^^Hey peoples! Guess what… I forgot to put Shinon in the last chapter… eh… I wanted him there. Ah well expect Shinon to be in this chapter! THX FOR THE REVIEWS!!! Love you all for them!Oh and I found out while playing Fire Emblem that I've been spelling Siene wrong… it's not Syene… sry '. ahahaha…

WARNING! : This chapter is mainly torture! Almost all of it is… IT'S GORY!! sort of… I don't know… ALSO! Ranulf is harassed… in that way… it doesn't get far but it's still there… DON'T SAY I DIDN'T WARN YOU!!!!!

ONE MORE THING! I didn't read it over… its way to freaking long! So if there are mistakes IM SORRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't hate me… *Big puppy eyes*

--s2--

Ranulf stood in darkness fully clothed in his usual outfit. It was cold and there was an eerie feeling that told the blue haired Laguz that something wasn't right. He walked forward searching for someone who may be able to help him out of the shadows. He then saw someone in the distance. Getting closer to the figure he noticed that it was his sword warrior, Ike. The cat gasp and called over to the man, his voice echoed off nothing.

Hearing his voice, Ike looked over and smiled. Ranulf started to run and just when he was about to hug his well missed lover, bars came down between them. Ranulf backed up and bumped into more bars and found out that he was in a cage.

"Ranulf!" Ike yelled. The mercenary got into a fighting stance and a white light formed a sword in Ike's right hand. The light's shine grew and then suddenly vanished leaving behind Ragnell in Ike's the sword up, Ike slashed the bars hoping to get his cat out. Again and again he tried, but it was no use. The bars weren't even scratched.

Ranulf watched as Ike tired himself out trying to save him. Ike swung once more and electricity went from the bars, up Ragnell, and flowed through Ike. With a cry of agony Ike was thrown backwards; his sword flew in a different direction.

There was laughing.

"Ike!" Ranulf cried. "Ike, are you alright?!" The laughing continued and Ranulf was started to growl at the high pitched chuckle.

"What a pathetic weakling." the voice snickered. "Did you honestly think that it would be that easy to get the Sub-human out of that cage? Ridiculous."

Another figure emerged from the dark. Ranulf instantly jumped when he saw who it was. Yuuta stood above Ike staring down at the unconscious warrior. He tapped Ike with his foot a few times before Ranulf stopped him.

"Get away from him!" He ordered. Yuuta smiled that evil smile of him and laughed.

Ike woke up and saw an unfamiliar face and moves away quickly. "Who are you?!" He asked in a panic. "What do you want?!"

Yuuta stopped laughing and stared at Ike. "It's not what I want." He answered. "But I enjoy it either way." He snapped his fingers and dark shadows surrounded Ranulf.

Ike gasped. "No, Ranulf!" He ran up to the bars being careful not to touch them. When the shadows retreated Ranulf was left in nothing but the gray rag around his waist and his hair had been cut. Around his neck was a crimson color and his ear was pierced with a similar ring; it was the way he looked in Begnion as a slave. Ike didn't like what he saw. "What did you do to him?!"

The purple haired man walked between the Ike and the cage holding Ranulf captive. "Nothing, yet."

Ike glared at Yuuta. "You better release him now or else I--"

"Or else what?" Yuuta interrupted with a mocking tone. Ike became silent. "You're dreaming you do know that, right? It's just a dream. If you want all this to stop then I suggest that you wake up." He started laughing again.

A whip appeared behind Ranulf and it began to beat the Laguz. Ranulf yelped. "No… Ike, don't-- AH! B-believe him… Everything-- eh… you are seeing is r-- Real!" After one last slash on the back Ranulf fell to the ground on his hands and knees.

Ike stared in horror as his love was struck time and again. He was useless to him; there was no way he could help. "Ranulf!!!"

"HAHAHA! This is so much fun!" Yuuta exclaimed. "I wonder what you'll do if I kill him!"

The whip transformed into an axe. Ranulf was too hurt and weak to move. He saw the weapon above him and his mismatched eyes grew in fear. "NO!!!!" He heard Ike scream out. The blue haired warrior then suddenly disappeared.

--s2--

"NO!" Ike's eyes opened wide as he woke up and sat up quickly; too quickly.

BANG!

"Ow…"

"Ow…"

Ike rubbed his forehead and looked up to see who he had knocked into. "Sorry… I…"

"It's okay, Ike." Soren's said. He was also rubbing his head. "Are you ok? You were almost screaming in that dream of your's."

"I was…?" Ike rested his hands on the blankets he had on the sleeping bag he was in. Ike then remembered something from the dream. "Ah, Soren, we have to get over to Siene as soon as possible! They're tormenting and killing the Laguz!"

Soren wasn't surprised. "I had guessed as such, Ike. But, Ike, what exactly did you see in your dream?"

"Huh…?" Ike was taken aback by the question. "Well…"

The mage put up his hand to stop Ike. "Wait, not here. We'll gather everyone first. Goddess Yune may be sending you a message to help us."

Ike nodded his head slowly. He then got up. "We still have to hurry." He said as he grabbed his armour and Ragnell. Once he was ready he ran out the door.

SMASH!

"Ouch!"

Ike groaned while he was face down in the dirt. "This is just not my morning…" He grumbled.

"Ike…?" the high voice was familiar. "You're up, good. I was worried."

"Mist… is that you?" Ike questioned just to make sure it was her.

He heard a giggle. "Yes. Of course, silly. Why?"

Ike sighed. "Never mind…"

--s2--

Yuuta snapped his fingers for the second time and the shadows took the axe away. "Awe, he woke up… too bad."

Ranulf's eyes gazed over to where Ike had vanished. He could feel blood run down his back and drip from his stomach to the floor. Yuuta sighed and floated up with the darkness and gave Ranulf one last smile before leaving.

The blue haired cat rested his head on the cool bars of the cage he was trapped in. Was that really Ike? Did their dream somehow connect to each other? If they were… could Ranulf tell Ike where he was exactly? That would help Ike and the others out a lot. He could give Ike inside information. What about Yuuta though…

With a huff of frustration. Ranulf thought about what he could tell, or even show Ike what all has been going on. How did this happen in the first place? Would they be able to connect again?

"Ike…" the cat whispered. "IKE!"

--s2--

Ranulf jolted violently as he awoke. He looked around to find himself back in Zarack's room. He mentally sighed. 'Day three…'

Searching the room a little more he saw Takashi staring at him with concern. Ranulf stared back with slight confusion.

"Are you alright?" Takashi asked. His facial expression was filled with panic. "You were screaming."

"Screaming…?" Ranulf repeated.

"Yeah, like you were dying!" Takashi exclaimed. "You scared me! I didn't know what to do!"

Ranulf chuckled. "I'm fine, Takashi. Just a bad dream."

"Are you sure?" Takashi was definitely frightened. Ranulf gave him a smile to reassure him. Takashi seemed to calm down a bit.

The blue cat looked around once more. "Where is Zarack?"

"He left not to long before you started having that dream." Takashi told him. "Said he had some things to take care of. He also said that we didn't have to go working with the other Laguz today."

Ranulf was surprised at this. "We don't…? But what about the others?"

Takashi's ears twitched. "We have a choice. Either go working with the others or go to the stadium with Kinya and Yuki."

"Kinya…?" Ranulf questioned. "Wait, isn't he the one that started this whole mess?" Takashi nodded. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to the stadium… where Yuki will be." Takashi answered with a small blush. "I want to make sure she doesn't get hurt."

Ranulf understood Takashi's feelings for Yuki. "Alright, stay out of trouble as well though. I'll go too and see if I can get Kinya to say any information I can use." He smiled. This was perfect timing. Now that he can sort of talk to Ike in his dreams, inside information was needed so he could help with the rescue.

Takashi stared at Ranulf with a frown. "Be careful… If Kinya really hates us Laguz then there's no doubt that he'll try something."

The blue Laguz cat didn't think of that. He thought about his decision once more. He then turned to face Takashi again. "I have to, I can't be a burden to the others."

"But, even if you do find something out, you wouldn't be able to tell the ones that are coming to save us." The green Laguz cat told him. "What would be the point?"

"I can tell them." Ranulf said. Takashi was confused and Ranulf knew he had to tell him about the dream now. "I'm able to communicate with Ike."

"Ike?" Takashi's eyebrows lowered in thought. "Oh, you mean the guy you where calling out to."

Ranulf jumped up out of the bed. "W-what?!"

Takashi chuckled at Ranulf's reaction. "That sounded a little wrong didn't it. Anyway, you where talking in your sleep. Well, only a little. All you said was that guy's name."

"Are you sure…?" Ranulf asked, but regretted it.

"What do you mean?" Takashi tilted his head to the side. Ranulf didn't answer. "What? You're acting like you like this guy or something." Takashi exploded with laughter.

Ranulf glared at Takashi. "What would be wrong with that?"

Takashi stopped laughing. "Huh?" he giggled for a moment. "I don't get it."

"I-- uh…" Ranulf didn't know what to say now. He and Ike had to keep quiet about their relationship until a better time. They were breaking too many rules and there is no way everyone could just let the situation be. "Forget I said that." Ranulf turned away to head for the bathroom.

"Ah… I can't just forget it!" Takashi said standing up from the bed. "Come on, tell."

Ranulf stopped walking, but didn't face Takashi. "I can't tell you."

"Why not…?"

"Because, we…"

"You…?"

"…"

"Ranulf, I'm not stupid." Ranulf heard Takashi step closer to him. "I'm able to put pieces together and I know what you were going to say. So, just come out and say it."

"I… wait…" Ranulf spun around and stared at Takashi. "If you know, then why don't you tell me? I'll tell you if it's right or not."

Takashi smiled. "Okay, you and this Ike guy are in love."

Ranulf's tail stiffened and his ears lowered to his skull in shock and embarrassment. "How… how are you capable of saying that so easily?!" Ranulf shouted. "You do know that its forbidden for a Beorc and a Laguz to fall in love with each other let alone date with each other!?"

"Yeah, I know." Takashi said simply. "But, really, it doesn't matter. Zarack was born from both Beorc and Laguz blood, wasn't he?"

"Yes." Ranulf answered.

"And he's alright, right?"

"Yes, but, a lot of people hate the Branded. That's why that kind of relationship is forbidden." Ranulf was growing tired of this conversation.

"We don't hate them though and I'm sure others don't as well." Takashi shrugged. "So, I don't see the problem with this."

Ranulf sighed. He didn't see the problem either. It was all because of Begnion and their fear of the Laguz that started the stupid law. If they didn't start hate them then everyone else would have been fine with the Laguz as well.

"I don't know what to do…" Ranulf said honestly. "No one will accept us."

"I do." Takashi said. "Zarack will and Yuki too. I'm sure a lot of people will!"

Ranulf thought about it. "Alright, I guess we can tell Zarack, but that's it. I don't want to jeopardize this."

There was a knock on the door. Ranulf wondered if this was going to be an everyday thing with that door. He looked over at Takashi thinking about if he should open it. As far as they knew it could be a Begnion soldier. Without Zarack here with his protection anything could happen.

There was then a voice calling from the other side. "Um… I was asked to bring you to the stadium if any of you wanted to go…" It was Yuki.

Ranulf relaxed and unlocked the door and opened it for Yuki. The young woman Laguz walked in carefully and gave a small smile to Takashi and Ranulf. Her smile soon faded though.

"I was told to bring you to the stadium if you wanted to go." Yuki announced. "If not then your group is going to be outside working on… sorry I don't remember what they are doing…" She bowed in apology.

Takashi stepped toward her. "Ah, don't worry about, there's no need to be sorry. We're both going to the stadium today."

Yuki stood up straight again. "O-okay…" She turned to the open door. "Th-this way then…"

--s2--

The three Laguz made it to the stadium. After Ranulf and Takashi where seated Yuki told them that Master Kinya would be here in a few minutes. The other two nodded. "I can't stay… Master Yuuta wants me to stay with him today." Ranulf noticed Takashi's hands curled up into fists when he heard that. Yuki then left and Takashi was about to start yelling.

"…"

"…"

"Bastard…" Takashi whispered. "He… he's going… to…"

Ranulf placed a hand on Takashi's shoulder. "Calm down, we don't know for sure that that is happening."

"It's sort of obvious, isn't it?!" He stood up. "He's going to use her and there is nothing we can do to stop it! I feel so useless!" He fell to his knees again and punched the wooden flooring.

"My, my, such anger." a new voice said.

The Laguz looked up and saw a man with purple hair and blue eyes. He wore white from to bottom, his coat had a ruby coloured lining. His skin was pale and clean. It seemed like he was from royalty.

"Master… Kinya?" Ranulf guessed.

The man smiled. "Good, you know who I am." He sat down on his chair in the middle of the two cats. He looked over at Takashi with his soft, yet dangerous smile.

"Um…" Ranulf thought about words he could say. "Was it you that invited us here?"

"Why, yes, I was." Kinya answered turning his gaze over to Ranulf. "No problem with that, I hope."

"Oh, no, no." Ranulf shook his head. "I was just wondering, if I may ask, why did you invite us here?"

Kinya hummed in amusement. "If you must know, I wanted to see just what Zarack had dragged in." He crossed his legs before continuing. "You see, Zarack never wants to have anything to do with what happens around here with you Sub-humans. I was merely wondering why he would want to keep you two as his pets. He insisted on keeping you two with him in his dorm room."

Ranulf wasn't surprised at this. He stared into the open space in the middle of the stadium. His eyebrows frowned in confusion when he didn't see a wooden pole in the middle of the ring. 'Maybe they haven't set a new one up yet…'

Ranulf was pulled out of his thoughts when a pair of hands wrapped around his sides. He looked down at them in slight panic before those hands had lift him up to his feet and lead them to Kinya's lap. Now Ranulf was really panicking. "M--Master Kinya…?"

The said man chuckled. "Your eyes are very interesting. Two colours, huh? Green, a colour that represents calmness and crimson, a colour that represents blood." His index finger pointed under Ranulf's eyes when he said each colour. "Then there's your hair. A soft shade of blue." He ran his fingers through the Laguz's short hair. "No wonder Zarack likes to keep you."

The Laguz was extremely confused and lost for words. He looked behind him over to Takashi and gave a silent call for help. Takashi nodded and opened his mouth to speak.

"When are the executions going to start, Master Kinya?" He asked calmly as he could.

Kinya stopped admiring Ranulf to answer Takashi's question. "They should be starting soon. Why?"

"N--no reason…" Takashi stuttered. "I'm not the one to have a lot of patients that's all."

Kinya wrapped his arms around and brought him into a hug. Ranulf, although disgusted by the action, did nothing. "Don't worry," Kinya spoke. "It'll start soon.

"In the meantime…" Kinya grabbed Takashi's arm and hosted him up and also on his lap. "Let's take a look at what you are." He tilted Takashi's head up with his fingers and examined him; his other arm was still wrapped around Ranulf. "Green hair, golden eyes. I also heard that they had some trouble with you the first day you where here. My son, Yuuta, wasn't happy about that. He asked for your execution to be yesterday. Zarack came in though and protected you."

Ranulf blinked. "That's why…" He stopped himself.

Kinya stared over at him with a smile. "Hmm? What was that?"

"Oh… nothing… sorry…" Ranulf said. 'That's why Zarack had to go that night, it wasn't a night shift.'

The man in white shrugged. "Okay then."

Cheering was heard and the Laguz took that as a warning that the execution was starting. In the ring a Laguz raven was pushed out with his hands tied in front of him. The raven didn't struggle or put up a fight he just simply walked out tall and strong, ready for what was about to happen.

The blue haired cat studied the raven, he had a feeling that he had met him before. He then silently gasped. It was the raven he met the yesterday in that cold room Yuuta had lead him and Zarack to.

"Ah," Kinya breathed, "Flayel, so you're first to go today."

"Flayel…?" Ranulf questioned.

"He was my servant ever since we decided to bring you Sub-humans here." Kinya answered. "I don't see why the camps that keep you Sub-humans in your place were closed down so I thought I would pick up the slack." Ranulf's breath hitched slightly. He was spilling information.

"We weren't here for a long while and when I heard that Begnion was becoming friends with your kind I thought I would come back and put a stop to that." Kinya chuckled. "Now you are probably wondering why I'm telling you such things. Well, it's because I want you to know. Everyone has a right to know what they are being punished for. You Sub-humans where never to exist in this world, so we are getting rid of you. One by one."

Ranulf didn't know if he should say anything. He couldn't help it though. "Then why don't you just… kill us…? Instead of putting in slavery first…?"

"Just because." Kinya smirked. "I enjoy seeing some suffer. Plus, it's the only way to prove that you're obedient. You should be thankful; I'm giving you all a chance to live by obeying our orders. Who knows, maybe one day I'll set the rest of you free."

Takashi felt a thin line of hope when he heard that. Ranulf felt a little better, but it didn't change anything about the torment the Laguz were facing right now. They needed to get the Laguz freed as soon as possible.

Their attention was drawn back to the raven in the middle of the ring after a long silence. Flayel was shoved roughly to the sand and was stripped of his clothing; just like what happened last time. One of the guards yanked at Flayel's color and brought him up to his feet again. There was no embarrassment, depression, or anger shown on Flayel's face; he was completely emotionless.

Another guard crouched down and ran his fingers through the sand in search of something. When he found it he got up and latched it on to Flayel's wrists; they were hand cuffs with a chain that Ranulf guessed was hooked to the floor somewhere in the sand. The chain didn't allow Flayel to move his hands very far, not to mention they were still tied together.

The same thing was brought up from the sand to cuff around Flayel's ankles. There was nowhere the raven could go now. Still, the raven didn't try. He knew better.

A large axe wielder came out with a smile. He stood behind Flayel and waited. The guards grabbed the raven's black wings and spread them out wide. The guards nodded to the axe man and with one swift swing one of the wings was cut clean off.

"AHH!!!" Flayel cried. He leaned forward and tried to step away from his tormentor, but the chains on his ankles didn't let him go far. He stared at his wing on the ground. "Bastard…" his strangled voice said softly, but loud enough for everyone to hear.

Ranulf hated this. It was worse than the burning. They were tormenting him before they were going to kill him. Flayel screamed out again falling to his knees when his other wing was cut off and Ranulf couldn't help but jump slightly. Kinya, noticing Ranulf's discomfort, tightened his hold around his waist.

Flayel looked up directly at where the three were sitting. Kinya smiled and waved down to his old slave. Flayel barred his teeth. He rose up his hands and flipped off Kinya. The Beorc's smile only widened.

Flayel forced himself to stand. "Don't… Don't give in to these bastards!" He yelled. All the Laguz turned their heads down to listen to the raven. "Fight for your life! Show nothing but honour and your will to live! This is the end for me, but that doesn't mean it's the end for all of us! Find a way out!" He paused and tried to catch his breath. "May you Beorc bastards rot in hell!! Long live the Laguz!!!"

After that the axe was swung down and stabbed through Flayel's back. The raven grunted and blood started to spill from his lips. He fell, face first in the sand coughing up all the blood in his throat and lungs. He reached out for his black wings that lay beside him. Before he could touch them though his hand went limp and his eyes closed never to be opened again.

Ranulf felt sick. So much blood was spilt from the wounds. He placed his right hand over his mouth. "Master Kinya…" Ranulf whispered.

Kinya looked at him. "Hm, you don't look so good." Takashi gazed over to see what was wrong. He too was looking pale from what he just saw.

The blue haired cat shook his head. "Is there a washroom nearby…?"

The Beorc nodded. With a wave of his hand a guard came out and bowed in respect. "Take this one to the washroom. It seems that his stomach can't handle this sight just yet." The guard bowed again and Ranulf got up to his feet. Quietly, he followed the guard while his mind replayed what had just happened.

--s2--

Once they were at the washroom the guard told Ranulf that he would wait outside for him. Ranulf nodded slowly and bowed before he walked into the washroom.

Ranulf turned on the tap at the sink and held his hands under to catch the water. He splashed the water in his face a few times and looked up in the mirror. "How many more are going to die before we all escape…?" he whispered to himself.

He stared long and hard at his reflection. Something red flashed before his eyes. Ranulf rubbed his eyes with his left hand and when he opened them again he gasped. His reflection was covered in blood. His frighten expression had cuts and scratches all over. Fresh crimson blood ran down his face and dripped down into the still running water.

Closing his eye tightly, Ranulf slashed more ice cold water in his face. When he looked up again the blood was gone. There were no cuts on his face and no sign of them ever being there. Ranulf shakily smiled to himself as he gazed down at the sink. "Just my imagination…" He chuckled. "This place really gets to you."

He turned the water off and smiled in the mirror. His smile faded quickly when he saw Yuuta standing behind him in the mirror holding a dagger up to his neck. He jumped and tripped over his own feet as he took a deep intake of air. He landed on the tile flooring on his backend before laying flat on the cold ground. When he looked up at the purpled hair man he was no longer there.

Ranulf sat up and wrapped his arm around his bare chest. "I need to calm down…" He inhaled and exhaled slowly to force himself to relax. "Everything will be fine in the end." He stood up and walked out of the washroom not daring to look in the mirror again.

--s2--

He was lead back to the stadium to watch the rest of the executions. When he arrived he found Takashi missing.

"Ah, your back, good." Kinya smiled. He held out his hand and lead Ranulf back to his lap.

"Where did Takashi go to?" Ranulf asked his multicoloured eyes held a small amount of worry.

Kinya's blue eyes glistened dangerously. "The green haired one? He left since he couldn't take anymore of this entertainment. He was taken back to the group you're both in."

Ranulf stared at the wooden floor. He wondered if Takashi would alright. At his age all of this would definitely take a toll on him. Heck, Ranulf is older, has been through war, and this was taking a toll on him. Well, at least Takashi didn't have to see anymore today; at least Ranulf hoped he didn't.

--s2--

Ike and the others were making their way to Tanas. Soren said to Ike that after they make it there they'll stop to eat and Ike will have the chance to tell everyone about his dream. Ike agreed to this, but wasn't exactly happy about the stop. Getting to Ranulf was the only thing on his mind. Stopping now and then was a waist of time in Ike's point of view.

They made it to Tanas when the sun was high above in the slightly cloudy sky. They went into the shelter of the Tanas temple and stopped for a bite to eat. Soren had already gathered up the Dawn Brigade, the Laguz kings and the rest of their own group; the hawks and ravens that were also brought along where lost in conversations of their own.

The group sat together in a circle on the floor. The three Laguz kings sat together, Tibarn purposely putting Naesala in the middle of them. Reyson sat beside Tibarn which was expected. The Dawn Brigade sat together side by side with Micaiah in the middle next to Sothe. Leonardo and Edward where on the other side of Micaiah. Rhys was beside Edward and next to him was Ike. Soren took a seat on the opposite side of Ike next to Zihark who was seated next to Skrimir.

Ike noticed that Nolan and Rolf weren't here. When he asked where they were Tibarn answered that they will be coming later with Ulki and Janaff.

Soren was the one to start the conversation after that. "Ike would like to share something that he dreamt about last night."

"Dreamt?" Skrimir snorted as he crossed his arms. "Why must we discuss a dream? There's no point to that."

"This was more than a dream." Ike said.

"It looked like a nightmare if you ask me." Mist said softly.

Soren nodded. "He was yelling and acted as if he was in pain."

"In pain?" Rhys and Micaiah questioned.

Ike shook his head. "I wasn't the one in pain really. It was Ranulf."

"What happened?" Leonardo asked.

Ike looked at the piece of bread in his hands. "At first he running towards me and before we knew it he was locked up."

"Makes sense," Tibarn mumbled. "He is locked up in Siene."

"Quit pointing out the obvious, Tibarn." Naesala said who was resting his head in his hand. He bit off a piece of meat.

Tibarn smacked Naesala on the back of the head. "Shut up, you! No one was talking to you!"

"Ow…" Naesala held a hand to his mouth. "You made me bite my tongue, you damn pigeon!"

"Who are you calling a pigeon!" Tibarn curled his hands into fists just waiting for the right moment to punch the day lights out of the Raven King. "If anyone here is a stupid pigeon it would be you!"

The two bird kings pressed their foreheads to each other and tried to push the other back in a childish dare. They growled at one another waiting for the other to make the first attack so they can start up a fight. That was until Reyson and Skrimir pulled them away.

"Quit fighting, you're both dumb birds!" Skrimir yelled.

Reyson tugged on one of Tibarn's feathers and pulled it out. Tibarn yelped in pain and turned to Reyson. "What was that for?" the Hawk King asked a little more calmly than he was with Naesala.

The Heron Prince twirled the feather between his thumb and forefinger. "It was the only thing I could think of to make you stop." He smiled innocently. Tibarn glared slightly at the prince.

Zihark scratched the back of his neck. "Could we get back on the subject?"

"Yes, please do." Edward added.

Tibarn and Naesala gave each other one last dirty look before crossing their arms and turning away. They both huffed and everyone could help but huff as well.

"Anyway," Soren began again. "Ike, continue what you were saying."

Ike nodded and looked around at their group. "So, he was locked up and I tried to get him out, but some sort of electric shock flew me back. When I opened my eyes again there was this purple haired man, wearing black leather, standing over me." He paused in case anyone had a question. Since no one said anything he continued. "I asked who he was and what he wanted."

"Did he say?" Sothe asked.

"No." Ike shook his head. "He didn't say what he wanted either, he said that it was what his 'master' wanted."

"Who's that?" Micaiah questioned. "Or did he not say."

"Didn't say." Ike told her.

"Then what happened?" Rhys pushed on.

"Shadows surround Ranulf by that guy's will. When they vanished Ranulf was left in nothing but a grey rag around his waist, his hair was cut and there was a color around his neck as well as a ring in his ear; both of them the colour crimson."

"What could those be for?" Leonardo came into the conversation.

"No one ever said." Ike said.

"After that a whip came and started beating Ranulf" Ike informed them. "I couldn't do anything, but watch. An axe appeared and before anything could happen… I woke up."

"It was just a dream." Skrimir informed them. "What happened there can't be used as real information."

"Well, it could." Rhys said quietly. Everyone turned their attention to the saint. "Yune's magic may be doing this to help us. Ike may be able to connect to Ranulf through his mind with Yune's help. This means that Ranulf could give us updates on what is happening in Siene. Ike, did Ranulf ever speak during the dream?"

"Yes," Ike answered. "The other man was saying that what I was seeing was just a dream, but Ranulf said otherwise. He said that everything that was happening was real."

"This is ridiculous!" Skrimir roared.

"It can help us thought." Soren said.

"That could help us out a lot." Edward repeated Soren's words while staring at the floor. "…but if this is possible, and all of this is true, then what about that purple haired man?"

"Yeah, it seems like he can interfere." Leonardo said.

It went silence. Everyone what thinking about all that was said. A few minutes went by with them all just eating and thinking. Their thoughts were then interrupted by a sound of a small bird chirping.

Everyone looked up to see a little orange bird fly in through the window and sore around the room. Micaiah knew who exactly who it was. "Yune!" The bird heard its name and flew down to the silver haired girl. Yune landed on Micaiah's shoulder and tweeted in her ear. Micaiah nodded, understanding the little sounds Yune made and closed her eyes.

"Micaiah?" Sothe called quietly. The said girl opened her eyes again. Right away Sothe knew it wasn't his wife; her eyes were a ruby colour. "Yune." Sothe sounded slightly annoyed.

Yune looked at Sothe. "Sorry, Sothe, but Micaiah's body is the only one that will accept me."

"Yeah, yeah, I know." Sothe leaned back on his hands laying his head back in the air.

The goddess turned to face the rest of the group. "I only have a little time here, my powers have been weakened for the time being.

"You're right about the connection between Ike and Ranulf. You're also right about me giving you help with that. It's very rare that I'm able to find a good connection between two people."

Ike flinched slightly at that. 'Does Yune know about me and Ranulf…?'

"You two must be good friends then." Rhys smiled, kicking Ike out of his thoughts.

"… I guess." Ike murmured.

Yune caught everyone's attention again. "I'll continue to help by giving Ranulf and Ike a connection to each other through their minds. This is all I can do for you though. The rest is up to you." They all nodded to show to Yune that they understand.

"Oh, and Ike," Yune smiled. "I know, and it's okay."

The young goddess closed her eyes and gave Micaiah her body back. When the silver haired woman opened her golden eyes again Yune flew away.

Everybody's eyes where on Ike wondering what Yune had meant. Zihark was the first to ask the question all of them all desperately wanted to ask. "What does Yune know about, Ike?"

Ike didn't say anything. He gazed over at Sothe silently asking for help. The green haired thief nodded.

"Shouldn't we be heading out?" Sothe questioned as he stood up. "If we don't hurry up then the rescue is going to be put to waste."

"He's right." Tibarn stood up as well. "Besides, sitting around is boring."

The group all got up to their feet and started to head out. The two bird kings called their man to follow.

Ike and Sothe were that last to walk outside. "Thanks." Ike whispered. "You saved me there."

"Don't mention it." Sothe said as he stuffed his hands into his pocket. "Whenever you tell them you tell them. I would be careful now though."

"I'm always careful." Ike told him.

"Yeah, well, now they know you're hiding something."

"Right…"

Sothe sighed. "Worry about later though. When you see mob coming your way then worry."

Ike chuckled. "May be a little too late, but alright."

Sothe shrugged and started to walk away from Ike to meet up with the ones ahead. Ike soon followed.

--s2--

Ranulf sat, unwillingly, on Kinya's lap. The executions were over for the day. Through the whole thing Flayel, a hawk woman with her new born son and the father, an old male tiger, and a young male cat where all killed in disgusting ways. Ranulf was extremely pale and was glad that it was finally over.

Kinya started to stand and Ranulf was dropped from the seat to his feet. He was shaking and Kinya noticed. "Here," Kinya spoke. "This may help." He took out a small glass bottle the size of Ranulf's index finger. He handed it to the blue haired cat and smiled.

Ranulf took the bottle and looked at it. 'Knowing this man I can't trust him.' He shook his head. "No, I should be fine. Thank you though." He passed it back.

"It will make you feel better." Kinya told him. He shook the bottle slightly with dark blue liquid flopped around by the disturbance. "I insist you take it."

The cat bowed in a fake respect. "I feel fine now that it's over. This is just something I'm going to have to get use to."

The Beorc hummed in thought. "That is true, but you'll still take this." He lowered himself to Ranulf's height. "Then after you can come to my dorm." he smiled evilly as he slid a hand around his hip.

Ranulf shivered in disgust, Kinya took it a different way and his smiled widened. "I-- I…" Ranulf couldn't find any words to say. "Master Zarack… all ready had plans for me." He said before his eyes widened. 'What did I just say…?'

"Oh?" Kinya backed off a little bit. "Oh, is that so?" He smirked. "Strange, Zarack never asks for those types of things from his servants. This I have to see for myself." He grabbed Ranulf's wrist and started walking away with him.

"Uh…" Ranulf tried to think quickly again. 'EH…? What now?!'

They walked all the way back to Zarack's room. Ranulf was nervous, his ears and tail flicked and twitched uncontrollably. Kinya was going to knock on the door when Yuuta called.

"Ah, father, what are you doing here?" Yuuta asked. "You almost never come to visit Zarack."

"I have his pet." Kinya answered showing Ranulf to him. "I'm here to return him and find out what Zarack's intentions are."

Yuuta held his weight on his right leg. "Intentions?"

"This little kitty cat says that Zarack has plans for him today." Kinya's voice was suggestive. Ranulf shivered in disgust again.

"You're joking!" Yuuta laughed softly. "Zarack never does that."

"We'll soon find out."

Kinya knocked on the door and soon after Zarack answered it. "Master Kinya?" Zarack was surprised. "W-why are you here?"

Kinya chucked. "Here, your pet." Kinya pushed Ranulf towards the general. "I was going to take him back to my room, but he says that you already had some plans. Is this true?"

Zarack looked down at Ranulf in confusion and shock. "Uh…" Ranulf met his gaze and nodded slightly just enough for Zarack to see. "Yes, I did." He said awkwardly.

Yuuta and Kinya smirked. There was no way you couldn't tell that they were related. "Would you prove it to us, dear step brother?" Yuuta asked kindly. "Father and I don't believe you."

Zarack didn't do anything. "What?"

"You know," Yuuta stepped forward and yanked Ranulf close to him. He wrapped his arm around the Laguz cat and kissed him roughly.

Ranulf closed his eyes tightly pretending he was in different place again. 'Ike… Ike is the one kissing me… no one else…' His thoughts were destroyed when Yuuta bit down on his bottom lip to gain entrance into the cat's mouth. "Eh…!" Ranulf weakly yelped before the inside of his mouth was under attack.

"That's enough!" Zarack yelled. "Let him go!" Ranulf felt a hand grab his hand and pull him away from Yuuta. He held Ranulf close protectively. "If it is me that this one said had plans, then shouldn't you two going? I'm sure you will hear him scream from all over the kingdom." Zarack smirked and licked Ranulf's ear. Ranulf did nothing, but he did notice that Zarack's personality changed very quickly.

Kinya blinked. "That's better." Zarack went to return with Ranulf when the said cat was pulled back. Kinya kissed him immediately opening Ranulf's mouth and giving him a liquid that he held in his own mouth after Zarack turned around. All of the liquid was swallowed by Ranulf with the exception of the drop that ran down his cheek and into the strip of blue fur he had.

"Hey!" Zarack shouted. Ranulf was released and the Laguz crashed to the floor in a coughing fit. "What did you do?" The general questioned angrily.

"Oh, nothing." Kinya smiled. Yuuta and Kinya walked away through the long hallway. "Nothing at all."

Zarack helped Ranulf up and walked hurriedly into his room. He shut the door and locked it before tending to the cat who was still coughing. He placed a hand on the Ranulf's back and tried to clam him. Finally, the coughing stopped leaving Ranulf breathing deeply.

"Are you alright?" Zarack asked. His green eyes watched Ranulf carefully. "Come, sit down on the couch." He backed up a little to let Ranulf walk to the sofa and flop down on it. "Wait here." Zarack ordered.

The general went to the washroom. Ranulf closed his eyes and concentrated on steady his breathing. 'What was that stuff…' He asked himself.

Zarack came back with a glass of water and handed it to Ranulf. "Sip on this." Zarack told him. Ranulf nodded and took a small mouth full.

The black haired general looked at the drop of blue liquid on Ranulf's cheek and whipped it off with his hand. He studied it for a moment, Ranulf watched him as he did so. After Zarack licked the liquid off, he froze. "Shit…"

He started to pace around the room cursing every few seconds. Ranulf was growing nervous. "What's wrong?" Ranulf asked.

Zarack paused. "He poisoned you." He answered as calmly as he could. Ranulf's heart stopped for a moment. "I don't have an antidote… There is only one and Kinya has it."

Ranulf got up and walked over to Zarack. "Will it kill me?"

"No," Zarack said to Ranulf relief. "But it will make you sick for awhile. You'll have a high fever for about two weeks since we have no way of treating it. Even if we could treat it, it would last for a week." Zarack looked at Ranulf in the eyes. "By that time Kinya would execute you because you are unable to work."

A thick sheet of silence washed over. Zarack thought of something. "I could keep you and Takashi in the room for tomorrow and say that you'll be working in here, but Kinya will know the truth."

"He already knows the truth." Ranulf reminded him. "There is no way around him not knowing."

"Good point…"

Another still moment. To break the tension there was a knock on the door. Ranulf bowed low as Zarack went to open the door.

"AH!" A peach and green blur was sent flying through the door.

"Takashi!" Ranulf called. Before he moved though he realised that he wasn't aloud to. He stayed where he was and continued to bow.

Zarack stared in horror at Takashi for a split second. "What happened?" He questioned the man at the door.

"He had a little out burst." The man answered simply. He had long crimson coloured hair that was tied up in a green ribbon. He wore a green jacket with a black collared shirt underneath. He had yellow pieces of cloth on his wrist that went up to the middle of his forearm and on his left there was a green piece going up the rest of his arm. His pants were white and baggy. There were three belts one holding his jacket somewhat closed, another around his waist that was loose, and a yellow one that held up a quiver and a well carved bow. His boots were brown with spots of green. There was also a yellow cape like fabric that was tied around his neck under his jacket's collar.

Ranulf looked up again and saw the man. "Shinon?" He called. He walked over cautiously. Deep green eyes that held a lot of boredom looked over at him. They then widened slightly.

"You're…" He thought about it. "Ranulf, was it?"

"You know him?" Zarack asked.

"Yes," Ranulf answered. "He was with us during the last war."

Zarack turned his stare between both of them. Thinking it was alright for Ranulf to speak to him he left to help Takashi.

"What are you doing here?" Ranulf asked.

"Tch, for work." Shinon said as if Ranulf should of already had known. "Besides, I was never a fan of your kind."

"Do you think that killing us is the best way to handle that though?" Ranulf was calm, but stern.

Shinon didn't answer. His eyes rolled as he sighed. "I just needed some more cash. Stay off my back." He started to walk away. "Stupid Sub-human…"

Ranulf grinded his teeth. He ran after the archer and kicked him in the back.

"Ah! Hey!" Shinon spun around and glared at the Laguz cat. "You want to fight? Fine."

"I never really liked you." Ranulf told him with his calm voice. "Ike seemed to trust you though. I don't know why seeing that you are here but he did."

Shinon huffed. "The dumb kid isn't that smart when it comes to picking his allies." He threw a punch towards the cat. Ranulf dodged easily and attacked with his own punch. Shinon copied Ranulf's movement.

"The only one he had mistaken for a friend was you." Ranulf said. He kicked and Shinon jumped back giving Ranulf some room. A blue ribbon of light flicked around Ranulf. He was going to transform but soon after he tried the ribbon raced into Ranulf's chest and disappearing.

Shinon chuckled a bit. "Looks like you're not that smart either."

Ranulf stared at him questionably. He was about to say something when the collar around his neck started to choke him. He gasped for air before he kneeled to the floor. He clawed at the collar in a useless attempt to make it stop.

Just in time, Zarack saw Ranulf and ran over to him. "What…?" He rested his hand on the back of Ranulf's neck and whispered a few words not of their language. Ranulf gasped once the collar grew back to its normal size. "What did you try to do?"

"He tried to transform." Shinon told him. "I guess he really doesn't like me." He walked away and left after rounding a corner.

Zarack gave Ranulf a hand back t his feet. They then went into Zarack's room and Ranulf saw Takashi on the bed with bandages wrapped around his stomach. Ranulf asked what happened.

Takashi smirked. "I got a little angry… and I attacked a fire sage…" He told them. "It's only one lash from a whip."

"Why did you attack?" Ranulf questioned as he sat down on the bed beside Takashi.

"I was tired of lugging wood around a outside and he constantly yelled at me to hurry it up. I was literally running back and forth with piles of wood!"

Zarack crossed his arms. "You could have been killed. You got lucky today, but be more careful."

"Yeah, yeah…" Takashi fell back and rested on the bed. He flinched when his wound hit the mattress.

"Ranulf, what happened to you?" Zarack asked. "Before you use to never lash out like that. Even when you punched me I was shocked."

Ranulf shook his head. "I don't know… It's true, I never do that, but… I guess that being here with a high chance of dieing here scares me. I just lost it."

Zarack sighed. "Well, don't worry about it. I understand, I understand both of you for getting a little frightened.

Zarack then turned around "I'm going to get everyone something to eat." he told them as he headed for the door. "I'll lock the door. Don't go anywhere."

"Wait, Zarack." Ranulf called. Zarack faced him to show that he was paying attention. "Before, with Kinya and Yuuta, you're personality seemed to… change suddenly."

"Oh… Uh…" Zarack was quiet for a moment. "I sort of… gained a second personality after I became a general…"

Ranulf was surprised by this. Takashi also sat up to listen to more. Zarack guessed that he had no choice but to continue. "I couldn't handle all the death and blood. So, when ever something like that happened or when I have to act like a general my other personality takes over. That's why I hit you in the back of the head the other day and called you that horrible name. That's also why my personality changed today."

"Are you still able to see what you're doing?" Ranulf asked.

"No…" Zarack answered sadly. "But I can communicate with him. He tells me everything that happens while he has control…"

There was a silent minute and after awhile Zarack left with nothing more to say. This left the two Laguz cats to think.

Takashi was the first to start talking again. "Communicate with him? Is that possible?"

"It is not common, but some can do that." Ranulf answered.

"That's freaky… To have someone else be in your body." Takashi lay back down.

Ranulf matched Takashi's move. "Well, really, it is still you."

"Well, still… I wouldn't want to not be able to move my own body for so long and then find myself in a completely different place wondering about what had happened."

Ranulf laughed. "It is like being drunk in a way, huh?" Or sleep walking maybe. If you think of it though, you are never really alone, you have someone to talk to 24/7."

"That's true."

The two talked about everything they saw today. Ranulf decided that saying what happened with the mirror in the washroom was better left unsaid. It wasn't really that important, Ranulf thought. 'If it happens again then I will say something…'

--s2--

Soren had lead the way around the mountains and there were now settling down in a forest where they had set up camp. When they first got there Rolf and Nolan had came with Ulki and Janaff who had flown all the way there. They said that they had something things to take care of before they could leave.

It was getting late and Soren said that it would be perfect if they got off on an early start in the morning so everyone headed for their tents. Ike was followed by Mist, Soren, and Rhys to his tent.

Ike lay on his bed and stared up at the others. "What?" Ike asked, slightly annoyed.

"In the morning, you have to tell us everything that Ranulf said." Rhys told him. "The more we know about what is happening over there the better." Soren nodded; Mist was already crawling into bed.

Ike nodded. "I know." He turned to face away from the two. "I'll see you then." Rhys and Soren left after that. It wasn't too long before Ike got to sleep.

--s2--

Ike opened his eyes to see nothing but dark shadows. He sat up and took a look around. He notice a silver cage and knew that Ranulf was there. Getting up, he ran over calling Ranulf's name. The cat heard him and turned to see who it was that said his name.

Ranulf's mismatched eyes brightened. "Ike," He got close to the metal bars when Ike kneeled down before them. "So we can communicate."

Ike nodded. "It's Yune's power that is allowing us to." Ranulf smiled.

"Where's that guy?" Ike whispered. "The one from last time."

"Yuuta? He's not here." Ranulf answered. "I guess if I'm able to control my memories then he can't show up."

"Who is he?"

"Kinya's son. Kinya is the reason we Laguz are here in the first place. He doesn't like us." Ranulf chuckled a little. His smile faded though. "I think he wants to kill us all."

Ike thought about what to say. "I won't let that happen."

Ranulf's smile returned. "I know that you won't."

"Are you able to show me all that you've seen today?" Ike asked. "I don't know how much time we have and the more information from you the easier it will be to set you all free."

Ranulf sighed softly. "I could try. I don't know how well it will work, but here it goes."

The blue furred cat closed his eyes and focused on what all happened that day. Ike waited patiently for something to happen. He gasped when he was lifted up to his feet and everything started to spin out of sight. A gust of wind blinded Ike. Dizziness took over the warrior and he felt like falling over. Just then… everything stopped.

When Ike opened his eyes again he found him self in a well lit room. He didn't take in much of his surrounding and searched for Ranulf. He found him on the giant sized bed talking tiredly to a green haired Laguz. Ike recognized him as the Laguz that Zarack had with him when he attacked Gallia.

Ike listened to the conversation not saying a word. Ike smirked when he heard Ranulf admit to the other cat that he loved him. "So you couldn't hold it in either." He said to himself since no one could hear him. "Zarack would understand?" Ike frowned. "Isn't he against them?"

Later on a black haired female cat walked in. A small conversation was heard and then the three cats left. Ike followed closely behind.

Ike watched the execution of the raven named Flayel and then followed Ranulf into the washroom. He watched as Ranulf struggled to pull himself together. The images in the mirror showed clearly. When Ranulf hit the floor Ike was by his side as fast as he could. "Ranulf." He said softly. He tried holding him, but his arms only went through the cat. Ike wasn't surprised by this. He knew that this was only a memory. He wasn't aloud to interfere with it.

They went back and more executions were seen. Ike was growing sick. "I have to get you out of here more quickly than I thought…"

Ike didn't like the way Kinya was holding Ranulf. He stopped to try and punch the man in the face. Unfortunately, his hand only slipped through him. Ike growled at the man.

The walked back to the room with Ike glaring at Kinya the whole way. The next memory shocked Ike. Yuuta came in as well as Zarack. Yuuta kissed Ranulf forcefully and Ike yelled at him to stop. No one heard him. He ran up to him and got in the middle of them. That was when Zarack pulled Ranulf back. "Is he protecting him?"

There was a cry of agony. Ike jumped at the sound. No one seemed to have heard the noise. "That isn't a part of the memory…" Ike whispered. "Ranulf!"

The scene in front of Ike skipped about. Zarack licked Ranulf's ear, then Kinya was kissing him. A blue drop of liquid ran down Ranulf's cheek. They were then in the room Ike first started in. Zarack talked about his second personality. After that it was Ranulf and the other cat, named Takashi, going to sleep.

Ike was pushed back by an invisible force and found himself with Ranulf again. The cat was panting heavily. "Ranulf!" Ike yelled getting the Laguz's attention.

"I'm fine Ike…" Ranulf told him. "The poison… that Kinya gave me is waking me up."

"Poison!?" Ike exclaimed. "What?"

"Don't worry, it can't kill me…" Ranulf sighed. "But Kinya will… ah!" Ranulf curled into himself holding his stomach. "As soon as Kinya finds out that his poison worked… he'll execute me…"

Ike was speechless for a moment. "I'm coming to get you, Ranulf. I will save you!"

Before Ranulf could say anything back, his form busted into small white shards of glass. Ranulf had woken up.

"Tch… Ranulf…" He held his head in his right hand. "Wait for me…"

--s2--

Ranulf ran to the washroom and vomited in the sink. Right away Zarack was by him rubbing his back comfortably. Ranulf turned the water on when he finished and washed his face with cold water. Zarack placed a hand on Ranulf forehead. "And it begins. You have a fever."

Ranulf chuckled. "I have to suffer with this for two weeks? Less if I die?"

"You won't die." Zarack told him. "I'll make sure of that."

Ranulf shook his head. "Kinya has power over you. I don't want you dying because of me. He's just looking for a reason to kill you."

He walked passed Zarack and got back into the warm bed. He closed his green and crimson eyes and was soon back to sleep. He and Ike weren't able to connected again, but Ranulf had heard what Ike's last words were after he vanished. "Wait for me…"

Ranulf nodded to himself. 'I will…'

--s2--

OMG I FINISHED THE CHAPTER!!! That was long and I did for ALL YOU READERS! So PLEASE!!!! Review! I'll be so sad if you don't!!! I may even stop writing this story if I don't get enough reviews!! How many do I want? I do not know… I'm not giving a number! Just review!Sorry if it seemed repetitive this chapter… I didn't mean for it to come out that way…But still REVIEW OR I WON'T POST!PLEASE!!! I BEG OF YOU!!!