Foreseer.
To say their meeting with the mad king didn't go well was an understatement. Despite Emmeryn's best attempt to reason with the mad king, war was ultimately unavoidable, so everyone began their journey back to Ylisse in order to prepare. During their trip, they stopped to take a small break. Cassandra was resting under a tree, still thinking about everything that happened... Including her argument with Chrom... which she honestly felt bad about.
'How can he be so casual about gambling with his life? Does he not realize how important he is?' Cassandra wondered in her head 'But then again, I'm not any better... I did steal my sister's sword and shield so I could join the army instead of her... She is likely going to give me a very similar lecture that I gave to Chrom... I'm not to quick to realize these things'.
She sighs as she closed her eyes... Only to open them again when she felt someone was in front of her. It was Chrom. Well that was strange. She was just thinking about him and then he suddenly shows up.
"Hey..." He said.
"Hello" Cassandra replied.
"You seem to enjoy being outside. Take it you are a nature lover?" Chrom asked.
"I am actually. Back home I liked running around barefoot in the grass, walk through forests and bathe in lakes... After making sure no one is around to see me of course" Cassandra answered, making both her and Chrom blush as they remembered the incident when Chrom accidentally walked in on Cassandra while she was naked.
"Yeah..." Chrom said while rubbing his head.
"Did you need something?" Cassandra asked.
"Well, we haven't talked much since the last battle... I wondered if we could have a real talk" Chrom said.
Cassandra blinked but smiled "Of course, I don't mind talking to you".
Chrom's face lit up "Really? Great! I-".
Before her could finish, Frederick showed up behind him "My Lord, it's time for a counseling. You need to come with me now".
"Hey, wait! Sorry Cassandra! See you later!" Chrom called out as he was being dragged away.
Cassandra awkwardly waved at him as he was being dragged of.
'That dummy. He must've thought I was still mad at him. But I must admit he is kind of cute when he is being all nervous like that' Cassandra thought with a smile... until she suddenly blushed when she realized what she had been thinking 'Oh gods Cassandra... You have a crush on the prince!'.
After finally arriving back in Ylisse, everyone was resting up while preparing their next move. It was currently night time and Cassandra was walking around outside.
'I can't sleep... I just can't stop thinking about Chrom... But this is stupid, I can't fall in love with him, he is the prince of Ylisse, a very important person... I'm just the daughter of a baker from the fields, he could never love someone like me. When he marries, it will be with a strong, smart and beautiful woman. The type of woman who would be worthy of a prince' Cassandra thought to herself.
She keeps walking until she noticed Chrom standing in the castle courtyard. He seemed deep in thought.
'Guess I'm not the only one with sleep problems. Ok Cassandra, you can do this. Just ignore him. You're just on a walk, ignore him...' Cassandra thought as she keeps walking... Only to stop, turn around and began walking towards Chrom 'I'm going to regret this, I know it...'.
Chrom watches the stars before letting out a sigh. Somehing was clearly bothering him.
"You ok Chrom?" Cassandra asked as she walked up next to him.
"Oh, hi, Cassandra. What are you doing out this late?" Chrom asked.
"Couldn't sleep, so I decided to go for a walk. What's bothering you?" Cassandra asked.
Chrom sighed before he began explaining "Just... dueling with some unpleasant thoughts... Tomorrow we march to Regna Ferox to request additional soldiers. But there's something you should know first. ...Not everything Gangrel said was a lie. The last exalt, my father, waged war on Plegia for many years. The violence... It was a brutal campaign, ending only with his death 15 years ago. Plegia rightfully remembers their suffering, but his war was no kinder to his own people. As the fighting dragged on, our army became more and more diminished. Farmers who could barely wield a pitchfork were conscripted and sent to their deaths. Soon there was no food at all, and the kingdom began to collapse. I was young, but I remember those dark times. ...I know how they affected Emmeryn".
Cassandra looked shocked "I... I remember those times... My father was one of those conscripted to fight in the war. I was only a child back then, but I remember both my mother and sister were very restless... Sophitia held out hope that our father would return, but our mother... she gave up... And she just... stopped doing anything... By the time our father finally came back... she was already gone".
"I'm... sorry to hear that, Cassandra. My father's war took so much from you" Chrom said.
"It did... But sounds like it effected your family just as much" Cassandra said.
Chrom nodded "Indeed. When our father died before Emmeryn's 10th year, he left her quite the legacy... Plegia's desire for vengeance... Our own people's unbridled rage... My sister became a target for blame on all sides. Her own subjects began to hurl insults—and stones. She still bears the scar from one... But she never let them see her pain. Only Lissa and I understood".
"She just endured it? She must've been very strong. Even back then" Cassandra said.
"I cannot claim to know how she does it, Cassandra. I could not greet such hostility with warmth and patience. While our people mocked and vilified her, she reached out and healed them. She brought soldiers home to their families. She ended the war. And when Ylisse's spirit was mended and the people "forgave" her? ...She never resented them for it. She represents the best part of the halidom—the part most worth protecting. She IS peace. But some men would take advantage of that. Men like King Gangrel. The day he understands peace will be the day death gives it to him. ...So perhaps I must be death's agent. Emmeryn would never order him killed, nor would I wish her to" Chrom said.
Cassandra smiled, Chrom's love for his sister was undeniable... But soon a familiar voice was heard "Well spoken, sir".
"Marth..." Chrom said as Marth walks up to them.
"Good evening to you" Marth said.
"How did you get here?" Chrom asked.
"The cleft in the castle wall, behind the maple grove" Marth answered.
"There? But how would you...? Ugh" Chrom said as he seemed to remember something.
"You know something about this place, Chrom?" Cassandra asked.
"Yes. I bashed in part of the wall while training the Shepherds. It's only a small hole, and I'd thought it well concealed, but..." Chrom trailed of.
"You broke a wall? I'm not sure if I am impressed by your strength... or amazed by your clumsiness" Cassandra said, earning an annoyed look from Chrom.
"Your secret is safe with me. I come here only to warn you" Marth said.
"Warn us?" Chrom asked.
Marth nods, looking very serious "The exalt's life is in danger".
"What, Emmeryn? That's absurd. She's guarded at all hours" Chrom said.
"What if... What if I told you I have seen the future? Would you believe me? A future where Emmeryn is killed. Here. Tonight" Marth said.
"Seen the future? Have you lost your wits?" Chrom asked, clearly believing Marth had gone insane.
"Yes, I expected you wouldn't believe me. So allow me to prove it!" Marth draws his blade; Chrom tenses, placing his hand on his own Falchion "I'm about to save your life. ...From him".
An Assassin bursts from the bushes, charging at Marth; Marth tosses Falchion into the air and then leaps after it, catching his sword and bringing it down on the assassin in an instant kill.
"I trust this proof will suffice?" Marth asked.
Chrom looked shocked "...Yeah".
Another Assassin leaps from the bushes, surprising Marth; he turns to parry, but trips over the fallen assassin's sword; the attacking assassin's blade slashes Marth's mask in two, revealing that Marth is actually a woman. Chrom rushes past Marth, cutting the assassin down, then turns to face Marth in surprise.
"Wait, you're—You're a woman?" He asked.
"I knew it. She was to graceful to be a man" Cassandra mumbled.
Marth smiled in a teasing manner "And quite the actress, too. Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't figure it out until just now".
'Wow, her attitude is very similar to Cassandra' Chrom thought.
Cassandra snickered 'Nice one! I like her more and more. But I can't get over how similar she looks to Chrom. Not even Lissa or Emmeryn looks this much like him'.
An explosion rocks the grounds; Chrom, Marth and Cassandra all rush toward the castle.
Inside the castle a dark Mage named Validar was standing among several assassins "Remember, I want the Emblem in my hand and Emmeryn dead on the floor. Let nothing distract you from either purpose".
"As you will it" An Assassin said as he and several others spread out.
A young man among the assassins looked shocked "Woah, woah, did I just hear that right? We're to KILL the exalt? I'm just here for the plunder. You know, line my pockets with some royal goods. The exalt's such a sweet lady... Sure, I'll rob her blind, but I'd never harm her!".
"Emm!" Chrom said as he rushed to his sister's room.
"Chrom! Take Lissa and flee while you still have time!" Emmeryn said.
"No! We're not leaving you! Just stay where it's safe!" Chrom said, refusing to leave his sister.
"The assassins should scatter if we can defeat their leader" Robin said.
"Hmph! Two assassins and the little princeling was not even wounds? ...Wait. Some of these actors do not belong on this stage..." Validar said before he noticed Robin "Ho ho! Can it be?! After years of searching... Tonight, fate truly piles gifts at my feet!".
Marth's Falchion begins to glow "Falchion is gleaming...".
"What's wrong?" Chrom asked.
Marth shook her head "It's not your concern".
"Seems like nothing ever is with you" Chrom said.
Marth looked away "My apologies".
"Just stay at Emmeryn's door. We'll handle the killers" Chrom ordered.
Emmeryn did not like this "Chrom, please! Flee while you still can! You each have but one life, and I do not wish it weighed against mine!".
The battle broke out, the Ylissian forces clashing with the assassins.
Suddenly a female Taguel showed "I knew there was wisdom in slipping in with those rogues. Look at how these man-spawn claw at each other like savages! I will repay my warren's debt and then wash my hands of their race".
"Another assassin?" Chrom wondered, ready to fight if he had to.
Marth stopped him "Hold! Panne is not your enemy".
"You know her?" Chrom asked.
"I know... of her. And I knew she would come here tonight" Marth said.
Chrom gives her a look "Quite the prophet, aren't you?".
"As you say. And I swear to you, Panne is an ally" Marth said.
"Good enough for me. All right, Shepherds! For now, we leave this Panne character be" Chrom said.
Frederick was still skeptical "Is that wise, milord?".
Chrom nods "Marth has earned our trust. She enjoys her secrets, I know. ...Like her gender, for one. But she's also saved our lives. Twice. And that's enough for me".
Marth looked relieved "Chrom... Thank you".
"Now, to the matter at hand: driving these scoundrels from our castle!" Chrom declared as he struck down several assassin before coming face to face with the young man who's name was Gaius "Drop your weapon, or die where you stand!".
"Easy there, blue blood. I'm not here to hurt anyone" Gaius said.
Chrom looked suspicious "Yet you run with a band of assassins?".
"Believe it or not, just trying to make a living. I'm a thief, see? Bust open doors, crack into chests... that kind of thing. This lot said they wanted to break into some kind of vault. Nobody said anything about murder. I'd just as soon sit this one out" Gaius explained said.
"Hmm... Then perhaps you'd be willing to prove your good intentions?" Chrom asked.
Gaius blinked "Beg pardon?".
"We need all the help we can get to save the exalt's life. You appear capable, and we could use any information you have about our foes" Chrom said.
"Oh, right—those good intentions. Fine then, I'll prove my sincerity... if you sweeten the deal" Gaius said.
"You want gold? ...Fine, you scoundrel. Let me just—oops" Chrom said before dropping a bag.
"Looks like you dropped something. What's in the satchel, mmm?" Gaius eyed the bag closely.
Chrom picked up the bag "Nothing—candies from my little sister. I'm sure you-".
"Candies? As in, sugar candies?" Gaius asked.
Chrom looked confused "Well... yes. I assume they'd be sweet? But-".
"IT'S A DEAL!" Gaius shouts in excitment.
"...You'll risk your life if I give you... a bag of candy?" Chrom asked, utterly dumbfounded.
Gaius grabbed the bag "I said sweeten the deal, didn't I? Don't get me wrong, I'll take the gold, too. Later. Unless you've got more of these. ...Have you got more of these?!".
"Um... I'll ask Lissa" Chrom said not believing a bag of candy managed to convince a thief to join him.
However as the two sides were clashing. Someone was approaching Emmeryn's room. A pale skined and bald man, with his eyes and mouth completely covered for his blindnesss and muteness. His outfit was hard to describe. But looked like something that would be worn by someone who enjoys pain. This man was called Voldo. He had snuck in to Emmeryn's room by crawling on the sealing, using his bladed shoes and clawed weapons on his hand.
Voldo was right above Emmeryn, he leaps down from the sealing, ready to end the life of the Exalt... Only for Cassandra to rush in just in time to push Emmeryn out of the way and block Voldo's attack with her shield. Voldo leaps back, making some angry sounds, clearly not happy about the interfearance.
"Your highness! Stay behind me!" Cassandra instructed.
"Cassandra! Be careful!" Emmeryn said in concern.
Voldo ran directly at Cassandra, but instead of attacking he passed over her by jumping over her. Voldo ran at Emmeryn, The guard protecting her tried to stop him, but he was so fast she was able to dodge the guard's attacks before slicing open his throat, killing him. Voldo moved towards Emmeryn and prepared to finish her. Before he could kill her, Cassandra tried to slash him, but he dodged her sword.
Interrupted again, Voldo knew he would not reach the exalt before he removed this distraction. Cassandra looked at him before charging. She tried to slash him again only for Voldo to make a frontflip and kicked her in the back.
"Damn…" Was all Cassandra could say before the freak's claws slashed her chest and she fell to the floor.
"Cassandra!" Emmeryn cried out in horror. Voldo looks at Emmeryn before leaping towards her, finally ready to finish her.
"NO!" Cassandra screamed as she suddenly threw her shield.
The shield struck Voldo in the side, knocking him away from Emmeryn. Cassandra rushed in, not wanting to give Voldo a single second to recover. Voldo looks up just in thim for Cassandra to stab him in the shoulder. He let out a hiss in pain, but kicked her back. He then moved in an unnatural way before kicking Cassandra with both feet, causing her to fly through the air before she landed on a nearby table, hard enough to break it. Voldo was ready to get rid of this annoyance once and for all.
"Stay away from her!" Came the voice of Marth as she ran at Voldo and slashed at him.
Voldo leaps away, another interference to get rid of. Both Voldo and Marth charged at each other. Sparks could be seen appearing from the metal clashing between the two's weapons while they fought in an outstanding speed. Lucina threw a kick that sent Voldo back a few meters. Voldo puts his blades in front of him, blocking Marth's next attack. She was surprised he had managed to block her again. She didn´t have time to think as she saw Voldo about to strike at her. She moved backwards to evade the attack, but when she stopped, she noticed blood coming from her left leg.
He had managed to land a hit on her.
"Damn... I forgot how dangerous he was" Marth whispered to herself before she gasped as Voldo charged her again.
Cassandra shield bashed him from the side "Looks like you need some help".
"Yes, thank you" Marth said as she and Cassandra stood side by side.
Voldo did not move. He realized he was at a disadvantage and the assassins were dropping one by one... even his master was in grave danger. He had no choice. He leans back and began running away on all four, before flipping over a ledge and vanished.
It was over... for now.
After the assassins were taken care of, and the situation was calming down, Marth was leaving the castle.
"You have a habit of leaving without saying goodbye, don't you?" Marth stopped and looked to see Cassandra.
"Why are you here? Shouldn't you let a healer take a look at your wound?" Marth asked, eyeing the wound on Cassandra's chest.
"Just a scratch, nothing Lissa can't handle later. I just wanted to thank you. You always seem to show up when you're needed" Cassandra said.
"I was doing my duty. History has been rewritten" Marth said.
"Just what is this future you are trying to stop?" Cassandra asked.
"After the exalt's untimely assassination, the Fire Emblem would be stolen. This, in turn, would lead to a great war, and soon to the end of mankind itself. ...But I'm sure that sounds like madness to you" Marth said.
Cassandra chuckled "After everything that's happened, and everything you've done for us. I believe you. Thank you Marth, I hope I can repay you one day for everything you've done".
Marth smiled "Perhaps one day you will".
Cassandra watched as the girl walked away. It was strange. Cassandra couldn't shake the feeling she knew this girl somehow.
Meanwhile a badly injured Validar was walking away, with Voldo helping him walk.
"Nngh... How?! My purpose is too significant... to be thwarted... here... Aaargh..." Validar said, barely able to even stand.
Suddenly a dark figure walks up to them "Validar".
"What? Who are you... Where did you... come from?" Validar demanded.
"I am the power that compels you. You will not perish here. It is not written. You must live on to author a destiny greater than you know" The dark figure said.
Validar looked shocked "I-impossible! It can't be you! It can't be...".
The dark figure finally revealed himself "I am the wings of despair. I am the breath of ruin. I am the fell dragon, Grima...".
.
Tell me what you think.