Chapter 18: Inexorable Death
It had been a while since Chrom's group reunited with the main army after restoring Tiki's power. Sora's group joined them a day later, with the surprising addition of Caelum and Oceania. In their absence, Flavia and Basilio had launched scouting missions around the Fort, creating a detailed map of its surroundings and defences. With input from Say'ri about the commander, the leader of the third division of Walhart's forces, it was more than imperative to remove the Fort from the equation.
"How is looking, Robin? Got any plans instore?" Chrom asks as he and Robin look over a map of Fort Steiger, candles lighting the dim room as Tiki, Say'ri and Lucina watch over. None of the Guardians were present, deciding to take the time to train members of the Shepherds and the League.
"I have some Chrom, but they all rely on speed and luck. If the Northern detachment fails to turn away the Northern Army before we take the Fort, we will be caught between a hammer and anvil. I wish we had a more solid grasp of communication with the Resistance." Robin groans as he looks over the diagram for the hundredth time. Word of Tiki's freedom and decision to fight with the Ylissean League had spread like wildfire, galvanising the civilians to their cause. It even ended up uniting the Resistance, something that Say'ri had been struggling with.
"You have been looking over that map too many times, Robin. I am sure you have developed some form of stratagem by now. So what is holding you from presenting it to us?" Tiki asks. She saw that Robin had developed a plan and yet seemed to fight against himself to look for another. It would not be out of place to assume he was thinking of backups, but this did not feel like it.
"How did I end up becoming easy to read?" Robin muses out loud before looking at Tiki. "You're right. I do have a plan, but I don't like it. It mainly revolves around you, Tiki." Chrom, Say'ri and Lucina turn to look at Tiki as her eyes widen in surprise. "It would involve us using the fact that you are the mouth of Naga to cause those who are wavering to flee and leave the fort either defenceless or vastly understaffed. At the same time, we send two contingents of our forces, both numbering a hundred thousand, to the north and south to delay, defeat, or force the Northern and Southern forces away from the Fort. The reason I don't like it is due to it putting you in danger and that it abuses your status."
"I appreciate the thought, Robin." Tiki says with a smile. "But I already made the choice to fight. So I will be in danger regardless. And besides, I was a warrior before I became a symbol, and if my presence can lead to the loss of fewer lives, then so be it."
"The voice has spoken, Sir Robin." Say'ri comments. "Would you be so cruel to deny her wish? And besides, as you said, many of the Valmese are as fearful of Lady Tiki as they are of Walhart. If this would lead us down a path of less bloodshed, we should take it." Robin glances around, eyes connecting with all as he goes over the plans in his head. Before he could make a decision, the drape covering the entrance to the tent is opened.
"Roxas's group has just gotten back." Terra reports from outside. "And they brought with them another time traveller." Lucina's eyes lighten up at the news. Ever since they found Owain, she had held onto hope that the rest of her comrades had managed to make it, a hope that had grown as they found Inigo, Braidy, Oceania and Caelum.
"And how is it this time?" She asks with a spring in her voice, something that was not unnoticed by those present.
"Cherche and Lon'qu's son, Gerome." Lucina's smile widens as he quickly excused herself from the meeting before leaving the tent. Chrom smiles warmly at the sight before sighing to himself.
"It's rare to see Lucina happy these days, so seeing her light up at this news is always a blessing." He muses before glancing around the room. "Alright, I think we will break here for now. Let's meet up later to hammer out the finer points before we move onto the assault." Say'ri nods at Chrom before leaving the tent without a word, followed by Chrom. Tiki moved towards the tent's flap before stopping and turning back to Robin, still looking over the maps. She didn't know how long she was looking at him until he called out to her.
"Is something wrong, Tiki? You've been staring at me for quite a while now." Tiki shakes her head as a faint blush adorns her cheeks before looking back at Robin.
"I'm sorry, Robin. I did not mean to stare. You remind me of Marth so much that I could not help myself."
"Me? Remind you of Marth?" Robin asks while scratching the back of his head. "I'm flattered you think of me so, but wouldn't Chrom resemble him more? They are related, after all."
"True, Chrom is related to Marth by blood and may resemble him in some way in appearance, but Chrom is not Marth. Instead, Chrom is more direct and committed to what he believes in. And while Chrom is kind and wise, Marth was even more so. Just like you."
"So, it was my soul you were referring to." Robin realises with a hand on his chin. "I don't really know what to say…." Robin felt speechless at Tiki's comparison, but that only led him to wonder about the rest of the Shepherds. Did any of them remind Tiki of her old friends? Or how about the Guardians? It was something to ask. But as he turned his gaze back to her, he found Tiki staring at him, her eyes filled with nostalgia and longing? "Erm, Tiki?"
"Hm? What is it, Mar-Mar?" Tiki asks subconsciously, seemingly in a daze. Robin raises an eyebrow at the nickname as Tiki seems to snap awake, a blush forming on her cheeks as she looks away shyly. Not exactly what one would think of from someone as powerfully as Tiki, but then again, looks can be deceiving. "Forgive me Robin! I had a habit of calling Marth by that name, as I said when I first saw Lucina. It is in the same vein that I called Yen Sid Yen-Yen. I'm sorry that it slipped out. I must have forgotten what year I was in." She chuckles awkwardly. Robin waves his hand, mentioning that it was fine before Tiki quickly excused herself from the tent, commenting that Nowi wanted to speak with her. Robin nods with a smile as she leaves before turning his attention back to the plans before him, his face morphing into one of concentration.
Though, I have to admit. I kind of liked the attention…
"Why did you bring me into this again?" Gerome asks in annoyance. "You know I have nothing to say."
"Come now! It has been many moons since we last talked! Is that not reason enough?" Owain asks while putting an arm around him. Gerome groans angrily before pushing him off and sending him to the floor while Oceania giggles at them.
"Gerome! It's good to see you again!" Lucina's voice echoes behind them as the future princess runs up to them, a rare smile on her face. Gerome returns it with a rare smile of his own before fading back into his persona. "It makes me happy to see more of you every day. I only wish we were all here to celebrate."
"About that, do you know where anyone else is?" Caelum asks with his arms crossed. "We told you that Gaia and Akeru are down in the south, while Honō was seen west of the Fort."
"I'm sorry, but apart from you, all I have met was Kitai. And that was before I joined father and the others in Plegia." Lucania sighs sadly before turning her gaze to the others. "But we can worry about the others later. For now, we need to turn our attention to Valm. Gerome, did you have any interactions with the Resistance when you were in the Valley?" Gerome shakes his head while crossing his arms, and a frown fixed on his face.
"Wait, back up a second." Oceania interjects with hands raised. "But when we met the Resistance members at the Warren, they said they had sent some men to the valley after the group there were wiped out. Did you not see anyone pass through?"
"No. The only ones I saw pass through was that of our parents. No one else came to the valley." Gerome replies, his frown turning thoughtful.
"What gives? They promise to send help to the warren and valley but send nothing? Just like how they left me out to dry at the temple and sent Inigo off to the top alone? What the hell is the Resistance thinking?" Brady asks in frustration.
"It does make little sense. After all, the Resistance has been united, so why are they not doing anything? Could they be waiting for us to weaken Walhart before revealing their hand?" Inigo scratches his chin as he ponders, eyes wandering. But while the group talked about the Resistance, Owain had another matter.
"I fear a dark cloud is upon us. Forces beyond our sight hamper our movement. I fear a dreaded fate is fast approaching." The group look at Owain, his face severe and rigid. Lucina looks at the group as she cups her chin, her thoughts racing at Owain's comments before her eyes widen in alarm.
"Owain, surely you can't mean…." She leaves the question unsaid, as Owain's face told her his answer. "By Naga, I thought we would have more time! But if that event is approaching, then…." Lucina's eyes begin to wander as she grips her right elbow tighter.
"Lucina, calm down." Caelum interjects, placing a calming hand on her shoulder. "We don't know that for certain. It could be coming, or it could still be years away. But if it is, we will have to act to prevent it. You managed to save Emmeryn from fate once, and yes, fate did claim her eventually. But we have the power to change it! Even if we have to say it to his face." Lucina looks at him before taking a deep breath, calming her nerves.
"You are right. We cannot act rashly. Until we know for sure, we keep quiet about it. As much as I want to tell Robin about it, there are no guarantees that it will play out like it did in our timeline." She glances at her friends, her face hardening. "We came here to defy fate, and so we shall." The sound of the door opening broke the group from their discussion as a Ylissean Soldier entered the room.
"Forgive my entrance, but we are beginning the assault on the fort. Lord Chrom and Sir Robin request for you to join them."
"Thank you for letting us know. We shall join them soon." Lucina replies with a bow before turning to the others. "It's now or never." They nod at her before following her out of the room, hoping in their hearts that the dark feeling is only their nerves jumping at shadows.
"Still, I can't help but have a bad feeling about this." Oceania whispers to herself.
The sun rose early on the Valmese Fort, its wall tall and numerous, with a smaller wall jutting out around its base. Along its wall stands the Valmese defenders, their numbers easily under fifty thousand strong. And they were in the middle of changing the guards. They had kept a constant vigil since the Mila Tree had fallen and Tiki was freed. But despite that, it was beginning to look like the start of another dull day. Until one of the sentries spotted movement on the horizon. From the large plumes of dust forming on the plains, the Ylissean League, now missing half its force, marched upon the Fort, the plain filled with the sparkle of Feroxi armoured knights and warriors, as Ylissean soldiers, cavaliers, and mages walked beside them. In the sky, Ylissean Pegasus knights filled the air.
Alarms blared across the walls as men rushed to their positions, archers lining the walls as mages stood beside them. But soon, a flash of light erupted from the front of the Ylissean lines as a brilliant white Manakete with emerald wings flew towards them at great speed, a smaller yellow Manakete, a Falcon Knight, two Dark Flyers, A Wyvern Lord and Rider accompanying her. The soldiers on the wall could feel a pit forming in their stomachs as the dragon hovered before them, a roar echoing from her mouth before she spoke in a deafening voice.
"I am Tiki. Voice of Naga, the Divine Dragon. Soldiers of Valm, if you value your life, you will leave this place and surrender your arms. But if you choose to fight, know that I will show no mercy to any of you!" Finishing her speech, Tiki unleashed a fireball of light at the Fort's gate, shattering it as a large portion of the Valmese defenders turned and ran, their reverence of Tiki greater than that of Walhart. But not all turn at the sight of Tiki.
Those who stayed let loose with their arrows and magic, their attacks forcing Tiki back to avoid the blows as the Ylissean League charged. While Tiki's words were adequate, many guards still lined the walls, projectiles raining from above into the League. But while the Valmese kept their eyes on the army, they failed to notice the Shepherds break through the destroyed gate of the Fort un noticed.
"Alright, we are in. What's next, Robin?" Sora asks as the Shepherds group up while throwing a worried gaze out the ruined door. Don't do anything reckless, sis.
"We split up, find the leader and take her down. Without their commander, the Valmese will flee, and the fort will be ours. But we must be quick." Robin replies before glancing around the group, standing near a foot of stairs.
"We will split into three groups as usual. Chrom, you and I, along with Lucina, Sora, Kairi, Caelum, Oceania, Say'ri, Lea, Terra, Aqua, Ventus, Isa and Libra, will head up these stairs and go straight for the central hall. Riku, you will take Frederick, Stahl, Sully, Lissa, Owain, Kellam, Donnel, Panne, Maribelle, Braidy, Henry, and Anna will strike at the treasury. We might be able to find one of the Gemstones there." Robin points down the hallway on their right before turning to Virion. "Virion, you take the others and head up to the ramparts. Take out as much of their ranged support as possible and make it easier for Sumia and the others outside."
"It shall be done." Virion replies before dashing up a flight of stairs with his group, Roxas leaving his horse behind. Riku nods at Robin before he motions his group down the hallway as Chrom leads the rest up the main stairwell.
Outside, the Ylissean League moved to surround the Fort, while Tiki led the flyers around to find a way in for them. Unfortunately, the Forts roof had been designed with aerial attacks in mind. Combined with the remaining archers and mages along the wall, any attempt to get closer would be dangerous. But that was not the only problem.
"Wyvern Riders, to the south!" Gerome calls to the others. Much to their annoyance, a group of Wyvern Riders had remained behind to assist their brethren, much to the pain of Tiki and the others. However, it was not helped with them staying within the protective range of the fort defenders, forcing the Shepherd flyers on the defensive.
"Come on! Stop hiding and fight us like adults!" Nowi cries in annoyance as she dodges another blast of lightning. Cordelia and Xion retaliate with their own magic, but much to their pain, two clerics with barrier staffs, block their strikes.
"My, my. They are being really naughty. Hiding behind a barrier. Do you see a way we can break through Tiki?" Cherche asks as she nimbly dodges another arrow. Tiki retaliates with a blast of holy fire at the perpetrator before glancing around.
"I fear not. The roofs are made of stone. So while it would be child's play for me, I fear I could bring the roof down on Chrom and the others if I am not careful. And I would rather not risk it."
"We can't just stay here. Chrom and the others need us!" Sumia cries, not noticing a Valmese mage blast wind magic at her from below. Fortunately, a blast of water from Xion broke through the spell before dousing the mage, just as Cordelia launched a blast of lightning at him.
"Sumia, I know you are worried about Chrom! I'm worried as well about Riku. But you have to keep your focus! What would he say if he found out you got knocked off your mount from this height?" As several more arrows zipped past them, Xion's words snapped Sumia back to reality. A few seconds later, a ball of holy fire from Nowi engulfed the Valmese archers.
"Sorry, Xion, but I can't help it. How can we help the others if we are trapped out here! It's like when we took on that bandit camp!" Sumia quips before using her staff to remove their exhaustion. Xion had to admit that the situation was the same as then, ignoring the outside interference. Just as the flyers began to think of a different route, an explosion of fire and light erupted from one of the doors in the wall. No sooner had the smoke cleared than Lon'qu and Gaius were already dashing into the exposed flank of the Valmese, with Virion and Roxas close behind them.
While Virion was firing on them with his bow, Roxas had instead chosen to charge into the Valmese, Oblivion grasped in his left hand as he unleashed a Sonic Blade upon them. Not long after, Olivia and Inigo appear on the rampart, sowing further confusion amongst the ranks as Miriel, Ricken, Vaike, and Naminé join Virion. At the same time, Gregor and Tharja move to support Lon'qu and Gaius as several Armoured Knights enter the bout.
However, with the reduction in ranged firepower, Tiki and the flyers swooped down to join their comrades in securing the wall, the Valmese Wyvern Riders finding themselves forced back as Virion, Roxas and Gaius unleashed arrows upon them from below.
"Is everyone doing okay? No wounds or anything?" Naminé asks as Sumia and the flyers touch down around them, Tiki and Nowi reverting to their humanoid forms. Cordelia shakes her head, saying they are fine, besides a few nicks from a couple of arrows but nothing serious. "That's good to hear. Chrom heads for the central hall to take out their commander, while Riku leads a group to the treasury. Robin is hoping that a Gemstone is being held there. Hopefully."
"Either way, I think it's safe to say this fort is ours. Should give us a good place to hold up in." Roxas comments while gazing around. The Ylissean League was storming onto the abandoned walls as Pegasus Riders flew high above. The fight was all but won.
"Oh! Gregor can see army coming from south! Must have beaten Yen'fay army, yes?" Gregor points out as an army appears on the plains.
"How can that be? We had only begun the battle today. Even if they won, it should take them until tomorrow to appear, so how?" Cordelia asks, perplexed. They had sent the forces to the north and south days ago and, by Robin's estimate, should be in battle with Walhart's troops by now.
"So, the Resistance has finally decided to join us." Gerome comments offhandedly, unimpressed at the speed. While the group looked at each other with relieved looks, Inigo and Roxas couldn't help but look at the approaching force with raised eyes. Something about this was wrong.
"We should be nearing the main hall soon. Everyone be on your guard." Say'ri cautions as the group enter a large corridor. Some could not help but glance at the smaller passages surrounding the room as they marched towards the large doors at the end. It was a feeling that the three future children seemed to pick up on as they slowly drew their weapons. Before anyone could ask, muffled sounds from below caught their ears.
"Looks like we have ourselves a welcome party heading our way." Lea quips as he draws Flame Liberator.
"Alright, circle formation. Aqua, you and I will stay in the middle. Everyone else around." Robin whispers to the group. Then, as silent as possible, they move into formation and await the coming Valmese troops. Soon, the sounds of footsteps echoing from the side passageways grow loud before, much to their surprise, members of the Resistance appear from the passages and enter the room, much to the group's shock.
"Wait, when did the Resistance enter the Fort?" Oceania asks quietly as she glances at her brother. "I don't remember any messages from them talking about this." Caelum doesn't reply, only narrowing his eyes at their 'allies' in suspicion. Say'ri herself, confused at their sudden arrival, steps forward.
"My friends, how have you managed to enter the fort without our knowledge?" she asks carefully. Lea glances around, his eyes darting around the room before landing on a myrmidon, a grim look plastered on his face as his hand slowly goes for his sword. Lea's eyes widen slightly before narrowing in anger, before jumping to Say'ri's side as the myrmidon dashes towards her. However, the rebel stood no chance as Lea's sword cleaved through both his sword and his chest before he hurriedly pulled Say'ri back to the group.
At that moment, the 'Resistance' members drew their weapons and attacked the group; some were shocked at the sudden betrayal before returning their gaze to their assailants. But, unknown to all, a particular individual glared from above as tiny wisps of darkness clung to his frame.
"Oooh, isn't this just delicious! Such a sweet Rebellion reunion! So long as they remember their promise, I will let them do whatever they want. It's not like I would keep my end regardless." Excellus chuckles to himself before leaving via a dark corridor. "I should really thank Maleficent for these gifts, but then again, she does not even know that I took these anyway! Soon, very soon, I will be the ruler of this world. Not Walhart, not Maleficent, not Grima, ME!"
"What is going on!?" Roxas yells as a Resistance Pegasus knight dives down towards them. Letting an arrow lose, he hits the wing of the Pegasus Knight, sending both riders and mount tumbling to the ground. "I thought the Resistance was on our side!"
"It would seem they have had a change of dance partners, but why now is anyone's guess!" Inigo calls back as he knocks down a siege ladder. "I think it's time we left the stage."
"Agreed. We will not last long in this position. Retreat to the upper wall!" Tiki calls as she blasts a ball of fire at the Resistance fighters, forcing them back. Admittedly, it was not hard to fend them off despite the suddenness of the attack. They seemed to be fighting half-heartedly at best, even if they still aimed to kill. As Roxas used Flowmotion to get himself and Naminé to a higher level, Tiki and the flyers took the rest of the group with them as the former Resistance began to surround the fort.
"Well, we got out of that pickle, but now what. We're the ones trapped now." Gaius comments while gazing around.
"For now, we keep watch until we get word from Chrom that the commander is down. I can only hope he is having better luck than us." Roxas replies. "I'm more curious as to how this happened anyway…."
"I wish I could tell you." Inigo replies with a betrayed look. "There was never any hint at the Resistance turning traitor on us at any point."
"'Never' you say?" Gerome interrupts. "I say there were some hints when looking back on old events in a new light. Tell me, Inigo, even though the Resistance gave you the task of the northern fort, did they send anyone to help?" At Inigo shake, Gerome continued. "Did they also not promise to send aid to Brady and the warren where Caelum and Oceania were located? Or the quest they gave Owain? Looking back on it now, it is clear that the Resistance aimed to betray us from the start."
"But why?" Naminé asks with a bewildered look. "Why wait until now? They could have done so at the Port, or at the Mila Tree, or any time we split up. So why wait until now to turn on us?" The group look at each other with thoughtful frowns before turning back to the army swarming around the base of the fort, blades glinting in the sun.
"That is something we would all like to know."
"Why?! Why have you betrayed us!?" Say'ri cries while parring a blade from her foe. Her opponent says nothing as he readies himself to strike back before a blast of lightning strikes him in his chest.
"We can wonder why later, Say'ri! Right now, we have a battle to win!" Chrom tells her before using his lance to bat away another Valmese. From the centre of the group, Robin glances around the room, analysing the flow of the Valmese before sighing to himself.
"Chrom! Take Lucina, Say'ri and Lea and take out the leader! The rest of us will stay here!"
"Are you sure that's a good idea? Splitting up in like this?" Lea asks as she strikes down another Valmese. "Not saying I doubt us, but-" A column of water erupting below the Valmese before him interrupted his sentence while Aqua strode up next to him.
"We take out the commander now, or we risk getting overrun. If there are Resistance members inside, then that could only mean they are outside as well." Aqua reprimands before drawing Stormfall. "Now stop worrying about us and get going." Lea begrudgingly agrees, before running from the group with Chrom, Lucina and Say'ri, while Aqua and Robin open a path for them with their spells, leaving them with the remaining Valmese.
"If we fall here today, let it be known it was an honour to fight by your sides." Libra comments while readying his axe.
"No one is dying today, not on my watch." Terra counters before slamming his shield into the ground. "Anyone who wants to get past will have to go through me first!" Letting go of his shield, Terra grasps Chaos Bringer in his left hand while holding the Ends of the Earth in his right. Ventus looks at Terra in surprise at him dual-wielding before looking back at the Resistance soldiers before them.
"When did you start wielding both at the same time Terra?"
"The day he got Chaos Bringer. And don't think he's not the only one." Sora replies while drawing out Ultima Weapon with his left hand. "I'm not holding back anymore. Unless you guys don't want to fight, I'd suggest you leave now!" Some members look between each other before fading away into the passages, but around thirty remain, determined to end them.
"Well, you gave them the chance, dad." Oceania quips. Sora shrugs at his future daughter with a sheepish look before turning back to their foes. She takes a moment to glance behind them at the entrance to the main hall, its doors slightly ajar. Don't take too long, Lucy. Our worse fears may be coming true.
"The commander is just beyond those doors!" Say'ri cries as they run down an elegant corridor. "As a reminder, she is a notorious Valkyrie, and she is known to have two War Clerics with her at all times."
"Then we shall deal with those first! Everyone get ready!" Chrom yells before he and Lucina bash the doors down. The doors had barely touched the ground when the group entered the room. And waiting at the far end, flanked by two War Clerics and two Berserkers, was Pheros, sitting atop her horse with a bemused expression.
"Sending such a small force to strike me down? Either you are foolhardy, or you are underestimating me." She comments, her gaze falling up on Chrom before lighting up in recognition. "Ah, if it is not Lord Chrom. I once followed your exalted sister, you know." Her comment catches the group by surprise. "I had even made the pilgrimage to Ylisstol many years ago to hear her speak."
"And yet here you are, abandoning your faith to help a mad man ravage a continent. What do you gain for helping a tyrant, let alone willingly follow one?" Chrom counters, Falchion drawn. Say'ri, Lucina and Lea follow suit as the warriors with Pheros ready their axes.
"Thinking plays no part in my decision. A great leader takes hold of the heart with words and deeds, not the heart." Lea bristles at the mention of heart, only noticed by Say'ri. "Your sister possessed the same qualities as that of Walhart, but I find a greater purpose in him."
"And what of my countrymen? Do they willing follow you, or have you forced them to side with you?" Say'ri challenges. Pheros looks at her with bewilderment before her eyes light up in acknowledgement.
"Ah, you speak of the Resistance members who have turned their blades against you? I shall speak plainly that such was not my decision. I do not delve into such brutish and underhand tactics. But I suppose what I say matters little."
"Matters littles?" Say'ri replies, anger growing in her voice. Lea places a hand on her shoulder, soothing her just. Say'ri trades a thankful glance, her anger dissipating but remaining.
"Our talk is over. You have come for my head, have you not? Then come and claim it if you can! Raise your blades!" Pheros suddenly cries before unleashing a gout of flame at the group, separating them into twos. A Berserker and War Cleric charge at both groups but soon find themselves caught off guard when Chrom and Lucina unleash a Sonic Blade on them, while Say'ri unleashes Astra on a Berserker. For the last War Cleric, she tried to cleave Lea in half, only to find her own axe cleaved by Flame Liberator, before Lea 'liberated' her of her life. "Impressive, but you will find I am not so easily fell!" Pheros sneers at the four before unleashing more bouts of flame at them, forcing them back.
"We can't get close to her!" Lucina cries while ducking under another jet of flame. "And here I thought fighting Risen Wyverns was bad enough…." Chrom chuckles at his daughter's comment before jumping away from another burst of flame himself, his cape partly singed by the blast. While the two took cover behind a pillar, Lea and Say'ri ducked behind a stone monument as flames licked around them.
"Fie! I can feel the heat licking my legs." Say'ri says as she looks at the pieces of cloth around her legs, scorch marks present. "Unless we find a way to get in close, she will roast us alive."
"Well, fire is my speciality, but I don't think even I can survive her flames." Of course, it would be different if I were still a Nobody. Lea glances around the monument to see Pharos in the centre of the room, the book glowing red as flames dance around her hands. So long as she has that book, we will get fried. At least… as long as she HAS it anyway… A grin forms on Lea's face as he turns back to Say'ri. "I've got a plan, but I need you to trust me."
"What do you have in mind, Lea?" Say'ri asks, staring into his eyes. Lea fights down a blush from the sight of her. Flames whip around them as Pharos unleashes another blast of flame around her, startling the two as they bunch close together.
"Alright, here it is." Lea begins, not bothered by Say'ri's proximity. "I'll use my bow to nock her book out of her lap and remove her of her spells. Then, while I'm doing that, you sprint up to her and finish her off."
"Will I not be at risk of being eaten by her flames?" Say'ri asks eyes with worry.
She has a point, but… Sheathing Flame Liberator, Lea places an arm around Say'ri, her face red as the flames. "Not with me and my bow. I've got your back, and you won't get turned into ash. Got it memorized?" Say'ri smiles before returning a one-arm hug on Lea, much to his embarrassment.
"Got it memorized." She says back to him before letting go. "On my mark." Lea smirks at her, not deciding to point out that it was his plan while drawing Eternal Flames from his back. With a silent nod, Say'ri dashes from their pot and charges at Pharos, who spots her as she readies another ball of fire in her hand.
"A frontal charge. You are either brave or foolish, traitor!" Pharos cries as she readies her spell. But just as she was about to launch it, a flaming arrow flew towards her, hitting her horse in the neck and causing it to buckle beneath her. Thrown from her horse, Pharos realises in horror that her book had been tossed away from her as she scrambles to her feet. By the time she stood, Say'ri's blade had pierced her chest. She could only stare in shock as Say'ri silently removed her blade as Chrom, Lucina, and Lea moved to join her, as blood dripped from her mouth.
"Well done…" She says weakly, no malice in her voice. "You have defeated me… I may not live…to see Walhart unify us all… But I have seen it… in my dreams…." Her strength fails as she falls to the ground, lifeless. The four sigh wearily as footsteps sound behind them as Sora, Kairi, Caelum, Oceania, and Robin enter the room.
"Is it over?" Caelum asks as the four approach them. Chrom nods before motioning to Pharos. "Well, that is one piece of good news. I wish we could say the same for the rest."
"We just linked up with Roxas's and Sumia's group. Unfortunately, the Resistance has surrounded us outside the fort." Kairi adds with a frown on her face. "Basilio and Flavia are calling for an emergency meeting with all of us to plan our next move."
"And so we shall. Let us meet in the central hall. Hopefully, Riku's group has had better luck than us." Chrom replies with tiredness in his voice. While Chrom led the group back to the central hall, Lucina, Caelum, and Oceania stayed behind with frowns.
"What do you two think?" Lucina whispers to the twins. "Do you think…"
"It's still too early to tell, but that feeling I had before has only worsened." Oceania mutters with dread in her voice. "I can only hope my feeling is wrong."
"Words cannot begin to describe my shame. My regret at our current predicament." Say'ri states, surrounded by the Shepherds. "They have finally united, but they stand against us…."
"It's not your fault." Lea interrupts, much to everyone's shock, bar Isa. "It's not like you could have known why they turned on us. Heck, Not even Inigo and the kids working with them know why they changed sides. All that matters is breaking out and linking up with our other two main forces. Besides, I'm sure they are hurting over losing the treasury in this place to us."
"About that, we have some bad news, unfortunately." Riku interrupts with a sour look. "There was nothing there. By the time we got to the vault, all the chests had been empty. Nothing was left."
"On top of that, we found evidence that one of the Gemstones WAS held here, but it's long gone now." Anna adds with a pouting look. "There were some papers detailing how Vert was originally here but that it was moved to the capital about a year ago."
"Damn it. It would have been nice to have another one of the stones already, but beggars can't be choosers." Chrom mutters to those around him. Then, suddenly, Frederick bursts into the room. Panic was written on his face.
"My lord! We just received… word from our northern… and southern forces! They have been defeated!" Frederick yells as he gasps for air as Panne rubs his back. Gasps echoed around the room at the news. Both forces numbered around a hundred thousand strong! For them to be defeated could only mean Walhart's forces were larger than they believed. Or had better arms. "It is worse, I fear. As of now, both armies are marching toward us. They shall be upon us soon."
"They will be if we stay here." Robin interjects with uncertainty in his voice. "According to Roxas and the others, the Resistance outside is only fighting us half-heartedly. They will ignore us if we can break out from their weakest point. Once we escape, we will then have to defeat either Walhart OR Yen'fay's forces before they join together. For once they do, it will be all over."
"But how can we do that?" Sora asks with arms crossed. "If we attack one of them, there is a chance the other will hit us from behind. If that happens, we are good as done. Unless…" Sora's eyes widen as he looks at Robin, his face grimacing. "You mean for us to attack both at the same time?"
"But that's crazy!" Naminé cries out. "We are already down to a third of our starting force, and you want to divide it in half?"
"No, not in half." Robin interjects, yet the pain is still evident on his face. "I'm suggesting we send a smaller force to distract and delay the second army while we defeat the first army." Everyone could see the disgust and pain on Robin's face. This was not something he would choose if given any other option, and yet he had no choice—a plan to spend the lives of the few, to save the lives of the many.
"In that case, I'll lead the diversionary force." Basilio announces with his arms crossed. "Aint no one better at the task than me." While most around the room traded looks of thought, no one noticed the looks of shock on the face of the kids except for Gerome. Nodding to each other, they move before standing between Basilio and the door, shocking everyone.
"Stop, Basilio!" Lucina cries, determination in her eyes.
"You can't go into this fight! It's a death sentence!" Oceania exclaims in anger. Basilio looks between them all with his single eye before sighing in annoyance.
"You kids sure do have a strange way of saying goodbye. Alright, so who is it? Who kills me? Walhart?" Basilio asks with hands on his hips. The kids look between each other, contemplating.
"Not just him." Inigo replies, face stern. "It was said that Maleficent was there was well."
"WHAT!?" The Guardians yell in anger. The kids look at them before nodding sadly.
"Yeah, that was the story that was told to us. So can't you see old-timer! This is a death sentence you're walking into!" Brady yells as he slams his staff into the floor. Basilio looks between them, his eye judging before he lets out a breath.
"I see. That's all I needed to know. Thanks' kids. I'll keep an eye out."
"You still plan on going? Even though you know that it will lead to your death?" Gerome asks, dumbfounded at Basilio's stubbornness.
"Aye, that I am. It's like you kids said. I die when I go up against those two, so I'll just avoid them like the plague. I didn't get this old without some planning, you know." He cracks a smile at them, yet their fears don't melt away.
"How can you be certain you will! It's only you against possibly the strongest person in Valm and a witch with powerful magic!" Owain asks in disbelief, his usual flair vanishing in a rare case.
"That's because he won't be alone, love. I'll keep an eye on him." Flavia states as she walks up to them with a confident smile. "You said this happened because he was by himself, yes? Well, he won't be, not while I'm around."
"You mean us." The two Khans turn in surprise as Riku and Terra walk up with determination on their faces. "If Maleficent really is there, then you will need us to help. And Terra should also help against Walhart."
"Riku! What are you doing!?" Xion asks in shock, only to be met by Riku's calm gaze.
"Don't worry, and we won't do anything rash. We'll make sure Basilio gets out of this alive, don't you worry." He envelops her in a hug before kissing her on the cheek. "I'll be back, I promise." Xion says nothing as she recuperates the hug as Sora walks up to him.
"You better come back, Riku. The last thing I want is to see my sister heartbroken." He says half-jokingly, half-serious. Riku replies with a smirk before returning a high-five with Sora, separating from Xion.
"Are you really sure about this, Terra?" Aqua asks with worry. "If anything happened to you, I…." She pauses before looking at him with warm eyes. "I don't want Kitai to grow up without a father." Terra smiles warmly before hugging Aqua gently.
"Don't worry; I'm not planning on dying anytime soon. I will return." He looks at Ven with a stern gaze while his eyes hide a sadness behind them. "Keep an eye out for Aqua for me, okay, buddy?"
"You go it, Terra." Terra smiles before separating from Aqua and joining Basilio, Flavia and Riku as they leave the room. Before they leave, Basilio turns to the kids with a determined look, a fire blazing behind his eye.
"Don't you put any stake into this 'destiny' hogwash. If your future wants me dead, it can kiss my big brow Feroxi arse! I fully intend to outlive all of you young ones!" Turning around, he lets out a hearty laugh as he leaves the room, as the rest of the Shepherds plan their next move.