Chapter 7


The Shepherds were behind a wall of logs and crates that had been left behind on the docks in the chaos of battle. Robin watched the Valmese crew scurry around chaotically as they tried to get into formation. His eyes widened as he saw a few slow armored knights out of position.

"Chrom!" he shouted, pointing at the enemy knights.

"Let's go!" Chrom exclaimed. Without waiting for anyone else to follow, he charged forward and attacked one of the knights. Before they could respond, his rapier pierced an opening in the armor between the arm and the chest, causing the knight to reel to the side and drop his weapon. Chrom immediately withdrew his rapier, releasing a spurt of blood from his target, and in the blink of an eye had stabbed his rapier forward into the now lowered head of his target. He kicked the knight in the chest to push off the body from the rapier, then turned to the next armored knight.

The other knight was on the ground, with Vaike towering above. Moving his battle hammer as if it were as light as a feather duster, Vaike lifted the hammer into the air again, then dropped his entire body down with the hammer. He looked up from his pulverized target and gave a thumbs up and a grin to Chrom.

Robin turned away, satisfied with their engagement. He looked to the left, where some mounted soldiers were charging towards Panne, who was slightly ahead of the other Shepherds. Some of the Valmese held weapons that were specifically effective against other mounted troops. Robin's hope was that they could be finished off before they had a chance to land a strike. He waited for the the soldiers to reach a specific point. "Go," he said.

"Manspawn. Can't do anything by themselves," Panne said. She glared at the Valmese soldiers as they confidently charged an apparently small, weaponless woman. She then jumped into the air, starting a flip. As she moved, her hand touched a small stone that she wore around her neck. A magical light emitted from the stone, blinding everyone around her for a brief moment. She landed on the ground, transformed into a menacing Taguel warrior. The Valmese horses slowed slightly and neighed in protest. Panne jumped forward and charged the Valmese cavalry.

Sully smirked as Panne charged forward. "Ya!" Sully shouted, urging her horse forward with Stahl and Frederick to catch up with Panne. A pegasus flew past, and Sumia released a javelin into the first rider. The rider jerked back and made the horse stumble, delaying the other cavalry behind him. "You're mine!" Sully said, raising her lance and knocking the rider off his horse in an exemplary display of jousting technique.

Frederick smashed his lance into the second rider, just as Panne jumped up and tackled the third. Frederick's target was still on his horse, so he drew his battle axe and swung it into the rider's torso. The axehead was able to pierce through the armor, drawing blood and sending shockwaves throughout the rider's nervous system. The man fell forward and collapsed onto the ground. "Enemy down." Frederick reported.

"Similar," Panne also reported.

"One… one here!" Sumia exclaimed.

"One over here," Stahl added.

"Nice going, guys," Sully said.

Robin watched Sumia bring her pegasus back around and head back to the Shepherds' fortified spot, with Frederick, Stahl, Sully, and Panne behind her. Robin nodded once in acknowledgment of the victory. He then looked to the right flank, where Cherche and Virion were waiting for some slow, armored knights to approach them. "Virion," he called, calmly.

"I bestow this gift upon you," Virion said, nocking an arrow. "Enjoy." He released the arrow. The first knight, too slow and cumbersome to dodge or take cover, took the arrow. It pierced his chest armor.

The Valmese soldier grunted in pain, but was cut off by Minerva's screams as she barreled towards him. At the last moment, Minerva raised her wings and sharply flew upwards, bringing Cherche's extended war hammer into the jaw area of the helmet. Cherche maintained the speed and pressure of her hammer as it traveled up, dislodging the soldier's helmet and knocking the soldier up into the air, before falling to the ground in a loud clash.

"Oof!" the air in the soldier's lungs quickly escaped as he landed on the ground. The lack of breath, jarring hit to his head, and the impact from the fall made him lose consciousness and spared him the sight of his comrade getting hit with a more brutal impact as Minerva swung Cherche around, speeding up her hammer to a lethal degree and shattering bones in the other soldier's face.

Robin nodded once again in acknowledgment, then turned back to the left side of the battle. "Tharja, we're up," he said.

Tharja saw two more armored knights charging towards them. "Fools. They'll be burned to a crisp." She turned to Robin, a menacing smirk appearing on her face. "Ready when you are."

Robin opened a tome full of written spells that allowed for faster conversion of magic into fire without a full incantation. With one hand tracing the words on a page in the tome, he pointed the palm of his other hand at one of the Valmese knights. He gathered magical energy at his palm. "Elfire!" he shouted, directing the energy at his target.

"Elthunder," Tharja said. A brief moment later, their targets became engulfed in fire and light. Their heavy armor acted as a conduit for the magic, containing the magic and allowing it to flow inside, where the unfortunate targets absorbed everything. Tharja smirked again as they screamed in agony. "Hmph," she said in victory.

"Robin, here comes another wave!" Chrom shouted from the front line.

"All right, stand by here," Robin said, walking up to Chrom and Vaike's back. He looked around at the gathered Shepherds. "These makeshift walls will shield us from any missiles from the ship. We've secured our flanks, and the remaining enemies will have to come through this chokepoint or risk separating themselves. Their commander is acting impatient, so we can weather out their waves, then attack their commander when we've reduced their numbers. They have an elevated and narrow position on their ship, but we can drop down with our air superiority, while our cavalry charge up the docking ramps." Robin checked the next wave. "A few dismounted knights and light cavalry. Chrom, Vaike, let Tharja and me take on the armored knights first. You charge ahead of us if we can't take them out quickly. Cherche, Frederick, you take the cavalry. Everyone, don't stray away from this chokepoint."

"You get them first? All right," Chrom tapped Vaike's shoulder twice. "Vaike, back up a bit."

"You got it, Chrom. Though we're just getting ready to charge forward, right?" Vaike asked, eager to resume the engagement.

"Yes, of course," Robin said. "Okay, they're coming with the armored first. Tharja, with me."

"Always."

They each raised a hand up and pointed a palm forward. Energy started accumulating in front of their palms. Robin glanced at Tharja. Her usually bored eyes were sharp and intense as they glared at their target. "Almost makes you feel sorry for them," Robin thought to himself. "Almost…"

Tharja's eyes suddenly widened. The light around her disappeared for a moment, then was replaced with a blinding light. "Elthunder!" she shouted, shooting light at her target. The armored knight slowed down for a moment, almost as if confused at what was happening. Then, an explosion of light engulfed the Valmese soldier, allowing only a fraction of a second for him to shout out in pain.

The sudden critical hit on the first soldier made the next two armored knights hesitate out of fear. "Chrom, Vaike, you'll need to get the third one!" Robin shouted, summoning more energy to the palm of his hand. "Elfire!" Robin shot the magical fire out of his palm. He felt the energy leaving him and had to lean forward for a moment, supporting his arms on his kneecaps as he quickly caught his breath. As Vaike and Chrom ran past Robin, the Valmese cavaliers jumped over their fallen comrade and aimed their lances at Chrom and Vaike. "Frederick! Cherche!"

A shadow flew over Robin as Minerva shrieked past. Before the Valmese cavaliers reached Chrom and Vaike, Cherche maneuvered Minerva near the first cavalier and caught the lance with the spiked part of her war hammer. The horse became distraught, causing the other cavalier to drop back and lose momentum. Frederick came crashing in a moment later. By the time Robin caught his breath, the next wave of Valmese soldiers was down.


"Go, go!" Dalton yelled, pointing at the wall of supplies that were shielding the Shepherds from the Valmese crew. "Why are they still standing?"

A Valmese paladin and officer came up behind Dalton. "Sir Dalton, perhaps we should wait for our advanced scouts to return," the lieutenant suggested. "Let's reorganize and overwhelm them when our numbers grow."

Dalton turned and faced the paladin. "And let the Feroxians bring even more numbers? We need this port to maintain a supply line to the rest of our landing force." Dalton turned back to the Shepherds' position. "And I don't think our advanced scouts are coming back," he didn't say.

"Shall we charge, then?" the paladin asked.

Dalton examined the Shepherds' position again. Several bodies were strewn before the wall, some stirring slightly, though most as still as a tombstone. There were also screams and groans of agony. Dalton cursed and put the sounds out of his mind. "There might be a hundred of them over there, fresh soldiers relieving their weary front. This ship is their target, so when our remaining crew are finished, we'll just secure this position."

"Should we call back all the crew, then?"

"No. They'll be vulnerable if they fall back. Let them extinguish their lives for the glory of Emperor Walhart."


The Shepherds were still huddled behind their fortifications, now further reinforced with a pile of armored knights and horses. There were still a few Shepherds who were out, making sure townspeople were safe or eliminating stray Valmese soldiers around the town. Libra had finished checking his waypoints and had rejoined the group, bringing the total Shepherds present to fifteen.

"They're waiting," Chrom pointed out.

"Well, then stay still and let me heal you," Lissa said, her staff pouring energy into Vaike.

Sumia leaned next to Maribelle, who was healing Chrom. "I… I'm learning to use a healing staff too. One day, I'll be of help to you, Chrom," she said.

"Sumia…" Chrom reached a hand out and caressed Sumia's cheek. "You don't know what you're talking about. You're helping more than you know. And you heal me more than any staff could."

"Milord, your words are a sweet reflection of a loving husband to a deserved queen," Maribelle said. "And I would love to help practice with the Lady Sumia in the healing staff arts…" Her voice trailed off, and she gave a forced smile.

Robin didn't let his eyes off the Valmese ship in the distance. "Hey, Chrom," Robin began, "I mean, I guess this is a lull in battle, but… well, I think Maribelle would appreciate some thanks, too." While Robin couldn't see it, he felt Maribelle giving him a burning glare. Robin turned briefly and shrugged, which made Maribelle roll her eyes.

"Oh, well, of course, Maribelle, I appreciate all that you do. I guess I should tell you more often, but I want you to know that. You are like family."

Maribelle couldn't help but smile fondly for a moment. "Of course, milord, I am fully aware, and your kindness need not extend to that much effort." The smile disappeared, and Maribelle glared at Robin's back. "Robin here just does not understand our bond, I'm sure."

Oblivious to their chatter, Vaike stood up just as soon as Lissa finished healing, before she could even retract her staff. "Oye, why don't we just charge? They're ready for a good lesson, courtesy of this here teaching tool," Vaike said, lifting his battle hammer. He glanced at Cherche. "Us axe wielders, we got the advantage here against all this cavalry, don't we." He smiled broadly.

Cherche was standing next to Minerva, calmly stroking Minerva's neck. She smiled politely at Vaike, but said nothing.

Robin responded to Vaike's question before the silence became awkward. "Not just yet. The tides have turned, and I think they've realized that," Robin said. He pointed to the side of the dock, where there were a few piles of scattered debris. "There're a few enemies just beyond that debris over there. They won't be able join their leader on the ship, or we'll catch them out of position. And the ship will have a difficult time leaving without the crew disconnecting the docking ramps. I'm guessing they were caught with a lot of their crew still on ground, so that's why they haven't left yet."

"Should we wait them out, then?" Chrom asked. "The others might be able to join us if we wait longer."

Robin scratched his chin. "We'll bait them out. If it looks like we're in a vulnerable position, then they might think their best bet is to charge us." Robin turned to the Shepherds gathered around him. "Vaike, Panne, you'll be taking the lead here."

"Same as always. Teach gotta teach by leading," Vaike said. "Panne, you good to go?"

"I am ready for another engagement," Panne said. "I hope I never find fighting good."

"Er, I mean, well… Okay." Vaike scratched the back of his head, then pushed away any awkwardness by swinging his battle hammer up and relaxing it on his shoulder. He was back to smiling in a moment.

Robin ignored the brief moment. "Our cavalry. Go around to the right side. When they attack Vaike and Panne, you guys will come crashing from their side and flank them."

"Sounds good!" Sully said, raising a clenched fist up to her face.

"We'll keep them from getting to you," Frederick said. "Hopefully they'll take the bait."

Robin closed his eyes and envisioned the encounter. "They will," he said, nodding. He opened his eyes again and looked out at the battlefield. "Now, will their commander stay on their ship or not…"

"Chrom! Robin!"

Robin turned to see a pegasus approaching. Red hair flowed in the air as the pegasus landed and trotted up to the group. Cordelia smoothly jumped off and jogged up to Robin.

"Cordelia, you're back," Chrom said. "Good to have you here."

"Lord Chrom…" Cordelia looked at the ground to hide the slight blush on her face.

"Cordelia," Robin said, walking up to her. "You came at a good time. We were discussing our next move, and we might need you and as many air units as we have."

Cordelia stood up straight. "Of course, Robin. Just tell me what you want me to do."

"Right. After we finish their units on the ground, we'll assault the ship. We'll attack from the ramps and by air." Robin scanned the group of Shepherds that were present. "Hmm, as for pairs…"

"You know I'll be with Sumia," Chrom said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and bringing her in closer. She placed a loving hand on his chest and smiled.

"I won't let them so much as touch you," Sumia replied. Then, she started to blush as she continued talking. "That's… that's only for your queen to do."

Robin resisted the urge to groan. He settled with massaging his forehead to calm him down. "Yes, of course. Just… be safe." He looked at Cordelia. "So, Olivia still isn't back yet…"

"She was escorting some townsfolk to shelter," Cordelia explained.

"All right. I'll go with you, Cordelia. That'll mean four of us by air. I guess that'll be sufficient.."

"Ahem." Robin turned and saw Cherche placing her arms on her hips. "Minerva can carry two people," Cherche said, patting Minerva, who roared loudly in support.

"Oh! Excuse me, I'm very sorry, Cherche," Robin said. He eyed the angry-looking wyvern next to her. "And Minerva. I'm not used to you with us. Hmm..." He looked around at the Shepherds again. Vaike and Panne would be busy leading the charge on the ground, Frederick, Sully, and Stahl were on horses, and Lissa and Maribelle would be following behind. Tharja, Virion, and Libra were still available. "Tharja, Virion, you guys will follow up behind the charge to and up the ramp, and finish off anyone that Vaike and Panne may need help with."

"Hmph," Tharja replied, looking away.

"Very well, Robin. The path will be as clear as the lovely eyes that grace Tharja's expression," Virion said, bowing and extending his hand to Tharja. After a moment without a response, he looked up and saw that Tharja was still looking away, her arms crossed. "Very passionate eyes, indeed," he said.

"I should be with you, Robin," Tharja said.

"I appreciate your commitment, Tharja, but several of the cavalry we faced were paladins. They've trained in magical resistance, and there're only cavalry remaining on the ship. You'll be much more effective taking on those armored units that guard the base of the ramp."

"Hmph. I won't let anyone harm you, whether magically resistant or not," Tharja said, tightly embracing her tome. "But I cannot deny your beautiful intellect."

"Great. Now, Libra, you'll be going with Cordelia instead of me, got it?"

"As you wish," Libra replied. "If the Lady Cordelia will have me."

Cordelia rolled her eyes, but smiled. "She will," Cordelia said.

"Cherche, I'll be going with you and Minerva," Robin said. He approached Cherche, when Minerva raised her head into the air and shrieked. "Uh… if the Lady Minerva will have me."

"Of course, Robin," Cherche said with a smile. "Minerva is very excited."

"R...Right," Robin said, not bothering to mask his hesitation. He looked around the Shepherds again. "So, stage one, Vaike and Panne, set the bait. Frederick, Sully, Stahl, when their flank is exposed, intercept them. Virion, Tharja, clean up on the ground. Stage two, Vaike, Panne, Virion, Tharja, clear the ramps for stage three, Frederick, Sully, and Stahl to charge up and Sumia, Cordelia, Cherche, bring us onto the ship. Lissa and Maribelle, follow behind and provide any support on the ground when necessary. Questions?"

The Shepherds nodded or grunted their acknowledgment.

"Great. Mount up and let's go."

Chrom helped Sumia up onto her pegasus. Sumia then extended her hand and helped Chrom up. Next to them, Cordelia jumped up and helped pull Libra up onto her pegasus. Minerva was sitting next to Cordelia's pegasus. Minerva lowered her neck and allowed Cherche to effortlessly jump up and onto her saddle.

"Thanks, Minerva," Cherche said, patting Minerva's neck. Minerva exhaled loudly.

Robin looked up and down at Minerva. Minerva turned her head and stared right back at Robin. She snorted.

"We're ready when you are," Cherche said, smiling. Her smile disappeared briefly. "Oh wait, you haven't been on a wyvern before, have you." Cherche jumped back down and extended her hand to Robin. "Let me help you up."

"I don't really… Well, thank you." Robin extended his hand. Cherche took his hand gently and gave him a reassuring smile. Robin was about to smile in return, when Cherche suddenly pulled Robin forward. "She's strong," Robin thought in the brief moment as he was swung towards Minerva.

Cherche put her hands on Robin's shoulders to stop Robin right in front of her. She pointed. "Just like a pony, just take the step there with your left foot, and swing your right foot over."

"Just like a pony," Robin repeated. He took a step forward. Minerva stood up tall with her legs and scoffed, then lied back down. Robin turned to Cherche with a concerned look on his face.

"Relax, Robin, she's just stretching those legs of hers. She's been still for a while now. Go on, she's really excited to give you your first wyvern ride!"

"Really excited, right." Robin shook his head and placed his foot on the saddle step. A moment later, he found himself on Minerva's back. "That was kinda anticlimactic," he admitted. Minerva raised her head for a moment to screech at the sky, as if to reply to Robin's words. Robin looked at the other Shepherds, who were all watching Robin's first mounting of a wyvern. Chrom chuckled. Cordelia gave a sympathetic gaze. Libra gave an appreciative nod, having been paired with Cordelia instead of Cherche. Vaike and Lissa were both on the ground, laughing, until Sully gave Vaike a hit on the head.

Cherche jumped back onto Minerva's back, unaware of the others' reactions to Robin mounting Minerva. She turned to Robin and smiled her typical reassuring smile. "See? Just like a timid little pony," she said. "Or a cute little turtle."

Robin nodded silently. He turned to the others again. "Everyone ready?" They all cheered their acknowledgment. Robin looked at Chrom, who nodded.

"All right, let's finish this battle," Chrom said. "Stage one, start!"


"They're sending their first wave, Sir Dalton."

Dalton spotted some soldiers emerging from behind their fortifications. "We'll stay back. Look, our cavalry will crush those foot soldiers." Three of the Valmese cavaliers aimed their lances and charged.

"The enemy, they've stopped." Rather than a large wave of soldiers, only two had emerged, stopping right before some of the scattered bodies of felled knights.

"I can see that!" Dalton snapped. "Well, they'll pay for being out of position." He watched as the Valmese cavalry leaned forward to accelerate, ready for the first impact.

Suddenly, more cavalry appeared from around a corner. The two foot soldiers withdrew slightly, utilizing the dead bodies as further means of slowing down the Valmese charge. The Valmese horses were committed to their direction and didn't have time to react to the flanking move.

Dalton cursed as he watched Valmese soldiers violently flying off from their horses. He could hear their cries and felt like he could hear their bodies making a thud on the ground. "Armored units, go!"

There were a few armored knights remaining, guarding the docking ramps. They held lances and were already weary of being flanked. They marched towards their enemies, slowly but with some confidence in their armor.

Dalton smiled. While Valm was famous for their mounted units, especially their cavalry, they also had a strong tradition of powerful dismounted armored knights. No sword or spear could stop them, and even axe wielders had to be weary of their thick armor.

More forces appeared from behind the fortification. Dalton leaned forward to analyze the new contacts, when a bright light appeared. The light spread, causing Dalton to close his eyes for a moment. While his eyes were closed, he could hear a thunderous clap as if lightning had struck.

The first armored knight was on the ground, motionless. The other knights were engaged with the enemy's frontline soldiers, and then surrounded by the enemy cavalry. A wail echoed through the air as a wyvern announced its appearance. It was flanked by two pegasi, and it was heading towards the ship.

"Sir…"

"I see them," Dalton said, extending an open hand away from his horse. A page handed him two spears. "Prepare yourselves." Behind him, he heard the unsheathing of swords or the wooden shafts of lances tapping shields. "Let us show them that they are but specks of sand to Emperor Walhart." The remaining Valmese soldiers raised their weapons in the air and cheered. Dalton wore an insincere smile. "Though we are but specks as well."


Cherche closed her eyes for a moment as she relished the cool air on her face. She leaned forward and patted Minerva on the head, a silent thank you to her partner for the regular flights. She then felt some hands around her chest tightening nervously. She realized that there were probably some people that did not enjoy the flying experience in the same way. "How are you feeling?" she asked to the person behind her.

Cherche could feel Robin lean to the side slightly to hear her better. The fast-moving air around him made it difficult for him to hear, though she knew Robin could guess what she was saying. "Managing!" came the reply.

Cherche gave Robin a smile, though she knew Robin wouldn't be able to see it. "You're doing well. I guess you've had practice with pegasi." She placed a hand over Robin's hands, which were locked over her abdomen as he held on tightly. "Though a wyvern is a lot faster, so make sure you hold on tighter."

"Oh, uh, right!"

Cherche could feel a little increase in the pressure of Robin's hold. "Good. Though don't tense up your entire body. Minerva won't let you fall. Isn't that right, Minervykins?"

Minerva wailed loudly.

"By the way, will you be okay?" Cherche asked. "You said they likely have a lot of magical resistance, and I've only seen you swinging that tome around." She remembered Robin trying to hold a sword stance during their encounter with a boar, on that day he was first introduced to Minerva.

"I'll manage," he shouted over the wind. "And besides, I have your strength to rely on."

"Oh." Cherche wasn't used to someone trusting her abilities so quickly. She was usually seen as a beautiful servant with a disarming smile. "I will do my best to live up to your expectations." She glanced at her side, where Sumia and Chrom were flying. "The Shepherds really are a unique bunch," she thought to herself.

On the ground below the three fliers, Frederick, Sully, and Stahl had just crashed into the Valmese cavalry's flank. Vaike and Panne were scurrying back to reengage the enemy, with Tharja and Virion not too far behind them. The Valmese armored knights that were guarding the base of the ramps were running to join the engagement. Tharja started charging a spell, and a moment later, one of the knights fell to the ground.

"It's happening just as you predicted," Cherche noticed aloud.

"I'm good at playing out different scenarios in my head and predicting the outcomes."

"Hmm. Impressive." Cherche smiled to herself, though this smile had more determination and anticipation than her usual warm and friendly smiles. "He might just be the strength we need to take back Rosanne."

Suddenly, Minerva screamed and adjusted her course. Cherche looked around with concern. "What is it?"

"Bow knight, starboard!" Robin announced. With one hand holding onto Cherche, he used his free hand to point forward, towards the ship. "Sumia, Cordelia, continue on, double time! We'll be joining you later," he shouted.

Cordelia nodded in acknowledgment and leaned forward, urging her pegasus to go faster. Sumia followed in kind, not a second later.

"Cherche, dive straight at the bow knight. We can pick up enough speed to intercept him before he has enough time to react."

"Are-" Cherche stopped herself from questioning Robin. He was putting his faith in her. She could allow the same for him. "Understood." She turned her head to the side and gave Robin a smile. "Hold on tight," she warned. She gave little time for Robin to process the suggestion. "Let's go, Minerva!" In the blink of an eye, Minerva had pointed her wings backwards and entered a fast dive.

The bow knight looked up and at first just saw a dark blur floating in the sky. As the blur came closer, the bow knight saw that it was a wyvern, moving incredibly fast towards him. He panicked for a moment, reached his quiver for an arrow, then dropped his bow and went for his sword instead.

Cherche tensed her axe arm for a moment when she saw the sword being drawn. They had the initiative, but it was entirely possible that despite the panicking, the bow knight would be able to land a counter in. "Robin, I-"

"Minerva, now!" Robin shouted.

Cherche watched as Robin, without another word, stood up and slid off Minerva. Minerva then pointed herself upwards and started climbing. She was flying in a loop. Cherche held on tightly and looked up from her upside-down position as Robin unsheathed his own sword and flew past the bow knight like a bolt of lightning. The bow knight was easily pushed off his horse from Robin's hit. As Robin's boots skidded on the ground, displaying an admirable amount of balance from not falling forward on his face, Minerva was completing the loop in the air. She brought Cherche up to the fallen bow knight.

The bow knight arced his body up in pain, before collapsing once again onto the ground. His eyes were closed, but he could still detect the sun being covered as something towered above him. He managed to open his eyes. His blurry vision saw pink hair flowing in the wind. As his vision cleared, he thought he could see a gentle smile on the person's face.

"I'll put you out of your misery," Cherche said softly. She then dropped her axe onto the person's neck. Cherche closed her eyes and felt the seabreeze on her face. The wind brought the pleasant smell of saltwater, not yet overwhelmed by a battlefield's discernable smell of blood and death. For the briefest of moments, the only sounds she heard were the waves crashing onto the port. Then, she heard Robin approaching. Sparing no time, she raised her hand towards Robin. "Let's go," she said.

"Right."


All of the Valmese soldiers were engaged. "Sir Dalton! You- aaagh!" One of the Valmese cavaliers cried out as Frederick thrust his lance into the cavalier's armor.

Dalton cursed as he pushed back on Libra's axe. "Go back to your dens, Feroxian woman."

Libra smirked as he exerted more weight onto his axe. "I'm not Feroxian." He then jumped back, letting Dalton fall forward and almost falling off his horse. "And I'm not a woman."

Cordelia came flying past, swinging her lance at Dalton. Despite being initially off-balance, Dalton was able to catch himself and swing his spear to deflect Cordelia's attack. "Tch," Cordelia uttered through clenched teeth as she gained distance from her target before coming around, next to Libra. An amusing thought crossed her mind, and she grinned. "You're not a woman isn't the first thing you wanted to correct?"

"Lady Cordelia, please stay focused," was Libra's reply.

Dalton had little time to react to his opponents' exchange, as Chrom fell from the sky, using gravity and the weight of his sword to strike at Dalton's head. Dalton both angled his lance and maneuvered his horse away to minimize the impact of Chrom's attack. Chrom stood up from his attack and grinned.

"You are impressive with your spear," Chrom admitted, pointing his sword at Dalton.

Dalton brought his spear into the air, blocking a strike from Sumia, before spinning it and swinging it back, ready to charge and strike. "If you are not from Regna Ferox, then you are Ylissean?"

Vaike came running up, adding to the circle that was forming around Dalton. "Teach has a history lesson for you. Regna Ferox is a part of Ylisse, too."

"No matter. Whatever you care to call yourselves, you will all be a part of Valm in the end." Dalton quickly looked around. He saw that Vaike was the weakest part of the circle, with no one else providing close support. He aimed his spear at Vaike and charged. Vaike only grinned and gripped his battle hammer. As Vaike prepared to slam his hammer down, and before Dalton could even get close to Vaike, a ball of electricity enveloped Dalton and exploded.

"Hmph. You are a resistant fellow," Tharja said from a distance. She stored her tome in her cloak and brought out another one. "Let me relish in your anguish," she said, preparing a dark magic spell.

"Tharja, watch out!" As the light subsided from Tharja's attack, a spear emerged, flying through the air. Tharja's eyes widened, and she prepared her tome to act as a shield. The spear never reached her. Tharja peeked from behind her tome and saw Robin's concerned face looking at her. "Tharja, are you all right?"

"Robin!" Tharja exclaimed, in a rare case of undeniable joy in her voice. The joy was short-lived. "And the woman and wyvern."

Minerva roared loudly. "Minerva says she's happy to assist," Cherche translated with a smile.

Dalton examined the new foes before him. "That accent." Cherche immediately turned and shot Dalton a cold glare. Dalton noticed Cherche's reaction. He bared his teeth in a scoffing smile. "Sounds familiar." He pointed his spear at Cherche. "Sounds almost… vanquished."

"Minerva," Cherche said. Minerva screamed, then jumped into the air with a speed that caught Robin by surprise.

"Whoa!" Robin held onto Cherche tightly, just in time to brace himself for Minerva swooping through the air. He leaned to the side to see them barreling towards an unphased Dalton.

Dalton raised an experienced arm, ready to plunge his spear into the wyvern. "For Emperor Walh-aaagh!" Dalton reeled back, blood spurting from his mouth and from the arrow that had just been shot into his lung.

Cherche eyed in on the arrow. In the fraction of the second before Minerva reached Dalton, Cherche aimed her battle hammer and nailed the arrow further into Dalton's body. Dalton flew through the air and crashed onto the wooden ship, coughing out more blood. Minerva gracefully landed past Dalton.

Robin relaxed his hold on Cherche and stared at the back of her head. "Cherche… Are you all right?"

Cherche was unmoving for a moment, making Robin wonder what was going on in her mind. She then raised her slender right leg into the air and slid off Minerva. She looked up at Robin, closed her eyes, and smiled. "The area is clear," she said, raising her hand to help Robin off.

Robin scanned her for a moment, then accepted her hand and jumped off Minerva. "Thank you, Cherche. Minerva." Minerva roared in response. Robin glanced at Dalton. "He's still alive, though." Robin was still holding onto Cherche's hand, when he felt Cherche's grip tighten at Robin's words.

"Not for long, though," Cherche responded coldly. "His lung is pierced." Robin placed his free hand over Cherche's, then gently removed her hand from the tight grip, making Cherche realize that she had been holding his hand for so long. She rapidly brought her hand to her mouth to block a surprised gasp. "Oh, forgive me," she said, emotion returning to her voice. "I am unbecoming a lady and a soldier."

Robin gave Cherche a warm smile for a moment. "Don't worry, you're very… uh… becoming," he replied, which elicited a giggle from Cherche. Robin suddenly dropped the smile and returned to business, backing away from Cherche before turning around and walking towards Dalton. "I'm going to see if I can get any substantial information from him before he expires."

"Of course, sir." Cherche watched the back of Robin's ominous cloak as it swayed in the breeze. The purple eyes on the sleeves almost seemed to be staring back at her, judgingly.

"Quite a character, is he not?" Cherche turned to see Virion walking up to her. Minerva shrieked at him as he approached, making him jump for a moment, before resuming his approach with more caution. "Eheh, Minerva, I take it you agree?"

"I think he can help Rosanne. He seems to be an exceptional tactician."

"But of course, he was taught by none other than the most exceptional of tactics, archery, and beauty," Virion said, rubbing his fingernails on his shirt below his jabot. Cherche gave him an inquisitive look, which made Virion chuckle. "It was I who grasped his brutish skills and refined them into the diamond that you saw witness today."

"Well, I hope he can help Rosanne where others could not."

Virion grasped his body over his heart with one hand and placed his other hand palm-out on his forehead. "You wound me, dear Cherche, like a bee's poisonous barb."

"My apologies, milord. I hope I do not feel the sacrifice that a bee would after such a poisonous barb."

"I would hope that of no one, especially to such a fair maiden as yourself," Virion said, closing his eyes and bowing for a moment in reverence to Cherche's grace. When he looked up again, he saw Cherche walking away.

"Come, Minerva."

"Cherche! A moment!" Cherche stopped, but didn't turn around. Virion turned to Robin, who was kneeling next to the dying Dalton. Libra was also there, pouring energy into Dalton so that he could speak before the pain or blood loss made him pass out or perish. "Was he a part of the invasion?"

"He was on this invading ship, was he not?"

"I mean of Rosanne."

Cherche was silent for a moment. "I don't know," she finally said. "He is decorated enough, so perhaps. But it is all just Walhart in the end." Cherche gazed at Robin, who finally stood up from his questions. He caught Cherche's gaze and looked back at her. "The end..." she repeated.


A/N Yay, battle! At first, I thought I didn't like writing battles. But now, maybe I'm okay with them. Anyhoo, please read and review, follow and favorite! I always accept and am looking for constructive criticism, or just plain praise to motivate me to keep going.

Rac95, thanks for following the story! I was worried about writing the meeting between Robin and Minerva, so I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope you enjoy the future chapters, too!

Draen, yeah, I'm bad at updating… When I have free time to write, I usually spend that time enjoying it and not writing. Come on, another update before the month ends! Come onnnnnnn... No promises.