Hey guys, back at it again with another chapter for you.
I hope all of you are having a fantastic day. School has recently started up for me again but it won't affect my writing. I wanted to get out another chapter for you guys sooner as an apology for taking so long to update chapter 36. Rest assured, I am not nor will I ever cancel this fic.
Let's start with the shoutouts. First shoutout goes to Lonely Support for their fic The Thief of Light, The Maid of Shadows. 2nd shoutout goes to KingWykkyd57 for their fic Everyone Loves a Butler, a DwyerXFemale Children Character story.
Without further ado, enjoy the 37th chapter.
As the Shepherds marched for Castle Valm to take the fight to Walhart himself, many were in low spirits after the recent news
When word of Basilio's death reached the ears of the Ylissean League, it was anything but pleasant. Many of them were saddened to hear of the loss of the West-Khan of Ferox. Apart from Flavia, Lon'qu and Olivia were the most affected by his passing given how close they were to him.
However, many could not deny how horribly the news affected their tactician. Ever since the other night, the man hadn't spoken a single word, not even during the march and many were worried about him. The Future Children stayed close to him throughout the march, seeing how Robin was their leader as much as Lucina was, it hurt them all to see him in such a state. As for the Future Princess, she wanted to do something for him but couldn't think of anything. She knew telling him it wasn't his fault wouldn't do anything because she knew that is what he is expecting her to say.
Mostly, what she wanted to do was let him know that no one blamed him for Basilio's passing, that she didn't blame him. Not only that but given how this upcoming fight with Walhart could be their dangerous one yet, she wanted to tell him how she felt about him. However, as he stayed silent throughout the march, so did she, but she remained close to him regardless, the least she could do was remind him that she was still there for him.
As they arrived, they could see Walhart's castle in the distance as they finally reached the Valmese capital. The terrain consisted of a grassy flatland with a number of forts built closer to Castle Valm. As Robin looked ahead, he closed his eyes and went to work, already planning a strategy.
It was still early so the Shepherds set up camp to prepare for the upcoming battle while the war council convened to the War Tent to discuss a plan of attack.
"I don't like this," Chrom said. "We may have arrived early but I don't see a single soul out on that field.
"They may be buying time," Flavia spoke up.
"Buying time? For what?" Lissa wondered.
"It's a psychological tactic," Robin spoke up, causing everyone to turn to him. "They're trying to scare us by making us wait in order to cause feelings of nervousness and anxiety."
"Well, they sure as hell are doing a good job at that," Gaius added.
"What should we do?" Cordelia asked.
"We don't let them scare us," Severa said. "We know what game they're trying to play so we stay strong and don't let it affect us."
"Easier said than done," Lissa muttered.
"Do we have a plan of attack, Robin?" Say'ri wondered, changing the subject.
"Yes, we do." He replied. "I'm sure most of you noticed those forts near the castle. Seeing as how our enemy outnumbers us, I suggest we secure those forts for ourselves, it will definitely strengthen our defenses and allow us to pick off our enemies one by one."
"Then we should have our ground units at the front, escorting our archers and mages safely to the forts," Severa added.
"Precisely." The Grandmaster nodded. "At the very least, we'll have an advantage if they call for reinforcements. Once we've thinned out most of the army..."
"We go for Walhart." Lucina finished.
"Well then, it seems we have a plan. Good job, Robin." Chrom complimented but got no response from the tactician. He knew his friend was still thinking about Basilio, his death was still on everyone's minds but knew the Grandmaster wouldn't let it affect his ability to command and plan. "Frederick, inform the Shepherds that it's time to fight."
"Yes, Milord." He bowed before leaving to complete his task.
"This is it, my friends," Chrom spoke. "We've come this far, it's time we finished it." He said and each of them nodded in agreement. "Let's get it done."
And with that, the meeting was dismissed. Everyone chose to leave except Chrom who wanted to have a word with the tactician before they went to battle. Even though Lucina wanted to speak with him, she knew she would have her chance later and left her father to speak with her partner who eyes were still glued to the table, looking down at his maps.
"Hey," Chrom said which got Robin's attention. "How are you feeling?"
"You really want to know, Chrom?" He asked.
"I think I can guess." He said, knowing that his friend was still hurting inside over recent events and did a good job covering it up in front of the others. So, he decided to speak of something else, hoping to lift his spirits. "Here we are again, talking before a final battle. Doesn't it give you a sense of déjà vu?"
"It really does." He nodded in agreement.
"You remember that day before we went off to fight Gangrel?" Chrom asked.
"I remember every word," Robin replied. "You talked about how far I had come in the last few months, and how I was the best friend you could ever ask for."
"That was a good memory, wasn't it?" He asked.
"The best." The Grandmaster agreed.
"And the two years of peace that followed afterward were some of the best years of my life." The Prince added. "I miss those days."
"Don't we all?" Robin asked.
"Yeah." Chrom smiled as he looked at his friend before holding his hand out. "Look, I know things have been tense between us after yesterday. I just... I want you to know that no matter what, you are, and always will be, the best friend I could ever ask for. Don't ever forget that."
Robin looked at his best friend holding his hand out. It reminds him of their handshake before their fight with Gangrel. It symbolized their strong bond, that the two of them were stronger together than they were alone. The Grandmaster grabbed his friend by the hand and shook it firmly.
"I won't." He simply said.
As the two broke off contact, they heard another enter the tent. As they looked towards the entrance, they saw Tiki standing there.
"Pardon me, Prince Chrom," Tiki said. "I was wondering if I could have a moment alone with Robin."
"Of course." He said as he headed for the exit. "We head out in 5."
As Chrom left, Robin faced Tiki, wondering just what she wanted. They hadn't spoken since yesterday with Tiki worried that the grandmaster would be cross with her given that she was the host of that so called "intervention".
"Hello, Robin." She greeted.
"Tiki." He replied.
"I was hoping to catch a moment of your time before we head off to battle." She said. "You've been very quiet since yesterday, I was worried about you."
"I'm fine, Tiki." He reassured her.
"No. You're anything but fine." She said moving closer to him. "I know how you're feeling right now."
"Oh, you do?"
"Yes, I do." She replied. "You're so angry right now. You have every right to be after all that has happened. But please, don't let it influence you. Don't let it consume you."
"Right now, my anger is what's keeping me strong." He told her. "Basilio, he... he was my friend. He was a good man. He didn't..." He held back the tears, not wanting to break down in front of Tiki.
"Shhh." She said soothingly as she grabbed his right hand and stroked the back of it that was marked with the unknown brand. "When my friends died, I felt the same way you feel right now. The despair ate away at me and at times, it was almost too much to bear."
Robin didn't say anything, he just allowed her to talk while she continued to hold his hand.
"I know you're strong enough to overcome this pain, Robin." She said. "Just... please be careful out there. I've lost many friends in my life. If I lost you..."
"I'm not going anywhere," he said, causing her to look him in the eye. "Your belief in me means a lot, Tiki. I'm glad I met you."
"As am I." She said before letting go of his hand. "Shall we end this?"
"Yes."
As the two walked out of the tent, Robin clutched his tome in his coat pocket, ready for the fight. This is what the Shepherds had been waiting for, to face the Conqueror himself and put an end to his mad ambition once and for all.
Walhart.. you will pay for all the pain you've caused to the people of Valm, to Say'ri, to Flavia, and to my friends. Robin thought and he clenched his fist. For the safety of all, you and all others like you will die!
After Excellus had received word that the Ylisssean forces had arrived, he immediately made his way to inform Cervantes. He clutched his tome in his hands, grinning with excitement at the upcoming battle. Finally, one the Ylissean League was dealt with, he could finally put his plan into action.
However, as optimistic as he was that his plans wouldn't fail, some part of him was still apprehensive about what the Grandmaster of Ylisse said to him at Demon's Ingle. His declaration that he would be the one to kill him was almost amusing but that wasn't what affected him.
Your buddy Nelson at Sage's Hamlet had no chance against me and my new powers. He remembered him saying so confidently. What chance do you think you have?
After seeing the surprised looks on the Prince and the girl with the cerulean hair, it was clear that this piece of information was new to them as well. Excellus couldn't help but wonder if he was telling the truth, or if he was bluffing.
"Bah! It matters not." He pushed those thoughts aside as he looked at his tome. "I have the power of life and death itself."
As he made his way to Cervantes, he caught the General addressing some soldiers before sending them on their way.
"The fools have no idea what they've stepped into, wouldn't you say General?" Excellus quipped.
"Hmm, Oh. Excellus." Cervantes replied. "Indeed, the anticipation of a grand battle such as this. My hairs stand on end, every one of them! Makes it difficult to brush, if I may say." He joked. "But today's struggle will set the course of history, once and for all."
"Today's "struggle," Cervantes?" He grinned. "I think you mean today's SLAUGHTER."
"Ha! Someone's enthusiastic." The General chuckled at the tactician's spirit.
"Enthusiastic? What are you... wait a minute." Excellus let out an annoyed sigh. "Did you really forget? We just talked about this a few days ago!"
"Well, you'll have to excuse me if I wasn't paying attention to your rambling, considering my shoulder's been throbbing all week thanks to that blasted strategist's attack!" Cervantes replied curtly.
"Fine, fine. Sorry. Let me run it by you again." The tactician said, calming down the General. "The Resistance will destroy itself, you and I needn't so much as lift a finger."
"Oh?"
"The Ylissean League thinks the dynasts no longer align with us since Yen'fay's dead. But they don't understand how... persuasive my methods can be!" He said before laughing, finding the whole thing o be one big joke. "But they'll know eventually, once they see their former friends with knives to their backs!"
"Chives and flapjacks, you say?" Cervantes questioned.
"How do you confuse backs with "flapjacks' you buffoon?!" Excellus exclaimed before sighing. "Oh, well. The battle is won before it's started, and without us risking any further casualties!" He pointed out. "Brilliant, if I do say so myself."
"Your confidence is very astounding, Excellus." The General said. "Not even a hint of fear in your voice."
"Fear is for the weak, my good man. Fear is a tactician's worst enemy and I've conquered that enemy many times over." He smirked. "Ah well. Care to join me for Tea, Cervantes? I have a stash of gray-root blend, simply divine."
"Why, Excellus, thank you. It IS quite a divine 'stache, isn't it." Cervantes said as he stroked his mustache.
"Are you kidding me?" He nearly face-palmed at the General's comment. "Not stache, you imbecile! "Stash"! S-T-A-S-H stash! The one in..." He rubbed his temple in annoyance, feeling a migraine coming on. "You know what, nevermind. Why do I even bother? If only there were someone with the intellect to appreciate my genius."
As Excellus massaged his head from the headache he received, he heard footsteps from behind him. He turned around and watched as the Conqueror himself walked past them, armed with both his treasured weapons Sol and Wolf Berg. If the man's appearance weren't enough to send enemies running with their tails between their legs then it was definitely his aura, one that oozed intimidation.
"My Lord." Cervantes stood tall, proud to stand before him.
"Cervantes." The Conqueror spoke, facing the General. "Answer me, this. Who is the pinnacle of man, in body, mind, and spirit? Who is greater than the gods?"
"Only you, my Master." Cervantes bowed.
"Well, Excellus, that seems to contradict your last statement." He said to the tactician in regards to that last comment about his genius being unappreciated. "What say you?"
"A-Apologies, m-my master! I assure you. I meant no offense." He spoke nervously. "I only celebrate achievements in your service, master. To your glory."
"My Glory?" He questioned before granting the strategist his full attention. "Glory is won on the battlefield! Glory is meeting your enemy's eyes and watching the hope drain away with his life. Glory is not won holed up in a castle with plots and cowardly schemes. And I'll be dead before I let some dynast farm lord and his right hand take today's glory in my stead."
"Oh, of course! And so well put, my master... I only meant that..." Walhart left before he could even finish his sentence.
"That sick mind of yours sees much, Excellus. That much is certain." Cervantes brought up. "But for someone so clever, you really can be quite daft."
"What?! You DARE speak to me in that fashion..." The tactician scoffed. "Know your place fool. Like you, a dimwitted mustache fanatic could ever be my equal?!
"Your equal? Don't make me laugh." The General replied. "I have never thought of you as my equal, worm. Now if you'll excuse me, I would shave and wax up before the fight."
As Cervantes left, the Valmese tactician was fuming from the earlier comments of the Conqueror and the dimwitted General. How dare they speak to him like they were above him. He was practically a God, they should've been bowing down and kissing his boots than to treat him like some child.
"To hell with those ignoramuses!" He spat before calming himself down. "Now, Excellus, keep your wits about you. You still need those fools. Let Walhart charge ahead, big, stupid lobster... with luck, he'll deal with the Demon and his pests." He reasoned before opening his tome and reading off some spells. He conjured a spell into his hand and reveled at the power. "Yes, the Fire Emblem, Nay, the world will be mine."
As the Shepherds readied themselves for battle, each got into their respective pair-ups and received their orders on which specific fort they would capture. Robin walked around making sure that everyone was in place for the charge. They only had one shot at this, so they were gonna make it count.
As he walked around, he caught Severa walking over to him.
"Robin." She greeted. "I made sure every team had at least two healers with them."
"Glad to hear it." He said. "You nervous?"
"A little." She admitted.
"That's okay." He told her. "Everyone's nervous before a battle, especially a battle like this."
"Yeah." She nodded in agreement. "What about you?"
"I'm..." He knew he couldn't hide how he felt from her. Basilio's death had really hit him hard and because of that, he was afraid of more people dying. "I can't even describe how I feel."
"I know how you feel." She replied.
"Yeah, you do. Better than me anyway." He said before looking around and seeing how no one was looking at them, he decided now would be best to tell her. "Severa, I need to tell you something."
"Huh?"
"I don't know what to expect out there and that terrifies me to no end." He told her. "But, I want you to know that I couldn't be more proud of how far you've come, at how much you've grown."
"R-Robin." She was blushing at his praise as he placed his hands on her shoulders.
"If anything happens to me out there, you're the Grandmaster of Ylisse." He said causing her eyes to widen in shock.
"What are you..." She spoke before he leaned forward and kissed her forehead gently.
"Thank you, Severa. For everything." He said as he released her shoulders before taking his leave.
Robin. What are you planning? She thought worryingly. Normally he was so confident in his plans but now it was like he was about to face death. She took his words to heart and silently prayed for his safety as she left to find her partner.
As the Grandmaster double checked to make sure everything was in order, he decided to make his way to Chrom to take his place at his side. As he made his way to the front, he found Future Princess waiting for him.
"Robin." She greeted.
"Lucina." He greeted back. "You ready to end this?"
"I've never been more ready for anything." She replied.
"Alright then." He said before the Future Princess moved closer to him so that no one else could hear them.
"Are you okay?" She wondered. "You were quiet throughout the march and we haven't spoken since..."
"Yeah." He shook his head with regret. While he was angry at Chrom and Sumia, he never meant the shun her away. "I'm really sorry."
"Robin..."
"I promised you we would get out of this alive, all of us. And now..." He tried to hold it back, but a tear managed to escape from his eye. "Now Basilio's gone."
"And Walhart will pay for what he's done." She tried to comfort him. "We'll make sure of it."
"Yeah." He wiped his face and tried to compose himself.
"I'll be with you, the whole way. We'll end this together." She said, deciding that now was the chance. "Robin... I..."
"Lucina." His eyes widened as he realized what she was about to do.
"I... I lov..."
"There you two are." And with that, the chance was gone. The two were interrupted as Chrom's voice entered the picture, the Prince walking over to them. "Did I interrupt anything."
"No." The Grandmaster shook his head, ignoring the blush on his face while Lucina looked away so her Father wouldn't see how red she was.
"Anyway, you guys ready to finish this."
"Yes, Father." The Future Princess nodded after finally being able to meet his eyes.
"Yeah." Robin did the same.
"Alright then. Let's do this." He said as he turned to face the Shepherds. Robin and Lucina looked at each other, once again crestfallen after having their chance interrupted yet again but they both still retained their smiles as Lucina leaned forward.
"Can we talk after the battle?" She asked.
"Of course." He replied.
After that, the two took their rightful place at Chrom's side, Robin on his left and Lucina at his right.
"Shepherds! My family! My friends! The time has come to put an end to Walhart's tyranny and free Valm from his grasp. Are you with me?!" HE asked and they cheered. He turned around and met with his best friend and his daughter. "Robin, Lucina, let's go. The Conqueror's reign ends here!"
"Right!" They both said in unison as they took the field.
It didn't take long for the Valmaese to arrive as well, their troops marching onto the field as they stood ready to face their enemy. And at the front, was the man, the myth, the Conqueror himself.
Robin clutched his tome, the mere sight of him sparked both anger and fear. He stood proudly on his horse, wearing blood-red armor that complimented his horse's armor.
Finally, he's arrived. Robin thought as he gritted his teeth.
"That's him, isn't it?" Chrom wondered. "Brave of him to face us."
"Brave? Aye." Say'ri nodded. "But more likely he just wants to enjoy this himself."
It was then at the sight of the Conqueror himself that everyone drew their weapons. Chrom and Lucina drew their respective Falchions while Robin placed his tome in his right hand and his Levin Sword in his left.
"Shepherds," Robin spoke. "You know your objectives. Capture those forts!"
"For Ylisse! For Valm! For our future!" Chrom said as he raised his blade. "CHARGE!"
And with that, The Shepherds charged forward, ready to take on their enemies. The Conqueror raised his blade, signaling his men to do the same.
The Shepherds followed their mission to the letter. One team led by Cordelia made their way to capture the forts on the western flank while the other team led by Frederick made their way to capture forts on those of the east while Chrom, Robin, Lucina, and a few other Shepherds dealt with the main Calvary.
Wyvern Riders attempted to stop Fredericks team but the Great Knight ordered his archers to shoot them down. Once they did, he ordered his ground forces to take out the soldiers guarding the fort they were attempting to capture.
As for Cordelia, she managed to avoid being shot down thanks to her husbands magic as Ricken was able to stun the archers with his wind magic, giving his wife enough time to eliminate them with her fire magic.
As for the main force, the Valmese were doing a good job keeping their enemies from advancing, not wanting them to reach their Lord. Many went for Chrom, seeing as how he was their leader and carried the Fire Emblem on his left arm as his shield. Thankfully, he cut them down one by one while Robin covered his back with thunder eventually switched places with Lucina who covered her Father's back while Robin blasted more enemies with magic.
As they held off their enemies, Flavia saw an opening. Wanting a chance to avenge her fallen friend, she took it. She ran towards the Conqueror himself, dodging and cutting down enemies as they tried to stop her.
"Wha!" The Grandmaster took notice that Flavia broke off from the rest and ran towards where Walhart was. "Flavia!"
"Flavia, don't go off without...!" Chrom attempted to go after her but more men surrounded him. "Damn it!"
As Flavia made her way through the Valmese, she finally stood her ground, sword in hand as she faced the Conqueror once again.
"Walhart!" She yelled. Just as more of Walhart's soldiers surrounded her, the Conqueror raised his blade.
"HALT!" He demanded and they ceased. His horse took a few steps forward as she looked down upon his foe. "Khan Flavia. Is it either bravery or foolishness that you stand before me once again?"
"I stand to finish what I started!" She said, gripping her blade with both hands.
"How foolish." He sighed. "You and the West-Khan barely stood a chance against me together. What hope do you have facing me alone?"
"You...!" She gritted her teeth in rage. "You have no right to say his name!"
"Even after your failure, you would still fight?" He grinned. "Love truly is a weakness."
"DIE WALHART!" She exclaimed loudly as she charged forward. She leaped forward to slam her blade onto her enemy but he blocked her attack with his own sword. With his strength, he pushed her off.
Landing safely on the ground, she went for a stab but the Conqueror was faster as his horse dodged her attack. He raised his sword, preparing to strike her down but Flavia was able to dodge it at the last second.
Even on a horse, he was fast but she knew that. He went for another attack, charging at her. The two traded blows with Walhart apparently gaining the upper hand. He slammed his blade down onto hers, she struggled against his strength. It was unreal, how strong this man was and she was starting to lose her footing as she fell to one knee.
"You were a fool to face me again." He told her, watching as she struggled against him. "Especially by your lonesome."
"You will pay for what you've done." She warned, using all of the strength she had, pushing her blade against his, attempting to regain her footing.
"Ah. It seems you still have some fight left in you." He pointed out. "Your desire to avenge your beloved is quite admirable. But unfortunately for you, your desire is not enough."
"I'm far from done." She said, using all of her power she was able to regain her footing. "I will have justice for Bas..." At that moment, a Paladin decided to take matters into his own hands and plunged his lance into Flavia leg. "AAAAAAHHH!"
That scream could be heard throughout the battlefield. Robin looked over and saw as Flavia had a lance pierced through her leg with Walhart standing over her.
No. He thought as General came charging at him only to received a Thoron bold through his heart. He looked over to see Flavia fall to the ground. She was still alive but that could change any second. At this rate...
...Robin knew what he had to do. If he left it alone, the East Khan would die. He had already failed Basilio. He wasn't going to fail Flavia either. He knew he could make it to her in time. So, he only had one choice.
"Tiki." He called out to her. "Take my place."
"What?" She asked, confused by his order.
He looked over to Flavia and prepared for his jump but took one quick look towards his partner who had just struck down a Wyvern Rider. She took one look at Robin and looked over to where Flavia was to understand what he was planning to do.
"I have to go." He told her but as he prepared, she grabbed his hand.
"Are you crazy?! You can't face him alone!" She exclaimed.
"I don't have a choice! If I don't, he'll kill Flavia." He yelled.
"Robin, you can't." She begged. "Please, don't go."
"Lucina." He reached out and cupped her cheek, resting his forehead against hers. "I swear, everything will be alright."
"R-Robin." She couldn't stop the tears from forming.
"I promise, I'll come back to you. Stay strong until then." He told her as he let go and turned away. As he prepared to jump over to the Conqueror but was halted by Tiki.
"Robin, you're making a mistake." She warned him. "Don't do this."
"I'm sorry, Tiki." He apologized. "Once my mind is made up, nothing can stop me." He said walking past her.
Chrom had just finished cutting down his current foe before noticing that Robin was moving away from the group. He saw him looking towards Walhart's direction and immediately knew what his tactician was planning.
"Robin!" He yelled. "What the hell are you doing?!"
He looked over to his friend who appeared horrified by the Grandmaster's objective. Robin simply gave him a wave before turning back to face Walhart.
"Later." Was all he said before casting Elwind, leaping over to where the Conqueror is.
"Robin?! No!" Chrom attempted to go after him but more men blocked his path.
Damn it, you idiot. The Prince thought angrily. I swear if Walhart doesn't kill you, I will.
Lucina could only watch as he leaped away from their group, determined to save Flavia from the Conqueror. He wanted to go after him, to protect him. But she couldn't as she too was blocked off by more soldiers.
Naga. She prayed. Please don't let that monster take him away from me. Please, I beg you.
Walhart watched as one of his men impaled the East-Khans leg, interrupting their fight. He looked over to the man who seemed proud by his action.
"You." The Conqueror pointed at the soldier in question and beckoned him to approach him.
"My Lord?" He bowed.
"You disobeyed my orders to stand down. What say you in your defense?" He demanded.
"My Lord, I..."
"Cervantes." He commanded.
"Of course, my master." The General replied by throwing his javelin into the man's chest, causing him to fall off of his horse.
"Fool." The Conqueror noted before turning his attention to the fallen Khan. "As an apology, Khan Flavia, I shall grant you a quick death." He said as he readied his blade. "Prepare to join your beloved West-Khan."
But before he could approach her, he looked up and saw that the sun was being blocked from his eyesight. Not by something, it was... someone!
"It's him," Cervantes muttered, standing his guard.
This mysterious someone landed in front of Flavia, his head down as he refused to meet the eyes of his enemies. As he slowly raised his head, his eyes met with Walhart's.
"So, we meet at last," Walhart smirked at the arrival. "The famed Tactician Magician himself."
"R-Robin," Flavia muttered as he broke his gaze from Walhart and turned around to help Flavia. He pulled the lance out of her leg before wrapping it in bandages. He said nothing before giving her an Elixer.
"Drink up." He told her before standing back up to face the Conqueror.
"N-No. Robin, don't." She warned but even with the vulnerary, her leg prevented her from getting up.
The Grandmaster looked upon his enemies, analyzing each one in the event that one of them attacked him. Once he was done, he turned his attention to Walhart.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you face-to-face, Grandmaster," Walhart said.
"Believe me, this meeting is anything but pleasant." He spat back.
"Your hostility is wasted on me, boy." He told him. "I've heard so many stories about you and I've read the reports about your actions. Believe it or not, We are quite alike you and I."
"You're joking right?" He asked. "You're a murderer who enslaves the innocent and kills anyone who doesn't bend the knee. I'm nothing like you."
"You dare insult my Master, Demon?!" Cervantes yelled. "Soldiers, this man has the gall to call our Lord a murderer when he is the reason your brothers and sisters in arms lie dead! He is the reason our home is tainted by the bones of the fallen! How can our Master be a murderer when this evil walks our land!"
That definitely triggered a reaction out of the others as many of the soldiers nodded in agreement, believing that the tactician himself was nothing more than a ruthless villain.
"You're no hero!"
"You killed my comrades, monster!"
"Murderer!"
"Demon!"
As Robin listened to their insults, he kept focusing on Walhart who simply said nothing and watched as his men heckled the Grandmaster. It was then that Cervantes gripped his lance and faced towards his enemy.
"For the glory of Emperor Walhart, you will die for all the suffering you've caused." He said, charging at the tactician. "I will not go down as easily as..."
Just then, Robin rushed up to him in the blink of an eye and cast an Arcwind spell, sending the General flying past the Emperor at and into the castle walls.
"Blah, blah, blah. Shut up already." The grandmaster said annoyingly.
Walhart looked back towards the strategists, eyes filled with rage. He had to admit, he was impressed.
"Your skill far exceeds that of a normal mage. Very impressive." He stated before signaling some of his men to go check on Cervantes. "I see now that Excellus wasn't just spouting nonsense."
"So you really think I'm the villain here, Walhart? Are you serious? One of your Generals, Nelson, killed innocent people on the island of Sage's Hamlet, nearly destroyed it. Yet, I'm the villain?" Robin sarcastically clapped his hands. "Yeah, that makes total sense."
"Nelson acted on his own accord." He replied. "He had his uses, but then he just got greedy. His work, not mine."
"You Hypocrite! That's no excuse! You allowed that psychopath to leave your service and now people are dead!" He exclaimed. "Their blood is on your hands!"
"And by whose laws do you judge me?! Yours?! Your Prince's?! The gods'?!" Walhart questioned angrily at the Tactician's statement.
"What do the gods have to do with anything?" The Grandmaster asked.
"Open your eyes, Grandmaster!" The Conqueror exclaimed. "You align yourself with a mindless puppet of the gods whose head is filled with secondhand and naive beliefs. Are you not ashamed? You and your Shepherds dance upon the stage of your gods like mindless puppets! THAT is what I reject: being a slave to tradition, to obligation." He declared and his men cheered at his speech. "The old ways? Pah! Damn the gods! Damn their fates and their destinies! I will have true freedom! Any man who offers less is my enemy."
"And look where your philosophy got you!" Robin fired back. "Innocent people are dead because of you!"
"Acceptable losses!" Walhart replied. "Isn't it the same for you, Grandmaster? You're the strategist. How many lives have you taken?"
"Lots. Even more, than I care to admit. But if you think I'm proud of killing, that I enjoy it, you're dead wrong." He admitted. "There's the difference between us. You kill for your own selfishness and ambition, I kill for the good of others, for the sake of those who can't defend themselves and to bring justice to those who have fallen. And justice demands that you pay for your crimes!"
"That..." The Conqueror pointed out before chuckling. "That is why you're so different from the rest of your Shepherds."
"What?" He questioned.
"You're not an agent of someone else's justice, but an agent of justice itself." Walhart pointed out. "But, I wonder? How strong is your justice? Let's put it to the test. MEN!" He commanded his elite guard. "Attack the Grandmaster! Show him your resolve!" With a cheer, his guards readied themselves to kill their enemy.
Robin stands still as they surround him, hoping to corner him but he wasn't scared in the slightest. He pulled out his Levin Sword and readied himself to fight.
"It doesn't matter how many of you there are! None of you will be able to stop me!" He yelled at all of them, scaring them a little.
"Holy hell! He's crazy!" One of them said.
"Y-You think you can t-take on a-all of us, Demon?!" Another tried to be brave but failed.
"Robin." Flavia couldn't move or do anything to help the Grandmaster as her wound hadn't fully healed yet.
"Just stay down, Flavia." He told her before turning to face the Valmese, gripping his blade tightly, increasing its power. "I'm not holding back. If you want to die, come at me!"
They all charged at him at the same time. They believed they had him right where they wanted him. They were dead wrong. Robin used Elwind to leap out of the circle they had cornered him in, using the Levin Sword, he sent bolts of lightning straight into the hearts of Bow Knights.
Once they were dealt with, he sheathed his blade and landed safely. One soldier came out him with a lance. The Grandmaster dodged it and grabbed at his throat. With the force of his grip, he broke the soldier's neck before placing his palm on his chest, using a wind spell and sending his deceased body flying towards his comrades, knocking a few of them down.
Another came at him, going for a stab. Robin placed his tome into his pocket and pulled out his Levin Sword. He dodged the attack and grabbed his sword arm, leaving him defenseless as he plunged his blade into his chest. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a Great Knight throw an axe in his direction. He immediately pulled his blade out of his recent kill before turning him around, using him as a human shield against the attack. After the axe landed into the chest of his human shield, Robin sent a bolt of lighting from his Levin Sword into the Knight's skull.
As Robin had nearly finished off most of Walhart's guards, only two remained. Even after watching their allies one by one, they still remain absolute in their duty to protect their master. One charged at the Grandmaster, swinging his sword at his enemy only for Robin to duck, plunging his Levin Sword into his leg. As the man screamed in pain, the other remaining soldier attacked, throwing his lance at him. The Grandmaster immediately pulled out his tome and used Wilderwind to catch the lance in midair. With the flick of his wrist, he sent the lance back into its owner. He then pulled out his Levin Sword from the other soldier's leg, looking him straight in the eyes before taking his life.
"For the glory... of Wal...!"
Robin immediately swung his blade, cutting his head off, silencing him for good. Now that Walhart's guards were dealt with, it was time to deal with the man himself. He turned to face the Conqueror who didn't seem fazed by the slaughter he had witnessed. If anything, he was impressed.
"Simply astounding. It appears that you stay true to your beliefs even in the face of certain death. For that, you deserve respect." The Conqueror. "However, this changes nothing, Grandmaster Robin, for you are nothing more than a pebble upon my path to immortality."
"This... this has gone on long enough!" Robin declared. He wasn't even affected by the fact that his own personal guard was just annihilated right in front of him. He was a monster. An evil heartless monster! "How much more people have to die for you, Walhart?!" His rage grew by the second as he thought of West-Khan's passing, over how it was this very same monster that took his life. He clenched his sword and tome as he closed his eyes. The pain was almost too much to bear "Wasn't Basilio enough for you?!" As he opened his eyes, the Conqueror gazed upon his pupils. They were red and filled with anguish and despair. "Leave my friends alone!"
"Ha ha ha! Better, Grandmaster. Much better!" Walhart pulled out his blade and pointed it towards his opponent. "Come, Tactician Magician! Let us fight as two great men, freed of their gods! I grant any challenger the chance to test his will against my own. But you, too, shall be found wanting!"
"GRRR!" As Robin couldn't take any more of this man's nonsense, his entire body was engulfed entirely by bright red flames. As the flames surrounded his body, he unleashed a blood-curdling scream. "AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"
As Tiki was fighting to protect Lucina in the place of the Grandmaster, a loud scream pierced through her ears. She looked towards where Robin had gone off to help Flavia and saw him surrounded by flames. Her eyes widened in shock from what she had witnessed.
Those flames. It... It can't be.
There was no mistake, it really was those flames. It had been centuries since she last seen this power but she never thought she would ever see it again. How was Robin capable of using it?
Unless...
Robin. You really are...
She had always suspected, but now it all made sense. Same hair style, same fighting style, and now this. He really was his descendant!
But, that's not what was important. Robin was in serious danger and Tiki had to do something before his rage got him killed. She would be damned if she lost him now! As she attempted to head over to help him, she was stopped by more soldiers barring her path.
Robin...
"Such power!" Walhart commented as he readied himself. "Let's begin!"
"DIE!" The Grandmaster used Elwind to leap over to him, slamming his Levin Sword into his blade. The power was overwhelming. Whatever these flames were, they were definitely enhancing the Grandmaster's abilities.
But it wasn't anything Walhart couldn't hand as he pushed the tactician back. The Conqueror charged at him, swinging his blade down. Using wind magic, Robin dashed to the left before going for a stab.
As Robin thrust his blade forward into the Conqueror's chest, he was finally going to end this war, once and for all. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned.
"Wha?!" The Grandmaster looked as his blade struggled against Walhart's armor. It didn't pierce through it like he thought it would, and the Conqueror looked down at him as if he wasn't even surprised.
He raised his blade and brought it down, attempting to end the tactician but the strategist back away at the last second.
"Did you really think a meager sword like that could penetrate my armor?" Walhart questioned. "How foolish."
If sword attacks were useless, only one thing left to do. He sheathed his blade and electrified his hand with Katarina's Bolt. He rushed over to him, thrusting his hand forward into his chest. Walhart attempted a stab, but the Grandmaster was able to dodge it and lunged his hand into the chest.
But even that proved to be ineffective. He looked to see that Katarina's Bolt had the same result as his Levin Sword.
"I thought you were smart, Grandmaster." The Conqueror mocked. "My armor is immune to all forms of magic. You can't harm me."
"N-No?!" His eyes widened. Why didn't he even consider the possibility that his armor could be resistant against magic? After Walhart attempted another attack, Robin backed away once again.
"Disappointing." He shook his head. "Is this the strength of your justice? How pitiful."
"Why is nothing working?!" The Grandmaster wondered. "Damn it! Am I gonna fail again?" He panicked. His Levin Sword won't work, his magic won't work. What could he do?
Was this the end?
Robin. Don't go.
His red eyes widened as he heard a pleading voice in his head. The voice that belonged to the one he cared for deeply. The one he loved.
"Lucina?"
Please, don't go.
Even though she was fighting alongside Chrom and Tiki at this very moment, he could feel her calling out to him. To not give into despair.
I want to stay. I want to live in this world. I want to stay with my parents. He remembered the words she used when telling him of her desire to stay in this world.
I want to stay… with you.
He promised her. He promised her that they would change the future together. He promised her that they would stop Grima from returning. He promised her that and her friends that he would let them live in despair ever again.
But more than that, he promised her he'd be back for her. And he would be damned if he was going to break that promise!
"It's over!" He heard Walhart declare as he charged toward him, blade in hand, attempting to end the Grandmaster's life.
As he saw the Conqueror charging toward him, he held out his hand, he had only one trump card left. This had to work, if not then...
"No." He closed his eyes. "I will return to her."
Katarina's Bolt.
He felt the electricity coursing through his hand.
Micaiah's Pyre.
Three small balls of fire rotated around his arm.
Celica's Gale.
He felt the overpowering wind around his entire arm.
As he combined three of his newly acquired spells into his hand, he looked towards the Conqueror who was charging toward him.
"What the...?!" Walhart's eyes widened in shock as he could feel the force of Robin's combined spell.
"I... will... return." He clenched his powered hand into a fist. He looked up at Walhart and leap forward. "TO HER!"
He threw his fist into Walhart's gut. The Conqueror could feel not only the force of his spell but also the pain of the attack. He could only watch as his armor, immune to all forms of magic, began to crack from the might of Robin's power. The Grandmaster gave one final push with his powered fist, sending Walhart and his horse flying into the castle walls.
But he wasn't the only one, the force of the spell sent Robin backward as well. He landed on his back, tired and utterly exhausted. He looked towards the sky to see flower petals surround him, as to celebrate his victory.
"Robin?" He could hear Flavia calling out to him. She was still on the ground, not attempting to move so she wouldn't strain her leg.
He got up from where he was and attempted to walk over to her. A smile crept on his face as he looked towards the field. The forts were secured and Walhart's remaining forces wouldn't last long.
"We did it." He chuckled. "Basilio is avenged. We did it, Flavia. We..."
"Robin, look out!" She screamed.
After the warning, he turned around and watched as a hand grabbed his neck. He felt himself being lifted up by his attacker's hand, struggling for breath.
"Did you really think it would be that easy, Grandmaster?" The words belong to a man he thought he had just killed. As he looked down, he saw Walhart holding him up by his neck. His armor was cracked from the force of Robin's spell but he was very much alive. "To think you would be able to damage my armor. Impressive. Very impressive." He complimented. "But, I'm afraid it wasn't enough." He said as he looked towards the field. "MEN! Retreat to the capital at once!" Once he gave the order he raised his sword arm and placed the tip of his blade near the tactician's chest.
"Walhart! Don't!" Flavia demanded.
"Of all the warriors I've fought, none were anything like you. Yen'fay, Khan Basilio, none. Only you have managed to stand this long against me."
"No! Walhart, I'm begging you! Stop!" The East-Khan begged.
Walhart answered her. And he did so...
"ACK!"
By plunging his blade through Robin's chest.
As Lucina and Tiki watched as the remainder of Walhart's forces retreat to the castle, they felt relieved that this battle had finally come to a close. The Future Princess had hoped Robin was okay. She had been so focused on the battle, she didn't have time to see how he was faring against Walhart.
As the Valmese cleared out, Chrom sheathed his blade and let out a sigh, relieved that everything went according to plan. Once it was clear, the main force regrouped.
"Walhart's forces have retreated to the capital!" Say'ri stated in agitation. "Fie! Will this war never end?!"
"They never make things easy for us, do they?" Chrom wondered out loud.
"Then we must pursue and see that the deed is done," Lucina said.
"That we must." The Prince agreed. "Now has anyone seen my idiot of a tactician?"
As the Shepherds looked around for their tactician, Tiki looked towards the last place she saw him.
"Wha?!"
And what she saw horrified her.
"Lady Tiki?" Say'ri caught notice of the Voice of Naga's current state, her face painted with despair. "What is..." As the Chon'sin Princess look where she was staring at, she gasped in horror. "By the gods!"
The Shepherds were put on alert by Say'ri's gasp and as they looked over, what they saw nearly killed them inside.
"N-No." Lucina could only watch as her partner, her friend, the love of her life, being held by the throat while the Conqueror's blade was impaled through his chest.
"NO!" Chrom was the first to act as he pulled out his blade and sprinted over to where they were. Lucina did the same and ran after him as well, the rest of the Shepherds joining them. "ROBIN!"
He felt the force, but if there was pain, he couldn't feel it. As he looked down, he saw blood dripping from where Walhart had stabbed him. He couldn't move his arms, he couldn't fight back. He couldn't move his body. He couldn't do anything
"It appears, your justice wasn't strong enough," Walhart remarked.
"Walhart!" Flavia felt the tears running down her eyes at how helpless she had been. "What kind of monster are you?!"
"Keep your judgments, East-Khan. They are of no concern to me." He said, pulling his blade out of the tactician. "For I have risen to a higher plane of existence." He then tossed away. Robin's defeated body. "Goodbye, Tactician Magician. Your story ends here." As the Conqueror was surrounded by particles of light, he was gone in the blink of an eye.
As Robin hit the ground, he felt strength leaving his body. Everything was starting to become blurry and he realized that he was close to death.
No. He thought. I can't die here!
He attempted to stand, he used all of his strength to push himself up but he couldn't. He clenched his fist as he tried once more only to fail again.
I don't want to die. He felt tears beginning to sting his blurry eyes. Get up! Get up Robin! Get up!
As darkness began to consume him, he looked over to where Flavia was. He couldn't tell but it appeared she was yelling. As he looked past her, he could vaguely see his friends running in his direction. As they got closer to him, he could see Chrom and Lucina at the head.
His best friend and the woman he loved.
Chrom. Lucina. Everyone. But before they could reach him, he couldn't see anything anymore. I love you. Forgive me.
Darkness had claimed him.
By the time the Shepherds had finally reached him, it was too late. Their friend was dead.
Robin was dead.
Yeah, so... that happened.
I cried writing the last half of the story, nearly tore my heart out. But, the story isn't over. There's still more to come. After all, there are still things that need to be cleared up. Like, how Robin was able to use those flames. But that will be explained in the next chapter.
Til next time.