Chapter 25-Validar

Numerous Shepards and Scouts hastily dashed into the Southeastern façade of the palace. Unluckily, all of us were missing our mounts as they were asleep in the stables. Chrom had already informed me that Emmeryn was in her private prayer room. She was appealing to the goddess to look after her subjects as Plegia geared up its war machine. Much to our shock a magical force more powerful than anything I had experienced slammed into us.

Xolette had just turned the corner in the company of the Archivist Mitsuji; she tumbled into the wall and soon rubbed her bleeding forehead with a paled face. She exclaimed, "I-it's Grima's curse! I can feel it. The Grimleal are here for our heads."

Mitsuji scowled and unsheathed his blade grimly after handing Xolette a vulnerary, "We must protect the Exalt at any cost."

Emmeryn was dressed in a simple green dress accented with gold. Her blue-grey eyes looked upon the outnumbered forces available to protect her. She shook her head, "Chrom. It's me they're after. I will go and parlay with these intruders."

Philia was by her side with frustration blazing in her crimson eyes as she was also without her mount. She bowed deeply, "Your Royal Highness. They will slay you if you go outside."

"I would gladly sacrifice-"

"Sister, no. Just no," Chrom retorted. "We die before you."

Lissa agreed. "Gladly! Let us guard you, sister."

I activated my tactical magic and soon visualized the area. Emmeryn's private prayer space was rectangular, filled with beautiful tapestries of Ylissean history, and an intricately carved altar. There was a flanking meeting room on one side and a small library on the other. Closer to the gardens was a narrow hallway that led to twin exits to the Royal gardens; further to the west it wrapped around to link up with the rest of the palace. I scowled as I saw that the corridor we had entered from outside and then down the long hallway leading to the throne room were all blocked by an unimaginably strong crimson forcefield decorated with infernal symbolic violet eyes. I bitterly noted to Chrom, "Whatever forces we have here to defend Exalt Emmeryn is it. Any other allied forces can't get through."

Robin sighed, "I concur. I'd suggest deploying the Shepards to the East and the Arrowhead Scouts to the west doorways. Your Highness, please retreat to your inner sanctum."

Chrom growled, "So be it." He looked to his family with an encouraging gaze, "Are you ready?"

Emmeryn looked ill at ease over her kin's recklessness but she nodded in assent.

Lissa chirped, "You know it big brother!"

Iniabi bowed deeply, "Yes grandfather."

"You got it, pops," Morgan added in with a cheerful smile. He beamed at Robin. "I'm ready to show you my skills, mom."

Robin brushed her platinum blond hair back and sighed, "Just don't die. I wouldn't want to lose my family the same week I reunited with them."

Amber saluted, "He'll be in good hands, milady."

Lucina regarded the proceedings with a conflicted expression and remained silent.

The prince turned to his daughter and clasped her shoulder, "Are ready to live up to the name 'Marth', Lucina?"

Her intense blue eyes broke away and she flushed slightly. "F-father…I must challenge your dire fate…as well as the Exalt's. You can count on me."

"Good." He took note of her despairing expression and her twin Falchion. After a short pause he gave her a tight hug, "I'm so sorry Lucina. You deserved better from me than one sword and a world of troubles."

Lucina wiped away her tears and gently disengaged from Chrom. "The reunion must wait."

Chrom patted her shoulder and smiled, "Agreed. Mimika and Robin, deploy our forces."

"Yes, Chrom."

I added as I saluted, "Understood sir!" I raced down the hallway as the Shepards hustled the Exalt towards her inner refuge.

I saw Prince Crom, Princess Lucina, Tactician Robin, Tactician Morgan, Lady Sumia, Lady Maribelle, Mage Ricken, Archer Virion, Myrmidon Lon'Qu, and Knight Frederick were deployed to the flanks to the east.

I saw enemy forces start to creep into the outer hallway as my Scouts took up a defensive posture to the west. I counted myself, Lamia Lilith, Mage Iniabi, Cavalier Siffra, Myrmidon Mitsuji, Myrmidon Jacey, Dark Mage Xolette, Mage Moon, Wyvern Knight Amber, Pegasus Knight Revellia, and Archer Raquelle.

I very nearly burst out laughing as I saw Siffra was outfitted in a gorgeous black dress with amber trim. I tossed over a lance as I remarked, "Please tell me you didn't screw up the proposal."

"M-mimi," she sputtered with a red face. "Now isn't the time!"

Revellia was attired in an equally improbable royal blue dress with lacy white frills. She wielded her polearm as her healing staff was tucked in a waist sheath. Revy gushed, "My muffin…er I mean Siff said yes, milady!"

I chuckled wearily as I spied the gold and green knotted engagement ring on the shy Pegasus knight's left hand. "Nice ring, Revy. Congratulations to you both."

Lilith took her position in the front lines as she winked back at me, "I want one of those too, Mimikins!"

"Later," I replied wearily.

For some reason Jacey was shivering. I gave an encouraging look to the sword warrior and soothed, "We will prevail Jacey. You're paired with your mother Raq, the goddess of luck."

She apologized to me, "I'm sorry, milady." Her dark blue eyes looked deeply troubled as she turned to Raquelle. "M-mother. This was the night aunt Revy died! The trauma broke you in half."

Raquelle gasped in horror as she notched her family bow. Her lip quivered as her brown eyes flashed indignantly, "The night she got engaged? Over my dead body."

The first line of Plegian footsoldiers charged screaming through the only two exits and tried to force their way through the three short stairwells into Emmeryn's refuge. Several archers provided cover fire.

Big mistake.

The group coming my way ran straight into Lily's acid spittle. The effects were immediate and gruesome.

I roared as I ran Schlangenfang through the nearest soldier's neck, to put him out of his misery.

Jacey felled a second soldier with a primal scream with her repaired Levin sword, "Dastards! You won't take my mother, father or aunt again!" The already mortally wounded soldier was electrocuted with a lightning blast from the sword.

Raquelle grimly shot an enemy archer in the head. She snarled, "You won't take my Exalt, or my family."

An assassin threw a dart that struck Siffra's shoulder as she protected her fiancée.

Revy shrieked, "My love!" She hurtled her lance at the assassin in fury only to have it graze his shoulder.

The enemy laughed as he lunged at the defenseless Pegasus Knight. He gaped in surprise as Jacey's thrown sword from five meters away impaled his chest. He toppled over with his dead face frozen in shock.

Raq exhaled in relief, "Nice toss Jace! You must take after me!"

Jacey drew out her backup short sword and returned her parent's approving gaze. "Don't thank me yet, mother."

Siffra cursed as Revy yanked out the dagger and applied a healing spell as she made her beloved Cavalier swig an anti-venom. Siffra woozily got up again as Amber and Moon swapped out with Revy and Siff to take point in the central choke point.

I relayed to my forces that Dark Mages and Cavilers were on top of us. Lily nonchalantly slithered out and punched an enemy thief into the opposite wall, impaling him on a wall-mounted torch bracket. She calmly retrieved Jacey's sword just as another thief stabbed her. After Moon shot a cone of fire to set the mook afire, Lily crushed the hapless man in her coils and then flung him aside like a ragdoll. I had to admit seeing my Lilith fight at full strength was deeply unnerving…and enthralling.

I directed Iniabi, Xolette and Moon to ready their tomes as I slashed a charging footsoldier with Schlangenfang and watched him drop onto the now blood-soaked floor. I could hear the clash of metal on metal and flesh being riven in the near distance as the Shepards fought with all of their might. I could only defend my Exalt with my enchanted family blade, as the Crystal Shard bomb in my pouch would likely slay my foes and take most of my Scouts with them.

I terrific force knocked the wind out of me as some human sized beast tackled me to the tiled stone floor. The dark brown and cream-hued beast had me pinned to the ground with its wolf-like limbs as her pointed face was inches from mine. Three foot long ears extended towards its rump and fluffy tail. I stared directly into a pair of glowing red eyes.

I gasped under its razor sharp paw in disbelief. "A….a taguel."

Lily hissed as her poison glands flanking her neck pulsed ominously. "Get off my Mimika, you little shite," she growled

The beast glanced between us and then telepathically noted, Lady Mimika Paraglaive?

I nodded as I felt blood trickle down my neck. I urgently waved an enraged lamia off as I knew I would have already been gutted if this beastkin had wished me dead.

I see. Lady Paraglaive and Lord Ceruliagate were the only nobles save Emmeryn that allowed my tribe free passage before they were felled by brigands. I appreciated that gesture. May I aid your forces? I owe your man-spawn Exalt a great debt.

"S-sure," I wheezed.

The massive rabbit-like beast backed off of me and gave an appreciative nod, Tell me who to kill, man-spawn. Panne will not fail you.

Much to my shock, Panne was now linked to my tactical magic. I guess I had recruited her? Lily helped me up just as Cavaliers charged in through both doorways. Panne hurtled off the ceiling and used her back legs to cave in the brigand's chestplate. Her forelimb talons finished the job.

Xolette's infernal magic poured out of her naked palms. Mortisflos tore through the next mounted brigand, slaying both rider and mount instantly. Unexpectedly she shrieked in pain as a crossbolt skewered her wrist.

I couldn't believe we ran into an exasperating foe for the third time! That dastard Casval flew in on a black Wyvern using his mount's leg to send Amber flying into the far wall. His red eyes blazed with glee as his axe caught Mitsuji's sword. That blond son of a whore was never going to give up on his quest to steal Xolette and deliver her to the Grimleal. He was dressed in completely dark grey armor as he reveled in the carnage.

Mistuji spat coldly, "Baka shinu!" He entered a fighting stance as the two mighty warriors engaged.

The Dark Mages started their assault as Mitsuji was distracted with fighting Casval to protect his beloved Xolette.

I think he just told the Casval idiot to die. I could second that sentiment as I skewered a female Dark Mage through the gut, causing her to collapse.

Amber rose again and chopped a thief nearly in half with her heavy axe.

Casval roared, "After I behead you, yellow-man, I will take your girl. Try and stop me!"

Mitsuji parried his blows with ease. "Half yellow if you must be precise." He sneered coolly, "You underestimate the power of the Sieghart style of swordsmanship my friend. Your pursuit over my love will end here."

Wait, what? This whole time the Paraglaive, Drachenfels and Seighart family heirs that I was tasked by Emmeryn to locate were in my party already?

Another enemy mage hexed Moon, causing him to crumple up in pain as he threw up blood. Raquelle's arrow soon put a stop to his threat. Revy supplied a remedy as she was reduced to healing duty.

Then I saw an impossibly thin man enter through the eastern doorway. His entire being was distorted by infernal magic caused by being in contact with Grima's twisted soul for too long. Every aspect of his form was stretched out vertically with noodle thin limbs and a stretched out face. His raven black spiked hair stuck up over his head, his venomous violet eyes burned with internal fire. He was dressed in fine black and maroon mage robes and collared cape adorned with a golden belt, headband, and purple eyes of Grima. He murmured to himself, "First disable the Tacticians, and reclaim Robin. Then slay the pesky Exalt for my Lord." We locked eyes for a split second before he launched a black bolt of energy straight at my head with a twisted smile, "Validar, Miss Paraglaive. Goodbye."

"Mimikins," Lilith screamed as she took the attack full in the chest.

I started to scream, but the beam shot through Lily's body and struck me in the belly. I exhaled and collapsed limply into the staircase; completely drained of energy. My tactical magic field instantly went dark.

The Scouts were on their own.

Lilith writhed in agony and spat venom at the enemy general. A thief took the shot for his master and got his face corroded off for his troubles. Then Lily fell face down into the stone floor with a dull crash.

Horse plop.

Suddenly I felt a new tactical field being established. "Listen up Scouts! Give them all you've got," Iniabi enthused. So my secretive Mage was a Tactician too? It figured.

Both Lucina and Chrom engaged the enemy leader Validar. I prayed to Naga that they would have better luck than I had. Soon enough an explosion caved in the eastern passage, blocking off my view of the battle.

Revy reached my side and healed the worst of the powerful curses' effects. I panted, as I was still too drained to fight. I gasped out, "Help Lily."

She beamed as she went to work, "Yes, milady."

Panne in beastkin form donkey-kicked another thief into the ceiling with a sickening crunch as Iniabi effortlessly conducted the Arrowhead Scouts.

Casval finally struck Mistsuji's shoulder, badly wounding the Archivist. He laughed as Mitsuji reeled and had to switch his sword to his off hand. He laughed like a hyena as his blood red eyes seemed to glow in the torchlight, "Now the fair maiden is mine!"

Xolette was still crumpled on the floor but with a contorted face she clasped her bare hands on the Wyvern's left leg and ramped up her full dark power. The Wyvern's scales leeched out from black to pure white. With blood pouring out from his eyesockets the beast collapsed to the ground with a pathetic whimper.

Casval screeched in fury just as Xolette kissed him full on the mouth! The dastard twitched as his eyes rolled up, and his skin, hair and eyes lost all pigmentation. He gasped and fell to his knees. "I had her! It's not...it's not…"

The piece of dog plop was forever silenced as Mitsuji decapitated the scum. The hidden Seighart coldly spat on his nemesis' body and bitterly noted, "…fair." He then pulled Xolette into a tight hug.

She cried copious tears onto his shoulder. "I'm so so-sorry I kissed him. That was t-the only way I could channel my dark mag-"

Mitsuji collapsed onto the stairs from his blood loss. He cuddled the Dark Mage close and noted, "The next man you kiss other than me will suffer Casval's fate."

Xolette sobbed into Mitsujki's shoulder, "I-I understand."

Suddenly the red barrier fizzled out. Seconds later, cheers down the hallway indicated Prince Chrom had come out on top. I don't know how in the gods name it had happened. Somehow, we had won.

A severely weakened Lily slithered over and watched Mitsuji and Xolette kiss passionately. Nearby my elated Cavalier Siffra and her intended Revellia also decided to lock lips in celebration.

I chuckled softly as my Scouts' romantic bonds were starting to appear everywhere I looked.

"Heya Mimacutie, deal me in on some of that."

Lilith coiled her tail around my entire body, cupped my cheeks with her bloodied talons and then gave me an electrifying kiss.

…

An hour later the staff were already hard at work cleaning up the mess nearby as the Exalt held a private meeting.

Emmeryn turned to me first as she humbly smiled, "Thank you for your aid once more, Lady Mimika Paraglaive. I can see Chrom has an eye for talent. Thank you for the Scout's assistance."

I humbly curtsied, "Yes, Your Highness." I didn't dare contradict her by admitting that I felt like I had failed her…again.

She exchanged a knowing look with Mitsuji and turned back to me. "How goes your search for the three fallen families of Ylisse?"

I bowed and replied, "I am ready to report my findings at the dawn meeting. I understand that now isn't the ideal time."

The Exalt's smile widened slightly. "How very perceptive you are, Mimika." She turned to her brother. "Chrom, thank you for putting your life on the line for my sake."

The Prince beamed with relief, "I'm just glad we defeated this Validar dastard. He was seriously bad news."

Maribelle piped up, "Your Majesty, I fear that Dark Sorcerer was arguably more dangerous than King Gangel. I am pleased to report that he was mortally wounded. We will not see his like again."

Robin shook her head glumly, "No. He will return."

Chrom's eyes widened in disbelief, "It took you, Lucina and I together to best him and send him flying through a window. Surely he didn't get far. Getting stabbed by one Falchion is damaging enough. No mere mortal can take the punishment from two divine blades."

Lucina agreed with a lowered gaze, "Your Royal Highness, I fear Robin is correct. Tales of an unstoppable and depraved wizard haunt the dreams of the few humans left in the Ruined Future."

The Exalt smiled at the unmasked swordswoman, "So you are the enigmatic Marth that my brother has spoken of with such admiration and vexation?"

Chrom grumbled as he rubbed his chin in mild annoyance, "Sister."

Lucina got on one knee in deference to our monarch. "It is wondrous to meet the royal family again. I truly do not deserve this honor."

Lissa affectionately embraced her niece that was several years her senior. "Awwww, you sound too much like Mimi. No pouty faces in front of my sis!"

I started to frown and then quickly forced my face into a neutral expression.

Emmeryn gently took Lucina's hand and helped her up. Then her expression briefly flickered as she smiled serenely. "Your left eye interests me, my dear. It betrays our shared blood as surely as your Falchion."

"Y-yes. I possess the brand of Naga as well. I-I am Lucina, Your Highness, Chrom's daughter. I meant to avert your dark fate from the shadows, but too many know of my identity and plan." Her shoulders slumped as she continued, "I may as well aid you directly as a bodyguard. I swear that the three Royal siblings will not suffer the same pitiable fate that is etched into my bittersweet memories."

Emm gently tapped her shoulder and cleared her throat.

Lucina bowed deeply, "I k-know. Thank you, Your Majesty." She turned to face Chrom, Robin and Morgan.

The Prince blushed pink in his cheeks, "A dad twice over in a matter of four days. It's alright Lucina. The Shepards and Scouts will join hands with you and your Irregulars." He broke into a grin, "Right?"

Lucina broke down crying and sobbed inelegantly as she clung to her parents, "Oh father, mother…how I've missed so much! How I prayed to the divine dragon every day to have one fleeting moment to see your benevolent faces just once more. I'm sorry…I'm so sorry."

"Shh, it's okay Lucy," Chrom spoke with reassurance and empathy.

Robin kissed her forhead. "Oh gods, my child. You've had it so hard." She smiled warmly. "We'll never let you go again."

Like a trio of stooges, Iniabi, Morgan and I all stood in a row and held an undignified sobbing contest.