Sorry that it took so long for this one! Some parts were hard to write. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter Text
Chapter 21: The Sword or the Knee
Excellus could not believe the news he was being told. Walhart, the Conqueror, to whom no man could topple, had been defeated. On one hand, he could not be any happier. The fact he had been beaten gave hope that his plan to usurp him would happen and would lead him to rule over the world once it had been conquered. But that was secondary to what he was really thinking at this moment.
"How could the Conqueror be conquered!?" He cries in genuine shock and surprise at the messenger. "He's insurmountable! Incontestable! Invincible! And other words that begin with 'I'!" The shock plastered on his face soon morphed into fear as his mind raced. How could this have happened!? Even for that brute who relies on pure strength, NO FOE has ever stopped him! But if that's the case, and with the ships in the port sunk by those pirates, we are stuck inside the castle! And if Walhart has his way-! With sweat falling down his forehead, Excellus turns and runs out of the room, determined to leave. But he was soon blocked by the familiar red armour of Walhart, standing unmovingly in the hallway with an unimpressed look on his face.
"Going somewhere, tactician?" he asks with a sigh of mockery. Excellus shrinks under his gaze as a sudden coldness runs down his spine.
"M-M-Master Walhart! I was just on my way to see that you were unharmed!" Excellus stammers out. Walhart huffs at him with indifference before turning his gaze to a window.
"Gather all remaining soldiers in the castle. We will put an end to this foolhardy display here. And that includes you and Cervantes as well, Excellus." Walhart orders. Excellus could only nod like a dutiful minion, lest he suffered the same fate that many had under his blade.
"Of course, my master... I fear that we have no remaining cavalry, but there is a way for us to win this. If we could wait for a few more days, the dynasts from the south will arrive at their rear. With them, we will squash them like a bug on an anvil with a hammer, with you being the hammer, of course." Walhart glances at Excellus with his closed eyes, making no sound. But when he did speak, it was full of irritation.
"Have you seen the battlefield, worm? I suppose not, considering your lack of knowledge." Walhart says, insulting Excellus. "Take your snake head from whatever dark pit you have it lodged and gaze outside. If you're might intellect can understand what has happened, I am sure you can see your plan has fallen before it has even started. That is, if you even have half the brain as that Ylissean Tactician."
Excellus could only look at Walhart in confusion while hiding his building wrath. What did he mean by that? The answer soon arrived with a messenger from the Last Bastion running towards them, his breath rasping.
"The…The southern dynasts! They are making ready to besiege the Last Bastion! We are surrounded on all sides!"
But that's…That's impossible! "But we had an agreement! Just like I had…with…" Excellus words die in his throat as his skin turns as white as a sheet. Did… Did they somehow find out about Yen'fay? But how!? The sudden grasping of an armoured gauntlet on his shoulder shook him from his thoughts as Walhart began dragging him toward the throne room.
"Now, we have a council to attend."
"This…boggles the mind…" Say'ri speaks softly as the Dynastic army rushes forward, waving the banners of not only the Resistance, but of Ylisse as well. Some were even pulling along what looked to be siege equipment, catapults, towers and even a crudely built ram. Around her, Lea, Robin, Tiki, Chrom, Sora, Kairi, Aqua, Oceania and Lucina stood in amazement at the sight around them.
"Do you recognise them, Say'ri?" Aqua asks, her hand reaching for a tome. Say'ri nods dumbly as the Dynasts begin their attack on the walls behind them.
"They are from the south lands. We had believed they had betrayed us for the empire. At least, that's how it was until now."
"Maybe they couldn't act before because that had a sword hanging over their heads like Yen'fay?" Lea asks with a shrug.
"That may be possible." Robin says with a hand on his chin. "We did find out that Yen'fay was being forced to work for Walhart because of Excellus. The same could be said of these Dynasts until now. And I think we all know who it was that gave them that push…." They turned to look at Say'ri, who had closed her eyes with a pained smile as Lea gave her a one-arm hug.
"It is imperative that the sacrifices made till now not be in vain." Tiki says with determination. "It is time we ended Walhart and freed the people of Valm."
"I agree. It's time we ended this war." Chrom agrees before turning to Frederick. "Frederick, help the Dynasts bring that ram to the gate. The sooner we break through, the sooner we can rush to the castle." Frederick nodded his head dutifully, but before he could give the order, the sudden creaking of metal alerted them to the opening of the gate.
"Another attack?" Oceania asks as she draws her sword.
"It would seem that Walhart is not letting us take the field so easily." Lucina replies as she draws Falchion. The others draw their weapons in turn, anticipating a sudden cavalry charge. But to their surprise, only one person came out, holding his shoulder as blood dripped down.
"Ouf. I tell ya, opening a door like dat is not easy with an injured arm." Pete says with a grimace as he walks forward. He blinks as his eyes adjust to the sun before seeing the Shepherds and Guardians around him, weapons drawn. Smiling awkwardly, he gives them a slight wave. "Heya…"
"Pete!? What are you doing?" Sora asks with surprise. "Don't tell me you think you can take us all on by yourself?" To their surprise, Pete shakes his head, wincing a bit before looking at his injured arm.
"I couldn't take ya on even if I wanted to." Pete replies. "In fact, I don't wanna anymore. I'm switching sides." The Guardians look at each other with surprised looks.
"Are you telling us the truth?" Ven asks suspiciously. After everything he pulled back in Disney Town and joined with Maleficent, it seemed unlikely he would turn over a new leaf. But seeing Pete nod his head, Ven couldn't help but wonder. "But why? Aren't you Maleficent's minion?"
"I was until I saw what he did to ya friends." Pete replies. "I ain't wanting that to happen to me, and to be honest, I've missed seeing my son, P.J…".
"Pete has a son?" Kairi whispers to Sora, who shrugs. That was something they had not been told by Donald, Goofy or Mickey. But before Kairi's curiosity got the better of her, her eyes widened at Pete's last comment. "Wait, what did Maleficent do to Riku and Terra?" Pete looked at her with what looked to be uneasiness in his eyes, as his whole body seemed to shiver.
"Ohhh, it gives me nightmares just thinking about it. Maleficent did some ritual-thingamajig on them to make them loyal to her. Course, it only works so long they're in the castle. Something about their Darkness not being controllable and their willpower too strong."
"She did what!?" Aqua asks in anger. Pete seemed to shrink under her gaze before she recompiled herself, yet her anger could still be felt.
"Yeah, she used a new staff to do it. Her old one was lost when we got here, so she had a new one made when she joined Walhart. Uses some rare Gemstone on the top. Vert was its name. I think."
"Vert? That is the sacred Gemstone for the Fire Emblem." Tiki remarks before her gaze sadden. "It pains me to see a Gemstone used for evil again. Just like then…"
"Then our goals are clear. We defeat Walhart and Maleficent, free Riku and Terra and reclaim Vert." Chrom says with narrow eyes before looking at Pete. "Will you fight with us? If you are turning a new leaf over, as you said, then you are more than welcome to join us. And I'm sure your former enemies want to see you hold that deal up." He glances at Sora and the others, giving Pete cautious looks.
"Well, it was my intention to do so, but…." He motions to his injured arm, a sword gash bleeding harshly. "I got struck by Walhart's sword when he flung it away in a fury. I was hiding in the shadows, you see, waiting for da right moment to open the gate. He didn't know I was there, but it was close."
"I see. In that case, you will stay under guard while one of our healers tends to you." Chrom says before looking behind him. Without asking, Isa, Braidy, Owain, and Virion walk forward.
"Leave it to us, old man." Braidy says as he brings his staff up. "You guys focus on bringing that old lobster down." Chrom looked at him with an amused look before turning back to the Shepherds just as the League and Dynasts began to flood through the Last Bastion and into the capital. The final battle was at hand.
"Alright, everyone, this is it. Today, we end Walhart's tyranny once and for all. For Valm, Yen'fay, and Basilio!" With a unanimous roar, the Shepherds and Guardians charged into the gate, their target: Valm Castle.
The tension in Walhart's throne room could be cut with a knife. The sudden change in fortunes ever since Yen'fay died had been unprecedented. And now they were being sieged in the very capital! And yet Walhart and Maleficent gave no expression of displeasement. As usual, Cervantes was busy tending to his moustache, but Excellus couldn't help but question his armour change.
Instead of the bulky armour of a general, he had brought out the old Baron armour from the times of Alm and Celica. Slimed down red gauntlets and chest plate with silver edging, yet large shoulder guards with small spikes. Two slim side armours cover the sides of his legs, while two greaves run up to his knees with silver knee guards. A black cape flowed from his back in a similar fashion to one Walhart was now wearing, yet instead of a tattered end, it had a white fur trim.
But Excellus could care less about a fashion change, for his mind was busy on a more pressing matter. "There must be several hundred thousand soldiers out there!" he exclaims in anger as he begins to feel the sweat building on his brow. His squirming only caused Maleficent to chuckle darkly at him.
"Is it not perhaps that it is because they feared Yen'fay far more than you, Excellus? Even though he never spoke, he did carry a certain aura about him, something that you lack. Indeed, you were not but a shadow, hiding behind the aura of a warrior. More specifically, the shadow of a worm."
"A worm, is it?" Excellus asks with indignation as his anger sparks. "Well, this worm has cultivated many a field in secret that even you could not even-"
"You mean how you blackmailed Yen'fay to keep his loyalty?" Walhart asks, unamused. "Or perhaps your correspondence with the Plegian woman…Aversa, was it?" He tilts his head to Maleficent, who nods at him before he sets his gaze back on Excellus. "Or maybe, you are talking about how you planned to use the power of Darkness to usurp me and control the world. And that it was you who spread such knowledge throughout the ranks, even though I had forbidden it. And let us not forget about your designs for the Fire Emblem. You may try to hide things from me, but you failed at every turn."
If Excellus could get any paler, he would be a dusk. He knew the entire time. But how? Why? His gaze fells on the crow on Maleficent's shoulder, giving him a smug look. So that's how…But still… "If…if you knew about all of that…then why…?"
"Why have I not killed you?" Walhart finishes with a particular amusement in his voice. "I had asked myself that many times, and yet found myself arriving at the same answers. You can not harm me, even with your new power. You even have some uses, I will admit. But more than that, it has been amusing to have a court jester of one such as yourself."
"Amuse you?" Excellus asks weekly before the darkness envelopes him like armour, his rage breaking and his anger flaring. "AMUSE YOU!? I AMUSE you, like I'm a jester!? Are you AMUSED now? With a million swords at your door, coming for your head!? You've Lost! Lost, and you are going to DIE! All of you, even you witch! But not me! I want no part of this suicide!" He then throws a hand to his left, summoning to Maleficent's and Cervantes's surprise, a corridor of Darkness. But before he can run through, his hand is separated from his arm by Wolf Berg, snapping Excellus out of his rant as the corridor evaporates.
Kneeling on the ground and clutching at the stump of his hand, the shadow of Walhart loomed over him as tears flew down his face.
"Why, Excellus, did you just volunteer to lead my personal guard against the rebels?" Walhart asks as he picks up his axe and rests it on his shoulder, a hidden fury behind his closed eyes. "Unless you'd rather fight us. Right here. RIGHT NOW." Shaking so hard that his bones could be heard rattling, Excellus shook his head vehemently. Smirking at his sudden change, Walhart walked back to his throne. "Then it's settled, Captain. You'll be in the first line of defence. But don't think you will be going anywhere." He nods to Maleficent, who gives him a bow before sending Diablo into the corridors. Cervantes only gazed at Excellus with disgust as he picked up a silver axe and lance before walking out of the room.
"Do give our guests a warm welcome, worm. Perhaps offer them some of your tea? That is, if you can with one hand." Excellus says nothing as he marches out of the room, his anger burning with fury.
They forget who I am. I could have fried them all where they stood with my magic! Even more so with the powers of Darkness at my command! As he marched down the corridor, Heartless-Risen appeared around him. We WILL crush these rebels! But if Walhart and or Maleficent are sufficiently injured… I might *amuse* them with a spell… And those fools under her control will belong to me! Either way, this worm will wriggle his way out of here alive!
Back in the throne room, Walhart remained seated as Maleficent readied to move to her location with Riku and Terra. "I suppose this will be the last we will see each other, Walhart. It has been a pleasure working with you." She says with a bow.
"I am surprised you are not taking the opportunity to flee, Maleficent. You know that death waits for you here if you stay."
"I can leave whenever I want, but not before I return the humiliation that Sora and his friends have dealt upon me. And in this world, all their magic and powers are sealed away. This is my greatest chance to eliminate them, once and for all." She says with a sneer before walking out of the room. "Besides, I want to see the look on their faces when they see I have their friends under my control again."
Walhart remains silent as she walks out of the room, before he snaps his fingers. Soon, armed soldiers gather round from the shadows, wearing armour that had not been seen since times past. "My warriors, you are the elite. The strongest of all. You are my honour guards. You will stay with me as we crush the rebellion here." He rises from his throne as his horse walks up to him. "Today, we end it all and unite the world under our rule!"
"Don't stop moving until we find Walhart!" Chrom yells as he leads the charge into Valm Castle. Behind him, the Shepherds and Guardians call out in agreement as the remaining Valmese soldiers stand their ground, fighting to their last breath. Chrom couldn't help but admit that their loyalty to Walhart was impressive. They were willing to lay down their own lives so he could live. It reminded him of the Shepherds and his friends. Only he hoped they wouldn't be so readily in willing to give up their lives. Shaking his head free of the thought, he rushes up towards a pair of decorative double doors leading deeper into the castle. Slamming his shoulder into one while Vaike took the other, they burst into the room closely followed by the rest, only to find the red-covered room filled with Darkness.
"Well, well. Finally come, have you?" A familiar and slime voice echoed through the darkness as Excellus made his presence known. Heartless stood around him, their forms mimicking that of the Risen, while a deranged smile was plastered on his face. But it was soon replaced by one of rage. "Don't you know what you have cost me with your meddling? Everything! I had it all planned out to take the throne of Valm for myself, yet YOU all had to mess it up!"
"We're not here to talk to a cowardly worm who hides in the shadows. Where is Walhart?!" Chrom asks as he points Falchion at Excellus. The tactician glances at Chrom before staring at the ceiling with a disgruntled look.
"Oh, the stupid lobster will be in the throne room. But to get to him, you will have to get past not only me, but Cervantes and Maleficent. But, you won't be going there…." He says darkly as the Darkness intensifies around him. "For NONE of YOu will bE leaVINg this Room ALIVE!" And with that declaration, the Darkness engulfs him in a black tornado, extending outwards as it consumes him. Everyone readies themselves, weapons at the ready to fight whatever form he takes, images of Gangrel's form coming to the minds of those who saw him.
Yet when the tornado passed, what was left was, in the Guardian's point of view, underwhelming. Two long deep-red pillars with light red details were planted on the floor, presumably his arms and legs. At the same time, the torso, which had taken on a feminine appearance, had a giant blank screen with similar colouring and details, much to the group's confusion. Behind the floating torso, several smaller cubes floated behind. In addition, it was also very smooth, with no sharp edges or corners. Just simple curves while the Heartless symbol glowed on the chest below the screen. Said screen soon turned on to reveal Excellus face, but now it resembled more, in Sora's opinion, of what the MCP looked like back in Tron's world. Apparently, Excellus did not care about the looks he was getting as he looked over his new form.
"THIS IS JUST WHAT I WANTED! THE POWER TO WIPE OUT THAT DUMB LOBSTER AND STUPID WITCH! AND ONCE I'M DONE WITH THEM, YOU'LL BE NEXT!" He looks on with glee through the screen, only to be confused at the lack of fear from his foes. In fact, the only thing he WAS giving were looks of extreme indifference.
"Is this really his Heartless form?" Ven asks as he looks at Excellus. "He doesn't look scary, and I've seen Heartless that looks much more intimidating than him."
"Tell me about it." Sora agrees, scratching his head. "Even the Guard Armour I fought back when I was fourteen was more intimidating than him." Some of the future children chuckled at Sora's comment, while others gave amused looks. Excellus, however, was not amused.
"W-WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!? DO YOU NOT FEEL FEAR! I AM AT MY MOST POWERFUL! YOU SHOULD BE ON YOUR KNEES!" He yells in anger, with even the Heartless around him giving him looks of exasperation before they themselves decide to leave. However, this didn't go unnoticed by the Guardians, for, in their experience, Heartless don't just 'leave'. But they couldn't worry about them right now. They had a war to end and a future to save.
"Chrom. You go on ahead. I'll deal with Excellus." Robin says as he walks forward, Thunder Tome in hand.
"Robin, are you sure? He won't be easy to defeat, even if his form leaves much to talk about." Chrom replies, although he already knows Robin's answer. A fact confirmed when he saw him nod his head, eyes burning with determination.
"Yes, I am. This, 'person', has dragged the very definition, the very pride, of being a tactician through the mud. I'm going to show him what a REAL tactician is!" To show his point, he draws his Levin sword from its sheath, lightning crackling around him. Chrom was ready to talk him out, but the steel in Robin's eyes killed any argument he had prepared. Still, he couldn't leave him by himself.
"Not alone, you won't, Robin." Tiki suddenly says as she walks up beside him, her eye filled with equal anger. "This, leach, has caused more pain and death with his wicked schemes. I shall see him brought down for all those he has tormented and coerced!" Looking between the two, Chrom gave an exasperated look before glancing back toward the rest of the Shepherds.
"Well, you heard them. Let's move, people!" As everyone acknowledged Chrom's order, Excellus whined at being ignored just as a blast of lightning struck him in the face. Disoriented by the surprise attack, he fails to see the Shepherds leaving the room as Robin and Tiki stay behind, the latter reading her Dragon Stone.
"OW! ATTACKING SOMEONE WHILE THEY ARE SPEAKING!? AND YOU CALL YOURSELF A TACTITION!" Excellus yells before the small cubes around him launch balls of fire toward the two. They quickly move out of the way of the slow attack as Robin unleashes another blast of lightning at Excellus, striking him in the chest. Infuriated by the attack, Excellus brings up one of his legs before slamming it down towards Robin, intent on turning the tactician of Ylisse into a pancake.
Fortunately, Robin's dexterity was much higher than Excellus liked as he calmly rolled out of the way of the strike. As Excellus prepared to unleash more fire on Robin, a blast of light from behind almost sent him tumbling to the ground. Swirling his floating body around, his eye enlarged in alarm as Tiki, in her dragon form, charged toward him in a tackle.
"GET OFF ME, YOU AGING DRAGON!" Excellus yells as he uses one of his legs to smack Tiki off him, sending her into the wall. Before Excellus could retaliate further, another blast of lightning struck him in his face, courtesy of Robin.
"Don't you dare call her that, you slime ball!" Robin shouts. He looks at Tiki, who flies over him, showing no injury from the attack. "It's time we finished this. Are you with me?"
"Yes, I am. Prepare yourself, Excellus. For this might get unpleasant for you!" Drawing her head back, Tiki began charging up a ball of light within her mouth, just as Robin started to charge energy in his book, the lightning pulsing a coursing a flurry of yellow and blue. Seeing his impending doom, Excellus gathered all of his magic into a single point, generating a ball of fire the size of himself as the cubes around them formed similar-sized balls of their size.
"YOU THINK I'M AFRAID OF THE TWO OF YOU!? DO YOU!? YOU WILL NOT STOP ME HERE! I WILL BE THE RULER OF THIS WORLD! DIE!" With a cry of rage, Excellus released his spell, Bolganone, towards the two, intent on finishing them off. But if he could see past his own attack, he would have noticed the smirk on Robin's face.
Got you. "Time to tip the scales!" he cries before thrusting his right hand forward just as Tiki unleashes her attack. His Thoron combined with Tiki's breath, forming a line of lightning and holy fire, slicing through Excellus attack as though it was not even there. Excellus only had a second to gasp in shock before the attack blasted through his screen of a face and impacted into the wall behind him.
"THIS CAN'T BE!" He cries in agony as his body vanishes into wisps of darkness. Soon, nothing remained of Excellus, as even his cries of agony faded away to nothing. Inhaling deeply, Robin let out a long sigh before looking toward Tiki.
"Are you alright, Tiki? That hit you took looked hard." Tiki smiles warmly at him before shaking her head.
"I am alright. I have had worse ben done to me." She then tilts her head before looking at him with interest in her eye. "Back then, I noticed you had become enraged when Excellus insulted my age." Robin's eyes widened a bit at Tiki's remark. "It has never bothered me when a person mentions my age. It is an undeniable fact that we Manaketes live long lives."
"Well, how do I put this…." Robin says as he glances away. "The way he said that sounded like he was calling you an old woman. Of course, you are certainly not, considering how beautiful you are." Stopping himself from speaking further, Robin looked away as an intense blush began rising as he forcibly resisted the urge to slap his face. Did I REALLY just say that out loud!? Tiki stared at Robin, a blush forming on her face at Robin's comment before a small smile formed on her face.
But before she could say anything, the Heartless-Risen that had left before returned, surrounding the two and blocking their route forward.
"Damn it. Should have figured they would have done this." Robin says as he readies his Levin Sword as Tiki returns to her dragon form. "Only way through to Chrom and the others are through them. Are you ready, Tiki?"
I am Robin. Let us show them why we are not to be underestimated, even without those who wield the Key." Robin smirks at her response before glaring at the Risen closest to him, a General, as it lumbers towards him. Channelling energy into his sword, Robin ducks under the Risen's swing before bringing his sword down upon the Risen, as a stratagem forms within his mind.
"Checkmate."
"Which way now, Chrom? Our main route is blocked." Sora asks as the group stare at what was once the main entrance to the main hall, now blocked with furniture and stone. Chrom sighs in irritation as he glances at the pathways on the left and right, no doubt leading to the throne room but will be in no doubt crawling with Valmese.
"We will split up. Sora, you take the Guardians and go left. I'll take the Shepherds and go right. If you find the throne room, Do. Not. Enter. We will face Walhart together, alright?" With nods all around, the group split into two, with Caelum, Oceania, Akeru and Gaia following the Guardians, while Lucina and the other future children follow Chrom.
It was not long before Chrom's group ran into trouble. As they enter another large hall, allowing their flyers to take to the skies, they find Cervantes standing before them, along with several Valmese men dressed in unique armour.
Two men on either side of Cervantes had katanas on their backs while a decorative flaming ring hung on their backs, circling their heads, covered by a purple hooded shawl and black masks obscuring their lower faces. Two more men stood in front of them, in armour similar to Cervantes's.
Behind him stood an ageing sage, wearing a white robe underneath a red armoured tunic, while a red cape flowed behind him, ending in a woollen end. Standing on his left was a woman dressed in similar-looking cloth but designed for priestesses, while a silver sword hung on her hip. On his right was another woman, wearing what could have been mistaken as a ball gown but shoulderless and with an armoured corset and decorative rings around her arms.
And finally, standing just in front of Cervantes stood a cavalier in golden red armour, putting the armour of a paladin to shame while a silver lance was held in his right hand.
"Well, you took your time, ey wot?" Cervantes comments as he brushes his moustache. "Figured you had no trouble with the worm Excellus. My 'equal', pah."
"Cervantes. Still standing as Walhart's loyal lap dog?" Say'ri asks before pointing Amatsu at him, glaring daggers. "This is your only chance; surrender now and live." Cervantes looks at her in the eyes before reaching for the shield next to him, switching the grip on his lance as he readies for battle.
"You already know my answer, rebel. I will not surrender. I will gladly lay down my life to see you fall." He spins the spear around him with unusual grace as the guards around him ready for battle. "Let's have it then, rebellious scum! Like a flimsy belt around the waist of defeat, you shall buckle here!"
"We don't have time to deal with him…." Chrom mumbles before glancing behind him. "Frederick, take half of the Shepherds and deal with Cervantes. I will take the rest and head for Walhart." Frederick looks at him, an argument ready on his lips. But the look of determination in Chrom's eyes kills any dispute he has prepared.
"Very well, my Lord." Frederick replies before staring at the Gold Knight before them. "Shepherds, with me! Glory for Ylisse!" With that vow, Frederick charged toward the Gold Knight, who counter charged in return. The two Barons on either side charged forward, with the Dread Fighters moving quickly in toe. As Kellam and Panne moved to counter the Barons, Lon'qu and Gaius charged toward the Dread Fighters.
Seeing the fight begin, Cervantes lunged towards Chrom, intent on separating the prince's head from his body, only to find himself blocked by Vaike, his axe pinning his lance to the ground. The Sage and Priestess moved to support Cervantes with magic as the Saint focused on keeping his stamina up. In contrast, Miriel and Henry moved to support Vaike, as Maribell focused her attention on keeping Vaike in fighting form.
While Cordelia, Cherche and Gerome stayed behind to provide aerial support, Chrom took the rest of the Shepherds and rushed past Cervantes, who groaned in frustration at seeing the prince ignore him. "Not thinking I'm worth the bother, am I? I'm wounded."
"Better keep talkin', 'cause Teach is going to MAKE you wounded!" Vaike counters before throwing a punch at Cervantes, landing right in the middle of his moustache. He cries in pain as he stumbles back, dropping his lance before reaching for the axe stored in his shield, the Saint healing his bruised and broken nose.
"I say! That's not sporting at all!" Cervantes bites back before launching at Vaike with an overhead strike. Vaike dodges backwards, the axe's blade scraping against his exposed chest. Giving it a slight rub, Vaike locks his eye with Cervantes, a fire burning behind, as he flexes the grip on his axe.
"You talk a big game, but you're outclassed." Vaike says as his eyes quickly glance around. "These are supposed to be the elite, right? Don't look so to me." Insulted at the remark, Cervantes readied himself to charge before he felt the Saint's healing power wain. Puzzled, he turns around only to see, to his shock, the Saint engulfed in a wall of fire. Glancing forward, he could see Maribelle smirking in satisfaction as she put her fire tome back into its pouch.
"Why you…!" Cervantes mumbles before a cry alerts him to one of the Baron's as he is flung into a wall by Panne. The other Baron was not having a great time either. Kellam was making use of Sonic Blade to dash around the armoured warrior as he slowly turned around to face him. While one of the Dread Fighters was holding his own against Gaius, the other was sorely outclassed by Lon'qu, who calmly and continually dodged his every strike with minimal movement.
Glancing at his mages, he was shocked to see the Sage losing against Henry as he surrounded the Sage with lightning bolts and clouds of darkness. The Priestess had managed to get close to Miriel, but that was when the three fliers swooped in, forcing her to back off lest she gets impaled by Cordelia's spear.
Even the Gold Knight, one of the Elite riders of Valm, could not beat Frederick, the Great Knight using his heavy armour to significant effect, deflecting blows and parrying strikes. Seeing the battle around him, Cervantes knew that he had lost. But still, he was determined to bring at least one of these rebels down with him!
With a roar of defiance, he charges towards Vaike, axe raised and ready to fall. But the Warrior doesn't bother to respond. Dropping his axe so it lands blade first into the floor, he whips out his silver bow before quickly nocking an arrow and letting it fly straight towards Cervantes. By the time he realised what had happened, the arrow had already pieced his right lung.
Gasping for air, he drops his axe and shield as he falls to his knees, as the guards around him finally succumb to the strength of the Shepherds. As his vision fades, he watches as Vaike approaches him, along with the other Shepherds who stayed behind. "So… this is… how it ends…." He says with pain in his voice before collapsing on his back, a pained expression on his face. "But…even so…I have no regrets…I die in the shadow of..greatness…." And with that, the light leaves his eyes as his breathing halts.
"Unshakingly loyal, until the end. He reminds me of myself in a way.…." Frederick remarks as he walks to the dead body, before closing Cervantes's eye's shut. "At least, before all of this happened anyway. There is no point in throwing your life away, no matter how much your loyalty lies."
"While I'm sure what you have to say is enlightening, Frederick, I'm afraid now is not the time." Maribelle interjects. "We still have a Conqueror to end, do we not?" A slight rumble from above draws their attention, as dust falls from the ceiling.
"Quickly! We have no time to waste!" Frederick calls as they ready to leave, only for their path to be blocked as Heartless appear before them. "Not now!"
"Opportunistic monsters. Thinking they have easy prey, do they?" Gerome snarls as he hefts his axe onto his shoulder. "They are about to learn how wrong they are." The Shepherds ready themselves as the Heartless lung towards them, primal instincts fuelling their movements.
"It's too quiet." Xion comments as the Guardians race down the hall, the sounds of battle distant and far. "We should have encountered some form of resistance by now." Sora couldn't help but agree. This situation reminded him all too much of his past adventures of the calm before running into either Maleficent's, Xemnas's or Xehanort's minions. A feeling vindicated as soon as they entered the next room, for standing before them in the circular hall was Maleficent, her faithful crow perched on her shoulder.
"Ah, I was wondering when you would arrive." She greats them with a false smile and bow. "But this shall be the last time. You have all been a thorn in my plans for the last time. At the end of the day, none of you shall be leaving this castle alive."
"You talk a big game, Maleficent, but do you think you can take us all on? You couldn't handle Ven or Aqua when they were alone, and Sora beat you when he was fourteen. Do you think you can handle all of us at once?" Roxas asks with confidence as everyone unsheathes their weapons. Maleficent, however, was unaffected, as she chuckled darkly as her staff glowed.
"You poor simple fools. Did you think I came here by myself? How wrong you are." With a snap of her fingers, shadows moved in the darkness behind her. The Guardians gasp softly as the shadows move into the light, revealing Riku and Terra as they move in front of Maleficent, eyes dull and void. Even Riku's horse was not spared, as its once ebony eyes now glowed a deep green.
"Here I was hoping Pete was lying about the mind-control part. It's like with me and Hades all other again." Zack whispers as he rubs between his eyes. Maleficent neither hears nor cares about Zack's comment, her ego filled with having two strong warriors under her control.
"As you can see, I have some competent guards at my side. As I'm sure, you are all aware." She smiles darkly as she sees the looks on everyone's faces. "Now then, what shall you do? They are fully under my control, the darkness within them at my head and call! Nothing you say will snap them from their trance." She was sure that the sight of their friends under her spell would make them hesitate, so she was surprised when she saw Sora walk forwards with his usual look of determination.
"Sorry, Maleficent, but we already know that you are struggle to keep them under your spell. You can't even leave without risking them breaking free." Maleficent's eyes widen in shock at Sora's remark.
"What!?" She asks in anger, her eyes looking for any trace that Sora could be lying. Until she remembered that this was Sora she was talking to. She grips her staff in anger, furious that her ruse had been seen through. "Who told you this!?" She asks, her mind racing to think who it was that was at the ritual. It wouldn't be Walhart. He was still on his throne. Cervantes was in the other wing, and Excellus left before she initiated it.
"It was Pete. He told us." Sora reveals to her with a smile, much to her shock. "He decided that he had enough serving under you. Especially after he was what you did to Riku and Terra." His smile soon turns back into a frown as he points Kingdom Key directly at her. "Now, let Riku and Terra go!" Maleficent scowls at Sora before raising her staff into the air, as green fires erupt from it.
"You think you can order me!? Me, the MISTRESS OF ALL EVIL!" With her declaration, an inferno shoots out from her staff, surrounding the group in a wall of fire, blocking their escape backwards. While the possessed Riku and Terra walked forward, Maleficent floated back to distance herself, keenly wary of their blades.
"Sora, mind if I take on Maleficent?" Kairi asks as she walks up to her husband, a fire in her eyes. "I've been meaning to pay her back for all the pain she caused all those years ago. I was helpless then, but not now." Sora could tell he would not be able to dissuade her, but before he could reply, Aqua and Xion moved up beside her.
"I'm of the same mind. I taught her a lesson before, and I plan on teaching her that very same lesson." She narrows her eyes in anger as she readies her water tome, as Xion hovers above them. A calm fury leaving her eyes as she glared at the witch.
"Alright. Just be careful. Even in this world she is still dangerous." Sora replies before locking eyes with Terra and Riku as they advance towards them. We need to distract them long enough for Kairi and the others to beat Maleficent, or at least separate her from her staff.
"If you don't mind, but I'll distract Riku." Roxas suddenly speaks as he moves up towards Sora, Oblivion drawn. "I've been looking for a rematch for a long time." Sora looks at his brother with a curious look before locking eyes with Terra, memories of fighting his Lingering Will coming back like a river.
Well, it won't be my first time. Just hope Roxas knows what he's doing. Giving his former Nobody a nod, Sora soon rushes towards Terra as Roxas rides towards Riku, the two counter-charging at once.
Closing the distance, Sora opens the fight with a Sonic blade, his aim directed at Terra's shield and hand, hoping to quickly disarm him of his weapons. Yet Terra's grip proved stronger than expected, as he held against Sora's rapid strikes. The moment Sora finished his attack, Terra responded with an Ars Solum, forcing Sora onto the defensive as he blocked or dodged the quick attack. He was almost caught off-guard when he suddenly saw Terra thrusting his shield towards him, causing him to jump back.
Roxas, for his part, found himself in a jousting match with Riku, as the two rode past each other at speeds. He's got the advantage while on horseback! Time to even the field. Waiting for the following pass, Roxas jumped off his horse and tackled Riku to the ground, while their mounts rode away. While Roxas's mount returned to the others, Riku's seemed to look around bewildered and lost, the green glow coming from its eyes vanishing the moment Riku was knocked off.
As Roxas quickly rose to his feet, he caught a glimpse of Riku rushing towards him, before shooting forward with a Sonic Blade. Roxas just managed to get Oathkeeper up in time to deflect the strike, and sent Riku off course. But it didn't stop him, as he soon spun around and swiped Way to the Dawn at him, sending a mini shockwave towards him before dashing forward. Roxas dodged to the right, evading both strikes, before pulling the string back on Oathkeeper, aiming directly at Riku's hand.
While Sora and Roxas kept them distracted, Kairi, Aqua and Xion rushed towards Maleficent, who had managed to levitate a piece of the floor off the ground. "Well now, I did not expect one of the Princesses of Heart to come at me directly. This will make things easy."
"Don't think I'm the same as I was when I was fourteen Maleficent!" Kairi shouts back, Destiny's Embrace pointed forward. "I'm stronger than I was back then."
"But not strong enough. And I shall show you!" With that, she countered lightning from her staff before firing it directly to the ceiling, bringing down a torrent of thunder towards the three. While Kairi and Aqua dodged the bolts, Xion flew straight towards the witch, only to groan in annoyance when she moved her platform out of the way. "Did you really think such a trick would work? You are clearly naïve to think so, girl." Maleficent goads before firing balls of green fire towards Xion, only for columns of water to rise and block the strike. Looking to the ground in annoyance, Maleficent could see Aqua riding around with Kairi on her back, water tome open with mini orbs of water flying everywhere.
"Don't think it will be easy, Maleficent! We might not be at our strongest, but that doesn't mean we are not powerless!" To prove her point, Aqua unleashed a storm of ice needles towards Maleficent, who responded by conjuring a wall of fire around her, melting the ice.
"So you say, but how long will you last? With the power of Vert on my side, my power is limitless!" Raising her staff again, she summoned several meteors from the sky towards Aqua. But before they struck, Kairi leapt off Aqua's horse and, using Astra, sliced the rocks in half.
Despite his battle with Terra, Sora caught a glimpse and could only smile at the sight, reminded of the time when he cut skyscrapers in half. That's my wife. He thinks before looking back to Terra, who is charging at him with another attack, this time an overhead jump. Dodging to the left, Terra's axe embedded itself into the floor, cracking the decorative tiling before pulling it out.
Rushing forward, he flings his shield forward again, forcing Sora back again as a bead of sweat falls down his face. I can't keep dodging his attacks all the time! I've got to get past his shield. Glancing over, he began noticing a semi pattern to how the fight had progressed. At every point, Terra attempted to use his shield to hit Sora and stun him. Yet it was always obvious he was doing it, giving him time to dodge. That move will never hit me with how obvious it is. Unless…Terra WANTS me to know it's coming! Guess even at this level, he is fighting back. Grinning, Sora changes the grip on Kingdom Key before charging forward towards Terra.
As he got close, he saw Terra was reading to thrust his shield forward again. Waiting for the right moment, Sora then jumps as Terra thrusts out, landing on the shield before using it as a springboard to jump higher into the air. He then reaches back, grabbing onto Ultima Weapon as he comes down, hooking the axe at the top of the shield and using the downward momentum to pull the shield out of Terra's hand. Deprived of his shield, Terra blindly swung out with Chaos Ripper, only for Sora to dodge into it and roll behind him past his left.
Sorry about this! Sora mental says as he puts Kingdom Key back in its sheath before using Ars Arcanum with his axe on Terra. While his armour prevented any damage being dealt, the force of each strike was still enough to travel through and be felt with each blow, before, finally, one final vertical strike sent Terra to the ground out cold. Even without his glider, magic or Keyblade Transformation, he was still hard to beat… Sora sighs deeply as he places one hand on a knee before quickly glancing up at Roxas.
It was clear to him that he was playing keep-away with Riku, as he was using Oathkeeper to keep him at bay while aiming to disarm him of Way to the Dawn. Sora considered stepping to help, but quickly decided against it. This is their fight.
Roxas's strategy of keeping Riku away was working well. For while Riku's strength, like Terra, was his raw power in close range, at distant targets, in this world at least, were a significant problem for him. Had he not been under Maleficent's spell, Riku would have used Strike Raid, close the gap with Sonic Blade, Dark Aura, or any of his long-range dark abilities. That or he had some control over his actions like Terra, despite Maleficent's spell. Still, it would only be a matter of time before he closed the distance. A fact Roxas was keenly aware of. Seeing a dark-bluish aura flow over Riku only heightened his worry. Riku was soon dashing forward with a Sonic Blade.
Dodging to the right, Roxas barely managed to avoid the incoming strike before aiming an arrow at Riku's hand. He grinned when he saw it struck, letting it fly, knocking the lance out of Riku's hand. But that quickly morphed into a grimace when Riku then drew Braveheart. Really wishing I had two blades instead of one! He mentally screams as Riku dashes towards him, forcing him to drop Oathkeeper. Grasping Oblivion in both hands, he quickly parried the next strike before locking both blades into a lock.
He could feel Riku pushing down on him, trying to force him to the ground. But said action proved to be a mistake. Letting himself fall to the ground, Roxas quickly brought his feet up, before leaping up and kicking Riku straight in the chest with both feet. All those times he and Sora spared on the Island has come in handy! Using one of his go-to moves. Silently smirking, he then runs up to the downed Riku, who was groggily standing up, before hitting him in the back of his head with his hand, knocking him out cold.
Looking from her platform, Maleficent scowled in anger at seeing both Riku and Terra beat by Sora and Roxas. Channelling her rage into her staff, she summoned more lightning and fire from the sky towards Kairi, Aqua and Xion. The three continued to dodge her onslaught. Xion, in particular, was growing frustrated at Maleficent's platform, always moving just as she launched an attack at her. How did Sora manage to deal with her!? She mentally asked as she dodged another blast of lightning. Only then did she notice a strange glow coming from the bottom of the platform. It was hard to see due to the room's lighting, and its colours matched that of her fire and lightning, but Xion could just make out a faint glow encompassing the bottom of the floating rock.
Well, fortune favours the bold! Motioning her mount into a dive, Xion charged straight for Maleficent, catching her attention and moving her platform just as she was about to launch another meteor attack. But Xion was not aiming for her. As the platform hovered passed her, which now she noticed seemed to move rather slowly than she thought, she struck out at the underside with her lance. Gouging a long noticeable gash to the bottom, the effect was noticeable as Maleficent's platform began to wobble out of control before falling to the ground unceremoniously. Maleficent herself was thrown from the platform, landing on the floor with a muted thump before quickly rising to her feet.
The sound of hooves impacting the ground alerted her to Aqua on her right, the bluette charging forward with orbs of water around her. Scowling, Maleficent launched orbs of fire at her, forcing Aqua to send her own spheres of water in return. The collision of water and fire created a cloud of steam, blocking both women's view from each other. But what Maleficent could not see were the smirks on Aqua and Xion. She had fallen into their trap.
"This ends here, Maleficent!" Kairi's cry from her right sends a jolt of surprise up her spine. She soon finds the Princess of Heart charging towards her, Destiny's Embrace held in a reverse grip as she charges towards her. "Zantetsuken!" A glint of light travels down Destiny's Embrace before Kairi slices Maleficent before her. The sound of steel slicing through the air echoes through the room before a deafening silence fills the void. Maleficent stares forward in shock as Kairi stands behind her, slowly placing Destiny's Embrace back into its sheath.
Turning around, Kairi glares at Maleficent, who continues to stand like a statue, before her staff snaps in two, Vert falls from the top before rolling over to Kairi's feet, before she picks it up. Maleficent gasps at her stomach as darkness seeps off of her like smoke, her gasps long and worn as she turns around, eyes wide with shock and horror.
"That was for everything you did. Radiant Garden. Destiny Islands. And more." Kairi says with a glare as Aqua and Xion join her, each with glares of their own. Maleficent says nothing as her body disintegrates into smoke, leaving nothing behind but her clothes, as Diablo flees from the room. Sighing deeply, the three turn around and rush over to the group as Riku and Terra begin to wake up.
"Riku! Are you alright?" Xion asks as he gets of her Pegasus before rushing over to him, as Sora helps him stand.
"Other than a major headache right now?" He asks with a hand on his forehead. "A bit groggy, but it'll pass." Blinking his eyes, he looks between Sora, Xion and Kairi with a sad look. "Sorry about putting you guys through that." He says before Xion wraps him in a hug.
"I'm just glad you're alright. What would I have said to Akeru and Gaia had we found that something terrible had happened to you?" She says as the two named children walk over to him. Riku glances between her and them before his eyes widen in realisation.
"Wait, you mean that-"
"Yes, father. We're like Lucy and the others." Gaia says before hugging Riku. "Do you know how scared we were when we heard you were captured? We lost you before when we couldn't do anything, so to hear the same thing happening when we got here-" She couldn't finish her words as the tears began to fall. Riku looked down at his future daughter as Akeru walked up.
"Just don't do anything like that again, okay?" Riku nods silently before wrapping an arm around Gaia as she lets her feelings flow while his horse walks over and places his head on Gaia. He didn't even register the sound of a slap until Aqua started shouting.
"Do you know how scared I was when I heard Maleficent had captured you!? Or when Pete told us that she had you under her spell!?" Terra, for his part, was looking at the floor as a handprint could be seen on his face. He catches a look of Zack offering him a little pity, the hero remembering when Hades was using him back in Olympus.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking straight when we saw Basilio get buried under a rockslide." He says while looking away from Aqua. He expected another shout or slap from her at his excuse but was pleasantly surprised when she hugged him instead.
"Just so long that you don't do it again. I already saw you under one madman's influence. Seeing you under another person's spell, even if you were fighting it, just brought back memories I would rather forget." Terra says nothing as he wraps Aqua in an embrace, but the reunion is short-lived.
Soon, Heartless-Risen appeared around them, blades drawn and eyes hungry for hearts. "Sora! Take Kairi and a few others, and head on ahead! Walhart's throne is just beyond the next corridor!" Riku yells as he mounts on his horse, Akeru throwing Way to the Dawn to him as Oceania throws Chaos Bringer to Terra. "We will stay here and deal with the Heatless!" Sora glances at Riku before nodding in acknowledgement, running off before the Heartless can surround them. Kairi, Ventus, Zack, Lea, Honō Caelum and Oceania follow, leaving the rest to deal with the Heartless-Risen.
"You know, I'm actually happy some Heartless decided to show up." Terra says as he switches Chaos Bringer for Ends of the Earth. "Being under Maleficent's spell has been a stressful experience, so I could use something to vent my anger on!" He punctuates his point by swinging his spear in an arc, taking out three with a single swing. Several pillars of ice erupt around where he struck as Aqua glared at the creatures around them.
"My thoughts exactly!"
"Are you sure that the eight of us will be enough, Chrom?" Sully asks as she looks around the main hall. Apart from her and Chrom, Lucina, Lissa, Stahl, Say'ri, and Priam had managed to make it to the main hall. Before them, in all its glory, was the throne room doors.
"No, I don't, Sully." Chrom replies, his voice heavy. "Honestly, I would rather wait for the others to catch up, including those we just had to leave behind when those Valmese ambushed us on the ramparts. But we cannot wait." He turns his attention back to the doors, steel behind his gaze, but before he can open them, the sound of footsteps from behind alerts the remaining Shepherds. They spin around, ready for a fight with more Valmese, only to see, to their relief, Sora rushing up to them with the few Guardians he managed to take with him.
"Sorry we're late, Chrom! We ran into Maleficent. The good news is she won't bother anyone anymore, and we got Riku and Terra back." Sora says as he, Kairi, Oceania, Caelum, Ventus, Zack, Lea and Honō join Chrom and his group.
"That's great news! That witch was giving me the creeps anyway!" Lissa says with joy before realising a few heads are missing. "But where is everyone else?"
"They stayed behind to hold off Heartless-Risen that appeared after Maleficent's defeat. I don't think they'll be joining us anytime soon." Kairi replies with a hint of worry in her voice.
"Either way, our time is now." Say'ri responds while hugging Honō, who separates shortly after, glaring at the door. "It is time we ended this war, once and for all." No one disagrees as they march up to it, hearts steeled for the coming battle. Placing a hand on the door, Chrom was surprised at how easy it was to open, revealing the interior of the throne room. Torches line the pillars as red curtains cover the windows, casting harsh shadows across the room. And sitting at the far back was Walhart. Impassive as ever.
"Walhart!" Chrom cries out, drawing the conqueror's attention. He seemed to grin at the sight before him as he rose from his throne, his horse standing beside him.
"Prince… It would seem you managed to make it this far." He glances around the shadows, figures unseen moving to positions. "I knew Excellus would not last against you. Neither did I think Cervantes would last either. And Maleficent…. A fitting end to a witch overconfident in her own strength." Sora and the others couldn't help but frown at Walhart dismissing his comrades so readily. Well, Excellus, they could understand, but Cervantes and Maleficent? "The weak have no place in my world. Only the strong. That they have fallen shows how weak they are."
"It does not have to be this way…." Chrom says as he stares at him in the eye. "You believe in mankind's strength… You detest Grima with all your power. So did my sister. You believe that we are masters of our destinies… So do I. You could have joined us." Say'ri and a few of the others looked at Chrom with dumbfounded expressions at Chrom's speech. But she didn't get a chance to ask him why.
"ME? JOIN YOU!?" Walhart roars as he grabs Wolf Berg before slamming it on his shoulder, his blank eye open with rage. "Does a Pegasus join with the flea on its back? A dragon, with a cow it eats!? Or a Heartless, with the Nobody it left behind!? You forget your place, BOY. I am the Conqueror! I will unite the world!"
"No! …I will." Chrom counters as he draws Falchion, the rest drawing their weapons in tandem. Lucina's eyes were locked on her father, as he stood defiantly against the Conqueror with steadfast resolve. Just like the stories said he did.
"And not by forcing all the people to choose the sword or the knee." He places a hand on his chest where his heart is, his look turning sombre. "Peace will only come by stoking people's hearts…not their fear."
"You think that's what you've done, prince?" Walhart asks back as he mounts his horse. "What your sister did before you? No. She shouted some nonsense and leapt off a rock! Such weakness!"
"You're wrong!" Sora cries out, walking up to Chrom. "That wasn't weakness. That was true strength! How many people can you say have chosen to leap to their deaths with a smile on their faces? With absolute faith in their words? Not many, I'd think. You're just like Xehanort and Maleficent. Only looking out for yourself while giving no thought to those around you. Emmeryn's one act of selfishness will live on for far longer than any conquest you can do, no matter how impressive it would be."
"And neither will any of you, KEYBARER." Walhart bites back before snapping his fingers. From the darkness, several Valmese appeared and surrounded the group, each dressed in unique clothing and gear as a flyer appeared from the darkened ceiling.
From the sides, two cavaliers appeared, wearing ornate white armour with gold embroidery. At the same time, a trident-like crown hung on their heads. A silver shield the size of their chest rests in their left arm, with three pointed triangles pointing out at the north, southeast and southwest parts of the shield. A silver lance is held in their hands while their horses are covered in the same ornate silver armour with golden details.
Two more were decorated in golden armour while a long red cape flowed behind them. In their hand was a golden lance, while a giant shield the size of them was in their left, the face of a lion protruding from it.
The flyer in question was wearing something that would make Aversa proud, with the purple and gold leotard exposing her chest, back and thighs. Large and fancy purple greaves with golden embroidery race up to her thighs, while a cloak made of purple and orange feathers covers her arms while acting like a small cape behind her. She, too, held a golden lance, while her Pegasus sported a plumage of deep purple, while the hair from her hooves, tail and main glowed a fiery red. The covering around it was also a deep red and orange, making the horse seem that it was on fire.
Two female mages with swords were dressed in all-black attire with heels. Their clothes sported an intricate pattern of knots that reminded Sora and Kairi of the same design from Merida's world. Celtic, if they remember.
The cleric's dress looked the same as the one who was next to Cervantes, only more elegant and sporting what looked to be a deep green cape decorated with gold embroidery.
Five of them wore what could be described as demonic armour, with a tattered red cape and spiked pauldron. The skull on their belts did not help in the matter either, as they held their katanas in reverse grips.
The lone male mage was dressed in golden armour with a black undercoat and slacks. A black crown hung on his head while a red and blue cape hung over his shoulder, connected with a gold and red strap that ran across his left arm.
Finally, there was a bow knight dressed in gold and white armour with a helmet with a red strip of cloth coming from it. His horse was armoured like the other two, yet bore an elephant phase on the front, while four quivers hung on its back. The group look at these arrivals with weary eyes, dismayed at seeing the guards surrounding Walhart.
"Behold, my elite guard. Warriors trained in the ancient arts of skills long forgotten about. Skogul, Spartan, Harrier, Enchantress, Exemplar, Yasha, Guru, and Oliphantier." Walhart introduces with a grin on his face. "And they will be your end." Seeing the force before them, Chrom could not help but sigh in disappointment.
"Emm, I tried…" He says sorrowfully before glancing back to the group. "Everyone, be ready! I will handle Walhart! The rest of you, deal with his guards! We end this today, or die trying!" With a roar of acknowledgement, they charge towards Walhart and his guard.
Sumia dashes towards the Harrier, lances clashing before they break apart, flying higher into the air. Sora and Zack class blades with the Spartans, the giant shields blocking their strikes as they retaliate with their spears. Sully and Stahl charged at the Skoguls, dashing around the room as they fell into jousting patterns. Lissa went for the Exemplar, as the two clerics fought to keep their allies healed, while Honō went for the Guru, his magic forcing her to dodge as she advanced.
Kairi and Lucina went for the Enchantresses, the two warriors launching balls of fire before switching to decorative rapiers as the two closed in. And while Chrom and Walhart clashed in the centre of the room, Caelum, Oceania, Say'ri, Priam, and Ventus engaged the Yashas. At the same time, Lea found himself in an archery duel with the Oliphantier.
Sumia could feel the sweat dripping down her head as she engaged the Harrier, their speed and mobility rivalling that of her own. Dodging a blast of fire from the Harrier, who wasn't even carrying a tome now that she noticed, Sumia gambled on one move she hadn't used in a while. Setting herself up, she motions her Pegasus to fly forward as a glow encompassed both her and her lance. The Harrier moved to dodge but was cut off when Sumia suddenly dashed forward at incredible speeds, slashing right past the Harrier, only to turn around mid-air and flash past again. Unleashing her Sonic Blade, combined with Dragonhaze, a skill she found when reading old books with Robin. Sumia overpowered the Harrier with her speed, sending the flyer to the ground as she flew above, exhausted but victorious.
Sora and Zack found themselves fighting a brick wall. The Spartan's shields were blocking everything they threw at them. However, Zack's sword was leaving noticeable gashes every time he hit the shield. Grunting in annoyance at the Spartan before him, Sora grabbed Kingdom Key in both hands, the blade glowing a dull yellow, before sliding forward. The Spartan, in response, held his shield up, as usual, only this time, Sora's blade went through the shield instead of deflecting the strike. Shocked at the sudden attack, the Spartan lets go of his shield as Sora withdraws Kingdom Key before leaping over the shield and striking with a downward strike.
Zack, meanwhile, continued slicing at his Spartan's shield, each slash continuing to create gash after gash before finally, he cleaved through the shield like it was paper. Smirking, Zack pulls out the axe on his back before striking at the Spartans lance, before finishing it with a strike across the chest.
Sully and Stahl found the Skoguls challenging as the two cavaliers rode around the room, darting between the pillars as they tried to outmanoeuvre each other. While Sully doubled down on manoeuvrability, banking on her stead being faster than her foes, Stahl focused on the headlong charge, realising his foe could outmanoeuvre him. As the Skogul charged towards him, Stahl reached behind him to grab his silver axe, as he used his spear to parry the oncoming strike. Swinging his axe around, he lodged it into the back of the Skogul as he rode past, ending his life.
Sully was still charging directly at her foe, who had been mimicking her move for move. Deciding that things had gone on for long enough, she motioned her mount to jump to the side while she drew her sword. Her foe was caught off guard by the sudden display as she jumped to his right and soon found himself galloping straight into her lance while her sword deflected his lance.
The Exemplar could only look around in frustration as her allies fell all around her. At the same time, Lissa continued her attack, forcing her to dodge her every axe swing. She retaliates by unleashing a Sagittae, but the attack misses Lissa. She tries again with a blast of thunder, only for Lissa to literally split it with her axe before she leaps into the air at her. The Exemplar could only form a weak ward in defence at Lissa's aerial attack, but it quickly gave way.
The Guru was having a better time, though, using his wealth of spells to keep Honō at bay. The future child of Lea and Say'ri found herself unable to advance or retreat as the Guru unleashed every attack he knew. Yet, she could see he was getting weaker with each spell. The man forgot that the old spells draw from his very life. That is why we use tomes to channel our magic. We do not have the mana that people outside our world do. Shaking her head at the man's eagerness to slay her at the cost of his own life, Honō quickly dashes forward before unleashing an Astra on the man. Not that she had the chance to do so, for he barely had enough stamina to survive even a glancing blow, being so careless with his magic as he was.
Kairi and Lucina duelled with the Enchantresses, the two warrior mages proving their worth with equal measure of sword skills and magical prowess. Suffering from a blast of Sagittae by one of them, Lucina counters with Aether, healing her wounds while silencing the Enchantress, while Kairi unleased a Strike Raid at the last one, Destiny's Embrace slicing through the fireball cast at her like it was air before ending the Enchantress.
Lea meanwhile found himself covering behind a pillar as the Oliphantier unleashed a storm of arrows on him, rapidly drawing a new one from the four quivers around him as his mount dashed forwards and back. Waiting patiently, Lea drew back the sting on Eternal Flames, conjuring a flaming arrow as he watched his opponent ride around before they glanced upwards towards Sumia, who had just defeated the Harrier. Seeing his chance, Lea bolted from his spot into the open before launching an arrow towards the Oliphantier, who was aiming towards Sumia. He never got the chance to fire as Lea's arrow pierced through his own before emending itself into his chest.
As for the Yasha's, they were finding their foes to be as tricky as they were. While Oceania and Prima fought defensively against two of them, Ventus, Say'ri, and Caelum were more aggressive in their styles, with Say'ri using both Amatsu and her remaining katana to battle her Yasha. With two blades against the Yasha's one, Say'ri held the initiative, blocking and parrying with one while striking with the other. Soon the Yash could not compete with Say'ri's strike and was felled. A similar story followed with Caelum and Ventus, the two using their speed to out-manoeuvre the Yasha before ending them with a twin Sonic Blade attack.
Meanwhile, Priam was busy using his arm shield to absorb the blows he dealt as he kept Rangel rested on his shoulder. Seeing his foe tire himself out by continuous attacking, Priam shoved his shield forward, bashing into the Yasha and knocking him back. Grabbing Ragnell with both hands, he slams the blade down, sending a blue shockwave forward into the Yasha, sending him tumbling into a pillar behind him.
The Yasha attacking Oceania realised her comrades were beaten and turned to flee the room, only for Oceania to block her exit. Seeing that the Yasha intends to rush past her to escape, Oceania ruses forward before striking around her with three quick slashes before launching the Yasha into the air with a final upward slash.
During all this, Chrom and Walhart continued their duel, fighting right before the throne as the battle raged. Walhart's axe left multiple gashes in the ground around him, as Chrom left several cuts in both Walhart's armour and his horse. The anger on Walhart's face was clear as day as he attempted to slice Chrom in two. Sweat was falling from Chrom's face as he continued to dodge Walhart's attack, even as the throne was cleaved in twain. Until an arrow of fire impacted Walhart in his left arm.
Turning to his attack, Walhart growled in anger as Lea launched another arrow of fire at him, as Sora, Kairi, and Zack charged at him. While he dodged the arrow of fire, he found himself surrounded by the three, who unleashed quick strikes against him before jumping out of his reach. Soon, Sumia dived from above, her lance snapping off one of the horns on Walhart's headdress as Sully and Stahl attacked from both sides, forcing him back.
Heavy panting from his horse alerted him to his steed's exhaustion before Lissa suddenly appeared and stuck at his mount with her axe. The armour failed as the axe penetrated, sending Walhart crashing to the ground as his horse fell beneath him. Standing tall, he roars in anger before swinging his axe around in wild abandon, cleaving long gashes in the stone and cloth around him as everyone moves to avoid his strikes.
"He's like a madman possessed! We have to end this now!" Say'ri cries as she and Honō dodge another of Walhart's attacks, his axe cutting into the fabric of their clothes. Chrom grimaces as he looks at the Conqueror, unleashing his rage with no clear way to strike him. He even cleaved one of Lea's arrows in two before it stuck him.
"Chrom, I have an idea." Sora says as he slides up next to him, exhaustion is visible as several cuts and scratches in his armour. "Remember back when we were in Regna Ferox helping Flavia with those bandits?" Chrom nods his head, causing Sora to gin. "Well, I think I'm strong enough to use that."
"Are you sure?" Chrom asks with a concerned voice. He remembered how tired Roxas was after he used that move, yet Sora nodded back, eyes narrow. Chrom sighs before giving a lopsided grin. "As long as you're ready to get an earful from your wife." Sora smirks back before jumping backwards, spinning Kingdom Key around before pointing it forward. He narrows his vision on Walhart as energy wraps around his blade. Soon, an orb of light forms at the tip, growing in size as orange lights bounce around the inside. Feeling the energy reaches its peak, Sora unleashes the attack.
"Ragnarok!" With a cry, the orb explodes into lines of orange light before they shoot towards Walhart, homing on him as they spin in the air. Walhart sees the incoming attack, using Wolf Berg to divert and deflect as many as possible as others slam into the ground around him, obscuring his vision.
An opening that Chrom would not let go to waste.
"It's over, Walhart!" Chrom cries as he rushes towards him, Falchion glowing blue. Walhart turns to face Chrom, despite the debris clouding his vision. But he was too late, as Chrom's blade sliced through his chest armour like paper. Feeling his attack connect, Chrom jumps backwards before leaping forward with his final strike. "Aether!" The force from the blow sent Walhart back to his throne, Wolf Berg knocked from his hand as the life faded from his eyes. But even at death's door, he refused to go quietly.
"Do you see, boy?" He says weakly as he struggles to look at the group before him. "Often the sword…is the only way…." He coughs up blood as he stares at the ceiling, a distant look on his face. "My conquest…ends here…" Soon, only silence filled the room.
"It's done." Chrom says softly as he sheaths Falchion as he walks up to Walhart's body, before he closes his blank eyes. "With his death, the war is over. I can only hope that his soldiers will lay down their arms." He turns around to look at those with him, a distant look on his face. "It's strange…"
"What's strange, young warrior?" Priam asks, Rangel resting on his shoulder. Chrom sighs before walking over to join them.
"Despite being complete opposites, both Walhart and my sister managed to inspire people around them. They both walked a path to end not only all wars, but the threat of Grima as well. But while my sister was willing to give her life, Walhart was willing to take lives."
"But in the end, father, they say the method is the message." Lucina says as she walks up to him. "In our timeline, it was only at the end of our war that Emmeryn's message was proven right, but at the cost of hundred thousands of people."
"Indeed. But our battle is not over yet. Gangrel, Walhart and Maleficent may be dealt with, but Grima still remains." Chrom announces with narrow eyes. "Until he is defeated, there will be no peace."
"Speaking about Grima." Kairi suddenly says as she pulls out a particular gemstone. "I believe Vert here belongs to you. Maleficent was using it in her staff, just as Pete said. It was also what allowed her to control Riku and Terra."
"And now it will be used for its true purpose." Say'ri replies with a distant smile. "Take it Chrom. Consider it as thanks for what you have done. Words and gifts will never repay for what you have done for us."
"Then I accept it gladly." Chrom replies before inserting Vert into his shield. He could feel the power coursing through him as though a gentle breeze flowed over him. "Only one gemstone left. Come, it's time we re-joined everyone outside the castle. There is work yet to be done."
Outside, the mood is light. The Valmese could sense that Walhart had fallen and so had dropped their weapons en-mass. A few continued to resist, but were struck down by the Dynast forces. As for the Shepherds and Guardians, they were waiting outside the gates to the castle, their clothes damaged from the Heartless-Risen that had ambushed them. Yet just as quickly as they attacked, they faded back to the shadows just as swift. It was something that had Robin worried more than usual.
"Robin, are you alright?" Tiki asks as she walks up to him. Robin shakes his head before stopping himself.
"No, no I'm not." He admits before running a hand through his hair. "Those Heartless-Risen that attacked us. It was too coincidental for it to be chance. They shop us just as we defeat one of Walhart's generals and vanish soon after? Too many flags for it to be chance." Tiki studies his face before sighing in defeat.
"I fear you are right." She admits before turning to look at the Ylissean League. "I cannot help but fear. Fear that people I know all too well be torn away from me again by the Heartless. I have seen it happen many a time, even when I was under the control of, him." The venom in Tiki's voice was unexpected, but at the same time, understandable to Robin.
"You won't have to worry about that. I doubt there will ever be another Gharnef ever again. But, if there is, I will do anything to see you kept safe, or in the worst case, see you freed." Robin looked away as he could feel a blush forming on his face, while Tiki gave him a thankful look, a blush forming on her own face.
"Thank you, Robin. And if it's any consideration, know that I would do the same for you. No matter what." Robin looks back at her with a thankful grin, just as the doors to the castle open, with Chrom and the others exiting with weary glances.
"Welcome back, Chrom. Everything alright?" Robin asks as he and Tiki walk over to him, Pete nearby with a bandage on his shoulder.
"Yes. Walhart is beaten along with his generals. But our war with Grima is not over. How soon can we return to Ylisse?" Robin heaves a sigh as he looks over the League.
"I'm afraid it won't be soon, Chrom. The fleet will require a month at least to be ready to set sail." Chrom groans at the news, but Robin was not done. "But according to our new pirate friends, there are several rumours going about in certain spots we should check out before we return."
"Do you think they are more of Lucina and Oceania's friends?" Sora asks with a thoughtful look. Robin nods before pulling out a map, showing Valm and Ylisse.
"Yes. According to the pirates, there are some suspicious activities on the Islands connecting Valm and Plegia to the south, along with rumours going up and around Regna Ferox, before ending somewhere in eastern Ylisse. I propose we look into these while the main force readies itself to return." Chrom and the others look over the map. Robin's plan did have some advantages. They could look for the remaining children while ensuring the Heartless-Risen were not causing any trouble. But that still left one question.
"What about Pete?" Ven asks as he looks at the tubby cat. "What is he going to do."
"Well…" Robin begins before looking at Pete. "Isa has said that he has not made any attempts to escape, sabotage or anything else. He genuinely seems willing to make things right."
"In that case, we should give him the benefit of the doubt." Sora says with his usual smile. "If he is serious about changing over a new leaf, then I said we let him join. I could even go a way to make convincing Mickey and the others to take him back. That's if he REALLY wants to see his son again."
"In that case, I'll ask him the question later." Chrom replies before stretching his arms. "For now, though, I think that rest is in order. We will decide on our course of action tomorrow." No one questions Chrom's order as they separate, the sun's rays dipping below the sky. But as the League begins to unwind and enter a peaceful sleep, no one notices 'Luxu' watching from above.
"Well, that didn't go to plan." He comments with a sigh. "Then again, I knew it wouldn't be easy so long as they are together." Shrug his shoulders, he opens a portal before walking through it, a malicious grin on his face. "Besides, I can get them later. I'm wondering how Corona is this time of year anyway…."
Hope you enjoyed some of the classes that appeared in Echoes making their appearance (the ones with Cervantes.) As for the ones with Walhart, they were DLC unique ones for Echoes. Felt it would have been fun to have them as an elite guard for Walhart (baring the unique ones for Alm and Celica.)
Anyway, its now time for the final Paralogue rush. This will be interesting to do.