Hero: I wanted to upload this yesterday, but I heard one of my favorite Actors, Robin Williams has passed away, so it would have felt like a bad thing if I did upload this. A real shame, as Nintendo has lost one of its big Legend of Zelda fans. Anyway, yeah, I had this ready for a while, but I wasn't sure about the way I wrote it. After some tweaks, I am satisfied with this. Anyway, here's Chapter 6 of "Resolve of a Family" Please enjoy it.

Chapter 6

"You traitor!" Orpheus said as the Heirarch, who apparently was an old ally of the Exalted family, now turned against them for the Plegians. "I'll kill you myself!"

The apparent leaders of the group that snuck into Ylisse before the invasion began laughing out loud. "You smell that, men? The winds of fortune are blowing our way!"

"Sir! I'm the one King Gangrel told you about. Did you not receive orders to take me into your protection?"

"I've orders to protect a man, true… but I see no man here! ...Only a Pig! A rasher of traitorous bacon that sold his own sovereign! And what do we do with little piggies, mmm?"

"Perhaps you…. let them go?"

"Are you a chicken now?" The leader questioned as he then mocked the Heirarch as one. "We've a whole barnyard in our midst! Well, it don't matter what you are! The axe will fall all the same."

The Barbarian next to the Heirarch began to corner him at the edge of the cliff, swinging his axe and sending him downward to the abyss. The Heirarch could be heard screaming to his death.

"Nice job, Plegians. Though, that was my job to take out that piece of trash!" Orpheus praised as he drew his blade.

"Well met, Ylissean. You would make a fine Plegian soldier." The Rider laughed to himself.

"Orpheus, please! What is wrong with you?" Chrom questioned the very sanity of his friend.

"Some of us nearly died, Emmeryn included; and now that we thought we had her safe enough, only to find out we were betrayed from within and Plegian scouts found us because of that. I like to think I have a right to be a little agitated." Orpheus explained with a lot snark in that mouthful of words.

"Enough, for it's time for the main event! By moon's end, they'll be erecting statues of me at the capitol! Ylisseans, give me the Fire Emblem and your wench of a ruler so you may spare yourself a gory end from me, Vasto!"

"Phila, take Emm to the back of the column. We'll fend these guys off!" Chrom ordered as he and his group readied into position.

"I want Chrom with Sumia, Virion with Miriel, Sully with Kellam, Vaike with Maribelle, and Lon'qu with Lissa; I shall be by myself. Everyone else, stay to the back and guard Emmeryn with all you have!" Everyone took to their positions and the battle was underway. "Chrom, your sword is great against wyverns, so I think you should lead the charge. Sumia should keep you covered."

"Got it." Chrom nodded as he moved forward, taking on and eliminating a Barbarian nearby, but more importantly, he was in the range of a wyvern rider.

"Okay, I'll go bait the other one across the cliff and take him out with my Wind Tome. Virion and Mirel, I want you to cover me."

"If you believe that to be wise, then we shall follow." Miriel agreed as she and Virion moved along.

"Everyone else, move forward and if you can, head into the patches of trees for cover."

"Yes, sir!"

Chrom with Sumia to help him against the aerial fighters was almost a joke. But Orpheus as well had little trouble dealing with them them. Wind Magic was effective against flying units and Wyvern Riders were the worst in dealing with magical attacks. As expected, the Rider saw Orpheus nearly by his lonesome, thinking to be a typical mage. He quickly approached Orpheus and brandished his axe, and attempted to end him in one swift stroke. Orpheus was not a mage however, quickly moving out of the way and used his Wind magic to stun him.

"Do it now, Virion!"

"Very well." Virion complied as he targeted the man atop the Wyvern and shot him off into the chasm below. The startled Wyvern itself simply fled away.

"My thanks."

"It was of course, no trouble at all."

"Excuse me Sir Orpheus, but we must keep moving." Miriel added in.

"Yes, of course." Orpheus nodded as he readied to move on. The plan worked for a time, drawing out the wyvern riders to what they were susceptible too was working. Especially since they had to try to kill Chrom. They had little choice and that was Orpheus' goal. It was risky, but Chrom could easily handle a wyvern or two, especially with Sumia for backup. As they pressed on however, a loud warning could be heard by the Shepherds, which caught their attention.

"Prince Chrom! Captain Phila! Beware! Enemy reinforcements to the rear! They'll be upon us soon!"

"Cordelia!" Sumia called out, after recognizing the voice and the long, red hair "Did she just fly out all the way from the border? That's so far away! Does that mean-No, her pegasus is tired, that means it will…!"

As she called out her name, Cordelia's Pegasus slowly descended into an area with trees. "Please rest Ai, you've flown so far non-stop. I'll protect you now." Cordelia pet her friend as she readied her lance, facing towards the direction of which she came, seeing the little darkened blips in the distance.

"Oh no, Orpheus! Her Pegasus is tired and I think I see Wyverns coming this way!"

"This is gonna go to hell if she dies…!" Orpheus then closed his eyes, shutting the world around him for a moment of thinking what he can do. But it was then where he had little choice. "Okay, new plan! Lissa & Lon'qu, follow my lead! I need Lissa to give that Pegasus energy. If she can fly again, she can at least take care of herself better. The rest of you pull back into the trees for cover! I think these guys are going to capitalize on our pull-back!"

"But Orpheus! We need everyone here, if we break formation, they will get an edge!" Chrom argued.

"This is no time for arguing, Chrom! This is exactly why I'm suggesting you take cover! To better your damn odds! Now follow orders!" Orpheus commanded with authority as he rushed to the weary Pegasus Knight!"

"Orpheus!" Chrom called out, but with no response. Lon'qu and Lissa began to follow Orpheus' while the rest of the group began to pull back as ordered.

"Lon'qu, you guard Lissa as she heals up Cordelia's Pegasus, I'll guard them both."

"Will the two of us be enough?" Lon'qu asked as they hurried on.

"I would have asked for more if it wasn't enough. Plus, I'm ready for five Wyvern Riders. This Wind tome will make them want to prioritize me over her. They'll know this will be more of a threat as long as they don't realize her Pegasus is nearly drained."

"Understood." Lon'qu nodded as they took to positions in front of Cordelia.

"I got your Pegasus! Please keep her still!" Lissa said to the nearly exhausted Knight.

"Yes, please help her. We've come all the way from the border-"

"Save that info for now, lady! These bastards are almost here and I'll make sure they pay!" Orpheus shouted as he readied his tome. "I'll see to it that you live. If what Sumia said was true, then I think I know why you're really here."

"Are you perhaps, Orpheus?"

"Am I that famous already? All I did was win a tournament." Orpheus jokingly bragged.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Vasto had personally moved in to take out Chrom.

"Gods, this guy is more skilled than I thought!"

"Please hang in there, Captain!" Sumia supported the stunned Lord.

"I warned you, and now you'll pay you damn fools!" Vasto laughed.

"I say, do you ever shut that mouth of yours?" An accented voice said hidden in the trees.

"What was that!?" The man's smile quickly changed as he saw an arrow hit his wyvern.

"Now, Lord Chrom!" Virion suggested.

"Right! On my mark, Sumia!" Chrom charged in and slashed the injured wyvern, causing his rider to lose balance. Sumia followed up with a quick pierce through the Leader, putting him on Death's door.

"You doves think… killing me will change anything?" Vasto said giving one last laugh. "Heh... Even now, my brothers storm across your precious border... Go on, dear exalted coward! Run! Flee while they slaughter your subjects! Save yourself... Let their faith in you... bleed away...with the rest..."

"They're…!" Sumia was too shocked to finish her sentence.

"Gods, no!"

Back where the lone Pegasus Knight was, they continued staying by her side, with Lissa about halfway done treating the Pegasus.

"They're here!" Lon'qu pointed out. "Five of them!"

"Get ready to Lon'qu; just like how I planned. Jump!" Orpheus ordered as Lon'qu took a leap of faith. Orpheus used his Wind magic to give a boost towards one of the Wyvern riders, actually landing the back of one.

"Aaah!" The Rider screamed as he was taken out in one swift strike, with no chance to fight back.

"Keep away from that man! He is a demon!" The leader of the unit ordered, making them forced to separate. This did not stop Lon'qu however, as he jumped to at least one more, also fatally ending him before returning to Lissa's side.

"You'll learn I'm one too!" Orpheus taunted as he launched a burst of wind, which pushed a rider off into the canyon. After that, he could tell the other two remaining were on edge about him. Orpheus put his tome away; deeming it useless from here on. He then brandished a Steel sword, readying to take out the remaining two. The other flew around, attempting to attack him at the same time. However, the leader pulled back just before the key moment, to distract Orpheus from their original goal.

"She's mine!"The last underling claimed as he readied his axe.

"Oh no you don't!" Orpheus moved in, readying to guard the Knight with his life.

"Then you die first-Agh!" The Rider was silenced by a Javelin, but Orpheus turned around to see it was Cordelia, who looked like she just threw it.

"You know, I never said I couldn't defend myself." She smirked.

"You know, I like you and your attitude a lot already." Orpheus gave a smirk of his own.

"Damn, this doesn't look good…!" The leader was backing away, preparing to flee back to his army, but it was then an arrow showed up and piercing through the man fatally, finishing him in mere seconds.

"Wow, you love making your entrances flashy, don't you Virion."

"But I must show myself worthy of this group, you know?" Virion responded with a proud smile.

"Fair enough." Orpheus shrugged as he turned back the Pegasus Knight. "Well, the battle is won and now Miss Cordelia, I have some questions to ask you after I gather Chrom and Lady Emmeryn."

Orpheus gathered everyone after ensuring no one else from Plegia was still standing. As Cordelia saw Emmeryn and Chrom appear, what had happened not too long ago instantly came to mind. "Your Grace! My Prince! Please run! Run as far and fast as you can!"

"Whoa, what's going on now all of a sudden?" Orpheus quickly questioned in confusion.

"More Plegians are coming, not a half day's march from you!"

"Cordelia! Please tell me our border remains secure!" Phila then added herself into the conversation, with her voice sounding more distraught. "Please tell me our sisters are still out there fighting!"

"Gangrel himself led his might against us. They completely outnumbered us by at least ten-fold! The end was upon us when my knight-sisters told me to flee and warn the exalt...!" Cordelia's words were getting more difficult for her to say. As the events began replaying for the sake of the group, her tears returned. "I should have stayed…! I should have stayed!"Now she had succumbed to despair. She couldn't speak even if she tried. Sumia had quickly rushed over and clinged to her friend. Phila had also approached her to offer her support to her sister. "Ah, gods I can still hear the screams!"

Such a sight really stung to Orpheus. Despite his general care-free and unsympathizing attitude, with of recent events, he really did sympathize with her. But there was nothing he could do for her at the moment. All he could do is stand there and watch. That, was what bothered him the most.

"Peace, Cordelia. You did your duty." Phila had attempted to comfort her young sister. "Our sisters prized your youth. You've many years left to keep their legacy alive."

"But I abandoned them! I'm weak… Their legacy deserved better." Cordelia countered.

"Sometimes fleeing takes the most courage. And they know that. Now pull yourself together. Let the faith they showed in you give you strength."

"Captain Phila, I… How can I go on like this? They were my… my family…!" Cordelia continued to sob. "Gods… Gods, no…"

Orpheus walked up a bit closer than where he was, as if it was his turn to speak. "It's going to be all right Miss Cordelia. I'll see to it we make them pay. That's my promise to you as a Tactician." Orpheus said as he straightened his robes. "Well, I think we should leave the sisters be for a moment. Emmeryn, we need to discuss our next course of action."

"Of course. I have already reached a decision."

"And what might that be?"

"I must return to the capital."

"What!?" Orpheus was wide-eyed to hear such a decision.

"Your Grace, I cannot advise such-" Phila attempted to dissuade her.

"I should never have left. If it's discovered I'm away when this news comes to light… The people would panic. Riot. More lives would be needlessly lost." Emmeryn explained with a sorrowful expression before turning to Chrom and passing him something. "Here, Chrom. I entrust this to you."

"The Fire Emblem?" Chrom said, still in shock as to hearing Emmeryn's decision.

"Take it Ferox- to safety."

"And leave you? No, Emm." Chrom grunted in disagreement.

"No part in House Ylisse matters more than the Emblem. It possesses tremendous power. But too much blood has been shed over it already. I can only hope it finds a better guardian in you than me."

"Emm, don't talk like that! You sound like you're ready to give up!"

"I'm not giving up Chrom. I'm only giving what I can."

"Emm, please! This is madness!"

"Sis, wait! Let me go with you!" Now Lissa started to grow emotional due to her older sister's desire.

"Lissa, please stay with Chrom. I command it."

"This isn't fair! It's not fair! I know our people need you, but we need you too!" Lissa began to cry.

"Dry your tears, love; this is not good-bye." Emmeryn said to her sister as she lowered herself to personally wipe away her tears.

"Your Grace, the Pegasus Knights will escort you back to the capital."

"Very well, Phila. Thank you." Emmeryn nodded as she turned away to leave.

"I shall keep both the prince and princess safe, Your Grace. You have my word." Frederick said with a stern expression.

"I know you will, Frederick. Thank you."

"It is my honor."

"Cordelia. You will stay here with Chrom." Phila ordered.

"But, Captain-" Cordelia tried to convince her stay, but it was already decided.

"I know your heart is heavy and you wish to avenge your sisters, but this is how it must be. Your knight-sisters will be with you in spirit, wherever you go."

"As you command, Captain. I will pray for your success."

"Come, Phila. We must go." Emmeryn said as she knew her return was urgent, but Chrom was not finished.

"No! You don't have to go! This is absurd!"

"Chrom, you don't-"

"Walking to your own death will not bring peace to anyone!" Chrom interrupted her. "Ylisse needs you! We need you! Be selfish for once in your life!"

Emmeryn stayed silent, as if taking a moment to appreciate their existence one more time. "I love you, Chrom. Both you and Lissa are my everything." She turned and embraced both her siblings. Giving them all the warmth of care she could give, she let go after what felt like the rest of her life. "As for the peace I seek… You cannot see who it is for." Emmeryn took a step back, with then a solemn expression. "I have to go. I'm sorry-I truly am. Let us embrace in Ylisstol when you return with reinforcements. I know you will return." Chrom would only complain, but Emmeryn would smile again. "The blood of the First Exalt flows strong within us. You and I will keep Ylisse safe. I know it. Safe journey Chrom; Lissa." And with that, she walked away with Phila. Orpheus was not pleased with this, but there wasn't much he could do. But then, an idea came to him. He quickly ran to the Exalt hoping to stop her before it was too late.

"Emmeryn, please wait!" Orpheus called out, stopping the Exalt.

"Are you going to try to convince me not to go?" The Exalt asked.

"No. I can see it in your eyes you won't be changed." Orpheus huffed. "That resolve is undeniable and I can't stop you, but… I want to help you."

"How so?"

"I want to be there if Gangrel invades Ylisstol. I would be able to do what I can to route the enemy with my tactics. Plus, I owe you for saving my life back with that Sorcerer guy." Orpheus gave a wide grin before giving a short laugh.

"I see. I'm so glad to see you care for our people so much, Orpheus."

"Well, if I have to be honest, I don't consider myself the caring type. I'm not sure if what you say is truth or not, but I do want everyone to live on. Especially since they did nothing wrong. That's just human nature right?"

"I suppose so." Emmeryn smiled.

"It's my job as a Tactician to see the Shepherds safe. I believe I can see this whole nation to safety."

"Do you entirely believe so?"

"Yes. Especially after seeing your resolve, I feel I can meet that quota. I just hope you allow me to prove myself."

Emmeryn gave it a moment to consider it, but then reached her answer. "Very well. I hereby appoint you Grandmaster of the entire Ylissean army. Effective immediately. Despite how little there is left of it, I hope you lead them well."

"Thank you Emmeryn. I won't let you down." Orpheus bowed in gratitude.

"However… I want you to go gather the reinforcements here first."

"What!? But you just said-!"

"Yes. I want you to be our nation's Tactician. But, I believe you are needed more with Chrom. I would rather have him with the safest defense right now right now."

"Orpheus, I also want you to stay with Chrom. But not just for that." Phila added in her own thoughts into the mix.

"You too Lady Phila!?"

"Yes, though I have a request." Phila nodded. "Despite my words, I believe Cordelia is traumatized by the loss of her sisters and being powerless about it. I think it will haunt her for gods know how long. While I'm with Emmeryn, I want you to be there for her. Sumia will do all she can, but I believe your words have a better chance to reach Cordelia than Sumia's."

Orpheus sighed, it's like they discarded what he just said. He didn't know what to do; he wanted to help them both, but he didn't know where to start. All he could do was sigh. "All right, I can't say I can guarantee she'll completely get over it, but I did agree that I'd help them both." Orpheus shrugged with with his arms moving up. "I guess I should go follow my Lady Exalt's orders. I shall see you when we return." Orpheus began to walk back.

"...Wait, please!" Emmeryn called to him.

"But I can't delay in carrying out my first order, milady." Orpheus continued his little charade just to leave.

"There's something I want to tell you before you leave."

"...Very well." Orpheus listened to her words. They were motivating, but it was like she figured out exactly what he needed to hear. Her understanding of the human mind was… godly. When she finished, he could not help but smile. This was why she was the Exalt. "Thank you, Emmeryn. I appreciate your words. But… I do need to get going."

"Of course. I shall see you soon." Emmeryn nodded as he left.

"He is an interesting person." Phila said to herself with a smile.

"Yes. I can see a lot of potential in him. But whether it is good or bad, we shall see. He just doesn't know himself enough. Or he chooses not to."

"You think so? That may explain his sarcastic attitude sometimes."

"I believe that is a cover for his true emotions. I think he sees emotions in a negative light. But I hope someone can change that thought."

"I hope so too. Maybe Cordelia, Sumia, or one of the Shepherds can help him see that."

"I hope so too. Now… let us return home."

Hero: Well now, hope you don't mind me cutting out Emm's speech to Orpheus. I wanted to purposely hide it for now, but don't worry, you'll hear about it in a couple of chapters from now. So yes, he is a Grandmaster now(By word) but don't expect power changes and stuff like that since I want to keep this somewhat realistic. I won't lie, I find it weird to read about Master Seals giving people power in fics. To me, it's a game mechanic and should be kept in-game, but I don't blame people for doing so. Some skills won't even be seen here(Like counter, even though I LOVE that skill) but stuff like Ignis, I will need to explain it in some way which I have a couple of ideas in mind. Now then, from here, we'll be working on Cordelia and Sumia's conflicts again, but we've heard Sumia's side and that will likely be resolved first and then Corelia's. As I said last chapter or so(And I'll bring this up each and every chapter so no one will jump the gun on this), the theme of this fic is resolve and we're dealing with how past events can affect one's resolve and as long as you let them eat at you, you can never reach that goal you desire entirely.

Anyway, this one is a little obscure, but I wanted to change it up from the quotes for today's tidbit on Orpheus. The MBTI thing has been popular these days, so I took the test as if Orpheus was taking it and he got ISTJ. Also, he is Chaotic Good on the Alignment Scale.

Anyway, my question to you now is who do you think Orpheus is gonna get with? We've seen some interesting women so far and I'm curious to as your thoughts on him. Go ahead and tell me via review or PMs(If you feel you wish to converse with me on this) I want you to even criticize his character. Is he how you wanted him to be? Does he have flaws or even contradict himself sometimes in your eyes? Good, I want him to do that. It will make for good development as soon as he realizes his errors. Hell, I actually expect some people to dislike him as time goes on.(Especially in Arc III and beyond.) But anyway, tell me all these and more in reviews or PMs. I really do want to hear your feedback and who knows, you may give me some inspirations for a scene or two. Anyway, I need to work on my P4 fic again. Take care, stay golden, and next time: An eavesdropped conversation that ends with a punch at the speed of a falcon!? What's going on?