Hero: Well, you shouldn't see this as a filler chapter, you'll see what I mean when you're about halfway done. I have some little notes to point out that I think I haven't said yet. 1: I'll be using the word "unit" as a bit of an umbrella term. Basically, I'll use it as both singular(for one person) and a group(Like say, a unit of Paladins for example) so get used to that and I hope it doesn't confuse you. 2: I will be incorporating a couple of OCs. But most, if not all of these will be minor and not relevant to the plot. Basically, they'll be around for the sake of character development.(Though one MAY get with one of the single guys that are leftover, I'm still not sure there.) Hope you don't mind and now here it is, Ch. 5 of "Resolve of a Family" I hope you enjoy this one and be sure you your heart is ready along with your body.(That sounded really perverted, I'm sorry.)
Chapter 5
Footsteps could be heard, though everything was shrouded in darkness. The silhouette of a fallen and broken man could be seen.
"How did…. my own son… kill me!? My purpose is too significant… to be done here so easily is so… Arghh!" The Sorcerer said in pain.
He stood there for moments, clutching the spot of where his right hand was with the remaining one. It was then that another set of footsteps could be heard. This time they were approaching him from the front. It was a hooded figure, with only the bottom of his face able to barely be seen. However, blackened flames were surrounding him. It was like his aura; frightening.
"Validar." The eerie figure spoke with clear authority.
"Who are you…? Where did you come from?"
"I am… the power that compels you. You will not perish here. It is not written. You must live on to bring about a great destiny that must be seen through to the end. An end… of despair."
"I-Impossible! It can't be you... Could it really be-!?"
"I am the wings of despair. My breath brings ruin. I am…" The being removed the hood cloaking his identity. "...the fell dragon, Grima."
"I-It is you!"
"I shall grant you a gift. Cherish it wisely." The being laughed.
"What are you-Arghhh! What's happening to me!?" Valiar writhed in pain.
"I am undoing the damage done to you and your life. But in order for you to come back, you must experience the pain again. Doing this will also exhaust the majority of my power, so I suggest you be grateful like the inferior being you are."
"GRAAAH!" Validar continued screaming in agony.
"Now then, while you whine like the little dog that you are, hear my words. You will spawn in a Grimleal hideout hidden deep in Ylisse. You will spend your time recuperating yourself there so that your now returning hand will stay in place. Even with my power, I can only do this much without a boost from the Fire Emblem. Aversa must have persuaded Gangrel to begin his assault." The Dragon said to himself. "Now then, writhe and be patient while I wait for time to turn back to the original path." The Dragon spoke as he instantly vanished, leaving a pained Validar.
"Awake with you, Orpheus!" The proud classy voice spoke to the sleeping Tactician, hitting him with an umbrella.
"Ow! What was that for!?" The Tactician growled as he just now woke up.
"It's nearly lunchtime! You have been sleeping all morning! Stahl and Sumia had already left to their rooms, yet you still sleep there!"
"Really?"
"Yes, really! Now you must leave so the staff may clean this room." Maribelle ordered.
"Oh, okay then." Orpheus complied as he left the room. After taking some steps into the garden, he stretched and gave a loud yawn. He must have used a lot of energy to sleep that long. Orpheus had then checked up on the Exalt again and spoke to Chrom and Lissa about everyone elses conditions.
"So we should be going soon no later than tomorrow?"
"Yes, especially now that we need to relocate Emm to a safer place." Chrom nodded.
"Very well."
"Say, you sure we shouldn't leave today? I mean, we're kinda in a hurry due to this war coming our way." Orpheus asked.
"That's what I said, but Sis said we can't go just yet. That, 'we should leave the next day for the sake of the injured.'" Lissa whined a bit while quoting her sister.
"I know, but I've got this bad feeling ever since I woke up."
"Did you have a bad dream or something?" Lissa questioned.
"...I'm not sure. I just can't shake this strange feeling. Oh well. I should get going though. I'll be reading while the rest of this minor pain subsides."
"Very well. Take it easy and we'll see you tomorrow." Chrom parted with Orpheus. The Tactician retired to his room after eating some lunch and continued reading on the Tutamen form, hoping there would be some way of countering magic, but there was not much to be taught here really. Despite the frustration, he simply kept his studies up for nearly most of the afternoon, but he then challenged Virion to a strategy battle simulation. However, the results stayed the same.
"…A win for me yet again!"
"Damn Virion, I'm no match for you it seems."
"You're tactics have some offense, but it's more defensive. I took that to my advantage."
"Indeed you did. But it's just a matter of priorities."
"But I must ask, why do you put so much emphasis on keeping them out of the severity of my assault? Yes, that's common sense in battle, but even on weak attacks, you repel for a trap or something to that magnitude." Virion questioned the Tactician.
"Well, my priority is to keep as much of my soldiers as alive as possible. I need them to keep living for another battle."
"Really? Do you care for your troops that much?"
"As heartless as it sounds, I wouldn't say its care. I'm a Tactician and it's my job to see to it that everyone fights for as long as can be. Basically, I need to use their abilities for as much as I can."
"I see. I must say, I am speechless as to how to respond to that."
"Why, did you expect something more noble out of me?"
"No, it's just, I can't tell if what you said is true or not. The 'care' part I mean."
"Oh, like I said, it's my job and isn't the job of a Tactician or any Leader to see every soldier come home?"
"Yes, indeed…" Virion was somewhat hesitant, leaving a perplexed Orpheus. "But, I say; do you have any use for that sword? If not, I'd be happy to buy it off of you."
"My golden sword?" Orpheus looked on the sword wrapped up near him before shaking his head. "No way. That's the only connection I got to any past I have. Why do you want it? Do you know what it is?"
"No, it's just that I never seen you use it, so I pegged it for battle-worn antique." Virion explained.
"Oh no, it's sharp, believe it or not; I just can't use it yet. It's surprisingly hard to wield properly."
"Is that so? I assume you tested this against Lord Chrom and Sir Lon'qu?"
"Yep, but that didn't work so well. Lon'qu could use it, but he said it takes time to master. Even he had some trouble using it. So I could keep it with me since it's a bit personal."
"That is a sensible reason. If I learn of any details, I'll be sure to pass them on to you."
"Thanks, Virion. Now how about a game of chess before calling it a day?"
"I do not mind one more win to add to my totals."
"I've only beat you three times and I intend to make it four! It is on, now!"
In the early morning, Orpheus had got up and grabbed his blades, heading out to check on the convoy and assure everything was there. He wasn't as good in memory of these details as Frederick was.
"Orpheus!" A familiar Pegasus rider called out as she and her partner descended toward the Tactician.
"Oh, Sumia, feeling better?"
"Yup! Are you ready to get going?"
"Yeah. Though I shouldn't have been put to Convoy duty. This is more of Frederick's thing."
"He's guarding Lady Emmeryn along with Captain Chrom. You're the only one good enough for this."
"If you say so. I just hope we get someone who's better at this." Orpheus sighed. "I wonder if that's even possible…" Orpheus' mind began to drift off as he waited for everyone else to prepare.
Near the border between Plegia and Ylisse, a lone woman had gathered as many of her subordinates into the hall as she could, claiming a letter had arrived the night before with the intention of it being read aloud to everyone; like reading a really personal note in front of a class. It was from the Captain of the entire Pegasus Knight command, Phila:
"To my fellow sisters,
I was told by Chrom's recent comrade and head Tactician, Orpheus, of something. According to what he heard from Sumia herself, apparently some of those who trained with her had once bullied her. No, as he put it, it was 'abuse.' He went into detail at my request, and as you have all once heard, with the Exalt nearly killed, but saved thanks to the very same man, I can't help but to be put near the edge. I'm not asking anyone to come forward or take responsibility, but we are already now in war with Plegia. A Spiteful War filled with Vengeance on both sides to an extent. I believe the last thing we need is a war between each other. After this is all over, I want us to start bonding and becoming closer together, worthy of the title 'sister' in which we call ourselves; A title that sets us apart from the rest of Ylisse's army; at least that's what I believe. Now please, stay vigilant, and may we meet again soon.
From your big sister,
Phila"
"Alright, you have heard it, now it's time we prepare for duty." The leader said, heading out the door. After she left, some of the girls started giggling to themselves and gossiped amongst themselves, while some had expressions filled with melancholy, of either guilt or sympathy. Cordelia, the best friend of Sumia, was shocked at how this Tactician mentioned by her Lord, and now Captain Phila, was able to learn this bit of information so quickly in the time he's made his presence apparent. Was he a close friend of Sumia too? Or did he pry it out of her just to make himself look better? All these questions circulated through the woman, but before her mind could think of a reasonable scenario, two Knights walked up to the redhead with a smug look on their face.
"Hey, Cordelia. I didn't think Sumia would actually rat us out. Guess she can't really keep her mouth shut." The one with blonde hair spoke up.
"You sure it was the wannabe Tactician that Lord Chrom picked up off the floor and not some other person who snitched on us?" The brunette named Raine then added herself into the forced conversation. "I dunno, maybe someone in this very room?" She then gave a light shove to Cordelia after a moment's hesitation, but Cordelia kept herself on balance, as if expecting it.
"I have no idea as to what you're talking about. Now if you'll excuse me." She tried to brush them off to continue her duties, but the other Knight grabbed her by the shoulder.
"Look Cordelia, we all know you went to Ylisstol before that attack on the castle to deliver the report. Did you tell her, but you came up with a scapegoat hoping to escape the blame?" The blonde's grip grew tighter, as if due to fear of Phila's wrath.
"Again, I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. I did what I had to do so I could come back here to continue my duty. If I have time to gossip, I would have time to also work." Cordelia affirmed as she removed the woman's arm. "I suggest you take that last part to heart."
"And what is that supposed to mean?" The blonde's tone worsened as she readied her hand for a slap, but suddenly, an explosion could be heard. And then the alarm bell rang, signifying Plegia's first attack.
"Ladies! To battle stations! Plegia is here, along with King Gangrel himself! We must defend the nation!"
The mood disappeared, even the obnoxious knights sprinted to where the Pegasi were at, prepping for take-off.
As soon as everyone got onto their Pegasi, the leader moved up, readying to lead the group into flight.
"Our objective is to hold back the Plegians and if possible, capture or kill King Gangrel. But our priority is to not let one soldier get past the border. If we fail, all of Ylisse is lost! Now join me, my sisters! As we fight for Lady Emmeryn, Captain Phila, and all of Ylisse itself!"
"Yes, big sister!" All of the fellow Pegasus Knights said in unison as they all took off to the sky.
"Accelerate to Attack Speed! Remember your training!" The units separated into smaller groups, taking on all the Wyvern Riders that Gangrel had deployed. The average Wyvern unit was tough, but the quick Pegasi evened out the playing field.
Cordelia glanced down to see Ylissean soldiers fighting off most of Gangrel's army, some keeping the archers distracted, which was for the betterment of this battle. Cordelia dived downward towards the surface, and pierced an unsuspecting Archer in one fell swoop. Most of her comrades had little trouble, either doing tactics similar to Cordelia's or simply dealing with the flying units. The battle was tough, yet seemed winnable.
And suddenly, a lone Pegasi flew into the battlefield from the opposing side. It was an ebony-shaded Pegasi with a white haired woman riding it. As she observed the Ylisseans fight so desperately, she spotted Cordelia, the redhead fighting off foes on her own with a couple of her comrades far enough to give her the distance needed. Her smirk turned to a glare as she raised her arm skyward.
"Bring out the rest of the main course! It's time we stop playing with them!" As she gave the order, an entire fleet of Wyverns took the skies over from the forests from where they were hidden. Fighters and Myrmidons also emerged from hiding, as if waiting for the call. It completely outnumbered the already heavily guarded border by at least ten-fold. With no time to ready themselves, they faced a huge onslaught. As hard as they fought, the Ylissean border defense began to drastically dwindle. The Pegasi unit was the only one holding out… until the archers began attacking from the forests. The first to fall was one with blonde hair, the very same person who had pestered Cordelia and Sumia when they had first entered. Despite how she treated Cordelia, seeing the first victim shook her up.
"No!" Her words rang through to the other Pegasus Knights, alert that archers had them all targeted. However, if it wasn't the Archers, it would be the Wyvern Riders who would attempt to take out the airborne unit. Angered and terrified, Cordelia readied her lance all the same. She focused on the Dark Flier, Aversa, hoping to cause a dent in their military might.
"Mhmmm, I would not try that dearie. I'd kill you myself, but I'm not in a fighting mood." Aversa warned with a humming tone.
"Well, I am. I'll eliminate you first and then King Gangrel!" Cordelia declared as she assumed a position.
"If you want to die so badly, I suppose. I did want to kill you at some point the moment I laid eyes on you. I am Aversa, leader of the flying unit of Plegia and second in command to the Grimleal!" Avera introduced playfully.
"And I am Cordelia, Pegasus Knight of Ylisse! I will be the last person you see!" She followed, but then charged for an attack. She attempted to get a pierce through, but Aversa merely moved out of the way.
"Oh, please tell me that was a warm-up. I expected much more out of you, Cordelia." She mocked as she continued moving out of Cordelia's attack range. "This is boring, here's some Arcwind to play with." She smirked as she let the paged turn and a small tornado of wind encircle Cordelia, spinning her around. She was merely mocking her and her skill as a Knight. An Arcwind would normally devastate a Flying unit like Cordelia, but it did nothing more than move her around.
"Enough! Ai, flap your wings the opposite direction!" Cordelia directed her Pegasus and as it flapped its wings, it balanced itself and stopped the spinning as the vortex dissipated.
"Clever little Wench, aren't you? No matter, I'll have you dead with the rest of your fellow Ylissean trash."
"You're the one who's trash!" Cordelia provoked.
"Face it, girlie, you're no match for me. I thought you would've taken the hint, but you seem hellbent on me. Not that I blame you for it. I hope you're-"
"Cordelia! Stop, we need to fall back. All of what is left!" Cordelia's captain had intervened, forcing Aversa to draw her distance.
"Captain, we can't let them win! It's as you said-"
"Cordelia, Phila informed me that Chrom is heading to the Eastern Castle, please head there and warn him of the invasion. That way Ylisstol will be prepared! Please, head there or else all will fail. Please give Ylisse hope."
"No way, darling! You won't leave here alive, I shall stop you myself!" Aversa said as she readied her Silver Lance and began her assault, only to have it stopped by the Captain with her very own Silver Lance.
"No way. I believe I'll be a more formidable opponent." The Captain giggled as she looked over to Cordelia for a second. "Go Cordelia! Avenge us all! Please!"
As she spoke that, other Pegasus Knights added a word or two. Ranging from "Good luck!" or "Live on!" and even "Find happiness!"
It was then that the other women from earlier, Raine, flying over to Cordelia, with a distressed look. "After I recalled my own actions and heard bits of them being read aloud, I realized how wrong I was for doing cruel things to you. I know it's sudden, but even before all this, I started to realize ahead of time; I just went with the flow so my friends wouldn't lose faith in me or just disliking me altogether. So please, head out there and find that Tactician guy, Sumia, and Lord Chrom. Let me do this to make up for all the things I did in the past. It's not enough to call atonement, but it's all I can do." Cordelia's eyes began to react, as tears were ready to drop at the tip of a hat. "Please don't cry, we'll all catch up once we take some of these guys out. I promise. Sisters always help each other right? So please… live on."
Cordelia turned her Pegasus around, not showing her face while readying to fly off.
"Tell Sumia I'm… sorry."
"Cordelia, Knight Paragon!" The Captain spoke as she gained some distance from Aversa. "I order you to live! Now go!"
Cordelia and her Pegasus flew at that order. The last order she would ever receive from her sisters. "...As you command, Captain."
"Argh! This will ruin everything! Riders, ignore the other knights and kill the one escaping!" Aversa's tone grew furious. "I'll not have her ruin all of our plans! If our plans are ruined, I'll ruin you myself!"
Her comrades smiled after seeing their stubborn sister listen for a change. The Captain raised her Lance signaling an all-out attack, and so the final stand began, with both sides fighting with all they had. Screams of pride and anguish from both sides could be heard, which had reached Cordelia's ears. Her silent crying turned into loud sobbing as she escaped the now war-torn fortress, with perhaps the most painful scar a soldier could ever have.
Hero: Well, I actually had some pain writing this. This was how I envisioned that battle and it's a shame it isn't talked about. Anyway, that girl Raine will play a bit of a role later on(Of course, she's still dead.) but you'll see as time passes.
Time for another tidbit about Orpheus! Today, it's his dual-guard lines!
"Can't let you do that!"
"Nope!"
"Useless!"
"Yeah, no."
I won't lie, I don't have much to say here, but I do have the next chapter done but I want to work on Chapter 7 first(And I REALLY need to work on my P4G fic) so yeah, I'm not sure when Chapter 6 is gonna go up. Anyway, since I don't have much to say, I'll take my leave. Please share your thoughts on this chapter and if you're up for hearing more of Cordelia and Sumia backstory.(There will be a couple of other characters getting their fair share too, but I'll save their names for later.) So take care, stay golden, and be ready to start to see what it is really like for a soldier to fight in a war; arguably one of the most sensitive topics.
