Chapter One
All that…. For nothing…. Kato sat on a wooden bench, his back scrunched and his head down, the look of defeat. It was only mere days since the Battle at Plegia's Capital, and the sacrifice of Exalt Emmeryn. The bitter taste of defeat sat in the mouths of all who were present at the battle, Shepherds included. "Emm... Oh, Emm…", Lissa muttered through sobs on the other side of the linear throne room. Frederick stood next to her, arms crossed and head down. "I should have died before allowing the exalt to be captured. I have failed as a knight…" Flavia walked back and forth from wall to wall in the throne room. "So what now, Oaf?" She said, stopping and turning to Basilio, the largely built brute. Basilio groaned, unfolding his arms. "Don't look at me, I'm not the one in charge!", he said in a burst of rage. Flavia cursed, looking down at the detailed green carpet. "I picked a hell of a time to take the throne…" She muttered under breath. Everyone felt different emotions. Whether that be hopelessness, loss, guilt, nearly every negative emotion was felt by one person or another. Kato felt it all. Hopelessness, that even after all that planning, it wasn't enough. they loss. All the Plegians wanted was a dead Emmeryn, it didn't matter how they reached the goal, they accomplished it. Loss, even though they never talked much, or were even that close, Kato felt… Comfortable around her. Any other leader would through him in jail for the things he did. Taking the princess hostage, threatening royalty, he'd be lucky to be rotting in a cell. But… she showed him compassion. She instead made him an indentured servant to the shepherds, and then released him from his servitude and made him tactician! Which is why he felt guilt. She put him in that role. She TRUSTED him with the lives of the Shepherds, and most recently hers. And he… failed. All those restless nights, the promise he made to Lissa and Chrom. "I'll get your sister back, on my honor", he remembered the words. His honor meant crap now. He was swimming in guilt. He didn't even notice everyone talking, trying to bring Chrom's spirits up. Kato was stuck in his own world of misery. "Thank you, everyone. Your words mean more than you know", Chrom said, his head rising. He looked around the room, all the Shepard's looking back to him, waiting for his orders. His face turned stern. "My Shepard's… My Warriors… There is much work to be done. Gangrel must be stopped so that peace can once again reign in Ylisse. Will you help me?" Silence filled the room, until one at a time, the Shepard's spoke up. Stahl spoke up first. "Gladly would I fight and die for House Ylisse" He stepped forward. Sully behind him smirked, stepping forward as well. "Gladly would I fight and KILL those Plegian dastards for House Ylisse!" Libra then stepped forward. "Our hearts echo yours sire" Then Panne. "Your sister earned my respect. The last taguel shall champion her." More and more of the Shepard's stepped up, all pegging their allegiance to Chrom, ready for anything. Even the dancer who got them out of Plegia joined the movement, Basilio talking for her. Chrom smiled, accepting all their help for the upcoming fight. Frederick walked up to Chrom, towering over him. He put a hand on Chrom's shoulder, smiling down at him. "You have grown strong, milord. I may have set a poor example as a knight... but I swear to you, I shall die before any more exalted blood is spilled!" Chrom nodded, smiling back to Fredrick. Chrom looked upon everyone, then noticing someone particular not among the crowd. He turned his head to see Kato on the bench, in his own thoughts. "Kato. You with us? We need a tactician for the upcoming battle" Chrom said. Kato fell back into reality, piecing together what Chrom said. He wants me by his side still? I failed him, I broke our promise, and he still wants me? He sat stunned. He then spoke up. "Uh, yeah... sure" From his response alone, Chrom knew something was wrong. But he could handle that for later. For now, he just simply nodded. "...Thank you all. Truly. You honor me with your fealty. I will not falter again. We shall answer this outrage! The Mad King must be stopped!" Basilio let out a mighty laugh, slapping Chrom hard on the back. "Alright then, enough talk. It's time to raise some hell!" The Shepard's all gave out a mighty roar, agreeing with the statement. Chrom nodded. "Indeed" Basilio walked around Chrom and through the Shepard's, heading for the exit. "Let's get to it, then! Gangrel may try to hit us while we're still licking our wounds" Chrom then followed after him, the rest of the Shepard's following as well. "Let him try. This time, I'm ready to dethrone the Mad King, once and for all." They all made their way out of the throne room, all but Kato, pulled back into his own little world. Chrom Looked behind him, seeing Kato straggling back. He let the others leave while he stayed behind with Kato. He leaned against the door, not saying anything, just waiting. Kato saw Chrom waiting. He shook himself out, sulking over to the door. Chrom crossed his arms as Kato walked past. "You sure you're ready for battle? I need you in tip-top shape" Said Chrom. Kato stopped, a pregnant pause between them. Kato turned his head to Chrom, looking into his eyes. He hates me. I know he does. He's asking to make sure I don't mess up again. I know it. Kato putt on the best smile he could muster. "Yeah, I'm fine. I won't mess up again, I-" He stopped the words from coming out of his mouth. I can't make promises I can't keep. I've learned that. Chrom's eyebrow went up, noticing the unfinished sentence. They could talk later. Right now, they both were going to be busy. Chrom nodded, pushing off the door and walking off. Kato looked down to his marked hand, then clenching it. He's giving me one last chance. I can't screw up. Not again….. Not again.