Chapter 7: Plans for Liberation

The light of late morning shines on what appears to be an old-style port town.

Just then, a blue portal opens up and coming through is Sol as he lands feet first.

As he fully erects himself, he hears Aria go, "Catch!"

Looking up, he holds out his arms, and Aria gracefully lands in them.

"Nice catch, Frederick!" says Aria.

"Hey, I may be lazy, but I'll always be there for you." says Sol with a smile.

"W-Who are they?" asks a voice.

Just then, Sol and Aria look around, wondering about the people who are just watching out of amazement and a slight bit of concern.

"Looks like we got some people to notice us." says Aria.

"Gee, people!" says Sol. "Take a picture! It'll last longer!"

"Frederick, let's be nice now." says Aria patting Sol on his chest. Getting out of his arms, Aria continues to say, "It's alright, everyone! A person named Naga who I assume comes from this world brought us here! We mean no harm!"

After that, the people look at the each other for a bit before shrugging and going about their business.

"Okay, Aria." says Sol. "You're going to have to teach me that trick."

"No biggie." says Aria. "Just a little logical thinking can get you far. Besides, it seems like this Naga person has done such stuff before."

"Still, makes me wonder why they didn't act more shocked than they did." says Sol. "Even if this Naga has done stuff like this before, I can't believe it happens on a daily basis."

"Well, we could argue semantics all day." says Aria. "For now, let's learn some more of our surroundings. I believe Naga called this land Ylisse, did she not?"

"Hell if I know." says Sol. "To be honest, I wasn't paying attention to details. In fact, I was more concerned about finding Dizzy and then getting the hell out of dodge."

"Well, Naga said she needed our, I mean... MY daughter to complete a mission for her." says Aria. "And given circumstances, logic tells me she's not yet finished. Probably even far from it."

"Guess that makes sense." says Sol. "But even then, we're still lost ourselves."

"Then we ask around for anyone to help us, right?" asks Aria. "No big deal. Let's just find someone that knows this place very well. Shouldn't be too hard."

"I guess I'm game." says Sol.

Aria then sees a man pass by and asks, "Excuse me, sir. Do you know the name of this town and do you know where we can get a guide to help us to find the 'Exalt' of this land?"

"Oh sure, ma'am." says the man. "This town is called Gavenport. And if you have any real questions, you need to go to The Rusty Anchor. It's a fisherman's pub not to far from your location. You can go there to get good drinks and food, and their barkeep even knows a few things or two about this land. And by that, I mean he knows just about every answer to every question you have about geography."

"Thank you so much." says Aria. "You hear that, Frederick?"

"Yeah, The Rusty Anchor." says Sol. "Sounds good to me already. Aside from getting help, I could go for a good drink."

"Oh you." says Aria shaking her head. "Anyway, let's find this place." She then turns back to the man and asks, "Which direction?"

"To your left." says the man. "You can't miss it-it has a big sign on the front with the name and an anchor symbol."

"Gotcha!" says Aria. "Thank you for everything."

"No problem." says the man before he leaves.

Afterwards, Sol and Aria find a building that fits the man's description.

"Well, let's go welcome ourselves." says Sol.

Afterwards, both Sol and Aria walk on inside, opening the slightly stuck doors.

When they get in, they see the place has a very disgustingly nautical feel to it, what with the warped wood, sea-faring items and carvings of either crests or maps on the walls while the whole of the room is filled with pipe smoke, made only worse by the arid stench of fish.

"God damn, this place stinks to high heaven!" asks Sol.

"Frederick!" says Aria as she gently backhands his chest.

"Well it does." says Sol.

Just then, the barkeep takes notice Sol and Aria, and says, "Aye, looks like we have some strange newcomers. Probably the strangest we've seen yet. And as for that comment, what else would you expect from a fisherman's pub? A five-star experience?"

"I was kind of hoping for that considering what that one guy told us." says Sol.

"Only the regulars feel that way." says the barkeep. "Don't expect it to be rainbows your first time."

"Yeah, I'll keep that in mind." says Sol as he and Aria approach the bar.

"So,what can I do for ya'?" asks the rough and gruff barkeep with white hair, mustache and beard.

"Well, first off, a little information about us." says Aria. "We both come from another world via a portal by a woman named Naga who I assume is from this world."

"You don't say?" says the barkeep. "Yup, we don't get a lot of ya' out in these parts. However, that's not to see we don't get any of ya' at all. Well, we've gotten people from another era of time-tha' future to be exact-but we've never got people from another world before. Then again, with Naga at the helm, I s'pose anything is possible. So, what brings you to our world?"

"We're looking for my daughter." says Aria. "You wouldn't happen to have seen her, would you? She's looks to be in her late teens, and has blue hair kept up by two, yellow ribbons as well as two different colored wings-one black and one white-and a long, black tail with a yellow ribbon at the end."

"Sorry, no such creature has been through these parts." says the barkeep. "Then again, word came to me about the Shepherds having a strange new member to their forces."

"Shepherds?" asks Sol. "She's tending sheep?"

"Yes and no." says the barkeep. "You obviously must be from another world, or otherwise, you would have heard about tha' Shepherds and their exploits. The kind o' sheep they tend to are mostly the people of Ylisse and anywhere else they may be called to. Basically, they're warriors of sorts."

"You know, I think we're going to be here for a while." says Sol. "I would like a beer and some food, but unfortunately, I don't think you'll take our world's currency."

"Don't worry, it'll be on tha' house." says the barkeep.

"That's very gracious of you." says Aria.

On the same day at Castle Ylisse, Dizzy and Ky are on the outer walkway together.

Dizzy is wearing an outfit similar to her original one, but the sleeves are puffier, and the main part is skimpier as it has no shirt-like panel, showing more of her chest and stomach. The choker is also different in design.

"I just hope the others will be okay out there." says Ky. "I'm pretty sure Sol and Sin can handle themselves. Well, Sol will at least, but Sin... I worry for our son, Dizzy."

"I know, Ky." says Dizzy. "Still, curious why Izzy didn't show up with all of you."

"He just coudn't be reached." says Ky. "I tried to send someone to find him, but they've had no luck. No telling where he could be. Then again, if he did hear you were missing, he would obviously blame me for it."

"That's just the kind of brother he is." says Dizzy. "Being the way I am, he just wants to try his hardest to protect me, despite my level of power. In fact, it's the same way you and Sin want to protect me. He just... goes to greater extremes. But, I guess I should expect that when I have a brother."

"Well, I was an only child." says Ky. "So, I don't really know what it's like to have a sibling."

"It's not like I was any prepared for it." says Dizzy. "I never knew I had a kid brother out there, and it's even more shocking to know that he's not only the son of Justice, but is also the son of Sol. Makes me wonder about myself."

"Eh, please don't wonder, Dizzy." says Ky rubbing the back of his head. "The last thing I need is to know my father-in-law is Sol Badguy of all people."

"But he was Aria's lover, and her DNA was used to create Justice." says Dizzy. "I mean, all the pieces fit in place."

"Maybe, but it doesn't make it any easier for me to accept." says Ky.

"Still, thinking about me having a brother..." says Dizzy as she starts to blush. "I wonder if we could... well..."

"Could we what?" asks Ky.

Dizzy then looks at Ky and smiles through her blushing as she says, "Nevermind. We can wait a while before we discuss that."

"If you're sure." says Ky looking confused.

"I am." says Dizzy. "Let's just enjoy our time together."

Ky smiles and says, "Right."

Just then, Frederick approahces the two and says, "Ah, Lady Dizzy, I'm glad I found you. And Lord Ky, you're here as well."

"You know I'm always going to be there for my wife, Sir Frederick." says Ky.

"Indeed." says Frederick. "Lady Dizzy, I hope you've still been sticking to the training regiment I had for you."

"Of course." says Dizzy. "And I'll continue to until I get good enough in your eyes."

"I'm gald to hear that." replies Frederick. "But do it more for yourself than me. Do it to the point that your confidence in your abilities is high to your standards."

"Right." says Dizzy.

"I'm not sure about my wife using actual weapons." says Ky. "Dizzy was never a violent type, and I can't see her wielding such tools of destruction."

"I understand, Lord Ky." says Frederick. "But I just want to see what potential she's capable of, as well as realizing the reality of the situation if she is to be a member of the Shepherds."

"Don't worry, Ky." says Dizzy. "I don't like it a lot, but I know Sir Frederick is right. Besides, I don't want to rely on my powers all of the time. Sure, I need to practice getting them more under control, but at the same time, I need to take Frederick's advice and hone my potential. If I can learn new techniques, maybe I can end the fighting faster."

"When you put it that way, how can I be against what you're doing?" replies Ky. "Just be careful for me, okay?"

"I always do my best." answers Dizzy.

"Anyway, that's not what I'm here to talk about." says Frederick. "Exalt Chrom says he wishes to see you in the Shepherds' garrison. Lady Robin is about to talk about her strategy in liberating the town of Treehaven. Since you've never been to the garrison, I will lead you there."

"Understood." says Dizzy.

"Sir Frederick, with your permission, I wish to join you all." says Ky. "I may not be a member of the Shepherds, but I wish to go wherever my wife goes."

"Normally, I'd have a problem." says Frederick. "But I'm only the Lieutenant, so I know his highness would be alright with you coming."

"Thank you." says Ky. "I promise to not be a burden."

"We shall see." says Frederick.

Taking place inside a wooden structure with tables with maps laid out on them, all of the Shepherds are there and back in their basic attire.

Just then, Frederick arrives while being followed by Dizzy and Ky.

"Here we are, the Shepherds' garrison." says Frederick.

"Wow, for a place to discuss battle strategies, it seems almost cozy." says Dizzy.

"Thanks." says Chrom. "We did our best to make sure it was a comfortable environment while also being a good place to plan out our next move. After all, nothing more important to your troops than high morale."

"I can't argue with that." says Ky. "At any rate, I know I'm not a member of the Shepherds, but you discuss wanting to have Dizzy go with you all, so wherever she goes, I'm coming along. No exceptions."

"I agree with you." says Chrom. "You're her husband, so it's only right you help your wife with whatever she does that's dangerous out in the field."

"Thank you, Chrom." says Ky. "I mean your highness."

"Don't worry about it." says Chrom. "I've never been much for titles."

"At any rate, we're about to discuss our strategy, so I need you all to listen carefully." says Robin. "Alright, we're going to set up camp about 5 to 7 miles from Treehaven so we don't seem too suspicious, but close enough to keep an eye on the situation. Meanwhile, while our envoy is there to help, we'll send out our spies to locate where the mercenaries have set up their base. Any suspicious acitivity from the people that fit the description will be a definite red flag for us. Once we've established where their base is, we'll storm it and see about bringing these troublemakers to justice."

"Sounds easy enough to follow, so far." says Stahl. "So, who should the envoy be?"

"It needs to be someone that can defend his or herself, but doesn't seem too suspicious." says Robin. "And last I checked, a lot of us are well-known members of the Shepherds, so I imagine these mercenaries keep a tight eye on information like that."

"Well... I suppose I could do it." says Dizzy.

Everyone looks at Dizzy with surprise.

"You want to be the envoy, Dizzy?" asks Robin.

"Dizzy, what are you saying?" asks Ky. "You may be a member of the Shepherds, but what if you get hurt out there? I can't risk that."

"Actually, it doesn't sound like such a bad idea." says Robin. "We could definitely have her as our envoy."

"What are you saying, Lady Robin?" asks Ky. "Are you willing to put my wife in harm's way? I mean, sure, she can handle herself, but what if someone tries to take advantage of her?"

"That may be the case." says Robin. "But think about this: most of us here are well-known members of the Shepherds, so if any of those mercenaries were to learn of our involvement with the town, we may lose our chance to take them down. But by having someone less known like Dizzy be our envoy, she'll lull them into a false sense of security. And with her pacifistic side belieing her powers, then all the better. She'd be a veritable trump card."

"But what about what Frederick said to me back then about my powers?" asks Dizzy.

"At this time, I think even he could make an exception." says Robin. "And besides, your weapons training is incomplete, so we would need for you to use the abilities you're more experienced with."

"That does make sense." says Dizzy.

"But, if your husband feels that strong about you, then we'll let him go with you for extra protection." says Robin. "Afterall, he's not yet a member of the Shepherds, and would make the mercenaries that much more comfortable in not expecting you. Not only that, but we could also use this as an initiation program to see if he has what it takes to join."

"You could have just told me that directly." says Ky. "In any case, it would be my honor to show you all my skills in joining your fighting force."

"Alright, so we've got two to volunteer." says Robin. "I need at least thirteen more."

"You'll be needin' ol' Teach for this mission, no doubt!" says Vaike. "The Vaike is comin' with ya'!"

"That's three now." says Robin. "Need twelve more."

"I need to go with ya', nerf!" says Rizzo. "No one knows more about these scum than I do, narf! If you need me to get any dirt on'em, just let me know, nrf!"

"We're glad to have you." says Robin. "If any other volunteer joins, he or she will need to be someone that can spy closely on the mercenaries to know where their exact hideout is."

"Sounds like a mission up my alley, Bubbles." says the man with orange hair and wearing black. "I'll definitely go, but you gotta' promise me enough 'sweet rewards' if you know what I mean."

Robin just sighs and says, "Yes, Gaius, we'll make sure you get enough candy to do you for a while."

"Pleasure doing business." says Gaius.

"Wait, you're going to join with us just to get candy?" Dizzy asks Gaius.

Gaius replies, "Yeah. What's wrong with that, Wings?"

"Uh, nothing I suppose." says Dizzy. "I just thought with your line of work, you might want something more substantive."

"Don't worry." says Gaius. "Being a Shepherd, the gold part is more than covered."

"Well, if Gaius is going, then I will." says Sumia.

"Alright, that brings us up to six volunteers." says Robin. "Just need another nine."

"You don't have to ask me twice." says Tharja. "Wherever you go, Robin, I'll always be there to keep an eye on you."

"Why would I expect any less?" asks Robin.

"Of course, I have been wanting to get to know Dizzy better." says Tharja giving the half-Gear a creepy smile. "And if she's also coming, then that'll make my time extra special."

"Uh..." says Dizzy sounding unsure.

Ky just gives Tharja a glare.

"And I reckon I better come along just ta' make sure ma' wife don't get herself into a heap o' trouble." says a man in armor similar to that Gregor while wearing what appears to be kettle on top of his wavy, dark blue hair.

"Might be for the best, Donnel." says Robin. "Alright, need seven more."

"I'll come." says a voice.

"Who said that?" asks Dizzy.

"Sounded like Kellam." says Robin. "Where are you, Kellam?"

"Don't you see me?" asks the voice again.

Just then, everyone takes notice of a man with black hair and squinted eyes while wearing heavy-looking, orange armor.

"Oh, uh, sorry for ignoring you, Kellam." says Robin. "Sure, we'll bring you along... just as long as we can keep an eye out for you (which is harder than it sounds)."

"Thank you." says Kellam with a smile. "For both noticing me AND bringing me along."

"How did we not notice him, Dizzy?" asks Ky.

"I'm not sure." says Dizzy. "Makes me kind of worried."

"Oh don't worry too much." says Kellam. "I've just been told I'm hard to notice."

"Don't see how with that huge clanking armor in that bright color." says Ky. "Doesn't make a lot of sense."

"Yeah, my wife, Miriel says the same thing." says Kellam.

Necro transforms and says, "That's quite troubling. I'm definitely going to keep an eye on you."

"That is if you can." says Dizzy. "Even I missed him."

Undine transforms and says, "Still, Ky brings up a good point. How could they notice you, Mr. Kellam?"

"Eh, it's most due to the fact I'm really quiet." says Kellam. "That's about it. In any case, I'll come along. Just... make sure you all keep up with my location."

"At this point, for Dizzy's sake, we'll have to." says Necro.

Undine just nods.

"Anyway, as lovely as it is to discuss Kellam's 'problems', I still need another six." says Robin.

"I, the great Owain Dark shall come along!" says a man with short blonde hair and yellow robes with tan pants. "My raging blood and insane power shall seek out the heathens! They'll never escape my vengeful wrath!"

"Alright, five more needed." says Robin. "More than likely, I'm going to need a medic."

"Bring me along, dear." says the blonde woman wearing pink. "My class and skill will be unmatched."

"Thanks, Maribelle." says Robin. "And while I'm thinking about it, a back-up medic would also be handy."

"Better bring me along." says a black-haired man with black and purple clergyman clothes. "Mostly so I can keep Ma out of trouble."

"My goodness, Brady." says Maribelle. "You should have more confidence in your mother than that."

"Hey, just speaking the truth." says Brady.

"Alright, just need another four." says Robin. "Anyone else?"

"Bring me along!" says Sully. "I'm ready to break skulls!"

"And I'll need to come along to make sure Sully doesn't hurt any our volunteers too bad." says Stahl. "Be it in sparring OR with her cooking."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" asks Sully.

"Must you ask?" answers Stahl.

"Alright, I need two more." says Robin. "And I believe I'll choose them. Those will be none other than Frederick and Cordelia."

"As you wish, Lady Robin." says Frederick with a bow.

"I shall do my best." says Cordelia.

"Now that I've got my volunteers, I shall be leading you all since Chrom will not be coming." says Robin. "He still has to tend to other matters with the Khans. I hope you all have no objections."

"From what I can tell, I think we're all in agreement." says Frederick.

"In that case, let's all get the supplies ready." says Robin. "We'll be moving out in 1400 hours."

"Aye!" say the other Shepherds.

As the Shepherds are traveling the road via horseback, with the exception of Sumia and Cordelia as they're each riding a Pegasus, Dizzy and Ky are riding side-by-side.

"Considering we're about to be taking on a mission that could end up being violent, it is nice weather to take stroll through the countryside." says Dizzy. "And the horse I'm riding is both a beauty and such a sweetie."

Dizzy strokes the top of her black horse with bits of white hair, making it neigh with delight.

Dizzy just giggles in response.

"I can't forget how much you love animals, dear." says Ky. "I hope the servants are going to take good care of your pets while we're away."

"I'm sure they will." says Dizzy. "They have yet to let me down."

"Have to say, though." says Ky. "You've got yourself allied with quite the cast of unique individuals here. For an elite fighting force, they almost seem more like a three ring circus. Not to say our world isn't lacking colorful characters. In fact, ours might be weirder. I mean, just look at ourselves. But still, such personalities really bring to life their own appearances even more. Each of these 'Shepherds' seems like an icon of sorts. Therefore, this force isn't your average army."

"Well, if anything, it just makes me want to know them that much better." says Dizzy.

"And I certainly wish to know you more." says Tharja's voice.

Dizzy looks to see Tharja riding beside her with a rather eerie smile on her face.

"What can I do for you, Lady Tharja?" asks Dizzy.

"Oh, I'm more interested in what I can do for you." Tharja replies. "I always thought Robin was the most intriguing person I ever met. But you? You're definitely no slouch yourself. Far from it. You're truly as special as Robin. And I don't just mean because of your 'obvious' features. No... I truly feel a symbiotic connection with you."

"What do you mean?" asks Dizzy. "I-I don't think I follow."

Ky just glares at Tharja.

"What I mean there's a force that draws both you and Robin to me." says Tharja. "It goes beyond all reasoning, as well as the fabric of reality itself. If anything, I feel that you and Robin were meant to be my special ones. I thought Robin to be the only one, but you've certainly shown you're worthy of being in my sights."

"Oh, uh, well... thank you, I suppose." says Dizzy becoming a little uncomfortable. But then, who could be comfortable around someone like Tharja?

"And while there is more to you deep down, I have to say those sentient wings that are part of your physiology do have me wondering just what you're truly capable of." says Tharja. "You've already told us some of your powers, but I'm wondering how much you have hidden deep within you."

Dizzy just look solemn and says, "If you knew what I was truly capable of, you would be panicking for your life, especially if I was fighting you."

"Dizzy, my occupation has me cursing people." says Tharja. "They tend to be more scared of me. Even Grima wasn't that much of a monster as he likes to think of himself as."

"Wow, you must be a strong woman." says Dizzy. "How do you manage to not show any weakness?"

"Easy." says Tharja. "I embrace my weaknesses while using what strength I develop to attack my enemies from parts unkown. After all, I am embracing my weakness for both you and Robin, aren't I?"

"I guess you are." says Dizzy.

Ky just glares harder.

"In any case, I wish to keep an eye on you for a bit longer." says Tharja. "That said, I'll be watching you constantly. Even when you don't know I'm there, I'll be watching."

And without waiting for Dizzy to reply, Tharja rides up ahead.

"She's a strange one." says Dizzy.

"Yeah, she is." says Ky. "And her strangeness is the kind that gives me bad vibes."

To Be Continued in Chapter 8