SONG LIST(For those that play the recommended music with the fanfic)

- Malefactor (Intro) [Fire Emblem Awakening OST]

- Malefactor [Fire Emblem Awakening OST]

- Prelude (Ablaze) [Fire Emblem Awakening OST]

- MILLENNIUM [Hellsing Ultimate OST Millennium Album]

- Reconquista [Hellsing Ultimate OST Iscariot-Style Album]

- Any hype anime opening theme

- 'Bait in a Trap' by Norihito Sumitomo

- Monster of God/World Flows Into Death River [Hellsing Ultimate 'Iscariot Style' OST]


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, EMPHASIS, AND SOUNDS

BOLD= DATES, PLACES, ECT.

BOLD ITALICS=WRITER


Northern Plegia ~ The Border Wastes
November 5, Age 2609 (1:45 P.M.)

"How big is Gangrel's army?" Walter asked as he rushed up to the fort's wall to get an overview of the battlefield.

"Our scouts report that his army numbers forty thousand," Phila replied.

"Just little under double ours…" Walter murmured under his breath as he stood beside the captain of the Pegasus Knights. "That's not his entire army, correct? Have you any word from the Ylisse-Plegia Border?"

"Yes," Phila nodded. "It's just as you said; Gangrel has begun marching his ghouls away from the border and towards this battlefield."

"What's their ETA? How long do we have to finish this before the full might of Gangrel's army comes baring down upon us?" Walter inquired.

"The ghouls left the border just a day ago. Though it would normally take an army a week to cross the whole Plegia, the ghouls neither eat nor sleep so they're on a nonstop march up here. They'll be here in a days' time at the rate they're moving," Phila regaled. Walter raised a hand to his chin.

"Alright, that means we have to make this battle count," the butler hummed. "If Gangrel is allowed to escape, he'll return with even greater numbers; Gangrel must be killed today. Has everyone been equipped with the blessed silver weapons I had forged?"

"Yes, every able bodied soldier was handed the silver variation of their weapon of choice; to any other army, it would look like a simple expensive concession granted to our men," Phila commented. Walter scoffed.

"Well, this 'concession' is our weapons against the undead," Walter ran his hand down the hilt of the blessed blade at his hip. "Blessed weapons like these are effective against ghouls; these ones doubly so due to them being made from silver. We should be able to handle any attack force thrown at us, living or undead."

"Easier said than done," Basilio suddenly declared as he climbed up the fort wall. Flavia stood beside him, Chrom and Frederick following behind them. Strangely, a young woman with rose-pink hair was meekly trudging beside Basilio. Her hair was tied back into a long ponytail; her bangs were parted just left of center, and two long braids framed her face on both sides. She wore a greatly revealing outfit—even more so than even Tharja—that may as well have been a two-piece swimsuit.

"The prince tells us that you plan on facing Gangrel on your own," Flavia began. "Normally, I'd be the first to object to obvious suicide, but Chrom made it very clear to us not to let anyone but you cross blades with that monster."

"I'm the only one that stands a chance against him," Walter repeated for what felt like the hundredth time. Basilio laughed.

"Yeah, no one's denying that," Basilio grinned. "We told our men not to approach the monster, not unless they wanted to join the bastard's undead legion. We're leaving everything up to you."

Walter bowed his head.

"I thank you for your confidence," the butler smirked.

"I… er… are you sure about fighting him? Gangrel, I mean…" the woman with the rose-pink hair murmured quietly.

"Truthfully, no…" Walter replied honestly. "I'm not fully certain I can, but I am certain that I've the best chance out of everybody. Your concern is noted, Miss…"

"Olivia," Basilio answered for the girl. "This here's Olivia," the burly khan placed a hand on the woman's shoulder.

"While I told her that this was no place for a dancer like her, she insisted that she come with and help where she could," Basilio spoke with a fond tone. "She's been helping keep morale high among our men."

Walter raised a brow.

I can only imagine how… Walter thought to himself as he took in the dancer's attire once more. For a brief moment, he'd imagined Lucina dressed as Olivia was…

"Let's not think about that…" the butler murmured to himself.

"What was that, Walter?" Chrom inquired. Walter raised a hand dismissively.

"Oh, it was nothing," Walter replied simply. "Just… dueling with some unsavory thoughts…"

"Ah…" Chrom didn't press for more information, but—for some unexplained reason—the prince felt as if he should be angry at the butler.

It's not like he had any reason to be angry at Walter…

…right?

"Gangrel's army is nearly upon us!" Lucina suddenly exclaimed as she ascended the fort's wall.

"Took him long enough…" Walter scoffed. "Frederick, rally our forces; I want archers standing across the wall, and soldiers ready to march. Basilio and Flavia, move your forces into the two forts adjacent to this one. Phila, be prepared to scramble the Pegasus Knights."

The butler barked orders before turning to Chrom.

"Get the Shepherds ready; they'll be leading the charge," Walter instructed. Chrom nodded.

"Wait, what're you gonna do?" Chrom questioned. Walter gestured towards the horizon.

"I'll meet Gangrel on the battlefield; buy you lot some time to organize," the butler replied. Chrom's eyes widened.

"You sure that's a good idea? Last I checked, you're right up there on Gangrel's hate list; probably right beside Emmeryn."

"No, he probably hates me MUCH more than he hates Emmeryn," Walter joked.

"Yeah… that doesn't exactly instill me with confidence…" Chrom rolled his eyes. Walter smirked, placing a hand on the prince's shoulder.

"Chrom," Walter's grip on the man's shoulder tightened slightly. "Trust me."

The prince thought about objecting…

"Alright…"

…but he had no reason to doubt the butler yet.

"…just be careful out there," Chrom gave Walter a pat on the shoulder.

"Oh Chrom…" Walter chuckled. "When have I ever been anything but careful?"

The prince pondered the question for a moment before shrugging.

"I'll get back to you on that…"

Walter and Chrom shared a laugh before the butler let go of the prince's shoulder. Turning away, Walter took a deep breath as he began to descend the fort's wall. Step by step Walter made his way down to ground level; gloves equipped and silver sword dangling at his hip. "Walter," many greeted on his way through—all looking to him expectantly; he was their champion. He moved past them—allies giving way to him—towards the fort's exit.

"Walter!"

The butler stopped, just steps away from leaving the safety of the fort. Standing in the shadow of the entrance, Walter turned to see who called out to him.

"Lucina…"

Walter was unsurprised to see Lucina running behind him. The butler quickly caught her in his arms, the young maiden embracing him. In the shadow of the entryway—where no one was watching—the couple clung to each other.

"Walter…" Lucina breathed as they parted briefly. "I'm going with you."

The butler was taken aback.

"Lucina, I told you that I would face Gangrel-"

"I know," the princess cut him off. "However, you said nothing about fighting ghouls together."

Walter opened his mouth to protest—considering his counters—but his voice died in his throat as he stared into her midnight-blue eyes. She was determined to stand by him; through fire and brimstone. Closing his eyes, the butler took her hand into his.

"Back-to-back; you watch my back and I'll watch yours," Walter gripped her hand tightly. Lucina smiled, holding his hand tighter as well.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," she replied.

Standing beside one another, they turned to face the horizon—to face Gangrel. Simultaneously, Walter and Lucina unsheathed their swords; a blessed silver sword and Falchion respectively. Taking stride—moving as one—they marched out of the fort; Walter clutching Lucina's left hand, and Lucina clutching his right.

They walked at for at least half a mile before stopping. There they stood, fort in the distance behind them and endless wastes in front of them. Neither knew what was coming, but they'd face it together.

Dhoom… dhoom… dhoom… dhoom… dhoom…

Lucina swallowed as the ground began to shake slightly as a sound akin to a drum began to echo from across the horizon. It was quiet at first but soon grew louder and louder.

First a single ghoul came across the horizon…

and then another…

and then another…

Slowly but steadily—as the march of the undead intensified—the horizon became engulfed with ghouls. Thousands upon thousands of ghouls slumbered forward to meet Walter and Lucina at the center of the battlefield.

Walter felt Lucina's hand tighten around his own, the butler returning the gesture. There was no turning back; this was where they would make their final stand.

"What have we HERE!?" a familiar cackle eclipsed the march of undead. Walter's eyes narrowed.

(Play song ~ Malefactor (Intro) [Fire Emblem Awakening OST])

There he was—standing at the forefront of his legion. Pale skin, crimson eyes, and a twisted smile bearing his fangs; Gangrel had arrived. Aversa was beside him, mounted atop her bicorn-like Pegasus; her expression a grim far cry from her former smug and seductive grin.

"Not only did poor ol' Wally boy come back for another pummeling, but he's brought along my runaway concubine as well!" Gangrel drawled as he lumbered forward to meet Walter and Lucina at the center of the wastes.

Walter could feel Lucina shiver as Gangrel strode towards them. He squeezed her hand tighter, as if to remind her that she wasn't alone.

"Truly, today is a good day…" Gangrel continued, his bombastic tone growing more restrained. "Today will see the end of Ylisse, the end of Ferox, the end of that whore—Emmeryn, and most importantly…" the Mad King pointed his clawed finger at the butler.

"THE END OF THE MOST INFURIATING BUTLER I'VE EVER HAD THE DISPLEASURE OF KNOWING!"

Walter let out an amused laugh before smirking.

"I'm the most infuriating butler you've met?" Walter chuckled. "I'm flattered, I did try my best to make your life miserable." Lucina tugged on his arm.

"Should you really be antagonizing him?" she whispered. Walter nodded.

"Yes, yes I should," he replied simply. Lucina sighed in exasperation, though she couldn't help but smile. That wit of his was reassuring.

"When I heard from Aversa that there was news of Emmeryn of all people marching into Plegia from the north—Fire Emblem in hand—I honestly thought it was a joke!" Gangrel rambled. "Emmeryn entering Plegia with the Emblem practically on a silver platter!? Had the woman finally lost her mind?!" the Mad King chuckled, before his tone grew eerily serious.

"It seems the Winter Festival has come early, and this year I'm getting my wish granted…" Gangrel growled, his grin widening. "Well, seeing as how you've gone through the trouble of meeting me half-way—so to speak..." the monster laughed at his own joke.

"…I'll give you a chance to join my side."

Walter's brow furrowed.

"I thought I was the most infuriating butler you'd ever had the displeasure of knowing?" Walter quipped. Gangrel shrugged.

"You are, but even I can't help but acknowledge your skill as a tactician; more importantly, just how similar you and I REALLY are…" Gangrel chuckled. Walter glared.

"You and I are nothing alike…" Walter retorted.

"Not wrong, I only said that because it was the cliché sort of thing to say," Gangrel snickered. "Still, my offer still stands; you join me in wiping out those foul Ylisseans, and I'll show you mercy. Seeing as how I'm in quite the charitable of moods, I'll even keep my hands off that bluenette beauty beside you," the Mad King pointed at Lucina.

"So whaddya say?" Gangrel's smile widened.

Walter raised a brow. The butler laughed; it was absolutely ludicrous.

"What kind of person do you take me for; thinking that I'd EVER take you up on that offer?" Walter shook his head.

"Well…" Gangrel let out a chuckle, his smile fading away. "At least you can't say I didn't try…" he narrowed his eyes.

"You bring this upon yourselves…" Gangrel murmured in a dangerously low tone; raising his hand to signal his army.

"KILL THAT BUTLER!" Gangrel suddenly screeched. "RIP HIM APART! TEAR HIM TO SHREDS! BITE HIS BALLS OFF! I WANT HIM REDUCED TO A BLOODSTAIN!" The Mad King of Plegia raved and ranted before narrowing his eyes; focusing on Lucina.

"Kill the butler, but bring me the girl…" Gangrel growled, his cheshire grin turning predatory. "I want her alive…"

(Replace Song With ~ Malefactor [Fire Emblem Awakening OST])

Walter and Lucina gripped their swords tightly as the ghouls encroached upon them. The couple stared down the legion; unblinking and unafraid. Closer, closer, closer—Walter and Lucina gave each other's hands one final squeeze before they broke contact. Hands no longer locked, the two charged forward as one.

Lucina was first to make contact, Falchion slashing through ghouls like they were butter. Her first swing beheaded one ghoul, her second halved another. She briefly ducked underneath a strike aimed for her head, Walter stepping in and gutting her attacker with his sword. Walter parried a strike once again aimed for Lucina, the princess capitalizing on the opening; delivering swift death to the undead. Walter stepped back to dodge one strike, Lucina stepped forward to kill his attacker.

The two fought back-to-back; blocking and protecting each other, killing the ghouls that came at them.

"Duck!" Walter commanded. Lucina followed without hesitation.

With a swing of his free hand, Walter wires flared to life. Several pale blue strands were launched forth—flying over Lucina's ducked head—and slashing through ghouls. A shower of blood and viscera rained down onto the ground as Walter's wires retracted back into his gloves.

Brief uses, Walter, the butler mentally told himself. He needed to waste as little energy as possible.

"Watch out!" Lucina lunged forward. Walter dodged with milliseconds to spare, as a ghoul brought his axe down upon him. The princess halved the ghoul before it could move for another attack.

"You don't need to overexert yourself for my sake," Walter commented as he swiped his hands through the air. Monofilament wires were summoned briefly to eliminate five ghouls charging at Lucina.

"And risk seeing you be hurt? I'd sooner fall upon my own blade," Lucina replied as she sidestepped a vertical strike aimed at her. Walter jumped between her and her attacker, knocking it over with a swift roundhouse kick. The toppled ghoul collapsed backwards onto it's brethren, leaving them open for Lucina to gut them then and there.

"You're more likely to be caught off guard than I am, dearest," Walter playfully countered. The butler began to incorporate more unconventional tactics to his fighting style; kicking the discarded weapons of ghouls into the air before sending them flying through more ghouls like a bullet with another kick.

"I concede that point, but I won't simply leave you be when you are open, love," Lucina replied in her own teasing tone. Walter could only chuckle in response as he and Lucina downed ghoul after ghoul.

(Song ends here...)

Watching from behind his army, Gangrel seethed as he watched the duo dance through his legion as if the battlefield were a ballet. It sickened the vampire to his very core.

"Stop dragging your feet and KILL THE BUTLER!" Gangrel roared at his ghouls. At the command, the ghouls began to speed up their approach.

Walter and Lucina—though both briefly acknowledged the increasing threat—continued to fight back-to-back. Their swings became swifter, parries more minute, and slashes more devastating; the duo would not budge from where they drew the line.

They'd not let a single ghoul get past them.

"Archers!"

(Play song ~ Prelude (Ablaze) [Fire Emblem Awakening OST])

Walter glanced behind him and smiled. Without second thought, Walter quickly scooped Lucina up into his arms—carrying her as if she were a bride—and literally leaped out of the fray. Not one millisecond later, a volley of arrows rained down upon the ghouls that the butler and princess were just engaged with moments ago.

Landing on the ground away from Gangrel's army, Walter steadily lowered Lucina onto her feet. Turning towards the forts, Walter could only laugh as he saw another volley of arrows loosened—fired from atop all three. However, what made the butler most relieved was spotting who it was that was giving orders.

"Mages, prepare to bombard the enemy!" Chrom roared, his voice echoing across the wastes.

Like fireworks, magic of different schools and strengths were launched in tandem with volleys of arrows. Thunder, fire, and wind—all forms of magic impacted the front lines of the ghoul army; undead drones torn, burned, and blasted apart. The wastes became a cacophony of war; the thunder of spells exploding—rending flesh from bone—near deafening. Walter could almost mistake them for World War II mortars firing upon infantry; almost.

Gangrel—who retreated away from the fireworks—was glowering as his forces were torn to shreds by magic.

"Of all the…" Gangrel clicked his teeth in annoyance. "Aversa!"

Gangrel's reluctant second-in-command descended upon the battlefield on her black Pegasus; setting down beside the Mad King. Hesitantly, she dismounted and strode to Gangrel's side.

"Is there something the mat-"

Smack!

Aversa seethed as she was swiftly delivered a hard slap to her cheek. Gangrel glared at her impatiently, the crimson eyes he gained from becoming a vampire now glowing fiery red.

"You told me that our sheer numbers would be capable of delivering us a decisive victory; WHERE'S THE DECISIVE VICTORY I WAS PROMISED!?" Gangrel looked as if he wanted to tear Aversa's throat out. The usual composed second to Gangrel couldn't help but shiver under his glare.

"Forgive me, milord…" Aversa shrunk beneath the beast's gaze. "I had assumed that we could simply overwhelm them; it appears that they were better prepared than I anticipated…"

"You couldn't anticipate that they'd have mages?" Gangrel's voice lowered into a guttural growl. "How about you rectify that mistake? Do your job and GIVE ME A COUNTERATTACK!" he demanded. Aversa, as much as she loathed being at Gangrel's mercy—lowered her head in acknowledgement.

"At once, milord…"

(Song ends here...)

Minutes that felt like an eternity passed, and the mages and archers finally ceased fire. There were still tomes and arrows to be fired off, but Walter suggested they save those for later; reserved in case they needed to rain hell down upon the enemy once more.

When the dust cleared, what was left of Gangrel's front line was revealed; splotches of blood and viscera scattered throughout countless craters. Though they had killed a couple hundred or so ghouls in that opening volley, that barely dented Gangrel's army; there still stood an ocean of undead opposite to their forces. Still, the attack was sure to have caused some amount of panic, so now was the time to march their infantry and calvary units.

"Foe Ylisse!" Chrom shouted at the top of his lungs.

"For Ylisse!"

The war shout echoed through the wastes as Ylisse's army ran to meet the dazed ghouls; Chrom at the head leading the charge.

"For Ferox!" Basilio and Flavia hollered.

"For Ferox!"

Feroxi warriors spilled forth from the two forts beside the main one, weapons drawn; Basilio leading the soldiers from the western fort, and Flavia leading those from the eastern.

The grand army—the combination of Ylisse and Regna Ferox—charged forth with defiant shouts. An explosion of metal meeting metal rung throughout the battlefield as living clashed with undead. Horse hooves crushed bone as cavalry rode through ghouls. Muscles tearing and bone rending as man and ghoul drove weapons through each other.

Walter surveyed the battlefield. He clashed and slashed ghouls, the blessed silver sword in his hands coated with blood. Red stained the ground he walked—foes approached from all angles—but the butler barely paid them any mind. They were cannon fodder; the cannon fodder of his true target.

Gangrel… Walter grit his teeth as he searched for the Mad King amidst the chaos.

(Play song ~ MILLENNIUM [Hellsing Ultimate OST Millennium Album])

"Looking for me, butler!?"

Walter's eyes narrowed as he darted his head in the direction of the voice. Lo and behold, Gangrel stood at the other end of the battlefield—toothy grin plastered across his crazed face.

"Here I am!" Gangrel taunted, arms out—goading Walter to cross the sea of ghouls that stood between them. "Come! Come and face me, boy!" Walter clicked his teeth.

"Don't even need to ask…" the butler tightened his grip on his sword.

Without hesitation, Walter charged forward; he'd part the ocean of undead to kill Gangrel. His run was swift, but his swings were swifter. Right, left, up, down, stab, punch, kick; he was a whirlwind of movement. The butler—the Angel of Death—left blood and guts in his wake.

Lucina—who stood back-to-back with her father—took notice of Walter's charge into hell.

"What is he-" her eyes widened in shock and horror. "Chrom!"

The prince turned swiftly upon being called.

"What is it!?" the man grunted as he struck down a ghoul.

"It's Walter!" Lucina pointed towards the butler, who's rampage was taking him further and further into the army of ghouls. Chrom felt his heart stop for a second.

"Damn it, I told him to be careful..." Chrom grit his teeth.

Walter wasn't stopping, not for anything or anyone. He had to end this farce, he had to end Gangrel. Was it reckless? Most certainly. Was it necessary? Absolutely.

The longer Gangrel lived, the more lives that would be lost. It had to end now.

Walter glared as more ghouls moved between him and Gangrel. For every undead he slayed, another took it's place. No matter how far he got into the ocean of ghouls, Gangrel always seemed a mile away.

"Out of my way!" Walter yelled, briefly summoning his wires. He slashed through twenty odd ghouls, enough to make a slight bit of progress.

His wires retracted back into his gloves as Walter resumed his one-man assault. Lobbing the arm off one ghoul, he took it's discarded weapon with his free hand. Duel wielding swords, he became a flurry of slashes and strikes. At the speed he was moving both swords, no strike connected with him—not even arrows fired from a bow.

Slowly but steadily, that distance between him Gangrel seemed to shrink. Inch by inch—foot by foot—Walter approached that undead king. His arms were a blur of motion, his swords barely visible as he struck; he was so close to his goal…

…and then an arrow pierced him from behind.

"Guh!" Walter grunted as his lower back was stuck, just left of his spine. It hurt like hell, but he ignored it for now. Turning around, he realized the mistake he had made in his haste.

"Poor little Wally boy!" Gangrel cackled from his safe position away from the action. "What's the matter, surrounded by the dead!?" the Mad King taunted.

(Song ends here...)

Indeed, Walter had—rather foolishly—pushed so far into enemy territory that he was surrounded. His allies were still chipping away at the ghoul army from the outer edges, and here he was—alone with an arrow in his back—surrounded at the center.

"Don't worry, boy!" Gangrel grinned. "Getting struck down and impaled ain't so bad… if you're a monster like me, that is!" Walter clicked his teeth.

"You laugh now, but just wait till I get to you…" the butler seethed. Gangrel chuckled at the remark.

"Well, I'm just dying with anticipation to see what you've in store! Of course, I won't be losing sleep if you never got to me in the first place." Gangrel raised his hand. "Get 'em, boys!"

On command, the ghouls began to close in on Walter. Gripping both swords tightly, the butler was prepared to make his stand; arrow wound or not. Flourishing his blades, Walter began a simultaneous attack and defense; blocking and slashing at once. Ghouls were cut to pieces as blood spilled across the ground.

Even surrounded, Walter's main goal was at the forefront of his mind: kill Gangrel. He had to press forward, there was nothing else he could do. If he stayed where he was, he'd be overwhelmed; any attempt to retreat would be foiled, for he had no where to go.

He kicked a ghoul down, shoulder tackled another; he was forcing himself through the opposition. Strong as he was, he was still a single man up against an army; not mentioning the fact he was already handicapped. Even as he maintained a defense as solid as his offense, tiny potshots were still taken. A small cut to the arm and leg—a lance grazing his cheek—arrows just nicking him; minor as they were, they all built up.

He could fight as hard as he wanted, but taking damage was inevitable…

Walter seethed as a ghoul slashed a deep cut into his left arm. He repaid the foe in full—teeth grit—and continued forward. He felt the blood trickling down his arm—the cut left of his bicep—soaking into his sleeve. Despite the pain, he kept his grip on both swords and kept slashing.

"Ahck!" another strike got through; an axe taking off a small chunk of his right calf. Walter buckled slightly, but quickly returned to an upright position; using his uninjured leg to kick the attacker's head off. Injured again, but he still pressed forward.

He pressed forward, even as the injuries began to pile up.

An arrow to his right shoulder...

A blunt strike to his ribs…

A cut to his right thigh…

Walter's body burned and writhed in protest—the butler letting out only pained breaths—but he ignored the desire to stop and drop dead. Gangrel was in his sights, and he wasn't about to die before the Mad King did.

So he kept fighting; kept going. He kept going and going and going; slashing through foes with vigor.

"Still banging your head against the proverbial wall, eh?" Gangrel commented as Walter continued his assault. "It's such a tragedy; if you turned that violent skill towards those more deserving—the Ylisseans—you and I could've gotten along…" the Mad King shook his head, his tone almost lamenting.

"Oh well, no use crying over spilt milk…" Gangrel chuckled. "I suppose this is where it ends…"

The Mad King waved a hand upward.

Walter's eyes widened as his ears were graced by the sound of something quite… concerning…

…the sound of foot soldiers marching.

(Play song ~ Reconquista [Hellsing Ultimate OST Iscariot-Style Album])

Looking past the Mad King, Walter felt his heart drop as—much to his dismay—Plegian soldiers approached. Marching to join the ghouls was at least twenty thousand trained soldiers. There were soldiers, mages, barbarians, warriors; the army consisted of men of all sorts of classes.

"These ghouls don't seem to be doing the trick…" Gangrel said as his men moved to join the ghouls. "Thank goodness I had Aversa rally the men; seems the harpy CAN still do something right." the Mad King laughed.

"Now then!" Gangrel's cheshire grin widened as he pointed at Walter. "The one that brings me that butler's head will be named a hero of Plegia; mine by extension!"

Walter sneered as he watched the soldiers push through the ghouls—who ceased attacking him at the very least—and approached him. At the front was a man—a large berserker who towered over Walter—with a mighty silver axe; his face obscured by a faceless helmet.

"Walter!"

"Run, Walter!

The butler glanced behind him to see Chrom and Lucina calling out to him. Behind them were the Shepherds; making a vain attempt to push past the ghouls and get to him.

The butler shook his head, instead looking up at the mighty berserker before him. He'd die before he ran away.

"Walter Dornez…" the berserker looked down at Walter.

"No, I'm Mary Poppins…" the butler replied sarcastically. The berserker didn't seem to care, as he simply hefted his axe over his shoulder.

Unexpectedly, the helmeted berserker lifted his free hand to remove his helmet. Walter's eyes widened.

"Bleeding and injured, you still have the time to be a smart ass, Angel of Ylisse."

Walter grinned.

"If I'm going to die, I may as well die with my dignity…" the butler chuckled. "…Mustafa."

From where she was, Lucina's jaw dropped to see the Plegian general once more.

"General Mustafa?" the bluenette gasped. Beside her, Chrom looked equally as shocked.

"H- he's still alive!?" the prince stared at the man he thought had sacrificed himself for his—the Shepherds and Emmeryn as well—sake.

Suddenly, Mustafa raised his axe towards the sky.

"Men!" Mustafa hollered, his voice eclipsing even the clashing of swords. "Who do we fight for!?"

"For Plegia!" his men replied.

"Who is Plegia's enemy!?" Mustafa shouted, even louder this time.

"Gangrel!"

Universal shock struck all those who heard—Ylissean, Feroxi, but most of all Gangrel. The Mad King—as pale as he already was—grew even paler.

"Wha-what's this mutiny!?" Gangrel sputtered, taken off guard as his men—what was supposed to be his men, anyway—turned their weapons on the ghouls. "You just said you were loyal to Plegia!"

"Of course they said that, you blithering moron…"

(Song ends here...)

Gangrel's eyes narrowed—laser focusing on the voice's source: Walter Dornez.

"These men are as loyal to their country as one can get," the butler grinned. "So loyal—in fact—that they are rebelling against the tyrant that threatens the nation they love." Walter narrowed his eyes.

"Did you think you could get away with devouring your own subjects without consequence? Did you honestly think that these brave men—the best of the best—would stand by and let you?" Walter's gaze became steely. "If you did, you're an even bigger fool than I had originally thought."

Gangrel felt his rage reach its boiling point. He'd had enough of this farce.

"Once again, you've managed to piss me off, butler…" Gangrel seethed through grit teeth. "KILL THAT DAMNED BUTLER ALREADY!"

Once more, the ghouls resumed their attack. Shambling towards the butler once more; they were stopped short this time by Mustafa and his men.

"Clear a path for the Guardian Angel to reach Gangrel!" Mustafa commanded. "Push forward! Group up with the Ylisseans!"

At once—what was once fantasy became reality—Plegians came to the aid of Ylisseans. Standing side-by-side—brothers in arms for this fight—the coalition of Ylisse, Ferox, and Plegia stood against the undead.

From afar, safe atop the fort that stood over the battlefield, Emmeryn couldn't help but smile at what she saw. For the first time in… Naga knew how long—several generations at least—Ylisseans were standing with Plegians.

"Your Excellency," Phila stood beside the Exalt. "Is something the matter?" Emmeryn shook her head.

"No, everything is quite alright," the Exalt clutched the Fire Emblem tightly.

"Let peace prevail as it should…" she murmured.

On the battlefield, Chrom and Lucina had met up with Walter and Mustafa. Erin had also joined the group, bombarding ghouls with lightning and wind magic.

"General Mustafa!?" Chrom exclaimed as he slashed through a ghoul. "I thought you were dead!?" Mustafa chuckled as he chucked a tomahawk into a ghoul that was coming up behind the prince.

"Tales of my death were greatly exaggerated," the berserker of a general replied simply.

"I'm more shocked to see you here!" Lucina grit her teeth as she came to Walter's aid. The butler—whose injuries were slowly accumulating—looked like he needed the brief reprieve.

"Well, we weren't planning on entering an open conflict with Gangrel," Erin immolated several ghouls heading their way. "After the stunt you pulled in the capital, Gangrel had Aversa crack down on the resistance; he wanted us out of the picture as soon as possible."

"We were actually in the midst of evacuating our base when we received a message from Walter," Mustafa swung a wide arch with his axe, bashing and breaking his undead opponents with ease.

"Message?" Lucina murmured to herself. Why had that sounded so familiar…

"Wait, that's what you had Matthew smuggle into Plegia?" the princess looked to Walter, who had a smug grin on his face.

"Yes," the butler chuckled as he watched Gangrel panicking from where he stood. "I'd planned this from the very beginning; I told Mustafa to masquerade as soldiers still loyal to Gangrel's cause. I had him gather soldiers willing to back up Ylisse and Ferox for one final stand against that bastard of a king."

"It wasn't easy," Erin admitted, grunting as he used wind magic to blow away several ghouls. "With all that bad blood that Gangrel had stirred up between us and Ylisse, it took some convincing. Ultimately, however we made it very clear that Ylisse wasn't the enemy to Plegia, but Gangrel. Gangrel, who had turned Plegia into a warmongering state. Gangrel, who had rendered friend and foe alike mindless drones. Gangrel, who was now threatening the continent with war."

"As you can see, we gathered quite the support," Mustafa smirked. "Twenty thousand Plegians ready to die to see our country restored to greatness!"

Chrom wanted to jump in elation; he could only imagine how his sister felt at the moment. Still, now was not the time for celebration; there was still one final hurdle jump.

"Walter," Chrom addressed the butler. "We need to push forward to get to Gangrel." The butler shook his head.

"No, I need to push forward to get to Gangrel," Walter corrected. "You lot will stay out of this fight."

'Don't be so stubborn, Walter!" Lucina berated as she halved a ghoul. "Yes, we understand that you've got to face Gangrel alone, but that doesn't mean you fight everything alone!"

"Marth's right," Chrom spoke through grit teeth. "Until you get to Gangrel, we fight as one!"

"You stubborn…" Walter ran a hand through his messy locks. As annoyed as he was though, he couldn't help but smile.

"Alright…" Walter grinned. The butler gripped his sword tightly and looked over to where Gangrel stood.

"As one," Walter said.

"As one," Chrom repeated as he raised Falchion overhead. The sword glint and shone, despite the overcast skies above.

(Play a hype anime opening or whatever here...)

"Shepherds!" Chrom's voice eclipsed the cacophony of war. One by one, the Shepherds formed up behind their prince—their leader—weapons drawn.

"Let's get Walter to Gangrel!" the prince commanded.

"Yes sir!"

Without second thought, the Shepherds charged forward; through fire and brimstone. They plowed through enemy after enemy, all in an attempt to get Walter to Gangrel.

The butler dashed at the front, sword swinging and wires blurring.

"On your left!" Frederick lobbed a javelin into ghoul about to attack Walter. "We leave this to you, Walter!"

"Walter, catch!" Lissa tossed the butler a concoction—a healing remedy to ease his wounds; which he immediately downed. "You got this, Walter!"

"Watch your back!" Sully rode in on her horse, trampling several ghouls pursuing the butler. "Don't get yourself killed, Walter!"

Fwhoosh!

An arrow embedded itself in a particularly large ghoul blocking the butler's path.

"Consider that gratitude for those times you saved me, Walter," Virion smirked as he fired another arrow into ghoul near the butler. "Fight with grace and power!"

"Teach has got your back!" Vaike leapt into the fray and embedded two tomahawks into two ghouls approaching Walter. "Give 'em hell for Teach!"

"Duck, Walter!" Stahl threw a javelin, the butler lowering his head as it flew past him and stuck a ghoul. "That'd been really embarrassing if I hit Walter instead…"

"Caution, Walter!" Miriel bombarded a group of undead in Walter's path with fire. "The path is clear! Continue forward with haste!"

"Don't forget that I'm here!" Kellam suddenly moved in front of Walter to block a strike meant for the butler with his armor. "Hopefully someone noticed that…"

"Up here, Walter!" Sumia began raining javelins down upon those that stood in the butler's way. "Keep going! You're almost there!"

"Watch your right…" Lon'qu murmured as he cut down three ghouls with a single clean slash. "Hmph… finish this war, Walter…"

"I'll clear a path!" Ricken shouted as he launched a large blade of Arcwind through a couple dozen ghouls. "How's that for chipping in!?"

"Psychic!" Maribelle raised a healing staff from a fair distance away; a green glow encapsulating Walter, healing his injuries. "Do show that ruffian—Gangrel—that Ylisse is not to be trifled with."

"Behind me, man-spawn!" Panne suddenly barreled through ghouls in Walter's path in her beast form. "Fight as a taguel, Walter; with strength and ferocity!"

"You're wide open…" Gaius jumped behind Walter and covered his back. "You owe me some lemon drops for this one…"

"For Ylisse, and my fallen Knight-sisters!" Cordelia shouted as she swooped in and fell several ghouls to the butler's left. "Avenge the fallen, Walter!"

"Oy!" Gregor covered Walter's right. "Gregor has Walter's back, like Walter has Gregor's!"

"Watch out, Walter!" Nowi suddenly flew above the butler in her manakete form, unleashing emerald fire upon the opposition. "It's all up to you, Walts!"

"For Naga!" Libra shouted as he swiftly beheaded a ghoul with his axe. "Naga be with you, Angel of Ylisse…"

"I don't even know why I'm bothering…" Tharja rolled her eyes as she unleashed a torrent of dark magic upon those pursuing Walter. "Still… if you survive this, I'm going to want to see you, Walter Dornez…"

"I gotcha, sir!" Donnel came in, blade blurring through ghoul after ghoul. "Show 'em hell, sir!"

Slowly but steadily the distance between him and Gangrel grew smaller and smaller.

One-hundred feet…

…ninety feet…

…eighty feet…

…seventy feet…

…closer…

…closer…

…closer…

"For Ylisse!

"For the future!"

Simultaneously, Chrom and Lucina dashed beside Walter—on his left and right respectively—twin Falchions in hand. With one final defiant cry, both leapt into the air and descended upon the final ghoul that stood in the butler's path. Blade tore through flesh as the final obstacle was cut down.

Walter leapt past the two—silver sword in hand and wires summoned. Landing on his feet, the butler stood before his prey. Suddenly, the battlefield grew quiet—the fighting ceasing. Ylissean, Feroxi, and Plegian alike turned to the end of the battlefield where two titans stood face-to-face. Even the ghouls seemed to stop attacking, their master mentally ordering them to stand down for the time being.

The embodiment of evil stared down at the teenaged butler who was the champion of Ylisse.

(Song ends here)

"Well… it seems it comes down to just the two of us, butler…" Gangrel chuckled. Walter's face was stony.

"This farce of a war ends here…" Walter replied stoically. Gangrel's grin widened at his declaration.

"Ohohohoh! Yes! You're correct, this war does end here!" the Mad King cracked his pasty white knuckles. "When I'm through with you, I'm going to pinch the heads off of…

"Each. And. Every. One. Of. Your. Friends." Gangrel sneered maliciously. The beast's crimson eyes darted to Lucina, who watched from afar.

"Not to mention what I'll do to that lovely bluenette of yours…"

Walter fought the urge to lash out at the monster then and there. He couldn't dash in recklessly; he had to be cautious.

"Well, I think we've exchanged enough pleasantries…" Gangrel reached down to his hip and unsheathed his jagged edged Levin Sword. The blade crackled with electricity as the mad monster held it at the ready.

"Shall we begin?"

Walter didn't reply, as he simply stared down the beast with his dull gray eyes. The tension throughout the wastes was thick; almost tangible enough that it could be cut through. Everyone waited for someone—one of them—to make the first move.

One…

…two…

…three.

Walter suddenly dashed at Gangrel, leaving a sonic boom in his wake. Multiple afterimages were left as he crossed the distance between him and the beast.

"What!?" Gangrel was caught off guard by the teenaged butler's burst of speed.

Walter kicked the blade of a fallen soldier into air, before kicking it again—launching it at the monster at an unbelievable speed. Gangrel was pierced by the weapon, causing him stumble backwards slightly. By the time he recovered, Walter was already bearing down on him.

The butler screamed as he delivered a devastating uppercut to the Mad King's jaw, sending him several feet into the air. The impact echoed across the battlefield, cracking the ground around the two.

"Naga…" Chrom gasped as the butler leapt into the air in pursuit. "Since when was Walter able to…?"

"How much of his own strength has he been holding back…?" Lucina muttered as she watched her love fight with all he had.

Flying through the air, Walter stopped just above the ascending Gangrel. Unsheathing his weapon, Walter jammed his blade straight into Gangrel.

"Gangrel!" Walter grit his teeth as he forced his sword through the bastard king's torso, cleaving off a chunk of the vampire. "Let's see who gives out first! Me or you!"

A translucent black aura suddenly flared to life around the butler as his wires appeared around him. His weapon wrapped around Gangrel, keeping him tied down in a vice grip. Suddenly, Walter delivered a hard haymaker to Gangrel's face, launching the king back towards the ground. Walter dived right after him: blade, aura, and wires blurring as he did. Spinning through the air like a propeller, the teenaged death angel began slashing out chunks of the King of Plegia's body. Just as they were feet away from the ground, Walter yanked on his wires and shoved his sword deep into Gangrel's chest. Walter seethed as he slammed Gangrel into the ground. The butler landed on the ground himself and slashed the air with his hand. His vibrant wires followed the command and threw Gangrel into a rock formation. Snapping his fingers, Walter's wires than exploded outwards and cut the Mad King into bite-sized pieces.

Gangrel was quick to regenerate from the attack, and he was absolutely infuriated. Levin Sword in hand, he slashed the air. An electric wave spiraled towards Walter, who faced it head on. With a single front flip, his wires cleaved through the lightning—giving the butler a clear path to Gangrel.

Dashing forward at full-speed, Walter kicked the sword out of Gangrel's hands before launching back into the air. His wires latched onto the Mad King, and Walter tugged the beast back towards him before kicking him back into the air. Like a twisted paddleball, Walter continued to assault the beast with volleys of punches and kicks. Each impact could be heard across the wastes, and each one kicked up more and more dirt.

How!? Gangrel grit his teeth as was mercilessly beaten around. He was not this strong when we first fought, so how is it that he's somehow increased his strength over tenfold?! Gangrel felt his body falling apart—the regeneration process too slow to deal with the onslaught.

Walter leapt into the air and began cutting away at Gangrel like a buzz saw again. As he did, he began to feel the rapid deterioration of his body. His muscles burned and his bones ached, but he forced himself through the pain.

I have to finish him now! Blade in hand, muscles tearing themselves apart as he slammed his sword into Gangrel's head and began to vertically halve the Mad King.

With a yell, both impacted the ground—kicking up a cloud of dirt. The ground shook slightly at the impact, causing those watching to wince. As the dust settled, Walter was the first to become visible. He stood before the crater he had created—stoically staring into it.

For the briefest of moments, it seemed like it was over. The exchange that would decide the fate of not just Ylisse, but the whole continent, had been decided in a mere thirty seconds; a minute at most. Yet, even the most wishful of thinkers knew that it would not be that easy.

"Well… that was unexpected," the damnable voice of the Mad King of Plegia called out. "I wasn't expecting you to be capable of such an assault… I guess that's what I get for underestimating you…"

Walter clicked his teeth as Gangrel leapt out of the crater—any wounds dealt to him completely healed. The butler seethed through his teeth, in both frustration and in pain…

That opening assault took a lot more out of me than I'd hoped… Walter thought as he took deep breaths through his nose. I gave it my all, and he's still standing… he's gotta have a breaking point, and I'm going to make sure he reaches his before I reach mine…

"You done staring at me like a dumb puppy, or am I going to have to come to you?" Gangrel taunted. "Or have you already winded yourself?"

Walter glared.

"No, I'm just getting started…" Walter growled as he retracted his wires back into his gloves. He had to save his energy.

"Oh, now that's what I want to hear…" Gangrel grinned. "Well then, let's see what other surprises you have in store…"

From where they were standing, Chrom and Lucina watched the fight helplessly. They both had to resist the urge to leap into battle—knowing full well that any attempt at helping the butler would do more harm than good.

"Walter…" Lucina whispered under her breath; hands clutched over her heart. She felt so helpless—she wanted to help…

…but what could she do?

(Play song ~ 'Bait in a Trap' by Norihito Sumitomo)

Walter launched himself at Gangrel once more, blessed silver sword blurring through the air as he swung at the beast. Gangrel hummed nonchalantly as he lifted his Levin Sword to deflect the strike; the sound of the two blades meeting echoing across the wastes.

The two pushed against one another, blades winding and binding as they attempted to gain leverage against the other. Gangrel was briefly taken off guard when Walter managed to push him back. Releasing the blade lock, the two moved in to exchange sword strikes.

The speed and ferocity the duo struck at each other could be felt—as well as heard—even at the edge of the battlefield. Their blades blurred through the air; leaving afterimages in their wake. The only indication that the combatants were even making contact with one another being the echoing of metal clashing with metal, and the sparks that flew between the two.

Slash left, slash right, slash up, slash down; Walter was doing his best to push past Gangrel's defense, but the vampire was too skilled. Every strike he threw was easily parried.

"Is that really all you've got for me? I'm disappointed…" Gangrel yawned as they continued to exchange blows. "You got me so hopeful as well; that you'd actually prove to be a bracing workout this time around. Alas, you're no better than you were a month ago when we first fought…"

Walter's temper flared.

"Is that so!?" the butler sneered as he kneed the monster in the gut, briefly taking him off guard. "You'll be singing a different tune in a second!"

Walter's wires came to life as they wrapped around Gangrel. Throwing his arm upward, he tossed Gangrel into the air before brutally slamming him into the ground. He repeated the motion, this time slamming him into a rock. He dragged the beast through wastes, he did his best to tear the bastard apart. His body felt like it was on fire with how much effort he was exerting—how much of his energy he was pouring into every attack.

Ignore the pain, and just kill Gangrel! Walter thought to himself.

"Is this really the best you've got!?" Gangrel yelled as he was thrown against another rock. "This repetition is beginning to lose it's charm!"

"Go. To. HELL!" Walter shouted as he strung Gangrel up like a twisted marionette and began tearing him apart; limb for limb.

However, no matter how many times Walter tore an arm or a leg off, Gangrel would continue grow another in their place. Adding fuel to Walter's ever-growing fury was the perpetual smirk on the Mad King's face. He was taunting him—no matter how hard he tried—Gangrel was still stronger than him.

With one final exertion of energy, Walter swiped both hands, tearing off all Gangrel's limbs at once; also popping the insufferable beast's head like a balloon. With one final yell, the butler threw king's body into the ground with as much force as he could; briefly shaking the ground and kicking up a large plume of dirt.

(Song ends here)

"How's that… for… for charm…" Walter struggled to maintain his footing as he slowly became light-headed. His head was pounding—it felt like it was on the verge of bursting like Gangrel's—and his body felt as if it were on fire. His breaths were short, and he began to cough violently. His vision began to blur as he looked down at the ground.

Blood… Walter thought as he stared at the crimson splatter that had appeared as his feet. He felt something wet trickle out from his mouth and down his chin. Raising his hand, he wiped it from his lips.

My blood… Walter realized. He was coughing blood, just as he did when his body began degenerating.

"I have to finish this quickly," he muttered weakly. Walter gripped his sword loosely as he began to wander over to where he had thrown Gangrel.

He'd plunge the sword into the bastard's heart and be done with it.

"Just gotta… gotta stab his-"

Bwhoom!

(Play song ~ Monster of God/World Flows Into Death River [Hellsing Ultimate 'Iscariot Style' OST])

"WALTER!" the butler heard Lucina scream.

For a few seconds, it didn't register what the princess had screamed about. He didn't feel any worse than he already did...

…until he looked down at the fist-sized hole in his chest.

"Ah… gah…" the butler couldn't form a coherent sentence as a tidal wave of pain washed over him.

His vision began to darken, and his hearing began to fade. He didn't know when he'd begun to fall forward; he couldn't feel much outside of the sharp pain that was washing over his body. As he fell forward, he could just make out who it was that had attacked him.

Gangrel… he cursed the monster's name. He could hardly breathe, and his vision was fading. He was on the verge of blacking out.

"And down goes your 'champion'!" Gangrel cackled as Walter lay motionless on the ground. The Levin Sword in his hand crackled with electricity from the blast of lightning that he'd just pierced the butler with.

"Inevitably—when you place all your hopes on one pitiful excuse for a man—you're bound to fall," Gangrel sneered as he looked down at the butler's inert form. "So pathetic… if only he'd submit himself to me, he'd not be dead…"

Chrom stared at the crumpled from of his friend. His eyes were wide with shock and horror; he was terrified…

…no, it wasn't terror he felt…

Looking to Gangrel—who was cackling like the maniac he was—Chrom didn't feel terrified. Something else had been sparked within the prince; the very same thing that he fought Mustafa with just over a month ago…

…rage, Chrom was enraged.

The prince shifted his head to see Marth had already gone to butler's side. She had turned him over so he was lying on his back; the woman cradling his head in her lap.

"Walter, please listen to me…" the woman murmured. "You're gonna be alright, just stay with me..." Slowly Chrom watched as the girl began to break down.

"Walter! Please! Please! Please Walter!" she began to sob, clutching his bloodied hands in her own. "Please, stay with me! Please, Walter! Please!"

As the woman's pleas became more and more desperate, Chrom's temper began to boil over. Anger blinding all reason, the prince did the only thing he could…

…and charged Gangrel.

(Song ends here)

"Seems the princling has a death wish…" Gangrel chuckled. "Well, I'm more than happy to- GAH!"

Gangrel's words died in his throat as Chrom shoved Falchion straight through his chest. It… hurt… hurt more than anything Gangrel had ever felt prior; it burned worse than the bastard of a butler's wires. Looking down at where Chrom was shoving Falchion, he saw that the blade was glowing orange; exerting a searing heat.

"Shut up…" Chrom growled as he forced his sword deeper into Gangrel's chest. "I'm tired of waiting… I'm tired of this war… I'm tired of this fighting… but most of all…"

Chrom suddenly began to heave Falchion upward, halving Gangrel from the chest up.

"I'm sick and tired of you, Gangrel!" the prince yelled as the glow of the Falchion grew even more intense. Removing Falchion from Gangrel, blood splattered the ground. The sickening moist sound of flesh being torn from bone made many around Chrom wince, but the prince didn't care.

All he saw was red...

As Gangrel slowly regenerated from his wounds, the Mad King scoffed at Chrom's declaration.

"All you heroic types truly annoy me," Gangrel chuckled as he elicited a glare from the blue-haired prince. "What do YOU think you'll accomplish that that sorry excuse for a man—Walter—couldn't? Do you actually think you stand even a modicum of-"

"Shut up," Chrom spat as he pointed Falchion at Gangrel. "Don't you dare speak about Walter... that man is a thousand times better than you'll ever be..."

"More like was..." Gangrel corrected coyly. Chrom shook with rage.

"You... you..." Chrom's knuckles grew white as he tightened his grip on Falchion. "So many people—so many innocent lives lost... even... even Walter..." that searing glow around Falchion grew more intense.

"I'm through watching you kill, Gangrel..." the prince seethed.

"WE SETTLE THIS HERE!"

With that defiant shout, the prince of Ylisse launched himself at the Mad King of Plegia


Lucina was frozen in shock as she continued to cradle Walter in her arms. Even as the battle resumed around her, she just couldn't snap herself out of her stupor. She stared down at the fist sized hole in Walter's chest; blood gushing out of it, soaking into her clothing.

Naga, I can see all the way through him... Lucina fought the urge to vomit. The lightning bolt didn't cauterize the wound, and the butler was losing blood fast. he was breathing, but just barely.

"Marth!"

Lucina craned her head upward to see her Aunt Lissa dashing towards her, staff in hand. The blonde princess took one look at the hole in Walter's chest and winced.

"Come on! We gotta get him to the fort!" Lissa said urgently. "We can't treat him here!"

Lucina went silent.

"Do you want him to die!? Pick him up, and hurry!" Lissa screamed at her. "I can't heal him, not alone! We've got to get to my sister ASAP!"

Lucina could only nod quietly as she scooped Walter up into her arms, and stood up. The butler looked so weak and frail in her arms, and it terrified her. She took a step forward, but not before glancing behind her to check what was occurring.

Lucina was briefly floored when she saw her father—Chrom—crossing blades with Gangrel. She was even more shocked to see the orange glow of the Falchion.

"Father..." Lucina murmured quietly. "He's using..."

Walter coughing up a glob of blood snapped the princess out of her thoughts. Though, very briefly, she considered rushing in and aiding her father, she couldn't put Chrom first in this situation...

...if it were anyone else dying in her arms, maybe...

...but Walter came first.

Holding the butler close to her, she made a break for the fort; running behind Lissa as they avoided the combat which had reignited.

Hold on, Walter... just hold on for a bit longer... Lucina silently prayed to Naga that Walter lived.


"..."

...

...

Falling…

...

...

...

Walter was falling…

He didn't know for how long he was—it honestly felt like an eternity...

Walter C. Dornez—Angel of Death—fell through what seemed like an endless abyss. Was he in hell? Was he on the way to hell? Was this some form of purgatory?

Walter didn't know where he was.

All he knew was that he had failed.

He had failed to defeat Gangrel.

In this dark abyss, where there was nothing for as far as the eye could see, Walter fell. He was alone—alone with his shame. Even for all that strength he had, he still lost to Gangrel. He didn't just lose, he was humiliated and defeated.

I failed… I'm so sorry, Lucina… the butler shut his eyes in shame. He could still hear her voice crying his name as he died; her vain pleas for him to stay alive.

He didn't know if he were still alive—if this was all some hallucination in his head.

Tak… tak…

Walter's eyes shot open as he felt his feet touch ground. He looked down. Indeed, he'd was standing on something, he just couldn't see it. He stamped his feet thrice—making sure the ground was indeed solid. Confirming it was, he took a cautious step forward. When his foot landed on floor once more, he was convinced that he'd finally hit the ground.

Wandering forward—if you could even call it that—Walter began to navigate this perpetual darkness.

"They'd have been alright if you'd just released the seal…"

Walter froze. He wasn't alone.

Turning around, he searched the ethereal shadows that he was surrounded with. He saw nothing but endless abyss.

"You stubbornly prideful fool…" the voice insulted. "I'd hoped that you'd have seen reason, but now look at the mess you've made; all because you wouldn't release that seal…"

Walter flinched. He knew that voice from somewhere, he just couldn't place it.

"I tried, I really did try to give you reason to accept what you were; to accept that power of yours, but you wouldn't listen," the voice spoke in a familiar mocking tone.

It was the same voice as in his head; the one that had been urging him to release the seal on his vampirism. Not just that though...

...it was more familiar than that.

"All that time that's passed, and you're still that arrogant, foolish, boy who thought he could defeat me..." the voice seemed to draw closer.

"No..." recognition struck Walter. "It can't be... you're dead..." the butler murmured fearfully.

"Perhaps I am..." the voice chuckled. "But that would be through no effort on your part, however..." he taunted.

It felt like an eternity since he last heard 'his' voice with his own ears, but Walter knew it well...

"Turn around and face me, Angel of Death…"

Hesitantly, Walter complied with the voice's wish. Slowly, he turned on his heel to face the being that had been plaguing his thoughts.

"Good, seems you still know how to follow directions…" the 'man' laughed.

Towering over his adolescent form was a 'man' with long shaggy black hair and pale skin. He wore a great crimson long coat over a charcoal black suit; a white collared shirt beneath. His pants were tucked into a pair of leather knee length boots, and a cravat that matched the color of his coat was tied neatly around his neck. He wore white gloves—akin to cotton cleaning gloves—but these ones had magic sigils woven onto their backs. Still, most notable of his appearance were the pair of crimson eyes staring at him from beneath his shaggy black locks.

"It's been awhile, Angel of Death…" the monster smirked, revealing his razor sharp teeth.

"Indeed, it has…" Walter glared up at him.

"…Alucard."


Writer's notes

Okay, you guys have been asking for the last three or so chapters—all while I fiercely neither confirmed nor denied—and the 'prophecies' have finally been fulfilled; Alucard is here!

Things seem to have gone downhill rather quickly for our heroes; Walter's down, Lucina's panicking, and Chrom's pissed. Gangrel's dancing circles around everyone; fairly literally in fact. Now Chrom faces the Mad King in single combat, channeling a strange power through Falchion; a power that Lucina seemed familiar with. For better or worse, Walter now finds himself face-to-face with the No Life King: Alucard. What strange trial awaits our heroes, and how will they ever get themselves out of this one?

No 'Behind the Keyboard' section this chapter. Instead, we'll go straight to the reviews.


Reviews

.

.

.

Dandaman5 - This arc is nearing its end, whether or not that means I'm ending it here is up for debate. Maybe I'll continue into Valm, but who knows.

.

.

.

Aergaia - Oh criminy christmas, I'm glad that I managed to deliver—the Shepherds talking to Walter was the part of the chapter that I had some of the most trouble writing. It made me realize just how little I've done with certain characters; I could blame the incredible size of the cast, but that's just not my style.

Yeah, Grima did indeed make an appearance earlier in the story, and something MIGHT happen involving him; no promises though. The voice in Walter's head wasn't Robin or Grima though—it was Alucard—but keep guessing where Robin is. Somebody's bound to figure it out soon enough; people are clever that way.

I'll try not to; at least until this arc's over.

.

.

.

TheStrangerThatCameFromNowhere - Well, Alucard's here; what he wants from Walter is up in the air.

As I said in the response above this one, I really am glad that struggle to write for the Shepherds wasn't in vain. I spent a couple days chipping away at writing everyone's dialogue.

Well, if a certain blunette got pregnant because of a certain butler, said butler should probably be glad that he's "dead"; lest he wishes to face the wrath of an angry prince.

.

.

.

Guest - Again, only guest here so I can write a response. Can you guys just come up with a name so that you all know when I'm responding to you? Pretty please? With a cherry on top? It doesn't even need to be a clever one, I'll accept 'Guest 1', or 'Gu3st'.

Either way, Alucard is here now! Maybe he can beat some sense to Walter.

.

.

.


I recently came to a realization while I was writing; this is a freakin' "Isekai" story. I don't know how I didn't realize it sooner; main character was a person from the 'normal' world that is transported into a fantasy one—that's a standard Isekai premise! Cherry on top, like many typical Isekai, the world our MC's been transported to just happens to have game like mechanics in play; though they are not treated as such. Like, seriously, how did I not realize this sooner!?

...

'cough'

...

Anyway, only three chapters of this arc left, and then... well, I don't know; maybe the adventure continues, maybe it doesn't. February 2, 2020—just six days ago—marked the anniversary for when the 'Gangrel Arc' began. I can hardly believe it myself, this is all pretty surreal. Of course, it's not as surreal as seeing some of the most vivid moments in this story—stuff that I always imagined happening—actually being written and released. We're thirty chapters in—over 200k words written—and on the cusp of reaching the end of the first half Fire Emblem Awakening.

I have no words for how grateful I am for the continued support; I've said it many times now, but it bears repeating: you—the readers—are the reason this story continues to be written. If no one read this fic, I'd have no point to continue. So again, I thank you all.

Well, that's that! The next chapter should be out soon. It's actually finished, you know? I have it written, I just need to proofread it and it'll be ready.

Let me just say—without spoiling anything—the next chapter's gonna be quite the trip.

Until then, I wish you all a good day!

~WizardCantNameThings


Next time on Walter Dornez of the Emblem!

Rebirth