Chapter 2: A Gift

"So where do we have to go now?"

The Dawn Brigade was sitting at their meeting table in the main tent in their camp. Micaiah took a brief sip of her drink and returned her attention back to Nolan.

"Well?" she asked.

Nolan was currently looking at a map.

"Hmm…let's see…" he started. "…HoLy ShIT! We have to go through a desert inhabited with laguz!"

"Shut up…" muttered Edward.

"Anyway, we can deal with it right? Then let's go!" said Micaiah.

"…are you insane?" said Leonardo. "We're not even prepared yet/"

"Yeeaa…."agreed Sothe. "First of all, we're like out of weapons and we only have 3 vulnaries left. Plus, getting everyone healthy.

"It's only a couple cuts…" mumbled Leonardo. "I think I can manage."

""Yeah really, we need to get organized…" added Edward.

"Er yeah, sorry guys…"said Micaiah. "Don't know what's gotten into me today…"

* * * * * *

Meanwhile in the Greil Mercenaries camp…

"Well, that was an unexpected encounter…" said Ike walking into the main tent.

"Unexpected? I told what was coming…" muttered Soren who was studying a map.

"Who cares…" sighed Ike.

A minute later, through the entrance came Titania, Oscar, and Shinon.

"Shinon/Ike, what the hell are you doing here?" asked Ike and Shinon at the same time.

"Guys, knock it off." said Titania.

"But Shinon isn't usually in out strategy meetings." said Ike.

"What was I supposed to do? I got called!" retorted Shinon.

Huh? By who?" asked Ike.

"Me." replied Soren. "Now hurry up and get over here."

"What?!"

Soon, all five were gathered around the map on the table.

"First of all, we need better shelter. Winter is quickly approaching as you can all see…" explained Soren. "We are currently at the middle of a Tellius."

Soren pointed to the map.

"Therefore, we have to travel through the desert and onwards toward the south-east." said Soren as he traced a path slowly on the map. "Everyone's with me right?"

"Er, one question…" started Oscar. "What…kind of shelter is that place supposed to be?"

"…It was originally supposed to be Duke Tanas' mansion, but now it should be empty." replied Soren. "I hope."

* * * * * *

"…and that would be 8000g." said the shop owner.

"That expensive?!" exclaimed Edward.

"It's one rare weapon, ya know."

"Really? What's it called?"

"It is called Yoruhane." said the shop owner proudly. "A masterpiece! Only the skilled may wield this!"

"Good for you." mumbled Edward. As he pushed all the money onto the counter. "There goes all my savings…"

"You sure you can handle it?" said the shop keeper placing the midnight blue weapon in front of Edward.

"It's not for me. It's for my friend." replied Edward taking the bow.

"Ah, now I see…" said the owner. "Anyway, thanks for the purchase, buddy!"

"Er, no problem." said Edward as he walked out of the armory.

As everyone was preparing to leave…

"Where's Edward?" wondered Micaiah. "He's late!"

"I saw him walk towards the shops or something." replied Sothe.

"Are you serious?" said Micaiah. "He already has 4 swords and now going for a 5th?!"

"So many weapons…" murmured Rafiel with Nailah beside him.

"Where does he get all that money?" said Nailah.

"He saves up…" replied Leonardo as he walked away from the conversation.

A minute later he heard a voice.

"Leonardo!" shouted Edward running towards the archer.

"Where were you?"

"Who cares, look what I got you!" announced Edward as he presented the bow.

"Wh…where did you get this…?" asked Leonardo with widened eyes.

"The armory."

"I've never seen it before…" murmured Leonardo. "Why did you…"

"Well, I though I should pay you back fot that Tempest Blade…"

"That was just a gift…"

"Aw! You don't have to worry about that!" said Edward. "So…um…is it bad?"

"No, of course not! I mean, it's wonderful…" said Leonardo. "This is far beyond payment…thanks, Edward."

"Don't mention it! That's what friends are for, right?" said Edward as he flashed a big grin.

"Haha…yes, of course…" replied Leonardo with a small smile.

* * * * * *

"Okay, everyone…ONWARD!" commanded Ike as he started walking.

Everyone started off toward the hot, barren land ahead of them.

* * * * * *

So did the Dawn Brigade….

* * * * * *

End of Chapter 2