Attack on Fire Emblem - Chapter 6 (Zephiel and his zeal)
"Are you insane?"
One of the White Wing sergeants protested, breaking the silence. Their new commander Est had just ordered them to return to the prisons and retrieve the dreaded convict Zephiel. They remembered that many of their sisters fell in Zephiel's assault on Modena.
The youngest of the White Wing sisters held firm. No one knew the city as well as Zephiel. After his defeat, they had uncovered extensive maps and floor plans of the city in his based camp. No one doubted his ability as a grand strategist. What would be in doubt was his loyalty. Whose side would he be on?
Zephiel seemed unfazed despite the numerous tremors the prison had experienced. The blonde man towered over Est and thus was not intimidated by her.
"I will only entertain requests from your commander, Palla. You are insignificant. Where is your elder sister? Did she send you to ask for me?"
Trying her best to keep her emotions hidden, Est commented that her sisters were dead. She was now in charge. She bit her lower lip in an effort to keep it from quivering.
Unexpectedly, Zephiel's tone softened and he apologised. Despite being this pink-haired girl's prisoner, he agreed to help her. Although looking nothing like his half-sister Guinivere, Est's desperation reminded him of her. Guinivere was born into the chaotic kingdom of Bern. To ensure peace in Bern, Zephiel had assassinated his way to the throne. Horrified by the brutality of Zephiel's rule, she left his side and he never saw her again.
Released from his chains, Zephiel followed his new commander to the outside. Using a binoculus, Zephiel was shocked to see their new enemy – the Titans. The stories were real. The walls had fallen, and more Titans were pouring in.
Est quickly explained that evacuation procedures were ongoing. However, the Titans were advancing too quickly.
"Any weaknesses?"
Shaking her head, Est stared at Zephiel for any guidance. His eyes glanced away from hers, but it was not sign of dismay. The former tyrant was already formulating a counter-strategy.
Zephiel barked orders for equipment and soldiers. The White Wings refused to comply initially. Only with Est's reprimands did the White Wings start to move out. This was their last attempt to save the city.
"The city is lost," countered Zephiel, as if reading Est's mind. "We can only delay them." Zephiel then pointed at the spot near the north gates, assigning Est to cover the civilians' retreat. Est swiftly hopped on her pegasus and led a small squad away. She was prepared to defend the civilians with her life.
Which was why Zephiel assigned her to be as far away as possible from the Titans. She was too rash and emotional to lead a delay manoeuvre. She was too important to sacrifice. However Zephiel was dispensable.
"I'm going to draw my sword, buy you a few hours and then die."
Those under him knew that they were just as dispensable. Despite mainly being Emblian loyalists, they knew the Titans posed a threat to them too. Led professionally by Zephiel, they fortified a defensive choke point gathering wagons and stacking crates. Some of the cavalry men volunteered to be the lure.
Waiting with bated breath, even the stoic Zephiel felt cold sweat trickle down his brow. He had never engaged Titans before. His plan had to work.
The first Titan came, chasing after a three horsemen. With a shout, ropes were tightened. The Titan tripped crashed into the ground face first. The rest of the men left their hiding spots and wrapped the limbs with rope. They secure the bonds by hammering nails. Their first Titan was down.
Curious, Zephiel rammed his sword into the skull of the Titan. The Titan seemed to squirm a little, but continue to wriggle its head. The strategist frowned. These Titans were indeed unkillable. Nevertheless, the bonds were secured and this Titan was harmless.
Yet another Titan appeared and again, Zephiel's plan worked. For a moment, the men allowed themselves to laugh. They might actually live through this.
Their prayers were banished when a boulder struck their position. Zephiel barely got out of the way, but several of his men were not as lucky. Or unlucky. He raised his head to see a blonde Titan ignoring the cavalry and striking down at the hidden positions. Instead of eating the men, it simply tossed them away and focused on the next position. This Titan could think.
As the Abnormal approached his position, Zephiel drew his sword. It was a good day to die. He would be with his family soon.
Author's notes: My interpretation of Zephiel is that of a noble demon. While ruthless, he does so with the aim for greater order and peace rather than chaos.