Almedha arrived early the next morning. At first, she tried to stop Pelleas from going to Begnion, using every trick in the book – which had greatly tried Tibarn's patience – but when he told her he would go regardless, she decided to come along, too.

To everyone's greatest surprise, Senator Maian had announced that she would be joining Tibarn's team instead of travelling with Sanaki. However, she refused to explain her reason.

"But those are not all of your guards, correct?", Tibarn asked.

"Correct. Half of my guard – the flying units, mostly – will travel with Sanaki's team, the reason being that their route is the most difficult one. Commander Cynthia will be commanding them."

"I see. Well, I'm sure glad to have you with us – you're probably our strongest magician."

"Yes, that well might be. I acquired the arch-sage level some time before Soren did."

"So, you're a light arch sage?", Tibarn asked, grinning.

"Well, most of the others call themselves 'saints'. But that seems quite arrogant to me... I think I will just refer to myself as an arch sage."

"You mean the other senators? Yeah, I figured that they were an ugly bunch of arrogant fools."

"Fools they may be, but they are clever fools."

"Clever fools, huh? Anyway, time to move out. Get ready, everyone!"

"Just one moment", Ranulf interjected. "I need to tell Ike something before we part ways."

"Right. But make it quick."

Ike strapped Ragnell to his back and made sure that he had everything he needed. Jill, Haar, Rafiel, Nailah and Ena had been assigned to his team in addition to his own men, Kurthnaga would be travelling with them, as well – although Ike didn't count on him to help them in a fight. All three herons had received a Sending Stone from Ena, so the three teams could communicate with each another.

Just as Ike was about to give the order to move out, Ranulf came dashing out of the forest.

"Ike, I need to talk to you before we leave. I wanted to wait until I have proof, but since we're on different teams, I'd better tell you now. Come over here."

Curious, Ike followed Ranulf away from the others.

"What's up?"

"Next time you meet General Zelgius, be on your guard. He's your enemy", Ranulf replied, is face devoid of his usual cheerful smile.

"What do you mean?", Ike asked with a frown.

"I doubt someone of his strength was turned to stone. Ike, he – he is the one... the Black Knight."

Ike gaped at him. "Are you sure?"

"Pretty sure, yes. I fought the Black Knight three years ago in Port Toha, where you departed for Begnion. And when I fought Zelgius at the Ribahn River, I became certain of it. They are the same size, fight in the same style, and both of them move with that unnatural speed."

"Zelgius – is my father's killer?!", Ike exclaimed, balling his hands into fists. "It can't be..."

"Ike, I must go now. Just be careful – you might run into him again. Good luck to you."

"Thanks for telling me, Ranulf. See you in Sienne."

Ike stood rooted to the spot long after Ranulf had left. He didn't doubt Ranulf's words, but it was still hard to wrap his head around the idea that Zelgius and the Black Knight were, in fact, the same person. Granted, Ike had only briefly interacted with Zelgius in Nevassa, but he'd always got the impression that he was an upright sort of man. Working for Prime Minister Sephiran, no less, who had started a revolt against the senate to help Sanaki. Zelgius certainly didn't seem like someone who would threaten to kill his opponent's son, and threaten to do worse to his daughter. The memory made Ike's blood boil – Mist had still been a child back then, not even an active member of the mercenaries. She – and Rolf – had mostly been in charge of performing small tasks to help out – mending clothes, helping with the cooking, taking care of the horses and so on. Ike had started training her with the sword following their father's death – there had been little to do on the ship, and, given recent events, Ike saw the wisdom in teaching his sister how to defend herself. She'd been in battle as their secondary healer before, but Ike had made sure she understood that she was to stay as far away from the fighting as possible.

Maybe it was in their blood, but Mist had taken to sword-fighting surprisingly well. It had certainly eased Ike's mind.

He forced his mind back to the present, forced it to consider this new piece of information. Zelgius had never shown any hostility toward Ike, nor had he tried to undermine or sabotage him. Ike couldn't help but wonder what his goal had been. Who had he really been working for, Ashnard or Sephiran? Ike was inclined to believe the latter, as he was still serving Sephiran. Unfortunately, Ike had no idea where Zelgius was from, or which army he had joined first. Hell, he didn't even know how old the man was, which made it even harder to narrow anything down. But it was a strange thing, to work as a general for two different countries. Ike wasn't great with politics and stuff like that, but he was fairly certain that this was bordering treason.

Why would Zelgius do such a thing? Why take such a risk? The Black Knight had been famous for never removing his helmet, but one careless moment could have got him killed. In theory. What had been his goal, his aim? Ike knew that he'd come to Gallia looking for Greil, looking for Lehran's Medallion. But why? Why would he want to hand it over to Ashnard? He must've been aware of the official story surrounding the medallion, at least, seeing as how Ashnard had been trying to revive "the Dark God". Why on earth would Zelgius go along with this? It made no sense.

Ike was roused from his thoughts when the crunching of snow announced the arrival of another person. He turned to find Mist hurrying toward him.

"There you are!", she exclaimed, a little breathless. "We've been looking all over for you! Wait, Ike, are you all right?"

Ike blinked at her owlishly before trying to arrange his features into something that, hopefully, looked reassuring.

"Oh, I was just chatting with Ranulf, since he's not travelling with us."

"Right. But that doesn't explain why you look like someone just died."

"Do I really look that awful?"

"Yup. Now, fess up. What did Ranulf have to say that upset you so much?"

Ike hesitated. On the one hand, it would probably help him if he unburdened himself, but on the other, Mist was probably the worst partner for this particular conversation.

"It's not that I don't want to tell you or anything", he said at last. "But the matter is – complicated. Ranulf himself didn't have any concrete proof, but he believes that his observations are correct. I just – there are some things that happened that I haven't shared with other people, or not fully. I talked some parts of it over with Titania, during the Mad King's War. But not everything. I just – couldn't bring myself to do it."

"And you think that it would be bad, in some way, if you told me."

Ike grimaced. "That's right. You are, currently, not burdened by this – and I'd like to keep it like that, for as long as possible. You've already been through enough, I don't want to add to it."

"That's very noble of you, brother, but you need to look out for yourself, too. I'm not made from glass, you know", Mist chided, rolling her eyes. "How about talking to Titania, then, if she already knows part of it?"

Ike considered that for a moment before shaking his head violently.

"All right, then, how about Soren?"

"That's – actually not a bad idea. Soren wasn't involved in any of it, and he's level-headed enough not to blow up like I fear Titania would. She'd probably want to kill – well. I'm fairly certain Soren won't ride off into the night to exact revenge on anyone's behalf. He'd sooner come up with a plan to plot their demise."

"Goodness", Mist said with a chuckle. "I can totally see Titania mounting her horse and going after whoever's wronged you like some goddess of death and retribution. And I can't see Soren do that, not in my wildest dreams. Promise you will talk to him?"

"I promise."

"Good. And keep in mind that I can always ask Soren if you've actually talked to him. Now, come along, big brother, we need to hurry. We gotta save the world and all that."

She extended her hand, and Ike took it with a chuckle.

"How very right you are, little sister. We have a goddess to deal with."

After travelling all day, the Silver Army reached a small town. Sigrun announced that they would spend the night there.

Naesala strolled out into the town square after they were done unpacking, and looked around.

"I don't like the air around here", he muttered to himself. "It's a little too pristine, too clean... I feel like I'm befouling it by just standing here."

Leanne and Nealuchi came out to join him.

"What are you doing?", the princess asked.

"Nothing, Leanne. Just talking to myself."

"Would you like to join us for dinner, nestling?", the old crow asked. "I prepared enough for three."

"Nealuchi, I've told you, don't call me 'nestling'. I'm not the child you used to take care of. Just look after Leanne, I don't need babysitting any more."

That very moment, Skrimir came out of a building, spotted Naesala, and changed his course.

"Naesala, you traitor! You turned on your own kind!"

"You're right, of course. Go ahead and tear me apart. I deserve it."

"Do you think I won't?", Skrimir growled, eyes alight. "I'll make you pay for the suffering of my comrades!"

Leanne stepped in between them and spread her arms, as if to shield Naesala.

"Do not... bully Naesala", she said, switching to the Modern Tongue.

"Bully?!", Skrimir roared. "This worm brought ruin to the Laguz Alliance!"

"But – Naesala suffers, too…", Leanne pleaded, clearly struggling to find the right words. "Very, very much. He - "

"Leanne, I wish you would stop looking into my soul, it's very rude of you", Naesala chided.

"Naesala's suffering?! He hasn't nearly suffered enough! I can fix that, though!"

With another loud roar, Skrimir shifted.

"Please do not harm my young master!", Nealuchi begged, rushing forward. "Take me instead!"

"Get out of my way, old crow, or you'll die like your master!"

"Wait, Skrimir!", Naesala shouted, pushing Leanne aside as Skrimir prepared to pounce. "Nealuchi, Leanne! Get out of the way, now! Blast it all!"

Leanne, however, refused to leave his side, and threw her arms around his neck while Nealuchi stood his ground, trembling like a leaf. Naesala managed to get a hold of his belt and kick off the ground with as much strength as he could muster in the nick of time.

"You run?!", Skrimir shouted in disbelief. "You are both a traitor and a coward, Naesala!"

"Sorry, but I changed my mind. Someone wants my head even more than you do. If I let you kill me, he might never find an outlet for all of his anger."

Skrimir considered this, then, he reverted.

"You have a point. Tibarn has the greater right to the kill. I will let him punish your treachery."

"Standing down? I'm a little surprised. Are you tiring of your role as the hot-headed lion prince, Skrimir?"

"Don't push me, Raven King", the lion growled.

He turned without another word, and left.

"I-is he gone?", Nealuchi asked, his voice shaking as much as the rest of him. "Goodness! From the look in his eyes, I thought he would eat us all!"

Leanne made a small sound and buried her face in the crook of Naesala's neck.

Sanaki found Naesala in one of the deserted houses, alone.

"Excuse me."

He tensed momentarily upon hearing her voice, but relaxed when he realised who his visitor was.

"Oh, it's you."

"I saw you having an argument with General Skrimir."

"Oh, that? Yeah. That happens sometimes."

"I know you had no choice but to betray the Laguz Alliance. If you wish, I can speak with him about it."

"No", he replied instantly with a frown. "Stay out of it. Whatever the circumstances, what I did was unacceptable. The pieces can fall where they may."

"You'd carry the burden of your crime alone to protect your people? That's very selfless of you", she said, smiling.

"Of course I'd take the blame! My first priority is my people. As long as they are safe, it doesn't matter one whit what the rest of the world thinks of me."

"You indeed are a good king to your people. I have no doubts about that. I wonder, will history say I was a good empress for Begnion?", Sanaki wondered, fiddling with her sleeves.

"The people of Begnion rose up and overthrew the senate for you. Isn't that proof enough that you are a good empress?", Naesala asked, tilting his head to the side.

"That's only because they thought that I was the apostle. But now..."

"You're worried about the Galdr of Release?"

"Yes. That song... it can only be sung by the direct descendants of Altina – the first empress of Begnion. Why was that girl able to sing it? Moreover, why couldn't I?"

"You know, you could just ask her directly."

Sanaki averted her gaze. "I can't work up the courage. It doesn't matter who she is. All I know is that she possesses all the powers which I lack. I'm – I'm frightened of the truth."

Micaiah let out a long sigh.

"What's wrong, Micaiah?", Sothe asked, instantly worried. "Are you still tired?"

"No, I'm fine. The air is nice out here. It's calm, quiet even. I don't remember the last time it was quiet. It's almost relaxing, isn't it? I hate to say it, but I feel like the world is back to the way it ought to be, finally. I know this sounds horrible, but that's how I honestly feel. Like all debts have been settled and everything is properly arranged."

"Hm. I think I understand what you're trying to say."

"Sothe... I'm scared. I don't want to get used to this, it's too comfortable. Like our mother's come home."

"A mother who'd smother her children in order to protect them."

She didn't reply.

"Micaiah?"

"Yes?"

"Do you remember what Pelleas said when he asked you to kill him?"

"How could I forget it? He said he admired my caring soul, that's why he wanted it to be me."

"That's right. I thought Pelleas was a coward. I thought that was the reason why he preferred to die instead of fighting to save Daein. But now – now I understand why you believed in him."

"Really? Why?"

"As you can use the gift of Sacrifice to save the dying, Pelleas wanted to give his life to save his people. He wanted to be – just like you."

"Sothe…"

"I've always just fought for myself and the ones I love, but no-one else. When you saved that boy in Nevassa, I admired your courage, but also thought that you acted very foolishly. Now I understand what it means to feel responsible for the lives of so many innocents. Thanks to you – and Pelleas."

"Oh Sothe... my dear Sothe."

After a short night's sleep, everyone was woken early by Micaiah and Sothe, who told them that enemies were on the way. Everyone gathered in the square near the town's entrance while Micaiah sent out Naesala to scout.

"Lady Micaiah!", Sigrun called. "Has the enemy arrived already?"

"No, but they are coming. I'm sure of it."

"I can't smell troops or weapons", Skrimir said, frowning. "How can you be certain?"

"I don't know who they are or their exact numbers, but the enemy army is massive!"

Skrimir's frown deepened.

"I know it sounds strange, but I swear it's true! You must believe me!", Micaiah implored.

"No one doubts your gift, Micaiah", the lion replied. "I will not ignore the words of one who has spoken with the voice of a goddess."

"Oh…"

Naesala alighted next to them.

"Micaiah, looks like you were right. We have guests."

The enemies appeared out of nowhere, all of them wearing golden armour and uniforms.

"Leave them to me!", Skrimir shouted. "The weak among you should hide, for the battle will be fierce!"

Sigrun turned to Sanaki. "Empress, we should leave the fighting to General Skrimir. I will take you some-place safe."

Sanaki thought she'd misheard. "No. I will stay and fight with the others."

"With all due respect, empress, I cannot allow that! What if you get injured?!"

"If Micaiah, an untrained girl from the streets of Nevassa, is fighting, then I shall stand my ground as well."

Micaiah, who was standing just a few feet away, turned her head in Sanaki's direction. She had, no doubt, heard Sanaki's angry reply. A strange look had appeared on her face, it was almost – pain. Quickly, Micaiah turned her head away. Her constant companion, Sothe, said something, and she shook her head in reply.

"Empress...", Sigrun sighed.

"You can't win an argument with royalty", Naesala said with a smirk. "But don't worry about her. I'll protect the apostle."

"That is a kind offer, but I must decline", Sigrun replied. "It is the first and most sacred duty of the Holy Guards to protect the apostle."

"It looks like the enemy is about to take the argument out of our hands", Sanaki observed. "They're here."

"Do you beorc ever stop talking?", Skrimir complained. "Take your positions, now!"

Sanaki turned to face the soldiers. "You! All of you. You are all Begnion citizens! I'm so relieved you're all safe."

"Sanaki, be careful!", Naesala warned. "I don't know that they're going to be pleased to see you."

"What do you - "

"Minions of the Dark God!", a soldier called. "We are the Disciples of Order, led by blessed Lord Lekain! We have been charged by the Goddess Ashera to cleanse your taint from this world!"

"Death to the tainted souls! Let none escape!"

"Yune is not a dark god!", Micaiah protested angrily.

"Empress Sanaki, please stay back!", Sigrun urged. "Those traitors must have sided with the senate during the coup."

"Apostle Sanaki is a fraud", the first soldier shouted. "Any apostle who defies the edicts of the Goddess is an enemy to the people!"

"What?! No, I - "

"Silence, betrayers of the Empire!", Sigrun barked. "How dare you accuse the empress! Treason can only be punished by death!"

Skrimir and Naesala lead the charge on two fronts, followed by the members of the Dawn Brigade, Lady Fiona, Nealuchi and the two pegasus knights. Sanaki teamed up with the Dawn Brigade's healer, a young priestess called Laura, while Micaiah joined the archer Leonardo on the other front. Leanne stayed behind them, singing her galdrar to bolster their strength. Maian's guards, led by Commander Cynthia, swarmed over the battlefield to attack the enemy from above.

Despite her youth, Sanaki had already acquired the sage rank, and was able to use quite powerful fire spells. She could use wind, lighting and light as well, but preferred her own fire tome, Cymbeline.

During the fight, she tried to observe Micaiah. Her spells weren't anything special, but because of her innate magical strength, she managed to inflict heavy damage.

Their enemies turned out to be exceptionally strong, however, and reinforcements kept coming. Sanaki realised that they were using some kind of Warp Powder.

After what seemed like an eternity, they had managed to defeat the commander, and the remaining soldiers fled.

"They were strong – for beorc", Skrimir observed. "Has the senate sent its elite troops?"

"No, I knew some of them by face", Sigrun replied. "Some of these soldiers were new recruits. I can't imagine how they could have fought against us so fiercely."

"Simple. They were protected by Ashera."

They turned to face Micaiah to see that her eyes had turned red again.

"I sent a message to Micaiah about the impending attack, then returned here as fast as I could. Ashera freed the petrified soldiers who would pledge loyalty to her. By themselves, they weren't a threat to skin puppets as strong as you, so she blessed their weapons and armour. Now they are worthy to be her true disciples, and their power will be stronger as we get closer to her. The battle will get only more difficult from here."

"Is that blessing similar to the Black Knight's armour, or Ike's sword Ragnell?", Naesala asked.

"It's the same idea, yes. The disciples' blessings were much weaker because there were so many of them. Still, it makes them a lot more powerful than they originally were. I'd like to bless you all with protection, too, but I haven't been awake long enough to wield that kind of power. Sorry about that."

"Aahh, that was how they were able to stand against us!", Skrimir said.

"Poor souls... when they were turned back from stone, they probably thought they were the chosen ones or something. No-one is good enough for her, though. When she's done using them, they'll all be stone creatures again."

Sothe joined them.

"Micaiah! There you are!"

"Oh, it's her shadow again! I should go. All right, everyone, I'll see you later. Good luck!"

"Micaiah!"

"Uh – what?"

"Hey, glad to have you back", Naesala said. "We should tell the other teams what happened here. Where's Leanne?"

Sothe looked confused.

"I'm going back to sleep", Skrimir announced. "I hate being awakened so early in the morning, even if it's for battle."

They returned to town. Sothe held Micaiah back as she wanted to enter a house. Sanaki stopped behind a pillar, indicating to Sigrun and Tanith to hide as well.

"Yune was here again? I don't like it that she keeps taking over your body. She should stick to being that stupid bird."

"Please don't say mean things about her. She's like an older sister to me."

"Your older sister is a dark god?"

"I finally understand now. Remember that voice that used to warn me about impending danger? That was Yune's voice. I finally realised it this morning. Even when she slept, she watched over us. Yune loves laguz and beorc with all her heart. I can feel it when she speaks through me."

"Then why do people call her the Dark God?"

"I don't know... but she doesn't like that name. It hurts her when you call her that."

"Sorry... I won't call her that again."

"You mean it? Then I forgive you!"

"Whoa! Is that you, Yune?"

"'Sorry... I won't call her that again.' Why can't you be that nice with me? To be honest, that makes me a little jealous. But it's all right, I suppose. I know that Micaiah needs you. That's why I can't let you die. Here, come closer to me."

"Hey, what are you doing?!"

"Don't be so jumpy. I'm giving you the power to protect Micaiah."

It was the second divine blessing Sanaki got to see. Again, a pillar of light enveloped the one receiving the blessing, and just like Ike, Sothe looked different afterwards.

He was now wearing a short black shirt and a dark green coat that reached down almost to his heels.

"Wow... amazing. I feel incredibly strong, like I could arm wrestle Skrimir."

"Good... always stay by Micaiah's side."

She closed her eyes.

"Yune?"

"No, it's me again. Disappointed?"

"Never. But I do wish she'd at least let me thank her."

"It would just have embarrassed her. You two are so much alike – both of you are very stubborn."

Sothe didn't reply.

"I'm just teasing you. Anyway, did you hear what the enemy said before the battle?"

"Yeah... they called out Lekain by name. No mistake about it. That means he's still alive, and most likely not petrified, since they said he was their leader. I suppose we'll run across him when we get closer to the tower. That'll be our big chance."

"Right. We must break the Blood Pact, no matter what it takes. Of course, our first goal is to save everyone from the goddess' judgement. But we have to break the pact while they're still stone. Otherwise, we might save the world, but still lose Daein."

"Agreed. Now, how about some breakfast? I don't know about you, but I'm starving."

Sanaki watched them leave, feeling fury well up within her.

So that's why they turned against us. A Blood Contract... Damn you, Lekain! How dare you!

"We seem to have missed our chance to speak with her", Sigrun observed. "What a remarkable girl. Lady Micaiah can hear the voice of the Goddess Yune and learn of impending danger. She is much like you, Empress Sanaki."

Sanaki closed her eyes. "Let us head back."

"Are you sure? You said before that it was imperative that you speak with Lady Micaiah…"

"It's not important. Forget it."

Sanaki turned on her heels and marched back to her own quarters.

A/N:

I just gave the scene with Ike and Ranulf a little extension – originally, I had the scene end in the same way as the game did, but then I figured that we should get some kind of introspection from Ike here. And give him some bonding time with Mist, since they don't interact all that much in this story.