DISCLAIMER: HELLSING IS OWNED BY KOUTA HIRANO. I DO NOT ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS.
FIRE EMBLEM IS OWNED BY NINTENDO. I DON'T OWN IT'S CHARACTERS EITHER.
ITALICS=THOUGHTS AND SOUNDS
BOLD= DATES, PLACES, ECT.
BOLD ITALICS=WRITER
(NOTE: IF YOU DON'T LIKE THIS STORY THEN DON'T READ IT.)
Regna Ferox ~ Eastern Capital
September 3, Age 2609 (6:10 P.M)
As Walter planned for the upcoming rescue mission, he could not shake this feeling that something was about to go horribly wrong. The butler couldn't tell if it was just stress, or if there was a legitimate reason for him to be nervous. Something just felt off, and it was driving the butler up a wall.
"I can't work like this…" Walter ran his hands through his long locks and left his room. "I need to get some fresh air…"
Wandering outside aimlessly, Walter was eager to de-stress. His hand hovered over his sword. Deciding that he should probably train for a bit, the butler made his way to the training area. Slashing at a few training dummies was sure to relieve stress.
As he entered the dojo, he was surprised to see Cordelia sulking on the sidelines. The butler hadn't had a chance to speak to the Pegasus Knight, seeing as they were so busy marching. Sumia did mention that her best friend was Cordelia the day after the battle at Breakneck Pass, and it showed. The two fellow Pegasus Knights seemed to be the best of friends. Still, Walter wondered what was on the redhead's mind.
"Miss Cordelia, are you alright?" Walter approached her.
"Oh, Sir Dornez!" Cordelia immediately shot up from her sitting position and saluted.
"Why are you doing that?" the butler raised a brow. "I'm not your superior, you've no need to salute me."
"But sir, you're the tactician for the Shepherds." Cordelia argued. "Some would say that you're milord's second-in-command."
"Really? I don't know about others, but I'm merely Chrom's butler. I don't deserve this kind of respect." he gestured her to sit back down.
"If you say so, Sir Dornez." the redhead sat back down.
"Walter will do, none of this sir nonsense." he took a seat beside the Pegasus Knight. "Anyway, you seem troubled, and given what you've just gone through you have the right to be."
"Oh, I do not wish to trouble you with my problems. You've much greater things to worry about." she said, referring to the upcoming rescue operation.
"You're right, I do have a great many things to worry about, and your well-being is one of them." Walter assured her. "Please, let me help you."
Cordelia took a deep breath as she thought over whether or not she should tell the butler. Seeing that he wanted to comfort her, she decided it couldn't hurt to tell him.
"Ever since I was a young recruit in the Pegasus Knights, I worked hard to perfect every single skill I could. I fought and trained to be the best I ever could be, and I was mocked for it. They used to call me names such as 'Little Lady Genius' and the like." she began to breathe heavily, holding back the tears that were forming in her eyes. "I always resented them for their petty name calling, and I worked hard to be strong enough to best them at everything…" Cordelia began to struggle to get her words out.
"It's okay, take a deep breath." Walter comforted. "It's fine if you don't want to continue. I can see this is difficult for you, and you're having a hard time keeping it together."
"No… no I'm fine." the Pegasus Knight wiped the tears from her eyes. "It's just that… It was only in the moment they sacrificed themselves to save me that I realized that they were just hazing the newest recruit, like siblings would mess around with the youngest. When I realized that… I just… I just…" The tears could no longer be held back, and she began to sob.
"It's okay, let it out…" Walter wrapped his arms around Cordelia lovingly.
"I just…. I want to thank them for everything but… but now that they're gone… I'll never get a chance…." She cried in his arms. Walter held her like a father would to their child until she finally stopped crying.
"Forgive me, I dirtied your clothing…" Cordelia wiped her face, slightly embarrassed by the large stain of tears she had left on the butler's waistcoat.
"It's okay, I needed to change out of these clothes anyway." He smiled in understanding. "Right now, all I care about is making sure you're alright. I can see why this hurt you so much." Walter placed a hand on her cheek. "All your time as a Pegasus Knight, you felt that they were making fun of you for being a prodigy and you resented them for that. However, realizing just how much they cared for you, you see now that they never made fun of you at all. In fact, it's quite the opposite- they respected you and loved you so much that they sacrificed themselves for you. You're sad because you realized everything too late."
Cordelia was silent. Everything he had said was completely true.
"How did you figure that out?"
"Trust me, Cordelia." a bittersweet smile formed on his face. "If anyone knows about making a realization too late, it's me. So, if you ever want to talk more, I'm always open." Walter stood up and was about leave when he felt Cordelia grab his shoulder and stop him.
"Wait." She seemed confused about something. "Please tell me, why are you being so kind to me? After all, we've only just met."
"I know what it's like to be in your position." Walter looked down. "I'm older than I seem, Cordelia. While I may look like a man in his mid to late forties, I'm actually sixty-nine years old." There was a look of shock on Cordelia's face, which was to be expected. "Sixty-nine years old, and I've lost a lot of people throughout my life. Some of them I left, some of them left me, and some- not many- died." Walter closed his eyes. "However, all those losses have strengthened me. They make me want to protect those around me, to show everyone that I'm not going to fail again. If an old man like me can bounce back from countless losses, than I'm pretty sure a young prodigy like yourself can do the same. I care about you, even though we just met."
"Walter… thank you…"
"Of course, Cordelia." Walter smiled. "Come, why don't we go get something to eat? Perhaps a meal shall lift your spirits."
"Very well, if you say so." Cordelia stood up and followed the butler to the mess hall. When they arrived, she was surprised to see all the Shepherds gathered for the evening meal. Many were engaged in animated conversations, and some just elected to sit quietly and enjoy their dinner.
"Hey Cordelia!"
The red-haired Pegasus Knight glanced over to see Sumia waving over to her. Her best friend was joined by the other women in the Shepherds, and they all seem to be engaged in a friendly conversation.
"Looks like you're being summoned." Walter grinned as he gave Codelia a little nudge in their direction. "Why don't you get some food and join them?"
"No, I feel like I'd be intruding in on their-"
"Nonsense!" Walter interrupted. "If there's one thing you need to learn when you're part of the Shepherds, it is the fact that forging lasting bonds with one another goes a long way on the battlefield. Trust is important, and there's no better way of building it than a friendly chat around the dinner table."
Cordelia was about to argue when the thoughts of her deceased comrades entered her mind. She never had the chance to forge lasting bonds with them. It would be a travesty to make the same mistake all over again.
"You're right." Cordelia said simply. "Thank you, Walter."
"Of course." Walter bowed ever so slightly. "Now don't let this old man hold you up; go and have fun!"
Following the advice, she grabbed her meal and made her way to the table. Once there, she joined in the conversation. From what Walter could see, she seemed quite happy. Satisfied, Walter went to grab food for himself. Scanning for a free spot at a table, he spotted Chrom, Vaike, Virion, and Gaius engaged in an animated conversation. Lon'qu and Frederick were also present, but they seemed to be keeping mostly to themselves.
"Mind if this old codger join you?" Walter approached the group.
"Not at all." Chrom shuffled over to give the butler space to sit down. "We were actually hoping you'd join us for once, seeing as how you barely ever sit down with the rest of the Shepherds."
"Chrom, you know how busy I am at times. As your butler and tactician I hardly can afford to sit down and enjoy a meal." Walter retorted.
"True, but that hasn't stopped you from taking a break from planning for the Exalt rescue mission." Vaike chimed in.
"Exalt rescue mission?" Walter raised a brow. "Is that what we're seriously calling this operation?"
"Yup!" The blonde smirked. "Ol' Teach thought of it himself!"
"Ah, that makes sense." Walter chuckled. "Only you could come up with a name just as tacky as Virion's clothing." Chrom and Gaius laughed at the insult, at Vaike and Virion's expense.
"Excuse me?" Vaike frowned. "Ol' Teach is NOT as tacky as the guy in the bib!"
"Bib?" Virion looked absolutely exasperated. "For your information, this fine piece of clothing is called a cravat! It is made from the finest silk from across the sea!"
"Oh, well that changes everything." Gaius joined in on the fun. "It's not just a bib, but a really fancy and expensive bib."
"Ingrates! Have you no comprehension of the style and flair of my apparel?" Virion clicked his teeth in frustration. "Aristocratic and heroic! Fair maidens swoon at the sight of my magnificence as I dash in on horseback, a graceful swan in human form!"
The table was silent for a moment or two.
"A swan in a bib…" Lon'qu suddenly broke the silence, a small smirk on his face. The table erupted in laughter, even Virion seeing the humor in the situation.
"Good one, Lon'qu." Vaike gave the swordsman a strong pat on the back, which may have been too strong. Lon'qu coughed violently for a bit before he downed some water.
"What the hell, Vaike?!" Lon'qu growled. "I almost choked!"
"Oh come on, that was just a love tap!" Vaike rolled his eyes.
"Wouldn't that be great?" Walter let out a snicker. "The mighty swordsman, Lon'qu, dead because he choked on some meat."
"No, if anything, he'd die because he was confronted by a woman on the battlefield." Gaius chimed in. "Imagine, level-headed Lon'qu quaking in his boots at the sight of a woman. His eyes wide as he's frozen in complete terror."
Lon'qu only grumbled quietly as the table now began to laugh at him.
"Speaking of women, seeing as we are all hot blooded men…" Virion grinned mischievously. "Have any of the fair ladies of the Shepherds caught your eye?"
"Of course, the needless flirt is the one to start talking about women…" Gaius rolled his eyes as he popped a lemon drop into his mouth. "Of course, I'd be a liar if I said wasn't curious to know who's got their eye on who."
"Is that so?" Vaike grinned mischievously. "Ol' Teach wouldn't mind talkin' about the subject."
"Of course you wouldn't mind, Vaike. You jump on every opportunity to talk about yourself." Walter rolled his eyes at the childish antics of his comrades.
"Don't be such a party pooper, Bubbles. It makes me wonder if you're hiding something from the rest of us guys." Gaius leaned closer to the butler.
"And what, pray tell, is it that I'm hiding from you lot?" Walter scooted away from the sweet toothed thief.
"Well, seeing as how you seem opposed to talking about whom you've got your eyes on…" The ginger-haired rogue's tone was rife with accusation.
"Excuse me?" Walter's jaw dropped. "Are you implying that I'm only ridiculing you lot for bringing up a subject- a subject that wouldn't be out of place in the gossip between young ladies barely in their adolescence- because I'm trying to hide whom I find myself attracted to?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Yes..."
"Unbelievable!" Walter threw his hands in the air. "You lot are such children!"
As uproarious laughter erupted from the men's table once more, the women of the Shepherds seemed to be enjoying a more tranquil dinner. Of course, they couldn't help but look towards the men in slight bafflement as to what they could possibly have found so funny.
Regna Ferox ~ Eastern Capital
September 3, Age 2609 (8:30 P.M)
After a particularly eventful dinner, Walter now stood outside in the freezing cold. The butler wanted to be outside alone with his thoughts for a bit before he returned to his room to continue strategizing for the upcoming rescue mission. The butler let out a breath as he stared at the stars in the sky.
"Aren't you at all cold?"
Walter turned to see a familiar midnight-blue haired princess from the future.
"I could be asking you the same thing, young lady." Walter smiled as the princess approached him. "Shame on you, traveling through the snow without so much as a jacket. I may just have to tell your father that his daughter is acting so irresponsible." Walter joked.
"Walter!." Lucina seemed genuinely upset. "How could you!? You promised that you wouldn't tell my father about-" Walter stopped the girl mid-sentence.
"Relax, I was joking. I'd never go back on that promise." The butler wrapped an arm around the young woman. "Honestly, you have to learn to lighten up a bit, learn to joke around once in awhile."
"Forgive me, I've never been for jokes, Walter." Lucina stared at the night sky along with Walter. "I guess it's a result of the world I was raised in; a world where there is no peace. A world that knows only the terror of the Fell Dragon."
"When you put it like that, it's no wonder you can't relax." Walter let out a sigh. His heart wept for the princess. He didn't know what it was about Lucina, but he couldn't resist the urge to help her. It was like a father to a daughter almost, but not quite. Whatever he felt toward Lucina was a mystery to him, all he wanted to do was protect her and give her the peaceful life she deserved.
"Walter, I hope you do not mind me asking you, but where do you come from?" Lucina suddenly asked. "When I first met you I had assumed you to be Ylissean, but now I am not so certain. In fact, you do not seem the type to be of Plegian, Feroxi, or even Valmese origin."
"Hah, you are indeed correct. I don't mind explaining my origins at all, though you may want to sit down; this may take a bit for me for me to explain." Walter took a seat on the grass, Lucina following suit. The butler looked towards the skies as he thought of how he was going to explain everything to Lucina.
"I come from a land called England on the continent of Europe. It's not a place you could visit, seeing as I'm not from this world."
Lucina stared it him in shock.
"You come from an Outrealm?"
Walter looked at Lucina in confusion.
"An Outrealm?" The butler raised a brow. "What's an Outrealm?"
"You don't know?" It was Lucina's turn to be confused, as she looked at Walter in complete bafflement. "An Outrealm is exactly as it sounds; a realm outside of the one we reside in now. These realms may be accessed through what is known as the Outrealm Gate. From what I am told, there are countless realms beyond this one."
"Is that so? I never thought that such a thing could exist." Walter felt hope begin to well up inside of him. If there was indeed a gate to access these so called Outrealms, there was a distinct possibility that he could return home.
"I can't believe it! I can return home!" Walter laughed. "I can go return home and…" the joy in Walter's heart faded quickly as he realized something. Even if he did return, nothing he could do would ever atone for the sins he had committed.
Walter slumped and buried his face in his hands. Seeing that something was wrong, Lucina placed a hand on the butler's shoulder.
"What's wrong? You should be overjoyed, you can return to your home."
"No…" Walter breathed deeply. "I cannot return, even with the Outrealm Gate. Where I come from, I shall never be welcomed again."
"What?" Lucina's eyes widened. "Why is that?"
Walter raised his head from his hands and looked at Lucina with sorrow filled eyes. He hadn't told anyone about his past, at least not in its entirety. He had told bits and pieces to Chrom, but nothing more than that. Perhaps he was scared of being judged for his mistakes, but for some reason the prospect of telling Lucina wasn't as daunting.
"I betrayed them…" Walter said quietly. "Everyone I cared for; my friends, my master- people whom I considered my family- I betrayed them."
Lucina stood up abruptly. She looked down at the butler, horrified at the revelation. Her hand hovered over the hilt of Falchion.
No… Lucina grit her teeth. It can't be him, it can't be. The man that betrays the Shepherds and kills my father can't be Walter. Her heart began to ache as she wrestled with her own morality. But who else could it be? Walter just admitted to being a treacherous snake! I must kill him here and prevent the future!
Lucina circled around the butler, who didn't even bother to look at her. She wanted to get a good look at the man who had probably killed her father. She wanted to stare into the eyes of the traitor and see the cold emotionless void that was what she thought was his soul.
Damn me for falling for his kind words! All of it was trickery! Lucina glared at the butler as she peered into Walter's gunmetal gray eyes. What she saw shocked her more than the revelation that he had been a traitor. Just as he did when Lucina had told him about the true nature of her presence, Walter's eyes were filled with one thing only…
Guilt…
"Are you going to strike me down?" Walter asked, his gaze not meeting Lucina's.
The future princess relented. She felt her hatred, her doubts, every bit of distrust fade away.
"No…I just…" She looked away. "I'm sorry…"
Walter simply nodded, his gaze still not on Lucina. The bluenette knelt down, this time in front of Walter, forcing him to lock eyes with her.
"Why?" he asked. "I told you I had betrayed everyone I knew. You told me that your father had been killed by the man closest to him. It's not far fetched to assume that I betray yet another master in the future, why not kill me now and be done with it?"
Lucina was silent. She hesitated to answer, but looking into Walter's guilt filled eyes simply affirmed her beliefs: Walter was not the traitor. Raising a hand, she cupped the butler's cheek.
"Because you're a good man." Lucina gave him a small smile. "Because I know that you regret what you did, and I know for a fact that you will not do it again."
Lucina stood up and began to walk away. Walter finally acknowledged the princess and watched her leave.
"After all…" The princess turned back to the butler, her smile still present. "You made me a promise."
Turning back, the princess from the future left the butler by himself. Walter sat motionless for a moment before raising his hand to the cheek Lucina had held. A smile formed on his face as he got to his feet and glanced at the stars in the sky one more time.
"Time to get back to work; I've an Exalt to rescue…"
Northern Plegia ~ The Border Sands
September 4, Age 2609 (8:12 A.M)
The march south from Regna Ferox to Plegia was a quick one. The Shepherds left as early as five in the morning, hoping that they'd reach Emmeryn in time to stop the execution. They had approximately one day to navigate through the bulk of the Plegian desert in order to reach the capital at its heart. Time was of the essence, and they could not afford to dawdle. They only had one shot and one shot only. If they failed, it would mean the death of Emmeryn, and the possible tumbling of the whole of Ylisse.
So far they'd managed to get across the border between Regna Ferox and Plegia with relative ease, but this caused Chrom to feel nervous about what was to come.
"I'd like to believe that our cunning is what got us this far without being spotted, but we've seen far too little of the Plegian Guard than I'm comfortable with." Chrom muttered just loud enough for Walter to hear him.
Walter strode beside the prince, scanning the horizon for any sign of enemies. He too was rather perplexed by the lack of soldiers guarding the border. He knew all too well that what they were walking into was most certainly a trap.
"It's likely that Gangrel has mobilized the bulk of his forces in order to guard Lady Emmeryn. You and I know that this is most certainly a trap." Walter let out a sigh. "I've confidence in my abilities as a strategist, but there are variables in a battle that one can't see coming until last minute. It's no stretch of the imagination to believe that we may be digging our graves. After all, this is the same Plegia that toppled the might of the Ylissean Army at our very own capital. Even with Ferox backing us, there will be heavy casualties."
"What do you expect me to do, Walter!?" Chrom grit his teeth. "Emmeryn is my sister! Do you expect me to stand by and let her die!?"
"No, I do not, Chrom. I just need you to realize the severity of the situation. As such, I ask that you trust me, just as you have in the past. This is why, no matter what happens, follow my commands." Walter spoke in utmost seriousness. "The fate of not only your sister, but all of the Shepherds rides on the fact that you listen."
Chrom was silent for a moment. Thinking this through, he silently nodded in response to the butler's request. Satisfied, Walter continued to march beside the prince until Frederick was seen riding towards them on horseback. From the looks of things, his horse was struggling to trod upon the desert sands.
"What news do our scouts have, Frederick?" Walter asked.
"The scouts have reported that there is some manner of engagement occurring just ahead of us." the stoic knight replied.
"I see." Chrom gestures towards the Shepherds marching behind him. "Frederick, get everyone ready to move. I want us all combat ready in fifteen minutes."
"Sir, these desert sands are going to cause a problem for our units." Walter chimed in. "Anyone on horseback will likely suffer the most, as the sands are not kind to horses. Only the lighter weight units, such as Miriel and Ricken, and flying units, like Sumia and Cordelia, will proceed unhindered."
"That is a good point." Chrom placed a hand on his chin. "Have any strategies in mind?"
(Play song ~ "the Vaike never forgets! I just don't always remember" [Fire Emblem Awakening OST])
Meanwhile, just south of the Shepherds, a young looking girl with pointy ears and long yellow-green hair was running away from a much older looking man with short ginger hair that spiked upwards.
"Wait, I say!" The older man cried. "Why you no comprehending, wee one?" He shouted in his thick foreign accent.
"Ah! Get away!" the girl screamed. "Everyone just leave me alone!"
The older mercenary vainly attempted to calm the girl down.
"Please, be keeping down with the voice!" he begged. "You give away position! Very bad!"
"My throat is dry, my shoes are full of sand, and some big weirdo is trying to kill me!" the girl began to tear up as she complained. The mercenary seemed offended by her description of him.
"Oy, you break Gregor's heart! Why you treat Gregor like villain?"
"You there! Fiend!"
Gregor turned his head to see the Shepherds, led by Chrom, had just climbed over a sand dune several meters away.
"Keep your hands off that maiden!" The midnight-haired prince pointed the Falchion toward the ginger mercenary.
"Who is fiend?" the older man looked around him and quickly realized that Chrom was referring to him. "You mean Gregor? No, friend! You have idea wrong!"
"Yeah right, creep!" Lissa clambered over the sand dune and pointed an accusing finger at the mercenary.
"This day has been nothing but insults and punches to groin." Gregor let out a tired sigh. "All this for doing good deed! Listen, friend, Gregor only want to-"
The mercenary was interrupted by the sound of a mob marching towards them from the south.
"Gotcha, you slippery scamp!" an elderly man in cult like robes led a large battalion of Plegians. "Prepare for a dose of Grima's wrath!"
Walter felt his head begin to throb upon hearing the word "Grima". The headaches have been a reoccurring nuisance for Walter ever since he got to Ylisse. This one like the rest, faded quickly.
"Oy, this is most terrible! Do you see now?" Gregor unsheathed his steel sword. "Do you see? They make with the catching of us!"
"Why are you all after the girl?" Chrom questioned, not entirely convinced of Gregor's intentions.
"All? What is this "all"?" Gregor folded his arms over his chest. "Gregor is not one of "all"! Look close! Maybe you not see from so far? Gregor have innocent-baby face!"
The two royal siblings scratched the backs of their heads as Gregor pointed to his face.
"Well…" Walter raised a brow. "I don't think that "innocent baby" is the most accurate description for your face…"
"Gah!" Gregor threw his hands into the air. "Never be minding! Gregor is not enemy! You must believe!"
"Forget it!" Chrom clutched his head. "We'll sort everything out later! Right now we have to protect the girl!"
Said girl tilted her head, the most hopeful look on her face.
"Y-you're going to help me?" Chrom nodded in response.
"We'll do everything in our power to protect you."
(Play song ~ Destiny [Fire Emblem Awakening OST])
With that, the Shepherds quickly mobilized. While planning for the battle, Walter noted that there were three villages in the surrounding desert, and each were susceptible to enemy attack. The first order of business was to warn the villagers to bar the gates. As such, Walter sent out both Sumia and Cordelia to warn them, paired with Chrom and Vaike respectively. Miriel and Ricken would move towards a village directly south. Lon'qu would serve to guard both mages from any potential hard hitters, and Maribelle would serve as a healer for that group. Walter and Lissa would move to help Gregor and the girl. From there, they'd provide aid for them.
Battling through the many Plegians in the area, Chrom and Sumia were in perfect sync- which was to be expected from one of the Shepherds' best pairs. Meanwhile, Vaike and Cordelia weren't exactly coordinating. Their fighting styles mixed like oil and water. While Vaike was wild and unreadable, Cordelia was precise and calculating.
"Watch where you're swinging your axe, you oaf!" Cordelia glared as she narrowly dodged a wild swing from Vaike. "At least try to aim your attacks!"
"Aim? Ol' Teach doesn't need to be precise, precision is too readable!" Vaike twirled his axe around as if it was as light as a feather. "Why don't you try to be a bit more aggressive; it feels like I'm doing all the work here!"
"Excuse me?" The red-haired Pegasus Knight fumed. "I've had to save you from a swift end more times than I can count!"
"Ol Teach can watch his own back! I am the archrival to Chrom, after all!" Vaike lobbed the head off of an enemy warrior. He moved to take out a Plegian mage.
"Archrival!?" Cordelia rolled her eyes as she jabbed her lance through the Plegian mage, very nearly taking Vaike out with him. "Your skills are a far cry from Chrom's! The only hope you have of ever beating him is if Naga herself blessed you!"
"Oh really? If I recall, my current win count is thirty to his twenty-nine!" Vaike slashed his axe, nearly hitting Cordelia once more in the process.
"That number is meaningless!" Cordelia clicked her teeth in great frustration. "The true measure of a man's power is more than strength! Perhaps if you had more brains, you'd have realized that beating Chrom doesn't make you his equal!"
"Ol Teach is beginning to think you've a bit of favoritism." Vaike smirked, knowing that Cordelia had a huge infatuation with Chrom. It was as obvious as the sky being blue.
"I've no idea what you're talking about!" The Pegasus Knight blushed heavily.
Despite all the arguing and bickering, the two still managed to make great progress towards their target village, and it wasn't long before both duos reached the village. Warning the elder of the impending danger, the village was barred and secured. With the first village secured, they began to move south.
Meanwhile, to the west Miriel and Ricken were bombarding Plegians with barrages of fire and wind. Miriel jumped back and unleashed a deadly torrent of flames upon several unsuspecting barbarians. The effects were instantaneous, as all enemies were fried in the inferno. Ricken called forth several bursts of wind to blow away his foes. Rival mages were thrown to the side by the intense winds, but not defeated yet. As they prepared to retaliate with dark magic, Lon'qu came charging in with his sword in hand. The deadly myrmidon bisected several of the enemies in one swift slash. He finished the rest in a flurry of sword strikes.
Miriel and Ricken had then engaged another group of fellow spellcasters, though these were Dark Mages. The two mages exchanged spells with their enemies, Mirel firing great torrents of flames and Ricken buffeting them with skin piercing winds. The Plegians deflected much of the attacks with barriers of their own dark magic, and retaliated with great force. Both Ylissean mages had difficulty maintaining their ground against the bludgeoning sorcerery. Gathering all his strength, Ricken summoned winds that threw the enemies high into the air.
Overlooking the carnage, Maribelle wrinkled her nose at the sight.
"Such a ghastly sight, though quite fitting that such barbarians would meet such a foul end." she muttered. Joining with the rest of her group, the foursome made it to their target village.
Meanwhile, Walter and Lissa had caught up with Gregor and the girl. Unsheathing the Van Helsing, Walter dashed between Plegians. The butler dispatched the foes with ease, but the sheer number of cultists was increasing.
"This girl must really be important if these guys are so desperate to catch her." Walter commented. He felt the urge to use his wires, but he resisted. He couldn't afford to use them, not until they were close to the Plegian Capital.
Lissa was holding her own, as she hefted an Iron Axe over her shoulder and began swinging it ungracefully. The Ylissean princess wedged the weapon into the side of a Dark Mage before slamming the blunt end of the weapon into another foe's skull. The sound of his face being smashed in could be heard, Lissa shivering as the sound reached her ears. Unfortunately, she was distracted long enough for another Dark Mage to come in and blast her with a Nosferatu tome.
"Watch out!" Gregor intercepted the attack, taking a bot of damage in the process. The mercenary than dashed towards the Plegian. Gregor flourished his sword before taking the mage's head off.
"Is no time to be distracted, young miss." Gregor turned to Lissa. "We are in fight for life now, cannot take time to mourn loss of life. You kill them or they kill you, is your choice miss!" The mercenary than turned his attention back to the battle. Hearing Gregor's words, Lissa left back into battle with renewed vigor.
As the battle against the cultist continued, the unnamed girl stepped forward. She had a look of pure anger on her face as she did.
"I've had it with these guys! Will they just leave me alone!" the girl screamed as she suddenly became enveloped in a great light. Walter and Lissa were briefly blinded by it. When they regained their vision, their jaws dropped to the floor. In the place where the girl had once stood was an elegant dragon with beautiful emerald scales. The dragon stared at the Plegians surrounding it and proceeded to unleash a torrent of green flames on the helpless cultist. When all enemies had been defeated, the dragon shrank back down and transformed back into the girl.
"My God…" Walter muttered. "I've read about this; that girl is a Manakete." the butler wiped the lense of his monocle, just to make sure he wasn't seeing things. "Perhaps she doesn't need our help…"
Unfortunately, the girl had not finished the entire group, as the leader of the Plegians was still standing. Pointing his aged finger at the Shepherds, he sneered.
"You dare to defy Grima, the god of annihilation?" Pulling out a Flux tome, he unleashed a torrent of dark magic on the group, aiming specifically for the girl.
Reacting at sonic speed, Walter summoned his wires briefly and repelled the attack. Before the cultist could fire off another spell, Gregor the sellsword cut him down.
"Impressive reflexes you got there." Walter complimented the aged mercenary.
"Is nothing to experienced man like Gregor. No need for compliment." The mercenary smirked.
(Song ends here.)
Walter went over to the body of the cultist leader to check if he was truly dead. To his surprise, he found the man had been carrying tomes detailing the god they worshiped. From what Walter could see, they were called the Grimleal, and the Manakete they had just saved was to be one of their sacrifices.
Walter made his way to said Manakete, who had seemed tired from the brief transformation into a dragon.
"You okay?" Walter asked in concern.
"This…" the young Manakete began to tear up. "This is just the worst day ever!" She began to sob into Walter's shoulder. Patting the girl on the back, Walter was surprised to see that Gregor seemed just as concerned as he was for the girl.
"Wee one, do not make with the crying of tears." Gregor knelt down to the girls height and gave her a smile. "Those evil people that chase you, they are dead people now. This is good, no?"
"You… you're right." the little girl wiped her tears. "Thank you, and I'm sorry I was so mean to you earlier… I just tend to get nervous around people who are outside my age group."
"Outside your age group?" Gregor laughed. "Gregor is much closer to your age group than others that are here!"
Walter took note of what the sellsword had just said. Having read the legends regarding the Manaketes, Walter knew that the girl was probably older than she looked.
"If you don't mind me asking, what's your name?" Walter asked in curiosity. "Also, if you're a Manakete, just how old are you exactly?"
"Sure thing mister!" the girl perked up. "My name's Nowi, and I'm at least one thousand years old!"
"Really?" Walter smiled. " I guess Gregor and I truly are closer to your age group than most others here." the butler commented. Dear Lord, this girl is even older than Alucard! The butler noted mentally.
"Wait, Gregor is confused." the mercenary looked at Walter in slight bewilderment. "Young man implies he is in same age group as Gregor."
"Oh yes, I'm surprised I let that one slip…" Walter scratched the back of his head. "You see, I'm actually sixty-nine years old. It's a long story, but let's just say I've been cursed to de-age until my body simply gives out."
Gregor seemed fascinated by what Walter had just proclaimed.
"Heh, is worser ways to die than that." he laughed. "At least you die a handsome young man, Gregor is going to die old and wrinkled."
Sharing in the laughter, Walter realized that Gregor may be a great ally in the future. Seeing this, the butler regrouped with the rest of the Shepherds after securing the last village. Bringing Gregor and Nowi over to Chrom, Walter suggested that they employ the sellsword.
"We need all the help we can get, and we'd be fools to pass up the opportunity to hire such a skilled blade"
"Hmm…" Chrom glanced over to the old mercenary as if he was sizing him up. "Say, um...Gregor, was it? Would you be willing to join us? I warn you, we're marching into the heart of Plegia to free my sister, Exalt Emmeryn."
"Mmm?" Gregor thought to himself. "Gregor is mercenary, danger is part of job. If folk be willing to pay Gregor, Gregor is more than happy to join. True, Gregor just kill former employers, but they very bad people. So long as you not do anything terrible, like hurt young Nowi, Gregor is very loyal."
"Is that so?" Chrom exchanged a glance with Walter. "Very well, you're hired."
"You have Gregor's word as a first class sellsword, Gregor will prove Gregor is a swell sword!"
Walter and Chrom rolled their eyes at the terrible pun, but it at least brought a smile to Nowi's face.
"You guys are funny!" the Manakete laughed. "Why don't I hangout with you guys? I promise I'll be really helpful!"
"Why not?" Walter smiled. "No doubt in my mind that you can take care of yourself. After all, you are a Manakete, so you're welcome to join the Shepherds alongside Gregor."
"Really? Thanks!" the girl hugged the butler.
"No need to thank me, just doing my duty." Walter chuckled as the girl clung to him like a child would with a grandparent.
Regrouping with the rest of the Shepherds, they continued their march south towards the Plegian capital.
"How're you feeling, Chrom?" Walter asked.
"Nervous… I just can't help but shake this feeling of dread."
"I know what you mean, Chrom." the de-aged butler looked towards the horizon. "Even with all the planning, there's still that small percent chance that everything will go to hell. Still, we can't let it get to our heads."
"Yeah…" Chrom let out a sigh. Pausing for a bit, Chrom placed a hand on Walter's shoulder. "You know, I'm glad we found you in that field."
Walter's brow furrowed in slight confusion.
"I know I've said this already, but I would never have made it this far without you. I feel silly saying this, but I can't leave it unsaid." Chrom took a deep breath before continuing. "I consider you my best friend, Walter. No, more than that, you're like family. I have no doubt that Lissa feels the same as me"
The butler was speechless. He hadn't been told something like that since… since Integra. Walter bowed his head, a smile on his face as he did.
"Chrom… this…" Walter struggled to get the words out of his mouth. "I- I don't deserve such an honor sir. I've hardly done anything that warrants such praise."
"No Walter." Chrom stopped him. "Everyone in the Shepherds owes their lives to you. If it weren't for you, I doubt half of our numbers would survive. I think that warrants all the praise I give you sir."
"Sir, I'm only your butler."
"And tactician, Walter." Chrom added. "You're correct, and I think I'm doing you a disservice keeping you in that position. As the prince of Ylisse I name you- Walter Dornez- the Royal Advisor for House Ylisse."
"What?" Walter's eyes widened in shock. "Sir, are you sure?"
"Of course I am, Walter. You've been my guiding hand since we've met. I think it's only fair that I give you the proper title."
Walter couldn't help but smile. The sins of his past, they didn't matter so much anymore. He was a valued friend, Chrom's best friend. The butler hadn't been this happy since his days serving a young Integra, the days when Alucard wasn't yet in the picture.
"Thank you, Chrom." Walter beamed.
The two marched side-by-side, not as master and subordinate, but as brothers. No matter what they faced, they would succeed. Whether it was the whole of Plegia or a horde of Risen, they'd face it together and come out as the victors.
Plegia ~ Plegia Castle
September 4, Age 2609 (8:23 P.M)
"So let me be certain I understand your report, captain… not only did you not confirm whether or not the Ylissean party carries the Fire Emblem, but you couldn't even ascertain as to whether or not Prince Chrom was traveling with them? I take it I am correct?"
In the throne room of Plegia Castle, the captain of the border patrol was quivering in his boots at the presence of Gangrel's second-in-command; Aversa. The Mad King himself sat in his throne, a bored expression on his face as he rested his head on his hand.
"Y-yes milady!" The captain saluted, but he couldn't stop shaking. "The scouts could not get a good look at the number, for the air was far too thick with desert sands. Those that did manage to get close enough were cut down by the Ylissean butler."
"Is that so?" Aversa swayed her hips provocatively as she approached the terrified soldier. "There's a lesson to be learned, captain. You should've gotten yourself killed trying to get the information I wanted rather than report to me empty handed…"
Gangrel's chief advisor plunged a knife deep into the captain's chest. Using it, she carved the man's heart out, killing him.
"Oh dear…" Gangrel rolled his eyes as he watched the captain's body crumble to the floor. "Could you be a darling and not kill all of the soldiers? We'll need some for the welcoming party later today."
"Forgive me, milord." Aversa smiled seductively. "I just find it difficult to contain the urge to spill blood. You'll have to keep me occupied until the Ylisseans arrive…"
"Oh, I see…" Gangrel chuckled to himself as he got out of his throne. "I think I need a bit of a distraction myself. My thirst for blood must be quelled somehow." Gangrel wrapped his arm around Aversa and led her out of the throne. Whilst he was leaving, the Mad King couldn't help but notice the blood from the deceased captain follow him, albeit only for a few seconds…
Author's Notes
What a chapter! Jeez, this was one loaded chapter, but for good reason. This single chapter was originally two chapters, so of course it's loaded. Of course, I could've kept the chapter as two, but they worked better as a single one in my opinion. Try to keep the story going at a reasonable pace, and I don't think two 3,500 word chapters would help with the pacing...
Of course that's just my opinion.
Anyway, coming right up is the moment we've all been waiting for, the rescuing of Exalt Emmeryn. The last two chapters of the War Against Plegia Arc and boy oh boy are they a trip. All those who have played the game know what's coming up, but those who haven't are just gonna have to wait in suspense for the finale of this arc.
So plans plans plans plans plans...
Well, the question of the hour is whether or not you want me to release both chapter simultaneously or one after the other...
Nah, one after the other it is! Why? Because I like keeping you guys waiting in suspense!
Anyway, onto behind the keyboard stuff!
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Scrapped Conversation
During the dinner scene I was going to add in a conversation similar to the one the men were having between the women. I ended up scrapping it in the end because it would seem redundant for me to have the conversation occur twice.
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Last Minute Addition
Where there are cuts, there are additions. The conversation between Walter and Lucina was added at last minute when I realized there was no decent transition the dinner scene and the next morning. Also, because I like writing conversations between these two.
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An Addition to a Last Minute Addition
In addition to the addition, Lucina's reaction to finding out Walter had betrayed his former friends and master was non-existent. Of course, upon reading through it, I realized that she'd probably be a bit less than enthused to find out that the man she had entrusted with practically all her secrets had been a turncoat at one point.
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Torch the village!
The Grimleal were originally going to torch one of the three villages. I went back on the decision once I came to the conclusion that it was pointless fluff to pad out the short chapter. (Note this was before I combined the chapter with another one) Besides, I think the future chapters are dark enough, so why not let the good guys win this time.
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The Last Scene
The scene between Gangrel and Aversa was originally the intro to the next chapter. Before it was the intro to the next chapter however, it was the ending to this chapter! Yeah, so I went back and forth for a bit...
...but just so I could leave you suspense.
Reviews
pt1oef
Nah, I'm good. If you keep reading this story, I promise you'll have fun
Touhoufanatic
Well, things are undoubtedly going to get darker next chapter. Thanks for the insight, it really helps me out.
Hope Walter's meeting wit Nowi wasn't underwhelming. It's not like the two can stop and share much of a conversation, seeing as how everything is now moving at one-hundred miles an hour. Gotta keep it going, but as soon as everything calms down have no doubt I'm going to go to town with not only Walter and Nowi's interactions but everyone else's as well.
Greer123
Thanks for the compliment! Yeah I'm doing fine, thanks for taking the time to review!
The Guest Critic
I'm happy to see you read the chapter! (Despite hating this fic apparently) Can't wait to see how much you hate next chapter!
The Hand of Section
Well ain't this an honor! I take a little over a month break and I come back to see I'm not alone anymore! How dare you try and capitalize on my idea!
Just kidding, I'm actually really glad someone else decided to try their hand at writing a Hellsing X Fire Emblem Story. I took a look at your fanfic and thought it was pretty good so far. Thanks for the compliment, and I hope that you enjoy the future chapters.
That's it for now! I'm so eager for next chapter to come out! I've had this planned out since the very beginning, with very few changes to it occurring, and I can tell you that it's going to be a whopper!
I plan on NOT releasing it next week. It'll most definitely NOT come out next week. I say this because I always seem to do the opposite of what I say I do. When I say something will get released soon, it gets delayed. When I say something may take awhile to write, it's out in no time!
So it will NOT come out next week!
(I swear, if people actually take that comment seriously...)
Next time on Walter Dornez of the Emblem!
To Defy Fate
