Our destination was a small mountain passage. Once we were through, we'd have a straight shot towards Valm's southern armies, and once we fought them off, our own forces toward the north would be able to dedicate their manpower to Chon'sin, hopefully liberating the country and leaving Valm all alone. After Chon'sin, we would take a beeline towards the Old Province of Valm and Walhart.

Unfortunately, that left me with a lot of time. Not that that was strictly speaking a bad thing, of course; it allowed me to spend more time with my wife and daughter. Cordelia and I were actually just about to finish a romance serial together, and Severa was gathering the courage to take Aurora out for a spin. I couldn't do that all the time, though, and with our war councils essentially taking a backseat once we got our plan finalized, there were significant blocks in the day where I had practically nothing to do.

I could always train, obviously, but as I was one day, my thoughts went to Robin and Tiki for some reason.

The poor dastard. Or lucky, depending on how you look at it.

I'd known about Robin's little crush for almost half a year by that point, although considering his lack of reaction to my little japes when we were leaving Wyval, it probably evolved past a simple crush. Honestly, I was glad for him; he needed someone besides Chrom and I to look out for him. And if Tiki was serious about her advances, well, all the better.

There was still a small kernel of worry for me, though. Robin was my best friend, beside the Poker Squad. I didn't want him to get hurt because he took a little playful flirting too seriously. I doubted Tiki was really stringing him along; I just wanted to make sure. Could never be too careful with matters of the heart, and Robin had already been burned once.

To that end, I sought Tiki out.

The ancient manakete was borderline narcoleptic; sometimes she'd be asleep for days, while other times she'd be awake for a week with no sign of fatigue. Dragons were weird.

When we settled down next to a river, still several days out from the mountain passage, I went to find her. Wasn't hard; she still had a whole tent dedicated to herself. Not extravagant, but enough. I just hoped she was awake.

"Mmm, who's there?" She asked as I entered, smiling a bit once she realized it was me. "Ah, Sir Alex. Good to see you again."

"You too, Tiki," I grunted, looking around. Just as spartan as the last time I was inside, although the bed still looked as comfy as ever. "I just wanted to ask you something."

Tiki looked at me up and down, her brows furrowed. "…in full plate armor?"

"Never know when we might be attacked," I replied easily, looking around for a chair and finding none. "Have to be prepared at all times."

"Mhm, and the sword?" She questioned, brow raised. "Is that in-case we are attacked as well, or do you just like to walk around with it?"

I shrugged. "Can't it be both?"

Tiki chuckled. "I suppose so. Still, you must see why I find it odd. If I didn't know any better, I'd suspect you were coming in here to assassinate me."

I nearly sputtered at that. "I'd have no reason to do that, though!"

"Maybe not," Tiki replied, smirking. "But anyone can be bought for the right price. You're right, though; you're far too loyal to Robin and the others to perform such an action. Although it was rather funny to see you almost trip over your own feet."

I huffed, crossing my arms and avoiding Tiki's emerald gaze. For an ancient dragon, Tiki certainly didn't act like one half the time. Sure, when she was in her dragon form, she could be scary as all hell, but when she was essentially human, she acted more like a very eloquent teenager. Sighing, I shook my head.

"Why do I even bother…? Don't answer that," I quickly added, seeing Tiki's mouth begin to move.

"It's too easy with you!" Tiki said, sitting up on her bed fully. "Anyway, you wanted to ask me something, then? Out with it."

"Are you serious about Robin?" I asked quickly.

Tiki blinked confusedly, tilting her head. "I'm sorry?"

"Robin's my best friend," I elaborated. "He's also my lord, but that's not nearly as important. And you… you're a three-thousand-year-old dragon, who definitely has more experience than him in this whole thing. I know we kinda play it up when around him; hell, I find just as funny as you. I just want to know if you're serious with him or not. I don't want him to get hurt."

Tiki brought her hands up and folded them over her lap. "Do you truly believe I would hurt him, Sir Alex? Even by accident?"

I shrugged again. "I just want to make sure."

The green-haired manakete was silent for a few moments. She pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath. "I suppose that explains the armor and sword, hmm? Were I to say that I was not taking it seriously, would you execute me? I had no idea such a thing was a crime."

I shook my head. "I already told you what they were for."

"Indeed," Tiki nodded. "But your own body betrays your true intent. Either way, you will have my answer: Yes. I am very serious about Robin. Did you think I was that easy? That I would simply flirt with anyone? He intrigued me the moment I laid eyes on him, but it was the time we spent together afterward that convinced me he was worthy of it. He's… very cute. His eyes light up when he speaks of his strategies, or of historical events long past. It would be remiss of me to let that go, when it is clear he is attracted to me, as well."

"…okay," I replied quietly. "That's it. That's all I wanted to make sure of. I didn't come in here to threaten you, Tiki. I've seen you tear people apart and eat them; it'd be stupid of me to think I could take you on all on my own."

"Mmm. Perhaps," Tiki hummed, lazily laying down on her bed. "Maybe if you had a wyrmslayer, you would stand a chance, but as it is now… Heh. Do not worry, Alexander; you have not offended me. I do admire your boldness, however. This has been a lot more entertaining than I thought it would be. I never imagined I would be given the 'talk'!"

I blinked. "The 'talk'?"

"You know, that thing humans do when their child gets into a relationship," Tiki explained. "You are almost disturbingly like a father right now, trying to protect his little girl… except Robin is a grown man, and you are his age. Alright, perhaps it's not quite the same, but this might be as close as I get."

"Okay, yeah, that's incredibly weird. I think I'm gonna go now." I made my way toward the tent flap. "I'm not sure what plan Robin has for you during the next battle, but I don't think he'll be letting you rest on your laurels this time."

"You would be right." Tiki sat up and rested her chin on her hand, smiling slightly. "He came in here not long before you did, and he was quite explicit with his instructions. He can be oh so forceful sometimes, you know. It's refreshing; not many would take the tone he does with the exalted Voice of Naga. Perhaps it is time I returned the favor."

I stopped and turned one more time. "Please, by God, don't break him."

"Why, whatever do you mean, Sir Alex?" Tiki asked innocently, her smile growing wider still.

"You know exactly what I mean," I replied. "He's inexperienced so-"

"Ah, you mean that," Tiki interrupted. "Do not worry. He knows full well what he is getting into. Besides, I know how fragile humans can be. I'll be gentle."

I raised my hand and prepared to say something, but I found no words. Deciding the conversation was a lost cause before it had even begun, I rubbed my forehead and sighed. "Well, alright. Good night, Tiki."

Tiki tilted her head to me. "Good night to you as well, Sir Alex. Pleasant dreams."

"…yeah, not after that conversation…" I mumbled to myself as I walked out.

A hail of sparks danced upon the ground as our blades clashed. Gold fought against gold as we fought with each other, as if each blow was to be our last. Sol and Ragnell glowed in the glistening sun, as if hungry for more.

Priam, Chrom, and I should have a three-way brawl at some point. That'd be awesome.

Our swords struck each other once more before I distanced myself from the blue-haired mercenary, wiping sweat off my brow with my right forearm. There was no armor; we only had our swords and the clothes on our backs. The biggest difference between Priam and I was that he could two-hand Ragnell, something I lacked completely. This left me, unfortunately, on the defensive most of the time. Still, he couldn't get past me. With every massive strike from the ancient sword, I parried or blocked with Sol. I was surprised the ground hadn't ignited from the number of sparks produced from our sparring.

I growled, deciding enough was enough. I shot forward and slashed downward with Sol. It met Ragnell's blade once more, and I could see Priam smirk. We traded blows once more, our swords battling for dominance.

The whole farce went on for an hour. Once more, neither of us came out the victor.

After one last good clash, we both called it.

"Goddamn, Priam," I breathed out, sheathing Sol and wiping the sweat off my brow. My left hand came back completely wet. "Nothing gets past you, huh?"

"In my line of work, you're either good at fighting, or you're dead," He grunted, strapping Ragnell to his back. "Although I guess you aren't so bad yourself, heh."

"If I still had my right hand, I'd probably be better." I raised my iron hand. "As it stands, though, I guess being able to beat the shit outta people with pure iron isn't so bad."

"Mhm. You use it to catch people off-guard. A quick swipe to the face, or a jab to the side, and your enemy is off-balance. Gives you the perfect opening to end them quickly. Maybe I should get one myself one of these days."

I rubbed the back of my neck, looking up to the noonday sky. "Um, yeah, I wouldn't recommend that. Having two, functioning hands is better than having an iron one. Trust me; I speak from experience."

"Har!" Priam barked a laugh. "I guess you do, huh? Either way, I wouldn't mind making this a habit. I'm a little disappointed, though. I'll never be able to fight you when you're trying your hardest. Almost makes me wish Walhart the Conqueror hired me instead. It might've been a fight to death, but I think my odds would've been pretty good."

"…you're joking, right?" I asked slowly, looking at the mercenary suspiciously. "Please tell me you're joking."

"I'm joking, you spoilsport," Priam grunted. "I may be a mercenary, but even I have my limits. Besides, much as you would've been a good fight, Walhart's even better. They say he's a god among men, that he could take on entire armies by himself and still come out on top. The man's a legend in the flesh, but then again, so was my ancestor, and his blood runs through my veins."

"Fucking hell, man," I grumbled, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "It can be hard to tell when you're joking or not. You know that, right?"

Priam snorted. "So I've been told. The battles ahead will be dangerous. Deadly. Perhaps even suicidal. And I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Well, that's great for you, but I have a wife with a child on the way," I replied, my expression betraying no emotion. "I'd rather not die in 'glorious' combat if I can help it."

"Then I suppose that is where our similarities end," Priam smirked. "You still love a good fight. I can see it in your eyes. You just hate the bloodshed that comes along with it."

I barked a laugh. "Is it that obvious?"

"You can figure out a lot about a person by the way he fights," Priam began, leaning forward and clasping his hands together. "When you spar, you put your all into it, even if you don't go for killing blows. Sometimes, you even seem to smile. On the battlefield, though, with the clashing of swords and shields around you, there is no smile. No smirk. You just want it to be over as quickly as possible. You'd make for an excellent arena combatant."

"Well, uh, thanks, I guess?" I rubbed the back of my neck again. "You're not too shabby yourself."

"Hmph. You're even more direct than I am at times. You know that?"

"I'd rather be direct than be… whatever the alternative is," I replied. "But hey, if you think I'm good at sparring, wait till we meet with Chrom. I'm sure you and him will be the best of friends, although I'd feel sorry for all of our training areas. Probably need a new one every day."

"Chrom is the one who wields the Falchion, right?" Priam asked excitedly. "The blade of legend? Used to slay a shadow dragon in ages past?"

"I think so, yeah, although it looks just a bit different from all the murals in Ylisstol."

"Either way, it is still a legendary blade," Priam's blue eyes sparkled. "I'm looking forward to it. Heh…"

At that moment, I was certain if I, Chrom and Priam were to stay in a single place for too long, we would create a dumbass singularity and end the world. If not, then the world was doomed either way, because we all had really cool swords, and we could probably take over entire countries if we wanted to.

You give yourselves too much credit.

We camped outside the mountain passage we were going to use. In just a few weeks, we would be within sight of the southern armies, and we'd blindside them and send them packing back into their country. The end of the war was in sight, I knew. At least, I hoped it was. It was the middle of August, then, and if the war stretched into winter, things would get complicated fast. With each passing day we dawdled in Valm, Grima grew in power.

If Walhart was in front of me now, I'd bash his face in.

I didn't want to focus on that, though. Not while I was doing something so important.

"I don't know about this…" Severa muttered from behind me, staring at Aurora warily. "She's always staring at me, mom. Why does she hate me so much?"

"She doesn't hate you, sweetheart!" Cordelia rebuked, patting the Pegasus in question on the head. "Aurora is an absolute bundle of love! Although, I do have to admit, she does seem to glare at your father quite a bit…" She trailed off, staring at me. A small smirk crossed her face. "I wonder why that is?"

I shrugged. "Hell if I know, Cordy. Judging from that smug smile, though, I think you do."

"Why, love, are you accusing me of keeping secrets?" Cordelia replied with mock hurt.

"Uh huh, keep talking." I crossed my arms. "I can feel the smugness."

"Can we get this over with? Please?" Severa pleaded. "If Aurora's gonna drop me when we're high up, I'm going to be very upset. So, you know, you better catch me."

"She won't drop you, sweetheart," Cordelia assuaged. "Just be gentle, alright?"

"I'm a nineteen-year-old girl, and she's a giant winged horse, and you're saying I'm the one who needs to be gentle!?" Severa asked incredulously, waving at the Pegasus. "Alright, you know what? Don't catch me if I fall. I'll take death over proving you right."

"Absolutely brutal," I said sarcastically. "Alright, enough stalling. You'll do fine, Sev. You don't give yourself enough credit."

"Well, the last time I gave myself too much credit…" She stopped when her blue eyes landed on Cordelia. She sighed, giving one last look at Aurora. "…alright, fine, here I go."

Gently and slowly, Severa got on top of Aurora, who didn't resist whatsoever. I saw her take one last breath, before grabbing the reins.

"I believe in you, Severa!" Cordelia cheered. "You can do this!"

I walked up next to Cordelia and watched as Severa's brows furrowed in determination. Aurora started off slowly at first, simply galloping across the grassy field we were in, before her wings unfurled.

Within moments, Severa and Aurora were in the air.

Compared to Cordelia, it was obvious Severa was still a novice; Aurora's movements while midair were jerky, unrefined. But considering how difficult it was to control a flying horse, and that this was Severa's first time riding alone, they were impressive. Hell, I felt my chest swell with pride watching her fly through the sky, outlined by the mountains and sun.

"Look at her go, Alex…" Cordelia said, whimsically. "She's… She's perhaps even better than I was, when I first began. She's had months of instruction, so I knew she'd be fine, yet still I'm…"

I wrapped an arm around Cordelia, bringing her close to me. "She's your daughter, Cordelia." I smiled. "She can do anything she sets her mind to. She does look pretty good up there, though, doesn't she?"

"She looks gorgeous," Cordelia nearly squealed. "She's amazing, Alex! Perhaps she needs a bit of refinement, but she already has everything she needs!"

I held my breath as Severa performed an incredibly sharp midair turn, letting out when she appeared to be alright. "I don't think she should fight on a Pegasus yet. Still, this is a pretty big step. How much training have you given her?'

"About as much as any other Pegasus Knight recruit," Cordelia answered, looking up at me. "We went over the basics first- Ah, but that's probably not something we should be talking about now. I'm just… Gods, I never thought I'd see the day."

I chuckled. "Jesus, we kinda sound like an old married couple right now."

"Excuse you?" Cordelia's brows furrowed. "We're both in our early twenties still, Alex. We're hardly old."

I waved my iron hand. "Just a turn of phrase, Cordy. Don't mind it." I looked up to see Severa slowly descend. "And here she comes."

Cordelia covered her mouth with her hands when Severa landed, and I thought I saw a tear or two fall from her eyes. Aurora came to a stop a few feet away from us, with Severa dismounting a moment later. The wind blew by, with her twintailed red hair flowing along with it. As she walked towards us, I could see the largest, most heartfelt smile on her face. Cordelia apparently couldn't contain herself any longer and lunged forward. She gathered Severa and her arms, lifted her up and spun around several times, laughing all the while. Beyond a few weak protests and grumbles, Severa appeared to be chuckling along with her mother.

I'd done some exercises with Cordelia. Just something to loosen her back up. Try to give her the range of motion she had before her burns. The wound definitely looked worse than it appeared. Even her hair had begun to grow back. It'd be months before it was the same it was, but even if it never came back, I wouldn't have cared all too much. Judging by how she was able to pick Severa up by the hips and spin her around several times, I knew we were getting somewhere. It'd still be months before she was out fighting again, considering the baby, but it was a start.

Cordelia still didn't like being cooped up all day. I didn't either, but some part of me felt safer knowing she was out of harm's way for the foreseeable future.

But I shoved those thoughts to the side, for the moment. Right then, I just focused on Severa and Cordelia before me, the beautiful golden light of the sun outlining their forms for me to see, making them seem like ethereal beings.

I wish there was a way for me to keep this moment forever. I'll have to savor it while it lasts.

I didn't know much about Chon'sin. It was a country that stretched over much of Valm's western shores, with a vibrant fishing community and strange, downright alien architecture. That was what I was told by Robin, at least, and he was the guy who studied all the histories. Really, I'd met only one person from Chon'sin, and she didn't seem all too strange. Perhaps her speech was a bit archaic, sure, but she wasn't alien. Then again, she was essentially royalty, which did sort of elevate her beyond what the common person in Chon'sin was like.

We would be seeing it soon enough, either way. The mountain passage was a surprisingly cold place, filled with shrieking wind that sounded like dying Risen. I was surprised our horses didn't startle and bolt off.

It made it difficult to speak.

"Steady on, my friend," Virion patted me on the back, riding past beside me. "'Tis but a mild inconvenience for someone as sturdy as you."

It was difficult to speak for everyone except Virion.

I looked at him, breath fogging my view. "Calling me sturdy, fuckin', look at you. You're still wearing your goddamn cravat with no coat on. How the hell have your balls not frozen off?"

"I could respond with a suitably crass rebuttal, but such base words are below me!" Virion chortled. "Really, my friend, at times your speech can be a tad bit… well, perhaps you should rely on less depraved words?"

"Gonna dodge my question, huh?" I grunted. "Figures."

There was ice and snow on the ground. Not much, but a little. Enough to make me feel uncomfortable. I knew it wouldn't last forever, but I could still hear my own heartbeat in my ears, hammering against my eardrums. I let out a sigh, trying to loosen up. I was sturdier than that, just as Virion said.

Since he was nearby, I decided to finally let out what I'd had on my mind for so long.

"…hey, Virion."

"Mmm? Yes, what do you need? Perhaps another coat?" Virion looked back. If it was anyone else, I would've thought that was an insult, but there wasn't a trace of mockery or malice in his words.

"Did I ever tell you that I'm sorry for the way I talked to you? Before we went to Rosanne, I mean, and even before that." I looked away awkwardly. "If not, then, well, I'm sorry."

"…my friend, there is no need for such an apology," Virion replied, his words measured and slow. "Truthfully, I have thought of what you said during those days, and there is some wisdom in what you said. Well, perhaps not wisdom, but I find myself drawn to them nonetheless. I do not and will not regret my decision when Walhart threatened my beloved duchy. Truly, that was the best decision I could have made, given the circumstances. Had I not, Rosanne would be a graveyard. Even still, there is something… romantic about fighting to the bitter end. It is not something that I would do, personally, but I can understand your stance."

I shook my head, looking up to the grey sky. "No, Virion. I was wrong. That's not something I should want. I have a wife and kid, and you do, too. I don't wanna go dying on them just because I was too prideful to fold 'em, ya know? They need me just as much as I need them, and I'm not about to leave them alone now."

"Aha, it would seem you have found your reason for living!" Virion laughed. "Not that you didn't have one beforehand, mind, but this one appears far more constructive rather than destructive. Perhaps a bit selfish as well, but then again, isn't everything? I cannot say that I do not share your new viewpoint."

I nodded my head slowly. "Uh huh. Well, I just wanted to say that, you know. Clear the air. Warm myself up a bit, too; swear to God this cold is going to kill me…"

"Does the cold truly affect you so?" Virion asked.

I grumbled. "If you were at Khadein, you wouldn't like it either."

A destroyed, hellish field stretched out for miles before us. Decaying husks of armor with rotting flesh within littered the landscape, with swords, axes, and spears jutting out of the ground like tombstones to the departed. It was the remnants of a major battle, one of many that was raged across the front's southern boundary. Many of the fallen wore the colors of Valm, but I could still make out the faded blue of slaughtered Ylisseans and the yellow of slain Feroxi.

That was what the mountain passage led to.

I did not look away. I did not flinch. If you've been to one battlefield, you've been to them all. This one was no different from every other one.

The plan we had was simple: a three-pronged attack to the side of the southern Valmese forces. Robin sent a letter to Chrom, telling him of our plan, if I remembered correctly. Once he saw the southern front falter from our attack, he would dedicate all his forces to the south, hopefully swiftly crushing the Valmese and send them packing back into Chon'sin, where we would pursue them until the country was ours.

Honestly, the one good thing to come out of it was that I'd see the Shepherds again. All of them. It'd been too long.

On the morning of the battle, I suited up.

"You should come to Poker Night with us sometime, Cordy," I said nonchalantly, holding my arms up. "I bet you'd be great at it. Besides, it'd be a whole lot better than just sitting around all day."

"Oh Gods no," Cordelia replied, taking my breastplate and wrapping it around my chest. "I've never played poker. It would be a disaster!"

"Oh please, you're good at everything you do," I rebuked, chuckling a little. "I doubt this'd be the exception. You'd probably hand our asses to us on a silver platter. You'd be able to beat me, at least."

"Hmm, beating you?" Cordelia hummed, strapping the breastplate in place before moving on to my gauntlets. "How tempting, but I don't think so. It's your 'men's night out' thing, isn't it? I would just get in the way. You wouldn't want me there, constantly complaining about how Gaius looks and smells as if he hasn't bathed in a year."

"Hey, I'll have you know, that it only took me two weeks to get used to his smell," I snorted. "…well, that'll be reset now. Shit. And what was that about 'men's night out'? Sully's there too, you know."

"I meant exactly what I said, love," Cordelia giggled. "I haven't spoken much with Sully, but even I know that she's always been more comfortable around men than most. Enough to enjoy things typical to them, certainly. Lift your arms up a bit higher."

I grumbled as I did so, like a kid being told to put on an uncomfortable suit. This was how both of us got our armor on in the morning; we helped each other. Since I didn't have a squire, and neither did Cordelia, it had to be like that. Not that it was inconvenient or anything. Hell, if anything, I liked it that way.

Although ever since Cordelia was injured, it was just her armoring me up, which was much less fun.

One by one, pieces of armor were strapped onto my arming jacket. Smelled horrible, but you couldn't wash it or the shape would change. And there Cordelia was, complaining about how Gaius smelled. Before long, I was almost completely armored. I did a few movements, just to make sure each one was strapped on properly. I chuckled a bit as I stomped around, hearing the satisfying noise of my armor clanking with each step.

"Well, would you look at me! Aren't I just dashing?" I laughed. "Cower in fear, ye mighty. Cower in fear of the one-handed knight!"

Cordelia crossed her arms across her stomach, giggling slightly. However, after a few seconds, her smile faltered. Slowly, it descended into a frown.

"…Cordy?" I asked, concerned. "Is something wrong?"

Cordelia turned her head, looking down at her shoulder, which showed a small bit of the burn scar that covered her back. "I hate this, Alex. Just, this. You going out onto the battlefield and me staying here. This will be the first time you will be deployed but I won't. I feel this… just this awful, sick terror growing in my chest. I look at you in your armor and I wonder if it'll be enough to stop you from being surrounded, or if it'll deflect a stray arrow. I won't… I won't be out there to help you should the situation on the ground go awry, and that makes me…"

"Cordelia," I interrupted her, marching forward. "I'm going to make it out of the war. We're going to make it out of this war. And when it is over, well…" I brushed my hand against her stomach, feeling the obvious curve. "We'll have a lot to do, with the kid and all. And I'm not going to leave you alone to do it yourself."

Cordelia's lips trembled for just a moment before she moved forward. Before I knew it, her lips were pressed against mine in a deep kiss, only heightened by her hands cupping my cheeks. Eyes wide with surprise, I quickly enjoyed it for all it was worth. I only wished she'd done it while I was unarmored, although if we did, it likely would have gone beyond simple kissing.

After not nearly long enough, we parted. Cordelia dragged her hand down my breastplate, as if trying to feel it out for any knocks or dents. My armor was a bit piecemeal, sure, but nothing too serious, I thought. Not like there were many places to get replacements.

"That was for luck," Cordelia whispered, looking up at me with her ruby red eyes. "I'll be waiting for you when you get back."

I smirked, chuckling. "Well, I'll try to get in, but I think Sumia'll beat me to it."

Cordelia blinked confusedly, before her face lit up with horror. "Oh Gods, she's going to-!" Cordelia rubbed her shoulder agitatedly. "That is not going to be a fun conversation. I swear, if Robin told her anything about… well, you know what I mean."

"I doubt he has," I grunted, moving over to the table with my helmet on it. "He's not a bad man, Cordy. It's… I know I have no right to say this, but what he did was ages ago. Not something worth holding a grudge over, in my opinion."

Cordelia's eyes narrowed at me, almost angrily, before she sighed. "…perhaps. I know what you say is true. Still, I always feel uneasy when he's involved. Which, considering his position in the Shepherds and the army at large, is all the time."

"You'll see," I concluded. "Were it anyone else leading us, I'd say there'd be a lot more death in this campaign. He's a good tactician, and a good friend. Two Shepherd casualties, Cordelia, and few losses on our side, so far. Not many could get away with that track record in our line of work."

Cordelia huffed, crossing her arms. "I suppose you're right. Maybe I ought to talk to him again at some point. It'd give me a chance to get out of these damnable tents and wagons."

"You'll be out of them for good, before long." I picked up my helmet. "Just give it some time. We'll both have each other's backs like before. Until then, well…" I put on the helmet, giving her a nod. "Have a little faith in me, alright? I'll be fine. I love you, and I'll see you once this bloody business is dealt with."

Cordelia was still frowning, although she tried her best to hide it. "…I love you too, Alex. Please, stay safe."

Aren't you always?

A field like so many others stretched out before me, as an army stood at my side. Across the ocean of brown and red was a battle in motion, with two opposing side battling for dominance. They clashed and screamed against each other like wolves fighting over a deer carcass. Down there lied madness and death, for everyone and everything.

And we were about to charge straight towards it.

Priam was taking his mercenaries to the south and striking them from behind, while Virion was to rendezvous with Chrom's forces to the north and bolster their line. I had, arguably, the most difficult job: Charging forward with all the men under my command, Ylissean and Rosannean alike, into the raging maelstrom of blood and steel in front of us. The men were uneasy, as was I. But I couldn't let them see that. I thanked whatever gods listened that my helmet hid my frankly terrified expression.

I'd been in many battles, terrible battles, but the one in front of me then was massive, almost as big if not bigger than the one that took Donnel's life so many years prior.

"…There are no words," I began, slowly but surely, raising in volume with each passing word. "There is nothing I can say that will make the carnage we are going to go through easier to bare. Just know that all of us fight beside you. You are not alone in this fight. There are brave men down there, honorable men, even. They have fought tooth and nail to take whatever land they can from our allies. Now, let's go kill them! Charge!"

A resounding, almost deafening roar of shouts came from behind me, and I pointed my lance forward. The men followed.

The world became a storm of hooves and war cries. The dust we kicked up made us appear as a sandstorm rather than a cavalry charge. Soldiers followed our hoofprints, and I felt bad for them; it was almost difficult for us to breath, there was so much dust. And yet, we pressed onward.

The Valmese could not mount a proper defense against us. Only stray arrows flew past, barely enough to take out one or two men. I felt the blood pumping in my veins, the old sensations long forgotten in the small, urban battles we had fought up to that point. There was nothing like a pure cavalry charge against others on an open field. It was frightening and exhilarating, as if I was charging into death itself with naught a hint of regret.

You and I both know that's not true.

It wasn't long before we were upon them.

We crashed into them like a tidal wave of flesh and iron. My lance pierced through the helmet of an unlucky Valmese soldiers, and tore his head apart. The screeches of men and beast alike rang in my ears like hellish music. Were I to listen carefully, I might've even found a rhythm within the maddening noise. Again and again, my lance struck true, straight on through flesh and bone and steel. Broken armor and bodies fell to the ground in bloody heaps.

It was like traveling through fields of people, trampling through them like wheat, and harvesting them with our lances and swords. They had no way to prepare, and soon enough they were routed. The few that tried to get away were carefully culled with cavalrymen with axes, bonking them through the helmets and sending them to the ground with a new fifth hole in their skulls.

This war has already left too many widows.

I wondered just how many of the men we slaughtered were married, or how many of them had families that were looking forward to them coming home. Those thoughts didn't get far, though, not when the group we were tailing rendezvoused with more of their forces, battling Priam's men to the south. We'd basically sandwiched them between us.

Shouldering my lance, I drew Sol from its scabbard, and with the help of the Ylissean soldiers we saved, I led them into another charge.

If the world I knew was a dust cloud before, it became a giant storm of it in the chaos of the battlefield. The sun couldn't even penetrate the thick clouds of light brown. It didn't stop us from killing though. Quite the opposite; it gave us an edge. We'd slowly pick them off, coming out of nowhere and striking them down before they even knew what was going on.

My heartbeat steadied. This really was no different from all the battles I'd been through. It was all routine. As soon as I got past the usual nervousness, it was like I was going to work. It was such a simple mindset, one that took me years to get into, but it was effective.

We cut through so many of them that I even saw Priam. The blue-haired merc held Ragnell high, the ancient blade striking true despite its age. Gold immersed itself in blood-red innards and steel plate, sending many to their final rest.

The battle was surprisingly quick. Brutal and bloody yet brief. What few enemies remained of the southern front were sent packing further to the south. No doubt we would have to take care of them later, but for the moment, we had won.

Even a crazy, half-dead axe wielder couldn't stop that.

The man rose from the ground like a Risen, yet his skin remained its natural hue. Blood dribbled from his mouth and his right arm was slashed and broken into uselessness, but his eyes were still full of life. Filled with hatred. I didn't see him until it was almost too late. I didn't even know if I was the one who attempted to kill him; on the battlefield, I tended to lose track of how many I fought. I could barely cope with the thought of maintaining a number in my head. It was easier if they remained not just nameless, but numberless.

The fighter struck, trying to behead Pippin. I turned at just the right moment, causing him to miss and stumble. He rose again with surprising speed, and he aimed for my left flank. The axe glinted in the sun now visible, but Sol glowed brighter. The blade of the axe fell against my sword, sparking slightly. I looked down at the man, who glared up at me. This was his last breath, and we both knew it.

An arrow pierced straight through his throat. The sound of him choking on his own blood as he fell filled my ears. I blinked, looking up.

"Hey Sailor," A familiar, suave voice said. A lightly armored Gaius stood there, an entire platoon of archers behind him. "Miss me? Not everyday I get to save your life."

"…Gaius," I mumbled out, muffled by my helmet. "Didn't know you knew how to use a bow."

"First time I see you in months, and that's all you gotta say? For shame. Here I was thinking we'd have a nice big hug and a round of wine. Guess it is a battle, though." Gaius smirked. "Never did tell you I'm good with one, yeah? One of my many skills. You don't get far in my line of work without using one."

"Then let's put them to good use," I barked. "We're going to crush these bastards. What's left of 'em."

"…well, someone's in a mood, huh?" Gaius shook his head. "Well, alright. We'll be right behind you. Don't be a stranger after this nasty business is over though, yeah? It hasn't been the same since you left for Rosanne or whatever the hell it's called."

"You got it right," I growled, before letting out a breath. "…it is nice to see you, though, Gaius. We'll have all the time in the world to talk once we're done here."

"Now that's what I like to hear!" Gaius chuckled. "I'll hold you to that, Sailor!"

I felt myself chuckling too, despite the carnage that surrounded us. Guess I missed the nickname.

How's everyone doing? Hope you guys enjoy this and the next Chapter, as they're both kinda chill compared to what comes here later. Still goin' strong with these weekly updates, so hopefully I can keep it up until the end of the fic. And believe me, the end is in sight. And it gonna be phun.

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Hope you guys enjoyed the Chapter!