The absolute only reason I am posting this today is because I forgot today was a holiday and woke up early to go to college...Only to get halfway there and realize what day it was...So, having nothing else to do for the day, I decided to look over this chapter, then post it! (Lucky you, right?) Anyways, just a little heads up on the next chapter update. I most likely will not be posting chapter 5 until later on in the week. Why, simple answer, college and work. Making money is almost better than playing video games and reading...almost. Plus, college algebra is a douche in a half -_-. So I won't have time to edit. Sorry :/
But that doesn't mean that I won't be looking at it for the next few days! If i can get done with it within an hour or so I will gladly post it!
Anyways, like always, thank you guys for the reviews, favs and follows and hope you like this chapter!
Chapter 4 Shock and Reunion
The fighting raged on now for more than 20 minutes now. Matthew and his group were successfully taking advantage of the unorganized bandits and easily broke through their defenses. They could hear Frederick's group on the other side of the village pushing their way to the town square as well. They were so close to victory without losing a single Shepard yet again. "Just as planned." Matthew thought as he cut down another bandit. He was about to march forward when he heard the sound of a Pegasus arching above him. He looked up to see Cordelia and Sumia preparing to land. When they were safely on the ground Cordelia spoke.
"Matthew! There are two people fighting the bandits in the town square. They seem to be in a pinch. What are your orders?" Matthew gritted his teeth. He couldn't break formation this far in the battle. He looked to Chrom as he pulled his sword out of another bandit.
"Chrom!" Matthew yelled to get the blue head swordsman's attention. Chrom turned and ran toward the tactician.
"What is it?" he asked.
"There are two civilians that are fighting the bandits in the town square! Ride over there with Sumia and help them out!"
"If they are in trouble then we will rush there as fast as we can. Let's go Sumia!"
Chrom quickly jumped onto the Pegasus and before he knew it they were in the air. Matthew looked to Cordelia. "Cordelia, you will be replacing Chrom. Is that alright?" Cordelia nodded and charged down the street. Matthew swiftly followed behind gripping his sword as more enemies appear before him.
"You two-timing scum! Die!" The bandit swung at Gangrel but only caught air. Gangrel raised his Levin sword and a magic circle appeared above him before shooting out a fast lightning bolt. The bandit stiffened as electricity pierced his body and stopped his heart. He dropped his weapon and fell to the ground, dead. Three more bandits rushed The Mad King. He was about to cast another bolt when a stream of fire shot from behind him and surrounded the bandits in flames. Gangrel took advantage of their fear and confusion and quickly shot a bolt through the flames, hit his targets on the mark. Gangrel looked behind him to see Emmeryn closing her tome. The Mad King let out a menacing laugh.
"Oh dear Exalt, that one was mine!"
Emmeryn gave a short laugh. "I...will keep you safe." Emmeryn was surprised when Gangrel dashed toward her faster than she could blink. She was even more surprised by the huge shadow that towered over her. Before she could turn around Gangrel's sword pasted her cheek. The sound of flesh being torn pierced her ears as she fell to the ground. Gangrel had pierced the man who would have killed Emmeryn in the chest. The bandit dropped the axe he was holding and fell to his knees. The redhead looked to Emmeryn with a wicked smile as he twirled his Levin Sword around.
"Oh no, dear. I believe it is ME who will do the protecting, yes?" Emmeryn smiled then stood and patted the small rocks off her robe.
"I heard there was a traitor, but I should have known it was just a maggot." A deep voice called alarming the two. They looked up to see a tall, shirtless, muscular man holding a steel axe. Gangrel recognized the man as Zanth, the leader of these bandits. "I was wondering where my maggot had gone, but it seems like he don done the unthinkable. To think MY maggot would betray ME!"
Gangrel laughed and continued to twirl his sword. "No no sir. I believe you've got the wrong guy sir. Just an old king trying to redeem his name! Though, I must thank you for keeping this old king's heart beating. But to think that this old dog would bite the man who saved him. Hilarious is it!" Gangrel let out another laugh. Zanth growled and pointed his axe at Gangrel.
"There is only one thing that treasonin' dogs like you deserve! And that's death!" Zanth charged at Gangrel who was now alert and into a fighting stance.
"You can't kill a dead, sweetheart. Now time to feed YOU to the maggots!"
Sumia kicked her horse to speed up. Chrom looked to the other side of the village to see Frederick's group quickly pushing through to the town square. They were winning this fight and from the looks of it, there had been no harm little damage to the village. Matthew, you seem to impress me more and more as time goes on. He thought. Chrom looked forward to see the town square coming into view. There were countless dead brigands all around and black marks of fire left on the stone ground. In the middle there was a redhead man with a yellow cape fighting a taller, more muscular and shirtless man. To the side was a blonde woman who had a red book in her hand, wearing a green robe...wait. A green robe? Chrom shook his head. It couldn't be. He thought. Chrom held on tight as they were preparing to land.
Chrom looked to the two men as he and Sumia were just meters away. His eyes went to shock as the redhead's penetrated the larger man's gut. The Pegasus landed and Chrom jumped off. He slowly walked behind the redhead and heard the bandit's last words.
"C-Cant b-b-believe this. S-Slain by a m-mere m-maggot." The redhead let out a laugh that was all too familiar to the ears of Chrom. Then the redhead spoke.
"How does it feel to lose MAGGOT?! Oh! How I've always wanted to say that to you lot! HAHAHA!"
"D-Damn you."
The redhead pushed the taller man off his zigzagged sword, then raised it and slashed in an arc, decapitating the larger man. Chrom told himself over and over that it was impossible. There was no way 'he' would have survived. But the more he looked at the man before him, the more his thoughts were turning into the reality. All of Chrom's questions were answered when the redhead turned to him. Chrom gasped as Gangrel looked at him with that sickening smile he hated.
"Well if it isn't the Exalt of Ylisse himself. Now, what brings you-"
"Gangrel!" Chrom yelled as he pointed his sword to the Mad Kings chest.
"Well, I'm quite hurt Chrom. I haven't even finished my greeting and you've already begun to point your sword at me. Is that anyway to treat your old friend, Gangrel?" the Mad King said in a dramatic tone.
"Don't act with me Gangrel! Now talk! How are you still alive?! I was sure I killed you back in Plegia!"
"Ah, but you DID Chrom. This is just a shell of about that refuses to die. I'm no longer the Mad King you knew. I have been reborn as a better man, see? I even killed the leader of these filthy bandits. Would you like his head as a peace offering?" Gangrel joked. Or maybe was serious? Chrom didn't know, nor did he want to know. He just kept his sword pointed at the Mad King.
"I've seen your 'peace' and it's not one I'm willing to work with. You should rot in hell for all you have don-"
"Stop!"
A voice cried out. Chrom looked around for the sound of the voice till he finally found the source. His body went numb. His sword arm dropped and the clanging of Falchion hitting the ground resonated through the town. Standing next to the Mad King stood his sister, Emmeryn.
"E-Emm?"
Emmeryn said nothing. She wore a frown as she walked in front of Gangrel and put her arms out wide. "Don't...hurt...Gangrel is...my friend." Chrom looked astonished. What is going on? He thought. Why is Emm… how is she… and why?! His anger was immediately pointed back at the Mad King.
"Is this some kind of sick joke, Gangrel?! What have you done to my sister?!"
"Please! Like I would have anything to gain from corrupting your sister any more than she already is!" the Mad King argued.
"You lie! How do you expect me to believe anything your snake mouth has to say?!"
"Oh that's rich coming from a barbarian prince that answers with his sword instead of his mouth!"
Chrom reached down and picked up his sword. "I've had enough of you, Gangrel! I will put an end to you today! And THIS time I'll make sure you are dead when I separate that sickening smile from your body!"
Gangrel, also enraged by the threat, gripped his Levin Sword which came to life in a light yellow glow. "Ha! I'd like to see you try to kill me again little man! For it will be ME separating that eyesore hair from your-"
"ENOUGH!"
Both men stopped their argument and looked at the angry blonde in front of them.
"Stop fighting...please?" Both men gave a sharp glare at each other before sighing and sheathing their swords. The sound of battle had completely stopped. Only the sound of multiply footsteps quickly approaching could be heard. North, behind Gangrel, were Frederick and his team. South, behind Chrom, were Matthew and his team. Matthew quickly approached Chrom and stopped.
"Chrom! Did you save the two civilians? Where are they? Are they alr-" Matthew caught his breathe as he looked forward. It was like all the life had been sucked out of him as he looked to the former Exalt. The woman that he couldn't save. The woman that had died 2 years ago was now standing in front of him with her arms spread out as if trying to protect something. He almost didn't notice Gangrel standing behind her.
"Chrom, please tell me I'm hallucinating right now." Chrom shook his head.
"We're not my friend, but, if we are, I don't believe I want the hallucination to end."
"EMM!" A high pitched voice called from in the crowd of bewildered Shepherds. Bursting from the crowd was Lissa, running full speed to Emmeryn as she nearly tackled the former Exalt off her feet. "Gods, you're alive!" she said, tears falling down her face. "I thought I was never going to see you again Emm! Don't ever do something like that again you hear me?!"
Emmeryn was confused. She didn't know the stranger who was now gripping her tightly, but for some reason she could feel a strange connection with her. Who was she? Emmeryn wanted to find out as soon as possible.
"Who...are you?"
Lissa let go of Emmeryn and looked up to her sister. "What are you talking about Emm? It's me! Lissa! Your sister! Don't you recognize me?" Emmeryn felt a warmth in her heart. She didn't know she had a sister and now that she knew, she felt she wasn't alone anymore. But she also felt torn because she couldn't remember her own sister. Tears welled up in her eyes as they began to flow down her cheek.
"I can't...remember!" Emmeryn cried. "Who...you are... Who…I am... Why can't...I remember!" Lissa was stunned. She had finally been reunited with her sister. The big sister that she loved, the big sister that was always kind to her, the big sister that would always defend her, the strong big sister that no one could break, was now crying? Lissa pulled Emmeryn into a soft hug.
"It's alright, Emm. I'm here for you." Was all she said as her big sister sobbed uncontrollably into her shoulder."
The Shepherds were taking in everything that they witnessed. Not only did they find their lost Exalt, who had lost all her memories and now spoke and thought like a child, but they also found the man responsible for it all in one day! After accepting reality Matthew dispersed the Shepherds out to help the villagers fix their town. Meanwhile, inside a house west of the town sat Matthew, Chrom, Gangrel and the old man that took care of Emmeryn. They were taking in everything the old man and Gangrel told them. Gangrel being a dishwasher for bandits was almost unbelievable, but Matthew nor Chrom questioned him. They had found out that Emmeryn was on an Island in the far southeast of Valm. After finding out her true identity from a traveling merchant who was stopping by, the man had traveled back to Ylisse in hope of returning the Exalt to her true home. He explained that when he found her she could barely speak and was close to death on the beach of his island. After taking her in he taught her magic and grammar. She still had a ways to go, but he knew he needed to return her to her rightful family as soon as possible.
"I can't thank you enough for what you have done for my sister." Chrom stood and gave a bow at the old man.
"P-Please, milord. You need not bow to a low born citizen like myself."
Chrom raised his head. "In my eyes I see everyone as equals, so you are no different than the many nobles I have known over the years. Please, if there is anything you need, you only need to ask. I will do everything in my power to see you are rewarded."
"Thank you sir, but your thanks is the best gift an old man like myself could ever ask for." The old man smiled at the Exalt. "But it would be a bigger gift to see that young lady completely healed. I don't know how many more years I have on this earth, so please, keep her safe."
Chrom smiled back at the old man. "I promise to stay with her until she in fully healed."
Gangrel, who was currently leaning back in his chair, stood up. "Is the interrogation over now? Can I leave?" he said rocking back and forward.
Matthew looked to the Mad King with a quizzical gaze. "Where will you go? Don't tell me you're going back to Plegia."
"I don't think so. I heard they have a new ruler there so there would be no point tip-toeing over there to cause anymore havoc. I think I will just wander around this world until death finds its way to me." Chrom raised an eyebrow at the Gangrel's response.
"Are you sure that's what you want to do?" Chrom asked.
Gangrel shrugged his shoulders. "Not much for a mad man to do. If there is no one that could use this shell of a body, then I will wander around until it is needed." Chrom looked to Mad King. He knew he didn't want to ask, but the question seemed to slip out his mouth.
"If you have nowhere to go, then why not join the Shepherds?" Matthew and Gangrel looked to the Exalt in astonishment. Matthew couldn't believe what he had just heard, and frankly, neither could Gangrel.
"Ha! NOW who's the Mad King?! Your people would rather slit their throats than to march with me as their equals! Sorry prince, but I would rather take my chances with Risen than to have my heart ripped out by some Ylissean dog. Even if you're not Emmeryn you are as foolish as she was." Chrom frowned, but he knew Gangrel spoke the truth. But that didn't stop him from following what Emmeryn would have done in this situation.
"I may not be Emmeryn, but I am willing to trust you. You put your life on the line for the people of Ylisse, so that makes you an ally even if we were past enemies. Right now I'm trying to rebuild the world of peace that Emmeryn wanted. This is as good a start as any other. So what do you say? Will you join?" Gangrel continued to look at the Exalt in astonishment. A second chance? He thought to himself. He couldn't dare show his face in Ylisse. Plus, there was no way the Shepherds could trust him and once the people found out he was the old king of Plegia they were sure to have his head on a stake. His best option was to leave Ylisse for good.
"...As peaceful as your offer sounds, I will have to decline. There's not only risk to my life but to yours as well. Your people may not kill you, but they are sure to lose trust in their leader if he were to just pick up anyone who was dragging their feet. Now, if you will excuse me I have a world to travel. Tah-Tah!" Gangrel waved before exiting the house. Chrom sighed and looked at Matthew.
"Well, I tried." he said. "Sorry if my actions angered you." Matthew shook his head.
"No, Chrom. You did what Emmeryn would do. So I respect your actions even if I didn't agree. But, all in all, I believe you made a good call." Chrom nodded at his friend.
"Umm, sir?" Chrom and Matthew both looked to the old man. "Please don't think ill of that man. If it were not for him me and Emmeryn would not be here right now. I know his words sound harsh, but I believe he is really trying to change into a better man. So, if that reward is still open, I would like to ask a favor..."
Emmeryn was sitting in her bed in the medical tent the Shepherds set up in the town square. She was twirling her two index fingers together. The silence in the medical tent was overwhelming! There were only two people in the tent at the moment. Emmeryn, who was being checked up every now and then by Lissa to connect the little things she remembered. Then there was Tharja, who was the first patience before Emmeryn. She was sitting in the bed next to her reading a purple book that Emmeryn could remember the old man telling her was a 'flux tome'. The blonde didn't have anything to do, but she wanted to get to know the dark mage. Maybe we…knew each other…before I lost...my memory? Emmeryn thought, but there was only one was to find the truth.
"Ummm...miss?"
"What..." Tharja spat out coldly, keeping her eyes glued to her book.
Emmeryn jumped at the dark mage's tone. Did I…do something to…offend?
"U-Ummm...well...did we...know..."
"Spit it out already. You're wasting my reading time." Tharja barked.
"Oh! I-I'm s-sorry! I...didn't mean to...never mind..." Emmeryn looked away from the dark mage and back to her hands in her lap. Tharja sighed and closed her book.
"If you're going to interrupt me then you should at least have a good reason. Now, what did you need while I still have patience?..."
Emmeryn took a few seconds before looking back up at the dark mage. "I-I wanted to...were we friends...before I lost...memory?"
Tharja let out a sigh. "If that's all, then no. We've never even spoken until now. This is the first time I've ever held a conversation with you... And I'm already bored."
"Oh...I see..." Emmeryn pause for a few seconds before continuing. "Well...will you...be my friend...now?" she mumbled.
"No thank you."
"Wha-" Emmeryn looked to the dark mage in disbelief. Tharja didn't even take a moment to think about it. She rejected her way too quickly! "W-Why?" she asked.
"I would rather not get involved with anyone of the Ylissean royal family. Right now I fight for this country because I have nowhere else to go to. I have no family in Plegia, and going back to the country I betrayed would be foolish. Everyone in this army is nothing more than acquaintances. Once they don't need me anymore I will just leave. Simple as that. Now, our conversation over. Now leave me to my-"
"No."
Tharja raised an eyebrow at the former Exalt, while Emmeryn looked to Tharja with furrowed brows.
"You don't...need to be alone...Being alone is...wrong."
Tharja sighed in frustration. "Listen, you. Dark mage's prefer to be away from attention. Having you follow me everywhere calling me a "friend" would bring more attention to me than I want. Besides, if I'm going to be friends with someone I would rather them be equally skilled or better than me. Now, if you would excuse me." Tharja looked away from the former Exalt and back to her book. Emmeryn sat there for a few seconds going through everything she was just told. Then a light bulb lit in her head. She through the covers restraining her legs off the cot, stood, then ran out of the tent. Tharja watched in confusion, but lost interest and continued reading.
10 minutes later Emmeryn returned with a red tome clenched to her chest with both arms wrapped around it. Tharja looked up from her book and to the former Exalt.
"Please…follow me." Emmeryn said with determination in her eyes. Tharja rolled her eyes and closed her book.
Outside the tent was a stick holding up what looked like a practice dummy, but in reality was just a potato sack with straw as a head and hands. Tharja crossed her arms watched from behind the blonde. Emmeryn opened her book and began chanting the incarnation in the tome. A sea of words surrounded her, forming a sphere as the words she recited orbited around her. A few seconds later Emmeryn raise her right hand at the training dummy and a ball of fire emerged in front of her palms.
"HA!" she shouted as the ball turned into a stream of fire that shot at the practice dummy. The fire hit the training dummy head on. Tharja's eyes widened as she felt the temperature suddenly rise and watched the training dummy turn to nothing but ashes. When the stream of flames died down Emmeryn closed her book. She exhaled then looked to Tharja with the same determination as before. "I...am strong...so can I...be your friend?" Tharja looked at Emmeryn's determined eyes before for a short period of time, then turned around and walking back to the tent. Emmeryn's determination dropped to one of sorrow as she watched the dark mage walk away. She lowered her head in defeat and clinched her hand in a fist. Tharja stopped at the entrance of the tent and looked back to the blonde.
"What are you waiting for? Get in here." Emmeryn looked up in surprise. "If you're gonna be my friend then you're gonna have to help me with my hexes. So hurry up before I change my mind." With that Tharja pushed aside the flap to the tent and went inside. Emmeryn smiled and ran after her new friend.
Matthew was on his way to the medical tent. The Shepherds were getting ready to depart from Southtown and start their march back to Ylisse. Chrom asked Matthew if he would head to the medical tent and keep Emmeryn company since the Exalt had to fetch their 'package' the old man told them to bring back with them.
The tactician stopped in front of the medical tent. His entire body shook as he imagined who was waiting behind the tent. She's alive. He told himself. Emm is alive in this tent. I have a right to see her again…right? The tactician stood there and pondered about on whether or not to enter the tent. After a few minutes he believed he was ready and used all the courage in his body to proceed.
Matthew pushed aside the flap to the tent to see that Emmeryn wasn't alone. Lissa was sitting next to her talking to the former Exalt. They seem to be having a good time. Matthew almost didn't want to disturb them, but time was of the essence. Matthew cleared his throat which caused the two blondes to quickly turn their heads in his direction.
"Matthew!" Lissa said with excitement.
"Sorry to interrupt you and Emmeryn's personal talk, but Chrom told me to tell you that we're moving out." Lissa nodded and looked back to Emmeryn, but was completely taken by surprised at Emmeryn's face. She was looking at Matthew with a bewildered expression as if she hadn't seen him in years which, technically, she hasn't. Matthew also noticed Emmeryn gazing at him and spoke up. "Sorry, Emmeryn. I forgot I still haven't introduced myself to you. Well, my name is-"
"Matthew." Emmeryn interrupted. Matthew and Lissa stared at Emmeryn in awe.
"W-What did you say?" Matthew asked between his shaky voice.
"Matthew..." Emmeryn stood from her bed and slowly walked to the bewildered tactician. Matthew watched as Emmeryn inched closer and closer to him, eventually stopping right in front of him. Her body was only inches away from his. Matthew looked down at the former Exalt. Her bewilderment was replaced with a warm smile that made the tactician heart flutter. The tactician was completely taken off guard when Emmeryn wrapped her arms around his back and brought him into a soft hug. Matthew blushed and looked back and forward from Emmeryn's blonde hair, to Lissa's puzzled face. "I've...finally...found you."
Thank you for reading and hope everyone has an awesome Labor Day!