The Exalt and the King.
At the Plegian border; Gangrel and and a woman stands on a rock formation. Chrom, Lissa and Emmeryn approach, while the rest held back in case the talk goes south. Cassandra was unnerved by the two, Gangrel looked like a maniac, and it was clear as day that he was holding back the urge to kill them all. And the woman wasn't any better, she had a very dark aura around her.
"What's this, then? The exalt herself, in all her radiance? I fear I must shield my eyes! Bwa ha ha ha!" Gangrel said while laughing like a mad man.
Emmeryn remained calm "King Gangrel, I've come for the truth of this unfortunate incident between us".
The Woman raised and eyebrow "The truth? I can give you the truth".
Emmeryn looked at her "Perhaps milady might first share her name?".
The woman bowed, but it was clearly not out of respect "You may call me Aversa".
"Very well, Aversa. Is Maribelle unharmed?" Emmeryn asked.
"Who? Oh yes, that little blonde brat" Gangrel said.
He motioned to Maribelle who had her hands tied and was being held by an brigand.
"Unhand me, you gutter-born troglodyte!" She said in anger.
"Maribelle!" Lissa cried out in worry.
Maribelle gasped when she saw her friend "Lissa? Darling, is that you?".
"This girl crossed the Plegian border without our consent. And what's more... She wounded the brave Plegian soldiers who sought only to escort her safely home" Aversa said, clearly lying through her teeth.
Maribelle glares at her "LIES! You speak nothing but lies, hag! Did they not teach the meaning of the word "truth" in wretched-crone school?!".
Aversa only smirked "...You see? No manners at all. Such a nasty little bird simply had to be caged".
"Such a violent temper speaks to her guilt. This will call for a weighty punishment. And if she were to later confess to being an Ylissean spy? My goodness! It would take an act of CONSIDERABLE good faith to repair our relations" Gangrel said, sounding more insane by the second.
"I have done nothing wrong! It is they who should confess! They are the ones who invaded Ylisse. They razed an entire village! When I attempted to intervene, they took me and dragged me across the border. Let the plundered shops and charred homes of that village serve as my proof!" Maribelle yelled.
Gangrel faked some sadness "That would only prove Ylisse has a bandit problem—something I hear oft of late... But indeed, tonight I shall weep salty tears into my pillow for your dead villagers".
Maribelle looks at Emmeryn with pleading eyes "Your Grace, please!".
"Peace, Maribelle. I believe you. King Gangrel, I request that you release this woman at once. Surely you and I can sort out these affairs without the need of hostages" Emmeryn said.
Gangrel raised an eyebrow "Without so much as an apology? Why should I even bother with parley? I'm within my rights to have her head this instant and be home in time for supper".
Chrom glares at him "You black-hearted devil!".
"Control your dog, my dear, before he gets someone hurt" Gangrel said and Chrom continues to glare at him, but said nothing more "Now then, Your Graceliness. Perhaps we can arrange a trade? You give me the Fire Emblem, and I return Mari Contrary here in one piece".
"Fire Emblem?" Cassandra asked.
Emmeryn looked surprised "You would ask for Ylisse's royal treasure? But why?".
"Because I know the legend! The Fire Emblem is the key to having all one's wishes realized. I have desired it for years. YEARS! ...Yet my birthday comes and goes each year, and nothing from Ylisse. Heheh…" Gangrel said with a small chuckle.
"The Emblem's power is meant for a single purpose, King Gangrel: to save the world and its people at their hour of most desperate need. Would you claim a more noble wish?" Emmeryn asked.
Gangrel smirked evilly "I want what every Plegian wants—a grisly end for every last Ylissean! What could be more noble than that?".
Emmeryn was shocked "What?".
Gangrel glares at her with pure hatred "Surely you have not forgotten what the last exalt did to my people? Your father named us heathens! His "crusade" across Plegia butchered countless of my subjects and my kin!".
Emmeryn closed her eyes "...I have never denied Ylisse's past wrongdoings. But I have sworn to never repeat those mistakes. Ours is now a realm of peace".
"Yours is now a haven of hypocrisy! Now give me the Fire Emblem!" Gangrel demanded.
Maribelle called out again "No, Your Grace! I'd sooner die than act as a bargaining chip for this filthy reprobate!".
"No, Maribelle…" Emmeryn said, it was becoming more and more clear that a peaceful solution was impossible.
Gangrel was now getting annoyed "Ugh... Taaaaaalk talk-talk-talk-talk. It's time to speak louder than words! This negotiation is over, Your Luminosity! I shall have the Emblem if I have to pry it from your shiny dead hands!".
Brigands run toward Emmeryn; Chrom reacts quickly and strikes one down.
"Stay back! Or you'll all suffer the same fate!" He warned in anger.
Gangrel smirked, like he was hoping for this "Now that's a declaration of war if I've ever heard one... A big, messy war that will bleed you Ylisseans dry. Bwa ha ha!".
Aversa approaches Maribelle "Poor, stupid girl... Are you really worth fighting a war over? Years from now, you'll be remembered only as she who destroyed House Ylisse".
Maribelle looked worried "No... That's not... Oh, Lissa... Please, no…".
Suddenly Wind magic incapacitates the brigand holding Maribelle, freeing her from her bonds and surprising Aversa.
Ricken runs up to them "Maribelle! Go! You're free!".
Maribelle was surprised "RICKEN?! What are you doing here?".
"Just run! We can talk about it later!" Ricken said.
Aversa scoffs "Oh, is this your little boyfriend? Isn't he just precious".
"Don't talk down to me, witch!" Ricken said as he attacks Aversa with wind magic, which successfully pushed her back.
Aversa holds her side "Nngh! W-wind magic?".
"Come on, Maribelle!" Ricken urged.
"Right!" Maribelle said as both run off.
Aversa glares after them "Wretched whelp! I should... No. Our soldiers have them outnumbered. The brats will be dead long before they can reach their comrades".
A battles was unavoidable, so everyone hurried to prepare. Cassandra was a little nervous. Fighting bandits and fighting in an arena was one thing. But this would be the first battle of an all out war. She really didn't expect this when she traveled to Ylisse.
"Bwa ha ha! I have my war! Captain Orton! Remain here, and take down as many Ylisseans as you can. You can expect reinforcements from the forts as well. Now, do your best—at doing your worst! Bwa ha!" Gangrel laughed before he leaves the battlefield.
As the enemy soldiers approached, Robin hurried to throw a strategy together. Luckily he had studied the area as the talks went on, so he recommended an idea that would have them split up to deal with the enemies that each member of the Shepherds were perfectly equipped to deal with. Chrom and Cassandra ended in separate groups, which Chrom was really concerned about.
The battle broke out, with the forces of both sides clashing. Chrom made sure no enemies made it to Emmeryn who was escorted of the battlefield. Maribelle and Ricken were running to reunite with their allies, which was easier said than done with several enemy soldiers constantly getting in their way, forcing Ricken to use his magic to hold them of. However, one ax wielding brute charged at Maribelle who frantically tried to defend herself.
The large man brought his ax down... but before it could connect, it was blocked by a shield. Maribelle looked and saw Cassandra had saved her, before forcing the enemy soldier back and stabbed him in the chest, killing him.
"Hurry! Regroup with the others!" Cassandra shouts.
"Understood! Thank you!" Ricken said as he and Maribelle hurried over to the others.
Meanwhile, Chrom and Frederick were busy striking down several enemy soldiers. Chrom avoided an ax wielder and killed him with a swift slash through his chest. A sword wielding enemy tried attacking him, but Chrom blocked each strike before stabbing the enemy in the heart. Chrom sighed and looked around to see his allies were clearing out enemy soldiers left and right. So far Robin's plan was working flawlessly.
"Ok, the strategy is working. We need to-" Chrom stopped when he noticed the enemy commander Orton flying towards the other group on top of his Wyvern. That's where Cassandra was! If he reaches them, it could lead to serious injuries, or worse "Stick to the plan! I will help the other group!".
Chrom began rushing towards the other group and Frederick quickly called after him "My Lord, wait! It's dangerous to go alone!".
"What is he doing!? This was not the plan!" Robin said in frustration and concern.
Back with Cassandra, she killed a spear wielding enemy with a stab through his ribs. Spear fighters were annoying to deal with, but she managed well. She heard a sound as she looked up to see the Wyvern rider approach her. He halted his flying beast as he smirked down on the woman below him.
"I won't ask for your name. Only your life!" Orton said cruelly.
"You shall have neither!" Cassandra declared as she got ready.
Fighting a flying beast would be tricky, but he would need to get close if he was going to attack. If Cassandra can time he attack, she should be able to injure the beast and hopefully weaken it enough to keep it from flying. Once grounded, killing it should be a lot easier, and then they can deal with Orton.
Chrom reached the area and saw what was happening. Driven on instinct, he rushed towards them. Orton's Wyvern approached Cassandra who stood ready. She needs to time this right, or it will end badly.
"No!" Chrom called out before he pushed a surprised Cassandra aside, causing him to get hit by the Wyvern.
"CHROM!" Cassandra shouts as Chrom was sent tumbling across the ground.
Orton smirks as he brings his Wyvern around for another attack. Luckily, Virion was close and pulled back an arrow. He took careful aim, waiting for the perfect moment. He then fired his arrow, hitting the Wyvern right in the eye. The beast crashed in to the ground hard, causing Orton to be launched of his now dead beast. He growls in pain as he stood up. But he looked up just in time for Cassandra to charge in and stab him in the chest.
He coughs out blood but smiled "This matters not. Soon war will be upon...your soil... Heh heh...".
Orton falls to the ground dead. Cassandra let out a breath. With their commander dead, the rest of the enemy soldiers were soon dealt with. Those who did not retreat were slain. The battle was over, and the Shepherds had won.
Chrom hurried towards Cassandra "Hey, are you ok? You are not hur-".
Before he could finish Cassandra gave him a hard slap, which almost knocked him over "What is wrong with you!? You almost got yourself killed!".
"I was trying to protect you!" Chrom argued rubbing his now sore cheek.
Cassandra looked ready to explode "I had it under control! No, WE had it under control! I wasn't fighting alone! You completely ignored a well made plan to be a hero! And it almost killed you! I am not a master of warfare, but even I know if our General dies, we're finished! You need to be more-".
"More careful I know, you are not the first to tell me that" Chrom interrupted, having had enough of Cassandra's scolding "But this is who I am, if someone is in danger I need to help them, even if it is dangerous. So thanks for the lesson my lady, but I will never stop helping people who needs it. If you wish to remain a Shepherd, you'll have to get used to it".
Cassandra open and closed her mouth several times, she was so angry she didn't even know what to say "You... I... URGH! You are impossible! I can't stand talking to you right now!".
She stormed of, she knew she was being childish, but she needed time to calm down before she ends up saying something she might regret. Chrom looks down, feeling like he had messed up big time. Robin walked up to him, watching Cassandra walking away.
"Wow... That was some fight. You ok?" Robin asked.
Chrom sighed "Other than feeling like I just ruined the bond me and Cassandra shared?".
"Look Chrom, I am not here to scold you, she already took care of that. But I came up with the strategy specifically too keep everyone safe" Robin said.
"I know, but she-" Chrom began but Robin held up and hand to stop him.
"She defeated Marth in the arena and has already proven herself time and time again that she can protect herself. Besides, she had our allies watching her back. I am not telling you to stop protecting the others, but you need to trust them more than this" Robin said.
"I do trust them! I just... She is..." Chrom began but struggled to find the words.
Robin blinked before he smiled "Oh, I understand now. Don't worry Chrom, I'm sure Cassandra will calm down. And when she does, talk to her and clear things up. I don't think your chances with her are ruined yet".
"Thanks... Wait, what?! That's not-! I mean I don't!" Chrom fumbled with a blush.
Robin only smirked, he knew exactly what was going on.
After the battle, Lissa ran up to Maribelle and took her hands.
"Maribelle! Are you hurt?!" She asked in worry.
Maribelle smiled at her "Nothing I didn't return twofold, darling".
"I'm glad you're safe" Robin said.
Maribelle looks at him "Who...? Oh. It's you".
Robin frowns "Yes. I know you're not especially fond of me, but it's a relief just the same".
"Oh, it's not a question of fondness. I am simply protective of Lissa. My treasure is very sensitive, and... Wait. Am I really justifying myself to a commoner? Gods... Yes, well, I do...apologize for being curt. And... And... And you have my thanks for your part in the rescue. There, I said it!" Maribelle said.
Meanwhile, Chrom was speaking to Emmeryn.
"Forgive me, Emm. I acted rashly" Chrom said.
Emmeryn shook her head "It's all right, Chrom. King Gangrel is the one at fault here. You were only protecting me".
"The Mad King will be rallying his forces, if they have not mobilized already. I suggest we make haste back to Ylisstol and discuss our strategy" Frederick said.
Emmeryn sighs "Of course, Frederick. It seems war is upon us. We must protect the Ylissean people at all costs".
There was no avoiding it now... Ylisse is at war.
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