Inexorable Death.
After speaking with Tiki, the Ylissians and their allies prepare to take the fight to Walhart. First, they will attack Fort Steiger, one of Walhart's three strongholds of. Once they arrived, they saw the impressive looking stronghold. It looked like it could withstand just about anything. Their enemies really wanted to make sure everyone could see how strong they were. No wonthr why they wer so feared.
"Damn! Look at those walls... This isn't going to be easy" Flavia said.
Basilio looks at the stronghold "It's not the walls I'm worried about—it's the hordes of Valmese inside them".
"Our best bet is a swift, surgical strike, right at their heart. If we can strike down their commander, the fortress will be ours. So Khan Flavia, your men will take on the forces surrounded the castle. That should create an opening for a smaller team led by Chrom, Cassnadra and I. ...I regret to say this will put you at the forefront of the battle, Sir Chrom and Lady Cassandra" Say'ri said.
"I wouldn't have it any other way" Chrom assured.
"Same here. This Stronghold is going down" Cassandra declared.
Say'ri smiled at them "Then it's settled. Other Resistance forces are on the way. With luck, they'll arrive in time to help. Let's cleave them a proud trail of imperial blood to find us by!".
As they enter the stronghold, the enemy commander Pheros scoffed at them "Hmph. Such arrogance... They truly mean to assault Steiger in such meager numbers? Perhaps they expect a woman's garrison to be a softer target,.. Heh, when I'm through, they'll wish they'd challenged Yen'fay instead. Battle stations!".
"Sir Chrom, I hear movement from the floor below. It may be reinforcements. Be wary..." Say'ri warned.
"We should block the entraces, just to be safe" Robin said.
Agreeing with his plan, everyone clashed with Pheros' warriors. They were strong, just as to be expected from such feared warriors. But luckily, the Ylissian army managed to block the entrances before anyone could come up from them.
A Soldier walked up to Pheros "General! Sir Excellus is here to see you".
An very ugly man showed up "Good day to you, General. You look ravishing, as always".
Pheros glares at him "Why are you here, trickster?".
"Trickster? Why General, it's almost as if you aren't happy to see me! And after I came all this way to help you... I brought friends, you know. Well... perhaps friends isn't the word... But they will fight for you all the same" Excellus said.
"You brought rebels into my stronghold?! Why would they fight their own kind? Unless... You threatened them? Tortured them? ...Or perhaps their families? Their villages?" Pheros asked in clear disgust.
Excellus clears his throat "I would not wish to burden you with such mundane details, good General. You have more important matters to think after, and to deal with...quickly. But rest assured they are QUITE motivated. Feel free to thank me some other time!".
Pheros growls as he leaves "Odious freak... He has no honor. Just the sight of him makes me sick. He is the worm, yet I'm the one left squirming... Bah. ...True, his interference may seal our victory...but he'll never hear me say it".
The battle ragged on as Chrom and Cassandra reached the enemy general. She looked powerful, her magical abilities clear as day. They knew they could not underestimate her or their lives would be lost.
Pheros eyed them carefully "Then you'd be Prince Chrom and Queen Cassandra... Once, I followed your exalted sister, Prince Chrom, you know. Made the pilgrimage all the way to Ylisstol, just to hear her speak. I, too, grew up worshiping Naga and the Earth Mother".
"...Yet you abandoned your faith" Chrom said.
"I have no use for invisible spirits any longer. I serve a god among men now. Emperor Walhart will do what no religion ever could unite all people" Pheros said.
"Your naivete betrays you. Think about it: who willingly follows a tyrant?" Chrom asked.
"Thinking plays no part in it. In words and deeds, a great leader takes hold of the heart, not the mind. I remember your sister possessing that selfsame gift for inspiring others. Doubtless many still cling to the power of her poetry. But I have found a greater voice..." Pheros said, sounding like a devoted worshiper.
"My sister believed we all desire the same thing: peace. If Walhart holds such promise, why must he use violence to unite the people?" Chrom asked.
Pheros smirked "Now who is being naive, good Prince? Sometimes those who will not walk must be dragged along or pushed aside. So raise your sword, Chrom of Ylisse, and prepare to be pushed aside".
"You sound like a woman of honor, Pheros. You must know deep down that all this bloodshed isn't necessary, Walhart had done nothing but force people to obey him, and slaughtering anyone who dares to defend their homes. There is no honor in pointless butchering" Cassandra said.
Pheros looked at her "The stories of your kind heart is true, Cassandra. So are the stories of your beauty. It's a shame you and I didn't meet before Prince Chrom got you. I would've loved to have you by my side".
Cassandra actually blushed "Oh, first time I've met a woman who feels that way for me".
"Alas, our lives weren't meant to be one. I shall take no pleasure in your death" Pheros said as she prepares a spell.
"Nor shall I in your death" Cassandra said.
"In the name of the Conqueror, you shall not take this fortress!" Pheros said as she unleashed a fire ball.
Cassandra raised her shield and blocked it. Chrom used the opening to leap towards Pheros with his sword held high. The enemy General barely managed to move out of the way before Chrom's blade could connect. However, this left her open for Cassandra to shield bash her of her horse. Pheros rolled back on to her feet and unleashed another magical blast which Cassandra charged through with her shield. Pheros blocked Cassandra's sword strike with her staff, but like with most magic users, close combat is not what her abilities were made for. After a brief struggle Cassandra broke through Pheros' staff and stabbed her in the chest.
"Nngh... Well done... I may not live...to see Walhart unify all mankind...with my own eyes... But I have seen it...in my dreams... And that is enough..." Pheros said before falling to the floor, dead.
Cassandra sighed sadly "Such a pointless end to such an honorable warrior...".
Chrom put a hand on his wife's shoulder "She fought for what she believed in, to the very end. Like a true warrior".
Cassandra could only nod. They had won, but it felt bitter sweet. After the battle everyone gathered together.
"Steiger has fallen. ...But I'm afraid our new enemy has the fortress surrounded" Say'ri said.
"New enemy... You mean the rest of the former Resistance?" Chrom asked.
Say'ri nods "Aye, sir. Words cannot express my shame. My...regret... Finally, I succeed in uniting them...but only against us".
A Soldier ran up "Milord! Dire news! Our forces to the north and south have been decimated by Walhart and Yen'fay! What's worse, most of the survivors have turned their coats for the empire!".
Say'ri looked shocked "B-but our troops numbered in the hundreds of thousands!".
Basilio had a grim look on his face "The empire must have had more".
"Or perhaps have been better trained and equipped..." Slavia added.
"Given how much we've struggled against smaller forces, I can believe it" Cassandra said.
"Blast! Walhart and my brother, where are their armies now?" Say'ri asked.
"Marching toward this fortress, milady. It's only a matter of time" The Soldier answered.
Basilio growls "So much for fortune favoring the bold. This war was lost before it even began".
"All our struggles until now, and we've yet to so much as dent the empire..." Chrom said in frustration.
"Chrom?" Robin spoke.
Chrom looked at him "What is it, Robin? Do you have something to say?".
"We need to leave here, right away" Robin answered.
"Have you lost your wits? We're surrounded!" Flavia reminded.
"When the other armies arrive, then we'll be trapped for a certainty. If we intend to escape, now is our best chance" Robin said.
Say'ri nods in agreement "He's right. The dynasts outside betray us only out of fear for the empire. They'll only put up token resistance without their masters watching".
"But we can't keep running forever. How do we hope to turn the tide?" Chrom asked.
"By striking at either Walhart or Yen'fay before they join strength" Robin said.
"Either one seems a death sentence" Chrom said.
"One general would be upon us before we could finish with the other" Say'ri added.
"I agree...which is why we attack both" Robin said.
Cassandra looked at him like he was insane "What!?".
Flavia had the same look "Our army lies in tatters, yet you would divide it by half?!".
Robin shook his head "I didn't say by half. Chrom would lead our strongest troops against Yen'fay. Meanwhile, a smaller force could attack Walhart".
"A SMALLER force? We couldn't defeat him with double our entire number" Basilio said.
"I didn't say we'd defeat him. We only need to distract him" Robin said.
Basilio finally understood "Hmm... Spend some lives to buy the other team time...".
"This smaller force would face our most dangerous mission yet. It would need a leader of unparalleled skill, reckless bravery..." Chrom said.
Basilio let out a boastful laugh "All right, Chrom, please, you're embarrassing me! I'll do it already, just stop with all the compliments!".
"This is no time for japes, Basilio. The stakes could not be higher" Robin said in a very serious tone.
Basilio dropped his smile "I am being serious, I'll lead the squad. Though I prefer my steaks well done...".
Flavia smiled "That's just his way, Robin. Bad jokes come with the bravado. But the oaf clearly has faith in your thinking. And I as well... All of us do, I'd wager. Somehow you always find a way to best the odds".
"Then it's settled. I'll make preparations and be off. The rest of you stay with Chrom and keep him safe" Basilio said.
Robin nods "Godspeed, Basilio".
Basilio turns to leave, but Lucina blocks his path "Stop!".
Chrom looked at his daughter in confusion "Lucina? What are you—".
"I cannot allow you to go, Khan Basilio. You will die in this battle. I know it for truth!" Lucina said.
"What?" Chrom asked.
"You know, lass, you have a strange way of saying good-bye. All right, then. Who is it? Who kills me? Is it Walhart himself? ...Please say yes. It'd make a poor song to die at the end of some farmer's pitchfork" Basilio said.
"...Yes, it was Walhart. Or so goes the story I heard. We must change our plans so fate cannot take this course!" Lucina said.
"All I needed to know. Thank you much, lass. ...I'll be careful" Basilio assured.
Lucina looked shocked "Y-you're still going? But I just told you—".
"Aye, I heard you just fine. But someone still has to stall his division from advancing. If he's the one that kills me, well then, I'll just avoid confronting him. You don't grow this old and handsome without knowing how to avoid trouble" Basilio said.
"N-no! It's never that simple" Lucina said, desperately urging the large man not to go.
"Don't worry, love, he'll be fine. He'll have me to keep an eye on him" Flavia assured.
Basilio looked at her like she was crazy "You aren't coming, woman! You're the reigning khan!".
"I thought you intended to survive this, oaf. Regna Ferox has two khans, and now you're responsible for both. I dare you to die now!" Flavia said.
Basilio was silent for a moment "...Har! Aha ha ha! All right, all right. You can come. ...Hope that's all right, Chrom".
"Just look after each other" Chrom said.
"Ha! I'll bring this big ox back on a leash if it comes to that" Flavia assured.
"Luck and more be with you all. We'll meet again soon" Basilio said.
But Lucina didn't look reassured "But please, your future! You must—".
"Please, yourself! not another word. I fully intend to outlive all you sprogs, just see if I don't. And as for your future, it can kiss my big brown Feroxi arse!" Basilio declared as he and Flavia left.
Lucina looked down, feeling like she had failed. Cassandra puts and arm around her, silently telling her it would be ok... But even she was worried.
On a rainy field, Basilio and Flavia arrive with two fighters. Their clash with Walhart's forces couldn't have gone worse. They were hopelessly out matched.
"Fall back and form up! Don't let them scatter us!" Basilio ordered.
"Rrgh! Easier said than done... Their cavalry is riding right over us!" Flavia said.
"We can hold our ground... I'll show you how a real Feroxi fights, woman!" Basilio declares.
Flavia smiled "Ha! Did I hear a crack in your voice? Is that fear in your eye?".
"Gah! Never! Let's give these kettleheads a taste of our barbarian roots!" Basilio said.
"Now THAT'S the oaf I love! ...Huh? Enemy soldiers, there—" Flavia stops when she noticed someone.
A large man wearing strong red armor appears, riding a horse. Two fighters charged at him only to be swiftly cut down in a single strike.
"They're swatting our troops like flies!" Basilio said in frustration.
"Is it some kind of elite cavalry? No, wait... Gods! It's just one man!" Flavia said in shock.
"YOU THERE! Do you command these forces?" The armored man asked.
"Awww, crap!" Basilio said, no doubt about it, that man was Walhart.
Basilio battles Walhart who attacks with his powerful axe while Basilio attacks with his own Axe, but misses. Walhart attacks Basilio again strike him hard and even injured him. The hit wasn't lethal, but it hurt, a lot.
"Haaarrrgh... Such...strength... Is he even human..." Basilio asked.
Walhart smirked "...Impressive. You're the first since Yen'fay to survive beyond a single stroke".
"I d-don't... I don't stand a chance... Flavia! Everyone! Run! Run for your lives!" Basilio ordered.
"I'm not leaving you here!" Flavia, refusing to leave her comrade behind.
Basilio grits his teeth "He's a demon, woman... I can only keep him...busy while you...escape... Hngh! ...D-damn... Looks like the lass was right...".
"I think not! I'm here, and that means events can be changed! Damn you, oaf! You're not getting away from me that easily!" Flavia declared.
Flavia supports Basilio in a second clash against Walhart. Flavia blocks Walhart's first strike and Basilio rushed forward, successfully landing a gracing blow on the armored menace. Walhart wasn't slowed down by the blow quickly delivers another devastating hit which sends Basilio to the ground.
"Basilio!" Flavia said as she rushed to his side.
"Nngh... Flavia... Give this to Chrom..." Basilio said as he holds something up.
Flavia got wide eyes "Is this...the Gemstone?!".
"You have to...survive... G-give it to him..." Basilio said.
Flavia shakes her head "Give it to him yourself, you one-eyed clod of a man! I'm not going anywhere and neither are you!".
Before Basilio could argue, the sound of a horse was heard, but it wasn't Walhart's horse. Said man looked as someone charged at him, wielding a large sword. He quickly blocked the sword, but the impact made his horse back up as the attack quickly placed himself between him and the Khans.
"Is that..." Basilio whispered.
Flavia smiled in relief "You have one hell of a timing...".
Their savior was non other than Siegfried who held his sword ready "Sorry I'm late, when I heard what was going on, I rushed here as quickly as I could".
"How did you know?" Flavia asked.
"Let's just say an angel from the future filled me in. Flavia, take Basilo and go. I will hold him of as long as I can and then I'll join you" Siegfried said.
Flavia wanted to argue, but Basilo needed help "Ok. You better come back alive".
Walhart eyed Siegfried carefully, ignoring his retreating enemies "What is your name, boy?".
"I am Siegfried, and this is as far as you go" Siegfried answered.
"Siegfried... Show me how strong you are" Walhart challenged, readying his axe.
Having no issue with accepting Walhart's challenge, Siegfried ordered his horse to charge, and Walhart did the same. Their horses moved in circles around each other as their rider's weapons clashed in a blinding blur of metal. The clash of their weapons echoed through the area like raging thunder strikes. Siegfried arms ached with every clash but he did not back down and managed to grace Walhart's cheek before they separated.
Walhart touched his cheek and looked at his own blood before smirking in excitement "Impressive, I haven't bled in a long time. You are strong, Siegfried, I will remember this battle".
"So will I, Walhart" Siegfried declared. Walhart was as strong as people said he was, still, Siegfried had to hold him of and survive.
After all, he made a promise to the people he loved... including his daughter. He will survive.
.
Tell me what you think.