Chapter 9: Turning of Favor

Loud noises sounded outside of Richard's tent, who immediately bolted upward alongside Panne. At first, they thought that they were being attacked, but it didn't really seem to be the case, as these cries didn't seem to be those of anger or fear, but rather those that seemed... resigned, almost. It wasn't entirely odd to say the least, considering that the previous night, the two of them had gone to sleep thinking that the entire Ylissian army was on it's last legs. Richard get to his feet, and was quickly followed by his taguel friend, who transformed back into her humanoid form, curious as to what exactly was going on outside.

Indeed, when Richard opened the tent flaps, he was greeted with the sight of hardened faces and what appeared to be coordination to move the camp. Richard immediately knew what this meant: they were marching off toward the battlefield to take on the Plegians, morale be damned. That being said, he understood why Chrom had ordered the charge... they were on their last legs, and they needed every single advantage they could get when fighting the enemy... really, at this point, Gangrel probably wasn't exactly expecting the group to attack after a retreat of such grand scale. Still, the death of one of his best generals probably effected him, but still...

After a few moments of thought, they noticed that a man had walked up to the both of them, face smiling, but not entirely conveying an emotion akin to happiness. It was as though his face was smiling, but his eyes betrayed his internal feelings of confusion. Still, he spoke loudly, and it was his voice more than anything else that gave up who he was: Vaike, Richard's good friend and trainer of the rookie Shepards.

"It's about time you woke up!", Vaike said loudly and full of bravado, the slight smell of alcohol on his breath, "It's time that we get going."

Richard laughed a little as he turned to Vaike, and smiled at him. Indeed, he seemed to carry the air of slight intoxication, no doubt to calm his nerves. Richard honestly couldn't blame them, and neither could Panne, who normally never really understood the point of alcohol. She always thought that it dulled the senses, made you bad warrior. But perhaps, dulled senses were just what Vaike needed right now...

Richard's smile left his face before he said, "So... we're headed for Gangrel then?

Vaike noded, "Yep. Scouts report that he's been hiding out in a fort recently, pretty close by too. We won't have to travel too far, I can tell you that much."

"I see.", Richard said, nodding. This was the final gambit... Chrom needed strategy and luck... well, really at this point he just needed luck. Richard was good, but he wasn't a miracle worker. He needed time, resources, a general layout of where they were going to be fighting... of course, he only knew of the last one, as Plegia was consistently nothing but desert. Only the unencumbered and fliers could get through that well... he needed to talk to Chrom, and fast.

"Well, I'd better get going.", Vaike said, "Chrom told me to get the whole thing underway. Guess he knows that Ol' Teach commands way more respect around here than he does."

Vaike chuckled a little, and walked away. Richard sighed as his friend walked off... this would probably be the final battle, and it wasn't exactly looking pretty for the Ylissians... he needed to think... but of course, that was a luxury that he honestly couldn't afford. It was honestly driving him crazy, and if it weren't for a calming hand upon his shoulder, he probably would've been left standing there for quite some time calculating variables that really shouldn't even come into account.

Richard turned toward the owner of the hand to find that it was Panne, a small almost-smile on her face. It was quite clear that she was uncomfortable doing this right now, having never really touched another person in a comforting way before, let alone a human. Still, she tried her best to make Richard a little more relaxed, and started off by saying, "Relax, Richard. You won't be of any used to Chrom if you start to panic."

It was as generic as generic could be, but the sentiment was still there. Almost anyone could've said that to him, and it would've made virtually no impact. But when she said it? Richard didn't know why, but he felt as though her words could be... trusted. After all, they were good friends for quite some time now, and they worked off each other rather well in battle, almost as good as himself and Chrom.

Richard sighed, "You're right, Panne... thank you. I just fear that this battle is going to be our last."

Panne knew exactly what Richard was saying... she too was harboring that fear. After all, how could she not? The Plegian's were better armed, better coordinated, and better numbers. The Shepards had faced tough odds before, but that was one thing. This? It was almost suicide. Yet she couldn't give up. It wasn't in her nature for one thing, not to mention that it wouldn't be fair to Richard. She joined this army to prove a point. When the battles were all over, she would end her connection with the entire outfit, and return to where she once came, never again to be seen by the man-spawn's world. But then she started to form friendships, chief among them being Richard. He was the first to open up to her, the first to give her some insight on the man-spawn's world, the first who actually listened to her, and heard what she had to say. It took her a while to realize it, but she truly valued their friendship over the entire journey. She actually wanted to stick around for a while now, see how everyone fared after the war ended... of course, all of that would go to hell in a handbasket if they all lost... yet it was a chance that needed to be taken, lest the entire world would fall into the grip of mad king Gangrel, and nobody really wanted that.

And with all that in mind, Panne said the only thing that could come to mind, "You're a good man, Richard, and a good friend. Even if this does end up becoming our final battle, I am glad that I will be able to fight alongside you."

Richard smiled, "Thank you..."

Panne smiled back a little... it was the first time she had truly comforted someone after her brother had been killed... to think, that she wold show it to a man... but I didn't matter, not anymore. There were more important things to car about.

But either way, when all was said and done, it was time to head back out into the fray and end this conflict once and for all. Whether or not it would end in their favor, nobody could say for certain. All that they knew was that this was going to be long, arduous, and more than likely painful. And none were suffering more than the prince and his best friend. They both carried a heavy weight on their shoulders, and neither wanted to be named the ones responsible for causing Ylisse and the Fire Emblem to fall into Plegia's hands, but neither of them thought like that. They knew that if they did, it would be a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts. There was no reason to think about the possibly end results of failure, it does no one well. Instead, they both thought of the future battle both of them desperately trying to think of ways to avoid as much bloodshed as possible... it was proving to be rather difficult. The only way to even possibly 'win' this (if one could call it winning), was to just concede and give the Fire Emblem to Gangrel, but that honestly wouldn't be happening anytime soon.

And so, they trudged onward to a battle they were almost certain that they couldn't win...

(Later)

Richard, Chrom, and Frederick stood on a ridge overlooking the for that Gangrel had stationed himself at. They were waiting. Support from Ragna Ferox would be their only possible salvation in this war, and Khan Flavia was more than willing to provide her own army as a diversion, taking the main force away from the tired Plegian troops so that they could more easily finish the job. The battle had yet to start, and their hearts felt as if they were replaced by black pits. They all sighed, and retreated down the side of the ridge, keeping the fort out of sight.

"So...", Frederick began, "Do you have any ideas, Richard? I would love to hear one."

Richard just stood in silence. He had been thinking of a plan, yes, but each and every time he did, he still drew a blank, and it was driving him crazy. He had become the Shepard's head tactician for a reason, and if he couldn't even do his job, what was the point of him even staying in the army? He was feeling almost worthless...

Chrom read that expression on Richard's face, and said, "It's alright, friend. For what it's worth, you've done your best on our behalf. I only hope that we'll be able to see more battles after this one.

Richard sighed, "Thank you, Chrom... I do as well..."

It was just at that moment that they heard the sounds of clashing swords across the field over the ridge.

"It would seem that Khan Flavia needed a bit of time to get ready herself.", Frederick observed, "Shall we rouse the troops, sir?"

Chrom thought for a moment, and said, "Yes. Get the troops ready for battle."

Frederick was about to leave, but before he could go, a Feroxi warrior appeared over the ridge, and called down at the group.

"Strange.", Richard said, almost questioningly, "I wouldn't expect a scout to appear this early on."

"I'll go talk to him.", Frederick said, his voice oozing with suspicion, "It could be a trick by the Plegians, as far as we know."

Chrom rolled his eyes a little at Frederick the Wary's overcautiousness, but he wouldn't have been able to survive if it weren't for his advice, so he allowed it. The Great Knight then went over to the scout, who seemed to be overjoyed about the news that he was giving. Now the other two were curious. Just what could it be that made this scout so... happy?

Their answer came when Frederick ran back down the ridge, a rare smile etched across his face. With joy, he then said, "Milord, I have a report from Khan Flavia. The Plegian army is in disarray"

Both Richard and Chrom were surprised by this news. Honestly, it almost sounded too good to be true. So, Chrom ventured with a, "How do you mean?"

"It seems many of their soldiers are opposed to further violence.", Frederick explained, "There has been infighting, desertion... Gangrel is trying to stamp out the mutiny by force, but with little success. Outside of a few faithful who serve him directly, his army has all but collapsed."

Chrom was completely stunned, as was Richard. This news was astonishing... after all, an army just doesn't give up without a fight, not without good reason. Chrom at first tried to ask why, saying, "This is incredible news. But why...?"

After thinking on it for a moment, he realize that he had answered his own question, "...Emmeryn."

Suddenly, Frederick's face turned stoic once more, and he bowed toward his prince respectfully, "Yes, milord. Emmeryn. The report says Gangrel's men chant her name as they abandon the field. Her words, and her sacrifice, have made her a folk hero of sorts."

"Emmeryn...", Chrom repeated... her sacrifice had saved them in more ways than one... he only wished that it would never have come to this... but wishing wouldn't get him anywhere... silently, he said, "Why did it take me so long to understand? She believed all people desire peace. She knew deep down, the Plegians wanted it too. It just took her to bring it to the surface."

Richard didn't say anything. He just looked over at his friend, and gave a small smile. He knew it hurt Chrom deeply when his sister died, but... at least now, there was hope for him, and for Ylisse. They would fight. And indeed, when Chrom looked up into the sky with a look of determination, his words showed it perfectly, "I hope she can see this, wherever she is...", he then looked over to Richard, "Today, we put an end to Mad King Gangrel, and bring peace back to the land."

Richard nodded, his confidence now returning to him. So, this wouldn't be their last battle after all... it would be their first won war. And he was going to help lead the charge. He said, "I'll get the troops. When I get back, I'll have the perfect strategy ready."

Chrom nodded, "I'll await you here. But be quick. I don't want to have the Feroxians thinking that we can't fight our own battles."

Richard smiled, "I wouldn't dream of keeping you waiting."

And with that, he got onto his horse, and rode off toward the camp. It was rather close by, and it wouldn't take long for the troops to get into formation. After all, they were already dressed for combat, and the only thing that they could do now was sharpen their weaponry. As Richard approached they all stood up, awaiting his orders.

"Well, I have great news, everyone!", Richard said, smiling happily, "Most of Gangrel's forces have deserted! All that's left is his private guard!"

Now, before the news was related, the army were all incredibly defeated looking and tired. But this? It was as if they had all received their second wind at the same time. They were no longer about to lose. It was only a matter of time until they won.

Richard continued, "I know that we all had tough times in the past, but let me make this clear: no matter what happens next, we can't lose. If we do, we lose everything that we've ever hoped to accomplish. Let's make our friends and family proud!"

Shouts of joy and bravado echoed throughout the army, and none were more happy about this news than Panne. When Richard delivered the news, it was almost as though he was an entirely different man than what he was earlier. He was energetic, happy, and she could tell that the gears were turning inside of his head, formulating how best he would completely take the rug out from under Gangrel. This was the man that she had become friends with all that time ago... immediately, she ran toward his horse, and caught his attention.

Richard looked down at Panne, and she too looked different from how she was earlier that day. Earlier, she seemed to be uneasy, and almost awkward. But now? She looked at him with firey determination, and defiance that perfectly encapsulated just what it meant to be a taguel. She was a proud warrior, that much was clear. It was even more evident when she said, "I would appreciate it if I could be by your side in battle."

Richard smiled, and said, "It would be an honor."

With that, Panne transformed, and alongside Richard, bounded off toward the battlefield. This wouldn't be their last fight after all. Little did they know, that there would be plenty more where this came from... but still, that's for later.

As the battle raged, Richard and Panne seemed almost as though they were a well oiled machine. They couldn't explain why, or how, but they acted in tandem in a way that most could only dream of. When Panne kicked an enemy in the air, Richard blasted him with Arcthunder, making sure that they wouldn't get up again. When Richard slashed at an enemy with his sword, it was Panne that made sure that he would stay down by delivering slashes across the enemy's chest with her claws. And when either one of them was about to be hit by a stray sword or arrow, their made sure to protect each other, the blows that could've potentially have been fatal, instead becoming nothing more than glancing attacks.

Eventually, the battle led them all the way to the fort, and when they got there, they saw just what it was that they were fighting for. In the middle of the fort, Chrom and Gangrel danced with their blades, the Mad King throwing in some lightning into the mix, thanks to his Levin Sword.

It was a sight to behold, really. Chrom, while an expert swordsman, had to make sure to sidestep each strike that Gangrel attempted to land. After all, if it was blocked, then he would more than likely be electrocuted, and he really didn't want that to happen. So, it was a deadly game of sorts, the tricky Gangrel sidestepping strikes and attempting to either run Chrom through or shock him to death, and Chrom attempting to get past all the attacks just so that he could get close.

The fight was so intense, that those in the near vicinity just had to watch. Even Richard and Panne were awestruck by it. Richard knew Chrom was good, but never before had he seen footwork like this. It was like Chrom was possessed, and he wasn't going to stop until Gangrel was dead.

Panne too was impressed. She had thought that she was fast, but seeing Chrom dodging lighting-fast sword strikes, and lightning-fast... lightning, was nothing short of incredible to her. In short, she had gained a new respect for her commanding officer.

As the battle between the two wore on, it was clear that they were becoming tired. Whoever collapsed first would be one who would die, and neither competitor wanted that. But still, it had to happen eventually, it just so happened that skill played into it a bit as well. As Gangrel began to spring forward again in an attempt to stab Chrom to death, Chrom dug his sword into the sand, the flat side facing the Mad King. As Gangrel neared, Chrom swung it upwards, spraying sand all over in front of him, and most importantly, into Gangrel's eyes, catching him off guard. This was all that Chrom needed, and with that being said, Chrom immediately stapped Falchion forward, stabbing Gangrel straight through the gut.

And just like that, the war was over.

WELL, that took too much time to write. -_- Oh well, at least it's done now! Sorry again about the wait ladies and gents, but don't worry. I promise you, from now on, I will make a new chapter on a biweekly basis! It may not sound like much, but hey, it's better than every three months. Thank you so much for you patience, and I look forward to your reviews, if you decide to leave one.