Hero: Many things have taken over my life. I mean, I just played Fates: Conquest and that was great. Revelations is where I got burned out; especially thanks to skill grinding which is actually a bit harder than FE:A's. But Camilla is Best girl. Married her in Conquest and then Kagerou in Revelations(Guess why I chose them) Also got addicted to Smite, so if you're around Level 20 or so and wanna play with me, PM me and we'll play together! Aside from other things, I'm now in a relationship! Just got with her at the beginning of April, so things are good so far. Hope things go well with us. Anyway, I had a lot of roadblocks, but now here we are, Chapter 12 of "Resolve of a Family" Hope you like it!
Chapter 12
The dust had settled. The Shepherds left in full retreat after Emmeryn jumped willingly to her own death. Gangrel and Aversa had returned to the castle to prepare to finish off Chrom and take the Fire Emblem. Henry had just helped his friend evacuate the area for good measure.
"Heh, it's a good thing my friends know the way around this place. They've got a birds-eye view of the place!" Henry said after taking one last look around the area, referring to his crows.
"Thanks, Henry. For a moment I thought Aversa had sensed my presence. I only could be around because of the fighting. If she caught on to us, we'd be done for."
"No prob! So what do we do now?"
"Well…" She paused to give some thought. "We should change locations. Let's move to the Border Wastes, North of here. That way we can keep an eye on Orpheus and Gangrel's army. It seems we may need to help him after all."
"You sure you wanna do this? I mean you're still trying to rec-"
"I know what I'm doing Henry, let's just go." Henry got cut off by her brisk tone before moving onward. "...It was nice seeing him. Thanks for spotting him for me, Henry."
Meanwhile, night had fallen and heavy rain had come, making it harder to keep pushing on. Orpheus had woken from his unconscious state, but his body only moved on its own, with the host not caring at all. Basilio realized how close he was to their destination, and stopped in his tracks with everyone following to see what was going on.
"Everyone! There should be carriages waiting just beyond the ravine!" Basilio shouted with all he had. Chrom and Orpheus said nothing, barely glancing in his direction.
"Chrom! Orpheus! Snap out of it boys!" The two simply nodded. "Quickly, we're almost…" Basilio turned around, hearing the sound of someone trudging through the flooding path. "Damn it all!" The sight of Plegian Barbarians crossed everyone's field of vision. "Plegians! I knew it couldn't be that easy… They're right in our way! We must fight!" Basilio charged to engage the two that stood in the group's way.
The sight of Plegians angered Orpheus, not for being Plegian, but for who they served. Orpheus would never forgive Gangrel for what he had done to Chrom, his family, and now the people who looked up to Emmeryn. His posture returned to normal, and Orpheus pulled out his Steel Sword.
"Shepherds!" It was Orpheus who would rally the troops instead of the usual Chrom. "Time to battle!"
Everyone had taken out their weapons of choice, and getting into position; awaiting Orpheus' commands.
"You will split up into groups and push your way up into each of these canyons. Cordelia and Sumia will take care of the Wyvern Riders by the Forts on top of those canyons. Chrom, you stick with Frederick. I will go alone to take out the weakest opening on the far left. That is where their leader is holed up."
"What, are you insane!? Just what are you trying to prove, boy?" Basilio questioned as he just slayed the last Plegian.
"Oh don't worry, I'll have Stahl back me up if I need it. I can take care of myself better now."
"Orpheus! Lord Chrom! Khan Basilio! Up there!" Cordelia pointed out to a Wyvern that descended near them. There was a large, bearded man behind the Rider, who immediately spoke in a gruff tone.
"Ylisseans! I offer you mercy! Surrender to me now and live!"
"Like Emmeryn did? And be executed for trying to create peace!?" Orpheus snapped back.
"Emmeryn would not have wished for this to come to bloodshed."
"And yet your King spilled her blood!"
"Don't speak her name!" Chrom joined in, irritated now with her name being brought up after what had happened recently.
"Your rage is justified, Prince Chrom. But the meaning of your sister's final sacrifice was not lost on me. I suspect many Plegians who heard her final words would say the same. If you lay down your weapons, I vow to protect you the best I can."
"How would we even trust you after what your Devil of a King has done to us? To Chrom and his family?" Orpheus assertively asked, with his body edging forward. "I'd rather fight! I have a score to settle with Gangrel!
"...I suspected you would say as much" He sighed. "So be it, Ylisseans. I shall endeavor to grant you a swift and dignified end. I am Mustafa, General of the Northern border. I will be the last opponent you ever face." Mustafa gave the signal for his troops to charge and he went back to his fort to prepare for whoever reaches him.
"...I'm definitely going to fight him now. I need to confirm something with him." Orpheus battle face appeared at long last. "Chrom, give the order to fight."
"Very well." Chrom turned around, facing his group. "Shepherds! Chaaarge!" A loud battle cry echoed as they began their attack.
Orpheus moved with fierce steps, looking to see who would face him and be first on his chopping block.
The first soldier he saw was a hooded figure, likely a thief; who looked like he was trying to get away from the fight rather than be a part in it. Orpheus put away his sword and took out his Elwind tome, charging up Wind in his hand and firing it at the fleeing Thief. Orpheus saw something fly off of him, and reached out to catch it. When it landed in his hand, he glanced at it. It was a gold bar, likely something the Thief stole from the Plegians. "Nice." Orpheus pocketed it for the Shepherds to cash in later.
For now, Orpheus pushed onward. Two Barbarians attempted to surround him, with a lance wielding soldier coming to join in. Stahl, who was behind Orpheus, hurried to his side.
"Stahl! Deal with that Lance-user! These two are mine!"
"You got it!" Stahl did not question Orpheus for taking on too much. Though he realized Orpheus' anger and pride were making him want to go solo, at least he still requested help when needed. He was still being Tactical.
Orpheus anticipated a lunge attack from the Barbarian, moving back before thrusting his blade into the chest of his foe. "Typical." The apathetic-looking Tactician mocked his opponent.
"Don't get distracted!" The other Barbarian also attempted a lunge attack, knowing Orpheus didn't have time to take the blade out. Rather than struggling, he let go of his sword and jumped back and quickly pulling out his Elthunder Tome.
"Don't worry, I have something for you too!" Orpheus launched a bolt of lightning from above, striking the soldier down.
Stahl had also finished his fight with the Lance-wielding soldier. "Alright, Orpheus, you can take the lead again."
"Alright. I'm moving on." Orpheus nodded before storming towards the canyon, with the fort that housed Mustafa almost in sight.
Meanwhile, at the Fort. While the soldiers in reserve were on standby, waiting for either the call to move or when the Ylisseans were in their attack range, one moved to Mustafa and asked him a question, with his lance shaking.
"Forgive me, sir. But I… I no longer see the justice in hunting these people down." The soldier said as he could not look into the eyes of his leader. "I accept any punishment you see fit, but after all that's happened… I just can't."
"How dare you question the General's orders!" A Wyvern Rider barked, overhearing the soldier's desire to declare mutiny. "You know full well the punishment for insubordination is death!"
"But! These people are-"
"These questions are not ours to ponder, lad." Mustafa cut both of their argument short. "The soldier does not judge. The soldier only delivers judgement."
"Sir, I…" The Soldier's shoulders drooped, losing all energy they had. "I cannot raise my lance against them. Even if… even if it means death."
"...You were there when Emmeryn spoke, weren't you?" The Soldier nodded. "So be it! Those of you who are unwilling to fight are dismissed!"
"But I don't wish to abandon you, sir!"
"I cannot defy the King, lad." The face of Mustafa scrunched up in fear. "I know the King well. He would murder my wife and kid to set an example. I will accept the blame for your actions today. Now go!"
"W-Wait! General! ...I see a cause worth fighting for; one I believe in!" The Soldier's stance now perked up. "Loyalty to my general."
The words had warmed up the torn conscious of Mustafa. To hear his Soldier's wishing to fight with him because of his character, rather than the King and his own, gave him hope. "...Aye. That's a good lad."
Orpheus pushed himself up the canyon, which was moderately steep, and the rain only made it harder to keep a solid footing on the surface. Nevertheless, he marched onward, seeking Mustafa out.
Orpheus was not the only one struggling to cope with the recent losses. Sumia and Cordelia were not only reeling from the loss of their late Exalt, but also their Commander; their Friend; their Big Sister. Fighting for their lives only made things harder. The rain was hindering all flying units alike, but it was also the perfect cloak to hide their emotions and their tears if they ever leaked out.
The two had disposed of all the Wyvern riders stations at the top of the far left Canyon. They took advantage of the Forts to not only rest their Pegasi for a moment, but also have an edge over anything that would attempt to go near them.
"Sumia… I think that was the last of them." Cordelia said as she attempted to see through the heavy downpour.
"Yeah. I'm not sure what to do now. Do we regroup or do we hold our position?" Sumia sighed.
"I'm looking to see if any nearby comrades need our support. Everything is going smoothly despite how Orpheus stretched us thin through the canyons."
"Do you… think he's taking any of this well?"
"I don't think… any of us are taking this well. I'm surprised we've held it together for this long. Especially you, Sumia." Cordelia forced a smile
"I… want to cry. I really do; but if I do, I could risk all our lives. I have to keep a strong face. At least until we're safe. Then I bet I'll be crying up a storm." The brunette then forced a giggle.
Cordelia was at a standstill. She was not sure how to respond to her. It felt like Sumia had grown since they last saw each other, but it didn't feel like the time or place to say; but Cordelia still wanted Sumia to know.
But something caught her eyes. She could barely make it out, but she believed she spotted Orpheus by his lonesome. "Why is Orpheus by the enemy leader's fort so soon? Where the hell is Stahl supposed to be!?" Cordelia gripped her lance aggressively, and rushed to her Pegasus. "Sumia, go with anyone who appears to be alone. I'm going to help Orpheus before he makes a mistake."
"B-But, Cordelia! It's dangerous for you to go alone! Let me come with you!"
"Fine, but we need to be quick!" Cordelia said as she climbed onto her Pegasus. Sumia quickly followed by getting onto her own. The two took off, but as they were heading to Orpheus' location, another Wyvern Rider was charging towards them. "Ugh! We don't have time for this!"
Orpheus was at the doorstep of the fortress. Only blocked by one remaining soldier, with his back against the wall. He cried out, charging to Orpheus with his lance. Orpheus parried against the lance with his Steel sword in his right hand, pushing it away to his right. Orpheus elected to not to ricochet his blade off the lance and retaliate to the Lancer. With his left hand, he caught the Soldier by the neck and slammed him against the wall.
His lance dropped and he begged, "Please, Sir! Spare the general! Take my life if you must, but let him live!"
"Oh?" Orpheus scoffed at his bargain. "Tell me how one soldier's life is more important to me, than a general? His death would end this army, you do realize that right?" His grip on the soldier's neck solidified.
"H-he's not like, Gangrel at all!" He forced the words out of his mouth. "He's a good man!" He coughed.
"I'll be the judge of that." Orpheus aimed his blade at the Soldier's lance. "Now answer me, this? Why should I not kill you now? Will you not pose a threat to me or my team?"
"I-I only serve my general! Death is no longer a concern!" He declared with such resolve.
"Why is Death not bother you anymore? Were you there when Emmeryn spoke? Were you there when she sacrificed herself to prove the hypocrisy and corruption of your King! And why the hate will never end? Tell me!" Orpheus pushed his grip forward, squeezing the life out of his target.
The Lancer coughed, desperately trying to take in some air. "Y-Yes!"
Orpheus let go of him immediately upon hearing his answer.
He collapsed to the muddy ground, taking deep breaths before speaking again. "I was there when it happened. We all were. After it happened, we were then ordered to intercept you and capture Chrom and the Emblem. The General believes in Emmeryn's cause. He fights because his family would be threatened."
"...I see." Orpheus only stared at him, pondering what to do next. "So if he were to die, would they be fine?"
"Wait, what? No, please do not kill him!"
"Silence. Get away from the Battlefield or else you will die with him. I'm letting you get away. And depending on how he acts, he may live too. Maybe." Orpheus ordered as he turned his back on him.
"T-Then I'll have to stop-" As he got up and attempted to charge at Orpheus, he was immediately stopped in his tracks. Orpheus' Steel Sword was mere inches away from his throat.
"Like you have a chance. Leave. This battle will end soon." Orpheus walked into the entrance of the fort, sheathing his sword and taking out his Elthunder Tome. In the center of the Fortress, as if waiting for Orpheus, was Mustafa; he held a Short Axe while have some nearby and on him in case he lost or threw it.
"...A surprise. The Tactician dives into the Hornet's nest. I expected Chrom first." Mustafa said in an almost monologue-esque tone.
"Well, too bad. I reached you first. I need to confirm something with you." Orpheus then opened the tome in his left hand, revealing the pages.
"And what that might be, boy?"
"Tell me. What exactly was that final message? How did you interpret it?"
"A foolish question. You of all people should know based on our actions."
"I do. But I just want to hear you say it."
"...There is indeed a cycle of hatred. Murdering an Ylissean or Plegian will not stop it; only churns it like a whirlpool."
"Then why not leave the Plegian army and side with us? We'll take in your whole unit if we have to."
Mustafa gave a deep sigh. "Aye, lad. If only the world were as simple as you see it. The King knows me well; he would murder not just my family; but all the other soldiers as well. Can you live with that? Sacrificing innocent lives just to increase your ranks?"
"...No."
"Then you see why we must fight. Not because we want to; but because we must."
"Curse that Gangrel! Ending this cycle of hatred will be impossible as long as he holds all the power."
"That may be true. But what do you intend to do about it?"
"...I would want him to just surrender. But he's far too deep in his own hatred to be saved. Emmeryn, who has reached the hearts of many, could not even touch him. He is beyond saving. It makes me look like a hypocrite, but it must be done. Someone of better character must step up to slowly change the mentality of the nation."
"I take it back. You're no boy. An Idealistic Man, you are."
"I can tell that's no compliment."
"Perhaps; you dream of things considered beyond grandeur. ...But they may not be far from the truth."
"Yeah… Well, I suppose we should start fighting before others arrive." Orpheus shook his head back into the right state.
"Aye; for we must do battle. I may be just a soldier; but you, I see something beyond that. You are not a Leader nor Follower. A shame we won't get to see it go farther." He picked up his axe, readying into a battle stance.
"...One more question then."
"Make it quick, Lad."
"If a soldier were taken prisoner; would he face persecution from his King, whether he was noble or mad?" Orpheus asked, pausing for a moment before Mustafa could catch on. "I've only lead this army for a short time, and that question has always bothered me."
"...I believe even a the maddest of Kings would not harm their captured soldiers or their families. They were defeated. But I would not know for certain."
"Very well." Orpheus opened the tome and pointed in the direction of Mustafa. He placed his hand back, charging up the Elthunder. Mustafa kept his feet as carefully placed as he could, despite the rain pouring hard and flooding the inside of the Fort.
A jolt of electricity was fired, going straight for Mustafa, who jumped to the side avoiding it; but as he jumped, Orpheus fired another shot of electricity, with Mustafa unable to react due to being in mid-air, was forced to feel the brunt of Orpheus' attack.
Orpheus jumped back, keeping some distance. He knew that attack wouldn't do much; so he used this as an opportunity to keep a safe distance.
"While staying clear of me might help you. Do you not know what these are? Throwable Short Axes! Much stronger than the standard Handaxes!" He moved his arm back. "Feel for yourself!" He chucked on at Orpheus, with no time to charge a shot to send it away; it forced him to move away.
Mustafa actually stepped back himself; grabbing one of the other two throwing axes on his back. Readying to throw it again. Orpheus charged up an attack again; shooting it as Mustafa threw his second and third axe.
The bolt was able to halt one axe in its aerial tracks; but the other kept charging forward; forcing Orpheus to constantly back away.
With Mustafa out of axes, he rushed back himself; taking full advantage of the gap between him and his enemy. Rushing to the edge of the fort, he got to a rack full of other weapons. Quickly restocking himself in Short Axes, he faced his opponent.
Orpheus didn't try to close the gap that much, instead shifting his tome to his dominant hand and charging the Thunderbolt in his left hand now to much a portion larger than mosts. Mustafa was weary, but was not too concerned. When Orpheus deemed the power charged up to be enough to his liking, he quickly put his tome away; replacing it with his Steel Sword.
"Bah, you must be power crazy, boy!" Mustafa scoffed, grabbing one more axe of the the rack before chucking it to Orpheus; who was now running towards the General. Orpheus, essentially both juggling a sword and the strength of about three Elthunders in each hand, avoided it as best as he could, trying to reserve at least one to get the shot he needs to defeat Mustafa quickly before reinforcements could arrive.
Still armed with four more Short Axes on his body, Mustafa grabbed one on his side and threw it with his left hand, intending to keep Orpheus delayed and to waste his shots. Orpheus, dodged by the skin of his teeth, but would likely be unable to anymore as he got closer in range due to lesser time to react.
Now taking the two off his back, he launched them one after the other; the Tactician now forced to waste two of his shots to shoot them away from him; now stuck with one shot to get his attack right.
By this point, Mustafa only kept the one he had left to use up close and personal; though he too was now stepping forward, rather dodging then going for the kill against whatever Orpheus had planned against him.
Orpheus jumped into the air with all his strength, lining up his shot. Mustafa going off of reflexes, jumped back from where Orpheus would fire; but it mattered not. The Elthunder was shot a bit more forward in hopes of Mustafa taking a step back instead of forward. Orpheus now out-predicted the general. Not only was he stricken with the bolt of electricity; he was also unable to move.
The moment Orpheus hit the ground, he readied his blade for one charge. Mustafa's sheer willpower however, was not taken into account. By simply forcing himself, he was moving, albeit with a heavy struggle to do so, his arms and in turn, his axe; trying to block whatever attack Orpheus would throw.
"I'm ending this war and you're not going to stop me!" Orpheus declared, lunging forward.
But something caught Mustafa's eye; the surprise made him drop his guard for an instant; and it was all Orpheus needed.
In a sudden burst of speed, Orpheus cut through the side of Mustafa; with a clean cut that met little resistance. Orpheus did not feel the surge of power because it left him the moment his attack finished; but it was witnessed.
"I… I thought I saw… Red Flames…" He looked on his body to confirm the damage. "Please... Spare my men..." Those were Mustafa's final words as he collapsed on the muddy surface blow him; with his face mostly in the water. Orpheus paid the words no mind, since he was unsure what he was talking about.
Orpheus went to investigate the presumed corpse of Mustafa. See if he was still alive or dead. A moment after he crouched, observing the body; a resounding thud sent a minor magnitude of shockwaves through the fort. It was a Wyvern and it's rider, looking down on the Tactician, who took a few steps away from Mustafa's body.
"I will avenge General Mustafa! He offered you mercy and yet you killed him!"
"YOU FOOL! HAVE YOU LEARNED NOTHING FROM YOUR GREAT GENERAL? He might still be alive, you know-"
"Enough! Off with your head!" It was clear he was too caught up in his own emotions to give a damn. Moving his axe back, he dove in with his Wyvern, intending to push Orpheus in a corner.
Orpheus jumped and dashed farther back, away from the Wyvern's landing spot which was intended to stomp him. The faint sound of wings flapping could be heard in the background. Orpheus focused too much on the Wyvern for it's rider, leaped off of it, trying to slam his Axe into Orpheus' skull. Just dodging it by the skin of his teeth, Orpheus brandished his sword; only for it to be smacked aside by the axe's quick swing, leaving Orpheus defenseless.
He then brought his axe back, ready to end Orpheus at long last. "Now I've got you-!" The sound of flesh being pierced could be heard, and the shriek of a Wyvern fleeing in fear was heard going through the fort. It was not Orpheus who was struck, but the Rider, looking down to see a Steel Lance through his abdomen.
"Wh-Wha…?" The lance was pulled back and the owner stepped away slightly. The Rider turned around to see his assailant for a moment before he too collapsed on the floor.
Orpheus then saw his savior, with a Pegasus now behind her. Was she crying? It was hard to tell with the rain pouring so hard on her face.
"You, idiot!" She shouted to the Tactician.
"C-Cordelia, I-"
"No! You rushed yourself in on purpose! You should've let Stahl support you and you would have been able to never be in danger." The redhead scolded.
"C-Cordelia!" Sumia called to her friend. "We need to go! Chrom summoned us for a retreat. We can discuss this later."
"Ugh." Cordelia grunted before she got on her Pegasus and took off.
"Need a ride, Orpheus?" Sumia asked.
"No, there's something I need to check. Though, see if you can get Stahl to come here to help me. And for Chrom to see if he can capture the remaining soldiers." He replied, turning around for a moment.
"You got it! Be careful." She then ordered her Pegasus to gain altitude and move to where the rest of the group was.
Orpheus walked up to the corpse of Mustafa, to finish what he started. Flipping the body on it's back, he checked for a Pulse or heartbeat which was hard to do considering the rain and rumble of thunder. "Wait, is he…?"
"Orpheus!" A Male voice could be heard.
"Oh, Stahl! Thanks for coming here. Can you help me with this body? I think he's still alive."
"What, the enemy General?"
"Yes. Please, I need your help on this one. Just trust me on this one."
"...Alright. I don't know how Chrom will feel about it, but I think you know what you're doing."
"Thank you, Stahl." The two then carried the body and placed it on Stahl's horse. The two then reunited with the rest of the Shepherds; and despite Chrom being against it; Orpheus was able to get the remaining Soldiers and the body of Mustafa to be taken away back to Regna Ferox. Now was the time to heal; but to heal quickly, for Gangrel would not rest until the Emblem was his.
Hero: Finally this went up and I'm so glad. It took way too long imo. It's been about 10 months since I last uploaded. If you thought this was bad, was nearly a year for the P4 fic which I need to work on badly. Anyway, I think you might know two things by now. What Mustafa was referring to at the end and something more about the mystery person. Not their identity, but their relation to Orpheus. Maybe. Oh and I should clarify this again, this isn't going to be romance-centric. We're just calling it that since the romance has yet to have been established. I wish there was an Action genre, cuz I'd use that along with Adventure. As soon as we get the mystery person to debut, Orpheus should be with his girl by now and then I'll post a link to the shipping chart on my Bio. There's not much else I can say on Orpheus, so I think we'll not have any info on him since I believe I've showed off all his quotes. I'm thinking we'll have two short chapters or one long one that covers the time before the big battle, we'll see. Anyway, with that; next time, people will be picking up the pieces of what's been broken. The two Pegasus Knights will have a fair spotlight in this one; and we'll see just what they think of Orpheus and his recent actions. And how will Orpheus counter Gangrel's Levin Sword? Until next time, stay gold.
