Chapter 7: Foreseer
The journey back to Ylisstol was a quiet one, for a good reason. War with Plegia has come to the Halidom. Tension was running high as Pegasus riders increased their patrols along the border for the past few days. Thankfully, no sign of movement has come from Gangrel's side, which was both a blessing and a curse. But that was not the only thing weighing on Robins mind. The truth that Emmeryn had entrusted him was mind-boggling. Worlds beside their own, mighty warriors wielding weapons of light to fight the darkness, a hidden story to their past covered up to preserve order. It does not help that they have not been able to talk to Emmeryn after they have arrived home. He was thankful that Sora and the other guardians were there to explain it to him in more detail.
"But even so, I still worry…." Robin comments as he walks down a hallway with Sora to one of the open gardens in the palace. "How can we plan for creatures that simply appear whenever they like?" Sora looks at the struggling tactician, seeing his brow furrowed in worry.
"It's not like they can appear wherever they like," Sora replies before glancing at the stars. "Even though they are drawn to light, they can not just randomly appear in a city unless they are summoned. It makes me wonder just how much chaos is going on in Plegia right now…." Sora frowns while looking at the sky, hands clenched, remembering the time San Fransokyo was attacked. He shakes his head to dispel the negative thoughts before looking at Robin. "By the way, have you managed to make any headway in regaining your memories? I heard Naminé was lending a hand."
"I'm afraid not. Every time we try, all we find is nothing but an empty void." Robin replies, disheartened. "At this point, I'm starting to wonder if I even HAVE anything to remember. Honestly, at this point, it is starting not to matter. Who cares what I was before I met Chrom. Who I am now is more important." Sora smiles at Robins choice before a small frown form on his face. "What's up? Still thinking about the Risen and Heartless?"
"No, that's not it," Sora replies with a shake of his head. "It's 'Marth'. I can't help but feel like there is a lot he is keeping from us. But I can't just walk up to him and sprout out accusations at him with no evidence." Robin nods at Sora, confiding that he too has some questions about 'Marth'. A loud sigh catches the attention of the two, turning their gaze to a sad Chrom.
"Chrom? What are you doing out so late?" Robin asks as they walk up to the prince. He turns to look at them, a small smile adorning his features.
"Oh, hi, Robin, and Sora. Just… duelling with some unpleasant thoughts…." He looks at the night sky before informing the two that they are to request aid from Regna Ferox in the morning. But before leaving, he decides to tell them the truth, that everything that Gangrel said was not a lie. He talks bitterly about how his father, the last Exalt, launched a long and bloody war against Plegia, with unprecedented violence and death, ending only with his death fifteen years ago. He talks about how the war was not kind to his own people and how they lashed out angrily at them when farmers were torn from their families to fight. Sora could only stare in shock as Robin shook his head, stating that such times would affect anyone.
Chrom nods at the tactician, saying how she became a target for everyone when Emmeryn took the throne before her tenth year. She even now bears a scar from a stone thrown at her by one of her subjects. But despite all that, she reached out for them, ending the war, reunited loved ones, healed them, but never resenting them for lashing out at her.
"She really is what the Halidom is, Chrom. She IS peace. It's no wonder she is one of the new Princess of Heart." Sora replies offhandedly, safe in knowing that Chrom and Robin are trusted to know about the Seven Princesses.
"You are right, Sora. But even still, there are those who would use that to their advantage, like Gangrel. So the only way he will know peace is when death gives it to him. It's why I must be deaths agent. Emm wouldn't ever order him to be killed, nor would I wish her to."
"Well spoken, sir." A new voice enters from the foliage. The three turn to see Marth approaching them, a small smile on his lips. "Good evening to you three." He says while bowing to them. Chrom asks how Marth got into the garden, surprised at how he has gotten past the guards. Marth simple points over to a portion of the wall near a maple grove. Chrom pales at the sight, asking how Marth knew about it.
"You know the place, Chrom?" Robin asks, giving his commander an amused look. Chrom sheepishly admits he does, saying that part of the wall had been bashed in during training with the shepherds. However, he quickly amended, saying that it was just a small hole and was well hidden, but it has now been proven that it was not. Robin shakes his head at Chrom while Sora stares at the wall in shock. Did Chrom make that hole, or was it Vaike?
"Your secret is safe with me," Marth assures the prince before becoming serious. "I come here only to warn you. The Exalt's life is in danger." That single sentence stuns the three, with Chrom exclaiming that Emmeryn is guarded at all hours. "What if…" Marth seemingly hesitates before nodding to himself. "What if I told you I have seen the future? Would you believe me? A future where the Heartless kills Emmeryn. Here. Tonight."
Has he seen the future? This we don't need. Sora thinks to himself. We already had enough pain with Xehanort and his scheme to create the X-Blade. We don't need any more time travel plots! But still… Sora looks at Marth, visage impassive. I don't think Marth would say that for nothing. And how does he know what the Heartless are? We have been keeping a tight lid on their names, so how…? A sudden chill runs down his spine, interrupting his trail of thought. A cold that only comes when they appear as a dark presence falls over the castle. This feeling, it's just like-!
"I had a feeling you wouldn't believe me." Marth's sudden proclamation snaps Sora from his train of thought while he pulls Falchion from its sheath, "So allow me to prove it." He points Falchion at the three, prompting them to place their hands on their swords. Marth simply looks at them before casting a glance behind him. "I'm about to save your life. …From him." Marth's comment towards the bushes causes an Assassin to jump from them, panic, and surprise in his eyes. In response, Marth throws his blade into the air before jumping after it, grabbing it before slashing across the back of the would-be Kingslayer, ending his life. "I trust this proof will suffice?"
Chrom could only nod slowly while his eye hardened at the body. Marth's smirk vanishes suddenly, though, as another Assassin jumps from the trees towards him, the Heartless Emblem blazing on its chest as hungry yellow eyes gaze at him. Marth stumbles backwards, raising his blade to meet the attackers, only to trip on the fallen one's sword. The assassin strikes but misses, slicing of Marth's mask as he falls to the ground. Or rather, she, as her now deep blue eyes are revealed as her hair falls free, falling down her back as two long bangs fall past her face. The Heartless Assassin glares at her before it is struck down by Chrom charging at it. He briefly looks over Falchion, happy that it can bring them down even in its weakened state, before turning to look at Marth, her gender revealed.
"Wait, you're a woman?" Chrom asks in surprise as Robin looks on slack-jawed at Marth's sudden reveal. Marth, in return, looks at the two, with a sheepish, albeit relived smile on her face.
"And quite the actress, too. Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't figure it out until just now. Well, some of you at least." She turns to look at Sora, giving her a knowing look. "When did you figure it out?"
"I had my suspicions since the Forest," Sora confesses. "It's mainly your voice that gave you away. It's not the first time I encountered someone who hid their gender." He remarks while remembering his initial encounter with Mulan back in the Land of Dragons. "But it's not like I could have just acted without any evidence." He amends while placing his hands behind his head. Chrom and Robin shoot him amused looks before an explosion grabs their attention. Putting all other discussions on hold, they race towards the palace, intent on saving Emmeryns life.
Chaos. That is the only way to describe the situation in the Palace. Without warning, several Assassins accompanied by Dark Mages and Barbarians charge through the halls as Heartless Soldiers walk alongside them. Walking behind them all is a tall man with deep black hair brushed to look like flames protruding from the back of his head, while a long thin beard stretches from his chin while a goatee and chin stipe encompass the bottom of his face. His eyes are dark and narrow, gleaming orange against his dark grey skin. He is wearing a cloak visioned eerily similar to Robin coat, while gold ornaments hang from his face and neck. His undersuit leaves him bare-chested while it flares out into a knee-high skirt with a cover on top, while a large ornate golden belt hangs from his hips. As with his cloak, it is patterned similar to Robin's coat, even the colours of deep purple and black. He is holding a red tomb in his left hand as he turns to one of the Assassin.
"Remember, I want the Emblem before my feet and Emmeryn's heart in my hands. Do what you want with those in your way, but make sure the Heartless reach Emmeryn." He commands in a dark voice. The Assassin nods in acknowledgement before vanishing to relay orders to the rest. But not all were happy about the job.
Amongst the invaders is a thief, wearing a plunging black cloak on top of a brown and white tunic. He is wearing black pants and shoes with silver metal greaves on his legs. His arms are covered in thick leather gloves that run to his elbows. Most curious is the three lollipops resting on his leather breastplate while another sticks out of his mouth. A steel sword hangs from his hip. He turns his green eyes towards his 'employer' as they enlarge in disgust, his orange hair stopped from falling only by the black scarf around his head.
Woah, Woah, did I just hear that right? He exclaims in his thoughts as he melts into the shadows before rushing away from the leading group. Are we to have these things KILL the Exalt and take her heart? I didn't sign up for this. Sure the plunder, yes, but this? The Exalt's such a sweet lady… Okay, yeah, sure, I'll rob her blind, but I'd never harm her! He glances around as the 'Heartless' as his boss calls them to move forward to search for their prey. I think it's best I switch sides. Maybe the prince could use my skills more than them.
Meanwhile, over with his boss, the dark mage is fuming at the recent news of the attack on Chrom. "Hmph! One Assassin and Heartless and not even a scratch? It would seem a more competed person is in order." He glances towards the upper balconies where Emmeryns room is located, only to see more than just guards waiting for them. He scrunches his face in confusion. There are those who should not even be here! His gaze falls upon Chrom as he shouts orders to those around him until his eyes fall upon the ones next to him. One with spiky brown hair, one with auburn red and another with white, which he eyes with more than just interest. Ho ho! Can it be!? He exclaims in his thoughts as a sinister grin takes from. After years of searching… Tonight, fate truly piles gifts at my feet! In more ways than one… his gaze falls upon the two standing next to Chrom, his grin enlarging even more.
"Cover those passage ways!" Chrom yells over the sound of panic from the guards. The sudden arrival of the Assassins had left everyone scrambling for their posts. Even the Shepherds were caught on the back foot. Luckily, they still had the advantage, as Robin pointed out. From the direction the attackers are coming from, they could only get to Emm's room by three routes. It was at these passages they would make their stand. At the nearest path leading to Emm's room, Marth and Robin, Sora, Kairi, Donny, and Naminé took up position while on the west side, Chrom stood ready with Lissa, Sumia, Roxas, Ricken, Sully, Kellam and Stahl. And finally, on the East, Frederick, along with Vaike, Miriel, Maribelle, Riku, Xion Virion and Lon'qu, stand ready to meet the enemy.
"Remember! The Heartless are the more dangerous of our foes! If you see any, let Sora and the others handle them!" Chrom calls out to them before noticing a strange glow emanating from Marth's sword. "What's wrong?" he asks her.
"It's not your concern", She replies before moving to take her post. Chrom shakes his head before moving towards his spot, calling out to the Shepherds to ready themselves. Marth looks to the ones assigned to her. "You ready? We will be taking the brunt of our foes assault."
"More than ready," Sora replies before drawing Kingdom Blade, "This isn't the first time we had to take on a hoard this big before." He gives Marth a confident smirk, with the others following suit. Marth nods before standing at the front of the group, with Sora and Kairi standing to her left while Donny and Robin stand to her right. Naminé stands behind them, staff at the ready, just as the first attackers charge at them.
Hiding behind the doors to her room, Emmeryn sighs sadly as the sound of battle rages outside before turning her head to her guest. "Was this also something you foresaw to happen?" Her guest takes one look at the door before returning his hooded gaze to her.
"The attack, yes. The spirited defence, no. But is that not a good thing? It was written that you would die tonight, and yet it has been upturned! But that's what has got you worried, hasn't it?"
"I am afraid so…" Emmeryn turns her gaze back to her door. "Even if I was to survive tonight, it won't stop the inevitable. In the end, no matter what, it is up to Chrom and the others to carry the light." Her guest simply nods at her before turning to leave through a dark portal.
"In that case, I wish you all luck. In the meantime, I will work on my own plan. If things really do change, they will need it." He steps forward towards the portal before turning to face Emmeryn. "I pray we met again; you are fun to talk to. And may your heart be your guiding key." He walks through the portal as it vanishes while the sound of battle intensifies. Emmeryn clasps her hands together, praying for her brother and sister to survive.
"May our hearts be our guiding keys."
"Be silent!" Lon'qu cries as he strikes down another fighter. Taking time to compose himself, he glances around the passage. So far, they have been holding back the attackers, but not without injuries. Frederick had taken a blow from a Dark Mage before felling said mage with his spear while Vaike had his axe locked against a bandit. Xion was darting from above, sniping at the Heartless that mingled amongst the Plegians while Miriel tossed out several balls of fire towards them. Virion busied himself at shooting at any of the mages that dared to approach them while Maribelle focused on healing their wounds. Riku, for his part, darted from one side to the other, slashing at any of the Assassins as they tried to sneak past until his gaze fell upon a Heartless moving up the walls. He spares a glance at Xion, the Pegasus rider unable to move due to an archer making his presence known. Gritting his teeth, Riku charges at the wall atop his horse.
Seeing the other warriors before, Lon'qu had expected Riku to jump off his horse and initiate his 'Flow' to attack the Heartless. However, he did not expect his horse to be engulfed in the same aura as him and run up the wall as well. Apparently, this caught not just the Shepherds but also the Plegians, as they see Riku slash the Heartless apart with his spear before jumping off the wall while still on his horse on the floor again glaring at him the Plegians as if daring them to attack. But, unfortunately, attack they do. Lon'qu could only grunt in irritation. This is the fourth wave now. They must really want her dead. He readies himself to unleash a Sonic Blade but stops when the ponding of feet grabs his attention.
He turns his head to meet this new threat, only to see, to his astonishment, a giant rabbit charging at them, with black fur on top and white fur on the feet, bell and head, with long white ears and gleaming red eyes. It also has purple armour strapped to its legs and back. The creature pays him no mind and jumps over him before ponding on an unfortunate Plegian. He screams in fear as the giant rabbit throws him into several of his comrades before turning its head towards Frederick.
"Are you Frederick, man-spawn?" the creature asks with a feminine voice. Frederick stares at her, almost shaking in fear before recompiling himself.
"Y-Yes, I am. Who might you be?" he asks with a tiny hint of fear in his voice. Lon'qu could not help but be baffled. Here is Frederick, a mighty knight and shield of Chrom, seemingly scared of a giant rabbit. The rabbit looks at him for a few more seconds before replying.
"I am Panne. I have come to help to repay my warren's dept. Come, let us be done with this rabble." Panne turns her attention to the Assassins as they back away from her before pouncing on them, quickly followed by Riku and Xion. Lon'qu simple huffs before following suit, initiating a Sonic Blade onto his nearest foe before ending his life. It would seem they have gained another powerful ally.
Over on Chrom's side, things were just as busy. While Roxas is busy sniping Heartless off the walls with Sumia assisting where she can, Sully and Stahl dash forward at the approaching Plegians, striking with sword and spear while Chrom charges forward before attacking three myrmidons with a single Sonic Blade. Ricken meanwhile strikes forth with his wind spells, nocking several into the air and leaving them open for Sumia. At the same time, Kellam continues to assist the Cavaliers, taking numerous blows for the both of them while Lissa focuses on keeping his health up. So busy keeping everyone's health up did she fails to notice a brigand sneaking up on her from behind.
"Lissa, look out!" Stahl's sudden cry snaps her attention around to the brigand as he charges at her, with both Roxas and Ricken distracted by some cavaliers charging at them. Lissa could only close her eyes and wait for the inevitable, but it didn't come. Instead, opening her eyes, he is greeted by an orange-haired thief standing over the now-dead Plegian. She continues to stare dumbly until Chrom's voice snaps her back to reality.
"You okay, Lissa?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, Chrom. Thanks to him." Lissa nods her head to the thief who had sheathed his sword and was now continuing to suck on his lollipop. Chrom gives him a curious glance.
"And who would you be?" The thief glances at Chrom before leaning back on his feet.
"Names Gaius. Believe it or not, just trying to make a living. Lived my life as a thief to make ends meet, see? Bust open doors, crack into chests… that kind of thing." He says before heaving a sigh while rubbing a hand down his face. "I only tagged along to open a vault; nobody said anything about the murder. I'd just as soon sit this one out."
Chrom gives Gaius a questioning look before nodding reluctantly at him, asking that he proved his good intentions by helping keep Emmeryn safe. He agrees, so long as Chrom sweetens the deal for him. Chrom grumbling agrees and begins looking over himself for money, thankful for the current lull in the enemy's attack until he drops satchel.
"Hello, looks like you dropped something." Gaius points to the satchel lying on the ground. "What's in it, mmm?" Chrom just shrugs nonchalantly, saying how it's just some candies for his sister before he is abruptly interrupted by a now very hungry Gaius. "Candies? As in, sugar candies?" At Chrom's hesitant nod, Gaius's face explodes in happiness. "IT'S A DEAL!" He exclaims before picking it up and rushing towards Sully and Stahl, sword drawn and ready to fight. Chrom and Lissa stare dumbfound at the thief before looking at each other with sly smirks.
"Lissa, get more candies; we have a new recruit."
Never before had Robin seen so many Heartless baring down on him, but there was a first for everything. And here was no exception. The hallway seemed to be nothing but Heartless as they charged down the hall, some taking the forms of cavaliers and others as myrmidons. Still, no matter what form they took, they still fell to his bolts of lightning. Those that managed to survive fell to the blades of Marth, Sora, Kairi, and surprisingly Donny. He could not help but smile at how the villager-turned-mercenary was holding his own against the creatures of shadow. A passing glance at Sora and Kairi, and he could tell that this was just another day for them, if not for the almost permanent scowls on their faces.
What surprised him the most, though, was Marth's expression. Her usually calm demeanour was seemingly replaced by one of anger as she slashed down several of the creatures. Clearly, she hated these things as much as Sora and Kairi, but for what reason? So many questions pilled in his mind, but for now, he had to wait. Protecting Emmeryn comes first. Launching another bolt of lightning, he was surprised to see the creatures back away before retreating into portals of Darkness. Donny shared his expression, but a glance at Naminé told him something else if her angry glare around them was anything to go by.
Before he could ask what was bothering her, the sound of shoes echoed through the hall as a man approached them. His gaze falls upon them, like a predator stalking his prey, before a cruel smirk forms on his face as he draws his red tomb from his belt. But what grabbed Naminé attention about him was the designs on his clothes; a glance at Robin could only confirm her suspicions. Robin was somehow connected to this man.
"Well, well. What have we here?" He asks in a seemingly mocking tone. The fighters tense up, reading themselves for whatever tricks he might pull. "A couple of brave heroes guarding the Exalt. How foolish. Nothing can stop what is unfolding tonight. But as for you three…" He points to Robin, Sora, and Kairi. "You may yet live if you only submit to me. I may even let you know the truth."
"If you think you can psych us out by saying random stuff, think again. Someone tried that before, and it didn't work." Sora rebukes before tightening his grip on his sword. The man before them laughs mockingly before unleashing a stream of fire at them. They scatter in different directions, avoiding the scorching flames as they burn the carpet. Donny retaliates by charging at the man, with Robin supporting him with bolts of thunder. The man simply smirks before he seemingly vanishes, avoiding both attacks, before repapering on their right. He unleashes another stream of fire, only for it to be deflected by Naminé, using her staff to create a protective barrier to block the flames.
The man snarls at this before Sora, and Kairi dash through the flames, striking him with their Sonic Blade, only for him to vanish after their third hit. He reapers to their left, wounded but not beaten. He readies another ball of fire before throwing it at them, only for Math to slice the attack in two before charging at him, her blade glowing a soft blue light. The man stares at her in shock as Sora and Kairi stare on in disbelief.
"Ars Arcanum!" Marth cries before leaping at the assailant. No sooner does she echo those words, she strikes at him with a series of rapid attacks, followed closely by several slower yet more powerful strikes, before finishing it with a powerful leaping strike, sending him tumbling to the ground in defeat. While Donny cheered Marth on for her skill, Sora, Kairi, and Naminé could only stare at Marth in shock. She had just used an ability that only they knew about. How does she know it? Their musing is interrupted by the groaning of their attacker as he weekly raises a hand towards them.
"This is… all wrong…" he struggles to speak as blood seeps from his mouth. "How could… you have known the plan…" he asks before his body gives out and passes on. The group could only look on before Marth nodded to herself and walked away.
"Wait," Kairi calls to her, stopping her in her tracks. "We have so many questions to ask you-"
"I'm afraid I can not answer any of your questions." Marth cuts her off abruptly. "I have done what I need, and history has been rewritten. That is enough for me."
"Just what would have happened?" Sora asks as he stands alongside Kairi. "I know you said that Emmeryn would have been killed and her Heart taken by the Heartless but was that all?" Marth thinks to herself before turning to face them, a pained look on her face.
"I won't deny there is more. Emmeryn's death was not the only thing that would happen. The Fire Emblem would have been stolen as well, which in turn would have led to even greater wars, ending with the destruction of humanity itself." The five could only look at her in shock before she turned to leave. "Now that her death has been prevented, I am no longer needed here." She says before leaving them alone to ponder on her words. But for Naminé, another matter rested in her mind.
That man's clothes and Robins are way too similar to be a coincidence… She turns her gaze towards the tactician. I better bring this up with him. It may lead us to find out where he came from. Even if none of us wants to know…
The group of five make their way back to Emmeryns room as the rest of the Shepherds gather. Several of them give Gaius raised eyebrows, even more so when he starts acting like a child around sweets, but the woman with Fredericks group who garnered the most looks. She is bare feet, wearing only Purple armour around her lower legs, shoulders, and chest, while the rest of her body is exposed. But that was not all; her waist and hips are covered in thick black fur, while a small bunny tail extends from her lower back. Similar fur wraps around her wrists, shaped like greaves, while small, flopped bunny ears extend from her long black hair. Several facial marks line her face while she gives everyone present a cold stare. Emmeryn walks towards her, who called herself Panne, before bowing towards her, thanking the Taguel for her assistance.
"Sorry, what's a taguel?" Robin asks, drawing stares from everyone present. The guardians also raise their hands, asking what a Taguel is. Panne stares at them before explaining.
"I am a taguel." She begins. "The… The last taguel." She then sorrowfully adds, earning shocked looks from all present. "We are shape-shifters. Most of your kind calls us 'beast' or 'coney' in the midst of their hunt." Her glare turns ice cold. "I only helped because my warren owes Ylisse a debt. Do not think us friends, you and I!"
"I'm sorry, but I don't understand…." Xion says while rubbing the main on her Pegasus. "Why are you being so cold towards us?"
"It is simple, man-spawn. It was man-spawn like you that invaded our warren and slaughtered my people." Everyone present is stunned at Panne's claim, but the taguel is not phased. "Do not act so shocked. You are all the same. Right down to your base desire to ruin and destroy all you touch- even each other." No one could find the words to counter Panne's claim, for she had hit the nail on the head. Even the Guardians were not free of such errors. But one person managed to find something to say
"…There is truth to your words," Emmeryn speaks with a calm voice, grabbing the Taguels attention. "I'm told that, in taguel society, everyone is treated as an equal. Humankind could learn much from your warren. The words may come too late and mean too little, but I am deeply sorry." Emmeryn bows her head at Panne, startling all present. "We have stolen your friends and family and made the world a lesser place."
Panne stares at Emmeryn with a stunning look. Never did she expect the ruler of Ylisse to apologise to her personally. She attempts to reject Emmeryn apology, claiming it is nothing but wind, but Emmeryn counters, saying that they are all she has. Panne continues to look at her before sighing a deep sigh, turning now tiered eyes over to her. "…You seem sincere, man-spawn. You feel my pain as your own. …I've never felt that before." She walks forward before crouching to one knee in front of Emmeryn. "Look at me. …See what I am. I will never trust humankind. But you…" Panne's eyes seem to soften a little. "Perhaps you truly are not like the others." Emmeryn could smile happily at Panne before holding a hand out in greeting.
"All I ask is a chance to earn your trust."