Er... this isn't the chapter that I said would be coming out last time... hehheh. Sorry for the wait, and also the misinformation. I'll explain at the end of the chapter. I hope you enjoy the chapter!
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, WRITING, AND SOUNDS
BOLD= DATES, PLACES, ECT.
BOLD ITALICS=WRITER
Central Plegia ~ Plegia's Capital
October 14, Age 2609 (8:20 P.M.)
"We've arrived…"
Lucina's eyes slowly fluttered open as she felt the gentle nudge to her shoulder. Letting out a small yawn, she stretched her arms over her head and scratched the back of her head. The ride from Ylisse to Plegia was as uneventful as she had hoped—never once being intercepted by border patrol. It was most likely due to the fact that all of Plegia's resources were being funneled into the war effort: soldiers and all.
The elderly smuggler handed her a dark cloak and gestured for her to throw it over herself.
"I doubt anyone's gonna appreciate the overabundance of Ylissean Royal Blue—especially the soldiers." The man explained. "Keep that on in public spaces, and make sure no one sees your blue-hair; no doubt that Gangrel's loyalists will view it as a statement of some kind." Lucina nodded in understanding as she threw the cloak over her clothing.
"Not to worry, I've already obtained a remedy to that situation…" Lucina reached into a satchel that hung from her shoulder and pulled out a glass bottle filled with some sort of black liquid. Uncorking the container, she rubbed some into her hair, spreading it nice and evenly throughout. Before long, her midnight colored locks were changed into jet black.
"Where'd you get a concoction like that?" the smuggler asked.
"From one of the Annas before we left." Lucina replied simply. The smuggler hummed as he shrugged, whilst stepping out from the wagon. Lucina followed afterwards.
Greeting the princess was a sorry sight, impoverished gathered around the smuggler begging to be taken across the border into Ylisse. Sickly parents and their malnourished children encircled the smuggler as he attempted to push through, vainly trying to explain that he wouldn't be leaving for at least three days. Lucina was downcast as she approached the smuggler. He shot her a melancholy glance, before looking back towards the desperate townsfolk.
"This is what I'm always greeted with whenever I make it back here…" the smuggler muttered. "This is what that bastard—Gangrel—has done; he's turned our country into a hellscape."
Lucina could only stare silently at the crowd with sympathetic eyes. She was no stranger to hardship—that was her whole life in truth. However, she wasn't blind to the fact that these people were probably going through their own form of hell.
"Lady…" the smuggler gave her a hardened glare. "If you're going to do something about Gangrel, please do it…" he clenched his teeth as he looked towards the ground.
"Plegia hasn't been the most gracious towards you Ylisseans, but… you've gotta agree…" he balled his fist tightly. "No one deserves what that madman is putting these people through…" Lucina nodded.
"I'll do my best, not just for Ylisse or Plegia, but for the world…"
"If that's the case…" the smuggler reached into his pocket and handed her a small scrap of paper with a messy scrawl written on it.
The Grounded Wyvern Bar
"Go here, tell 'em Matthew's sent you." the smuggler—revealed to be named Matthew—patted her on the back, accompanied by an encouraging grin. "You'll find the resistance there." Lucina bowed her head in respect.
"Thank you for the help. I vow to repay your kindness someday." Lucina smiled. Matthew shrugged.
"Eh, just help the resistance defeat Gangrel, and I'll consider us even, miss."
Lucina nodded as she waved goodbye to him goodbye, the two parting ways. Looking down at the scrap she was given, she scanned the scrawl of writing once more before pocketing it.
"Resistance… I pray they're willing to help…" she muttered to herself.
Eyeing the corners of all the streets, she began to navigate the crowded streets of Plegia's capital. If the impoverished and malnourished appearance of practically all of the townsfolk weren't enough of an indicator of Gangrel's iron-fisted rule, the heavily armored sentries stationed at practically every corner was the cherry on top of the crap pie. She really needed to stay on her toes.
Rounding a street corner into a crowded square, she could see the Plegia Castle at the center of the city, atop a medium-sized plateau. The mountain-sized skull of an all familiar beast sat beside the castle, sending chills down her spine.
Grima…Lucina shuddered .
She could worry about Grima after she freed Walter from the prison. First thing was first, she had to find her way into the castle. Her best bet was probably getting in contact with the resistance.
Rounding another street corner, Lucina was vigilant as she entered a dusky alleyway. Her hand instinctively hovered close to her side, right beside her weapon. Passing several doors, the bluenette finally reached her destination; a glum looking pub. A rusted iron sign was hung above the door: The Grounded Wyvern etched into its tarnished surface. Entering the building, her nose was greeted by the scent of liquor and vomit. Inside, there were several thugs all gathered around multiple tables—all of whom looked drunk off their asses. She paid them no mind and went straight for the bar keeper; a middle-aged bespeckled man with a mischievous glint in his aged eyes.
"Hmm?" The bar keeper stared at her curiously. "What's a young lass like yourself doing in a place like this? A pub like this ain't exactly frequented by saints."
Lucina ignored the comment and reached into her pockets. She pulled out the piece of scrap paper she received from Matthew, and handed it to the bar keep. The man eyed her before reading the message.
"Matthew sent me here; said you'd "help" me out..." Lucina whispered, making sure no one else could hear her.
"Yeah... just come around to this side of the bar..." the man crumbled the scrap and threw it into a candle to burn.
Following the direction, she made her way to the other side of the bar. Moving behind the man, he led her to a room hidden behind a stack of crates. The room descended into the pub's cellar, which was far more spacious than expected. Entering a hallway, the bar keeper pointed to a door near the hall's end.
"The Resistance is based just beyond that doorway. Once you enter, you'll be greeted by a series of catacombs. Just follow the torchlight and you'll be just fine." The bar keeper immediately left, returning to his pub.
Walking to the end of the hall, Lucina entered the catacombs. The scent of the dead clung to the walls and invaded her nostrils. Rats the size of her forearm scurried across the ground and into the multiple cracks in the walls. Had she been a weaker woman, she would've vomited. However, she was not a weak woman—the scent was nothing new to her and she was used to living amongst rat filth. Compared to the future she came from, this was nothing.
Peering into the distance, Lucina saw the distant flickering light of a dimly lit torch. Gathering her courage, she wandered through the grimy catacombs. Her hand continued to hover close to her Falchion. The princess was ready to cut down any opposition she may face.
Rounding another corner, she spotted the dim light of another torch. Without hesitation, she made her way towards the muted torch. She continued following the lights for what felt like hours, when it couldn't have been even several minutes, until she came across an iron door. Unsheathing Falchion, she carefully pushed the door open. Entering, fear of the unknown gripped her heart as she wandered inside.
Shink!
Lucina did a quick 180 and pointed her weapon at the source of the noise, a scrawny myrmidon holding a worn out iron sword.
"Hold, Geralt, that is not an enemy." A calm and commanding voice called out from the other side of the room.
Lucina was surprised when the room suddenly lit up with magelights, revealing a band of at least one-hundred Plegians. They were all of various classes, from the typical barbarian, to myrmidons, to even a couple dark mages—there were even a couple of the more advanced classes; probably being the leaders of the resistance.
"This woman has come to the resistance for aid, who are we to deny her what she wishes?" the voice from earlier spoke up once more, an aged sorcerer who looked like one of wizards from the tales her mother used to read to her: pointy wizard hat, bushy beard, and long graying hair.
"Greetings, young one, I am Erin—sub-leader to the Plegian resistance." the man bowed slightly. "I understand that you went through a lot of trouble in order to get here, crossing the border from Ylisse of all places. You can understand my curiosity in regards to what you need from us that you could not receive from your Ylissean government."
"Yes, I understand." Lucina replied calmly, making sure to not show even the slightest inclination of aggression. "I require your aid, for I need to infiltrate the Plegia Castle dungeons. There may be someone imprisoned there that can end the war." There were countless murmurs throughout the room upon hearing her request.
"Infiltrate the castle?" Erin's eyes widened. "You understand that, that is quite the request you've made, young miss. Breaking into Plegia Castle is not easily within our power—and for what? You think that there is chance there is someone that can end the war?"
"Yes, as far fetched as it sounds, there's a man in the prison that I am confident he can do just that."
"Then how the hell is someone like that in the dungeons?" The man named Geralt suddenly spoke up again. "If this man is really that impressive, how could he be subdued?" Several voices from the crowd began speaking amongst themselves, voicing their doubts in Lucina's claim.
"I cannot say your concerns aren't valid, but I can provide some information of who the person in question is." Lucina remained stoic in the face of doubt. "No doubt you are all aware of the monster that your Mad King has become—enlisting the dead into his army, and turning any who oppose him into said undead?" There were several verbal confirmations of what she asked.
"Then are you aware of what occurred the day that Gangrel became this beast?"
"Yes." Erin stroked his beard. "It is said that the day that the Ylissean Exalt was rescued from the palace, King Gangrel had absorbed the blood of everyone who fell that day. After that he metamorphosed into a beast." Lucina nodded in confirmation.
"Yes, that is indeed what occurred. As the Ylissean League retreated with the Exalt, a single man decided to stand against the beast—stating that he was the only one that could possibly keep up with him."
"Ylisse's Guardian Angel…" Lucina's head instantly turned to the person she heard speak.
"Yes, we are aware." The voice came from far in the back of the crowd, but his strong and commanding voice could be heard above the others. "It's said that a powerful warrior appeared in Ylisse and completely turned the tide of any battle that he was involved in. The man was said to be equal to an entire army. You're saying that he's imprisoned in the castle dungeons?"
"Yes." Lucina replied simply. "If you know of him, than you are aware that if he were to be released he'd be able to turn the tide." The room was silent for a moment.
"You're correct, but how can you be sure that the man is in the dungeons? How are you sure that the man is even still alive?" The voice spoke up, this time he sounded as if he was coming closer. Lucina froze—unsure of herself. What if he really was gone? What if all this was for nought?
"No, I know he's still alive." Lucina was steadfast. "If he is dead, than all hope for this world is gone." A great sorrow washed over Lucina as she considered what would happen if Walter was indeed gone.
"Perhaps I'm just being an optimistic fool, or perhaps I'm just in denial, but I cannot imagine that he's dead. Maybe I just want to confirm his fate for myself, just so I can be sure that—without a doubt—he's gone."
The room went quiet for a moment at her declaration. Seconds later, the sound heavy boots echoed throughout the room. Someone was approaching Lucina, someone powerful. To Lucina's absolute shock it was-
"I am General Mustafa of the Plegian Military, leader of the resistance!" The berserker grunted, his powerful baritone causing the woman to shake slightly.
"General Mustafa?" Lucina's jaw dropped. "But I heard you fell during Ylisse's escape from Plegia!"
"Hah, it seems that my men were successful!" Mustafa let out a hearty laugh. "Indeed, after confronting Prince Chrom of Ylisse, I had been prepared to die for the sake of allowing my men to escape with their lives. Plegian law states that no soldier is expected to continue fighting as soon as the leader is either captured or killed. However, before I could fall upon my own axe, my men convinced me to fake my demise. I faked my death, my men using the burnt corpse of a man of similar build as me for the purpose of bringing back to Gangrel to act as "my" corpse."
Lucina was stunned into silence. Mustafa was cited as one of the first casualties of the war, during her future of course. Fate seemed to be diverting from its original course more extremely than Lucina had anticipated.
"Now, onto more pressing matters." Mustafa hefted his axe over his shoulder. "I am willing to sneak you into the castle, however don't think this will be an easy feat. I need to know that you're willing to risk life and limb for this mission."
"I am, nothing will stand in my way!" Lucina replied quickly. "I'll fight Gangrel himself if I have to." Mustafa let out a hearty chuckle.
"Easy girl! No one is expecting you to face the Mad King alone!" Mustafa gestured for her and Erin to follow him. "Come, Erin and I will tell you of a way that we can get you in there without a fight."
Central Plegia ~ Plegian Capital(Catacombs[Resistance Base - War Room)
October 14, Age 2609 (9:10 P.M.)
Lucina crossed her arms as she stood around a table alongside Erin and Mustafa. Lying flat before them was a map of Plegia Castle, detailing its layout. Several key areas were marked by Mustafa, including all of the entrances. The two resistance leaders had spent several minutes discussing amongst themselves on what the course of action was. Lucina was unable to make out any of the details, and was restless as a result. When they finally ceased conversation, they placed the map on the table; that was how they got to this point.
"We've already infiltrated Gangrel's ranks. Hard as it was, we've managed to get several resistance fighters on the inside—they've been keeping us up to date on all of the going ons within the castle." Mustafa pointed to all the marked entrances. "According to our spies, all entrances to the castle are monitored twenty four hours a day. The security at these spots are thorough, nothing—human or not—comes through here without heavy examination." Erin gestured towards the other marked areas on the map.
"The marked areas boast similar security to the entrances. As you can see they are the throne room, the dining hall, the prison block, and the eastern wing." The wizard's finger hovered over each in succession. "Within each hall stalks Gangrel's ''entourage …." Erin's face hardened.
"Entourage?" questioned Lucina.
"Gangrel has made a habit of killing those that fail him." Mustafa replied. "It's bad enough that he's willing to kill men for even the slightest provocation, but he's also capable of reviving those he kills—I say reviving but…" the hardy berserker clenched his jaw closed.
"He's making undead…" Lucina muttered. Erin nodded in confirmation.
"Are you sure you want to go through with this, girl?" Mustafa stared her dead in the eyes. "There is a risk that you'll be caught, and who knows what the hell will happen to you if you are."
"That doesn't matter…" The bluenette matched Mustafa's gaze with her own. "Our only hope for ending this war lies with Walter. The ends justify the risks."
Erin and Mustafa sized up her determination. They saw the fire in her eyes, and relented. There was nothing in the world that was going to stop this girl, nothing at all.
"Very well, we'll help you infiltrate the castle…" Mustafa gestured towards the map once more. "We've just explained the inner and outer defenses of the palace, and there seems to be no method of entering. However, there is a possible breach in security." The berserker general crossed his arms and continued. "Gangrel is vain—he was vain when he was a man and his evolution into a monster has only bolstered his ego. As such, he accepts all forms of worship and idolization; one in particular can serve as your method of entry. Gangrel habitually allows his concubines freedom within the palace—a way of flaunting his power."
Lucina blanched. She knew exactly what she had to do, what she was expected to do in order to infiltrate Plegia Castle. It disgusted her, made her want to vomit. She was a princess of Ylisse, wielder of the divine blade—Falchion—and heir to the Exalt. The very thought of portraying herself as a vulgar woman, a whore, that would be the plaything of a monster like Gangrel made her hesitate.
This isn't about me… Lucina thought to herself. This is for the sake of Ylisse; for the sake of seeing if Walter is still alive. I'll go through any humiliation for the sake of Ylisse.
"So I'll be posing as a prostitute." It wasn't a question, Lucina made up her mind.
"I'm sorry, but it's the only method. If you were a man, all it'd take is you enlisting in the military. We'd utilize the insiders to have you elevated to a Royal guard within the prison block." Mustafa breathed a sigh. "Unfortunately, the only woman that has any free reign—that isn't a concubine—is that hag, Aversa."
"Even then, she only stays in Gangrel's good graces because of her tactical prowess." Erin added. "However, her failure to outwit the Guardian Angel of Ylisse has cost her, so she's practically been reduced to Gangrel's "plaything", to put it mildly." Erin grimaced. Eager to switch topics, Lucina spoke up.
"What's the plan? I doubt I can just walk into Plegia Castle and offer myself to the Mad King."
"Correct, you are." Said Mustafa as he gestured towards Erin. "Erin is part of Gangrel's inner circle—one of the few that the Mad King trusts. You'll be posing as a slave that Erin procured through unsavory means, and is offering Gangrel as tribute; a way of showcasing his loyalty. It'll be mutually beneficial to us, and you. Erin's placement within Gangrel's circle will be strengthened—as the Mad King will appreciate the offering—and you will be placed inside the palace. If all goes according to plan, and we're incredibly lucky, you'll be free to get in contact with one of our inside men. They'll take you to the prison block where your friend may be captive."
"What about my equipment?" Lucina questioned. "I doubt I'll be allowed to walk into Plegia Castle armed with my weapons."
"Yes." Erin replied. "Unfortunately your weapons, and clothes even, will have to be smuggled in. You'll have to wear something that will attract Gangrel's eyes…" Lucina paled.
It's for Walter… Lucina sighed.
"Very well." the princess resigned. "Is there anything else that needs to be gone over?"
"Well…" Erin squirmed uncomfortably.
"There is a large risk that may displease you." Mustafa replied for the wizard. "As you will be made into one of his concubines, there is a chance that Gangrel will call you to his chambers to "service" him."
Lucina wanted to puke. It was enough that she had to pose as an obscene whore, but to sleep with the Mad King. What little color she had left in her face drained away.
Enough, Lucina! Get a grip! Lucina closed her eyes a breathed in deep.
"Enough." Lucina's tone was firm. "No matter how many risks there are, I will not back down…" Mustafa and Erin stared at her for a couple of seconds.
"Very well…" said Mustafa. "It's best that you rest. Tomorrow you'll be presented to Gangrel as a possible concubine. You'll need the sleep."
With a nod, the bluenette left the room without another word. As she did, Erin noted that her hair—which he had noted was dyed black—has a few splotches of midnight blue coming through.
Central Plegia ~ Plegia Castle(Throne Room)
October 14, Age 2609(10:15 P.M.)
(Play song ~ The Power of All For One/All For One's Theme [My Hero Academia Season 3 OST])
Aversa felt her spine chill as she bowed before the throne. She may not see its occupant's gaze, but she knew from that feeling of dread running through her body that he—it—was staring right at her. Blood red eyes piercing through her, staring deep into her soul. As cold as she was, she was not cold enough to face the monster in human form that sat upon the throne.
"Aversa…" a cruel purr graced the Dark Flier's ears. "I hear tell that our forces have been halted in their progress… care to elaborate as to why this is?"
"Milord…" Aversa dared not to look up. "The many legions of ghouls have proved to be instrumental to our initial push past the borders. However, they lack the finesse of a true fighting force, and so easily fall into any traps that are placed by the Ylisseans."
"Oh?" An amused chuckle could be heard echoing throughout the room. "A lack of finesse you say? Perhaps it's not the soldiers that are lacking, rather the one they follow, Aversa…." The sound of the monster standing from his sitting position caused Aversa to tremble slightly.
"Perhaps it's you who I have to blame for the petty resistance that has risen as of late…" the beast continued as he slowly made his way towards her. "I have granted you so many soldiers, and yet you waste them. Very soon, all that I'll have left within my army will be rotting carcasses; especially since you continue to allow the turncoats to rally under the resistance cause."
Aversa felt her chest pound as she heard, felt him sluggishly approach. Never, not in her entire life, had she felt so intimidated by anything—let alone anyone. She was frozen stiff as she saw the monster's boots within her peripheral vision. He had halted just a few feet away from her.
"Milord, the resistance can be easily dealt with. They will never pose any threat to your rule."
"Yet I sense some amount of hesitation in your tone…" Aversa swallowed as the monster took a single step closer. "As if you yourself aren't entirely sure of your ability to quell the fires of the rebellion…" Aversa felt the hairs on her neck tingle as she felt his hot breath against her skin. Something that was normally seductive became bone chilling when done by the monster.
"Before your failure during Ylisse's raid on this very palace, you would've so easily squashed this rebellion in it's infancy. Yet, you've allowed it to grow into an infernal beast. That makes me quite…." The beast trailed off. "Annoyed!"
Aversa grunted as she was kicked in the cheek. She was thrown to the side and was now staring up at the ceiling, nauseating pain spreading from her cheek to the rest of her head. As she sat up, she came face to face with the beast: Gangrel. His face was contorted into one of tranquil fury—something that she noted was uncharacteristic when he was human. He was no longer a man grasping at thin visages of sanity, but a murderous beast with a mask of humanity.
"Forgive me, milord…" Aversa shrank under his malicious gaze. "I will not fail you; I will lead our troops further into Ylisse, as well as deal with the resistance."
"Ohohoho…" Gangrel's eyes narrowed further. "You best not fail me, Aversa…" a shark like grin formed on his pasty white face.
"You're "punishment" will be absolutely excruciating if you do…" Gangrel finished, quickly dismissing her afterwards. As his shaken second-in-command clambered out of the room, the Mad King's grin steadily faded. There was a certain amount of satisfaction he gained from watching Aversa squirm. After all, he'd never elicited such fear from the Dark Flier before his transformation. Now, striking fear into the hearts of men was second nature to him—he hardly had to even try.
With a purposeful stride, he made his way out of the throne room. Stalking the halls of his palace—passing several wary guards—he made his way from one end of the castle to the other. Eventually he began to descend into the sublevels, which consisted mostly of dungeons. He continued down a single hall until he found what he was intent on reaching: a single darkened cell. A cheshire grin formed on Gangrel's face as he approached the bars.
"How is my favorite prisoner?" Gangrel's mockingly asked. The single occupant of the cell didn't reply.
"Then again, it's easy to be my favorite when you're the only one in here. I mean, my dungeons have been oh so empty ever since I became this monster. After all, when you can convert anyone into an obedient slave just by sucking the blood out of them, you lose the need for prisons."
"Are you here to talk me to death?" the occupant finally interrupted, the voice of an adolescent probably barely in their teens. "I've got much better things to do besides listening to your inane prattling, you dickless piece of absolute shit…" Gangrel let out an amused chuckle, not at all offended by the insult.
"Always with the insults with you, here I was attempting to be civil." The Mad King sniggered. "I'm just here to inform you that my forces are just several short battles away from overwhelming the Ylissean capital. If I were a betting man, I'd give Ylisse just a couple of weeks before they're wiped completely off the map." Gangrel paused, hoping to get a riled response. Much to his chagrin, he received not so much as a peep from the prisoner. With an unamused sneer he turned away from the cell.
"Honestly, I liked you better when you were older… actually had some fire to you that made you worth breaking…" Gangrel clicked his teeth, a cheeky grin replacing his sneer.
"It seems I managed to strip you of your spirit."
(Song ends here)
Central Plegia ~ Plegia's Capital
October 15, Age 2609 (5:30 P.M.)
Lucina shivered as she sat in a wagon—which was more like a crate with small barred windows—on her way to the palace. She felt absolutely helpless without any of her equipment, and bolstering this feeling was the outfit she was given. She was practically wearing nothing. Save for a metallic brassiere—that was cold against her already cold skin—and a skimpy skirt that barely reached her thighs, she was naked.
I have to be strong, this is nothing… She thought to herself. Despite coming from an apocalyptic future, her objectification—despite being a ploy—felt too disgusting.
"Lass…" Lucina perked up upon hearing Erin call her from outside the crate.
"We're coming up on the palace. Be ready for anything…" the wizard muttered quietly, but just loud enough for her to hear.
"Alright." Lucina replied. Psyching herself up for the task ahead, she sat patiently with her eyes closed; as if she were meditating.
Outside, Erin walked beside the wagon. As they approached, Erin felt his heart pounding violently in his chest as he made out the figures that guarded the gates: ghouls. There were a few living soldiers amongst the undead, all looking as if they wanted to get as far away from the palace as possible, but not many. Breathing deep, Erin calmed himself. He put on a stoic face for the sake of keeping up appearances, and strode towards the gates with confidence.
"Lord Erin." One of the few human guards approached him. Gesturing towards the driver of the wagon to stop, Erin proceeded to the front.
"I come bearing an offering to his majesty, King Gangrel." Erin spoke his rehearsed line as if it was natural.
"An offering?" The guard looked towards the wagon. "What kind of offering?"
"That is not for you to know, guard." Erin's response was rife with self importance, portraying himself as an egotistical supporter of Gangrel. "It is for his lordship, Gangrel, and his lordship only. If you wish to check it, so be it; I'd prefer it if milord was the only one to see."
The guard stared at Erin for a second before shrugging. Signaling a guard at the top of the gates, he stepped aside without another word. Breathing a silent sigh of relief, Erin waved his hand. The wagon driver nodded and forced the horses forward; towards the castle. It was a short minute before they actual reached the entrance to the palace, but to the wizard it felt like an hour.
Coming to a halt before the entrance, Erin gestured for several burly men to come to him. They stood at attention, waiting for the wizard's orders.
"One of you run ahead and tell his Majesty that Erin has arrived with a gift for him." One of the guards saluted and was off. "The rest of you shall take this crate and follow behind me. I warn you, treat it with care. I doubt Lord Gangrel will very much like his gift to arrive damaged."
Without so much as a question, the remaining men followed the order. Hefting the crate on their shoulders, three on one side and three on the other, they followed behind Erin.
Lucina had meanwhile sat in uncomfortable silence, stuck in a box that made her feel claustrophobic. Had it not been for the small barred windows, she'd have been sitting in absolute darkness. From what little she could see through these openings, she knew she was now within the palace itself. Apprehension filled her thoughts as she was taken closer and closer to the throne room. She dreaded what may come, whether she be immediately killed or be subject to fates that she considered would be worse than death.
After several silent minutes of being transported, she felt herself come to a halt. The sound of grand doors, akin to the doors that led to the throne room in Ylisstol, opening told Lucina all she had to know: they had arrived.
"Would you look at that? You really did bring me a gift, Erin!"
Lucina felt herself tense up. Gangrel's voice—that alone brought a chill down her spine. Her heart pounded as she was slowly transported closer and closer to the man that had become a literal monster. She curled up into a fetal position—closed her eyes—and prayed to Naga to grant her safety. As she did, the crate she was in came to a halt, and was placed carefully on the ground.
Erin bowed to Gangrel, who stared down at him and the crate that held Lucina with his heartless blood red eyes. Raising his head, Erin forced a smug smile onto his face; a mask that he created that got him the position within Gangrel's inner circle.
"Erin, you have been quite loyal to me this past month, and I'd expect nothing less from you." Gangrel smirked as he rested his chin on his intertwined fingers. "However, this is quite a surprise. I never took you as one to brown-nose…" Erin showed no signs of double nature, and simply let out a single chuckle.
"I thought it only fitting that I gift you with something, considering the progress our country has made within this last month." The wizard gestured towards his "gift". "I recently came across something you may like."
With a nonverbal command, Erin beckoned someone to unlock the lock on the crate. When it was unlocked, Erin stepped in front of it—facing away from Gangrel. Opening it up, he looked in to see Lucina—who looked calm and collected.
Erin mouthed "Follow my lead" to the imprisoned princess as he yanked on a chain that was attached to a collar around her neck. Lucina nodded in response before being pulled out of the crate.
Time to see if I truly am quite the actress…
"Let me go!" Lucina cried out as she feigned anguish. She pretended to struggle against Erin, quite convincingly the wizard noticed. With a single strong yank, Lucina was taken to the ground. Her bare knees hit the cold stone, causing her to wince. She shivered as her eyes wandered upwards, being met with the blood colored eyes of Gangrel.
Lucina's mind and heart raced as she stared into the malice filled eyes. Within them, she swore she saw the fires of hell itself raging like a hurricane. This contrasted the amused expression on Gangrel's face as he just looked at her.
"Oh, what have we here?" The Mad King growled. "What an absolutely delicious looking girl…" he chuckled darkly as he licked his lips.
"Erin, where did you come across this beauty?" Gangrel stood up from his throne and began to descend from him lofty position towards Lucina.
"I heard her speaking ill against you milord, how she planned to join the resistance and fight against your "tyranny"." Erin sniggered. "I easily captured her, of course. Quite honestly, I felt it would be cruel of me to offer her to you as a way of breaking her little fighting spirit." Gangrel seemed rather enthused by the prospect, much to Lucina and Erin's disgust. However as he approached, his face contorted into one of disgust.
"Why does she possess the same hair color as the Ylissean princling?"
Lucina froze. Her hair… it had reverted back to its original color!
"She obviously dyed it as a way of showing her support for those damned Ylisseans." Erin replied quickly and calmly. "I noticed it as well, milord; all the more reason for you to break her."
Lucina relaxed—she gave Naga a silent thank you for Erin's quick thinking. However, part of her feared the kind of repercussions she'd face for simply having blue hair. Still, from the look on Gangrel's face, he seemed fairly sated. She'd hate to see what he looked like when he was actually angry.
"Well, if that's the case…" Gangrel gestured to his guards. Two of them stood at attention—trembling slightly from what Lucina could tell, most likely out of fear. "Take this Ylissean apologist to my quarters. I plan on having my fun with her later…"
Lucina blanched, and instantaneously her instincts kicked in. She made a run for the exit, but was forcefully stopped by one of the men yanking on her chain. She cried as she struggled against the guards, but it was all in vain. Lucina felt her heart race as she kicked and screamed against her captors.
Erin watched in silent horror as the girl was dragged away to meet a fate that was worse than death. He berated himself for forgetting to tell the girl that her hair was reverting back to blue. He knew that the color of the girl's hair was enough to set Gangrel off.
Shit! Erin struggled against his instincts—the urge to chase after Lucina and get her out of the castle and as far away from Gangrel as possible. No, to hell with the plan, I have to do something…
"Is something wrong, Erin?" Erin craned his head towards Gangrel. A twisted grin was plastered across his face, one that made his blood boil.
"Not at all, milord." Erin forced a smirk. "I'm just glad to see a damned rebel receive exactly what they deserve."
As he stood in that hall, the sound of Lucina screaming and struggling against her captors could be heard throughout the palace; a fact that was tearing Erin's heart from his chest...
Writers Notes
Er... you're probably wondering why this chapter isn't exactly the one I said release last time... probably wondering why I've abruptly halted Lucina's backstory. Truth be told, you guys would've been waiting a long LONG time for an update if I stuck to telling her backstory; that's ONE of the reasons why it's been two months since the last chapter. The second reason is, I've been working on my own Webcomic on Webtoons. It's kind of been eating away at my time, and I'm ashamed to have kept you all waiting for so long.
Anyway, a lot of dark stuff in this chapter, a lot of it mostly implied since I really wanna avoid that hard M rating. Lucina's in a bit of a situation (putting it mildly), and things are looking dire for our heroine. Hopefully I'm catching some people off guard with this plot line—I don't particularly view it as my absolute best work honestly. Although, there was a LOT of aspects and a few ideas tossed around here and there as I wrote this.
How about we go into them?
Behind the Keyboard
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Lucina V. Mustafa - I had planned on writing a fight between Lucina and Mustafa. She had to prove her ability as a fighter to gain Mustafa, and by extension the Resistance's support. In the end it wasn't necessary, and it seemed like a waste of time to write. Not helping was the fact that what I had already written basically amounted to "Mustafa smacks Lucina around for awhile before Lucina destroys Mustafa's face using her protagonist powers". Not exactly the most epic fight... (I just realized that I'm gonna have to somehow top the fights from the end of the last story arc...)
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Smuggler is unnamed - Originally the smuggler had no name, and was set to never appear again. Wait... is that a pseudo spoiler that he comes back at some point? Just ignore this! Just because I gave him a name, doesn't mean he's gonna return! B- baka!
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Erin's original name - I had named this character something else... after the crap I went through before releasing last chapter, I just couldn't stand what I had named him before and had to change it, lest I wish to subject myself to a wave of sadness... or anger... one or the other. Actually—thinking about it—it's more indifference nowadays... eh... either way, Erin wasn't my first choice for a name.
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Gangrel - This was the first appearance of Gangrel since the end of the last story arc, and his reintroduction as the main antagonist of this arc had to be a good one. He's a monster—he was a monster as a human, but being an actual monster has brought out his worst. That was the thought process I had when I crafted this version of Gangrel; he had to be faithful to the source material, an evolution of what he was before, and a foil to the main protagonist(I'll leave the meaning of that ambiguous for you all to figure out yourselves). The result was a former human that had no reason to "act" human any longer. He's embraced his beastial instincts and become something that no one sees as good. Hopefully you all enjoy this rendition of the Mad King, because this is the wall that the heroes need to surmount for the sake of protecting that which they care for the most.
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Mustafa and the Resitance - Mustafa surviving was a coin that I had been flipping long before the end of the last story arc. When I ultimately decided to have him survive, I knew what his purpose was going to be. I had to create a resistance for Lucina to ask for aid from, and I needed a person to lead that resistance in the story; Mustafa just happened to be the best choice. He may not survive to the end of this arc though...
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Metal Gear Lucina - When I had initially envisioned Lucina's infiltration of the palace, I had imagined it as a Metal Gear Solid type stealth mission where she'd sneak inside somehow and make her way to the dungeons to find Walter. The idea was great on paper, but incredibly boring in practice. I'm not nearly creative enough to come up with a chapter entirely dedicated to stealth. If you've not been clued in yet, I'm very much a "I like cool stuff, I write cool stuff" writer. I'll give every detail of a fight, because that's the kind of guy I am; I like action sequences and they're amongst my favorite things to write. It's probably the reason why this story is so saturated with fights—other than the fact that both source materials that this crossover pulls from are also action based.
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Avoiding the M rating - I think I've joked around about making this story M rated, and definitely considered it every now and then, but In all honesty I want to keep this story as rated T. This is a chapter that really made me think about how far I could take this story, and how dark I can make it. I feel like I pushed the boundary just a tad bit, but for the sake of delivering the best story I can it had to be done. Still, I think I'm keeping this all relatively within the boundaries of the T rating... although the start of the next chapter may be pushing it as far as I can... enough said.
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Grounded Wyvern - Nothing has no meaning, everything is done for a reason. Always keep that in mind whenever you read something, the author may be throwing something in that has more semblance to the story's theme and meaning than you think...
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Reviews
xbox432 - Definitely right, gotta keep at it. Things are looking up, and I really appreciate the encouragement; definitely needed it at the time.
Anyway, Lucina not being a cardboard cutout is natural—I can't take any credit due to the fact she's not an original character created by me. I'm only giving you what was already written. It's just my version of the story. As to how she'll get Walter out... well she kinda needs to get out of her situation first.
Also, look out! If toddler Walter makes an appearance, it'll be because of you!
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Lutemis - Eh... I ain't revealing the reason why it happened the way it did for another few (dozen) chapters. All I can say is reread the chapter and look at what's happening to Chrom AND the Falchion. There's more to the fatigue Chrom had than let on, and I can't reveal it for awhile. Although, until it's written you're allowed to go by "death of the author" rules I guess.
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Touhoufanatic - Walter's going to be paired with [REDACTED, because they're [REDACTED]. Walter and [REDACTED] have been [REDACTED] for [REDACTED] but you'll see it [REDACTED] as the [REDACTED] by. I think it's been [REDACTED] [REDACTED] since [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Walter.
I'm gonna stop because writing REDACTED is getting tedious. Perhaps you outta take this with a grain of salt? Or maybe you, or someone else, can piece together what exactly I said? If you get it EXACTLY correct, I'll have no choice but to [REDACTED].
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kerrowe - Yup! I had to cut it short, but I'll be picking the chapter up at a later date. For now, I've gotta move the plot along. As for Walter and his placement in the timeline... well... I've already got that planned out fully. All you need to know is that he's both an anomaly and not an anomaly. Make of that what you will; unless you wanna play the REDACTED game.
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Neema Amiry - I do try, thanks! Hopefully I topped my last "performance" this time.
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pt1oef - Eh, just giving Lucina's backstory... well at least one half of it.
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Stranger - Sorry, I was told not to talk to strangers... (that's my attempt at humor).
Anyway! Walter is a weird character, people either like him or hate him; I think it's obvious how I feel about the character. You're right, he doesn't exactly get the lime light like Alucard, Seras, Integra, or even Anderson. I've never really understood why, but it is what it is. Even then, I think I'm one of the only Walter centric (I say that whilst being three chapters within a story arc without him making a true appearance), fanfics that's still ongoing—at least when it comes to crossovers. In fact, I think one or two popped up while I was writing this one, but ended up dying out sometime between me picking this back up over a year ago, and now... it's sad.
In other news, Walter and Lucina you say? Hmm...
Anyway! I once again thank you for your patience, I know I kept you waiting for much longer than I usually do. Not only that, but I also delivered a different chapter than what was expected, so you're all entitled to busting my face for making you lot wait for so long. I'm gonna be fully honest, I don't know when I'm going to get the next chapter released, because I'm juggling this and illustrating a comic on Webtoons now. I'm about 6,000 words in though, but the thing is that I don't know how much longer that chapter will be. It's funny really, I TRIED to plan this all out to avoid situation like this, but I ended up screwing myself, and by extension you guys, over... for that I apoligize.
I humbly ask for your support, because ultimately this fanfic is for you guys. I write this stuff, but really its you guys that reap the reward; all I can hope for is that you guys enjoy it. I'll give it my best shot, but there's always that fear that it won't be good enough. That's probably why I enjoy your guys' reviews, because it tells me I'm doing SOMETHING right. I mentioned in my response to "Stranger" that I've seen similar fanfics just suddenly die out, and in truth this was dead over a year ago. I came back to this story because—for some reason—people wanted more. I still had ideas for the story myself, but I didn't have the drive to execute them. You guys pushed me to this point, and we're at this point because of you guys.
I just want to say thank you for the support. I really mean that.
Speaking of which... there's another story that's been dead for a long long time... I probably don't have the time to deal with it right now, but I think I may need to revisit it... it'll need a MASSIVE overhaul, seeing as how it's a mess of unoriginal ideas, and everything I abhor about my younger self.
Eh... it'll be a side project probably... which in hindsight is ironic seeing as how THIS fanfic was originally the side project to that one... eh... either way. I think the Wizard needs to work his magic and revive an old fanfic sometime soon. Maybe after this story arc is done though...
I think that's all for now...
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...screw it, I kept you lot waiting for too long!
Walter Dornez of the Emblem Chapter 26 Preview
"Must continue…" she rasped. She pushed herself off the ground, legs burning from her injuries. She had been through worse.
As she left the room, she noted that the cells ahead were far more cramped than the ones from before. In fact, they seemed far more grungy as well. Broken bones stripped completely of flesh; dried blood accompanying these haunting looks into what occurred here. A most foul stench infested the already heavy air — the scent of death itself.
Lucina continued on undaunted by the disgusting surroundings.
"Hello?" Lucina courageously called out. "Walter?"
Silence…
"It's me, Lucina…"
Silence…
"I'm here to get you out of here."
Silence…
There was nothing to be heard; no response or anything. Just the eerie silence of the dead. Lucina, not for the first time, felt utterly hopeless. The journey to this place, and the people who were fighting outside for her sake; all of it had been in vain. Walter wasn't here, and as much as Lucina didn't want to admit it, he was probably dead as well.
Utter anguish came down upon her like a wave as she began to quiver. She was a child once more. A child whose loved ones had been taken from her. Like everyone else she held dear, Walter was no more. Her breathing became erratic as she held back the rush of tears that threatened to stream down her cheeks. The only sound that filled the hall was the sound of her vainly trying not to cry.
"Lucina?"
Lucina's eyes widened. Someone had called out to her. She hadn't recognized the voice, but it sounded vaguely familiar. Gathering what little composure she had left, she began to track down the response's source.
"Screw me…" the person muttered just loud enough for Lucina to hear. The bluenette turned a corner and continued.
"I've gone senile, haven't I? Figures…" Lucina rounded another corner.
"Why would she be here of all places…"
The princess began to run down the hall, reinvigorated. It had to be, it couldn't have been anyone else. Who else knew her name in this time? She silently prayed to Naga once more, begging to her that it was him.
Skidding to a halt, she stopped at the end of the hall. She had arrived at a single cell, isolated from all the others. She could barely see into it thanks to the veil of darkness. Still, she could make out the vague outline of someone sitting in the back of the cell.
"You called me?" Lucina quietly asked. She could see the figure tilt their head, as if they were sizing her up.
"You really are here…" the person replied. Lucina was taken aback. She didn't recognize the voice, but it still sounded familiar to her. Whoever it was seemed to be at least several years her junior.
"Yes." she nodded. "I'm here." The figure in the cell remained still.
"Come closer, let me see you…" Lucina gestured for him to come to the front of his cell.
"I..." the stranger hesitated. "can't…" Lucina worriedly leaned closer to the cell.
"Are you shackled to the wall? I can free you from the cell if you-"
"No." he interrupted. "I just… please get out of here. I don't want you to get caught… heaven knows what they'd do to you; what he'd do to you…"
Lucina knew exactly who the stranger was talking about. She still felt her skin tingling from the encounter with Gangrel. She hadn't felt so powerless since she came face-to-face with Grima.
"Well, unfortunately it's too late for that…" the blunette shuddered. "I already have first hand experience with that monster — Gangrel — and his twisted personality." The person in the cell immediately bolted upright, much to Lucina's surprise. He stepped into the light, an enraged look on his face.
"What did that bastard do to you!?" Lucina flinched from the state of the stranger. It was a young boy, in his teens by the looks of it. There were countless cuts and bruises across his body. Dried blood stuck to the boy's mop of dark hair. The area around his dulled eyes were sunken, as if he'd gone many nights without rest. He wore a dress shirt that had been dirtied by dirt and blood. His waistcoat was missing its buttons, so he was wearing it open. His black slacks had holes at the knees.
The boy's eyes widened as he realized that Lucina was now staring at him—her expression a mix of shock and sadness. He rubbed his left eye, which Lucina had realized had blood streaming from it.
Lucina scrutinized the stranger, the teen looking to be a little less than five years her junior. The closer she inspected him, the more she couldn't shake the feeling that she knew him. From his mop of black hair, to his stern—albeit youthful—face. Yet she couldn't place her finger on where she knew this boy from. Her eyes scanned over him from top to bottom before they met his; midnight blue meeting dulled gray…
...gray eyes…
Lucina's eyes widened.
He… he couldn't be… she swallowed. The girl took a small step back, apprehension sweeping over her like a tidal wave. She opened her mouth to speak, but found no words. Lucina was utterly speechless. The "stranger" noticed this and his stern expression softened as he turned away.
"Lucina... I'm sorry…" he refused to make eye contact with her once more. "I failed you…"
"No…" Lucina shook her head. "I failed you… I should've come for you sooner…" she stopped, his name getting caught in her throat for a short second.
"...Walter."
Next time on Walter Dornez of the Emblem!
An Angel Clipped of Wings
