FE: Realm of Chaos

Chapter 10

Again, I disclaim FE. If I did own it? There would be more cut scene movies and romance. Yay!

The town of Talrega looked completely different than the small village it had been before. Mist took in the rebuilt buildings, prospering farm land and lush greenery of the place that they had failed to defend without consequence during the war. They were dressed as mercenaries but flew no flag or emblem of what country they hailed from. It was a fail safe her brother made sure to enforce on everyone so another incident like Tor Bridge with Soren didn't occur again. No one but them knew where they were from and since traveling through Daein, that was all that mattered. Her brother's alias along with the Apostle's seal was enough authority to get them through most places with little question.

She and Tyna, who was leading his horse, were following close behind Oscar. The green haired solider was carrying two sacks of food, already full from their visit to Talrega's market. Now they were heading where they were told the blacksmith's was located. As they walked, the young mage was staring silently at the people they passed by.

Leaning towards her, Mist rested her hand gently on the woman's arm. "You said you were a Daein noble, Tyna. Would you please tell me more?"

Nodding, the mage adjusted her grip on the reins and turned towards the girl with a small smile. "I used to visit the Fizzarts with my mother every few summers when I was younger. I lived near Nevassa, the capital of Daein. My mother was one of the many envoys that scouted their assigned regions at the time. She would keep tabs on the the ruling lords and observe how well things were being run then report back to whomever at the capital, who would then reported it to whomever in the castle, etc."

"Wow, you're mother sounds like a real respectable lady; but to think you knew Jill when she was little! Was she as spunky as I remember?"

A sad look came across Tyna's face. "No, she was rather rude and had quite the temper. She would constantly say 'sub-human' along with all the other kids, and pretend they were capturing invisible creatures to bring back to their village. It was a game to her, but she did try hard to make her family proud."

The Valkyrie frowned at this reply. "So schools really did teach that about laguz? I had a hard time believing it when my brother told me."

"Yes, they did. I don't know how things have changed here since I've been in Crimea. I had nearly cut ties with my homeland since I started my arcane studies in Meliore six years ago."

Mist looked confused. "Now I think about it, you never really explained why you wanted to come home."

The mage opened her mouth to reply when she paused to look upwards. Mist followed her gaze and noticed she was staring towards large castle overlooking everything from the mountainside on which it was built.

"Did you want to visit, Tyna?" Mist asked, letting an elderly man walk in front of her so he may pass, "I don't think Oscar will mind in the least."

Giving a heavy sigh, she met the younger girl's eyes. "I have to. One of reasons I wanted to come along was because Jill will be holding a message for me from my mother. Since we arrived here, I have decided to travel to Nevassa."

"It seems Jill has done well for herself and her people," Soren murmured as he pulled the thick layers of his cloak tighter around him. His laguz companion was sitting up in his lap in her Beroc form, also using his cloak to keep warm as his horse walked forward. "She was right that this part of Daein is colder during the winter."

Titania pulled her hood lined with fur closer to her ears as she steered her mount with her legs. "Yes, quite right about that. It is almost inhuman how they can stand such temperatures."

The mercenary company were taking the longer road around the outskirts of Talrega's expanded village in order to reach the flood gates where the exit bridge was. From Tyna's intel, there was a steel walkway built along the floodgates for easier passage than having to travel around. From there, they would head up to the pass through the Miraj Mountains.

Before they crossed however, they must join up with Oscar and the others. Right on time, while walking along the road that led into town came Tyna, Mist and Oscar. Boyd's brother smiled pleasantly as he led his mount that was packed with large bags full of food and supplies towards them. He nodded to their commander who in turn nodded back then turned his horse towards the walkway for them to depart.

He didn't get to finish his whistle to the company when his sister nudged his arm. Ike turned towards her while lowering his two fingers from his lips. "Yes, sis?"

"Tyna has a request, brother. We can't leave until you hear it."

Frowning, the black haired man turned towards the mage who was trading places with his sister to stand before him. "What is it, Miss Tyna?"

"I am sure you were acquainted with Jill Fizzart during your past journey and are fully aware that this is her home-"

Boyd sighed and leaned over the neck of his horse to cut in. "You don't have to be so formal with the obvious, Tyna. You probably know Jill too, right? What do you want?"

Ignoring his interruption, Tyna squared her shoulders and kept her gaze on Commander Ike. "I would like to inform you that I will be departing from your company in order to receive a message from my mother. Knowing her as I do, she will no doubt ask I visit her in Nevassa. I will not deter you from your journey to accompany me so I ask you let me go by myself and catch up with you as fast as I can."

Narrowing his eyes, Soren crossed his arms as he glared past his best friend to his ward. "And what makes you think you're going alone?"

"But Master Soren-"

Cutting her off with a sharp flick of his fingers, the sage leaned closer to Ike.

"I'll go with her since she's my responsibility. Elincia entrusted us with her safety and had hinted that this would happen," he murmured as his friend's eyes flickered in thought as he considered his options, "you cannot miss getting through that pass. I'll improvise if we are too late."

Titania also moved her mount closer to them. "Shall we split the company, Commander?"

Ike closed his eyes as all attention was set on him. He had agreed to his remaining family that he would act as Commander of the Greil Mercenaries once more, but he just couldn't guarantee for how long. He still was not confident he wanted to be a leader.

"No, Titania. We will continue our trek towards the pass as planned," he replied and turned towards the young mage. "Miss Tyna, Soren will accompany you and you both will join us as soon as your visit is complete. Please do not rush at our expense but do not take a week to rejoin us. That is the only solution I will consider. Otherwise you will stay with us on our coarse."

Lowering her head, the mage nodded. "Agreed."

When he had reached over to reclaim the reigns to his ward's horse, Syris chose that moment to dig her claws into the flesh of his thighs. Hissing, Soren jerked back into his saddle and glare down at the crown of her head. Not bothering to address her in the Ancient language, Soren firmly turned her around to face him and press his forehead against hers.

"I have had enough of this attitude, Syris. Clearly you are annoyed with my ward and you refuse to tell me why. Fine. You can stay with Mist and wait until I come back."

The little laguz growled at his, but he pulled back to hand her struggling form over to Mist whom had pulled up next to him. Syris in turn kicked and yowled at being separated from him. Sighing, Mist leaned down and bit down firmly on the kitten's ear. She froze at the gesture than pressed her ears against her head and turned her head away from Soren's back, orange eyes filling with angry tears.

A shrill whistle filled the air as Ike trotted towards the walkway. "Let's go, people!"

Tyna watched as the whole group of people moved as one. Mist waved to her while the other mercenaries nodded their farewells. Her fellow mages waved at her and ran to keep pace with the trotting horses. Due to Soren's training with the arcane spells, he also required them to work on strengthening their bodies. He didn't agree with building your strength in just one area but in many. He understood more than anyone how weak a mage can be when his opponent is a close range solider and your reaction time isn't quick enough. It was militaristic in her opinion but Soren had credentials with Gallia, the Apostle and Bishop Sephiran.

Staring at his annoyed expression as he jerked their horses towards her, she hoped he knew what he was doing. The war was over and they were not soldiers.

"You lead," he growled while tossing her reigns to her, "I am in no mood to argue."

Nodding, she climbed up into her saddle and galloped off towards Fizzart Manor where Jill lived. She didn't bother to voice her feelings of objection in being escorted or wondering why the laguz didn't like her. After all, she would have to reveal more of herself in the coming days and she wasn't ready for that either.

"Are you sure?" Kurthnaga demanded, red eyes narrowed as he stared at Nasir. They had met up in Telgam of Begnion due to the White Dragon's urgent message the prince had received on his departure from Crimea.

"Yes, I am quite sure. My investigations and tests only strengthen my conclusion. When it started I am still not sure."

Looking off towards Daein in the direction he knew where the Castle was, Kurthnaga smirked lightly.

"I think I shall visit my sister."

Gareth and Nasir looked at the young prince. They wore looks of varying levels of both confusion and interest.

"Do you think that wise?" Gareth asked, his massive arms twitching lightly at the news the eldest dragon had brought, "Perhaps we should alert the king of this news."

Shaking his head, the Dragon prince stood up from the large rock he sat on. "No, we won't. I will further the investigation in this issue, Gareth. My father would at best just have us ignore it. Nasir, would you accompany me?"

Nodding his agreement, the White Dragon stood up as well. "I have yet to make a connection with the Apostle. Since Daein originally was part of Begnion, the castle should still have a library with past Begnion tomes. I would like to see some of them."

Eyes twinkling, Kurthnaga stretched his arms up towards the sky. "Then we fly to Nevassa!"

Reyson, prince of the Heron Clan, frowned disdainfully at the far corner of his room.

"Leanne, are you sure about this?" he asked, his sister who was also in the far corner, crouched down to the floor. Her gossamer wings brushed against the stone bricks as she nodded.

The object of their attention was an old man whom was sitting down with his legs crossed with bare feet tucked underneath him. Clothed in dirty, torn dark rags that were once a shirt, pants and a long coat, the man was leaning his back against the cool walls while smiling his reddish teeth at the heron in front of him. Tanned skin peeked out through holes and tears whenever he moved while got comfy on the hard surface. His matted and wizened gray hair fell around his shoulders and past his elbows. In his hands, he held a half eaten bowl of soup where a piece of bread was floating about.

Glancing at the elder of the herons from under his hair with twinkling eyes the shade of snow, the man snorted. "I'm not gonna cause trouble, princey.

Raising his eyebrows as he refolded his wings behind him, Reyson stared blankly at the man. "We shall see."

A chuckle was heard from behind the heron. "Still don't trust him, eh Reyson?"

Huffing lightly, the blond haired Laguz looked away as Tibarn entered the room, the sultry Naesala strutting lazily in after him.

"Despite my feelings, Leanne wants him here. She won't let me make him leave, Tibarn."

The Hawk King stood over his other heron charge and her supposed 'guest'. Reaching down to offer his hand to her, he smiled. "She must really like him then."

Naesala meanwhile was standing by his best friend. His frown looked rather disgusted as he took in the old beorc's appearance. "Whatever. Just find out what he wants and get him out of here. He'll stink up the place with his stench."

The heron prince was about to reply when he froze at the dark glare his sister was giving once she neared them. Both laguz stiffened at the look and in response looked down at their boots.

The old man laughed out loud, his white eyes bright and jolly. "Ha ha! Sweeting, you should know I don't care what those two say. They care about ya and I'm stealing your attention from them, so to speak."

Turning back to the man as she was now standing, Leanne clasped her hands in front of herself. Her face held a mild look of amusement and irritation. "They....much....protective."

"Overprotective? Yes, they is. You're just too beautiful that they would probably fight the world for ya."

At his wink, the female heron pressed a hand to her lips to hide a chuckle and a blush brightened her pale cheeks. Naesala's face turned from disgust to anger while his friend ground his teeth together.

'I don't like him.' the young heron and raven thought at the same time.

Tibarn smirked over at the two before propping his hip against the table that was nearest him. "You came out of nowhere, beorc. Are you to give all your attention to the princess or can we have a sliver of it?"

"If you're asking why I'm here, then I have come to see the medallion."

As soon as the word 'medallion' left his lips, all eyes were locked on the elder. Tibarn shifted from a relaxed pose to an offensive stance. Naesala flapped his black wings out and stretch one wing in front of Leanne while her brother pulled her back to stand behind him. Should the need arise, the prince and his sister would make a break for the window to escape.

All humor was wiped from the Hawk king's face while his two attendants stormed into the room, ready to change forms at the first sight of an attack. Ulki no doubt had heard the conversation and brought Janaff to help.

The old man seemed unfazed by the laguz' response. He simply took another spoonful of his soup while Leanne fussed with her brother in objection to everyone's actions.

"You do know that's reason enough for us to kill you." Naesala said as he took a step sideways so he was fully in front of the Heron siblings.

Shrugging while still facing his bowl, the man took another spoonful and licked up the juice at the corners of his wrinkled mouth. "I heard rumors from the aftermath of the Mad Kings War in Crimea. I can't take the thing by force mind ya, but I did spend quite a few years tryin' to locate it. If I would, I simply just want to touch it. That's all."

"Out of the question!" Tibarn bellowed, his mighty brown wings thrust out to show his anger. "Very few can touch Lehran's medallion. Now get out my castle before I-NO!"

"Tibarn, the medallion!"

"She threw it!"

Having become extremely frustrated that no one was going to listen to her, Leanne had taken the medallion from her neck and tossed it over Naesala to the old man. She watched as the ancient piece of metal rotated through the air, pass through Tibarn's desperate claws of his Laguz form and into the weathered hands of the old man, his arms propped as if he were expecting the throw.

Everyone in the room stilled as they waited for the beorc to become crazy since very few could handle the medallion. When nothing happened, Leanne pulled herself from her brother's tight grip, pushed Naesala's wing out of her way and again crouched in front of the man. She watched as he softly caressed the circular metal, and began humming to himself. After a few verses of notes, she joined him in his song and exchanged a soft look of understanding with the beroc.

Eyes wide in realization, Reyson gulped back empty air. "Leanne knew he could handle the medallion. She must of sensed that."

In reply, the heron princess threw a look over her shoulder that clearly said "of coarse you dummy! Do I look as if I have no brains

Tibarn shifted back into beroc form. "That may be, but you cannot keep it. It is in Leanne's care and cannot be roaming around without proper protection. That thing is a catastrophe waiting to happen!"

The old man didn't seem to hear him as he continued to stroke the medallion,his white eyes looking glazed and lost. Naesala growled and stomped over to the man, fury in his eyes at being ignored but Leanne intercepted him. Her small hands pressed against his broad chest in an attempt to keep him back. He glared down at her but those bright eyes flashed with defiance. He knew she would defend the mortal against anyone and she knew they couldn't bring her any harm whatsoever. He stared down at her, asking her with his gaze only as he reached for her wrists to pull them away from him.

Both bird laguz tried to get the other to back down with their eyes alone only to be interrupted by Leanne's silky sleeve being tugged. She turned towards her guest and felt metal being pressed against her hands. The old man was giving her back the medallion. The raven at her side instantly moved behind her, away from the object while he eyed the beorc in distaste.

At her look of confusion, the elder simply shook his head and tightened her grip on the ancient treasure. "You have done enough on my behalf, my dear. I only wanted to hold it and see it for myself. You have granted my desire and thus, I shall now leave. Thank you, Leanne."

When she tried to object, he simply patted her hand and moved away from her. He lifted up his hands in a show of surrender and slowly shuffled to the door that was the only exit from the room. All laguz watched him while the princess looked on in sadness until his footsteps could no longer be heard.

The hawk king sat down in a chair and pressed a hand against his face. He had just tried to grasp the medallion himself moments earlier and now partially to blame for Leanne's distress. "Janaff, Ulki. Track the human until he is a good distance from here.

"Yes sire!" the two hawks chorused then jumped out of the window, changing forms in mid air of their descent.

Eyes moist, Leanne stomped her foot when her brother tried to get close to apologize and shook her head furiously. She slapped at the Raven's midnight wing as she shoved herself forcefully between them to leave. Naesala winced from the twinge of guilt he felt. The salty scent of her tears would linger in the room for a while.

Once she fled to her room across the hall, Heron, Hawk and Raven visibly flinched at the loud slam that followed.

To be continued!

How was that? You like? Being an older sibling can be tiring and I'm sure Reyson and Ike had some sort of understanding on that subject. Anyway, hopefully I can get this thing going a little faster. I am using real locations off the FE map from serenesforest(dot)org to add to the canon quality.

A new random character! Tyna, Soren and Kurthnaga are all heading to the same place but for different reason. And the person who's manipulating Sanaki didn't appear either. It seems I made a few girls cry. Poor Syris and Leanne. Things are just not going the way they want it to.

Please review! I really need them. I also posted the first two chapters on my devianatart page so if you have an account, please fav it!

And again, review! Tell me what you liked, both this chapter and chapters past! Any humor suggestions because I think I'm running on empty...

Again, review!

Please! Please!

...Please?

-Kitani-