Revolution

Firedude: Hello all. Yes I know, I'm an ass for writing so many stories and leaving them unfinished. Sorry everyone, but I can never seem to get back into the groove of writing them after so long. Please don't hold it against me, I'll make peace by putting up a new story. I am busy, so I'll try to post up new chapters as much as I can, but there's no promises on consistency. Any who, please enjoy this new story.

Disclaimer: I do not own the fire emblem franchise or any of its characters. I may wish I did, but no I do not and I never will.

Chapter 1: Precursor

Darkness had descended hours before over the Eastern Coast of Elibe; along with a rain storm heavy enough to quench a thirsty drunk if he held his mouth open outside for a minute or so. Quick shooting cracks of lightning tore the dismal sky above to shreds as loud thunder claps boomed onward. A large log house near the cliffs of the shoreline stood tall amidst the whirlwind of rain, built sturdily enough to not be phased by such a storm. The desolate plains and morbid cliffs around the house seemed to deprive the scene of all life. Only the glowing windows of the lone house gave this zone a flicker of life.

Within, four men sat around a table silently playing a game of cards by the candle light. Little conversation emerged during the game due to a mutual tiredness clearly seen amongst the four. Thumping was heard from the floor upstairs, followed by a husky voice. "Anything!?" One of the men rose from his chair and walked to the window. He peered out into the darkness through the sheet of rain and tried to make out anything he could see on the horizon. "Nothing Cap't, at least nothing I can see anyway." Grumbling sounded out from the upstairs as very limped foot steps were heard. A fat graying man descended from the stairs, his left peg leg punctuating his slight limp. "This is ridiculous Captain. He's not coming." One of the men stated grumpily as he shuffled through his hand. "Oh? And what makes you so sure of that?" The husky man questioned as he made his way to the window. "We've been here for almost a week now, if he was going to show up he would've by now." With a raspy chuckle he looked over his shoulder at his grumpy underling and replied, "Really now? You're right it only takes a man about a day or two to cross a whole continent correct?" His sarcastic tone died away and took on a more serious note. "He will be here soon. He's unpredictable but you can rely on him to keep a promise."

"Oh please, he's a talker, a politician, its his job to convince people. Their word is to be as trusted as a hungry guard dog with your dinner." Shaking his head slightly at his subordinate's slander, his large frame had now been fully turned towards the grumpy man before him. "You clearly don't know this man then." The captain stated confidently. "No, No I don't." Cards now placed down and up on his feet the grumpy man crossed his arms in a challenging posture. "Pardon me sir but sailors like us are not usually granted the privilege of meeting ones of such high stature. Perhaps," The man made a motion behind him to his three companions. "You should fill us in on who he is exactly... and why he's been gone for so long." Hesitantly, slight nodding from the men behind him followed suite. The Captain nodded understandingly and pulled a seat over to the window so he could sit down.

"Fair is fair. You boys came a certainly far distance away from home on such short notice to help me. Very well, I'll fill you in." gently rubbing at his handlebar mustache as he spoke, the plump captain gathered his thoughts together. "As I'm so sure you have all heard from news, he disappeared without word from public eye about 2 some odd years ago and hasn't been seen since. I'm partly to blame for that." Following up with wheezing laugh, he continue, "He wanted to leave Collum so bad, he asked for passage out of the country. I granted it to him." Rolling his eyes slightly, the grumpy man questioned, "Why not take him to a neighboring country then like Braist? That would've suited well, no one would've looked for him there." The captain tapped his peg leg loudly on the ground in response to the sailor's question. "Ah but that was the problem. He did not just want to get out of the country of Collum, he wanted to leave the continent of Yuropa right away. He was tired of being involved in the petty political squabbles and if he had gone to Braist, or Guillo, or Roda, even Yatorl would've surely roped him into their own political workings. He wanted, no, needed to escape to somewhere that wasn't at all involved in the revolution." Having now fully caught the four sailors' attention, one asked curiously, "And where was that sir?"

Smiling broadly, the captain motioned all around him. "Here. This continent. The land of Elibe." The captain rose and limped over to a drawer and took out a map. He proceeded to lay it out on the table before them. "This is where we are now." Announcing as he pointed to a spot on the Eastern shore of Sacae. "Where we are now, is the exact spot we landed two years ago when I dropped him off. Let him off, bade me farewell and he was on his way." The four sailors proceeded to look over the map, taking the features of this new continent they had not previously heard of. "I had heard rumors of land to West... I did not think it was so true though." Small rings of smoke arose in the room as the Captain was now puffing on a pipe he had lit. "Surprising, yes I know. It's not as though this land is free of its own problems though either. During his stay here for the past two years he had been sending me letters, updating me on his travels. Good god, you wouldn't believe the shock on my face after hearing about what he was going through. M'lord always seemed to have a knack for leading and being a superb mind in battle, but any one of us would've paled and surrendered if faced with what he had been faced with."

Releasing a huge puff of smoke from his mouth, a sailor leaned over the table and questioned the captain. "Wasn't that irresponsible of his though sir? He was one of the forerunning Senators in Collum. How could he just up and leave when he knew full well that revolution was right around the corner for our country?" The captain looked over his questioner and shrugged. "I had asked him that repeatedly myself on the way over here. Something was weighing heavily on his mind and had affected him so that he couldn't function as a Senator any longer. Besides, he only meant to stay a few months in Elibe." The men all looked at each other before the grumpy one asked the question that was on all their minds. "Why?"

The sudden sound of frantic knocking on the door echoed into the cabin, effectively cutting off the conversation. "We're about to find out." the Captain stated as he got up and tried to move fast to the door, but his size and peg leg restricted him to a waddle. He made it to the door and opened it a crack to see who it was. Before he could even take a peek out, two men burst through the door, soaking wet and stumbling so that they fell to the floor. A third figure still standing in the door way simply looked at his two companions and shook his head. After another second of standing in the harsh rain, he took a step inside and the captain closed the door behind them. All three of the visitors were wearing black heavy cloaks to protect them from the rain that was outside, preventing any of the sailors from seeing their faces. The two men still laid on the floor panting heavily, shivering from the cold down pour of rain they had just ran through. However, the third man still standing before them stood straight and unflinching as though it had been nothing. He lowered the hood of his cloak and allowed everyone to see his face. The man had long dark brown hair eyes that seemed as though they bore into your soul. Slightly tanned skin a strange sword hanging from his hip also stood out. He removed his heavy cloak revealing a style of dress that appeared very foreign to the sailors, an almost tribal appearance of sorts.

"T-This... this guy's a Senator!?" A sailor exclaimed in slight fear. Looking into the eyes of the man who stood before them told everyone that he would kill any of them in an instant if they gave him reason. The captain chuckled heartily and shook his head slightly. "I have no idea who he is I must say, looks like a blood thirsty fellow though." A little coughing escaped the throat of one of the men on the ground as he brought himself up to his knees. "Forgive Karel, that's his nice face..." The man stated as he too lowered his hood. Long locks of light purple almost to the point of silver hair fell from the crown of the man's head over his shoulder. Two long scars stretched over his left eye and a dark purple headband held his hair out of his face. He removed his cloak as he stood, revealing the several knives he had sheathed at his sides. "Wait... are you the Senator?" another soldier questioned this new man. He had a bit of a presence of intimidation, but no where near as close to Karel. "No, no I am Legault. Karel and I protect the one that you call Senator."

Everyone in the room proceeded to look over at the third man who had now risen to his feet. He had removed his cloak and was brushing himself off. "Terribly sorry everyone... didn't mean to collapse like that, but sprinting through such heavy rain has a tole on oneself." He turned around, to face the rest of the men, a brown tunic and loose black pants clutched his frame as he shaped his messy brown hair with his fingers. From his bag he drew a green cloak and wrapped it on his shoulders, covering his shivering form. "Forgive me Captain Welsh, we arrived a lot later than I had intended." Limping slowly up to the man before him, Welsh bowed his head before the man in green out of respect. "No appology needed my old friend. It is good to have you back Mark."

"Now hold on!" The grumpy sailor said as he rose to his feet. "This!? This guy is a Senator!?" Mark was not offended in the slightest, such reactions were expected. "How old are you!?" Mark tilted his head slightly to the side and though about it. "Hmmm... I think my birthday just happened last month... so somewhere around 22?" Laughing, the sailor leered at Mark. "You lie. You're no Senator. Senators are old and knowledgeable, they speak for thousands of people and you mean to tell me that we came all the way to rescue punk kid!?" The tactician brushed down his green cloak, fretting that there might be wrinkles in it. "Not surprising that you would assume that. Yes I admit, I am young and I may not have the wisdom of many of my elder colleagues, but I assure you my leadership and knowledge are not lacking." The grumpy sailor began to approach Mark quickly with an accusing finger pointed out at him. "Knowledge!? I'm willing to bet that you're no smarter than-!" Before he could connect the tip of his finger with Mark's chest, one of Legault's knives were pressed to his throat and Karel's Wo Dao rested against the man's belly. The tactician smiled brightly at the shocked man and replied, "I'm smart enough thank you. And please be careful about your actions towards me. I may not be a fighter and I easily forgive, but others around me have more than enough skill... and you'll find that they sometimes lack such kindness."

Slowly retracing his steps back, away from these three new men, the sailor took his seat silently and didn't say another word. As Karel and Legault sheathed their weapons, Welsh simply laughed and patted Mark hard on the back. "I like your new body guards Mark, they certainly know how to keep people in line! Where'd you hire them." Mark turned towards his friend as Karel walked to the corner and Legault took a spare chair. "Don't be mistaken. I didn't offer them any pay of any sort, I only asked." Welsh raised an eyebrow at this. "You don't say... ones so skilled are so taken with you?" Legault leaned back in his chair and called out, "Oh please, Mark? Taken with him?" He looked over at the green cloaked man and stated. "I mean I like the guy, but I accepted his request because I figured it'd be fun to check out this new country he told me about. I guess you can just say it's a force of habit to protect and listen to this man. And as for your earlier statement, don't mind me I'm not that skilled... now as for Karel."

Legault, Mark and Welsh turned their heads to look at the man silently leaning in the corner with his eyes closed. "He's probably one of the better, if not, the best swordsman in Elibe." Mark scratched his head slightly and added to Legault's statement, "Karel's always been the blunt and silent type. He didn't bother giving me a reason why he accepted my request, probably because the reason goes unsaid." Legault took over the monolog once more from here. "Karel hungers to fight worthy adversaries wherever he goes. He's coming with us so he can find more powerful opponents in Yuropa." Welsh nodded understandingly as he took another puff of smoke. "Well then, he will find them in no few of supply. War has finally broken out and fighters from all over are trying to get their piece of the carnage. He should fit right in amongst the chaos."

"So it's true then?" Mark asked in a serious tone. "Tensions finally broke?" Welsh nodded solemnly as he took his seat once more. "It happened just last month. Braist officials are claiming that one of their border towns were burnt down by a group of Collum rioters, so they took it as an excuse to attack." Hanging his head as he listened to the story, he placed his hands on his hips as he took in what happened. "Beautiful. How are we fairing against them?" Welsh looked up at him and replied, "Well, besides minor skirmishes on the border, there have been no major battles. It doesn't look good though I'd say. They have much more economic and militaristic power on their side. We're a new nation after all, we've only begun to develop our army and commerce." Welsh was clearly getting angrier as he spoke. "Which is why you must come back now!" Mark held his arms open and replied, "Well I'm here aren't I!? I'm ready to go back." The captain shot back in a booming voice. "Now you're ready!? What about a year ago when I sent you a letter saying that things were getting progressively worse? That without you to smooth out relations war would surely break out!"

"We signed that treaty with Braist before I left though. That should've prevented any conflict for at least another five years... Wait," Welsh nodded in response to Mark's realization. "We technically "attacked" them first when that riot burnt down their village. We're at fault. And I know what you're going to ask, but yes that riot definitely happened, we confirmed it." Gritting his teeth slightly he continued thinking about it, Mark was about to say something when Legault let out an exasperated groan. "Mark I really don't know how you stand this, politics give me such a big head ache. Look if what I'm hearing sounds right, Mark just needs to get home and negotiate a new treaty and it's all good right!?" Silence followed awkwardly before the captain broke it, "It's not that simple I'm afraid..." Mark waved it off and added, "Just talking about it isn't going to help anyone though. We need to get going as soon as possible. Can we leave as soon as the rain clears up?"

"Of course, it'll be rough, but that's never stopped you before right?" Mark smiled at Welsh's jest and nodded slightly. "I'm sure you're all tired, there are beds upstairs. Get some rest, you'll need it for what's coming." Karel and Legault waited for the sailors to ascend the stairs before they started their way up. Mark tried to follow after them, but Welsh placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him. "Hold it." Legault and Karel stopped on the steps to watch Mark and the fat captain who had stopped him. "It's okay, I'll be up in a minute." The two looked at Welsh carefully before they too ascended upstairs. Mark turned around to face the captain as he awaited his question. "I remember... when I asked you after your two months here were up if you were ready to leave you refused. It's bothered me and I really wanted to know why you stayed so much longer." A slight pang in his heart radiated within Mark as he rolled the answer around in his head. "It's really a long story Welsh... can't I just tell you some other time?" The captain shook his head as smoke lazily emerged from his nose. A chuckle escaped Mark's lips and replied, "Fine... during my first two months here I was attacked by a group of bandits in the plains and mugged. I was left for dead and was quite frankly sure I was going to die. Sure enough though, I was rescued. I was nursed back to health and as repayment I traveled with my savior for a couple months. After our journey ended I just felt so restless, I knew there was more here that I needed to experience. So when I got your letter... I said I wasn't ready. I wandered for a bit and then got involved as a tactician for a lord in Lycia and before I knew it two years had gone by. That's when I received news from you on the outbreak of war back home. And now here I am"

Welsh nodded understandingly as he listened to the story. "Hmm... I appreciate you shortening down the story for me. You'll have to tell the whole thing though some time alright?" The tactician nodded to the older man and turned to take his leave. "Oh, by the way." Welsh called after Mark, causing him to stop once more. "You could've just said it was a woman." Mark blinked a few times and replied, "...what!?" The old captain laughed and continued, "You could've just told me that you fell in love, it's no big deal. Just brings a tear to my eye that the boy who used to play around my docks as a kid is now a Senator and in love." Welsh pretended to cry and act dramatic at this. "So tell me, did ya nab her!?" The captain asked him with a grin. Mark looked at Welsh with somber eyes before whispering a quiet, "No." Welsh's happy expression melted away as he watched the boy he had known for so long, quietly ascend up the stairs.

Firedude: Hope you all liked it. I know it was a pretty boring chapter, but I needed to do it to establish some things before hand and raise some questions. If you have any questions feel free to ask in your reviews. Criticism is welcomed, I always love to get feed back of any sort so please share your thoughts with me.