I hadn't updated the fic for three weeks at this point, so, after having finally gotten some idea of where the fic was going, I wrote this chapter.

Chapter 5: Howl of the Moon

They came at night.

Prowling through the streets of the capital, they chanted: "Kill the Humans, Tear their Throats, Let their Blood Flow in our Streets. Rise all Laguz, Roar and Cheer, Make them Scream for Mercy and Laugh!"

Muarim sniffed the air outside the window of his hotel room: "I do not sense anything strange... If these are brother laguz, then we will have no idea how to tell them apart..."

Lethe snarled: "So there are dissidents here... It would be wise for us to stay on our guard at all times."

Ike turned to Lyre: "Why would they be so extreme? Could these be the people who kidnapped Mist?"

"Probably. In fact, it is likely that we're dealing with the same people who captured our comrades. They would want to gather as much support as possible, and..."

"Yep, I smell her... It's Mist, all right, and she's probably being paraded along the main street." Lyre nodded.

Soren turned to his friends: "Lethe, Lyre, Muarim, since you three are all laguz, and famous ones at that, these people wouldn't dare to hurt you. If you could be so kind as to step outside and tell us what is going on..."

"Definitely, Soren. We can't afford to hide now, not when so much is at stake." Muarim strolled out the door.

Lyre looked at Lethe, who was glaring at Soren, and decided to run off and join Muarim. The green tiger might not be able to hold off their foes alone.

Lethe hissed: "You think you can control me, beorc?"

"Did I order you to do anything, Lethe? Pray watch your tongue. Besides, you're a laguz. Laguz tend to take pride in bravery. Are you that willing to hide?"

"If you're so confident, why don't you march out there and show yourself?! You're no beorc, anyone can tell. Even Muarim and Lyre knows. Do you think we're blind?!" She growled, and raised her hand. Soren watched with surprise as claws began to form on the hand itself.

Ike stepped towards her: "And I thought you calmed down for once. Lethe, Soren is my dear friend, and I will not stand by and let you abuse him because of his heritage! Even though you are our hostess, your actions will force me to act accordingly. Stand down or I will defend him with my life!" (1.)

Lethe was stunned speechless by his conviction. Soren snarled: "Seriously, Lethe, I simply poke fun at Lyre and you hold such a long grudge! Can't you just act like any normal human for once and laugh a little? Geez..."

Lethe growled: "I'll show you laughter, when I tear your throat!" She quickly transformed and, as a panther, jumped at Soren, and Ike drew Ragnell. The blinding glare of the blade alone forced Lethe to cringe back, her eyes blinded by its glow.

"Don't make me use this weapon. No one deserves its wrath, and I do not intend to slay one of my dearest friends due to her stupidity." Ike spoke calmly.

Lethe returned to humanoid form and backed off: "Apologies, Soren... I do not know what came over me."

"Anger, that is what you need to control, Lethe. It may serve you well in battle, but you will end up slaying many a joking friend because of it. Cease your stupidity and be the person who inspired Jill to change her ways." Soren nodded sagely, trying to restore a tranquil air.

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Lyre and Muarim watched as Mist and Ilyana were tied to large wooden planks and dragged along by several laguz. The laguz who were escorting them snarled to the Gallian civilians watching the procession: "These are some of the humans who have invaded our lands! The laguz who escorted them here are being cowards, worthless cowards who believe that by succumbing to the humans, we shall find peace. There will be never be peace for laguz as long as humans are alive! By capturing these two females, we will draw the humans towards us like flies, and we will crush them, every one of them! Brothers and Sisters, let us rise against the humans and kill them all! Let us avenge our siblings who fell at their hands! Let us show Tellius the might of the Laguz!"

"It's unsafe here... We have to contact the King as soon as possible..." Lyre grabbed Muarim's paw as the two rushed back to the hotel.

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"We cannot hope to reach the palace during the night, not while the Royal Guards are asleep and the enemy is active. We will have to wait till the morning." Lethe pointed out, having been calmed by both Ike and Soren.

"In that case, Ike, you have weak night vision compared to our laguz comrades, so you can sleep. I will exchange shifts with the others. Muarim, Lethe, you two are more competent fighters than Lyre and I, especially considering the fact that I refused to master Fire magic. Wind and Thunder magics are not nearly as effective against beasts, and though I have mastered Wind to its final class, it will not be enough to stop several packs of laguz. Therefore, Muarim and I will take one shift, and Lethe will take the other shift with Lyre. Are we all clear?" Soren asked.

"The problem is, Soren, that both of our parties will be drowsy in the morning." Muarim pointed out.

"Coffee, my good friend. Coffee will be our savior tomorrow. But enough with the jokes. We have work to do..." Soren nodded as Ike, Lethe, and Lyre went to sleep...

The night passed with the roars of their foes outside, but, for now, they were unharmed. Who knew what the next day would bring?

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1. I apologize in advance for anyone who is misled by this comment. This is not an Ike/Soren fic.

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