Author's Note - Hello readers, here's the next chapter. Hopefully you guys enjoy it. There's not much action in this chapter, but it's not all fluff. I'm establishing stuff for plot and such. Again, thank you for reading and reviewing, you guys are awesome. I have taken people's advice and am slowing down my update rate so I don't make bad chapters. Hopefully this chapter will be a bit longer than the last two.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. SPAIN WON THE EURO CUP YAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY:) I AM HAPPY.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, Fire Emblem belongs to Nintendo.

Chapter 4

Revelations

We arrived at Castle Gallia in the afternoon, perhaps four or five hours after the battle on the beach. Apparently a pegasus rider named Marcia joined us sometime during that battle, although with all the excitement it took me a few hours to notice the flying horse. Stupid me. My inatentiveness aside, the Gallian capital was truly spectacular, and definitely worth the long march. A towering mountaintop fortress that reached up into the heavens, it looked as if one could touch the clouds from the upper battlements. Unfortunately for us, that awesome height came with a price; It was a long walk up the mountainside to reach the gates, and the mercenaries were already tired from the battle earlier, especially me. It's not like I was really out of shape, it's just that I wasn't prepared for two days of walking. Our two laguz guides assured us that there would be rooms and food ready for us in the barracks though, so that helped get everyone moving.

Once inside the castle, Ike, Soren and Titania were ushered off to a meeting with the king and Princess Elincia. The rest of us were shown to a mess hall and given some much needed food. We ate quickly, and Rhys passed out the room assignments for our group. Once I was finished eating, I headed straight for my room, intent on getting some rest.

"Hey! Adam! Wait up!" Boyd called just as I reached the door. He already had a practice sword extended towards me when I turned around. "Deputy Commander says I gotta train, and I really don't wanna do practice swings on my own all evening."

I sighed, knowing that I needed the practice badly. "Alright fine, but just for an hour or so," I said, glancing longinly at my bed as we headed back out to the yard. "I'm fuckin' tired, man."

Outside, the sparring area was occupied by a pair of laguz soldiers who were sparring in their animal forms. Seeing that they were almost finished, I ran to one of the wagons and grabbed a training knife, shoving it into my belt as I returned to the sparring area. "It's a backup," I said in response to Boyd's quizical look. "Since I get disarmed so much."

"Oh. Good idea," Boyd replied then returned his attention to the laguz fighters. They were really impressive, with tons of strength and agility. One was smaller than the other though, and seemed to have taken a beating from his stronger opponent. The larger one moved in cautiously at first, batting away the others attacks before landing a vicious swipe on it's side, knocking the small cat over. Seeing his advantage the big one charged in, only to be thwarted when his not-so-injured opponent sprang to the side and flattened him with a tackle. In a moment his jaws were at the bigger cat's throat.

"Never assume you have won until your opponent is finished. It will get you killed in a real battle," the victor hissed at his opponent. "You still have much to learn."

With their training finished they reverted to their human forms and departed, leaving me more than a little freaked out. I had gotten used to the tails and ears on the two soldiers who accompanied us to the castle, but I had never seen them formshift. Seeing a someone transform like that was... unsettling. It was spectacular, but it would take some getting used to. Also, I didn't know they could speak while in kitty form... interesting.

Boyd proded me with his axe. "C'mon, you gonna stand there starring all day? Let's go!"

"Alright, alright. Geez." We squared off. "Don't worry, man. I'll try not to break anything this time." I taunted.

Boyd charged.

-later-

An hour later, we both returned to the barracks bruised and bloodied. I had lost count of the number of times I'd been beaten, but I had been giving almost as good as I got, and even won a few rounds thanks to my backup knife. I had to resort to punches at one point which left my knuckles bloody and sore as well, but it was worth it to see Boyd's nose flattened once again. I headed for my room, looking forward to finally being able to rest. Just as I opened the door, I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Adam, come with me," Titania ordered. "The commander wants to speak with you." Fuck, I was so close I could almost feel the pillow. Titania led me to a meeting room across the courtyard from the barracks. Stifling a yawn as I entered, I noticed that it was not just Ike that I would be talking to; Soren, Rhys and the Princess were all seated around a large table that filled the room. As usual, Soren was glaring at me with open suspicion. Whatever was happening, I had a bad feeling about it.

"Good everyone's here," Ike said as Titania and I took our seats. "I hope I didn't disturb your rest."

"Nope, no, not at all," I lied.

"Good. This is our employer, Princess Elincia of Crimea," he continued, indicating the green-haired girl seated to my left. "The Greil Mercenaries will be escorting her to Begnion in hopes of getting aid for Crimea's liberation."

"Hello, nice to meet you," she said, smiling at me. Dammit, she's pretty. Can't talk. I tried to just smile normally and nod in response, but I don't think it worked very well since she looked a little weirded out. Stupid social anxiety.

"Anyway, now that we are all here, I think it is time we brought Elincia up to date on recent events. As we all know, Adam here is not from Tellius. Adam, would you describe again what happened the night you arrived?"

What the hell is going on? Why not just tell Elincia himself? I wondered. Nonetheless I obliged, first describing how I was from a separate world, then talking about the circle of symbols on the ground and the barrier of light that surrounded me. As I had promised myself, I left out the part where I was scared shitless by a tree. Nobody needs to hear about that. Ever. Soren interupted me when I was finished talking about the teleportation.

"This is ridiculous, warp magic can't cross dimensions. This is an obvious lie!" he exclaimed in frustration. "Ike, I can't believe you're buying this!"

"I wouldn't believe him, if I had not already seen that exact same magic with my own eyes," Ike calmly replied. A shocked silence filled the room, seeming louder than Soren's outburst.

"You- You knew about it? You know how I got here?" I accused. How could he keep that from me? I get that I'm new here, but that's kind of important.

"No, but I did see those symbols you described on the night my fa- the night Commander Greil was killed. The Black Knight fled using the same kind of warp magic."

"So he has ties to Daein, then?" Soren asked, small blades of wind dancing about his fingertips as he stood. I rose and put my hand on the hilt of my dagger, having absolutely no patience for Soren's suspicions. If he wanted to try to kill me, I would show him just how much I have learned since arriving here. I would probably still die, but I was too tired and grouchy to care.

Ike gestured for us both to sit back down. "No Soren, he really is from another world, and I can prove that if you refrain from killing each other for a few more minutes. Rhys, tell them what you told me earlier."

The poor priest was obviously a little shaken by the fact that Soren and I had nearly come to blows, but he steadied his nerves and spoke. "W-well, the barrier Adam described might have been a Shine Barrier, and if it had been combined with warp magic well..."

"The combination of transport magic with a magic that is inherently restrictive would make it extremely unstable. Under the right conditions, it could be transdimensional," Soren finished, suddenly intruiged. "But that's purely theoretical. I know, I've studied with mages from Begnion."

"Obviously Daein has gotten warp powder of their own, and there are rumors of extreme magical experimentation..." Rhys countered.

"Impossible. Even if there were a way to combine those two magics -and there isn't- the result would be potentially catastrophic; We're talkng about a tear in the fabric of the universe itself. You would have to be completely reckless and mad to even consider it." Soren paused as Ike gave him a pointed look. "...Which is exactly how Daein has been acting. If they found a way to do it, I would not put it past them," Soren allowed.

"Well, then why Adam? What could Daein possibly want with him?" Titania asked.

"I've wondered that myself, but I think Adam's presence here is just an unlucky coincidence. This new magic is obviously good for abducting people, and Adam did appear right near our location. And Ilyana said the the Daeins who attacked us thought that Elincia was still with us..."

"So they were trying to steal her right out from under our noses, without realizing that they had created some portal that grabbed Adam instead," Soren reasoned. "I must say, they got off easy with that little experiment. They could very well have sucked themselves into the rift, instead of Adam."

"Then let's hope the bastards try again," I quipped, only partly joking. Let's see them try to survive in my world; That would be some great poetic justice.

"So then... what are we to do with Adam? He obviously can't get home with the same magic, since there is no way to predict what will happen," Titania asked.

"Whoa whoa, wait a sec here! I'm sure there's some way to reverse it, right? Right? C'mon you guys seem to know a lot about this. Rhys? Soren?" Rhys shook his head no, looking apologetic. Soren just looked at me like I was an idiot.

"I'm sorry, Adam," Rhys said. No way. I'm stuck here? This can't be happening.

"He is of little use to us, we should just leave him here when we leave," Soren, ever the pramatic one, suggested. Hey wait, I am NOT sitting this war out! No fucking way! Not if it means fighting Daein.

"Perhaps not," I said. This conversation has already been fucking with people's minds, so it might be the best time to divulge my secret. Looks like I'm not leaving this place, so I might as well make the best of it. "I haven't been completely honest with you guys. Y'see, I knew of this world before I came here. There are things, uh... written about Tellius where I come from, in particular about this war." I am not gonna try to explain videogames. Too complicated. My, my, everyone looks quite shocked. "It's true. I know how this war started, I know the countries on this continent, I know how this war could end. Hell, I even know stuff about you guys." I got some rather disbelieving expressions. To prove my point, I listed off some pretty personal stuff. "I know who your father was before he went to Crimea, Ike. Soren, I know that's not a tattoo on your forehead. And as far as I know Your Highness, the man you are worrying about right now is alive and well." Oooh, now they get it. Mind fucked!

"So... you know what will happen here in the future? That sounds pretty crazy, but then again I shouldn't be surprised; It seems everything we learn about you is crazy. If you truly know the future, then Daein's failure could actually be to our benefit," Ike wondered aloud.

"I know one possible outcome for the war, but I don't think that future is guaranteed. Nonetheless, I have an idea of what kinds of enemies you guys will face, and my knowledge may be useful in other ways. Well, if you let me come with you, that is."

"Why so eager to come along all of a sudden?" Titania asked. "By your own admission you're not very good in combat, and if you know all you claim to then you know that our road will not be a safe one."

"From the sounds of it, those Daein bastards have taken me away from everyone and everything I've ever cared about. I wouldn't mind the chance for a little payback." I may not be very good, but this is personal now.

Ike looked at me thoughtfully for a moment, then turned to Elincia. "We'll let our employer decide. What do you think, my lady?"

She considered me for a few moments, then said "Honestly, your tale is no more unlikely than my own; Most people do not even know that I exist, and I have nothing to prove my lineage. If you can help us then I am willing to trust you, as all these people have trusted me."

"Th-thank you, m'lady. Y-you will not regret this." Gah! Fucking stutter is back! I was doing so well...

"Welcome to the Greil Mercenaries, Adam. Permanently, this time," Ike said, smiling. "I think that concludes our business, you may all go get some rest now." A sigh of relief passed through the room.

"Oh, one more thing before you guys go," I said. "I would appreciate it if my history and knowledge could stay secret. It's pretty far-fetched and not everyone would take it as well as you have."

"That's understandable. As far as anyone outside of this group is concerned, you'll just be another mercenary, alright?" Ike said. I nodded my thanks, then left for my room.

I closed my door behind me and collapsed onto my bed, not even bothering to change my clothes. Between my exhaustion, residual tension from the meeting, and the realization that I might never see my friends and familly again, I was completely drained. I just wanted to sleep, and not worry about anything for a few hours.

Just as my eyes began to close, finally bringing the blissful nothing of sleep, there was a knock on my door. Seriously? What could they possibly want from me. I rolled over and pretended to be asleep, hoping they would go away. The knocking resumed, louder this time, accompainied by a quiet call of "Adam? Are you awake?" Ugh fuck my life. I got up and headed for the door. Fine, if they wanna wake me up that badly, I'll be sure to give'em a hard time about it.

"This had better be some kinda late night booty call, or I'm gonna be pissed," I grumbled as I opened the door, hoping to offend them and drive them off. Behind the door, however, was none other than Princess Elincia. "Oh shit!" I just said that to a princess? I figured it was Boyd or Ike or anyone else really. Not her. This is bad.

"Umm.. hi. What's a 'booty call'? I've never heard of it before..." she asked. Oh thank goodness they don't have the same slang here.

"Nuthin' don't worry 'bout it," I said hurriedly. "Waddaya want?"

"May I come in?" she asked. I nodded, and went to retrieve a chair for her. "I hope I did not wake you."

"No, not at all," I snapped sarcastically. Man I get cranky when I'm tired.

"Oh good." Wow, she totaly missed the sarcasm. " I just wanted to talk to you about the, uh... the future."

"Geoffrey's fine as far as I know. So is his sister and that obnoxious bearded Count Whatshisname. Great, glad that's outta the way bye seeya later goodnight!" Geez, if I have to sit through another long conversation, I'm gonna kill something.

"That's not what I meant. I just want to know..." she paused.

"Want to know what, Your Highness?" I asked impatiently.

"Will I be a good ruler?" she blurted out, blushing immediately and looking away. I suddenly felt kinda bad for being such a jerk; She's got a lot more to worry about than I ever will, like an entire army wanting nothing more than to present her head to their mad King. The last thing she needs right now is to worry that she'll be a terrible ruler.

"That depends on you. As I said before, the future is not fixed," I answered, softening my tone a bit. "You seem to be a kindhearted person, and you've certainly had some good examples to follow, notably your father and Commader Greil. Just remember that you serve the people of Crimea, and you should do fine. But then again I've never tried ruling a country, so what do I know?"

"Thank you, Sir Adam. I'm sorry to be questionning you like this, you've been through a lot too, have you not?"

"I'm fine, Your Highness. And I'm no Sir, just a mercenary." I'm not fine, not even close, but she doesn't need to hear that.

"That's good to hear." She turned and headed for the door as if to leave. Oh good, finally I can sleep. She paused at the door and turned back, crushing my hopes once again. Goddammit. "Did you have any familly? Back on your world, I mean."

I was trying not to think about that. "Y-yeah. Parents, two bratty sisters. A few good friends. I, uh, I guess I won't be seeing them again, will I?" Man, it hurt to say that. I closed my eyes, fighting the tears. I will not cry. At least I know they're safe; My familly gets no such luxury, just a missing son and brother that they'll never find. I swore once again to find a way to make Daein pay.

I suddenly felt arms around me. Is the princess... hugging me? "M-m'lady?"

"You looked like you needed a hug. It's okay."

"...I did. Umm, thanks," I hugged her back, taking whatever comfort I could find. Speaking of comfort, those fluffy shoulders on her dress are kinda like a pillow. So... comfortable... oh shit.

"Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..."

-the following morning-

We left Castle Gallia early in the morning, heading towards the Crimean border. The plan, Ike told us, was to find a ship in Crimea to take us to Begnion. As Crimea's parent nation, we hoped that their Apostle would grant us troops and funding to take back Crimea. Gallia had been unable to provide troops due to tense human-laguz relations, but the King had provided funds and supplies, as well as a couple of soldiers (Lethe and Mordecai) and a guide (Ranulf). More supplies meant we had more wagons, with room for everyone to ride rather than walk. Even better, Oscar had finally woken up last night. He was still in no condition to ride or fight, but upon hearing what Mist had been feeding everyone he took over as cook. And so that morning I found myself riding on a wagon with Boyd and Ilyana (who was busy finishing her fifth helping of Oscar's pancakes) with a full stomach and no food poisoning. It was a nice change.

Elincia, who was riding Oscar's horse until his leg healed, rode up next to my wagon. "Hi, Adam. You look well rested," she said, laughing.

"Yeah, sorry about that, Your Highness. And sorry I was such a jerk last night. I get really grouchy when I'm tired." Ooh hey, no stutter. Yay me!

"Oh, I did not mind. It was my fault for the 'late-night booty call,' as you put it. I just cannot believe that you fell asleep like that."

"Pfffftt!" Pancakes spewed out of Ilyana's mouth. I guess only Elincia doesn't understand slang terms. "You did WHAT?"

"Okay, whoa! Not what it looks like guys. I swear, this is a misunderstan- OWW stop smacking me Ilyana! I didn't do it!"

"She's the Princess! Our employer! You're so stupid!"

"Nice, man. Good job!" Boyd congratulated me with a hearty clap on the shoulder.

"I DIDN'T DO IT!"

"What did I say?" poor, confused Elincia asked. Ilyana waved her over and whispered in her ear. The princess's eyes went wide. "No no no, THAT did not happen." She looked at me. Oh man, if looks could kill... "Why would you say that? You.. you.. ugh!"

"Sorry! It was late, I was grouchy, so I made a dirty joke when I opened the door. I didn't know it was you!"

"You could have told me what it meant so I wouldn't go repeating it! Stop laughing, Boyd, it's not funny!"

"Yeah it is!" Boyd was crying he was laughing so much. Unable to help myself I joined in, and soon the four of us were laughing. After all, it was pretty damn funny.

"Alright, let's agree to just never speak of this again, okay?" I suggested. Everyone nodded their agreement except Boyd, who couldn't stop laughing. "Boyd?"

"Hell no! I gotta tell people about this." Ilyana smacked him. "Okay okay, maybe not."

"Good, I'd kinda like to forget- OWW dammit why'd you hit me again? I said I was sorry!"

"That's for making me spit out my food," Ilyana said indignantly.

Ike yelled from the front of the wagon train, interupting our converstion. "Hey, quiet down back there! We're past the border, so don't go giving away our position." We rode in silence after that, not wanting to anger the Commander.

"...You're still an idiot," Ilyana said after a few minutes.

"I know. You gonna go on about that all the way to Begnion?"

"Um, guys? Maybe Ike had a point..." Boyd said quietly as our wagon came over a hill. I followed his gaze towards the horizon, wondering what could possibly shut Boyd up. In the distance I could see a castle on a rise, perhaps two miles away. Flying above each of its towers was the red standard of Daein.

Word came up from the front of the column, spoken quietly. "Move the wagons into the woods. Mercenaries, dismount and regroup on the commander."

The wagons were hidden in five minutes, and the mercenaries were gathered and armed in six. Ranulf explained how the castle was a rumored prison for Crimean soldiers. The plan was to infiltrate the castle and release any prisoners, adding to our meager forces.

"I want two volunteers for scouting. Your job is to sneak in and release any prisonners, preferably without alerting the guards." Ike whispered once the plan was explained. "The rest of us will follow to secure the exit, or engage the guards if you're spotted. So, who are my scouts?"

"I'll go," I said after a moment.

Author's Note

Yay, small cliffhanger. Kind of. Don't worry, I plan to get started on the next chapter tomorrow. Just so you guys know I have updated my profile to include "Story Progress." I keep it up to date with my progress (or lack thereof) and an estimate of when the next chapter will be finished. So that way, you guys can check to see if I'm gettin shit done.

I know that there was no action in this, but obviously things will pick up in the next chapter. Also, just to clarify "Booty call" is a slang term for casual sex. Just in case you didn't already know. Oh yeah, I probably should've told kids not to read that. KIDS, DON"T READ THE LAST FEW SENTENCES THEY"RE OFFENSIVE!

Sorry about the long wait between updates, life got kinda crazy for me for a little while, but it's better now. Mostly. The Euro is over, so that frees up some time anyway. Spain won. I know I already said that, but it was awesome so I don't care. Sue me. Actually please don't I'm trying to save money to go to Brazil for FIFA 2014. Anyway, look for "Story Progress" in my profile to see when the next chapter will be out.

Anyway, please review and let me know what you think. Don't hesitate to PM me either, I'm always happy to hear from people. Also, there's a lot of characters in Fire Emblem, so let me know if you think I'm neglecting a character that you would like to see more of. Obviously some will be neglected (I almost completely forgot poor Marcia), but I will try. Seeya next time!