So yeah I was kind of looking through my folders and discovered that I had one which I had left unfinished. So I was like, hat they hell I never leave anything unfinished or at least I make sure that I at least make the attempt so I decided to finish writing the last about a thousand words of this chapter, sorry I actually forgot about writing this one since it had been about in August when I had last touched it. So yeah to you who followed this one sorry about that but hey this chapter is up and hopefully new ones will follow, also by the way Merry Christmas. I got told by me ten year old Niece that Christmas was boring so to shut her up I asked if I should return the present I had gotten for her. That shut the little spoilt brat up quickly. Sometimes I feel as if her parents really need to punish her bad behaviour. More impressively I managed to write this will a hyperactive ten month old infant on my lap (my other Niece) So Yeah I was why is it when I am writing that people only ask me to do shit for them then?
"Once drowned in the depths of darkness, you lose sight of light. When that light has dispersed there is no return. My light has died out long ago and so there's nothing back for me to go back, or look forward to I shall continue to indulge myself in this darkness until it completely consumes me, then I will be nothing but an empty course left on this cold & cruel world to rot." -Alois Trancy, Black Bulter II
Frederick and Vlad where a little bit behind the shepards covering the rear as the group made their way from the successful mission to Regna Ferox. Frederick had decided to pick up on the discussion the two had been having when they had fist faced the Risen. "So in theory you believe that you may be capable of wresting control of those creatures if you could see who was controlling them?" The Knight asked.
Vlad looked Frederick in the eye scrutinising the knight. True to his moniker Frederick was wary about this delicate subject, also learning that one who fights beside him is a talented in the arts of necromancy is a rather disturbing development. "Yes" Vlad nodded his head as he answered. "In theory if I could disrupt the flow of power they used to control these beings I could either oversight whoever it is current control and either cause the corpses to lose the animation they have or wrest control from of the animated corpses from them" Vlad explained. "Though it is less belief and theory and more practical experience" he added.
"I take it you have performed such feats before then?" Frederick questioned raising his right eyebrow in interest and caution.
Vlad nodded again "through trial and error" he explained. "That is the best way for one to learn" Vlad stated. "Though somethings it is better to learn from another's mistakes" he admitted.
"May I ask how you came by this knowledge" Frederick asked being cautious as he felt that this may be a very delicate matter.
"That is a story for another time" Vlad replied. "And in is one your fellows will not envy you for" he explained. "But I will say this I had the unfortunate honour of serving a Queen who took an interest in it or more accurately she took an interest in one who practices the arts" Vlad informed the Ylissean knight referencing Arkhan the Black and Neferata
"Unfortunate honour of serving a queen?" Frederick repeated. "Was she a tyrant?"
Vlad smirked and some amusement actually reached the first von Carstein's eyes, Neferata a tyrant? that was surprisingly a very accurate description of her. "Perhaps" was all he offered on the subject. "But we are getting off course" he stated.
"Indeed" Frederick replied realising that he had gone off topic "My apologies."
"Think nothing off it" Vlad informed him. "When you are young you cannot help but be curious: he explained before chuckling. "I do believe that some of us never quite grow out of it" he added.
"I am not that young" Frederick replied he had at least seven years on the oldest of the shepards.
"My apologies" Vlad apologised. "I do find myself forgetting that calling you people young and children is offensive" he admitted.
"I take it you are far older than any of us imagine" Frederick stated.
Vlad smiled amused. "Quite" he replied. "Let me just say that the number will rather surprise your fellows" the Vampire Count stated.
Frederick grunted "I'll take your word for it" he said. "Though I would rather not imagine her highness Lissa's reaction."
"It appears that you do have a sense of humour deep within you" Vlad stated though he knew that what Fredrick had just said was not a joke.
"Come we best make haste" Frederick informed him as the two spurred their mounts. "I fear Plegia will be making their move soon."
"If the mad king is anything like his description portrays him as then he has already made it" Vlad replied sombrely.
When they had reached the capital and were in the throne room Chrom delivered his report to the Exalt. "Then the Regna Ferox will support Ylisse" Emmeryn began "Thank you Chrom I knew sending you would be the right choice." she stated.
"They would have some if you had just asked them" Vlad thought raising an eyebrow at Chrom's older sister's behaviour. She had a certain quality to her that made her dear to to others. In short it would have been easier is she had gone and asked the Feroxi warriors. They would have answered with a yes regardless of what the Khans who ruled over them might say otherwise. That is what made Emmeryn dangerous she had that quality to her. But Vlad could see it was genuine there was not a mean bone in her body, that was something that would hinder Ylisse in the conflict to come as Chrom would have to do the military leading.
"You should see the Ferox's warriors" Chrom replied with a smile unaware of Vlad's musings. "Perhaps now our people will be-" before Chrom could finish that sentence Emmeryn's bodyguard Phila ran into the audience chamber.
"Your grace, milord" she addressed them out of breathe and panting heavily. "I bring alarming news!" she informed them.
"Phila!" Emmeryn replied in shock seeing her pegasus knight so shocked and out of breathe "Slow down please" she asked. "What happened?"
"Plegian soldiers have been sighted inside our southwest border" the pegasus knight replied catching her breathe.
Vlad remembering what he had read and learnt about Ylisse narrowed his eyes. "I take it they have attacked a village but there is more they have kidnapped someone of note" he stated more than asked.
"Yes they have captured the Duke of Themis's daughter" Phila stated. "How did you know?" she asked.
"That girl I pity them then" Vlad stated remembering his brief interaction with Maribelle.
"They captured Maribelle" Lissa shouted. "Chrom, we have to help her"
"It gets worse" Phila stated "King Gangrel claims that Maribelle invaded his country" she explained.
"Say no more" Vlad stated. "It does not matter what act you take from now there will be war as Gangrel desires" he explained. "Robin what do you suggest?" Vlad asked.
"While he is called mad I do believe Gangrel is more accurately described as cunning and bloodthirsty." The tactician explained. "It would be a mistake for the Exalt to go there as he will have laid a trap and will start a war in any case."
"Indeed so" Vlad agreed. "Your grace" he turned to Emmeryn "at this point as I said before there will be war" he explained. "I ask leave to deal with this situation and possibly rescue the dukes daughter though I have my doubts that she will be kept alive for long." Before Emmeryn could reply. Vlad held out his hand in a gentle gesture to silence her. "Your grace to call you benevolent would discredit you" he stated. "But some wars cannot be avoided" he explained. "unfortunately you have been pushed into a situation which a ruler such as yourself will never be good in" Vlad stated. "If you allow me leave to go and do as I see fit I will do so under my own banner so neither you nor your country can be involved.
"Are you suggesting that you can take them on all alone?" Chrom asked incredulously.
"No" Vlad von Carstein replied. "I do not need to" he stated. "But I have other resources at my disposal" he stated with a dark undertone. "Also Robin and I both feel that this is a ruse to draw you away from the capital" he stated. "And if her grace is going it would be easy to assume that her brother and sister will accompany her" Vlad stated.
"What do you mean?" Emmeryn asked not fully understanding.
"Your grace have you ever heard of severing the beast at its head?" Vlad asked. "It is a process in military tactics that involves severing the chain of command by killing the officers mainly the high ranking ones to leave the troops in disarray." he explained. "I believe Gangrel is attempting to do so also he must have something up his sleeve if you were to survive and make it back to the capital"
"Assassins" Phila said the word like it was a curse. This wouldn't be the first time given the her reaction.
"Perhaps" Robin replied. "Perhaps there is more to it than just that"
"I find myself conflicted" Emmeryn confessed and it was true a person like her wore her heart on her sleeve. Not something you would usually find admirable in a ruler nor was it something that a ruler should do lest they find themselves slain.
"That is understandable" Vlad informed her. "Being a ruler is difficult and considering how you have done so far you should be commended" he stated. "No matter which choice you choose you are right" Vlad told her in a rather gentle and supportive tone. "But I can tell from experience that no matter what path you choose Gangrel will choose one that leads to war as he is a ruler as well" Vlad informed her reinforcing the fact that conflict is inevitable.
"Are you saying that her grace should take military action?" Phila asked or more like accused. The pegasus knight who was Emmeryn's bodyguard was outraged at what the former Count Elector had said.
"Phila" her liege's voice called out to her calming and soothing. "The good Count is merely telling me what I need to hear" the last bit Emmeryn said with a sad sigh.
"Your grace, you have my thanks" Vlad said to Emmeryn. "But I am a former Count Elector" he informed her. "I have as much rank here as your brother Chrom's bodyguards."
Chrom blinked in surprise at this. "I have bodyguards?" he asked somewhat confused. "Frederick?" he offered. Though it seemed that the prince of Ylisse could not fathom who the rest could be.
Vlad shook his head and sighed. "No that would be your right hand, your Lieutenant that is who Frederick is" Vlad corrected him. "From what I have seen the one's who cover your back during battle is Kellam or Vaike depending on the situation though at some moments it is both of them" Vlad stated. "In essence they are your unofficial bodyguards if Frederick has not assigned them to cover you" the former Count Elector explained.
"Well" Chrom began awkwardly feeling a little foolish for never noticing. "Well I make an effort to thank them." he finally managed.
Vlad's Eyebrow rose "While I have come to understand that not all of you seem to be able to notice Kellam" he began. "I am not sure you have that excuse when it comes to Vaike" The former Count Elector stated. Indeed it was hard not to notice Vaike or as the man himself called himself 'The Vaike' or teach. As he could cause a scene without having to do a single thing while standing off to the side in the right or perhaps wrong circumstances.
Chrom remembered that he had left the some of the Shepards at the entrance to the throne room and realised that those two were there. Sheepishly Chrom walked off to make good on what he had said. Before returning. "So, well Emmeryn" Chrom addressed his sister. "What should we do?" he asked.
"I still feel that I must try and resolve this peacefully" Emmeryn stated her mind set. Vlad could respect her determination and ideals, they may be laughable but he still respected them and he commitment to the.
"You grace" Phila said a saddened look in her eyes. It seemed that she was truly devoted to Emmeryn, then again for most it would be hard not to.
"It seems you will not deter from such a choice of action." Vlad said his voice grim and his face grave. "So be it you are the Exalt after all." His countenance turned to face Chrom who understood why he had suggested for the Shepards not to go. "Allow then your grace for me to accompany you" he asked. "If you come with your brothers forces or with your personal guard Gangrel may attempt to use it as leverage to declare war." he explained.
"Yet if we allow her majesty to go with only one guard Gangrel may try to slay her then and there" Phila stated. "What can one man do?" she asked incredulously.
Vlad smiled at her. And for the first time The shepards and the others present felt an extremely cold chill run down their spines not to mention an ice cold breeze somehow made its way into the throne room. It only added to the eeriness of the situation when Vlad's cape flapped rather dramatically in response. The smile itself was chilling and nerve wracking as it cold cold, inhumanely cold "I can assure you" Vlad begun his smile in place and his black eyes alight with amusement. "That I will be more than enough to keep her grace out of harms way." Then the moment past and it was the coldness in the room was gone along with the breeze.
In fact it came and went so quickly that everyone in the room had to try and reassure themselves that they were not imagining things. "Well I suppose it is possible given your feats in the Feroxi arena." Chrom reasoned.
"That among other things" Vlad agreed. Unlike the rest of the room he was aware of their unknown eavesdropper. Ricken he presumed from what he could make out of the boy it seemed as if the wizard in training (or mage as they called it here) was planning to go rescue Maribelle. "Ah young love" Vlad reminisced. Recognising the look emotions Ricken was giving off. Still the boy had a long way to go and he still needed to grow up soon if he was to survive it.
Vlad and Emmeryn walked up to the small cliffs. The Exalt's pose was determined, along the way the peace loving ruler of Ylisse had asked the former Count Elector how he believed her attempt at peaceful negotiations would turn out. Vlad had merely smiled comfortingly at her the way a father would to to a child and informed her that the king of Plegia Gangrel would most probably only make a pretence of negotiations and assault them without much pause or regret.
Emmeryn herself had to ask how a person could say something like that in a reassuring manner. More importantly now that she had some time to accurately talk and get to know the Count she realised that his skin was extremely pale almost as if he had never gone into sunlight in his life. However she knew that not to be true as the good Count had been in the sun and remained unaffected where others would develop a rash of some kind or the other.
"Careful your Grace" Vlad warned her in a hushed whisper. "We are about to enter the dragons den, no doubt the man has forces of his own in the field, please be careful, what you say now will be remembered."
Emerryn blinked as the Exalt could of sworn that Vlad had said in a much quieter tone "By both friend andfoe." This made the Exalt pause in though were there still groups of her people here, where were they and howwhat were they doing here?
As the two of them advanced Vlad's eyesight picked up that of a man in black, white and gold livery with a crown on his head, beside him was a woman with tanned skin and white hair in a rather revealing outfit that would leave nothing to one's imagination "There are already watching us" he whispered. Two of them can be seen on the ledge over in front of us." Before Emmeryn could look Vlad spoke again "Don't loo" he instructed. "They may decide to attack earlier if you are aware were they are, Maribelle is being held by one of their soldiers further up, but don't worry they will not harm her, just yet"
That last part Vlad had stated made Emmeryn shiver inside, this man she walked with seemed to have a good grasp of people's character, so much that he seemed to have a good idea of what Gangrel, the mad king's next moves were.
As they drew Closer the one that Vlad had identified as Gangrel took a step back in mockery before speaking condescendingly at the or to be more exact towards Emmeryn. "What's this. Then?" he asked in an overly mocking voice "The Exalt herself, in all her radiance?" In Vlad's mind even Konrad would have no trouble in discerning rather immediately that this man was being sarcastic.
"King Gangrel" Emmeryn addressed her counterpart in as stern a voice as the Exalt could manage. "I've come for the truth of this unfortunate incident between us." she stated.
The woman beside the Mad King gave a wicked chuckle "The truth?" she asked rhetorical "I can give you the truth" the woman stated.
"Perhaps milady might first share her name?" Emmeryn always polite and gentle asked. Even like this she did not lose her temter and maintained her composure even if the Exalt did feel different on the inside she did not show any of it.
Even for one as devious as the woman before them it seemed that she could not refuse as he gave a polite but mocking bow. "You may call me Aversa" she introduced herself.
"Very well, Aversa. Is Maribelle unharmed?" Emmer ever one to care for those she resided over asked. Anxious for the girls safety.
Grangrel cocked his head to one said before asking "Wo?" then as if a sudden realisation had dawned upon the man he looked up. "Oh yes, the little blonde brat."
While Vlad did not disagree with the madman's description of the daughter of the Duke of Themis, The Former Count Elector was rather palled by the way the Madman had so vulgarly put it, that you expected from the northmen who worshipped the four and no one else save for peasants, not royalty of any king though the man was in his defence called 'mad'.
It seemed that as Vlad had seen from afar that the noblewoman was being held by a man in a rather barbaric outfit. She was also struggling in vain to escape from his grip on her. Unhand me, you gutter born troglodyte" she hissed at her captor who seemed to not even take notice of her insult. Most probably because he had been given far worse, though it made one ask why she would refer to her captor as a prehistoric person or a hermit as an insult. "You Grace!" she exclaimed at seeing Emmeryn, is that you?" Maribelle asked in shock at the Exalt. Though she must have also been scared that the one she referred to as 'dear' was not here.
"This girl crossed the Plegian border without our consent" Aversa stated in a very wicked tone. "And what's more" at this the oddly dressed woman paused "She wounded the brave Plegian soldiers who sought only to escort her safely home."
Before anything else could be said an applause broke out. All turned to see Vlad von Carstein clapping his hands together an amused smile on his white lips. "Bravo, a very good story bravo, I say" he mocked. "You should perhaps invest in that occupation instead of your chosen one." The former Count Elector's words were polite but it was clear to all that he was mocking the woman named Aversa. "Your tongue is not only forked but also silver, Manfred my boy would be jealous" Vlad stated "He never got that combination quite right, I'm afraid." Vlad now fixed the woman named Aversa with his gaze and she found herself freezing up. "You see the way I see it you came into the girl's fathers land and attempted to abduct her" the Vampire Count stated. "It is only natural for her to resist you since you people have no class or elegance" Vlad explained. "Also you don't really intend to have peaceful negotiations as you were already mustering for war for several months." The former Count Elector was not making any accusations just simply stating the facts that could be seen. "I believe that burning down homes and pillaging shops does not make one brave or noble." Looking now over to Gangrel Vlad spoke once again "I hoped that mad king did not mean foolish and that you were morally insane not mentally impaired. I am rather disappoint that you are the latter and not the former."
"Oh you're quite the charmer aren't you" Aversa visibly insulted hissed at Vlad "Don't think either of us will let this slide."
Vlad for his part seemed to take her statement in his stride as he replied with a bow "I aim to please." Vlad did such an act so shamelessly that one could not help but admire how he had achieved it.
It seemed that this was the final nail in the coffin for both Aversa and Gangrel "That's it" the Mad king roared "Kill the girl. And then on to the pale freak with the loud mouth next, The Exalted is last, you hear me!"
It seemed that Aversa had taken the time to walk up to Maribelle "Poor stupid girl." she stated. "I hope you are ready to pay the consequence for your loud mothed associates actions."
Before anything else could be said the burly looking man who was holding Maribelle was blasted down and a bow a little shorter than the noblewoman ran up to her. He was garbed in a white ad blue robes with a massive pointed hat that's tip was benot over backwards. Maribelle" The newcomer who Vlad had only known about exclaimed. It seemed that he was a little happy aobut himself. "Go, You're free!" he stated.
"Ricken?" Maribelle shouted confused. "What are you doing here?" she asked it was clear to the stuck up girl that Ricken was not supposed to be here, though she should be doing as the boy had requested and start running.
"Just run" Ricken replied "we can talk about it later" the young mage stated. Vlad had known that he had been following them since the two of them had left the throne room. The fact that no one had noticed the young mage was admirable.
"Oh" Aversa said in a sultry tone "is this your little boyfriend?" she asked mockingly. "Isn't he just precious."
This seemed to anger the young mage as he turned to face the black garbed woman "Don't talk down to me, witch!" Ricken hissed as holding a tome in one hand he reached out with his left and struck her spell sending Aversa skidding across the ground a short distance away, but from that range the black garbed woman had taken a considerable amount of damage. Still Vlad did notice that Ricken required a book to cast spell, that needed to be remedied soon.
Wind. Magic" She hissed each word took a considerable amount of effort as Aversa was barely able to keep herself standing.
"Come one Maribelle" Ricken stated as he turned towards her and the two ran towards Emmeryn and Vlad. Not looking back as the two of them would have to fight their way through enemy lines to reach the others.
"Wretched Whelp, why I should" Aversa them somehow managed to compose herself "No. Our Soldiers have them outnumbered." She stated. "The brats will be dead long before they reach their comrades." She seemed assured of this.
With this Gangrel and Aversa seemed to withdraw content with believing that the four of them would be overwhelmed. Then again none knew who Vlad von Carstein really was therefore none knew of the peril they face when facing him.
Vlad turned to Emmeryn and spoke. "Your Grace" he addressed her. "As you can see the only reason you were called here was so that the mad king Gangrel as he is called could make an example out of you and Lady Maribelle." he stated. "They have us outnumbered and I must ensure to your safety otherwise I would be able to go in person to assist brave Ricken and Maribelle." he explained.
"Can you save them?" Emmeryn asked to which the former Count Elector nodded."Please by any means then, save my subjects" she pleaded without even stopping to think about her own image.
"Really?" Vlad asked admiration in his voice. "If only there were more people like you who could handle power in the world." At this Vlad trailed off. "Your grace are you sure that you want me to use the means at my disposal?" he asked.
Emmeryn gave a firm nod "If it is to save those under me I will do anything and everything for their safety" she stated firmly determined.
"Your wish is my command" Vlad stated as he channeled what he felt was akin winds of Shyish and channeled it. "But a word of warning this will not be a pleasant sight" he stated "As the one who decided upon it though if you feel that you must watch then by all means do so your Grace." With that black clouds similar to fog poured fourth from where the Vampire Count stood and rushed to greet the Plegians those who it met dropped what they held and clutched at their throats unable to breathe from what those who were engulfed in it. Within moments it had engulfed the entire of the Plegian's force sand Emmeryn heard their cries and screams as whatever fate befell them in the black fog it was no a kind one.
When the Foghad finally cleared away Ricken and Maribelle were revealed surrounded by the bodies of the dead Plegian soldiers.
"What?" Maribelle asked her composure lost. "What happened just now?" she finally managed to complete the sentence.
"Magic" Ricken whispered the young mage's eyes widened as the bodies that lay around them caught fire and were burned to as within moments. "Magic, of the kind I have never even read about in fairytales."
Vlad turned to Emmeryn who was a little pale but managed. "Thank You count Carstein." Still she was disturbed with what she had witnessed. Still Vlad knew it could have been worse if he had summoned the dead, that would be something that would be a little too much given the problems that they were facing with the risen and all.
"Any time you Grace" Vlad replied smoothly. He then turned to Ricken and Maribelle before calling out "You might want to come no as we must make haste since this was just the force they brought with them, more Plegians will come."
Ricken and Maribelle wasted no time in quickly hurrying to where Vlad and Emmeryn were before the four of them departed with great haste towards the capital of Ylisse.
So yeah Vlad came in and curb stomped as he does not like Gangrel or Aversa, so I 'kind of dropped a bridge' on Vasto, without giving the boss of this level any screen time. But then again how many people actually paid attention to the Boss's names every level, I only noticed on my sixth play through. Also Vlad has taken an interest in Ricken though I am unsure of how that will play out, I do know however that It will make the Mage much different that in cannon.
So anyways if you have anything to share please feel free to leave a review or PM me if you have any ideas you would like to share but as always I prefer it if you leave a review as it is easier to sort that way. But if you don't want anyone else to see your idea or suggestion then feel free to PM me
Also to any who might read my latest crossover "Fate Ground Zero' can you leave some reviews on that, getting only one on my latest is rather irritating since I do put a lot of effort into these fics.
Also have any of you read J.A.G.A03's Fate/Zero and Halo crossover it is rather good, though he needs to update it more often. Still it's a nice read if any of you would like to check it out.
Still anyway I hope you enjoyed until next time.