Chapter threeee. I feel so happy. =)

Well, let's get right down to it! (gives cookies to reviewrs)

Blue Orbi Angel: Whoo! Go for it! (gives much encouragement) And yes, three new species. Well, not new, new, but...you know... Thanks for reviewing! =D

Chef Colette: Yay! New reviewer! (mucho cookie flies towards you) Yeah, gotta love Kieran. He's da bomb. :-P Thanks! I hope you like what happens next! (gets evil look) Just wait until deeper into the story, mwahaha...

Mina-Chan: I dunno...will he be alive...? He may be... Haha! A Soren fan! (be prepared for a soon-to-be-posted-chapter... Soren gets inna fight! =D)

Disclaimer: No, you chowerheads, I do not own Fire Emblem! I own much, but not that much! ...But maybe if we put all our money together...

IMPORTANT NOTE: I have been forced to change something in the prologue, which indeed affects the entire story! I can to a major complecation in my writing of chapter ten, so I have changed how old Mihara was. Instead of being two months old, she was two years old. Okay? Okay.

XxXxXxX

Chapter 3

"Ah, General Geoffrey!" Calil practically sobbed with relief. "It's nice to see you! Not that gambling fool in the corner, but you! You are much better than him!"

Astrid snapped, "Miss Calil, I do wish you'd be kinder to Sir Makalov! He's nothing less than a wonderful knight!"

Just as Geoffrey was about to speak, Makalov slammed his fists on the table, howling with defeat. Marcia, more than likely having been right outside the bar, stormed in. "You sad, horrid excuse for a brother! An older brother, to make it worse!! What kind of example are you setting for me?! I'm your younger sister, for the goddess' sake! You lame-brained, chowderhead, clown haired-!!"

"Please, Miss Marcia!" Astrid interrupted. "He only had a poor game! He can win it all back!" And she smiled innocently.

Marcia stared at Astrid with a dead gaze. She groaned, rubbing her head, "I really want to know what the hell is wrong with you..."

Calil and Geoffrey, having been watching the scene, both sighed hopelessly.

XxXxXxX

Mihara grinned, feeling proud of herself sat she sat outside – in half-beorc form – with Tibarn, Ulki, Janaff, and the herons. Much to her disappointment, Mihara couldn't understand the ancient tongue, so she had to turn to Tibarn for a translation when Leanne or Lorazieh spoke. Maybe she could learn, though...

Just as she'd thought – the herons were beyond gorgeous. They were much more beautiful and lifelike than simply seeing them in a picture or the 3-D animation of the game. Mihara still couldn't believe how delicate they all looked. However, she felt fidgety when Reyson had looked her over, as if examining an object. Tibarn had assured her that Reyson was just baffled. Also, with Tibarn's help, Mihara had managed to transform back from her hawk form. He had, of course, been proud of her accomplishments within mere days.

"So how did the meeting go, Your Majesty?" Janaff inquired.

"It went okay. The wolf tribe is going to make their way down to their new lands within three days," Tibarn reported.

"That's good. I take it Queen Nailah is satisfied?"

"Indeed."

Suddenly, Ginia approached the group. She bowed low before her king. "My king, there is a messenger here from Queen Micaiah of Daein."

Tibarn seemed slightly confused. "Does he say what message he bares?"

"He says he has been told by his queen to speak to no one other than you, my lord."

"Very well, then. Send him."

"Right away, Your Majesty." Ginia bowed again and left, a tawny browned-haired beorc then walking towards them.

Leanne whispered something to Reyson, and Reyson murmured to her in reply, Mihara staring at them in wonder. The messenger bowed before Tibarn and asked, "Lord Tibarn, may we speak in private? I carry an extremely secret message from Queen Micaiah."

"Anything you may say, you may say here."

The messenger looked around to make sure no other soul was listening. Then, he leaned in and said quietly, "Queen Micaiah has been visited recently by the Goddess Yune. She has requested that two members of each laguz race go and meet with three new species of laguz coming from across the sea by the hero, Ike. She said you may pick whoever you wish to accompany you."

Reyson looked more alert at this report, Leanne listening to his every word intently.

"She also requested that you meet at the Greil Mercenaries Fort in the land of Crimea as soon as possible."

Tibarn slowly crossed his arms. If he was surprised by this bit of information, he kept it well-hidden. "Is that all?"

"Yes, Lord Tibarn."

"I shall go."

"And your companion...?"

"Did she wish to know?"

The messenger seemed slightly flustered. "Ah- umm...n-no, Lord Tibarn. Forgive me. I shall return to Daein at once."

"Very well. Thank you."

Tibarn made sure that the messenger had been out of sight before he frowned. "So Ike is still alive..."

Mihara inquired softly, "How could other laguz survive across the ocean? I thought all the land was submerged."

"The Goddess Yune has not checked over every inch of the ocean," Reyson replied. "She herself is not perfect and would tell you so herself. Survivors could have rapidly evolved to survive."

Mihara nodded slowly, thinking over that. It wasn't impossible, she supposed.

"Who will go with you, Your Majesty?" Ulki brought up.

Tibarn turned to him for a moment, and Janaff stared dully at him, waiting on a smart remark. "I believe that Mihara should accompany me."

Mihara stared at him, flabbergasted. "M-me?!"

"Yes. I believe that you can do it." He grinned slyly. "How about you, Lord Lorazieh?"

The heron king spoke gently to Tibarn. He nodded understandly, as did Reyson and Leanne. Reyson informed the ones who didn't know the ancient tongue, "Leanne and I shall go in my father's place."

XxXxXxX

King Xavier turned his head. He sighed lightly, rocking his otter tail back and forth to preoccupy him in the slightest way. At last, he heard the sound of hooves hitting the ground, as well as light, hardly audible footsteps beside them. A morgan horse approached the king of otters, his right hand man beside her. His loyal subject changed back from his large otter form to his half-beorc form. He bowed before Xavier. "King Xavier, here is a messanger from Lord Keenan, just as you wished."

"Thank you, Hadrian." Xaiver turned his dark green eyes towards the horse. He demanded, "Why has the blue-haired beorc sent us here?"

The morgan horse – Aislyn – transformed and said simply, "I do not know, King Xavier."

"Did he also tell your people to go to a...fort?"

"Yes, Lord Xavier."

Xavier ran a hand through his thick brown hair slowly. "Have you and Keenan found it?"

"Yes."

Xavier stiffened a little.

"They are honestly not bad people. He sent us to his younger sister and mercenaries that he used to be with. They are trustworthy beorc. However..."

"...However?"

"There is one...a raven-haired one. There is something about him that disturbs me."

"...A Branded," Xavier mumbled, knowing of the anxious feeling Aislyn was describing.

"Pardon, Lord Xavier?"

"It's nothing. Will you accompany us to the fort?"

"Of course. Have you found Lady Laurel? Goddess only knows they would be in the most trouble out of us."

"I have not seen her. I will keep my eyes and ears open. Hadrian?"

Hadrian obediently went to Xavier's side. He narrowed his brown eyes. "Yes, my king?"

"Begin to tell our people that we will soon be on the move."

As Aislyn turned to show Xavier the direction, she murmured, "I don't think we have much room as it is..."

XxXxXxX

Ena held her child closely, smiling at his face. "My most sweetest Rajaion...you will grow up to be like your daddy, won't you? You're my special little boy."

Kurthnaga approached Ena quietly with a smile plastered on his face. "How is Rajaion, Ena?"

"Oh, King Kurth. He's doing just well, thank you. Would you like to hold him?"

"My dear sister-in-law, I would love to."

Ena beamed at Kurth as she gently passed her the wide, red-eyed dragon laguz infant. Even though Ena had never officially married Kurth's brother, Rajaion, the now-dragon-king insisted that he and Ena were already like family. She was a close and loyal subject to Kurth's father, Dheginsea , as was her grandfather, Nasir. Kurth stared at Ena's son's face. He squealed with joy and reached up at the dragon king. Kurth's smile then became sad, as did his eyes. "You miss your dad, don't you, Rajaion?"

Ena swallowed the knot in her throat. It happened so long ago, but she would always remember her fiancé's final moments in her arms. It was just as Ike had described it to Kurth: It seemed like Rajaion died with a smile on his face. Ena still felt that there would be no way to thank the heron siblings for returning her love back to his true form before he passed on.

A cry from Rajaion caused her to return to the present. Kurth seemed a little nervous. Rajaion began sniffing, and quickly followed by that, was crying. Kurth's eyes widened. "I-I didn't do anything, Ena-!"

Ena laughed. "You're okay, King Kurth. He's just tired." Ena took her son from Kurth's arms and cooed at the crying laguz, "You're just sleepy, aren't you? I bet you want Gareth to rock you to sleep again, don't you?"

Kurth watched them go with a gentle and caring gaze. He sighed. He knew he couldn't escape from Nasir for much longer. Since his father had died and Kurth had taken over, Nasir had been tutoring him in ways to lead his people well.

"King Kurthnaga!!"

Speak of the devil. However, when Nasir came into the room, looking for Kurth, perched on his shoulder was a little bird.

XxXxXxX

Mihara sat on her balcony, her feet dangling off the edge. She was still somewhat startled that Tibarn had chosen her to fly such a far distance. She hadn't flown very far in her full laguz form, even though she didn't doubt she could go a ways before becoming worn out. The wind began blowing, and along with it, Janaff's voice. He was speaking to someone down below. Mihara, even though she didn't mean to be nosy, leaned over the edge, seeing him talking to a female hawk laguz. Mihara raised an amused eyebrow. Could this be someone that Janaff was flirting with? Before he could catch her staring, Mihara leaned back. She stared out at the mountains. Maybe, she thought, when he's done, Janaff will help me with my flying a bit more.

And so, she waited. While she waited, she started thinking about different things. She was going to meet the famed Greil Mercenaries. She wondered if they would act strangely towards her. But more than anything, she was curious about the new laguz races. The messenger hadn't said what race...not even if they were birds, beasts, or even dragons.

At last, she realized, Janaff's voice had faded. She leaned back over and saw Janaff heading away from the palace. She frowned, wondering where he was going. As if it were second nature now, she fell from her balcony, her wings opening and catching the wind smoothly. It still surprised her how easily she could fly now. It hadn't been an entire week yet since she'd arrived. Janaff must've heard her getting closer, for he turned, watching her land beside him. "Can I help you, Lady Mihara?"

"First off, stop calling me 'Lady'," Mihara said with a grin. "A secondly, would it be too much truoble to ask for a little more help in transforming and flying?"

"Not at all. I was just heading off for a flight, myself. I can give you some pointers as we go."

"Thanks."

"No problem. Well, shall we?" Janaff held out a hand. "After you."

Mihara pushed herself off the ground, flying her wings furiously at first to get in the air. She felt almost jealous as Janaff took off with hardly any effort. "You don't need to flap so much and so hard when you're first taking off. Just a couple hard beats should get you up fine."

Mihara nodded. "Okay, I'll try that next time."

"Okay, ready to transform?"

"Yeah."

"Even if you can't get words to form while you're in the full hawk form, I can still understand what you're trying to say. Not the same as if you told me to go talk to a bird, though," he added.

"Okay, that's good. I was worried that I may have to change back and forth."

"Well, nothing to worry about! Go ahead."

Mihara closed her eyes and concentrated, and, this time, it was much easier. She opened her eyes and was in her hawk form. Instantly, Janaff said, "You also don't need to flap as hard when you're in that form. You're a lot bigger and stronger. Just slow beats unless you try to dodge something."

Mihara tried slowing her beats and putting a bit more effort into them. And, as he'd said, she felt as though she were staying at the same altitude as if she were flapping more. Then, she turned her attention back to Janaff, who kept talking.

XxXxXxX

Ranulf stumbled out of his room, feeling a bit more well rested. He yawned and stretched, not looking forward to all the running he'd have to do to get to Altiaire again. His hair hung loosely in his eyes, not restrained at the moment by his orange headwrap. He shook his head to get his hair out of his eyes as he began walking. He looked outside, seeing that it was still daylight out. He blinked with confusion. He had almost even run into Kyza, who was running an errand. Just as he turned his attention back to where he was walking, he saw the tiger. "Oh, I'm sorry, Kyza."

"It's no problem, Commander Ranulf. Umm...to be honest, you look horrible."

"I feel it. What time is it?"

"It's past midday."

Ranulf slowly frowned. "Come again?"

"Well, s-sir, I think you've slept the day away."

Ranulf grumbled. "Damn. Why didn't anyone wake me?"

"Well, Commander, we all know how hard you've been pushing yourself lately, so we all felt that you needed the rest. Even King Skrimir said that no one was to bother you."

"How...considerate."

"Also, King Skrimir asked you to go to him once you woke."

"Okay. Thanks, Kyza."

"You're welcome, Commander."

Ranulf walked up the stairs to the throne room, where he predicted Skrimir to be. He pushed open the doors, and he could smell Skrimir though he couldn't see him. He entered the room and went out to the large balcony to the side of the throne room. There, was Skrimir, watching the forest. He heard Ranulf's footsteps and turned towards him. "You are finally up."

"Well, I had planned to sleep all day, but I thought you'd probably tear me apart in my sleep," Ranulf said sarcastically. "Kyza said you wanted to see me?"

"Yes. The Preistess of Daein has sent a messenger. Two representitives of Gallia are to go to the Greil Mercenaries' fort in Crimea to meet with laguz that Ike is sending over her."

Ranulf's eyes widened. "What?! Ike?!"

Skrimir nodded. "I have received word that they want two representitives from each laguz race to go meet with them and explain things. They are to stay with Ike's sister and the mercenaries. I thought perhaps you would go since you already know the way."

"Of course I'd go," Ranulf said after a moment, "but who do you want to go with me?"

"I thought you could chose."

"Oh...okay. I suppose I can get Lethe or Lyre to tag along... When do they want us?"

"As soon as possible."

"Okay. We can set out once I put my headwrap on." Ranulf glared at his bangs. "This is ridiculous."

Skrimir cracked a smile. "I'm sure you'll survive."

Ranulf threw his king a playful glare and pretending to blow bangs from his eyes. "I'll let you know before we leave."

"Okay."

"Do you want me to bring two tigers?"

"No, you may speak for all cats, tigers, and lions."

"Alrightyyy."

XxXxXxX

Sothe looked around. "Hey? Guys, are you here?"

Nolan popped his head out from a building. "Hey, Sothe. Over in here."

Sothe walked towards his old friend and entered the ancient building. Inside, Leonardo, Edward, Aran, and Laura spoke a greeting to their friend. Sothe joined them at the rectangular table they were gathered around with a devious smirk on his face. "So how's it coming?"

"Well, we've gotten lots of people to say they'll attend," Edward reported. "We just need to find out where exactly to do this. We could do it at the palace, but I'm not sure Micaiah would enjoy it as much."

"Indeed. She would like to get out for at least a day..." Sothe nodded in agreement.

"The courtyard?" Laura suggested.

"That's not exactly 'out'," Leonardo protested.

"Oh...true," Laura mumbled.

"The townspeople have offered to clean up the marketplace and that courtyard for it," Nolan reminded.

"How about out in the countryside?" Aran mentioned. "She likes to see the kingdom from the outside."

"...That's not a bad idea," Sothe admitted.

Laura beamed at this. "We can pick out the perfect spot and we can double it as a picnic!"

"Not bad," Leonardo agreed. He cracked a grin. "Now...it'll be in two days?"

"Two days," they all agreed.

XxXxXxX

"So...you don't know where Ike went after he transported all of you?"

"I'm afraid not."

Mist's gaze turned downward, at the floor. Then, her head snapped up when she heard Rolf call, "They're back!"

The entire courtyard of the mercenaries' fort was momentarily occupied by the horse laguz tribe. Mist didn't want to imagine how much worse it would get once the otters and swans arrived. Nonetheless, Mist, Titania, and Keenan all rose to go meet their new guests. Mist seemed to drag her feet as she walked behind the Horse Lord. Titania leaned down a little to whisper in her ear, "It'll be alright. He's okay."

Mist nodded, feeling a little better. Titania was right. The world still seemed mostly the same, therefore, her brother – her only blood family left – was still alive. She and the deputy commander gaped as they saw Aislyn standing beside the king of the otters, Xavier. Aislyn bowed before her king, as always. "I've brought Lord Xavier and his people, as you requested, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, Aislyn. You may go and rest, if you wish."

Taking a moment to think about his request, she nodded. "I shall, sire. Send word and I will aid you if you need me."

"Of course. Rest well, Aislyn."

"Thank you, my lord."

As Aislyn went into the fort to find a private room for sleep, Keenan approached Xavier. "Otter King, I am pleased to see you and your people have all arrived safely."

"And you as well, Horse Lord," Xavier said in reply. Then, a grin came over his face. "So, tell me: where might we find room for my people?"

"That would be a proper question from Lady Mist. She is the blue-haired beorc's younger sister, and the one he told me to seek out."

Mist stepped forward, feeling dwarfed surrounded by all these tall laguz males. She offered, "Welcome, King Xavier. We may have room in the upper level, and, if needed, some may take the roof." The Greil Mercenaries had taken time to build a second story, since the band of traders, along with Ilyana, had decided to move in with the mercenaries. The basement had already been filled with most of the horse laguz, and the mercenaries themselves were occupying the first floor.

"Thank you. May you show us the way?"

"Of course. Right this way..."

XxXxXxX

Inside, Soren cursed. They were coming back already. He looked back at the parchment he was writing. He finished it with haste, not caring if it was sloppy. Who he was sending it to could read it.

'The laguz you have been sending have arrived, all except for the swans. Don't worry about Mist – she's been doing fine ever since Rolf spoke with her, but she still wishes you back. As you requested, I am keeping this secret from everyone else. They know about you, sending the laguz, but not about the other. More importantly, return alive, Ike. For Mist and Titania's sake.'

Soren eyed the glowing, golden dog sitting on the floor beside him, waiting to take the message back. Ike's powers had grown enough over the course of three years for him to be able to make Ragnell become another form, which he had discovered...on an accident. He rolled up the letter and offered it to Ragnell. The dog took it, the note sticking out from its jaw and vanished, the letter with it.

XxXxXxX

Mihara's eyes cracked open. It was dawn of the next day – the day when she was supposed to fly with Tibarn, Reyson, and Leanne to meet with the laguz at the Greil Mercenaries' fort. She knew it was a long way...a very long way, but at least she'd gotten a good night's sleep, free of dreams. She threw the covers off and made her bed. Her window was open, as she liked to leave it, and with it, bringing the cold wind off of the mountains. She stretched and changed into her day clothes. She opened and closed her door, walking down through the halls, remembering where the dining room was. She entered and nodded (a little awkwardly) at the other hawks and ravens in the room, making her way over to Tibarn, Janaff, and Ulki. As usual, Janaff offered her her breakfast, and she accepted it, with a thanks.

"You seem to be adjusting to this place quickly," he commented while handing her her plate.

"...I suppose I am. It kind of feels like this place was what was missing from me, so it's not that hard..."

"But you miss your beorc family and friends, don't you?"

Once again, it took a moment for Mihara to remembering all their smiling faces. She swallowed the knot in her throat and nodded. However, she felt a little guilty when Tibarn whispered sadly, "I'm sorry."

She flushed. "W-well, it's not your fault! I-I-I mean, I can only imagine how sad you were whe-when..." she trailed off, feeling like she was rambling.

Tibarn smiled softly and patted his daughter's head affectionately. "I understand. Thank you."

They all finished their breakfast, and as they left the room, Mihara inquired, "Where are the others? Reyson, Leanne, and Lord Lorazieh?"

"They prefer to eat in their rooms. But they will join us out in the courtyard before we leave."

"Oh...okay."

And so, they walked to the courtyard, Tibarn speaking quietly with Janaff and Ulki, leaving them instructions as what to do while he was away. Although, the only thing that caught Mihara's attention was a smirk on Tibarn's face and a sentence that sounded something like, "...and Ranulf was saying something the other day about killing all of us if we didn't make a port for the other laguz to come, since they can't fly..."

Ulki smirked slightly and Janaff scoffed with amusement. At the same time, they both said, "What a feline. Doesn't want to swim."

As they entered the courtyard, Reyson and Leanne were talking with their father, in the ancient tongue. They caught sight of the others approaching, and nodded in acknowledgement. The other four did in return, as well. Tibarn looked at the heron siblings with a raised eyebrow. "Ready for lots and lots of flying?"

Reyson returned smugly, "Are we really the ones to be asking that?"

Mihara shifted uncomfortably. "I promise, I'll try not to slow you guys down..."

Leanne shook her head. "You...w-will be...fine."

The Hawk King's daughter smiled. "Thank you, Leanne."

She beamed. Behind them, Mihara heard, "Our apologies for being late, Your Majesty."

They turned and saw Ginia and another raven – a male with feathery dark brown hair and golden eyes – standing there. Tibarn shook his head. "No, it's perfectly fine. Are you two ready to go?"

"Of course, my lord."

"Very good."

While Tibarn turned and said a few things to Reyson and Leanne, Ginia smiled at Mihara. She approached her, the male raven with her. "Lady Mihara, this is Vlas."

Vlas bowed his head. "How do you, Milady?"

Mihara groaned inwardly, feeling uncomfortable. She gave up. She gave up trying to make them stop calling her 'Lady'. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Vlas."

"Thank you, Milady. It is an honor."

Tibarn urged, "Well, we better take wing. Otherwise, we won't get there until next year."

"He's right. Let's go," Reyson agreed.

The six that were leaving pushed themselves off the ground (Mihara remembering what Janaff told her the previous day) and took a moment to transform. Then, Tibarn screeched a goodbye to those below and flew fast, forward. Even the ever-graceful herons took off, Leanne checking to make sure that Mihara was coming. At first, Mihara thought that she wouldn't be able to keep up with them at all, but when she beat her wings powerfully and launched herself forward, she saw the ground below rush under her as though she were a bullet train.

...Okay, maybe not that fast, but still.

She felt exhiliration rush through her as she flew beside Leanne and Ginia, Reyson beside Tibarn, Vlas flying behind the women. Quickly, they flew over the mountains, heading slightly northwest. Then, it was nothing but open ocean. She knew that Tibarn would more than likely take them around Goldoa, along the west border. She kept beating her wings, still not feeling tired at all. Ulki was right – flying did feel like she'd done it her life. It felt so natural to her. It was around and hour and a half later, before land became visable. Mihara squinted her eyes and saw the many mountains that surrounded Goldoa. But, just as she'd predicted, Tibarn veered off towards the left of the dragon country. Then, she knew that what they were flying in was Gallia's skies.

I wonder who's going for Skrimir. Probably Ranulf. Mihara smiled inwardly. She wanted to see Ranulf again – he'd vanished not a day after Mihara was brought to Tellius. She wondered who Ranulf was going with.

For a long while, they flew over forest. She'd known Gallia had lots of forested area, but she had no idea how much! It was more like a sea of trees. She frowned. Didn't someone from the game say that...? She knew someone had, but she didn't take time to ponder on it.

Not but twenty minutes later, they heard two loud yowls from giant cats – which sounded like more like a lion's roar, to Mihara. The six birds looked down and saw a blue and orange cat running below them. Those in the air screeched and called back in response. Mihara looked closely at the orange cat. She saw that, around its neck, was a green necklace. She felt somewhat excited. That meant it had to be Lethe with Ranulf. She knew that Lethe had a sharp tongue, but she had always liked her from the game. She didn't let anyone push her around.

And so, with the two cats on the ground, keeping up with the six birds, they all headed towards their common destination.

XxXxXxX

End chapter tres! Wheee!! ...No, I swear that it's not an hour and a half before noon, I'm not listening to music, DANCING to the music, and am most certainly NOT drinking Dr. Pepper...!

Okay, maybe I am.

Please review! -Sylph