A/N: Two chapters in one day!
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Rhys and Micaiah had been focusing their energy for quite some time. Ike's physical wounds were healed perfectly, but there were no signs of life.
"M-Micaiah, what should we do? He's n-not getting up…" Rhys asked.
Micaiah didn't even hear him, as she had decided to try and enter the Vanguard's mind.
Ike! Ike, please! I know you're here! You…you can't die! Everybody's counting on you! They need you…and so do I…but in a different way…Ike, if you don't wake up, I'll never be able to tell you…I've had a crush-no…Ike…I love you…
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Ike "awoke" in a sprawling field of green.
What happened…? The last thing I remember was Micaiah calling out to me…And now…I'm here?
The Vanguard slowly got up to his feet.
My injuries…They're gone! How in the world…?
Ike surveyed the field. It was just a flat field of tall grass, with a lone tree off in the distance. When he walked up closer to the tree, he saw a figure sitting against it, watching him intently. Ike knew that man…But it was impossible. The man stood and walked towards him.
"Ike…It's been a long time." The man spoke.
"F-Father!? Father!"
Ike ran to his father and threw his arms around him.
"You've grown, my son…" Greil said.
"Father, where the hell are we…?" Ike asked.
Greil answered, "Literally speaking, we are nowhere, Ike. This is the in-between of life and death. The reason I am here is because you are here. And the reason you are here is because…"
"The Bla-er, Zelgius." Ike finished.
"That's correct. I would also have you know that we are not alone. There is one more man here."
Greil motioned behind him, and Ike looked to see none other than General Zelgius.
"Ike, you were incredible. You truly are your father's son…" he spoke, a strange tone in his voice.
"General? So, you're here too? That means…I'm dead?" Ike questioned.
"No," Greil answered, "not dead…yet. You are close, but not dead."
"And the same with General Zelgius?"
"No. I am already gone. My purpose has been fulfilled. You however, have a purpose to return to. You have a mission to complete…And you have a certain person to return to."
Certain person…? Ike thought. He couldn't mean…
"You know who I'm talking about...The Maiden of Dawn…Micaiah. She holds a special place in your heart, am I right?"
Ike hesitated before saying, "Yes…she does."
Greil walked up to Ike and placed a hand on each shoulder.
"That, Ike, means that you have yet another mission. It's not your time to join us. Go back, my son…Lead the people of Tellius to freedom. Somehow…I always knew you were destined to do so. And when you have done that...I suggest you ask Mist or Titania for help in the romantic department. You can be a bit clueless at times."
"Goodbye, Father. I'll see you again someday."
"Count on it. Farewell, Ike."
He stepped back and Zelgius moved forward.
"We have not seen eye-to-eye, I know. But I just want you to know…I never held any malice against you. I merely sought to surpass my teacher. I actually viewed you as a son in a few ways, and I wish nothing but the best for you…"
Ike's eyes widened.
"Wow...I never would have thought. Goodbye, General…I mean…Zelgius."
Ike felt himself seem to grow lighter as the field, tree, and two men began to fade, and he soon heard a familiar voice begging him to awaken…
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A/N: This turned out interesting…Whether or not this chapter was real or Ike's imagination is your choice. Chapter five is coming, reviews are greatly appreciated!