Author's Note: Sorry for taking so long to finish this one! Been busy, plus winter has that capability of inducing someone to inaction for indefinite periods of time. In any case, here's Chapter 10! I was going to upload the cover image, yet on my mistake it will need some rework (due to the fact that all images get cut in order to fit a vertical page apparently, will work on getting that fixed ASAP, hope that it might be ready for tomorrow)

By the way, I do not own Fire Emblem nor any of the characters. Charles is just a modification on Robin and insert all the other legal stuff here. I am not a lawyer, don't expect me to be accurate!

As the kiss ends, Cherche looks at me with a cute angry face. "You know, Charles, stealing a maiden's first kiss without any foreword is just rude." She giggles, and says: "But now I'll get it back!" She then kisses me shortly, saying after our lips separate once again: "See you at dinner!" She seems happy, and that's a chant of victory for me.

My face expression then goes from nearly ecstatic to serious, as I say: "Gaius, Kellam. I know you are there."

"Boss, you sly…!"

"To the both of you, this is an order: DO NOT tell anyone about this, in particular to Chrom, at least until his mood gets better. I don't want him to misinterpret this. Got it?"

"Yes!" Good thing Kellam's voice is low.

"Sure, boss."

As the two of them leave, I notice Minerva is facing me, as a couple of smoke coils get out of her nose. I get the message. I hurt her, I get roasted. Yet I do not fear it, since I will not do that. I gently pat Minerva as I smile, and I go my own way.

It's not yet time for dinner, so after quickly going to my tent, I go find the new member of the Shepherds. I go to her tent, asking: "Hey, Cordelia, you there?"

"Yes. You are Charles, right?"

"That's me. I think I should introduce you to your combat partner. He's quite the swordsman."

"Oh, gods!" Not going to happen.

"It's not Chrom." She sighs, as we head to the men's section, and I drag Lon'qu out of his tent.

"Now, you two will fight together as a duo from now onwards, is that alright?"

Cordelia nods, as Lon'qu says: "If that's what you order…" Damnit, Lon'qu. I'm pairing you up with the second best looking girl in the group and not even a 'thank you'? Just look at her legs, damnit!

"While we get to Ferox, you should try and practice fighting together, is that ok?" They both nod, as I say: "Now you are dismissed. See you at dinner." Lon'qu returns to his tent, and Cordelia does so as well.

Later, I join everyone at the mess hall for dinner, and Cherche, thankfully, hasn't arrived yet. Lissa and Sumia are sitting by Chrom's side, and Lissa says: "Sis will be safe inside the castle, won't she? There's Phila and her Falcoknights to protect her! And Flavia will assemble the Feroxi in no time so we'll make it back home in time!" Chrom stays silent, his eyes lost on the slab of meat in front of him. Gods, he really was depressed. "Chrom, say something!" She waits in vain for a response "Whatever! Just tell me when you get back into reality for a second!"

Sumia looks at Chrom, angered: "Captain, no, Chrom! Snap out of it!" She then punches him in the face, knocking him to the ground.

Chrom rolled on the floor, before standing up and saying: "Ow, that hurt! For Naga's sake, why did you do that?"

"Did I do it wrong? Captain Phila told me once that a good slap could get people back in shape."

Lissa giggles, saying: "Sumia, you forgot to open your hand! You just punched Chrom in the face!"

Sumia lowers her head, and asks: "Isn't the thought what counts?"

"It really hurt, Sumia…"

A voice then comes from my side, which was previously empty, after a giggle: "Guess Chrom needs some tough love, doesn't he?" It's Cherche, and at least she hasn't commented anything about us. Everyone but Chrom and Sumia laughs, the first due to his high density in terms of Sumia and him, the second becoming beet red as she lowers her head even further. At least Chrom doesn't seem depressed now.

Gaius then says: "Look who's talking about love, cherry! Weren't you and our tactician spending tender moments right after you returned from 'patrol'?"

"GAIUS!" Now it's me and Cherche that are blushing as much as our faces possibly can, and as the group cheers around, Chrom then says: "Frederick, bring a mug of mead for everyone! Let's celebrate my best friend getting a girlfriend!" Well, at least Gaius didn't disobey the order. Chrom had been punched out of his depression.

At least people get limited to one drink, as seemingly Lon'qu is somehow talking unrestrictedly to Cordelia while sitting by her side. Guess his alcohol tolerance is low, but I politely dismiss the drink Frederick offers me, as I don't enjoy the taste of most alcoholic drinks. As dinner ends, Cherche and I leave last, as I walk with her to her tent.

"Good night, Cherche."

"Good night, darling."

I then give her a fast kiss, and I leave to my own tent. Gaius is waiting there, with a sort of hungry look.

"Now, boss, gimme the juicy details."

"Gaius, that's personal."

"Oh, c'mon!"

"We talked while we patrolled, and when we got here, I kissed her. She kissed me back. That's it."

"So no aerial action? Boooring."

"Gaius, I already told you. Now let me sleep."

"Sure, boss."

I change and start sleeping. The dreams' memories come back once again. The boy is now a grown man, but there is one thing that is even more noticeable: The village he is on is burning. The man I saw on the dream before is by his side, in battle stance. Both are armed. A couple of powerful sorcerers, approach, as the mercenary blocks their spells with his armshield. They proceed to go through a couple of inflamed buildings, reaching the village exit. The mercenary then says: "Go now! This way reaches Ylisse in one day! Remember who I told you to meet in Southtown!"

The sorcerors catch up, as the black haired young man says: "But what about you?"

"Kid, the important thing is that they don't get you! Else we are all doomed!" He places himself in the way of the sorcerers, and the younger one starts running away. I can now notice his face clearly. It's me. So, that is some of my own past?

The morning sun wakes me, leaving just one memory, a great fire. What does it mean? I cannot know. Yet I know there is something important about those dreams.

We reach Arena Ferox in two days, and as the night falls, Khan Flavia welcomes us and starts assembling the Feroxi army. She asks us for one week of time. As I enter my room, to practice some magic before going to sleep, Frederick enters with a medium stack of papers.

"Freddie, what's that?"

"Well, since we are going to be staying here, as the tactician, you need to start organizing our chores and training."

"Well, thanks for bringing me all these."

"No problem. Good night." Frederick then leaves for his own room. Now this is the time, to maximize efficiency. I assign everyone morning training, and in the afternoon I split around chores and free time, as I align each couple's free time. Chrom and Sumia. Stahl and Lissa. Sully and Donnel. Anna and Kellam. Ricken and Maribelle. Henry and Miriel. Lon'qu and Cordelia. Cherche and I. Still, Frederick seems to act a little scared when near Panne, so I'd rather not decide on who to pair her with for now. I practiced with my Thunder tome and went to sleep shortly after that.

That week, I spent my mornings training, sparring with Lon'qu, and taking profit of my free time with Cherche. We'd get to the outskirts of Arena Ferox, or in one of the large open areas inside the city. I came to know her as a woman rather than as a knight, and it was an enjoyable experience. During the night, I'd practice some magic, as well as checking on the maps of both Ylisse and Plegia. Something told me that it wouldn't just end with us lifting the siege that should be happening on Ylisstol.

And now tomorrow we were to talk with Khan Flavia about the status of the Feroxi army. The sun was indicating a couple hours before nightfall, as I walked around the market district, and I entered one of the jewelries.

My own funds were not that large, and I looked for a reasonably-priced ring. And there was one that caught my attention. A golden ring with a polished piece of obsidian, a wyvern engraved on it.

"How much?"

"One hundred twenty."

"Can you go for one hundred?"

"Hundred and ten."

"Sure!" I paid five more gold for a proper case for the ring, and I slipped it into my pouch, as I headed back to the barracks. I decide to store it until the appropriate time, since from tomorrow I most certainly won't have time to go to jewelries or the sort.

I headed back to the barracks as the sun marked an hour to night, and I saw Lon'qu in the training fields.

"Hey, up for a spar?"

"Sure." We pick a couple swords, and we start exchanging blows. My own strikes have sped up, yet Lon'qu is relentless in his barrage of slashes and strikes. As I slash horizontally, I ask: "Hey, how's Cordelia doing?" Of course, every duo has to train together in the morning as to improve overall synchronization.

"She asked me for sword lessons." He blocks and stabs.

"So, how good is she?" I leap back and charge again.

"She seems to be developing her own style." He sidesteps and makes an arc as he slashes with his sword.

"That's good." I hold my sword in vertical position to parry the slash, and as I comment: "So, do you like anything about her?" I slash again.

Lon'qu blushes as he makes a poor dodge, saying: "Ermmm… her legs aren't bad." That's an opening. I quickly thrust my wooden sword, as the tip places itself on his neck.

I laugh, saying: "So I guess you've fallen for her?"

"Maybe."

"Oh, c'mon! Be honest"

"She's a woman I don't mind being nearby."

"Good for you!" By now, we've placed our blades back on the racks as we head to take a quick bath and change. Success.

The night passes without any major occurrences, and we all head to the khan's quarters. Khan Flavia has accommodated a large hall for all the Shepherds to hear the news.

"Good news, Chrom. The Feroxi army has mobilized, and every man is itching for a fight. I am looking forward to being back in action as well."

"Wait, are you coming along?"

"What kind of khan would I be if I did not? My insignificant other half is coming as well!"

Wait, is the khan married? I ask: "Your who?" I'd rather not make a direct question about that topic.

Flavia laughs, saying: "Basilio, the old oaf. He may not be that good, but he might be a nice meatshield."

As per coincidence, the west-khan arrives and says: "Chrom! Good gods that I found you just now!"

"What's wrong?"

"Our scouts have reported back. I'm afraid Ylisstol has fallen."

"What!"

"As soon as the Plegians captured the Exalt, they retreated back to their country. Gangrel has declared that she will be executed as soon as he's done with the preparations."

Lissa holds on to Frederick, sobbing, as I approach her to calm her down.

Flavia grunts: "The dastard's not giving a damn about subtlety anymore!"

I comment, grimly: "It's an obvious trap."

Basilio, angered, says: "The Mad King counted on our scouts relaying the information. It's more than that, he's outright provoking us! We must consider our options in case this is a-"

"I don't care if it's a trap! Shepherds! We march to Plegia!" Well, guess the planning goes on my part. I start considering the possibilities.

Flavia holds Chrom's shoulder, saying: "Chrom, take a breath. We are not suggesting the possibility of not doing a damn thing, yet we are asking you to act wisely. We'll need both guts and brains to save your sister."

Chrom looks at me, saying: "Charles, guess I'll leave to you the task of formulating our strategy."

"I might already have an idea what to do."

"Hah! You got stones." Flavia laughs, as Basilio comments: "No hesitation at all, you are either a genius or a fool!"

"Well, I might need a couple maps to explain this thoroughly. Flavia, got any room ready for a war council?"

"What khan does not have such a place ready at all times?" As we enter the room and I distend Plegia's map over the table, I ask: "Are there any contactable Feroxi spies on Plegia?" The east-khan nods, as I start explaining.

It's been a week since we departed from Arena Ferox. Amongst the supplies, Flavia has provided the Shepherds with steel weaponry and new spell tomes, as well as something extra for Chrom. He now walks clad in a finely crafted armor, wielding the Fire Emblem as his shield. The armor's quality is fit for a king, which means it was either an old restored armor or Flavia had been working on this from back when we helped her get control of Regna Ferox. In addition, given our new overall composition, Kellam no longer fights as a knight. I got him a new set of clothes, similar to Gaius. After all, he has the natural stealth that makes him fit for such a kind of fighter.

Chrom draws a breath, saying: "Good thing there are no Plegian soldiers in these villages." Indeed, there are no Plegian soldiers because there is need of none. Was it not for these little towns near the many oasis that are concentrated around here, the merchant routes would be closed. The bandits know this and therefore do never try to attack them, preferring to pillage the caravans that don't have protection. The Feroxi have set up a distant camp, as to stay hidden from the villagers as well, who take us Shepherds for mercenaries.

Frederick approaches the two of us, saying: "Milord, there seems to be some sort of conflict at the south."

"Shepherds, get ready to move!" As we all get ready, I take note of the conditions of the desert sands. As per these, I have all the cavalry keep guard at our camp, as well as their respective pair up partners.

Cherche, Chrom, Sumia, Lissa and I are at the front as we see a little girl run in our direction. "Help, these evil men are trying to capture me!"

A mercenary with orange hair and robust features is running behind her. Why do I have the feeling I've seen him somewhen before? "Wait, Gregor says! Why you no comprehending, wee one?"

"GET AWAY! Just leave me alone!"

"Keep down your voice, you giving away our position! That's very bad for us!"

"My throat is dry, my shoes are full of sand, and this big weirdo is trying to kill me!"

"Oy, you break Gregor's heart! Why you treat like villain?"

Chrom shouts at Gregor: "You fiend! Keep your hands off that maiden!"

Lissa then says: "You creep!"

"Fiend? You mean Gregor? You have idea wrong!" Well, I don't really see any malicious intent coming from the mercenary, as Cherche then says, waving her hand: "Wait! Gregor, is that you?"

"Hey, Cherche! Gregor is happy to see friendly face!"

Chrom and I turn to her, saying: "Wait, do you know him?"

"Yes! He was one of Khan Basilio's guests during the tournament!" Oh, right.

Chrom smiles, saying: "Well, I think we owe you an apology." The little girl has reached us by now, and Chrom kneels towards her, saying: "Hey, we know Gregor, he's not a bad man."

The girl nods, saying: "Ok, the name's Nowi. Thanks for helping!"

"I am Chrom, and we are the Shepherds."

As Gregor gets near us as well, a group of purple coated men approach us. Those eyes engraved on their cloaks, why do they resemble my tattoo? Their leader then cackles, saying: "Finally caught up with you! Prepare for a dose of Grima's wrath!" Wait, isn't Grima the name of the dark god that got sealed by the first Exalt a thousand years ago, according to Miriel's history book? And why does his name sound strangely familiar and dreaded? Apart from the fact that it's a dark god, that is.

I say: "Nowi, stay behind us! We'll protect you!"

"You think I am defenseless? Behold!" She then holds a shining stone, as she is engulfed by light, in a way similar to Panne upon transforming.

"By the gods, the girl is a dragon?"

"She's a manakete!" Oh , right! "I'd never think I'd ever see one!"

I look at Gaius, and say: "Go help Nowi." I then look at Panne, and I ask her to fight with Gregor. She agrees. This time it's our mages and our fliers that do the vast majority of the work, however. Miriel and Henry throw fireballs at anyone in range. Nowi's fire is a powerful weapon, and Gaius finishes off anyone unlucky enough to survive the scorching heat. Cordelia and Sumia carry their partners to flank the enemy, as Cherche drives me straight into the middle of the brawl. I dodge magic bolts and arrows, as I slash through the enemy ranks. The leader of their forces launches Arcfire bolts at me, yet I have faced them before and his attacks are futile. As he dodges my first sword strike, Cherche takes care of the opening as she slashes his chest open. The man, dying, says: "Master Grima…take my…lifeforce…"

We finish off the coated men, cultists of Grima by what we infer, and Nowi and Gregor agree to join us as Shepherds.

After we return to the camp, I approach Cherche, and I say: "Hey, Cherche. According to the villagers, there is a nice spot near one of the oasis to go watch the stars. Want to go tonight?"

"Sure, I'll bring something for us to eat then!" She giggles, giving me a short kiss before leaving for her tent. I tell Chrom that the both of us are going to be out for the night, as he laughs, saying: "Hey, Charles, just make sure to be here by the morning."

I then say: "That's not what I meant." I show him the ring. He then says: "Well, congratulations will be in order. Guess I will be the best man at the wedding, right?"

"Of course." We share a laugh together, as I politely refuse a drink he offers me. "Hey, what about you and Sumia?"

Chrom goes red: "I think that it can wait until we rescue Emm."

"That makes the most of sense."

I meet Cherche one hour before nightfall at the western exit of the camp. She's dressed in a beautiful purple dress, holding a basket in her right arm. I wonder what kind of food she has prepared. The sun is starting to set, giving the desert a golden glint as we cheerfully chat. I had decided to carry a magical tome just in case, yet my guard is lowered. What could go wrong, after all?

"For Plegia!" I am too late, and the bow's cord is released, the arrow pointed at the woman I love. Time freezes for a second, as I decide the only course of action I could live with. I am sorry, Chrom. The assassin is coated in black, his face unrecognizable.

"ARCTHUNDER!" I smile as the lighting obliterates him, and I have pushed Cherche out of the way. Yet her safety does not reduce the pain of my torso being pierced by the arrow in any way. Things become blurry.

"CHARLES, NO!"

I am falling to the ground.

"MINERVA, HELP!"

My mind shuts down, and everything goes black.

Author's PD: Yes, I am sorry but the chapter break only made sense at this point. I can confirm that Charles is very not dead and quite alive at this point. (And no I am not spoiling the surprise since it is obvious that without MU Chrom was pretty much screwed) I am not sure whether the next chapter will or will not be finished by the 31st, so for now just Merry Christmas if you do celebrate it. By the way, I'd like to comment on the action scenes. Yes I know that some have been modified, yet they are sometimes modified on my perception of the game chapter, yet Chalard was just a pushover. Mustafa and Gangrel will see some nice amount of battle action, though.