AN: Wohooo!
Soooo after that very kinda sorta dark previous chapter, time for the Shepherds to end this war!
Yeah!
Chapter 10: The Mad King
How do I explain this?
Let's see: rebel Plegians backing us up, castle at the distance is smoking, so many weapons are left in the ground, and there is Gangrel's army in the way.
Yup, no wonder this battle makes sense. The capital is in ruins so whatever is left of Gangrel's army has to fortify themselves at the nearby forts. We should take advantage of that.
"Their morale is low and we're very eager to end the war," Robin assessed the situation,
"We'll not only save Ylisee but Plegia as well," Chrom said determinedly, "Emmeryn would have wish for peace,"
"There will be peace after this," I reassured him,
You got a plan right, Robin?
"Don't worry I'll handle it,"
Like how you handled Emm? Where is she anyway? Does she have amnesia?
"Don't worry she's somewhere safe and I just have the perfect place for Gangrel too,"
That would be?
"Just make sure he's almost dead,"
Gangrel's back story is interesting. He was a nobody back then, till he somehow took over Plegia as king. I don't even know if there was a supposed royalty of sorts but it didn't matter since Gangrel took over. What is interesting is to show it, he is a trickster not some general or darker variation of a lord. His initial purpose of ruling was to unify the place just in case Valmese attacks, which we'll handle later. Unfortunately, like most villains, Gangrel's reign consumed him with his power as king and he wanted war. Typical villain but interesting when he joins us way later on.
"Ok, listen we may have strength in numbers but Ganrgrel's forces could possibly be what's left of his royal guard," I warned the Shepherds and rebels,
"Royal guards usually mean best," Robin added, "Though I still don't understand why they could have just send them against the Shepherds earlier at the war. You guys would have been destroyed if they were your first battle,"
Typical villains send their weak soldiers first then they keep on sending stronger and stronger enemies. Meanwhile we get stronger too.
"Uh e-excuse me?"
Seriously, anti-villains are much better.
"Um,"
Ok I'll admit I'm a sucker when it comes to anti-heroes versus anti-villains, I mean if the show is that amazing of the characters' portrayal that you can't exactly see a 'good guy' or 'bad guy', then yeah I love those shows.
"Grim, there's someone here to see you," Robin chuckled,
He so would interrupt my train of thought!
"Anytime, it's our one and only dancer,"
Oh yeah Olivia officially joins us here.
"Olivia!" I beamed up and hugged the shy dancer,
"Y-You r-remember me?" she blushed,
"Of course, how could I never forget you!" I pouted,
"W-Well i-it i-isn't hard to forget some who fought while i-in their..." she trailed off,
Oh gods! That moment was so embarrassing for me nut's probably funny for someone else watching.
"Please don't say anything else," I sighed, while Chrom just rubbed his forehead,
"So what exactly happened?" wondered Robin,
I just glared at him and walked away.
"What did I do?!"
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"S-Stop staring!"
Another so called royal guard falls, not by my hands but Olivia's. Yup I'm kinda forcing her to fight but I'm keeping a really good eye on her.
"W-Was that alright?" she wondered,
Even with blood around her she still looks so cute! Must resist to hug!
"You did more than alright!" I smiled at her,
"I-I'm not so sure..." she stuttered,
Forget it, I'm doing it now!
"C'mon don't be so modest!" I hugged her,
Aww Olivia is just so cute!
"P-Please let go!" she squeaked, which made me hug her more.
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...
Attacking one of the forts wasn't as hard as I thought. Let's see: the gates are open, there are no guards at the walls and towers, and there isn't a lot of soldeirs.
Once we got in, aka me, Virion, Sully, Stahl and Lissa, we took note of an interesting sight.
"M-Men attack them in the name of King Gangrel!" the supposed leader barbarian ordered,
What was interesting was that none of the men dared to approach us. It looked like they were going to wet their pants or something.
"P-Please spare us!" one of the mages bagged,
"I don't wanna serve Gangrel anymore!" a wyvern rider screamed,
Well this is interesting.
"What's it gonna be Grim?" Sully wondered,
I already knew what I should do here.
"Virion take out their leader!" I ordered,
"With pleasure milady," the archiest of archers smirked,
I am always amazed at how Virion's aim is true. Most of the time he will get the target, no matter the distance, height or even wind! He really does prove his skills with the bow.
So the leader was taken out and everyone surrendered to us. So only one casualty at this fort.
"Stahl raise the flag, Lissa tend to any injured, Sully resupply ourselves," I instructed the three of them,
"And what shall be my order's milady?" Virion wondered,
"Just stay by my side," I told him,
Suddenly the soldiers of this fort approached us with caution. The next thing I knew they were throwing down their weapons! Swords, axes, bows, spears, tomes, you name it!
"W-Why?" I asked them,
"Please end this war,"
"We were deeply touched by your exalt's words,"
"Yes she speaks the truth!"
"There is only harm if you fight for revenge,"
You know I'm glad these guys are surrendering. It means they get to go back to their friends and family after the war. A war we are winning despite our small numbers.
"Grim it looks like the others got the other forts too!" Stahl pointed out,
Well the plan was pretty simple: we split up taking forts and once we're done getting a fort we replace the banner with ours. Mostly easy since so many soldiers are giving up and some of them are brave enough to fight by our side!
"Virion why do you flirt with me even thought I am Chrom's?" I asked,
"My apologies it is how I am simply taught on how to treat ladies, with respect and charm." he smiled at me, "I would never dare break one's heart it is not a beautiful sight,"
"So do you have anyone waiting for you?" I wondered,
"She was a vassal of mine," he sighed,
He's so talking about Cherche. Oh yeah Virion told us of his status as an ex-duke but we didn't care: Virion is just Virion for us.
"Yet after I was disgraced out of my country, she stood by me side." he smiled, "My feelings for her grown genuine and I thought it was simply a phase. That is why you see me attempt to woo other beautiful ladies of the Shepherds!"
"Or any other girl at a village," I giggled,
"However I'm starting to realize my feelings for her have not changed one bit and I think I truly love her," he looked up to the sky,
"That's nice, maybe after the war you can propose to her," I suggested,
Oh man, I wanna say Virion is on top on being one of the nicest fathers, unless it's Henry.
"I would glady do that but first we must witness your forbidden love bloom!" he beamed up,
"Excuse me forbidden love?" I asked,
Gotta play clueless.
"Yes you and Prince Chrom, from two different countries that waged war for many years, have found each other and you are both enamored with each other!" He described, "Such a wonderful tale for the bards to sing!"
"But I'm not royalty!" I protested,
I'm not royalty yet!
"That is what makes it even better!" was it me or was he dancing around? "A prince of a peaceful country, and a kind young woman of a war-torn country finding love despite their origins! A tale that must be told through song and theater!"
Ok Virion, everyone's paying attention to us! Not good, not good!
"Hey Grim looks like everybody's in position!" Sully screamed out,
I nodded towards her and looked on to the last desolated fort.
It's time.
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...
So it's going to be me, Chrom, Frederick, Tharja and Robin heading towards's Gangrel's final fort.
"Chrom are you ready?" I asked,
"For Emmeryn," he whispered,
Everybody nodded and we entered the fort.
"Gods this is inhumane," Frederick said full of disgust,
What he meant was, the ton of dead bodies and a deranged Gangrel all bloodied up. Well we could guess what happened here.
"T-Traitors the whole lot of them!" Gangrel laughed manically,
Oh geez I never thought I would actually feel bad for him, not yet. I actually did like it when Gangrel's joined the group; he had the redemption story. He was a deathseeker and Chrom only let him live on a whim, then he Emmeryn again. I guess the guilt really did impacted him and he was convinced there was no way he could redeem himself, only through death. However that is the easy way out and I know he can do better.
I just trust him, so trust me in this.
"Clinging to each other won't save you maggots when the boot falls!" he taunted us,
Holy gods Gangrel really is going insane here. He's really losing it!
"Better than being alone!" Robin retorted,
Ow get burnt!
"Traitors you caused this rebellion!" he accused Robin,
"Well let's just say we had enough of our Mad King," Robin smirked,
"You will all die!"
The next thing I knew Gangrel vanished out of our sights! Holy crap he is so fast! I could barely keep him in my sights.
"Everyone together!" Robin instructed,
Thus we circled ourselves, weapons drawn pointing at whatever direction the mad king seems to be speeding at.
The next thing I knew Frederick's horse forced the great knight out of his loyal stead! What?! This is crazy, Frederick's horse has been through so much and now Gangrel could actually intimidate horse?! Oh man this is going to be one crazy battle.
"I'll aim for you first prince!"
"Chrom get down it's a levin sword!" Robin screamed out,
Suddenly small bolts of lighting came from a direction and all of us we're able to dodge it. We all could hear Gangrel's mad laughter and he decided to aim to Tharja!
"You dark mages are making me sick! Especially that she-witch Aversa!" Gangrel spat out,
"No!" Robin growled,
Was it me or did Robin's eyes became red for a second? In a blink Robin blocked Gangrel's curvy blade and pushed him away.
"You tacticians think you're hot stuff with your skills of both blade and tomes?" he mocked us, "All I need is this!"
He presented the levin swords as if it was legend of something.
"This blade channels your magic and it could also slash away any pestering maggots!" he grinned psychotically,
"D-Damn!" Frederick cursed,
Ouch not good for him since he's has amazing defense, but in return his resistance is his weakpoint. The worst part is he's pretty much a knight! Poor Frederick not great without his horse! Just kidding! Great knight to knight, get it? Horse? I shouldn't explain it at a time like this.
"Frederick get outta here!" I told him,
"No milord needs me!" he shook his head,
We took note of a recovering Tharja, a tired out Robin, wow whatever he did must tired him out, and Chrom holding off on his own.
"Come princeling, I've sharpened my sword just for you!" the king mocked,
"My sister wished for our people to know peace, Gangrel." Chrom told him gently,
Wow Chrom is really handling the revenge feeling very well!
"However," Chrom continued, "As long as you draw breath, it can never come, for Ylisse!"
Now in the next couple of seconds had to be one of the luckiest moments ever for Chrom! Or maybe it was the unluckiest moment for Gangrel...
Either way the battle was in our favor.
"W-What the?" Gangrel gasped for some air and he dropped his levin sword as well,
He must have used most of it against his own fleeing men. I guess his levein sword is out of usage.
"I will not fail!" Chrom declared,
The next thing I knew, Chrom did not hesitate to stab Gangrel with Falchion. There was so much blood coming out and I took note of Gangrel's mouth bleeding out as well.
"F-fool of a prince" he breathed out,
Stubborn isn't he?
"Your people care not for you"
Well whatever helps you feel better you crazy king.
"You are alone."
...
"As every man lives and dies: alone!"
With a final laugh Gangrel falls.
Chrom just stood there surprised on how it was over. The war is over. There could be peace now, even for a short while.
There was momentary silent respect for Gangrel. Even though his kingdom was falling, Gangrel was able to keep it together, somehow.
"Chrom, you and the others should go on and celebrate," Robin suggested,
"Plegian problems are our own problems," Tharja muttered,
"Don't worry we'll join you once we have solved everything," Robin added,
So Frederick was able to retrieve his horse while Chrom was looking at me exactingly.
"Chrom I have to talk to Robin first then I'll join you," I smiled at him,
In return he nodded and smiled as well.
Now it was just the three of us.
"Tharja the hex now," Robin ordered,
The next thing I knew runes and violet mist circled around Gangrel, then it entered his body! I realized his eyes were slightly opened,
"Your life is our's Gangrel," Robin glared at him,
"The hex I casted on you allows me to give you the slowest and most painful way to die," Tharja's eyes gleamed,
"Any funny business or thoughts and you will die," Robin told him
Oh jeez I never thought I would actually see this darker side of Robin!
"What will you do to me?" Gangrel asked with his weak voice,
"A fitting punishment, you can't take the easy way out," Robin smirked, "Grim you should return to Chrom,"
I only nodded and wondered what the punishment could be...
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So the battle is over and all the Shepherds were celebrating at one of the liberated forts.
"The Vaike cannot believe we won the war just like that!" the blonde warrior grinned,
"Significant other, it is the credit of our strategist and stubbornness of our companions this battle belonged to us," Miriel sighed,
So yeah it was a very fun night since most of the guest was from Plegia. Those guys know how to let loose and go wild!
So this is what I see: Lon'qu and Cordelia smiling at each other, Donny and Nowi cuddling at their own campfire, Vaike and Miriel telling tales, Frederick and Sumia having a dance by themselves. It was sweet.
"Uh Grim, L-Lord Chrom w-wants to see you," Olivia appeared,
I nodded to the dancer and looked for him.
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"Grim,"
I felt arms snaking around my waist and a head resting above my head.
"Hey Chrom," I blushed,
Oh jeez I would never get used to him doing this at public.
He held my hand and we started to walk above the walls.
"Grim, we've met at the most unusual circumstances," he told me,
"Then it must be fate," I joked,
We both had a quick laugh from my comment and he simply held unto me.
"Everyone I have an announcement!"
I did not expect Chrom to shout that at all!
"C-Chrom!" I blushed from embarrassment,
"There is something very important you all must know!"
Oh man I bet he just loves to embarrass me!
"Grim, I never wish to let you go! he declared,
"C-Chrom!" I whined,
He simply laughed and held me more, in front of everyone.
"I know what I want!" he smiled at me,
Then he knelled down and took out the box I saw in his tent the other day...
...
Oh my gods! I-Is this what I think it is?!
"Grim, your heart is filled with never ending kindness and I love how crazy you can get," he described me, "You may not be the best talker but you are wiling to listen to any of us."
Oh god, oh god!
"Sometimes it's how clumsy you can be, sometimes it how you smile at me, but all the time you stuck with me, even in difficult times," Chrom took a deep breath and smiled, "Grim will you marry me?"
There was only silence as if it was like that dramatic part of a show. Then I could hear sniffles.
"Y-Yes Chrom!" I cried with tears falling down, "I will marry you!"
He too was happy and he spun me around. He could feel his strong lips over mine. Yet for some reason I ignored the wild cheers and congratulations.
"Besides, you are bearing our child," he stopped the kiss,
"W-What?" I gasped,
The look on his face was so priceless!
"D-Don't tell me you don't know how babies are made?!" he wondered,
"N-No o-of course I do!" I blushed from the question,
He smiled and laughed suddenly and held unto me more.
"I know you are bearing our child because I made sure you will have my child," he growled,
Oh please not about that night.
"C-Chrom!" I gasped from how bold he could be,
"WHAT?!"
Was that Lissa?
Anyways the night was filled with so much joy and laughter, I'm actually starting to get the hang of crazier parties. It was one of these moments I realized how I could really be true to myself. I'm not afraid to show my real me here, towards my new friends.
"Hey Grim, you gotta get Olivia to dance!"
"Sure Lissa!"
For now I'll enjoy the peace but I know there will be war again. For now I'm enjoying a break I have earned...
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So this is my new life, huh?
END AN: What an ending line for this chapter huh? Huh?
I had to do the title drop I really did! Honestly!
So we're done with this segment of the Awakening storyline and the next segment is Valmese!
Oh guys I had a favor to ask you! So for all the children recruitment chapters, does anyone have a map of it or something? Since you recruit some of them at Valmese while the others are at the mainland. I wanna know so I could make it realistic enough so that Grim and the Shepherds would not sail back and forth.
Well if you got an answer for for, just PM or comment it.
Enjoy your day!