Before you all read this chapter, you all might want to go back and read Chapter 5: Rescue Team. I updated Meredith's lines to make them sound closer to her actual character, or at least the facade she puts on with the one you will read in this chapter. Just a heads up. Anyway, have fun reading.

Chapter 9: Failed Ambush

Arriving at Castle Ylisse, Sol, Aria and Leo come to the doors, alerting the guard at the front.

"Let me handle this, you two." says Aria to Sol and Leo.

"State your business, travelers." says the guard.

"My daughter is here." says Aria. "I believer you know her. Her name is Dizzy."

"Her mother, huh?" asks the guard. "I find that a little hard to believe."

"Believe me, it's a very complicated story." says Aria. "But regardless, she is my daughter and I hope to see her."

"Well, even if that was the case, she's not here right now." says the guard.

"Where is she?" asks Aria.

"I believe she's gone with a small contingent of Shepherds to help the town of Treehaven." says the guard. "However, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to let you all wait inside until she returns. You definitely don't dress like anyone else in this world, so I believe your case."

"Thank you so much." says Aria

After that, the guard opens the door.

"Well, that was easier than expected." says Sol. "I thought they would be more suspecting of us. I wonder just how tight the security is in this place."

"Probably just a very a peaceful nation." says Leo. "Still, it does worry me."

Wasting no more time, the group heads inside.

Just then, the guard brings the group into the throne room where Chrom is currently talking with the Khans.

"Milord Exalt, we have guests that claim to know Lady Dizzy." says the guard.

The guard steps out of the way to let the others meet Chrom.

"Should we let you take over here again?" Sol asks Aria.

"If you would." says Aria. She then steps forward, "Greetings. We're travelers from another world. My name is Aria, and I am Dizzy's mother."

"Her mother?" asks Chrom. "I believe I was told by my wife that Dizzy said her mother's name was Justice."

"It's... very complicated." says Aria. "Basically, you have no idea what's happened in our world. But to be fair, we don't know a lot that's happened in yours either."

"Mine giving me a few details?" asks Chrom. "Doubt I'll understand them, but at least share something with me."

"Well, how do I put this?" asks Aria. "Truth is I use to be Justice. The way I currently am, I'm the merging of two people: Justice and Jack-O' Valentine."

"I... don't think I follow." says Chrom. "How about we save it until Dizzy returns, and we can see what she has to say?"

"Sounds good to me." says Sol. "Never was about being all technical anyway."

"I guess we'll just start with introductions for the time being." says Chrom. "As you know, I am Chrom, Exalt of Ylisse. The two with me are the Khans of Regna Ferox. The man is Basilio, the West Khan and the woman is Flavia, the East Khan."

"Ah, so you are all some form of regality!" says Leo. "Then it is only fitting I introduce myself! I am Leo Whitefang, the second king of Illyria! But, I can assure you, there is nothing 'second' about my abilities!"

"No kidding, huh?" asks Basilio. "Maybe we should test that one day at Arena Ferox."

"An Arena, huh?" asks Sol. "From what it sounds like, you have an arena dedicated to your whole nation."

"That's right." says Flavia. "It's how the Feroxi settle disputes. It's kind of own form of politics."

"Sounds like politics that are up my alley." says Sol. "I know of a certain ninja that's trying to run for president that would love such an idea."

"I don't know what a 'president' is, but if he's anything like us Khans, then he's already sounding like a swell fellow." says a laughing Basilio. "And you seem to be my type, as well. What's your name?"

"Aria here calls me Frederick." says Sol. "But you can call me Sol Badguy. Sol for short."

"Well, Sol... you sound pretty battle hardened and full of experience." says Flavia.

"More than you know, sweetheart." replies Sol.

"Ha, you don't pull punches with anybody, do you?" says Flavia. "Yeah, I think I'm going to like you!"

"He's already a man after my own heart." says Basilio. "Now, we just have to see how he fights."

"Heh, don't know if you'll be impressed or terrified when it comes to me." says Sol.

"Hah, no type of fighting too terrifying for a Khan like myself!" says a boisterous Basilio.

"Well spoken!" says Leo.

"Seems this is the beginning of nothing but an interesting relationship." says Chrom. "You're all free to stay here till Dizzy and the others get back."

"You sure we won't be intruding?" asks Aria.

"As far as I see it, any friends of Dizzy's are friends of ours." says Chrom. "I'll see our servants get you some rooms ready."

"Only the best for a king like myself!" says Leo.

"We'll see what we can do." says Chrom.

In the town of Treehaven, Dizzy and Ky are pitching in to help. Ky is currently helping with construction while Dizzy is bringing in pails of fresh milk to the local stores.

"Bring them this way." says a man to Dizzy.

"Coming." Dizzy replies.

Dizzy walks into a building with the pails.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel watches as his town seems to be heading in the right direction.

Ben approaches him and says, "It hasn't been too long, and already, those two have helped tremendously."

"Sure have." says Nathaniel. "It's too bad we've been too proud to ask the Shepherds for help. But now, I'm glad we got them to help us even without us making contact."

"If you don't mind, I think I'm going to have a talk with Lady Dizzy." says Ben.

"Hope it's not anything I'm thinking of." says Nathaniel.

"Relax, Nathaniel." says Ben. "I'm already married and have a son of my own. I just want to get to know her better, that's all."

Without waiting for a reply, Ben walks off.

Just then, as Dizzy walks out of the store, she hears Ben say, "So, you've been awfully busy."

Dizzy looks to see Ben standing there.

"Hello." says Dizzy.

"I guess I never properly introduced myself." says Ben. "My name is Ben Lawrence. I'm a close aide to the mayor of this town."

"Oh, pleased to meet you, Ben." says Dizzy with a bow. "But I hope you're not trying to flirt with me or anything. I am Ky's, after all."

"I know, and believe me, I understand." says Ben. "I'm a family man, myself. Got a wonderful wife named Paige, and a strapping, twelve year old son named Charlie."

"Wow, I had no idea." says Dizzy. "Believe it or not, your son is actually older than I am."

"Really?" asks Ben.

"I'd give you the details, but I've already confused enough people during my time in this world." says Dizzy.

"I'll take your word for it." says Ben. "Got to say, though, Lady Dizzy... I do find you quite inspiring."

"How so?" asks Dizzy.

"Believe it or not, I use to be a warrior." says Ben. "You probably heard me say that to Nathaniel, but yeah, I was an Ylissean captain during the days of Exalt Thaddeus, the one that launched his 'holy war' on Plegia. I was one of the survivors, but I was also the most skilled among the Ylissean knights."

"I don't see how I inspire you in that way." says Dizzy. "I don't like fighting."

"As I can tell from your mannerisms." says Ben. "A pure-hearted one like you was never meant to fight, but... I can tell you were forced into it regardless. And you will fight to protect your loved ones, right? You don't have to be a true warrior to know what's worth fighting for."

"Then how I do inspire you?" asks Dizzy.

"Because of the fact you ARE pure-hearted." says Ben. "That you're someone worth protecting. And before you say anything, I already get the feeling you have more power than I could possibly fathom."

"You must be incredibly clarivoyant to know that about me." says Dizzy.

"Regardless of how much power you have, though, I can see it's your innocence and loving nature that make people want to protect you." says Ben. "Some would probably do it out affection or even passion for you, no doubt. But those like myself do it because we believe it's people like you that will change the world. We need more like you to do that, and with your level of kindness, I can imagine you'd be the one to lead such people in giving it the reform it needs."

"You really think that?" says Dizzy.

"I don't just think it." says Ben. "I know it."

"So you say, do you?" says the voice of Meredith.

Both Dizzy and Ben look to see Meredith and her men standing there.

"Oh, uh... hi?" asks Dizzy.

Ben just gives them a glare.

"So, I see you're one of those that are helping this village." says Meredith. "The people really seem to be benefitting from it."

"Well, I'm just doing my part." says Dizzy.

"Clearly." says Meredith. "And what would your name be?"

"Dizzy." she replies.

"Mind if we talk somewhere private, Dizzy?" asks Meredith.

"I suppose." says Dizzy. "But I do need to get back to helping."

"Oh, this won't take too long." says Meredith. "We just need to evaluate you."

"O-Okay." says Dizzy.

Meredith and her men walk off, though at a slow enough pace for Dizzy to follow.

Before Dizzy can follow, Ben stops her and says, "I'd be careful, Lady Dizzy. I believe Nathaniel told me about them. They're the ones that blackmailed and threatened him, as well as our whole town. I'd be really cautious."

"Right." says Dizzy before she follows after Meredith and her men.

Coming into a secluded part of town, Meredith and her men cease walking and Dizzy meets them.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" asks Dizzy.

"Look, I know that man was talking to you about us." says Meredith. "So let me get to the point: I don't know what he said about us, but we're not as bad you might be lead to believe. We just want to offer our services to anyone willing to pay a price."

"From what I've heard, you blackmail and threaten to get what you want." says Dizzy. "Real mercenaries and those actually trying to offer aid don't do such a things."

"When you say it like that, it sounds so ugly." says Meredith. "We're just trying to make our occupation into a full-blown business. Besides, with the economy being as tough as it is, can you blame us?"

"I know desperation hits everyone, but it shouldn't come with poor ethics." says Dizzy.

"Well, that all changed after the second war between Ylisse and Plegia." says Meredith. "Then again, I get the feeling you don't know that all too well, do you?"

"I learned enough from Exalt Chrom." says Dizzy. "His father had his forces slaughter the Plegians in droves and constantly kept the war going till even the Ylisseans were suffering. And when he died and Emmeryn took over, the Ylisseans blamed her for her father's actions. Yet, she did her best to end the war and bring the people home to their families until her mission was successful."

"Wow, I'm impressed." says Meredith. "Of course, that was only the first war. The second one was where Plegia and its ruler, Mad King Gangrel wanted revenge against all of Ylisse."

"I was told about that as well, and I was getting to it." says Dizzy. "Plegia decimated Ylisse until the Ylisseans struck back, and dethroned Gangrel, but not before Emmeryn sacrificed herself, more or less, to bring peace between the two nations."

"Again, impressive." says Meredith. "For one obviously new to our world, you've certainly caught on."

"Being a half-Gear, I'm good at gathering knowledge, despite my actual age." says Dizzy.

"So, you call yourself a Gear?" asks Meredith. "Are you some sub-species of taguel?"

"No, though I do have shapeshifting abilities. Just different from what you know." says Dizzy. "I'm basically a being who's very genetics were enhanced by magic. Most Gears were created in labs or plants, but I was born a Human-Gear hybrid, so I guess you could say I got my powers naturally, for the most part."

"And you said something about your actual age." says Meredith. "How old are you exactly?"

"Eight, going on nine." says Dizzy.

"I don't quite understand." says Meredith

"Basically, those who born Gears rapidly mature from early development to young adults in three years." says Dizzy. "However, when we reach our prime state, we cease aging for good. So, in other words, I'll probably live forever. Believe it or not, the oldest Gear in our world is more than a century old."

A giant, muscular member of Meredith's crew just glares at Dizzy and says, "Abomination."

"Hey, I didn't ask for these powers." says Dizzy. "I was just born with them. In fact, no Gear asked for such powers. They were either created with them, or were humans forcibly coverted into Gears. It's not our fault."

"Don't worry. I believe you, Dizzy." says Meredith. She then turns to her comrade and says, "Now you stop it, okay?" Turning back to Dizzy, "So, I hear you're with another."

"Oh yes, that would be my husband, Ky." says Dizzy. "Do you want to meet him?"

"No, that's okay." says Meredith. "Say, do you have any battle skills?"

"A little, though I mostly use my Gear powers to end battles quickly." says Dizzy. "I don't really like fighting, and I refuse to kill anyone."

"I see." says Meredith. "Well, would you be averse to me teaching you a few combat skills?"

"I would love that." says Dizzy. "However, I already have Sir Frederick as a teacher in combat arts. He says that, in order to be a proper member of the Shepherds, I need to..."

"Wait, the Shepherds?" asks a stunned Meredith, and her men looking equally surprised.

"Oh, did you not want to hear that?" asks Dizzy.

"Well... let's just say we've... heard of their reputation." says Meredith. "Nothing bad I can assure you. It's just... well... oh, look at the time! We've got to go now!"

Swiftly, Meredith and her men begin to walk away.

"Wait, I didn't get your name, ma'am!" says Dizzy.

As her and her men stop, Meredith just growls under her breath a bit before turning her head to Dizzy and saying, "Meredith. Meredith Maywater."

"Oh, pretty name." says Dizzy. "I hope we meet again."

Meredith turns her head around says under her breath, "I'm sure you will."

And with that, Meredith and her men are gone.

"Well, I better get back to work." says Dizzy. "Evening is almost here."

In the outskirts of town during the evening, Meredith says, "Well, a Shepherd decided to show up. I'm pretty sure the people of town didn't ask their help."

"What do we do now?" asks a member of the crew dressed as a mage. "Now that the Shepherds have come to that town, we've lost our chance to score big."

"And we'll have to search again." says the giant man.

Thinking to herself, Meredith says, "Maybe not."

"What do you mean?" asks the mage. "You know Captain Brutus doesn't want to involve the Shepherds in his affairs. If he finds out about this, we'll be forced to flee."

"I don't think it's that bad." says Meredith. "There were only two of them, and that woman seems harmless enough. I think if we eliminate her and her husband, things will be alright."

"You're not serious, are you?" asks the mage. "If we fight the Shepherds, we're dead. And if we survive, Captain Brutus will kill us for sure before leaving the hideout."

"Which is why we're not fighting the Shepherds." says Meredith. "We're just eliminating an obstacle tied to them. We get rid of those two, then problem solved."

"I... I think I see what you mean." says the mage. "In that case, when do we strike?"

"Tomorrow." says Meredith. "We wait for one of them to be by their lonesome, and then we take them down. You all rest up-we'll need it."

As night passes and morning comes, Dizzy and Ky are out making rounds.

"Well, that takes care of that." says Dizzy.

"Yeah, and so far, this town is getting back on track real quick." says Ky. "Just hope your friends are doing a good job trying to locate that enemy base."

"I'm sure they're doing good with that." says Dizzy.

Just then, a rotund woman comes to the two lovebirds and asks, "Lady Dizzy, could I trouble you for a favor?"

"Sure, what do you need?" asks Dizzy.

"I was going to bake a pie, but I'm fresh out of berries." says the woman. "I would go and pick some, but I'm afraid of who could be lurking out there."

"Say no more." says Dizzy. "I'll happily pick some for you."

"Oh, thank you, Lady Dizzy." says the woman. "Thank you so much. The best berry bushes should be too the south of this town."

"Right." says Dizzy. "What berries do you need?"

"Try to get me as many raspberries as you can." says the woman.

"It shall be done." says Dizzy.

"Do you want me to go with you, Dizzy?" asks Ky.

"I'll be fine." says Dizzy. "I'm just going to pick berries. Nothing more."

"Alright." says Ky. "You just be careful out there, okay?"

"Here's the basket, milady." says the woman.

"Right." says Dizzy taking the basket. She then says to Ky, "Be back soon."

As Dizzy leaves to do her job, Ky just stares at her with a smile before looking worried.

"I would be worried if I were you." says Nathaniel as he approaches Ky.

"I always worry for my wife." says Ky. "I've come close to losing her a few times in the past, so I'll never cease worrying."

"Yeah, and with those hoodlums lurking out there, I fear what they may do." says Nathaniel.

Ky smiles a bit and says, "Actually, if any of them try anything, I think they will be in for quite a surprise."

"Well, in order to avoid the worst case scenario, you better go get Ben." says Nathaniel. "Just a precaution."

"I understand." says Ky.

Dizzy ends up finding the raspberry bushes as she says, "This must be them. Time to get to gathering fruit."

Just then, some figures move in the shadows, but Dizzy doesn't notice them.

After a good while, Dizzy says, "This ought to be enough. I'd better get back."

As Dizzy turns around, she sees a familiar face.

"Oh, Meredith!" says Dizzy. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, I left so soon that I really wanted to introduce the others to you." says Meredith. "Hope you don't mind."

"Oh, of course not." says Dizzy. "I'd love to meet them. Just let me know where they are."

"There's one to your right." says Meredith.

"Really? Well that's..." says Dizzy as she turns to her right before getting cut off as a man tries to swipe at her with his axe.

Panicking, Dizzy throws the basket of raspberries to avoid the blow. The next thing she notices are other men surrounding her with their weapons drawn.

"Meredith, I don't understand!" says Dizzy. "What's going on?"

"It's no hard feelings towards you, Lady Dizzy." says Meredith. "If I have any, it's mainly towards the Shepherds."

"What are you saying?" asks Dizzy again.

"What I'm saying is that we can't have the Shepherds taking the biggest score from us we've had in for so long." says Meredith drawing her sword. "Now prepare yourself. The more you struggle, the more painful this will be."

"Meredith, please!" says Dizzy. "I don't want to fight you! And you don't want to fight me! You have no idea what I'm capable of!"

"Then, let's put that to the test." says Meredith. "Attack, men!"

Just then, two men charge for Dizzy, one on either side of her. However, as they come close to striking, Necro and Undine transform and grab the weapons, holding the attacks in place.

Meredith and her men are shocked as all get out from this development while Dizzy just looks solemn.

"W-w-what in the world?" stammers Meredith.

"I told you." says Dizzy. "You shouldn't have tried to fight me. You have no idea what I'm capable of."

Necro then says, "Any of you try to hurt Dizzy, and I'll turn you inside out!"

Undine then says, "Leave if you know what's good for you!"

The men pull back a bit.

"Well, this just got a lot more interesting." says Meredith. "But... we have ways of dealing with you."

"You're not going to like the results." says Dizzy. "Please, just leave me alone."

"At this point, you may as well be too dangerous to let live." says Meredith. "Men! Don't let up!"

An archer tries to fire an arrow at Dizzy's left, but Undine generates a shield to block it.

Some more charge at Dizzy on her right, but Necro generates his axe, and swings it, destroying the men's weapons.

The mage tries to hit Dizzy with an Elfire blast, but Necro counters with a fire breath attack, destroying the magic blast altogether.

Some more try to rush Dizzy, and Necro and Undine counter, with Necro creating dragon heads out of magma and Undine creating what look to be ice piranahs. Both fire beams at the men, either burning or freezing them.

As some of the others rush in, Necro just sighs and says, "Do these idiots never learn?"

Then, Necro creates what look to be summoning circles and emerging from them are hands of shadow that uppercut the fighters.

One manages to avoid the giant hands and reaches Dizzy as he readies to impale her with twin swords.

Undine is ready with an ice barrier that she surrounds Dizzy in and the man rams into it, knocking him to the ground.

Screaming, he grabs hold of his broken and bloody nose.

As the ice barrier collapses, Dizzy says, "Please, no more. I hate seeing all this violence."

Just then, Meredith manages to get behind Dizzy and charges for her with a sword strike, but suddenly, Dizzy's tail springs to life and turns into the worm beast, hissing at Meredith before she can slash.

Panicking, Meredith falls on her butt and backs away while shouting, "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU!?"

Dizzy turns her head and says, "I told you already. I'm a Gear."

"You're a monster is what you are!" says Meredith. "That's it! We're out of here!"

Meredith and her men begin to retreat as fast as possible.

Just then, a flash of lightning occurs and standing there is Ky with his sword drawn.

"You tried to hurt my wife, didn't you?" asks an angered Ky. "If you scratched her, I'll cleave everyone of you in two!"

Just then, a fighter tries to attack Ky, but suddenly, his axe head gets chopped off by a flash.

Standing there beside Ky is Ben, only now he's wearing a dark blue, coat-like robe with matching headband, tan pants, brown boots and patches of armor, and is holding a sword.

"What's the rush?" asks Ben calmly before readying his battle stance. "You were so willing to attack a lone, innocent woman. Why not stay longer and fight a couple of true warriors?"

"Don't think you've heard the last of us." says Meredith. "As long as you're the only two members of the Shepherds here, we'll try again."

"I wouldn't think too quick about that." says Ky. "We're not as alone as you might think. A small contingent of Shepherds are camped outside a few miles of the town. They find out about this, and you're all dead."

Meredith growls and throws down an orb to the ground, which then starts to emit smoke.

After a while, the smoke dies down and Meredith and her men are gone.

"Where did they go?" shouts Ky

"Ah, should've known." says Ben sheathing his sword. "For all their bluster, they were nothing but cowards."

"I'll kill them if they even hurt Dizzy!" says Ky.

"Relax, Ky." says Ben grabbing his shoulder. "Let them go. For right now, let's just go make sure your wife is okay."

"Right." says Ky begrudgingly.

The two men approach Dizzy, who then says, "Thanks for your help, Necro and Undine. You may rest now."

"We're glad we were able to stop them." says Undine. "Just let us know when you need us again."

Undine goes back into wing form.

"Hopefully, we taught those morons." says Necro. "Next time they try that, there won't be a third time."

Necro goes back into wing form.

"Are you okay, Dizzy?" asks Ky.

"I'm fine." says Dizzy. "But I'm glad you came, Ky."

"Me too." says Ky.

"But how am I going to get that woman her berries?" asks Dizzy looking at the now destroyed basket of raspberries.

"Don't worry about that." says Ben. "What matters is that you're safe."

Dizzy smiles at Ben and says, "You're right."

"Anyway, we'd better get back to town." says Ben. "We'd better report this to Nathaniel."

"And we'd better inform the Shepherds still in camp." says Dizzy.

"Right." says Ben. "By the way, if they do come, I'd like to talk to them about something."

"What is it?" asks Dizzy.

"You'll find out." says Ben with a wink. "For now, let's get back to town."

And with that, they begin to walk back.

To Be Continued in Chapter 10.