Chapter 10: Emmeryn

Gangrel was not in a happy mood. Oh, he had been over the moon when he heard that Chrom and the Shepherds were on their way here, just as he predicted, but then things went downhill. First, the scouts failed to scout the approaches into Plegia, allowing them and the Feroxi army, which should have been SO easy to spot, to slip into Plegia undetected. Then he got word that the Manakete in the Grimleal's hands had managed to escape. While some small part of him smiled at the loss for the Grimleal, he never understood or liked them; he fumed that the Shepherds now possibly had a DRAGON with them. And now this.

He casts his unamused gaze from the clear sky down to the poor man standing before him and Aversa. Maleficent was brooding from the corner of his eye, most likely still unamused at the execution, but that was far from his mind at the moment.

"So, Captain, let me be certain I understand your report…." Aversa says, her words dripping with displeasure at the recent news. "Not only did you NOT confirm the most recent sighting that the Ylissean party carries the Fire Emblem… But you can't be certain Prince Chrom or the brown-haired mercenary, and his girlfriend was even among them? And on top of all that, you failed to find where they are currently located after the skirmish with the Grimleal. …Is that the gist of it?" The Captain pales considerably as Aversa looks at him like a hawk. Gangrel knew what the look meant, but he paid the poor soul no mind. It was what he deserved in his eyes.

"Y-yes, milady!" The Captain replies, fear wrapping his words as he struggles not to shake. "The air was thick with sand-even their number was difficult to ascertain." Aversa looks at the man with disappointed eyes before a cruel smirk forms on her lips. She walks towards him in a sultry manner, as a dark aura glows from her, forming into a pool beneath the Captain feet.

"Perhaps if you had gotten closer, Captain, like a shadow, you may have had more luck. Here, let me show you…" she says while raising a hand towards his chest. The Captain pleads for mercy, crying out in apology, but his pleas fell on deaf ears as the darkness swarmed over him, contorting his form before all that was left was a Neo-Shadow, looking at Aversa and awaiting orders. Aversa smiles at it before showing it away with a flick of her wrist before turning to face Gangrel.

"Apology accepted, Captain."

"Do try not to kill or turn ALL the soldiers, my dear." Gangrel says, his mood unchanged. "We'll need a few for the welcoming party. The Ylisseans will be here soon." He soon turns his gaze over to a narrow bridge hovering over the entrance to the sight—a bridge to nowhere. "Chrom, the Emblem, and those two among them, I'm sure. That bleeding-heart prince would never put god sense before his sister! And if what you have told us, Maleficent," he turns to look at the witch as she stands in the shadows. "Then that brat will also be with him. But he will be, right?" He says accusingly to her. Maleficent merely rolls her eyes at the Mad King, reaching the end of her tolerance for him.

"As I have said, he will come. Sora has always been one never to abandon his friends. And it is that weakness that we shall exploit to stop him. That is, provided things go according to your plan?" Gangrel merely huffs at her before turning his eyes back outside.

"Think what you will; it won't matter in the end. For when they do arrive, it will be a massacre, worth of their legendary farther!" he yells in joy before devolving into a fit of laughter, a dark aura rising from him. Maleficent narrows her eyes at him before turning away; a scowl fixed on her face. The fool is lost to all reason. Not even her past allies were so ignorant, besides maybe Oogie Boogie, the mindless bag of worms, to actively seek the death of a Princess of Heart. Hungry for the power she may be, a fool she is not.

"Pete." She calls out quietly in the empty hall. Nervously, he reveals himself to her, not wanting to upset her any more than she currently is. "I want you to ready a contingency." Pete tilts his head at her, confused and curious about what she wants as she smiles to herself.

"And what made you think it would have been a good idea to train at this late hour?" Aqua asks sternly to a shrinking Ricken as the rest of the Shepherds look on. Around them are scorched tents and burn marks around. For some reason, Ricken thought it was a good idea to train with a fire tomb in the dead of night inside the camp. Soon enough, fires began raging around, and if it were not for Aqua, the whole camp would have been torched. Ricken casts a glance at Nowi, looking at him with unknown regret as he looks back at Aqua and Chrom.

"I thought I'd get some practice in with some fire magic in case I run into a situation where wind won't cut it. It pays to be prepared, like what Robin says." Chrom and Aqua look at each other before looking at Robin, the tactician seemingly in thought before looking back.

"Well, I did say it always pays to be safe, so you can't fault him on that." Chrom begrudgingly nods at him along with Aqua before looking back at Ricken.

"Fortunately, no one got hurt, but you MUST be more careful in the future." He says sternly to him, prompting the young mage to nod rapidly at his idol.

"Yes, Sir! I'm so sorry, Sir! It won't happen again—I promise! I just didn't think the flames would spread so fast." He says rapidly before a gentle hand rests on his shoulder. He looks up to see Aqua looking at him, with a soft but stern look on her face.

"Now is not the time Ricken. Chrom and I will talk to you more about it tomorrow morning, but we all need to get some sleep. Also," She adds while straightening up, her stern look becoming softer. "If you want to learn more types of magic, don't hesitate to ask me, Miriel or Robin, alright?"

"Yes, ma'am." Ricken replies with a bow. Chrom shakes his head before telling everyone to head back to bed. Most do as Ricken sighs to himself as Nowi walks up to him, regret written on her face.

"I'm sorry, Ricken." She says apologetically. "I didn't mean for that to happen." Ricken, for his part, shows no anger towards the Manakete, only a tired smile.

"Geez, Nowi. You have to promise to stop taking that Dragonstone to bed. I don't want to wake up to the smell of burning tents again." He says, half sternly at her. She had fallen asleep with her Dragonstone in her hands, causing her to transform while asleep. As a result, her tent was catching fire from her breath. Nowi, for her part, looks sheepishly at her feet before frowning again.

"B-but, I can't get to sleep if I'm not holding on to it..." she says while she holds said Dragonstone in her hands. Ricken scratches his chin while thinking. How to help Nowi sleep that doesn't involve her Dragonstone? A few seconds pass before he thinks up a solution, although a relatively simple one at that.

"Look, what if I read you a book instead? Would that help you sleep?" Ricken offers to her. Nowi ponders his suggestion for a bit. She could faintly remember some of the other Manaketes reading to her before she fell asleep many years ago. And if it worked then, it should still work now. With a nod and a smile, Nowi accepts Ricken's idea. Ricken nods in return as the two walk away, both promising to keep the Dragonstone incident a secret. Unknown to them, Aqua and Terra were quietly watching the two the whole time.

"I had a feeling he was covering for someone. He's just like Ven." Aqua remarks fondly before looking at her husband. "Don't you think so, Terra?"

"In some ways, he is. Ven would stand up and shoulder the blame for someone if it was an accident." He replies with a smile before looking at her. "Sp, you still planning to teach him some more spells outside of wind? From what I see, he will need to carry more tombs to use."

"Well, I can't give him my water or ice tomb…." Aqua comments with hand on chin. The tombs she is using are unique to her. No other books like them exist. "But that doesn't mean he can't learn fire and thunder spells. Miriel and Robin have both managed to reach Arc-tier, so having all three be able to use the other types would be advantageous."

"Well, that can wait for the morning." Terra replies before wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "We need to rest up for tomorrow." Aqua nods before the two head back to their tent. Tomorrow would indeed be a busy day for them.

"You know Ricken was covering for someone else, Chrom." Sora comments to the prince as he, Kairi, Chrom and Robin walk to the central tent. It was still the middle of the night, but Flavia and Basilio had just joined up with them, along with the vanguard of the Feroxi army.

"It was easy enough to see Sora." Chrom replies casually with a wave of his hand. "Ricken is not someone who can 'lose control' over magic. And even if that were the case, he would not have done it in the middle of the camp. Still, it was commendable."

"Still, Flavia and Basilio have some unique timing." Kairi says offhandedly. "Arriving just as we finish talking to Ricken? Talk about perfect timing."

"That's right. But it also gives us an opportune moment to go over our plans for the rescue." Robin replies while taking out a roll of paper. "One can never be too prepared." The couple could only roll their eyes at Robin. Trust him to be up this late making plans and counter plans for the rescue. But, then again, it is needed. Stowing away their thoughts, the couple follows Chrom and Robin into the tent as Flavia and Basilio stand around, eyeing over a map recently drawn by one of their spies. Flavia looks at the entrance before giving the three a warm smile.

"And here I thought you would all be off to bed." She comments offhandedly while waving them over. Her smile fades before a stern look forms on her face. "This is a map of the surrounding area, given to us by one of our spies. An eccentric man he was, but why he had a fighter with him was confusing."

"Bah, don't mind him. We will see him and his friend after this is done. Those two and one other are in charge of our escape route." Basilio comments before looking at the four. "The plan so far is this; while the Feroxi vanguard distracts the bulk of the Plegian forces, you and the Shepherds move in and rescue Emmeryn from Gangrel. After that, we fall back to our escape route and retreat into Ferox. We then regroup with the main army on the border and finish off Gangrel."

"Under other circumstances, I would say we try and take Gangrel down at the same time we rescue Emm." Chrom says with a grim look before shaking his head with a sigh. "But I'm also a realist. We don't have the numbers for a protracted battle. So this plan works we me." He turns to look at Robin, his eyes gazing at the map like a hawk. "What say you, Robin. Found us a way in?"

"I have Chrom." He replies before drawing his finger down one side of the map's walls. "We move along the Western Wall, near the mountains. Then, we will be able to avoid the loose sand and strike where they least expect it." He then turns his gaze upward. "After that, all we need to do is follow the plan." A spy bursts into the tent just then, exhausted and with some scrapes, but alive.

"Your majesty, I bring news!" he says in an exhausted voice. All present turn to face him as he stands up straight. "I overhead that Emmeryns execution is to take place the day after tomorrow; I heard it from his lips."

"Looks like we got here in time then." Sora says with a hint of relief. "When should we head out to move into position, Robin? We won't be able to do it in the middle of the day."

"We move out tomorrow evening, as soon as the sun sets past the mountains. But, of course, we will move with no torches to limit the chances of being spotted as well." He says sternly before heaving a sigh. "I'm glad my prediction of the execution date was wrong."

"Couldn't we move in and rescue Emmeryn now?" Kairi suddenly suggests. The occupants turn to look at the red-dead, intrigued. "If the execution is not happening until the next day, then can't we move in and save her while she is still in a cell?"

"We could, but there is always a chance Gangrel could have planned for us to do that. Don't forget, Maleficent is with him, along with Pete. So she could have the Heartless on patrol non-stop around Emmeryn cell." Sora replies, earning a groan from Kairi. Why couldn't the Heartless just NOT invade a world for a change?

"I'm afraid he's right. But, unfortunately, our best shot is still on the day of execution." Robin shakes his head sadly before looking over to the spy. "Inform Philia of the plan; she and the other knights are to move into position tomorrow night." The spy bows before leaving the room, a heavy silence filling the void.

"This is it, then." Basilio comments while grabbing a stone to sharpen his axe. Chrom nods at Basilio before turning to leave the tent.

"Everyone rest up. We'll spread the news quietly tomorrow." He says before leaving, feeling a heavyweight fall upon his heart and shoulders. "Robin has done his part, formulating a plan. It falls to us to see it through." He turns his gaze to the moon in the sky before quietly muttering a phrase he had heard Emm say several times. One that, he thinks, Sora and the rest know all too well. "May our hearts, be our guiding keys."

In the darkness of the void, Validar walks casually along a misty road. Beside him is the man in the black cloak, seemingly enjoying the walk, while Grima walks by their side, his form still encased in shadows and purple flames. "So, I heard that Emmeryn is to be put to death tomorrow." Validar says with intrigue before looking at the one-eyed man. "And you are certain you will be able to retrieve her heart, Luxu?"

"Give me some credit." Luxu, or to some others, Xigbar, casually shrugs at the priest before looking at him with his golden eye. "It will be easy as fooling Terra back in the day. You will have her heart."

"Yes, I will. Soon, events will be back on their rightful course. But, even so, our other concern is the others." Validar holds his beard in one of his hands, eyes narrow. "How will you go procuring the others?"

"You leave those details to me." Luxu then smacks Validar on the back, making the priest stumble a bit. Grima gives a dark humorous chuckle at the sight of his follower's antics.

"You are both my most loyal servants." He says darkly, earning their attention. "With your help, I will bring not only drown this world in my darkness but all other worlds. Nothing can stop destiny." Luxu looked at Grima before giving his laugh. Validar looked at Luxu perplexed. How could this man laugh right in front of a deity?

"Sorry to burst your bubble Grima, But Sora has been known to force destiny to take a back seat. After all, it was foretold that darkness would win at the Keyblade Graveyard, and yet there he was, turning it on its head."

"All the more reason, for him to be in our plans." Grima turns his gaze to the void around them, eyes hidden by the shadows. "They do not know it, but they are writing their doom with each step. Naga and Yen Sid are such fools." The laughter echoing from Grima seemed to bounce throughout the void as a plan began to roll unhindered, and the Shepherds were oblivious to it all.

Morning dawns on the day of the execution as the Shepherds arise early from their beds. Before them, nestled on a desert plain with mountains around them, stands Plegia Castle, built into the bones of a giant dragon. Stretching out from the dragons head is a large stone Courtyard, with walls running along its side while pillars line along its front. Outside stands a horde of Plegians, several civilians, as they await the moment of glory.

"Not as much outside as we fought." Roxas says idly while checking over Oathkeep Bow. "Guess the rest of them have gone off to engage the Feroxi."

"Or they are waiting for us inside the walls." Lon'qu replies, his grip tightening around his katana. He turns to look at the archer, his eyes at their usual narrowness. "Are you ready?" Roxas looks at Lon'qu before giving back at sight before them, before giving the Myrmidon a determined nod.

"I am. I'll see you guys once the rescue begins." He then moves from the ledge towards a mountain section connected to the wall. It would be a long climb and run, but it would grant him the advantages needed for the plan to work. Before he could climb, though, a gentle hand landed on his shoulder. He turns around to see Naminé standing before him, worry etched on her face.

"Be safe, Roxas. None of us will be there to help you if…" the words die in her throat as she casts a look to the ground. Roxas looks at her before enveloping the cleric in a warm hug, easing her fears.

"I will be back. The Organization couldn't kill me, me being forced to re-join Sora didn't end me, and nothing here will be successful either." He pulls away from her before giving her a quick peck on the lips. "I will come back to you." Naminé nods before he Flowmotions up the mountain, moving down towards the Courtyard. Naminé could only watch in frustration as Roxas heads down. Now she knows how Kairi felt when she could only watch as Sora and Riku had to leave her behind those countless times.

When we get back to Yen Sid's tower, I will get a Keyblade. No more standing around behind helpless!

"Feeling left out?" a voice asks behind her, startling Naminé with a yelp. She turns around to see Lissa looking at her, but instead of her usual teasing face, she is concerned.

"Yes, I am." Naminé replies sadly as she looks over the desert plains, the morning light still hours away from rising. "It's just like last time. Everyone had a part of planning in our last journeys, but I never had a meaningful one. Being forced to do things against my will and making amends for those don't count. And here I am again, forced to stay behind as Roxas puts himself in danger…." A tear falls downs Naminé's cheek. Lissa looks at her friend before heaving a sigh of her own.

"I know the feeling." She says, confusing her fellow blond. "Whenever Chrom left to do his duties as a Shepherd, I was always left behind at the palace. While I was taught how to be a proper princess, Chrom risked his life to help others. So there was always the fear that he would never come home." She turns to look at Naminé, a fire in her eyes. "That's why I decided to pick up the staff. So even if I can't fight, I can still make sure that Chrom does come home. It may be small, but it is something. Is it the same with you, right? You are here because you want to be here." Naminé looked at Lissa for several seconds, pondering her words again and again, until she finally nodded to herself.

It's true. Even though I don't have a Keyblade, I chose to come here. To help in whatever way I can. In a way, I'm just like Kairi, no longer standing by and being the helpless damsel.

"Seems you found your answer." Lissa comments with her usual joy before grabbing Naminé by the arm. "Now come on, we have a lazy tactician to wake up!" Naminé let off a soft giggle at Lissa's enthusiasm to wake Robin up. The poor tactician had been lacking in sleep recently. Just recently, Lissa played a prank on Robin while he was sleeping, only for him to wake up, screaming about Risen, wolves, and Heartless riding both, much to her enjoyment and his embarrassment. Approaching Robin's tent, Lissa no doubt planned to do the same thing, dragging Naminé into an unwitting helper. But instead of finding a peaceful sleeping Robin, they find him twisting and turning in his sleep, groaning. "Erm, Robin?" Lissa asks hesitantly, but her question goes unanswered.

Frowning suspiciously, Naminé walks up to him before putting a hand on his head, determined to see what it is that is causing Robin such unrest. Instantly, she gazes into Robin's dreams, a skill she has learned after tutoring under Yen Sid to learn more about her powers over memory. She is immediately hit by dark visions, pain and suffering, and disturbing imagery. Naminé gasps in shock as she retracts her hand, a cold sweat running down her face as Robin jolts awake in a panic, startling Lissa.

"Hey, Robin! What's wrong?" she asks as she helps him up, not noticing Naminé's pale face. "Was it a nightmare?" Robin looks between her and Naminé, seeing the blonds wide-eyes as she looks at him. With uncertainty, he nods and confirms it was a nightmare but that it could wait for later, asking why they had brought them here. Lissa informs Robin that dawn is approaching and they need to move out, with Roxas already heading for his spot. With a slow nod, Robin thanks Lissa before leaving the room, the two blonds following after him. But Naminé's mind was somewhere else. She could not get that image out of her mind.

Why were Sora and Kairi tied up in chains to a pedestal?

The sound of jeering was deafening. The roar of excitement from the Plegian Warriors as they watched Emmeryn being forced to walk to the end of the bridge while a Heartless Barbarian talks behind her caused great applause. Finally, here and now, they would have revenge for all the pain the last exalt had shown them. But some were disappointed.

Emmeryn was showing no fear. No sadness and no anger. Instead, she held her hands together, eyes closed peacefully as she prayed to the sky as if she didn't even notice the crowd beneath her. All the while, no one noticed Roxas moving across one of the buildings, his eyes constantly following the Heartless as the grip on his bow tightens. He only has one shot.

"Good people!" A voice echoed from down below, catching his attention. His eyes narrow as he sees Gangrel, standing on top of one of the buildings down below, eating up all of the excitement of the day. He noticed Aversa standing next to him, yet Maleficent and Pete were nowhere to be seen. Roxas could only frown in worry and confusion before casting a glance beyond the walls. The Feroxi rear-guard was approaching the south and will undoubtedly drag the current forces' immediate attention. But he could worry about that later. Right now, he had an exalt to save.

"Warriors of Plegia! Welcome! Welcome, one and all!" Gangrel continues, distracting all. "Your anticipation electrifies the air! We ALL remember the crimes of Ylisse… Would you have their witch-queen answer for them? Here? Today? NOW?" His answer is a resounding cheer from all present, causing Roxas to grimace. How could so many people hate one person because of her father's actions? Gangrel, however, seemed not disturbed by the cheer. Instead, he welcomed it before turning to face the Heartless Barbarian. "EXECUTIONER! If you would be so kind…."

Now's my cue! Roxas thinks as he draws the sting back on Oathkeep. His eyes narrow on the Heartless as it raises its axe slowly, seemingly to enjoy striking down a princess of heart. Not today! Roxas lets the string go, letting loose an arrow of light. It zooms forward like a lightning bolt before piercing through the Heartless, reducing it to mere smoke as a heart is set free. The cheering down below is abruptly cut as soon as the Heartless is no more, soon followed by the boom of a horn. The Plegians turn in shock to see the Feroxi army charging towards them before hurrying to respond in kind as a small force stays behind to search for Roxas. Gangrel, however, is elated.

"Bwa ha! Finally, show yourselves have you. I have been waiting for all of you to arrive." He turns to look at the Plegians down below him, a sadistic glee in his eyes. "Men: Kill him. Kill his sister. Kill his troops and friends and anyone else you find! KILL THEM AAAAAAAAAALL!" he screams in glee before leaving the courtyard as the Plegians disperse to fin the Shepherds. All but one of them was enthusiastic about it, though. Standing in the shade of a pillar is a female Plegian dark mage.

She had long black hair that went down to her waist, while a small gold corset rested on her head. Golden decorative cloths hand from her shoulders, as a black cape, runs down to her shins, with a deep red interior and gold edging. A black, almost see-through skin-tight bodysuit wraps around her body while golden bands wrap around her thighs and wrists, with golden sandals adorning her feet. A black bikini top covers her chest, while a golden loincloth wraps around her waist, with two single pieces of cloth running at her front and back, down to her knees, but fail to cover her legs. A purple book hangs on her waist next to a red book as she huffs annoyingly.

"So we're to kill or die here, simply because the king demands it?" she asks distractingly. "Pffft. What do I care about these Ylisseans? We're given no reasons to fight, only orders. So what's the point." Her board expression soon morphs into one of cunning. "Besides, I've always been quite good at choosing who to hate on my own… and this new darkness has certainly got my attention." She mumbles to herself before walking off in the direction of the wall. "I wonder where it's coming from?"

Meanwhile, just outside the wall and not too far from the Shepherds, a lone Monk made their way to the Courtyard after fighting their way through several Plegians.

They have long blond hair that reaches the base of their spine, with a feminine face. A white shawl rests on their shoulders with grey edging, while a white undersuit rests underneath. A golden waist guard on a brown belt is on their chest, holding up a white back skirt that reaches their knees, while sizeable golden gauntlets encase their hands. Baggy white slacks with grey edging run down towards brown boots with golden ankle guards, while a mend staff rests on their back as they grip a steel axe in their hands. The look towards Emmeryn standing on the bridge in the air, with eyes wide with horror.

"Exalt Emmeryn! No!" They cry femininely before rushing through the sand, avoiding the primary engagement. "Gods speed me to her side!" They sprint forward, aiming towards the only entrance to the courtyard, only for several wyvern riders to bear down on them. They grimace before readying their axe, ready to die for Emmeryn, until an arrow followed by a bolt of lightning and wind strikes into the riders, nocking three down. At the same time, the last one flies into the sky, only to be set upon by Sumia, Cordelia and Xion, striking from three directions. The monk looks on bewildered before noticing the rest of the Shepherds waving to him from near the wall. Smiling graciously, the monk heads over to them, eyes widening at seeing Chrom amongst their number. "Prince Chrom, it is an honour to find you here!" The monk says, confusing the Shepherds as Chrom looks at the monk befuddled.

"You know me?" Sure he is known as the Prince of Ylisse, but no one knows WHAT he looks like outside the capital. And he certainly has never seen this monk before.

"Of course, sire!" The monk responds happily, explaining how all Ylissean clergy know about him and Princess Lissa. If things were not so tense right now, Chrom would have smacked himself.

"If you're part of a clergy, then why are you out here?" Riku asks with narrow eyes. The monk looks at Riku with sad eyes, explaining how they and several others rushed here to save Emmeryn, only for them to be the last one alive. They had even begun to lose hope until meeting the Shepherds.

"Then you shall not fear." Virion says with his usual suave, clearly taken by the monk's appearance. The rest of the Shepherds look on with amused smiles as Virion approaches the monk, waiting in anticipation at the imminent refusal. "Rest assured, madam, we shall cleave our way through the Plegians and rescue the exalt." The monk looks at Virion, puzzled at his comment, before coughing awkwardly and looking away.

"…Man, sire. Man of the cloth."

Instantly, the amused looks turned to wide-eyed surprise, as Virion blinks several times before stammering over himself, apologising profusely to the man, who called himself Libra, as he walks away. The Guardians look at themselves with equal surprise before an awkward cough from Terra breaks the silence.

"We can talk about mixing genders later. Right now, Emmeryn is our main concern." That snapped the Shepherds out of their funk as they recompile themselves after the abrupt, mood whiplash. Not dwelling on it anymore, they continue along the wall, hiding from the main Plegian force, before coming up on the entrance to the Courtyard. Standing in its centre are a large squad of Plegians, primarily archers and several wyvern riders, while a single armoured knight stands in the centre, giving orders out to messengers as they race back to the front.

"That's our target. We take him, the archers and the wyvern riders out, and Phila and the others can move in." Robin says as they look over the open courtyard, yet all is not well. "There are no Heartless. This is either a good sign or a bad one."

"Why not both." A voice echoes behind them. They turn instantly, hands-on weapons, as the female dark mage walks up to them, tomb still on her hips. Her eyes gaze over the Shepherds, mainly landing on Terra, Riku, Sora and, disturbingly for Robin, lovingly for him.

"Are you with the Plegians?" Chrom asks, hand still on Falchion. "You seem reluctant to fight." The mage simply sighs before resting her hands on a rock, gaze fixed on Robin before moving to Chrom, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Death comes to all of us eventually. So why invite it early, fighting for a cause I don't believe in? Besides, I'm keeping my options open." She casually replies before lazily tossing a ball of darkness at a Plegian messenger as he runs back to the front. "I mean, long live the king and all, but I'd like to keep living as well. And I have a bit of a rebellious streak, I'm afraid." Her frown turns into a dark smile. "A…dark side."

"I don't like her," Kairi whispers to Sora as they stand far away from her, alongside Riku, Terra, Aqua, Xion and Robin.

"Is it the way she is dressed?" Riku asks jokingly, only to be met by a stern gaze from Xion.

"Not just that, Riku." She says while glaring daggers at the mage.

"It was the way she was gazing towards you four. I am not sharing my husband with anyone else." Aqua says defiantly while grasping her water tomb. Xion and Kairi silently agree as they grip their weapons hard. The boys could only sweat in response, but they couldn't falt them, but there was one person they felt sorry for.

"I think you have a secret admirer Robin." Terra says, watching as the mage sends Robin another look, creeping the tactician out more. Before seeing the mage walk off towards Gregor as Chrom walks up to them, he quickly looks at Terra, mouthing a 'No thank you' to him. "Please tell me we don't have a new recruit." Chrom sadly shakes his head at the knight.

"I'm afraid we do. But don't worry, I let Tharja know that you three are off-limits." That earned grateful looks from the Guardians, yet Robin gave Chrom a worried look. He could only sigh sadly at him, saying that Tharja won't be dismissed by him so easily. Robin groans in response, saying that he will never fall for her. "We can worry about Tharja stalking you later; right now, we have some skies to clear." The Shepherds nod before gathering at the entrance, a glance towards the ongoing melee showing no sign of either side merging victorious, the Feroxi army doing its part in distracting the Plegians while keeping casualties to a minimum. With a single nod, the Shepherds charge threw the entrance with a cry of their own, startling the Plegians inside as several arrows of light rain from above, felling two mages and a cleric. Namine throws a happy glance towards Roxas as he makes his way down from a building before joining the fray.

The Plegian general orders his men to charge at the Shepherds, only for them to be met by a storm of arrows from Virion and Roxas, a barrage of magic from the mages, including those of darkness from Tharja, while Nowi, in her dragon form, unleased fireballs of light upon the Plegians. The mounted warriors charge from the sides, striking deep into the exposed flanks as Sumia, Cordelia, and Xion take to the skies, engaging the remaining wyvern riders. The Plegian archers try to aim at the flyers but find themselves beset upon by Panne, while Chrom and Sora lead the remaining Shepherds directly at the Plegian commander and his guard.

"You'll never save your precious exalt, scum!" The general yells before charging at the Shepherds, his armour easily deflecting the swords of Chrom, Sora, Kairi, Lon'qu, Donnel, Anna and Ventus. Kellam and Terra found little success either; the commander's axe easily deflected their spears until he found himself beset by Vaike and Libra. While Vaike used his axe to trap the commanders to the ground, Libra used his to knock his shield from his hand before punching him in his exposed face. The Plegian tumbles backwards before staggering up, only to see to his horror Lon'qu and Ventus charging at him from both sides; he tries to use the armoured gauntlets on his hands to shield himself but to no avail. Their blades found their marks in the weak points of his armour, ending the commander as the last of the wyvern riders fell from the skies.

"All of the riders are down!" Xion cries as she, Sumia and Cordelia regroup with the Shepherds in the courtyard. "The skies are clear!" Chrom nods at the girls with a stern face.

"Understood. Virion, now!" The archer nods at Chrom before firing a flaming arrow into the sky. No sooner had it passed over the wall, Phila and a squad of Pegasus knights fly into the courtyard, heading straight for Emmeryn. Emmeryn's face lightens considerably at seeing her old friends face, the prospect of freedom flying to her. Gangrel, however, was fuming.

"Pegasus Knights?" he asks in anger before stomping on the ground in rage; the dark aura around him intensifies. "That damned Ylissean tactician does NOT play fair!" Aversa, however, was strangely calm at the new development, her eyes following the Falcon Knight as she zooms to Emmeryn before a cruel smirk forms on her lips.

"Yes, he does, however…" Suddenly, an arrow flies through the air, impaling Phila's mount, before a second and third strike at her in the chest and back. The knight could only look ahead in shock before plummeting to her death as Emmeryn called out her name. "Neither do I." Aversa simply replies as Risen archers emerge from the shadows, arrows loaded and trained on the Pegasus knights.

The Shepherds could only look on in shock and horror. Robin had made plans when Gangrel had Heartless in reserve, giving Phila and the rest Blessed Spears to help combat them. But he did not predict the RISEN to come to his aid! So, one by one, the Pegasus knights fall to the Risen, while Sumia, Cordelia and Xion stay grounded while Nowi, Terra and Kellam surround them to protect them from any stray arrows. Robin could only shake his head in disbelief, seeing his plan fall to pieces. Gangrel could only laugh hysterically at the sight.

"Bwa, haha! Oh, how the tables have turned, your princlyness. I believe this is what they call a reversal of fortunes. Now…" his eyes darken before pointing a finger at the Shepherds. "Grovel before me. Plead! Beg for your worthless lives! If not," The Risen archers turn their heard towards Emmeryn, their intent clear as day. "All it would take is one word from me, and your dearest sister will be the worlds largest pincushion!" The Shepherds could only grit their teeth in anger while a few cast several glances at the Feroxi army. The battle had kicked up a dust cloud, rendering any assistance unable to come, even if they could see them. They were on their own.

"There is a way out of this, my boy." Gangrel suddenly says, although his malicious intent could still be heard. "No one needs to die today. Not you. Not the exalt. Not your friends. Only on one condition. Simple give me the Fire Emblem, Sora and Kairi, and lay down your sword." Chrom could only narrow his eyes in rage at the Mad King. He could understand why he wanted the Fire Emblem, but why did he want Sora and Kairi this bad?

Did Gangrel know about them being Keyblade wielders and wants one for himself? It is possible, considering Maleficent is with him. Or is it something more? He shakes his head to dispel the thoughts. Even if he knew, his answer would not change. He would NOT hand over his friends to a mad man! His thoughts were only going in circles as the Risen archers train their bows on Emmeryn, forcing him to come to a decision.

But it was then that it was ripped from his hands.

"No, wait!" Emmeryn cries from the bridge, irritating the Mad King, who demands her to be silent. "King Gangrel, is there no hope you will listen to reason?" Gangrel looks at Emmeryn as if she had grown a second head before picking up a rock and throwing it at her rather poorly.

"You mean we listen to more of your sanctimonious babble!?" He yells, his cries catching the attention of several Plegians present. So loud was his words that they echoed across the battle, drawing the attention of all. "I think not. No, all I want is to hear a THUNK of arrows and a SPLAT as you hit the ground. Take one, long, last look from your perch. You do so enjoy looking down on people…" he then turns his ire towards the Shepherds, the archers gaze following him. "Then prepare to meet the ground, and your maker! That is unless someone gave me the Emblem and those two brats… NOW!"

A deafening silence fell across the area, no one wanting to move or speak; only the caws of vultures and crows could be heard across the blasting wind. Emmeryn glances around the courtyard, her eyes falling on Chrom, Robin, Lissa, Sora and Kairi, as a pain encompassed all of her heart. She had only one choice. Expelling her fears and steeling her nerves, she casts a defiant gaze on those around her as she raises her voice to the heavens.

"Plegians!" her cry grabs all as the exalt speaks her words. "I ask that you hear the truth of my words! War will win you nothing but sadness and pain, both inside your borders and out. Free yourselves from the hatred! From this cycle of pain and vengeance." Her gaze falls upon the Shepherds, her words never faltering. "Do what you must… As I will do. See now that one selfless act has the power to change the world!"

"Emm, no!" Chrom cries in desperation before sprinting out from the group towards Emmeryn as she looks at her brother rushing towards her. But she knew he would never reach her in time. So, with one final sad glance, she scans the horizons; its deafening silence was the only thing she could hear.

"No reaction… Was I wrong then?" Emmeryn asks herself as she gazes at a bird flying through the skies. "Chrom… This is some torch I'm passing to you." Her heart felt like it would burst. So many people looked up to her, revered her, loved her. They would call her a guardian of peace or even a deity to some. But deep down, she was, first and foremost, a caring sister who would do anything to keep her siblings safe and happy. Nothing would come before it. Not even her duty as a princess of heart. She closes her eyes before bowing her head in silence. "So be it." She looks up at the horizon, eyes set and determined before she walks to the edge.

Chrom tries to run faster, holding a hand out to single her to stop, but she doesn't. Instead, she clasps her hands together as if she was praying, and falls, to the shock of all.

Chrom yells out her name.

Lissa covers her eyes.

All could do nothing but watch as Emmeryn plummeted to her death, a solemn expression on her face as she closed her eyes.

Chrom…Lissa…Sora…Kairi…And all my people. Know that I loved you.

But she did not hit the ground. Instead, she felt she had landed on something large and soft. It was a strange feeling. Was she already dead? Opening her eyes, she finds herself upon a large square block, its height about that of Frederick while on his horse, while the size of Nowi when in dragon form. She looks around, perplexed at the sight before it suddenly vanishes in a silver smoke, no one noticing the face of a particular person on the side. Emmeryn, shaking slightly from the fall, stands on her feet as Chrom rushes to her before enveloping her in a hug, tears streaming down his face.

"Emm… Your safe." He says weakly, yet happy. Emmeryn could only look at him in shock as her attempted suicide had been prevented until the roar of Gangrel nocks them back to reality.

"WHAT IS THIS NONSENSE!?" he yells in anger as Chrom drags Emmeryn back to the Shepherds, themselves readying to fight their way out. "It was so lovely a fall, which would have had a graceful impact, but what happened instead? SOME GIANT PILLOW CAME OUT OF NOWHERE TO SAVE THE BLEEDING EXALT!" he roars in rage as the darkness around him grows darker. He turns his hateful gaze on the Shepherds before looking at his Risen Archers. "KILL THEM!"

"Aqua, Miriel, now!" Instantly the two mages cast water and fire magic into the sky at Robins command, impacting each other and exploding into a thick mist. The Risen archers look on bewildered, unable to see any of the Shepherds through the fog. The Plegians outside could only look on in stunned silence. They had just seen the Exalt, their most hated adversary, plunge to her death willingly before them. Oh, she had survived, but the effect still hit. She was willing to die for them. So stunned at the action, they had overlooked both the Feroxi vanguard and the Shepherd flee in two directions. The vanguard moved to join the main army while the Shepherds headed for a route through the graveyard of dead Manaketes as a heavy thunderstorm formed above.

Meanwhile, back at the courtyard as Gangrel continued to rage while Aversa silently fumed over the cheap act, Pete snuck his way over to Maleficent as she watched the Mad King go, well, mad. "It worked like a charm, but er, did you not what her captured?" Pete asks curiously. It turns out it had been him who summoned the giant pillow to save Emm. Spending the past year hitting the book to expand his repertoire before coming here had paid off. If he was only limited to making pillows while here….

"There will be other times we can capture her, along with Sora and Kairi." Maleficent responds dismissively before opening a dark portal. "Come, we have an audience to make. Our partnership with the Mad King is finished." Pete needed no persuasion to leave, himself appalled by the Mad King, and willingly followed Emmeryn into the portal. However, Luxu watched them the entire time and was very unhappy.

"Heh, so you managed to prevent her death, huh? People seem to be really desperate to keep her alive." He shrugs dismissively before summoning No-Name, its form that of a long sword with an axe head in it, its blade as think as Falchion, while the gazing eye embedded in its hilt as its black and silver pattern wraps around the edge. In the other, one of his trusty arrow guns from his time as Xigbar, its form unchanged. "Well then, I suppose it's time for me to do things myself." He grins maliciously before entering a dark portal, just as the first droplets of rain hit the burning sand.

Yep! Emmeryn lives! But it looks like Luxu is going to take things into his ow hands now. Destiny can be a fickle thing. As for Pete being able to make a giant pillow, well, its been a year so he would have had time to brush-up on his magic skills to expand his arsenal. I was originaly going to have Sora use Flowmotion to save Emmeryn, but the idea of Maleficent and Pete scheming to save Emmeryn from Gangrel sounded a bit better.