Training, training, and, woah would you look at that, more training.

My inner complaints aside, I was just glad I was sparring with someone more on my skill level than well above it. Frederick and Sully were great for finding mistakes and building endurance, but when it came to actual combat practice, I would never feel like I benefited from it. Both of them were just so above me in terms of prowess that it made me feel a bit hopeless.

That meant I was all too happy to help train Donnel.

We were in the training area outside the barracks, just like almost every other day. My sword clashed against his, sending a hail of sparks to the dirt ground. Donnel grit his teeth and grunted, trying his best to push the pressure off of himself. Unluckily for him, I was bigger, and when he tried to weasel his way out of it, I stopped him. Eventually, this sent him to the ground sprawling and panting.

Great. Now I feel like a dick for enjoying this.

"Gosh, Mr. Alex, you're real tough, huh?" Donnel gasped.

Before I could respond, the red-headed cavalier on the sidelines made her presence known. "Hah! You shoulda seen him when he first got here, Donny!" She jeered.

"Sully, why do you gotta ruin everything for me? I was having fun, damnit!" I complained.

"Someone has to make sure that praise doesn't go to your head, yeah?" She drawled. "Can't have it get too big, couldn't fit a helmet on you otherwise!"

"Oof, that was a good one. My big head, huh? You come up with that all on your own?"

"Damn right I did! Now quit talking to me and get back to going at it! I think Freddy's getting a bit impatient."

"Crudely put, but correct, Sully," Frederick said, "Both of you have potential. Alex simply has had more time to hone it. Donnel, you are not as strong as he is, but you are quicker. You need to focus more on striking at vital areas. Alex, your swordsmanship has improved immensely, but as I have said before, you are too rigid. Spread your legs wider, otherwise it will be easier to knock you off your feet."

"Thank ya, Mr. Frederick."

I gave a thumbs up.

"Hmm," Frederick hummed. "Very well. We shall start this from the beginning."

I wiped the sweat off my brow and leaned back on the chair I was sitting on, making it creak. We ended up sparring for well over an hour, with Frederick giving his two cents when he thought it necessary. Donnel looked a little worse off than me, but he'd never look as bad as I did when I first arrived. He'd spent a lifetime plowing fields and tending to livestock, after all. He was farther along than me in the endurance department, that was for sure. What did I have when I first started sparring and training? A few months weightlifting at a gym. Hardly anything to write home about.

After that, I decided to take it easy and sit in the mess hall, drinking water. Donnel joined me, for some odd reason I couldn't fathom. His company wasn't unpleasant; it was appreciated, but I couldn't help but wonder why.

"Hoo-wee, I sure am beat," Donnel said next to me. "How're ya doin', Mr. Alex?"

"Doing just fine, mostly," I replied. "Don't worry about being all sore and shit, by the way. You're already doing much better than me when I was first here."

"Mighty kind o' ya to say so, Mr. Alex!" He responded cheerily, smiling. "Still gots to work harder. Can't let a little bit o' training git in the way o' bein' the best Shepherd I can be."

I took a deep breath. "Hey Donny, I'm gonna need you to do something for me."

"Whatcha need, Mr. Alex?"

"Please stop calling me 'Mr. Alex'," I asked tiredly. "It's making me feel like I'm a forty-something year old English teacher. I'm only nineteen, damnit," I added quietly.

"Aw, I'm real sorry 'bout that, M- I mean, Alex," Donnel said, correcting himself midsentence. "Still tryin' to get a handle on things, ya know? Ya didn't seem to mind back then."

"That's because we were in the middle of a battle," I said dryly. "It's fine. You're just a little overly polite is all. I'm not really used to someone being all formal with me unless they're name begins with 'Fred' and ends with 'erick'.

"Huh, reminds me o' somethin' I wanted to ask," Donnel said, a new look in his eye. "I been talkin' to the other Shepherds, and they say you ain't from 'round here."

"Heh," I chuckled lightly. "Yeah, I'm not. I would've just told you if you'd asked, you know."

"Shucks, I'm sorry. Didn't mean to go behind your back 'n all that. Just ain't never seen nothin' or heard o' nothin' outside the village before, yeah? Got all curious-like."

My grin dropped slightly. "Hey, don't worry about it. Just giving you a hard time." I patted his shoulder. "I'm guessing you want to know about it, right? If the others haven't told you what I've told them, that is."

"Yeah! I mean, if it pleases ya, Alex," Donnel said, his smile returning. Damn, was it bright.

"Well, alright." I replied, leaning forward. "Shit, where should I start? I assume the others already told you its name, right?" Donnel shook his head. "It's called the United States of America. Very far away place from here. Bordered on the north by a nation called Canada, and in the south by Mexico. To the east and west are the Atlantic and Pacific seas respectively. The North is more temperate than the south. Hell, southern Ylisse felt a whole helluva lot like Tennessee or Florida."

"Did ya live in a place like that? Does the… er… United States… of…"

"You can just call it the U.S., Donny. It's a bit of a mouthful saying the whole name, I know."

"Er, thank ya kindly. Does the U.S. have any farms like one what I came from?" Donnel asked, curiously. He was listening to what I said intently.

It was refreshing giving that much information about my homeland. Sure, the homesickness was still in the back of my mind, but I doubted that would ever go away. I just had to be careful about what I talked about. If it got too personal, I risked breaking down again. I didn't wanna do that in front of Donnel, or anyone for that matter.

Despite my better judgment, I answered Donnel's question.

"Tons of them," I replied, taking a sip of water. "It's warm for most of the year down south. Although the areas around the Great Lakes is probably better for growing stuff, so I heard before I left," I turned back to Donnel. "However, the U.S. is very different from Ylisse, Donny. More different than any of you will know."

"Gosh, I'll take yer word for it," Donnel said, rubbing the back of his head. "Like I did say, ain't never been outside the ol' town before. Nice to know there be some things that don't change no matter where ya go."

I nodded quietly. I didn't know exactly what Donnel was getting at, but I suppose some things never changed, no matter where you went. The things that were different did outnumber the things that were the same, though.

We stayed in a comfortable silence for a while after that. Until I noticed Donnel playing with something in his right hand.

"Hey, Donny," I called, getting his attention. "What's that you got there?"

"Er, this?" He held up a rock. It gleamed gray in the light from the oil lamps. "Jus' a keepsake. Er… Memento? Yeah, last thing my da ever did give me."

I held out my hand. "Can I see it?"

"E-er, ya sure? I mean, I like it lots, but I don't reckon you'd find it very interesting."

"Just wanna see it," I paused. "I'll give it back. I promise."

Donnel looked down at the stone, before reluctantly giving it to me. "Promise you'll give it back?"

"Promise," I confirmed, feeling the stone in my grasp.

It was a bit of an asshole thing of me to do, I had to admit. For some reason, though, I just really wanted to touch it, to take a closer look at it. It wasn't a very special stone, aside from sentimental value. Granite, probably.

I gave it back to Donnel. "Your das, huh? Did he like collecting stones?"

"Yup!" Donnel replied, putting the stone back in his pack nearby. "Da always did like collectin' stones and such. Gave this one to me jus' before that rotten Roddick came 'round." Donnel looked to me. "Say, how's your da, Alex? I just been talkin' 'bout mine, but whatta 'bout where ya come from? How's he?"

I froze for a moment, like a deer caught in headlights. That was it. That was one of those questions I planned to steer away from. Nonetheless, I answered Donnel again. Maybe out of respect for trusting me with his father's last gift.

I idly wondered if Donnel felt a bit homesick as well.

"He was, uh, good enough," I replied awkwardly, before backtracking. "Shit, that makes it sound like I was demanding as hell. No, he was a good dad. Wasn't always around, being with the army and crap. But he made sure me, my sister, and my mom were all taken care of. Huh, that's strange. The last time I saw him, I think he was going off to training. He did have a bad habit of- I mean he did-"

I stopped myself. Too much information.

Donnel fidgeted a bit in his seat. I didn't know what was going through that pot-shielded head of his. His next question, however, caught me off guard.

"Do ya ever miss home?" He asked quietly.

I looked him square in the eye. "I didn't think I would. But now that I'm here? All the time." I put a hand on his shoulder. "You miss home too, don't you? Your ma and all the other villagers, too."

Donnel looked down. "M-maybe just a bit."

"It's gonna be alright, Donny," I said as reassuringly as possible. "One day, we're both gonna go home with our heads held high, with accomplishments we could've only dreamed of under our belt. We're gonna go home goddamn heroes, understand? You got that to look forward to. So lets do our best 'til then, alright?"

Donnel sniffled a little before looking up. "Aw, that's just what I been needin' to hear, Alex! Not gonna let a lil' bit o' homesickness git in my way. Still gotta bring all sorts of glories home to ma!"

"Damn right you do!" I laughed.

The good vibes didn't last long. Only a moment after I cheered Donnel up, the barracks became awash with sound. The mess hall wasn't exactly the nexus of the barracks, but it did have quite a few places it led into and out of.

Vaike ran out of one door and into another. Sumia came in carrying a crate, apparently making sure to be extra careful as she only stumbled once. Miriel came in scribbling something in a notebook I'd never seen before. Long after lunch time, things became busy.

I shared a look with Donnel, before stopping Stahl. He didn't come in holding anything or doing something, but it was clear he was trying to get somewhere.

"Hey, hey Stahl!" I called, getting his attention. "The hell's going on? Everyone's scurrying all over the place like ants!"

Stahl's face was blank for a moment, before a look of realization dawned on him. "Oh gods! I knew I was forgetting something! I am so sorry, it's just that, well, there was this really good looking cake in the kitchens and I got a bit distracted-"

I waved my hand a bit. "Stay focused. I don't wanna know about that. Just tell me why everyone's running around like something's happening," I paused, mulling my own words over. "Something happened, huh?"

"Ah, you could say that?" Stahl replied awkwardly. "Chrom told me to tell anyone here about it, but like I said-"

"Just," I trailed off, my heartbeat intensifying. "Just tell me what's happening."

What he said made me feel like my stomach dropped into my pelvis.

"Themis has been attacked."

It occurred to me, on the way towards Themis, that the game never really elaborated on what it really was. The most I could recall was that it was a duchy, and that was it. Almost nothing was known about it beyond that, and after Chapter 5 and Maribelle and Ricken's recruitment, it was never mentioned again. As was typical, I never saw Ricken before we left, and I could not fathom why. I decided it wasn't important; I'd probably be meeting him soon anyway.

We left that afternoon, with wagons filled with supplies. There was one extravagant wagon surrounded by pegasus knights in particular I avoided even looking at.

I didn't want to look the woman I was going to allow to die in the face.

Luckily for me, I was towards the front, guarding a whole different wagon.

"Hey. Heeeey! Alex, Lon'qu, are we there yet?"

Guarding the wagon holding Lissa was alright, even if she could be a bit much at times. Her normally cheery mood was a bit muted, though. Her best friend's health being unknown understandably dampened her mood.

"Gonna be another few hours, Lissa," I replied, looking at her head peering out from the covering. "Why're you even asking? We'll get there when we get there."

"I'm just worried, okay?" She said, frowning. That frown looked unnatural on her face. "Maribelle's my best friend. If something were to happen to her I don't- I don't know what I'd…!"

"Woooaah-kay, let's just stop that train of thought right there," I interrupted her. "First of all, Maribelle's gonna be fine. They're probably gonna ransom her or some shit like that. Secondly, uh, shit, Lon'qu, help?"

"No," The black-haired swordsman responded in a deep voice.

The message Gangrel was trying to send was clear to everyone, at that point. The circumstances of Maribelle's capture were sketchy on his side, and he must've known that. All in all, the entire thing was an absolute farce. It would end in a war, and I knew it. Everyone else, though? Especially Emmeryn? They wanted peace. Hell, even Chrom probably still wanted peace, even if he was angry with all the raiding going on.

If Emmeryn wanted to try and reason with someone with the moniker 'Mad King', she was free to.

Might as well let her make her own decisions before she succumbs to gravity, huh?

I regretted thinking that instantly. Emmeryn was just trying to make sure her people were not dragged into another conflict. Who could blame her, after what it put her and her family through the last time?

I decided to simply stop thinking about it and leave it at that.

I sighed. "Well, I shoulda expected that. Seriously, though. It's gonna be fine, Lissa."

"I hope so," She said, not looking at me. "At least I've got you two to talk to. I think I'd go crazy if I didn't have you two around." She retreated back into the wagon.

"Trust me, I know how you feel," I looked at Lon'qu. "Whaddaya say, chief? Happy to have someone to talk to?"

"I would prefer if I were alone," Lon'qu replied. "You speak too often."

I was trying to talk to Lon'qu, after I got over my initial apprehension. However, that was a bit difficult considering how curt he was. It didn't stop me from trying.

I marveled at that fact; just a couple months ago I would never approach someone for a conversation of my own volition.

"A real charmer, you are," I muttered, looking forward as we continued marching.

"Aw, he's not so bad, once you get used to him!" Lissa said, popping her head outside the covering again. "Chrom made him my bodyguard, did you know that? Once you get past that prickly surface he's just a softy, I'm sure of it! Like a blue cactus!" She leaned a little closer to him. "Ain't that right, Mr. Sourpuss?"

"M-must you be so close?" He stammered, looking unnerved.

"But you're my bodyguard! Isn't it your job to be close to me at all times?"

"…Yes," Lon'qu relented. "I would still prefer it if you kept your distance. You make me, er, uncomfortable," He sighed. "I do not get paid enough for this."

"Heh, it ain't so- Wait," I stopped, staring at Lon'qu. "You're getting paid?"

"Why would I not?" Lon'qu asked, raising a brow in a rare show of expression. "Do not tell me, no, did you think you were not being paid for your service in the Shepherds?"

"Oh… That… Oh Gods-!" Lissa squealed, descending into a giggle fit.

It only occurred to me then that I'd been doing everything up to that point under the assumption that I was not being paid for it. I wasn't sure if that said something about my character or my intelligence. Nonetheless, my face felt hot.

"Okay, look, I know it looks bad," I said nervously. "But I haven't gotten a check or a bank deposit or fuckin' anything so I just assumed- You have no idea what the hell I'm even talking about, do you?"

Lon'qu facepalmed. "Even if I did, I would still consider you a fool."

"Ouch, that hurts, man," I replied sarcastically, holding a hand to my heart. "Right here. Oh, how you've wounded me."

"P-Please, s-stop! I c-can't, hah, I can't take this!" Lissa almost screamed, falling back into the wagon before she appeared again. "I-it's fine, Alex! You can j-just talk to Chrom when we get back! Hehehe. Oh Gods, I'm crying!" She murmured, still chuckling a bit and wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up." I snorted. "Unfortunately for all of you, my feelings grow back at twice the rate of a normal man."

"Then it appears you've traded intelligence for emotional endurance," Lon'qu remarked.

I felt that one. I had to resist the urge to stagger like I'd been slapped.

"Alright, that's just a bit too much," Lissa said, before descending into giggles again. "That was really funny, though. Hehe!"

Despite the verbal lashing I'd been dealt, I couldn't help but smirk again as Lissa giggled. It was better than her being all sad and mopey about Maribelle, even if she was still decently cheerful even then.

I wished I could've been as bright as she was. Unfortunately, that was just not possible.

The march to Maribelle's holding area took several days. Due to the wildly different environments of Ylisse and Plegia, the mountain range earned its name of 'Shriekwind'. The wind was nearly intolerable; it felt like it was cutting through my skin. It was difficult for the pegasus knights that came with us to even scout ahead because of it.

Nonetheless, we crossed into Plegia with little incident. The sun became near scorching during the day, but it wasn't the worst thing in the world. I was able to have my conversation/cheering up session with Lon'qu and Lissa after all.

I did not know what to expect from Emmeryn and Gangrel's confrontation. That was, the area it took place in. As far as I could remember, it was just a nondescript cliff, with several flat areas and pathways leading up, with couple forts that spawned enemy troops every once and a while.

Well, there was a cliff, but that was about where the similarities ended.

We arrived about late afternoon. The sun was just beginning to set, although the mountains that surrounded us made it much darker. The air was hot, but not wet, with dry grass covering most of the available ground.

A much better environment than Southern Ylisse, but not by much.

Of course, it didn't matter how much better the environment was since we were staring down an army of glaring Plegians. They didn't look much different from the guards of Bellator, although they were less savage. They still wore furs and a couple seemed to graft animal bones to their armor, but their stance was different. More resolute, perhaps? I didn't have a word for it, but it did give me an entirely different impression.

There, on a jagged precipice that brought to my mind the tower of Sauron, stood Gangrel. Considering the distance, I could not make out his exact features, but I could see his extravagant attire. The fabric around his neck almost made him look like some sort of flower, and his yellow cape waved in the hot Plegian wind. Atop his brow sat a twisted crown, glinting in the last available light.

Even from where I was, however, I could see his smile. It was the rictus grin of an absolute lunatic.

The wagons came to a stop, with Emmeryn's towards the front. I moved forward a bit in case things went sour, which I knew they would. Chrom was right by Emmeryn's side, and the glare he sent towards Gangrel could melt steel.

"Ah, this brilliant radiance, how long it has been since an Exalt has graced us with their brightness!" He covered his face, peeking through his fingers. "I fear I must shield my eyes lest I be blinded by your very presence! Bwahahahaha!"

"King Gangrel," Emmeryn greeted courteously. "I have come for the truth of this unfortunate incident between our nations."

"Oh? There are a great many incidents between our nations, Your Saintliness!" Gangrel replied. "Hmm, but I think you're referring to the one that involved that little blonde brat, are you not? Aversa, what do we have to say about this incident?"

A sultry voice rang out from his side, as a woman came into view.

Aversa. God damn.

"Why, I'm afraid we cannot call this a simple incident, My King." Aversa said, a finger to her chin in a demented thinking pose.

"Your name is Aversa, milady?" Emmeryn asked politely.

"Indeed," Aversa replied, smirking and performing a small curtsy. "That is the name given to me."

Emmeryn nodded. "Of course. Now, tell me, is Maribelle unharmed?"

"Is that the little blonde rat's name? The name fits the personality, it seems, what with all that snootiness she throws around!" Gangrel cackled. "She gave our men quite a tongue-lashing when we tried to politely escort her back to the border! But do not fret, Your Brightness, the little guttersnipe has not been harmed. Yet. Aversa, if you would?"

"Yes, My King." Aversa said, snapping her fingers.

Nearby, to the right of the precipice, Maribelle was brought into view. A Plegian soldier practically hauled her up to a cliff's edge, and he kept her still as she struggled.

The biggest mistake the soldier made was ungagging her.

"Unhand me this instant, you uncouth brute! I will not be manhandled by the likes of you!" She hissed, still struggling against her bonds.

"My, what a feisty one!" Gangrel remarked. "Truly only an Ylissean could be capable of such verbal savagery!"

"M-Maribelle!" Lissa shouted, before being held by Vaike from running towards her. "Are you okay!? Did they do anything to you!?"

"Lissa, my treasure! Is that you!?" Maribelle yelled back, her gaze meeting Lissa's. "Thank the Gods, you're here!"

"How touching," Aversa drawled. "Unfortunately, we must keep moving. My Lords and Ladies, this woman crossed the Ylisse-Plegia border under the cover of night and without our consent. What's more appalling, is the fact that she injured the Plegian guards who only sought to escort her home safe and sound."

"Lies!" Maribelle interjected viciously. "This hag speaks nothing but lies! Did they not teach you the meaning of truth in whatever horrid-crone school you attended!?"

"Why, but she has such a way of speaking, does she not? No manners whatsoever. Such vicious creatures simply must be caged."

"Such a fiery temper, indeed," Gangrel agreed. "A temper that only further attests to her guilt! These transgressions will call for quite a weighty punishment. And if she were somehow an Ylissean spy? Gods, it would take quite a considerable act of good faith to forgive this little incident, Your Radiance!"

"I have done no such thing! It is they who should confess!" Maribelle claimed vehemently. "They are the ones who invaded and decimated Themis! When I attempted to intervene, they dragged me across the border!" For a moment, Maribelle's eyes seemed to stare into nothing. "Let the charred homes and plundered shops of my home serve as proof."

God damn. This entire thing really is just a farce. And it's completely pointless.

"That only proves that Ylisse has a nasty bandit problem," Gangrel rebutted, waving a hand lazily. "Something that I have heard oft of late. Indeed, I shall weep bitter tears into my pillow tonight for your razed duchy. Truly it is a tragedy!"

"Your Grace, please! You must believe me!" Maribelle pleaded.

"Peace, Maribelle, I believe you," Emmeryn said calmly, still looking like the picture-perfect ruler.

A picture-perfect ruler you are going to let die.

I shook my head as the scene continued. The bloodshed was getting closer and closer. My heart felt like a jackhammer in my chest as my hand rested on my sword's pommel. Soon.

Emmeryn stared Gangrel in the eye. "King Gangrel, I request that you release this woman from your custody at once. Surely we can sort this out without the need for hostages?"

"No apology? Not even a nice letter?" Gangrel replied, his volume steadily rising. "Why should I even bother with parley? I am within my rights to behead this vicious animal and be home in time for supper!"

"Black-hearted dastard!" Chrom snapped.

"Control your personal attack dog, Your Brilliance. Before he causes a diplomatic incident," Gangrel said.

Chrom growled but otherwise remained silent.

"Now then, Your Gracefulness…" Gangrel's mad gaze returned to Emmeryn. "Perhaps we could arrange a trade? If you give me the Fire Emblem, I'll let this savage beast go. Quite a bargain, is it not?"

Emmeryn look perplexed. "You… You would ask for Ylisse's sacred treasure? Why?"

"Because I know the legend!" Gangrel claimed, a manic look spread across his face. "The Fire Emblem is the key to having anyone's wishes fulfilled! I have desired it for years! Years! And yet, my birthday comes and goes every year, and not a single gift from Ylisse! How rude."

"The Fire Emblem serves one purpose, King Gangrel: To save the world in its darkest hour. Would you claim to have such a noble wish?" Emmeryn asked.

"Why, Your Gracefulness, I want the most noble wish of all!" Gangrel replied, his voice taking on a more sinister tone. "I want vengeance! I want the grisly end of every last Ylissean! Who else among us could claim to have a more noble and true wish!?"

Emmeryn blinked. "Excuse me?"

"Oh please, no need to play the fool!" Gangrel began. "Surely you could not have forgotten already. The sins of your father haunt you even now! Do you remember how he named our people heathens!? How his crusade cut a bloody swath throughout the land!? Shall I paint you a picture of the burning homes, the broken families, the orphaned children!? Oh, wait, perhaps I should send you a letter containing all the words he said? How he demanded our extermination all because of a nightmare!? Truly the mind of an Ylissean is a small one, to forget the history of its own atrocities!"

…That's… that's a whole lot more information than the game gave…

"I have never denied our past wrongdoings as a nation, King Gangrel." Emmeryn rebutted calmly. "But I have done everything in my power to make sure that they are not repeated. Ylisse is now a realm of peace."

"Ylisse is a halidom of hypocrisy and denial!" Gangrel replied, his smirk now gone and replaced by a snarl. "Your nation is undeserving of such a sacred treasure. Give the Fire Emblem to me!"

"No, Your Grace!" Maribelle interrupted. "I'd rather die than be used as a bargaining chip by these madmen!"

"Maribelle, no!" Emmeryn said, barely above a whisper.

Gangrel rolled his eyes. "All of this talk. Just talk-talk-talk-talk! The time for talking is done, Your Luminosity! I will have the Fire Emblem, even if I have to pry it from your bright, dead hands! Men, move!"

Ah shit, here we go again.

I grabbed my sword's grip. Beads of sweat fell down my face as I prepared myself for the battle that was about to break out.

Several Plegians moved towards Emmeryn's position, their faces grim. Chrom didn't allow them to get very far. Falchion slashed through one soldier, sending his bloody body to the ground in a heap.

"Don't take a single step closer! Unless you want to suffer the same fate!" Chrom snarled, a bloodied Falchion aimed at the other soldiers.

Gangrel cackled. The sound of it sent a chill up my spine as the other Shepherds were drawing their weapons and tomes. "Now, that was a declaration of war if I ever saw one… A long, bloody war that will bleed every last one of you Ylisseans dry! Bwahahaha!"

"Everyone, protect Emmeryn!" Robin barked nearby. I didn't even know where he was. "Miriel, stay in the rear, and burn anyone who gets close. Everyone who can use a weapon, surround the Exalt! Don't let them through!"

The battle was on.

I breathed heavily as another Plegian fell to the ground, a pool of blood quickly forming under his body, my sword plunged directly through his chest. All around me were the sounds of battle, louder than any rock concert. It rang hollowly in my ears. The sound of spear against sword, sword against axe, axe against spear, it was almost enough to make me go mad with panic.

The dry ground was dotted with bodies – thankfully none from our side, yet. Fire erupted from a few bushes, lighting up the quickly darkening world. Night was nearly upon us. It looked like hell.

In a brief moment of respite, I surveyed my surroundings. Like I'd said, it was hell. Emmeryn was surrounded by a vast majority of the Shepherds, me included. Not a single Plegian soldier broke through our line, and they were beginning to run out of manpower. There was, however, one big problem.

Ricken and Maribelle were nowhere to be found.

"Robin!" I shouted, my voice nearly drowned out by the battle around me. "Robin, where are you!?"

I found the white-haired tactician nearby, a ball of Thunder frying the life out of a Plegian who then fell to the ground, twitching. "I am a little busy at the moment!" He yelled back.

I ran towards him, only to have my way cut off by another fighter. Unlike bandits, he did not sneer, or shout. He merely raised his axe and tried to behead me.

It was oddly refreshing.

I blocked it, the axe embedding itself in the wood of my shield. Out of instinct, I kicked the soldier in the stomach, knocking him back a few paces without his weapon. Uncaring of the axe inside my shield, I slashed and stabbed at him. He slumped to the ground, battered and bloody. The way the fading light reflected off his face made him look like he was in a painting.

…Yeah, I still don't like this.

Shaking away my own complicated feelings, I zeroed in on my original objective. Robin had abandoned his tome in favor of a sword. He deftly avoided the charge of a Plegian, and the next moment said Plegian's head rolled on the ground.

I blinked. Robin was really good.

I approached him quickly, just before a Plegian attempted to stab him with his spear. I shouted something unintelligible, distracting him just long enough for Robin to stab him through the chest.

I was breathing hard, and it took me a moment to get under control. "R-Robin, where's Maribelle?"

Robin looked at me incredulously. "The middle of a battle seems an odd place to do a headcount. We need to focus, Alex!"

"Yeah, I know!" I replied, looking around wearily. "I'm just worried, alright? She's Lissa's best friend, for God's sake- Oh shit!" I screamed as an axe narrowly avoided me. Robin was quick to react as an orb of Thunder struck the Plegian in the chest. The smoking body joined a good portion of his comrades.

"My point has been proven," Robin commented, crackles of electricity still sparking in his palm. "And I see yours, as well. Give me a moment."

He looked atop the cliff. My gaze trailed his, and a moment later I saw a gust of wind send several Plegian troops to a messy, bloody death. I winced as they hit the ground.

"That mystery has been solved," Robin remarked. "Sully! Over here!"

The red-haired cavalier was busy stabbing a Plegian soldier through the chest, but as soon as she was done with that, she was upon us. "Robin! Gods, I'm a bit busy, ya know!?"

"So I can see," He replied. "However, it appears Maribelle is in a rather tight spot. I need you and Alex to help her fend off the soldiers that have her and her savior cornered."

"W-wait, savior?" I asked, confused. "What does that mean!?"

"I saw a mage – Ricken, I believe it was? – help free her," Robin explained quickly. "Although I was certain Chrom told him to stay behind before we left. A good thing he came along anyway, in this case." He looked back to Sully. "The rest of us will remain here to protect Emmeryn. Go. Quickly."

"Alright, alright, I hear ya. Protect Miss Snooty-pants, got it." She looked to me. "Hop on."

"R-right." I stuttered, grabbing her hand as I clumsily sat behind her on the horse. I continued to marvel at the strength of horses in Ylisse. How did its spine not snap in half, I wondered?

At least I wasn't on a pegasus. Sumia was busy swinging in and out of the battle, as were the other pegasus knights.

"Alright, you all set back there?" I nodded. "Then let's ride!"

The next minute was, in a word, exhilarating. It had been months since I'd rode on a horse, so I wasn't exactly the best prepared for it. I weathered it well enough, given the circumstances. A few Plegians attempted to cut us down while we were traveling up the foot path, but Sully's horse was an absolute monster. She made expert use of her spear to impale Plegians whenever they got too close. The most I was able to do was slash a man through the side as we passed him. Even after all that time training, I was still almost nothing compared to Sully.

It was expected, but was also disappointing.

I didn't dwell on it for long, but it was there.

We were at Maribelle and Ricken's position within a minute, although it felt like much longer. Maribelle was easy to spot, even if she wasn't riding a horse. Ricken, however, was even more easy to spot. He was easily one of the shortest people I'd seen, children notwithstanding. Although, it wouldn't be too far off to say that Ricken was basically a child. He wore a blue mage robe, along with the same ridiculous hat that Miriel had. He was fending off several Plegian soldiers all on his lonesome, with nothing but an Elwind tome, if my game knowledge wasn't failing me. However, he looked absolutely exhausted, and there was only so much Maribelle could do, considering she had no means of attack.

In other words, we arrived just in time.

Sully let out a war cry as she charged the enemy. The first wasn't able to react in time before her spear found itself roughly between both his lungs. I leapt off of Sully's horse, stumbling a little as momentum kept me going.

I quickly gained my footing, though, and charged as well.

I found one Plegian still finding it difficult to understand what exactly was happening. My blade slashed through his stomach. He fell to the ground, clutching at his opened belly, moaning. My sword pierced his heart, silencing him.

…Stone cold.

It was slightly easier. I rationalized that the scenario made it so. After all, it was technically the first battle of an all-out war. I couldn't afford to ponder the morality of taking lives in that case. That was demonstrated when the soldiers fought back. I'd forgotten that my shield still had an axe in it, and so was a bit unprepared for when another one basically broke it apart.

Luckily, the battle was finally winding down. Only a few Plegians remained, and they looked like they would take off at any second. I slashed my sword at the man who broke my shield, where it found it found itself lodged into his neck. He fell to the ground with a thump, lightly gurgling on his own blood. Unnerved by the sight, I put him out of his misery.

I looked up just in time to see Ricken cast Elwind one final time, sending an unfortunate soldier off the cliff to his grave.

Just like that, it was over.

Anxiously, I walked to the cliffs edge to see the battle below. What few Plegian troops remained scuttled off, carrying wounded comrades with them when they could. The victory cry that echoed from the battlefield raised my spirits up a bit, making me sigh in relief.

"Is-is it over?" A high-pitched voice said from nearby. I turned to the direction it came from to see Ricken. His legs were visibly shaking underneath his robe.

"Yeah. Yeah, I think so," I replied, looking back towards the battlefield. "About damn time-!"

I stopped once I saw a few, much larger corpses. The bodies of wyverns.

How… How the hell did I not notice those!?

Even dead, they looked badass, what with all the scales and wings and shit. It was one step away from being a motherfucking dragon.

"Hell yeah, what he said!" Sully agreed, laughing, "'Bout damn time! Been a while since I was in a battle like that. First time for you, though, huh?"

I rubbed the back of my neck, laughing anxiously. "Heh. Guess so. I'm a bit fizzled out at the moment."

"Aw, don't worry 'bout that!" She replied. "You'll get used to it! Hell, I think you did pretty good."

"Uh, wow, thanks Sully," I breathed out. "That actually meant a lot."

"Don't mention it. Seriously, don't. I'm not in the mood for all these mushy feelings and crap. Let's go check on our little friends then, yeah?"

I nodded. "Emphasis on 'little'."

"H-hey!" Ricken whined. "I-I'm still growing! I'll be tall just like you all, one day!"

"Yeah, sorry about that. Like I said, fizzled," I said. "Now, you both okay?"

"Despite the odds, I am fine," Maribelle replied. "Now tell me, is my darling Lissa hurt whatsoever?"

"Er, no? Last I checked." I said slowly, unable to look Maribelle in the eye.

"Gods, you cannot even look me in the eye as you say that! I must find her at once!"

I didn't know how to interact with Maribelle, and that could not be stressed enough. It was the main reason I sought out Sumia's help instead of hers. She ran gracefully down the foot path. If she was running as fast as I thought she was, it wouldn't take her long to get to the battlefield.

"M-Maribelle! Wait!" Ricken called out, following her.

…And there's two.

"Well, shit. Guess that solves that problem, then," Sully commented, climbing onto her horse. "I really coulda rode them down there on ol' Cain, too. Sucks for them." She looked to me. "Wanna ride down?"

I looked around. "Nah, think I'll stay here until we're ready to roll out."

Sully shrugged. "Fine by me. See ya later!"

She rode down the path, a faint cloud of dusting following her.

I sighed, my mask breaking ever so slightly as I ran my hands down my face. I walked to the edge of the cliff, looking out over the battlefield. The sun set a while ago, and the clear air allowed the nighttime sky to show brilliantly over the carnage below. A few fires still burned here and there, illuminating the battlefield in a yellow glow. I simply stared at the body-filled land, looking into nothing.

This is only gonna happen again. Best get used to it, boy scout.

First time writing an open battle scene like this. Hopefully it didn't come across as too stilted.

Beyond that, though, I like this chapter. Alex is still a rookie, but he's not going to be cut down within an instant anymore. Gives me a lot more room to work with when it comes to fight scenes.

Beyond that, I don't have much to say. Chapter 9'll be uploaded next week and by God is it a big one. Probably the biggest chapter I've written so far. I'll even put a little theme in it like I always used to. For old time's sake, I guess. One of the few things I still like about all my old fics.

Here's a link to our Discord server: /9XG3U7a

Anyways, hoped you enjoyed! See ya next time!

Edited on 2/11/21. Not too much to edit with this one. Still decently solid.