Got a shorter chapter out. I don't own Fire Emblem

Chapter 18 A Strange Thing Called Family

The Greil troops filed out of the fort, battered and bruised, tending to their wounds that even Rhy's staff could not heal all the way. By the time they found their way outside, it was darkened with night. They followed behind the group of laguz beasts into the forest.

"Father! Ike! Ikyna!" Mist ran to her family, her eyes clouded from tears. She grabbed onto Ike's shirt the worry melting from her face slowly.

"What are you doing here?" Ikyna said as placed a hand on her sister's moist cheek.

Before the younger sibling could respond Elincia appeared, a soft smile over her face, "Master Greil, my lord Ike and Lady Ikyna, I'm so glad you are safe!"

The twins exchanged surprised looks, stunned that the princess was so close to the former battle field.

"Why did you come back to this dangerous area?" Ikyna questioned.

"The princess requested the aid of Gallia." The blue cat from before joined the conversation. His arms were folded over his brown sleeveless shirt.

"You're a sub-human soldier of Gallia?" Ike said.

The cat frowned deeply, his feline eyes twitching in irritation. With an audible exasperated sigh he angrily began, "The egotism of humans continues to astound me. I suppose that's why we are sub-human." With a derisive flick of his head he continued, "Are you the only ones worthy of being 'human'?"

Ike looked into the glowering face of the Gallian, feeling a twinge of guilt that he offended him, "I'm sorry, I didn't know that sub-human was offensive. Should I call you laguz then?"

The scowl softened and the laguz's posture relaxed, "What good manners you have. I'm pleasantly surprised. Who are you?"

"My name is Ike, of the Greil mercenaries."

"I am Ranulf, a warrior of Gallia." Ranulf looked pleased as he introduced himself. The once stressful air faded and Ike and Ranulf conversed easily. Ranulf began to explain that his king ordered patrols around the land to watch for possible Daien attack. It was a recent decision spurred on by the news that Daein made claim to Crimea a few days earlier.

Ike's eyes widened at this disturbing news; he turned to Elincia quickly and she lowered her head in sadness, "Yes it seems even my uncle has…" her voice cracked as she spoke, "I'm all alone now." She whispered morosely.

The news hit the group hard, like a hammer to all of their chests. Not only had their homeland fallen into the hands of another country, but also their friend was suffering dearly. Ikyna put a reassuring hand over the princess's shoulder, smiling as best she could at the bleak situation.

Ranulf began again, "I do need to take the princess to my king though, however it wouldn't be proper to bring all of you without an invitation. There is an old Gallian castle that you can rest at if that is alright."

At Ranulf's suggestion Ike nodded, "Is that all right with you commander?" he turned to his father who had been silent the whole time. Still Greil stood, his brow crinkled in deep thought, "Commander?"

Greil blinked rapidly, finally being ripped from his own world, "What?"

Ike frowned, surprised by his father's uncharacteristic display of not paying attention. He quickly explained and Greil nodded, still wearing a distracted gaze.

"We will escort you there." Ranulf began.

The commander shook his head and placed his open palm out, "No need, we can make it to the castle on our own. It's Gebal right? Please only concern yourself with delivering the princess."

The laguz smiled, "You certainly are thoughtful." He placed his hands on his hips and bowed his head, "Then we will take our leave; however, we would like to send food and supplies if that isn't presumptuous of me."

"That would be greatly appreciated." Greil said as he mirrored Ranulf and inclined his head as well. Ranulf extended his hand to the princess and she placed hers into his before looking at Ike and Greil. "Thank you for all your help; I'll see you soon?"

Ike nodded and the princess's disposition calmed and she grinned before turning back to Ranulf and headed to meet the king.

"Should we get going commander?"

Greil was lost in thought again, almost completely unaware of the world around him.

"Pops!" Ikyna said loudly as she shoved her father.

She startled him and his gaze went from shock to an apologetic dip of his brow, "I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

"You feeling alright?"

"Of course, I just need to get some rest before we travel tomorrow." He placed a hand on her head absently, "It's been a very long day sprouts."

Ikyna continued to stare at her father as he slowly moved to the front of the mercenaries and began leading them back into the Gallian jungle. Even her father's light attitude did not calm her; she'd never seen him act that way, lost, disinterested, all qualities that were completely contrary to the commanders normal attitude.

Suddenly Ikyna felt a tug at her cheek. Two fingers clasped the soft skin, "Bhwat aw ru dwoowing." She asked to her brother as he held her cheek captive in his fingers.

"Stop spacing out." He said, "You're as bad as father."

He released her face and lazily began following behind the rest of the crew. Ikyna quickly caught up with him, "It's weird isn't it?"

"What?"

"Pops." Her voice softened as she uttered the last word and she bumped her own knuckles together lightly as she walked.

She heard her brother sigh, no doubt their father's peculiar behavior was bothering him as well, "I think we are all just tired." It was a weak excuse, they both knew, but it was a long day and Ike couldn't find any reassuring words for his sister or himself. All he could hope was that the strangeness of the day would wash away by morning.

The mercenaries took another hour to finally arrive at Gebal castle, drained but ecstatic to have a place to stay. Not long after arriving, as promised, two Gallian cats arrived with a hearty amount of supplies that earned very grateful smiles from the mercenaries. It was as if just the sight of the food was enough to restore their strength. Boyd happily grabbed and buried his face in it to take a whiff. His head reappeared, a wide grin spreading form each ear, and loudly declared, "There's meat in here!"

Gatrie nearly bowled the ax wielder out of the way; he was far too excited to finally have something other than old biscuits to eat to worry about politeness. Boyd grumbled but his irritation turned to a cheery sigh as Gatrie quickly handed him the bag back after pulling out a slab of deer for himself.

Aeyori found herself a corner of the sitting room and sat, knees bent and arms wrapped around them, watching in amazement as the mercenaries energetically laughed and talked; each eagerly digging into their own meals. The laguz were more than generous with the supplies. Food, bandages, and medicinal herbs soothed the aches and hunger, leaving the mercenaries healed and a little rowdy as the gathered around the dining room table.

Even Titania, who was always the most reserved, was in unusually high spirits. The sight was truly astounding to the mage; they were certainly an impressive group of mercenaries.

"You're not going to eat?"

Ike stood over her, no longer dawning his sword or cape, with a curious eyebrow raised.

"I'm not really hungry." She said.

Ike slid down next to her with quiet groan. Aeyori flinched as he brushed lightly against her when he shifted to get comfortable. She heard him mumble 'sorry' under his breath.

"What are you watching?"

Aeyori felt her face warm around her cheeks, "Everyone."

"Why?"

"It's interesting."

Ike looked at her, tilting his head slightly, wearing almost a frown on his chiseled features, and asked, "Why?"

The conversation was interrupted by Gatrie's hearty laughter and the sharp scolding tone of Titania calling out the red-haired archer's name. Shinon was grinning toothily, his face a little red, no doubt from the effects of whatever liquid was in the cup he held. However Gatrie was pleased, as he jovially smacked his friend on the back, and Titania scowled venomously.

Ike quickly understood, "I guess they are kind of interesting."

"Everyone is so happy." She commented as Mia joined the knight and archer by wrapping her arms over both of the men's shoulder, laughing just as heartily with them. Shinon looked mildly annoyed, though his liqouir was calming him, and Gatrie just blushed and chortled at the affectionate touch of the violet haired woman.

"You are all like a big family."

There was a sad tone in Aeyori's voice that Ike didn't understand, "I guess, we've all known each other for such a long time."

"But you're also friends."

The odd quality in her speech stayed, "Yes." Ike said after a pause.

"Even Soren and Ikyna. At first I thought they didn't get along but now…"

With a small smile Ike agreed, "They drive each other crazy, but they're really close."

Ike watched as Aeyori's crimson eyes rested on Ikyna as she pestered Soren and pushed a plate of food into his face. He resisted, backing away with each advancement of the food. Aeyori could faintly make out Ikyna's complaint that Soren would starve to death. The young mercenary went on for some time, and Soren avoided her pointed gaze. Eventually he gave in, took the plate, and started eating. Ikyna victoriously watched with her chin resting over her hands as she grinned.

"It's really strange." She admitted under her breath; more to herself than anyone.

"Strange?" Ike questioned.

"Not bad strange." Aeyori quickly amended as saw Ike's puzzled expression.

"Just different, I guess." She wasn't sure why she even brought it up honestly.

"Different? From your family you mean?" Ike tried to casually bring up her family. He knew that she often clamped up when her past became the point of discussion. She didn't ignore the question however, she just turned back to face the other mercenaries and gave a short nod.

"How?" Ike was sure he might be taking his chances by directly bringing up her family, but he couldn't help but be curious.

"We aren't really friends in my family." The mages face dropped and saddened as she began.

"My family was always about decorum and tradition and discipline."

"Is that wrong?" Ike could see the darkening of Aeyori's face as she thought of her family.

With a sigh she looked at Ike, her expression serious, almost a little grim, "No, I suppose not, I was always very well taken care of." She admitted.

"But, you're in a group of people who care for you as family but laugh and joke with you like your best friends. In my family, we respect each other and protect one another; but we don't laugh or play. We are family only; we are not friends." Her sad tone ended bitterly as she said her last sentence.

Ike studied her face, trying desperately to understand Aeyori's family. There was a mixture of hurt and anger, but also a deep sadness in her eyes. He could see there was conflict between her and her family, but he could also see she probably missed them, wherever they were.

"If you want to be friends with your family, then you'll have to work to change how they think when you go back to them."

Aeyori was silent as she dropped her gaze and began staring at the ground. Ike thought it was an unusual response. "Can you go back to them?" he asked as he bent his neck to meet her eyes again.

She turned away and rested her head on her knees and tightening her arms around them. Ike realized that perhaps, he finally asked the question she would be unwilling to answer. Aeyori surprised him by responding quietly, "I don't know."

It wasn't a deep or long response, but it lead to many more questions in Ike's mind. Why didn't she know? Where was her family? Were they alive still? How did they get separated? He decided, however, to keep the questions to himself and simply apologized for prying.

"It's okay, it's normal to want to know. But I…"

Ike silenced Aeyori's unsteady words by placing his hand over her head, "When you're ready to talk about it you can."

She flashed an appreciative smile and thanked him. "Until then, just consider us your family."

Aeyori liked the thought; it gave her an unfamiliar warm sensation. "Will I become strange too?" she asked innocently with a smile

Before Ike could respond the group at the dining room table burst into song. Boyd, Gatrie and Mia were linked arm in arm as they sang, very off-key, an old Crimean folk song. They swayed happily from side-to-side, laughing all through the verses. Ikyna looked both disturbed and amused by the bad singing and Oscar shook his head in embarrassment.

"I don't think you'll have a choice." Ike mused as he watched the drunken singing.

"I think becoming like you guys sounds nice." Aeyori, embarrassed by her own words, blushed and grinned shyly.

Ike silently agreed to himself, although he knew Aeyori was already changing, even if she hadn't realized yet. As the loud and joyous singing continued Ike thought that maybe they all really were strange, but then he focused on the girl beside him and a lump formed in his throat as he watched her pink lips separate as she laughed. It was the first time he heard her laugh and in that moment his chest tightened.

He placed his hand over his heart as the irregular beat stopped and returned to normal. "Very strange indeed." He thought

)(

Okay sorry this is short I just thought I'd put a lighter mood chapter in before the next chapter. Thank you for the support again. Also I am apologizing to PINKDIAMOND4000 because Reyson will not be in the next two chapters. :( Please forgive me. I'll make it up to you I promise.