I ran. I'd keep running from it for as long as I could. The winding corridors never ended, which was both a good and bad thing. The thing would never stop coming after me, no matter what. Its red eyes would always stare, its legs always move, its arms always ready to tear me limb from limb. There was no escape, but I'd keep going regardless.

There was no other way.

A pain and hate filled howl echoed through those God-damned halls, always closer than the last time. I could hear it clearly. Armor clanking like pots being slammed together, a rumbling moan coming out of its gaping buck-toothed mouth.

My legs were getting tired. I could only run so far, while it could run forever. It would never tire, never falter, never stumble for a single moment until it was upon me. Despite this knowledge, I kept going, turning another corner and sprinting down the hallway.

Unlike it, I would tire, I would falter, and I would stumble. Which is what happened when I finally tripped.

I fell to the unyielding floor, sprawled out like a ragdoll. My legs felt like they'd been dipped in molten lead. It was almost impossible for me to turn onto my back, but eventually I managed. Unfortunately, once I got a good look at the thing chasing me, I couldn't find the strength in my weak body to turn back around.

The thing was everything I'd feared. It was covered in rotting and decaying flesh, with bits of armor sinking into the hairy brown skin. Two rabbit-like ears sprouted from the top of its helmeted head like festering tumors. The armor was a shiny purple, contrasting the disgusting flesh that surrounded it like a rotting brown ocean. Its legs were a combination of human and something other, having joints that no human could possibly have yet still ran like one.

The worst part were its eyes. They glowed like two smoldering embers, so bright they lit up the entire hallway. Their gaze fell on me, studying me like I was some sort of curiosity.

In one motion, causing its armor to moan and groan as if it was under great stress, it raised its head, and screamed.

It was like several people screaming at once, and every single one of them was in the worst agony a person could dream of.

The thing ran towards me in such an unnatural and lanky way I was surprised it could run at all. Every time it took a step it caved in a small hole in the floor. It jumped, almost reaching the ceiling.

It shot at me like a speeding bullet, ready to tear me apart at long last…

I awoke sweating and breathing heavily, heart pounding so hard in my chest it felt like it was drilling a hole through me. My eyes glared at the ceiling, noting that I wasn't in my bed at the barracks or in a wagon.

It all came back to me at once as I sat up, wiping sweat off my forehead.

That giant armored thing, the one that burst through the walls like they were nothing and seemingly killed Validar, it haunted my dreams alongside Panne. I'd be the first to admit that I didn't have the best memory, but I knew for a fact that there was nothing like that in the game. I knew Validar died during the assassination, only to be revived by Grima later. What happened, however, I didn't know how to comprehend it. It didn't make any sense. Why the hell was it there!? No, an even better question, what was it!?

I certainly didn't have any of the answers, and I doubted any of the other Shepherds would have an idea either. Without any concrete information except its appearance and that horrid scream I swore still echoed in my skull, there was not much else I could do but keep going.

So basically business as usual. When presented with a universe-altering element, you choose to bury your head in the sand and act like nothing is happening. When will you give up this sham, boy scout?

"Oh, you are awake. Good," A voice said to my side. I turned and saw Robin closing a book while he sat nearby. "I was beginning to think I would have to call Lissa or Maribelle to see that you did not suffer any permanent damage."

I chuckled hollowly, shaking my head. "Hell, Robin, if that happened, you might as well just kill me. I'd hate to feel useless," More than I already felt, at least. What had I accomplished, after all? "What happened, by the way? To me, and after I fell."

"If you are asking why you collapsed, the best I could get out of Lissa as she worked was a combination of smaller injuries and exhaustion," Robin answered. "Beyond that? We regrouped after that… thing barged in and whisked away that sorcerer. While I have been watching over you, I've been studying several books on magical constructs and the like. The closest term I could describe the armored figure we saw would be- Hmm, a moment."

He grabbed a book and paged through it a bit before stopping and repeating the word to himself silently. "Yes, a Deadlord. A powerful summon, only used by the highest level of dark mage. It takes several master sorcerers to even summon one. None have been seen for centuries, according to the texts I've been reading. However, I do believe that is what appeared last night."

I stared at him blankly for a few moments, before blinking. "Damn, and here I was almost forgetting how much you like researching stuff. And talking about it, too! Can't forget that."

"Heh, you seem to find it interesting, at least." Robin smiled. "Not many of the other Shepherds are too keen on hearing me babble about my latest historical or magical discovery that, surprise, they have known for years."

"Well, considering I can barely read, you're still the only way I really get to know about this place other than what everyone else tells me," I smiled back. "And not many of them go into as much detail as you do." I shook my head, feeling the area where I'd been burned by that mage. "Anyway, I can tell I haven't been asleep for long."

Robin nodded, putting the book down. "Only a few hours. A lot has happened in that time, however. That taguel, was it? Despite what she said, she has not left yet."

I froze. "Y-yeah. Her name's Panne, remember?"

"Yes, that was it! Gods, my memory is not improving," Robin said to himself. "And that thief. I cannot recall his name, although I know his recruitment was bizarre, as Chrom told me."

I rubbed the back of my head. "Yeah, Gaius. I had to convince a Knight-Captain not to kill him on the spot."

"Gaius it is, then," Robin amended. "A strange man, from what little interaction I've had with him. Still, I can see a few good uses for a seasoned thief."

"Hmm," My hand froze over a small scar on my shoulder. "Yeah, he's strange. N-not as gruesome as Panne was, though," I added, mumbling slightly.

Robin raised a brow in interest, but once I said nothing, he shrugged and continued. "Beyond those two new additions, we have finally decided our next course of action."

"Uh huh?" I replied, motioning for him to continue as I tested my legs.

"What, no love for dramatics?" Robin smiled wryly.

"Only when I'm the one doing it, Robin."

"Heh. Alright. After a little bit of convincing, it's been decided that Emmeryn will be relocated to the eastern castle in the city of Tathis," Robin informed me. "A small city with light defenses, but far enough away from Plegia that an invasion would need to go through Ylisstol and Grawin before they could even touch it," Robin stopped and looked down for a moment. "I… was rather annoyed with Emmeryn's insistence on staying. Stubbornness will not save herself or the people of Ylisse, and yet she argued with Chrom and Phila until just a few hours ago."

I was trapped in my own little world once Robin told me where we were going next. Of course, I knew it was happening, saw it coming for fuck's sake, but even then, a pit settled in my stomach.

If I'd wanted to alter the entire course of the future and save Emmeryn, wherever the hell Chapter 7 took place would be my last chance to do so safely.

Was it Chapter 7? I honestly can't even remember anymore.

I coughed into my fist. "She, uh, still decided to go along with it in the end though, didn't she?"

"Indeed," Robin answered. "But that is not my problem. First we deal with an assassination attempt orchestrated by a sorcerer of seemingly great power, and then a Deadlord bursts through several walls and spirits away said sorcerer? It is strange, insane, some would say. I just feel her first thought should be on how her death would affect Ylisse."

Robin stopped himself before sighing.

"No matter. I apologize for rambling about my frustrations. They are not nearly as entertaining as my lectures on history, I'm sure."

I waved off his concerns. "Nah, don't worry about it, man. Listening to people's problems is one of the few things I'm naturally good at. Ever feel frustrated and shit? Just come talk to me. Not like I have much else to do except train."

Robin got up. "I will be sure to take you up on that offer someday." He gathered up the books piled up on the table. "And considering that there is a war going on, that day will certainly be soon." He turned to me. "Now, I think it's time I stop shirking my duties. We leave this afternoon. I will see you then."

I waved silently as Robin left the room, the sound of the door closing ringing in my ears.

For several moments I simply stood there silently, staring at the door. My mind was blank; not a single thought was made.

I walked over to the seat Robin had been at before and sat down.

You are going to let an innocent woman die because of your own weakness. Didn't you want to be a hero, boy scout?

I'd barely even said a word to Emmeryn as far as I could remember, but that didn't help me. Neither did the fact I could well and truly call her brother and sister my friends. How was I going to look them in the eye when their own sibling commits suicide?

And then there's that thing. The Deadlord.

A wildcard. Something that was completely new as far as I could tell. A monster in plate armor that could move faster than an Olympic athlete. One question that raged through my mind was: why did it only take Validar and leave? It was a valid question in my mind. One that refused to go away.

I looked out the single window in the room I found myself in. Still in the castle, obviously. The sun was rising, probably only around eight or nine in the morning. Funnily enough, there was a time years before that I'd be hard pressed to be awake close to then. Constant training and no electronics to speak of, as well as going to sleep at a decent time, did wonders for me in that respect.

It was nice to get my thoughts off of Emmeryn's rapidly approaching death, or the Deadlord whose screams still reverberated inside my head. Unfortunately, nothing lasted forever.

I sighed, getting up. I could sit down and ponder everything in existence forever, but that wasn't very productive. We had somewhere to go soon. I tried to remember the name of the chapter we were going towards, but just could not do it.

Robin wasn't the only one who had difficulty with names.

If it wasn't obvious yet, there were more cities in Ylisse than the game ever hinted at existing. As far as I knew, there were five major cities in total. Ylisstol was the capitol and located in central Ylisse. Auraegis was to the north, Tathis to the east, Warreth to the south, and Grawin to the west.

The eastern palace mentioned in-game was located in Tathis, as Robin said. Which was where we were headed. It was still a long journey, taking at the very least a week.

I was the only one who knew we wouldn't make it there.

About halfway there, I was taking inventory. Basically, it involved me making sure none of our supplies and shit were stolen or lost. If they were, I'd check it off and make a note to Chrom and Frederick that we needed more, as well as say if it was someone stealing supplies or a simple mistake.

All in all, dull. A far cry from what I wanted to do, which was make sure I didn't think about the golden opportunity to save a life glittering in my face.

Some hero you are, huh? You never know, maybe you from the future already told Lucina about it and now she's recruiting all her friends to save Emmeryn. Pipe dream, maybe, but it's better than nothing, huh, boy scout?

Ignoring my inner voice, I looked over our food stores. The wagons they were being held in were beefier than the ones we all traveled in. I sighed, noticing nothing amiss. I wondered why the hell they had me doing it. I could still barely read, but I could figure out the individual words at the very least. That, and my memory skills were shit anyway. They could've picked a thousand other people, but no, they had to pick Mr. Happy Pants. Brilliant.

"Hey Sailor."

"Jesus-fucking-H-!" I shouted, falling forward and dropping the papers I'd been holding. I looked up, a scowl on my face as Gaius winced.

"Ouch. I would've named you Stumbles if I knew about this whole side of you," Gaius said, walking over and leaning against the wagon as I picked myself up. "But, nah, I think I like Sailor more. Fits you."

I cursed under my breath as I rubbed my nose. "Gaius," I greeted curtly. "There something you need or did you just come here to scare the Jesus outta me?"

"Well, I don't know who this 'Jesus' fella is, but I hope he treats you right, Sailor," Gaius replied easily, snickering as I sputtered. "Relax. Just joking. I actually came around to thank you."

"Okay, well, first off, Jesus is a major religious figure where I come from," I clarified, still trying to get the image Gaius planted out of my head. "Secondly, thank me for what?"

Gaius looked at me weirdly, like I'd grown a second head. "You're being serious? You don't remember me being at the end of Knightmare's lance? I mean, sure, I could've gotten outta there anyway; poor guy wasn't even looking at the dagger I had in my pocket. But now I've left a busted raid for a job that pays well," He looked inside the wagon. "Course, only paying me in gold. Thought I made it obvious when I said, 'sweeten the deal'."

"Depends on who you said that to," I replied, raising a brow at what Gaius was doing before sighing. "The candy and shit ain't in that wagon, if that's what you're looking for."

"Damn," Gaius whispered, leaping out of the wagon like a cat. "Could've sworn. Anyway, you really don't remember that whole nasty business? Making me feel unimportant here, Sailor."

"It's not about you being important or not. I just don't see why you'd thank me," I explained, shrugging. "I didn't really do much, if you think about it. I doubt Edward would've killed you there anyway."

"And you have never been at the end of an angry guardsman's pointy stick," Gaius rebuffed. "Listen to me, Sailor. You may not have saved me, but you did clear the path to a less unsavory career. Still get to be the thief I've always been, and get paid by royalty doing it, even if Blue is a little sheltered. So, yeah, like I said back then, thank you."

I rubbed the back of my head awkwardly. "Well, uh, you're welcome? I guess? I did a pretty piss-poor job at convincing Edward, but if you really think it's so great, I'm happy I could do something."

"Mmm," Gaius said, raising a hand to his chin in thought as he looked at me. I got the feeling I was being studied. "Heh, whatever swirls your chocolate, Sailor. Anyway, that's not the only reason I'm here."

I put on a mock-surprised expression. "You mean to tell me the thief didn't come here to distract the guy checking the supplies to steal more candy? Next you'll be telling me that Robin's a tactician."

"Oh, how your words have wounded my poor ego," Gaius replied, acting like I'd just punched him across the face. "Listen, Sailor, if I wanted to steal more sweets, I would've just thrown a rock into the thicket over there and watched you run after it. I'm being serious about this."

I gestured for him to keep talking.

"See, there's one thing I've noticed about the Shepherds, right? None of you do anything but train and march all day. All well and good; I need to do some more of that myself. But you guys take it to the extreme. Way I see it, you folks need a way to unwind. Settle down, you know? Nothing serious."

"You gonna keep talking in circles or are you gonna say what you need to say?"

He looked at me. "Was getting to that, Sailor. Like I said, think you guys need a little time to relax. So I remembered this card game a friend of a friend from south Ylisse taught me. Low stakes, obviously, but could be fun. Already gathered a few people before I came out here to talk to you. What do you say, Sailor? Want in?"

I thought about it for a moment. A card game. A fucking card game. I couldn't remember the last time I'd played one of those. It sounded a lot like Gaius was asking me to join a game night. Memories of times past, back home where I'd do something similar but with video games, filled my head. Nostalgia felt like it took over my brain for a second as the memories flooded my mind.

It was also a chance to get out of the dreary duty I'd been doing. I was basically done anyway.

After a moment, I nodded. "Fuck it. Count me in, Gaius."

I feel like I'm about to oversee a drug deal or some shit.

It was a tent at the edge of camp. The sun had long since gone down, and the lanterns from inside lit up the flesh-colored leather used for the canvas. It was better than going to sleep, at least, which was what I was going to do before Gaius invited me to play fucking cards. I still couldn't get over that for some reason.

The tent was a bit foreboding, but I shut that thought down before it could gain any ground. Taking a deep breath, I opened the flap and walked inside.

"Gods, there he is!" Gaius exclaimed. "Thought you'd never make it, Sailor. Was just about to start without you."

"Lucky me," I mumbled, observing the interior of the tent.

A single metal lantern lit up the inside, which sat upon an old wooden table. Five chairs surrounded said table, one of which was unoccupied.

"Alex? That you?" Donnel asked, surprised. "Well I'll be! Glad to see ya could make it!"

"Heh, almost expected ya to chicken out like ya almost did with our arm-wrestling match!" Vaike boasted, flexing his arms. "Not like I'd blame ya none; the Vaike is intimidating, right?"

"Ha! 'Bout as intimidating as a kid with soiled small clothes!" Sully retorted, grinning while leaning back. "If we weren't 'bout to play something, I'd spar with you right here and now!"

I looked to Gaius. "This is gonna be the rowdiest game of whatever the hell in history, you know that, right?"

"At first, I wanted to get some of the more 'uptight' Shepherds," Gaius explained, fiddling with the toothpick in his mouth. "But I think you're the only one who I was able to convince. Freddy wasn't having any of it, Blue's asleep somewhere, you know, the works. Besides, long as we have some fun, I think it'll be worth it."

"Well, I guess I'll sit down and let you explain, then." I replied, slowly, doing exactly what I said. Gaius leaned forwards, producing a pack of cards.

"Right, thank you, Sailor," He shuffled the cards as he spoke. Watching him do so was almost hypnotizing. "See, this friend of mine introduced me to a game from south Ylisse. Popular in Warreth taverns and overseas, so I heard. Doesn't really have a name, but my friend called it 'Ylissean Poker'."

I perked up at that. I'd never played any version of poker before, hell, I didn't even think that Fire Emblem had anything resembling a card game. Or maybe it did, and I just couldn't remember. Then again, it made some amount of sense. I did wonder how they made the cards, though. From what I could tell, the ones Gaius had were old and worn. Still, they'd get the job done if poker was what we were playing. Just hoped that the rules weren't too different from back home.

"Aw, used to play that with my da, yeah!" Donnel said excitedly. "Had these card-things you done have! Couldn't find 'em before I done went and left, though. Still a lil' sad 'bout that."

"Ah, hell, shoulda guessed," Sully commented. "Still, could be fun. Think I'll stay."

"Heh, Teach will ace this game, er, even if he hasn't played it yet." Vaike said.

"Heard of it before but never really played it," I said, scratching my chin. "Hope you're gonna explain the rules, Gaius."

"What kinda dealer would I be if I didn't? Don't worry about betting, though. I got the chips we need all here." He said, taking a bag from… somewhere, and dropping a pile of flat wood chips on the table.

At least we're not betting money. Yet.

"Fuck it, I'm folding," I breathed out, watching as Vaike snickered. "The hell are you laughing about?"

"Heh, nothin' serious, Alex! Ya just gave up so easily! Teach would never give up, no matter what!" He proclaimed proudly.

"He's raised already. I'd be careful about it, guys," Gaius warned. "You good, Roughhouse?"

"Can it, Chuckles," Sully grumbled, staring at her cards. "Aw, to hell with it. Fold."

"What's that? It sounds like the Vaike's competition is crumbling before he's even done anything!"

"Yeah, just keep talking, Vaike. Even if you win here, I'll still beat you in the ring!" Sully retorted.

"Like to see ya try, Sully!" Vaike replied loudly.

"Told you it'd be rowdy," I commented to Gaius, yet I couldn't help but smile.

"Yeah, but this is good too." Gaius said.

I looked at him, brow raised. "What? How?"

"This is all nice, but I'm not really getting any candy out of this. Say, why don't we make a personal bet, Sailor? A cupcake to whoever wins tomorrow. Roughhouse or Muscles?"

"By God, you're serious."

"Why wouldn't I be? Listen, Sailor, it's not too bad. What're you gonna use a little cupcake for?"

I looked at him incredulously. "Gaius, I'd eat it, what else? Besides, you have a shit ton of candy all stowed away in your pockets. The fuck do you need more for?"

"Could always use more sugar," Gaius shrugged. "Just 'cause I have a lot doesn't mean I can't get more, right? So, what do you say?"

"I say we should drop this. Not giving you my shit."

"Damn," He whispered. "I'll just have to find someone else, then. Anyway, Farmboy?"

"I do believe I'll raise, Mr. Gaius," Donnel said. "I think I done got the best cards I could get!"

"He's bluffin', ain't he? That's the whole thing 'bout this game, right Gaius?" Vaike asked, nervous.

The orange-haired thief smirked. "'Course he could. He also could be speaking nothing but the truth. It's only you two anyway. How much you both willing to bet?"

"Fine, then! I'll match your bet, Donny! C'mere!"

They both put down their hands.

My eyes widened. "Holy shit…"

Vaike was right to be as confident as he was, considering he had Four of a Kind. Donnel, on the other hand, had a Straight Flush.

Gaius whistled. "That's a damn good hand if I ever saw one. All chips to Farmboy!"

"N-no…" Vaike muttered weakly, staring hollowly at the chips going to Donnel's side. "T-the Vaike… lost? It just ain't possible!"

I tried my best to hold in a laugh. Only succeeded a little bit though. Sully, on the other hand, held nothing back as she guffawed.

Donnel smiled apologetically at Vaike. "I'm right sorry 'bout that, Mr. Vaike. Ma always did saw I was a lucky 'un."

"Ahaha! Don't care how lucky you are, Donny. That's the funniest shit I've seen all night! Gods! Ha!" Sully cackled. Almost seemed to enjoy it a bit too much, if you ask me.

Vaike just sat there, staring off into the nothingness. Pride cometh before a fall and all that.

I snorted. "Alright, guess we'll go again, right Gaius?" At his nod, I looked forward at Donnel. "Just you wait, Donny. I'll win this one."

Sweat beaded on my forehead as I looked at my cards. I wasn't maintaining the best poker face in all of existence, and I'd be the first to admit it. Donnel wasn't exactly keeping a straight face either, however. It was time. The final showdown. The ultimate clash between city boy and farm hand. A battle of truly epic proportions. Marth, Sigurd, Seliph, and Alm didn't have shit on us.

Sully and Vaike had folded. I'd bluffed a bit. Well, maybe a lot. Almost all my chips were betted, as were a good portion of the others, as well. I flinched away as my eyes met Donnel's for a split second.

You can bluff Sully and Vaike but you can't bluff your feelings, boy scout.

Promptly ignoring my unhelpful inner voice, I prepared myself for disappointment.

"You got this, Sailor," Gaius encouraged, putting a hand on my shoulder. "He's just a farmhand from some village no ones heard about. Just to show my confidence in you, I betted with Muscles that I'll give him a cookie if you lose. I'll get a lollipop if you win, Sailor. Think of it! Shining in the morning sun… Oh, Gods, please win!"

"Dude, are you fucking drooling on me!?" I exclaimed in disgust.

"Don't worry none, Donny. Ya got this! Ain't no way yer gonna lose at this, and that's a Teach guarantee!" Vaike said, standing behind Donnel who was looking more uncomfortable by the second. "You go and teach Alex and Gaius what it means to mess with the Vaike!"

"We even playing poker anymore?" Sully asked to no one in particular. "Get the feelin' I'm just watching four guys fight for dominance. Sight to see, though. Don't see something like this every day."

"Sully, you're messing with my concentration." I accused exasperatedly.

"What in hell's name are you even concentrating 'bout!?" She asked, throwing her toned arms out. "All both of you have to do is show your hand, and then win! It ain't magical theory, guys! Just show your hands and be done with it."

"I reckon she's right," Donnel conceded sheepishly. "I ain't no fan of all this pressure. Be mighty kind of y'all if we get done with it."

"Fine, fair enough. In three, then," I said. "Ready? Okay. One… Two… Three!"

I put my hand down. Four of a Kind. A strong hand. Still the possibility that the others had better hands, but I didn't think I'd have a problem with just one person.

I, of course, had forgotten that Donnel had the luck of a sixteen-leafed clover.

My face instantly met the table once I saw Donnel had gotten a Straight Flush again.

"Ohoho! Ain't that such a shame!" Vaike guffawed, patting Donnel's shoulder. "I knew ya had it in ya, kid!"

"Aw, shucks! Thank ya for havin' faith in me, Mr. Vaike!"

"What is up with Farmboy? Never seen someone do so well," Gaius muttered to himself. "Was so sure I shuffled the cards good this time, too."

"My entire life is a fucking lie," I mumbled.

"Oh, Gods, I think you broke him, Donny," Sully said from somewhere. I didn't care to look anymore. "He's started spouting bullshit now."

"If the truth is bullshit," I began. "Then I've never told a lie in my life."

"What in Marth's name does that even mean?" Sully asked, sounding genuinely confused. "Look, Alex, your fine. He's just lucky is all."

"And my luck is shit," I retorted. "Everything I am is meaningless."

"He always get this melodramatic when he loses?" Gaius asked.

"Nah, think I beat that outta him durin' our training sessions."

"Along with my fuckin' lungs. Don't forget that."

Sully smirked. "Ain't like you were using 'em for much anyway."

I groaned, turning my head on the table to get the best look at Gaius I could. "And who the fuck are you to talk to me about melodrama? Didn't you just lose a cookie to the world's worst teacher over there?"

"Did you just call Teach the worst!?"

Gaius shrugged. "Was lying a little, to be honest. Had to get you pumped somehow. You really think I'd bet my sweets in a poker game?"

"Then why the hell would you-" I stopped myself, picking my head off the table and leaning back on the chair. "Know what? Nevermind."

"Real sorry 'bout beatin' ya, Alex," Donnel apologized unnecessarily. "Don't know why I git so lucky. Ma always said it was the moon I's born under."

"Nah, it's fine, Donny," I waved off. "Sully's right. Just me being melodramatic."

"Damn right you are. Now, we gonna play another round, or are ya pansies too scared?" Sully ask boisterously.

Our games went well into the night, but eventually, that ended; we went our separate ways. Gaius proposed to have a game night every week from then on. I agreed, but then I remembered that my last chance to save Emmeryn without pressure was about to rear its ugly head, and I frowned.

I had to stop doing that; it wasn't healthy.

Days went past, and everything went back to a routine just as before. It was boring, and no one seemed to be in a particularly talkative mood, and you can only try to start a conversation so many times before people start to ask questions. Eventually I became silent.

Besides, it wasn't long after that it happened.

It was on the side of a cliff, but again like Chapter 6, that was the only similarity. I couldn't be certain that Chapter 7 was finally upon us, but I had that gut feeling, like my stomach was twisting itself into knots. It could have been me looking down from the top of the cliff face to the rocky bottom below, but I wasn't so sure.

Wouldn't be the first time you've been wrong about something. Let's be honest with ourselves here, boy scout.

I walked on the left side of the wagons, decidedly not looking off the side of the sheer cliff face anymore. Heights were always a bit of a weak point for me. I looked down them earlier, and I could feel the vertigo nearly make me puke then and there.

"Er, are you alright, Alex?"

I looked to my right. Speaking of heights, there sat Sumia, peeking out the back of the wagon. Reminded me a bit how Lissa was like on the way to Maribelle's 'trial'.

"Just fine," I replied after a small pause. "I, uh, just have a bad feeling, is all."

"I'm not a stranger to bad feelings myself, heh," Sumia said, chuckling. "My flower fortunes always helped with that, though. If you don't mind my asking, do you think something is going to happen?"

I looked at her strangely. "Well, I guess that's one way of putting it. I just feel so open out here, and that doesn't make any sense. We have a fucking mountain on one side," I pointed to the jagged rocks that looked like they belonged in hell. "and a sheer cliff face on the other side," I nodded to the ledge that was not close, but definitely not far away. "Not a lot of things that could get around that unless they were coming up from behind us or ahead of us. I guess what I'm saying, is that I think we're going to be ambushed."

"Wow. Erm, well, not sure what I can say to that," Sumia trailed off. "But, if it makes you feel any better, Phila stationed a company of Pegasus knights at the border; we'll know about anything coming our way long before they get here! A good friend of mine is actually stationed there, too."

I raised a brow. "The same one that I reminded you of when I sighed?"

"Hehe, yup!"

I rubbed the back of my head. "You never told me their name."

"Oh, I never did? Gods, sorry!" Sumia apologized, spreading the flaps of the wagon higher. "Her name is Cordelia. Amazing at everything she does, honestly! I wish I could be more like her, in some ways."

That's what it always comes down to, doesn't it? Everyone always wants to be like someone they perceive as better than them. And yet, who they think is better than them always ends up being imperfect in their own ways. Hopefully no one looks up to me that way.

"Well, damn," I said slowly, looking ahead. "Hopefully I'll get to meet her someday."

"Oh, I'm sure you will!" Sumia chirped. "I think you two would be great friends!"

That was almost painful to hear. After all, it was more than likely I'd see her soon. Very soon.

About an hour of quiet followed after that. I stared ahead, trying not to think. I caught a glimpse of who I presumed to be the Hierarch while I did so. My face twisted into a snarl as a I looked at the old fuck. It was only for a moment, but it was there.

You could have done something about him, too. But you didn't.

I counted the seconds, feeling my heartbeat in my chest with such clarity I was almost convinced someone was banging drums. I just continued, waiting for the shoe to finally fucking drop.

Anxiety stricken as I was, I ironically almost missed what happened next.

I thought it was someone shouting at first, and it was distant, but it grew in intensity until a great big something soared from the edge of the cliff face. It was big, scaly, and its roar was so loud I wanted to cover my ears and run in panic.

Wyvern Rider.

Several others followed, all just as big as the first. I wondered just how the hell they were able to ride those giant monsters, what with all the spikes and scales on the damn things. Unlike the ones back at Maribelle's Trial, those ones were very much alive, and they were angry.

As the Shepherds mobilized around us, I tore open the wagon Sumia was in.

"Sumia!" I shouted. "We're under attack! Get up!"

She instantly jumped out of the wagon, surprising me. I leaped off myself as she looked to the skies.

"But if they're all here, and none of the… Oh, Gods!"

I put a hand on her shoulder as a wyvern swooped over us, giving me flashbacks to Skyrim of all things. "Listen, don't think about that right now! We need to get you to your pegasus! You have your lance!?"

"Y-yes! Right here!" She replied quickly, brandishing said lance. Thankfully she had her armor on, or else we'd really be in trouble. "I left Belfire towards the back. Let's go!"

With my heart beat nearly deafening me, I didn't even question why her pegasus was so far away.

What was happening was different from the Chapter 7 I could remember. Instead of the talking and the Hierarch dying, we were just straight-up ambushed without warning. Over the noise of battle I could hear Robin barking orders as usual. Emmeryn's wagon was pulled back as far as possible, and the Pegasus knights were flying in circles around it, while a platoon of soldiers defended her on the ground. Feather and claw met in the sky as the pegasus knights engaged the Wyvern Riders, sending several on each side to the ground.

The scene itself was almost mind-numbing. Chapter 7 started differently, but the premise was still the same. I had to help Sumia get to her Pegasus. It's not like I could really hear Robin anyway.

Sumia could handle herself, but that didn't mean being side by side wouldn't help us both.

The sound of splintering wood turned my attention backwards as I saw a Wyvern Rider smash the wagon Sumia had been in just seconds before to pieces. The rider on top wore what looked like a metal muzzle as his eyes met mine for a split second.

"Oh, fuck this! We gotta run!" I yelled, ushering us further down the convoy.

A roar behind us propelled me forward. Sumia was keeping pace with me, although that wasn't surprising. The sound of flapping wings made me grit my teeth as I forced my legs to run faster. Another roar, so close it made my ears ring, made me want to curl up on the ground just to try and drown out the infernal noise that surrounded me.

"Alex, move!" Sumia shouted. Out of instinct, I obeyed, flinging myself to the side. It sent me dangerously close to the cliff edge, but it also kept my head from being split in half like a rotten watermelon by the Wyvern Rider's axe.

Sumia let out a war cry I didn't know she was capable of and ran towards the wyvern. She stabbed her lance straight through the bat-like skin of its wing, making a sound like tearing tissue paper as the wyvern tried to flap its wing. I heard the rider gasp as he leaned forward, shifting the wyvern's weight as it squawked awkwardly, attempting to fly. In the end, this only made it fall forward onto its head. I could hear the snapping of vertebrae and the breaking of scales as it landed, sounding an awful lot like a tree being cut down. The wyvern settled nearby, its still very much alive rider struggling underneath its body.

I picked myself up and ran forward. I didn't give the rider a chance to get up as my blade sliced through his throat like warm butter, lightly splattering me with blood. Standing straight, I looked toward Sumia, who was looking at her lance in awe.

"I-I can't believe we just did that! That was-!" She breathed out, sounding almost like a whisper in the chaotic battlefield.

"We can celebrate how badass you are after the battle is over," I pointed out, ushering us further. "Where the hell's your Pegasus at!?"

"Er, r-right over there!" She stuttered, pointing at the panicking creature. It was tied to a wagon, not far away from Emmeryn's. It was holding its head high and snorting, flapping its wings each time.

We arrived soon enough, with Sumia carefully calming it down as I looked around. The battle was mostly in the skies there, and I could see a few bodies around. Thankfully, most of them appeared to be of wyverns and their riders, but I could still see a few pegasi on the ground. I may've not been their biggest fan, but I felt a pang in my chest looking at their corpses. They didn't deserve that.

"Okay, all set!" Sumia reported, getting on her Pegasus. "Thanks for helping, Alex!"

"Er, don't mention it," I replied awkwardly, looking to where most of the fighting was happening. "Just get up in the air, I'll take care of some more down here!"

She nodded, and after a small run, her Pegasus was in the sky. The light reflected off its white fur, making me shrink back and wince.

I wondered why, in Sumia's supports, that she thought she was nothing special. She seemed plenty capable of kicking ass and taking names to me. I shook those thoughts away as I joined the others.

The battle was in full swing, although it was clear we were winning. Once I joined the rest of the Shepherds, I realized just how many enemies there were. Not as many as the first battle, but still a lot. The wyverns in the sky roared louder than any shout as we fought tooth and nail to keep Emmeryn safe.

Even though you're gonna let her die anyway.

Ignoring that traitorous thought, I wondered just how the hell they had so many troops following us without knowing.

At least the moronic Hierarch lied dead. I knew that much from his mangled body.

I shouted as another Plegian fell to the dirt in front of me. My sword punctured his gut, and I cut him open. He stopped moving not long after that. Despite the brutality I was committing, I felt surprisingly numb. I looked around, almost idly, and saw Donnel.

He was surrounded. Cut off from everyone else as the Plegian soldiers attempted to strike him down. The numbness went away, replaced by anger. It felt like it swelled in my chest as my face twisted into a snarl. I ran towards his position, sword held back.

When I swung, I noted that it was the first time I completely decapitated someone.

"Donny!" I snarled as I sliced through another Plegian, barely noticing the scratch he gave me on my side. The Plegian's backed up out of surprise, unwisely giving me and Donnel space.

Donnel had fallen to the ground and stared at me in disbelief. "A-Alex!?"

"Get up!" I shouted savagely. "These fuckers aren't gonna let you pity-kill them!"

Donnel shook his head and got up, slashing another Plegian across the arm, giving him enough time to stab him through a weak point in his armor.

So distracted was I, I didn't notice the wyvern rider coming up my flank. I turned around just in time to see his shiny axe raised, ready to perform an emergency lobotomy. Even if I couldn't see his mouth, I could've sworn he was smiling.

Fortunately, he never got the chance to strike.

A pegasus shot down from the sky. A spearhead found itself firmly rooted through the rider's upper chest. The strike was one of precision, killing the rider instantly while his wyvern lifted its head up in confusion, forgetting me as it wandered away, beginning to panic.

The person who saved me twirled her lance around with grace. Long red hair trailed behind her as her pegasus flapped its wings, blowing light gusts of air in my face.

Cordelia.

She regarded me for only a second before her gaze shot back to the sky. There one moment and then gone the next.

The skies seemed less crowded than before.

I shook my head, my teeth grinding together as I saw another Plegian. The battle was nearing its end, but I still fought.

The numbness had replaced the unease I felt at killing a while ago anyway. Besides, Donnel and I, as well as the rest of the Shepherds, were making short work of the rest of the ground troops.

I looked down at my feet as I took deep breaths. The battle was over.

Nearby, I knew the scene from Chapter 7 was playing. Emmeryn was talking with Chrom, Lissa, Phila, and Cordelia. I could hear their voices but couldn't make out their words.

I didn't need to be there, so close to all of them, but for some reason I sat my ass down not too far away from them. Just close enough to hear them, but not enough to understand what they were saying.

I couldn't fathom why I sat so close.

This is your last chance. You could try later but this is the last surefire way of keeping her alive. You keep saying you'll let her die, but you're not okay with that at all.

I hadn't even said two words to the woman, yet every time I thought about her oncoming death, my stomach tied itself into knots. I'd said nothing about her coming death for three months, and it felt like the information was burning a hole through my skull. It would be so easy to just walk over and tell them. It would take some convincing, sure, but in the end, I might've been able to prove my foreknowledge was true. I could've done so many things.

I shook my head as Cordelia's curses and wails rung in my ears. I looked over to see Phila place both her hands on her shoulders, attempting to calm her down. Chrom grimaced and presumably cursed. The news had arrived. The Plegians had massacred Cordelia's unit and were not a day away. I knew that much.

I looked back down, ignoring them again.

I shook my head, a bit faster that time.

If I saved her, what would my future knowledge even mean? There would be no guarantee on what would happen next; if I saved her, the future would be thrown into limbo. Everything I knew would effectively be useless. Not that it wasn't already, considering the Deadlord that showed up at Emmeryn's assassination, and Validar's apparent death at its hands, but some part of me held hope that that was just superficial. The world wasn't exactly the same, but everything else seemed to be right on track. Even then, the only thing off track was how Validar died.

I ignored any other facts that seemed to put a dent in that line of thinking.

In the end, I didn't say a single word as Emmeryn got into her cart and, flanked on both sides by Pegasus knights and accompanied by Phila, left. I watched as she rode off into the distance. My gaze switched from her wagon outlined by the horizon to Chrom and Lissa with worried looks on their faces.

I made my choice, and condemned an innocent woman to death because of my own fear and cowardice. How would I be able to look either of them in the eye after what I did?

I grimaced and buried my face in my hands.

You made your choice. Live with it.

And that's a wrap.

By the time you guys see this, Three Houses will be out. Hopefully you don't lose interest in this story because it's a Self-Insert into a now 7 year-old game. That'd just break my spirit!

JK, I'd still write this story because I'm honest to God still enjoying it for some reason. It's safe to say my writing has actually sped up in the past few weeks. We're probably just over halfway through Act 1 of this story, so the end of this part of the ride is near!

Unfortunately for our tortured protagonist, THE RIDE NEVER ENDS!

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

See you guys next time!

Edited on 2/13/21. There's a lot of dramatic irony in this one for those reading again.