, walking in sync by each other. Still, it made a good example of the healing relationship between beorc and laguz.

"Queen Elincia of Crimea, Prince Kurthnaga of Goldoa and entourage. You are humbly received."

"Thank you Apostle Sanaki, we are glad to be here." replied the lilting voice of Elincia as she curtsied and her handsome, laguz escort bowed.

Ike actually straightened from his slouching position on the wall if it meant getting a better view of her. Although it had been years, he would never forget her voice. She seemed happy. There was a light in her eyes that he was glad to notice. At least the years have been good to her. Oscar again prodded his side and he reluctantly faced his old friend.

"Ike, you should really talk to her."the green haired man murmured in a hushed tone. Ike nodded then handed his glass to him.

"I know. Hold on a moment." Oscar frowned at this as Ike walked towards the buffet tables. It wasn't hard to find his sister. The young Valkyrie was with the red haired paladin. She missed Titania the most and was probably catching up on old times. As he touched her elbow gently, she turned to him.

"Mist-"

"Don't go chicken on me, brother. You will meet with her first before I will." Narrowing his eyes down at her, he glared.

"Since when did you get so mouthy? I was just going to ask you about Boyd. I saw earlier and was going to ask if you were alright."

She paused for a moment then smiled. "I think we both scared each other. He is still a rogue though."

"Ike, we have a situation."

Soren had appeared at his side, but what got his attention was the urgency in his friend's voice. At once, his warrior senses came alert. What had happened to make the sage so worried? Ignoring Titania's perplexed expression, he tilted his head to show he was listening.

"We have to head back to the little one. Now." It was all he needed to hear. Nodding, he swept past his sister and Titania, giving the older woman a small sheepish smile. Immediately, she reacted. Reaching for him, she opened her mouth.

"Ike, get your sorry arse back here! You don't just come here, thinking to fool us then leave!"she yelled, throwing her social etiquette out the window. As if by reflex, he moved his arm out of the way so her hands grabbed air. It only added to her frustration as Mist tried to calm her down.

As both sage and swordsman swiftly dodged through the crowd towards the closest exit, he started to hear the buzz of the people around him at his name. Even now, his name was still known. He did after all make it possible to save Tellius from Ashnards deadly ambitions. Lord Ike, General Ike, Commander Ike, Princess Elincia's Loyal Mercenary; The Champion of Beorc and Laguz. All in a span of a year he had been given so many titles. Still he felt that Elincia was better suited for such fame. He didn't fight for recognition. Just to right the wrongs of so many twisted people by the great teachings of his father, Sir Gawain Greil.

Faintly he could feel eyes on him, but as he ran, he only paid attention to Elincia. In slow motion, she turned around towards his direction, as if she felt him. Her golden eyes searched the crowds until she spotted him. She seemed surprised, an unidentifiable glint in her eyes as she watched him run. Elincia. How he wanted to change his direction and talk with her, but a young laguz' life was on the line. If they didn't hurry soon, Syris' master would probably reach her. Acknowledging her with a nod, he twirled around on one foot and reached out his hand.

Already the whistle was headings towards him from above. Good of his sister to remember. This would alert the young Syris to seek them out, and also let her know something concerning their plan with her master had gone wrong. It was something they made sure to let her know before they left her out on her own. Catching the whistle before it smacked him in the temple, he spun back around without stopping from his run and placed it into his side pocket.

"Ike! Sephiran and I were close to cornering him but he eluded us. His name is Jonas Suvall. We doubled back and I caught the scent of a Laguzslayer. We must hurry."

"I know." As they neared the exit from the room, one new arrival were just entering. A young woman with deep blue purple hair dressed in a satin black mage's robe had paused right in the middle of the doorway. Not bothering with formal manners, Ike jumped up, flipped once in the air then landed behind her. Soren just pushed past, ignoring her cry of outrage.

Both bolted for the doors that led outside. Ike matched his pace as they shoved one door opened and he ripped the whistle from his pocket. Sucking in a large breath, he blew the whistle long and hard. It echoed in his ears but he didn't care. Her sensitive ears would pick it up. Bounding for his horse, blew the small tool again. Swinging up into the saddle, he held out one hand as he gripped the reins with the other. The sage was behind him instantly.

Guilty for tugging the dark horse about so abruptly, Ike smacked at her right flank and she surged forward with powerful force. Soren clung to friend's sides, nose in the air in case he picked up any scent. They would get there in time. Jonas would not harm the abused laguz, unless she decided to try and kill him first. It all depends on how long it would to track the bastard down.

'We will never leave her alone again. It was a mistake on our part. Our ease of Gallian cubs on their own, thinking their parents are not far away has put Syris in danger,' Soren thought as he closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against Ike's moving back, 'But never will this mistake be made again. I will make sure of it by guaranteeing she is safe and always will be.'

Mist sighed as she watched her men leave. People were rather shocked, and bothered by the young man's sudden departure. Hoping that no one would get the wrong impression, she pushed her way through to where Elincia and Sanaki were. The two were facing each other when she finally was able to peel herself from the pressing crowd.

"Elincia!" she greeted, smiling as the elegant queen faced her. At first she was shocked, then she opened her arms for a hug. Mist gave her a strong squeeze then looked over her shoulder to the Apostle.

"Don't worry about my brother, Your Grace. He went to go protect Syris, our laguz friend. Please excuse their abrupt exit."

"Well, I never!" exclaimed the Apostle as she sniffed indignantly. Elincia gently pulled away from the young woman to give a confused look.

"Mist, what is going on?"

Pulling at a bouncy curl, she gave an uneasy laugh. "Well you see, it's kind of long story..."

Tsuzuku!