So here we are again. Dum de dum…
Disclaimed.
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Chapter VII: Incursion
Breakneck Pass
"Ugh, my poor feet," Lissa complains as they walk. "I've got blisters the size of eggs!"
"Oh, it's not so bad, Lissa," Chrom replies. "Just a healthy little stroll! How are you holding up, Reflet?"
The Plegian shoots him a Look. "My legs feel like pudding…" he mutters. "Your endurance astounds me, my liege." It's probably a coincidence, but something in his voice makes the offhand comment seem incredibly suggestive.
Chrom coughs, flushing. Then he chuckles. "Should I carry you?"
"Oh, yes, please."
"You can carry me!" Lissa offers. The older Shepherds laugh. "…No, seriously. I would really be okay with you carrying me."
"Get Frederick to carry you," Reflet suggests innocently, a wicked smirk crossing his face when the other two sputter incoherently.
"Hmm…" the man behind them mutters, looking around nervously.
"Is something troubling you, Hierarch?" Frederick asks. "You keep glancing up at the peaks."
"Hmm?" the hierarch asks. "Oh, I'm just a b-bit nervous, I'm afraid. Gh-ghastly times, these!" He goes back to looking around.
Reflet frowns. "Chrom, who is that?" he asks tensely.
"The hierarch?" Chrom asks. "He's been a friend of House Ylisse for many years. He guided Emmeryn during the early years of her rule. Why do you ask?"
The tactician shrugs hesitantly, stepping a little closer. "I can't quite put my finger on it, but something feels…"
It's at that moment Plegian soldiers race out of crevasses on each side of the path. One of them laughs. "Time to die, princey!" he calls.
"Plegian soldiers?" Chrom hisses disbelievingly. "Damn! How did they know we were here? Everyone! Prepare for battle!"
Before they can move, one of the wyvern riders at the end of the pass steps forward, inhaling deeply. He sighs. "Smell that, men? The winds of fortune are blowing our way!"
The hierarch runs forward before anyone can react. "Hold, sir!" he cries. "I am the man Lord Gangrel told you about! Did you not receive orders to take me into your protection?"
"I've orders to protect a man, true…" the Plegian admits. "But I see no man here! …Only a pig! A rasher of treacherous bacon that sold out his own sovereign! And what do we do with little piggies, mmm?"
"Well, you…" the hierarch whimpers. "I mean, perhaps… You let them go free?"
"Oh, are you a chicken now?" the wyvern rider asks. "Bawk bawk! We've a whole barnyard in our midst! Well, it don't matter what you are. The axe will fall just the same!"
The hierarch screams; the Plegian makes a quick gesture, and a nearby soldier lops off the man's head. "Right!" he yells. "Now for the main event. By moon's end, they'll be erecting statues of me in the capital! Ho there! Ylisseans!" he adds. "Give me the Fire Emblem and your wench of a ruler, and spare yourselves a gory end!"
Chrom sighs. "Phila, take Emmeryn to the rear of the column," he commands. "We'll fend off these blackguards!"
Reflet curses viciously. "Okay… Ricken, Lon'qu, Gaius, Miriel, Kellam, Maribelle, Panne, Lissa, Aversa, Chrom, you're with me! The rest of you, hold here 'till I say."
"No perimeter?" Sully asks.
"Ha ha. No perimeter. Trust me on this." Reflet glances up. "Let's get this done as quick as we can."
The wyvern rider smirks down at the Plegian siblings, perched together near the front. "Well, well… What do we have here? You two really should've kept your heads down; Lord Gangrel doesn't look kindly on traitors."
"And yet he works with them?" Aversa asks.
"Awfully hypocritical," Reflet agrees. "Sister dear, would you kindly give me a lift?"
"Of course, baby brother."
"Don't call me that!" So saying, the tactician swings himself up behind his sister, and the black pegasus takes off.
"Reflet, wait-"
Gaius sighs, shrugging at Chrom. "That's Bubbles for ya. Once he gets a thought in his head, it's impossible to keep up. C'mon, let's get moving."
The prince rubs his temples. "Right." He charges forward, Falchion dealing painful-looking wounds with every swing. The world narrows to just him and his sword, so he doesn't know how long it is before a redheaded pegasus knight comes sweeping over the ravine, panting.
"No!" she gasps. "Plegians here as well?! Prince Chrom! Captain Phila! Beware! Enemy reinforcements to the rear! They'll be upon us soon!"
"Is that…?" Phila murmurs. "Gods, Cordelia?!"
"Cordelia?" Reflet asks, Aversa swooping down to drop him off before taking to the skies again.
"She's one of my knights," the captain explains. "Young yet, but quite gifted. But she was stationed at the border… Why…? Oh, gods! Could it mean…?"
The tactician hisses. "The border may no longer be secure," he predicts gloomily. "Dammit!"
Chrom touches his shoulder. "Hey, it'll be alright."
Reflet smiles faintly. "Gaius, go with Cordelia!" he orders. "Fly out and deal with some of those wyvern riders. Aversa, go with them!" The three soldiers nod their understanding. "Kellam, Miriel, Lon'qu and Panne, fall back! We need Shepherds ready to deal with their reinforcements! The rest of you, forward!" The Shepherds take off to their respective positions.
The world falls away again; Chrom is only just aware of his comrades, attention focused on the blade in his hand, the enemy before him, and Reflet's calm presence at his side. His tactician smiles reassuringly whenever Chrom looks up, blood dripping from his blades but still fiery and determined, and he's so glad that this is the one at his side.
Then the wyvern rider is in front of them, eyes blazing with hate. "I'll splatter you across the canyon floor!" he threatens.
Reflet blocks the axe blow with one sword, the other opening a shallow gash across his wyvern's chest. Chrom joins in, Falchion darting into the gaps in their opponent's defense and opening up wound after wound until the canyon floor is splattered with blood and the wyvern rider is gasping on the ground. "You doves think… killing me will change anything?" he gasps, chuckling. "Even now, my brothers storm across your precious border… Go on, dear exalted coward! Run! Flee while they slaughter your subjects! Save yourself… Let their faith in you… bleed away… with the rest…" With that said, he drifts away and his breaths halt.
"…They're gone," Chrom sighs.
"Your Grace!" Cordelia cries. "My prince! Run! As far and fast as you can! More Plegians are coming, not a half day's march behind you!"
"Cordelia, what are you doing here?" Phila asks. "…Tell me the border remains secure!"
"That I could, milady!" the pegasus knight replies, and for a second, everyone relaxes. Then she continues. "But it would be false… Gangrel himself led his might against us! The end was upon us when my knight-sisters begged me fly and warn the exalt… I should have stayed… I should have stayed! Ah, gods, I can still hear the screams…"
"Peace, Cordelia," Phila assures her. "You did your duty. The sisters rightly prized your youth. You've many years yet to keep their legacy alive."
"But I abandoned them!" Cordelia argues. "I'm weak… Their legacy deserves better."
"Sometimes fleeing takes the most courage," the captain replies. "They knew that. Now pull yourself together. Let the faith they showed in you give you strength."
"Captain Phila, I…" the redhead whispers. "How can I go on like this? They were my… my family…" She sobs. "Gods… Oh, gods…"
"Damn those monsters!" Chrom snarls.
"I must return to the capital," Emmeryn decides, and the Shepherds fall silent.
"Your Grace, I cannot advise-" Phila begins.
"I should never have left," the exalt interrupts. "If it's discovered I'm away when this news comes to light… The people could panic. Riot. More Ylisseans could needlessly die." She sighs, pulling something from beneath her robes. "Here, Chrom. I entrust this to you."
Chrom takes it, turning it over. He gasps. "The Fire Emblem?"
"Take it to Ferox," Emmeryn commands gently, "to safety."
"And leave you?" the prince asks. "No, Emm."
The blonde shakes her head. "No part of House Ylisse matters more than the Emblem," she insists. "It possesses tremendous power. But too much blood has been shed over it already. I hope it finds a better guardian in you than it did me."
"Emm, come on," Chrom says. "You can't… Don't talk like that! You sound like you're ready to give up…"
"I am not giving up, Chrom," Emmeryn assures him. "I am only giving what I can."
"Emm, please!" the prince begs. "This is madness!"
"Sis, wait!" Lissa adds. "Let me go with you!"
"Stay with Chrom, Lissa," their sister murmurs. "I command it."
"This isn't fair!" the younger princess wails. "It's not fair! I know our people need you, but we need you, too!"
"Dry your tears, love," Emmeryn replies. "This is not good-bye."
"Your Grace, the pegasus knights will accompany you to Ylisstol," Phila decides.
"Very well, Phila. Thank you."
Frederick bows. "I will keep the prince and princess safe, Your Grace. You have my word."
"As will I," Reflet adds, shooting Chrom a stubborn look.
"I know you will; both of you," Emmeryn murmurs, smiling. "Thank you."
"It is my honour," the knight replies. Reflet merely bows his head.
Phila sighs. "Cordelia. You will stay here with Chrom."
"But, Captain-" the knight begins.
"I know your heart is heavy, but this is how it must be," her captain interrupts. "Your knight-sisters will be with you in spirit, wherever you go."
Cordelia nods. "…May they give me strength. As you command, Captain. I will pray for your safety."
Emmeryn sighs. "Come, Phila. We must go."
"No!" Chrom interjects. "You don't have to go! This is absurd!"
"Chrom, you don't-" the exalt starts.
"Walking to your own death will not bring peace to anyone!" her brothers snaps. "Ylisse needs you. We need you! Be selfish for once in your life!"
Emmeryn doesn't answer for a long moment. Then she laughs gently. "I love you, Chrom. Both you and Lissa are my everything. As for the peace I seek… You cannot see who it is for. I have to go. I'm sorry; I truly am. Let us embrace again in Ylisstol when you arrive with Feroxi reinforcements. I know you will come."
"…This is a terrible plan," Chrom decides.
Emmeryn smiles. "The blood of the first exalt flows strong in us. You and I will keep Ylisse safe. I believe it with all my heart. Safe journey, Chrom. Safe journey, Lissa." With that, she and Phila leave.
"Emm…" Chrom calls after her. "Emm?! Ah…"
...
Several days later, the Shepherds stand quietly in Ferox's arena.
"B-but she's safe inside the castle, right?" Lissa asks desperately. "Phila and the others will protect her! And Khan Flavia is assembling her best troops as we speak. We'll make it back home in time. I know we will!"
Chrom doesn't answer, staring at the patterned floor.
"Chrom?" Lissa begs. "Say something! Say, "Yes, of course we will!""
"…I'm sorry, Lissa," her brother murmurs. "What?"
"Ugh, fine!" the princess snaps. "Never mind! Let me know when you get out of your own head for a second!"
Chrom just sighs. Sumia frowns and steps forward. "Snap out of it, Captain!"
With that said, she raises a hand and punches him.
Hard.
Chrom stumbles, feeling slender fingers close around his arm to steady him. "OW!" he snaps. "…What the hell was that for?!" Out of the corner of his eye, he notices Khan Flavia joining them, but he's in too much pain to care.
"Oh no!" Sumia sighs. "…Did I do it wrong? Captain Phila said sometimes a good slap will break someone out of their doldrums."
Lissa groans. "Sumia, when you slap someone, you do it with an open palm. You just punched Chrom in the face!"
"Um…" the pegasus knight murmurs. "It's the thought that counts?"
Reflet sighs softly, letting go of Chrom's arm and tapping his hand lightly against his forehead.
"Gods, that seriously hurt…" Chrom complains.
Flavia laughs. "What's wrong, my dear prince? Sometimes love hurts!" She ignores his quick denial that he and Sumia are in love and continues. "You're lucky to have strong women like these, and not just dainty flowers about."
"What am I, chopped liver?" Reflet mutters, leaning against Chrom's shoulder with a huff.
"Oh, hush, Reflet," the khan tells him. "You have a… different role. In any case, I bring good news. The Feroxi army has finally mobilised. Every last man is itching to fight. I must say, I'm looking forward to savouring a skirmish or two myself."
"…Wait," Chrom says. "You're coming along?"
"Of course!" Flavia replies. "A khan must have her fun. I'm even bringing my insignificant other."
"Your who?" Lissa asks when no one else says anything.
The khan shrugs. "Basilio. The oaf isn't good for much, but he might stop a few stray arrows. Speaking of which, I think he was looking for you."
"Where is he?" the prince asks.
"The throne room. I'll take you there."
...
"Chrom!" Basilio snaps when they arrive. "Good gods, I've been looking for you everywhere!"
"Is something wrong?" Chrom asks cautiously.
The West-Khan sighs. "Our scouts have reported back. Dark news, I'm afraid…" He takes a deep breath. "Ylisstol… has fallen."
The three Shepherds step back in shock. "What?!" Chrom hisses.
Basilio nods. "The Plegians captured your exalt and retreated back across their lines. Gangrel has declared she's to be publicly executed within the moon."
"E-executed?!" the prince cries.
Lissa moans weakly, collapsing backwards. Reflet just manages to catch her before she hits the ground. "Lissa?" he asks. "Lissa!"
Flavia snarls. "The dastard's not even trying to be subtle anymore."
"I agree," Reflet adds, glancing up from Lissa. "It's an obvious trap."
The West-Khan nods his agreement. "The Mad King knew our scouts would relay this information back. It's clearly a provocation; a hot brand to the buttocks! We should consider our options carefully before jumping to any-"
"Shepherds!" Chrom interrupts. "We march to Plegia!"
Basilio coughs. "Well, that would be one option, yes… But perhaps we've seen enough royalty waltzing into traps for one war already, eh?"
"I don't care if it's a trap, Basilio," Chrom snaps. "He's going to murder my sister!"
"Peace, Chrom," Flavia commands. "Breathe a moment. No one's suggesting we don't act. We're simply saying we should act wisely. We'll need guts and wits in equal measure if we're to save your sister."
Reflet sighs, carefully meeting Chrom's gaze. "The khans are right," he murmurs. "I'll think of something, Chrom. I promise."
Chrom nods. "…All right, Reflet. I leave it to you to formulate our strategy."
"Are you certain you're up to the task, Reflet?" Flavia asks. "It won't be easy. You hold the exalt's life in one, hand, and all of ours in the other."
"A responsibility I do not take lightly," the tactician replies, his grip on Lissa tightening momentarily. "But I am equal to the challenge." It sounds equal parts like a promise and a prayer.
The East-Khan laughs. "You've got stones, at least. I like that!"
"No hesitation, no mincing words…" Basilio agrees. "He's either a genius or a fool! I suppose we'll find out once we march. Hold onto your tassets, Ylisseans. We've an exalt to save!"
With that, he and Flavia make to leave. Reflet shoots a look at Chrom and passes Lissa off to the Feroxi. He waits until the doors bang shut behind them and presses himself against his– friend? Lover? Whatever they are now. "It'll be alright," he murmurs reassuringly. "I promise, it'll be alright."
Chrom sighs, tremors running through him as he shifts to wrap his arms around the younger man. "Gods, Reflet," he mutters. "Why didn't I stop her? If I'd just been able to convince her-"
"You wouldn't have," Reflet tells him. "That's the sort of person Lady Emmeryn is; no one would ever be able to convince her not to stay with her people."
The prince frowns. "…You didn't even try," he realises. "You always try to save everyone, even if it's impossible, so why…?"
The tactician hesitates. "Well… Ah, how do I say this…" He sighs. "You see, Chrom, sometimes things have to go wrong before they can go right. And Lady Emmeryn was quite correct; the people would likely have rioted if they realised she wasn't there. It was risky, yes, but I calculated the odds, and overall… I figured it was worth it. I… spoke to Emmeryn several times… She was determined to protect her people and her family, whatever the cost." He stops, considering his next words. "I thought the same as you, initially; I thought it was stupid, crazy, she was going to get herself killed… But the truly great sovereigns are willing to risk everything for their people. Emmeryn chose to take the risk, even after I told her every possible way it could go wrong." He searches Chrom's face for a reaction. "…Chrom…?"
The prince sighs, burying his face in Reflet's hair. "You did what you thought was right," he murmurs. "I can't fault you for that." He kisses his tactician's forehead gently. "I trust you, my love. If you say you can save her, I know you will."
Reflet smiles and tilts his head up for a kiss. "I know," he whispers. "I swear I'll bring her back alive."
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Don't make promises you can't keep, Reflet, dear. You'll regret it later.
See ya~!
-Bird