DISCLAMER: I don't own Kingdom Hearts or Fire Emblem. Kingdom Hearts belongs to Square Enix and Fire Emblem belongs to Nintendo.
Chapter 5: The Exalt and the King, destined for war?
The group returned to the Ylissean capital and informed the Exalt the good news.
"...Then Regna Ferox will support Ylisse?" said Emmeryn, relieved, "thank you, Chrom. I knew sending you was the right choice".
"You should see Ferox's warriors!" said Chrom, "perhaps now our people will be safe from-".
But he was interrupted by Phila running into the room, "Your grace! M-milord! Forgive me, but i bring alarming news!" she said.
"Phila! Slow down, please! What's happened?" asked Emmeryn.
"Plegian soldiers have been sighted inside our southwest border!" said Phila, "they attacked a village in Themis and abducted the duke's daughter".
"B-but that would be... Maribelle! Chrom, we have to do something!" said Lissa.
"There's more: King Gangrel of Plegia claims Lady Maribelle invaded HIS country" said Phila, "he demands we pay reparations for this 'insult' ".
"And we're to believe a dastard like the Mad King of Plegia?" said Chrom.
"Peace, Chrom. We must keep our wits about us" said Emmeryn.
"We should put a sword in his gut and be done with it!" said Chrom, "the mad King has been trying to provoke war with Ylisse at every step!".
"He won't stop until he drags this whole continent to hell with him!".
"I aggre with the prince, Your Grace" said Phila, "we must demonstrate to Plegia that such actions have consequences".
"I understand your fellings, Chrom. Trully i do" said Emmeryn, "but if we give him the war he wants, then we lose, no matter what the outcome".
"Our last conflict nearly ruined the halidom. It left Ylisseans homeless and starving".
"We cannot repeat that mistake. I will offer parley with king Gangrel".
"Emm, no! You can't!" said Lissa.
"Please reconsider, Your Grace. He cannot be trusted to act in good faith!" said Phila.
"So either we chose to march to war or leave Lady Maribelle to die?" said Emmeryn, "no. I will not accept that".
"...Forgive me, Your Grace. I spoke out of turn" said Phila, "i know you will stand always by your own principles".
"Pray, allow the pegasus knights to accompany you, though".
"I'm going to. ...Someone Has to save you from your good intentions" said Chrom.
"And i want to be there for you AND Maribelle!" said Lissa.
"As you wish. Thank you all. Your strenght will be mine" said Emmeryn.
Meanwhile
Sora and Robin were walking along the halls of the castle grounds, conversing with each other about recent events
"Well, that went smoothly, don't you think?" asked Robin.
"Yup, couldn't have gotten better, we got our help" said Sora.
"Yeah, we should be okay for a while" said Robin, "i mean, with warriors like the ones we saw at Regna Ferox, Ylisse should be safe for a while".
"Yeah, but... I gotta ask, why is Plegia so intent on fighting with Ylisse?" asked Sora.
"From what i understand, the previous Exalt treated the Plegians horribly, murdering countless of it's citizens until he was finally put down" said Robin.
"So it's about revenge, huh?" said Sora, "I wish some people would see that wars benefit no one".
"It is what it is Sora. But from what i also heard, this king Gangrel is a madmen who dosen't really care about the well being of his people" said Robin.
"So... What? He's just crazy?" asked Sora.
"Pretty much" said Robin.
"Huh... Well, changing the subject, did you remember anything about your past, Robin?" asked Sora.
"Hmm... No, not really" said Robin, "then again, with everything that as happened, i really didn't have time to think about it".
"What about you? Have you remembered anything?".
"Well... A few things, when i went to sleep yesterday, i had a weird dream, and after i woke up, i remembered some things" said Sora.
"Well, that's some good news" said Robin, "so tell me, what do you remember?".
"Well..." said Sora as he looked down and put his hand to his heart, "I remember people that i consider irreplacesable to me. Others that i met along my journey. Many places that i've seen, and many experiences that made me who i am".
"But... I'm still missing a lot of things, a lot of the peices are still missing, like. Were am i from? Were are my friends? What was i doing before i passed out?".
"Hey, calm down Sora" said Robin, "i get that you are worried about your memories, but you can't let it control who you are and what you do".
"Besides, it's not like our memories define who we are, right?" he said with a smile.
"...I guess your right, just wish i had more context about these things" said Sora, "but you don't look to bothered by it Robin".
"Eh, i guess not, it's not like worring about it will get me anywere" said Robin, "besides, i got other things to worry about".
"Like what?" asked Sora.
"Like how Chrom is way to trusting of people he just met" said Robin, "and by the looks of it, you as well".
"Hehe... I guess..." said Sora, "but it just how we are, it's not like i can change who i am".
"(Sigh) i guess so, just, try to be a bit more cautious about some things, okay?" said Robin.
"Okay, i'll try, but if you're worried, why not have this conversation with Chrom as well?" asked Sora.
"Trust me, as soon as i can, i will have this conversation with him" said Robin, "well, changing the subject again, why don't you tell me about the places you've been? I'm kinda interested".
"Well... I don't know, i mean, i've been all over the place, so... I don't really know were to start" said Sora.
"Then why don't you tell me about the most memorable places?" said Robin.
"Hmm, okay then" said Sora, then he put a finger to his head and began thinking, "so, what do i tell you? Maybe about the colisium built by the gods ment to test mighty heroes? Or about the time i got to explore the seven seas with my very own pirate ship?".
"...Pirate ship? Colisium built by the gods?" asked Robin, really confused, "okay, were exactly have you been?".
"All around the world" said Sora with a big smile plastered in his face".
"...This might take a while" said Robin in contemplation, "Why don't we go to-".
"So this is were you were" said someone, they both looked at the direction it came, and they saw Chrom and Lissa coming towards them.
"Oh, Chrom, perfect timing" said Sora, "i was just about to tell Robin about the places i've seen".
"I'm afraid it will have to wait" said Chrom with a serious look, " spread the word, we make for the border of Plegia".
"Why would we need to go there?" asked Robin.
"Because they kidnapped Maribelle!" said Lissa with a worried face.
"Wait, what!?" said Sora.
"It's as she said, Maribelle has been taken by Plegia, and Emmeryn intends to parley with them" said Chrom.
"Is that really a good idea?" asked Robin, "from what i've heard, the Plegians hold a rather... Intense grudge against Ylisse".
"I don't think they would be willing to listen to her".
"Nor do i really, but Emm believes that she can get throulgh to them" said Chrom, "anyway, spread to word to everyone, we will be marching again soon".
"Okay" "sure" said Robin and Sora.
And so, they went a prepared themselves fo another march.
That night, everyone gathered around the main hall, prepared for battle.
"Well then? Is everyone ready to go?" asked Chrom "it's a long march throulgh the western montains to the Plegian border".
He received a nod from everyone, and so they were ready, but before they could leave, they heard someone running towards them.
"Captain! I'm all packed! When do we leave?!" said the boy, he had brown haid and eyes, he was wearing a blue mage hat, he was wearing a blue cloak that went all the way to his legs over some brown leather armor, he was wearing a light brown long skirt, he was also wearing leather boots and gloves.
"Ricken? How did you..." said Chrom confused as to how he had heard that they were leaving, but he quickly composed himself, "go back inside. You're not old enough for this mission".
"But, Captain!" yelled Ricken, "you know my skill with magic! You know i can handle myself!".
"I'd feel safer with your magic here, protecting the garrison" said Chrom.
"I mean, Chrom? More help would be appreciated, don't you think?" said Sora.
"It's not that simple Sora, Ricken has yet to see actual battle, and I don't want to risk him in something so dangerous" said Chrom.
"Well… WHEN will you give me the chance to prove myself then?" said Ricken.
"Some other time, but not right now okay?" said Chrom, "all right? We're off then".
"Be good" and so, everyone left, besides Sora.
"You'll have your chance some other time then" said Sora, "well… Hope to see you in action someday" and so, he left to catch up to the others.
" 'Be good'? Gods, how old does he think I am?" said Ricken, "and who was that kid? One of the new Shepherds that came in today?".
"That guy looks like he's the same age as me, but Chrom thinks it's okay for him to go into battle, but not me?".
"…Well, I'll show him just how good I can be" and so, he set his plan into motion to prove himself to the Shepherds.
The group, along with Emmeryn, went to the montain side bordering Plegia, and apon reaching it, they saw two figures, one of them being Gangrel himself.
Gangrel had red hair and eyes, he was wearing a black coat over a light brown shirt, he had golden vambraces on his arms and black gloves in his hands, he had a grey belt around his waist, he was wearing black pants along with steel-plated leg armor along with pointed shoes, he also had a fur ring collar along his neck, and had a yellow cape, with a bit of white.
"What's this, then? The Exalt herself, in all her radiance" said Gangrel mockingly, "I fear I must shield my eyes! Bwa ha ha ha!".
"King Gangrel, I've come for the truth of this unfortunate incident between us" said Emmeryn.
"The truth? I can give you the truth" said the woman next to Gangrel, this woman had white hair and olden eyes, she was wearing a black skinthing shirt wich only covered her back and sides, leaving the front part of her body exposed and ended by covering the private parts of her lower body, along with two with belts with gold trimms, she also had gold bracelets around her arms, she was wearing part of a black crown in the back part of her head, she was wearing black rims along her back and thygs, wich held black feathers and black shashes respectively, she was wearing copper stockings along with black high-helled shoes.
"Perhaps milady might first share her name?" said Emmeryn.
"You may call me Aversa" said the woman.
"Verry well, Aversa. Is Marribelle unharmed?" said Emmeryn.
"Who? Oh yes, the little blond brat" said Gangrel.
In the distance, they could see Maribelle in bindings being dragged by one of Gangrel's men.
"Unhand me, you gutter born troglodyte!" said Mariblle.
"Maribelle!" said Lissa.
"Lissa? Darling, is that you?" asked Maribelle.
"This girl crossed the Plegian border without our consent. And what's more… She wonded the brave Plegian soldiers who sought only to escort her safely home" said Aversa.
"LIES! You speak nothing but lies, hag!" said Maribelle, "did they not teach you the meaning of the worl 'truth' in wretched-crone school?!".
"…You see? No manners at all" said Aversa., "such a nasty little bird had to be caged".
"Such a violent temper speaks to her guilt. This will call for a weighty punisment" said Gangrel, "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".
"I have done nothing wrong! It is they who should confess!" said Maribelle, "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!".
"That would only prove Ylisse has a bandit problem—something I hear oft of late" said Gangrel, "but indeed, tonight I shall weep salty tears into my pillow for your dead villagers".
"Your grace, please!" pleaded Maribelle.
"Peace, Maribelle. I believe you" said Emmeryn, "King Gangrel, I request that you release this woman at once".
""Surely you and I can sort out these affairs without the need for hostages".
"Without so much as an apology? Why should I even bother with parley?" said Gangrel, "I'm within my rights to have her head this instant and be home in time for supper".
"You black-hearted devil!" said Chrom in anger, outraged by what Gangrel implied.
"Control your dog, my dear, before he gets someone hurt" said Gangrel.
"Rrgh…"grunted Chrom.
"Now then, your Graceliness. Perhaps we can arrange a trade?" said Gangrel "You give me the Fire Emblem, and I return Mary Contrary here in one piece".
"You would ask for Ylisse's royal treasure? But why?" asked Emmeryn.
"Because I know the legend!" said Gangrel, "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…".
"The Emblem's power is ment for a single purpose, King Gangrel: To save the world and its people at their hour of most desperate need" said Emmeryn, "would you claim a more noble wish?".
"I want what every Plegian wants—a grisly end for every last Ylissean!" said Gangrel, "what could be more noble than that?".
"What?" said Emmeryn.
"Surely you have not forgotten what the last exalt did to my people?" said Gangrel, "your father named us heathens!".
"His "Crusade" accros Plegia butchered countless of my subjects and my kin!".
"...I have never denied Ylisse's past wrongdoings" said Emmeryn, "but i have sworn to never repeat those mistakes. Ours is now a realm of peace".
"Yours is now a haven of hyposcrisy! Now give me the Fire Emblem!" said Gangrel.
"No, your grace!" said Maribelle, "i'd sonner die that act as a bargaining chip for this filthy reprobate!".
"No, Maribelle..." said Emmeryn.
"Ugh... Taaaaaalk, talk-talk-talk-talk. It's time to speak louder than words!" said Gangrel "this negotiation is over, Your Luminosity!".
"I shall have the Emblem if i have to pry it from your shiny dead hands!".
As soon as he said that, brigands and soldiers from Plegia began to approch Emmeryn, but before one of them could, Chrom took out his weapon and attacked one of the incoming brigands.
"Stay back! Or you'll all suffer the same fate!" yelled Chrom, preparing for battle.
"Now that's a declaration of war if i ever heard one..." said Gangrel, "a big, messy war that will bleed you Ylisseans dry. Bwa ha ha!".
While Chrom and the Shepherds prepare for battle, Aversa heads towards Maribelle.
"Poor, stupid girl... Are you really worth fighting a war over?" Aversa asked sarcastically, "years from now, you'll be remembered as she who destroyed House Ylisse".
"No... That's not... Oh, Lissa... Please, no..." said Maribelle dejectably.
Just then, a massive gust of wind hit the brigand holding Maribelle, nocking him out.
"...?!" This suprised Aversa, then Ricken appered.
"Maribelle! Go! You're free!" said Ricken as he undid her bindings.
"RICKEN? What are you doing here?" said Maribelle, suprised.
"Just run! We can talk about it later!"said Ricken.
"Oh, is this your little boyfriend? Isn't he just precious." Said Aversa.
"Don't talk down to me, witch!" said Ricken, blasting her with wind magic, stunning her.
"Nngh! W-wind magic?" said Aversa.
"Come on, Maribelle!" said Ricken, "Right!" said Maribelle, and so, the two ran away.
"Wretched whelp! I should..." gronned Aversa, but quickly calmmed down, "No. Our souldiers have them outnumbered".
"The brats will be dead long before they reach their comrades".
"I guess that's our signal!" said Robin, as he took out his sword and prepared his tome.
"So much for peace negotiations" said Sora as he took out his sword, "To battle my friends!" he said, getting a shout from everyone.
And so, the battle began.
Hey everyone, back with another one, and sorry that it took a while to get it out, had some things going on in real life.
And so, a new war began, what will it all lead to? I wonder...
Anyway, see you next time.